2021-03-17 · City Council · Transcript · Council Retreat Day 1

--- title: Council Retreat Day 1 date: 2021-03-17 source: 2021-03-17_Council_Retreat_Day_1.wav --- [0:00:29, 0:00:32]: And Vanessa said this is going to be on Facebook Live. Is that correct? [0:00:36, 0:00:41]: I'm sorry, I was muted. Yes, the answer is yes. Okay, sounds good. I said that then. Thank you. Appreciate it. [0:00:50, 0:00:51]: Good morning. [0:00:51, 0:00:52]: Yeah, morning, Vanessa. How you doing? [0:00:53, 0:00:59]: Well, how are you today? I I guess we got uh Councilwoman Barber and Councilman Blount online as well. Good morning to you all. [0:01:24, 0:01:27]: Councilman Blount, sir. [0:01:30, 0:01:31]: Good morning. How are you? [0:01:31, 0:01:32]: I'm sorry, about yourself. [0:01:33, 0:01:38]: I uh yeah, I'm gonna I'm gonna be joining, but I'm gonna be mostly um without video, so [0:01:39, 0:01:50]: Okay. I will tell you that uh I I uh listened to the meeting last night. It kinda went in and out a few times on me. Um, but uh seems as though that uh [0:01:50, 0:01:53]: Uh we didn't get our particular wish there. [0:01:54, 0:01:55]: And reference. Yeah, yeah. [0:01:57, 0:01:58]: So um [0:01:58, 0:02:07]: So I don't know what I'm not sure exactly what's going to be happening next, but this aspect. We are recording, sir. Oh, I'm sorry. Sco okay. It just happened. [0:02:07, 0:02:15]: All right. I'll I'll be quiet. Morning, everyone. Morning. Thank you. Good morning. Okay. Thank you for that, Vanessa. Appreciate it. Let me be quiet. [0:02:15, 0:02:24]: I m do something wrong. Um yes, sir. Yeah. I'm gonna go on mute you guys, but I I am here uh listening and I'll be able to interject whenever I need to. Um [0:02:25, 0:02:27]: Um, you got that Vanessa? [0:02:28, 0:02:31]: Ms. Holiday, I'm sorry. Okay, thanks. Appreciate you. Thanks. [0:02:56, 0:02:58]: Morning, Councilman Thomas. How you doing, sir? [0:02:59, 0:03:02]: Ms. Gantt, how you doing? Good morning. Morning to you. Morning. [0:03:02, 0:03:10]: Are we we're not Facebook Live, are we? Are we going live? We are. We are, yes. We are? Yes. [0:03:10, 0:03:11]: Oh God. [0:03:12, 0:03:13]: Okay. [0:03:14, 0:03:16]: Yeah. Uh [0:03:17, 0:03:20]: All right, I'll be in and out. I'm helping my daughter virtually. [0:03:21, 0:03:25]: But I'll I'll be the phone will be on, good Lord. [0:03:25, 0:03:27]: I didn't know we were going live. [0:03:27, 0:03:28]: Uh yes ma'am. [0:03:30, 0:03:45]: Who's the bright idea with that? Well, I mean, this is what we we well typically I have we have these retreats we're off site, but uh um I guess in a sense it was I was just asked about that and of course the answer is yes, that we're going live. It's reporting. We're we're we're live now. [0:03:45, 0:03:49]: Yes, sir. We are live now. That's correct. We are live now. That's correct. [0:03:49, 0:03:51]: That is correct. Okay. [0:03:52, 0:03:52]: Thank you. [0:03:52, 0:03:53]: You're welcome. [0:03:56, 0:04:05]: Let me know if I need to stop again. No, no, you're good. You're good, sir. You're good. We're this is fine. We're uh it's all part of process of uh [0:04:05, 0:04:12]: Being an elected body and showing transparency and and doing the good work of the citizens. That's what we're elected to do. [0:04:12, 0:04:13]: Sound good. [0:04:13, 0:04:14]: Yeah, so [0:04:16, 0:04:17]: Mr. Knighton, and morning to you, sir. [0:04:19, 0:04:21]: Good morning, hello to all. [0:04:21, 0:04:22]: Okay, so I actually [0:04:23, 0:04:27]: Oh geez, let me think. I'm still missing uh [0:04:30, 0:04:31]: Okay, Ness. [0:04:38, 0:04:41]: Good morning. Good morning. Good morning to you. [0:04:43, 0:04:47]: All right. So in our actuality then we actually have [0:04:48, 0:04:50]: A corn and we have everybody. [0:04:51, 0:04:52]: All right. [0:04:53, 0:04:55]: So I have [0:04:55, 0:04:57]: And I have nine o'clock. [0:04:58, 0:05:05]: Hi ladies and gentlemen, we're uh we are live recording and on Facebook Live and we might as well get started with our council retreat. [0:05:05, 0:05:18]: March 17th, uh, 2021. It is nine o'clock. And uh Miss Holiday, could you please um well I like to call meeting order, obviously, this aspect, but uh uh could you do a roll call, please? [0:05:21, 0:05:21]: Mayor Ford. [0:05:22, 0:05:22]: Present. [0:05:23, 0:05:25]: Mayor Pro Tem Alexander. [0:05:26, 0:05:27]: President. [0:05:27, 0:05:28]: Councilwoman Barber. [0:05:29, 0:05:30]: President. [0:05:31, 0:05:32]: Councilman Blount. [0:05:35, 0:05:35]: Present. [0:05:36, 0:05:38]: Councilwoman Gantt. [0:05:38, 0:05:39]: Present. [0:05:40, 0:05:41]: And Councilman Thomas. [0:05:42, 0:05:43]: Present. [0:05:43, 0:05:44]: Mayor Ford, do you have a quorum? [0:05:45, 0:05:46]: Thank you, ma'am. Appreciate it. [0:05:46, 0:05:48]: And I'll give the invocation for for today. [0:05:48, 0:05:49]: Please bow your hand. [0:05:50, 0:06:10]: Lord, thank you for bringing us together once again as we start our three-day retreat, as we continue to have conversations and make logical decisions in reference to our city as we move it forward. A lot of presentations be worthwhile and and and the fact that we have good conversations and discussions and spirited ideas and thoughts. And be as always, Lord, as we continue. [0:06:10, 0:06:16]: To do the best we can for our citizens and move the city forward and make the city of Stockbridge even greater than it is today. [0:06:16, 0:06:21]: We need you in all time, Lord, to guide us the right path. Your name. Amen. [0:06:22, 0:06:24]: Okay, uh Stanford of Pledge Allegiance. [0:06:27, 0:06:30]: Pledge allegiance to the flag. [0:06:30, 0:06:32]: Of the United States of America. [0:06:32, 0:06:35]: To the republic for which it stands. [0:06:35, 0:06:36]: One nation. [0:06:37, 0:06:38]: I don't know if that's [0:06:38, 0:06:42]: Indivisible with liberty and just as well. [0:06:45, 0:06:52]: And I realize Vanessa that I kind of probably did that a little bit out of order in a sense, but um, but we all got it, we got it done. [0:06:52, 0:07:11]: We got it done, sir. Yeah, got it done. Absolutely. Uh what it amounts to, ladies and gentlemen, uh with us besides the council being present, of course the clerk is present. Uh Mr. Peterson is online. Good to see you, sir. This aspect, our um economic director and Mr. Washington and Mr. Berry, our attorneys are online as well today. [0:07:11, 0:07:31]: Of course, we can't make this happen without our IT support. So this is great in this aspect. Look forward to uh a great uh retreat as we once again discuss the issues and concerns of the city and make a path forward for success uh for us all in this aspect. On that note, oh and also uh as you well know we have plenty of presentations. [0:07:31, 0:07:41]: And so those individuals will be introduced as they come up on the agenda within the next couple of days. On that note, Mr. Knightong, I hand it to you, sir, for your retreat overview. [0:07:41, 0:07:45]: Yes, thank you, uh Mayor Ford and to the mayor and council. [0:07:45, 0:07:47]: Uh good to see you this morning. [0:07:47, 0:07:52]: Um we do have uh fairly stocked uh uh sessions and retreats over the next [0:07:53, 0:08:13]: Uh several days, and we want to make sure that we are able to address all of the items that are on the retreat. We'll do our very best to stay on task and on time. I'm sure that uh Ms. Holiday will keep us uh in a good place in terms of time, making sure we transition one to another, but we certainly want to be able to provide ample. [0:08:13, 0:08:13]: time. [0:08:14, 0:08:22]: To discuss the matters that are before us because they are significant and important for the vision of the city as we progress forward. [0:08:23, 0:08:38]: A couple things I would uh as a matter of course, of course, uh Mayor Ford um being the presiding officer will essentially facilitate uh much of the retreat in terms of transitions from one to another. One of the things that um I know that is [0:08:38, 0:08:39]: Um [0:08:39, 0:08:57]: Paramount is the fact that um uh everybody brings something new um and different to the table in terms of skills, experience, and knowledge. And I think forums like this allow us to be able to share those knowledges and experiences and help. [0:08:57, 0:08:58]: Uh cultivate. [0:08:59, 0:09:03]: good decisions that can be made uh when those are uh those [0:09:03, 0:09:05]: uh opinions and thoughts. [0:09:05, 0:09:08]: are shared with one another and respected by everybody. [0:09:09, 0:09:25]: And we have a great chance of ultimately coming to uh some good decisions, some good thoughts as it relates to the city. So we look forward to the sharing of ideas today, um, mayor and council along with uh the staff members and the speakers that we'll have present. [0:09:25, 0:09:26]: Uh, for today. [0:09:27, 0:09:31]: Uh we will have a financial update, uh brief financial update from [0:09:31, 0:09:34]: The treasurer John Wiggins um in addition to that. [0:09:35, 0:09:41]: Uh once he completes his financial update, I would like to just briefly go over the American Rescue Plan. [0:09:41, 0:10:01]: Uh the direct aid to cities of about$130 billion. That's something that has come about just last week, and more information has been flowing to us related to that. In fact, we've got some information just as late as yesterday, more information about that. There's still some things that are unclear, but there are uh some very significant ideas. [0:10:01, 0:10:03]: Items in that uh uh plan. [0:10:04, 0:10:10]: that uh certainly can benefit and uh impact local government. So I want to be able to try to go through that. [0:10:10, 0:10:16]: Um just based on some information um we received as late as yesterday afternoon or yesterday, I should say. [0:10:17, 0:10:23]: Uh secondly, um, we're gonna go through uh we got Mr. Uh uh Judge McCord, excuse me. [0:10:23, 0:10:28]: A municipal court. One of the decisions, of course, that was made by the council recently relates to [0:10:28, 0:10:40]: The beginnings of a police department. We have gone ahead and looped forward with a job description, which I shared with you all related to a police chief position. [0:10:40, 0:10:45]: But there are other implications for um the beginning of a police department. [0:10:45, 0:10:53]: That we want to make sure that we understand now as we plan for ultimate implementation. One of those is the impact to municipal court. [0:10:54, 0:11:09]: um and how uh the prospect of a police department uh and the associated um uh connection between uh police department and the courts uh could impact the courts. So we want to hear directly from [0:11:09, 0:11:12]: Uh Judge McCord um about that. [0:11:13, 0:11:16]: Uh then um later in the morning we have Bill Stark. [0:11:16, 0:11:19]: Um leader Dove who is a facilitator. [0:11:19, 0:11:39]: And uh an organizational consultant. He'll lead us uh in a component of a strategic planning process. This is a a one part of a uh longer process to complete a strategic plan, but a very important one, which is a SWOT analysis, uh strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. And then um [0:11:39, 0:11:44]: In the early part of the afternoon, we'll have uh consultants um [0:11:44, 0:11:47]: Um who are working on the unified development code. [0:11:47, 0:11:56]: Give you an update on where they are in that process. And then also get some additional thoughts from you as council members related to. [0:11:56, 0:12:01]: uh unified development code, uh zoning ordinances, uh things of that nature. [0:12:01, 0:12:04]: And then um the latter part of this afternoon we will [0:12:05, 0:12:15]: Go into the aquatic center uh discussion. Um uh myself and Mr. Berry and Mr. Washington did meet with [0:12:15, 0:12:22]: Um Miss Matthews, the county manager, and um uh their attorney, Patrick Jock Stetter on Friday. [0:12:23, 0:12:24]: Had a conversation with them. [0:12:25, 0:12:28]: We also have of course the resolution that was passed by. [0:12:28, 0:12:30]: Henry County last week. [0:12:30, 0:12:33]: Авич, ви воді говорю with you. [0:12:33, 0:12:38]: uh in terms of your feedback and comments as it relates to um the aquatic center. [0:12:38, 0:12:40]: Um and that completes um [0:12:41, 0:12:42]: The balance of day one. [0:12:43, 0:12:48]: Uh day two, uh we're going to get into uh some other items as well, including having [0:12:49, 0:12:54]: guest speaker chief grogan from the city of Dunwitty police chief there who started a police department several years ago. [0:12:54, 0:13:00]: from the ground up. So he'll uh be very important for our conversation as it relates to police. [0:13:01, 0:13:04]: We'll have an update uh on the amphitheater from Kurt Russell. [0:13:05, 0:13:08]: Kirk Russell. Kirk Vocal with HJ Russell. [0:13:08, 0:13:10]: Um, we'll also discuss annexation. [0:13:11, 0:13:25]: Um and then have project uh updates from uh Falcon Design, as well as discuss um um some overarching thoughts on procurement policies, primarily led by Jeremy Berry, who has some extensive knowledge. [0:13:25, 0:13:26]: Uh in that area. [0:13:27, 0:13:29]: And then on Friday we'll have um [0:13:30, 0:13:35]: TSW here with us. Primarily the discussion will center around the Cultural Arts Center. [0:13:36, 0:13:39]: We need to have some discussions there. [0:13:40, 0:13:42]: en en hopfully finalize [0:13:43, 0:13:48]: concept or or or go a long way into finalizing the concept for the final concept for [0:13:48, 0:13:50]: The cultural arts center. [0:13:50, 0:13:56]: uh within the parameters of the financial budget that's established or has been established by the council. [0:13:57, 0:13:59]: Then we're gonna have a brief discussion about T Splost. [0:13:59, 0:14:05]: Um, because there will be a call, um, a formal meeting, joint meeting of all of the county and the cities. [0:14:06, 0:14:11]: Uh I believe for April fifteenth. I believe it's proposed for April fifteenth at six o'clock is our call. [0:14:12, 0:14:32]: For T Splost. And then we want to talk about work off of the project list that we discussed last fall or last summer, I guess it was, when uh T S PLOST initially was discussed. And um we do have a section on for executive session on Friday, late Friday morning as well for any matters. [0:14:31, 0:14:35]: that uh uh need executives disc session discussion. [0:14:36, 0:14:40]: So um we got a number of things that we uh want to discuss. [0:14:40, 0:14:42]: Or need to discuss with the council. [0:14:42, 0:14:45]: Um as we move forward to um [0:14:46, 0:14:51]: uh completing uh several of these capital projects, formation of police department, et cetera. [0:14:51, 0:15:02]: So we look forward to discussion um uh for today and uh the next couple of days, and um uh I'm sure that we will have very substantive [0:15:03, 0:15:04]: And productive. [0:15:04, 0:15:08]: uh feedback. So with that I'll I'll turn it back to to Mayor Ford. [0:15:09, 0:15:15]: Well, actually, thank you, sir. I appreciate it. But uh I would tell you go right to Mr. Wiggins for a financial update. Mr. Wiggins, please. [0:15:16, 0:15:23]: Yes. Good morning, Mayor and Council and um fellow staff members. Uh I wanna start out [0:15:24, 0:15:25]: Uh let me [0:15:25, 0:15:27]: I need to um share the screen. [0:15:28, 0:15:29]: So give me a moment, please. [0:15:45, 0:15:46]: Okay. There we go. [0:15:49, 0:15:51]: This is financial update for the council retreat. [0:15:54, 0:15:57]: Start out talking about this the mission. [0:15:57, 0:16:00]: For finance. The finance department provides professional oversight. [0:16:01, 0:16:05]: Consultation to the CD programs and services regarding financial accounting. [0:16:05, 0:16:10]: And budgetary practices. Our focus is to ensure compliance to all relevant [0:16:11, 0:16:12]: Why not show in budgetary relations? [0:16:13, 0:16:15]: regulations, including Georgia budget law. [0:16:16, 0:16:19]: And state statutes governing financial information. [0:16:20, 0:16:23]: Brief description of the department, what we do. [0:16:23, 0:16:28]: Prime finance department provides financial management services to the city departments. [0:16:29, 0:16:30]: And the city council. [0:16:31, 0:16:31]: Parliament. [0:16:32, 0:16:36]: Oversees the preparation and monitoring of the city's annual budget, revenue collection. [0:16:37, 0:16:38]: And coordinates. [0:16:38, 0:16:40]: The annual audit. [0:16:43, 0:16:44]: Next slide. [0:16:45, 0:16:46]: This one I hear. [0:16:47, 0:16:53]: It's the 2020 general fund unaudited statement of revenues, expenditures, and net changes. [0:16:54, 0:16:55]: It uh [0:16:55, 0:16:57]: Starts out with the revenues. [0:16:57, 0:16:59]: uh the budget to actual [0:17:00, 0:17:00]: Actually we [0:17:02, 0:17:02]: Twenty twenty. [0:17:03, 0:17:03]: We [0:17:05, 0:17:05]: We see [0:17:06, 0:17:06]: Twelve [0:17:07, 0:17:10]: Twelve million seven hundred and forty four thousand six forty seven. [0:17:12, 0:17:13]: Expenditures. [0:17:15, 0:17:16]: We s we expend it. [0:17:19, 0:17:23]: Eight milyen nine hundred seventy nine thousand nine seventy nine. [0:17:23, 0:17:25]: It gave us a difference between [0:17:25, 0:17:27]: Revenue and expenditures or three [0:17:28, 0:17:29]: Point eight million. [0:17:30, 0:17:31]: With that. [0:17:33, 0:17:35]: We had a few sales of assets. [0:17:35, 0:17:36]: Think it was [0:17:37, 0:17:38]: Two or three trucks, I think. [0:17:39, 0:17:41]: From uh Public Works. It was um [0:17:42, 0:17:43]: Six thousand three hundred eighty. [0:17:45, 0:17:46]: A transfer is out. [0:17:46, 0:17:50]: Which this is for um our loan that we pay on the building. [0:17:51, 0:17:52]: to one point two milyen [0:17:53, 0:17:55]: It gave us a difference of [0:17:56, 0:17:58]: One point two million. [0:17:59, 0:18:00]: And then it gave us a net change. [0:18:01, 0:18:04]: An excess of revenue over expenditure is two point [0:18:05, 0:18:05]: Six million. [0:18:09, 0:18:09]: Next slide. [0:18:12, 0:18:13]: It talks about I guess those [0:18:14, 0:18:16]: A snapshot of the FY twenty. [0:18:16, 0:18:20]: General Fund Revenues comparison to FY nineteen. [0:18:21, 0:18:21]: Um [0:18:22, 0:18:24]: Like I say in the previous slide, our revenues [0:18:25, 0:18:26]: Ві [0:18:27, 0:18:28]: Right in twelve point [0:18:28, 0:18:29]: Seven million. [0:18:29, 0:18:31]: Last year was nine point eight. [0:18:32, 0:18:34]: They gave us a difference of about um [0:18:35, 0:18:35]: Three million. [0:18:37, 0:18:39]: Only thing about that we only had um [0:18:40, 0:18:43]: Or as uh our investment income was probably the biggest uh [0:18:44, 0:18:44]: Change in that. [0:18:46, 0:18:49]: That basically was due to some um [0:18:50, 0:18:50]: Oh [0:18:53, 0:18:57]: It it wasn't that significant. It's just it's you you can tell by the amount. [0:18:57, 0:18:59]: Of investment that we receive. [0:19:00, 0:19:00]: For his income. [0:19:03, 0:19:04]: Next slide. [0:19:05, 0:19:06]: This is the um [0:19:07, 0:19:09]: FY twenty general fund expenditures. [0:19:11, 0:19:12]: This year we was uh [0:19:13, 0:19:13]: Eight. [0:19:14, 0:19:15]: Eight point nine million. [0:19:16, 0:19:18]: Last year was eight point seven. [0:19:19, 0:19:21]: Give us a difference of uh [0:19:21, 0:19:24]: Two hundred and ninety nine thousand six twenty. So we've pretty much on [0:19:25, 0:19:28]: We spent a pretty much the same as we did last year. [0:19:33, 0:19:40]: This is a um next slide is 2020 enterprise funds on our statement of revenues and expenditures. [0:19:40, 0:19:45]: This shows the water and sewer fund, solid waste fund, and stormwater farm. [0:19:46, 0:19:47]: Uh revenues. [0:19:48, 0:19:50]: Warner Sewer came out to be [0:19:51, 0:19:52]: Four point eight. [0:19:53, 0:19:55]: Thought the waste was one point two. [0:19:56, 0:20:01]: Stormwater was uh one million. It was a total of about seven point one million. [0:20:02, 0:20:03]: Expenditures. [0:20:06, 0:20:07]: We had um [0:20:08, 0:20:09]: For Warren Soul. [0:20:09, 0:20:12]: Came out to be about four point four point three. [0:20:13, 0:20:16]: Solid waste was about one point six. [0:20:16, 0:20:17]: And that's stone water. [0:20:20, 0:20:21]: Expenditures was five hundred [0:20:22, 0:20:23]: And fifty eight thousand three oh seven. [0:20:24, 0:20:26]: Give us a total of expenditures for enterprise. [0:20:27, 0:20:28]: That's six [0:20:29, 0:20:31]: Million three hundred eighty eight thousand eight fifty two. [0:20:32, 0:20:33]: So [0:20:33, 0:20:36]: With their operating income loss. [0:20:36, 0:20:37]: Yeah, um [0:20:40, 0:20:41]: Five hundred. [0:20:42, 0:20:45]: Fifty four thousand seventy three for Warner Seur. [0:20:46, 0:20:47]: A lot of ways. [0:20:49, 0:20:51]: The spinach is a little more than uh [0:20:52, 0:20:56]: Uh revenue was a negative three hundred and thirty seven. [0:20:56, 0:20:57]: Two thirty five. [0:20:58, 0:21:01]: A stormwater was four hundred and sixty six thousand five seventy. [0:21:02, 0:21:04]: Give us a a total of six hundred and eighty three. [0:21:05, 0:21:07]: eighty three thousand four nine. [0:21:14, 0:21:15]: Graph shows um [0:21:18, 0:21:19]: The vision of um [0:21:20, 0:21:26]: The slide before it just shows the water and sewed, solid waste and storm storm water just gives you a visual look of. [0:21:27, 0:21:28]: Of um [0:21:29, 0:21:31]: of of of this um [0:21:32, 0:21:34]: Water sure in a solid waste and [0:21:35, 0:21:36]: Stonewall. [0:21:37, 0:21:38]: Just a comparison. [0:21:39, 0:21:41]: From FY twenty to FY nineteen. [0:21:44, 0:21:45]: Twenty twenty nine major [0:21:46, 0:21:48]: Enterprise funds unaudit statement. [0:21:48, 0:21:50]: of revenues and expenditures. [0:21:50, 0:21:56]: This shows our community center, which is the Ted Ted Strickland, and then our conference center, which is the Murr Manners. [0:21:57, 0:21:58]: Uh, because of the covet. [0:22:01, 0:22:02]: Uh community center. [0:22:02, 0:22:05]: Revenue was negative. [0:22:06, 0:22:07]: Four point nine. [0:22:08, 0:22:08]: uh [0:22:08, 0:22:10]: Four thousand eight hundred and ninety two dollars. [0:22:11, 0:22:14]: And then a conference center was