[0:03] >> It's on.

[0:04] >> I'd like to call the Finance Committee meeting to order

[0:07] first.

[0:07] First item on the agenda is from the meeting minutes, July 28th.

[0:23] >> All those in favor show by raising your right hand.

[0:26] Next items we're taking -- motel tax, auto rental tax.

[0:38] Again thank you Chairman.

[0:41] So I will be reporting first on the Hotel motel for July.

[0:50] So our hotel motel collection is for July, $350,846.

[0:57] After normalizing the F125 agreement

[1:03] the July collections were the lowest July

[1:06] we've seen in the past four years.

[1:08] Historically August is the highest month

[1:11] that we see throughout the year.

[1:13] We will take a look at those collections

[1:16] because that will be for our July as they come in next month.

[1:21] Looking at our 3% auto, auto rental revenue is a total $9,631

[1:27] and it's slightly below the 12 month --

[1:34] 12 month average.

[1:36] Our total distributions as you'll see on your chart,

[1:43] our allotment exceeded our revenue collections

[1:46] for the month by almost $24,000.

[1:48] So we did utilize reserves to pull from that.

[1:56] This of course has ebbs and flows throughout the year.

[2:02] So for our initial month we were short

[2:04] and that may change in the balance will come out

[2:07] as we go through the 12 months of this fiscal year.

[2:12] Moving to our general fund comment the general fund

[2:16] collections for July total $4.2 million and this is an increase

[2:20] of approximately $170,000 compared to July of FY '26.

[2:29] The variance were in two major areas,

[2:31] $121,000 was an increase in the franchise --

[2:38] and the other was $99,000 that was also a time issue

[2:47] in our franchise.

[2:49] So we had additional receipts that came in our earlier

[2:56] than the prior year.

[2:59] And then the operational expenses doubled for our year

[3:06] over year.

[3:07] The annual -- for professional and technical services as well

[3:12] as their contractual obligations,

[3:15] accounted for 1.2 or $1.3 million increments and that was

[3:20] just a change in practice.

[3:21] I don't know if we had more obligations to --

[3:26] that they entered into as far as conferences in the first month.

[3:32] So looking at our golf on page three,

[3:36] the golf probability was $600,000 higher compared to July

[3:42] of 2025 and 2026 was higher -- the favorable variance was

[3:50] primarily because of the $313,000 in capital.

[3:54] So our capital investments were lower this year and our capital

[4:01] gains were lower this year and the $146,000 of reduction

[4:06] in equipment and storage facility --

[4:10] so those were the primary contributors to the $600,000

[4:14] difference.

[4:15] And then lastly, on the memo page

[4:19] you'll see a list of the major projects that are ongoing

[4:23] for the finance department.

[4:26] I can let you breeze through that

[4:29] and if you have any questions I'll be happy to answer.

[4:37] >> The only question I have is on the custodial management --

[4:39] and what that is.

[4:41] Whatever that means.

[4:45] >> Okay, so for -- initially we went through a custodial change.

[4:51] What that means is the bank that does our pension transactions

[4:59] when we have investment changes was --

[5:03] we had to change our banking -- our banking vendor

[5:10] because initially we had a vendor that was bought out

[5:17] so that migration took place and we were forced to do that

[5:21] and that was implemented in January of this prior year.

[5:26] We have had some issues in the past with that particular vendor

[5:33] and in doing so, we've been out to market

[5:37] to see what additional vendors are out there, talked to about

[5:42] five different vendors to see who

[5:46] would be the best potentially to transition to a second.

[5:50] And we did find one -- we just held off on doing that

[5:57] because at the time, we also -- our actual bank for our normal

[6:03] transaction -- we had to do a full migration of all

[6:08] of our banking in a matter of short months.

[6:12] And that was effective as of July.

[6:16] And so we put the other initial custodial transition --

[6:22] in order to make sure that we can focus on the primary

[6:27] banking.

[6:35] And we just ask that it be received and filed.

[6:44] >> I'll make a motion to receive the file.

[6:47] All those in favor? (inaudible)

[7:06] >> Thank you chairman.

[7:07] This would be a movement that allows

[7:08] for the acceptance of money donated to the tree fund

[7:11] in lieu of planting the full trees for 1339 drive.

[7:16] There's a company looking at the site

[7:18] and they're going through a project on site.

[7:21] And so the unit differential is approximately 16 units

[7:25] shy of where they should be but they are well

[7:28] within the prescribed required density of the trees

[7:32] and so that's why the budget for $800 is (inaudible).

[7:40] Does this request come in over the old -- under the old price?

[7:47] Soon we will start to see the old but this is --

[7:51] that was a good question.

[7:55] Any other questions?

[7:57] Motion to approve.

[8:02] >> Yes.

[8:04] Motion forward for approval.

[8:10] I make a motion to approve the budget.

[8:14] In the amount of $800. (inaudible) The ninth?

[8:30] >> Second. (inaudible)

[8:38] >> No objection.

[8:39] That's all we have. (inaudible) we will adjourn.

[8:56] >> Second.

[8:56] >> Motion and second.

[8:57] Hearing none all in favor so signify.

[9:01] The next item is a Distinguished Service Award for Mark.

[9:05] I'll entertain a motion on that.

[9:10] >> I'd like to make a motion to honor (inaudible) with

[9:14] a Distinguished Service Award.

[9:16] >> I second that.

[9:19] >> We look forward to do that.

[9:20] I have a motion and second.

[9:22] All in favor?

[9:24] Can we put that on September 9th and vote?

[9:32] >> This council decides to do so.

[9:35] >> First off, (inaudible).

[9:39] Any problem with doing this on the 9th of September?

[9:43] Hearing none, hopefully we get that on the agenda.

[9:48] Thank you. >> (inaudible)

[9:55] >> I've got them covered.

[9:56] Got it in the cabinet just looking for a --

[10:00] the Board of Zoning Appeals -- this is on you also so I'll let

[10:05] you take that. >> (inaudible) second.

[10:10] This is to fill the unexpired -- all right.

[10:16] We've got a motion and a second.

[10:20] Any comments and concerns?

[10:21] All in favor?

[10:22] 3-0.

[10:23] Is this good for consent?

[10:27] >> No objection.

[10:29] Last item is the employee group benefits program.

[10:34] As it says on here, (inaudible) as much as a disclosure.

[10:40] I am an attorney representing -- and R Rock is our legal program

[10:50] that the city uses as part of the benefits program.

[10:55] >> Good evening.

[10:56] So this item is the renewal of our employee group benefits

[11:00] package for our 2027.

[11:02] We're recommending renewal of all existing benefits

[11:05] as is with the same carriers and plan designs

[11:09] and for our Anthem health plan, they

[11:11] are projecting a 2.3 increase based on the clients

[11:14] experience and medical trends.

[11:17] The Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan --

[11:20] for eligible retirees and their spouses --

[11:23] will receive an 8.89% increase and we're also projecting a 20%

[11:29] increase to our premiums that we will have later on in the year.

[11:33] Despite those increases, we were able to recommend

[11:37] that all employee contributions stay the same again this year

[11:41] which is a very positive thing.

[11:43] And we recommend that there's an approval for all the renewals.

[11:51] >> Ask a question?

[11:53] 2.3 increases -- is a 2.3% a 3% increase?

[12:03] >> (inaudible) we may see a 2.3 increase.

[12:09] >> Yes, sorry about that.

[12:13] All right, any questions?

[12:14] Do I have a motion?

[12:16] >> Motion to approve.

[12:18] >> Second.

[12:20] >> Can we clarify one thing with our attorney?

[12:23] Since this is -- can I vote or do I have to abstain from

[12:31] voting. >> (inaudible)

[12:33] >> Thank you.

[12:37] >> Your vice chair so you're taking over the meeting.

[12:39] >> We have a motion and a second.

[12:41] Hearing none, those in favor please indicate your vote

[12:46] by raising your hand.

[12:52] 2-0, one abstention.

[12:53] Any objection to consent?

[12:56] >> Thank you.

[12:58] >> Nothing else coming before the personal Insurance

[13:01] Committee, we stand adjourned.

[13:04] I'd like to call the Parks and Recreation and Tourism

[13:08] Committee.

[13:09] First order of business is approving the meeting minutes

[13:13] for July 2826.

[13:14] Do we have a motion to approve?

[13:15] Do we have a second?

[13:17] All in favor.

[13:19] Next up, 2009 Parks Bond report.

[13:23] >> Good evening and thank you Mr. Chairman.

[13:25] The report in your packet reflects the rebalancing

[13:28] of funds that was approved at the last council meeting.

[13:31] Since the last committee report, we've

[13:34] received interest earnings in the amount of $873 and $0.57.

[13:41] For the water conservation Plant fund --

[13:45] we've received the full reimbursement of that with

[13:47] the exception of the final 10% which is $50,000.

[13:51] And that will be received once the National Park

[13:53] Service completes their review and releases those funds

[13:56] but all of that is in progress.

[14:01] Then the. -- the process of replacing the damaged drain pipe

[14:05] with the primary maintenance road and as mentioned

[14:08] previously, that will replace with a bridge and those are

[14:13] our current projects.

[14:14] Mr. Chairman, this report is presented with information

[14:18] (inaudible) unless you have questions.

[14:23] >> Any questions?

