Mayor and Council - Regular Meeting

Good afternoon. Thank you all for joining us today for our city council meeting. And this is the last and final city council meeting of the year. So, thank you all for being here. for our council meeting. We will have the opening prayer led by pastor Melvin Wamck of the Endtime Harvest Church. Thank you for being here, pastor. And also the pledge of allegiance will be done by firefighter Brighton Ruml with the W Robbins Fire Department. If everyone would please stand so that Pastor Wat can start us off in prayer. Just before I pray, I want to congratulate the mayor on her victory uh and the other council members on their reelections. Um I'm so thrilled. Uh the Bible calls you ministers of his. So I just thank God for what he's doing in the city and the projections that we're headed in. In the book of uh Timothy, Paul says that I exalt therefore that first of all supplication, prayers, intercession, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. Let us pray. Father, we just bless you. We honor you, God. We thank you for this day. It is a day that you've made and we are rejoicing and we are glad in it. Father, I thank you, God. I thank you, God, for these ministers of government. I thank you for this hall. I pray right now, God, that you would come in and bless this meeting. God, I thank you, Lord. I thank you for the vision that you've

given this mayor and this council. And father you said where there is no vision the people would perish. So we thank you heavenly father for the vision that you placed in their hearts. I pray God that the city will get behind them and everything is fulfilled. And father we thank you Lord. We thank you God as you bless this meeting God. We look forward to a great year. Father we thank you God that we we we pray God that crime is decreasing, violence is decreasing. give us an abundant year. And father, we call you our father, Aba. And we know your concern about us and the prophetic destiny for this city. So God, we just give you praise this evening. We thank you, Father. And God, we say do it and move by your spirit. And we ask it in the mighty name of Jesus. And everybody said it. Amen.

Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. You may be seated. Council, it's time for us to take our photos.

Pastor Ramck, if you take a photo with us and also firefighter Araml, if you will uh take a photo second.

They can't get used to it yet. I had to kill two. I'm sorry. My bad. I'm moving. I officially call today's meeting to order. I'll first request an adoption of the agenda.

Mayor, I adopt I make a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. I'll second that. Mayor motion by Councilman Mack, seconded by Councilman Bib. All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand.

Motion carries. Now it's time for announcements. Just want to say merry Christmas, happy holidays to everyone. Uh Christmas is next week. So I hope that you all take some time to be with your family and loved ones and enjoy the holiday season. Now we have proclamations, awards and presentations. The first presentation is for muscular discrepy association. So please come forward uh to the podium and make this presentation. And this will be done by de uh deputy chief of the Warner Robbins Fire Department, Chief Mock.

Thank you, Mayor and Council. Again, that's what we're here for tonight on behalf of Chief Wright Wars Fire Department. Of course, Chief Dixon and myself are here to present the donation uh for 2025 for muscular drophe. Uh and we do have our representative for muscular district here tonight, Miss Bridget Monroe, and she will speak in a little bit. Uh just want to speak real briefly on what MDA is and uh kind of the pathway that began with this. Uh for over 75 years MDA has kind of led the way to accelerate research uh care and adv advancement and advocating for for the support of uh families. 71 of those 75 years firefighters have been involved in this type of uh program which we're happy to be a part of. Uh the Warner Robbins Fire Department started this partnership with the support of mayor and counsel in 1989. Uh so over the past 35 years we have raised over $3.5 million for this mission which we're happy to be proud of. Um a big thank you of course goes to all the the business leaders and community that help support uh all of our boot drives that we do that you see at our Walmarts and our Kroger that we do every year along with our golf tournament uh purchasing of uh uh T- markers and donations uh for door prizes and and things of that uh nature. and that we continue to fight the fight for this uh dis various diseases of muscular drophe. Uh we cannot do it for the unwraing support of our community. Uh and we're thankful for that. Uh I do want to play a short two-minute video to give a personal story uh concerning muscular destrophe. Hi, I'm Stephanie Royham. We are here at

the Colorado Springs Fire Department and this is my husband Glenn. Our story with NBA started in January of 2013 when our second daughter Angel was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type one. It has long been a leading cause of death in children under the age of 2 years old. And at the time that was diagnosed, there were no treatments or anything that could help her. And we were told to take her home and love her because she most likely not live to be 2 years old. When I was pregnant with my first baby, we did creative testing to find out that he also had spinal muscular atrophy. And with the same genetic results that had, we expected him to present with the disease in a similar way. When Michael was born in 2018, there was one treatment that was FDA approved and he was able to start that treatment at 11 days old. And then at 5 months old, was able to participate in a compassionate use program for a brand new gene therapy drug. Some of the challenges that a had but we had not seen the breaker um she was never able to hold her head up. She was never able to stand or walk. She lacked the ability to eat when she was to eat by mouth when she was 6 months old. And Riker has Riker does have a feeding tube and he used to have a walker that he used and he does still have a wheelchair for when he gets really fatigued over long distances. But honestly, he just goes and goes. He likes a little energizer. Right now, his favorite thing is Sonic and he just likes to go fast like Sonic does.

70 years, thousands of dedicated firefighters from across the country have participated in Philoop programs. standing at street intersections and storefronts with their boots and hand donations. I just really really really encourage everybody to recognize when you have that self service you have those firefighters standing on the street to donate to that cause it has made a world of difference and sometimes it's really hard to see where your money is going. Um, but it's really easy when you see record to actually see where that money is going towards. The veterans of the group has helped fund these treatments that were just a wish and a hope 10 years ago.

Thank you, brothers and sisters, for continuing this long-standing tradition and supporting NBA. Now, let's get out there for the Thank you. Again, you can see this is just one personal story throughout the nation that firefighters help help uh raise funds for. Obviously, there's many of examples through in our county and our city alone. Uh Miss Lily, uh who came with us for our golf tournament was one of our representatives there, and we were thankful to have her there. Uh and of course, uh the camps that we go to every year, some of our volunteers go for, the kids are ecstatic for that, uh that camp that goes them that they can be themselves with other people of like diseases. Uh, and they just they light up. Uh, if you just saw their faces in that, you would probably donate your entire bank account. Uh, because it's just it means the world to them just that that uh that short amount of time they spend with those people that are like them. So, next I want to bring up Miss Bridget Monroe who's with MDA to talk a little bit more about that and the uh the monies for the donations.

Thank you.

