City Commission - Regular Meeting

Good evening everyone. I want to welcome you to the Monday, January 12th, 2026 meeting of the Rome City Commission meeting. Y'all seem to be as excited as I am. The reason we're late, we had a technical difficult uh difficulty. We had a laptop crash and you cannot do this meeting without technology. Uh we start every meeting off with a invocation and a pledge and tonight it's my honor to do the invocation. So if you will stand and bow with me. Father, we thank you for your grace and your mercy. We thank you for giving us when we do things that we should not do. We thank you for salvation. We thank you for sending your son to die on the cross so that we might have everlasting life. We thank you for that promise, Father, when we don't disagree. We know that you know better than we know and that we're all just walking each other home, Father. and we pray pray that you will continue to guide us and walk with us, love us and forgive us. It's in your name we pray. Amen.

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

Tonight's a very important night because we're going to swear in two new commissioners. They get sworn in and then they get sworn at. It's It's a great process. I'm going to call on Floyd County Superior Court Judge uh Nidrack to come forward and city attorney Andy Davis and the two new city attorney uh city commissioners if you will stand up and go to the front and Elena Bean. Commissioner Beaman he's a veteran trust me

keep forgetting about Before I give it, I want to thank the returning commissioners for their service and sacrifice.

Angle is everything.

How about you, Doug? under God. Do you solemnly swear that you will faithfully and demean yourself as a commissioner of the city of Rome during your continent office that you will discharge the duties of which you have been elected to the best of your ability that you will have due regard for the charter of the city of the laws of the state of Georgia and of the United States of America. We further swear that you will not knowingly permit your vote in the election or appointment of any person to a position in city government to be influenced by fear, favor or affection, reward or hope thereof. But in all things to your office, will you be governed by your conviction and to the public? Will I congratulate Look at Jack. Okay. Not me.

Another line up. Either way, Jill. Jill. Thank you.

Thank you. Keep it for the signing. Put it in your case. Thank you, honor. All right. Congratulations, guys. Good job. So, the next item on the agenda is uh to elect a mayor uh for 2026. And so, do I hear any nominations? I nominate Jim Bojo.

I hear a second. Second. I nominate Mark Cochran. Second. I hear any other nominations. Hearing no other nominations and let the nominations be closed. Uh the order will be the clerk will call your name and then if you uh will state on the record as to who you are voting for either uh Jim Bojo or Mark Cochran. Okay, Mr. Clerk, and I will just go in the uh our same voting order as last year. So, I'll start with McDaniel. Bojo.

Bojo. Bojo rock. Bojo. Cochran. Cochran. Bean. Cochran. Fisher. Bojo. Dixon. Cochran. Collins. Cochran. Robinson. Bojo.

Congratulations. Need some help? I want to thank each and every one of you for your support. Um, we've had u fun times the last few years and um I hope we have more fun times and um just let all you commissioners know I'm just a phone call away every one of you. And u we've got a lot of work to do but we uh we'll get there. We will get there some kind of way. No, in a good way. in

a very good way. Mr. Mayor, is there anything you'd like to say on outgoing?

Um, I like that term, outgoing. I said, no, it's been an honor to serve the mayor as mayor of Rome for the last two years and I served another year. Uh, it's an honor to serve with this group. Um these are outstanding people and it's easy to sit on that side and uh make subjective and objective decisions and opinions about this group. But this is a hardworking group and I appreciate every person u that sits on this commission and uh Vic and Jill um I I welcome you to the Rome City Commission. You're going to have opportunity to learn from some people. Uh Commissioner Collins has been here almost 30 years now. There's a lot of experience here. I think we have the best city manager in the state of Georgia. you can learn a great deal from him. But uh we're all about service. Uh we hire a city manager to run the city of G city of Rome and we've got about 600 employees and I think we have the best employees uh anywhere. I we travel around the state with Georgia Municipal Association and uh I want to say this to our new mayor. He's been pro Tim for two years now and I'm going to tell you he has earned it. He has worked very hard. He has gone to Georgia Municipal Association meetings and um he has supported me, but he's also supported the city employees and he's always been there and u we're going to have a great year with him as mayor. And I want to congratulate you, Jim. Congratulations to you. Appreciate it.

I'd like to say one thing about commissioner I'll call you commissioner McDaniel now instead of mayor. Yeah, commissioner is good. Ex mayor. Uh, thank you for your leadership over the last two years. I' I've really enjoyed serving on this commission under your leadership. You've done a fantastic job. You've accomplished a lot of things and uh from my standpoint, I really appreciate all you've done. But thank you. All right. Thank you everybody. Mr. Mayor, thank you. Uh, so it's now time for us to elect the mayor pro Tim and um I will take nominations. I'd like to nominate uh Commissioner Robinson.

I'll second that. I'd like to nominate Elena Bean.

And I'll second that. And I say about this young lady that I'm seconding this nomination. I don't know of anyone that's worked harder as a commissioner, as a non-commissioner, as a school board member, etc. Lena Beam have for this here community. I don't care whether it's in the capacity of a commissioner. I don't care if it's in the capacity of just a u housewife or someone that's out in the community. You'll find her most anywhere trying to do something to help her fellow man. I think she's been a modeler. on this commission since she been here and and has done a great job. I would ask that commission when they considering their votes to uh get this young lady a chance to be mayor pro tip. That's my second. I would I failed to make mention of the same report that I have for Commissioner Cochran. I'm a little bit out of line, but I wanted to say that your stint as protest was cut short. I thought that since your stance since then, your recovery has been great. the um pothole brigade that you insisted on Sammy and this commission putting in place. You guys can thank him for a lot of them potholes going away. Also, this here commissioner did something that no other commission has

had the privilege to do. He served on the as promp and as promp, Mr. Mayor, I hope I'm not out of line. I'm just going to take a short stint to talk about this gentleman. but he served as uh our promp and they get a chance to go before the county commission as a joint service. We have for years split this 499 bill and that's that splash money that you get him and him alone along with our colleagues after bringing that back to us. He served with Mayor Sunday Stevenson as mayor promp. But them two went over there and they made it so that the county recognized it was a mistake and we had been getting short change since then. That split was turned around and we do get that money. I thank you for that Commissioner Cochran and I thank you for your service. And I know I could go on and on, but the gentleman that we just elected mayor, I could say some of the same accolades about him as well. The new water plant that we got coming this way, Jim Bojo, thank you for your consistency on that. I'll be quiet at this point in time and again ask you.

Thank you. If there's my m pro temp there no more nominations. Once again I'll call the commissioner's name and they can voice their candidate. Go down the new voting order. Commissioner Bojo Robinson Brock Robinson Cochran Beam Baman Beaman Fisher Robinson Hixon

Demon Collins Daniel Robinson and Robinson Robinson have five votes for Commissioner Robinson.

Congratulations. Well, good luck. Are we all shifting one? No. Okay, just

that's all right. distraction. This is a permanent seat. Hey, I want to I want to thank you guys for the vote and thank you for the support that you are putting on me to uh be assistants to Jim in some regards. Uh I look forward to being on uh joint services and uh being with the finance committee and uh just serving this city in the capacity that you just uh elected me to do. Thank you.

