1 00:00:02,720 --> 00:00:04,960 Yeah. 2 00:00:29,280 --> 00:00:31,480 Yeah. 3 00:01:53,360 --> 00:01:56,880 No. No, no, no, no. 4 00:01:57,720 --> 00:01:59,960 » Yeah. 5 00:02:22,560 --> 00:02:25,800 4 minutes. Okay. 6 00:03:03,040 --> 00:03:06,160 Oh, that is so sweet. 7 00:03:08,680 --> 00:03:13,400 Thank you so much. John Gray. 8 00:03:11,680 --> 00:03:15,840 But that's when I was with a friend of mine. 9 00:03:16,959 --> 00:03:19,160 And 10 00:03:19,840 --> 00:03:22,120 I know 11 00:03:22,360 --> 00:03:24,560 I know 12 00:03:35,720 --> 00:03:38,040 I think 13 00:03:44,200 --> 00:03:46,519 Very nice. 14 00:03:49,239 --> 00:03:52,920 Oh my god, there's so much going on. 15 00:04:55,200 --> 00:05:00,800 » Good evening. May I have your attention, please? 16 00:04:58,600 --> 00:05:04,280 Uh we've got a good crowd tonight, so we'd like to open with a few 17 00:05:02,200 --> 00:05:09,840 administrative remarks. Uh would say that the fire marshal 18 00:05:06,960 --> 00:05:13,320 occupancy load for this room is 60 people. 19 00:05:11,120 --> 00:05:18,200 Uh we are in excess of that, so we'd like to cover if the fire alarm should 20 00:05:15,480 --> 00:05:21,680 sound or if the chief of police uh 21 00:05:19,240 --> 00:05:26,120 should call to evacuate, everybody in the lobby should evacuate 22 00:05:23,720 --> 00:05:30,520 immediately, then those standing against this wall would be the next out. 23 00:05:28,919 --> 00:05:35,040 Then we would go from your seats and and leave out of the 24 00:05:32,880 --> 00:05:38,360 building. With this size of a crowd, we're asking that you keep sidebar 25 00:05:36,560 --> 00:05:42,200 conversations to a minimum so that speakers can be heard. 26 00:05:40,280 --> 00:05:46,240 And we would ask that all cell phones be silenced at this time as well to not 27 00:05:44,600 --> 00:05:48,800 disrupt the meeting. Mayor Nelson. 28 00:05:49,240 --> 00:05:55,800 Good evening, everybody. I call the meeting to order. 29 00:05:53,480 --> 00:06:01,280 First item will be invocation led by Pastor Mike Smith. 30 00:05:58,120 --> 00:06:01,280 If you will please stand. 31 00:06:04,200 --> 00:06:09,520 I want to thank Mayor Nelson for giving us the opportunity to pray. 32 00:06:08,360 --> 00:06:12,960 We've found [snorts] out, at least I have in my life, and I bet you have in 33 00:06:11,120 --> 00:06:16,920 yours, that when we put God first, he blesses us. 34 00:06:14,280 --> 00:06:19,720 So, we're going to put him first He's going to bless the city of Bowdon 35 00:06:18,440 --> 00:06:22,600 and all these council members with wisdom. 36 00:06:20,840 --> 00:06:25,480 Pray with me. Father, I just thank you for the power of 37 00:06:23,960 --> 00:06:28,520 prayer. We know, Father, that prayer changes 38 00:06:27,000 --> 00:06:31,760 things. I thank you, Father, that you give us 39 00:06:29,800 --> 00:06:34,440 opportunities. I ask that you be with us. Continue to give us more 40 00:06:32,960 --> 00:06:37,640 opportunities. Forgive us for the times that we've 41 00:06:35,600 --> 00:06:41,200 missed the mark and come up short on things you wanted us to do. 42 00:06:39,640 --> 00:06:46,000 And I pray you continue to give us more opportunities where you have placed us. 43 00:06:43,720 --> 00:06:49,120 Father, I pray for the city of Bowdon, the ones that were born and raised here, 44 00:06:48,440 --> 00:06:52,480 committed [clears throat] to the life they've had. For the rest of us, we got 45 00:06:50,840 --> 00:06:56,080 here as soon as we could. So, we thank you, Father, for that 46 00:06:53,680 --> 00:07:00,360 blessing, that you brought us here. So, I pray for all the city, Mayor 47 00:06:58,000 --> 00:07:05,200 Nelson, all the council members, all the city employees. I pray for the 48 00:07:02,520 --> 00:07:08,760 city of Bowdon Police Department. And I just pray, God, you bless them, 49 00:07:06,760 --> 00:07:12,600 that you would keep them safe in what they do. Give them wisdom and 50 00:07:10,800 --> 00:07:15,320 discernment, Father, in everything that they do. 51 00:07:13,720 --> 00:07:18,120 And I pray you be with all the families here tonight. And I pray, God, you be 52 00:07:16,880 --> 00:07:21,520 with them and bless them and their families. 53 00:07:19,480 --> 00:07:25,600 And Father, I pray even beyond the city of Bowdon, I pray for Cherokee County. 54 00:07:24,000 --> 00:07:28,720 And also for our state of Georgia and the nation. I pray for the governors of 55 00:07:27,520 --> 00:07:32,080 states, mayors of cities and managers of 56 00:07:30,400 --> 00:07:35,360 counties and cities, that you would be with them. 57 00:07:33,400 --> 00:07:38,800 Help them to know, Father, that it's by your sovereignty that they're placed in 58 00:07:37,000 --> 00:07:42,560 leadership positions. I pray for our president. I pray, God, 59 00:07:40,560 --> 00:07:46,560 you give him the strength and wisdom, protection as he serves us. I pray to 60 00:07:44,960 --> 00:07:51,560 that he makes wise decisions. I pray for his cabinet, the vice president. I pray 61 00:07:49,040 --> 00:07:56,160 for the Supreme Court. Give them wisdom and discernment, Father, as they 62 00:07:53,160 --> 00:08:01,240 interpret law. Base it on what your word says, Father, as they look at the law. I 63 00:07:58,920 --> 00:08:05,520 pray God you'd be with the House and Senate, all the members that have 64 00:08:03,200 --> 00:08:09,640 integrity in what they do and represent the people that put them there. I pray, 65 00:08:07,520 --> 00:08:12,760 Father, for the military, home and abroad. I ask God you keep them out of 66 00:08:11,280 --> 00:08:17,080 harm's way and be with their families while they're gone. I pray God that 67 00:08:14,880 --> 00:08:20,960 you'd be with law enforcement officers. Protect them while they protect us. 68 00:08:19,480 --> 00:08:24,360 And I pray for our brothers in the fire service. I pray you'd be with them in 69 00:08:23,040 --> 00:08:27,960 each and every call they run, the paramedics and EMTs and the 70 00:08:25,880 --> 00:08:32,479 firefighters. Give them strength and stamina and wisdom in every call they 71 00:08:30,320 --> 00:08:36,159 run as they protect property and save lives. So, Father, we turn this over to 72 00:08:34,835 --> 00:08:40,000 [snorts] you this night. I pray God you give discernment in everything that's 73 00:08:38,280 --> 00:08:43,280 said and done tonight. And I pray God that you would 74 00:08:40,800 --> 00:08:46,800 be glorified. Help us always put you first in everything that we do. 75 00:08:45,440 --> 00:08:50,080 And we realize, Father, when we do you're going to bless it. So, I ask all 76 00:08:48,640 --> 00:08:55,240 these things in the precious name of Jesus, your son 77 00:08:51,680 --> 00:08:59,120 and our savior. Amen. Amen. If you'll remain standing, Mr. Randall, 78 00:08:57,680 --> 00:09:01,760 would you mind leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance, please? 79 00:09:16,400 --> 00:09:25,480 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the 80 00:09:21,920 --> 00:09:31,760 republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and 81 00:09:28,760 --> 00:09:34,680 justice for all. Please be seated. 82 00:09:43,000 --> 00:09:49,880 » Okay, we've modified the agenda a little bit so we can uh 83 00:09:47,880 --> 00:09:53,560 take care of some uh public comments and new business, but before that we need to 84 00:09:51,840 --> 00:09:56,640 adopt the agenda. Has everybody had a chance to look at 85 00:09:55,120 --> 00:10:01,360 the agenda? The changes? 86 00:09:58,960 --> 00:10:05,160 Mayor Nelson, I would like to ask that I make a recommendation that 87 00:10:03,440 --> 00:10:09,960 item C which is right for first reading of 88 00:10:06,640 --> 00:10:13,920 Evelyn Cox annexation be tabled. I haven't been able to meet with staff 89 00:10:12,800 --> 00:10:17,280 and I would like to have some additional 90 00:10:15,320 --> 00:10:19,880 time to review this with staff. 91 00:10:20,160 --> 00:10:26,080 Second. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any 92 00:10:23,560 --> 00:10:32,320 discussion? Mayor Nelson, would that be items C and D since they are linked? 93 00:10:29,240 --> 00:10:32,320 Yes. Yes. 94 00:10:32,640 --> 00:10:39,640 Any discussion? Hearing none, all in favor, please say 95 00:10:36,800 --> 00:10:43,760 aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay. 96 00:10:40,760 --> 00:10:49,839 We will table items C and D from the new business agenda. 97 00:10:46,760 --> 00:10:52,960 Now, it's my honor to uh recognize our veteran of the month. 98 00:10:53,160 --> 00:10:56,400 Could I ask any guy on 99 00:10:59,839 --> 00:11:05,240 I'm proud to announce that tonight Ball Ground's gone international. We've 100 00:11:03,760 --> 00:11:09,040 uh expanded our veteran of the month program to include veterans from allied 101 00:11:07,160 --> 00:11:12,400 countries as part of our recognition program. 102 00:11:10,600 --> 00:11:16,839 America's strength is not just in its own military, but in the alliance of 103 00:11:14,400 --> 00:11:20,240 nations that fight alongside it. Uh allied nations have stood shoulder to 104 00:11:19,000 --> 00:11:24,280 shoulder with the United States throughout history 105 00:11:21,720 --> 00:11:28,839 from the World Wars to Afghanistan, demonstrating a partnership built on 106 00:11:26,040 --> 00:11:33,040 shared security and sacrifice. While leaders like King Charles III 107 00:11:30,600 --> 00:11:37,440 emphasized this unity, others have highlighted the blood paid by partners 108 00:11:35,280 --> 00:11:42,600 like the United Kingdom and Poland in joint conflicts. 109 00:11:40,560 --> 00:11:45,840 Uh up until we started here right before the 110 00:11:44,160 --> 00:11:48,760 meeting, uh our veteran of the month did not know that he would be receiving this 111 00:11:47,400 --> 00:11:54,360 honor. And he's here with his wife, Sheila. 112 00:11:51,360 --> 00:11:57,760 Sheila met Tony in 1955, a few days after her 16th birthday and his 18th 113 00:11:56,600 --> 00:12:02,240 birthday. His birthday is also this month. 114 00:12:00,520 --> 00:12:05,400 They began dating and after about 9 months in, Tony told her that he 115 00:12:03,800 --> 00:12:09,680 couldn't see her anymore than then there was another woman involved. 116 00:12:07,640 --> 00:12:15,520 Sheila got very mad at Tony and she let him know it. Tony then confessed the 117 00:12:11,880 --> 00:12:15,520 other woman was the Queen of England. 118 00:12:17,520 --> 00:12:23,640 And that he got his call up papers from the Queen. This is equivalent to the 119 00:12:22,160 --> 00:12:27,240 draft letter from Uncle Sam in the United States. 120 00:12:25,480 --> 00:12:31,880 After completing his basic training in the British Royal Air Force in Middle 121 00:12:29,520 --> 00:12:37,320 Wallop, Hampshire, he was sent to the Royal Air Force Hednesford, Birmingham 122 00:12:35,120 --> 00:12:41,080 to train as a fighter plotter. You probably seen plotters in the old 123 00:12:39,080 --> 00:12:47,360 war films. They're the ones that push the models around the table, uh 124 00:12:43,240 --> 00:12:47,360 plotting where the assets are located. 125 00:12:47,880 --> 00:12:54,360 Sheila was working in a travel agency as she still is and Tony called her to tell 126 00:12:52,320 --> 00:12:59,320 her where he had been posted. They always thought that it would be he would 127 00:12:56,120 --> 00:13:02,880 be posted close to home as he had the men or had the men for weeks before 128 00:13:01,800 --> 00:13:06,640 him. He was hoping to live at home and take 129 00:13:05,040 --> 00:13:09,320 the bus to his station every day, but the Royal Air Force had a different 130 00:13:08,080 --> 00:13:16,000 plan. She guessed Scotland? No. Germany? No. 131 00:13:12,800 --> 00:13:20,240 He then asked her, "Where is Cyprus?" Cyprus is a small island in the eastern 132 00:13:18,480 --> 00:13:24,080 Mediterranean that has strong ties to Greece and was a British protectorate in 133 00:13:22,640 --> 00:13:28,640 those days. The island was populated by Turkish and 134 00:13:26,320 --> 00:13:33,320 Greek Cypriot citizens. Each was fighting for the island to be 135 00:13:30,560 --> 00:13:39,160 either Turkish or Greek. Archbishop Makarios was the terrorist leader. 