Commission - Regular Meeting

Welcome to the um agenda setting session for the day for Tuesday, March the 17th, 2026. The time is 6 pm. And at this particular time before we get started would like to read our stability pledge. The way we govern ourselves is often as important as the positions we take. Our collect decision will be better when different views have had the opportunity to be fully vetted and considerate. All people have a right to be treated with respect, courtesy and openness. We value all input. We commit to conduct ourselves at all time with civility and courtesy to each other. Just want to remind the public if business has not been conducted by 8:15 there will be a 15minute break. First things um on our agenda tonight we have four things on the consent um agenda tonight for public input. If you wish to address the mayor and commission on any item listed below on the consent agenda, please go to the podium and state your name and address. Rules of the commission states that members of the public may speak once during the following portion of the agenda up to three minutes a 30 second reminder at two and a half minutes. So you'll see the light will the um light will be go green and at 30 seconds to go yellow and then red mean your three minutes will be up. So, at this particular time, is there anybody from the public that would like to um address the um four items on the consent agenda?

Okay. Are there any commissioners that want to remove anything from the consent agenda before we move into I want to add to it. you want to add? I I want to number four just for a question. Okay. Number four. Likewise. Okay. Anything else? I'll come back to you, Commissioner. Wright. Anything else on the consent agenda? And what would you like to add? Well, when we get going on the other items. Okay. Maybe we can add some more to the consent. Okay. When we go over the new business.

Okay. All righty. We also have one um planning um item which is um item number five. So at this time we'll go ahead and um go through and um item one on the consent or we'll do our we're going to do um our public uh um planning right now. So I'll be moving down. We have one item which is u requested Scott Hayes and WA engineers owner of the high-tech engineer for reszoning from industrial with conditions to industrial special use permit and industrial for level three industrial concrete batch plant on 10.14 subacres known as 330 old road proposed use of the concrete batch plant that's in commissioner um Thornton's district 9. So, I'm going to move down for a minute and we'll go over that. All right. So, our loan zoning item from the planning commission meeting of March 5th is the 330 Old Hole Road request. There's this is a two-part request. The applicants asking to change the zoning on the property and then should that be

approved, they're asking for special use permit consideration for the precise use, the concrete batch plant. Um, because that was determined to be a level three industrial use, which requires special use approval to move forward. It's a aerial view of the property at 330 Old Hall Road. Um, still remains extremely wooded. Um, sits next to a Georgia Power installation and is just down the road from G DOT's office. And this would show you the change. Uh, the current zoning is I with a condition. Um the request would be to take the I condition away and to add a special use um approval to allow for the concrete batch plant. Future land use would not change. It would stay employment. And so here is the concept plan and this is the plan that would become binding if the special use permit is approved. Um the the current zoning on the property, the eye with the condition, the condition was related to a previously approved use for essentially a tipping floor for solid waste. This was a waste transfer facility um approved in the early 2000s with a series of conditions u that never came to be. And so this current applicant is interested in the property for having a small batch concrete plant, the kind that you might see uh when G dot is doing projects up and down 441 or around the state, but this would stay here permanently and would serve a number of projects in our region. Planning Commission's evaluation found that it was compatible with the 2023 comprehensive plan, compatible with the future land use map, the zoning map, and the ordinance. And they also in the consideration of the special use request they found that the special use criteria had been satisfied um for the batch plant. So they recommended approval of the reszone and approval of the special

use permit with conditions and those conditions are as follows. that the original second condition from the 2004 reszone should be retained. And that condition was all the site design standards applicable to the EI, employment industrial, kind of our light industrial zone would apply after the resoning to I. So that helps minimize some of the impact. Um the applicant has indicated that they could work with that condition. Um that condition was originally placed on there in 2004 because of uh downwind concerns from some of the residential areas that are nearby. Um not adjacent but I I believe within a half mile or so. The second condition is that the property shall be limited to uses permitted in the EI zone except for the specific use requested for the special use permit. So that would mean essentially they have Izzoning. All the EI uses would be allowed by right. The special use would allow for the concrete batch plant and that's it.

And so that is um the planning commission recommendation for approval of the reszone, approval of the conditions of the special use permit as proposed. And that ends the staff report.

Yes.

Anybody from the audience like to make a comment on this? plan WA engineering 355 Onita Street. Uh good evening. Uh the purpose of the reszone before you is to remove the binding site plan and zoning conditions that were established in 2004 for a waste transfer facility that just never came to fruition. Uh, our client wishes to use this property to house up to two mobile concrete batch plants. [clears throat] Special use approval is being requested due to truck traffic comprising more than half of all trips generated. The proposed batch plants are the size of semi-trailers and exceed the truck traffic threshold only due to the small number of personnel that are required to operate them. The proposed use will have no adver adverse effects on neighboring properties which are all zoned for industrial and employment uses and largely vacant. And as the staff report points out, the property is close to the loop and highways 29 and 72 which will lessen any burden on local roads. The short-term plan for the property is for the placement of a single batch plant on site and if it proves itself to be successful, a second mobile plant will follow as is shown on the site plan. The trip numbers that are cited in the in the report are a theoretical maximum that are highly unlikely to ever actually be achieved. I should add that we have no issues with the proposed conditions of approval and also look forward to answering any questions you may have. Thank you.

Thank you. Any other comments from the um audience? If not, that's Commissioner Thornton's um district commissioner Thornton. Any comments like make um I'm sorry I have not really looked at this, but I know where you're talking about and it would I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I have not looked at this. I've been all into future land use maps and data centers. So, this did not jump to my radar, but I do know where you're talking about that area. It it seems that it would be very conducive to the area that you're talking about. Um it does not disturb u residents. So, um, for now, unless something really jumps out, I I could I could easily support this. Thank you, Mr. Right.

Um, yeah, my questions. Um, Bruce, if could you go up to the little square up in the right? I'm having a hard time orienting this land. Is that the best orientation to where it is u geographically? Yeah. So if you were to take Old Hall Road leaving North Avenue and can continue straight and cross along the loop and then as it bends this property would be on the right. C can you can you zoom to where I've got that square zoomed up I bet. Can you do that

because it seems to me and and and I guess part of my question is is is the railroad functional for this business? No. Okay. Um, so that's one less neighbor behind you with the railroad. But, um, but anyway, so in in the packet, Bruce, I'm not missing anything else as far as his orientation other than that. And then I can just look on Google. That's correct. And stuff. Okay. That's right. Um, but the typically we Okay. How about going to one of the maps that shows the zoning next to it? Yeah. So, is G dot one of those? So G neighbors they are

they would be to the north I believe off the we we didn't we didn't get an aerial that that was that's that was that's fine. I'll go to G public and and just get my curiosity sum summarized. Okay. Um but it does seem like an appropriate use in that area. It doesn't look like there's residential backing up to any of the properties and it's um same same zoning as you had said. That's right. With what else is there? So V I'll I'll second it when we get to it today. No no when when we get to it. When we get to it unless unless we discover something different. We got two weeks. We got two weeks. I'll have

Thank you. Any other comments from my colleagues? Okay. Thank you, Mr. Lani. Okay. Thank you. Um, there are a couple other items later that have presentations. I'm just wondering, do you want me to stay or get up and leave? We'll need the screen later, but I know we got two items perhaps where you won't need the screen. What two items? I didn't I don't have one. The land use future land use. Oh, future land use. We'll get that when we get down to the new business. Okay. So, you know, unless I got to stay the course, though. Yeah.

