City Council

1 CITY OF COLLEGE PARK 2 MAYOR BIANCA MOTLEY BROOM AND CITY COUNCIL 3 REGULAR SESSION 4 JANUARY 21, 2025 5 6 MINUTES 7 Present: Mayor Bianca Motley Broom; Mayor Pro Tem Jamelle McKenzie, Councilman 8 Joe Carn, Councilwoman Tracie Arnold, and Councilman Roderick Gay; City 9 Manager Dr. Emmanuel Adediran; City Attorney Winston Denmark; Deputy City 10 Clerk Queenie Brown; City Clerk Kelly Bogner 11 12 Absent: None 13 Regular session meeting was called to order at 8:22 p.m. 14 15 1. Opening Ceremonies 16 17 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Good evening. Welcome to the regularly scheduled meeting of 18 the Mayor and City Council of the City of College Park. I'm Mayor Bianca Motley Broom. We 19 have a full quorum present with Council members McKenzie, Carn, Arnold, and Gay. 20 And so at this time, at 8:22, subject to my continuing objections over Ordinance 2024-01 and the 21 omnibus motion this body passed the first week of January in 2024, I will call the meeting to 22 order. The first item is our Pledge of Allegiance. 23 A. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag 24 25 B. Invocation by Rose Stewart 26 27 C. Civility Pledge by Police Chief Rogers 28 29 D. Announcements by Police Chief Rogers 30 2. Additions, Deletions, Amendments, or Changes to the Agenda 31 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Are there any deletion -- additions, deletions, amendments, or 32 changes to the agenda? Councilmember Arnold, I believe you have one. 33 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: I do. I would like to actually move 8D off of the agenda. 34 Actually, I want to just move it to our -- our next scheduled agenda for February. I think it's the 35 sixth. 36 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: I think it's the third. Regular Session Page 1 of 41 01/21/2025 37 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Third. I'm sorry. It's the third. 38 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: 9D. Is that 9D? 39 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Oh. I'm sorry. It said 8D in my package. It -- it -- it probably 40 is 9D. It's the one that's dealing with ethics -- with the ethics board. 41 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Any further additions, deletions, amendments, or changes? 42 Hearing none, we'll move to a vote. I'm sorry. Is there a motion? 43 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: So moved. 44 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember Arnold. Is there a second? 45 COUNCILMAN CARN: Second. 46 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember Carn. Any discussion? Hearing 47 none, we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? 48 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. 49 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. 50 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Aye. 51 COUNCILMAN GAY: Aye. 52 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Any opposed? Any abstentions? That is unanimous. Thank 53 you. Is there a motion to approve the agenda? 54 3. Approval of Agenda 55 COUNCILMAN CARN: Motion. 56 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember Carn. Is there a second? 57 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Second. 58 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: I'm sorry. Who was that? 59 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Mayor Pro Tem McKenzie. 60 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Okay. Thank you. All right. Any discussion? Hearing none, 61 we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? 62 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. Regular Session Page 2 of 41 01/21/2025 63 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. 64 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Aye. 65 COUNCILMAN GAY: Aye. 66 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you. I heard all four of you there. That is unanimous. Is 67 there a motion to approve the workshop minute -- meeting minutes from December 6th. 68 December 6th. Wait a minute. 69 COUNCILMAN CARN: Motion. 70 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: January 6th. I apologize. I was looking at the -- the hard copy. 71 January 6th. Is there a motion? 72 COUNCILMAN CARN: Yeah. I -- I -- I have January 15th. You -- the workshop minutes item 73 3A. 74 COUNCILMAN GAY: I've got the 15th as well. 75 COUNCILMAN CARN: I've got January 15th for item 3A, workshop minutes. City Clerk, 76 what's the right -- what's the right date here? 77 MADAM DEPUTY CITY CLERK BROWN: You should have January 6th minutes. 78 COUNCILMAN CARN: Well, in item -- packet three -- item 3A, we have January 15th, 79 workshop session minutes. Oh. Okay. Wait a minute. Oh. It is January 6th. Yep. All right. 80 All right. It just has a date of January 15th on here. 81 MADAM DEPUTY CITY CLERK BROWN: Oh, okay. Don’t scare me. Okay. 82 COUNCILMAN CARN: I see it. Okay. I got it. We -- we've got -- okay. It's got two dates on 83 here. Got it. Okay. 84 MADAM DEPUTY CITY CLERK BROWN: Okay. Going forward, we'll make -- we'll -- we'll 85 pay closer attention to that. I'm sorry. 86 4. Presentation of Minutes of City Council 87 88 A. Workshop Meeting minutes dated January 6, 2025 89 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Is there a motion to approve the workshop meeting minutes from 90 January 6th? 91 COUNCILMAN CARN: Motion. Regular Session Page 3 of 41 01/21/2025  92 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember Carn. Is there a second? 93 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Second. 94 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember -- Councilmember Arnold -- 95 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: I’m sorry. Second. Yep, that was me. 96 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you. Any discussion? Hearing none, we'll move to a 97 vote. All those in favor? 98 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. 99 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. 100 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Aye. 101 COUNCILMAN GAY: Aye. 102 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you. I heard all four of you. That is unanimous. 103 B. Regular Session Meeting minutes dated January 6, 2025 104 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Is there a motion to approve the regular session minutes from 105 January 6th? 106 COUNCILMAN CARN: Motion. 107 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember Carn. Is there a second? 108 COUNCILMAN GAY: Second. 109 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember Gay. Any discussion? 110 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Yes. I have just two -- two changes. Well, actually -- yeah. 111 The third, I'm not sure exactly how to spell the person's name, but 13 -- line 1327 for January 6th 112 regular session, that should be Tracie Arnold and not Jamelle McKenzie for that line. 113 Then line 1516, 1516 Shonta should be spelled S-h-o-n-t-a and not S-h-a-n-t-e. And again, I 114 know the spelling in line 2277 for Dr. Vomlany’s name is incorrect, but I don't know what the 115 correct is, so we'll just have to get that to you. 116 MADAM DEPUTY CITY CLERK BROWN: It's in -- I got it from his email, but I'll contact 117 him about the correct spelling. Regular Session Page 4 of 41 01/21/2025 118 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Oh, okay. Okay. Then maybe that is -- okay. I -- I crossed 119 it out. 120 MADAM DEPUTY CITY CLERK BROWN: Oh, yeah. Trust me. I don't know how to spell 121 his name either, so I just took it from an email. 122 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Okay. It didn't look right. That's why. But I don't -- I can't 123 correct it. So -- so really just -- let's look at 1327 and 1516. That's all. 124 MADAM DEPUTY CITY CLERK BROWN: Yes, ma'am. 125 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Any further discussion? Hearing none, we'll move to a vote. All 126 those in favor? 127 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. 128 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. 129 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Aye. 130 COUNCILMAN GAY: Aye. 131 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: I heard all four of you there. Thank you. That is unanimous. 132 Would the Body have any objection to handling all the proclamations as one? 133 COUNCILMAN GAY: No. 134 5. Proclamation, Resolutions, Plaques, and Announcements 135 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Hearing none, is there a motion to move on all -- all item -- items 136 5A through 5E? 137 COUNCILMAN GAY: I would ask you to read them out. 138 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Oh, yes, sir. Consideration of and action on to approve a 139 proclamation presentation for the six under College Park Blue Flag football team for an 140 undefeated season and NFL champions. 141 Consideration of and action on a request for a proclamation for the Power Department. 142 Consideration of and action to approve a proclamation for Ms. Keisha Porter, former DMO 143 appointed Ward 3 member. 144 Consideration of and action on a request for a proclamation for streets and highways, and 145 Consideration of and action on a request for a proclamation for Building and Grounds for the 146 Brady Trail. Regular Session Page 5 of 41 01/21/2025 147 COUNCILMAN CARN: Councilmember Gay, I'm okay with combining them with the 148 exception of the individual item 5C. I think anytime you have a resident, I think that's worth 149 reading out for that particular resident. 150 So with the exception of 5C, I'm fine with combining them, but when you have an individual 151 person that's volunteering their time, I think that's worthy of at least acknowledgement. 152 COUNCILMAN GAY: Okay. So -- so motion to combine the proclamations with the exception 153 of 5C. 154 COUNCILMAN CARN: And that -- only if Ms. Arnold -- if Councilwoman Arnold -- 155 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Yeah. No. I agree. I agree. I agree. 156 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: We're not -- are we -- I -- I just meant approving -- approving 157 them for presentation at the next -- 158 COUNCILMAN GAY: Yeah, we -- 159 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: That's all. 160 COUNCILMAN GAY: Right. 161 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Oh, okay. All right. Okay. You meant for us to vote on all of 162 them at one time to approve them, not necessarily combining them all into one proclamation. 163 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: That is correct. 164 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. 165 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: For the purposes of -- 166 COUNCILMAN CARN: We’re not -- we’re not reading them tonight? 167 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: No, sir. 168 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: No. We're going to read them in the first meeting. 169 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Reading -- 170 COUNCILMAN GAY: We’re just voting on all of them like a consent. 171 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. 172 COUNCILMAN GAY: So you good with 5C, Joe? Regular Session Page 6 of 41 01/21/2025 173 COUNCILMAN CARN: Absolutely. 174 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Okay. 175 COUNCILMAN GAY: All right. Well, the motion reverts back to motion to combine the 176 proclamations. 177 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: And approve 5A through 5E? 178 COUNCILMAN GAY: And approve 5A through 5E. 179 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: All right. Is there a second? 180 COUNCILMAN CARN: Second. 181 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember Carn. Any discussion? Hearing 182 none, we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? 183 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. 184 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. 185 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Aye. 186 COUNCILMAN GAY: Aye. 187 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Any opposed? Any abstentions? That is unanimous. Thank 188 you. So we're on to citizen remarks. 