136 00:13:36,520 --> 00:13:43,680 In addition, in late 1956, the Suez Canal Crisis occurred, which involved 137 00:13:41,480 --> 00:13:48,120 the added participation of the French. Tony had been living in a tent his 138 00:13:45,360 --> 00:13:52,280 entire time in Cyprus at Cape Greco. There were 100 men in his camp. Living 139 00:13:50,520 --> 00:13:56,240 there was tough for Tony and his fellow soldiers. Drinking water had to be 140 00:13:53,840 --> 00:14:00,360 brought in every day to survive. The convoy handling that task had been 141 00:13:58,320 --> 00:14:03,640 ambushed and three of their men were killed. 142 00:14:01,480 --> 00:14:07,800 The very next day, Tony was ordered to do the job. 143 00:14:06,160 --> 00:14:11,320 And here he is. Never wanting to Sheila know 144 00:14:09,760 --> 00:14:14,640 wanting Sheila to know what happened during that time, Tony kept very quiet, 145 00:14:13,120 --> 00:14:19,640 but Sheila already knew all about it because there were enormous headlines in 146 00:14:16,680 --> 00:14:24,200 the evening newspaper as she always bought on her way home from work. 147 00:14:22,000 --> 00:14:27,240 After a year, Tony came home on 6 weeks of leave and they had a great time 148 00:14:25,520 --> 00:14:32,160 together. He went back for another 6 months and was finally demobbed. 149 00:14:30,280 --> 00:14:36,400 Let me explain what that means cuz I didn't know. 150 00:14:33,400 --> 00:14:40,320 Demob refers to the demobilization of British servicemen and women after World 151 00:14:38,880 --> 00:14:45,570 War II. When millions returned to civil civilian 152 00:14:42,600 --> 00:14:47,560 life, they were issued a demob suit, >> [snorts] 153 00:14:45,720 --> 00:14:52,720 » which was a complete set of civilian clothing including a tailored suit, 154 00:14:49,360 --> 00:14:56,240 raincoat, shirts, shoes, and a hat. That helped them transition back to 155 00:14:54,440 --> 00:15:00,040 civilian life. Well, that was the least the Queen of 156 00:14:57,839 --> 00:15:04,360 England could do. Tony received two medals, the British 157 00:15:02,480 --> 00:15:09,000 National Service Medal with an image of Queen Elizabeth II. 158 00:15:06,480 --> 00:15:15,680 The medal has an inscription of Elizabeth II 159 00:15:11,320 --> 00:15:20,120 Dei Gratia Regina F.D. The reverse bears the words for campaign service under a 160 00:15:17,920 --> 00:15:23,920 crown which is surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves. He's wearing his medals 161 00:15:22,120 --> 00:15:30,640 tonight, too. And the British General Service Medal 162 00:15:26,560 --> 00:15:35,480 1918 to 1962 with the Cyprus clasp featuring a winged victory figure 163 00:15:33,120 --> 00:15:39,360 victory on the obverse. It was issued to British Army and Royal 164 00:15:37,360 --> 00:15:48,160 Air Force personnel for service during the EOKA insurgency in Cyprus between 165 00:15:42,760 --> 00:15:51,200 April 1st, 1955 and April 18th, 1959. Before I present Tony with his 166 00:15:49,640 --> 00:15:56,160 proclamation, I want to point out that Tony and Sheila have been married for 66 167 00:15:53,640 --> 00:15:56,160 years. 168 00:15:57,621 --> 00:15:59,641 » [applause] 169 00:16:02,160 --> 00:16:09,040 » On their 60th anniversary, that lady came back into their lives and wrote a 170 00:16:06,360 --> 00:16:11,760 wonderful personal letter, which you see displayed. 171 00:16:10,320 --> 00:16:16,200 Um and um she even signed it using her 172 00:16:14,200 --> 00:16:19,480 first name only, congratulating them on 60 years of 173 00:16:18,080 --> 00:16:23,920 marriage. Oh, by the way, his birthday is 174 00:16:21,760 --> 00:16:26,640 May the 16th, where he will be a 175 00:16:25,400 --> 00:16:33,480 a uh spry 89 years young. And next to Sheila, 176 00:16:30,000 --> 00:16:33,480 golfing is his life. 177 00:16:34,440 --> 00:16:38,160 And I hear he's a very good golfer. 178 00:16:39,680 --> 00:16:44,280 Uh Sheila looks like Queen Elizabeth. [snorts] 179 00:16:42,816 --> 00:16:48,800 » [laughter] >> So, uh Mr. Randall, if you'll meet me 180 00:16:46,640 --> 00:16:53,839 out front, I'll read the proclamation, we'll snap a few pictures, and uh 181 00:16:52,360 --> 00:16:57,520 you can either hang out here with the rest of us or you can leave. 182 00:16:57,881 --> 00:16:59,901 » [applause] 183 00:17:07,051 --> 00:17:09,071 [applause] 184 00:17:14,760 --> 00:17:21,760 » Okay, this is the proclamation Veteran of the month. Whereas in 1954 President 185 00:17:19,760 --> 00:17:26,280 Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the first Veterans Day proclamation calling on our 186 00:17:24,000 --> 00:17:31,000 nation to pay appropriate homage to the veterans of all its wars who have 187 00:17:28,520 --> 00:17:35,000 contributed so much to the preservation of this nation. And whereas the United 188 00:17:33,160 --> 00:17:40,520 States of America has long stood together with allied nations in 189 00:17:38,000 --> 00:17:45,640 defense of freedom, democracy, human dignity, and peace throughout the world. 190 00:17:43,040 --> 00:17:49,080 And whereas brave men and women from allied nations have served with honor 191 00:17:47,520 --> 00:17:53,960 and distinction besides members of the United States 192 00:17:51,280 --> 00:17:58,960 Armed Forces in times of war, conflict, and humanitarian service 193 00:17:56,120 --> 00:18:01,800 strengthening the bonds of friendship and shared sacrifice between our 194 00:18:00,640 --> 00:18:06,680 nations. And whereas we recognize with gratitude 195 00:18:03,920 --> 00:18:10,680 the courage, dedication, and sacrifice demonstrated by those 196 00:18:08,840 --> 00:18:14,880 uh allied veterans whose service contributed to the preservation of 197 00:18:12,360 --> 00:18:18,760 liberty and the protection of democratic values and cherished by free people 198 00:18:17,080 --> 00:18:22,160 everywhere. And whereas the city of Auburn is proud 199 00:18:20,520 --> 00:18:26,080 to honor individuals who through military service and steadfast 200 00:18:24,280 --> 00:18:31,400 commitment to duty have exemplified valor, integrity, and 201 00:18:28,800 --> 00:18:34,640 devotion to the cause of freedom. And now therefore I Dennis Nelson, mayor 202 00:18:33,080 --> 00:18:38,840 of the city of Auburn, do hereby proclaim Tony Randall as veteran 203 00:18:36,132 --> 00:18:43,600 [snorts] of the month for May 2026 and extend our sincere appreciation for 204 00:18:41,720 --> 00:18:47,840 his faithful service sacrifice, and contributions made 205 00:18:46,160 --> 00:18:51,520 alongside the United States and its allies in the course of peace and 206 00:18:50,280 --> 00:18:55,560 liberty. In witness whereof hereunto set my hand 207 00:18:53,920 --> 00:19:00,240 cause the seal of the city to be affixed and we have all the 208 00:18:56,880 --> 00:19:03,698 council members sign it, too. Thank you. 209 00:19:01,678 --> 00:19:03,698 » [applause] 210 00:19:08,228 --> 00:19:10,248 [applause] 211 00:19:10,600 --> 00:19:18,240 » Going for veterans. It's Going for veterans? It's veterans 212 00:19:15,120 --> 00:19:18,240 memorial on the back. 213 00:19:18,720 --> 00:19:25,600 And uh she wants to do a flower planting. 214 00:19:22,920 --> 00:19:25,600 Queen of England? 215 00:19:39,000 --> 00:19:44,200 And there's just one other thing. If you don't mind, can I say something? Of 216 00:19:42,280 --> 00:19:48,560 course. Some of you in the room know that Tony 217 00:19:45,840 --> 00:19:53,840 and I are Jewish. This month also happens to be Jewish 218 00:19:51,600 --> 00:19:57,280 Veterans Month. Just by coincidence. 219 00:19:58,008 --> 00:20:00,028 » [applause] 220 00:20:02,593 --> 00:20:04,613 [applause] 221 00:20:05,640 --> 00:20:10,280 » Is there anything you would like to say, Tony? 222 00:20:08,440 --> 00:20:12,840 Because Tony Tony will grab a microphone and be here in a while. 223 00:20:13,200 --> 00:20:19,760 Well, I'd like to say thank you very much. 224 00:20:17,760 --> 00:20:22,200 Mayor Bass Aran and 225 00:20:21,360 --> 00:20:27,680 uh it's great to see so many turn out to be 226 00:20:24,840 --> 00:20:30,104 here for this special occasion. And I thank you all. They're all here 227 00:20:29,480 --> 00:20:32,360 for you, Tony. >> [applause] 228 00:20:30,160 --> 00:20:32,360 » Thank you. 229 00:20:41,239 --> 00:20:45,720 » [snorts] >> You don't need to be pushing that. 230 00:20:47,840 --> 00:20:50,320 Strong. 231 00:20:58,720 --> 00:21:06,520 Okay, the next item we moved uh public comments. 232 00:21:04,000 --> 00:21:08,640 And I have a list of those who signed up to 233 00:21:11,800 --> 00:21:15,640 Our first speaker, Mr. Jimmy Gale. 234 00:21:24,160 --> 00:21:28,160 Good evening, uh mayor, council members, and neighbors. I 235 00:21:26,880 --> 00:21:31,280 appreciate the opportunity to speak before you today. 236 00:21:29,480 --> 00:21:36,720 I'm going to read so I get uh under my 3 minutes and ensure that my 237 00:21:33,120 --> 00:21:40,360 message is clear. Um from my back door, I have watched this 238 00:21:38,080 --> 00:21:45,000 town grow, the parking lots fill up, the sidewalks get busier, the energy has 239 00:21:42,240 --> 00:21:48,960 shifted. On April 20th, I watched the town parking almost get blocked and the 240 00:21:46,720 --> 00:21:53,120 city was left scrambling. Heart sunk, panic set in, people felt 241 00:21:51,480 --> 00:21:57,440 helpless, and only one city representative showed up that day. 242 00:21:55,800 --> 00:22:02,160 Over [snorts] the years, I've gotten to know every business owner around me just 243 00:22:00,440 --> 00:22:06,600 by being a good neighbor, watching out for their storefronts, listening, asking 244 00:22:04,520 --> 00:22:11,240 what they need, sometimes helping out when the power goes out in the rain. 245 00:22:09,320 --> 00:22:14,360 I say that not to put myself forward. This is not about me. This is about all 246 00:22:12,960 --> 00:22:18,640 of us wanting to build and love a community we can be proud of. 247 00:22:17,000 --> 00:22:22,720 I have served on the variance committee for 3 years. In 3 years, we have not met 248 00:22:21,600 --> 00:22:26,200 once. I don't raise that to point fingers. I 249 00:22:24,400 --> 00:22:29,560 raise it because the structure we built to be thoughtful only works if we use 250 00:22:28,480 --> 00:22:33,720 them. And I have to be honest with you. The 251 00:22:31,200 --> 00:22:36,320 trust in our council is eroding. I'm not alone in that, and I do not say it 252 00:22:35,320 --> 00:22:40,440 lightly. But I don't believe any of you ran for 253 00:22:38,160 --> 00:22:44,400 the seat to let that happen. I believe you ran because you love this 254 00:22:42,440 --> 00:22:48,600 city the same way we do. The same way the families and the shop 255 00:22:46,040 --> 00:22:53,040 owners sitting in this room do. So, I'm asking, not demanding, asking 256 00:22:50,600 --> 00:22:56,880 for three things. Open the doors. When a decision shapes our streets, our 257 00:22:54,880 --> 00:23:00,720 businesses, our neighborhoods, let us see it being made. Closed meetings 258 00:22:58,800 --> 00:23:05,200 should be the rare exception, never the comfortable habit. Plan forward. Before 259 00:23:03,360 --> 00:23:08,720 the next project breaks ground, tell us the infrastructure plan. Tell us the 260 00:23:06,880 --> 00:23:13,560 parking plan. A city that grows without a plan doesn't grow. It strains. 261 00:23:11,760 --> 00:23:16,840 Align with each other and with us. Lean in. Talk with your 262 00:23:15,560 --> 00:23:20,680 business owners. Talk with your neighbors. Residents and businesses are 263 00:23:18,520 --> 00:23:24,760 not an obstacle to good governance. We are the reason for it. Bring us in 264 00:23:22,560 --> 00:23:28,960 early, not after the ink is dry. The city has so much ahead of it. I want the 265 00:23:26,760 --> 00:23:33,640 story we tell 10 years from now to be a good one. The one where the council and 266 00:23:31,000 --> 00:23:37,436 the people built it together in open and on purpose. Thank you for the time. 267 00:23:36,000 --> 00:23:39,456 Thank you. >> [applause] 268 00:23:44,160 --> 00:23:50,280 » Well, okay, Mr. Skarda. Our next speaker, Dylan Brown. 