[1:37] Thank

[1:40] you all so much for being here. Almost evening, we've got a full house. So I guess I'm going to have to do like we do in church.

[1:48] And y'all raise your hand if you have a seat next to you, so that those who are coming in

[1:58] and have some wear to sit.

[2:03] Y'all look beautiful out there.

[2:06] Now what I don't want to see is somebody tipping out like this, okay?

[2:11] Some y'all know about that.

[2:17] Thank you so much, I'd like to...

[2:21] We should call this meeting to order, this is the December 15th meeting of the City of

[2:29] McDonough Mayor and Council.

[2:31] I thank you all for being here as well as those who are attending our meeting tonight virtually.

[2:46] We'll just wait just a few seconds longer before we move forward.

[2:51] There are some other seats.

[2:53] And we have a mercy seat up here as well, so if y'all want to come all the way to

[3:10] it.

[3:10] Is everyone else is taking their seat.

[3:14] Madam Clerk, would you kindly leave us in the roll call?

[3:18] Mayor Vincent.

[3:20] Reset.

[3:21] Mayor Protim Stewart.

[3:22] Reset.

[3:23] Councilmember Blue.

[3:26] Councilmember Bert.

[3:27] Reset.

[3:28] Councilmember Payton.

[3:30] Councilmember Reeves.

[3:32] Council member Thomas.

[3:34] We do have a corn.

[3:36] Thank you very much.

[3:38] I think I'm going to take chair's liberty at this point because we are still

[3:44] seating attendees on this evening and before we go into the

[3:49] pledge of allegiance and the approval of the agenda.

[3:53] I would just like to read some comments into the meeting.

[3:58] Tonight is my last official meeting.

[4:01] of course I am sitting here with mixed emotion. I have sat on this

[4:07] diet for 20 years and I am

[4:19] extremely honored and privileged to have

[4:24] travel this journey with this city.

[4:31] This meeting marks the final

[4:32] regular meeting of my term as mayor of the city of McDonald.

[4:36] and the conclusion of more than 25 years of service in this community.

[4:45] I respectfully madam clerk request that a copy of this be placed in our minutes.

[4:53] My service in McDonald began not in elected office, but as a volunteer,

[4:59] with Main Street McDonald, with the downtown development authority, and through early

[5:07] efforts that help establish what would become the McDonald Arts Council. From the

[5:14] beginning, I believe that strong communities are built intentionally, through place,

[5:21] through purpose, through pride, and through participation.

[5:28] My service in McDonald has been a committed service.

[5:33] That commitment carried me into elected service as Council Member of District 2,

[5:41] and ultimately into the office of mayor.

[5:45] During this administration as mayor, our city navigated

[5:49] one of the most consequential chapters in history.

[5:54] During the first two years of this administration, the city operated without a permanent

[6:00] city administrator.

[6:03] In that period, I assumed expanded executive responsibilities and worked in close partnership

[6:10] with department directors and staff to maintain continuity of operations, uphold fiscal integrity,

[6:21] and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of public services.

[6:27] This term began in the aftermath of the removal of the Confederate monument from our historic square.

[6:34] That action was undertaken by Henry County, not by the city of McDonald.

[6:42] Though the moment itself was significant for the community, had the city been responsible

[6:48] for such action, I would have approached it differently.

[6:54] History should be recorded accurately and responsibly, not erased and addressed in a manner

[7:01] that provides full historical context.

[7:06] I believe that history not accurately recorded

[7:09] bears the potential of being repeated.

[7:14] And it is our responsibility to preserve and understand

[7:19] the full context of our past.

[7:24] Soon after this, the city faced the COVID-19 pandemic.

[7:29] Hey, what?

[7:30] In the generation disruption that reshaped how cities govern and how communities support one another.

[7:38] We also faced, as many dead, the great resignation and workforce instability. Yet through

[7:48] it all, McDonald adapted and endured and continued moving forward. Like the Phoenix rising from

[7:57] ashes we survived.

[8:01] I want to formally recognize City Administrator Steve Morgan,

[8:15] who has served

[8:16] this city with distinction as City Administrator for the past two years and has dedicated

[8:24] more than 30 years and so many many different capacities. You are a fine leader sir and you

[8:34] will be sorely missed by this organization.

[8:39] Steve's death of experienced steady leadership

[8:42] and understanding of this organization

[8:46] represent an extra ordinary level

[8:49] of institutional knowledge.

[8:52] That knowledge cannot be replicated.

[8:55] His guidance helps steady the city through periods

[8:59] of transition and complexity.

[9:02] and his service has left a lasting imprint on this organization, and I love you dearly.

[9:14] I also want to recognize Andrew Baker, who has served as the city's first and only deputy city administrator.

[9:30] Andrew brought steadiness, discipline, and precision to this administration.

[9:36] His attention to detail, systematic implementation, and careful oversight of key deliverables

[9:45] strengthened accountability across the organization, and ensure that priorities from

[9:52] this body move from vision to execution.

[9:58] His calm, consistent leadership provided reliability during times of change.

[10:04] Together, their leadership, working in partnership with this council and our dedicated staff,

[10:14] help McDonald achieve stellar audit results, increases fund balance, implement innovative

[10:22] approaches to cost saving, strengthen internal controls, and advance operationally efficiencies

[10:30] that will benefit this city for years to come.

[10:35] I also want to offer a special and deeply personal

[10:40] acknowledgement to both Johnny Clemens and Christy Taylor.

[10:53] Johnny over the course of these four years

[10:56] stepped into multiple roles, often simultaneously.

[11:02] During periods of significant staff shortages,

[11:05] is her liability, professionalism, institutional knowledge, and quiet leadership, cap city operations,

[11:15] moving during some of our most challenging moments.

[11:20] During this administration, meaningful improvements were made in historically underserved

[11:27] communities, namely Blacksfield.

[11:30] And signature engagement initiatives were implemented to strengthen trust, foster belonging, and reinforce a shared sense of place.

[11:43] I am proud of what we have accomplished together.

[11:48] One of the most meaningful examples of this work is the development of the city's first soccer mini pitch.

[11:56] constructed on the side of the city's only formal municipal swimming pool, which was

[12:04] filled in during the period following desegregation. Where exclusion was

[12:11] existed, opportunity and diversity now stands. The field is named in honor of the city

[12:20] social justice laureate, the honorable judge way crumbly retired, recognizing a legacy of fairness

[12:30] service and the ongoing pursuit of equity.

[12:37] Reflection for was the theme of this historic year.

[12:43] Grounded in the belief that preserving our history must move instead was shaping our future.

[12:51] I recognize the weight of this moment and the honor of serving as the first African American

[12:59] mayor, the first female mayor, and the only bacid to the male mayor in our life class.

[13:13] During these four years, the city of McDonald marked 200 years of history, and we did so with

[13:21] attention, actively engaging community partners, residents, organizations, and institutions

[13:30] throughout an entire year to honor our past while establishing a standard for unity, engagement,

[13:39] and share purpose that continues to move us forward.

[13:44] We move forward, united, and united, we are.

[13:52] My predecessor, the Honorable Mayor Billy Copeland, often described McDonald's the new

[13:59] promise land.

[14:01] Today that vision has been fulfilled, not through rhetoric but through results, while perspectives

[14:09] may differ the measurable outcome tells the story. As the late Roy air's jazz musician

[14:18] would say, whenever he visited our city, we live in McDonald's baby.

[14:26] As a transplant

[14:27] who arrived at McDonald's more than 25 years ago, I was drawn to the city's potential and

[14:35] the promise of what it could become. Today, I am proud that that promise is now realized

[14:45] through expanded green space, the acquisition of the Hazelhurst House, a new city hall,

[14:53] and the lease of the historic train depot, ensuring the civic assets continue to.

[15:00] The serve, the public, and honor our shared history. I am proud of the details that tell the story of a city, elevating its standards, murals painted by our merchants, enhanced crosswalks, the transition from chain length fencing to rot iron, and the crossbook reminders that keep us grounded in who we are.

[15:25] Even as McDonald has grown to more than 33,000 residents,

[15:32] it has retained the small town feel that people of this city treasure.

[15:40] That small town charm is our superpower,

[15:44] and I hope the McDonald heart grounded in loving community never stops beating.

[15:50] I would be remiss if I did not lift up one final example of what community looks like when

[15:58] it comes together.

[16:01] Christmas veil tensile town

[16:10] became more than a seasonal event.

[16:15] It became a living expression of who McDonald is.

[16:20] Something as simple as hot chocolate, share freely, helps solidify a vision of community

[16:30] built on generosity, joy and belonging.

[16:36] With thousands in attendance, the support of more than 50 volunteers and the participation

[16:42] of small businesses and service providers who were charged nothing by the city.

[16:52] Ask for nothing in return and were simply allowed to sail their crafts.

[17:00] This is small business development.

[17:03] I also want to acknowledge the phenomenal work of Hope Vincent, my dear,

[17:19] who's creative leadership

[17:21] helped expand the branding and visual storytelling of this entire city, strengthening the way

[17:31] Donna presents itself and communicates its vision to the community and beyond.

[17:38] Her contributions help translate our vision as a mayor and council into reality and a

[17:48] lived experience.

[17:51] And then there was Mama Christmas,

[17:56] who lovingly greeted children, share, smiles and stories

[18:00] and provided Christmas cheer that reminded us why these moments matter.

[18:06] It became a perfect metaphor for what a community can be when it comes together.

[18:16] In closing, I charge every employee who I am so grateful for in honor to have served with.

[18:26] And every citizen to keep the good work alive, protect what has been built, carry forward

[18:36] what has been proven, do not allow mixed characterization to overshadow real progress.

[18:45] facts are stronger than fiction and this city has the evidence to stand on. As the

[18:55] Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4 and 7 said, I have fought the good fight. I have

[19:04] finished the race. I have kept the faith. Tonight I say with confidence that we

[19:12] have fought the good fight together and we have finished this race together and

[19:19] at minutes for our children.

[19:40] So I want to recognize.

[19:48] And

[20:01] thank him for 36 years of service to the city of McDonald.

[20:07] Council Member Stewart, few know the full weight of what you have carried.

[20:17] But what matters most is not how the journey began.

[20:24] It's how it finished.

[20:30] Yes.

[20:31] I all are you because you have finished strong.

[20:35] I am proud of you, sir.

[20:37] Thank you for your example.

[20:41] And as I close, I affirm that the city's vision

[20:47] to be a caring and thriving community,

[20:52] that embraces our historic past

[20:54] while fostering a vibrant, safe, and sustainable future.

[21:01] And the city's mission to make a positive difference

[21:05] in the community by efficiently managing public resources and providing effective services and

[21:14] leadership that meet and surpass the expectations of our public.

[21:24] These mission and vision have guided this administration and have been advanced, honored,

[21:37] and demonstrate it in measurable ways during this term to the incoming leadership district one council member Xavier Johnson district four council member Larry blue and

[21:56] Mayer-Elect, Kay, I'm Varner.

[21:59] My love and support are with you all.

[22:02] It is my sincere prayer that you prosper in service.

[22:09] As the transition continues,

[22:11] you will be provided with everything needed

[22:15] to lead with excellence and to serve this city well.

[22:22] Thank you for volunteering for public service.

[22:33] Thank you, McDonald. Thank you for more than 25 years of trust. It has been indeed one of the honors of my life. God bless you all. Thank you, thank you.

[22:59] Thank you so much. I would now like to ask if the dean of our council would lead us in the invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance by councilmember Darrell Payton.

[23:13] And I'm just going to ask the clerk, did I call this meeting to order you did?

[23:19] Thank you. Please stand.

[23:29] Before we pray, I won't see water.

[23:34] Every morning I arrive, I'm a bitch. I look around.

[23:39] And I say, if I could help, somebody, as I travel a long life journey,

[23:47] then my living would not be me.

[23:51] That's what I try to do, but 36 years in McDonald's.

[23:55] While walked a lot, I looked a lot,

[23:59] I was self-spoken, distressed, say, very much words.

[24:02] Many words, but I did my job.

[24:05] I walked down Philadelphia just the other day.

[24:10] And as I walked down, I looked.

[24:14] I said, look at God.

[24:16] Look at God, so as I leave you, after 30 years, it's been a long journey because I

[24:24] stood one morning, oh hell's the front of the company, and I looked at McDonald's.

[24:31] I said to myself that day, I said, D one day I won't hit the right McDonald's,

[24:42] and I

[24:44] I know what I've got, how extras you were.

[24:46] We apologize, thank you for your mercy, thank you for your grace, thank you for being

[24:51] so good to your father, we thank you for each citizen that gathered here today.

[24:56] We thank you for this great counsel, this great mirror that we have today in Jesus'

[25:15] name,

[25:31] Thank you very much. I'd like for,

[25:38] is there any more room?

[25:42] We've got a couple of seats, two people, three.

[25:47] Looks like four seats.

[25:54] Chief Williams, if there are four people out there that would like to join us inside, there are some more seats.

[26:03] I'd like to ask if everyone had had an opportunity to review the agenda and if you would kindly please provide a motion for the approval.

[26:19] Second.

[26:20] I have a motion by Council Member Bert.

[26:24] A second by Council Member Stewart.

[26:26] Please vote.

[26:33] Seven in favor.

[26:34] Thank you very much.

[26:36] Madam Clerk, would you kindly sound the consent agenda?

[26:41] Item 6A is a request from Technology Services to pay the annual Renewal Civic Plus invoice

[26:49] in the amount of $11,568.34, funded through 100-5.1535.52.1301.6B is a request from Technology

[27:05] services to pay the S-H-I invoice for the pure storage appliance in the amount of 53,077

[27:14] dollars and 68 cent funded through 100-5.1535.52.1301 item 60 is a request from public works

[27:28] to increase the cost of the comprehensive Parks Master Plan by $16,105, bringing the total

[27:37] costs to $130,900 for the entire project.

[27:44] The increase is for Perez planning and design to conduct a statistically valid parks and recreation

[27:52] needs assessment survey.

[27:54] In addition to the Mailer survey to allow further citizen input regarding the development of parks, this would be funded through ARPA.

[28:04] Item 6D is a request from public works to purchase six-six-inch valve bodies and six cartridges to be installed on the fire hydrants on the important drive.

[28:15] Currently, there is no way to shut these hydrants without shutting off complete neighborhoods.

[28:22] It is also needed to replace the older two-year hydrants in the neighborhood.

[28:28] The total cost being $29,094.

[28:32] Funded through Splost 6 Project 34, 327-5.421-0.5-4.1-434, Item 6-E is a request to correct

[28:49] the 2026 holiday schedule to include New Year's Eve Thursday, December 31, 2026,

[29:01] and

[29:01] at number 17, 2025 City Council meeting minutes.

[29:06] Thank you so much.

[29:07] You've heard the sounding of the consent agenda.

[29:09] Are there any questions?

[29:12] Mayor, have a question.

[29:13] Councilwoman Thomas.

[29:16] I'd like for item 60 to be for discussion, please.

[29:31] Would you mind stating the question now,

[29:33] because it's not a lengthy, it's just a specific request.

[29:38] I just have a question regarding the Comprehensive Parks Master Plan.

[29:43] I know that we have been working on this for quite some time, at least I thought we were,

[29:47] and I know that we had already approved for a study to be done.

[29:52] And now we're asking for additional amount for another part of the study or something like that.

[30:02] Thank you, Andy.

[30:05] Yes, Council member Thomas, it's going to be an additional survey which will give us more community involvement.

[30:12] The issue with the mailout survey which is standard with the comprehensive marks parks plan is you don't always have the people close to the parks in question answer.

[30:23] This will give us, they will actually go out into the neighborhood, knock on doors and try to get answers from the people surrounding those parks.

[30:31] Okay, so how long is that going to set us back with?

[30:36] Well, we just started this project.

[30:37] It was just approved, and they're going to start on the first of the year.

[30:40] So this will be included with that.

[30:43] It's only going to be another two to three weeks in the process.

[30:49] That the study will take place in there.

[30:51] Yes, man, we'll start that after the first of the year.

[30:54] The entire study.

[30:56] And I think that study, I think it's a six month long process.

[31:00] with all the information and everything.

[31:02] And then what, so okay, so we've,

[31:05] was anticipated time of us at least getting started on doing

[31:08] some of these part.

[31:09] Can we, can we, can we have Andy respond to you later

[31:15] because the whole reason for the parks master plan is to

[31:20] make the assessment and to get the community

[31:24] engagement involved in the process.

[31:26] the timeline for completion, that has nothing to do with the plan.

[31:32] This is the plan on how you move forward.

[31:35] Well, you know, and the only reason I'm saying this is because this has been going on for

[31:38] quite some time.

[31:39] And I know our constituents have also done one of the fucking respectfully just remind you that we

[31:49] did have a park's director that I know that director that we're going to be, yeah.

[31:54] And we issue the RFP for this, I think, two meetings ago, we approved it, and these things

[32:03] just take time.

[32:04] I wish we could just immediately build out all of the parks, but what Andy is proposing

[32:11] will allow the council, the citizens, everybody to take part in how it is developed and

[32:19] that's just a byproduct of community engagement.

[32:25] Yeah, this doesn't really have anything to do with the construction

[32:28] of a part.

[32:29] It's just how to best utilize our parts

[32:31] where the city of McDonald's.

[32:32] That I understand perfectly, but it seems like we just,

[32:35] we just keep doing study study studies on it.

[32:37] Oh, no, this is, that's like no,

[32:39] I didn't do that in general in general.

[32:40] Yes, ma'am.

[32:41] We do a lot of studies and we just need to go ahead

[32:42] and get some things done.

[32:44] Yeah.

[32:44] And for the record, you know, I just want to let those know

[32:48] that we just got this agenda, not long ago, about a few days ago,

[32:52] had had chance to really review it or ask questions.

[32:54] So I'm asking the questions tonight while we're here.

[32:57] Yes, right.

[32:57] Thank you.

[32:58] Thank you.

[33:03] OK, are there any other questions before I call for the vote?

[33:08] Council member?

[33:10] I would just like to make note because some folks may be thinking

[33:14] like me who were technologically challenged,

[33:18] but when I saw the pure storage of clients,

[33:21] we're not buying a tractor trailer load

[33:22] of washing machines to do with a computer type software

[33:26] or something,

[33:31] right?

[33:34] Thank you.

[33:36] I had the benefit of the notes,

[33:37] but I just want to make the audience aware.

[33:40] Right, and this is where data storage.

[33:46] Thank you very much.

[33:47] You've heard the consent agenda may I have a motion in second please.

[33:53] So move.

[33:57] Second.

[33:57] I have a motion by council member Reeves and the second by council member, please vote.

[34:08] Seven in favor.

[34:09] Thank you very much.

[34:11] This brings us down to public comments.

[34:14] Chief Williams.

[34:20] Chief Williams is our fire chief.

[34:24] We appreciate him.

[34:26] Thank you so much.

[34:29] All right, Morale McCreary, our Main Street Director.

[34:40] Good evening, Mayor.

