Good morning. My name is Michelle Long Spears. I serve as the presiding officer and district 2 commissioner. Welcome to our January 13th
business meeting. I'm very excited to see a full house today. We have a lot of important things on our agenda. Today, we are honored to have our inspirational speaker
be a member of the Board of Commissioner family.
If Pastor Dimitrius McCoy would please come to the podium, we are very much looking forward
to your inspiring words this morning.
And I have to say, as he's making his way up there, he has been our backup presenter on
many occasions and does a wonderful job for it to hear from you again.
Good morning, everyone, and good morning to our CEO, our presiding officer, our board.
I will say that the very first time that I had an opportunity to do this
inspiration, I was able to do it off of my phone, but now I had to bring an iPad that
just tells you that I am aging a little bit.
For just a moment, I want to lift up a thought for all of us in this room to consider,
I thought that will help us to set the course for this first meeting of 2026.
The thought is the power of the end-between, the power of the end-between.
There's a scripture in Exodus that talks about Moses and talks about how he and children
of Israelites were approached by a body of water and they approached the body of water trying
to find their way to the other side.
This body of water was one that was an obstacle before them, but rather than turning around,
they continued.
We're living in a season where the issues before us are complex, the expectations are high,
and the decisions we make carry real consequence.
moments like this invite urgency, but they also require discernment. This is the first meeting of the year.
It is the meeting where leadership is set and responsibility is clarified, which places us squarely in the in-between.
If you can, just make it feel like we're in my church on Sunday morning, you just tell someone on your road the in-between.
You didn't say it loud enough, say it again, the in-between.
Which is what has been and what will be.
Scripture teaches us that histories, most consequential moments and outcomes are shaped not only
in moments of arrival and resolution, but in the space in-between.
between danger and deliverance, between fear and faith, between uncertainty and clarity
the in-between.
What stood before the people and Moses, which looked like a great threat when they were
surrounded by what appeared to be dangerous, when they did not know what was laying ahead,
the end between was really what brought them to the other side.
At first glance in human eye, if you look at the person next to you,
they're space in between you. Just look at the person next to you
and look at the space in between you. The human eye tells us that there is empty space between us.
We see distance, we assume division, we label difference.
But what appears empty is often unexamined.
I would propose that the space in between us, that there are solutions there.
That the space in between us, there is common ground, not yet discovered there.
That the space in between us, there is compromise not yet explored there, and in many cases there is peace, quiet, fragile but present in between us.
There's no song that many of us might have heard by Frankie Beverly and Mays, which says before I let go.
What often gets overlooked is the wisdom and the title of the song itself.
It reminds us that there's always a moment before release, before reaction, before decision,
before action.
That moment in between is what matters.
As I come to a close this meeting, I'm a Baptist minister, so that's my first close.
like it three.
This meeting exists in between, between one year and the next, between expectation and
execution, between authority being discussed and authority being exercised.
Commissioners, you sit as a legislative body and trust it with stewardship, you carry weight,
your posture sets the tone, and your ability to remain steady in moments of complexity,
E is itself a public service because leadership is not defined by how quickly power is exercised,
but how carefully it is handled in the in-between.
To the public engagement is a side of healthy democracy, participation reflects care.
Progress is strengthened when passion is paired with patience and concern is matched
with a willingness to allow space for process and dialogue.
When leadership and community alike commit
to working the space in between difference
and decision, trust is built.
Moses did not create a miracle by rushing forward
or by retreating in fear.
He did so by responding, understanding the power of what was in between, where he was,
and where he wanted to be.
If we honor the in between, if we resist the urge to collapse, complexity into conflict,
If we remain disciplined and posture and purpose, the space between us will become the space we hold in common.
The power of this moment is not only what we decide, but in how we conduct ourselves while we decide.
History reminds us that the in-between is where futures are shaped.
May we be wise enough to recognize the power of the in-between.
Gracious Lord, we thank you for this opportunity to share an inspiring message.
But more than that, we asked that you give us the discernment, the peace and the patience,
to before we react, look at the opportunities in the in-between, let this be a productive
meeting set us on a path that will be of great success for 2026 as we discover compromise,
as we discover progress, as we deal with the hard and challenging issues before us, but
understand even in the in-between, there's still an opportunity for greatness when we work
together to discover where we can meet in between.
Christ in my pray and thank you, amen.
Thank you so much, God bless you.
Thank you so much.
And we really appreciate your inspiring words.
And Pastor Dimitrius McCoy is the pastor
of the redemption life church.
Truly appreciate that.
Again, another round of applause for him.
Next, we'll move on to our pledge of allegiance,
what we'll be led by Commissioner Nicole Messiah.
the
United States of America and to the Republic,
what would just stand one nation under God
and do those at low with liberty and justice for all?
Today we have one presentation by Spark and I will meet my colleagues
down by the podium for those that are comfortable.
Those that are not feel free to stay up here.
Also while we transition down there,
just one of the audience to know that if we do run out
printed agendas. You may find a QR code on the outside wall of this door on my right where you see the exit sign.
And in addition, there is also an overflow room today, Madam Clerk, just to keep in mind for public comment.
Thank you. All right. See you all on the floor.
Thank you all for coming forward. I do need to have to ask.
You all can just come over here. Yep. To the right and then to the left.
Hi, how are you doing?
Hi.
Thank you, guys.
We're being here.
Again, my name is Michelle Longspear.
As I serve as the presiding officer, and I am truly honored to recognize a single parent
alliance in Resource Center, also known as Spark, for their outstanding leadership and steadfast commitment to families across
to Cap County. Spark is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing housing stability,
economic mobility, and the overall well-being of single parent families, and other vulnerable
households, and our community. What truly distinguishes this organization is its willingness
to look beyond traditional data and listen closely to families whose experiences are often
overlooked those that slip through the cracks. Most notably spark recently led the first county-wide study of its kind in the nation.
I'll repeat that in the nation, examining families living in extended stay hotels and motels.
These families frequently fall outside traditional definitions of homelessness, which means their needs are often overlooked.
They're often missing from public data, planning efforts, and policy decisions.
By addressing this critical gap, spark-brot visibility to a hidden housing reality affecting
families right here in our own community and all seven of our districts.
Supported by Georgia State University Center for Health and Homelessness and strengthened
by dedicated community advocates, such as Joyman Row, who is Executive Director of Spark,
and Sue Sullivan. This research offers county leaders valuable insight into who these families
are, where they live, and what they need to not just survive, but to thrive. Just as importantly,
it provides actionable data-informed recommendation to approve outcomes for children and families.
Through this work, Spark has helped position the Cab County as a leader in recognizing
housing instability beyond traditional systems of care, and in responding with compassion,
evidence, and purpose. On behalf of the Board of Commissioners and the residents of
the Cab County, it is my honor to present this proclamation today recognizing Spark for elevating
The voices of families living on the margins and helping them move our county forward.
On a personal note, I do want to thank Ms. Monroe for inviting me to come out and participate
in the study.
I'd also like to recognize Commissioner's Robert Patrick and Ted Terry for being my
co-sponsors of that study.
This was a bold move in Dekap County, as my experience of going out and helping them collect this data,
it was truly eye-opening to the realities that these families live in.
I've been out to one of the hotels on Memorial Drive twice now.
The first time I went out there, I watched over 30 children get off a bus and feed into the hotel.
Last time I was out there, I had a long conversation with an elderly man who has hit problems,
back problems, toe issues, and the list goes on, and he lives on the third floor of
a extended stay motel with no elevator, and that's not okay.
So I want to challenge our community, let's collectively say, that's not okay.
So for everyone who is not seeing the results of the SPART study, the extended stay hotel study as we refer to it,
I encourage all of you please to look at it.
Without further ado, I'd like to invite Joy Monroe, again, the Executive Director,
could come forward and say a few words, but before she does that,
if our Madam Clerk would please read the Proclamation into the Rugby.
Whereas, the single parent alliance and resource center, Spark is a Decav County Survey.
Building non-profit organization dedicated to advancing housing stability, economic mobility, and family
well-being for single parent families, and other vulnerable households. And where as families
with children, living in extended stay hotels and motels often fall outside traditional definitions
of homelessness and related data collection efforts, resulting in their needs being underrepresented
and public planning, policy development, and resource allocation.
And whereas to address this critical data gap,
spark led the first county-wide study of its kind
in the nation.
Examinating families living in extended state motels,
bringing visibility to an often overlooked housing reality,
affecting residents of the county.
And, whereas Georgia State University Center for Health and Homelessness provided essential research
expertise, methodology guidance, and analytical capacity to ensure the state's data collection
and findings, metaphors, academic, and ethical standards.
And, whereas Suze Sullivan, a respected community advocate, championed the effort to bring
this groundbreaking study to DeCab County,
amplifying the urgency of addressing the needs of families,
living in extended state motels, and serving as a catalyst
for collaboration, trust building, and community engagement
throughout the project.
And whereas the findings of this study offered
DeCab County leaders unprecedented insight into the scope,
geographic distribution, and lied experiences of families
residing and extended state motels along with actionable recommendations to strengthen housing
stability, family well-being and outcomes for children. And whereas this work positions,
the Camp County as a regional and national leader in recognizing, counting, and responding
to housing instability beyond traditional systems of care. Now therefore I, presiding officer
Michelle Long Spears, along with the Board of Commissioners, on the half of the Cap County,
and it's more than 775,000 citizens, do hereby recognize and command the single parent
alliance and resource center spark, Georgia State University's Center for Health and Homelessness,
Sue Sullivan, and partner community leaders, for elevating the voices of families living on
margins and advanced and compassionate data and form housing solutions and decap county.
Proclame this 13th day of January, 2026.
Good morning and thank you.
One of the things of Spark is single doesn't mean alone.
It's one of the things that we train our single parents to understand that you have to have
a network of support.
And so this study reflects what we believe, because single does not mean alone.
It's not a study that we did alone.
It's a study that we did with our trusted partners.
So Sue and Georgia state, if you could join me?
Is this the second one?
We wanted to thank the cab county for the vision
of seeing the importance of this study
and of this count and for being visionary enough
to see the hidden homeless and understand
that their voice matters and should be at the table as well.
A very special thanks to Sue Sullivan,
who tirelessly champions the voice of families that are living and extended stay hotels and
voices that have been previously unheard. And for Georgia State who worked tirelessly as
well and rigorously to ensure that the data that was presented to you is data that can withstand
any test and trust me. They really did that. But also, a special thank you to DeCab County for
recognizing the need and for partnering with Spark.
I think it's important sometimes for small and medium-sized non-profits who may see problems
and think that they have to be a big non-profit, you have to be, you know, national or international
or statewide or, you know, some major non-profit in order to bring a problem to the forefront.
And I want to thank the Cabinet for recognizing the problem and being willing to partner
with Spark and to work with us.
So thank you, Commissioner Patrick, Commissioner Michelle Long's
Spears and Commissioner Tateri.
Thank you for that as well.
I want to give you guys a minute.
I just want to add that this, like Joyce said,
we did not do alone.
We had 50 volunteers that volunteered with the Georgia State Center
on Health and Homelessness.
We were out every weekend for three months.
And very surprisingly, I think we had like three no shows total.
And if you have ever worked in volunteer work,
know that that is unheard of. You're lucky to get 50% of the people that
sign up and so this really speaks to I think the passion that not only we have
but that our community has related to this issue. I also just want to give a extra
big thanks to our team at the Center on Health and Homelessness. We are a small but mighty
team just like spark and also Sue and so this was a large undertaking but we did
and I hope all of you all will read the report and be as impacted as we were, as we
just get what we were all in this hotel.
For Kai, I mean, now we'll take some photos and Chief of Staff McCoy, if you could come back up,
so we might pin you. You might have your 87th pin.
and I'll give you a second point.
I'll give you a second point.
All right.
I need to do it.
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, you're right.
Sorry about that.
if I get a chance, if I get a chance, if I get a chance, I get a chance.
The next portion of our agenda is comments from the public, but before we begin, I would
like to take a personal point of privilege.
And thank all of my colleagues, my six commissioner colleagues, for supporting me last year
unanimously to serve as a presiding officer in 2025.
Last year was definitely a year.
And I believe my colleague brought in a cake today.
And what does it say on the cake?
We made it to 2026.
Thank you.
Thank you, Commissioner Patrick.
That was quite the surprise.
But while it was an interesting year
and got a little bit crunchy and spirited,
we had really hard issues that we were grappling with.
I am tremendously proud of the accomplishments of this board.
To name a few, we had two retreats last year,
one in the beginning part of the year, and one towards the end of the year.
One of those retreats was in partnership with the CEO.
The retreat in the fall was really around education
and convening our fifth floor staff as we refer to our clerks.
our central staff, our law department, all of us, our teams, our district offices, to really just kind of get together and think about what 20, 26 will look like.
We also hosted in partnership with the CEO, a work session to develop our legislative agenda.
We did, I think, a fantastic job.
So truly a shout out to Mr. John Manson, and also to our lobbyist Dan, who I don't see here today, might be watching us online.
You guys truly did a wonderful job.
And all of that led up to a legislative brunch that we hosted at the Capitol.
We did have a few members of the public join us.
In addition, I was very proud.
something I wanted to do since I joined this board back in 23 was to host not one, but two joint
meetings between the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education. We had one in the spring
and one in the fall for everyone who has followed the news. There was a lot going on where
our school district, and I believe that when times are tough we must stand together, lift each other
up and help them out. I also worked very hard last year on bringing structure to our commission.
We implemented several rules to ensure consistency through our meeting to maintain decorum rules such as limiting how long a commissioner can speak, how many presentations we have, the link that those presentations and so on.
Today, we do have the vote for our presiding officer and deputy presiding officer for
2026.
A very much looking look forward to passing the gavel to one of my competent colleagues to serve
as a presiding officer.
I believe that we have an opportunity right now with one season commissioner having not
served as presiding officer and three new commissioners having not served as presiding officer.
to give folks the opportunity to lead this board and to continue the momentum that we started
in 2025, every presiding officer brings their own flavor, their own ideas to the Commission.
Patric was a presiding officer when I came on board. Commissioner Maria Davis Johnson was a
presiding officer of the year prior to me and I very much look forward to finding out what
Our new presiding officer does, and watching that individual just develop into our leader.
All right.
Moving on to comments from the public if Madam Clerk will please read the instructions
into the record.
The purpose of public comment is to allow the public to voice county related requests, concerns
or opinions during the commission meeting.
Speakers will only have the opportunity for one public comment per meeting.
Each speaker must please complete a speaker card and present it to the clerk before the
beginning of the public comment portion of the meeting.
Courts turned into the clerk from the time the general meeting is convened, generally
9am, and by the beginning of public comment portion, generally following presentations on
the agenda.
The clerk will accept cards on a first-come-first-seared basis, prior to the clerk's call for
public comment, speakers who are residents of the camp counting shall be allowed to speak
before residents of other counties are allowed to speak.
Speakers will be allowed to speak for three minutes each,
and public comment should not exceed 30 minutes in length.
When the buzzer sounds to indicate that time has run out,
the speaker will be expected to immediately
see speaking and to yield the podium.
Those who submitted speaker cars
but did not speak because of the time development,
will be allowed to speak first at the next regular
and scheduled commission meeting
without regard to residents.
Sneakers should always talk directly into the microphone and begin by stating their name,
full address, and the name of the New Organization they represent.
Abusive, profane, a derogatory language holding up signs, clapping, yelling, standing,
laying in the house to show support for opposition to a speaker will not be permitted.
But a show of hands are quietly standing in place will be permitted to show support for
or opposition to a speaker's position.
Thank you, Madam Clerk.
Again, audience, as a reminder,
if you did not get an agenda printed agenda,
there's a QR code on the outside wall on my right
when you go out this auditorium.
We also have an overflow room.
We have a lot of people as you see and attendance today.
I am going to reread one of the statements,
Madam Clerk just stated regarding our presence
and our decorum here today that we experience together.
Abusive.
Profane or derogatory language, holding up signs, clapping, yelling, standing or laying in the aisles to show support for or opposition to a speaker will not be permitted.
But as show a hands or quietly standing in place or snapping, we'll be permitted to show support for or opposition to a speaker's position.
So please folks, let's follow the rules and we unfortunately have had some pretty spirited meetings in the past few months and I really would like for all of us to be able to remain in this room together.
All right, go ahead and call our first speaker, please.
We have some citizens from our last meeting at my Tacombo's first.
Go ahead, ma'am.
Rebande Cosby.
Ms. Cosby, are you present today?
Ms. Cosby.
Next one.
Jeff Faultaroi.
Mr. Faultaroi, are you present?
Rita, the Lantic.
Ms. Faultaroi.
Rita, next speaker.
Mary Ann Amart.
Ms. Amad, come on forward, please state your name and address for the record.
My name is Iman Gadala.
Wait, wait, hold on. I'm sorry. What is your name? Iman.
And who did you call?
Mary Ann Amad.
Oh, Mary Ann Amad.
Continue, please.
Eliza Lasell.
Eliza, are you present?
Dr. Eliza Lasell.
Dr. Lizell, next speaker, Brian Daley, Mr. Daley, next speaker, Stacey Stocks,
Mr.
Stocks, next speaker, Eric, and I'm going to spell this because I can't pronounce
it. It's B-U-L-A-L-A-I-T-E-S. Eric, are you with us today?
Seeing no Eric, next speaker.
Okay.
Dating Douglas.
Are you present with us?
Nope.
Brandon Brown.
Mr. Brown.
Continue.
Stephen Benny.
Mr. Benny.
We know you're here.
Welcome to the podium, sir.
And happy New Year, Mr. Benny.
Good morning, commissioners.
Thank you for your kind words about Betty Arlington last week.
she touched a lot of hearts during her time, and her life here with the cab county, including mine.
Congratulations, Mr. Darnell Fullam on your appointment as Director of Public Safety.
It is well-deserved, but I have to agree with the commission, finding you in a coat and tie will be harder than playing
where's Waldo with my grandson.
Dr. Martin Luther King was, is still a great man, but his dreams seem farther away than ever.
As people gain wealth and position in life, they tend to become more interested in keeping what they have instead of helping elevate those less fortunate than themselves.
If the poor and homeless are out of sight, they appear to be out of mind.
All the things Dr. King fought for during his life are disappearing in the same age, including voting rights among other things.
Dr. King wished for a day when all of us could be judged by the color of would not be judged by the color of our skin,
by the content of our character. In today's world it seems we are judged by both the color of
our skin and the content of our character, and that allows things to get very ugly. I have
hopes that as individuals and as a society we can be better. On a smaller scale, I have some
dreams for the cab county as we enter 2026. As we are on day two of the legislative session,
I dream that the charter review recommendations will be ready for submission to the
Decable Legislative delegation by the end of January so that the people will finally
be able to vote on them in November.
I dream that entrenchment Creek Park will be open to the public by the end of March for
the spring and summer seasons.
I also hope we reach an agreement with Ryan Wilson, Ryan no slap are taking the court.
I dream the county realizes it is a mistake to do business with a company like Sky Harper who is likely not surviving the coming recession.
I dream of the data center zoning resolution that limits the possible use of campus-sized data centers to heavy industrial areas,
so that none of our neighbors and friends have to deal with that.
I dream of a budget process that can be finished by the end of the year instead of carrying on until two months into our fiscal year, and we don't have to borrow money anymore to run our government.
I dream of a world where the cab county no longer has to do million dollar contracts with the rain, Renee Group.
I dream of finally resolving our issues with Mr. Vaughan Irons and with the ethics board and that the law department will finally come to some kind of conclusion or compromise.
And finally, I dream of a county commission that can work together in a constructive and cooperative way for the betterment of its citizens as improbable as that seems.
Thank you very much.
Thank you, next speaker, please.
Roslan McIntyre.
Welcome to podium, please state your name and address for the record.
Good morning, Roslan McIntyre, the CAP County.
Let's talk about transparency.
High-posed scale data centers are substantial economic investments.
But whether the return on investments to local governments from incentive packages, tax
of bakedments and utilitarian rate reductions,
will be a substantial win-win for both parties is highly debated.
The data sent an industry has embraced secrecy, hiding behind non-disclosure agreements and LLCs.
And minutes-day governments have enabled such packages to attract promises of economic boom to tax revenue and job creation.
So are they really economic does that strain local resources and shift costs to taxpayers despite promises of community funding benefits?
Northern Virginia known as the world's data center capital, a 2020-24 legislative audit
examined the economic impact of the data center sales tax exemptions and concluded that
on average, the state collected only 48 cents for every $1.00 in tax revenue for the
use 2014 to 2023. In Georgia, the CLEC Center for Economic Growth at UGA in 2016 has cautioned
The economic forecast regarding the effective incentives versus revenue growth may prove
underwhelming, quote, unfortunately, research shows that in most states only a portion
of newly created jobs go to target residents, though the economic impact of billions of
dollars in capital investment by data centers is undeniable.
their long-term employment and induced economic impact may be much smaller than
imagine. Data centers do create high, do create high-paying jobs, but
employment numbers are low. In 2026, Alex Davis, the largest tech investment
company CEO wrote the following to his investors, and I quote, while I continue to
believe on going to advance Ms. and AI technology present once in a lifetime
investment opportunity, I also continue to see risks and reason for caution and investment
discipline. The build it and they will come strategy is a trap. If you are a hyper scale that
you are on your own data centers, we foresee significant financing crisis in 2027 through 2028
for speculative landlords. We want to back the owner users, not the speculative landlords,
and we are quite concerned for their stress on the system.
You were elected as stewards to protect our communities, not to be complicit with the
billionaires who rape and pillage our communities because the leaders are too amateuristic
identify the ultimate goals.
Will you be transparent, be transparent in the tax abatements and utility rate reductions
you promised the investors so the public can objectively assess the true economic impact
run the economic analysis before any contracts are signed.
Thank you.
Next speaker, please.
Joan Monroe.
Welcome to the podium, please.
State your name and address for the record.
Good morning.
Joan Monroe district four.
In brief, very brief.
I applied to the annex from the city of Stone Mountain.
Due to my exposing an illegal contract entered by the City of Turny with Padsblid and having
complained about corruption in the city, I'm being retaliated against.
The City of Turny is insisting that I provide documentation for annexation procedure rather
than deannexation procedure.
I know of two other citizens who have deannexed without any problems whatsoever.
I followed all the law requires to deannix and more.
All my paperwork is in order.
I believe the city does not want my petition letter to become public.
The city is stonewalling me.
The city flunked the 2024 audit and they're looking for bonds.
According to current state law, the city has no right to hold up my petition.
This is not only abuse of a citizen, but elder abuse.
Some of you are aware of my plight, but as of now, the city is still acting outside the law and appears to be much of the time.
I ask for your assistance in bringing resolve.
As an aside, January 1st around 12.30 a.m.
I heard automatic and semi-automatic gunfire and considered very dangerous.
I called 911 and asked if the operator asked if I saw who was shooting, I said no, it's not safe to go outside when you hear automatic gunfire, I'm sitting inside away from the windows.
I gave her the address it was coming from. I finally headed for bed. Later that day I noticed a text from 911 asking for a video.
I obviously had none and I doubt anyone ever showed up.
Thank you.
Next speaker, please.
Larry Foster.
Welcome, Mr. Foster.
State your name and address for the record.
Good morning, commissioners.
I'm Larry Foster, a 48-year resident of unincorporated
DeCab County living at 25-72 rain-free drive.
I hope you had a wonderful holiday and now are ready to start
the new year by pursuing a new intellectual challenge with me.
