1 00:00:32,240 --> 00:00:34,080 Work, work. 2 00:00:37,520 --> 00:00:51,760 Change the view to the cameras, please. Well, I can see like him here, very close to the one where everybody didn't 3 00:00:57,100 --> 00:00:57,840 change yet. 4 00:01:01,710 --> 00:01:12,090 We should be on a wide view of camera one. Okay, it changed now. Okay. Yeah, there's a delay. Is looking at you. Is that one? 5 00:01:13,130 --> 00:01:17,290 Okay, you came back now. Okay, I can see Laura. I'm moving. This is good. 6 00:03:59,890 --> 00:04:01,270 Yeah, right. 7 00:04:33,800 --> 00:04:35,420 Okay, I'm just going to follow this. 8 00:04:53,240 --> 00:04:55,120 I'm going to do this because it's special day. 9 00:04:56,620 --> 00:05:01,840 I call to order the special call meeting of the Brookhaven Street Council on January 5th, 2026. 10 00:05:03,260 --> 00:05:06,220 Madam Clerk, call the roll, please. Mayor John Park. 11 00:05:06,860 --> 00:05:09,660 Mayer per time and district for John Funny. 12 00:05:10,500 --> 00:05:12,720 Councilmember district one Michael Beas. 13 00:05:12,900 --> 00:05:13,180 Present. 14 00:05:13,740 --> 00:05:15,640 Councilmember district one. 15 00:05:16,320 --> 00:05:16,540 Here. 16 00:05:17,080 --> 00:05:19,280 Councilmember district three Madeline Simmons. 17 00:05:19,580 --> 00:05:19,720 Here. 18 00:05:21,540 --> 00:05:27,060 I'd like to ask Pastor Kevin Eads from Liv Rocaven to provide the indication. 19 00:05:39,600 --> 00:05:40,040 Mr. Reverend. 20 00:05:40,500 --> 00:05:41,660 Could you turn your mic on? 21 00:05:47,500 --> 00:05:48,100 Is it on now? 22 00:05:48,400 --> 00:05:48,720 Oh yeah. 23 00:05:49,060 --> 00:05:50,160 You guys can hear me now. 24 00:05:50,640 --> 00:05:51,740 It's an honor to be with you guys. 25 00:05:51,740 --> 00:05:52,780 Thank you so much. 26 00:05:53,620 --> 00:05:54,640 Let's pray together. 27 00:05:55,860 --> 00:05:59,320 God, we thank you today for this day and the gift of leadership in our city. 28 00:05:59,960 --> 00:06:01,720 Your word reminds us to pray for those in authority. 29 00:06:01,920 --> 00:06:05,780 So today, we lift up every public servant represented here in Embrokeven. 30 00:06:06,740 --> 00:06:10,700 We especially pray for Mayor Park that you will grant him wisdom for our city, 31 00:06:11,140 --> 00:06:14,900 abundant resources, clarity, compassion, and strength as he leads. 32 00:06:15,580 --> 00:06:18,960 God give him great innovation and insight beyond his knowledge, 33 00:06:18,960 --> 00:06:24,600 around him with trusted voices, unity of partnership through collaboration and enduring friendships, 34 00:06:25,200 --> 00:06:32,000 steady as heart and seasons of pressure and blesses family, God, really blesses family as he sacrifices and serves our city. 35 00:06:32,800 --> 00:06:39,780 We lift up councilmember Jennifer Owens that you will continue to guide her with discernment and grace and a heart for people. 36 00:06:40,480 --> 00:06:47,220 Let her leadership reduce food insecurity and improve the impact of those underserved, strengthen her leadership and give her endurance. 37 00:06:47,220 --> 00:06:49,160 bless her work of her hands. 38 00:06:50,200 --> 00:06:54,980 We pray today, God, for Councilman John Funny, may you guide his steps, anchor him in integrity, 39 00:06:55,340 --> 00:06:56,840 and give him the courage to do what is right. 40 00:06:57,380 --> 00:07:03,180 God, we ask that he receives your insights and strategies to economically grow our city and keep our city safe. 41 00:07:03,760 --> 00:07:05,540 Let crime be reduced because of his service. 42 00:07:05,980 --> 00:07:10,140 Let his leadership bring you night and bring people together as he serves. 43 00:07:10,980 --> 00:07:14,360 God, please grant wisdom generously to every public servant in Brookhaven. 44 00:07:14,360 --> 00:07:27,260 Less every government official, keep our officers and first responders safe, grow our educational system to be ahead of other systems and test scores and teacher retention and development of a great future for the next generation. 45 00:07:27,820 --> 00:07:34,620 God, we lift up and ask that you bless every neighborhood of Brookhaven that it will flourish with peace and unity and wisdom. 46 00:07:34,620 --> 00:07:39,940 We pray for Brookhaven today, God, we ask that Brookhaven be a place where families thrive. 47 00:07:40,400 --> 00:07:43,840 Kids excel, businesses grow, and neighborhoods are cared for. 48 00:07:44,200 --> 00:07:52,780 Bless this city, bless its leaders, and may everything done here today be to help build a future that brings peace and purpose in Jesus' name, amen. 49 00:07:55,190 --> 00:07:55,650 Thank you. 50 00:07:58,130 --> 00:08:02,650 I would ask that everyone in the audience stand for the presentation of colors. 51 00:08:02,650 --> 00:08:02,850 members. 52 00:09:01,180 --> 00:09:06,520 Please remain standing for the National Anthem. That will be before by Chelsea Mason. 