[34:42] Council.

[34:42] Good evening.

[34:44] I'll be brief, and thank you for your service, Mayor Vincent.

[34:48] Thank you, sir.

[34:50] Mr. Stewart, always a pleasure being in your presence.

[34:53] I know you guys aren't going anywhere, so I'm not saying goodbye.

[34:56] I'm just saying I'll see you later.

[34:58] All right, I know only got five minutes, but I have some things

[35:00] that we're concerning that were brought to our Main Street Board,

[35:03] regarding the McDonald's civic assessment, the Jeff Seagler deal.

[35:08] And I'll rent through a few things that I didn't 100% agree with.

[35:13] Jeff was in town two days conducted an assessment

[35:18] that I don't feel 100% reflected the city McDonald.

[35:23] That's my personal opinion.

[35:25] I highlighted a bunch of stuff in here.

[35:27] The things I want to echo out.

[35:31] The invitation to McDonald's spent two days is that even long enough to do an assessment.

[35:36] I do IT for 11.

[35:38] So when I go into a new office and do an assessment, I sometimes take seven to 10 days

[35:43] depending on the size of the organization.

[35:45] So two days to evaluate a whole city is not long enough to do that.

[35:49] Just down town, not the whole city.

[35:50] It was just down.

[35:51] Even still.

[35:53] Just down town.

[35:53] That's a lot.

[35:56] So I don't feel like that was enough time.

[35:58] There's notes in here, too, about stakeholders, presence, being limited, due to the time constraints and not enough people in the room basically is what I gathered from that.

[36:07] And we didn't learn about this gentleman coming until too late to put it on everybody's calendar to even show up in a tent.

[36:14] So that was a problem for lack of input from, you know, select groups.

[36:20] Also, if you look at like the strengths, he calls out that the city staff are responsive and professional and a lot of that goes unnoticed.

[36:31] I have from this podium mentioned how thankful I am for folks like Billy V and some of you guys up on council for getting things done around the city.

[36:41] So that's not 100% accurate either and that doesn't reflect good on McDonald.

[36:48] Another thing, too, that really kind of struck a chord with me, was number two under issues

[36:52] and challenges.

[36:53] Board dysfunction and public conduct, mainstream tourism governance needs clarity,

[36:59] role confusion, online commentary, and who's in charge debate, sap, energy, and a road

[37:04] trust.

[37:06] I know as the board chair for mainstream, I did not meet with this gentleman to give him this

[37:10] information.

[37:11] So I'd like to know where did he build that consensus from?

[37:13] Hey, do you want me to tell him where it came from an online observation?

[37:22] We did not, we did not provide input to Jeff Seagler.

[37:26] He met with members on Main Street on a two.

[37:30] 4. He also met with Bokelli, Arbor Kikoi, and a private meeting afterwards. So these were individuals who participated in the discussion, and in terms of the survey itself, what Jeff expressed to us is that the two days is like his normal visit to cities.

[37:54] So, I'm sure that you could pick this up Andrew, I don't know if there's more, but...

[38:02] Mayor, I was just simply going to say that those were his comments and

[38:09] his...

[38:09] The good thing about having it documented is that now we have something to work with

[38:14] and moving forward in the next administration, we can work on those things that are positive,

[38:18] that are true and the other things that aren't relevant from the mainstream voice standpoint we just don't do.

[38:23] So the way I feel like this angel I appreciate that for sure, but the way I feel like this is written

[38:29] It's written with a

[38:31] It kind of feels like we're getting beat up and we're just a volunteer board

[38:36] So nobody that volunteers wants to get beat down for their work, right?

[38:41] So that's why I wanted to bring attention like this is in print with McDonald I'm branding all over it

[38:46] So this is gonna go down into the legacy of McDonald and Main Street during my my oversight

[38:52] So I don't want that to negatively affect me if I happen to be up on council one day either.

[38:59] So it kind of affects me indirectly.

[39:03] Last piece that I want to bring to attention was the task force piece for the smoking and smoking noise ordinance.

[39:14] He brought concerns about that in his report, which we feel like that's important.

[39:18] You, you know, you appointed me as a part of mainstream voice to be on that task force.

[39:26] We have met and met and met and I don't feel like we have enough traction even put anything in place.

[39:32] And now with the change of leadership, I feel like this is going to be one of those things that just gets left behind.

[39:38] I don't want the volunteer hours I've put into this personally to go to waste.

[39:42] I can tell you, I just want to speak to that because it is a part of the transition plan.

[39:49] It's very important that those volunteers that came together, that you guys develop potential solutions that will be brought back to the incoming mayor and council.

[40:02] But nothing will just disappear, all of those findings and recommendations and working with legal has been well documented.

[40:11] Excellent. Well, I'm not going to belabor you with the rest of this. The main thing that I

[40:16] wanted to call out was the number two on the issues and challenges, it really felt like it was

[40:22] a, hey, let me step on you while you're down. Let me kick you while you're down. Comment to me.

[40:26] And because you're you're feeling in the board is feeling is important to me. I will say that what we

[40:33] heard Jeff Sae, he identified the fact that he felt that McDonald was a lot better than all

[40:43] of the other cities that he has visited and he is a national person, a national consultant.

[40:51] But where he said that there were challenges, he said he felt that there were a number of

[40:57] or some of which he visited that really relied to heavily on the city, and did not utilize

[41:06] what should be standard for business development.

[41:12] So those were his observations, not our observations, and I think that's the way that you

[41:25] talk with the new administration, the end you explore that further, but that's it.

[41:33] It's just to report from the, from the assessment.

[41:36] I understand,

[41:39] sounds like a bad report card on us.

[41:41] That sort of feels like, and I know I'm not supposed to press feelings, but I'm attached

[41:46] to this group, and I'm dedicated to doing whatever work needs to be done to McDonald.

[41:50] I mean, I pick up trash, I organize lines, I do whatever the city calls me to do.

[41:55] And I think that's what we always give you guys credit for, but some of what he was talking about with social media from the time that I started trying to get him to come to the city, he'd been watching some of the things that took place, and there have been things out there that give us a bad look.

[42:20] I think we'll strongly benefit the board moving forward, we're trying to discuss how you address

[42:29] issues where there are perceptions, ideas that are different within the organization.

[42:38] So there has to be a better way than social media to address these different concerns.

[42:44] I would agree, and I'll also say as an IT professional, don't believe everything you read on the Internet.

[42:52] Thank you, Mayor Calvary.

[42:53] Thank you, dear.

[42:54] Thank you.

[42:56] Thank you so much.

[42:59] Ms. Rose Mary Spruce?

[43:03] Yes.

[43:03] Span, I'm so sorry.

[43:11] Thank you.

[43:12] Thank you, Mayor.

[43:13] The city of McDonald.

[43:15] Commissionaries, I think they received e-mails from my husband Robert Spitz in regards to the Anderson landing

[43:23] certification on Turner Church Road. And that's why I'm here, Madam Mayor, is that I am the single landowner that's most affected by that development.

[43:35] and I've not been contacted by that developer, I'm agriculture, and I have farm animals,

[43:45] and I want to ensure the safety of animals as well as the residents that might buy

[43:51] this home or live out there.

[43:54] Yes, ma'am, I'm going to ask Sylvia, she looks like a girl scout tonight.

[44:03] I love girls, but if you would give her your information, one of the things that I insisted upon and then council member Reeves has also been following up on this as well is that the developer met with the community.

[44:21] That is extremely important. It has not taken place, but it is something that needs to happen.

[44:29] and we'll happen before any decision is made on the part of this body, but you will need to stay

[44:38] in communication with the new administration and with community development so that you can

[44:45] be an evangelist and share that information with your neighbors.

[44:49] We've done that. We've emailed community development, zoning, missionaries, we've tried to.

[44:58] We have four animals to count.

[45:01] We have setbacks that we have to meet. We can't build a structure of 50 feet from the property line. I don't see where they should be able to build a house any closer than that.

[45:19] A farm animal can kill someone. I don't want that to happen. An uneducated child or member of the community can give something to my animal that can help.

[45:31] I don't want that to happen to one of our children, either.

[45:35] And so that's my concern.

[45:37] Can you please connect with Sylvia?

[45:40] Sylvia, you're committing to making sure that she's plugged in.

[45:44] There is another group that is on a mailing list.

[45:49] And I have your email here, so I will share this with Mr. Charles Downing.

[45:56] They're probably about 86 residents in and out of the county that are in and out of the city that are on that mailing list

[46:06] but I'll make sure that you get added to that list as well.

[46:10] Okay, but here's my concern.

[46:13] Is that I am the single most property owner on that whole development?

[46:18] Yes, ma'am, I understand there's just nothing that I can do about it here.

[46:24] Right. And you need to be plugged in. Your voice is important. And that's what we're

[46:31] we're committed to doing is making sure that you are part of that meeting. I don't know.

[46:37] Is the developer here tonight? Right. But I just want to make sure that City Council

[46:42] knows that they have not contacted us. Okay. So they are out there. They are out there.

[46:47] Sylvia, can you make sure you give their information directly to the developers as well.

[46:55] So thank you for being here tonight and we will make sure that you get plugged into the right

[47:02] meetings.

[47:02] Yes, thank you.

[47:03] Thank you.

[47:04] Thank you.

[47:09] Dr. Ella Thompson.

[47:22] Good evening.

[47:23] Good evening.

[47:24] Good evening.

[47:24] Thank you.

[47:25] Thank you.

[47:25] Good evening.

[47:27] Thank you.

[47:28] for allowing me to speak to you on behalf of the Citizens' Concerns.

[47:34] I've learned a lot about the local government just coming to your meetings but I have a

[47:40] question that will help me to better understand how local government works and I think you

[47:45] probably answered it earlier. My question is, if the current mayor and city council

[47:51] health plans in place that they approved for 2026, would they be implemented with the leadership

[47:59] change? So that depends if it has been adopted by this mayor and council and I would imagine

[48:08] this is a conjecture on my part that you're making reference to Pickleball. And other things

[48:13] also. So Pickleball is a part of our capital improvement element. It has been identified

[48:20] in Splos, and it has taken far too long to manifest, but there are so many other legal issues

[48:29] associated with the city in the county and how we move forward with an organized sport

[48:36] and where that sport will take place, but the answer is yes. All of those plans will be forwarded

[48:44] to the new administration, and I'm just going to charge you what makes you sure that you hold

[48:50] everybody to task but yes ma'am they don't go away and I would like you to please consider

[48:58] the safety for the playground at Rittacrex Park and to build dedicated pickleball courts with

[49:05] a surface that is safe for everyone. Thank you. Yes ma'am thank you so much.

[49:14] Mr. Joyce Lennon.

[49:27] Good evening everyone.

[49:29] I'm here asking that the council would adopt or accept the plan for the boundaries of

[49:39] Blacksville, the overlay of Blacksville, so we've been working tirelessly trying to get

[49:44] this done and we really want this to move forward, so I'm here asking that you would adopt

[49:52] vote, whatever you have to do, to make this project move forward.

[49:58] I also want to say thank you Mayor for being our Joseph, I like what Colton said with a new

[50:06] promise line, in order to get to the new promise line, they had to have a Joseph.

[50:10] And I want to say thank you for being our Joseph, thank you for getting having some good

[50:17] trouble. Thank you for not being afraid to address issues that has been going on for 30 years

[50:24] in an underserved area where we pay taxes like everyone else. Thank you for talking about my

[50:31] heart. We thank you for taking that challenge and we, I go, it's to keep it moving and do what's

[50:40] best for Macdon. Thank you again.

[50:43] I have a question for you, Ms. Limit,

[50:49] and have you had an opportunity to review the overlay?

[50:52] Yeah.

[50:53] OK, all right.

[50:54] Thank you.

[50:55] In fact, they developed.

[50:58] I mean, I just didn't know that.

[50:59] I love it.

[51:02] I love it.

[51:04] Thank you so much.

[51:09] Mr. Andy Smith.

[51:19] Thank you, Madam.

[51:20] Can't remember.

[51:21] Well, I should find out it was going to be a proclamation.

[51:24] I probably would have reschedule because there's a lot of people here.

[51:29] But Merry Christmas to the group and roofers, you didn't share with everybody what was a secret ingredient of what you made you what you are today.

[51:39] And that him and I were the original, and you're counting how world.

[51:45] I knew it would work for you. I couldn't resist that.

[51:50] I'm only here tonight because I'm looking for feedback for several of my council members.

[51:55] And so I'll kind of cut short my comments.

[51:59] So let me go through it.

[52:00] And now I'll concern with the Helper B LLC invoices.

[52:04] And there are a lot of questions I have with you.

[52:05] Mrs. Smith, I'm going to ask this question.

[52:07] First of all, if you would direct your questions to me as a chair.

[52:13] And secondly, the legal department and city administrator,

[52:18] did you get a copy of the email from the city administrator today?

[52:23] because your questions were answered in that email.

[52:31] No, this was the email that Johnny sent out on your behalf concerning the concerns that he had relative to the invoice.

[52:43] No, I'm not real sure if he was copied in that. I believe this went to miss Vanessa Thomas, maybe earlier.

[52:53] You didn't, you didn't receive it.

[52:57] Okay.

[52:59] Well, did anybody else receive it?

[53:00] Because the whole council was taught me.

[53:03] Okay.

[53:04] You did.

[53:06] I got it.

[53:06] From Johnny, he said, from Johnny.

[53:08] I would have been early.

[53:09] I believe that they're 1135 mayor,

[53:12] Miss Thomas, and 4K others.

[53:15] But you're, your questions are not related to the council.

[53:21] They are related to city administration, Mr. Smith, and I've said that repeatedly on several occasions.

[53:33] And so legal is here on tonight, and we're going to, we want you to have the answers that you need,

[53:41] but the people here are not involved in day-to-day operations.

[53:46] That is what the city administrator does.

[53:49] So I'm going to ask if you would get with the City Administrator to ask the questions that you have,

[53:57] but I do believe that those questions were answered earlier because it differentiates a contract that we approve from professional services that he approves.

[54:12] So what you are doing is you're combining a contract with professional services and they are entirely different.

[54:22] So would you would you kindly just get with the city administrator or would legal to have your questions answered?

[54:33] We're looking at the email, Mr. Smith was not copied, I can share it with him if I can.

[54:40] I did not order it because obviously it's a turning point privilege. Oh, that's what I was all

[54:45] What anyway if they got it all you have to do is they can't they can not answer they can not answer

[54:55] Just call me in that is fine if you can't answer because I want he I want I do want his answer's question

[55:03] I mean his question's answer well

[55:06] As I've stated before here, I kind of have a problem with that, because I vote for these folks.

[55:13] And so therefore, whatever you vote on, and I included you, Mr. Bloom,

[55:18] because your system can inform you of all the background.

[55:22] But anyway, there's some basics there, which I've talked about on media occasions.

[55:27] And I'm just looking for some feedback as to how those things occur and what you envision

[55:32] happen happening and what's this happening, I just want to understand the difference.

[55:38] I think everyone here understands because we've discussed this in different settings on many occasions

[55:48] including in this room. So I would like for you to speak with legal so that your mind can

[55:57] it is because there is an answer to your question that all of us are aware of because legal

[56:05] and city administration has spoken to us, maybe with the exception of Mr. Blue because

[56:12] he is one of the newest members. But day-to-day operations is not going to be these folks.

[56:19] They're policy makers. They do not govern day-to-day operations. So would you kindly, which

[56:25] I've said before, speak with city administrator Morgan.

[56:30] I hear say I'm out of there, but I'm not in agreement with that.

[56:33] I want to hear from my council members, because they're the ones who voted on it.

[56:39] And so I just want to understand, does it match what you thought you had voted on?

[56:44] Because that has implications of everything.

[56:47] You vote for one thing, but then something else happened.

[56:50] So I want to hear it from them, but now reach out to you.

[56:53] Yeah, I'll text Tony tonight.

[56:55] See says that I have his permission because it was sit on his behalf.

[56:58] You were not upbeat.

[56:59] He says that I have his permission to ask Tony to send it to you.

[57:02] Okay, yes, fine.

[57:03] I'll take a look.

[57:04] But I still would like.

[57:06] Now, if you can't or not go to respond to me,

[57:09] just tell me tonight that you're not going to respond and I won't say it.

[57:11] The difficulty in them responding is what I continue to say.

[57:16] They don't have the answers.

[57:18] Other than what has been disclosed to them in

[57:22] executive session, which they are not allowed to share.

[57:27] But what I am telling you is that there is a contract for services, and there are professional

[57:36] services that are based on projects that come through the city administrator.

[57:42] It has nothing to do with the contract.

[57:45] The contract is separate from professional services.

[57:49] So the person who oversees that I don't see the administrator does with the support of legal in terms of what he can and cannot do so I keep directing you over there to them so that you can get the answers that you need.

[58:09] Well, again, I still look for my council members, because that's where I lean to.

[58:16] Yes, sir.

[58:16] Again, I just want to understand what you voted on and what we see.

[58:21] I think, Christie, if you could make sure that the part of what Amelia provides is also a copy of the

[58:30] But Mr. Smith, thank you very, very much for being here on the last point.

[58:38] I'll say that for later.

[58:42] But just remember, the new year comes around,

[58:45] and it's a 67% increase in salaries for all of y'all that you voted on.

[58:49] So we look for great things coming from you.

[58:52] And I still would like to hear from you and you and you.

[58:55] I think we can copy you.

[58:57] All right, I look forward to getting that.

[58:58] Thank you. Thank you very much.

[59:10] All right. There are a number of proclamations that are on the agenda on this evening.

[59:17] I don't want anybody to panic because all of those proclamations will not be delivered

[59:23] on tonight. They are being delivered in various settings, including the official

[59:31] acknowledgment of Council Member Stewart City Administrator Morgan and Deputy City Administrator

[59:39] Baker. But I do want to make sure that everyone that is here on this evening that you receive

[59:48] a copy of your proclamation. And the two that I have listed are a proclamation honoring

[59:55] girls first, and a proclamation on a...

[1:00:00] Dr. Shivriel Bryant is Dr. Bryant in the audience. Yes, you are. Okay. All right. Council, if you. Yes.

[1:00:17] Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much. We're going to deviate slightly, but if you two could be on standby, please, for your proclamation to two organizations.

[1:00:40] I would just be remiss to say that as we gather for the final council meeting of the year.

[1:00:47] I want to honor you, Mayor San Jovencent, for your years of devoted service.

[1:00:52] Your leadership, your integrity and your heart for this community has set a standard for McDonald's.

[1:00:59] And throughout your term, even though you're concluding at the end of this month, your work is far from over.

[1:01:05] And though you leave this office, you're calling to serve continues because your work has always come from your heart.

[1:01:13] That kind of commitment continues long after title ends.

[1:01:19] And I want to say that going forward.

[1:01:24] I hope this council reflects the values we expect from our leaders, respect, accountability, integrity, collaboration, and truth.

[1:01:34] This respect has no place here, neither the silence when action is required.

