College Park Business & Industrial Development Authority (BIDA)
March 11, 2026

Yeah, I think you right here. That's you. >> Yeah. Good evening. I would like to call to order the College Park Business and Industrial Development Authority meeting to order. Thank you all for being here this evening. Before we begin, I want to acknowledge that this is Women's History Month, a time to recognize leadership

res I'm sorry, resilience and many contributions women make in our communities and in public service. As chair, I remain committed to keeping BTO moving forward with transparency, accountability, and a clear focus on economic development for the city of College Park. And Miss Hannah, if you would, would you please uh call the role.

Chair Subneia Willis, >> present. Vice Chair Lethia Williams, >> present. Secretary Treasurer Julian Visenov, >> Mayor Mly Broom, Vice Mayor Joe K >> here. >> Board member Tracy Wyatt >> present. >> And board member Mr. Celissa Jefferson >> here. >> That's the end of the roll call.

And if there are any guests um and staff uh would you please uh introduce yourselves, your name, your organization. Uh starting on the left side. I'm Marjorie Dent, chaplain of College Park Police Department. >> Rose Stewart, College Park Police Department. >> Y Spawn, executive director of the Gateway Campus.

>> Michael Hicks, interim city manager, city of College Park. >> WY attorney. Sorry. >> Ed Wall, financial adviser. Hannah Adogan, assistant secretary treasurer for PADA. >> Hakeis Garcia, program manager, city of College Park. Banaku, United Action for Advancement Humanity. >> Is that everyone?

pass the process. >> Louise Harris, resident of the city of College Park, a parent of the with the Georgia Fab track team. >> Rex Willis, RSW services. >> That's all. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh, next we'll have the prayer by Dr. Reverend Marjorie Jackson.

It's good to be here and thanks for inviting me to invocation. So let us pray. Heavenly Father, we gather this day with gratitude for the privilege of serving the city of College Park and the people who call this community home. We thank you for the vision, dedication, and leadership represented in this room, especially for the leadership of chairperson, Dr. Sabrina Willis, the members of the College Park, Business and Industrial Development Authority, and all those who work faithfully to

guide the economic future of this city. Lord, we're reminded of your word in Proverbsap 11:14. Where there's no guidance, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors, there is safety. So today, we ask your wisdom to guide every discussion, every plan, and every decision made in this meeting. As we celebrate the contributions of women this month, we remember them through history. You have used women and men to guide communities toward justice, wisdom, and progress. We remember

Deborah who led with courage and discernment. Esther who stood for her people in decisive moment and Lydia a businesswoman whose enterprise helped support the early church. We also remember the strength and vision of women in her own history. Women like Sjour truth Harriet Tubman and Dr. Dorothy height. Also Katangi Jackson who is now in the Supreme Court and Mayo Angelo. Their legacy reminds us that leadership is not only about authority but about service

and purpose. We thank you Lord for the women and men who serve here in College Park. Those in leadership, economical de development, public safety and community service. Lord, we especially pray today for the development and future of this land, especially work unfolding at 6 West. Your word declares in Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." Therefore, we ask that you bless this land and every

project that benefits business, workers, families, and future generations. Bless the mayor, council, city staff, entrepreneurs, investors, and workers who labors help shape the prosperity of this community. May the decisions made here today help build a stronger, more vibrant College Park. We offer this prayer with humility, Lord, gratitude and hope. In the name of the Father and of the Son, Jesus Christ and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Amen.

>> At this time, I have a special presentation. Hi, my name is Marjorie Dent, winner of the merit award for the black history program 2026 in College Park. I am the wife of the late Councilman Jesse A. Den Jr. retired from the army in 1975 and we

moved to College Park in 1976. So, we've been here and part of the culture for almost 50 years. And so, in 1990, Councilman Johnny Robinson called me and asked me if I wanted to sit on the zoning board um at that time. And so, I was the first African-Amean that ever sat on the zoning board in College Park. The deep commitment to the city now started with my husband. We were members

of Friendship Baptist Church. And so we were very active members and at that time there was such racial discrimination in College Park that we all got together with Johnny Robinson, Ly Miller and um Michael Tower and a lot of people that were younger at that time and we formed the group that brought this city to where it is right now. We fought for equal justice. we uh we made sure that everyone had an equal

opportunity in this city. Then I started in the ministry in 1983. So that's 43 years ago. I was the first female woman to be licensed at Friendship Baptist Church. So that was history. Yeah, I'll just um encourage people no matter what you're going through and you have a passion in your heart, just believe in yourself, believe that you can do it because all things are possible with God. And just keep that

phrase, all things are possible with God. And um if you have a dream, live your dream. Be kind to people, love people, and just go forth. I just thought it was just so fitting um to recognize um Dr. Marjorie Jet. Uh she's such a special

woman in our community and I just think the world of her and I just thank you for everything that you do. And she just had a birthday also on last Monday. So if we could just say happy birthday y'all. >> Happy birthday. Happy birthday >> 62. >> Uh next on the agenda, we'll have the approval of the minutes from the uh

February 11th uh vital meeting. I just ask the uh board to take a moment to review the minutes. Uh, if there are any corrections or amendments, I will entertain a motion for approval. >> I have a correction. >> Yes. Uh, board member Jefferson. Um, line, >> excuse me, >> line 393. I'm not sure if my comments were redacted or they just wasn't

correct correctly recorded. You take a look at that handle. You see? So my um my correct uh statement

there it was not members solicit Jefferson asked who is the signer 300,000 is a lot of money missing on the account who has access um that's incorrect the correct statement was the city um has been defrauded of 300,000 in the past from the Tracy Wyatt Center from bank account withdrawals and recently the 625,000 from the Keller Williams and former chair Tracy Wyatt signing of illegal

contracts. So, how do we prevent any other funds from being embezzled? So, who will be the signer on this account? We'll make sure that's updated. >> I have corrections. Okay. Uh, Dr. Williams, >> line 34. Um, the approve the approval to appraise the Six West was not attributed to me.

Um, I don't know how to fix that, but that has nothing to do with the promotion of the arts and college park. That's two different issues that are condensed. We'll get that fixed. >> And then, excuse me, line 263, it should be PM as in Mary. PMG, not PNG.

>> We'll get that fixed as well. Um line 278 mayor prom Joe Kin said I am asking permission to for BA to okay and get this property within the red line owned by Bida but there's no this there's no motion and I know we did vote on the appraisal so the motion is missing here and um

And that's it. And which which line was the last one on? >> Um, a second. >> 278. >> 278. Got that. >> That's all I have. Okay. Thank you. Uh before we uh do uh

vote to approve the um to approve the uh minutes, I want to go back and make sure that everything um that um board member Jefferson said was definitely in the Was was it did she say that the last meeting? I want to make sure before we amend it. I'm going to go back and rewatch the recording of the last meeting. And what

now? >> I'm going to go back and watch the recording of the last meeting and then cooperate that with what she said here. >> Okay. So, we'll wait before we >> Yeah, I'll I'll make sure that that's correct before we put that in. >> So, I have a question concerning that. Since I'm being singled out in reference to my comments, then I think that these whole minutes need to be redacted and redone according to uh what everyone said that evening

because I clearly said what I said, but a member should not be singled out if a member is correcting her statement just because there are certain people on the board that may be offended by those comments. >> I can go back and check all of those. >> Make sure you know, check everything. >> Yeah, I'll go back and and check all of them. >> Other things. Okay, that's fine. But I just want to make sure that we'll >> do all I just want to make sure. >> Yes. >> That

Madam Chair, >> I have one thing. I have one thing. >> Yes, sir. >> Line um 412. >> I think that's page um page 10. 412 page 10 at the very top. >> Yes. >> Where it says secretary treasurer junior reason over said I am not clear on the motion. Is this just to establish a bank now? I think that

>> bank account. >> Yes. Got it. >> That's it madam chair. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, next, uh, are there any additions, deletions, or amendments, uh, to the agenda, excuse me, this this this isn't an additional addition. >> That's not an addition, but we can u make sure that the page the replacement

page was added to the bylaws. >> Okay. You can get >> uh madam chair there was a the bylaws the draft of the bylaws that um was included with the vital packets there the single there the last page of that needs to be replaced and I'm just asking that the document that's going to be adopted for review in the minutes will be the one that is on this single handout for today. there was an inadvertent um item missing that I left

off and I added it. So it if that would be included in the item for the um bylaws update then I'm just I want to make certain that it's included as part of the adopted agenda with the with the revised page. Oh, we that's PSA. >> Yes. Yes. It's just the last single page should be replaced from the page that was provided to the board in this packet and it's just a single line on the last

page, a single sentence added. So that would be the official document for your consideration and discussion tonight. >> And I think it's the page before the signature page, right? >> Yes. >> Yes. Thank you, Hannah. It's not the last page. the page before the signature page. Yes. Thank you. It's Thank you. >> Uh do we have a motion to add make sure that's included >> to adopt it inclusion? >> Motion. >> You see make a motion.

We >> have a motion. >> Motion. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> We have a second. Any discussion? >> All in favor? I >> I any opposed? >> I >> Any abstensions? Okay, thank you. Uh do we have any announcements?

None. Uh I want them to go ahead and play that uh second video. Well, Bellamy, uh, basketball player, uh, played for 13 years, retired with the Atlanta Hawks in 1974. Um, after retiring, uh, we resided. We moved to, uh, College Park, the city of College Park, which is a city that he

really loved. Uh he was on several boards. Um he actually at Lakes Shore High School, the high school that I went to, uh he was um on the PTA and several booster clubs. He tried to fit in wherever he could get in. Um he's very active. Um he was a president of the YMCA um international cultural um events. Um also served um for like 15 years with the city. Ba. He loved he

loved College Park. He loved people. Uh he resided in College Park. He just loved being active, loved helping people. He wanted to make the city of College Park better. If anything that he could do for College Park, he would he would um bust his tail to make Cottage Park greater or better. He just loved the city. Um that's where he lived. He just wanted to make it better. >> He he was a gentle giant. And I say that not because of his height, but because of his heart. Uh he he was a tremendous

man. Tremendous man. And the state of Georgia knew it. He was recognized in the state. He was recognized in College Park. He was recognized in so many cities, not just in Georgia, but across the country. And so to have him as a neighbor uh was an honor for me and an honor for so many others that lived on our street that that even if we didn't know he was home, people would blow when they went past his house. That's how great it was in our minds. >> Hearing that uh my father is receiving this uh lifetime achievement award is

it's incredible. It's awesome. Um it it touches my heart our hearts, my mom and myself and my family. Uh we really appreciate uh this honor um that you still remembering my father and his accolades and the things he have done for the city and that you still remember him. It's it's a great honor. A great honor. I really appreciate it. We do.

And I I I thought it was fitting uh to listen at uh Mr. Walt Bellamy um before we uh began our meeting. Uh I personally uh knew Walt and he was a very uh big inspiration. He loved BA and he always wanted BA to do what it was supposed to do. And I just thought it was fitting, but I want to say a few words.

I just want to say this right now, not because of position and not because of title, but because of the timing. As a board member, I am a product of this authority. I have seen what it can do. I have seen how it shapes opportunity. I have seen how decisions made at this table can open doors or close them. And I have lived it. I was I was removed. I was reappointed. And I

stand here today not with bitterness but with clarity. For such a time as this that matters. It matters because leadership is not about comfort. It is about calling. It is not about egos. It is not about stewardship. And if I am honest, this moment requires something deeper from all of us. We are not just here casually. We are not here accidentally. We are not here

with simply just to fill a seat. We are here as a defining intersection in the history of BER and the history of College Park. We are standing on the shoulders of servant leaders who have fought for us to have a seat at this table. Fought for inclusions on boards and departments and positions of influence and jobs within this community that looks like

us. It has not always been like this be before we move into the business of this meeting. I need to take a step back. I did it wrong. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I did it wrong. >> This is way closer, right? Access was

not always available. Voices was not always heard. Opportunities that were not always equitable. But others carried the weight so that we could carry responsibility. And now the question before us is simple. Will we honor their sacrifice? B was established under the laws of the state of Georgia with real authority, real independence, real responsibility. This is not a symbolic leadership. This

is a structural leadership. And what we do now becomes the blueprint. And what a blueprint for those who have sacrificed. For those who have prayed, for those who have built but did not reap the wealth of their labor, for generations who were delayed but not denied. So let me say this clearly. We will have differences. We will have strong opinions. We will have difficult conversations. But what we cannot afford is division.

We cannot afford ego. We cannot afford distractions. We cannot afford to be pulled off the mission. The people of co the people of College Park deserve economic development that brings jobs, that increase revenues, that strengthens neighborhoods, that builds generational stability. And we must do it the right way with transparency, with discipline, with accountability, with unity of purpose, even when

personalities differ. I stand before you today not to relive the past, but to lead forward. So with saying that I want us to uh move forward any other announcements, >> Madam Chair? >> Yes. >> Um I'm sorry I there is nothing for an executive session tonight and I know we adopted the agenda. Um, if we could if if the board if the chair would like to

entertain a motion to remove executive s session item 10 and 11 from the adopted agenda, that will be um appropriate at that time unless any other member has some executive session item, but I do not have anything for executive session tonight. >> That's what she's going we're going to remove. We're not going to have that. Uh, do I have a motion to remove executive session from the agenda? >> 10. >> Motion >> 10 and 10 and 11. I have a motion. Uh,

by board member res over. Do I have a second? >> Second. So, nobody has anything, right? >> Nobody has anything for executive session. Okay. >> All right. Second. >> Have a second by uh Vice Mayor K. Any discussion? All in favor? I I >> Any oppose? Any abstensions? Motion carries.

>> Uh next we will have uh old business. Um we will have an update regarding the uh Keller Williams Unauthorized Real Estate Commission by interim city manager uh Michael Hicks. Uh, Madame Chair and the rest of the uh, by the board, uh, wish I had uh, more tangible information to share with you, but I do have a statement here I'd like to read from attorney Winston Demar, who's

handling that case. He said, city manager, regarding the Kelly Williams litigation update, our firm has assisted on behalf of the city with engaging Clint Rucker to handle this matter. Mr. Rucker will be available to attend the April B meeting and provide a report regarding the status of the litigation and next steps. So to summarize, uh they've engaged Clint Ruckers to handle the matter and he will be here at the April Ber meeting to give a report and an update a year

back. >> Uh this matter is very important um to the authority. Um so we definitely uh excuse me uh I have something. Yes, I have a question for you. >> Okay, ma'am. M >> res. >> Who is who is Clint Rucker? >> Uh Clint Rucker is an attorney uh that's been hired by uh Winston uh Demar Ashby to handle the Keller Williams litigation. >> Okay. Hired through our city's law firm, Madam Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> So, Clint Rucker used to be an assistant

district attorney under Paul Howard. He's a big time lawyer. >> Mhm. >> He's really highly qualified. He worked there for 25 years. Um he went out on private practice and um you couldn't pick anybody with a bigger pedigree than Clint. >> Wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Excuse me. Okay. Thank you. I just make sure

we have him follow up. Uh next is the um by the board retreat. Uh this retreat will provide an opportunity for us to step back and focus on strategic uh direction of the authority including governance, financial structure and the role in supporting economic development for the city. And we'll have Hannah to uh do that for us. So we were just trying to figure out

some dates that might work for the retreat. We also are thinking about the College Park Golf Course. So, I've been in conversation with Miss Vandandyball who is um and the director of the College Park Golf Course to set that up. But, we definitely need tentative dates and we're thinking about April. It would be a two-day retreat likely Friday evening and then Saturday during the day. And we also did want to invite

other boards to also come and participate if if necessary. >> So should I give out some dates for the board please? >> Okay. So we have for April we have the 17th and 18th.

