[6:51] Good evening. Welcome to the regularly scheduled session of the mayor and city council of the city of College Park. I'm Mayor Bianca Mley Broom. We have a quorum present with council members K Arnold and Gay. And so and council member McKenzie. We are at full quorum. Uh, and so at this time I will call the meeting to order at 7:32 PM. And the first item on our agenda is the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the 
[7:23] republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Chaplain Debt will be doing our invocation this evening. Good evening, Mayor and Council and all who are present. Let us pray. Eternal God, creator of every nation and 
[7:54] author of every good and perfect gift, we honor you tonight. We thank you for the city of College Park for its history, its diversity, its resilience, and its promise. In this month of March, as seasons begin to shift and new life begins to rise, we ask that you would breathe fresh vision and fresh unity into this city. Knit us together across generations, cultures, and backgrounds. Though we are a multicultural community, help us honor every story and every 
[8:26] contribution that shapes our city. Lord, we pray that you'll bless our mayor, council members, city manager, department heads, and every public servant gathered here. Your word says in Proverbs 11, where there's no counsel, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors, there's safety. Let decisions made in this room promote equity and opportunity for all. Make College Park a city that repairs, breaches, restore trust, and rebuilds hope. We pray for the economic vitality 
[8:58] that businesses flourish, that families find sustainable opportunity, that young people see a future here. And God, according to your word, we seek the peace and prosperity of the city. For as it prospers, so shall we prosper. Lord, guide conversations tonight. Where there are challenges, grand solutions. where there's vision, grand provision, let this community reflect your love. We commit this meeting, this month of March, and the future of College Park into your hands. And we pray this in the 
[9:29] name of God, the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. And all who agree, say, "Amen." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Good. Well, good evening, Mayor Council, wonderful citizens of College Park. I will be reading the civility pledge. The way we govern ourselves is often as important as the positions we take. Our collective decisions will be better when differing views have had the opportunity 
[10:00] to be fully vetted and considered. All people have the right to be treated with respect, courtesy, and openness. We value all input. We commit to conduct ourselves at all times with civility and courtesy to each other. Thank you, Chief. >> Good evening, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tim, council members, city manager, citizens, visitors. I'd like to share a brief fire safety message with you. In event of a 
[10:30] fire and emergency, please remain calm and proceed to the nearest exit. Exit signs are clearly marked throughout the building. Two to the front and two are to the rear. Follow the direction of College Park staff to designated assembly areas. Once outside, please remain in the assembly area until further instructions are given by city personnel. If you notice smoke or fire during the meeting, please please alert staff and follow evacuation instructions. Your safety is our priority. Thank you for your attention. >> Thank you, Chief. 
[11:01] >> Agenda item two, additions, deletions, amendments, or changes to the agenda. >> All right. Are there any >> uh mayor I have one uh that item 9A and 9B be moved to the uh regular agenda. >> All right. And we have actually not been following Robert's rules of order in that regard. the the consent uh calendar or consent agenda under 41-32 of Robert's rules um allows for any 
[11:32] member of the body if they have object to an item being on the consent agenda for it to be removed to regular business. So that as a matter of his objection that is an objection. >> Yes ma'am. >> All right. So 9A and 9B will move to 10 E and 10 F >> on point of order, matering at all. If someone requests a consent agenda item to be removed, it has to be voted 
[12:04] on. We have Robin's rules of order and there different variations of that in the same book. We followed that. Unless we're going to change that and you no one's going to arbitrarily change a rule up here because they want to just change a rule arbitrarily up here. >> Uh you're correct, sir. And item and 41- colon 32 of Robert's rules of order which this body has chosen to adopt and has has they've adopted variations to 
[12:34] that as written. This is not one of those that is written. So, in that case, we follow Robert's rules of order. 41-32 says any member of the body who objects to something being on the consent agenda can have it removed. >> That's not the case at all, mayor. We adapt variations and we've adapted variations. You have not been recognized and I'm happy to recognize you, but 41-32, legislators, city, town, or county councils or other assemblies which have a heavy workload, including a large number of routine or non-controversial 
[13:06] matters may find a consent calendar a useful tool in for disposing of such items of of business. Commonly, when such a matter has been introduced or reported by a committee for consideration in the assembly, its sponsor or sometimes an administrator may seek to have it placed on the consent calendar. This calendar is called over periodically at a point established in the agenda by special rule of order at least preceding standing committee reports. The matters listed on it are taken up in order unless objected to in which case they are restored to the ordinary process by which they are placed in line for 
[13:36] consideration on the regular agenda. And so those two items 9A and 9B we will put as items 10 E and 10 F. Are there any? >> Yes, there there are comments. No, we will necessarily not do that. We have adopted dozens and dozens of parts of Robert's rules and there are dozens of parts that we have not adopted. >> That is not the case. >> Council member, I've not acknowledged you and I would ask that if you can cite to the specific 
[14:07] point at which this body has adopted something other than this for consent agendas, please point that that to me. as the chair and Robert's rules of order apply and we are going by 41-32 >> comment now >> council member car go right ahead >> right again point of order being I heard what you're saying but at this point I'd like to make a motion that we continue with the consent agenda protocols as we have before and that's my motion >> and what is that specifically >> city manager city attorney the same way 
[14:39] we have been doing this consent agenda since we adopted a consent agenda, which means if someone objects, they can state the objections and we vote on the final agenda with the changes or without them. >> At what point do we state our objections? >> You just did. >> Is there a second to council member K's motion? >> Motion dies for lack of a second. So 41-32, anyone can pull it off. We'll 
[15:11] move those to 10E and 10F. Any other additions, deletions, amendments, or changes to the agenda? That would take a motion. >> U clarification. >> Council member Arnold, >> can we please get the parliamentarian to ple clarify exactly what the process is? >> Robert's rules of order provides that any member of the body can uh remove an item from the consent agenda. For an item to be on the consent agenda requires unanimous ascent of the members. As Councilman Kin correctly points out, that has not been our 
[15:42] practice. Uh for since almost since we've had a consent agenda, what we've been doing is making a motion to amend the agenda, including adding items to or removing items from the consent agenda. And one member has not unilaterally made that decision, but rather it has required a vote of the entire governing body. Councilman K's position is we should continue with making these adjustments to the agenda based on the vote of the council. The mayor's point is that under Robert's rules, it does not require a 
[16:13] vote of the council. Rather, a single member can say, "I want an item removed from the consent agenda. And since it's no longer unanimous, that item has to come off the consent agenda and go to the regular agenda to be vetted and discussed." That's the lay of the land. But the mayor is correct on the letter of Robert's rules. Councilman Car is correct in that we have not followed Robert's rules ever since we started with a consent agenda almost two years ago. >> Well, again I would recommend that we do stick to that rule that we have been 
[16:44] following. Now if we change the rule >> council member to be council member I would ask that again I haven't acknowledged you but um your motion did died for lack of a second. So, if I could please finish. >> Go right ahead. Go. And you have the floor. >> I wanted to make sure everyone got an understanding of what we're talking about here. The other thing is this. If anybody can arbitrarily remove everything or anything or everything they want off the consent agenda, then 
[17:15] we defeat the purpose of having a consent agenda. Because going by that logic, I could say, well, take everything off the consent agenda and we don't even have one and everyone else can. Now, I understand that people want to take things off and that's understandable, but the whole body has to agree and I think that's the most democratic way to do it. >> Thank you, sir. All right. So, >> so I what I would like to get a clear understanding for and restate my motion in a different manner where I hope 
[17:45] everyone can understand is that we continue along the lines of the consent agenda as we have before where no one person says that goes and this stays. Instead, the collective body decides what goes on the consent agenda or what does not go on the consent agenda. >> May the motion die already for >> Hold on. Hold on. Council member Gay, I haven't acknowledged you and so go ahead council car. Make your motion. >> So I'm restating my motion again where the decisions in terms of consent agenda 
[18:16] are collective by the body as opposed to an individual. >> All right. Is there a second? Motion dies for lack of a second. So item 10E will be the old 9A and that is the contract for uh believe that give me one moment here that's professional service agreement with Ulyses Grady 
[18:47] and 10F will be the PSA for the city planner for strategic planning initiatives. >> Any other changes to the agenda? >> Madame Mayor, >> I do have a change to the agenda as well. >> Council member K. And then, Madam Clerk, >> uh, going by that logic, I would motion that we remove everything off the consent agenda and place it on the regular agenda. >> Okay. All right. And so uh 9 C now 
[19:18] becomes 10 G the SCAD contract and 9 D the department head now becomes H. and 
[19:48] 9E becomes 10 I which is the contractual services for NOVA engineering and I'm sorry uh 9F becomes 10 H I J 10 J. Okay. And that is the consideration for 
[20:19] Amadeus, the renewal of Amadeus. And 10K is NE is the previous 9G to extend the airport west C. I have one more mayor. >> Okay, give me one moment here. We got one more. JKL10L is now the youth civic advisory board travel 
[20:51] and council member Gay. I uh called on Miss Bogner before, so I will come to you right afterwards. Miss Bogner. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Staff requests removal of agenda item 8A. >> 8A is >> the request to set a public hearing to amend appendix A zoning article 12 boards and commissions. >> Okay. as well as 8B, the request to set a public hearing to amend appendix A, 
[21:22] the zoning, article one, basic provisions, and article three, zoning districts intense, uses, and standards for short-term rentals. >> Okay. and rent by the room housing as well as removing item 10D. >> Okay. >> Which is the consideration of action on a request to approve an ordinance pertaining to short-term rentals. Okay. >> And 9H, there's an update to the GL 
[21:54] account number. It should read 100 1150 52 6230 and that's the previous 9h which is uh now the that is 10 L correct youth civic advisory board. >> Yes madam mayor. >> Okay. All right. 
[22:25] Okay, so everything's been removed from the consent agenda. We are also removing items 8A, 8B, 10D, and in addition to the new 10L, the youth civic advisory board, uh that GL number is 100, 1150 623. Is there a motion? >> Just want a clarification. You said 10 D, not 10B, right? >> Correct. D is D is in dog. Okay. >> All right. So, is there a motion for those four items? 
[22:56] >> Motion. >> Thank you, Council Member K. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Council Member Gay. Any discussion? >> Hearing none, we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? >> That is unanimous. Is there a motion to approve the agenda? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Council Member K. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Council Member Gay. Any discussion? >> Hearing none, we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? I >> that is unanimous. >> Next agenda item 4 a consideration of an 
[23:27] action or request approving award to board appointment to the board of zoning appeals. This item is sponsored by mayor pro Tim Joe Karm. >> Council member Karm, what is your uh who's your appointee? >> I'll be appointing uh Mr. Timothy Spencer to planning commission. >> This is Board of Zoning Appeals. >> I'm sorry. Uh Board of Zoning and Appeals, excuse me. Is that a motion? >> That's a motion. >> All right. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Council Member Arnold. Any discussion? 
[23:58] >> Hearing none, we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? >> I. >> That is unanimous. >> Item 5A, workshop session minutes dated February 16th, 2026. >> Is there a motion? >> So move. >> Thank you, Council Member Arnold. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Council Member K. Any discussion? Hearing none, we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? >> I. >> That is unanimous. >> Item 5B, regular session minutes, dated February 16th, 2026. 
[24:29] >> Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Council Member Arnold. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Council Member K. Any discussion? >> Discussion. >> Council member Mackenzie. >> Okay. Page packet page number 92, line 1306. It should say negotiate up to the fair market value for purchase of 412022 not of the highest appraisal. That was not my motion. 
[24:59] So we need to remove of the highest appraisal. Any further discussion? None. All those I'm sorry. >> I thought I heard something. All those in favor? >> I >> Oh, wait. Council Burn the motion for Make sure your microphone is closer. 
[25:36] Okay. No, I'm good. >> Okay. All right. All those in favor? >> That is unanimous. All right. We've got some new employees to meet. Item 6A, introduction of new employees in the month of February 2026. 
[26:10] Good evening, mayor and council. We I would like for our new employees for the month of February uh to come up and introduce themselves by telling us their name and their department. 
[26:44] Uh name Douglas Harvey Jr. department. College Park Police Department >> named Tiara Reine, College Park Police Department. >> Hello, my name is Jamal Dossi and I'm with the fire department. >> Hello, my name is Jasmine Bostic and I'm with the fire department. 
[27:25] Oh, excellent job. All right, group. >> I don't want to split up. >> No, that's a good idea. That's an excellent idea. It's not the first time. All right, on the count of three, group. One, two, and three. Again. One, two, and three. Last time. A little happier. Perfect. Here we go. All right. Hold on. 
[27:56] >> All right. One more. And one more. There you go. Good file. Thank you. Next item is employee allstar of the month recognition February 2026. All right. So this employee joined the city of College Park in March 2011 and 
[28:27] has shown outstanding leadership initiative and has made an impact on our public safety team. She has been instrumental in transforming the special operations traffic division by improving productivity, strengthening accountability, and enhancing overall effectiveness. Under her leadership, the unit has contributed to a significant slowdown in criminal activity in the key areas of the city, including O National Parkway, College View Hills, and the Main Street Quarter. Her strategic 
[28:59] direction and proactive approach have produced meaningful results that directly benefit the College Park community. She demonstrates exceptional leadership maintains order and ensures safety during critical incidents. Her professionalism, composure, and unwavering commitment to the citizens exemplify high standards and dedication. Please join me in congratulating Lieutenant Jean Robinson on this well-deserved recognition. 
[29:45] >> You're welcome. All right. On three. One, two, and three. Again. One, two, and three. Perfect. Chief, would you join us? >> All right. Group one, two, and three. 
[30:18] Again. two good. >> Next agenda item is recognition for a BA board member Lisa Parker. Ward two. Next is a proclamation recognizing Johnny Marie Williams. This item is sponsored by Councilwoman Dr. Jamal 
[30:48] McKenzie and Mayor Pro Tim Joe. >> Now y'all know Miss Johnny's my shining star, but she's a everyday star. And so we love you, Miss Johnny. She is truly a 
[31:19] legacy and an icon here in the city of College Park. So, I'm going to read this. City of College Park proclamation for Miss Johnny Marie Williams. Whereas Miss Johnny Marie Williams, a proud native of the state of Georgia, has faithfully called the city of College Park home for the past 27 years, returning from Texas to reinvest her life and leadership into the community she cherishes. And whereas 
[31:50] through her distinguished professional career, Miss Williams has exemplified dedication and excellence serving in accounting with Atlanta Gaslight, in human resources at Dallas Fort Worth Airport, and in administrative leadership with AGI in Atlanta, contributing her skills and integrity across multiple industries. And whereas Miss Williams was united in marriage to the late Iran Williams, who faithfully 
[32:21] served for 35 years in administration with Northwest Airlines, later Del Delta Airlines. And together they built a legacy of love, faith, and family. And whereas they raised three devoted sons, Irvin Williams Jr., Eric Williams, and Dexter Williams. And Miss Johnny continues to be a proud and loving mother, grandmother to four 
[32:51] grandchildren, and great grandmother to one greatg grandandchild, serving as the matriarch of a strong and vibrant family. And whereas Mrs. Williams is a faithful member of Hedland Heights United Methodist Church, a congregation founded by her greatgrandmother reflecting her deeprooted spiritual heritage and generational commitment to faith and service. And whereas guided by her personal motto, if you see 
[33:23] something, say something, Miss Williams has demonstrated unwavering civic engagement, consistently advocating for transparency, accountability, and progress within the city of College Park. And I'm thankful for you. And whereas as a concerned and active citizen living in Ward 1, she has worked collaboratively with council members to strengthen this city and has been a staunch advocate for city 
[33:54] employees and equitable salaries. And she remains deeply committed to ensuring that College Park continues to grow, to thrive, and to welcome new residents. And whereas Mrs. Williams values community, cherishes her neighbors, and exemplifies the spirit of involvement, communication, and service that helps build a stronger and more connected College Park. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor, the mayor pro 
[34:26] Tim, and the city council of the city of College Park, Georgia, that we do hereby recognize Miss Johnny Marie Williams for her dedicated service, civic advoc advocacy, family leadership, and enduring commitment to making College Park a better place for all. proclaim this second day of March 2026 and we appreciate you. You got to say something. 