[14:24] Seeing none we will go to recreation facilities

[14:27] annual report.

[14:29] >> So this is the report for fiscal year 26.

[14:32] This was for the fitness center and playground in the Franklin

[14:37] Gateway sports Complex.

[14:39] On your report you'll see the attendance and revenue totals

[14:43] for all three facilities for fiscal year --

[14:46] Fitness Center and we increase the total gross revenue

[14:49] from the fiscal year by 2% over the previous fiscal year.

[14:55] (inaudible) open for the season of May

[14:58] and then we'll continue towards the end of September.

[15:01] The total gross revenue for the playground was essentially

[15:05] the same as last year so the same --

[15:09] we did see an increase in the total number of people who

[15:12] attended this past fiscal year.

[15:14] We had an additional 600 people over the previous fiscal year

[15:18] for just over 27,000 people attending for fiscal year 26.

[15:24] And the sports complex -- we increased total gross revenue

[15:29] for fiscal year by 7% over the previous fiscal year.

[15:35] So we have nice growth there as well.

[15:39] And then all three recreation facilities we have --

[15:43] we're off to another -- just one note on this report,

[15:49] we first started giving this report quarterly in 2018 right

[15:56] after we opened (inaudible) and that made sense at the time.

[16:00] The intent was to measure the growth of those new facilities

[16:03] and --

[16:05] and how we're expanding our offerings.

[16:07] After eight years of quarterly reports,

[16:10] with no issue by council-- this becomes more of an annual report

[16:15] -- so this is -- requires no additional action.

[16:26] >> Do we have any questions on this report?

[16:29] Seeing none we'll go to the next item which is Motor Vehicle Tax

[16:34] distribution.

[16:36] >> I'll kick this off.

[16:38] So this -- yes sir.

[16:41] This is not just the tourism contract stuff.

[16:48] (inaudible) this is an item that was first

[16:53] discussed at the January Parks Recreation Tourism Committee

[16:56] meeting.

[16:57] And in February as you'll recall staff

[17:00] presented the project for discussion

[17:02] and a copy of that presentation is in your packet.

[17:07] The memo that you have in front of you

[17:11] lists three projects being requested by staff.

[17:15] One is -- and two are Robbie Hall.

[17:20] Additionally the memo contains a request to Chairman Waters

[17:23] by the Marietta Chamber of Arts.

[17:27] And also as part of that conversation,

[17:29] several council members also request several projects

[17:33] and those projects are included as part of the presentation.

[17:37] Those are in there as well.

[17:41] Chairman waters pointed out that the council plan document

[17:45] was a previous version of that and it wasn't the final version.

[17:51] I apologize for that.

[17:53] The funds available -- (inaudible) rather it should be

[18:01] one pot of -- and the current total funds available is one

[18:11] man, $55,036 available.

[18:14] And for projects and -- this is presented for discussion

[18:21] purposes.

[18:22] Thank you.

[18:25] So one thing I'll note, it's also --

[18:30] so the bottom three on here are --

[18:42] (inaudible) To take that building down and to move on.

[18:49] Or as a group.

[18:51] And then the other two I think d (inaudible).

[19:01] >> In your packet is a paper version.

[19:13] >> I'll talk to the rest while we're --

[19:14] the three things they brought forward is --

[19:18] and I think something very interesting.

[19:20] The Hall return on investment that was just talked about --

[19:24] can you shed light on that?

[19:28] >> I'll ask Mr. Cummings to come down if he doesn't mind.

[19:38] >> Thank you Mr. Chairman.

[19:39] Yes I can.

[19:39] As you all know -- several different functions come at one

[19:43] of which is houses are Gone with the Wind Museum and gift shop

[19:46] and also the area that we think we have the most room for growth

[19:48] is in the event space.

[19:50] There's limitations with the event space as it currently is

[19:53] with the house because of the collection cannot be used

[19:56] to have events.

[19:57] So when we look at the improvements specifically

[20:00] for the bridal room, which is -- (inaudible) we feel pretty

[20:05] confident that we'll be able to increase the revenue that

[20:10] they're bringing in for events pretty substantially with this

[20:13] investment, so more getting us up to very conservatively

[20:18] $40,000 per year.

[20:21] Just through the bridal events that we'd be able to take on.

[20:25] Also looked at what that wedding does to the hotel.

[20:28] And so we looked in the average room rental block from it

[20:32] has come for them.

[20:33] For weddings it comes to Grundy Hall is 20 rooms.

[20:36] 20 rooms at $200 a night -- for one wedding it would be $8,000.

[20:42] So we're thinking somewhere around the 12 wedding mark --

[20:49] also what I think we are extremely conservative numbers

[20:51] put together by our director -- if 40 people go to the wedding

[20:56] for dinner, because they are here in Brumby Hall and then

[21:00] they're going to the square, assuming they spend at least $50

[21:04] which --

[21:05] pretty small amount -- (laughs) that would be approximately

[21:11] $2,000 per wedding of additional economic impact coming

[21:15] to the square to businesses, functioning as that tourism

[21:19] piece that we all are focused on.

[21:21] So the 12 weddings come would that be an additional $24,000.

[21:24] 96 plus $24,000 plus the additional revenue --

[21:30] staff is very bullish on the potential of this investment

[21:32] to have a huge impact on tourism.

[21:35] >> It's a very low economic development forecast on that.

[21:40] >> The first conservative economic development forecast.

[21:51] >> Is that the total cost or is that that -- >> Yet.

[21:55] The 175 is the estimate from the bridal suite.

[21:59] That's what that would be and then there's the additional cost

[22:02] of -- which is really more for beautification of the grounds.

[22:09] (inaudible)

[22:23] >> It's still in here.

[22:24] We're trying to get these knocked off.

[22:26] It's not gone.

[22:28] It's just -- (inaudible).

[22:34] >> (inaudible)

[22:37] >> Kirby is in that packet.

[22:38] >> Is here.

[22:43] >> $40,000 and it shows -- >> Kirby is still here.

[22:49] (inaudible) so then the final Museum of Art --

[22:57] Octoberfest.

[22:59] Ask Sally to speak to that.

[23:03] So the total hall --

[23:07] 175?

[23:08] 250.

[23:10] >> Signage up front.

[23:13] >> Then you've got the 39,000 --

[23:16] I'll go ahead with that.

[23:18] >> You thought we can handle that outside of this?

[23:21] Okay.

[23:22] All those other smaller projects will also

[23:24] get done, so other than building the outdoor pavilion

[23:28] space for inclement weather, every other project

[23:32] related to Brumby Hall will be done.

[23:34] So that's the only thing that's left.

[23:37] That's a big dollar item.

[23:39] We have these other projects such as --

[23:44] (inaudible) and everything else.

[23:46] 250.

[23:48] And then finally, can we ask -- to come down?

[23:56] Is that okay?

[23:57] Do you want to come talk for a second?

[24:16] >> Okay.

[24:17] I guess I'll go ahead and ask.

[24:18] I would like a little bit more money for Octoberfest.

[24:22] I think we are the second largest event on the square

[24:26] and people love it.

[24:29] I just copied u and Andre on an Instagram post

[24:37] that was sent to me by one of your chalk artists from Italy

[24:43] and they're doing a chalk festival over there

[24:46] and there were at least two people that

[24:48] had shocktoberfest T-shirts on.

[24:51] It just has put Marietta on a map and --

[24:55] and I would like to request for more money for Shocktoberfest

[25:01] this year.

[25:02] We were able to use points last year

[25:06] that we don't have this year.

[25:08] And you can see the requests.

[25:11] Maybe have any questions from the committee?

[25:15] Any questions from the rest of Council and mayor?

[25:21] For her part?

[25:23] That's not this -- it's not necessarily --

[25:28] correct me if I'm wrong.

[25:33] >> Which bucket were you all -- is it 3% auto?

[25:41] I was looking at both of you.

[25:46] >> Exactly.

[25:52] We're still in arrears.

[25:59] >> You have extra money sitting there.

[26:00] Yes sir. >> (inaudible)

[26:12] >> I made you a believer.

[26:17] >> The story goes back a long way.

[26:19] Any other questions?

[26:21] Do we have a motion to approve?

[26:25] >> Motion to approve.

[26:27] >> Motion and second.

[26:29] All in favor?

[26:32] >> Thank you. >> That's my expectations.

[26:42] [inaudible conversation]

[26:50] Everything here Elizabeth -- (inaudible)

[26:56] Did we decide on what's going to happen -- >> Yes sir.

[26:59] We presented several options and this should be --

[27:08] >> Yes sir.

[27:08] Thank you sir. >> Quick question for you.

[27:17] For Elizabeth Porter Park, is that something --

[27:20] ready for next spring? >> (inaudible)

[27:28] We're still studying bids for demolition now.

[27:35] (inaudible) the splash pad has its own --

[27:44] probably shoot for end of -- right now we don't have anything

[27:50] on paper. (inaudible)

[28:04] >> So the size of that pavilion -- (inaudible)

[28:20] >> With those it will leave you a little over -- >> (inaudible)

[28:45] [inaudible conversation]

[29:20] Remember what would be the timing on --

[29:26] what's the best timing here to do something like this?

[29:32] Trailhead --

[29:40] [inaudible conversation]

[31:09] >> Any other questions?

[31:17] [background chatter]

[31:20] >> Next up, summer camp funding.

