City Council - Regular Meeting

It's 6:30. I hereby call this meeting to order. Please join me for the pledge of allegiance.

I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. We'll observe a moment of silence. Thank you. Announcements. award special recognition. We have none public comment.

Madame Mayor, we have three individuals signed up to speak. The first person signed up is James Clifton. James Clifton, Fielding Ridge Precinct. Thanks to a recent open records request, I now have the calendars of Peach Tree City Council and staff leading up to the Kennesaw retreat where the Faget County Development Authority spoke with our city council about annexation of 1500 acres in Kawita County, a possible data center and the extension of Cross Town and TDK. The development authority previously made $75 million bringing QTS data center to Fagatville. When you look at the calendars and listen to what was said at the retreat in Kennesaw, it becomes very apparent that the plan for annexation of this 1500 acre parcel was carefully laid out. On January 22nd, 2026, one week before the Kennesaw retreat, Mayor Kim Leonard and Councilman Clint Holland attended the County Development Authority meeting. On January 27th, Mayor Leonard met with the head of the Fate County Development Authority just two days before the Kennesaw Retreat. At the Kennesaw retreat on January 29th, the development authority made a nearly two-hour presentation. The audio from this portion of the retreat was previously missing. Now, thanks to the involvement of the city attorney of Peach Tree City, the recording was produced over a month after the initial open records request. During the course of the development authorities presentation, data centers and the revenue they generate were extensively discussed. The conversation then took an interesting turn when the head of the development authority stated that there was an opportunity west of Falconfield Airport in Kawita County. She then stated that city council had a short time to make a decision. We now know why. The QTS site center developer was scheduled to purchase this property less than two weeks later. The discussion then turned to the cross town TDK extension. The head of the development authority confirmed that the developer wanted the extension as part of the deal. Councilwoman Suzanne Brown voiced strong opposition to the extension, noting that the increased traffic on Cross Town Drive would destroy our

quality of life in Peach Tree City. Mayor Leonard later asked, "What is the next step for city council in this process?" The head of the development authority states, and I quote, "I think you should seriously consider annexing the property and tying it into your light industrial portfolio." The mayor responds, quote, "Do we have time to get our annexation study done?" The council and the development authority then discuss the time it will take to perform an annexation study. The mayor then asks again, "How do we move this conversation forward?" City manager Justin Strickland then suggests special 2 by two meetings. For those that don't know, 2 by two meetings are a loophole for government officials to subvert the Georgia Open Meetings Act. If only two council members are present, it does not constitute a quorum. The public is not given notice. They cannot attend, and there's no recording of the meeting. On February 2nd, the city manager met with Shayla Reed, the head of the P3C planning and development in a meeting titled Annexation Plan. A week later, on February 9th, city council and the head of the development authority participated in 2 by two meetings. Clint Holland was paired with Michael Polichek at 9:00 a.m. Justin Strickland was paired with Lord Johnson at 10:30 a.m. and Mayor Lerner was paired with Suzanne Brown at 12. These pairings are not a coincidence. Those in favor of the plan are paired with those that might have reservations about it. The 2 by two meetings were used to ensure the annexation of the 1500 acres would move forward. The QTS site developer needed absolute certainty before making the $30 million purchase on February 11th. The plan worked so well that the annexation study received a 5-0 vote on February 12th. There is a problem though. Using 2 by two meetings to build consensus ahead of a vote is no longer a loophole in the Georgia Open Meetings Act. It is a violation of it. Throughout this saga, there have been many victims. Three of them sit on the dis and are members of Peach Tree City Council. They were kept in the dark about this plan and have had to deal with the fallout of this investigation. I'm very sorry you're having to go through that. There's a fourth victim though who has been

betrayed more than anyone who I care about most and who I will always advocate for and that victim is the people of Peach Tree City. Thank you. Next speaker.

