City Commission - Regular Meeting

Good evening, everybody. Welcome to the uh April 13th Rome City Commission meeting. We've got several things that we're going to do. Love a big crowd. And uh just hang in there. We're going to try to explain everything the best we can and move along. At uh as we begin each and uh every meeting, we uh have an invocation and a pledge to the flag. And uh today uh Commissioner Hickson is going to is going to do that for us. So, if you would please stand with us. We will pray. Please let us pray. Let us pray. Dear heavenly Father, once again, Lord, we come before you giving you thanks for the many blessings you bestowed upon us thus far, Father. We come asking, dear Lord, as a commission, dear heavenly Father, that we come and agree and do the will of your people, dear Lord. We ask, dear heavenly Father, that you watch over our city this evening, dear Lord. We realize, dear heavenly Father, we've had some incidents that's happened that's not done in your liking, dear Lord. We ask, dear heavenly Father, we that you continue to wrap your arms around us, dear Lord, and keep us safe from any hurt, harm, or danger, dear Lord. Whether it be a youth, dear Lord, to our senior citizens, dear heavenly Father. We ask, dear Lord, upon blessings, dear Lord, upon this commission, dear Lord, that you've given a charge to go out and do your will for your people, dear Lord. We ask that you provide us with the wisdom, dear Lord, and the knowledge, dear Lord, that give us the ability to do that, dear heavenly Father. We come thanking you, dear Lord, and thank you, dear Lord, for my first chance to open this meeting today, dear heavenly Father. For I realize, dear Lord, that if it wasn't for you, that I wouldn't be here today, dear Lord. And I continue to give you the praise for that, dear Lord. These are the things that we do ask and give in your son, Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag

of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Clerk, if you will call the roll. Sir. Mayor Bojo. Here. Commissioner Robinson.

Here. Brock. Here. Cochran. Here. Beeman. Here. Fisher. Here. Hickson. Here. Collins. Here. McDaniel. Here. Thank you. Um everyone should have received [clears throat] the uh minutes of our March 23rd meeting. If anyone has any corrections, objections, or so forth, speak now. We will approve those as um as written. Uh we've got several proclamations today. And um we uh we're going to go ahead get started with the proclamation. We got like five, and that's a good thing that we can do stuff like this. Um first proclamation we have is from is is about Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful, and I have the opportunity to do this one. Thank you. Actually, there's two of them here, and uh we will start with one. You want to come up? Hannah Bagley. I want to tell you a little bit about Hannah. Hannah's been doing What are you laughing at? I'll get you next. Hannah's been uh doing this for a while. She does a great job. And uh just so everybody knows, jokingly, very jokingly, I call Hannah the trashiest person in town. Then her husband went to work for uh um landfill. So, now we have the trashiest couple in Rome. This is uh proclamation that is going to be given to you from the City of Rome and Floyd County, and it reads, "Whereas, Keep Rome Beautiful has served the Rome and Floyd County community since 1976,

working to inspire residents to take responsibility for improving their local environment through education, volunteerism, beautification, and waste reduction initiatives. And whereas, for 50 years, Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful has played a vital role in promoting community pride, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices throughout the Rome and Floyd County. And whereas, the organization has mobilized thousands of volunteers, students, educators, business and civic leaders to participate in community cleanups, recycling programs, litter prevention initiatives, tree planting efforts, environmental education, and beautification projects. And whereas, through partnership with local government, schools, businesses, and community groups, Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful has helped protect natural resources, enhanced public spaces, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility for current and future generations. And whereas, the organization is proud affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Georgia Beautiful foundations, contributing to statewide and national efforts to build cleaner, greener, more vibrant communities. And whereas, the year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful service, representing five decades of dedicated leadership, volunteer engagement, environmental education, and community impact. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed, we, the governing bodies of the City of Rome and Floyd County, do hereby recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful, and commend the organization, its staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters for their long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life and environmental

health of our community. Be it further resolved, or further proclaimed, I'm tired. that we encourage all residents to join in celebrating this milestone, and to continue supporting the mission of Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful in preserving, enhancing the beauty of our community for generations to come." Hannah. Thank [applause] you. Mary Harden. Come here. How many in 50 years, how many directors have there been of five? Well, here's two of them. And both of them did an out- She used to be the trashiest person in town till she gave she left there. But anyway, congratulations to both of you. You guys did an outstanding job. And uh I'm I'm I'm very proud to be able to give you present you with the proclamation. Only I can't give it to you. Cuz it's got to go to Floyd County tomorrow. All right. Hannah. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Good. Well, we've got another Last Friday, the uh we we celebrated the 50-year anniversary of Keep America or Keep Rome Beautiful. And um we made a pledge. Hannah's has signed this, and representing the City of Rome as mayor, I have signed this. And it's the Greatest American Cleanup Pledge. And it certifies that the City of Rome has taken the Greatest American Cleanup Pledge today, April 13th, 2026, to help create cleaner, greener, and more beautiful

communities across America, joining a national Keep America Beautiful movement to prepare our neighborhoods for America's 250th birthday, July 4th of this year. Hannah, again, thank you. Here. She's a one-man show. I I just want y'all to know that. And when she goes out in schools, or she gets groups of people, whether it's business people, she's had the commissions, both our the City Commission and the County Commission, involved in picking up trash. Um it it's amazing how much better you make a street look. And she heads all that up by herself. And she does an outstanding job. All right.

[applause] [applause]

And she plants trees. She does. You got it. Good one. Good one. [applause]

Our next Our next proclamation um is for garden week our garden club week, and Jill Fisher, Commissioner Fisher, will read that proclamation. Is anyone here for that? Hello. I'm excited to present this. I, too, am in a garden club, but I know how much they do for Rome and Floyd County to keep our town so pretty. Uh City of Rome and Floyd County proclamation. Whereas the Rome Federated Garden Club and garden clubs throughout the state of Georgia have long worked to promote the love of gardening, conservation of natural resources, and the beautification of communities. And whereas gardens, landscapes, and greenscapes contribute significantly to the environmental health, well-being, and quality of life of citizens across Georgia. And whereas the dedicated members of the Rome Federated Garden Club volunteer their time and expertise to educate the public, support civic improvement projects, and encourage stewardship of Georgia natural beauty. And whereas garden week in Georgia provides an opportunity for residents to recognize the importance of gardening and environmental care, and to celebrate the positive impact that garden clubs make in communities across the state. And whereas the city of Rome and Floyd County honor and support the efforts of local garden clubs and acknowledge the vital role they play in preserving and enhancing the natural landscape. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Rome City Commission and the Floyd County Board of Commissioners do hereby

proclaim week April 19th through 25th, 2026 as garden week in Georgia, and encourage all citizens to participate in activities that promote environmental appreciation and community beautification. Congratulations. Thank you. [applause]

Next, we have uh a proclamation for child abuse prevention month, Commissioner Cockburn. [clears throat]

Hey, how are you? [snorts] Thank you for all the amazing work that all of you do. Very much appreciate it. From the City of Rome proclamation. I can follow. Take your time. [snorts]

Whereas child abuse and neglect are serious problems affecting every segment of our community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone. And whereas our children are our most valuable resource, it will shape Sorry, it will shape the future of our city of Rome and Floyd County communities, and child abuse can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that have lasting consequences for victims of abuse. And whereas protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children. And whereas effective child abuse prevention efforts are strengthened through partnerships among organizations such as Harbor House, the the Rome Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth, the Sexual Assault Center, and the Family Resource Center, along with child welfare professionals in education, health, community, and faith-based organizations, business, law enforcement agencies, and families. And whereas communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that create strong and thriving children and families. And whereas we recognize the importance of working together as a community to increase awareness of child abuse and to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families by fostering safe, stable, and nurturing environments. And we affirm our commitment to partnering in prevention, which remains the most effective safeguard for our children and families. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Rome City Commission and the Floyd County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as child abuse prevention month in Rome and Floyd County, and urge all citizens to recognize this month by dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families. Thank you.

[applause] [applause]

My name is Tina Bartleson, and I'm the director of the Family Resource Center. We're a nonprofit that's committed to supporting children and families through home visitation. And I'm standing as a representative today for not only the Family Resource Center, but for these other great organizations. We um have partnerships with the Sexual Assault Center, with Restoration Rome, with Harbor House and Casa Hospitality House and the Rome Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth. And these are but a few of the agencies we partner with. We join with other nonprofits as well as citizens um to stand behind children and families in support. There are times when families feel overwhelmed in crisis. And during these times, it's important that our system, schools, government, and agencies ask good questions such as "How can I help?" even if I'm facing barriers or we have restrictions of resources. And what can we do to build a scenario so that families are supported? When agencies are working together for every child, we address problems faced by families in their in the most impactful ways. Partnerships and possibilities is our theme for this year's child abuse prevention month, and it reminds us that attitude matters. When we work in partnership, each taking a little bit of the puzzle, we're able to surround children and families with support, and we're able to stop child abuse. So, thank you all for getting involved, and I encourage you to find ways that you can support children and families and these agencies this year. Thank you.

