2021-01-19 · City Council · Transcript · Downtown Development Authority Meeting

--- title: Downtown Development Authority Meeting date: 2021-01-19 source: 2021-01-19_Downtown_Development_Authority_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:51, 0:00:52]: Mm-hmm. [0:03:25, 0:03:26]: Yeah. [0:03:50, 0:03:51]: No. [0:05:42, 0:05:43]: Okay. [0:09:15, 0:09:25]: [573.5, 574.1]: This is the [0:13:37, 0:13:38]: Yeah. [0:13:38, 0:13:39]: [825.1, 825.9]: Evanessa. [0:13:48, 0:13:53]: Yeah, I was just replying. I just res I resent you have a panelist, um [0:13:53, 0:13:58]: Link. So I just resent it. So it's a top it's at your um stock regime now. [0:14:06, 0:14:09]: Um I would it's [0:14:11, 0:14:19]: Hold on, let me get there. Um the public invite. Um, let's see here. Um [0:14:21, 0:14:23]: Uh calendar click no. [0:14:27, 0:14:28]: So [0:14:29, 0:14:33]: Yeah, it ends in seven four one four three. That's the public link. That's correct. [0:14:33, 0:14:34]: Yes. [0:14:37, 0:14:40]: Oh, I just resent it. Maybe it took a second. Um, let me go back. [0:14:41, 0:14:43]: Thanks for having our [0:14:44, 0:14:45]: Got it. [0:14:46, 0:14:50]: Participants. So this is the panelist. We should have a panelist link. [0:14:53, 0:14:56]: Um let me add hold on, let me put you on speaker. [0:14:59, 0:15:02]: I'm gonna add your do you want me to use a different account? [0:15:04, 0:15:09]: No, it should go to B holiday at City of Did you hit say? [0:15:10, 0:15:18]: Um well maybe let me let me try that. Maybe I didn't save. I'll have to hit resend and then save. [0:15:21, 0:15:24]: So it it says edit panelist success, but that's [0:15:30, 0:15:36]: And let me check the email. V holiday at city of Stockbridge A.gov. [0:15:37, 0:15:38]: Yes. Okay. [0:15:41, 0:15:44]: Some equals joining. Let me take Sailor R. [0:15:44, 0:15:47]: Hold on, let me switch my screens. [0:15:48, 0:15:49]: Mm-hmm. [0:15:51, 0:15:56]: Okay, if it doesn't come through I'll just I'll just have to go in as a it didn't it come through. [0:15:57, 0:15:58]: Hi Sarah Equa. [0:15:58, 0:16:00]: Hey, how are you? Doing well. [0:16:00, 0:16:04]: We're trying to get the others joined, so give us a few minutes, we'll get started. [0:16:05, 0:16:05]: Um [0:16:07, 0:16:15]: Yeah, if you uh another way, Vanessa, if you come in as an attendee, and if I can if I know it's you, I can I think I can pull you in as a panelist that way. [0:16:15, 0:16:19]: Right. Okay. So let me do that. We go get them all going that way. [0:16:19, 0:16:20]: Okay. [0:16:21, 0:16:22]: Okay. Thanks, Roger. [0:16:23, 0:16:23]: Okay. [0:16:33, 0:16:34]: Okay, great. [0:16:37, 0:16:40]: How is my audio? Can you hear me well? [0:16:40, 0:16:44]: Yes. Oh great. Yeah, I can hear you fine too, see you clearly. [0:17:00, 0:17:05]: I think I mentioned to you that we're gonna do like uh introductions once we get the meeting kicked off. [0:17:06, 0:17:09]: So I'll ask you to tell us a little bit about yourself and [0:17:10, 0:17:12]: What your connection to Stockbridge is and uh [0:17:13, 0:17:16]: Why you serve on the why you've chosen to serve on the DEA. [0:17:16, 0:17:17]: Okay. [0:17:17, 0:17:19]: Maybe be thinking about that. Okay. [0:17:23, 0:17:27]: Is everybody gonna do that or you just sing, let me out? [0:17:27, 0:17:33]: No, every we're gonna go around the table because I we're relatively new. I think m um [0:17:34, 0:17:40]: Most everybody's been there less than a year and a few just a couple of months. When just a couple of months ago. Uh so [0:17:42, 0:17:46]: Let's see, I don't see her coming in as an attendee yet. [0:17:47, 0:17:53]: Vanessa Holliday is our city clerk and she's gonna be serving as uh recording secretary for our meetings. [0:17:53, 0:17:56]: Sorry. I'm trouble getting it on this one. [0:17:56, 0:17:59]: Well, make sure she can get in so she can take help take our minutes. [0:17:59, 0:18:00]: Okay. [0:18:52, 0:18:53]: There she is. All right. [0:18:54, 0:18:55]: Oh [0:18:55, 0:18:56]: Hey Vanessa. [0:18:56, 0:18:58]: Hey, how are you? [0:18:58, 0:18:59]: Hi Smeekle, how are you? [0:19:01, 0:19:02]: Okay. [0:19:04, 0:19:05]: Awesome. [0:19:22, 0:19:23]: Okay. [0:19:27, 0:19:27]: Excuse me. [0:19:30, 0:19:31]: Yeah. [0:19:37, 0:19:52]: Uh Vanessa, we made a minor change to the agenda. We'll we'll probably need to vote on it, but there was an error in the actually at the top of the attendees list. I still had Renee's name in there and stuff, but I fixed that. I'm gonna forward you that copy now. I I think I left you off. [0:19:53, 0:19:55]: When I sent it earlier to the group. [0:20:00, 0:20:01]: should be on its way to your email. [0:20:48, 0:20:49]: Yep. [0:21:31, 0:21:33]: [1293.6, 1293.9]: [0:22:21, 0:22:30]: Okay, just resent the meeting invites to see if uh they can join now. I I heard Barber was gonna be a bit late, but uh the others [0:22:30, 0:22:32]: I just got a response from Bob but [0:22:33, 0:22:34]: See if we uh [0:22:34, 0:22:36]: We'll need a quorum to start the meeting. [0:22:37, 0:22:39]: The attorney's not going to be joining us tonight, by the way. [0:22:41, 0:22:42]: And um [0:22:43, 0:22:46]: Sameek, we're not we're not yet in um [0:22:46, 0:22:48]: Published view. [0:22:49, 0:22:50]: For the meeting. [0:22:50, 0:22:57]: So once we have everyone together, then I'll open up I'll broadcast the meeting to make it open to the public. [0:23:26, 0:23:27]: Mm-hmm. [0:23:33, 0:23:35]: Hello. Hi Barber. [0:23:36, 0:23:37]: Made it. [0:23:38, 0:23:38]: Yeah. [0:23:39, 0:23:43]: I'm still waiting for others to join, so give us a moment. Let's see if this is one of the board members. [0:24:17, 0:24:17]: Uh oh. [0:24:21, 0:24:22]: Yeah, very [0:25:00, 0:25:00]: Yeah. [0:25:13, 0:25:14]: Hi Alan, how are you doing? [0:25:15, 0:25:23]: I'm Will. How are you doing today? Doing well, thanks. We're uh waiting for a few others to join so we can start the meeting. So if you'll just stand by. [0:25:25, 0:25:25]: So there. [0:25:26, 0:25:29]: Hello, how are you doing today? I'm doing well. How are you? [0:25:29, 0:25:31]: I'm well. Good. [0:25:44, 0:25:45]: [1600.8, 1601.3]: Okay. [0:27:00, 0:27:05]: meaner after he's been talked out of using his parking power for his family for [0:27:07, 0:27:08]: All right, how are you? [0:27:09, 0:27:11]: Great, how about yourself? Good evening, everyone. Well, thank you. [0:27:15, 0:27:16]: Good evening. [0:27:35, 0:27:36]: Yeah. [0:27:45, 0:27:52]: Everybody, um I'm helping um some one of the other board members join, so just stand by. We're about ready to get started. [0:28:32, 0:28:33]: I okay. [0:30:31, 0:30:45]: All right, Bob is uh gonna be joining us shortly and Mr. Sears is joining as well. And uh but I think we have enough here to get started with a quorum. So in the interest of everyone's time, Bob [0:30:46, 0:30:47]: Bob is hopping on. [0:30:48, 0:30:58]: See what else we have. See if I have anything else? And and Councilman Gantt, I've not heard from her either, but uh we'll go ahead and get started. So um let me um [0:30:59, 0:31:07]: Let me first uh thank you everybody for joining. And um I will m start the official webinar to make the public portion. [0:31:07, 0:31:13]: uh open. Uh Mr. Sears. Yeah. Welcome to the good evening, everybody. All right, very good. [0:31:14, 0:31:20]: No worries. And Art, I didn't get a chance to see you uh say hello before, but uh welcome. Thanks for joining the meeting. [0:31:22, 0:31:24]: Bob, I see you there as well. Sorry for the [0:31:25, 0:31:28]: Great. Okay. I'm gonna go ahead and open up the meeting in Zoom. [0:31:28, 0:31:31]: So the meeting is now um live. [0:31:32, 0:31:43]: Uh welcome everybody to the January uh Downtown Development Authority meeting. Um I'd like to uh welcome everyone and um start off with a roll call. Um [0:31:44, 0:31:46]: Bob, I know you had some trouble getting on with do you uh [0:31:47, 0:31:51]: Are you able to uh call the roll for everyone? Uh I I'll I'll try. Uh Arthur Christian. [0:31:52, 0:31:52]: Present. [0:31:54, 0:31:55]: Uh Roger Custom. [0:31:57, 0:31:58]: Present. [0:31:58, 0:31:59]: Letisha Gantt. [0:32:01, 0:32:02]: Keysha Gantt? [0:32:04, 0:32:06]: I don't see her on the webinar. [0:32:06, 0:32:08]: Uh Samiqua King [0:32:09, 0:32:10]: Present. [0:32:11, 0:32:12]: Barber Richardson. [0:32:14, 0:32:15]: Barber Richardson. [0:32:17, 0:32:20]: Maxwell Sears. Present, sorry, I was on mute. [0:32:20, 0:32:25]: Okay. All right. Okay. Barber Richardson is present. Maxwell Sears is present. [0:32:25, 0:32:27]: And Bob Swaggard is present. [0:32:28, 0:32:30]: That's one, two, three, four, five, six. [0:32:30, 0:32:31]: Uh six presents. [0:32:32, 0:32:38]: Indeed. And so with uh at least four here, then we do have a uh quorum. So [0:32:38, 0:32:51]: Um, first I want to thank everybody for your service to the DDA. I'm really excited about um and honored to serve as chair for this organization. And I will do my best to um hold these meetings in an [0:32:52, 0:33:00]: Uh orderly, informative, and efficient manner. Um, but this is a volunteer organization, and uh I for one do not pretend to know. [0:33:01, 0:33:07]: everything so I welcome your feedback if you have a uh another opinion [0:33:07, 0:33:10]: Um, about how we run the business of the DDA. [0:33:11, 0:33:18]: By all means, please let me know and let's support each other so we can um help bring positive change to uh Stockbridge. [0:33:18, 0:33:25]: Um so with that in mind, um we have a new uh uh board member, Samiqua King. [0:33:25, 0:33:45]: And uh we also have a new uh economic development director for the city of Stockbridge. And they are both here with us tonight. And uh so in the interest of getting to know each other a little bit, I'd like to briefly go around um and ask each board member to introduce themselves, just tell us a little bit about yourself and your connection to Stockbridge. [0:33:45, 0:33:46]: And [0:33:46, 0:33:48]: I think most importantly [0:33:48, 0:33:50]: Why do you choose to serve? [0:33:50, 0:33:54]: Um so with that in mind, I'll um I'll start. [0:33:54, 0:33:59]: Um I have uh owned a home here in Stockbridge since uh two thousand [0:33:59, 0:34:09]: uh nine and I also am co-owner and managing partner of a business called Burn Beautiful in the historic district of Stockbridge on MLK Senior Heritage Trail. [0:34:10, 0:34:19]: Um, my day job, I work for the state and um as in information technology. Um, I've been with them for 14 years. [0:34:19, 0:34:23]: I serve primarily because I want to see my city thrive. [0:34:24, 0:34:29]: Um I uh sure I want foot traffic in our our store in uh downtown. [0:34:29, 0:34:44]: Um, but I also want a place to enjoy as a homeowner, a nice place to enjoy good