All right. Yep. I'll just trying to go home early. [laughter]

She had it all locked up. You had to get special permission. You want some? Do you need some peanuts? Oh, no. We will. Oh. [laughter] He was trying to stay in Gavin's spot. Cheers.

So, at this particular time, we'll go into old and new business and that would include items six through 18. Ma'am, Oh, sorry. On the consent agenda, Christine. Okay. Um, while I do that then, let me just go ahead then. We'll just go ahead and start with number one. And, um, number four. I'm sorry, number four. And there was some questions about number four. Was that what I

um, Commissioner Link?

Yeah. Um at our work session earlier this last week um we talked about uh some federal funds for housing purposes and um one of the proposals that didn't wasn't recommended for funding was um the land trusts housing counseling program. Um, I'm wondering are these new or or regular [clears throat] funds and would HCD be like doing these out to nonprofits that regularly engage in this activity or is it are are we the ones doing the counseling? Just some details about the the program that um this is funding.

So, Commissioner Link, I I actually had the [snorts] same question. all of these funding um opportunities hit the street at the same time. So, it was a bit odd to me that one of our applicants applied for housing counseling in one bucket, but didn't apply in the bucket that was specifically for housing counseling. Uh the funds are not new. They originate from a commission budget initiative a few years ago where we previously funded this out of federal funds. But as those funds became more competitive and scarce, we we shifted this to a general fund responsibility. And that applicant you speak of has previously applied for this grant and received funding under it. They just didn't submit.

They didn't apply. Just didn't apply for this one. Okay. Yeah. I was just confused because it's like seems to be the same purpose. Commissioner Mike.

Yeah. Um I probably was confused too actually having just listened to that work session. Um but I did have a question about this. I noticed that in the in this one there were some stats on performance objectives I think there. But it it listed several things for this fiscal year I believe that isn't complete yet. you know, that goes through December 31st that haven't been reached like becoming a certified house HUD housing counseling agency and hosting three financial literacy housing presentations. Are those things that is there any was there any update from the organization whether or not those were expected to be completed in [cough] the remaining six [clears throat] months of this year? Do you know what I'm talking about?

Yeah, I think we'll need to follow up. Okay. Come to the podium, please. So, one of the requirements [snorts] for this program is that they have certified housing counselors. They don't have to be a certified housing counseling agency. Um, so you have currently from FY2 and 26, you have one agency that is a certified housing counseling agency. You have one that has certified housing counselors. They are working on it, but that does take some time. Um but they are dedicated and are continuing the training that's required through HUD to do so. Okay.

And they have till June 30th and the financial literacy prison you know they were they are providing those services but they were in the first part they were building capacity to get to the point where they had more than one certified housing counselor. Okay. And since January they have started. Okay. So maybe these numbers are because it says zero, you know, here have been done. So maybe these are our performance a lag, right? Yeah. Because they're actively in the grant that doesn't end until they're we always count for this first six months of activity and the next six months would not show up until [snorts] next year. Right. Okay. Thank you,

Bob. Go ahead. Commissioner Thor. Um, and I and I I know God mean this mic ain't working. Uh, I know that this question has been asked to you before and I guess I I I just want to reiterate it. Maybe I just need to hear it again. Those who are not funded at any type of proposal, what what what are their options and what is your responsibility? for this specific type of of funding or just in general because we have CDBG what do you do all right

community partnership program and housing counseling so they had an opportunity to apply all agencies had an opportunity to apply for three different funding sources if they're not being recommended it's because it's very competitive process they might have scored lower their performance might have been lower I mean there are many different reasons why we wouldn't recommend funding Okay. Technical assistance. Thank you, Andrew. Thank you. Everybody gets comprehensive technical assistance if they ask for it. Some of them, depending upon the application that they're applying for required, they're not required for housing counseling, but we do provide

from the time that we release till the time the application is due. They're we're we're available to talk with them and meet with them. And I guess my my thought here is um and I and I wasn't being sarcastic. I just thought my question wasn't clear. I guess I am trying to make sure I understand and applicants understand even when they are not recommended, they can come to you and your office to find out where the gaps were at or where they were short at. That That's where I was headed.

Yes. If they're not recommended for funding or awarded for funding, when we send out a letter notifying them, we offer them the opportunity to schedule an appointment with us to meet and discuss the deficiencies where we would suggest that they try to strengthen their application or their activities so that when the next application is released, they're more competitive. Thank you. I thank you. I I did want to mention two two items and this is true also on item number 17 just so everyone is is clear with so and as Andrew had mentioned both this item and number 17 are um funded through general fund dollars um and

the second part of that and the reason that's important is you'll note that both of these are FY27 so even though we haven't yet presented the FY27 budget of course um this is kind of the first sort of um foray into expenditures that are associated with with those and it just has to do with timing of applications and some other kinds of things. So ultimately the action you'll be taking at the subsequent meeting is to approve the items pending the approval of the subsequent budget but it allows staff the opportunity then to start working with the applicants to make sure everything is in line so that when the budget is approved um they're ready to go. But I just want to make sure that you all know that this is kind of the first sort of request if you will for something that's going to be spent in FY27 consistent with what we've done in the past just elevating that um so that you're aware of that.

Thank you. Any other com? Yes, Commissioner Taylor. I I would like to know how are we measuring exactly like the um overall um goals of the housing counseling? like how do we know that the people who are going through these classes are actually getting housing or followup or anything like that? Are there do we have any measurables on it? They all have performance measures that they have to report on. Um right off the top of my head, I'm not sure if one of their measures is how many people are gaining or obtaining housing as a result of it.

Um we could take a look at that, but I don't have that answer right off the top of my head. But they are having to report monthly as far as what their deliverables. They say they're going to do this. This is what they're telling us they're doing. Thank you. Any other comments and my colleagues? Thank you, Miss Lloyd. Appreciate it.

All right. Okay, then. Well, we'll go ahead and move on. At this time, we're going to go ahead and go into old and new business. Um these item will be item six through 18 and then we have two item 19 and 20 that are title only. If you wish to address the mayor commission on any item listed below on the old and new business, please go to the poll and state your name and address. Rules of the commission state that members of the public may speak once during the following portion of the agenda up to three minutes with a 30 second reminder at two and a half minutes. I do want to stress a couple of things on old and new business. Um, staff has asked to remove item number seven and item number 14.

Item number seven and item number 14. All right. So, would anybody from the public like to um speak on any of those items with the exception of items seven and 14? Anyone from the public? Um, Mayor Proam, I think that since it's on the agenda, folks can speak to it. Am I correct? I think just point of order, they can speak to it, but it's good for them to know that it won't be on the agenda to vote. Okay. Thank you. I would like to um address number seven. Um, hold on. From the public.

