City Council - Regular Meeting

Okay, the first is from Tong Shinshi who will be followed by Shong Shen. Come to the podium please. Come forward to the podium, please. Good evening, council man. My name is Inan and I'm the massage owner of uh Sandy Springs and uh my address is a 5944 Rosville Road and uh I'm here tonight to present some licensed massage business in Sunny Sprint and we are including TJ massage solution massage bar and the head to toe spar sis spring may massage thought just we want to uh share a request with you tonight. We hope as the city to continue the San Spring per permit system will maintain strong enforcements. Fourth, we purchase the city and the San Spring Police Department for your continue work to keeping our community safe and maintain professionally uh standards. They also is important to us as well. We

fully support regulations lower enforcement and follow the rules in the massage induced. We strongly oppose illegal massage business. As a licensed business owner, we are committed to open things legally and working close with the cities. Uh at this time we would like to share a concerns due to the recent change to the permit system. Uh some massage uh therapy who have worked legally for many years are no longer able to work. There are hardworking people who follow the laws. They just want to continue their work legally and support their family. However, the permits has expired and now can uh and can now be renewed. So I hope as to the city to concern keeping the permit system in place or providing a reasonable transition periods so licensed business and the therapy can continue to optate legally. Be clear, we are now asked for law uh rules. We spoke impressment um in stationation and a lower in statements. Uh business war the rule laws should continue to face penalties. Additionally, we also wanting to agree to increase the uh premier fee to improve enforcements. We are now be part of the solution. Um we want to be a part of the solution now part of the problem. We want we also want to submit a ginger lighter from our business we present. Thank you for your time and listening.

Thank you. Yes. Okay. So do I h do I also have the some of the paperwork required to it's we recorded it so we've got it. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you so much. Next. All right. Next we have Dante Carter. Mr. Carter.

Good evening. Good evening. Excuse me. Good evening. Uh, Mayor Paul, city councilman. I just wanted to begin by first just thanking uh, Councilman Andrew Chinsky for coming out to the Black History Month that we kind of put together late notice. Uh, Councilwoman Dr. Kelly, um, your office coming by. Thank you. Uh, Mayor Paul, I know you said you had um previously scheduled city programming, so completely understand and um I just want y'all to know that meant something. Um, you know, this wasn't a gotcha moment or political theater. Um, it was answering a call that came from within the community to do more for Black History Month. Um, and because of that request from the community, um, I'm at hoping the city will answer that call as well. Um, there's real black history here, real local living history. Um, from Miss Shirley Puit, the oldest black resident in Sandy Springs, to Melvin Peters, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient. They were born at Grady, raised in DeWalt's Alley. Their lives were shaped by people like Warren Johnson, a formerly enslaved man who became an advocate for education in North Fton. The Alpharetta Colored School that he helped to found educated children from Dwad Alley and carries on that legacy. In 1965, Peters and 11 of his teammates won the Georgia State basketball championship. They were the first team, regardless of race, from North County to win a statewide title. Their recognition came in 2023, but it did not come from the city of Sandy Springs. That matters because many of those young men were from right here in this city. That's black history. Kind of skipped ahead. I apologize. What I'm hoping to do here is to not pass blame. It's about context um and ensuring that we can push my two ask um are ask that came from within the community that we have a citywide function for Black History Month um that

the city will be willing to put on um separate from Junth and uh the request about Junth is that we can focus on the history here within Sandy Springs. Um I know for one I live on 300 Nesba Lake Court uh out in the panhandle. My home was built on a former plantation. Um I used to run by the Wood all farmhouse um for 10 years and didn't really know what it was um until I started doing some research on it. Um but this the home that I pay taxes on. Um it's a home that I raised my little girl in and it's a home that sits on history. And so the two ask um from members in the community um again is that there be a citywide Black History Month event that honors the legacy and contributions of folks here in Sandy Springs um including DeWalley and families like the Peters and the Junth celebration rooted specifically in Sandy Springs own history of emancipation and citizenship including the land that we stand on now. And um again um I hope this will be something um that we can move forward within the city and um I will go ahead and wrap it up. Thank you. I got Citizens Police Academy. I'll talk to you later.