[31:22] >> This is a separate quest for approval for submission

[31:25] of funding in support of our 2027 summer camp.

[31:28] We have a funding opportunity available for that

[31:31] to permit these funds are available through the BOOST

[31:36] grant programs administered through the Georgia

[31:39] After School Network Association.

[31:41] We applied for and are awarded funds

[31:44] out of the same program for 2022 through 2024 and also again

[31:51] in 2026.

[31:52] All those were in support of our summer camp and in 2025 that

[31:57] funding wasn't -- approval and acceptance of the funding --

[32:02] our agreement to -- first is the Georgia Department of Education

[32:05] common conflict of interest and disclosure policy in the second

[32:09] is the Georgia Recreational Parks Association Memorandum

[32:13] of Understanding, both of those documents are --

[32:17] each previous year that we received funding

[32:19] through this program required us to approve these same two

[32:23] documents.

[32:24] The language in both documents for this year were unchanged

[32:28] from the documents that were -- so they're exactly the same.

[32:33] No changes on that.

[32:35] And these documents will only be signed when funding is approved.

[32:42] The question we had last year was if we would be able to meet

[32:47] all the requirements of --.

[32:51] So at this time staff would request a motion to approve

[32:55] submission of the 2022 --

[33:03] >> Do we have a motion and a second?

[33:04] Any further discussion?

[33:06] Motion to approve.

[33:21] In the community Park -- (inaudible) and I am in Ward

[33:27] two.

[33:28] Yes sir.

[33:31] >> I apologize for that.

[33:35] So the park advisory Committee was approved at the last council

[33:43] meeting.

[33:43] The purpose of the committee is to work to develop

[33:46] a new park on Franklin Gateway.

[33:48] The committee structure was approved for a total of 14

[33:51] members to be awarded by Council and --

[33:59] (inaudible) so the packet -- (inaudible) and at this time

[34:08] staff would recommend a motion to approve the members

[34:10] of the committee --

[34:19] >> I have my third name -- (inaudible) which is a partner

[34:29] with Park Street Elementary. >> (inaudible) so he is definitely

[34:39] tied into the -- what's going on in Franklin gateway --

[34:51] >> (inaudible)

[35:03] >> Eldridge, E l d r i d g e.

[35:08] >> Thank you.

[35:15] The committee first -- any other questions?

[35:23] Anything else you want to add or say about this?

[35:27] Council and Mayor? >> (inaudible) Of him I think from

[37:29] the scope of the meeting -- (inaudible) I understand what

[37:34] you're saying. >> (inaudible)

[38:24] [inaudible conversation]

[38:52] >> Do we have a motion to approve the members?

[38:54] Do we have a second? >> (inaudible) And this is request

[39:34] by staff for temporary street closing --

[39:37] which occurs on September --

[39:43] March 6th 2027. (inaudible) request the other street

[39:50] closures in January.

[39:51] For this event that can't leave us enough time

[39:55] to plan for the event to occur in March.

[39:59] So for the past few years this event --

[40:05] of what a level three street closure it looks like.

[40:09] And so as the event has grown more popular comment this year

[40:12] we are requesting a level four street closure and a diagram

[40:16] of a level four street closure --

[40:19] level four Street closure would also include closure of West

[40:24] Park Square and portions of -- (inaudible) Church Street

[40:29] and Mill Street.

[40:30] Other events with -- include Marietta, 4th of July and --

[40:38] and chalk Tober Fest.

[40:40] The 2026 Marietta gathering which occurred on Saturday

[40:45] saw an attendance of 9000 people.

[40:47] Well attended.

[40:48] By way of comparison, this of the 2025 Art in the Park

[40:55] had an attendance of 7000.

[40:57] So we had 28% more people at the gathering which is of course

[41:03] a very well attended -- (inaudible) that has become

[41:12] quite large.

[41:14] So the street closure would allow opportunities

[41:16] for additional arts and crafts vendors,

[41:18] more program space as well as additional space to --

[41:23] and that comes to that event.

[41:26] Also, that event utilizes -- for programing --

[41:34] the street closure would close the entirety of the event

[41:38] and the program space and it would eliminate the need

[41:41] for attendees to go back and forth across West Park Square.

[41:46] So this time staff would request a motion to authorize street

[41:50] closures on Saturday March 6th, 2027.

[41:56] >> (inaudible) own properties in the downtown area of.

[42:08] >> Any further questions or discussion?

[42:10] A motion to approve.

[42:13] Motion and second.

[42:15] >> Second.

[42:16] >> All in favor?

[42:19] All right. (inaudible) three.

[42:25] Consent?

[42:27] >> Consent to. >> (inaudible) Thank you.

[42:36] So this item was requested by Council member Anderson

[42:39] through the Tourism Committee.

[42:42] This item was tabled.

[42:44] Since that time Council Anderson and I had the opportunity

[42:47] to speak and as a result of that conversation we updated rental

[42:52] policy for the fields, not only Custer Park Sports Complex

[42:57] but also -- and so at this time we're presenting that

[43:02] for discussion purposes.

[43:20] [inaudible conversation]

[43:24] >> I can do it right down to the -- essentially the policy --

[43:31] Council member Anderson was asking --

[43:35] some of the rental policies -- of a sports complex which

[43:39] allowed for an unlimited number of rentals that were --

[43:49] organizations and teams -- this allowed them to rent --

[43:56] and so -- (inaudible) on a quarterly basis and they can

[44:01] rent fields for games up to one year.

[44:07] (inaudible) if you like I can do a detailed breakdown but those

[44:14] are the --. >> (inaudible)

[44:23] >> I can do that.

[44:27] >> Yes sir. >> (inaudible)

[44:33] >> Mr. Anderson, you brought this --

[44:35] >> I think we went over pretty well --

[44:38] gathering these details -- (inaudible).

[44:43] It covers everything to where these Marietta --

[44:48] and actually make a schedule --

[44:57] >> Okay.

[44:58] Any other questions for Council?

[45:03] can we have a motion on that?

[45:07] >> If you're ready to approve it.

[45:08] At the work session I can bring a --

[45:11] so you can see very specifically what we changed.

[45:17] >> Do we need to bring it there or do we need to --

[45:20] maybe the best way to handle this policy?

[45:24] >> (inaudible) so I think the only thing left --

[45:40] you probably move it to the Monday meeting. (inaudible)

[46:10] >> It would be open to everybody.

[46:12] If anybody wants to preserve -- it just allows --

[46:26] because they can't really do their schedule --

[46:38] >> We all know how work -- (inaudible) we can't favor

[46:45] Marietta residents over county residents.

[46:50] We have a motion to move this to the work session?

[46:57] All in favor?

[47:07] >> Park and tourism is adjourned.

[47:18] Call to order the -- (inaudible) June 23rd, 2026.

[47:29] (inaudible) is there any further discussion on this item?

[47:35] All those in favor please rise raise your right hand.

[47:39] Motion carries 3-0.

[47:42] Next item of business is the Travel and Training Code

[47:45] amendment.

[47:47] Thank you chairman.

[47:51] >> So this is a code amendment for the travel and Training Code

[47:58] section -- the travel and Training policy provides

[48:06] (inaudible) reimbursable travel and related expenses

[48:08] for our city employees.

[48:10] Last policy revision that we had for this section was in 2007.

[48:16] The current proposal, we are looking

[48:19] to update the administrative verbiage in the code

[48:24] to align with those everyday practices

[48:26] as well as updating some of the allotment and mileage

[48:33] to coincide with some of the present day pricing.

[48:39] You should find in there the redline copy all of the edits

[48:44] that we have.

[48:45] I will briefly go through the major modifications

[48:49] that we included.

[48:50] One is that we have increased our approval from $500,

[48:58] our initial -- for anything $500 or more we typically go to city

[49:05] manager or his designee for final approval.

[49:09] We raise that amount to 1000 just because of volume --

[49:14] related to the number of travel and training requests received.

[49:17] The removal of the travel agency booking requirements --

[49:22] that was something that was previously done in years past.

[49:27] We handle all of the travel and training in Parkway now.

[49:34] I wanted to remove that portion from the verbiage as well.

[49:38] And then we also now have incorporated a credit card

[49:42] for emergency purposes as well as for training materials.

[49:49] This does not include any lodging, airfare

[49:53] or transportation for employees.

[49:55] All of that has to come with the expense of the employees to be

[49:59] reimbursed but it does allow for registration materials

[50:05] and emergency services that may come up in the event of a travel

[50:12] and training emergency and then the expansion of our lodging

[50:18] to include short term rentals, previously --

[50:23] it was just for hotels only.

[50:28] Because of some of the variations and options

[50:31] that are available to us.

[50:33] Wanted to expand that portion as well.

[50:37] For our mileage, the use of personal vehicles --

[50:44] we expanded from 100 miles to 400 miles.

[50:48] The reason for that is it allows for the outskirts on our county

[50:55] line to the longest distance to the state line --

[51:00] so this is for all in-state travel.

[51:04] It's 370 miles so -- for up to 400 miles for personal vehicle

[51:10] use.

[51:11] That was for in-state.

[51:14] Ground transportation -- we just expanded that to include

[51:20] Rideshares.

[51:21] Previously just had taxis and things of that nature.

[51:25] So updating the terminology for a present day use.

