1 00:00:57,560 --> 00:01:03,600 We're We're going to go ahead and call this meeting to order. Um, we 2 00:01:02,120 --> 00:01:06,480 are going to start with a public hearing, but before we do that, we want 3 00:01:05,120 --> 00:01:11,640 to make sure we have a determination of a quorum. Uh, can you state that you're 4 00:01:08,920 --> 00:01:17,040 here or present starting with post one? >> Beth Post one, present. 5 00:01:13,520 --> 00:01:17,040 » Mark Burrows, Post two, present. 6 00:01:17,360 --> 00:01:25,840 » Ryan Smith, Post three, present. >> Amy Nunez, Post four, present. 7 00:01:23,920 --> 00:01:29,480 » Dwayne Post five, present. >> Dwayne Brown, Post six, present. 8 00:01:28,120 --> 00:01:33,840 » Okay, we have a determination of a quorum. We will go ahead and start our 9 00:01:31,520 --> 00:01:37,640 public hearing. Um, our public hearing is for the millage rate. This is our 10 00:01:35,240 --> 00:01:41,480 third public hearing. Um, just for the public to know, state your 11 00:01:39,600 --> 00:01:45,760 name and address if you want to be recorded into the record. 12 00:01:43,640 --> 00:01:49,040 Um, and as well, that council will not be able to respond during public 13 00:01:47,480 --> 00:01:52,840 hearing. >> Thank you, Mayor and Council. Before we 14 00:01:50,720 --> 00:01:57,880 provide the public with the opportunity to express their feedback, 15 00:01:55,920 --> 00:02:02,560 one more time, briefly, I'll go over the different military scenarios, the 16 00:02:00,400 --> 00:02:06,760 projected revenue, or any decrease of the budget that we need to consider. So, 17 00:02:04,160 --> 00:02:10,679 very briefly, at a rollback rate of 15.8, the rollback rate represents the 18 00:02:09,280 --> 00:02:15,160 military rate that will generate essentially the same amount of property 19 00:02:12,720 --> 00:02:18,880 tax revenue as the previous year, excluding revenue revenue growth from 20 00:02:17,200 --> 00:02:24,520 the reassessment. So, at the rollback rate of 15.8, 21 00:02:21,680 --> 00:02:27,520 the 93% collection rate will be 3 3,674,694. 22 00:02:29,720 --> 00:02:39,360 So, the city needs to consider a cut of 400,000 23 00:02:36,360 --> 00:02:39,360 427,978. 24 00:02:39,760 --> 00:02:45,640 This scenario would not fully fund the city's operational requirements and 25 00:02:43,040 --> 00:02:49,880 would likely require service reduction uh the forward capital capital 26 00:02:47,440 --> 00:02:54,280 expenditures or the use of reserve funds. 27 00:02:51,080 --> 00:03:00,640 For the proposed increase of 16.25 mills, the projection projection of 93% 28 00:02:56,840 --> 00:03:00,640 collection is 3,759,367. 29 00:03:02,760 --> 00:03:12,120 This still leaves a deficit of 343,305 at a 93% collection. While this reduces 30 00:03:10,480 --> 00:03:17,959 the funding gap, it does not fully address the city's budgetary needs. 31 00:03:14,760 --> 00:03:24,560 For a military rate of 16.5, the projected revenue for 93% collection 32 00:03:21,360 --> 00:03:24,560 is 3,817,203, 33 00:03:25,440 --> 00:03:33,000 which will result in a deficit of 285,469 34 00:03:30,560 --> 00:03:36,800 at 93% collection. This opportunity effectively balanced 35 00:03:35,000 --> 00:03:39,840 the budget only if collection significantly exceeds the historical 36 00:03:38,720 --> 00:03:45,680 trends. Proposed increase of 16.75 mills, 37 00:03:43,320 --> 00:03:49,280 at a 93% collection, the projected revenue will be 3,875,040, 38 00:03:49,519 --> 00:03:58,000 which is a deficit of 227,632 at a 93% collection. This option begins 39 00:03:55,480 --> 00:04:03,080 to create a more spine financial fashion while still remaining relatively 40 00:04:00,800 --> 00:04:09,959 conservative. The proposed increase of 17.35 41 00:04:04,600 --> 00:04:09,959 mills at a 93% collection is 4,013,847 42 00:04:10,240 --> 00:04:16,600 with a deficit of 88,825 at 93% collection. 43 00:04:14,880 --> 00:04:20,760 This scenario substantially narrows the gap between projected revenues and 44 00:04:18,239 --> 00:04:25,040 anticipated expenditures. And finally, we have the proposed increase of 17.5 45 00:04:23,840 --> 00:04:31,280 mills which at a 93% collection, the projected 46 00:04:27,560 --> 00:04:31,280 revenue will be 4,048,549 47 00:04:31,640 --> 00:04:39,720 with a deficit of 54,123 at 93% collection. This option most 48 00:04:37,840 --> 00:04:44,000 closely aligns the projected revenues with anticipated expenditures under 49 00:04:41,760 --> 00:04:47,680 realistic collection assumption. And now, I'd like to provide the opportunity 50 00:04:45,880 --> 00:04:51,680 I'd like to provide the public with the opportunity to express their feedback in 51 00:04:49,560 --> 00:04:53,840 both on the proposed millage rate. Thank you. 52 00:04:55,280 --> 00:05:00,000 » We'll We'll open it up for public uh from the public hearing. 53 00:05:09,160 --> 00:05:17,280 » Abigail Smith, 1203 Park Boulevard. This millage rate increase was planned 54 00:05:15,400 --> 00:05:23,400 back in October when the current budget was created. 55 00:05:19,000 --> 00:05:27,120 Tax receipts in 2024 were just over 5.2 million dollars. 56 00:05:24,919 --> 00:05:32,400 With the same anticipated in the total for the 2025 budget, 5.2 million 57 00:05:30,440 --> 00:05:36,480 dollars. This time last year, the council 58 00:05:34,720 --> 00:05:40,720 approved the rollback millage rate of 15.827 59 00:05:38,760 --> 00:05:45,720 which should have kept the budget flat again in 2026. 60 00:05:43,480 --> 00:05:50,960 But instead, a budget was created with an anticipated 61 00:05:47,560 --> 00:05:54,320 tax receipts of 5.9 million dollars. 62 00:05:52,560 --> 00:05:59,080 700,000 over the prior 2 years. 63 00:05:56,800 --> 00:06:05,640 It's because of that we are now facing a military increase. $700,000. 64 00:06:03,280 --> 00:06:10,840 No effort has been made by staff or council to revise the budget and prevent 65 00:06:08,360 --> 00:06:16,200 that from happening. I set my personal household budget based 66 00:06:13,880 --> 00:06:20,320 on what I anticipated earning. And if I earn more, I get to buy or do something 67 00:06:18,280 --> 00:06:26,280 that was not in my budget. Or I save it for retirement. When I earn 68 00:06:23,440 --> 00:06:31,560 less, I have to cut back. My home's value increased this year 69 00:06:28,560 --> 00:06:31,560 95,950 70 00:06:32,800 --> 00:06:40,800 dollars. Which is 25% more than last year. 71 00:06:37,720 --> 00:06:46,280 And it's going to cost me $800 in city taxes additionally. 72 00:06:43,200 --> 00:06:50,240 My budget's now blown by a tax increase I didn't anticipate. 73 00:06:48,120 --> 00:06:55,480 So, I'm going to have to make cuts to my budget so I can pay my tax bill. 74 00:06:53,680 --> 00:06:59,960 Why should I have to do this when the city won't reciprocate? 75 00:06:57,960 --> 00:07:02,960 I know you don't control the valuation process. 76 00:07:01,440 --> 00:07:05,720 But you do control the budget and military. 77 00:07:04,120 --> 00:07:07,960 I hope you vote to do the right thing tonight. 78 00:07:18,360 --> 00:07:25,640 » Denise Phillips, 5272 Broad Street. You guys are going to make some big 79 00:07:23,960 --> 00:07:29,600 decisions tonight. And it is my opinion that you haven't 80 00:07:28,040 --> 00:07:33,840 been given the information to make that decision. 81 00:07:31,080 --> 00:07:39,520 You were given two major things last year that threw us 82 00:07:37,120 --> 00:07:45,080 over budget. Both are one-time occurrences or what would be in the 83 00:07:42,040 --> 00:07:49,480 budget listed as extraordinary. It's like you have a tree falling on your 84 00:07:46,640 --> 00:07:52,280 house and you got to pay $100,000 this year 85 00:07:50,520 --> 00:07:55,280 to pay for it. Are you going to budget that $100,000 next year? 86 00:07:54,520 --> 00:07:59,480 No. And we're not being told what the 87 00:07:56,440 --> 00:08:05,800 $100,000 increase is for. We were given financials in the package 88 00:08:03,120 --> 00:08:10,400 that agenda package online. It states that we're at 33.33% 89 00:08:08,080 --> 00:08:15,680 of budget for revenues this year. The math isn't mathing because we've 90 00:08:12,640 --> 00:08:18,800 only gotten 12.8. This is of no concern because we get most of our revenue at 91 00:08:17,320 --> 00:08:23,280 the end of the year. But it also says that we're at $25 92 00:08:22,120 --> 00:08:29,040 million in 93 00:08:24,280 --> 00:08:35,120 um expenses. That's $23 million more than what the numbers say. 94 00:08:32,479 --> 00:08:41,159 How are we as citizens supposed to believe and accept that you want to dig 95 00:08:37,960 --> 00:08:44,719 deeper in our pockets when we can't even get valid financials? 96 00:08:45,240 --> 00:08:52,360 I hope that y'all will consider that people are having a hard time right now. 97 00:08:50,760 --> 00:08:58,800 Think about what data you have been given and what you haven't been given. 98 00:08:55,839 --> 00:09:05,160 And think about what why we were over budget last year before y'all dig in our 99 00:09:01,320 --> 00:09:05,160 pockets any deeper. Thanks. 100 00:09:16,040 --> 00:09:27,600 » Congratulations to the New York Knicks who earned the title of 2026 NBA team 101 00:09:24,600 --> 00:09:31,960 cup champions. The team was led by Jalen Brunson and I can think of several 102 00:09:29,640 --> 00:09:37,400 reasons why he also was named the MVP player uh 103 00:09:34,960 --> 00:09:42,520 Gina Stroud Cott. I don't even know how to say that, but anyway, so 104 00:09:39,640 --> 00:09:46,040 address on the file. 787 Forest Street, Stone Mountain, 105 00:09:45,240 --> 00:09:50,920 Georgia. >> For the record, if this pertains to the 106 00:09:48,200 --> 00:09:56,920 millage rate, okay, I got it. >> I will tie it all back together. 107 00:09:53,280 --> 00:10:00,160 Trust. Yes, he is a stand-up player on and off the court. 108 00:09:58,680 --> 00:10:06,200 He leads with confidence and demonstrates practicing hours and hours. 109 00:10:03,000 --> 00:10:14,320 In 2024, Jaylen signed a contract over two uh for the 25-26 season through the 110 00:10:09,720 --> 00:10:21,200 28-29 season for 4-year $156 million contract. At the time, he was eligible 111 00:10:17,320 --> 00:10:27,040 for a 5-year contract of $269 million. But, he decided to sign for the 4-year 112 00:10:23,480 --> 00:10:32,040 contract giving up approximately $113 million. He He made the decision to help 113 00:10:30,680 --> 00:10:36,960 the team. We are the team. 114 00:10:34,080 --> 00:10:42,200 It allows funds to be available to help the coaching staff and the owners to 115 00:10:39,320 --> 00:10:48,160 build a winning team. So, now you ask, "Gina, well, why do you bring that up?" 116 00:10:44,200 --> 00:10:53,320 So glad you asked. Simply put, everyone has a part to play. 117 00:10:50,520 --> 00:10:59,040 If you receive a paycheck from this place, we help pay your salaries. 118 00:10:56,800 --> 00:11:04,520 So, if you increase the millage rate, then you too should consider where and 119 00:11:01,640 --> 00:11:08,880 how your salary should be adjusted. There have been discussions on cutting 120 00:11:06,360 --> 00:11:12,960 this program, cutting that event, getting rid of that contract. 121 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:18,480 So, as someone said on social media a few days ago, only two of the six 122 00:11:16,080 --> 00:11:24,200 council members gave suggestions on how some funds should be reallocated or 123 00:11:21,760 --> 00:11:28,560 increase the revenue. So, if there's something that we all are missing, would 124 00:11:26,400 --> 00:11:33,040 you all please so kindly share so that we can get a clear picture of where you 125 00:11:30,400 --> 00:11:33,040 all stand. 126 00:11:48,240 --> 00:11:58,960 » Hello, I'm Linda Jackson, 5244 Poplar Springs Road. I don't have much to say. 127 00:11:56,160 --> 00:12:05,440 I understood years ago when there was a need to raise the rate because of 128 00:12:01,880 --> 00:12:11,480 dropping revenue and housing values. But my house has continued to increase 129 00:12:08,000 --> 00:12:18,080 in value, which raises my taxes, and that is a strain, and I just wanted that 130 00:12:14,760 --> 00:12:18,080 to be on the record. 131 00:12:28,840 --> 00:12:34,600 » I don't have them now. >> I haven't been on since I've been here, 132 00:12:31,840 --> 00:12:36,800 but I've definitely been online every day. 133 00:12:37,520 --> 00:12:46,240 If we didn't make the money with the 13, I'm sorry. My name is Vivian Howard 134 00:12:42,120 --> 00:12:50,080 Patterson at 473 Rock Road Terrace. You weren't. 135 00:12:47,720 --> 00:12:54,720 If we didn't make the money with the 5.1, 136 00:12:53,160 --> 00:12:57,960 what makes you think we going to make it with this 17 month? 137 00:12:58,520 --> 00:13:05,520 We went over budget. Yeah, but 138 00:13:02,560 --> 00:13:09,120 somebody got to get it in 2025. But what about mid-2026? 139 00:13:09,240 --> 00:13:16,800 Because we still do not We still not getting 140 00:13:13,480 --> 00:13:20,920 a financial report. I'll do it. This piece is here, piece is here, 141 00:13:19,440 --> 00:13:25,839 don't work. It don't work. We got a serious problem 142 00:13:23,160 --> 00:13:29,720 in this city. Everybody's taxes is going up. 143 00:13:27,400 --> 00:13:33,560 And God knows I wanted the elders in one of these 144 00:13:31,520 --> 00:13:37,680 communities. I don't have that kind of money. We 145 00:13:35,200 --> 00:13:42,320 can't pay that kind of tax. It's crazy and it don't make sense. And 146 00:13:39,920 --> 00:13:45,320 we need to consider our elders, our young ones, 147 00:13:43,560 --> 00:13:48,440 and even the young people that come into our city. 148 00:13:47,080 --> 00:13:50,840 They didn't have that kind of money. See, this is what 149 00:13:50,920 --> 00:13:59,320 The money is got to be fixed. Our money and our power need to be fixed. And your 150 00:13:57,000 --> 00:14:03,680 tax Your tax is correct. It isn't. I don't know. We can't own our 151 00:14:01,840 --> 00:14:09,000 own property in this town. We need to get this straight. 152 00:14:06,400 --> 00:14:12,840 Cuz it's not making sense in my head with my numbers. How many of y'all 153 00:14:10,520 --> 00:14:16,000 coming in? But we don't mind. Y'all don't mind it. 154 00:14:13,960 --> 00:14:19,920 And he listens to this. It's not making sense. 155 00:14:17,840 --> 00:14:24,200 And it do want to make you want to move out of the city. 156 00:14:22,280 --> 00:14:28,960 I didn't get too long ago. I raised all my kids up here in the city. I raised 157 00:14:26,120 --> 00:14:33,560 three kids up here now. It's I can't afford to live here 158 00:14:31,200 --> 00:14:33,560 anymore. 159 00:14:34,360 --> 00:14:42,640 But it's Savannah. I love Savannah. I've been here over 27 years. 160 00:14:40,360 --> 00:14:45,720 Y'all got to do better with this money. Y'all complaining and complaining about 161 00:14:44,360 --> 00:14:51,200 the old. We still got old people on camera. 162 00:14:48,640 --> 00:14:54,600 It's not getting better. It's not. 163 00:14:52,440 --> 00:14:58,800 Every time somebody says something about the 164 00:14:56,240 --> 00:15:02,560 budget, but we keep ignoring it. Y'all still keep spending. 165 00:15:00,960 --> 00:15:06,120 He's spending. But y'all ain't working that problem 166 00:15:04,000 --> 00:15:08,920 out. That 17 did y'all try to work something out with him? 167 00:15:07,360 --> 00:15:12,520 It don't work. It didn't work with the 15. And it's not 168 00:15:10,880 --> 00:15:15,920 working because people cannot afford to pay it. 169 00:15:13,600 --> 00:15:18,480 So, we need to come up with a new plan. Work on that. 170 00:15:35,680 --> 00:15:44,480 » This is Thomas. I'm speaking under my first amendment rights and my civil 171 00:15:40,280 --> 00:15:51,160 rights. My address is 110 Terrace, Ellenwood, Georgia 30083. 172 00:15:48,520 --> 00:15:57,640 There is no law that I have to say my house address for my comments to be on 173 00:15:54,680 --> 00:16:02,080 this open records meeting minutes. In terms of I do what every everything 174 00:16:00,040 --> 00:16:06,720 everybody else said. And most of the voters have older people 175 00:16:04,600 --> 00:16:09,080 that have been to all these meetings for years. 176 00:16:07,720 --> 00:16:13,880 Even new people coming and telling them the same thing. 177 00:16:10,640 --> 00:16:17,600 What is appalling to me Y'all should have gone to bed. 178 00:16:15,600 --> 00:16:21,600 Three of you up here three of you, four of you new. 179 00:16:19,840 --> 00:16:25,920 I'm just going to bed. The uh surprising thing is 180 00:16:26,680 --> 00:16:36,120 we have not paid back the money from 2023 audit, $817,000. 181 00:16:33,040 --> 00:16:40,839 We have not paid These are illegal funds that the auditor said. 182 00:16:38,440 --> 00:16:44,760 It's not in the budget. Are we paying for that through this tax 183 00:16:42,640 --> 00:16:48,960 increase? The 2024 auditor said the same thing. 184 00:16:47,160 --> 00:16:53,200 Are we paying for that out of this tax increase? In other 185 00:16:51,040 --> 00:16:58,240 words, we're saying to us, intelligent people, telling intelligent people, 186 00:16:56,720 --> 00:17:00,960 "Oh, we can spend y'all money, but then we're going to make y'all pay for the 187 00:16:59,280 --> 00:17:05,240 overage. We're going to make y'all pay for that." 188 00:17:02,760 --> 00:17:08,720 The other thing I noticed, it's related. Hope said, "Give me the financial 189 00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:12,880 report." One of the other citizens said, "Give me the financial report." 190 00:17:11,160 --> 00:17:18,439 The financial report that's in this meeting today 191 00:17:14,439 --> 00:17:24,640 is not a balanced budget report. It's general funds. 192 00:17:20,120 --> 00:17:24,640 We cannot see slots. So, big problem. 193 00:17:24,680 --> 00:17:29,840 All the data is not in here and y'all are spending our slots money on these 194 00:17:28,319 --> 00:17:33,120 new projects, but you're not even putting out 195 00:17:31,000 --> 00:17:37,800 how much money we have in slots in the financial report that we're reporting on 196 00:17:35,360 --> 00:17:41,440 today. That's a big problem. It looks like 197 00:17:39,360 --> 00:17:44,960 we're inspiring you to do something. And I guess what's going to be next. 198 00:17:45,040 --> 00:17:50,760 Keep it up. I'm doing my research and other people 199 00:17:49,080 --> 00:17:55,360 are, too. Y'all need to do the right thing. As I 200 00:17:53,200 --> 00:17:59,320 heard people say, "Yeah, they may have to move, but maybe 201 00:17:57,400 --> 00:18:03,440 that's the plan. Maybe y'all want us to move." 202 00:18:01,240 --> 00:18:07,160 To relocate us, so new people can come in here and y'all can raise their rent 203 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:11,840 and maybe they can afford it. What is the agenda, guys? 204 00:18:09,880 --> 00:18:16,400 We invested in this city, but we're not being invested back. 205 00:18:14,560 --> 00:18:21,000 For what we put into it. And and you all should be ashamed of 206 00:18:18,400 --> 00:18:27,760 yourselves to not listen to us. A fraction of 1% is not enough. 207 00:18:25,560 --> 00:18:31,280 And because of the revolution is in the agenda after this meeting, it looks like 208 00:18:29,760 --> 00:18:34,080 y'all already made your mind up, like I said last time. 209 00:18:32,600 --> 00:18:38,840 What we say up here don't matter, but it's on record. That's okay. 210 00:18:36,280 --> 00:18:38,840 Thank you. 211 00:18:53,600 --> 00:18:58,080 » There are Excuse me. If there are no other public 212 00:18:56,280 --> 00:19:02,000 comments for the millage rate discussion, is there an adjournment to 213 00:19:00,480 --> 00:19:05,240 conclude the public hearing? >> I move to adjourn the public hearing. 