City Council - Regular Meeting

mentioned at the very to a lot of you at the very first here that we're going to change the uh agenda just a little bit. So, what we're going to do is we're going to open a public hearing. Uh we'll let the council make the motion to open the public hearing. I'm going to read the contents of the public hearing. We'll wait a minute or two for see if anybody wants to respond and then we'll close the public hearing and then we're going to go right into the regular agenda. So, council, I'll make a motion we go into the public hearing. I'll second it. Motion by Blair and seconded by Wes. All in favor? I. Yes. Okay. The public hearing is now open. This is a public hearing to consider amending the budget and title. No.

No.

B. Sorry. The purpose of this public of the public hearing is to provide citizens with pertinent information about the community development block grant program and to allow for the discussion of possible applications. The public hearing will cover will cover eligible activities, program requirements, and expected funding allocations in the region. The CDBG program will let's see can fund fund a broad range of activities including but not limited to construction of public works and facilities such as water and sewer lines, fire stations, acquisition of real property and provision of public services such as food banks or homeless shelters. In the event that Tree Mountain City chooses to apply for the CDBG funding, a second public hearing will be held later uh later at a time to discuss uh to discuss this project. So that's the public hearing. It is now open. Are there any comments? All right. Seeing none, um, council

make a motion we close the public hearing. I'll second. Motion by Wes to close the public hearing and seconded by Bo. All in favor? Yes.

All right. Thank you everybody. That that was a technicality, [clears throat] but we had to do it that way. So, we appreciate it very much. All right. The opening ceremony. Um, I'm going to uh offer the opening prayer and then we've got uh one of our students, Riley uh Riley Weston, will lead us in the pledge of allegiance. [snorts] Our father in heaven, as we come before thee at this time, we're thankful for the blessings which we have. We're grateful for the opportunity of being citizens of Tree Mountain. We're grateful for the for the camaraderie and for the opportunity to be a community. We pray for thy spirit and blessing to be with us this evening. Bless us that we might be able to discuss these matters on the agenda in a pleasing manner unto thee. Help us we might be able to do so in a respectful and a respectful manner. And we're that we might be able to further the work and the important me important things that Toten City needs to do. We are especially grateful for the students that are here with us this evening. We're grateful for their example and for the opportunity that we have to recognize their good the good works that they do and the good examples that they are. And we say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Amen. Okay. Stand [clears throat] after me. I aliance 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.

Thank you, Riley. That was great. Alrighty. Uh let me just go around and introduce the council to you. Uh since we have a lot of you young people here and a lot of new faces. Over to my left uh we have Bo Lewis, Council Member Bo Lewis. Um then we have Blair Westerard, myself, Lyall Hongrren, uh Brett Roadie, and Wes Castep. Then we have down over here, we've got our uh assistant city manager, uh Lindsay Nessen, and I've noticed we've got our police chief over here. Just raise your hand, plea, uh chief. And let's see who Oh, Carl, our public works director. Raise your hand, Carl.

And then our fire chiefs out in the hall, several fire uh firemen and EMS people. And I wanted to give a special recognition to our mayor elect uh of Garland, Danny uh Danny Austin, who is with us here this evening. So, we're grateful for that. And most of all, we're grateful for you students. Uh thank you for coming and and we're going to recognize uh some of the great things that you're doing and the good examples that you are not only in your own schools but also in your neighborhoods. So [snorts] with that, um let's see. Council, we have uh on here on the agenda a declaration of are there any conflicts of interest with the agenda that we have here tonight?

Nope. No. Hearing none. Uh, we'll move on. Approval of the agenda. Make a motion we approve the agenda. Okay. Motion by Brett to approve the agenda. Do I have a second? I'll second. Okay. Seconded by Bo. All in favor? I I. All right. And that of course uh we the part where we do the public hearing that's already been done. So that's uh taken care of. Approval of the minutes for November 18th, 2025. I'll make a motion we approve the minutes of November. Okay. Motion by Wes and seconded by Blair. All in favor? I.

Thank you. All right. Here we go. This is what we all been waiting for. Uh this is the opportunity to recognize you young people. And um you know we started this a couple of years ago and uh the whole idea of it was for us to work recognize young people who are uh showing that they're uh al they're respectful to their uh schoolmates to their teachers to their family to their community. uh they had take on responsibility and they're willing to do what they've been asked to do and they're responsible for their own selves and also that they're safe. Uh that they um promote safety then and in their schools and in their neighborhoods. And really, this is an opportunity for us to recognize young people who uh when those old crust crusty people move on, you guys are going to be the ones that are going to be sit some of you are going to be the ones that are sitting in this these seats or other seats and leading us. So, we want to make sure that we want to recognize you for the good things you're doing because that's what that is what um makes our community a community. all of us, young people and uh parents and older people, we're all together in this and and we just appreciate you so much. So, I'm going to go ahead and give out these awards that you've been recognized by your teachers and your principles and we'll have the principles come up if if we could and help give out these awards.