I'm going to discuss one of the biggest scam arguments that Sky Harbor has used to try to convince the BLC to approve its sweetheart deal to lease valuable county owned property at PDK airport for up to 50 years.
First, however, one word you need to know is sophistry.
The dictionary defines sophistry as a clever and plausible but false and unsound argument intended to mislead.
that perfectly describes Sky Harbor's clever but false claims that because of aircraft
repositioning, more fully explained below, building the new Sky Harbor hangers for
more than 100 new jets to base at PDK would not significantly increase PDK's disruptive
flight operations.
The question of the appropriate additional number of flight operations of the approximate
would bring to PDK. Should have been easy to answer because the 2040 PDK master plan produced by
PDK's go-to consultant, Baker International, had already estimated that on average each
additional aircraft-based at PDK produces an average of 125 additional flight operations annually.
The prospect of so many additional larger, noisier and more polluting flight operations at PDK
outrates to concern public and led more than 3,200 people who are already bothered by PDK
flights to sign a petition opposing the new PDK hangers. To try to counteract these serious
public concerns sky harbour developed a complex and misleading airport repositioning argument.
It was that if a jet-based at another airport wanted to fly into PDK to pick up passengers,
take them to another location, bring them back to PDK, and then fly back to its own airport
That took four flights, but if that same aircraft were based at the new Sky Harbor hangers,
its flights could be cut in half. Wow, great.
What Sky Harbor didn't say was how many such flights took place at PDK.
Steve Vinny, Vinny's PLC public comment on December 9th produced that solid factual evidence.
He reported that over the past 30 years of PDK operations, only 1% of PDK flights involved airport repositioning.
That was a minuscule number that would almost have no impact at all on overall flight numbers.
In short, sky harbors, ingenious and elaborate sophistry about the potential reduction in PDK flight operations due to airport repositioning was a complete scam.
Shame on sky harbors for engaging in such deception and shame on the commissioners for being taken in in such nonsense and believing that the dramatic proposed infrastructures at PDK airport.
Would not damage the lives and well-being of more than a tenth of the
capacity. Thank you, Sarah. You've exhausted your time. I.T. Obviously, our buzzers
not working. Okay. Next speaker, please. Karen Devon, Port.
Welcome to the podium.
The morning commissioners. My name is Karen Devon, Port.
And today, I'm speaking to you, Rip.
Presenting the Decab Democratic Committee. I really appreciate all of the efforts that the commission
makes in seriously considering all of the matters that impact us as citizens. Today, you will
be looking at a resolution 2025, 0390. And I wanted to clearly state that our committee
is very much in support of this resolution. Particularly is important, I think, as a support
who are police that really, really are trying hard to serve us as a community. By establishing
this community advisory board, we think that it will give insight and information to our
police. It's kind of hard to understand what someone in an LGBTQ community or homeless community
or an immigrant community actually experience unless you are actually in that community. So
have an award that can share valuable information to our police.
We think we'll help in transparency and helping them better do their job.
So please consider positive action on the resolution 2025-0390.
Thank you.
Thank you for your comments.
Next speaker, please.
Steve Parker.
Welcome, Mr. Parker.
Please state your name and address for the record.
My name is Steve Parker.
I live at 590 East Freeman Street, indicator, right in this neighborhood.
I'm speaking in support of 2025, I'm sorry, Bill, Resolution 2025-0390 that the
staff in port was just discussing.
I'd like to thank commissioners, Terry and their staff and commissioner of Bolton for assisting
the LGBT community and understanding the hate crimes identification training program within
the Decab County Police Department. We'd like to thank Chief Patrick and the Decab County Police
Department for providing more details about that program. We are very pleased that the Department
will incorporate a dedicated LGBTQ plus awareness training course that will be required of all
to warn personnel beginning this March, 2006.
Thank you so much for that.
A community advisory board promotes trust and law enforcement,
provides transparency and accountability,
and serves as a collaborative sounding board
that provides feedback on community concerns, policies,
and engagement strategies.
This enhances relationships between the police department
and the various communities it serves.
appointees would represent a diverse cross-section of
the CAD County's communities that bring knowledge,
experience, and commitment to fostering constructive community
concerns.
We hope that an advisory board would include representation
from the LGBTQ plus community, the immigrant community,
the homeless community, and many, many others.
My trans friends will tell you that they avoid exposure to the police department, because they fear violence and mistreatment.
This is about education and collaboration with the police department.
Thank you for your consideration.
Thank you, sir. Next speaker, please.
Carol, I'm on.
Welcome to the podium. Please state your name and address for the record.
Good morning, my name is Caroline Amman.
I am the educator community.
I am, I want to speak on two things.
First, I do want to congratulate Sue Sullivan and Joy for their recognition.
Another hat I wear is I have a nonprofit bookmobile and I've gone to the extended
state motels and worked with the kids there and something to keep in mind is that when
kids are there, and they have to leave that location because they can't pay for it anymore.
They also often have to leave their school.
And so those families and those children suffer from being so behind in their reading that
several kids I actually started to teach to read that were like in third or fourth grade.
So thank you all for working on that.
That is awesome.
That is so, so great.
I am also, the other had I wear is I'm the head of the Decatur Community for the Decab Democrats.
That's about nine voting precincts and I'm here in support of my super great friends, Eve Parker.
And I want to speak about the resolution I also do want to thank the Decab Police Department for having a training required training for their sworn personnel beginning in 2026.
with an awareness around LGBTQ plus issues and sensitivity.
Pastor McCoy spoke about the space in between, and having a community advisory board
is a bridge in that space in between.
He spoke about how inside that space in between, sometimes you see distance in distance implies
division and division makes you assume things about the other folks that are on the other side
of you that those assumptions may not actually even beat their assumptions, they're not necessarily
true.
And so trust is lost and you don't have the ability to build that trust, but a advisory board,
think about it all and advisory board with people from all these different communities that
to talk about their issues and the things that are having
presenting difficulties for them, they would be heard.
They would be heard by the police force.
And the police, they don't want to do a bad job.
They don't want to do that.
They want to understand.
And so this advisory board would help build that understanding.
And inside that understanding, trust would be built.
And maybe trans people wouldn't be afraid
of the police anymore.
Maybe there'd be education and community
in collaboration and all the things that we all want as residents of DeCab County.
So I know you guys are, I know you guys have been working on this and you've been looking
at this and I appreciate it and hopefully we can move forward.
Thank you.
Thank you, next speaker, please.
Our next speaker is Joel and I am not able to pronounce the last name, or to spell it.
It's good to know.
Good morning.
Have a new year.
Thank you.
My name is Joe Edwards, is that who you're calling?
Is it Joe Edwards?
State your address, please.
21 29.
That's the right answer.
Okay, fantastic.
Okay, can you give me a turn back please?
There you go.
Let me say one thing.
I'm a country boy.
I moved to the cab to Atlanta.
I'm sorry to Georgia in 1966.
to six, and I have moved from Lake Charles, the Louisiana.
Lake Charles, Louisiana, sets along in the state 10.
30 miles from Texas Board.
Yeah, Paul Mount Texas, Paul Route the Texas,
Lake Charles, Badman Rules, New Orleans,
that whole section of the state is considered
cancer alley.
A lot of my folks have died.
because of the big establishments and the money that these companies have invested for themselves.
Okay?
Now we're here in the care county.
have want to establish a data center that's going to impact me, us, my family, environmentally.
We do not need this. We voted for commissioners to represent we the people.
That's what we want, and let me warn you, election time is coming, okay?
And if you are a Joan, come together with us and to attend to our needs and join us
And stopping this data center, that's going to be some repercussion in the ballot box.
Now, I would like to say that we support Super District Six Commission, the Territory,
is proposing to fund and conduct a health impact study, and an environmental study
during the next 12 months to determine the impact of large-scale data center on the Cab County
services.
Wow, Super District 7 Commissioner, Ladine of Oceans, vigorously, attempt to discredit
the source provided in the white paper produced and submitted by Renewed the Cab.
the county has provided no research at all at all. We have an attorney, we have a
scientist, we have an engineer on this board, and you're having done a study,
okay?
You're having done a study. That's, that's, this is the sense of the citizen to
care of county. And we want something done in the body. Now like I said before, we are
Thank you, sir.
All the town.
Thank you very much.
All right.
Cheryl.
Definitely.
Cheryl.
Miss Dudley.
Please come to the podium.
State your name and address for the record.
Good morning.
Cheryl Dudley.
Countryside East subdivision.
Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Happy New Year, everyone.
Not changed.
What I was going to say actually three times.
I came here for something personal, but I'm very glad I came here.
because I was not aware of the SPART study and what SPART does, but I can key and I think that's
wonderful.
Again, the home was population in these extended stay hotels, and it's very interesting.
I also attended a cab election board meetings every month, I've done that for the past year
or more, and I'm happy to say that that board meeting ended with, again, I always messed
up the pronunciation here with Mr. Obama-Raman, talking about trying to, again, as you
say, the parents of these children in order to be able to, again, further get more items
and they need to be make sure that they are in franchise.
And that's what he said about the Decava election board meetings this year, all these
folks that are in these extended state motels or hotels and other places need to be
assured that they can register to vote, which right now, unfortunately, the state of Georgia's
to make it more difficult for people to vote, try to suppress their vote by passing those
laws and putting them in the Constitution after 2020, which again, an election proved
Zillion times was a legal election. So that would be great. Maybe a study can be done or something
along the lines or with the election board to make sure those folks are registered to vote
because they're, you're disenfranchising a whole lot of people and again for a reminder
that I always say, I've had to say last year if this, I'll have election board meetings,
people died in order to get the right to vote and now we seem to be at the point where we're
trying to disenfranchise people as much as possible have individual people trying to look at
you talk about data centers, people's individual data so that they can take them off the
voting roles. So that's what we need to work on if we truly want to have this democracy
continue and I'll leave my personal thing to the another time. Thank you.
Thank you very much, next speaker.
Jan Dunneway.
Welcome, Ms. Dunneway.
State your name and address for the record.
I am Jan Dunneway, 4672,
Phelswood, Drives to Mountain.
I have supplied the planning department, staff,
and each member of the Board of Commissioners,
information and documentation,
regarding the Loveless Place Data Center.
Which in itself should be enough to deny the sub-application.
standing beside me is a homeowner of Ophil Road in Clayton County. As I've said, these are
people I went to high school with and I know them. They don't have a voice at this table.
He can't speak, but I'm going to speak for him. And for all the people of Ophil Road in Clayton
County. Clayton County has not given permission to use either O-Fill Road for this site
or to use their water, which would come from Clayton County. I have supplied you with
that information. This application has been misrepresented by their slip application that
It's for a 1 million-
One square foot, when in fact, it's for two millions square foot, data center that has the applicant himself
supplied that information.
This means more water, more electricity,
and we don't want it.
See the growth doesn't want it. Clayton County doesn't want it, and the citizens of
have do not want this massive data center in their area.
We are asking that you deny it, outright, just deny it, and to follow the planning
staff's recommendation for denial.
Now I also want to mention, I want to ask, when in the world are we going to get back to
the main room of the Louvre auditorium?
Parking is so bad, it is no access really for Marta for us older folks who can't walk
that far and so I'd like to know when that's going to happen.
I also want to remind you that closed loop water systems use chemicals.
These chemicals have to be removed from the water before they can be returned into the water cycle.
Our water cycle is what keeps us alive.
And we need clean fresh water to do that.
This is an issue, we need to work on it, and we also need to put this zoning into a development
part of our code, so there's some way to follow up and hold them accountable.
Thank you for me, thank you for the people of Elfiel Road, and thank you for Clayton County.
Next speaker please.
I last speaker will be Dr. Bagelsky.
Dr. Bagelsky.
All right, please come forward.
State your name and address for the weather.
Testing.
Good morning, chair and members of the
DeCab County Board of Commissioners.
My name is Dr.
Kendra Fultz Bagelsky and I'm a resident of
Unincorporated DeCab County,
as well as chair of the DeCab County Republican Party.
I appreciate the opportunity to speak today as a concerns citizen who values public safety,
accountability, and responsible use of taxpayer resources.
I'm deeply troubled by Commissioner Ted Terry's recent newsletter sent under the
DeCab County Mass Ted, which condemns the tragic incident involving
nice agents and Minneapolis and proposes a resolution to withdraw tactical federal immigration
enforcement operations from our neighborhoods. While I mourn any loss of life, this focus
on events outside our county and state using official county channels ignores the pressing crisis
right here at home. According to the DeCab County Police Department's 2024 Annual Report,
127 people were murdered in our county last year, and 172 residents were victims of
forceable rape. Tens of thousands more endured assaults, robberies, and thus. These are
Our neighbors, our families, suffering and silence while resources are diverted to message on events beyond our jurisdiction.
As a resident, I strongly support federal agents working collaboratively with local law enforcement to apprehend criminals who pose real threats to our communities.
This is about upholding the rule of law and protecting to cab residents, not hindering
federal efforts that keep us safe.
Commissioner Terry's Resolution and Newsletter appeared in misuse, taxpayer funded
resources for a personal agenda.
This raises serious ethical questions and roads public trust.
I urge the Board to reject Commissioner Terry's walk-on proposed resolution and to instead take actions to prevent taxpayer-funded communications from being misused on divisive political posturing.
What the cab county deserves is leaders who address the violence, destroying our neighborhoods,
with the same urgency as distinct causes.
Thank you for your time and service.
Thank you very much.
That does exhaust our speakers.
Madam Clerk?
Yes.
We have 11 more, but the time has run out.
Understood.
All right.
Thank you all so much members of our audience today for following the rules.
I, this works, I truly appreciate it.
Madam Clerk, if you please read the instructions for public hearing and to the record.
Citizens may speak for or against an item that is considered by law to be a zoning ordinance.
And each side will have 10 minutes to present its case.
Citizens may also speak for or against an item that is placed on the public hearing agenda,
but it's not a zoning ordinance.
In that case, each side will have five minutes to present its case.
In the event there is more than one speaker per side,
speakers must divide their time in order to complete their full presentation
within the ten-minute time-alotment or the five-minute time-alotment.
When the buzzer sounds indicate that time has run out,
the speaker would be expected to immediately see speaking
and to leave the podium area.
Perhaps speaking, a speaker should complete a speaker card
and presented when approaching the podium.
If a speaker has any documents for the commissioners, the speaker shall provide 10 copies
when approaching the podium.
7 copies of the commissioners and remaining copies of the planning director, the county attorney
and the clerk.
In all zoning ordinance and traffic common cases, staff shall make their recommendation
for action to the commission, first followed by applicants or citizen speaking in favour
of the item.
Applicants in zoning ordinance cases shall have the right to reserve time for rebuttal.
Opponents of the zoning ordinance items show have no right of rebuttal, but all other items placed on the public hearing agenda,
applicants or citizens speaking in favor of the item, shall speak first, followed by the opponents of the item.
Once the citizens have finished speaking, staff shall make a recommendation for action to the commission.
At this point, citizens are no longer allowed to speak unless call to the podium, but an individual commissioner to answer questions,
or provide information.
Speaker should always talk directly to the microphone
and begin by stating their name, address,
and the name of any organization they represent.
Abusive, profane, a derogatory language will not be permitted.
Holding up signs, clapping, yelling, standing,
or laying in the aisles to show support for
a opposition to a speaker will not be permitted.
But a show of hands are quietly standing in place
We'll be permitted to show support for opposition to a speaker's position.
Thank you, Madam Clerk.
Our first planning and sustainability public hearing item is a district to sponsored item.
So I have passed the gavel to our deputy presiding officer Messiah.
Thank you so much, Madam Peo.
That is agenda item 2024-0815.
All commission districts of resolution to amend.
Chapter 27 to reduce the minimum square unit size for single-family dwelling units and single-family are a 75 residential medium lot 75 and our 85 residential
middle medium lot 85 zoning districts
Great morning, Ms. Bragg. Good morning
Rachel Bragg. Planning manager the staff recommendation of the item is withdrawal or denial of the ordinance as currently written. Thank you.
Thank you so much, and do we have anyone that would like to speak in support of this agenda item?
Great morning.
Good morning.
My name is Gina Mangam.
I live into Cab County.
I'm not sure why they're recommending denial, but I support the denial of reducing the minimum
lot size, I think it should be determined on a project by project basis and that the character
of existing neighborhood should be considered before they reduce lot sizes.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Ms. Magnum, is there anyone else that would like to speak in support
of this agenda item?
Great morning, Ms. Vinnie.
Good morning. Stephen Benny, 1083 civil drive Clarkston, Georgia. I have lived in a house
It's about 1,200 feet, a little bit more.
It was a three bedroom to bath.
It has a large family room.
I was very easily able to raise three children in that house.
And I believe now the minimum of 1,600 or 1,800 is to
cab county a place for mansions.
Is that it?
You have to have a mansion now.
We have a lot of poor people who need housing.
And you are up there constantly waving your hand saying, we want to help the poor.
We just had the, we had the hotel people here talking about how they can't find any housing.
Well, they're not going to find any housing in an 1,800 foot home.
They're never going to be able to afford it.
You need to do something about it and withdrawing or denying this is not going to help.
Thank you very much.
Thank you so much. The next and the visual like to speak in four and supporting this agenda item.
Is there anyone else that would like to speak in support of this agenda item?
Just went aloud for an opportunity if there's anyone in overflow that would like to comment.
Seeing none. Is there anyone that would like to speak in opposition to this agenda item?
a question. Is support supporting the recommendation?
Or is the item itself? So,
now we're calling for people that are in opposition of this agenda item. It is 2044-0-815
first page of our agenda. So, now we're calling for folks that are in opposition of passing
of this agenda item, or voting in favor of this agenda item.
Okay, so I want to state that I'm opposed to just having a blanket.
It's okay to reduce the minimum, but it should be considered by, on a case by case basis.
Thank you so much, is there anyone else in opposition of this agenda item?
Anyone else in opposition?
Seeing none, Ms. Brad, can you come back and share this
staff's recommendation?
Yes, this staff?
Yes.
It's green.
Any questions again?
Check, Charlie.
Yes.
The staff recommendation is for withdrawal or denial of item.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
And the machines.
Mr. I'm sorry.
Commissioner Long Spears, apparently has a motion.
I do. Thank you very much. Madam Deputy Presiding Officer, I move to defer item 2024-0815 for
decision only for two weeks. So again, my motion is deferral for decision only for two weeks.
And with comment please. Second, with a comment.
Thank you so much.
on Commissioner Long Spears.
It's been first, I have a motion in first and second,
and I am passing the gavl because I've requested to speak
versus, and I'm sorry, there's also been a substitute.
We'll be.
You have to recognize the speaker in order first.
So if we have a substitute motion,
so Commissioner Davis, Johnson, you're a substitute motion.
Point of order. That's actually, Commissioner Davis Johnson was third request to speak, so I think
believe you should recognize the person that asked for the floor first, based on our speaker
order, Madam Chair. I believe that was pretty strong long spears who made the motion and requested
the speaker first.
Okay. So yes, please. In terms of counting attorney Phillips.
The clerk
has indicated that first you had Michelle Long Spears, and second you had Commissioner Davis
Johnson.
No, I was the second and asked for comments.
So the second was made by Commissioner Terry, so there was a motion made by Commissioner
Long Spears, seconded by Commissioner Terry, and then there was a substitute motion that
.
Time to be presented by Commissioner Davis Johnson. There have been requests to speak. So the question is whether or not we need to entertain the second. The substitute motion ahead of the opportunity for the commissioners to speak, or whether or not it is required that those commissioners have an opportunity to speak before we move forward with our substitute motion.
Before you deliberate on the first one, you take the substitute motion.
Thank you so much, and it's all right.
So at this point, we have a substitute motion by Commissioner Davis Johnson,
Commissioner Davis Johnson.
Madam Chair, point of order, can you just refer to the section of Robert Schroes
or Order where the decisions coming from, please?
I'll get that to you, Commissioner.
I'll be happy to wait before we move forward.
Okay, my substitute motion is...
Yeah, my substitute motion is to deny the sign-up of what I would say, to deny the sign-up.
And yeah, I have, I want to speak one hand. Can I get a second?
And I'll provide a second.
So we have a person, a second on our substitute motion.
And we have a list of commissioners that would like to speak on this item.
I'm being the first that actually pushed the buttons.
I'm going to share the gavel back to Commissioner Long Spears.
As I share my concerns and I second for denying this item.
Essentially what it does, the gavel's past.
You said you said you're passing the gavel to Commissioner Long Spears.
I passed the Commissioner Johnson.
I got the go.
He has the go now.
I did not.
The presiding officer in this moment should call on the person.
I will go through the order.
Thank you, commissioner.
First on the screen is commissioner.
I'm a side.
Go ahead.
Thank you so much commissioner Johnson.
Again, I support a denial.
There have been a number of concerns that I have raised related to this particular agenda
item.
particularly when there is an automatic or bi-right reduction in square footage without having the requirement to come before this board or going through a specific process.
One it eliminates the ability for the public hearing aspect of a reduction.
And so applying for any variance is a legal process where essentially we have to argue and communicate why
why you should have an exception to the zoning as presented.
When you relieve that and remove it and it's entirety and just allow for a reduction
by matter of right, you're taking away the opportunity for the community first and foremost
to be heard on that item and for the petitioner to provide an explanation as to why it would
burdensome to actually follow through with the zoning as provided.
So it takes away the public's voice, their ability to be able to the neighbors to wait
in as to whether or not there's a reduction in their area.
And then there's also the aspect of, we have a chief housing officer that has come in.
He's weighed in, shared a memo with his grave concerns related to this agenda item.
And then lastly, as the District 3 County Commissioner, I am concerned that with this resolution
we're to pass, that it will disproportionately affect the southern parts of the cab
county.
The intent here is to infill with smaller homes, and just because there's smaller doesn't
mean that they're going to be affordable.
It doesn't mean that they're going to be a reduced and rate small, it does not equate to affordable and there is a difference between housing that's affordable and affordable housing.
And so this is also for me a play on words in terms of purpose of this agenda item.
there district three in the South to cap area has been known to have the greatest amount
of undeveloped land and properties that need rehab.
There's about 2800 properties and we on the extreme tier, I believe it's tier 5 in terms
of homes that need to be demolished or that need to be renovated with that if we're reducing
the square footage and allowing people by a matter of right to just build smaller homes.
That's going to be in-field and influx in our South-to-Cab area, because they don't
the same amount of space that is not existing in some of the northern and central-the-Cab
areas.
So what we'll have is an influx of smaller builds by a matter of right without the community
having opportunity to wait in where it is affecting their community in South-to-Cab.
So I don't support it, and that is my position and why I've always been against this item.
Let people go through the legal process, communicate to their neighbors in a board as to why they wouldn't need any variance in square footage.
Don't just give developers and others the right to build whatever they want in our communities.
With that, I'll go back to you.
Thank you, Commissioner.
I'm sorry.
Yes, Attorney Phillips.
I just want to answer your commissioner.
Yes, I go ahead.
request for a site I'm reading from Robert's Rules of Order.
The rule is five, seven, five, colon, seven.
One of the secondary motion is placed before the assembly.
It becomes the immediate pending question.
The main motion remains pending while the secondary motion is also pending.
Secondary concerns.
Mr. Chair, do they have to recognize the, or can they say it just whenever they want?
Well, the person presiding over the meeting should control who has the floor.
If you guys speak out of turn, it's up to the person presiding over the meeting if they're going to entertain what was said out of work.
Thank you, Attorney Phillips, and Commissioner Masai did have control and she recognized Commissioner Davis Johnson moving on.