All right. Next. Okay. Well, we'll close the public comment period. Um is there a motion to approve the meeting agenda? Mayor Paul. Mr. Pollson. I move approval of the meeting agenda for Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026. Is there a second? Motion by Mr. Paulson, seconded by Mr. Roberts that we approve the meeting agenda. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, we'll call the question. The question is on approval of the meeting agenda. All in favor of the motion say I. Opposed? No. The agenda is approved. Moving the consent agenda. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? Mayor Paul. By Miss Mueller. I move that we approve the consent consent agenda for Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026. Is there a second? Second

motion by Miss Mueller, seconded by Miss Ford that we approve the consent agenda. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, we'll call the question. The questions on the consent agenda. All in favor of the motion say I. Oppos? No. Consent agenda is approved. Moving to presentations and public hearing. Will the clerk please read the first item?

This is agenda item number 202655. That's AVL number 119901. Consideration of an alcoholic beverage license application for a Vid Group LLC doing business as Ana Bar and Lounge at 8290 Roswell Road, Sweet 500B, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350. The applicant is Courtney Katherine Maven for consumption beer, wine, and distilled spirit. This is presented by revenue supervisor Tammy Edwards. Miss Edwards.

Hello. Good evening, Mayor Paul and city council. This is a new application for alcoholic beverage license for consumption on premises for wine, malt, beverages, and distilled spirits. And it is Avit Group LLC doing business as Anya Bar and Lounge at 8290 Roswell Road, Sweet 500B, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350. The applicant, Courtney Katherine Maven, has met all the requirements and staff recommendations for approval. And this is for the change of ownership in district two for councilwoman Dr. Melody Kelly.

All right. You've heard the report of the revenue supervisor. What's the desire of council? Mayor Paul. Dr. Kelly. I move approval of agenda item 2026-055, consideration of an alcoholic beverage license application for AIT Group LLC. Doing business as Ana Bar and Lounge at 8290 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350. You have a motion by Dr. Kelly. Is there a second?

Second. Motion by Dr. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Paulson that we approve agenda item 2026055 an alcoholic beverage license application for a group uh at 8290 Rosal Road. Any discussion hearing? None. We'll call the question. The questions on agenda item 2026 055 the alcoholic beverage license application for a group. All in favor of the motion say I. Oppos? No. The item is approved. Clerk, please read the next item.

This is agenda item number 2025 2026 056. That's ABL number 28378. Consideration of approval of an alcohol beverage license application for JM Lifestyle Group LLC doing business as Omnia room 45920 Roswell Road building A Sweet 115 Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328. The applicant is Regginal Weeks for consumption on the premises, wine, mold, and distilled spirits. Uh presented by revenue supervisor Tammy Edwards.

Miss Edwards. Mayor Paul, this is a new application for alcoholic beverage license for consumption on premises for wine, malt beverages, and distilled spirits. JN JM Lifestyles Group LLC doing business as Omnio room 5920 Roswell Road, building A, Sweet 115, Sandy Springs, Georgia, 30328. The applicant, Regginal Weeks, has met all the requirements and the staff recommends approval. This is the new alcoholic beverage license application in district three for Councilwoman Melissa Mueller.

All right, you've heard the report of the revenue supervisor. What's the desire of council? Mayor Paul. Miss Mueller, I move that we approve agenda item 2026-056, the approval of an alcoholic beverage license application for JM Lifestyle Group LLC, doing business as Omnia room for 520 5920 Roswell Road, building A, Sweet 115, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328. Have a motion by Miss Mueller. Is there a second? Second.

Motion by Miss Mueller, seconded by Mr. Chinsky that we approve agenda item 202656 now call it beverage license applications for JM Lifestyle Group at 5920 Roswell Road. Any discussion hearing? None. We'll call the question. The questions on agenda item 202656, an alcoholic beverage license application for JM Lifestyle Group. All in favor of the motion say I. Oppos? No. The item is approved. Moving to new business. The clerk, please read the first item. This is agenda item number 2026057, consideration of a resolution to appoint a member to the Sandy Springs Board of Appeals. This is presented by Mayor Lyn Paul.