189 6. Remarks of Citizens 190 MADAM CITY CLERK BOGNER: Good evening, Madam Mayor and Council. 191 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Good evening. 192 COUNCILMAN GAY: Good evening. 193 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Good evening. 194 MADAM CITY CLERK BOGNER: I will begin by reading the public comments. The first -- 195 COUNCILMAN GAY: Anyone in the chat room? 196 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember -- and -- and -- I think -- I think you -- you may 197 have seen my -- my question about people who are attending who wish to speak because I -- I Regular Session Page 7 of 41 01/21/2025 198 know that when we had -- when we were in during the Covid pandemic, people could log on and 199 speak. 200 So if that is the will of the Body if folks are here and they want their three minutes -- I know that 201 the -- the general notion is to -- is to get people who we’re here first. Is that amenable to the -- to 202 the Body? 203 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: I -- Madam Mayor, I know that the City only advertised for 204 write-in comments today, so I think it would be fitting to allow those who submitted the email 205 comments to -- first because if we're going to open up the room, I have no -- I have no problem 206 with people speaking. 207 But since that was the means of communication that was given to all of our citizens, I believe 208 that it would be in the best interest to have those who submitted email comments read first, and 209 then use the remainder of the time in this particular situation for those if we're going to open up 210 the actual room for the remainder of the time, and that would be in the best interest of us keeping 211 our word and adhering to what we set -- established for today. 212 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Is that amenable to the rest of the Body? 213 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: I am fine with that. 214 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmembers Carn and Gay? Councilmember Carn is giving 215 me a -- 216 COUNCILMAN GAY: I'm -- this question -- the question I asked was not what order we go in. 217 My question was is there anyone in the chat room that's going to comment? That was my 218 question. 219 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: I don't know the answer to that question, but why don't we 220 handle the emails first and then see. Does that work? 221 COUNCILMAN GAY: You got to get the motion. 222 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Okay. I mean, the -- the citizen remarks -- I mean, if there's 223 consensus amongst the Body, we can handle in this motion? 224 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Okay. Yes. 225 COUNCILMAN CARN: Well -- well, I -- I thought we always did people that were live and in 226 person first and then the emails. 227 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Councilmember Carn, 228 COUNCILMAN GAY: That’s what I thought. Regular Session Page 8 of 41 01/21/2025 229 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: The facts that I made that -- on the city -- on the city website 230 and the city Facebook page, the city only put out for -- for comments to be emailed today. 231 COUNCILMAN CARN: Oh, okay. Okay. So -- so no one knew to come on live and -- and got 232 it. Okay. Understood. Okay. Okay. 233 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: If there was so -- because the citizens only know of email 234 comments today. I wanted to make an -- an adjustment for today because those people who were 235 -- I don't want us to have the -- the -- the in person -- because we're not in person. 236 COUNCILMAN CARN: I got it. I -- I understand -- I understand. I got it. I got it. I 237 understand. Okay. 238 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: You know. Okay. All right. That’s it. 239 COUNCILMAN CARN: All we have is electronic. 240 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: I mean, there may be some people in the waiting room who wish 241 to speak, and so I -- I understand the -- the logic here so -- 242 COUNCILMAN CARN: I'm fine. 243 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Madam, if you would -- 244 COUNCILMAN CARN: I'm fine. 245 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: -- if you would move forward with the email comments. 246 MADAM CITY CLERK BOGNER: Yes, Madam Mayor. The first public comment is from 247 Grace McPhillips. Good evening, Mayor and Council. As a College Park resident, I'm writing to 248 encourage you to remember Micah 6:8: act justly; love mercy; walk humbly. 249 Many citizens have requested a charter review due to our current charter's failure to act justly. 250 Despite public support from at least one of you, the Council has repeatedly ignored this request 251 prompting our request for assistance from our Georgia members. 252 We request the charter review to achieve improved council and city board representation, 253 employee protections, city services accountability, resolution of operational failures, and 254 improved emergency services. 255 We believe these changes would save money, save lives, and create a just College Park. For the 256 record, I first heard about these issues when I first moved to the city in 2017. We are at the 257 culmination of frustration, not sitting in the presence of a new problem. 258 Why fear charter review and actionable updates? Taking the time to do this thoughtfully is an act 259 of merciful love for College Park. You repeatedly state the job is too demanding and the pay is Regular Session Page 9 of 41 01/21/2025 260 insufficient, and yet two unelected officials directing the city's path that sit with you are 261 handsomely paid. 262 Given the rough -- roughly of $130,000 in legal bills from our city attorneys for November and 263 December and the three lobbyists paid to discourage charter review in the Georgia legislature -- 264 legislature, do you feel that College Park is receiving value for services rendered? Consider a 265 thought experiment. Add a member at large position and a vice mayor position. The Mayor Pro 266 Tem and do-see-do can be dropped and greater decision making can be brought to the table. 267 Three of you would be voted on by the whole city. 268 Four specific ward representations would still be seated, but greater equity for the city as a whole 269 would be represented, unlike the present where an entire council seat goes to an area that has 270 historically had less than a hundred votes to win a seat. This is just one idea, but can you see 271 how this re-review could produce positive results? 272 Please terminate the contract with the three lobbyists hired at the last meeting to resist charter 273 changes and use that money -- our money to our independent council and form a group of 274 volunteered and appointed citizens to review and revise the charter. We are moving into the 275 city's comprehensive strategic planning, and you sit at the table. 276 Now is the time. We remain committed to continuing to ask for help and for you, us, and the 277 staff of College Park. Sincerely, a humble citizen committed to service and a more inclusive 278 future for CP. Grace McPhillips Lunsford. 279 The next public comment is from Dee Dee Palmer. Dear, Mayor and Council, I hope this email 280 finds you well. I'm writing to bring to your attention a matter of great importance to our 281 community, the need for sidewalks on the remainder of Rugby Avenue all the way to 282 Washington Road. As a resident, I have observed that our neighborhood could significantly 283 benefit from the addition of these sidewalks. 284 Not only would they greatly enhance the safety of our area, but they would also promote a more 285 walk-friendly environment for everyone. Families, children, and elderly residents would all be 286 able to enjoy a safer and more accessible neighborhood. 287 Could you, please, inform us of the specific actions required from residents to support this -- this 288 initiative? Understanding the necessary steps will help us to collectively work towards making 289 our neighborhood a safer and more enjoyable place to live. Thank you for your time and 290 consideration. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, Dee Dee Palmer. 291 Next public comment is from Moses James IV. Dear, Council, I urge you to shift the focus from 292 self-promotion to genuine public service. Our community needs unity, not titles. This trend of 293 individual elevation echoes national politics, but we can do better. The role of Mayor Pro Tem is 294 meant to be temporary, yet it's being used for self-promotion. 295 Our Mayor is present and our focus should be on serving the people, not promoting individuals. 296 Recently, we have seen flyers promoting upcoming events where individuals’ images grow Regular Session Page 10 of 41 01/21/2025 297 larger, but the positions are actually voted them into are missing, just as our representation seems 298 absent. 299 We need leadership that prioritizes the collective good over individual recognition. I understand 300 this is an election year, and it's important to keep your name out there, but can we make our 301 names known for how we serve for the substantive work we can -- we do? 302 Can our names be attached to policies that move our city forward rather than just parties, 303 concerts, and giveaways? In reflecting on this, I'm reminded of Jimmy Carter, who came from 304 humble beginnings in Georgia. Even in his later years, he was known for his service teaching 305 Sunday school and contributes to the community, not because his name was on flashy flyers but 306 for the genuine work he put in. 307 Jimmy Carter once said sometimes I'm fearful and sometimes I'm helpful but overwhelmingly, 308 I'm hopeful. I have confidence in the basic integrity of the American. I believe in College Park, 309 we -- we can do better. Sincerely, Moses James IV, neighborhood in chief Pro Tem. 310 And let’s see. Pardon me. I'm trying to pull up this email public comment. I have another one 311 from Gloria Abdullah. Greetings, Mayor and Council persons. My name -- name is Gloria 312 Abdullah, and I serve as Chairman for PHOAA. 313 PHOAA's mission is to honor and share the rich history of the original African American 314 community in College Park. This journey is deeply rooted in our faith, guided by the legacy of 315 our ancestors, and driven by truth and justice. 316 Agenda item H represents significant progress towards achieving our mission. I appeal to you to 317 vote affirming for agenda item H. Thank you, Gloria Abdullah. 318 Next public comment is from Enolia Briscoe. Good morning. My name is Enolia Briscoe, and I 319 am the property -- and I own the property at 3140 Godby Road. I hope that you may be able to 320 assist me in understanding how the south end of Godby Road and especially the entrance that 321 leads to my property has been restricted to me other than having to endure a security gate. 322 No one asked me about such gate. There was no agreement between myself and the builder, 323 Mr. Booker T. Washington. The entrance that leads to my property is hindered as well by 324 parking spaces drawn into the street, which diverts the traffic traveling south to move over to the 325 left side of Godby Road and to head-on traffic that may be traveling north. 326 I've had so many packages returned because of private property signs. I'm not in agreement with 327 the security gate nor the parking spaces on the street or the sign in directional arrows painted on 328 the road that changes the direction of the flow of traffic and could lead to a collision. 329 The security gate for 3120 should be on the actual property that belongs to that tract of land. 330 Thank you kindly for any assistance you may be able to give me. The best is yet to come, 331 Enolia. Regular Session Page 11 of 41 01/21/2025 332 This public comment is from Jason Killip. Dear, Mayor and Council, I hope this email finds you 333 well. My name is Jason Killip, a resident of 1465 Mercer Avenue in College Park. I'm writing 334 to express my thoughts on the importance of strategic thinking in the alignment of priorities 335 within our city. Firstly, I would like to emphasize the need for strategic thinking and decision- 336 making processes. 