Mayor and Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening. Thank you for joining us today for our last city council meeting of the month. As always, if you do not have a packet, uh there may be some still in the foyer for you to have to follow along with us, but there is a QR code on the door of the rotunda, which is the glass right here by the brick. You can scan it and follow along with your electronic devices. Today we're going to have the opening prayer to be led by Minister Beth Herren with the Sweet Spirit Sisters and the Pledge of Allegiance will be done by our very own Lieutenant Chad Shelton of the WR Robbins Fire Department. If everyone would please stand so that Minister Herren can start us off in prayer. And I'm accompanied by Crystal Ringer and she will start the prayer. Crystal Dear God, I I pray for what Robbins, such a great great city, Lord, and I've been here 55 years, and I thank you for bringing me here. It's been such great life here. And I pray for um our our mayor Patrick, and all the counselors, Lord, and all the hard work that they do. And I pray that you keep giving them advice on what to do for Warner Robbins to make it the best place to live. And and I thank you, Lord, so much for um Mayor Patrick and all she's done to make the homeless shelter um startup um lots of people in Warner Robas that are have needs and I pray that they're being met, Lord. Hallelujah. and pray that you keep giving them advice on what they need to do for Warner Robins and make it the best it can be. And um please bless Robins Federal Air Force Base, Lord, and um for keeping us safe and for all they

do. Keep bless them and their families. How I pray. And um I pray so much that um Mayor um Patrick um might even get the Muslims and the and the Hindus out of Warner Robbins. They they cause corruption and they certainly don't know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Um Lord, just keep them safe. And thank you for another day to worship and praise you. In Jesus name I pray.

Yes, Lord Almighty. We pray that all who participate in today's meeting will seek your wisdom and guidance for each issue that's going to be addressed. Lord, may there be grace and unity among us as we hope for our your continual blessings of peace and safety throughout the future of our city. We agree together in the name of our risen Lord Jesus Christ. And in his name we pray. Amen. Amen.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

All right. Well, uh, we just want to thank those who started us off in prayer and thank you to Lieutenant Shelton for leading us in the pledge of allegiance. Um, I think I forgot to say you may be seated. You may be seated. Uh, council, it's time for us to take our photo. Let's let's do that. And, uh, we'll move on to the next section. We will take one with those who let us in prayer first and then with Lieutenant Shelton. Break out. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. It's always

All right, I officially call today's meeting to order. We will first start with an adoption of the agenda with two amendments. One of them would be to add number 14, which is a motion for sewer availability to be discussed by Councilman Curtis and also adding executive session following mayor's comments. Executive session will be to discuss personnel. Mayor, I move to adopt the agenda with the addition of an executive session for personnel and also to add number 14 for a sewer availability by Councilman Curtis. I second that. Mayor motion by Councilman Lawson, seconded by Councilman Mack. All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand.

I.

Motion carries unanimously. On to announcements. We do have some announcements to share with you today of some great things going on in the city of Robins as we celebrate America 250 series. We have Startup Warner Robbins week which launched this morning, actually this afternoon. Um, in Startup Warner Robbins, this is our third year hosting this for the city of Warner Robbins. We have multiple classes that'll be happening this week. uh for the entrepreneurs in the room, those who have a business or those who wish to launch a business now or even in the future. Our next class will be on Tuesday, tomorrow, which starts at 8:00 a.m. It's coffee and conversations at the Woodlands Cafe over off of 96. And the topic is how to acquire a small business. For more events were that will be taking place this week, please go to startupwnerrobins.com and it'll tell you all the great opportunities we have for the week. We also have uh Warner Robbins, the Warner Robbins Police Department, Strong Night of Blue Lights will be on Thursday, May the 14th. So that's a couple weeks from now. and that'll be at Perkins Field from 6:00 to 900 pm. So, please come out and support our men and women in uniform uh for the Wana Robbins Police Department Thursday, May the 14th. And the fire department will also have a community event that'll take place on May the 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church. And this event is called the Fire Department Afterburn Auto Show. So, if you support our fire department, please come out for this effort. Also, uh see some great cars in the in the process. Again, Saturday, May the 30th from 900 a.m. to

1:00 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church. For parks and recreation, well, park recreation, parks, and cultural services to be exact. There will be a senior senior a senior Cinco de Mayo event which takes place on May the 5th from 10:30 to 12:30 at Wilston Center and it's for ages 50 and up and there is a cost of $7 to attend that event. You can register for this at the senior activity center um on Perkins Field the on Maple Street right across from the Welston Center. So some great events we shared four with you today. We have so much more. Please be sure to follow us on our socials, check out our website, and download the city of Wana Robbins app if you don't already have it to stay tuned with all the great things we do in our city. Uh we are a city who loves everyone, invites all to come into our city and enjoy um all the great things we have to offer. Now we will move on to proclamations, awards, and presentations. The first presentation is the Suki Heart Chapter for the Daughters of the American Resolution. If you'll please come forward and you can approach the podium for your presentation. Uh thank you all for being here today. We're gonna get a microphone for you.

You got it.

Good afternoon. My name is Kim Bryan. I'm from the Suki Hart chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. And I we are here as a group to pres today to present a flag to the city of Warner Robbins. It's a flag in the manner of what has been accredited to uh Betsy Ross to fly outside uh with the rest of the flags we have. So there wasn't going to be a lot of confusion. I went through the proper steps to find out what order the flags are to be flown in so that someone doesn't come along and say, "Well, you moved this one and you shouldn't have." And my daughter has the written instructions in her hand sitting outside. But thank you very much for allowing us this time to come and and greet you and present you with this flag.