restaurants, unique shopping, arts, recreation, and so forth. So with that in mind, I want to do what's possible to um make that possible in our city. [0:34:45, 0:34:50]: So um I'll go around the room and I'll start next with um Mr. Christian. [0:34:51, 0:34:53]: Would you tell us about it yourself, please? Uh [0:34:53, 0:34:55]: Sure, sure. [0:34:55, 0:35:00]: I've uh been in Georgia since nineteen eighty seven, came down here from college and made it home. [0:35:01, 0:35:03]: Live in Stockbridge. [0:35:03, 0:35:04]: Um [0:35:04, 0:35:05]: A wife, when we've got one daughter. [0:35:06, 0:35:06]: Uh [0:35:07, 0:35:07]: For [0:35:09, 0:35:10]: All about uh [0:35:11, 0:35:13]: Seventeen years now, I believe, maybe a little more. [0:35:14, 0:35:15]: And [0:35:16, 0:35:18]: Uh, my day job I work for Fulton County government. I run [0:35:19, 0:35:19]: Their [0:35:19, 0:35:23]: First time home buyers uh down payment assistance program. [0:35:23, 0:35:24]: Which I love to do. [0:35:24, 0:35:27]: And the reason I serve is to [0:35:28, 0:35:29]: Um help out. [0:35:29, 0:35:30]: Two [0:35:30, 0:35:33]: shape uh policy and direction [0:35:33, 0:35:34]: Of the board. [0:35:35, 0:35:39]: In terms of bringing great economic development to the downtown area. [0:35:39, 0:35:40]: to help. [0:35:40, 0:35:42]: um augment the [0:35:43, 0:35:44]: Uh uh [0:35:44, 0:35:45]: The policies of the [0:35:46, 0:35:54]: City Council to make sure that you know we have a thriving downtown where it's truly a live, work, play environment. And uh that's where I serve. [0:35:55, 0:35:55]: Great. [0:35:56, 0:36:01]: Thank you for that. And thank you for keeping it brief. And I'd ask the rest of you to uh do the same if you could. [0:36:01, 0:36:02]: Um [0:36:02, 0:36:06]: Let's see, uh Simequa King, tell us about your best self and welcome. [0:36:06, 0:36:17]: Thank you. Again, my name is Samikle King. I my day job, I work for Delta Airlines. I'm a project coordinator, been there almost 12 years. [0:36:17, 0:36:23]: I've been a homeowner, homeowner here in Stockbridge for [0:36:23, 0:36:43]: um going on seven years and what made me want to get involved is I took the um citizens academy class in 2019 and once I saw how receptive the city was for wanting volunteers um that kind of made me want to get involved and seeing what's better [0:36:43, 0:36:44]: Yes, for my city. [0:36:46, 0:36:51]: Thank you. I've heard good things about the Citizens Academy program. Yeah. Check that out myself. [0:36:52, 0:36:53]: Um Barber? [0:36:54, 0:37:05]: Yes. Hi, I'm Barber Richardson and I am um a homeowner and business owner in the Stockbridge City. Well, unincorporated Stockbridge, but I've lived in Stockbridge for 17 years and [0:37:05, 0:37:07]: My business I uh opened up. [0:37:08, 0:37:13]: Mm, twelve years ago, and it's located right there in the heart of downtown, not too far from you, Roger. [0:37:14, 0:37:19]: So what made me want to serve is I've like I said, I've been here seventeen years and in that time [0:37:20, 0:37:22]: I have not seen uh I guess the type of [0:37:23, 0:37:25]: growth I would have liked to. [0:37:25, 0:37:41]: uh experience as far as I echo art sentiment with live work play. And so I was like, well, instead of, you know, kind of sitting back and complaining about it, find a way to get involved to be a part of the action that will move it forward. So that's why I uh volunteered to serve. [0:37:42, 0:37:43]: That's great. [0:37:43, 0:37:46]: Thank you. Uh all right, Mr. Sears, we'll go to you next. [0:37:49, 0:37:52]: Hello, hello, good evening. My name is Max Bazoous. [0:37:53, 0:37:57]: And I have a business in the heart of Stockbridge called Kire Counseling Service. [0:37:58, 0:38:01]: Uh, breaking the stigma of mental health in our community. [0:38:01, 0:38:07]: Uh, what draw me to submit is the vision and some of the things that I've seen. [0:38:07, 0:38:08]: Uh I [0:38:09, 0:38:13]: And I feel proud in terms of not just a volunteer, like Miss King said. [0:38:13, 0:38:15]: But the ability to make change. [0:38:15, 0:38:17]: Асоковина пописав стрі. [0:38:17, 0:38:19]: And there's so much to be done. [0:38:20, 0:38:24]: And I hope that as a board we can at least collectively get some of those things done. [0:38:25, 0:38:29]: Uh I think Sarkwich uh you know has so much to offer because it's right in the heart. [0:38:29, 0:38:32]: McDonald and all the other places, but we're doing something different. [0:38:32, 0:38:35]: So that's why, you know, like as volunteer, I don't like to waste my time. [0:38:36, 0:38:38]: Uh, cause I can do a lot other things. [0:38:39, 0:38:41]: I had to take people off the schedule to do this still. [0:38:42, 0:38:45]: So I hope as a board we can use the time wisely. [0:38:45, 0:38:47]: To make some changes for Stockwish. [0:38:48, 0:38:53]: Very good, thank you. And uh Mr. Swiger, Bob will s we'll we'll [0:38:53, 0:38:54]: We'll go to you next. [0:38:56, 0:39:00]: А майнез Боб Свайр. А в lived і Stockbridge for twenty years. [0:39:01, 0:39:02]: Um retired [0:39:02, 0:39:04]: uh this past uh july [0:39:05, 0:39:08]: retired as a uh compliance officer at Sun Trust Investment. [0:39:09, 0:39:09]: Services. [0:39:10, 0:39:10]: Uh [0:39:10, 0:39:13]: I describe that as stockbroker police. [0:39:13, 0:39:16]: Um, probably the easiest way to describe what I did. [0:39:17, 0:39:17]: Um [0:39:18, 0:39:23]: And prior to that I had a number of different uh different uh jobs and uh careers and so forth. [0:39:23, 0:39:24]: Um [0:39:25, 0:39:25]: I [0:39:26, 0:39:28]: Like I said, I've lived in Stockbridge for twenty years. [0:39:28, 0:39:34]: Uh I I got really kind of involved in what was going on in Stockbridge uh a couple of years ago. [0:39:34, 0:39:39]: Uh working with the Art Christian and also with uh Stockford City Council Member. [0:39:39, 0:39:43]: uh Yolanda Barber during the uh the move to uh [0:39:44, 0:39:46]: split the city of Stockbridge in half and create a new city out of it. [0:39:47, 0:39:49]: And so that was kind of my first uh [0:39:50, 0:39:51]: venture into [0:39:52, 0:39:52]: Um [0:39:53, 0:39:54]: You know. [0:39:54, 0:39:57]: Stockbridge politics or Stockbridge government or whatever. [0:39:57, 0:40:01]: And uh I've tried to try to to to stay involved. [0:40:01, 0:40:04]: А I think Stockbridge has a lot of potential. [0:40:04, 0:40:07]: Uh, really truly do think it has. [0:40:07, 0:40:09]: That there's a lot of things that could be done. [0:40:09, 0:40:11]: Uh and I enjoy living here. [0:40:12, 0:40:13]: And uh just wanna [0:40:13, 0:40:16]: My my goal is to do what I can to help um [0:40:17, 0:40:21]: you know, uh bring the the some of the master plan, some of the plans [0:40:21, 0:40:24]: Um for downtown development to um [0:40:25, 0:40:25]: Fruition. [0:40:28, 0:40:45]: Thank thank you, Bob. And so that's the DDA board. I'd like to turn it over to Mr. Peterson. Alan, would you uh would you mind telling us a little bit about yourself and uh maybe your background as far as uh how you came to the city of Stockbridge? [0:40:48, 0:40:51]: Sure, sure. Um good evening everyone. I [0:40:52, 0:40:59]: Happy to be here. Um, I'm Alan Peterson. I'm new to the city of Stockbridge. I'm the new economic development director. I started uh two weeks ago. [0:41:00, 0:41:14]: Uh so still somewhat getting settled in. I've been in economic development for uh well over 10 years now, uh starting in Houston, Texas, and uh the surrounding areas around Houston. I um moved to moved back to Georgia and [0:41:15, 0:41:20]: in 2015 and I became the uh downtown development authority director. [0:41:20, 0:41:25]: uh for the city of Stone Mountain. So I'm very familiar with um the DDA and [0:41:26, 0:41:45]: and how the DDA works. I was the DDA director before I came here for Stockbridge, but uh my role here will just be um a liaison between the DDA and the city. And um it's it's it's my role to just uh make sure you all have everything that you need from us, the city. And I look forward to [0:41:45, 0:41:54]: uh learning about you all and and what you all's uh mission and and goals are and what you all plan to do so that we can all work to bet work together. [0:41:54, 0:41:57]: To advance the city as far as economic development is concerned. [0:41:57, 0:42:01]: And uh Roger and I spoke last week. We had a great conversation and um [0:42:01, 0:42:04]: I'm excited to to be here for this first meeting. [0:42:05, 0:42:10]: Awesome. Thank you. We're really uh really uh excited to have you and I think we're on a strong footing for the year. [0:42:11, 0:42:27]: I also neglected to mention uh Ms. Vanessa Holliday. She is the uh city clerk for the city of Stockbridge, and she has very graciously um offered to uh help with the recording secretary um for this meeting. Uh Vanessa, you wanna tell us a little bit about your background? [0:42:28, 0:42:33]: Um Vanessa Holliday. I am serving ca serving in the capacity of city clerk. [0:42:34, 0:42:37]: I have been with the city. I came on board in two thousand nine. [0:42:38, 0:42:39]: I had a short break. [0:42:40, 0:42:42]: Um for two years, returned to the city. [0:42:42, 0:42:44]: In two thousand and fourteen. [0:42:45, 0:42:47]: And have been in uh the role of city clerk since then. [0:42:48, 0:42:53]: I enjoy um working with the boards uh specifically. [0:42:53, 0:42:54]: I [0:42:54, 0:42:58]: And one of those who wants to see everything gel and see something. [0:42:59, 0:43:03]: uh mushroom from the ground up. So I am, you know, I look anything that you all need. [0:43:04, 0:43:20]: from the city, reach out to me. I am open to if I can't find it, I will try to find out who can assist you. But I am definitely an advocate for the boards of the city because I recognize that you all are volunteers. [0:43:20, 0:43:23]: And that you are taking your time. [0:43:23, 0:43:25]: Um to help the city. [0:43:25, 0:43:29]: So any way I can be of assistance to you, please just reach out to me. I'm happy to help. [0:43:30, 0:43:32]: Thank you. And I can [0:43:33, 0:43:50]: personally attest to that's a sincere offer and you've helped me out in many, many ways, Vanessa. So thank you for all the support you've given us and for being here with us tonight. So all right, we will move on to our agenda. So the uh first order of business is to approve today's meeting agenda. [0:43:50, 0:44:03]: Um the first thing I'll mention is that there was an error in the uh listing of the uh board members and and the titles. We have corrected that in the version that I sent out to the board. [0:44:03, 0:44:04]: uh earlier today [0:44:05, 0:44:11]: Are there um any other um edits needed to today's meeting? [0:44:12, 0:44:13]: agenda. [0:44:14, 0:44:16]: Assuming everybody's had a chance to look at it. [0:44:20, 0:44:29]: I am hearing none. Um there is one item I will ask that we hold for a later meeting, which is the legal review. [0:44:29, 0:44:35]: Um well we'll partially go over this. We'll leave it on the agenda, but uh our attorney McCray [0:44:35, 0:44:53]: is not going to be join cannot join us this evening, but we will touch on that topic uh a little bit. But if we need to get into uh more detail, we may have to uh push that out for uh another meeting. But um uh so I'll um I'll hear a motion uh I'd like to hear a motion for [0:44:53, 0:44:59]: Accept uh uh uh accepting today's uh agenda as sent out earlier today from my email. [0:45:01, 0:45:01]: Yeah. [0:45:03, 0:45:04]: Remember. [0:45:07, 0:45:11]: I move that we accept today's gender as uh as amended. [0:45:13, 0:45:13]: All right. [0:45:14, 0:45:15]: A second. [0:45:15, 0:45:20]: Thank you, Art. Um, all right, we have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? [0:45:23, 0:45:36]: I'm not hearing any. So um I will ask Mr. Schweiger to call out the um do a roll call for the vote to accept today's uh meeting agenda as sent today. Okay. [0:45:36, 0:45:39]: Uh w would you please signify uh other [0:45:39, 0:45:41]: Yes or no, I guess. [0:45:41, 0:45:41]: Um [0:45:42, 0:45:44]: Uh Roger Custon. [0:45:44, 0:45:45]: Yes. [0:45:46, 0:45:48]: Uh Arthur Christian. [0:45:49, 0:45:49]: Yes. [0:45:51, 0:45:52]: Barber Richardson. [0:45:52, 0:45:53]: Yes. [0:45:53, 0:45:54]: Next we'll see her. [0:45:56, 0:45:57]: Actual Seers. [0:45:58, 0:45:58]: Yeah, mute. [0:46:00, 0:46:01]: Yes. [0:46:01, 0:46:02]: Thank you. [0:46:02, 0:46:04]: Uh Bob Swagert, yes. [0:46:05, 0:46:06]: Send me quaquine. [0:46:06, 0:46:06]: Yes. [0:46:07, 0:46:07]: Mm. [0:46:08, 0:46:08]: Um [0:46:09, 0:46:29]: Thank you. And that sounds like it's unanimous from those who are present. Thank you, Bob. Um, I'm also checking the attendees. I don't see Councilwoman Gantt as of yet, but I'll keep an eye on that. Uh we'll move on to the next item on the agenda, which is to approve the December 15th uh meeting minutes. That was also sent via email. I [0:46:29, 0:46:38]: I uh hope that you all have had a chance to review it. Um, Ms. King, I don't know if you got a copy of that, so you may wanna abstain from this because you really. [0:46:39, 0:46:40]: weren't part of that meeting. [0:46:41, 0:46:44]: Um so um any um [0:46:45, 0:46:50]: So I'll I'll hear a motion to accept the uh December fifteenth meeting minutes as sent via email about a week later. [0:46:52, 0:46:55]: I move I move that we accept December fifteenth. [0:46:55, 0:46:56]: Go ahead, Bob. [0:46:57, 0:46:58]: Uh I second. [0:46:58, 0:46:59]: Very good. [0:47:00, 0:47:03]: And let's call a roll to uh accept the meeting minutes. [0:47:03, 0:47:06]: Okay, uh Roger Christ Roger Custom. [0:47:07, 0:47:08]: I'll say yes. [0:47:08, 0:47:08]: Okay. [0:47:09, 0:47:10]: Uh Arthur Christian. [0:47:11, 0:47:12]: Yes. [0:47:13, 0:47:14]: Barber Richardson? [0:47:14, 0:47:14]: Yes. [0:47:15, 0:47:16]: Actual Seers. [0:47:16, 0:47:17]: Yes. [0:47:17, 0:47:19]: Up swagger, yes. [0:47:19, 0:47:20]: So Nicole King. [0:47:20, 0:47:21]: Blabstain. [0:47:22, 0:47:23]: You abstain, okay? [0:47:28, 0:47:29]: And [0:47:30, 0:47:37]: We called on everyone, right? So I think that's uh that's also unanimous. So okay, we can move on to uh the um [0:47:38, 0:47:46]: The next item on our agenda, we've done the introduction. So next item is the uh treasure update. Um Barber, we'll turn the floor over to you. [0:47:47, 0:47:50]: Okay, um I am meeting with [0:47:50, 0:47:52]: Former chair um [0:47:52, 0:47:58]: This Friday to get everything officially transferred over. So right now it's more of an informal report. [0:47:59, 0:48:12]: I do have bank balances for the last time, which is still consistent because we haven't had any um expenses. And our operating account right now, there's uh$97,404 and 61 cents. [0:48:13, 0:48:33]: In our facade grant account, there's$44,972.05. There is a note that I've received from the former treasurer that we need to transfer$50,000 of the operating funds over to the facade grant. But as I've stated, I will meet with her on Friday to get [0:48:33, 0:48:39]: get everything officially transferred over and I will be able to speak to that a little bit more. Um [0:48:40, 0:48:41]: During our next meeting. [0:48:43, 0:48:45]: Also, uh any questions about the bank? [0:48:45, 0:48:46]: Balances. [0:48:47, 0:48:48]: It's been okay. [0:48:48, 0:48:49]: Vanessa? [0:48:50, 0:48:57]: Did you say fifty one five one cents or sixty one six one cents? For the operating account, sixty-one cents. [0:48:59, 0:48:59]: Yeah. [0:49:00, 0:49:01]: Yeah. [0:49:01, 0:49:02]: Fix. [0:49:03, 0:49:05]: Sixty one. Six one. Okay. [0:49:05, 0:49:06]: Thank you. [0:49:06, 0:49:09]: No problem. I have a I have a quick question. [0:49:09, 0:49:09]: Yes. [0:49:10, 0:49:13]: And the facade grant, what is that? Uh I know I'cause I wasn't [0:49:13, 0:49:20]: I mean, I'm new at this again. Uh the facade gun. How's that used? That used to help business in Stockbridge or how's that how's that used? [0:49:21, 0:49:31]: Yes, I think Miss I think uh Mr. Christian's gonna speak to that a little later, but but yes, the facade grant is is basically a a grant that business owners in the downtown development area can apply for. [0:49:32, 0:49:37]: And uh currently as it stands right now, reimbursement is up to five thousand dollars. [0:49:37, 0:49:42]: So for example, if a business owner spent ten thousand to improve the facade. [0:49:42, 0:49:53]: the aesthetics of the outside of their business and it meets, you know, the facade grant criteria, then the city will DDA will reimburse the business up to$5,000. [0:49:54, 0:49:55]: Uh. [0:49:55, 0:49:56]: Much is gracious. [0:49:57, 0:49:58]: Yes, okay. [0:49:59, 0:50:09]: Um and so along with that, um as as the new treasurer, I would like to present propose to the board that uh basically I would like to um to make my job. [0:50:10, 0:50:27]: a lot more efficient to use an online accounting system uh to keep track of all of our income and expenses, to you know generate nice, beautiful reports and all the things. And right now it's a system that I use in my current practice as a CPA and it's uh called Zero X-E-R-O. [0:50:27, 0:50:28]: Um [0:50:29, 0:50:32]: So right now the cost of that is I think about thirty dollars a month. [0:50:32, 0:50:34]: Bill directly to the city. [0:50:34, 0:50:41]: Um, to the extent that we need more functionality, like if we want to take advantage of being able to do uh [0:50:41, 0:50:45]: expense claims because right now I believe that the the way the rules are written. [0:50:46, 0:50:47]: Із вині ту. [0:50:48, 0:50:51]: Uh, the treasurer and the chairman to approve invoices. [0:50:51, 0:50:59]: So um there is the ability to upgrade to a package that's about sixty dollars a month that would allow you to have that feature electronically. [0:50:59, 0:51:05]: Um I don't know that we need to do that initially because we don't really have that many invoices coming through. [0:51:06, 0:51:12]: Um that will, in my opinion, substantiate the additional cost. But at the minimum, we do need this, I think. [0:51:13, 0:51:21]: uh the system would be very helpful um for accountability, transparency, efficiency in terms of maintaining the financial records of the DDA. [0:51:25, 0:51:32]: So I'm taking that as a motion to um allocate some of our um funds to [0:51:33, 0:51:36]: To purchase the uh zero accounting software. [0:51:36, 0:51:48]: Yes. And this ongoing monthly subscription. So you can cancel any time with a one month uh basically with a one month notice. But I guess if that needs to be put to the floor as a motion to vote on, then yeah. [0:51:48, 0:51:49]: Then um [0:51:49, 0:51:51]: That's that's what I would like. [0:51:51, 0:51:52]: All right. [0:51:52, 0:52:02]: So um I Barber and I have talked about this a little bit. So I l let me um I I'll go ahead and second the motion, but I do have some uh discussion I'd like to go over. [0:52:03, 0:52:15]: Um so I'll go ahead and pose my question. So I think first of all, the entry level is probably I would I would suggest we start with the entry level subscription. And if we feel like we need to upgrade, we can bring it back to the board for a decision. [0:52:15, 0:52:16]: And um [0:52:17, 0:52:19]: That was basically it. [0:52:19, 0:52:30]: So I mean if you could if you could say what amount you think we would, you know, say maybe a not to exceed amount as far as what we would be approving today. So we're clear on what we're voting on. [0:52:30, 0:52:33]: Not to see thirty one dollars a month. [0:52:33, 0:52:34]: Per month. [0:52:34, 0:52:35]: Okay. [0:52:36, 0:52:41]: And that's the good thing. Like you know you can always upgrade and downgrade at any point in time. You're never locked in. [0:52:41, 0:52:45]: Um, you know, you there's that flexibility is always there. [0:52:45, 0:52:46]: All right. [0:52:47, 0:52:55]: So we have a motion and a second for um accounting software at$31 a month to help manage the books. Um any other discussion? [0:52:56, 0:53:02]: Uh one uh could it be just paid the whole twelve months instead of every month looking for a bill? Well it'll be easy that way. [0:53:03, 0:53:13]: Well, it doesn't quite s I don't think it works that way. I can double check and every comp every company take every company take the money in advance. Well like I said, it's a month it's a month. [0:53:14, 0:53:20]: block them on subscription and I don't uh mm I can double check but for the sake of moving the vote forward. [0:53:20, 0:53:26]: Is there a way I can modify that so that we don't I don't have to, you know, wait on a decision to [0:53:26, 0:53:37]: to do that, but promise to bring an update about how if we can pay an annual fee. Right. Yeah. You don't have the model. Yeah. Okay. That's just not another waste that every month you get something. I mean it just, you know. [0:53:37, 0:53:38]: Yeah. [0:53:40, 0:53:54]: 'Cause who'll the bill come to? Will it come to you and then we pay you every month thirty one dollars? Uh oh, good question. Actually, no, the the way that it works is it's it's actually drafted. It's actually uh either built to a card or a bank account. So it's like the auto pay. [0:53:54, 0:53:55]: But [0:53:57, 0:54:04]: So what what it comes straight from the treasury account or still person? The operating account. [0:54:04, 0:54:06]: Okay. So the vo the vote here kind of [0:54:07, 0:54:13]: functions as that approval that we would need if we were gonna be getting a monthly invoice in hand. [0:54:13, 