Oh, sorry. Hopefully, we'll go down the line. Thank you. Go ahead, Commissioner Doy. You know, um this item has been on um our agenda and it was pulled right at the beginning of the meeting and the applicants because there were two well official and unofficial did not get any reason on why um I don't know for me personally I would like to know uh why number no I'm Just sorry my point order thing again. Oh, it's her point. Her point.

We were still in item six. But thank you, Commissioner. Sorry. All right. This is my girl here. She got me going. And staff, I'm glad you brought that up. Well, we'll follow. I'm sorry. Staff is gonna we're gonna talk about it. Okay. Okay. Okay. Since we did not have any public comment and um y'all y'all excuse me for not um cutting my colleague off. I didn't want to do that. I'm very respectful. So we'll start with um item number six, relocation of meal houses at 110 Pigon Lane, 106 Jamaican Highway for future affordable housing use. Again, that was a December 2nd, 2025. Pardon?

Yeah, it doesn't need to be consent. Commissioner Blake. Uh, Commissioner Thornton and I had been hoping to um secure a means of saving these homes and and moving them and um getting one of our housing partners involved. Um, but we have a deadline. We're waiting we were waiting on updated estimates. Um, and I'm wondering if the manager can speak to any of that.

Yeah, as of today because I asked Andrew to see if we had heard any. So, we have not received a response from the home mover that we had. So, I I don't know that we're going to get one from that individual. So, it may be that we either need to secure from someone else [cough] or we just have to proceed with the assumption that that's the cost of of moving the homes. Um, I don't I don't know whether the person thinks that we're serious about moving them or not because we've asked for a request once. They gave us that bid with that amount. Um, so that that's as of today, that's where we are with with that piece of it.

I mean, the thing is we have an April 15th deadline. The developer is going to start demolishing over there. And at this point, you know, I'm not sure we could meet that deadline even if we do get an acceptable new estimate. Yeah. if if he stays with that that timeline, which I think is what the indication at least that that you all had um was with that. Um we still don't actually have approval from this body to actually proceed with um with the project. Um and you know, I know there was some concern about whether permits could be secured. I mean, if this this body said proceed forward with it, we'd figure out how to secure the permits in the time that were necessary to do.

I mean, I think we're kind of in a chicken egg situation. Um, you know, we this body needs to know what the estimate would be in order to decide if we want to spend that money and then we have another partner who, you know, it's contingent upon us approving it for them to take it. So, there's there's still stuff to be worked out, but the clock is ticking. We may not make make it.

Yeah. And I still I mean again I still think it's probably relatively safe for planning purposes to assume that the cost that we've received is essentially what it's going to cost to move those homes that I don't anticipate there would be a there may be some reduction in the cost but I don't believe it's going to be nearly as significant as folks might have thought that it would be. I can't say that definitively because he hasn't given us a response back to that that request. But um most of the expenses that are associated with it, putting it on the truck, control traffic control plans, the utility relocations, that's all going to still be the the same piece of it. Could be lower, but I think it would be marginally lower. So, I mean, for the purposes of trying to kind of contemplate how much the expense would be, I think those dollar the amounts that we gave as estimates before probably are still good estimates to kind of work off of to make any kind of determination about moving forward. [clears throat]

Again, I'm going to say that the dollar amount wasn't significant um for what we matter of fact, I I had I don't know, Andrew, did you look at that stuff I sent you? I've not gotten anything from you, Commissioner.

Oh, that Here we go again. Okay. Um, I did have uh a finance person kind of break um break it down on how much we would save or or or in five years what that million dollars could equate to as far as people being stable, having good, you know, decent job. And I don't think we ever look at the long-term um um thing. We look at a million and it's but it it would have been an investment just like you put in the bank and the interest you grow off of it. And I did have I thought I Andrea and I are having a hard time communicating by email. But I did send him those figures because I wanted to see was that um a legitimate um case to be made. Um, but I did after that stormy last meeting and uh I I do apologize. Uh, after that stormy last meeting, I did call the developer. His deadline is April the 15th. I mean, maybe April the 16th, April the 20th, but it is April the 15th. And I uh I I feel as though um even if we put our pedal to the metal, we are not going to make that deadline. And um I do think that I do think that we are we are not intentional about not all of us are that intentional or know how serious the this housing situation is because we've been working on this since 2023 or longer. But I yield to not the dollar amount, but the time to get it done

um by April. I just don't see it no more. I'm not as optimistic, but I'm still as passionate. So, so my understanding at our last work session, I thought the compromise was was us to take those um duplexes that we own and to turn into single family homes and use those resources. Well, I mean, it was it wasn't a compromise at that point at that last meeting. This came up at the at the work session. At the work session, which um that was that was going to be my suggestion today. Okay. if uh HCD had not stepped up before today.

Yeah, it's a it's a separate source of Yeah, it's a separate source. But I I I'm happy with both of them. But if if this got shot down and HCD did not bring their presentation, which I believe will be voted on next month, right? Yeah. Next month. That was going to be my substitute. Okay. CDO um for the duplexes, but that's going to come next month. I'm very happy. I'm very pleased with that. And um yeah. Okay. I have one more question. Yes, sir.

We keep bringing up this $1 million amount. Um and you know, from everything I see, it's $536,699 for the relocation site prep and abatement. Yeah, I think what Commissioner Thornton is referring to is what we had also provided in a much earlier communication was what you could anticipate the re that just takes homes that aren't habitable, what it would take to actually make them habitable if we were the ones funding. So, okay. Yeah, but that's not in the in the agenda item and correct. You know, if these were to be given to another housing provider, it would be upon them to spend that money to make them happen.

Correct. If there was someone else that would cover, it would be a cost that we would not incur. It's not a public fund to make them. Yeah. I mean, the clock is ticking. Um, we'll see where we are in two weeks, I guess. Okay. Yes, ma'am. I just wanted to point out that we have several memos also since we've been talking about this that do point out to when you say the word give, we can't we can't give. And when you put all the math together, the formula is very complicated on what we can do and how we can do it. Yeah. Um so, so saying that we can give them away

is not part of that formula. So, I would I would um recommend um that uh those that aren't sure where they are on this topic is to go back and read every memo that we've been given on this topic. Can Can I and that that's I just wanted to didn't want to leave that give them away statement out there as if it was something that we could actually give away. Commissioner Link.

Um so from what I understand the ARPA if there are if we have an open ARPA contract with a provider rules are a little different. Um but you know we're we're still we'll just see where we are in two weeks. I think we need to figure out where we are in two weeks.