Thank you so much. Uh this I think is is really awesome for you all to think of us in presenting this flag especially in celebration of America 250. Uh so thank you and I'll come down to accept that flag and council if you'd like to get in this photo as well. Please join me. If you like that one, man. Thank you so much. Yes, ma'am. All right. Now that we have completed that presentation, um

again, thank you to the local chapter of the daughters of American res revolution for providing us that flag as we commemorate the history of our nation. Uh the first proclamation we have today, we have three proclamations and we have some awards. So bear with us. The proclamation is for administrative professionals week. And if we have any of the administrative uh staff members here um in the audience, I'm going to ask if you'll please come forward so that we can present this to you. I believe we have a total of 34 or 30 34 35 35 administrative staff for the city of Warner Robbins. And here are some of them uh representing for the group. And I'll go ahead and I'll start. The administrative professionals week is April the 19th through the 25th, 2026. And it goes whereas administrative professionals week provides an opportunity to recognize the vital contributions of administrative professionals who play an essential role in the effective operation of government, businesses, and organizations. And whereas the administrative professionals demonstrate professionalism and dedication while supporting leadership and staff and going above and beyond to ensure efficient operations, strong communication, and a positive workplace environment. And whereas more than three million administrative assistants are part of the United States workforce with recent estimates showing over 3.4 million individuals employed in these roles nationwide highlighting the significant impact of this profession on our economy and daily operations. And whereas the observance began in 1952

as National Secretaries Week established to recognize the importance of skilled administrative personnel and has evolved over time to reflect and expand while expanding the role and responsibilities of today's administrative professionals ultimately becoming administrative professionals week in 2000. And whereas their commitment to excellence helps ensure that the city of Warner Robbins continues to provide high quality high quality services to its residents each day. And whereas it is fitting that we set aside this week to honor and celebrate the hard work, resilience, and invaluable contributions of those dedicated professionals. And now therefore, be it proclaimed by myself on behalf of city council and the citizens of Warner Robbins, April the 19th through 25 to the 25th, 2026, officially as administrative professionals week in our city. I encourage all citizens to recognize and thank the administrative professionals who contribute so much to our community each day. Let this week serve as a reminder that the strength of our city is built not only through leadership but through the dedication, excellence, and unwavering support of our administrative professionals whose work often happens behind the scenes, but makes all things possible. Let's give a great round of applause for some of our administrative professionals right now. And our administrative professionals come from every department. uh without administrative professionals uh I believe I can speak for the team which includes directors and executive staff that we would have a lot of chaos not only in our city government but in our city as a whole. So these are vital parts of what makes Warner Robbins function. So thank you so much and uh for all that you all do.

Thank you. All right. So, moving on. Next proclamation is for startup week 2026. Anyone here to accept this, please come forward. All right. Startup week Warner Robbins. Well, startup Warner Robbins week April 20th through 24th, 2026. Whereas entrepreneurship and small businesses are vital to the growth and vitality of Warner Robbins. And whereas Startup Warner Robbins 2026 is a week-long initiative to support, inspire, and equip local entrepreneurs with tools and connections to succeed. And whereas Startup Warner Robbins Week will begin on April the 20th, bringing together entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders to foster collaboration and networking. And whereas participants will have access to workshops and panels offering guidance on all aspects of starting, managing, and growing a business. And whereas the initiative will conclude on April the 24th with a startup summit providing further learning opportunities and strategies for growth. And whereas Startup Warner Robbins reflects the city of Warner Robbins ongoing commitment to

cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering individuals, and strengthening the local economy. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by myself on behalf of council and the citizens of our great city. Do hereby proclaim April the 20th through the 24th, 2026 officially as Startup Warner Robbins Week in our city. I encourage all res residents to support local entrepreneurs, seize new opportunities, and foster continued economic growth. So, let's give it up for Startup Warner Robbins Week. All right. Now, here's our last proclamation, and this is for safe digging month. Safe digging month is the entire month of April. Anyone who is here to to accept this, please come forward. Thank you, sir, for being here. Any others, please join. Okay. a national stake digging month, April 2026. Whereas thousands of times each year, the underground infrastructure in Georgia is damaged by those who do not have underground lines located prior to digging, resulting in service interruption, environmental damage, and threat to public safety. And whereas in 2005, the Federal Communications Commission designated 811 to provide contractors and homeowners a simple number to contact utility operators to request the location of underground lines at the intended dig site. And whereas the House and County Utility Coordinating Committee, a

stakeholderdriven organization dedicated to the prevention of damage to underground utilities in Georgia, promotes the National 811 Notification System and Georgia 811 in an effort to reduce these damages. And whereas damage prevention is a shared responsibility. By using safe digging practices, the contractors and homeowners of Warner Robbins can save time, money, and help keep our infrastructure safe and connected. And now, therefore, be it proclaimed by myself on behalf of city council and our great citizens do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 officially as Warner Robbins safe digging month. I encourage contractors, homeowners throughout Warner Robbins, Georgia to connect to, I'm sorry, to always contact 811 before digging. Safe digging is no accident. So, let's give a round of applause for National Safe Digging Month. And uh we don't have any members from utilities up here, but I know our utilities department as well as the gentleman here works to Okay, we have some coming up. As they come, I'll share. Uh so we want to make 811 just as just as well known as 911 because whenever infrastructure is hit in a digging site, when they're not properly located, businesses get shut down. We've had that recently on Watson Boulevard. It's not fun getting those calls because to our business owners that is a 911 emergency if they're not able to uh accept their customers and they have to shut down for hours impacting their uh impacting their workers, impacting the money coming into their business and their revenue. So, please please spread the word 811. Even if you're planting a tree, call 811 first. It's no cost to

you uh but it is to benefit all of us. Thank you. Yes. Um, moment just to say thank you for the mayor and city office and everybody. I'm Chad McRant. I'm the chair of the county utility coordinate committee and I accept this on behalf of GCC 81. Thank you for your efforts to for digging and I encourage anybody that's involved in utilities come to our next meeting if you are involved with utilities or utilities we have at the plant energies new facility 41.