0:54:21]: So it just it's either if there's a card associated with the account or if it's just right out of the account, the bank account itself, it's just an auto pay each month. [0:54:24, 0:54:35]: And and Barber, do you know if that would serve both accounts that we manage, both the operating account and to serve that and the facade grant account? All right. Any other discussion or questions? [0:54:38, 0:54:45]: I am not seeing anyone. So um uh Mr. Schwigert, if you'll uh be ready to cut a roll call for the vote on whether [0:54:46, 0:54:49]: uh to allow um up to thirty one dollars a month [0:54:50, 0:54:54]: Expense for accounting software called zero. [0:54:54, 0:54:57]: Uh subscribed annually if it allows it. [0:54:58, 0:55:00]: And uh so we'll go down to roll call. [0:55:01, 0:55:01]: Okay. [0:55:02, 0:55:03]: Oh [0:55:04, 0:55:06]: Roger Custon. I'll vote yes. [0:55:07, 0:55:08]: Uh Arthur Christian. [0:55:09, 0:55:10]: Yes. [0:55:11, 0:55:12]: Barber Richardson. [0:55:12, 0:55:13]: Yes. [0:55:13, 0:55:15]: Actual Sears. [0:55:15, 0:55:16]: Yes. [0:55:17, 0:55:20]: Uh Bob Swagger Well, yes. Uh Senequa King. [0:55:20, 0:55:21]: Yes. [0:55:22, 0:55:23]: All right. [0:55:23, 0:55:24]: Thank you. Thank you. [0:55:25, 0:55:25]: Thank you. [0:55:25, 0:55:27]: Excuse me. Um [0:55:28, 0:55:32]: And and um any other updates for the group, uh Barber? [0:55:33, 0:55:34]: As far as treasure [0:55:35, 0:55:36]: No. [0:55:37, 0:55:43]: All right, we'll move on to the next item of the agenda. That's uh for you, Bob. Um uh updates from the treasure. [0:55:44, 0:55:46]: I mean the secretary, excuse me. [0:55:46, 0:55:49]: Okay. Um I met with um Roger [0:55:50, 0:55:58]: uh last week and he um transferred the uh the the the paper files of the um D DA records and also the um [0:55:59, 0:56:00]: Uh that's not drive. [0:56:01, 0:56:03]: And so I um I have that. [0:56:05, 0:56:06]: Great. [0:56:07, 0:56:09]: Any other updates you want to mention while you have the floor? [0:56:11, 0:56:18]: All right. Um I'll mention a couple more things. I also gave a copy of those records to uh Vanessa, the city clerk. [0:56:18, 0:56:34]: And there's a little bit more work to do as far as the transitioning as um there is some paper files that are at City Hall right now that uh I need to go through and probably do that with Bob at some point and get I might ideally we'd like to get that. [0:56:34, 0:56:47]: um copied and digitized and um and then so we'll keep you updated on that. Uh Mr. Sears, I see you your hand up. Also as uh as the new chair, I would like a copy of that too, so that if you know it available. [0:56:48, 0:56:51]: I can know what you give him because you know nobody C C me or [0:56:51, 0:56:52]: No, me on it. [0:56:53, 0:56:59]: So I'm of that to be included. So you can make it in whatever is there, then I'll leave I'll know what's going on also. [0:57:00, 0:57:05]: I will take that as an action item to send you a copy of the files that I shared with both Bob and Vanessa. [0:57:06, 0:57:07]: Thank you. [0:57:07, 0:57:08]: All right, very good. Thank you for that. [0:57:09, 0:57:16]: All right, we'll move on to the next item on the agenda, which is the uh facade grant. So uh Art, you've got the floor. [0:57:17, 0:57:23]: Uh yes. And actually I don't have much of an update. I just um but I'm glad uh Mr. Peterson is on. Uh [0:57:24, 0:57:27]: Uh welcome aboard. Uh you and Miss King, both of you. [0:57:27, 0:57:29]: And I do Mr. Peace, I do have a question regarding [0:57:30, 0:57:36]: The facade grant, um, specifically there's one business owner who has performed some work. [0:57:37, 0:57:51]: in which both the Main Street and Downtown Development Authority had been involved at one point in time under um some different with different a different board member in terms of monitoring [0:57:51, 0:57:54]: The progress and the payout reimbursement of that grant. [0:57:55, 0:57:57]: And um my question is um [0:57:58, 0:58:00]: In previous meetings I had mentioned that I didn't want to [0:58:01, 0:58:05]: Duplicate my efforts, but wanted to uh do it in concert with. [0:58:05, 0:58:07]: Um Main street. [0:58:07, 0:58:08]: Um [0:58:08, 0:58:10]: But but unfortunately we haven't. [0:58:11, 0:58:18]: had a Main Street representative on a board meeting probably in about three or four meetings now. So my question is, um [0:58:18, 0:58:19]: Does Main Street re [0:58:20, 0:58:22]: port under you or is that a separate [0:58:23, 0:58:25]: Entity and even if it is separate. [0:58:25, 0:58:33]: Um, is there a way that we can coordinate so that um I can meet with them and we can talk about how to move forward? [0:58:34, 0:58:41]: Um, with the reimbursement. I know there were some particular things that were needed to be ironed out, and I just want to make sure that I'm not going behind something that's already been done. [0:58:42, 0:58:46]: Right. Um I actually had my my hand raised earlier. [0:58:46, 0:58:57]: And I dropped it when I realized the facade grant was on the agenda later on. I did have a question about the facade grant, but uh to answer your question, yes, Main Street is uh under the [0:58:57, 0:58:59]: Um economic development. [0:58:59, 0:59:00]: Department. [0:59:00, 0:59:01]: And um [0:59:02, 0:59:05]: We'll we we need to talk about the facade grant. Um [0:59:05, 0:59:07]: So we can, you know. [0:59:07, 0:59:08]: Figure that out. [0:59:08, 0:59:12]: Um and I have questions about the facade grant as well. Um [0:59:13, 0:59:18]: So I I I know we're on the um January one through December thirty one budget cycle. [0:59:19, 0:59:21]: Is the facade grant on that same budget cycle? [0:59:23, 0:59:27]: That's my understanding, yes. Okay, okay. So um [0:59:28, 0:59:30]: So um I I take it that we [0:59:31, 0:59:36]: Since it's it's only January, we haven't received any facade grant applications for twenty twenty one yet. Is that correct? [0:59:38, 0:59:40]: That's correct. Okay. Um [0:59:40, 0:59:42]: So do we have any [0:59:42, 0:59:53]: uh applications that have requested to carry over to 2021 that didn't finish the work in 2020 because of COVID or any other issue that might have might have come up. [0:59:55, 0:59:58]: I don't know. I have not received any requests for carry over. [0:59:59, 1:00:04]: However, it has been my understanding that there have been some expenses that have not been reimbursed. [1:00:04, 1:00:07]: Okay. And and so one of the things that I um [1:00:08, 1:00:11]: discussed with the board previously and we did receive a [1:00:12, 1:00:14]: copy of um [1:00:14, 1:00:18]: Some D VA policies uh from our board attorney. [1:00:19, 1:00:19]: Um [1:00:19, 1:00:31]: that I'd love to share with you um or have shared with you so that um even with you know your experience you may have something that you know could add some some depth to that and some some definition to it. [1:00:31, 1:00:33]: Okay, so it it it sounds like [1:00:33, 1:00:34]: Um [1:00:35, 1:00:39]: Well let me it it sounds like the process just needs some iron out and some [1:00:40, 1:00:41]: Some concrete. [1:00:42, 1:00:44]: methods of getting these reimbursements out. [1:00:44, 1:00:45]: Correct. [1:00:45, 1:00:47]: Okay. Um [1:00:48, 1:00:53]: So has how many people, how many applicants from 2020 have not received their funding? [1:00:54, 1:00:54]: Do you know? [1:00:56, 1:01:01]: I I believe it's one, but Barber you can go ahead and and speak to that. [1:01:01, 1:01:13]: I did speak with uh Mr. Peterson. I do uh we have a newly created function as a liaison on the Main Street board and I serve as as the liaison. So I did speak to um [1:01:14, 1:01:16]: Miss Braggs about that briefly. [1:01:16, 1:01:17]: Um [1:01:18, 1:01:35]: There was one business owner, I'm not really sure when his work began, if it was twenty nineteen or twenty twenty. Um, the issue with him being reimbursed is that I guess there's been some turnover on this board. He the business owner is stating that he had given the receipts already to a board member who [1:01:35, 1:01:40]: no longer on the board. So I don't even know how we move forward from that. But [1:01:40, 1:01:42]: To answer your question specifically. [1:01:43, 1:01:45]: I don't know if his project [1:01:46, 1:01:50]: is carrying on from twenty twenty or if this project was actually in twenty nineteen. [1:01:50, 1:01:53]: Oh, okay. So it could be from twenty nine two years ago. [1:01:55, 1:01:56]: Oh okay. Um [1:01:57, 1:02:01]: Yeah. Because COVID was COVID had it what March twenty twenty. [1:02:01, 1:02:14]: March of twenty twenty is is when everything schools and everything. Well, unless he got it all done, unless he did everything the first two months of twenty twenty, this very well could be a carryover from even a prior year. [1:02:15, 1:02:16]: Okay. Um [1:02:18, 1:02:19]: All right. Uh well [1:02:20, 1:02:24]: I have experience running a facade grant program. So um it's [1:02:25, 1:02:26]: Uh my opinion that [1:02:27, 1:02:28]: Um [1:02:28, 1:02:29]: The board would have to vote. [1:02:29, 1:02:30]: On whether to [1:02:31, 1:02:32]: You know, move that. [1:02:32, 1:02:35]: That application over to twenty twenty one. [1:02:36, 1:02:38]: But that's that's up that's up to you all. [1:02:38, 1:02:39]: Uh but [1:02:39, 1:02:44]: From listening now, I w I I think that we just need to make sure that [1:02:45, 1:02:45]: The [1:02:46, 1:02:52]: Well, I I first want to ask what's what's the process, you know, after the after the application is turned in. [1:02:52, 1:02:54]: Uh, what's the process? [1:02:55, 1:03:05]: Um, so that the applicant does get the funding. What's what's that process? I think that was Mr. Christian's point that we needed some oh okay. [1:03:06, 1:03:07]: Yes. Yeah. [1:03:08, 1:03:08]: Okay. [1:03:10, 1:03:14]: There was nothing that I saw that was concrete in writing. [1:03:15, 1:03:23]: Okay, so that's when I request from our T Yes. Okay, we need to put that put that in in um in writing and have the vo have the board vote on it. [1:03:23, 1:03:26]: And put something online so that applicants know exactly. [1:03:27, 1:03:31]: uh what to do. Also what is the um in twenty twenty [1:03:32, 1:03:36]: Does anyone know how many applications were received? [1:03:38, 1:03:42]: None that I know. None. Oh, so no applications were received in twenty twenty. [1:03:42, 1:03:44]: So we need to improve the marketing. [1:03:44, 1:03:46]: Mm-hmm. [1:03:47, 1:03:48]: Definitely. Okay. [1:03:48, 1:03:50]: All right. Um [1:03:50, 1:03:52]: Got you. Okay, so [1:03:52, 1:03:55]: Um just marketing in a concrete [1:03:55, 1:03:59]: Process. Yes. Okay. Correct. What is the [1:04:01, 1:04:02]: What is the budget? [1:04:04, 1:04:04]: For the grant. [1:04:08, 