2023-08-29 · City Council · Transcript · Work Session Meeting

--- title: Work Session Meeting date: 2023-08-29 source: 2023-08-29_Work_Session_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:25, 0:00:28]: Hey Council, this uh let's uh take our seats here and get started, please. [0:00:50, 0:00:58]: All right, ladies and gentlemen. Uh this is our council work session Tuesday, August twenty ninth. I'd like to have six oh one and like to call the meeting to order. [0:00:58, 0:01:00]: And please stand for the invocation. [0:01:02, 0:01:04]: And actually tonight I'm gonna do this, right? [0:01:05, 0:01:05]: Mm-hmm. [0:01:06, 0:01:26]: Lord can got continue to guide us and and work with us as we continue to do the city's business. The citizens want us to make good, solid decisions and what the betterment of our community in this aspect as well. Because always, Lord, to continue to have decent dialogue, understand the presentations, understand the presentations that are given to us, make good rational decisions. [0:01:25, 0:01:42]: as we continue to move the city forward. Be us always Lord in your name. Amen. Pledge allegiance to the flag, the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [0:01:43, 0:01:45]: Madam Clerk, roll call, please. [0:01:46, 0:01:51]: Mayor Ford? Present. Mayor Pro Tem Barber. Present. Councilman Alexander. [0:01:52, 0:01:55]: Present. Councilman Blount. Present. Councilwoman Gantt. [0:01:57, 0:02:09]: Let the record reflect Councilwoman Gantt is not in attendance. Councilman Thomas. Present. Mayor Ford, you have a call. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Uh Council, I need a motion to accept the agenda, please. Mayor Ford. Yes, ma'am. [0:02:09, 0:02:12]: I'd like to um amend the agenda, please. [0:02:12, 0:02:23]: Okay, what is what item do you what do you I just want to do with the agenda to have a discussion um on a request to conduct a forensic audit. [0:02:25, 0:02:29]: Okay, one second. [0:02:29, 0:02:30]: To amend the agenda. [0:02:31, 0:02:32]: To have a discussion. [0:02:33, 0:02:34]: On a request. [0:02:35, 0:02:37]: To conduct a forensic audit. [0:02:38, 0:02:40]: Okay. It's okay. Is there a second to that mo motion? [0:02:42, 0:02:43]: Is there a second emotion? [0:02:44, 0:02:50]: There's not a second to the motion. I need a motion to uh adopt the agenda, please. So Mr. Blount, so moved. Is there a second? [0:02:50, 0:02:53]: Sorry. Mr. Alzheimer's secondhand. All in favor, please indicate. [0:02:54, 0:02:56]: Motion's approved uh unanimously. [0:02:57, 0:03:04]: Okay, and Council I'll need for you to review the draft minutes. You have the review of the council meeting minutes for July tenth. [0:03:04, 0:03:15]: of this year review of the public hearing uh draft minutes uh july eighteenth and also july oh eight twice on july eighteenth, one at nine AM, one at six PM and also the the [0:03:16, 0:03:18]: Review of the work session draft minutes on july twenty fifth. [0:03:19, 0:03:21]: And a public hearing drafting this on July twenty seventh. [0:03:22, 0:03:24]: I that was at nine AM. [0:03:24, 0:03:30]: And so review those and we'll be able to approve those at our next uh council meeting which is on set for September eleventh. [0:03:31, 0:03:42]: Madam Clerk, is there any public comments at all? Mayor Ford, there are no public comments. Okay. On that note, on that note we'll move on. Presentations, Park Master Plan Update presented by Mr. Aaron and TSW, please. [0:03:50, 0:04:01]: Yes, good evening, Mr. Mayor and Council. Good evening. Tonight we have Brian Bays and Miss Beverly Bale with TSW, and they will be presenting an update to the city's uh Parkmaster plan for your review. [0:04:03, 0:04:04]: Okay, thank you. [0:04:06, 0:04:11]: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Welcome. Thanks for having us here tonight. Absolutely. No problem. [0:04:11, 0:04:31]: I'm Brian Bays with TSW. This is Beverly Bell, the project manager on this project. We've been engaged, as you know, now in this work for about a year and a half. And we wanted to bring a kind of update and presentation to you today on the work that we've [0:04:31, 0:04:51]: done. One critical uh aspect of the work um that we're that we really need action on uh is revolves around the budget uh and also the prioritization of uh park improvement. [0:04:51, 0:05:11]: So schedule-wise, you can see on the on the uh presentation, uh, these are kind of all the things that we've done. We've updated the schedule to show you where we are today, which is uh finalizing the action plan and funding uh after that uh or or after [0:05:10, 0:05:30]: After the plan is complete, but we've already started the preliminary schematic design for some of the parks based on the work that we've done in the master plan because it's not really impacted by the uh phasing uh at this point. So uh we're gonna give you a brief overview of the work that we've done today. [0:05:30, 0:05:50]: We're gonna show you again what the park plans look like, and then we're really gonna focus in on our kind of um I guess menu list of priorities and budgets. Uh you'll hear me say this a few times. Uh the numbers that we're [0:05:50, 0:06:08]: presenting uh are not final numbers. It's basically the cost if you did everything. And what we're seeking tonight or moving forward is a little bit of guidance on how you want to use capital to improve the parks. [0:06:12, 0:06:18]: Um, okay, so I'm gonna let Beverly talk a little bit about our uh efforts uh in the project. [0:06:19, 0:06:25]: All right, so as sorry. Um as you know we've done a lot of engagement and [0:06:26, 0:06:40]: beginning, I guess it's been a little over a year, we did all the engagement in twenty twenty three. We had uh four different steering committee meetings, we had three public input meetings and additional online surveys as well. [0:06:41, 0:06:56]: And so that engagement was really important to us. That helped inform the recommendations that you're about to see. We used that to get ideas of what the community wanted and then also helped to get priorities of what they wanted to see come in first for each of the parks. [0:06:58, 0:07:05]: So I'm gonna briefly go through each of the designs for the parks. These are y'all have seen these designs before, so I'll hit [0:07:05, 0:07:25]: A few of the key main points, and then at the end we can go back if you have questions about specific parks. So Memorial Park. Um so the main points of this is that first and foremost, upgrade and revitalize the existing park area. And then we're also looking at expanding the park area to the east and the city-owned [0:07:25, 0:07:39]: parcels and then creating that as a new park entrance and adding new park elements. We're also in addition upgrading the whole park to have some of those elements like the splash pad that were really desired by the community. [0:07:43, 0:08:03]: For Clark Park, we are expanding this parking area to meet some of those parking struggles that we've heard through this park. We're doing stream restoration, stream restoration and adding some of the other key park elements that the public felt would improve this park, such as the pickleball. [0:08:03, 0:08:23]: Tennis courts, new restrooms, instead of the large pavilion, clustering new medium-sized pavilions, relocating the dog park, exam expanding and updating the playground at Incommunity Park, and creating multifunctional food truck spaces. And then also, you'll see this with Gardner, we're looking at connection. [0:08:23, 0:08:25]: Connections between Clark Park and Gardner. [0:08:28, 0:08:36]: Uh this one is Gardner. So here the main elements are expanding the park to the south. Um as you can see in this parcel. [0:08:36, 0:08:43]: Uh we thought that that was important because it would add a new park entry and parking lot and that would provide a better ADA connection into the park. [0:08:44, 0:08:59]: In addition, there's an existing building in that parcel and that would help create a community center in that space. In addition to providing better entrance into the park, we're also proposing better ADA access throughout the key elements in the park. [0:09:00, 0:09:12]: Again, similar to the other parks, looking at stream restoration, adding things like restroom, updating the playground areas, and that connection piece to um Clark and then also to Cochrane. [0:09:15, 0:09:31]: Here for the Reeves Creek Trailhead, uh, we're looking at adding new sidewalk that actually connects into uh the future Flip and Road side path. Um we're adding a new restroom since that was highly desired by the public, adding shade at the fitness area. [0:09:31, 0:09:38]: Adding trailhead information kiosk that would provide inform um interpretive educational signage along the trail as well. [0:09:38, 0:09:44]: And then bike parking station, benches, and dogway stations, and also incorporating public art. [0:09:47, 0:09:58]: So those are the changes to the existing parks. Um as a part of this study, as you know, we also looked at um how much parkland is needed um to bring Stockbridge up to [0:09:58, 0:09:59]: Uh [0:09:59, 0:10:06]: those national standards at a ten-year increment and looking at the annexed population with an annual growth rate. [0:10:06, 0:10:26]: Um, so these are the numbers. Um, so for today's population, you would need 37 acres to get up to that standard uh with the annexed population, which was approved, is the 103 acres, 6.28 miles of trails. But we're really focusing on that uh 10-year number for this study, and that's the 150. [0:10:26, 0:10:27]: fifty six acres. [0:10:29, 0:10:38]: So at our last public meeting, we talked to the public about what size park uh that that would work that they felt like would be most appropriate for Stockbridge. [0:10:38, 0:10:46]: and collected input on that. And what the we heard from the community is that the community park size was the most desirable size. [0:10:47, 0:11:02]: So the way that we propose breaking out that 156 acres is with five new community parks at about 30 acres per size. And these, what a community park is, it's a larger park that serves multiple neighborhoods and it draws from a broader area. [0:11:03, 0:11:21]: And we're proposing that each of the parks would have a typical set of clay elements such as playground, open lawn, pavilions, walking paths, benches, and a restroom. But then also each of these parks could have their own unique elements that would be worked out in a further planning stage with the public. [0:11:21, 0:11:28]: Um and also by doing these five thirty acre parks, it allows for equitable distribution of parks throughout the community. [0:11:31, 0:11:42]: So here's a example of what some of those unique elements could look like. Uh so we're thinking that each of these parks could have a theme. You could have a sports park. [0:11:42, 0:12:02]: A multi-use park, a nature park, adventure park, and community park. In some of these, we came up with this list of programmatic elements based on what we heard from the community, what they really wanted to see, and then also the amount of uh elements that would help bring Stockbridge up to that uh national standard. But again, for each of these parks, [0:12:02, 0:12:11]: Parks they'll have to have their own design process that will really work with the community to decide what's appropriate for the exact location it's in. [0:12:13, 0:12:19]: Um so we also looked at where in the community would be the best location for these parks. [0:12:20, 0:12:29]: Uh we did not get down to parcel specific locations. Instead, we developed these uh circles that you can see on the map that are recommended vicinity areas. [0:12:29, 0:12:32]: That are about one mile um long. [0:12:32, 0:12:39]: And this is again, we're looking at areas making sure that there's an equitable distribution throughout the community for these new parks. [0:12:39, 0:12:55]: And we're prioritizing areas that are outside of the existing twenty-minute walk shed. Um as you can see on the map, these turquoise areas, that's the walkshed. So these are pri prioritizing areas where there's not already a a park that's walkable for people. [0:12:58, 0:13:18]: Here are the new trails. So for the trails, our goals were to we looked at the uh the existing