337 It's crucial to consider the how, why, and cost implications of any proposed actions. I urge you 338 to take the time to evaluate alternatives and not as if every issue has a single solution or path. 339 When the long-term cost of a decision is raised, it is essential to provide a comprehensive answer 340 rather than simply stating that it is budgeted or promising to follow up later. 341 Clear and informed responses are vital for effective governance. Additionally, I believe it is 342 important to adopt a long-term perspective when addressing matters that arise. Instead of feeling 343 compelled to vote on every issue as it arises, I encourage you to consider the option of tabling the 344 vote, allowing for careful planning and the development of a comprehensive long-term plan for 345 success. 346 This approach mirrors the practices of successful businesses where half-baked ideas would not be 347 accepted without thorough evaluation. Furthermore, I would like to draw attention to the 348 misalignment of priorities within our city. 349 While there are several key positions that have remained vacant for extended periods, I was 350 surprised to learn that the recent discussion in the last meeting resolved [sic] around -- resolved 351 [sic] around bringing on part-time legislative assistance. I believe our community would be 352 better -- be better served by directing our energy towards filling crucial -- crucial positions such 353 as HR director, finance director, public works director, and other --others that are currently filled 354 by costly interim or contracted employees. 355 By prioritizing the filling of these positions, we can ensure stability and efficiency in our city's 356 operations. In conclusion, I kindly request that you give due consideration to the points raised in 357 this email. Strategic thinking, careful evaluation of alternatives, and alignment of priorities are 358 essential for effective governance and the long-term success of our community. 359 I appreciate your attention to these matters -- matters and look forward to witnessing positive 360 changes in our community. Thank you for your time and dedication to serving -- serving our 361 community. Sincerely, Jason Calip. And those are all of the email public comments. 362 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: If there is anyone who has logged on who wishes to speak -- 363 Mr. Hammond, can they raise their hand when they're not in the presenter position? 364 MR. JAMES HAMMOND: Yes, they can. 365 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Okay. You can go ahead and raise your hand if you wish to 366 speak, and, Mr. Hammond, you're going to have to help me out if you see anyone who wishes to 367 do so. Regular Session Page 12 of 41 01/21/2025 368 MR. JAMES HAMMOND: Will do. I'm watching right now. 369 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: All right. We'll give it a few more moments just in case. 370 MR. JAMES HAMMOND: Doesn't appear -- appear to be anybody in the chat that wanted to. 371 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: All right. Well, let's continue on. Is there a motion to approve 372 the consent agenda? 373 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: So moved. 374 COUNCILMAN CARN: I have a motion with discussion. 375 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Oh, yes. I'm moving on it though. You want discussion, 376 Joe? I mean, Councilmember Carn. 377 COUNCILMAN CARN: Yeah. Just a small, I guess, admin issue here. Now, my consent 378 agenda -- 379 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Hold on. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. 380 COUNCILMAN CARN: -- starts with an item -- 381 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember. Councilmember, please hold on for one 382 moment. Mayor Pro Tem made the motion. Who made the second? 383 COUNCILMAN CARN: Second with discussion. 384 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember. Go right ahead. 385 COUNCILMAN CARN: My -- my agenda packet has item -- the -- the beginning of the consent 386 agenda is item 7A, but the agenda has the beginning of the consent agenda as item 8A through I. 387 But the packet -- I -- like the first agenda item is listed as 7A. 388 And the actual seven on the agenda says public hearing, which -- which there were none. But 389 anyway, I just wanted to make sure we get back in alignment there because our agenda -- consent 390 agenda starts at item7A on paper here. So I guess one of them is incorrect. I'm assuming mine 391 may be incorrect. 392 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Because public hearing is listed as item 7, the consent agenda is 393 actually starting with eight so -- 394 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. What -- what does everyone else have as the beginning of the 395 consent agenda? Do you all -- all have 8A in your paperwork or 7A? 396 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: I have -- Regular Session Page 13 of 41 01/21/2025 397 COUNCILMAN GAY: I have 8A through -- A through I. 398 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. Well, on paper we have 7A through I. 399 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Do you have a printed one? 400 COUNCILMAN CARN: Yes, we have a printed -- 401 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Okay. Yeah. I have electronic and -- and mine does show 8, 402 and I think that's probably off. You know, earlier when I mentioned I wanted to move an item 403 off and we -- we were on -- I was on eight -- I said 8D. I think that the printed ones were -- 404 maybe the numbers were different. 405 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. Well, just a technical nit, we want to make sure that -- City 406 Clerk -- and I know you’re new coming on board. We want to line up our paper physical 407 agendas with the electronic ones to make sure those numbers line up. So we want to make sure 408 we look out for that. 409 MADAM CITY CLERK BOGNER: Yes, sir. 410 COUNCILMAN CARN: All right. Thank you. 411 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Any further discussion? All those in favor? 412 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. 413 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. 414 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Aye. 415 COUNCILMAN GAY: Aye. 416 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Any opposed? Any abstentions? Hearing none, the consent 417 agenda passes unanimously. Is there a motion on 9A? Is there a motion on 9A? 418 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: I would -- motion. 419 COUNCILMAN CARN: Got a second with discussion. 420 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Okay. So Mayor Pro Tem has made a motion. Councilmember 421 Carn has made a second. There's always discussion. Go right ahead. 422 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Okay. And I know Council -- 423 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Oh. I'm sorry. Council -- Councilmember Carn -- I -- I will -- I 424 will come back to you, but he -- he did indicate that he wanted to, so go right ahead. Regular Session Page 14 of 41 01/21/2025 425 COUNCILMAN CARN: No. No. Councilwoman McKenzie, it’s fine. Go -- go right ahead. 426 Ladies first. 427 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Okay. And I'm going to -- I'm going to turn it back over to 428 you because you asked the questions -- I don't have a problem with the event, but I do know that 429 there are some things that we are requiring. So really, even though I've motioned it, we still need 430 to get some additional information, so I'm going to turn this over to Councilman Carn. 431 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. Yeah, pretty much the same thing. City Manager, we want to 432 make sure -- I'm -- I'm for the events, but we need to sit down and establish a fee for usage at that 433 number of attendees, which we don't have a fee category for, so we want to make sure we 434 establish a fee that's fair for us. 435 And the event -- the event managers, we want to make sure they're covering the police cost, as 436 they said in their application. The cleanup, public works cost, the additional porta potties, and 437 EMS on site as well as -- again, we want a little bit more robust indemnification. 438 We have one form. I want double indemnification covering us from two different angles to make 439 sure we're well covered for an event this large in one of our parks. 440 COUNCILMAN GAY: I have discussion -- I have discussion, Mayor. 441 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember Gay. 442 COUNCILMAN GAY: Colleagues, can you hear me? 443 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Yes, sir. We can. 444 COUNCILMAN CARN: Yeah. 445 COUNCILMAN GAY: Colleagues, in the event that I -- I share half that ward and any event -- 446 that I have the largest events. And in the event, I thought I made comments that bring value to 447 our city. I don't have a problem with the event, but I don't know why -- if it's in May, why it has 448 to be approved and -- and allow -- allow the gentlemen bring the things back. Even he wanted to 449 bring them back. So I don't know why we want us -- motion it so quickly or -- when we had 450 those -- those -- those considerations. 451 COUNCILMAN CARN: Councilmember, good -- good -- good point. Good point. There is no 452 rush. I mean, we got four months here, so -- so we got time -- 453 COUNCILMAN GAY: I -- I would like to bring it -- I would like for him to bring it back on the 454 next agenda with those items. 455 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: With that -- with that being said, Councilman Gay, I'd like to 456 revise my -- Regular Session Page 15 of 41 01/21/2025 457 COUNCILMAN CARN: Going -- going -- going to table it or what? 458 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: I'd like to make a motion to table. 459 COUNCILMAN GAY: Second and thank you. 460 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Thank you. All right. So 461 Councilmember McKenzie made a motion to table. Councilmember Gay has second it. Any 462 further -- 463 COUNCILMAN GAY: With a thank you. With a thank you. 464 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Okay, with a thank you. Any further discussion? Hearing none, 465 we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? 466 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. 467 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. 468 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Aye. 469 COUNCILMAN GAY: Aye. 470 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: All right. That is unanimous. Is there motion on item 9B? 471 COUNCILMAN GAY: I guess we better motion, Joe. 472 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Everyone was silent and then everyone 473 started talking. 474 COUNCILMAN GAY: No. No. I made a -- 475 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Is there -- is there a motion? 476 COUNCILMAN GAY: -- motion. 477 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember Gay. Hold on. Hold on. Thank 478 you, Councilmember Gay. Is there a second? 479 COUNCILMAN CARN: I'll make that second. I'm sure we don't want that motion to die. 480 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember Carn. 481 COUNCILMAN GAY: It doesn’t have a fee though. 482 COUNCILMAN CARN: Second with discussion. Regular Session Page 16 of 41 01/21/2025 483 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Folks, it’s -- it's -- it's even harder on -- on Zoom, so is -- is there 484 any discussion? 485 COUNCILMAN CARN: Yeah, Mayor. That was a second with discussion. 486 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: There -- Councilmember, the floor is yours. 487 COUNCILMAN CARN: All right. Now, City Clerk, again, I know you're new here, and we're 488 glad to have you here. We want you to double check and verify the qualifying fees, and after you 489 double check the qualifying fees, we want you to double check them again. 