214 00:19:04,440 --> 00:19:09,240 » Second. >> All right. There's a motion and a 215 00:19:06,400 --> 00:19:11,720 second. Any further discussion? Okay, we'll call for the vote. Council 216 00:19:10,960 --> 00:19:15,000 member Poston. >> Council member Poston, yes. 217 00:19:13,320 --> 00:19:20,840 » Council member Poston, yes. >> Ryan Smith post three, yes. 218 00:19:17,520 --> 00:19:20,840 » Caitlin Yancey post four, yes. 219 00:19:22,520 --> 00:19:27,960 » Elaine Bunn post six, yes. >> Okay, that's a unanimous vote to 220 00:19:25,960 --> 00:19:32,480 conclude the public hearing. Uh we will now move into our regular 221 00:19:30,520 --> 00:19:36,480 council work session meeting. So, we'll call this meeting to order. We'll do 222 00:19:34,440 --> 00:19:39,920 another determination of a quorum starting with post one. 223 00:19:38,200 --> 00:19:44,200 » Beth post one, present. >> Mark Aryanez post two, present. 224 00:19:41,800 --> 00:19:48,720 » Ryan Smith post three, present. >> Caitlin Yancey post four, present. 225 00:19:47,200 --> 00:19:52,200 » Donald post five, present. >> Elaine Bunn post six, present. 226 00:19:51,440 --> 00:19:56,400 » Okay, uh that's a unanimous vote. We have a 227 00:19:54,280 --> 00:20:00,200 determination of a quorum. We will now have a 30-seconds moment of silence. 228 00:20:34,160 --> 00:20:39,040 That's our 30-second moment of silence. We now stand for the pledge. 229 00:20:58,000 --> 00:21:03,920 We will now open our meeting for citizens comments. Uh if you did not 230 00:21:01,800 --> 00:21:08,080 have a chance to get a citizens comment card, they're out back, but once 231 00:21:05,920 --> 00:21:12,800 citizens comments start, we will not take any more citizens comments. The 232 00:21:09,760 --> 00:21:16,920 rules of the quorum are on the monitor in the back. Each citizen will be 233 00:21:14,720 --> 00:21:21,080 granted three minutes. Please state your name and address for the record to be 234 00:21:19,000 --> 00:21:25,080 recorded into the minutes. All right, we will now open it up for 235 00:21:22,280 --> 00:21:27,800 citizens comments. >> Mayor, council 236 00:21:38,480 --> 00:21:44,760 My name is Beverly Howard Patterson. I live at 473 Rock Road Terrace, Stone 237 00:21:43,240 --> 00:21:51,360 Mountain. My topic is about the finance. 238 00:21:48,360 --> 00:21:55,360 We need a report. 239 00:21:53,480 --> 00:21:58,040 We need to know what's going on in the city. 240 00:21:56,360 --> 00:22:01,600 Bottom line. I have asked 241 00:21:59,720 --> 00:22:05,680 since the beginning of the year and I feel like when I come up here and 242 00:22:04,320 --> 00:22:09,400 put my cards on the table you guys are saying 243 00:22:06,480 --> 00:22:12,840 I don't think that you need to know. I don't know what y'all do in that back 244 00:22:11,240 --> 00:22:17,000 room or anything like that, 245 00:22:14,440 --> 00:22:21,600 but up here we don't see it. We don't see it on paper. The paper that you give 246 00:22:19,000 --> 00:22:27,480 us is not what we're looking for. We need a better financial report than 247 00:22:24,160 --> 00:22:33,080 what you presented to us today. And like this um Thomas stated, 248 00:22:31,400 --> 00:22:38,320 I spoke about the money. You know, we granted the 249 00:22:36,600 --> 00:22:42,200 2 million. I haven't seen that on not one report 250 00:22:40,520 --> 00:22:48,880 yet. So, we want to know what the 2 million 251 00:22:43,800 --> 00:22:48,880 is It's spread out to where it's going. 252 00:22:49,280 --> 00:22:56,560 Can we get a better financial report sometime in this fiscal year before this 253 00:22:54,760 --> 00:23:04,800 year is over with? And another question, 254 00:22:58,680 --> 00:23:04,800 when is the 2025 audit report is due? 255 00:23:19,120 --> 00:23:26,240 » Hello, I'm Ginger Criswell, 6535 James B. Rivers. 256 00:23:24,080 --> 00:23:31,160 Um, I mean, I'm here. I've talked about it many, many times, as you know, the 257 00:23:29,040 --> 00:23:37,840 area where James B. Rivers sits, Memorial Drive. That area is a major 258 00:23:35,480 --> 00:23:42,360 entryway to the biggest tourist attraction in the state 259 00:23:39,760 --> 00:23:48,360 of Georgia, which makes me think that that we could get funding, we could 260 00:23:46,000 --> 00:23:52,600 get assistance, maybe from some of the senators. We've got one that's up for 261 00:23:50,200 --> 00:23:57,600 re-election. He might be able to help with doing something to really, really 262 00:23:55,480 --> 00:24:05,080 redo that whole intersection right there, but also that whole area, the 263 00:24:01,760 --> 00:24:09,240 little side street that goes off between JBR and the new BP, 264 00:24:08,080 --> 00:24:13,840 is really 265 00:24:10,520 --> 00:24:18,720 I mean, I've never been to a ghetto, but I feel like I am when I drive down 266 00:24:16,720 --> 00:24:24,480 that road. I don't know what a ghetto is like exactly, but I imagine people are 267 00:24:21,080 --> 00:24:30,000 doing drugs, there's graffiti, there's garbage, there are vehicles parked there 268 00:24:27,920 --> 00:24:34,800 that shouldn't be parked there. There are Yes, uh yesterday there were at 269 00:24:31,880 --> 00:24:40,520 least three shopping carts piled up, higher than me, with all kinds of crap. 270 00:24:38,160 --> 00:24:44,920 And now my neighbor said he saw a prostitute having sex right next to the 271 00:24:43,680 --> 00:24:49,880 dumpster. Now, all of this is visible from 272 00:24:47,200 --> 00:24:53,840 Memorial Drive. They go in and out behind the dumpster, 273 00:24:51,800 --> 00:24:59,560 and somebody else told me they've actually seen them doing drugs. I saw 274 00:24:56,480 --> 00:25:01,840 them doing drugs before it was a BP, when it was the 275 00:25:00,960 --> 00:25:07,280 um the whatever it used to be. Um and they 276 00:25:04,720 --> 00:25:12,640 shut that down and they tried to do renovations, but how how can two months 277 00:25:10,720 --> 00:25:16,960 together? I don't feel comfortable. I didn't go there today to get a diet 278 00:25:15,400 --> 00:25:20,320 Coke. I drove way down Memorial Drive because I felt 279 00:25:19,000 --> 00:25:24,080 safer. And um 280 00:25:21,960 --> 00:25:26,720 I mean that maybe because I'm a teacher. Um 281 00:25:25,000 --> 00:25:29,000 every day and they're yelling at me. But anyway, um um 282 00:25:28,120 --> 00:25:33,200 So but um 283 00:25:30,400 --> 00:25:38,320 but anyways, I didn't I didn't want to get, you know, 284 00:25:35,160 --> 00:25:44,560 followed or something. So, or you know, anyway, but it's it I would like for 285 00:25:41,280 --> 00:25:48,120 every one of you to please please drive down that street. 286 00:25:46,280 --> 00:25:53,080 Go down All you have to do is get on James B. Rivers. We need to work with 287 00:25:50,440 --> 00:25:58,480 the county to annex that so that we can get some control over it. Until I 288 00:25:55,320 --> 00:26:02,320 started going before the county, sending not before the county, but sending, you 289 00:26:00,480 --> 00:26:04,400 know, emails to them and to the city council, 290 00:26:03,680 --> 00:26:08,680 they it was never even on their radar at all. 291 00:26:07,080 --> 00:26:12,800 Now, I changed my mind. They come out and do a cleanup, but the street has no 292 00:26:10,960 --> 00:26:16,000 name. First of all, it needs a name. It needs a stop sign. 293 00:26:14,520 --> 00:26:20,320 I mean, they I had people from the county go, "Well, we if it doesn't have 294 00:26:17,840 --> 00:26:22,920 a name, we can't clean that." So, >> Thank you. 295 00:26:21,440 --> 00:26:26,520 » please do that. Please drive down there. 296 00:26:24,200 --> 00:26:26,520 Okay, thanks. 297 00:26:27,400 --> 00:26:32,320 » I know what the comment is at the time. >> Okay. 298 00:26:32,400 --> 00:26:38,360 There There are no other citizens' comments. We'll move forward to the 299 00:26:35,360 --> 00:26:38,360 review of the journal. 300 00:26:40,040 --> 00:26:45,400 » Good evening, Mayor and Council. You have before you the May 28th meeting 301 00:26:43,640 --> 00:26:51,080 minutes requesting your consideration and approval. 302 00:26:47,560 --> 00:26:53,680 » I move to approve the May 28th, 2026 meeting minutes. 303 00:26:52,400 --> 00:26:57,160 » I second. >> All right, there's a motion and a 304 00:26:54,600 --> 00:27:00,360 second. Any discussion? We'll call for the vote starting with post one. 305 00:26:58,720 --> 00:27:05,120 » Post one, yes. >> Mark Brionis, post two, yes. 306 00:27:02,160 --> 00:27:08,280 » Ryan Smith, post three, yes. >> Katie Newsome, post four, yes. 307 00:27:10,880 --> 00:27:13,640 » Post five. 308 00:27:13,840 --> 00:27:19,520 » Post five, yes. >> Post six, yes. 309 00:27:18,120 --> 00:27:24,080 » All right, that's a unanimous vote for the consideration of an action on the 310 00:27:21,360 --> 00:27:26,560 request to approve the May 28th, 2026 meeting minutes. 311 00:27:25,120 --> 00:27:32,040 » Your next set of minutes is from the June 2nd, 2026 meeting requesting your 312 00:27:29,480 --> 00:27:37,240 consideration and approval. >> I move to approve the June 2nd, 2026 313 00:27:35,480 --> 00:27:39,440 meeting minutes. >> I second it. 314 00:27:38,320 --> 00:27:42,760 » All right, there's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? We'll 315 00:27:41,520 --> 00:27:45,080 call for the vote starting with post one. 316 00:27:43,400 --> 00:27:50,240 » Post one, yes. >> Mark Mark Brionis, post two, yes. 317 00:27:47,800 --> 00:27:53,480 » Ryan Smith, post three, yes. >> Katie Newsome, post four, yes. 318 00:27:53,600 --> 00:27:59,440 » Post five, yes. >> Post 319 00:27:56,680 --> 00:27:59,440 six, yes. 320 00:28:00,200 --> 00:28:06,280 » All right, that's a unanimous vote for the consideration of an action on the 321 00:28:03,040 --> 00:28:10,840 request to approve the June 2nd, 2026 meeting minutes. 322 00:28:07,920 --> 00:28:14,720 » You next have the June 4th, 2026 meeting minutes for your consideration and 323 00:28:12,720 --> 00:28:19,840 approval. >> I move to approve the June 4th, 2026 324 00:28:17,840 --> 00:28:23,920 meeting minutes. I second it. 325 00:28:22,440 --> 00:28:26,760 » We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? 326 00:28:25,560 --> 00:28:29,520 We'll call for the vote starting with post one. 327 00:28:27,680 --> 00:28:34,280 » Post one, yes. >> Mark Brionis, post two, yes. 328 00:28:31,320 --> 00:28:38,480 » Ryan Smith, post three, yes. >> I abstain because I was absent that 329 00:28:36,080 --> 00:28:38,480 meeting. 330 00:28:39,280 --> 00:28:45,720 » Post five, yes. >> Post six, yes. 331 00:28:43,640 --> 00:28:49,280 » All right, we have a five 332 00:28:47,000 --> 00:28:53,880 person vote with one abstention on the consideration of a on a request to 333 00:28:51,480 --> 00:28:57,720 approve the June 4th, 2026 meeting minutes. 334 00:28:55,160 --> 00:29:01,040 » And lastly, you have the June 8th, 2026 meeting minutes for your consideration 335 00:28:59,280 --> 00:29:05,600 and approval. >> I move to approve the June 8th, 2026 336 00:29:04,360 --> 00:29:08,680 meeting minutes. >> I second it. 337 00:29:07,080 --> 00:29:11,800 » We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? 338 00:29:10,560 --> 00:29:14,760 If not, we'll call for the vote starting with post one. 339 00:29:12,600 --> 00:29:18,720 » I abstain for that particular date. I was not at the meeting. 340 00:29:16,840 --> 00:29:23,320 » Councilman Reynolds, post two, yes. >> Ryan Smith, post three, yes. 341 00:29:20,760 --> 00:29:27,560 » Tania post four, yes. >> Councilman Post five, yes. 342 00:29:25,200 --> 00:29:31,640 » Councilwoman Post six, yes. >> Okay, we have a five yes and one 343 00:29:29,640 --> 00:29:36,080 abstention for consideration of an action on the request to approve the 344 00:29:33,400 --> 00:29:39,160 June 8th, 2026 meeting minutes. >> Thank you. 345 00:29:36,840 --> 00:29:41,880 » All right, thank you. All right, we have reading of the communications. 346 00:29:40,680 --> 00:29:45,120 » There are none. >> Okay, we'll move forward to the adoption 347 00:29:43,640 --> 00:29:49,760 of the agenda of the day. >> One revision to the agenda. We would 348 00:29:46,960 --> 00:29:54,440 like to add the emergency repair of the HVAC system at the GMC building. 349 00:29:52,520 --> 00:29:57,640 Under um I'm sorry. 350 00:29:55,680 --> 00:30:03,360 At the depot. Under new business item number one. 351 00:30:01,160 --> 00:30:07,480 » So, I move to adopt the agenda of the day adding 352 00:30:05,160 --> 00:30:13,120 the GEFA funding for the HPHVAC 353 00:30:10,480 --> 00:30:15,560 unit for the Stone Mountain Depot under new business item one. 354 00:30:14,680 --> 00:30:20,840 » I second it. >> We have a motion and a second. Any um 355 00:30:19,040 --> 00:30:22,960 Any further discussion? We'll call for the vote starting with 356 00:30:21,960 --> 00:30:26,240 post one. >> Councilwoman Post one, yes. 357 00:30:24,640 --> 00:30:31,160 » Councilman Reynolds, post two, yes. >> Ryan Smith, post three, yes. 358 00:30:28,640 --> 00:30:34,920 » Tania post four, yes. >> Councilman Post five, yes. 359 00:30:32,920 --> 00:30:37,640 » Councilwoman Post six, yes. >> Thank you. 360 00:30:35,600 --> 00:30:44,200 » Okay, we have a unanimous vote here to add uh item under new business, H- the 361 00:30:40,680 --> 00:30:48,760 emergency repair for the GE FA funding for the HVAC system at the 362 00:30:46,920 --> 00:30:55,480 train depot. Okay. All right. We will now move 363 00:30:51,240 --> 00:30:55,480 forward to our committee discussions. 364 00:30:56,280 --> 00:30:59,200 If there are any. 365 00:30:59,280 --> 00:31:05,720 Or does Council choose Well, I want to table community discussions 366 00:31:04,760 --> 00:31:10,400 and move forward to community discussions and I can we can open it up 367 00:31:07,680 --> 00:31:10,400 for discussion. 368 00:31:11,600 --> 00:31:14,920 » We only have one. >> We only have one. All right, we'll go 369 00:31:13,760 --> 00:31:21,320 with community All right, we'll go with community discussion. 370 00:31:17,280 --> 00:31:21,320 And we have Solomon Community Garden. 371 00:31:23,040 --> 00:31:29,520 » Council and Mayor, >> Good evening. 372 00:31:27,480 --> 00:31:34,280 » I you get our report for the record. 373 00:31:32,480 --> 00:31:39,320 There are a couple of items that I would like to 374 00:31:35,720 --> 00:31:39,320 add to it. Um 375 00:31:39,880 --> 00:31:45,440 I want to update you between what's happened 376 00:31:43,000 --> 00:31:48,920 since they were committed. And first I want to thank the public 377 00:31:47,200 --> 00:31:53,000 works for for the great job they did 378 00:31:50,960 --> 00:31:57,240 mowing and taking care of the bathrooms and helping them get ready for the 379 00:31:55,320 --> 00:32:02,720 brunch that we had uh over 50 families here from our 380 00:31:59,760 --> 00:32:07,600 community garden that 50. And uh here at the park. 381 00:32:05,680 --> 00:32:11,520 Uh I want to thank the Mayor and the city council members who 382 00:32:09,680 --> 00:32:14,160 uh took their time to participate in the brunch. 383 00:32:12,800 --> 00:32:18,560 And with y'all there, I really appreciate 384 00:32:16,480 --> 00:32:18,560 it. 385 00:32:18,800 --> 00:32:24,360 The brunch was attended by 60 people. 386 00:32:23,200 --> 00:32:28,360 Um our gardeners 387 00:32:25,840 --> 00:32:31,240 once and volunteer that wanted to pull it all together. 388 00:32:29,840 --> 00:32:35,200 And uh 389 00:32:32,960 --> 00:32:39,720 we were very pleased with the outcome. Um in fact, many of the gardeners have 390 00:32:37,960 --> 00:32:43,520 already met. So, we will do another one in the fall. 391 00:32:45,720 --> 00:32:52,720 I want to note that on the 27th of 392 00:32:50,360 --> 00:32:57,040 June, there will be a planning meeting in the future. 393 00:32:55,400 --> 00:33:01,200 presentation on collecting seeds 394 00:32:59,440 --> 00:33:05,840 by uh the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and Food 395 00:33:03,560 --> 00:33:11,160 Well Alliance. And also, uh we had a great talk 396 00:33:09,760 --> 00:33:15,400 last weekend. Uh we had Carrie Engel from the 397 00:33:13,440 --> 00:33:18,960 Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. And they talked She talked about 398 00:33:17,480 --> 00:33:24,320 alternative methods for mosquito control. 399 00:33:20,240 --> 00:33:24,320 And that was attended by 24 people. 400 00:33:25,520 --> 00:33:32,920 Uh lastly, we have three new interns. And I think that is a real blessing. Uh 401 00:33:32,000 --> 00:33:37,920 it's uh it's the first time we've ever gotten 402 00:33:34,600 --> 00:33:42,000 three interns from Master Gardeners from the Extension Office. 403 00:33:39,720 --> 00:33:46,200 And uh their names are Family Pearson Clark, 404 00:33:43,240 --> 00:33:51,520 uh from Dr. Ramona Menix, and uh Mr. Reginald Stephen. 405 00:33:49,240 --> 00:33:54,480 And I believe they have a strong array of uh 406 00:33:53,040 --> 00:33:58,240 good background and what they're going to be bringing to the table. 407 00:33:57,320 --> 00:34:01,720 I think it's going to be happening today. 408 00:33:59,480 --> 00:34:06,400 Any questions? >> We'll open up for questions if there are 409 00:34:03,680 --> 00:34:10,679 any. So, I'm going to close it. >> Um I've had a chance to attend that 410 00:34:08,240 --> 00:34:14,879 event and it was really great. Uh good chance to really see how that 411 00:34:12,960 --> 00:34:19,120 garden makes an impact on the community and I really love the fact that people 412 00:34:17,120 --> 00:34:23,320 maybe came there just to lease a spot or rent a spot, but from what I gathered, 413 00:34:21,840 --> 00:34:27,440 they now have developed some great friendships. So, I was excited to see 414 00:34:25,320 --> 00:34:30,159 that and share that with my community. Uh to let them know that it's available. 415 00:34:28,720 --> 00:34:33,960 A lot of people don't know. So, we need to showcase it more. But again, it was a 416 00:34:31,960 --> 00:34:37,560 great great event. Thank you. Thank you for all that you do and your committees 417 00:34:36,080 --> 00:34:40,840 and all that's involved. You did a great job. 418 00:34:39,440 --> 00:34:44,360 » I have no questions. Thank you for the information. I look forward to I didn't 419 00:34:42,760 --> 00:34:48,399 get to make this one, but I will look forward to hopefully maybe a fall one as 420 00:34:46,040 --> 00:34:51,960 well. Thank you. >> I have no questions, but thank you for 421 00:34:50,080 --> 00:34:55,320 what you do. >> Yeah, I'm sorry. I just the event I had 422 00:34:53,480 --> 00:34:58,400 a family reunion eating food somewhere else. 423 00:34:56,879 --> 00:35:03,120 But I didn't get an opportunity to come out. I'll definitely make it next time. 424 00:35:00,560 --> 00:35:03,120 Thank you. 425 00:35:07,360 --> 00:35:13,000 » I enjoyed it. >> Great event. Thank you so much. 426 00:35:13,480 --> 00:35:18,920 » If that's all for community discussions, we'll now move to our staff reports. 427 00:35:27,600 --> 00:35:32,120 » Good evening, Mayor Council. >> Good evening. 428 00:35:30,400 --> 00:35:35,120 » I'm here to give you your staff reports for uh 429 00:35:33,640 --> 00:35:40,640 public safety. I'll start off with our uh city Stone 430 00:35:37,800 --> 00:35:44,040 Mountain crime statistics for 2026 for the month of May. 431 00:35:42,120 --> 00:35:48,480 Uh these statistics include our diverse group A crimes, which is our national 432 00:35:45,760 --> 00:35:53,000 incident-based uh reporting systems, which used to be uh 433 00:35:50,360 --> 00:35:57,040 FBI part one crimes, and simple assault and frauds, which are our diverse group 434 00:35:55,720 --> 00:36:03,160 B crimes. Uh we had a total of three aggravated 435 00:35:59,080 --> 00:36:11,400 assaults, uh six assault and batteries, one burglary non-forced entry, 12 436 00:36:06,240 --> 00:36:14,880 larceny and theft, and uh four frauds reports. 437 00:36:13,000 --> 00:36:21,520 And uh as far as our police statistics 438 00:36:18,640 --> 00:36:30,760 for our shift activity, we had a total of 189 calls, 26 arrests, 439 00:36:25,840 --> 00:36:35,560 370 citations, 140 warning citations, and 440 00:36:32,400 --> 00:36:42,120 80 parking citations. We had 189 incident reports, 11 domestic calls, and 441 00:36:39,760 --> 00:36:46,840 eight accidents. Also, for the month of May for code 442 00:36:44,640 --> 00:36:51,560 enforcement, we had a total of 57 new cases. 