trails master plan and we looked at the trails that were already proposed by the county. Um then we looked at connecting into those, connecting the existing parks to downtown and the amphitheater, connecting to schools. [0:13:18, 0:13:24]: community resources and public green spaces, and then also connecting to those future park spaces. [0:13:30, 0:13:50]: Okay. Um now that you kind of have a an overview of uh the parks and kind of what we're talking about. Um we can kind of dive into you know some of our ideas about phasing. Uh I do want to reiterate one thing before I jump into this. So uh all the [0:13:50, 0:14:10]: programming for these parks are were came from an exhaustive public input uh process, uh working with this group for input uh and other stakeholders in the city to understand what uh the needs and desires are for these parks. Um [0:14:10, 0:14:30]: And then we uh cross-referenced that with national standards, uh, which is where you know the idea for some of this park acreage need kind of comes from. So we looked at your peers, and you know, what we're saying is that your peers have this much on average park. [0:14:30, 0:14:37]: land for you to come up to that standard, that's what we've kind of outlined today. [0:14:38, 0:14:43]: Uh and we also looked at that uh programmatically. So um [0:14:43, 0:15:03]: So short-term phases, phase one and two. You know, what we heard, you know, uh was that there was an immediate need to address issues at the existing parks. Um and really in the first uh first two phases were focused on Memorial Gardener uh and [0:15:03, 0:15:23]: And uh Clark Park. And you know, we have a really detailed breakdown of um you know what the phases of sub phases of work are uh and costs. And I'm not gonna get into the details of that, but we have provided the details of that information uh to you so that you can. [0:15:23, 0:15:43]: Can drill down into that if you wish to. It's pretty extensive. So for phase one and two, we're focused mostly or almost entirely on the existing parks. We do have a couple columns here for financials. Some of the things that we're recommending. [0:15:43, 0:16:03]: recommending are already funded. The first column for phase one, you know, almost$11 million is kind of the overall budget. You've already got one point almost$1.5 million in funding earmarked from the SPLOST to cover some of that work. It may include trails. [0:16:03, 0:16:05]: Uh as well. [0:16:06, 0:16:16]: Um phase two uh same uh is the same uh thing and it doesn't look like we have a total uh on those, but um uh [0:16:17, 0:16:37]: For trails, the priority was provide north-south connectivity. So we want to c connect the existing parks, uh north-south, east, and west. And there are also some neighborhoods uh that we're trying to connect to as well uh to make them more walkable. And then I think the last thing is uh in phase two. [0:16:37, 0:16:55]: uh which we've heard gotten a lot of feedback on is that uh land acquisition for the new park or a new park uh in the Eagles Landing area uh was a very popular uh item that people uh wanted s to support in the public. [0:16:56, 0:17:10]: Uh the midterm phases. Uh so this is kind of the four to seven year range. Um uh we're we'd like to focus on land acquisition and design and construction for two new parks. [0:17:10, 0:17:11]: Um [0:17:11, 0:17:31]: So that would include design and construction uh for the Eagles Landing Park that we uh did land acquisition for in phase uh two, and then uh acquiring land for the Walt Stevens Highway area and Eagles uh Landing Parkway uh area, which is uh separate from that first one. [0:17:32, 0:17:52]: Uh finish the final phases of the existing parks. So each of the existing parks had multiple phases and we prioritize those phases within the parks. So this for the second half of the first four to seven, or the second half of the first one to seven years, we'd focus on finishing that work out. [0:17:52, 0:18:04]: And for trails, we want to achieve additional connections to existing parks and focus on extending trails to the two new parks that we've now identified. [0:18:07, 0:18:27]: This is a 10-year plan. I didn't mention that. Um, but uh which is an important piece of information. So on the back half of the of the um of the 10 years, uh we'll focus on land acquisition for the other two new parks, uh and do final phases of uh Gardner Clark Memorial Park. [0:18:27, 0:18:43]: and the Reeves Creek Trailhead. And then again look at trail connections to those existing parks as well. Or the sorry the new parks that are in that long-term plan. [0:18:46, 0:19:06]: That's an overview. And um I think uh and and if we need to drill down into any more details, we do have we kind of appended the plans on here if we need to talk about that. But uh I guess I guess one of the things that we're really looking for moving forward, because the the bulk of the analysis and [0:19:06, 0:19:26]: And the designs and the plan is complete. I think we've given or we're giving you a menu of phases and priorities. So the first thing you know we want to know is what is a reasonable budget, yearly budget, or 10 years. [0:19:26, 0:19:46]: year budget, uh and then the second thing, how do we apply that? And we've we've kind of we've kind of in our minds thought that there's probably two ways to tackle this. Um the first way is just to say we want to do everything and you know if you want to do that, the funding needs 141 million dollars. That's a big number. So [0:19:46, 0:20:06]: So I think this the second way that we are thinking about this is, you know, maybe you look at the first one to five years and what the funding looks like for that, because a lot of your existing SPLOSS funds will be used to complete some of that work. And then potentially. [0:20:06, 0:20:26]: Potentially re potentially do a planned update at five years based on the success of that work, and then consider the last five-year budget and phasing at that point. So those are kind of the two, those are our two options. You don't, you know, you don't have to do those, but I think the second one. [0:20:26, 0:20:37]: probably makes sense as a kind of cautious approach uh uh to doing it and the first one's just going for it. All right. Mr. Blount, please, what kind of questions you have, sir? Yeah, thank you, Mayor. [0:20:38, 0:20:58]: Um thank you for your presentation. Um and we're just mindful that it this is an overall master plan that we're absolutely looking at. Um from the parking from now that you have at Memorial Park, with this design, how much parking [0:20:58, 0:20:59]: would increase. [0:21:00, 0:21:02]: Oh, let's go back to that slide. [0:21:03, 0:21:10]: Because you're looking at adding more amenities, but how many how much parking are you is in there for the [0:21:11, 0:21:17]: So this over here we would have approximately a hundred and five spaces. And then over here [0:21:19, 0:21:35]: I think that says eighty, eighty spaces. Um and I don't off the top of my head know how many are out there. Um we did look at that, but this is significantly increasing the So you would have a total of hundred and eighty five parking spaces at least? Almost two hundred. Yep, almost two hundred. [0:21:36, 0:21:46]: Okay. Uh in the Eagles Landing area, we y uh we h we hear a lot about a park. Where would where would you put the park to to maintain the city of Stockbridge? [0:21:50, 0:21:55]: Uh we don't have a s we didn't look at specific parcels, um but [0:21:55, 0:22:05]: Uh one one reason we did choose these areas is that we did run um a susceptible to ch ability to change for the parcels. So that was looking at [0:22:05, 0:22:09]: parcels where there was kind of the amount of acreage and then that the [0:22:10, 0:22:30]: That there was uh the land value was more valuable than the structure that was on there. And so that these areas did contain some of those parcels, but I can't see off the top of my head the direct number of or where the parcel would be located. Well that's because that's been the argument because to facilitate that area. [0:22:30, 0:22:40]: This question's been asked almost three years, three or four years. You could want something, but how do you facilitate it? You know, and [0:22:40, 0:22:44]: Івен івенна, презентація. [0:22:45, 0:22:47]: And you name a park and you name the area. [0:22:48, 0:22:50]: Without us identifying [0:22:50, 0:22:52]: any probable areas to have it. [0:22:52, 0:22:58]: Then now we get the phone calls. Oh oh you guys gotta plan for part where? So if we don't know [0:22:58, 0:23:05]: And we're paying you all and you don't know. Uh we probably want to keep that out of our presentation until we find a place for it. [0:23:05, 0:23:16]: Because there's no I I have no idea where we what we would do it. I may maybe you know, maybe one of my colleagues do. I just don't. In to all in order to maintain it in the city limits of Stockbridge, so [0:23:17, 0:23:37]: Yeah, and I I agree. I mean, that's one of the reasons we tried to keep th this slide in particular fairly general, um, because we don't we don't know. Uh, and that really identifying the a parcel is the next step. I will say that what one of the things so uh besides the susceptibility [0:23:37, 0:23:57]: Study, which which we do have an exhibit on that. We don't have it with us, but we can definitely we've shared it, but we can definitely reshare it like individually. Um it does look at it at the parcel level. Um and I think the other thing is the cost that we've put in the budget does actually take into account property values in [0:23:57, 0:24:02]: [1442.9, 1447.2]: It accounts for it, but I I agree we don't have a specific parcel yet. [0:24:07, 0:24:13]: 'Cause I think that's another level of f you know, fine grain that that we're just not to yet. [0:24:14, 0:24:16]: Ms. Alexander, great please. [0:24:17, 0:24:19]: Uh thank you sir for the presentation. [0:24:21, 0:24:41]: Charge was was to generally find to put together this expansive plan. We understand we're not gonna be able to finance it all at one time. I think the goal was to just identify and get us a high level plan that we could bring down uh to the ground level uh incrementally at [0:24:41, 0:25:01]: Different points. And I do think that you know things do happen and evolve, particularly in my area. We're looking at adding additional acreage to annexation. And some of those developments very well could include a park. Unfortunately, we ended up with a uh a logistics. [0:25:01, 0:25:21]: Center in the area, but on the other side of that, we're gonna end up with a new park uh on Jotoko Road. So, you know, we we took the sour grapes and we made the best of it. And so now we'll have a new park on Johtoco with dog park and lighting and benches and maybe even some pickle bars. [0:25:21, 0:25:41]: We hope we'll see what happens as that goes along. But I appreciate the work that you did and understanding the council is going to have to make the ultimate decisions on when the plan is to be implemented and then at what pace, looking at the budget, working with the city manager. To me, you've done your job. [0:25:41, 0:26:01]: job, which is you brought it to us, you've given us a concept of where we can go. Now it would be up to the city, the city manager, his team to implement the plan and for us to decide on what the budgetary things are. Because that would be no way for you to determine what the budgetary constraints were. When you throw out a bill [0:26:01, 0:26:21]: Big number like a hundred million dollars, we know certainly we can't afford to do that at this point, but certainly over through the course of time, we will be endeavoring to pursue every available dollar uh through the federal, state, local, and DNR. [0:26:21, 0:26:35]: and all of those organizations which are helping us. Uh certainly uh we expect the Path Foundation will be coming to the table, the premier organization to help us with the trails. And uh we already have in conversations with them. [0:26:35, 0:26:55]: So I think your charge was to make sure that we had some connectivity amongst the existing parts and to improve them uh what they were or as they were. As you added a added a um a um a restroom to Reed's Creek Trail. That is something that's been [0:26:55, 0:27:10]: very much needed. Certainly you added the cover to the ex outside exercise equipment. I would like to see that outside exercise equipment in various uh parks. That's an amenity that in general that the public is very desirous of. [0:27:11, 0:27:31]: And to determine that. Now again, I think we have identified some other land that has come to us as via donation. Uh in the flip and roll project, there was about ther I think uh twenty five or thirty acres that they were gonna donate to us uh in that one. Uh I think uh excuse me, Mapro Timbarber. [0:27:31, 0:27:51]: Identified some land that uh a company wants to uh potentially donate to us. I don't know if we want to name them at this point, but certainly those opportunities exist. And even in developments that are uh moving their ways through, uh there should be park space in some of the new developments. [0:27:51, 0:28:11]: developments, including the Jodico development and other developments, there should be some available park parking parks or some type of amenities in there in those large swaths of land. So I think we do require a lot of that in our actual zoning code to be able to incorporate that. But you you've [0:28:10, 0:28:12]: [1692.6, 1712.6]: the the overall plan, we just gotta go back in and look at it and prioritize and see which exactly uh what exactly needs to happen. And I think tonight we're gonna start that discussion on some of the potential potential legs of that and what is to be completed. And I think, you know, we just had a budget [0:28:32, 0:28:50]: retreat where we had all the projects that were kind of templated out, but there wasn't hadn't been a as you said, there had not been a final decision on when those projects were going to take place. So we will have to do that because certainly I know I'm desirous of I know I love downtown too. [0:28:50, 0:29:10]: But I certainly want to see something take place uh in my district as well. And I'm sure each council member would like to see something take place uh in their district for their constituents, cause folks are asking, What are we doing over here? What are you doing? And I think that that cannot go uh uh unnoticed for what we're doing. But the best part about [0:29:10, 0:29:30]: it is as you saw when you looked over the numbers we got twenty two million dollars on in trails uh in the T-SPLOST. That's a beautiful position to be in for us. And then we have uh some other spLOS money to be able to use otherwise. But I just want to say to you thank you for the work that you have done and just point us in the right direction [0:29:30, 0:29:45]: And we'll have to on what uh the connectivity uh on on the trails on the parks and then the equipment improv improvement because the existing parks is where the low hanging fruit is that we can take advantage of and run with this plan from day one. Thank you. [0:29:46, 0:30:06]: Mr. Thomas, go ahead, please. Thank you. He was gonna respond, Mario. I think he was I'm sorry. I think he was gonna respond. Okay. Did you mind if I just add one thing? One thing I didn't mention. We do as part of our scope, um, have in the first five years, uh, we can identify grant opportunities like as part of this work. [0:30:06, 0:30:26]: Um and if if there are donations of land or other things, that can be used as a match towards, you know, developing uh some of these projects. I just wanted to just put that out there as a reminder. So it's good if that's happening, we can match that up with those opportunities. Certainly. Please I wanna. [0:30:25, 0:30:32]: We would certainly like that to happen every d every available dollar. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Thomas, please. [0:30:32, 0:30:41]: Thank you. I was um about to ask about the grant opportunity, but let me say that Councilman Alexander pretty much [0:30:41, 0:30:42]: Took all of my [0:30:43, 0:30:49]: talking points and my questions. But uh I am on the same page w with a lot of that. [0:30:49, 0:30:52]: Um, but I do thank you all for [0:30:53, 0:30:54]: Accomplishing [0:30:54, 0:31:01]: uh what this council has asked you all to do. And and and now it is up to us [0:31:02, 0:31:03]: Mm. [0:31:04, 0:31:17]: My concern though is, and it is budgetary, and the councilman mentioned we just uh completed a budget retreat, but we didn't get into this. Um [0:31:27, 0:31:31]: Am I hearing the echo? No, no, go ahead, sir. Um go go ahead, Mr. Thomas. [0:31:32, 0:31:32]: Um [0:31:39, 0:31:43]: Hello, is there anybody out there? Go ahead, please. Okay. Um [0:31:47, 0:31:50]: Mm my concern is uh budgetary. Um [0:31:53, 0:31:59]: Uh m uh uh please, um Jesus. Mr. Thomas I'm sorry, quite a policeman. [0:32:01, 0:32:21]: We are at a point where we are um speaking budget, as you may or may not know. We just initiated a millage. So, but I will say that when and if this is accomplished, this [0:32:21, 0:32:39]: is a great great uh quality of life for the city of Stockbridge without a doubt. Um I mean this is this would just be fantastic. So I I I I do agree that we have to come together [0:32:39, 0:32:45]: and really lay this out. Uh and I will say that uh mister Aaron [0:32:46, 0:32:56]: Is Mr. Air still here? Yeah, he is. And I and I do want to thank you, sir. I know uh you reached out to uh Mrs. Rawls, our executive, and you attempted to [0:32:57, 0:33:09]: uh get us to respond to a survey and and uh and unfortunate, you know, we really didn't get too deep into that, but that would have been a what would have been a process for us to get started. [0:33:10, 0:33:30]: But I think from today, and I know this is just a presentation today, and I know that there are some decisions we we have to make. So um I'm going to ask counsel um to go along with me and and let's direct the city manager and finance. [0:33:30, 0:33:41]: And I know we're getting ready to go into the um budget cycle in the last quarter of this year, but I think we got we have to do some serious um [0:33:41, 0:33:44]: prioritizing not only about [0:33:44, 0:33:46]: The park plan itself [0:33:47, 0:34:02]: but the overall city operations. Uh, and there are a number of capital projects that's that's on the table. So I think we we really have to be serious about how do we look at the overall [0:34:03, 0:34:10]: budget for the city of Stockbridge and how does this fits into that? [0:34:11, 0:34:16]: uh and and we are some some challenging time as far as uh budget wise. [0:34:16, 0:34:20]: But I will I am encouraged and I will say that we need to [0:34:21, 0:34:23]: uh look at the low hanging. [0:34:24, 0:34:26]: Uh what can we accomplish in [0:34:26, 0:34:27]: Now [0:34:27, 0:34:33]: Um at a minimum and I I think you sorta indicated that in your presentation as well. [0:34:33, 0:34:41]: So, uh uh Mr. Gardner and I don't know how you and your staff will sort of come back to the council with this, but [0:34:42, 0:34:43]: I think we have to [0:34:44, 0:34:45]: Segment. [0:34:45, 0:34:49]: um this in some kind of way and identify [0:34:50, 0:35:10]: What can we do in in in phase one uh within a budget constraint um that we can do and make sure that we are moving forward toward the overall goal? And I know we're talking about a a a ten year plan, but what can we accomplish uh [0:35:10, 0:35:25]: in the next, you know, one, two, three, four years. And I know you indicated here and I made a note, um phase one through four, sixty eight million dollars. Now that's that's still a a a pretty big challenge, but um [0:35:25, 0:35:45]: But I would agree that we do need to uh tackle this head on, identify the low-hanging, and try just to accomplish that. Uh I would not recommend we just look at this and say, well, this is too big and let's wait. Um, let's just see what we can accomplish. But um [0:35:46, 0:36:06]: My recommendation to the city manager is uh let's be serious about uh the overall budget and how does this this fit in. And I think we need to set some some priorities, not only within the the park plan, but across the board. [0:36:06, 0:36:15]: What is the number one? What is the number two? And then even when we get to the park plan, what is number one within this goal? [0:36:16, 0:36:22]: And I and I think this is how we really need to approach this. But I do wanna thank you and and commend you for [0:36:22, 0:36:30]: Um doing exactly what we had asked you all to do. Cause and this is great. And I know for sure that our citizen. [0:36:31, 0:36:51]: If we when I'm not gonna say if, I'm gonna say when uh we accomplish this 100%, uh this is gonna be fantastic for the quality of life here in the city of Stockbridge. I yeah back, Mayor thank you. No problem, appreciate it. I appreciate your presentation as well. And um it's it's great that that did you accomplish this particular mission, which we asked you to do. [0:36:51, 0:37:11]: do and obviously we have a little bit more work to do internally in this aspect and looking at each one of the phases. And my initial thoughts are simply that of course with phase one, looking at trail network, connecting uh the uh the the the parks to one another and the parks to our communities and the low-hanging fruit in a sense is updating those current parks themselves. [0:37:11, 0:37:31]: In this aspect, and then eventually look to spread out and look at land acquisition that we don't have right now for any future locations as identified in the draft that you have here. That's where my my initial thoughts are. But obviously as a collective unit in reference to the council making a decision on that and and what's uh what's within the budgetary requirements of all this. [0:37:31, 0:37:35]: So anyway, good deal. [0:37:35, 0:37:50]: Oh if not, then thank you very much. Uh appreciate it. And uh obviously you'll eventually see the good uh the results of your good work come to fruition over the course of these years. All right? All right, thank you. Thank you very much. Thanks very much. Thank you. Mayor Ford. Yes, sir. Uh b before they actually [0:37:51, 0:37:52]: You want to [0:37:53, 0:37:55]: Mr. Garner, and and I really don't want us to [0:37:56, 0:38:00]: Sort of let a lot of time lapse in this. But so Mr. Gardner. [0:38:00, 0:38:01]: Um [0:38:01, 0:38:05]: With this presentation and I guess even with the council, but [0:38:05, 0:38:06]: Um [0:38:08, 0:38:14]: And it and it may be too premature for you to indicate at this point, but um [0:38:15, 0:38:17]: Will you some way somehow [0:38:18, 0:38:29]: look at this and and and come back to council, whether through emails or however you wanna do it, and let's sort of identify, you know, [0:38:30, 0:38:44]: what we can do um now, uh, phase one, uh within, you know, the the budget constraints,'cause I would not want this just to uh just just delay now, even though [0:38:45, 0:39:02]: Be honest with you, I I I just don't know. Um looking at the total budget and what we have on the table already, without this plan being any part of it, we are we're challenged right now. So I I just I don't know how we can even [0:39:03, 0:39:07]: incorporate this into what's already on the table. [0:39:07, 0:39:15]: And and and I I think it just has to be uh a discussion. So my my point to the city manager is [0:39:15, 0:39:29]: Let's let's try to discuss it and let's try to prioritize, you know, what we actually gonna do here going forward because I think this is great when we can do it. But uh I just think that we need to be about [0:39:29, 0:39:30]: The work [0:39:31, 0:39:34]: And not let idle time just just go by. [0:39:35, 0:39:36]: Thank you. [0:39:36, 0:39:56]: Mary. Yes, sir. To follow up on that, I certainly agree with those comments. And what I'd like to say in addition to that is we're about to embark upon SPLOS 6. So SPLOS 6 certainly would be an opportunity for us to fund uh some of these additional projects. Um and the community we already know what the community [0:39:56, 0:40:15]: wants because they've already we've already had the surveys and they've told us what they want. So certainly that would be an opportunity and we already have uh as we'll see and discuss later on today all the trail projects. So some of the projects that you have in here are already planned uh in the T splot. [0:40:16, 0:40:33]: Thank you, Mr. Alexander, for stealing some of the thunder that I was gonna respond back to. But yes. So as I mentioned at at our budget retreat, um as it comes to Splosics, we have to par characterize the different areas that we want to see. [0:40:34, 0:40:54]: Um fund it whether it's transportation or infrastructure or um buildings or whatever. The staff will work obviously to put some guidelines together for you guys. Because remember, we're coming up on having that letter sent to us the probably the end of next month, beginning of October, where the counties wanna know exactly. [0:40:54, 0:40:58]: exactly what we're gonna do as part of this plus so those discussions will happen. [0:40:58, 0:41:09]: We'll be working across those different areas to give ideas to council on, hey, these are the things that we think we need to fund over the next five years as part of this as part of the SPLOSS program. [0:41:09, 0:41:12]: And and moving forward, as they say, this it's a teen year plan. [0:41:13, 0:41:33]: You know, if we able to accomplish some of those good things, those low hanging fruits that the people can then see, touch and and activate, that helps when the next plus seven comes to continue the funding of these projects moving forward. So yes, it's gonna be a multi-year process and a multi-year funding um opportunities as well as what we can budget as part of the general. [0:41:33, 0:41:41]: Fund and grant opportunities. So we'll definitely look to be giving you guys those lists around those different categories so we can move forward with the SPLOS project. [0:41:42, 0:41:48]: All right. Okay. If there are no other comments, thank you for your presentation. We appreciate that. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. [0:41:48, 0:41:49]: Mm-hmm. [0:41:49, 0:42:09]: What's next uh next council is a consent agenda. We've got two items on the consent agenda. Council uh council consideration approved a resolution appointing Steve Mitcher as the city's poet Larrogate. Uh Lorrogate, I guess how you pronounce them, and so presented by myself and Mr. Washington, and that aspect. And uh I know that uh Mr. Misher has come [0:42:09, 0:42:29]: forward and and identify the fact that he had an interest in in doing this. And I believe he's also had some conversation with uh Mr. Thomas as well. And um and so we uh obviously it seems like it could be a great thing to do in this aspect. And then the next item for consent agenda was the council consideration to allow the economic development department to use money [0:42:29, 0:42:35]: [2555.5, 2575.5]: uh from nine AM to three PM to host a home ownership seminar that would be uh presented by Mr. Lawrence as well. Um so obviously uh Mr. Lance as well as uh uh Mr. Washington are both here but it's on a consent agenda I don't know whether or not uh you uh okay so move so move okay [0:42:55, 0:42:58]: Mr. OK. Second to hear. All in favor, please in okay. [0:42:58, 0:43:01]: Uh um Mr. Blount and then and Mr. Alexander? [0:43:02, 0:43:03]: All very pleasant okay? [0:43:04, 0:43:06]: Can you now succeed? Thank you very much, Council. Appreciate that. [0:43:09, 0:43:29]: All right, new business. Uh council consideration uh to approve Davis Road Shields Roads Century Oaks Intersection Improvement Plan. Options prepared by Falcon Design. LLC option one cost estimate uh twenty-six thousand seven hundred thirty dollars, and option two is estimated at thirty-five thousand nine. [0:43:29, 0:43:49]: ninety dollars. Funny source is plus five. Uh mister Aaron, please. Yes, Mr. Mayor and Council. Staff was requested to look at the intersection of Shields Road, Davis Road, and Century Oaks Court to how we can make that a safer intersection with the development that's coming in the area. So there are two [0:43:49, 0:44:03]: Two options. One was requested to have the flashing stop signs and one would just have the regular stop signs, but we'll also put in some additional signage and rumble strips alerting drivers to the upcoming stop signs. [0:44:03, 0:44:05]: And so [0:44:05, 0:44:25]: After consulting with our engineer, we thought it would be best to go with the the regular stop signs because they're only$600 each. The flashing stop signs are$2,500 each. So every time you change these stop signs, you typically change them every five to seven years. You're gonna look at spending$2,400 versus spending. [0:44:25, 0:44:42]: And I think we can get the same benefit because there's no data that suggests that people are more likely to stop because there's a light flashing around the stop sign. So well we present these two options, but our recommendation is option one. [0:44:43, 0:44:56]: Okay. Council, any questions? Uh thank you, Mr. Aaron. A question for Mr. Aaron. Yeah. You go right in please. Not really a question but a comment, since this area is the area within the district that I represent. [0:44:57, 0:45:01]: А вмет в северо хомонис олонг Шілз Род. [0:45:01, 0:45:04]: And Davis wrote, Thank you, Mr Aaron. [0:45:04, 0:45:08]: for going out, taking a look and assessing that area. [0:45:08, 0:45:11]: Ам, воневрем і на іря, а ноти. [0:45:11, 0:45:12]: Um [0:45:12, 0:45:14]: People run those stop signs. [0:45:14, 0:45:15]: They do. [0:45:15, 0:45:17]: I said every time I go there. [0:45:17, 0:45:20]: Every time I visit that area [0:45:20, 0:45:22]: There's always a [0:45:23, 0:45:25]: Accident waiting to happen. [0:45:26, 0:45:31]: Every single time I go there, um, they requested the solar powered [0:45:31, 0:45:37]: stop signs. I believe because of the angle or the alignment of the roads. [0:45:37, 0:45:39]: That may be the reason why. [0:45:39, 0:45:48]: Most people don't recognize that there is stop signs on the other two or three sides of the streets. [0:45:49, 0:45:55]: So I believe having flashing um stop signs or caution lights. [0:45:55, 0:45:57]: Um just making them aware. [0:45:57, 0:46:00]: when they come to that area or as they're approaching the area. [0:46:01, 0:46:02]: That would help. [0:46:02, 0:46:06]: Um, most folks don't realize that there are stop signs there. [0:46:07, 0:46:08]: Until they get there. [0:46:11, 0:46:22]: But thank you. I appreciate your recommendation. I'd like to appeal to the council. Please honor the request of the homeowners who live in that area. I understand um [0:46:22, 0:46:32]: Um the cheapest route would be just to get regular stop signs, but the solar power stop sign that area is heavily traveled. [0:46:32, 0:46:35]: In fact, the council approved a new development. [0:46:35, 0:46:37]: That's gonna be constructed there. [0:46:37, 0:46:40]: within within the next two years. [0:46:40, 0:46:42]: That's increased traffic. [0:46:42, 0:46:43]: In the area. [0:46:44, 0:46:53]: So I'm asking and appealing to my councilmates to honor the request of the homeowners who live in that area. Thank you. Can I make one additional comment? [0:46:53, 0:47:13]: In instead of the we can put a a flashing light instead of the stop sign, cause every five to seven years when those signs fade, you got to replace the whole sign. You can put a flashing red light alerting people that they're gonna have to stop. And so it's independent of the sign so that you're not spending twenty five hundred dollars every [0:47:13, 0:47:27]: on every sign, if somebody hits the sign that's$2,500, I think you can have a flashing light that's independent of a stop sign and you'd get the same desired effect of notifying people that there is a stop sign there. [0:47:27, 0:47:32]: Thank you, sir. I'm sure they would be um open to that suggestion as well. In fact [0:47:32, 0:47:34]: That is the first suggestion that they made. [0:47:35, 0:47:39]: I believe you responded and said there were no power lines to connect. [0:47:40, 0:47:51]: A flashing caution light. They would which is why they came back with the idea. They would be solar power flashing lights, just like the speed limit sign. So you can have [0:47:51, 0:47:54]: Um do you have an cost estimate? [0:47:54, 0:48:14]: We can get that for you, but uh I think it'll be reasonable. It wouldn't be as expensive. You wouldn't have to change it out as often as as you would the regular the regular stop sign. But we all understand that there's gonna be some maintenance required because there's a light and things of that sort. But uh the caution the flashing caution lights. [0:48:14, 0:48:19]: They would be amenable to that. Okay. So I appreciate it. [0:48:19, 0:48:30]: Sir. Mr. Alzheimer, go ahead, please. Let me answer your question. So Miss Barber, you have observed this tremendous sounds like a really bad safety issue. So what is the chief saying about this? [0:48:32, 0:48:42]: That's a question you should be asking Mr. Gardner or the Chief. These were concerns that I addressed when that proposal for that development came forward a couple of months ago. [0:48:43, 0:48:54]: the safety concerns of that intersection. Well, I understand that, but I'm saying you said you had witnessed Absolutely. So you reported this to the chief that you witnessed the stop circle. I told them I told you all. [0:48:55, 0:49:15]: When we um had that development presented to us, I told you then all of the homeowners who were here, they expressed their concerns. Well, Mr. Gardner, so is there something that we could do to uh have the SPD to kind of monitor that situation where if there's people actually out there running [0:49:15, 0:49:28]: in the SOP sign on a regular basis. What it sounds like to me, it's a it's a enforcement issue in addition to that, because I could put I don't know how many lights out there, but if I'm gonna ignore the light, I'm gonna ignore the light. [0:49:31, 0:49:34]: Uh yes sir, we can ask for for the P D to monitor that area. [0:49:34, 0:49:54]: Um for traffic, but remember we also have other traffic areas. I think the council member is correct when she said the the issue is the offset of the the four way stop. Mm-hmm. So if you're coming out of the subdivision to the north, it's offset by about fifteen or twenty feet, maybe more, to your to your right. [0:49:54, 0:50:14]: And it doesn't line up as a typical four-way intersection, but it is acting as a four-way stop. So that's what precipitated precipitates the potential for movement through the stop sign on Davis Road because you it's continuous. If I'm coming up Davis Road on the south side, on the south side. [0:50:15, 0:50:35]: I have to come to a stop. If I'm coming out the subdivision, I have to come to a stop because the road doesn't go through. So the issue is more souther on the east-west that that portion of the roadways where the issue of of folks potentially running dire the light because they can't tell it's an offset. You know, it's not a typical alignment. But um we've had the [0:50:34, 0:50:54]: The traffic engineers go out there and look at this and study it and determine that these two options are the best options that are out there based on their professional recommendation. We could choose to go otherwise, but I would go with either one of those two recommendations that that the engineers to do this for a living actually propose that we do for safety. [0:50:54, 0:51:14]: Yes, so certainly that's the direction that I would hold on one second before you go. So as you said, the intersection seems to be a problem. This seems to be a short term fix, which I'm certainly uh in support of the short term fix. But maybe another project maybe in the next T-SPLOST might be around about there. [0:51:14, 0:51:18]: at that intersection to deal with the offset. [0:51:19, 0:51:26]: I think the issue is there's a house on that corner coming out the subdivision that would you'd have to purchase that house in order to realign that road. [0:51:26, 0:51:33]: So you're gonna have costs associated above and beyond what you see here. Okay. If you try to do that, you're gonna probably have to acquire [0:51:33, 0:51:53]: Um a resident um coming out the subdivision on the north side of the real make it realign. Not sure having seen it, but certainly obviously somebody could study that to kind of see. Also, as a if it's a safety issue, is there some street lights out there? Is there some lighting at nighttime? Or do they have is there street lights at night [0:51:53, 0:52:05]: at the intersection? It yeah, it's just at like most people do at four way stop signs. If there's nobody coming, they