just twenty two thousand. [0:22:14, 0:22:15]: Mm thirty eight. [0:22:16, 0:22:19]: Gave us a total revenue for [0:22:21, 0:22:23]: At seventeen thousand one forty seven. [0:22:24, 0:22:26]: Expenditures for the community center was [0:22:28, 0:22:29]: Forty four thousand. [0:22:30, 0:22:31]: One fifteen. [0:22:32, 0:22:35]: And the conference center was six hundred forty seven thousand four hundred fifty two. [0:22:37, 0:22:41]: So that gives us a uh operating income loss of in total. [0:22:43, 0:22:46]: A negative six hundred and seventy four thousand four twenty one. [0:22:50, 0:22:52]: Twenty twenty splash four update. [0:22:55, 0:22:56]: Capitator. [0:22:57, 0:22:57]: Row [0:22:59, 0:23:00]: We actually spent a hundred and thirty four [0:23:02, 0:23:04]: Thousand seven hundred seven dollars. [0:23:05, 0:23:07]: A bounce left on that to complete that. [0:23:07, 0:23:10]: That particular project is two point eight million. [0:23:11, 0:23:13]: A public works facility, we spent about [0:23:14, 0:23:18]: One point six million. We have about nine hundred eighty three thousand seven sixty three left. [0:23:19, 0:23:21]: To complete our public works facility. [0:23:23, 0:23:25]: A new parts equipment for Rees Creek Bridge. [0:23:26, 0:23:30]: We in twenty twenty we actually spent four hundred and forty six. [0:23:30, 0:23:32]: Thousand six fifty eight. [0:23:32, 0:23:36]: We have a balance left to complete that project, seven hundred. [0:23:36, 0:23:38]: Ninety five thousand four thirty seven. [0:23:40, 0:23:42]: Rest of our splash for expenses [0:23:44, 0:23:45]: On various projects. [0:23:46, 0:23:48]: We actually spent eight hundred thirty seven. [0:23:48, 0:23:50]: Thousand four twenty five. [0:23:50, 0:23:52]: We have one point [0:23:52, 0:23:53]: Три мільян лев. [0:23:53, 0:23:54]: To spin for just [0:23:55, 0:24:03]: Other splash expenses. A lot of that is some of the um amphitheater expenses. [0:24:07, 0:24:09]: So it gives us a total of actually twenty, twenty [0:24:10, 0:24:11]: We spent three three million. [0:24:12, 0:24:13]: And we have a balance left. [0:24:14, 0:24:15]: That's five point six million. [0:24:16, 0:24:17]: I mean I'm sorry, five point nine million. [0:24:22, 0:24:27]: Looking at this year, we're only looking at um two months up to February of this year. [0:24:31, 0:24:32]: We have um [0:24:35, 0:24:40]: Not ha we have not spent that much, but we've looking at the general fund, the revenue. [0:24:41, 0:24:42]: versus expenses. We had [0:24:44, 0:24:45]: Uh budget remaining. [0:24:47, 0:24:49]: We have a difference of eight hundred, seven thousand. [0:24:50, 0:24:51]: Fifty eight. [0:24:52, 0:24:52]: A sour. [0:24:53, 0:24:54]: Is it eighty eight thousand? [0:24:55, 0:24:56]: Eight sixty four. [0:24:57, 0:24:58]: Water revenue. [0:25:00, 0:25:01]: Difference of one thirty eight. [0:25:02, 0:25:02]: Four eight. [0:25:03, 0:25:05]: Stormwater revenues forty five. [0:25:07, 0:25:08]: Thousand one thirty eight. [0:25:09, 0:25:10]: Saw the ways. [0:25:11, 0:25:12]: Two hundred thirteen thousand [0:25:13, 0:25:14]: Eight sixty eight. [0:25:16, 0:25:17]: Conference center revenue. [0:25:18, 0:25:19]: Yeah, the difference. [0:25:19, 0:25:21]: eighty four thousand two fifty five. [0:25:23, 0:25:27]: Community centers at two thousand six oh f six o five. [0:25:28, 0:25:30]: Нітеатр комплекс. [0:25:31, 0:25:31]: Um [0:25:33, 0:25:35]: Uh fine which is new. [0:25:36, 0:25:38]: Is still at um zero. [0:25:38, 0:25:43]: Uh we have not spent anything because we have not completed that project. Uh this would be the fund. [0:25:43, 0:25:44]: There will be [0:25:45, 0:25:45]: Oh [0:25:45, 0:25:52]: doing some of the uh doing a lot of the expenses. Everything far as dealing with the amphitheater after the project's completed would be [0:25:53, 0:25:56]: Our revenue and expenditures will be coming from this particular fund. [0:26:00, 0:26:03]: And that concludes the financial update. [0:26:05, 0:26:07]: Hey, hey John, uh Mayor Ford here. Um [0:26:08, 0:26:12]: As I look at the uh the general fund expense expenditures. [0:26:12, 0:26:26]: In twenty twenty seems as though that the there we spended more money in twenty twenty than we did in uh two thousand nineteen on several different categories. And I'm I guess I'm just trying to figure out how how did that how did that come about if we had [0:26:26, 0:26:30]: our facilities closed down for most well mostly year. [0:26:31, 0:26:40]: This is I think that what the show what it shows is, and I'll let John answer the question, but what it shows is a surplus. [0:26:40, 0:26:50]: It shows a surplus in fund balance overall. That number, that last number, that 2.5. Now these are unaudited. I wanna just say that. Okay. It shows a surplus in fund balance. [0:26:51, 0:26:58]: Yeah, that yeah, you you're you're right. That that two point five, I I I stopped it, you know, when looking at the statement. [0:26:59, 0:27:00]: Um [0:27:01, 0:27:03]: John Farn statement of revenue and expenditures. [0:27:04, 0:27:11]: I stopped it at net changes. I didn't take it all the way to uh to what actually the fund balance would be because that would be the difference between. [0:27:12, 0:27:13]: Last year and this year. [0:27:14, 0:27:17]: plus whatever this um the amount of the net change would be. [0:27:18, 0:27:19]: Uh I know uh [0:27:20, 0:27:20]: With [0:27:21, 0:27:22]: And that change. [0:27:23, 0:27:27]: I stopped it there so it can stay on audited until we can finish the audit in June. [0:27:28, 0:27:33]: Because I know some of that two point five, two point six million, we're gonna have to take care of uh [0:27:33, 0:27:35]: A conference center in a um [0:27:36, 0:27:37]: In a um [0:27:38, 0:27:39]: The community center. [0:27:41, 0:27:42]: They are tied to the um [0:27:43, 0:27:44]: to the general phone. [0:27:44, 0:27:47]: And we need Jennifer helps out that that that [0:27:47, 0:27:49]: those non major enterprise funds. [0:27:50, 0:27:56]: Let me make sure I want to make sure I answer Mayor Foy's question. If we look at the expenditure lines or the expenditure bucket there. [0:27:57, 0:27:59]: General government shows [0:27:59, 0:28:01]: А бюджет три по. [0:28:02, 0:28:05]: But it's but actual expenditures at three point three. [0:28:05, 0:28:17]: Yes. Okay. So that that shows that we budgeted a certain amount but spent less than that. Is that correct, John? That's that's correct. And that's that's that's and that's due to the um [0:28:18, 0:28:20]: to to covert that's due to [0:28:21, 0:28:21]: Uh [0:28:23, 0:28:26]: not spending normally what we would have spent um [0:28:26, 0:28:29]: Certain probably buying certain items or um [0:28:30, 0:28:30]: Oh. [0:28:31, 0:28:31]: Oh no. [0:28:31, 0:28:33]: But for buildings and stuff. So um [0:28:34, 0:28:36]: That's why it was a look it's it's on the budget. [0:28:38, 0:28:45]: So the total budget, the total budget shows a surplus in terms of more revenue. [0:28:45, 0:28:47]: than expenditures. [0:28:47, 0:28:51]: Again, this is unaudited. The pro the auditors are going through their process right now. [0:28:52, 0:28:53]: That's good. [0:28:53, 0:28:57]: And that and and and and that's due to when you look at the revenues. Um [0:28:58, 0:29:00]: We had about [0:29:01, 0:29:04]: I'd say about five five million for uh the loss. [0:29:05, 0:29:09]: So it's about a f that's about four hundred and thirty some thousand um monthly for the loss. [0:29:10, 0:29:12]: Um we got um [0:29:13, 0:29:15]: George Powell [0:29:15, 0:29:17]: uh electric franchise check in. [0:29:17, 0:29:25]: That was uh a little over, um not as much as we anticipated, but it was it was over the amount that was budgeted. So that was good. [0:29:26, 0:29:26]: Yeah. [0:29:27, 0:29:32]: We had a little uptick on some of the occupational tax um revenue. [0:29:33, 0:29:33]: Which is [0:29:34, 0:29:36]: Which we anticipate it. [0:29:36, 0:29:40]: But uh we didn't hit the mark that we we thought that's because of the covert. [0:29:41, 0:29:42]: But overall [0:29:43, 0:29:46]: twelve point twelve point seven revenue. [0:29:46, 0:29:49]: Over what was budget eleven, eleven, six? [0:29:51, 0:29:59]: Okay. I got something else. Maybe I missed this. The CARES funding that we received, how is that identified in here or is it identified? [0:29:59, 0:30:00]: That's the in and out. [0:30:01, 0:30:02]: 'Cause you have to remember we um [0:30:03, 0:30:05]: We brought in one point three. [0:30:05, 0:30:07]: We paid about [0:30:09, 0:30:09]: Well, it's a little bit. [0:30:10, 0:30:11]: More than one point three. [0:30:12, 0:30:13]: Uh [0:30:13, 0:30:15]: We paid about two hundred. [0:30:16, 0:30:18]: Two hundred and fifty thousand for um [0:30:19, 0:30:22]: covert related IT um [0:30:23, 0:30:27]: related items and then we we move one point three out. [0:30:28, 0:30:31]: to the um Henry County uh Chamber of Commerce. [0:30:31, 0:30:33]: For them to take care of um [0:30:34, 0:30:34]: Oh. [0:30:36, 0:30:38]: I'm trying to remember the the committee um [0:30:39, 0:30:46]: Well we had we had a whisper right it was a third party entity that we had to use the Henry Chanty Chamber of Commerce in order to [0:30:47, 0:30:50]: facilitate the funds for small business support. [0:30:50, 0:30:55]: And then also uh some funds for individual support via. [0:30:55, 0:30:57]: адишно нон профит [0:30:58, 0:31:04]: Um in in in the CARES Act funds, there were about a hundred and eight small businesses. [0:31:05, 0:31:11]: That received funds from the city of Stockbridge at a maximum of ten thousand dollars. [0:31:11, 0:31:15]: Resulting in about one point one million dollars. That was actually [0:31:15, 0:31:16]: uh provided. [0:31:17, 0:31:20]: to local business support from the CARES Act funds. [0:31:20, 0:31:21]: That's correct. [0:31:21, 0:31:25]: And when that came in, it came in, we we had created a uh [0:31:25, 0:31:29]: The Karees that he tr the Care Z has his own funds. It was like a [0:31:29, 0:31:31]: Passed through. So we use that. [0:31:31, 0:31:33]: particular fund to pass the money through. [0:31:35, 0:31:37]: I think Councilman Alexander, I'm I'm seeing, I'm sorry. [0:31:38, 0:31:44]: Yeah, I can't s I can't see him. Is is he he has a thing Councilman Alexander had a question or a a comment. [0:31:44, 0:31:45]: All right. [0:31:46, 0:31:59]: Uh thank you. Uh uh Mayor Pro Tem. I'm sorry, Mayor Pro Tem Alexander. Thank you, um Mayor and uh Mr. Knight and thank you for recognizing me. I think uh Mr. Wiggins, I thank you for your report. [0:31:59, 0:32:02]: And your confirmation that the city is growing. [0:32:02, 0:32:05]: Uh which indicated that we received [0:32:05, 0:32:09]: Over a мільйон долар ревеню. [0:32:09, 0:32:12]: growth over what our projection was. That says [0:32:13, 0:32:16]: Definitively that the city is growing, revenue is growing. [0:32:17, 0:32:18]: Uh you also stated [0:32:18, 0:32:20]: That um you know we [0:32:20, 0:32:23]: are moving in the right direction in accomplishing [0:32:24, 0:32:41]: uh certain task uh for the city. And it was great as the mayor indicated that we were able to act as a pass-through for the$1.3 million, which helped out 108 uh businesses uh in the city, as well as nonprofits, because our citizens [0:32:41, 0:32:43]: or or hurting in the community. So [0:32:44, 0:32:46]: We we overall we executed. [0:32:46, 0:32:48]: Uh, those programs at a very [0:32:49, 0:32:50]: Hi, right. Hi, uh [0:32:51, 0:32:52]: Rate and we were able to move. [0:32:53, 0:32:56]: through uh some of the things that we needed to move through. [0:32:56, 0:32:59]: What I would like to know is uh [0:33:00, 0:33:01]: The actual balances. [0:33:02, 0:33:05]: Uh in the splaster counts. Do you have those? [0:33:09, 0:33:11]: Um I would have to [0:33:17, 0:33:18]: Mm-hmm. [0:33:20, 0:33:20]: Yeah. [0:33:23, 0:33:43]: So you want to know the balance of each of uh the the county? Right. Starting with splot three, just maybe you can get it back to us, splash three, splash four, splash five. Yeah, uh, you know, even of what we've collected through uh this period now that the county has started collecting. And at this point, Mr. Knight, the year has already passed. So what the city should be [0:33:43, 0:33:50]: collecting at this point is that correct in well the probably in April or so April and April I believe April [0:33:50, 0:33:58]: Okay, so we're about to start. We're at the precipice of about to start splash, correct. Right, splash five. So additional. [0:33:58, 0:34:00]: uh revenue will be coming in toward the city. [0:34:00, 0:34:02]: Найшн ає. [0:34:02, 0:34:06]: And I'm gonna point this out because I say it every single year. [0:34:06, 0:34:07]: Ви [0:34:07, 0:34:10]: Again, these numbers are very much unaudited. [0:34:10, 0:34:14]: But we're looking at yet another two million dollar surplus. [0:34:15, 0:34:18]: After the numbers are audited, I'm sure that could go down a bit. [0:34:18, 0:34:21]: Never know, it might actually go up a bit. [0:34:21, 0:34:31]: But it indicates once again sound financial management. And uh based on uh Mr. Knight's comments, which are three point eight to [0:34:31, 0:34:33]: Uh was actually um [0:34:33, 0:34:34]: The difference between the actual [0:34:35, 0:34:36]: Expenditures and then [0:34:36, 0:34:38]: Uh, what we actually [0:34:38, 0:34:43]: um you know the actual expenses then you know we're looking [0:34:43, 0:34:43]: Straight [0:34:44, 0:34:45]: Yeah. [0:34:45, 0:34:46]: in in things that we're doing. [0:34:46, 0:34:49]: And we are able to move forward executing. [0:34:50, 0:34:55]: additional projects that we have uh online, such as the Bringing the Culture Art System. [0:34:56, 0:35:01]: uh uh a center here the carry mehamery cultural arts center here next is our going project [0:35:02, 0:35:02]: And also [0:35:03, 0:35:05]: This is the perfect time. [0:35:05, 0:35:07]: To start the Start Bridge Police Department. [0:35:08, 0:35:10]: Now we've been talking about well, what would we do? [0:35:11, 0:35:12]: But how would it work? [0:35:12, 0:35:13]: And [0:35:13, 0:35:17]: I'm not one of the people that's gonna uh you know have the skies falling. [0:35:17, 0:35:37]: We have to do this or we have to do that to impact the citizens because I see this every single year that we have uh a two million dollar surplus. Mr. Wiggins, again, that was 2.6 million uh unaudited at this point that uh you had seen properly uh in your um an [0:35:37, 0:35:46]: Analysis. Give us the top number again, which is the actual revenue, and then the bottom number, which is the expenses, so folks can understand the spread. [0:35:46, 0:35:47]: But uh clearly. [0:35:48, 0:35:49]: Yes, the um [0:35:50, 0:35:51]: The revenue [0:35:51, 0:35:52]: Stands at twelve. [0:35:53, 0:35:56]: Twelve twelve million seven hundred and forty four thousand six forty seven. [0:35:57, 0:35:57]: Mm-hmm. [0:35:58, 0:35:59]: And then you have your expenses coming in. [0:36:00, 0:36:00]: Yeah. [0:36:01, 0:36:04]: Eight million nine hundred seventy nine. [0:36:04, 0:36:09]: Nine seventy nine. And then they gave us a difference there of about three point eight million. [0:36:09, 0:36:11]: And with that. [0:36:11, 0:36:13]: difference between the revenue and expenditures. [0:36:14, 0:36:15]: Uh [0:36:15, 0:36:19]: We put in, we we always, you know, take out, you know, you transfer out. [0:36:19, 0:36:20]: At this point, which is [0:36:21, 0:36:23]: The one point two, which is for our loan for the um [0:36:23, 0:36:25]: Payment of the city hall. [0:36:26, 0:36:26]: Mm-hmm. [0:36:26, 0:36:27]: And [0:36:28, 0:36:30]: You also have your proceeds from the sale of assets. [0:36:30, 0:36:32]: It's not much, but [0:36:32, 0:36:33]: Um [0:36:33, 0:36:34]: You have to put that in there. [0:36:35, 0:36:37]: That gives us about two uh two point six million. [0:36:38, 0:36:42]: Absolutely. And Mr. Knighton, what was the actual city budget this year? [0:36:45, 0:36:53]: The bot the the top line the re the uh for twenty twenty? Twenty for twenty twenty for the the projection for this year. [0:36:54, 0:37:01]: Uh twenty twenty one budget was twelve was it twelve point six? Yes, twelve twelve point twelve, twelve. [0:37:01, 0:37:05]: Twelve million seven hundred and fifty nine thousand thirty seven. That's for job. [0:37:06, 0:37:08]: For twenty fiscal year twenty one. [0:37:08, 0:37:28]: Yes. Right. So in actuality, uh uh the it shows the work that was put into the budget was very sound because we are, you know, we didn't uh uh we didn't aggressively put an aggressive number out there to pursue the new projects and new developments. This is a actual number that came [0:37:28, 0:37:33]: in that we know that twelve point seven million actually came in. [0:37:33, 0:37:34]: So this year's budget. [0:37:35, 0:37:40]: even though it shows an increase from the previous year is perfectly in line. [0:37:40, 0:37:44]: uh with what uh our city budget is this year. [0:37:44, 0:38:01]: And as growth continues to arrive in the community, these numbers continue to reflect aggressive growth in the city. So this council being very aggressive in terms of the police department, the Kerry Mayhemric Cultural Arts Center, the Amphitheater Project are all [0:38:02, 0:38:06]: backed by solid financials. So tell us again what the uh [0:38:06, 0:38:09]: W do you have a ending number for the fund balance for the year? [0:38:12, 0:38:13]: For for twenty twenty. [0:38:13, 0:38:18]: Yeah the the the the g the the the uh the fund balance [0:38:18, 0:38:22]: for the city uh in our accounts at the end of the year. [0:38:24, 0:38:26]: Where's it staying now as far as being [0:38:27, 0:38:31]: Of course I would stay on either is it's two point six. [0:38:31, 0:38:34]: Yeah. [0:38:35, 0:38:38]: He's talking about the total. He's talking about the total fund balance. [0:38:39, 0:38:43]: from uh what what would have been last year's number. Oh, okay. [0:38:44, 0:38:47]: plus what would be this year's number, presumably. [0:38:48, 0:38:49]: Right. [0:38:52, 0:38:53]: No [0:38:54, 0:38:58]: I have to try to look it up, but I fun bats from last year, I mean it's about [0:38:59, 0:39:02]: stands at it was standing at about nineteen nineteen million. [0:39:03, 0:39:07]: So with this, this'll take you up to about twenty one million if if you [0:39:08, 0:39:10]: If this was the actual number. [0:39:11, 0:39:12]: А не чан. [0:39:12, 0:39:17]: You would you would add that to the fund balance from last year, which is about nineteen million. [0:39:17, 0:39:18]: Yeah, about twenty one million. [0:39:19, 0:39:25]: Well, I think again, uh, this council has made uh it needs to have a discussion as we talked about. [0:39:26, 0:39:28]: To actually not put the money. [0:39:28, 0:39:48]: uh in fund balance, but we're actually pursuing projects uh in the city. And that's something that the council would have to decide. So instead of putting this extra money into fund balance, taking the fund balance actually uh up, we had talked about uh putting start putting this money uh in capital in a [0:39:48, 0:39:50]: Capital improvements budget. [0:39:50, 0:39:56]: uh for the city. So you know, the question is always we're gonna deplete our fund balance. Well [0:39:56, 0:40:02]: It it's pretty clear that we have excess funds in the fund balance. [0:40:03, 0:40:10]: And those funds could be used uh ru wisely because if we have a twelve million dollar city budget. [0:40:10, 0:40:12]: We got one year in the bank. [0:40:12, 0:40:13]: So even if we took [0:40:14, 0:40:15]: Um [0:40:15, 0:40:21]: Our eighty nine million dollars out of the fund balance, we would still have a yearly budget. [0:40:21, 0:40:31]: in the bank. Most cities would be happy with three to six, three months to six months, having 12 months. That is unheard of in some instances. And for us to do that. [0:40:31, 0:40:36]: We have to start planning to move these projects out like we've been able to do. [0:40:36, 0:40:56]: And then again, moving this money to the capital improvements budget allows us to more effectively use these dollars as the improvements uh for the city continue. So I certainly would like for this council to go ahead and act and move forward with instead of just throwing money in the fund balance, being proactive, putting [0:40:56, 0:41:09]: the money in the capital improvements budget so that we can actually execute these projects without uh it being said, oh, they're taking it out of fund balance. They're taking it out of fund balance, which is has excess money in it. [0:41:10, 0:41:18]: Let me mention let me mention also though that um of course there was commitment of yes, yes out of the for the amphitheater, the five million. [0:41:18, 0:41:26]: The amphitheater from fund balance. So that's we we have to calculate that in as well. Um and then of course, you know, as we go forward. [0:41:27, 0:41:31]: Um with bonds, those items are going to be coming out of starting in August or so. [0:41:32, 0:41:35]: Um we have to budget for that uh in um [0:41:36, 0:41:37]: Uh August of twenty [0:41:38, 0:41:38]: One. [0:41:40, 0:41:44]: Obviously twenty two, excuse me. [0:41:44, 0:41:49]: So in this coming budget as we go through that, we'll have to plan for that as well. But the [0:41:49, 0:41:53]: The amphitheater commitment was out of fund balance and so that needs to be calculated as well. [0:41:54, 0:42:10]: And the thing is is as well is that uh obviously in the next couple of days we'll be talking about these particular projects, getting briefings from our professionals on that, and then further discussion of of how we want to finance things and what we wanna do as a collective group. So there'll be more discussion about it in the next couple of days as well. [0:42:10, 0:42:16]: Well, I just I just want to finally say, but I just want to thank the staff and everybody for guiding us through. [0:42:16, 0:42:20]: Uh Mr. Knight for doing an excellent job guiding the city through [0:42:20, 0:42:22]: This pass uh through the pandemic. [0:42:23, 0:42:27]: And just doing such an excellent job