City Council Meeting

6 CITY OF STONECREST, GEORGIA Honorable Mayor Jason Lary, Sr. Council Member Jimmy Clanton, Jr. – District 1 Council Member Rob Turner- District 2 Council Member Jazzmin Cobble – District 3 Council Member George Turner- District 4 Tammy Grimes – District 5 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 13, 2020 7:00PM Virtual Meeting available on YouTube Live I. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Jason Lary II. ROLL CALL by Deputy City Clerk, Sonya Isom: All members present. III. INVOCATION: Invocation was led by Council Member Rob Turner. IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE V. APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL AGENDA: Motion 1 – made by Council Member Rob Turner to approve the agenda with stated changes. Seconded by Council Member George Turner. Motion passed unanimously. VI. MINUTES: a. Approval of the June 22, 2020 City Council Meeting Minutes Motion 2 – made by Mayor Jason Lary to approve minutes from June 22, 2020 City Council Meeting. Seconded by Council Member Rob Turner. Motion passed unanimously.  b. Approval of the July 6, 2020 11:00am Special Called Public Hearing Minutes Motion 3 – made by Mayor Jason Lary to approve minutes from July 6, 2020 11:00am Special Called Public Hearing. Seconded by Council Member Rob Turner. Motion passed unanimously. c. Approval of the July 6, 2020 6:00pm Special Called Public Hearing Motion 4 – made by Council Member Rob Turner to approve minutes from July 6, 2020 6:00pm Special Called Public Hearing. Motion passed unanimously. VII. PRESENTATIONS a. N/A VIII. APPOINTMENTS a. Mayor Lary appointed Iris Settle as Chief Liaison Officer, combined with responsibilities of Chief of Staff. Iris will communicate more effectively from b. the Mayor’s office to Council. IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS (since this meeting was conducted virtually, the public comments received via email in advance of the meeting were read by the Deputy City Clerk) Faye Cofield I am writing this email to express my concern about the proposed asphalt plant. We have been told previously that this plant had been approved by the cab county before stonecrest became a city. now we learned that mayor Larry signed off on this last year authorizing its approval. this marks the third time that something major has happened in stonecrest and we had been told that it was approved by the cab county only to find out that the county had either been notified or the county signed off on it . This was true with the cell phone tower, which we were told had been rezoned by the cab county in the 1970s without any restrictions. I personally found out that this was not true and that there were very extreme requirements and zoning restrictions that prevented the use of a cell phone tower at this location. However with this fact that cell phone tower was still allowed to be built. I am also deeply troubled about a proposed project at browns Mill and panola road. This project is depicted in pictures that is not representative of the area. This project shows it being on land that is currently occupied by houses and other structures. I believe that the permit should be denied. I also have a concern about the approval of a business that was built without the proper zoning. The zoning that exists on this property strictly forbids the type of youth that is being authorized now and recommended by the planning committee. I believe that this extension is allowed and this business is allowed to continue despite it being built in the wrong zoning that we will no longer have the opportunity to protect zoning within the boundaries of stonecrest. I also am of course opposed to the asphalt plant. stonecrest to take the time now to stop all zoning and to re-evaluate what is located on what type of zoning and to make sure that any vacant land or any zoning is in compliance with what is now built there Sincerely yours -- Lynn Fowler I am sending this email to voice my strong opposition to the Metro Green project slated for the Snapfinger Road/Miller Road area. This type of plant is totally inappropriate for this area. There are residential neighborhoods and schools within close proximity. Where a recycling plant may fall under the category of "Light industrial", which this plot of land is ,supposedly, zoned for, there are environmental risks to the community such as air quality, noise, and just general quality of life. I have lived in this area for 30-plus years, planning to spend my retirement here, but now having to worry about the threat to my health and those of my family, not to mention my property value. This community DOES NOT WANT METRO GREEN HERE. I'm certain there are more suitable areas of the County where this project would fit. But not here., -- Pyper Bunch To the Mayor & Stonecrest officials, I am a resident in the Miller Road area where you have