Thank you so much. All right. And now we have our employee service awards. We'll have Miss Melanie Byer, who is the director for human resources department, come forward for those presentations.

Good evening. We have several employees that are being recognized tonight. Thank you. Get them started. There you go, man. Our first employee is Mr. Chris Martin. He's an accountant in our finance department with five years of service. Congratulations on great things as your wife active duty. Thank you for service to our country. So this is your service and you have another piece of Next we have Michael Paratravich. He's a utility maintenance supervisor over water in our utility department with five years of service.

Congratulations on five years. Thank you so much for your service. Here's your service award. And here's your accomplishment. We appreciate all that you do. All right. Next, we have Caleb Livingston. He's a fire driver engineer with our fire department with 15 years of service. All right. Thank you for your service. RC Thank you to your family. I work with 15 years for you. Three, two, one.

All right. Next, we have Chad Shelton. He's a lieutenant in our fire department with 15 years of service. Thank you sir. Next we have Chris Rrooks. He's the interim director of our general administration department with 30 years of service. I can go home every day and decide all the things you're doing. Congratulations.

Our last service award this evening is for Julius Wilcox. He's a sergeant in our police department with 35 years of service. Congratulations. Wow, that's a long time. We got 35 years. is a great place to work for years. Don't you agree support as well. Thank you. He's getting some more hits.

All right. So, now we have made it to our work session. For work session today, we will just be going over our agenda items. Mr. James Drinker will start us in those discussions.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. Uh, council members, it is a lengthy agenda tonight. So, I'm going to start with the new business items first. Um, and then we'll come back to the consent agenda. Uh, first item under our our business section is the veterans issues board appointments. Uh, we have a total of six tonight. Uh, the reappointment of four members, Mr. Bill Kerry, Ernest Culie, Glennwood Warrant, and David Wilson, and two new appointments, Michael Driggers, and Bradford Dalton. As you know, the Veterans Issues Board uh helps us connect and stay connected with our veterans community uh in terms of their needs uh and how we can better uh continue to support them. Up next is an appointment to the Engage Warner Robbins uh board. Uh as you know, we've been making some uh several appointments to that board uh recently. Very excited uh at the level of appointments that we're able to make uh to to that board. And the latest is the CEO of Emery Healthcare, Mr. Kevin Splain. Very excited to bring his expertise to that board. Uh we next have uh an extension on a purchase and sale agreement for 133 South Commercial Circle. U that is the Knights of Columbus building. Uh quite honestly, uh the one of the individuals who has to sign all the documents is traveling for several weeks. Uh that's the sole reason for the extension is just to accommodate that travel schedule. Um next um the a contract for annual events production services at a cost of $61,400. This is for the provision of talent coordination, stage rental, sound, lighting, and on-site management. Uh covers uh several uh well a number of events including our food truck roundups, international city festival, and Christmas tree lighting. Um this was

uh bid out uh and uh uh um the the recommended vendor for that is RCS Productions. We do have a request for a uh a change to an internal policy with respect to our health insurance currently uh under under uh our current internal policies. If we have an employee or retiree who passes, okay, upon their death, their coverage ends at 11:59 that evening, including the coverage for any covered dependent, which gives them no opportunity uh to secure coverage. So, what we're requesting tonight uh is a change in that policy uh to allow for the uh insurance coverage to continue for 30 days or one month, whichever is greater, to provide opportunity for those individuals to get appropriate coverage. That was presented to the insurance committee that uh that does uh recommend uh that change. We have a couple of changes to city code. The first uh you'll remember during our last meeting we had a little bit of a surprise uh with respect to a code le left over from about 1973 uh that refers to misogynists. Uh the proper term is licensed m massage therapists. So we'd like to make that change. That's the only uh thing we're changing on that is the change in terminology. Uh appreciation to Miss Stella and uh Miss Mai for helping us turn that around very quickly. Um then we also have a change to chapter 14 of the city code which is our speed zones. Uh under Georgia law we have to petition the state to allow us to uh run radar on uh on our streets. Uh and periodically we have to go out and ask for them uh to give us approval to

add streets to change speed limits etc. And then once they grant that approval, we have to update our ordinance to account for those uh changes. So that is on tonight's agenda. We have the issuance of uh LITC and GI points. Uh this is consideration to approve uh the city supporting low-income housing tax credit application as a pro uh proposed by Zimmerman properties for the Chadwick Flats project. Um the way this works, we put out a call to the development community to see who is interested in submitting um under under GIC and LITC. Um so it is a competitive process. Uh we did receive uh let's see I believe it was four uh proposals that came in. Those proposals uh are then evaluated based on location, development concept, population served, developer experience, community benefit, and alignment with the city's h housing priorities. For the Chadwick Flats proposal, it was the highest rated. Um and that dealt uh primarily two things made it stand out. The inclusion of wraparound services for neighborhood residents. Um and then uh there was a conscious effort being made uh to the connectivity at the neighborhood. The individual scoring summaries for each of those proposals are in your meeting packet uh which is also available to the public so you can see exactly how everyone scored out. Up next is uh uh contracts for residential real estate services to market and sell the eight uh town homes uh on Airman Boulevard for Engage Warner Robbins. Again, that was a uh a solicited bid situation. There were 16 proposals received. Um, and after reviewing those proposals, uh, the engage Warner Robbins