Then you'll tell them while to stay up here. Oh, yeah. Yeah. We'll um

we'll call your name out and then uh we're going to have to do is ask you to stay up. Just come back here with your princ with your principles and then we're going to take some pictures. Okay. All right. Here we go. I hope I get some of these names right. Uh Quicky S. Weston. Quicky Weston. Did I say that right? Okay, it's okay. [applause] Okay, come on here. You got to shake your hand. And here you go. What a great example you are. Now come over here. [laughter] There we go.

Kimberly Perez. [applause] There you go, Charlotte. Or Artega. ARTEGA. [applause] CONGRATULATIONS. Very good. Here you go. Can you run here? I hope I get this right. Rosen Campbell. [applause] Congratulations. Come around this way.

Ivy Fesler. [applause]

Congratulations. Good job.

All right, Lucy Archabald. [applause] Saw your Richards, [applause] Tanner Adams, [applause] Opie Martin. [applause] There you go. Now come around this way. There you go. Daniel Wild, [applause] whistle hawks, [applause] Hammond Walker, SOPHIA JULANDER,

[applause] SHE'S ON THE SHEER. [laughter] OKAY, we'll make sure she gets Emma Hughes. [applause] [cheering]

Anybody that I didn't announce that should be announced. All right, we'll make sure Sophie gets this. And now get pictures. Can I squeeze in here behind you guys? [laughter] Thanks everybody. Thank you guys.

Good job, DUDE. [applause]

HUH? You'll be sitting here. I still sit here. They shooting through that thing. They're trying to shoot at you and they miss me and get me. [laughter] They always pull to the right, you know. Thanks everybody. You're welcome to stay if you like. I wouldn't. [laughter]

[cough]

That's like a joke, isn't it? But I guess no comment. You knew I was going to say something smart. Okay.

Yeah. If you're if you're early to church, you can get one of the good seats in the back. And if you're late, you have to go sit. Is that what it is? That's where we always

was one of them Stevens. Thanks you guys. One looked like she was All righty. Uh let's let's move on now. Um uh item number seven, public comments. This is an opportunity to address the city council regarding your concerns or ideas that are relevant to and germanine to the municipal business that we're doing. Please keep your comments to under three minutes and the time is now yours.

All right, I'm going to move this lot right along here. We have another public hearing, council. So, we'll need to open this public hearing and then uh I'll read the read the text and then we'll close the public hearing after waiting a few minutes for any comments. So, I guess we need to open another public hearing. I'll make a motion we open the public hearing for Wes. I'll second. Seconded by

Bo Wes Blair. Seconded by Bo. Uh, okay. This is the public hearing. Um, public hearing to consider amending the budget entitled the Tmont City annual implementation budget 2025 to 2026 general fund capital funds, enterprise funds, and special funds for the period com commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. Uh are there any comments regarding this public hearing?

Okay, seeing none, uh I'll entertain a motion to close the public hearing. I'll make Oh, yeah. Go ahead. I'll make a motion that we close the public hearing.

Motion by Bo Lewis and seconded by Blair Westerard. All right. Public hearing is now closed. All right. Item number nine, uh, new council business, uh, discussion and consideration of adopting resolution number 25-57, amending the budget entitled the Tremont and City annual implementation budget 2025 to 2026, general funds, special funds, capital funds, and enterprise funds. and for the per for the period of commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. Uh Lindsay, do you want to take a moment claim?

Explain this one to us. Yeah, it's pretty simple, just a couple we're doing. So, the one in the general fund, we had a police vehicle totaled. That $63,000 is the money we received from the insurance to replace that vehicle. So all we're just putting that money back into the putting the money back into capital projects and allowing the police department to buy a new vehicle and equip it with that money we got back. Okay. That's how you see it too, Chief. Okay. Any discussion from the council? Make a motion we adopt resolution 25-57. Motion by U. Wes. Do I have a second? Seconded by Blair. See Wes, we'll start it off with you. Wes, yes. Grant, yes. Larry, yes.

Bo, yes. Motion passes. Thank you. Uh, discussion and consideration of adopting resolution number 25-58 reaffirming, amending, and enact enacting new fees, new fees and fines in a schedule entitled the Tmont City consolidated fees and fines schedule, including but not limited to utility late fees. I think that's Michelle. Look at her back there. Here we are. Come on up, Michelle. Here we go. Here we go.

So, just in a little quip, we send out about 274 to 350 um pink letters every month saying that you're at least 30 days behind on your bills. And um Curtis and I talked about this and we actually it takes us about three three plus hours to get this list consolidated down, mailed and out the door. And that's not including the supplies. And we figured it's about 2.7% cost of our base price, which is $72. Our credit card percent is 3%. So, we're not

Who's our processor? Do you mind me asking? Do you know Express Bill Pay is our processor on this?