Good evening. I'll keep it short and sweet because my I've trained my colleague here so well on what is MDA, what is the musculardrophe association and what this partnership has meant to local families um that we serve. So he touched on a lot of the points in the video that we shared. I think it's always important to reconnect back connect to the the mission, the why um because the word muscular drophe doesn't have a meaning to you unless you know someone who has been impacted by one of these 300 diseases or you know someone who has lugar's disease which is one of these. um you don't get it, you know, unless you've been to camp or you've you've met a family, you just don't you don't get the the testimony or the journey that that family um has been on or is going through. What I'm so impressed by is like that family shared they lost one child and there was not a drug that was approved to treat um spinal muscular atrophy and before her pregnancy with her third child that the there was a drug the FDA approved and had that drug not been approved had that funding not happened for that drug to be approved had those clinical trials not happened they probably would no longer have their son. So the impact that um the fill the boot and the golf tournament and the many different ways that this department, this community supports MDA, I you know from their family and all of our families, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for what you guys do for the difference that it's making for today and for the future for all of the uh individuals affected by these diseases. Um the only thing he didn't touch on that I am going to share just because it's something I think I shared last year at the council meeting was um in 2024 we launched a scholarship program. So what we learned was that um young people are going to summer camp. They're having the best time of their life. We have a camp here in Georgia that's in Rutled Georgia um off I20. Um it's the it's the best week of the year. It's it's it is the best week of the year hands down. Um and kiddos from 8 to 17 get to go and experience that. But guess what happens after 17? They graduate from summer camp, right? We

launched MDA family weekends in the last couple years. So that's an opportunity for families to go together as a as a family to a handicap facility, a place that is completely accessible to everyone in the family, their their loved one who has musculardrophe in addition to the other the parents and the other siblings. And that's not restricted to just children. And so it could be um if you if you had ALS and you were a 60-year-old man and you wanted to go have a weekend getaway with your family where you could enjoy making memories with them and having activities that were you were accessible for you to participate in. That's what MDA family weekends are really all about. Um but the other thing we launched was our scholarship program. What we've learned is that these young kids, they're growing up. They're going to high school. They're finishing high school. They're going to college. They want they want to succeed in life. They want to have jobs. They want to be gainfully employed. They want to live independently and I have one that started college in August. College is not free. It is not free and that housing and all the other things Mandy and I were talking about earlier. Um so we launched a scholarship program and we had uh the first year we did 10 merit-based scholars um across the country and this year we were able to do 16 um 10 of those 10 new ones and six that renewed their application for 2025 26 school year and one of them is at the University of Georgia. So, I just wanted to share that like we're continuing to add programs, to change programs, um to reinvent MDA as things change, right? That that's the the only constant in life is change. And we're continuing to grow and continue to serve the families that are counting on us to provide these services to them. But we can't do that without the support of your wonderful Warner Robbins Fire Department, with the blessing of mayor and counsel, and without the support of the community. So, I just want to say thank you so much for all that you guys do. Every year I have the opportunity to come to this and there's two things that we do a presentation on. Not only you know sharing a a video or introducing you to one of MDA's families, but we also want

to recognize the efforts to this community. So every year it's always a year over because the way we we let departments turn in their donations all the way up to the first of the year. So we're not we don't tally up all of last year's until the beginning of the following year. So for 2024 once again for many many years now um the Warner Robbins Fire Department will be receiving this golden axe um which is the representating [snorts] representing the largest um uh fundraising effort for any department across the state of Georgia. So in 2024, the department and this community raised $53,665 for MDA. [applause]

Do this first. We can. Yeah. So we're going to do a photo and then they want to present their collective efforts for 2025. Remember that number I said. Do you remember how much it was?

All right. Remember that when we do this next one? Pause. Hold that. That's Here, here. Here. Here.

You can do it. You can actually do it from right here. Or he can do it from right there. That way. And we don't have to really mic. Sorry. Thank you so much. All right. Like Miss Bridget said, for 2025, uh through all of our efforts of donation, we have this year going to donate $79,000 to my traditional [applause] sir.

[applause]

Thank you, Mr. Nice job. What is next? All right. So, next we're going to have the employee service awards. Miss Melanie Byer, please come forward. There you go. All right, ladies and gentlemen. Oh, okay. I'm Melanie Byer. I'm the director of human resources for the city, and we have one employee that we're going to do a service award this evening for. Mr. um excuse me, driver fired driver engineer Brighton Romel with the War Robbins Fire Department with five years of service. [applause] Here is your service and this is your indicate service.

[applause]

Look at the proclamation. All right. Now that we have completed the proclamations, awards and presentations, we will move on to the work session items. If you all recall uh probably around mid year decision was made instead of having a pre-consil meeting in the Carolyn Robbins room that we would do a work session here in chambers to discuss any topics that we need to discuss as a group and also to go over agenda items um with more details. So our work session is now opening and we will first discuss the agenda. Mr. Dr. James Drinker, our city administrator, will take the mic to answer any questions and explain things as needed. And at times, um, city staff may be called to the podium to add further clarity. All right, Councilman. Uh, I know we've had a chance to look over the agenda is short. That's a great thing. Um, so if you have any questions or need more explanation, now is a time to do so. Um, mayor. Um, Mr. Drinker. Yes, sir.

Can we discuss number five a little bit? I have just one specific question. Yes, sir. I wanted to ask about number five. [clears throat] I kind of agree with everything that was going. I just want to know, are we going to allow a left in from South Lake Road into that property right after that um um medium that's there?

Certainly. So, if I could, I'm going to ask Darren Curtis, our planning and zoning manager, to come forward and present on this item. And Miss Jessica Bird, our transportation planner, is also here to respond to any traffic and transportation related questions on this item. So, Darren, Jessica, you want this up there? I don't think I should need it. [cough] [clears throat] Uh the question was regarding um a would you say a left in? Yeah. So a left turn off of South House and Lake Road traveling uh northbound.

So the the request on the floor is is for annexation and resoning. And at this time we've not been provided anything other than a conceptual layout. We've uh we've met with the uh developer [clears throat] uh virtually prior to the planning commission hearing and then also we did meet again in person um just before this meeting and um we've we've [snorts] gotten a commitment from the developer developer to work with us uh regarding the site layout in their formal submission um should they be approved for the annexation and resoning. Um I would say that um among the concerns that we've shared with them regarding their uh their layout um the the left in um was not the the the biggest item of of our concern. they've um they've been told that we uh if if they are granted a full access drive um at the uh and I'm going to assume that the specific location you're talking about is is sort of the center driveway. Um there there's three proposed on the conceptual layout. Um so the middle one of those um it does propose a left turn. Um we've we've told them that uh our concern would be for left left turns out uh onto House and Lake Road from the development. Um and so we've proposed an R cut and um they you know obviously are are willing to continue working with us on that as the developer on behalf of their corporate client. there's some conversations that need to be had, but we've uh we've gotten a commitment, you know, from them to work with us. And certainly if you have a specific uh concern related to uh any of the layout

elements, then you know, we can we can discuss that further. Explain. That's not a term. Okay. So, right. Yeah. So, um our cut just being um it would restrict a left turn out um onto House and Lake Road. So, uh, if you're exiting the development and heading northbound, it would not allow you to turn that direction. So, you'd be forced to make a right turn, uh, down towards Russell uh, when you exit that development um, at that lo at that driveway location. Mr. um, Curtis, isn't there um, a graveyard or cemetery right there at that location as well?