[51:29] Current ordinance -- also increases our reimbursement rate

[51:35] for employees.

[51:36] They like to have that effective as of October 1st --

[51:42] it raises it from $40 to $50.

[51:46] And then our mileage from the current $0.40 to the current --

[51:52] and it would then follow the IRS rate adjustments each year

[51:59] and that would also coincide with how the mileage calculation

[52:04] for -- for our other areas that are calculated.

[52:10] So that would adjust each year with --

[52:21] >> I will have questions before --

[52:24] (inaudible) anything you all want to start off with.

[52:33] >> I have issues with a couple grammatical things I want

[52:35] to address. >> (inaudible) To start off with,

[52:56] stuff under 500 -- how does that --

[53:04] is the current process just they don't have to get prior

[53:09] approval, they just have to -- ?

[53:13] >> The approval process is still the same.

[53:15] It starts with the employee and goes to either the --

[53:20] supervisor if there is one and then the park with

[53:24] the department head.

[53:25] All of those got to take place prior to being moved forward

[53:31] to the budget division.

[53:32] This is for prior approval as well as approval

[53:36] after the training.

[53:38] So the difference here is anything under $1,000 currently

[53:44] is under $500 would then be moved to the City

[53:51] Manager's office.

[53:53] At this point anything under $1,000 can stop at the budget

[53:58] office and not have to have the additional City Manager

[54:01] approval.

[54:05] >> (inaudible) maybe there's still that paper trail and that

[54:09] ask.

[54:11] >> Yes sir.

[54:12] Yes.

[54:14] >> That's the part I was trying to get at. >> (inaudible)

[54:24] On the short term rental, that's mostly for going to conference

[54:31] or -- or if employees go to the conference.

[54:35] It allows for short term rentals to be added in.

[54:39] What are the consequences of that?

[54:42] Do they still have the same hotel tax exclusion --

[54:51] is that still an issue? (inaudible)

[54:56] >> We reviewed them all on an individual basis.

[55:01] The employees should pick the most economical route

[55:06] for their travel and training.

[55:11] If sometimes that has been, especially

[55:13] if there is a group or different regions,

[55:18] the short term rental has been a more economical option for them.

[55:24] We do review them in advance to make sure that from a safety

[55:31] and risk perspective -- that that is in compliance.

[55:39] From an economic standpoint, that is in compliance --

[55:43] it goes through the same review process -- (inaudible)

[55:50] >> The more so is what I was looking for.

[55:52] It's not exactly the same.

[55:58] So that was where my concern was.

[56:03] I understand seeing -- (inaudible) just concerns it

[56:13] could also go to the non-economic range.

[56:21] >> In the mean time it would come up is --

[56:23] somebody is going out of town and --

[56:29] (inaudible) and the hotel they're having the meeting in is

[56:34] more expensive than -- (inaudible) maybe even

[56:45] if the Airbnb -- they just kept their reimbursement at the rate

[56:52] of the hotel?

[56:53] What if you would just prefer to stay in an Airbnb

[56:56] and you can do your own cooking and you would feel

[56:59] better that way? >> (inaudible)

[57:08] >> Right, and it's just capped at whatever the rates --

[57:14] >> (inaudible)

[57:26] >> As far as the review?

[57:27] >> The economic parts -- more expensive hotel options.

[57:31] >> The economic part is -- (inaudible) >> (inaudible)

[57:41] the hotel motel tax -- (inaudible)

[57:49] >> In most cases they do not.

[57:50] At the same time, they don't necessarily

[57:55] have the additional taxes.

[57:59] It's more so flat fee when you are doing the Airbnbs.

[58:05] Short term rentals. >> (inaudible) when you're adding

[58:25] that in -- these places and it was done in -- one still kept --

[58:35] (inaudible) for the sake of differentiating -- (inaudible)

[58:46] >> That was the intent.

[58:56] [inaudible conversation]

[59:03] >> One suggestive word change on --

[59:05] it says receipts for such services must be provided --

[59:14] (inaudible)

[59:32] >> There's some math as part of this as well.

[59:33] It didn't add up for me.

[59:36] It's over on page six.

[59:51] >> Under subsection B -- the previous math I also wasn't sure

[59:54] -- the previous one when it was $40 --

[1:00:02] (inaudible) A 15 for dinner. (inaudible)

[1:00:19] >> The $8 for the tips to $10 -- (inaudible) where that

[1:00:24] difference was in Y -- $10 for tips.

[1:00:38] >> The you gave -- (inaudible) $50 a day with a luncheon rate

[1:00:42] -- the luncheon is provided as part of the registration.

[1:00:47] (inaudible) Wouldn't that be 50 -13?

[1:01:00] >> Yes.

[1:01:02] >> Right now the example is off.

[1:01:06] And there is some additional grammar stuff --

[1:01:13] (inaudible) it does need to be corrected.

[1:01:18] And also getting consistency throughout --

[1:01:23] (inaudible) or their -- but he has been kept in --

[1:01:34] (inaudible) and their designee.

[1:01:36] There's a shift in some things -- also requesting --

[1:01:49] (inaudible) and I'm not sure that's appropriate.

[1:01:57] The IRS rates -- the language used right now is -- ambiguous.

[1:02:08] It talks about being in accordance with the Internal

[1:02:12] Revenue Service standard rate effective July 1st.

[1:02:16] It just keeps -- the rate for the IRS goes in effect --

[1:02:27] (inaudible) which July 1st are you talking about?

[1:02:32] (inaudible) on adopting that rate as part of the budget cost

[1:02:36] essentially.

[1:02:36] So the rate only goes up within --

[1:02:42] otherwise it keeps it the previous year --

[1:02:51] >> Although the IRS --

[1:02:52] I kept it a little bit ambiguous because I did not

[1:02:56] want to tie specific rates because we have

[1:02:59] to change the code each year.

[1:03:03] >> I understand and agree with that.

[1:03:06] >> (inaudible) so it shows what the current rate is.

[1:03:17] (inaudible) almost like a schedule update.

[1:03:24] In case you have a bad year -- >> (inaudible) Right now

[1:03:56] it's just -- it doesn't say current though.

[1:04:05] (inaudible) What we're trying to get at.

[1:04:17] You're trying to get at -- (inaudible) it needs a little

[1:04:26] bit of wordsmithing.

[1:04:37] >> Would you be okay with -- it does appear in other places.

[1:04:45] >> Would you be okay with -- and have a link to that and then

[1:04:51] take out the --

[1:05:07] >> The only concern I have on that is --

[1:05:09] our budgets get tied to this rate whenever --

[1:05:14] we usually get our update in March.

[1:05:17] For the council rate.

[1:05:21] Even though the rate theoretically starts up --

[1:05:27] it probably should be tied to -- (inaudible) so we have

[1:05:35] a definitive date and we can plan our budget around that.

[1:05:39] I think the reason you put July 1st is -- >> Yes.

[1:05:46] I can't discard that because -- if council approves that rate --

[1:05:56] (inaudible) typically that goes into effect --

[1:06:02] Council reviews it and -- and it takes effect in March.

[1:06:11] It can be part of the overall budget process and automatically

[1:06:16] you know -- is going to take effect July 1st when the budget

[1:06:21] is -- (inaudible) and that would go back to having it stay most

[1:06:29] current Internal Revenue service and mileage.

[1:06:32] And removing the July 1st date.

[1:06:37] >> As long as we get tied down --

[1:06:44] >> (inaudible) that's kind of what I was getting

[1:06:47] at. (inaudible) for the council side of this?

[1:06:53] We bring it up and we update -- so then we know getting --

[1:07:05] we can adequately plan for that going forward. >> (inaudible)

[1:07:34] >> I've been here 60 years. (inaudible) maybe I'm sorry?

[1:07:44] >> (inaudible) what you're doing is looking up the --

[1:07:49] >> Absolutely.

[1:07:55] >> There's no individual motion.

[1:07:56] We incorporated by reference.

[1:08:01] We are not changing anything other than the budget,

[1:08:06] right? >> (inaudible)

[1:08:14] >> We want to do the same thing you all are doing.

[1:08:18] >> (inaudible) they are dealing with a different --

[1:08:24] if you budget it you'll go over it.

[1:08:28] Or somebody comes who is -- (inaudible)

[1:08:36] >> We have to watch that.

[1:08:47] >> So what are we saying? >> (inaudible) still needs to be

[1:08:52] updated regardless -- (inaudible) I think we can all

[1:08:59] disagree on that.

[1:09:05] F >> (inaudible)

[1:09:23] >> We're arguing about when the rate goes into effect

[1:09:25] essentially.

[1:09:31] [NO AUDIO]

[1:09:37] >> So what do we need to do?

[1:09:47] >> I guess my question -- why do we need an effective date

[1:09:52] at all?

[1:09:53] The mileage reimbursement rate (inaudible)

[1:09:58] with the current IRS standard mileage rate. >> (inaudible)

[1:10:10] >> If it went up-- we're trying to just tie it to that rate.

[1:10:16] Even if it goes up in the budget year, it's going to be pennies.

[1:10:22] At the end of the day we'll do a whole lot of reserve

[1:10:30] which we'll never know about because it will be pennies.

[1:10:35] >> (inaudible)

[1:10:44] >> You said in accordance with the current rate.

[1:10:46] You're going to go hop in your car and drive.