53 00:09:15,060 --> 00:09:16,200 Oh, say broad 54 00:09:38,950 --> 00:09:41,870 stripes and bright. 55 00:12:03,500 --> 00:12:09,020 As an immigrant through truly embraced the meaning of what 56 00:12:09,020 --> 00:12:11,140 it means to be an American, it still gives me chills. 57 00:12:14,160 --> 00:12:15,880 Well, we have a job to do here today. 58 00:12:15,880 --> 00:12:21,320 We have some folks that are re-elected, are to serve again. 59 00:12:22,720 --> 00:12:24,920 It's not, you know, I want to make something clear. 60 00:12:25,060 --> 00:12:29,840 This isn't just about, I mean, it's very important for Council Member Phunny and Council Member Owens 61 00:12:29,840 --> 00:12:31,000 to continue their service. 62 00:12:31,920 --> 00:12:35,640 But this is about what we've been saying in Brookhaven all along. 63 00:12:35,920 --> 00:12:36,880 It's that we're better together. 64 00:12:37,420 --> 00:12:41,940 And the strength that we have is the community and the leadership that we have is the community. 65 00:12:41,940 --> 00:12:50,480 come from working together and being together and in love and fellowship and not always agreeing 66 00:12:50,480 --> 00:12:57,780 but working towards the common good and I'm so proud of this accomplished city council 67 00:12:57,780 --> 00:13:04,000 that not only works together but individually are accomplished individuals and I've done 68 00:13:04,000 --> 00:13:08,620 a lot of traveling and meeting with a lot of officials, mayors, council members throughout 69 00:13:08,620 --> 00:13:14,040 the country. I've yet to meet anyone that can tell me about their council that is more 70 00:13:14,040 --> 00:13:20,200 impressive than this one. What's even more impressive is how we as a group are better 71 00:13:20,900 --> 00:13:26,320 than the some of its parts together as a group and therefore together as a city. And I 72 00:13:26,320 --> 00:13:34,100 just wanted to point that out and really acknowledge the accomplishments that we've had 73 00:13:34,100 --> 00:13:41,140 as a city due to this togetherness and the leadership of this council. 74 00:13:43,140 --> 00:13:44,260 We're going to go ahead and get started. 75 00:13:44,380 --> 00:13:47,220 I'd like to acknowledge the elected officials in the room. 76 00:13:47,360 --> 00:13:53,860 Thank you so much for coming in the interest of the program that we have today. 77 00:13:54,520 --> 00:13:57,880 If you could stand for a minute, the elected officials, I would appreciate it very much. 78 00:14:07,360 --> 00:14:07,440 All right. 79 00:14:07,580 --> 00:14:08,540 So we'll go right to it. 80 00:14:08,540 --> 00:14:15,420 First, we have Judge Anna Maria Martinez, officiating the swearing in of Council Member Jennifer Owens. 81 00:14:41,400 --> 00:14:42,660 Please raise your right hand. 82 00:14:43,420 --> 00:14:57,900 Aye, Jennifer Owens, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will faithfully execute the office of council member of the city of Brookhaven. 83 00:15:00,110 --> 00:15:32,230 I will to the best of my ability to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of Georgia, and the charter, ordinances, and regulations of the city of Brookhaven. I am not the holder of any an accounted for public money due to this state. 84 00:15:32,230 --> 00:15:38,830 or to any political subdivision or authority they're off. 85 00:15:40,110 --> 00:15:50,880 I am not the holder of any office of trust under the government of the United States, any 86 00:15:50,880 --> 00:16:01,120 other state or any foreign state, which I, by the laws of the state of Georgia, am prohibited 87 00:16:01,120 --> 00:16:06,440 it from holding. I am otherwise qualified to hold said office 88 00:16:08,460 --> 00:16:10,180 according to the 89 00:16:10,180 --> 00:16:12,000 Constitution and loss of Georgia. 90 00:16:15,110 --> 00:16:19,010 I have been a resident of my district and the 91 00:16:19,010 --> 00:16:27,320 city of Brookhaven for the time required by the Constitution and loss of this 92 00:16:27,320 --> 00:16:37,130 state and by the municipal charter. I will perform the duties of my office in the 93 00:16:37,130 --> 00:16:44,480 best interest of the city of Brookhaven to the best of my ability without fear, 94 00:16:48,190 --> 00:16:55,350 favor, affection, reward, or expectation thereof. Congratulations. 95 00:17:19,980 --> 00:17:20,940 Yes, you need to come 96 00:17:20,940 --> 00:17:21,200 side. 97 00:18:01,010 --> 00:18:03,350 And now we have the old office for Councilmember John Funning. 98 00:18:43,870 --> 00:18:44,010 You ready? 99 00:18:44,010 --> 00:18:53,160 or a firm that I will faithfully execute the Office of Council Member of the City of 100 00:18:53,160 --> 00:18:54,680 Brookhaven and 101 00:18:57,370 --> 00:19:03,500 will to the best of my ability to pour and defend the Constitution of the 102 00:19:03,500 --> 00:19:04,180 United States, 103 00:19:07,490 --> 00:19:16,530 the Constitution of Georgia and the Charter, Ordinances and Regulations of 104 00:19:16,530 --> 00:19:17,810 the City of Brookhaven. 