We have the 10th and 11th. >> Still in April. >> Yes. Still in April. So, April 10th and 11th. April 17th and 18th. >> Do either of those work for everybody? >> City manager. Um, where we at on are those any of the

budget dates? April 10th. >> 11th. Oh, sorry. Yeah. Uh, April 10th, 11th, 17th, or 18th. >> April 10th might be a budget date. >> Oh, I will check those dates now. Stand back. Hannah, did we check those dates before we >> Yes, I'm checking right now. >> Budget budget hearing during the evening.

>> So, >> yeah. >> What what's the time frame for whatever day we do the retreat? >> So, it would be Friday evening and Saturday during the day. So, madam madam chair, I think when with when the executive executive committee met to talk about this, I think we discussed not starting in the evening on Friday, starting earlier on Friday. So, give a whole day >> of activities and then um beginning the next day. So, I think it won't it'll be during the day on Friday. >> Got it. So during the day Friday then

>> and I also want to ask uh what kind of input of what you know ideas of things you know even for planning uh as you're planning for a date what ideas do you all have um any board members? Well, I think we just, you know, I think it should be part brainstorming session, you know, ideas and new ideas and thoughts about, you know, if there's something we need to change. And and keep in mind, keep in mind, we're we're

we're approving and amending our bylaws tonight, >> you know, before we have a retreat, but which I don't have an issue with, but just just FYI there. Madam Chair. >> Yes. Um so and I've been having discussions with you and um and I know we've been sort of proactive and thinking about having uh a substantive retreat where you will have speakers, presenters that will give you knowledge,

insight and help you help the board sort of um find um things or experience things or hear information that you might not otherwise hear when you're all in one room. you may hear them individually and so with that we have and I can't call name I don't want to call any names but we have some at least three um tentative presenters who are very knowledgeable in development um doing economic development um underwriting for

financing and experience in dealing with uh development authorities like Bida I would also ask asking our madam chair if you would allow me to we talked about this earlier today >> to share. >> Yeah to share. I believe in order to have a really good retreat a really substantive retreat you need good facilitators. You need a facilitators who are knowledgeable in how the local government works and how um development

authorities work. And so I attend I was a part of a um retreat where a company called lead lead gov presented and facilitated and it was one of the best facilitated retreats I had ever seen. They were engaging. It wasn't them standing at the podium just talking and lecturing to the board or the the governing authority that they were presenting at that time. They were interactive. They understood. They did

all of their prep work to understand um what the nature of vital will be and how interaction with the city and about college park and it they will bring out things in the board members that will make it interactive and um collaborative and not just someone standing there lecturing to you all. And so the cost for them to do a two-day facilitation is $18,000. you and I um when I brought that up to the chair, you know, I told her that I would um

bring this up to the board. They are good. They are good. And I have seen them and that doesn't include just coming to the doing the retreat. They follow up with deliverables. They come back and they'll explain. They'll do some things that will make a well-rounded um investment. I don't think Biden has done a lot of training this year and we have money in the training budget and I would u recommend that this board consider utilizing them and then what they're going to do over the next few weeks they will send out

assessments to you all each of you they will get some information they're going to compile that information so that then when they're talking to you all and presenting it's not cold they're going to get some things so that you will feel like you know them and they know you and I would really recommend And um if if you all would authorize the um authorize the engagement of this firm to facilitate your retreat over two days and with the the ensuing followup.

>> Okay, Mr. Hicks, >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Okay, Mr. Rising over. >> Um so, Attorney Wy, is there um an ethics component inside of what they do? >> I they can certainly can do it. They do all kinds of training. They actually have a ethics unit and they actually do webinars for government and so we can add that in uh over two days. So not only will they um we can put that in board member re it over but we also I I advised them that we were going to have

some a larger meeting with larger groups within the city on the second day and they were like great and so they can help facilitate how these various groups and bida can work together for the benefit of the college park as a whole. They're really good and comprehensive at what they do and um I don't normally you know there So the $18,000 it might sound a lot it might sound like a lot but it really isn't for getting substantive um facilitation of a retreat where you want

to make a difference and move forward and get ideas and you get what you pay for is what I'm going to leave leave with. >> Okay, Mr. Hicks. Uh, Madam Chair, I I've got a comment and then I'll go back to answering uh >> Councilman Khan's question. Uh, does B have any strategic goals or core back? You do have those. No, I was nodding madam chair if I was nodding because that's what we need to have have and certainly a part of planning this

will be involving you as well because I think Bida needs to be on one accord with the city on these goals these u development goals comprehensive plan where all of that is we're all a family and we work together for the good of the citizens >> and so >> we need to have mission statements and things of that align with you Mr. city manager and what you all are doing at the city. >> Yes. So the reason I asked that is because we are going on a retreat tomorrow, Thursday and Friday of the department heads where we're going to

concentrate on the city strategic goals and I'll be more than happy to uh come to the retreat and share those uh goals being chair of the committee and also the core values. Uh city has re re redone their core values and I'll be more than happy to share those. But I wanted to see if Ber had any kind of strategic planning so that when you start to spend money when you start to look at uh land acquisition it's tied back to a particular goal so you can see where the fun is going. I'll be more than happy to help with that in terms of

strategic planning. And also to answer Councilman K's question, he asked about these dates, uh, April 10th, 11, 17th, and 18th. And Councilman Kins, we're clear because the first budget hearing starts on April 8th, April 13th and 15th. So, so we're good. Great. >> You're back. >> Okay. 17 18 is good. Okay. Uh, board member Jefferson. Uh so in reference to uh your question city manager so BEA did do a strategic um analysis and goals for the city we did do that and it is on

record and Hannah and Yakis you should have access to that server and it was more than an 80page document >> um and it was approved by this by this board in the previous year. So, we did now we did bring in a minority group firm that was um certified in it strategic planning and goals, but it did not cost $18,000. So, I I recommend, you know, I understand your recommendation um attorney WY um my issue is I don't know

if you had solicited uh those services to rep for that company to represent BER before it was presented to the board. So, I just, you know, have concerns in reference to that. I also have concerns that if we were to bring in a consultant that we could have done um that company can do a presentation or we could have uh aligned ourselves to do a um RFP or some nature uh to allow uh other consulting companies to be able to compete for the

uh the mad >> strategic goals um um consulting. But yes, but we we we did a very thorough strategic goal planning for this board in reference to our charter and our bylaws and our SOP. Um and >> um it was excellent. >> Uh but I don't think that I don't know if Hannah or Yakis if you guys have accessed that information. It should have been readily accessible to in the

orientation package for that um revital. So, it was a revitalization strategic goals uh for the community as well as for the businesses. >> We'll look it up. >> Madam Chair, >> yes. >> Um board member Jefferson, I I would never solicit and make any kind of binding comments to any vendor without bringing them to this board. What I did was I

solicited information so that I could bring this company to the board's attention and I did so because I have personally witnessed the excellent work that they do and so I don't have BA does not have to do an RFP to have a facilitator for a retreat. They certainly could the board could decide to do that but there is no legal requirement that might do that and this solicitation or this outreach let

me just this outreach that I did in anticipation of tonight's meeting for a discussion was just being proactive so that we can keep the tight schedule for this retreat on track so that we can have this board can have a substantive retreat with real information in the same way that I am helping to find um speakers and we'll add the city manager as as a speaker. Um I know that we are operating in the absence of an executive director. I know the the a formal

executive director because the city manager is wearing about three or four hats. Um I don't know how he does it, but he's wearing them well. But um filling in the gap, we began reaching out to um potential speakers. We had a really good retreat last year um in February of last year and I want to us to expound on that and keep getting better and better. So leader leader gov I said leg it's leader gov they do all types of um leadership strategic plans

we're not hiring them to be a consultant. So to be clear if this board does that what the request for me is that you need a a professional facilitator. So, I would love to see the strategic plan that you're referencing and then we can give it to leader gov and they can incorporate that into the training the the retreat. But I think it's telling that no one knows about this document. I I've not seen it and I'm but so I believe you that it exists but this is the kind of thing that we could that the board could learn about and hear about

as facilitated by some professional facilitators to keep it moving to keep it relevant to stay on point and they also help plan the retreat and the topics and so I would love for you to be one of those persons who will meet with them during the planning process so that you can get a feel too as to how good they are and what a benefit it will I have I have a question. >> Okay. >> Board member Jefferson, >> do you uh remember the year that document was produced or is there any

more information that you can give us so we can find? >> Do you do you have the copy of that retreat? Sabri Sabria would have transferred that information to you on the server. >> Yeah, I can check her files. And you said it was revitalization. Yeah, it was a it was the strategic planning goals and um community revitalization um packet. Okay. It used to be included in our orientation packet when Sabrita was here.

>> What year was that? >> It would have been back in 20 between 2020 and 2023. Thank you, >> madam chair. >> Yes, mayor. >> You can speak. >> Um, support me point. I believe Clara Axom was the person who facilitated that retreat. So, um, that information should

be readily available in our records. I can research and find it. >> Okay. Um Hannah is going to uh research that and pull it up so that all the members uh can see it and get a copy. Any more discussion about the retreat u facilitator? You know, we just trying to

get um some direction. So, um it seems like that we're kind of at a standstill uh until we look at this particular document. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> So, with that being said, um >> plus um I mean that doesn't stop us from looking at a you know, if do we want to have a facilitator that might be something something else too. >> Okay. Well, I definitely think we should look at having uh some pre a

professional uh facilitator because what I'm hearing and what I've seen um or had the experience of being on other boards is that there was always a concentration on building foundational principles and we need that. We really need that. um things such as the topics that uh attorney WY mentioned, ethics component and other things that are going to help us make better decisions about how we

govern ourselves and we do our jobs. Uh we have to remember we are public servants. So we need to have as much information um that we can uh and guided by somebody that does that. you know, um I don't think $18,000 for something like that is extravagant. I've seen or been at uh those type of things where company charged 30 $32,000 an

hour. You know, it wasn't long, but uh they that's what they charged. So I think we really need to consider one getting that particular plan in our hands as soon as possible so we can look at it and two uh moving on to to get more information or maybe a presentation or something from this from this company. And I certainly um James, I sent you a link to their the website if they want to put if the board desires, but um I certainly the the goal would be

to give the facilitators everything that they need in order to fashion and tailor the retreat to Bida. And so the document board member Jefferson that you referenced would certainly be placed in their hands for them to incorporate along with the strategic information that the the city manager is speaking of. And if we need to marry some things, we should do it. But that's that's the whole point of the retreat is to bring these things forward and um make each

board member knowledgeable of its existence so that you all can be informed and make the best decisions that you're capable of making as as elect as public officials. I I have nothing other than just say, you know, April's around the corner. So, I suggest we go with the suggestion of the city city by the Attorney, go ahead and pick some dates now and then get that document and

forward it to them so they can incorporate it so we can just move on. We've been beating this to death. So, that'll be my recommendation. So, do we >> do we have a motion? We can wait to see the website. >> Oh, please. Um, James, can you share the website uh for the board? >> Get it up now. >> Okay. >> U Okay. >> It'll be it'll be quick. I just wanted to sort of

see the different blocks. I wanted everyone to be able to see the different blocks that they offer. Training, workshops. Oh, there they are. So this is leader gov and if you go down to the bottom before we go to the next page of it just go down to the bottom if you don't mind scroll to the bottom of the page >> yeah city that's where I saw them at city

and I first um saw them at the city of Farurn um board member um a retreat, a two-day retreat. And then we can go to the retreats. You can see they do retreats up top retreats. Um and board member Jefferson, that's how I contacted them. Contact me. I like to chat about a retreat. And if you'll slide down, that's all I did. No, I'm I wanted to just make sure that you understood the the length of my extent of my contact and outreach. And you see they work with us to create

an engaging collaborative retreat. Um but then this is the and I'll send the link out to each of you. But this is the this is the um and if you go to workshops um this is just what they do and scroll down. That's that's it. Board members >> like that no cost. Let's get >> Okay, let's let's move forward. >> Vice President, let's get the no cost

workshop. >> Take me to the no cost. >> So, um, madame chair, if um you would uh entertain a I guess the the date would be April 17th and 18th is what I'm hearing and to authorize the chair to sign engagement with leader gov to be a facilitator for the retreat. Madam Chair, I make a motion that we had a retreat on April 17th, 18 that we authorize you to go ahead and engage in

a contract with said company >> 18,000 by whatever. >> Okay. Do I have a second? >> Could you repeat that motion? >> I'm I'm agreeing with you. >> Make a motion. I didn't hear you. >> Make a motion to have the retreat on April 17th and 18th. uh >> authorize the chair to engage the this company that we whatever leave whatever they are to facilitate our facility and uh that'll be my motion.

>> Do we have a second? >> Thank you. Uh second >> uh motion by uh >> board member Wyatt, second by uh Mr. Vizenover. Uh, any discussion? >> Ask for the new. >> Yes. >> Okay. All in favor? >> No. No. No discussion. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Got one discussion. Sorry, Dr. Williams. >> Um, I wanted to find out if this company had anything cheaper than $18,000. >> Okay. >> What I saw uh was $9,000 a day. And so,

because we're doing two days, what I will do is ask them if it I don't know if Saturday is going to be a full day or whatever. So, 18,000. So, it would be up to $18,000 and it could be less. And I will try to see if if it's going to be any half days or whatever. So, but they did tell me most of their time and work and will be in the preparation stage. They're going to spend a lot of time getting to know Bida, but I will check. >> Madam Chair, I have a question. >> Yes, Mayor. >> Uh, is this bud is this budgeted?

It's for uh in our training training budget. >> What What is our line item for training? >> Can you look? Yeah. Can you look to see what um line item that is for our training?