Commissioner Longspirers, you have a four.
Thank you very much, Commissioner Johnson, deputy deputy president officer all last year.
First of all, I just really do want to thank the planning department.
and certainly Rachel, I'm always giving you kudos because you really are fantastic.
This has been an item we've been grappling with as you can see on the agenda now for about
a year and a half.
I would request, however, that we defer this item for two weeks only, for decision only.
Until Dr. Ferguson can be with us, I don't believe he is present today.
him and I had a conversation prior to the holidays, he is working on something behind the
scenes that I think might be able to absorb this that would make a little bit more sense.
And so commissioners, if y'all would please consider a two-week deferral for decision-only
so Dr. Ferguson can be present here as our leading housing expert in DeCab County, and we
can talk a little bit further about how this can evolve into something he's actually working
on.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak, and I yield back.
Thank you, Commissioner Terry.
Thank you.
Madam Chair, just very briefly on the Robert's Rules of Order, Jiu Jitsu, that we just experienced
here, while maybe that might be an exact reading of Robert's Rules, the appropriate professional
response is whoever raised their hand on our machine gets recognized first.
We have followed that for every meeting, except when a chair decides they have another agenda
and they recognize someone else out of order.
So I would just ask that we stick to one rule that we've followed.
We have a button, you press the button, and you're an order.
Commissioner Davis Johnson was recognized out of order.
She would have had a chance as the third speaker to make her substitute.
It's not going to enter right to do a substitute, but it was out of order.
So that's literally what I was making a protest about.
On the substance of the matter, I want to recognize that we had been talking about this for a very long time.
And there has been several times at this meeting where we have offered a consensus.
And for whatever reason, some of my colleagues just literally can't acknowledge that there is
a middle ground here.
This is not a blanket by right.
The substitute that was proposed at the last meeting actually came from Commissioner Robert
Patrick, who has planning background and had a very elegant solution to this issue.
and Mr. Benny actually hit it right on the head because DeCab County developed in the 1940s,
50, 60, 70s, 80s.
If you follow the trajectory of development from Atlanta, the neighborhoods in the ITP as they
call it in the western part, most of the neighborhoods are homes that were built in the 1940s,
60s, the average home size back then was 1,000 to 1,400 square feet.
We have established neighborhoods where homes are literally at what this ordinance is asking
for.
But somehow, because developers, home builders, and the 80s and 90s said, we have to build
bigger homes because when there's more square footage, we make more money.
So the notion that was just mentioned earlier that a smaller home is not necessarily less expensive than a larger home is false.
It's just a basic paradigm, price per square foot.
If you have less square feet, a home is more affordable.
Now, is it affordable in the sense of 60% AMI, 30% AMI?
That's a whole other issue, as not related to this ordinance.
But the compromise that was put forward by Commissioner Patrick said, well, let's just
look at the street to which the home is on.
If it's an established neighborhood in, let's say, outside of Clarkston, or Scott Dale,
where the homes are actually averaging a thousand square feet.
Well, that would be an appropriate use.
A 1,200, 1,400 square foot home, and a neighborhood where all the homes are basically the same size,
it doesn't really change the character of an neighborhood.
What changes the character of the neighborhood is when a builder can only build a 2,000 square
foot home.
This caused inflationary pressure on home prices.
all of a sudden, a small home becomes more valuable because the lots in that neighborhood
are selling for more dollars because the developer knows they can build a bigger home
and sell it for more.
Follow the money.
Habitat for Humanity is the organization that is requested for this change.
They have literally said that the variance process is too cumbersome and takes too long
that it inhibits their ability to build affordable homes into Cap County.
They're not trying to build hundreds of them.
They're literally trying to build three or four right now.
So, I would like us to defer this to simply embrace the compromise.
And I believe Dr. Bragg actually outlined how they could do that either administratively or how we could actually do it in the ordinance.
You look at the street, you average the square footage of the homes on that street, and that's the square footage minimum.
In some cases it might be higher than the 1400 or 1600 limit.
And that's okay. The goal here is flexibility.
But it is absolutely true that in our established
in-town neighborhoods, what you are seeing is
gentrification and displacement.
Small homes are being bought.
They're being bulldozed and they're putting up
make mansions.
And they're not 2,000 square foot homes.
They're 3,000 square foot homes.
4,000 square foot homes.
So if you're a senior living in a 1200 square foot home,
or you're a family of three living in a 1200 square foot home,
And the house of your same size sells down the street for a higher value.
Our prasal department says, okay, now that home is worth that much.
But it wasn't worth it because of the square footage.
It was worth it because the lot was the valuable piece of land.
The lot is valuable because in the Cap County you can build 2,000, 3,000, 4,000 square
at homes. That's a big mansion. That causes displacement. So again, you know, thank you Mr.
Benny for just pointing out the obvious that we have a lot of people that would like to
have home ownership into Cap County. The last time I checked the only small missing middle housing
that has been built into Cap County has been approved through the zoning process. We've approved
about three cottage developments in the last three years. Every other type of construction and
The planning department can get can provide the numbers.
They're not building missing middle housing.
They're building large homes.
Those large homes are not affordable.
They're not affordable.
So let's take a small tweak to this code.
And let's make it possible for someone
to build something a little bit more reasonably sized,
which would be more affordable.
Last thing I'll say on this is we're in the midst of updating our zoning code, updating
the zoning code, and the very core of what it means is creating buy-write definitions.
If we're already saying that we don't want missing middle housing, then we ought to just
a zoning code and not make
Any changes? That's a waste of your tax dollars. It's a waste of our time. And it's not going to achieve any of the goals and recommendations of every single housing study that this county has done.
Over and over again, we have studied and studied and studied, and we've studied the study, and then we don't make any changes.
The reason why this ordinance is being brought forward is because the study that we paid for
five years ago in our university said you need more missing middle housing.
How do you do that?
You just allow smaller housing to be built.
Is that simple?
Look across the nation.
There are communities that are embracing missing middle housing, including here in Decatur.
Decatur has a great missing middle housing ordinance.
The world hasn't ended.
People haven't been priced out of their homes.
the opposite of how this happens. People who are janitors, school teachers, police officers,
now can afford to live in the city of Decatur because they have housing options. Our own housing
study said point blank, the 50% of the naturally occurring affordable housing in Decab County,
this is the 30% AMI or less. This is the people making minimum wage, the people that are
doing the hard labor out there, people on the back of a trash truck can not afford to live
into Cap County and that housing stock will disappear in the next 10 years.
How are we going to replace it?
Where are they going to live?
We heard just in the last few weeks, Marta is cutting back on their bus service.
So now there's less transit access, there's less affordable housing, so what's going to happen?
They're going to have to move somewhere else.
Or they're going to have to move into an extended stay hotel,
or double up with someone, or they might be homeless.
So I support the withdrawal simply from the fact
that we have a compromise.
And I really would like my colleagues to address the compromise.
They're addressing the ordinance,
but they're not addressing the potential solution.
There is a way for us to beat in the middle.
So I would respectfully ask that we just
that as a possibility and respond to that proposal, not to the blanket by right.
Thank you.
Thank you, Commissioner Nateri, Commissioner Davies Johnson, you have the floor.
Thank you.
I will say this, that I agree that cases should be decided on a case
by case basis. And I say that because most of the undeveloped land is in south and south
east, the camp, so I would not like to see us bombard it with a bunch of small houses and
I'll say this, the size of the house do not determine the cost, the market value, determine
the cost, and I understood that when this was first presented over a year ago when the
developers were here, and the real estate agents were here, and my question to them
Do that mean that you are priceless that we can put in our conditions that you are priceless would be based on
affordable housing
timetables now
and we saw when the town in homes
excuse me, was presented that those homes were between 350, 325 on upward of 350 and that was
before we had a search in the house in market. So I think it's not completely true that
size of a home determines to market value and if that small home go next to
my 200,000 dollar home and they pay 350,000 dollars, that's going to increase the
tax base, the tax value of my 200,000 dollar home. So I'm not saying in
exception, some exceptions we shouldn't have it, but I think it needs to be made on a case
by cases, basis, so that we can determine and you can determine what is best for your
neighborhood, because most of these projects believe me will be in South to Camp and South
is to care. So with that, I hear back, I say with my substitute, being that,
we did not decide
them. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Davis. Commissioner Bolton, you know the fuller.
Thank you, and I don't want to beat a dead horse and continue to say some of the same things that we're
mentioned, but I do want to make it clear. I am one of those folks who live in a home that's just
1200 square feet and I'm raising three children in my home, so I do appreciate us being able
to build smaller, however, what I want to bring to our attention, which was iterated this
morning by Pastor McCoy is the in-between the compromise. Because what we haven't talked
about today, but I've mentioned several times, is even though we have the authority to put
forth this ordinance locally, we have to consider what's happening statewide and federally.
We know that there are three corporations that own over 19,000 homes in the metro Atlanta
area.
Across the nation, they own almost 11% of single-family homes, which is ridiculous because
the purpose of single-family homes is for single families to own them.
And so there's even been talk at the state level about legislation where corporations can
field, single families, subdivisions or single family communities, completely for rent, you
know, so much so that now your president is saying what an atrocity it is and has proposed
some legislation to help circumvent some of the impacts that we're seeing.
So, considering all of those things, what I would like to do is make sure that we have some barriers in place to
impede those who may take advantage of this opportunity, which essentially could be on a case by case basis,
or we predetermined who would be permitted to build smaller and attach it to affordability.
That's language that we have requested before we haven't come up with the language and added it as a substitute where we're comfortable with that
So until we can make sure those barriers aren't in place
The legislation as is I wouldn't be comfortable supporting, but the planning department actually proposed that in between and I would be happy to support that and with those comments. I yield back
Thank you, Commissioner Bolton, and if you've already spoken, if you could hit your request
to speak again, just to clear the queue, okay, thank you.
So next, we have Commissioner Massiah for your second.
Thank you.
Well, you're right.
I'm sorry.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
We do need to have changes with the zoning ordinance, and that is what County staff is currently
working on.
We have a phenomenal amount of housing studies and evidently we have one or two more going on right now.
And so it would be wise to hear what some of those results are.
I do appreciate Commissioner Terry acknowledging a potential solution I had.
But I think the housing chief housing officer has suggested give that time to be baked back into an overall policy that might be more appropriate countywide.
some of the concerns for zip codes contain 56% of the R75, R85 zoning districts.
That's about 27,000 parcels that are within the scope of what would be changed here.
So I would have hoped for withdrawal, but the intention would still be the same.
So I will support the withdrawal or the denial.
But that's sort of the things that I look in the background is is, you know, our chief housing officer is already looking into a broader policy and waiting for results for yet another housing study to be wrapped into the overall zoning rewrite.
So that would be, those are my thoughts on the topic. Thank you.
Thank you commissioner Patrick.
Thank you so much, Commissioner Johnson, and again, 30 year plus real estate professional, I would appreciate that it was brought up the fact that it's not affordable
So, portability is not based on the square footage.
It is based on location, location, location, being unique to location and real estate
and that's the driving factor.
And our value, if you will, is seen as an increase as their market is driving that based
on availability, and there's a lack of increasingly, you know, available land.
So where it is presently is in the cab county we have to also I think is very important to be mindful as to what how we balance and we look at how proportionately things affect different areas of the county.
Yes, could we use some additional products, some middle-level products, yes, but it doesn't have to be a cottage.
It's not that we go from either having cottages or having McMansions.
There is a middle ground, some of which our chief housing director has actually shared with us.
There are some other products that are available that will help satisfy that middle ground.
We can build reduced square footage homes,
is just that it would not be as a matter of right.
So to make it seem as though we're going to lose out on an opportunity
or we're not going to be able to meet the needs of residents
or constituents because we don't allow, by matter of a right
if you will, this reduction is just false.
There is a process, a variance process that exists,
where if there is a desire to build a square footage that doesn't meet the current zoning requirement,
that they come before us, they come before the community, the neighborhood, and have that discussion.
I mean, that's something that I keep realizing that we are not really focusing on,
and something that I have not heard as much addressed where I bought it to the forefront.
there is a legal process for a variance.
You have to make a request a petitioner has to share
why they hear she cannot,
why they cannot actually build in accordance
with the current requirements
as outlaw lines in our zoning plan.
They have to meet that right
and communicate and meet that burden
and communicate not just the planning
to the neighbors that have an opportunity then once they receive notice that notice requirement
is important to come before us all and communicate what their desires are like and not
meet it and to for us to be able to hear from the public.
That exists for a reason is a protection that notice and that opportunity that I don't think
We should just allow to be thrown out because there are some delays when it comes to building.
There are barriers we're working on those, again, there is a process that process exists.
We shouldn't take that process and that opportunity to be heard from the public and for
us to make the determination particularly when we're dealing with it being driven in a specific
area.
with that. I'll go back to you. Thank you, commissioner. I'm a commissioner long
spirit for your second opportunity. Thank you very much, deputy, presiding officer. Again,
this is a district to sponsored item and I'm very proud of bringing this forward to this
commission in 2024 before three of our commissioners were even on the commission. So it has
certainly been active for quite some time. I believe that reducing the minimum square
footage, weaves in affordability, flexibility, and accessibility for all of us who want to
call DeCab home. And I always say that I think as decision makers, as lawmakers, and our
DeCab, our beloved DeCab, is our goal is to not just think about what is happening right now
today. Our job is to think about 20 years from now. And I know that I would love for this
community to continue to evolve, to grow, and be able to accommodate anybody, would like to
put their head in a bed and to cab. So I strongly support reducing minimum square footage.
my first town home when I moved here was less than the current threshold as Commissioner
Bolton pointed out her home is less as Mr. Benny pointed out his home is less. One of my
neighborhoods, Medlock area, a w-
Which is managed by a great great neighborhood association, the really fantastic leaders and supporters of such a large neighborhood in my district.
Majority of their homes are less than the current threshold too. So the challenge is that if you want to come in and you want to build a new home, you have to build this larger home.
You don't have the option of living in slightly over 1200 square feet, which was about the size
of my first home in DeCab County as well.
Next, I would like to ask Ms. Bragg, if she would please come to the podium, one of the
solutions that was brought forward last year was a waver, and I believe that the waver
would accommodate the case-by-case basis, correct, that two or three of our commissioners
have mentioned.
Would you just talk a little bit more about that and then I have a proposal.
Thank you.
Sure.
So that proposal was for essentially at administrative variance process.
So the normal variance process requires you to go before the zoning board of appeals
who then evaluates the criteria and makes a determination based on an individual application.
So the process that we proposed was adding minimum unit size to one of the things that could be done through a administrative waiver process or administrative variance process.
So it would require an application, a sign posting, a public notice, and then again, staff to evaluate
if the criteria are met for an administrative variance and then the staff level decision to
approve or deny that variance.
Thank you Rachel. One of the criticisms I know that you hear that all of us up here
here is that Madam CEO here is that the planning process just takes forever. And
the way that you describe this waiver administrative variance is that while it
is an additional step.
It is a low-hanging fruit additional step
and would not add a lot of time to that process.
Is that correct?
Yes, so our administrative variance process
takes between 45 to 60 days,
just depending on when the applicant gets their application
and when the sign is posted.
So what I would like to suggest to my fellow commissioners,
especially in the absence of Dr. Ferguson,
And the waiver was drafted and created prior to him actually being appointed as our Chief Housing
Officer, is that we do defer this item for decision only for two weeks, which would give
Ms. Bragg other members of the planning team, Dr. Ferguson and anybody else up here who would
like to talk about what that waiver could look like.
But I do believe it's important that we hear from our chief housing officer about that being
a next step.
Because in essence, all of you, or several of you have stated, this case by case basis,
the waiver does accommodate that.
And I yield back.
Thank you.
comments if County Attorney Phillips could just review
Wobbers Rules or Order for the precedents, the higher
precedents for a motion to postpone to a certain time.
And so if you could just look that up while I'm speaking,
Attorney Phillips, believe that motion ranks higher than a
substitute or amended motion from Commissioner Davis Johnson.
So while you're looking that up, just to make sure
we're on the right track and following Wobbers Rules or Order,
I do want to just point out that Zillow, and this is a good little listing of home prices that were referred to earlier.
And it's really interesting because one thing that my colleague said was accurate that the market does determine a lot of the price.
So, for example, LaFonia, 3-0-0-5-8, which is in District 5, for a 5-bedroom 3-bath home,
$1548 square feet, $240,000, okay, so hold that in your mind.
Decatur, and this is a greater decayter, $3,000, $3,035,
a 4-bedroom 2-bath home, $1,260 square feet, is $220,000.
Tucker, little higher, $350,000 for a three bedroom, two bath, 15 hundred square feet.
Stone Mountain, $3,008, $250,000 for a four bed, three bath home, 3,000 square feet.
Dunwooding, $650,000 for a four bedroom, three bath, $2,600 square feet.
City of Decatur, where we're at right now,
3003-0, 999,000 dollars, a million-dollar home,
five-bedroom, five-bath, 3,500 square feet.
So, Decatur got wise real quick,
because they saw that their residents were being priced out.
Folks wanted to move in the city of Decatur,
and small homes were being bought, demolished,
and large homes are being put up, because they could sell them for more money.
And if they could get extra square footage out of it, they're able to increase the price.
I mean, that is just a fundamental reality of building development in real estate.
It's price per square foot.
It's simply all if you have less square feet, the home is more affordable.
Is it an affordable home?
It depends on where you're building.
Now, I will remark because Commissioner Davis Johnson brought it up.
She was concerned about small homes proliferating in her district.
Well, the ordinance doesn't impact her district hardly at all.
R100 is the vast majority of zoned land in District 5.
This amendment applies to R75 in R85.
So, I'm bringing all this up because we're actually having a debate right now.
This is democracy, point, counterpoint, point, counterpoint.
So if the concern from my colleague is that small homes will proliferate in her district
walk and just tell you right now, they won't because this ordinance doesn't touch our 100.
So I hope I've convinced her that this wouldn't really impact her district, and so honestly,
maybe defer to the folks who represent people that live in districts that were R75 and
R85 are the majority of the zone districts, which I'm one of them, super district six.
And what I can tell you, and I'll just speak to my neighborhood and Scott Dale.
Scott Dale is a historically red-lined community.
You can look at the, what they called the Atlanta security map from the 1930s.
And if you look at that map, it's a big map because it goes from the city of Atlanta.
And if anyone's followed or read the color of law or anything about red lining, there
was blue zones, green zones, and red zones.
So, guess where the blue zones were, sections of Atlanta, sections of the Cater, Avondale
estates, the whole city was built to keep black people out.
That was the blue zone.
Right next door of Scotdale, Scotdale, Redline, Red Zone.
So in Scotdale, you actually have very small lots.
It is very common to see a 20-foot lot in Scotdale.
So what's happening now?
You got homes that have degraded over the years, systemic racism, red lining, literally
has resulted in deep poverty in Scott Dale.
Scott Dale is a qualified census tract.
It qualifies for all of the federal programs because of the high poverty.
And it's because of years and years of red lining because these homes are smaller and smaller
a lot, so they're not as valuable, and so the folks who live there are lower income.
But what's happening now, Scott Dale is people say, wow, decadors a million dollars.
I can't afford that.
Let me look at Avendale, Avendale, $800,000.
All right, right next door, Scott Dale.
This is where it gets this getting hairy, because folks aren't buying small homes, the Scott
and living in them, no, they're buying the small lots, they're assembling other small
lots and they're building, they're, I say, million dollar homes. A home just came
on the market, around the corner for my house and it is a monster and it is a million
dollars. So why would we perpetuate the history of red lining? Why would we
accept the notion that there's no limits on how big the home you can build
other than just the lot ratio, but we're not willing to encourage some smaller homes
in neighborhoods where the homes are already small. R75 and R85, I guarantee you the
majority of those homes and those neighborhoods are already within the range of what this
ordinance is trying to do.
So,
in a minute, I'm going to ask for a motion to postpone
to a certain time. I'll reflect what Commissioner Long Spears recommended for two weeks.
And let's just ask the question, planning department, pull the data. What's the, what are
the number of square footed homes in our 75, our 85? We have an analysis. We can run
those numbers.
And let's do the research. And while we're at it, why don't we go ahead
and put a maximum cap on new home construction? Crazy idea, right? If we see gentrification
and displacement in our neighborhoods because there is literally no cap on the square footage
that is literally making homes and neighborhoods more expensive to live in, why wouldn't we
tackle it from that side as well.
So I might ask that we not only allow a little bit smaller homes in these R-8, R-8, R-8, R-8, R-7,
V, but let's bring down the cap as well, or let's bring down the maximum size that you
can build.
That literally would create a sweet spot.
If you're want a bigger, bigger home, you need that five-bedroom understand.
But as I pointed out, there's homes, and Habitat for Humanity actually is trying to build
a three-bedroom, two-bath, add around that 1,400 square foot.
And Habitat tries to build for families, by the way.
And so, reflecting back to the extent of state hotel study, the vast majority of people living
They sent us the hotels, our families,
and based on the amount they're paying each month,
they could afford to live in the homes that we're trying to build with this ordinance,
or to allow the bill with this ordinance.
So, Madam Chair, I'd move to postpone this agenda item for two weeks for further consideration
with the requested research and data that I mentioned from the planning department.
And if I can get a second.
Second, there is a new motion and second on the floor of the motion is the postponeness item for two weeks.
Could we have the attorney weigh in on that motion to the postponeness?
Yes, attorney Phillips.
What specifically is the question to make a mission?
I am prepared to answer the commission.
I think the question is, is he allowed to make yet another motion, which I believe he is allowed, but I'm not the attorney.
He can make a motion. The question is which motion you have to address at this time.
They can only be one substitute. You have to deal with the first substitute.
Then you go back to the original and then you can open the four four additional motions.
So while on here you are on the first item. It is 11 o'clock. It is the second time I've been
called here. I am going to share some things that I hope will help you go through without calling me back.
Roberts Rules of Order 4746, since the Parliamentary and Law gives to the chair a loan,
the power to rule on questions of order or to answer Parliamentary and inquiries the
chair controls from your blue book.
Roman No. 2, Section 2, to the extent the Standing Procedural Rules adopted by the Commission
may conflict with the provisions of Roberts Rules of Order, the Standing Procedural Rules
bill. Number three, obtaining the floor. The decision of the chair is to the order of recognition,
and which member has the floor shall control. Number five, a substitute motion is a main
motion offered for consideration by the commission in lieu of a main motion then pending.
A substitute motion takes precedence. But not a substitute to the substitute. You can only have
one substitute. It is the second part of that. I can read further. I have to.
Minister, Commissioner Terry, you will also sit your time.
Point of order.
I have a point of order.
I'm actually not substituting the substitutes.
A postpone to a certain time ranks higher than the substitute motion.
So I'm not actually substituting the motion.
I'm simply postponing the decision, which is what I've asked the county attorney to respond to.
To quote you, you asked for a second on your motion to postpone it, which made it a motion commissioner.
chair recognizes as such Commissioner Davis Johnson you've requested to speak for your
second time and and I will not speak for 10 minutes I would say this I live in
of the cow. This item will affect South.
And some ease to care mostly. Now, I did not have to be lectured about who lives in extended stay hotels.
because I know, because I have extended family that I've had to live and extended stay
hotel and it's not that I or anyone else in the South to cab or South East to cab or any
people that cannot afford housing. So I want to make that clear. I also don't have to be
lectured about
where a who is made support what they think this is. Because I've worked on
having houses built for the homeless. I've marched for it. I spoke out against it. And what
I'm speaking out against now is let us have a voice of what housing come in our community
until planning can present us something for zoning for us to consider, but as a matter of right,
don't tell me that it's going to benefit me when I live there. And I know,
and I know what can
effect us and what has affected us in the past because we're not totally informed.