kinda slow down. No, no, I'm talking about at night. Are there street lights at the intersection? [0:52:06, 0:52:11]: I can't recall, I'm not gonna say, in fact. Um Century Oaks. [0:52:11, 0:52:31]: There are no street lights. Okay. Certainly. So this is as we go around and my that's my point. As we go around to the next round of streetlights in a sections like this, which have been identified as dangerous, then we certainly need to look at making them prioritize because I think in the next round I would like [0:52:31, 0:52:51]: For you to come back to us and get some of our input on the next round of streetlights. Because I know uh Campground Road is black-dark issues, a dangerous issue there as well. This intersection probably could benefit. So as we look at the budget up there, uh upcoming budget and what we can do, we need to have [0:52:51, 0:53:06]: have a serious discussion about the streetlight districts uh um as we talked about earlier and then the next round of streetlights because we have these dangerous situations because if somebody ran that street light [0:53:07, 0:53:27]: At night when there's no lighting out there, it is total, it is really dangerous. So to deal with it from a safety standpoint, I think we want to look at overall safety and deal dealing with the intersection uh in terms of the total engineering of the intersection and then uh lighting for the intersection. [0:53:27, 0:53:39]: section as well. So if we could look at that as we enter the budgetary talks to look at the next round of streetlights and potentially uh impact in this this area as well. Thank you. [0:53:39, 0:53:40]: Mr. Blount, please. [0:53:41, 0:53:50]: Yeah, thank you, Mayor. Um I totally agree with all the above. Um, Mr Aaron, you I wanna just say you're doing an excellent job and everything you're doing and [0:53:51, 0:53:54]: We appreciate your due diligence in not only this situation, but [0:53:54, 0:54:14]: Uh everything we've asked you to do. Uh I think one of the things that uh Ms. Barber did say that the flashing light would be sufficient for what the residents are saying. So I think for us to move forward with this is to go ahead and uh I I'm not sure if you was waiting to get a overall amount over. [0:54:14, 0:54:18]: On this or are we trying to approve anything tonight? I have no idea. [0:54:19, 0:54:35]: I would say the the j uh the action would be trying to prove it tonight. I would think the action would be are you trying to prove it tonight without the overall budget on the on the flashing lights? Yes. In fact the homeowners are probably watching this meeting. Um [0:54:35, 0:54:41]: The caution lights and just the assessment of that area is what I initially asked for. [0:54:41, 0:54:42]: Um but [0:54:42, 0:54:47]: The the stripping in the roadways that was another thing that we asked for. So thank you. [0:54:47, 0:54:49]: Thank you for bringing that back. [0:54:49, 0:54:50]: Um the power. [0:54:51, 0:54:54]: Flashing stop signs was just an alternative. [0:54:54, 0:54:55]: Because we were to [0:54:56, 0:54:56]: I was told. [0:54:57, 0:54:58]: [3298.6, 3300.6]: power lines for them to connect. [0:55:01, 0:55:02]: The flashing caution lights. [0:55:03, 0:55:03]: Um [0:55:03, 0:55:04]: But this is [0:55:05, 0:55:06]: This is fine. [0:55:06, 0:55:08]: Um if we're able to get the [0:55:08, 0:55:09]: Stripping. [0:55:10, 0:55:17]: And the caution lights as you recommended. But we don't have a cost estimate here. Can we just to finish what I was saying is that [0:55:18, 0:55:38]: We can approve this this, but then we don't have the total amount and I don't like us proving anything without the total amount. Can we say with a cost not to exceed fifty thousand? It's gonna be less than that, but a cost not to exceed fifty, so we don't have to come back and get additional numbers and present it to you. [0:55:38, 0:55:45]: um uh satellite flashing lights. And so you you you you're talking about uh [0:55:47, 0:56:02]: We'd have one like at the intersection of Shields and Davis and both sides of Davis and one coming out of Century Oaks. So you'll have four flashing red caution lights that alerting people that there's a stop sign, that they're approaching a a four way stop sign. [0:56:03, 0:56:22]: I'm okay with saying not exceeding if we need to prove it today, uh, because uh it's coming out of the SPLOSS funds for SPLOS five. Yes, sir. That that allows us to go ahead and plan and start making provisions to have that intersection in process. I'm fine with that. So I need a motion then. I'll let Mr. Aaron, one more question. Please, Mayor. [0:56:22, 0:56:23]: Um [0:56:23, 0:56:26]: What did you say you suggest then not to exceed about? [0:56:26, 0:56:30]: Not to exceed fifty thousand dollars. Fifty thousand? Yes. [0:56:30, 0:56:30]: So [0:56:33, 0:56:34]: One follow up question then. [0:56:35, 0:56:40]: Um with this cost estimate with the solar powered flashing stop signs. [0:56:42, 0:56:45]: The cost estimate is thirty five thousand. [0:56:46, 0:56:48]: So why fifty thousand? [0:56:49, 0:57:09]: Well just for the power. In it won't be powered. There'll be four solar powered red flashing lights alerting people to uh they're coming up to stop signs. But it'll give us the leeway to do some additional improvements that we see some things while we're out there that we can do so that we'll already have the funding available. We don't have to come [0:57:09, 0:57:21]: back to you. Our goal is to be within that$35,000, but we want to have some leeway in case we encounter something out in the field that we didn't expect until we actually get out there and start performing the project. [0:57:21, 0:57:35]: Mayor Ford, I'd like to make a motion, please. Go ahead. I'd like to make a motion to approve the recommendation provided by the Public Works Director to install the solar flashing. [0:57:35, 0:57:37]: Lights. [0:57:38, 0:57:46]: Stripping rumble strips and and an additional signage alerting people that they're approaching a four-way intersection. And additional signing. [0:57:47, 0:57:53]: Yes. In that additional signage in that area of Davis and Chills Road. And Century Holt's Court. [0:57:54, 0:57:59]: In Century Oaks Court. Yes. Not to exceed fifty thousand dollars. Yes. [0:58:00, 0:58:09]: Motion to remain by Miss Barber, seconded by Miss Alexander. We've had plenty of discussion. All favor, please indicate. Well, I just want to make sure we say not to see fifty thousand dollars as flosh five funding. [0:58:10, 0:58:16]: So that's yes. Not to exceed fifty thousand dollars from Splos Five. [0:58:17, 0:58:25]: Okay. Fourth must made. Second. Okay. From Barber to Alexander. All in favor, please indicate. Genesis season. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Aaron. [0:58:26, 0:58:27]: Thank you. [0:58:28, 0:58:45]: Council consideration approved task order number twenty twenty-three point one four with Falcon Design, MLK Senior Heritage Trail, Community Stonewater Impr uh pedestrian improvements in the amount of three hundred sixty thousand dollars. The funding source is from T S PLOS. Mr. Goodwin, please. [0:58:45, 0:59:00]: Uh good evening, Mayor and Council. Evening. Um we asked Falcon Design to prepare a task order for uh preliminary design for MLK Senior Heritage Trail Community Stormwater and Pedestrian Improvements in the amount of three hundred and sixty thousand dollars. [0:59:02, 0:59:07]: Okay. Any further discussion that you should need. Okay, counsel, got any questions? [0:59:07, 0:59:27]: I always like specifics for the public and I know Councilman Thomas, this is a your pet p pet project to me to so that that needs to be done and I support it. But I always like to tell the public what you're doing. You said pedestrian improvements and then uh the actual pro uh the project itself. Tell the public. [0:59:27, 0:59:47]: In layman's term, what what you're doing? So basically in Councilman Thomas's um community, we'll be upgrading uh as in terms of stormwater improvements, we'll be upgrading uh catch basins, we'll be also be installing curb and gutter in residential streets. And in terms of uh pedestrian improvements, we'll also be implementing. [0:59:47, 0:59:53]: implementing sidewalks um and uh well five foot sidewalks and also uh as well as curb and gutter. [0:59:54, 1:00:00]: Okay. All right. Thank you. Any other question? Yes, then Mr. Thomas, go ahead, please. I'd just like to add, um [1:00:02, 1:00:09]: These issues um in this particular district um are not new. Um [1:00:10, 1:00:11]: And [1:00:12, 1:00:22]: they were identified in the uh T splash which was approved. Um a town hall was conducted. [1:00:22, 1:00:25]: uh a month or so ago where [1:00:25, 1:00:27]: Uh staff came out and [1:00:28, 1:00:48]: um had an opportunity to uh explain and work with the citizens in that particular area talking about uh curb gutters sidewalks where appropriate. Um and it it was a great we had a a a large number of citizens uh to come out and and [1:00:48, 1:01:08]: And I think it's a win-win for the city as a whole, because in these streets, you know, you don't necessarily have to live in a particular area, but you travel these roads, you travel these streets. So I I look at this as a overall city project. [1:01:07, 1:01:27]: Improving the city. So with that being said, Mayor Ford, I move to approve task order 2023.14 with Falcon Design, ML King Senior Heritage Trail, Community, Stormwater, and Production Improvements. Second. [1:01:29, 1:01:32]: Okay. Is there made motion made the second? Any other comments? [1:01:33, 1:01:34]: Not all in favor, please indicate. [1:01:34, 1:01:37]: Thank you very much. Appreciate it. [1:01:37, 1:01:55]: Thank you. No problem. Council of consideration of an amendment uh to the emergency building permitting an inspection services agreement by and between Bureau Viz Virt Virtus Veritas North America, incorporating the city of Stockbridge not to see six months. Presented by Mr. Ryan, please. [1:02:02, 1:02:22]: Good evening, Council. Evening. On April of 2023, the City Council approved an emergency services contract for building and um permitting with bureau varieties. Um and recently we went through all our contract um agreements. [1:02:22, 1:02:42]: Um invoices and other types of service agreements. And we came to the realization that this contract needed to be revised. And we revised the contract. If you look on the screen, the exhibit in the um in the left hand side is the original cost summary. [1:02:42, 1:02:46]: On the and on the uh right hand side is the revised cost summary. [1:02:47, 1:02:52]: We removed two items totaling eighteen thousand four hundred dollars a month. [1:02:52, 1:03:01]: And over two hundred and twenty thousand eight hundred dollars annually. So for a s I mean for a savings of two hundred and twenty thousand and eight hundred dollars by removing those two cost items. [1:03:03, 1:03:12]: Oh fantastic. But if you said that, okay. Yes, I can I can blow it up for you. Council, any questions for Mr. Anderson? [1:03:13, 1:03:33]: Uh yes, just one. Go ahead, please. So talk m uh talk about the job that they're doing. I am honestly in the last couple of weeks I've heard some some good things about the the processes uh being improved. Yeah, we we we we made some uh minor adjustments over there over in our department um to make things more [1:03:33, 1:03:50]: more uh to make things a whole lot better. Um we we we reassigned some people and um we cut some a lot of red tape out and we're much faster in processing our invoices, we're processing our building permits and uh being responsive to the applicant. [1:03:51, 1:04:11]: Yeah, I think that's very important for us to be business friendly and for us to be uh in a position where we're assisting at every step for businesses who wanna come here that the process is clean and that they um you know there's not a lot of roadblocks. When you say cut the red tape, I'm all on that. Let's see what we can do to make the [1:04:11, 1:04:18]: [3859.1, 3860.0]: Mr. Blount, please. [1:04:20, 1:04:29]: Uh I I totally one hundred percent concur. Um the the phone calls I've gotten uh in the last two weeks is that [1:04:30, 1:04:50]: Um this the city is heading down the road that we are open for business and we're in the process is not cumbersome