[35:01] I want to say thank you to all of you and I do appreciate this. Give me a hold your purse for the photo so you don't have it. >> I won't. >> Somebody Somebody search this. >> Nice. 
[35:38] Tilt it forward just a little bit more. We're going to do it a couple ways. Here we go. One, two, three. One, two, three. Lower the down just a little bit. There we go. Good. One, two, three. Thank you. 
[36:13] Next item is a proclamation recognizing Garland Watkins. This item is sponsored by Councilwoman Dr. Jamal McKenzie. We just had our black history program and we celebrated unsung heroes in the city of College Park. But this gentleman that I'm about to present this proclamation is truly one of the unsung 
[36:44] heroes of the city of College Park with a family that dates back to the beginnings of College Park and he has worked tirelessly to make sure that we preserve the history and I truly appreciate you. I got involved in the historical society while you were the president and we just appreciate you tremendously. The proclamation reads city of College Park proclamation to Mr. Garland Watkins. Whereas Mr. Garland Watkins is a proud native and lifelong 
[37:15] son of the city of College Park, Georgia, having grown up in the very community that helped shape his character, values, and lifelong commitment to history and education. And whereas Mr. Watkins attended Georgia Military Academy and graduated from College Park High School and is one of nine family members with ties to Georgia Military Academy and its successor 
[37:45] successor which is Woodward Academy reflecting a deep and enduring family legacy in education within our city. Garland is a graduate of the University of Georgia and earned a master's degree in technical communication from what is now Kennesaw State University, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence and lifelong ling. And whereas Mr. Watkins dedicated 33 years 
[38:18] of professional service to Delta Airlines, primarily in training and development, and following his retirement continued his impactful work with Sunrust and UPS, contributing his expertise in leadership and organizational development. And whereas Garland possesses a deep appreciation for sports, home stewardship, and community life, and is especially passionate about the rich history of 
[38:48] College Park, particularly the transformative years of 1890 through 1900 when the city evolved from its original industrial B vision as Manchester to a thriving community centered on gentile living and higher education. And whereas since relocating to College Park as a senior citizen in 2007, Mr. Watkins has found great joy in residing in the historic Watkins home on 
[39:21] Rugby Avenue adjacent to the main entrance of Woodward Academy, a treasured residence that has housed five generations of the Watkins family and stands as a living testament to the city's architectural and cultural heritage. And whereas the Watkins home has been featured on historic tours three times, most recently on April 23rd, 2023 when the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation included historic 
[39:52] College Park in its spring ramble, welcoming over 200 visitors, I was one of them, to experience the city's history and hospitality. And whereas Mr. Watkins served faithfully for many years as president of the College Park Historical Society, educating and inspiring residents through presentations on topics including the historic College Park Golf Course, the early history of Woodward Academy, the 
[40:23] College Park United Methodist Church, and thereby preserving and sharing the city's rich narrative. And whereas he graciously passes the leadership torch to Karen Jeremy and commends the city of College Park for its continued investment she said in preserving history for future generations. And whereas although Mr. Watkins is re relocating to North Carolina to be closer to his daughter. He remains 
[40:55] forever connected to College Park and promises frequent returns and Zoom calls to witness the city's continued progress and contribution to history in 2026 and beyond. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor, the mayor pro Tim, and the city council of the city of College Park, Georgia, that we do hereby recognize you, Mr. Garland Watkins, for 
[41:26] your sincere, lifelong dedication to preserving, celebrating, and advancing the history and the heritage of the city of College Park. Proclaimed the second day of March, 2026. and you are forever treasured in the legacy of the city of College Park. Thank you. 
[41:56] >> Good evening everybody and thank you so much uh Mayor Pro Tim McKenzie for championing uh the revitalization of the historical society. Uh, Mayor uh, Mley Broom, you may not know this, but the historical society has its uh, roots in the history of one of your predecessors, Mayor Ralph Presley, who in 1978, I'm convinced, called upon everybody he knew and said, "Bring us what you've got in the way of College Park history, Georgia 
[42:28] history, US history, world history." Uh, we've been able to purge a lot of that less relevant stuff. And now look forward uh I'm told to welcoming the world this summer who's coming for the World Cup who'll be up and down Virginia Avenue over here at the hotels at the GIC and we're convinced that they're going to be interested in this sense of place uh that they're residing for a week or two weeks, however long the case might be. Now, quickly, you mentioned uh 
[43:00] the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. When they were here three years ago, they were all amazed that College Park had survived what I would call the triple whammy, that being airport expansion in the 70s, Martya expansion in the 80s, and the threat of a fifth runway in the '9s. So, I was around for uh that part of College Park history. Didn't quite make it for those 1890 years, but I'm going to spare y'all that spiel for tonight. Thanks so much. I really appreciate it. Okay. 
[43:39] >> All right. Another piece of history right here. >> That's exactly right. >> Yeah. Perfect. On three. One, two, and three. Again. One, two, and three. Last time. Perfect. Thank you. 
[44:14] Next agenda item, remarks of citizens. First public comment, Johnny Williams. Good evening, mayor and council. I'm 
[44:44] back again about the sanitation workers raise. Have they been >> given their raise yet? >> Not yet. >> How long is it going to take? We typically don't do a back and forth on it. >> Okay. I'm coming back again until they get it now. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And they need a raise. They are hard workers and they're not making no money. They're working two jobs and that is not fair to them. They they work harder than anyone else for the city of College 
[45:14] Park. And I expect for you to do well by them. No 2%, no 3%. Okay. >> Thank you, ma'am. >> All right. Next public comment, Jamal McKenzie. >> Yeah, I'm going to yield my time because I I didn't know if Miss Johnny or someone else needed it. 
[45:45] >> Next public comment. Uh Bianca Mley Broom. >> Yield to James Walker. And the next public comment I have is James Walker. >> Good evening, mayor and council. I stand before you tonight before the residents of College Park, not surprised, just disappointed again. And in the words of Miss Johnny Williams, if you see something, say something. And I'm going to say something. Because apparently in 
[46:15] this city, transparency is optional. Procurement rules are flexible and accountability depends entirely upon who's being held accountable. The public trust is not a prop. It's not a suggestion and it certainly is not something to gamble with. By judging by the last events over the last 12 months, that's exactly what's been happening here in College Park. So, since some of you may choose to scroll through your phones, send text messages, or otherwise signal your complete disinterest in public oversight, I will redirect my 
[46:46] comments to the people who matter the most. Citizens of College Park, let's review your city procurement policies. Expenditures over $10,000 must go through competitive bids. Not should, not if convenient, not unless we know somebody. Must. Why? Because competitive bids protect taxpayers. They ensure fairness, prevent favoritism, and build public trust. But apparently, when the rules become inconvenient, we just find a workaround. 
[47:17] Even the appearance of circumventing procurement rules erodess public confidence. And historically speaking, ignoring procurement laws is one of the fastest ways for elected officials to find themselves explaining things to investigators and district attorneys rather than the constituents. Now, let's talk about the patterns. In the last 12, excuse me, the last 16 to 20 months, three city managers gone. 15 key employees and department leaders gone. Police chief gone. procurement 
[47:50] manager gone and the procurement manager's alleged offense trying to follow procurement policies. Sound familiar to anybody out there? Does that feel like stability to you? If you're fired or forced out everyone who insists on following the rules, eventually what you are left with are people who don't ask questions and just follow blind leadership from uneducated people. Transparency is not optional to government people. is foundational. Now, let's address agenda items. I think it's 
[48:22] 10E and 10F. Now, we have professional service agreements allegedly executed without prior council approval in violation of the procurement policy. Executed first, approved later, maybe. And we're expected to casually pass through the consent agenda like it's approving minutes from the last council meeting. If there is even a question about whether agreements were executed improperly, that deserves full discussion. So, thank you, K, for putting that on the agenda, 
[48:52] not concealment inside a consent agenda. But transparency suddenly becomes complicated when it involves this council. Since I have very little confidence that it will be addressed openly here, Mr. Mo James IVth and myself will be interviewing the latest victim of this inept and unprincipled governing body, the former procurement manager Jerel Jones >> on unmuted >> live. >> Thank you. >> That's three minutes. >> Well, that was three. >> Yes. >> Oh, >> on unmuted live on Speak Up College Park 
[49:22] because apparently that's where transparency now lives. >> Now, let's move to the second observation. Councilman Joe K has introduced an item to clarify spending guidelines for community enhancement funds. clarify. That's interesting because those funds were already approved in this year's budget. The city manager can spend up to $10,000 without approval, but the mayor the mayor must now seek council approval to spend any amount, $5, $10, even 75. The city manager appointed can spend 10,000. The mayor elected citywide by more votes 
[49:54] than every council member combined would need permission to spend pocket change. And we're supposed to believe that this is oversight. Hell, the mayor can't even get an item on the agenda without going through members of this council, a procedure hurdle that has never been mandated by our charter and has never been the case with any other mayor in this city. There is no such requirement in the charter. And perhaps that's why there's been so much resistance to actually reviewing and updating our charter because clarity tends to interfere with their control. 
[50:25] And speaking of oversight, if spending oversight truly matters, it should apply evenly. Yet publicly available records show questions about Joe Karen spending. Trash cans purchased during an election season with city credit card yet being reimbured to him personally. Bulk gift cards with unclear public purpose. Liquidation outlet purchases without explanation. Other expenditures with minimum description of city benefits. Expensing products purchased at Bargain City for reimbursement from the city but later labeling them as campaign 
[50:56] expenditures on his campaign disclosure. If oversight is so important, then surely it should apply consistently, not selectively. Now, let's discuss the search for the city manager. Originally, there's an RFQ process for nationwide search firm. Then, somehow that disappeared. And now, the search has allegedly been assigned to a firm that may not specialize in municipal executive recruitment at all, but does specialize in public health. H. So, let me get this straight. A city that has cycled through three city managers in 
[51:26] just over a year is now possibly bypassing competitive procedure processes to assign its most critical leadership search to a firm that does not primarily recruit city managers. Please tell me that's inaccurate. Make it make sense. But if this is true, it's not just concerning. It's reckless. My time is running out. So let me just leave you with this. I can't go into all relevant details in 6 minutes. Surely I urge everyone to join us continuing this conversation on unmuted which will be hosted live on Speak Up College Park 
[51:56] with special guest documentation and receipts. You won't want to miss this episode. And council, we would love if you could tune in. You might just learn something. >> Thank you, sir. >> Next public comment, Alan Willis. 
[52:29] My name is Alan Willis, 2625 Lakeshore Drive, Ward 4. Good evening, council. >> Good evening. >> I um I live here. I've been here a little while, but I want to tell you something about what I like about where I live. It's a real nice community. We have nice seniors and young people in it. But what is appalling to me is the fact that we have some type of situation in front of us where they have multiple 
[53:01] people living, okay, Airbnbs, whatever they call it. What most people don't understand, we came here and we paid our money and bought these homes to retire. We don't want to be part of the rest of the story. That's what motel are for. Okay. All we want put the Airbnbs and I know on the 23rd we're going to discuss that publicly, but I want to let you all know from my perspective I believe in public safety and all it's our children. 
[53:33] We just built a brand new park out there, revitalized it for the children. Now, anybody could just come into our community from any direction and just set up house for two or three days and we don't know who they are and get in the way of us driving back and forth to take care of our normal business. Um, I think that that's something that we need to address right now and immediately so that we don't and I'm not mistaken that we collect funds 
[54:05] already from these places. If that's the case, you're speaking about transparency. How about writing that down so that everybody in the city can read it? Cuz I need to read it. I don't enjoy seeing that every day when I wake up, four or five cars in front of my yard and when I go and visit my friends, you can't even get to their house on certain nights because cars are on both sides of the street and that's not what the street is designed for. Uh, thank you and hopefully we'll see you when we 
[54:37] have the public hearing so that we could voice our opinion. >> Thank you so much. Next public comment is Demetrius Taylor. >> And I'm yielding my time to him. >> Okay. Thank Thank you, ma'am. >> All right. All right. >> Have mercy. 
[55:07] >> Good evening, everyone. >> Good evening. >> Uh, let me take my glasses off because I want to look I want y'all to see me. Okay, I'm going to start. Um, it's a joyous occasion for me because this is my birthday season. I'm 56 on Wednesday. Okay. However, um, like my friend here who just came before me, Mr. Walker, uh, I am I'm going to say some things that you're probably not going to like, but what else is different? What's different? Um I'm very tired of the 
[55:40] negative media press that we're getting and it's all seemed to be convoluted. It also seemed to be orchestrated. Um what we have here uh is something that is underlined that that is being synergy is is looping and that there is the word is corruption and every time that word comes up it always comes up in vague. is always or the council, the council, the council, the council. And I'm at a point now to where I'm like, name names, 
[56:12] >> okay? Because I'm sick of the council. All right? Because not everybody on the council is doing these dastardly deeds or whatever. I want names. Now, I'm going to cover the call to YouTube right here because right now the uh we went up under how much money being spent and this that and the other and Rex Williams, Rex Williams came down here last time and just basically set off a detonator. Uh we hear Jerel was just interviewed on television and Jerel's 
[56:43] name came up and then they brought up Lindell Miller's name again. And then they brought up Connie Rogers name again and all the time that that that the underlining thing is policy that keeps coming up. We got council trying to go against policy. Now the policy is what I'm trying to find out what they going against because when we have the audit, the audit said that the money is fine. The audit said that the money is intact. The audit said that we're good financially. So what policy is are we going up against? Because if the money is there, are we going up against the 
[57:15] policy where we spending money from other places and putting it here? Are we taking it here and putting it here when it's not supposed to be? Because uh Councilman Gay, you alluded to that last time when Rex said that Lindell took the money and and funded your things. You basically said, "Oh, well, yeah, I put her there for that." You said that. You said, "Well, yeah, I did this and she was a recommendation. I did. I did. I did." So basically, you were admitting just that. So is that true or is it not? Because right now, what we have is a lot 
[57:46] of allegations. And I'm tired of the media sitting up there coming here. Every time we get stuff up here, the media's here for the negative stuff. Nobody showed up for the black history program to talk about how wondrous uh College Park is. We have wonderful information that came out with our black history program. No one shows up for the good in this city, but yet everybody want to show up for the negative. And I'm I'm real real real real real real real tired of that. Another thing, uh, Councilman Arnold, I said, I'm gonna talk to the two of you because you've been under scrutiny. That $100,000 that 
[58:16] went to that organization that was only a couple of days old, uh, paperwise that we gave $100,000 to, nobody still knows what's going on with that. I have not heard anything. No one has known. So here we are with money going out and no paperwork, no nothing, no receivables that says what is going on, what is happening. And so now when we come up to these particular kinds of things, I fight for this council because I believe in you. But when you tie my hands and I 
[58:47] don't know what to do, it becomes a problem. Now Mayor Pro Tim James Walker just sit up here. Apparently, he get this information from you, Mly Broom, because you just stood up there did a video today. Oh, I got receipts of the da da and I got this from open records. And so, you're feeding your constituency all of this in the name of, oh, I want the public to understand this when all we get is a lot of fuel and a lot of rhetoric that get the rest the natives restless. And then we're trying to figure out what's going on because you say you don't want to work with nobody. 
[59:18] and everything is fitting the the the notion and the narrative about how you don't like working with your colleagues and that there is troublesome. Mayor Pro Tim, now they coming for you saying that your money is is is this and you got this and you did this and now you know we got nefarious this and you doing this. What's going on? Because the books are saying this but now receipts are saying elsewhere. The only person and they tried to come for you Dr. McKenzie, but because you have public uh 
[59:51] donations, you got businesses that help you out to do your things, they can't touch you. And that's what they get upset about because your record stands clear. Everybody else, they come for it. Why? Because they we keep hearing transparency. I wish to God we could remove that from the English language during this during this time. A transparency and accountability. But if you guys are not going to sit down here and show us the work and not sit there copy attitude and go off because somebody stepped on your toes or removed your signs and this that you get mad and 
[1:00:24] now you want to dish tea because you mad. That's not what this is all about. This is about the work. And I for one am tired of having to come up asking asking questions or at least trying to defend it. And then we got the naysayers or whatever who didn't believe in you in the first place to sit up there and keep putting axes and keep putting nails in the coffin when all you got to do is say, "Hey, this is what this is." If we are not doing what the policy says to do, why are we doing it? If we're trying 
[1:00:56] to have creative financing, why are we not saying, "Let's get creative with this and find different ways to doing this." If we need more money, how come we are not soliciting our businesses to come in to be partners with us instead of trying to to nickel and dab somebody? Is that six minutes? >> Thank you, sir. >> All right. >> Next, Tangi Warrior. 