Next speaker is Mr. Shazad Pirani. Hey guys, I'm Shazad Pirani. Um, I think I have four minutes, but I think I need 30 seconds. Um, I know that we have this alcohol ordinance amendment coming through and uh, I think it's great for our business. Uh, we're at Beignet and Brew in the Avenue. Our rents are a lot and we need people to stay out a little bit more often u than normal. Um I we see the businesses dwindle down around 7 o'clock 8 o'clock and uh being in other cities it seems like it keeps the liveless of the area and it seems like the avenue is like the hub for Peach Tree City and we want to keep it the hub and not have people go over to Trilith or anywhere else that they might have open container laws um that prevent us from like keeping our business intact. Um so just wanted to see if that would be something that you guys um consider and um yeah that's it. Thank you. Next speaker,

Rashard Snellings.

Hello, my name is Rashard Snellings. I'm with the uh Mark Baker for Georgia campaign and I just wanted to come here today to encourage everybody to We have an election coming up on May 19th. Early voting is going to start April 27th. Your current state representative, Derek Jackson, he is stepping down to run for governor of the state of Georgia. and Dr. Baker is uh stepping up to run for the state rep um position. Now um Dr. Baker is not a newcomer to service. He is a man who has lived it in every sense of the word. As a former professor, he didn't just teach from textbooks. He poured into students, challenged them to think critically, and also helped shape the f excuse me, future leaders. Education wasn't just his profession. It was his calling. Uh, as a certified law enforcement instructor and retired police officer, he understands public safety not as a talking point, but but as a lived responsibility. He's trained others to respond in moments where seconds matter and has stood in front on the front lines protecting community such as this one. He's also been a champion for small businesses and smart development, recognizing that strong local economies create strong families and thriving cities. He understands how to attract opportunity while preserving the character of our communities. That kind of leadership cannot be manufactured during election season is built over a lifetime of service. I respectfully ask this council and all the citizens who are listening to support Dr. Mark Baker for state rep district 68. To learn more about him, please visit baker forj.com. And again, early voting begins April 27th. Election day is May 19th. Let's send a strong leader to the Capitol who has a truly proven record and prepared as well as a principled leader who has also shown us what service looks like. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Are there any more speakers? No, Madame Mayor. Agenda changes. Council minutes. April 2, 2026 city council work session minutes. April 2, 2026 executive session minutes. Can I have a motion? Madame Mayor, I make a motion that we approve the April 2nd city council work session minutes and the April 2nd, 2026 executive session minutes. I'll second. I have a motion and a second. All in favor say I.

I. All opposed. Motion carries. Consent agenda a fiscal year 2026 budget amendment recreation department. Can I get a motion? Madame Mayor, I'll make a motion that we approve the consent agenda for item A only, a 2026 budget amendment for the recreation department. Second. I have a motion and a second. All in favor say I. I. All opposed. Motion carries. Old agenda item A 32607 budget amendment and purchase of property at 107 Guthrie Way. Ted Mer.

Um, mayor and council, I'm not going to get into the budget amendment. That's not normally my bailey wig, but before you tonight is an agreement to purchase the property at 107 Guthrie Way. As you know, we've had a series of discussions with the property owner. It's culminated in a proposed agreement that's before you for approval tonight. Um, we do have a fairly quick turnaround on this in order to get the matter closed. Um, in the end, we believe we've negotiated a fair price. Um, the furniture will be included. I know that some council members have gone down and inspected the building. City staff also gone down and looked at the building and it's a great structure. I think it'll be the next piece to go along with the gun range that council acquired about a year year and a half ago.

All right, council. Any questions or discussion? Can I get a motion? Madame Mayor, I'll make a motion on item 032607, budget amendment and prop purchase of property at the 107 Guthrie Ray Guthrie Way parcel number 0614078 for 1.03 acres for a value of $3 million. I need a motion to approve, not a motion on. I need a motion to approve. I'm going to It's a motion to approve. Thank you. Do I have a second? Second. I have a motion and a second. All in favor say I. I. All opposed.