[1:01:41] Loyalty and gratitude matter, ethics matter, and community matters.

[1:01:48] As you move into the new year, I pray for unity.

[1:01:52] I pray that this council chooses service over ego, collaboration over conflict, and courage over silence.

[1:02:00] May we all work together for a better future for McDonald's.

[1:02:03] Thank you.

[1:02:05] Thank you.

[1:02:12] Mayor Vincent.

[1:02:14] I believe that connecting Henry is also here.

[1:02:18] Yes.

[1:02:53] I'm Council, would you please join me and Chief Williams.

[1:03:01] Can you help with the podium please?

[1:04:07] Right.

[1:04:08] So since connecting Henry is here, I'm going to ask connecting Henry if they would come

[1:04:17] I

[1:04:30] actually thought we were going to do this at your board meeting,

[1:04:44] y'all are fine.

[1:04:45] You can come close to me and carry somebody wants to make a comment.

[1:04:54] This proclamation is honoring connecting Henry for 30 years of service.

[1:05:03] We're at the city of McDonald's located in the state of Georgia, it's a caring and thriving

[1:05:09] community that embraces historic past while fostering a vibrant, safe and sustainable

[1:05:16] future for all who call it home.

[1:05:20] Where is McDonald's has long been strengthened by businesses, non-profits and community

[1:05:26] organizations whose contributions support the well-being, resilience, and prosperity of residents.

[1:05:35] Whereas connecting Henry, Inc., a distinguished nonprofit led by Executive Director

[1:05:42] Barbara Coleman, has for 30 years served as a vital link between families and the resources

[1:05:50] needed to ensure stability, dignity, and opportunity throughout the city of McDonald

[1:05:57] and him recounting.

[1:06:00] Whereas connecting him re-ink has demonstrated and unwavering commitment to identifying

[1:06:06] coordinating and maximizing existing community resources for the purpose of developing

[1:06:14] and implementing programs that address challenges faced by children, adults and families across

[1:06:22] our region. And whereas the organization's work has been especially impactful in addressing homelessness

[1:06:30] and housing instability for low-to-moderate income individuals and families including seniors,

[1:06:38] people with disabilities, single parent households, youth, and those experiencing chronic

[1:06:44] or temporary hardship.

[1:06:47] Whereas through programs that support employment readiness, education, case management,

[1:06:53] emergency assistance, access to food and other critical services, connecting hymbring

[1:06:59] has consistently advanced the well-being and long-term stability of some of the communities

[1:07:05] most vulnerable residents.

[1:07:08] Whereas under the administration of Mayor Sandra Vincent Connecting Henry has served as

[1:07:14] the city of McDonald's Health in Human Services, partner supporting residents through food

[1:07:20] assistance, rental and utility support, housing stabilization and vital services that align

[1:07:28] with the city's health equity.

[1:07:30] Quality of life and citizen engagement goals. Where as the city of McDonald takes great pride in honoring and recognizing non-profits like connecting Henry.

[1:07:42] Where as it is both fitting and proper to celebrate and honor connecting Henry for 30 years of extraordinary service.

[1:07:51] Founded January,

[1:07:54] for 30 years of extra ordinary service, effective January 2026,

[1:08:07] and to express our gratitude for their lasting impact on the city of McDonald and its residents.

[1:08:13] Now, therefore, be it resolved that the city of McDonald, here by honors, and celebrates

[1:08:18] connecting Henry for its 36 years.

[1:08:24] Be it finally resolved that as the city of McDonald extends its heartfelt gratitude and

[1:08:30] celebrates the legacy and ongoing mission of connecting Henry, the city also offers this

[1:08:36] mayoral blessing as a ceremonial and heartfelt expression of the McDonald heart and the values

[1:08:44] that bind our community. May the work of connecting Henry Inc. continue to shine as a beacon

[1:08:51] of hope and a bridge to possibility. May every family they serve feel strengthened by the compassion

[1:08:59] of this community and may their next chapter be filled with renewed purpose, deeper partnerships

[1:09:06] and the unwavering support of a city that believes in the dignity of every resident.

[1:09:14] May the McDonald heart be stronger because of their labor and may their legacy flourish

[1:09:20] for generations to come.

[1:09:22] In witness whereof I have here on to set my hand and calls the seal of the city of McDonald

[1:09:29] to be a fix this 15th day of December 2025.

[1:09:44] Thank you Mayor and the city of McDonald council.

[1:09:49] For that it is an honor.

[1:09:51] I'm Barbara Coleman by the way.

[1:09:52] The executive director for connecting Henry.

[1:09:55] I'm proud to say that I actually started out with this organization about 13 years ago.

[1:10:00] And I started out as a volunteer and unpaid volunteer.

[1:10:03] And I believe in the work that we do, I believe in the service that we provide to the people in Henry County.

[1:10:09] If you've never had a need, you wouldn't understand what the mayor is talking about.

[1:10:13] If you've never been hungry, if you've never had your lights turned off, if you've never,

[1:10:18] or in a position to pay your rent or pay your mortgage, you simply would not understand.

[1:10:23] But for the countless of people that call our office on a day-to-day basis,

[1:10:27] with the recent foolishness that happened, and I'm sorry I said it that way.

[1:10:32] With the food stamps, Fiasco, the government shut down, the government workers being furloughed,

[1:10:38] we were back to pandemic times.

[1:10:41] We were out for one day for veterans day, we missed 166 phone calls.

[1:10:47] That's how many people in Henry County, we only serve Henry, are in need.

[1:10:51] So be kind to one another, check on your neighbors, check on the seniors, because they

[1:10:56] are hurting really bad.

[1:10:58] your utility bills have increased, there's have to, their income is not gone up.

[1:11:05] So again, to the board members of the staff of Connecting Henry, we are proud to accept

[1:11:09] this on behalf of Connecting Henry, and we look forward to serving the residents of Henry

[1:11:15] County for a lot longer.

[1:11:16] Thank you.

[1:11:27] Thank you so much.

[1:11:28] Thank you.

[1:11:29] Thank you.

[1:11:30] Thank you, sir.

[1:11:30] Thank

[1:12:00] you.

[1:12:04] Would you please come forward?

[1:12:22] Thank you.

[1:12:23] Thank you.

[1:12:38] Thank you so much for being here.

[1:12:41] You can stand right there.

[1:12:46] This proclamation is honoring Dr. Sherrell Elbright.

[1:12:51] Where is the city of McDonald's?

[1:12:53] Recognizes that strong, healthy and resilient communities are built through

[1:12:58] the leadership, compassion, and service of women who dedicate themselves to uplifting others.

[1:13:07] And whereas women in McDonald continue to lead transformative efforts across faith, education,

[1:13:15] public service, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and community advocacy, creating safe spaces,

[1:13:23] is expanding opportunity and strengthening families and neighborhoods.

[1:13:29] Whereas Dr. Sherrell Bryant stands as a powerful example of women's centered leadership,

[1:13:36] service and empowerment, modeling excellence and ministry, civic engagement, and community

[1:13:44] development through a life committed to purpose and impact.

[1:13:48] Whereas Dr. Brian's journey reflects a deep commitment to service, beginning with entrepreneurship

[1:13:56] and community building, expanding through ministry leadership and continuing through

[1:14:02] education, public service, and global outreach that centers women, girls, and underserved

[1:14:09] populations.

[1:14:10] Where as through initiatives such as leading ladies, global network, leading leaders,

[1:14:19] institute, and no woman, life in a long global community, Dr. Bryant has created a platform

[1:14:27] that a firm, women's voices, strength and leadership capacity, and ensure that women are

[1:14:34] a portrait scene, and never isolated in their life's journey, and whereas her work

[1:14:40] aligns with the values embraced by the city of McDonald's, collaboration, empowerment,

[1:14:47] equity, integrity, and service, demonstrating how women led efforts drive meaningful change

[1:14:54] and foster community resilience.

[1:14:58] Where is Dr. Brian's vision?

[1:15:00] For future initiatives including education, publishing, mentorship and global engagement, reflects and enduring commitment to lifting women and girls while strengthening communities locally and beyond.

[1:15:15] And whereas the city of McDonald proudly celebrates a collective impact of women leaders,

[1:15:22] advocates and servants whose work continues to shape or more inclusive, compassionate,

[1:15:29] and thriving community.

[1:15:31] Now therefore be proclaimed that the mayor and city council of the city of McDonald do

[1:15:38] here by honor Dr. Sheryl Bryant for her outstanding leadership service and unwavering commitment

[1:15:46] to empowering women and strengthening community.

[1:15:51] Be a further proclaim that this proclamation serves as a public expression of gratitude

[1:15:57] respect and appreciation for Dr. Bryant and for the many women whose service makes the

[1:16:05] a stronger and more connected city.

[1:16:08] May the work that has been done continued to speak long after this day.

[1:16:14] May the sea, song through service leadership, and love take deep root and bear lasting

[1:16:20] fruit.

[1:16:21] May Dr. Sherrell, El Bryant, be strengthens for every future assignment, renewed in purpose,

[1:16:28] and surrounded by wisdom, favor, and peace.

[1:16:31] May the women of the city of McDonald, those who lead, serve, nurture, organize, and advocate,

[1:16:40] be affirmed, support it, and empower it as vital architects of this community's present and future.

[1:16:47] And may the city of McDonald continue to be guided by unity, compassion, and courage, as together we build a community

[1:16:56] where women walk, where no woman walks alone in every voice matters. Amen.

[1:17:16] City Council, Madam Mayor, everyone. I am at a loss for words. I didn't come

[1:17:24] tonight expecting anything. I came to support who I believe is an amazing woman

[1:17:33] who led McDonald. I just want to say thank you.

[1:17:40] I'm never at a loss for words what I do

[1:17:44] want to say thank you. You didn't have to do this. I wasn't expecting it. I'm just thankful. Thank you.

[1:18:29] So this next group is pretty large and my voice is fading fast. So I'm going to ask this

[1:18:38] amazing voice among us, Council Member Bert,

[1:18:41] if you would kindly read this Proclamation.

[1:18:50] It is my pleasure to read this Proclamation simply because

[1:18:52] you all are a shining example of my community in District 2.

[1:18:57] So I just want to thank you all for being a part of that,

[1:18:59] for bringing it to the District,

[1:19:01] and making the whole place beautiful,

[1:19:03] and joining everybody together as a community,

[1:19:05] with the events we have there.

[1:19:06] And thank you very much for the song.

[1:19:10] This Proclamation, like you know, is in girls' first community guard.

[1:19:13] For us, the city of McDonald is committed to advancing environmental justice, public health,

[1:19:19] youth development, and community resilience consistent with the city's adopted comprehensive

[1:19:24] plan and long-range vision for a healthy and inclusive community, and whereas the environmental

[1:19:30] protection agencies and environmental justice small grants, the E.J. SG, program, was established

[1:19:36] to support community-driven projects that engage, educate, and empower underserved communities

[1:19:41] to better understand and address local environmental and public health issues and, or as,

[1:19:48] the first girl's first community garden initiative of girls first incorporated was established

[1:19:54] through a 2021 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency environmental justice small grant

[1:19:59] and was only one of 99 projects selected nationwide and among 83 small nonprofit organizations

[1:20:06] recognize for advancing environmental justice in underserved communities and whereas a small

[1:20:13] profit organization with fewer than ten employees, girls for a incorporated, demonstrated

[1:20:17] exceptional stewardship, successfully meeting all federal grant deliverables while building long-term

[1:20:24] community capacity and sustainable partnerships and whereas during its initial capacity

[1:20:30] billion years, 2022 to 2022 to 2023, excuse me.

[1:20:34] The Girls' First Community Garden focused on developing essential garden infrastructure

[1:20:37] and collaborative partnerships, laying the foundation for long-term sustainability and community

[1:20:43] impact.

[1:20:44] And, whereas from 2004 through 2025,

[1:20:50] the Girls' First Community Garden produced more than

[1:20:52] 6,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables.

[1:20:54] supported by over 500 adult youth community and corporate volunteers with seasonal harvest distributed

[1:21:01] through community events including Earth Day plantings, sweet potato harvest, fallen to wellness

[1:21:06] initiatives, holiday produce distributions, and summer harvest giveaways.

[1:21:11] And I'm sorry I have to say the call of greens amazing.

[1:21:17] The truth, the truth.

[1:21:20] And whereas the garden success is rooted in strong and sustained partnerships with the city of

[1:21:26] data, University of Georgia corporate extension and WACP, National Council of Negro Women,

[1:21:33] Top Ladies of Distinction, and Local Businesses, including Home Depot, Walmart, Sand Club and

[1:21:38] Ace Hardware, which collectively provided in-kind and monetary support, and, whereas beyond

[1:21:44] food production, the girls first community garden has served as a hub for environmental justice,

[1:21:50] education, youth leadership development, community canvassing, and public health awareness,

[1:21:55] helping residents understand and address environmental and public health challenges, including

[1:21:59] those intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whereas the girls first community garden

[1:22:06] directly advances the city of McDonald's comprehensive plan which prioritizes quality of life,

[1:22:11] health and wellness, environmental stewardship, youth development, civic engagement,

[1:22:16] and sustainable growth demonstrating how adopted planning goals can be implemented at the

[1:22:25] through its measurable ARC outcomes, excuse me, sustainability, and replicable framework.

[1:22:30] The girls first community garden has emerged as a national model for effective community and organizational

[1:22:35] collaboration, consistent with federal environmental justice priorities and local planning objectives,

[1:22:41] and whereas mayor or councilmen in this case, this proclamation is offered not only in recognition

[1:22:48] of passive accomplishments but also as an encouragement to the incoming administration to continue

[1:22:53] supporting and partnering with initiatives such as the girls first community garden, recognizing

[1:22:57] that such collaborations strengthen the fabric of the community and help cultivate future generations

[1:23:02] of informed, engaged, and empowered leaders.

[1:23:06] Now, therefore, be a proclamed, that the mayor and the city council of the city of McDonald

[1:23:12] do hereby recognize, commend and celebrate the girl's first community garden for its outstanding

[1:23:17] contributions to environmental justice, public health, youth development,

[1:23:27] and community

[1:23:27] plan.

[1:23:28] Be it further proclaimed that the city of McDonald affirms its commitment to continue to continue

[1:23:35] collaboration with community-based organizations whose work advances equity, sustainability,

[1:23:41] and quality of life and encourages the ongoing support of initiatives that translate planning

[1:23:46] vision into lasting community impact.

[1:23:49] May this garden continue to be a place of growth, nourishment and connection.

[1:23:54] May the work be gone here, strengthen the community, inspire future generations, and remind all who enter that when people come together were purpose, lasting good, is cultivated.

[1:24:04] In witness thereof, whereof, I have herein to set my hand and call it the seal of the city, and make done it to be a fixed this 15th day of December 2025.

[1:24:30] If you have some words, please, please let us with that.

[1:24:35] I am so full tonight.

[1:24:38] Thank you so much Madam Mayor City Council for this honor.

[1:24:46] Okay, come on around everyone.

[1:24:58] Come on around everybody.

[1:25:08] I just want to say that there's no greater calling or greater benevolence than feeding

[1:25:17] the hungry.

[1:25:21] From day one, our mayor, Vincent Madam Mayor, hit the ground running boots on the ground to help us with this initiative, this EPA initiative. She never said no, actually it was something that we started under Mayor Copeland. And sort of transferred it over to her. So when she, when she came on, when we came up to ask her for the continued work, she said,

[1:25:47] how when and what can I do. So from the bottom of my heart I thank you so very much for

[1:25:56] what you have done. I'm Dr. Matthews by the way I'm program manager for the garden. This is

[1:26:02] Dr. Kimberly Underdo. She is the girl's first ink CEO. We have Dr. Dodson, sister Brenda Winston,

[1:26:12] then who was over the leadership of a national council of NC and W, Henry Clayton section,

[1:26:21] we have top ladies of distinction here under the leadership of La Kendra Baker, and we

[1:26:25] have our Madam President and Candace Walker from the NAACP.

[1:26:30] These are the members that have come together to form this collaborative that work to develop

[1:26:39] this jewel in the crown of the city of McDonald's.

[1:26:41] I want to give special thanks to Regina Hose in terms of the environment of justice, all things,

[1:26:49] volunteers, pulling weeds, Steve Morgan, Mr. Morgan.

[1:26:56] How can we thank you from day one, you were there, whatever we need it, you were there to help.

[1:27:02] I just simply want to say, you know, council member, this is in your district, we want to continue

[1:27:09] moving higher and higher and higher, every round goes higher and higher, connecting

[1:27:17] Henry talked about SNAP. This year at our Colleague Green's giveaway, we had more

[1:27:23] than 170 people in line. We've never seen the numbers. We've never seen that many people

[1:27:30] come out and ask for our assistance. So again, thank you so much, Madam Mayor. Thank you

[1:27:37] to the community.

[1:27:38] We are located right here south of Square,

[1:27:42] right in the community on Doris Street,

[1:27:45] right beyond the traffic circle there.

[1:27:48] So we're starting up again in April.

[1:27:51] We want to say that we definitely love the city council

[1:27:56] in the roof.

[1:27:56] Thank you so much for everything,

[1:27:58] because you were there from day one as well.

[1:28:00] We're gonna start up again.

[1:28:02] We hope to work with the new administration

[1:28:05] and continue this partnership.

[1:28:09] So thank you all, thank you all for this.

[1:30:31] So every year we have the amazing honor and privilege of having our city of McDonald's Christmas problem. You all do attend the Christmas parade, right? It is one of the highlights of our year and we've got a slide show that's going to show some of the pictures and then we're going to have the privilege of awarding some of the winners.

[1:30:58] There's sort of one, two, three in reverse.

[1:31:01] Third place was the Henry County Animal Initiative.

[1:31:07] I don't know if any of the members of the Henry County Animal Initiative are here.

[1:31:20] So we'll call you all up at the end.

[1:31:23] Sorry.

[1:31:24] Let's keep going.

[1:31:26] Second place winner was the pop-ad who always represents beautifully and all this is great

[1:31:39] and our first place winner this year was community

[1:31:43] Christian school and they were not able to be with us tonight, but they absolutely did a tremendous job

[1:32:06] on their

[1:32:19] of the city of McDonald, I would like to present our second place winner, which is Ms.

[1:32:27] Carol Kelly, the Paul Payette. You guys always do such an amazing job. So thank you so very much.

[1:32:36] I feel

[1:32:43] privileged. I actually have spent 70 years of my 78 years in McDonald,

[1:32:57] And I did go to nursing school, I am a nurse, but I have a dog business, and I'll open the dog business in

[1:33:06] O9.

[1:33:07] It's called the Palpad, and people bring me their dogs to be boarded, just for the night with us.

[1:33:15] We have the doggy daycare where you have dogs played together all day long, but by size,

[1:33:20] big dogs and small dogs and then we have grooming and we have training and I have 10 employees

[1:33:28] and I've been open since I was 9.

[1:33:36] So thank you, Ms. Carol, I'm just going to tell you that I hear that we grow into being

[1:33:41] our parents and when I told Christy, I said Ms. Anne is here, but that's your mom.

