City Council - Regular Meeting

child.

That's good. So this right. So she's gonna really Yeah. Don't think he gonna do

think he gonna get her property.

What city were you in? Well, you said she's been here, right? Speaking of babies,

something like that. Oh yeah.

Yeah. Right. I think

church had May I have your attention Please, it is now 5:15 and time for our work session to begin and it will begin with a presentation by Miss Anna Cochwell. I want to thank um the council and mayor um Eddie Smith for the opportunity to speak with you guys tonight about one of my absolutely favorite things, the arts. Um so I'll start by saying the East Alabama Arts Association is what I'm here to talk about um this afternoon. East Alabama Arts Association was founded 61 years ago and it evolved from a small painting club here in Opaikica into a fully professional presenting and arts education organization. The performance series is the association's signature event and it is celebrating its 40th year by bringing worldrenowned performers to Opaikica. This series paved the way for the Opaikica Center for the Performing Arts, which is at our high school, as well as a long-standing partnership with the Kennedy Center. Personally, I like to tell people um

regularly that our funky and unique spirit in Opaikica today we owe a debt of gratitude to the East Alabama Arts Association for paving the way for artistic excellence and a variety of range of thought in our community. Um again, I'm Anna Coxwell. I'll just tell you a couple things about me. I opened my first music venue before I turned 16 and moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a degree in music business from Belmont University. At Belmont, I completed a thesis on nonprofit music venue management. While I've been in Opaikica, I was a founding board member for Opaikica Young Professionals, where I led their arts and entertainment programming. I am currently the president of the board for the Arts Association of East Alabama as well as the coordinator over all of the venues for the Opelica Songwriters Festival. It's truly an honor for me to lead the arts association through thick and thin. Unfortunately, I need to talk about the thin for a minute. for the arts association. In the last six months, there have been serious financial and operational challenges and deficits due to recent leadership. The board became involved immediately when we were made aware of these deficits. We've made leadership changes and we've worked to move forward in a fiscally responsible manner. The goals for us moving forward have been around financial responsibility and transparency to our patrons and our sponsors. We have a really engaged board right now. We're focused on increased scrutiny and stop gaps to prevent any issues with funding through increased accountability.

Um, unfortunately earlier this year, in order to not continue an increase to our deficit, we had to cancel the last three shows of our performance series this spring. The organization had been working in a rears for several years, using next season's funds to pay debts of previous season. And our request tonight is for funding to pay off our debts and past obligations. We're hoping to draw a line in the sand to be able to pivot and start a new with a renewed vision and focus. The total funding request tonight is for $75,000. And I'll talk about how that breaks down. Because we were unfortunately um brought to the point where we had to cancel our season, we owe refunds to our patrons in the amount of $20,000. I've been able to negotiate down um artist contract refunds, but we currently owe $30,000 in artist refunds for the canceled shows. And we owe right around $25,000 for other operating costs associated with the performance series, such as lights, technical fees, um and our technical help. What I'd really like to present you with is some actions and goals as we move forward. We're really excited about what's ahead for hopefully the next 60 years plus of this organization. Right now, we have live a community feedback survey. We advertised it on Friday at Food Truck Friday with a tent and we're advertising it on social media to get feedback from our community about what the organization should be doing. So, what do they want to see us do? Where do they want to see us? And we're trying to make sure we reach um all over our community with this survey, which