490 The reason why I say this is because in the past, we've had issues with getting the correct 491 qualifying fees out of the city clerk's office. I spoke about it on three occasions at the council 492 meetings and said these were incorrect numbers. 493 I was told by the clerk's office that they were correct and some of the former council members 494 forced to vote anyhow with incorrect numbers. We come back and the clerk realizes that they 495 were incorrect. 496 Then we put it on another agenda, and we're looking at the second agenda with the revised 497 correct numbers, and I'm looking at those and I say these are incorrect as well. Clerk's office, of 498 course, they're not. We double checked. We fixed the mistake from the last time. 499 I said I understand that, but they still are incorrect. So again, former council members voted to 500 approve the incorrect numbers the second time. It finally took a third time where we got the 501 numbers actually correct. 502 And this is important because we have to publish this in the city's legal organ, so this is why we 503 want to double check and triple check that to make sure that we're correct. So I'm okay with 504 approving it, but we need to make sure that this is the correct number. 505 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor? 506 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. 507 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. 508 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Aye. 509 COUNCILMAN GAY: Aye. 510 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Heard all four of you there. Thank you. That is unanimous. Is 511 there a motion for item 9C? 512 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: So moved. Regular Session Page 17 of 41 01/21/2025 513 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember McKenzie. Is there a second? 514 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: It’s Mayor Pro Tem, Mayor, please. 515 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: I apologize. I -- I -- I -- I -- I generally use council member 516 because it -- it-- it -- it -- it -- it -- all of y'all are council members, but thank you for reminding 517 me. Thank you. 518 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: We’re setting a -- we’re setting a precedent this year even in 519 the mist of opposition. Thank you. 520 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: I'm not -- no opposition. 521 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: No, not from you. Not from you. 522 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: You’re the new Mayor Pro Tem, so I thank you for reminding 523 me. I appreciate it. Is there a second? 524 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: You're beautiful. You're lovely. No problem with you. 525 COUNCILMAN GAY: Second. Second. 526 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember Gay. Any -- any discussion? 527 COUNCILMAN GAY: Yes. 528 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember Gay. 529 COUNCILMAN GAY: It doesn't -- it doesn't give a fixed amount. It just -- it just says they 530 want additional funding. Can we get an idea of what that could be, or they going to bring that 531 back to us? Because that's in February, so what -- what are we -- what's the -- can -- Ms. Johnson 532 can tell us what she's asking to increase it from and to? 533 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: I believe it is in the packet. I thought it was an additional -- 534 COUNCILMAN CARN: It goes to 35,000. 535 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Right. 536 COUNCILMAN CARN: Additional 15,000. 537 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: So fifteen is what we did last year. 538 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Yeah. I -- I think -- I think we did do this last year. Can we 539 just go ahead -- I think even -- we talked about this last year too. Can't we just go ahead and set 540 it at the 35? Regular Session Page 18 of 41 01/21/2025 541 COUNCILMAN GAY: But last year -- last -- year we -- 542 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Hold on. Hold on, everybody. 543 COUNCILMAN GAY: -- had swearing in. 544 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember, you have the floor. Go ahead. 545 COUNCILMAN GAY: We did a swearing in last year. That justified that extra money. I don't 546 have a problem with it. I really don't, but I don't know. I mean -- I don't know. I don't have a 547 problem. 548 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: I see what you're saying. 549 COUNCILMAN GAY: I mean, it just -- I mean, what -- what are they going to do more than 550 what they didn't do last year? Because y'all had a big deal and we were recognizing y'all, so why 551 is they asking for 15 more thousand dollars? 552 MS. MICHELLE JOHNSON: I’m on. Can -- can Mayor and Council hear me? 553 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Ms. Johnson, hello. 554 MS. MICHELLE JOHNSON: Hey. Good evening. So the additional is we've moved to the 555 GICC. Last year the arena -- their onsite was not as much for the technical as moving into the 556 GICC, and then also food is not typically in our budget. 557 We'll have some appetizers, which is what we're planning on doing. So the total cost was the 558 same as last year, 35,000. We do 10 from us and 10 from the Fulton County Arts, but there are 559 some exemptions from the Fulton County Arts, which includes food and -- and items like that, 560 that are not for performance or production. So again, the cap’s at the 35, additional 15 for 561 production and some food items to be added to it. 562 COUNCILMAN CARN: Michelle, I also have a question. 563 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember Carn. 564 COUNCILMAN CARN: I understand that there was -- were there -- were there some changes to 565 the Black History Program Board from the last time? 566 MS. MICHELLE JOHNSON: From my understanding Tangie Warrior stepped down from the 567 committee chair. 568 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. So the board members are -- are they the same board members 569 -- or I'd like to get a list of who --who are the board members. I'm assuming you guys have got 570 this thing pretty much together and ready to go, more or less; right? Regular Session Page 19 of 41 01/21/2025 571 MS. MICHELLE JOHNSON: Yes, sir. Yes, sir. So typically, it's been Beverly Rodriguez. It's 572 the same -- same culture arts committee that's been on there. Just the committee chair stepped 573 down, and we did have a committee member step up. 574 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. And they made this request for more funds? The board 575 themselves? 576 MS. MICHELLE JOHNSON: No. For a general funding was what I actually -- when we 577 brought through the dates for the approval for the holiday dates, I wanted to discuss this at that 578 time, but we didn't get an opportunity to. We were talking about other -- the other events for the 579 holiday events. 580 So this was something that I wanted to bring to y'all based on what the total cost was going to be 581 for the GICC. We weren't sure if we were going to do it at the arena or the GICC at that time. 582 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. And I -- and I'm not against the increase, but my concern is that 583 the board wasn't notified of an increase, nor did they request it. But I am for an increase if we 584 want to increase. We want a better event. 585 But I think it's always good to make sure the board is aware that you're increasing something. 586 And if you're going to increase it, you want to maybe make the board aware of that since they're 587 making the decisions at the end of the day and -- 588 MS. MICHELLE JOHNSON: So they're not -- 589 COUNCILMAN CARN: -- whatever the increase is -- 590 MS. MICHELLE JOHNSON: I’m sorry. 591 COUNCILMAN CARN: -- we are -- we want to keep in mind that it's their tax money in the 592 first place. So if you are increasing it, it might not be a bad idea to talk to the board about that 593 first next time. But -- is this the first time they're going to be aware of the increase here with this 594 vote? 595 MS. MICHELLE JOHNSON: So with the committee, they are -- the culture arts committee -- 596 they are volunteers for that. They're not in an official board per se. So budget wise comes from 597 the rec center from our rec budget. 598 If we needed to not be given the increase, we would have to cut some of the production costs is 599 what we would have to do with onsite. 600 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. I understand what you're saying. We just want to make sure 601 from here on out if you've got a citizens committee and we're making changes, we want to make 602 sure the citizens committee is aware of the increase, which is -- which is -- sounds like progress 603 and good news, but we -- we want to make them aware before we ask for it. We want -- because 604 they're driving the train more or less. That's why we're put together the committee; right? Regular Session Page 20 of 41 01/21/2025 605 MS. MICHELLE JOHNSON: Yes, sir. 606 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: I want -- 607 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Okay. Hold on. Councilmember. Hold on. Go -- go right 608 ahead, Mayor Pro Tem. 609 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: I want to just bring a different perspective. Last year when 610 we did raise this amount to 35,000, you know, for the trail blazing Bianca Motley Broom, Tracie 611 Arnold, and Jamelle McKenzie, and then all the other things that we did at that event; we set the 612 bar really high for our black history. 613 We took the Black History Program from one level and then we just like put it on speed. And I 614 -- and I have been involved in just, you know, not -- I haven't been on the committee, but I have 615 been involved in some of the -- some of the parts of what's going on with this program, and what 616 I am looking at -- I think that what happened is we had this wonderful program last year. 617 The board or the committee wanted to do something amazing this year, and maybe they weren't 618 -- their concern was not necessarily the budget, but it was what -- what this -- what the program 619 was going to entail. 620 It's going to be a fabulous -- let me give a commercial for this -- this program. This is going to 621 be a fabulous program because we'll be honoring people throughout this community and some of 622 the contributions that they have made. So not to -- not to -- you know, just a different 623 perspective. I'm not coming against anything Councilman Carn is saying. 624 You have your reason. But I believe as board members, they were maybe not sitting down on the 625 financial perspective but more so envisioning how they could have this phenomenal program. 626 And then our recreation staff got stuck with, you know, okay, it sounds great; but this is what it's 627 going to cost. So this is just my guesstimation, Michelle. You can correct me if I'm wrong. 628 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. Comment. 629 MS. MICHELLE JOHNSON: No. It’s -- 630 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Ms. Johnson. 631 MS. MICHELLE JOHNSON: Go ahead, Councilman. 632 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Ms. Johnson. Ms. Johnson, go right ahead. 633 MS. MICHELLE JOHNSON: No. It's like -- again, we would -- we can cut some of the 634 production costs but because of, like, what you're saying -- especially the arena production wise 635 from last year, it wasn't as big of a cost as it is with the stage and some of the -- more things with 636 onsite working with them. Regular Session Page 21 of 41 01/21/2025 637 Food will be -- you know, we're going to do appetizers and they do have an extensive -- there's 638 some items that we can do; but we are a week away, so we were trying to make sure we can meet 639 all those expectations, especially from last year. It was a fabulous program and a great event. 640 COUNCILMAN GAY: I have one comment. 641 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember Gay. 642 COUNCILMAN GAY: One of the things that we did at the last Black History event is that I 643 actually had -- I actually brought men from my ward who no one even knew probably exists who 644 had phenomenal -- are doing phenomenal. 