allowed a toxic concrete recycling plant to start building. We want to know more about the documents that the Mayor and City Planner falsified. Why did the Mayor & Chris Wheeler tell the EPD that Stonecrest had a waste facility and you do not? The EPD official told all of us that they never would have approved this plant had the TRUTH been known. The community deserves to see this falsified document. Please provide those documents. My next point of contention is the useless “Stop Work Order”. We were told that they had 5 days to “stabilize “ the grounds. That would have begun on 7/2/2020. The fifth day, taking into account the weekend, would have ended on 7/8/2020. We have videotaped these people daily. You do know they are LITERALLY in our backyards? Today they were filmed again. Unless someone lied, there should not be anyone on that land today. This is the 6th day. Your paper was worthless. We want that construction to STOP NOW. We are notifying our media contacts daily of what is  going on with this government. Your actions are on public display now. I am sure you are doing back handed deals, but just know we are watching you. What you have done in the dark will be revealed in the light, Mayor. The final point is in reference to that horrible Zoning Board appointed by the Mayor? Are you all receiving bribes? What type of Zoning credentials do any of you possess? I watched that Zoning meeting earlier this week and was TOTALLY disgusted. The community opposed both toxic plans that were planned for their community. The City Planner was finally on the side of the community and recommended Denial of this second concrete facility. The Zoning Board took all of 2 seconds to approve BOTH businesses to further pollute our South Dekalb community. South Dekalb is NOT your dumping ground!!! How dare you take this important position and line your own pockets while defiling a predominantly Black community. Have you no shame??? What is the point of having a City council if they don’t hold the real power? The Zoning Board and this sham of a mayor are ruining our community! This is a disgrace that you don’t properly notify the community, when we find out what you are doing and still show up to oppose it, you ignore us and do what you want!! This is unforgivable. In conclusion, we want HEALTHY businesses in our community. We don’t want toxic sites that other communities would never allow. The concrete owner is on record saying. I one else would allow him to build there except for Stonecrest! A Black mayor and zoning board is selling out a Black community. This is environmental racism enacted upon the community by Black officials. This is a disgusting abuse of power. Stop it!!! Don’t you dare say “Black Lives Matter” and then dump a concrete recycling plant across the street from a school and hundreds of homes. The excuse that one side of the road was zoned industrial do it is legal is not a valid argument. At one time slavery was also legal but it was WRONG!!! History will record what you have done. Do the right thing now and SHUT METRO GREEN RECYCLING DOWN NOW. Black lives should matter in every area. Stop allowing environmental racism in South Dekalb. -- Jennifer Wilson Good evening, My concerns are still based on the fact that this Recycling plant is less than 500 feet from my subdivision. Although that piece of property is zoned for light industrial use, the two subdivisions that surround this development are over 20 years old and the concern now should be regarding those residential communities. Why not use this area, Metro Green, to build a mixed use development instead of a landfill for sorting trash.  We can always use an area like the Atlanta Beltline, with art and walking space. Who is the other owner of this land besides Metro Green (Greenland Sanpfinger, LLC)? What was the purchase price from Peace Baptist Church? How would a recycling facility benefit this area when no one took the time to see if the infrastructure could handle trucks loaded with cement? Thank you -- Renee Cail, Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment To the Entire Stonecrest City Hall Staff: Please do not bring any factories or the projects listed above to residential ares or near residents in Stonecrest!!!!!! -- Tenika Kemp Good afternoon. This letter is to encourage a NO VOTE for the concrete recycling and Asphalt plant. We need to Stop ALLOWING these type of businesses in our neighborhood that clearly pollute our city. It appears that Stonecrest is more focus on the money that these type of businesses are bringing along with polluting our city. Please VOTE NO TO BOTH. -- Jackie Alexander Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble, you are sooooo rude. You don't know everything. What are you doing for your district??! You have the worst crime, trash and unemployment in the city, district 3. I am embarrassed to be your sorority sister. Councilwoman