[1:01:33] Good evening, mayor and council. >> Good evening. >> I am Tangi Warrior. I'm a business owner, broker, and active community leader here in College Park. I stand before you today in opposition, not in opposition, but in concern, and in commitment to this community that we all serve. At this point, it is clear that something is not working. We are seeing patterns of turnover, tensions and lack of alignment in leadership. And while those seems internal seems to be internal matters, 
[1:02:06] the reality is the impact has been external by the residents, by the business owners and the community as a whole. When leaders are not aligned, the community loses trust. When there is instability, progress loads. And when there is confusion, people begin to question the integrity of the process. And this is where we are. I want to be clear. I'm not here to accuse anyone, any one person. I'm here 
[1:02:39] to address what we're all witnessing. There are growing concerns surrounding how decisions are being made, how people are being treated, and whether individuals feel supported in operating with integrity. This is not something we can ignore. So today, I'm calling for accountability, not conflict. I am formally requesting that that there be a thorough and transparent internal review of what is currently taking place 
[1:03:11] so that the concerns can be addressed properly and trusted and trust can be restored. Additionally, I'm calling for the council to recommmit to working together in a way that prioritize people of this community over indivi internal division. Because at the end of the day, this is not about personalities. It's about responsibility. 
[1:03:41] And the community deserves leadership that is aligned, ethical, and focused. We are watching. We are engaged. And we are asking for better. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Jason Kip. I don't think he's here. David Burch. 
[1:04:22] Hello. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> I want to give the chaplain or the the credit for the invocation. It was amazing. Just cheers to her for that. Um, I'm here to just speak of an easement that we are seeking from the city on a piece of property that the city owns adjacent to a parking facility that my firm owns at Camp Creek Parkway in Washington Road. In short, and I'm happy to go into this more with the city attorney as I have with his associate, but in short, there was a storm water pond built plus or minus 11 
[1:04:53] years ago, uh between our property and s and Camp Creek Parkway or that we bought the property three years ago and in between the time it was built and the time we bought it, it was became so overgrown, we didn't even know it was there. Our surveyor didn't pick it up. So, we bought the property unknowing to this. And then if we've gone to uh refinance the property, a new surveyor discovered the pond and it's an issue for our financing effectively that uh they want to make sure that this pond is something we have 
[1:05:24] a right to op to maintain. Right? It's off our property. It's on city property, but they want to make sure we have the right to maintain it because in theory it should service our property in some way or another. Um, if I had to guess in my professional opinion, it was built after some storm in the 2015 2016 time frame and it was meant to slow drainage from the parking lot or from our property down gradient to this creek uh between our property and Camp Creek Parkway. So, my request is the city consider our easement without any um 
[1:05:56] conditions relative to I've I've heard I've gotten feedback from council members that they would like to see conditions in the easement that would result in it potentially being revoked if our property is used for the storage of uh trucks or or salvage vehicles. And uh that is not permitted by zoning as our current zoning is allowed. So I would ask the city to consider its protections under zoning and not require them in the easement because for reasons that aren't worth going into for non lawyer types that doesn't satis that that condition 
[1:06:27] in the easement renders it not satisfactory for our purposes. So I would ask we are trying to help the city to come in and clean the storm water pond up and maintain it. That's all we want to do and we'd ask the city consider our easement without the previously requested conditions. >> Thank you sir. >> Thank you. Next public comment, Grace McFillips. 
[1:07:01] Good evening. I come before you tonight with my children in tow because I am a single mama. Uh today I am winging this a bit, but I was an award-winning speaker in high school and um I was an award-winning actress during the first period of my adulthood in Chicago and now I'm in my mom era. In different times in our life, we have access and ability to do things differently. Right now, tonight would have been much, much easier if I could 
[1:07:33] have emailed my public comment. There are people like myself who have accessibility issues. Okay, so first of all, there thank you. Um, please bring that back. Secondly, I received a call uh from your staff today and I wanted to thank everyone because Click CIX is working and when it works, it's so so good. I went to the Barrett 
[1:08:03] Park with the same children that I am with tonight and the bathrooms at 118 were closed even though there was a sign that says they're open from 8:30 to 2:30. Um, I tried to use my code on the men's access bathroom and it said, "I'm sorry, the doors are already unlocked." Neither of which was true. The water fountain has been broken. And so, to Tangi's point earlier, too. And um, and I'll mention something else that Tangi and I I worked on, why can't we have nice things? We have paid so much money for some 
[1:08:35] really nice things. Even the retaining pond that the gentleman just spoke about, that was no small price. The bathroom was no small price. It's a lovely bathroom. The reason it's there is so that my children don't have to pee in the bushes like they used to. Okay? So, um, please, I know you have a meeting tomorrow about this. Please do not let the fear of poverty sway you to put another kind of fancy security 
[1:09:07] system. The door needs to be unlocked. The bathroom needs to be cleaned and checked on regularly. It is not hard. The other thing that I want to mention that Tangi and I used to do, we worked together on the College Main Street uh association board. We are the ones who helped raise $70,000 to create a parklet on Main Street that was enjoyed by many people on Saturday and Sunday. It was a beautiful weekend. That parklet was nice. It is covered in grease. There are old fake plants that 
[1:09:40] really should have been tindered and taken care of and removed. We should have better lighting. Why can't we have nice things? We can. We just need to have the formula and the staff there consistently to make it happen. Please, your citizens deserve it. They've worked really hard. Not a single one of you like had to spend money on that parklet. Let's keep it. Thank you, 
[1:10:13] Vivian Kervin. Um, I'm not Vivian Kervin, but I'm Gwendelyn Hutchinson, and she's giving me her three minutes, so that ends up 
[1:10:45] being six minutes. >> Oh, yes. You are actually next in line. Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. Um, I am a College Park resident for 48 years. I live on Lafayette Lane. Vivian lives on Janice Drive. We're here again about the same situation which has been taken off of the agenda. And I did speak with the interim uh city manager and he did give me a reason why that is still being 
[1:11:16] done. Some more research is being done, but I do want to speak to rental properties and also Airbnbs also curfews for young people. um for 48 being here 48 years. I think I deserve and we deserve to be able to live in peace and be able to enjoy our retirement and we be able to enjoy our 
[1:11:49] senior years. Um the main issue is with when I try to I do want to give uh commendation and appreciation to the re to the College Park receptionist. There's also a young lady that did not get her name that took me through the procedure on the website to help me find the information that I was looking for. And once I found that information, it was a lot. I had to go to 107 pages 
[1:12:19] before I could get to this issue which has been taken off of the agenda for tonight, the public hearing about zoning in terms of Airbnbs and rentals. Um, we deserve better. We don't we deserve people not coming into our neighborhoods making money and not invested in the residential neighborhoods that they're in. Part of the issue is that when we have 
[1:12:50] to call the policemen, I want to be able to give them the ordinance, the law that says these people are in the wrong. And so far what I'm finding out is that we actually really don't have a specific ordinance for this. Is it being worked on? Because when I tried to read through the information about the ordinance, it was to me confusing. Um, things need to be defined. What is an Airbnb? What is a short-term rental? 
[1:13:23] I also didn't know about the boarding houses where you can rent rooms. I mean, it's a lot of information here that need to be disseminated to the public and when are we going to be able to be able to speak to this because about our concerns and who is actually writing the ordinance. I had to go look up myself to find out going back to civics trying to find out who is responsible on city 
[1:13:54] council who's responsible for bringing this information. And so, uh, Mr. Hicks did get tell me I was I'm able to email him about the concerns, but I also wanted to be known for others in the community what is going on in terms of short-term rentals. Um, I wrote some things down, but some of my other neighbors actually spoke to this also, and I didn't realize they were having the same issue, but I'm glad to 
[1:14:25] hear that I'm not the only one. We're not the only ones that are having this issue. A party was given during Super Bowl, Janice Drive. Somebody came on one of those parties and knocked down and uh created knocked the lights out on Janice Drive. So there is an issue and there is something that that really needs to be addressed. Um as far as I want to know also our our police department are they 
[1:14:56] looking into the now this stuff is called teen teenage takeovers. Are they monitoring social media? I don't want a teenage takeover in College Park and I especially don't want it on our street and in our neighborhood. So I want to know whether that is being done. Um you have my email. I also wanted to have some things in writing about exactly what is being done about short-term rentals, Airbnbs. Do we actually have an 
[1:15:28] ordinance or we're trying to write an ordinance instead of being proactive? Now we are reactive to the situation. Also, we have so many people coming here buying our property and they don't have they are not invested in our communities. So, I know you know there's an this is an issue. Uh when I call the police, I want to be able to tell them this is the audience ordinance that I want you to enforce. I want to be able to be specific to that ordinance. So, I don't know. Um I do 
[1:16:01] know that uh I think it was Dr. McKenzie is is writing something about it, but I still need >> it needs to be fur. I know uh city manager said it's being investigated and that's why it's been put off on another agenda. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And so, how do we get input into what is going to be done specifically what we want in this new ordinance if it's a new ordinance? >> I think I've said most of what I want to 
[1:16:31] say. Um, we just want you to know that um, when you have a party house, you have an Airbnb, it becomes a nuisance and it's it becomes detrimental to us living in this neighborhood when we have it. Is that my six minutes? >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. >> Thank you. I really appreciate you hearing me. >> Thank you so much. Absolutely. 
[1:17:03] I hear you, >> Madame Mayor. I'd like to um confirm I believe Miss Eleanor Willis did Would you like an opportunity to speak? Okay. >> You're welcome. I thought Yeah, I thought >> there was multiple people signing up online at various times. 
[1:17:33] >> That's fine, Kelly. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Uh, good evening, Mayor and Council. >> Good evening. >> Uh, city manager and attorney. My two words right now, regulations, regulations, regulations. That's what we need to have in place right now for these Airbnbs and split pads or whatever else they're doing on the property. This need to be done immediately. 
[1:18:03] Uh I know you're saying that you don't have anything in place. However, how can we collect funds? How can we take money if we do not have guidelines in place? That's what I don't get. If we do not have an ordinance for Airbnbs of split pass, how can we take funds? That's my question. Mr. Denmark, are you listening? Okay. All right. Um, let me see what I put here. 
[1:18:33] I am asking that the city immediately put in guidelines for Airbnb, split pads, or whatever else they're doing. And I would like for you all to consider that we cease and desist any more of these things happening in the city of College Park because the seniors, we love our city. We've been here for quite some time and we would like to enjoy the 
[1:19:04] rest of our lives right here in the city of College Park. And I think it's unfair to have people to migrate here to the city for just a weekend and disrupt the entire neighborhood. I just think that's very unfair. So please, please, please, Mr. Hicks, you know, you're my friend. I want you all to really get busy with some guideline. You too, Mr. Denmark, and some ordinances regarding split pads and Airbnb. All right. Thank you guys. 
[1:19:34] >> Thank you so much. That's your residence. >> Haley Miller, Elijah Lamar. 
[1:20:10] Good evening everybody. How y'all feeling? Y'all good? Man, it's been a tough crowd today. So, this is my first one I've attended. I want to say thank you to Council Member Gay for giving me the information about being here. Um, and I want to say thank you to everybody for allowing me to have a few minutes to go ahead speak to what's my concern. My name is Elijah Lamar. I am a part of the um focus marketing and advertising. We are partnered with BCI Health Group and also 
[1:20:41] Gen Mobile. Um I just want to give y'all a glimpse of what we do for the community. Um, recently about last week while we were advertising and promoting our free healthcare and the free phones, I had a woman stop and cry, >> break down after we was able to get her approved because she said, "It's been ages since she's had a cell phone, been able to talk to her loved ones." >> After we was able to get her approved, she gave my partner back there a hug and said the very first thing she's going to 
[1:21:11] do is call her daughter to speak to her grandkids. Earlier today before I came, a homeless man told me that he applied for a job at Food Depot but was unable to complete the application because he didn't have a email or a cell phone. Once I put those two things together, I said that's when I realized how important it is about connecting. All right. So now what I'm starting to realize is that even if somebody have healthc care, they don't have a cell phone to be able to call 
[1:21:42] their doctors, call their providers. Most of the people who have cell phones don't have health care to stay healthy and stay alive. >> And what we do is we provide those benefits. We work for a company that is, you know, I'm saying it's government assistant and they allow us to give those opportunities and a lot of it is being blocked right now. So what I'm trying to do is be able to figure out a way for us to go ahead and stop us being able to be being able to provide those benefits. Most people don't know about 
[1:22:13] it. Everybody go and apply for food stamps and apply for assistance because they know about it. But people don't know about what we're doing here. It's literally free healthcare and it's free cell phones as well. The only thing I'm asking for is to I guess to not have to go through the hula hoops with having a permit and like literally we have people who break down and cry and say thank you so much. It's a need. Not only is it a need for that, but we also give out job opportunities to do the same thing that we're doing. which means that we keep people off the streets and allow them 
[1:22:43] the opportunity to go ahead and generate some type of income for that as well. So what we do here for focus advertising and marketing, we partner with Gen Mobile, which allows us to go ahead and get people qualified for free cell phones if they have some type of government assistance, which would be SSI, disability, if they have social security, social security disabled, if they get SNAP, or if they make under $70,000. So even for the low income. So 
[1:23:14] my ask to you is to figure out the process. >> Okay. >> Sorry if it's a little bit uh it was a little bit unmuted. >> Okay. I apologize. So my question is to figure out the process of what to do figure out how we can go through those. Oops. >> I'm sorry. Thank you. >> Okay. I apologize. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Stanley Muhammad, 
[1:23:46] Pastor Malay, may God's peace be upon you, uh, mayor and council, city officials, and citizens. I want to uh give praise and thanks to Almighty God for this wonderful weekend that we celebrated on the last day of Black History Month. It was an absolutely fantastic event. My wife and my children were there and we don't want something that positive to be drowned under negativity. 
[1:24:20] And because many people don't want to celebrate black history and if they do celebrate it, they want it to be watered down. But I thank God for the leadership of uh our city council, city uh man manager, Mr. Hicks, city council mayor uh Lance who's the interim director did a wonderful job, Miss Pette 
[1:24:51] um and also Bryant. But above that, the Black History Committee, they did a fantastic job. And I tell you, they work as volunteers. And I just want to give praise and thanks to God for that wonderful event. And we want to keep it going. We want to keep it up because the knowledge of self produces love for self. And so many people like to misinterpret what black 
[1:25:24] is. Like our president Trump, he disrespected the first black president and his wife by trying to uh associate black with monkeys. That means there's people around that does not know the origin of blackness. God said in the book of Jeremiah 8:21, I am black. Solomon says in the book of Solomon, I am black and handsome, oh you daughters of Jerusalem. So black is 
[1:25:54] beyond the plantation. To talk about black, you got to go back to God himself who is black. Jesus says I am black. My hair is like lamb's wool, feet like brass burnt in the furnace. So don't let people tell you that black is negative. Black is not a color. Black is the essence which all color comes from. In the book of Acts chapter 17 and 26, from one drop of blood comes all nations on the earth. That's got to be black 
[1:26:25] blood. We the only people that can produce the whole human family of the planet earth. So don't make people think that black is negative. Matter of fact, we're black because we come directly from God and our father is black. We're black because we are the mother mothers and fathers of civilization. Thank you. Peace be unto you. >> Thank you, sir. >> Madame Mayor, the timer has ran out. 