1:04:10]: Is it forty five thousand? [1:04:11, 1:04:14]: That that sounds about right. We'd have to look at our records, yes. [1:04:14, 1:04:15]: Right now we have [1:04:16, 1:04:19]: Unspent funds, but I believe the annual. [1:04:20, 1:04:21]: Forty five or [1:04:21, 1:04:22]: Forty five or fifty thousand. Oh [1:04:24, 1:04:24]: Somewhere in there. [1:04:25, 1:04:29]: Think the annual is fifty thousand. Is fifty up currently as [1:04:30, 1:04:31]: Currently there's um [1:04:32, 1:04:33]: Miss Richardson mentioned. [1:04:33, 1:04:37]: You have you have almost forty five thousand in the account now. [1:04:37, 1:04:41]: And um former director mentioned that fifty thousand [1:04:41, 1:04:45]: needed chairm chairperson needs to be moved from operating [1:04:45, 1:04:46]: To [1:04:47, 1:04:50]: The uh facade grant. So basically it would be a little less than [1:04:50, 1:04:52]: A hundred thousand. A hundred thousand. [1:04:52, 1:04:53]: Right. [1:04:53, 1:04:55]: Ninety four thousand dollars. Um [1:04:56, 1:04:59]: So there there will be ninety four thousand in twenty twenty one. [1:05:00, 1:05:02]: Correct. Is that what you're saying? [1:05:03, 1:05:03]: Okay. [1:05:04, 1:05:06]: But keeping in mind that we still have to reimburse. [1:05:08, 1:05:08]: The uh [1:05:09, 1:05:10]: Just that one owner. [1:05:10, 1:05:13]: But he probably a max of five thousand. And how much uh [1:05:15, 1:05:16]: Max of five thousand. [1:05:16, 1:05:20]: That's my understanding is that the facade grant maxed out at five thousand. [1:05:20, 1:05:21]: Um [1:05:24, 1:05:25]: Yeah. [1:05:26, 1:05:30]: So a business owner would have had to incur ten thousand dollars. [1:05:31, 1:05:37]: Right. If they incurred at least ten thousand dollars in expenses, then we reimburse fifty percent up to five thousand. [1:05:43, 1:05:50]: And my just my understanding with that is that the that's within the DDA's discretion that if we wanted to revisit that. [1:05:50, 1:05:55]: and and kind of, you know, modify that criteria and and expense threshold that we could. [1:05:57, 1:06:00]: Okay. Okay. Okay. [1:06:02, 1:06:03]: Miss Halliday. [1:06:03, 1:06:04]: Chair Custom. [1:06:05, 1:06:13]: I just wanted to clarify these numbers to record them properly. I know that going back to the operating budget. [1:06:14, 1:06:15]: Um [1:06:17, 1:06:19]: It was mentioned. [1:06:22, 1:06:25]: That there was ninety seven thousand four oh four. [1:06:25, 1:06:26]: Sixty one [1:06:26, 1:06:33]: And that there was an additional forty four thousand nine seventy two oh five in the facade grant account. [1:06:34, 1:06:34]: But [1:06:35, 1:06:40]: What I just heard someone say something about there will be ninety thousand in facade. [1:06:41, 1:06:43]: Which means for fifty thousand. [1:06:44, 1:06:48]: I have a note that we need to transfer fifty thousand out of operating. [1:06:48, 1:06:50]: Into the facade. [1:06:51, 1:06:56]: So fifty out of the ninety-seven thousand that's currently in operating. [1:06:57, 1:07:00]: It's going to go to the facade grant account. [1:07:14, 1:07:15]: Okay, thank you. [1:07:18, 1:07:21]: Any other discussion, Art or Barber on that? [1:07:24, 1:07:28]: No, just that I I welcome us to get together as as soon as possible, you know, to get started on this. [1:07:29, 1:07:31]: Yeah, yeah. I'm I'm going to [1:07:32, 1:07:33]: Um [1:07:33, 1:07:35]: Shoot you all, shoot you an email. [1:07:36, 1:07:39]: So we can get the conversation rolling. It's my goal. [1:07:40, 1:07:40]: Um [1:07:41, 1:07:42]: To have [1:07:42, 1:07:45]: The the process voted on approved for next meeting. [1:07:46, 1:07:47]: Um so that [1:07:48, 1:07:53]: We can start getting applications in about February, March. [1:07:53, 1:07:57]: And I'll email you uh marketing suggestions and [1:07:57, 1:08:00]: Um just process suggestions as well. [1:08:01, 1:08:21]: Thank you. Thank you. And and and Mr. Peterson, I'll I'll add a couple of points on that discussion. Um, my business was the first um beneficiary of the facade grant. So I was familiar with being on the receiving end of that. Um it was it, you know, we were first, so I know it was a little bit of a convoluted process then and it does need some smoothing out. [1:08:21, 1:08:41]: One of the a couple of points on the open application. One of the nuances there is that this individual's facade involves a, I believe, a painted sign on the side of the building, and that sort of overlaps. Our facade grant does not cover the expense for a sign. [1:08:41, 1:08:45]: But since the sign is part of the building exterior and part of the painting. [1:08:45, 1:08:50]: They're kind of meshed in this particular case, as I understand it. So I [1:08:50, 1:08:56]: Part of it is um the hold up of the payment of the signed fee for the city. [1:08:57, 1:09:01]: And I would be, you know, I would I would welcome if the board would consider [1:09:01, 1:09:02]: Um [1:09:03, 1:09:07]: funding that portion of the fee in this particular case because it's a bit of a [1:09:07, 1:09:12]: you know it's a bit of an unusual circumstance where the sign is part of the facade. [1:09:12, 1:09:17]: Um and maybe we consider modifying the rules to include that. [1:09:17, 1:09:27]: uh maybe any fees associated with the facade as part of the scope that we would consider as part of the grant. So that's that's one item to kind of put in there. [1:09:27, 1:09:40]: The other um is the I believe the the paperwork that was received by me as secret I was serving as secretary before, you know, then in the previous year the with the others that were working on this particular um application. [1:09:41, 1:10:01]: We did not, I did not see any actual receipts. The paperwork I did receive were um proposals and bids, but not actual receipts of the work done. So the expectation would be that we, you know, the business owner would show, I paid these vendors, it's offering clear. [1:10:01, 1:10:03]: [4204.4, 4206.2]: Uh wanting to get reimbursed for. [1:10:06, 1:10:13]: And I don't believe I have not seen evidence as secretary or in my service to the board yet that that has happened. [1:10:13, 1:10:17]: Um, but I just wanted to clear those two items that we may want to consider. [1:10:17, 1:10:26]: the signed fee to the city as part of the reimbursement, maybe as a special case for this application, and what we've received thus far. [1:10:28, 1:10:32]: And uh Kira Harris Bra Braggs has been really [1:10:32, 1:10:34]: helping us with [1:10:34, 1:10:37]: both mainstream program marketing the um [1:10:37, 1:10:41]: the facade grant and working with this particular individual. [1:10:46, 1:10:50]: All right, any other I'll move on to the next item on the agenda if there's no other discussion on that. [1:10:52, 1:10:53]: Um [1:10:53, 1:11:08]: And I'll add uh Mr. Peterson, we would I would I would if if the if if the board's okay with it, I would add as a standing item to the agenda city staff updates to which you know I would name you as the um presenter for that portion of our meeting. [1:11:09, 1:11:10]: Going forward. [1:11:12, 1:11:27]: Um and then the last item is the uh we don't I don't see that uh councilwoman Gantt has joined us for this meeting, just double checking. So I'll move out we'll skip the uh city council updates and um we'll move to the main street advisory updo updates. Uh [1:11:28, 1:11:31]: Barber, you're serving as liaison. Would you like any updates for the group? [1:11:32, 1:11:33]: Yeah, mute. [1:11:33, 1:11:40]: Okay, yeah, there we go. All right, so no major updates, but one thing that I did want to bring to the board, um, and this is on [1:11:40, 1:11:43]: Perfect timing on the heels of the facade for that discussion. [1:11:43, 1:11:51]: Um, one of the things that I I believe that Main Street was very interested in doing is is getting some sort of design standards for the downtown area. [1:11:52, 1:11:56]: And as such, um, would be very happy to have [1:11:56, 1:11:57]: To form a steering committee. [1:11:58, 1:12:04]: that consists of both, you know, Main Street board members as well as DDA board members. So I [1:12:05, 1:12:17]: I personally think that's a great idea and I wanted to bring that to the board to get you, you know, everyone's buy-in on um agreeing to be a part of that process because uh apparently we don't really have any [1:12:17, 1:12:18]: Uh [1:12:18, 1:12:23]: standard or you know any type of design standards for our area. [1:12:23, 1:12:40]: Um, so I think as we continue to move forward this year with the facade grant and really pushing that out and marketing it and hoping to get business owners to get excited about that, um, that we can also think about how we want our downtown to look. [1:12:40, 1:12:44]: Um and as such create some sort of standards. [1:12:44, 1:12:45]: Um [1:12:46, 1:12:49]: You know, to to maintain that or to get that. [1:12:49, 1:12:50]: So [1:12:50, 1:12:54]: I don't know if that needs to be a vote or if this is just a point of discussion. [1:12:55, 1:13:00]: Um, that I could take back to Cure and the rest of the board said, Hey, DDA's on board, you know. [1:13:01, 1:13:05]: We would love to be part of the steering committee. Um, here are the two or three representatives from the board. [1:13:06, 1:13:08]: Uh who wanna do that. [1:13:08, 1:13:09]: How do we move forward? [1:13:11, 1:13:13]: All right, any discussion on that? [1:13:17, 1:13:25]: I for one will be happy to serve on a steering committee for the design standards if it if you know if we decide to take that approach. [1:13:25, 1:13:28]: And welcome others to participate as well. [1:13:29, 1:13:41]: And that's actually an item on the uh agenda for the uh goals discussion, which we're coming up to next, uh DDA priority. So we can talk a little bit more about that as a potential priority. [1:13:43, 1:13:47]: Yeah, I think it's a great idea'cause, you know, Roger, even in your building, you know, we you know [1:13:48, 1:13:53]: Everyone could it it it already looks like that, you know, to some extent, right? Everyone kinda has their own. [1:13:54, 1:13:54]: Yeah. [1:13:55, 1:13:56]: Look. Right. [1:13:57, 1:14:04]: So you know, we we we you know, we have the amphitheater coming, we have a lot of great things going on and so I think this is a good time. [1:14:05, 1:14:06]: I agree. [1:14:07, 1:14:10]: Any other updates? I I agree. That sounds like a great idea. [1:14:10, 1:14:13]: Oh sure. I was just saying I that sounds like a great idea to uh [1:14:13, 1:14:15]: Have something a more uniform look. [1:14:16, 1:14:16]: And um [1:14:17, 1:14:17]: Input from [1:14:18, 1:14:20]: You know, Main Street D DA and of course [1:14:20, 1:14:23]: You know, the public and business owners. For sure. Yeah. [1:14:24, 