[applause] [applause] National Crime Victims' Rights Week, Commissioner Beeman will read that proclamation.

[snorts]

So, as everybody comes, I can say that uh I am honored to be able to present this proclamation because you can never say never. You never know when you may experience some trauma uh in your life because someone here or either yourself has become a victim. And as you watch the victims come into a courtroom or a being uh escorted in by our our finest Rome PD, you ask yourself, "How are they How do they feel protected when they were the ones who victimized you?" So, I I present this proclamation from the heart because I never knew that I would have to experience this through a child. But the everything that's in here is real. So, I present this proclamation where it says Whereas crime in the United States has a devastating impact I can't. May the mayor come to help May I come to help you out? Sorry. Proclamation reads as is, and you're going to be fine. Whereas crime in the United States has a devastating impact on victims and survivors while weakening the social fabric of our society as a whole. And whereas no victim or or survivor should have to endure the trauma of victim victimization or its physical, financial, emotional, spiritual, and social impacts without support. And

whereas the community of crime victims and survivors, along with the service providers and dedicated allies, work collectively to ensure that victims' needs are identified and met with quality, collaborative, and comprehensive services. And whereas increasing awareness about victims' rights and available resources strengthen our collective abilities to respond effectively to crime and support those affected. And whereas more than 12,000 systems and community-based victim services program nationwide support crime survivors and promote community safety alongside more than 32,000 laws that define and protect victims' rights. And whereas 2026 marks the 45th anniversary of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. And whereas during National Crime Victims' Rights Week 20 2026, we recommit our efforts to promote and strengthen the broad community that that supports and serves victims and survivors of crimes. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Rome City Commission and the Floyd County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim the week of April 19th through 25th, 2026 as National Crime Victims' Rights Week and urge all citizens to observe this week by promoting awareness of victims rights and available services, ensuring these rights are upheld not only annually, but on a daily basis.

[applause]

Thank you very much. Um my name is Sandy Kuhlman. I'm the Victim Witness Program Director. Uh Oh, sorry. Thank you. Um I am proud to say that the Victim Assistance Program has been in Floyd County for the last 40 years. So, Ronald Reagan uh implemented the National Crime Victims Rights Week back in 1981 and in 1986 Floyd County uh developed its first Victim Witness Assistance Program. Uh we are made up of six advocates. I have a few of them here with me today. Uh Madison Talbert, Emily VanCleave, Marissa, and then our District Attorney Lee Patterson. And uh as they said, this year's theme is listen, act, advocate, protect victims, and serve communities. And that's what we're going to aim to do, and we appreciate the support, and thank you to the commissioners for proclaiming this week.

[applause] [applause]

Our next proclamation is National Small Business Week and Mayor Mayor McDaniel I wondered what you were here for. [laughter]

Whereas small businesses are the engine of the American economy and the foundation of a free and prosperous nation, accounting for more than 99% of all private sector employers and creating nearly two out of every three jobs nationwide. And whereas from our farms and factory floors to the frontiers of technology, small businesses drive innovation, strengthen local economies, and provide the products and services that keep America competitive, secure, and strong. And whereas in recent years, small business owners and workers endured an inflation crisis marked by rising prices and declining purchasing power. Yet under President Donald J. Trump, inflation has come under control, real wages have begun to rise, and America's entrepreneurs are once again operating with the confidence and optimism. And whereas the American First economic resurgence has provided more than 500,000 new jobs, driven small business optimism above its 52-year historical average, secured over $20 trillion in foreign investment commitments, and delivered strong GDP growth. And whereas our nation now stands at the threshold of a new golden era for Main Street built on common sense progress policies that put our people, our our workers, and our job creators first. And whereas prioritizing energy independence, secure borders, and fair trade is restoring economic strength, self-reliance, and opportunity. And whereas the enactment of the Working Families Tax Cuts makes the night the what

the 199A small business deduction permanent, allows 100% expensing for new factories and equipment, expands opportunity zones, eliminates taxes on tips and overtime, and delivers meaningful tax relief that strengthens small businesses, empowers entrepreneurs, and fuels job creation in our local community. And whereas the City of Rome shares the Trump administration's commitment to cutting red tape, keeping taxes low, and fighting for the hardworking entrepreneurs who power our economy from the ground up. And whereas National Small Business Week has been proclaimed by the President of the United States since 1963, honoring the vital role of small businesses in creating jobs, growing the economy, and anchoring our communities. And whereas in 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, known as Freedom 250, marking a historic opportunity to reflect on our nation's founding principle of free enterprise. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that I, Mayor Jim Bo Jo, along with the Rome City Commission, do hereby declare May 3 through 9, 2026 as National Small Business Week and encourage all citizens to support small businesses and celebrate their many achievements. Given my hand and seal this 13th day of April in the year of our Lord 2026 by the Rome City Commission.

[applause]

I'll do that. Craig. Craig. Craig. Beach. Craig. Craig. Craig. We've got some a couple of certificate of appointments. Craig McDaniel will have do those. Okay, these are certificate of appointments. Uh Breanna Hightower. [applause]

It is nice to meet you. I've heard your name so much. Now I get to meet Breanna Hightower. Uh be it known that Breanna Hightower has been appointed to serve as a member of the Rome Floyd Planning Commission for the term of March 23, 2026 to August 31, 2027. This appointment is made because of your dedication to the cause of good government, your contribu- uh contributions to your community, and your willingness to serve your fellow man. It's signed by Mayor uh Jim Bo Jo and our clerk uh Joe Smith. Congratulations and serve well. Thank you. [applause]

Mary Harden Thornton. [applause] I've always wanted to meet you. Be it known that Mary Harden Thornton has been appointed to serve as a member of the Rome Floyd Parks and Recreation Authority for the term of March 23rd, 2026 to June 30, 2031. This appointment is made because of your dedication to the cause of good government, your contributions to your community, and your willingness to serve your fellow man. Signed by Mayor Jim Bo Jo, attested by City Clerk Joe Smith. Congratulations. [applause]

And thank you for all of your service. And I'm going to give you the microphone cuz I know you'll talk. You give her the microphone, you'll never get it back. Okay, at this time right now, we we've got a lot of other business to take care of. But uh anyone that uh came for the proclamations or certificate of appointments and feel want that See you, man. And feel like you want to go and not listen to the rest of the meeting, we'll take just a couple minutes and let you leave. Okay. See you. Sure you will. Okay, thank you very much for your patience as they left. And uh Just just uh you know that all those people have done fantastic jobs. They're they're all rock stars. Um Next on our agenda, we have uh John Boyd from our division director for um water and sewer. And he's going to talk about our 2026 GAWP Excellence in Community Engagement. And John, tell us what's happened. Thank you, Mayor. I just want to say the opportunity to share good news. Uh we're only as good as the people we work with or surround ourselves with. And Sarah Johnson and Ben Winkelman uh have definitely made the water and sewer division look great for the state of Georgia. GAWP stands for Georgia Association of Water Professionals. That's kind of like

your ACCG. That's for the water guys, us. That would be GMA. GMA, excuse me. I'm going to be a county guy, sorry. Uh but last week we had the GMA or the GAWP spring conference. The GAP spring conference is a professional event focused on water, wastewater management. It brings together industry experts to discuss water quality, environmental protection regulations, and new technology. The conference includes training sessions, workshops, annual awards, and networking opportunities to help professionals improve [snorts] water systems and stay up to date. It was kind of a, you know, last-minute thing. I got an email. I knew they'd done a great job over at the Eco Center, so I wanted to give the opportunity uh for us to, you know, accomplish the award, and Joe's got that up. Uh we're kind of the silent partner with the Eco Center. They do their own thing. They're in their own world and do a great job. We're just the silent partner of contributing, you know, some operating money to, you know, keep the lights on and things like that. Uh Sarah performed uh or completed a detailed application, but I would like to read uh her application narrative here. The Rome Floyd Eco Center, in conjunction with the City of Rome Water Services Division, provided direct, interactive educational programs for 10,774 students and adults through qualified and knowledgeable staff during March through December of 2025. In addition, 14,770 individuals participated in a self-guided tour of the natural resource education facility known as the Eco Center. For a grand total of 25,544 citizens served in 2025. The Eco Center uses permitted live native wildlife found in Georgia rivers, wetlands, forests, and other habitats to demonstrate the necessity for sustainable conservation efforts.

Staff use a variety of fishes, aquatic reptiles, and amphibians for a hands-on education experience to teach on the importance of maintaining superior water water quality for wildlife. They also use the local river systems to highlight how a city can responsibly and sustainably use a river to serve the human need for water for its citizens. By educating on the importance of litter reduction, the impact of stormwater runoff, and the need for vegetated stream banks. The Eco Center strives to engage students and adults to be responsible stewards of our natural resources. Educating all citizens, young and old, is a crucial step in water quality conservation efforts, and the Eco Center puts forth the effort through educational programs and events. I'd also like to point out, you know, during this process, I learned this is a regional facility that we should be very proud of. We have schools that from what I could tell, about an hour and a half away, schools that have come here. And I know we have people that come from out of state or neighboring counties, but we have schools that come as far as an hour and a half away. They made us look good at the state level with the GAWP. I wanted to take the opportunity to thank them in front of you and and and the crowd to let you know what a wonderful job they do. Thank you.