on the financials. We are strong as ever. [0:42:27, 0:42:30]: And that's because of the work of the staff. So thank you. [0:42:32, 0:42:37]: Mayor, I like that. If if anybody hasn't raised a hand, I like that. [0:42:37, 0:42:40]: We'll go right there. I I'll go right here, sir. [0:42:41, 0:42:47]: Uh yeah, I would I would hope that uh when we give when we're giving a um presentation by [0:42:48, 0:42:52]: our finance is that we're giving accurate numbers and not what [0:42:53, 0:42:55]: Not ball part figures. [0:42:55, 0:43:00]: Because we didn't take into account the five million dollars that has been a uh [0:43:00, 0:43:04]: has been allotted to for the amphitheater. [0:43:04, 0:43:20]: And when we talk about a budget that was set for twelve point uh whatever million it was, and then we got about it wasn't a two point something million dollar gain. I wish our finance person, because when I look when I'm hearing the numbers and looking at what we're what we have there. [0:43:20, 0:43:23]: I'm trying to figure out in and [0:43:23, 0:43:32]: Where is the two million dollars that Mr. Alexander had just just alluded to? Um, so I I would like for those figures to be. [0:43:33, 0:43:36]: point on figures that we get from our finance because [0:43:37, 0:43:55]: roundabouts and almost and could be's and all of that. That's not how I would like for us to operate. I would like for us to operate on specifics. Now I do agree that we do do need to start moving monies over to capital improvement uh project uh uh um [0:43:55, 0:43:56]: Um [0:43:57, 0:43:59]: A category for that versus [0:44:00, 0:44:13]: continue to move in money from fund balance itself, that those that any any funds that over over expenditures that come into the city um any funds that come into the city that we do move those over. And I think we all had a discussion on that. [0:44:14, 0:44:21]: But for me, when it comes to understanding where we stand, those to to to accurately project. [0:44:22, 0:44:27]: Where we need to go because we just came out of twenty twenty, which was an interesting year as it was. [0:44:27, 0:44:28]: And [0:44:29, 0:44:36]: Those numbers aren't as great as I thought they would be, but I still would like accurate numbers, specific numbers. [0:44:36, 0:44:44]: Uh not around nineteen thousand or nineteen million of this and that accurate numbers in order that we as a council can see. [0:44:44, 0:44:51]: And understand what we project out and where we move with capital improvement projects and all this, that we're dealing with sound numbers. [0:44:52, 0:44:59]: not approximates. So and that's that's my take on it that we can get some sound numbers uh in order to make uh [0:45:00, 0:45:03]: uh sound decisions on how we how we move forward with our budget. [0:45:04, 0:45:05]: Thank you. [0:45:05, 0:45:06]: Right. [0:45:06, 0:45:08]: Um uh Councilman Thomas, go ahead, please, sir. [0:45:08, 0:45:09]: Uh thank you, Mayor. [0:45:10, 0:45:16]: Uh Mr. Wiggins, uh I wanna commend you as well as um other council members. [0:45:16, 0:45:20]: Uh I do have a question for you and Mr. Nine as far as [0:45:20, 0:45:24]: uh timeline for the audit and and I think what [0:45:24, 0:45:28]: Uh, mayor pro tem Alexander and Councilman Blount indicated. [0:45:29, 0:45:30]: I think a really true. [0:45:31, 0:45:32]: Uh comment. [0:45:32, 0:45:44]: But I I would imagine that uh as far as the movement of uh fund balance funds to capital improvement project, I would imagine this would not happen until [0:45:45, 0:45:55]: uh until the audit until we know uh real numbers. So Mr. Knight, can you respond to the process as far as if you know a date for the audit and and and speak to [0:45:56, 0:45:58]: That process as to [0:45:58, 0:46:02]: when we probably would be able to to do that. [0:46:03, 0:46:11]: Yeah, the the audit is is under underway right now typically and and they go through extensive process, probably [0:46:11, 0:46:15]: We probably would know by probably May, you think, John? [0:46:16, 0:46:27]: June June 30th is June 30th is a deadline, but yeah, we we did receive we did receive an extension, but um we're pretty much on target, yeah, to uh uh [0:46:28, 0:46:32]: Turn up I audited in on June thirtieth. Uh by May [0:46:32, 0:46:34]: We should know um [0:46:35, 0:46:37]: We should know a better uh account. [0:46:38, 0:46:41]: Oh, where the archer archer is going with the numbers. [0:46:41, 0:46:51]: And and and to that extent, you know, and and of course, you know, typically we have the whole presentation and we'll you know, once the audit is completed, of course we'll provide information to you. We receive the report from [0:46:52, 0:46:53]: Maldon and Jenkins. [0:46:53, 0:46:59]: As we go through these numbers here, these are numbers based on uh the accounting principles. [0:47:00, 0:47:05]: And and basically expenditures and revenues is what we're looking at right here. The auditor will go through. [0:47:06, 0:47:07]: We'll verify everything. [0:47:07, 0:47:12]: But generally these numbers are fairly close, but I would caution and wait until the audit is completed. [0:47:12, 0:47:14]: Because that is the official document. [0:47:14, 0:47:20]: to make some determination about um what amount should be shifted into a capital improvement. [0:47:20, 0:47:22]: Um bucket, if you will. [0:47:23, 0:47:31]: Uh Mayor, I I just wanted to thank um Mr Mr. Wiggins and Mr. Knight for that comment. I I would not want us to get hung up today. [0:47:32, 0:47:34]: Um when and how much [0:47:34, 0:47:37]: Uh you know, we we move from one [0:47:38, 0:47:44]: uh financial to the other, but I think it's a good conversation and I think these are great answers. But [0:47:44, 0:47:47]: Uh let's not get caught up on that just yet. [0:47:47, 0:47:49]: I think uh today. [0:47:49, 0:47:51]: Uh receiving information is good. [0:47:51, 0:47:52]: And um [0:47:53, 0:48:06]: So I I would just recommend, you know, we wait until the audit. I think the council then will come back and have those kind of discussions as far as um, you know, cap and improvement projects. Um, Mayor, I yield back. [0:48:06, 0:48:11]: Oh thank you, sir. Appreciate it. Any other comments from Mr. Wiggins here before we move on to the next topic? [0:48:11, 0:48:13]: Anybody else? [0:48:14, 0:48:20]: Okay. Yes, Mayor, if I would to understand I I concur with uh Councilman Thomas. My [0:48:21, 0:48:25]: My indication early was not to actually move any funds at this point. [0:48:25, 0:48:31]: It was just to indicate that that was the thinking and uh the direction that we needed to go in. [0:48:31, 0:48:36]: once uh the numbers are confirmed. So yes, that's the case. I I agree with that. [0:48:36, 0:48:41]: Appreciate it. Okay, good deal. Another comments, Mr. Wiggins, thanks a lot for your presentation. We appreciate it. [0:48:41, 0:48:43]: And we'll move on to uh [0:48:43, 0:48:47]: Our judge, Judge Matt McCord, sir. Uh are you online? [0:48:50, 0:48:53]: I do not see uh oh there he is. Okay, there he is. [0:48:53, 0:48:53]: Okay. [0:48:55, 0:48:58]: There you go for outstanding. Sure is good to be with y'all. [0:49:00, 0:49:01]: Outstanding. Appreciate it. Good to see you. [0:49:02, 0:49:11]: Good to see you. Thank you, Judge McCor. Thank you for joining us this morning. Um, obviously uh we wanted to certainly have a conversation with you and you share your thoughts. [0:49:12, 0:49:14]: With respect to um [0:49:14, 0:49:15]: The municipal court. [0:49:16, 0:49:21]: Um, obviously you all have have been able to to operate in this covet environment as we all have in a different way. [0:49:22, 0:49:25]: Uh, but with the advent of a police department. [0:49:26, 0:49:28]: Uh which is on the horizon now. [0:49:28, 0:49:33]: We wanted to make sure that at this point, um, in terms of our overall planning. [0:49:34, 0:49:39]: for the city and the beginning of a police department that we had a conversation with you and you were able to [0:49:39, 0:49:45]: um uh directly share your thoughts based on previous experience. [0:49:45, 0:49:54]: Um and also uh any thoughts you have with respect to establishing the peace police department and then overall for the city and then all on obviously [0:49:54, 0:49:57]: How you see that impacting municipal court? [0:49:58, 0:49:59]: Um [0:49:59, 0:50:19]: Sure, thank you for letting me come. And and I didn't get to say this the night that I was sworn in. I I'm uh I I'm I didn't want to waste anybody's time that night, but I'm so grateful to be a part of uh what you do and and to be affiliated with you and to be a part of of serving the the people in Stockbridge. Uh I I I think very highly of each of you uh and I want you to know. [0:50:19, 0:50:25]: know that you have in me one of your biggest cheerleaders uh in this county uh everywhere I go. So [0:50:25, 0:50:33]: Uh I'll start there. I um and and also it's good to see my old friend Quentin Washington uh from Governor's Honors in nineteen ninety when he and I were [0:50:34, 0:50:36]: uh in high school uh [0:50:36, 0:50:43]: back back in the same place and and working together. So uh having said that, let let me let me first [0:50:43, 0:50:50]: uh say this. I'm so excited that that we're talking about having a police department uh department. It's something that I I think we've needed. It's something that I have wanted [0:50:51, 0:50:54]: to happen and have been been kind of quietly waiting. [0:50:54, 0:50:56]: Um I what I [0:50:56, 0:51:16]: propose to do is to sort of give you my thoughts and then answer any questions you may have for me. The first one is this. I think if we're going to do it, we need to do it well and we need to make sure that we do it at full force. I think halfway doing the job is dangerous because we we frankly we don't know what kind of cooperation we're going to have from the county going forward. And so we need to be able to do this and do it well and do it full [0:51:16, 0:51:22]: full capacity uh because once we start down this road there really isn't any uh doing it halfway. [0:51:23, 0:51:32]: Uh with that said, I have done some research and reached out to some other agencies that have handled similar uh issues, you know. [0:51:33, 0:51:35]: And and and um [0:51:36, 0:51:40]: In two tausend fourteen, when our court was at full capacity. [0:51:41, 0:51:46]: Uh, that year we we the county had issued six thousand twenty-seven tickets. [0:51:47, 0:51:49]: Uh by the end of that year the [0:51:50, 0:51:51]: Total fees paid. [0:51:52, 0:51:56]: uh based out of those tickets was one miljon one hundred seventy seven thousand dollars [0:51:56, 0:52:02]: I had in the courthouse at that time four clerks uh at full capacity. [0:52:03, 0:52:06]: Uh, and we had one part-time solicitor. [0:52:07, 0:52:08]: And we had a [0:52:09, 0:52:11]: An investigator that was working with our solicitor. [0:52:12, 0:52:12]: Um [0:52:13, 0:52:27]: So that gives you some perspective. Today we have narrowed that down to uh one and a half clerks basically. Uh our probation department is basically gone, uh, and we're still relying on the county for an investigator. So [0:52:28, 0:52:38]: For some perspective, the city of Lawrenceville has its own police department. They are similar to us in size. And last year they were writing uh over ten thousand tickets per year. [0:52:38, 0:52:43]: So if we assume that we have our own police department and that they're going to do something similar to that. [0:52:44, 0:53:04]: Uh I anticipate as far as municipal court expansion goes, we to to handle that volume, uh necessarily we're going to need to go back to four full time clerks to manage that volume of tickets and the processing of all of those. Uh I anticipate going forward, there may be a day, I don't know that we need it now, but [0:53:03, 0:53:14]: We may need more than one payment window. That's that's a fairly simple solution of renovating one of the rooms in the building to have two payment windows with bulletproof glass to to protect our folks. Um [0:53:15, 0:53:21]: We we were doing it with one when I w when we started in two thousand fourteen and I think we may be able to keep doing that at least for a little while. [0:53:21, 0:53:30]: Uh, we won't need an investigator anymore because we'll have one from our own police department. So I think we can we can have somebody there on court days from our own PD. [0:53:30, 0:53:30]: Um [0:53:31, 0:53:36]: One of the things I had not thought about that Dana reminded me of this morning is that be [0:53:36, 0:53:47]: Before I became judge, the the two guys that were judges before me had restructured the pay scale for the judge so that instead of it being an annual salary, we were paid by the court session, which has made me [0:53:48, 0:54:05]: uh an incredibly cheap purchase over the last couple of years because I reduced the number of court sessions, which means that I'm not being paid what I was before. If we ramp that back up, then necessarily the judge's salary becomes something to consider as well. And and I I'm not going to get into that. I I I will leave that to you. But [0:54:05, 0:54:08]: Right now it's at$400 a session. Um [0:54:08, 0:54:09]: I I move [0:54:09, 0:54:14]: calendars very quickly so I don't sit around worrying that that's gonna be some huge expense for you. [0:54:14, 0:54:23]: Um, when I took the bench we had four and five hundred people on a calendar at nine in the morning and then the same number again at one thirty in the afternoon and I would get it done because I'm not we don't waste time. [0:54:24, 0:54:30]: Um, so I can I think I can keep the number of sessions right about where they were before, which was four or five per month. [0:54:31, 0:54:31]: Um [0:54:33, 0:54:42]: One of the issues we have is that we have planning and zoning people upstairs now in the courthouse. If you if you if you've ever been over there, uh if you haven't come see me or [0:54:42, 0:54:48]: Give me a call and we'll make a time when we can go together. But the upstairs used to be where the judge's office was. I don't know that I ever really [0:54:49, 0:54:53]: need that space because I I would rather somebody else be able to use that space. [0:54:53, 0:55:03]: But uh the personnel were up there, our clerks were up there and all the ticket payments were up there. And then I came down a back hallway, a back stairway to get on the bench. [0:55:03, 0:55:07]: Um as it is now, we're completely downstairs. So if we go back to full capacity. [0:55:08, 0:55:22]: We're going to either need to move the court across the street to the police department, which I I I will tell you I think is probably expensive because you've got to do a massive renovation to get a court over there. If we stay where we are, which I think is probably the more feasible option. [0:55:22, 0:55:31]: Uh, we need to move we we're gonna need to move back upstairs at some point, which then creates a problem with the planning and zoning personnel and where are we gonna put them? [0:55:31, 0:55:32]: Uh so [0:55:34, 0:55:37]: One last thing that I will tell you is that by way of [0:55:40, 0:55:46]: Just looking at best practices going forward, one of the changes that's happened in the last few years is that marijuana. [0:55:46, 0:55:54]: Posi possession of marijuana prosecution has changed in Georgia. And now most cities are prosecuting that under a city ordinance. [0:55:55, 0:56:00]: uh violation and treating it differently than we used to. We used to treat it as a state code violation. [0:56:00, 0:56:01]: Um [0:56:01, 0:56:15]: Stockbridge does not have a viable city ordinance right now under which we can prosecute marijuana possession. And so if we're going to go back to full capacity, we need to have a new ordinance that we can do under which we can prosecute those cases in the city. [0:56:16, 0:56:16]: Um [0:56:17, 0:56:21]: Along those lines, the city of Hampton uh [0:56:21, 0:56:36]: Almost everything prosecuted in Hampton is under a city code violation. Anything they can make fit within the city code, they do. That's significant because the any monies that are paid under a city code violation, my understanding, I'll have to go to the research again. [0:56:36, 0:56:40]: Is that that money is not shared with the state, that money stays with the city. [0:56:41, 0:56:42]: Um and so [0:56:43, 0:56:43]: Uh [0:56:43, 0:57:03]: If we expand our our code right now is not one that we can really use for criminal prosecutions very effectively. Uh if we revise that code, that makes it much easier to keep those things in-house rather than binding them over to state court or prosecuting them as state code violations. Uh so I think that's one significant change we may need to look into. [0:57:03, 0:57:06]: [3426.3, 3426.8]: Uh [0:57:07, 0:57:09]: The criminal part of the municipal code. [0:57:10, 0:57:13]: Uh so that we can use that more effectively. [0:57:13, 0:57:13]: Um [0:57:14, 0:57:34]: One of the great things that I see happening here that I don't know that anybody's thought about is that when this court goes back to full capacity, uh, we can do so many good things in the community rather than just putting people in jail or making people pay fines. Now we have the opportunity to do restorative justice, rehabilitative justice. [0:57:34, 0:57:53]: One of my great friends from South Georgia just got a grant for his court where he's using the court to improve the community and he's getting federal and state funding to do that. So, so very many good programs that can be put in place when we have a court running at its at its fullest capacity. So [0:57:54, 0:58:00]: I I I I don't know how to tell ya how much it excites me to be able to get my hands on something like that and to be able to [0:58:00, 0:58:01]: To do [0:58:01, 0:58:02]: Uh so much good. [0:58:03, 0:58:07]: uh with a court running uh in in the way that it could be so [0:58:07, 0:58:11]: Having said that, I will leave that there and and answer any questions you may have from me. [0:58:12, 0:58:13]: If I made Mayor Four I'm sorry. [0:58:13, 0:58:20]: Go ahead, sir. Go ahead. I I was gonna make just one comment uh before uh counsel uh uh asked questions of judgment court. [0:58:21, 0:58:26]: Judge McCord and myself, uh, and uh Dana Biles' clerk and my assistant uh [0:58:27, 0:58:27]: Chris M. [0:58:28, 0:58:32]: Went over to the police department uh on Monday of this week. [0:58:32, 0:58:39]: Met with ch uh Captain Maddox and uh Deputy Chief Ireland happened to be there because we wanted to look, really view the facility. [0:58:40, 0:58:52]: um from a space allocation standpoint. And it is um uh much larger than it probably looks uh from the exterior there there are [0:58:52, 0:58:57]: Not only do I believe that it certainly can handle the police department of the size that we project. [0:58:59, 0:59:10]: of the size that we project, but um also there are two fairly large unfinished rooms in uh the police department building. [0:59:10, 0:59:15]: Now, as we will continue to have conversations about space allocation and what that looks like for municipal court. [0:59:15, 0:59:19]: Given the volume that's anticipated for the court building. [0:59:20, 0:59:22]: Um, I've got some thoughts about that. [0:59:22, 0:59:28]: But I just wanted to mention that the building there does have quite a bit of space. Now some of it will need to be [0:59:29, 0:59:43]: finished out. It's almost like having an unfinished basement. It needs to be finished out. And that's just, you know, some some renovation costs. But it's a very large building with ample space for uh other offices if needed. [0:59:45, 1:00:05]: All right, uh okay. Thank you, Mr. Knight. Appreciate it. Uh stand by one, please. Um Judge McCourt, thank you for your briefing. I appreciate it. You gave us a lot to think about. I'm glad you're very excited about the the future here, this aspect. So you can be compliment and do your your full capacity for for the city of Starburden's citizens. Uh you gave us a lot to think about, obviously. And and [1:00:05, 1:00:25]: to to really kind of work with to make sure that uh we do the right thing instead of things properly so and as glad i'm glad that you're our judge because uh that's fantastic i want to remind everybody as well that uh we are recording and we are on facebook live so just so you know that and uh just uh make sure that you [1:00:25, 1:00:39]: you understand that uh this is being recorded as well and it's live. Um on that note, McCord uh Judge McCord, thank you very much. Mirapal Tim Alexander, go ahead, please. Yeah, Judge, thank you. I appreciate uh your update for us and uh [1:00:39, 1:00:59]: You know, I think I concur with a lot of the remarks that you made, especially in in the new way that um marijuana cases are being prosecuted here in Georgia. Uh some municipalities have gone to a seventy-five dollar ticket versus an arrest uh in that case. Uh that's a [1:00:59, 1:01:06]: A discussion that the council uh would need to have that I'm fully in support of. I think they call that decriminalizing, but it still is. [1:01:07, 1:01:07]: A ticket. [1:01:08, 1:01:09]: War versus [1:01:09, 1:01:20]: an arrest in terms of the way that's going to just to stop the courts from being clogged up uh with cases uh below one ounce. So I think um [1:01:20, 1:01:25]: Uh that is what you were referring to and the and there are different ways to actually [1:01:25, 1:01:26]: Uh look at [1:01:27, 1:01:29]: uh the marijuana process and I think [1:01:29, 1:01:31]: Uh in the inn [1:01:31, 1:01:33]: We wind up with a lot of people who [1:01:34, 1:01:39]: uh are are caught into the system and they are into the system in the perpetual will of it. [1:01:39, 1:01:41]: causing uh [1:01:41, 1:01:46]: filling up the the jails and prison terms for non violent offenses. So [1:01:47, 1:01:49]: I think uh this city. [1:01:49, 1:01:53]: It's something that I I personally would advocate. Obviously that's up to the will. [1:01:53, 1:01:55]: Uh, the council, but I certainly would [1:01:56, 1:01:58]: Супорт