So, but we're looking at a 2.7% which is less than the credit card processing fee. We only charge $2 for a late fee. There isn't anybody anybody around that charges $2 for a late fee. I have some customers that will call in, they're three months behind. They'll have me, you know, they'll pay their the third month that they're past due. They'll have me put them on the list so I can't shut them off because they're two months past due and then they'll wait that process again. So, I'm hoping if we can up this and just get a little it's it's not to make money, don't get me wrong, by any means. It's not to make money. It's a deterrent to try and let's catch up and keep on top of it instead of wasting all of our resources on processing things that you know it's you know it's pretty much like a pebble in a shoe if you keep walking on it. It's not going to hurt a lot but it's an annoyance. So I hope people will try and keep their bills paid instead of having us be their creditor. I think the key word there is a deterrent. You know, that's what the that's what we're trying to do there is is uh deter people from uh you know the ones that are [snorts] making a habit of being a little bit late. Um and so I think I think this makes a lot of sense. I don't know if council you've got any of this.

How often are is it due to hardship? Do we know like what the typical reason for non-payment is? I wish I had a little bit. I mean, I can pretty much tell you exactly who's going to be on the list every month,

you know, and I don't know if it's due to hardship or it's just due to easy because it's only $2 and they would rather not pay that that month. So, you know, I am not opposed to having them call in and say, "Hey, I just can't do it this month. You know, can you wave that and I will catch up?" I'm not opposed to that. I'm just like I said, it's just a deterrent trying to catch up the ones that are always on the list that I think that we need just need a little boost to get them on track. So, have you got a recommendation?

Well, Curtis and I talked and I I Curtis was higher than I. Um I'm thinking that $15 would be 155 would be, you know, a relatively you'll not find a credit card. You'll not find I've you know gone through quite a few cities from around here. Providence charges 12% after the 30 days. Hyum charges 18% after 15 days. Garland charges $5 on the first offense, but then it's $5 every notice after that. So to me, it's kind of hard to take in account how many times we're doing this. And it's going to get up there as well. And so I have Perry City that's a $10, then it goes to a $20, then it goes to a $30. [snorts] So I just averaged out a $15 late fee for the first little while to see if we can get that average down and and then hopefully we can I don't think I mean I even got a hold of Shie and she couldn't remember the last time that the late fee was raised. So hopefully, I know times are tough for a lot of people and like I said, I'm not here to make any money off of them. I just don't want to continue being their funding source. So,

and they if they do call in with hardship, we can work with them on that on the on the fee. Yeah. Like if you know if we if it's like on water shut off day I have some of them that are on their 20th 30th time and it's I can't decide if that's because of it's a hardship or not. I mean you know if they're having the church pay for it or something like that we definitely know that there's a problem there and that we can wave the fee. But if it's like a couple of people that I have in mind in my head, they do it because they would rather pay the $2 light fee than pay their bill in full. Okay. What do you think, council?

Yeah. For reference, Curtis's suggestion was $50. So I was going to say that's awful cheap. Yeah. I would have went a percentage of the bill.

Like a book. I says, "That's less than I a diet coke cost me more than it, you know, a 20 oz diet coke costs more than it does the late fee to keep extending, you know, and on the third the third month that they're late the water, their water will get shut off and it costs $35 to turn their water back on. I called over I think it was hire them to turn their water back on. It's 200. So that's their deterrent. So, I'm just thinking that if we could just clean up a little of the 30 days past due or even the 60 days you not not 30 days but the 60 days past due and I have a few 90 days out there that I would like to at least bump up a month that I think that it might help get on track.

All right. What do you think? I'll make a motion we adopt resolution 2558 and go with what? $15 the $15 amount. 1515 15. [laughter] All right. Motion by Brett and seconded by Blair. Let's see what Blair Brett. Bread. [laughter] Blair. I Bo I. Wes. I Anything from Michelle? If you need a Diet Coke, let me know. Thanks, Michelle. [laughter] See you later.

All right. Discussion and consideration of adopting resolution number 25-59 approving a dispatch services agreement between Weber Weber Area Dispatch 911 and the uh emergency services district and Tree Mountain City. Chief, do you want to explain on this one?

Yeah. So, um we've discussed this a little bit uh but essentially what it would do is move our dispatch service to Weber. Um they have a top they're they're experts in their field. We'll get the best possible service. It is going to cost us some but uh it's right now it's a major officer safety concern. It's a [snorts] fire concern. Um and I believe it's in the best interest of our city. Uh I sent you guys our legal council opinion. He supports it as well. So now it's up to you. I'm happy to take individual questions if you have any. Uh, Chief Gerald, do you have anything to add to that?