And that's fine with me. I like I said, I I I and I I did speak to my uh colleague um Commissioner uh right and what I think one of the things that we have and and maybe it's a um a state regulation. I don't know. And I did mention this to Bob. There seems to me be more things that we can't do than what we can do. And some of that is uh legal and as I explained to Commissioner Wright, a lot of it is just status quo. We we've been doing it all this way all of this time and we don't even go back and see if that law is still effective. But when we do status quo and don't dig deeper or at least try to do deeper we contribute to the problem because we make that response um no we can't be you know every time you say you can't that means you can't that means you're not even going to try. That means you're not going to even look to see how you can do it. How can you help people if you don't dig a little deeper um to find out what can be changed uh who in our state representative um uh offices can make some movement? No, I'm not going to agree to status quo. I'm going to agree to helping people the best I can. And when my back is up against the wall like I was on this Millhouse, it's not because we can't. it is because um we have waited too long down the pike to find um a way out. So I just want to put that out there too.

Thank you. Any other comments on item number six? Thank you all. Next item is item number seven. the name of the East Broad Street Bridge over North Wakon River as we bridge automated for the people originally January 6, 2026. And staff have requested to hold and I'll let

Yeah. And so this may answer some of the questions that you all had. The if you remember the last time we actually removed this item, it was because there had been a notification requirement that had not been met. So that was why we had taken it off. At that meeting there was quite a bit of discussion among you all about the desire. There were kind of for lack of a better description sort of two competing interests on naming this bridge and possibly something else. I think it was Commissioner Davenport had asked for some time to actually reconvene with the family members and others that were out there. So we have held the publication that is required waiting for that to occur. That hasn't occurred yet which is fine. So, what we're ultimately looking for is probably a 90-day delay because what that would do is that would give Commissioner Davenport another 30 days to kind of have that conversation. Depending on what comes out of that, then the 60-day notice will proceed at that point. So, that's ultimately why we've said we'd like to have it come off really for that 90-day window.

Yes. Okay. So, so if if if this had proceeded to um next month for a vote, we still would have to do a public notice. There has to be a public notice wherever we settle and it has to be a 60-day um publication. That's fine. Yes. Commissioner Dport, any comments? No. No, sir. Okay. All right. So, staff will um request we put a hold for 90 days on um item number seven. I think hold for 30 days or 60 days already. No, it it'll be it'll be because what it'll do within the 30 days, we'll try to we'll work with you to figure out. Okay.

What is it going to be named by by whom? And then the results of that will require a 60-day notification. 60day public notice. Yeah. 90 days. Okay. Okay. Thank you all.

Next item is item number eight, proposed 2045 future land use map update. And Mr. Lonnie will come back and I will step back down. Yeah, but it makes me could be the bridge.

All right.

Um, I am going to spare you a long- winded presentation tonight. I just wanted to give you a status report on where we are since uh this item was held at your February voting session. Um, we had a quick overview of why we were doing this and we've had good conversation with uh a number of commissioners since the February meeting revisiting these big ideas for why we're doing the future land use map. Um, kind of walking through our process so far. Um, this all rests with you at this point and like I say, the conversations we've had have been really productive. Um, a reminder, the planning commission took action on this and they sent it forward to you with a recommendation of approval for the map itself for the future land use categories and the narrative descriptions of each of those. And then table 9-9.4 that's out of our um development code that is a compatibility matrix that translates the future land use into zoning. Um, and that produced this map. Here's the compatibility matrix. And so those commissioner requested edits that have been coming in. We've had a number of discussions and what you have in a handout before you I'm going to show on the screen also. Um at this point what we have developed is what we've been calling the linkers right co. Um, and the the CDDO itself has not been written, but we have the map changes that have been discussed with each of these commissioners for their districts. So, what you see on the screen and like you say in your packet there, um, we have a map for district 2 and there are a number of inset um, boxes on here that are numbered. That sheet that's on top of your packet is an itemized list of those property bypropy changes um that were worked through with these three commissioners.

Um but there are all those changes are what's represented on these maps. So the maps you have are reflective of those changes. So this is for district two. [clears throat] Come on. [cough] Commissioner Meyers district 8, there was one property that was changed and you can kind of see the inset map number seven towards the middle of the screen near the vet school which is the big bigish navy blue box. Um this is that property kind of at the terminus of College Station Road.

The terminus and then district four had a handful of changes. All of them are kind of clustered up towards the top of the screen in inset box 8. Um, a number of those were in a joint discussion um between commissioners link and Wright. Um, and those were worked through and we've mapped them. And then Commissioner Meyers also had a text change to two of the descriptions, one for minor corridor and one change for mixed density residential. And the theme of the change is remarkably similar in both of the changes and that is to weave in the notion of green spaces and plazas and activated third spaces in these poor in these um designations. So the language that was changed and suggested to be changed is in green on the screen.

There you go. Here you go. Um so at this point this is what we have in the form of a commission defined option to alter the map. Um, barring some other changes that may come to light, this is what will be coming forward to you. I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have about next steps and and what is likely to happen between now and the April vote. Okay, Commissioner.

Yeah. Um, I want to thank staff for all their patience and the many hours they've spent with me and Commissioner Wright also for and we had a really productive joint meeting with some of our constituents in the Cobb Boulevard nexus. Um because some of the primary concerns were, you know, how the very dense downtown uh land use meets these very traditional historic neighborhoods with much smaller scale um construction and um and I think we we've came up with something that works for us. Um we should be hearing from some of the constituents with some comments from the neighborhood association. Um, I expect that to happen. Um, I want to point out that another thing that I, um, I requested changed was the area around Lelay Park, which was initially on the future land use map as downtown. Um, I asked that it be changed to neighborhood res mixed density residential. That's another area where you know you can get that buffer between downtown and your residential neighborhoods and and you know the hope is that that will maintain the character of that area and and prevent the really tall dense student housing oriented future development. Um, and there's also the little historic neighborhood in the Elizabeth Street area, and um, I asked that that retain a um, neighborhood residential designation in the hopes of retaining that small historic neighborhood. Um, there was some areas on um, Hawthorne Extension. you know, we've had some zoning questions there. Um, where that commercial corridor had grabbed the residential single family

residential properties behind it. Um, so I asked that the land use be um, reverted to neighborhood residential. Um, some of that's on on the Donna Street neighborhood as well, which is a really sweet little single family neighborhood off of Hawthorne. Um, I think those there were a couple Prince Avenue properties that we um asked go to a minor corridor that were downtown. Um, you know, there's the little um vet office and the historic building where the flag pole is. Um, we feel like that's an area that that is, you know, deserves to be that buffer between downtown and the, you know, historic neighborhoods. So, um, I think that kind of covers it. Um, but I want to thank Commissioner Myers for her language here. This is great. [laughter] I'm I'm really glad you came up with that, um, with the the addition of, um, the idea of green space in in these land uses.