will be ongoing through the summer. We've worked with the state arts council and other entities to secure additional grant funding. We've worked with Opaikica City Schools and we're planning on two or three educational performances for students in the upcoming year. And we've also made a commitment to promote and sell tickets for the Opaikica High School Theater. Along with whatever we do as an organization will be promoting what they do. We are planning to add an art element to Main Streets on the tracks event this fall. We're planning to participate and add art vendors to Garden in the Park with Keep Opal like a beautiful. And we've been working to move art that is owned by the arts association into community locations for public view away from storage locations and locked offices. Our goal is to to plan a scaledown four show arts association performance series season so that we can maintain our patrons. We don't want to do anything extravagant right now, but we want to keep the people that are involved in our organization engaged and we also want to try out some new things. Um, again, at least half of these shows will have educational elements that we'll um partner with Opa City Schools for. We're really working hard and I'm very proud that we're growing our board to look more diverse and representative of the community. We've leaned on 20 under 40 and Leadership League County for applicants and we've been really happy with the results of that. We are looking overall as a goal to be a connector between other groups to add arts elements to existing community events and to promote other artistic community events that we're not even a part of that are happening in Opalikica.

and we want to find additional arts education opportunities that make sense for this community. Our goal is to rebuild bridges and restore trust in an important community organization that the East Alabama Arts Association is while making sure we stick to what's important, education, arts involvement, being local and grassroots. I've got a couple stats that I wanted to give you before I I'm done. Um, almost 90% of nonprofit audiences in Alabama agree that arts activities inspire a sense of pride in their community. The arts are important to Opaikica. They unify our community by helping us understand each other. They improve our well-being by lifting us up. They strengthen our economy and they're an a critical building block to what a desirable community looks like and they spark creativity, innovation, and academic performance for all of us that participate. So, I thank you for listening and um I'm happy to answer any questions that anyone has.

And tell us about the uh artwork that you refer to.

Sure. Yeah. So, there are several pieces of artwork that are very large that we're working to place in the community. There are two large ceramic pieces, so pottery pieces um that were locked in an office at Southside Center. I've worked um a a great deal with Southern Union. um they're expanding their arts footprint here in Opaikica and so we've had some really good meetings and they're going to be showcasing our ceramic pieces outside their southern room um with a attribution to the arts association. We also have a very large Roger Brown which is worth great value that we're working to find a place for. It's a 6 by8 original painting so it's very large. Um, I've been working with Rosanna McGinness to find a home for it in the library that won't get any little hands on it. Um, it might also be presented at Southside Center, but um, we are working hard to make sure those art pieces get shown. It's important to note we always have a public gallery open at Southside Center. And so one of the things we're working is to really beef that up and increase the amount of art that is included there to do a salon wall, a more compact, you know, full of art type hallway. Um, and so we definitely have the art for it and we're excited to see where that goes as well. Anna, I just want to say um I appreciate your service and your dedication to the East Alabama Arts Association. um you know I have uh spent a lot of time with them during my time when I was in the community foundation and I know the impact as well as you do for our community what it means to uh the people in our city and also but also the kids that cultural enrichment experience that

East Alabama Arts brings to our community and um I just appreciate the time that you have spent on this and working with the board and identifying what the obstacles are and the opportunities that you can going forward and um I'm happy to do anything I can to help you all out. Thank you. One question. Sure. This $75,000 you're asking for, will that relieve you from being in the red?

That would that would allow us to be completely out of our deficit, put us back to zero where we can um really begin to interact with our patrons again. One of the reasons that I feel like this is urgent is because we do owe those patrons and those agencies and I don't feel like I can go forward with, hey, fill out my survey. Hey, what do you want to see from us when I owe the community money? And so, it's really important that we get back to that zero mark so that we can work on building something new. Thank you. We appreciate your presentation. Yeah. Thank you,

Mr. President. I think it would be important to note that the um $75,000 is an amendment to the current contract that they have for services with the city of Opaikica. That we're not just giving it to them. that there is a contract, okay, that we currently have and we're amending that contract to include an extra amount appropriation for the services render. Okay. Thank you. resolutions economic development.

Mayor Smith, members of the council, appreciate your time tonight. Uh to be um I guess we'll I'll be here for two resolutions. First one is uh for an amendment first amendment to the project development agreement with MAB um American Management. That's the development group that is working on the uh new shopping center on 280 and veterans. Um most of us are really familiar with that site. Um so they've um had a a little bit of delay in the development of their project uh due to some um external development, some housing development that they needed to get lined up and that's happened now. So they're requesting an extra 12 months, a 12-month extension to the original project agreement so they have time to get that housing in place that will then bring the retail Any questions?