105 00:19:19,130 --> 00:19:25,810 I am not the holder of any unaccounted for public money due 106 00:19:27,830 --> 00:19:31,790 to this state or any political 107 00:19:31,790 --> 00:19:35,850 subdivision or authority they're off. 108 00:19:37,350 --> 00:19:40,730 I am not the holder of any office of trust and 109 00:19:42,970 --> 00:19:44,790 they're the government of the United States, 110 00:19:46,230 --> 00:19:54,130 any other state or any foreign state which I by the laws of the state of Georgia 111 00:19:54,130 --> 00:19:58,180 and prohibited from holding. 112 00:20:00,200 --> 00:20:07,400 I am otherwise qualified to hold said office according 113 00:20:07,400 --> 00:20:15,890 to the Constitution and laws of Georgia. I have been a resident of my district and 114 00:20:17,360 --> 00:20:24,720 and the City of Brookhaven or the time required by the Constitution and 115 00:20:27,180 --> 00:20:27,660 loss of 116 00:20:27,660 --> 00:20:34,740 this state and by the Municipal Charter. I will perform the duties of my 117 00:20:34,740 --> 00:20:44,080 office in the best interest of the City of Brookhaven to the best of my 118 00:20:44,080 --> 00:20:53,920 ability without fear, favor, affection, reward or expectation they're up. 119 00:21:20,170 --> 00:21:21,290 All right, 120 00:22:35,550 --> 00:22:44,830 we're really elected, but we also depend on other officers of the city to 121 00:22:44,830 --> 00:22:45,590 get our things done. 122 00:22:45,710 --> 00:22:50,510 So I'm going to make some appointments here and ask that the council affirm my appointments. 123 00:22:51,430 --> 00:22:55,310 First, there's the approval and selection of the Mayor Pro Tem. 124 00:22:55,830 --> 00:22:56,210 I'll take a motion. 125 00:22:56,570 --> 00:23:00,330 Mr. Mayor, I move that councilmember John Fanny be Mayor Pro Tem. 126 00:23:01,270 --> 00:23:04,850 Move the second it all those in favor aye aye all opposed 127 00:23:06,010 --> 00:23:07,850 Congratulations, Mayor Pro Tem, I 128 00:23:13,960 --> 00:23:19,940 will be appointing reappointing Christian Sigmund as the city manager of the city of Brookhaven 129 00:23:20,600 --> 00:23:21,700 I'll take a motion 130 00:23:22,560 --> 00:23:23,500 Mr. Mayor 131 00:23:25,740 --> 00:23:31,200 I'll move that we can approve the appointment of Christian Sigmund and city manager a second 132 00:23:31,200 --> 00:23:32,680 I'm moving the seconded. 133 00:23:32,720 --> 00:23:33,660 All in favor, say aye. 134 00:23:34,000 --> 00:23:34,340 Aye. 135 00:23:34,780 --> 00:23:35,260 Opposed? 136 00:23:36,740 --> 00:23:37,220 Gradulations. 137 00:23:42,580 --> 00:23:45,680 I will appoint Jeremy Berry as our city attorney of Brookhaven. 138 00:23:46,200 --> 00:23:46,600 I'll take a motion. 139 00:23:47,200 --> 00:23:50,120 Mr. Mayor, I move that Jeremy Berry continues as our city attorney. 140 00:23:50,580 --> 00:23:50,860 Second. 141 00:23:51,540 --> 00:23:52,620 Seconded by district two. 142 00:23:53,400 --> 00:23:54,700 All in favor, say aye. 143 00:23:55,120 --> 00:23:55,440 Aye. 144 00:23:55,860 --> 00:23:56,260 Opposed? 145 00:23:58,520 --> 00:23:59,000 Gradulations. 146 00:24:04,210 --> 00:24:06,610 And I will be reappointing by that clerk, Sandra Bryant, 147 00:24:06,750 --> 00:24:08,030 to the city clerk, as the clerk. 148 00:24:08,030 --> 00:24:13,990 Mr. Mayor, I move that we re-appoint Sandra Bryant as our city clerk for the City of Brookhaven. 149 00:24:14,350 --> 00:24:14,770 I'll second. 150 00:24:15,310 --> 00:24:16,090 Moving the seconded. 151 00:24:16,250 --> 00:24:17,230 All those in favor say aye. 152 00:24:17,550 --> 00:24:17,790 Aye. 153 00:24:18,510 --> 00:24:18,750 Opposed? 154 00:24:20,090 --> 00:24:20,610 Congratulations. 155 00:24:26,780 --> 00:24:32,840 Next, we have the senior judge for the Brookhaven Municipal Court, Laura Stevenson, appointing 156 00:24:32,840 --> 00:24:34,080 Laura Stevenson as senior judge. 157 00:24:34,400 --> 00:24:34,840 I'll take a motion. 158 00:24:36,040 --> 00:24:39,680 Mr. Mayor, I'll move that we appoint Laura Stevenson as senior judge. 159 00:24:40,280 --> 00:24:40,580 Second. 160 00:24:40,580 --> 00:24:42,700 with the seconded, all those in favor say aye. 161 00:24:42,940 --> 00:24:43,320 Aye. 162 00:24:43,820 --> 00:24:44,260 Opposed? 163 00:24:45,440 --> 00:24:46,080 Congratulations. 164 00:24:51,170 --> 00:24:54,650 I'd also like to point Brian C. Ramos as chief judge 165 00:24:54,650 --> 00:24:57,350 for the Brookhaven Municipal Court, that motion. 166 00:24:57,830 --> 00:25:00,130 Mr. Mayor, it is with extreme pleasure 167 00:25:00,130 --> 00:25:03,790 that I approve, I recommend a motion 168 00:25:03,790 --> 00:25:06,970 to approve the appointment of our chief judge 169 00:25:07,730 --> 00:25:11,570 who's a resident of District 4, Ryan Raymus. 