Motion carries. Thank you. New agenda item A 42603 fire station 85 construction manager at risk procurement. Chief Murphy. Good evening madame mayor and councel. Um this is the uh item that I talked about at the work session we were bringing before you. This is for the construction manager at risk uh procurement. I'm going to introduce to you Tim Simons who is our project manager and he's going to review this for you.

Good evening, Madame Mayor and council members. Um we've gone through a process of uh with the assistance of the purchasing department here to issue an RFP to find a suitably qualified construction manager at risk for fire station 85 project. Um the RFP was issued back in March and we had a a mandatory pre-proposal meeting at which we had 15 contractors turn up which was quite a surprise. Um of those 15 14 submitted qualifying uh proposals which was great and the evaluation committee which was made up of six members um independently evaluated each of the proposals and scored them. Um added to that was then the the financial aspect which um was scored independently and uh from that we came up with a uh a clear person in front company in front which was major construction um and we're here to recommend the approval uh and the appointment of major construction for the construction manager at risk uh part of this project in the sum of $422,500. Um from my perspective I think this was a very robust um process that we went through. I was delighted to have 14 contractors actually submit proposals and also from a financial perspective it we came up with some very competitive prices as well. So obviously this is a project which people particularly local contractors were interested in and because of that we actually got some great value out of it. happy to uh take any questions that you may have on the process and where we are now.

Thank you, council. Any questions, discussion, my only question is you're staying on to oversee the whole project, correct? Yes, ma'am. I am. That's that's what I remembered. Okay. Council, can I get a motion? Let me try this again. I'll see if I can get it right this time. Madame Mayor, I make a motion that we approve item 042603, fire station 85, construction manager at risk procurement in the amount of 400 and let me make sure I got it right here. $422,500 right? Yes. Tijia Tisia construction. Do I have a second? Second.

I have a motion and a second. All in favor say I. I. All opposed. Motion carries. Thanks very much. Good to see you, Tim. New agenda item B, 42604 North Hill Path, Dave Borcowski.

Good evening, mayor and council. Happy to bring this back before you to uh recommend awarding a contract for the construction of the path uh on North Parkway between the entrances to the the North Hill subdivision. We received uh six bids on this project. So, we were happy to see see that as well. We're we're recommending Backbone Enterprises in the amount of $943,416. They're they're not the lowest bid, but they, in our opinion, they are the lowest responsive bid. The lowest bidder, Corbett Group, did not meet the the uh the requirements of the the project. they we put in the bid there to be G dot pre-qualified and they were not. So we recommended that uh they be excluded from from this. We we did an interview with Backbone Enterprises as well as checking their references and uh they meet all the qualifications. So we're and the references came back good and we liked what we discussed with them in the interview. So we're recommending to award the contract to them. council. Any questions?

I have one. Let them go ahead. My question is is um if we award this, when will they start and when will they finish? Well, uh we will find that out at our precon meeting. They've got to do all their bonds and everything and get all that paperwork in and stuff like that. So, we we can get you that information. Just give me an idea. Are we talking two years or eight months? No. Uh, probably six-month project. Sixmonth project. Okay, that's all I had. Thank you. Questions? All right. Can I get a motion? Madame Mayor, I move that we award the North Hill Path project to the Backbone to Backbone Enterprises in the amount of $943,416.

A second. I have a motion and a second. All in favor say I. I. All oppose. Motion carries. Thanks very much. Thank you. New agenda item 42605, Drake Pavilion additional repairs.