I have one question. Um, so John with this does and knowing that the moratorum does this allow them that time within that moratorum time frame? Yes, they've they've done everything they need to do with the conditional use approval. So that that's in place. So they're good. So would they be able to build during that time and yes and everything which we all know attached with that comes Publix, right? Publix is not part of our project agreement, right? Um, so we know that they're working to try to recruit Publix to the shopping center, but it's not part of our project agreement. Right.

So, okay. I just want to make that make sure that's known. I've gotten several calls since a moratorum of people worried about that um housing development and just understanding what could come with it. So, I appreciate that. If I may, I would remind you that the project development agreement is with uh a commercial entity to build commercial property which is not part of the moratorum.

Any others? All right. Move it number two. John.

Okay. Uh the second resolution before you tonight is a second amendment to the project agreement with Rod Metro. Rod Metro is the uh development company behind the uh the landings at exit 58 where you have the Quick Trip Texas Roadhouse um the new Starbucks and the u the soon to be started the Chasing Aces golf experience and um they um they've come back to us with a request to do we did a first amendment last fall and um with that we we um we inadvertently changed the commencement date of the 15-year clock ticking on their the 15 year time frame for their their incentive to to happen that their incentive their revenue sharing can't happen till they get an entertainment venue open which is is the chasing aces and so we want to correct that with this second amendment and we're really excited to share that then only they they've come back to us with even a a bigger offering they're adding six acres to the development expanding the par three and bringing an outdoor music venue so we're getting a much better project and um so we just want make sure that we uh make that amendment to allow them time to get that entertainment venue open without the clock ticking and then we'll move forward as we originally planned in the original project agreement.

Originally it was Top Golf or Originally it was golf suites. Golf suites. When's it supposed to start and projected end time? Uh we anticipate dirt starting to to work move in just a few weeks and with a um early 2028 opening probably late 2027, early 2028. So John, this will also help with the businesses around there, right?

Oh, absolutely. Yeah, it' be a big draw for the businesses around there, but also it's going to be a huge regional draw. The music venue will can accommodate group crowds of up to a thousand spectators which allow them to attract some really good acts. Some they're gonna they're going to contract with a professional entertainment group that'll keep that talent coming in. So it it'll be a really good draw for the city. One thing whenever you talk about an entertainment venue, people always worry about noise. Is there any special um things that have been done to to mitigate that noise? In this instance, they'll be they'll be subject to the city ordinances that that address noise like every every other business.

But situationally, is it facing a certain way? So, it's out of the way of noise. It is facing away from every all residential and it has a established tree buffer behind it as well between that and any residential, but it is facing away towards it'll face towards the interstate. and others. Thank you, John. Thank you.

At this time, our council, if you have any other uh concerns about anything that's on our consent agenda or regular agenda, this would be the time to for that discussion. Mr. President, I would like to um talk about the bid for the North Park Drive um resolution number four. Okay, Scott, can you enlighten us on that if you will, please?

Absolutely. Uh thanks so much. We've been working with economic development. They had the uh a grant, a seeds grant a couple years ago to construct a bridge over the hall over the creek to extend into their northern portion of the pro of the property that they own. So we had a bridge designed. We mitigated all the wetlands and we advertised it for contract. Uh the bids came back and the bid is on the resolution for approval. U the bridge that I believe uh John can correct me. The grant was about $2 million and that's about tapped out. The bridge came in a little under budget. I think we had predicted about a $4 million bridge and roadway approach. Came back just over three. So real pleased with that. Uh all that's the management everything has already been approved in service contracts with engineering companies. So all that is all taken care of. Most of the funds will be paid for by the state grant that uh economic development has established already. Anything else?