to a point where it's uh deterrent for people to do business in the city stop bridge. It's not a no b no beliterment by f by any means to anybody, but whatever you're implementing over there now uh is really what [1:04:50, 1:05:10]: working and it's resonating through our um development and uh business community. So I appreciate the work you're doing over there. Okay, thank you. We just put more of the emphasis on uh being more customer service friendly to both our internal customers and our external customers. And thank you for internal phone calls. Yes. You gotta do that. Yeah. That's that's probably [1:05:09, 1:05:29]: Priority number one. Thank you, sir. All right. Any other comments at all? If not, then I need a motion to accept his proposal. So moved. Is there a second? Uh Mr. Blount second. Dan all fair, please indicate. It's unanimous decision. Thank you very much, Mr. Ryan. Okay. Thank you, Council. Okay, council consideration to text amendment case TX-2. [1:05:29, 1:05:49]: two zero two three dash zero one to approve and adopt new regulations for smoking establishment establishments presented by Mr. Anderson please. Uh on June twelfth of of this year, the previous director came before city council requesting uh this item um to make uh changes to the UDC to allow uh smokers [1:05:49, 1:05:56]: smoking establishment within the Parkway Mixed Use Overlay District and in the downtown village. Um [1:05:56, 1:06:15]: However, council tabled the item and told us to go back and do some additional research. And that's what I did. Um I looked at uh several diff several different jurisdictions all across the nation and uh in concert with our zoning attorney, Miss Valerie Ross, we came up with some uh guidelines to govern the program. [1:06:16, 1:06:17]: Uh [1:06:18, 1:06:38]: On this slide right here are the three major concerns that council had from the June 12th meeting. Uh having hookah and other smoking around families and minors, especially rel related to family restaurants. We kind of moved away from the family restaurant theme in these guidelines. The second um concern council had was ventilation. [1:06:38, 1:06:58]: And air filtration system. We currently will, in the guidelines, we will require all smoking establishments to have a smoke eater, which is a type of high-performance air filtration system or better yet, an air purifier. And the other ones, the third concern council had was no guidelines or rules. [1:06:59, 1:07:05]: So we this what we did. We developed guidelines and rules to govern uh smoking establishments. Um [1:07:07, 1:07:13]: So uh we came up with general definitions for our for uh hookahs and smoking establishments. Um [1:07:17, 1:07:28]: And uh it will be a regulated business, so it will require an annual uh building permit. I mean an annual permit and uh it will come with a come with cost of fifteen hundred dollars per year. [1:07:29, 1:07:49]: And they will have to have an occupational tax license, which everyone knows they have to do that to do business in the city of Stockbridge. Eligibility requirements for smoking establishment. Since they would be a regulated business, they will have to do uh have to comply with these requirements. Um and also since this is a regulated business. [1:07:48, 1:08:08]: There will be a limit so there won't be a pro proliferation of uh these types of uses within the city. Uh the the proposal is similar to what how we regulate the alcohol permit. There will be a maximum number of six permits for these types of businesses in the city. Currently we have two. Uh after the city reaches 40,000 residents. [1:08:08, 1:08:10]: Uh we'll be eligible to add one more. [1:08:12, 1:08:17]: uh permissible location. Uh smoking establishments will only be allowed in C two. [1:08:17, 1:08:21]: Uh general commercial, C three heavy commercial and D T downtown district. [1:08:22, 1:08:31]: hours of operation, a hookah polish shall be permitted to operate seven days a week between the hours of twelve PM and midnight, and shall be prohibited from operating at all other times. [1:08:31, 1:08:37]: Uh mandatory require quire requirements, minors prohibited, intoxicated persons prohibited. [1:08:38, 1:08:51]: Required literature. All smoking established must make literature relating to tobacco use easily easily available to hookah parlor custom hookah parlor customers or smoking established at one or more visible location within the establishment. [1:08:53, 1:09:06]: And this and they're required to post that literature so it it can be seen when a customer comes in. And the required ventilation system, as I mentioned previously, it would have to be a smoke eater or something with uh standards higher than us than a smoke eater. [1:09:07, 1:09:27]: Um, and these are just additional requirements. Uh denial, if someone apply for as a apply for a permit or license to get a smoking establishment, these are the criteria in which we can deny. If the applicant has been convicted of a felony, the applicant is under 21 years old, the applicant has made a false statement in the application for a permit. [1:09:27, 1:09:27]: Mm. [1:09:28, 1:09:35]: The application on his face indicates that the proposed smoking establishment cannot be operating in accordance with the requirements of these regulations. [1:09:36, 1:09:56]: And to have uh the city w also has the authority to revoke a smoking established even after they get a permit. If the owner of the parlor violates any requirements of this chapter, the owner of the operator is convicted of a felony felony, the parlor is not in compliance with one or more conditions of his hook of his hook or smoking established. [1:09:56, 1:09:57]: [4198.3, 4210.4]: So that's it. And I I'll take any questions if if you have any. Sir. Mr. Blount, please. Yes, sir. I got a question. Thank you for the presentation. On the uh so all of this all these criteria and um [1:10:11, 1:10:17]: set standards has to be um complied to before a CO is issued. Is that correct? Yes, sir. [1:10:17, 1:10:32]: Um what do we do about the I s I see this with businesses coming in. Well any of the businesses that are now been established'cause uh w let me give a let me give something before I say this. When we was in um [1:10:33, 1:10:53]: Kansas City back in uh back in uh uh no November. Right, basically. Every establishment that did smoking had the I forget what they call those big boxes in there that uh the filtration system. Yeah, the filtration system that they that they sit in. It was a smoke eater probably right, exactly. [1:10:53, 1:11:09]: And they had to have those in there. Yeah, that's required. And if we're putting those in there now before we offer a CO to the new establishments, is there a compliance that's gonna be set for st for for for the comp for ones that are doing it now? [1:11:09, 1:11:29]: Yeah, it's envisioned that uh the business service division will manage this process. And we will we will implement a process for inspecting. We'll have a checklist prior to going in, issuing a CO on this, and they will have to have all meet all the requirements of that CO before it's before it is issued. They will have to pass that inspection. And then um the inspection list will be based off. [1:11:29, 1:11:49]: the requirements in this document. Well that's on the CO for new coming. Yeah, new business. But my question is that will there be anything established for because those things are really needed, will there be anything set for the existing Yeah, for ex yeah they will have how and how long will they be given to come in a plant unplug? I'm not [1:11:49, 1:12:09]: I I didn't include that within the document so we can we can set a time. I would think probably ninety days they will have to comply with the requirements of this. We will send out a notice to the two existing smoking establishments in the city and let them know about the new ordinance and the new requirements. Uh because I went into one and they did not have uh a smoke eater or any type of air filtration system. So I don't know how [1:12:09, 1:12:21]: how much they cost. I just wanna make sure we give the businesses a a a I just wanna make sure we're giving them enough time for that type I don't know what type of expenditure that would be. Uh they started um [1:12:21, 1:12:41]: Depending on the square footage of the building, you can get them for like um a commercial air filter that that would suffice, maybe about a thousand or fifteen hundred dollars. Oh, okay. Or they could get two smaller ones. So so we're looking at you're looking at approximately around n when you when you implement this around 90 days, when would this become if we vote on it tonight? [1:12:41, 1:12:51]: Night, when would this become leg legitimized so that now you can start toward the it's a good idea? If you approve it if you approve it after after the ordinance gets signed, it will go into effect. [1:12:52, 1:12:53]: So [1:12:55, 1:13:08]: Okay, so we're able to do the three months starting in September. Start in September starts the three month month process? So we can start it at the uh beginning of the year if if if if that would be sufficient. [1:13:09, 1:13:29]: I it's it's it's however you want to do it. I just want to make sure that when we do like when we implement something for n something like this for it you know, in sh you know, prior to getting a CO for new businesses, that this is a health situation uh like it would be for any type filtration system, that we give those existing businesses [1:13:29, 1:13:49]: Time to uh come on board and actually uh come to that. I just want to make sure we're being fair to the businesses that don't have it. Yeah, it's it's good to give existing businesses to be transitioning, especially if they don't have the system in place to give them time. And so I guess with the next the issuance of the next business license, which would be the next calendar. [1:13:49, 1:14:09]: The year gives them, but any new business that comes in will always automatically have to comply. But we'll give those folks. So if you say six months after this, then if you say six months, that'll be the first of the year anyway. So if the mayor yeah, so the mayor signs it this week, um so that gives them six months to be February, November, December, January, pretty much five to six months to get in company. [1:14:08, 1:14:15]: Compliance. Okay. See, I'm okay with that. So you got they get they got enough time to prepare. Yes, sir. Yeah. Mm-hmm. [1:14:17, 1:14:30]: Any questions, Council? Uh sorry I had to step out there for a minute. Talk about the differentiations between the restaurant, the bar, and the different establishments with this. Well, uh a restaurant uh [1:14:32, 1:14:52]: Well well, in my in my estimation, the restaurant m is more like a family type atmosphere where you can have your kids in there. So we kinda steered this away because federal, state and local guidelines prohibits minors from being in a place that is sh that smokes hookah or cigars. So it wouldn't qualify for hookah anyway, or cigars or anything. [1:14:52, 1:14:55]: type of smoking. So family restaurants off the list. [1:14:56, 1:15:16]: Okay, so somebody let's say per se somebody came in and they they did want to serve hookah and they wanted to serve food. So would they have to how would they apply? They would have to get their they would have to have a hook a hookah permit. They would have to have a hookah permit, but as as but they're serving food, so would they have to b what what designation would they have to be? [1:15:15, 1:15:35]: be a bar or would they have to be what would they have to we're targeting sports lounges bars sports lounges and bars yes okay so in essence in the city in order for you to be able to serve to have the hookah you would have to be a sports lounge or a bar and then you would have to have the ventilation and all the other requirements. [1:15:35, 1:15:53]: Or you could be a standalone cigar bar. So the the hope is to um possibly uh recruit a a high end cigar bar within our oh, okay Okay. And that's a good along the parkway and then the downtown area. Yes, sir. Okay, that sounds like a win. Okay, thanks. [1:15:53, 1:15:58]: You know the questions counsel. I have a quick question. Go ahead. Yes, sir. When when they