[applause] [applause]

The entertainment starts. Now, very quickly, um one of the things that was going through my mind in this week, and um I could just kind of feel it from Commissioner Beeman, is yes, we do have a mission statement at the Eco Center of teaching adults um about the wildlife and conservation here in our city and county. However, a mission statement that you do not see, that is in-house, is Sarah and Hannah, and of course Elena and the Berry College students. We have a mission statement inside within the walls of the Eco Center, and it and it goes something like this, is the fact that we never know what's going on in a child's life. Um you know, between all the different things that children now are faced with, we get to do this and teach them with something that we believe in or passionate about, and that's wildlife and conservation. But Sarah and everyone else will tell you that um when these kids come to the Eco Center, we had 66 of them from Elm Street today, there's smiles on their faces, they're laughing, they're having a good time, they're enjoying what they're doing, and to us, um that's what hits the most. Conservation and these other programs, sports, or whatever it is, are very important, but when these kids can come to a city and county facility, relax and smile and they're engaged, that's the things that's worth doing. And I am very blessed to have people in that under that roof that are certainly passionate about that and believe in that mission. And I can't thank you enough for all the support we've got from our citizens and the commission. Thank you.

[applause] [applause]

Thank you, Ben. Thanks for all that you guys [clears throat] do. We appreciate it. All right. We have no public comments uh regarding agenda items today, no resolutions. On first reading, Joe, we have one item. Yes, sir, you do have one item that comes to you from the planning commission, and this regards 700 Maple Avenue. There's a request to rezone this property from multi-family residential to urban uh mixed use. Uh that went before the planning commission, and the planning commission has unanimously recommended approval. We'll hold a public hearing on this request 2 weeks from tonight, on April 27th. All right, thank you. Uh nothing on second reading, nothing continued on first reading. We have one public hearing tonight. A request for a coin-operated amusement machine waiver at the Stop and Go, 400A Calhoun Avenue. Is there anyone in here that wants to speak in favor of the of that? All right, give me just a minute. All right, is there anyone in here that is opposed to that? Okay. Councilor, you you guys can come to the podium. You're speaking in favor of it. Okay, you will have 10 minutes total. Thank you, and I think there may be two community residents who also want to speak, so I I don't I won't take 10 minutes, and I'll yield. If that's 10 minutes total for everybody. Okay. Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh members of the commission, I represent uh Delta Food Mart Inc., uh and its proprietor, Maninder Singh. He's here uh today, uh and this is for uh the Stop and Go that's on Calhoun Avenue. Um you have our request in front of you. I I want to run through some facts and some history about this place, talk a little bit about

the state law, your ordinance, and then ask that you pass a variance uh that will get around the minimum uh distance requirements. First of all, Delta Food Mart. Delta's been in operation since uh 2022. And it had coin-operated amusement machines until the grace period ran out under your new minimum distance ordinance. So, I want to be clear from the start. This is not an operation, this is not a business that's coming in asking for coin-operated amusement machines, COAMs, for the very first time uh and after you have enacted this ordinance. In fact, uh Delta, along with its predecessors at that location, have had COAMs in that facility since at least 2014. And they have had them there without incident. Delta Food Mart ceased its operations with the COAMs as required by your ordinance in November of 2025. And I know that you had several people who did not meet the grace period requirements and continued to operate and actually received violations or citations. Not Delta Food Mart. They stopped operating, and they followed your ordinance and asked for this variance. So, there was no violation. That's not why they stopped. They were following the law. They did not stop due to a lack of licensure. In fact, as they come to you today, they have a license from the Georgia Lottery to operate these machines. And so, before I get into the ordinance, I do want to point out this is a heavy heavily regulated industry. A lot of people don't know this. This is a sanctioned industry by the Georgia Lottery. And part of the proceeds uh made from the operation of COAMs goes to educate uh children and college students. So, this is an actual Georgia Lottery operation, for as much as people may not

know that or like these machines. And so, what is it that we're asking for? The grace period by your ordinance on minimum setbacks gave businesses 1 year or so to come into compliance with minimum setback rules. Delta is unable to meet that because they can't move their building. They can't increase the size of their lot. This was not a situation uh where they could go and and and change the footprint of the building or somehow, you know, bring machines out of back rooms, other things that your ordinance has called for. They are fixed on this postage stamp. And so, the minimum setbacks that we're requesting is the 300 uh feet from the church ground and 150 from a residence. And there's only one way you can get a variance under your ordinance. And it's it is if the facility, the business does not sell alcohol. Delta does not sell alcohol. They never have. They also don't have gas, which is a draw for other businesses that may operate co-ams. So, where So, where are we? Where does this leave us? Seeking this variance of the Delta uh for from the minimum distance requirements for the following reasons. First of all, Delta and its predecessors have operated lawfully and honorably for more than a decade without incident and in service to the North Rome community. And to that point, no one No one has complained about Delta's operation of co-ams until this variance application was filed. So, they stopped operation in November 2025 to follow the rules. There is no other way to to to correct or meet the minimum setback. And only after filing for this variance did a complaint arise.

That's first. Second, I submit that the very variance that you offer in your ordinance is made for situations like this. This is not a situation where a new business owner comes in, starts a store, and says, "I don't meet the minimum setbacks, but let me come to the commission for a variance." No. Again, co-ams without incident have been there for over a decade. And then the law was changed. And so, if there's any particular uh situation or circumstance where the variance should be granted, this is it. And I know there are a couple of people to speak in favor, so I want to close with this, the third reason why you should grant this. And it's called fundamental fairness. Whether you like co-ams or not, they are lawful. They are regularly they're heavily regulated. As mentioned, they raise money for education. Quite frankly, they have become a part of services offered by convenience stores, especially those that don't provide fuel services. And again, whether you like it or not, that's what drives foot traffic in stores like this. And so, where does that leave us? This is a store that has served the community at that one location for more than 60 years. Since November of 2025, Mr. Singh would tell you Delta has been operating at a loss because they had to stop the machines. Yes, sir. It it's a truism. Yet, my client is under a 10-year lease. He can't get out of that because you changed an ordinance. He can keep his store if you give him a variance. He is under state license right now with the Georgia Lottery. He's got to pay those fees even if you deny him a variance. But without these machines, unfortunately, Mr. Singh and Delta may

be forced to close its doors after 60 years of operation in that community. And they provide not just other small vital vittles, not just co-ams, they provide groceries. They'll sell you uh and they will sell to the community gross groceries uh and and people rely on them. And so, if you don't approve this ordinance, unfortunately, you will do more than take co-ams out of the Stop and Go. Uh you will take uh a store out of a community. He He can't continue to operate with on on a loss margin. And you will take a a livelihood uh from someone who has operated as a fair and honorable businessman in this community without complaint and without violation. And so, I'm going to yield now. I think there are two people uh who are here who actually live in the community uh who are willing to speak. I believe is Mr. Miss Price and Mr. Garrett. And and then I can be available for any questions you might have about the business. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Hello. My name is Alicia Price. Can you give us your address, ma'am? Your address? Number nine Stephen Street, Rome. Okay. You got There's 3 minutes remaining on your time. Okay. I [clears throat] live like two blocks from the store. I'm able to walk there. My grandchildren are able to walk there. And it's been a long time since we had a

store that really helped the community. But Mr. Singh helps us out in a lot of ways. And I just want y'all to know that Yeah, gambling machines, y'all have gambling machines, coin machines are in there. But most people go there I guess to socialize and sit around with each other. And that's what's important, to be able to visit with your neighbors when you can't go to their home because whatever going on. But we all convene at the store and talk. And that's what we enjoy. And he Mr. Singh is really a nice person. And we, as you can see, it's quite a few of us. We really appreciate the store. And he should be allowed to keep his store because it was there before the church opened. And 300 ft, he it's nothing he can do about that. And we just want y'all to know that the store being there means a lot to us also. Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. Do we have anyone else speak in favor? Come to the podium, ma'am. Please tell us your name and your address, please. My name is Barbara Williams. You have uh minute 42 seconds.