Uh, as I had mentioned in previous meetings, we have a few uh terms that are ending and I am in the process of uh bringing those back to you. Uh, this is a position on the Sandy Springs Board of Appeals and I am nominating Mr. Jeffrey How uh as uh as uh to the position there. Um I think you've all received Mr. How's uh resume, very very strong background in in in business and uh I think you would be an amazing addition to the board of appeals. Is there a motion? Mayor Paul, Mr. Pollson.

I move approval of agenda item 202657, consideration of a resolution to appoint a member of the Sandy Springs Board of Appeals, Mr. Jeff How. Have a motion by Mr. Paulson. Is there a second? Motion by Mr. Paulson, seconded by Mr. Chinsky, that we approve agenda item 202657, a resolution appointing Jeff Freehow to the Sandy Springs Board of Appeals. Any discussion? Mayor Paul. All right, Mr. Paul. Uh, real quickly, uh, I know Jeff known him for a couple years now. good, solid, smart guy. I'm sure he'll do a great job. Okay. Thank you, Dr. Kelly. So, we did not get the resume or at least maybe I didn't. I don't know. I don't think that I did either. Yeah, I didn't get the resume.

Okay. I can I can double check and I can forward it to you now. Okay. So, with that, um, so just I'm going to have to rely on YouTube for a little bit of background here. You said strong business background,

right? He is u he's a native of Wisconsin but has lived here in Sandy Springs for a long time. He's uh his most recent assignment he had retired and was drawn back into business as a CEO of a corporation and his tenure there is uh is ending um shortly. I can't remember off the top of my head exactly what businesses he's been involved in, but he's been corporate CEO. U as I say, a lot of of good background, very active in community affairs around the city for several years. Um I wish I had a copy of the resume, too. I could go through it better. Uh I've just known him for about four years now, and I think he'd be an ideal addition. I'm trying to bring in some new talent to the to the table uh on some of these appointments. So, uh

did he did he go through the leadership? He has not yet. No. No. Okay. I didn't know. I thought that was a requirement. Okay. Thanks. Any other discussion? Mayor Paul, Mr. Pashinski, I'll just add so Jeff is one of my constituents. He ran for city council in 2021. Yeah. Yeah. I think he's got a nice business background also and we'll happily support him. Yeah. Any other discussion? I'm sorry about the failure to get the resume. Any other discussion? Hearing none, we'll call the question. The question is on agenda item 202657, the appointment of a member to the Sandy Springs Board of Appeals. All in favor of the motion say I. Opposed? No.

The item is approved. Moving to the next item. Clerk, please read the next. This is agenda item number 202658. Consideration of a resolution to approve contract award to Monsana Construction, Inc. for the bridge maintenance and repair project and to authorize the city manager to execute the contract. This is presented by public works director Marty Martin. Mr. Martin,

mayor and council, good evening. Uh, tonight I bring before you a recommendation to award a bridge maintenance and repair contract to Masana Construction for the maintenance and repair of 13 vehicular bridges and two pedestrian bridges within the city of Sandy Springs. Uh, a little background on the uh, project itself. The city allocates funding on an annual b basis for maintenance and repair of city bridges. Uh as a part of G DOT's program to assess all statewide bridges uh use and using their most recent bridge maintenance and repair report, the city uh acquired the services of a consultant to prepare plans and documents to forward or advance this uh work to maintain and repair the bridges. To that end, the city issued an invitation to bid for the project on September 11th of 2025. A pre-bid conference was held on October 10th, 2025. The city received four bids prior to the deadline of November 4th, 2025. From those bids included bids from Wilson Construction Management, Masonic Construction, North Georgia Concrete, and Sun Coast Restoration and Waterproofing. Uh the lowest bidder uh first reviewed Wilson Construction Management LLC was deemed nonresponsive because the firm did not successfully complete the city's required reference verification process as is a part of our uh vetting for construction contractors in addition to receiving the bid among other requirements. City staff then evaluated the next lowest bidder. Masonic Construction included its bid response and reference veric verifications and determined Masonic Construction to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Accordingly, the city staff recommends that award uh awarded this contract to Masana Construction in the amount of $872,574. There are sufficient funds within the bridge maintenance and repair pro

program to award this contract. All right. You've heard the report of the public works director. What's desire of councel? Mayor Paul. Mr. Paulson. I move approval of agenda item 202658 resolution to approve a contract award to Masonic construction for the bridge maintenance and repair project and to authorize city manager to execute. Same. A motion by Mr. Pollson. Is there a second? Second. Motion by Mr. Pollson, seconded by Mr. Roberts. that we approve agenda item 202659, a resolution approving a contract award to Masana Construction for bridge maintenance repair uh bridge repair. Uh any discussion, Mayor Paul, Mr. Paulson? Uh Marty, has Masana work for us before?