So, yes. Um, and my understanding is that um, it's so it's a private family cemetery and the uh, the family and surviving members of the family and the trust have located a a permanent location for those graves to be uh, relocated. And uh, that process is uh, from my understanding uh, currently underway or has been completed already. M Mr. Curtis, I do have a question as well. Um when we're talking about access um to the parcel on uh House and Lake Road and also Russell Parkway, uh will our team be able to put certain uh requirements in to make sure that traffic is flowing um to the best of its ability like putting in like real medians if if we need to keep people from traveling on Hston Lake, crossing Russell, going towards Watson where the parcel will be on their left that would prevent them from either uh turning there or doing something to make the ease of traffic flow if they're turning left to get onto the parcel um on Hston Lake. Basically, will there be a full study to see what is best for those access points so that it does not um cause a negative impact on traffic flow on Hston Lake as well as Russell. Um, so the developer actually completed a full traffic impact analysis already at the request of city staff. Um, we've we've been reviewing that uh study since we've received it. Um certainly at the stage that we receive a formal plan um we will uh we will

forward that uh as well as the um the full set of of plans to our uh contract engineer for a for an in-depth review. Um from staff's perspective at at this stage um you know it's it's most important to us that the developer has stated that they're willing to work with us and I think that um should we determine that uh any specific restriction related to access uh should be implemented that we'd be able to facilitate that. Um I I will say that typically especially with um you know a larger um retailer such as this uh typically the corporate client um is is really adamant about certain design aspects. Um sometimes that would include access and so uh and and we're aware of that and and we're um you know going to be keeping accessibility uh and and the flow of traffic at the forefront of all the decisions that we um that we make on the on the plan review side.

Also one more question when it comes to access will there be an access point on Russell to go into that parcel? So, um, as Russell is a divided, um, roadway, um, there will be a right in and right out, uh, for for Russell Parkway as well as a a dedicated deceleration lane. Thank you. So, Mr. Curtis, is that is that going to I guess that's going to make a huge impact on the Excel lane off of South House and Lake Road on the Russell Parkway where we continue traffic on there. that's going to affect that whole turning process. Correct.

As far as the design goes and and the the extent to which that acceleration lane might be um modified, if at all, um we we don't know until they've uh they've gone and and completed a full set of plans. But I will say that um based on staff's feedback regarding that specific topic um the first iteration of the plan that they showed to us um we we did have them shift the driveway uh further to the west and away from the acceleration lane in order to uh provide a an an a safer method uh for people who who might be making a right-hand uh turn into the development. Thank you for the explanation because I had the same concern because if people are traveling west on Russell to reach this location for a right in, they're going right into the acceleration lane to make the right in

and I'm potentially that could be some traffic issues. Um, and has that been thought about in any capacity?

We we do expect to see some uh level of traffic improvements. Um and whether it's a uh you know it's a restriping um to sort of channelize those those turns um you know so people understand uh what's going on. Um I mean that that's certainly an area of concern. we we've discussed it. Um and so, you know, we will continue to u again just, you know, make sure that any any approval that's issued to the accessibility of the development is uh is done with, you know, the highest level of of um review. Thank you very much. because I want to remind us that all the way up South House and Lake Road, we've done traffic studies to actually force people to take right turns and one to maximize people making U-turns, which people aren't used to, but it's a way of life on that road and it needs to become a way of life on that road so we don't end up in a mess. So, thank you for your due diligence. I appreciate it.

Sure. I love the project, by the way. I'm not talking bad about the project like it. It's uh um good to see that come in that area. So, and I I'll just uh mention one other thing is uh we so we do have representatives who who flew in um on behalf of the uh developer and so if if there's any more specific questions or if you'd like to hear from them. Uh we do have representatives available. Yes, please invite them forward. Yeah, if they came in, let's hear. Thank you. Don't mind me. Real quick, if you would like to distribute these, these are

sight plans that would clear clear up any confusion. Okay.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. My name is Scott Cole. I am uh with GBT Realy in Nashville, Tennessee. Uh address is 910 Overlook Boulevard, Brentwood, Tennessee. Um, I'm associated with with Sprouts Grocery Organic Grocery Store. Um, and our project is currently proposed at 901 South Hustston Lake Road. Um, we're extremely excited about the project. We have put in a lot of uh leg work on the upfront of studying this, making sure it's the right fit, ensuring that we're adhering to the traffic policies uh and making sure that this is a shopping center that works for the public um is safe for the public and can be enjoyed by all. Um as as Darren Curtis had mentioned, we have completed our traffic impact analysis um ahead of time to further vet all access concerns. Um, Sprouts is concerned about access here. Um, it is it is critical for them to have that full access on South Hston. Um should should that access change to a 3/4s or an R cut otherwise known as an R cut um driveway, we would request that we have some time uh to work with the city so that we can further communicate with Sprouts um the reason why this is being required. Um again, we want Sprouts to have a functioning shopping center that that works for everyone and is first and foremost safe for everyone. Um, so as we as we move forward with the tonight's meeting, I request that you guys uh make the motion to approve the annexation and the reszone um for this parcel um knowing that we intend to fully work with uh city staff uh once we get into plan production um and with the traffic staff to ensure that this this is a safe development uh regarding access.

Thank you. Any further questions or comments, council? Yeah, I'd just like to say that we appreciate you coming to the community, but you got to understand that you don't you don't live here. We live in an Air Force city and our traffic during certain times is a nightmare. And putting something like this in that would create even more traffic. We have to do our due diligence for that road. That road is a very, very highly traveled road. and we understand that you need access into your business which pretty sure that we can come to an agreement on that but uh we got to do what's right for the city of Warner Robbins and what's safest for our people.

Absolutely. And we completely agree. Um what we really are requesting is is just the time frame to work with city staff uh to have our communications with Sprouts and explain the reason why. Um, and that's that's what we're asking for is is just some time to work things out with the city.

Mrs. Scott, first of all, I'd like to say I'm excited about this type of grocery store because I think this is a void in our community to have this type of uh parcel for natural foods and a better quality of food that a lot of people that lived abroad and other places said that's what we're lacking in our city. As Councilman Bib said, that traffic study is very important to us, but I'm glad that it's coming though. Thank you. We we we are equally as excited to be here. Um Sprouts has requested that GBT and I uh produce this store and deliver the store the fastest it's ever done. Um we we are working as fast as possible to work with city staff uh work with our engineers, architects to deliver you guys' store um as as soon as fast as soon as humanly possible. Uh and so we are equally as excited to be here uh to serve the city of Warner Robbins and um really looking forward to it.

Yep. They that Sprouts understands that and that's that's why they want to be here so bad on on this location. They're very excited about it. All right. And now I have a question for um our engineering or traffic uh Miss Bird. [snorts]

Um thank you. Thank you, sir. Don't don't leave yet. I have a quick question. All right. All right. I was looking at the maps um for uh the area and the surrounding um neighborhoods and roads that uh will be near the the second um access point on South Hston to go into the I guess northern part of the parcel there. Okay, I got it right. Good. Um, and it I just want to know if if necessary, do you foresee an issue with a traffic light being a fixed there if it is necessary for traffic flow?