170 00:25:39,870 --> 00:25:41,210 second move the second and I 171 00:25:44,760 --> 00:25:48,920 will point Michael F. Johnston as the C. P. A. C. I. As 172 00:25:49,520 --> 00:25:50,980 for the City of Brookhaven. 173 00:25:51,440 --> 00:25:52,100 I think I'm motion. 174 00:25:53,040 --> 00:25:55,860 Motion to approve Michael Johnston as 175 00:25:55,860 --> 00:25:57,640 internal auditor for the City of Brookhaven. 176 00:25:58,140 --> 00:25:58,500 Second. 177 00:25:59,020 --> 00:25:59,500 Go to the second. 178 00:25:59,700 --> 00:26:00,460 All of the favor say aye. 179 00:26:01,040 --> 00:26:01,220 Aye. 180 00:26:01,740 --> 00:26:01,960 Opposed? 181 00:26:03,020 --> 00:26:03,500 Congratulations. 182 00:26:08,030 --> 00:26:09,450 Well, that said, we just have some remarks 183 00:26:10,110 --> 00:26:12,730 from each of the... 184 00:26:12,730 --> 00:26:14,430 What order should we go in? 185 00:26:16,330 --> 00:26:17,130 Let's go this way. 186 00:26:17,510 --> 00:26:18,370 What is so... 187 00:26:18,370 --> 00:26:19,690 Let's go right to the... 188 00:26:19,690 --> 00:26:20,770 Two before four. 189 00:26:21,010 --> 00:26:21,170 Two. 190 00:26:21,170 --> 00:26:22,730 What do you go to? 191 00:26:23,550 --> 00:26:24,150 We're going to win with two. 192 00:26:24,310 --> 00:26:24,830 Hi, good evening. 193 00:26:24,970 --> 00:26:26,230 I just wanted to say a few things. 194 00:26:27,070 --> 00:26:28,410 Thank you so much. 195 00:26:28,850 --> 00:26:33,270 I have several friends who I know have had a long day at work today that are here and I just wanted to say thank you. 196 00:26:34,190 --> 00:26:36,550 Serving Brookhaven is more than a title to me. 197 00:26:36,890 --> 00:26:38,890 It's a little bit of a fulfillment of a dream. 198 00:26:39,750 --> 00:26:42,030 I've called this place home since 2005. 199 00:26:42,510 --> 00:26:45,830 Many of you have been here a long time too, but that was well before we were a city. 200 00:26:46,790 --> 00:26:49,310 But where I grew up was just in a small town home. 201 00:26:49,310 --> 00:26:51,210 And there was no neighborhood, and there were no kids that 202 00:26:51,210 --> 00:26:51,950 planted in the streets. 203 00:26:52,630 --> 00:26:56,470 And I always saw that in movies, and as a kid really wanted 204 00:26:56,470 --> 00:26:56,790 that. 205 00:26:57,310 --> 00:26:58,810 And when I would go and visit friends, 206 00:26:59,010 --> 00:27:00,510 there would be neighbors coming over, 207 00:27:00,810 --> 00:27:01,650 and it had a good feeling. 208 00:27:01,790 --> 00:27:03,350 But that was just not how I grew up. 209 00:27:03,350 --> 00:27:05,950 And as a child, I so wanted to have 210 00:27:05,950 --> 00:27:08,170 that strong connected sense of community. 211 00:27:08,790 --> 00:27:10,710 And what I'm talking about just now, I'm really 212 00:27:10,710 --> 00:27:12,450 familiar, kids playing in the streets, 213 00:27:12,710 --> 00:27:14,850 neighbors taking walks together, people bringing meals 214 00:27:14,850 --> 00:27:16,130 when you're not feeling well. 215 00:27:16,810 --> 00:27:22,810 And never did I dream of living in a place that closed down streets for Halloween or concerts 216 00:27:22,810 --> 00:27:25,050 until I settled here in Brookhaven. 217 00:27:25,450 --> 00:27:31,430 And I just want to say personally how eternally grateful I am that my girls get to grow up in a community like this. 218 00:27:32,070 --> 00:27:41,030 In fact, tonight I took my oath on my childhood Bible, the precious moments Bible, really as a nod to that little girl who dreamed of purpose and connection. 219 00:27:41,750 --> 00:27:45,270 So when I say it as an honor to serve you, it is not a bullet point on a resume. 220 00:27:45,270 --> 00:27:49,270 I truly feel this deep in my spirit and I just want to say thank you. 221 00:27:49,910 --> 00:27:54,190 To my girls who are here and to William, I just want to say thank you for allowing me 222 00:27:54,190 --> 00:27:58,190 to pursue this purpose to their residents and businesses of District 2. 223 00:27:58,330 --> 00:28:01,470 Of course, thank you for placing your trust in me once again. 224 00:28:02,070 --> 00:28:06,490 I am particularly grateful and some of you are even in the audience tonight for your patience 225 00:28:06,490 --> 00:28:11,550 and your partnership, especially in the moments in which we work together that the right decision 226 00:28:11,550 --> 00:28:17,290 is going to be quick or easy or perhaps isn't the most obvious one and requires some collaboration 227 00:28:17,290 --> 00:28:24,450 and some negotiation. I want to say to folks that the engagement that I receive as a member 228 00:28:24,450 --> 00:28:28,850 of council pushes me to be better and I welcome it and I am humbled by that experience. 