645 I brought a NFL football player. I brought a national -- international recognized journalist. I 646 brought a pilot, and I -- my point in saying this, Ms. Johnson, is that, you know, we need to start 647 recognizing people and not the same people. 648 We like recycling. It's like -- it's like the same people getting the same awards year after year 649 after year. So what that does is it make people step down from boards. It make people don't 650 show up. 651 You can have all the production you want, but if you not -- if you not -- I mean, there are people 652 in Ward 1 we don't know about. There's people in Ward 2. There's people in apartments, but the 653 same people over and over and over and over keep getting the same awards. I personally wants 654 to see some difference. 655 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Any further comments? Any further discussion? All right. 656 Hearing none, we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? 657 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. 658 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Aye. 659 COUNCILMAN GAY: Aye. 660 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Any opposed, or -- 661 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Mayor, I'm actually making more comments, but it’s okay. 662 We -- we -- we -- we voted. I’ll share my thoughts later. Okay. 663 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Are you in favor? 664 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. Yes. 665 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: All right. So that is unanimous. Thank you. 9D has been 666 removed. Is there a motion for 9E? Regular Session Page 22 of 41 01/21/2025 667 COUNCILMAN GAY: 9E. 668 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: So moved. 669 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember Arnold. Is there a second? 670 COUNCILMAN GAY: Second. 671 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember, Gay. Discussion. If y'all would 672 just go ahead and raise your hand if there is any discussion. Okay. Seeing none, we'll move to a 673 vote. All those in favor? 674 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. 675 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Aye. 676 COUNCILMAN GAY: Aye. 677 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. 678 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: That is unanimous. There we go. 9F. How does this align with 679 the chief building official, and who would this person report to? Dr. Adediran? 680 CITY MANAGER ADEDIRAN: Mayor, this is sponsored by Councilman Carn, not me, ma'am. 681 He can -- he can, you know, expand more on it. 682 COUNCILMAN CARN: I -- I can speak to it. But first of all, it's not a person at all. These are 683 some slight amendments to the nuisance abatement ordinance that we currently have. 684 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: And it would include -- it would -- the -- the changes would 685 bring forth a -- and if we're looking on packet page -- I'm sorry. Getting to it. Packet page. Yes. 686 A nuisance abatement control officer, packet page 285. 687 COUNCILMAN CARN: Two eighty-five. This new employee. This does not bring on a new 688 employee. This simply designates some of the duties of a nuisance abatement control officer to 689 an employee. 690 It does not add an employee, and this does not add a dime to our staff and does not expand our 691 staff. Nuisance abatement is a very, very crucial part of us cleaning up this city and having and 692 designating someone that can handle the process is important. 693 But this will be a person that we already -- will -- will -- will have on board with us. Not an 694 additional person. But most of this is some slight changes to tighten up things and modify things 695 in terms of reductions of thresholds specifically, and I can go over the -- the -- the slight changes 696 that I'd like us to make if anyone's interested. Regular Session Page 23 of 41 01/21/2025 697 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember, I -- I do have a question about the -- the 698 nuisance abatement control officer. What are the -- what are the -- the qualifications for this 699 person? 700 COUNCILMAN CARN: Well, the officer -- again, these are just duties that would be assigned 701 in terms of -- I think we have some of the expertise in house already. This includes the process 702 of nuisance abatements; issuing them; going through the proper procedures and steps. 703 Generally, nuisance abatements is something that's handled between the police department and 704 code enforcement. A lot of times in the past, it leaned more heavily in the police department's 705 purview, but combination with police and code enforcement gives us a more solid case for 706 nuisance abatement; and so that's, kind of, the nature of -- of where it comes from and why it's 707 needed. 708 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: So you would see this person as a -- as -- as someone who's a 709 police officer who is designated as a nuisance abatement control officer? 710 COUNCILMAN CARN: I would see this person in the purview of the City Manager who's 711 going to make the determination in terms of what we -- who the person is, but the point is we 712 need a point person to handle that specifically. 713 If we're going to make the type of changes I think we're going to be making in this city in terms 714 of upswinging and upper -- and upping our standards, this person's going to be -- going to have a 715 lot of work to do if we're cleaning up this city because nuisance abatements are all over this city, 716 and it's our intention in ‘25 to clean them up. 717 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: I -- I -- I wholeheartedly understand the sentiment, but I'm -- I'm 718 talking about the actual mechanics of it because the -- so this person would not -- this person 719 would -- would answer directly to the City Manager; is that your vision? 720 COUNCILMAN CARN: Well, Mayor, everyone answers directly to the City Manager, but I can 721 tell you we have a well, well qualified City Manager who can handle and manage the mechanics 722 of making sure that these -- that these requirements and these job duties are properly assigned. 723 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: I understand. I just want to make sure that as this Body is 724 contemplating adopting this ordinance, that -- that this is clearly laid out. So the nuisance 725 abatement control officer would -- would answer directly to the City Manager, not deal with the 726 chief building officer at all; correct? 727 COUNCILMAN CARN: Mayor, employees answer to the City Manager, including the chief 728 building officer, the chief of police, and anyone else. We have a competent City Manager who's 729 going to assign the duties accordingly per his purview. 730 And I have no doubt that he -- he's going to take care of that and handle it well. I would like to 731 speak to the modifications, so everyone knows exactly what the changes are and why they're 732 going to be made. The first change -- Regular Session Page 24 of 41 01/21/2025 733 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: I -- well, Councilmember, I -- Councilmember, I have one other 734 -- one other real concern about this because the -- the fines -- the fines exceed our statutory 735 authority. Mr. Denmark, do they not? 736 COUNCILMAN CARN: I'm -- I'm -- I'm going to speak to the fines and I did -- we checked 737 with the City Attorney on that and apparently they do not. 738 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Mr. Denmark. 739 CITY ATTORNEY DENMARK: Yes, ma'am. I -- I imagine that we're looking at a -- a 740 cumulative fine as opposed to a single incident. And so -- but, however, to the extent we're not 741 able to do it in that fashion, then we will certainly comply with state law. But I believe that we 742 can accomplish that number by a per day assessment of a fine as opposed to a single incident. 743 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: That's not how it's written though. 744 CITY ATTORNEY DENMARK: Yeah. I understand. 745 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. If I could -- and I think I can explain as I go through these -- 746 the intent here. 747 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember, go right ahead. 748 COUNCILMAN CARN: All right. Section 8.57, these are definitions and this changes one 749 word to reasonable person. Section 5-50 -- 55-8-59 this changes -- I -- excuse me, 8-59, Section 750 A, public officers. We add City Manager. Section 8-60B, item 2, residents of the city. 751 These are corrections and replacements. Section 8-60, Section C, not less than 10 or more than 752 30 days after filing. This shortens up the window. Section 8-61-2C. The court shall require, the 753 change is shall. Section 8-62, Section A, failure to comply 120 days as opposed to 270 days, 754 which was an absolutely ridiculous amount if you expect to make any progress. 755 So we went from 270 days that you have for failure to comply to something a little more sensible 756 to 120 days. Again, we want this blight out of here; and if we want it out of here, we've got to 757 put some teeth into the nuisance abatements that we have. 758 And the last section being the schedule -- fines and fee schedule 8-62, Section D. The first fine 759 would be $1,500, the second would be $2,000, the third would be $2,500, and the fourth would 760 be $3,000 or the maximum number allowable under state law. 761 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: That's not what it says. 762 COUNCILMAN CARN: Well, I would add that to that or the maximum amount allowable 763 under state law per the City Manager's recommendation. Regular Session Page 25 of 41 01/21/2025 764 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: We can only -- I mean, according to -- I mean -- Mr. Denmark, 765 OCGA 36-35-6 says that we can only in municipal court levy fines of a thousand dollars or less. 766 CITY ATTORNEY DENMARK: Ma'am, the -- the Councilman explained it. I explained that 767 we would try to impose a fine on a per day basis; and to the extent that's not possible, then we 768 would go with the maximum amount allowed by law. 769 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Mr. Denmark, that's not what this says though. 770 CITY ATTORNEY DENMARK: Well, we can reform it, Mayor. We can reform it to say that. 771 I mean, we don't need to belabor the point. We can -- if it doesn't say it now, then we can just 772 amend it, and we can say it then. It could be that amount or the maximum amount allowed by 773 law, and we can leave it at that. 774 COUNCILMAN CARN: And my -- my suggestion would be to add or the maximum amount 775 per Georgia law, and that would handle that completely. 776 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Where would that go? 777 COUNCILMAN CARN: Mayor, I just read the section. It's Section 8-62D in terms of the 778 schedule -- the fine schedule. 779 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: I'm looking at section -- the -- the new section with -- in -- in the 780 packet, it's actually 8-64. I'm sorry. I apologize. It's -- it's jumping around on me a little bit. 781 Give me one moment here. 782 It's a large packet, and it is jumping around on me which is why I'm a little confused because 783 some are struck out, and so -- I mean, we're -- we're creating -- this is -- this is amending a law; 784 so I think the precision so that people who have to comply with this law is really, really 785 important. 786 That's actually 8-63 in what we’re looking at. Subsection D2 is the fines section. So where in 787 that would it go? 788 COUNCILMAN CARN: 8-63, you said D, Section 2. Well, you have the first offense is A, 789 second offense is B, the third offense is D -- is C, and the fourth is D. This will go under 2 itself 790 -- will go with the following schedule per the maximum fines allowable under Georgia law. 791 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: So there would be a Subsection E? 792 COUNCILMAN CARN: No. It would -- it would be in addition to -- to Section 2 before you 793 get to 2A, B, and C and D. 794 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: So after the word schedule? 