So, [snorts] right off the top of my head, I I would have to look at the distance. So um usually we use Georgia Department of Transportation standards as far as like spacing for traffic signals. So it would be based on the distance from the Russell Parkway Southston Lake intersection and then any other intersections that are to the north of where that access point is being identified. Lem is the next one and what is that 300 is it 300 ft or

I believe that for an urban area the distance is about a,000 ft. they go for a thousand feet or so um for proper spacing, but I mean even G dot makes exceptions um in certain cases. All right. Does anyone know how many feet uh this parcel measures along Hston Lake up to Russell Parkway? Mayor, which entrance are you talking about? Are you talking about the first the first entrance or the second one closest to the store when you're looking at the

look at um like Asl Drive? Look at that area. Oh, I'm sorry. You got to look at these maps. So the the the the if you're coming from Russell, it' be the second entrance to the left. Yeah. It's about 960. 9. So Darren believes it's about 960 feet. Oh, you about 960 is what Darren was saying.

Okay, good. So we're we're looking pretty strong. Okay, good. Uh we might need to talk to G dot about two lights added to to um Hston Lake. one over by that that section and then one a little bit down the road past Quarter Road. Thanks. Had to put my little uh tidbit in. Thank you. You're welcome.

All right. Any further questions for our guests or for our team before they take a seat? Thank you all so much. Thank you, sir. And we appreciate you considering Wana Robbins for your investment. We look forward to welcoming uh the company here. Mr. Draa, can you explain our um the moratorium on item number six, please?

Yes, sir. Uh so as you are aware, council, um staff has been working on uh a series of amendments and code changes to address um better ways to regulate um package uh liquor stores, uh CBD shops, vape shops, tobacco shops, etc. Um, we have a draft uh set of amendments uh that um we will be discussing with with Mayor Patrick uh and in I can't remember it's like a week uh or so um as as a matter of practice when we're looking at at ordinance changes we like to sit down with her ahead of time uh you know talk through have we addressed the things that she's aware of that council has brought to to uh to her attention and and and whatnot. So, the intent of this is essentially to buy us a little time uh to to maintain the status quo uh uh for a maximum period of 6 months uh while we finalize ordinance changes and amendments uh to address these. And these would be things like uh potential changes in distance requirements, uh minimum lot sizes, minimum road frontages, um things of that nature, and and also looking at what types of roads uh these uh these types of establishments can be on. Uh internally we've also talked a little bit about um as we look at not just distance requirements but the potential um uh and this is this is one of the reasons we want the moratorum is is to to provide time for us to look at this particular piece uh the ability to look at uh overall saturation so that we don't have concentrations in given areas. We need to make sure that one

gets a little tricky. We need to make sure we're not violating state laws. Uh our city attorney gets very upset if I try to violate state state law. Uh which is probably a good thing. Uh so this moratorum would be for a period of up to 6 months. uh if we get all of the uh amendments and codes completed in time and brought to you uh and and they satisfy uh the concerns that have been brought forward uh then we would end that moratorum sooner by adopting uh those amendments. Uh so in general that's what we're talking about. So you're telling me you can get it done in six months?

I believe we can get it done in less than that. We're actually quite close. It's it's really that one item uh that we have some concerns about um that we need to do a little more research on and and we do want to have uh some time to consult with with Mayor Patrick uh and make sure that we've addressed the concerns that she's she's aware of.

Well, I just want to thank you for you guys really taking a hard look at this and uh appreciate you hearing uh me and Mr. Max cries on what's going on in our city. I I think it's um I think it was a due diligence of the city of Warner Robbins to slow down in this area. I think everybody uh the constituents that I've talked to all have expressed the same concern in our city. So, um I really appreciate you doing some hard work on this and all the city staff and attorney that's uh looking at this for us. I appreciate it.

Yes, sir. Also in the in the while you're doing this, I would also like to look at the amount of taxes it costs to start up a business like this for our retail liquor stores. See if we're where we are as far as in comparison to other cities and what they charge for taxes to start up for liquor.

Yes, sir. We're prepared. Uh we'll be bringing forward I believe uh I don't know that it'll be the first meeting in January. I think it'll be the second meeting in January uh that we'll be bringing forward a conversation about our our fees and rate structures. Um for the past few months, uh staff has been looking at our fees, our rate structures, our license fees, etc. in comparison, uh to the market. Um as as staff knows, I I am very happy to say that in most instances, we are the lowest in the market. And that's something I'm proud of and I'm not I I'm not going to be an advocate for coming out and being uh you know just going willy-nilly with raising. However, in some instances uh with respect to some rates and fees, we're as much as a third of the cost of the closest jurisdiction. Um and we're not covering uh some of the costs affiliated with uh with the regulation of those uh of those areas. So, we want to be competitive. We want to be fair to our businesses, but there is uh some room for adjustments that need to be made for us to be consistent with the marketplace.

Mr. Holmes, to drink it, uh even though we had our third meeting today on the millage rate, sir, we have a number of people here that was not here. Would you go through that, please?

Yes, sir. Uh the mill rate. Uh I'll be happy to. Yes, sir. Um, so, uh, for those who weren't here earlier or have not heard any of the earlier presentations, um, so last year, you may recall that, uh, city council, uh, and the mayor rolled back our millage rate to a historic low, uh, I believe it's a, I want to say a 12-year low of 8.953 mills. This year, we are proposing to hold that millage rate uh, level at 8.953 mills. Uh for those not familiar, um a mill is equal to $1 per every $1,000 of assessed value of your property. Um so uh for uh for each $1,000, you're looking at $8.95 effectively. Um, which means if you have, let's say, a a home that's valued at $250,000 uh dollars by the county, uh the assessed value of that property is actually a h 100,000 because it's 40% uh of the fair market value. Uh which means that your city property tax uh would be $895.30 under this. Um want to point out a couple of things. uh you know that same property, your county property tax would be $845. Your school property tax would be $1,171. The school system gets about 40% of your property tax in Hston County. That's uh another important note that I'd like to make is if you are one of our Peach County residents, our millage rate will still be 8.953. However, for Peach County, the city actually receives a share of local option sales tax. Local option sales tax is intended to effectively buy down

property tax rates. Um, and so for our Peach County residents, the effective millage rate uh is 8.175 mills. Uh, so you you end up with a little bit of a benefit. We only have a little over 2,000 residents in Peach County and and and sales tax distribution is based on population. Why is that important? Because in Hston County, the school system gets 100% of local option sales tax. So, you don't gain the benefit from from that uh on your city property tax bill. Um we're anticipating about $4.4 4 million uh in revenue above what we had originally anticipated in the budget. Uh this year as we were doing our budget, uh we were being very conservative. Uh we weren't certain as to how the county may reassess uh properties. Uh and we also wanted to take into account the statewide floating homestead exemption that was overwhelmingly supported uh by uh voters. Um both the all of the cities in house and uh county supported that as did the cities in Peach County and both counties the school systems did not. Um so we wanted to make sure we we accounted for that. We will end up with about 4.4 million um additional in revenue. That is primarily uh from growth uh within the community. However, uh Hston County uh did uh do revaluations especially of commercial properties this year. Uh so you will see some change related to that. Um we one of the questions we get uh we've been getting this year this year property tax bills coming from the city are a little later than usual. Uh so I want to take a moment to address that.