Thank you, Scott. Thank you. And others? If not, we will call this work session to an end and in 25 minutes we will start our regular meeting.

May I have your attention, please? It is now 6:00 p.m. and I will call our April 21st, 2026 Opaikica City Council meeting to order. Call the role. Mr. Jones here. Mr. Wallley here. Mr. Beans here. Mr. Rout here. Mr. Allen

here. For invocation, we're pleased to have Craig Hill. I'm sorry, Craig Lee from Oak Hill Church. And for our pledge, we have Ally Hill from Opaaka Middle School. Let us all stand, please. Let's pray. Father God, we just praise you and thank you, Lord, that we can come together as a town to be about your business. Scripture tells us that you raise up governments and you destroy governments and how blessed we are that you have raised up a town called Opalikica. And Father, as we go into this meeting tonight, let our ears be open to listen and not to just respond. And let our words be encouraging and uplifting as we be about your business. And we thank you for each one of these men and women that serve us faithfully. We ask that your hand be upon them. And we ask that you continue to bless the city of Opaikica in Jesus name. 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. We'll now have the adoption of the agenda. Are there any items that need to be added to, removed from, or changed to the order of the presented agenda? Having none, is is there a motion to approve the agenda as presented? So move We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Having none, call the role. Mr. Jones.

M. Holmes. I. Mr. Wall. I. Mr. Williams. I. Mr. Rout. Hi. Mr. Allen. I. All voted out to approve the agenda. Okay. Uh, now the approval of the minutes. Council members, you have received a copy of the minutes from our last regular meeting of April 7, 2026. Are there any corrections, additions, or deletions? If not, the minutes will stand approved as presented. Mayor comments and recognition. Hold on one second. That's the way we do it. I know. I need a motion in a second. No, you don't. Need a motion and a second. I give you what you don't need. Some moved. Second.

All right. No. Can we do a motion? No. Read it up. We don't need it. If it's If it's already been presented, you don't need it. Mayor, comments and recognitions. Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Mr. President.

Um, you all have received a copy of the uh city's financial summary report uh and also a copy of the uh monthly permits. And I don't know if y'all recognize that in the month of March, we had the highest March of uh since 2015 on uh new construction. So, it's uh things a lot of good things are still happening in our community and we're grateful. Uh if I could get uh you, Mr. President, and you Mr. President Pro Tim, to join me down front, please. One of our privileges that u that we do um once a month is we get the opportunity to recognize a a citizen of character. uh in our community and we rotate that between the wards and ward four uh is uh making the recommendation and the uh of and awarding uh our recipient tonight. I got it now. Uh so it says here is with great pleasure that Oh, why was we going to call him up here? Ronnie wear would you come up here

please and other members of the character

Chuck you got something you would like to read?

Yeah I'm going to I appreciate the opportunity Mr. Mayor. Um um I'm going to read the uh the letter that I I wrote uh to uh to the character council u and I think it embodies exactly why Ronnie was selected. It is my honor and privilege to nominate Ronnie Wear as a citizen of character for the month of April recognizing the trait of kindness. Ronnie wear is dedicated community leader and businessman known throughout opaikica for his warmth, generosity and tireless support of others. Born in Lefayet, Alabama to Terry and Lola, he moved to Opaikica at an early age and is a graduate of Opaikica High class of 1978, the year of the BG. He went on to study business at Southern Union State Community College and began his automotive career in 1983 as a sales associate at Village Toyota and Auburn. Later continuing his work at Glenn Smith Motor Company. In 1989, he became a co-owner of that business, which later became Gentry and Wear Motor Company, where he now serves as a sole proprietor. Throughout his career, Ronnie's leadership and commitment to serving others have always been central to his work. Beyond his business, Ronnie has been deeply involved in serving our community. He has contributed his time and leadership to numerous organizations across Lee County, including the Opal Industri Industrial Development Authority, where he has served the city of Opaikica for over 20 years. In that role, he has been an intricral part of our city's growth, always willing to step in and help, whether working with prospects, supporting initiatives or offering guidance in the boardroom.