Minute 42 Okay. Barbara Williams, uh 412 Calhoun Avenue. So, uh northeast. So, I'm right up the street from Singh. And I've just gotten back to Rome after being away for a while, but the store was there when I left. But she Lisa is correct. I mean, I've gotten to know him really well. It's almost a family environment down there. There's nothing really, you know, bad going on, you know, and we do run into each other down there. We do talk to each other. Sometimes not even to gamble. I'm not a gambler at all. So, but I do go down there um for for small things, you know, and we talk about food deserts, you know what I'm saying? And he has what you need when you need it. Okay? So, if there's anything we could do is we need to follow the proclamation, which is keep small business alive. Thank you. Anyone else to speak in favor? All right. Who How many do we have to speak against? Are you the only one? Okay. All right. Collectively, you'll have 10 minutes to speak against it. So, if you'll go to the podium, then give us your name and address. Mayor and the rest of the commissioners, we would like to thank you. My name is Rhonda Adams. I am the co-founder, apostle, and pastor of Transformation Christian Outreach Center, which is a church. And my husband, Pastor Timothy Adams. We

are here with several of our congregates that are here to oppose. And therefore, what we are asking is for you to you all to uphold your original ordinance that you already set forth. Because in your ordinance and the articles to your uh to your to your um ordinance, your articles say that it was for the welfare, the public health, and the safety of the citizens of the city, and for the protected institutions. Our churches are protected institution, considered a protected institution. I understand Mr. Singh, uh he may be a nice gentleman, but what we are asking is because the damage that comes from these machines and the people getting on the machines, and all of the loitering that happens, uh I don't know what they've seen, but we're right across the street. And we see all kinds of loitering. A part of your ordinance says that he cannot have loitering in the business or outside the business. He doesn't even have enough uh parking space for all of the congestion that comes and that was there when the machines were there. They were trying to use our separate parking lot. Even though we put cones or whatever we put out, they remove them, the people that come and park in our parking lot. Not only that, do they leave a lot of trash because the homeless was coming. People on the outside, on the side going around, they were even going they go behind this business and use the restroom out in the public because they're out there. And then the homeless ended up in our parking lot. They were laying out in our

parking lot. They brought their little mats and everything else. And all the food and all of the debris was in our parking lot and we had to take care of that. We had to clean that up. And so it is and we had and it was dope traffickers that was hanging out around there. And I know people will say, "Well, how would you know?" Well, because we went over and asked some of them to come to the church. That's our job. We're in the community. We are there because the Lord sent us there. We're there to help save souls. Not to unleash all kinds of demonic forces on them. We're there to help build the community, not to tear the community down. And we need you all to help us to help the community. Help the people if you get the people saved, get the family saved, that'll help the community. And somebody said no incident had happened. Yes, somebody was over there and chased somebody from his parking lot over to the side of our church lawn over the the side over on Calhoun Avenue. They chased them over there with a gun and shot them. They got shot in the leg on the side of our property running from his business parking lot. It's been stuff going on out there. People don't want to tell the truth about it, but it's been a lot of stuff going on out there. And we don't want to see that continue to branch out in the community. We don't want to see that type of behavior that comes and even the thought of yes, being the the with it's being what he said has uh the lottery. And that being something that he's already set up for. Okay, I thought he was supposed to be

with the state registered with the state as well. And his administration said it's been dissolved since 2020. So, I'm I'm still wondering how is this going on and his administration has been resolved with the state of Georgia since 2020. Okay, so what I'm saying is there's a lot of things that are here. And it's a lot of things that when we first moved in there, because of the traffic that was out there, our church was broken into about three or four times. Now, we thank God that it has not happened recently. But because of all of the different stuff, people hanging out, hanging around, just hanging around, it made it to be a very bad situation. We had to walk the community and pray. We walked the community and prayed. We are praying over the community that some of this stuff don't continue to go on. And so we need your help. We need you to stand up, stand up for us, the church. Stand up for the elderly. Stand up for the children. Stand up for the economically disadvantaged. Stand up for the marginalized. Stand up for the disenfranchised. Stand up for the people that really need it because it could be a child that's sitting at home by themselves while their parents is out spending money on on the machine. It could be a child that could be neglected and abused while a parent is down there sitting all day and all night on the machines. It could be things theft coming into the neighborhood because people lose their money and have no more money left from sitting on the machines. It's known that it's a gambling

cause it is addiction. So, what we're asking is please vote no. Help the church. Help the community. Don't do us like Judas did Jesus and sell us out for 30 pieces of silver. Don't release a spirit of a rabbit in our community by allowing this to keep happening. It was shut down for a reason. It was stopped for a reason. And the Lord is holding everybody responsible for releasing stuff that shouldn't be released in the community. God bless you. Thank you, ma'am. Who else wants to speak? Yes. Are you Are you the only one? 3 minutes, 22 seconds.

3 [snorts] 320. Is there anyone else that's going to want to speak in opposition? Good evening. Give us your name, address, and you got 3 minutes.

Love. My name is Charles Love. I live at 304 Kingston Avenue. Um keeping along the same tenor of this, it says "All things are lawful, but not but all things are not expedient." Just because this meets the law, the word expedient means is it practical or or convenient? This location is not practical practical nor convenient. I can sit on my front porch and almost see the store from my front porch. And it has not been without incidents. Incidents start there, but they may end up on on Calhoun or Perkins. Many of you may be familiar with Perkins Street in North Rome. And a lot of stuff goes on on that street even when it extends across Calhoun up into Lindale Way. We have We are doing some starting to do some great things in North Rome. We do not need impediments to our progress. Rome North Rome is kind of known as North Vegas because there's one convenience store on every block almost. And we say not in my backyard, well, then I don't want it in my front yard because it is terribly inconvenient. We are beginning to see North Rome make moves. The park, the shopping center, the street, community engagement, our North Rome Community Action Committee has had results because number one, the community was involved. And we have started something in North Rome that we would like to continue. Food and grocery? Go in there and see if tell me if you see food. I would suggest that there's an opportunity to diversify their portfolio. That's what we do. We diversify our

portfolio if something is not working, right? Be a real grocery store. Sell some meat, eggs, and you'll be surprised how much service they would get because North Rome does not have a viable grocery outlet. Yeah, Family Dollar, eggs, milk, meat. That's not sell sold in these stores. And I know it's money in it. It wouldn't be that many if it wasn't, but I would suggest that they could have taken this time to diversify and really become a food store. There have been shootings over there, gunfire late at night. People call and say there's somebody chasing somebody down the street. That is unacceptable if we're trying to progress and and grow this community, especially North Rome, now that things are beginning to grow. On my street, there was about six houses that were not occupiable. They have been renovated and they are selling. They are selling because people are beginning to feel safe. But every time there is an incident, there are questions It happens It begins in the store and it spills over into the street. In that church parking lot, people park over there, open their trunks and play loud music. They are associated with that store. Not in my front yard and not in my backyard. There are stores all down Calhoun Avenue. Within a mile half mile radius, it's about eight or 10 convenience stores. And I don't say that this may not be a viable project for someone, but we are saying no. Since we are making progress, let's keep the progress and not create another area that kind of stops the growth in our community.

thank you, uh Mr. Love. Your time is expired. That's 1 minute of rebuttal time left. Okay. Um you have 1 minute of rebuttal. [clears throat]

Couple of points. First is Delta Food Mart Inc. is active and compliant with the Secretary of State. Uh you can look it up right now. It'll show you that it's active and compliant. I just wanted to point that out. I think you also know there would not be a license allowed by the state if it were not, number one. Number two, the comment about no incident, it goes to the license itself. You You've done a great job as a city in policing coin operated amusement machines and whether or not there have been violations. So, without incident is as to the operation of these COAMs. And the last I'll say is I I I I think it's a bit unfair to attribute every criminal act or act of violence to this store. I'll remind this commission until the variance application was filed there were no complaints. And there's a reason you are allowing a variance. If you wanted a hard rule, the last sentence that a store does not sell alcohol may be allowed to apply for a variance would not be in there. If there is any time when the variance would be appropriate, it is for this store and and so that it can continue to operate as it has well before your change of the ordinance. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr. Twine. I will close the public hearing that we have and I will ask up here amongst the commissioners, are there any questions or comments?

[clears throat] Mr. Mayor, I'm going to abstain after a discussion with our attorney and I have a relationship with the law firm, so I'm going to abstain on this vote. I have a question, Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir. Can I ask the pastor she go to the podium? Can I ask you a question? Listen, I must I must come hear you preach cuz you almost did tonight. You're welcome at any time. Yes, ma'am. Can I please ma'am ask you uh how you learned about the ordinance change? How I learned about the ordinance change?

Yes. Tell me that. How did you learn that there had been a ordinance change in your community? There was a letter sent out saying that the there was going to be a a hearing concerning all of the this this coming on the board. Where did that letter come from? It was Came from the city clerk's office.

office, yes. The city's office. It was sent to our PO box. Before you got that letter, was there some concerns for you? Yes, it's always been some concern for us since we've been in the building. And I felt like they were illegally using the machines in the back in the back rooms cuz some of the people that go in there had mentioned it. Did you ever contact the city about your concerns? Not about machines, but about the loitering, I did. Thank you, pastor.

That was coming from the you know, that area. I did. And there's somebody here that can attest to that that I did ask them. Just one other quick question. You run a institution that you head of. And I presume you've been there for quite some time. How would you feel if the government ruled or come up with a rule and it was voted on by this establishment and you had to leave your church? You've been there and you've been doing business quite some time. And you thought you were doing the right thing. You was uh saving souls and nourishment for the community. This you ain't in your mind doing anything wrong cuz you hadn't had any violations. You hadn't been ticketed or none of that. But this institution here that sits before you has struck up a law say you can no longer practice your faith at that church. What would that feel like to you? It would feel bad. That's all the question I have.