[1:10:49] >> We've got forms that are used to calculate --

[1:10:53] was it changes we just changed the form. (inaudible)

[1:11:03] >> Are the forms online?

[1:11:04] >> Yes.

[1:11:06] >> The travel and training forms are online and the IRS code

[1:11:10] rates are available online through the IRS as well.

[1:11:18] >>

[1:11:19] (inaudible)

[1:11:26] >> And I will link that.

[1:11:29] >> Current rate is 72.5 cents.

[1:11:34] I have to take a look up whenever --

[1:11:35] I got a form that had no rate on it.

[1:11:42] I do agree that we do need to get up from where it was --

[1:11:48] because 2007, 2026 is quite a bit different in terms of --.

[1:12:11] >> (inaudible) to make sure everything is caught up.

[1:12:19] Page two.

[1:12:26] On number eight -- up above -- why was all that taken out?

[1:12:41] I think the point was to try to -- >> (inaudible)

[1:12:52] >> It is -- it was just because of --

[1:13:01] it was a question marks and it was asking questions versus

[1:13:06] providing information.

[1:13:09] Didn't necessarily provide additional guidance.

[1:13:16] Just simplified it. >> (inaudible)

[1:13:58] >> It doesn't change it. (inaudible) on scheduled

[1:14:03] training events. (inaudible)

[1:14:17] >> I think that last sentence in there was --

[1:14:21] (inaudible) with what people actually did --

[1:14:28] that last sentence that got added in (inaudible).

[1:14:35] Be prepared to show proof.

[1:14:40] I'll add that back in.

[1:14:45] So that first line that kind of outlines --

[1:14:49] in a little bit more detail -- >> (inaudible)

[1:15:02] >> If you're worried about the rest of this stuff -- >> Okay.

[1:15:09] Part of it is trying to make sure --

[1:15:12] that's the reason why the city is paying -- (inaudible)

[1:15:29] >> Add that back in.

[1:15:33] Under 4434-04 Definitions B, the line was removed talking about

[1:15:40] -- prior to any events being issued -- why was that removed?

[1:15:50] (inaudible) is it because you thought it was extraneous or --

[1:15:59] >> It's because there are some situations where they are rare

[1:16:04] but they are situations where travel and training is approved

[1:16:10] by the department head due to the timing and they will go

[1:16:15] on the training prior to the approval and we --

[1:16:24] we don't encourage that but there are cases and this

[1:16:27] particular line item kind of excludes that and there have

[1:16:32] been questions as to whether or not -- >> (inaudible)

[1:16:46] >> The emergency was related to the credit card.

[1:16:51] And so they would go on the training com and pay for it

[1:16:55] themselves -- it wasn't necessarily they were using

[1:16:58] the credit card but -- they didn't allow enough time

[1:17:04] for prior approval before they took the training.

[1:17:08] As I've mentioned, that's -- in most instances but there has

[1:17:14] been some questions as to whether or not the travel --

[1:17:19] >> All approvals must be obtained in writing --

[1:17:24] (inaudible) so that usually means I'm getting payment before

[1:17:28] going to -- >> Yes.

[1:17:33] >> Correct. >> (inaudible) they went and paid for it themselves

[1:17:37] and --

[1:17:43] >> I can absolutely add it back in.

[1:17:51] Maybe I'm just trying to cover -- (inaudible) understood.

[1:18:12] >> Yes sir?

[1:18:14] >> Going back to item number eight --

[1:18:21] >> Which page are you on?

[1:18:22] Page two.

[1:18:24] >> Oh yes.

[1:18:26] So the request was to have the verbiage -- keep adequate --

[1:18:34] and training offered to take and complete it,

[1:18:37] including attendance -- on schedule training events period.

[1:18:41] And then next line item would be the add in for the employees may

[1:18:47] be required to provide -- for registered courses when

[1:18:51] available.

[1:19:12] >> It's page three where the other reference --

[1:19:17] >> I'll update that throughout --

[1:19:40] >> That was most of my stuff --

[1:19:45] Is there any other discussion? (inaudible)

[1:20:02] >> I make a motion -- maybe motion made and seconded.

[1:20:07] Is there any further discussion on this item?

[1:20:15] Hearing none all those in favor please raise your hand.

[1:20:20] Motion passes 3-0.

[1:20:22] Next item of business is a data center ordinance

[1:20:27] of Georgia Tech.

[1:20:38] >> Good evening.

[1:20:39] Thank you.

[1:20:41] After last month's meeting cycle Council

[1:20:44] asked staff to go back and look at the ordinance that

[1:20:47] was presented.

[1:20:49] The ordinance was revisited.

[1:20:52] We took the comments that Council had at the last meeting

[1:20:54] and tried to incorporate as many of those as we could

[1:20:57] in the draft that's before you.

[1:20:59] This draft ordinance is -- for discussion.

[1:21:04] Staff has talked about it internally.

[1:21:07] Planning and zoning if you've looked at it.

[1:21:08] With some more comments that aren't --

[1:21:13] (inaudible) and then you also have the Georgia Tech proposal

[1:21:17] in front of you and that's something that you would like

[1:21:20] to consider.

[1:21:21] I know there's several questions about the draft proposal.

[1:21:25] I had conversations with Georgia Tech

[1:21:28] to address some of those questions.

[1:21:30] And I'll be able to talk about the ordinance for the proposal

[1:21:34] --

[1:21:39] >> I'll ask committee members -- the Georgia Tech proposal or --

[1:21:46] maybe I guess my question -- are we looking to vote on this draft

[1:21:52] ordinance?

[1:21:54] >> No.

[1:21:56] >> This is almost like a buffet.

[1:22:00] >> We do.

[1:22:03] >> Yes, we do. >> (inaudible)

[1:22:27] >> So addressing the Georgia Tech --

[1:22:29] (inaudible) I don't think we're at the point where we need

[1:22:33] Georgia Tech.

[1:22:34] If we need to hold a town hall meeting there --

[1:22:39] two town hall meetings --

[1:22:41] I think we can do that. $52,000 for them to do something --

[1:22:52] >> Mr. Chairman?

[1:22:56] >> I see two other questions.

[1:22:57] I saw your hand up.

[1:23:01] >> Sure.

[1:23:02] I think when we look at --

[1:23:05] I think we should look at both.

[1:23:08] We should decide on tech first before we start

[1:23:10] going down the other path.

[1:23:11] If we're going to go with tech, that

[1:23:14] will help guide the other discussions.

[1:23:16] If we start trying to write the ordinance now, then

[1:23:19] what are we doing with tech?

[1:23:21] If we're going with tech, that's the conversation --

[1:23:25] are we or are we not going to go with them?

[1:23:27] In two parts.

[1:23:28] That's helping with policy -- but my question I think would be

[1:23:33] what do they do with town halls?

[1:23:35] What's the difference between us and a town hall?

[1:23:37] What does it look like?

[1:23:39] So those are the questions I had around Georgia Tech.

[1:23:43] I think that's the direction we should go in because --

[1:23:46] for a lot of reasons.

[1:23:51] >> Very similar thoughts.

[1:23:53] I would not like to look at our own -- right now.

[1:23:57] I would like to give Georgia Tech --

[1:24:00] provide some of this community engagement.

[1:24:10] They looked at several different types of data centers

[1:24:13] and several different types of --

[1:24:16] they've got policy and staff ready to go.

[1:24:20] Their subject matter experts.

[1:24:24] So (inaudible) allowing them to run

[1:24:31] the lion's share of engagement.

[1:24:33] And from that flow the coordinates that --

[1:24:37] that we can all weigh in on to get where we feel comfortable.

[1:24:49] >> (inaudible)

[1:25:01] >> I think their scope is -- where LAX is in the technical

[1:25:08] expertise.

[1:25:11] Expertise -- (inaudible)

[1:25:41] >> I think there's some expertise --

[1:25:48] (inaudible) I think one of the things that --

[1:26:08] (inaudible) we put all this money somewhere --

[1:26:22] >> Georgia Tech center for Economic Development --

[1:26:24] provides the fiscal and economic -- underlying this engagement.

[1:26:31] Property tax structure -- and local planning requirements.

[1:26:39] These are economic developers -- (inaudible) but if all we are

[1:26:47] going to say is is it good economically,

[1:26:50] we're going to have issues.

[1:26:58] >> We the question was asked at the last --

[1:27:13] >> After your questions --

[1:27:14] I did ask were these the only experts that --

[1:27:17] and they said no, they will bring in other experts.

[1:27:20] They let the process define who they bring but if we would like

[1:27:25] to request specific experts at the beginning --

[1:27:28] so what they like to do is engage the community and council

[1:27:33] and discussion, see where that discussion goes and where there

[1:27:37] are gaps if you will where they need to help educate or maybe

[1:27:42] even go back and research certain topics.

[1:27:45] I did say probably from the beginning based on conversations

[1:27:47] that we've already experienced, we would need somebody with

[1:27:52] expertise in public health, somebody with expertise in noise

[1:27:57] and acoustical engineering, and I specifically asked because I

[1:28:04] know a lot of what I heard from community members were

[1:28:07] the things with the low noise sounds and how those affect

[1:28:09] the vibrations --

[1:28:10] they would bring those experts in.

[1:28:13] The proposal is centered around that development

[1:28:16] but they would bring in other experts

[1:28:18] depending on how the conversation moves and turns.