Tammy Grimes, you are equally or more disappointing than Diane Adoma. You don't understand anything!!! Are you listening?? Do you pay attention?? No one should have to spoon feed you every answer. You lied during your campaign because you did not attend half the meetings. Dave Marcus or Barbara Hall should have won. -- Marilyn, Miller Park Resident I would like to express my concern about this issue. I am trying to understand how the Mayor of Stonecrest and his constituents could possibly think it is okay for a recycling plant to be built in the middle of a community with a Middle school just down the street. This is environmental racism at its best. I want to believe this could not happen in a Brookhaven or Chamblee Community. Allowing this plant to be built would definitely lower the property values of the residential homes and at a time where 1.  DeKalb County is to raise property taxes and 2. The country is battling a pandemic. The County did an extremely poor job in letting the community know of any ongoing meetings claiming there was a meeting held and only one person showed up which is not true. The community had no idea what was happening. When I saw that the area was cleared I assumed it was another Subdivision being built. I am asking that this recycling plant and or any other plant (asphalt) not be allowed to build in this area. The Mayor should consider property near the Stonecrest Mall there is plenty of space there to build a PLANT. I ask that you reconsider and stop this catastrophe from happening. Please consider the health issues that will arise. Take into consideration the children and the elderly that live adjacent to this area and also the private homes directly across the street. If the City Council agrees to allow this company to build this atrocity I will have no choice but to put up a FOR SALE SIGN and move out of DeKalb County for good. -- Angela Russell City council, I disapprove of the plant being constructed on Miller Rd here in Stonecrest. The plant is located in a residential area meaning subdivisions, apartments, doctor offices and a school. The only commercial building on that end of Miller Rd is Marshall’s warehouse and it’s been there for many years. It shouldn’t be difficult to see that this plant is in no way good for the environment in this area. We’ve gone from family dollars and storage units to asphalt plants right in our neighborhoods. Why does the citizens always have to fight against bad businesses being built in Stonecrest? -- Robin Ford My name is Robin Ford. I am a citizen of Stonecrest, GA. Can I pick up a petition, so that other home owners in Stonecrest, GA can sign their names to stop this Recycling Landfill to be built in our great neighborhood? -- Andrea Chait To whom it may concern: I am a community Resident, and I want it clearly understood that I am fully against the Metro Green Industrial Facility being placed in the midst of a Residential community! The Property needs to be rezoned for Residential use and or Condos, Office Park, or Single Family Homes. This industrial Plant will impede upon Residents Quality of Life, and significantly Negatively impact Property Values.  Most importantly the Facility will not attract or draw the type of development that is beneficial to a Residential Community. -- Leautrey Turner I am a county resident of over 25 years, I lived at 4876 Haymarket Trail and the Recycle Plant construction is a complete invasion on my quality of life as the smell from the plant will most definitely invade all the homes in the area. It's very unfortunate that these types of projects always seem to be approved in middle class neighbor hoods. I believe that our elected officials are there to represent all citizens not just some according to zip codes. I would be very disappointed if this project is allowed to proceed. I beg of you please don't let this happen. How would you feel if you lived in one of the near by neighbor hoods. Sincerely -- Sheila Wells Laws I ask that this be read at the next Stonecrest Council Meeting. I and my household are against allowing this facility to be constructed and to operate in our community. It is a health hazardous and threat to our entire community. Respectfully, -- Sheila Wells Laws We do not need or want the Metro Green Recycling facility in our community. This is a health hazard to this residential community, Respectfully, -- Dave Marcus Mayor Lary and Councilpeople, In my amateur opinion, the city is not doing enough to let Stonecrest’s voters know when bad things may be coming their way. There are three changes I ask you to consider to help this situation: 1. There are no notifications made to residents when administrative permits are applied for (or granted).  