докриміналізацій. [1:01:58, 1:02:00]: And uh the ticketing. [1:02:00, 1:02:02]: of this offense versus an arrest. [1:02:04, 1:02:09]: Any other qu thank you? Any other questions for uh judge McCord? Comments, concerns, recommendations? [1:02:12, 1:02:15]: Uh yeah, I'm sorry, uh Ms. Kent, go here please. [1:02:15, 1:02:21]: Thank you. Um I want to thank Judge McCord for that presentation. Also [1:02:21, 1:02:27]: Um, I agree. Um, I've spoken uh several times on decriminalizing marijuana. [1:02:28, 1:02:31]: And you know, it's showing all over the state of Georgia. [1:02:32, 1:02:47]: Um, and I'm hoping that it it too is done here in Henry County. I've seen some changes even with the uh Henry County solicitor's office. Um, you know, Pam Bevis has done some things to make sure that that takes place as well. [1:02:49, 1:02:49]: Um [1:02:49, 1:03:09]: I am looking forward to our courts. I remember being the solicitor and I can tell you, Judge McCord, that and well you already know um you were there too. Um we would have 200 cases in the day in the morning and 200 cases after lunch. So this um, you know, in general. [1:03:09, 1:03:22]: uh those type of you know speeding tickets and uh shoplifting cases and things like that would pop up and you know tag expiration dates every single day. [1:03:23, 1:03:26]: And we just had a really packed schedule. [1:03:26, 1:03:27]: Um [1:03:27, 1:03:47]: Judge McCourt, what are your plans on making sure that our court runs smoothly when that happens? Would you have one court kind of like we did back then when I when I was a solicitor? Will you do um court twice a month, you know, in AM and PM hours? Um, you know, there of course there's new [1:03:47, 1:03:49]: Updated software. [1:03:49, 1:04:03]: At the time, again when I was solicitor, there were times where I would use the code because I didn't want um our citizens to have a record for some of these offenses. Um and it's a it's a way of doing things. [1:04:04, 1:04:06]: to say yes you're wrong, but it doesn't [1:04:07, 1:04:07]: Um [1:04:07, 1:04:09]: I you know. [1:04:10, 1:04:18]: It it doesn't go to the extent or level where it needs to be on a person's record. So what are your plans on making that smooth a smooth transition? [1:04:18, 1:04:19]: Well, so [1:04:20, 1:04:26]: Ms. Gantt, I I don't know if you remember this, but when you got elected and I I took the bench the next year. [1:04:26, 1:04:27]: Uh there was a [1:04:28, 1:04:34]: I think because of some issues with the court, there was somewhat of a backlog. And so we actually there were days when I would have [1:04:34, 1:04:38]: four hundred or more cases on a nine AM calendar and that would repeat itself at one thirty. [1:04:39, 1:04:52]: Uh and so I without meaning to had jumped into a situation where I had to learn how on the spl on the fly how to be very efficient. And so we figured that out. I think at the time we were doing court four days a month. [1:04:52, 1:05:04]: Um, and I I structure those calendars, especially with the pandemic, we're gonna have to be cognizant of this, but we layer the calendars so that we're not packing the courtroom like we used to. Uh and [1:05:05, 1:05:09]: We we we do arraignments two days a month and then two days a month we handle uh [1:05:10, 1:05:22]: probation, revocations, and trials. Um, with now so so that's the the efficiency piece of the of of what of the question that you just asked. Um with regard to what you were talking about using the code and [1:05:22, 1:05:25]: sort of expanding how do we treat people. [1:05:25, 1:05:43]: uh so that they don't have criminal histories. I expanded the use of the pretrial intervention program when I took the bench so that we could take people who had committed minor violations, it was their first offense, and we could rehabilitate those folks or get them into some kind of good program without them having a criminal record. And we made use of that on a much broader [1:05:44, 1:05:55]: really broader basis than we had before. Uh and so what I do from the bench is weed out those cases early on that I think need to meet with the solicitor or investigator so that we can put them on side. Um [1:05:57, 1:06:00]: Those are decisions that we make in court, but uh [1:06:00, 1:06:19]: You know, I I I understand that we are a court. I understand these people have violated the law, but I also understand that we are a city court and a lot of these people, this is their first time ever in court. And we have the opportunity to change their lives for the better and to keep them out of the system rather than making them a permanent part of it. And so we we already have in place those mechanisms to make sure those things happen. [1:06:21, 1:06:25]: Fantastic. Council. Thank you so much. Excellent. [1:06:25, 1:06:26]: Uh Mr. Washington. [1:06:27, 1:06:42]: Hi Judge McCourt, good to see you again. Uh just a quick question. If we're going to be expanding with the police department, how much additional judicial capacity do you think would be necessary if they're going to be if the city's going to be issuing warrants on a 24 hour basis? Or do you think that there would need to be a 24 hour basis to issue? [1:06:42, 1:06:55]: You know what, if they need me, they they they can have my cell phone number. I think we'll be fine. And and and here's the deal, Quentin, if I get overwhelmed and I see that it's gonna be a whole lot more than I thought, then I think we can have that discussion then. But at this point, I don't think that's gonna be an issue. [1:06:56, 1:06:59]: On Judge McCord, hi, this is Jeremy Berry. Uh [1:06:59, 1:07:07]: Outside city attorney with with Quentin as well. What about s I assume same with failures to appear? I assume those will probably start increasing as well. Yep. [1:07:10, 1:07:18]: All righty. Um anybody else? Mayor Pool Tim, go ahead, please. Yes, uh I a question that has often come up is the community service work. [1:07:19, 1:07:23]: I've often wanted that uh I know it's a burden on the [1:07:24, 1:07:31]: defender, but when you commit a crime in Stockbridge, that the community service should be should take place in the city. [1:07:32, 1:07:36]: We have a little problem in the city. We have several other things that need to be done. [1:07:36, 1:07:40]: So I I I want to encourage the court to [1:07:40, 1:07:53]: move forward with making sure that uh those of those offenders actually perform the community service here uh for the benefit uh of the entire county. So I certainly would like to encourage the court [1:07:53, 1:07:54]: Uh to move. [1:07:54, 1:07:56]: Uh in that direction. [1:07:56, 1:07:58]: uh exped as expeditiously [1:07:58, 1:08:01]: uh as possible for the benefit [1:08:02, 1:08:04]: of of of the entire community. [1:08:04, 1:08:05]: Um [1:08:06, 1:08:09]: Council, if I may real quickly, I don't mean to interrupt you, I want to respond to that. [1:08:09, 1:08:20]: I that's something I agree with you on. Uh, but one of the things we've got to make sure that we have is that we've got somebody who can effectively supervise those folks because I it doesn't work for me to send somebody [1:08:21, 1:08:38]: just o down to the to the city and say, hey, you're gonna go do community service with the city today, because that's imposing a burden on our city folks who then have to deal with somebody who may not want to be there. Uh and I the best example I have of that, I'm not gonna call the young man's name, but there was a young man that I put on probation, sent him down to do community service work. [1:08:39, 1:08:41]: He was really difficult to deal with. [1:08:41, 1:08:43]: They sent him back to me. [1:08:43, 1:08:50]: Uh, and I ended up revoking his probation, but he ultimately, this young man ultimately, while on probation with us, ended up being charged with murder. [1:08:51, 1:09:01]: uh in a really awful case. Uh and that's the kind of every now and then that's the kind of case you get. So I wanna make sure if I'm gonna send somebody to our city folks to do [1:09:01, 1:09:03]: community service work that that [1:09:04, 1:09:08]: the folks that we're sending them to can manage that and that we've got the proper people in place to to handle that. [1:09:09, 1:09:21]: Well, I'm certainly sensitive to that. And to make sure that we're done right and there's always gonna be the exception to the rule. I just try to operate by the rule most of the time, but again, there's gonna be exceptions. [1:09:21, 1:09:23]: And this statement is for the public. [1:09:24, 1:09:40]: Okay, there's been a lot of talk about ticketing, a lot of talk about revenue. That is not the purpose of our stopridge police department. That is uh something that actually uh prop obviously uh ticketing revenue, but the idea is not to over police. [1:09:40, 1:10:00]: It is to do what's necessary to keep the community safe. So, you know, 10,000 tickets in Largeville sounds like a lot. I'm not aiming for that. I'm aiming to just keep the community safe and to do what's necessary to do so. And as the town halls continue, the public will tell us what uh type of policing that they want. So it'll be a [1:10:00, 1:10:14]: partnership and us determining the level of enforcement in the community. So thank you. And I will tell you that I refuse to let our court be that. I have protected our court from becoming that since I became the judge. I I give you those numbers just so that we can have some understanding of what the [1:10:14, 1:10:19]: volume and and the quantity of work could be uh for a port of our size. [1:10:19, 1:10:20]: Thank you, Jeff. [1:10:20, 1:10:38]: Hey Judge McCord, you mentioned about a supervisor, someone that would be over overseeing individuals that would do some type of community support. Would that individual be someone that we would hire on a part on a on a uh part-time or full-time basis that would be assigned to the court that would have that specific duty? How how would that work? [1:10:38, 1:10:54]: Mayor, we need to have a conversation about that and kind of look into it. It it isn't something that I've had since I became a judge. So I need to look at other jurisdictions where they do have that uh and see what works best and talk to some of my friends in the judiciary who have really good uh community work programs. [1:10:55, 1:10:55]: Uh [1:10:56, 1:11:01]: So that we can make sure we do it right. I let's look into that together. I don't have a good answer for you right now. [1:11:01, 1:11:07]: I appreciate it. Typically right. And I I appreciate that judgment court. Typically it may be a po post certified [1:11:07, 1:11:12]: Um either officer or former officer or someone like that who has that type of [1:11:12, 1:11:19]: of skill set to be able to supervise. Um it's something obviously that other communities do and can be done. And I think we great benefit [1:11:20, 1:11:22]: Or outcome as Judge McCord alluded to for [1:11:23, 1:11:25]: Coro says the police department is established in uh [1:11:26, 1:11:26]: court. [1:11:26, 1:11:28]: As a result, it is is expanded. [1:11:30, 1:11:32]: Council, any other question for uh Judge McCord? [1:11:33, 1:11:34]: Anybody? [1:11:35, 1:11:37]: Councilman Thomas, you got anything, sir, at all? [1:11:42, 1:12:02]: Had to get myself off of mute. Uh I no, I do not um specifically. Uh I just want to uh thank the judge for those comments. Uh I think we are moving in the right direction um and creating our police department. And I think all of the uh components and everything that will be affiliated, you know, with with the project. [1:12:02, 1:12:18]: process, I think eventually will happen. I do appreciate that, uh judge, and and I'm surely there will be many conversations uh offline, off script, uh, that we will need your expertise in. And but I'm so happy and glad that we are moving forward. [1:12:20, 1:12:22]: Councilwoman Barber, do you have any comments at all? [1:12:24, 1:12:29]: Okay. Co councilman Blount, sir. You have anything from Miss McCord, Judge McCord, excuse me. [1:12:33, 1:12:39]: Okay, I guess not. All right. I sort of [1:12:40, 1:12:40]: American. [1:12:41, 1:12:43]: Okay, thank you. Mr. Knight. [1:12:44, 1:12:45]: Okay, good deal. [1:12:45, 1:12:53]: Mr. Knights. Yeah, I'm sorry if I missed this judgment cord, but what what do you anticipate the volume to be for the number of sessions you'll have? [1:12:54, 1:12:56]: Based on expect based on expected volume. [1:12:57, 1:12:59]: Ah per month, for instance, per month. [1:12:59, 1:13:14]: I talked to Dana uh today and it I think we can get it done with four to five days of court. You know, we define a session as a half a day. So that would be eight to ten sessions, uh, but that comes out to four or five days per month. Um that's what we were doing before. [1:13:15, 1:13:19]: Uh I I think we can probably I think we can still get it done with that many. [1:13:22, 1:13:26]: Lor you know, I I say that. Y'all y'all, I let me be really clear. I [1:13:27, 1:13:32]: I don't know how other courts run. I know how mine ran. I know how I was doing it and and I know that we work to be [1:13:33, 1:13:38]: extremely efficient and we move very fast while at the same time trying to protect people's rights and do the right thing. [1:13:38, 1:13:45]: I there are some courts that are our size that run, you know, sixteen sessions. They they are they they go half a month. [1:13:46, 1:13:51]: uh in court days. I I have never been somebody that thought I needed to do that. Yeah, so I I'm [1:13:51, 1:13:57]: I'm a little bit guarded when I say we can do it in four or five days, but I feel like we can. That's what we did before, and I don't know why that would change. [1:13:58, 1:14:07]: One one other question, if I may, in terms of of jail transport with that many sessions, I assume jail transport would increase. [1:14:08, 1:14:10]: Accordingly. Do you see any challenge with that at all? [1:14:10, 1:14:12]: No, you know it [1:14:12, 1:14:32]: The obviously the worst days for that are going to be your probation revocation days. Uh those are the days when people are more likely to have committed a new offense or something along those lines. But uh I can go back and look at what we were doing in 2013, 2014 and probably give you a good answer. But I mean, will jail transport increase over where it is now? Yes, because right now there's almost none. [1:14:32, 1:14:35]: Uh, but it'll be back to what it was in two thousand fourteen. [1:14:37, 1:14:37]: Okay. [1:14:41, 1:14:41]: Okay. [1:14:42, 1:15:02]: Any other questions? I know I I don't have any other questions. I look forward to a bright future as we go down this road and for development of police department as well, uh Judge McCord of you being a full up uh court in this aspect and uh doing your thing along with your staff. And uh sounds good. That's it's very promising. We're making forward to it and I I [1:15:02, 1:15:10]: I welcome your phone calls. You all of you, I think, have my cell phone number. If you need it, uh, ask ask anybody for it. Call me when you have questions. I'd be happy to answer those. [1:15:11, 1:15:15]: Uh Mr. Mayor, yes sir. If I may it just [1:15:15, 1:15:18]: Uh just a curiosity. Uh the judgment court when [1:15:20, 1:15:24]: And I think I know the answer, but I'm gonna ask this question. Uh when the city of Stockbridge [1:15:24, 1:15:28]: had their own uh police department um [1:15:29, 1:15:32]: I don't want you to reveal your age, but um [1:15:33, 1:15:33]: Mm. [1:15:34, 1:15:40]: Um I because I think I know the answer. Uh I'll I'll I'll stop there and see if you want to respond to that. [1:15:41, 1:15:55]: I think the last time the city of Stockbridge had its own police department, I was at at Morrow Senior High School. Uh and to give you some to give you some time frame reference, we called it Morrow Senior High School back then. Today it's Morrow High School. So [1:15:55, 1:15:58]: Uh I you know, I I'm I'm far, far disconnected from that. [1:15:59, 1:16:09]: Yeah, I I I sort of figured that I figured you were sort of a youngster, but I I I remember those days. But I I just wanted to put a laugh in there during that time. But uh thank you, sir. I appreciate it. [1:16:09, 1:16:10]: Yes, sir. [1:16:10, 1:16:30]: Good deal. Well, I will tell you, uh, Councilman Thomas, uh I wasn't I was a senior in high school myself back in that time frame when when it was disbanded. So it and I got us gray hair. So you know that's a few years ago. Right. All right, thank you, sir. Good deal. Good deal. If there's another question for Miss McCord, excuse me, once again, Judge McCord, excuse me, Judge. [1:16:30, 1:16:42]: does McCord, uh then I would guess say sir, appreciate your briefing your time and and we look for a bright future. And uh we'll move on to our next topic, sir. Okay. Yes sir. Thank you. Y'all have a good day. Too sir. Bye bye. [1:16:44, 1:16:46]: Well, actually we're ahead of schedule at this point. [1:16:47, 1:17:03]: So the uh yes sir, go right ahead, please. Please go ahead, Mayor. I was gonna say well, I was gonna say we could we can if if the if the next Bill Spark is available, I guess we can move on and have his frequent if he's available. If yeah he can be he can be available a little bit earlier, but if if the council [1:17:03, 1:17:15]: Um is amenable. I wanted to go over the American Rescue Plan. Just a little bit more information about American Rescue Plan. I didn't get a chance uh uh right after uh Mr. Wiggins' presentation due to Judge McCord's [1:17:16, 1:17:23]: Schedule, but if that's okay with the council, I think that may be a worthy discussion. Oh, absolutely. Please do. Please do. I'm pretty sure everybody wants to hear this. [1:17:24, 1:17:30]: All right, let me see if I can share my screen from IT. Let's see here. [1:17:33, 1:17:38]: All right, can everybody everybody see that? Let me let me briefly explain. Um yesterday [1:17:38, 1:17:40]: GMA had a session. [1:17:41, 1:18:01]: And the American Rescue Plan Act was discussed. They had a representative from the National League of Cities. And as I think I mentioned in some correspondence, similar to the CARES Act previously, now that this legislation has come forward, everybody now is trying to figure out exactly what it means and how funds can be spent. [1:18:01, 1:18:04]: And typical uh as through the CARES Act, there was some [1:18:04, 1:18:08]: uh information that became more clear. [1:18:09, 1:18:18]: As the weeks progressed. Uh, this information uh that I have on the screen here was provided yesterday, and given the timing of it, I wanted to make sure I shared this with [1:18:20, 1:18:24]: the council because I do think that based on the information that we have at the moment. [1:18:24, 1:18:35]: That there seems to be more latitude with respect to the uh American Rescue Plan Act as it what as uh more latitude than the CARES Act previously. [1:18:35, 1:18:41]: The CARES Act primarily was a look back of expenses that you had already expended. [1:18:41, 1:18:52]: to deal with the pandemic. And then you had a fairish fairly short window, basically from August to the end of December, to spend those funds, which, as I mentioned earlier, [1:18:52, 1:18:56]: We did primary primarily in the areas of small business support. [1:18:56, 1:19:04]: And then also some nonprofit support as well. It seems to be more latitude here with the American Rescue Plan Act. [1:19:04, 1:19:06]: And um [1:19:07, 1:19:10]: Will probably uh will be, I think, a tremendous benefit. [1:19:10, 1:19:13]: uh to local government. So I'll try to go through this. [1:19:13, 1:19:16]: As best I can explain what I understand at the moment. [1:19:16, 1:19:36]: With re with respect to this plan and how it uh impacts us specifically. And also the estimated amount for Stockbridge based on the distribution is about$9.4 million. That's the estimated amount. And I say estimated amount because there is somewhat of a caveat about [1:19:36, 1:19:37]: Uh [1:19:37, 1:19:47]: not allowing more than 75% of your previous annual budget, something to that effect. So [1:19:48, 1:19:59]: There's kind of that caveat in there, but basically we're looking at that$9.4 million as the allocation as it's been listed for the city of Stockbridge. [1:20:00, 1:20:01]: Excuse me. [1:20:03, 1:20:05]: All right, let me see if I can do this here. [1:20:08, 1:20:09]: All right, let's do it that way. [1:20:11, 1:20:21]: All right. Um sixty-five billion for funding for all cities, towns, et cetera. That was that was some of the CARES Act information. [1:20:21, 1:20:30]: Uh the CARES Act relief fund went directly to cities with populations greater than fifty five hundred thousand and so forth. I'll skip down here just a moment. [1:20:32, 1:20:43]: Course, our CARES Act allocation was about uh one point five in the range of one point uh five million dollars. This is a r that's this right here is a review of the uh overall CARES Act. [1:20:45, 1:20:47]: Let me go down here. [1:20:48, 1:20:52]: Okay, for state and local government emergency relief funds. [1:20:52, 1:20:54]: You see the total of three hundred and fifty billion. [1:20:55, 1:21:02]: States um 195 and then localities 130.2 billion. That is the pot that we fall into. [1:21:03, 1:21:10]: There's$130.2 billion, which our allocation uh would be about$9.4 billion. [1:21:14, 1:21:15]: This is a little bit [1:21:15, 1:21:18]: difficult to maneuver here, so forgive me for that. [1:21:28, 1:21:41]: Okay, the use of the funds are essentially this. Um obviously to provide for emergency and emergency and address economic impacts of COVID to households, small businesses, nonprofits. They're different portions of this pot of money. [1:21:42, 1:21:43]: For different entities [1:21:44, 1:21:48]: Um and paying essential employees, um [1:21:48, 1:21:50]: A certain amount as well. [1:21:50, 1:21:53]: State and local governments cannot use the funds toward pensions. [1:21:54, 1:21:55]: Or [1:21:55, 1:21:56]: to offset [1:21:57, 1:22:02]: Revenue resulting from a tax cut enacted since March third, twenty