City Council - Regular Meeting

Legal committee is convening. Madam clerk, please take role. Mr. Felter, here. Mr. Fowler here. Mr. Lang here. Mr. Chair, you have a four.

All righty. First matter. Only matter to be considered is number one to consider found adoption of an ordinance rescending ordinance 178-2024 that authorized the mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement between the city of Alexandria and the greater Alexandria economic development authority gada district with the purpose of cooperative economic development general services ready agreement and agenda and otherwise providing with respect there too. And I think if people recall last meeting um we had a very heated or lively discussion about this matter which is good for democracy and it's good every now and then let to let people speak

but uh the me the committee ended with instructions for me to contact Mr. Lewis so that we could discuss this matter in more detail. Attempts were made to speak, excuse me, contact Dr. Lewis. Um I I reached out to him. I know gated reached out to him. I personally called him. I never got a call back. So we never met. So uh so tonight um it's going to be Well, I've given that spill. Do either do you have any comments to make or you

um so were you reaching out to Mr. Lewis or Dr. Lewis? Um he was going to be representing the city or were you reaching because I I understood that it was going to be kind of more with the administration. Well, it was my appreciation that Dr. Lewis was going to be the administration's admin uh representative and I was supposed to be the council representative and we tried confirming a meeting I think last Thursday at the gada building and his schedule didn't work and I think efforts were made to re reset it but time would not permit okay

so we never spoke however I've had extensive discussions with the gator chair and the exe executive director about this matter and um I I have the attitude that the 1115,000 that's already owed needs to be paid. Yeah.

Um the current gator count uh I guess the current gator really does not like the whites and gold ring project and I think a majority of the city council likewise does not like the whites and gold ring project. I like the building. I really wish it could be open commerce. I just don't know if it's wise for us to go to 1.25 two five million or $2.5 million 1.5 [clears throat] of the cities and 1.25 25 of gators money. However, it it shakes out that that much money in a building. Um I believe it's been uh that spec has been abated. Um I know there's we passed a resolution one ordinance a couple weeks ago to demolish the garage for safety reasons. I'm in favor of that. I voted for it, but I think our money should be used to demolish the building, not Gator's money. So, um, Miss Ramck recommendation that we terminate the ordinance. Um, and Gator will take steps to terminate on its side. I don't know how that's going to that's necessarily shake out, but I know money is owed and I and I've told this the executive director and the the chair that look the matter was passed, money was spent, the money is owed, you know, so pay what's owed and let's work on getting some new projects moving forward. Um,

so my question is I agree with you. I think the money owed should be paid contractually as well. is rescending the intergovernment intergovernmental agreement. Do we have to do that not to move forward with the license and go rebuilding?

Well, okay. If we had discussions, if there were further discussions with the administration, perhaps the contract could have been amended or changed or another project could have been discussed or some sort of addendum could have been proposed. But that didn't happen. and Gada has several other projects that they want to do. One in your district with the zoo. They want to do some things with the zoo. Um they want to do some things with that's been discussed with Chetm Park. Uh a few a few projects have been discussed in district three. So you know Gator knows that it it's it has to work with the city. Gator knows that it and it wants to do econom economic development, but the current composition of Gator just does not like the Weiss and Gold Ring building and I I don't like it either. I love going to cities and seeing people repurposing old buildings and it looks all neat and cool, but I don't think we need to be dumping $2.5 million of our money into it to get there when we've already done the asbestous abatement. So, I just think it's time for some private developer to step up and take the lead and and run with it. I'm all for it. So, um you know, discussion goes a long way and bridging divides and getting everybody on the same page that we're discussion. So, um that's that's my take. Mr. F, do you have any comments? Yeah, I do. Uh, first of all, this was an ordinance that was passed unanimously by the council and also unanimously by the board level GA U which set forth a contract for cooperative endeavor specifically for the W building. Uh, if we're going to take this track, does that mean that you

would in the future if there's a project that I don't particularly like it's in Lizz's district? I don't want to do it in mine that I can get three votes, knock it down and do something in my district. So, it looks like to me I think it's wrong. You got a contract negotiate negotiate around what it is, but the contract's good and enforce. I understand your position, sir, and I do agree that money is owed, but my reply to you is elections have consequences and the prior council had an appetite for the Weiss and Gold Rice and Gold Ring building. We've had new elections and the members who've come up here don't share the same sentiment. Um,

contracts have validity. I understand that. I understand that and I do understand that money is owed,

but I I just don't think we need to be putting the type of money that's been proposed into the Weiss and Gold Ring building with GA in the city. That's total that's $2.5 million. I just don't know if that's just a wise investment of our of the people's tax money. So, you know, you have your position. I have mine, but I just don't think that's a wise investment. And trust me, I I like the building. I want it to be there. I would love for it to be developed, but just $2.5 million of city and gator money. I just don't know if that's 2 and 12. Well, aren't we matching? It's like one and a half

reimbursement. Okay. So, it's up to 1.25 on our side and 1.3 on your side. So, what does agree anything money that the city spends on the wise and gold project gator would reimburse the city up to 1. Okay, so 1.25. Okay, we're still regardless. That still is a lot of money um for the whites and gold ring building. Thank you for the clarification, Mr. Goins. I appreciate that. Um Mr. Green, do you have any any comments? Um I'm for rescending it. That's all I'm gonna say.

Okay. Do we have an in in our fact sheet there's no um copy of the ordinance? Do you [clears throat] have that easily available? It's a copy, Miss Emily. Well, I know there's a copy, but I'm just saying in our in our binders there was there [clears throat] was no copy and I didn't think about requesting it. This is the back of page 157. That's the original ordinance that was adopted on the 12th day of November 2024. So it's in your package. You just got to go speaking on the one that we will be adopting tonight. I'm speaking on

Oh shoot. [laughter] Mr. Chair, can you ask the crowd not to make their outline comments? Please just have a chance to speak. Okay. I I'll we'll discuss that, but let's let's keep everything professional and cordial. I understand. I understand. But Miss Bail, please can you work with me?

Thank you very much, ma'am. I guess I'm just the reason I was asking is because this ordinance says nothing about the Weiss and Gold Ring building. So endeavor with the city and them for economic development. So what I was asking was

to the ends mention the license number two. Yeah. Council. Yes ma'am. Another thing was this this ordinance um was important because the gator board did not currently want for the city just to send things like for Riverfett. We want to pull together documentation so we can have a paper trail. there. This does not create a um [snorts] a blockage of the city coming to us to fund projects. We can still do that, but it it just we just don't like the Weiss and Gold Ring building.