[1:28:21] They can bring those people in directly at the beginning

[1:28:25] if that's the request.

[1:28:26] And that doesn't change the scope or the price.

[1:28:30] >> I would say if we're going to do this we need to outline this

[1:28:33] in the proposal from the beginning so that when we are

[1:28:35] approving this proposal that we actually have that --

[1:28:38] >> The other thing was when he was putting this proposal

[1:28:43] together, they have one contract vehicle per year.

[1:28:48] Even when they're producing this --

[1:28:50] this is last year's contract vehicle --

[1:28:52] and this is last year's pricing --

[1:28:54] I just told him I needed something

[1:28:56] before that last meeting.

[1:28:57] They were definitely willing to go back and give me the actual

[1:29:02] pricing which they said likely would be less than the number

[1:29:07] of --

[1:29:09] (inaudible) from their contract group.

[1:29:11] Just to get something to you guys before the deadline --

[1:29:16] this is what they gave.

[1:29:18] Or provided.

[1:29:30] >> Are there any questions from --

[1:29:35] >> Comments but not questions.

[1:29:41] >> Comments are accepted as well at this point.

[1:29:53] >> I think that could be -- independent technical standards

[1:29:59] -- (inaudible) to go through all the detailed -- (inaudible)

[1:30:18] >> Sure.

[1:30:24] >> And I can go back to them and say in addition to what

[1:30:26] we've already talked about -- the public health concerns --

[1:30:34] and if there's other expert fields or fields of expertise

[1:30:38] that you like to see somebody come they have those people --

[1:30:46] for your suggestion request.

[1:30:58] >> Comments, questions?

[1:30:59] >> I have a comment.

[1:31:01] I can comment now?

[1:31:03] I just really think on this issue

[1:31:05] if we're going to leave and lean on this issue,

[1:31:08] use the best resources out there that we can.

[1:31:10] And I think that a lot of angst out in the community

[1:31:15] on both sides of the aisle and there's

[1:31:18] a lot of lack of understanding of what we're looking at.

[1:31:20] And the better understanding we can

[1:31:22] shed light on and the better job we

[1:31:25] do in understanding this issue, we're doing our part.

[1:31:29] All we can do is our part. (inaudible) maybe the comment I

[1:31:36] was going to make is I think --

[1:31:41] (inaudible)

[1:32:05] >> And this did start with their sample ordinances.

[1:32:07] I did pull --

[1:32:09] I can talk to them and tell them what we did

[1:32:12] and tell them that we took your comments

[1:32:14] on the last stipulations you put on the most recent approved data

[1:32:18] center we tried to incorporate these as well

[1:32:20] and see if they want to go that route to.

[1:32:23] But I think they would rather do the meetings and input first --

[1:32:28] and maybe use this after those --

[1:32:39] >> I feel like you're going to say something --

[1:32:50] >> I've said how I feel. (inaudible) They are not all

[1:33:05] the same.

[1:33:06] They are nowhere near all the same.

[1:33:10] (inaudible) I'm not happy with it.

[1:33:26] You do what you want. (inaudible)

[1:33:32] baby I respect what you're saying.

[1:33:35] My question is this.

[1:33:36] What ordinance are you referring to?

[1:33:41] >> (inaudible) this is their kind of draft all put together.

[1:33:49] >> (inaudible)

[1:33:49] >> I went on their pages.

[1:33:51] So I went and I looked on their pages and just a simple thing --

[1:33:58] colocation data center is a server room.

[1:34:01] It is a server room.

[1:34:05] >> I agree with you.

[1:34:08] >> They throw it all in there like --

[1:34:09] >> If they look at this like one size fits all, that --

[1:34:13] that's not what we are looking at. (inaudible)

[1:34:23] >> That is like saying a -- at the distillery.

[1:34:26] It isn't.

[1:34:28] >> How we ask them that question?

[1:34:31] >> I can.

[1:34:32] Sure.

[1:34:39] >> I think it's an oversimplification.

[1:34:51] >> (inaudible)

[1:35:30] >> It's a lot like -- what you did when we did --

[1:35:32] when we do breweries, distilleries --

[1:35:36] we literally broke it down by each thing because they are

[1:35:42] similar but actually different.

[1:35:44] And we looked at them each category.

[1:35:47] We can do that.

[1:35:51] >> That's the direction we give them is --

[1:35:54] this what is the scope of work and what we're asking you to do.

[1:35:57] We're asking you to look at all these different types of --

[1:36:00] a big world of data centers and I don't call them all data

[1:36:02] centers.

[1:36:03] Server room, data center -- we want to look at all of it.

[1:36:07] Don't look at everything the same way.

[1:36:10] They're not capable of doing that

[1:36:11] but we need to ask them that question.

[1:36:13] I assume they are.

[1:36:14] They're smart folks.

[1:36:16] They're smarter than me.

[1:36:23] [laughter]

[1:36:36] >> I guess they would be smart enough to draw the line --

[1:36:42] (inaudible) I think one of the things that still --

[1:37:10] (inaudible) is what is the long term --

[1:37:19] (inaudible) >> (inaudible)

[1:38:01] [NO AUDIO] I got a question.

[1:38:25] Have we reached out to anybody else --

[1:38:28] did the city of Marietta?

[1:38:31] >> No one has reached out to me.

[1:38:33] We've had some citizens who have encouraged

[1:38:36] us to attend some events. >> (inaudible) Our best

[1:38:50] are only option right now?

[1:38:53] You don't want to make -- we don't want to go through

[1:38:59] our data center -- we have to have a third party --

[1:39:07] (inaudible) we know more about data centers than we ever

[1:39:12] wanted.

[1:39:13] We are still not experts.

[1:39:15] When we take the science or the environmental side

[1:39:17] and the financial side, Georgia Tech

[1:39:19] is able to put all that together.

[1:39:21] We need somebody -- to the public for us because we

[1:39:25] don't want to say yeah, this is what --

[1:39:28] so I don't know if Georgia Tech is our only option.

[1:39:32] Or if they're the best option. (inaudible) the same concerns

[1:39:37] you have -- the financial side of it --

[1:39:42] is not a concern to me because we know those and we're trying

[1:39:46] to -- but it's more -- need to be able to make sure that

[1:39:53] Georgia Tech can diverge into each one of these cells to bring

[1:39:57] them all together -- we are not an expertise panel.

[1:40:11] >> There are probably other places --

[1:40:12] Georgia Tech is typically more of an independent group

[1:40:15] and I'm sure they are consulting groups out there.

[1:40:19] But it could explain how independent they are.

[1:40:25] I have not looked into this. (inaudible)

[1:40:29] but it is probably more economic development focused.

[1:40:34] So typically a consulting group, if we don't know --

[1:40:43] (inaudible) this is sponsored by the state of Georgia.

[1:40:47] I know it's expensive but -- we're not seeing the full cost

[1:40:52] of the study.

[1:40:53] The state is picking up part of the cost.

[1:40:56] But they're asking that we pick up part as well.

[1:40:59] I'm sure UGA is scaled the same way

[1:41:02] and I can certainly reach out to UGA

[1:41:04] and speak to them before Monday.

[1:41:06] If you want me to look at a third party --

[1:41:10] but I would imagine -- it will be hard to determine

[1:41:15] their independent nature. >> (inaudible) and again,

[1:41:24] if everything --

[1:41:40] >> So I think it is -- sounds like Georgia Tech might be it.

[1:41:46] (inaudible) as well as the economic impact.

[1:41:53] >> They did already -- so that is one technical -- like I said,

[1:42:00] they promised -- public health official --

[1:42:04] so some of those other things that are outside of just --

[1:42:09] and I can get them to specify that. (inaudible)

[1:42:38] >> Can I send you my list of questions?

[1:42:40] >> You can.

[1:42:42] >> Before I start up --a questions from anyone?

[1:42:53] >> I come from a -- (inaudible) I don't like the fact --

[1:43:02] (inaudible) looking to supply this particular --

[1:43:11] (inaudible) No matter what of the 45 counties we got all

[1:43:32] excited -- (inaudible) we got in the game quick.

[1:43:46] (inaudible) they're going to have to redo the transmission

[1:43:51] lines. (inaudible) it's coming.

[1:44:04] They pay for the right to have an option.

[1:44:08] They pay $33 million.

[1:44:11] What's going to happen when -- will have to start building

[1:44:18] plants --

[1:44:19] I think this might be the -- (inaudible) took 18 years

[1:44:29] and was twice overbudget.

[1:44:33] That's one reason why I like --

[1:44:37] there's so many unanswered questions. (inaudible)

[1:44:50] are any of them even running?

[1:44:54] I know they are in Virginia.

[1:45:01] [inaudible conversation] The way I'm feeling on this collar I

[1:45:34] don't -- (inaudible) >> (inaudible) maybe do one

[1:45:47] and a half gigawatts.

[1:45:49] It will be a sponsored city because they can't allocate

[1:45:56] the power from that machine -- (inaudible) so we would have

[1:46:02] to buy in at.

[1:46:04] Also -- (inaudible) Those people were just bankrupt.

[1:46:23] (inaudible) even though they say they are guaranteeing it --

[1:46:29] (inaudible) with the underlying guarantor to use that

[1:46:35] electricity. (inaudible) They built the buildings but they --

[1:46:52] I just -- 18, I think we made the right choice.