Thank you, sir. And I wanted to say that, you know, we're going to stand behind who we choose to lead us. But I want you to know that my prayer is that y'all take everything that has happened and transition from this this new election where people are saying they won't change. They want people who are going to have their boots on the ground and take care of everybody, not just somebody. There won't be those others and them. It has to be one community united. And my prayer is that the the leadership that we have now shifts and makes things greater for the better role. And I hope y'all take those those appointments seriously and understand that we're going to stand behind you. But we need this leadership to step up and make a difference.

Thank you, Commissioner. M.

Yes, sir. Roll call for the new commission. Mayor Bojo here. Pro Tim Robinson here. Commissioner Brock here. Cochran here. Bean here. Fisher here. Dixon here. Collins here. McDaniel here.

The uh minutes from December 15th. U you everybody up here was emailed those minutes. Uh are there any corrections or changes that need to be made? and we will consider them approved as they are they are written. Um, next on our agenda is uh to appoint a city manager and um in my opinion is uh Mayor McDaniel said earlier we've got the best in this in this in the business and um you go to GMA and they will tell you that we've got the best in the business. So, um, we need to vote to, uh, appoint him for another year

nomination. Oh, we got to have a nomination. I'll nominate Sammy for city manager. Right. We've got a motion in a second. Um, so now we vote. Yes, sir. All right. Call the RO. Commissioner Robinson. Yes. Sammy Rock. Yes. Cochran. Yes. Bean. Yes. Fisher. Yes. Hixon. Yes. Collins. Yes. McDaniel. Yes. Good. Thank you. Congratulations, Mr. Mayor. Thank you very much.

You get to put up with all of us for another year.

Let Let me first say thank you to the entire commission for your support. It it means a lot. Congratulations, Mayor Bojo. Congratulations, Mayor Pro Tim Robinson. And to our newly elected commissioners, welcome aboard. I certainly look forward to working with you all. And again, thanks to the entire commission. Um, y'all, this is a a difficult job on good days and some days it's a really tough job and I I just know that I appreciate you and not only do I, but our city staff appreciates this commission. And and with that, if you all would humor me, I'm going to um take some time here to read over the list of the the backbone that makes this city go, and that's our city employees. And so, it takes an excellent team. And I would submit to you all that we have absolutely the best team anywhere, and I'd put them against any city. And so with that, under officials and authorized agents, it's city commission clerk and secretary Joe Smith, assistant city clerk and secretary Mark Green, city attorney Jay Anderson Davis, assistant city attorneys Frank Beichchum, Sam Lucas, and Lee Carter. Our municipal court judge uh Chris Jackson, assistant municipal court judge John Scott Huster, city physician is Atrium Health Floyd Employer Clinic. The official publication organ is Rome News Tribune. We have several deposiitories and investment institutions. Bank Ozk, Senovis, First National Community Bank, Regions Bank, River City Bank, Truist Bank, United Community Bank, Wells Fargo, Local Government Investment Pool, State of Georgia, and East West Bank. Auditor is Malden and Jenkins, Certified Public Accountants LLC. Under management staff, we have assistant city manager Meredith Ol, director of strategic initi initiatives Miss Kelly Leadford, water and sewer division director John Boyd, finance division director Tony Reinhardt, public works division director Chris Jenkins. More directors, fire chief Troy Brock,

Police Chief Denise Downer McKenna, human res human resources director, excuse me, Christy Shepard, community development director Becky Fox, city clerk Joe Smith, solid waste and landfill director Tim Garrett, purchasing director Becky Smith, building official James Martin, cemetery superintendent, currently vacant, street department director Chad Hampton, transit director Miss Courtney Griffin, city engineer, engineering services director, Mr. Aaron Carroll, City Arborist Ernest Watson, Water Treatment Facility Director Wayne Stanley, Water Reclam Reclamation Facility Director, Mr. Jeff Hill, Water Billing Director Brian Paris, Water Sewer Operations Director Brian Middleton, Office of Technology Services Director Johnny Bunch, Rome Floyd Planning Director, Mr. Bryce Wood, the Rome Floyd Eco Center, Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful Coordinator, Miss Hannah Bagley, the Rome Floyd Ecoenter Director, Mr. Ben Winkkelman, our downtown development uh authority directors, Miss Suzanne Roberts. We have other staff and operators simply the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau with Miss Lisa Smith as executive director and Rome Tennis Center, downtown Tennis Center fall under Cliff Dale Tennis, which is a private uh contract, as well as Stonebridge Golf Course, which is Trunigo Sports. And Mr. Mayor and members of the commission, I would ask that you all would affirm the appointment of all of the institutions and all of these exceptional employees that make Rome the best city in the state of Georgia.

Thank you, Mr. Manager. Um, I will need a motion to accept. So move. Got a second. All right. And so call the RO, sir. Commissioner Robinson, yes. Brock, yes. Cochran, yes. Bean, yes. Fisher, yes. Hixon, yes. Collins, yes. McDaniel, yes. Thank you very much.

I just would like to put in my two cents worth. I know of a lot of our people are here to uh our employees, our directors, our everyone and uh you guys do an exceptional job and I appreciate it and um keep up the good work. Uh proclamations. Uh next, um we have a Dr. Martin Luther King Day and there is an enclosure and it's not open on here. This is the uh schedule for Martin Luther King Day. Do you want to speak to this? I do.

Okay.

So on this weekend will be the kickoff. Friday uh the 16th will be the kickoff of the MLK King Commission and it starts at uh 6:30 p.m. And we are going to highlight our youth and their talent and showcase and they're going to bring it and we're going to celebrate unity in the community and I am so excited. But I don't think I could do this program justice without our uh legend, Mr. Alvin Jackson to pick up where I left off. So Mr. Jackson, will you go to the podium for me and highlight this for us? Thank you, Mrs. Bman. My name is Alvin Jackson. I'm the vice chair of the ML King Commission. And uh you know, I just like to thank you for inviting me here tonight. And I often tell the story of how the King Commission got started here in Rome in Floyd County. It was right here in these chambers about 39 40 years ago. I was here uh we sat here, we went through uh our presentation and it took about three to four hours to get the commission to approve it. It kept coming out in a four full vote. At that time it only cost the city around $35,000 to make in an official holiday. And so we sat here back and forth, back and forth, taking votes, taking votes. And uh Buddy Mitchell, who was chairman at that time, slammed his hand down and said, "I've had enough that this will be a holiday for the city of Rome." And you know, I'm proud of that. I never forget it. And uh it's a special time. We've been doing this, well, I've been doing it for almost 40 years now. And uh every year

it gets bigger, it gets better. uh we have those four day programs. We were the first in the state of Georgia to have four consecutive days of program and I think that's something Ramen Floyd County should be uh proud of and I thank you for your support and the thing is it's about unity in the community and we like for everybody to participate in this presentation. Uh if you can't make all four events, at least make one. Uh the only thing we charge for is the prayer breakfast and that's because we have to pay for the venue, the catering, food and things like that. Everything else is free. So please take a little time out. Everybody in this room should at least hopefully you can attend one if not all four events. But it's a great time for Rome. It's a great time for Floyd County and it's a great time for everybody. So thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you this weekend. and Miss Beman. Uh like she said, Friday night the production basically geared toward our children, her and Miss uh um one of our board members, Miss Tony Blanchet. Uh she assists with that. Then on Saturday morning, we have our prayer breakfast. That'll be at Love Joy Baptist Church. Starts at 9:00, 436 Brandon Avenue. Then Sunday is geared toward the fa faith-based community. We have our ecumenical service at 5:00 pm at North Broad Baptist Church. Then we culminate all the 4-day weekend events on Monday. Uh we start out with our freedom march as you know that was a tool that Dr. King used to in a nonviolent way to get his message out. Uh we assemble at 11:00. Uh march starts at exactly 11:30 and we'll march here to the city auditorium where we have a