[1:33:48] Thank you so much for being here and congratulations.

[1:33:51] Thank you so much.

[1:33:53] Our next recipient is the Henry County Animal Initiative.

[1:33:59] Thank you so much.

[1:34:05] Thank you so much for inviting us to participate and to receive this award.

[1:34:12] We created a Henry County Animal Initiative to partner with our local animal control.

[1:34:17] And so we trapped newter and release girl cats and we worked with the community with low-income families to stay in newter their pets.

[1:34:28] Because I get emotional because people, especially the elderly, live up their pets.

[1:34:34] So we tried to partner with them so they can keep their pets and we can help with low-cost spanner and small medical bills when our budget allows.

[1:34:46] So thank you so much, we appreciate it.

[1:34:53] Let's give them one more round of applause

[1:34:55] for making that Christmas per way.

[1:34:57] So, Squash show.

[1:35:30] So earlier this year, a few months back,

[1:35:35] we had the honor of inducting our new youth council,

[1:35:41] led by Dr. Samantha Samuels,

[1:35:44] and we are so excited about having them here

[1:35:47] on tonight. With all of you please stand so everybody can see you.

[1:36:00] These are amazing young

[1:36:01] people. I have been so very proud of them. As you can see, we've got Junior ROTC members that

[1:36:08] are part of this. They participated in the hot chocolate social. They volunteer during the

[1:36:15] the master mansion. We also had some that did the scarecrow contest and they just hit the ground

[1:36:22] We're running and just done some amazing work here in the city of McDonald and I can't wait to see what you all will do moving forward.

[1:36:33] Sam, did you want to come and just tell us a little bit about the leaders that we are swearing in on this evening as officers for the youth council.

[1:36:44] Dr. Samantha?

[1:36:47] Good evening Mayor and city council and everyone. So today we are swearing in our executive team and our committee cheerleader. So so fight chairperson.

[1:37:01] So when I call you name if you don't mind step into the front. So we'll call the madam chair.

[1:37:07] A Yana Price, Vice Chair, President,

[1:37:16] you guys could just line up and see how yet now just

[1:37:20] light up right here.

[1:37:23] We have our Secretary Ms. Avery Nicole.

[1:37:32] Our President Chris

[1:37:36] PM,

[1:37:40] our parliamentarian is actually out, she's out sick, and then we actually did an amendment

[1:37:46] to have an assistant secretary's last treasurer, which will be Felicia McCollum,

[1:37:59] and then our

[1:38:00] listen. Let me tell you about these three young ladies that they were the one that was in charge

[1:38:05] of the Christmas parade and when I, man, we have some good young people in

[1:38:12] in Midana. And we are in good hands. All of every one of them,

[1:38:20] but their

[1:38:20] commitment is undeniable, all of them. And so, a lan and soul bar,

[1:38:36] Miss Angel,

[1:38:37] So, we do

[1:38:43] Mr. Ryan Middleton.

[1:38:49] So these are executive board and I'll share committee chairs for the McDonough Youth Council

[1:38:59] for 2025-26.

[1:39:19] Okay.

[1:39:20] I am going to read your oath of office and then I would like for each one of you to recite

[1:39:28] the position that you will be serving in and then your director will get your signatures

[1:39:34] on the form. Does that sound like a plan? All right, awesome. Okay.

[1:39:41] I, the under sign, McDonald Youth Council Member, do solemnly swear or firm that I will

[1:39:48] support uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and the state

[1:39:59] of Georgia and the laws, rules, and regulations thereof that I will support obey uphold

[1:40:09] and defend the laws, rules, ordinances, by laws, regulations, and policies of the city

[1:40:16] of McDonald's, and that I will faithfully perform in this charge, the duties and combat

[1:40:23] upon me as an officer of McDonald's Georgia Youth Council, fairly and honestly, and to

[1:40:32] the best of my skills, and you are in your position.

[1:41:07] Thank you so much. I would like to now say that you are so sworn this 15th day of December

[1:41:17] 2025 as a McDonald youth council officer. Thank you so much for your service.

[1:41:26] This

[1:41:33] is going to be standing at the podium and a little take a picture.

[1:43:14] We

[1:43:54] have three items in your binder.

[1:43:59] These are resolutions from the city of McDonald on behalf of the mayor and council.

[1:44:09] So one is a resolution naming Victor, honorary city ambassador, and everybody knows Victor.

[1:44:23] Victor is our parking attendant and I will say parking specialty person for a city

[1:44:31] in McDonald's Police Department.

[1:44:33] He is known for being an ambassador on the square and we would like to recognize him in this

[1:44:42] manner and we have a resolution honoring Gail Welch, Tal Mitch Nottie who is a formal council member

[1:44:54] and let me just give you some details about this resolution.

[1:44:58] and this resolution.

[1:45:00] Basically, names three individuals. Councilwoman Naughty as being the visionary behind Alexander Park West. It also names Mr.

[1:45:13] Garth Hinton, who was a member of our community who was very involved in the events at Alexander Park West, in particular the Caribbean festival and he died during the pandemic.

[1:45:31] We acknowledged him as a mayor in council by naming the community lawn in his honor and the third person is Euretha Liles.

[1:45:44] Euretha was the person who was responsible for the Youth Advisory Council here at the city.

[1:45:50] She was the staff person and she was also the program manager for the McDonald beautiful initiative that we

[1:46:01] we have here in the city.

[1:46:05] This is not a naming of the park.

[1:46:08] This is an acknowledgment in the park

[1:46:11] of the role of these three individuals.

[1:46:15] We have already named the community lawn

[1:46:18] and honor of Mr. Garth Hinton.

[1:46:21] And this is a way in which to move this forward

[1:46:25] with the new administration,

[1:46:27] because we will be losing so much

[1:46:30] of our institutional knowledge and these actions involving the gale being the visionary,

[1:46:41] Euretha, and also Mr. Garth Hinton, we would like to codify that in a recent document

[1:46:48] so that this information will not be lost.

[1:46:53] What is new is the naming of Gail Welch Tell, Mitchenati, as the visionary for Alexander

[1:47:03] Park, and this will be memorialized as a plaque that will go on the entryway of Alexander

[1:47:11] Park.

[1:47:13] Are there any questions about item 2?

[1:47:17] I'm going to go back and tell you about item 3.

[1:47:20] Are there any questions?

[1:47:23] Okay. Item three is a resolution receiving the dedication of Buddy Welch portrait as you

[1:47:32] all recall when we purchase the Smith Welch building as the new city hall a y'all next year.

[1:47:41] This council and the city will be going into a beautiful new location which is the commerce

[1:47:47] building. We purchased that building during this year. The family has desire to donate the portrait

[1:47:57] that hangs in the lobby of the building. It is the portrait of Mr. AJ Buddy Welch who was also

[1:48:07] the visionary behind the design of the building. He was the owner of the building. He was a person

[1:48:14] responsible for the construction of the building, and he is also served as a judge here in

[1:48:21] Henry County, but he is no longer with us. Unfortunately, he transitioned several years back,

[1:48:29] but he is a rock within the McDonald's Henry County community. And that built that picture

[1:48:37] currently hangs in the building and we would like to pass a resolution

[1:48:45] acknowledging that we accept the dedication of the portrait and it will

[1:48:50] remain hanging either in that location or another location within the

[1:48:56] building. Are there any questions?

[1:49:02] If there are no questions, is there a motion

[1:49:05] to approve the resolutions.

[1:49:07] So move second?

[1:49:10] I have a motion from Council Member Stewart.

[1:49:13] A second from Council Member Reeves.

[1:49:17] I'm so sorry, it's not rolling off my tongue tonight.

[1:49:21] Council Member Reeves and please vote.

[1:49:32] Awesome, thank you so very much,

[1:49:33] and that moves us down to item number 12, finance.

[1:49:38] Mr. Deborah Upshaw, we've got the Assistant Finance Director in the Budget Manager here tonight.

[1:49:49] While we're playing a musical podium tonight, I should have called on those muscles early.

[1:50:05] Good evening.

[1:50:07] Good evening.

[1:50:18] year of July 1, 2025, Drew Jim 30 of 2026, and that presentation will be brought to us by

[1:50:29] Ms. Dana Strickland, our budget manager.

[1:50:37] Good evening, Mayor Council.

[1:50:40] We are here to present again the first budget amendment by the current year fiscal year

[1:50:45] 2026, and we'll do our best to be brief tonight.

[1:50:54] So, I purpose again is to present the budget amendment for FY2026, also to remain in compliance with the ordinance number 14-2-17B and Georgia Code OCGA36-81-5, making sure that we keep a balanced budget.

[1:51:18] And, at the end, we would kindly request approval of budget amendment number one with the resolution for the current year.

[1:51:30] We also realize how important it is as we often say to maintain principles of good governance by keeping the citizens engaged in the fiscal responsibilities of McDonald's,

[1:51:41] finance department and just as the city over all and being

[1:51:46] ethiscally responsible accountable and transparent

[1:51:52] and the

[1:51:54] amendment that we're presenting is just to adjust

[1:51:57] reclassify and correct certain revenues and expenditures by

[1:52:01] fund.

[1:52:06] Beginning with the general fund, there is just one

[1:52:10] item as of this current year that needs to be amended. It is for

[1:52:16] the traffic control and the police department, particularly in the overtime category.

[1:52:23] We are requesting an increase, but it was budgeted at $82,000, we are requesting.

[1:52:30] And additional $82,000 that would sit the budget at $164,000, and this is due to increased police patrol for city activities.

[1:52:41] In subdivisions where there are complaints about speeding, in addition to the merchants on the square that are requiring additional patrol activities.

[1:52:51] The insurance premium tax revenue is budgeted at 2.7 million and it is doing very well and so we are proposing to

[1:53:02] a just revenue from this line to cover the increase and overtime for the police. When we come down to

[1:53:09] class five. We are asking for an amendment for the Commerce Building, which will be the future

[1:53:18] city hall. There are funds and the overall splash project budget for this. However, it wasn't

[1:53:24] budget today at the beginning of the year. And we understand that during the budget

[1:53:28] cycles, sometimes we are unaware of properties that may become available. And when they do

[1:53:36] the council and the city review cells and then decides what the night to make the purchase.

[1:53:40] And in this case, that is what happened.

[1:53:43] So this was approved during the June 16th, 2005, June 16th, 2025 council meeting.

[1:53:52] And there are, there are revenues to cover this purchase, which has already taken place.

[1:53:58] Moving over to Splos 6, there's just one item.

[1:54:02] There is the EV charge installation.

[1:54:06] This was not budgeted at the beginning of the year, but this is underway.

[1:54:10] And so we were asking for $45,000 to cover the work and the invoices for this project.

[1:54:16] It is budgeted for in the overall class six budget.

[1:54:21] And that's one of the items.

[1:54:23] And so we're also proposing to reallocate some of the budgeted expenditures from the

[1:54:29] site improvement project to cover the EV charge and station line item is

[1:54:36] plastics and then the very last amendment is the impact fee fund. Judy

[1:54:43] Dry was purchased this year and we are asking for asking to move $418,000 from

[1:54:51] the revenues that still sit in the impact fee fund. We understand that the current

[1:54:57] development has slowed, however, there are still revenues that are still sitting here.

[1:55:02] And we are just requesting to reallocate this revenue to cover this purchase.

[1:55:09] And at this time, our recommendation would be to approve the resolution dated today's date

[1:55:16] December 15, 2025 to adopt budget amendment number 1 for fiscal year 26.

[1:55:25] What questions do you all have?

[1:55:31] Mayor, I'm a little confused, especially when we approve for the purchase of the Welch building

[1:55:39] as well as for the Judy drive location.

[1:55:47] I knew we already had funds available, but I thought we already had funds that was already

[1:55:51] allocated already when we made that purchase did we not we we made the decision to purchase it,

[1:55:59] but it wasn't budget in the budget at the time that we approved the budget because we did

[1:56:05] not know that we would be making the purchase. But we have the funds in order to make the purchase.

[1:56:12] Yes, ma'am.

[1:56:13] Okay.

[1:56:14] We're bringing it to us and the budget to, you know, so therefore we're asking for the approval

[1:56:19] of the amendment.

[1:56:20] Do you reflect it in the budget?

[1:56:22] Okay.

[1:56:23] And now going back to the police, the overtime for our police department, now I know we had

[1:56:31] this special fund that we put aside.

[1:56:34] What are we using that for?

[1:56:37] So it applies to the Espionage Alignite.

[1:56:41] It reduces the overall payroll cost, the SSD.

[1:56:45] So from a department level, the budget versus the year today,

[1:56:49] actually will police, it's still under.

[1:56:51] So they're still, they're not over-was budgeted,

[1:56:53] but based on actual espionages, but we noticed this line,

[1:56:56] item trending over what was budgeted within that department.

[1:57:00] And we brought it to cheap, noble attention.

[1:57:03] And there were some meetings that took place.

[1:57:05] And an explanation given as to why and so we are forecasting for the remainder of this year through June 30 to just ensure that we remain within budget of what the additional amount is needed.

[1:57:21] So do we still have funding in that account?

[1:57:23] Let me further explain, you have a salaries line, may have a part-time line, then you also

[1:57:32] have an overtime line.

[1:57:34] Those funds from SSD satisfy the salary, the salary line item, the initial salaries,

[1:57:42] not the overtime.

[1:57:44] So, this is why we're bringing forth this request to cover and anticipate it over time, move it forward, and that's the good quest for this evening.

[1:57:59] Okay.

[1:58:00] All right.

[1:58:01] Thank you.

[1:58:01] I will share that I've shared with the staff that my concern is that it's 82,000 for over time and it says city events that's a pretty steep amount and when I looked at the forecasted amount I think we were

[1:58:24] And currently, or at least as of October 31st, it was 300,000 plus, is that correct?

[1:58:33] $3.60?

[1:58:34] I'd have to pay them $50 over at that time.

[1:58:36] Okay, $350 over, and then between November 1st and current, we're 19,000, correct.

[1:58:45] So, what is being said is between now and July 1st, is that correct, June 30th, now in June 30th, that it is anticipated that an additional 82,000 will be needed.

[1:59:04] We don't have that many city events, but I heard what I heard you say was additional patrol in subdivisions.

[1:59:16] So I think that that needs to be reflected in this.

[1:59:20] I'm not sure how that is being forecasted.

[1:59:24] I will be up to the new administration, but I would look at over time trends and what that projection

[1:59:35] look like in relation to the number of subdivisions and the hours that would be required

[1:59:42] to do that additional patrol.

[1:59:45] I didn't realize that you all were paying for over time for going into the subdivisions because I don't really see that much activity from my subdivision.

[1:59:59] So I was...

[2:00:00] I'd like to know where the subdivisions are and maybe before us to put our inputs into those subdivisions, for them to, you know, do that cruising or whatever it is that they're surveying the area.

[2:00:14] Absolutely. I think another thing to make note of is that the increase in officers pay and with the overtime rate, you've got that increased premium time and a half that has impacted this line item.

[2:00:28] Would you say that again, Tana?

[2:00:30] Yes, ma'am, and talking with Chief Nolan with I'm meeting with him.

[2:00:33] He explained the increase in the officers pay.

[2:00:37] And so with the overtime you have the increase premium time and a half rate, that's just

[2:00:43] increased just due to their cost of living and just the increase in their salary.

[2:00:53] In the future, especially if we are going to, if we ever get to a point where we're going

[2:01:01] to increase salaries of any of our employees.

[2:01:04] We need to, you know, we need to look at and consider how it will affect over time and how

[2:01:08] much more over time and because it's not just an increase in just regular salaries, but

[2:01:13] it also affects over time and everything else that goes into that.

[2:01:19] And we've had several conversations with HR and you've all shown that with the chief,

[2:01:25] going forward. We'll make sure we have that data available in order to present when we

[2:01:32] are comfortable for these type of adjustments. Thank you.

[2:01:38] Any other questions? Councillor Member Reeves.

[2:01:41] To tag onto that conversation.

[2:01:45] I want to look over at my community development folks.

[2:01:49] And this is what I think we're always talking about up here when we have something presented to

[2:01:55] and part of the presentation says no additional cost to the city.

[2:02:01] You know, we're going to add 100 homes or whatever it is and it says the police department's

[2:02:05] not a reporting agency or it says there's no additional cost to the city.

[2:02:12] So we've just discussed about this increase as a result of additional patrols as a result of

[2:02:19] subdivisions.

[2:02:20] So, that's why it kind of unnerves me a bit when we present and say there's no additional

[2:02:29] cost to the city.

[2:02:31] So, just a little footnote for the future.

[2:02:35] Now, my other question is, what is the net effect here, are you having to, you're transferring

[2:02:42] around, understand that part, is the net effect, though, the 417,000,000, where it is,

[2:02:49] to be here in, or 418,000, or are you successfully just moving funds around it?

[2:02:56] I'm going to go back to the general fund, and he's referring to the impact fee for the

[2:03:00] 18,000.

[2:03:02] For the impact fee, that is derived out of your fund balance.

[2:03:08] So the impact is based on what hasn't been designated, which result in your fund balance.

[2:03:15] So you don't have, it doesn't require impact.

[2:03:21] We're not dipping into a fund balance.

[2:03:24] We're simply, go ahead.

[2:03:25] Yes, you are.

[2:03:27] You are just the fund balance in your impact fee fund by the 418,000.

[2:03:33] Yes, sir.

[2:03:35] For six, you're basically just realigning.

[2:03:39] So there's no impact on that budget at all.

[2:03:42] back to the general fund,

[2:03:49] the increase and adjusting the premium tax, we are increasing the budget by the $82,000, but those funds are available.

[2:04:04] We were conservative and forecasting for the premium insurance premium tax and we actually received a 2.3.3.

[2:04:14] 3.2 million dollars. So, those funds are available. It's just re-adjustments of the budget.

[2:04:22] And plus five, again, you're using your fund balance to bring that budget into balance.

[2:04:32] That's it.

[2:04:33] Early earlier in my career, I was an accountant. My wife still can't believe that. But anyway.

[2:04:41] So typically what I would call a revenue and or an expense, so it's told me a little bit

[2:04:46] of a curve when we talk about revenue, like this is an increase in revenue.

[2:04:53] Back to the insurance premium tax, although we budgeted it conservatively at 2.7 million,

[2:05:01] what we actually received was the 3.2 million dollars.

[2:05:07] Okay, so it's a real, a real net game.

[2:05:09] It's a net game.

[2:05:10] It's a real game.

[2:05:11] It's a real game.

[2:05:11] It's a game.

[2:05:12] It's a game.

[2:05:15] Thank you.

[2:05:17] I have a question.

[2:05:19] And this is a question, not a challenge.

[2:05:21] Just curious, how did you come up with the 82,000,

[2:05:24] how did you come up with that exact number again?