In addition, Ronnie has served on the Four Seasons Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, the MLK Dream Day Foundation board, and the Alabama Independent All Dealers Association, the Chrysler Minority Dealers Association, and the Boys and Girls Club of Lee County and the Lee County Achievement Center and 100 Black Men of America. Ronnie is also widely known for his generosity and his strong support of Opalaka High School and its student athletes. He consistently gives his time and resources to support local schools, community organizations, churches, individuals in need and individuals in need. Whether it is helping opal like high school programs, supporting community initiatives, or quietly assisting neighbors and friends, Ronnie has built a reputation for showing up when people need him most. What stands out most, however, is the personal way Ronnie demonstrates kindness. is approachable, encouraged, and genuinely invested in others. I have experienced this firsthand. During my campaign, Ronnie took time to meet with me, offer guidance, and provide encouragement. He did not have to do that, but that is who he is. He gives his time freely and helps others succeed. Those who know Ronnie best describe him as honest, an honest, respected businessman who has spent more than 30 years building not only a successful company, but also an impeccable rec reputation guided in integrity and the care of others. Ronnie, we appreciate you. And if you if you are here as Ronnie's

family or supporter, if you just remain standing and be recognized, please. So, Ronnie, it is great pleasure that we acknowledge you for your outstanding character within the city of Opaikica. Your goodwill towards mankind in our city has not gone unnoticed. We hope that others will see your good works and model your actions. Please be encouraged to continue making a difference in the city of Okala and throughout the world. Thank you, Ron. Okay. Uh, can I get Major Lester to come up, please? And Officer Cody Bar. Nice.

So, uh, Major Lester, uh, called and said that he wanted to make a special recogn recognition, uh, tonight and he has something that he's going to give to you. But, uh, there's you something to read from.

Hey, my name is John Hester. Uh, I'm honored to award Officer Cody Bar a lifesaver award tonight. On December 24th, 2025, Officer Bar responded to a critical medical emergency involving a non-responsive three-month-old infant. Upon arrival, Officer Bar observed the infant was unable to breathe and acted within immediate textbook precision precision. Within 13 seconds, he successfully performed life-saving back blows to dislodge uh a total airway obstruction on the infant. Officer Bar's calm decisiveness coupled with his profound empathy for the infant's mother exemplifies the highest standards of the police profession. His refusal to seek recognition for this heroic act further reflects the humility and selfless character he brings to this department and the citizens we serve. Um, proud to give a lifesaver award to officer Cody Bar. Thank you, Cody.

Appreciate what you do.

Now, if I could ask appreciate u Brent uh Potit to come up, please. Brent is the uh uh director of Opalaka Power Services. He's the guy that keeps our lights on. Uh he and his team and and uh we're very appreciative of of what you do, Brent. But tonight uh we would like to recognize some uh young people in uh Opaikica area that have uh excelled. And so, uh, Energy Southeast, who we partner with, as far as our lights are concerned, has awarded these four scholarships. And Brent, if they when they come up, would you greet them and give them a gift, please? William Grant Ble, Lee Scott Academy.

Come on, St. You got to get your picture made, you know. Uh, Tasia de Maya Maya Chambers, Opalaka High School. And y'all think I didn't work on that, but I did. Congratulations. Congratulations. Antoine Toriana Harvest, Opalaka High School.