noonday program. We have a wonderful speaker um Miss Tanya Thomas I believe who is the district rep for the 67th district here in the state of Georgia. Following that we have a fellowship lunchon uh at the civic center and everything we do is free like I say uh even our fellowship lunch and come out have your great lunch and enjoy yourself. So again thank you for supporting the King Commission. I look forward to seeing everyone at at least one event. Thank you. Thank you, Alvin. I want to ask everybody who is a part of the King Commission to come join us. Do we have any other King Commission members here? This is an excitement celebration. Come on, King Commission. Rome, Georgia. Bringing unity in the community. I mean, bringing us together. Can you imagine what heaven would be like if we were all at the gates walking in together in unity? Whereas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a visionary leader, a steadfast advocate for justice, and a beacon of hope for all people whose powerful words and moral courage inspired meaningful change in a nation divided by racial injustice. And whereas Dr. King was a gifted orator whose eloquent message of equality, peace, nonviolence, resistance resonated deeply within the hearts and the minds of individuals across the United States, calling for an end to segregation and racial discrimination. Whereas through his leadership and

commitment to justice, Dr. King played a crucial role in the peaceful integration of his country, fostering a spirit of unity that led to a momental achievement such as the passage of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. And whereas in recognition of his enduring legacy, the Rome, Georgia MLK Commission host an annual 4-day celebration to commemorate the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that brings together community to reflect and remember and take action. This celebration serves as an opportunity to recognize Dr. King's immense contributions while fostering a collective commitment to the values of unity, equality, and justice for what he fought for. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Mayor Craig McDaniel, task mayor, along with Rome City Commission, do hereby proclaim Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a day of remembrance, reflection, and renewal of the values that Dr. King so passionately worked to install in our hearts. And I urge all citizens to honor this legacy through acts of service, community engagement, and commitment to justice. given my hand and seal this 12th day of January in the year of the Lord 2026. Martin Luther King Commission, we salute you. Thank you. It's a It's a very special thing we're going to do next. Of course, all all this stuff is very special. um with Dr. King remembering him and so forth, but

uh we're we're going to honor our police officer of the year. And I don't take this lightly. Um these police officers work the streets to let us sleep at night. They're the reason they're standing on that wall so that we can do what we do and what we are and and who we are. I'm gonna ask uh Commissioner Brock if you'll come forward. um and tell us who the officer of the year is. And chief would like to make a presentation first.

Uh yes. Actually, this is the officer of the month. I'd like to have officer Isaiah Spurgeon please come forward. Chief classes.

This is always uh probably the best time we have as as command staff is being able to recognize those guys in the field that do extraordinary jobs. And and this is just in December on December the 3. I'm just going to read what officer uh Spurgeon said uh did on that day. On the 3rd at about 6:52 p.m., officers were notified that we had a structure fire at 22 uh 220 Pennington Avenue. They dispatched. They advised there was a female resident and a wheelchair. She was wheelchair bound and two children were in that house and they were not able to get out. So, Officer Spurgeon was nearby and responded to the residence and upon arrival, he observed the house was rapidly filling with smoke and the occupants were still inside. Without any regard for his own safety, he immediately went in the house and got the kids out and then went back in the house and got the wheelchair bound lady out. So, he did a great job. Unbeknownst to Officer Spurgeon, he is also our officer of the year. So, I'd like to read the uh proclamation. Uh whereas Officer Isaiah Spurgeon has been an officer with the city of Rome Police Department since August 31st, 2024, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism, dedication to the safety and well-being of the citizens of city of Bron. Whereas on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025, at approximately 6:48 p.m., off officer Spurgeon responded to an emergency call at East

Walmart regarding a female who was ble bleeding profusely from her leg. Whereas upon uh entering the restroom, he observed a sub a substantial amount of blood and immediately initiated life-saving medical aid by applying a tourniquet, successfully stopping the severe bleeding. Um he remained with the subject providing reassurance and emotional support until EMS arrived determined she had suffered a ruptured Venus ulcer, was on blood thinners, and had lost over one liter of blood.

Whereas medical professionals confirmed that officer Spurgeon's quick thinking and immediate intervention were critical in stabilizing her condition and preventing a potential fatal outcome. And then on Wednesday, December 3rd, u talked about uh life saving uh on Pennington Avenue and discussed that um um bravely, selfishly, and unwavering commitment to human life direct directly resulting in an entire family being rescued without injury during a potential tragic event. And whereas both incidents occurred, it earned Officer Spurgeon the Rome Police Department life-saving award and the officer of the month for September and December of 2025, further exemplifying his extraordinary service and heroism heroism beyond the normal call of duty. Now therefore, be it proclaim that officer Spurgeon is hereby recognized as officer of the year in honor of his outstanding valor, life-saving actions, and dedication to protecting the lives of others. Be it further proclaimed that the city of Rome and the Rome Police Department extend their deepest gratitude and highest commendation to officer Spurgeon for his exemplary service and for setting a standard of excellence that brings great pride to the department and the community he serves. Did you hear?

I know. on this side.

Oh, yeah. You going to do it from there? That was my impression.

Yes, Chief. I'm very proud of the men and women that serve our community and the citizens. Um, I always call them the best of the best and that's what I strive to hire, the best of the best. someone who has a servant's heart who want to give back and to do the best that they can. Uh just to give you a little information about officer surgeon, uh he's a US Army veteran sergeant. He has married his wife Reagan for about 11 years. They have three children, Samson, Rebecca Winry. He was born and raised in Rome. Amen.

He's here. Uh he again is a a US Army veteran and he enlisted in the military to serve his country and when he returned home he decided he wanted to serve his community. His off his hobbies are precision shooting, predator hunting, training in the gym and relaxing with his family. Again, thank you Officer Spurgeon for all that you do. Now, I'm going to call on the chief one more time. The um Rome Police Department received a a great honor and uh I'm going to let Chief

and her staff explain what we're doing, what we got. The Rome Police Department is state and nationally accredited. Uh nationally accredited through kala which is commission on alliance for law enforcement agencies. We have been accredited at Rome since 1985. So that means all of us grew up with accreditation and that that just is a good thing for us because it is a groundwork of best practices of showing due diligence and transparency for the citizens we serve. And so it's it's very commendable that we get this. But this is an honor that every department doesn't get. But we work hard. And I will say that my accreditation manager, you have to have a special love for it because he has to eat and breathe all of our policies and it's about 461 standards that we have to adhere to and prove to the Kala Commission that we follow and we do it graciously. So I want to thank you for allowing us to serve and to protect and to after everyone within the city limits of Rome and Floyd County. Thank you. As we move along here, we're going to do some certificates of appointment, so forth, so on. But this is what y'all came for.

Anyone that uh would like to leave, feel free to do so at this time, unless you just want to stay and listen to all committee reports, things of this nature. I can see they're torn. Know how to clear out a room. They're torn. They torn. They're very Chris outl that good again. Coach, that's just fun to watch right there.