And so what I say right now is that we should consider this on a case by case basis so
that we are not disproportionately affected because if you look at the values on the South
as opposed to the central and north-decav, and where you don't have much land for this, it's going to affect us more.
And so, my motion stands that this item be denied.
Thank you.
Thank you, Commissioner Davis Johnson.
clerks. If we could correct what we're seeing on our screen, the motion before us is a motion
to deny, made by Commissioner Davis Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Massiah. If you can make
that correction and then please open the machines for a vote.
Motion to deny this item has been
motion to deny is proved. Thank you. I am yielding the gavel back. Thank you.
Thank you. Commissioner Johnson, I'm glad I didn't have to preside over that item.
Okay folks, please skip page three and move to the top of page four for our second public
hearing item. It is 2025-179 for all commission districts to adopt a resolution extending
the short-term rental ordinance implementation period to 180 days following the January
2020, 2026 effective date thereby establishing a revised implementation date of July 19, 2026.
Do we have, we have just been provided a substitute, Mr. Welch, if you please describe the nature
of a substitute.
Thank you, Madam Presiding Officer.
Thank you.
I'll defer to planning on that piece, but as the COO informed you last week, the substitute
that you're now being handed out, does two things.
One, it changes this from a resolution to an ordinance.
The original short-term rental controls were adopted as an ordinance.
So in order to change that effective date,
we need to use an ordinance, not a resolution.
So that changes in front of you just the title of the document.
Secondarily, the other change reflected in the attached.
There was discussion last week about trying to keep the implementation ahead of the summer
travel season.
And so what you have in front of you is 120-day extension instead of 180.
That would allow an effective date of May 20, 26.
I'll defer to planning to talk about the reasons, but I just wanted to explain what you
see in the substitute in front of you.
Thank you so much.
Director Nijoke, please come forward.
Good morning commissioners.
Thank you for your time.
I just want to follow with legal to discuss the move for the implementation day to the 120.
As we discussed the last time, we wanted to make sure that the implementation of this program would also
be aligned with us having staff, technology, and the capacities to take applications and to process
those applications fully within the tax digest. We wanted to make sure that we had the
necessary accounts that were set up a separate account pertaining to SCRs. So we've gone ahead
and we've moved our plan. Our initial request was 180. We're requesting now and we're able to talk
to the necessary departments,
in speaking to the other departments that are
department to this program, till one 20 day.
So we're looking to do is what it's called a 30, 60, 30.
Within the first 30 days,
is the initial preliminary processes
to be able to get the technology on board,
to be able to realign the application process
and to be able to even take pre-applications
that would not be fully processed
until the technology is implemented.
And speaking to IT, they discussed having a 60-day foreign integration upon the time when we have
the technology and play.
Doing that integration process, we're also belaying discussions with code enforcement, we'll
also be able to start talking about the tracking system.
And that will also provide planning sustainability opportunity for us to be able to get staff.
As I've expressed to you guys before, we had significant changes in our business license
department.
We're currently growing.
But we have new staff that also needs to be trained, not just in our business license processes,
but also be prepared to process the STRs, and this will be happening simultaneously.
In the last 30 days is when we're going to go fully operational,
this gives us a time to do testing, this gives us a time for us to be able to upload any of the pre-applications,
and gives us a time for us to be able to have them ready on board.
We believe we can relatively achieve that within the 120 days.
Thank you.
Thank you so much, Director Nejoku.
Before we move on for debate, do we have a motion on this substitute item?
Oh, oh goodness, forgive me.
Thank you, yes.
I have a little crisis in the background.
Okay, thank you so much for your recommendation.
Who is present or anyone present to speak in support of this item?
Again, noting that there is a substitute, which does alter the timeline.
Again, anyone present to speak in support of this item?
Anyone present to speak in opposition of the substitute for 2025, 1794?
Again, anyone present to speak in opposition to the substitute?
All right, you staff, please come forward.
Restate your recommendation.
Then we'll open up the machines for a motion.
Thank you, Ms. Brad.
The staff recommendation is for approval of the substitute.
Thank you very much.
All right.
Motion to approve.
The substitute.
Thank you commissioner Messiah.
I can.
The seconded by commissioner Patrick.
The first individual requesting to speak is commissioner Terry.
You have the floor.
Thank you madam chair.
I'll be brief here as much as I can.
So we approve this ordinance after.
I think almost two years working on it last summer and at the time the thought was, let's
get this ready for the new year, there's the World Cup, it's important that we get better
coat compliance on party houses, on Airbnb's that are not all of them, but some of them are
really abusing their right to be able to operate in our neighborhoods.
I have consistently heard from neighbors and at least three neighborhoods who have, in essence,
what are either party houses or event centers or filming locations for that matter.
And they just get used all of the time. There's ones like a glass house. One looks like the White House.
One is a giant. One of those McMansions. I referenced earlier.
I wonder if a small house was on those lots before they built a giant McMansion to create
a short-term rental that are now disrupting our neighborhoods for the profit most of the
time for an investor.
So of course those homes aren't available to buy because they're making a lot of money renting
people to use them day in and day out into the evening.
So the concern here, and I do support
the 120-day referral. I think it was originally 180 days, so I appreciate plenty of
department for stepping up the game here. But we should have gotten this together last year.
And I know there's provisions in our code CO Williams for emergency procurement or cooperative agreements or piggybacking.
I would argue that implementing this ordinance was something that was, if not an emergency, it was urgent.
And there are ways in the procurement policy, and we've seen it before, in fact actually
the Office of Independent Internal Audit has a report for us to look at in FAB, and
the next couple of weeks on the use of the emergency provision of procurement.
Would it surprise anyone that we have approved $43 million in emergency procurement items in
last few years, $43 million for all sorts of things, not saying they weren't emergencies,
but just letting y'all know that we have done this before for things that may or may not
be an emergency.
I would argue getting this short-term rental ordinance up and running as soon as possible
was at potentially an emergency, but it was very, very urgent.
But it really just looks like we are scrambling to figure out how can we just do this
house for the next 120 days and then we'll consider getting a vendor, a database, et cetera,
et cetera.
So, you know, here we are, I mean, it is what it is, but I'm just going to point out, because
we're going to talk about budget in the next few weeks how we resource our county departments.
When you under resource a department, because you have a salary freeze, or a hiring freeze,
or you're studying a salary and no change is to take place and a tradition takes place in
departments, ironically it actually cost us more money with those delays than it would have
been just to give folks a raise to pay people what they're worth so they can do the work.
So if you lose three-fourths of your business licensing division in six months maybe we should
consider why that is.
And so we decided to save a little money because we don't want to pay people what the going
rate for being a planner and this department is in Metro Atlanta and so now here's the
results.
Things get kicked down the road.
With thousands of short-term rentals into cab counties, some of them are, you know, a lot
of them are fine.
Some of them are causing real havoc in our neighborhoods.
So if y'all could do it before 120 days, that'd be great but let's please move this forward as quickly as possible.
Thank you very much. Next up to speak is Commissioner Bolton. You do have the floor, man.
Thank you. And my question is the same concern I had the last time that this item came up.
The way that this reads is that we're adopting an ordinance to extend an ordinance, which sounds like two different ordinances here.
So is it an adoption or an adeption? Are we adapting the time for implementation to be from January to now, May?
Because that sounds like two different ordinances, I don't want us to be in a situation where we have to go back later and explain ourselves.
where adapting an ordinance to extend an ordinance.
No, we've already adopted an ordinance and we're requesting the extension for the time for implementation.
Well, I understand that's what we want to do.
But so isn't it read like that to you?
It says to adopt an ordinance extending an ordinance.
That sounds like two different ordinances.
I understand that and I can understand if that's confusing if we want to clean up the language.
but we've adopted an ordinance legal is made the clarification that it needed to be in on
ordinance and not in its original form. So there's been a change to an ordinance and then
a request for the timeframe for implementation extension. Right. So we're like you say we're changing
the ordinance, the short term to ordinance, which sounds like we're adapting the ordinance,
not adopting an ordinance for the world.
So, Commissioner, the only way to change an ordinance is through ordinance. The other potential procedural way we could have done this is to amend an item already considered, but it was since it was so long ago, it seemed to us cleaner just to bring forward an amendment to the effective day.
legally we don't have any concerns that this will be effective if you would like different
language in a motion we are happy to do that. Part of the concern of course here is that
January 20th is around the corner and so if it's going to be extended the extension needs
to take place obviously before that date. All right no I don't want to delay it but I just want to
make sure we clear on our language, because I yield, man.
Thank you, Commissioner Johnson, you have a floor.
Yes, I just had a quick question for a director in Tuku.
The technology you're speaking about, is that a new procurement item that we're going to need,
or is there some existing technology that will do what your, what is needed?
No, it's a new technology that we need to be able to do the full tracking.
And we're certain we can complete the procurement process in this timeframe.
We have discussed with the procurement officer.
We have spoken about the emergency as well as the cooperative.
We have already have candidates that are in place, so we've already near in our selection process.
And know the technology that we need.
So we're confident in partnership with the office of procurement that we will be able to have that in play.
We've already sent those agreements for legal review to expedite things along.
And we've already spoken to IT so that they are prepared to be able to do the implementation integration portion.
So as quickly as we can, we're working in concert and partnership, and that's why we're asking for this time frame with the hopes that we'll be able to, not with the hopes of the guarantee that we're able to have the program fully up and running by May.
Thank you for that. And before I go, I just will say, I support whatever needs to be supported or said to make sure this is an important item. I'm a priority item for whoever needs to make sure procurement or whatever piece needs to happen gets done.
so that we can successfully get this program going
in the timeframe a lot.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, I yield.
Thank you so much, and we'll pass the gap
because I actually have a comment myself.
First of all, I want to thank you so much for hearing me.
Last time we discussed this,
the concerns that I elevated was related
to the previous 180 days being passed
when the FIFA games began in the Metro Atlanta area.
So thank you so much for hearing me. The fever games begin in June. So reducing that extension down to May 20th helps us plan our path forward to manage that. When the games are here on the ground in Atlanta.
My second point is to commissioner Bolton, I agree with you.
I think that the way that it does read is a little bit confusing, and so I'd like
to offer a friendly amendment, is that instead in law, if you please chime in on this and
make sure this would be all right, is just to amend the ordinance extending the previously
adopted short-term renewal ordinance period blah, blah.
Would that be acceptable? It's a one-word change that I think establishes that this ordinance is already an ordinance
It's not new here and that we're just making a simple implementation date change
Well, you just repeat the wording for me because I apologize. That's okay to amend the ordinance so two words. I guess to amend the ordinance extending
the previously adopted short-term middle and you might have to wordsmith it a little bit more
But isn't that what we're doing? We're simply amending
That's it. So I think if we just add that word amended there, that might resolve some of the challenges and maybe your legal brain can come up with a better way of wordsmithing than what I just offered.
Well, Commissioner, if we could maybe just replace the word extending with amending to adopt an ordinance, amending the previously adopted short-term rental ordinance implementation period 120 days.
So it's important that friendly amendment commissioner Bolton is the one that brought it up.
So how do you feel about that commissioner Bolton? I feel great about it. I'm glad it makes sense now.
Okay. So that was simple. Doesn't have to be complicated or complex.
All right. Thank you, sir. So that's what I'd like to offer up commissioners is just
amending the language of friendly amendment on what Mr Welch just stated. And I yield back to myself.
The next person that has requested to speak is Commissioner Davis Johnson, you have the
floor, man?
I say Commissioner Johnson, state of what I was going to say, she always does, and yeah,
I'll agree.
I mean, I can go along with the amending rather than extending.
So I'm good.
All right.
Seeing no other request to speak, please up in the machines for about.
Substitute with a friendly amendment.
All righty that unanimously passed.
Okay, just to draw everybody's attention to the time.
It is 11.22.
We will break for lunch around the noon hour,
and we are on page four.
Go please, middle of page four.
These are decision-only items.
No public hearing, public and planning and sustainability.
Item 2025-0608.
Commission districts 1 and 7, application of LMPSF, acquisitions, caratropment, pepper lock,
to resound property from C2 zoning district to HR1 zoning district to allow for single
family attached and multi-family development at 3265 north east expressway. Do I have a
motion? Madam Presiding Officer, if I may. Okay, go ahead, please. You have the floor.
I have spoken with Council for the applicant, and we request a deferral to complete that discussion.
What period, deferral period?
Two weeks.
Okay, thank you so much.
All right, our county attorney has requested a two week deferral.
Do we have a motion?
I'd like to make a motion to defer this item for two weeks for a decision only.
Thank you.
We have a second.
Thank you, Commissioner Bolton.
I'm just trying to confirm the actual date, which I think is going to be the 2027, okay, to January 2027.
Yes, sir. That is it. Tuesday, January 26, 7th. This is our second business of January.
Is this meeting of January?
All right. Seeing no request to speak, open the machines for about.
already that deferral has passed moving on to the top of page five.
2025-0970, Commission District's three and six application of PCC-decab LLC
care of Stephen L. Jones, Taylor Duma, LLC for a special in use permit to
allow utility structures for the transmission or distribution of services in the
and M-U-1 zoning districts, the bolder crest over
light district tier five, and the sop stone historic district
4280 and 4358, loveless place, and 2281,
Pine View Trail, Ms. Brack.
Yes.
So the staff recommendation is for denial.
These properties fall within the suburban character area
of the Comprehensive Plan.
This character area calls for the preservation of established
subdivisions and small-scale infill.
These properties also fall within tier 5
of the Boulder Crest Overlay District.
Tier 5 is a predominantly single-family residential area
and the proposed intent of the Boulder Crest Overlay
is to protect established residential areas
from encroachment of incompatible or adverse uses
and to protect the health, safety,
and welfare of the citizens of the cab.
Tier 5 prohibits all office, all transportation,
all storage, service, commercial and all industrial uses as those uses due to their intensity
and form are not compatible with the single-family residential uses. While utility structures
are allowed with an approved slup in this tier of the overlay, the proposed plan to data
center as noted on the applicant's site plan is just not appear to be a utility structure as
word is commonly understood. It appears to require a much larger building, a footprint,
and a much larger impact on community resources than a standard utility structure that we've
reviewed previously. Again, based on the applicant's site plan and application. So based on the
applicant's submitted information, the application does not appear to comply with the suburban
character area of the comprehensive plan, nor the purpose and intent of tier five of the
of Section 746B, which is compatibility of the proposed use with adjacent properties, as well
as 746H, consistency with policies of the concept of PRAH and Section 746N, whether
the proposed use is consistent with the needs of the neighborhood. All of those are, of course,
from the DeCab County zoning ordinance. It is the recommendation of the Planning Department
that this application be denied. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Ms. Fragg.
Do we have a motion?
This is for decision.
Motion to defer to the...
Excuse me.
Go ahead, Mr. Messiah.
Please.
Order in the auditorium, please.
Motion to defer to the June zoning cycle.
Thank you for your motion.
Do we have a second?
We have had a motion to thank you very much.
Commissioner Bolton has seconded.
Commissioner Missiah has requested to speak. You do have the floor man. Thank you so much. I've communicated and I'll reiterate for the benefit of my colleagues and this audience and anyone else who cares.
It is very important to make sure that we have an amendment that actually protects our residents first and foremost. I've had a number of people to ask me why are we dealing with this in the first place.
We have to, because as it stands,
that a center isn't in our zoning ordinance.
Planning is doing a great job, have put together some amendment, a text amendment, that at
this point, minor settings, they're pretty proud of, as a commissioner.
I want to make sure that I allow for an opportunity to flush it out, to be able to talk more
with constituents, and that's what I've heard from the people I've had discussions with,
is that they want to be able to have an opportunity
to review it as well.
There's been calls for studies and additional information.
Before we approve deny or do anything else,
we have to make sure we have the protection in place.
So I'm not willing to approve or deny either way
until I get a tax amendment in place
so that we can use that as a criteria
to make a determination as to how we move forward with this issue that we're all dealing with,
which is the data centers, with that, how you'll back to you, Manpheo.
Thank you very much. Seeing no other requests to speak, please up in the machines for a vote.
That motion again was a deferral to the June zoning cycle.
Sorry, just to clarify, it would actually be that the only options are a May or July zoning cycle,
so the July zoning cycle would start with community council in June.
Yes, the net's great because community council.
So that's great, your amendment, my amendment, my amendment motion is to defer to the July zoning cycle.
Thank you.
Does the second stand?
All righty, machines are open for vote, please.
All righty, that deferral to the July zoning cycle does pass.
Moving on to our appeals.
Nothing is there today.
We have no appeals.
Next section of our agenda.
and we're in the middle of page five.
Our appointment is not requiring board action,
so I will simply read them into the record.
The first item, district two, 2026-0111.
Appointment, a field of submission to the Cab County Women's Commission.
Very excited about.
Next item, 2025-1843, Commission District six and two.
Recording of the appointment, everyone, please keep your voices down.
Please keep your voices down.
Recording of the appointment of Daniel Dan Ruter to the District 2 Community Council Board.
That completes the items to be read into their record.
There are no additional appointments today.
Now we're at the top of page 6.
And we have several consent agenda items.
Are you ready?
Deputy Pres.
All right, 1844 termination of standard office lease agreement was Robert Marslander Real Estate Services.
Move for action.
1845 termination of standardized T-hanger space.
Lease agreement with Dean Hal Depollas.
Move for action.
1841 approval of minutes for the January 6, 2026 committee of the home meeting.
Move for action.
0118 allocation of 100,000 into Cab County General Funds approved and obligated through the
2025 0883 Advalorum Tax Millage rates and budget revisions to the Cab County Chamber
Commerce for the establishment of a CID and or business district along Memorial Drive
corridor.
Top of page 7-0167 and item to schedule January 21 through 23 as a special
call meeting for the purpose of an executive session for the Board of Directors, a Board of Commissioners Chief of Staff
Interviews.
We're request to move that.
Remove that from consent.
Okay.
Request to move.
So we are taking that item 0.67.
We'll be taking off the consent agenda, and we will discuss it afterwards. Moving on, 1848, to prove
an amount not to exceed 5,000 of District 6, ARPI funding to support two programs benefiting veterans.
Move for action. 1672, approval of the minutes of the Board of Commission, meeting of December 9.
1792, approval of the minutes of the Board of Commission, meeting of December 16.
We are now
at the top of page 8, 1840 establishing qualifying fees for public office.
1803, 1803, Acceptance of Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Rapid Response Grant for Disclosed, Dislocated Worker, Disco Year 2026 from the Technical College System of Georgia not to exceed 55,000.
We'll fracture a manpio, I have a motion to approve agenda item and again 1, 8, 4, 4.
Agenda item ending in 1, 8, 4, 5. Agenda item ending in 1, 8, 4, 1.
Agenda item ending in 0, 1, 1, 8.
Agenda item ending in 1, 8, 4, 8.
Agenda item ending in 1, 6, 7, 2.
Agenda item ending in 1, 7, 9, 2.
agenda item, and again 1, 8, 3, 6 agenda item, and again 1, 8, 3, 7 agenda item, and again 1, 8, 4, 0, and agenda item, and 1, 8, 0, 3.
Please set the button.
Do we have a second?
Thank you, Commissioner Johnson, see no request to speak open the machines for vote.
Our consent agenda does pass.
We did have one removed from the list.
We are at the top of page seven, item 2026-0167.
It's a district five-sponsored item.
An item to schedule January 21, through January 23,
as a special called meeting for the purposes
of an executive session for Board of Commissioners Chief
of Staff interviews.
Do we have a motion?
Motion to approve the item.
Second, I have a question.
Do you want to just hit request to speak for me?
All right.
You have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Since Commissioner Davis Johnson introduced this agenda item, I would like to just hear
what her intention with these three days just for scheduling these interviews
is the intent that we're going to re-interview all of the finalists.
Or are we going to interview the finalists that have already been interviewed in December?
You know, we don't have to yield some lifetime for her to respond.
We, the Board of Commissioners, has not interviewed any candidate for Chief of Staff.
So my intent with introducing this is to give us an opportunity to interview all eight families
that have been selected by HR to serve as I, to be interviewed and can sit it as
I chief of staff. I initially stated two, I was acting off at the time when she
talked about the December that that was not a good time for interviews. And
But then it was not good for the commission because there was no one there but two commissioners.
And so thus they could not the commission could not move forward with interviewing.
So, thus, my motion was to interview the candidates in January, I respect HR's diligence
and narrowing it down to eight candidates, I think that was what was requested, but I don't
I think it was requested from this board for them to have
interviews for the board.
And so therefore, since the board could not personally
interact or ask questions to see the demeanor of those
answers based upon their interaction with individual board
members.
I think that that would have been a crucial aspect in determining something as significant
as a chief of staff for the commissioners.
Oh, yeah.
I would like to see all.
Okay.
Under eight.
All right.
Candidates.
Interviewed by this board.
Okay.
Thank you for clarifying that Commissioner Davis Johnson.
And I do just want to remark that this really has been a saga for us to do something that
really is something that should be very straightforward.
Professional organization would recognize going on almost two years now that we don't have
a chief of staff.
We have an interim chief of staff.
This goes back to two presiding officers ago, which Commissioner Davis Johnson was the presiding
officer. And we spent months deliberating whether we were going to do a search. And so
that took like a year to decide we're going to do a search. And then it took months
later to say, OK, let's just do a search. And then HR laid out the timeline. Months in
advance. They're doing their professional job as professionals to follow a process, a professional
process. So when you come in at the very last minute and say actually I don't like this process
when we're already at the end of it, it's just disrespectful to all of your colleagues and everyone
who applied for the job and did interview, let's just correct the record there, there were interviews,
HR recorded the interviews, there were transcripts of the interviews and trying to follow the process
This, even though I wasn't able to be there in person, I may time over the holidays to meet
the deadline that HR requested, just to have it done by the end of the year, literally
spent five hours on New Year's Eve, watching five hours of Chief of Staff interviews.
And then I scored all of them because that's the process that we agreed to.
So you come in here at the last minute saying, we're going to interview them all over again.
Well, if I was them, I'd be like, no thanks.
Warning, red flag dysfunction ahead.
Three of them don't even live in Georgia.
So we're going to make them interview again in person.
These candidates have been scored.
A majority of us filled out the matrix.
So I'm okay with this schedule to interview finalists,
not to interview everyone over again.
I already did that.
So whatever the board decides,
if we end up just interviewing everyone again, I'm just not
going to participate because I already did it.
I already gave them a scores.
I might suggest that the three commissioners that didn't do what we all agreed to just set
Sometimes with HR and watch the video, read the transcript, and do your score. What's so
hard about that? What's so hard about doing our job, following a professional process,
do the scores, we'll get the finalists. And then on the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, we can interview
the finalists. We don't need to take three days to do it. We can probably do it one day.
And let's just keep this thing moving.
All this is 2026.
The cheapest staff thing has been on our agenda for two years.
Let's move forward, please.
Thank you very much.
I'm going to pass the gavel to the deputy presiding officers.
I deliver my comments.
So, per our blue book,
the presiding officer does it vise the cheapest staff.