Um, property tax bills will be mailed January 9th uh this year and the due date uh will be uh March 13th. So you'll have the same amount of time from from the date the bills come out to when the due date is as you have traditionally. Why is it later than usual this year? There's two primary reasons. one, we wanted to make certain that uh the uh tax digest was reflecting the impacts of that that floating homestead exemption. This is the first year of it. We wanted to make sure that the data was accurate. The second deals with um basically our software, which is an older software package that we're replacing, we're in the midst of replacing it. um did not speak very well to the software that the county moved to this year. So, we had some data conflicts uh that we had to square away. Uh obviously, we don't want to send out tax bills that uh have errors in them. We want to make sure they're accurate. We want to make sure that no one pays more in taxes in the city of Warner Robinson they are supposed to pay. Uh so this year uh took a little more time. Next year you will not see that. So, we will be back on the normal schedule uh uh for the next tax cycle. Uh Mr. Holmes, did I address the questions that you wanted me to address?

Yes, sir. In fact, I'm real pleased with the way you explain it and I hope the public got that. I asked that question for that reason. I asked that he present this. Thank you so much. Thank you, sir. Um let's see. As I look over the agenda, we have some purchasing items on there that I I can get to in just a second. But one of the last items is authorization to file condemnation orders. Um, and that deals with uh a a sewer line project that we've got going on the south end of the city. We've had that for quite a while. Um, and there's a number of properties that we've been acquiring. Uh, we have a small number uh that uh the property owners have been non-responsive. We've been trying to work with them for months and and they're just not getting back to us at all to keep the project moving. We do need to go ahead and file the condemnation order. That does not mean that we do not continue to try to make contact and work with those property owners. Uh but to stay on schedule, we do need to go ahead and file. The total value of those condemnation orders, the fair market value uh based on assessments is $6,850. So, we're talking about a very small number of properties. Miss Mai, would you like to comment further?

I just wanted to point out that it's four properties and these are temporary construction easement. So, it is not a permanent acquisition of property. And in each and every one of these cases, the city through its contracted representatives has offered above the appraised value of that small portion of um access for a temporary construction easement. Thank you. Those are very good points. Uh I appreciate you bring adding those. Council members, um, with with that, I think we've covered probably the big points. Are there items within the consent agenda that you would like me to address? Okay. Thank you.

All right. If there are no other questions, we're going to move on to uh with the rest of our agenda. Everyone looks satisfied. Perfect. All right. So, thank you so much, Mr. Drinker, for um the work session items. Also, thank you to our team who you each heard heard from at the podium and also to our our guests who were representing um the annexation quest request on today's agenda. We will now open the floor for our public comments pertaining to the current agenda items only. If there's anyone that has a comment, a question or concern to share regarding agenda items 3 through 8, you will have an opportunity to make your thoughts heard at the podium. Please be sure to state your name and address for the record. You will have three clocks at the top. You will have three minutes. Uh and their clock is at the top of the retunda. Um and you will be able to see that countdown. If you have any other comment to make outside of the agenda items 3 through 8, you will have another opportunity once item 8 is concluded. The floor is now open if you have any comment about one of the listed agenda items. Going once, going twice. The door is now closed. Thank you. Now moving on to the consent agenda to be discussed by Councilman Curtis.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. I take it that council has had the opportunity to uh review the consent agenda. So, with that being said, I make a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented to council. I second that motion. Thank you. Motion made by Councilman Curtis, seconded by Councilman Holmes. Any discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Item number four is an ordinance for the 2025 millig rate. This is the second reading to be discussed by Councilman Holmes.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. [clears throat] You have heard the public has heard the explanations. We've had three meetings on that. So, we've done our due dil diligence to be sure that we covered and did what we were supposed to have done. Having said that, I move to approve the ordinance of the governing body of the city of Warner Robbins that the mill rate for 2025 is set at 8.953 mills with a due date of March 13, 2026. Again, I move for adoption. I'll second.

Motion by Councilman Holmes, seconded by Councilman Lashley. Any discussion? All right. So, we've had three public hearings on the subject and I think we've commented out. Uh, so with that, I'm going to call for the vote. All those in favor of the 2025 mill rate, please state I and raise your hand. Motion carries unanimously. Congratulations on on maintaining the same millage rate as last year and not increasing our tax rate in the city of Warner Robbins. Item number five is an ordinance for annexation to be discussed by Councilman Bib.

Thank you, Mayor. I make a motion to approve the ordinance for the annexation request by Anne C. Rouse Trust of Properties together totaling 12.73 acres located at and adjacent to 901 South House and Lake Road, also known as tax partial 0000750 08700 0 and 00750 01700 0 and also tax parcel 0 0 0750 0 08 0 0 and I would like to wave the second read. Mayor,

I'll second that. Mayor motion by Councilman Bib, waving the second reading, seconded by Councilman Mack. Any discussion?

I would like to make a comment here. um listening to all the discussions that took place during this project which I think mostly all councils in in in support of this coming to our community were really excited about it. Um but uh the discussions that we're having I think it may be proper to include in a stipulation on the infrastructure improvements needed for the access point uh for the traffic control. Um, I was speaking to city attorney and this is something that will not harm the project, but it does allow us to put on the record uh the due diligence we're going to request to make sure that the traffic flow is uh proper and matches the amount of traffic coming in that area. Um, so attorney M is is making some notes and I'm going to ask attorney M if you could say it just like you told me for the record and um we will see if it is proper to uh to amend the motion. So, if it's relevant to the land use itself and if you're concerned about traffic safety, you may want to amend your motion to require any infrastructure improvements to the intersection to include a potential traffic light if determined necessary for traffic safety.

Thank you, mayor. I'd like to amend uh the uh motion for uh number five to require for intersection infrastructure imple implementation which may include a traffic light and I'd like to wave the second reading. I'll second that again, mayor. All right. Motion by count the amended motion is made by Councilman Bib waving the second reading. It is seconded by Councilman Mack. Any discussions?

Yes, Mayor. I'd like to add that once again, I think the community is going to be super excited about this business coming here and I think they're going to be coming from places far and wide outside of our city limits. So, traffic is going to be very important for us as the mayor mentioned. So, thank you for your time and your diligence in correcting any unforeseen issues that may occur as far as traffic is concerned. I do want to comment that we've already heard from the representative that um they are very uh adamant about having the the access points and and we support that as council. Um and I know you all have done this all over the nation and you're experts um at making sure that that traffic flow is proper. Um, but we also wanted to do our part uh to put this in there um and I'll just repeat what it means um for infrastructure improvement to include a traffic light if necessary for safe traffic flow. Um, but though it may not seem as much, uh, it does mean something to us when it comes to our constituents who may have concerns about traffic flow and it'll reduce their, u concerns that this coming into our community would be a bad thing because we believe it's a great thing. Um, but we know how our community is. So, we are adding in what is necessary to make your life easier and our life easier and our community the best that it can be. So, I just wanted to um explain why uh this uh revised motion was necessary um according to to our thoughts because we don't want any um negative concerns about something that we had an opportunity to address on the record and we neglected to do that. Any further discussions? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand. Motion carries

unanimously. And we also have um also for number 5A, a resoning petition to be discussed by Councilman Bit. Thank you, mayor. I make a motion to approve the resoning request for the AOCE mentioned properties requested by anc Rouse Trust from R1 single family reg uh residential district county to C2 general commercial district. I ask for the approval and I'll second that. Mayor motion by Councilman Bib, seconded by Councilman Mack. Any discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand.