269 00:23:55,160 --> 00:23:59,480 I'm actually here to say thank you. So, uh 270 00:23:58,440 --> 00:24:02,960 you guys are about to read for the second reading for the uh open 271 00:24:01,200 --> 00:24:07,760 container, and it's something that I have fought for diligently for a couple 272 00:24:05,360 --> 00:24:12,520 of years now, and you heard me. So, thank you. I appreciate you. It's 273 00:24:09,880 --> 00:24:16,000 It's a big win for not only me, but everybody here. Everybody here. It's 274 00:24:14,520 --> 00:24:19,520 a big win. So, thank you very much. I appreciate 275 00:24:17,480 --> 00:24:23,760 that. Now, to talk about parking. 276 00:24:21,840 --> 00:24:26,400 We need to lease. We need parking for our city. 277 00:24:24,880 --> 00:24:29,040 We have a lot of people. A lot of people, okay? 278 00:24:27,880 --> 00:24:32,520 It's a big deal. We don't need to be behind the eight 279 00:24:30,560 --> 00:24:37,000 ball, okay? We need to be in front of it. We don't need to be held by 280 00:24:34,680 --> 00:24:40,560 developers or anybody. The city needs to figure out parking. 281 00:24:39,280 --> 00:24:45,200 It's my understanding there's an opportunity to sign a 5-year lease. 282 00:24:43,800 --> 00:24:49,480 We should do that. And then in that 5 years, 283 00:24:47,520 --> 00:24:52,960 we should figure out how to never have to worry about it again. 284 00:24:51,200 --> 00:24:58,200 I would love to volunteer to be a part of a committee. I'm a business owner. My 285 00:24:55,360 --> 00:25:03,200 business is in dead center of town. I have some ideas. 286 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:07,680 I don't have all the answers. If I did, wouldn't be doing this. But, I think if 287 00:25:06,080 --> 00:25:11,880 we had a committee that has business owners, 288 00:25:10,200 --> 00:25:15,240 some council members, maybe some citizens, 289 00:25:13,560 --> 00:25:20,200 we could come up with something. There are some opportunities, and I think that 290 00:25:17,600 --> 00:25:23,360 if we do that, that's great. But, right now, today, 291 00:25:21,720 --> 00:25:28,520 we need parking. We need to We need a lease, and we need 292 00:25:25,840 --> 00:25:33,040 to get that solved. Then, we can discuss how we go further and how we solve the 293 00:25:31,840 --> 00:25:36,160 problem. That's all I have to say. But, thank 294 00:25:34,520 --> 00:25:39,322 you. I appreciate y'all listening. Thank you, Mr. Brown. 295 00:25:37,302 --> 00:25:39,322 » [applause] 296 00:25:41,960 --> 00:25:45,320 » Mr. Ryan Turnage. 297 00:25:48,440 --> 00:25:54,360 Good evening. I'm also going to read. As you know, my name is Ryan Turnage. My 298 00:25:52,920 --> 00:25:57,800 wife, Katie, and I own Barrel House Coffee Company, as well as the old 299 00:25:56,080 --> 00:26:02,160 Hubbard building and adjacent courtyard at 275 Gilmer Ferry Road, 300 00:26:00,320 --> 00:26:05,960 which is also home to Perch and Barrel House. Parking has been a concern for as 301 00:26:04,520 --> 00:26:09,640 long as we've lived here and operated our business. 302 00:26:07,480 --> 00:26:13,080 Recently, and to no fault of his own, as you've already heard, Woody Snell, who 303 00:26:11,200 --> 00:26:16,320 owns the property directly behind us and beside us, 304 00:26:14,440 --> 00:26:20,800 which includes the only parking lot west of the railroad tracks, 305 00:26:18,000 --> 00:26:23,920 if was informed or informed us that he received some information that the city 306 00:26:22,320 --> 00:26:28,000 was attempting to do an adverse possession claim on his property. 307 00:26:26,360 --> 00:26:31,600 Whether true or not, this led him to react the same way I would as a property 308 00:26:29,840 --> 00:26:36,040 owner. He reacted by blocking the property with concrete barricades. 309 00:26:34,160 --> 00:26:39,760 We find ourselves in this position where a single man dictates the fate of many 310 00:26:37,880 --> 00:26:43,320 long-standing businesses by controlling the parking. 311 00:26:41,080 --> 00:26:47,720 Again, it's not his fault. It's this council's responsibility to 312 00:26:45,160 --> 00:26:51,120 have a plan or at least approve one. The same parking lot was previously shot 313 00:26:49,640 --> 00:26:55,120 down, the one that we're discussing tonight, by some members of this council 314 00:26:53,240 --> 00:26:58,560 over a year ago, is my understanding. Despite an exuberant amount of effort 315 00:26:57,120 --> 00:27:02,320 from your permanent staff to present possibilities, 316 00:27:00,040 --> 00:27:06,240 you have failed to approve any solution. It's easy to say no to an idea, but 317 00:27:04,120 --> 00:27:09,560 leaders bring solutions to the table. I'm curious to hear what solutions you 318 00:27:07,840 --> 00:27:12,800 all are bringing to the table. Without adequate parking, the businesses die. 319 00:27:11,200 --> 00:27:15,200 Without the businesses, the downtown dies. 320 00:27:13,880 --> 00:27:18,520 We've all poured ourselves into this community, and to see that attempting to 321 00:27:16,800 --> 00:27:21,440 be ripped away due to the lack of a plan by our elected officials is truly 322 00:27:20,040 --> 00:27:24,880 eye-opening. Two of you clearly opposed the plan 323 00:27:23,000 --> 00:27:28,040 during the working session on May 7th. I've also been informed by a council 324 00:27:26,360 --> 00:27:32,320 member that the same two are advocating to dissolve the contract for the parking 325 00:27:29,600 --> 00:27:35,440 lot next to Scooped. Is that because you don't think having 326 00:27:34,120 --> 00:27:39,040 adequate parking for our growing downtown is in the best interest of the 327 00:27:36,960 --> 00:27:43,000 businesses or the city as a whole? When Woody starts construction soon and shuts 328 00:27:40,720 --> 00:27:45,800 down his parking lot, what's your plan? He's adding businesses, which is a 329 00:27:44,400 --> 00:27:48,720 wonderful thing, but it will significantly increase 330 00:27:47,280 --> 00:27:53,120 parking demands to an already overwhelmed downtown. His new lot being 331 00:27:51,040 --> 00:27:56,520 public will not serve solve the current or long-term problem. 332 00:27:54,920 --> 00:28:00,520 This decision may determine the future of many of our downtown businesses. If 333 00:27:58,840 --> 00:28:04,480 you patronize your small businesses more frequently, as your campaign photos 334 00:28:02,520 --> 00:28:07,640 imply that you do, then you would learn more about our concerns and have the 335 00:28:05,880 --> 00:28:11,480 necessary data to make informed decisions. 336 00:28:09,160 --> 00:28:14,760 Vote yes to approve agenda A for the new parking lot lease, and then 337 00:28:13,400 --> 00:28:18,680 get to work bringing solutions to the table that will actually have a positive 338 00:28:16,360 --> 00:28:21,764 impact on your city. Thank you. Thank you. 339 00:28:19,744 --> 00:28:21,764 » [applause] 340 00:28:26,160 --> 00:28:32,720 » Miss Charlie Rowland. Uh Lauren, I'm sorry. Lockrin. Lockrin. 341 00:28:30,280 --> 00:28:36,320 » You almost got it, sir. Almost. Hi, y'all. 342 00:28:33,360 --> 00:28:41,120 » Hi, Charlie. Hi. Hi. Um my husband and I are um the owners of Sunshine Life on 343 00:28:38,680 --> 00:28:45,800 205 Gilmore Ferry Road. My husband Bo, over there. Um I'm proud to say that 344 00:28:43,520 --> 00:28:50,800 next month we will be 5 years in that location. I'm here 345 00:28:49,219 --> 00:28:53,880 » [applause] >> Um I'm here tonight because of the 346 00:28:52,240 --> 00:28:58,120 impending closure of the parking lot behind Barrel House and lack of planning 347 00:28:55,840 --> 00:29:02,960 for other parking alternatives, which is creating significant concern and 348 00:29:00,520 --> 00:29:06,520 uncertainty for our business as well as many of our neighbors. 349 00:29:04,600 --> 00:29:10,080 For small businesses, parking is not a convenience. It is part of the 350 00:29:08,120 --> 00:29:16,320 infrastructure that allows us to survive. Customers need reasonable 351 00:29:13,160 --> 00:29:20,440 access to shop, pick up items, and visit local businesses. 352 00:29:18,080 --> 00:29:23,320 The planned loss of parking threatens to reduce 353 00:29:21,720 --> 00:29:28,360 accessibility for not only our customers, but also employees, delivery 354 00:29:26,040 --> 00:29:33,080 drivers, older visitors, and people carrying purchases or navigating 355 00:29:30,800 --> 00:29:37,120 mobility challenges. What is especially concerning is the 356 00:29:35,360 --> 00:29:41,280 lack of a clearly communicated transition plan or sufficient 357 00:29:39,480 --> 00:29:46,480 replacement parking before these closures move forward by the developer 358 00:29:43,560 --> 00:29:50,280 who purchased the prop- property nearly two years ago. 359 00:29:48,040 --> 00:29:54,320 Businesses are being asked to absorb the impact first and hope solutions come 360 00:29:53,120 --> 00:29:58,440 later. Many of us have invested years into 361 00:29:56,280 --> 00:30:04,120 helping keep this area active, attractive, and economically viable. 362 00:30:01,680 --> 00:30:08,720 We support local events, pay taxes, employ residents, and help fill 363 00:30:06,080 --> 00:30:12,520 storefronts that otherwise may sit vacant. 364 00:30:10,040 --> 00:30:19,160 Decisions affecting access to our businesses deserve careful planning and 365 00:30:15,560 --> 00:30:23,360 meaningful collaboration with us. We are not opposing progress or 366 00:30:20,760 --> 00:30:27,560 development. We are asking for balanced planning 367 00:30:24,760 --> 00:30:34,120 that does not unintentionally place small businesses in a position where 368 00:30:30,040 --> 00:30:39,640 customers become unsustainable. When parking becomes limited, confusing, 369 00:30:36,720 --> 00:30:43,320 or unavailable, customers just simply go elsewhere. 370 00:30:41,160 --> 00:30:48,000 It is difficult not to feel overlooked when decisions with major consequences 371 00:30:46,000 --> 00:30:53,200 for the business community and the residents in the downtown district 372 00:30:50,080 --> 00:30:58,440 proceed without clear mitigation plans or substantial dialogue with those 373 00:30:55,360 --> 00:31:03,760 directly affected. We want to be part of the solution. However, right now the 374 00:31:00,680 --> 00:31:08,040 burden of inadequate planning is falling heavily on the small businesses and 375 00:31:06,080 --> 00:31:12,760 threatens to put us out of business in the very near future. 376 00:31:10,080 --> 00:31:18,000 Development can be phased, construction can be phased, but customer loss and 377 00:31:15,680 --> 00:31:23,120 business closures caused by a lack of access are often permanent. 378 00:31:20,800 --> 00:31:28,280 I would ask the council to pause, re-evaluate the current approach, 379 00:31:25,560 --> 00:31:32,640 consider the real economic impact, and work collaboratively with the downtown 380 00:31:30,600 --> 00:31:37,800 business community on practical solutions. 381 00:31:34,200 --> 00:31:42,760 Growth that outpaces infrastructure risk weakening the very businesses and 382 00:31:40,200 --> 00:31:47,381 downtown area that make this city desirable in the first place. Thank you. 383 00:31:46,840 --> 00:31:49,401 You got it. >> [applause] 384 00:31:51,720 --> 00:31:54,642 » Good [applause] timing. >> [cheering] 385 00:31:55,720 --> 00:31:58,920 » Kimberly Vanderhaar. 386 00:32:02,560 --> 00:32:10,040 Hi. Hi. So, um, I'm I'm Kim Vanderhaar. I'm actually here on behalf of Ball 387 00:32:07,600 --> 00:32:13,360 Ground Hounds. Um, I was there the evening that Jenny and Ryan were both 388 00:32:11,400 --> 00:32:18,160 talking about when there was the risk of losing the parking lot. Uh, 389 00:32:16,600 --> 00:32:21,920 it'll be detrimental to a lot of the businesses in town to lose that space, 390 00:32:20,360 --> 00:32:26,840 but having the possibility of leasing the lot across from and still having 391 00:32:24,520 --> 00:32:30,120 customers be able to, I don't know, carry a 40-lb bag of food 392 00:32:28,720 --> 00:32:32,880 or have one of us do it. We have a lot of pregnant women and elderly ladies 393 00:32:31,680 --> 00:32:37,640 that come in where they're reliant on having close 394 00:32:35,400 --> 00:32:42,160 parking and close availability. Parallel spaces in front are nice to be 395 00:32:39,680 --> 00:32:45,640 able to have, but we really would appreciate you guys 396 00:32:43,760 --> 00:32:50,320 putting on thought and consideration into making sure that we have accessible 397 00:32:48,240 --> 00:32:53,440 parking for our customers. That way we can remain. We've been here 398 00:32:51,680 --> 00:32:55,502 for 10 years. We'd love to have another 10. 