And and while she's I I just recall that we only set aside training for the Savannah trip. I don't recall setting aside this amount for for a actual board retreat. And so if that's not the case and we don't have sufficient funds in that training line item, where will it come from? >> Here's the enhancement. Yeah,

>> we got a spot. >> I got somewhere to get

So, under convention/meings, we have the BER retreat line item. >> And what's the now? >> Uh, $2,840. Say it again. >> $2,840. >> Each member. Uh, no. Just for training. >> For the body retreat. That's all for the whole body retreat. >> Oh, you said for for retreat. >> Yeah, for the B. >> But also for training. >> Uh, for training

>> even like our Savannah trip. Um, what type of um, >> so that was under conventions. >> And what do we have in there? >> And that was about 6,000 for that. But we had made a motion to allocate more money to that. >> We can't hear. >> Oh, sorry. It was 6,000 that was budgeted for that, but we made a motion to add more money to that budget for that. >> I think we spent like7500

about instead of 6,000. >> Can we u move? >> Madam Chair, we can bring those numbers back uh to you if you don't mind. We we can look and give you some definite numbers. Okay. >> Uh if you give us a date, Hannah and I are Keith will go cuz I've went through the uh we we discussed the by the budget. So if you don't mind, we'll bring that number back in training dollars and how much you have and conventions and meetings. >> Whatever you want us to investigate,

we'll do that for you. >> Yes. And see if any other >> just for training. >> He wants to just look for training. >> Yes. >> Okay. We'll do that. >> Miscellaneous. >> Yeah. Miscellaneous. >> Contingency. whatever >> contingency, you know, see if we we definitely have it in the budget for convention/meings. >> We say that again, Hannah. >> We definitely have it in the budget for convention/meings. It's just wasn't like the line item, but we we have it. So, do we you said that we do have >> money in the budget to to cover 18,000

or less for our retreat? >> Yeah. >> Okay. That's what we needed to know. Okay. So that's a question. >> So that's our B of budget, correct? >> Yes. >> Can we get a copy of that? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Is that your desire to give everybody a copy? >> Yes, please. >> Okay. >> This is the existing budget and the one that's being revised. is somewhere. I

just want to be clear because we're there's a revised budget's coming up to revise and then there's the existing budget >> and so Madam Chair, we we uh going to reach out to you and see if we can schedule uh your first round of budget meeting next week since we couldn't do it today. >> So I'll be in touch with you to get a date as soon as possible next week. Then you can decide who you want to bring to that >> uh budget meeting with you. >> Okay, that'll be fine. >> Now I get back to the motion. We can figure the budget out later.

>> Okay. So, um, all in favor? >> I raise your hands, please. >> I >> I >> Any oppose? Opposed? All oppose. Um, board member Jefferson. Any abstensions? Okay, motion passes. Thank you. We're going on. >> Thank you, Bars. Uh next um we'll have the um vital bylaws and review um

and we'll have the uh committee um to lead that start with um Dr. Williams. Um so in your packet there um there's the amendments the suggested amendments that the committee made and we are here to listen to your input to have a discussion whether or not um these suggestions will be adopted or not. So I'm opening up the floor to the board to

hear your comments on the suggested amendments. Madame uh ma'am uh >> committee chair committee chair uh >> is it possible we just take one page tell us what the changes we can see what the change is just go page to page so we can finish it just everybody look at the whole thing at one time that be easier >> well since the you all received your packet >> I trust that everybody read it so we are

here for your feedback >> I don't want to go line by line cuz >> there go >> it's already marked. >> All right, madam chair uh in code co I have one change I would like to be considered. I only have one. >> Okay. >> Uh and that would be on packet page. >> U whatever the one they passed out the new one >> it'll be page 20 the new page 26. >> Okay. New page 26. >> Yes. With the blue as Yes. >> Right. The only change I have on the

whole thing, I thought it was great. Y'all did good work, whoever did it. But where it says on the PSA and on the bylaws authority, it said approve of at least six members. I like to make that five members instead of six. And I'm okay with everything else. >> And I don't have an issue. >> Okay. Madam Chair, um, Vice Mayor, I'm >> I'm fine with that change. Now, we also have the

a uh six member approval for uh for the bylaws. Now, do we want those to match or? >> Yes, I'd like for it to be five on both. >> All right. >> Anyone else? >> By laws of the College Park Business and Industrial Development Authority as member Jefferson. So here's what I need to understand. So you're so you're weakening

the power of the director of finance and you're giving that power to the chair and the assistant secretary to approve invoices up to 9 9,999,000 with the city. The director of finance is our financial custodian. This board has never had a chair or assistant secretary to approve invoices. So if anyone gets the authorization as a

chair to write up to $9,999 when in section 4, our director of finance, it says that they have sole custody of all funds. So, that's a conflict of interest there. I have a question for Hannah. Do you currently approve any invoices? How does that how does that process work

when you receive the invoices? >> She's talking about Julian. >> Uh, when I receive the invoices, it goes to the chair >> and then it's decided by the board if it's approved. And after the board approves it, it goes to the city of College Park process. >> So when you enter the the invoices into the city of College Park financial system, that gets directed to where? To pay accounts payable or director of finance after the board approves it.

>> Mhm. >> Uh it gets routed to the budget analyst and then it's like a whole system. >> Excuse me. >> So um excuse me, I'm not finished. I'm not finished. >> I'm not finished. >> So, in that case, what what I'm what I'm trying to get this city and the residents and the businesses to understand what's taking place here is to weaken the financial custodianship of the city to control this the the

access to the funds. Right now, you do not approve funds and the chair does not approve funds. That's totally different. What gets approved is by this board. The approval comes from this board. Then the dispersement gets initiated by you and then controlled up through the city. But what this is say stating is taking away the sign from the director of finance from signing all payments and checks for the

payment of the money and is given that authority to the chair and to the uh um assistant secretary or or the secretary. So I so I want to make clear I I truly think that attorney Denmark we we need to get something in line here with as far as this city funds because these are not by the funds these are city funds and we we need to get a statement from Winston Denmark our

financial advisor Ed Wall how does how does this conflict with the fact that our IG agreement is not even final But we're changing this bylaws to to specifically take the power from the director of finance to put the power in the chair and the assistant treasurer to write checks and approve them. That that is absolutely absin to me. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Uh >> Madam Chairman, uh if I can interject,

>> I think um you were describing to Hannah what the role of the secretary treasurer might be. And I want the city attorney attorney, >> but I'm sorry. >> That's okay. >> Forgive me, please. >> That's all right. >> Want Miss Wy, the ber attorney, to elaborate on that if she would >> to to address um so there's a difference between the secretary treasurer, which is the a

board member of BIDA, and the assistant secretary that which does clerk duties for the board. Um the charter identifies the positions and so the secretary treasurer is an appointed person elected by this board. So we have the chair, the vice chair, secretary treasurer, we have an assistant secretary. So by this the bylaws do not ascribe any kind of financial duties to the assistant secretary who is currently Hannah

the director of finance under this the bylaws. And let me just say the the whole purpose of revising the bylaws is to for the committee to bring back changes to change uh was here to make it more workable. Um I would also note that this the BO voted at its last meaning to have a bank account. We're going to talk about financial control policies and so what was available or what was applicable um 5 years ago or whenever this was these were done may not be

applicable today. That's my understanding from attending the committee meetings. Section four of the bylaws, the director of finance is a city employee. The BA can't tell the city a city employee what to do. Ba can work with the city manager and work with our governing authority. And as I understand it, the director of finance will still be the custodian of the funds. And let's not conflate being the custodian of the funds with having the authority to disperse funds or receive

funds. So the city finance director will be able to see the account, get the get the statements, look at them, reconcile them, um work with uh bring reports back to this body or make certain that they get reports through an executive director and or the city manager each month. So there's going to be full transparency. But in the same way that if you have a an account at truest bank, the bank is the custodian of your funds. But being a custodian doesn't mean that the anybody at the bank can withdraw

funds from your account. They're holding in safekeeping and they are making certain that there's no uh fraud or undue attempt to take your money from unknown persons or unauthorized persons. So I think it's important being a custodian doesn't mean that you control dispersement. The dispersements will be determined by a process where this B board will and we'll talk about that when I get to the financial policy uh creation of a financial policy the

safeguards that you'll put in place and then the bank safeguards and Mr. Wall will talk about the Georgia fund one and how the safe safeguards are already embedded there. So I hope that answers the question. >> Um >> thank you. >> Okay, hold one second. Um >> no it does not. Um, attorney Wy because >> hold one second. Um, M board member Jefferson, uh, Mr. White was next. >> Okay. All right. >> In your in your file that you sent us in the packet. Now, what you just stated

there is a contradiction. It has here the director of the department of finance for the city of College Park shall have the care in the custody of all funds of the authority and shall deposit in shall deposit the same as such bank or banks as the authority or the city may designate the city director of finance. Now it has crossed out this is the piece that you're that you're that you're taking out shall sign or

out. The committee took it out. Board member Jefferson. >> Well, the committee shall sign all orders and >> shall sign all orders and checks for the payment of the money, but it shall pay out and disperse such monies. under the fact that you took away the signature. Like I said, the purpose of this committee is to weaken the bylaws to take away that financial power from the city of the director of finance to have control on signing off on the

checks and the dispersements for this for this board because you clearly took out that power shall sign all orders and checks for the payment of the money. you took that power away from the director of finance. And I think that that's a conflict of interest with us not having an IGA agreement with the city and this and we're exercising city funds from our budget. It's it's not a conflict of interest. Um I'm not sure where the conflict with interest would be but again being a custodian of the fund being a custodian

your bank is the custodian the bank president but the bank president cannot does not control your money or own the money also I think it's important to note that these bylaws were revised by the committee in light of this board's la action last night not last month to establish a bank account and so the custodian Ian, if we have something to be deposited, a check to be deposited, the custodian will get it from this board. If there something comes in and

he can and he will receive it. If this board says pay some money out, that information will go to the custodian. They'll pay it out. So, I don't understand the conflict of interest. But, Madam Chair, I'll I'll yield back. >> Point of order, Madam Chair. >> Point of order. Madam Chair, we >> according to the new rules time should be up and you're taking time beyond the financial custodianship. >> She spoke more than twice already. >> They have the care and the custody of all funds of this authority. They have the directive to sign and pay

>> and you're removing that and everybody should >> in this city what's taking place. Time is up. >> Time is up. >> Okay. Thank you. Um >> uh well this was one one of the issues out of this bylaw change that I did have some heartache on. Now I was part of the committee and when we met the three of us uh the consensus was to split the

signatures between the city and BA. Um at that meeting the thought was two signature lines where the city finance director would sign and the chair of Ber would sign. Now personally for me I felt a little more comfortable with that. I think it was a little more check and balance that that that direction. Um and let me be clear I don't think we're going to have any issues with BA with discrepancies with funds in the future at all. I think we're going in the right

direction. Um, I think city managers got good oversight and is going to make sure things are going to go as advertised before any funds are are released. Uh, but I don't want it to be a situation where someone says, "Well, hey, they did that on their own. We don't know anything about that check being signed." Um, so I'm kind of torn with this one. Um and uh at the end of the day, you know, uh if there is a money issue, which I

don't think there'll ever be again, um the public is not going to ask, well, who was the custodian of the bank account? the public's going to ask who signed off on the check and and and you know so so I just want us to be careful where ultimately at the end of the day if there is an issue residents are not going to say BA did this or BEA did that they're going to look at the mayor and council uh because at the end of the day that that's that

they may not have an understanding of BEA's okay >> function in their role but they do understand who's responsible for Ber ultimately and responsible for city funds ultimately. So I I'm toing with this one. >> Now if there's a compromise where we have a checking account with with maybe with three signature lines uh where where the city finance director is signing off uh before money goes out the door. Second compromise would be a threshold

uh for the two signatures. So uh >> that's why I was going council. Yeah. Yeah. I think uh so so uh Tracy Yeah. >> Okay. So if I madam chair if I may. >> Yes. U >> cuz I think our time is up on this issue. So council you you you went exactly where I was going to go. I'm going to make that second change is what is 9,999? Make that 4,999. >> Okay. What? What?

>> Lower the threshold. >> It's on page 20. The new page 20. >> The new page. Yeah, the new page instead of almost $10,000, let's cut that in half. >> Okay. >> And then I think I'll be fine with it. >> Okay. So, anything over $5,000, >> you got to come to the board. >> Come to the board. >> Right. But at the end of the day, I understand that at the end of the day, who are the two signatures on the on checks over $5,000? That's that's

>> Well, it doesn't. So council corn at that point it doesn't matter because they can't do it without the direction of the board. >> So at that point it doesn't really matter >> if you'll read if madam chair anything it says notwithstanding the foregoing all expenditure approvals authorized by the by the chair and secretary treasurer shall be reported to the board not later than the next regularly scheduled meeting of the board. And so the 0 to 4,999 is really for expedience I'm assuming. And so, but they still have to come back and tell the board what

happened. There will be a record of it publicly. That's what this the bylaws say. Anything that's $5,000 or more will require a board vote. And so, it'll be all the information will be made public and it'll be transparent as to what's been what's going on. And when it goes, I'm assuming when it goes to over to the finance director to to um to to do what the board has instructed to do, he's going to make sure he has the minutes. He's going to he or she will have the bylaws, the minutes, and they'll see,

okay, this will check. This is consistent with what they said. As custodian of the funds, I am authorized to do it. The same way your bank would do, and you write a check, they make sure that it matches your signature or whatever. So, that's the that's the check and balance. >> Okay, madam chair, I call for the question. Well, last thing, I'm I'm okay with lowering that threshold. I'm fine with that. But on the other end, I think we need to have a top threshold. Uh now, my thinking is if anything goes over $50,000, I think that should require the

finance director and the chair signature. And I think we're covered in both directions that way. >> This is just the presentation part. Um board members. So, as further down, it's is actual to the adopt, right? So I think when you when we get down to that since the call for there's no motion u right now this is just discussion and so I think we'll add that those changes when you all bring it when it's under the action item up for the >> so for the board >> I don't know why we got to bring it back we agree to the changes that's keep pushing stuff off and push stuff off if

we agree to the changes from 6 to5 make that threshold $4.99 instead of $9.99 and and I put grief $50,000 I don't think that matters, but I'll put it in there and let's just approve the thing if we got the votes to approve. >> Chair. >> And so, as I understand it, um, Madame Chair, it will be expenses between 0 and $4,999 can be approved the by the chair and the secretary treasurer, which is the

elected individual, not the assistant secretary, can administratively approve those pursuant to the bylaws. But by the next board meeting that that activity has to be on the agenda and disclosed to the board so the the board the full board will know for things anything over between $5,000 and $49,999 require the board vote at a regular or special call

meeting and the shall be um yes approved by the board. Anything $50,000 or more still will have to be approved by the board at a regular special call meeting. But in addition to the body chair and secretary treasurer signature, the city finance director shall also be a signator. >> That would be my motion. >> I second that. >> We have a second. Any discussion? All in favor of hands.