[1:47:02] (inaudible) I think we priced ourselves out of the market.

[1:47:12] They had to put a new equipment.

[1:47:18] There's nobody standing in line (inaudible).

[1:47:22] And if they get down to 50 or 60,

[1:47:26] they probably can't afford -- (inaudible) Rohn is still

[1:47:46] getting calls.

[1:47:48] Especially the small ones that we've been looking at.

[1:47:52] They want to increase in size now.

[1:48:18] (inaudible) Maybe nothing would slow down. (inaudible)

[1:48:45] >> (inaudible)

[1:49:14] >> That's another question.

[1:49:15] If they came to us and we just said we don't --

[1:49:21] they say fine and then -- (inaudible) There are other

[1:50:10] models out there.

[1:50:12] So I'll send you something that I received from Massachusetts

[1:50:18] and that way we can look at all these different models.

[1:50:23] I don't think we're in a place to make a decision today.

[1:50:28] But there are models that work.

[1:50:32] That way you can -- you guys can look at it.

[1:50:38] Just another option. (inaudible)

[1:50:47] >> Okay. >> (inaudible) the moratorium per se is not good

[1:50:53] but the moratorium -- just like you said.

[1:50:59] I'd like the question answer -- (inaudible) Seeing them

[1:51:26] on the ordinance side, (inaudible) some more additional

[1:51:31] stuff.

[1:51:32] On the Georgia Tech proposal, it sounds like they're still

[1:51:36] questions we need answered before --

[1:51:42] if it doesn't include certain things,

[1:51:46] it becomes a question of --.

[1:51:50] Versus if we get more experts or -- as it relates to Marietta,

[1:51:58] more specifically, maybe using collaborations --

[1:52:03] it might save costs on some stuff which --

[1:52:07] and having them help out and --

[1:52:15] >> I think either T or Jason said --

[1:52:19] experts that we feel need to be --

[1:52:22] and have all that put into this -- before we say yes to it.

[1:52:30] >> (inaudible) but to look at who we think needs to go

[1:52:35] in there and make sure -- yes to this agreement.

[1:52:40] It's an agreement that will -- taking in all the environmental

[1:52:47] -- and all those things.

[1:52:51] Add that into this and see if they say --

[1:52:57] >> That's kind of where I'm at. (inaudible)

[1:53:10] >> To be clear, did you say you had confirmed the --

[1:53:13] and electrical engineer health experts?

[1:53:18] >> They said they would include those.

[1:53:21] >> Okay.

[1:53:26] >> And we also as a council want to let him know what we are

[1:53:30] looking for in terms of -- >> So we can just ask the questions --

[1:53:40] looking to see if that is -- (inaudible) and in that case,

[1:53:56] (inaudible) we've heard some of the things --

[1:53:59] is there anything else you want to ask?

[1:54:02] In terms of what we might be looking for? >> (inaudible)

[1:54:14] >> Yes sir.

[1:54:17] >> I think it would be good if -- (inaudible).

[1:54:27] Just take -- if someone said we got the perfect spot,

[1:54:34] all we need is --

[1:54:39] I think we have to be as cautious (inaudible)

[1:54:48] we are the owners and we just say -- let them help us.

[1:54:54] They do a lot of research -- (inaudible) A lot of clients ask

[1:55:15] for non-disclosure agreements. (inaudible) Which is everybody

[1:55:42] but one now. (inaudible)

[1:55:58] [inaudible conversation]

[1:56:07] At this time are there any other directions or instructions --

[1:56:11] or is this something that needs to be --?

[1:56:18] (inaudible) I'm not hearing any opposition to that.

[1:56:37] This will remain on the agenda for next month.

[1:56:43] The item will be on the agenda next month.

[1:56:46] If you have any questions (inaudible),

[1:56:52] probably get together with Ronny.

[1:56:53] Does that make sense? >> (inaudible)

[1:57:06] probably better to have a motion.

[1:57:09] Entertain a motion to move this to the next >>

[1:57:17] For clarification, just the Georgia Tech proposal?

[1:57:21] (inaudible)

[1:57:24] >> Bring back everything. (inaudible) just keep us

[1:57:28] Apprized of the ordinance stuff because --

[1:57:30] send you something as well.

[1:57:37] So just forwarding this to the September Committee,

[1:57:41] and all those in favor -- is there any further business?

[1:57:51] Hearing none come that meeting is adjourned to.

[1:57:55] >> I call to order the Economic Development Committee.

[1:57:58] First order of business is to approve the minutes.

[1:58:06] >> Approve.

[1:58:08] >> Second.

[1:58:09] >> All in favor?

[1:58:11] Motion passes 3-0.

[1:58:16] >> Kelsey, how are you?

[1:58:17] Doing well.

[1:58:18] Our next order of business is the fiscal year 25 CDBG CAPER.

[1:58:29] >> This is our end of year program report for program year

[1:58:32] 2025 and it's currently out for public comment until September

[1:58:36] 11th.

[1:58:36] We have a public review meeting scheduled for 11:00 on Tuesday

[1:58:41] September 8th.

[1:58:43] This doesn't require a vote to.

[1:58:45] It's just a presentation.

[1:58:46] Just a brief overview of our funding from last year.

[1:58:51] We received over $417,000 in our yearly allocation and then we

[1:58:57] had some rollover from prior year's.

[1:58:59] We had about $583,000 to work with and we spent a little over

[1:59:06] $468,000.

[1:59:07] 15% of our budget is capped for public services which is roughly

[1:59:13] $60,000.

[1:59:13] And we had six recipients that expended that.

[1:59:17] All of this money has to be spent

[1:59:19] on city of Marietta residents that are low to moderate income.

[1:59:23] These are the six recipients we had and their outcomes.

[1:59:27] So the center for Family Resources

[1:59:30] served six households which had 15 individuals

[1:59:33] and they provided emergency rental assistance

[1:59:35] so everyone they provide assistance for

[1:59:38] is received an eviction notice and is

[1:59:41] on the cusp of becoming homeless and they provide assistance

[1:59:44] to prevent that. (inaudible) for children and their parents

[1:59:53] and they provide services to abused and neglected children.

[1:59:57] (inaudible) 14 individuals through their Glad program

[2:00:01] which provides domestic violence counseling.

[2:00:04] An extension serves 62 homeless women through their residential

[2:00:08] substance abuse program and -- through their after school

[2:00:14] program.

[2:00:15] All of that done just with a $60,000,

[2:00:19] which we always like to talk about.

[2:00:21] We had a little over $97,000 left over from prior years that

[2:00:27] we had allocated for public facilities and improvements

[2:00:30] and we finally got to spend that.

[2:00:33] CDBG money paid for the installation and equipment

[2:00:36] of the playground.

[2:00:38] We're really proud that that funding got in.

[2:00:41] And got some money that we've been holding for a few years.

[2:00:46] For housing rehabilitation and this is our largest program.

[2:00:50] We expended a little over $228,000 serving 12 households

[2:00:56] and then we had three households that we spent money on that were

[2:01:00] not yet complete.

[2:01:01] All in all that was a little over $151,000 of grants provided

[2:01:07] to mostly senior citizen households.

[2:01:10] All but two of our households served last year or 62 or older.

[2:01:14] The average income of those 12 households was right at $24,000.

[2:01:21] >> Can you tell me the acronym --

[2:01:27] >> ELD is elderly and disabled.

[2:01:28] We do grants up to $50,000 for households that are extremely

[2:01:34] low income and elderly or disabled.

[2:01:37] These are people on the very bottom of that income range.

[2:01:42] LBP is lead based paint.

[2:01:45] We have to test any house built before 1978

[2:01:47] for lead based paint.

[2:01:49] If it tests hot we have to abate that.

[2:01:51] We did one lead based paint project last year and five

[2:01:55] emergency projects.

[2:02:03] >> Sure.

[2:02:03] Most of the time they include some sort of plumbing issue.

[2:02:06] We actually got one a few weeks ago from Marietta Water.

[2:02:10] Somebody had a $5,000 water bill and they called us and said

[2:02:14] clearly he has a leak.

[2:02:16] It's on his side.

[2:02:17] Can we help?

[2:02:18] We were able to go in within a week

[2:02:21] and fix that and get him back on track.

[2:02:23] Some of the others are if an elderly person

[2:02:26] doesn't have heat or air conditioning comet

[2:02:29] we consider that an emergency.

[2:02:32] What we usually do is we bump them

[2:02:33] to the top of the list for that and then most of the time

[2:02:36] they have other issues and we put them back on the list

[2:02:39] and when we get to their order we complete the rest.

[2:02:45] >> (inaudible)

[2:02:51] >> No, not currently.

[2:02:52] They've never submitted an application for funding.

[2:02:54] This is just a map of where the projects we completed last year

[2:03:00] fall.

[2:03:01] Funny enough, we tend to do things in clusters.

[2:03:04] Will not serve an area for years and then we'll do three --

[2:03:08] Roosevelt Circle is one of those.

[2:03:09] We hadn't done a project in quite a few years

[2:03:12] and then we did three their right almost beside each other.

[2:03:16] And we typically have a concentration

[2:03:19] in the Booth road area or the Tower Ridge area as well.

[2:03:28] And here are some pictures.

[2:03:31] Because we did a lot of emergencies,

[2:03:33] we didn't have as many fancy things to show.