I said that's all the question I have. Thank you, ma'am. I got one other question if I may. Mr. Love, would you please go to the podium? I know you come before us quite some many times. And you've been before us at Caucus as well as this here commission and you talked about the community coming up and the growth etc. I don't think I ever heard you in here talk about a business that you'd like to see probably go away. Maybe you have. It was further down the street. But on that same street that connects to that street, I heard you several times talk about the noise law being called etc. I never once heard you talk about that side of the street or is it being a problem until this ordinance came about. Well, Let me finish and then I'm It concerns me not just about the fact that I could be a business and I'm subject to be put out of business by an institution that I'm a part of. It concerns me when there's something

sent out and it give me a time limit knowing I can't meet. And I'm saying this as a man hoping managers is hearing this and clerk. I would think that it should be some type of warning sent to us commission no different than the pastor. And I'm sure the store owner got this warning telling them this could be affected if you voted on this. I never got that warning. But I asked if going forward if you please give us that same warning. I never knew she got a letter. I don't know whether uh Dr. Love got a letter cuz he heads up that North Rome and doing some great work up there. Uh but I'm just saying to you it puts us in a from my seat in a bad light. Uh I have been against coin operated stores since I moved in North Rome. I'm probably on record of being up here saying that. Not only in this setting, but in when we've reviewed zoning in the planning commission, I've been against this kind of situation. All over? Yes, I'm on record somewhere saying this back as far as 10 years ago when these stores started growing. If I am an astute business person and I see that there's a trend against what I'm doing, again I mentioned earlier about diversifying. I try to make adjustments to adapt to that. And you were talking about the church being a business, that church is not a business. That

church is providing a service. That's not a business. Religion is not a business. It's a service. So, churches do what they do because that's what their missions are. If they were not there, they'd be somewhere else. But it so happens they're less than three strides across from that church property, you have that store. Less than three strides, it's right next to a house. We did that wasn't mentioned. They're next to a house, less than 10 ft. The only other thing separating that store and the house is a fence. That's I understand. I understand business. I understand people want to do business. I understand they want to operate businesses. But these stores saw this coming. It's been talked about in the city for at least 2 years about the concern for convenience stores. It's okay if these stores are located in certain neighborhoods and it's not in your neighborhood. It's convenient for you. But when we have to sit there and look across from my front porch and at 1:00 at night hear gunfire and my neighbors are concerned. That's not doing good business. If I was a business, I'd say something. But I'm saying to you, this is not good for what we're trying to do in North Rome. Every block is a convenience store. I don't think this store should be the only one to change or be a challenge. I think there's some more down there that need to be checked out. And I've observed when people win this store may not do that. People win money, they have cash exchanges. That's illegal. They do that when they win, they give them cash. I know I'm just I'm exact I'm I'm I'm expanding on what you brought up. You brought it up, I'm going to address it. Don't want it in my neighborhood. It can move over to yours, but I don't want it in mine.

Mayor I have a comment. Mayor Bojo, I have a comment. I have comment. I do. Mr. Mayor, just just want to I like to talk to business on the police. I'm sorry. Can I call a business on the police? Can we work our way down this way? Good [laughter] evening everybody. Good evening. We got to finish our process. Yeah, I want to ask him a question too. You all right? You all right with that? How long you've been in business? I opened this one back in 2018, then I change change the store. I went to Maple, came back in 2022 and I got it again. Did I understand you say that when you got the letter from the city Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't I didn't talk about that. Sorry. You said when I got the letter from the city what it Did you commence doing business with these coin machines? Have him talking to the microphone, please. Did you stop doing business with the coin machines when you got the letter? Yes, since December since December 7th. I switch on my my machines. So, since then till now my machines are not working. Do you have groceries in your store? Yes, I do. Do you have milk, eggs, etc.? No. What kind of grocery you have? I got tobacco, I got vapes, candies, chips, sodas, all that. We had we had the milk and everything before, but since my store is not running, so I'm not bringing anything right now. Cuz I don't have much income right now. So, whatever is coming, that's what I'm I'm just doing it. Would you think that this ordinance ordinance that the city of Rome passed would you say is pretty much it put you out of business? It is. My business cut into 25% right now. From 100% it came to 25%. I'm just doing

maybe 400, 450 a day, which is not enough to pay my bills and do take it out everything. Just one other quick question. I know you're familiar with the other coin operators that got these coin machines. How would you think they're doing? I'm not sure about the other people. But I think so I mean if I don't have it, so I'm just going to close the store. Most I can do is but I got a lease until another 6 years. So, I just can't get out from the lease. I tried to talk to my owner, but he's not doing it. And if I break the lease, I got to pay a month. Other thing I want to talk about Charles. Charles came to me for his own store, which he got or not got. I think he manages the store. He came to me one day me and my brother was sitting over there. He told me that he got one of the store to get it, which I told him I will let him know. He's doing the same thing, but he's just coming to me right now. That's all I want to say.

Sir, you had the opportunity to speak in favor and you did not. So, you're I'm sorry. I think it No. He had he had his opportunity to speak in favor and he chose not to speak. And I have a question for him. Do I look familiar to you? I think so. Yes, I know I do. So, the last time we had a meeting all last commissioner's meeting, I wanted to go by and observe myself. I wanted to go and do my own research. So, I came to your store. It's because you had a lot of traffic, a lot of cars backed in to your establishments, which says you're not doing any business. But there was a lot of traffic and a lot of cars at your at your place. And then when I came in, I wanted to see what was going on and what you were selling. So, I said, "Hey, uh you said, "Can I help you?" and I said, "Well, I just want to look around and just see what type of business that you have." and you said, "Okay." I noticed two coin machines that was unplugged and the store was very small and I noticed a big old room in the back with a long hallway. But I was wondering with the merchandise that you had, it couldn't have been a lot of folks and hold on a second. Then I went back to the church just to observe to see how people were backing out cuz that's where my car was parked at. And I noticed I went around the corner just to see what was in the area and I saw buses pulling up and letting kids off cuz you got a high traffic area. But I also noticed you sitting out on the curb for at least 5 minutes talking to somebody while you had people in your store. I yeah, I know you did, but I this is what I observed. I'm just wondering if you have your establishment if you don't have the business, how could you be outside? Can I ask a question? Are you finished, Commissioner?

And then my next thing is is that I I have this that came from Joe. It said the Stop and Go applied their coin license on September the 4th, 2024 and renewed the 2025 license on February the 18th, 2025. After the 12-month grace period was up, May 25, 2025, the Stop and Go was found to be out of compliance and we advised the Stop and Go on June the 26th, 2025 of their non-compliance. On July the 31st, 2025, the Rome PD found the coin still in operation at this location and a citation was issued to the manager on duty. The ticket was adjudicated in the Rome Municipal Court on December the 10th, 2025 with the defendant pleading guilty and paying a $500 fine. So, if you stopped, why did you plead guilty to a fine? That was not that that violation was a licensing issue. I don't think that was because he stopped working during the grace period.

But I thought you asked earlier that this was about a license. I thought you made that comment. He has a license with the with the Georgia Lottery as we speak. Right, but he was found guilty for not being in compliance, which means he was doing whatever he wanted to do even when he was told not to do it. I think that that was over a city licensing issue, not the state licensing issue. That's why it was in municipal court. But but it's still a business operating a business out of compliance.

the city clerk will confirm that. Citation was issued by I understand it was issued by the Rome Police Department for violation of our city ordinance. So, if if there's gambling that's taking place and they're violating a city ordinance, how do we know the business will stay in compliance if if the week if is granted a waiver? I I'd like to ask But but just

Is that rhetorical or Here if you will just wait a second. Are you finished, Commissioner? And then my next thing is is that we're talking about people pulling out into the streets, safety. We're talking about your store and you're saying that you that the community has an opportunity to come over and hang out. We that was loitering that was that was discussed. And then it was talking about when you're gambling in a underserved community and that does we do see that there's a high crime crime rate in the area. So, safety is a is an issue. And then there's not a lot of lighting at your location. And so, if that's a question, I think the I think the response would be and the question for the commission is is not granting a variance solving a loitering, lighting, and backing in of cars issue. Those are completely two separate things. So, reasons to deny a special request for a waiver and then it's a special request to be granted a waiver if it mails fails to meet the zoning standards, excessive noise, traffic, safety hazards, hazards, in a incom incompatibility with the neighborhood character. We can keep going on. Cuz I mean he has a park problem right now with parking. That's safety cuz they got to back out into the street. Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Hixson, you had a question.