>> I >> I >> Any oppose? Opposed? One oppose. Um, board member Jefferson. No extensions. Motion passes. >> Thank you. Hold on. Um, Dr. Williams. >> Um, I just wanted to inform everyone that the committee meets next Tuesday the 17th of March at 400 p.m. at city hall. >> Public public meeting. All are welcome to attend.

>> Okay. Thank you. Uh next um new business uh financial obligations. Um our first next presentation is uh a financial advisor Ed Wong who will give us an overview uh regarding BA's financial obligations. And this discussion is important as we work to ensure transparency and fuller understanding of the authority financial position. Thank you.

Yes, ma'am. >> That'd be separate. >> The general ledger report goes with this one. >> Yes, ma'am. No, the audit report now and the ledger now. Georgia fund one letter. Can >> I help you pass it all up? >> Oh, no. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Madam chair, they're passing out the

material >> for my presentation. >> So why you didn't give it to her earlier? So we have our packet or we can read it before we have >> it to earlier. >> He was just included in the packet. >> He wasn't feeling what he said, please. >> You a defense lawyer. >> It sounds like Okay.

something different. Okay. Can you hand me one of them, Hakis? So the packet that Hakeis is handing out is the audit financial report from 2024

that includes VA's statements pretty much how much money is in the accounts and then the detailed general ledger report includes all of the expenses and revenues of the uh out >> for the period >> for the period of >> so the audits just a 24 June 30 24 audit report that was one that gave out and then Hannah handed out the general

ledger that was the line item about the debt that's owed by BA to the city from no from 2006 to 2026. So, if I could, let's start off with the audit report. The document that says the city college part 24 audit. If you would turn to the second page, these are the assets of VITA for the audit. They call it the redevelopment authority. So, if you look at the

>> Yes, sir. >> Yeah. My apologies. >> Sorry. I even did in landscape and it was still very small. >> Make this legible so we can put it up. >> Yeah, I can put it up. I can email it to you. >> Yes.

>> You want me to email it? I know. Even if it's it's really small. But >> you want me to email it to you now or can you find it? Huh? >> I'll

Yeah, >> I think I can't

There you go.

I don't know. financial and you can

so it's not They're almost

You need it bigger. Great.

>> Yes, ma'am. Perfect. Uh oh, >> I can't see. You can just >> There you go. >> There we go. So, y'all see the redevelopment authority is how the auditor classifies BA. And I've tried for years to get them call it the BA fund, but they keep calling it the redevelopment authority fund. I don't know where that ever came from. >> Yes, sir. And so you can see at June 30th 24

uh the B of fund had 2,400,000 in its account as cash and you can see these were the listing of assets. Notice here are the other assets down here. Uh other receivables 28 million. Uh lease receivable $18 million. When we have pilot payments due from some of those hotels, the auditors record all the pilot payments for all 30 years and then they record that as an asset. That's what those are. You can see the

land that BA owns is recorded at $38 million on the balance sheet. That was at cost. It's probably worth more than double that now. And that's the land that's uh recorded as an asset to buy them. Next page, please. So, here are the liabilities. And so, here had the current liabilities, accounts payable 500,000. Uh, if you would scroll down just a

little bit further where I wanted you to see the 9,704. This is a line item called advances from other funds. So, that's the debt that BA owes the city's other funds. It owes the electric fund, water and sewer fund, general fund. Then some of those funds themselves then owe money back to the general fund. And so Latana, attorney WY asked me, how did that 9 million $700,000 get created? What what is the

specifics about that? And that's where the general ledger comes in. And before I get to the general ledger in a nutshell, most of that money was created over the years when the city would purchase land. The land was recorded as an asset to Bida and the money that paid for the land was recorded as an advance, a due to due from you and I and General uh walking around sense would call it a

loan from the city to Bida. And so nearly all of this comes from land purchases where the land got recorded a quick claim to Bida and the money that paid for it got recorded as a loan. And um I can go to the general ledger if y'all want me to. It's complicated. Dr. Williams and I hate reading it cuz they have journal entries going backwards and forwards. There's a big item in there, the Lahi Miller land purchase. We used to call it the master land Councilman K

and it was 4 a.5 million and so this 9 million74 figure had been as high as 13 million at one time and we always said that we would pay it down when we sold land and we haven't been able to sell land for years and years and years and so the auditor came to the city and said since you haven't paid that off and there's not a repayment plan we need to write it all off and so the accounting department. I worked with Min Jenkins, Doug Moses, the auditor, and we came up

with a plan that every year, whether land got sold or not, the city would write off 500,000 of that balance. And so, every year, a half million of it gets written off. And that has gone from 13 million down to 9,74 by writing all 500,000. A big lick did get reduced when y'all sold property to North Side Hospital and that was a,500,000. and that reduced that balance. And so it was a high of 13, it's gone down to 9,74.

And it's always been the policy unwritten between you and the city that you would pay it off from from future land sales. >> Madam Chair, >> I think uh Attorney Wy is busting the gut to say something. >> No, I just I No, I don't have anything to say. Uh, thank you. >> I do have a question. >> Yes, ma'am. >> So, going back to page one

>> of the audit, >> go back to page one, the assets. >> Yeah, I'm looking at the the other receivables and the lease receivable. >> Um, back on the audit. >> So, it be these line items here. lease receivable 929,000 >> and other receivables a million752. >> I wanted to ask how is how are those applied >> so >> to say the debt or is it whose money is it when the receivables come in? So

almost all of that money is either pilot payments or additional rent payments that are pledged to the payment of bonds. And um several um entities were late and paying what they were owed. And um anything that's due within one year's time is recorded in in current assets. See that big line of current assets? So this was due within one year's time but had not yet been collected. But all of that would have been pilot payments or

additional rent payments they call it from the hotels, the office building, um the items that are paid that are secure and bonded indebtedness. >> Okay. And then going back up to the top assets and deferred outflows. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Those receivables as well. >> Well, so so the this 2 million for is actually cash in poolled cash. So the city has one big omnibus account that has cash from all of its different funds

and then the city accounting department busted out into the different funds. So much electric, so much general fund in city's pool cash 2 million4 was listed as cash attributable to BA. Remember that's a snapshot on June 30th, 2024. >> So I'm thinking about BA paying off the debt. How well let me say has any other asset payments been have they ever been

applied to pay off the debt like whatever B owns where there's income coming in has that income ever been applied to the debt? >> Yes ma'am. So the million5 sales price for the land for North Side Hospital paid off the debt and there's a half million dollars a year just written off of the debt. Um I'm not aware of any other land sale that reduced the the debt. >> May I just um there is a can you tell the vice chair about the 800,000 the

administrative fees from bond ro that I guess there three buckets of b money per the constitutional charter but the not restricted what to get what is deemed b of funds and how that's booked and utilized. I think that's the one of the questions that u the vice mayor the vice chair I'm send by the vice mayor the vice chair asked u during one of our meetings. So can you talk about that $800,000 and what that represents and whether or

not it has been applied to the the debt. So, Madame Chair, for the 20 m madame vice chair, for the 2026 budget, the total revenues that were budgeted for BTO were $15 million. 10.2 million was the sale of property that may or may not occur. So, let's back that out. Now, we're down to 5 million. 2 million6 comes from pilot payments. Those were tax abatement transactions that that Bida has done since 2008 for a lot of the hotels

around here. one of the office buildings. Um that money is taken to pay off debt service that BA issued on behalf of the city to get some of those projects up and going. So that's 2 million6 of pilot payments. Um federal grants were $225,000 that was applied for some specific project. That's a revenue. A million in miscellaneous revenue. Now let's talk about that's where the catchall is. A million dollars in additional revenue. You all when you do projects, bond issues as a conduit

for private entities, you charge them an administrative fee equal to 1/8 to 1% of the principal amount of the bonds sold. That 1/8 of 1% doesn't have any debt associated with it. It doesn't go anywhere. And that 1/8 of 1% has just been used as a revenue in your BA budget. in the city when it contributes money from other funds or it contributes money from hotel motel tax to balance your budget that revenue makes them put in less money in order to balance the

budget. Those fees that $800,000 that that that I have come up with is the 18 to 1% fees and a pilot payment on on the office building of 130,000 that does not pay any debt service. and I add the 181% fees and the 130,000 a year and I come up with about 800,000 out of the budget that is revenues that doesn't come from the city is hotel motel tax revenues or general fund balance and it's not

pledged to any debt service. >> And what does that mean by that? What does that what does that mean? That's that's unincome or unrestricted revenue that is in one of the buckets in the constitutional charter that is by the revenue and I know it's in the custodian is being held by the city but I just want to be clear so that the public and everybody can understand. Took me a minute. I'm still learning, but that $800,000, I don't want to start any fights, but that's unencumbered money that that Bid

is legally entitled to by virtue of, you told me there's an IRS regulation that allows a conduit to to get 1/8 of 1% like Biden. So, that's money that's >> that's unencumbered money. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Doesn't come from the city. >> Yes, ma'am. But that's legally >> available for all abiders purposes. Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, I have a question, sir. Oh, I'm sorry, Madam Chairman. I have a question.

>> So, if that's the case, then why isn't uh some of that 9 million being charged out when we when we receive revenue? So, that revenue is being spent as soon as it comes in the door on operation cost. the things that you all spend money on uh is BITA. Um legal fees, um consulting fees, survey cost, uh training, that money gets spent as soon as it comes in the door for your operating cost. And so it's not

available to pay down this debt. Does that make sense? >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. >> Say what now? Are you saying that VITA has $800,000 in operational expense annually or is it less than that and is there a difference between that $800,000 and what the actual operating expenses are? So the budget shows for expenses, telephone was 94,000, legal fees were 250,000, audit fees 5,000, appraisals 30,000, survey fees

30,000. >> Um municipal planting 25,000 um uh some kind of equipment cost 42,000, paying agent fees 15,000, demolition 30,000, miscellaneous 20,000. uh has some kind of contractual services 120,000 I mean all that adds up I don't know what it all is necessarily but there is about a million dollars a year and look like operating cost that's not associated with debt

>> well you mentioned that phone service for ba almost $100,000 I can't think of an exclusive by the telephone or telephone system or that would cost nearly $100,000. So, I want to take another look at that. But bottom line is that we want to sell some land this year. Obviously, uh we're long overdue for it. Every year that we have our audit, uh we

get a ding in our audit because we had committed to selling x amount of dollars worth of land. That was the hope and projection for the new budgets. uh if there is $800,000 of of available money or whatever have you um I think that's a great thing but at the end of the day generally the payback to the that 9 million that the city uh has loaned out I guess so to speak a lot of that comes from the power department I understand still great majority of that is is there

um so generally when buyers sell something the city is first in line as the first first debt owed. That's the idea. Now, do they get all of the money? That that doesn't necessarily mean that, but we're obviously we're definitely long on, you know, not a sufficient amount of land sales. So, we want to sell land, but we don't want to just sell just offhand to the first person that walks up to the door for a land sale that's not in the

city's interest either. But, we want to try to move forward with it. And uh I think this year we're going to hopefully make some good progress. So uh >> and we do have the $10 million contract with PMG. They're supposed to close this year. >> And one of the problems and issues we got to understand y'all and I hope on this retreat we can talk about that. >> The city of College Park has to close on deals. Bottom line if we're going to make monies and keep our tax digest low for our residents. Um

but that is not all on Ba. This retreat needs to include understanding that the other boards have to work with Ber and understand what direction we're all going in. So that's very important. Ber can say we want to do this but the planning commission say may say I'm trying to do this and board of zoning and appeals may be trying to do the other thing. And then you have city planning department may be looking at it a whole another way and the engineering department may be looking at it another direction. Uh but we all need

to get on the same page. And one of the good things about having a good city manager is putting those folks together and understanding this is the direction we're all sailing in and we want to keep that direction so we can close on some things. Uh and closing is not easy to do. It just doesn't come out of this room. Everybody has to understand what it is we're trying to do. So, yeah, >> I have a question. Um

um Mr. Wall, uh question on the auditors with the uh debt. So, you said that they write off at least a half a million a year. Um, is there any type of action items from the auditors to state that when we do sell land, it goes towards that debt? >> So, it it is an understanding from the auditor to the city that that in fact will occur. As Councilman Karin pointed

out and um board member Wyatt has pointed out, he doesn't have the understanding you'll get all of it. that you all could decide that you took 50% of the land proceeds and paid down debt. He just needs to see progress on the promise by the city and Bida that when you sell land, you'll use the proceeds to pay down debt. It doesn't necessarily have to be 100% of it. >> So, how does that impact our bond

rating? When we sell land and we decide to take 50% and we don't use it towards that debt, how does that impact it? >> So, if you were to sell land and not use it to pay down any of the debt, >> Yeah. >> um the auditor would give a finding and they would probably ask to write off all the debt cuz that would be a violation of the agreement that they had with the city. >> So, it would affect us negatively if you didn't pay down some of the debt. Okay. >> And then >> okay, >> he he he's right. Technically speaking,

as buyer sells land, they're supposed to pay down the debt first and foremost. >> At the same time, here's here's my thinking, and this is I'm just talking for myself. The more land that BER sells, I think the more the city is apt to make sure BER has some funds in their account. So, that that's that's where I am. Uh, Madam Chair, >> I'm just going to make one statement. Uh, this my personal opinion as a former

council member and body member. I think we need to ensure that when we sell land that we pay the city back a portion of that money first. I think the city has come a long way and sort of kind of get by the separate. I think by owe to the city that if we sell a land, our first priority should be to pay down some of the debt. And that would be my position.

probably we can't pay it all but if we do a two-year plan or a threeyear plan but I'm I just for me I will always vote to pay cities some of their money back if we sell land >> and thank you madam chair the way the 500,000 per year write off occurred the order to put the city on a 20-year payment plan so 20 years at $500,000 a year was $10 million And so that's how that 500,000 got

arrived at >> already. Ma madam chair, may I just clarify? I just want for the public that and and we're moving towards this. Thank you, Madam Chair, for asking Ed to bring this to clarification so that Bid can understand its obligations, responsibilities. But I do want to make clear for the record that there is no agreement between and we're going to have one, but there's no formal loan repayment agreement between the city and Biden. Correct, Ned? >> Correct. So, I think everyone here

understands and says everyone's intentions and but I just want to make sure that when you say it'll be a violation of the agreement when you were answering the question, you aren't you're speaking of the arrangement between the city and the auditor and not an agreement between Biden and the city that Biden is violating any type of formal agreement. There's no formal written agreement, but there was there have been discussions over the years between the bite of board and mayor and counsel that that's what they would do. So when they promised the

auditor that it wasn't like the bite of board or the mayor council didn't know that was the deal. >> Exactly. And the only thing I'm saying is that now for posterity we we're in a position where we can formalize things hopefully so that 5 years from now 15 years everyone will see that and it won't just be but an informal arrangement and you won't have to come back and explain this all over again that it will be somewhere memorialized and everyone will understand what the amount is and how the payment will be

made. And if I could one council car, in a perfect world, attorney WY, I wish you'd been here all these years. Every time we bought land that had been a promisary note, >> you would have seen to it >> so that we would have a file with all this in it, but we unfortunately you weren't here. And so we don't have that. And ultimately the one thing on paper when the BA charter was formed by the state the reason why BA had no financial powers was because as land was sold it's a loan from the

city to Ba to be paid back. Now ultimately in the endgame of BAE and what it's for eventually what we want to get to the goal of is that at some point in time that BA's purpose will be cut in half by 50%. Now what do I mean by that? Well, with 10 square miles there go there's going to come a point and we hope there comes a point when there is no more land to sell city owned property and we're going to come to that point at some time very very quickly. But that's

a good thing. The other half of BEA's duties and charter will still be in terms of other things that BEA does. So it won't be the end of BEA, but that'll mean land is sold, the city is repaid, and B to make some money as well. >> Um um so I I have a question on the um as far as the legal fees. You said that our budget was 250,000,

but right now we're approving around 30,000 a month. That's we're going to end up at 400 something, thousand. >> Those were not my fees, >> sir. >> Ma'am, the the old budget that was not that was >> just total legal fees >> from past the 26 budget. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Right. >> So now we're going to be over in legal fees cuz her fees are averaging around 30,000. >> That's a threemonth bill. So it's not a monthly bill. That's over a three period between October 1 and December 31st.