Commissioner R. Um, I think it's really appropriate to have all the green up there today. Just saying. I think

that's why I didn't wear nicely [laughter] with the day. Um I I I did we did I feel like we used the time wisely when we uh delayed this to meet so one I could try to try to understand what Melissa's thinking but I I think I I got got the gist of it as well as understanding how I wanted that applied or not applied in my area close to Bottle Works. And so those changes were made um um very interactively uh with staff and engaging there and helping us understand. Um on that note, I totally forgot to add a change that Commissioner Hamby wanted. might you be able to zoom in to the five points area so I can just give you guys a heads up of a detail that's going to come forward because once I explained to Commissioner Hamby this the philosophy that Commissioner link and I were using in those more walkable business areas um he had wanted that applied on Lumpin leaving five points area so I don't that that's with what I have prepared tonight. Okay. All right. The five points area is right next to the

We don't have our packet. So, I won't go into any of this detail, but just y'all know that that same philosophy is I'll be meeting with Bruce so that I can show you where that gray turning to yellow is like we were doing around bottle works and the the you know, walkability stuff there and it not being a minor corridor type thing. But um just because I can zoom in on it on my packet doesn't mean you can is what you're telling me. That's right. Okay. All right. Understood. So um but if anybody has any questions about these changes that uh just just let us know again we have two weeks till uh we'll hopefully but I think we're there. We are so close to getting this over the finish line.

Commissioners and I'll come back to you.

Yeah. Um, thank everyone for all of their work. Of course, we repeat that. Um, I do want to say that one of the things, and there's only one little parcel here for um for district 8, but I think the same thing applies in different areas where you have a there's a parcel that I'm I'm referring to here, which is actually presently zoned RS25. Um, and the suggestion here is to change it from minor corridor to traditional neighborhood. And I think what people have to realize is remember again and again and again is that the future land use uh is is not the zoning but it re it provides the argument for asking for a reszone. And in fact, with the neighborhood residential for this area, for example, you can argue using neighborhood residential that it could be RM1 or RS5 with a whole lot more density. Um, and so I think that's important for people to realize and really the word when you're talking about the buffer, the step down, um, you know, that's that's what a lot of this is about. Um, in terms of the wording, I want to thank my um my very diligent future land use member, Kent Middleton, for pointing this out to me. And then my my own studio is looking at all the descriptions of the different categories. Um, and these two were ones that looked that did not mention the green space and the walkability in there, even though it made logical sense. Um, and I think that was just an oversight. There's so many moving pieces to this. So, it's um, it actually makes it more parallel with some of the other categories in that it's addresses the walking, play areas, green space, and

make it so that even in these denser places, it's also livable as well. Um so should I assume then from my colleagues as well that the rest of you are you know so the rest of you do not have play you know changes and that we're going to move forward with this um I hope surprise you

you're gonna [laughter] look you know because that that I mean like I only had that one thing but um you know Melissa had a whole that's a whole lot of changes little changes there but that you know usually the the categories that are being changed there's a big overlap app in what kind of zoning is allowed in those for the most part uh with dropping off or adding some of the things at the extreme side. So, um I hope we have this all together and settle it and we can you know work uh without any surprises in April. Commissioner Link not comm you commission

Commissioner Thornton. Go ahead. I've already spoken. Um, I was really hoping that it would have been Link Meyers Wright and Thornton um CDO, but because I'm still trying to get infrastructure, sewer and water in my area, um, it didn't fit. Is this still time? No, no, no, no. It didn't fit with Link Meers, right, and Thornton. It's Thornton by herself. Okay. And I am working with the staff. Uh we we chose not to um it's still some more work to be had. Okay.

So where you're able to do green space and um plazas, we're still trying to figure out water and sewer. So that's why ours will probably stand alone. But there will be something from um district nine that I hope we get your support. But yours were more these well yours is more whatever but uh ours ours are be strictly around infrastructure and sewer and water and the commissioner's been crashing. She's been working with us on this. Okay.

Through the same period you all have as well. So it's just it's Oh, y'all opened the door when when you did that. I'm like, "Okay, let me go in there." So you opened the door for it. So yes. Um, Commissioner Link.

Yeah. Um, I I'd like to get an idea of next steps. Um, you know, in some of the conversations I've had with my constituents, we we definitely the the number of land uses C categories has expanded and you have a lot of overlap in zoning. And so when we are moving on to our next step, the best way I've I've been able to explain it is this land use is kind of a formbbased code. You know, it it does some of the criteria does talk about number of stories and things like that. Um and and but the land use would guide whether or not a particular zoning or design would be approved in a reszone. Um so how how do we move forward in embedding that in code? Like right now it seems kind of like you know it would be up to the planning commission but it's not embedded in code you know like minor corridor encourages two to four story pro buildings basically. Um, so if someone were to come in and ask for a reszone to CN on a minor corridor, CN allows up to six stories. like and it but does the is the land is the planning commission obligated to not approve a sixstory building on a minor corridor um by code or is it just kind of willy-nilly up to them or how do we get to a place where that these new land use

designations are embedded into code and are are are clearly influencing our reszones and the design of new structures in in rezoning.

Okay. I'll take a swing. So the language that you have some of it on the screen is qualitative in nature. So it's it's these are goal statements. These are these are things we aspire to. Um heights can be for context when they're referenced, but they're not law. So the zoning categories that would implement this have the ability to work with these qualitative statements but then put something in place that maybe is slightly different but it meets the spirit of what that was said for future land use. So you've already authorized a resolution at your last meeting that set us in motion working on some text amendments actually that are going to help implement a lot of the goals that are in the future land use maps. to the GI subcommittee's action plan. Um we're we're already working on that. The planning commission heard that presentation at their meeting this month. Um there is a subcommittee that's been formed to start drafting text amendments that will hit the mark on that resolution. But there are also things that are going to implement the goals of this future land use map. The other thing um that is a implementation tool are small area plans where we can look at corridors, we can look at neighborhoods, we can start to consider is it something that needs its own unique zoning district or perhaps an overlay which is also a tool that we have in our code to be able to use where we have context that's maybe different on one corridor than another. we can begin to hit some of these marks with things that we would bring to you through the planning commission to look at each qualitative difference in those areas. We're already working on the Alps Hawthorne corridor um through that connect um grant and and that process is looking at land use. So coming off the heels of the North Avenue project where land use was was not looked at comprehensively with the corridor, this is what we're going to do differently with the Alps Hawthorne project is look

at land use and the corridor improvements and the future land use map is going to help inform that as well. And and maybe another piece I would add to it also is there's also a kind of private sector opportunity or response too because someone could come in seek a reasonzoning for example to a plan development that would actually attempt to implement the the goals that are in that piece absent or while those other activities are going on. So there's a couple different avenues depending on how it ultimately gets approached whether it's through a planning or through an ordinance text amendment or through private development. So I think you have kind of those three those three options. Okay.

Um what I do want to add and I've said this I still think somewhere along the line of zoning and our codes don't have to be updated. um you know to Commissioner Link's point you know how we tile that in um somewhere with our coding you know our zoning codes are 30 years old we need to really bring them up to today's standard and we need somewhere along line we got to start planning that and start working on those things when we talking about future land use how that's you know what that's going to look like so I think we need to be mindful of that moving forward commissioner Thornton I think what um Bruce Lonnie is saying that you have started working on zoning revisions and ideas. There's a committee um from the git committee and then I think you added some folk from the planning commission.

Is that right? Now, I will say that I hope that the planning commission also reflects um their um insight will look how discriminatory some of our zoning codes are, if that makes sense. Um I'm going just leave it like that. That's probably a conversation I need to have with Bob. But they are working from what I understand, Bob, on reviewing and revising zoning code. The zoning code.