I went back and forth with the law department
over several months, one of the individuals that I met with and received
advisement from is no longer with the county, our former county attorney,
Mr. Linkus. And Mr. Linkus and the a few other county attorneys stated
to me that I was perfectly in my right to move as presiding officer, to move
forward with us securing hiring a new chief of staff. And so just to correct the
record so that everybody is clear on what happened here is our Chief of Staff position for
the Board of Commissioners, each office has their own Chief of Staff. And then we, as a collective board, do have a Chief of Staff.
Ms. Deyam McKenzie has served in that interim role now. I believe for over a roughly a year and a half at this point in time. Is that correct, Ms. McKenzie?
about 14 months she has served as interim.
We began this conversation as Commissioner Terry pointed out quite some time ago.
Last summer we had a meeting, everyone decided it was really time to move forward.
We couldn't decide on anything as a board with four votes to move forward with a particular candidate at that point in time.
So, my next step was to go to HR, as you would imagine, that's, you know, how this stuff works.
You go to the HR professional, the HR professional, who was also no longer with this director ransom.
It advised me on how she felt was best to move forward, what was the best practice
and securing a chief of staff.
So, she prepared a plan for us, she noticed the position.
I believe we started to receive some of our first resumes in September or early October.
So somewhere in that timeframe, so again, I'm pointing out the timeline here.
We've been 14 months with an interim.
We had, let's say September is when we started receiving our first applications,
of people that were interested in that position.
One of the things she was concerned about is that if we did not move according to the timeline
that she established that we would lose the candidates that were interested, these are people
seeking employment that want another job.
And at that point, they're probably not just entertaining to cab counties, B.O.C., Chief
staff position. And so there was a great deal of due diligence and energy put into helping
the Board of Commissioners on Director-Ransem's part, her deputy and other HR members to truly
support us in our efforts. Fast forward to, fast forward to November. And I will probably request
a second time to speak and actually have this timeline already typed out is that we would host
It was recommended by HR to host the interviews on December 2nd, and so I put it out there.
We didn't get any feedback about the December 2nd until, and I can give you the exact date,
and again, all of this is in writing. November 21st, that was for everybody's knowledge,
the Friday before Thanksgiving.
We had already direct a ransom.
HR had already scheduled eight interviews
for December 2nd.
Friday evening, there is a series of text and communication
about wanting to reschedule it from December 2nd.
Now note, again the following week was Thanksgiving week.
Okay, that seems reasonable.
I gotcha.
So, we decided to reschedule those interviews.
Initially, December 2nd, we pushed it to Thursday and Friday, December 18th and December 19th.
Went to law department, I mapped out two options for the commissioners.
Option one is that, for an executive session to host these in-person interviews,
we were required to have quorum, which is four commissioners. Option two was to have less than quorum and not a quorum of the Ops committee to be able to host the virtual,
again, these were virtual interviews, as long as there was less than four, and it ended up being Commissioner Messiah myself for us to host these interviews.
that were already rescheduled once, and then asked to be rescheduled a second time.
Then, after we made this decision, a full week went by, a week, one week went by.
It was a Monday, and again, I can get that date for everybody to establish a very clear
timeline, is that I said, by close a business, please provide me your feedback on us doing
December 18th and December 19th. Guess what? Crickets until the following Monday. Okay, and these had already been received.
So I said no. No. We are not going to disrupt the integrity of this process. I worked very hard behind the scenes with both HR and law to figure out how to host these interviews without having to reschedule yet a third time, so that we don't look fragmented or look like we had the inability to make a decision.
decision on a critical role, such as the BOC Chief of Staff.
So we developed a process of hosting these interviews online 45 minutes with Commissioner
Messiah and myself, HR, created a scorecard for all of the commissioners to go back and review
the video.
We took it a step further to make sure that Commissioner Messiah and I did not ask any additional questions of the candidates.
We opened up the meeting and we closed the meeting and that was our role.
We were hard to, again, maintain the integrity of the interview process as well as the integrity of each interview.
And what we tried, and I believe that we were successful and we accomplished this, as we hosted all eight interviews virtually over a day and a half, we did not ask additional questions.
We did not comment, and then what we did is we asked the other commissioners to please
Completure score cards by December 31st, which was my birthday
And so with December 19th to December 31st
After they had kind of just trickled in at that point we said okay, HR
Why don't we just extend it and again HR?
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. We extended the opportunity for the commissioners
to complete and submit their scorecards.
I am proud to say that four commissioners completed their scorecards.
I know that one commission had intended to do so,
but had not been feeling well.
And so I truly believe that there are actually five commissioners
that wanted to embrace the interview process.
One, that did not want to kick the can down the road
any further than we had been doing.
Three is to respect the candidates.
Again, I'll repeat that.
Let's respect the people who expressed interest in serving
and what I believe is a very difficult position
to manage seven commissioners and seven offices
that is no joke quite frankly.
And third is that we did follow the advisement and the guidance of our lead HR expert and
the Cab County government.
So quite frankly, commissioners, I'm not pursuing PO after today.
You guys all know that.
I'm not objecting to January 21st through 23rd, which is fine by me.
I wrote it in the email.
Hey, that's good.
That works for me.
But what I would suggest is that we do not waste eight more folks, eight people.
The people have already interviewed to come back and interview all eight of them again.
What I would suggest is you complete your score card.
Let's select the top two, four, even five candidates.
Bring them back for an in-person interview.
And with permission to Terry, I was present.
I went back and watched the videos.
I am pleased with how that process. Everybody had an opportunity to participate. And if you chose not to,
that's not on us. Don't penalize the candidates. Just look at the video. I think you will find,
is that again, we made sure that this process wasn't grounded in integrity.
was grounded and best practice, was grounded in doing what was right for this commission and those
that expressed interest. I yield back. Commissioner Missura, you have a floor.
Thank you so much,
Madame Peo. As Commissioner Longspir shared, I participated in the interview process. I do know
that we tried to take into consideration the concerns and make sure that we didn't ask because we
to keep it fair. And I wanted to make sure that, I mean, even with the comments, the notes,
with everything that our colleagues had an opportunity to understand where we were coming from,
but also keeping it as fair as possible. There was a candidate that it communicated that she
that I'm waiting to interview since October.
And so it is a concern of my in terms of the candidates' time
and being able to come back in person.
Make sure that even with some of our folks from our own
that are on staff now make sure that they understood
that these interviews are being conducted
and handled on board.
Everyone was referred to by their last name.
There was no, you know, the same questions were
acts, the same process was done just to keep a uniformity
and not have any impression whatsoever
of any bias or create any additional issues.
I will share that I'm for one.
I'm challenged with being able to have another two days.
to commit to a process that I've already involved
and committed to.
It is tedious,
the interviews for an hour long for each.
And then there was a break, sometimes in a very
in-between, so you're literally going the whole day.
And we went the whole day and then to turn around
and to start doing the same thing at 9 o'clock
in the morning the next day.
So I am challenged in having the ability
to be able to do that all over again to the extent that we are amenable and can find another
resolution. That works for everyone, then that would be great. But I just wanted to share,
you know, my thoughts and my experience in participating in that interview process. I'm concerned
about the candidates and you know, their abilities, especially during this time taking an employment
And to be able to do what they need to do for their own time and at a respect for ours as well with that I go back to you on P.O.
Thank you very much.
Commissioner Davis, Charleston, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Yeah, you know, I'm taking nothing from HR.
You all did your job.
And I appreciate that.
And that is to narrow it down to the eight families that was presented to us from there.
It is I God to take it from there.
And I tell you, I understand the procedure of hiring
and I appreciate that procedure
of hiring.
When there's an opening in my office, I go through a procedure, and I make sure that the finalists, I interview, because those are the ones that I will be working with.
So, I want to know the chemistry, I want to know the interaction that I have with them
and they have with me, I want to know their sincerity, their dedication,
their work habits
because all of that matter is not a rush for me to hire, it's a time for me to get a person
that I feel represent my values, represent my expectations for that job that is a good
communicator not only to me because you're not only communicating with me, you're communicating
with the public and I want to know that and I want to know that you have the capacity and
understanding and the heart and the dedication to do that, I can't have a third party
determined that. For me, I have to determine, for me, and that's the reason my employees
have been with me for 10 years, and I love them to them. And my community loves them to
And they know their jobs.
I don't have to evaluate them because they know what they
supposed to do because I let them know what they
supposed to do.
And if they don't do it, they know they don't see.
So I mean because we have that mutual respect for each other.
And I had the confidence in them to know that they're going to carry out the job that
I employed them to do.
And so I have to interview my candidates, not someone else, I love them to narrow it down
the press candidates, but once you get there, it's my job, it's I job. Now, I don't know
what options that the presiding officer is talking about, but what option that was closed
off was when I made this motion on December the 16th for us to all go into executive session
and discuss it. I was normal co-host. That was not an option for all the commissions to give
their consensus. I served as the presiding office also. And so what I would do is get the
consensus. I don't dictate to my colleagues or even to my staff was I've hired them because
Because I treasure their opinion.
So I don't dictate to them what I'm going to do.
I get a consensus as to what we should do and move forward on that.
So again, taking nothing away from HR, you all did your job, but your job is not to interview
My families,
and families of families, if they got another job, since they chose to interview them,
if they got another job between them, and the time that we come back in January,
it may not have meant to be,
but you have to interview and feel comfortable,
not let somebody else interview and feel comfortable.
everybody should interview as any questions that they need to ask, because they are serving us,
not HR, and if we had gotten to a consensus of everyone,
we wouldn't have had it.
And maybe that's the reason we didn't have it, because we didn't get a consensus from all of the
missions, commissions, because it's better that we be accommodated than the people that
is applying so that we can make the right decision that we feel is right after we've
talked to, we're not asking them to come in. This is not the first interviewing that we've
for chief of staff since I've been here, because we've done it before, and we all participate
all seven of us participated in the interview. We didn't ask them to come across country.
I mean, why would you do that with technology?
We interviewed them on Zoom and that's how I
Besides otherwise, it's to interview them on Zoom, but something as crucial as the chief
of staff, hopefully it would be long-term, we should not rush it, and a decision should
not be based on the convenience of the applicants, they should be based on the convenience
of the commissioners who they will serve, and if we had gotten that consensus, it would have
been known that that was not what the commission wanted. But we didn't get that. It was
sort of bulldozed to us, the options that was given, and it was close off on these
December, the 16th when I say it.
I make a motion to go in to Executive Session to discuss this normal course.
And that was it. So I say something as important as the chief of staff's job. We should have the
opportunity for longevity for each of us to be able to ask the questions that we would like to ask,
and have feel comfortable for what it's candidate that we're interacting with, have to bring
to the Camp County and the Board of Commissioners.
So thank you.
I'll be back.
All right.
Commissioner Johnson, you have the floor.
Thank you, madam.
I did take the opportunity to finish reviewing the eight interviews over the weekend, but I also did have issues with the way a consensus or lack of consensus was given to all the commissioners on a time to do the interviews in December.
I do remember there's December 2nd date. We had committee so that was a conflict. I have a committee on every Tuesday that we meet and then an option was given out for December 18th.
I said I would try to make that work but it would be a hardship and then next thing I know it was given for two days, 18th and 19th.
I don't see that as consensus building. I see that as being told these dates are the only dates that are available to do these interviews and the interviews were already scheduled.
So that is where I had issues with being able to attend on those on the 18th.
However, I would appreciate if we could find a middle ground because I believe these applicants
have now interviewed with HR twice already.
And I don't, even though, because we are having a hard time getting a consensus
and coming up with the time for us to meet, I do not want to punish the applicants.
So if we could possibly look at the interviews and come up with a top four for us to interview
that might be a middle ground, because I do not want us to look as dysfunctional as we
are looking right now, but I do feel that I do not feel like I was really given an option
of a time that would be considered for me to be able to attend these interviews in December
that we wanted to try and push it back so that we wouldn't be in the situation.
So again, I'm asking my board of commissioners to consider a middle ground,
maybe review them, and we can interview the top four.
I think you could look at four or five.
I can do five.
If that is the middle ground, we can get that.
Look at those interviews.
Come up with your top five.
Do your scoring cards.
I will also say commissioner longspirers and a commissioner,
Messiah correct after they did not interject. They did not ask questions. All the interviews were
done the same way. So I think they are done fairly. But again, I do not want to penalize
the applicants to make them go through one or two more rounds of interviews. I do not think that's
fair to them. So that is my ask of my fellow commissioners. Thank you, I yield. Thank you very much,
I apologize, you've already had your first commissioner Bolton and then back to commissioner
Terry.
Okay, and I just want to interrupt you.
Oh, there you are.
Okay, commissioner Bolton then commissioner Patrick.
You have the floor commissioner.
Okay, yes ma'am.
No, I didn't see him on here either.
I was just checking.
So I wanted to iterate as well.
Bill, you did communicate effectively.
You reached out to us several times.
But I will say, the communication was convoluted for a new person coming in with all of the emails and text messages, excuse me, emails and text messages.
The process wasn't clear.
And so I made an attempt for us to have a conversation and I understand now the way I requested that was the request wasn't made appropriately, essentially.
I guess because it was decont, but given that we never had a conversation about the process
and we were expected to digest it through email, I think that's where a lot of the confusion
came from when you consider there were several dates suggested, but there was never consensus
among the dates, but we just continued to schedule them without consensus.
I think was a major concern, and what I would like to see, well, let me say this first,
my understanding of the January 21st to the 23rd date was that we were rescheduling final
interviews from the 14th to the 21st, but requests to do all eight, like you indicated Commissioner
Johnson is quite a bit, I would be amenable to the top five, especially considering there
was no standard protocol for us to follow and it's seen adjustments were constantly being
made to accommodate requests and it just got away from us so I would rather just stick with
the nice round number top five January 21st, the best
the date that we choose so we don't have to consume a
bunch more time moving forward and I want to remind
commissioners we are on page eight of 26 and it is
after noon. I call the question.
Can we amend the motion please.
Sure.
Madam chair to the maker of the motion, would you be open to a
friendly amendment to interview the top five candidates.
All right, all right, my second stance.
All righty, okay, so we've had an amended motion,
which I support, by the way, to amend it
to interviewing the top five candidates.
Oh, we actually, we have to vote on call the question.
All right, so you've called the question, who's second to it?
All second.
Thank you.
I will second it.
All right, if you're in favor of us, I have a question as well,
which is, so I have not turned in mind.
I've watched the videos.
I want to make sure that we have time to get our top five in, is that part of our conversation as well?
I don't see a member of HR present. Oh, there you are. Could you please come up with a podium?
Let's just try to come up with a new schedule that will give those that have not submitted their scorecard yet an opportunity to do so.
You've received four scorecards from myself over. We have these still to receive.
Good afternoon commissioners.
What we can do.
I know we were looking at next Tuesday and Wednesday for interviews.
We get offended the scoring until maybe Friday and then do a rescore of new tally and
give you all the top five.
I think there are two candidates that are not local that we can go ahead and kind of put them
on notice that they may be scheduled for interviews for next week.
All right, so just to make sure that you feel that this is fair to our candidates, again,
they've been going through this for many, many months now.
I'm in agreement.
I did not believe that we should have re-interviewed all aid of them.
I think we need to get closer to identifying who our chief of staff is.
I do not know, out of eight candidates, how in the world we're going to come up with four votes for one of them.
And so do you believe that it is fair if you make that determination by Friday to ask these folks, especially those that are out of town, for rearranged their schedules, to get on a flight, and to come in interview.
HR has been keeping in contact with candidates to make sure they were still interested.
Okay, because it's definitely doable.
The request was for virtual.
Oh, virtual.
So you want virtual?
Okay. Great. Oh, if we're good. We're better if we're on the same page. Okay. So if we do virtual that would eliminate that concern. Okay. Well, that is fine. All right, but call that we did have a call the question from Commissioner Bolton. I believe we have to second two thirds vote. Is that right? Okay. Do we have a second for which was Commissioner Johnson all in favor? I. Yes. We have five to Friday. Close the business Friday. Okay. Open the machines for vote, please.
To the amended, let me read, we're on 0167 item to schedule January 21 through 23 as a special called meeting for the purposes of an executive session for Chief of Staff interviews, the amendment, a friendly amendment to that, is the top five candidates of the original eight candidates for virtual.
So that I believe is the motion. Correct?
Okay, that's the motion of your hit motion commission, David Johnson, you have a second.
Seconded by commission.
Please open the machines for a vote.
All righty, that motion has been approved with the friendly amendment.
Madam presiding officer, if I may.
I request the motion for reconsideration of item 2025-1840, which is the elections office item.
was it on consent? What page sir? Oh here we are. Top of page eight. Okay, we have had a request from our interim county attorney to reconsider.
Second. All right, all in favor.
Do you want to hand vote on this or do you want us to do you want to
input the machines?
Okay. All right, the motion you reconsider.
Let me go ahead and sound that item out again. Again, top of page 8. Item 2025-1840. All commission districts establishing qualifying fees for a public office. Can you please state why you're requesting reconsideration.
There is a substitute that's been handed out. Madam presiding off. This substitute did not make it to the agenda and we just caught that this morning. We apologize for not catching it before now.
All right. And the substitute is what is the nature of the substitute?
The original was really a placeholder. If you look at the back of your piece of paper,
you'll see the actual fees are listed.
Got it.
If you look and I legislate those boxes are empty.
Understood.
Okay. Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.
All right.
Do we have a motion for the substitute?
Motion to approve the substitute.
All right.
Seconded by Commission Johnson, see a new request to speak.
All righty, that substitute has passed.
Okay, folks, we are now at 1213.
Do we have a motion?
Did you not vote?
Okay, she voted for it.
All right.
Do we have a motion to recess for lunch?
Motion to.
Well, let me go ahead.
Do we have a motion to recess for lunch?
Going to recess for lunch.
Do we have a second?
Yeah, I'd like to see if we can vote on the officers, the battalion, before we'd reset.
It's a, I mean, if ever, if it could take a while, it's up to you guys.
The motion on the floor right now is to recess.
Thank you. Okay, so we've had a motion to recess.
It's been seconded. All in favor of recessing.
Please up on the machines for this.
If it fails, we'll consider it so.
We'll keep moving. Yes.
All
right, the motion has passed to recess.
We will see everybody back here at 1-15 today.
Thank you all so much.
We do have our committee meeting starting at 2 p.m., considering the time.
It is unlikely that our pex meeting will start at 2 p.m., thank you all so much, enjoy your
lunch.
Welcome back, folks. Again, I'm Michelle Longspear, service presiding officer and district 2 commissioner. Hope y'all had a wonderful lunch. Do we have a motion to come back from recess?
Motion to come from recess.
Please open the machine for vote.
All right, we will resume our agenda. We're in the middle of page 8. Preliminary items item 2026-0137 all districts nomination of a presiding officer. Do we have a motion?
A move to nominate commissioners,
Chicago Johnson for presiding officers?
Second.
It was, the mover was commissioner Terry?
Yes, thank you for recognizing based on the button pushing.
So at this time, I nominate commissioner Chicago Johnson.
All right, do we have a second?
We need to thank you, commissioner Bolton.
OK, commissioner Terry has made the motion commissioner Bolton seconded.
And she has requested to speak.
You have the floor, ma'am.
Oh, OK, never mind.
She hasn't requested to speak.
Okay, no one else is requesting to speak open the machines for about
motion passes.
Congratulations, I look forward to passing the gavel to you.
Thank you, I appreciate the vote of confidence for my fellow commissioners.
Thank you very much.
Wonderful.
All righty, moving on to 2026-0136 all commission districts.
Nomination of a deputy presiding officer do we have a motion.
Yes, I'm sorry.
I'll nominate the Dina Bowen second.
Fantastic.
All right, have the nomination moved by Commissioner Johnson,
the Davis Johnson seconded by Commissioner Patrick,
so you know, requests to speak up in the machines for vote.
All right, unanimously, that motion passes.
Congratulations, Mr. Bowen.
Thank you very much.
All right, we are now, and just for the public and the audience,
I will continue to preside through the end of this meeting,
but come our cow meeting next week, we have our new leadership team.
Okay, 2026, 0104, Commission District 6 and 4 to allocate 200,000 from CIP funding to Georgia State University for the reimagining the Stone Mountain Trail as a cultural corridor, project for artistic crosswalks and path markings.
Motion 2 deferred this agenda item to the January 27th BLC with the staff impacts today.
Second.
Thank you.
All right, properly.
Motion 2nded by Commissioner Terry.
So no requests to speak.
Open the machines.
That deferral motion does pass.
Top of page 9.
Item 2026-0158.
Commission District 6 and 4.
To approve a resolution to establish a
for the people AI tech dividend fund and fiscal stability policy, do we have a motion?
Motion to defer to the 27th with a stop in FAB. Maybe today but probably not. And then
just to correct where I don't, it was meant to be county-wide and I don't think District 4
has actually signed on as a sponsor. Okay. So just if this clerk can just make the change.
All districts.
But certainly open to co-sponsorships.
All right.
Okay.
We've had a motion.
Seconded by Commissioner Johnson.
Seeing no request to speak up in the machines for that vote.
The motion has been deferred.
All right.
Now items from the CEO's office.
2026-020 commission districts one in seven.
Intergovernmental agreement with the city of Tucker for pedestrian trail easement
public parking improvements and maintenance responsibilities.
Motion to defer to the January 27th BOC with the stop-in pegs today.
Thank you very much.
Do we have a second?
Commission Terry seconded.
Seeing no request to speak open the machine for both please.
Motion passes.
Middle of page nine item twenty twenty six dash zero one two one.
Commission districts one four and seven considered a clearing thirteen
county on vacant properties.
Is surplus and transport county interest in the parcels of real property to the city
a Tucker do we have a motion.
Thank you very much. I'm now seeing the sub motion to zero one two one. Okay, it's
the sub.
What's your motion? Again motion to approve the substitute. Okay, thank you for that.
Second. Thank you for your second.
Commissioner Baltonsino requests to speak. Open the machines.
Motion passes.
Bottom of page nine zero one two five.
Information District, Facility, Condition Assessment, Consistive and Expedited Facility, Condition Assessment for the DeCab County Jail.
Contract will be developed and executed in a form acceptable. The county attorney has designated warded to comprehensive program services.
I'm out not to exceed 599,927 dollars and 20 cents.
Do we have a motion?
Fab item.
Yes, this item has not been heard yet, so we'll hear it up next to be able to opportunity
submission defer to the next B.O.C.M.
All right.
Thank you very much.
So a two-week deferral to the January 27th, when we have a chance, sir, to hear that in
fab, because the next fab meeting would be the afternoon of the 27th.
We might be looking at a special call.
All right.
We'll try to figure it out before.
Okay.
Motion for deferral two weeks.
It was seconded by Commissioner Johnson, seeing no requests to speak up in the machines.
And motion passes.
Top of page 10, 2026-0100, commission districts.
Approval of the OJJDP Family Treatment Court Competitive Grant
Program.
We have a motion.
Motion deferred to the 27th meeting of the stop-in-fam.
Thank you for that.
Please set the button.
Seconded by Commissioner Johnson, seeing no requests to speak up in the
machines for vote.
Motion passes.
All right, moving on to purchasing and contracting items,
herbs, 2025-168-1161, all commission districts,
change order 9 to contract 10105050, computer-aided dispatch
system for use by E91 and fire rescue, contract consists
of providing an enhanced CAD system for receiving and responding
to the county's emergent sea calls.
Request seeks to recent $26,392.60 for the STD enterprise CAD
for change order number eight.
Request also seeks approval to add 50 additional field ops fire
EMS annual subscription licenses and word
of dissentual square technologies amount not to exceed
6,000.
A move to approve item 168 one.
All right, whoever wants to hit the button.