443 00:36:48,000 --> 00:36:58,200 We had a total of 20 citations issued, a total of 54 road signs removed. Also, 444 00:36:55,320 --> 00:37:04,560 for blight nuisances, the 445 00:36:59,480 --> 00:37:08,400 935 Main Street, 900 VFW Drive, and 5471 Orr Street. 446 00:37:05,760 --> 00:37:12,760 Uh those properties have been designated as blight properties. The property 447 00:37:10,360 --> 00:37:16,880 owners have 30 days from receipt of their notification to request an appeal 448 00:37:14,520 --> 00:37:22,000 hearing before municipal. Also, there's a nuisance abatement 449 00:37:19,160 --> 00:37:28,040 hearing for 806 Wood Avenue. Uh that has been reset for July. 450 00:37:24,800 --> 00:37:28,040 That concludes my 451 00:37:28,360 --> 00:37:33,040 report for monthly stats. I'm ready to entertain any questions that you may 452 00:37:31,720 --> 00:37:35,840 have. >> Okay, we'll open it up for questions 453 00:37:34,440 --> 00:37:39,640 starting with Councilman >> I have a question, but thank you. Yeah, 454 00:37:37,760 --> 00:37:43,240 I just want to I want to say thank you for all that you all do. Thank you for 455 00:37:41,400 --> 00:37:46,920 the police officers. Each day you guys go out and risk your lives. So, we want 456 00:37:45,280 --> 00:37:48,840 to let you know we really appreciate all you guys do. 457 00:37:47,840 --> 00:37:53,440 » Appreciate it. >> I have no questions. Thank you. 458 00:37:50,800 --> 00:37:56,240 » No questions, Chief. Thank you. >> Councilman 459 00:37:54,680 --> 00:38:01,400 Do you have anything that we can do to help that street that runs over there by 460 00:37:58,520 --> 00:38:03,760 Miss Criswell? Is there any of that mean in in the city? 461 00:38:02,800 --> 00:38:07,240 » No. Uh J. Arthur Memorial after certain uh 462 00:38:06,400 --> 00:38:08,800 point. >> And that's the side street that she's 463 00:38:08,400 --> 00:38:11,080 talking about. >> It's outside of the city limits. 464 00:38:09,960 --> 00:38:14,800 » It's outside of our jurisdiction. That'll be the county. 465 00:38:12,600 --> 00:38:17,480 And that's one of the problems that the has been going on for a while. 466 00:38:16,600 --> 00:38:20,880 And Ginger has been This Criswell, sorry, 467 00:38:19,720 --> 00:38:23,440 has been uh 468 00:38:21,440 --> 00:38:28,680 great advocate for the city trying to make sure we get a and she's been 469 00:38:26,000 --> 00:38:31,880 communicating outside of jurisdiction, but there's it's outside of our 470 00:38:30,080 --> 00:38:35,160 jurisdiction. Now, if you would like to take the time to 471 00:38:33,120 --> 00:38:38,520 try and get with other constituents to other elected officials and try to send 472 00:38:36,960 --> 00:38:42,160 some emails and see what possibly you guys can work out to help out as much as 473 00:38:40,120 --> 00:38:44,440 possible. That'd be great. But as of right now, that's just not in our 474 00:38:43,160 --> 00:38:47,280 jurisdiction. Maybe we can work on trying to annex it 475 00:38:45,880 --> 00:38:50,040 into our jurisdiction and then we got more say so on it. 476 00:38:48,880 --> 00:38:52,160 » Okay, I just want to make sure that we none of that's 477 00:38:51,040 --> 00:38:54,320 » Yeah. Yeah. 478 00:38:55,920 --> 00:38:59,360 » That's it. Thank you. Thank you, Chief. >> The only 479 00:38:58,400 --> 00:39:04,560 uh The only comment I would make is 480 00:39:01,880 --> 00:39:07,800 that activity is happening at 2 ft outside of the road. 481 00:39:20,080 --> 00:39:27,000 » Yes, sir. But again, uh within the power that you possess 482 00:39:24,160 --> 00:39:31,520 within your position, uh I would like assistance from you all to be able 483 00:39:29,160 --> 00:39:35,960 to reach out to other constituents uh within your field, other other 484 00:39:34,160 --> 00:39:39,120 persons or personnel or elected officials or something like that. Send 485 00:39:37,440 --> 00:39:44,720 them emails so we can have pressure come on all sides to be able to have some 486 00:39:41,120 --> 00:39:44,720 more assistance than what we may need. 487 00:39:53,120 --> 00:39:59,280 Excuse me. >> No question. 488 00:39:57,640 --> 00:40:04,360 » Yes, ma'am. >> I Thank you so much. And and on on the 489 00:40:01,560 --> 00:40:08,560 discussion JBR, I do appreciate the idea of annexation for us to be able to kind 490 00:40:06,360 --> 00:40:12,600 of clean up our our boundaries. Um but also as as I guess in this 491 00:40:10,600 --> 00:40:17,360 position, I will do my part on reaching out to uh our commissioner and our CEO 492 00:40:15,920 --> 00:40:19,800 of the county to see if we can get some assistance on cleaning up our edges. So, 493 00:40:19,040 --> 00:40:23,240 thank you. >> Yes, sir. You have a great evening. 494 00:40:21,640 --> 00:40:25,240 Well, I'll see you I'll see you soon. >> Thank you. 495 00:40:23,920 --> 00:40:30,080 » Thank you. >> All right. We'll now move forward to the 496 00:40:26,920 --> 00:40:30,080 city manager's report. 497 00:40:36,760 --> 00:40:42,880 » And the city manager's report tonight, there are some statistics with for the 498 00:40:41,200 --> 00:40:46,960 number of business licenses that have been renewed and also the number of open 499 00:40:45,080 --> 00:40:51,840 records requests that the city clerk office has handled in the period of May 500 00:40:49,640 --> 00:40:56,120 14th to June 11th. A very quick update that in May also our 501 00:40:54,600 --> 00:41:00,280 city clerk attended the annual recognition ceremony at the Georgia 502 00:40:58,120 --> 00:41:04,720 State Capitol, where city clerks from across the state were acknowledged by 503 00:41:02,080 --> 00:41:08,160 Governor Brian Kemp for their service and also contribution to local 504 00:41:06,160 --> 00:41:12,120 government. On the side of human resource, we had 505 00:41:10,320 --> 00:41:16,560 representatives from Georgia Municipal Association who came to city hall to 506 00:41:14,760 --> 00:41:22,200 educate the dedicated employees and also the new employees that we have recently 507 00:41:18,240 --> 00:41:27,160 hired on their benefits and the program that we're currently running 508 00:41:25,120 --> 00:41:31,840 for the city of Stone Mountain. Let's go to public works, please. 509 00:41:30,040 --> 00:41:36,440 Public works department and also storm water continue to make significant 510 00:41:33,520 --> 00:41:41,120 progress on regulatory compliance. So, city staff coordinated with DeKalb 511 00:41:38,280 --> 00:41:45,760 County Watershed Management and obtained access to the county's GIS system, 512 00:41:43,920 --> 00:41:48,800 which is very important for us. We're aware of the infrastructure ownership 513 00:41:47,800 --> 00:41:52,200 and also the maintenance responsibilities. 514 00:41:50,520 --> 00:41:56,160 We're also providing access to information regarding the water and also 515 00:41:54,320 --> 00:41:59,120 the sewer system for the city. 516 00:41:57,480 --> 00:42:03,040 Staff completed and submitted the city's storm water management plan to the 517 00:42:01,280 --> 00:42:07,200 Georgia Environmental Protection Division. This is a mandatory report. In 518 00:42:05,240 --> 00:42:11,840 addition, staff finalized the city's annual MS4 report, which documents the 519 00:42:10,240 --> 00:42:14,480 action taken during the previous reporting 520 00:42:13,360 --> 00:42:18,760 period to comply with the state stormwater requirements. 521 00:42:16,440 --> 00:42:23,600 City staff also successfully obtained level one B for stormwater 522 00:42:21,160 --> 00:42:28,200 certification, allowing them to conduct construction and site inspections for 523 00:42:25,400 --> 00:42:32,240 the city, and also completed level two plan review certification. 524 00:42:30,640 --> 00:42:36,320 This is again within our stormwater department. And the new 525 00:42:34,640 --> 00:42:38,840 lady that we have recently hired in the office is the one that received the 526 00:42:37,240 --> 00:42:42,960 certification. Public Works and Stormwater staff 527 00:42:40,520 --> 00:42:47,200 responded to several citizens and also Police Department concerns related to 528 00:42:45,120 --> 00:42:52,280 drainage and stormwater issues, including site visits at Rock Borough 529 00:42:49,040 --> 00:42:58,080 Terrace, Rich Avenue, Lucille Avenue, Cheremule Drive, and also 530 00:42:55,240 --> 00:43:01,760 Carillon Court. Facility maintenance for Public Works 531 00:43:00,040 --> 00:43:05,640 and infrastructure improvements remain a priority for the department. Public 532 00:43:03,840 --> 00:43:10,000 Works team is working with the DeKalb County to restore water service to the 533 00:43:07,680 --> 00:43:13,600 Medlock Park restrooms, and also coordinating with Georgia Power to 534 00:43:11,760 --> 00:43:17,960 restore the electrical services to Medlock Park restrooms. 535 00:43:15,720 --> 00:43:22,040 Staff also coordinated with the Handyman Training School 536 00:43:19,680 --> 00:43:25,560 on the overall renovation of the depot, which this project is related with the 537 00:43:23,640 --> 00:43:28,160 opening of the future museum and visitor center. 538 00:43:26,720 --> 00:43:33,000 I'd like to make a note of the next paragraph. There is a minor mistake. The 539 00:43:31,000 --> 00:43:36,840 employee that we have hired in the month of May is Eric, and he is the Public 540 00:43:35,080 --> 00:43:40,240 Works Supervisor. I just wanted to make this note. 541 00:43:38,240 --> 00:43:42,920 Next, we move forward with Public Works completed 542 00:43:41,760 --> 00:43:46,800 um numerous roadway maintenance projects, 543 00:43:45,240 --> 00:43:51,320 including the pothole repairs of Shepherd Road, Rock Borough Drive, and 544 00:43:49,640 --> 00:43:56,160 also Fork Street. And staff also removed several trees and 545 00:43:53,680 --> 00:43:59,960 debris from Stone Mountain Side Drive, and repaired six streetlights in the 546 00:43:58,000 --> 00:44:04,960 city. The department received an average 14 547 00:44:02,080 --> 00:44:08,640 secret fix services requesting in public the request involved clogging storm 548 00:44:06,840 --> 00:44:13,280 drains, fallen trees, roadway right-of-way debris, and low-hanging 549 00:44:10,760 --> 00:44:17,240 branches. But we do not allow about SeeClickFix. We'll keep educating the 550 00:44:15,480 --> 00:44:21,320 community, and we'll keep posting in social media. 551 00:44:19,960 --> 00:44:25,760 And advise the community to please submit SeeClickFix tickets. 552 00:44:23,520 --> 00:44:30,400 Some of us are even going on vacation or overseeing the day-to-day operations, 553 00:44:27,360 --> 00:44:34,480 and we're still receiving either email or papers. We'll keep educating the 554 00:44:32,320 --> 00:44:38,800 community, but if any council member receives any complaint or report, please 555 00:44:37,320 --> 00:44:42,640 ask the residents to report to the SeeClickFix cuz then they will get a 556 00:44:40,080 --> 00:44:47,760 little bit more of a successful project. Next, planning and zoning. 557 00:44:45,440 --> 00:44:51,480 Very important updates. Comprehensive Plan. Atlanta Regional 558 00:44:49,600 --> 00:44:55,720 Commission will be hosting an open house meeting on June 23rd, so the community 559 00:44:54,040 --> 00:45:00,920 is invited to attend 560 00:44:57,360 --> 00:45:05,280 that meeting at 5380 Studios at 5:30 p.m. Atlanta Regional Commission will 561 00:45:03,000 --> 00:45:08,200 have posters and supporting materials for the current status of the 562 00:45:06,360 --> 00:45:11,400 Comprehensive Plan. Suggestions that have been made, and 563 00:45:09,680 --> 00:45:17,720 kind of this is an opportunity for the community again to go and provide 564 00:45:14,520 --> 00:45:21,400 a final I'll say final overview of the Comprehensive Plan before Atlanta 565 00:45:19,480 --> 00:45:24,320 Regional Commission and city staff starts actually putting the draft 566 00:45:23,120 --> 00:45:29,400 document together, which will be presented in October to council. 567 00:45:27,120 --> 00:45:33,520 Historic historical survey, the historic district survey is scheduled for June 568 00:45:31,080 --> 00:45:38,120 15th and 16th. And during this effort, every property within the historic 569 00:45:36,080 --> 00:45:45,280 district will be surveyed. Staff is con- consulting 570 00:45:41,880 --> 00:45:49,360 Staff Staff and the consultant that are working on the survey will collect 571 00:45:46,960 --> 00:45:52,840 data regarding the property conditions, and will take at least two pictures of 572 00:45:51,360 --> 00:45:56,000 each property. We'll also do a social media post so 573 00:45:54,360 --> 00:45:59,840 people are aware so these are staff representatives and consultant 574 00:45:58,280 --> 00:46:05,080 officials working for the city, partnering with the city 575 00:46:01,880 --> 00:46:05,080 when such visits are made. 576 00:46:06,000 --> 00:46:13,320 Another important update on the planning department, if any person is interested 577 00:46:11,680 --> 00:46:17,360 resident is interested to serve on the planning committee and the HPC, please 578 00:46:15,040 --> 00:46:21,400 let us know cuz we have several vacant positions within both 579 00:46:19,400 --> 00:46:24,920 committees and we need to move forward with our meetings, but we do need also 580 00:46:23,440 --> 00:46:28,480 members to serve. So, if you have any person that is 581 00:46:26,880 --> 00:46:32,680 interested, please connect this person with me. 582 00:46:30,640 --> 00:46:36,840 And then we have permits and we'll see the number of permits and collection 583 00:46:34,960 --> 00:46:43,120 revenue of 7 100 7,500 584 00:46:40,080 --> 00:46:43,120 for the month of May. 585 00:46:49,680 --> 00:46:54,880 Then we have court and Ms. Bridgette Tucker is the 586 00:46:53,400 --> 00:46:58,080 department head for our court department. 587 00:46:56,480 --> 00:47:01,400 Um you'll see the statistics for the month of April, which were not included 588 00:46:59,800 --> 00:47:06,720 in the previous uh city manager's report, but also you'll see the current 589 00:47:03,360 --> 00:47:13,040 one for the month of May. So, the court days have been held for 590 00:47:09,760 --> 00:47:17,240 April on April 16th, 23rd. We have an assignment calendar for the 591 00:47:14,920 --> 00:47:22,240 20 20 and also on the 20 20 and also the trial compliance calendar and you'll see 592 00:47:19,880 --> 00:47:27,960 the different uh the number of people the defendants that were scheduled for 593 00:47:24,000 --> 00:47:32,240 that day and also the total citations that have been issued for that day. 594 00:47:30,360 --> 00:47:37,440 Um final amnesty statistics. Amnesty ran 595 00:47:34,840 --> 00:47:42,640 for the month of March and those who had to come to court attended court on April 596 00:47:39,600 --> 00:47:47,400 30th. So, there were 59 citations were handled during the amnesty program with 597 00:47:44,880 --> 00:47:51,120 47 paid in full. And then we have the statistics for the 598 00:47:48,880 --> 00:47:55,440 month of May with the arrangement calendar of May 599 00:47:52,480 --> 00:47:59,480 21st and also trial compliance again May 21st. 600 00:47:56,880 --> 00:48:04,640 And the different number of total citations that have been handled. 601 00:48:02,840 --> 00:48:08,680 Next, we're moving forward to the capital projects. The latest and very 602 00:48:07,000 --> 00:48:12,240 positive news is that the new city hall parking lot is open. 603 00:48:15,280 --> 00:48:20,600 Finally. And now it's available to the public. 604 00:48:18,840 --> 00:48:24,160 Very good note to pass on. We're about to put up a sign. The problem is they 605 00:48:22,200 --> 00:48:28,120 see the whole parking or public parking. As I see today, they are driving slowly 606 00:48:26,920 --> 00:48:31,080 and wondering should they go through the park if they're going to get a ticket or 607 00:48:29,480 --> 00:48:33,760 not. No, it's open. It's open within the social media post, 608 00:48:32,680 --> 00:48:36,840 but give us some time. We're going to order the signs on both streets so 609 00:48:35,360 --> 00:48:40,240 people are aware that this is a public parking for city hall. 610 00:48:38,520 --> 00:48:43,440 Long range project, we're in the process of finalizing the agreement. 611 00:48:42,200 --> 00:48:47,320 As it is starting to have a kickoff meeting with JLL. 612 00:48:45,720 --> 00:48:51,440 In which we're going to discuss the future RFP. So, we're really pushing on 613 00:48:49,280 --> 00:48:55,360 this project. Street paving, we're moving forward with Rich Meer. 614 00:48:54,280 --> 00:49:00,080 Um the paving of Rich Meer Drive. And 615 00:48:58,160 --> 00:49:03,200 within 2 weeks, we're about to know exactly the day 616 00:49:01,880 --> 00:49:06,120 the paving will start. So, we're going to do another announcement on the social 617 00:49:04,560 --> 00:49:11,760 media and we're going to notify the residents of that neighborhood. 618 00:49:08,680 --> 00:49:17,160 Um Depot and also museum, uh we're targeting this Friday celebration for 619 00:49:14,240 --> 00:49:22,160 Juneteenth, which can go to the next next page, please. 620 00:49:19,040 --> 00:49:25,640 We'll see the flyer for Juneteenth. Uh we're going to have several special 621 00:49:23,640 --> 00:49:30,040 guests from the county. The three key speakers, Madam CEO will 622 00:49:28,440 --> 00:49:34,760 be one of them. Commissioner Shakira Johnson is sponsor of the Juneteenth 623 00:49:31,960 --> 00:49:38,920 event and we appreciate her support. The special event will be kind of around 624 00:49:37,240 --> 00:49:43,320 the the gazebo between the depot and also the gazebo green space. 625 00:49:41,240 --> 00:49:48,160 It will be this Friday um between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. And 626 00:49:46,200 --> 00:49:54,280 residents are invited first to attend the ceremonial speech and later to do a 627 00:49:50,560 --> 00:49:58,520 tour preview of the museum where there will be an exhibit of Johnston 628 00:49:56,720 --> 00:50:02,600 and historic Sherman town. The historic uh society committee are 629 00:50:00,880 --> 00:50:06,600 the ones assisting with putting this exhibit, organizing the exhibit together 630 00:50:04,800 --> 00:50:11,880 at the depot. And they have some important pictures of different events 631 00:50:08,400 --> 00:50:11,880 that council has attended. 632 00:50:12,920 --> 00:50:20,480 And this is the end of the of the city manager's report. 633 00:50:17,600 --> 00:50:24,440 Let me know if you have any questions. >> We'll open it up for questions starting 634 00:50:21,840 --> 00:50:24,440 with post one. 635 00:50:27,720 --> 00:50:31,480 » I don't have any questions at this moment. 636 00:50:31,560 --> 00:50:39,120 » Uh no no no questions. The only thing that I would ask is that I did get uh I 637 00:50:36,840 --> 00:50:43,160 was reached out to by a neighbor for the Hearthstone um 638 00:50:41,400 --> 00:50:48,040 uh drain uh storm water issue. And I just wanted to 639 00:50:45,600 --> 00:50:52,600 keep a reminder of I understand that we are being strategic and careful about 640 00:50:50,320 --> 00:50:56,200 what projects we're doing, but um at the very least, if we're going to close that 641 00:50:54,600 --> 00:51:00,040 out, if we could just like clean that area up 642 00:50:57,520 --> 00:51:04,640 and just you know, keep make sure it's safe cuz we kind of started it. And I'm 643 00:51:02,400 --> 00:51:08,040 not saying that we need to I don't know what the full plan was, but 644 00:51:06,400 --> 00:51:10,920 at the end if we could just get it closed up 645 00:51:09,480 --> 00:51:14,000 at the very least, I I'd appreciate that. 646 00:51:11,880 --> 00:51:20,320 Thank you. >> Uh my comment is uh on page 33 647 00:51:17,720 --> 00:51:25,640 staff also responded to after-hour emergencies including a down tree on 648 00:51:22,840 --> 00:51:31,760 Ridge Avenue and trash debris control efforts on Main Street and at Lena Mason 649 00:51:28,440 --> 00:51:36,760 Park during Memorial Day weekend. I just want everybody to understand that 650 00:51:34,800 --> 00:51:39,400 they are on uh 651 00:51:37,440 --> 00:51:44,760 24-hour clock and they do anything that the city 652 00:51:41,440 --> 00:51:46,560 needs. Thank you. >> Post four. 653 00:51:45,360 --> 00:51:52,480 » Uh just a few things. I want to emphasize the importance of the citizens 654 00:51:48,880 --> 00:51:57,080 using SeeClickFix. I know that it is a great way for our citizens to report 655 00:51:54,840 --> 00:52:02,080 things when they see them, whether their lights not working or whatever. 