Motion carries unanimously. Uh congratulations on your approved annexation and resoning. Um again, we look forward to having you all in our community. All right. And before we move on to the next uh agenda item, I'm going to uh take the pleasure of asking the representative from Sprout um at the request of our economic and community development department if you would mind taking a photo with the team and I um just as you know our our public statement in support of this project. He says yes. All right. So let's go down and take our photo. Um, our director, Miss Kate Hogan, uh, please come forward as well for the photo. And also, uh, Mr. Darren Curtis with planning and zoning. And anyone else that's going to help us get what we need?

Yes, that would be you. Uh, yes, that would be you, uh, Mr. Savage. or

you know I'm going to try to get Harper's ridge too. Yes, sir. Okay. Okay. Okay. Good. All right. So, now back to the numbered agenda items. We have just completed item number five. Now, we're moving on to item number six, which is a resolution for retail liquor package stores to be discussed. Oh, by Councilman Lashley.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. I make a motion to approve a resolution that a moratorum for the permitting of retail liquor package store licenses and business license related to the sale of vape products, low THC oil products, tobacco products, tobacco objects, and this a fun word. Cannibaol products shall be implemented as outlined herein. No applications for the retail liquor package store licenses or business licenses related to the sale of vape products, low THC oil products, tobacco products, tobacco objects, and cannabid dial products within the city of Warner Robbins shall be received or issued and such moratorum shall remain in effect until June 2nd, 2026 absent subsequent action by the governing authority notwithstanding the foregoing any pending retail sale liquor package store license application or business license application for the sale of vape products, low THC oil products, tobacco products, tobacco objects and cannabid dial products shall be exempt from the moratorum and I make a motion to approve this resolution.

We may.

All right. Right. So, we have a motion by Councilman Lashley and we have a co- second um by Councilman Bib and also Councilman Mack. Any discussion? Mayor, I think we are on the right track finally with this. Um I appreciate the research and the work that I know has come from your office, James. um and the uh the staunch stance that you guys have taken and and that we have approached on this seeing the development of this product uh these particularly in in my interest the vape stores in general which never seem to have anybody at them but we have about 800 of them out there is kind of amazing to me. So thank you again gentlemen. Thank you James. Thank you everybody that's worked on this. Mayor, I just like to say that I'm sure every one of us, to include the mayor, has heard the cry of the public about the many vape shops, the many um parcels of um selling um packages and other things like that. We heard your cry and we're trying to do something about it. Thank you.

Thank you. And I and I do want to add a little more to this discussion. Uh, according to the research provided by our city clerk sitting here to my right, your left, Miss Mandy Stella, um, we currently have 20 licensed liquor stores in the city of Warner Robbins. And we have 39 vape stores that are licensed in the city of Warner Robbins, not including the vape uh, sections that you may see at convenience stores or liquor stores. Um, so that kind of paints a picture for you right there. Any further discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand.

Motion carries unanimously. Moratorum is now in effect. Now we have a resolution for the road name change to be discussed by Councilman Mack. Thank you. Ma Thank you, Madame Mayor. I'd like to make a motion to approve resolution that the municipal roadway system for the city of Warner Robbins be amended to change the name of Lorraine Street to C Justette Way. I second that motion.

Motion by Councilman Mack, seconded by Councilman Holmes. Any discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand. Motion carries unanimously. And our last item, item number eight, is a motion for the authorization of fing condemnation orders to be discussed by Councilman Curtis.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. I make a motion to approve the authorization of filing of condemnation orders of temporary construction easement of seven parts recorded in the name of in the names of Leo Mitchell, Santiso High Grove Land LLC, Rutlitch Wilson III, Ernie and Terresa Fields.

I'll second. Motion by Councilman Curtis, seconded by Councilman Lashley. Any discussions. Whenever we see condemnation, I like to make sure I mention mention a little bit about it just so people don't freak out if you hear about private properties being condemned. Um, as stated, this is in furtherance of our work to expand our sewer system and the infrastructure under the ground. Some of it does run through private properties and uh we ask the properties to uh grant us access to the to the uh temporary easement. Is that right? Right. Temporary construction.

Temporary construction easement. Um some of them um have not uh followed every effort the city has made to get this work done um for which by law we are permitted to do which has led us to have to condemn the property to force the temporary construction easement on the property they will continue to own. We just have to access our infrastructure underneath. Um so that's what this is. So, if you hear that word, just know um is not a terrible thing. We're not stealing anybody's property. We are only trying to get access to the infrastructure which the city owns on that private property. And there's compensation for that use.

And there is compensation for the use of said construction easement. um which every owner has been notified of that financial compensation to match the request for which has been made for their property. Any further discretion?

Mayor also on top of that that we also put their property back to the best of our ability to um put the grass, the the soil and everything back to the way their property was before. I know it's never going to be the same because we're digging up their dirt, but we do our level best to make sure you got the right grass and everything that goes along with that. Thank you. Any further discussion? All those in favor, please state I and raise your hand.

Motion carries unanimously. And that is a wrap for our agenda for today. We will now open up the floor for any type of citizen comments. Um the floor is open. You'll have three minutes. Please state your name and address for the record. Please note that council and I hear you, though we may not respond to you. Uh the floor is now open if you have any comments. My name is Kenneth Whitaker. Address 431 Dury Place. Warner Robbins, Georgia. [clears throat and cough] This is for like a reminder for you, mayor, about the neighborhood watch. It's on January the 12th. And I know back in September, you were supposed to come, but you had prior engagement you had to make. So hopefully, prayfully, that you'll be able to make this one next month, January the 12th, at 6:30 at the police station. Thank you. Thank you. And if I come to this one, this makes how many I've been to.

This will be two. Two partially three because y'all did have a semi one in my conference room that time. Really? Mhm. That's what I called it. Okay. All right. Make sure I need all my I need all my credits. I need all my credits for the the the neighborhood watch meeting. Okay. But thank you, sir, for the reminder. All right. Appreciate you. Okay then. Y'all take care. Thank you. Any further comments? Going once. Going twice. The door is now closed. Now it's time for council comments.

Madam Mayor, if I could interrupt for just a second point of privilege because this is the final meeting of the calendar year. Uh on behalf of the staff here at the city, uh just want to thank you, thank the council for your leadership, uh for your vision, your guidance, and your support throughout the year. Uh service is a privilege. Uh and we are privileged to serve the citizens of Warner Robbins. Being challenged is also a privilege because being challenged means that you believe that we can rise to that challenge. So, we appreciate the challenges you've given us and we look forward to those that are coming uh and to the vision for the coming year. So, thank you very much. Just wanted to interject that.