uh, board recommends awarding the engagement to Next Home 180. Uh, there is no, uh, direct cost to the city for this. Uh, the commission is 5% per unit sold. Um, so it is taken directly from the proceeds of the sale of each unit. Next, we have a transfer of donated funds for Haven Hope House. You'll recall that uh over the past year or so, we've been receiving donated funds from a variety of private citizens and organizations uh to support the operation of Haven Hope House. We now have the contracted uh uh u operator for that facility uh in the assembly at Warner Robbins. And this uh is authorization for the mayor to enter uh to sign and the city to enter into an agreement with the assembly Warner Robbins for us to transfer those donated funds to them uh for their intended purpose. And that's a total of $60,862.18. I will note that we will likely continue to see donations come in uh and we will uh likely be doing another transfer of funds. The idea is to do that not on a monthly basis because those are small transfers um but to do those periodically as needed. At the same time, the assembly is making uh uh arrangements so that donations can be made directly to that organization for benefit of Haven Hope House to take us out as the middleman. Uh finally under that area we have uh what was added uh tonight which was the sewer availability request for 406 Nelson Drive. Uh that property is located outside of the city limits which is why it comes to you. Um but uh there are sewer manes located along the eastern boundary of the property. uh we have confirmed that appropriate capacity is available. So this does not have any

negative impact on the city and all associated costs related to that connection would be borne by the the property owner. So there's no direct cost to the city. Did you say it was outside?

Yes, sir. It is located outside of the city. So, um you'll recall that we have um we we we put in place when we have situations like this agreements such that um if we do the extension, they sign an agreement whereby they would be annexed into the city. Uh there's basically I think one parcel I believe between uh the current city limits and this parcel. So it's it's located very close and they would go into a covenant with the city such that uh they would be annexed uh when when that property does become contiguous.

So my concern is if they decide not to pay the fees, what leverage do we have since they're outside of the city limits? So they they still own property. They still are entering into an agreement with us. So, the same as as we would have with anybody else who enters into an agreement with us. Um, and attorney Mai can can assist a little more with that if if that's not a sufficient answer for you.

Yes, Mr. Nan, the property owner is here and we have prepared the restrictive covenant. If it is prepared uh approved rather, uh he'll come in tomorrow morning to my office to sign that and that is legally binding and will run with the property. And actually the two methods by which services outside the city limits can be obtained via our code are either the property is immediately annexed if it can be which this property is not ripe for annexation or a restrictive covenant that runs with the land is signed by the property owner and as I said that is ready to be executed if it is approved by you tonight. Uh, as far as any collection, if there were to be an unpaid fee or amount due, those bills are treated in the same manner as any other delinquent account and they are sent to our collections uh, agency who the city has one on uh, contract and um, those fees would be collected in that manner.

Thank you.

Okay. On tonight's consent agenda, uh, we have uh, some of the the usual suspects, so to speak, the approval of the meeting minutes. We do have an employee promotion on tonight's uh uh consent agenda. I will remind you uh that it's considered an employee promotion because it's an employee moving to a higher position. Uh but the individual did go through the complete hiring process. It was an advertised position opening. They had to compete for it against people inside and outside the organization. Uh and I would like to recognize uh Mr. Tyler Savage. uh as the individual who uh is is considered the top candidate. Um Mr. Savage would actually be uh assuming the position currently held by Mr. Chris Martin who we met a few moments ago. Uh and he's also the son of a city employee. So the tradition lives on of excellence uh excellent service to the city from that family. Um we have USIC locating services. A few moments ago, we did the uh the resolution for uh call before you dig. Uh well, this is a contract related to that service. Uh it's an annual contract uh that we have to renew uh to support the 811 program. We have the Germa Property and Liability Insurance um renewal that is uh 1,392,289. It's an increase in the policy cost by $194,89 over last year. Uh but it does uh reflect deductions uh totaling $111,51 due uh to our police department maintaining its state certification and for us being a renewing customer. We have a $29,220

contract uh for uh that would go to Reams Concrete Company and Concrete Enterprises. Those are annual unitpric contracts for on call supply of concrete. Um and again, that cost at 29,220. That's an estimate. It's a unit price contract. uh so that when public works or one of our other departments uh has a need for concrete, we can call that and and make it happen fast, which becomes very important when we're doing repairs. Along that same line, we have uh Fort Line Waterworks annual estimated cost $38,557.65. This is unit price contract for provision of curb, gutter, and inlet frames and covers uh as we're doing repairs out in the field. If somebody damages a curb, if somebody breaks one of the uh storm water inlets, I believe Mr. Bib has had that happen recently near his home. Uh this allows us to to acquire uh the needed product to to make those repairs timely. Montage Enterprises. This is an estimated annual cost of $11,495.35 for provision of parts and annual servicing of public works flail mowers. Does everybody know what a flail mower is? Uh, basically a flail mower has multiple blades spinning around independently under a deck uh so that it uh it can handle heavy brush uh and whatnot as we're uh handling rideaways and things like that. Um

we call those bushwhackers. There you go. Bush hogs. Yeah. So it's a little different from a bush. No, that's incorrect, Councilman. They're not bush hogs. Yeah.