Yeah. And I think you'll to kind of pick up on both of those what what the commissioner said and what Bruce has indicated and I'll have a little bit more of this in my update this week, but I think um we anticipate the first couple of those coming forward in this summer. So, I mean, I think there's some aspects that could move sooner than others. Part of what we're trying to we're our initial focus is on those aspects that we can change that will directly affect and benefit housing. So, that that's kind of the priority. And then after that, it probably is going to be best to bring things forward in packages rather than every month you've got a tax amendment coming forward. But the housing ones have kind of been accelerated so that we can move quicker on those. And again, two of those will be coming forward as soon as this summer.

Okay. Any other comments, commissioners? Thank you, Mr. Thank you.

Okay. Moving right along, we'll go ahead and start um with item number nine, which is um tax amendment title n of code of ordinance to regarding data centers March 3rd, 2026. Um any comments from commission? Yes, Commissioner Wright. Um if if nobody has any comments, is it can we put it on consent or does it need to be out there longer? I plan on getting a memo out to y'all. Okay. First of next week, hopefully on Monday, answering all the questions that you had. Okay. And hopefully that will inform

uh some of the changes you want to recommend going back to the planning commission. Okay. Yeah. I think that because remember the we're marching toward Yes. a return back to the planning commission with further instructions. But this is what we need in place while that timeline is happening. Well, the the moratorum was already extended. Yeah. Okay. Yes.

Yeah. I just I was I was just clarifying that process again. So when it comes back up, I mean, theoretically, we could all go, "Hey, we read your memo and we love it and let's forget about sending it back and approve it or we could send it back to the say we want to do we t what we send it we vote to what table to send it back to the planning commission. He can't already tabled it. So you have to Okay. Right. We [cough] send it back to the planning commission with some direction on looking into A, B, and C. Yes. Okay. Those are Okay. Thank you.

Okay. Thank you. At this time, um, we'll go go ahead and go into new business. Item number 10, Fair Haven to Brooklyn Center local historic landmark destination. Move to consent. That can't be on consent, right? Because it's a public hearing or that's that can't be on consent. Okay. Okay. We'll leave off. All right. Down to 11. 11. AC vision zero safety action plan. Yeah. I'd love consent. Yes. For me. Yeah. I'd love to put it on consent, but I also want to speak to it right now.

Okay. Okay. We'll have Commissioner Meer.

Okay. Um, I [clears throat] want to I want to say thank you to the clerk of commission for this hard copy of this first of all because it's a really good report and and I did put some ideas together because it really prompted a lot of thought on my part. Um, and so, you know, uh, humor me if this is goes this few seconds over three minutes. I want to thank TPW for their efforts in getting this grant for the the grant that that funded this plan. um one that I hope we keep on our shelves and gets dogeared. It's really important to know that this was not funded from our local budget and it is not money that could have been spent on something else. And staff, you just correct me if I say anything that's wrong here. Okay. It's also important to know that this plan like in order to apply for a whole bunch of uh implementation grants that actually build stuff, you have to have this plan. And so it is step one in getting potentially millions of dollars. Um what's really cool about it is the way it lines up with this T-Lost because you also for all these plan these these grants that you can get that go from like 5 million to 30 million um you have to have 20% of the funding. Well several of the T-splas projects for 2026 line up with the dangerous corridors here. So that means that TBW can apply for projects where there's an overlap between what's outlined in the plan and what's in our T- bloss and either uh you know save some T- splash money or make sure we have enough money to expand or or follow through on everything we said we were going to do. Um so that's that's one thing. Um, I also want to make I'm going on a little touchy territory here, but I want to say that this safe streets federal grant specifically says that they uh the money should be used to

eliminate roadway fatalities and injuries for all users and then list pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users users, motorcyclists, personal conveyance and micromobility users. I guess that's all the scooters and commercial operators. And that's really good because we've had so we've had like 73 deaths since 2019 and 345 crashes since then. Um, and I want to say something gently here. I want to take a moment to say that I hope we can stop blaming the money spent on bike safety and lanes for our not having solved all the many social challenges in Athens. something I've heard a lot and I hear on the campaign trail when I'm listening to stuff because really the record needs to be corrected because I don't believe any money this correction needed any money from the general budget has been used on bike infrastructure since I join joined the commission it needs to be so understood that any money received for federal transportation grants and from tlast which is s which is the primary source for bike and pedestrian project safety can only be spent on transportation projects. So that means we can't move that money around to homelessness or affordable housing or youth programming or water or sewer lines. We need to work on those issues and I am here to work on those with you all. But we can't do that by taking the money we use to fund this plan or for those transportation things. And finally, I got to talk about this poor man who was who died just in the last month over on Olympic Drive on an ebike. He was returning from his job at Panda Express by the Kroger's on Highway 29. He was married and a father of a four-year-old. He was using I looked this up. He was using an ebike. It had that had front and back lights for transportation. And why was he doing

this? This is my my sum. You know what I'm thinking. It's probably because in total it cost him about $300 to $500 to buy that ebike. And that's less than the cost of a car for a month. Okay? So, we talk about affordable housing all the time, but we need to acknowledge the need for affordable transportation and we need to make it safe, whether it's walking, biking, or using the bus. I want to work on all the issues, but I want to stop demonizing the money that we spend on sidewalks and and more importantly, the ones we demonize on bikes. So, um that's all I have to say. Hopefully, I kept it uh light enough. Um, and I just urge everyone to really read this report. It's very helpful report.

Mr. Thornton,

I hope I don't demonize the bikes now. Um, I don't think anybody or let me know. I don't know if I don't I know I don't I think that I have this this stereotype that I don't like bikes or I you know, it's not that at all. Um, when I look at my district, uh, you can't walk down the street or on a pavement because there's no pavement. Um, I do have some figures on what we spent on bike paths, and I will make sure you get it again because Sarah got it for me before. She can get it again on how much we have put in bike paths. trails compared to infrastructure. Now, I think that is one thing that we can all agree to is that the same passion emphases, maybe we can share that with housing and pavement. So, you're making us when you said that it sounded like it was more of a divide and it's not a divide. The more you said, I don't want to demonize, you made it more demonic. Um,

it's just as important. Bikes are just as important. I wish I could ride a bike. I really do. But I but I did do that, but I sure enough know I need a roof over my head. Um, so it's it's not that. But I'm going to give you those figures and you you can explain it to all of us how and why and when we put more into bike paths, trails and and them little paths than we did on infrastructure. Okay. Okay. Okay.

Commissioner Wright. Um yeah, I I fully support this and um what I want to emphasize and make sure we don't lose track of because engineering is such a big part of this in the built infrastructure. The education and the enforcement has got to maintain a high priority in here. Let me just run through a little list from the Wright family. 1995 I was hit headon on campus from a gentleman who was not paying attention. took the turn in my lane, which I was already in.