This one I'm not happy to have to bring before council uh this change order request for the the Drake Pavilion as as part of the restoration work that they were doing that was previously approved. Part of that part of that work is to sand all the beams, all the uh the wood and re refinish it and paint it. Well, during that process, they discovered a lot of rot in one of the uh the trusses that faces out towards the the lake. This was something that was was not seen during any of the uh the investigations that we did. So, it was really uh you know, not the engineer's fault, not the contractor's fault. It was just something that was covered up by paint basically. So, we we worked with the contractor and our structural engineer looked over. We actually put our hands on all the rest of the the trusses out there to make sure that there weren't any more hidden uh hidden jewels out there. And we basically came up with uh the the best option per the the contractor and the engineer is to basically replace the whole truss uh that's rotten. Uh cut back the cut back the roof and replace the truss and then put that section of roof back. And we'll we as part of this work will reshingle the the whole section of of of not the whole building but that whole section of where that truss is. It's kind of kind of looks like a a cross if you look at it from above. We'll get that one one arm of the of the structure. So that that $43,140 change order will will take care of all that. The the trust is a specialy item. So, it'll take approximately six six weeks. Yes. Six weeks to to manufacture and get it on site. So, we're at this point we're we're

recommending approval of of the change order to get this uh get this finished. Thank you, council. Any questions? I have a question. um including the current how much was is the current contract that they're working on because I'd kind of like to know like where we are with the total. I don't have that number in front of me. I should have asked earlier. Sorry. Sorry. Justin's looking it up. Well, while he's looking that up, I I have a question if that's okay.

Yes. Um, I see that the increase in days is going to be 63 days of construction in addition to what they've got now. And as you well know, we're probably what uh 8 10 weeks away from Fourth of July. Is this thing going to be done? If it's 63 days, we should be within that time frame. Will we be done before the Fourth of July festivities on Drake Field? That's the goal to be done. Uh the pavilion will still be usable. Uh we're not we're not blocking off the whole building, just the area underneath that uh that awning basically. So we'll still be able to use it for events.

Thank you. He's looking up the money. So this was just one truss. Yes, just one trust of how many? There's at least four in that one section. Do we know why this one rotted and the others did not? My educated guess was because it's the one that faces out towards the lake and it probably gets more moisture than the other ones. Is it And the other ones you said were fine or is it is it a matter of time before those are bad as well? They'll they'll last.

They were fine. They the engineer uh poked all of those uh and those should be good for for a long time because we're like I said we're sanding everything and then recotating everything. So

I don't have any more questions.

Okay. We'll give it another minute. Yeah. If you can't if you can't find it, you know what? Don't don't worry about it for now. I was just trying to figure out like in a ballpark how much because Well, it was in the neighborhood of 180 190 is what I think I'm remembering. I can't remember that one.

So many of the others I have a ballpark at least. Yeah. Um just I mean for the record you know this is another $43,000 to pay for construction you know corrections of you know remediation etc. Essentially you know for a construction project where you know a prior council selected a lower grade of wood than what was needed and we've done patching and repairing. This is the second big project and it's you know it's just so frustrating. Yeah it is. I'll go ahead and take a motion.

Madame Mayor, I'll make a motion that we approve item 042605, the Drake Pavilion addition repairs in the amount of 43,140. And that is going to be to Willowell, uh, Willow Willowell Construction. I'll second. I have a motion and a second. All in favor say I. All oppose. Motion carries. Thank you. We'll keep moving. Um, new agenda item 42606, alcohol ordinance amendment with fee schedule update. And I'd like to start with Jasmine. Can you um share with us what the updates are that we will be voting on tonight?

Yes. So, uh, I understood that there was the intention was not to include mixeduse uh, properties. So, the words mixeduse was removed from the actual ordinance in three sections. Uh the original location was in the definition of the entertainment district. That was the first location. And the second two are in section 6-56 where there's the explanation of the actual entertainment district license. And those words were just removed in its entirety or replaced with the word commercial. Thank you. And council has the updated ordinance in front of us. Uh Mr. Holland, you want to start? Any questions or comments?