They have. They completed our most recent bridge maintenance and repair and very satisfactorily. So, thank you. Yes, sir. Any other discussion? Mayor Paul, Miss Ford, Marty, is it possible to understand the additional life that these repairs will give to these bridges? Like when we would expect to come back and do another round of repairs?

Uh so we'll as a part of G DOT's statewide bridge inspections, our bridges will be inspected or are inspected every two years. So uh the next round will be toward the end of this year that we'll receive that bridge maintenance and repair report turned the deficiency report. So we expect that uh in some cases it's not as well some of the work might actually include say scour at the base of the bridge those kinds of things. Maybe there's some erosion down there. So that's a recurring problem. We'd expect to see some bridges have every two years see that we have to return to reinforce the banks etc. And then some other work might be to spall repair some damaged concrete on the bridge. Those kinds of things. you might only do that once and then that's good for 10 15 years whatever the case is. So the elements that are included in the bridge maintenance and repair report uh may be recurring elements for some bridges depending on how the waterways act underneath the bridge as well as some structural elements that may be there for quite some time after they do that. Uh so with that said, I I don't know that I can tell you uh forecast necessarily for a life extension on the bridge as much as dealing with the necessary items appropriate to keep the bridge in good condition at the time. And as well with this contract offering, you'll see two pedestrian bridges offered. We brought our consultant on GOT inspects roadway bridges, not pedestrian bridges. So we asked our consultant to provide the additional inspection on the pedestrian bridges and incorporate them into the program this time which normally wouldn't have happened with highway bridges. So in the interest of keeping up with those pedestrian bridges as well.

Thank you. Any other discussion hearing? None. We'll call the question. The questions on agenda item 202659 a resolution to approve a contract award to Masonic construction for bridge maintenance and repair. All in favor of the motion say I. Opposed? No. The item is approved. Moving to the next uh item. This is agenda item number 2026059. Consideration of a resolution to approve contract award to R&B developer, Inc. to construct the 6445 and 6450 Perry Road Storm Water Maintenance and Repair Project and to authorize the city manager to execute the contract presented by public works director Marty Martin.

Mr. Martin. All right, mayor and council. In this case, we bring an award recommendation that you approve a contract award to RMB develop developer incorporated for maintenance and repair work on storm water systems on PF Fairy Road at 64456450 Perry Road. That's on that portion of P Ferry between the Chattahuchi River Cobb County line and North Side Drive immediately south of I 285. Um to that end in 2025 the city had engaged a consultant to de develop plans to correct deficiencies discovered in the storm water system at that address crossing the street there. Uh the project scope of this work includes renovation of a failed head wall. uh as well as rehabilitation of two twin 48in diameter corrugated metal pipes, a 24-in diameter corrugated pipe uh plus uh work on upstream and downstream of that to protect and stabilize banks in advance of and beyond the storm drainage structure there. To advance the work of this project, the city issued an invitation to bid on December 3rd of 2025, soliciting bids from qualified contractors. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting was held on December 10th and an addendum clarifying questions and responses to con biders was issued on December 22nd and a second addendum issued on December 30th. Three bids were received on January the 7th, the bid due date. bid results were follows. Uh from and from R&B developer, the the low and most responsive and responsible bidder, a bid of $421,89 plus bids from Vertical Earth and Kajen uh Construction and Rehabilitation Services. Upon review of the bids, the staff recommends a contract award be made to the lowest most responsible and responsive bidder, R&B developer incorporated in the amount of $421,89.