What's up? side. How are you? Thank you, sir. How are you? Thank you. Congratulations.

Uhoh. Uhoh. Charles, I hate you.

Yeah, I think you're right. I didn't go. I'm glad I did. We need that mid. You've been coming home. I was going to go to Miami. Okay, good.

I know they were. They were there. They were hungry like we were that in Indianapolis. Yeah. All right. Good to see you, man.

How you doing?

All right. Next time y'all are having a party and you want to clear the room, just invite the Rome city commission. There we go. We We can get it ready. Not all of us. We can clear a room faster than anybody.

All right, I'm we're going to move along because we've still got a lot of things to uh go over and we've got some certificates of appointments that has been voted on. And Joe, I'm going to call on you to tell us what we got. Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, uh, in December, the city commission took some important action to appoint some citizens to serve on a variety of committees. You can see from the screen, and I'll call these out, and any of you all that are present tonight, if you'll please come up. Alcohol Control Commission, Mr. Chris Kerry, Downtown Development Authority, Janica Cooper, Keith Bochamp, Beum Beach. Sorry, my bad. Eric Tant and uh David Cl. photo.

Another photo. Oh, one more thing.

Good job. And Mr. Mayor, those that uh probably gladly ended their service, we also have certificates of appreciation. And I'll just read these out if anyone's present. Steve Vanmeter for his service on the Alcohol Control Commission. Tisha Lidle for her service on the Downtown Development Authority. Elaine Abberi for her service on the Downtown Development Authority. Thank you for your service. Really appreciate

Miss Kelly, excuse me, Miss Mr. Kevin Dillman for his service on the downtown development authority and Miss Kelly Duncan. But we will forward these to those that couldn't be with us tonight and I'll extend y'all's appreciation for their service. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Um, we've got several guests tonight that that would like to speak and uh we will start with uh Miss Angela Rabino. Mr. Rabino, you'll have three minutes. Angela Rabbino, Floyd County. Good evening, commissioners, and congratulations to the new elected commissioners. I come to you this evening not to bash anyone on this board, but to remind each of you going forward into 2026, that the demand for accountability continues to grow and that no one is exempt from it, no matter the political party. According to an open records request I've submitted in regards to the Georgia Municipal Association, it is voluntary and not a legal requirement to hold this office. It is state law OCGA36-45-1 that mandates all newly elected municipal officials to complete a specific training program which is provided by GEMA in partnership with the UG. So, as of now, two newly elected commissioners are mandated by law for this training. Otherwise, everyone else has already fulfilled this requirement when they first assume their role. My question is, why are the taxpayers responsible for the training? Furthermore, why are they responsible afterwards to maintain each commissioner's membership at a total cost of $12,33, which is $1376 a piece? Why are the taxpayers paying for your dues to a nonprofit when we have elected our representatives for you to bring our concerns to? GIMA appears to be a dark money operation. Listening to our our representatives on Monday at the

hometown connection meeting and hearing representative Lumson who asked the lobbyists from GIMA to bring forth their propositions on legislation. Why? Why are the legislators and senators wanting to do what GIMA wants when you are all elected to do the will of the people? If Mr. Lumstead can't think for himself to know what type of legislation we're looking for, we'll talk to your constituents. Go to any social media platform and you will see what the people's needs and concerns are. Like them being fed up with overspending, disregarding the people, property tax, homeowners insurance, car insurance, health insurance. or try pushing President Trump's executive orders. There's plenty to pick from. I wonder why Senator Moore wasn't invited to the meeting on Monday and realize that Senator Moore is a primary sponsor of SB 378, the anti-corruption act to stop taxpayer funded lobbyists. I get and guess who qualifies under that? Yes, it is GMA. It is time we start removing unnecessary spending like this and start having an actual citizens committee put together that isn't tied to an organization that has lobbyists at the capital like the chambers of commerce and specifically Jima. I look forward to hearing from all of you. Thank you.

Mr. Swinford, Ron Swinford name and address and uh you have three minutes. My name is Ron Swford. I live at 11 Popler Street Rome, Georgia. Um, we with new commissioners here and with the old with the returning commissioners. I want to talk about unintended consequences. Things happen all the time with decisions that you make. Some of these things are that happen at the federal levels are seat. We put a seat belt law in and all of a sudden we have more bicyclers and pedestrians that get hit. No one can seem to understand why that is. Another one is prohibition. Obviously that didn't work out so well. But I'd like to talk to you about unintended consequences that did work out well. There's a gentleman called Joseph Basilgate. Some of you may know him. I doubt very many of you do. In 1860, he created the sewer system in London, England to replace one that they already had. And you're thinking, well, why do I care about this? 155 years later, they're using 82% of his sewer system to this day. His only mandate that he had for his workers were if you can overbuild it. At that time, London was the largest city in the world, right at around two million people. It's now 9 million. They're still using 82%. Of those 82%, the ones that they're not using, uh, World War II had a lot to do with that. The reason I'm bringing this up is all the decisions you make have unintended consequences. And it may be something minor. It may be a zoning thing that you don't think

anything about. Well, I doubt very many people thought that a sewer system in London was all that important at the time. Look what it's done now. It saved them an estimated$2 billion dollar. the decisions this man made. Y'all have these decisions every day when you come in here. The last thing to echo what Angela said, the times they are changing. We saw it this year, but we're going to continue to see it. And something that's said in the United States way too often, and people don't really pay attention to it, is this. You can be the change or you can be part of the change. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. GRANT MILLER. GRANT, if you will give us your address, you'll have three minutes.

I'll be I'll be very quick. My name is Grant Miller, 2637 Calary Springs Road. Well, I'm going to use this opportunity to thank everybody that serves, whether elected or works in the city of Rome. Thank you'all for all you do. We had an item on the agenda today that was been moved to allow more discussion that some people have come today to make comments on. And I just want to make the take this opportunity to thank everyone for all you do. Thank you very much. Thank you, Grant.

Haley Johnson. Okay. Thank you, Miss Johnson. Um, turn my page here. Bonnie Ascu, former commissioner. Glad to have you back.

Good evening. Congratulations to the new commissioners, JLE, and to the reelected commissioner, Commissioner Dean, and to the new mayor and the mayor pro Tim. Thank you for all that you do. I understand your service. I understand um the time and the dedication it takes to do what you do, and I appreciate it. And I think that the people of Rome appreciate what you do. Uh I came today with a singular purpose and that was to introduce the new pastor at Thankful Missionary Baptist Church. Um he is Reverend Shener Alustin. He is a dynamic preacher, humanitarian educator, social justice advocate who um has faithfully served as senior pastor previously to at the New Israelite Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago for 20 years. Um he's a native of Chicago Heights, Illinois. He brings a deep commitment to biblical literacy, disciplehip, and leading souls to Christ. Um, it took a while for us to do this, but we think that we got it right. In 1995, Pastor Austin experienced what he calls his Moses at the burning bush encounter with with God. An an undeniable moment that forever changed his his life and confirmed his calling. He is known for his empathy and inclusive spirit. He meets people where they are and walks alongside them to towards spiritual grow growth. Pastor Austin strongly believes that social justice is a divine mandate. Uh he has served as um doc a facilitator at the greater New Baptist Church uh district association and previously oh my gosh and it oh okay an administrative

assistant to the dean of the national baptist congress of Christian education. His leadership has made churches u beacons of hope and outreach and engagement. He's a proud graduate of the Moody Bible Institute. He holds a BS in integrated uh ministry, pastoral stuh studies and a and is a published author. His book is called Ladies Let's Talk. He is currently um pursuing his mers in theological um studies to be finished this year and he and a doctorate in public theology and community engagement. I won't go into all of the other details, but he is also brought with him his wife Rea Andrews Austin who is a um healthcare advocate and a community servant as well. She is also a published author and Elena, you'll be glad to know that she's a member of AK um sarity incorporated and they brought with them also their son Julian who