399 00:32:54,840 --> 00:32:57,467 So. >> [snorts] 400 00:32:55,880 --> 00:32:59,487 » Thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] 401 00:33:03,040 --> 00:33:06,080 » David Westrick. 402 00:33:13,440 --> 00:33:19,640 Mayor Castle, thank you very much for talking to us tonight. Um, you've heard 403 00:33:17,680 --> 00:33:24,640 from a significant amount of the businesses in our community. And you 404 00:33:22,200 --> 00:33:28,000 know, Mayor, you when you and I talked prior to your election, prior to you 405 00:33:26,280 --> 00:33:30,880 winning the election, one of the things I've told all of y'all and I've talked 406 00:33:29,280 --> 00:33:35,640 to all [snorts] of y'all about is the the the the need for transparency and 407 00:33:33,160 --> 00:33:41,600 the need for communication. And watching this unfold over the last 3 weeks or 4 408 00:33:38,400 --> 00:33:44,840 weeks on Facebook, through all the different sources, 409 00:33:43,600 --> 00:33:49,280 it's been pitiful. Truthfully, we have done a 410 00:33:46,880 --> 00:33:54,000 pitiful job of communicating to these business people who have businesses, who 411 00:33:52,000 --> 00:33:59,440 pay a large amount of our property taxes, our sales tax, and it's just we 412 00:33:57,160 --> 00:34:01,440 have not done a good job. And I implore y'all 413 00:34:00,520 --> 00:34:04,600 to take this and learn from it. Let's move 414 00:34:03,240 --> 00:34:07,480 forward. Don just offered to be a part of the 415 00:34:06,160 --> 00:34:13,679 committee. I'll be a part of the committee, but I think we've got to have 416 00:34:09,720 --> 00:34:18,040 some transparency in what's going on. We all understand that this is to some 417 00:34:15,879 --> 00:34:23,600 degree we've got to do certain things that can't be 100% transparent, but 418 00:34:20,480 --> 00:34:27,480 conversation goes miles. We're not having conversation. I've 419 00:34:25,520 --> 00:34:31,080 talked to everyone here almost. We're not having even conversation. 420 00:34:29,399 --> 00:34:36,159 So, if you have no conversation, all of us know in the absence of conversation, 421 00:34:33,440 --> 00:34:38,800 your imagination goes crazy. You know, the city's going to shut down 422 00:34:37,399 --> 00:34:43,000 tomorrow. You know, somebody could say that. 423 00:34:40,800 --> 00:34:45,879 And our imagination would let it happen. So, I feel like we have definitely 424 00:34:44,360 --> 00:34:49,320 failed in this matter, 425 00:34:47,639 --> 00:34:53,520 not necessarily because we don't have a perfect plan, but because we haven't 426 00:34:51,399 --> 00:34:56,159 communicated any plan. I appreciate it. I think y'all ought to 427 00:34:54,720 --> 00:34:59,299 consider that and think about that for the future. 428 00:34:57,320 --> 00:35:01,319 Thank y'all. Thank you. >> [applause] 429 00:35:03,920 --> 00:35:07,120 » Harold Corbett. 430 00:35:17,560 --> 00:35:24,000 Honor and a privilege. My name is Harold Corbett. For the rest 431 00:35:21,320 --> 00:35:27,000 y'all know me as Dean. Dean is my middle name, don't call me 432 00:35:25,040 --> 00:35:31,480 that. I really can't add too much to all this 433 00:35:28,880 --> 00:35:35,520 except for we are behind the eight ball as Dylan said. 434 00:35:33,160 --> 00:35:39,760 For over a decade, I've been at every downtown business meeting I could make 435 00:35:37,920 --> 00:35:45,600 or was available for. And I raised the question a decade ago. 436 00:35:43,200 --> 00:35:48,920 What about parking? I was assured, "Oh, we have more parking than Woodstock 437 00:35:47,800 --> 00:35:52,440 does." That wasn't true then, sure not true 438 00:35:50,680 --> 00:35:57,440 now. It's a detriment to our business. 439 00:35:54,840 --> 00:36:01,960 We get calls all the time. "Where can I park? I I need a handicap 440 00:36:00,480 --> 00:36:05,840 spot." Well, "park down by the railroad tracks 441 00:36:04,160 --> 00:36:08,840 and then try to make it in." Well, I I can't move. Well, I'm sorry, we don't 442 00:36:07,760 --> 00:36:13,280 have that. Or they'll call and make an order. 443 00:36:11,840 --> 00:36:19,200 And then they'll say, "Well, I can't get to your shop, there's no parking." 444 00:36:17,040 --> 00:36:21,840 We understand. Sorry. No problem. 445 00:36:23,600 --> 00:36:29,040 Something has to be done. We're late. 446 00:36:27,520 --> 00:36:32,880 We're way late. If we'd taken action 10 years ago, it 447 00:36:30,760 --> 00:36:38,120 would have been 1/10 the cost it's going to cost now. 448 00:36:35,240 --> 00:36:43,560 Mr. Snell is not the villain here. Mr. Snell owns the property and he'd do 449 00:36:40,240 --> 00:36:48,280 with it as he pleases, in my opinion. The city's dropped the ball. 450 00:36:45,680 --> 00:36:55,120 The city's had opportunities. We've spent thousands of dollars 451 00:36:51,800 --> 00:36:58,280 trying to lure people into the city without consideration of 452 00:36:57,120 --> 00:37:01,560 where they going to park when they get here? 453 00:36:59,920 --> 00:37:06,400 There's nowhere. On a normal Saturday, we have customers 454 00:37:04,000 --> 00:37:10,000 that walk from far away because they're dedicated and they love our product, 455 00:37:08,360 --> 00:37:12,920 just like the rest of the businesses here. 456 00:37:11,080 --> 00:37:16,720 But if you're elderly and you go pick up a 40-lb bag of dog food, you're not 457 00:37:14,760 --> 00:37:19,600 going to hump it all the way down to the baseball fields. 458 00:37:18,600 --> 00:37:23,120 You're not going to tote it all the way down to the pharmacy. Yeah, there's a 459 00:37:21,240 --> 00:37:26,600 lot of parking down there. But for who? 460 00:37:24,440 --> 00:37:30,360 For no one. We're behind the ball. 461 00:37:28,480 --> 00:37:33,720 Maybe we should reallocate some money in the city 462 00:37:31,720 --> 00:37:38,120 to start finding a a bigger, better place. I don't know, somewhere that 463 00:37:36,480 --> 00:37:42,200 only gets used a couple of times a year that has an amphitheater in it and 464 00:37:40,560 --> 00:37:46,720 you know, city already owns that. They could just take a bond and maybe 465 00:37:44,800 --> 00:37:50,360 build a parking lot there or parking deck. 466 00:37:48,080 --> 00:37:53,240 But that's my two cents and I hope I I didn't have a nice speech like these 467 00:37:51,680 --> 00:37:59,400 educated folks do. I just tell you what's on my my heart and my mind. 468 00:37:56,280 --> 00:38:04,200 Uh I love Ball Ground. This is a very unique place in North Georgia. There is 469 00:38:01,480 --> 00:38:08,000 no other town like this one. And it shouldn't be Woodstock. Shouldn't 470 00:38:06,520 --> 00:38:11,640 be Canton. Shouldn't be any of those places. It 471 00:38:09,600 --> 00:38:15,400 should be Ball Ground. This is very special place. You won't be able to 472 00:38:13,880 --> 00:38:20,520 replicate it. It can't be duplicated. And once lost, 473 00:38:18,520 --> 00:38:25,120 you'll never revive it. Thank you, Council. This has been a I've 474 00:38:23,040 --> 00:38:29,640 I'm glad nobody took up the bet that $100 y'all wouldn't call me, so I get to 475 00:38:27,360 --> 00:38:29,640 keep my $100. 476 00:38:30,211 --> 00:38:32,231 » [applause] 477 00:38:36,360 --> 00:38:46,360 » So, Dr. Jeremy Bruce. That's a hard act to follow there. 478 00:38:43,840 --> 00:38:50,360 I'm just here for Tony. Uh Jeremy Bruce, Bruce Chiropractic. Um 479 00:38:48,720 --> 00:38:53,480 I'll tell you guys a story. When I was a kid, I used to ride my 480 00:38:51,240 --> 00:38:57,200 bicycle on these streets. I'd work at my grandfather's gun shop up on the hill 481 00:38:55,160 --> 00:39:00,720 and he'd give me a quarter or a dollar and I'd come down and I'd buy a Hot 482 00:38:58,480 --> 00:39:05,480 Wheels car at a little toy store above my office here on Main Street. 483 00:39:02,960 --> 00:39:09,640 And then I'd go over and have lunch at Dot's restaurant and one day at lunch, 484 00:39:08,120 --> 00:39:13,000 Dot and I got an opportunity to watch my grandfather and 485 00:39:11,200 --> 00:39:17,160 and uh Mr. Oscar Roberts have a fistfight in the middle of town. Back 486 00:39:15,680 --> 00:39:21,720 then, you could have a fistfight in town and not get run over by a truck, but 487 00:39:19,000 --> 00:39:26,520 other than that. So, 2001, open my office here in Ball 488 00:39:23,480 --> 00:39:30,840 Ground, Georgia. Uh 2007, we opened on Main Street. So, we've been 489 00:39:28,280 --> 00:39:36,200 in that same location since 2007. It was me, Heathcock's Drilling, 490 00:39:34,040 --> 00:39:40,200 the Mustard Seed and Dot. Mustard Seed left after about 6 months 491 00:39:38,640 --> 00:39:44,560 and Dot, I think maybe a couple years later she she was not able health-wise 492 00:39:42,120 --> 00:39:48,680 to run a restaurant, so she she bowed out as well. So, it was Heathcock and 493 00:39:46,520 --> 00:39:51,360 Bruce Chiropractic out in downtown Ball Ground. We didn't have parking problems 494 00:39:50,320 --> 00:39:53,040 then. I think I'm 495 00:39:52,742 --> 00:39:57,040 » [laughter] >> I may be saw 496 00:39:54,880 --> 00:40:01,400 12 patients a day. But now we see about 150 a week that 497 00:39:59,600 --> 00:40:04,840 come down to Ball Ground and they they go to coffee shop and they get my 498 00:40:02,560 --> 00:40:08,640 favorite latte. Um I they most of time they order Dr. Bruce's favorite, they'll 499 00:40:06,400 --> 00:40:11,640 get that, so it's be neat. They'll go over and get a dinner at the 500 00:40:10,200 --> 00:40:15,720 at the butcher's place and so that's kind of neat to do. And now they get a 501 00:40:13,440 --> 00:40:19,440 taco at the Taco Social, so it's been really really cool to that. And then 502 00:40:17,640 --> 00:40:24,320 they get my favorite hamburger. I think it's Daddy's on Death Row. 503 00:40:22,120 --> 00:40:28,320 That's my favorite hamburger, so. So, it's been a it's been a privilege to 504 00:40:26,680 --> 00:40:32,360 serve in Ball Ground for this amount of time, 25 26 years. 505 00:40:31,200 --> 00:40:36,440 But, there's a transition that's coming and I 506 00:40:34,840 --> 00:40:41,640 have patients that aren't really physically able to walk a distance 507 00:40:39,320 --> 00:40:45,400 that they that they are required to walk or maybe required to walk. The back 508 00:40:43,560 --> 00:40:49,840 parking lot has been a blessing to us. We survived the sidewalk beautification 509 00:40:48,040 --> 00:40:54,680 program. Were you here when that when that happened? Yeah, 2009 2010. 510 00:40:53,040 --> 00:40:59,880 Our office survived because we had a back parking lot to use. 511 00:40:56,680 --> 00:41:02,640 2015, we survived Tom Cruise because we had a back parking lot to 512 00:41:01,560 --> 00:41:08,920 use. So, my interest today is the transition. 513 00:41:07,200 --> 00:41:12,480 It's what do we do in a transition? Things have to progress, things have to 514 00:41:10,680 --> 00:41:14,680 improve, things have to develop and build. [snorts] I get that. I 515 00:41:13,400 --> 00:41:20,080 understand. But, I'm already at a disadvantage 516 00:41:16,920 --> 00:41:22,760 because my patients can't walk that far. So, 517 00:41:21,080 --> 00:41:25,840 I'm here to say help to the council, to the mayor, you know, 518 00:41:24,800 --> 00:41:29,400 help us. I want to be here for another 519 00:41:27,440 --> 00:41:33,720 15 years. Now, my wife, she's going to quit another five, but um she wants to 520 00:41:31,800 --> 00:41:36,560 retire early when grandkids come. But, I enjoy working. I enjoy Ball 521 00:41:35,000 --> 00:41:40,640 Ground. I I I am Ball Ground. I love Ball Ground. Um I don't want to go 522 00:41:38,320 --> 00:41:44,160 anywhere else, but you know, I I have to do what's best for my patients. I have 523 00:41:42,520 --> 00:41:47,680 to do what's best for those 150 folks that trust me to take care of them. 524 00:41:46,400 --> 00:41:50,120 My grandfather told me one time, he said, "Son, 525 00:41:48,760 --> 00:41:53,960 actually call me Bimbo." And there's only a couple people in this room that 526 00:41:51,480 --> 00:41:58,040 knows he called me Bimbo. Just for clarity, we have hit three minutes. Do 527 00:41:56,800 --> 00:42:01,000 you want to continue? >> there. 