All right, Mr. Landscaper. Here we go. Yeah, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight's debate on Bush Hog versus Flail. Who saw that coming? Um, okay. Uh, then we have a $17,44920 contract with Haye Services. This is renewal of the annual maintenance agreement for HVAC systems at our police department. And I will note um as we have put these uh maintenance agreements in place, we have seen a significant reduction in uh ma uh uh failings of our HBAC systems and whatnot. So over time we will come out ahead on that. Uh then we have a few few additional purchasing items. 21st century partnership dues. Uh this is $57,628.29. It's paid through the Middle Georgia Regional Commission. Uh for those uh who may not recall, the 21st Century Partnership was created in 1993 as a response to the Brack reductions that were going on at that time. It was something that former Senator Nun uh called on the community to put together. Uh since that time, uh we've been through uh another brack uh that that the partnership was uh was critical in. Um but its function is to unify uh key community partners uh around uh a strategy and action plan to ensure uh the continued viability of Robins Air Force Base and to help attract new missions so that our base remains strong and one of the top uh Air Force bases uh within the defense uh community. Uh then we have Atlanta access controls $18,800 and $880.54. This is for motorized gate access

control for the animal control and traffic traffic signal complex uh part of uh security upgrades at that location. The vendor is the lowest is not the lowest bid bidder. Uh there were three bids received but this is the only one who uh checked all of the boxes within the scope of work. Um then we have data works plus at a cost of 27,600. This is for replacement of our uh live scan aphus system. This is used by the police department for fingerprint scanning. Um our current system is woefully outdated. Uh it can no longer be serviced or maintained. So we have to replace this. Uh the GBI provides a limited number of vendors who can provide uh the products uh that all of the law enforcement agencies in the state can use. Uh bids went out to those uh and and this uh this is the win uh recommended vendor. Up next, Gulf State Distribution at a cost of $42,5249. This is for training and duty ammunition for our police department. Um, think there's enough said about that. Uh, United site services at a cost of $14,697.88 cents for provision of temporary fencing necessary for our Independence Day se celebration. Uh, anybody who's been at that event is very familiar with all of the temporary fencing we have to put up uh so that we can keep uh everything safe and organized. And then finally, we have SHI. Uh this is uh a three-year contract uh annual cost of $79,474 or uh $238,422 over the three-year life. This is for our Microsoft licensing, Office 365 and all of that. Um and that follows us

going through all of the Microsoft licensing to ensure that we have everybody covered with the type of license that they need to have. um and balancing between what are referred to as G1 and G3 licenses, which is just levels of licensing. Um G3 licenses provide a little higher higher product uh line than the G1. So, we always try to make sure we balance that out and we're not overspending by having a lot of G3 licenses floating around out there that we don't need. Mayor and Council, that is everything on tonight's agenda. If you have questions, uh, the staff and I will be happy to do what we can to respond. I got one small one if I can. Uh, Mr. Drinker. Of course, sir.

Um, going back to the Haven, um, Hope House, you said that, um, we still receive donations. Is there is there And you said we're trying to get out of that. Yes, sir. So, what what is the process of us are we telling people to make those payments directly to them and not accepting the funds? Is there going to be a period of time where we're going to cut it off and just tell people to give directly to them or what?

There there will be. So, right now today, anybody who's interested in donating to benefit Haven Hope House can make a donation directly to the assembly at Warner Robbins. Uh but we recognize that some folks may not be comfortable making the donation to the church itself even though they're designating the funds directly for the benefit of Haven Hope House. Uh so we've been in conversation with the assembly about creating a separate 501c uh that is specific to Haven Hope House so that the donation can be made to Haven Hope House instead of the assembly at Warner Robbins. Uh so we'll continue to accept donations while that is ongoing. U but we have already begun encouraging people to make their donations to the assembly uh so that we are increasingly out of that business. Okay. So, we're encouraging them to create a separate 501c specifically for

for Haven Hope House. Yes, sir. All right. Thank you, sir. Yes, sir. Are there any additional questions, Madame Mayor? Thank you. And uh staff and I will be here throughout.

Thank you, Mr. Drinker. All right, moving on to formal public comments. If anyone is here who'd like to make a comment regarding one of the agenda items only, you do have your opportunity to approach the podium. You will have three minutes on the clock which will be at the top of the retunda. Please be sure to state your name and address and the agenda item that referring to when you approach the podium. The floor is now open for those who want to make the comments pertaining to agenda items only. If you have a general comment, you will have another opportunity once the agenda items are complete. Hey y'all. Uh my name is Steven Rollison and I live at 106 Morningside Drive. Um, I just wanted to speak briefly on agenda item 10, the speed zone cameras. Uh, I just want to say, uh, to you and everyone responsible for putting the speed zone cameras in, I think that that's awesome and you probably don't hear enough praise for that. Uh, I know here in Warner Robbins, uh, there's definitely been a reduction in, uh, speeding incidents on those roads. At least I expect so. And I know in a lot of different areas like indicator, they're also using speed zone enforcement in school zones um as a way of curtailing speeding and reducing accidents and all that. So uh again, I just wanted to say thank you for doing that and uh keep up the good work.

Thank you, Mr. Rston. Good evening, mayor and council. My name is Lori Freeman. I work with the 21st Century Partnership. I'm the business operations director. I live at 418 Nandina Court. And thank you for the great introduction on the 21st Century Partnership. So, I don't have to say much. He said it all. On behalf of the whole partnership team, I know our budget request is on the agenda tonight, but we just want to thank Warner Robbins for all the support you've given over the years and we would be very grateful if you approve that again this year. Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Freeman. Will there be any others? Going once. Going twice. The door is now closed. Now moving on to our uh consent agenda. Item number three, the consent agenda will be discussed by Councilman Lawrenson. Thank you, Mayor. I do make a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. And uh I believe I'll just leave it at that. I'll second that, Mayor. Motion by Councilman Lawrenson, seconded by Councilman Lashley.

You sounded like Lashley then. Confused me. I will I will I'll second that. Mayor I will ref I will rephrase that motion by Councilman Lawrenson, seconded by Councilman Bib. Any discussion? It's a Spider-Man shirt, mayor. It's the Spider-Man shirt.

Any further discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand. Motion carries unanimously.