In this case, we have not used R&B developer before, but our reference check indicated from other clients that uh this was a responsive and capable contractor and our in our opinion capable of managing the work associated with this project. So with that and the funds available within the storm water capital maintenance improvements account, we recommend award. Yeah, I move the slide up a little bit so we can see what the numbers were. Okay, thank you. Uh you've heard the report of the public works director. What's the desire of council? Mayor Paul, Mr. Chinsky,

I move approval of agenda item 2026-059, a resolution to approve contract award to R&B Developer, Inc. to construct the 6445 and 6450 Powers Ferry Road storm water maintenance and repair project and to authorize the city manager to execute the contract. We have a motion by Mr. Chinsky. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Miss Ford. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, we'll call the question. The questions on agenda item 202659, a resolution to approve contract award R&B developer to construct 64456450 Powers Ferry Road storm water maintenance and repair project. All in favor of the motion say I

opposed. No. The is approved. Moving the next item. The clerk will please read the next one. This is agenda item number 20260. Consideration of an ordinance to amend chapter 22 of the general code of ordinances article 2 division 1 section 36 regarding water supply and fire flow adequacy study required for permit issuance to replace section 11 of the Sandy Springs technical manual and to provide for an effective date and for other purposes. This is presented by fire chief Keith Sanders. Chief Sanders,

mayor and council, before you tonight is a request u for consideration to amend the chapter 22 that was outlined uh and and asking that um the proposed text amendments um which would require a water flow and adequacy study for multi-unit and single unit attached projects uh be approved so that the city can confirm in advance that both fire protection and domestic water needs will be reliably met and that there are necessary off-site improvements are identified and addressed before development approvals are granted. In the ordinance draft, it does u show there what would be I would say triggers that would require this. It's a development land disturbance or permit uh for any multi-unit and single unit attached projects. Also, any approval for a project that includes new or extended public water manes. Any approval for a project that the city engineer fire marshall determines may significantly affect the water system. For these projects referred above, uh the the city shall not issue a development permit, land disturbance permit, a building permit, or subdivision approval, site approval, or certificate of occupancy until a water study and fireflow adequacy study has been completed, submitted and approved by the city. What we would work the the fire department plans to attend each month each week community development has a developers meeting where they meet with uh the customers. uh we will have participation in those meetings and during those discussions we will outline the uh the requirements for those uh upcoming or proposed projects and um and I'll be glad to answer any other questions that you may have u if you have them.

You've heard the report of the fire chief. What's the desire of councel? Mayor Paul, Mr. Paulson, I move approval of agenda item 202260 and or consideration of an ordinance to amend chapter 22 of the general code of ordinance article 2 division 1 section 20 36 regarding water supply and fireflow adequacy study required for permanent issuance to replace section 11 of the same technical manual and to provide for an effective date and for other purposes. Motion by Mr. Pollson. Is there a second? Second.

Motion by Mr. Paul and seconded by Miss Mueller that we approve agenda item 20260 an ordinance amending chapter 22 of the general code of ordinances article 2 division 1 section 36 regarding water supply and fair flow adequacy study required for permit issuance to replace section 11 of the Sandy Springs technical manual. Any discussion? Hearing none, we'll call the question. The question is on agenda item 20260, an ordinance amending chapter 22, the general code of ordinances uh to require a water supply and fireflow adequacy study. Uh all in favor say I.

Opposed? No, we are. It is approved. Moving to reports. Uh a couple of three things. uh one uh we had a nice visit uh last week with uh Georgia Supreme Court Justice Charlotte Lua. She came to just have lunch with the city manager and me. It was very nice chat and then they wanted to see a tour of the facility. Uh and Justice Lua had been in this room on a couple of three occasions swearing all of us in, but I don't think she had had an opportunity to see the entire facility. So, and she brought her or brought the court's uh director of security along to uh to check it out, too. So, that was it was a good meeting. The North Fton mayors met this past week. Uh we had a session with the mayors and the city managers to talk about laying out the plans for the service delivery strategy negotiations we've got enter into the into with the county uh later this year. Uh we're expecting that the county will make that call sometime in in early April. Uh we'll have to December the 31st to uh negotiate whatever uh whatever uh agreement will need to be made. Uh they'll be between the county and and the cities. Uh the mayor's agreed to put together a list of things that we'd like to have the county address as part of the service delivery strategy. For those who may not know what have been through the service delivery strategy process, this is required by law. It's a great law in the state that requires the counties and the cities to get together to make sure that there's no double taxation and there's no duplication of services. So, we're supposed to negotiate who does what services and who pays for them. Uh so, that'll be the process. The uh the uh the carrot is is that you get to make those decisions yourself. the stick is is if you don't