I uh I'm first of all, thank you very much, Jasmine. and and council for going and making those changes. Uh it was just a minor change. Uh I wanted to make there was good clarity that this was going to be for commercial uh locations only. And of course they still have to come in front of us to get approvals. So no matter if that was in or out, they would have still had to come here. I just wanted it out so it doesn't become an issue down the road. And remember, this is on this is a one-year trial. This is one year. We'll be back. It'll be back in front of us in one year. and we'll hopefully have good results from our police that everything has been fine. And if not, I'm sure the chief will let us know.

Mayor, thank you, Miss Brown.

Okay. Um, cities that allow open containers and public consumption of alcohol can be less safe for minors for several reasons. It is easier access to alcohol. Open container areas normalize public drinking, increasing opportunities for minors to obtain alcohol through social adults, older peers, or lacks vendor enforcement. There's reduced supervision. Public drinking often occurs in less controlled environments on streets and parks where responsible adults and law enforcement may have limited oversight, making underage consumption harder to detect and intervene in. The normalization of drinking behavior is a problem. Visible public drinking can signal that alcohol use is socially acceptable in everyday settings, which can lower the perceived risks and increase underage experimentation. There's a higher chance of unsafe situations. Public intoxication raises the risk of accidents, violence, and impaired judgment. Minors pres present in those environments are more vulnerable to harm or exploitation. There's difficulty enforcing age restricted sales. Open container policies can complicate enforcement efforts by diverting resources to public order issues and making it harder to track where alcohol was obtained. Peer pressure and social modeling is another issue. See, seeing adults drink publicly can encourage imitation. Minors may feel pressure to drink to fit in during public events or nightlife scenes. The factors I just listed combined to increase both the likelihood that minors access to alcohol and an increased exposure to the associated risks. How often do we have minors cited for DUI while driving on the shared use paths? I didn't get those numbers early enough to put all of that together, but it does

happen. Yes, they get pulled over DUI on golf carts or on multi-use carts. So for 67 years, Peach Tree City embraced family values, the need for green spaces, parks, recreation, and our famous pathway. Making tough decisions to carve our own way as a unique place to live has made Peach Tree City well known. Those who want to change this ordinance sound like they are minimizing the potential negative impacts. Don't be fooled. This is not a oneanddone entertainment district. Taking mixed use out still allows other commercial areas to make some modifications to qualify which will move us toward being a party city instead of the familyoriented city we are today. I won't like that change. Many ordinances approved by prior councils decades ago stand still stand because they reflect the morals and ethics that are the heartbeat of Peach Tree City. Restricted and limited alcohol consumption to within the footprint of a restaurant protects our citizens, especially our impressionable minor children. We take pride in being the city where families want to raise their children. Many children who grew up here come back to raise their families. There will be a budget impact. A fee of $500 for the entertainment district was proposed to cover additional costs to the city. That's just a $1.37 a day. $500 might cover the cost for staff to investigate if an applicant meets their qualifications and then to issue the permit. What will it cost for more police coverage? We don't know. Officers will need to make rounds through there every day that the entertainment district is serving alcohol, which is every day. So don't tell me that there is no impact. I'm not that gullible. If you lure people to go out and drink more, you are likely to see

more DUIs and alcohol-related accidents, whether they are driving a car, a cart, or an ebike, and whether they're an adult or a minor. It bothers me when people move here because it's so good here, but then pressure changing city, Peach Tree City, into something else. They'll be shocked when Peach Tree City is no longer a place they want to live. As a Christian conservative grandmother of three teens who live here in Peach Tree City, I don't support this. Even with the mixeduse zoning removed, I want Peach Tree City to remain the city that stands alone apart from all the other cities. If you want a party city, then please feel free to move to some other party party city. Just don't try to make Peach Tree City into one. At our last meeting, Councilwoman Johnson and I were the only two who spoke against this. And we're the two who have teenage children or grandchildren living here in Peach Tree City. We're fighting to protect our families. The three who spoke in favor don't have teens here right now. It seems the real stakeholders on this issue oppose it. Thank you. Anything else?