All right. Item number four is a resolution for the Veterans Issues Board appointments to be discussed by Councilman Lashley.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. It is an honor and a privilege to make a motion to approve the resolution to reappoint the following four individuals and appoint the following two to the Warner Robbins Veterans Issue Board. Uh first will be Mr. Bill Kerry. Effective date of reappointment is April 20th, 2026. Term to expire when I say no, I'm just kidding. Uh March 6, 2028. Uh Mr. Ernest Kohley Kohley, I'm sorry. April 20th, 2026 to March 6, 2027. Glennwood Warren, April 20th, 2026 till May 1st, 2028. David Wilson, April 20th, 2026 to May 1st of 2027. And our two new members, Mr. Michael Driggger, April 20th, 2026 to May 1st of 2028, and Mr. Bradford Dalton, April 20th, 2026, August 20th, 2027. I second

motion by Councilman Lashley, seconded by Councilman Curtis. Any discussion? Thank you again, gentlemen. Thank you so much. Any further discussion? I join them in saying thank you for your service and your sacrifice and for some of you your continued sacrifice. All right, if no further discussion, then we will call for the vote. All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand. I motion carries unanimously. Welcome to the board. Next will be a resolution for engage Warner Robbins appointments to be discussed by Councilman Mack.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. I'd like to make a motion to approve the resolution pursuant to OCGA 36-62-4 appoint Kevin Splain to the board of directors of engaged Warner Robbins for the city of Warner Robbins with a term to expire on April 19th 2030. I'll second that. Mayor motion by Councilman Mack, seconded by Councilman Bid. Any discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand. I.

Motion carries unanimously. Now we will do the oath of office for all of the new appointments who are currently present. If you are new for the U Veterans Issues Board, if you'll please come forward so that we can go over your oath of office. Thank you. Thank you. All right, you all can come forward.

Thank you. Thank you so much. So good to see you again, sir. Thank you so much for joining. All right, we're going to go over our oath of office. What you all are going to do is you're going to raise your right hand and you're going to follow after me. Um it is printed in front of you if you would like to read along. Uh, you'll just be repeating what I say until we get to the end. Uh, when you see I here, you're going to actually say your name after the I when it's your turn and then catch back up with each other coming back up with due. So, just follow my lead. It's really simple. So, we're going to go ahead and get started now. If you'll please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Bradford Dalton Michael Driggers do solemnly swear and affirm

do solemnly swear and soly swear and affirm that I will faithfully and impartially that I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of member perform perform the duties of member of veterans issues board veterans issues board and that I will support and defend and that I will support and defend the charter of the city of Warner Robbins the charter of the city of Warner Robbins as well as the constit Constitution as well as the Constitution and the laws of the state of Georgia and the laws of the state of Georgia and of the United States of America in the United States of America. I will not knowingly receive I will not knowingly receive directly or indirectly directly or indirectly

any money or other valuable thing any money or invaluable thing for the performance or non-performance for the performance or non-performance of any act or duty of any act or duty pertaining to my office pertaining to my office other than the compensation other than the compensation allowed by law allowed I further swear or affirm I further swear or affirm that I will faithfully discharge I will faithfully discharge my duties as a member my duties as a member of the Veterans Issues Board of the Veterans Issues Board to the best of my ability. Best of my ability. Congratulations. You are now on the board.

Okay. So all you do is sign your name right here. and I'll go ahead and sign. While you're right here, we're going to take a picture. This is for you. Welcome to the team. Thank you.

Welcome to the team. All right, we're going to take a picture now. Thank you guys very much. Thank you so much. Thank you. For those of you that may not know, um he probably is going to get mad at me for doing this, but Mr. Mr. Driggers, Michael Driggger is the one that actually donated the land for the Vietnam's memorial. So, we thank you and welcome aboard.

Yes. So, thank you so much. That's what I was going to come say. He has significantly significantly contributed to the history of Warner Robbins by donating the land, which will be the future home of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. And I want to just add something more to what Councilman Bib just shared, by having the members of the board please stand up. I know you've been making some really great progress with that project. So, if you'll please stand so we can give you a great round of applause for everything that you've been doing on this project. Thank you so much All right. Now we're to item number six, which is a resolution for purchase and sale agreement to be discussed by Councilman Bib.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. I make a motion to approve the resolution that Mayor Lauratrick is authorized to execute the amendment to the purchase and sale agreement executed on December 1st, 2025 with the Colombians of Warner Robbins, also known as the Knights of Columbus for the property located at 133 South Commercial Circle. And I'll second that, mayor. Motion by Councilman Bib, seconded by Councilman Mack. Any discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand. I.

Motion carries unanimously. Item number seven is a resolution for RCS Productions to be discussed by Councilman Holmes.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. I present to you a motion to approve the resolution to authorize Mayor Lana W. Patrick to execute the attached contract between RCS Productions and Entertainment uh incorporated. Uh they are being they been they being the contractor and the city of Warner Robbins, Georgia for a term beginning April 20th, 2026 and ending December 31st, 2026 for a 2026 event production service. Again, I move for the adoption. I'll second.

Motion by Councilman Holmes, seconded by Councilman Lashley. Any discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand. I. Motion carries unanimously. Item number eight is a resolution for health insurance policy change to be discussed by Councilman Curtis.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. A motion to approve the resolution to authorize Mayor Londa W. Patrick to execute internal policy changes on termination of health insurance coverage after the death of a covered employee or retired to provide continuous of coverage for a period of one month or 30 calendar days days whichever is greater. I second that motion by Councilman Curtis, seconded by Councilman Holmes. Any discussion? Yes, mayor. I just want to say that I think this is um necessary and is a great thing we're doing for our employees. Ma'am,

thank you. Any further discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand. I motion carries unanimously. Item number nine, an ordinance for chapter 12 amendment to be discussed by Councilman Lawren. Thank you, Mayor. I approved is here repealing and replacing the term misogynist with licensed massage therapist. And I'd also like to wave the second reading. I'll second that. Mayor

motion by Councilman Lawrenson waving the second reading. Seconded by Councilman Bib. Any discussion? This is proof that we actually do listen and we move quickly as possible to make adjustments needed for our city. Any further discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Item number 10 is an ordinance for chapter 14 amendment to be discussed by Councilman Lashley.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. I make a motion to approve the ordinance to amend section 14-152 of the city code of Warner Robbins by deleting it in its entirety and inserting the updated attached schedule in lie thereof. I would also like to wave the second reading and a full updated list of all the streets with the speeds and when they're enforcable for school zones is available in the packet or online.