Congratulations. You got your thing off your leg. Good. And Regginal Braden Williams, Opala High School. Congratulations to to each one of you. We appreciate what y'all have done at Opalica High School and look forward to seeing what y'all do in the future. So, who's taking this picture? Just so y'all know, the these young men and ladies did this all on their own. Neither Brent Potit at OPS or the mayor has any input on who receives this war. We got a third party board that doesn't live up a life that chooses them. So they did this all on their own.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Okay. Thank you. public hearing. Mr. Jones,

Mr. Mr. President, first item under public hearings is a public hearing to the first for the first amendment to the project development agreement with MAB American Management LLC. I declare this public hearing open. Anyone wants to speak for or against this item, please come to the podium to my left. State your name and address. And remember, you have three minutes to speak. Having none, I declare this public hearing closed. Second item is a public hearing for the second amendment to the project development agreement with Broad Metro LLC.

I declare this public hearing open. If anyone wants to speak for or against this item, please come to the podium to my left. State your name and address. And remember, you have three minutes to speak. Having none, I declare this public hearing o closed. Third item is a public hearing to amend the development plan for the Cedar Creek PU.

I declare this public hearing open. Anyone wants to speak for against this item, please come to the podium to my left, state your name and address. And remember, you have three minutes to speak. Having none, I declare this public hearing closed. Fourth and final public hearing to amend the zoning ordinance and map at 1502 Spring Drive. This is one and a half acres from a R5 to a C3.

I declare this public hearing open. Anyone wants to speak for against this item, please come to the podium to my left and state your name and address. And remember, you have three minutes to speak. Having none, I declare this public hearing closed. Agenda related public comments. Mr. Jones.

Okay. If you'd like to speak to mayor council about anything that is listed on the agend name, telephone address, email. If you do speak, please state your name and your address and please keep the three minutes for lunch. Hi, my name is Tessa T22 Renfro. Um, I would like to speak to the uh, one of the things on the consent agenda number four. Um my concern about number four is that I was told a while ago if um if the city were to um move forward with any data center project in the future in order for that to happen um one of the first things that would need to be implemented would um be to build a bridge over Halawaka Creek. Um I understand the city says that um the city does not have a plan to do that at um this time as far as building a data center, but it does concern me just as it seems like it would be moving uh one impediment off the table and I am very concerned about the data center topic and have spoken about it previously. Um, so that's just something I would love to um hear from the city council that this bridge will not be used for that in the future. Not

Yeah. will not be used for that in the future. Thank you. Okay, moving on. The adoption of the consent agenda. Does any council member wish to remove any item from the consent agenda and add it as part of our regular agenda? Having none, is there a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented?

So move. Second. Second. Okay. Any discussion? Having none, call the role. Mr. Jones. Mult. I. M. Watley. I. Mr. B. I. Mr. Rout. I. Mr. Alex. I. All voted I to approve the items on the consent agenda. Okay. Resolutions. Mr. Trice. Thank you, Mr. President. Our first resolution is to approve the first amendment to the project development agreement with MAB American Management LLC. Is there a motion for approval?

So move second. Any discussion? Having none, call the role. Mr. Jones, Miss Holmes, I swall. Mr. B. Hi. Mr. Rout. I r I all voted I The second resolution is to approve the second amendment to the project development agreement with Broad Metro LLC. Is there a motion for approval? Second. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Having none, call the roles. Mr. Jones, Miss Holmes, I sw. Mr. Bane. Hi, Mr. Rout. I Mr. Rout I. All voted I

ordinances. Mr. Trice. Mr. President, the first ordinance is to amend chapter 17, article 5 of the city code of ordinances involving the pre-trial diversion program. This is for second reading. Is there a motion for approval? Some moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Having uncall the role, Mr. Jones. Miss Holmes. I Miss Watley. Hi. Mr. B. Hi. Mr. Rout. I. Mr. Allen. I. All voted I. Ordinance number two is to amend the development plan for the Cedar Creek PUD. This is the second reading. Is there a motion for approval? So move. Is there a second?