twenty one. [1:22:03, 1:22:06]: State and local governments can transfer funds to private nonprofit groups. [1:22:07, 1:22:13]: Public benefit corporations involved in passenger or cargo transportation and special purpose units of state and local government. [1:22:13, 1:22:21]: So the funds could be used in a similar fashion that we did before with respect to business support, nonprofits, et cetera. [1:22:25, 1:22:35]: We expect to receive the funds in two what's two tranches or two different pots, if you will. Um one we should receive fairly soon. [1:22:36, 1:22:44]: And then we'll receive another one about a year later. Funds can be used through December 31st, 2024. [1:22:45, 1:22:50]: The funds distributed by Treasury within 60 days to metropolitan cities, generally those 50 uh [1:22:51, 1:22:52]: thousand and above. [1:22:53, 1:22:59]: And then the others should receive those funds shortly thereafter. So the funds should be coming up to us. [1:23:00, 1:23:05]: basically when about I would venture to say within about sixty to ninety days from what we understand. [1:23:10, 1:23:14]: I'm sorry, that's this is a little bit difficult to maneuver. [1:23:16, 1:23:20]: Let me go back because there's one piece in here I want to make sure we we look at. [1:23:26, 1:23:38]: These funds are to um again respond to the coronavirus emergency pandemic, anything that we needed to do to address those different things that we need to retrofit buildings, all of those different things. [1:23:39, 1:23:44]: Also, it allows a municipality to provide up to thirteen dollars per hour above regular wages. [1:23:45, 1:23:49]: Um and then it provides for um [1:23:53, 1:24:03]: support that received that we received prior to the emergency or things that we had to account for prior to the emergency. There's one thing I want you to show here in item D. [1:24:05, 1:24:09]: To make necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure. [1:24:10, 1:24:13]: Is a means by which these funds can be used. [1:24:14, 1:24:15]: Same. [1:24:15, 1:24:17]: Those are some capital items. [1:24:17, 1:24:23]: The other thing that I wanted to mention was because we talked about the Merrill Manders Conference Center and we talked about Ted Strickland. [1:24:24, 1:24:28]: Obviously, those were revenue losses this past year due to the COVID vaccine. [1:24:29, 1:24:31]: Based on the information provided yesterday. [1:24:31, 1:24:33]: We can identify. [1:24:34, 1:24:37]: The expected revenues that we would have received. [1:24:37, 1:24:40]: From Ted Strickland and Merrill Manders. Um [1:24:41, 1:24:46]: Rent for rental of those facilities and I assume any other facilities we have, pavilions, things of that nature. [1:24:47, 1:24:49]: Those revenues that were lost. [1:24:50, 1:24:54]: Based on our budget, we can recoup those revenues. [1:24:56, 1:24:59]: From last year, based on what was discussed yesterday. [1:25:07, 1:25:27]: This again is an overall view of the bill, direct payments,$1,400 per person at a certain amount of eligibility, tax credits, employee retention credits, pay leave credits, unemployment benefits extension. [1:25:27, 1:25:40]: PPP funding increases. There's there's a lot in here for local businesses or for businesses, restaurant revitalization funds. That I'm talking about this is the entire bill now, not just uh affecting the local government issues. [1:25:41, 1:25:52]: And then health and human services, there are a number of things related to other vaccinate vaccine testing grants, uh childcare block grants, those types of things that are beneficial to the uh community overall. [1:25:55, 1:25:57]: Obviously, there's a lot with respect to education. [1:25:58, 1:26:00]: Um in educational support. [1:26:03, 1:26:06]: universities uh the lost funding [1:26:12, 1:26:20]: Uh recipient governments can transfer funds to private nonprofit organizations, et cetera, as we mentioned before. Can't be used for pension funds. [1:26:21, 1:26:21]: Um [1:26:22, 1:26:26]: And that's that phrase I've mentioned before. Non-entitlement cities may not receive more than seventy five percent. [1:26:28, 1:26:29]: Of these cities most recent. [1:26:31, 1:26:32]: Budget. [1:26:33, 1:26:35]: And again, here's a summation of [1:26:35, 1:26:39]: The um amount of funds per different categories. [1:26:41, 1:26:45]: I know that was was somewhat hasty, but I did want to at least go over it. [1:26:46, 1:26:48]: There's a lot in here. [1:26:48, 1:26:51]: Um there's a lot to uh consider. [1:26:52, 1:27:01]: Um and I think as we gain more information over the next several days um with respect to how these funds can specifically be used. [1:27:02, 1:27:03]: Um [1:27:03, 1:27:16]: staff and I were probably making some uh recommendations to the council with respect to these funds. I think the bottom line is there is a number of uh different funding opportunities here that have been provided via the local government. [1:27:17, 1:27:20]: And it's something that obviously can help to benefit cities. [1:27:20, 1:27:24]: In the future, and um obviously the city of Stockbridge. [1:27:27, 1:27:29]: Um this night. [1:27:29, 1:27:49]: Uh I would venture to say that this briefing is outstanding. I would like for uh you if you can send that to the entire council so you can have that on hand. We can go through that. I'd uh uh I would imagine that uh something like this possibly uh leave it to your discretion, sir, of course, whether or not the shows on a website to educate the the public as well, if that's make makes sure, sure. That's fine. [1:27:49, 1:27:51]: Not a problem. Not a problem. [1:27:51, 1:28:11]: I noticed that you said 130.2 billion for cities that is in this bill. And there's roughly about 19,000 cities across the country that will be getting these direct payments to help them out. And I think there's well over 3,000 counties that also will have direct payment to help them out as well. [1:28:11, 1:28:22]: Um fantastic. This is this is very promising. Okay, that's that's all I have to say. I just wanted to say that, sir. Appreciate it. Anyone else? Any other council member? Uh Mayor Pro Tem uh Alexander, go away, please. [1:28:22, 1:28:30]: Yeah, uh sir, I I just want you to say that one more time for people that really tuned in. How much funding is the city expecting? [1:28:30, 1:28:33]: Uh, we expect to receive nine point four miles. [1:28:34, 1:28:46]: Nine point four million dollars. What is the city's the city annual budget this year is$12 million. Now 12.7, yes. Right. So in essence, uh there are winners and losers. I mean. [1:28:46, 1:28:49]: Because of how the pandemic worked out. [1:28:50, 1:28:53]: Our revenue has actually increased uh for the city. [1:28:53, 1:29:08]: So, you know, if you're a center hub like the city of Atlanta, you probably suffer this money or go right in. But at the same time, we need to understand the the advantages of this. Now, the First CARES Act uh allowed for reimbursement of public. [1:29:09, 1:29:12]: Um uh public safety. Does this one allow the same thing? [1:29:12, 1:29:16]: That that is correct, uh Mayor Pro Tem Alexander, it did. [1:29:17, 1:29:25]: I believe that this one will as well, and and I understand where you're going with that as well, which I've kind of thought about and want to make sure we get clarification on. [1:29:25, 1:29:26]: For instance [1:29:27, 1:29:32]: If this is a look ahead, so to speak, and there are funds here available that can help support. [1:29:33, 1:29:34]: uh public safety. [1:29:35, 1:29:55]: Obviously, we'll be starting the police department. These funds have to be expended by 2024. And obviously, we would have uh certainly well before then uh begun a police department. And so the question is um what if any funds can be utilized to help support public safety? I believe there is [1:29:55, 1:29:59]: uh would be an opportunity uh for that support. I would only [1:30:01, 1:30:07]: Place one caveat is, as I mentioned, you know, some of the some of the details of this still are unfolding. [1:30:07, 1:30:12]: But it seems that we'll have some opportunities perhaps to provide some level of support. [1:30:12, 1:30:14]: With respect to [1:30:14, 1:30:19]: The necessary items for public safety in the CARES Act, public safety in fact in the CARES Act. [1:30:20, 1:30:24]: Налив safety um departments able to [1:30:25, 1:30:29]: uh realized funds for the um [1:30:29, 1:30:42]: uh different forms of protection that they needed during the pandemic, the normal things of sanitizer, um, gloves, masks, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera, they actually were able to pay salaries with the CARES Act funding. [1:30:42, 1:30:44]: Actual salaries from the CARES Act. [1:30:45, 1:30:48]: Funding were were able to be realized. [1:30:48, 1:30:51]: by those governments that had those public safety. [1:30:52, 1:30:53]: Um entities. [1:30:53, 1:30:55]: I'm not sure that that it goes that far. [1:30:56, 1:31:02]: Um, but certainly um is something that I have certainly been thinking about over the last couple of days to [1:31:02, 1:31:08]: see how this um would impact the advent of a police department for the city of Stockholm. [1:31:08, 1:31:16]: Absolutely. So thank you for that. And to understand, you know, this is a great time. It is really a great time. And sometimes [1:31:17, 1:31:22]: Things are just meant to be. When this falls in your lap, you gotta take advantage of it if a if allowed [1:31:22, 1:31:33]: And uh to be able to start the police infrastructure with these additional fundings will certainly bless our city. So I'm I'm fully in support of that. Hopefully the rest of the council is too. Thank you. [1:31:34, 1:31:36]: Councilman Thomas, sir, you are unmuted. [1:31:37, 1:31:43]: Yes, um I I did have a public safety question, but I think Mr. Nighting uh answered that. [1:31:43, 1:31:46]: My other questions uh relates to [1:31:47, 1:31:49]: Um outfitting [1:31:49, 1:31:54]: uh the various uh buildings that we have here in the city. [1:31:55, 1:32:03]: the the city chamber. I know there are some plexiglass there. I think I think it's it's it's a little bit more that that needs to be done there. [1:32:03, 1:32:05]: Uh you know, the the the courts [1:32:06, 1:32:07]: Uh all of [1:32:07, 1:32:11]: feeling I I hope there is a plan and I I I guess [1:32:11, 1:32:14]: can respond to that you know you don't have to get into [1:32:14, 1:32:15]: Yeah, but. [1:32:15, 1:32:19]: I I would hope that uh there is a plan being worked out where we will [1:32:20, 1:32:24]: Uh even retrofit all of our building to make sure that [1:32:24, 1:32:27]: We are safe when uh all of us. [1:32:27, 1:32:30]: As well as all of the employees uh come back to work. [1:32:31, 1:32:39]: Right. No, yes, uh Councilman Thomas, thank you for that. Yes, we've done some things already so far with respect to plex glass and separations. [1:32:39, 1:32:42]: And in certain areas open more open areas. [1:32:43, 1:32:48]: um of our buildings um and we'll continue to look at ways to [1:32:48, 1:32:51]: Safeguard staff um going forward. [1:32:51, 1:32:54]: And and to that end, obviously if the [1:32:54, 1:32:59]: Police department building obviously at some point will be utilized for Stockbridge Police Department. [1:33:00, 1:33:03]: As we go in to renovate areas of that building. [1:33:03, 1:33:05]: We will have that in mind. [1:33:06, 1:33:09]: Of how we make separations. [1:33:09, 1:33:14]: uh even though hopefully we'll we'll be hopefully in a much better place in terms of pandemic. [1:33:14, 1:33:19]: But we have to keep those things in mind um as we go into retrofit a new building. [1:33:19, 1:33:20]: A new building, so to speak. [1:33:21, 1:33:23]: And how we provide the necessary separation to protect. [1:33:24, 1:33:24]: Um [1:33:25, 1:33:25]: Protect the state. [1:33:27, 1:33:29]: Uh thank you. Uh I yield back, uh Mayor. [1:33:29, 1:33:30]: Okay. [1:33:30, 1:33:36]: Council, any other questions, concerns uh from this briefing that Mr. Knighton just gave? Anyone else? [1:33:39, 1:33:52]: Okay, I see none. All right, sir. I appreciate that. Uh appreciate the briefing. And then I know you'll send the information to the entire council so we can review it and take notes. And I'm pretty sure we'll have questions as time goes on as as well. [1:33:53, 1:34:07]: Okay. I'll send that to you shortly. All right, sir. Appreciate that. Uh on that note, uh, we're still ahead of schedule, it seems like. Uh Mr. Ms. Holliday, we're we're almost what, 20 minutes or so ahead, seems like. Um [1:34:08, 1:34:16]: So I will tell you, uh, I don't know if we need to get uh Mr. Stark online now, if he's available, or you want to take any type of break. Uh we seem to be moving right along. [1:34:17, 1:34:24]: Um if if I can make a suggestion uh to the council, if we can um get Mr. Stark on at eleven o'clock. [1:34:25, 1:34:27]: And we start at eleven. If we take a break. [1:34:28, 1:34:29]: Let's see here. [1:34:30, 1:34:30]: That works. [1:34:31, 1:34:33]: Take a break now and then have him come on at eleven. [1:34:34, 1:34:38]: Is that okay? And and a break we're taking is uh right now it's it would be a half an hour. [1:34:40, 1:34:41]: Class I thirty. [1:34:43, 1:34:47]: Close, yeah, it would be a half an hour. I I think actually he can come out a little bit sooner. [1:34:48, 1:35:06]: That's what you want to do. If you all want to do I don't I don't know if we need a half, I don't know if we need a half hour break, sir. Uh in this aspect. I think I can get them on at 1045 if you all want to do 1045, 1050. 1045. Get them on then. 1045, hopefully it would work for the council. That way we might want to take a little slightly longer, maybe uh [1:35:06, 1:35:11]: Well, lunch is already scheduled for an hour as well, anyway. But okay. How about 1045, Council? Will that work for you? [1:35:12, 1:35:13]: Okay. [1:35:13, 1:35:16]: Good. Any comments? Yes. Yes. [1:35:16, 1:35:22]: All right, so we'll look at ten forty five, we'll take a break, and then uh Mr. Stark, if you can get on to that point and we'll start with the strategic plan. [1:35:23, 1:35:24]: And SWAT analysis, all right. [1:35:25, 1:35:32]: Yeah, that that uh yeah, that um does lend itself to to having some time to work through. So that that should work out fine. [1:35:32, 1:35:38]: Good deal. All right, I'll see folks at ten four. Could ask everyone to mute their systems and stop their video. [1:35:51, 1:35:51]: Miss Holiday? [1:35:56, 1:35:56]: Yes. [1:35:56, 1:35:58]: I'm just gonna leave and come back. [1:35:59, 1:36:00]: Okay. [1:36:00, 1:36:01]: Is that gonna be all right? [1:36:02, 1:36:03]: Yes, okay. [1:36:03, 1:36:04]: Are you on? [1:40:08, 1:40:20]: I actually have 1045. Okay. And I see the Mr. Dark is online. Okay. Okay, everybody, the council. [1:40:20, 1:40:22]: Yeah let's see here. [1:40:25, 1:40:37]: I don't see Ms. Ganttz, Ms. Barber's here, Mr. Potem, okay. Well, all right. Give it another minute here, I guess in a sense uh Thomas comes back into the screen. [1:40:39, 1:40:40]: Excuse me. [1:40:44, 1:40:47]: Good morning, Mr. Stark. We're gonna get started just a second with your presentation, sir. [1:40:48, 1:40:50]: Good morning. Nice to be with you. [1:40:50, 1:40:51]: Absolutely. [1:40:52, 1:40:53]: Absolutely. [1:40:54, 1:40:59]: All right. Yeah, okay. Premier Potem is back and Thomas is coming back. Okay, good deal. All right. So [1:41:00, 1:41:17]: Mr. Knighton, I'll leave it up to you, sir. All right. We we the Ms. uh Councilman Thomas is online. He hears everything. And um I know that uh Councilwoman Gantt was going to sign back in. And so she'll be joining us shortly. Uh so we have a consensus here. So let's move out. [1:41:18, 1:41:19]: Ms. Nine, please. [1:41:20, 1:41:26]: Yes, uh thank you, Mayor and Council. Um this is Bill Stark. Uh he'll introduce himself more uh formally in just a moment. [1:41:27, 1:41:30]: He's an organizational consultant and uh has worked with [1:41:30, 1:41:32]: uh several jurisdictions, including our own. [1:41:33, 1:41:37]: As we worked through uh some uh staff matters to help strengthen. [1:41:37, 1:41:40]: And enhance um our staff and ability [1:41:41, 1:41:49]: Uh, to uh further our vision, uh, work on efficiency and interaction and things of those natures. And so we appreciate him joining us today. [1:41:50, 1:41:54]: And uh obviously a strategic plan is something that is vital to [1:41:55, 1:41:58]: Any organization certainly to a local government like ours. [1:41:58, 1:42:01]: Uh this is a a step or a component. [1:42:01, 1:42:05]: Of that strategic planning process, which Mr. Stark will kind of give an overview. [1:42:05, 1:42:11]: of strategic planning uh and uh then facilitate the discussion that uh we'll have [1:42:11, 1:42:31]: Uh for a SWOT analysis, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. That is very important, especially coming from the mayor and council, to identify those things that you believe fit into those categories so that we can utilize that as a foundation to springboard forward in uh working on the other components of this. [1:42:31, 1:42:32]: strategic plan. [1:42:32, 1:42:35]: And ultimately uh completing that process. So [1:42:36, 1:42:42]: Uh Mr. Stark, um I will leave it to you to go ahead and um [1:42:42, 1:42:46]: uh go forward with uh this session. [1:42:47, 1:42:51]: Very good. Absolutely. Thank you very much. It's uh great to be with everyone. Good to s [1:42:51, 1:43:03]: Good to see you all again. Um, and uh thank you for that uh that uh setup, uh Mr. Knighton. Yes, our company Intercom, we work with a number of local governments in Georgia and outside gov Georgia. [1:43:04, 1:43:14]: uh in this area of strategic planning um as well as professional development. So we're happy to be here and and have an initial discussion about strategic planning for the city of Stockbridge. [1:43:14, 1:43:27]: Uh in terms of just broad broad strokes, you know, most cities that um that we work with either have a plan, have part of a plan, or need to refresh a strategic plan. And of course the strategic plan [1:43:28, 1:43:30]: Gives the citizens of Stockbridge. [1:43:31, 1:43:33]: Gives the elected officials, gives the staff. [1:43:34, 1:43:35]: Direction. [1:43:35, 1:43:38]: It gives them a sense of focus and purpose. [1:43:38, 1:43:41]: In terms of where the city is going. [1:43:41, 1:43:46]: uh in the future and um there's some components to a strategic plan that [1:43:46, 1:43:54]: You all are going to want to consider and spend a lot of time on in the next few months. One of them is your vision and mission, which you already have. You may want to relook your vision. [1:43:55, 1:43:59]: Vision is a long term twenty year view. Where do you want to go in the next twenty years? [1:44:00, 1:44:02]: From a aspirational perspective. [1:44:03, 1:44:09]: Um, we often encourage and most cities and counties do engage the public in this process. So you get public input. [1:44:10, 1:44:14]: terms of where where they see challenges with the city, what opportunities citizens [1:44:14, 1:44:20]: think uh should be developed within the city. So that's an important part of the strategic planning process. [1:44:21, 1:44:31]: Another big part is what we call an environmental scan. And that's kind of what we're doing today. We're gonna talk about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the county, what within the city. [1:44:32, 1:44:39]: And so we need your input on that today. We may not finish this process today, but we're definitely gonna get it started. [1:44:39, 1:44:44]: Uh, because we need to get your feedback. You all are obviously very close to the citizenry. [1:44:44, 1:44:57]: And so you're going to be able to represent what you hear out in the city. And we want to hear that today. So a SWOT process, a a pestle analysis, all those sort of environmental scans are an important part of the strategic. [1:44:57, 1:44:59]: Планів процес. [1:44:59, 1:45:14]: So yeah, so today we we want to focus on a SWOT analysis. And uh normally this is something that might take two or three hours to do, uh, where we can flesh things out, uh have a little more time time for debate. [1:45:14, 1:45:16]: Uh so we're on a little bit more of a [1:45:17, 1:45:23]: uh uh time constrained process today, but we we can we can make some progress today on this. [1:45:23, 1:45:31]: Uh Mr. Knighton sent out earlier, I think, Monday or maybe yesterday a SWAT document. It was a two page document. [1:45:31, 1:45:37]: uh to allow you to begin to think about what are the strengths that you see within the city. [1:45:37, 1:45:42]: What are the internal strengths? What are the internal weaknesses within the city? [1:45:43, 1:46:01]: What are the external opportunities and what are the external threats? And I don't know if you all had a chance to to think about this uh before today. I know you've had a lot on your schedule the last few days. You may not have had a chance to uh to actually uh give consideration to [1:46:01, 1:46:04]: This SWAT document that was sent to you. [1:46:04, 1:46:12]: So what I'd like to do is just quickly review what the SWOT is, and then I would love for you all just to take [1:46:12, 1:46:14]: Maybe five minutes. [1:46:14, 1:46:15]: Um [1:46:15, 1:46:20]: uh in independently by yourself and make some notes [1:46:20, 1:46:23]: In each of these areas, S W O T. [1:46:24, 1:46:25]: So if you have a [1:46:25, 1:46:27]: piece of paper and a pen handy. [1:46:28, 1:46:34]: Uh I would love for you to to help track along with this and make notes as I'm kind of going over this overview. [1:46:34, 1:46:48]: And kind of gather your thoughts, begin to think about what are our strengths, what are some weaknesses in the city? What are some opportunities in the city of Stockbridge? And what are some threats? What are some things we need to pay attention to and be careful of? [1:46:49, 1:46:55]: So here's here's what we're here's what we're after. We'd like to start with the S. So if you would as as council members. [1:46:56, 