apply for [1:15:59, 1:16:00]: The permits. [1:16:00, 1:16:02]: Mm. Are they applying sane as a sports bar? [1:16:03, 1:16:08]: Well uh the reason I'm I'm sorry, the reason I'm asking that is because [1:16:08, 1:16:09]: If you got a restaurant [1:16:10, 1:16:13]: And they throw a T V up there and they put sports on. [1:16:13, 1:16:16]: And he won't do hookah, is it classified as a sports boy? [1:16:16, 1:16:35]: Yeah, it would be classified as a sports bar. I I have the definitions on the front page. The reason why it can it it couldn't be well technically it would be considered a restaurant, but they couldn't do hookah if they allow minors in. If kids can come in, then they can't do hookah. So when they come in and sign for their permit, they would have to sign a sheet attesting to the fact that they won't allow minors in. [1:16:35, 1:16:37]: So okay. [1:16:37, 1:16:50]: Because because there's there's some windows with that that we could probably discuss some discussion. But they i if if they uh do hookah or smoking cigars in there, miners are not allowed to from federal law, state law and the city of Stockbridge ordinances. [1:16:51, 1:16:52]: No, I got it [1:16:52, 1:17:12]: A Mr. Addison, a minor are considered eighteen years or younger or seventeen younger eighteen years of younger. Or younger. Yes. Okay. So if if you let me ask you this because this question was asked of me. Let's say the the the business um was a restaurant and they wanted to do the hookah at night and then at that point [1:17:12, 1:17:32]: They would prohibit children from coming in from that time to that time. Is there an exception or a special permit in there or is it just totally that's just not gonna happen? I mean, you uh if they guarantee that minors won't be in at a certain time, if they have if they have it marked on their uh windows or on their uh poster that they're [1:17:32, 1:17:36]: that they will be required to put up, then yes, we will consider that. Yes, sir. [1:17:37, 1:17:56]: Okay. Well that was that was something that was uh asked of me. Certainly I'm in line with what you where you're trying to go because uh you know, we don't want to be at a competitive disadvantages to other cities around us, because I know we've had several inquiries about uh, you know, cigar bars and that kind of thing and other cities do offer those services. [1:17:56, 1:18:08]: Yes, sir. I and I'll give one example, it's actually adjacent to the s to the city. Um, social nineteen forty two. Mm-hmm. Uh you know, when you walk in there's signage that says smoking prohibited. They don't even allow smoking inside. [1:18:09, 1:18:22]: where the restaurant type environment is, but you can smoke hookah and cigar out on the patio. Right? Because when I went, the sign said cigar says smoking prohibited and I asked the bouncer. I said, well [1:18:24, 1:18:30]: Someone said you can smoke online. They said, Yeah, only on the outside patios. So some businesses divide it up. [1:18:31, 1:18:42]: Right. Um so do we have that exception? That will that be an exception for that they wanted to do it outside on the patio? A bar, but they considered a bar, technically. They're not considered a restaurant restaurant. They're more of a bar. [1:18:43, 1:19:03]: Then they are, but they only allow for their smoking on the outside, not on the interior. Okay. But that's in Clayton County. So that's not you know Stockbridge. They have a stalbridge address, but it's not in Clayton. I know, but you know, you're gonna have these situations where the business owners are like, you know, we wanna be able to serve alcohol and at that same time, you know, they're a restaurant, but at the same time, if they went ahead and applied [1:19:03, 1:19:10]: As a sports lounge, because 1942 serves a significant amount of food. They serve they do serve food. So it's kind of like slicing. [1:19:10, 1:19:13]: And I don't know how Clayton County actually permitted them. [1:19:13, 1:19:15]: Obviously different jurisdiction. [1:19:15, 1:19:23]: But I use them as an example. You have bench warmers that actually have a divided out space. Mm-hmm. So you have one side that's actually acts as a restaurant. [1:19:23, 1:19:43]: You have pool tables, but then you have a bar that's segregated out with a separate ventilation system where you could smoke cigarettes, cigars, whatever. And then I Okay, so so there are some exceptions. Okay, thank you. But uh and also the the smoke eater keeps the the the smoke from um moving up in the areas where the people will be eating it. [1:19:43, 1:19:49]: Yeah, but that was in line what Mr Alexander was saying. That's I I think we kinda been dealing with the [1:19:50, 1:20:05]: Some of the same people in that respect between what he just quote. So that yeah, you answered my question. So we don't really have to get yeah. So as long as they come into compliance to the stipulations and and stick with that, it's you can have you know you can have with the all the guys. [1:20:06, 1:20:08]: Mr. Thomas, you have a question, sir? [1:20:08, 1:20:22]: Yes, uh Mr. Anderson, um, and I know it's been presented this way, but I would be more inclined to a separation. Um you have a lot of [1:20:22, 1:20:26]: um restaurant diners that [1:20:26, 1:20:28]: For health reasons. [1:20:28, 1:20:29]: Uh [1:20:30, 1:20:34]: to will not be in an environment where they're smoking. Um [1:20:36, 1:20:40]: I think a lot of restaurant will lose customers. [1:20:40, 1:20:42]: Because of that I've um [1:20:43, 1:20:49]: dying out where it was a separation and that was okay for someone like me. [1:20:49, 1:20:50]: That do not smoke. [1:20:51, 1:20:58]: And don't want to be in an environment of tobacco products. And I and you have, especially today. [1:20:58, 1:21:01]: You have a number of people. [1:21:01, 1:21:05]: that do not want to be in that environment, but if it was separated. [1:21:05, 1:21:07]: Then I think it would be okay. [1:21:08, 1:21:14]: Uh and that just just me and people that I know, but and I just want to to state that, but um [1:21:14, 1:21:20]: If there's a separation, I'll be okay for that. But if not, then I would not be. [1:21:21, 1:21:35]: Okay, I understand that. Uh however, when they first come in into the restaurant, there will be signage advising them on the dangers of health smoking and and things of that nature. So but we will require them to be separate if they serve food. [1:21:38, 1:21:38]: Yeah. [1:21:41, 1:21:43]: Any other questions for Mr. Anderson? [1:21:44, 1:22:04]: Now again, this is not gonna be like a um there's gonna be a limit of a six total citywide, right? Yes, there's a limit. So it's not like it will be open to everybody. It would be like a lottery or whoever approaches. So and and I and I'm certainly in gr in agreement with your statements and sentiments, uh kind of. [1:22:04, 1:22:24]: Councilman Thomas, because I personally would not go to a restaurant where there is smoking yet, but that option needs to be available to people who do. Now they would lose my business because they made that choice. I wouldn't go there. But there are people who would. I just think that they fundamentally I agree with you in that uh [1:22:23, 1:22:35]: you know, I don't want to go to places where they offer smoke at. But fundamentally from a business standpoint and a competition standpoint, if they choose that, then they lock they lost my business. That's their option. [1:22:36, 1:22:36]: Mayor. [1:22:37, 1:22:37]: Yeah. [1:22:37, 1:22:38]: Go ahead, Miss Blood. [1:22:39, 1:22:43]: You know, um I'm in line with uh that statement because [1:22:45, 1:22:48]: I don't go to a restaurant and just only sell pork'cause I don't eat pork. [1:22:49, 1:22:55]: You know, so I I think the marketplace itself, when it comes and this is this is what you say, talk about [1:22:55, 1:23:00]: being business friendly when the marketplace itself and this no belitament to you, Mr. Thomas. [1:23:01, 1:23:02]: The marketplace itself has to. [1:23:03, 1:23:07]: come together within itself with the rules and regulations set by the city. [1:23:07, 1:23:10]: And if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. [1:23:10, 1:23:13]: Because if your formula is not working. [1:23:13, 1:23:16]: Because you set certain rules or you set certain criteria. [1:23:17, 1:23:19]: To have the public come in. [1:23:19, 1:23:24]: And if you don't work out, it don't work out. Then you have to shift. [1:23:24, 1:23:39]: But I think the marketplace I I one of the things that this council did and and I definitely appreciate it when I let the fight to say that you're w we're here, the state here and this federal government here is to protect those that can't protect themselves when it comes to minors. Yeah. [1:23:39, 1:23:47]: And so when this city passed the no smoking with minors and car ordinance, that's the same thing in a restaurant. [1:23:47, 1:23:57]: that you were protecting the minors. But when the criteria changes for adults to make their own choices, then I think the marketplace should should dictate itself. [1:23:59, 1:24:17]: Okay. Mr. Mr. And and and it's it's no reflection on me and I don't take any personal attack on that. Um, but you have millions and millions of folk that that are in that same position. I would still be inclined to and if you're talking about business friendly [1:24:17, 1:24:21]: in the city of Stockbridge, where you have to allow for [1:24:22, 1:24:26]: all citizen. So that may be a restaurant that you do [1:24:27, 1:24:30]: want to attend, you may want to dine out. [1:24:30, 1:24:32]: But if you separate that [1:24:33, 1:24:36]: then that business is open for everybody. [1:24:37, 1:24:45]: And it's up to the business owner if they want that, then they have to make uh provision to separate that. [1:24:45, 1:24:48]: That's business friendly and it's up to that business owner. [1:24:49, 1:24:52]: You know, you know in order to do that. So I I think that's [1:24:52, 1:25:05]: That's being business friendly and that's being proactive and that's being respectful of everybody, kids as well. Cause once once you separate it, then you allow for everybody. [1:25:06, 1:25:20]: And you can come and dine in one area and you can go to the other area and partake. And I've seen that happen because I know there are other restaurants that just that way. Yes. I agree. But that's that's being disfruther. [1:25:21, 1:25:31]: All right. If no more comments, is there a motion to accept this to the changes in this proposal? So move. Mr. Blount, so moved. Is there a second? Sir. Mr. Alzheimer's second then. All in favor, please indicate. [1:25:32, 1:25:37]: Okay, I'm sorry. Three zero one. Mr. Port. Yes ma'am. [1:25:38, 1:25:38]: Yes, ma'am. [1:25:48, 1:26:02]: No, there wasn't that wasn't a condition for outside only. It's already no, it's already allowed if you if you would get one of those six licenses, but no, it wasn't a condition. Okay, so it didn't No, no, no, no ma'am. All right. [1:26:02, 1:26:05]: All right, thank you, Mr. Mr. Anderson. All right, you're welcome. [1:26:05, 1:26:13]: All right. What we have next council consideration to approve an ordinance revising a job description for the deputy city clerk to align with the current organization. [1:26:13, 1:26:16]: The city and the hired employee imposed to [1:26:16, 1:26:36]: appointed, presented by Miss Wheeler. But I do know there's been quite a bit of discussion about all this and I kinda wonder whether or not one or two things, whether or not my recommendation whether or not we discuss this since a personnel issue in a second session and or whether or not this needs to be tabled for further discussion. I was going to ask for it to be tabled so that I could cite [1:26:36, 1:26:56]: to the custom that predates this because I've not been able to find it yet. Oh right. Oh okay. So you're you're making a recommendation that this would be you're present okay. To table. Table. Is it council do uh do we have an agreement on that or or not? So move. So so move. Uh actually I went from Miss Barber to [1:26:56, 1:27:07]: Mr Alexander, you can second that? Okay. Is all in favor? Please indicate? All right. See now she says we will table that. And now now mind you we didn't set a date on that, but I would imagine [1:27:07, 1:27:09]: With that uh would a set a