[1:26:56] >> All right. So, uh I think that moves us. The entire consent agenda has been we don't have any hearings and the consent agenda has been bumped. So, uh I think Before you sound this next item, uh it's important to note that it also takes away power from the city manager um with these guidelines and doesn't really address some of the problems that we have seen uh with some 
[1:27:27] of the spending that has gone on uh with sub $10,000 spending. But please, Madame Clerk, go ahead and sound. >> Item 108, consideration of an action on our request to approve the proposed recommended guidelines for the spending of community enhancement funds. This item is sponsored by Mayor Pro Tim Joe. >> Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Council Member K. Is there a second? >> Second. Thank you, Council Member Mackenzie. Any discussion? 
[1:27:59] >> Hearing none, we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? >> I I >> All right. Any opposed? Any abstensions? All right, motion passes. Item 10B, consideration of an action on request to adopt the youth travel policy resolution 2026-XX. 
[1:28:30] This item is requested by Queenie Brown, Deputy City Clerk. Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Council Member Mackenzie. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Council Member Arnold. Any discussion? >> Hearing none. >> Council member Ky Queen, anything you wanted to mention on this at all or >> All right. >> Council member, do you have any questions? >> No, that was my question. >> All right. Any further discussion? 
[1:29:03] Hearing none, we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? >> That is unanimous. >> Item 10 C. Madam >> clerk, before you sound, >> yes, madam mayor, >> what is the balance of the TPD fund? Would it be great to know that before a transfer was made? Please go right ahead. >> Consent. >> Kelly, is that the next item? >> Yes, it is. Yes, sir. 
[1:29:33] >> Have we called the item? >> No, the item has >> No, I can speak. >> So, how can we have questions? >> I can speak before an item is sounded. >> I did not hear the item sounded. I believe the clerk was about to sound the item, >> right? She hasn't sounded. So, can we >> Where are we in the agenda right now? >> She's about to sound the item. The question is, can we have discussion before the item is sounded? >> No, I I don't believe that we should have discussion before an item is sounded. >> Wait, hold on one second. Hold on one second. Discussion doesn't happen until the item is sounded. I can speak before 
[1:30:06] the item is sounded. Madame clerk, please go right ahead. >> Ask questions though. It's a difference between speaking and asking questions. >> I will phrase it like a je like we're on Jeopardy. Madame Clerk, >> item 10 C, consideration of an action on a request to approve a budget modification to the hospitality fund to include projects approved during fiscal years 25 and 26 funded by the tourist product development TPD in the amount of 12,269, 
[1:30:39] $60.93. Count number 275-4975-52-63000 fiscal year 2026. This item is being requested by Cynthia Hammond, interim finance director. This item will service wards 1, three, and four. >> Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Council Member Mackenzie. Is there a second? >> Second. Second. >> Thank you, Council Member Gay. There's always discussion. Council member K. >> All right. Uh, couple of things. uh 
[1:31:11] city manager and a finance director. Thank y'all for putting this list together here. U all right all right now we've got got several different projects on this list to to move along. Um some projects are uh more costly than others but that doesn't mean that one goes in front of another or whatever have you. the city manager. I would work to prioritize the city 
[1:31:44] projects uh basically the same as we always have which is generally been you know community needs basis I guess more or less uh if we are going to pass this one thing I don't want to do is neglect uh any TPD qualified maintenance and repair work um which does qualifies you know through capital operating cost whatever have But uh I want to make sure the books are open 
[1:32:15] on this these projects as we move them along. Uh which means and this applies to everybody's projects. Um we need to see updates. We need to see milestones u schedules for how this stuff is going to move forward. Uh, nobody's being handed a big check and saying, "Hey, have at it with your group here and good luck with it and we'll see you in a year and a half at the ribbon cutting." Uh, 
[1:32:46] incremental project milestones are norm here in the city of College Park. That $15 million bridge up the street was on time and went well because there were weekly updates. They were milestones. the project management team was reporting weekly. There were monthly reports every month coming to the this entire body in terms of how projects were going. Um I don't want to see projects just run wildly and there be and they end up with cost overruns and 
[1:33:17] all this type of stuff. But you know again monitoring and making sure things go as advertised keeps that type of stuff from happening. understand last year we had a cost overrun well into the six figures that quite frankly I wasn't aware of until until our new finance person uh got into a a position there and I was surprised about that but that type of stuff usually comes in front of us. So, city manager, at the end of the day, 
[1:33:49] you handle the operations of this city. These projects are large operations of this city. I think they're all good projects, but again, how the funds are released, the scope of work, and everything that we're doing and things that are going on, I just want to make sure that there's some parameters put in place for for projects this size. the Gateway Arena, for instance, there were weekly meetings. There were regular updates at on at every month at 
[1:34:20] city council meetings in terms of how things are moving along. Um, and that way if the residents have questions, you know, regarding what exactly it is we're doing and how exactly is our money being spent. And uh we will have accountability, we'll have transparency, we'll have scheduling and milestones. And uh again, that transparency, it opens the books uh regarding the when, the where, 
[1:34:50] the what, and where my tax dollars are going. And I think everybody's entitled to that because that includes our tax dollars up here as well. So, uh, city manager, between you and the finance director, I just want to make sure, uh, as we move forward with these projects, and they're great projects, all of them. I just want to make sure that we're keeping track of every dime. And when it comes time to true things up, we want to make sure, uh, like the mayor says, uh, 
[1:35:21] the math adds up and so on and so forth. So, uh, these are great projects. I'm looking forward to them all. U did have a question about the accuracy of some of this on the list, but uh if uh well, those are my comments and uh I'm looking forward to uh to moving forward with this stuff. Um, again with oversight, with accountability, and uh making sure that we're in touch 
[1:35:54] with the project teams, project management teams, and updates uh to make sure that we're on track and on time and on budget. So, yeah. >> Any further discussion? >> Yes, Council Member Arnold. Um, so the the number for the Godby Road Park is three million. The consensus was up to $3 million for the park. The number that's in uh that's listed is showing up to the amount on 
[1:36:27] the PSAs. So the discussion though was for the project up to $3 million. So, I would like to have the number corrected for the record. I would >> council member K. >> Thank you. I don't know who made the motion, but I would like that motion to include, and I guess this is a friendly amendment, just to include some of the things I spoke on 
[1:36:58] in terms of oversight, milestones, uh, monthly reports, uh, I want to see coming in with the city council in terms of where we are and how things are moving along. If we run into hiccups, how do we get around them? If there major things that uh you as a finance director or city manager feel like it needs to come to the body, then you guys use your best judgment on it. >> Council member, could you actually put that in the form of a friendly amendment so the move the mover could consider it? 
[1:37:29] >> Well, I guess my friendly amendment would be moving forward with the TPD projects here. But uh keeping in mind in terms of milestones, scheduling, uh keeping up with the project management and how things are moving along, uh you all set up a system of how you're going to allocate these funds and and in what increments you all determine and so on and so forth. Uh we want to just make sure we keep tight reigns on this thing and make sure all of these projects go smoothly, transparently, 
[1:37:59] and accurately. and where they're all all funds are accounted for. >> Madam clerk, you got that. >> Could you read that back? Make sure that the mover >> I know. >> I'm I'm I'm a little lost on the so on and so forth. So, if you could >> I think everyone gets the overall >> That's a clerk. Madam. Um, madame mayor, 
[1:38:32] the friendly amendment that I have noted is that count, pardon me, Mayor Prom K motioned to move forward with the projects to include oversight, milestones, monthly reports, and to ensure the projects run smoothly and transparently. Council member, is that your motion or your friendly amendment? >> Well, that was pretty much it. And 
[1:39:02] obviously, city manager at the end of the day, buck stops there in terms of oversight of all of these projects and anything else we're doing in the city for that matter. Uh now did >> Madame Mayor Council member I would like for that amendment to the motion to include the correction of the number that we agreed to for Godby road >> which is $3 million. >> Yes ma'am. >> Yes. >> Who made the motion? 
[1:39:36] >> The initial motion. >> Yes ma'am. was Councilwoman McKenzie. >> Okay. >> Seconded by Councilman Gay. >> All right. Council member Mackenzie, do you accept both of those as friendly amendments? >> I'm going to drop my motion. Let somebody else make that motion. >> Okay. Council member Mackenzie has withdrawn her motion. Is there a motion on the floor? >> Wait, hold on. Council member Gay, your >> motion to approve the TPD. >> Yes. 
[1:40:07] >> Okay. All right. Is there a second? That's just sitting as it as it stands on the on the agenda. >> Is there a second? >> And with motion to adjust the uh copy road park to 3 million. >> Okay. Is there a second >> with no oversight account? >> Hold on. Hold on. I'm just waiting on a second here. Second. Thank you, Council Member Arnold. Any further discussion? with oversight or accountability. 
[1:40:38] >> I'm assuming is my friendly amendment still on that motion. >> That motion's been withdrawn. So your friendly amendment is not >> I would like to add >> Hold on. You asked a question. Your your motion has been withdrawn. So this is a new motion of the TPD approving essentially item 10 C with the adjustment to the $3 million for the Godby Road Park. That is the motion that has been made that has been moved and seconded. And I have a friendly amendment to that motion. >> All right. Go ahead and state that. 
[1:41:10] >> Hold on. Wait. Go ahead. Wait. Wait. Let me let him let me let him state it and then you can consider whether or not you accept it. >> Council member K. >> Uh, thank you. My friendly amendment is the same motion, city clerk, as I put before the first motion. >> Council member Gay, do you accept that as a friendly amendment? >> No. And >> all right. And the reason why may is because our city attorney uh our system of government has all those safeguards in place. Uh I think it's um just redundant to just put all that in a motion. 
[1:41:40] >> All right. So any further discussion hearing? None. We'll move to a vote. All those in favor? >> I I >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Any abstensions? >> Abstain. >> All right. The motion passes with council members McKenzie, Arnold, and Gay in favor. Council member Kin abstain. And this next item, I believe we have already paid in excess of $10,000 to Ulissiz Grady this fiscal year. How did that happen? Well, actually, I'm curious 
[1:42:11] as to how that happened. Item 9A, consideration of an action on request to approve the professional services agreement with Ulisses Grady Jr. in the amount of 42,750 for engineer and construction manager services to support ongoing and upcoming coming city projects. This item is being requested by AB Waldahana, city engineer. This is a budgeted item fund fiscal year 2026 consulting GL account number 
[1:42:43] 11575525510. This item will serve all warts. Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Council Member K. Is there a second? Motion dies for lack of a second. >> Uh, city manager. >> So, I understand you had there was a need for second city engineer coming in as well as some additional city planning support. Is that right? 
[1:43:14] >> Absolutely. When the when the engineer goes on vacation, the work has to stop until he comes back. We have no succession plan for the city engineer. We have no succession plan for the city planner. When they are out of the office, all the work stops and that model is not sustainable. >> Well, >> we have to have some backup for the city engineer and for the city panel. Right now, we don't. If you guys vote this down, that means if the engineer gets sick or the engineer goes on vacation, 
[1:43:45] whatever work the engineer is doing, it stops until he comes back. the engineers. This man's already been paid $10,987.50. >> The work stops until he comes back. >> I'm saying if you guys kill this motion, the city engineer council gay don't have a backup. >> The city planner don't >> Hold on one second. Hold on one second. This the Mr. Grady has already been paid $10,987.50. How did that happen? Excuse me. 
[1:44:18] >> Who approved that? Because this body didn't. >> I have a comment here. >> Okay. Council member K. First thing, I don't I don't think there's been any council meeting that we haven't approved a project or a contract that has already started at times where people have already gotten paid or a project has been completed and it gets on the agenda for approval. Um, so this is not anything out of the ordinary at all. 
[1:44:49] I've seen that happen dozens and dozens of times. So, um, I get to speak Council member Gay, go right ahead. >> Mayor, uh, interim city, manager Hicks, my colleagues, I don't think this is an issue about of having a backup. I think this is more of an issue of transparency. This these two contracts had us on the news, public news, opening this great government to 
[1:45:19] innuendos. I think this is more of an issue of, as Mr. Walker was saying of being transparent, it would have been just as easy to bring those people on the agenda tonight and and and and allow us to vet them than to unilaterally hire them. That is what exactly what happened to Dr. Edarian. In my belief, he unilaterally wrote $571,000 of public money. At some point, we can't continue to allow our city managers to 
[1:45:49] unilaterally make decisions. The other thing is that we said, I'm sure we said that our interim city manager would not hire without at least giving this board the professional courtesy of of um of considering those hires. Um and and that's for a reason because all these people up here bring value. They all have relationships. We know people as well. But just to unilaterally 
[1:46:20] hire someone, it takes us out the process. It takes the public out the process. The third thing is if who who who works when you get sick or who works when you take vacation, who's your successor? Um the these projects are are designed that they're not based on alley work. These are long-term projects with lot of controls in place. They're surveys. They're there they're they're just numerous engineering projects are massive in scale. They don't stop 
[1:46:51] because a AB took and and and the final thing I want to say respectfully. I don't even see AB down here. I don't even see our city engineer even advocating for this. It's almost like we're just putting this guy in his space and I don't think that's fair to AB. I don't think it's fair to any of these directors. Now in closing I don't have a problem with Ulyses. I know Ulysus Pentagon. I've been knowing him. He's been around here for a minute doing stuff. But I think we need to be deliberate on how we continue to put 
[1:47:22] people in our organization and we need to get a handle on this because it's not right when the last one did it. It's not right when you do it. It's not going to be right until we get a process that works. >> We are way out. >> I'd like to respond, please, >> Mr. Hicks. And that'll be the last comment. We'll move on to 10. >> I do have a comment after Mr. Hicks. >> We are You've had an opportunity to comment. We're not in discussion. There's already and and sir, we're not going to acknowledge it at this point. We're just going to let Mr. Hicks speak and then we're going to move on to 10F because we are not actually there was 
[1:47:52] not a motion. So >> that's fair. >> Yeah. So Mr. Hicks, go ahead. >> Well, C, I'm certainly not trying to dissect your conversation, but everything that you hear on the news is not real. Every time someone make an allegation, that doesn't mean they're telling the truth. Then secondly, uh whenever I'm out of the office, I choose a capable department head to sit in this role to make sure that we have a backup. And again, the model that we have currently is not sustainable. 
[1:48:25] When we were with the collaborative firm, we didn't have to worry about that because the collaborative firm would rotate people in whenever that person got sick. We're not doing business with the collaborative firm anymore. So now when the engineer is out, all of these projects we've got going on, it waits till they get back. When the city planner is out, we have no succession plan. If you guys don't think that model is working, then we need to do something about it. But personally, as a city manager, that model is not sustainable. >> All right. Thank you, sir. 