I I totally agree uh with Chief Cordova that we need to to make this jump um as soon as possible. It's going to make it easier if we do it um with our our partners over in Brigham um because they're they're going to be doing that here February 2nd is when they're going to make that jump. And so um who is it? Brigham City. Brigham City on February sec second. Yep. Yeah. I talked to the I talked to uh uh Mayor Bot and uh he indicated they're moving forward and for the same reasons we want to move forward. Correct. Um yeah, it's a huge safety issue. Um I can dive into that if you guys want, but I think you're kind of aware of what they are. So

yeah, I had one question. We're we're locked in to for four years. Yeah, it's uh five years. Five years,

right? under the interlocal agreement that was also uh reviewed by our attorney. He's okay with it. Um we're also not opposed to coming back to DPS down the road. It's just going to take them some time to fix some of the issues they have. And um just for some foresight for the council, Perry City's also looking at this move. I've talked to their chief today. Um, and the commissioners are as far as like DPS, they're they're talking they're in talks with Weber as well. So, it's possible that this gets pushed all the way over. Um, I plan on revisiting that in our next uh law enforcement administrative meeting with all the chiefs and sheriffs and seeing if we can move that direction. I think that's personally the best decision they can make, but ultimately that's their decision to make, but we are working towards that. Um, yeah.

Can you without uh getting into the details and all of this kind of thing, uh, can you kind of indicate why this is so important without going into any detail? Well, I you you know what I mean. No, I'm happy I'm happy to and I know we kind of know what the deal is, but uh,

right. I I just say there's there's a lack of knowledge in how to dispatch to a growing city and that's that's what we're facing. Um DPS largely represents small rural departments and with time our population has grown and they're not really familiar with the needs of our needs today. They're familiar with what our needs were 10 years ago and that's causing some safety issues in the way they do business. um our guys just aren't getting the information they need, the details they need, and they're not handling the calls the way we would like them to handle. And this doesn't come with recklessness on our part. This is a this is an issue that's dated back 10 plus years, I'm told. Um I've been personally working on it with them for the last three years. Uh we've kind of just hit a last resort and you know, it's just not worth the risk um to our people.

All right. and [clears throat] the I talked to Curtis and he's he knows about the uh the additional cost and feels like everything is in line that this is that that's questions I have just budgetarily what's move being moved around to make this happen there so with the additional revenue that we've been able to secure with Gold Cross [clears throat] doing our billing uh we I talked with Curtis had a meeting with him today uh that he believes that we're capable of doing that how does that impact the operating budget moving forward next year will

next year we would have to definitely budget that in. So with the revenue, we'd be able to pay for it for this year um upfront, but then we'd have to obviously work in as a budget item and amend the budget to be able to support continual for the next five year or four years after would be you you'd pay your portion, the fire portion or all of it? Um for this year, I think because we're making this jump so quick, we would be able to talking with Curtis, we'd be able to pay for the [clears throat] entire city for both police and fire. and pre prior to or sorry following that we would split that police would pay their portion we would pay our portion

that'sformational I just want to make sure it's clear to the council as we make that you know that we are it's a five-year commitment this year's covered with you know maneuvers but for the next four years we've got to be stewards of of increasing the budget for these two departments to cover it so just to $150,000 190 about 170 Um it's 190 is what it will be after this year because um we already have some funds that we

174 is the total cost. We already have the software so that'll that why we get a discount is at the 20. The other thing of note is Bighgam has agreed there's an integration fee. If we go with Bighgam around the same time um they're pretty much willing to take that on and that's like a $30,000 savings to the city. Um, we're also trying to see if Perry's interested in that as well.

I I mean, I had a pretty good conversation with Dustin today, but been in that field. It's there's going to be some slips because everybody's not going to be on it. So, the TR the deputies aren't going to be on it. The other ambulances are probably not going to be on it. So it's I mean it's a big learning curve because I mean I come from the day when Brigham City had their own dispatch separate from the county and it was there was a hole there hitting. So it's going to be a it's it'll work but it'll still be scary and and I agree with what you said. They'll they'll patch you in the channels. But

the thought is and and the hope is is that for so the desire would be and the ultimate goal will just be the whole county, right? That would be the best possible scenario. Um we can't do what we're wanting to do if Bighgam doesn't do it. Um, and this things just happened the way they happened and fallout was way what it was and they made the jump first which allows us to then make that jump because they border Weaver County and but I have a question and I I told him because I was told yesterday or today that Willard was going to drop away from Brigham EMS. That's what their talk is. Yeah. Does that break the border?