795 COUNCILMAN CARN: Correct. Regular Session Page 26 of 41 01/21/2025 796 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: I have some input I'd like to give. I think that -- 797 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Mayor Pro Tem. 798 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Yes, ma'am. Let's -- again, I -- I think that the -- the -- the 799 key is to make sure that we're within the bounds of law with this -- these fines. I -- I did hear the 800 Mayor say that we're only able to do a thousand dollars, however, the preexisting ordinance does 801 say 1250, D. 802 So I don't know if that thousand -- let's just find out what it is and, you know -- because I don't 803 think a thousand is correct either. So it's obviously apparently more than a thousand dollars 804 because we have been operating with a schedule that was up to 1250. 805 COUNCILMAN CARN: That's right. 806 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Mr. Denmark, what is it? 807 CITY ATTORNEY DENMARK: I believe that it is a thousand, but we can confirm that, but I -- 808 I -- I think that the intent is to impose the maximum fine that the law allows. And I think that we 809 could just add that to the ordinance, and that amount can fluctuate from time to time. 810 The general assembly can raise it; lower it, whatever from time to time. So if we have that 811 language and say the maximum amount allowed by law, then we won't have to amend the 812 ordinance every time the general assembly changes every five or four years, and we'll be fully in 813 compliance. So I don't know if this will be much of an issue as we're thinking. 814 COUNCILMAN CARN: Well, I think that'll cover it. 815 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: So, Mr. Denmark, would your proposal be to strike all of the -- 816 of A through D and just say the maximum amount allowable by law? 817 COUNCILMAN CARN: Well, we should say the maximum amount allowable by law per 818 occurrence. That way we cover the first, second, third, or fourth conviction. 819 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember Arnold. 820 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: No. I think we've already said it. I was going to ask the same 821 thing. Could we just adjust the language where it said the maximum allowed by law and then -- 822 and then have an addendum? 823 Could we just, you know, update the addendum every year based on those changes that we 824 wanted to make to the amounts? 825 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. 826 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Just a thought. Regular Session Page 27 of 41 01/21/2025 827 COUNCILMAN CARN: That -- that's a good idea. And the maximum amount by law per 828 occurrence covers that as well. We can have an addendum in the event that the state increases 829 the maximum limit on fines. Again, the maximum amount per -- per occurrence by law does 830 cover if the state does modify. 831 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Right. And then you can just have your breakout addendum 832 on, you know, what those amounts are. Like a rate sheet that you adjust each year based on 833 whatever they change. Whatever changes are made. 834 COUNCILMAN CARN: I'm okay -- I'm okay with that. 835 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: And I want to concur with what Councilwoman Arnold is 836 saying because we definitely want to have an addendum -- a rate sheet or something because the 837 -- the -- these -- the individuals, they need to be aware of what the fines -- so if we just say the 838 maximum by law, they won't -- then they say they don't know what it was. 839 So I still think that we need to -- and just update that annually or as it changes or whatever the 840 state -- is in compliance with the state. 841 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Right. And then that way we don't have to worry about 842 coming back and -- and changing what's inside of the charter every year. 843 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. 844 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Is there a motion on 9F? 845 COUNCILMAN CARN: I make a motion with the -- with the changes -- the rate sheet as well as 846 the maximum amount by Georgia law with the rate sheet. 847 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember -- and for -- for purposes of clarity of the motion 848 itself, can you please outline the changes just so -- just so the Madam Clerk is clear and there is 849 clear understanding as to the amendments that are -- to the -- that -- the amendments that deviate 850 from what is posted in the packet. 851 COUNCILMAN CARN: Well, Mayor, I have. I read down every one of them, and I believe the 852 City Clerk has those. 853 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Madam Clerk, do you have -- 854 COUNCILMAN CARN: Exception of the last change. 855 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: -- that? 856 MADAM DEPUTY CITY CLERK BROWN: I don't know about Ms. Bogner -- Ms. Bogner. I 857 don't have those. Can you repeat them for me? It was a lot of talk. Regular Session Page 28 of 41 01/21/2025 858 COUNCILMAN CARN: Where's the City Clerk? Is she here? 859 MADAM CITY CLERK BOGNER: Yes. Yes, sir. 860 COUNCILMAN CARN: You have those items recorded; correct? 861 MADAM CITY CLERK BOGNER: The ones you were referencing A, B, C, and D off the 862 ordinance? 863 COUNCILMAN CARN: The ones before that as well? 864 MADAM CITY CLERK BOGNER: No. Unfortunately, I did not get all of those. 865 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. Well, I read -- 866 MADAM CITY CLERK BOGNER: I apologize. 867 COUNCILMAN CARN: I read down all of the items. Okay. Well, I will read them again -- 868 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: For everyone, just review them one more time. Thank you. 869 COUNCILMAN CARN: All right. The changes are in Section eight dash -- hold on one second 870 here -- and these are the same changes. 8-57 under definitions, reasonable person -- the change is 871 person. 872 Section 8-59, items --item O under public officers, we're going to add City Manager. Section 8- 873 60B, item 2, residents of the city. That's the change. Section 8-60C, not less than 10 or more 874 than 30 days after filing. 875 Section 8-61 item -- item number 2C. The court shall require, the change is shall. Section 8- 876 62A, failure to comply. The change is 120 days from -- I believe it was 270 days and the last 877 section, we're going to put on a rate schedule, and the language has changed to a maximum 878 amount fine allowable by Georgia -- Georgia law with a rate schedule to specify the fine 879 amounts. 880 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Second. 881 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Okay. Thank you, Councilmember Arnold. Any further 882 discussion? Hearing none, we’ll move to a vote. All those in favor? 883 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. 884 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. 885 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Aye. Regular Session Page 29 of 41 01/21/2025 886 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Any opposed? Any abstentions? Councilmember Gay, I'm not 887 sure I heard your vote. Councilmember. Is he there? Did we lose him? Mr. Hammond, do you 888 see Councilmember Gay? 889 MR. JAMES HAMMOND: Checking for him now. 890 MADAM DEPUTY CITY CLERK BROWN: Gay is back. 891 COUNCILMAN GAY: Still here. 892 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Okay. Councilmember, we're -- we're voting on item 9 -- 893 COUNCILMAN GAY: I voted -- I voted yes on that ordinance. 894 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Oh, okay. Okay. All right. Thank you. That is unanimous. 895 And is there a -- I'm sorry. Oh. Is there a motion on item 9G? 896 COUNCILMAN CARN: Motion. 897 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember Carn. Is there a second? 898 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Second. 899 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. Any further discussion? Hearing 900 none, we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? 901 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. 902 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. 903 COUNCILMAN GAY: Aye. 904 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Any opposed? Any abstentions? I heard Councilmembers -- 905 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: My mic. I was trying to get to it. I'm in support of. 906 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Okay. Let me call for the vote again. All those in favor? 907 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. 908 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. 909 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Aye. 910 COUNCILMAN GAY: Aye. Regular Session Page 30 of 41 01/21/2025 911 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Okay. Thank you. That's all four of you. Appreciate it. 912 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: City Attorney's report. 913 CITY ATTORNEY DENMARK: No report this evening, ma'am. 914 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: City Manager's report. 915 COUNCILMAN CARN: Wait -- wait a minute. I -- I thought we had item G here. 916 CITY MANAGER ADEDIRAN: Just vote -- you all just voted on this, sir. 917 COUNCILMAN CARN: All right. Okay. Got it. Okay. No. I'm getting my numbers a little 918 bit off here on -- on my paper here. Sorry. 919 CITY MANAGER ADEDIRAN: Okay. In addition to the 44 page, you know, pages of the 920 report that I sent to Mayor, Council, the residents; I have just few things just to add. To the 921 Mayor and Council; residents; business owners in College Park, Happy New Year and late 922 Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. 923 As we sit here on the south side of city of Atlanta and adjusting to the airport, it remains 924 humbling to me that we are so close to the center of the Civil Rights Movement and so close to 925 the birth home of Martin -- Martin Luther King as well as the King Center, and we are very, very 926 close to that. 927 We have come so far as a nation, and yet we still have good ways to go. Similarly, our city of 928 College Park and its government have also made progress. And we -- and we enter 2025 even 929 with more optimistic about the future. I believe, you know, we have a -- a lot more to 930 accomplish in 2025 than 2024. 931 We've made some stride and we -- we will have more. For a modest-size municipality of just one 932 -- 14,000, I -- I cannot name or think of any who are for more holiday celebration than the 933 sharing of bounty -- you know, bounty that our city do. I think our city do a lot. 934 From the Light Up College Park night on December 2nd to our annual College Park Police Shop 935 with a Cop on December 5th to our Christmas parade, just a whole list of things that happen. I 936 think a city with less than 14,000 people -- I think we're doing a lot, and I commend everybody. 937 The winter storm of June [sic] 10th brought nearly 4 inches of snow and wintry mix across the 938 area, downing trees; limbs across the city and temporarily blocking -- knocking out power to 939 1,800 residents. 940 Our streets were cleared. Our residents – 1,800 residents -- power was restored in less than four 941 hours. Which same thing happened even yesterday and today. You know, the cold weather 942 knock out, you know, some power and they were all restored today and back in -- in less than 943 four hours everything came to -- was brought back. Regular Session Page 31 of 41 01/21/2025 944 And I'm looking ahead to February and I commend Councilman Gay for bringing Peabo Bryson, 945 you know, to the 50th anniversary of a beloved tour of our gateway at the Gateway Arena. And I 946 just -- you know, I'm happy that we -- we're making a lot of progress and the residents will see a 947 whole lot more -- even more in 2025 than 2024. 948 That's what I have, ma'am. You know, including -- along with the 44 page that I've, you know, 949 sent out already. 