229 00:28:29,870 --> 00:28:36,650 I'm only two years in. Councilmember Diaz and I are kind of the newbies but I did want to take a 230 00:28:36,650 --> 00:28:41,370 minute, and just really memorialize and honor so much of the collaborative work that I feel 231 00:28:41,370 --> 00:28:46,430 great about. We have done as a council. We have updated our ethics laws for the first time 232 00:28:46,430 --> 00:28:52,650 in 10 years. Very excited about that. We've been focusing on safety and walkability. If you 233 00:28:52,650 --> 00:28:56,990 travel in and around, Ashford Park Elementary or John Lewis Elementary, I hope you are seeing 234 00:28:56,990 --> 00:29:00,630 a big difference whether you're attending school, dropping kids off or just traveling through. 235 00:29:01,390 --> 00:29:05,530 I know we've done a lot of work and we still have a lot to do to improve 236 00:29:05,530 --> 00:29:09,870 communication between residents in the city, but I feel great about a lot of 237 00:29:09,870 --> 00:29:13,970 the ideas and progress that we have been making. We have prioritized affordable 238 00:29:13,970 --> 00:29:19,670 housing, thanks to some excellent leadership. And lastly, part of the reason I ran 239 00:29:19,670 --> 00:29:23,970 was to really invest in parks, green space, and public safety. And I hope I'm 240 00:29:23,970 --> 00:29:28,770 not stealing the lead, but I understand that in 2025 alone we saw reductions 241 00:29:28,770 --> 00:29:32,270 across the board in crime, across the city of Brookhaven, 242 00:29:32,650 --> 00:29:34,930 and our park attendance has increased significantly. 243 00:29:35,150 --> 00:29:37,530 And some of the numbers sort of gave us even a wow 244 00:29:37,530 --> 00:29:38,970 here in the last couple of days. 245 00:29:39,750 --> 00:29:43,070 So I just want to say thank you and recognize the team 246 00:29:43,070 --> 00:29:44,230 that is sitting up here. 247 00:29:44,990 --> 00:29:48,930 This is unlike any public policy experience I have ever had. 248 00:29:49,090 --> 00:29:51,290 And I know many of us dabble in other areas. 249 00:29:51,850 --> 00:29:53,970 Never have I ever worked anywhere 250 00:29:53,970 --> 00:29:58,070 where there isn't grandstanding and power struggles. 251 00:29:58,650 --> 00:29:59,970 This Council does- 252 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:28,120 It does work to do right by Brookhaven and it is truly an honor to have an experience like this alongside you all. I appreciate how civil and respectful I appreciate how we defer to one another's expertise and how we make sure that any decision that affects the neighborhood or a business or a constituent, the council person for that area gets to be that conversation decision. I very much appreciate you all. I truly believe that we are dedicated to better together as a city. 253 00:30:28,120 --> 00:30:36,760 So I'm deeply honored to start this next chapter of service and I just want to say thank you, especially those that came out tonight to be a part of the celebration. 254 00:30:44,080 --> 00:30:45,380 I serve a member for ten. 255 00:30:46,300 --> 00:31:03,640 Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you for this recognition. Good evening and happy new year to everyone to the mayor and my fellow council members to our city staff, community leaders, friends, family, and most importantly, the residents of the city of Brookhaven. 256 00:31:03,640 --> 00:31:04,220 and thank you. 257 00:31:05,040 --> 00:31:08,000 It is truly an honor to be here this evening 258 00:31:08,000 --> 00:31:10,160 before you as after being sworn in 259 00:31:10,640 --> 00:31:13,860 to serve my second term as Councilman 260 00:31:13,860 --> 00:31:15,700 for the City of Brookhaven for District four. 261 00:31:16,520 --> 00:31:19,060 I wanna recognize other elected leaders as here. 262 00:31:19,600 --> 00:31:21,300 You took time out of your busy schedule 263 00:31:22,040 --> 00:31:25,480 to come over, Councilmember Sean Atkins 264 00:31:25,480 --> 00:31:26,980 from the City of East Point, 265 00:31:28,000 --> 00:31:30,200 new Councilmember from the City of South Poulton, 266 00:31:30,360 --> 00:31:33,420 Aaron Johnson, and that's another councilperson 267 00:31:33,420 --> 00:31:36,660 and state representative Billy Mitchell, 268 00:31:37,000 --> 00:31:37,680 standing in the back. 269 00:31:38,240 --> 00:31:39,340 Now when I couldn't see you standing, 270 00:31:39,840 --> 00:31:41,460 thank each of you for taking time 271 00:31:41,460 --> 00:31:43,800 out of your busy schedule to just come and pause 272 00:31:43,800 --> 00:31:45,940 and be with us for this momentous occasion. 273 00:31:46,420 --> 00:31:48,800 Leadership isn't about being on an island. 274 00:31:49,740 --> 00:31:51,620 It's about collaborating with others 275 00:31:51,620 --> 00:31:53,860 that you're working with to achieve the common good 276 00:31:53,860 --> 00:31:55,120 for people that we serve. 