No. Council member Johnson. Um, I just want to make it clear and I I you know, this probably doesn't really need to be stated, but you know, this probably isn't going to be a unanimous vote tonight. And regardless of how it ends up going, people vote yes for things and people vote no for things. And just because they may be in favor, it may be for some for very different reasons. Um, so without being repetitive, there are some things that I do agree with that um were stated and and possibly some that I I don't so much. One of my biggest concerns with this is safety. Um, you go to other areas where there's open container and there is off-site parking. Um, the amount of parking that's close to the pedestrian areas and the avenue is cause for concern for me. Um, I'm not going to tell you to move to another city for this environment. I feel like but I do feel like there are areas around Peach Tree City that do offer this that that you can drive to very closely and easily if this is the environment that you would like. But I would not be in favor of it here.

Thank you, Mr. Pich.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, I do want to take a few minutes to directly address some of the concerns I've heard regarding this ordinance change. Uh, because I do think it deserves a thoughtful response. And first off, I wholeheartedly respect the perspectives um and views of of my peers here on council. uh over the past couple weeks I did listen to every concern that came forward and began my work just like I have done with any other policy I've worked on in my professional career which is look at the data and talk to stakeholders who have implemented these policies. Uh so I'll go through a few of these common themes that I heard and what I realized once I started describing and adding uh some some data to to these concerns things started to make sense and again made clear that we are testing this out for a reason to see if this is a good fit for petri city and and at the avenue one of the first concerns I heard was just because our other cities are doing this doesn't mean we should and that's true we shouldn't follow trends blindly But it's not what we're doing here. Other suburban communities have adopted these districts because they work. They've become proven models for increasing foot traffic, supporting small businesses, and creating safe, vibrant public spaces. We're not taking a gamble with this policy. We're learning what has already been successful. It's being copied in other communities because it has been successful. Second, only merchants benefit and the resident bears the cost. These districts are designed to be self-contained and manageable. That's why the Avenue will put strict boundaries in place and require plastic containers. This is not a citywide roll out. It is limited, intentional, and structured to ensure that any costs are minimal and offset by economic upside. Our local businesses are part of this community. That is something I take pride in and will always champion during my term on council. When our businesses succeed, our city benefits. Third, this

will turn Peach Tree City into a party city. And respectfully, I'm sorry to say this, but no one is coming to Peach Tree City with or without this ordinance to party. No one's driving across Atlanta so they can party at the Avenue. Allowing responsible adults allowing responsible adults to carry a drink within a defined area does not change the character of our community. I don't see how a retired couple waiting outside for their table at TZ Montana Grill with a plastic cup of wine turns into a party. Or how parents of two young toddlers take their beer to go so they can get soon to be Jenny's ice cream before a tantrum breaks out. Or how a group of girlfriends that finish their massage and go shopping together at Lululemon while sipping on some champagne then turns into a party. We're not becoming a party destination with this ordinance. We're enhancing a specific commercial area to make it more walkable and enjoyable for residents and more revenue generating for businesses. Fourth, this will increase underage drinking. Underage drinking is already illegal and it remains illegal under this ordinance. There is no credible evidence and I dug into this one thoroughly with research. no credible evidence or data from comparable cities that open container districts lead to increased underage drinking. Enforcement does not change. And in what's what I found interesting, one piece of research I found is that activity concentrated in a defined area has actually made oversight easier, not harder. Fifth, this will lead to more crashes, fights, and strain on our police. Again, I found no consistent evidence from my research from other communities and also reached out personally to other cities of folks I know on council and and in a elected capacity. I have found no consistent evidence from other communities that this occurs when these districts are