In the case of the Metro Green recycling plant, the Land Disturbance Permit was issued by th city without any notice. (Another instance of this was for the cell tower erected last year next to a school and playground.) In these, the city planning department was following the ordinances. I call on Mayor Lary to change policy now so that, when a permit is applied for, notifications are emailed or mailed to all residents, landlords and landowners whose quality of life may reasonably be expected to be impacted if the permit is issued. The devil will be on the details, but that isn’t a reason to not do it. And I call on the council to change our ordinances to require this. 2. City ordinances requires notices of rezoning hearings and zoning variance hearings to be mailed only to landowners within a few hundred feet of the property. No notices are required to renters. I call on Mayor Lary to change policy and the council to change ordinances so that these notices too go to both landowners and renters, and go to a much greater radius if they may be impacted. 3. Any property that is currently zoned as industrial and is adjacent to residential zoning, or churches, schools or parks, is a landmine waiting to blow up in peoples' faces. I believe that Chris Wheeler said last week that staff was creating an inventory of those situations. I call on the city to make sure that the inventory is exhaustive — to make sure it looks at schools, parks, and churches as well as residentially-zoned land, and that it looks at situations that cross the border between DeKalb and Stonecrest. And I call on the city to create a plan to reduce each of those possible calamities with all means possible, including rezoning to provide buffers (perhaps office or other light commercial use) as needed. And if you can’t solve some of these in any other way, I agree with Mr. Knight, who has said on Facebook that as part of reexamining the problem zones, the City and County should consider creating joint Special Tax Districts which could buy land to create buffer zones. The precedent is already there, where the County buys out affected homeowners in flood plains and demolishes their houses. Thank you for considering these changes, -- Linda Lee Mr. Mayor: My name is Linda Lee and I reside in the Miller Woods subdivision. I have been living in my home since 2007. I am very upset as a lot of my neighbors are with the decision to allow a recycling facility in our residential community. The work that is being done is in my back yard. The noise and smells are horrific and I can only imagine how bad it will be once they begin to recycle. I know about the stop work order but that's only because Stonecrest did not meet the standards of DeKalb County. The real reason should be because the residents in the area will be exposed to toxins and it will not be safe. The quality of life that we once knew will be gone. The sale of our property will diminish. So I ask you Mr. Mayor, what gives you the right to approve this work without any consideration for our well being? Close your eyes and imagine a recycling facility in your neighborhood, in your backyard. The work stop should be permanent and we should be included in any major decisions regarding matters that may directly or indirectly affect us. We are in the process of getting a petition signed and will proceed with securing a team of lawyers if our request falls on deaf ears. This matter is of a very serious nature and the people responsible should be held accountable.please don't take this as a threat because it's not. I am just trying to be transparent and making you aware of our next move. I look forward to hearing from you and your team. Thank you. -- Rod Cole I am a decades long resident of the Miller Woods Subdivision under Robert Turner and I have to commend the council's quick action to stop construction of the Metro Green recycling plant. This project and a cell tower have apparently been approved and executed until your recent actions to verify processes. It is not enough to say that this entire community of more than 70 families living less than a stone's throw away and a complete apartment complex with surrounding homes and complete communities falling outside the city zone of Stonecrest but impacted nonetheless because they are literally across the street from the site which oddly enough had one address for the property(2450 miller woods drive) and another address for the business(5152 snapfinger woods drive) so that it would appear to be away from any and all concerns of the Stonecrest/Decatur community. I can't say enough that we the combined community were unaware of this minimally advertised and absolutely NOT submitted to the community for true and fair input because I am fairly confident we wouldn't be having this conversation if we were appropriately made aware. I do not approve of the cellphone tower and would like it removed from Miller road. I do not approve of the rezoning of parcel 16 025 01 077 - 2450 Miller road, from "light industrial M" to "Heavy industrial M-2" to support a proven