Second. Any discussion? Have an uncr. M. Holmes. I. M. Wall. I. Mr. B. I. Mr. Rout. I. Mr. Alex. I all voted I the third ordinance for first reading is to amend the zoning ordinance and map for 1502 Spring VI Spring Drive consisting of 1.5 acres from an R5 to a C3. First reading. Yeah. I would like to ask a member of the council to introduce this ordinance for the first reading. My pleasure. Thank you, Mr. R. No appointment. Second roster of public comments.

Okay. If you'd like to speak the mayor of the council about anything else, please don't quoting to my left. Please sign the signing sheet. Please state your name and your address. Please keep it 3 minutes or less.

My name is Tiffany Hillier and I live at 1305 Morris Avenue. I'm here this evening on behalf of the Lee County Cemetery Preservation Commission to just kind of let you all know that we are still awaiting the status of the drafting of the proposal for an ordinance requiring a setback or buffer around cemeteries within the city limits of Opica to protect the cemeteries from development or any other type of encroachment. either myself or my fellow commissioner Tom Morris has been corresponding with Matt Mosley and Tom has also been in contact with Joey Mley about the drafting of the proposal. The last deadline given to us was March but unfortunately I think the building u moratim

mortorium

yeah uh created a busy last planning session it has gotten pushed back again. Um, I first came in front of this council almost a whole year ago with my concerns for not only this cemetery, but all the other ones that face the same problem. This is not just a problem in Opaikica, it's a problem all over the state and even the country. If the city does get this proposal drafted and it passes, Opaikica will have set a precedent for other cities and counties all over Alabama to follow. Miss Lean Troop with the the she's the director of the Alabama Historical Commission cemetery program has already commented that such an ordinance would be a huge step in cemetery preservation and would definitely set a precedent for others that face the same issues. Thank you. Good evening. Laura Fuller, 1104 Mockingbird Lane, Opaikica, Alabama. I'm here to invite the city council along with the public to come to the 75th National Day of Prayer, which will be held May 7th, of course, 2026. the um Opaikica courthouse square right there in front of the uh fountain. Uh since this is the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, we um this gathering will be a little more patriotic than in the past, we this is a non-denominational praise and prayer gathering. It's led by lay people and pastors. Um it starts at 12 noon. It's um open air. The city of

Opaikica will provide tents and chairs for the public to sit in. Un. Um unfortunately, if it rains, the First Baptist Church right across the street will let us use their sanctuary. So again, Thursday, May 7th, it's always the first Thursday in May, 12 noon at the Opalikica Courthouse Square. All are invited. I gave all the city council little flyers. I've handed them um passed them out to churches, but I'll put some out front if if you good folks would like to come. We'd love to see you. So, hope you can attend. See you May 7th at Courthouse Square. Thank you. Hi, I'm Sue Ellen Talson and I live at 910 David Street and um I saw the survey you guys have put up concerning the um asking for input concerning the moratorum and smarter growth moving forward and I participated. I uh of course there weren't many fill in the blanks because I had a hard time choosing between my top concerns, but I know I can just email you guys all. Anyway, um water quality seems to be a hot topic right now. It's certainly a concern for me. Also, not sure who's on the board at at the water board. It's hard to find that. Well, it's impossible to find that information online, but I um do know that OPCA is piloting for granular activated carbon contacttors. Um and my question to you guys is if you know if they're going to be using those for PAP removal or just for taste and odor

because it's the same system, it can just be used um for both. And I would be very interested in that. Um, and I'm sure we also all know that the USDA has recently designated Lee County as a primary natural disaster area due to the drought, which brings me to my oftentimes favorite topic, the data center. Um, that we have definite water issues here already and I feel like that should be a major concern if in the future we do or don't consider data centers. and also that um data centers seem to be being quite successfully sued in cities too um all over the country and losing left and right in court. So I know that's not something that we want to get involved in if we can avoid it. Thank you. character character trait of the month kindness the quality of being friendly generous and considerate and at this time I will entertain a motion to adjourn.

So move second. Call the role. Mr. S