1:14:24]: Yeah. [1:14:25, 1:14:27]: All right, anything else from the main street? [1:14:29, 1:14:30]: Father. [1:14:30, 1:14:32]: Um no, I'm sorry, that's that's uh [1:14:33, 1:14:34]: That's that for now. [1:14:34, 1:14:35]: Okay. [1:14:35, 1:14:49]: Which uh is a great segue for the um discussion on the uh goals for the DDA. So let me uh set up my window and I'm gonna uh share my screen for a moment here. Give me a second. [1:14:52, 1:14:55]: All right. [1:14:56, 1:14:56]: Yeah. [1:14:58, 1:14:59]: Yeah. [1:15:00, 1:15:01]: This one [1:15:04, 1:15:10]: All right, let me know if you can see the um draft DDA priorities. [1:15:16, 1:15:19]: Doing a screen share check. Can y'all see this? [1:15:22, 1:15:26]: Okay. Yes, I'm not going to be able to do you're all on mute, but I think you're saying yes. [1:15:27, 1:15:28]: Okay, I'll take it as a yes. [1:15:29, 1:15:32]: Um so um [1:15:32, 1:15:33]: This is um [1:15:34, 1:15:41]: This is a sort of a presentation I've I've shared with the board now for uh since I joined about uh two years ago. [1:15:42, 1:15:55]: Um and before I get into too specifics, I want to elaborate a little bit more about um on my background and and and and to give context to to what I see here and what I'd like to offer as a priority for the DDA. [1:15:55, 1:15:56]: Um [1:15:56, 1:16:04]: I grew up in Miami and moved to uh Midtown Atlanta for my first job out of college in uh the late 80s. [1:16:04, 1:16:07]: Um and it may be hard to um [1:16:07, 1:16:09]: Imagine this for some people, but [1:16:10, 1:16:13]: In the nineteen seventies, uh, South Beach was [1:16:14, 1:16:16]: Extremely run down. [1:16:16, 1:16:21]: It was boarded up. The shopping had moved to malls in that era. [1:16:21, 1:16:27]: Uh midtown was the same way we moved here in the in the in the late eighties. It was a rough place to be. [1:16:28, 1:16:47]: Um, for those who are unfamiliar with that time and those places, um, you now know them as a very desirable place, it's upscale living, it's uh you know a global destination, uh especially when you think about South Beach. Um that's the I've watched those neighborhoods grow from. [1:16:48, 1:16:57]: Boarded up, you know, empty storefronts to what it is today. And I've seen the conditions that led to that transformation. [1:16:58, 1:17:05]: And these are the items that I've identified living here in Stockbridge, owning a business on Main Street as [1:17:05, 1:17:10]: the factors that will lead to can contribute to that type of growth for our city. [1:17:11, 1:17:12]: Um [1:17:12, 1:17:23]: I'll start off with some of these items specifically. So what I'd like to do is go over these. Um there's two pages. The first page is what um I would propose be the top priorities for. [1:17:23, 1:17:32]: Uh the DDA and the second page is other considerations. And we can move some into the first page if we think that is appropriate. [1:17:33, 1:17:53]: The first item is related to the master plan or an overall walking path for the downtown area. So the city has made an excellent investment with the amphitheater. I think we're all excited to see that come to fruition. There is very serious work and planning involved with the Arts Center. [1:17:52, 1:17:55]: Center on the other side of Burke Street. [1:17:55, 1:18:11]: And I believe we very strongly that we need a walking path to connect both of these investments to the downtown because you don't build these things just to build them. You build them to bring life and vitality and economic development to the city. [1:18:11, 1:18:16]: And there's gotta be a walking path from the amphitheater to Main Street. Right now there is none. [1:18:17, 1:18:24]: Um, there's just not you if you if you want to walk from the proposed site of the amphitheater to M OK Senior Heritage Trail. [1:18:24, 1:18:36]: You're either climbing over a railroad ditch, you're walking over a roadway, or you're walking over the pedestrian with, you know, 45 mile an hour traffic two feet away from you. It's not safe. [1:18:36, 1:18:40]: Um, so that's in my opinion a top priority. [1:18:41, 1:18:53]: Um we did initiate a master plan to help answer some of these questions, but the city, um there was a lack of support from the city at the time, or you kind of grew to that. [1:18:53, 1:18:57]: And um and there was a need for the city to [1:18:57, 1:19:00]: Um fund as promised a um [1:19:01, 1:19:08]: uh an uh an economic forecast that would give inform what the master plan would uh support [1:19:08, 1:19:17]: And I'm in favor of all that, although I do recognize that there are some either in the city staff or in the council who may feel that. [1:19:17, 1:19:18]: Um [1:19:18, 1:19:22]: We've got too much planning and not enough doing, maybe, is might be the sentiment. [1:19:23, 1:19:31]: Um, with or without a master plan, I think we've got to define the pedestrian path from the amphitheater to the downtown. That's my first point. [1:19:32, 1:19:52]: Um, the next one is the Alleyway project. And my understanding from the Main Street program, they've they've led the charge with uh this particular uh item, and that is already in the engineering phase. The idea is to uh resolve some of the drainage issues, resurface the lot, and make that an attractive place for people to come and possibly have events. [1:19:52, 1:20:03]: in the uh in the back alley between the two and we kind of become like this uh neat little um alcove in this height in the heart of our downtown. And I think that can bring uh some development in and of itself. [1:20:04, 1:20:06]: Um the quiet crossing [1:20:06, 1:20:25]: Um it's in my opinion essential for uh outdoor dining, which is in itself essential in a post-COVID world. It's also essential for a radius of residential from the from the railroad. Um it it may not [1:20:26, 1:20:26]: Prevent [1:20:27, 1:20:31]: economic development within a proximity of the railroad, but it does severely limit it. [1:20:32, 1:20:41]: And lastly, uh just the general approach to establish a destination for our downtown. And that can take the shape of many things. Um, it could be a welcome center, artwork. [1:20:42, 1:20:57]: a park trailhead sculptures. Um some of the work that uh the down uh the city is doing is to transform uh my understanding is that uh one of the buildings will be transformed into a welcome center and I think that will [1:20:58, 1:20:59]: Um [1:20:59, 1:21:03]: Offer an opp opportunity to meet that particular goal. [1:21:04, 1:21:12]: So let me pause here and kind of open it up for questions, discussion on the items listed on this first page that I've reviewed. [1:21:18, 1:21:21]: I I think they're all great ideas. [1:21:22, 1:21:22]: Let's do it. [1:21:23, 1:21:24]: All right. [1:21:24, 1:21:25]: Thank you, Bob. [1:21:26, 1:21:28]: Any other thoughts, uh feedback? [1:21:28, 1:21:29]: On any of them? [1:21:30, 1:21:33]: I co sign on all of that um for all the reasons mentioned. Um [1:21:34, 1:21:35]: 'Cause definitely [1:21:36, 1:21:39]: A pathway is definitely needed. It's it's not safe uh at all. [1:21:40, 1:21:41]: And um [1:21:41, 1:21:43]: It'll be great to have [1:21:43, 1:21:44]: Something that [1:21:45, 1:21:46]: Helps to link. [1:21:46, 1:21:47]: Ти [1:21:48, 1:21:50]: Amphitheater and [1:21:50, 1:21:51]: City Hall to [1:21:52, 1:21:55]: The business is right across the street in in a way that's appealing. [1:21:56, 1:21:57]: And uh it's uh [1:21:58, 1:21:59]: A good compliment. [1:22:00, 1:22:01]: Thank you. [1:22:02, 1:22:04]: Any other thoughts or feedback, anyone? [1:22:05, 1:22:08]: I echo um Mr. Swagger and Mr. Christian. [1:22:10, 1:22:11]: I do have a question. [1:22:11, 1:22:13]: In terms of the quiet railroad [1:22:14, 1:22:19]: Yes. Um have we heard have you heard anything from the city in terms of their discussions? [1:22:20, 1:22:20]: Uh with [1:22:21, 1:22:22]: Uh the railroad. [1:22:22, 1:22:30]: Uh good. Thank you for asking that because actually there's a few points with that that I failed to mention that I think are worth mentioning. Um [1:22:30, 1:22:38]: Obviously the the railroad owns the property. It's it's their right of way and not n that's not gonna change. [1:22:38, 1:22:39]: Um [1:22:40, 1:22:44]: Railroads in general, I think, are trying to. [1:22:44, 1:22:45]: Um [1:22:46, 1:23:02]: uh close down as many crossings as possible. I guess just there's probably a cost factor and safety and other reasons why they wanna and especially where there are two crossings very close to each other, the railroad is uh in you know interested in maybe uh limiting one or the other. [1:23:02, 1:23:02]: You know. [1:23:03, 1:23:06]: That does present a concern. [1:23:06, 1:23:15]: Um, if we were to consider, say for example, I think the the the s south of one thirty eight, I think the crossing is on a street. If I'm gonna s if I'm saying this right, is I think it's Nolan Street. [1:23:16, 1:23:25]: Um right there behind the food depot and where the uh where the school is is where it crosses. Um if that rail crossing were to be closed down [1:23:26, 1:23:34]: It would severely limit the residents in that historic neighborhood on the south side of the food depot. And um [1:23:34, 1:23:54]: You know, you know, the city could work with Norfolk Southern to sort of do a bit of a trade-off type of thing where, you know, maybe we close down this crossing, but we uh quiet the other one, you know, silence the other one. Um, but we still need to address uh the needs of the of the of the residents and owners of that neighborhood. [1:23:54, 1:23:55]: Okay. [1:23:55, 1:24:02]: And just one idea to throw out here is um for all of you who are familiar with the RSVP visioning. [1:24:02, 1:24:09]: Um there is an an um there is one concept of a pedestrian crossover. [1:24:10, 1:24:11]: It's been envisioned to be. [1:24:12, 1:24:14]: On the north side of one thirty eight. [1:24:16, 1:24:19]: Um, but if we're going to um [1:24:20, 1:24:21]: I guess I'll just throw out there. [1:24:22, 1:24:22]: Mm. [1:24:22, 1:24:32]: One consideration could be to consider moving that pedestrian path. So in other words, close down the vehicular crossing on the railroad on the Nolan Street side. [1:24:32, 1:24:37]: but build a pedestrian pathway on the south side of 138. [1:24:37, 1:24:45]: Um and there's some other considerations on that uh with that concept. It's just an idea. I'm not I'm not speaking on behalf of the railroad or anybody. [1:24:46, 1:24:51]: It's just a way that might um serve the needs of the folks in that neighborhood. [1:24:51, 1:24:56]: And at the same time, you know, manage the silencing of the railroad. [1:25:00, 1:25:00]: Other [1:25:01, 1:25:03]: Thoughts, questions, comments on this