Well, it's not only the Weiss and Gold Ring building. They don't like the way the ordinance is written to where the city doesn't really have to submit anything for other projects that they want to do or other events. It's like having sending over a um withdrawal check the way it's written out and we don't want to do that. So, it's important to resend this ordinance along with the intergovernmental agreement with the two addendums that were with the Bolton Avenue Community Center, which that's already gone, and with the Wise and Gold Ring building, and then let's start over because we're still very open. All right. And it's your desire for Gator to work with the city, correct? Absolutely. Absolutely.

Absolutely. We did a paper trail. You know, I contacted Mr. Ransen first. Um, he told me that Dr. Lewis was the contact person to contact him going forward. Um, I did that. I contacted you to pull together a meeting as soon as, you know, we could. And, um, Dr. Lewis told me he would circle back. Uh, that never happened. So, I sent another letter, um, requesting that we meet again or another person be designated. All right. Any further comments?

All right. I would like to make a Miss Bell. Is there anything you want to say?

Let's Let's keep it. Three minutes, Miss Bale. Keep it three minutes, Miss Bale. Three [laughter] minutes. Three minutes, Miss Bear. Three minutes. Oh, it's going to be three minutes. Yes, ma'am. Trust me. Can anybody else speak? Uh, hold up, ma'am. Hold up. Hold up. Let the other public speak. I understand.

Okay. Um, this was um delayed as we see now. There wasn't a meeting. Uh the mayor didn't want to meet with Gator to do this, but um I'm hoping that the council will um approve Gada ordinance and allow Mr. Roy to veto the ordinance. That's what I think. And it's not about the money. Gada has an annual revenue of $924,000 or million dollars or whatever. The city of Alexandria annual revenue is 241 million. Okay. So, it's about Mr. Roy egotistical desire to control Gata. That's my opinion and we all have one to prevent funds from going into projects that would generate economic development in black communities. He vetoed the message would allude to that fact. Gator should be able to choose their own projects and spend their funds in according to RS332740 60. the mayor raised up uh something that he read the revised order. He just raised it up, but I didn't see anything that he was talking about in that statue. So, those of you um that don't know the revised statue, I suggest that you read it. And if if you don't understand it, get somebody to explain it to you so you can understand and know what you're voting for. Um, also

the city of Alexandria can take $1.25 million from their general fund budget to cover Weiss and Gold Ring. All right. Jock Roy should release Gator from the contracts. I don't know if you caught it the last time when he said that it will go to court. It's my money. Let him go to court. Yeah. He said it's his money. It's y'all money. It's my money. Whatever. But yeah, let it go through. All right. Thank you very much. Hold his feet to the fire. Let it take you to court. It's not like the first time he has sued the council. Yes, ma'am. All right.

Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Miss Bale. Thank you. Uh, we good. We good, Mr. I have a question. Okay. All right. All right. Um, so procedurally and legally, what what will we need to do if we resend the ordinance to print in the provision that they would pay back what's already owed? Um, I think they've already acknowledged on the record and we don't have a problem paying back what Yeah, that's not a problem at all. And I have an excel sheet of the expenses that we we should pay them, but we would just ask that after that that No further. Okay, I understand.

So, all right. All right. I recommend that this matter be referred to the full counsel for a vote. Second. Do I need a second? I'll make a second. I'll second. All right. Full counsel. All right. Thank you. This matters journal.

Open it up to one person. You need to open it up to everybody else.

All right. All right. [laughter] on your side. I promise you. [laughter] Good afternoon. Community affairs services and events committee agenda item of April 21st 2026 myself Mr. Johnson 445 to hear an update from the administration on Chile Park. The administration sent down an email yesterday and I will read it for you. The Division of Community Services, Parks and Recreation Department has requested and is waiting updated vendor quotes to repair and replace the rolling

doors on Chetm Park. Currently, use of the pavilion can be requested through the division of community services. Contact City of Alexandria, Mr. Michael Caffrey, 3184495000. That is what they sent down yesterday for Mr. Go. I sent out a question in regards to this. Um, when was the this city-owned building found in such disrepair the doors? What year? Do you know? Can you tell me that, Lisa?

I don't, Mr. Okay. No answer. Um, my other question, I'm just ask these questions because I already had it planned out. Uh, why has it taken such a lengthy period to rectify the condition of the city own building funded by taxpayers dollars? Can't respond answer. No answer. Okay. [clears throat] Mr. Fer or I'm sorry. Yeah. Mr. Fer, Mr. Josh, you have anything to say since my Okay. So, uh, do we have an update on it? Yes, ma'am. Yeah, I got that.

That's just the only thing. So, this as of yesterday. So, okay. That's I already have this ready. Thank you. Do you have a copy of that? Which one?

All right. What? They don't have weight on codes and prices. I'm just going to say the building has been in disary for a minute and still with the recreation director should have not been notified of this and u we'll see what goes on from this point on anything you want to say Mr. Fil, I'm not familiar with the situation at all. Okay. Well, well, we need another update. We need to get some more updates because from what I look at, it is a safety hazard, too. So, uh, let's get that in.

And certainly, if we have a recreation director, uh, getting paid such an exorbitant amount of funding, he should be on his job. Uh, thank you for your time. This committee meeting is adjourned. Okay.

This meeting is called to order. Tuesday, April 21st, 2026. The Alexandria City Council meeting and council committee meetings are broadcast broadcast live and may be viewed live by the public on Optimum cable [clears throat] channel 4 and a rebroadcast may be viewed on a COP optimum channel 4 cable in the city of Alexandria. Um we'll have a invocation by council member Lord and the pledge of allegiance by um Councilman Johnson.

Please stand. Dear Lord, help us to do this city's work. Look over us. Look over this council. Look over the citizens. Look over our city. Take care of us. I'd like to say a little prayer for the poor poor shootings up in Shreport. It's just horrible. Amen. Yes. Amen. Uh Amen. Let's reflect and and pray this stuff will end in these things we pray. Amen. Amen. [clears throat]

Flag algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Amen. Do roll call. Mr. Johnson here. Miss Stoer here. Mr. Green present. Mr. F here. Mr. Bard here. Mr. Lord here. Merry here. President uniform. Okay. We have the approval of the minutes taken from a regular meeting held on April 7th. Um I need a motion. Move. Second. Second.

Motion by Councilman Lord. Second by Councilman Fowler. Public comments. What is in the section of the written minutes? Would you like to make comment on? If it is not in the written minutes, there will not be any discussion or comments only in the minutes. If you have any questions pertaining to any item on the agenda, please contact administration before or after the meeting. And we have a discussion by you, Mr. White. Yes, ma'am, Madam President. Appreciate you.