[2:05:28] So I was speaking with Chief Noble and looking at the amount through July 1 through

[2:05:33] 1031, well was budgeted versus what was over and just I don't have his actual report in front of me,

[2:05:42] but he considered the number of officers that he has on staff and the events for the rest

[2:05:47] of the year.

[2:05:48] There could be additional events that would come up but I think he was going according to

[2:05:51] the regular events and then the patrol and this is a number that he arrived at.

[2:05:56] We did pull HR in this as well and this was a number he fell safe with or casting out

[2:06:03] the rest of the year. And I can provide more detail later. I'm happy to do that.

[2:06:12] And I would suggest, you know, when we start looking at the budget in February for the July

[2:06:19] budget, if we could, and even for our directors, if you all could forecast any over time,

[2:06:27] put all of that in there so we can, you know, we'll have a better picture of what we're looking

[2:06:31] would come and come to salaries.

[2:06:35] So I'd like for us to adjust.

[2:06:40] The line where it says city events and go ahead and add additional patrol, so that that becomes a part of the note.

[2:06:51] And for the purpose of the citizens there for what is the ordained, what is the current fund balance?

[2:07:02] Just a total amount.

[2:07:05] What is fund carries it is on balance.

[2:07:11] But don't we have a total number?

[2:07:15] Because we're making a $418,000 reduction, but I don't want people to think that we only

[2:07:24] have $500,000 in fund balance.

[2:07:27] So even around about number wheat wheat.

[2:07:30] We have a higher fund bill than we ever have had.

[2:07:40] So that's a big number 68 million. So I just want to make sure the council knows and the public knows. Thank you for that.

[2:07:57] We're not breaking the bank, 68 million when Jimmy was here and he gave his presentation.

[2:08:04] He said that this is the largest that we have ever had in McDonald's history so that's

[2:08:10] something else to be proud of.

[2:08:13] Thank you.

[2:08:14] Thank you for bringing that to the attention mayor.

[2:08:20] Anything else?

[2:08:22] You just waiting for a budget revision or budget amendment motion is the entire council

[2:08:29] comfortable with what's being asked or are there any remaining questions?

[2:08:36] May I have a motion

[2:08:37] in second please?

[2:08:45] Mayor. Yes, Mayor. I motion for their approval for the request for council to

[2:08:50] approve the budget amendment for number one for FY 2025-26 for all accounts.

[2:08:58] Can we use this? Is

[2:09:05] specifically specify 2026, how do you count law 526?

[2:09:11] Okay, but you all have F225, 2026.

[2:09:14] Yes, ma'am.

[2:09:14] Because it begins in 2025 and it ends in 2026.

[2:09:20] Would you just do that friendly, ma'am?

[2:09:24] I request for the motion to approve the budget amendment number one for the F226 for all accounts.

[2:09:34] you've heard the motion. Is there another question, if not, would you kindly vote?

[2:09:43] Mayor, was there a second?

[2:09:45] I saw somebody not there.

[2:09:47] They're here, they're not in call.

[2:09:48] Thank you, Mr. Stewart. Thank you, Mr. Stewart.

[2:09:51] Thank you.

[2:09:56] Seven in favor.

[2:09:57] Thank you so very much.

[2:09:59] Thank you all for being here.

[2:10:00] Thank you.

[2:10:10] Okay, who's Billy?

[2:10:12] Are you being cheeky, noble tonight?

[2:10:14] Colleges of Apple Watch?

[2:10:16] Thank you.

[2:10:22] Mayor, can I say anything?

[2:10:25] I was at the last is I didn't know Sylvia Holmes did she show up?

[2:10:31] So, you know, she came before it's before about Martin the city for the street humps,

[2:10:37] bumps in her own, and her neighborhood.

[2:10:40] And at that time there were some questions that you had that council had.

[2:10:47] I think they wanted to know a call to the city, because if you remember, Chief Noble did

[2:10:54] a speed study in there, and the study did not really recommend that she needed.

[2:11:01] So I told her to

[2:11:06] go back to her community, because I believe they have a home-owner association,

[2:11:10] and if you want to put speed bumps in a neighborhood, you have to get votes in your neighborhoods

[2:11:16] So they went back and posted it for a month and it came back with 36 Yays and full nose.

[2:11:24] So now she's coming back to us with requests with the city because she still feels that

[2:11:30] there's that it's unsafe in the development and the community.

[2:11:34] And I think you guys had a cost and wanted to know about a cost.

[2:11:40] So it cost a city roughly $500 to do one lane.

[2:11:47] I think when she had that map that she brought, she had like four or five spots,

[2:11:56] or lanes that she wanted to speed bumps through that community.

[2:12:01] So you're looking at a roughly $2500 or $3,000 of a cost to the city for us to go in there.

[2:12:10] you know the four to five different locations to get all the way across the road. And I guess she was

[2:12:16] wanting the approval from you to do her neighborhood

[2:12:25] or to deny the request.

[2:12:29] So where we are tonight is basically needing to give Bailey approval or denial of putting this

[2:12:39] be tables in. So let's just in and sue a brief conversation. Are there comments

[2:12:46] Mr. Ballou?

[2:12:50] Okay. Councilwoman Thomas.

[2:12:52] Well, the comment that I have and that's, you know, I believe I mentioned at the last time

[2:12:55] when we discussed it was that this subdivision has been harmed by putting that dollar

[2:13:02] general right in front of that subdivision. Traffic going in and out. So that is one reason

[2:13:09] why they have requested those speed-humps.

[2:13:13] Yes, ma'am.

[2:13:14] So that's

[2:13:18] what I have to say regarding that.

[2:13:22] How many speeds bumps have been requested?

[2:13:26] I believe she had four locations more.

[2:13:31] So four spots that she thought she thought that she felt

[2:13:35] that we're needed to slow the traffic down through her neighborhood.

[2:13:40] So four or five locations is what would cost the city around $3,000.

[2:13:47] That's material and labor.

[2:13:51] For all four.

[2:13:53] Yes, correct.

[2:13:55] Or up to five locations.

[2:14:01] So just for training purposes that falls within the scope for the city administrator to

[2:14:07] the decision, however, the decision to implement speed tables has to be a council action.

[2:14:16] So that is why this is here.

[2:14:18] So is there, do you all have all the information you need if you do, I'll just call for

[2:14:24] a motion from someone.

[2:14:30] Is there a motion?

[2:14:32] Motion?

[2:14:33] Motion to adopt.

[2:14:35] Is there a second?

[2:14:36] Second.

[2:14:37] We have a motion by Councilmember Blue and a second by Councilmember Reeves, please vote.

[2:14:51] Councilmember Reeves, have you bothered? I'm sorry. It's not showing on my side.

[2:14:55] My lights are on the matrata again. How about that?

[2:14:58] Seven in favour. Thank you, Barry.

[2:15:01] So thank you, Billy. I got one. I just have to say I'm laughing at myself on the inside because every time I get ready to say council member blue, I was a huge fan of Larry Burr, so I have to catch myself.

[2:15:22] to catch myself. So when I just freeze is because my mind is glitching. Thank you, thank you so much.

[2:15:33] All right, really next.

[2:15:34] Okay, this is a request for approval to authorize Troy Custom Builders to demolish and remove the house and block building at

[2:15:43] at 111 Jonesville Road for future expansion of Alexander Park West at a cost of 24,500 dollars

[2:15:54] and this would be funding out of spost six parks.

[2:16:01] Do we know where does everybody know

[2:16:03] where we're talking about is right across the street from the roundabout. That is the area we

[2:16:08] purchase when we were talking about the skate park. It's the bow area so are there any questions or

[2:16:16] are you good with the motion?

[2:16:18] Castle member Reeves?

[2:16:20] I'm just noting in their quotation,

[2:16:23] they said this does not include the drive way

[2:16:26] and slab under the block building,

[2:16:28] and then it says the cost to do that, I assume,

[2:16:31] would be 4,500.

[2:16:33] So if we approve tonight, just the 24 or 5,

[2:16:36] where's that gonna leave you?

[2:16:38] I'm assuming you're not gonna leave a driveway slab sitting there.

[2:16:42] Well, we were gonna leave the drive.

[2:16:44] We didn't know what we wanted to do

[2:16:45] with the property yet. So we weren't going to tear the driveway out to get access to

[2:16:50] the land and the reason he didn't quote the slab under the under the building is called

[2:16:59] we don't know how thick and deep that slab is. So it's kind of hard to give a quote on something

[2:17:05] we don't that he don't know what kind of how much effort it's going to go into to get that

[2:17:12] foundation tore up to not just fill it back in with dirt or so that slab was poured in that

[2:17:22] building and I mean I don't know if once he knocks the brick wall down then he then we could come

[2:17:29] back and say hey this is what it's going to call for tear to slab out but he just didn't want to

[2:17:34] give the wrong figure on tear and slab out so he's just knocking the walls out and then it

[2:17:41] But this 4500 is a good number if when he comes back correct.

[2:17:46] Okay.

[2:17:47] All right, I guess I don't have that quote before.

[2:17:50] What does it say he said?

[2:17:51] It just says that I worked.

[2:17:53] I must check the lead on time says cost 24.

[2:17:56] Yeah.

[2:17:57] That's the demo and remove brick house and block building from site.

[2:18:01] The spells will buy dumpster hall off.

[2:18:03] He needs to breathe.

[2:18:05] Ask best to test and clue.

[2:18:06] We don't even want to talk about that.

[2:18:08] And it says, this does not include driveway and slab under-block building, cost-remove driveway,

[2:18:15] would be 4500, cost-remove slab would need to be quoted after inspection building is currently

[2:18:23] locked.

[2:18:25] So, yeah, he wouldn't quote the block building, but 4500 would tear the driveway.

[2:18:29] If y'all want the driveway out, we were just going to leave it there for the time being.

[2:18:35] And we, this is my thought in Councilwoman Thomasite, here you in Council Member Reeves, I think

[2:18:42] you were about to say something as well.

[2:18:45] But my thought is if we bring in a demolition curve and they're already here, there's a certain

[2:18:52] amount of costs associated with them being present.

[2:18:55] So if we're going to remove the footprint, then I think now will be the time to do it and

[2:19:02] If that is a concern of the council, maybe we should say they're not to exceed them out.

[2:19:09] I see city administrator, do you, you, Mr. Fire Chief, in years past, you have another

[2:19:16] thought?

[2:19:18] Well, I know, I mean, as far as I access into property, we could come in off of bridges, but

[2:19:23] you'd be coming down a smaller slope onto the grass.

[2:19:26] We do maintain that property and keep in a solid base like the driveway itself.

[2:19:33] It's good for our equipment to pull in unload and do what they need to do and pull back out.

[2:19:38] Get off the roadway.

[2:19:41] That makes sense.

[2:19:42] The brick building though has nothing to do with anything.

[2:19:46] It could be removed.

[2:19:48] And he said, y'all want to move forward taking the driveway.

[2:19:51] What you're saying that we need it to maintain?

[2:19:54] Yes ma'am.

[2:19:55] I would keep that solid surface in the driveway or driveway.

[2:20:00] Now aren't we going to eventually use it as an extended parking area?

[2:20:06] I don't.

[2:20:06] That never was parking when we purchased that.

[2:20:10] We purchased it with the intent of that topography being another type of park escape park.

[2:20:18] But the county is now talking about escape park and the...

[2:20:24] The foundation that we were working with has now started working with the county.

[2:20:31] So we kind of lost some traction once our parks direct a left.

[2:20:36] So you all will need to to rediscuss the use,

[2:20:40] but I would not suggest that that be parking because that's a tremendous amount of traffic going across at a roundabout.

[2:20:52] But that's for you all to discuss.

[2:20:56] So we'll need to drive with this poll.

[2:20:58] Okay.

[2:21:00] So we'll make the motion as requested.

[2:21:03] Is there a motion and second?

[2:21:06] So moved.

[2:21:08] Second.

[2:21:09] We have a motion and second.

[2:21:11] Please vote.

[2:21:15] Second in favor.

[2:21:17] Thank you very much.

[2:21:18] Thank you, Billy.

[2:21:19] I just want to say four purposes of of memory.

[2:21:23] When you do have the conversation that there have been a number of individual students, young people, who have said that they don't have any place for their skateboards.

[2:21:38] So you find them skateboarding at crawlers, you find them over at district 2 in particular.

[2:21:47] We've just surveyed a number of kids and that is why the conversation was about skate parks and skateboarding so that there would be a safe place for individuals who are not kids.

[2:22:01] they're more like teens. So the term is all part where it's kind of a

[2:22:07] convert con, but nation between skateboarding, skating, and art.

[2:22:18] All right,

[2:22:19] we'll move down to the next item.

[2:22:33] Okay, I'm right.

[2:22:39] Deputy, would you like to proceed?

[2:22:43] Mayor, we know that this particular item, I think there was a request.

[2:22:47] Okay,

[2:22:51] just like a girl, scatty.

[2:22:56] Good evening, Mayor and council. Good evening.

[2:22:58] So this item we're asking for, this is case number 2, 5, 0, 9, 0, 3, and this is a

[2:23:06] Councilman Reece district and we're asking for a postponement to the last meeting in

[2:23:12] January.

[2:23:14] And this is the same property that the young lady who was here earlier, the applicant needs

[2:23:21] more time to have a meeting with the community to flush out and discuss the project.

[2:23:26] Perfect.

[2:23:27] Good deal. Thank you for taking care of that. Which brings us to item 16.

[2:23:33] And what do we need to vote on?

[2:23:35] It's a false comment. Right.

[2:23:37] But it was it was advertised advertised to be heard at this meeting.

[2:23:42] So do they need a motion to move this to 20.

[2:23:45] Per the client's request. So we do.

[2:23:48] Amelia. Yeah. I would I would always just to confirm on the record that the council agrees with

[2:23:53] request for for melody purposes. Do a motion.

[2:23:57] Okay. Council member Reeves?

[2:23:59] Just ma'am. Mayor, I'd like to make the motion to postpone

[2:24:02] case number 250903 to the last meeting in January as per

[2:24:08] requested by the applicant.

[2:24:11] Perfect. Is there a second?

[2:24:14] Second. We have a second by Council member Blue.

[2:24:18] Please vote.

[2:24:22] Seven in favor. Thank you very much. Awesome. Okay. I'm 16.

[2:24:35] Good evening, Mayor and Council.

[2:24:38] I just wanted to as I was looking at the end of the year. There's just no better time than at the end of the year to really look at some of the things that you've done.

[2:24:48] What do we say we wanted to do at the beginning of this year and what we're able to do is so I just wanted to take a moment to run through some of the things that

[2:24:55] the administration was able to do, what acknowledged Steve Morgan, again, as the Mayor

[2:25:03] did, coming in and working under Steve as a mentor and a coach and he's so dedicated

[2:25:08] to this city and getting things done, and so I did want to salute him, but this

[2:25:13] would definitely be out.

[2:25:19] One of the things that we based our activities on on the daily basis was that following

[2:25:25] the leadership of this mayor.

[2:25:26] The mayor came in and she kept saying to us that the comprehensive plan was adopted by the city citizens input by this mayor and council and that was our role map on what we were going to do the mayor ran on a platform dealt with these pillars

[2:25:41] And so I just want to give you a few examples of what we've done as it relates to those. We've talked about the hard work citizens engagement is so important and reaching out to citizens just with a posting of a sign or with an email

[2:25:56] we won't reach them. They're using social media, they're using technology, they're using all these different brands.

[2:26:02] This America came in and said, we need to have a public relations department, established at and hope Vincent has done an excellent job.

[2:26:09] Second to none in reaching out, having projects and events that are just top notch.

[2:26:15] And so I salute her and what she was able to do with our public relations team.

[2:26:20] The philosophy of this administration was to be there and hear from the people, and we did that throughout the year

[2:26:28] with various techniques, whether there were town halls, community discussions,

[2:26:33] bringing the chairs on the first level of having a room full of people here,

[2:26:37] introduced Mr. Pods. We got the citizens involved with

[2:26:43] naming of the Charlie cars. We put notes in the utility bills. We put a key I saw.

[2:26:49] We know that we can't do enough to get participants in participation.

[2:26:55] I believe that our newsletter is top-notch.

[2:27:00] Moving forward, I encourage easier for you to contribute your news articles,

[2:27:05] because the news articles come from the staff and from you guys.

[2:27:10] So if you submit something in your newsletter,

[2:27:12] we can spread the word and reach more people.

[2:27:15] The new mascot, Mr. Pots, was introduced and we use QR codes to reach people again trying to get citizens engagement.

[2:27:24] We did not hesitate in going to citizens meetings. We did not hesitate in meeting with the citizens of the business owners.

[2:27:32] We were there. Our Georgia City's week was wonderful and it was publicized again by our public relations team getting involvement.

[2:27:40] our council members were there participating, which again means that we're all trying to work together

[2:27:46] to make sure our citizens are involved. We repret, we kept our seal, keep that in mind. We

[2:27:53] still have our seal, but we did rebrand the city's logo. And this logo has a thought process behind it.

[2:28:02] It keeps our geranium and keeps the heart that we have for this city and it keeps people there

[2:28:08] and knowing that they're involved.

[2:28:10] We did after 200 years have our first state of the city.

[2:28:15] Had not been done before.

[2:28:16] It takes a lot of planning and efforts to be able to put together

[2:28:20] an event.

[2:28:21] And as you can see from the photo to the right,

[2:28:24] it was highly participated.

[2:28:25] I think it was Barnum, one of the best state of the city events

[2:28:29] around the Atlanta Metro.

[2:28:31] We got our citizens involved so that they could participate

[2:28:34] and be stakeholders in it.

[2:28:36] And you can see some of the people

[2:28:37] We're here tonight actually on some of these pictures that we're showing this evening.

[2:28:42] We recognize even a re-engaged, reactivated, our youth council, as you just swore saw

[2:28:49] me in this evening, but we got those back up and they had such a wonderful picture I just

[2:28:54] had to show it twice.

[2:28:57] We have citizen engagement with the purpose.

[2:29:00] We utilize highlighting autism, knees and knowledge and rename one of our trucks with Hank.

[2:29:06] Just again, just trying to get the citizens involved and know that we have a great city.

[2:29:12] I want you to keep in mind we engage and we've embarked upon a new gateways.

[2:29:17] The gateways are going to be brought to you and concept for you to make sure that it

[2:29:21] blends in with the character and of this city and I just want to echo again.

[2:29:26] We're talking about public engagement.

[2:29:29] The gateways signage will not be digital.

[2:29:32] They would just welcome people to our great city.

[2:29:36] The signs that we've proposed in front of Avalon Park or the city hall, those will have

[2:29:43] digital signs.

[2:29:44] To tell people would have in a city council meeting, please come.

[2:29:48] To tell people would have in a geranium festival, please come.

[2:29:51] To tell people that there is a weather advisory, that there is a road closure, there is

[2:29:57] an amber alert.

[2:29:58] Again, we've got to find every two weeks.

[2:30:00] And to get citizens engagement, and so this is all part of that. I want to highlight and salute Billy, who was up this evening, trying to come up with mobility and transportation solutions.