950 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, sir. 951 CITY MANAGER ADEDIRAN: Yes, ma'am. 952 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Looking forward to a discussion about Six West, and we are 953 going to do that coming up here on February the 5th at the Brady Center at 6:30 p.m. and give 954 you an opportunity to interact with the folks who are going to be doing the residential portion of 955 the development of Six West. 956 And I'm going to -- I'm -- I'm -- just excited to see what everyone has to say and to hear what the 957 community wants to see in this development. During Covid, we did charrettes about how you 958 wanted Six West to look, and now we've got the opportunity to revisit some of that, and I'm just 959 very enthusiastic about moving forward in that direction. 960 So hope to see everyone on February 5th at 6:30 at the Brady Center. Had a great weekend and 961 got to celebrate Martin Luther King Day with Councilmember Arnold in the great city of Forest 962 Park as Clayton County did their annual MLK parade. 963 We -- we will eventually host it, but it is going around to all of the Clayton County cities; and 964 Forest Park did an outstanding job, and kudos to everyone who came out because it was very 965 cold. It was very cold. 966 And the marching bands; everyone who participated; it was so much fun though. And want to 967 thank, Mayor Butler, City Manager, and the entire Forest Park team for all of their efforts to 968 make that parade a success. 969 Also had the opportunity to join Congresswoman Nikema Williams and -- at her swearing-in 970 ceremony because her -- the first time she was elected, it was during Covid; and the second time, 971 there was a challenge with getting a speaker of the house. 972 And so it was a great opportunity for the community to support our Congresswoman, who has 973 been so supportive of us and bringing so many resources back to the fighting Fifth District. So I 974 was glad to join Mayor Holiday Ingraham at East Point and the Chairwoman of Clayton County, 975 Dr. Anderson- Henry, all of us to -- to support the Congresswoman. 976 She is phenomenal, and her team does an amazing job for the city of College Park. Let's see. 977 We are going to the Cities United Summit later on this week, and that is a really important 978 convention for the Georgia Municipal Association. Regular Session Page 32 of 41 01/21/2025  979 It brings all 537 cities’ representatives to Atlanta to make sure that we are advocating for your 980 issues under the Gold Dome. And so next Monday, everyone will travel to the Capitol, and we 981 will be cities united. It is a fantastic way to kick off the legislative session which began last 982 week. 983 We've got one week in so far, and I was able to attend the Georgia Chambers Eggs and Issues 984 Breakfast where the Governor, kind of, gives a preview of the State of the State Address. And in 985 it, he outlined some priorities including more support for workforce development infrastructure. 986 And I'm sure you've probably seen in the news that his laser focus issue is probably going to be 987 toward reform this year, and so we will see how all of that plays out. But certainly the Georgia 988 Municipal Association is going to be on the front lines as some of these issues are going to be 989 addressed. 990 I have the honor of serving as the first Vice President of GMA and in that capacity serve as the 991 Chair of the Legislative Policy Council. So we meet on a weekly basis every Monday morning. 992 We -- we did -- we did pass -- we did skip yesterday because of the holiday, but we meet every 993 Monday morning to talk about the issues that we anticipate the General Assembly will be 994 addressing and to get an update on what's come thus far. 995 So one of the things that we did talk about and there is seems to be some level of opportunity 996 perhaps is a rental registry so that we might be able to get more information about the rental 997 properties in our community. 998 Now, I don't think it will go as far as some people want it to -- if it -- if it even becomes law, but 999 certainly having a contact -- having a concrete contact that we can reach out to if there is 1000 something going on with a rental property is very, very important. 1001 You've heard us talk lots about how we are a majority rental community and most of the folks 1002 who are in charge of those rental units want to do a good job, but sometimes we have bad actors 1003 and -- who make it difficult for us to allude -- to make -- to make them accountable for some of 1004 the things that are going on. 1005 And so we will be looking at that very, very closely to make sure that the interests of College 1006 Park and cities across the state are protected. But that's about all I have. I will turn it over to 1007 Mayor Pro Tem. 1008 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: As Queenie’s getting my video together, I just want to say 1009 it's been really nice tonight looking at your faces while we're here in this meeting. A lot of times 1010 we're facing forward, and we can't see each other, and you guys are absolutely beautiful, 1011 handsome, and gorgeous. Okay. I'm out. 1012 (Video plays) 1013 This is Mayor Pro Tem -- Regular Session Page 33 of 41 01/21/2025 1014 MADAM DEPUTY CITY CLERK BROWN: Just verify, are you all able to hear that? 1015 COUNCILMAN CARN: Yes. 1016 MADAM DEPUTY CITY CLERK BROWN: Okay. 1017 (Video continues) 1018 -- Jamelle McKenzie sharing with you our January 21st Ward 1 report. Tonight's report is 1019 dedicated to the memory of Mr. Michael James Malcolm, who was a committed and very 1020 involved member of the Ward 1 community. 1021 Even though Michael is no longer with us, he will never be forgotten. On January 20th, I had the 1022 honor of representing the City of College Park at the MLK Celebration at Ebenezer. Reverend 1023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. maintained a vision for a more diverse America where all people 1024 enjoyed the benefits of equality. 1025 Dr. King dedicated his life to the pursuit of a moral revolution in the form of nonviolent protest 1026 against the system of southern segregation known as Jim Crow laws to create a world without 1027 violence, hatred, war, poverty, and oppression. 1028 Most importantly, Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in the power of love. He taught us to love 1029 others and not hate because love always wins in the end. Updates and announcements as we 1030 build College Park better. 1031 Last week, our Building and Grounds team was busy at work on the Brady Trail using our new 1032 boom tractor to remove kudzu from off the trail. In addition to having kudzu removal, we also 1033 had our power company come out and install poles and lighting, and so now we have lighting 1034 throughout the Brady Trail. 1035 More great things are coming. We'll be having cameras installed in just a short while. In 1036 addition, there'll be a call box on the trail. Great things ahead. And at the Brady Recreation 1037 Center, we are looking at building a community garden for our seniors so that those that are 1038 involved in our technology program will be able to do some gardening. 1039 It was even some discussion about how we can put a farmer's market in College Park. On 1040 Sunday, January 12th, we celebrated the grand reopening of the rock wall at the Tracey Wyatt 1041 Recreation Center with Kai Lightner and lots of other folks. 1042 It was a wonderful event. Your input is needed as we develop the 55-acre portion of the Six 1043 West residential district. We want to hear from you. We will be holding two public charrettes. 1044 The first will be on January 30th at the Public Safety building, and the second will be at the 1045 Brady Recreation Center on February 5th. Plan to join us and bring a neighbor or friend. 1046 We absolutely love our businesses in College Park, and so on January 27th, I'm hosting a get 1047 together, a networking session for our business owners; and it'll be held at 6:30 at the Public Regular Session Page 34 of 41 01/21/2025 1048 Safety building and designed to just talk to our business owners and learn more about what we 1049 can do as a city to assist you further and to attract new businesses as well. 1050 And I want to personally thank every single person who came out or supported our inaugural 1051 Ward 1 State of the Ward Address. It was an auspicious occasion in which we shared our 1052 accomplishments for 2024, and then we dove into some of our goals and projects for 2025. 1053 Just in case you did not receive a copy of our annual report on Thursday, please feel free to stop 1054 by City Hall and pick up a copy for yourself. 1055 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember Carn. 1056 COUNCILMAN CARN: All right. City Clerk, would you roll my reel? Wait a minute, I -- I 1057 forgot. I don't have a reel, but I do have a report. Couple of things here. City Manager, the -- we 1058 spoke about the water leak on Herschel Road directly across from the parking spot driveway 1059 entrance there. 1060 So we want to make sure we work on that. Obviously, I know the weather has, kind of, delayed 1061 that a bit, but we want to make sure we get on that. We in -- in terms of Six West -- I'm very 1062 concerned about Six West. 1063 I'm very excited about Six West and its development. Now, before we have had and held a series 1064 of community charrettes regarding the type of development that our community would like to see 1065 in Six West. So this is something that we have done before, but a refresher does not hurt. 1066 We want to make sure we reach out to all of our community and involve them. This is scheduled 1067 for -- for when -- when is this scheduled for? 1068 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: The first one on next Thursday night at -- January 30th at the 1069 Public Safety building at 6:30, and then we're having the next one on February 5th at the Brady 1070 Center at 6:30. 1071 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. Well, whoever is handling that -- City Manager, if we could 1072 make sure we get those dates in our calendar, that would be great, so we can remind our residents 1073 to come out and participate. That would be wonderful. 1074 I want to send out our heartfelt condolences to the family of former state senator Vincent Fort. 1075 Senator Fort was whom we affectionately referred to as the People's Champion, and I, for one, 1076 modeled a lot of my short political career after folks like Senator Vincent Fort. He was a lion of 1077 a leader in his community and fought fiercely for his residents. 1078 Always, always putting the residents first. Senator Fort is the reason why we have a DMO, a 1079 Destination Marketing Organization. He signed the legislation, and we want to definitely thank 1080 him for that. Let's see. Regular Session Page 35 of 41 01/21/2025 1081 In terms of congratulations to Congresswoman Nikema Williams for her inauguration, we did -- I 1082 got a call from her office, and we did provide our Congresswoman's office with the Georgia flag 1083 for her ceremonies, and we made sure that they had that available. They called me and asked if 1084 we had a Georgia flag stand and poll, and I made sure that we delivered one. 1085 So the one that you saw at the ceremony was courtesy of the City of College Park. Hopefully, 1086 we will get that returned to us from Congresswoman's office. So we definitely want to partner 1087 wherever we can and however we can help our federal, local, state, and all of our community 1088 partners. Couple of other things. 1089 City Manager, I just want to thank you for being tremendously farsighted to close city offices in 1090 anticipation of the weather. A lot of folks didn't believe we were going to get snow, and I 1091 understand some argued against closing the offices. Folks, that's why we have a City Manager to 1092 make that determination, and you were spot on with that. 1093 So we want to make sure you continue to watch over this city, and, you know -- I see the City 1094 Manager from time to time off work hours cruising this city street by street looking after this city 1095 as if it were one of his children, literally. 