Yeah, um can I get a show of hands who all in opposition? May I Mr. Commissioner, that is something that we we do not do in any type of matter cuz the number of people you all have to consider this on the merits yourself. You've heard the testimony and Mr. Mayor, I would direct you all to limit the discussion now within the commission and you all make a decision as to how you wish to proceed.

see. Okay. Let me let me say this. Um I grew up in North Rome. If I'm not mistaken, that store used to be called the Little Star. And I don't know, you know, what year um the church started uh in this neighborhood. Um I had a um food truck one time and we operated for a whole year. We went to renew our license the next year and we were denied. To have a business who was once in compliance um and had to stop because of a ordinance not to their own doing, but something was from the city to do. Um I think it's only fair. And I'm speaking as a business owner. I don't like gaming machines. I don't like coin operated machines. I'm just from a business standpoint, this guy was in compliance and it's the city who held him up. And all he's trying to do is get back into compliance. He's not doing nothing no different from 2014 or 2017 or from when the church first started there. And you know, we just um talked about fairness, um doing free market, uh and small businesses week, and you know, um I would like to make a motion. Uh We're not finished with discussion yet. I've got one more commissioner that's got questions. No, ma'am. Not right now. Commissioner Brock, you got a question? Okay. I got one quick question. Who's the landlord? It's uh from Atlanta. It's our real

estate. So, you rent from directly from him? Yes, sir. [clears throat] You don't know who he is? Directly from the property I know him. His name is Ali. I met him uh twice. And you have a What was your original lease? It started back in 2022 and end in 2032. You had a 10-year lease on that building? Yes, sir. That's kind of excessive. I mean, I just never heard of of small thing like doing a 10-year lease. I mean, uh he offered me extra, but I didn't want to go extra. But, it's on a lease. It's not that I can buy the property. I asked him, he didn't. So, that's why I'm I'm not

I'm just curious. Thank you. All right. Thank you, everybody for your input. Um We've business along. I will need a motion. I'll make a motion that we deny. Motion to deny. I need a second. Second. Got a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Yes, just one other quick question to the Mr. Manager. Um This ordinance has anybody else in the city of Rome come forward that was in compliance I mean, out of compliance? Not that I'm aware, Commissioner, but I would defer to our city clerk who would have likely taken that. All right. Mr. Clerk, Joe Smith, has anybody else city of Rome come forward that this ordinance affected? No, sir. And let me make one additional comment there. Uh the reason uh most convenience stores that have co-ams have alcohol and have already met our distance requirements. The co-am distance requirements are the same as they are for alcohol distance to a church or a school or home. And so, most convenience stores already had alcohol and and had met the distance. So, the co-am distances were no problem for them. They had already met them. Uh as I recall, there were three stores in Rome that that did not meet the distance requirements. Two of those were marginal stores at best, and they have gone out of business. And this being the the lone remaining store that I'm aware of that could not meet the distance requirements. Could you please tell me one other thing?

Mr. Mayor, I'd like to call for the vote. Could you please tell me one other one other thing? Could you please tell me Commissioner, I think we we would appreciate

The ordinance that Commissioner. Sir, excuse me, but I'm in the middle of a conversation here. Question. My question is could you please tell me why would we bring forth an ordinance that's only that less than 1% affected in this city to be changed? What What merit is that sitting? Are you asking me, Commissioner? Either one of you. Well, I would say to answer your question, there was a very small, I think to the clerk's point, this is the only business I think that has been before y'all asking for this variance. And this body did enact the the sunset period, which gave the 1-year grace period, if you will. Again, going back to the ordinance when it was brought before us to vote on. Why just only two to three businesses? Why would you even bring such an ordinance? What does it affect?

Well, they are located near a close proximity to a church and a home. That is so disrespectful. had been done. No, this is the only business that was targeted. So, this is the same if I can ask one more question. One more question. One more question. If this If this If this is sold If this is sold Hang on. How would that work? If this is sold a motion and a second on the floor. We need to act on that motion and second. Question has not been Mr. Clerk, will you call the roll? Mr. Mayor, the question has not been voted on. You cannot stop that action. He called for question, nobody voted on it. You want to vote?

Robert Rule says That's because you were talking, sir. I was trying to stop you from talking. you can talk. Just like now, you continued to talk. Sir. Can we call for Can we do the roll now?

tell him? Sure, you can call the question. Do you want me to ask him Commissioner Hicks Hicks's question because he asked that and called for this. I answered it there. Under the ordinance 11-905, each license has to be renewed each year for each coin-operated amusement machine location. And so, that's why if the business is sold that it it not be sold, the waiver would not pass along cuz every business has to apply each year under the ordinance under the coin-operated amusement machines. Thank you, Mr. Attorney. Thank you, Commissioner. Mr. Clerk, will you call for the vote?

Sir. Commissioner Robinson. No. I don't like Can we clarify that the the The motion state the motion. The motion is to deny the waiver request. A vote of yes will support the motion to deny the waiver request. Of course, a vote of no will oppose and will allow or support the waiver request. So, yes is to to approve my motion. Yes is to approve your motion, which is to deny the request. Got you. I retract my no. I switch that to a yes, then. Your vote on motion is yes. Commissioner Brock. Yes. Cochran. Yes. Beeman. Yes. Fisher. Yes. Hixon. No. Collins. No. Daniel has abstained. Mr. Mayor, I have five yes votes, two no votes, and one abstention. So, the motion passes.

[clears throat] So, what the The waiver is denied. The The waiver is being is has been denied. Okay.

[clears throat]

Yes, you can you can feel free to leave. Mr. Uh we're moving along. Uh Mr. Clerk. No report, Mr. Mayor. Uh Mr. Manager.

I have no report, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Mr. Attorney. No report, Mr. Mayor. Um under my time, we have to approve a change order for Burwell Creek sewer. And that was discussed in um caucus. Uh has anyone got any questions? Mr. Clerk, call the roll. I move we approve. All right. That's I'm sorry. I need a second. We've got a motion and a second. Um Mr. Clerk. Sir. Commissioner Robinson. Yes. Brock. Yes. Cochran. Yes. Beeman. Yes. [clears throat]

Fisher. Yes. Hixon. Yes. Collins. Yes. McDaniel. Yes. The Rome Floyd Development Authority will meet Tuesday, April 21st, 9:00 a.m. at 800 Broad Street. And the Rome City Commission will be in having a planning session on Friday, April 24th from 12:00 till 5:00 p.m. in the fire administration building that's located 409 East 12th Street here in Rome. Commissioner Robinson. Mr. Mayor, the only thing I have is the finance committee meeting that was scheduled for April 22nd has been canceled. That's all I have, Mr. Mayor. All right. Commissioner Brock. Uh Parks and Rec Committee will [clears throat] meet Tuesday, April 21st at 12:00 Gilbreath Rec Center. Mr. Cochran. Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. No reports, but I would like to say happy birthday to my lovely wife. And uh I would also like to say that since you and I were sitting there watching the courthouse burn uh that particular day that just a shout-out once again to our amazing firefighters and first responders who saved the whole city block. It was quite a feat to watch and they were amazing and professional at their job. They they they were that and just Commissioner Cochran and I stood on the corner of Broad Street and 5th Avenue just talking about how we both felt helpless. Cuz there was nothing that we could do. Commissioner Bayman. Thank you, Mayor. The Historic Preservation Committee will meet on Wednesday, April the 15th at 2:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. I also want to share that we recently uh there was a a gathering at the Rome Area History Museum because there was founded by the some in uh employees at Coleman's when they were doing some uh renovations that they found a backless backsplash slab on a marble

outside of the outside of the uh marking that said colored. And it was in and it and uh in re-enactment of the Jim Crow and in the Jim Crow Civil Rights Movement with the sittings in 1965. They also had the uh listing of all the folks who were who sat in and participated in a in the sitting and Selena did an amazing job with along with her her dream team and some of the people that was on her uh committee was Charles Love uh Hilda Curtis and uh Willie Mae Samuel and others who were put presented to uh this presentation to the History Museum. And I just want everybody to know that now we have a part of history. There's only I think a three other uh states that have that, but now that it's also located uh in the History Museum if anybody want to go by and see it. And then I also want to uh share that with the Historic Preservation that there uh they did an amazing job with the 50th celebration. Uh there was a community tree giveaway and that was awesome on March the 28th. There's a litter reduction event in East Rome Walmart that's going to take place on uh Thursday, April the 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 and the cleanup and support and partnership engagement is encouraged. And then on a Saturday, May the the 2nd at 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Chief John Ross Museum, there's going to be uh another free family gardening workshop there. So, and then I also wanted to give a shout-out to our Rome PD. I know that everybody's aware of the fact that we had an incident that took place in the park and and Fanny Jones Park and our police department came in full force. They secured safety. Uh I appreciate the mayor coming along and and being there and Mark checking on me and Harris there all as always with his boots on the ground. So, I appreciate that, but I wanted to know I want everybody to know that we do care and that thank you, Sammy, that I I know he's going to put together

uh along with the chief of police something that we'll all be able to say that all public parks are safe and feel good about it. And that concludes my report. Thank you, Commissioner Bayman. Commissioner Fisher. Solid Waste had a called meeting and I have three recommendations to bring forward for the City Commission's approval. The first one um is to accept the bid from T&K Construction to complete phase nine in the second site of the Walker Mountain Landfill Landfill. Um the bid amount is for 10.3 million and they were the lowest bid. And I would like to make Are there any questions? I would like to make a motion for approval. Second it. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? We talked about this in caucus also. Mr. Clerk, call the roll. Sir. Commissioner Robinson. Yes. Brock. Yes. Cochran. Yes. Bayman. Yes. Fisher. Yes. Hickson. Yes. Collins. Yes. McDaniel. Yes. The second is a task order to be executed with ACC which is um Atlanta Coast Consulting for construction administration and construction quality assurance. The bid is not to exceed 415,000. Um and they've worked with this company before as well as T&K Construction. Are there any questions? I'd like to make a motion for approval. Second. Got a motion and a second. Any discussion? Clerk, call the roll. Commissioner Robinson.