Motion by Commissioner Bolton, second and by Commissioner Davis
Johnson, seeing no request to speak up on the machine.
Motion passes.
1751, all commission districts change order number 8 to contract 1, 3, 4, 9, 0, 2,
7, 0, 3, banking and financial services by the Department of Finance, contract consists
of providing all banking and financial services and earnings on cash account, requests
6 to ratify a previously provided contract term increase, request also 6 to increase funds
in contract term, 5 December 31, 2026 awarded to Wells Fargo Bank, amount not to exceed
880-4000.
Motion.
Thank you.
Top of page 11-175-4 all commission districts change order 5 to contract 1-2-3-6388 retail
image lock box services for use by the Department of Finance, consist of the provision
of lock box services.
Requests six to arrive at ratify a previously provided contract term increase, also
seeks to increase contract funds in terms through December 31, 2026 awarded to Deluxe
cooperation, DBA, RIMIT CO, LLC, not to exceed 96,200.
And move for action, motion to defer item 1751 and 1754 to the January 27th, meaning to
stop into that.
Thank you for your motion and your second commissioner, Johnson Cena, request to speak up
with the machines.
Those items have been deferred.
Now, middle of page 11, these are ops, purchasing, and contracting items, 2025-1765, all
commission districts.
Co-operative agreement, source will contract 1, 2, 1, 9, 2, 3, S, H, I, technology,
products and solutions, for the use by the Department of Innovation and Technology.
Request seeks to ratify a previously issued purchase order number for the competitively
let source will contract for one year purchase of dark trace active AI security platform.
awarded to SHI International Court, not to exceed $457,567 and $167 and $167.
No fraction.
2025, 1793, all Commission districts, cooperative agreement, information technology, category,
general services administration, multiple awards schedule, contract, long number, you may
screen, used by Department of Information and Technology, requested to ratify a previously issued
purchase order to purchase from the Competitable GSA contract for a one-year subscription
support and pre-maramatence of the Commonwealth Enterprise Backup and Recovery System, awarded
to CAREsoft Technology Corporation, CARE of Compute to Center, U.S., not to exceed $325,043.52.
on the motion to prove $2,500, $1,17, $65,
$2,027,023, and is recommended in the Upson community.
Please have the button for me.
Second, second, and bu provision.
Bout sincere.oni
good? Alright.
Top of
page 12, item 1433. There's
a P Wi , a Contr coment, items.
change orders to several change orders that you may read and renewal to another long contract
on-call water and sewer for use by watershed management consists of providing on-call services
for the installation and repair, a various sizes of water and sewer pipes, a request seeks to
ratify a previously provided contract term increase, request also seeks to exercise the second
We're no option through December 31, 2026 awarded to G.S. Construction Inc. Ruby Collins,
Inc. SDNC, Inc. and the Renee Group total amount to it seed 68 million, 421,096, and 85.
Thank you, Madam President.
I'm sort of this item is still under audit with Mr. Lavois Campbell's group.
So, motion to defer to the January 27th, B.O.C. with a prior stop at PWI.
Fantastic.
already seen no request to speak up in the machines for both.
All right, that motion pass.
A lot of my page 12, 1551, change order to contract 1, 3, 8, 1, 109, design billed services for snap
finger advanced wastewater treatment facility expansion, phase 3B project for use by watershed
management. Consistive providing the design and furnishing permitting construction, starting
up and successfully commissioning the ultraviolet disinfection process at the snap finger advanced
waste water treatment facility.
Requests seeks to ratify a previously provided contract term increase.
Also seeks to increase contract scope, a work funding and contract term.
Your December 31, 2028 awarded to Morgan Contracts,
not to exceed $1,413,322 in 17 cents.
move for action. 1712. Top of page 13. Restoration services for use by Watershed Management
consists of furnishing labor materials, tools equipment, and incidentals required for
furnishing and installing concrete, granite sawed restoration and landscape services.
Associated with construction maintenance projects throughout the cab county.
Recommend award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidders, AutoCode Development
at Jewel of the South, and J.M.B. Landscaping not to exceed $4,100,000.
The move fraction.
1749, portable toilet rental for use by public work sanitation and RPCA, consists of providing
portable toilet rental services for various county host events and work sites.
Six to ratify a previously provided contract term increase.
Six to exercise first.
or no option for December 31, 2026, awarded to United Rental's North America, DBA, reliable
on-site service not to exceed 161,161,000.
Move for action.
Top of page 14, item 1790.
Clark's looks like there is some cleaning up on this item.
It reads enter all commission districts impacted by this item.
So I would please make that change.
Many contracts you can read traffic signal equipment for use by public
work's roads and drainage consisted of purchase of traffic signal equipment awarded to utility
comm supply associates LLC, requesting to exercise the first renewal option through March
31, 2027, back up awarded to utility comm supply associates, control technologies, and
wage tronics not to exceed 975,000.
Good for action.
1835, many contract numbers that you are welcome to read on call engineering services for
by Watershed Management, consistent providing on call engineering services that primarily include
engineering studies, design, land surveying, construction administration and related services
for water and wastewater projects, under the Capital Improvement Program and Consent Decree.
Seeks to ratify a previously provided contract term, seeks to increase contract term,
507 or 31, 2026 awarded to Brown and Cogwell, CDM Smith, Tech, Tech, Tech, WSP, USA, Arcades,
and freeze and nickels, Graham, joint, venture, contract, term, increase on me.
The fraction, matter of presenting officer, I make a motion to approve the following agenda items,
agenda item 2025-1551-1712-1749-1790-1835 as approved by the PWI committee.
Thank you.
Here you go.
All right, so you know, request to speak up in the machines.
That
motion passes.
We're now at the top of page 15 with RPCA, which are PX, item 1702, to amend 2024-25 agreement
with the Cab County School Nutrition Services, for revised amount of $53,197 in 20 cents.
Furnished after school snacks for the Department of RPCA, with the attached adjusted agreement
between the DECAP County School Nutrition Services and the DECAP County Department of RPCA.
Do we have a motion?
I am a correction.
1767 all districts acceptance of GARPA boost funding of 75,000 to support after school
and summer programs and the Department of RPCA.
Move for action.
Madam Peo, I have a motion to approve.
I'm sorry to defer.
Item number 1702 and 1767 to the January 27th,
we'll see what the stop and pegs today so can be heard.
Thank you very much for your motion.
Do we have a second?
Thank you, Commissioner Terry.
So you know, request to speak up on the machines for vote.
Motion passes.
We're now moving on to Superior Court Fab item.
All Commission District's Criminal Justice
Coordinating Council grant to the DeCab County Adult Valinity Drug Court
to implement all transportation funding, 33,432 dollars to have a motion.
Fab item, Fab Chair.
Move for action.
Item 1839, all commission districts, judicial council of Georgia ad hoc committee on
American Rescue Plan Act, additional funding, 40,448 dollars to have a motion.
And move for action, move to, to provide an 1838, 1839 to the January 27th, B.O.C.B.
Thank you.
Thank you for your motion.
You'll hit it again for me.
Properly seconded by Commission of Johnson.
Seeing no request to speak open the machines.
And that passes.
All right.
We are now at the point of our agenda for walk-ons.
I will start on my right.
Which is Commissioner Patrick.
Any walk-ons?
Davis Johnson.
Messiah.
Yeah.
Commissioner Terry.
Okay.
I have a walk-on.
Understood.
We have a floor.
Motion to add 9 to the agenda.
Do we have a second?
Second.
You don't want us to hand vote or you've got it on the machines.
Go ahead and hit.
Thank you.
The second, please.
It's a versus motion.
You guys.
You'll have an under control.
All right.
Just adding an item.
All right.
Go ahead.
Commissioner Terry.
Thank you.
Madam chair.
I passed out a walk-on resolution and titled a resolution
so that the cap can't work.
Ms. Norma, of course.
All right.
That item has been normal, of course.
We are now moving on to the top of page 16, item 1233, a resolution asking for the
DeCab County Police Department to develop a diversion policy regarding unhoused individual
set considers other options to arrest and jailing them.
Do we have a motion?
I'm better presenting officer believe Steph.
There was some discussion at committee and I think this is, so this is EURP's item, Madam EURP's chair.
Yes, ma'am for item 1233, move to approve the substitute.
Thank you very much.
Can you hit the bus?
Second.
Have we seen the substitute?
Yeah, ma'am.
Let me say the substitute was presented in the EURP's committee excuse me,
but it's that you can iterate.
And we're in the process of printing it out, it's the policy statement.
So if we can say table, decide them and we can bring it back so that you can physically
look at it before you go.
Commissioner Bont, would you like to amend your motion to tell you?
I want to amend my motion to table item 1233 until we can get the print out.
Yes, remember?
Do we have a second to table?
I'll make the second and that for like this.
All right.
If you hit the request to speak back, there you go.
You have the floor.
Yeah, could you tell us what we're waiting for?
I don't have a cheap paper to give a quick overview of how we have modified the current
item into a policy statement dealing with how our police officers will address the needs
of the unhoused.
Thank you.
Good afternoon commissioners.
Good afternoon.
So yes, what we did was similar to the other item.
We took what the resolution language stated regarding the unhoused and turned it into a joint policy statement.
I don't have a copy of it in front of me. We are getting it printed.
But it deals with all of the considerations that were introduced in the resolution and converted it into a joint policy statement.
Okay, and we should have that loving end of the meeting.
Yes, ma'am.
Okay. Thank you.
Thank you so much, seeing no request to speak up in the machines for a vote to table
the item.
That motion to table does pass. So, we can now,
the next page 17, and go to
the middle of page 18, 2025-068, the Rear Commission District, to approve a resolution to address
agreed just littering and be a legal dumping of scrap tires do we have a motion
that is an irpsitum
a move to defer items zero six eight three to the January twenty seven
bill see with a prior stop in irps committee
thank you for your motion okay
the button commissioner
thank you commissioner Patrick
all right seen no request to speak open the machines for both
that motion passes we are now
officer that was the twenty seven correct
Yeah, I believe that's what was stated.
Yeah. Yeah.
January 27.
Okay.
We are now in the middle of page 19.
This is actually a district 2 item.
So I'm going to pass the gavel to the deputy presiding officer.
Thank you so much.
Madame Pio, that's 205-0751 all commission districts.
So resolution of the to cap county board of commissioners to create the to cap arts and
Postural and Culture Council.
Motion to defer this item for 30 days.
Which would be the February 10th business meeting.
We have a proper first, is there a second,
seconded by a commissioner to Terry?
Is there any request to speak?
Commissioner Terry?
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Zach, can you just update the commissioners on
I believe we got an email about the administration having a decad, I think it's called Council
for the Arts.
There's a lot of work in a lot of different words out there in names and labels.
In February, is that right?
So, yes, what I could say is if you'll recall about, I'm seeing 90 days ago approximately,
like the CEO through executive order, reconstitute it,
what was the, I'm just gonna use the generic word,
the Arts Council, and presented a strategy
for moving forward with this staffing, budgeting,
and so forth for this function.
In the 2026 budget, the CEO has requested approximately
$500,000 for this function.
So the intent of the administration
is to reconstitute and move forward with a use of word arts council, but with this arts function with staffing and so forth.
So, are we expected to make commission appointments to this?
I believe you have accounts for the arts.
Yes, I believe so.
And have has the administration formally requested that we do so?
I don't, but let me check.
Okay.
Let me check.
Okay, let us know, because if that launch is coming up and February, presumably we'd want to have
PowerPoints on.
Let me check.
And I believe the executive order did call for that, but I'm speaking from the top of my head.
Well, if not, we will get you the necessary information.
Okay.
And if you could just get with a lot of apartment or the clerks.
I mean, are we going to just make it an agenda item?
Do we have to just walk it on ourselves?
You know, just give us the process.
Right.
Thank you for that and I believe, yes, there is an agenda item that would be forthcoming that established as an MOU as to how that would be managed.
But we'll make sure that we have all of that laid out.
It's a matter of fact I anticipate this next cycle.
Thank you so much.
Our Commissioner Davis Johnson.
I was going to make a motion to deny it based upon what we heard.
And then we'd be from the CEO, CEO, creating the Arts Council.
But you're saying that she would bring an item before the board, which would bring
an item.
Right.
The item would be the MOU for the management of that function.
And ultimately you haven't item in the form of the budget, which would fund that office to the tune of about $500,000.
Okay. Then I would say that this would be a duplicate of what we already have from the CEO's office. Is that correct?
I think that's a fair statement that this is seeking to do that which the CEO is doing.
Okay, well, with that, I'll make a substitute motion to deny it, because it is a duplicate
and because the CEO has already announced it, and so I would really like to move forward
with the CEOs announcement, because who's better to administer that than the CEO's office
because of course we don't do day-to-day operations and she has already made that announcement.
That my substitute is to deny this motion. Second.
So just for clarification, madam presiding officer had passed the gavl to the deputy presiding officer.
Who has now passed the gavl to the deputy deputy deputy presiding officer?
Future presiding officer, are we all following a lot?
So we now have amended motion to deny.
We have a second from Commissioner Patrick.
We will still continue through our discussion as shown on the board. Are you done with your time?
Thank you.
Commissioner Longspirce.
All right. Thank you.
So it was my, I put under. So I really had the pass it over twice.
So then would be mine. That's why I passed it over.
So her such a pass it to you. So I can speak and then she'll pass it back over.
Because then I would have already made my comments.
I am technically next up on this.
However, Commissioner Messiah, that's fine.
Go ahead.
No Commissioner Messiah.
Thank you.
Yeah, because I had taken it up.
We're draws so there wouldn't, and we can keep a continuity.
So thank you for that.
Just, you know, as it relates to this particular item, it's my understanding.
And we've had discussions as a board with relationship to what the intent is,
because we also have decided the cab and, you know, who's our economic arm.
And it was my understanding and was communicated, you know, or confirmed,
excuse me, through the communication that essentially what the CEO had set forth,
as it relates to her arm of the Dicab arts.
And I'm not sure they exact for her, I don't want to mess up the verbiage,
but essentially the arts arm for Dicab County that it was based on performances.
And so she had outlined a number of different events.
I don't believe there was a timeline, but that it was going to be
performance based and deal with, you know, performances or
orchestra and the like.
Then, when it comes to decide to cap, and they would address
and be responsible for, as they are now the economic, you know,
development piece of to cap county, but that portion of the arts
and arts being an economic driver.
And then as far as the commissioners were concerned,
they were responsible.
We would be responsible for the implementation
and some of the approving, excuse me,
particular art pieces in and around
or our district, by way of example.
So is that something that's still expected in terms
what you know everyone's essential role is or is there something that's different that's
anticipated just like you know just what we're going to do and what we were response
before and how we'll contribute to the cab arts as a whole.
Commissioner Messiah, was that directed to me?
But I guess yes, I guess oh yes if you could at this point because you know I could say
But I guess I could say, and so in the executive order, and this goes to Commissioner Terry's
question.
One of the things is a request of each of the commissioners to appoint someone, right?
And so much like other citizen advisory committees, when you do that, that is essentially
your liaison or your voice, right?
And so what is anticipated is that this council will meet, and it will ensure that each of
and you're interested or represented and you're able to communicate directly through your
appointee and, of course, if you wanted to go to meetings, I'm sure that that would
be appropriate, too.
So, hopefully that captured the essence of how you would be integrated with it.
Kind of sort of a not really, so what I'm just clear, what's being suggested now is that
through an appointee, then they would essentially speak on behalf of the district for representation
related to any implementation or approving of any art in around our district where.
Yeah.
So, yeah.
I kept speaking to that level in terms of what I would articulate is that they would be much like on
your other citizen advisory boards, that person who you feel can best rep your
And you're district interests, but ultimately, obviously, the commissioners are that body that has the final representation through a vote.
Okay. So essentially, for instance, there are walls that need to, that we have contemplated, put in some art pieces on.
That something there still would be an involvement or expected involvement with the commissioners. It wouldn't be.
I would think.
All right, just trying to make sure and know what to expect and moving forward with that yield back.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
So Mr. Williams, I'm sure I'm fine with drawing this item actually.
The reason I haven't withdrawn it yet, I don't have any evidence of an executive order on the arts council,
which I believe the CEO is calling arts to cab.
I do see the executive order, though, on November 3rd for the Sports Commission.
I don't, I don't have, um, I will make sure you get that, uh, this, the Sports Commission.
I want to say it was about 30 days after the art, if I'm not mistaken.
I remember when we did the thing in, when we had the meeting in Brookhaven, I think that was-
Oh, it was a night cow meeting in Brookhaven, but I have no evidence in receiving an executive order.
So, okay.
There's a few things I'd like to say if you can please go back and let us know the date that that executive order was released
That would be helpful because honestly, that's what I've been waiting on is the executive order because I assumed in the executive order
It would outline that we each get an appointment and quite frankly. That's what I am certainly advocating for that. We have no point
Okay
I'll just state in my place.
I've read the order, the signed order by the CEO,
it says that each commissioner will make one appointment each.
To the arts.
To the cap arts.
Okay, if you can just get me the day,
because again, I have done a thorough search of my email.
We have been watching for it.
So for some reason, it was not received by my office
or we overlooked it.
All right, so I will come back in just a second
after other people are speaking and ask for the date,
so I can hunt that down.
So for now, just to wrap up commissioners,
I am perfectly happy to withdraw this item
if that executive order indeed has been distributed
through all the commissioners.
It does stay in there that each of us have an appointment
on the arts to cab arts council.
I'm not exactly certain what she's calling it.
That's really, truly what I think is important.
I'd also like to state that this has been something that we've been talking about for quite
some time.
There was a comprehensive presentation that was made at the New Brookhaven City Center during
our evening committee of the whole from Madame CEO and also James, and I don't want to
butcher his last name, Tasmanekas.
Just for that.
Tismanakis, okay, got it.
Who runs are discovered to cab?
And again, I was pleased by the presentation
that she delivered to everyone.
Again, I am just not aware of receiving
that executive order.
So my team could also very quickly go and look,
I'm looking, see if y'all can track it down.
And with that, I will yield.
And follow up with a second time speaking.
Thank you.
Commissioner Terry?
I wasn't really just going to address the issue of a denial instead of a withdrawal.
This is the second time that a colleague has motion to deny a fellow colleagues item and to be
very candid with everyone here in the audience.
That's just disrespectful.
The reason why these meetings are so freaking long is because no one talks to each other.
We literally are playing this out, I know it's hilarious, looking at you.
Everyone plays out democracy right in front of you, and they're working it out in real
time.
Can't bother to pick up the phone or try to grab five minutes at lunch to talk about something
and even when you get them for five minutes, you hand them a piece of paper, this says,
hey, you know what you said was wrong, do you like to correct the record, oh I'll think
about it.
I don't know about that.
Does fact exist anymore?
Does truth exist anymore?
Can you literally give someone evidence
that what they said was wrong?
And they just deny it?
That sounds like someone,
we have to deal with on a regular basis
in the White House.
So, we're specfiling.
Why are we denying each other's items?
Work it out if there's some other course of action
with the draw it substitute it, change it.
So that's my request, friendly amendment, please.
If we're moving forward with the Arts Council,
and I'm exactly like Commissioner Long Spears,
no one ever, I check my inbox, no executive order.
I really would expect the law department
if there's an executive order, send it
to the governing authority.
Why don't we have to search for an executive?
That's kind of a big deal, y'all.
That's kind of a big thing.
There should just be like us an obvious step. If the CEO signs an executive order, we don't learn about it in the news
We don't just get an email about it. We're told about it after the fact. You just say this executive order was signed
Copping the commissioners. Why is that so hard? I'm sorry commissioner Terry. I think you had a
an amendment. Can you restate what your amendment is just so we can be clear what the
the friendly amendment was to just withdraw the item
commissioner Dave Shanson do you
want to respond to that or you know you don't have to do you want to okay yeah I was
down anyway but you know I wanted to say that you know we have to be able to we
respectfully disagree.
I mean we're not going to agree
of one everything.
But I think me and Commissioner Longa Spears,
I think we find.
I didn't get upset.
Well, I won't say that.
I had to get mad when I was no McColus
because I know that's the part of our procedure.
Yeah, but me and Commissioner Longa Spears,
when we went outside,
I mean, after that, I mean, we don't take anything personal as a reason that we do what we do,
not to antagonize or disrespect one another, because we have to do what we feel is right for the moment.
And it may be disagreeing with you sometimes, but in any event, I never use my 10 minutes.
I am respectful of my time.
So, I would, I don't have any problems with amending my subs,
wasn't a substitute.
Yeah, it wasn't substitute.
I don't have any problems to amend that for a motion to withdraw.
If that's okay with commissioners, long spirits, I'm sorry.
And so there's a asking me a question.
I can respond on your time.
If that's okay with you.
So again, thank you Madam Deputy Presiding Officer.
We don't have evidence of an executive order in my email.
I don't know that we have actually received.
Maybe you drafted it.
Maybe the intent was to send it out to us, but I would respectfully, if it did not go out,
I don't believe it did unless someone else has it.
You guys look in your own emails or have your chiefs of staff
as that we just deferred.
I just want to review the executive order
and see what it says.
That I have not received.
Go ahead.
Oh, actually, I'm sorry, a turtleneck.
So yes, I see me next.
Yes.
Yes, she was an excellent question.
If that's the case, I'm going to go back to my motion to deny.
I take County Attorney, and I'll just say this, we have two attorneys here, and we have
I County Attorney here, and I will suppose that the County Attorney would not get in front
of us and lie and say that he has reviewed the executive order that, did you say that?
out of order.
The question posed by this body was whether or not the commissioners have an appointment
in the CEO's executive order.
And my statement was the executive order, expressly says, each commissioner gets one appointment.
The bulk of your discussion since then has been about whether or not you received a copy
from the administration that I've not spoken to, commissioner Terry says, maybe the law
department should send it. The law department doesn't publish the CEO's executive orders.
Thank you so much. I think Jim County Phillips.
Then my motion stands for denial because if we haven't received it, I will assume that
that it will be sent and the intention has already been spoken at the meeting in Brookhaven.
So I say it's a duplicate and if it has not been sent please send it if it's been sent please recent.
right, right, right, and...
And you'll get copies of it short. It's a matter of fact we're going to print it and hand it out.
Okay, thank you. Thank you so much commissioner, David Johnson and Commissioner Longspheres.
All right. Mr. Williams, please come back to the podium. What date was it sent to us?
As I stand here, I'm not able to say what date or if it was sent to me.
I don't believe it was Mr. Williams. I've had my team, you know me. I'm not going to make a mountain out of a mobile.
But we have not received it.
I have not received it to people in my team have reviewed.
If any other commissioner likes to take the time to look and see if perhaps only
a few commissioners received it.
And I'm seeing it's probably unintended.
It certainly was just overlooked that we received that executive order.
If you have it completed and you're willing to distribute it to us,
my I suggest that we simply table this item until we each have a chance to review it.
And if it looks good, and everybody feels comfortable with it,
I'm more than happy to withdraw it.
So we'll be able to get it printed out and distribute it to us today.
So I'd like to make a substitute motion.
And since I don't have a gavel, I haven't been following along.
Let's get to make the substitute.
We're already on a substitute.
So who's the president?
She is.
myself. So we already have, so presently, we have a substitute offered by Commissioner
Davis Johnson. It was a request for a friendly amendment by Commissioner Terry, Commissioner
Davis Johnson then went back to her regional motion to deny and that's where we are presently.
Well, I think Commissioner Long's serious made a friendly amendment. I'm not, did you make a
friendly amendment?