You're welcome. My name is Mr. Cornelius Lawson White Jr. I live at 363810th Street in Alexandria, Louisiana. My zip is 71302 and my phone number is area code 3184466934. I uh kind of you say do I agree with the minutes? Essentially, I I disagree with him because like I said, we had the best discussion with Malcolm having that last week. 4-hour meeting. We ain't never had no meeting like that. Now, the mayor's not here, I don't guess. You know, I know he was in Baton Rouge. I saw him down there. But, um, I agree with Jim Balard on one thing. We need to pray for those people in shreport and we need to back them 100%. So

thank you Mr. White. Thank you ma'am. He's just all in favor. Any opposed? Motion carried.

F consent calendar number one introduction of an ordinance authorizing the mayor to accept the lo submitted for the farmer downtown Wis and go ring parking garage and adjacent adjacent structure site demolition and clearance. Number two, introduction of ordinance authorizing [clears throat] the mayor to accept the low be submitted for a 2026 KN&M Defender Limited HD2. Number three, introduction of [clears throat] an ordinance authorizing the mayor to accept a loia submitted for a 2026 Canm Defender Max Limited, HD2. Number four, introduction of an ordinance authorizing the mayor to accept the loia submitted for chemical adjectives for Warzilla engine at DJ Hana power plants power plant. Number five, introduction of an ordinance reszoning property located at 1776 Elliot Street from B3 General Business District to SF2 Single Family District to allow for residential use.

We need a motion. Move. Second. Second. Motion by Councilman Fowl with second by Councilman Johnson. Any items to committee? G resolution. Resolution authorizing advertisement for bid for fire hydrants and related accessories. Move. Second. [clears throat]

Uhhuh. Public comments. Public comment. No, yes, ma'am. Mr. White, I'm sorry. I was just wondering um I had a problem over there. Do Do y'all know how long the fire department comes by to check them fire hydrants? I had a leak. I'm just asking. No, we don't. But if it No, I was just asking. I didn't know if there's a set schedule, but let's report it, though. If you have a leak, let's report it. Okay. All right. Thank you. Okay. Yeah, we got to report it. That's all. All right. Thank you. All right. Public comments, discussion. All in favor?

Any opposed? Motion carried. Number seven, resolution authorizing advertisement for bid for Clamps and Cuffman. Moved by Councilman um second. Second. Second by Councilman Lamreane. Public comments, discussion. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion carried. Number eight, resolution authorizing advertisement for vehicle grade liquid type one ton cylinder for the wastewater department. Motion, please. Motion by Councilman Fowler. Second. Second.

Second by Councilman Malloy. Public comments, discussion. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion carried. Number nine, resolution authorizing advertisement for bid for natural gas services for the gas department. Motion, please move. Second. Second. Moved [laughter] by Councilman Fowler, second by Councilwoman Felter. Public comments, discussion. All in favor?

Any opposed? Motion carried. Uh, Madame President, on item number 10, there is a typo. I'm going to read is uh it in the minutes the way that it should be. It's a resolution setting a public hearing to be held on June the 16th, 2026 to consider condemnation of 25 structures. Okay. [clears throat] Motion, please. Second. Second. Motion by Councilman Fowler, second by Councilwoman Felter. Public comments, discussion. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Motion carried.

Number eight, ordinances for final adoption subject to public hearing. Number 11 to consider file adoption of an ordinance adopting the operating budget for the city of Alexandria for fiscal year 2026 2027 to make appropriation for the ordinary expenses of all city divisions, departments, offices and agency pensions and otherwise providing with respect to the expenditure of appro appropriations authorizing contract and ensuring agreements for employees benefit including health, life and other optional coverages. Authorizing contracts for ordinary expenses and other insurance, including general liabilities and workers compensation. Adop adopting the capital budget for the city of Alexandria for fiscal year 2026 2027. Appropriating funds for the capital budget for the city of Alzandia for fiscal year 2026 2027 and providing for capital expenditures and other matters with respect to appropriation and the expenditures of the fund pertaining there too. I need a motion, please.

Second.

Motion by Councilman Fowler, second by Councilman Johnson. Um, public comments, Miss Bale. [clears throat] two weeks ago um I got up and spoke that you guys need to take a good look at this budget um to make decisions for yourself whether you want to approve it or not. I still say that you need to say no on it. Uh if you haven't um gone through it to look at it or see what's going to be handed in your district, then shame on you. But anyway, just to sit there and believe everything Mr. Roy said, it's your budget. You're supposed to do what you want to do. But we know how that goes. But still, I would vote no on this budget. And that's just me. Thank you, Miss Veil. Miss Shamara

Shamira. As far as this current bud budget goes, the increases in salaries are concerning, and the reasons we were given for these salary increases simply don't make sense, and the money could be used for other departments. For example, the mayor's salary will be increased by $4,292. No questions why. We have seven part-time mayor assistants who make a yearly pay of 55,000 a year, which equals 385,000 in total, but our sanitation workers get paid $12.40 an hour, which is around 25,792 a year. Our police officers, their salary is 46,000, but we're still short APD officers. How can our officers be paid less than the mayor's assistants who work part-time? That's my question. Not only that, APD is requesting two two 2026 CAM AM defenders, one limited, one max. The difference a couple thousand. It ranges from 34,000 up to 37,000. We don't know what it's for. It's just that we know that they need it. Five-year plan. I listened to Miss Perry and Mr. Johnson discuss their frustrations with not being able to do projects in their district. I also noted the push back from Mr. Bard about Chetm Park and how much it's going to cost. Let's note that there are several reignite projects that are already in motion and the money is being spent. The same money that you two could be using. Links on the bayou 453,000. Tennis courts reignite 252,000. Two projects for Johnny DS reconstructing and building a rec recreation office. That amount is 2.2 million together. If you want to know where I found those

numbers, looking at general capital projects, five-year capital plan under parks and recreation. The council has been approving funds for years without thoroughly looking through it. I've taken weeks to look at this. This is not my job. I'm just a concerned citizen. I want to know where my tax money is going. I want to know where it's being spent. Lastly, this budget does nothing to address the disparity studies and resolve those issues. It continues the tradition of questionable spending habits. And that's all I have to say on this one. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Scott.

