[1. CALL TO ORDER.] [4. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS.] [00:01:10] >> THIS IS THE FIRST MEETING OF THE MONTH AND THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH AS WELL AS OTHER EMPLOYEES WITH THEIR SERVICE AWARDS. >> WE ARE PROUD TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR AUBURN MEMBER OF THE MONTH . SHARON BRADLEY BEGAN HER CAREER AS A PART-TIME LIBRARY ASSISTANT WITH AUBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY IN 1999 . THE LIBRARY WAS LOCATED ON WALL STREET. IN 2001, SHARON WAS HIRED FULL-TIME AND WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN MOVING THE LIBRARY TO ITS CURRENT LOCATION ON THATCH AVENUE. DURING HER 25 YEARS OF SERVICE, SHARON HAS MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON THE MANY PATRONS AND FAMILIES THROUGH HER WORK IN PUBLIC SERVICES. SHARON NOW WORKS IN MATERIALS MANAGEMENT AND PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE ACQUISITION PROCESS OF LIBRARY MATERIALS. SHE CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATES THE CITY'S CORE VALUES. SHE OFTEN SETS THE EXAMPLE OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP AND TAKES THE INITIATIVE TO TIDY AND SWEEP THE SERVICE DRIVEWAY TO HELP MAINTAIN A CLEAN AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT. HER SUPERVISOR, LESLIE JOHNSTON, HAS THE FOLLOWING TO SAY. SHARON HAS SHOWN A REMARKABLE LEVEL OF COMMITMENT TO HER JOB BY SEEKING OUT WAYS TO BUILD ON HER KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS THROUGH TRAINING CENTER LOCATIONS THAT WILL ENHANCE THE VALUE OF HER ROLE IN THE ORGANIZATION. IN ADDITION TO MATERIALS PROCESSING, SHARON INSTRUCTS AND CONTAINS A TEAM OF LIBRARY AIDS TO ENSURE MATERIALS ARE RETURNED TO THE PUBLIC IN THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY. SHARON SHINES AS A TEAM PLAYER. SHE OFTEN LEADS TEAM PROJECTS, REGULARLY THANKS AND PRAISES HER COWORKERS, AND HIS METICULOUS AND RELIABLE. AS AN ARBOR NATIVE, SHARON LOVES HER HOMETOWN AND MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR COMMUNITY IN IMPACTFUL WAYS. WITH HER ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND INFECTIOUS PERSONALITY, SHARON IS AN ASSET TO THE LIBRARY, THE CITY OF AUBURN AND THE AUBURN COMMUNITY. HER KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE GREATLY CONTRIBUTE TO THE LIBRARY'S ABILITY TO PROVIDE EXCELLENT SERVICES AND SHE REPRESENTS THE CITY'S CORE VALUES TO HER EXCELLENCE, TEAMWORK AND SERVICE EVERY DAY. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE AUBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY ARE DESERVING OF THIS RECOGNITION. THANK YOU, SHARON. CONGRATULATIONS. CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN TO SHARON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK SERVING OUR CITIZENS AT THE AUBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY AND CERTAINLY WE APPRECIATE THE OTHER EMPLOYEES WE RECOGNIZE TONIGHT FOR THEIR SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY. DURING THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE THE CITY REAPPOINTED LORI MARINE AND RYAN O'NEAL TO THE PARKS AND REC ADVISORY BOARD. I WANT TO REMIND OUR COMMUNITY THAT VETERANS DAY IS THIS COMING MONDAY AND THE CITY OF AUBURN WILL BE CONDUCTING OUR VETERANS DAY CEREMONY AT 10:00 AT THE VETERANS MEMORIAL UP THE STREET HERE AND WE ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOU TO JOIN US AS WE REMEMBER AND THANK THOSE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ALLOW US TO LIVE IN A FREE COUNTRY. I WANT TO THANK COUNCILMAN GRISWOLD, COUNCILMAN MOREMAN AND MATT MAXWELL ARE VETERANS AND THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DID TO ALLOW US ALL TO LIVE IN A FREE COUNTRY. THE NEXT NIGHT IS THE STATE OF THE CITY ON THE 12TH AT 5:30. THIS IS A [00:05:10] FREE EVENT. THERE ARE NO RESERVATIONS NEEDED AND IF YOU WANT TO GET A GREAT UPDATE WHAT IS GOING ON IN AUBURN, THIS IS A GOOD TIME FOR YOU TO LEARN THOSE THINGS AND WE CERTAINLY INVITE YOU TO THE GOOCH CENTER NEXT TUESDAY. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE STAFF AT THE CITY OF AUBURN, PARTICULARLY OUR PUBLIC SAFETY BUT A NUMBER OF OTHER STAFF MEMBERS FOR TIP OFF AT TUMORS IN DOWNTOWN TRICK-OR-TREAT . THESE ARE HUGE EVENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED SINCE OUR LAST DOWNTOWN COUNCIL MEETING. THEY ARE HEAVY LISTS FOR OUR EMPLOYEES, AND FOR THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO PROTECT US AND PROTECT ALL THE CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WHO WERE DOWNTOWN AND AUBURN AND I BELIEVE BOTH OF THOSE EVENTS WENT OFF REALLY WELL AND I'M GRATEFUL FOR THE TIME AND INVESTMENT. WE HAD A GROUNDBREAKING RECENTLY FOR THE NEW AVIATION MANAGEMENT EDUCATION BUILDING THAT IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN SOUTHERN UNION AND AUBURN UNIVERSITY. IT WAS A GREAT TIME. MORE JOBS ARE GOING TO BE CREATED FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN UNDERSTANDING HOW TO FIX AND REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AIRPLANES WHICH HAS BECOME A BIG PART OF OUR COMMUNITY, AS WE HAVE ALLUDED TO IN THE PAST. ALSO WE WANT TO SAY THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FRIENDS FROM EAST ALABAMA. SOME OF YOU ARE HERE ON YOUR NEW EDUCATION FACILITY. I WANT TO THANK OUR STAFF FOR HELPING US CONDUCT AND HOST THE BIG TEN MAYORS MEETING RECENTLY. WE HAD A BIG COUPLE OF DAYS TOGETHER AND IT TOOK A LOT OF WORK ON THE STAFF HERE TO HELP POST THAT AND I APPRECIATE THEIR INTEREST AND THEIR ASSISTANCE IN THAT. I WANT TO CONGRATULATE THE VOLUNTEERS TO OVERSAW THE ALZHEIMER'S WALK A COUPLE OF SUNDAYS AGO, CRITICAL OPPORTUNITIES TO RAISE RESOURCES FOR TWO CRITICAL NEEDS THAT AFFECT PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY. I WANT TO THANK PEYTON BECK FOR INVITING ME TO SPEAK TO THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY RECENTLY . I APPRECIATE THE TIME TO BE WITH THEM AND I WANT TO SAY ALL THE BEST TO AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL'S FOOTBALL TEAM. WE ARE CERTAINLY PROUD OF THE GREAT SEASON THEY HAVE HAD UNDEFEATED FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2009 AND RANKED NUMBER ONE IN THE STATE. FINALLY, TODAY IS VERY IMPORTANT, MEN -- MOMENTOUS DAY IN THE CITY OF AUBURN. IT IS THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF AN EMPLOYEE WHO HAS BEEN WITH US FOR A LONG TIME. THERE ARE TWO PEOPLE HERE TONIGHT THAT WERE HERE WHEN HE WAS FIRST EMPLOYED YEARS AGO. HERE IS FORMER CITY WATSON MAYOR AT THAT TIME. DUNLAP, YOU HAVE MADE A TREMENDOUS DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND CONGRATULATIONS FOR HANGING IN THERE WITH US 40 YEARS AND THANK YOU. DOES ANYONE ELSE ON THE COUNCIL HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT THEY WOULD LIKE TO MAKE TONIGHT? >> I WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AS THE POLLS COME TO A CLOSE IN ABOUT AN HOUR, THE HARD WORK OF THE WORKERS AND VOLUNTEERS. THE EXPERIENCE I HAD THIS MORNING WAS VERY POSITIVE AND EVEN THEN THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT OF TRAFFIC ON THE STAFF DID A GREAT JOB IN THE VOLUNTEERS SO ACROSS THE CITY. >> I WOULD LIKE TO SECOND THAT. IT TOOK ABOUT FIVE MINUTES FOR ME TO VOTE AND OTHERS MAY HAVE A SIMILAR STORY. I VOTED AT THE DANE ROAD FACILITY BUT IT WAS QUITE WELL ORGANIZED AND I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO PROBATE JUDGE BILL ENGLISH AND CONGRATULATE HIM ON WHAT HE CLAIMS TO BE A 40-YEAR CAREER AND ALSO PUBLIC SAFETY WORKERS . WE ARE HANDLING THAT TRAFFIC ON NORTH