I lose my car. I'm in physical therapy. It can turn your world upside down without it killing you. And so, we're talking about zero, which seems to me to be obvious that we want no zero deaths. But it could turn your world upside down. Let's go to 2015 when my son's riding his bike to Clark Central and the distracted driver there turns right on from Millage onto Lumpin takes my son down with his bike. This is the kind of thing it's a distracted driver. We have got to punish him. We've got to find him. We got to let people know to pay attention when you're driving a car. 2014, my husband who cycles to his job at UG at the art department, he's waiting his turn in the left turning lane with his bike and the young lady behind him coming up to the left lane doesn't see him. Is she distracted? I believe so. He quit riding his bike and started walking to school, walking to work. It um 2019, my son's in the left turning lane on Barnett Scholes waiting his turn to go through the light safely. He watches a car coming towards him. It drifts from the left l the lane where the curb is into the next lane and then it's in the turning lane of facing him and comes straight through. Hits him head on. She flips upside down. Her car is totaled. She walks away. His car is total. He walks away. His passenger walks away. These people's worlds are turned upside down. I don't know if she had another car for her work. Another distracted driver. And then um 2024 I'm driving on Baxter in my lane and a young lady comes into the left lane and doesn't even acknowledge my presence there. She hits me head on. I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention. She tells me, "Y'all, this this turns people's worlds upside down. They're losing. Everybody

knows you can't replace a car once it's been total from insurance. Um, we have got to have education for people and enforcement of hands-free driving and people paying attention when they're driving. And then the no, nobody here was impaired, but the impaired drivers, them as well. This is um a serious thing that we have got to I'm going to ask and try to learn if we can't have stricter um citations and things for the distracted drivers and help with the enforcement um policy of it. Um because I don't think the tickets that are being written are um affecting the people's behavior at all. And um yes, zero deaths for sure, but y'all just an accident. I' I've had enough. We all walked away thankfully, but it does shake ship.

Thank you, Commissioner Blake. Yeah, I mean I agree with Commissioner Wright. I would like some more information on enforcement. I mean, the gentleman who was hit on the ebike and killed, apparently the driver who hit him had six DUIs under his belt. Crazy.

Like I I don't understand how anybody like that keeps a license. Um, and some of these I mean my mother was hit in a crosswalk by a distracted driver who was not looking where he was going. He was looking at the traffic coming at him on a left turn and yeah, it turned our family's life upside down. She had a stroke and a head injury and is still not never the same in the last two years of my father's life. It it really robbed him of her care in a lot of ways. Um, so yeah, I mean this This Vision Zero plan is great and we need to change our roads and make it harder for people to drive fast, but I do believe we need to ramp up enforcement because, you know, we've got the street racers. I hear them on Prince Avenue every night. I they they speed through some of our neighborhoods. Um I see the donuts in the middle of North Avenue.

Um you know, and speaking of North Avenue, we thank God that grant was renewed. Now, we have a document that can inform us moving forward with significant changes to that corridor because there are lots of deaths and accidents and injuries on that corridor. There was one right around Christmas time. I believe it was last year, we had somebody jump the curb up onto the sidewalk and kill someone. Um, we've had multiple pedestrians killed crossing that road. Um, so, you know, we have some clear data and recommendations. um and objectives in this document that can clearly inform us of how we proceed forward in addressing that corridor.

So, we're going to take one motion slab and then we move on. All right, Commissioner Mar. [laughter] Hi. Yeah. Um I'm going to say something that uh Commissioner um Thornton is going to be surprised at me saying. Um the truth is I wasn't on the commission for the when they when it was all put together for T+ 2023. I think I was like you just coming on. But the fact of the matter is when I looked at that list I said to myself that's going to create backlash. I said because there is too much there on there. Um and I I will admit that to you. I said that I've probably said it to some other people but it was when I was

wait let's all be clear what you're talking about. What I mean is that the proportion like this time the proportion of the T-spos projects now it's much more we have a lot on pavement we have a lot on other things and such and back then I remember saying to myself there's going to be backlash to this and that's one of the reasons why last year I pushed and let's make sure we have the pavement we have this we have that um which was you know so I I do want to tell you that I am aware of that as well Um, and I remember having thought that I'll probably be, you know, it'll probably be all commented on on Reddit now tonight. But, um, but that's that's the reality. And here here we are today. So, what I'm hoping is we can work together. You know, I've been there for you for affordable housing things. I will still work with that um, and so forth. But all actually the really the real big point here is TPW and the consultants. You guys did a great job. This is a really good um a good report. There's a lot of specifics in here to work with and I really I really appreciate that and I think there's a lot of opportunities for the county to get more money in here based on this report. Um and that'll make it easier for so we can use money in other directions.

We we need to move on. I think we I just wanted to tell you welcome. Okay. Okay. Consent or not? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. You get that? You get that, Miss Christie. Thank you. Next item. Item number 12, North Avenue T advisory committee community identified priority list. Consent. Consent. It's consent but a comment. Oh no. Okay.

Um I hear the uh but I uh commissioners are not encouraged to be involved with uh the TADS and the TAG groups. Not encouraged. We're we can go we can say something, but we're not encouraged. And when I looked at the uh questionnaire, the survey that went out, it seemed like cut and paste and very generic. I cannot understand why in my district there was not a question about homelessness. Homelessness is the root of North Avenue and there is nothing on our identified priority list that addresses homelessness. So, I just want to put that out there that um all the districts are different. They are different and nobody has the homeless population like I do.

That's true.

Mayor voted when the tax were established to have four priority areas for the funds to be used. One was affordable housing, which isn't it I mean there's some overlap with homelessness, but it but it but it isn't necessarily homelessness. one is public infrastructure, one is economic development partnerships, and the fourth is um youth development with CCSD. But I will say looking at the survey results from this district, um homelessness is mentioned as as one of the things that community members are mentioning as part of um the priority list and what they're noticing the needs for the district are. And we did that because some of our um commit uh some of our TAD members actually went out and did make sure people filled out surveys. And that's probably why homelessness is is mentioned but is not listed as a priority. And I do think that even though the commission voted on those four things, there's got to be a line that says other because we probably might have missed something like homelessness. But it's no no issue. We'll we'll tackle it. But I did want to bring that and Daniel, you've done a great job.

Yeah, Daniel got out and rode the transit lines to um ask people to fill out the survey. So, I I do want to give Daniel a shout out and thank him for all of his efforts along with the dad committee members to gather input. Commissioner Plank. Yeah. Um, I mean B is housing priorities and number 300 under B is transitional housing and assistance for unhoused individuals and families. Um, I mean to me that speaks to homelessness. Um, I'm just looking at the regular um priority list here. Oh, the the what what they were asked. I mean, homelessness, you know, fell under housing priorities and clearly people mentioned we got it. Homelessness.