[1:48:57] >> I'd like to make a substitute motion >> for this. >> What is your motion? I'd like to make a motion that we look into hiring a an additional engineer uh for this particular position. And I'm not saying it has to be Mr. Grady, but I would like for us to still consider the succession planning that Mr. Hicks has established and um just uh look put put out a search or whatever for an engineer 
[1:49:29] and it may end up being this person. >> Second. >> Second with discussion. A second. >> Um, council member Arnold seconded and council member K. There's always discussion. Go right ahead. >> Uh, I'll just say this. Uh, the previous city managers uh have traditionally done the hiring. Uh the previous city managers, they've always done the hiring and uh have 
[1:50:02] always bought on uh professional contractual services from time to time uh whenever the city manager deemed necessary without asking us for permission. This is nothing out of the ordinary or unusual at all. So >> all right, >> comment, >> council member McKenzie. Uh I think in this particular situation we are um there there there appears to have been an error that was made and um we need to 
[1:50:32] rectify this. Um I I definitely believe that we need to have um second persons or part-time persons. Um and this is u not the there's still the rule that we have in this city that above $10,000 that things have to come before the council. And so what I'm saying in this motion now is that we give the approval to put out a search or whatever the city manager may deem uh to look for um a 
[1:51:05] position in the engineering department. >> I second um >> you already did. >> Okay. Well, thanks Council Council >> Arnold. I want to add um that I agree that we need to have additional people um in these departments and I appreciate the secession planning. >> Um of course this is a challenge and we've known that we've had a shortage of 
[1:51:35] staff in departments. This isn't the first time that we've heard of that. Nor did nor is this the first time that we have heard from developers and vendors trying to reach individuals and they can't because no one is there. That's >> right. >> So, it's a smart move. I understand that, you know, the the violation of the policy is is I'm I'm not giving a pass on that, but we have to do better as far as having additional people on staff for 
[1:52:07] things like people being sick and on vacation. I agree with that part. >> Those are the comments. >> That's great. >> You know, engineer is just like a doctor or a surgeon. I think more so than uh that the man the engineer department need to be better equipped. It may need it may need additional staff. >> The city engineer don't have to be the receptionist. This engineer don't have to be the drafter. This engineer is a is a specific effect. But one thing I want 
[1:52:38] this body to know is that this we we have never not been without services. We've had Pun, we've had Stratus, we've had Prime, we've always used several engineering firms. We have never, just I want to say this for the record, we have never been without engineer service as today as we speak right now. We have several engineer firms on board right now. So, so that engineer isn't the whole part of our organization 
[1:53:08] engineering team. He's just like the chief medical officer, >> right? >> You understand what I'm saying? >> Okay. >> All right. Any further discussion? >> How did we get over $10,000 on Mr. Grady? >> Are you posting a question to me? >> Uh, this there's no discussion right now. You don't have to respond. >> All right. Let's not respond. Let's Let's not let the public know. >> That's not it, mayor. It's just the fact that you're violating charter. That's 
[1:53:39] all. You're violating the ordinance. It's not about not letting the public hear. But if someone in this council there is there was an error made and you've made it very clear through all of your uh shenanigans over the past few hours that Mr. Hicks spent a few dollars over $10,000 and we as a council can tap him on the hand or we can let him know that that is not the way things go. But to beat this thing into a dead horse 
[1:54:11] right now, it is it doesn't do the public any good. It's been done. We will dec. But at the end of the day, we are looking at making sure we have an engineering department that's staffed. So, we just need to leave the pettiness alone. >> Our tax dollars are never petty. >> It's not. Okay. So, you got to have the last say even though you're not supposed to be discussing discuss. Okay. >> I >> I 
[1:54:41] >> that is unanimous. Next item, consideration of an action on our request to approve the professional services agreement for city planner strategic planning initiatives at an hourly rate of $80 plus approved reimburseable expenses that include printing and mileage for professional zoning services. This item is being requested by Michael Hicks, interim city manager. This is a budgeted item fund fiscal year 26 consulting GL account number 13526170. 
[1:55:12] This will serve all wards. >> Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Council Member Arnold. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Council Member Kin. Any discussion? >> Hearing none, we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? >> I. >> That is unanimous. >> Next item, consideration of an action or request to approve the GICC to participate in the SCAD Sprint student collaboration design project for exterior signage design and building facade mural. This action will enable students in teams to develop directional 
[1:55:43] signage for consideration and use on the campus. This project will provide students with realtime design challenge. The cost is $10,000. This item is requested by executive director Giannis Barner. This is a budgeted item fund contractual services GL account 555-4970-52-6170 for fiscal year 2026 to 2027. This will service W 2. Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Council Member Arnold. Is 
[1:56:14] there a second? >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Gate. All the way discussion. Go right ahead. >> It's in war, too, but I think it's going to serve the whole city. I think you should correct. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah, >> it's in war, too, but it'll serve the whole city like you said. I agree. >> Yeah. >> Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? >> I. >> That is unanimous. 
[1:56:50] Next item, consideration of an action on a request for approved strategic planning retreat for department heads to embrace and collaborate on all strategic goals in the amount of $30,000. This item is being requested by Michael Hicks, interim city manager. This is a budgeted item. Fund fiscal year 26 fund contractual services GL account 1003526170. This will serve all wards. >> Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Council Member Arnold. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Council Member McKenzie. Any 
[1:57:21] discussion? Council member Gay, >> I would like to look at uh evaluating if there are other supervisors or managers that might be close to becoming a department director that could perhaps participate >> in this event. >> That's a good idea. >> That's a good idea, >> Mayor. >> Council member McKenzie. >> Yeah, I like that idea that Councilman Gay said. So, I would be in favor of the amount being increased if that's what is 
[1:57:52] necessary uh to have Mr. Hicks look at some additional persons. Since we are talking about succession planning at this time, it would not hurt if there were um other individuals that would benefit from this. So, I don't know if there would be if it would incur uh a cost. If so, please let us know. Um, us approving $30,000 does still, I believe, give liberty for the city manager to add on up to $9,999, 
[1:58:24] but I would um I would definitely think that this would be advantageous. >> Oh, Miss Bachelor's actually here. Miss Bachelor, would it cost would it cost additional dollars for um for us to add some additional staff? >> She said it was She gave us a price per person and we don't got 10 directors. >> So um so so thank you all so much for the additional discussion. So currently it's up to 20 staff members. So that 
[1:58:57] covers the 14 14 15 department heads and any other senior staff. So that's what the current amount is. So um I would defer to Mr. Hicks to let us know um if that covers the people you're thinking about for succession planning. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Comment. >> Any further discussion? I have a comment. >> Council member Cart. >> Uh, and, uh, this is the city manager's retreat, and while I think it's a good idea, uh, I'd like to let the city manager use his discretion in terms of who 
[1:59:28] you feel is necessary to come and whatnot, but I think it's going to be a very positive event and, uh, I think it's a good way to start the year off. So, yeah. >> Any further discussion? Hearing none, we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? >> I. >> That is unanimous. >> Thank you. >> Consideration of an action on our request to pay the contractual services invoices for NOVA Engineering and Environmental LLC for building 
[1:59:58] department and plan review services in the amount of $15,126.25 for January. This item is being requested by Sabrina Walters, inspections operations manager. This is a budgeted item. Fund contractual services GL account number 100 72-52-6170 fiscal year 2026 this services all citywide areas. >> Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you. Council member Mackenzie. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. Council member Arnold. Any discussion? >> Hearing none. We'll move to a vote. All 
[2:00:28] those in favor? >> I. >> That is unanimous. >> Next item. consideration of an action on a request to review services provided by Amodus, a lensure provider that enables the GICC sales department users to access our Deli and Salesforce meeting software in the amount of 82, $17.25. This item is requested by Jannis Bonner, executive director of the Gateway Center Campus. This is a budgeted item from fiscal year 26 to 27 fund RNM GL account 
[2:01:01] number 5554970525730 this was service board 2. >> Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you council member K. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you council member Mackenzie. Any discussion >> hearing? None. We'll move to a vote. All those in favor? >> I. >> That is unanimous. >> Next item. Consideration of an action or request to approve a resolution consenting to the expansion of Airport West Community Improvement District. This item is of no cost to the city. This item is being requested by Hakeis 
[2:01:32] Garcia, economic development program manager. This will service all wards. >> Is there a motion? >> Thank you, Council Member Arnold. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Council Member Mackenzie. Any discussion? >> Uh, yes. I would like the Council Member Gay >> I would like the record to reflect during the workshop that we asked them to look at the uh additional resources for um Highway 29 on Main Street is called and also um West Point. 
[2:02:04] >> Thank you, sir. Any further discussion hearing? None. We'll move to a vote. All those in favor? I >> That is unanimous. Consideration of an action on a request to permit the College Park Youth Civic Advisory Board and the College Park Youth Council to travel to Washington DC from March 12th to 15, 2026 and not to exceed $20,000. 
[2:02:35] This is a budgeted item fiscal year 26 GL account fund. >> Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Thank you, Council Member Mackenzie. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Council Member Arnold. Any discussion hearing? None. We'll move to a vote. All those in favor? >> I. >> That is unanimous. >> Next item, city attorney's report. 
[2:03:06] >> No report this evening, Madame Mayor. >> 12. City manager report. Uh, madam council, I have a few things. Uh, first and foremost, uh, I'm not sure if you all was copied on the email, uh, for the initials KCP, Keep College Park Beautiful. And so today, we want to celebrate Miss Francis Kennedy for winning I want to get the award right, the Sue Smith Professional Award 
[2:03:36] uh, for Mr. So, so kudos again kudos to Brian Anderson. Uh, Miss uh Kennedy is part of his team, but she's been doing an excellent job and for college party to get that kind of notoriety, I think that certainly deserves a round of applause. So, Gerald, we want to make sure we certainly put some media behind that to congratulate her. Uh, you all kind of took the words out of my mouth when you when you mentioned uh I think it was Councilman Gay. Uh, let's let's expand 
[2:04:07] the retreat to include some other staff. Well, I had lunch, not lunch, I had it was breakfast the other day with about 10 members that were not department heads. These were administrators for all of these departments. And so, I'm going to certainly look at some of those names and add them to uh the retreat list. Uh, one of the things I I forgot to do in our last meeting, uh, again, we're going to recognize a department once a month, and I failed to do that. So, our GIC, 
[2:04:39] you you can see that in my city management report. Our GIC team deserves that recognition. So, Giannis, it was a social fauxar on on my part. So, we're going to try and get it right tonight. So, Kelly, if you could play that uh video and then that will conclude my report. Thank you. >> Okay. It sir, it'll take me a moment. I need to pull that up in my email. >> Madame Mayor. >> Yes, sir. If if I might, while while the clerk is getting there, I I neglected to uh mention something that most of you may already be aware of. Uh that uh in 
[2:05:10] the general assembly right now, they're considering House Bill 942, which would radically impact uh how airport properties are taxed. Uh, and if this thing goes, my law firm has been working with county leadership on this for quite some time, but if it goes like we hope it goes, it would be transformational for Clayton County, um, including those portions that lie within our amazing city. So, um, City of Atlanta's put in kind of a a shameful and embarrassing 
[2:05:42] effort to try to stop it. Uh but uh I would encourage everybody who lives in Clayton County in in College Park to support that house bill. >> If you go back to the report, you just open the report. >> The video's in there. Okay. >> Yes. Just click out. No, go back. >> Go back. Go back. Go back. Go back. >> Oh, you guys you guys can see >> right there. Check the video. >> Check out the video here. Let's click that. >> Oh, okay. 
[2:06:13] Let me turn the volume up and unfreeze the screen. >> I'm Yaspar. I'm the executive director at the Gateway Center campus. Our campus includes the Georgia International Convention Center. 
[2:06:50] >> Apologies. I was trying to explain. >> Hi, I'm Yiannis Barner. I'm the executive director at the Gateway Center campus. Our campus includes the Georgia International Convention Center, the Gateway Center Arena, and the historical College Park Golf Course. I've served on this campus for the past 23 years in different roles. I was appointed the executive director in August 2025. I am proud to be a part of this great campus and looking forward to leading 
[2:07:21] this team to new heights. The Georgia International Convention Center opened up in 2003. It served as an economic driver for the city of College Park and the surrounding communities. We are just a two-minute ride from the Hartsville Jackson International Airport via the airport complimentary sky train. The GICC welcomes over 1 million guests annually. We host a variety of events from conference, sports, consumer shows 
[2:07:51] and more. Our exclusive caterer proof of the pudding and our preferred audiovisisual partners on site help us bring events to life. The Gateway Center Arena opened in 2019. It was built to be the home of the College Park Skyhawks, the Atlanta Hawks NBA GLeague team. The arena is also the proud home of the Atlanta Dream and League One volleyball women professional volleyball. Delivering great service is 
[2:08:23] the cornerstone of the campus. Our arena has been awarded the number one NBA GLeague arena for four years in a row based on safety and service. This is a huge honor that we are proud of. We have served just under 100,000 people this year and we strive to serve more each and every year. When was the last time you played golf? Historic College Park Golf Course was founded in 1929. 
[2:08:57] Our course has putting greens, a driving range, a pro shop, a 2,000q ft² event center, perfect for a private event after a round of play. Additionally, the golf course is across from the Georgia International Convention Center and Gateway Center Arena, which is perfect for our guests during their downtime after a conference or event. 
[2:09:27] >> And that concludes my report. Thank you, >> Mr. Hicks. I have a question for you. Um, I asked a question this afternoon, didn't get um, a response from your team, and I just don't think any of our tax dollars are petty. So, I'm trying to understand why we made a payment for nearly $3,000 for a funeral service. >> You like me to respond? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, anybody that knows me know 
[2:09:58] that I am a staff member first before I sat in the seat and I am vulnerable to the staff needs. We have a staff member that their son died and didn't have enough money for the burial. So, at the city manager discretion, I helped that staff member pay for the son's burial. Now, we also had a budget meeting with our HR department and we found out for staff arment we only had a thousand dollars. A thousand. So, we got with the 
[2:10:30] HR director and said, "Look, how much would it cost for us to at least give all of our staff members a flower if if their members died?" So, I think Christo, I think we said about $80 per person. So, we we took $80 times 500 staff and we upped it from a,000 to $4,000. Now, what I wish I really had was more money, uh, uh, a discretionary fund so that if something happens to some of our staff members again and they can't bear their loved one, the city manager could help. So, am I guilty for 
[2:11:01] that? Absolutely. >> That's your answer, ma'am. >> Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. >> Mr. Hicks, uh, did you give the money to the the the family or did you pay a funeral home for the service? Um, I think we sent it to the funeral home and I'll check. >> Okay. I just wanted I just wanted that to be >> Atlanta Funeral Assistance LLC. >> So, it went to it was it was it was a bill that was paid to a funeral home. Just wanted to clear >> for a staff member that works at the at the uh >> but it did not go directly to an 
[2:11:33] individual. It went to a company. >> Well, I'd like to comment on that as well. Council member, >> uh, folks, you know, you know, bereiement is a a life ending, a lifechanging event. I don't think there's a person in this room that hasn't been through something along those lines. uh this gentleman uh and I'm not going to name names. Uh he was a he is a hard 
[2:12:06] worker in the city of College Park. He's worked with us over 10 years uh 12 years I think to be exact. Uh in addition to that, he's a resident of College Park and a taxpayer. Uh this person uh works in the custodial area. Uh and he doesn't make I don't think he makes even >> $20 an hour. Still in the teens, but uh 
[2:12:37] uh I did know this gentleman for many years. He had a son uh young man that uh was about 22 years old. Uh he has special needs. uh he he had some non-verbal issues and some serious special need issues uh that some young people have and uh he had some serious health issues that I had known about but uh he's a great young guy and uh this gentleman served us very very well over the years. Uh his son had taken ill uh 
[2:13:10] he was having some type of serious heart conditions. I don't know if there were heart defects going on in addition to some of the special needs that this this uh young man had. Uh he was rushed to Grady Hospital uh where he did pass away. Now, uh, according to the the parents, uh, uh, father, uh, they were attempting to pay for funeral services in the local local, uh, one of, I think it was a East Point Funeral Home and the amount was a 
[2:13:42] bit high. U,, they paid a significant portion of the amount. uh but they did not have the insurance that would cover uh the remaining portion of the amount to uh bury uh this young man. Uh he did reach out to me uh because I didn't know him and he told me what had happened. Uh like I said, I felt very very very badly for him. Uh and I told him I said, "Well, I'll give the city manager a call and I don't know if there's something that we can do. Uh but if it is, you 
[2:14:13] know, we'll try to do what we can if we can do something. Now, I did recall that we did have a bereverment mint budget in the city. We've always had it. Uh I gave uh the city manager a call and I explained the situation to him. And uh according to the father, he said they were short by about $2,600 or so. And I told the city manager specifically that if there was something that we could do and I did recall that we did have a bereieverment budget. I said uh if you c 
[2:14:43] if we can do something I think that'd be great. I gave him the number. He reached out to them and uh I think that what you did was a tremendous blessing and that's something that should be done under those very very special circumstances. Does that mean cities uh handle burials for every family? Absolutely not. But folks, uh, you know, we're all people first. And for me, you know, I'm a God-fearing man. And Lord knows I'm not 
[2:15:14] perfect, but I know right from wrong. And we're going to talk about that in my public comments with this financial nonsense and get that cleared up for the record. So, uh, city manager, I appreciate what you've done and, uh, I do think we need to make sure that that bereavement fund is there for very rare occasions and rare circumstances. Uh, again, I thank you for your decisions. I thank you for 
[2:15:46] using discretion and for not abusing any of these uh things that we have in place for very unique and extraordinary circumstances that only come once in many many years. So I just leave it at that. But I think it was the right thing to do and if I were city manager I would have done the same thing or done something that I could do uh within the parameters of my abilities and within my budgets. So if there was a bereavement budget, which 
[2:16:16] there was, I would have done what I could uh to make sure that that uh was possible as well. So >> as a note, this came out of contractual services. Council member Gay, >> I have >> u I want to comment that I agree that it's horrific when someone loses a family member. My wife and I was having this discussion today and it's the thought of it. But I want us to be remiss that we're governed by constitutional 
[2:16:48] laws. We're we're a public business and no different than me having the oldest ward. I probably gone to more funerals than than undertaker. But we we still have to be mindful that the barrier of an employee family member is a private matter, not a public matter. So funds have to be used by public accountability. I think when you when you add the 
[2:17:20] how hurt it is for someone to die, that's that's touching. It's emotional, but at the same time, I think what the mayor was saying is simply that it's public use and we can't use it for private purposes. It's called gratuitity. I think the city attorney might need to weigh in on it. I think that's why he's there for him to pro provide some clarity. >> Yes, sir. Uh you're you're correct, sir. 