I'll second. Motion by Councilman Lashley, seconded by Councilman Mack. Sorry, I don't know which one said it. I couldn't hear. Good. Okay. Mo Make sure I mess it up now. Motion by Councilman Lashley, seconded by Councilman Curtis. Any discussion? I couldn't tell. All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand.

Motion carries unanimously. All right, maybe I need to get some more rest. I've messed up two sets of voices today. Usually I look right if I don't see your mouth. And today I'm I'm messing up the sound connecting it to the wrong person. So forgive me. I took mine as a compliment.

All right. Item number 11 is a motion for issuance of a litec gick to be discussed by Councilman Mack. Thank you, uh, Madame Mayor. I'd like to take this time to make a motion to approve the award of two Georgia initiatives for community housing points to support lowincome housing tax credits go to the application proposed by Zimmerman Properties Chadwick Flats. I second. Wow. Motion by Councilman Mack, seconded by Councilman Curtis. Any discussion? They're trying to trick you, mayor. They're trying to trick you.

All right. So, this is this development is one that already exists. It's the apartments, the flats that are right next to Walmart Market on Russell Parkway. if you Lake Joy, Russell Parkway, the apartments right off of Thorp. Um the the buildings already exists. I believe they're adding additional building or two for that project. Uh I think the rents are probably like all the others starting at probably 1,100 starting out typically and these are for individuals who work and can afford that. So uh just some more context when it comes to this project. Any further discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand. I

motion carries unanimously. Item number 12 is a motion for next home 180 to be discussed by Councilman Bib. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I make a motion to approve the engage Warner Robbins is authorized to enter into the listing agreement with next home 180 for the sale of eight town homes constructed through the city chip grant. I'll second that. May bear

motion by Councilman Bib, seconded by Councilman Mack. Any discussion? If you recall, these are the um the eight units um town homes that the city funded through our CHIP grant. Um as was discussed, uh these we had a ribbon cutting for them a couple months back and now we are asking for a realtor to um advertise those units and get some new families into those homes. Any further discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand. I

motion carries unanimously. Item number 13 is a motion to transfer contributed funds for Haven Hope House to be discussed by Councilman Holmes.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. As stated earlier and just stated again, restated, I present to you a motion to approve the transfer of funds totaling $6,862.118. previously donated to the city of Warner Robbins for the purpose of supporting the operation of Haven Hope House to the assembly at Warner Robbins as the contracted operator of the facility and authorized the mayor to execute a letter of agreement detailing the transfer and use of said funds. I move for the adoption.

I'll second. Motion by Councilman Holmes, seconded by Councilman Lashley. Any discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Item number 14 is a motion for sewer availability request to be discussed by Councilman Curtis.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. A motion to approve the sewer availability request for the property at 406 Nelson Drive. A second. Motion by Councilman Curtis, seconded by Councilman Holmes. Any discussion? I was inquiring whether we needed to include uh the requirement placed on the homeowner to enter the particular covenant. Um but we do not need to mention that in the motion as it is uh in our code. So it is a law for our city which is automatic. Any further discussion? All those in favor please state I and raise your hand.

I motion carries unanimously. We have completed the numbered agenda items for today. We flew by our agenda. Thank you, Mr. Drinker, for keeping us at 5:30 for our uh work session. Actually finishing 5 minutes earlier than the 5:30 mark. Thank you. Uh now we are opening the floor for citizen comments. If anyone has any general comments, questions, concerns you'd like to share, you have your opportunity to approach the podium. Please be sure to state your name and address for the record. Please note that council and I are listening though we may not respond to you at this moment. The floor is now open for general comments.

Hi, good evening. My Oh, hello. Oh, thank you. Um, good evening. My name is Eric Shoemaker. I'm a lifelong resident of Warner Robbins. Uh we live at uh 412 Arrowhead Trail. And uh I was just wanting to uh bring to attention the city ordinance we have regarding um having weeds grown over 10 in. Um so our yard is a native plant habitat. We're certified by the National Wildlife Foundation to grow and cultivate exclusively native plants. Uh all of our plants are sourced from the Warner Robbins Native Plant Center and we even had it all checked out by uh Miss Tiffany Bowen with Keep Warner Robbins Beautiful and um we're trying to get protections in place for not just our yard but other yards that are doing the same where they're killing the turf grass and cultivating native plants that are beneficial to native pollinators that um help prevent erosion and runoff. They don't require pesticides or extra irrigation or anything because again they these plants evolved here. They grew here for millions of years. Um and they benefit the local environment. Um, and I was also going to ask if maybe the city ordinance, I want to say it's 1185, um, the one about weeds and grasses, to maybe add a line in there about, um, invasive weeds or grasses as in weeds and grasses not native to the southeastern US. And that is all.

Thank you, Mr. Shoemaker. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Alver W. Good to see y'all. Uh just a quick comment for uh I think it's Waste Management name of the company that does the uh collection or is I can WL

GFL. GFL. There you go. GFL. They've been very initially when we first moved here, they were very um how can I say? Basically, the yard refugees will sit there for weeks. But they've been very diligent. They pick up uh when they're supposed to uh every two weeks. I notic that they're doing the same thing for my neighbors and so forth. So, just a good note uh for their they usually used sometimes they used to have the representative here on board. So, uh, just to pass it on to them to keep up the good work. Thank you so much. We appreciate that. Amen.