Good evening. [laughter]

Um, just like Miss Shamir, I also looked over the budget and I saw many discrepancies. Um, but more specifically, as always, we have significant funds going towards Johnny DS. And every time we bring up the issue, we are we're always given the excuse that it's a sports complex. But a sports complex should not be treated as more deserving of an investment than the neighborhood parks for our children to play in. Perhaps most concern is that the baseball field renovation. While 2 million has been designated for this project, it is not scheduled to begin until 2030. M

this delay is difficult to understand especially since Peabody doesn't have a field to play in and they deserve something now not years down the line and um all this must be viewed in the broader context of ongoing issues within our city. Many res many residents are still dealing with brown water, high utilities, but yet [clears throat] we're more concerned about the whites and gold ring and Johnny DS. And these are new these are not new problems yet. They continue to receive limited attention and funding. And I'm asking the council person who haven't been through districts 1, 2, and 32, maybe take a drive around, step outside the box, go on the other side of the tracks, and see what you don't normally see. [clears throat]

And like I said before, leadership is easy when issues don't affect you. True leadership requires addressing the challenges that impact all citizens, not just the ones that look like you. And so I'm requesting that the council vote no on this budget until all funding is distributed equally. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. White. Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Madam President. You're welcome.

Again, all those three people, they really show what community involvement can be. And um they're more thorough than I cuz I can't go over all that stuff. If I don't have all the digital equipment to go through all that stuff, um, they ought to run for office. Oh, no. You ought to run for office because we need people like you. Yes, you do. We need people like you. You can point out things, you know, things. And we need different and new leadership. Mr. Jim, wait a minute. I know. I know. But Jim has brought up about Cheetah Park and how much it's going to cost. You don't worry about Johnny DS and how much it's gonna cost. Have you ever been over to Cheetah Park?

Yes, I have. I was there Saturday. Okay. So, that was one time. You've been there. No, I've been there many times. And that's not Let's talk about the Jim. Well, I am. That's a part of the budget, ain't it? Mr. White Park ain't part of the budget, Mr. White. We're talking about the budget. I I know, but I'm saying that's not a part the money for Cheetah Park or the money for Johnny DS. That's not a part of the budget. It is. Okay. That's what I'm asking about. I haven't answered. Okay. You know. Yes, sir.

And you you you really took the mayor to task last a couple weeks ago about Cheetah Park. Gary Johnson, you took him to task. I guess he's since he's been batt. He's too busy to come to the meeting and stuff. But um they had sin law day in Baton Rouge. So Mr. Mr. White, I got you. But I was just saying, you know, and Jim, I guess you're running again and I guess the mayor's running again. So I hope we have some new leadership. Thank you, Mr. White. I see you, Madam President. Yes, sir.

Miss, may I address Mr. Scott? [clears throat] Uh Mr. got May March, excuse me, March 13, 2026. I did go out to Cheetah Park. Mr. Laran did put it on the agenda last time to have something addressed about it. I did take several pictures of it. It is in deplorable condition.

As I said two weeks ago, I'm not a spokesperson. Until something's brought to my attention, I go out and look at it. I talked with Miss Perry and I understand your frustration about the park. It is in the agenda. As we said, Cheetah Park does look horrible. It's been looking horrible for years. And again, you have a recreation director that to me should have known done something about this long time before now. Uh to put lump us all in a group that don't go out. I do go out, sir, across the city as councilman at large. So, the funding for the park is there. It's obvious that one park is being taken care of faster than other. Uh it's something to see, something to discuss, and uh it's almost like Cheetah Park is lost. Johnny DS is the Yankee Stadium of the city,

but yet still we all pay taxes. And I understand your frustration saying your tax dollars not being allocated used properly across town. So it's in this budget, but I want you to know that I go out on a and look at things around the city, all five districts, councilman at large. I support all five of these council person. It's seven of us up here, two of us at large. So it has to be addressed. It's supposed to be addressed. I had it on the agenda to talk about it today, but the mayor gave us a uh a [clears throat] email not to they going to give us some information further down the road, but uh it's again I know y'all talking about the increases in salaries and I've got quite a few calls council meeting and I directed them to 4495000. I didn't write the budget, but and people say they call, they don't get an answer or they don't get a return call. So, um, saying that to say this, we're working to improve the city overall, but we've got to come together. As Miss, uh, Madame President say, we have to have unity, but we can't be left can't leave one side of town out and not work on all the entire town. So, Mr. Scott, I want to let you know I do we go I go out and look at and investigate and check into things. Thank you, Madam President, for saying giving me that time to say that.

You're welcome. And um Councilman Green, I appreciate you for going out um to all the districts. I work at Peabody, so I see Chetm Park every day. I see the baseball diamond every day. This is not the first time this has had been brought up. I have brought Tetum Park up several times. So, what we have to do is the mayor had said that he was going to um renovate Tetum Park and so we just have to make sure that that happens. It's not that I don't go around and not notice things because I do as well.

That's right. Mr. Johnson, you have a comment that was that all the special. Do anybody else? I got some question. Go ahead, Mr. Johnson. Oh, so minority owned business. How what's the percentage are we spending with minority business? 56%. Huh? 56%. That's how much we spending. How how what's how much are we spending? How much are we spending on on a a minority? I don't know. Minority businesses. Do we know?

I'm sorry. Were you asking a question? Ask a question. How much do do anybody is anybody tracking? How many do we spending with minority businesses? I don't have the answer to that question at this point in time. We weren't prepared to answer that. We also gave the opportunity for us to meet prior to this meeting. so that we could have those questions answered in advance and that meeting didn't happen.

Okay. I guess my next one is we asked for updates last last year. We asked to be updated on a quarterly basis. We asked for you guys to give us update on the last budget. Now, this budget right here and we haven't I haven't received an update from uh from administration. So if we had up if we've been updated, I know I could just add the numbers up. No, no, please. No outburst. Okay. Just less than 1%. Please outburst. No outburst from the audience. No.

Oh. So this this is the problem. And see we find ourselves every year in the same spot. If we track stuff monthly accordingly, we would have these questions to ask, you know. So each department should bring and this is just me being a budget person should bring every [clears throat] month how much been spent with the majority because with the minority because every year we are stuck in the same spot and we're looking bad because I don't know I know that when I ask people I go out and visit the businesses and most of them say they're getting a small cut of the pie and a lot of people are depending on this for their So we this is this is not rocket scientist. This is something that leaves the track and I would like to get those that those answers so I could go out when I go out and talk I can talk intelligent to the minority business

anybody got anything they want I just want to add I just I just want to add that uh the council has two employees these two young ladies here and we both giving you raises, correct? All right. The other thousand work for the mayor. He he sets their pay. When you're in that seat, you can call certain shots. He's calling certain shots. Pure and simple.