No. Negative. Cuz they're the in between. There's no [clears throat] Brigham wouldn't bump to Weber County after that. Yeah. And then Weaver dispatch is fully aware of that and that shouldn't be I mean that was just basically without without Bighgam doing it then we wouldn't be able to do that and so they we'd be an island over here by ourselves and so they need both departments to do it or one Brigham to do it first prior to us doing that. And so with you when you break us into two different agencies, police and fire, there's four agencies making the jump and that makes this possible. So,

but to your to your point, Blair, that came up. We actually had a board meeting with Weber um and they talked to that fact and and just so you know the Weber board is made up by multiple mayors for the area they serve and it was really a great learning experience but the gist is this is a start and we're going to act uh if we can on the current circumstance. If that becomes a problem, it's not going to become a problem because their next step is to pursue a change in legislation to allow us that opportunity. Um my hope is that this is in vain and DPS and I've been vocal to them um encourages everyone to be pushed over at least for some time to recover, get things fixed and it could be a non-issue. So um that's a that's a valid concern. Uh but it it's not going to pose a problem uh based on that board interview today. So

to help a second what Chief Bordeaux was saying, Chief Parent is here today because he's very interested in making that change as well. And I know a whole lot of the other departments in the county if but but they'll pay their part. Right. Correct. Yeah. But I think everyone [cough] knows [clears throat] and sees that this change is necessary. Correct. That was going to be my question if I may. Sure. This will be the beginning is what I'm trying to what we're trying to say and and everyone will probably wind up following suit. Go ahead, Brad. Um, Garland. Okay. So, question. So, Garland, they're part of the police department, correct?

Will this affect them financially in any way? Yes. And we are in talks with Garland. We're actually going to speak with them. They'll do their proportional share. Yes. We have two two of the uh agreements with Weaver. One is for Tmont, one is for Garland. We're already navigating that and working on the communication with them. Um we're actually meeting tomorrow to discuss this same thing [clears throat] with Garland. Yes. Correct. Okay. And fire it's separate, but I I get concerned that if we're on separate channels that with being such close neighbors, but apparently Chief is thinking of coming over with you. I I'd just like to see us all stay together in this close community as all

No, I I think the whole I [clears throat] mean obviously the whole county needs to or we're Eric how so how is the uh how is the sheriff's department? What are their feelings on this right now?

So uh it depends on who you talk to over there. It's mixed. Um some people see the problem. The sheriff it's not a high priority for him right now. Um I don't think he's familiar with all the issues and there's it's complicated politically. But with that said um again I I hope they all get pushed in that direction for the safety of everyone. I agree with the council completely. In a perfect world we are all on the same frequency and doing the same things. The unfortunate thing is we're being placed in a situation to make a decision on choose your hard which I love. I always use that now. Um we can what both of them pose different safety risks. The greater by far is staying and continuing to do what we do. Uh we have to choose our heart and our our heart is now if a cop backs someone else they have to change their radio two clicks to go to Boxelder Countyy's radio frequency to help or they got to switch to our channel. That that's very minimal compared to the alternative. So that's why we're here and that's why we're asking for support.

Any other questions? Council Carl. Carl, just curious if this impacts how public works perceives after hours calls or any of that.

Yeah, we can work that in. I don't think it'll be anything major. And that's another thing that's come up is SWAT callouts, things like that. Um, primarily the way we do it now is pretty dated on this side of the of the county. Um, they would essentially try to make a phone call to the SWAT commander who would then try to get a hold of all the SWAT guys. The this will be a lot better. Um, they'll have direct contact information. Everybody will get that information. They'll know all the critical information they need as they respond to scene. So, um, they're very flexible. I think another benefit is they're very customer serviceoriented. So, if we need to work out some with public works or anything else, they're more than happy to do that for us. Um, you basically get what you pay for in a big way. Um, they will cater to our needs.

For us, on that note, on the fire side, and and Blair and Wes has probably experienced this in the past, you're trying to run a command scene on a structure fire, and we don't have a dedicated channel. They're not monitoring that channel. They don't monitor the radios. if we push our panic button, we don't know if someone's going to call and check on us or not. Um, and the way they do it now is they call a cell phone. If I'm in a structure fire, if I'm running a structure fire, the last thing I'm doing is talking on my cell phone. I'm focused on the radio and I'm trying to run the scene to make sure my guys are safe. And the next thing that I don't want to do is call dispatch and say, "Hey, can you get me the power company to come out here or public works?" And then they say, "We don't do that." Which they've done in the past. They tell us straight up, "We don't do that." And then we have to try to figure out getting on Google and searching it up and try to find phone numbers and make phone calls and contact people and run a structure fire. That's a de a recipe for disaster. Um people get lost. Radio traffic gets lost. I don't hear someone call Mayday who needs help that falls through a floor or ceiling. That's that's terrible. I don't want that to happen. And and if I'm being frankly honest, that was one of the reasons that I didn't want to work in this county was the dispatch in this county. I'm not trying to rag on anyone in particular, but that is a huge concern. It's been a huge concern.