Will there be any others? Going once. Going twice. The door is now closed. All right. Now that we've completed citizen comments, uh, we now will have council comments. Uh, we will now start with Councilman Bib. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Uh, it's been a good night. Uh, got a lot accomplished. I hope you all have a great night. Uh, congratulations to the people on the that got elected to the boards today. Um, I'm proud that you're on there and proud that you're serving our community. We really appreciate it. And everybody have a good night.

Thank you, Councilman Bib. And we do appreciate that shirt. It's pretty cool shirt. you just been uh evolving in your presentations lately, but uh you look very GQ, like you're from the magazine. Good job. Good job to Miss Connie. And my voice is changing.

Uhhuh. Thank you, mayor. Yeah, great night. I'd also like to congratulate and show appreciation to our our new board members and those that are returning and thank them for their work. Uh would also like to congratulate our city employees who received uh service awards tonight. Thank you for being a part of the city and I wish you uh all the best in your continued service. And um that's all I have. God bless. Thank you, Councilman. Now to Councilman Lashley.

Uh thank you, Madame Mayor. Uh yeah, it was a great night. Uh it was a lot of fun tonight. Usually that's like April 1st is when we have that good meeting, but it we needed it after the last one. So uh again, employee awards, awesome. And uh Mr. Savage, the two Savages now, Mr. Savage. Um I'd be remiss if I didn't repeat the comment that I made to Julius when he walked by. He had 35 years. That's one year for every inch of his biceps. So, I told him he's got to get to 45 inches on them biceps. So, we'll see how that happens. Uh, but and to our board members, thank you so much for your service to our country and thank you for your service to our community. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Now, Councilman Holmes,

thank you, Madame Mayor. Again, thank you to those individuals uh that's representing the military past, present, and future. Thank you for your service and continued service. Uh congratulations to those recipients of rewards and accolades in earlier this afternoon. Mayor I thank you for the pres presentation you did um I guess it was Thursday or Friday uh talking about this the progress the city of Warner Robbins has made. Uh, you did. I watched it online. Outstanding job. And I I didn't want that to pass without letting you know how much I appreciate it. Thank you.

Thank you. Now, Councilman Curtis, thank you, Madam Mayor. Again, um, I just want to say thank you to the board members. Thank you for everything that you do for our city to continue to put us in the spotlight. also the uh city employees service awards Brooks uh Julius big ups on those 30 plus years. Also want to say thank you to mayor council. Y'all keep up the good work. And I think drink better stop right there. Right. Y'all have a great night. Thank you. All right. Now to Councilman Mack.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, once again to echo what everyone else has said, um, all the employee service awards. I tried to give, uh, Mr. Julius some benadryil to get his swelling down, but it just he wouldn't take it, you know. So, uh, we'll see what we can do with all that. But, uh, also, um, thank you again to the Veterans Board for all that you've done and all that you've been through to get to where you are today. And um if anybody hasn't seen the special on Netflix is really mirroring a former um mayor in middle Georgia, CJ Jack Ellis is a documentary on Vietnam veterans and is and is it features CJ Ellis. So it's a really good miniseries on Netflix. So you should check it out and really get detailed into what Vietnam veterans went through. So I I enjoyed watching that. Also, um this past week, we laid to rest one of our um employees that just recently retired after 37 years. So, I just want to extend my condolences to Mr. the family of Mr. Mark Poke. He meant so much to so many of us throughout this community and he surely will be missed as he's already missed. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman. All right. And now it's my turn to make uh some comments. Um we did have some special uh guests with us visiting today from Ghana uh from the university whose name I cannot pronounce but that is TTU which is the largest technical college in their country. Uh they are here uh looking to see how we operate our parks and recreation well recreation parks and cultural services. Uh and they got a lot of things country and how we can enhance our community, our our youth, our eldest member in our society as well by uh impacting their mind, not just providing the athletic uh offerings in parks and recreation. So, we had some really great synergy. Look forward to more engagement with Ghana um here in Warner Robbins. Uh so stay tuned to more to come uh with that potential collaboration or partnership. I also want to uh mention again and thank you Councilman Mack for mentioning uh the loss of one of our staff uh untimely and we do send our condolences, our prayers and our thoughts with the Pulk family. Uh Mr. Pulk recently retired from the utilities department of the city of Warner Robbins. Uh it feels like it was this year. It could have been the end of last year. Um but he recently retired and um I think it was in December and and we lost him uh last week and he was laid to rest on Friday. Uh so we had a lot of team members go there and the city of one robbins did send something on behalf of the city as well as um city government as well as our our council members and myself. So I wanted to just

make sure we made that comment to his family and uh remind everyone once again uh we have a lot of innovative momentum in the city of Warner Robbins. We're doing some great amazing things because we have an amazing awesome supportive uh go-getter team of directors and staff who do not play around and our city council and I we join together to make sure that we are progressing positively and smart for our city and we are building a city for everyone. I repeat, building a city for everyone. And it is a pleasure to serve here as your mayor along with my brothers uh from another mother. Come on, Tit Bib, you're missing your part. Another mother, same father.

Same father. Um and with that, we will conclude our comments. And the next thing on our agenda is uh executive session to discuss personnel. If we have a proper motion. Mayor, I move to go into executive session to discuss personnel. And I'll second that. Mayor by Councilman Lawson, seconded by Councilman Bib. All in favor, please state I and raise your hand.

Motion carries unanimously. We are now exiting for executive session. Our agenda items are complete. I uh it is it is possible that we will have another action item when we come out of executive session, but that is not certain, but I like to share it just in case we do. Uh so, thank you for being here. We'll see you for our first meeting in the month of May. This year is flying by. Thank you all so much for your support.