So, um it seems like the fight that we're having here is a fight that we're having other cities. It just seems like monies just aren't allocated the way we would like for them to be allocated. I agree with you. More can be done. But just understand when you're in a certain seat, you can call certain shots. I I want to add one. That's it.

I don't want to talk to you, but I'll add one thing. We are trying to work together. A lot of stuff behind the scene. You guys have no idea what goes on between us. One thing that when I ran I said I want to try to get some unity and I finally have council people who give me in input. So I could be just selfish and don't take the input and say or let's uh do uh my district but when I talk to uh one two and three I'm willing to move if something is more pressing on that side because we got a limited amount of money right now. her and I we're discussing. She has a project. I have a project. I think cold pepper is is hiding the fire truck because it's a safety issue is issue. We got kids. The school bus has to put his wheel on the other side of the yellow line for the kids to get off the bus. So, you know, her and I we sitting down right now. Let let me get my project in because I haven't got any in in the last three years. believe me.

But the mayor sets the tone for it, right? The mayor set the tone. So, I don't mind us getting getting beat up on, but I'm going to tell you again, like I tell everybody, we are out there working for y'all. I I know the the ones that I'm in contact with every day. We are. So I think that our constituents think that we are the ones who run the city. The city is run by the mayor on a daily basis. Every city.

That's right. That's right. He need us. Um Miss Shakola, he need us. Yeah. He said right up the street Mr. Mr. No, you you Miss Shakola, it's okay. I know. But we was told yesterday by the chief, the staff right there that Mr. Edleed that when they was talking about It's my problem. Okay. It's my problem. I'm not going to deflect it. It's that's on me. No, not you. No, no. I'm saying but that that's that's that's my role.

Yeah. No, sir. Okay. Any more discussion? Uh yeah, I have a question. Um I think a lot of the things we want to accomplish, not passing this budget, I don't think will solve that. I think passing it is, you know, gonna still accomplish what we need to accomplish. But I um have a question. legally if we don't have the budget passed before May 1st what happens [clears throat] city starts to shut down the administration would have to roll back services

does it does it function at that point at like 65% or something 60 okay 50%

mad President. Yes, sir. Mr. Carrey, two weeks ago, I did ask for the seven of us to delay this budget with the intent that they could meet with the mayor. I don't know who met with him, but as I said then, I'm on board with all five of them in their districts with their group. I don't have a project, but I support everyone's project that they have. So, who met with them? I don't know. No one met with us, Mr. Green. No one from the council initiated a meeting or reached out to the administration to meet as was discussed in the prior meeting.

Wow. Okay.

And when Mr. Johnson asked about the quarterly reports, I did in council meeting read five items that we did ask about that. So, I assume the quarterly reports will be coming uh on the diversity action with minorities. So, ladies and gentlemen, if y'all didn't choose to meet with him, that was I asked that we delayed the budget to see what was going to happen. Again, Mr. Cafe, I have no particular budgets, but I have every budget they have. As Councilman Law, I want it done. So that's what I wanted to add to the citizens, let you know. I did ask for it to be delayed with them have the opportunity to speak with the mayor. [clears throat] But again, if they chose not to, there we are. As they said, it has to be passed by May 1st. So we go to a 60%

uh 50%

50% delay. offer. I in saying this, I've gotten so many calls since I was the one that brought up some salary increases and I again gave them the mayor's number to call and ask why. And uh the citizens aren't satisfied. [clears throat] The citizens are not satisfied with what we presented to them in this budget. Uh, I hate for one person to be the one to hold us up, but ladies and gentlemen May 1st, it has to be passed today. If we don't vote for it, we won't go into bankruptcy. Madame President, when we go to take our vote, I'm not going to say anything else. I just want to let the citizens know that it has to be done by May 1st.

So if we go through it again to talk about different things, make amendments. I think overall the citizens will be sat more satisfied than what we have. Uh, and we need to get direct answers and and I'm thinking about a songwriter Sam Cook. A change is coming. Change is coming. So, ladies and gentlemen, we're going to work on this. We're going to do better. We want to represent the city to the best of our ability. And again, oh wow.

That's my point of view on this budget. There are some things that look ne deep deeply looking into and uh there we are. Thank you, Madam President. I call a question. Um roll call. Mr. Fowler, yes. Mr. Velar, yes. Mr. Laura, no. Miss Perry, yes. Mr. Johnson, yes. Miss Felter, yes. Mr. Green, no. Madam President, you have five yeses and two nos. The motion carries.

Number 12 to consider final adoption of the ordinary resending ordinance number 178 2024 that authorized the mayor to enter into a government agreement between the city of Alazandria and the greater Alazandria economic development authority gada district for the purpose of cooperative economic development general services related agreement and addendum and otherwise providing with respect there too. I need a motion, please move. Second. Second.

Motion by Council Member Lloyd, second by Councilman Lombardane, second by Councilman Green. Um, we have public comments from Miss Bale. Basically, I'm going to state what I said earlier for those who were not sitting up there in the finance meeting about GATA and how Jock Roy read uh revised statute 332740.60. Um, this is a 2024 financial audit. Like I said earlier, I'm encouraging the city council members to approve the GATA ordinance and allow Mr. Roy to veto it. It's not about the money. Gada annual revenue is 924,000. The city of Alexandria annual revenue is 241 million. The city of Alexandria annual revenue is 261 times larger than GA's revenue which is only 0.4% of the city of Alexandria total revenue. This is about Mr. Roy and his ego to desire to control Gada and prevent funds in

prevent funds going into projects that would generate economic development in black communities parks. He vetoed his message would allude to that fact. Gator should be able to choose their own projects and spend their funds in accordance with RS 332740.60. The city of Alexandria can easily take 1.25 millions from the general fund balance balance to cover the whites and gold ring invoice. Roy can release Gator from this contract. And I don't know if you were listening when he said that it was a signed contract. He will go to court. Let him take the city council to court. He had done it before. This would allow Gator the freedom to use the funds on economic development projects of their choice. And Mr. Johnson, I know you said you ran on unity, but standing in my driveway at the time you ran on utilities,

talking to me and my sister in my driveway. I can run on two things. [laughter] Yeah, you can. But you you neglected to to say about utilities because utility was the subject. Oh, no, it's not the subject, but I brought it up. Okay. Thank you.