one? [1:25:04, 1:25:05]: Or this page. [1:25:06, 1:25:07]: I have a question. [1:25:07, 1:25:08]: Sure. [1:25:08, 1:25:12]: You said the city was not interested in the pedestrian path. [1:25:13, 1:25:15]: Well, it was [1:25:16, 1:25:22]: Let me say this that we're talking about the first item when uh the the the yeah. Um [1:25:22, 1:25:24]: It was more the master planning. [1:25:25, 1:25:26]: Um [1:25:27, 1:25:43]: effort in and of itself. So we the DDA did hire, approved, and funded a master planning to be done by the design firm that has done some of the other planning activities for the city. I think I think the same firm is involved with the uh with the art center concept. [1:25:43, 1:25:47]: And um it in it involved some [1:25:47, 1:25:53]: Answers that needed to be answered by by by the city. Space one of them is like, where do you want the crossing? [1:25:54, 1:25:58]: Cause there was one concept that actually changed the crossing to be somewhere else other than Love Street. [1:25:59, 1:26:14]: And um that um it just it wasn't getting the response that it needed and eventually COVID happened and everything sort of shut down. So that that master planning activity got suspended. [1:26:15, 1:26:16]: We could pursue it. [1:26:17, 1:26:20]: And you know, restart it, but in my opinion. [1:26:20, 1:26:22]: You know, it has to have the support of the city. [1:26:22, 1:26:30]: And so m you know, Mr. Peterson, uh, if you're still with us, maybe uh yeah, yeah, you are. Um, you know, that that's that you know how we go about [1:26:31, 1:26:39]: designing that pedestrian path, whether we just do it through an engineering plan or we do it through a larger master plan. [1:26:40, 1:26:40]: Um [1:26:40, 1:26:48]: I'm open to any approach, but um that's where we left off that master plan. So it's suspended. We could pick it up if we wanted to. [1:26:51, 1:26:56]: Yes, and I'll I'll need to get uh the details leading up to the suspension. [1:26:56, 1:26:57]: of that plan. [1:26:58, 1:27:02]: Um so that's a that's that's another conversation. But it it sounds great and [1:27:02, 1:27:05]: You know, we discussed this when we spoke last week. [1:27:06, 1:27:22]: Very good. I'll move on to the next page here. And these are just other considerations. Now, some of these I I'm I'm I'm I'm feeling like we might move one or more of these to what we would consider our top priority. And the first one is one that Barber spoke to, which is the architectural standards for the city. [1:27:23, 1:27:39]: Um another one is there is there is a building in um in in one of the old storefronts that is uh owned by the city now. And there's some consideration for you know what we call a white box development, which is where you know the building gets [1:27:39, 1:27:41]: Um sort of just uh you know. [1:27:42, 1:27:46]: re renovated to the point where it would be ready for a a tenant. [1:27:47, 1:27:57]: Um the DDA would very likely, depending on the concept and and what type of um development we end up with there, the DDA would very likely be involved with that, maybe as a [1:27:58, 1:28:00]: uh maybe as a a lessor. [1:28:00, 1:28:02]: Is that the right term? Um or [1:28:02, 1:28:07]: some other way. But um I just wanted to mention that to this group that that could come up. [1:28:08, 1:28:25]: There's also a building in front of the Merrmander Center. It's an old stone cottage. Uh, there's some consideration for, you know, that being a smaller event space or maybe like a bridal suite type of concept for the the Merrmanders. Um [1:28:25, 1:28:31]: Not a lot of details to these. These are just uh things that have come up that have been um that may have DDA involvement. [1:28:33, 1:28:39]: I'm sorry, Rachel. Go ahead. Question. The stone cottage, is that the building where there's currently [1:28:39, 1:28:40]: Uh staff in? [1:28:41, 1:28:42]: Or is that a different one? [1:28:42, 1:28:50]: Maybe. I don't know. I'm not exactly sure. I I want to say there's actually two buildings out there. I don't know if they're both owned by the city or if it's the one you're you're speaking of. [1:28:52, 1:28:55]: Question which building exactly is one hundred fourteen M L K? [1:28:56, 1:28:58]: It's um [1:28:58, 1:29:07]: One of the storefronts between Barn Beautiful and the the Ted. So it's one of those old storefronts. It's it it's currently vacant. [1:29:08, 1:29:08]: Okay. [1:29:13, 1:29:25]: All right. Um the trail plan was adopted by the city probably uh many years ago, three, four years ago, I want to say. Um and I'd like to see, you know, it didn't have a lot of specifics, but I what I what [1:29:26, 1:29:33]: Reflecting back on my background from you know where I grew up in Miami and seeing some of these uh neighborhoods transform. [1:29:34, 1:29:39]: Part of the reason that these cities transformed is because there was a solid [1:29:40, 1:29:41]: destination. [1:29:42, 1:29:45]: And now in a post ковід world. [1:29:46, 1:29:50]: We've we've all come to appreciate open air space. [1:29:50, 1:30:00]: And a multi-use trail can really transform. I've seen it happen in Midtown with the, you know, I I can remember attending meetings when the belt line was a concept. [1:30:00, 1:30:01]: And um [1:30:02, 1:30:10]: Indeed, we um have a potential here to connect our downtown as a linear park. [1:30:10, 1:30:12]: to some of these other um [1:30:12, 1:30:17]: uh parks that are already operated by the city and kind of superimpose a [1:30:18, 1:30:21]: A linear park in the center of our downtown. [1:30:22, 1:30:24]: And that alone, I think. [1:30:24, 1:30:25]: can bring [1:30:26, 1:30:34]: many other forms of development because people want to live near a place where they can enjoy the outdoors, walk their dogs, enjoy times with their family and so on safely. [1:30:35, 1:30:35]: Um [1:30:36, 1:30:39]: There's other the Berk Street Plaza and Infill that is a [1:30:39, 1:30:51]: potential idea for the and this is this is on the backside of MLK Senior, if you will, the Burke Street side. There's some uh underutilized uh developments there. [1:30:51, 1:30:56]: um sidewalks throughout and then of course there's the art center and theater as concepts. [1:30:57, 1:31:03]: Not all of these are to-do for DDA, but they can represent things that we may get involved with. [1:31:04, 1:31:08]: So I'll open it up for discussion on any of these. [1:31:14, 1:31:17]: So if you had to uh [1:31:18, 1:31:22]: Go ahead. Yes, please. [1:31:22, 1:31:23]: Wanted to [1:31:23, 1:31:26]: Focus in on one or two of these things as [1:31:26, 1:31:28]: priority items, things that [1:31:28, 1:31:31]: You know, we want to be proactive. [1:31:31, 1:31:33]: in you know, kinda. [1:31:34, 1:31:35]: working on a [1:31:36, 1:31:37]: What would you [1:31:38, 1:31:39]: Choose out of this list. [1:31:40, 1:31:45]: Out of the second page, I would probably prioritize this first one because I know this is foundational work. [1:31:46, 1:31:56]: that needs to happen before other develop before we can comfortably invite a lot of development into the city. Otherwise you end up with a half hazard mix of um buildings that don't really [1:31:57, 1:31:58]: You know. [1:31:59, 1:32:00]: Speak to a sense of place. [1:32:02, 1:32:03]: Okay. [1:32:05, 1:32:08]: Other thoughts, questions, comments? Anyone? [1:32:09, 1:32:12]: I I agree. I think the architectural standards is probably [1:32:13, 1:32:15]: would probably be buying number of [1:32:15, 1:32:17]: Number one on the second page there. [1:32:17, 1:32:17]: Yeah. [1:32:19, 1:32:20]: Okay. [1:32:24, 1:32:25]: Any other thoughts? [1:32:28, 1:32:38]: All right. Um so what I'm hearing is maybe even move this uh architectural standards to the to the to this being our if this is gonna be our top priority. I think there was kind of a general consensus with that. [1:32:39, 1:32:42]: And then we add to that the architectural standard. So we would have kind [1:32:43, 1:32:47]: I would say the way I would I view this is sort of have five foundational [1:32:48, 1:32:50]: elements that that guide [1:32:50, 1:32:53]: The work that we do as a DDA. [1:32:56, 1:33:00]: Any other thoughts before I close this part of the discussion? [1:33:01, 1:33:03]: I agree with moving that to a top priority. [1:33:04, 1:33:04]: All right. [1:33:06, 1:33:11]: All right, I will um stop sharing and we'll move on to the next item. Give me a moment here. [1:33:12, 1:33:32]: Um, I think the only thing that remains for today's agenda is uh just a a a brief update on the um the pending um sale that was, you know, it was made notice in a in a public meeting. Um as as you remember, there's there's two elements to the transaction. The first is an intergovernmental agreement between the DDA. [1:33:32, 1:33:39]: the city. And the second part is of course the purchase and sale agreement between the DDA and the buyer. [1:33:40, 1:33:55]: There's been some good work done on both of those. In fact, the intergovernmental agreement or the IGA I signed uh this morning. The concerns that I mentioned to you in an email to the group last week were all addressed. And we're just waiting for the formal [1:33:55, 1:34:07]: you know, wet signature copy to get routed to the appropriate parties, but they do have uh a digital copy of my signature uh representing the DDA. And I've shared that with with all of you. [1:34:07, 1:34:20]: Um the purchase and sale agreement has we are uh we are waiting for the I guess the copy, if you will, from the uh the city's attorney also to be routed. So those those both of those are in motion. [1:34:21, 1:34:30]: Any thoughts or questions about any of that that we can speak in a public setting and or does anyone need to go into a closed session to discuss the real estate transaction? [1:34:31, 1:34:35]: Guess we could go into closed session if if we have to, uh we could uh have it [1:34:36, 1:34:40]: My only concern is that I know we are in motion. [1:34:41, 1:34:44]: Uh, I guess we can discuss that in a close session so we can uh either vote. [1:34:46, 1:34:48]: On it since everything is already finalized. [1:34:49, 1:34:50]: Just uh [1:34:50, 1:34:52]: Take it to the next level and vote on it. [1:34:52, 1:34:54]: And those things to be uh [1:34:54, 1:34:56]: Brought up to us later on a update. [1:35:00, 1:35:20]: I I'm not aware of anything that is requiring a vote. So we voted in our last meeting to authorize the chair to serve on behalf of the DDA, and that part's been done. Now it I think it's just a matter of waiting for the final signatures and the earnest money that would accompany the payment. [1:35:20, 1:35:23]: So it's, you know, if you will, my part of it is done at this stage. [1:35:24, 1:35:26]: All right. So