10 15 seconds. 528 00:41:59,240 --> 00:42:04,080 » Okay. Okay. So, he called me Bimbo, but he said, "Hey Bimbo, this is what you do 529 00:42:02,360 --> 00:42:06,120 if you want to be successful in life. You treat people the way you want to be 530 00:42:05,600 --> 00:42:11,160 treated." >> That's right. That's been my ethos. And 531 00:42:08,600 --> 00:42:14,760 I think from a business owner to a a council to a mayor to the police 532 00:42:13,280 --> 00:42:18,280 officers, to everybody here, if we could just get behind that ethos, I think 533 00:42:16,840 --> 00:42:21,429 everybody be fine. And I think Bogart will be better for it. Thank you guys 534 00:42:19,800 --> 00:42:23,449 for your time. Thank you, Dr. >> [applause] 535 00:42:28,200 --> 00:42:36,200 » Before we go into our next item, uh new business, that that wraps up the 536 00:42:32,760 --> 00:42:40,800 speakers that signed up. We know there's a parking shortage. 537 00:42:38,920 --> 00:42:45,280 You know, where there's not a whole lot of pavement out there. 538 00:42:42,840 --> 00:42:49,720 The city purchased property right behind us last year 539 00:42:47,920 --> 00:42:52,840 for the intention of building a parking lot. 540 00:42:50,880 --> 00:42:57,640 Now, I understand that's a little ways from downtown and it causes some uh some 541 00:42:55,640 --> 00:43:01,920 issues with walking. But, the city would own 542 00:43:00,160 --> 00:43:06,880 the taxpayers and the residents would own that piece of property instead of us 543 00:43:04,480 --> 00:43:10,520 leasing all of the time. But, we understand. We've been leasing. 544 00:43:08,680 --> 00:43:13,760 We've been leasing for years. Um 545 00:43:12,360 --> 00:43:19,320 the uh Mr. Schnell, who owns the lot, is 546 00:43:16,720 --> 00:43:24,280 he hasn't closed that lot off. He's not charging the city for that. 547 00:43:22,000 --> 00:43:28,120 He's allowing everybody to park there. At some point, I'm sure he will be doing 548 00:43:26,480 --> 00:43:32,240 some construction there and until the renovation is is completed, 549 00:43:31,080 --> 00:43:37,320 you know, we we are going to have a parking crunch. But, tonight, hopefully, 550 00:43:34,600 --> 00:43:42,120 we're going to resolve a temporary parking issue. 551 00:43:38,920 --> 00:43:47,400 Uh it means taking on another lease. If if the council approves it. 552 00:43:44,840 --> 00:43:49,520 But, we realize we need it. Uh 553 00:43:48,120 --> 00:43:54,560 over all the [snorts] years, if somebody has some property that they're wanting 554 00:43:51,440 --> 00:43:58,280 to sell where you can put a few cars, um 555 00:43:55,680 --> 00:44:01,800 we know how important that is. So, I just wanted to 556 00:43:59,640 --> 00:44:07,840 to mention that that that we have worked on that and um we do we do actually own 557 00:44:05,120 --> 00:44:10,760 property now that will be a parking lot and it could in the future be a parking 558 00:44:09,480 --> 00:44:14,440 deck. Um 559 00:44:12,600 --> 00:44:18,640 So, let's move into new business. Item number A, what everybody's here waiting 560 00:44:16,680 --> 00:44:23,520 for, the elephant in the room, consider parking lot agreement. 561 00:44:21,240 --> 00:44:26,760 Mr. Wilmarth. Um 562 00:44:25,000 --> 00:44:32,360 this is a lot I think everybody is familiar with. It is the one next to 563 00:44:29,160 --> 00:44:37,080 Parlor on Main downtown. It is owned by Starlight Mineral and Mines, 564 00:44:34,840 --> 00:44:39,920 uh which is Janice Prather and Judy Thomas. 565 00:44:38,360 --> 00:44:45,720 Uh we did an assessment on this about 18 566 00:44:42,800 --> 00:44:49,840 months ago, I guess, and did the uh soil corings. 567 00:44:47,200 --> 00:44:53,840 And we wouldn't have the same problems in 568 00:44:51,680 --> 00:44:58,200 development here as we did with the parking lot next door 569 00:44:55,920 --> 00:45:03,480 that we had to excavate all the old tree stumps and and diapers and hangers that 570 00:45:01,120 --> 00:45:07,040 was kind of a uh little mini landfill there. 571 00:45:07,120 --> 00:45:15,800 What we have discussed and and what we would outline tonight and ask for 572 00:45:13,520 --> 00:45:22,520 authorization for staff and legal counsel to work with the owners on 573 00:45:19,760 --> 00:45:24,760 is the area shown uh 574 00:45:23,520 --> 00:45:29,480 here. The blue line, and it's hard to see, but 575 00:45:27,320 --> 00:45:34,560 the the blue line does outline the entirety of the property that we are 576 00:45:31,480 --> 00:45:37,560 looking and and proposing to lease. It's 11,936.33 577 00:45:37,600 --> 00:45:45,200 sq ft. Uh the green line that parallels the 578 00:45:42,320 --> 00:45:49,960 building, if this is approved and accepted by Starlight, 579 00:45:48,000 --> 00:45:54,960 would be a concrete curbing that would be installed to protect the building 580 00:45:52,040 --> 00:46:00,800 from any incidental vehicle damage, anybody running into the building. 581 00:45:58,240 --> 00:46:05,680 The yellow that parallels each other at the back of the lot 582 00:46:02,720 --> 00:46:11,000 would be the metal traffic barricade fencing that is removable. 583 00:46:08,800 --> 00:46:15,600 And the reason that they are asking for this in our discussions so far is 584 00:46:13,440 --> 00:46:20,160 they've issued a notice to proceed for renovations 585 00:46:17,120 --> 00:46:25,240 of a portion of that building. They feel that their contractor may need 586 00:46:22,480 --> 00:46:30,000 access from time to time back in the locations that they're not ready to 587 00:46:27,520 --> 00:46:33,920 lease at this point. They would be willing to entertain that 588 00:46:31,760 --> 00:46:39,200 at such time as they obtained a certificate of occupancy once 589 00:46:36,480 --> 00:46:43,240 renovations are completed on that building. 590 00:46:41,160 --> 00:46:49,240 Um so this would have a a 591 00:46:45,880 --> 00:46:53,640 entrance off of Gilmer Ferry. The exit would be on the Mount Street. 592 00:46:56,880 --> 00:47:02,920 We anticipate and this is this is Eric parking. 593 00:47:01,560 --> 00:47:07,280 Um if this is approved, we would hire a 594 00:47:05,280 --> 00:47:12,440 professional parking lot person to lay it out. I know we can get 40 spaces. But 595 00:47:10,560 --> 00:47:17,120 just like the community building, when we got a parking lot company in there, 596 00:47:14,440 --> 00:47:21,520 they were able to add I think it was eight spaces over what we had. So I 597 00:47:19,840 --> 00:47:25,000 think a professional company would get another three or four spaces. 598 00:47:23,800 --> 00:47:31,480 But for my calculations, we rated at 40. 599 00:47:28,560 --> 00:47:37,920 The price to develop this uh our best quote at the time is $68,500. 600 00:47:35,600 --> 00:47:44,320 That would excavate what is there now. It would put in a 6-in base 601 00:47:41,400 --> 00:47:49,600 top coated with asphalt uh put in that concrete curbing and make it 602 00:47:46,600 --> 00:47:49,600 ready for parking. 603 00:47:50,640 --> 00:47:57,400 So if we ran that um 604 00:47:54,080 --> 00:48:02,520 on a 5-year lease if they would agree to this and what 605 00:48:00,240 --> 00:48:07,720 they wanted me to specify tonight until they have a proposed lease agreement in 606 00:48:05,040 --> 00:48:11,560 front of them, they're not agreeing to anything. They said we've been 607 00:48:10,080 --> 00:48:16,040 Now, a couple times they want to see something and 608 00:48:13,520 --> 00:48:22,240 so these are what we are saying we would present to them. 609 00:48:19,360 --> 00:48:26,680 Uh 5-year lease during which time we would make no monthly payments. 610 00:48:24,840 --> 00:48:33,680 That's how we recoup from the initial capital investment of the $68,500. 611 00:48:30,680 --> 00:48:38,320 The 5 years a key number to us because that is 612 00:48:35,360 --> 00:48:44,680 uh our threshold on capital investment. So, we could use capital dollars to do 613 00:48:40,440 --> 00:48:50,000 this, depreciate it over a 5-year period and 614 00:48:46,280 --> 00:48:56,000 be able to use capital funds. That breaks down to a cost if we only 615 00:48:53,080 --> 00:48:59,720 get the 40 spaces, that would be a cost per month of $28.54 616 00:49:00,000 --> 00:49:07,680 per parking space per month. 617 00:49:03,400 --> 00:49:14,280 Uh that would equate out to $342.48 on an annual basis for the parking spot. 618 00:49:10,800 --> 00:49:18,880 And again, that would be our cost. We would also 619 00:49:16,160 --> 00:49:23,320 propose in the lease because it's how our other leases are set with them 620 00:49:21,520 --> 00:49:26,520 that we would be responsible for the annual taxes. 621 00:49:25,080 --> 00:49:30,960 That's why the square footage is so important is we calculate that, we would 622 00:49:28,960 --> 00:49:36,120 take the land value, uh divide that by the land assessment uh 623 00:49:34,280 --> 00:49:41,000 from the tax assessor, and we'd end up having to pay 624 00:49:38,400 --> 00:49:47,040 during that first 5-year period $1,336 625 00:49:43,480 --> 00:49:50,680 annually providing nobody raises taxes. Uh but if 626 00:49:48,720 --> 00:49:55,680 board of education or the county, whatever, went up on taxes. 627 00:49:52,840 --> 00:50:01,080 The actual number is 1536 but we would waive the 200 that 628 00:49:58,720 --> 00:50:07,880 would be ball ground tax. So we would forego $200 in revenue. We would have to 629 00:50:04,200 --> 00:50:07,880 pay out 1336. 630 00:50:08,080 --> 00:50:15,640 I was asked to look at one additional number 631 00:50:12,840 --> 00:50:19,600 and the only one I could find is on street parking and I realize this is not 632 00:50:18,160 --> 00:50:24,440 on street but it's about as close as we can get 633 00:50:22,120 --> 00:50:29,840 but according to Main Street America the estimate is that a on street parking 634 00:50:26,840 --> 00:50:34,200 spot adds about $20,000 in revenue annually to a local economy. 635 00:50:32,920 --> 00:50:38,280 So we're talking [snorts] a investment of 636 00:50:35,840 --> 00:50:43,680 $348. Arguably that's a city investment but 637 00:50:41,040 --> 00:50:49,240 the return on investment in the local economy is much higher. 638 00:50:46,760 --> 00:50:54,640 Being that this is not on street, I still say we're looking at at least half 639 00:50:52,280 --> 00:50:58,480 being 10 to 15,000 value to local economy. 640 00:50:59,200 --> 00:51:07,880 So what we're asking for this evening is authorization to 641 00:51:04,560 --> 00:51:12,480 propose this to Starlight Mineral and Mines in the form of a lease crafted by 642 00:51:10,600 --> 00:51:21,480 our legal counsel with these stipulations and enter that 643 00:51:16,880 --> 00:51:25,400 lease if they agree to these terms. I have a question for you. 644 00:51:23,120 --> 00:51:27,960 Do you have an estimated time frame for this to happen? 645 00:51:28,120 --> 00:51:37,040 We have a contractor that could turn pretty quick. We could make 646 00:51:34,040 --> 00:51:44,040 I know it's it's always a controversial topic. We we could have that ready to 647 00:51:39,320 --> 00:51:49,120 park in 7 to 10 days without asphalt. The longest part is always waiting on 648 00:51:46,440 --> 00:51:53,200 your your asphalt crews to get it on schedule and and come in and do it. 649 00:51:51,680 --> 00:51:58,480 Uh so there would be the ability to turn this loose, make 650 00:51:55,320 --> 00:52:03,440 it move pretty quick from the time they agree. 651 00:52:00,800 --> 00:52:08,400 Given our folks the notice to proceed, but asphalt I wouldn't try to predict. 652 00:52:05,680 --> 00:52:10,560 They'll be paving on Valley Street uh next week. 653 00:52:09,720 --> 00:52:16,320 Um we started scheduling that 654 00:52:12,600 --> 00:52:20,080 I don't know, 10 12 weeks ago. So it's it's a stretch to get a paver here 655 00:52:17,840 --> 00:52:22,440 quick. Yes, ma'am. 656 00:52:22,920 --> 00:52:31,720 That base needs to be uh put down anyhow though. Could we not 657 00:52:28,080 --> 00:52:34,520 park on the base until the asphalt gets done? 658 00:52:32,160 --> 00:52:39,480 » just helps compact it more. Yeah. It's fine. So we could 659 00:52:36,920 --> 00:52:39,480 move in. 660 00:52:41,600 --> 00:52:49,520 Okay, so we have item eight, consider parking lot agreement. 