Mayor & Commission Meetings

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Monday, August 19, 2024 Committee Members Present: Committee Members Absent: Commissioner Patrick Davenport, Committee Chair Commissioner Mike Hamby Commissioner Tiffany Taylor Commissioner Dexter Fisher Commissioner Melissa Link Staff: Andrew Saunders, Interim Assistant Manager Vicki Casella, Human Resource Director John Hawkins, Deputy Chief Attorney Lori Pollock, Interim Assistant Human Resource Austin Jackson, Senior Assistant Attorney Director Chinesia Thompson, Recorder Doug Hansford, Building Inspections Director Melinda Lord, Interim Housing & Community Jack Reddick, Code Enforcement Development Director Administrator Joseph D’Angelo, Budget & Strategic Analysis Director Committee Chair Davenport called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Approving of the minutes were moved to the end of the meeting. A. Commission Identified Items of Interest: Develop a plan to restart the Land Bank Authority (Mayor Girtz assigned to GOC on October 3, 2023) Interim Assistant Manager Andrew Saunders opened the meeting by outlining three topics for discussion, aiming to provide the committee with foundational knowledge and gather their preferences for future focus. Interim HCD Director Melinda Lord then presented an overview of Land Bank Authorities (LBAs), explaining their role in managing and developing delinquent vacant properties and potentially managing acquisition strike funds. She noted that the ACCGov LBA is currently dormant, with its last meeting believed to be in 2018 and all positions vacant. Melinda provided details on FY25 Affordable Housing Investments, including $1.97 million in the Voluntary Inclusionary Zoning Fund and approximately $600,000 in the Affordable Housing Special Revenue Fund. She highlighted operational challenges for LBAs, such as the need for specialized staff and limitations on powers like eminent domain and tax collection. Assistant Manager Saunders added that while the dormant LBA is acquisition-focused, over a dozen LBAs operate in Georgia. He suggested that reactivating the LBA could be a tool to deploy funds, though it may not address all needs. The committee expressed interest in exploring LBAs in peer communities and requested data on the dormant LBA, including its bylaws. Saunders mentioned that the GOC could recommend changes needed to reactivate the authority. This discussion concluded with staff committing to gather and present the requested information in future meetings. Enhance renter protections and resources (Mayor Girtz assigned to GOC on April 18, 2023)  Andrew Saunders introduced the topic of renter protections to the committee, with the Attorney’s Office present to provide insight into the legal framework. Doug Hansford and Jack Reddick from building inspections and code enforcement were also in attendance to discuss local implementation. Saunders emphasized that the focus would primarily be on building maintenance and quality. Austin Jackson presented several Georgia laws that limit local government actions regarding renter protections: 1. 44-7-19 prohibits local governments from regulating rent amounts. 2. 36-74-30 prohibits local governments from requiring registration of residential properties. 3. 44-7-119 restricts government intervention in landlord-tenant disputes. The committee inquired about the possibility of requiring landlords to register for business licenses through the finance department. Austin explained that Georgia law prohibits registration fees, but the committee argued that landlords should be considered business owners since they receive income. Attorney John Hawkins agreed to further investigate state laws concerning occupational tax certificates, as the committee believes any residential property with income potential should fall under occupational licensing. Doug Hansford explained his role in renter protection, ensuring that all habitable buildings in Athens-Clarke County meet minimum construction codes. He described the process for renters to report property maintenance issues through phone, email, or in-person assistance. Hansford shared slides illustrating the exterior and interior elements that code enforcement and building inspections monitor for compliance. Review and enhance ACC employee engagement/survey/support opportunities for our entire workforce (Mayor Girtz assigned to GOC on April 18, 2023) Andrew Saunders introduced the topic of the ACCGov staff survey to the committee, with HR and Budget and Strategy Director present to provide details. Joseph D'Angelo explained that the most recent survey was conducted in 2023 by ETC Institute, ensuring anonymity. The survey was available electronically and in paper form, achieving a response rate of just under 50%, totaling 716 responses from part-time and full-time employees. The survey covered eight areas: equipment & resources, communication/engagement, rewards/recognition, work culture, compensation & benefits, empowerment, equity/inclusion/belonging, and professional development. Lori Pollock shared satisfaction ratings, highlighting that 90% of respondents consider ACCGov a good place to work. However, compensation & benefits (37%) and rewards & recognition (44%) received the lowest satisfaction ratings and were identified as top priorities for employees. Lori explained that since the survey's distribution in early 2023, the commission has taken actions to address these issues, including pay increases and an ongoing pay study. She presented FY24 actions taken and outlined FY25 plans, which include a 4% market increase, 3% pay table adjustment, fully funded pending step increases, and maintained employee health insurance premium costs. Government Operations Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 08192024  Joseph discussed plans for the next employee survey and the upcoming RFP process, explaining the rationale for conducting another survey next year. Lori suggested exploring more ways for employee rewards and recognition, proposing that the GOC could generate ideas for departments. The committee discussed setting guidelines for acceptable recognition practices. Andrew and Melinda shared examples from their departments and emphasized the need for clear guidelines. Andrew suggested examining current departmental practices, highlighting cost-effective methods, and involving the core values team to research recognition practices in other organizations. Joseph agreed to send the committee the employee survey link, report, and data for further review. B. Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Link made the motion to approve the Minutes of the May 20, 2024 meeting. Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote. Commissioner Taylor made a motion to adjourned the meeting. Commissioner Link seconded. The motion passed by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m. Government Operations Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3 08192024