harmful and suspiciously approved Metrogreen Recycling business and I request the council members support this with the same enthusiasm you ask our support when it is  time to raise taxes but we get results like this from our elected officials. Thank you for your response. -- Concerned citizen I am a concerned citizen of Stonecrest. I am in opposition to the Work Force Housing coming to Stonecrest. I feel that it is a bait and switch to get low income housing to Stonecrest. Why bring Stonecrest down and brand it as a low income city. It's already hard enough getting businesses to open shop here. Also, Stonecrest already has enough affordable living. People move here when they can't afford anywhere else live. -- Darriel Sloan Please, Please do everything possible to stop this plant, we don't this adding to the declining property values in this area of south Dekalb. -- Danny We want the work to stop permanently and we want a full investigation into why we weren't considered in the decision making process that is allowing a recycling facility in our residential community. This is endangering our safety and health!!! I live in the 2nd house from the entry of the neighborhood and I have an 89 year old mom who is suffering from this smell we are directly behind this awful Sewage working!!! We need this to stop immediately my mom is sick over this!!!!!! -- Danny All surrounding subdivisions are yelling and screaming the same thing. -- Tony Wilson Good Evening Mayor Jason Lary, City Council for the City of Stonecrest, and Director Christopher Wheeler: Due to the COVID-19 protocol, I am submitting my Public Comments via email for the Stonecrest City Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2020 at 7:00 pm. It is my request that my "email letter" be verbally read into the public record during the City Council meeting. Thank you. Allow me to begin by stating I am a strong believer in the Providence of God.  A couple of weeks ago I took my morning walk two hours later than normal. During my walk, which partly traverses Snapfinger Woods Drive, I was literally passed by:  30 dump trucks (17 of them drove directly in front of Emory Hillandale Hospital)  5 tractor trailers, also known as 18-wheelers (one drove directly in front of Emory Hillandale Hospital)  3 concrete mixers  1 tractor trailer cab without the trailer  Question: If the site development phase for this construction and demolition recycling center already generates this kind of traffic, what impact will occur if this project moves to completion? My correspondence with the City of Stonecrest began on May 13, 2020 when I asked Councilman Rob Turner and Mr. Chris Wheeler what was being built on Miller Road by Snapfinger Woods Drive. By the end of May 2020, I had informed all of the elected officials for this area (excluding the Georgia federal senators) that a construction debris recycling center was being developed in my community. I requested a moratorium on the building project and asked for community engagement to discuss this project. Representative Doreen Carter (Georgia District 92), Director Wheeler, and Councilman Rob Turner responded to my emails. Councilwoman Cobble and my wife have had several email exchanges on this same topic. On July 2, 2020, Representative Carter convened a virtual Town Hall meeting. Participants included State Senator Emanuel Jones (Georgia District 10), all councilpersons from the City of Stonecrest, an Environmental Protection Department professional, and a spokesperson for the recycling development. A few other state politicians were also on the call and at least two elected officials had proxies to represent their office. Noticeably absent or nonverbal were Mayor Lary and Director Wheeler. Furthermore, to this date, Mayor Lary has not communicated with me by any method. As a result of Representative Carter's meeting, it is abundantly clear that not all of the Stonecrest City Councilpersons were aware of nor in support of the recycling development. It also appeared that neither Representative Carter nor Senator Jones were made aware of this business being located less than 500 feet from three neighborhoods, two medical offices, and one school. As a result of the Virtual Town Hall meeting, some actions have been noted:  Director Wheeler issued and then modified a "Stop Work Order"  Documentation clearly represented some steps were taken out of order (or not at all) regarding the permit phase of this project  Mayor Lary signed a letter indicating all requirements were met for this project to proceed  At least two people stated the City of Stonecrest does not have a Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP)  There is at least one letter on file from a City of Stonecrest employee (now working for another employer) which stated the City does not have a SWMP  The Georgia Environmental Protection Department has on file a letter stating that the City of Stonecrest will enter an agreement with the DeKalb County government to come under their SWMP My questions:  If the City of Stonecrest does not have a SWMP in place (nor has there been one since the founding of the City), how can Mayor Lary approve this project?  