661 00:52:46,320 --> 00:52:55,320 Is there a motion? I'll second a motion. Motion to approve and a second. 662 00:52:52,520 --> 00:52:55,320 Any discussion? 663 00:52:55,960 --> 00:53:03,640 No discussion. All in favor, signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? 664 00:53:01,640 --> 00:53:07,976 It passes. We have Hopefully we'll have one. 665 00:53:05,956 --> 00:53:07,976 » [applause] 666 00:53:12,480 --> 00:53:19,960 » I KNOW A LOT OF FOLKS ARE HERE FOR this reason. We can go um through the rest of 667 00:53:18,040 --> 00:53:25,480 new business or take a break if anybody wants to leave, get up and leave. 668 00:53:22,320 --> 00:53:28,360 It's entirely up to you. You don't have to. 669 00:53:31,502 --> 00:53:36,680 » [snorts] >> Thank you for coming out. 670 00:54:02,320 --> 00:54:08,000 » Okay, we'll move to item B, consider 671 00:54:06,000 --> 00:54:12,960 IGA for Ball Ground Highway maintenance agreement with Cherokee County. 672 00:54:11,000 --> 00:54:16,840 Um Eric, if you want to hit the highlights on that and 673 00:54:17,000 --> 00:54:23,920 Yes, sir. There was a request came to Mayor Nelson uh initiated by 674 00:54:20,880 --> 00:54:30,360 Commissioner Cagle uh asking if the city would uh be receptive to accepting a 675 00:54:28,000 --> 00:54:37,320 maintenance agreement of Ball Ground Highway from the roundabout south to 676 00:54:34,120 --> 00:54:41,400 Sharp Mountain Creek. Uh the issue on here is you look down through there. If 677 00:54:39,080 --> 00:54:46,160 you see the areas in tan, uh those are areas that are currently 678 00:54:44,320 --> 00:54:50,840 maintained by the city. Then you have an area that's in the 679 00:54:48,600 --> 00:54:55,640 county. Then you have an area where the southbound lane is in the county, but 680 00:54:53,120 --> 00:54:58,800 the northbound lane is in the city. Uh 681 00:54:56,920 --> 00:55:04,920 and then you get south of there and it flips and they're 682 00:55:01,360 --> 00:55:08,880 saying you cannot annex roadways anymore by state law, but you can do 683 00:55:07,440 --> 00:55:12,320 agreements. And so seeing as there would be an 684 00:55:10,480 --> 00:55:17,680 interest in doing an agreement here where that would all be in the city. You 685 00:55:14,760 --> 00:55:21,480 cannot use it for a spoke annexation, but it does clear up from public safety. 686 00:55:19,840 --> 00:55:26,520 If there is an accident, you're not worried about which lane is in the city, 687 00:55:23,400 --> 00:55:31,360 which lane is in the county. There uh 688 00:55:28,000 --> 00:55:37,800 is one change on this agreement since you saw it last and that 689 00:55:34,720 --> 00:55:43,200 uh change was that within the next 5 years 690 00:55:39,640 --> 00:55:48,200 the county would agree with their forces or with their contract forces to pave 691 00:55:45,680 --> 00:55:52,960 the entirety of the roadway from the roundabout to Sharp Mountain 692 00:55:50,760 --> 00:55:58,280 Creek with the city of Ball Ground paying for asphalt only. 693 00:55:55,440 --> 00:56:03,400 So, that would be much less than what we would pay now to do just our own 694 00:56:00,520 --> 00:56:08,000 portion. We would try to coordinate that with the agreement we're currently doing 695 00:56:05,360 --> 00:56:14,680 with Georgia DOT that would pay from the roundabout to city limits of Nelson. 696 00:56:11,960 --> 00:56:18,720 So, it'd be nice if we could put that all in one group and one contract, but 697 00:56:17,080 --> 00:56:22,960 the county is agreeing to within the next 5 years. 698 00:56:20,440 --> 00:56:28,000 We also received an intergovernmental agreement yesterday that didn't have 699 00:56:25,240 --> 00:56:30,680 time to make it onto this agenda, but that 700 00:56:29,040 --> 00:56:36,440 they would still be willing to do a sidewalk project along this corridor 701 00:56:33,720 --> 00:56:40,600 with the county paying for the sidewalk along the parcels 702 00:56:38,360 --> 00:56:46,560 that are county property, the city paying along the parcels that 703 00:56:43,320 --> 00:56:50,880 are city property, and pretty sweet deal for the city because 704 00:56:48,640 --> 00:56:56,800 we've already required developers to put in sidewalks in different areas through 705 00:56:52,920 --> 00:57:02,120 there. And if McKinley if that project, I don't think that property is sold yet, 706 00:56:59,120 --> 00:57:06,320 but that was zoned and approved. If they start construction, they have to do it 707 00:57:03,960 --> 00:57:13,040 on theirs as well. So, the city portion would continue to shrink. But that would 708 00:57:08,760 --> 00:57:13,040 be on your work session for June. 709 00:57:13,440 --> 00:57:21,960 And we'll also receive um a little bit more money because we're adding to our 710 00:57:18,680 --> 00:57:26,520 roadway. So, the broken roadways haven't given us credit on uh 711 00:57:24,240 --> 00:57:31,240 the gas the fuel tax the percentage of fuel tax that's available to us. 712 00:57:29,840 --> 00:57:36,840 So, by adding this, it would increase that 713 00:57:34,000 --> 00:57:42,440 by about $5,300 a year. So, over a period of years, we'd collect 714 00:57:40,720 --> 00:57:49,800 significant money, but it would only change our check annually by 5,300. 715 00:57:46,240 --> 00:57:54,480 And it would be our hopes to work with Cherokee County and Georgia Power and 716 00:57:52,400 --> 00:57:58,520 eventually get some street lights out there 717 00:57:55,360 --> 00:58:01,320 along the sidewalk area. Um 718 00:57:59,440 --> 00:58:05,800 Cherokee County Commissioner Kaegel particularly has been been real good 719 00:58:03,040 --> 00:58:09,200 about this and uh you know, I I think it's a good idea. I 720 00:58:07,600 --> 00:58:15,120 think most of the council members have had a chance to look at it. It certainly 721 00:58:11,200 --> 00:58:19,280 is a good idea from uh public safety standpoint because they get out there, 722 00:58:17,400 --> 00:58:22,440 they don't know where the wreck is, whether it's in the county, whether it's 723 00:58:20,720 --> 00:58:25,120 in the city. This kind of cleans all of that up. 724 00:58:26,360 --> 00:58:33,000 So, with that uh consider IGA for Ball Ground Highway maintenance agreement 725 00:58:31,280 --> 00:58:38,080 with Cherokee County, do we have a motion to accept that agreement? Motion 726 00:58:35,840 --> 00:58:43,440 to approve the IGA. We have a motion to approve. 727 00:58:39,480 --> 00:58:43,440 I have a second. Any discussion? 728 00:58:44,840 --> 00:58:51,840 Okay, hearing none. All in favor, please say I. I. Any 729 00:58:49,280 --> 00:58:55,200 opposed? All right. 730 00:58:53,040 --> 00:59:01,400 We're good. Um C and D are tabled. 731 00:58:59,200 --> 00:59:06,720 We'll move to item E, consider proposed parks project list and impact fee 732 00:59:03,640 --> 00:59:10,840 expenditures. Mr. Wilmarth. Yes, sir. We went over this in the uh 733 00:59:09,480 --> 00:59:14,400 work session in detail. 734 00:59:12,360 --> 00:59:18,840 And I apologize for not updating the slide, but uh 735 00:59:16,520 --> 00:59:23,320 we we're no longer at a shortfall on the proposed 736 00:59:20,840 --> 00:59:28,880 impact fee expenditures. We have issued building permits since then, so they're 737 00:59:26,520 --> 00:59:32,800 as proposed here, we have all the funds necessary 738 00:59:30,320 --> 00:59:37,040 to execute these projects. As you know, we have already issued the notice to 739 00:59:34,600 --> 00:59:39,160 proceed for the new lighting on Lions Field. 740 00:59:38,280 --> 00:59:43,640 Uh so, what we're asking you tonight is the 741 00:59:41,080 --> 00:59:47,680 ability to pay for it, not just from gym sale proceeds, but to split that with 742 00:59:46,040 --> 00:59:52,440 impact fees, the uh 38% that we are allowed. We're 743 00:59:50,920 --> 00:59:58,000 asking for the same thing with the pickleball conversion. That's a $60,000 744 00:59:56,240 --> 01:00:03,800 project. We're asking to do 37 out of the sale proceeds and 22,829 745 01:00:01,360 --> 01:00:09,040 out of impact fees. The playground expansion, the same. The 746 01:00:06,720 --> 01:00:13,520 addition on here would be the pavilion that's not already in a identified in an 747 01:00:11,880 --> 01:00:17,320 MOU. The total cost of the pavilion, and this 748 01:00:15,400 --> 01:00:23,760 would go on the existing community building slab at Calvin Farmer East for 749 01:00:20,800 --> 01:00:28,920 148,350. It would be 91,977 750 01:00:26,760 --> 01:00:33,680 out of proceeds from the sale of city gym, 751 01:00:30,200 --> 01:00:36,920 and it would take 56,373 from impact fees. 752 01:00:35,760 --> 01:00:41,640 So, uh 753 01:00:39,160 --> 01:00:46,640 Most of this was outlined in the MOU for the sale of the gymnasium. What we're 754 01:00:43,960 --> 01:00:51,040 expressly asking for approval tonight is to expend impact fee dollars. 755 01:00:51,680 --> 01:01:00,240 And this is impact fee dollars that are that were earmarked for parks and 756 01:00:57,000 --> 01:01:05,240 recreation or recreation and parks. So, what you've done is you've taken 757 01:01:03,400 --> 01:01:07,960 You stretched it out and built this more projects. 758 01:01:06,160 --> 01:01:13,480 » it out. And for those not familiar, impact fees are those fees paid on the 759 01:01:11,080 --> 01:01:18,160 issuance of all new building permits. So, it's not coming out of tax dollars 760 01:01:15,440 --> 01:01:23,520 or anything else. We issue a Every residential unit that's constructed in 761 01:01:20,360 --> 01:01:29,160 Ball Ground pays a $2,000 fee that can only be spent in parks. And so this is 762 01:01:26,560 --> 01:01:34,000 using those funds to stretch those dollars. 763 01:01:31,440 --> 01:01:37,760 And with the permits that will be coming forth, we should be able to replenish 764 01:01:35,720 --> 01:01:42,520 that pretty well that impact fee fund. Yes. 765 01:01:43,040 --> 01:01:48,280 Okay. Um 766 01:01:46,520 --> 01:01:53,160 we have an item on the table consider proposed parks project list and impact 767 01:01:50,520 --> 01:01:55,680 fee expenditures. We have a motion to approve. 768 01:01:54,600 --> 01:02:02,120 » I'll second. We have two seconds. 769 01:01:58,120 --> 01:02:02,120 And uh any discussion? 770 01:02:02,880 --> 01:02:09,320 Okay. All in favor, please say I. 771 01:02:06,320 --> 01:02:12,440 I. Any opposed? Okay, it carries. 772 01:02:12,760 --> 01:02:17,640 Uh next our first reading of sign ordinance. 773 01:02:16,560 --> 01:02:20,400 Um Mr. Rogers. 774 01:02:21,760 --> 01:02:24,200 There you are. 775 01:02:25,120 --> 01:02:29,720 He's got you down here, so Are some Uh 776 01:02:29,263 --> 01:02:35,160 » [laughter] >> There no changes since first reading 777 01:02:32,800 --> 01:02:40,640 uh and no changes since Well, you had a few at the work session. Those have been 778 01:02:37,800 --> 01:02:42,840 implemented, some grammatical things and wordage. 779 01:02:41,880 --> 01:02:48,480 Uh so unless there's questions. 780 01:02:45,840 --> 01:02:54,080 Okay, those are the changes are in the copy we have. Has the public been able 781 01:02:51,360 --> 01:03:00,280 to look at this yet or they will be able to after They'll be able to. It'll be 782 01:02:56,760 --> 01:03:00,280 online. This is 783 01:03:00,720 --> 01:03:07,360 pretty much the same ordinance that's been in place for 20 years. 784 01:03:05,200 --> 01:03:11,480 It cleaned up language, made some adjustments, but it makes sure it's 785 01:03:09,160 --> 01:03:17,600 properly adopted in accordance with the zoning act 786 01:03:14,320 --> 01:03:22,040 so that it is completely enforceable. And there will be a public hearing held 787 01:03:19,640 --> 01:03:25,080 on June 11th at 6:00 p.m. in regards to this because this is the 788 01:03:23,400 --> 01:03:28,680 first reading. The second reading where this will go into effect will be at that 789 01:03:26,760 --> 01:03:32,520 meeting on June 11th. So, if the citizens want to pull up 790 01:03:30,320 --> 01:03:37,120 something, is it on our website they can review this or it has to be after our 791 01:03:35,360 --> 01:03:40,960 situation? Yes, we normally put 792 01:03:39,120 --> 01:03:45,840 these new ordinances after they've been adopted onto the MuniCode. Um 793 01:03:43,760 --> 01:03:48,760 I believe that the slides and stuff are on the website as well, but we can help 794 01:03:47,240 --> 01:03:53,520 make sure that's on there. Prior to the public hearing though, they can 795 01:03:51,520 --> 01:03:57,000 They can obtain a copy here at City Hall if they'd like, yes. 796 01:03:55,800 --> 01:04:00,120 Before we fully vote on this item. 797 01:04:00,320 --> 01:04:05,840 Thank you. Appreciate all the hard work that went 798 01:04:02,640 --> 01:04:10,080 into redesigning that. Um okay, so we have on the table first 799 01:04:07,880 --> 01:04:13,000 reading of the sign ordinance. Is there a motion? 