reach that conclusion then you become ineligible for state and federal grants or at least the federal grants that flow through uh the state. So it's a very significant set of negotiations and uh so we're preparing for those and the city managers are supposed to get together and put together a list. I mean, some of the things that will probably be discussed are the jail uh and animal control and clearly uh our relationship with the city of Atlanta over water, not only the rates, but the service, you know, the level of service that we're getting and the maintenance and other issues related to the water system will be part of that conversation. Uh so that is just beginning. Uh and I will try and keep everybody in the loop about how those go as we go through and get approach that. I I presume we'll be starting to meet sometime end of April or early May if the county makes the call. Um, Commissioner Bob Ellis was there and uh he kind of laid out the county's uh position which is we like the way things are. Uh so I'm sure they do. Uh cities may have a slightly different opinion about that and we'll be putting that together. Uh and then uh finally we had uh a thank you uh dinner party at Manny and Stacy Fialo's home for the donors of the u of the police foundation. Police foundation's gotten off to a really good start. U it's as as you know it's something that's authorized under state law and we've tried to optimize our uh participation in that and the community's really stepped up. uh you're capped at $3 million a year and what you can raise, but uh we also getting a lot of getting money from others who uh you know don't necessarily they they support our police department but don't necessarily need or want the uh the tax credits go along with it. So uh you're you're limited on the tax credits but you're not limited on the donations that

you can take in. So uh but that was a good good opportunity to say thank you to the people who are stepping up and uh financially helping us to provide the uh equipment and the u uh other uh assets that the police department need to be the best police department. It already is the best police department anywhere and this will just help us keep them there. So that's my report. Is anybody else? Mr. Paulison.

Thank you mayor. I have two quick things. Uh this uh police foundation is a way for you to take your state taxes that you're going to pay anyhow and divert them to a local qualified law enforcement agency. City of Sandy Springs Police Department is such. So if you're going to pay taxes anyhow to the state, this is one way to redivert divert them to your local police department. Uh and so that's that started two years ago and that they had a pretty good year last year and they're they're moving forward. There is also a signature event coming up April 19th which is a a ex exotic car show that's going to be held April 19th here is being powered by the Caffeine and Octane folks. And if you know anything about Caffeine and Octane, they hold these monthly car shows that they're this last one this past weekend had 30,000 people come to the show. So anyway, so they're hosting it's our first annual. It's going to be a Sunday, April 19th and uh tickets are on sale. go to the foundation uh website and purchase your tickets and see some of the most exotic expensive cars you're ever going to see in one area and that's going to be here April 19th.

Mr. Pisky is who is a Sandy Springs native has really been has stepped up and helps uh a lot of our community groups. She uh ran movies for Moonlight for quite a long time and uh and had o caffeine and octane out here till the apartment folks were trying to sleep in on a Sunday morning. Uh were objected a little bit to the revving of the engines that occur occasionally at car shows. So anyway, I think that that'll be a good good opportunity. Anybody else? Miss Mueller.

So I just wanted to give a shout out to our transportation team to public works for the uh the m transportation master plan. listening sessions that were held this week. Uh I did go to the one here at city hall in the afternoon. I wanted to see uh what the attendance and I think there were some people that came and I think having options is good and if anyone missed that I believe the comments are still open through March 12th. So that's really important to set the stage for the Tesla. So thank you for that Marty and team and looking forward to the output from that. Mayor

Paul Miss Ford. So last week, Council Member Roberts, Council Member Chinsky and I attended newly elected officials training at the Carl Vincent Institute of Government in Athens. This is a training session that's required by law. And I thought it was very informative. Um, lots of good networking with other new council members across the state and especially those from other cities in Fulton County. And I found the municipal revenue streams uh section probably the most informative. Yeah. And it may be changing. Who knows? Yes. All right. Anybody else? Mr. Chinsky.