Why wasn't this recycling project deferred or transferred to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners since their SWMP provides the legal oversight of solid waste disposal for unincorporated DeKalb County and the City of Stonecrest?  How was Mayor Lary able to state in writing all requirements were met for the project to move forward when at least two letters from a Stonecrest city employee stated the opposite?  When and where was signage posted to solicit public input for this project? o I propose that it was never posted on Miller Road because I have traveled on this road nearly every day for the last 25 years.  What does the current "Stop Work Order" entail?  How long will the "Stop Work Order" be enforced? While I am grateful for Director Wheeler's current "Stop Work Order," I believe the entire project needs to be repurposed. Over the last two decades, most of us have witnessed several major conversions of industrial and manufacturing sites throughout Atlanta with great success. Here are a few examples:  Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts (1998)  Atlantic Station (2005)  Ponce City Market (2014)  Atlanta BeltLine (2017)  Tyler Perry Studios (2019)  Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry (Phase 1A - 2020; possibly delayed due to COVID-19) Mayor Lary, Councilpersons, and Director Wheeler, I implore you to hear the voices of Stonecrest and South DeKalb residents. We urge you to stop this solid waste recycling center from coming to Stonecrest. Additionally, I ask that you use your negotiation skills to halt its relocation to any area within DeKalb County. I close with two quotes from page 17 of the Final Draft Comprehensive Plan 2038 City of Stonecrest:  "Vision Statement "Community, Commerce and Culture working together as a world class city."  "The city balances the need to grow and prosper in a sustainable manner and where citizens, business, Commerce, educational institutions are involved in decision making in building a high quality of life for Stonecrest Citizens." I submit for your consideration: no matter what kind of buffers are built, no matter what kind of infrastructures are improved, no matter what kind of tax benefit this  business will bring to Stonecrest, we can all agree that having a solid waste recycling center literally in a residential community does not build "a high quality of life" for anyone. And if you disagree with my thesis, I suggest you relocate Metro Green Recycling Three to your neighborhood. Sincerely Submitted by A Concerned South DeKalb Resident, -- Sofia Jolly To whom it may concern, This email is to inform you that we want the work to stop permanently and we want a full investigation into why we weren't considered in the decision making process that is allowing a recycling facility in our residential community. This is endangering our safety and health. Thank you. Sincerely yours, concerned citizen of Miller Woods subdivision -- Malaika Wells Dear Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Mayor and Council Members, As it pertains to rezoning in general, and considerations coming up before you in particular, in all your decision-making, please be led by the will of the residents you serve and the insights available to you in the future land use map. Thank you, -- Michelle Lennard I am writing to voice my concern for the Old Business section of the Ordinance for RE-ZONING application (6086 & 6100 Hillandale Dr). Please do not approve this application. The developer has not laid out the plans in writing for who will live here, how they will screen applicants. Let's keep it zoned for commercial purposes which will be better suited in the long run. Thanks -- X. WORK SESSION ITEMS a. N/A XI. PUBLIC HEARING Amended Motion 5 – made by Mayor Lary to table public hearing from agenda to April 24, 2020. Seconded by Council Member Jimmy Clanton. Motion passed unanimously. XII. OLD BUSINESS a. N/A XIII. NEW BUSINESS a. Final Plat for Bentley Estates Motion 6 – made by Mayor Lary to approve the final plat for Bentley Estates. Seconded by Council Member Jimmy Clanton. Motion passed unanimously. b. Final Plat for Lakeview at Stonecrest Subdivision (Phase 1) Motion 7 – made by Mayor Lary to approve the final plat for Lakeview at Stonecrest Subdivision Phase 1. Seconded by Council Member Jimmy Clanton. Motion passed unanimously. c. Setting 2020 Millage Rate for Stonecrest Resolution by Mayor and Council, presented by Plez Joyner. Motion 8 – made by Mayor Lary to approve resolution as read. Seconded by Council Member Jimmy Clanton. Motion passed unanimously. XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion 9 – made by Mayor Jason Lary to go into Executive Session for litigation purposes. Seconded by Council Member Jimmy Clanton. Motion passed unanimously.  