We got it. Um, I mean, again, you know, we've got that North Avenue corridor. We've got this list of public infrastructure needs that include safer sidewalks and crosswalks and trees, improved lighting, um, public transit when and shelters. Those are the kinds of things that we can keep in mind as we address that. you know, we need to start thinking of all these um plans and projects and funding sources working together. Commissioner Danport, you had your hand up. Oh, okay. Consent. Consent. Thank you. [laughter]

Next item on item number 13 for the bid 2602, transit hybrid bus energy storage system rehabilitation. Consent consent for the question. So [laughter] I know. All right, y'all. What's your question, Commissioner? Just out of on history on five and six, it says on trans assault replacement of two diesel electric hybrid bus battery packs due to failure. Um, six ESS units for the 2018 diesel electric hybrid fluid will be replaced in the FY26 as part of the the midlife. So, is it two battery packs have been replaced or six? Six. Okay. Six. That's it. Allison.

Yeah. Alison, just Allison Bax consent, consent. Um item 14, staff asked to pull but um Georgia Transportation Trust Fund Program application, but any questions from co my colleagues consent pull staff want to pull it. Is it gonna come back? You want to come comment on it, Andrew?

Sure. Uh Georgia DOT has indicated that they have some would like some further discussion on what the grant funds are used for. Because it's a a portionment grant, we don't feel like any funding is at risk of being lost. And so once we've had those discussions and and kind of look at the audit and their plan, we'll come back with a revised approach. Sorry, I got a little excited. looking forward to. All right. Next item number 15, splash 2020 project 25 east side library project award proposed construction service contract award [snorts] we should pull that pull that also

pricing. Okay. I have one question

one quick question. Could you guys uh include like you did for Satderfield Park, you have a you have a schematic of the park stuff in the next one, but you don't have any schematic of the uh library nor that crosswalk. So, if there is any schematic to throw in there for us, um I just want to say we are really excited about this this uh you know this construction bid. So, I hope we have something to vote on and that that construction does start this summer. Um, and that it opens in the summer of 2027. Um, which, you know, we want to keep in mind as we work on the budget for next year so that someone is um planning on how to manage and open that and where to put the shelving units and such.

Yeah. And I'm just going to again reiterate that right now everything remains on schedule because I know there's been some questions about that and it's on schedule. This is we anticipated April is when we would bring this forward and that's when we'll do and Great. Great. All if if all goes according to plan I am so excited. You got Yes, Commissioner.

I just I just wanted to ask a question since I'm still new. Um because this I am still new. Um this is a spelos project right but my so my question is because it's um a library and it's helping all of the youth of Athens jud is there any way that we can get like a IG with the school board for them to pay for half of it or mind my business? I don't I think that might be difficult but we could certainly we could we could certainly approach them and see if they'd be willing to. That's right. Let's share the cost.

I don't know I don't know enough I don't say that off the cuff. I don't know if they can use that funding in that manner. I think there's probably restrictions on what the board of education can do with funds, but yeah, we need to start some partnerships some money that there's got to be something I mean programming and after school stuff we could when it comes to staffing it, we maybe should talk about partnerships. [cough] Commissioner Dport, I just got a question. Um, so it looks like when I was reading the agenda that by April we would have we would have had decided who's going to be the contract because there's a March 18th deadline.

So that's why I was like, can we just put it on consent because it will probably have a a bidder by April April by board meeting. Yeah. But is that is that our timeline? Wouldn't staff what y'all recommend staff? I I would not recommend consent because we don't know if those bids will be within the context of the budget and then Georgia procurement law. It's just best to have everything stand alone. Okay. Okay. Keep it off off consent. Okay. 16. Um notice 2020 project Scatterfield Park Improvement consent. Yes. Consent. Yep.

Thank you. Item number 17, community partnership program funding recommendations. I know there may be some questions about that. Um, my colleague, can we just pull it? Keep it up. We don't have any There's nothing there yet. Well, okay. When are we going when do we This is the agreement with the classic center authority. Are we on that one? Oh, okay. This is partnership. I jumped ahead. I jumped ahead. You jumped ahead. Okay. I jumped way ahead. You jumped ahead. What? This is our community partnership program. We talked about it. Yeah. Yeah. No, I would like to talk about it a little bit more, but I don't with our work session. That's not so consent or not? Not for me. Nope. I say no. Okay.

Not yet. Miss Christine, you got that? Thank you. Now, item number 18, victims of crime act grant renewal for solicitor general's office. Consent. Consent. Okay. And again, um, that's what we did. Hold on. Item 19 and 20 is title only. There won't be any um um talk on that. All righty. So, let's go back to Mayor Perm. Yes. Can we ask the manager's office when we will get number 19 because I like it seems like that could be a that's a yes and 20 but the 19 looks what

when when we have it. I mean, I sent the uh draft of the intergovernmental agreement to the classic center authority today related to funding of this uh the arena district development facilitator and uh I'm happy to share it with you. I got where they I don't anticipate there'll be any issues with them. I'm happy to send it out to you if you'd like. I'll send out first thing in the morning to all you. Okay, that'd be great. Have any of the commissioners got um working on the agenda item? Okay. So, be ready by So, nobody have a copy right now. That's why it's title. If it's not ready, why don't why don't we just put it push it? Excuse me.

If it's not ready, why not push it? There's a deadline for submitting agendas. Um, the mayor sets the agenda. He wants it on the agenda. Yeah. He wants to usurp the rules. Okay. Well, he just has it. No, he Okay. So, it'll be We got two weeks till the vote, right? Will it be on the um will it be added to the agenda? I that's that's the mayor's call. Oh, it will. It was working on it in in a sufficient time for a good step. I would think it would be, but again, I'm not going to speak for the mayor. I can't speak.

I mean, I I certainly anticipate from what the attorney has explained unless there's something that we're missing. I would fully anticipate it will be included in the agenda packet just like you would all the other items. I guess I was I guess I was asking if in advance of the Thursday before the Tuesday, you know, like sufficient time for for residents to read it. I mean, it sounds like Well, I'll send the AIG out to y'all tomorrow. I just sent the class center authority today and you can I can't speak to when the agenda item will be ready. Okay. But the IGA pretty much summarizes everything if you read the whereas clauses,

right? Okay. Can we get a motion? Sure. I can speak to the last item really quickly. Number 20. You want to title? I thought I said I said I thought I said 19.

Oh, I'm sorry. It's a n it's related to the national opioid settlement uh involving six regional distributors and defendants. Uh as you know from time to time y'all been asked to approve resolutions to allow us to join in these settlements. Uh we're represented by uh uh the local firm here has been representing since before I got here in this litigation and it's just allowing us participate in this class action settlement. So, uh, uh, I anticipate that Courtney will have that resolution ready, uh, by the end of the week and I'll tell her to send it out to you, but it will be pretty much the same as the others. Do we know what the amount is, Judge? I don't. Okay.

And Jud, will will the um the money that comes from it, will it be like an RFP process for people who That'll be up to the manager's office. There are certain things that money can be used for. It's restricted, but I'm not sure. Oh, I know Bob has requested information about how much money is available because that money's been accumulating account and it's probably has a plan for so I talked briefly about that kind of in sort of the one-year plan going forward. So I would anticipate shortly after the budget approval bringing some kind of work session item four to talk about um kind of plans move forward. Okay. Okay. Can I get a motion to adjourn? So

move second. Hour and a half. Yeah.