Will this rectify that issue? It will. I mean I mean to be clear to be clear the in my opinion the state hasn't put enough juice into it to make it I mean the failures were more lack of staffing than and policy staffing and policies. Correct. Rather than any individual stuff. But in in the past when these issues were addressed, they've been immediately dismissed and not even entertained as far as, hey, let's try to fix it. It will cost this amount. It's just been like we're not going to do it. And so this is this is

I've been I was on the dispatch advisory board for like five years with the all the chiefs. So I know what you're saying. So I'd like to go back a little bit maybe to Brett's question um about Garland. So, of the 174,000, will Garland be able to help with that at all? They'll have their own rest of this. Yeah, they have their portion which is about 40,000. They have Oh, this is just the Tree Mountain portion. It's 174. Yeah. For police would Okay, I I get it now. Thank you. Clarified that.

No, no, it's actually based on a tax formula. So, they're one of the only entities with a tax um on 911 dispatch and they're just taking that formula and they're diversifying it across our populations. So, it's all fair and equal to what all the other areas they serve. That answered that question for me. Thank you. That that was great. Mayor, can I if if you go to Garland, that was going to be my question. Back to you and say we can't afford this.

What does that do to you? um we'll be okay. We can find it in their budget with some sacrifices. My hope is we can talk to their new leadership and and loop them in as well as the old leadership. Um they're going to have to help us along the way. We are the the hosting agency as you know. Um we've overcome a lot together and I want to be as diplomatic as possible in the process, but to me this is a makeorb breakak type of situation because of the safety issue. So we'll have to see how that goes. Um, with that said, their council has always historically been supportive of the police department no matter what. It is hard, but their citizens are too. I mean, we've had some hard conversations over the years, and they're happy to to buck up to keep their police and firefighters safe, and I'm confident they'll be there with us on this as well. So, I'll keep you appraised on that, though.

Yeah, that'll be great if we can do that.

All right, council. I mean just for context too like I bring up the capital right or the the operational budget and and I don't say that in a way that you know is that I'm not supportive because I am um you know when I'm looking at at capital project prioritization there's kind of three filters that I look through it at and the first is you know mission priority level and life and critical operations is the top one and then necessity and expansion you know and operational necessity is the top one and then risk mitigation which prevents life, safety and financial risk. So those it meets the qualifications for me on all three reasons why we would consider operational budget changes like that. I'm just concerned that the budget keeps going up and up and up without, you know, us being able to um afford to do so, right? And so we we just got to be stewards and and really make sure that we're we're going to have to take from something else to make this happen

in the four years after this. In the four years, that's the key. In the short term, it's paid for. It's we have the budget in the short run. In the long run, yep, it's going to have to be addressed.

But it's okay. So in my mind um you know we we're looking at um you know how you want to say it whether they were failures or what however you want to put it uh with what happened back in August and uh we've lost two officers as a result of this and and another officer and his K9 were sever severely wounded. Um the the key here is, you know, we need to you can't put a price on on safety and and and people's people's safety. Um but in this case, we've got to that's kind of what we're doing here. We're sort of putting uh you know we're we're looking at an increase you know we have some sort of a level here with um with [snorts] you know our dispatch and what we're looking for is a level up here with that dispatch and that's that's a difference but I think it really it comes down to safety with not just our officers but our EMS the whole the whole thing you know so we [snorts] just meet we need I don't know. We It's hard to put a price on this kind of stuff, but that's kind of what we're doing.

Yeah. I'd say there's two ways to look at it and we we kind of talked about this and I won't go into detail in a public meeting. Um, but there are major issues and that's why we're standing in front of you. I would say there's the ethical side where we have a duty to protect the people that work for the city and serve our community. And to me, that's the top priority. And then if you want to look at fiscal responsibility, I agree with Councilman Lewis. I think it's important to understand the cost, but also to understand the cost of not taking action. And that's what we explored with our legal counsel. I mean, one lawsuit could cost $20 million. And we'll wish we spent $200,000 at that time. So rather than go down that path, I think it makes a lot more sense to be proactive. And

I wasn't trying to to put that, you know, I I didn't want to frame it like that, but but you're right. Um I think we're just we just want to make sure uh not just our you guys uh but also the public, you know, the same sort of thing falls into our the public, our citizens fall into the same category. You know, we want to keep them safe, too. We want to do everything we can to make sure that,

you know, they're safe as well. So 50% of our job is the information we get and if we get good information from our dispatch, we're we're able to better serve our community. Um it it's critical for safety, but not just our officers, also for the people involved because if we know exactly what we're going to and what we're dealing with, we can respond appropriately. So I I feel um Weber will provide that without question. Okay. And the other thing it seems is you're getting more money from your billing service, but that's going to continue every year. Not necessarily more, but this additional 1902 200,000 you're receiving. So, uh, that will we'll have that for the next four years as well. So, right,

it kind of becomes a wash as well. Well, and you could even argue, and that's a great point, Brett, that as the city scales in size, their service area for ambulance is larger, and we would expect to see an incline kind of like we do with sales tax. So, um, I know we don't like to plan for those type of expenses with those funds, but I think it's a pretty safe bet. I mean, I'm with Bo. I mean, even you guys' budgets when we go, we're gonna we're got to take it from somewhere. So, you know, you're going to have to it's going to give be a give and take in all of our things, but we can't we can't afford not to.