Thank you, Mr. Drinker. And and we appreciate you and the leadership you have for our city. Uh we are so thrilled to have you as part of the team and uh we're going to grow and do great things with our innovative momentum with you right there by our side. Thank you um Mr. Drinker. Now, uh, with council comments, we are going to, um, the person that's on to go first this time is Councilman Lashley once again. So, Councilman Lashley, you're first up.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, really would like to say from all the feedback that I've got, um, the parade was awesome again this year. I really am sorry that my family and I were not able to be there, but we did have uh, Middle Georgia in mind the entire time. We were at a pretty large cheer competition this past weekend. Um, our gym that we attend, Punchfront cheer and gymnastics and also uh MGA, which is actually located over in Byron, but they got a lot of Hston County and one Robins area kids on their teams. Both represented well. Uh, I can't speak to everything they did over there because I did not really see a lot. I saw them compete, but I didn't see their awards. But we took five teams to Atlanta and all five teams came home with first place. Uh so it was a great weekend. Yes. Um if you ever have a chance again if you want to maybe lose your hearing a little bit uh cuz the music's loud and uh see some amazing athletes. It's not standing on the sidelines going rah rah rah. This is intense. It's two and uh 2 minutes and 37 seconds of insanity honestly. And these these athletes are pure athletes, too. So, if you ever get a chance to see it, but again, like I from everything I've heard and everything, the parade was a wonderful success. Hopefully, next year we'll be able to attend again. I know it is a highlight for us. Uh it reminds me of my youth. We went to every single Christmas parade that we ever had. And um I hate it when we miss it, but we were we were busy at a at a good cause, too. So, but uh it's been an honor this year to work with you guys and ladies and staff and every employee of this city. Thank you for everything you do from the bottom of my heart and merry Christmas to everyone. And I'm looking forward to a great new year. Thank you. Oh, one more thing. I'm really sorry and

I'll be remiss not to say it. I'm going to be the first since I'm the first. I'm going to be the first one to say it. Godspeed on your recovery, Councilman Keith. We need you back here, buddy. We miss you and we love you. Thank you. Don't you have a birthday, too? I did. Uh I didn't. My daughter did. She turned 15. Uh she's my hunter with me, so she got her a very nice new vortex scope. It's super super sweet. We getting It's been zeroed in ready and ready to go. We're ready to go fill that freezer up some more.

Thank you. All right. On to Councilman Holmes. Thank you very much, Madame Mayor. [clears throat and cough] It's already been said, but I'mma say it again. Merry Christmas to all and to all a happy new year. Having said that, I want to thank Mrs. Williams, the mayor's mother, for the sweets she provided all of us this evening. Thank you. I look forward to it. I do every time. And I want you to know how much I appreciate it. And I just put some more insulin in my pump and pump it up. You know, [laughter] the truth be the light. I'm gonna eat. [laughter] Thanks to Dr. Hall and your staff for getting working so hard to get the militaryrate to the point where it is and we are able to pass that tonight. And hopefully Thank you, Mr. Drinker, for your explanation. And I've called on you several times to do that for a reason. That is so that we fully educate the public on what we are doing. And then thank you to each and every department head in here and your staffs for the job you continue to do for us and has done for us for this entire year. And I look forward to seeing you again in January. Thanks again.

Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Curtis.

Thank you. Um, Madame Mayor, I just want to start off by saying Charlie Bib, you look really good over there, young man. [laughter] Um, prayers go out to um, Councilman Lawrence. And I just want to most definitely say that I am so proud to be associated with the one department. Um, every year they have done a great job. They they continue to work so hard to better the lives of so many kids in our community. I am just so grateful to be associated with them. So continue to do the great work. You will always have my support. I'm pretty sure you will always have council support. Thank you so much. Um Miss Cjo said way. Thank you. Thank you for believing me believing in me. Thank you for supporting this council and mayor by pouring into a community a portion of Warner Robbins that has been neglected and blighted for some time now. And um I challenge council to make sure that they go over there and look at that area. Uh I know that the property that was purchased by the uh foundation has been cleaned up and if you look I want to say maybe what three weeks later the surrounding property became very clean. So thank you for what you did. Thank you for what you do and we truly truly appreciate it. Also I want to say um thank you for allowing me to be in this position. Thank you to the staff of the city of Warner Robbins. Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and happy quasa.

Thank you, Councilman Councilman Mack.

I had to put some light on the situation. Um, first of all, um, there's so many things I would like I like to say that I'm thankful for. This past year, this past 12 months has been a wonderful year for the city of Warner Robbins in all areas. Every department, our staff has been diligently working to maintain and keep our projects on pace to be completed in the timely manner. And I just want to say thank you for serving everybody serving this community because doing what we do and doing what you do as um employees of the city is a calling on your life because it's 24 hours a day. I'm sure everyone here would agree with that. I' like to thank Mr. Drinker because a lot of weight on your shoulders and thank you for your strength and um the things that you do. And also and also I'd like to thank Jeremy for all the pictures he takes and keeps the city informed of what's going on in our city. Thank you for what you do as well. That's not easy. So, thank you for that. And the Christmas parade was such a success. And then um it was really nostalgic for me as I was going down Watson Boulevard. It just remind me of my youth and I saw the little kids really excited about being in the parade and having an opportunity to walk down Watson Boulevard as they a street that they normally see that's so busy and they'll remember it the rest of their lives because I remember when I had an opportunity to do that um as a football player for the Warner Robbins wreck department. So that was exciting to see the joy in their eyes and I think um Councilman Holmes and I went and talked to them. Um I think car Curtis did as well and they were just so excited about being in that parade and those 10 and under all stars won the state championship and brought it back to Wana Robbins Georgia. Future superstars. They were a great bunch of kids. Also, [clears throat] um I'd like to um say thank you to the Wing Winning Academy and their Christmas event that they put on this past Friday

night. I sat next to um Chief Fischer. Those kids were so disciplined and those are the type of kids we need growing up in our community. They took direction and they were just so disciplined and it was just amazing to see. And Bishop B challenged us to come and do what they're doing. Um Chief Fish and I concur. we messed it up on the first try, you know, we wouldn't be able to recite those um what they had to do and all that. Also, last but not least, I'd like to recognize the lending hand for what they've done this this past Sunday by feeding 50 unhoused family members and providing toys for 100 kids in our communities and the 20 to 50 consistent volunteers and people that donated for that cause. It really um brought joy to my heart to see the joy in those kids' faces because those parents, a lot of them that are staying there where we were didn't know how they were going to buy their kids any Christmas gifts. So, we brought a joy to them and um it was such an honor to serve them in that in that role. So, with that being said, I want to thank everybody. Have a merry Christmas and thank you again for allowing me to serve in this capacity.

Thank you, Councilman Bib.