So I'll suggest a friendly, just a table.
I just want to simply read the executive order that we did not receive.
I'm going to thank you.
All right.
And then we can circle both.
All right.
So what's your present motion?
Two, table this until the end of the meeting.
And does your second still stands Commissioner Patrick?
Thank you so much.
And Commissioner Longspirers, did you have any request to do any additional speaking or is that
just you haven't taken?
No.
I haven't yielded that.
But I will say thank you to Commissioner Davis Johnson for offering to table that item to speak to something that was brought up by Commissioner Terry about it being disrespectful.
I do believe it's actually disrespectful.
I think it would be very simple just to say, hey, you know, Commissioner Spears, this has been going on for a really long time.
Would you be willing to just pull it?
And I get it.
I've been presiding officer all year, we've had 52 page agendas.
They have been long.
I understand y'all's desire to get through these agendas quickly, but I also agree that if
it is something that you wish to see moved off the agenda, is it it is a respectful thing
to just simply say, I'm tired of talking about it, however you'd like to state it, and
give the person who sponsored the item, the opportunity, to withdraw it if that is what
she or they sees fit, but I am glad that we're tabling it. Again, I am happy to support a withdrawal
as long as we get a chance to just read and confirm what has been told to us by the administration.
With that, Madam Deputy Presiding Officer, are you all back? Thank you.
Thank you so much, Madam Peo. Commissioner Davis Johnson.
You know, I would just say, it doesn't mean to be, I don't mean to be disrespectful, but sometimes you have to position where you feel you need to position.
Just like I didn't get upset when I was not told that you were going to normal call us, my motion, that you knew you was going to normal call us.
And I don't feel it with this respect, but I felt that you felt that's what you needed to do at the moment.
So, you know, I let things roll off of me and don't take it personal.
So please, whatever I do to anyone and say to anyone, I'm not being disrespectful.
Because I'll do it to me.
Thank you so much Commissioner Davis Johnson.
Are there any other requests to speak?
Missionary?
Yeah, very briefly.
Just on the concept of taking things personally or doing things
on professional manner, it actually is hard not to take it
personal because it's not like we introduce items for us.
OK, just to be very clear, there's no item on this agenda
that me, Mr. Long Spears, any of us are doing because it's just
something we want to do, we introduce items because our constituents are suffering.
We introduce items, resolutions, policies, funding items, because we represent the people
who elected us.
So no, I'm reject the notion that I'm just being polite, don't take it personally, when
reject, deny, normal core something that the people are asking for us to act on.
No, I reject that.
You can be nice and have decorum.
But when you literally stand in the way of progress and do it with a smile,
I find that to be politics as usual.
Let's focus this year on being public servants, not politicians.
Thank you so much.
I appreciate it.
With no other request to speak.
Can we open up the machine for a vote, please?
Thank you so much.
That's the student motion has passed.
You've been to go back to.
All
righty for everyone following along.
We are now in the middle of page 20.
This is a district six item.
0, 3, 9, 0, resolution to establish a community advisory board for the DeCab County Police Department.
Do we have a motion?
Yes, with a comment.
The motion out of the EARP's committee was to withdraw item 2, 0, 2, 5, 0, 3, 9, 0.
And I'll make my comment after the second.
Thank you very much.
For your motion properly.
Seconded by Commissioner Johnson.
Commissioner Bolton's requested to speak.
This withdrawal was based on what was the previous item, us receiving the substitute for
117.
Yeah, I don't see where we all. Page 20.
And 117, I think they were combined.
Okay, so it was contingent on having the substitute for 117.
And until we receive that substitute, I don't want to make the request for the withdrawal.
Yes, another table.
Okay.
Well, I move to table this item.
So, Commissioner Bolton has an amended motion to table this item to the end of the meeting I presume.
Second, Commissioner Johnson, second does stand.
are you have you yielded back? Yes. Thank you very much. See you know the request to speak open the machines.
All right zero three nine zero along was zero seven five one have both been table to the end of the meeting.
You may now skip through page twenty one on to top of page twenty two item twenty twenty five dash one one zero seven
commission districts. Resolution requesting the administration implemented a cab county
police department, community liaison program require hate crimes identification training for
law enforcement and for other purposes do we have a motion? The clock is running folks so you
can terminate that. Thank you. Do we have a motion for item 1107? Yes and we're receiving
that substitute now on behalf of the Arts Committee, I move to approve this substitute.
All righty.
So, it's making a bolt and has approved.
Can you hit your button for me, ma'am?
Commissioner Davis Johnson, hit second.
Thank you.
Proper motion, proper second.
Commissioner Terry has requested, does this speak?
You have a floor, sir.
Thank you, Manager.
I believe there was the other stipulation that the police department would come back within six months.
to, in essence, sort of report on the larger strategy that's contained within the policy document.
It's just wanted to capture that on the record that we can come back in.
Madam presiding officers, Commissioner, I think we said by, I think come back to the first meeting of Earps in July.
Okay.
I think that's listed in the agenda.
Oh, is it okay?
Oh, I'm sorry. You're right. Yes, the recommendation, first meeting in July.
Thank you. Sorry for missing that at the bottom here.
Okay, and then, you know, just because I know some folks spoke on this today and some of
you all may not have been at the IRPS meeting to hear the full developer liberation, but
I'll just say that, you know, this was a consensus approach, you know, I introduced the
item for the community advisory board and the police liaison for LGBTQ plus, we went through
a couple of iterations, you know, the goal always was for progress.
So, you know, it's not exactly what I wanted, but Chief Pageric, I believe him and trust
him and have faith that, you know, the Cap County Police Department genuinely cares about
serving a diverse and dynamic community to find every way we can to ensure trust accountability
and effectiveness in policing and that this is, you know, thank you, sir, for working with
us on this and look forward to, you know, hearing the larger strategic plan, but obviously
Thank you for being willing to help us continue this progress.
Thank you.
Thank you very much, Commissioner Terry, Commissioner Massiah, and then we'll move to Commissioner
Bolden.
Thank you so much, Madame Peo.
As this is requiring additional trading, or at least a modification of trading for our officers,
I just want to make sure that we're considering the allocation of any potential allocation
of resources. I don't know enough to be quite earnest in terms of exactly how it's anticipated
that the training will take place, but to the extent that we need a facilitator and, you
know, there's an additional process and need to fund. I don't want to require additional
training, especially for our officers and, excuse me, continue on, Commissioner Messiah.
Thank you so much. I just want to allow for any flexibility to the extent that there's
anything additional that is needed to be done as it relates to training. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Commissioner Bolton, you have the floor. Thank you. I was expecting to be the last speaker
But I do just want to iterate since we have received reviewed and potentially soon to approve 1107.
I would like to, if we could, go back to the previous item and untabled that because it was contingent upon this item that we're going to vote on.
Thank you.
You'll back?
Thank you.
I'm going to pass the Gable to Commissioner Messiah quickly.
Commissioner Terry.
One, thank you very much for bringing forth this item.
I am very much in support of it.
And I look forward to circling back to the item, the coupled item with this one.
I'm just trying to understand from what I'm looking at.
It's a policy statement.
you've listed three guiding pillars.
I'm in support of everything that's in this document.
The only thing I would request, unless I'm missing it,
is just a friendly amendment that kind of maps out next steps.
And so you just stated that there would be,
we'd come back to it in five months or six months.
Is there anything that would prohibit us from,
from at least noting that in here is that this is not,
this policy statement, is it done
that we're actually actively pursuing this because we as commissioners feel that, you know,
we ground ourselves and being good and fair to all of our constituents.
Yes, so Madam Presiding Officer, I think the language that we use is we provide an update or
something like that. In at the first meeting of herbs in July, so the intent is that, you know,
where there's trainings identified and other things that we'll be able to present that formally
I've been around here long enough to know that you need to get it in writing, so that actually happens.
So we are in the agenda.
Is it in here?
Underrect.
Oh, thank you.
I was just like, it's got to be written some word in this thing.
Okay.
So we're doing the provided status update on policy.
Or it's committee at their first meeting in July 26.
Okay.
All right.
Well, I'm in full support. Thank you so much, again, for.
And I think this is a good process that we've come up with a joint policy statement.
Okay.
And when you say joint, you do mean between the administration and the...
Okay.
Is it just a governing authority, then policy and a statement at that point?
That might be another friendly amendment.
Okay.
Thank you so much.
And I will grab the gabel back and I believe I am the last one to speak.
Is there any other request to speak on this item?
Commissioners?
Okay.
Seeing.
None. The motion is to approve the substitute. Do you accept that friendly amendment?
Can you recate the friendly amendment? Yes. And so I was asking, actually, we already have the July 20, 2016.
Actually, never mind. I just would draw it. We're all good. Thank you.
All right. Open the machines for a vote.
All right. That passes.
Okay, Commissioner Bolton, bless you.
If you want to make a motion for 0.309.0, now's the time.
Yes, ma'am.
I move to untable item 2.025.
0.309.0.
All righty.
Properly motion to take off the table by Bolton.
Seconded by Johnson.
And that has unanimous.
All right.
So I will reread the item 20.
We're on page 20 for everyone.
It was governing authority that was my friendly amendments to the joint, but anyway, it's okay, it's already passed.
2025-0390, a resolution to establish a community advisory board for the Dickab County Police Department, do we have a motion?
I move to withdraw item 2-025-0390.
Thank you for your motion.
We have a second.
Thank you, Commissioner Johnson, properly.
Seconded, Commissioner Terry's request to speak.
You have the floor.
Yes, just again, I want to reiterate that the consensus was to move forward with this policy document that we just voted on and to come back with a full flash strategy.
I hope that there is going to be some level of community advisory inputs stakeholder within that strategy.
There's a lot of different ways that that could materialize a manifest.
The key goal of both of these resolutions was in referencing our speaker this morning, Reverend McCoy,
to take those spaces in between and create some continuity, some coordination between the community and law enforcement.
I know it's already being done, but I think articulating it in this way in the policy document, and then with the plan forward,
gives everyone a clear roadmap and understanding of how we move forward.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Seeing no other request to speak.
Please up in the machines.
All right.
Item zero three nine zero has went withdrawn.
I have a motion to take the arts council item off your motion.
We have a second.
Seconded by Commissioner Davis Johnson.
Yes.
Okay.
So before we move on to our first person to request to speak.
Okay.
Let's vote on taking it off the table.
Yes.
Please open the machine.
There we go.
All right.
Let me reread that item.
We are now at the bottom of 19th.
And hopefully we can follow our agenda moving forward.
2025-0751.
Resolution of the DeCab County Board of Commission is to create DeCab arts and cultural
Council.
Again, this was a district to sponsored items.
I'm going to pass the gavel here.
I have motion.
Commissioner.
Ladies and.
I put the button.
Commissioner Terry.
Motion is too deferred this item for two weeks.
I'm going to second half a comment.
Second.
I mean.
So first and second.
And I'm sorry.
I think you want to.
To interim attorney Phillips.
We we took off the table.
So the challenges, there was a motion, there was a motion that was on the floor when this was actually table.
So the question becomes whether or not we have to vote and address that motion before another motion is made.
When you come off the table you are in the same place you were in when you went on the table.
thank you so much with that colleagues that means that we have a
substituted motion that's presently on the table that was motion by
commissioner Davis Johnson. I believe it was seconded by commissioner
Patrick withdraw. It was motion to deny it was denied this agenda item
would say ending in zero seven five one is that friendly amendment to withdraw to withdraw okay
if I'll I'll accept a friendly amendment to withdraw. So right now the motion that there's
a substituted motion that was subject to a friendly amendment which was accepted and that is
to withdraw agenda item ending in zero seven five one second. There's a second thank you.
All right
So we have a first and a second commissioner Terry, is the first requested to speak
commissioner Terry?
Thank you again to Commissioner Longspirers for just asking for the executive order.
And you see that so you're emailed it to?
Well, I'm looking at it right here.
So my first question is, Zach, why not trying to play with us, man?
This reading this resolution as executive order is not what we agree to.
And I'm going to read it for everyone who doesn't have a copy, standing members with voting privileges, voting keyword, the 11 members of the Board of Directors for this destination to cab, by the way, I've never voted on board members for destination to cab.
The executive director in CEO will be chair of the board with non-voting privileges, agencies
and organizations with non-voting privileges can participate as friends of the Decaf Council
of the Arts as invited one member selected by Eusticab County Commissioner and you got like
ten different entities.
So basically, commissioners, you're at the kids table.
We get to be the friends of the Decaf Council for the Yard, but we don't get the votes.
That's not what we agreed to.
The whole purpose of this agenda item was to create this council board where we all have a seat at the table.
So are we really just going to allow a board that none of us have ever made appointments to by the way?
I've never in my six years here voted to appoint members to destination to cab.
So we're already boxed out of that.
And it's going to be run by the executive director in the CEO chair of the board,
and we get to be the friends group.
That is unacceptable, disrespectful, and you're asking us to fund something that we have
no control over.
No input on.
It doesn't even say how the friends group is going to interact.
Do we literally get to send our people to the meeting and they just get to sit on the side?
I wasn't joking about the kids table.
because if you're at the kids table, they tell you what the menu is.
You don't get the pick.
If you're at the main table, you get decide to decide what's on the menu.
So colleagues, I would just respectfully request that we figure something out in the next two weeks or four weeks,
especially but definitely before we have a meeting,
calling the public to come and learn about the Council for the Arts and oh by the way,
Your representatives on the Board of Commissioners have no voting privileges through their
appointments.
And as we have established, if we approve something in the budget and we give it to
destination to cab to spend $500,000, we are giving up our rights as the Board of
Commissioners to fund items that is our responsibility to fund projects.
So the next question is going to be Zach, are you asking us to give $500,000 to
destination to cab and let them go off and have fun without any input from any of the seven board of commissioners up here.
So I'm really confused. I mean, like, it really looks like it's smoking mirrors up here.
We never were sent the executive order.
Never was emailed to us. We heard about it.
This is from, it was signed, notarized, third day of November, 2025.
And then, you know, just, as an aside, like anyone that, like, says,
oh, not my responsibility?
What?
You have this executive order.
You know, it's something that we've all been talking about because it's been on our agenda for six months.
And you're just going to like, oh, that's not my job to send it to you.
Who, who, who works for who?
The clerk, sorry, it was authorized by the clerk.
She knew about it, the law department knew about it, COO knew about it.
I mean, did anyone just think in their mind,
oh, an executive order, the impact,
something that the Board of Commissioners is actively
discussing, maybe we should tell them about it.
Why would that not even enter your minds?
What do you think that we are?
Are we rubber stamps?
Did we run for a election to be not told anything until we read about it in the paper or hear about it the last minute before what the vote on something?
Disrespectful disrespectful disrespectful not to me
But to the 350,000 people that I represent who are relying on me to represent them and I can't represent them if you don't tell me what's going on
It's a high things
Unacceptable
You'll come back to Commissioner Terry.
And there's a typo on the executive order.
You misspelled human services.
Are we yielding back on Commissioner Terry?
And now I yield back.
All right. Thank you so much, Commissioner Terry.
I appreciate that.
Commissioner Long Spears.
Commissioner Davis Johnson is ahead of me.
She.
Okay. Yes. That's fine.
All right.
So.
To be clear.
I'm excited about
about to cab county, having an arts council.
It's something that myself and several other advocates
have been advocating for for quite some time.
It would have been helpful to have received
a copy of the executive order before we actually talk
about it in public on the days.
And then it just has created so much consternation
and really bordering on anger, not receiving this in November.
I imagine it was just simply an oversight.
I get it. Mistakes happen. I am open to withdrawing the item. Again, this was an item that my office sponsored.
However, I would really like for us to please consider a two week deferral. If you do read the bottom of page two is that we as commissioners, we do not get a voting appointment.
we receive a non-voting appointment of the Friends of the DeCab Council for the Arts.
One reason I find that to be concerning is that we don't have a voice to represent our constituents.
Me-1, 4, 6, 7 and so on.
Also, there is a link which, and again, I haven't been able to go through with a fine tooth count,
So we just received it and I'm presiding never the meetings.
It's not easy to read and talk all at the same time.
Top of page four, the organizational meetings and officers,
there is no language in this executive order
to the meeting schedule for the friends of the DeCab Council
for the arts.
So I do find that a little bit concerning.
I don't really see a plan for this group.
So I still believe that it's in our best interest to just defer it for two weeks because perhaps
there is a way of going back to Madam CEO and requesting that she consider an appointment
for each of us on the boating side of the arts council.
Other than that, thank you very much for providing printed copies.
Again, it would have been better to have gotten this in November.
But thank you so much, now you'll back to Commissioner Messiah.
Thank you so much, Madam Peo.
Commissioner Bolton.
Thank you.
And I want it to iterate what stood out to me as well.
On pay, well, starting at the very bottom of page two, item B1 and then all of the Roman numerals after that.
It's very clear that there's one member from each of these, one member selected by each of the commissioners,
one member for the Board of Education, one member municipal association, so on and so forth.
One member all the way until you get to items 11, 12, and 13, and then there's no direct association with a limit.
It just says local artists and cultural practitioners, professionals from creative industries,
representatives from local arts and cultural organizations, and I would like to clean that up
so it's clear if there is a maximum number and if there isn't and we can allow for items
11, 12 and 13 multiple folks then there should be a reconsideration for the other ones as well
considering they're not voting members.
So these appointments will not impact the authority's ability
to do work. So I would like to see that cleaned up a little bit. Of course I do feel the same way
about us not having a voting member, but just looking at those items specifically that's
yeah yeah that's not going to work where we're limited certain bodies are limited and then there's
no discretion for 11 to 12 and 13. I yield back. Thank you so much and Commissioner
Republican Commissioner Davis Johnson?
Okay, you know, what I would say is this.
Is that if you, if it's a boy of art?
Social Affairs, that voting board should have knowledge and experience in cultural affairs.
I feel that our representatives should have input, but if you're not familiar, and if you don't have knowledge, if you're not a part of, then you really
shouldn't have voting powers as far as the creation of arts in the cab and what we do in the
eyes after you've heard from different perspectives from our representatives that I think
that the experts should determine the programming,
not the people that is on the board.
This is not anything new as some may suspect.
There was a decab council of the odds.
Prior to the game, the game was a rule.
Prior to Burrell Alice being elected, I don't remember what he ever tried to Burrell Alice being elected.
And I think that the Becaf Council for the Arts.
I can't remember why they, and I don't remember who changed the Becaf Council for the Arts.
But there was already a decay of counsel for the eyes, and I think that they did a good job.
They was experienced.
In fact, me and several members of that board became great friends, but I always would
adhere to their opinions when it came to their eyes.
Because I didn't know, I could give my input and let them tell me their opinions, the same thing when I initiated, the, for me in pedigarrant, me in pedigarrant.
Initiated the John Lewis Commemorative Task Force.
We reached back to get many of those members that were
wanted to cap counsel for the arts to get their expertise.
And when it came to the arts, that's what we use,
their opinion, with everybody else giving their input.
But when it came to the arts, they were the experts.
They were the persons that had the knowledge.
So I'm in a grants with the administration.
And I think that I think that we need to let the people
vote that have the experience in it by listening to the input
that everyone has is giving so that we can have another successful board that we had when
the board, when the board of the Council of the Arts were formed and while they decided
it over the odds and the cap, can I yield back.
Thank you so much, Commissioner, David Johnson.
And I'm sorry, CEO Williams, you do have something
you'd like to share with the board.
Well, just as I was thinking and listening,
I mean, we're obviously taking it all in.
Our intent would be to bring forward kind of,
in my view, maybe we can present at an upcoming committee
of the whole, how we would anticipate this rolling out,
maybe provide a little more detail, and I'm more than happy to just take back this conversation
to the CEO relative to some concerns that have been voiced relative to the role of
commission appointees, but understand the executive order has been issued, right?
So, you know, I would be more than happy to have the conversation to see, you know,
the CEO has other thoughts on any potential modification or something of the executive order.
And that speaks to whether you hold this item for two weeks, whether you withdraw the item,
either way, would take the same course of action.
Thank you so much.
Commissioner Terry?
So, I really don't know what's so controversial about just setting it up like we do every other board
and committing advisory group into Cap County.
I mean, I do agree with my colleague that the individuals on the council for the arch should have, you know, background in that.
I mean, that's, I kind of think that's an obvious point.
You report someone to planning and zoning and community council about interest in land use and zoning.
People, to the park's wreck board, who have interest in parks and wreck.
So like, I don't think there's any dispute about that.
But just expect that politicians are really good at deflecting and off-puscating about what the real issue is.
Because everything I heard was about something completely different than what we're talking about.
And then I heard just support the administration.
And then I heard Zack say, well the executive order's already been passed.
I mean, Zack, it sounds like we're going to move forward whether you like it or not.
And what I'd like to hear, maybe, what I'd like to hear is, oh yeah, it makes sense that
the Board of Commissioners who approve funding should have some sort of seat at the table.
And maybe in the motion to withdraw, we could have a request of the CEO to amend the executive
order to restructure the membership.
And this is something we can't, I know it's going
to be difficult to work out on the diasere, but I really do not understand why the board
of directors of destination to cab is the board of the Council for the Arts. I mean, ostensibly,
the destination to cab board is the visitor and convention bureau. So those are individuals
that are interested in tourism and art is tourism, but I couldn't say I know necessarily that everyone
on there is an expert in art and I know for a fact that I've never appointed anyone to
destination to cab. We should start that by the way. But I would just suggest, and Mr. Davis
Johnson, you're the maker of the motion. So, you know, you can accept this friendly amendment to simply
ask the CEO to redo the executive order, refresh this membership section number five, and give
one member selected by each to cab county commissioner a voting privilege. Simple as that.
Would
You've set that for the amendment?
It's a bit with the modification for the CEO's office to consider all of the recommendations
that have been made by the commissioners and represent to us.
possible amended executive board.
Okay.
Well, I can accept that.
I would like to hear from CEO Williams if there could be a, if we could have that before the launch.
Because I mean, y'all are already like,
or announcing the launch of the cab council for the arts and February.
So, you know, can we, can we get this thing?
This is executive order updated in the next few weeks.
So I can definitely have this conversation.
You know, ultimately, it's going to be the CEO.
It is her authority that issues it.
But we'll have the conversation.
All right, we can have that one.
We can have that one.
Well, I'll just, I mean, I think it was,
I think it was miss advertising.
Because when we were at Brookhaven,
we got the whole dog and pony show.
And it was stated, and you know what?
I'm going to send somebody back to look at the tape.
Because I distinctly remember, oh, yeah,
the Board of Commissioners, y'all are going to be y'all are going to have a seal in that board.
It's going to be everything we all do together.
So I don't understand why, I mean, like, we record every meeting.
So when you say something up here on the dials, I just go back and check the tape.
So why the games, why the off-use case, why the say one thing and do another.
If just do what you say you're going to do.
It's like the basic definition of integrity.
Do what you say you're going to do and at the moment you realize that you are not going to be able to do what you said you are going to do, you let the other person know that's the least you could do.
I understand your Federation Commission or Terry.
I believe that I mean that COO has answered your question and that what the intent is to take some of these suggestions back to the CEO.
and then the CO would never knowingly.
Consideration.
So that's my understanding, is the commissioner long spares?
Thank you very much.
Madam Deputy Presiding Officer.
So while we were speaking, again, it's the first time I've
seen this item, like many of you all.
I did shoot an email to which y'all are all copied on.