Oh yeah, I'm gonna I'm gonna bring you up in just a sec and they are here and they are beginning to work at Thankful and we are very very proud to have them and so I would like for them to come up and have a word if you don't mind. I'll give them my time. Thank you. Thank you, Deacon Ascu. Um, commissioners, thank you for this opportunity for us to say that we are glad to call Rome home. We are just delighted to lead Thankful Missionary Baptist Church. Um, back home in the Midwest, we are deeply rooted in community. So, when um, Bonnie asked you said, "You know what? You really need to meet a group of commissioners. they are. If anyone's doing the work, it's this body. And so, we had to attend today to really hear what's going on in the community. And so, my husband and I are happy to be here. New Romanites. Do you call them Romanites?

You do now, right? Romans. We are so happy to be here. Take rooe. And we're ready to roll up our sleeves to make Rome as as beautiful as it possibly can be. And so, thank you for the warm welcome that we've gotten so far. And we're so happy to be here. And with that, I don't know what my husband will say, but I'm sure he'll create something. First of all, I want to thank Deacon Ascu for this um bringing us here to um sit amongst you all and hear your um your election to all the commissioners, the mayor, everyone. Congratulations. And um we're just part of this city. We want to be involved. We want to work whatever we can do to help. We want our church to be a a beacon of hope in the community that that connects with the civic leaders and we do something positive in the community. And that's changed that's changed Rome so Rome can change the world. That's that's what I um believe and that's in my heart. I don't have much to say. I'm just here um I'm enjoying the weather. Praise the Lord.

And um just thank you all for having us. Thank you for being here. Pastor, just so you'll know, Thankful Baptist Church has been a huge light in the community up in North Rome, and it has served many, many people, and I go by it several times a day, thanking God for putting that church there. We got some resolutions we need to discuss. Um, uh, for I'm going to turn it over to Joe. The first one is designate special Sunday pouring day for 2026.

Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, I'm trying to get that to uh to open. We're still having some issues.

Explain it. Each in Rome, we have Sunday pouring for those who meet a food drink ratio. Those that cannot meet the state mandated food drink ratio cannot pour on Sunday. So, we have a handful of of beer and or beer wine pouring establishments that don't have restaurants uh that are not allowed to pour on Sunday because of the state law. However, the state does allow local governments to designate one Sunday per year per calendar year for these folks who can't otherwise be open to be open. and the the city of Rome and alcohol control commission looks at the calendar each year and and tries to choose the day that would be most advantageous, most desired. And this year that would be Super Bowl Sunday, February the 8th, I believe. There are no other holidays that fall on Sunday that would compete with that day. So, the recommendation for you all is to designate Sunday, February 8th, as a special one Sunday pouring day in Rome for 2026.

Mr. Man, I thought you was going to skip that until the pre pastor left. Come on, Jesus. All right, let's get back on track here. Um, so we need a motion. We do need a motion. We need a motion and a second to make Sunday, February 8th, a pouring day. I'll make a motion. Approve. I'll second. All right, we got a motion and a second. Um, Mr. Clerk, sir, do we need discussion? If there is any, uh, if you all would like to discuss anyone got any. All right, call the roll. Commissioner Robinson, yes. Brock, yes. Cochran, yes.

Bean, yes. Fisher, yes. Hixon. Collins, yes. McDaniel, yes. Um, I'm going to turn it back. Sammy or or Joe gets the next one. Sure. I'm I'm happy happy to This has to do with Stonebridge Golf Course.

Sure. You you guys recall we discussed earlier in caucus tonight we um endeavored in the 2025 budget to set out to replace the um original irrigation system out at Stonebridge which is goes back to 1993 94. So we've we've had a um several years of good use out of that system and and and continue to see problems creep up. So that led us down the the the the process to find a consultant to to help us figure out how to go about replacing. And so we endeavored to do that and work has been underway. And so what we have before us tonight is an opportunity to do a lease purchase. And by doing the lease purchase, um, what we will do is we will end up going out for 10 years and we will not have a payment for 26 and then we'll be $327,9392 for the remaining years and that totals 3,279 39019. So the 3,279 that would be the the cap. So we would spend no more than that. And so we already we're about 1.5 into the project. And so basically we would we would do the finance and that would allow us to to cash flow the project a little easier going forward. And so project has been underway for some time now. In fact, city clerk Smith might want to give an update just to the community on the pro progress because they have been out there and actively working.

Yes sir. Thank you. the the project has been planned for quite a while and it began after bids were taken and by the way the low bid turned out to be the best bid we thought and project started in November. It's a project we're doing over the winter and we hope for it to be completed by April one. The weather's been favorable and and is progressing very nicely, maybe even a let ahead a little bit ahead of schedule, but we're happy with the results and uh and and the contractor, their professionalism and knowledge are really showing and it's going as planned or better.

Thank you. Um I'll need a motion to approve. So move Second, Mr. Mayor. Discussion. Yes. Discussion. Any discussion? Yeah, we I'm sorry. That's okay. We have some discussion. Yes.

Okay. Thank you. Uh I would just like everyone to consider adding a $85 search charge to every round of golf so that the taxpayers don't have to carry the burden of installing a new irrigation system at a golf course. $327,939 a year divided by roughly 40,700 rounds of golf a year is approximately $8.3 a round. So that small search charge, this burden would be taken off the taxpayers. Thank you. If the golf course was a standalone entity, it wouldn't make sense financially. The fact that we have uh berry forest and the fairways subdivisions out there and all of the property taxes that we generate around the golf course uh has made it u very much a financial benefit to the city. Uh, many people move out there because of the golf course. When the golf course was first built out there, I thought it was the dumbest idea I'd ever heard. But as time has gone on, I think it's a huge financial plus for the city of Rome. There's a maintenance cost. You have to keep it up. You have to continue to make expenditures, but we generate revenues there. It's a quality of life issue. When we factor in a discussion with Rome Floyd Parks and Recreation, the county primarily is doing parks and recreation right now and that contract runs out in April and we're having discussions with them and

it doesn't always go the county's way. They don't want to factor in the fact that we have a trail system that we have invested in the tennis center and the expense of the uh golf course out there. We have a huge quality of life advantage for our city residents that includes some of the parks and some of the recreation issues or amenities that we have in partnership with the county. So Stonebridge, if you look at it as a standalone entity entity, wouldn't make sense, but because it's a part of that residential neighborhood out there, it's a huge plus for the community. And so, um, this is just a part of an ongoing expense in my opinion. I'm just one of nine. That's my that's my opinion.