[2:17:51] There's a provision in the Georgia Constitution called the gratuitities clause which states that you may not use public money uh for a charitable uh purpose uh or to donate it to a private cause. uh instead all public money has to be used for a public purpose for which the city receives uh fair value um or compensation. And so to the extent that this was for a purely private uh matter uh it implicates the gratuitities clause, I would recommend 
[2:18:23] that as opposed to giving a definitive legal opinion uh here. And now I' I'd like to talk to Mr. Hicks and try to understand this a little bit better. But but on an initial level, uh the gratuitities clause is is clear uh and and and it sometimes is harsh in its application because it means that uh very worthy causes that that would impact all of us. We would all uh feel uh the need to want to do something we're just constrained by the law where we're spending public money. And so otherwise worthy causes that we would 
[2:18:55] all like to contribute to. Well, you can do so personally, but there are rules that govern how we use public money. And those rules are strict and those rules are clear. >> Uh question, >> council member McKenzie. >> Yes. Um in this matter, uh I heard Mr. Hicks say and I don't know if Miss Gilbert can clarify that the city has a bereavement fund. So is that correct? There's a bereavement. So the money that is in the bereavement fund, where is that money coming from? 
[2:19:29] Is that public funds that have been allocated for private purposes? >> So, >> wait, hold on. Let me answer, please. >> So, in our budget, we put in uh we allocate funds for um members of families who pass away for the flowers. So, we put that in our budget because we since we're a human resources, we want to be able to send a flower to the 
[2:19:59] family from the city. So, basically what I heard Mr. Hicks say, you all looked at the number of employees by $80 or whatever this may have been and this figure was reached of $4,000, >> right? to increase that from $1,000 that fund to $4,000. >> And so this 2600 is actually a part of that $4,000 that's been increased. I just need a clarification. >> No, ma'am. So the in in my budget, the 
[2:20:33] $80 is per plant or flower is what we're using it for. >> Okay. So back to gratuitity's clause. If we already have a policy in place where the city gives $80 up to $80 for flowers for a family or any 15 $20 for flowers. So, you know, these are the these are the types of issues and I'm not really necessarily looking for an answer. I want I'm just trying to make a point 
[2:21:04] that what is the difference between $80 and $2,600 if both of those monies if those funds are being used to help a family in bereiement. >> I can I can help you with that. >> Well, hold on, hold on, hold on, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. >> I'm just asking the question. I'm not taking a side. I'm asking a question. >> It's a good question. But >> wait, hold on, wait, hold on. Council member, are you finished? >> Mackenzie. Council member Mackenzie. >> Oh, yeah. No. All right. So, so the question is what since I have been it's been made 
[2:21:36] clear to me that there is not a specific amount of money when we start talking about the gratuitities clause and we do do things in this city uh from time to time and and Winston brought this up months ago but my my my my brethren did not want to move forward with uh creating a foundation or setting up a situation in the city of College park where we could use private donations to be able to cater to these types of 
[2:22:07] events. So, anytime the city of College Park does anything to help anyone in this city that is a member of the community or an employee and we use public funds for a private purpose, we are dealing with the same issue. So, you know, either we need to get it straight across the board or we need to get a better understanding, Mr. Denmark, on how these funds can be used. Uh, meanwhile, this has been done at this 
[2:22:37] time. And I believe that it was done because this has been the practice and there is no particular amount of money that we are told that we can use to assist an employee or a family in need. And until we get clarity on that um it's it's a question. >> So >> council member Gay next then council member K. >> Council member Gay and then council member 
[2:23:07] >> I was next. I think in in u Jewish is it called Jewish what is it called? Jewish >> prudence they category things by the dollar amount. For example, you can take something and it be on a certain dollar amount. You get slap on this. You do something else. It can go up to Larson. You can go with the grand theft. We're not talking about that. But here's the analogy. Under that 
[2:23:38] principle, the city magic could just then go and withdraw the whole budget because the $2500 amount was over the $10,000 amount, right? In other words, the amount that he spent for the family was over the $10,000 allowed allow >> no $29.95. >> But his but his limit is 10 is 10,000. So my point is under that logic, you could then go say I can now withdraw whatever I want and and tied 
[2:24:09] under the the flower thing. I guess what I'm trying to say is uh God, I don't want to bring her into this, but I was having a conversation with my assistant today and she was having a heartfelt moment as well. And then I said, "Well, did we pay for your dad's funeral?" In other words, it's a slippery slope. >> It is >> when you start using that kind of money at the discretion of who family gets a benefit. I think with a flower that may 
[2:24:41] actually be a public Because I was I was I was going to a funeral and I seen the sheriff Pat Lear and he has a flower that he sends to all of the funerals and it's right there and I was looking at I said now how you get to do this and somebody told me that's more of a public display of the support of but when you start paying for funeral services that becomes to me a personal um 
[2:25:14] decision and it's a slippery slope because we die every day and employees die every day since I've been working here. So if you start paying for one, you might have to pay for a lot of them and it's not coming out of her bereavement budgets from what I'm hearing. >> Council member Cart. >> Well, I understand what you're saying and I agree with both of my colleagues. uh you know in terms of juristp prudence yes it is a line and we do have to be uh careful in ter terms of that line uh we 
[2:25:45] do a lot of things along these lines that are kind of somewhere in between uh you know policy and what it is we are looking at um you know we do not charge for request for funeral possession you know using city vehicles many many many times over some residents get it, some residents do not get it. Um, yes, there's a there is a bereavement uh budget, you know, line item or whatever have you. I do not believe that the new 
[2:26:16] city manager was aware of that line item or whatever when this occurred, but uh over time, you know, the thousands and thousands of dollars worth of flowers that we have provided over the years. Um, respect to the city attorney, uh, you know, perhaps we should look at possibly dis discontinuing some of these practices altogether. and not altogether. But I think uh like councilwoman Mackenzie said, this is probably a good example of a worthy purpose uh for this uh proposed city 
[2:26:48] 501c3. Um and uh I remember city city attorney, you you brought that up, the prospect of it as well as uh other council members. Uh so I think it's something worth looking at. uh you know good intentions uh have to uh you know be within the guidelines of public policy of course uh so we all want to do what we can uh but we want to make sure that we're you know by the 
[2:27:19] book as much as we can be uh so uh I think it's a good discussion and it's something we need to look at and figure how we can uh do this through the proper budgets or proper 501c3 or whatever have you um in case things like this come up in the future. I don't think this is something that we make a habit of necessarily. >> I do think there was some very special circumstances along the lines of that situation though. So I leave it at that. 
[2:27:49] >> Council member Arnold. Yeah. So the the gratuitities lost it is $25. So if we're doing 80 >> then we're still over. So, um, back to everyone's comment, and I agree with the comments that have been made before me. Um, maybe it is time for us to look at setting something up citywide as far as a foundation is concerned because everyone knows that you're not going to get any type of uh, floral arrangement 
[2:28:20] to send to a grieving family for $25, >> right? that's just not going to happen with all the tariffs and fees and everything else that's going up. So, if we're doing 80, then of course we're still violating the the law. So, uh maybe that's something that uh Mr. to Denmark, you can bring back to us um where we can uh consider how we can fund that, especially um since we're going into the budget cycle and um but 
[2:28:52] we definitely are going to need some guidelines on you know um who's going to to manage it and things of that nature. >> Mr. Denmark, >> one thing I was hold on Mr. Denmark and then Council Member Mackenzie, then Council Member K. Uh, so there there's a rule that talks about a legislator receiving a thing of value over $25. >> I think we're conflating that with the gratuitities clause. Now, there are certain things that are in a gray area. Does this constitute a gratuitity or is 
[2:29:22] it not a gratuitity? >> And there's some gray area. I I admit. However, if something is a gratuitity, it could be a million dollars or one red cent. A gratuitity is a gratuitity is a gratuitity. We can't give away a penny of public money in violation of the gratuitities clause. So, let's be perfectly clear about that. The other thing I would say is that, you know, some things may be in a gray area, but some things just aren't. Some things just aren't in a gray area. Certain 
[2:29:53] things we just cannot do. And I know sometimes, you know, We have control over multi-million dollar budgets and we see need and being people of faith, being people of passion and conviction, we sometimes want to assist uh because we have the means to do so, but we are we are limited by the gratuitities clause. And so, like I said, I think it it's worth because we've had this discussion many times over the years. And you know, if we have 
[2:30:23] a bereavement fund, I I wasn't aware we had had a bereavement fund. I don't know how that works. Uh because that may be problematic as well. And so I I don't want to say it's okay because we took out of the we've already budgeted for a bereavement fund. Well, that might be a problem. So we need to take this thing down to the studs because you know we we talked about it at the retreat. We've talked about it for years when things come up before this council. And so I I don't know if the gratuitities clause is as complicated as we're making it, but 
[2:30:55] I'm going to I'm going to try one more time because I think it it it merits giving you a written legal opinion on what we can and cannot do. And I will use this case a as as the example uh to talk about it not in the abstract but based on a concrete case that we're actually dealing with because it is my hope that we don't have to have these conversations going forward. >> Council member McKenzie. >> Yes. And and that is why I asked Mr. Hicks the question did the money go directly to a family or was it paid to 
[2:31:26] an institution a funeral home which it was now I'm not saying that that makes it okay um but I am saying this whole situation is very very very um sticky and I I really believe that we need to establish Mr. Denmark, we really need to get clarity uh because yeah, I I I like Councilwoman Arnold thought that $25 because I think that was was allowable until you have 
[2:31:59] said this to us as well. So, the fact that we have a bereavement fund that is funded by public dollars, okay, and it's in the city. Now, it's a different thing for the city to seek out a nonprofit organization and do a contract for that nonprofit to provide services or whatever it may be for families in need in the city. And that's where we need to 
[2:32:29] I think the the the question is we have good hearts and we have good motives. And what disturbs me is when good hearts and good motives are made to look like demons and people who are just up to no good and corrupt. And the the and this is where the human aspect comes element comes in because every single thing we do in this city that involves community is using p public funds for private individuals. 
[2:33:01] So thank you Dr. Wallace, he sent me that text as he's watching. And so we have got to just make sure that we are doing we give gift cards. Huh? We've done that, too. We have we have we have given gifts. We have given uh items and it's because of the goodness of our heart, but we want to make sure that it lines up with the law. And so I am requesting immediately 
[2:33:32] that we get an evaluation and understanding or whatever it is a legal opinion maybe given by several legal opinions, legal minds on how we are to operate as a city and even the understanding of giving monies to nonprofits or however we are to execute this because I don't think it's fair when we use make an example example of one person when every single person up here has done something for some member 
[2:34:05] of the community whether it was to buy a Chick-fil-A sandwich because there's no amount of money in this gratuitity clause according to what you're saying. So if I buy a meal for a senior citizen, if I go to proof of the pudding and have them cater something for my senior event, am I violating the gratuitity clause? And we need to have that clear before we start making an example of any one person that's sitting in these deases 
[2:34:37] right now. >> Council member Kart, >> last thing I say, and um I agree with everything everybody said here. U city attorney uh you make some fine points. Um one of the suggestions I also think maybe perhaps forming an employee fueled uh GoFundMe things like that I've seen in other cities uh where employees may put together one of those. Um but uh you know all cities run into this dilemma 
[2:35:08] and do these types of things. There's a city in Georgia where I've seen police vehicles deployed at a funeral for officers and half of the entire squad is out for two hours. The cost of the fire trucks that are deployed at several of our firefighters funeral services where we've had to have mutual aid coverage from another city to cover our stations for that two-hour funeral and so on and so forth. Folks, these things 
[2:35:40] happen. They happen in all the cities. Uh, you know, we do food drives for those in need. When people have fires and are put out of their homes, I pick up blankets and whatever I can do, and I'm proud to try to do what I can. Uh, but the question is, you know, mayor, why this city manager? the other city managers have done these things along these lines and uh gratuitities is a part of like you know those fire trucks off offline for three 
[2:36:11] hours lined up at a funeral cost a big money and that would be more than $2,600 but this is part of being human. This is part of working with people and supporting our staff and people. Yeah. >> So, you know, the argument can be made a lot of ways, but we do need to form something that that's formatted and that uh city manager and city attorney uh feel like it's something that covers us and and uh it's done more properly. So, 
[2:36:43] yeah, it's a good discussion though and and I think we needed to have that discussion. >> Um I want to be totally clear about why this issue right now. I asked for the detailed general ledger report on the accounts that those two contractual service agreements were coming out of. This line item for Atlanta Funeral Assistance LLC for this funeral service for $2,995 was listed in contractual services. I 
[2:37:15] did not recall any discussion of that being budgeted or any discussion of that during the budget session. The idea that we are paying for a funeral service full stop is an issue that I see with the gratuitities clause. That is why I asked about it this afternoon. I did not get an answer. That is why I brought it up tonight. We can go and say this example here, this example there. If we send four worker, four public service, I'm sorry, 
[2:37:46] public works folks up to Tennessee to pick up books and have them do a round trip, is that violation of the gratuitities clause? I don't know, but maybe we'll find out. But what I'm talking about right now is $2,995 spent on a private funeral. We don't have the authority to do that with public money. That was the question why we did it, what happened. I understand that we all have hearts. We 
[2:38:16] see things in this community every single day that make us that bring us on the verge of so much emotion and we want to help. That's why we're here to serve. We have to balance that within the confines of the law and our responsibilities of our oaths that we took to sit up here. That is why I'm asking the questions. It is not petty. It is taxpayer money and I will always ask those questions. Council member Gay. >> Well, I mean, I want to state for the 
[2:38:47] record. I don't think nobody's beating up on any particular department director or city manager. As a matter of fact, the last four were fired. That's the extreme case. So, that's extreme, they get fired. And so what we don't want to do is keep firing. And so what we want to do is to point out inconsistencies publicly so we can appear to be transparent because if if she has a question, there are other people who have questions. And so the media and the public and the naysayers and they all at 
[2:39:18] home watching and they need to know that we we we are transparent. So I I appreciate this conversation. That's what I Me, too. I appreciate it. >> All right. >> Thank you, Miss Gilbert. >> Thanks, Chris. >> I think it's my turn now, right? All right. 
[2:39:51] So, uh, tonight this council voted to impose restrictions on the mayor's office that no other person who's ever sat in this chair has ever faced. Um, and and restrictions that no other member of this body is subject to and also run conflict with our charter. I want on the record that I've never never objected to accountability. We just had a whole discussion about being stewards of taxpayer dollars. I 
[2:40:24] welcome it. What I do object to is selective accountability rules designed for one office while the spending of others goes unexamined. We all have a responsibility to steward taxpayer dollars like they are our own. I raised documented concerns today about reimbursements with little to no explanation of public purpose. $500 worth of gift cards purchased 
[2:40:57] receipts that were submitted for personal reimbursement when they went on city accounts. I'm sure we'll hear about it later. I'm sure we'll hear an explanation. But the money's been paid. I hope for the sake of our taxpayers, if there are any irregularities, if there are if there were any mistakes, that the money will be paid back. None of the votes that happened tonight 
[2:41:27] makes those things go away. The residents of College Park deserve to know that their money is being spent with accountability, with integrity, not just by me, but by every single person on this council and who works for this city. On a brighter note, happy Women's History Month. We are celebrating the impact of women who have shaped our community, our families, and our city. 