Yes. Brock. Yes. Cochran. Yes. Bayman. Yes. Fisher. Yes. [clears throat] Hickson. Yes. Collins. Yes. McDaniel. Yes. The third thing is a task order for the five-year permit review. As long as site two is open, there has to be a permit review every five years. And that amount is 68,500. Um and they've worked with this company before as well as T&K Construction. And they've worked with this company before as well as T&K Construction. Are there any questions with that one? Make a motion for approval. Second again. Got a motion and a second. Any discussion? Mr. Clerk, call the roll. Commissioner Robinson. Yes. Brock. Yes. Cochran. Yes. Bayman. Yes. [snorts] Fisher. Yes. Hickson. Yes. Collins. Yes. McDaniel. Yes. Solid Waste Commission will not meet again until July and at some point we'll start talking about the lease with um the recycling center collection point because it does expire in 2028. That's all I have. Commissioner Hickson. Um Alcohol Control Commission will meet Monday, April 20th at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission's Chambers. Uh no report for the Library Board or Rome Floyd Planning and Zoning Commission. I uh do want to remind everyone um in the spirit of Child Abuse Prevention Month about the family the Commission on Children and Youth Are You Smarter Than a Third Grader tomorrow um at 6:00 in the City Auditorium. I'm sure to be more entertaining than what's happening on the Commission Board. And would like to make sure each and every of you come out. And I do also

want to say um this is my fourth month um as a commissioner and I think it's important that everyone has an opportunity to be heard. That's the end of my report. Thank you. Commissioner Collins. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um I'm in Community Development. On April the 22nd at 2:00 p.m. we'll be meeting in the Sam King Room. Uh also the Regional Development will meet on the 19th at 11:00 a.m. in the Civic Center, Northwest Georgia Regional Commission. If I go back to the Community Development, I'd like to take a moment to share a couple of things with the Commission. In fact, uh about 60 days ago well, let's go back to the first part of this year. I was placed on General Administration as one of the committee assignments that was given to me by the mayor. On uh that same assignment I was also given the task of being on the Committee on Committee. And the Committee on Committee has everything to do with volunteers, these citizens being asked to serve. I did one meeting on the Committee on Committee and I quickly learned that something was not just right. I brought that to the attention of the manager and I asked the manager if he would call the committee together. I think one of our members did not get to make it, but Mr. Attorney was there.

And I pointed out to him that in my opinion that the Committee on Committee meeting was being held in violation of the Public Meeting Act. That meeting for years and years had been in a back room behind the City Manager's office. It was not advertised, so any of you guys could come and be a part of it or even to hear what was going on. There was no minutes taken. After carefully thinking about some of the things that had taken place over the course of last year it quickly came to my mind that something needed to be said and done. I was just shocked [snorts] at the fact that I'd been on this commission for all those years and had really kind of took a blind eye and a blind ear to what was going on until it came to light during the administration of the past year. We have a We had a Rome Housing Authority that in my opinion, I know I have brought the director up here and awarded her with outstanding proclamations, etc. I won't call her name. All of you probably know her. And that organization, in my opinion, was thriving.

[clears throat] [sighs]

Well, something happened. That administration retired. And then there was an opportunity for a change. The change took place. And quickly the CC Committee, in my opinion, made some drastic moves that could that board change. It uh asked two of the former board members to retire. It replaced them with people that did not have a application in. It's put on there. It was people put on this here board that was on some committees that slid them over to that committee. And there was a meeting held. Of course, it was told to us by this new director. They met with this city and the heads be at the time. While all this took place, I had not a clue what was actually taking place. This is just my opinion. So, I asked the attorney during the meeting and myself and the two committee meetings, members were sitting in on and the clerk, I don't think that we can go on in this fashion having these type meetings. And

I would love to have your opinion if you thought possibly the same thing. Well, I think they all agreed with me before we left that meeting that day because the change was made. And now the CC Committee's held in a public hearing where the minutes are taken. The public can come in and listen and hear and be a part of it. All of us is also subject to if the people that are interested in serving. That told me right there that yes, it was not being held right. Well, but it was sort of a little bit late for the people serving on this board. You see, it's the first time I had seen in Rome, Georgia where elected officials had been terminated, asked to leave their portion, give me your phone. This is talking about the this new wave of people that's running this now. Uh people that was serving our community by uh transporting people that asked to leave, elected officials I'm talking about. And then the Housing Authority seemed like it was it went from being a shining beacon according to the people in the hood to

[clears throat]

it was like, "Man, what happened? The grass ain't even being cut." Or what happened? We have no money. What happened? We had never ever had elected officials sit in as being a part of this board even listen to what was going on. Listen, I don't be there. Possibly just by your face being there for its influence. Be that said, that is May I will ask Ms. Beeman, if you would, please, would you read us the services that this community has suffered in losses. And once you read those, I want to ask the question to Mr. Manje and this commission, do you feel that you have played no role in the decline of what's done taken place? And do you really feel that the right people Well, the programs that was closed was the Evision Center, which was a wrap-around service for residents. Transportation for the GED, FSS, and Resident Services program. Two daycares, Rome Children's Academy, Rockmart Children's Academy.

Would you slow down just a little second? Let's Let's hear this again, please. I want to really hear. I can't hear you. Yes. We have an agenda to cover and all this. Is this on the agenda? No, sir, it's not. Does Does it really matter? It's not Is Is my time Is Is my committee time? No, that's

That's not a committee. It does so matter. Yes, it does. Well, let me just read back up. Uh I'll make a point of personal privilege. I'll turn it into that. Now, go ahead, Alaina. The Evision Center, which is a HUD awarded program. Transportation for the GED, FSS, and Resident Services. Two daycares, Rome Children's Academy and Rockmart Children's Academy. All the developments Resident Services programs. Housing counseling. Chuck O'Stella Park, personal care home, and allegedly Bill Collins Villas. I would just finish by saying, Mr. Mayor,

[clears throat]

that just like we went back corrected the wrong that was done with the CC Committee being all these years in violation. Mr. Attorney, you can check the law. I'm telling these commissioners, you guys go check it as well. But it's a statute in there that tells you all that action that's been taken by these guys that you put on this committee being violation. Check the law. And at some point in time, those meetings that were held, maybe you get a chance to explain what was said in them. I'm just saying to you, I don't think just my opinion that all of these cool things are cool incidental. What are you referring to, Bill? Well, I think you told me yourself. You sat on that committee over them for a year. No, he did He did not serve on that committee.

with me now. Well, excuse me. Commissioner Robinson did not serve on that committee. Commissioner Robinson was a liaison between that committee and the and the Rome City Council. Absolutely. All I'm saying to you is Because the chair of the Housing Authority invited him to do so. Right. The chair of the Housing Authority And And if this system is so wrong, how did you do it when you were mayor? Wayne asked me a question.

I did. I said, "Well, how did you do it when you were mayor?" The exact same way. Okay. It was wrong. The chair of the Housing Authority board invited him, and the mayor was sitting in that meeting. You weren't there. So, I didn't say anything about it. The meeting was wrong. I said that for all these years it never ever been a commissioner that sat as a ex officio at any of these meetings. not ex officio. It was It was at the request of the Housing Authority. That's good. That's fine. The chair of the Housing Authority board invited him to come to that meeting. So, I got no problem with none of that. Then what what then what's the point? So, what was the insinuation?

Which commissioner are you talking about? Well, again, as I said, it had never been done. What had What hadn't been done? Which commissioner are you talking about? Wendy Davis on the SPLOST Committee, overriding the Committee on Committees. That's never been done. But you did that. Didn't you? If If If I on Committees meant nothing to you that night, but you override Randy Quick and Jamie Dawson, put Wendy Davis on the SPLOST Committee. Sir, what I did was What I did was exercise my right on this floor. with Bill Collins, but nobody else is supposed to do that. my right on this floor. No different I told the mayor this night, you if you somebody call for a question,

That's okay. Bill Collins to do this and do that and do this and do that. All I'm saying Collins doesn't get his way, then everything is wrong. Sir, all I'm saying Exactly. All I'm saying commissioners is listen. It's a clown. think I don't think that we should I do not think that we should just turn a blind eye to what's happening in our our community having to do with our people and our people about people that are trying to get any job. You're concerned because things don't go your way. I'm more concerned about kids getting shot in Bennie Jones. Mayor They cannot guarantee the safety of kids in that park over there Mayor

because of that housing project over there and the games. No, they It goes on and it's going to continue to go on and you have no control over it and you're more concerned about that damn housing project. Point of order, Mr. Mayor. The Commissioner Collins has the floor. [clears throat] Anyone can speak. Mr. Collins has the floor. If if I can finish, please.