1:47:07]: Um, so let's let's think about strengths for a minute. And when we say strengths, we're talking about internal to the city of Stockbridge. It could be that we have engaged citizens, that could be a strength. [1:47:08, 1:47:11]: It could be that we have a good balance sheet, a good uh [1:47:11, 1:47:14]: Um, you know, uh rainy day account financially. [1:47:14, 1:47:16]: Could be that we have engaged staff. [1:47:17, 1:47:19]: Uh it could be that we're on [1:47:19, 1:47:25]: a major transportation corridor. That that's a strength for the city of Stockbridge. It could be that we have [1:47:25, 1:47:27]: Some historical relevance to our city. [1:47:27, 1:47:35]: uh the Martin Luther King heritage, his family that's a part of Stockbridge. That could be a street of the city of Stockbridge. [1:47:36, 1:47:36]: And so [1:47:37, 1:47:40]: These are these are strengths or things that you can leverage. [1:47:41, 1:47:43]: to take you where you want to go in the future. [1:47:44, 1:47:45]: And so um [1:47:46, 1:47:52]: Uh I would just ask that that that you would as again, as I'm kinda going over this S W O T, if you all would [1:47:53, 1:47:56]: begin to make notes and thoughts yourself. [1:47:57, 1:47:59]: What do you think the strengths are? [1:47:59, 1:48:00]: Of the city. [1:48:01, 1:48:04]: of stop bridge. What are your what are your thoughts? So I'm gonna [1:48:04, 1:48:12]: I'm going to keep talking here to give you all time to kind of process some of this, make some notes. What do you see as the strengths? [1:48:13, 1:48:19]: So next is uh weaknesses. And we're gonna I'm gonna go through all four of these. [1:48:19, 1:48:27]: And then what I'd like to do is circle back and get all of you to actually share what you're writing down. I wanna I would love to hear from you today and have you voice. [1:48:27, 1:48:32]: what you're what's on your mind in terms of this area. So at strengths is s [1:48:33, 1:48:34]: W is weakness. [1:48:35, 1:48:38]: Now these are internal weaknesses. So you may say, um [1:48:39, 1:48:42]: One of the weaknesses we have is that we don't communicate very well. [1:48:43, 1:48:49]: Uh another weakness might be is that we don't um have a good system to listen to our citizens. We don't have a good [1:48:50, 1:48:55]: structure or process to get citizen feedback. That could be a weakness of the city of Stockbridge. [1:48:56, 1:49:00]: Uh it could be that there's a disconnect between the council and the staff in terms of priorities. [1:49:01, 1:49:04]: Uh, you could have a weakness that says um [1:49:04, 1:49:08]: You know, financially, uh, we're not as strong as we need to be. We need [1:49:09, 1:49:10]: X number of months of [1:49:11, 1:49:15]: reserves and we only have Y reserves. So that would be a weakness. [1:49:15, 1:49:18]: Um so these are internal [1:49:18, 1:49:22]: Weaknesses, these are deficiencies that we have as a city. [1:49:23, 1:49:26]: That could hurt us, that we need to work on, that we need to [1:49:27, 1:49:31]: spend time and and think about and and work on. So you've we got to have strengths. [1:49:31, 1:49:33]: We got our weaknesses. [1:49:33, 1:49:34]: Um [1:49:36, 1:49:41]: Uh it it could be a weakness that we don't have enough industry in Stockbridge. [1:49:41, 1:49:43]: Or we're too reliant on [1:49:44, 1:49:47]: property tax or we're too reliant on [1:49:47, 1:49:49]: Um lost revenue. [1:49:50, 1:49:55]: Uh we don't have enough retail venues. A weakness could be that our downtown is not vibrant. [1:49:56, 1:50:02]: Um a a number of things could be it in your estimation, and we want your thoughts on this. What do you see? [1:50:03, 1:50:07]: As areas where the city has weaknesses or deficiencies. [1:50:07, 1:50:09]: That we need to work on. [1:50:11, 1:50:12]: So that's [1:50:12, 1:50:13]: Yes for strength. [1:50:14, 1:50:15]: W for weakness. [1:50:16, 1:50:26]: So now what we want to do is kind of shift over and talk about opportunities. And when we think of opportunities, we really want to think of external opportunities. [1:50:27, 1:50:28]: External. [1:50:28, 1:50:33]: So these would be opportunities for you all to reach out into other [1:50:33, 1:50:39]: uh other areas outside of stock bridge, this might be an external opportunity might be [1:50:39, 1:50:40]: Um [1:50:40, 1:50:45]: Спіквит work with Universтіa Georgia system. [1:50:45, 1:50:53]: to to put a uh a remote campus, a learning campus in Stockbridge. That would be an external opportunity. [1:50:53, 1:51:00]: In other words, it's an opportunity to work with a party outside of Stockbridge to bring something into Stockbridge. [1:51:01, 1:51:10]: It could be that you want to develop better partnerships with state officials, or maybe you want to develop better partnerships with [1:51:10, 1:51:16]: business entities outside of Stockbridge. So they can bring something to Stockbridge. [1:51:16, 1:51:17]: So [1:51:17, 1:51:21]: Opportunities are things that you see [1:51:21, 1:51:25]: Uh, it could be tourism. It could be, you know what, we really need to [1:51:25, 1:51:26]: Um [1:51:26, 1:51:28]: uh leverage some of our [1:51:28, 1:51:32]: Um Martin Luther King hсhistorial presence. [1:51:32, 1:51:37]: And and that's an opportunity to bring in resources from outside of Stockbridge. [1:51:38, 1:51:41]: to benefit our city, to create more of a tourism. [1:51:41, 1:51:42]: So when we think about [1:51:43, 1:51:48]: opportunities we're thinking about who can we partner with, what can we do externally. [1:51:49, 1:51:50]: With external stakeholders [1:51:51, 1:51:52]: To benefit [1:51:52, 1:51:54]: The city of Stockbridge. [1:51:55, 1:52:02]: So we wanna be creative here. We we we don't wanna uh be constrained. Let's pretend for a minute like we've got unlimited funds. [1:52:03, 1:52:07]: Uh we don't have unlimited funds, of course, so we're gonna have to have that conversation later. [1:52:07, 1:52:11]: But let's let's think creatively. Who can we partner with externally? [1:52:12, 1:52:15]: Who can we team up with? Who can we talk to, work with? [1:52:15, 1:52:17]: To bring opportunities. [1:52:18, 1:52:21]: to the city of Stockbridge. And and it could be economic development. [1:52:22, 1:52:27]: could be any number of uh could be tourism as I mentioned earlier. So those are opportunities. [1:52:27, 1:52:29]: And those are external. [1:52:29, 1:52:33]: The last section is threats. [1:52:34, 1:52:40]: So threats are things that can spoil your plans, right? Threats are [1:52:40, 1:52:45]: Things like well, covet is a threat, uh a health crisis is a threat. [1:52:45, 1:52:46]: Um [1:52:47, 1:52:48]: The economy. [1:52:48, 1:52:55]: turns south this summer, this fall. That would be a threat to the city of Stockbridge because it would affect [1:52:56, 1:52:58]: Your tax revenues, if um [1:52:58, 1:53:04]: if if the economy were to to uh to uh not perform well, the national economy, the local economy. [1:53:05, 1:53:08]: So threats are things that can come along. [1:53:08, 1:53:12]: And hurt your plans and take away from your plans. [1:53:12, 1:53:16]: Um it it could be really anything, as I say, from a from a health [1:53:17, 1:53:19]: crisis to a financial crisis. [1:53:20, 1:53:24]: Uh could be a technology crisis. It could be that um [1:53:24, 1:53:27]: The city is із хелд хстач ба. [1:53:27, 1:53:31]: you know, uh hackers and and these that that's an external threat. [1:53:31, 1:53:33]: to the city of Stockbridge. [1:53:33, 1:53:37]: Uh, that's happened to a lot of communities in Georgia, as you all know. And [1:53:37, 1:53:42]: And that's an external threat that the city's vulnerable potentially. [1:53:42, 1:53:47]: And once we know what the threat is, then we need to have a discussion about how to minimize that threat. [1:53:48, 1:53:56]: So that's that's kind of the overview. That's what we're trying to to do today. Strengths, internal strengths. [1:53:57, 1:53:59]: Internal weaknesses. [1:54:00, 1:54:02]: Екстена опонтії. [1:54:02, 1:54:04]: Ан екстерно треть. [1:54:05, 1:54:09]: Those are the four areas. Um, if you would like [1:54:09, 1:54:09]: Um [1:54:10, 1:54:11]: This is a question for [1:54:12, 1:54:14]: Elected officials. If you need a few minutes. [1:54:15, 1:54:15]: I've just [1:54:16, 1:54:19]: being silent and thinking about this. [1:54:20, 1:54:25]: If you need a few more minutes to process on this and think about it and make some notes, that's fine. Let's take a few minutes of [1:54:26, 1:54:27]: Quiet and do that. [1:54:28, 1:54:31]: Or if you've got some notes and fonts prepared now. [1:54:32, 1:54:45]: Um we can we can move forward because I would like to go through this and actually hear each of you contribute in these four areas. What what would you all like to do? Mr Mr. Mayor, you have any a sense? Should we spend a few more minutes on this? [1:54:45, 1:55:00]: Well, we probably could spend a few more minutes, but I I I went through while you were talking, I went down and wrote down um uh some bullet comments and each of the four categories as you were talking. So I'm ready to go now, but rest of the council may not be. Uh, but uh I've got something for each category. [1:55:00, 1:55:02]: To share what outcomes personally. [1:55:03, 1:55:09]: Okay, well let me just ask uh uh Councilman Thomas, uh Barber, Alexander, Gantt, others [1:55:09, 1:55:10]: А блон [1:55:10, 1:55:14]: Uh could should we go ahead and go now or do y'all need a few minutes to to process on this? [1:55:15, 1:55:19]: Well I I this is Councilman Thomas. I I think we could go forward. [1:55:20, 1:55:21]: As one [1:55:21, 1:55:30]: elected person speak, the other probably could finish up their writing and probably could come in. I think all of us that wishes to speak. [1:55:30, 1:55:37]: Uh we'll probably have an opportunity to write and then actually come back and comment. I'm okay with the mayor starting it out. [1:55:38, 1:55:38]: Okay. [1:55:39, 1:55:40]: My [1:55:40, 1:55:41]: Anybody else? [1:55:42, 1:56:02]: All right, well, I can start it out. I have no problem. My yes, sir. We want to start with strengths, right? Since it's first yes, sir. Okay. We've uh as we discussed already earlier, we a strength would be to me would be great financial stability. We're financially stable in a sense. Uh we talked about that earlier. I have I I would say we have a great professional staff uh that executes uh our [1:56:02, 1:56:13]: our legislative decisions. Uh and and uh I I really think we got compliment them and and and we selected some great people to to do the heavy lifting uh daily. [1:56:14, 1:56:26]: Uh you mentioned about the historical aspect of the King family. That is a that is a strength definitely because no other city in the country can claim that other than Atlanta where the King family settled, but it's all started right here in Stockbridge. So we're connected. [1:56:26, 1:56:31]: It internally, uh, to Atlanta, of course, and then to the King family and that legacy there. [1:56:31, 1:56:37]: And I'll say the future future uh potential future developments of the strength. I mean our downtown area. [1:56:37, 1:56:39]: It has a potential. [1:56:39, 1:56:59]: uh to grow and with the with the uh the the actual amphitheater being an anchor the redevelopment process and starts everything going and uh i think that that's excellent uh and then then of course we have our bridges of johtico mixed use development at uh on the small southern part of starbridge at uh highway 75 and jodico [1:56:59, 1:57:19]: road and uh we've got a very bright future there and uh i mean even here recently i know we'll talk about this uh here a little later on in uh normal retreat but the movement that's going on that and of course the decision to uh put the the the aquatic center there um is a great uh great thing and uh we have nothing but potential to [1:57:19, 1:57:24]: to grow, to be prosperous. So I think those are all strengths. And that's why I wrote down those comments. [1:57:24, 1:57:35]: Very good. Very good. I've I think let's let's do this one at a time. We'll do the S's first and let everybody go around the horn and share their strengths and then we'll do weaknesses next. Uh Councilman Thomas, looks like you might be ready. [1:57:36, 1:57:37]: Well yeah. [1:57:38, 1:57:43]: Damit saltar I I think what you're gonna find here, uh many of us are probably going to [1:57:44, 1:57:51]: Indicate some of the very same thing, but I'm going to sort of just talk about one of the things that the mayor did not for the strength. [1:57:51, 1:57:55]: I I think one of our biggest assets is our um [1:57:55, 1:58:09]: community engagement. You know, we have a number of um historic churches. Uh we have a lot of uh nonprofits, a lot of uh civic organizations, and and I think, you know, for me, [1:58:09, 1:58:13]: uh the value of your citiz of your city is in your citizenry. [1:58:14, 1:58:20]: And I I think that and I think all of the council probably will agree that we do have great citizens, we have great organization. [1:58:20, 1:58:23]: Uh we partner quite a bit with um [1:58:23, 1:58:41]: many of the the businesses uh the fraternities and sororities but um i i just really want to sort of harp on the churches we have a number of uh historic churches that was established back in the 1860s and um you know they're a great part and i know the mayor has a [1:58:42, 1:58:59]: um round table, clergy round table where they feed into uh the city expect. So I think that's one of the great strengths that we have in the city of Stockbridge is our ability to engage in our citizens and they sort of feed back into [1:58:59, 1:59:08]: um you know some of their community concerns. So I think that is a great strength of ours. Nice. Yeah, that's good. Thank you. I I appreciate that. I figured [1:59:08, 1:59:13]: Y'all may have a lot of duplicates. So anything you wanna add? Yes, ma'am, Councilwoman Barber. [1:59:17, 1:59:19]: Um for the streams. Um [1:59:20, 1:59:24]: I think our close proximity to I seven five. [1:59:24, 1:59:27]: downtown Atlanta and the airport. [1:59:27, 1:59:31]: Um is a great strength of ours. Just wanted to add that. [1:59:31, 1:59:33]: Um, I think the mayor already [1:59:33, 1:59:36]: Um spoke about our good financial position. [1:59:36, 1:59:39]: Um DML K senior heritage. [1:59:39, 1:59:40]: Um [1:59:40, 1:59:42]: And those were a couple of things I could come up with. [1:59:43, 1:59:46]: Excellent. Yes, thank you very much. I appreciate that. I think you're right. You're [1:59:46, 1:59:48]: Geographical location. [1:59:49, 1:59:52]: Definitely can play to your advantage as a strength. Absolutely. Thank you. [1:59:59, 2:00:03]: Anyone else uh wanna add to that? Maybe something that wasn't covered, uh [2:00:04, 2:00:05]: Yes, ma'am, Ms. Gantt. [2:00:06, 2:00:08]: I think that the um [2:00:08, 2:00:26]: Uh I agree with all of those statements. And I also think that the mayor and council are pretty much when it comes to different projects on the same page. Everyone's forward thinking in regards to wanting to do more for the citizens. Um, and I think we we all have agreed. [2:00:26, 2:00:31]: on those things, on the capital projects and and come up with a plan in the way that we want to do them. [2:00:32, 2:00:32]: Mm-hmm. [2:00:33, 2:00:35]: Absolutely. Yes. Thank you. [2:00:38, 2:00:43]: Anyone else, uh Councilman Blount, Alexander, any any final thoughts or or you they pretty much covered everything. [2:00:44, 2:00:51]: Well, I just simply concur with everybody. You know, we we can go down the line of many strengths and I think that uh [2:00:51, 2:00:57]: Um just coming together as a council and realizing and uh recognizing how to [2:00:57, 2:00:58]: Um [2:00:59, 2:01:03]: how to you know exploit those strengths and and benefit the citizens. [2:01:03, 2:01:10]: Um is what we, you know, need to stay in in line and continue to do. So I just concur with everything everybody's saying. [2:01:11, 2:01:11]: Good. [2:01:12, 2:01:13]: Thank you, and I uh uh [2:01:13, 2:01:14]: Well [2:01:15, 2:01:18]: Mayor Pro Tem, Alexander, I saw your thumbs up, so you're you're good. You're good on this. [2:01:19, 2:01:20]: I think uh [2:01:20, 2:01:27]: You know, the idea of us all getting behind and coalescing behind these strengths is very important for morale. [2:01:28, 2:01:32]: Um that's for the staff, citizens, council. So I think [2:01:33, 2:01:35]: uh as we write this these [2:01:35, 2:01:37]: things up in the next few days. [2:01:37, 2:01:42]: Uh th these things these streets can really act as a as a way for us to coalesce around [2:01:42, 2:01:43]: The good. [2:01:44, 2:01:47]: Uh all right. So let's talk about weaknesses, internal weaknesses. [2:01:48, 2:01:50]: Um uh Mayor Ford, would you like to start us off? [2:01:50, 2:02:10]: Sure. What I have a couple of bullet comments. And one is uh not having a con not have a consistent or controlled message uh out to the public or the citizenry. Obviously we're all citizens, we all have a freedom to speak, but when it comes to decisions that are made by the council as a body, we can need to have a controlled central message that we all buy into. And so [2:02:10, 2:02:30]: So I think that that's a must. We speak with one voice once we have our debates and discussions, and then we move out with a consistent message. And the other thing I had is that as we grow and as we get larger with our citizenry, as we as we large get larger to serve our community, we need to make sure we have a proper amount of space for our professionals. [2:02:30, 2:02:41]: professional staff that they feel comfortable, they feel uh uh needed, wanted, and they and they have a good office space and able to communicate properly. And we kind of touched base on that earlier in our conversation when it came to the [2:02:42, 2:02:49]: Uh police discussion in reference to the allocation of planning and zoning folks potentially moving them to another location. So we got to make sure we have enough space. [2:02:50, 2:02:55]: for professional staff so they'd be comfortable daily on doing their jobs. I just had two bullet comments on that. [2:02:55, 2:02:56]: Okay. [2:02:57, 2:02:57]: Very good. [2:03:03, 2:03:04]: Yes, sir, Mr Thomas. [2:03:05, 2:03:06]: Um [2:03:07, 2:03:08]: W one of the [2:03:08, 2:03:11]: glaring weaknesses I think in [2:03:12, 2:03:15]: Really sort of disturbs me. Um [2:03:15, 2:03:19]: Has to do with um organizational distractions. [2:03:20, 2:03:21]: Um [2:03:23, 2:03:33]: I've you know, I've been an e elected official for a while. I've been involved in a number of uh organizations, um, civic organizations. [2:03:33, 2:03:35]: uh church organization [2:03:36, 2:03:39]: uh college organizations and I do understand [2:03:39, 2:03:42]: uh the process of of voting [2:03:43, 2:03:46]: I I think something that we miss here as an elected body. [2:03:47, 2:03:51]: Um the process of of agreeing and not agreeing. [2:03:52, 2:03:52]: Um [2:03:53, 2:03:59]: You know, we we are tasked with um, you know, legislation. Oftentimes, you know, some of us [2:03:59, 2:04:03]: agree with the legislation, sometimes we oppose [2:04:03, 2:04:05]: But what what my orientation is [2:04:06, 2:04:07]: Well, I may [2:04:08, 2:04:15]: disagree or I may oppose uh the consensus of whatever that vote is. [2:04:15, 2:04:17]: But I do understand that [2:04:17, 2:04:20]: You know, there's there's a level of respect. [2:04:21, 2:04:21]: Um [2:04:22, 2:04:22]: To the vote. [2:04:23, 2:04:29]: Now, even though again, you know, you can be on the opposing side and I've been on the opposing side many times. [2:04:29, 2:04:30]: Мені там. [2:04:31, 2:04:33]: But I I think we have to learn how to [2:04:34, 2:04:35]: Респект [2:04:35, 2:04:40]: uh the vote. And I I I think that's sort of a distraction. [2:04:40, 2:04:43]: That that takes us away from [2:04:43, 2:04:45]: Our true potential. [2:04:45, 2:04:48]: Uh in and moving forward because [2:04:48, 2:04:50]: It it takes on a [2:04:51, 2:04:52]: Um a [2:04:53, 2:04:54]: Personal [2:04:54, 2:04:58]: uh persona, which I don't think is good for [2:04:58, 2:05:00]: Um, you know, morale. [2:05:00, 2:05:11]: uh as well as you know the morale of staff even even the the morale of a citizen because um i i I read the comments and and I hear the feedback [2:05:11, 2:05:15]: And and our citizens are really just disturbed with [2:05:16, 2:05:17]: That [2:05:17, 2:05:21]: Uh, disagreement that we have on legislation. [2:05:21, 2:05:25]: Yeah. [2:05:25, 2:05:26]: I I have [2:05:26, 2:05:28]: Лерн хаути. [2:05:29, 2:05:32]: Um the decision, whether I'm in favor or against. [2:05:32, 2:05:37]: Um and and that that's the nature of organization. It's always gonna be a vote. [2:05:38, 2:05:42]: There's always gonna be a time when you're in favor, there's gonna be a time when you're against. [2:05:42, 2:05:44]: But we have to not poison. [2:05:45, 2:05:51]: uh you know the the the drinking water of the citizens and and staff we have to just learn how to move forward. [2:05:52, 2:05:52]: Yes, sir. [2:05:53, 2:05:59]: Yes, sir. Well well said. And I I you know, I I I see that as a challenge in a lot of cities and counties. [2:05:59, 2:06:06]: Um, but it is something that that obviously we we want to improve on. It it's just um it's pretty basic. So [2:06:07, 2:06:11]: Yes, sir. Very good. Uh who wants to go next? Uh Ms. Barber? [2:06:16, 2:06:25]: Um okay, so I actually asked Mr. Knighton about a SWOT analysis because I wanted to understand um the city's [2:06:25, 2:06:28]: Short term and long term plans. [2:06:28, 2:06:29]: Um [2:06:29, 2:06:31]: So I'm glad we're doing this exercise. [2:06:32, 2:06:32]: Um [2:06:33, 2:06:35]: One of the areas of improvement. [2:06:35, 2:06:38]: Written policies of procedures. [2:06:38, 2:06:41]: uh from a staff perspective, the staff level. [2:06:42, 2:06:42]: Um [2:06:44, 2:06:51]: Communications, um, not just as um the elected body, but also with staff. [2:06:51, 2:06:52]: There's a lot of [2:06:53, 2:06:53]: Follow up. [2:06:54, 2:06:57]: That I know just for me, I'm constantly having