[2:30:12] We understand that just building rose water in McDonald's, not going to be the solution.

[2:30:18] Okay, we have to work with Henry County to state and federal agencies to come up with solutions.

[2:30:23] So, what we did was we participated with Henry County, we worked with the Safety Action Plan,

[2:30:29] which showed all of the congested places where we have accidents and what improvements we need to make

[2:30:35] and make recommendations on what can happen to make our rules safe.

[2:30:39] You guys adopted this year a complete streets ordinance that talked about, we have to accommodate pedestrians,

[2:30:45] bicyclists, transit, children, seniors, disabled and all of that.

[2:30:50] And so the image on the left is that what typically is what we do,

[2:30:55] but the image on the right is saying what we would like to do moving forward.

[2:30:59] So you took the efforts to do a complete street sport in this year.

[2:31:04] And I didn't go back four years.

[2:31:06] I'm talking about what we were able to accomplish this past year.

[2:31:09] Thanks to Andrew Buttson and Billy.

[2:31:12] We also have looked at ways to make our sidewalks ADA compliant.

[2:31:16] We have a new way of just making improvements on the places that need to be

[2:31:20] approved. And so we're moving forward in terms of making mobility and

[2:31:24] option. The transit pilot bus 17, which goes from McDonald to

[2:31:29] stock bridge, we work with the county on that particular route. But what

[2:31:33] was creative about it was we did just come up with a bus stop. We came up with

[2:31:39] place making. And as you can see, each one of the elements that we talk about

[2:31:43] in terms of the crosswalk in terms of the biosil, in terms of the transit and

[2:31:47] interactive bus shelter with an architectural feature that highlights McDonald's.

[2:31:52] That's the direction that we're going.

[2:31:54] We also came up with the design for the one by the courthouse that's going to be architecturally

[2:31:59] complimentary to the Henry County courthouse.

[2:32:04] The project also has cost estimates within it and so you will have that moving forward as

[2:32:09] well.

[2:32:11] We bought two trolleys, we wrote on those, I don't know who had more fun, my council members

[2:32:16] that went with me or on myself, but we identified some potential locations for the Charlie

[2:32:21] Busch routes to go, so we would have those moving forward, public and community engagement.

[2:32:28] We did, we completed what is it? Music and blooms, rhythm and blooms, that's what it was,

[2:32:34] that we approved as far as across walks where McDonald, you know, we like to do things a

[2:32:39] little bit different, not like everybody else, we go to extra mile to make it special, so

[2:32:43] did a good job of working with us to come up with this and Councilmember Burke had his vote

[2:32:49] on saying that's the one I want. From a physical responsibility and accountability standpoint,

[2:32:54] transparency, this administration may have brought it up. $68 million in your call first.

[2:33:02] We re-established this city's moody's recommendation rating. We're in good standing, which means

[2:33:08] we pay our bills. And we can borrow money at a low interest rate.

[2:33:12] The thanks to Dr. Ralph, he saw Dana, and he saw Deborah Per earlier, we have a good team

[2:33:17] and finance, we've done awesome job of doing our annual budget and our budget book, and what

[2:33:25] I like is that we now put the information financial information can be complicated. We put it in

[2:33:31] simple terms for you, we put a chart up there, we put the detailed information of what it means

[2:33:37] and why we're doing it. And I think that the transparency is coming through with our new approach.

[2:33:42] We have been behind on our reconcilations for years.

[2:33:48] This year, we called it with our reconcilations, thanks to Finance, the auditorist in our

[2:33:54] midst right now has all the information first time in years that we've started the audit

[2:33:59] process on time.

[2:34:03] The accountability isn't just internal.

[2:34:05] We actually would hear in complaints from our sanitation, residents were saying they were

[2:34:12] Republic was missing pickups that they couldn't reach them, that they didn't have a can

[2:34:18] and so forth.

[2:34:20] We asked the vendor to develop a dashboard that shows where are they missing, how many

[2:34:26] calls they got, who's requesting the trash container and so forth.

[2:34:30] So we want to be accountable to our citizens as well.

[2:34:34] That's new under this administration.

[2:34:37] You talked about our bid process.

[2:34:39] We no longer do business on a handshake, okay?

[2:34:44] We actually asked for responsive beers now.

[2:34:48] We've been presenting these to you at the council meetings.

[2:34:51] We're looking at the qualifications, the experience,

[2:34:54] the understanding of their approach.

[2:34:56] We're identifying who were the bidders on it,

[2:34:58] and we're showing you the cost of what they estimated it would be to do them.

[2:35:03] So this is a new way that we do our beer processes,

[2:35:06] which was under this administration.

[2:35:08] The Comprehensive Plan is our roadmap and that's what we use.

[2:35:13] Thank you director Sylvia Smith and her leadership.

[2:35:16] She has some great things to show you guys this evening and you're going to have a take

[2:35:21] home bag for you with some nice items in it to brag.

[2:35:25] We utilize it for accountability and our community work program.

[2:35:29] We hand on this all year long about this is what we said we are going to do.

[2:35:34] Let's get it done.

[2:35:35] So you will be able to track it, transparency to new things that's coming for you that I think's going to help you and that is the Council District profile.

[2:35:45] So Council Member Blue, in your district now you will know what your demographics are, what your major retailers are, if you have an aging population, if you have a bunch of youth in your district, so as you're making policy decisions up here, you can say this helps my district because I have a district full of youth.

[2:36:04] We need programs for youth and so forth.

[2:36:06] So community development has done a profile for each one of their district, which they will

[2:36:11] be handing out to you, this is new, for this year, and council member Thomas, always asking

[2:36:18] about, tell me what's going on in my district.

[2:36:21] Let me know what projects are happening to so forth, so council member community development is

[2:36:27] going to provide you with an annual development report that's going to highlight what's going

[2:36:32] where in the district. Council member Thomas called and said, I want to see a tour of all the city

[2:36:38] own projects so we'll know what we don't want this to afford. So thanks to community development,

[2:36:43] we hired our own GIS specialist, that's in the department that has mapped each one of the properties

[2:36:49] owned by the city and has the address there so when you do your tour in 2026 you'll know exactly

[2:36:55] where each one of the properties are.

[2:36:58] Collaboration and innovation, Miss Hill isn't here,

[2:37:02] but we used to do paper applications in the city of McDonald.

[2:37:05] We have stepped it up a notch.

[2:37:08] We actually don't think digitally,

[2:37:09] we're doing interviews digitally,

[2:37:11] we're using Zoom, we have applications online,

[2:37:15] we have changed the way you do business here.

[2:37:17] You know we've looked at our pay grace,

[2:37:19] they may be sure that we can get the best,

[2:37:21] we're using the website and we're using job boards,

[2:37:24] and we have an interview process that means we have various people doing the interview and scoring.

[2:37:30] So that we can make sure we can get the best of talent. We're working with together with other agencies, other groups, non-profits, and our chief building official has brought some new technology in force, so that we can do now with a parking calculator, so that we're more specific, scientifically, in telling the developers how many parking spaces we need from an occupants standpoint, when we go into a restaurant and so forth.

[2:37:58] We're able to say what the occupancy load is for those additional businesses.

[2:38:03] With the one things different, this was a great year, regardless of what they're saying out there on the streets.

[2:38:09] We have been working hard all year.

[2:38:12] Brian Lenton, our director for IT, has advanced our technology in this city all the way around and what you can look forward to next year is a new voting system.

[2:38:25] That will be easy to use and Christie won't have to ask Kasman Reeves that you punched him did you vote

[2:38:31] Did you vote it's gonna show up clear for you guys and it's gonna be clear to the public to see how each of you vote it

[2:38:38] We also are using technology with Tyler so people will be able to submit plans in for a plan review with Bluebeam and Tyler for the reviews

[2:38:47] In permitting will know how long when the plans came in how long they've been with us how long did we have them how long did it take

[2:38:54] the applicant to get the red lines back in and do the corrections, so we'll know who's responsible.

[2:38:59] So we continue with the UK G system, we are able to evaluate the success of our events

[2:39:05] with place, we are focused on and thank you, Dr. I'm sorry, Dr. Barbara. Directive

[2:39:13] Barbara Coleman, she got this year that Carrie May Hamburg Award, which honors individuals

[2:39:19] who's compassionate commitment has improved the lives of others in our community, and her 30 years

[2:39:25] not her working there 30 years, but 30 years for connecting Henry. They are definitely helping

[2:39:32] our citizens on a daily basis. We even look at where talking with a group about a potential

[2:39:36] health clinic over there near Rufus Stewart Park. We just recognize the community gardeners stuff and

[2:39:43] We see Councilman Burke actively getting his hands dirty and involved with our youth and so forth.

[2:39:50] We work with historic Blacksville community.

[2:39:53] You know, we got that CDAP grant and we're moving along with that one of the things we

[2:39:58] noticed is that with that program with your arpidolus, you set aside funds to help underprivileged

[2:40:04] residents.

[2:40:04] We have to go into a house that was in really poor condition and try to fix it up to help

[2:40:12] that homeowner.

[2:40:12] So, that is your heart.

[2:40:15] This is your dollar scoring in for people that need your assistance.

[2:40:18] It was a senior person and the plumbing was just going underneath the house.

[2:40:25] So we went in with your health and assistance to help and work on that.

[2:40:29] The Parks and Master of Plan again is for the assessment of what you have currently in your

[2:40:36] parks and what they should be moving forward with some citizen participation to God, what

[2:40:41] want your parts to be, so you just approved the consultant through that process that I've mentioned

[2:40:47] to you earlier.

[2:40:48] We have the two best chiefs around for public safety day Williams, for fire and kid noble,

[2:40:56] and they actually produce monthly statistics that tell us what's going on.

[2:41:03] So for instance, police had 21,000 calls.

[2:41:06] And if you look at it, you can see that theft basically is one of the major issues that

[2:41:11] Police Department is to focus on moving forward with the burglary, your larcenry, and your

[2:41:17] motor vehicle deaths. The other major thing was speeding violations in the city, and so that should

[2:41:24] be a focus moving forward. We're incorporating technology in the use of drones thanks to both

[2:41:32] IT, we're Brian, as well as police department, and our public information meeting was so successful

[2:41:38] that the flock representative wants to use our format as the model moving forward when it goes

[2:41:44] to other cities. Because that's what we do in McDonald's. We're meeting with the people using

[2:41:49] technology and information. Our response time is impeccable in terms of the fire. And if you look

[2:41:57] at these numbers here, Chief provides these monthly as well. And you can see what we've done. We have

[2:42:03] But what was the $1,500 total cost?

[2:42:05] $2,500 was fire related, $1,900 was medical and rescue costs.

[2:42:11] The use are spas funds.

[2:42:13] As you know, we're building a new police precinct.

[2:42:17] As well as we purchased that.

[2:42:19] I just had to highlight Billy because he was trying to get some instructions.

[2:42:22] I don't think he did a good job, but he did the best.

[2:42:25] He could.

[2:42:26] So they would have to see if he are training, but overall, every department has involved

[2:42:31] quality of life. We were flexible this year. We had to move from the square, but we

[2:42:38] I think that the Sunrise Service was still excellent in this facility, but we are

[2:42:43] mobile in this city and we react and so forth. We got an NFC parked that opened up with

[2:42:50] a fitness center. So we got that this year. We continued. We did the minute pitch. Got that

[2:42:55] opened this year. We kept going. We utilized that the soccer had the people riding over on

[2:43:01] trolley this year. We did the hot chocolate social started out with probably

[2:43:06] 1,000, and then it went up to 2,000, 3,000 rather. We think we had close to

[2:43:12] 6,000 that came this past weekend. It's getting bigger and better every time.

[2:43:18] And the amount of work it takes to put something together like this, I hope you guys

[2:43:21] were. I was there. But the amount of time it takes to put something on like this

[2:43:25] tremendous, and you just can only just think the, I'm sorry, the public relations team with hope.

[2:43:32] That's just definitely it.

[2:43:34] Major purchases that was mentioned earlier, the Hazard Hurses, as well as our new Civic Center.

[2:43:39] Everybody was talking about this little mobile thing that Walmart is doing.

[2:43:43] When they came to us and wanted to do it, we said, we don't want to share it in our parking lots.

[2:43:50] We want you to do something artistic.

[2:43:51] So for those out there that was talking about it, let me say that the mural was paid for by Walmart and Wings.

[2:43:59] It did not cost this city a penny to do this, and I know there's some chatter online about the artwork and stuff like that.

[2:44:05] You know everybody has a different taste for art.

[2:44:08] So you may like it, you may not like it, but everybody has their own taste for art.

[2:44:12] So economic and small businesses, here we go with the end day, producing a monthly report that shows the address of the development

[2:44:20] and so forth that each of you will be able to get to ask your questions about what's going

[2:44:26] on in your district. The mainstream activities, second to none, there's busy and

[2:44:31] crowds there all the time. The branding stuff, all of this will be coming out as well.

[2:44:36] We reopen the seat of Pope museum, got that open and operating and the list goes on.

[2:44:43] We developed a public arts master plan concept that you guys can take forward moving forward

[2:44:48] and you have your signature event, your gospel festival, your job, fair and so forth.

[2:44:53] We're working with you to get those done.

[2:44:55] And we have Christy, who's documenting all this stuff that we've done this year, and she...

[2:45:00] It's always talking to us about ethics and how more are a character. I encourage you guys to definitely pay close attention to these as we are a city of civility. And we believe that ethics is imported. And there you guys are all looking good. Because the staff worked hard. But you couldn't do it without you guys and your support set in the policy and telling us what it is that we need to do. And so I just want to say thank you guys for your direct support.

[2:45:30] I think all the staff members the department has for what they've done to really implement and do these for this city

[2:45:37] We so I actually am proud to submit on behalf of Steve Morgan to submit to you the administrations

[2:45:46] 2025 year in report. Thank you very much

[2:45:54] I will simply say that

[2:45:58] Each of you, when Sylvia comes up and talk, we'll get a pack of one of these, which is the branding of course.

[2:46:04] And inside, we'll be the information that I just went over for you. So you have a hard copy.

[2:46:09] And I'll use this as you're moving forward to make sure that you finish up on your gateway side.

[2:46:14] You finish up on your crosswalk and you use this moving forward.

[2:46:19] So with that, I appreciate your time. Thank you very much.

[2:46:22] Thank you, Andrew.

[2:46:24] You, this chapter is amazing.

[2:46:29] I'm going to make this comment, and I'm piggybacking on what you say.

[2:46:33] I don't mean the brand.

[2:46:36] But to be a member of the governing body and people say that we didn't do anything.

[2:46:44] This is your receipt.

[2:46:46] This is your receipt of what we did.

[2:46:48] And I have the distinct honor of being both executive and administrative and everything in this process, I was a part of.

[2:46:59] So I am extremely proud.

[2:47:02] I didn't sit back, I was in the process.

[2:47:06] So even with Walmart, when Walmart came and met with us, we're like, no, we want to be an artsy community.

[2:47:14] And they pay for it.

[2:47:16] You don't get that everywhere.

[2:47:17] So I hope y'all continue to push the envelope, continue to settle for nothing less than a higher standard,

[2:47:28] because when you raise up the standard, when sub-standard comes in like a flood and it will,

[2:47:36] you have a standard that's there that you've established that will continue to take us to the next level.

[2:47:43] So thank you so much, Sylvia, you've got Ms. Ashley with you here tonight.

[2:48:01] I think we

[2:48:04] have a big show in our school.

[2:48:07] What are you two seeing?

[2:48:10] Right.

[2:48:11] I think I can help with it.

[2:48:12] Okay.

[2:48:16] Thank you, dear.

[2:48:26] Good evening again.

[2:48:27] Here I am.

[2:48:28] I guess we'll have two more hours left between the presents

[2:48:31] with the presentations that I have.

[2:48:33] Are you all ready?

[2:48:34] You ready, Blue?

[2:48:39] So before I get started, I just want to say that this 2024 annual development review is something that we've worked on to just kind of massage it and figure out what we wanted to put in this.

[2:48:53] So moving forward the 2025 annual development review will be out first quarter.

[2:48:58] And so I just wanted to say it takes a village to create a plan, and so with this plan and the next plan that I'm going to go through,

[2:49:07] it could not have been done without a young day, who's our building official, a joy, who's our GIS person,

[2:49:15] and you'll, when you go through these documents, you'll be able to see some of the work that we've done,

[2:49:19] and also Ashley and is my at-man person,

[2:49:24] but Ashley was the glue that put the creative the vision

[2:49:28] and put both of the presentations together.

[2:49:31] So I just wanted to just give recognition to them.

[2:49:43] Okay, this is our 2024 annual development report.

[2:49:47] And the purpose of this is to give you a comprehensive document

[2:49:52] focus on the development activities of community development.

[2:49:56] And this document enables elected officials, the administration, the citizens to get a snapshot of actually what we do, and also what we put out.

[2:50:11] So, introduction.

[2:50:12] And so, I'm just going to go through these slides quickly because you have a book in front of you.

[2:50:16] But the annual development activity reports presents annual data, analysis, and trends of

[2:50:21] Resonance of Divisions and Commercial Development, residential and no residential building activities in the city.

[2:50:29] And so some of the in this report, you'll see the Resonant Activity, Development,

[2:50:34] Permit Activity and the Building Permit Activity in Details.

[2:50:39] So the Resonant Activity Session presents annual information about Resonant Applications Processed.

[2:50:46] The second session development permit activity reviews and evaluates yearly data on the

[2:50:52] tight and location of the land development permits, including subdivisions, multifamily,

[2:50:58] commercial, et cetera.

[2:51:02] Okay, I want to go through our mission, but you can read that.

[2:51:04] I'm mission and I'm some of our operations information about our mayor, council members.

[2:51:10] You all know that that's you, if you would like me to stay a little longer on your

[2:51:14] pictures.

[2:51:14] Let me know.

[2:51:16] This is made, I'll need all of that, but you can read through it, and this was our 2024 organizational chart.

[2:51:24] So some of the things have changed over time, but just remember that this is 2024.

[2:51:30] So our accomplishment.

[2:51:33] So in the year of 2024, the city of McDonald received 268 zoning verifications.

[2:51:39] The chart that you see here is a breakdown of all the other documents and permits of the planning department accumulated.

[2:51:50] The next chart is the major or the next slide, major accomplishments for 2024.

[2:51:54] Andrew talked about the comprehensive plan.

[2:51:56] This was created at the beginning of 2024.

[2:51:59] And the comprehensive plan for those of you who may or may not know is a pretty much it is

[2:52:07] it was it's with through DCA. And so with this we determined the growth in terms of the city.

[2:52:18] What we wanted to look like the plan and so this plan is updated every five to 10 years.

[2:52:23] Every five years is a minor update and every 10 years is a major update for this plane.

[2:52:30] And so this plan is not only part of community development, but it's all of the departments within the city, and we have to have a, it's called the Community Work Program, where all the different projects and the different initiatives through the different departments, we have to have those as part of this plan. And without having those as part of this plan, having this plan adopted, we cannot be at the local qualified government. So this is a plan is a necessity.