800 01:04:11,720 --> 01:04:19,480 Motion to approve. Motion to approve, second? 801 01:04:15,520 --> 01:04:19,480 Second. Any discussion? 802 01:04:20,160 --> 01:04:27,160 Hearing none. All in favor, please say I. I. Any 803 01:04:25,080 --> 01:04:31,480 opposed? Okay, first reading is in the books. 804 01:04:33,400 --> 01:04:40,960 Next item G, we have considered first reading of rezoning case number 805 01:04:37,960 --> 01:04:40,960 2026-R-01, 806 01:04:41,600 --> 01:04:48,720 Alma Coffee LLC. Mr. Rogers, you're up again. 807 01:04:46,920 --> 01:04:51,840 Yes, sir. No changes since the work session. 808 01:04:50,360 --> 01:04:55,000 The applicant's here as well tonight, but there have been no changes 809 01:04:54,200 --> 01:04:59,560 to the request for rezoning. 810 01:04:57,240 --> 01:04:59,560 Okay. 811 01:05:01,200 --> 01:05:06,200 All right. Um we have 812 01:05:04,000 --> 01:05:12,600 on the table consider first reading of the rezoning case 813 01:05:09,040 --> 01:05:17,840 number 2026-R-01, Alma Coffee LLC. 814 01:05:15,240 --> 01:05:21,680 Is there a motion? I'll make a motion. We have a motion. 815 01:05:18,600 --> 01:05:27,200 » motion. We have a second. All in favor, please signify by saying 816 01:05:23,760 --> 01:05:32,080 I. I. Any opposed? Okay, first reading's in the book. 817 01:05:29,440 --> 01:05:32,080 It passes. 818 01:05:32,600 --> 01:05:39,160 Bring us to item H, consider first reading of proposed FY2027 819 01:05:37,280 --> 01:05:43,080 budget. Mr. Wilmarth. 820 01:05:41,920 --> 01:05:47,920 Yes, sir. Uh we've got a significant budget 821 01:05:44,800 --> 01:05:53,920 increase this year thanks in large part mostly due to the uh residents of 822 01:05:50,920 --> 01:05:58,800 Cherokee County adopting a one penny T-SPLOST 823 01:05:55,400 --> 01:06:05,280 which will generate about 800 and 81,000 new dollars to the city for 824 01:06:02,440 --> 01:06:09,720 transportation projects only. It'll be used for resurfacing. It'll be used for 825 01:06:07,280 --> 01:06:15,280 intersection improvements. Uh we've allocated funds in here for the bypass. 826 01:06:12,720 --> 01:06:19,200 It's what we will be working with GDOT for repaving the uh Ball Ground Highway 827 01:06:17,680 --> 01:06:23,320 corridor. So, 828 01:06:20,400 --> 01:06:26,080 that's the the biggest change over previous years. 829 01:06:25,080 --> 01:06:29,720 Uh we went over this in depth at the work 830 01:06:28,560 --> 01:06:36,000 session. There is a public hearing that's already 831 01:06:31,880 --> 01:06:40,280 advertised uh for the budget if it is approved for a first reading. 832 01:06:38,360 --> 01:06:44,680 It will also, if approved for first reading, go on the front page of the 833 01:06:41,840 --> 01:06:48,720 website. Uh be on there by Tuesday or Wednesday next week where residents can 834 01:06:46,880 --> 01:06:53,520 review it and have any questions prepared for the public hearing. When 835 01:06:50,560 --> 01:06:53,520 will the public hearing be? 836 01:06:55,880 --> 01:07:01,200 Get that. I believe it's right before the work session. 837 01:06:59,280 --> 01:07:03,640 Okay, June 4th. Okay. June 4th. 838 01:07:03,920 --> 01:07:12,080 7:00 or 6:00 5:00? 5:00. 839 01:07:08,280 --> 01:07:12,080 Cuz work session's at 6:00. 840 01:07:18,200 --> 01:07:25,360 Okay. So, we have consider first reading of 841 01:07:21,560 --> 01:07:30,680 the proposed FY 2027 budget and this has been posted on our 842 01:07:28,120 --> 01:07:36,120 website. Uh it'll be on there next week. We don't per We don't post it 843 01:07:33,520 --> 01:07:40,200 in until council says this is what we want in a first reading. Okay. 844 01:07:38,040 --> 01:07:45,320 » Uh and then we post it and have the public hearing prior to adoption. 845 01:07:43,800 --> 01:07:49,160 Okay, is there a motion to approve the first reading? 846 01:07:47,680 --> 01:07:56,280 Motion to approve the first reading of the 2027 budget. Second. We have a 847 01:07:51,880 --> 01:07:56,280 motion and a second. Any discussion? 848 01:07:57,600 --> 01:08:07,200 Hearing none, all in favor, please signify by saying I. I. I. Any opposed? 849 01:08:03,760 --> 01:08:07,200 Okay, first reading's in the vote. 850 01:08:08,080 --> 01:08:16,319 Uh next is item I, consider library board appointment. This is to fill um 851 01:08:13,640 --> 01:08:21,400 the vacancy left by Miss Stephanie Joiner. 852 01:08:17,640 --> 01:08:27,080 And um we have a person who would like to to um take that assignment, Miss 853 01:08:24,400 --> 01:08:31,279 Stacy Hutchinson. I don't know whether she's here tonight or not. 854 01:08:29,400 --> 01:08:35,400 Um she said she wasn't going to be able to make it here tonight. She's highly 855 01:08:32,880 --> 01:08:38,920 qualified. All the council members have looked over 856 01:08:36,839 --> 01:08:43,640 um her background. She's a school teacher here at the Ball Ground 857 01:08:40,640 --> 01:08:43,640 Elementary School. 858 01:08:43,799 --> 01:08:51,680 This uh board appointment um would be filling the un-term vacancy and starting 859 01:08:51,080 --> 01:08:56,000 uh the 20 June of I mean January 27. 860 01:08:54,960 --> 01:08:58,279 Correct. Okay. 861 01:09:00,160 --> 01:09:07,080 So, we have uh I think it's multi-year. 862 01:09:04,040 --> 01:09:13,120 » It's It's multi-year, but Ms. Joiner would have expired on December 31st. So, 863 01:09:10,520 --> 01:09:18,920 we're just you can appoint her now for the next term, but also for the 864 01:09:15,160 --> 01:09:21,640 unexpired vacancy left by Ms. Joiner. Mr. Mayor, may I make a motion to 865 01:09:20,200 --> 01:09:25,400 approve? We have a motion to approve. Ms. 866 01:09:23,720 --> 01:09:30,359 Hutchinson? Have a second. 867 01:09:26,880 --> 01:09:30,359 Uh any discussion? 868 01:09:30,799 --> 01:09:42,279 Okay, all in favor, please signify by saying I. I. I. Any opposed? 869 01:09:38,000 --> 01:09:45,680 All right, she's appointed. Um will will you uh city be notifying her in 870 01:09:45,040 --> 01:09:49,640 writing or >> Yes. Okay. Thank you. 871 01:09:51,120 --> 01:09:56,680 We do have a few proclamations. We're going to get through some old business. 872 01:09:54,080 --> 01:10:00,920 I appreciate the patience of everybody. I see you back there, Mary. I know you 873 01:09:59,040 --> 01:10:04,400 I I appreciate you spending all the time here. 874 01:10:02,320 --> 01:10:10,240 Um we're down to item seven, old business. Consider final reading of 875 01:10:06,640 --> 01:10:10,240 urban camping ordinance. 876 01:10:11,520 --> 01:10:17,320 No changes since first reading or work session. 877 01:10:15,240 --> 01:10:23,520 Okay. Does any body have a motion? 878 01:10:20,200 --> 01:10:23,520 This is the final reading. 879 01:10:24,320 --> 01:10:31,720 We have a motion to approve. We have a second. 880 01:10:28,760 --> 01:10:31,720 Any discussion? 881 01:10:32,040 --> 01:10:36,680 We've hashed this out pretty well. 882 01:10:34,880 --> 01:10:43,080 It's been a while. Okay, uh all in favor, please signify by 883 01:10:39,720 --> 01:10:49,840 saying I. I. Any opposed? All right, final reading passes. 884 01:10:47,640 --> 01:10:56,200 Item B, consider final reading of the updated wellhead protection ordinance. 885 01:10:54,000 --> 01:11:02,480 Mr. Wilmer. No changes since first reading and uh 886 01:11:00,800 --> 01:11:08,960 this is based totally on science from the gallons per 887 01:11:05,760 --> 01:11:14,360 minute and total quantity of gallons per year that we produce out of the well and 888 01:11:12,280 --> 01:11:19,280 that establishes the boundaries for our protection area. 889 01:11:17,120 --> 01:11:19,280 Okay. 890 01:11:19,960 --> 01:11:26,360 All right, we have a final reading on the table for the updated wellhead 891 01:11:24,280 --> 01:11:30,760 protection ordinance. So, make a motion. 892 01:11:28,280 --> 01:11:35,880 » approve. I have a motion to approve. Second. I have a second. 893 01:11:33,360 --> 01:11:41,840 Any discussion? All right, all in favor please signify 894 01:11:38,080 --> 01:11:47,200 by saying I. I. Any opposed? All right, final reading. 895 01:11:44,840 --> 01:11:52,480 Next item C, consider final reading of updates to alcohol ordinance. 896 01:11:50,920 --> 01:11:57,800 Any changes? No changes since first reading. The 897 01:11:54,440 --> 01:12:01,480 biggest change to the ordinance is the open container. The district remains the 898 01:12:00,360 --> 01:12:06,240 same. But if the restaurant is within the 899 01:12:03,320 --> 01:12:11,720 hours that it's allowed to pour then open container is in effect. 900 01:12:09,440 --> 01:12:11,720 Okay. 901 01:12:14,000 --> 01:12:20,600 Mr. Mayor, I'll make a motion to approve our second reading here of the updated 902 01:12:18,560 --> 01:12:26,040 alcohol ordinance. I have a motion to approve. 903 01:12:22,320 --> 01:12:26,040 I have a second. Any discussion? 904 01:12:26,280 --> 01:12:34,160 Hearing none. All in favor please signify by saying I. 905 01:12:31,320 --> 01:12:38,200 I. Any opposed? Okay, that takes care of old business. 906 01:12:35,840 --> 01:12:41,720 We're down to uh what would have been at the front of the agenda, proclamations 907 01:12:40,120 --> 01:12:46,160 and appearances. Um 908 01:12:43,040 --> 01:12:50,240 Is Robert Crumley still in here? Did he leave? 909 01:12:48,040 --> 01:12:56,360 He's here from Senator uh Dickerson's office. I just wanted to recognize him. 910 01:12:53,880 --> 01:13:00,640 Our first proclamation will be Ball Ground Garden Club donation with 911 01:12:59,600 --> 01:13:05,240 uh Mary. 912 01:13:01,880 --> 01:13:05,240 Would you like to come up front? 913 01:13:08,520 --> 01:13:14,240 A lot of important business I'm following, but thank you for letting me 914 01:13:11,680 --> 01:13:18,920 come here tonight. And I firstly want to thank everybody from the city, the 915 01:13:16,080 --> 01:13:24,400 administrators, the council, the parks and recreations people. They all helped 916 01:13:22,360 --> 01:13:29,920 us and support us all the time with our events, and we had a very successful 917 01:13:26,800 --> 01:13:34,240 event in the garden last Saturday. Um I also want to say that I believe that you 918 01:13:31,880 --> 01:13:39,840 hold the same objective that we do when it comes to parks and so forth. Um we 919 01:13:37,440 --> 01:13:44,480 believe in conservation, beautification, education. And we want to support the 920 01:13:42,640 --> 01:13:49,520 city in that, and we'd like to make a donation to the city for the parks 921 01:13:46,720 --> 01:13:53,801 improvement or whatever you call it. So, thank you very much. 922 01:13:51,781 --> 01:13:53,801 » [applause] 923 01:13:58,640 --> 01:14:01,680 » Thank you, Mary and Jenny. 924 01:14:33,360 --> 01:14:38,280 Thank you. Thank you, Mary. 925 01:14:39,596 --> 01:14:41,616 » [applause] 926 01:14:45,040 --> 01:14:52,360 » Okay, next we have a proclamation for municipal clerks week. Woo! That's you. 927 01:14:50,760 --> 01:14:55,971 Yeah. It's our own Kaylin. Thank you. 928 01:14:54,320 --> 01:14:57,991 Yay, Kaylin! >> [applause] 929 01:15:04,600 --> 01:15:11,560 » All right, Kaylin. Whereas the office of the professional municipal clerk, a 930 01:15:09,120 --> 01:15:14,560 time-honored and vital part of local government, exists through the world. 931 01:15:13,800 --> 01:15:18,880 And whereas the office of the professional 932 01:15:16,760 --> 01:15:22,040 municipal clerk is the oldest among public servants. 