277 00:31:56,560 --> 00:31:58,700 I want to begin by giving gratitude. 278 00:31:58,920 --> 00:32:01,700 First, I want to thank God for His guidance, grace, 279 00:32:01,700 --> 00:32:09,920 and love. Without God in my equation for life I am unable to do anything. So for 280 00:32:09,920 --> 00:32:15,760 that I say thank you God. Thank you to the residents of District 4 for once 281 00:32:15,760 --> 00:32:21,500 again placing your trust in me. Your confidence is something I never take 282 00:32:21,500 --> 00:32:28,160 lightly. Public service is not a title, it's a responsibility. And the 283 00:32:28,160 --> 00:32:32,360 The opportunity to continue serving this community is both humbling and motivating. 284 00:32:33,160 --> 00:32:37,440 I think my colleagues, we work so well together as a team. 285 00:32:38,540 --> 00:32:43,980 Councilmember Owen said it so eloquently, it is very rare that you find a team that comes 286 00:32:43,980 --> 00:32:48,180 together and don't think that there's a big eye in the word team. 287 00:32:48,980 --> 00:32:53,580 We all work collaboratively, and I will share this on the elders of the group. 288 00:32:56,620 --> 00:33:02,180 So, I know my mother and fathers have been watching me today, but I learned something very 289 00:33:02,180 --> 00:33:09,860 early in my career, very early in my childhood, if my mother said something, I had to do 290 00:33:09,860 --> 00:33:14,720 it. No questions, because she knew it was right. And I'm so glad that the Mayor Council 291 00:33:14,720 --> 00:33:21,320 know that being the elder, when I say something, they do it. But in all jokes aside, that's 292 00:33:21,320 --> 00:33:21,820 It's not true. 293 00:33:22,760 --> 00:33:24,760 We work really well together as a team. 294 00:33:24,960 --> 00:33:28,500 We work collaboratively to provide the services 295 00:33:28,500 --> 00:33:31,640 and the leadership we need for this great city 296 00:33:31,640 --> 00:33:32,780 that we reside in. 297 00:33:33,400 --> 00:33:34,440 So thank you, Mayor Park. 298 00:33:34,760 --> 00:33:35,940 Thank you, Council Member Diaz. 299 00:33:36,060 --> 00:33:37,360 Thank you, Council Member Owens. 300 00:33:38,100 --> 00:33:39,460 And thank you, Council Member Simmons. 301 00:33:40,320 --> 00:33:42,600 I am proud to serve alongside these individuals 302 00:33:42,940 --> 00:33:45,080 who care so deeply about Brookhaven 303 00:33:45,080 --> 00:33:47,920 and are willing to do the hard work of governing. 304 00:33:47,920 --> 00:33:53,180 our collaboration makes us stronger and I was shared commitment to the city 305 00:33:53,180 --> 00:33:59,780 unites us. I want to also thank our executive administrators Sheila and April for 306 00:33:59,780 --> 00:34:03,940 doing a great job in supporting the Mayor and Council's office. And thank you 307 00:34:03,940 --> 00:34:08,420 to our staff, the City Manages Office, our police officers, public work 308 00:34:08,420 --> 00:34:14,820 professionals, planners, parks and recreation administrators and every employee who 309 00:34:14,820 --> 00:34:22,780 keeps Brookhaven running day in and day out. Your dedication often goes unnoticed, but our city's 310 00:34:22,780 --> 00:34:29,120 success would not be possible without you. Finally, I want to thank my family. I see my brother, 311 00:34:29,300 --> 00:34:37,240 Kennedy's here, his lovely wife, Ronika, and their new grandbaby that they have. I want to thank my 312 00:34:37,240 --> 00:34:43,180 goddaughter, Anaya and my niece who held the Bible for me. Thank you all. I love you all dearly. I want 313 00:34:43,180 --> 00:34:48,820 to think my family members at a watch in via virtual this afternoon. They're watching 314 00:34:48,820 --> 00:34:57,100 hey family, hi Janie, hi Betty. Oh, I started holly. Joe, I come from a large family and 315 00:34:57,100 --> 00:35:03,620 I appreciate their love and support. When I first took off as Brookhaven was still relatively 316 00:35:03,620 --> 00:35:10,340 a young city 10 years old, full of potential, full of energy and ambition. Today we are more 317 00:35:10,340 --> 00:35:13,640 more established, more confident, and more connected. 318 00:35:14,200 --> 00:35:19,000 But we're still growing, and we're still evolving, and still building that model city. 319 00:35:20,220 --> 00:35:22,560 Since taking office, we've accomplished a lot. 320 00:35:23,280 --> 00:35:30,020 And I noticed I said we've accomplished a lot because it was the collaborative effort with residents, businesses, 321 00:35:30,780 --> 00:35:34,920 my colleagues on councils, developers, the cab county, 322 00:35:34,920 --> 00:35:40,540 Georgia Department of Transportation. I see our board members here. Stacey Kee, thank you for being here. 323 00:35:41,100 --> 00:35:45,880 This is all collaborative work that we do for the betterment of the City of Brookhaven. 