656 00:51:59,880 --> 00:52:05,880 But you get immediate you get an email back from them and then you actually 657 00:52:04,160 --> 00:52:11,400 have that communication that has been resolved. So it's not left hanging out 658 00:52:08,400 --> 00:52:13,360 there. That's one thing. On the historic preservation one, they're going around 659 00:52:12,440 --> 00:52:18,720 taking pictures. Do they have identification on them so that 660 00:52:16,280 --> 00:52:24,320 people know who they are? >> They they will. They will. 661 00:52:21,600 --> 00:52:28,400 » Okay. And then I had one 662 00:52:26,840 --> 00:52:32,600 one more thing I wanted to ask on communications with Briana. Can we make 663 00:52:30,480 --> 00:52:35,760 sure that we're putting new information on the bulletin board out here on the 664 00:52:34,240 --> 00:52:39,120 pathway of things that's happening in the city because there's nothing been 665 00:52:37,080 --> 00:52:41,920 posted since I think probably January or February. So 666 00:52:40,680 --> 00:52:46,320 it'd be great to get information up there on that. But thank you. 667 00:52:48,520 --> 00:52:51,040 » Post five. 668 00:52:51,400 --> 00:52:56,720 » For the next report, can we get an advance update? 669 00:52:57,200 --> 00:53:03,360 » Sure. I'll connect with you after the meeting so we discuss the formats and 670 00:53:01,880 --> 00:53:06,560 the type of report that you're seeking, sir. Absolutely, yes. 671 00:53:08,720 --> 00:53:13,680 » Yeah, thank you. >> Post six. 672 00:53:11,760 --> 00:53:18,080 » I don't have any questions, but I would like to say that I met the two young 673 00:53:15,880 --> 00:53:22,840 ladies this morning and yes, they do have ID because I asked how far away 674 00:53:21,240 --> 00:53:27,160 they live in my neighborhood and they did explain to me that they 675 00:53:25,160 --> 00:53:29,680 were working for the city and 676 00:53:28,240 --> 00:53:35,040 just taking pictures of all the historical homes 677 00:53:31,360 --> 00:53:36,680 here. So yes, they did have ID. >> Thank you. 678 00:53:35,840 --> 00:53:39,480 » Okay. One last Did you 679 00:53:38,360 --> 00:53:46,760 Not sure if you mentioned it or not. Did you mention the JBR enforce that Cinco? 680 00:53:44,200 --> 00:53:46,760 » We do. 681 00:54:19,120 --> 00:54:21,440 Thank you. 682 00:54:22,040 --> 00:54:27,640 All right. Um 683 00:54:25,000 --> 00:54:30,680 we'll now move forward with the uh We did operations report. We'll move to 684 00:54:29,320 --> 00:54:36,480 the next item on the city manager's report, which is the April 2020 685 00:54:33,080 --> 00:54:41,440 26 financial presentation. >> Good evening, Mayor and Council. 686 00:54:39,320 --> 00:54:46,160 I will be presenting the financial analysis for general fund ending April 687 00:54:43,880 --> 00:54:50,960 30th, 2026. I would like to correct the 2026 688 00:54:48,800 --> 00:54:58,360 expended column. Um the budget expended on the budget 689 00:54:53,120 --> 00:54:58,360 expenditure analysis from 25,551,122.83 690 00:54:59,880 --> 00:55:03,000 to 2,551,122.83. 691 00:55:04,200 --> 00:55:08,840 And there should be an updated copy in your packet. 692 00:55:09,520 --> 00:55:16,720 Okay, and we'll begin. As of April 30th, 2026, the city has 693 00:55:14,720 --> 00:55:21,640 completed approximately 4 months of the fiscal year or 33.33% 694 00:55:19,560 --> 00:55:26,800 of the budget period. Overall revenues totaled approximately 695 00:55:23,800 --> 00:55:26,800 $865,345, 696 00:55:27,840 --> 00:55:34,080 representing 12.84% of the annual budget. Revenue 697 00:55:32,520 --> 00:55:38,920 collections are consistent with expectations for this point in the 698 00:55:36,080 --> 00:55:45,840 fiscal year As property tax revenues have not yet been received and several 699 00:55:42,120 --> 00:55:54,040 revenue sources are seasonal in nature. Total expenditures through April were 700 00:55:48,360 --> 00:55:57,680 approximately 2.55 million or 33.4% of 701 00:55:55,400 --> 00:56:02,480 Excuse me, the annual budget. Overall expenditures are consistent with the 702 00:55:59,720 --> 00:56:08,040 straight line benchmark for this point in the fiscal year. However, variances 703 00:56:05,560 --> 00:56:12,760 are attributable to timing differences, annual expenditures paid early in the 704 00:56:09,880 --> 00:56:17,600 fiscal year, etc. By department, on the expenditure side, 705 00:56:15,680 --> 00:56:22,440 we can see administration expenditures are at 27.66 706 00:56:19,400 --> 00:56:28,880 overall of their budget and and below the straight line benchmark. 707 00:56:24,880 --> 00:56:33,440 Buildings expenditures are at 36.32% of the budget, slightly above the 708 00:56:30,480 --> 00:56:38,240 straight line benchmark, due primarily to purchased and contractual services. 709 00:56:36,600 --> 00:56:43,880 General government expenditures are at 40.39% of the budget. This is above the 710 00:56:41,440 --> 00:56:47,880 straight line benchmark. Variances are being monitored and include 711 00:56:45,320 --> 00:56:53,160 timing-related expenditures and allocation adjustments. Court 712 00:56:50,400 --> 00:56:57,480 expenditures are at 27.58% of the budget and remain below that 713 00:56:55,480 --> 00:57:03,800 straight line benchmark. Public safety expenditures are at 35.52% 714 00:57:01,880 --> 00:57:07,640 of budget, slightly exceeding that straight line benchmark. 715 00:57:05,760 --> 00:57:12,880 Finance is reviewing expenditure classifications and payroll allocations 716 00:57:10,600 --> 00:57:18,120 to ensure costs are reflected in the most appropriate budget categories and 717 00:57:15,560 --> 00:57:23,800 that departmental expenditures are accurately reported. Public Works 718 00:57:20,600 --> 00:57:28,080 expenditures are at 28.744% of their budget and remain below the 719 00:57:26,080 --> 00:57:33,560 straight line benchmark. And Parks expenditures are 18.53% 720 00:57:31,680 --> 00:57:38,360 of the budget and remain well below the straight-line benchmark. 721 00:57:35,920 --> 00:57:42,440 Staff will continue to monitor departmental expenditures, reviewing 722 00:57:40,760 --> 00:57:46,920 expenditure classifications for consistency with the uniform chart of 723 00:57:44,800 --> 00:57:52,600 accounts, and identifying any budget amendments that may be necessary as part 724 00:57:49,320 --> 00:57:56,960 of the mid-year budget review process. During the review process, Finance did 725 00:57:55,000 --> 00:58:01,080 identify opportunities to improve expenditure classifications within 726 00:57:58,840 --> 00:58:05,120 certain departments. We are working with those departments to ensure expenditures 727 00:58:03,400 --> 00:58:10,320 are coded to the most appropriate accounts, which improves budget 728 00:58:07,280 --> 00:58:14,400 transparency, financial reporting, and future budget development. 729 00:58:12,520 --> 00:58:18,880 These adjustments do not impact total expenditures, but improve the accuracy 730 00:58:17,120 --> 00:58:21,480 of reporting. Also, I would like to bring to the mayor 731 00:58:20,440 --> 00:58:25,760 and council's attention that a resolution will be presented tonight for 732 00:58:23,400 --> 00:58:31,280 public safety, seeking approval of a confiscated asset fund and account. At 733 00:58:29,040 --> 00:58:35,320 the first meeting in July, Finance and the city will be bringing a resolution 734 00:58:33,360 --> 00:58:41,200 for the Georgia Fund 1 for three accounts. It will be the Small 735 00:58:37,120 --> 00:58:45,000 City IGA, SPLOST 2, and General Fund. And a resolution also authorizing the 736 00:58:43,400 --> 00:58:49,040 opening of a separate bank account for the Small City IGA for consideration of 737 00:58:47,760 --> 00:58:53,280 approval. I'll be happy to try to answer any 738 00:58:50,360 --> 00:58:53,280 questions you might. 739 00:58:53,480 --> 00:58:57,960 » We'll open it up for questions starting with Post 1. 740 00:58:56,240 --> 00:59:01,000 » I know that we do definitely have a lot of comments 741 00:58:59,640 --> 00:59:04,360 with the budget. What it look like when we going to get the budget and just 742 00:59:02,560 --> 00:59:07,960 listen to uh what you're stating, you know, a lot 743 00:59:06,000 --> 00:59:11,920 of times because of money that are in, they're contracted in, so it's not 744 00:59:10,440 --> 00:59:15,280 feasible, but at this point in time, do you feel that we as you mentioned, we're 745 00:59:13,400 --> 00:59:20,080 right where we need to be? Uh okay. And then secondly, is there a 746 00:59:17,360 --> 00:59:24,400 way that we can make sure that we have reports as the audience or residents are 747 00:59:22,520 --> 00:59:28,600 stating, so they'll know where we're at. I mentioned before, I think when we're 748 00:59:26,400 --> 00:59:32,600 dealing with different items in their comment, I think visually people will 749 00:59:30,600 --> 00:59:35,480 understand it better. I think so if we I know that that's the heart and people 750 00:59:34,480 --> 00:59:39,320 have to understand we've gone through a lot of transition and a lot of different 751 00:59:37,240 --> 00:59:43,920 accounting people handling and so trying to get back on track. As it was stated, 752 00:59:41,640 --> 00:59:48,000 some of our auditing is off or not auditing but as far as tracking finances 753 00:59:46,400 --> 00:59:51,720 it's not accurate and it's not up to date. So hopefully we can do that. And I 754 00:59:50,280 --> 00:59:57,680 would definitely like to suggest that we do a class, have a class with you sports 755 00:59:54,720 --> 01:00:02,040 citizens that we better understand what does government financing look like. 756 00:59:59,760 --> 01:00:05,720 It's not your personal finance, it's not your corporate finance, it is a 757 01:00:03,280 --> 01:00:11,800 different monster all together when you look at compliances, regulations, 758 01:00:08,520 --> 01:00:15,240 timing, um ordinances, it all plays into that. So I think that if we can get 759 01:00:13,280 --> 01:00:18,480 scheduled, I'd love to get that on a book, I'll spearhead it 760 01:00:17,080 --> 01:00:22,200 and get that so you can come in and really help us clearly understand. So 761 01:00:20,600 --> 01:00:25,760 when we have these questions, we all better understand all of us in our 762 01:00:24,120 --> 01:00:30,160 financial rules, we don't really understand it but I think you do a good 763 01:00:27,160 --> 01:00:33,800 job of clearing it up, making it to the point we can understand. So I 764 01:00:31,880 --> 01:00:36,960 will definitely push for that and get that on the book and schedule that for 765 01:00:35,280 --> 01:00:38,320 us all have an opportunity to learn more. 766 01:00:37,720 --> 01:00:41,400 » Thank you. >> Thank you. 767 01:00:38,720 --> 01:00:45,000 » And finance will be bringing this to mayor and council monthly. 768 01:00:43,160 --> 01:00:47,600 » Oh perfect. Good. Great, great, great. Thank you so much. 769 01:00:46,800 --> 01:00:52,000 » What's good? >> Uh just since citizen mentioned public 770 01:00:50,720 --> 01:00:57,120 comments, is there can we do get a really quick 771 01:00:54,640 --> 01:01:03,480 brief update on where we're at with the audit and like what what stage we're in? 772 01:01:00,280 --> 01:01:09,480 » Sure. So finance has put together an RFP for auditors. It is on the Georgia 773 01:01:06,240 --> 01:01:14,880 procurement site and once we get the bids back and are able to come to 774 01:01:13,040 --> 01:01:20,120 council with a recommendation, we will do so. In the meantime, we have asked 775 01:01:17,480 --> 01:01:23,280 Department of Accounts and Audits if we are eligible for an extension in which 776 01:01:22,120 --> 01:01:25,760 we are um 777 01:01:24,120 --> 01:01:30,440 » Yeah, I just wanted to say the reason why we're behind schedule on 778 01:01:28,000 --> 01:01:33,280 the audit process is we had auditors and then we realized that they had a 779 01:01:31,400 --> 01:01:37,280 conflict of interest with one of the litigation cases that's currently going 780 01:01:35,040 --> 01:01:41,600 on. They were serving as auditors to someone who was suing the city. So, we 781 01:01:39,520 --> 01:01:44,480 had to ask for them to step down and so we had to start the process over. So, I 782 01:01:43,320 --> 01:01:47,480 just wanted to make it clear for the record why we are behind schedule. 783 01:01:47,080 --> 01:01:49,200 » Thank you. >> Thank you. 784 01:01:48,240 --> 01:01:51,680 » Thank you. >> Thank you and I appreciate 785 01:01:50,040 --> 01:01:55,320 » that because finance has been working very hard to put that stuff together. 786 01:01:53,280 --> 01:01:58,080 So, we are not behind on getting the 2025 stuff together for them. 787 01:01:57,240 --> 01:02:01,280 » Yeah, I I I know I just asked you that before 788 01:01:59,800 --> 01:02:04,840 the meeting and that when that question came up I felt it be important to let 789 01:02:03,680 --> 01:02:09,240 everybody know so I appreciate that. Thank you. 790 01:02:06,760 --> 01:02:14,760 » The only comment I would have is if you could make a uh 791 01:02:10,920 --> 01:02:20,680 um one slide that shows the different funds that we have that several of the 792 01:02:18,000 --> 01:02:24,480 citizens wanted to know. For example, the small 793 01:02:22,160 --> 01:02:29,360 the small cities funds that and you know all the funds that we have. 794 01:02:27,760 --> 01:02:33,480 That we could say, "Hey, this is how much is spent This is how much we had. 795 01:02:31,680 --> 01:02:37,040 This is how much is spent and this is the dates." 796 01:02:34,760 --> 01:02:39,400 I think that would help a lot of people that 797 01:02:39,440 --> 01:02:44,080 » Okay. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. >> What's four? 798 01:02:42,800 --> 01:02:48,760 » Probably the the additional part of that they mentioned SPLOST also. So, making 799 01:02:46,240 --> 01:02:53,200 sure maybe that we put SPLOST in there. It'll help the transparency. I need to 800 01:02:51,320 --> 01:02:58,440 say uh publicly that you're doing a great job. I know you've had to pick up 801 01:02:55,720 --> 01:03:02,640 the ball from from you know, the instability in the past 802 01:03:00,520 --> 01:03:05,040 and the changeover of health and so just stay steadfast. So, thank you for your 803 01:03:04,280 --> 01:03:08,480 work, Michelle. >> Well, thank you. I have a great team. 804 01:03:09,360 --> 01:03:11,840 » What's five? 805 01:03:12,000 --> 01:03:20,120 » So far we've identified public events 806 01:03:17,000 --> 01:03:24,320 and cut back where as possible. expenses versus 807 01:03:22,720 --> 01:03:29,680 » What other measures are we taking to look at expenses? What department heads 808 01:03:26,920 --> 01:03:29,680 cut expenses? 809 01:03:30,440 --> 01:03:34,120 » I don't Yeah. 810 01:03:32,320 --> 01:03:37,920 » There will be more information on that. >> Is this is this in regards to the 811 01:03:35,320 --> 01:03:40,560 military cuz if this is in regards to the budget. 812 01:03:44,760 --> 01:03:50,880 » I mean we were just talking. >> Yeah. Is there a question in regards to 813 01:03:48,560 --> 01:03:55,240 this current budget or is this more geared towards the military discussion? 814 01:03:55,800 --> 01:03:58,600 » Both sports and fun. 815 01:04:02,720 --> 01:04:09,080 » Okay. Yes, sir. To keep us on track, this is more for a 816 01:04:07,000 --> 01:04:12,120 budget review of the kind of year-to-date from I guess January to 817 01:04:11,240 --> 01:04:15,800 April, correct? >> Correct. 818 01:04:12,640 --> 01:04:18,720 » Yeah. So, any questions regarding the report? 819 01:04:31,160 --> 01:04:36,800 Um The one thing I just want to get clarity 820 01:04:34,360 --> 01:04:41,080 for. So, the benchmarks represent kind of 821 01:04:39,560 --> 01:04:44,680 a matter of speaking if we're on track or not budget. And this is more of a 822 01:04:42,480 --> 01:04:48,240 transparency thing or we're not on track in our budget. And it would help our 823 01:04:46,760 --> 01:04:52,600 council to be able to understand like, "Hey guys, we need to slow down, pull 824 01:04:50,040 --> 01:04:55,480 back." Or, you know, where we're where not spending enough money. Let me not 825 01:04:54,160 --> 01:04:59,560 say not spending enough money not in the military. But 826 01:04:57,120 --> 01:05:03,400 but but but it gives us an idea of kind of where we are in the middle of the 827 01:05:01,200 --> 01:05:07,040 race. Correct? So, these are really good things for us to be able to look at to 828 01:05:05,040 --> 01:05:11,960 gauge, you know, for instance, if we're halfway through the year and we're 20% 829 01:05:09,080 --> 01:05:15,680 up in a in a one line item, then we have to start of looking at that. And is 830 01:05:13,560 --> 01:05:19,280 finance looking at that? Or hey, what's happening when you see those benchmarks 831 01:05:17,600 --> 01:05:24,960 over that percentage? >> So, we are looking at the 33.33% 832 01:05:22,480 --> 01:05:28,680 which signifies the four months that is in this report. So, if we were looking 833 01:05:27,200 --> 01:05:31,720 at a straight projection, which there are some things that we can look at a 834 01:05:30,120 --> 01:05:35,360 straight projection, but there's also other expenses as well as other revenues 835 01:05:33,680 --> 01:05:39,640 that hit seasonally and at different times of the year. So, while we do take 836 01:05:38,240 --> 01:05:44,880 that into account when we look at general fund in its totality, it is well 837 01:05:42,200 --> 01:05:49,440 with it. It's within that 33.33%. I think it's at 33.4%. 838 01:05:47,400 --> 01:05:52,680 Um so, just a little bit above, just a hair above, but we are monitoring at the 839 01:05:51,160 --> 01:05:57,120 departmental level and having those conversations with department heads. 840 01:05:55,080 --> 01:06:01,080 » And then the the next question I have as far as reporting, like what what has 841 01:05:59,360 --> 01:06:05,440 been the best practice that other cities are using to keep the public engaged on 842 01:06:03,920 --> 01:06:09,280 budget? Are they posting it to their website? Or like what 843 01:06:07,480 --> 01:06:12,600 what does that look like so we can make sure, you know, as we try to move 844 01:06:10,920 --> 01:06:17,840 forward in keeping our transparency, we're kind of at the best practice for 845 01:06:16,280 --> 01:06:22,280 » Um I think it would be a good idea to put this financial analysis, which will 846 01:06:19,800 --> 01:06:24,480 be a monthly, on our website. And I believe that there is space for to do 847 01:06:24,160 --> 01:06:27,960 so. >> Right. Okay. Got it. 848 01:06:28,480 --> 01:06:33,080 Okay. I think that's all. Thank you. 849 01:06:30,800 --> 01:06:33,080 » Thank you. 850 01:06:34,800 --> 01:06:43,680 » All right. That was the April 2020 20 April 2026 financials presentation. 851 01:06:41,560 --> 01:06:48,160 We'll now move forward to council policy discussion topics, which there are none. 852 01:06:46,600 --> 01:06:53,160 Uh unfinished business, there is no unfinished business. We'll now um 853 01:06:50,800 --> 01:07:01,400 at new business, and that is the emergency repair HVAC project GEFA 854 01:06:57,480 --> 01:07:01,400 funding for the train depot. 855 01:07:02,320 --> 01:07:11,120 » Good evening, Mayor and Council. Uh this matter began uh as you know 856 01:07:08,520 --> 01:07:15,880 better than anyone city has undertaken significant steps towards 857 01:07:13,760 --> 01:07:18,280 utilizing the depot for and so 858 01:07:16,720 --> 01:07:22,840 museum many other actions and we have a 859 01:07:20,160 --> 01:07:26,600 significant event beginning this Friday. It's very important this city. It just 860 01:07:24,760 --> 01:07:30,760 so happens that last Thursday as we were taking 861 01:07:28,280 --> 01:07:35,080 preparation steps towards continuing to get the depot ready. 