properly managed. I spent hours reviewing data and talking to other cities and could not find anything that was statistically significant that pointed to this. And most importantly, our own public safety officials have reviewed this thoroughly and show share no concerns either. And for me, that is the most important endorsement when considering this policy. If there was data that supported that a policy decision would increase underage drinking or increase violent encounters, I 100% would not support it or 100% of the time. But that is not the case here. And finally, this abandons our family values. And I simply strongly disagree with that perspective. Many of our special events that already incorporate open container, whether concerts, festivals, Drakefield events, are overwhelmingly familyfriendly. Just last week, the Avenue successfully hosted their first Friday concert series with no issue. Hundreds of patrons with their kids listened to music, socialized, and responsibly enjoyed an open container. If it can work successfully for special events, I think it's time we see how this can work on a daily basis. And to also address the traffic concern as well, which I I see. And that that I remember last week we had one like public comment, one one concern about the setup of the avenue. And I think this is one thing for me that I'd like to see test out. And what makes me comfortable supporting this on the traffic concern is that I have heard no and we've been in communication with the avenue. no concerns about any traffic violations or traffic concerns or safety when they have implemented these these special events. So I trust that the Avenue will continue that and look out for our patrons. They also want to have safety provided for their customers. So at the end of the day for me this comes down to balance. We can maintain the character that makes our city special while also supporting our

small businesses. I campaigned on preserving the Peace Tree City that I grew up in while still attracting the next generation of families and businesses. It's exactly what I'm supporting here. During the campaign trail, I heard constantly about the desire for more community events, whether at Drake Field or the Avenue. Folks of all generations want more opportunities to gather. This ordinance simply grants an additional tool in the toolbox in accomplishing that. This 12-month pilot program is a limited, thoughtful step, and like I've stated, we already allow this for special events. So, it is not a sweeping change. It is catered for only one commercial area in the city. It is pro business. It is pro community. And our public safety folks share no concern. And I absolutely respect that we may disagree on principle, and I 100% respect that. But if we want to look at data, which I find is the most helpful method in contemplating policies, then let's debate this over variables that we can quantitatively measure. Let's test this out for 12 months and see if it's something that works for Peace Tree City. I predict it will be successful just like it has been in other communities. If it doesn't work the way we expect, we have the ability and the responsibility to re revisit it or make modifications throughout the process. That is the point of a pilot program. I conclude by asking for this council's favorable decision on allowing open container at the Avenue for the next 12 months so we can collect more data and be prepared to make another decision next year. Thanks.

Thank you. With that, I'll take a motion. Uh sir, before you go forward, there's been a few references to 12 months. I just want to clarify we issue alcohol licenses on a calendar year basis from January 1 to December 31. So this is in essence a seven and a half month trial balloon. Okay. There will not be any automatic continuation for a period of 12 months. Whatever happens, we'll have possibly some sample data between now and the end of the year. And if council wants to revisit it, they can. But nevertheless, I just want to make sure everybody understood this isn't a 12-month license. This is basically through the end of the year. Thanks, Ted. And Madam Mayor, if I may. Yes.

And in my experience, 12 month programs are the best. I think naturally from collecting a sample size. But Justin, do you feel seven and a half months will be sufficient for us to kind of make an informed decision on about what we want to do with this ordinance in 2027? Is there another option?

Well, you're adopting it tonight. The license will be issued through the end of the year. We'll be processing renewals. Understand? You can put this license on the books now. Five years from now, it could come off. Five months from now, it could come off. That's part of the legislative process this council has. So, in terms of a sample size, you can look at it however long you want to look at it. Yeah, I would. So, I was thinking they are they also will not receive it tonight. They got to come back next month. They will apply. Let's if you can speak to that. Yes.

Um, so they'll have to apply. So, they will not be doing it in April. at least and most of May likely. So I mean yeah you get enough sample from that but like Ted said we also if we want to do 12 months we could renew their you know if they meet everything we could look at it at the end of the year and see if there's any concerns renew it in January and if you want a 12-mon sample size we can look at it when it hits 12 months and you all can change ordinances whenever you want. So we're not locked in with once we give another year. We can look at it at the end of 12 months total from this year and next year and then take a look at it. Is that what I'm hearing?