[2:41:59] uh often through leadership that doesn't always get the spotlight, but it always gets results. And so I hope you will join me throughout March as we highlight women making a difference in College Park and continue the work of expanding opportunity, equity, and voice and voices of women and girls throughout our city. And in the spirit of celebrating women, I had a chance to sit with Belinda Charles, the owner of Salevy Cafe uh right before the weekend started uh for our next segment of the mayor in me session. So please please look out 
[2:42:31] for that as we move forward. And I want to thank our entire team for their work on the black history event. Uh it was lovely and a great celebration of College Park. Well done. Again, year after year after year, I want to thank Mrs. Phillips and Ms. Rodriguez and all of the hardworking members of the Black History uh planning team to to bring this event to fruition each and every year. 
[2:43:03] I want to also congratulate Francis Kennedy uh the executive director of Keep College Park Beautiful on being named the 2025 national recipient of the Sous Smith Professional Leadership Award by Keep America Beautiful. It is a huge huge honor for her and it recognizes her exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to advancing environmental stewardship both here in College Park and across the country. And if you are interested in being on the housing authority board, we have one more spot. Um so if you're interested in 
[2:43:34] applying, please reach out to my legislative aid, Nia Williams. Her email address is nia.wills@colparkga.gov. gov. And couple other things had the opportunity to join our colleagues from across Fulton County for the Council for Quality Growth State of Fulton County address. It brings together partners from the north side, the south side, and in the middle to hear about all the things that are going on in Fulton 
[2:44:05] County. Uh we heard about updates on economic development, infrastructure, public safety initiatives, and fiscal stewardship. All of which impact our joint residents and talks about how we make sure that Fulton County keeps growing. And it has been a fastmoving legislative session under the gold dome. Crossover day is this Friday, May, I'm sorry, Mar sorry, March 6th. Uh so there is going to be a lot of action on a a 
[2:44:37] number of pieces of legislation. Mr. Denmark alluded to one. Um we are watching closely uh with the Georgia Municipal Association where I serve as president this year uh on the property tax and sales tax uh exemptions that are moving in both houses of the Georgia legislature. So we will they they are they are morphing by the minute. So what what was what you could say about them especially the property tax one the 
[2:45:08] homestead property tax one this morning is probably different than what you can say tonight. Um but if you want to stay in the know about what's going on under the gold dome George uh GMA has you covered. If you go to gassities.com advocacy you can learn more about some of the issues under the gold dome. That's all I have. Council member McKenzie. >> Alrighty. Um, I just want to say real quick before Kelly does the slides, I mean the video is that to those persons that have concerns about short-term rentals, we are really working on that 
[2:45:39] and we're going to do some type of a community um conversation. And >> this is Dr. Jamal McKenzie with my March 2nd. >> Okay. >> All right. Um, and I'm also want to say that I it's been a it's been an amazing two weeks, which we'll see in the video, but I'm also very deeply honored and grateful to uh Secretary of State Brad Raffenberger for recognizing me last week with the Georgia the outstanding Georgia citizen award, which was also 
[2:46:11] given to me by State Representative Park Cannon. I also want to extend because it's not in my video. I want to extend sincere appreciation to Governor Brian Kemp, Congresswoman Nikima Williams, uh, Fulton County Chair Rob Pittz, Fulton County Clerk Shay Alexander, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labont, Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington, V103 Maria Boon, Dr. Jazelle Robinson and Bill Crane for your continued 
[2:46:42] support of our community and being a part of our state of the ward on last week. And as we celebrate progress and partnership, I also want to emphasize something that's equally important and that is the circulating of accurate information in our city. Recently, there has been an overload of false statements, the altering of city property and documents, allegations presented as facts, and misinformation does not strengthen a community. It weakens trust. And I want to urge all of 
[2:47:14] our citric cit citizens to seek information from direct credible sources and to refrain from amplifying partial truths as we've had several of those go through today. Good leadership requires integrity and community requires responsibility and it takes a whole village to build College Park better. And that village must be grounded in truth, respect, and shared purpose. And now the video. 
[2:47:49] >> This is Dr. Jamal McKenzie with my March 2nd report. >> Dr. Jamal McKenzie is joining us here to talk all about what we can expect. Good to have you back with us. >> It's great to be here. >> Now, want to talk about how things are overall in College Park right now and then we'll start to dive in a little bit more. Well, College Park, things are amazing. You know, I know we hear different things in the news, but we have really been able to accomplish some phenomenal things on Main Street in my 
[2:48:21] district. We're actually turning our depot into a historic museum and visitor center. We're getting ready for the FIFA games. So, I've been working with the entrepreneurs and the businesses in the city. Uh we it's it's it's a great time to be in K. We lowered taxes. >> That's a big thing. We gave a senior exemption so our seniors don't have to pay homestead taxes, you know. So, it's this has been an exciting 25 months at the city of college. >> Excellence is not a standard that we aim 
[2:48:53] for. It is a part of who we are. And what we were able to accomplish in Ward 1 in 2025 did not begin on January 1st. It was cultivated over time. It was a divine alignment of timing, talent, and team bringing together resources, backgrounds, experiences, and passion to bring into fruition what could only be accomplished through camaraderie, through belonging, through shared 
[2:49:23] purpose, through common goals and values. It was community. It was an inspiring and committed group of people who understood that the assignment was greater than the individual's position to carry it out and that building College Park better requires collective excellence. Now, my why and my how were formed long before I entered public office. They were shaped by growing up in a culture that believed in and practiced the American values of 
[2:49:55] respect, family, trustworthiness, freedom, kindness, health, integrity, and happiness. My parents are hardworking black Americans who refuse to be judged or limited by the color of their skin, but instead chose to live by the content of their character. As the middle child of three, I remember being whisked from one activity to another, exposed to avenues, ideas, and 
[2:50:26] experiences that stretched my thinking and expanded my imagination. They fostered my ability to dream, to achieve beyond what I could naturally see, to believe that nothing was impossible if I was willing to put in the work and refuse to give up. Growing up in a three-generational family that migrated from the south to the north in the early 1900s, driven by faith, hope, and the 
[2:50:58] belief that better and greater were always ahead, I was assured from an early age that all things were possible. On February 21st, we celebrated my father, Dr. James E. Spencer on his 92nd birthday alongside my 91year-old mother Joyce. 70 years together, 70 years of consistency, 70 years of stability, 70 years of modeling what strong, trusted 
[2:51:29] relationships look like. I watched them excel in everything they set out to do. They prepared themselves. They fortified what they had intrinsically, internally, emotionally, and educationally, constantly demonstrating how to become the best version of oneself every single day. Their example taught me that excellence is cultivated. It is intentional. It is sustained. 
[2:52:00] >> And in College Park, Councilwoman Dr. Dr. Jamal McKenzie says she wants property values in her ward to rise. Dr. McKenzie addressing members of the community at the state of the ward address. This was on Monday saying that she wants to move the city forward in excellence. She also addressed some of her 2026 goals including FIFA readiness and increased senior services and school mentorship programs. Over these past two weeks, we attended the South Fulton Brokers reception with our intern 
[2:52:31] Caruso. We went to the Tri Cities Mixer, Salea V. Ribbon putty, the Georgia Black Legislative Caucus' annual Gayla, and then we went on to the GICC and honored Dr. Runette Lindsay, Johnny Marie Williams, and Miss Raquel Goodrich, our shining stars. We end tonight's report with this message from our state of the ward. So tonight, let the record reflect. College Park is not shrinking. We are 
[2:53:03] soaring. We are not divided. We are determined. We are not reacting. We are leading. From the headquarters of the Flint to Georgia's front door. From our historic neighborhoods to our global airport. From our small businesses to international opportunity, we are positioned for greatness. And I stand before you not simply as your councilwoman, but as a servant leader who believes with every fiber of my 
[2:53:33] being that the best days of College Park are not behind us, they are ahead of us. So let us build, let us believe, let us work, let us rise together. Because when vision meets unity, when strategy meets execution, when time, talent, and team move in alignment, there is nothing, and I mean nothing, that can stop College Park. And the state of the ward is 
[2:54:04] strong. >> Council member Cart, when strategy meets execution. >> All right. Thank you. A couple of things. Uh the Black History program was absolutely spectacular. Um it was colorful. It was so positive. Uh if you were there, you could actually feel the positive energy throughout that room. Uh if you were there and uh I just 
[2:54:37] want to thank all of the staff departments that helped to make this happen. The committee, uh Mrs. Beverly, uh, Mrs. Willis, and all of the folks that helped to make that, uh, into a first class event, one of the best, uh, black history programs I had seen in this city, and, uh, we're just so thankful for being able to do that. And this city is making good history and positive history. Yes, there are naysayers that will make up false stories as much as they possibly can, 
[2:55:11] but we have to keep moving forward in transparency, in decency, and doing things the right way. And we do our best at that every day. And I want to thank our hardworking staff for representing us well when they're out and about. And we certainly do appreciate all of your hard work. And we want to work harder to represent this city properly. and to continue to make progress in this city with transparency, with accountability, and doing things uh 
[2:55:42] the right way. Um couple of things I do want to talk about. Um I did attend the state of Fulton County's address. It was very informative and uh it really shows this region's progress and we're a big part of that progress. Um, city manager over at the the GICC and parks and recreations, um, there are significant maintenance and improvement issues that we really need to look at 
[2:56:13] and address. Uh, we received a tremendous gift from G DOT in terms of clearing the the the shrubbery and trees and whatnot uh, in front of the convention center. The visibility uh, in front of our area is unlike never before. However, we do need to finish that landscaping and make sure that we're looking right. Uh this is what we call our citywide curb appeal. So, we definitely need to make that happen and that's something that obviously needs to happen and commence on uh before the next budget. Obviously, we have quite a 
[2:56:44] few major summer events and uh coming up along those lines. So, we want to start to work towards making sure we getting getting things together and tightening up our front porch, so to speak. Uh, congratulations to Mrs. Francis Kennedy. Uh, welld deserved. Um, also attended the tail end of the South Folson brokers reception and made some pretty good contacts for the city. Uh, there are a lot of opportunities out here and uh, we want to start taking advantage of those opportunities and 
[2:57:16] utilizing those external resources uh, to expand things in this city and just overall improve the quality of life in the city. Uh we touched on House Bill 942, the Clayton County situation. Uh this morning I was down at the Capitol with uh Chairwoman Anderson, Clayton County Chairwoman, uh who some of us were schoolmates with uh and uh she was very optimistic about how things were going to go. Um, city attorney, uh, I'm assuming their premise 
[2:57:49] is along the lines of our arguments before where, uh, we had some so many issues with the airport. So, if the premise is along our lines, they're probably going to be victorious. I don't know what that amount's going to come out to, but it's going to be a big benefit to Clayton County, and I think there'll be a few pennies in it for us, uh, as well if we're lucky. >> $50 million upwards of that. Even if we looking at half of that, folks, uh we're working and we're making sure we're working with our community partners. Uh I certainly supported Miss Anderson 
[2:58:20] becoming chair and uh she's done a spectacular job. Uh that's what a city county partnership looks like. We talked today about how we navigated through the airport issues, the third party factors where those business enterprises. Uh the claim was uh just a little history for y'all. Essentially, the airport's claim was uh well, if you have a parking deck at the airport, well, that's an function essential to the airport function. And 
[2:58:51] you know, the answer is yes or yes and no. Uh could the airport operate without it? Well, yes. There other modes of transportation to the airport. You can take martyr in you can take an Uber. Uh you know you can catch a ride. Uh one of the premises was once a third party is farmed out to handle that business enterprise uh that puts it in a different category. Uh so there are a lot of intricacies uh in terms of uh the airport uh intergovernmental relations and I've been through a lot of them and 
[2:59:21] I'm glad to see this coming back around and airports they're nowhere near broke so they're not going to miss a beat. $50 million uh you know to them is uh well they bring in a lot of money at the airport. I'll just leave it at that. Uh but I'm hoping for the best with that. Um couple of other things I did want to touch on that I think I have to actually touch on. Um we heard a lot of issues and arguments and discussions up here but they were all good arguments and good discussions. 
[2:59:52] And this is how you work through good governance. Are governments perfect? No, but we're moving forward and we're all, I think, working to do the right thing here uh on this DS as well as our city attorney, city manager, and everyone else. Uh but they're questions. They're challenges. There were a lot of questions about uh you know, do we want to allow boarding rooms, you know, or not? It's a good question, and we're going to have to make a decision. Do we want Airbnbs or not? Do we want 
[3:00:23] protocols for Airbnbs or not? you know, do we want college park split pads? Do we want airport crash pads? You know, all of these uh housing issues have one thing in common. Excuse me. That's uh rental and how we approach rental. Obviously, we're a rental city. Uh 75% rental, upwards of uh a little bit more than that this year, actually. Um how much 
[3:00:54] more rental do we want? I mean there there are some HOAs that restrict rental. So there are some things that we can do. Can we outright restrict rental properties? Georgia does not allow that, but there are certain zoning classifications that may be able to limit that. So we need to get creative in terms of what we want to do and how we want to do it. Um couple of other things I did want to touch on. Uh working together 
[3:01:25] trying to get along. We don't agree on everything, but at the end of the day, I think we come to pretty good medians and meet and and and situations that work and we work through our issues and challenges. Um, we try to work together and we try to get along. Uh folks, believe it or not, you know, we do listen to each other uh even when we disagree from time to time, >> but we do listen to each other's concerns and try to incorporate them into the the decisions we make. uh I 
[3:01:58] listen to the mayor's issues and a lot of the times we agree, you know, so in an attempt uh to accommodate the mayor's request to appropriate funds, I believe that we came up with a an acceptable mechanism that works while not violating our policies. >> Just a church. >> And we did it. Please don't interrupt me. I did not interrupt you. Thank you. We worked together tonight on that because I was listening and tonight we 
[3:02:30] gave the mayor a selective option to afford her that ability and this is something we've given no other mayor and that is what we've called progress and we haven't checked the record we have not um but we have issues where sometimes we disagree as well now I pushed for you know as much accountability and transparenc arency regarding the approval of of of a lot of funds. Um, you know, now my friendly amendment did not pass, but hey, that's 
[3:03:02] just the way it goes sometimes. But I did uh hear uh Councilman Clear and he said those checks and balances are in place and are going to be in place through the city manager's office. >> And we're going to move forward in transparency with accountability for every dime. Um, you know, and you know, misinformation and and lies are not going to go away, y'all. But, uh, you know, the cure to that type of nonsense 
[3:03:34] is the truth and the facts. >> And speaking of the facts, uh, I guess we'll get this cleared up right now. City Finance Director, uh, going to come on down for a quick minute here. Mayor, can I ask for a point of order? >> I'm in the middle of my comments. Thank you very much. >> I thought that we as a body agreed that we would not bring our staff down here because whatever 
[3:04:05] is going to be the comment. I don't know if the staff members prepared to answer. I don't I think it's a disservice to bring staff down doing the comments. >> Hold on one second. Have Are you prepared to answer whatever question he's asking you? >> I'm not sure. Sir, I don't know what the question is. >> Well, mayor, it wasn't whether she was the council. It was my position as the senior counselor that we should not bring our staff down here unprepared. I just It's just not I mean, >> well, if you want to make a motion. >> Excuse me. I'm in the middle of my 
[3:04:36] comment. >> You said it's a point of order. It's a point of order. >> Comment. They're just that they're coming. >> Council member Council member, if you'd like to make a council member >> and they answer questions for us all the time. Council member, hold on one second. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Council member Gay, if you'd like to make a motion. You said a point of order. What's your motion? >> I want to make a motion that we need to I don't want to make a motion. I want to make a comment. >> Wait. The point of order is you. >> The point of order is we just talked about moving forward. Why are you going to ask somebody to come down here at 
[3:05:08] >> that's had all week to be prepared? Ain't no telling what he about to ask her. >> Okay. All right. >> I don't think it's fair. But that's not a point of order. Go ahead, Council Member Carr. Go ahead. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, thank you, Councilman. Uh, thank you, city finance director. Uh, all right. So, uh, essentially, I wanted you to explain what the story was on this uh, website I saw in terms of I taken money and funds misappropriated and the whole nine. >> Oh, man. May point of order. 