I would just ask, Mr. Manager, has any other consideration been done? other than what you're proposing in terms of the um the financial model. Is that what your question? Yes. No. No sir. Has not. Well, if you heard the commissioner his analysis of what could happen. Did that interest you? Are you asking terms of the $8 search charge? Yes. Yeah. I'm happy to study that. I think we need to go back and look to see. I know the golf course the last few years has shown a profit. That's correct.

And we need to look back to see if this if that profit that they are turning uh will can cover this. Yeah.

And if not then we need to take a look at either raising the rates or making another. Well, not only do we get the income from the golf course people that play, but it brings a lot of people from out of town and the residual that we get from people spending money in our city is substantial. And so, you know, as Commissioner McDaniel said, we're getting the tax revenue, but we're also getting um residuals from hotel stay and people spending money at restaurants and stuff. So it's a profitm entity overall. You have a motion on the table too.

Well, I I I send to say pro temp is the fact that for years and years these citizens in my opinion have paid enough. It was in the red for 20 years. And all I'm asking the manager to do is is possibly get with the finance director and maybe take a second look. All right, let's um let's vote on the motion we have on the floor and then we've asked uh the manager to uh look into how that $8 could be covered.

And then we will uh when he takes a look at that then we we'll get uh we'll get answered back. Are you saying that for this commission to pass it before you actually take a study? Pass what? I've had we had a motion on the floor to approve. Right. And I'm asking you, are you asking us to go ahead and take a chance to stud another way we might do it?

We pass. I'm quite sure. It is what it is. Well, the commissioner, what if if the lease is approved, what we're saying is we'll have no payment for 2026. The first payment due would be the 327,939 in 2027. Right? So, assuming y'all approve tonight, we've got between now and later to figure out how we want to cover the debt service, whether we're doing tax funds or we're coming up with some special revenue or user fees or whatever it may be. That can't be part of the motion. We have a motion on the floor, but it could be amended. We can't have another motion as long as you have one on the floor.

You could amend it. It can be amended. That's part of parliamentary procedures for sure. It can motion the floor. Someone wants to make an amendment to the motion and second it then we can go from there. Okay. So, Commissioner or Mayor Pro Tim Robinson, I believe, made made the motion. Made the motion. Is that correct? Y. Okay. So, I can amend my motion. Yes. Correct.

I I'll amend my motion that we uh adopt this with the understanding that we're going to take a study. I mean, we don't have many options to on the table right now other than this finance system that that Sammy's worked out. So, I say we we go ahead and make the mo I make the motion that we approve this with the understanding that a study will be taken uh to see where we can make up the the money that we're spending. Is that acceptable to you? Did we get a second? Anything? Anybody else got comment?

It's my understanding that this has to be paid regardless of where it's covered because we've agreed to spend 3 million on and we're already halfway into it. Yes, ma'am. That's correct. It doesn't go away. Can I I don't understand something, Sammy. Yes sir. This will add 3 point something million, right? Is that right? Yeah. This will be this will be for 3 something million. Right. The total expense when project's done will be under 3,279390,19. That's the not to exceed. How much have we spent already?

About a million5. Is that what it was projected in the beginning to spend? about four million about three three maybe 31 Joe over three million over three million so roughly to to finance it were maybe within $100,000 $200,000 of where we originally started but it allows us to cash flow the project a lot easier. It's just tough to come up with $3 million for a capital project. Let me make sure I'm getting you right. You have spent up 1.5 correct out of 2025 budget and now we're going back to another 3.1 million. Is that right? When it's all said and done, we'll have spent when it's all said and done. So, we'll be spending the 3.2 total. Total

total. Is that So, we spent 1.5 basically. Yeah. So, we've we've not we've not left. Yeah. We've not left the original budget to Commissioner Fischer. Yes. We're in the middle of the project. It spanned over two years. And so, it's currently underway. It's a city-owned asset. It's a a question for how do we want to pay for the infrastructure? That's simply the question. If there's no other call the roll. Commissioner Robinson, yes. Brock, yes. Cochran, no. Bean, no. Fisher, yes. Dixon, no. Collins,

no for me. Daniel, yes. Mr. Mayor, I have four yes and four no. Yes. Passes 54.

Bryce, first readings. Um, we've got a couple of uh items to look at.

Yes, we have three items for you on first reading. The first is Z26 hyphen 01-05. The request is to resone the property from suburban residential to multif family residential for the property 225 Huffacre Road, Rome, Georgia 30165, Floyd County Tax Parcel H13X127. Staff recommended approval with a condition planning commission recommended approval with that same condition via 8 to1. Uh the next item we have for you is a uh ordinance amendment to the unified land development code. It affects uh convenience stores and gas stations. that adds some additional restrictions. Uh that came to you with a staff recommendation of approval and unanimous approval from the planning commission. And the last thing that we always do in every January as we read the uh unified land development code and the accompanying zoning maps. Uh we would respectfully ask that you'all do that as well at the next meeting. Thank you, sir. Congratulations.

Thank you. Uh on second reading, the downtown sidewalk ordinance. Uh M. Commissioner Robinson.

Yeah, Mr. Mayor. Um this ordinance um I'm I'm going to ask that we table this because the merchants downtown uh I don't feel like have gotten all of their say so uh I think they need to have more time to understand this ordinance so that u uh each person is is satisfied with with what it what all's in that ordinance. there's just some discrepancies that some people didn't think that their store applied to that or they wanted to leave something that they've always had it that way. So, we just need some clarity on that and we want each merchant to be able to have their time to talk. Motion to table.

My motion to table. Need a second. Second. Got a motion in a second. Any discussion? There's no discussion on a motion to table, Mr. Mayor. It's a straight vote. Okay. Commissioner Robinson, yes. Brock, yes. Cochran, yes. Bean, yes. Fisher, yes. Hixon, yes. Collins, yes. McDaniel, yes. Mr. Clark, um, yes, sir. Management agreement.

Back to Stonebridge. Uh, we since 2023, the city of Rome has had a management agreement uh for the operation of Stonebridge. Uh the city ran the course themselves from the time it opened in '94 for about 10 years and and decided a management agreement may be the best option and that has worked out favorably since that time over the past 22 years. The current agreement uh expired at the end of 2025 and there's a provision for a five-year extension and that is staff's recommendation to extend that agreement with Indigo Sports formerly known as Billy Casper Golf for continued operation of Stonebridge for an additional five years.

Need a motion to approve. Second second. Any discussion? Clerk, call roll. Commissioner Robinson, yes. Brock, yes. Cochran, yes. Bean, yes. Fisher, yes. Hixon, yes. Collins, yes. McDaniel, yes. Manager.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, just a holiday announcement. The city of Rome administrative offices will be closed on Monday, January 19th in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Those interested in waste collection, uh, those normally picked up on Monday is going to be pushed to Tuesday and Tuesday routes will be pushed to Wednesday. Thursday and Friday will be business as usual and anyone needing service at Walker Mountain Landfill. It will be closed on January the 19th as well. And Mr. Mayor, that concludes my report. Thank you, sir. Mr. Attorney,

uh, no report, Mr. Mayor. Uh during the mayor time, I will tell you that the Rome Floyd Development Authority will meet on uh Tuesday morning, January the 20th, 9:00 at 800 Broad Street. The uh Rome City Commission has some date changes. Um for Memorial Day, we would normally meet on that day, May 25th. Our meeting will be moved to Tuesday, May 26th, in the week of Christmas next year. And don't laugh, it's it'll be here before you know it. Uh we're scheduled to meet on Monday, December 28th. We're going to move that up to Monday, December 21st. And uh the Rome City Commission will be attending the Georgia Municipal Association's 2026 Cities United Summit in Atlanta. Uh that it will take place from January 23rd through January 26th. And uh when we get back, we'll tell you all about everything that we that we did down there as far as our classes and all that we were taking. Uh, next up, I'm sorry,

excuse me. The notice for the Rome Floyd County Development Authority changed. It's going to meet at 8:45 on January 20th instead of 9:00 a.m. Just wanted to make that correction. I didn't get that memo. All right. Um, and that'll still be at 800 Broad Street. Correct. Okay. the uh community redevelopment that uh we have a resolution out to support a CHIP program 2026. Uh we heard the Becky Fox talk about it in caucus and um Becky, you want to quickly let refresh everybody or Sammy, do you want to do it? Whichever one.