time frame, but [1:27:10, 1:27:30]: Excuse me? We can have it ready by the next meeting. Okay. All right, Tensor. Appreciate it. All right. So on that note, we'll go to announcements of upcoming meetings and events. Council meetings will be held on City Council Chamber, meeting dates and times of subject change. Please uh visit the city website, www.starbridgega.org or [1:27:30, 1:27:50]: City's Facebook page or contact City Hall offices 770-389-7900 for updates. The Stockbridge City Citizen Police Advisory Council meeting first Thursday of each month. Police Precinct 4545 North Henry Boulevard Community Meeting Room 6 o'clock on September 7th. [1:27:49, 1:28:06]: Mayor. Yes, sir. Real quick, is this the first meeting of the Citizens Advisory Council? That's my understanding. Right. So that's one thing we so I think we want to stop and highlight that that the Citizens Re uh Advisory Council to the police department. We have one here in the city and they're having their very first meeting. [1:28:07, 1:28:27]: Yeah, September 7th and 6 p.m. Okay. Main Street Advisory Board meeting second Friday of each month. Welcome center located at 130 ML King Senior Heritage Trail at 9 a.m. September 8th. City Council meeting the second Monday of each month, 6 p.m. City Council Hall Chambers, uh September 11th, which is Patriots Day. [1:28:27, 1:28:28]: Okay. [1:28:28, 1:28:48]: Youth Council meeting, 6:30 p.m., second Monday of each month. City Hall, Levi Meeting Room, City Hall there at September 11th, also. Patriot State. Citywide Development Authority meeting, second Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. City Hall, Levi Meeting Room, September 12th. The Downtown Development Authority meeting, third Tuesday of each month. Welcome Center, 1:30. [1:28:48, 1:28:52]: M L. King Senior Heritage Trail, September nineteenth. [1:28:52, 1:29:12]: Youth Council Advisory Committee meeting 6:30, third uh Tuesday of each month in Levi Meeting Room, City Hall on September 19th. City Council work session meeting last Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. City City Hall Council Chambers at September 26th. And Planning Commission meeting 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers fourth Thursday beach. [1:29:12, 1:29:32]: Each month, September 28th. Upcoming events and uh initiatives. What we have here says join us for our last Food Truck Tasty Tuesday, which is the day from 5:30 to 8 p.m. eight five thirty to eight thirty in Clark Park. But it's my understanding it was post or canceled due to threats of thunderstorms and rain. It's my understanding. So uh and uh [1:29:32, 1:29:52]: So that would uh not be existing at this point. Join uh Councilman Alexander for community cleanup on Saturday, September 9th, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Parking at Wall parking at Walmart, 1400 Hudson Bridge Road. Please contact Roslin Rawls for details. R Rawls at city of stopbridge dash G A dot G O V. [1:29:52, 1:30:12]: Or call 678-833-3348. Please join the city of Stockbridge at the annual 911 Remembrance Ceremony. This is annual remembrance to be held Monday, September 11th, once again at 8 a.m. to um 11 a.m. right in front of the city hall steps. Once again, that is considered Patriots Day. [1:30:13, 1:30:33]: Okay, join Councilman Blount for Bingo Bash Wednesday, September 20th at 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Railman's conference center located at 111 Davis Road. Please join Councilman Afonso Thomas for the first for the annual first appreciation drive through luncheon. Uh responding, uh recognizing and the dedication of and sacrifice of Henry. [1:30:33, 1:30:53]: County's first responders. The event will take place Thursday, September 21st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Merrill Manor's Conference Center, located at 111 Davis Road. Join Mayor Ford me for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Monday, September 25th at 10 a.m. to noon. Please contact Rosalind Rawls to schedule an appointment. [1:30:53, 1:31:13]: It's six seven eight eight three three three three four four four four four four eight or an email hurric R. Rawls at city of Stockbridge dash G A dot Gov. Join Councilman Thomas for Don't Trash Stockbridge Initiative Centered Around Education Highlighting the Causes and Effects of Littering and Illegal Dumping. Uh more information to follow on that. Once again join Councilman Thomas. [1:31:13, 1:31:25]: Thomas and Arning Veterans with a continuous salute all year round. Please send your pictures of veterans with their name, branch, rank, and years of service to R. Rawls at the city of Stockbridge-G A dot G O V [1:31:26, 1:31:46]: And save the date for September 30th, our annual Bridge Fest Festival. More information will follow about that, but looking forward to an outstanding event of Bridgefest. And um please get your tickets for upcoming concerts uh for the twenty twenty-three Stockbridge uh concert series and our season at StockbridgeAnp.com and upcoming series [1:31:46, 1:32:06]: uh concert we have set for Labor Day Weekend uh which is uh Saturday Labor Day weekend the 70 Soul Jam. That concert will involve the stylistics, emotions, the intruders, Eddie Holman, and Blue Magic 70 Soul Jam concert. All right, this Saturday, upcoming Saturday. [1:32:06, 1:32:08]: Mayor Ford. [1:32:09, 1:32:10]: Excuse me. [1:32:12, 1:32:19]: Oh, I'm sorry. All white party. Yes, you're coming all white. Thank you very much. Coming all white, dressing all white. All right, head to toe. [1:32:20, 1:32:34]: All right. Yes sir. Uh I I wanted to re-emphasize I I think you sort of missed the word in the first responder's appreciation drive through luncheon. [1:32:35, 1:32:37]: I think you said um appreciation. [1:32:37, 1:32:57]: Okay. But I said it at all. Okay, no problem. Appreciate it, sir. I know I appreciate that. Uh what we also have is that uh uh councilwoman uh Lakeisha Gantt is sponsoring an event with Psi Alpha Omega chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fatern uh Sword, excuse me, Alpha Kappa Alpha Swordy Incorporated. Business Matters and [1:32:57, 1:33:17]: Entrepreneur and Black Business Expo, which is going to be October 1st at uh from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Merle Manders Conference Center, where they'll have uh pitch contests and the panel discussion, food trucks, of course, and uh information on mental health sessions, vendors and workshops. So that is actually on October 1st. [1:33:17, 1:33:29]: eleven AM to five PM at Merrill Manors and sponsored by uh Miss Gantt and her Shawarty, Psy Alpha Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha. And also [1:33:29, 1:33:49]: I'm a sponsor for the Upmost uh R uh Four P's Incorporated, Job Fair and Resume Review. This actually Saturday, September 9th, also at Merle Manders Conference Center. That'll be nine AM to one thirty PM. And um I'm sponsoring this particular event and uh so look forward to folks coming out for that as well. Uh [1:33:49, 1:33:55]: Uh let's see here. Mayor, did we uh talk about the the fund the the been on the thirtieth? [1:33:55, 1:33:59]: Uh September thirtieth was uh was British. I mentioned that sir earlier. [1:34:02, 1:34:05]: I no, I'd have anything on all the one that [1:34:06, 1:34:13]: I d uh no I didn't mention that, sir. I I uh that's uh no I didn't mention that, but that is that's t that's uh a couple of days. [1:34:15, 1:34:35]: We certainly wanna recognize the female business owners. Well well the female business well yeah, female business owners are being recognized at that an event there. You're right, uh it it's gonna be a Merrill Manner's conference center and I guess that's is a a pitch uh uh pitch aspect of pitching. The funding pitch funding funding pitch aspect there as well. It's gonna be a Merrill Manners on the [1:34:34, 1:34:43]: The uh the thirtieth, uh a couple days from now. Um now a couple other things I need to mention in reference to my particular comment. So obviously [1:34:43, 1:34:50]: Eh you we probably figured that COVID was over with, COVID was done, you know, we survived all that. Well, lo and behold, [1:34:50, 1:35:10]: uh COVID is still around. And obviously, as you've probably been paying attention, there's been an uptick in COVID cases and folks getting sick, a new uh new I guess a new virus or slightly different, slightly different change in this virus is is come up now, whether it's in uh Henry County, the state of Georgia, and the country itself. And so [1:35:10, 1:35:30]: And what I understand is supposed to be a new uh vaccination or booster to come out sometime in the next 30 days. So I would encourage everybody when a new booster comes out to uh take time and set an appointment and go get your booster shot on this new iteration of COVID-19. And um and hopefully if if you happen to unfortunately get it, hopefully you'll take the necessary [1:35:30, 1:35:33]: [5735.0, 5743.8]: Well, actually today is a very special day, ladies and gentlemen. I I would assume that you know, but just in case. Today is the sixtieth anniversary of March on Washington. [1:35:44, 1:36:04]: Now actually over the past weekend in Washington DC they celebrated this on Saturday, which was a couple days ago, but the actual date in nineteen sixty three was August twenty-eighth. So this is the sixtieth anniversary. And it was for jobs and freedom, is what the what the march was about. And of course, uh our one of our most famous c individuals in this country. [1:36:04, 1:36:24]: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was part of the King family and we're the ancestral home of the King family here in Stockbridge, gave his most famous speech, I Have a Dream speech. And that I Have a Dream speech was is probably the most iconic and most recognizable speeches in modern history. So roughly at the March on Washington 60 years ago, we had roughly 250. [1:36:24, 1:36:39]: thousand people that attended this particular march. And um and of course uh because of the r the what occurred at the march, it uh helped uh uh satisfy the requirement or g uh uh for us to to attain the Civil Rights Act of 1964. [1:36:39, 1:36:42]: The voting rights act in nineteen sixty five. [1:36:42, 1:37:02]: And of course, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. received eventually received the Nobel Peace Prize also in 1964 for all his efforts and reference to what he was doing for the world overall. One of the things of his speech that he mentioned, which is iconic as well, where he talked about his four little children, will one day live in a nation, whether it will be not be judged by [1:37:02, 1:37:05]: by the color of the skin, but by the content of the character. [1:37:06, 1:37:07]: I have a dream to date. [1:37:08, 1:37:28]: Now obviously I can't say it like Dr. King say it, but he said it very well. And uh it's one of the most recited type of uh uh statements uh in this speech uh known around the world, and of course it motivated, educated, inspired people um to uh for for jobs, equality, and just to do the right thing and and deal [1:37:27, 1:37:37]: With each individual, individuals overall. But I'm very proud of the fact to uh be with this council and be the mayor of the city, the ancestral home of the King family and know. [1:37:37, 1:37:57]: that we are part of civil rights history and we hold and obtain that and uh we're proud about that as well. And I would think my fellow teammates would agree with me on that point. So 60 years folks, 60 years ago today, Dr. King gave that wonderful speech at the and down in Washington, D.C. On that note, um have a great Labor Day week. [1:37:57, 1:38:04]: Be safe. And if you're not hanging out and doing anything on Saturday, come to the concert and for the white part, come in white and dress in white. [1:38:04, 1:38:15]: And come check out some soul music and uh in that aspect. So with no exactly session, so on that note, the council I need a a motion to uh to adjourn the meeting. Soul moving. Is there a second? [1:38:16, 1:38:18]: Mr. Blount second down. All in favor, please indicate. [1:38:19, 1:38:21]: And we're out of here. Thank you. God bless you all. [1:38:30, 1:38:32]: Mm-hmm. [1:38:40, 1:38:43]: We have to go again and everything in the election season.