[2:52:59] And so these are some of the major accomplishments for our 2024 for Zonicote update.

[2:53:06] This was a big one.

[2:53:08] We started out with the consultant on this and then staff took it over to complete the project.

[2:53:14] And it took us some heavy lifting to do, but we got it done.

[2:53:18] We had some deferrals in 2024, but we got it adopted at the beginning of 2025.

[2:53:24] So we were really proud of this.

[2:53:27] This is our commercial permitting from building and permits and at 2024, we received 151 commercial related permits and the majority has shown on the chart our occupational tasks C.L.

[2:53:44] This is the residential permitting and so we received 188 residential related permits and the majority of them were the new residential permits.

[2:53:55] Trade permitting, we received 151 commercial related permits, the majority of shown as occupational tax COs.

[2:54:08] Miscellaneous permits, we received 300 miscellaneous permits, the majority at shown on the chart were land disturbances.

[2:54:17] So here's a snapshot of the commercial and residential permits that we receive at 2020-2020-22-22-23-24.

[2:54:28] And so here you can just look at it and see what kind of building commercial,

[2:54:32] shells, commercial amenities, residential commercial, and so forth, so on.

[2:54:40] Trade permits this from 2020-2020-24 is a snapshot of the trade permits and the type of trade permits

[2:54:47] or at the top of the document.

[2:54:51] Missillanius permits from 2020 to 2024, you can see these and the types that we have here.

[2:54:59] Inspections, the city of McDonald completed 4,491 inspections in 2024, and you can see where

[2:55:08] some of them were commercial, most of them were residential, and then they were commercial

[2:55:12] inspections.

[2:55:15] violations code. We received 1,295 code violations. Out of that, we closed 1,225 incidents

[2:55:25] and void it 5 incidents. And at the end of the year, 65 incidents were still active. The most common

[2:55:32] incidents are high grass, weeds, obnoxious vegetation, and property maintenance.

[2:55:41] And this is

[2:55:41] snapshot of how much building and inspections in terms of permits that received. It was in total

[2:55:48] of $1,686,091.80 cents. And then on the planning and zoning side, it was $40,686.70.

[2:56:02] Build this services.

[2:56:06] So this is a list of our top 25 goals that we, I'm sorry, this is our

[2:56:16] And so what we do at the end of the year, we come up with our goals that we want to work

[2:56:20] on throughout the year, and then that we work on those to accomplish those goals.

[2:56:25] And these were the ones that were mainstream, mainstream did not become part of community development

[2:56:30] until the beginning of 2025. So that's why you don't see them in any more information.

[2:56:35] And the report is set for the 2025 goals for mainstream.

[2:56:41] And these are our training and certifications.

[2:56:44] We do, we are serious about our team having the training that they need to move forward to enhance their job that they do.

[2:56:55] And so we keep a track of all the different certifications and trainings.

[2:57:00] And so this is just a snapshot from 2024.

[2:57:05] And that's it.

[2:57:06] So I'll open it up to if you have any questions or if you would like to

[2:57:11] through the document some more and contact me later.

[2:57:15] We can talk about it, but this is what we want to

[2:57:18] have and produce yearly so that you can have a baseline and

[2:57:22] look at it and see what we're doing each year.

[2:57:28] You're smiling, Councilor.

[2:57:30] You know, I'm really surprised I'll just put it that way because

[2:57:34] you know, you wonder which hour doing over there.

[2:57:37] Now I see.

[2:57:38] We're working.

[2:57:39] Okay.

[2:57:44] Any other questions?

[2:57:46] This is the value of having a plan,

[2:57:50] implementing a plan, working the plan, and sticking to it.

[2:57:54] Sylvia, y'all did an amazing job.

[2:57:57] Thank you.

[2:57:58] Thank you.

[2:57:59] So very much.

[2:58:10] Okay.

[2:58:10] This next one didn't take us too long to do that at Ashley.

[2:58:17] But what we did was we wanted to do a snapshot

[2:58:20] of each district like Andrew said earlier so that you can see what's going on in your district

[2:58:27] and you can also look at other districts and get a snapshot of what's needed or what's missing

[2:58:32] in your district. And so for the purposes of this meeting and the purposes of time I only did two

[2:58:38] districts which was district one and district three.

[2:58:43] So this is Doc I said to provide council members

[2:58:45] and citizen an individual document that provides pertinent information that highlights your

[2:58:50] district, your boundaries, your demographics, housing, and development activities, and give

[2:58:56] you a better understanding of your district in terms of policy decisions.

[2:59:03] So this is Council District 1,

[2:59:12] so we have some pictures and information about Councilman's

[2:59:15] Board on here and some of the landmarks within the district, and you all have the books,

[2:59:22] Each Council person may only have their district right now,

[2:59:27] but if you want some of the other districts,

[2:59:30] or so for the ones at large, they have everybody's.

[2:59:32] But if you want some of the others,

[2:59:34] we can make copies and give that to you.

[2:59:39] So some of the characteristics of district one,

[2:59:41] here is a snapshot of the population characteristics.

[2:59:46] It's home to approximately 4,900 residents.

[2:59:49] and here you can see that the median age is 35.7,

[2:59:55] adults between the ages of 30 and 44 represent the largest age group.

[3:00:00] Compare to the county overall, this should one has a smaller portion of senior citizens with a particularly fewer residents in their 70s and 80s than the city wide average.

[3:00:15] Here's the housing characteristics. So if you look here, in terms of vacant housing units, there are 90 homeowners, there are 1,010 renters or 825.

[3:00:29] So it shows that this district has a high percentage of renters

[3:00:36] in terms of the economic characteristics

[3:00:38] It shows that there are 239 businesses total number of employees there white collar workers blue collar and service workers

[3:00:47] Transportation to work

[3:00:50] You see that and there's a

[3:00:52] People that drive to work alone. I was 1,397.

[3:01:00] That was weird.

[3:01:03] Was that my

[3:01:06] I'm just kidding.

[3:01:11] Where was I here?

[3:01:17] And so you see that 162 work at home,

[3:01:22] 810 work outside of Harry County,

[3:01:25] 968 work inside of Harry County.

[3:01:28] And so you see there, there are some commute times to work.

[3:01:35] This shows the total population,

[3:01:38] and the density, the median home value, which is 258,000,

[3:01:46] unemployment in that area is 12.8%.

[3:01:53] And this shows a commute to work for number of minutes.

[3:01:57] Other populations, the test shows the housing units are

[3:02:02] the owner occupied in which we discussed earlier.

[3:02:05] 136 for the crime index, 17.4% of the residents,

[3:02:10] It's age 25 and over have a bachelor's degree.

[3:02:15] 1,096 medium contract grant and 90 vacant, like we discussed earlier.

[3:02:24] So here I won't go through all 11, but these are some of the amenities that are included

[3:02:29] in District 1.

[3:02:30] And so we went through and looked to did a search to see what's in District 1, what is popular,

[3:02:38] what is the most in terms of development, what's in District 1.

[3:02:41] so you can see here a snapshot of what's in that district.

[3:02:50] This shows the number of voting

[3:02:52] centers, shopping centers, again this is the other things that are in the district and I won't

[3:02:57] go through all of them. Top 5 businesses, business categories in the district and then Blacksville,

[3:03:09] this is one of the most popular areas within that district and so that's the information that we

[3:03:15] have gathered on the Blacksville community.

[3:03:19] You can take a look at that.

[3:03:22] Planning and zoning.

[3:03:24] This shows how many facades, signage,

[3:03:27] platform reviews, and zoning to certifications,

[3:03:30] and so forth that we've had up from 2020 to 2024.

[3:03:37] Trade permits, and I won't go through all of these,

[3:03:39] because this is some of the same information

[3:03:40] that was in the ADR report.

[3:03:42] But the trade permits, building permits,

[3:03:44] and miscellaneous permits, snapshots.

[3:03:49] inspections, so in order for us to have our properties safe and structurally sound, we have

[3:03:58] to make sure that we adhere to our zoning code and our building code, so these are some

[3:04:05] of the numbers that we have again. And then code, I won't go through all of these, but this

[3:04:10] is just a breakdown of new and closed. Recent development, these are pictures of some of

[3:04:16] The recent developments in this area,

[3:04:26] Rufus Stewart Park is one of the main attractions in the area.

[3:04:31] And we have some information here about the park.

[3:04:34] Ruchikri, park is another park.

[3:04:37] And we have information here about Ruchikri park.

[3:04:41] And then we want to thank Councilman Stewart for serving the city

[3:04:46] for 23 consecutive.

[3:04:52] 36.

[3:04:53] I'll 36.

[3:04:54] Yes.

[3:04:55] What did I say?

[3:04:55] 23.

[3:04:56] Oh, that's new favorite number.

[3:04:57] Number 3 when he starts.

[3:05:00] Number 36.

[3:05:03] So that's our first snapshot of our council district profiles.

[3:05:10] You'll have any questions.

[3:05:11] I can move on to the next one.

[3:05:13] How did you come up with the statistics?

[3:05:15] The statistics come from and the joy was supposed to be here tonight, but she could make it.

[3:05:22] But we can give you more information, but some of the statistics come from ARC and some of the data when they go out and they do census.

[3:05:31] So some of this stuff came from census and it's just a collaboration and ARC has a lot of information that they've gathered.

[3:05:38] So a lot of it came from ARC.

[3:05:50] You blown away.

[3:05:52] Thank you.

[3:05:53] She's breathtaking.

[3:05:53] I wish.

[3:05:55] I'm glad we have it now.

[3:05:56] Wish I had it when we first stepped in.

[3:05:58] This would have been.

[3:06:00] What's it?

[3:06:00] In valuable.

[3:06:01] I know.

[3:06:01] We wanted you to give the wild factor.

[3:06:06] Thank you.

[3:06:06] Okay.

[3:06:07] So councilmember.

[3:06:08] Shall I move on to three?

[3:06:10] Uh, you're.

[3:06:11] Yeah.

[3:06:11] Well, come here to do it.

[3:06:12] I was actually doing that as well.

[3:06:14] So that's great.

[3:06:15] If you'd like to do it.

[3:06:16] But I don't want to.

[3:06:17] I want to bore everybody.

[3:06:19] But it's great.

[3:06:19] great. It's awesome. We'll move on to three.

[3:06:28] All right. These are some of the

[3:06:30] some of the businesses and things that are in district three. This is

[3:06:35] information about Councilman Reeves. You can read and some of the lamb

[3:06:39] district landmarks. Okay. These are some of the characteristics of the

[3:06:45] population characteristic here. The high school graduation 25% 23% with some

[3:06:51] College, 33% of bachelor's degree are higher.

[3:06:58] There were 113 vacant houses, 2457 on our occupied in 2024, 628 rentals.

[3:07:10] And to the right, there's a snapshot of the median household income, which is 166,000.

[3:07:17] median net worth is 440,000, median home value is 258,000.

[3:07:28] With some of the economic characteristics.

[3:07:30] Since there's 411 businesses in this district, a total employees of 3,192, white collar, 50% blue collar, 9% and services of 41%.

[3:07:42] Here, in terms of the transportation to work, there's 3,377 that drive to work alone, 55 walt to work and 713 work at home.

[3:07:58] This is a snapshot of what we just discussed and there may be a few other things in here, but I'll move forward to the next slide, and this is for you to review.

[3:08:07] So, this chart shows the growth in from 2010, 2020, and projected 2019.

[3:08:17] Some other populations, statistics, is 83% crime index, 1,023 median contract rent in which we discussed.

[3:08:30] And then also you can on all of the council district profiles, if you want to scan for more information, you can use that QR code to scan.

[3:08:42] And I won't go over all of these, but these are the amenities within district three.

[3:08:51] And these are again, some of the different things to some of the amenities and different things in that district.

[3:08:58] These are the top five business categories in the district,

[3:09:05] planning is on and we've talked

[3:09:07] about this earlier so I won't go through this, but this is just a snapshot of the different

[3:09:12] things within the district, trade permits, building permits, miscellaneous to same thing,

[3:09:19] inspections the same code, this gives a snapshot, so I encourage you all to go back and

[3:09:27] look at some of these things in your district,

[3:09:28] and you can see what we've closed, what's new,

[3:09:33] and what we've permitted in the area,

[3:09:35] and also recent development.

[3:09:37] So these are snapshots of some of the recent development

[3:09:40] within district three.

[3:09:50] Main Street is also in district three.

[3:09:55] And that's our weapons center,

[3:09:56] and a property description about the welcome center.

[3:10:01] Pope Museum, information about the Pope Museum,

[3:10:09] some of the restaurants within the district,

[3:10:20] cigar, bank in the district, story on the square,

[3:10:28] and this concludes my presentation for those two council districts.

[3:10:41] What questions do you have of Sylvia?

[3:10:48] What comments do you have for Sylvia?

[3:10:51] I almost think it's just not fair, you got people who are coming in and they get to have all this stuff and I'm like, oh my gosh

[3:10:58] You've been so you know, but I love the fact that you guys took what took years to even try to pull together just independently

[3:11:06] I guess all of us and you just put it on one place to look at and be able to make better decisions and just you know better thoughts about how to better serve the community

[3:11:13] So this right here is not just showcasing it to tool it's an amazing tool. So I commend you all for putting this together

[3:11:21] Thank you and I want to say that I know that I said not only the council not only the ADR report, but this is something that will do

[3:11:29] And this is this won't be the last time that you see something like this. In fact

[3:11:33] Ashley has already started the framework for the next one so that we can put the information in there at the end of December when it when we finish

[3:11:42] Thank you, Sylvia, and Ashley.

[3:11:44] Yes.

[3:11:45] Thank you.

[3:11:45] Good job.

[3:11:46] Good job.

[3:11:47] There.

[3:11:51] Anybody else?

[3:11:53] All I want you to do is take the receipts out there, because they say we end

[3:11:57] done anything.

[3:11:59] You got the receipts.

[3:12:01] Are there additional printed, like, will it be available if somebody is going to move in our district?

[3:12:06] They could get a copy or something.

[3:12:08] We can't actually not talk about it.

[3:12:10] I know it's costly with the printers,

[3:12:12] but we can do the GBC binding for an office.

[3:12:17] So if you need some copies, we can do that.

[3:12:19] Or just just want to make sure.

[3:12:20] We can make sure to make it digital.

[3:12:21] OK.

[3:12:22] OK.

[3:12:22] And we do have a digital week.

[3:12:24] I'm going to read it.

[3:12:25] OK.

[3:12:29] Anything else?

[3:12:30] Mr. Bird, you're feeling good?

[3:12:32] Blue?

[3:12:34] You're feeling good?

[3:12:35] You're feeling good?

[3:12:37] I'm so sorry.

[3:12:38] I did it.

[3:12:39] I'm so sorry.

[3:12:46] All right.

[3:12:47] Thank you so much.

[3:12:48] Very good information.

[3:12:50] Thank you so much for.

[3:12:53] And very useful information.

[3:12:56] Thank you.

[3:12:56] I don't need to call you.

[3:12:57] I'm actually a director.

[3:12:59] You do well.

[3:13:00] I told you all you have to sleep.

[3:13:01] We've been working.

[3:13:03] Thank you.

[3:13:04] Thank you.

[3:13:20] So this is the McDonald nature preserve at autumn lakes. And this is to preserve the integrity

[3:13:30] and fabric of this natural area. Mayor, do you have a resolution for this one?

[3:13:38] Yes, they all have a copy of the resolution.

[3:13:41] It's in the binder.

[3:13:50] And just to add, well, y'all are looking forward.

[3:13:54] This is also a part of the resolution that we passed in 2023,

[3:14:01] regarding the preservation of green space.

[3:14:05] So this is yet another piece where we are increasing

[3:14:14] our footprint for preservation. So when the community says we're cutting out all the trees

[3:14:21] and destroying habitats, this is another receipt.

[3:14:29] Do you all have the resolution?

[3:14:34] In mayor, while they're looking may I comment? Yes, ma'am.

[3:14:38] Mayor, um, if this is approved, I'd like to make a request to be able to amend the six

[3:14:44] we're asked paragraph six okay yeah and that's just to strike the part where it says

[3:14:49] that it's located within the city's corporate limits. It is owned by the city,

[3:14:56] but it's located in Henry in the county.

[3:15:03] Okay. The lake is, but this parcel?

[3:15:08] Yes, Steve actually pointed this out and then I went to the taxisess or map. I went to the zoning map and the tax map.

[3:15:14] And it's that entire swath of land even all around it is unincorrected.

[3:15:20] Well, okay, perfect.

[3:15:34] Any questions?

[3:15:38] So, based on what she says is the majority of this is in the county?

[3:15:43] this is our property. Okay. This is the blue piece that is ours.

[3:15:56] And it was part of an acquisition

[3:15:58] if you go across McDonald Parkway. Do you see that land that is adjacent to this that was also

[3:16:05] a part of that, which is a part of Alexander Park. That is also America, and it's got a different one.

[3:16:24] What questions do you have?

[3:16:31] Just reading over the resolution. This is our first time seeing this.

[3:16:58] Yeah, will you send the revised version back to Christy? Thank you. I didn't hear what you were I guess we were thinking a lot

[3:17:06] Well, you send the revision back to Christy. Yes, okay perfect

[3:17:19] So the purpose of this area then

[3:17:24] The purpose of this area that is to preserve it and we're not going to use this at all for any correct

[3:17:30] It is green space that is adjacent to this lake and the only thing that would be allowed is a trail system.

[3:17:42] There was originally apartments that they, and that's why I say Steve, they were, they were petitioning us for these apartments at this space.

[3:17:53] It's right off of McDonald Parkway.

[3:17:55] that's correct on the larger piece of property there, below the blue, they were, and that particular property there still in the county, also mayor,

[3:18:12] the land behind it, that's just, it was unusable for them, and most of the property itself sets in the water.

[3:18:22] And that's why it is being proposed to be a conservancy for wildlife and be undisturbed.

[3:18:36] I think my question is, this piece of land is like, it looks like the way you have a set up on the map.

[3:18:40] It's like just an island within an incorporated McDonald or is it, we own that little, like I guess it's a little blue section,

[3:18:48] but everything around it is not.

[3:18:50] everything around it would be in the county, but if you go up to the tip, there were

[3:18:54] you where it reads, autumn lakes, as soon as you cross the roadway there, that is our

[3:18:59] property, again, it's a city.

[3:19:06] But that arrow, the red arrow, what was the purpose of that?

[3:19:10] To show you where it is on the larger map, as it relates to McDonald, that is the

[3:19:15] McDonald map, and so the little green circle is this blue strip.

[3:19:21] I guess the blue strip doesn't kind of fit the map the way it looks like in here

[3:19:25] but I see what you guys are saying. I just want that green area that's under the blue is not us.

[3:19:30] I've to make it on a parkway. That is correct. Okay, so it's just kind of like a little.

[3:19:35] Yeah, a little island. There's not, but you know, strip is it. Okay. I got it.