And and I only bring that up just to kind of further iterate my confidence in the two of you and your leadership and your ask so that you recognize that we're it is a big sacrifice is going to have to come from somewhere, right? So I I hope you recognize the trust that we're giving you as a council or that I I want to give you, you know. So just just stating it so that it's clear, you know, because it is a priority. Safety is a big deal. Any other comments, questions? I want to make a res that we adopt to res pass resolution 25-20

59 of approving the dispatch service agreement. I'll second it as my last official. Last official. Yeah. Okay. Motion by Blair and seconded by Wes. It's his last official second. And um let's see. U Blair Blair. Yes. Bo, yes. Wish yes. Brett, yes. Okay. Motion passes. Thank you guys. Thanks for explaining all of this to us. I appreciate that. Helps a bunch. Um, okay. Let's move on to the calendar. Um,

let's see. We have uh I want to make sure that uh everybody knows that Santa Claus is coming to town at Midland Square on Saturday. Correct. Yep. And uh invite everybody out to that. Make sure your young people get a chance to come. I should have should have announced this when we had all the young people here. Um, that's coming up. And, uh, council, let's see, we've got, uh, No, you gave us a different day off. We actually closed at noon on the 24th. We're here on the 26th. That's what I was going to say. Okay. So, there we're closing at noon on the 24th,

but we will be open on the 26th. Okay. And uh we will not have a council meeting on uh let's see 2nd today. So that'd be the 16th. We will not have one unless something drastic comes up and we have to announce it. Uh currently we don't have that. And then um you guys uh our condolences [clears throat] go out to everybody who is coming on on the 26th. Oh no, January 6th. Uh you guys have a big responsibility and we want you to know we support you and we want you to succeed and um so we'll be we'll be your cheerleaders. Um with that, let's move on to the unfinished business. Council, is there any unfinished business we need to address? One

to three. Okay. Hearing nothing. I'm moving right along because I want to move along. Uh let's see. Reports. City uh administration. Uh anything, Lindsay? Lindsay's been doing like four jobs the last little while. We appreciate everything, all her effort and everything. I I don't think I ever stop into the into her office that she isn't working on something. So, we appreciate you. Um, we appreciate all of our uh department heads. You guys do a great job and we appreciate you so much. Let's see. DRC, we don't have any Jeff here today. Anything on DRC, Greg?

Okay. Uh, department head reports. Let's see. Carl, do you have anything for us? Are you doing that? Well, I don't know. I just have it here. I just I just read what's on the if you I if you're just putting your [laughter] if you're just giving us a report, I think that's unless you have something drastic we need to talk about. Okay. All right. Uh two left. [clears throat]

Let's see. Greg, anything? No. All right. Any otherbody else? Okay. Um, let's see here. Council reports. Let's start over here with you, uh, Bo.

Um, I had a great meeting with Sean Mil from Bragg, um, on economic development. There's some really fun opportunities that are coming to us on on Main Street and the developments there, you know, things that are happening. New council is going to have a lot of decisions to make. I think we got that report last week. Um, but there are some businesses that have started coming in. Brett's been taking some pictures and and posting them on Facebook. And um, I think we're going to see a lot of lot of progress in downtown uh, area and that revitalization effort. There's also some movement on in regards to um, some funding options and grants that uh, are coming down the pipe that um, should provide some some opportunity for us. Um, and you know, we'll be we'll be updating those along the way. Um, but yeah, just really exciting. I quickly want to just thank those that have this is their last day. Um, and you know, Brandon, uh, I he's in the right place tonight with his family. Um, with everything they've been through, and I just love and respect him. And mayor, you and I, um, I was a seventh grader at your house. uh hanging out with Corey, your son. Um so I've known you for a long time and it's been fun to serve with you in this capacity. I um you know when Corey died I you went through a lot of um hardship and that and cancer and you know all the while you've been serving this community and um I hope people recognize the hours of service that you've put in to make this a better place to call home. and I just I don't I can't thank you enough and I'm trying not to get emotional. So, but thank you and and Wes likewise. I mean, it's just been awesome to serve with you and you you've done so much up

here to help out and you're just a good man. So, thank you for for all that you guys have done. Um it's it's been an an honor to to serve with you and I'm looking forward to serving with the new council also and those that are coming in. Um, and Dan, mayor elect Garland, we we let's be lock step with you guys and a lot of communication and we really care to to to talk a lot and, you know, make sure that we're coordinated in our efforts and congrats on on your win. Um but yeah, other than that, um just as we're coming into the new year with our budgets, uh I know that a lot is being done in the background to get capital planning ready to go. Uh I can't express enough how important [snorts] that is for us to be on top of. And I know that there's some some worksheets and so thank you Lindsay for all you're doing there and Zach and Jeff that have been helping on that. Um, we're definitely going to need those spreadsheets and um, committees and every hand that's willing to help to be able to balance this budget moving forward. So, looking forward to that process.