[3:05:40] >> No, go ahead. Let her finish. Go ahead. Mayor, mayor, mayor, if I might. >> I mean, if Miss Hammond, did you have a response? >> Uh, I was >> Hold on. I want I want to hear what he has to say, what the point of clarification is. >> Uh, thank you. Uh, again, uh, Miss Hammond, uh, we did speak about this issue earlier. Could you kind of explain essentially what happened uh concerning this uh check and uh with finance 
[3:06:13] >> regarding the Home Depot um receipts? >> Yes, this is inappropriate. It's inappropriate to be bringing staff down here. >> Council member, council member, please let her please let her >> bring it to executive session. >> It's not an executive session item. >> We want transparency. >> Miss Hammond, go right ahead. Okay. So, the issue with the $1,34.9 some odd, the money was paid back. It was paid back um by council member KN a 
[3:06:46] total of $1,35. So, it did get paid back >> to the city. >> And Miss Hammond, can you explain why did that money have to be paid back in the first place? because it was a overpayment that finance did in error. So that's why it had to be paid back. >> And folks, for the record, uh that occurred before Mrs. Hammond was here when Mrs. Lindell Miller was city manager. I just had one one other Go 
[3:07:17] ahead. He's got one more question. I've got a question. >> One other uh question for you. >> Uh city finance director, just a question about finance policy. So if the city issues a check uh in error inadvertently and it's given to someone say a city employee uh and that check was cut in error. What is that employee obligated to do? >> Pay the money back >> and alert finance that there was a 
[3:07:48] mistake. Is that right? >> Correct. >> Okay. Was that done? >> Excuse me. >> Was that done by me? I don't know. I just know that the money was paid back. >> Well, it was within a couple of days. Uh, and that's what I would expect any city employee to do. Obviously, um, just wanted to set the record straight so that there was no misunderstanding in terms of when you hear something in the news or on a website. This was a someone 
[3:08:20] built a whole website about this built on just a bunch of false facts, but uh it was an impressive website and I said it'd be great if someone spent that kind of time putting together a community website for positivity. Miss Hammonds didn't even want to be heard and this is what transparency is about. So, you know, I I definitely appreciate it. I just wanted to uh set the record 
[3:08:51] straight on that. I think I had one other Thank you, Miss Ham, so much. Did you want to set the record straight on the other? >> I appreciate it. Mayor, you had your comments. I'd appreciate it if you would not interrupt me. Please, please. >> Oh, okay. I mean, I just wanted to make sure. >> Let's respect each other. Please don't interrupt me again. I did not interrupt you. >> Uh, last thing I'll say is, uh, you know, again, we're not always going to agree, 
[3:09:22] but we're going to move forward doing the best that we can. and make sure we're doing things that the community would be proud of up here. Again, we seek good governance and I think everybody's intention up here is for good governance. So, uh we're going to continue to move forward and make progress for this city. Uh that's all I got. >> Thank you, sir. Council member Arnold. >> Thank you. Uh so I I want to start by piggybacking on a couple of things that 
[3:09:53] have been already been said by uh both of my colleagues in reference to myths and disinformation. Um because this was something that I addressed at my last town hall. I would imagine that everybody sitting on this dis and sitting in this room loves this city. We want to see this city move forward. We want to see it progress. We want to see developers come. We want our taxes to be low. We 
[3:10:23] want our homes to continue to hold its value. Yet, we allow individuals to come and disparage our city, talk about it, go to the news, tell lies, and don't correct it. And if we are that concerned that some of these allegations are true, then last year I advocated last year and 
[3:10:54] the year before I advocated for us to have a process in place to have a full ethics board where citizens can put in their complaints and have full investigations. So, what we need to do as individuals that live in this community, that love this community, we need to stop having people talk bad about our city. 
[3:11:24] >> That's right. >> It has to stop. Regardless to who it is, we cannot afford to let our city be drugged through the mud because of people being bitter or things not going their way. And we definitely cannot allow individuals to continue to lie on people who have sacrificed sacrificed their careers, their lives, their time 
[3:11:56] to represent the people of of College Park to then just be drugged through the mud for no reason. So again, if if you are concerned that someone is doing something illegal, underhanded, breaking the law, we have an ethics board with individuals who don't even live in the city of College Park. They are each lawyers. They know what 
[3:12:27] the law is. They know what we should and should not be doing. And so, you know, I'm I'm very concerned because we now we have our own citizens coming down and making accusations of things that are just not true. And I'm not going to stay there for long. I just want to make sure that we all understand that there is a mechanism in place. So, moving along to the things that um that I participated in in 
[3:12:58] representing the city and ward 3. Uh everyone knows that um a couple of weeks ago we had our CCMA meeting. That's the Clayton County Municipal Association meeting where Mayor Flewellyn is the chair of that committee and she brought updates to us from Clayton County Chairwoman um Anderson Henry and some projects some upcoming projects that she's charging each one of the cities the seven cities in Clayton 
[3:13:28] County with. One in particular will be um for us to excuse me to have um uh well I'm I'm gonna wait I'm I'm gonna wait for Mayor Flu Allen to give us the update but just to know that we are already on track because we um plan to have our um comprehensive plan put in place and so um economic development plan is going to be u requested of us as well especially for the portion in Clayton County. Uh I had the opportunity 
[3:14:00] to also participate in a women's leadership conference uh earlier last week. Um I was gone for a few days and one of the theme of that particular conf conference was from one to many reminding us all and you know we are sitting here as a majority uh woman's um council here to to remind us that as we are moving upward we have to remember to reach back to the next woman to pour 
[3:14:32] back to mentor and to know that we are being watched, right? Others are watching us as a living example of how they should move as young women. Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in the government advocacy day for King Elementary School uh for magnet schools and they're looking for um us to support the the uh magnet schools in Clayton County. 
[3:15:04] King Elementary is a very unique elementary school. It focuses on botney and zoology. Um and it was amazing to watch young people taking care of animals and plants. Um they even had their own community farm which was actually a hydroponic um garden. And then I felt really proud to have met another individual who represents Clayton County Schools. I consider myself uh occasionally as a unicorn. You 
[3:15:36] don't find too many African-American women that have a physics and math degree. And so the superintendent of teaching and learning also had a physics and math degree. And so, you know, of course we connected, but it was uh amazing really, honestly and truly to watch the kids. Um we have some amazing young people coming up through our public school system. They're very bright. We have a bright future and I'm looking forward to participating in that 
[3:16:09] um that advocacy day for them uh again and to writing a letter of support for additional funding for magnet schools. Uh we all participated in well we all participated in the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus Heritage Gala. It was good to see my colleagues there. Um it was an amazing event. It's always good to see you all out in um social events. We we dress differently, we look differently, 
[3:16:39] and we get to engage in a different type of way. The Black History Program, I just cannot continue to say how much I how pleased I was with the work that was put into that program. Thank you, Dr. Willis. Thank you to you. Thank you to Beverly Rodriguez and the entire staff, the volunteer committee that put that program on. It was impeccable. And to be able to highlight 
[3:17:12] the people in the community that are actually doing the work. >> They're helping to make our jobs easier. They're helping us to be able to tell the story. they are actually continuing to write our history on a daily basis and they're contributing to our communities. So, thank you. Thank you for that impeccable event this weekend. Um, and then there are a couple of things 
[3:17:44] that that I learned and there was a comment that was made by the interim superintendent of schools um for Clayton County Schools. I want to make a make this comment and then I want to say something about staff before I finish. and his reminder is that we need to rem think about before we open our mouths and before we start talking about what's going on, we need to remind 
[3:18:14] ourselves that we're all on the same team. We are all on the same team. We may not always agree on how we're going to get to a certain point, but we are all fighting for the same people. If we have someone that we consider to be an adversary, that would be someone that is fighting against us doing right by the people. 
[3:18:45] We are all on the same team. My last comment is in reference to the staff. We have to do better about our staff's salaries. It is not fair that our staff members are working two and three jobs just to make their ends meet to live in the city of College Park. When we go into our budgeting season, 
[3:19:18] we need to look at how we're paying our employees, especially our first responders. We hear it all the time that while we get the opportunity to run away from danger, they have to run into danger, but we refuse to pay them what they are worth. We cannot go into another budget cycle with not without addressing that and 
[3:19:48] without addressing staff salaries period. >> Thank you, Council Member Gay. >> Well, great comments from everybody. Um, I had a lot to say, but it's kind of changed now. >> It changed. But I I want to say something that I agree with my colleagues. Um in 1994 I am a mask a medical business. We did occupational healthc 
[3:20:20] care practices and um I raised a million dollars 1994 from Citizens Trust Bank. Long story short, we partnered with Mohouse School of Medicine. We we built the first school of occupation environments, all of the great stuff. big house cars, trips to Bermuda, Taylor clothes. Guy came to my office one day. He says, "Man, how you get this? You're a dope dealer." Right? So that's in 1994. So my point in saying that story is this 
[3:20:53] job comes with ridicule. You got to have to know that you signed up for a job where you become a public figure. You get to be targeted. you get to not be liked >> because you signed up to be a public figure. So, you know, like it's a gray area between, you know, look, I had to sit up here for 10 years, but a war not liking me. I had to earn that respect. And the only way I earned it 
[3:21:24] was by consistency. I think this council need a a a quality of life raise. And I know y'all got other income streams, but still you all put a lot of work up here. And you know, getting a part-time check every 30 days, you know, that's that's I don't know that that's something that needs to be revisited where our colleagues in Atlanta, you know, they riding around making six. I mean, it's just I don't know who came up with this structure. 
[3:21:56] Um, but I do want to remind everybody that um we has some really serious things that we do have to deal with. One of them is the City of Atlanta Aviation is is expecting us to get into $30 million debt. That's a lot of money. And um we still have an attorney general investigation out there. And you know, we got a um you know, a delegation that could drop a bill tomorrow on a strong male charge. 
[3:22:28] So, you know, while we in our feelings, we need to also know that we got a serious responsibility and and to take this job serious. Um, and so I just wanted to, you know, bring us back to reality. Uh, on on that note, um, Jasper Williams, I used to go to this church and one thing Jasper said, I don't know if anybody from old Atlanta, >> J Williams said one thing. Did I go to 
[3:22:58] jail on the weekend? Did I get caught with cocaine in the car? Did I kill a man for say he said all of it was true? >> He said he said all of it was true. >> So my point is, you know, if everybody's saying the same thing, if if if everybody keep saying the same thing, it ain't just them talking about us. We need to get our house in order cuz everybody don't keep saying the same thing over and over again. I'm just I'm 
[3:23:29] just gonna say that. You know, I respectfully um the Bill Evans field was supposed to have closed in November and that was $1.5 million and we took our community I'm talking about war for now. We took our community enhancement money and parked it. So we didn't have no out of control spending. We just thought we were going to have the money back by by now. And that's why that parking lot. So I need Bill Evansfield to close so we can get our money. 
[3:24:00] No, it wasn't no uncontrolled spending. It just that we relied on a closing that hasn't happened as of as of today. Uh the next thing I want to tell you is that um speaking of the general assembly, we I asked the legislators to introduce a uh vape shop legislation that can't be closed to church. Anybody heard anything about any legislation they introduce for us this on this I have >> we can do that. >> Huh? >> We can do that. >> It's not too late. >> I'm saying we can do that. 
[3:24:32] >> We can regulate vape shops. >> I just don't think that we need to regulate vape shops. I mean, it's just I mean, in my ward alone, when you go into gas stations, this the whole wall, the whole wall is tobacco products and it's just not wholesome in my opinion. I asked a a merchant. I don't want to get ethnic, but I asked a merchant. I said, "Do would you do that to your daughter?" He came from behind the counter with a stick. He was that offended. 
[3:25:04] But you doing it to my daughter and my children. Every time we walk in the store, they got to look and process all of this this stuff in there. I don't think that's cool. You can't do it at a racetrack. >> So why why you can do it at at sub gas stations? I don't care. I don't care if you give me a a dinner, whatever. You We need to limit the base. All this stuff be gas station. >> I agree. >> It ain't cool. >> Um the dog park. I want to thank my 
[3:25:34] colleagues. What y'all don't know is that none of this can be done without y'all. I don't care what you say. Without you all, we get none. >> That's right. >> I mean, you just don't know the anxiety I had coming to this meeting tonight. You see these bags? >> Yeah. >> But but God put it in. Councilwoman, mayor, y'all, you know, you didn't go, you know, you gave in. Man, we got great projects. 
[3:26:06] Another thing I want to say in closing is look, don't be scared of money, okay? I mean, look, there are organizations that deal with billions of dollars. Billions. Why are we scared that every time we do something is is horrific, man? Look, >> the the Atlanta Botanical Garden is spending $100 million to go from uh 10th Street to Monroe. $100 million. You know good and well them people don't 
[3:26:37] got to spend that much money. But that's just how they move. That's the world they live in. The world we live in is we trying to put everybody in jail by the end of the year. Like it's monopoly money. So, I do agree that we do need to be cool and be careful, but we do need to go easy on the rhetoric because I will tell you the FBI told me when they was trying to lock up Bill Cam, you know what he said? It ain't illegal to make your friends 
[3:27:08] rich. It ain't against the law, believe it or not, to make your friends rich. If you do business with your friends, you just did business with your friends. There ain't no federal law. It's called Favor. I mean, their their their elected officials that retired from office has sent over 500 million dollars to their cities. You think they walking around broke, hungry, depressed. So, I just think we need to put it in perspective what we 
[3:27:38] trying to do up here. I don't think nobody's up here trying to deliberately get in trouble. You know what I'm saying? I just think we're doing, you know, we didn't get a rule book with this job. >> That's right. >> We got one, but it's outdated. So, we we're doing the best we can. And last I want to say is uh I want to thank Giannis for um hosting us. But y'all should also know Giannis hosted the uh 
[3:28:10] Trade Con. I mean, what? Thrift. >> Thriftcon. Thrift. and he thought he was going to get 1,500 visitors and the man got hit with an unprecedented amount of visitors, >> but it was so flawless, >> you never would have known. That's that's just how they move over there. >> That's right. >> And then that night, my frat brother had a masquerade party and it was flawless. So, y'all are doing an amazing job, Giannis. And u I'mma leave you out, Lance. Lance has done an amazing job in his 
[3:28:41] leadership with that dog park and Phyllis Park in y'all's park. >> When Lance called me, he talk about all y'all parts. That's right. >> I said, L, I don't want to I don't care about their parts. He still be talking about y'all's parts. >> He's fair. >> He's always talk. But Lance does an amazing job. And so kudos to Lance for his cool leadership. >> Cool. >> And making sure that he serve us all with integrity. So, mayor, that'll be my minutes. I'm sorry if I let down the watchers that we didn't have an 
[3:29:11] explosive comment. It can't always be, you know. >> Um, well, um, before we, uh, before I take a motion to go into executive session, I want to apologize, Council Member K, for uh, sharing information that was incomplete. Um, none of us are perfect. Um, I I got the information through an open records request and I apologized that um it was not it didn't tell the full story 
[3:29:41] in regard to of those Home Depot transactions and I look forward to hearing more about the remainder of of what I posted. But in regard to that Home Depot transaction, I apologize to you uh publicly because I don't want to put erroneous information out to the public. >> Is there a motion to enter into executive session for the purposes of litigation and >> some moved? >> Thank you, Council Member Arnold. Is there a second? 
[3:30:12] >> Second. >> Thank you, Council Member K. Any discussion? >> Hearing none, we'll move uh is we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? I