1096 And I don't think you all know the extent that the City Manager has been pouring into this city in 1097 terms of trying to make sure that all of the bases are covered; and believe me, there are a lot of 1098 bases. 1099 Maintaining this city is a challenge, and this past year has shown and proved -- proven why I do 1100 think that you were the right person for the job, and the best person for the job, and we want you 1101 to continue doing that great job. We talked about our improvements to our multifamily. The 1102 improvements to nuisance ordinances will, again, give us more teeth to turn this blight around 1103 and to rid our community of slumlords, blight, and substandard living conditions. 1104 City Manager, I think that is a top priority, number one in this community. As the Mayor spoke 1105 -- and I do agree with the Mayor, we do need to look at the rental requirements. Georgia does 1106 currently have a ban on rental registries. They do. 1107 But what we can do right now is require landlords to obtain what's called a rental license. We 1108 can do that right now. Other cities in Georgia have that right now that we can do. This is, again, 1109 ways to tighten things up, and this will be in direct alignment with the modifications to our multi- 1110 family ordinances to make sure this blight heads out the door and is no longer coming back into 1111 the city of College Park. 1112 So, City Manager, I'd like us to look at rental licenses. The city of -- of Marietta enacted rental 1113 licenses, and it's been pretty effective for them. You know, a lot of this stuff we don't have to 1114 reinvent the wheel on. 1115 Again, there is a ban on rental registries that GMA is bringing up to revive because Georgia is 1116 more of a landlord-favored type of a state, whereas the tenants may not have as much of an 1117 advantage. Regular Session Page 36 of 41 01/21/2025 1118 But we can do rental licenses, which would be another step in enforcing our standards and 1119 making sure that these slumlords are out of business in this city. So that's all I got. We're going 1120 to continue to work hard, and we're going to continue to put our residents first. 1121 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Councilmember Arnold. 1122 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Thank you. I want to first start with thanking the department -- 1123 thanking the City Manager and the Public Works department. I'm not sure -- I can't remember if 1124 I -- if I gave this shout out last time or not. Excuse me. But I do want to thank the Public Works 1125 department for the installation of the Purple Heart signs at every entry point into the city. 1126 CITY MANAGER ADEDIRAN: Yes, ma’am. 1127 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: And so, you know, I -- I'm very appreciative of that hard work. 1128 We do still have a couple of locations that we still need to take care of, but your team has worked 1129 hard -- diligently and hard to make sure that these signs are up, so that when people enter into the 1130 city of College Park at every point, they know that they are coming into a Purple Heart city. 1131 And so I'm going to go now to some of the fun things that have taken place. The Mayor already 1132 stole my thunder about the MLK day that we had in Clayton County and Forest Park, and she did 1133 mention about the rotation of the cities. 1134 I do believe that next year is our turn. It will be the city of College Park, and we will be 1135 championing -- championing that particular initiative as being the host city for the Clayton 1136 County Municipal Association which -- which means that we will be hosting the MLK parade. 1137 So, I -- I just want to add that to those comments. I had the opportunity to participate in the 1138 inaugural Advisory Board for Style Mobb University, where I was named co-chair for that 1139 Advisory Board. 1140 I do want to commend, again, Ms. Tiffane Nicol for all of her hard work and making sure that 1141 our own university here in the city of College Park continues to operate in excellence and have a 1142 world-renowned university where we have student housing. We have financial aid, and I 1143 encourage -- continue to encourage my colleagues and the community to help support the 1144 students there at the school. 1145 I just want to just -- just reiterate, we have students from around the world coming to Style 1146 Mobb. When this particular board kicked off the other night, we had students as far as from 1147 California, Canada, and I believe it was Oklahoma -- the other state that are coming to the city of 1148 College Park. 1149 They live in student housing right there on West Fayetteville Road, and they are proud to be here 1150 in the city, and those will be some of our business owners here in the next few years. Let's see. I 1151 will not be at Cities United because I think I've already shared with everyone that I will be out of 1152 town next week, but I will be looking forward to hearing any updates that come out of those 1153 conversations, and I'm looking forward to us partnering with our sister cities. Regular Session Page 37 of 41 01/21/2025 1154 Just want to remind everyone -- especially the residents of Ward 3 -- the survey is still going on 1155 for 2025. I'm going to continue to say this until that survey closes on April 5th. 1156 Please, please, please go and complete the survey, so that I can share with my colleagues your -- 1157 your -- your desires, your wants, and how you feel like we are doing as a governing body or how 1158 I'm doing as your -- as your representative for Ward 3. 1159 And last but not least -- or a couple of other things that I want to just remind everyone to please 1160 continue to uplift the Spivey family for their loss, and the Locke family -- Mr. Locke, who was 1161 the owner of Apollo Realty. Thank you so much. 1162 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you. Councilmember Gay. 1163 COUNCILMAN GAY: Can y'all hear me? 1164 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Yes, sir, we can. 1165 COUNCILMAN GAY: Am I on mute? 1166 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: You're good. We can hear you. 1167 COUNCILMAN GAY: Oh, okay. Well, I want to also give my condolences to Glenn Spivey 1168 family, but -- but more importantly, I want to let y'all know that returning home from his mom's 1169 home going, he immediately started service of the community in restoring power, I mean, 1170 immediately. 1171 And you can't -- a lot of people -- you know, you don't find that type of work ethics. I don't 1172 know if I could have did it. So kudos to -- to him for his -- his workmanship and his work ethics. 1173 I noticed that we've had at least four or five pedestrian fatalities, some form of the other. 1174 So that brings me to a thought that maybe we could talk about in a workshop. Dr. Adediran, 1175 maybe a study that deals with pedestrians. We've had numerous fatalities, and I know for a fact 1176 that there are issues with railroad crossings beyond -- down there by Rugby. 1177 We -- we got issues with railroad crossings. We've had two fatalities down near my tracks, and 1178 we need to just -- in my opinion, just do a pedestrian study. Just maybe -- there are no sidewalks 1179 on Main, which was formerly Roosevelt from Hershel to Lee. 1180 That's -- we just need to do a better job and making sure that we are aware of our pedestrian 1181 safety. Councilwoman Arnold, I want to let you know that -- that Camp Truitt hopefully one day 1182 could be part of the reimagine of the trails. 1183 We can enter Camp Truitt on Herschel, and we can exit on Global Gateway, so we're happy to 1184 share that trail vision when those connecting committees get together. I also want to thank 1185 Dr. Adediran -- and he's getting a lot of thank yous tonight, but it's not -- it's not intentional. He 1186 actually earned it. Regular Session Page 38 of 41 01/21/2025 1187 During the storm, he took all my calls and at no time was he, you know, anxious or -- he was 1188 very modest. And he -- he let me know that he was out -- his power was out just like my power 1189 was out. But he did an amazing job communicating and having the staff. 1190 And I want to tell you that prior to the power outage, the water department was on Virginia 1191 Avenue the entire day. So not only did we deal with a power outage, we dealt with a major water 1192 outage, and so kudos to our water department for -- for their leadership in restoring that power. 1193 I think I only have one more. Mayor, I want to thank you for signing the resolution for the Camp 1194 Truitt land lease. That's good leadership, and I do appreciate it. 1195 And I want to thank my colleagues for -- for voting for it unanimously as well. And I don't think 1196 I have anything else. Just -- just one other thought. Dr. Adediran, I -- I met the -- the board 1197 member for GDOT. 1198 She's a -- an African American woman, and I think we might need to have her come down to 1199 College Park because when we look at things like our interstate exit in terms of our relationship 1200 with the businesses for improving those right of ways -- when we look at, you know, the -- the 1201 streets -- the state highway, I just think it's time that I -- I -- our -- Mayor, you could reach out to 1202 her too. 1203 I think it's time that we bring our GDOT board member to College Park and -- and let her 1204 understand what some of our visions and -- and interests are for our community as well. And -- 1205 and that's all I have. 1206 CITY MANAGER DR. ADEDIRAN: Okay, sir. 1207 COUNCILMAN GAY: That's all I have. 1208 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: All right. Thank you. All right. So is there a motion for -- for 1209 executive session? 1210 COUNCILMAN GAY: So moved. 1211 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: For the purposes of, sir? 1212 COUNCILMAN GAY: Real estate, legal, and personnel. 1213 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: All right. Is there a second? 1214 COUNCILMAN CARN: Second. 1215 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Thank you, Councilmember Carn. Any discussion? Hearing 1216 none, we'll move to a vote. All those in favor? 1217 COUNCILMAN CARN: Aye. Regular Session Page 39 of 41 01/21/2025 1218 MAYOR PRO TEM MCKENZIE: Aye. 1219 COUNCILWOMAN ARNOLD: Aye. 1220 COUNCILMAN GAY: Aye. 1221 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Any opposed? Any abstentions? All right. That is unanimous. 1222 COUNCILMAN CARN: Is there an additional link, a separate -- 1223 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Yes. 1224 COUNCILMAN CARN: -- link for executive session? 1225 MAYOR MOTLEY BROOM: Ms. Brown -- Ms. Brown sent it -- sent it at 8:25 p.m. 1226 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. So we have it. All right. 1227 MADAM DEPUTY CITY CLERK BROWN: So you'll just go to that link and when you're 1228 done, you just come back to this one. Okay. 1229 COUNCILMAN CARN: Okay. Thank you. 1230 ACTION: Councilman Gay motioned to enter Executive Session for the purpose of Real Estate. 1231 Legal and Personnel, seconded by Councilman Carn and motion carried by those 1232 present. 1233 1234 Councilman Carn motioned to exit Executive Session, seconded by Councilman Gay 1235 and motion carried by those present. 1236 1237 Councilman Carn motioned to approve Cyber Security Item #1 in the amount of 1238 $36,859, seconded by Councilwoman Arnold and motion carried by those present. 1239 1240 Councilwoman McKenzie motioned to approve Cyber Security Item #2 in the 1241 amount of $106,750, seconded by Councilwoman Arnold and motion carried by 1242 those present. 1243 1244 15. Approval of Executive Session Minutes. 1245 1246 i. Councilman Carn motioned to approve the Executive Session Minutes date January 6, 1247 2025, seconded by Councilwoman Arnold and motion carried by those present. 1248 1249 Regular Session Page 40 of 41 01/21/2025 1250 Regular session adjourned at 10:02 p.m. 1251 1252 CITY OF COLLEGE PARK 1253 1254 1255 _________________________ 1256 Bianca Motley Broom, Mayor 1257 1258 1259 ATTEST: 1260 1261 ________________________ 1262 Kelly Bogner, City Clerk Regular Session Page 41 of 41 01/21/2025