Thank you, Mayor. Um, I would like to say to the uh fire department and also um Miss Bridget Moore who works with the MDA has for a long time and our community $3.5 million that our community has come together to support MDA. MDA has touched my life personally. I lost a child um 21 in 2015. Um she had a form of musculardrophe listed called optric atrophy. It's a big old word to say. And um she had a mitochondria myopathy. And every time MDA comes up here, I always get teary eyed and think think about the camps they talk about, think about all the research and all the help and all that stuff. It just brings back um great memories. I want you to know that. Great memories. Um, my daughter lived the best life she could um with what she was given. Her body was wasn't the same as yours and ours, but her mind sure was. And it drove me nuts. I'm telling you, she was boy, she wanted to do everything anybody else wanted to do, but her body limited her in that capacity. So, anytime they come, it's a great privilege and an honor to be part of a city that puts a dollar in a boot. Whether you put a quarter in a boot, 10 cent in a boot, it helps. Believe it or not, it helps. And they tell you about the camp that I mean they can say that to you all they want to. Best time of the year for my daughter. Greatest time of the year. She didn't want to come home. I'm just telling you it was that good. So um thank you for Scott and company coming to our community. That whole I don't know if we realized that but that whole section over there is fixing to be off the chain and beautiful over there with the Flint um property and what they're going to do over there. that whole section over there is going to be absolutely awesome. Our city's changing in a great way and and for the better and we look forward to that

coming. Thank you for the mayor um um to the attorney um Miss Mandy Stell and all the hard work that goes into I think we did the right thing today putting a moni I can never say that. Thank you. Say it for me, man. Monitorum on moratorium. See, I said it wrong. I should let you say it. um on the liquor stores and the vape stores. And I'm glad we're going to take a hardcore look at that. I just want to throw in we also probably need to take a hardcore look at the gaming machines. I keep screaming that, but you're going to find out today. Uh that needs to be the next uh endeavor that we look at for sure when it comes to that. Um I want to thank uh the city of Warner Robbins, all the department heads and all the employees that work here. You guys make it a dream to be a councilman. I just want to tell you that. You make it a dream to work with you. You make it a dream to see your beautiful faces as we look out and all that you do for the city of Warner Robbins. I know that we say that, but you guys do it every day and we appreciate that. I mean, from the website, there's so many things that have changed that don't get like a big deal. Like our website has changed. We had the worst website ever, y'all. And it has changed. We got an app. We got I mean, we actually are coming into the uh you know, 2025. We got Tyler coming on. We got all these 1980 um you know Microsoft computers that you know keyboards that with green screens and all that stuff. I mean they're all going away and we're actually coming up to date actually you know doing great things for the city the whole time keeping our miller rate low staying out of your pockets and doing right by the tax dollars and um we have got a great team to accomplish that and get that done. So I want to tell you this. We live in the greatest city in the world. We live in the greatest city in the world. And you know why? Because we live

here. This is our city. This is the city that we belong to. And if it's not great, we're going to work to try to make it great. If we have situations and problems, guess what? We come together to make those situations and those problems go away. And we are here. This this this administration is here to to to do something beautiful our city. And it's about time. Things are changing from Front Street to Commercial Circle to up and down North Davis to all over our city. Things are changing and I can't be more excited about it. I really can't. And to be a part of that, just to sit up here to be a part of that is beyond me. I said that today as people come up to me. It's beyond me when people ask and I get to tell them all what's going in Warner Robbins. It's beyond me to be a part and sit in this seat and be able to to be a big part of making that happen. Small little guy, big part. And all of us play that big part because we are the greatest city in the world. And we are the greatest city, Mr. Drinker, to 85,000 plus citizens in Warner Robbins. You matter to us whether we hear your voice or not. You matter. And with that being said, Mr. Luritzen, fast, get well. We love you. We're praying for you. Um, get well soon. And I [snorts] want to say this out loud. Merry Christmas. Not happy holidays, but merry Christmas. This is the season that a savior was born. He came to us in a humble means in a in a in a manger in a feed trough. And he came for you and I. He came not only to live but to die and to lay down his life so that we could receive salvation. He didn't come with an iron fist. He came out of love. He came out of love and wants us to love each other. And so it is merry Christmas and because we

live in the greatest city in in the world. And I'm gonna say this. Go dogs.

Thank you. And for me, I have a a couple of dates to um remind you of. So, tomorrow we will have a town hall meeting that the Warner Robbins Police Department uh has been u doing across our city uh for at least a year. I do appreciate Chief Fischer and his team for those town hall meetings. It'll take place tomorrow at the North Hon Sports Complex, 6:30 p.m. Another one of our town hall meetings. You can hear directly from our police department about how uh crime is in our community, how safety is in our community, and alleviate any concerns you may have. You'll even get to ask direct questions. Uh so, please come out if that is your pleasure. Uh we have another reminder of a date. Um it's Christmas, so Santa is here. He's coming uh to Ted Wright Park on on Friday, December the 19th from 1 to 5:00 p.m. So bring your littles out to see Santa. Only a few more days for them to tell him what he wants for Christmas before the elves take a break until next year. So please don't forget to bring your babies out to see Santa Friday from 1 to 5:00 at Ted Wright Park. they get to get a photo with Santa and um take it. They'll always have that memory. Uh even when they're adults, they'll have that memory. Christmas Tree Park is open. It is lit. All the lights are up. So, make sure you go by and see Christmas Tree Park. Go through the walkthrough Christmas tree, the walkthrough snowman, take all the nice selfies and um photos you can take with the great backdrops um there uh for the holiday season. Thank you to everyone who gave towards the winter warmth drive with the W Robbins Fire Department. Uh thank you for all the many donations we have of coats, hats, gloves, etc. that will help warm

some individuals who do not have a home this holiday season. And this is the last meeting of my first term in office. Um I am uh overjoyed for being granted an opportunity to serve at this level. something. As a uh middle school student at Taber Middle School, I never would have thought I would be able to be on a team that consists of all the men up here with me today. Um, thank you so much for your vote of confidence in November, allowing me to get voted back in to do a second term. This has been um the best job I've ever had outside of it being being a mother to my um very adventurous and um talkative and energized 8-year-old son, Lane. And he loves that I'm the mayor and he tells everyone he's a mayor's son. And I try to teach him, baby, you don't have to tell them, just tell them you're Lane Patrick. You're strong on your own name. So, uh thank you all so much. Our inauguration for me, Councilman Mack, Councilman Lawrenson, and Councilman Holmes, will be the first Monday in the new year, which I believe is January the 5th. Monday, January the 5th, right here. We each have to take our oath of office once more, right? And uh please come because we'll have cake. You don't want to miss cake, right? All right. So,

yes, keep your pump. Um, and I think that's all I want to say. Happy holidays. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Um, have lots of great memories with your family, your friends. Be intentional about creating those lifetime memories for your babies. Cuz I'm 42 and I still remember all the great things we did as a kid coming up to the holiday season. Um, so I want to make sure my son has memories. Make sure your babies have memories, grandbabies, children, whatever it is, because we can't go back when they're adults. So, let's live it up now. And uh with that, I will say the meeting is adjourned. Hey, mayor, I just want to say Mr. Curtis, you look very, very nice tonight.

Call him Pretty Boy Curtis, so y'all know. Okay. Thank you. U merry Christmas. And thank you, Mr. Drinker, as well, Mandy and Julia. Have a great night. We'll see you next year.