2017-01-31 · City Council · Transcript · Work Session Meeting

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