862 01:07:32,520 --> 01:07:40,080 I'm going in and I instantly noticed thermostat up in the mid-80s. 863 01:07:37,840 --> 01:07:43,160 HVAC systems completely out. I checked the HVAC closet. 864 01:07:41,840 --> 01:07:46,960 Water in it. So, we know we've got a significant 865 01:07:44,880 --> 01:07:51,520 problem. I don't want mold or any other issues to develop. I instantly 866 01:07:49,240 --> 01:07:54,120 called um the contractor that we use for this 867 01:07:53,160 --> 01:07:58,840 building utilizing the same grant funds that you 868 01:07:56,440 --> 01:08:02,320 have titled on your paper now. The contractor 869 01:08:00,800 --> 01:08:06,840 was able when I explained the significance to them and the necessity 870 01:08:04,840 --> 01:08:09,560 that that we have, the contractor was able to get out there the next morning 871 01:08:08,880 --> 01:08:14,400 uh to evaluate our system. 872 01:08:12,000 --> 01:08:19,120 In this case, I was aware that we have available grant funds that we haven't 873 01:08:16,200 --> 01:08:23,680 utilized yet. We have about 26,000 that we were waiting for which facility 874 01:08:21,799 --> 01:08:26,880 we may need to apply them before going to. 875 01:08:24,680 --> 01:08:30,359 Um so, that was in the back of my mind but I don't have a diagnosis at this 876 01:08:28,520 --> 01:08:34,720 point. I'm still waiting on this contractor. He presents my first request 877 01:08:33,400 --> 01:08:39,759 is what is it going to take to repair this facility, get it ready for 878 01:08:37,279 --> 01:08:43,920 this coming week because I know just as we expected, the first deliveries for 879 01:08:42,040 --> 01:08:46,799 items for the historic depot began today. 880 01:08:45,000 --> 01:08:51,040 And the first thing they noticed was it is hot in here. Yes, it is. 881 01:08:49,600 --> 01:08:54,640 But we're working on it. So, 882 01:08:52,359 --> 01:08:59,440 the quote that came in for repairs alone was $5,100. 883 01:08:56,839 --> 01:09:02,960 Uh and at that point, he also told me that there's no way those repairs are 884 01:09:00,920 --> 01:09:08,520 going to happen because I have to get it parts for a 2008 unit. 885 01:09:06,120 --> 01:09:12,279 Uh that's this is significant age and I will not get your repairs done by the 886 01:09:10,319 --> 01:09:16,960 date anticipated. Uh he he proposed also that you go with 887 01:09:15,720 --> 01:09:21,920 a new unit. Like you don't need to take use 888 01:09:20,160 --> 01:09:24,920 $5,100 and put it in a repair that he can't 889 01:09:23,720 --> 01:09:28,160 guarantee is even going to get you another year. 890 01:09:26,240 --> 01:09:33,240 And and I also was aware these grant funds, because these grant funds that we 891 01:09:30,200 --> 01:09:35,920 titled in their report are 100% reimbursable. 892 01:09:34,560 --> 01:09:40,480 And we all know grant money comes from taxpayers and we're taxpayers. 893 01:09:38,279 --> 01:09:44,920 So, the first thing we wanted to look at was, will these apply if we were to 894 01:09:42,960 --> 01:09:51,080 acquire a new unit and then we don't invest in $5,100 895 01:09:47,759 --> 01:09:55,560 in a repair that is zero reimbursable. $5,100 would come all of our money. 896 01:09:54,480 --> 01:09:59,440 So, uh as late as 897 01:09:57,480 --> 01:10:03,520 today was on the phone with GEFA, following up with everything the 898 01:10:00,960 --> 01:10:07,720 contractor got me in documentation and was able to verify that due to the 899 01:10:05,720 --> 01:10:12,280 circumstances and due to the fact that we did use the same contractor before 900 01:10:09,840 --> 01:10:17,640 that was it was quoted, they will support us and can submit this project 901 01:10:15,200 --> 01:10:20,640 for grant funds that would be reha- 100% reimbursable. 902 01:10:19,040 --> 01:10:23,600 Uh they understand our situation and they concur. 903 01:10:22,560 --> 01:10:28,400 Um and this way we do not have $5,100 out 904 01:10:26,720 --> 01:10:32,760 of our own general budget and get nothing in return for it, basically. 905 01:10:30,800 --> 01:10:38,800 We were able to get a 5-ton for 5-ton unit. 906 01:10:35,120 --> 01:10:43,600 Uh the cost on this quote is $17,000. 112 dollars. 907 01:10:41,000 --> 01:10:48,880 It would be with Legacy Mechanical. And again, it would be uh utilizing 908 01:10:46,080 --> 01:10:53,080 funding through the GEFA, the state GEFA organization of the Energy Efficiency 909 01:10:50,880 --> 01:10:55,600 and Conservation Block Grant. Uh 910 01:10:54,920 --> 01:11:00,080 And this will if if this is approved by 911 01:10:57,640 --> 01:11:07,240 council, uh we would initially pay for this out of capital outlay buildings 912 01:11:03,120 --> 01:11:10,280 and then reimburse the same funding. And that would in fact be our 913 01:11:08,640 --> 01:11:13,880 recommendation. Staff's recommendation comes to 914 01:11:12,360 --> 01:11:18,080 recommend the approval of the purchase of this HVAC system 915 01:11:16,000 --> 01:11:22,000 from Legacy Mechanical based upon the emergent 916 01:11:19,640 --> 01:11:26,200 totality of circumstances in the amount of $17,112. 917 01:11:24,440 --> 01:11:30,520 And then the submission of the full expenditure to GEDA for grant fund 918 01:11:28,840 --> 01:11:33,480 utilization through this block grant program. 919 01:11:32,040 --> 01:11:38,800 Uh this It's unfortunate, but they can commit to 920 01:11:37,000 --> 01:11:43,440 us that they will get this installed Thursday all day long. And by Friday 921 01:11:41,760 --> 01:11:47,560 we'll be able to open this facility. It'll be cool in there again. And we'll 922 01:11:45,360 --> 01:11:51,160 have no concern over people falling out in the heat 923 01:11:48,600 --> 01:11:54,800 in our brand new open facility. We do not want any 924 01:11:52,320 --> 01:11:58,160 any issues to happen. That's the recommendation. 925 01:11:59,680 --> 01:12:05,520 » We'll open it up for questions starting on post point. 926 01:12:03,320 --> 01:12:09,120 » Do we have any idea in terms of time wise for reimbursement? Do we have just 927 01:12:07,480 --> 01:12:12,720 kind of cuz I know that'll be the question that will be asked. 928 01:12:10,440 --> 01:12:17,720 » As soon as we gather what they require. They have verified it based upon review 929 01:12:14,520 --> 01:12:21,480 of our policy and again the the fact that this other person has already 930 01:12:19,360 --> 01:12:25,240 installed another unit. We just have to get them the required documentation and 931 01:12:23,240 --> 01:12:29,080 they they can get that process That's it would be this budget year. 932 01:12:26,840 --> 01:12:33,160 It has to be in by the deadline of September 30th of this year. All grant 933 01:12:31,280 --> 01:12:36,720 funds for this program have to be submitted by September 30th. We'll be 934 01:12:35,520 --> 01:12:40,080 well before that. >> Okay. Great. That's the good 935 01:12:38,760 --> 01:12:42,760 and we'll get it back. That's the most important 936 01:12:40,360 --> 01:12:45,520 » The good news is not related to this boat. Sorry to 937 01:12:44,120 --> 01:12:49,680 interrupt. They've opened up more funds and we're 938 01:12:47,440 --> 01:12:53,000 going to apply for 20,000 more. And we're we're able to get 939 01:12:51,760 --> 01:12:55,920 » And that's being smart. >> Already part of my budget. 940 01:12:56,160 --> 01:13:02,000 » And and that's good news because I mean, when we can look at things like that to 941 01:13:00,440 --> 01:13:04,920 help offset costs. >> Right. 942 01:13:02,200 --> 01:13:09,920 » And and people, be mindful when we have a grant writer. It was posed before, 943 01:13:07,240 --> 01:13:13,880 prior to this council. What can a grant writer do? You have to be mindful that 944 01:13:11,840 --> 01:13:18,280 what if we were asked, if that grant writer, if a budget is limited, that 945 01:13:16,240 --> 01:13:20,040 grant writer can only look for a certain amount of grants. 946 01:13:19,560 --> 01:13:24,160 » That's what they >> That's scope of work. Because when you 947 01:13:21,600 --> 01:13:27,760 go for grant, it's research, it's time. And so, if you want to go for the big 948 01:13:25,360 --> 01:13:32,080 one, your budget has to be big in order to allow you to invest in the time and 949 01:13:30,000 --> 01:13:36,960 resource to go for million-dollar grants and five-million-dollar grants. It's 950 01:13:34,280 --> 01:13:40,120 cost money in order to get those grants as well. So, I want to make sure people 951 01:13:38,040 --> 01:13:43,320 know that because that was posed before, that was put before us. 952 01:13:44,760 --> 01:13:49,520 » Uh the don't you kind of answered it a little bit, 953 01:13:47,720 --> 01:13:52,960 but I but I was I was going to say this this is the area. You kind of sound like 954 01:13:51,120 --> 01:13:56,680 you were looking at different areas that would would need these funds, and you're 955 01:13:54,920 --> 01:14:00,240 saying that this is one that has the most immediate need, right? 956 01:13:58,640 --> 01:14:04,680 » Well, considering the fact, you know, we were considering GMC. If we're going to 957 01:14:01,960 --> 01:14:07,320 rejuvenate GMC, who's staffed there? Is that as long as that's being 958 01:14:05,880 --> 01:14:10,920 considered, we're looking at holding these funds for fixing two AC units that 959 01:14:09,600 --> 01:14:15,040 are down there? But those units, the two of them, cost 960 01:14:12,800 --> 01:14:17,280 more than we had left in the budget. So, we're still going to have to say, 961 01:14:16,200 --> 01:14:20,200 "Okay, now what do we do?" >> That's what you're applying for probably 962 01:14:19,000 --> 01:14:22,680 for the future, hopefully. >> This starts the next week. 963 01:14:21,720 --> 01:14:25,280 » All right. Yeah. >> Within the week, we've got This is 964 01:14:23,960 --> 01:14:28,160 emergency to us. We need to move on it. Okay. 965 01:14:26,800 --> 01:14:32,760 We'll make that another decision down the road, and we'll get the 20,000 more. 966 01:14:30,320 --> 01:14:38,760 » Cool. Awesome. Thank you. >> Mr. Elton, will this HVAC system service 967 01:14:36,920 --> 01:14:41,040 both sides or just one side? >> Just that one side, just like the 968 01:14:40,240 --> 01:14:45,680 current system. >> So, when we want to 969 01:14:43,760 --> 01:14:49,240 open the other side for anything, you'll have to have the same size piece of 970 01:14:47,960 --> 01:14:50,560 equipment, most likely. >> Yes. 971 01:14:49,800 --> 01:14:53,200 » Okay. Any comment? 972 01:14:51,560 --> 01:14:56,520 » We hope they do not have a draft system like this because this one this 973 01:14:54,720 --> 01:14:59,640 particular one will not be here. >> Okay. 974 01:14:57,440 --> 01:15:03,280 And you mentioned to our finance director that 975 01:15:02,040 --> 01:15:06,120 they can pay for it now and then the money will 976 01:15:05,200 --> 01:15:08,640 come back. >> Correct. 977 01:15:06,600 --> 01:15:12,560 » I mean there's no we got in trouble one time about moving 978 01:15:10,800 --> 01:15:16,760 money around. I just want to make sure that 979 01:15:13,520 --> 01:15:18,480 we are all in agreement that that Okay. 980 01:15:17,240 --> 01:15:22,960 » Yes, I've conferred with the city manager as well as finance director and 981 01:15:20,520 --> 01:15:27,360 GFO. I wanted to make sure we took no step forward without making sure that 982 01:15:25,920 --> 01:15:31,640 the state wasn't going to throw a red flag and put us in for that. 983 01:15:29,640 --> 01:15:34,080 All of that could get time back. >> Thank you. 984 01:15:34,200 --> 01:15:40,240 » I I don't have any questions, but it sure 985 01:15:36,200 --> 01:15:42,960 is nice to work smarter and not harder. >> There's no doubt and that's the 986 01:15:41,520 --> 01:15:45,760 particular question. Part of it is working smarter. 987 01:15:44,160 --> 01:15:47,960 There are dates on all of this part of this old system that were in the 988 01:15:46,960 --> 01:15:50,920 mid-90s. From when they would service the old 989 01:15:49,400 --> 01:15:55,480 portions of it. The newer unit is old. 990 01:15:53,200 --> 01:15:58,240 So that there are service dates on part of the system back in the mid-90s. 991 01:15:57,280 --> 01:16:01,040 » Oh, wow. >> Yeah. And we're definitely going to be 992 01:15:59,520 --> 01:16:04,520 able to show energy efficiency improvement. 993 01:16:02,560 --> 01:16:09,120 » Great. Great. It's great move. Thank you. Thank you. That's all I have. 994 01:16:06,520 --> 01:16:09,120 » Vote five. 995 01:16:09,880 --> 01:16:13,640 » Did you break down the 17,000? 996 01:16:14,400 --> 01:16:18,880 » Yes, sir. There is a a quote that they provided 997 01:16:17,640 --> 01:16:24,080 where of course they will remove and dispose of the existing system and all 998 01:16:21,520 --> 01:16:27,440 the the freon whatever freon's left in the unit. 999 01:16:25,240 --> 01:16:31,680 And then they provide and install a new Trane system. 1000 01:16:29,120 --> 01:16:37,360 Not not Trane as in Trane but Trane brand system. And it is a split system 1001 01:16:35,040 --> 01:16:41,200 as we currently have and it's a good quality one. I knew there is we want to 1002 01:16:39,680 --> 01:16:44,480 make sure we put something good quality in the depot. We anticipate that the 1003 01:16:43,000 --> 01:16:49,040 post going to be there for many more years just as it has been already. 1004 01:16:47,120 --> 01:16:51,760 It's going to require a new thermostat because of new system and the 1005 01:16:50,320 --> 01:16:56,000 technology. Uh any and all duct work that needs 1006 01:16:53,720 --> 01:17:00,120 adjusting, some of the dates that we found on some of that service 1007 01:16:58,080 --> 01:17:03,920 from the mid-90s relates to some duct work. So, some of the you know, system 1008 01:17:01,840 --> 01:17:07,960 on the return side, a small amount will need replacing but very little. 1009 01:17:06,080 --> 01:17:11,120 But anything else they find while they do their inspection just in case there's 1010 01:17:09,720 --> 01:17:14,480 any where else in that system where water is 1011 01:17:12,560 --> 01:17:19,400 left in where they need to look at it but they'll look at all that. 1012 01:17:16,560 --> 01:17:23,760 And then all the other items reused electrical and modified as 1013 01:17:21,760 --> 01:17:29,480 necessary, condenser drain lines, natural natural gas lines if necessary. 1014 01:17:26,920 --> 01:17:33,440 Uh any and all other materials started test up, 1-year warranty, 5-year 1015 01:17:31,480 --> 01:17:37,440 compressor warranty. Full clean up and get it done within one 1016 01:17:35,360 --> 01:17:37,440 day. 1017 01:17:38,560 --> 01:17:41,000 » I think 1018 01:17:41,560 --> 01:17:45,600 Poll six. >> Yes. 1019 01:17:44,520 --> 01:17:49,000 » Thank you. All right. 1020 01:17:46,640 --> 01:17:54,360 Thank you, Mr. Hilton. >> So, I would move to approve 1021 01:17:51,480 --> 01:18:00,120 the GEFA A funding for the HVAC system for the 1022 01:17:57,480 --> 01:18:03,240 historic Stone Mountain Depot at a cost of $17,112. 1023 01:18:04,200 --> 01:18:09,840 » A second. >> All right, there's a motion and second. 1024 01:18:07,920 --> 01:18:11,800 Um any further discussion? We'll call for the votes starting with 1025 01:18:11,040 --> 01:18:15,240 poll one. >> Denise Booth poll one, yes. 1026 01:18:13,480 --> 01:18:20,920 » Mark Mariano poll two, yes. >> Ryan Smith poll three, yes. 1027 01:18:17,480 --> 01:18:20,920 » Connie yes, poll four, yes. 1028 01:18:22,080 --> 01:18:26,320 » Nancy poll six, yes. 1029 01:18:24,400 --> 01:18:32,000 » Okay, that's a unanimous vote for the emergency repair of the HVAC system at 1030 01:18:28,760 --> 01:18:37,320 the train depot, the GEFA funding will be allotted for this 1031 01:18:34,600 --> 01:18:40,240 project. Thank you. All right, we'll move forward to new 1032 01:18:38,400 --> 01:18:46,000 ordinances and resolutions. We have ordinance 2026-11 1033 01:18:42,960 --> 01:18:49,400 for 5406 East Mountain Street sign variance. 1034 01:18:47,880 --> 01:18:56,480 » Good evening, Mayor and Council. This is the second of this variance ordinance. I 1035 01:18:52,440 --> 01:19:00,560 would like to go over the staff report. Specifically, the standards for 1036 01:18:58,360 --> 01:19:04,520 approving a variance. First, there are extraordinary and 1037 01:19:02,520 --> 01:19:09,240 exceptional conditions pertaining to the particular property in question because 1038 01:19:06,360 --> 01:19:13,000 of its size, shape, and topography. That does not apply here. 1039 01:19:11,320 --> 01:19:17,120 The application of the zoning ordinance to the particular piece of property 1040 01:19:14,400 --> 01:19:21,480 would create unnecessary hardship. The signage has already been erected. It was 1041 01:19:19,160 --> 01:19:25,880 done without permission. They are asking for forgiveness. 1042 01:19:24,200 --> 01:19:30,280 Such conditions are not the result of any action of the property owner. Again, 1043 01:19:28,360 --> 01:19:34,320 the property owner installed the signs without permission. 1044 01:19:32,160 --> 01:19:39,080 The relief if granted would not cause substantial detriment to the public 1045 01:19:36,000 --> 01:19:43,560 good, nor impair the purposes or intent of the zoning ordinance. 1046 01:19:40,600 --> 01:19:48,440 So, the code permits two signs. They want four. 1047 01:19:45,640 --> 01:19:51,640 Staff recommendation was to approve the variance. 1048 01:19:49,600 --> 01:19:54,520 The Planning Commission They have not approved the minutes, but 1049 01:19:53,120 --> 01:19:59,320 it's my understanding that the Planning Commission approved three of the signs. 1050 01:19:57,800 --> 01:20:02,240 Happy to take any questions that you may have. 1051 01:20:00,920 --> 01:20:05,240 » All right, we'll open up for questions. I'm going to pose one. 1052 01:20:08,080 --> 01:20:14,280 » I know So, the three signs that the Planning Commission approved, currently 1053 01:20:11,720 --> 01:20:16,080 they are They wanted to add another one what they would erect. 1054 01:20:15,440 --> 01:20:18,360 » Yes. >> That's it. 1055 01:20:16,480 --> 01:20:21,960 » Yes. So, if you look at this at this picture, the Planning Commission 1056 01:20:20,080 --> 01:20:25,640 approved sign one, which is on the front side of the building. That's a wall sign 1057 01:20:24,040 --> 01:20:29,520 on the building itself. The Planning Commission approved sign 1058 01:20:27,280 --> 01:20:33,760 three, which is a ground sign, as well as sign four, which is a which is a 1059 01:20:31,160 --> 01:20:36,960 ground sign. the wall sign, which is sign number two, facing Fourth Street, 1060 01:20:35,520 --> 01:20:39,960 which is the one that was denied by the bank. 1061 01:20:38,360 --> 01:20:42,160 Okay, that's all I wanted to know. Thank you. 1062 01:20:43,280 --> 01:20:49,680 » I I don't have any questions. Thank you. >> I just wanted to know if there's four 1063 01:20:48,000 --> 01:20:52,600 signs now, um 1064 01:20:50,400 --> 01:20:56,920 is the applicant required to choose which ones they want to leave before we 1065 01:20:54,680 --> 01:21:02,000 vote? >> So, the the motion would need to specify 1066 01:20:59,680 --> 01:21:05,120 which signs the council is approving, if any. 1067 01:21:03,520 --> 01:21:08,920 They're entitled to two. Um and and 1068 01:21:07,560 --> 01:21:11,880 they've got four. I think they've actually taken one down, so I actually 1069 01:21:10,440 --> 01:21:17,560 think they only have three. Um but they're only entitled to two. If 1070 01:21:15,280 --> 01:21:20,200 if this variance is denied, then they will have to pick which two, but those 1071 01:21:19,080 --> 01:21:24,200 signs are still going to have to be permitted. 1072 01:21:21,400 --> 01:21:24,200 Um so. 1073 01:21:24,520 --> 01:21:27,520 » Thank you. >> Okay. 1074 01:21:26,320 --> 01:21:30,280 » Close four. >> And close four. 1075 01:21:30,320 --> 01:21:35,160 » Yeah, I know that I know that they've got three signs up right now. 1076 01:21:33,920 --> 01:21:38,320 Um so we're just going to have to decide 1077 01:21:36,320 --> 01:21:42,280 whether or not we're going to vote for allowing the third one and 1078 01:21:40,600 --> 01:21:44,960 fourth one or not. >> Correct. Yes, because under those under 1079 01:21:43,760 --> 01:21:48,560 those conditions that our zoning ordinance lays out for variances. 