Motion 10 – made by Council Member Jimmy Clanton to come out of Executive Session and back into City Council Meeting. Seconded by Council Member George Turner. Motion passed unanimously. XV. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS a. N/A XVI. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS a. N/A XVII. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Council Member Tammy Grimes/District 5 – Everyone please continue to push for census and reminding everyone of Run-off elections coming up on August 11th. Also, if you have previously voted by absentee ballot and would like to do so again, you MUST request another ballot. Look on Tammy Grines- D5 Facebook page. Vote as if our lives depend upon it. Dekalb County school board did approve going back to school virtually starting August 17th. Thank you so much for allowing educators to go back to the jobs they love virtually. Council Member George Turner/District 4 – Echo census efforts. Hoping the Mayor’s robo-call will make a difference. Targeting reluctant population. Anticipated visiting spots to reach that population. He has gone to some service stations off Hillandale Road area, known for low turnout. Plans have been put on hold. Did take flyers and contacted On Common Ground, who stated he could use boxes that are in place. Will try and have a meeting on next Thursday. Council Member Jazzmin Cobble/District 3 – Has census numbers from week ending July 5th. Stonecrest was at 51.4%, Dekalb as a total was at 59.8% and the state as a total was at 57.7%. We are over the 50% category, but still have a ways to go. Looking forward to getting census meeting together hoping to make more progress. Looks as if we are working towards the same purpose. We should end up in a good place. Council Member Rob Turner/District 2 – Even though the city has not mandated masks, please start and keep wearing your masks. There is still a pandemic and it is getting worse. There are a lot of activities going on, you must have social distancing and need to wash your hands, wear your mask and sanitize. We want you to be around for the census and benefit from it. Take care of yourselves.  Council Member Jimmy Clanton/District 1 – Everyone be safe out there and be aware. More than that be educated for yourself. Get accurate information for yourself and stay informed. Our city is wide open. Call or email your city council member and get all the information you can and make certain it is accurate. Mayor Jason Lary – This pandemic is serious and just like Councilman Rob Turner said, it is sneaking up on everybody and the numbers are higher but people are less afraid. And should be more afraid. He is afraid. Hopefully soon Dekalb County will approve the distribution of the Covid-19 Funds. The Major and Committee have priorities put together, with the main ones being the restaurant business, our media outlets, our small business incubators that can go out and reach those small businesses that we can touch and most of all, making sure every citizen has a mask. Will make sure everyone in Stonecrest is protected. We will have a truck and go to every neighborhood, and every place we can find. Will also source kid masks. Mentioned discussions of putting plans in place as to how kids will go back to school. What happens when one kid gets sick and the whole classroom must disburse. Our lives and how we do business are changing. Speaking not only to citizens, but to council and everyone listening, we cannot run all businesses off, but all business is not good business. We must have compassion, affordable housing, and workforce housing. People are saying what they do not want gas stations, etc., but how do we prosper and grow from there. Thank Council for approving mileage rate so that we can collect the right amount of funds to be able to support our Parks and Rec System. Now the citizens of Stonecrest, those that file, will be paying less for more services like we’ve promised for years. Next up on deck is Public Works and Sanitation. And Public Safety after that. We will be a full-fledged city and will be the new Black Wall Street. We will make everyone proud and have everything going exactly the way its supposed to be. Working in harmony and in the spirit as Rob Turner teaches. That is how he wants the rest of the city to be. XVIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion 11 – made by Council Member Rob Turner to adjourn the council meeting. Seconded by Council Member Tammy Grimes. Motion passed unanimously. Read and adopted in the regular meeting of the City Council held on this _____ day of _______________, 2020.  __________________________ Mayor Jason Lary ATTEST: _______________________________ Megan P. Reid, City Clerk