They could repeal the ordinance in April of of 27. Okay. You know, and even if they had a license, if there's not an ordinance, it's gone. So it's up to us. So are you just saying it's not a pilot program that we just want it brought back before us? And it is a pilot program. It will be through the end of this year. And if we want to revisit in December to extend it to a full 12 months, we will have that option in December. No, you're adopting an ordinance that creates this license going forward. It's on the books. There's no sunset clause on that. Yes. Got it. You have to intentionally revisit it, right? So, that answers my question. Yeah.

And I'm open to amending this to put in the sunset clause if that makes peers on council more more comfortable. But I also trust that we will revisit this. I trust that we will revisit this. We're literally all on the record saying that we will revisit Mr. Holland. Yes, I'm definitely would like to revisit it at the end of 12 months. At the end of the end of the year and then also at the end of 12 months. I'm agreeable to that. Mhm. All right. Can I get a motion? And the verbiage of the motion should include with changes as presented, please.

I'll give it a try. Madame Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to approve chapter six of the alcohol ordinance amendment and fee schedule as presented tonight in the documents we have in front of us. Item number 0426. All right, I have a motion. Do I have a second? Second. I have a motion and a second. All in favor say I. I. All opposed? No. Motion carries. 32. Thank you. Uh Justin, do you have that number on the um Drakefield Pavilion?

I do. Uh original award was $119,45. Tonight was 43140. So total is 162,545. I also looked up how much the original pavilion cost in 2018 and it was $187,620. So you were we are $25,000 away from the actual purchase price in 2018. Wow. So we pretty much have a have a new pavilion. Yeah. But if we're supposed to if we built that today that's not what it would. Yeah, you're right. All right. Uh council staff topics. Anyone? I have one. I have one. We'll start down here. Mr. Polich Johnson.

Mr. Holland. I have just one. Have we made plans yet from the recreation department for the dedication ceremony that we're going to have for the Liberty Tree and the new plaque? Do we have have we got a a program set? And I I didn't hear that last time.

Only reason I'm asking though, Harold, is I get asked all the time. No, definitely. So, on the 4th of July, um we are going since we have the Now, we're going to be firing the fireworks from the lake. Um, starting at 3:00, we're going to have a band on stage in front of Drakefield Pavilion. That band will play from 3 to 6 as a Sunset Sounds Fourth of July edition. Um, that will be Luke Morgan who will be playing in concert for that show. He is previously played at the air show. Um, and then starting at I believe 700 pm, we will have the wind ensemble uh come on. and they will play from 7:00 to 9:00. But during that time, we will also do the presentation for the Liberty Tree as well.

So you'll you'll gather the troops and do the presentation and because I know a lot of people say they want to be there, they want to come dressed for it, etc. So that'll go out to the organizations like the American Legion, VFW, S, the D, and anyone else that may be interested. Yes, we've already had a couple meetings with Mr. Bar on that. So Okay, sir. Thank you, Harold. Anything else? Madam Mayor, Justin, I just had uh Jasmine and I were talking about this the past few weeks. Uh we created the public uh art group.

Our question is is we usually put out uh applications for positions in July. Are you all okay with us waiting till July with the cycle to start appointing that group and opening it up or would you like for us to do it right now off the cycle? I'm fine with waiting. Yeah, do it. Well, do you have time now to do it or is it going to be jammed up in July or is it, you know, take a look at your schedule? Construction. Well, we market all of the positions all at the same time and so individuals at that time get the uh ability to review all of the positions that are available and interview. So, we do sometimes have residents that apply for multiple positions at a time. So, but it would be

So, it's kind of like consolidating into one time. Okay. I got no problem with that. Okay, that's all I had. Anything else? All right, Ted, do we have executive session? We do not. I'll take a motion to adjurnn. So moved. Second. Second. I have a motion and a second. All in favor say I. I. All oppose. We stand adjourned. Thank you and have a nice evening.