just a little clarification because we've been uh [1:35:27, 1:35:27]: You know. [1:35:28, 1:35:29]: Oh while now so [1:35:29, 1:35:30]: Right now. [1:35:31, 1:35:33]: You sign that uh that um [1:35:34, 1:35:36]: The IGA. [1:35:36, 1:35:37]: The IGA will go as [1:35:38, 1:35:39]: To the city. [1:35:39, 1:35:43]: And those two things that you were concerned of that you were satisfied with. [1:35:43, 1:35:45]: Mm-hmm. Yes, both of them, indeed. [1:35:46, 1:35:48]: Yeah, they were addressed uh directly. [1:35:49, 1:35:54]: So the only thing is we hold them back, you say, for the city attorney to get back to to us or get back to the city? [1:35:55, 1:36:00]: uh t to t for the for the final routing of the signatures for the purchase and sale agreement. [1:36:01, 1:36:10]: So I've I've given my authorization and we're just waiting for the final copy to be routed for signature. And as soon as I get it, I'll sign it because I didn't have any. [1:36:11, 1:36:31]: There were no issues or concerns. I mean, I had a few questions on the and I sent that thread to you all. Um, but there there was n nothing on the purchase and sale agreement that would have prevented me from signing it. So we're we're ready to move forward with that. We just need the uh uh up they needed to update the date and just have the final copy. [1:36:31, 1:36:40]: and for me to sign them. As soon as I get that, I'll turn it around the same day. And when when was this sign and and so that we can get an update from the city why they're taking so long to respond back to you? [1:36:41, 1:36:55]: Well, um, it hasn't been on the city side the whole time. Um the the response was slow, frankly, on both sides from uh I I think our attorney in some cases, as well as from the city's attorney. Um, so I I mean I can't speak to [1:36:55, 1:37:06]: what exactly, but it you know, when I when I received it on behalf of the D D A, I turned I either responded with questions or with my, you know, uh signature same day. So [1:37:06, 1:37:08]: Um there's there's no real [1:37:08, 1:37:12]: I've not I'm not aware of anything that is held up on the DDA side. [1:37:14, 1:37:17]: All right. Well well, I mean if that's the case, then we just like an update. [1:37:17, 1:37:23]: Uh not by the next meeting, but an update in terms when they do correspond to you and everything is transferred over. [1:37:24, 1:37:29]: Uh, because that was one of the issues that I was concerned over this was dragging on too long because we had this almost three months now. [1:37:30, 1:37:34]: That's right. Uh and you know, and for us just to go through another question was [1:37:34, 1:37:35]: Address like you said. [1:37:36, 1:37:39]: Service on the city side and let that be known that we did our job. [1:37:40, 1:37:41]: Uh, you already signed it. [1:37:42, 1:37:43]: And you're just waiting for them. [1:37:43, 1:37:46]: Just for clarification for everybody here, just waiting for the dam to [1:37:47, 1:37:48]: To accept it or [1:37:49, 1:37:50]: To get back to you. [1:37:50, 1:37:52]: to route the final copy for signature. [1:37:53, 1:37:57]: I I think the negotiation, all the terms have been agreed to. There's no [1:37:58, 1:38:04]: There's no I'm not aware of any pending items where we're waiting for them to agree to something that we're asking for. There's none of that on the [1:38:05, 1:38:08]: Uh PSA, uh we're just waiting for the final copy to sign off. [1:38:09, 1:38:09]: That's it. [1:38:10, 1:38:17]: All right, that's what I said. Just give us an update, you know, I mean w you know, when that is done so we don't have to wait for the next month to bring this back to the table. [1:38:17, 1:38:24]: Uh'cause I was if if it wasn't do it, I was gonna bring a motion forward to be uh, you know, adjudicated today. [1:38:24, 1:38:27]: So that we will, you know, make a decision one time and over. [1:38:28, 1:38:32]: Uh,'cause we've got to get old business and that's really old business. [1:38:32, 1:38:36]: And we say we want to do new things and uh um you know make the city [1:38:36, 1:38:39]: Go forward and be uh responsible, so let's not. [1:38:39, 1:38:40]: Uh you know. [1:38:40, 1:38:41]: Delay things that [1:38:42, 1:38:43]: We'll take that block. [1:38:43, 1:39:01]: Right. Understood. Yeah. And I agree. I I will certainly uh I hadn't been giving you any regular updates because uh in the intervals in between there wasn't really much to update. So but indeed uh the next step's going to be a signature. So I'll leave it at this. Um if I don't get a feedback within um [1:39:01, 1:39:17]: Uh, I'll say by the end of next week, you know, I expect this will be a matter of a day or two that that we would get the routed copies and for me to sign. And if that happens, I'll inform everyone. Um, if not, I'll at least send in a uh send you all an update with the latest status by next Friday. [1:39:17, 1:39:24]: Yeah, and I just wanted to be and I just wanna be on record that if it's not done then I I'll call emergency meeting for us to have a [1:39:24, 1:39:26]: uh vote on it and to get rid of it. [1:39:26, 1:39:27]: All right. [1:39:27, 1:39:28]: Noted. [1:39:29, 1:39:30]: Any other discussion? [1:39:31, 1:39:35]: Uh one thing I would say is I would recommend that whether it's um [1:39:36, 1:39:40]: on our side with our attorney or the city attorney that [1:39:41, 1:39:48]: not just emails be sent, but that somebody pick up the phone call, pick up the phone and actually contact that other person to make sh to let them know, hey. [1:39:48, 1:39:51]: I just send it over, you know, it's a waiting, you know. [1:39:52, 1:39:53]: Action on your part. [1:39:53, 1:39:55]: 'Cause I think that was part of the issue. [1:39:56, 1:39:56]: Um [1:39:57, 1:39:58]: Emails were being sent. [1:39:59, 1:40:00]: But no one was picking up the phone. [1:40:01, 1:40:11]: And and I agree I agree with you, uh, Christian. That's a very good point because that was happened when we were bringing back with uh ninth street and uh the debate between whether this person was doing something and the email was stuck. [1:40:12, 1:40:19]: And nobody called and said, I sent you that two weeks ago and it's a month now. Did you get it? Did you receive it? Could you give me a feedback? [1:40:20, 1:40:23]: And that's more responsible because now you're keeping that person accountable. [1:40:23, 1:40:25]: Because once you make a record off it [1:40:26, 1:40:29]: There's no excuse for them, because choice limits excuse. [1:40:29, 1:40:34]: And we just got to start giving people choice so that they can be responsible so that we can know what to do next. [1:40:34, 1:40:45]: And uh and also I want an update of all the board's phone numbers, uh, because I had time, you know, just phone numbers and update and uh titles and positions so people can know who to who. [1:40:46, 1:40:47]: Who is in the D DA? [1:40:48, 1:40:52]: So I I don't know if the secretary does that or the ch uh the chair. [1:40:52, 1:40:58]: Um, I can help lead that, but um I did pose the question. Thank you for bringing that up, Mr. Sears. Um [1:40:59, 1:41:01]: I'll just ask it, you know, publicly and don't [1:41:01, 1:41:05]: Give me your phone numbers here now, but is does anyone object? [1:41:05, 1:41:21]: to uh some of you have already responded and I've noted those, but if anyone has an objection to sharing your phone numbers with the other members of the board, um please let me know tonight after this meeting because otherwise I will send a complete list of everyone's phone numbers. [1:41:21, 1:41:23]: to everyone on this board. [1:41:23, 1:41:34]: Um and so you know I just think it's like like you both have mentioned, um it's good to pick up the phone and just make sure that next step is being realized and not just assume [1:41:34, 1:41:37]: that an email has been sent that it's being received. [1:41:37, 1:41:40]: So especially with a legal matter like this. So uh [1:41:40, 1:41:43]: Good point. Thank you for calling that out. Any other discussion? [1:41:44, 1:41:51]: I have a question. Um, can I get the details for the purchase and sale agreement or does it even matter because it's [1:41:51, 1:42:04]: Pretty much almost done. No, it's a good point. And I want to bring you in on it. So th thank you. Um what I'll do is schedule maybe a separate meeting with you, Samequa, to brief you on [1:42:05, 1:42:08]: You know, where we are and what transpired prior to that, just to bring you up to speed on it. [1:42:12, 1:42:14]: Any other discussion or questions? [1:42:18, 1:42:30]: All right. Um that I believe was the last item on our agenda. Is there anything else, uh general comments before we uh move to adjourn the meeting? [1:42:32, 1:42:34]: Uh we don't have to go in the executive session, right? So that's [1:42:35, 1:42:42]: Not unless we first I would like to thank you. This is the first time we've had an hour and a half meeting, and I would like but to keep on going down and down. [1:42:43, 1:42:56]: Well so we're starting up we're starting up the new year very well. So I hope we can keep that uh, you know, just keep our conversation, you know. I mean I I don't know wanna have a timer. [1:42:56, 1:42:57]: And have a [1:42:57, 1:43:00]: parliamentarian and we have a hourglass. [1:43:01, 1:43:15]: Right. Uh if we go over the time. So again, happy new year to everybody. We didn't mention that. So uh new year. Right, right. Hey, look, and I tell people I don't make resolution. I always say, what is your hope for 2021? [1:43:16, 1:43:18]: 'Cause hope without a plan will leave you hopeless. [1:43:19, 1:43:19]: So [1:43:21, 1:43:22]: Indeed. [1:43:22, 1:43:25]: All right. Um so I'll [1:43:25, 1:43:27]: Uh anyone want to make a motion to adjourn? [1:43:29, 1:43:31]: I move that we adjourn tonight's meeting. [1:43:32, 1:43:32]: Right. [1:43:33, 1:43:40]: And Ms. Richardson has seconded. And Mr. Schweigert, if you would mind calling the roll, we'll make sure we close in an orderly fashion. [1:43:43, 1:43:45]: Okay, uh Roger Custon. [1:43:45, 1:43:47]: I'll say yes to adjourn. [1:43:47, 1:43:48]: Okay, just to jerk. [1:43:49, 1:43:51]: Uh Arthur Christian. Yes. [1:43:51, 1:43:52]: Over Richardson. [1:43:52, 1:43:53]: Yes. [1:43:53, 1:43:54]: Actual Sears? [1:43:55, 1:43:56]: Yes. [1:43:56, 1:43:59]: Bob Swagert, yes. Sunni Kwa King? [1:43:59, 1:44:00]: Yes. [1:44:01, 1:44:02]: Realness. [1:44:02, 1:44:17]: All right, very good. I won't keep you any further with any boring remarks. I've made my remarks, so I want to thank you all. I'm very excited about this. Thank you, Madame. Thank you, Madame Mr. Christian. I wish you all well. I mean thank you, Mr. Rasta. Bye bye. [1:44:18, 1:44:19]: Good night. [1:44:19, 1:44:20]: Good night.