933 01:15:20,440 --> 01:15:26,960 And whereas the office of the professional municipal clerk provides a 934 01:15:24,800 --> 01:15:31,440 professional link between the citizens and the local governing bodies and 935 01:15:28,560 --> 01:15:35,920 agencies of government at other levels. And whereas professional municipal 936 01:15:33,400 --> 01:15:41,720 clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, 937 01:15:39,080 --> 01:15:46,520 rendering equal service to all. Whereas the professional municipal clerk 938 01:15:43,880 --> 01:15:49,880 serves as the information center on functions of local government and 939 01:15:48,320 --> 01:15:54,280 community. Whereas professional municipal clerks 940 01:15:52,320 --> 01:15:57,960 continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the 941 01:15:55,960 --> 01:16:03,360 office of the professional municipal clerk through participation in education 942 01:16:00,800 --> 01:16:08,040 programs, seminars, workshops, and the annual meetings of their state, 943 01:16:05,520 --> 01:16:12,320 provincial, county, and international professional organizations. 944 01:16:10,320 --> 01:16:16,040 Whereas it is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the 945 01:16:14,240 --> 01:16:19,480 office of the professional municipal clerk. 946 01:16:17,680 --> 01:16:24,000 Now therefore, I Dennis Nelson, mayor of the city of Auburn, 947 01:16:21,000 --> 01:16:28,080 do recognize the week of May 3rd through May 9th, 2026 as professional municipal 948 01:16:26,880 --> 01:16:32,160 clerks week. And further extend appreciation to our 949 01:16:29,960 --> 01:16:36,120 professional municipal clerk, Kaylin Bush, 950 01:16:33,320 --> 01:16:38,920 and to all professional municipal clerks 951 01:16:37,360 --> 01:16:41,760 for their outstanding and exemplary dedication to the communities they 952 01:16:40,400 --> 01:16:45,760 represent. And in witness whereof, we have to set 953 01:16:44,120 --> 01:16:52,200 my hand and cause the seal of the city to be affixed on this 954 01:16:48,360 --> 01:16:52,200 14th day of May, 2016. 955 01:16:53,218 --> 01:16:55,238 » [applause] 956 01:16:58,320 --> 01:17:01,920 » Anybody have any questions or 957 01:17:03,840 --> 01:17:07,040 We all work together. We all live here. 958 01:17:12,560 --> 01:17:19,160 I mean you all can just hang out here. I got one more proclamation after this. 959 01:17:16,360 --> 01:17:19,160 So, are we good to go? 960 01:17:27,520 --> 01:17:30,240 Can you repeat over here? 961 01:17:41,688 --> 01:17:43,708 » [applause] 962 01:17:47,880 --> 01:17:55,080 » Okay, and then our final law enforcement appreciation week 963 01:17:52,200 --> 01:17:55,080 proclamation. 964 01:17:58,880 --> 01:18:03,360 And you know, uh men in blue. 965 01:18:05,269 --> 01:18:07,289 » [applause] 966 01:18:12,080 --> 01:18:18,800 » Calling it National Police Week, whereas the men and women of law enforcement 967 01:18:16,880 --> 01:18:23,920 dedicate their lives to protecting our communities, preserving peace, upholding 968 01:18:21,840 --> 01:18:28,200 the rule of law, and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all citizens. 969 01:18:26,480 --> 01:18:31,680 And whereas law enforcement officers serve with courage, integrity, 970 01:18:29,960 --> 01:18:36,440 professionalism, and selfless commitment, often placing themselves in 971 01:18:34,600 --> 01:18:39,160 harm's way in the performance of their duties. 972 01:18:37,600 --> 01:18:43,920 And whereas National Police Week, observed May 10th through the 16th, 973 01:18:41,240 --> 01:18:48,320 2026, provides an opportunity for citizens to recognize and express 974 01:18:45,880 --> 01:18:52,840 gratitude for the dedicated service and sacrifices made daily by federal, state, 975 01:18:51,280 --> 01:18:56,480 county, and local law enforcement officers. 976 01:18:54,520 --> 01:19:01,480 And whereas during this week, we also honor the memory of those officers who 977 01:18:59,040 --> 01:19:05,600 have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and recognize the enduring 978 01:19:03,680 --> 01:19:08,040 support provided by those families, friends, and fellow 979 01:19:06,880 --> 01:19:12,000 officers. And whereas communities are strengthened 980 01:19:09,960 --> 01:19:16,120 through the partnership between law enforcement agencies and the citizens 981 01:19:13,760 --> 01:19:19,640 they faithfully serve, working together to promote public safety, justice, and 982 01:19:18,000 --> 01:19:23,960 mutual respect. And I therefore, I Dennis Nau Mayor of 983 01:19:21,320 --> 01:19:29,000 the City of Auburn, do hereby proclaim May 10th through the 16th, 2026 as 984 01:19:26,960 --> 01:19:33,560 National Police Week and call upon all citizens to join in 985 01:19:31,640 --> 01:19:37,600 honoring the dedicated law enforcement officers who serve and protect our 986 01:19:35,560 --> 01:19:41,200 communities with distinction, courage, and unwavering commitment. 987 01:19:39,400 --> 01:19:45,160 In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the city 988 01:19:42,640 --> 01:19:48,400 to be affixed this 14th day of May, 2026. 989 01:19:46,520 --> 01:19:50,840 Chief Bill Gibson, That young man right there, sir. 990 01:19:51,380 --> 01:19:53,400 » [applause] 991 01:20:00,550 --> 01:20:02,570 [applause] 992 01:20:34,040 --> 01:20:37,940 » Thank you. >> [applause] 993 01:20:40,640 --> 01:20:44,480 » You got You got the proclamation. You got to give a speech. 994 01:20:50,480 --> 01:20:54,360 I wish you were getting ready at the end there. 995 01:20:57,600 --> 01:21:00,880 Item number nine, 996 01:21:01,960 --> 01:21:09,200 approval of the April 9th, 2026 regular council 997 01:21:07,000 --> 01:21:12,240 meeting minutes. Has everybody had a chance to look them 998 01:21:10,400 --> 01:21:16,960 over? All right. 999 01:21:13,720 --> 01:21:21,200 We have a motion to approve. Motion to approve the April the 9th 1000 01:21:19,000 --> 01:21:25,400 Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? 1001 01:21:23,840 --> 01:21:28,920 All right, hearing none, all in favor, please say I. 1002 01:21:26,960 --> 01:21:33,480 I. Any opposed? All right. 1003 01:21:30,360 --> 01:21:33,480 Minutes are approved. 1004 01:21:33,920 --> 01:21:40,000 Mr. City Manager, your next-to-the-last meeting. 1005 01:21:38,320 --> 01:21:43,320 Yes, sir. Um 1006 01:21:41,800 --> 01:21:49,440 just a few announcements, but want to start off with first a correction. I'd 1007 01:21:46,240 --> 01:21:53,240 like to retract my 7 to 10 days. Contractor tells me I'm 1008 01:21:51,280 --> 01:21:58,760 a little overzealous, so let's go with 12 to 15. 1009 01:21:55,120 --> 01:22:04,880 Okay, it's a lot to haul out. Uh so, he wants to go home for dinner. 1010 01:22:00,840 --> 01:22:09,760 Uh second thing, just did want to also state with Kaylin, 1011 01:22:06,600 --> 01:22:13,800 um there is a minimum standard that has to be obtained for municipal clerks in 1012 01:22:12,200 --> 01:22:18,160 the state of Georgia. Uh but that wasn't anything she was 1013 01:22:15,800 --> 01:22:24,880 willing to tackle or do, so she has gone far beyond the minimum 1014 01:22:20,240 --> 01:22:28,760 and will attain the higher levels of certification, 1015 01:22:26,400 --> 01:22:34,520 and that'll happen this fall. So, we're very proud of how diligently she tackled 1016 01:22:32,440 --> 01:22:38,280 this new role and her willingness to train. 1017 01:22:36,040 --> 01:22:42,400 For announcements, uh Valley Street paving is next week. So, we appreciate 1018 01:22:40,520 --> 01:22:46,640 the community's cooperation that we've had the end of the street closed so far 1019 01:22:44,680 --> 01:22:51,400 this week. We'll be able to keep it open evenings, 1020 01:22:49,480 --> 01:22:57,560 uh but we still have some more work happening along Valley Street replacing 1021 01:22:54,040 --> 01:23:03,000 storm drains uh Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. The paving crew is supposed 1022 01:23:00,160 --> 01:23:07,440 to show up Tuesday and start milling and pave on Wednesday and Thursday. So, just 1023 01:23:05,520 --> 01:23:14,080 bear with us as we get through Valley Street. And also, again, thank you for 1024 01:23:10,520 --> 01:23:19,160 the T-SPLOST vote that's allowing us to tackle some of these projects earlier 1025 01:23:16,800 --> 01:23:24,080 than we would have been able to do. Uh 30th of this month will be Guardians 1026 01:23:22,400 --> 01:23:28,840 of the Jukebox. So, everybody come downtown for a big time. 1027 01:23:26,200 --> 01:23:34,120 And then get ready for the fireworks. Uh fireworks on the 27th. 1028 01:23:31,640 --> 01:23:37,360 I retire on the 26th. So, I'm saying that's my send-off. It's my good 1029 01:23:35,840 --> 01:23:43,120 send-off. But, uh that's it. 1030 01:23:40,720 --> 01:23:46,240 All right. Um 1031 01:23:44,320 --> 01:23:48,720 Mr. Cardel, do you have anything before we go to [snorts] council? 1032 01:23:47,680 --> 01:23:53,800 Uh only that uh 1033 01:23:50,720 --> 01:23:58,760 Mr. Frost and and I are working with the courts trying to get a 1034 01:23:55,680 --> 01:24:02,520 court date relative to the uh nuisance issue with the post office. 1035 01:24:01,120 --> 01:24:06,920 But, so we're trying to coordinate that with uh with 1036 01:24:04,560 --> 01:24:06,920 the court. 1037 01:24:07,000 --> 01:24:09,480 Thank you. 1038 01:24:09,600 --> 01:24:18,200 Councilwoman Homiller, any comments? I want to thank the citizens for paying 1039 01:24:14,880 --> 01:24:23,960 attention and being involved and giving us your input. It's been 1040 01:24:20,680 --> 01:24:27,920 it's been wonderful seeing Councilwoman Rogers Yeah, two things. 1041 01:24:26,560 --> 01:24:30,680 First of all, thank you all for coming out this evening. 1042 01:24:31,440 --> 01:24:39,840 Caleb, congratulations. You're doing a remarkable job. And thank you to 1043 01:24:37,160 --> 01:24:43,513 Chief G and all [snorts] of our officers for everything that you do for the city. 1044 01:24:41,520 --> 01:24:46,640 We truly appreciate it. >> [snorts] 1045 01:24:44,040 --> 01:24:50,040 » And I'd also like to recognize David Dean. 1046 01:24:48,000 --> 01:24:55,303 He passed in got certified with his class four water 1047 01:24:52,760 --> 01:24:57,323 treatment license. So >> [applause] 1048 01:24:58,000 --> 01:25:02,520 » Just add another feather 1049 01:25:00,480 --> 01:25:07,280 in his cap and what he can do for the water department. So getting those 1050 01:25:04,920 --> 01:25:09,640 licenses mean a lot. So great job, David. 1051 01:25:10,760 --> 01:25:17,520 Thank you, Councilwoman Benefield. Yes, I would like to thank our downtown 1052 01:25:15,640 --> 01:25:21,440 businesses for coming out tonight and speaking at our council meeting. 1053 01:25:19,680 --> 01:25:25,640 I'm glad we were able to to pass the the lease on the parking for 1054 01:25:24,320 --> 01:25:30,000 you all. It is a problem that we all know about 1055 01:25:28,400 --> 01:25:33,920 and we recognize and hopefully we'll be able to work 1056 01:25:31,600 --> 01:25:38,600 through this crunch and we'll be able to have nice good thriving businesses for 1057 01:25:36,240 --> 01:25:43,000 the downtown and everything good for our city of Rock 1058 01:25:40,160 --> 01:25:43,000 Hill. Thank you again. 1059 01:25:43,280 --> 01:25:50,440 Councilman Stancil Yes, thanks for the all the attendance this evening and 1060 01:25:47,560 --> 01:25:53,960 particularly the downtown businesses and thanks for all the input that you 1061 01:25:52,000 --> 01:25:59,080 provided and thanks to staff for working through some 1062 01:25:56,360 --> 01:25:59,080 of these issues. 1063 01:26:04,560 --> 01:26:09,440 And last but not least, Councilman Barnes. Like all the others, I thank 1064 01:26:08,280 --> 01:26:12,920 everybody for coming out and having their voices be heard. 1065 01:26:11,200 --> 01:26:15,720 Reaching out to council 1066 01:26:13,840 --> 01:26:21,200 and having discussions. Continue that and it's 1067 01:26:17,640 --> 01:26:21,200 it's good to hear that it is being done. 1068 01:26:22,280 --> 01:26:28,840 » Thank you everybody for coming out tonight. We we appreciate you your 1069 01:26:26,320 --> 01:26:32,920 comments and we appreciate um your turnout. And uh glad that we were able 1070 01:26:31,600 --> 01:26:38,000 to get a uh some some things resolved here on 1071 01:26:35,440 --> 01:26:38,000 parking. 1072 01:26:38,240 --> 01:26:45,880 Last item is adjournment. We just need a uh motion. 1073 01:26:42,320 --> 01:26:49,240 Motion to adjourn. Second. All in favor? Any opposed? 1074 01:26:47,800 --> 01:26:52,480 All right. Thank you very much everybody. Have a good evening. 1075 01:26:58,280 --> 01:27:02,480 Rock, paper, scissors, man. You beat me.