1080 01:21:50,040 --> 01:21:52,560 » Close five. 1081 01:21:53,360 --> 01:21:58,560 » The front wall sign 1082 01:21:56,480 --> 01:22:02,840 is currently 16 inches high and 16 inches deep long, 1083 01:22:01,040 --> 01:22:07,160 which is a great deal bigger than what we allow. 1084 01:22:06,280 --> 01:22:11,480 » Yes, I agree. >> Make sure we put that. 1085 01:22:08,880 --> 01:22:15,920 Means the recommendations for the variance are 1086 01:22:12,800 --> 01:22:20,960 10 inches high and 96 inches. >> Yes, sir. If if any signage is approved 1087 01:22:18,720 --> 01:22:25,160 by council, unless you specifically allow a larger sign, uh it would have to 1088 01:22:23,640 --> 01:22:28,560 be a sign that would otherwise be permitted under our sign ordinance. 1089 01:22:29,560 --> 01:22:31,640 Okay. 1090 01:22:37,560 --> 01:22:41,520 » I think we have this now. There's three signs up. 1091 01:22:40,200 --> 01:22:46,320 » Currently, yes, ma'am. >> They had four. They wanted four signs. 1092 01:22:43,200 --> 01:22:51,480 They wanted it on They wanted on the building itself 1093 01:22:48,880 --> 01:22:54,240 facing Bull Street. That was denied. 1094 01:22:52,840 --> 01:22:57,320 » Correct. >> So, 1095 01:22:55,600 --> 01:23:00,560 » they're only entitled to two under our sign ordinance. What they're asking for 1096 01:22:59,000 --> 01:23:04,000 is four. On the ground currently, what's actually 1097 01:23:02,360 --> 01:23:06,200 currently existing is three. >> Okay. 1098 01:23:04,400 --> 01:23:08,800 » There's two signs. They're still not in compliance. 1099 01:23:07,000 --> 01:23:11,240 » They have three. The city only allowed two. 1100 01:23:10,680 --> 01:23:14,120 » Correct. >> And now they want four. They want an 1101 01:23:13,080 --> 01:23:17,040 additional sign. >> Yes, sir. 1102 01:23:14,920 --> 01:23:17,040 » Okay. 1103 01:23:17,080 --> 01:23:19,240 » Yes. 1104 01:23:19,600 --> 01:23:24,440 » Um a few comments on this. 1105 01:23:22,800 --> 01:23:29,840 Um Just council just as as you all consider 1106 01:23:27,160 --> 01:23:35,640 what decision you're making, consider, you know, the precedent that we will set 1107 01:23:32,800 --> 01:23:39,960 as we make these decisions, and consider we ask code enforcement to do their job 1108 01:23:37,960 --> 01:23:44,120 and the precedent we set for our code enforcement as we look at following our 1109 01:23:42,360 --> 01:23:48,000 ordinances. Um >> So, I will, Mayor, if I may comment on 1110 01:23:45,960 --> 01:23:53,520 that. They were cited, and we handled their code case at the May code 1111 01:23:51,040 --> 01:23:56,960 calendar, and they have paid their fine. >> Correct. Correct. But, where I'm going 1112 01:23:55,320 --> 01:24:02,960 is is if our code enforcement brings this up, and 1113 01:23:59,320 --> 01:24:06,880 we just start allowing variances for anything, it kind of undermines the 1114 01:24:05,560 --> 01:24:11,240 system, even though people pay their fines. People then just 1115 01:24:09,680 --> 01:24:16,240 can't continue to just violate and then ask us for a variance, and, you know, 1116 01:24:14,640 --> 01:24:20,520 you know, you council can risk setting a a bad 1117 01:24:18,760 --> 01:24:26,680 precedent. Um So, um that's that's my only comment. Um 1118 01:24:24,680 --> 01:24:31,040 I I think, you know, two signs are fine in my opinion, but that's just my 1119 01:24:28,880 --> 01:24:33,880 opinion. All right. 1120 01:24:32,720 --> 01:24:36,440 So, if we have questions, is there a motion? 1121 01:24:39,760 --> 01:24:45,920 Well, oh, okay. We need another round of discussion, so we'll have another round 1122 01:24:43,080 --> 01:24:50,560 of discussion starting with post one. >> Okay. 1123 01:24:46,880 --> 01:24:54,400 If the decision as a council decides to just stick with the two eliminate 1124 01:24:52,320 --> 01:24:59,040 sticking in an agreement with the thing I stated, 1125 01:24:55,720 --> 01:25:03,160 would they then have to decide which two that they want to keep? 1126 01:25:00,520 --> 01:25:06,680 » Correct. And and if the because none of them are It's my understanding that none 1127 01:25:04,640 --> 01:25:10,360 of them have been permitted yet, so they can choose to apply for the two that 1128 01:25:08,880 --> 01:25:13,960 they're going to Make sense. Thank you. 1129 01:25:12,480 --> 01:25:18,360 » Post two. >> I think variances in some conditions are 1130 01:25:16,800 --> 01:25:23,120 valid, especially considering the fact that some of our ordinances are outdated 1131 01:25:20,920 --> 01:25:27,000 um or, you know, maybe they need to be reformed in some 1132 01:25:24,720 --> 01:25:30,520 way or another, but I think in this case um 1133 01:25:28,480 --> 01:25:35,240 I don't see the utility of a third or a fourth sign. There's two faces to this 1134 01:25:32,920 --> 01:25:39,080 building that is viewed by the street. Uh 1135 01:25:36,160 --> 01:25:42,720 it's I I um I I was thinking about it or, you know, 1136 01:25:41,240 --> 01:25:48,560 since the last time we did the reading and I don't I just I I can't think of 1137 01:25:46,240 --> 01:25:52,960 where the code would be wrong in not allowing this or um 1138 01:25:51,360 --> 01:25:56,280 or anything like that. So, uh me personally, I'm I'm not in favor of 1139 01:25:54,920 --> 01:26:00,080 approving this uh 1140 01:25:57,600 --> 01:26:02,440 in these third and fourth signs. Thank you. 1141 01:26:01,800 --> 01:26:05,840 » Post three. >> I have no further comments at this time. 1142 01:26:04,440 --> 01:26:08,240 Thank you. >> Post four. 1143 01:26:06,840 --> 01:26:12,680 » The only thing I want to add to addition to about the third sign, it's in the 1144 01:26:10,040 --> 01:26:17,360 parking lot. And so, sometimes I think when you have a land lot that's not on 1145 01:26:15,560 --> 01:26:22,040 the side of the building, but the back of your building it identifies, 1146 01:26:19,040 --> 01:26:26,320 especially when parking is such a a sensitive issue in the city even with 1147 01:26:23,680 --> 01:26:29,640 the businesses. That that would be one thing I think we might want to consider 1148 01:26:28,160 --> 01:26:33,760 on the third sign because it really identifies their parking lot. Uh cuz if 1149 01:26:32,200 --> 01:26:38,120 not, it's street parking and there's no street parking on Fourth Street really 1150 01:26:35,480 --> 01:26:42,800 that's safe. Um but I agree that I wouldn't uh I would have I would be 1151 01:26:40,320 --> 01:26:47,000 against the third sign. But I think I just wanted to add it about the third 1152 01:26:44,320 --> 01:26:47,000 sign cuz it really is 1153 01:26:48,120 --> 01:26:51,440 » Plus five. >> Plus five. 1154 01:27:01,920 --> 01:27:09,360 » So they The No, there's two in front, one up on 1155 01:27:06,920 --> 01:27:13,520 the building and one that's posted in the off. The one that was posted in the 1156 01:27:12,040 --> 01:27:19,400 yard, I believe they did it first 1157 01:27:16,840 --> 01:27:22,120 without getting a permit. >> They got all of them without a permit. 1158 01:27:21,360 --> 01:27:27,320 » They got it. >> Oh. 1159 01:27:24,960 --> 01:27:32,440 Okay. So they need to make a decision if they 1160 01:27:30,200 --> 01:27:37,120 want which two signs they want to keep or this council's got to make a decision 1161 01:27:35,160 --> 01:27:41,520 to let them have their three signs up front. 1162 01:27:39,080 --> 01:27:46,160 » Yes, got you. And I would ask that if you are going to allow any kind of a 1163 01:27:43,600 --> 01:27:52,080 variance that the motion be any sign that is allowed be permitted and um 1164 01:27:49,640 --> 01:27:58,720 unless you want to do a specific size sign that it otherwise meets the sign 1165 01:27:54,200 --> 01:27:58,720 ordinances size requirements. 1166 01:28:00,720 --> 01:28:09,040 » There's a motion on the floor. So I would move to deny ordinance 1167 01:28:07,040 --> 01:28:14,160 2026-11 for 5406 1168 01:28:10,800 --> 01:28:17,240 East Mount Street sign variance. >> I second. 1169 01:28:15,800 --> 01:28:20,600 » We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? 1170 01:28:19,080 --> 01:28:23,000 We'll call for the vote. >> Okay. 1171 01:28:21,960 --> 01:28:27,680 Um in terms of the the I think it's a valid 1172 01:28:25,120 --> 01:28:30,560 question about parking indications. Is is that a Can that be something 1173 01:28:28,960 --> 01:28:34,760 different than than like a sign that says the the funeral home or You know 1174 01:28:32,680 --> 01:28:39,840 what I mean? There's usually smaller signs that that that are that 1175 01:28:37,480 --> 01:28:43,320 say, you know, private. Right. I'm I'm just want to make sure 1176 01:28:41,760 --> 01:28:48,080 that that can still be done. Make it still indicate that they have parking 1177 01:28:45,280 --> 01:28:51,560 without having to create a very large sign. This is all. 1178 01:28:49,880 --> 01:28:53,280 » Sure. Now, I think that would count as one of their signs, though. 1179 01:28:52,640 --> 01:28:57,040 » Oh, would it? >> I I believe so. I don't know if the sign 1180 01:28:55,000 --> 01:29:00,400 ordinance is inside or out, but I I do believe that would count as one of their 1181 01:28:58,520 --> 01:29:04,280 signs. If there's a no parking or parking only for our business, that 1182 01:29:02,880 --> 01:29:06,240 counts as one of the signs. >> Okay. 1183 01:29:05,120 --> 01:29:08,200 All right. That's all. Thank you. 1184 01:29:07,360 --> 01:29:12,520 » Okay. We had a motion and a second. Uh we had 1185 01:29:11,000 --> 01:29:17,240 a little discussion. We're now calling for the vote, starting with post one. 1186 01:29:14,520 --> 01:29:23,200 » This is post one, yes. >> Mark Reynolds, post two, yes. 1187 01:29:19,360 --> 01:29:23,200 » Brian Smith, post three, yes. 1188 01:29:29,320 --> 01:29:33,080 » Kay Núñez, post four, yes. 1189 01:29:34,680 --> 01:29:42,680 » Elaine Vaughn, post six, yes. >> Okay, that's a unanimous uh vote to deny 1190 01:29:40,160 --> 01:29:47,240 ordinance 2026-11 for 5406 East Mount Street sign 1191 01:29:45,080 --> 01:29:53,640 variance. All right. We'll move forward in our agenda to ordinance 2026-12, 1192 01:29:51,040 --> 01:29:53,640 purchasing. 1193 01:29:57,360 --> 01:30:04,800 » This is the second read of ordinance 2026-12. 1194 01:30:02,040 --> 01:30:11,600 This is our attempt to try and modernize our purchasing ordinance in order to be 1195 01:30:07,920 --> 01:30:15,160 able to make our operations and city services run much more smoothly and 1196 01:30:13,400 --> 01:30:19,720 efficiently. I am happy to take any questions if you 1197 01:30:17,680 --> 01:30:23,880 have anything specifically about what was changed, what we presented to you as 1198 01:30:21,680 --> 01:30:27,720 the clean copy, but I do have a redline version if you've got a specific 1199 01:30:25,160 --> 01:30:32,600 question about what was changed or why something was changed. 1200 01:30:31,240 --> 01:30:36,920 » We'll open up for questions starting with pulse one. 1201 01:30:33,960 --> 01:30:39,360 » I don't have any questions. >> I don't have any questions, but I do 1202 01:30:38,000 --> 01:30:43,160 think it's needed just just based on the fact that I know 1203 01:30:41,680 --> 01:30:47,600 the previous city managers weren't even able to, you know, order a new toilet to 1204 01:30:45,520 --> 01:30:52,480 to to fix broken toilets. I mean, I remember that specific example and 1205 01:30:50,120 --> 01:30:54,720 that's this is part of the issue of of our um 1206 01:30:53,800 --> 01:30:59,680 uh not lack of service, but our extended 1207 01:30:57,400 --> 01:31:02,680 timelines on on services coming forward for things that are that are necessities 1208 01:31:01,400 --> 01:31:05,720 and I think that it's it's it's important. Thank you. 1209 01:31:04,800 --> 01:31:11,720 » Pulse three. >> So, my only questions, Attorney Couch, 1210 01:31:08,640 --> 01:31:15,400 is you said that um I assume that the only thing that 1211 01:31:13,320 --> 01:31:19,600 changed was the um amount that they could purchase. 1212 01:31:17,200 --> 01:31:23,600 » No, sir. No, sir. I rewrote it because I was constantly getting questions from 1213 01:31:22,080 --> 01:31:26,600 city management and department heads, can we do this? Can we do that? Is it 1214 01:31:25,280 --> 01:31:29,800 okay if we do this? We have to go to mayor and council for this? Is this part 1215 01:31:28,000 --> 01:31:33,920 of professional services? They So, in order to try and save the city 1216 01:31:31,760 --> 01:31:37,920 money on legal expenses, I took the liberty of trying to make this much 1217 01:31:35,760 --> 01:31:41,760 clearer so that I will have less questions. So, no, it's not just the 1218 01:31:39,800 --> 01:31:43,880 amount, it's an overall. >> Okay. 1219 01:31:45,760 --> 01:31:52,480 That everything? >> That's all. Pulse three. Pulse four. 1220 01:31:49,720 --> 01:31:57,080 » Um no, I I I think that it aligned a lot with the original ordinances except it 1221 01:31:54,920 --> 01:32:01,640 cleaned it up a lot from what I read when I looked at the current ordinance. 1222 01:31:58,760 --> 01:32:05,920 It did give them a a bit more uh ability to make decisions without 1223 01:32:03,800 --> 01:32:09,440 delaying the snail pace of usually how the 1224 01:32:07,440 --> 01:32:15,840 government works is solving problems. So, no, I don't have any questions. 1225 01:32:12,880 --> 01:32:15,840 » Okay. Post five? 1226 01:32:16,480 --> 01:32:20,320 » No questions. >> Post six? 1227 01:32:20,560 --> 01:32:26,480 » Okay. Um this is our second read of the 1228 01:32:23,600 --> 01:32:32,320 ordinance 2026-12 purchasing. So, is there a motion? 1229 01:32:28,480 --> 01:32:36,160 » I move to adopt ordinance 2026-12 purchasing. 1230 01:32:33,800 --> 01:32:39,520 » I second. >> All right, there's a motion and a 1231 01:32:37,080 --> 01:32:41,560 second. Any further discussion? All right, we'll call for the votes and 1232 01:32:40,640 --> 01:32:45,320 I'll go through post one. >> Data backs, post one, yes. 1233 01:32:43,840 --> 01:32:48,560 » Mark Ryan is post two, yes. >> Ryan post three, yes. 1234 01:32:47,680 --> 01:32:50,760 » Yes, post >> Yes. 1235 01:32:51,320 --> 01:32:53,840 » Post five? 1236 01:32:54,400 --> 01:33:03,520 » United Department, post six, yes. >> That is a unanimous vote to approve 1237 01:33:00,280 --> 01:33:06,200 ordinance 2026-12 purchasing. 1238 01:33:17,160 --> 01:33:21,360 What is up here? Put your names. 1239 01:33:23,040 --> 01:33:28,240 All right. Okay. All right, let's stay focused. All 1240 01:33:26,000 --> 01:33:33,720 right, we're moving forward to ordinance 2026-13 1241 01:33:30,560 --> 01:33:33,720 millage rate adoption. 1242 01:33:37,560 --> 01:33:40,600 All right, is the staff ready? 1243 01:33:57,600 --> 01:34:04,120 » Also, at the beginning of tonight's meeting, 1244 01:34:01,920 --> 01:34:08,120 we went over the different scenarios about the military and the different 1245 01:34:06,200 --> 01:34:12,720 projections um for the different military rates, 1246 01:34:10,080 --> 01:34:17,200 what the collection will be at 100%, cuts 1247 01:34:15,600 --> 01:34:22,120 that we need to consider within the budget for the different rates. 1248 01:34:19,600 --> 01:34:26,520 The decision before you ultimately comes down to balancing the tax paying impact 1249 01:34:24,800 --> 01:34:30,600 with the city's responsibility to maintain service levels and also meet 1250 01:34:28,680 --> 01:34:35,800 operational demands. The rollback rate and lower millage 1251 01:34:32,840 --> 01:34:39,400 scenarios create significant budget gaps that will require difficult financial 1252 01:34:37,640 --> 01:34:43,040 decisions. As the millage rate increases, the 1253 01:34:40,960 --> 01:34:47,720 city's ability to sustain public safety operations, employee retention efforts, 1254 01:34:45,640 --> 01:34:52,080 infrastructure maintenance, technology investment, and community services 1255 01:34:49,560 --> 01:34:56,520 improves substantially. Based on the preliminary digest and the 1256 01:34:54,280 --> 01:35:01,560 projected expenditure expenditures, 1257 01:34:58,120 --> 01:35:05,320 the proposed scenarios between 17.5 and 16.75 1258 01:35:03,120 --> 01:35:10,440 mills appear to provide the strongest financial stability while minimizing the 1259 01:35:08,320 --> 01:35:13,800 reliance on services or future budget reductions. 1260 01:35:11,840 --> 01:35:17,720 As respectfully presented, this office for your consideration is staff ready to 1261 01:35:15,800 --> 01:35:22,920 answer any questions that you may have tonight. 1262 01:35:19,960 --> 01:35:28,480 We did another discussion within um our departments. We already had two budget 1263 01:35:26,480 --> 01:35:33,880 project two military rates in three special called meetings 1264 01:35:30,520 --> 01:35:37,680 before uh the public hearing for the military 1265 01:35:35,400 --> 01:35:41,280 and then not only from mayor and council, but we had an opportunity to 1266 01:35:39,360 --> 01:35:46,320 hear from the community and the public their feedback. 1267 01:35:43,080 --> 01:35:52,560 So, city staff had another gathering for um us to consider exactly where 1268 01:35:49,480 --> 01:35:56,480 the cuts or the reduction of the budget will be made 1269 01:35:53,960 --> 01:36:01,920 and tonight I have the finance director she'll go over very briefly 1270 01:35:59,160 --> 01:36:05,360 before we make your final consideration and final discussion 1271 01:36:03,800 --> 01:36:09,600 on the millage rate. We would like to propose to cancel kind 1272 01:36:07,360 --> 01:36:13,520 of new scenario for proposed reduction in the budget. 1273 01:36:10,800 --> 01:36:13,520 Ms. Yuron 1274 01:36:16,200 --> 01:36:23,600 » Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, staff's original recommendation was 1275 01:36:20,800 --> 01:36:27,640 a millage rate of 17.5 mills. However, after listening to the mayor, 1276 01:36:25,760 --> 01:36:32,680 council, and the citizens throughout the process, staff revisited the budget and 1277 01:36:30,080 --> 01:36:37,080 identified additional opportunities to reduce expenditures while maintaining 1278 01:36:34,960 --> 01:36:40,760 current service levels. I would like to thank the mayor and 1279 01:36:38,520 --> 01:36:45,360 council for scheduling two additional millage rate meetings to allow for 1280 01:36:43,000 --> 01:36:49,040 further review, discussion, and evaluation of available options and 1281 01:36:47,440 --> 01:36:53,240 scenarios. Since the initial recommendation, the 1282 01:36:50,680 --> 01:36:58,160 city manager proposed reducing four approved positions to three positions, 1283 01:36:56,000 --> 01:37:02,800 which was approved by mayor and council at the previous meeting. This action 1284 01:37:00,640 --> 01:37:07,640 resulted in a reduction of approximately $145,000 1285 01:37:04,560 --> 01:37:14,240 in personal services and benefits along with approximately $27,653 1286 01:37:11,400 --> 01:37:18,440 being identified as a reduction in court services. That will generate 1287 01:37:16,040 --> 01:37:22,040 approximately $172,000 in budgetary savings. 1288 01:37:20,560 --> 01:37:28,280 Based on these adjustments and a projected property tax collection of 93% 1289 01:37:25,960 --> 01:37:32,240 staff has concluded a millage rate of 16.75 1290 01:37:30,080 --> 01:37:38,960 mills is sustainable. At this rate, the estimated budget 1291 01:37:34,120 --> 01:37:38,960 shortfall is approximately $227,632. 1292 01:37:39,880 --> 01:37:47,840 Staff's analysis indicates that the city can maintain its current level of 1293 01:37:44,800 --> 01:37:51,720 services at 16.75 mills with the budget reductions already 1294 01:37:49,360 --> 01:37:55,480 implemented, and with the consensus direction provided by the majority of 1295 01:37:53,680 --> 01:38:00,640 mayor and council to identify approximately $56,000 1296 01:37:58,400 --> 01:38:05,960 in additional savings within special events. Thereby reducing the general 1297 01:38:03,320 --> 01:38:10,280 fund contribution to the visitor center by that amount, bringing us to that 1298 01:38:08,200 --> 01:38:16,200 total deficit by uh that that comes with the 16.75 1299 01:38:13,680 --> 01:38:22,000 mills. It is also important to note that the proposed millage rate of 16.75 1300 01:38:19,080 --> 01:38:26,160 mills represents an increase of less than 1 mill over the current rate of 1301 01:38:24,480 --> 01:38:31,720 15.827 mills. Specifically, the increase is 1302 01:38:29,240 --> 01:38:36,200 approximately 5.83% while still providing the revenue 1303 01:38:33,080 --> 01:38:40,400 necessary to support city operations and services. 