You're welcome. My name is Shamir. I'm a resident of district 4. Gada deserves to be a separate organization from the city of Alexandria. GA Gada's annual income is no competition to the city of Alexandria's annual income. They make a Gada makes a majority of their money from hotel stays. Gator will have no money. They impossibly will go bankrupt trying to stay afloat and lending money to the city of Al Alexandria. They wouldn't be able to lend money to businesses, organizations, or do what they're supposed to do, which is produce economic development. Let Gator be its own entity as it's operated this entire time, fill the vacant seats. Miss Felter, Mr. Velar, and I'll leave you with this review of Gator. For the past 10 years, I've had the privilege to partner with Gada for the Dixie Girls Softball World Series. With the help of Gada, we have successfully brought 46 divisional World Series to central Louisiana that enhance the economic impact to the area. Working with Gada has been beyond honorable. Mr. Mohler and his team has been there to accommodate all of our needs. Thank you, Gada, for what you do. Dr. Keith Skip Fox, board president, Alexander Dixie, girls softball. That's all I have. Miss I was watching this last week from my TV and um I was I was on the tablet. I was watching this and I just thought that

this was the most senseless thing ever for the city of Alexandria to want to take Gator's money when you have taken enough of our money and gave us eight pickle ball. Tell me how many kids in my community has went to go play on eight pickle balls. In fact, I'm very proud of APD because they taking it upon yourself to go park over there.

This exactly what it's good for. But you want to take money from economic development which helped my community. When I walk outside my community, I see a bunch of abandoned houses, kids playing over it, throwing rocks, nothing for them to do. The fire hydrant has became a sense of water park for kids. But things that can be fixed that you have the rights to vote for, you choose to ignore and not fix it because you don't see what I see. The mayor's been elected almost four years and he's never walked through my community. Not even Michael Cafrey. So, you can't tell me you're going to fix something that you don't know that's going on. Or perhaps you do know it's going on, but you don't care because it doesn't affect the way you live every day. But it affects you, Miss Cynthia. It affects you, Miss Malcolm. It affects some of your people in district 2. Your councilman at large. It affects you, Mr. Jim. You're up for election. And it damn sure affects you. Because the last councilman at large that failed to listen to the people, he's no longer here.

Now, I ain't going to sit here and tell you what you should do and how you should vote. I'm just going to simply remind you that it's election time. And I got 2.4 million views and a bunch of followings. And I I told the last guy he'll be gone. And I stand on my word and I tend to deliver. You can vote however you want to vote, but all of you that's up for election, you will see me. Thank you, Mr. White. Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am. You're welcome, sir. I don't know if I can follow all of that, boy.

We're going to have some new election. We going to have some new people in here. All of y'all need to run for office, man. And them people are back here. Just run. Now, with Gator, all this started with Mayor Roy. He wants to control everything. He go down to the legislature. He passes ordinances down there that affects us up here. But none of y'all said nothing about it, you know. Yeah. Well, Malcolm, you really didn't know. But the mothers knew. He passed it without telling y'all. He didn't go to your brother.

That was Yeah. Mike Johnson. He went to Mike Johnson and Jason Dwit and all like that. But look, this thing needs to pass about Gator so Gator and the city can go separate ways. Let Gator do what Gator is supposed to do. But like I said, the mayor wants to control. He said in the city council meeting that he that's his money. That ain't HIS MONEY. NONE OF THIS IS HIS MONEY. That's the people's money. It's the council's money. Y'all are like Congress. So y'all approved the budget, but you say the mayor controls everything. So what are y'all there for? If the mayor controls, we don't need you.

But that's a shame. You know, Jim, you were a good man a long time ago, but man, Lee Rubin was a good man, but good men went bad. You know, Chuck, we we just stuck with you, Chuck. We just stuck. But anyway, like I said, a new day is coming. Election time. Vote.

Discussion. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Roll call. Mr. Lariday? Yes. Miss Perry? Yes. Mr. Johnson? Yes. Miss Felter? Um, I abstain. Mr. Rain. Yes. Mr. Fowler, no. Mr. Bard, abstain. Madam President, you have four yeses, one no and two abstensions, and motion carries. Thank you.

Number 13 to consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the mayor to accept the Ling for operating supplies for the gas department. Motion, please. Move. Moved by Councilman Bord, second by Councilman Lang. Public comments, discussion. All in favor? Any oppose? Motion carried. Number 14 to consider upon adoption or sunrise the mayor to accept the low submit operating supplies for the electric distribution department. Motion by Councilman Fowler, second by [clears throat] council member Lord. Public comments, discussion. All in favor?

Any opposed? Motion carried. Number 15 to consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the merit to accept the vote be submitted for full spectrum imaging system two color lab system and full spectrum imaging system two color mobile system for the police department. The administration is requesting that this item be delayed for two weeks. November 15.

So move delay. Second. Second motion by Councilman Malloy, second by Councilman Fowler. Public comments, discussion. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion carried. Number 16 to consider final adoption with an ordinance authorizing the mayor to accept the low bid submit electric meters and accessories for the electric distribution department. [clears throat] Motion please. Second. Motion by Councilman Lloyd, second by Councilman Fowler. Uh Mr. White. Oh, yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am.

The only thing I'm worried about is these smart meters and stuff. And uh that's the only thing I got to complain about cuz you'll be able to cut off the power instead of going by a man coming or woman coming by to cut off the power. With them smart meters, you can cut them off right at the district. So, are these smart meters or y'all don't know? You don't know. Okay. Pay for what they are. Okay. So, you don't know. That's all right. That's all right. But they are smart people. They are smart. Thank you, Lord. Thank you. All in favor? Any oppose? Motion carried. Number 17 to consider final adoption of anonymous submitted for operating chemicals for wastewater department.

Motion. Second. Motion by councilman Fowler. A second by Councilman Velour. Public comments. Mr. White. Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am. You're welcome. I just hope with this waste water and stuff that we'll look at that carbon capture because that's going to mess with our real water if it ever hits uh the ground aquifers and stuff. So, that's all I got. Discussion. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion carried. Number 18 to consider file adoption for an ordinance authorizing the mayor to award professional services contract to Marm Lroy Nixon for the West Alexandria wastewater capacity and planning study. Motion please move.

Motion by Councilman Fowler, second by Councilman Bord. Public comments. Um Mr. Ch.

Good evening.