That's fine. I got so auth

Yeah, Becky, you need to go to the podium. Thank you. I'm sorry. Thank you, Becky. We'll do this in two different I'm sorry. What' you say? We'll do this in two different votes.

Okay, that's fine. Um, so the Romeloy Land Bank Authority, our chairman, David KL is is here also um is applying for a 2026 CHIP community home investment program grant to um in the amount of around 1.4 $1.5 million to construct approximately six houses. And these will be within the city of Rome and out into the unincorporated area because the land bank authority is a joint city county public authority. And we are simply asking for in the resolution of support that the commission support this effort for us to continue develop housing. And then the second thing is theou you're voting on that is for clarification of the roles of this community development department for grant administration and the landmake um authority administration falls under that department. So, those are just kind of clarifying those roles.

Okay, let's u I need a motion for the resolution to support. Some move. I got a motion in a second. Any discussion? Call the roll. Commissioner Robinson, yes. Brock, yes. Cochran, yes. Bean, yes. Fisher, yes. Hixon, yes. Collins, yes. McDaniel, yes. The second uh

uh the me the memorandum of understanding. It is basically just an agreement between the city of Rome and the land bank authority that identifies the roles within the granted administration what the city what the community development staff will be doing as far as administration. We've been doing those things for years versus what the land bank authority because we kind of wear two hats in our department. We administer both sides of the coin. Um, but this agreement is something that the state requires when you apply for the funding and it will identify, you know, who's doing what within our department. All right. I will need a motion to approve. So move. Second. I need a second. Motion in a second. Any discussion? This clerk, call the role. Commissioner Robinson, yes. Brock,

yes. Cochran, yes. Bean, yes. Fisher, yes. Hixon, yes. Collins, yes. McDaniel, yes. I have no more no further report. Commissioner Brock, uh, transportation policy committee will meet Wednesday, January 21st at 10 o'clock in the Carnegie training room. That completes my report. Commissioner Cochran. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Historic Preservation Committee will meet on Wednesday, January the 21st at 2:30 p.m. in the commission chambers. Thank you. Uh, solid waste commission approval for recycle shortfall. Mr. Manager, you want to?

Absolutely. If you bear with me to get my technology working here having a day

a day a day for for computers and for the internet to want to blank out on us. So, as we discussed um earlier tonight, for a time, we have placed these um elements on you all um on the agenda for you all to approve. And so, that's what we have before us tonight. Um the deficit uh for uh third quarter is uh for each entity $47,834.35. And so, uh we have two of those to approve tonight. uh one of those for city of Rome for solid waste and then the solid waste commission fund and so we will need a motion to take care of those expenditures.

Okay, we can approve those same time but I do need a motion. So moved. Second. I'll second. Got a motion and a second. I Okay. Did you say individually or those together? We're going to put them together. One. One vote. One vote. Um, any discussion, sir. Commissioner Robinson, yes. Brock, yes. Cochran, yes. Bean, yes. Fisher, yes. Hixon, yes. Collins, yes. McDaniel,

yes. Okay, I'm going to turn it back over to the Ron Floyd County Planning Commission, Bryce Wood, where he's going to take us to the movies. Uh, yes. I believe you guys have the stats for uh 2025. It was a quite a busy year.

Um, you look at the stats, it would you would it would appear that we had a little bit of a slack off in 2024. Uh, that is not true at all. What you're actually seeing is that uh so many of the housing developments that were approved in 23 and 24 are now actually coming out of the ground. Therefore, we've actually had to pivot into instead of having as many, you know, reszoning cases or special use permit cases, we are now looking at approving more and more actual houses as people apply for permits. Uh so we're in the next phase of that. Um you will also notice um that we have steadily been increasing since 2020. Uh this is the first year we've seen a little bit of a reprieve and even that was not much. Um you're going to you flip to the last page you'll see how much housing got approved. Roughly 75% of that was within the city. Uh the rest was from the county. You have to remember my office is a joint department. Um this was the year of housing. The majority of the requests we had were somewhat housing related in one shape, form or fashion. Whether that be a subdivision, apartments, town houses, you name it. Um Uh you notice we had quite a few special use permit requests and many of those would not have had to come before this commission under the proposed ordinance that you're going to be seeing in the uh near future. Uh many of those almost 90% of them would have been allowed by right with some form of limitations. Uh that frees up your time that also makes things quicker for business. As you know time is money in the in the development world. I'm happy to take any questions you may have but I would like to say thank you to my staff for preparing this. Any questions for Wood?

Thank you for all your hard work, Bryce. You and your staff. Thank you. We appreciate it. Yeah. Once again, your staff does a great job. I agree. Got one question. Far away. Um, what for the special use permits? They were up this year. What was the majority of those?

So, most of them were some form of housing. uh typically either special use permit for duplexes or things of that nature. Uh and so what you'll find in the new code is that a lot more forms of housing are just allowed by right some form of limitation. So they would not have come before this commission and you guys approved an overwhelming majority of those which I appreciate what you did as a planning commission member. The rest of these guys did. Bryce, thank you. Yes, sir. Commissioner Collins.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I look like I'm going to be meeting on this coming Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in the Civic Center for the Northwest Georgia Regional Development Commission. And other than that, that's all my report, Mr. Thank you, Commissioner Robinson.

Yeah. Uh, two things, Mr. Mayor. The Alcohol Control Commission will meet on Tuesday, January the 13th, five o'clock right here. And also, we've got a couple of u uh penalties for a couple of our convenience stores that the ACC has recommended. Uh the violations uh were from smoking, unless Joe, you want to further this, but uh they have uh suggested a a monetary penalty on these two entities uh of $2,000 for the violation. Um, and I guess we would joke.

Yes, m Commissioner Robinson. Thank you. Uh, first I'd like to ask, is there anyone here representing 1901 North Broad or 1303 Shorter Avenue? 1303 Shorter. Okay. No one here from 1901. Okay. Hold on just one moment. So, as you said, Commissioner Robinson, hearings were held at the December Alcohol Control Commission meeting and uh that which is summarized in the minutes that were sent out with you, but ultimately the recommendation was for a $2,000 monetary penalty uh be imposed at both establishments. As we discussed in caucus tonight, we will not hold an additional hearing here. However, representatives from the establishment are allowed to address you all, make comments, uh, but again, not present new testimony, and we will not hear again from the police officer. So, I would suggest at this point u that you go to the podium, ask any questions or or make any statements.