>> You're going to near it. >> So, what do we do? >> And how does how does her fees compare to the city attorney fees for the city? because if we're if we're getting on average 30 something thousand um for the months then you know like I said we're going to be well near that very quickly.

>> I I could get those numbers to you what we paid in the past. Um, couple comments I got in no particular order is um, some years we had litigation and so the legal fees were higher than this when we had to pay litigation. Remember we had to pay some big amount to Freeman Matis and Gary on a lawsuit over >> something I know but you don't have it now. her time has been greater in the last few months because of all the Keller Williams business. Um the bylaws,

the um accounts that we're creating, I would think in a normal month where there isn't some special project that wouldn't be that high. But >> the bill that is on the agenda tonight is over a 90-day period. And so my ad bill, so my bills, that's from Latana WY. I believe the year before I came, the vital attorney bills were up to $400,000. My bills were nowhere approximate that I may be right at a hundred or a little over just because um from last from when

I for the throughout the end of the year. So I'm nowhere close to $250,000. I have not build $250,000 and I look forward to doing a specific accounting to show how much I have build this year and if it's 120 thou I don't even think it's over I I I won't speculate but the bill before you is for 3 month period so it averages out about 10 10 averages about $10,000 a month and I am not including all of the work that I do

on the uh real estate transactions. I I opt to save money for B. I opt to take money from the closing proceeds because those the deals that we have are so labor intensive because of there are a lot of nuances which I won't go into which I have descri explained to the board in executive sessions. We haven't had easy deals, but they've been good deals. And so, we're nearing two to three um transactions that we're going to be closing the past within the past

eight months, more than this board has done in previous years. So, I'll I'll I'll leave it at that and I'll I'll update the board with what my legal fees are to date to clear the record. >> Well, I can understand if they're over 3 months because every month we have approved an invoice for you. >> That's not true. >> It's been over 20,000, 30,000, 35. How is that 3 months passed? That's not true. >> And that's not uh I'm pretty that's not true. And >> nothing >> nothing. And also um and also attorney

uh Wally, the first month that you came >> I I have not been Yeah. So from February until about June, I did not build the by the board at all. I'm not seeking and the chair has asked me to. I'm not going to go back and see. That's That's my I I ate that and I'll accept that. Um but we have not had $20,000 a month and I'll pull out the bills and we'll do the That's just >> Okay. >> flatly inaccurate. >> I don't think there's any vote.

>> Oh, let's go. >> Unless you want to go to the next one. >> So, the next item, Madam Chair, is the Georgia fund one. >> Yes. 16. >> Yes, sir. Yes. George Fund one. >> So, uh, Attorney Wy asked me to come and talk to y'all about Georgia Fund One, opening an account there. About 40 years ago, the state of Georgia Department of Treasury, the the state treasurer created a money market mutual

fund for all the state's assets, the colleges, agencies, and they let schools, counties, cities, and authorities participate in it. And I think they have I don't know about $40 billion in it. And the Georgia Fund 1 was created to buy US treasuries with a maturity no greater than 90 days and agencies guaranteed by the US Treasury with maturity no greater than 90 days. In the world of investing, you don't get any safer than a US Treasury or agency

guaranteed by the US government. And um the other alternatives for cities and authorities to invest is you invest in a bank. you go and buy a CD or you get a money market account at a bank and there you only have FDIC insurance up to 250,000 and anything above that has to be collateralized by the bank taking a US treasury and depart deposit it with a third party bank so if that bank were to go belly up you cash in that treasury

and you don't lose any money. Um, the other thing, some cities and counties and authorities as big as Atlanta buy and trade their own US treasuries, but most governments don't. So, this Georgia Fund 1, I've been in business for 42 years. I recommend it to all my clients. I don't receive any money from it. They don't pay anybody anything. But Georgia Fund 1 charges five basis points as a fee to manage that money. If you wanted your money tomorrow, you just had to let them know today by 2:00. and it's the

safest investment you could put money in. And because they only charge five basis points as a fee, their returns uh are higher than any other money market mutual fund that's available to local governments. And their rate right now is 3.76%. And um this the city uses it. Um Fulton County uses it. All my clients use it. And um um it's um it's the highest yielding, safest, and it's a money

market, so you don't have, you know, when you buy a CD, if you have to cash it in early, you pay a penalty. With a money market account, your money's available the next day. And so, uh, it's a really good investment for you to take money. And you can, you don't have to have a separate checking account unless you want one, but I would encourage you to have a separate checking account at some bank and then have this money market account as your investment. And you would write checks for stuff out of your checking account, but most of the money would be in Georgia fund one

earning interest. That's it. Madam Chair, >> anybody have any discussion? I have a question >> in the simplest form. Can you explain what the five basis point is? >> Sure. So 1% is 100 basis points. So five basis points would be five ten of 1%. So if 1% fee >> like most of us if we go to a brokerage

firm and they manage our money they charge us a 1% fee. That's 100 basis points. So because Georgia Fund One's a state agency managed by the treasurer and it's so much money they only charge five basis points. So instead of a 100 just five. So it's really really really low fee. >> All right. Uh hold on. >> Okay. >> Question question now. So now this is something that you want buyer to to buy into. >> Yes sir. >> Then depositing what money into it? Yes

sir. the the 1/8 the 1% fees. If they sell land and they keep part of it, >> they need to have someplace to invest it. >> All right. Now, we agreed to open up by the bank account at the last meeting. >> Yes, sir. >> So, this would be the account. >> This would be an addition to that. It' be like a savings account. >> Two accounts. >> Yes, sir. >> This would be like a savings. >> Yeah. It's like a savings account. Yes, sir. >> Okay. And this is going to cost us a piece of a piece of a piece of a percent. >> Five basis points. >> Five basis points. So that 380 376

that's after the five basis points has been taken out. >> And where do you come in on this? >> Nothing. Not a thing in the world. >> All right. I just want to make sure that's on the record. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Madam Chair, what what are you looking for, Madam Chair? Are you looking for a motion to move on with this? So there's a resolution you all have to approve and then that resolution is filed with Georgia Fund one and they open up an account for you >> and and for the Madam Chair if I may just clear up some the motion that was made last month was to um open a bank account at Georgia Fund one. So that I

think we opened up the savings account. Okay. >> So that was already the motion and authorized the chair uh to sign all the the documents necessary to have this resolution. I think we will in light of what y'all did with the bylaws. Um this is this is a savings account. So and I'm going to lean on you. Um this is you would recommend the by the board did not motion to open up a separate checking account. This by this it only moved to open up this Georgia fund one savings account to put the in a high yielding

money market fund. And is it your >> Yes. So I it's his opinion that we open up a separate account. I'm going to go back to kind of what council said. I think we should look at a minority owned bank for our checking account. So we got the Georgia 41 operated. We need a separate checking account. And I agree with council car. We should look at a minority bank. I don't know who they are. Council car may know about them more about them than I do, but I'm

going to agree with him on that. checking account should be a minority bank. >> Anybody else have any? >> Yeah, I agree. So, we we can still use Georgia One for the savings. >> Yes. >> And um >> and as long as you keep the balance in your checking account at 250,000 or less, you're covered by FDIC insurance. >> Right. All right. All right. So, what what needs to be the motion, Madam Chair, or S attorney Ed, what what I need to do under the resolution. So did you say they had already made a motion for Georgia fund one?

>> Yes. Last month. So that's why I wanted you here to explain what it was. We didn't have adopt any financial polic control policies and nothing has been signed. So I knew we we want and I know you were adamant and I agreed that we have some policies in place, some procedures, um address some of the concerns that have been raised. Um, so we would need a separate motion and I think what what we need to change because last month y'all said that the city manager would be one of the signators. I think we need to have a motion to allow the signitories

on the Georgia Fund one account to be the chair, the vice the the secretary treasurer and the city finance director. And those will be the three signatures on the resolution if I'm wrong if I'm am I right? And then part part B of the motion or a separate motion would be to open up a checking account under the regular FDIC insured bank and I think the an African-Americanowned bank >> and those are how do you want to go

there Citizens Trust Bank Unity Bank. >> That that'll be my motion. Y'all decide which one. >> That'll be my motion >> with the same signatorries. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Second. have a motion, a second. Any discussion? >> Uh, Madam Chair, I have a I have a question. >> Okay. >> In regard in regard to the checking account with a minority bank, are we is anyone tasked

to find the highest yield on the checking account or are we just randomly picking? And who is doing that? Good. >> Citizen trust. >> Good question, Madam May. I like that. Uh we'll task Eric Wall to come back with the highest rate and that's who we'll go with. >> And madame mayor, the the goal is to take any excess cash cuz you can get it the very next day and put it in Georgia fund one and the balance in the checking account will never be very high. >> So the so so the interest rate that's

paid on it won't be significant either way. >> We still want the same. We want the highest. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. You need a second. >> All right. Yeah. Okay, this the motion and the second has been amended to the highest yielding uh African-American bank for the checking account. That's the motion on the floor. Madam Chair, >> all in favor? >> I >> raise a hand. >> I oppose. >> Any abstensions? >> Abstain.

>> One abstension. Uh board member Jefferson. Next we'll have the uh discussion of creation of financial policy pertaining to the vital designated bank account uh by uh by the general counsel. >> Thank you madam chair. I can put up on the screen but you all have the the actual document in front of you. It's beginning on page of your policy uh I mean of your packet 55. Mhm. >> So I just want to say that we knew I

knew I always expected this board to come back and adopt the clear framework financial control framework that will govern this this new um action that you were taking with the bank accounts. The goal is to be um transparent to have accountability controls in place um to minimize and um any opportunity for anything to go wayward. Uh we all know these are public funds and we are public you all are public officials and we're going to be the goal is to ensure uh

that there is proper stewardship of these funds and accountability. So what this policy attempts to do and and obviously this is my first draft at it. So it's intended for you all to discuss and and and and revise as need or ask questions. Uh it creates a comprehensive financial control structure defines who handles the funds, how transactions are approved, how funds are protected, and how the board maintains oversight. The goal is to ensure transparency, accountability, and strong financial

governance as the authority undertakes um major development projects or any other projects that lead to um financial um um financial income coming in, financial revenues coming in. So article one we'll start there. The purpose um the purpose is to explains why this policy exists is it exists to establish a formal system for protecting the funds um and creating internal controls over your financial transaction. It also clarifies that all body funds are public

funds and must be handled in accordance with the authorities constitutional charter and Georgia law. I would say and bylaws. I think I need to add bylaws and >> read all all 10 pages. >> I'm not I'm just going to do you want me to >> I do have a question. >> Yes, sir. >> Um when you say constitutional uh >> charter >> charter, >> what do I mean? >> Say say the last statement that you just said. I said by I'm going to include bylaws in there because we just adopted bylaws. So the constitutional charter um

is is the governing document that created BIDA. Bida is a constitutional authority that has the same sovereign immunity as the state of Georgia. B is not a local created um authority is created as part of the Georgia constitution. That's the highest law in the state of Georgia. It's a Georgia constitution, the highest state law. And so we are part of that and all of your powers are derived from the charter from the constitution of the state of Georgia. So that charter

defines uh provisions in it that talks about how you have to segregate monies from bonds. It talks about how you get grants. It talks about all those things that we're going to talk about more at the retreat. So this um purpose of this document is to being in compliant with the constitution which is our charter, the bylaws and Georgia law. Thank you. I'm not going to read all. Okay. So let me just be quick. So the scope it explains what the financial policy covers, bank accounts, deposit

payments, financial records, and reporting. Um and it says that anyone involved in handling these funds have to be have to follow this policy. uh it designate who's the who it physically manages the money under article three it assigns custody to the city of college parks finance director who will maintain all the accounts that means the statements will go to the city finance director every month he'll have the he or she it's a she so that mean she will have the authority to open up the statements look at them I mean she she

will be able to handle those and and reconcile in whatever manner customary and our financial adviser will be there with her our article Article four says that the funds can be kept in a approved financial institution. Article five defines who the authorized signitories are. Um the bylaws would designate the officers and we've done that. Uh the board may require multiple signatures for certain transactions. We've done that. Article six uh establishes a key control. The board must approve final

transactions before funds are dis dispersed. The custodian which will be the city finance director. He'll she will have to verify that there was a board approval that the their availability of funds that there's proper documentation. No payment will be made without documented board authorization that goes to the city finance director. She will have be the control and help ensure that we are honoring the processes established here. Um article 7 sets forth the segregation of duties. This is a core internal control principles. Um the financial

responsibilities are divided so no single person controls the entire process. Different individuals handle different authorization, custody, recordkeeping and reconciliation to reduce risk of fraud or financial misuse. Article 7 governs how incoming funds are handled. All funds received by VA must be promptly deposited into the accounts. That would be our custodian who would take we get a check. The custodian give it to the custodian. the custodian, the city finance director will deposit it and keep everything um