Good evening sir. We understand the importance of infrastructure and recognize that wastewater capacity and planning and study is necessary for a growing city. But this decision to move forward with Meer Meer and Lacrosse and Hixon for West Alexandria raises concerns about fairness, transparency, and equal access across the entire city of Alexandria. The question is not whether the study should be done. The question is why West Alexandria is being prioritized. Why residents in districts number one, two, and three continue to deal with poor drainage, open ditches, flooding, and ongoing aging infrastructure. As taxpayers, we deserve to know why was West Alexandria selected first, what other areas were in the running, and how did they rank? What is the plan and timeline to address the infrastructure needs for the rest of the city? How much is this study costing the residents and what guarantee that this study will actually lead to real improvements? Every residents in Alexandria pay taxes. Every neighborhood deserves attention and every community deserves to feel like they matter and not being overlooked. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Uh, this is sewage, isn't it? It's a sewage study, sir. Uh, the trying to see the best way to move sewage in the city of Alexandria. It's not flooding. We've already have one sewer plant on this side. Need another on the other side. We can move the sewer around. That's what this study is for. Well, we have sewer on the on the east side of Alexandria and all of the stuff from as far out as Johnny Downs Field drains over there eventually. Is that not correct? Yeah, I was just coming to say that this isn't a flood water. This is sewer. [clears throat] So, you're having to pump sewer all the way across and it is a

this is something we've been looking at. It's a consequence of growth and and and also not having to pump it across. And so this is a capacity study. It it's the study which should be done. [clears throat] You have to get a study to determine that we we are out of the capacity to keep pumping that. It's nothing to do with flooding though. No. Exactly. So when the studies My question was not about flooding in that area. It was about flooding in districts number one, two, and three. And what made that a priority? This is this is not a priority. This is a study. It's a study that's being done. Yes. On sewage. I understand.

Not not flooding or hydraulics of water. This is a study doing about how we move our sewage around. Sir, Mr. Voy, there's much more massive amount of work studying water and flood water as we've seen with Mr. Davidid's work on that. This is just another set of work that the city has to do because it it's to do with sewage. They're not the same thing. Okay. So, Mr. Chalk, once the study is completed, would you like to have a um copy of that? Yes. [clears throat] Yes, sir. It'll be a public record. Yes. Okay. Discussion, Madam President? Yes. I think he was here to say something. Okay.

Uh council ladies, council gentlemen, uh thank you for letting me speak this evening. We we've [clears throat] known for a while that we we have to do some type of treatment on the west side. We're at capacity. Uh all of our force [clears throat] banes and pumping stations are at capacity on that west side. So it's going to stifle development if we don't do something. There's there was a West Alexandria treatment plant that was reviewed 20 years ago. Of course, our, [clears throat] you know, the projection in uh growth was not as as it was projected 20 years ago, but but now we're at capacity. So, we have to decide whether we're going to build a West Alexandria treatment plant or whether we're going to be able to upgrade our pumping stations and force springs to be able to pump the water to our South Alexandria treatment plant. [clears throat] We have the capacity at at the southern treatment plant to uh to treat all the all the needed uh excess waste water, but it's getting it there. We need to we need to do some cost analysis. We need to do smart growth and we need to make some good financial decisions on what's best for the city and our citizens. And if we do decide to choose uh upgrading [clears throat] those list stations, it's going to help everyone. It's not just going to be for West Alexandria, but if if we want to stifle growth, we're we're at capacity. We can't we can't grow anymore that way. So, these are the decisions we want we need to make on whether we're growing our city or whether we're just going to stop development all together. I can't I can't force any more waste water in our system.

Thank you. Thank you'all. The Madam President, Mr. Gman, what can I'm sorry. I I keep giving [clears throat] your own name. Sorry. Yes, sir. Miss Canella, when that plant was built on Hudson, wasn't it the capacity for 70,000 households? They're about to hold I know we're doing a pump that direction study. [clears throat] I I we go by million gallons a day. So,

so I know we have I I Googled some stuff yesterday and all weekend. We're our city [clears throat] population is 42,295 people showing that we have 29,725 unused areas of wastewater capacity down there. And I understand the need to update upgrade the pump stations. Correct. Yes, sir.

And so the study for the citizens, it's only a study to see what it's going to cost. I didn't see a cost analysis for the study, but I was on the committee that selected my and I just wanted to make sure that the Hudson Boulevard waste stage pump station, not waste station, pump station has that large enough capacity to pull whatever's coming from the west side to the east side without building a new.

No, no, that we have the we have the uh treatment facility necessary for the future growth. It's it's there. We're we're not uh at capacity in any any form or situation what we treat at the plant. So we're in good shape there. It's just a matter of the the feasibility and cost analysis on what's best. Any question, Mr. Canella? Yes, sir. Does the South Station need any improvements? I mean, we're we have a capital project for a sludge removal right now. It's $3.3 million. I mean, it hadn't been pumped out in probably 20 20 30 years. So, but overall, do we have a master plan on how we're going to maintain the South Station?

I mean, we we have a plan. I mean, there's no major improvements needed. I mean, it's just a matter of cleaning and maintenance and managing pumps and cleaning out reservoirs and th those are routine maintenance. Well, we we don't have any um All right.

I don't have any expansion plans or anything that that's needed at this at this time. The lack of capacity is the movement from one side or the other. The plant itself is not the capacity issue. It's the capacity of the things that push something against gravity and what it is against itself over there. That's the capacity. So, you're going to compare build something or push it. Yeah, I think the last time we did it was Yes. You have to have the study to determine what what is feasible or not feasible. Any more discussion? All in favor?

Any opposed? Motion carried. Number 19 to consider following adoption. [clears throat] Ordinance is authorizing the mayor to renew the existing contract with fluid processing pumps LLC for chlorination and decllorination equipment for the warden and waste department. Motion please. Move. Motion by councilman fowl. Second by council member Lord. Public comments discussion. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion carried. Number 20 to consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute a grant contract agreement with Louistown Community Department for the Alexander Julian Zoo Invasive Tree Removal Project. Motion, please move. Second.

Second. Moved by Council Member Lloyd, second by Councilwoman Felter. Public comments, discussion. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion carried. I resolution public hearing committed to development number 21 to contain to continue public hearing to consider condemnation of the following structures 3513 Bwin Avenue 1807 day street ambotion [clears throat] please move second motion by Councilman Fowl second by Councilman Balord public comments discussion all in favor any opposed hearing is open. Okay.

And the p um the hearing public hearing is open. Uh thank you, council members. Daniel Smith, director of planning. Uh we [clears throat] have two items that have been continued. The first is 3513 Baldwin Street. The owners contacted the Department of Community Development. Uh they're unable to complete the demolition. This is a partially collapsed structure. Um so they have they're not opposing the condemnation. So, the city requests that it be condemned, please. Okay. Second. Does anyone Is anyone here? 43513 Baldwin Avenue. No. Okay. All right. 1807 Day Street. We're going to vote. All in favor? All in favor?