[2:03:37] And with a declining budget, we pretty much tried to stick

[2:03:40] to that $15,000 maximum because the money you can spend on more

[2:03:47] projects than just doing one large project.

[2:03:50] Another one.

[2:04:00] And that is all.

[2:04:03] Any questions?

[2:04:04] We don't have to vote.

[2:04:06] We just have to present it and there's still public comment

[2:04:09] for the public to submit any comments or questions until

[2:04:12] September 11th. >> (inaudible) Them it just has to be

[2:04:24] presented.

[2:04:25] That's what's in our plan.

[2:04:27] No official motion or anything has to be taken.

[2:04:31] >> Thank you.

[2:04:32] You're doing good work.

[2:04:35] >> You all have been very supportive and we always

[2:04:37] appreciate it. >>

[2:04:45] >> Any other questions?

[2:04:46] All right.

[2:04:48] With that said, we will adjourn the Economic Development

[2:04:56] Committee meeting.

[2:04:58] Call the Public Works Committee meeting for order.

[2:05:02] First is meeting minutes from July 28th.

[2:05:05] Motion and second.

[2:05:07] All those in favor?

[2:05:09] Passes 3 to 0.

[2:05:13] Let's take the next three items in sequence. >>

[2:05:21] Thank you Mr. Chairman.

[2:05:22] 2016 SPLOST -- I think you received the email from Rachel

[2:05:30] announcing the ribbon cutting for September the 18th,

[2:05:33] 10:30 a.m.

[2:05:34] Over at Aviation Park.

[2:05:36] I'll try to get you a calendar invite out so you have --

[2:05:41] but I hope to see all of you there.

[2:05:43] We finally get it rescheduled and hopefully --

[2:05:49] (inaudible) out in the sun too much.

[2:05:51] We will have a ribbon cutting at that time.

[2:05:54] That's all I have on 2016.

[2:05:56] Do you have any questions?

[2:05:59] No?

[2:06:01] Okay.

[2:06:02] 2022, a few updates.

[2:06:08] We are continuing to move forward with the intersection

[2:06:11] improvements.

[2:06:12] That project is being prepared to go out to bid.

[2:06:16] Now we're finishing up the right of way acquisition.

[2:06:21] Franklin gateway Ridge replacement --

[2:06:23] we're waiting the contract now with the contractor.

[2:06:26] So we can get that finalized and the start date on that one.

[2:06:31] Same thing on New Polk Road and Wiley Road.

[2:06:35] We're waiting for the contract to be signed.

[2:06:39] We have had for crossing projects

[2:06:42] finished in the last few days.

[2:06:45] So Chestnut Hill Road, that crossing has been finished.

[2:06:51] We've got a couple touch ups. I drove by today.

[2:06:56] The contractor has finished up primarily on that one.

[2:07:01] So that one is done.

[2:07:03] Victory in the park was another one that --

[2:07:09] (inaudible) so that one is done as well.

[2:07:14] We already had mid-block crossings.

[2:07:17] We just added our FBS, a little safer for traffic purposes.

[2:07:23] So Cherokee and Dobbs --

[2:07:25] First Baptist Church. (inaudible) plus you.

[2:07:30] So we've got all of the signs and everything --

[2:07:35] and they're now complete. (inaudible)

[2:07:43] >> Again, which was already there --

[2:07:44] instead of having a static sign -- electronic signs to help --

[2:07:50] so all I have on the 2022 list --

[2:07:54] I won't ask any questions. >> (inaudible) any estimate on when

[2:08:03] that might be moving on?

[2:08:05] I mean we are a little closer.

[2:08:07] I've reviewed the first plan. (inaudible)

[2:08:21] >> The performance report -- you have that in front of you.

[2:08:25] Nothing out of the ordinary. (inaudible) inspection

[2:08:32] or sanitation -- everything seems to be going steady.

[2:08:38] A couple of other announcements as far as the department goes.

[2:08:43] We do have a retirement for one of our long term

[2:08:47] employees, John Edwards.

[2:08:48] He's in our engineering division and we went a little

[2:08:52] over 29 years in retiring this Friday.

[2:08:55] He'll be on the second floor.

[2:08:57] 1 to 3:00.

[2:08:58] If you have the opportunity we appreciate you coming by

[2:09:01] and saying goodbye to him.

[2:09:02] Did he decided to hang it up and move on.

[2:09:06] He's been our stormwater inspector

[2:09:08] for the last several years.

[2:09:11] He is moving on now.

[2:09:14] And then the Board of Zoning Appeals --

[2:09:17] reminding me we have our construction Board of Appeals

[2:09:21] as well.

[2:09:21] A couple of you I've been in contact with.

[2:09:24] We've got a couple vacancies that we need to fill.

[2:09:27] But also all the rest of you, all the other regular

[2:09:32] appointments are set to expire December 31st.

[2:09:36] So you all need to look at your current appointments

[2:09:40] and decide what you want to do with those.

[2:09:43] We need all of that taken care of.

[2:09:47] We don't have anything on the agenda but --

[2:09:51] he will need a meeting sometime at the first of the year

[2:09:54] for some code updates.

[2:09:57] Some procedural things he needs to go over with the board.

[2:10:02] (inaudible)

[2:10:07] >> Construction Board of appeals.

[2:10:12] >> They are set to hear any appeals related to building code

[2:10:16] interpretations, construction codes -- or fire code.

[2:10:20] For the Fire Marshal's office.

[2:10:26] We preferred if people have some sort of construction experience.

[2:10:30] It's not required but -- if you can find somebody,

[2:10:36] that makes it go a little easier.

[2:10:44] >> For the Construction Board of Appeals --

[2:10:46] or the appointments in case -- don't want them to continue.

[2:10:56] (inaudible)

[2:11:04] >> November.

[2:11:05] December.

[2:15:09] [NO AUDIO]

[2:19:36] >> All those opposed?

[2:19:37] 2 to 1.

[2:19:40] All right.

[2:19:44] >> I am in consent.

[2:19:47] No consent.

[2:19:49] Next item is donation of right of way.

[2:19:56] >> During the review process for the redevelopment --

[2:19:59] for Williams commercial Properties 1810 LLC.

[2:20:03] Public works requested the right of way

[2:20:05] be donated for sidewalk expansion in this area

[2:20:08] as shown in the attached documents.

[2:20:10] We have received -- for the donation of right of way from 80

[2:20:14] 1010 Williams Drive.

[2:20:16] Quitclaim deed is from Williams Commercial Properties 1810 LLC

[2:20:20] and consists of a total of 921 files

[2:20:22] and square feet of right of way and this is located in Ward six

[2:20:26] B.

[2:20:34] >> Can I ask you a quick question?

[2:20:39] >> Yes sir, we would have no plans to put a sidewalk on that

[2:20:42] side.

[2:20:44] I would prefer to have the right of way -- be my motion approved.

[2:21:01] >> Yes.

[2:21:03] [laughter]

[2:21:03] >> I think that's the second.

[2:21:06] >> There's a word in here that makes no sense.

[2:21:10] (inaudible) if you look under the description, that's --

[2:21:28] >> Oh jeez.

[2:21:30] >> It doesn't invalidate it.

[2:21:31] It just -- unless it's -- (inaudible) first page

[2:21:45] of the quick claim -- all that track of parcel of land B --

[2:21:53] exhibit A and B, attached -- incorporated herein

[2:21:59] by reference.

[2:22:04] >> I think it's meant to be here to. >> (inaudible) you've got

[2:22:09] to do with that one says.

[2:22:12] >> Can I offer a suggestion on this one?

[2:22:16] (inaudible) ask our attorney to take a look through that and see

[2:22:20] if it matches -- if it doesn't match then --

[2:22:23] to get the correct language in there.

[2:22:27] Maybe we have a motion and second.

[2:22:31] All those in favor?

[2:22:36] 3-0.

[2:22:36] Any objection to consent to?

[2:22:39] >> I want to see the outcome of that first. >> (inaudible)

[2:22:51] it might be better to just have -- on an updated form.

[2:22:59] >> (inaudible)

[2:23:04] >> Quite a few grammatical errors.

[2:23:08] >> It says grantor has signed and sealed --

[2:23:11] except there is no date

[2:23:18] >> This has questions that need to be resolved.

[2:23:20] Directions to the attorney?

[2:23:27] >> I'll be glad to.

[2:23:31] With that, I adjourn the public works meeting.

[2:23:37] >> I like to call the special called Council Meeting.

[2:23:40] July the 28th meeting minutes.

[2:23:45] >> Motion to approve.

[2:23:46] >> Second.

[2:23:47] All those in favor?

[2:23:50] Executive session? >> (inaudible)

[2:24:00] >> I conclude the minutes -- going to consider that contract

[2:24:06] --

[2:24:09] I'd like some executive discussion and comments before

[2:24:13] we take it to the -- maybe I'm what?

[2:24:25] Maybe I'm beginning legal advice on -- (inaudible).

[2:24:34] >> (inaudible)

[2:24:36] >> It is. (inaudible)

[2:24:47] >> All those in favor?

[2:24:47] Opposed?

[2:24:48] Motion carries. (inaudible)

[2:24:55] have a good time. (laughs)

City Council Committee Meetings on 2026-08-25 5:15 PM

Agenda

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