Thanks, Paul.

I I the same thing. I I've been two years that in some ways went a long time, but Midland Square was like six years and I've been here too. But I can't imagine the time that you put in in the two years I've been here for for the mayor and think all them years. It's I mean the people that are naysayers need to walk in your shoes cuz that's a ton and not for money and all it is is for abuse. But I for one appreciate your time and appreciate what I've learned. Uh Wesley got me into this and then he's bailing on me. So [laughter] uh

we've been friends a long time and I I appreciate appreciate him and I just I just don't think people I mean Christy and uh Charie and him and Char's been here but I think sitting up here I think you're your eyes are going to go because it's what you think you can do you can't. What you what you think you should takes forever. So, let's put it that way. But I appreciate everybody, you know, Bo and Brett and everything, but for you guys to to get out. I mean, it's I mean, you've done, you know, job well done, done a great job, and I would just leave on that because that's it's been great. So, thanks. Um, I would like to thank the staff and the mayor and everyone for making this transition as nice as it's been. Um, mayor and I had a good talk today and and he's supportive of of the changes and and I think the world of him. Good friend of mine. Um, [cough] and look forward to the future. It's been nice working with Wes and and um and with with Brandon. So, I agree with all those and look forward to the future. And I would really encourage you to please come on uh the January 6th. We got a little recognition for you that we'd like you to be here for. So, okay.

If it's a Rolex, I'm coming. If not, I'm not find that in the budget. It wasn't in there. [laughter] Sorry. But thank you. Thank you so much. Just a minute. Sorry. Ah, that went through dispatch.

I I got to ditto everything that's been said. You know, I mean, I've I can go back to Bo's dad at Newor in 1981 and, you know, me and Blair and baseball and racing motorcycles with Brett or Lyall and, you know, Brett I knew from out to the hospital forever. So there there's a friendship and a bond and a you know uh it's an honor to serve. It's been an honor. It's been a it's been a tough honor, but it's an honor to serve and and I wish the new ones good luck just like when when I come in and and replaced, you know, uh it's an eye openener, but but we do have the best staff around, you know. I mean, our office girls and and guys and cops and fire and public works and I got, you know, I got a soft spot for public works and fire, but everybody else, it's it's amazing when you when you get to know from the inside out, too, of of what it takes to run a city. So, Lyall, it's like everybody said, there's you you've been committed to this town since you was this tall, but you know, for 20 years, whatever it is now. And and just like Blair said, I I hope people appreciate, you know, so that's all I got. Thanks for everybody for their support and comments and butt chewings and all that. I learned a lot about a few of those. Yeah.

Yeah. Um well, I I just want to um I just want to tell each and every one of you and and um and you know, there's been a lot of a lot of different people that I've worked with over the years. Um a lot of different council members. Um, I think four or five uh city managers. Um, three mayors. So, I I think um well, two mayors, I guess. I should have said two mayors. Um, I want all of you to know how much I uh have appreciated your uh the association I've had with each and every one of you. Uh, and with all of those who have uh I've had the pleasure of working with over the years. Um, it's been a it's been a learning experience. It's been a growing. you know, you don't do these kind of things unless you really have a desire to to u somehow serve your community. Uh because you're not doing it for the money, that's for sure. Uh it's just a a small stipen that uh that we all get. Um so you're not doing it because you're you're you're doing it for the money. You're doing it because you have a love for your community and and um and I think that's what each and every one of you have. and and uh I'm I feel like the the council members that are coming on board, you may uh like like I said earlier, uh we want you to know that we support you and and we're your cheerleaders and we want you to succeed. Um I I read one one time where you know

the this this job is a neverending uh baton race that uh we run you know we're running the baton race right now each and every one of us and then and then when the time comes um we pass the baton on to the next person. So that's kind of what's going on here. uh we we pass a baton on and the uh next leg of the race is yours and uh we wish you the best. Um I read I have kind of a a special um certain people famous people I I would like to meet. Um I clearly can't meet meet uh President George HW Bush. uh he's passed on but I would have liked to have um when he when he did his inauguration he said the if you're not in this business you shouldn't be in this business of uh serving your community for personal gain. The only reason you should be in this business is to serve the people. I believe that I believe that's what each and every one of you have done. Thank you. Alrighty. That was Get that out of my system. All right. Thank you everybody. Thanks for coming tonight. And um I think we just have one more motion.

Oh, I want to make it. Okay. [laughter] Can I put it? Do I have to be politically correct in my last You can say it any way you want. Anyway, I make motion we'll get the hell out of here. All right. Right on. And that was perfectly correct for me. [laughter] Motion. All All in favor? I That's a wrap.