Public comments. Public comments. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Motion carried. motion to close the public hearing 1807 1807. Okay. I'm sorry. That's all right. Um, this is also continued to give the the uh owners had said they were going to renovate it. At this time, all they've done is put some Tyveac on the front and uh bore up the windows. There's a rear structure that's not been addressed. It has a a collapsed roof. So, the city is at this time requesting that it be condemned. Um, I don't know if the owners are here. No one's here. board. Okay. You Yeah, you can come speak.

Okay. I also put together a little board to show progress because it's not just board it up. Um I'm going show you from the start of it when I got it in July. I started getting certified letters about all this trash that people was putting. You bring it and put it right here. Thank you. You can you can speak for me if you want to.

Yeah. And you can put your board right here on the table. Um, as you can see in November, it was a lot of trash. People was putting their trash in the house and I removed all of that myself and I removed the tree. I know there's the the roof is collapsed on the back structure, but we are gutting out the house and the inside. Um, I just got a recent update today that the house is completely cleared out for my electrician to come in the beginning of May once he's finished some of the projects he's doing. Um, I am working on the back of getting that more secured, but I've cleaned up everything. [clears throat]

How much time you need? I need a little bit more time. [laughter] I'm I'm I'm 60 days. Yes, ma'am. I'm working on this project myself. So, we'll give you 60 days and you can report back. Okay. Just give us another progress report. I will. I respect your ambition. So, keep hustling. You got a big job there. I respect that. I respect that. Thank you, ma'am. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion carry. The motion to um close public hearing. Is there anything else, Mr. Smith? Well, we just really like to encourage uh we haven't had any inspections called in um to the city on on the city's administration, and we don't know of any progress being made because we just haven't heard anything. So, please call some inspections. You guys,

yeah, my electric is supposed to call in the permit. I don't know if you guys So, yep, there is a permit, but yeah, please call the inspection in. That way, we can know if the progress is being made, ma'am. Ma'am, stay in contact with Mr. Smith. He's a nice guy. He'll work with you. So, please stay in contact with him. All right. Thank you. All right. Motion to close public hearing. Move. Moved by Councilman Fowler. Second by Council Member Lloyd. Public comments, discussion. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion carried. Madam President, um,

I had one [clears throat] uh thing I wanted to add. So, uh, regarding item 12 on the GA ordinance. Um, I had asked Miss Emily uh to email me the contract that accompanies the ordinance because I had never seen that, which is why I abstained when I voted because I wanted to fully understand. So when she emails me, if anyone else needs that, you can get it from her as well. Okay, meeting is adjourned. The meeting is a journal. children come in from there robotics children. Yeah, we didn't know about them. We didn't know about them.

We didn't know anything about it. [clears throat] Yeah, but they kids. But you need something at least two weeks ahead. Okay. Yeah. Just right there in front. Turn around. Turn around. Turn around. So, what does that contraption do?

And what it does is it grabs more objects on the game with the game. and it stacks onto the same game objects. And the second game object, we have this part to clamp down on it to grab it. And our arm, it clips the first game object into the second one to get us into. And it gets us a lot of points. And hopefully whenever we make it to worlds, you know, we get this a lot of like consistently. And What you call it? Huh? Anybody or you know the scorpion? The scorpion

the tail. Do you have something that it can work? Oh, it's not working. It won't work on the car on Oh, y' don't have the controller. [laughter] So, all four of y'all worked um to get this. All three. [laughter] Where y'all competing? Where y'all competing? You turn the lights on and I Well, on April 27th through the 20 No, actually 30th, we're going to be competing down in St. Louis, Missouri. Oh, Missouri.

That's awesome. CAN we get some names? [applause] I already gave you $1. So that's two already. Okay. Can we get some names? Right here. The name right there. Okay. Okay. mightach. Okay. [laughter]

If y'all don't mind, this will only take maybe six seconds. They have a unique story. Uh they're middle school. They're eighth grade right now. These three out of thousands of teams in the whole state, they're in first place. WOW. They started [applause] out their sixth grade year, didn't win anything. Seventh grade year, didn't win any award. This year, they won all the awards. They beat first place in state. Now they're going to worlds. They're trying to get to worlds. Which one's the brains in? [laughter] Actually, all of them, right? I would say all of them, too. Y'all want to hear what they want to be?

What do you want to be? I want to work at NASA. You can. Who encouraged you? My uncle works at NASA and he really inspired because he helped partake engineer on the one. Wow. So you know what you're doing. [laughter] Watch this. What are you doing? I want to be on your All right. All right. I don't really know because a lot of activities like robotics cooking. It's a lot of No, you got a lot, huh? Right. I had a spouse work for NASA. She's uh deceased three years ago. So uh yeah, she was my kid's mother, but that's a great great project funding.

So yeah, we passed out these I missed two people. I didn't want to get away. Okay, I step to the rest. Well, I think when's the competition? So this is it's actually next week. I got something missing from mine. sponsors. We have been sponsoring and uh we have been fundraising like crazy every week, but we've been doing it for two months and people donate, but it's a little bit so we have about gold, but it's next week. So, we're doing anything like walking up in the council [laughter] this and that, but we want to shine some light. Trust no one's talking about it.

Yeah. This is very important. And then we speak about the future. Yeah. Look, these future engineers are top of their classes. They accomplish something nobody ever accomplished here in someone represent this city. Yes. And y'all have a chance to support this. This is a STEM program. Science, technology, engineering, mathematics. What high school? What high school are y'all going to? and we have a program um a STEMS program over there. Mr. Madison um run that STEM program and he's going to be excited to get you guys because you already know a whole lot.

I want to bring you guys some funding uh tomorrow. So there magnet school if you ride if you happen to. We're not here, you know. No, no, no. I'm not supposed to, but what's the principal's name? But in the memo, make sure you put my church me if they were to roll. Right. Check the memo. Roboticsmith robotics be the morning. All right.

There's a long story. I just wanted to just take five seconds. Uh, I grew up project. I've uh had inspiration. And I have um gifts. I'm multi- gifted and multi-talented. I got to high school. My certain talent I had a teacher gave me a chance, put me in competitions. I won nationally first place against actual adults, not in school, adults.

I'm a child. [clears throat] And then from there on, I got a chance to compete uh worldwide. I won first place adult worldwide when I was having a chance. So imagine if these kids are given a chance to uh have a chance to actually get to where they want to be to compete what they can actually [applause]

keep us informed. Keep us informed. And when do they leave? Next week. Take girls.