324 00:35:46,540 --> 00:35:53,100 To serve the people that reside within the City of Brookhaven and everyone that visit the City of Brookhaven. 325 00:35:53,720 --> 00:35:57,580 Let me highlight some of the accomplishments during my first term. 326 00:35:57,580 --> 00:35:59,560 And I'm going to go through this with us pretty quick. 327 00:36:00,340 --> 00:36:06,740 The Art the Imblane Children Healthcare of Atlanta, $1.5 billion hospital, 19-story hospital 328 00:36:06,740 --> 00:36:09,840 project with 446 beds. 329 00:36:10,840 --> 00:36:15,880 The largest hospital in the state of Georgia, the largest hospital project in the state 330 00:36:15,880 --> 00:36:24,060 of Georgia, open as a top-tier, best-in-class children healthcare provider, September 29th, 331 00:36:24,060 --> 00:36:24,760 of 2024. 332 00:36:24,760 --> 00:36:32,680 The Beaufort Highway Streetscape Project to enhance the way Beaufort Highway look touch and feel by providing improved sidewalks. 333 00:36:32,940 --> 00:36:33,480 Thank you, GDOT. 334 00:36:34,000 --> 00:36:42,820 Media and planning, trees along the sidewalk, street lighting, benches, trash receptacle, and the list goes on to enhance pedestrian safety. 335 00:36:44,020 --> 00:36:45,980 Northrood hills is going to get the same touch. 336 00:36:47,360 --> 00:36:54,020 Thank you, Jeet, out again for the interstate I-85 in the north through a hills bridge. 337 00:36:54,420 --> 00:36:56,880 Major project completed in bracket time. 338 00:36:57,040 --> 00:36:59,420 Thank you for your partnership and your collaboration. 339 00:37:00,700 --> 00:37:06,000 The Le Vista Park neighborhood, Tom, the Le Vista Park master plan to improve and enhance 340 00:37:06,000 --> 00:37:08,620 the park within the Le Vista Park neighborhood. 341 00:37:09,120 --> 00:37:15,600 The Mayor likes to say one of our goals and we agree with him is that every neighborhood 342 00:37:15,600 --> 00:37:21,680 within the city of Brookhaven will have a 10-minute walk to a park and we are always making 343 00:37:21,680 --> 00:37:26,740 certain that we keep our fingers on the poles to make sure that our residents have a park within 344 00:37:26,740 --> 00:37:32,720 that 10-minute walk so that they can enjoy the quality of life. I'm very proud about the corporate 345 00:37:32,720 --> 00:37:40,820 square redevelopment project which is now branded as North Bend. This is a 32-acre redevelopment project 346 00:37:40,820 --> 00:37:52,560 including 1,400 multi-family units, 250 for sale townholds, a boutique 150 key hotel, 347 00:37:53,280 --> 00:38:00,940 a medical office building to support the neighboring medical community in 10,000 square feet of commercial retail spaces, 348 00:38:01,640 --> 00:38:07,380 and a nice big green open space to connect to our peace free creek greenway. 349 00:38:07,380 --> 00:38:10,560 That's our belt line, by the way, for those of you who do not know. 350 00:38:12,140 --> 00:38:18,620 We also extend in our P3 Creek Greenway Phase 2 and 3, and I'm very excited because 351 00:38:18,620 --> 00:38:23,700 a lot of cities say they want to do affordable housing, but they do not do affordable housing. 352 00:38:23,820 --> 00:38:30,320 I'm very excited about our first 100% affordable housing multi-family project. 353 00:38:30,800 --> 00:38:32,340 It's called the Beaver Point. 354 00:38:32,340 --> 00:38:39,240 It's to provide workforce housing for our police officers, school teachers, and many others 355 00:38:39,240 --> 00:38:43,500 whose income level is below the average median income level. 356 00:38:44,460 --> 00:38:48,160 This second term is not about starting over, it's about building on progress. 357 00:38:48,800 --> 00:38:54,060 Other exciting things are happening in District 4, stay engaged and stay tuned. 358 00:38:54,920 --> 00:39:00,460 District 4 is the leader in new development and redevelopment in the City of Brookhaven. 359 00:39:00,460 --> 00:39:09,020 I estimate that over the next 10 years, 80% of new development and our redevelopment will occur in District 4. 360 00:39:09,660 --> 00:39:24,860 Sorry. That's progress and its excitement. Over the past term, we worked really hard to strengthen our public safety, invest in infrastructure, support local businesses, and preserve the character of our neighborhoods. 361 00:39:24,860 --> 00:39:30,280 We've made meaningful strides, but we also know that there's work far ahead of us. 362 00:39:34,120 --> 00:39:38,580 As I begin my second term, I do so with optimism, humility, and determination. 363 00:39:39,100 --> 00:39:41,600 Optimism is for what we can achieve together. 364 00:39:42,320 --> 00:39:46,720 Emility is knowing that leadership is a privileged not a guarantee. 