1304 01:38:38,040 --> 01:38:45,800 While any tax increase deserves careful consideration, staff has concluded that 1305 01:38:42,640 --> 01:38:49,040 a millage rate of 16.75 mills strikes an appropriate between fiscal 1306 01:38:47,520 --> 01:38:54,080 responsibility and maintaining the level of service our 1307 01:38:51,160 --> 01:38:57,400 residents expect and deserve. Therefore, based on the revisions made 1308 01:38:55,800 --> 01:39:01,960 to the budget and the direction received from the mayor and council, staff 1309 01:38:58,840 --> 01:39:06,400 recommends a millage rate of 16.75 mills for consideration this evening. 1310 01:39:04,320 --> 01:39:10,560 Again, this recommendation reflects staff's effort to balance the concerns 1311 01:39:08,440 --> 01:39:15,560 expressed by mayor and council, the public's desire to minimize the tax 1312 01:39:12,760 --> 01:39:20,160 impact, and the city's responsibility to maintain essential services. 1313 01:39:19,080 --> 01:39:22,920 Thank you, ma'am. >> Thank you, Mr. Robin. 1314 01:39:23,040 --> 01:39:28,640 At this point, mayor and council, you do hear from me as the city manager, the 1315 01:39:26,520 --> 01:39:35,080 director of operations, and also our finance director. What are the potential 1316 01:39:31,480 --> 01:39:38,880 areas, line items that we can consider these cuts or reduction of the budget. 1317 01:39:37,600 --> 01:39:42,480 So, I would like to hear from you discussion 1318 01:39:40,840 --> 01:39:45,200 about the millage rate, and we're ready to answer any questions that you might 1319 01:39:43,960 --> 01:39:49,080 have. >> Okay, we're opening up for questions 1320 01:39:46,680 --> 01:39:52,800 starting with post post one. >> First of all, thank you for listening to 1321 01:39:51,520 --> 01:39:56,920 the mayor, the council, and especially the residents. I'm a resident, so I We 1322 01:39:54,760 --> 01:40:00,080 all get it. We all are residents here. Um and looking at that, and then we look 1323 01:39:59,040 --> 01:40:03,440 at times that we're living, we understand 1324 01:40:01,640 --> 01:40:07,440 crisis and all that, the wars and various things. And we also understand 1325 01:40:05,440 --> 01:40:11,080 the increase of gas and food and so many different things. But also we all 1326 01:40:09,440 --> 01:40:16,400 understand the importance of having a city that has a staff that is 1327 01:40:13,880 --> 01:40:21,120 professional, that cares about the city, that's kept down the crime in the city. 1328 01:40:18,800 --> 01:40:24,200 Um and it it it's been a tour because I don't think people take into 1329 01:40:22,160 --> 01:40:28,200 consideration the There've been ridicule, there've been post things 1330 01:40:26,440 --> 01:40:33,680 about us, they've just said some really horrible things. But as I sit back, I 1331 01:40:31,080 --> 01:40:39,240 don't think I've ever run a city before. I don't know how to run a city. I know 1332 01:40:36,880 --> 01:40:42,520 to speak for the residents and be a resident and because it's all about 1333 01:40:40,440 --> 01:40:45,920 everybody. But I don't anybody here has run a city before. So there's some 1334 01:40:44,280 --> 01:40:49,600 things that we know financially, there's some people that have expert in finance, 1335 01:40:48,000 --> 01:40:55,280 some people know expert in corporate arenas and various things. To run a city 1336 01:40:53,320 --> 01:40:59,320 with all the functions of a city is massive. 1337 01:40:56,800 --> 01:41:03,840 And we've had a horrific situation in the city, legal issues and various 1338 01:41:01,640 --> 01:41:07,240 things that have happened, and the city has been off track. 1339 01:41:05,480 --> 01:41:11,360 And we're finally beginning to get on track, and it does not take overnight. 1340 01:41:10,000 --> 01:41:14,800 We've got to correct the wrongs, to correct the injustices, to correct the 1341 01:41:13,120 --> 01:41:19,160 things that were people in positions that did not know what they were doing. 1342 01:41:17,280 --> 01:41:23,480 And at least we can say as a council, we are working together. We're not cutting 1343 01:41:21,480 --> 01:41:28,960 each other down. We're not disrespecting each other. We do genuinely care. 1344 01:41:27,000 --> 01:41:33,000 And I took up many nights worrying, praying, and praying, "How do I just 1345 01:41:30,880 --> 01:41:37,760 make the right decision?" I am concerned about everybody in this 1346 01:41:35,040 --> 01:41:41,040 city. I'm not in it for me. I'm in it for everybody that's in this city that 1347 01:41:39,320 --> 01:41:46,920 affects them. And if we can make a decision that is somehow equal that does 1348 01:41:44,000 --> 01:41:51,560 not allow us to lose amazing employees and also help our citizen and 1349 01:41:49,560 --> 01:41:55,240 educate and find out what resources there are to help with taxes, classes, 1350 01:41:53,920 --> 01:41:59,760 educate us. That's what I wanted. So, I'm excited to 1351 01:41:57,880 --> 01:42:05,280 see that at least there were you did listen, you do care, and we do see that. 1352 01:42:03,320 --> 01:42:12,360 And I hope that everybody knows that we're not in it just for a title. 1353 01:42:08,240 --> 01:42:15,880 I'm concerned about everybody in here. Everybody in here. 1354 01:42:14,040 --> 01:42:21,080 I'm not on social media posting and taking everybody down. I'm concerned 1355 01:42:19,040 --> 01:42:28,120 about the decision of the city manager, our police chief, all the staff, our 1356 01:42:23,280 --> 01:42:28,120 council, our mayor. This is heavy on us. 1357 01:42:28,960 --> 01:42:34,880 And I don't play games. I am serious about what I do here 1358 01:42:33,160 --> 01:42:40,440 and in the community. I hope what I say, not what I say, but 1359 01:42:37,320 --> 01:42:44,960 what I do speaks more volumes than all the noise I've heard. 1360 01:42:42,160 --> 01:42:44,960 That's all I have to say. 1361 01:42:45,320 --> 01:42:51,040 » Councilor Um, you know, I I this is this is this 1362 01:42:49,520 --> 01:42:55,560 is always this is always a hard decision every single year um because our millage 1363 01:42:53,160 --> 01:43:00,600 rate is, you know, I think um overall it it it it it 1364 01:42:57,880 --> 01:43:04,360 it is a burdensome on on on citizens and we are also even though we are council 1365 01:43:02,200 --> 01:43:07,840 members and mayor, we are also citizens. We also feel the uh impact of this 1366 01:43:06,640 --> 01:43:11,080 millage rate. Um that's not something I'm particularly 1367 01:43:09,440 --> 01:43:13,960 happy about in general either, but I think the thing that we need to really 1368 01:43:12,520 --> 01:43:23,320 and I've been saying this since I got in, since before I got in is 1369 01:43:18,040 --> 01:43:28,040 we we we need to be very focused and aggressive on 1370 01:43:25,240 --> 01:43:33,520 balancing our tax digest because if we don't increase our businesses, if we 1371 01:43:31,520 --> 01:43:38,200 don't look into annexation, if we don't look into, you know, 1372 01:43:36,000 --> 01:43:43,680 developing areas that that need to be developed and and and and fixed up and 1373 01:43:40,760 --> 01:43:46,520 getting getting more businesses in here, this is going to be a problem This is 1374 01:43:44,960 --> 01:43:50,240 always going to be a problem. We'll never get away from this problem. And 1375 01:43:48,480 --> 01:43:54,440 the burden will always get heavier and heavier and heavier and heavier onto the 1376 01:43:51,880 --> 01:43:59,200 citizens. Right now, we don't have much of a buffer at all. And and um 1377 01:43:58,480 --> 01:44:03,160 uh I think 1378 01:44:00,560 --> 01:44:09,480 I think that this that this rate that's now been proposed by the by the city 1379 01:44:06,320 --> 01:44:13,880 feels like a reasonable compromise. Um but I but again, it's it doesn't mean 1380 01:44:12,560 --> 01:44:17,880 it's not something I'm going to pat myself on the back on or that I think 1381 01:44:15,680 --> 01:44:23,840 any of us should be happy about. It's a necessity. And I think if we are 1382 01:44:21,120 --> 01:44:28,880 committed to fixing this this mill rate, we need to be committed to diversifying 1383 01:44:26,680 --> 01:44:32,880 our tax revenue. And it needs to be a priority. We have I've been saying this 1384 01:44:31,080 --> 01:44:35,920 since every single every single time we have this mill rate talk, I say this 1385 01:44:34,560 --> 01:44:41,800 over and over again. We We have to do this as a team. We have 1386 01:44:38,760 --> 01:44:45,960 to We have to invest in this town. Or else this will always be a problem. 1387 01:44:43,560 --> 01:44:45,960 Thanks. 1388 01:44:46,400 --> 01:44:51,920 » No, the the 1389 01:44:48,880 --> 01:44:58,440 comment that I had is so I just I had toyed around with um 1390 01:44:55,680 --> 01:45:05,080 why uh we went this year when 2025 1391 01:45:02,440 --> 01:45:10,080 and we had to make a difference. We had to make a adjustment in our 1392 01:45:07,800 --> 01:45:17,240 We had to take money out of our reserves to pay for last year's budget. 1393 01:45:13,640 --> 01:45:22,640 My question is how painful that was to the city and if we have the ability to 1394 01:45:21,360 --> 01:45:28,880 not hit the tax rate as high. 1395 01:45:27,680 --> 01:45:35,880 Um and just pay more at the end of the year 1396 01:45:31,080 --> 01:45:41,120 and continue. We I understand if this is that this keeps the problem going. 1397 01:45:39,200 --> 01:45:46,560 But we're not uh saving any um 1398 01:45:44,120 --> 01:45:53,880 we're not adding to our reserves by taking too much. That's my concern. 1399 01:45:51,240 --> 01:45:59,120 » It's a considerable question, sir. >> Yeah, is there a Specifically, I started 1400 01:45:56,520 --> 01:45:59,120 out with a question. 1401 01:45:59,200 --> 01:46:05,960 » And the assistant manager, my feedback will be for how long, how 1402 01:46:04,040 --> 01:46:09,680 many years you can rely on the reserves save a single time when you don't have 1403 01:46:08,120 --> 01:46:13,120 the expected revenue you're supposed to rely on the reserves? Cuz the purpose 1404 01:46:11,320 --> 01:46:16,880 for the reserves is number one to make sure you have enough funding to cover 1405 01:46:14,720 --> 01:46:20,720 operations for 5 to 6 months in a moment of crisis 1406 01:46:18,440 --> 01:46:24,400 or to carry out the entire year without a fiscal year is January to December and 1407 01:46:22,600 --> 01:46:28,080 you can rely on the reserves, but also reserves are are available supposed to 1408 01:46:26,120 --> 01:46:33,240 go to the Georgia fund line, for example, so we can get some interest or 1409 01:46:30,000 --> 01:46:37,240 maybe uh purchase some property. So, if we're keeping the reserves only 1410 01:46:35,160 --> 01:46:41,400 to balance right now the budget because we did not increase the millage rate, um 1411 01:46:39,760 --> 01:46:46,160 how how do you how many more years you can rely on the reserves right now? But 1412 01:46:43,720 --> 01:46:49,720 I do support council member Mariano's with the statement in the idea of me to 1413 01:46:47,840 --> 01:46:54,560 focus on increasing residential businesses, more businesses, economic 1414 01:46:52,080 --> 01:46:59,640 development within the area, um so we don't we can diversify the 1415 01:46:57,240 --> 01:47:04,440 revenue so we don't rely on one single source, property taxes. 1416 01:47:02,240 --> 01:47:10,960 Um to your question, sir, yes, this is an option to cover right now these uh 1417 01:47:08,600 --> 01:47:15,400 the different um cuts and deficits within the different 1418 01:47:12,960 --> 01:47:20,120 scenarios. Yes, we can use the reserves. But so far, sir, staff had identified 1419 01:47:18,000 --> 01:47:26,320 already several line items and several options by reducing city staff and not 1420 01:47:24,200 --> 01:47:31,600 hiring for several positions, by partially reducing the special events 1421 01:47:29,200 --> 01:47:36,560 budget, we have identified a good amount of money that is bringing 1422 01:47:33,080 --> 01:47:40,360 us closer to 16.75, which at the same time we can handle the operations, we 1423 01:47:38,640 --> 01:47:43,600 can move the projects forward, we can keep the current city staff that we 1424 01:47:41,800 --> 01:47:47,120 have. We're not anticipating hiring more people than the one that we have 1425 01:47:44,880 --> 01:47:51,360 discussed at the previous meeting. Um and at the same time we don't need to 1426 01:47:48,600 --> 01:47:51,360 use the reserves. 1427 01:47:52,200 --> 01:47:56,520 » Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. 1428 01:47:54,400 --> 01:48:00,280 » What's for? >> Uh this is a tough seat to be in after 1429 01:47:58,440 --> 01:48:05,360 being here 5 months. I'm making final decision. I mean, um 1430 01:48:03,440 --> 01:48:09,160 you know, it's hard. It's very hard because we are all taxpayers, we all are 1431 01:48:07,600 --> 01:48:12,480 residents here. Um 1432 01:48:10,040 --> 01:48:17,160 and I you know, I'm not I've been a resident for 27 years. I'm not willing 1433 01:48:15,240 --> 01:48:22,680 and I don't want to kick the can down the road another year of not doing 1434 01:48:20,120 --> 01:48:28,120 anything. I'm not interested in cutting services. I want to see the city grow. I 1435 01:48:25,360 --> 01:48:31,760 want to expand our tax base. I want to grow businesses here because that's 1436 01:48:30,120 --> 01:48:35,840 going to be what's going to make the difference for us long term. And doing 1437 01:48:33,760 --> 01:48:40,560 nothing is going to cost us. I mean, look at the military for what 1438 01:48:38,720 --> 01:48:43,920 they're dealing with. I mean, every city that I've read about has had to raise 1439 01:48:42,520 --> 01:48:48,480 their military. Um so it it it's tough. Nobody likes 1440 01:48:46,840 --> 01:48:52,280 paying any more uh taxes. I know that I was kind of 1441 01:48:50,520 --> 01:48:56,240 playing with this today because I always think about the value of the dollar and 1442 01:48:53,880 --> 01:49:00,960 I think about um just associating my an expense that I I 1443 01:48:59,040 --> 01:49:04,760 go out and I have dinner at Cherokee Rose, just my husband and I. We don't 1444 01:49:02,760 --> 01:49:08,720 drink alcohol. A meal and a tip, I spent $230. 1445 01:49:06,520 --> 01:49:12,560 A month from now, I don't think about that meal. A week from now, I don't 1446 01:49:10,560 --> 01:49:16,200 think about spending that money. I was looking at 1447 01:49:14,440 --> 01:49:21,280 adding the tax value that I'm adding to my gas bill. And that extra $200 1448 01:49:19,960 --> 01:49:25,960 I have our police department that I don't have 1449 01:49:23,760 --> 01:49:30,560 the four fields of what's happening in Memorial Drive in my neighborhood. 1450 01:49:29,120 --> 01:49:36,720 or in your neighborhood or in front of our schools. Um 1451 01:49:32,960 --> 01:49:41,520 I also believe in investing in good uh staffing. Um because without the 1452 01:49:39,720 --> 01:49:48,520 staffing, we can't move forward. We can't have people um constantly changing 1453 01:49:45,000 --> 01:49:53,360 and us moving the city forward. So, this is really difficult. Um 1454 01:49:51,000 --> 01:49:58,520 decision to begin for 5 months into to this job, but I also recognize that the 1455 01:49:55,960 --> 01:50:04,200 cost of everything has gone higher and talent um recruiting good help and 1456 01:50:01,880 --> 01:50:08,880 creating a good management team with the administration is very important, just 1457 01:50:05,920 --> 01:50:14,440 like I think it affects every department uh in staffing. So, I really don't have 1458 01:50:11,880 --> 01:50:18,680 questions. I just have to emphasize it's easy to um 1459 01:50:16,840 --> 01:50:23,520 think about the big tax bill, but we're talking about what you're adding to your 1460 01:50:20,360 --> 01:50:27,560 tax bill and the value added of having the things that we do have 1461 01:50:25,400 --> 01:50:31,200 uh in this city. I mean, Tucker doesn't have their own police department. They 1462 01:50:28,880 --> 01:50:34,360 call 911, they get to Cab to Cab shows up. 1463 01:50:32,480 --> 01:50:39,000 You know, we call the police, we know our police. I mean, where can you go to 1464 01:50:36,200 --> 01:50:42,840 get that? Um you know, I think I'm seeing a lot of change in the city. Uh 1465 01:50:41,120 --> 01:50:47,760 improvement on the website, better communication. I don't want to stop them 1466 01:50:45,280 --> 01:50:51,720 in what we've got going on. Uh cuz going backwards, we've seen what going 1467 01:50:49,320 --> 01:50:56,160 backwards does. 27 years living in the desert here in the village of Stone 1468 01:50:53,400 --> 01:51:01,360 Mountain and we are in fine real estate. We've got the opportunity to do 1469 01:50:57,720 --> 01:51:01,360 something. We need to do it. 1470 01:51:01,440 --> 01:51:05,760 Thank you. >> Post five. 1471 01:51:15,400 --> 01:51:21,960 » third about $1.5 million dollars. 1472 01:51:19,720 --> 01:51:27,920 Meaning we have overtaxed our citizens for the last three years. 1473 01:51:24,080 --> 01:51:32,080 And I believe there's more 1474 01:51:29,280 --> 01:51:36,000 expenses that can be cut. I believe there's more revenues that can 1475 01:51:33,760 --> 01:51:41,840 be had through 1476 01:51:37,960 --> 01:51:46,680 getting our tax digest under control, getting those who are 1477 01:51:44,280 --> 01:51:50,640 using homestead exemptions that they don't qualify for, 1478 01:51:49,080 --> 01:51:55,600 and other things. I I don't know if these look at revenues enough 1479 01:51:54,440 --> 01:52:00,080 to raise 1480 01:51:57,560 --> 01:52:04,040 taxes on our citizens. So, although I believe an increased 1481 01:52:02,880 --> 01:52:09,960 millage is necessary, I believe that our 1482 01:52:07,120 --> 01:52:16,360 reserves and our past taxes that have been paid by our citizens can absorb 1483 01:52:13,000 --> 01:52:20,560 some of this. So, the 6.75 1484 01:52:18,720 --> 01:52:30,040 is is high to me, 1485 01:52:22,960 --> 01:52:30,040 and I believe more in the 16.25. 1486 01:52:30,120 --> 01:52:33,760 That's I'll leave it at that. 1487 01:52:35,480 --> 01:52:42,840 » Council member Bass? >> Yes, first I'd like to thank the staff 1488 01:52:39,800 --> 01:52:46,680 for what you've done. Um and 1489 01:52:45,000 --> 01:52:49,960 thank you for the statement you made, Council member Bass. 1490 01:52:50,000 --> 01:52:59,080 I've been getting a lot of calls, a lot of bad feedback about this. 1491 01:52:55,640 --> 01:53:03,720 I knew running this election, I ain't promised nobody lower no taxes. So, what 1492 01:53:01,920 --> 01:53:08,880 was said the last time, I ain't promised nobody cuz I knew I couldn't do that. 1493 01:53:06,280 --> 01:53:08,880 But, 1494 01:53:09,800 --> 01:53:19,720 just to let you know, I'm citizen too. Yes, 17.5 1495 01:53:16,680 --> 01:53:25,040 in my mind they become hard. It's hard. 1496 01:53:21,400 --> 01:53:31,560 But, I know the military has to go up in order for us to maintain 1497 01:53:28,560 --> 01:53:35,600 the staff that we do have. And and the the staff is leaving, they can go 1498 01:53:33,120 --> 01:53:41,480 anywhere and make the type of money that they should. But, I thank the staff that 1499 01:53:39,000 --> 01:53:47,120 is here helping it out with the city. 1500 01:53:44,520 --> 01:53:52,400 I don't want to see anybody lose their job, especially our staff. I don't want 1501 01:53:50,000 --> 01:53:57,160 to walk in city hall and stand for a hour waiting on somebody to come to the 1502 01:53:54,520 --> 01:54:01,520 window just to wait on me. I don't want to have to call for 911 because 1503 01:53:59,880 --> 01:54:06,120 somebody's breaking in my neighbor's house and nobody never shows up. That's 1504 01:54:04,400 --> 01:54:11,920 what's going to happen if you start cutting the staff. 