If Madam CEO would consider each commissioner
having a voting appointment and her answer is no,
She did state a rationale for that so I just encourage you guys to take a look at your email and just see the response that she gave to us
I would really like for us to have two weeks just to talk about this a little bit further
I think there's just a lot of unanswered questions in this and I just don't feel comfortable having to vote on something that's been active for over six months
It's not right six months, it's May, I think of May of last year without really being able
to deep dive with either Madame CEO, with Mr. Williams, with James, we discovered a cab.
I just think there's a lot of loopholes in this that I believe would be very easy to clear
up, or at least I would hope so.
So I really would prefer a deferral of two weeks and I yield back.
Thank you.
much Commissioner Long Spears. Is there anyone who hasn't spoken yet that would like an opportunity
to speak on this particular issue? And so in terms of going the second round, is everyone
who would like to speak on the second round, have they had an opportunity to do so?
Or is there anyone
Finally, your friendly amendment removed.
For me, I want you to withdraw.
Yeah.
I offered up another friendly amendment, is that we just defer it for two weeks.
Just so we can get these questions answered.
Well,
my motion to withdraw will stand on the table.
I do not think it's fair when we're talking for any particular commission to text the CEO on their position to get an asset to tell us something that we're discussing.
It would either be, yeah, I just don't think that was proper, but it's done.
And so I think that my motion to
keep it to withdraw, go back to the CEO for her to consider
all the suggestions that was made here today and report back to us, maybe she can be at the commission meeting,
Committee of the Hall, when she's reporting back to us, but my motion to withdraw stands with
the recommendation that the CEO consider all of the suggestions made here today and report back
to us. Are you bad? Thank you. I'm so much Commissioner Davis Johnson and I'm going to pass
the gable to the deputy deputy at this point so that I can speak. I mean just simply I would
like to see us you know work more collectively. I think that there are certain items where as a
governing body as a whole we all would like to be able to have some input and thought particularly
as it is affecting our districts, that's why when I broke down some of what I expected, what
have been communicated in terms of our roles and responsibility, I started with trying to confirm
that first so that there was an understanding. Again, there are sometimes where it is thought
that we could have and I don't disagree with this additional information and that we could have
more of an input, but I draw the line at where we branch into actual operation administration
because that is the arm of the CEO and on the same basis it is our responsibility to make
sure that we budget and fund for things and I understand us wanting to be as clear, knowing
knowledgeable as possible as to those things that
We're funding. So, whether there's an opportunity to have more conversations to be able to have more input without
interfering and going outside of the scope of our responsibility and obligation and vice versa, I just encourage us to be able to do that.
With that, I yield back to you, Deputy Deputy.
Thank you, Deputy, and Commissioner Yves Johnson, I think you've exhausted.
So am I passing, or do you want me to call the question?
You know, at this point we have a first and second commissioner, David Johnson, just for
the purposes of having a clear articulation as to the motion.
Can you please reiterate your motion with any friendly amendments if there are any?
Yeah, my motion is to withdraw with taking back to the CEO of all of the comments by the board here today to reconsider and report back to the board.
We consider all of the suggestions that was made here today, and then come back hopefully on the committee of the whole to discuss.
Second stand.
All right.
Seeing how we have a proper first and a second, can we open up the machines for vote?
That motions is failed.
I have a new motion to defer item 0751 for two weeks with a stop and the committee of the
whole meeting next week to discuss some of the concerns further and anticipation and hope
that we can finalize it by the second business meeting of the month.
Second,
have a new motion with a deferment for two weeks, properly first, a moved by a
Commissioner Longspear, seconder, seconded by Commissioner Robert Patrick, can we open up the
machines for a vote?
And that motion to defer passes. Passing a gobble back.
Thank you very much. Okay. So we have been jumping all around the agenda. I'm going to request
that we follow the agenda as printed between now and the remainder of this meeting.
We'll draw your attention to the time.
It is 249 p.m. The PX committee should have started at 2 p.m.
Followed by the fab starting at 330 p.m.
Mr. Fab chair, are you anticipating maintaining this?
I think we're going to have to just call a special call of that meeting.
So anyone who might be here for fab and just give you just let everyone know that we're just not going to have time this afternoon.
So we will try to schedule a thad as soon as possible special call.
Thank you.
And there are several folks that I am looking at right now that I've been waiting patiently.
And so Commissioner Terry, or central staff will reach out to you guys with a special
call meeting date to discuss the item that you're looking for.
All righty.
Moving.
All
right.
Madam, presenting officer.
We taking care of all the table items.
Is that correct?
Yes, sir.
Okay.
We had two.
What's the third one?
Who's what's the third one?
We've not, we didn't have this many table items all of last year.
I mean all of this in one meeting.
I'm really jealous.
What's the other one?
I can't hear you.
Yeah.
Okay.
And what page is that?
So we'll hold that item to the end of the meeting place.
Okay.
But good catch commissioner.
And please remind me.
Okay.
Top of page 23,
okay item 15 0 6 all commission districts approve a resolution to ensure that the county's judges receive the same benefits as the judges as a period court of the
Decab judicial circuit county employees and judges and other counties. We have a motion.
Madam chair motion to defer for two weeks. Although I would like to ask a lot of
to help us clarify when we can have the executive session to discuss the issues with the
outside council as the report has been completed.
I understand you'll be able to have executive session after your call as we normally
would next week.
We will work to schedule that.
All right.
Properly seconded by Commissioner Johnson and just to reiterate that is a two week deferral
see no other request to speak open the machines for vote.
All right, that deferral passes.
I hope y'all can enjoy the rest of your day.
Those are with us for that item and fab.
All right, bottom of page 23, item 1816,
a resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Dicab County
to establish a formal process for appointing a commissioner
to the Dicab County continuum of care governance board.
Do we have a motion?
Yes.
A motion to refer this item.
to the February the 10th Board of Commission with the submonauts.
Okay, so you are deferring February 10th stop-and-ops.
Second.
Thank you for your motion.
If you'll hit the button, please.
Properly seconded by Commissioner Bolton.
Commissioner Terry has requested to speak.
You have the floor.
Yes, that's really quickly.
Zach and I know Director Mitchell is here as well.
Oh my god.
So just would like for y'all to, before the next committee meeting, just to respond back on this resolution.
The only reason I introduced is because Director Mitchell said that he thought it would be a good idea to have elected officials on the board because it gives us more points in the federal grant scoring system.
So I hope this is just like a win-win for everyone, start to beat the drum over and over again for commissioners to have an appointment on a board.
Shocking, I know, but if you don't just don't wait at the committee meeting to say we're still thinking about it or we're still reviewing it.
I mean, I just can't imagine something more straightforward, cut and dry.
If it's going to happen, just let us move forward, make our appointment, because Director
Mitchell already said that he was there planning to do this anyways within their CFC.
I understand that the no-fo got pushed back, so I know it's not a huge hurry, but I'd
like for us just to take care of this, get it off our agenda, I think it's straightforward,
so just please the next two weeks, or I guess the next week, just give us the response
on it.
Thank you.
I'm ready. Commissioner Davis Johnson has requested to speak. You have the floor ma'am.
Yeah, I think that the reason that we continued that from the Ops Committee last time was because
Mr. Mitchell was not present to speak on it.
And so John knows to reach out to commission.
I mean, to make sure that he could be present at a nice meeting.
Thank you.
I'll go back.
All right.
OK.
See, no other request to speak.
Please up in the machines for vote.
Motion to defer to passes.
We are now at the top of page 24 community development.
Item 2025-1820 local government agreement for the
Decab regional landbake authority do we have a motion motion to defer to the
January 27th
VLC with the stop in PX to well it was planned for a stop in PX today we
might have to do that during a special call to a
certain we're going to get to PX today so motion to defer to January 27th
and we'll see you at the stop in PEX for the step-in-PEX.
All right.
Thank you for your motion.
Seconded by Commissioner Terry.
Seeing no regret.
Good morning.
Welcome to our January 6th committee of the whole meeting.
My name is Michelle Long Spears.
I serve as the presiding officer.
And district.
All right.
So we're going to pass yet again to our deputy.
So you'll be presiding officer.
Thank you very much.
This is I don't.
We'll wait for those who would like to leave the stage to be the stage.
Okay, thank you.
This is item 224-135-2 all-commissioned districts.
The Deed Cab County Board of Ethics requests
of the Deed Cab County Board of Commissioners take action
to enforce the December 15, 2022 decision
of the Board of Ethics Against Von Irons
in the Ethics Board case of Ray Johnson versus Von Irons.
Is there a motion?
Yes.
I moved to deny that the care of County Board of Athletics requires that the county indefinitely
is the spring, Varnan's, his company A, P, D, and our, his other businesses from contracting
of the care of county.
The Board of Athletics and Dependent Suspension request arises from a last actions by Mr.
arms in 2012, which has, well, there were a different, whether it was a different
ethics code in place, a different ethics officer, and a different ethics board.
Under the ethics code, and laws in place in 2012, it is formed.
It is far from clear that the Camp County, given an authority, would have legal authority
now to impose the penalty that the Board of Ethics has requested.
Through the Board of Commissioners, the Board of Ethics efforts to maintain an ethical
environment in the Camp County, the Board of Commissioners consider this damn matter to be closed.
Is there a thing? And that is my motion. Thank you, Madam. Is there a second?
Second motion on a second commissioner, Terry, you requested to speak, you're all the full.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I just wanted to acknowledge something that we had discussed in a previous
public meeting about the fact that there is no rule in our current procurement policies
to create a permanent disbarment for vendors or contractors and you went to a business
of the county.
It's just one to acknowledge that that does not exist in our code now.
I don't think it ever could exist as a permanent disbarment, but just want to make sure
the record states and everyone understands that the request that we did receive is currently
not an option under our current procurement policies.
Are you your commissioner? Commissioner Patrick?
I just wanted to acknowledge Commissioner Terry for his statement and that we are on the same line of thinking.
I'd like to appreciate it.
Anyone else requesting to speak?
Seeing no other request to speak, please open the machine for a vote.
That motion to deny passes.
And we'll well know there's one abstention on one request.
Thank you.
If someone will get the presiding officer,
I will pass the Galilee.
Okay.
She's going to the bathroom.
Next.
May I take it to you?
You want me to keep going?
What do you want to do?
All right.
You're going to, on page 2025, for those that are following along, agenda item 2025-1513.
All commission districts are FEP, request for proposal number 2024-10007 for temporary personnel
services.
Before years multi-year contract for use by all the cab county departments through the Department
who resources in merit system consist of provision of part-time and full-time temporary personnel
positions for the cab county is needed to recommend it to highest and scoring proposers
who are responsive and responsible to affect the ink, open work, LLC and 20 second-century
technologies who are not not to exceed $30 million.
This item out of Erbs Committee was recommended for approval of the substitute, and I do have a comment.
I have a substitute that was provided to us, and the substitute to assume changes is to 24 million opposed to 30 million dollars.
Is there any other changes that anyone else is aware of?
All right, seeing none, we have a motion to approve the substitute, moved by Commissioner
Bulton, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, any questions, Commissioner Bulton?
Yes, so that was the motion out the Earth committee, the motion was to recommend approval.
I do want to share with our committee members. I would like to request a deferral, because I've
been in communication with the procurement department and some others. We've been going back
and forth and having conversation, but through neither party it never was clearly communicated
that the concern was with this specifically. And there are some questions that have come up.
We've got a recent email from you guys with additional information when it comes to scoring.
So I would like an opportunity to ask those questions in committee because through email,
I'll say again, it just got kind of convoluted what the communication was specifically referring to.
So that changes some of the context of what we voted on.
So I would like, if it's okay with our committee members,
because we did already recommend approval.
I would like to change that motion to a two-week deferral for the January 27th meeting
with the stop and herbs.
Thanks.
Okay.
Thank you so much, Commissioner Johnson's second stand, Commissioner Davis Johnson.
Does the questions raise a fact the amount 24 million or is that a separate issue?
It does not impact the amount, but it could impact the most responsive and responsible
parties, which have been identified in this item as trifactor, open work, and 20-second
century technologies. Yes, the scoring. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Um, they have money, man,
to provide. Yeah, we approved an extension through March. So we actually have through that time.
Okay, I'm good. I'm not going to take that long, but we haven't until March. I'm good. Thank you so much
commissioner, Davis Johnson. Anyone else requesting to speak?
Kind of point of clarification,
can we just make sure we know what we're voting on because the machine still says move to
approve the substitute but I think she requested it two week deferral.
Thank you. They just updated it. All right, so we have the motion to defer for two weeks
and seeing no other request to speak and we open up the machine's fair about.
That's going to be finished. We're December
27th, January 27th.
That motion is past two weeks.
The gap will back over.
We're now at the bottom of page 25.
We only have a few items left.
Yeah, who?
Item 2025-1711, all commission districts,
Parts and service for vehicles and off-road equipment for use by fleet management,
fire rescue and watershed management.
consists of the provision of various types of auto parts needed for maintenance repair services,
various vehicles, and equipment, reserves the right to transfer funds between contract,
recommend award to 32 lowest responsive and responsible bidders.
It says, please see list below, so I'm assuming that's in the agenda item, amount not to exceed
8,465,000, do we have a motion?
This is an ops item, Madam Chair.
Oh, I'm sorry, yeah, this item has come out of audit and it came out approved and so I'm
making a motion that 25, 17, 11, be approved as approved in the Ops Committee.
Please hit the button for me?
No.
Do we have a second?
Thank you, Commissioner Bolton.
Seeing no request to speak up in the machines for about
motion passes.
Now, at the top of page 26, we're final two items, 1265, invitation, 25, 1,0070,
consent degree, ongoing sewer condition assessment and rehabilitation,
Department of Watershed Management, Consistent Performing Consent Decree,
assignments along with meeting the urgent needs that arise from operational events
of the sewer system, warded to the lowest responsive and responsible
bidder, can we construction company and Southeast PAP survive survey, amount not to exceed $49,752,501.
Do we have a motion?
Thank you, Madam Presiding Officer.
We're actually still waiting for Mr. Lavowaw Campbell's audit review.
And so, based on the recommendation of PWI, this is a motion to defer to the January 27,
P-WI.
Excuse me, B-O-C with a prior stop at P-WI.
That'll be next Tuesday's P-WI.
to have a second.
Thank you, Commissioner Messiah.
Seeing no request to speak.
Please up in the machines for a vote.
That deferral does pass.
Now, we're on to our final item before we loop back to one that was tabled.
2025-1550.
We have just been provided a substitute for this item.
This is Elmig Road Receterficing projects for use by roads and drainage.
consistent resurfacing county road, recommend award to the lowest responsive and responsible
bidder.
Triple are paving and construction amount not to exceed $16 million, $441,457 and 68 cents.
Again, we were provided a substitute, if someone could please come to the podium and explain
the nature of that substitute.
Madam President Officer, I'd like to make a motion based on the recommendation of
P.W.I. to approve a substitute for agenda item 2025-1550, the original dollar amount was
15,858,955 dollars and 68 cents, and the revision is 16,404.
The opposite, sir.
It started at 16 million.
Thank you for that rationale.
Thank you.
Mr.Pay, so everybody can hear.
Yeah.
The revised dollar amount, well, the original dollar amount was $16,441,457,68 cents.
The newly revised downward dollar amount is $15,558,588,588,588, and as my colleague noted
in committee, they kept the 68 cents.
So I don't know how they did that.
That's yours.
All righty, thank you for explaining the substitute.
you'll hit the button. Thank you. Seconded by Commissioner Johnson, seeing no
requests to speak. Please open the machines for vote.
Thank you, Sarah.
All righty. That motion does pass. Now folks, we are on our final item of the day.
This item was tabled along with several other this meeting. Let me go ahead and
I found it out again 1233, a resolution asking for the DeCab County Police Department to develop a diversion policy regarding unhoused individuals that considers other options to arresting and jailing them.
A substitute has been provided Commissioner Patrick or is there someone that can speak to the substitute that was distributed?
Madam President Officer, believe Chief Patrick.
Thank you, Chief Patrick.
Good afternoon again, commissioners.
And I hope that each of you have a copy of this substitute at this time, and then just to kind of restate what I said earlier, this is a substitute for the joint policy statement on effective coordinated and compassionate response to homelessness.
We believe that we have captured the intent of the original resolution in this policy statement with the accompanying guiding pillars, which the department is already fully involved in and
something that we do day in and day out through our community policing and through our
department as a whole in partnership with community development and other partners throughout
the county.
Thank you, sir.
All right.
Do we actually had the motion to take it off the table, y'all forgive me?
Did we vote on the motion to take it off the table?
Okay.
So let's commissioner Bolton made the motion.
It was seconded by commissioner Davis Johnson, opened the machines to take it off the
table. Or this has been a long video. Okay, Chief Patrick, thank you so much for providing
a rationale for the substitute. Do we have a motion for the sub?
The motion out of committee was to approve the substitute, but I do want to defer to Commissioner
Patrick since. This is your first time having an opportunity to look over the item.
If you'll give me two seconds to speed read, I will get you a second.
Okay.
If you can make the motion and hit the button for me, somebody will.
There you go.
All right, Commissioner Bolton made the motion.
Commissioner Johnson seconded.
We do have two commissioners requesting to speak.
I'll loop back to you.
Commissioner Patrick.
Commissioner Davis Johnson, you have the floor.
No.
Okay, can you hit your withdrawal please?
Okay.
I have it.
Okay.
She's decided to speak.
Go ahead and do that.
I'm going to be sure.
But thank you, Chief, for your attenive attention to this and I think there's something
that we can all hopefully embrace.
I know that I do and so I think that that's pretty much good of my dear.
Thank you.
All right, Commissioner Terry, you have the floor.
Yes, thank you, Madam Chair.
And we were planning to discuss with the Sheriff's Office and CSBHFab this afternoon.
The, an essence sort of the, the manifestation of how we actually created a diverse
program, because I do support what Commissioner Patrick and the original resolution back
two years ago we introduced it, it was really about the fact that the Supreme Court basically
said cities can criminalize homelessness and Commissioner Patrick thank you having a heart
said well that's fine you know they other cities and counties can do what they want
into Cap County we don't want to criminalize homelessness and so the resolution is you know
was going in that direction to state that policy you know what we have before us you know like
It's fine, it's a guiding pillars, but the fact remains that a decab police pick up someone
for a criminal trespass because they're homeless and there's no other place to take them.
They will take them to the jail.
And this is not the decab police have their hands tied in a way because they can only take
We can't hold into someone, right?
It's either going to be the Sheriff's Office through the Cap County, the Crisis Center at
Claire-Tell, or the State Hospital.
During this discussion, we did ask the Sheriff's Office to provide some statistics.
So the number of Mr. Meiner arrest in 2024, and we'll get the updates of 2025, but we can.
13,672 misdemeanors came through the the Cap County Jail, 6500, almost half came through
the Cap County Police Department.
And at the time of this email, the current homeless population in homeless populations in 2024
approximately were 200, according to the data entries.
A 200 individuals were in the jail, basically because they were homeless, average length
of stay, 331 days.
What do you think costs more?
Funding shelters, crisis centers, diversion programs are paying for someone to be in jail
when they really shouldn't be in jail.
Spoiler alert, it costs more to incarcerate someone and to treat them and to provide diverse
programs, 74 actually they're pending competency evaluations. So we have the backlog and just
evaluating competency and then 12 were actually waiting crisis or stabilization bits.
Now that's at the time, so these numbers fluctuate. So what I'd like us to do after we
believe we were the cap police, we're already doing what they can do. And all too often,
we ask police officers to deal with all the problems of society, but we don't give them the
tools and the resources to effectively address it. So this resolution, this policy statement,
is great, but at the end of the day, if the cap police don't have an option to take someone to
The diversion center, nothing changes, nothing changes.
What I proposed at the FAB committee and what we've discussed with CEO Williams is understanding
that we're not going to necessarily get the full money that we're looking for from the state
for a new crisis center, but it doesn't mean that we can't pivot to what other jurisdictions
Houston comes to mind because we saw how their system worked, a diversion center, crisis center hybrid.
It allows for there to be basically an intermediary for the police to take someone somewhere
that has level of security, level of competency, and support services, but it's not the jail.
That's the important part, it's not the jail.
And we're going to have another discussion in FAB about the fact that folks broke out of the jail over the holidays and there were issues around that.
We're going to talk about that.
But I fundamentally believe that if someone does not need to be in jail because it's just not the right treatment paradigm.
It's not the right environment.
Because it perpetuates the incarceration system.
Then we should create a system that actually sends them to the right location, the right services.
So let's keep our eye on the ball here. If we pass this policy, I mean, we're saying what we believe in,
but until we create a true diversion program, until we address the crisis stabilization system, individuals will be arrested and they will go to jail
And they will stay in that jail for weeks and months and months and we will all be paying for it.
And I would submit that that money is better used on diversion and treatment.
And preserving the capacity of the sheriff's office to ensure that the violent criminals are being watched and observed.
And that the infrastructure around those parts of the jail have the attention they need.
So, commissioners, let's continue this conversation.
We'll do it in fab, certainly hopefully we've been doing herbs as well, because there's interface there.
And I think that we can, again, thank you, commissioner Patrick, for bringing this forward.
We have to take a stand and we have to create that pipeline, just the treat and support individuals outside of the incarcerated system.
Thank you.
Thank you very much. Commissioner Patrick has requested to speak and you have the floor there.
Thank you, Madam President. Officer Commissioner Terry is always your good words. I appreciate what you said.
Under percent agree, jail does not help people with mental health issues.
We do need to have another program or process in place to address and to handle people that are in those situations.
This policy statement was put forward and I appreciate the concepts, the six pillars that were
in here and so thank you very much, Chief, I appreciate that and with that, those are my comments.
Thank you very much, Commissioner Messiah, you have a floor.
Thank you so much, Madame Peo.
The other thing I'd like for us to consider as removing for it with this is that there are
that are vagrants and unhoused is different than folks that are committing vacancy, which that
is and could be an arrestable offense. So I just want to make sure as we're putting policies
in place and we're putting expectations on our Decab PD that we make sure that things are clear
because what we don't want to do is tie their hands from them feeling as though they can, you know,
as effectively do their job because they have to think twice based on something we're setting
forth without making sure we make things abundantly clear and vagrants. Again, to the extent we
we need to provide that specific definition, you know, in this agenda item, I think it may be helpful
But certainly talk with Chief regarding, you know, what we may be able to add and what
may be able to be of assistance in carrying this out so it doesn't create any conflicts
or additional challenges for our decay of finance that I go back to you, Manpio.
All right, seeing no other request to speak, please open the machine for a vote.
Yes, in Clark's, if you would correct the screen for us as well.
Do we need to clarify such substitutes?
Go ahead and repeat.
Whoever who moved.
Thank you, commissioner.
Go ahead and repeat it for me.
On behalf of the IRPs committee, I move to approve the substitute for item 1, 2, 33.
All right.
Second stands, I presume.
Machines are open.
All right.
That is that motion passes.
That's substitute.
And that is our final item on the agenda today.
time. Very grateful we made it through the agenda. Before I ask for a motion to adjourn,
I just wanted to shout out that per the PECS chair, PECS has been canceled today. I did
see that a cancellation notice went out for FABs. If y'all please make sure a cancellation
goes out for PECS as well. And again, I very much enjoyed being your presiding officer.
I'm
five, six, seven, eight, nine hour meetings to commissioner Johnson.
All right.
So without further ado, do we have a motion?
Thank you.
All in favor, Rich Anne.
All right.
Thank you all so much.
Have a great day.
And please stay warm.
Bye-bye.
It was your Patrick, I said tonight, you know.