[3:19:39] I'll strip a land that totals about 10 acres.

[3:19:49] Is there motion and second?

[3:19:54] So moved.

[3:19:57] Second.

[3:19:57] We have a motion by council members, but a second by council member Reeves, please vote.

[3:20:11] Mr. Stewart, it's not here, so there are six in favor, motion passives.

[3:20:16] Thank you.

[3:20:17] And Mayor, I think somewhere along this area, I think that County's going to be putting

[3:20:21] up some apartments or something like that over here, putting up apartments over here.

[3:20:26] I'm around the Donna Parkway area.

[3:20:28] I believe she's speaking up the Phillips Drive Highway 281 area.

[3:20:32] No, no, no.

[3:20:33] I'll post.

[3:20:37] They were recruited to have a partnership over there.

[3:20:41] McDonald Parkway.

[3:20:43] And we don't know anything about this.

[3:20:52] We're gonna prove to a couple of months ago.

[3:20:57] Y'all are gonna have to be vigilant.

[3:20:59] As soll I can say, we'll have developments all around us

[3:21:03] that we're playing for.

[3:21:07] And we won't know anything about it.

[3:21:09] That's why we have to preserve our green space.

[3:21:16] Amir, can you check on that, please, to see what we're in and report back to the council.

[3:21:23] What was approved by the county?

[3:21:25] Because I have no idea what it's being referenced.

[3:21:30] Do you mean like the senior community?

[3:21:33] No, ma'am.

[3:21:33] This is something they say is on a part way.

[3:21:36] new apartment. Okay, yeah, I'll get what's still being all I'll look and do it. Okay, if I'm

[3:21:43] still here, please copy me on it because I, we always try to let those residents know

[3:21:50] when things are happening. We'll do. All right, yes, okay. The final item I have is a Blacksville

[3:21:58] culture district.

[3:22:02] And the purpose is to preserve the history of Blacksville by establishing a

[3:22:06] That's real cultural district.

[3:22:10] The intent is to define a boundary that safeguards

[3:22:14] the Blacksville communities, historical identity,

[3:22:17] and empowers residents, and shaping

[3:22:19] a plan for future improvements.

[3:22:24] So just a little bit of information

[3:22:25] as some of you may know.

[3:22:26] We received assistance from ARS.

[3:22:30] See, for us, see that grant to move forward with creating a plan for the Blacksville community with the Georgia Conservancy Group.

[3:22:41] And so we have been working on this plan and also working on this plan with us has been the building, a better Blacksville citizens.

[3:22:51] And so we've had a couple of meetings with this and so one of the initiatives that have

[3:22:56] come out of this is our boundary area and adopt and a boundary area for the Blacks

[3:23:02] Real Community.

[3:23:03] And so we're here tonight to look and we've already the Blacks Real Community has looked

[3:23:08] at his bed at on the boundary and so we're here tonight to talk about that.

[3:23:16] So this is the boundary area as you can see here and also on this map,

[3:23:26] so I'll leave it

[3:23:27] for a little bit just to give you a minute to kind of look at the boundary.

[3:23:40] I have a question. Could you go back to that boundary?

[3:23:44] Where is the cemetery at on this map? Is the cemetery around the cemetery?

[3:23:52] If you said where?

[3:23:55] Make a street. I can't see that map up there.

[3:23:57] Let's see.

[3:24:00] Okay. I don't see make a street.

[3:24:03] Yeah, across the street, directly across the street, where's that museum that?

[3:24:10] It's the camera museum.

[3:24:12] I can make a series.

[3:24:15] So that's where the cemetery is in that area?

[3:24:18] I don't think that.

[3:24:19] Right there.

[3:24:20] Right there.

[3:24:21] Yeah.

[3:24:23] And what about the camera that camera?

[3:24:26] The building.

[3:24:27] What's that?

[3:24:27] That's the right.

[3:24:28] It's across the street.

[3:24:34] So about where that number two is, Councilmember Thomas, I believe, would-

[3:24:38] So that's within the Blackfield area?

[3:24:54] Was there a follow-up to that?

[3:24:59] And the reason why is that way is because that, when we purchase that building, we purchased it for a municipal court,

[3:25:08] prior to that, it was the original Wesley Chapel Church.

[3:25:13] So Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church,

[3:25:17] and it was a part of the Blacksville community.

[3:25:25] I move forward.

[3:25:27] You think I just have a question?

[3:25:29] You know, I just want to know for informational purposes.

[3:25:36] I know we've talked about it in Steve.

[3:25:39] Steve, Scott, at the Main Street meeting, they were talking about their boundaries there.

[3:25:49] Is that like an overlap, does that seem like an overlap?

[3:25:55] Without having that in front of me.

[3:25:58] And they said it had been approved back in 2018.

[3:26:01] So the main street district is being revised because the district currently,

[3:26:11] it's not the district that, is that it's Sofia, I can hardly see the grain.

[3:26:16] It's in green up on the t-shade.

[3:26:25] So that was the boundary that was originally adopted.

[3:26:30] There was a, you are a, you are a,

[3:26:35] you are a urban redevelopment outline that was on there

[3:26:40] at one time, but in talking with the main street members

[3:26:45] and also we were going to go out and look at it.

[3:26:48] had a map that shows the boundary, the proposed new boundary area, and the proposed new boundary

[3:26:56] area actually goes to the next right here where this is going to be the bottom of the

[3:27:04] line.

[3:27:05] It's four.

[3:27:05] The Blacksville community.

[3:27:07] Yeah, let me just add that in the meetings where I'm going to call it an ad hoc committee

[3:27:11] of the mainstream board.

[3:27:13] We looked at the expanded boundaries of the mainstream.

[3:27:16] You do have a map that shows the proposed expansion of the May Street boundaries and it does not go into it goes right up to the line of the Blacksville Cultural District.

[3:27:27] There is no overlap with the proposed May Street boundary and this particular district.

[3:27:33] Correct.

[3:27:34] Okay.

[3:27:35] Thank you.

[3:27:39] Next steps after completion of the seat app in which we're working on now with the

[3:27:47] Georgia Conservancy. After that the city plans to apply to RIC for implementation

[3:27:55] funds for some of the action items that will be part of the plan that will be adopted

[3:28:01] once we complete it. And that will be within the defined boundary area.

[3:28:08] So staff recommends approval of the district boundary, and I will open it up for any additional

[3:28:15] questions.

[3:28:16] I know Mayor, you have a...

[3:28:18] Yeah, I don't have any questions, but I have one comment, and that comment is when

[3:28:24] we first started on this in 2022, much of the information that we got concerning the boundary

[3:28:34] and historical information, we obtained from the estate a Mr. Edward Head and there were

[3:28:44] conversations regarding the honorary naming of the pocket park at the corner of Philip's

[3:28:52] drive in honor of Mr. Edward Head and that's at Holly Smith and Philip's drive so that

[3:29:01] two is a part of this resolution.

[3:29:10] And just for people who don't know, Mr. Head was one of the leaders who were responsible for

[3:29:17] going to DC in order for the city of McDonald to have district representation, because previously

[3:29:25] we did not have district representation, so he was very much an advocate for the city of McDonald

[3:29:35] for the Blacksville community, and this is a great honor for him and for that community

[3:29:44] In particular

[3:29:51] questions.

[3:29:55] Is there a motion in second and Mr. Stewart?

[3:30:00] Well, I can't say that for him, but he has been a part of these meetings as well.

[3:30:17] Is there someone that

[3:30:18] would make the motion in his absence? I'll make the motion mayor. I move that we approve the

[3:30:26] community and economic development, the Blacksville culture overlay district.

[3:30:33] And there is a resolution attached to that as well.

[3:30:37] And to approve the resolution establishing the Blacksville Culture District City of McDonald's Georgia.

[3:30:47] Is there a section?

[3:30:49] We have a motion by Councilwoman Thomas in the second by Councilmember Payton.

[3:30:55] Please vote.

[3:31:01] Mayor, there are six in favor of motion passes.

[3:31:04] Thank you.

[3:31:04] You got one more, right?

[3:31:09] Or is that it?

[3:31:10] That's it, you did it four.

[3:31:12] OK, go go go deal.

[3:31:13] Didn't take too long.

[3:31:16] That's a great job, y'all.

[3:31:18] I am so proud.

[3:31:20] Oh God.

[3:31:22] And you should be.

[3:31:24] Yes, ma'am.

[3:31:26] OK.

[3:31:29] We don't have any items for executive session.

[3:31:34] Yes, Mayor.

[3:31:35] Good.

[3:31:35] the law. Yeah, let's go ahead and see it on top of stuff to animals for the kids.

[3:31:44] Out of caution, if we could do all three, which would be personnel litigation in

[3:31:47] Willis State. Okay, all right.

[3:31:52] Is there a motion to go into executive session for

[3:31:56] litigation, Willis State in personnel? So moved. Second. We have a motion there. Second, please vote.

[3:32:07] six in favor. Thank you very much.

[3:32:15] You're

[3:32:20] back last.

[3:32:26] I was trying to wait, but I wasn't going to wash her either.

[3:32:32] May

[3:32:35] I have a motion to reconvene please?

[3:32:39] Some of.

[3:32:42] Have a motion in second.

[3:32:45] Motion by birth second by Peyton. Please vote.

[3:32:53] Five in favor.

[3:32:54] motion passes. We hear much. We don't have anything to report out of executive session.

[3:33:02] And that moves us down to item 22 district update. One council member Stewart. Council member

[3:33:12] Stewart has left, but I'm going to take this time to acknowledge that on the 17th, he will

[3:33:22] officially recognized Inconjunction with the City Administrator and Deputy Administrator at the employee appreciation holiday gathering.

[3:33:39] District 2 Councilmember Burke.

[3:33:43] Two things.

[3:33:44] One, I'm very happy to see the girls first.

[3:33:48] Community Garden.

[3:33:49] get honored tonight, I think it's amazing for all the things that they've done in the community

[3:33:52] and I cannot wait for the next four years to keep trying to do things with them.

[3:33:56] Just keep making things happen in that park and bringing the kids there and getting some more

[3:33:59] colleagues.

[3:34:01] And then also the, sorry about mine, my brain is somewhere else right now.

[3:34:06] I'm trying to put it back in.

[3:34:08] This past weekend, the hot chocolate social, amazing.

[3:34:12] If you were not there, I don't know what you were doing, but you missed one of the biggest events

[3:34:15] here in McDonald's.

[3:34:16] It's such a big turnout, pretty much I saw everybody in this room, but it was just so cool to see everybody there, all the people walking around, eating vendors, just having a good time of being a community.

[3:34:27] That's what this place is all about, so please, if you did not make it this year, please make it next year and see what I'm talking about.

[3:34:34] All right, hot chocolate social, that was it.

[3:34:38] District 3 Council member Reeves.

[3:34:41] Thank you, Mayor.

[3:34:42] I just want to hats off to our one and only Christy Taylor for a really successful Christmas

[3:34:49] parade.

[3:34:50] Great job on that and it was a wonderful time and all of the activities happening on the

[3:34:56] square by Main Street and tourism I think is coming up with the don't miss the dropping

[3:35:03] of the geranium, the geranium drop and coming up and I just think that our staff is doing

[3:35:08] incredible job of, you know, rising to the occasion with the other activities hot

[3:35:12] chocolate, social and so forth. So, Tensil Tam took my family out there and we

[3:35:16] walked through. So, Kudos to the city and all that they're doing to keep us

[3:35:21] running and we appreciate you very much.

[3:35:26] District 4 Council Member Blue. Yes, Mayor

[3:35:30] again, I'd like to echo what the other councilman said. Of course, I'd definitely

[3:35:34] enjoyed the parade. Great job, Christine. Enjoy the parade. Also to the

[3:35:39] high chocolate socials, a great event. Huge turnout guys, really enjoyed it.

[3:35:43] I spent a lot of money there too as well. So definitely you didn't make a

[3:35:47] different look for it coming and make sure as well. Thank you.

[3:35:53] At large council member Payton?

[3:35:56] Yes, had a good time at ice cream socials, so normal Christmas there.

[3:36:02] And it was just a nice event.

[3:36:05] and look forward to it next year.

[3:36:08] Thank you.

[3:36:10] At large council member Thomas.

[3:36:14] Did I hear you say ice cream so soon?

[3:36:20] Oh, I chocolate you so much.

[3:36:26] First of all, I want to say Merry Christmas to everyone.

[3:36:29] It happened to a year.

[3:36:31] We'll see you next year.

[3:36:33] Mayor,

[3:36:36] you know, it was a pleasure.

[3:36:37] You know, although we did have our back of force from time to time and you know, I really enjoyed you know, you being the mayor and direct to us and just you know, just putting things together and and make it a difference and making a change in the city.

[3:36:57] The hot chocolate social was, I mean, it was just phenomenal, and a lot of people were there.

[3:37:04] I mean, a whole lot of people were there, and the parade as well, that was done quite nicely.

[3:37:13] And I do expect for us to continue on with these activities next year, although the mayor's living,

[3:37:19] you know, I'm sure look forward to us continuing on staff, you know, with everything.

[3:37:27] So, Mayor, I want to thank you. Thank you for you.

[3:37:30] Your 20, 20, 23, 20 years of service, 25 years of service to the city.

[3:37:41] And, you know, wish you luck, would not luck. I'm going to say the will of God being done in your life in the future.

[3:37:49] Thank you.

[3:37:50] Thank you very much. 23 city administrator?

[3:37:56] I really have nothing to report tonight, but I do want to say that, in case I don't see

[3:38:02] some members again, I've been an honor to serve this city for 34 and a half years,

[3:38:10] and I've been through a lot, I've only served three mayors.

[3:38:15] I think I served eight city administrators,

[3:38:19] two fire chiefs, three police chiefs.

[3:38:24] But too many council members, I can't remember them all, really, and truthfully, I know I could do some research and find out the number,

[3:38:34] but I have a love for this city and the residents here, and of course, regardless of any relationship at all, I love everybody anyway,

[3:38:45] so, but I'll still be around the area, but you all have a good night.

[3:38:57] Thank you so much for your hard work and your service all these years.

[3:39:03] Thank you.

[3:39:05] Madam Clark.

[3:39:08] Just thank you to all of the behind-the-scenes assistance and the follow-through.

[3:39:15] It takes to pull off the Christmas parade every year.

[3:39:17] I know means is that a one anybody show I was extremely happy with the success of the event this year.

[3:39:24] Regretfully I did not make it to Christmas filled tinsel town, but I've heard nothing but

[3:39:30] right reviews and I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy name here.

[3:39:40] Madam Attorney, I'm just a happy holidays and Merry Christmas to each and every one of you.

[3:39:46] I consider everyone here to be a blessing.

[3:39:48] I learned so much from just all my interactions here with all my interactions with everyone and I'm

[3:39:56] just very appreciative and blessed to be with each of you.

[3:39:59] Thank you.

[3:40:02] Thank you very much.

[3:40:03] I'm not listed on the agenda but for closing comments but I will just again reiterate how grateful

[3:40:18] I am for the opportunity to have served the city of McDonald. I'm so grateful for the employees who are here.

[3:40:30] Those I have worked with, even those that I haven't worked with.

[3:40:35] I think I would be remiss in saying that it not saying that things don't organically happen.

[3:40:44] They don't. It takes planning, it takes a lot of discussion, it takes direction, it takes

[3:40:56] agreement, it takes implementation. So I hope what you see and saw tonight was an indicator

[3:41:08] of the level of commitment and work that I have put into this city. I have worked very hard,

[3:41:21] not just during those 25 years, but these past four years I have lived at this city.

[3:41:30] Because when I came in, they said the city was going to hell in a hand basket.

[3:41:35] They said that we wouldn't be successful.

[3:41:40] And what you saw tonight is directly the result of my leadership.

[3:41:50] I didn't do all the work, but I was in every detail.

[3:41:55] And if you ever hear an employee anywhere, say I was micromanaging, I was.

[3:42:01] Because after 40 years of fortified culture, you have to establish a new culture and a big part of that is making employees feel safe.

[3:42:17] I've always helped people at the highest standard because that's the standard that I hold for myself.

[3:42:24] So if you ever want to know about me, don't ask the people who didn't want to be corrected but ask the ones that are in this room, ask the other department hands and they will tell you that this city was governed from a position of love and anything that I could do for anybody at any time Christy stop crying because I'm going to carry around

[3:42:53] look ugly if I start crying. But I thank y'all. It is my deep prayer for councilwoman Varner

[3:43:03] as the mayor elect. It is my deep prayer for her success and that the city continues to carry

[3:43:13] on and thrive. We have done more in four years and I'm going to say two.

[3:43:22] We have done more

[3:43:23] in two years, there's some people have done in 10.

[3:43:29] And that is something to be proud of.

[3:43:33] I believe that I have done what God called me to do.

[3:43:37] And that is to raise up a new standard.

[3:43:41] I'm just going to charge each of you with continuing.

[3:43:46] Because McDonald's today is not the same McDonald's

[3:43:52] it was five years ago. And I will pat myself on the back for that. I know that I could

[3:44:00] not have done this by myself. It was because of your support on this council that we have

[3:44:10] been able to move this city forward and a positive direction. The sad thing for me is that there

[3:44:20] our steel people who would spend an narrative to change the history and the legacy that

[3:44:29] we have built here as a city.

[3:44:33] And it reminds me of something that was in the movie Wicked,

[3:44:40] where basically it had nothing

[3:44:42] to do with what was truth, but the fact that people had to create a villain to make themselves

[3:44:50] feel good about who they were.

[3:44:55] So I love y'all. I appreciate you. Y'all keep.

[3:45:00] Seeing the standards, setters, the bears of light, the truth, preachers, because it is important.

[3:45:09] If people don't know the truth, they will believe the story that is fed to them.

[3:45:16] And that is a disservice to all of you who works so hard along with me and staff to make

[3:45:27] city great. I see honey cut out there and I just got a shout you out for the

[3:45:35] work that you did and cold and force meant because to be able to get these

[3:45:41] raw-iron fences up where they used to be chain-linked and to be able to have

[3:45:47] cross-buck fencing where they're used to not be fencing that's raising the

[3:45:52] standard of our city. Chief Williams, I love you, Darlin. You operated an

[3:46:00] excellence. There was never report that I asked for that you didn't get to me in

[3:46:05] record break in time and it was always in excellence. So I never had the

[3:46:12] question your work because after the third time I knew what you were working with.

[3:46:17] Xavier, you got a wonderful group to work with.

[3:46:22] I hope that you will educate yourself and really learn the things that we have done.

[3:46:28] Don't believe in narrative.

[3:46:30] People will have you believe things that aren't true.

[3:46:33] We have been working around here every day, day in and day out.

[3:46:39] So continue to lift the bloodstained banner and may McDonald's heart always be love.

[3:46:47] Thank you so much.

[3:46:49] Meeting adjourned.

[3:46:51] Have a wonderful holiday season.

[3:46:53] I love you all.

City Council Meeting

Agenda

Transcript