um documented. Um the restricted funds, those are the funds that v that that um Mr. Wall was referencing our designated restricted revenue where bonds, those are separate, those going to be tracked separately. That's going to be kept separately. That's not going to be a part of what we're doing for our operational stuff. Um, every payment on article 9 must have supporting documentation, invoices, contracts, reimbursement records, minutes can be um a record you all authorized tonight uh the lead leader

gov. So those minutes will be support the contract when we send it over for payment when we send it over to Mr. Hicks's folks. We will have tonight's minutes that show that you all authorize this this payment. Um it requires monthly financial reporting so that we can have financial transparency to the board. Each month the custodian where we prepare a report the the city finance director um he can provide it to us Mr. We don't have to work with the city manager all al of course um but the each

month you're going to get a bank reconciliation status. You're going to know what all the outstanding obligations and you will discuss that during your regular meetings. Um, article 12, banking electronic transfers require dual authorization. Um, I think the city should adopt that because the city certainly certain currently only has one person can electron to my knowledge, one person can make electronic transfers. Um, article 13 um, prohibits any kind of ATM or cash withdrawal restrictions. So there we're

going we're not going to have ATM withdrawals. We're not going to have debit card withdrawers or cash assets mechanisms unless specifically approved by the board. So, y'all have to decide to do that. If the board wants to have a a debit card used for training purp only for training purposes or something like that, so you can reserve rooms. I know last year the board had a problem getting room reservations for the Savannah trip because it did not have any kind of debit card or credit card. Um, and then every year you all review the bank signitories. You come back and

you review it and look at is it working, is it not working, you make changes and uh funds can only be placed in federally insured deposit accounts or other lawful public fund depositories which will be Georgia Fund one. Uh article 16 is the fraud reporting procedure. Anyone who suspects fraud or misuse has to notify the chair the board. The board may authorize the investigation and take

corrective action. And article 17 uh policy review. You can periodically review and amend this policy to maintive financial safeguards as budget bias projects. And that's it. That's the whole 10 pages. Madam chair. Thank you. Madam Chair, I'm looking for us to adopt this tonight as and then we can >> Yes. >> Okay. M I'll make a motion to accept

uh the financial management and internal control policy. >> Make a motion. We have a second. >> Second. Any discussion? >> All in favor? I >> oppose. One opposed. Motion passes. Um, Madam Chair, if I can just go on. The next item is the legal invoices um for the WY law firm for services. Again, um I'm sorry. Yes, ma'am. I'm so sorry.

>> And I wanted to wait until >> Apologies. Uh, I I wanted to wait um until we were going I wanted to wait until we were going over your uh legal fees and our board member was saying some things that were not of truth. Um, and we're getting ready to go over your invoice and that will state the facts of what you have actually charged. And I know for a fact the first uh months working

with Va you did not turn in invoices you would. So you have been uh a service here uh for this board. you have helped uh this board even with us not having uh executive director to help with projects that have uh deals that have been um we've already uh completed deals that have been finished and deals that we're working on with developers and I apologize

uh for that because we're just now uh getting invoices uh to this board and you can share uh your invoices now. >> So the the invoices are accumulation of October, November and December. So I did not submit I have not submitted an invoice in October, November or December 2025 nor January or February 2026. I will bring those um next month and so that I'll the last invoices will be April, May and June. Um and if you have

any questions, please let me know. um I can have a you know the the itemized billings are attorney client privilege information. So if you would um not disclose those to third parties whenever I send them over to the city if I send them over to the city u what goes for the public to see would just be a one line item. The internal folks that Mike Hicks and his folks will see they can see this obviously if they're going to make certain that there is money to pay it but um I enjoy working for the board.

um has been challenging doing all these uh in the absence of an executive director, but we have no ball has dropped and we have we're making good progress and I'm I can't wait to tell you all in the coming weeks that we're going to have a deal closed. I thought we were going to close today, but we're on the verge of closing on another big deal and I'm excited and we close in December or November for the Edison Drive one and we're going to have at least two more this year including PMG. So, thank you board. Yes.

>> I make a motion approve the invoices presented before us today. >> We have a motion. Do we have a second? >> Second. Quick discussion real quick. >> Uh just real so I want to just set the record straight. I'm looking at this bill. 35,000 and change from October 1st to December 31st. That's three months of work, right? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Uh, so I if I divide that 35,000 by three months, that's about $11,000

and some change. >> Yes. >> Per month. Is that right? >> Yes, sir. >> Last question. How many months did you work for us without charging us at all? >> About about six months. >> Okay. Now, going by that logic, let's assume it's about the same workload that you would do monthly as you've done from October to December. 6 months worth of work would be about $70,000 that we didn't have to pay for. >> Sadly, yes, it's my fault, not y'alls.

>> Well, I'm glad to hear it. Obviously, that's my kind of attorney, but uh I just wanted to set the record straight for uh you know uh you you you definitely uh put put in your ties and offer as they say in at the church. So, we appreciate that. All right. >> Okay. >> So, I'd like to add to this since we're in discussion. Um Hannah, can you verify when the last invoices that we approve as a board

for attorney WY? >> I believe that was the Starky Law Group and that was the >> Yeah. September. >> Yeah. Um October. >> Go ahead. No, you can go ahead if you remember. It was him. >> Let me verify. But I believe it was I go back into my documents.

I believe it was October. >> So it was October and and and this is what I'm saying. So how much was that bill? It was 20 like 20 something,000. I can verify that >> um so October

September. So it was about 7,500 for um the it was actually for August to September invoice. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> And then what was the month when >> the invoice date was October 3rd? >> So when we approved her contract there was another invoice that we approved.

>> Uh I don't believe there was another invoice. Well >> you checking you checking Hannah. Just check cuz we wanted to make >> Okay. I yeah, I would have to check um >> and that was another >> Well, if you could check that and send out a roll forward report for us to show >> okay >> what months we're being build and then what months we are actually approving. >> Okay, I'll do that. I'll go ahead. I'll do that. All in favor?

I >> with a raise of hands. Any oppose? She said okay. Any oppose? Any abstensions? >> Abstain. >> One abstension. Uh board member Jefferson. Uh next, uh we have consideration of approval for amended uh bylaws as originally adopted. >> Motion. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> We have a second. Any discussion?

>> All in favor with raise of hands. Any opposed? Okay. >> Oppose. >> One opposed. Uh, board member Jefferson. >> Mr. Mayor's eye. >> She had an eye. >> Hers was I. >> Can we please repeat the motion for the bylaws? You want to >> I I think the motion will be reflected in the um up in the earlier discussion, but as I recall, it was approved. It was approved with the change revisions on

the page 26 under authority control. The zero to 4,999 could be approved with the mayor, the chair and the secretary treasurer from $5,000 to $4,999. It was approved the approval with is the full board >> um with the signatures of the chair and the secretary >> treasur >> treasurer and then anything over $50,000 will require board approval but will add

an additional signatory of the finance director to the to the chair and the secretary treasury. >> Got it. Do we need to include this six to five or something? >> Yes. And then the the on this page 26, the bottom on the amendments to approve to any amendments to the bylaws requires five affirmative votes. And any um votes to resend an a development agreement or purchase and selling sale agreement that

was approved by majority vote can requires five votes to resend. Is there a motion? >> Second. >> Okay. Second. Okay. With those revisions, all in favor raise your hands. Any oppose? >> Opposed. >> One opposed. U. Yes. I. >> Yes, you did.

Um, one oppose. Um, board member Jefferson. >> Okay. Well, thank you. Uh, next, um, I want to say something right quick. Um, often times, um, we have to be careful, uh, when words go out that are not of truth. And it brings me to some words that were spoken um

about uh the board uh and the Christmas um celebration that it cost $60,000 last year. That was that the board was charged $60,000. That was not true. And Hannah, how much was the board charged for the ber >> for 2025? It was $7,000. >> How much? >> 7,000. it was $7,000. Um, next it said that uh the people who

were recognized at that uh um I want to go ahead and call them out because it was like they were friends, families. I want to make sure that I don't want to diminish any uh award recipients. Uh the first one that was uh awarded was our business community partnership recognition award and that was to the college park skyhawks special recognition for community

partnership award that was the Atlanta Dream um special presentation uh that was to Fulton County uh board of education and Fulton County government. The next was business of the year main street in Virginia. That was the Allesium Center, the Tasting Table Restaurant and No Limits Community Development Corporation. Next was business of the year for the uh Southside corridor. That was Clean Skies

Lumbermat. The legacy award went to Reverend Dr. Marjgerie Dent. best new business of the year went to hospital in your in the in your home and we had uh several uh bridge builders who were unsung heroes who received a recognition. Um, and with saying that, I have to say that in November at our first meeting, um, the board um

said that we will only have the the 5,000 uh for the um Christmas celebration. At that meeting, I asked for a special call meeting uh to see about uh allocating more funds. And again, um, we had $7,000. The other 39,000 that had been budgeted is still there for business development.

And I just want to say that everything that happened and was planned for that afternoon for the Christmas celebration took place right before Thanksgiving. and we were able to have a a program that I thought was fitting uh and deserving uh for this board and for our city and for our community and the people who um were were awarded and I and that afternoon I have to say

this um one of the directors with the it was the Skyhawks she wrote a letter to the board and she said how much that award meant to her organization and that partnership here in the city of College Park. We are getting some things right and sometimes we have to know that when we work together good things can happen and we have to be careful what comes out of our mouth that is not true

that's putting things on social media that's speaking uh truth that's uh on news. Let's tell the truth. Um, and we have to also know that um, this board, even with me being placed back on this board, God, he does favor me and he favors my work, but he favors the city.

And that's things are moving. And when things are said that are negative and that are not true, we have to somebody sometimes have to sit up and say it's it's wrong. And it's wrong not to tell tell the truth about anybody or anything especially things that are negative that impacts um our city. I just want to say >> so point of order. Um, I want to call a

point of order in reference to the chair. She mentioned that the 68,000 that was overly spent was referring to 2025. That is incorrect. In 2024, this board approved $20,000. She spent 68,000. So the 48,000 that was spent, we still don't have account for that. 68,000 did not refer to 2025. That was the reason why this board point of order. That was the reason why this board came back in 2025 and said, "No,

your budget is only $7,000 and we want the 39,000 to go towards businesses." So, I want to correct you. You're incorrect when you stated, "Yes, you did spend $68,000." That was in 2024. >> That was correct. Okay. 2024. But the word that went out um on the uh last council meeting, it said it just said $60,000 that the board spent. And I just wanted for people who did not wouldn't know

would just think that that's uh what was spent >> for 2020. >> Madam Chair, I have a question. Uh, were there any other funding sources that were used for the BA banquet this this past December? Were there any other contributions other than from BA? >> No, that's all. No, >> that's all. So, there were no community from the BA from from from BA which the BA board said that could be spent was

$7,000 and that's all >> there. There were no community enhancement funds from either council member from any council members. >> That has nothing to do but whatever other uh funds that were uh helped to um get the um get that um program uh financed all the was spent from BA and that's all that was spent was the $7,000.

>> Okay. I'm mad. In terms of taxpayer funds, it it exceeded $7,000. Is that correct? >> What did she say? >> I said in terms of taxpayer funds, it exceeded $7,000 because there were community enhancement funds that were used. >> Yes, I'm I'm talking taxpayer funds, not not just idol alone. >> This board ain't got nothing to do with city funds. We just only >> we just this is what was uh allocated

for BA and that's what we're on right now. >> Hannah, could you could you uh enlighten as to the total amount of funds expended for the the December banquet VA and all city funds included? >> And I could get that back to everyone. I can send that to everyone. I just >> 2024 too cuz we never received what the 48,000 was spent on. >> Yeah, I can I could research that and and um

>> back to everyone. >> Thank you. >> Okay, just want to say that. Thank you. >> Okay, next uh GICC uh reports. >> All right. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm just going to highlight a couple of groups for the month of February. Um, Showstoppers was one of our biggest competition that we had also along with Delta Community uh, credit union, the Democratic Party, of course, the Black History Program. Our operating revenues was 782,000.

Um, our expense was 753,000. Um, one of the highlights that we have for this week is groom D, which that is being right now that we're setting up for for the Gateway Center Arena. We had um the Senior Social League One volleyball, College Park, Skyhawks. The revenue was 164,000. Operating expense was 231,000. This week we have in house is the

Southwest Athletic Conference, the H.B.CU. DCU going very very well. Um second at last we have the um College Park Golf Course. We're kind of gearing up for the warmer days, but the revenue was 20,000 in the month of February. Um we had a little bit over expenses due to the fact we had to get the pump repaired which was 38,000. And for parking for GICC/ Arena 2992,959

953. That's all I have for GICC in the Gateway Center. >> Okay. Next, we have >> chair, I have a question. >> Okay. Uh, mayor, >> Mr. Barner. Um I saw and I apologize for the lag on this, but um it appeared last month that there was a transfer in uh of revenue to the uh GIC. Um that typically

occurs uh at the conclusion of the fiscal year. Could you outline why that occurred? I can't exactly give you that answer. That was transferred in by the U. Financial Director. Um, but I can get with Miss Hammonds and let you know that later. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Uh, next, uh, we'll have the updates on Price Barberh Shop and the

Vita signage by Clearly College Park, um, program manager, Jacquis, uh, Garcia. Okay, good evening everyone. So, with Price Barberhop for this month, um here we go. Uh for this month, uh we got majority of

actually all of our permits approved. Uh so we're through that process entirely. um everything from our demolition permit to our QAP report uh uh plan as well as our mini plan review. So, we're good to go on the physical changes of the building. We are we did uh discover contaminants, environmental contaminants in the building. We had that tested and there was uh confirmed reporting on that. So, we're following the the proper processes according to EPA as well as the local laws. Uh part of that is

getting an environmental abatement uh contractors to do that uh to do that work. So we did bid that out and we are expecting that sometime in uh March 16th or the week of March 16th to make a decision on on the the contractors. Next slide. >> Okay. Uh once once the contaminants are removed, we will continue on with fire repair, uh fencing removal, and the

demolition of the porch uh for Price Barberhop. We'll also be engaging in uh phase two, which is effectively the architecture and design portion of of Price Barberhop that will be bidded out as well. Um and uh we will look forward to getting those designs and the input from the community as well as the board uh the board and then the community uh on the designs for Price Barber Shop. And that is where we're at latest with Price Mark shot. Next slide. Next.