Ma'am, when you get to the podium, if you will to state your name and your address, please. Hillary Brown. I'm Hillary Brambert. You're the L E. Yes, I'm the L E. Thank you. And uh address 1303 shorter revenue. Um shop and save. And um I'm feel guilty and I'll okay with the $2,000. I'll pay the penalty. You you said you're in agreement with that recommended penalty. So you're not here to dispute that. You're here to acknowledge Yes. acceptance.

Thank you. Thank you. All right. I need a motion for both. Do we do them separately? Let's do these separately, please. Okay. Let's make Let's get a u motion for the penalty that's to be accessed at 1901 North Broad Street. I'll make that motion, Mr. Mayor, that we uh go by the ACC recommendation of $2,000 penalty. Second motion and a second. Any discussion? Mick.

So the motion is to and I agree. I mean I do support it, but it's not about the dollar amount. It's about the violating the crime and what's in place to make sure that doesn't happen again.

Commissioner, that's something we're going to have to discuss and I'm agreement with you. Um Mr. Cooper's back here. He is chairman of the ACC and that's what you spoke to in caucus, the amount of the of the fine and what it actually should be. This is the this right now is the maximum fine and perhaps it needs to change a little bit. But anyway, I got a motion second on North Broad Street. Any other discussion?

Yes. I'm trying to figure out I'm thinking these possibly first time offenders. Is that correct? These are first time offenders under at least under this ownership. Yes, sir. But not the store. Well, I I can't say for certain.

Ownership is ownership and that's different either way you go. I'm trying to figure out though. We got a citizens here running a small business and I hear what chairman Cooper is saying about the fact that our officers go in and do their job. I hear that. I don't remember a case where I don't care if you selling alcohol and sold to a man or you come in here and you throw the book at them. Maximum penalty. Our maximum penalty is substantial when it's those kind of fines and you got two citizens here running a small business and somebody in their staff decide they want to smoke and the officer come in and you come up here and you tell us well I'm going maximum penalty what signal are you saying

are we saying that I don't care Mr. people go to the polling. I can ask you those questions. I'm trying to figure out what signal are you telling the citizen running the small business, right? I can't make a mistake saying can nobody come in my store smoking. Yes, I'm going to try to tell them. But why is it that a person can come up here if so to underage come before the ACC? Well, I think we'll knock that penalty down some. I think that was your suggestion on that knock down some. Sir,

wasn't that your suggestion when we reduced the penalty on the the drink the one that was caught with alcohol? If it was a first time offender, more than likely it was. Yeah. I don't know what resource we have other to tell them, hey, this can't happen again now cuz next time it's possibly going to be Max. Max would be to suspend their license. That I thought that you saying max and max what it is right now. Max is the fine. That's not the maximum penalty.

No, I think um and I thank you um for being honest and taking ownership and and saying that you're okay with the with the fine. But I do think um for accountability standpoint in order to enforce it um there should be some show some type of pattern and that was one of the questions I asked in caucus was it the first um time and under the license I understand that but I think as a body we should kind of govern and each store by and to show a pattern. Um, and then we could kind of go and offer maybe a first fine, second fine, or higher rate. Um, but based on a pattern and I think that's one way to answer the board's agreement. And I'm sure you, ma'am, you kind of be a little bit forceful and look out for those kind of things. and um and I appreciate you coming by, but as a as a group, I think just by searching by pattern to see if how many times and I don't know how the ACC keeps that data um for instances like that. Um, but I think if we could kind of keep up with the data and kind of let the data guide us,

and I understand what y'all are saying, but if I ran a small business, just hypothetically speaking, and somebody was in there smoking, and that's my business, I'm going to train my staff to put them cigarettes out. And when somebody comes and says, "I'm okay with playing 2,000." It ain't a serious matter. I'm just saying. If I could weigh in, I' i've served on the alcohol control commission and a lot of our committees rely on volunteers and the people that serve on the ACC take that very very seriously and the ordinances that we have in place. That's all commissioners do is just write ordinances. Um, and our law enforcement people have to enforce those ordinances. They make the arrest and then it goes to the alcohol control commission um to deal with the um the violation and they make decisions based on the ordinances that we have put in place with the assistance of the law enforcement people. Uh the fine that was be levied based on the recommendation of the alcohol control commission is suitable and I I think we need been my experience in the time I've been on the city commission. We should always follow the recommendation of the alcohol control commission. Those are volunteers. They take it very seriously. A lot of them have experience. Mr. Cooper is a pharmacist by trade. He takes this very very seriously. I think it's incumbent upon us to follow the recommendations of the alcohol control commission and support our law enforcement people when they spend their time going out and enforcing the laws. So, I don't think

this is lenient. I don't think it's I don't think it's severe at all. $2,000 for a convenience store. U Do you have ding-dings in your m in your store? Convenience store. Do you have ding-ding machines? Collams. Co-ams. Convenience. Co-am. Yeah. $2,000 for a convenience store that's got co-am machines. That's nothing. She doesn't mind paying it. I think we support the alcohol control commission is my belief. We talking about this first one. We had a motion in the second property at 1901 North Broad Street. Uh, no more discussion. Cler. Commissioner Robinson. Yes. Rock. Yes. Cochran. Yes. Bean.

Yes. Fisher. Yes. Dixon. Yes. Collins. No. McDaniel. Yes.

Now we need a motion. 13. Okay. Um, so that passes. 1303 Shorter Avenue was, excuse me, that's your property. Okay. and she has said that she is going to pay the $2,000 and move along and hopefully do train your employees better or do a better job with that. But I still need a motion. Mr. Mayor, I'll make a motion that we uphold the uh ACC's recommendation of a $2,000 monetary fine for that violation. Okay. And I need a second. I second it. All right. Discussion. Clerk, call the role. Sir. Commissioner Robinson. Yes. Brock, yes. Cochran, yes. Bean,

yes. Fisher, yes. Hixon, yes. Collins, no. Daniel, yes. That's all um that's all I have on my report, Mr. Mayor.

All right, that um brings us to the to the end of our agenda for the day. Um, is there anything anyone on the commission? Okay. I would just like to thank all of you for being here. It's it's very encouraging to me when we see pretty faces out there in the audience. Uh, because a lot of times we can come up here and have uh have this meeting with one or two people sitting out here. And um I encourage you that uh with the committees that we have that you look and see what's available. You do that through the clerk's office. Is that is that online?

Uh the vacancies are not online. It's just not practical to do them that way. All right. So you can call the clerk's office or stop by the clerk's office which is downstairs in the lobby and see what's available if you'd like to serve on a committee. and um then uh he'll he will let general admin general admin know. So um if there's nothing else, just one other thing, Mr. Mayor, I just wanted to tell Commissioner McDaniel that you done a great job while you was mayor. Appreciate the job you done. You got a lot of compliments. I appreciate that. Me and you're going to sit in here and fuss at each other and disagree all day long.

Tell me about it right now. Listen, I'm just going to go ahead and tell you if you guys want We've known each other for 55 years. Listen, we was in school together. This ain't how But just just know that if you're going to fuss and fight with each other, I'm going to sit Jill between you. All right, we're journed. Nice. You still got 9% left. Oh, yeah. Good to go. Stare.