1505 01:54:08,000 --> 01:54:15,920 So, I I I do thank you, Michelle, for going back over the numbers. 1506 01:54:14,040 --> 01:54:19,640 Um in my mind, like I said, I knew the 1507 01:54:17,680 --> 01:54:25,080 military had to go up, but in my heart, no, I didn't want 17. 1508 01:54:22,000 --> 01:54:30,160 Got three homes over there in taxes now. Retired, 1509 01:54:26,880 --> 01:54:33,160 and the city don't give me enough money to 1510 01:54:31,880 --> 01:54:39,000 So, it's hard. And it's it's and it's hard 1511 01:54:35,800 --> 01:54:43,480 on everybody, but I know every year my taxes are coming. Regardless of the 1512 01:54:41,120 --> 01:54:49,120 amount, it's coming. So, I've learned to save a little a 1513 01:54:46,720 --> 01:54:53,440 little a little. And now it's even harder cuz I got another house that I'm 1514 01:54:51,320 --> 01:55:01,400 having to pay taxes on. But, uh overall, I I I do pray 1515 01:54:58,680 --> 01:55:05,000 that God will guide me and lead me every time I sit in this chair to make the 1516 01:55:03,320 --> 01:55:10,040 right decisions for our citizens. 1517 01:55:06,760 --> 01:55:15,760 Cuz I too am for the entire city. I'm not a Sherman Town councilwoman. I'm a 1518 01:55:13,760 --> 01:55:21,040 city of Stone Mountain councilwoman cuz Sherman Town didn't put me in office. 1519 01:55:18,520 --> 01:55:26,720 I'm for the entire city. Whether they voted for me or not. Know 1520 01:55:23,800 --> 01:55:30,720 all about decisions, I understand, are not going to be the decisions that you 1521 01:55:28,880 --> 01:55:35,120 want to hear. They're not going to be the decision that you feel that is 1522 01:55:33,480 --> 01:55:38,240 right for you, but we have to look at the entire 1523 01:55:44,880 --> 01:55:50,560 tax base. Um 1524 01:55:47,640 --> 01:55:54,840 for what you've done and the making some more adjustments. Yes, we do 1525 01:55:53,280 --> 01:56:00,200 have papers. It was a public to the public, but 1526 01:55:58,360 --> 01:56:04,840 council and mayor, we do have your papers 1527 01:56:01,240 --> 01:56:10,560 where it was cut. A lot of the departments 1528 01:56:07,920 --> 01:56:15,000 scaled back where they felt it was comfortable. 1529 01:56:12,880 --> 01:56:17,240 So, I thank you. Um 1530 01:56:17,800 --> 01:56:25,200 16.75 is hard, too, but 1531 01:56:21,360 --> 01:56:25,200 it's better than 17.5. 1532 01:56:29,080 --> 01:56:35,200 » Um So, I just have a couple questions and a 1533 01:56:32,200 --> 01:56:39,280 few comments. Um so, one question based on the recommended adjustments to the 1534 01:56:37,320 --> 01:56:41,960 budget, there will need to be a budget amendment once the millage rate is 1535 01:56:40,840 --> 01:56:44,000 adopted, correct? >> Yes, sir. 1536 01:56:42,960 --> 01:56:49,000 » Okay. So, that's that. Um couple comments that 1537 01:56:47,360 --> 01:56:52,520 I just want to make sure everybody's clear of. 1538 01:56:50,960 --> 01:56:56,560 You know, some people say their taxes went up, but I talked to a lot of people 1539 01:56:54,080 --> 01:57:01,960 whose property values went down. Um and so, just in the regular math 1540 01:56:58,480 --> 01:57:05,920 equation, if we have a city that's 93% reliant on residential property taxes, 1541 01:57:04,320 --> 01:57:09,560 and the majority of your city property values went down, 1542 01:57:07,680 --> 01:57:13,560 then immediately that's less revenue coming to the city. 1543 01:57:11,160 --> 01:57:18,280 So, we have to figure out how to adjust that line. Services didn't change. 1544 01:57:16,320 --> 01:57:23,200 The same level of services happened, but property values went down. So, it goes 1545 01:57:20,720 --> 01:57:27,720 back to Councilmember Mariono's point, the city hasn't done a prudent or their 1546 01:57:25,520 --> 01:57:30,840 due diligence on really looking at for the past 20 years how to increase 1547 01:57:29,680 --> 01:57:34,720 revenue. We've been a bedroom community 1548 01:57:33,200 --> 01:57:37,200 and just hoped that it would always work. 1549 01:57:35,640 --> 01:57:41,280 Right now, this council is having to make the hardest decision on how do we 1550 01:57:38,920 --> 01:57:45,880 get to the next level as a city. Um, cuz if property values went down, 1551 01:57:43,440 --> 01:57:49,280 that means your city was declining. You had nothing that was picking your 1552 01:57:47,120 --> 01:57:53,360 city up. You had no increase of of revenue, no increase of development, no 1553 01:57:51,240 --> 01:57:57,960 increase of things like other cities are doing like Abilene who just added 87 1554 01:57:55,720 --> 01:58:00,800 million dollars to their tax digest. So, their conversation's a lot different 1555 01:57:59,480 --> 01:58:03,880 than the city of Stone Mountain right now. 1556 01:58:01,640 --> 01:58:08,480 So, we have to really look at that and focus, and I I I do commend staff, 1557 01:58:06,840 --> 01:58:13,120 um, and and the finance team because we're we're 1558 01:58:10,760 --> 01:58:17,920 initially were proposing a temp- a 10% increase. 1559 01:58:14,280 --> 01:58:22,760 To land at 5% increase, half of what was being proposed, less than a millage 1560 01:58:20,720 --> 01:58:27,280 rate, I think is impressive. Um, Council, I commend you all for 1561 01:58:25,120 --> 01:58:31,280 coming and doing extra meetings to try to figure this out. Staff was here with 1562 01:58:29,560 --> 01:58:35,560 us going over extra meetings, and I I I commend the public for being vocal and 1563 01:58:33,480 --> 01:58:39,760 letting us know kind of where you were because we all did this together. 1564 01:58:38,040 --> 01:58:44,880 Um, as we started to talk about staff, and I I I want to commend our staff for 1565 01:58:42,680 --> 01:58:46,840 wearing multiple hats. That's what a lot of people do not see. 1566 01:58:46,120 --> 01:58:52,680 » Yes. >> One position that I believe was was not 1567 01:58:49,640 --> 01:58:56,080 was eliminated was our HR position. But guess who's going to HR? Our city 1568 01:58:54,720 --> 01:59:00,520 clerk. And so, we have people that are coming 1569 01:58:57,920 --> 01:59:05,400 in working tireless days, sunup to sundown, to wear two hats to provide 1570 01:59:03,320 --> 01:59:08,760 services for these for the city because they believe in where we're going as a 1571 01:59:07,040 --> 01:59:13,040 city. They believe in this council, and they believe in this community. So, when 1572 01:59:11,000 --> 01:59:15,760 we're saying 16.75, remember you have people wearing 1573 01:59:14,240 --> 01:59:21,200 multiple hats that are earning that 16.75. 1574 01:59:18,680 --> 01:59:25,280 Last year, we were at 16, and the council voted for a rollback rate. That 1575 01:59:23,640 --> 01:59:28,920 wasn't the right move. Because what we're having to do now is 1576 01:59:26,720 --> 01:59:31,880 we look at this 16.75, it's trying to put us in a situation we 1577 01:59:30,560 --> 01:59:35,760 don't have to raise the millage rate in 2027. 1578 01:59:33,440 --> 01:59:39,400 Cuz our staff basically told us, "Look, this is a sustainable budget. 1579 01:59:37,840 --> 01:59:43,080 Position that we're not going to fill in 2027, we're not adding them, but things 1580 01:59:41,320 --> 01:59:47,400 that we need, we're going to make sure they're there." 1581 01:59:44,400 --> 01:59:51,800 You know, so I just I want the public I want the council to know like 1582 01:59:49,680 --> 01:59:55,640 yes, the millage rate inflation is at an all-time high. Everybody saw what 1583 01:59:53,440 --> 01:59:59,640 happened with gasoline prices. It shot prices up. A lot of stuff, believe it or 1584 01:59:57,800 --> 02:00:02,360 not, runs on oil. You know, a lot of the products that 1585 02:00:01,040 --> 02:00:06,000 you're buying runs on oil. So, that means those prices are going up. 1586 02:00:04,640 --> 02:00:11,280 So, it's more not a millage rate issue, but 1587 02:00:08,880 --> 02:00:15,720 a revenue generation issue. And our city has to now say, "What city do we really 1588 02:00:13,160 --> 02:00:19,280 want to be? Do we want to be a rural community truly?" Cuz we are a rural 1589 02:00:17,400 --> 02:00:21,640 community about population, but do we really want to be a rural community? And 1590 02:00:20,720 --> 02:00:26,440 let me tell you what's happening in rural Georgia. They're losing hospitals. 1591 02:00:24,520 --> 02:00:31,320 They're losing schools. They're losing fire departments. They're now having to 1592 02:00:28,520 --> 02:00:35,800 go and ask cities can they combine so they can have services. 1593 02:00:33,560 --> 02:00:41,400 But that's didn't happen overnight. That happened over years and years and years 1594 02:00:38,720 --> 02:00:44,960 of not in my backyard. Years of not moving the city forward. So, Stone 1595 02:00:42,960 --> 02:00:50,120 Mountain has a really tough decision to make. And I and I commend mayor I mean I 1596 02:00:47,800 --> 02:00:55,360 want to say mayor I commend council and I commend staff for finding a way to 1597 02:00:52,560 --> 02:00:59,160 meet in the middle, but also this is not the end, guys. We have to 1598 02:00:57,240 --> 02:01:02,160 really look forward because other than that we'll be coming back next year 1599 02:01:00,800 --> 02:01:06,400 asking for a higher millage rate if we do not put in the right work to grow our 1600 02:01:04,360 --> 02:01:08,920 revenues. I want to come here in the next three or four years and we're 1601 02:01:07,680 --> 02:01:12,960 talking about a millage rate that's decreasing because we've added revenue 1602 02:01:11,200 --> 02:01:17,240 and we've added development to our city. So, those are just the comments I have, 1603 02:01:15,240 --> 02:01:20,360 but I again I want to commend staff for for the hard work they put in and those 1604 02:01:19,080 --> 02:01:24,720 that are working tirelessly wearing multiple hats. 1605 02:01:21,920 --> 02:01:29,320 The the the job that goes unnoticed. So, um so, thank you all for that. Um 1606 02:01:27,080 --> 02:01:34,320 I guess that's all the discussion. Um so, there's no more discussion. Um if 1607 02:01:31,840 --> 02:01:40,280 if there's a motion on the floor >> I move to approve ordinance 2026-13 1608 02:01:37,520 --> 02:01:42,080 with the adopted millage rate of 16.75 mills. 1609 02:01:40,960 --> 02:01:46,880 » Second. >> All right, we have a motion and a 1610 02:01:43,280 --> 02:01:46,880 second. Any further discussion? 1611 02:01:47,480 --> 02:01:53,920 Okay, we'll call the vote. Council one. >> Council one, yes. 1612 02:01:51,600 --> 02:02:00,320 » Mark Brown, council two, yes. >> Ryan Smooth, council three, no. 1613 02:01:56,800 --> 02:02:00,320 » Kay Nuñez, council four, yes. 1614 02:02:00,640 --> 02:02:03,320 » Council five. 1615 02:02:03,800 --> 02:02:13,120 » Elaine Vaughn, six, yes. >> That is a 4-2 vote to adopt ordinance 1616 02:02:10,720 --> 02:02:17,080 2026-13 for a millage rate of 16.75. 1617 02:02:19,880 --> 02:02:28,560 We'll move for resolution 2026-11, city bank account for confiscated funds. 1618 02:02:48,200 --> 02:02:54,440 » Being one more time. So, as um 1619 02:02:52,000 --> 02:03:00,800 the finance director of Vincent, we do have this additional resolution to 1620 02:02:57,480 --> 02:03:05,960 create a new justice asset forfeiture program bank account. 1621 02:03:03,080 --> 02:03:11,440 This is so we will be in line with Department of Justice regulations rules 1622 02:03:08,760 --> 02:03:16,040 regarding forfeiture assets. One proposed One thing that I do think 1623 02:03:14,200 --> 02:03:21,160 we need to change in the proposed resolution 2026-11. 1624 02:03:18,960 --> 02:03:27,200 Um city manager brought to my attention if you look at page um the very last 1625 02:03:23,920 --> 02:03:31,600 page of the agenda packet, page 54. I will read it. 1626 02:03:28,120 --> 02:03:37,600 Three paragraph number paragraph three um is the requirements of the account. 1627 02:03:35,160 --> 02:03:41,320 For B, in the event that the city manager is unavailable, we feel like we 1628 02:03:39,520 --> 02:03:45,880 probably do need to add another signatory and I would propose the mayor. 1629 02:03:46,800 --> 02:03:52,200 And again, that would be, you know, in in the instance when city manager might 1630 02:03:50,400 --> 02:03:53,840 be out of town. Happy to answer any questions you may 1631 02:03:53,360 --> 02:03:57,200 have. >> Before we get started, is this the first 1632 02:03:55,760 --> 02:03:59,960 reading? >> It's a resolution. 1633 02:03:58,120 --> 02:04:02,800 » Is the resolution not No, okay. Okay, fine. 1634 02:04:01,840 --> 02:04:07,000 We'll start with the first starter proposal. 1635 02:04:04,520 --> 02:04:12,400 » That's all at this point. Thank you. >> And this is just about um compliance. 1636 02:04:09,080 --> 02:04:16,600 It's not We don't We don't plan to I know that I think we've asked a while 1637 02:04:14,160 --> 02:04:19,280 back about this about forfeitures and things like that and what we use this 1638 02:04:18,000 --> 02:04:22,600 money for. Um 1639 02:04:20,680 --> 02:04:25,520 There's not anything We're not Are we putting this into that? I know we were 1640 02:04:23,880 --> 02:04:29,440 talking about the Georgia fund one. Are we going to do that? 1641 02:04:26,560 --> 02:04:31,200 » No, this this has to be separate, yeah. Justice 1642 02:04:30,400 --> 02:04:34,520 » Okay. >> financial procedures and we fully expect 1643 02:04:33,560 --> 02:04:36,880 an audit. >> Yeah. 1644 02:04:34,760 --> 02:04:39,640 » Um and so by separating this out and keeping it separated, it will make the 1645 02:04:38,320 --> 02:04:45,080 audit process easier. >> All right. Thank you. That's all. 1646 02:04:41,920 --> 02:04:48,720 So, um if Mr. If Chief Westerfield decides 1647 02:04:46,600 --> 02:04:52,000 uh not to be involved with the city, we have to change this 1648 02:04:50,640 --> 02:04:56,000 ordinance, correct? >> It It's a resolution. Yes, we we we 1649 02:04:54,400 --> 02:05:01,800 would have to change it uh because we would need new signatories anyway. 1650 02:04:57,840 --> 02:05:03,240 » Yeah, I understand. I got it. Thank you. >> Okay. 1651 02:05:02,680 --> 02:05:08,000 » The floor. >> I have no questions at this time. 1652 02:05:05,920 --> 02:05:09,960 » The floor. >> No questions. 1653 02:05:09,240 --> 02:05:12,720 » The floor is open. >> The floor. 1654 02:05:10,920 --> 02:05:16,680 » Okay. Is there a motion? >> I'll make a motion to approve resolution 1655 02:05:14,640 --> 02:05:20,600 2026-11 author- author- author- 1656 02:05:21,240 --> 02:05:27,480 authorizing the establishment of a bank account for the deposits of personal 1657 02:05:25,000 --> 02:05:31,680 funds derived from Department of Justice asset forfeiture program, naming 1658 02:05:29,240 --> 02:05:35,440 signatory, and establishing accounting fund policies. 1659 02:05:32,880 --> 02:05:40,000 » Can you Can you also include adding the uh secondary signatory? 1660 02:05:36,920 --> 02:05:42,680 » And also add the secondary signatory to be the mayor. 1661 02:05:43,560 --> 02:05:47,400 » Uh I second. 1662 02:05:45,880 --> 02:05:50,440 » We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? 1663 02:05:49,160 --> 02:05:52,480 We'll call for the vote. Councilwoman Poston. 1664 02:05:50,960 --> 02:05:58,280 » Councilwoman Poston, yes. >> Councilman Post two, yes. 1665 02:05:54,440 --> 02:05:58,280 » Councilman Post three, yes. 1666 02:05:58,760 --> 02:06:04,560 » Councilwoman Post four, yes. >> Post five. 1667 02:06:06,920 --> 02:06:13,640 Okay, that is a unanimous vote for resolution 2026-11 1668 02:06:11,400 --> 02:06:19,440 city bank account of confiscated funds with the added signature of the mayor. 1669 02:06:18,200 --> 02:06:23,120 Okay. We now have remarks of privilege. 1670 02:06:24,200 --> 02:06:30,280 » Any remarks of privilege? >> Okay. 1671 02:06:27,760 --> 02:06:32,760 We uh now have announcements by the mayor. 1672 02:06:31,760 --> 02:06:36,920 All right. We got one. >> I do want to I don't want to forget. 1673 02:06:34,240 --> 02:06:40,720 Stone Mountain Day is having a fish fry at Leila Mason on June 19th from 5:00 to 1674 02:06:39,320 --> 02:06:45,440 7:00. Is it 3:00 to 7:00? 1675 02:06:43,280 --> 02:06:50,480 Is it 3:00 to 7:00? Is it 1676 02:06:47,560 --> 02:06:54,440 4:00 to 8:00. Okay, but it is on June 10th during 1677 02:06:55,720 --> 02:07:03,560 Okay, so just be sure to keep up with that. It was it's a very It's a very 1678 02:06:59,760 --> 02:07:03,560 well together that people come. 1679 02:07:04,200 --> 02:07:09,840 » Are there no more person privileges? We have announcements by the mayor. Um just 1680 02:07:08,360 --> 02:07:14,920 want to remind everybody our June 10th event is happening on Friday along with 1681 02:07:12,600 --> 02:07:18,600 the fish fry. I think we kind of have same time schedules and that'll be from 1682 02:07:16,600 --> 02:07:22,640 5:00 to 7:00 and then following that it'll be tunes by the track from 7:00 to 1683 02:07:20,280 --> 02:07:27,480 9:00. Um other announcements from the mayor, I just want council and public to 1684 02:07:24,720 --> 02:07:31,760 know it's okay to disagree. It it is okay to disagree and that's part of 1685 02:07:29,480 --> 02:07:37,360 having good debate on council and having a strong council. Um so that's all 1686 02:07:35,040 --> 02:07:42,160 announcements I have by the mayor. Um and I think we have executive session 1687 02:07:41,200 --> 02:07:47,760 if there's a motion. >> Yes, I move to adjourn to executive 1688 02:07:44,800 --> 02:07:49,560 session to discuss real estate. >> Second. 1689 02:07:48,520 --> 02:07:51,960 » All right, there's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All in 1690 02:07:51,000 --> 02:07:54,360 favor. >> Aye. 1691 02:16:09,880 --> 02:16:12,000 » Mhm. 1692 02:18:04,760 --> 02:18:06,920 » Mhm. 1693 02:21:54,760 --> 02:21:56,920 » Mhm. 1694 02:23:49,760 --> 02:23:51,960 » Okay. 1695 02:25:44,760 --> 02:25:46,920 » Mhm. 1696 02:27:39,760 --> 02:27:41,920 » Mhm. 1697 02:29:34,760 --> 02:29:36,920 » Mhm. 1698 02:33:22,480 --> 02:33:24,760 » You do. 1699 02:35:19,760 --> 02:35:21,920 » Yeah. 1700 02:37:14,760 --> 02:37:16,920 » Mhm. 1701 02:38:25,280 --> 02:38:31,600 » So I would move to adjourn the executive session where we discuss real estate and 1702 02:38:30,600 --> 02:38:34,040 litigation. >> I second. 1703 02:38:32,840 --> 02:38:39,840 » All right, there's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? 1704 02:38:36,600 --> 02:38:42,800 Okay, we'll call for the vote. Um those sorry, those in favor 1705 02:38:41,360 --> 02:38:46,920 » Denise Glasgow, vote one, yes. >> Mark Reynolds, vote two, yes. 1706 02:38:44,440 --> 02:38:51,360 » Ryan Smith, vote three, yes. >> Amy Hance, vote four, yes. 1707 02:38:49,520 --> 02:38:56,200 » Don Jordan, vote five, yes. >> Goodnight Von, vote six, yes. 1708 02:38:53,400 --> 02:39:00,040 » Okay, that's a unanimous vote to adjourn executive session where we discuss real 1709 02:38:58,160 --> 02:39:02,000 estate and litigation. Now we're at the favorite part of our agenda. 1710 02:39:01,920 --> 02:39:07,600 Um >> Can I ask a question? 1711 02:39:03,040 --> 02:39:07,600 » I move to resume the work session. 1712 02:39:08,600 --> 02:39:15,200 » All right, there's a motion and a second to resume the work session. 1713 02:39:13,280 --> 02:39:19,200 Uh we'll call all in favor. >> Aye. 1714 02:39:17,120 --> 02:39:20,760 » I move to adjourn. >> There we go. Is there a second for 1715 02:39:20,360 --> 02:39:23,400 adjournment? >> I'll second. 1716 02:39:21,480 --> 02:39:27,120 » All right, Mark seconded. Uh is there a motion and a second for 1717 02:39:25,240 --> 02:39:30,600 discussion? If not, we'll call for the vote. All in favor. 1718 02:39:28,280 --> 02:39:30,600 » Aye. 1719 02:41:03,200 --> 02:41:05,960 » He's right here. 1720 02:41:07,000 --> 02:41:10,680 » Yeah, he running. >> Yeah, yeah, I got it. 1721 02:41:09,200 --> 02:41:13,640 » What you want, man? >> That was always you. 1722 02:41:14,320 --> 02:41:18,280 » What What is it? >> What do you want, man?