to do [2:06:58, 2:07:01]: Um just to find out where we are with certain things. [2:07:01, 2:07:02]: Um [2:07:02, 2:07:08]: Community engagement is actually something I think we need to work to improve. [2:07:08, 2:07:09]: Um [2:07:10, 2:07:18]: I know all of us is sharing information cr across social media, but actually getting the public involved. [2:07:18, 2:07:23]: actively involved and engaged in the discussions is something I'd like to see us improve. [2:07:24, 2:07:33]: Um, our marketing strategies is something that we definitely need to improve upon. We have an amphitheater that's gonna be coming live in just a couple of months. [2:07:34, 2:07:35]: Um [2:07:35, 2:07:40]: yet we are not doing any advertisement for it, um, just to kind of get the word out. [2:07:40, 2:07:42]: That this amphitheater will be coming on board in the future. [2:07:44, 2:07:44]: Um [2:07:45, 2:07:54]: Oh, lack of human service programs. Through the pandemic, we know that there were a lot of people who were financially affected. [2:07:55, 2:08:01]: Um by the pandemic. The homeless. There was an increased homeless population. [2:08:01, 2:08:01]: And [2:08:02, 2:08:03]: The city doesn't have [2:08:03, 2:08:11]: human service programs. So that's something I'd like for us to improve upon or try to implement in some way. [2:08:11, 2:08:12]: Yes. [2:08:13, 2:08:14]: Okay, and that's it. [2:08:15, 2:08:18]: Yeah, that's great. That's a great list. Thank you. [2:08:18, 2:08:22]: Uh th this this list normally is pretty long, you know, so uh [2:08:23, 2:08:26]: Yeah, uh we we may spend the next twenty minutes finishing up this list, which is fine. [2:08:27, 2:08:30]: We'll take it as it comes. But thank you. Those are great those are great thoughts. [2:08:38, 2:08:40]: Whoever else would like to go next. [2:08:44, 2:08:51]: Well, I'll go next. Um I have um of lack of planning. Basically. [2:08:52, 2:08:53]: You know, we will [2:08:54, 2:08:57]: Uh jump to the gun, a person wants to [2:08:57, 2:08:57]: Um [2:08:58, 2:09:00]: do something without planning it out. [2:09:01, 2:09:06]: first and then have you know eras in between. So I think that we can improve on that. [2:09:07, 2:09:07]: Um [2:09:08, 2:09:09]: You know. [2:09:09, 2:09:12]: Less lawsuits. I'm glad that we no longer [2:09:12, 2:09:26]: um that we're pretty much settling um all the lawsuits. But as much as we can reduce in regards to lawsuits, I think that would help the city out a lot. They're very costly. [2:09:27, 2:09:27]: Um [2:09:28, 2:09:31]: negative media attention. [2:09:31, 2:09:33]: Um or immediate. [2:09:33, 2:09:35]: Unwanted media attention. [2:09:35, 2:09:52]: I think that oftentimes, if you notice, stop bridge is always in the media, whether the news is small or or large. At some point, I I understand that's a great way of getting communication out to citizens, but we need to be mindful. [2:09:52, 2:09:53]: Um [2:09:53, 2:10:04]: of that we have a house which leads me into our PIO officer. We have someone as our PIO officer and therefore we need to [2:10:04, 2:10:05]: Um [2:10:07, 2:10:15]: Utilize our staff, utilize our PIO officer, and allow them to speak on behalf of Stockbridge in one voice. [2:10:16, 2:10:23]: Um and I think we always reiterate that pretty much every single retreat or all the time in regards to that. Um [2:10:24, 2:10:27]: I also have here [2:10:27, 2:10:44]: Um racing to be first. Oftentimes I think and that this is not just Stockbridge, but I I see it throughout the all government entities a lot here in Henry County. Instead of getting it right or working and acting as a team. [2:10:45, 2:10:46]: Um, you know [2:10:46, 2:10:50]: I see a lot of people or see incidents where people [2:10:51, 2:11:01]: hurry up, want to get it out first. And then you have to come back and reverse and and make it right. Um so racing to be first to me. Um [2:11:01, 2:11:06]: can be a weakness of ours instead of acting as a team. Um [2:11:06, 2:11:11]: The lack of communication between all mayor and council. [2:11:11, 2:11:12]: Um [2:11:12, 2:11:28]: And I'm guilty of that myself, even in the past. There's been some incidents where I would send an email to one particular person or not want to send to all. That can be a problem and arise out of a problem. And I agree with [2:11:28, 2:11:36]: Everything Councilman Thomas stated in regards to, you know, respect the vote once we vote on an issue or topic. [2:11:37, 2:11:42]: Um the other council members who voted against or if things didn't go your way. [2:11:43, 2:11:49]: No one should be ridiculed about it. That's the democra uh democrat democracy. [2:11:49, 2:11:50]: Um uh [2:11:51, 2:11:54]: our government. You appreciate the vote. [2:11:54, 2:12:01]: and you move on, but to mislead or misguide the citizens um is at issue. [2:12:02, 2:12:03]: And that's pretty much it. [2:12:04, 2:12:05]: Yeah. [2:12:05, 2:12:06]: Very good. [2:12:06, 2:12:07]: Thank you. [2:12:07, 2:12:08]: Thank you very much. [2:12:08, 2:12:11]: Uh those are those are very good comments. [2:12:13, 2:12:17]: All right. Who sh uh uh Councilman Blount, uh Alexander? [2:12:31, 2:12:34]: Gentlemen, anybody have any comments at all? Additional comments? [2:12:36, 2:12:40]: No, I'm fine. Uh I I'm concerned with everything everybody's saying on that. [2:12:41, 2:12:46]: Uh in my in my estimation, uh what we have a weakness on is zoning. [2:12:46, 2:12:51]: Uh it's killing us because uh we have one residential subdivision. [2:12:52, 2:12:54]: Under construction in the city. [2:12:54, 2:12:58]: And the council is inexperienced on zonings, which cause [2:12:58, 2:13:01]: chaos in terms of zoning cases. What we need to be able to do [2:13:02, 2:13:05]: Is then we need to familiarize ourselves, take some classes. [2:13:06, 2:13:07]: Or actually take notes. [2:13:08, 2:13:09]: uh in terms of what we're doing. [2:13:10, 2:13:15]: Uh, as far as zoning cases come and understand what the customary practices are. [2:13:15, 2:13:17]: Uh in terms of zoning. [2:13:17, 2:13:18]: And to also [2:13:18, 2:13:20]: Understand the law. [2:13:20, 2:13:22]: And you know, in in [2:13:23, 2:13:28]: And one thing we have to be able to do, we have to have the courage to tell this the courage. [2:13:28, 2:13:33]: To vote for the law, right or wrong versus when you're under political pressure. [2:13:33, 2:13:37]: Uh, there's gonna be a lot of that coming because our city is very [2:13:37, 2:13:42]: Uh we've built out the city's built out. There's not a lot of available land in there. [2:13:42, 2:13:45]: And we preach that we want growth. [2:13:45, 2:13:49]: And we say that over and over and over again, but when it comes to having growth. [2:13:49, 2:13:51]: It requires density. [2:13:51, 2:13:53]: And it requires [2:13:53, 2:13:55]: Uh new development. [2:13:55, 2:13:58]: Sometimes there's going to be controversy when it comes to [2:13:58, 2:14:04]: a particular zoning case or or that being established. So we might have make sure that we [2:14:04, 2:14:16]: uh uh uh uh familiarize ourselves with zoning process uh and procedures. We gotta know the rules before the game starts and then when those rules are being enforced we need to move forward with that. [2:14:17, 2:14:18]: Uh in terms of um [2:14:19, 2:14:34]: uh you know the appearance of our city is a weakness. We have a lot of second and third generation buildings that need to be replaced. And that requires uh an active economic development presence in Mr. Peterson. [2:14:34, 2:14:40]: And it also requires that we move forward with the citywide development authority, which has been on the board. [2:14:40, 2:14:45]: For as long as I can remember, but the members still haven't been appointed yet. [2:14:45, 2:14:48]: So those are the kind of things where [2:14:48, 2:14:51]: Great cities move nimbly. [2:14:51, 2:14:54]: You make quick decisions because [2:14:55, 2:14:57]: Time is money and we have to be nimble. [2:14:58, 2:14:59]: And what we do. [2:14:59, 2:15:00]: Uh as a community. [2:15:01, 2:15:02]: Sometimes you can [2:15:02, 2:15:05]: uh pontificate things to death. [2:15:06, 2:15:07]: And not [2:15:07, 2:15:10]: Uh miss out on the opportunity that is right before you. [2:15:11, 2:15:11]: So [2:15:12, 2:15:12]: Іно [2:15:12, 2:15:14]: Quick, efficient. [2:15:14, 2:15:17]: Uh operations mean making decisions. [2:15:17, 2:15:18]: And [2:15:18, 2:15:19]: In my estimation. [2:15:20, 2:15:25]: And I'm gonna say this to this council is that you you if you were elected by the citizens. [2:15:26, 2:15:32]: If you have to poll the citizens for every time something comes up. [2:15:33, 2:15:34]: You failed at this job. [2:15:35, 2:15:45]: because you can't do if you don't are if you're not connected to them, you already kind of know and you have that conversation. Because I talk with people every day and all of us do. [2:15:45, 2:15:47]: And then when I hear somebody say at a meeting [2:15:47, 2:15:55]: That I don't want I I we need to go talk to the citizens. Why aren't you talking to the citizens already? [2:15:55, 2:16:06]: Five that come to the podium are not gonna move me because I already talk to the citizens every single day, as we all should, and we allow that political pressure. [2:16:06, 2:16:08]: Uh to keep the city from growing. [2:16:09, 2:16:12]: uh efficiently in making wise decisions. [2:16:15, 2:16:15]: Excellent. [2:16:16, 2:16:23]: Thank you. Thank you very much. One of the things I'm gonna do as a result of this with Mr. Knight and just to let you all know, all this will be written up, typed up, documented. [2:16:24, 2:16:28]: What we're not doing today, what we don't have time to do today is to debate [2:16:29, 2:16:40]: which of these is the most important, right? We've got a nice long list of weaknesses. These are all legitimate issues that need to be talked about, debated, uh um discussed. [2:16:40, 2:16:48]: We need some healthy conflict around these issues to to try to get to the three or four that are the most pressing, most urgent. [2:16:49, 2:16:53]: That's a discussion we can't have today just because we don't have the time, but we wanna have that discussion. [2:16:54, 2:17:01]: uh down the road with you all to get some priorities from all of these. But thank you very much. This is a great, great list. All right. [2:17:01, 2:17:05]: We're gonna start back up with the mayor, uh opportunities, external. [2:17:05, 2:17:07]: Opportunities. [2:17:07, 2:17:27]: Well, my my first note that deals with establishing uh a better cooperative relationship with our county leadership. There are three uh, which is twofold, which it comes from them as well as us. We have three of the commissioners touch base on the city of Stockbridge itself. And so there's they have a uh and and so the same citizens that they that they [2:17:27, 2:17:45]: that they serve or the citizens we serve as well. So just establish a better relationship with them. And like I said, that's twofold. It it it means that uh we need to work with them and vice versa, need to work with us as well. So that's that's an opportunity, I think. And and if we can work do that, we can work better together and for the betterment of all our citizens in our immediate area. [2:17:46, 2:18:06]: uh public-private partnerships is an opportunity once again to to help build our downtown area and help make it thrive, make opportunities for those business leaders and entrepreneurs to help build up the downtown area, as well as working with our developer and and and the mixed-use development of Jodeco South. And those those are opportunities for the growth of the city. [2:18:06, 2:18:26]: And it make the city a really star, a really bright star in Henry County in the particular region itself. Um we talked about M.L. King Sr. So otherwise just establishing a better relationship uh with the King Center itself, and uh since we're we're connected to them uh because of the [2:18:26, 2:18:46]: ancestry and heritage that we we jointly serve and just kind of work with them on on establishing a a better relationship and establishing more of a historical and a tourism type of uh relationship and uh and growth and growth potential there. And my last bullet comment actually deals with the uh working with uh Northworth Southern [2:18:46, 2:19:06]: uh for because that's very key for us to work with Northwest Southern and work on a quiet zone for the future development of downtown area. And uh that would help make it make things thrive in this aspect. So uh and we we had some things going on, but the pandemic knocked us off track here. So it was something that we need to get back on. And I think [2:19:06, 2:19:26]: I think that is um very key uh for future and growth of our downtown area to kind of work with them and work through the process of a quiet zone and um allow the the the which help attract the the uh private uh uh businesses or partnerships and entrepreneurs into an area if we were able to solve that as well. [2:19:26, 2:19:29]: Thank you. Absolutely. Yeah. Thank you. That's awesome. [2:19:30, 2:19:30]: Um [2:19:31, 2:19:31]: Very good. [2:19:31, 2:19:33]: All right, who who would like to go next? [2:19:34, 2:19:34]: Um [2:19:35, 2:19:39]: I I'd just like to speak briefly about opportunities. [2:19:39, 2:19:40]: And as we um [2:19:42, 2:19:46]: Notice in our financial report by uh Mr. Wiggins. [2:19:46, 2:19:47]: Um [2:19:48, 2:19:51]: I don't think there are many cities. [2:19:51, 2:19:52]: Um [2:19:53, 2:19:55]: that are in financial [2:19:55, 2:19:56]: Um [2:19:57, 2:20:03]: stability shape that that we are in here in the city of Stockbridge, would give which gives us [2:20:03, 2:20:07]: uh um a low uh latitude [2:20:08, 2:20:09]: An improving [2:20:10, 2:20:11]: Um [2:20:12, 2:20:13]: Our infrastructure. [2:20:14, 2:20:17]: uh being able to um [2:20:17, 2:20:20]: create uh capital and and city projects. [2:20:21, 2:20:27]: And and and and and all of the things that we do, I I think one of the mandates of our municipalities. [2:20:27, 2:20:28]: Is to create [2:20:29, 2:20:30]: A better [2:20:31, 2:20:34]: um environment a better [2:20:34, 2:20:36]: uh life or living [2:20:37, 2:20:51]: um environment for all citizens that wishes to move to the city of Star Grid. So I think because of this opportunity that we have, I I think we are in a better position to be able to [2:20:51, 2:20:57]: uh you know, make these kind of improvements. And if you notice this is why one of the reasons why [2:20:57, 2:21:05]: Uh, we have an influx of folks actually moving to the city of Startbridge because they also recognize the opportunities. [2:21:05, 2:21:11]: that are here uh in the in this region. So I just think because of our financial uh outlook. [2:21:12, 2:21:19]: that you know, we we do have these opportunity to be able to uh to make these certain improvements here in the city of Stockbridge. [2:21:21, 2:21:29]: Yeah, uh the I I hear what you're saying. And um again, we don't have time today to unpack that fully. I think at another date it would be worth [2:21:30, 2:21:31]: Asking the question [2:21:31, 2:21:36]: What are those improvements specifically? Are they sidewalks? Are they trails? Are they [2:21:36, 2:21:40]: uh uh sewer sewer uh upgrading sewer system [2:21:41, 2:21:48]: You know, street lighting. What are those quality is it is it is enhancing our parks? I mean, there is any number of things, right, that could [2:21:48, 2:22:00]: improve quality of life. We don't have time to dig into that today, but you bring up a really good point. You could also say that what you're talking about, sir, are also weaknesses, right? These are areas where we're deficient. [2:22:00, 2:22:02]: But because we have financial strength. [2:22:03, 2:22:11]: We we can overcome some of these weaknesses because we do have some financial stability. So that's that's really great. I I love what you're saying there. Thank you. Thank you very much. [2:22:15, 2:22:16]: Who's next? There we go. [2:22:18, 2:22:23]: The uh I'll speak up next. The uh opportunities are limitless. [2:22:23, 2:22:26]: Because of our location and proximity. [2:22:26, 2:22:28]: Uh to the city of Atlanta. [2:22:28, 2:22:31]: Uh you know that connection really uh [2:22:31, 2:22:36]: Is an economic boom for us as was stated earlier, the I seventy five. [2:22:36, 2:22:36]: Um [2:22:37, 2:22:41]: uh running right through the middle of our city is such a blessing that some people just [2:22:42, 2:22:45]: Some cities just don't have that and we take it for granted. [2:22:45, 2:22:48]: You know, just like last night when the East Floss passed. [2:22:49, 2:22:54]: You know, uh those travelers moving through here generate three hundred and fifty million dollars a year. [2:22:55, 2:22:57]: For education, and uh we certainly need [2:22:58, 2:22:59]: Those improvements. [2:22:59, 2:23:00]: Uh right here. [2:23:01, 2:23:02]: uh in our community. [2:23:02, 2:23:05]: And another I mentioned that um [2:23:06, 2:23:11]: A wit uh one of the weaknesses was the second and third generation built businesses. [2:23:11, 2:23:17]: uh buildings that we have in the city along North Emory Boulevard and certain appearances in the city. [2:23:17, 2:23:20]: But there's also an opportunity at the same time. [2:23:20, 2:23:24]: Because if we move forward with the city wide development authority, [2:23:24, 2:23:29]: Mr. Peterson is successful and our community development director comes in and put in [2:23:29, 2:23:32]: solid uh we do do the ULDC correctly. [2:23:32, 2:23:43]: Uh we have a slate that of some of these buildings because the market is surging with uh that those whole dilapidated structures could be demolished. [2:23:44, 2:23:53]: creating a new slate to build modern buildings along this corridor and the traffic counts and the access to I-75 dictates. [2:23:53, 2:23:55]: That is exactly what's gonna happen. [2:23:55, 2:23:58]: So those second and third generation buildings. [2:23:58, 2:24:01]: That we consider eyesores right now. [2:24:01, 2:24:05]: will actually be disappearing as new development comes to the city. [2:24:05, 2:24:09]: They knocked them down and they put in new development. [2:24:09, 2:24:12]: But in order to take advantage of that. [2:24:12, 2:24:14]: You have to be willing. [2:24:14, 2:24:18]: to rezone the property and you have to be willing to embrace [2:24:19, 2:24:26]: Density because along those commercial corridors, you're going to have to have multifamily if you want to. [2:24:27, 2:24:38]: uh advance those properties. If you want an investor to come in and invest in those, you gotta do that because the multifamily is a a component that helps fuel it. [2:24:39, 2:24:41]: Because when you do a mixed use development. [2:24:42, 2:24:47]: They want the res they want concentrated residential to be able to pay for the commercial portion. [2:24:48, 2:24:50]: They can't build a mixed use development. [2:24:51, 2:24:54]: With only single family homes and actually turn a profit. [2:24:54, 2:24:56]: So there must be some town homes. [2:24:56, 2:24:58]: And some rentals in order to go with it. [2:24:59, 2:25:01]: You just have to make sure that they're zoned right. [2:25:01, 2:25:04]: And that the apartments are at appropriate price point. [2:25:04, 2:25:06]: That people coming in. [2:25:06, 2:25:07]: Uh are brought going to be. [2:25:08, 2:25:08]: Um [2:25:09, 2:25:10]: uh sustaining them [2:25:10, 2:25:14]: And that they're going to not detract from the appearance of your city going forward. [2:25:14, 2:25:16]: But the same weakness. [2:25:16, 2:25:19]: uh in those second and third generation buildings. [2:25:19, 2:25:20]: But actually [2:25:20, 2:25:22]: An opportunity for the city. [2:25:22, 2:25:26]: To move forward with the city wide development authority. [2:25:26, 2:25:29]: And also with uh Mr. Peterson. [2:25:29, 2:25:33]: Let me say that again. The citywide development authority. [2:25:33, 2:25:33]: Thank you. [2:25:35, 2:25:43]: Yeah, thank you. Uh there's an analysis called a toes and we're doing SWAT today, SWOT. There's another analysis called TOES, TOWS. [2:25:43, 2:25:46]: Where you you try to overcome weaknesses. [2:25:46, 2:25:50]: to take advantage of an opportunity. And that's exactly what you were just talking about. How do we [2:25:51, 2:25:52]: How do we overcome a weakness? [2:25:52, 2:25:57]: the dilapidated buildings to take advantage of an opportunity, potential growth. [2:25:57, 2:26:02]: So very, very good comments. Thank you, sir. Appreciate that. Who who would like to go next? [2:26:13, 2:26:14]: Yes, ma'am, Miss Miss Barber. [2:26:16, 2:26:17]: Um [2:26:17, 2:26:18]: So [2:26:19, 2:26:22]: few of the things that I've written down have already mentioned. [2:26:22, 2:26:24]: Partners is important. [2:26:25, 2:26:25]: Um with [2:26:26, 2:26:28]: County and state legislatures. [2:26:29, 2:26:32]: um partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. [2:26:32, 2:26:33]: Also [2:26:33, 2:26:34]: Um [2:26:34, 2:26:37]: Find ways to increase our tourism. [2:26:37, 2:26:38]: Um [2:26:38, 2:26:42]: Annexations is also a great opportunity for us to help grow. [2:26:42, 2:26:43]: Our community. [2:26:44, 2:26:45]: Grow our economic [2:26:45, 2:26:47]: Um based. [2:26:47, 2:26:50]: Um and prioritize public safety. [2:26:50, 2:26:51]: Um [2:26:52, 2:26:54]: Also uh YMCA. [2:26:55, 2:26:57]: That is an opportunity as well. [2:26:58, 2:27:00]: Is there a YMCA currently in in the city? [2:27:01, 2:27:02]: No, there isn't. [2:27:02, 2:27:03]: Okay. [2:27:04, 2:27:04]: Okay. [2:27:05, 2:27:12]: Uh tourism, Fortune. Yes. Okay. Very good. So so partnerships, county and state, Fortune five hundred tourism annexation. [2:27:13, 2:27:14]: And YMCA. [2:27:14, 2:27:15]: Yeah. [2:27:15, 2:27:16]: And very nice. [2:27:16, 2:27:17]: Oh, excellent. [2:27:18, 2:27:21]: Pu oh sorry, public safety. Yes, yes, yes. [2:27:24, 2:27:26]: Yes. Very good. [2:27:26, 2:27:27]: Thank you. [2:27:27, 2:27:28]: Appreciate that. [2:27:31, 2:27:32]: Anybody else? [2:27:32, 2:27:33]: Ms. Gantt. [2:27:33, 2:27:33]: Blount. [2:27:37, 2:27:39]: Well, we have the opportunity to [2:27:40, 2:27:40]: Um [2:27:41, 2:27:45]: gain new small businesses. We have a lot of growth here in Henry County in general. [2:27:46, 2:27:49]: Um and we have the opportunity to [2:27:50, 2:27:53]: Develop better relationships with our small businesses. [2:27:53, 2:27:54]: Um that are in the area. [2:27:55, 2:27:55]: Um [2:27:56, 2:27:56]: are the [2:27:58, 2:27:59]: Business that [2:28:00, 2:28:01]: Owner [2:28:02, 2:28:03]: B. [2:28:04, 2:28:05]: Buildings. [2:28:06, 2:28:08]: Uh the locate [2:28:09, 2:28:23]: the opportunity to work with Henry Canada and brought the first German manufacturing company here in Stockbridge. So we have great opportunities to continue on those type of relationships and build off of those. [2:28:23, 2:28:26]: Um, I I wanna go back to small business. I think that's really [2:28:28, 2:28:30]: important our support. [2:28:30, 2:28:32]: Um as council um [2:28:32, 2:28:34]: Whether it's policing services uh [2:28:35, 2:28:37]: Making sure that we let [2:28:37, 2:28:39]: Hear their concerns. [2:28:39, 2:28:41]: Um, you know [2:28:41, 2:28:44]: They may have some neighbors or different things of that nature that [2:28:45, 2:28:45]: Um [2:28:45, 2:28:47]: They're requesting help with. [2:28:48, 2:28:50]: And we have those opportunities so that our [2:28:51, 2:28:53]: businesses that we do have that [2:28:54, 2:28:55]: Or the backbone of our community. [2:28:56, 2:28:56]: Stay. [2:28:57, 2:28:57]: And then [2:28:57, 2:28:58]: To grow and show that [2:29:00, 2:29:02]: We're open for business for others to come. [2:29:02, 2:29:08]: Um, there's a lot of development, a lot of developers that are interested. We have the opportunity to work with them. [2:29:08, 2:29:10]: And to provide. [2:29:10, 2:29:11]: Affordable housing. [2:29:11, 2:29:12]: Um [2:29:12, 2:29:13]: Mm and [2:29:14, 2:29:16]: Nice housing, right? [2:29:16, 2:29:18]: To accommodate the community in general. [2:29:19, 2:29:19]: Um [2:29:20, 2:29:22]: We had the opportunity. [2:29:22, 2:29:26]: to work again, I agree with our our state legislators. [2:29:27, 2:29:27]: Um [2:29:28, 2:29:28]: Our [2:29:29, 2:29:30]: And Henry County. [2:29:30, 2:29:31]: Which we're doing. [2:29:32, 2:29:34]: In regards to this aquatic center, which is the great news. [2:29:35, 2:29:35]: Um [2:29:35, 2:29:36]: And so [2:29:36, 2:29:40]: I think those are some of the pluses in what we have. And it's all [2:29:41, 2:29:45]: Not all of it, but the majority of it's based off of our location. [2:29:45, 2:29:46]: Um so [2:29:47, 2:29:51]: We have those we have the opportunity. We've had plans before also. [2:29:51, 2:29:55]: Um, there was a one hen raid that we discussed in the past. [2:29:55, 2:30:01]: Where Stockbridge was targeted as a technology hub, a place for white call workers. [2:30:02, 2:30:04]: We still have that opportunity. We had the opportunity be [2:30:04, 2:30:06]: Because we have the hospital. [2:30:06, 2:30:09]: Located here in Henry County, right in our [2:30:09, 2:30:09]: Um [2:30:10, 2:30:12]: In Scott Bridge, in the vicinity here. [2:30:12, 2:30:13]: And so [2:30:13, 2:30:13]: [9014.5, 9016.0]: We th there's some [2:30:16, 2:30:17]: I mean there's just [2:30:17, 2:30:18]: It's unlimited. [2:30:18, 2:30:19]: Basically. [2:30:19, 2:30:20]: Yeah. [2:30:20, 2:30:21]: Absolutely. Thank you. [2:30:22, 2:30:26]: I I I like I like where you're going there. Let's leverage leverage what's here. [2:30:27, 2:30:28]: uh as an opportunity. [2:30:30, 2:30:36]: Very good. Uh not sure if we heard from Councilman Blount. Would you like to share anything or we kinda covered everything? [2:30:42, 2:30:42]: All right. [2:30:42, 2:30:44]: Well, this last section [2:30:45, 2:30:45]: Uh [2:30:45, 2:30:47]: Just m may [2:30:47, 2:30:48]: Make go [2:30:49, 2:30:49]: Yes. [2:30:51, 2:30:52]: Mr Stark. [2:30:52, 2:30:53]: Yes, ma'am. [2:30:53, 2:31:07]: I do have one other one to add to my and that's just improving the quality of life initiatives. I'm a huge um supporter of walking trails, so I'd like to see us use that as an opportunity to improve. [2:31:07, 2:31:08]: The quality of life here. [2:31:08, 2:31:13]: Absolutely. Yes. Completely, completely get that. And I think uh [2:31:14, 2:31:19]: Next time we connect on this, we're gonna have to go a little deeper on that one because um [2:31:19, 2:31:25]: There's so many aspects, things that that we could say quality of life, uh and like trails. [2:31:25, 2:31:29]: But yes, thank you. I'll I'll definitely make a note of that. I appreciate that. [2:31:30, 2:31:39]: Uh Mr Mayor, how about how about threats? What are some threats that are out there looming that if we don't pay attention to them they could really derail our efforts? [2:31:40, 2:32:00]: Well, I'll tell you this way it says threats to the organization, external threats to the organization. And let me explain it this way. First of all, the council and the staff, and I would say the public knows that a lot of times in my Pacific correspondence, I talk about team, teammates, and team players. All right. We're together as a team. Now, you may not always uh get along with your teammates, but you're still a team. [2:32:00, 2:32:11]: team and you still got to work together as a team. You work together as a team, you can be more successful together. It's not about me. It's not about the council. It's about us collectively and about what we can do for the citizens as a collective team. [2:32:11, 2:32:31]: So I'll use this example. In college, I pledge a fraternity, not going to name a fraternity right now. I pledge a fraternity. We're online with my brothers and we're interlocked, interlocked, uh walking together in step, locked step together. And our big brothers and/or other people try to break the line and try to get through and bust us up. Well, here's what we need: external. [2:32:31, 2:32:51]: threats if if we're together as a team and and we we we offer and and support the consensus and move out together. So you would have if we we got a strong bond in this aspect, whether you agree with the the answer or not, or on the descending side, you respect that and you will move out for the do the betterment of the greater good. [2:32:51, 2:33:11]: For the citizens, you're locked in lockstep, all right. So any external threat, such as whether it's a county or whether it's a legislator, or whether it's a bad bad press, whatever we're lockstep. To me, that's what's key to a successful uh team, and and and we and we have to work that way as a team because you are not. [2:33:11, 2:33:25]: not going to be successful as an individual. It's not going to happen. It doesn't work that way. You see, so all successful teams, whether the business or or competitiveness with sports teams, they work together. Everybody has a little piece and a work in conjunction. That's my first comment. [2:33:25, 2:33:34]: Outside outside external type two organization, is that currently the city of Stockbridge citizens do not have a city property tax. [2:33:34, 2:33:54]: Well, the potential threat would be we we will eventually have to have a city's property tax for all the things that we're doing. So what it amounts to is that my phone was acting up. What it amounts to is that uh we need to make sure that as we go down this road, we thoroughly explain to the citizens why there is a need for what reason. [2:33:54, 2:34:14]: Reason why we would have to have a property tax to really thoroughly understand that. To to accomplish certain things, this may have to be done. And this so that that to me is considered a potential threat because they're so used to not having a property tax. Now that and then once you explain it thoroughly, people may very well say, okay, fine, I understand it. Or some people will say, [2:34:14, 2:34:33]: no no i don't I don't want this I don't care for this but but you have to go down that road and explain it and do help the process of of where we're going and the fact that we would need to do this if that is the case. So I look at that as as a potential outside threat education aspect and come to consensus and an agreement and whether or not that needs to be done. [2:34:33, 2:34:35]: That's only two comments I actually had. Thank you. [2:34:35, 2:34:38]: Yeah, that's good. Thank you. Very good. Appreciate that. [2:34:38, 2:34:39]: All right, anybody else? [2:34:40, 2:34:41]: Uh yes, um [2:34:42, 2:34:45]: Historically, there have been a number of [2:34:46, 2:34:50]: uh internal threats and as you mentioned in the description. [2:34:50, 2:34:53]: Uh there are some threats that [2:34:53, 2:34:55]: That's out of your control. [2:34:55, 2:34:57]: Uh, some that you do control. [2:34:58, 2:35:01]: But historically, one of the problems with this municipality is that [2:35:02, 2:35:05]: We have had a turnover in [2:35:05, 2:35:06]: Um [2:35:06, 2:35:10]: Elected officials and staffing. [2:35:10, 2:35:12]: Thereby not [2:35:12, 2:35:17]: The continuity of of um projects and programs. [2:35:18, 2:35:21]: Seem to always take a a different shift. [2:35:21, 2:35:24]: So I don't know if that's documentation. [2:35:24, 2:35:31]: Whereas if if a new staff or a new elected body comes in, they continue on with the goals and objective. [2:35:31, 2:35:33]: That was sort of laid before [2:35:34, 2:35:36]: Um historically that has been a problem. [2:35:37, 2:35:38]: Um [2:35:39, 2:35:48]: And I'm sort of glad that we're sort of going through this process today. Uh, I know that uh strategic planning. [2:35:48, 2:35:50]: Uh, it's very important. [2:35:51, 2:35:55]: But you know, historically, you know, we have not really. [2:35:56, 2:36:06]: uh got that deep into it. And I I I I I commend Mr. Knight a lot and I encourage him a lot. You know, I'm I'm sort of a cheerleader to him. [2:36:06, 2:36:09]: Uh, to let him know that with the staff. [2:36:10, 2:36:26]: that he is creating I look forward uh for for great things and and I think that we're only as good as you know um especially elected body we're only as good as the staff that actually comes in [2:36:26, 2:36:28]: to carry out. [2:36:28, 2:36:33]: the legislation that we pass. And so I'm sort of excited about that. [2:36:33, 2:36:34]: Um [2:36:35, 2:36:42]: And I'm just gonna sort of mention a couple of things I just sort of jotted down, you know, again, threats that we control and and threats that we don't. [2:36:43, 2:36:49]: But we have a problem here in Henry County as well as other cities, I believe, in transportation gridlock. [2:36:50, 2:36:51]: Um [2:36:51, 2:36:58]: You know, we just had a public hearing about a development that that that's potentially was coming in and [2:36:58, 2:37:01]: Two things that the citizen was concerned about. [2:37:01, 2:37:04]: And that was the overcrowding of schools. [2:37:04, 2:37:06]: And traffic gridlock. [2:37:06, 2:37:14]: Now those are heavy because we know we have to sort of interface with our federal government and then our state government. [2:37:14, 2:37:16]: But I'm just saying sometimes [2:37:16, 2:37:25]: Um, you know, these present uh a certain kind of threat as far as smart growth uh for cities. And I think all cities. [2:37:26, 2:37:35]: Um and we just have to sort of do the best we can, but I think we need to focus a little bit more on federal and state when it comes to. [2:37:35, 2:37:40]: uh overcrowding of schools and and and and gridlock traffic gridlock. [2:37:41, 2:37:41]: Thank you. [2:37:42, 2:37:43]: Yes, very good. [2:37:43, 2:37:44]: Thank you very much. [2:37:45, 2:37:46]: Appreciate that. [2:37:46, 2:37:47]: Mm. [2:37:47, 2:37:48]: I'll go next. [2:37:49, 2:37:49]: Іно. [2:37:50, 2:37:52]: It is this is I think my for [2:37:53, 2:37:54]: Hello? [2:37:55, 2:38:03]: Okay, this is my f this is uh where I come from on this particular uh subject is that uh you know uh [2:38:03, 2:38:04]: The threat. [2:38:05, 2:38:09]: I i is i is is is us in terms of [2:38:10, 2:38:14]: There's nothing to fear but fear itself. [2:38:17, 2:38:19]: Висорід обо микені містей. [2:38:19, 2:38:23]: That we miss out on numerous opportunities. [2:38:24, 2:38:26]: In the past twelve months. [2:38:27, 2:38:29]: This cancel took some chances. [2:38:29, 2:38:32]: We moved out on sound financial data. [2:38:33, 2:38:34]: We [2:38:34, 2:38:36]: In the past twelve months. [2:38:37, 2:38:39]: Гавмей хисторик прогрес. [2:38:40, 2:38:44]: Twenty four months. The amphitheater, the culture art center is coming. [2:38:44, 2:38:47]: We work with the county, improve that relationship and [2:38:48, 2:38:50]: The aquatic center is coming to Johako Road. [2:38:51, 2:38:53]: We're moving forward with a police department. [2:38:54, 2:38:57]: We can walk and chew gum at the same time. [2:38:58, 2:39:02]: If you act and you lead with courage, the people will follow you. [2:39:03, 2:39:04]: Okay, they will. [2:39:04, 2:39:06]: And they will support you. [2:39:06, 2:39:09]: I don't fear a property tax. I don't. [2:39:10, 2:39:14]: My taxes go up in Henry County every year because we're in a growing community. [2:39:14, 2:39:16]: So in essence what will happen is [2:39:16, 2:39:18]: If we did have to have a property tax. [2:39:19, 2:39:21]: Might be a hundred dollars. [2:39:21, 2:39:24]: Might be seventy five dollars, might be a hundred and twenty five dollars. [2:39:24, 2:39:44]: The bill goes up more than that every year now. So it would be the same as a tax increase in terms of Henry County having that tax assessment every single year. It was another bill that you have to pay and understanding there are some restrictions. And maybe even at some point we might freeze the senior citizens' tax. [2:39:44, 2:39:45]: [9585.2, 9591.0]: taxes at the current level. So they are not priced out of their home and they're not impacted by it. [2:39:51, 2:39:51]: So [2:39:52, 2:39:54]: In essence what we would be doing [2:39:54, 2:39:57]: And moving forward with the things that we're doing now is [2:39:58, 2:40:02]: I'm afraid that we're paralyzed by fi we've been paralyzed in by fear. [2:40:02, 2:40:06]: in the past and I don't want us to return to that. [2:40:06, 2:40:07]: There were many years. [2:40:08, 2:40:13]: Almost a decade where nothing no m major capital projects. [2:40:13, 2:40:14]: Were completed in the city. [2:40:15, 2:40:18]: But we finally shed the fear. [2:40:19, 2:40:20]: And once we shed the fear. [2:40:21, 2:40:23]: Historic accomplishments were made. [2:40:24, 2:40:26]: You cannot let fear rule the day. [2:40:27, 2:40:28]: Факт. [2:40:28, 2:40:29]: Must rule the day. [2:40:30, 2:40:30]: The biggest [2:40:31, 2:40:32]: The biggest threat to me. [2:40:32, 2:40:33]: Is the fear? [2:40:34, 2:40:36]: And fear itself. [2:40:39, 2:40:40]: Thank you. [2:40:40, 2:40:45]: Thank you very much. Uh I believe Councilwoman Gantt, were you gonna say something there earlier? [2:40:47, 2:40:52]: Um well, one of the biggest threats we've had in the past, and g you know [2:40:52, 2:40:54]: hoping that it won't be in the future. [2:40:56, 2:40:57]: Is the [2:40:58, 2:41:02]: trying to remove part of our city or DNX. [2:41:03, 2:41:16]: Um, as you know and recall. Um and to me, you know, we must continue to push um our state legislators to make sure that that doesn't ever have happen again. So to me, that's still a threat. [2:41:16, 2:41:17]: To our city. [2:41:19, 2:41:20]: Um yeah. [2:41:20, 2:41:23]: Yeah, thank you. That's a good one. Yes, go go ahead. [2:41:27, 2:41:34]: Yeah, I was gonna ask about that earlier in terms of a weakness. And we we again we don't have time to get into this today, uh, but [2:41:35, 2:41:45]: Uh I would I would like for us to explore that a bit more sometimes in terms of unity uh and being um together as one entity, one city. [2:41:45, 2:41:51]: Um, and that would fall under weakness perhaps. Uh, but we can talk about that another day. [2:41:51, 2:41:55]: Uh for time's sake. Uh but thank you, Miss Skant. I appreciate that. [2:41:56, 2:41:57]: comment about D um the um [2:41:58, 2:41:59]: uh annexation part. [2:42:00, 2:42:02]: Anyone else, Miss Barber, uh Mr. Blount? [2:42:07, 2:42:17]: Um no, the deannexation was actually one of the things that I had on my list. Um the other one is all of the unforeseen um as a result of this pandemic. [2:42:18, 2:42:18]: Um [2:42:20, 2:42:20]: That's all. [2:42:21, 2:42:22]: Yes. [2:42:23, 2:42:24]: Yeah. [2:42:26, 2:42:30]: Uh Mabel, anything from you, sir? [2:42:37, 2:42:38]: Okay. [2:42:38, 2:42:39]: All right. [2:42:39, 2:42:41]: Well uh that [2:42:41, 2:42:48]: Pretty much wraps up what we were trying to do today. We've we've been on about an hour and two minutes, I see. So the timing worked out pretty well. [2:42:49, 2:42:53]: Um the the today what we did was sort of the easy part. [2:42:53, 2:42:56]: as you as you may imagine um [2:42:56, 2:43:06]: Uh we can't solve all the weaknesses, we can't we can't leverage all the opportunities, we can't overcome all the threats. It's just physically impossible. We don't have enough money time or people. [2:43:07, 2:43:08]: But we can do some of it. [2:43:08, 2:43:09]: We can do some of it. [2:43:10, 2:43:15]: And what that means is we have to make choices, right? We have to decide. [2:43:15, 2:43:24]: What are our top three or four priorities on the opportunities? What are our top three or four weaknesses that we want to attack viciously and overcome those weaknesses? [2:43:24, 2:43:29]: What are the top two or three w threats that we want to actively push against? [2:43:29, 2:43:32]: And those are decisions that require compromise. [2:43:33, 2:43:36]: That require discussion, honest debate. [2:43:37, 2:43:38]: Healthy conflict. [2:43:38, 2:43:39]: Where we debate things. [2:43:40, 2:43:42]: But having this list [2:43:42, 2:43:45]: And creating a plan based on a list is not a strategic plan. [2:43:47, 2:43:49]: The strategic part comes in saying, Okay. [2:43:49, 2:43:53]: Which has the highest priority and what benefit will it give the city? [2:43:53, 2:44:00]: How can we leverage these things strategically to push the city further down the road? [2:44:00, 2:44:01]: Mm. [2:44:02, 2:44:02]: Oh. [2:44:03, 2:44:05]: We need to do next [2:44:05, 2:44:08]: And this will be maybe at a work session, however you would like to do it. [2:44:09, 2:44:15]: is begin to prioritize some of these topics you all have discussed today. Great topics, great participation. Thank you for [2:44:16, 2:44:19]: For your insights. Thank you for uh being honest. [2:44:19, 2:44:21]: And uh this is the first step. [2:44:21, 2:44:24]: uh is is putting it all out there on a piece of paper. [2:44:25, 2:44:30]: And the next step is to begin to narrow it down and prioritize. And that's gonna involve [2:44:30, 2:44:37]: you know, compromise and discussion and some good healthy debate. And I look forward to having that with you all in the next few months. [2:44:41, 2:44:46]: Okay, thank you, Mr. Stark. I appreciate that. Uh Mr. Knighton, do you have any other uh remarks or [2:44:47, 2:45:04]: I don't uh I don't at this point uh uh appreciate Mr. uh Stark uh facilitating this session. Obviously uh when we go through uh SWAT analysis, uh there are things that um are mentioned that uh hopefully with uh within the total context of everything is meant to benefit us. [2:45:04, 2:45:08]: uh to be able to begin uh some priority in identifying those things. [2:45:08, 2:45:13]: That our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats so that we can readily identify them. [2:45:14, 2:45:20]: uh determine uh what they are in terms of uh uh priority and significance. [2:45:21, 2:45:25]: And then been begin to work off of that toward the ultimate goal of completing [2:45:26, 2:45:28]: A strategic plan for the city that will provide [2:45:28, 2:45:38]: uh that uh that uh guideline for us from which we can we can operate uh in the future. So I appreciate that and appreciate uh councils [2:45:39, 2:45:44]: input and uh willing uh willingness to uh participate uh in this effort. [2:45:45, 2:46:05]: So on that note, I guess the next thing is actually lunch. And uh so we're a little early, we're still a little bit ahead of time. So uh if that's the case, I would imagine we'll go to lunch and get back here at roughly at one o'clock for the Unified Development Code update uh with uh collaborative firm. Um so if that sounds [2:46:05, 2:46:09]: Sounds good. If the council thinks that's a good idea, let's uh [2:46:10, 2:46:13]: Let's go to lunch and get back here about an hour from now and uh [2:46:14, 2:46:16]: And then uh we'll continue on the rest of our day. [2:46:16, 2:46:21]: Miss Clerk, Vanessa Holiday, ma'am. Any any last minute guides before we step out for lunch here? [2:46:22, 2:46:28]: If you would if you would like to leave the meeting, you can otherwise please um mute and turn off your video. [2:46:29, 2:46:33]: Yeah, council, any other questions before we go to lunch? Any other concerns? [2:46:34, 2:46:54]: if not i see none if not i i just want to make sure i i think we already confirmed it so uh is everything in uh in order for us to for this to arrive shortly we get with that yes yes counselor thank you yeah thank you thank you so we'll go right folks i'll see you a little before one o'clock for the next briefing all right [2:46:54, 2:46:55]: Great. Thank you. [2:46:57, 2:46:58]: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Knight. [2:46:58, 2:47:00]: You're welcome, sir. Take care. Yes, sir. [2:47:05, 2:47:07]: Good afternoon, Casey. How you doing? [2:47:08, 2:47:12]: Good afternoon, sir. How are you today? Happy Saint Patrick's Day. [2:47:13, 2:47:20]: That's right. It is, isn't it? Fantastic. Yeah. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too as well. Thank you. I think you have your green on, right? Actually, I actually do have green on. [2:47:21, 2:47:28]: But I have to admit I'm not Irish though. Oh, neither am I, but it's still fun to have a little spirit, right? Right, right. [2:47:30, 2:47:31]: Mm. [2:47:35, 2:47:37]: We'll get started just a little bit. [2:47:38, 2:47:39]: No problem.