Um, to piggy back on Councilwoman Ford, um, the audit and financial section or class, I have to say I want to shout out to Tony because having a clean audit and having transparent finances available is not something that most cities take for granted in our state. So, thank you for that. Um, a couple other quick things. So, as mentioned during public comment, I got to attend a Black History Month at the Rivercliffe Lutheran Church in the North End. Thought it was very cool to hear from some of our older residents who in living memory uh remembered when a lot of Sandy Springs was dirt roads and really kind of how far we've come as a city was was really neat. Um, I'll add on to the the the police foundation. Um, one thing we learned at the thank you dinner was that if you have um stocks in a brokerage account, you can now transfer that directly into the the foundation and get a the tax credit or tax deduction and avoid paying capital gains on it, which is kind of a cool option. Um, I'll say tonight or very soon uh the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is wrapping up and I know several of us have gone to either opening night or some of the other festivities. So, so glad to have them here. Um, and I'll end with a shout out to the grounds crew at the Morgan Falls Athletic Complex. Uh, spring training is underway for Sandy Springs youth sports and we are playing 8U softball. And with all the spring weather we've had and all the rain, the fields have been in really great shape. So, we're very excited for opening day festivities next Saturday, the 14th. And uh, just thank you for keeping the the complex in good shape.

Thank you, Dr. Kelly.

Thank you. Okay, first I'll give my kudos. Mine is going to go to Sandy Springs Police Department because of the um what was it? Uh well, the raid. I'll put it that way. I forgot the name of the operation, but or safe haven. No safe haven, something like that. Yeah. Um so kudos to SSPD. Thank you. Um sincerely from the north end. Uh I also want to I I want to just take a moment and I want to just tell uh just provide a little information uh related to Junth uh in response to some some of what was brought up in the in the public comment. Uh I just want I just want to be clear about how serious uh the city takes um that event just to be clear. So the person who's mentioned the oldest black resident, she was actually a part of our first. So you heard her speak yesterday. She spoke two years ago. I held her hand, brought her on stage. She was a part of it. She was the center of it. Also, um, from the very beginning, uh, we have incorporated, uh, Lynwood Park. So, the reason that we partner with Brook Haven is because Brook Haven actually took the step of preserving the historical significance formally doing that of a historically black neighborhood um that is not far from Dewalt's Alley. Um and they actually in doing that preserve a little bit of the history of DeWalt's Alley. So every Junth event we center Lynwood Park um and DeWalt's alley in that way. Also we partner with the city of Dumy. The reason we partner with the city of Dunwy is because they have a nonprofit um organization there called the Dumy Preservation Trust. And what they do for us is they actually uh what they can

provide at the event is an opportunity to immerse yourself in what what the where things were at that time at the time uh during the civil war and before and after that. So uh they are able to kind of say where plantations and slaves and things like that were. That's all centered. That's all a part of the event. Uh lastly, I also want to say we have a very robust uh genealogy program. You want to know how robust? We partner with the Jesus Christ, the church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints because they have a genealogy um platform that's free for users called Family Search. So they show up here on Junth with laptops in hand so people can actually search the records right there at the site at the event. Um and then lastly and this is the part that's actually relevant to this week. Um we recognize the city recognizes that it's not just important to look back but to look forward. So guess what happened Monday? We kicked off the third iteration of our digital art our youth digital art program. So right upstairs at Barfield, we had almost 20 just over 20 teenagers from North Springs High School, Riverwood High School, Sandy Springs Middle School, River Ridge View Middle School, and Dunwy High School for free. Guess what they're doing for 14 weeks? They are going to get immersed in a curriculum. they are taking every Monday to be with us physically or um online to learn the skill of digital art to create work so that um they can present it at Junth. So I I just want the city to know that we we take it very serious here. So thank you.

Yeah. All right. Staff reports. All right, ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Pollson, make it I move we approve. We adjourn. Mr. Pawson moves adjournment. Approve adjournment. Mr. Pollson moves adjournment. Seconded by Mr. Roberts. All in favor say I. I. Oppos? No. We are adjourned. You folks knew what my timing schedule was. You ended just right when I had to leave. All right. Let me go do my last thing.