365 00:39:47,960 --> 00:39:50,700 Thank you for the trust you've placed in me. 366 00:39:51,660 --> 00:39:57,520 Thank you for your partnership, and thank you for allowing me to continue to serve this 367 00:39:57,520 --> 00:40:04,700 remarkable city. May we move forward together with purpose, with integrity, and with a shared 368 00:40:04,700 --> 00:40:11,320 commitment to making Brookhaven even better, a better place to call home. And as we move forward, 369 00:40:11,480 --> 00:40:22,220 let us do so with two strictures for my favorite book, Micah chapter 6 verse 8. God requires leaders 370 00:40:22,220 --> 00:40:29,080 to act justly, love, mercy, and walk only with him. 371 00:40:30,120 --> 00:40:34,900 In the second verse, 1st Peter's, 5th chapter, 2nd and 3rd verse, 372 00:40:35,760 --> 00:40:41,640 leaders are instructed not to lord authority over others, 373 00:40:42,160 --> 00:40:43,920 but to lead by example. 374 00:40:44,360 --> 00:40:46,880 Thank you and God bless the city of Brookhaven. 375 00:40:54,480 --> 00:40:56,460 As forever, D.S., do you have any words of congratulations? 376 00:40:57,780 --> 00:41:03,400 I certainly wanted to congratulate these two individuals for providing a great service 377 00:41:03,400 --> 00:41:04,180 to the city. 378 00:41:04,260 --> 00:41:10,940 I know it's a huge commitment and certainly I've learned a lot from you throughout the 379 00:41:10,940 --> 00:41:16,140 years when we're in the planning commission and so I appreciate all that effort and the 380 00:41:16,140 --> 00:41:18,240 ability to be able to mentor me as well. 381 00:41:18,460 --> 00:41:19,300 So thank you for that. 382 00:41:19,940 --> 00:41:24,400 To Councilmember Owens, also for everything that I've learned from a policy perspective, 383 00:41:24,400 --> 00:41:29,680 the environmental perspective and you're totally correct that we do take a lead in the 384 00:41:29,680 --> 00:41:33,920 district but we do collaborate together and we're always thinking of it as you know one 385 00:41:33,920 --> 00:41:38,720 Brookhaven and that's one thing that we always gonna keep moving forward and you know 386 00:41:38,720 --> 00:41:42,200 taking to account when you go home tonight and watch the news there's a lot that is happening 387 00:41:42,200 --> 00:41:46,680 around the world a lot that is happening in even here in the States and yet we've managed 388 00:41:46,680 --> 00:41:51,640 to be able to keep you know Brookhaven together and a lot of that goes back to you know Christian 389 00:41:51,640 --> 00:41:54,520 and your staff, you do an amazing job in supporting us. 390 00:41:55,140 --> 00:41:56,080 You know, we provide direction, 391 00:41:56,320 --> 00:41:58,220 but you all really are the ones pulling deliver. 392 00:41:58,420 --> 00:41:59,140 So thank you for that. 393 00:41:59,340 --> 00:42:00,040 Appreciate it. 394 00:42:02,920 --> 00:42:06,420 Yes, briefly, as the senior council member here on the dius, 395 00:42:06,500 --> 00:42:10,220 I just want to say that I've seen, come and go, 396 00:42:10,540 --> 00:42:13,700 other council members, all who have been fantastic, 397 00:42:14,660 --> 00:42:18,120 but super excited for the continuation of the collaboration 398 00:42:18,120 --> 00:42:20,500 with council member Owens and Mayor Pro Tem, 399 00:42:20,500 --> 00:42:26,780 councilmember funny we have such a fantastic group right now under the leadership of our amazing mayor park 400 00:42:27,320 --> 00:42:33,420 And as mayor park started out the meeting tonight. We are better together because of the residents of the city of 401 00:42:33,420 --> 00:42:33,940 Brookhaven 402 00:42:33,940 --> 00:42:39,440 We are the best place to live work and play because of the community of the city of Brookhaven 403 00:42:40,120 --> 00:42:42,020 Shortly, we're going to go into an executive session 404 00:42:42,020 --> 00:42:45,820 But then there's going to be receptions on the first floor and on the fourth floor 405 00:42:45,820 --> 00:42:50,360 So look forward to catching up with all of you then and we're just so appreciative that you came out 406 00:42:50,360 --> 00:42:55,420 tonight. Thank you. All right well I think everything's been said so we have a 407 00:42:55,420 --> 00:42:58,000 little work to do so what we're going to do is we're going to go into executive 408 00:42:58,000 --> 00:43:02,200 session. Beading is basically over we'll come back out of executive session in 409 00:43:02,200 --> 00:43:07,300 adjourn and then I very shortly join you at the reception so I'll take a motion. 410 00:43:07,820 --> 00:43:12,160 This to me I move that we go into executive session for litigation. Second. 411 00:43:12,620 --> 00:43:17,380 Move the second and all is in favor. Aye. Opposed? We are an executive session. Thank you. 412 00:43:17,380 --> 00:43:19,220 See y'all soon at the receptions. 413 00:43:20,020 --> 00:43:22,020 Please go up to the reception, fourth floor. 414 00:43:22,400 --> 00:43:22,940 Meet you there.