No, just say I just want to ask Mr. Attorney. Okay, go ahead, Mayor. Mr. Brock I would just like to read the purpose. They don't call it a mission statement, they call it a purpose statement of the Northwest Northwest Georgia Housing Authority. The mission of Northwest Georgia Housing Authority is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for eligible families and to promote self-sufficiency, economic independence for its residents, to establish drug and crime-free communities, and to assure physical integrity in all programs administered by this authority without discrimination. I thank you. That is the extent of their missions of their purpose statement. I would just like to say that. Thank you. Can I Can I Can let me comment right now? Just a minute. Just a minute, Ms. Bateman.

Okay. Ms. Bateman I just want to comment on his statement. Commissioner Brock Uh Collins Okay. First If I may finish. [clears throat]

Uh I didn't know that would go to cause such a ruckus, but I would tell you that listen. Mr. Attorney if I may ask you to uh please check that law and if any action has been taken over there with those sitting commissioners uh sitting board members that really was not ever done. It was in violation of the public meetings act. And I think the law states that that action has to be reversed. And we need to do the right thing. Mr. Collins, did you feel that way when you were mayor? No, I was dumb as dumb as a door knob clue.

Thank you very much. Ms. Bateman, you have something. So we have a We have a lot of angry people in the community right now because you have a lot of people who are now being displaced and I want to I don't understand why it wasn't brought to the commission when we have representation and uh we appoint the commissioners or the uh individuals who serve on the board. So I have a deep concern about that. And then we have we're supposed to have representation going to the meetings to come back and share That's Commissioner Brock. So Well, let me let me finish. Let me finish. Let me finish. a question? Let me finish. I got a lot. All right.

Okay. So right now if safety and drug prevention is a one of their missions why is there a increase in prostitution in the high-rise, drug activity, and the lack of visible security visibility? Cameras. Also, cameras not not boots on the ground, not individuals there cuz they have they have a they hired a additional and documenting additional activity. But they hired a security officer. You'd be surprised. If there's no security officers officers, there's no crime because nobody reports it. No, that's not true. That's a lack Then it's reported because there's somebody in place.

That's a lack of resident services. I'm not speaking from outside, I'm speaking when I was on the inside for 19 years. So So you have people right now in the community who are concerned about what's going on in our neighbors because right now we've got people now who are talking about being involuntarily displaced, but nobody brought that to the community.

that. What? Go ahead with that. Who Who's being displaced? Okay, so there's a It's people being reported that lives at Bill Collins Village that has to relocate and they have two options. They can move to the high-rise or they can move to a Graham's home where we had two uh a murder and a someone being shot. Can we please just call it the village and not mention my name associated with that, please? So right now And those people that are being dis- involuntarily displaced. And And those people are there with some type of subsidy. Not Not everybody over there was receiving subsidy. That's not what the Housing Authority's purpose is. They built market rate facility rented it at a discount price. You've got an opportunity for them to raise some money because there's some financial issues there. They can sell that property. They had way too much in it, about $3.4 million in it. They can sell it for nearly $2 million and take a loss because they way overpaid for it. You can relocate 10 people with the money that they spent in the beginning, they could have built 40 units. They could have leveraged the money and built 40 units. They didn't do it any under any government program. This was something they did on their own not for any kind of assistance uh for any uh income-based assistance. It's something that they just did on their own. Now they're having to sell it at a discount. Costs are much more, but they have the opportunity to double the number of units with the same money. They could have quadrupled the number of units with that money, but now we're going to double the number. Perry, you must have been under a rock. You must have been under a are not I think I have the floor now. I said you must have been under a rock. He didn't interrupt you when he was Sammy, tell them what that reasoning about it. He

did not interrupt you when you were speaking. Tell them why they bought it, Sammy. He did. FSS is one of the mission statements, family self-sufficiency. That's moving people from public housing to home ownership. This is not public housing. We're not talking about public housing. you you just talked about subsidy. Subsidy is housing. Subsidy Subsidy money is housing. It's federally funded. market rate 10 market rate units. So you're trying to tell me And they rent them below market rate. So the people that elderly folks that live in there cuz you got to be elderly. Let me ask you They don't They don't They don't deserve a nice place to live? Who said they didn't? You just the first I said they're being they're being involuntarily displaced.

And where will they go? To either the high-rise or a Graham's home. Would you want to go there? Would you want to go there? You know They They are there. They're not under any kind of program. They're renting that space. They're They're renting affordable housing. They're not in there under any kind of income-based program. Yes, it is. That is money that was put in there.

right. I mean, so you're telling me it is? You have to you you you have to make a certain amount. Aren't we arguing a Housing Authority issue? Yes, that is a Housing Authority issue. And we don't need to be doing The only thing we do for the Housing Authority is we appoint people to their board that come from the request of the manager or the director of the Housing Authority. The same thing that was done when the previous director was there. They made recommendations. Those people were put on the board. This gentleman has made recommendations and that's who he wanted That's and I'm not throwing him under the bus. Oh, is that who he wanted? Cuz that's not what he said. Is that who he wanted? Or is that who we wanted? I would just like to say I don't know if it's what he wanted. He gave a list of names.

I would just like to say I look forward to that organization being able to provide twice as many affordable homes based on what's about to happen. How How this transaction is about to So we're going to involuntarily displace people that and [clears throat]

can't Go ahead, Commissioner. So let me ask you this. What What happened to people in Graham Homes? They all moved You know what they They had opportunity to move to S.D. Hudson Villa. They got first place. They got first opportunity to move to a nice subdivision. How many vacant units were there as they moved out? Because they got they were cuz they got bats. They're old. They got concrete walls. They They They took They moved people They moved people out of them so they could go in and try to renovate them so people could live in those type of dwellings. They They weren't They weren't renovated. What now? I Because Commission, listen, everybody. We can argue this, but we have no say so in what happens with the Housing Authority.

Then Then why are we appointing board members? Why are we We are We're not on the board. We're not on the board. We are appoint We appointed board members to represent. Yeah, you got a report. Craig, you got a report. I second that. We do appoint the board I've got a motion to adjourn this meeting and a second. No, you can't. You got somebody got to speak. Oh, you got to speak. You got to redo your report. Mr. McDaniel You got to do your report. Mr. McDaniel, give your I have no report. Let's just poor woman speak.

lord. Under public comments on non-agenda item items, this lady would like to speak. State your name and address. You got 3 minutes. Good evening, Mr. Mayor and Commissioners. My name is Christy Minor from Somerville Park. I called on Friday to be added to the agenda for tonight's public comments. I've always thought that rule alone was absurd and I've never seen it anywhere else. If something comes up over the weekend or Monday, the day of commission meeting, sorry folks, you have to wait 2 more weeks before you can bring concerns to the public city commission meeting. Since I began I'm going to stop you right there. That is not correct. Yes, it is. If you call the city clerk's office on Monday, you can be put on the agenda for anything that happened over the weekend. We've always It's We've always been told that we need to call on Friday because it we need to be on the agenda and it needs to be posted. I hope that If something were to happen over the weekend, you call the city clerk's office, you can be put on the agenda. Since I began speaking here just under a year ago, you've added a 3-minute rule and now, of course, the rule of speaking at the end of the meeting on non-agenda items. We get it. You don't really want to hear from the people. But I do have to point out a process issue that I don't believe that you thought through. When I call the clerk's office the Friday before, I'm asked if I'm speaking on an agenda item. This is before the agenda is posted. So, how am I to know? It doesn't bother me either way. I like the thought of people having the last word. More importantly, the last time I was here, I shared about an elderly 100% disabled combat veteran, his elderly intellectually handicapped brother, and their family caregivers being threatened with eviction from his property. The injustice system here in Floyd did not allow for due process and on April 2nd, stripped Sergeant Benefield of his constitutional right to his property. He did not owe any back taxes. His federal disability paid for the property that housed three trailers and a workshop. The family is indeed now homeless. I

read parts of his medical record from his evaluation by the VA. That man and his family have more strength and courage than any elected official in Floyd County. I know they will survive. But after reading the story of Achan in Joshua chapter 7 yesterday, I do wonder about the rest of us. Reading from the message, God said to Joshua, "Get up. Why are you groveling? Israel has sinned. They've broken the covenant I commanded them. They've taken forbidden plunder, stolen, and then covered up the theft, hoarding it up with their own stuff. The people of Israel can no longer look their enemies in the eye. They themselves are plunder. I can't continue with you if you don't rid yourselves of the cursed things. I suggest that you may want to check full chapter 7 yourself. Thank you so much. This meeting is adjourned. So, what are Next steps.