Yep. >> I have a question. >> Sure. >> Um, >> am I pronouncing your name correctly? Is it >> Hakis? Okay. Hak. >> Um, question for you. >> Jefferson. Hold on. You can speak. >> I'm just letting you >> I'm just recognizing you. Uhhuh. Do we have anou for umou with fa? >> We do not have a formal with for fa. >> So

what okay all this work is being done who is it being done in the name of is it ba or is it both? So it's done in the name of the owners of the properties and that's >> who IA is the owner of the property. >> So do what what we keep labeling it as FOA though. So what is the relationship with FOA with the project? >> So it's not officially labeled as FOA's

project since I've worked with it. I do know and I have worked with FOA as a community group, but this is not FOA's project. This is the city's funds and BA owns the property to do the work on this project. >> Okay. So I think I think this needs to be some information on working with four because we created the whole annexation of this property >> on you know behalf of them being our

designated preservation historical um organization. So, I I just I I you know, I don't know if FOA's people are out there, but someone needs to get together with the city and with Bida to understand what their relationship is in regards to this project because I think they were here last month stating that they hadn't gotten updated on any information on this progress. So, I think that that relationship if we need that, it needs to be developed.

>> Understood. I do the direction of the city manager. >> Madam Chair. >> Yes, Mayor. >> If I may, um to echo board member Jefferson's sentiments, I think um I think the intention of this board has always been uh as long as I've served on it and this has been a priority for the board. it has been to renovate it with the with FOA in mind to make sure that there is a place for the heritage of

that one square mile to be celebrated and recognized. And so I I think that if we can engage in anou with FOA, so they are with us every step of the way and we are taking their thoughts and opinions into account and ensuring that they are partners in this that we are doing this with them, not to them, not on their behalf, but as partners. That is

that is just so very very important especially as we continue to hope to build trust in a community that lost trust that was essentially wiped out. So I think it is even more critical that we honor our commitments and get anou with FOA to formalize this relationship as soon as possible.

Okay. Um, Mr. W, >> I want to thank you for bringing up I think at the last meeting about us getting more involved. So, we own the building, right? So, I know some you had something about redesign and all that kind of stuff. So, does that come back cuz I don't remember Ber I don't remember anything ever come back to Ble for Ber's approval. So if somebody going to do something to our building, you would think it would come back to buy. At least let us see it before you approve it. If if we don't

have a say so. So I I'm a little confused about all this. Now I'm I'm for the project 100%. I want nobody to go back saying that. This is excellent. All I'm saying is before the chair made a comment about us being involved or being at least a breast of the situation, it was kind of in dark. So at what point do some of the stuff come back to ber for ber approval or you know at least before you go approve it and and just improve the design bring

it back to bite and let us look at it you know something along those lines. I mean I'm I'm just curious. >> Yeah. BA is uh supposed to be and intended to be as part of the stabilization process, the architectural design process and the construction. So when I inherited this pro this project um is my understanding um with the previous director um that BA was a part of this process and the design uh as well as the stand who were the consultants to do some of this work. So

uh and this was funded through the Brownsfield grant as well. >> Can't hear >> this was funded through the Brownsfield grant as well. So there's I believe there's presentations on the design like early concept designs the council maybe like 2024 or to early 2025 is my understanding of that. So I believe BA was involved um but I again I that kind of predates me a bit. >> I guess what I'm ask you is can you make sure we are more involved >> absolutely absolutely before you go approving so >> absolutely and we're working very

closely with the chair and city manager to make sure that you guys are completely involved. Mhm. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Uh D. Uh next other business. Um >> Uhhuh. >> You can do other business now. >> So my um >> reports of of the authority. >> Are we doing other business or reports

of authority? >> Okay. Do we have any other other business? >> I have um >> Okay. Um >> so um >> M Jefferson >> in regards to the the reason why Hakeis I asked you about that forou um it's a lot of business here that we're put in the cart before the horse. Um we we I I think that as a board we're missing our our mark here. We have billions of land to be sold and we're not even putting it an RFP for a broker,

but we're more concerned with opening a bank account. Um, right now our signage on our land that we do have for sale is overgrown with foliage. And can you >> I mean I I don't know who's following up and following through to get this land um sold and presented appropriately so that we can avoid receiving um warehousing LOIs. But I have a question for you. On a daily basis, how

many LOIs are contracts have you received? So on in terms of calls before the LOIs because they're very different numbers >> um in terms of calls and and the LOIs >> in term of calls we're talking between 9 to 15 calls a day um about interest in properties for VA specifically the six west um in terms of LOIs it's more around

two maybe three a month >> okay so see and That's that's my that's my concern because we don't have the proper rep representation to get our our um marketing for our parcels out there in order to generate revenue for the city is what our main goal and purpose is supposed to be. In addition to that, we have open items as far as a condemnation on Six West, as far as the IGA agreement with the city. They're just things more pertinent business

things um that needs to be addressed with with FOA that needs to be addressed if we are to consider this board a business professional board. Our agendas from the past months has been a lot of check marks and busy work, but we haven't been taking care of our business to market our properties and to get the necessary contracts in order so that we can conduct business with integrity and accountability.

>> And Jackie West, could you um you know, we've been talking about the signage and the website um that we've been working on that Can we can we get the presentation for uh signage? The second presentation, please. >> Darn it.

Okay, so that perfectly segus to our next uh presentation on just buy the property market and signage, right? And um right next to that is actually a property, a real property, real sign of what our latest signs look like. Um, I imagine that's probably something we want to have updated and probably have some input on, but that is what we're looking at in terms of one of the few signages on those properties. Oh.

Uh, so to to the point of the board, um, the purpose of the signage is to improve that visibility to developers and provide that clear understanding, that contact for information and just we're ready to sell property and this is how you obtain that property. This is how you you do business with with VA and eventually city of College Park. And so, um, it is of my recommendation that through research and looking through a lot of the signage processes, there's two main type of signs for development. Um, the regular or standard size 24x36

and those are the materials there and of course the larger site signs that we're more familiar with, which is the 4x4 uh, panels. On the next slide, it's kind of an example of what we're talking about. So, the standard sign is the one that we already have posted on one of our properties. And of course, the larger 4x4 is is to the right. Um, and there's different styles, but that gives an idea of the size of that. Um, the number, the quantity, I recommend between one to two signs per property.

Um, or at least towards anywhere the frontage, road frontage would be of those signs. um any additional signs could be maybe directional to lead to that property exactly where our our land is at with some research. Um this is pre quotes but research um and having conversations with some local vendors early talks around it. The standard signs are between that range uh have an idea of that. large sight signs that we talked about. I just mentioned the 4x4

is between that range of 150 to 400 and installation would be 100 to 150. Why this is important is some by the properties like the Princeton Avenue properties those are 91 parcels and so if we're talking about 4x4 signs two being on a parcel or one being on a parcel and it's a range between 150 to 400 that gives an idea early idea of what we're talking about in terms of cost

in terms of quotes uh my recommendation would be based bas on about five points which is cost effect uh cost competitiveness, their experience doing commercial real estate signage, um the materials, uh the product installation in that timeline and of course the design quality for the board, your input um you know the the signage size and style numbers assigned. everything we've just kind of mentioned before, the budget range and of course uh eventually the the

authorization to go out and actually speak with vendors uh officially for quotes to have signage on our properties. The next steps from this would be uh issuing that RFQ or just going out and getting those quotes uh for local vendors. Um receiving and evaluate those quotes and of course uh pre uh presenting that vendor to the board and proceeding with uh should you choose to to select that vendor proceed with that production installation.

Next uh billboards. Uh there is a billboard located I back up a bit. Um you know billboards we kind of all know them, we all see them but the larger purpose of or idea behind the billboards is having that high priority development parcels and reaching out to as many direct developers as possible. Um highways gar a lot of attention. Major corridors of traffic um being an area that we can easily have high visibility for. Um properties that we may post on a billboard. So, going out and doing some

site visits. There is a billboard located on Princeton and Howard. Uh, that is right by I 85. >> And, um, that is right by I 85. And so, we did see this. I'm still confirming if this is officially owned property or city of College Park owned property, but it is something that um, we we view it as an opportunity to post uh, development opportunities. um as as a marketing strategy.

Okay. >> It's not really No, there's more to it than that. Can you do a next slide? >> Oh, okay. >> Absolutely. You might want to check because I believe the reason we we couldn't rent that billboard was that the trees had grown up and you couldn't see it from anybody. The law back then

was you couldn't cut trees. I think since then they passed the orders where we can cut trees. So just look at the visibility know that we spend some money cutting trees. >> I'll take note of that board member. Why? Okay. Uh okay. Uh my suggestion would be uh running campaigns just one for only one to 3 months, keeping it short, highlighting the the most uh the highest priority for land to be sold.

And then there's also the 360 tool. So if you remember on the first slide, um the current BIA uh signage has a College Park 360 website and I did check and that website is active. Um and it is an interactive view that allows those developers to explore that site remotely. Um I think this is effective and and should be highlighted maybe revamped um updated with the latest information that needs to be there. But it is an active site um that can be utilized and should be utilized to uh

work in in tangent with the the signs, the billboard and the website. As for the website um in in recommendation of working with it, working with the communications department um these are some features that can be um updated and as well as added to the website. So dedicated uh properties page of course embedded the 360 property views and the aerial photos and site maps. Uh linking signage and

billboards using those QR codes. I don't believe I saw any QR codes on any of the signs that um we drove through and I think that would kind of highlight and connect that um to to to developers, potential buyers. >> Six West has some Okay. >> Okay. >> Madam Chair. >> Yes. Uh Mayor, >> uh I have a question for Mr. Garcia. Uh when we had brokers in the past, it was my recollection that they did a lot of this on their own as as part of their

marketing of the property. And so feel like I've been saying this a lot tonight. to board member Jefferson's point, why would we not engage in trying to find a broker who has connections and we're not doing this leg work which we are not experts at? Um why why are we not engaging in that process as a board to ensure that we are

we are marketing this site and others within the city to the folks who would be able to take action in the best way possible >> to answer that mayor um if it's the will of the board to go forward with a broker I can get an RFP going this week um or next week um and and push that out and have brokers before you guys to make the before the board to make decisions and move forward um on this. I just

>> um Madam Chair, if I may. >> Yes. >> So, that decision has to come from you to the board, not one person's opinion. >> I recognize that. Um, and so, Attorney Wy, would it be appropriate at this time for me to make a motion to that effect? >> No, we don't. You know, we need to discuss that with the next >> Attorney WY. >> Um, you can make a motion to um add that item. Yes, we can make a mo you can make that motion um to do that.

>> Yes. Um, so Madam Chair, I'd make a motion to amend the agenda to add a add consideration of uh putting out an RFP for a broker for the Six West uh parcels. >> I have a motion. Do we have a second? >> Second with uh Madame Mayor, if I can ask that you amend your motion to include the other parcels as well. Absolutely.

Board member Jefferson >> outside of six west by the park. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Yeah. By the park. >> I I accept that friendly amendment. >> All in favor? >> And I'll I'll second that as well. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I >> I >> I >> And the she can't vote, right? She's >> the mayor's been voting. She's been voting this evening.

>> I thought she she was on the zoo. She couldn't >> I'm assuming the mayor is um has um is a out of out of out of the jurisdiction or under the weather. >> She's out of the jurisdiction. >> So she she can vote. Yes. We didn't clear that up on the record, the front end. Madame Mayor, I'm sorry. I should have um asked you that question on the front end, but yes, she's available to vote because she's out of the jurisdiction. Well, >> I do have some discussion I I I don't know if we're ready to look at pulling in a broker yet. Every time

we pulled in a broker, I haven't seen a whole heck of a lot of success out of it with BER to be frank. And uh obviously we want to sell property this year, but uh we have had a few offers come in and uh we're looking at closing some things right now. Um, we are appraising the Six West property. That should be done in a week or so. Um, I'd like to see how that comes back before we commit to hiring a

broker. And so, I think hiring a broker at this point would be a little premature. >> And there were a couple of deals right now, >> Miss Wy, I understand that you're close to closing right now. >> That's correct. And I guess my point is again when I when VA had a broker, we weren't that successful. But right now, >> we're closing property right now. And to be frank, if we've got some momentum going with

some sales and we're closing, taking the time out to go through a process of hiring a broker before we close anything would just slow us down. I want to keep that momentum going. >> Correct. So, I don't think the time is just to jump out and say, "Let's hire a broker out to clear blue sky just" just when we get momentum going and we're closing deals. >> Um, I >> I don't you know, here's the thing. I want Biden to close deals and Biden's getting good offers and Biden's closing

deals. That's what we call making progress and I want to keep that progress going. And right now, it's moving. So, my suggestion is let's close the stuff that we're close to closing now. Get it done out the way. And if we want to look at a broker later on so we don't have to pay commissions to the stuff that's already in the pipelines, then so be it. But I don't think now's the time cuz right now we're closing and we're going to get some land sold uh probably without a broker. Again, I

think we're doing better right now without a broker than we were with a broker. something. I don't think now's the time. I think we need to sit back, close this stuff, and then take another look at it uh later on in the year here. >> So, I uh >> Madam Chair, >> Matt Oh, uh Madam Chair, I I contest uh what the uh Mayor Promp uh suggested because the only reason why we have these deals that we are closing right now is because we had an economic development director, Brian Hooker, that

brought us those deals. We have that missing now. Yakis just said he's receiving 9 to 15 calls and barely three LOIs. So that tells you that we don't we do not have visibility for the our remaining parcels. We understand that there's appraisal taking place on Six West. We want to even avoid with that appraisal that it comes in so low that you sell it to a developer that that could build an outlet more. Hopefully not. But if we had the necessary

representation, which is what we're supposed to have as a broker to represent our parcels so that we can get the highest maximum dollar and the appraisals for our properties, that's what's needed. But what you have now is a void. We do not have an economic development director. We do not he's giving us a presentation on signage. Real estate takes more than signage. The reason why you had the 360col park.com is because Arty Jones marketed it

through CoStar. Do you have access to CoStar to do marketing? >> Not currently. >> Correct. So with that, we're we're working at a deficit. So I get why you don't want to have a broker is because you don't want interference with Six West. But it's more than Six West. >> Point of order. >> Point of order. It's more than Six West. We have more parcels that are that are remaining dorbent >> due to lack of visib

you want to take the point of order. You want to withdraw it everything when the point of order is made everything stops until the chair can um address the point of order or or not. Um, Madam Chair, >> uh, board member, uh, Jefferson was speaking, but also I I wanted to hear from, um, Mr. Hicks. >> So, Madam Chair, I think Oh, okay. Yeah, you she was withdrawing and then board member Jefferson can continue. She can

continue >> her um her comments and then the next person can be heard. >> So, what are we doing? >> You can finish talking. See, >> so we need broker representation so that our properties can be marketed appropriately and our properties can be priced appropriately. We are spending dollars that we do we do not have to spend. If we had a broker, the broker would take care of the marketing fees and get paid on the back end. We're

currently receiving LOIs that they're asking us to pay them a commission. That's inappropriate because we don't have representation. So, we need to handle business and stop being busy. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh Madam Chair. >> Okay. Uh Mr. Hicks is speaking now. So, um, Madam Chair, in terms of the, uh, economic development director's position, um, I own that one. And so,

I've been working diligently to find us an economic development director. We've gone through several interviews and we have not found the talent that we're looking for. So, I'm hoping by the at least the first or second week in April, okay, we can get someone on board. I understand there's a deficit and I own uh what my team is lacking. So, I'm working on that. By the middle of April, we're going to have someone. >> Thank you. Um, mayor,

>> uh, my question in terms of, uh, the appraisal of Six West, uh, I think Council Member KN brought that up. Uh, and it's going to be done in the next week. Uh, do we have a scope of work on that or who's been in contact with the appraiser? Has anyone been in contact with the appraiser? >> Madame Mayor, I will say after this this board voted, was it two meetings ago to authorize CBRE to conduct the appraisal

and there was a meeting a virtual meeting and um I know that the vice mayor, the appraiser, I'm not sure if you were on that, Mr. manager, but I was on I remember I was on that listening to um the comments, but from my understanding, the city council put an RFP out or approved that before Bida came back and said, "Yes, as a property owner, we agreed to it." So, to your question, Madame Mayor, I have not

seen it. I think the city the city should have it out. city manager if y'all put it out for I'm not sure how the city came to CBRE but the city um handled that process from the beginning and I have only had one conversation u madame mayor and it was um in reference to what had already been done not what they were going to do the appraiser uh to to that point is the appraiser has anyone had any conversations about um how this appraisal was being done are we are we

doing it for highest and best use. Is that what we're going to see? >> During the conversation, Madame Mayor, that I had with the appraiser in that one virtual call, I asked that question because you know there's so much that goes into appraisal and obviously you know that by the nature of your questions and I think there was a scope. Um I'm not sure Mr. H if you know what the scope was. I'm just not sure what the city put out for the RFP. And I I should get I should have gotten it by now. I should get it just to see u

madame mayor but I will find that out but it see my impression at that meeting was the deal had already been struck between CBRE and the city and um there was so that I didn't have any um I didn't make any effort to negotiate those points as you referenced. So, does anyone know if the appraiser is making doing an appraisal as to the highest and best use of the Six West property?

>> So, there uh to answer your question, Madame Mayor, um there is an appraiser in contract with the city. Um there's a contract that's fully executed. Um and there is a scope associated with that contract. >> Can you send that to me? Can you send that to me? Email. >> Sure. Thank you. is the appraisal going to be to highest and best use. >> I am ass

having done l litigation with appraisals appraisal reports I think that is their uh I think that's what they have to do ethically. Um now whether or not I think you can the client can sometimes ask the appraisal to make some extraord they call it extraordinary assumptions. So let's say that there is a corner piece and just assume that that's going to be a gas station, right? And they can evaluate it based on that extraordinary assumption. Otherwise, they're going to use I'm assuming the fair market value

will be determined by the highest and best use. That's my assumption, Madame Mayor, and I will um yield with that. Um I would like to uh correct the attorney with that. actually um what the mayor is asking um if the appraisal is being done to highest and best use is because you're doing the appraisal before PMG closes. So therefore, you're going to do to get the appraisal. You want that appraisal to come in lower. Someone does because you're doing it before PMG closes. PMG is the groundbreaking point

to to solidify that we're getting 257,000 above price. Without that closing, it's way below that. But that's what you want. >> I'm going to uh to your point um I have done significant litigation with appraisal reports and whe there are valid contracts for sale that are likely to go through. Appraisers can take that into account when they're looking at a particular area. I don't know how deep the the CBRE I mean is CBRE. I'm

assuming they're going to do high quality appraisal work, but they can take into account contracts for sale um that are likely to go through. That's sometimes it's called speculation, but if it's going if we're about to close, that's just going to be a um that's going to be a a um point of sale that may be a comp a good comp to determine some values. Um but it all depends on location, interior, exterior, how large. So, it's a lot. Um, those were some of the questions I had, but

I'm I'm assuming that the appraisers will do their professional job. They have um ethical responsibilities just like lawyers do. >> I just think that >> hiring or looking for a broker right now is a little premature. Um, I think we're off to a good start this year. We've got a lot of good leads. We've got a lot of deals on the table that we're close to closing. And again, I don't want to stop that momentum while at the same time with just still staffing up as well. So,

I think we see where we go in terms of closing without a broker the deals that we've got and we can take a look at it, you know, after after a while here once we get our footing uh together with BA. We just got our bylaws straightened out. City manager's straightening things out on the city end. He's not quite there yet, but uh I think we need to wait before we look at a broker before we uh move forward with that.

>> So I I mean Is there a motion on the floor? >> There's a second. I think we're in discussion. Okay. >> No, I don't have no discussion. Um I >> I missed most of the discussion, but I I I think here's where I am without missing a lot of the motivation. I think I agree with the mayor. uh we need to get high broke or whatever right now. But I think I I would like my mayor to let us get an economic development director on board or by the executive director, somebody on board on

staff to help facilitate some of that. So I support what you're saying. I would like to maybe do it at a later meeting when we have an economic development director. >> Uh Madam Chair, >> yes. Uh to board member Wyatt's point, uh would it be possible to put out an RFP and then have it close at the end of April so that if Mr. Hicks

said that we would have it's his intention to have someone on staff by the beginning of mid of April that this might be one of the first tasks that they get to to go under. I think the RFP process could move forward um while the finalists for economic development come into focus. >> Thank you, mayor. >> Call for the vote. Um >> if she if she's amending her motion to that, I second it.

>> Yes. >> I would make that that to to have the RFP stay open until April 30th. uh >> yes I would if and if board member Jefferson is isn't uh amendable to that friendly amendment >> I would >> yes I'm um I uh agree with the amended uh motion >> the discussion >> second >> again I think we may eventually need to

look at bringing in a broker but I don't want to start the process prematurely Uh I want us to staff up and uh take a look at it uh at a later point here, but I don't want to start the process prematurely uh before we have staff in place. We need to take a look at the at at things once we once we staff up. and I would like us to close on some of these projects that we're in the process

of getting close to closing on. >> That was the purpose of her amended amendment. >> And what was the amendment again? What was it? >> The amendment was to um you can start the RFP process, but it does not complete until the economic development director interviewing process is completed, right? >> To be completed at the by the end of April. I do not want to start the RFP process at all. I don't want to look at a broker situation until we're ready

from economic development. All >> right, Corn, you've been clear. Let's vote. >> Now, which which one which So, this vote is >> Yeah. Can the >> Can the motion be re um restated with that amendment? >> Well, that's my friendly amendment. I'm not against looking at a broker, but I don't want to pre, you know, start the process now. >> I do not accept that friendly amendment. >> So, Mayor

Okay. Do I repeat? >> Oh, can the motion be repeated? >> Yes. Mayor Mley Broom motioned to put out an RFP for a broker for the Six West parcels and it was amended that it would be all of the buy parcels and then again amended to make the RFP open until the end of April to provide time to find um the staff for economic development. >> Okay. Who sec who seconded the motion? I

second Mrs. Yeah, Mrs. Jefferson seconded >> and those all of those amendments were accepted by M. Jefferson. >> Yes. Yes. So the only present amendment the only amendment is the last one that you that you raised that the mayor made. So >> yes, >> that's only that's only one motion on the floor that has been amended properly seconded and amended with seconds. So, the only difference is to wait to do the RFP and um have it read the last the

very last one, Hannah. Not all of them. Just read the very last one >> to make the RFP open until end of April, but I think they also did the amendment to include all the Ber parcels. >> Yeah, that that came forward, right? Okay. >> So, all the Ber parcels and six inclusive of six west at the end of April. That's the motion. Thank you. >> Understood. Am I clear on that? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Can I I have some I have one more question. Can I some question? So, at present, how many properties are we in

close to closing on? >> One, two. It should just be two there, huh? One, two. Um, there are three in the pipeline to closing. One is imminent within days and the others are within month within less than a couple of months. I'm estimating to get those done. Oh, and let me just say on PMG, let me the PMG we just we're still waiting on the site plan approval and

that and so but we'll get you know the money that we'll get from that will be $700,000 just for that. So closing will be after that. So >> she that question was >> so I have continued on my question. So with those three being close to closing um what are we looking at in commissions being charged for whoever spearheading that? >> There are no >> for one of them. The one that's imminent um we the buy the board um agreed to pay

partial part of closing. So, we're only paying a 5% closing. And I I'll give y'all the settlement statement, but there are no brokers in the other two transactions. So, we don't really have a broker from BIA. And the there are no brokers. >> All right. Thank you. >> But we're paying But we're paying a commission. We Yes. For one commission. >> We're paying their broker. >> That's what we're paying. We're not paying our broker. We're paying their broker. They set the price for their broker. And that's why we need proper

representation cuz that wouldn't have been done. >> No, that's inaccurate. Factually, when the board approved that deal, um, and I don't want to talk too much. It was out of executive session. When the board approved that deal, the way the former economic development set director set it up. >> Yeah, because we didn't have a broker. That's what I'm saying. >> Uh, Madam Chair, >> thank you. >> All in favor? M madam chair. Oh,

>> I call for the vote. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Call for the vote. All in favor? >> I have I. >> All oppose. >> Pos one. Raise your hands, please. >> I I oppose, but I will be voting for this once we get a directive. I think this is an excellent idea. I just think it's a little premature. So I'm voting on tonight, but I will be voting for this in the next go round.

>> Any abstensions? >> Motion passes. I mean, I'm sorry. Motion fails. Um, >> next we have reports and updates by the authority members. If anybody I had a quick thing. Uh so um we someone touched on the bite of Christmas celebration uh which by the

way I think that was probably one of the best by the Christmas events that we had ever had. Um the energy was positive. Everyone was impressed and uh it was it was a real I mean you could feel the electricity in the room. It was a great positive uh event. Uh speaking of that, uh this year is our city's 130th birthday and we spoke about it on the city council. We had talked around the idea of having a large citywide event to celebrate that

milestone. The thought in terms of cost savings as well, the city's birth date is actually December 16th. That's the actual, you know, birth date of the city. And in terms of a celebration, I said to myself, well, you know, our buyer celebration is somewhere around that date. So, it might make sense to combine it and make it a little larger this year to make that celebration and save that money as opposed to doing two two events. So, I wanted to see if uh

there was no objection to kind of moving in that direction uh to have that citywide celebration combined with the BA event uh for our 130th uh birthday celebration. So, I just wanted to put that out there and uh get anybody's thoughts. >> I think that's a great idea. >> Any other? >> I'm new. So, could somebody explain that to me?

>> Well, it's the city's >> No, not the city. >> The VER. >> Oh, the Ber. This is our annual Christmas event. the BEA uh development uh dinner awards dinner. We recognize we work we recognize our developers, our community, the progress we've made. >> And uh being that >> the our birthday is in on December 16th, the BA Christmas event is around that exact time, the second half of December. >> Okay. >> So, it would make sense to combine those in terms of cost savings and have a big

event for the birthday celebration and VA, which is the city, you know. So, I thought it'd be kill two birds with one stone and save some money. >> So, that's that's different from what we just did last month or last couple of months. >> It would be what we had in December, but maybe a little little bit bigger cuz we want the public to come in and celebrate >> success. >> Okay. I was just trying to get an understanding of hopefully we have a lot of accomplishments and land so to celebrate too. >> I think we'll have a lot of land. And

anybody want to make a motion um to see about um >> I'll make a motion if uh if there's interest in combining or I think I think it's a great idea. Um now we you know obviously I think we've got to get a consensus from the council too but uh I think it'd be a great idea. >> Okay. So, I'll make that motion if if uh >> if the board's interested or >> Madam Chair, I would probably I'm okay with it, but I would like to follow the

council and not get ahead of the council. >> That' be fine. Thank you. >> So, I would like the council to vote on it first. >> Okay. >> And you had something to say >> about a pre I need to correct a previous matter. Um the PMG there there was a broker that y'all had initially with the Six West. So that's the broker, the city's broker on the PMG contract that predated me. So I just want to make that clear.

>> Yes, sir. >> But we don't owe anything to that broker cuz it didn't close in a certain amount of time, right? >> I have to look at that contract. Thank you, Ed. Um I'll look at that contract. >> Thanks. I don't think we do. >> Okay. No, we don't because PMG was procured prior to that broker. That's why. >> That's right. >> And and the things that they identified, it had to close within 90 days or 6 months or something. I think there's a time window. >> Okay. I'll double check that and have that for y'all. Clarity, that clarity. Thank you. >> Um are we still on the reports?

>> You you can. Yes. >> Uh so, um I I just going back to this um appraisal. I want to make a motion that we make sure that the appraiser for Six West uh appraises at highest and best uh price and usage according to the zoning and master plan for Six West. I think you want to make a motion to amend the agenda to add that motion would be would you be amanable to making that change? Board member Jefferson,

>> does the does the agenda have to be amended to make a motion >> to to put to to make an amendment to add something that's not on the agenda? Yes, ma'am. So, you're making a motion to amend the agenda. The mayor did the same thing when she did with the appraisal. So, >> sure. making a motion to add to the agenda that the >> making a motion to add to the agenda along with making a motion that the appraiser is appraising the Six West development parcels at highest and best um price and usage according to the

zoning and master plan for Six West. >> We have a second. Second. >> Any discussion? >> Uh, Madam Chair. >> Yes, Mayor. I I think I think this since there was not a definitive answer as to this, I I think it's critically important that um as stewards of these

funds and this land that we get the best price for it and ensuring that we do that by having an appraisal that actually reflects the highest and best use is critically important in that entire entire process. >> All right, no more discussion. Call for the vote. All in favor? >> I >> I

>> raise your hand. We have three for any opposed. How many opposed? >> Y. >> Yeah, I'm abstaining. Okay, we have two that oppose and >> waiting. >> How many of them? >> We had how many opposed? >> We had call. Let's call for the vote

again. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> We have three. >> I'm abstaining. >> Okay, three in favor. How any opposed? How many opposed? >> Opposed. >> Opposed. >> Any abstensions? >> Our chair. >> No extension. Motion. Motion. Motion failed. >> Did you say? >> Yes. >> It's one extension. >> Oh, one extension. Okay. >> 421. 421.

>> Three. >> Three. >> Three to three. One. >> Oh. So motion f. >> Motion fails. Okay. Um, we're going to Anything else? We're going to close out the meeting. >> Madam Chair, Madam Chair, Madam Chair, I I have a report. Um, it is I'm I'm sorry, Mayor. >> The U meeting is closed. I just adjourn the meeting. >> Thank you.