COLLEGE ELSEWHERE TODAY THEY WERE JUST EVERYWHERE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THAT. GOOD JOB. >> WARD 8 WAS THE SAME THING. THAT'S WORDY FOR YOU. IT'S ALWAYS -- GREAT LEADERSHIP OUT THERE. [5. AUBURN UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS.] >> ALL RIGHT. WE WILL MOVE AHEAD WITH AUBURN UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS. >> HI, GOOD AFTERNOON. I HAVE UPDATES FROM AUBURN'S SGA. LAST NIGHT WE HEARD FROM PRESIDENT ROBERTS AND THE PROVOST. THIS WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SEE ALL THE THINGS THEY HAD TO TELL US AND WE GOT TO LEARN ABOUT WHAT THEY DO IN THEIR OFFICE. SOME OF THE THINGS THAT OUR EXEC IS DOING, A LOT TO DO WITH ACADEMICS AS STUDENTS ARE STARTING TO PICK THEIR SCHEDULES FOR NEXT SEMESTER, THERE HELPING TO RE-EVALUATE AUBURN'S CURRENT CURRICULUM. THIS IS GREAT BECAUSE IT IS ALLOWING A STUDENT VOICE TO BE HEARD [00:10:03] DURING THE PROCESS OF EVALUATING OUR CURRICULUM. A STUDENT CLASSES BEEN ALLOWED FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT PERSONAL FINANCE AND BUSINESS SKILLS. THIS CLASS WILL BE OFFERED TO EVERY STUDENT AT AUBURN SO IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR NONBUSINESS STUDENTS TO GET PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND LEARN ABOUT PERSONAL FINANCE. THEY ARE WORKING ON HIGHLIGHTING WRITING-ENRICHED CLASSES AND THIS WILL ALLOW STUDENTS TO SEE WHAT SPECIFIC CLASSES ARE CONSIDERED WRITING-ENRICHED AND THEY WILL BE ABLE TO ENROLL IN THOSE CLASSES MORE EASILY. THERE -- THEY ARE ALSO TRYING TO ASK TEACHERS TO ADD AN AI STATEMENT AND ALL OF THEIR SYLLABUSES SO STUDENTS HAVE MORE TRANSPARENCY ABOUT HOW AI CAN BE USED FOR CERTAIN COURSES AND TO WHAT EXTENT. THEN OTHER REPORTS FROM THE ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENTS OF SGA. FRESHMAN MENTORSHIP STARTED LAST WEEK. FRESHMEN ARE PLAYED WITH UPPERCLASSMAN AND SGA'S CABINET OR SENATE IN THIS IS GREAT BECAUSE IT ALLOWS FRESHMEN TO LEARN ABOUT A POSITION WITHIN SGA THEY MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN AND GIVE SOME MORE OF OF YOU AND WHAT THE INNER WORKINGS ARE. MY MENTORS THIS MORNING SAID IT WAS SUPER FUN TO GET TO MEET THEM IN THE PR AND MARKETING TEAM IS CURRENTLY DESIGNING A NEW WEBSITE FOR SGA AND THE ATHLETICS INITIATIVES TEAM IS LOOKING INTO CREATING A SYSTEM WHERE STUDENTS CAN RECYCLE SHAKERS STUPID AT SPORTING EVENTS. SAFETY WALK WILL TAKE PLACE ON NOVEMBER 12TH. THIS IS AN EVENT FOR OUR BRANDS STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS ARE GOING TO WALK AROUND CAMPUS AND TEST OUT THE BLUE SAFETY LIGHTS ON CAMPUS, ENSURING THAT ALL OF THOSE ARE WORKING CORRECTLY AND THEN BRING NIGHT WILL BE HOSTED FOR STUDENTS WHO BOUGHT A RING ON DECEMBER 5TH, SO WE ARE EXCITED TO GET TO CELEBRATE THOSE STUDENTS AND ALSO SELECT MEMBERS OF SGA WILL BE TRAVELING TO TUSCALOOSA ON NOVEMBER 18TH FOR BETTER RELATIONS STAY. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AUBURN'S SGA TO TALK ABOUT ALABAMA'S SGA SO WE CAN MAYBE COMPARE AND CONTRAST AND GET IDEAS. COMING UP IN FEBRUARY WE HAVE SPRING ELECTIONS AND I KNOW THAT SOUNDS SO FAR AWAY BUT PEOPLE WANTING TO RUN IN THOSE ELECTIONS ARE REGISTERING IN LATE NOVEMBER AND OUR GOAL THIS YEAR IS TO HAVE NO VACANCIES FOR THIS . TO HELP WITH THAT, A MINOR CANDIDATE OPEN HOUSE WILL BE TAKING PLACE ON NOVEMBER 14TH. NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN AND WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 14TH AND THEN SOMETHING EXCITING FOR OUR FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE OFFICES THEY ANNOUNCE THEIR 2025 ORIENTATION COUNSELORS. THEY WILL START TRAINING NEXT SEMESTER. IT IS FUN FOR THEM TO GET STARTED ON THIS PROCESS. LASTLY, TODAY IS ELECTION DAY I WOULD LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT AUBURN SGA'S EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TEAM FOR HOSTING REGISTRATION DRIVES [6. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS ON AGENDA ITEMS.] ON CAMPUS EARLIER THIS SEMESTER HELPING STUDENTS TO BECOME CYNICALLY ENGAGED. THAT IS ALL I HAVE. >> THIS TIME IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY. CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS ON AGENDA ITEMS. THIS WOULD ONLY BE ITEMS ON TONIGHT'S AGENDA. THERE ARE A FEW ITEMS FOR WHICH A PUBLIC HEARING IS REQUIRED. IF YOU'D LIKE TO SPEAK ABOUT ONE OF THOSE ITEMS WE WILL ASK THAT YOU WAIT TO SPEAK TO THE CITY COUNCIL BUT IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS CITY COUNCIL ABOUT ANYTHING ON THE AGENDA PLEASE COME FORWARD, IT WAS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD. YOU WILL HAVE FIVE MINUTES TO SPEAK. >> MY NAME IS JOHNNA. I HAVE THE HONOR OF SERVING AS DEAN OF PARTY NOT BACK WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT AND MY COLLEAGUE IS ALWAYS -- ALSO HERE. HE IS THE MANAGER FOR CLEAR NATURE CENTER. WE APPRECIATE THE CONTINUED SUPPORT THE COUNCIL AND AUBURN CITY GIVES HIM COUNSEL FOR MANAGING THE NATURE CENTER. MOST OF YOU MAY BE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROPERTY . IT IS 123 ACRES ADVANCING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS. IT IS NEARLY ATTRACTING 40,000+ CHILDREN, YOUTH AND ADULTS. IT IS 24/7 AND A 365 DAYS IS OPEN AND IT IS REALLY MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE CITY OF AUBURN AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. THE REASON WHY WE ARE HERE IS JUST TO INFORM YOU THAT WE ARE BUILDING A BUILDING. THE BUILDING IS GOING TO BE WITH THE CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER, THE NEW TECHNOLOGY, AND IT IS ALMOST COMPLETED AND THE FACILITY IS GOING TO BE OPEN ON THE DECEMBER 6TH AND OF COURSE IT IS ON THE AGENDA BETWEEN 2:00 AND 4:00 AND SPECIFICALLY WANTED TO APPRECIATE FOR THE [00:15:08] COUNCIL TO CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE EDUCATION BUILDING. WE HAVE A BIG CLASSROOM THAT IS GOING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF CHILDREN IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, SO THAT IS THE REASON WHY WE ARE HERE TO APPRECIATE THE COUNCIL. >> GOOD EVENING, COUNCIL MEMBERS. I NAME IS MICHAEL BUCKMAN. I AM THE MANAGER AT THE PRESERVE IN NATURE CENTER. >> YOUR HOME ADDRESS? >> 2156 TURNBERRY LANE. RIGHT DOWN THE STREET FROM KP AND SEE. ANYWAY, I WANT TO EXPRESS OUR GREAT APPRECIATION FOR THE PARTNERSHIP WE HAVE WITH THE CITY OF AUBURN. AUBURN HAS BEEN SUPPORTING THE KP AND C FOR A LONG TIME. WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DO WHAT WE DO WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT. THIS BUILDING IS DEFINITELY GOING TO TAKE OUR OPERATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL. OUR GOAL IS TO INSTILL A SENSE OF STEWARDSHIP TOWARD NATURE FOR EVERYONE OF ALL AGES AND THIS BUILDING WILL ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN. WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE AND ADORE AND TAKE A LOT OF PRIDE IN OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF AUBURN. WE LOVE THAT WE CAN WORK TOGETHER AND COLLABORATE ON ALL THESE DIFFERENT EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES THAT WE PROVIDE FOR OUR COMMUNITY SO I DEFINITELY WANT TO ECHO THE SENTIMENT OF APPRECIATION FOR THE CITY SUPPORT BOTH IN THE PAST, PRESENT, AND ONGOING, SO THANK YOU. >> I AM HAPPY TO BE HERE THIS EVENING IN THESE FACILITIES I HAVE NOT SEEN BEFORE. VERY NICE. SOME 30 YEARS AGO THE FOOD BANK, WHICH I KNOW YOU ARE ALL FAMILIAR WITH, OPENED ITS DOORS IN THE OLD POST OFFICE BUILDING THAT THE CITY HAD JUST PURCHASED AND BEFORE THE CITY HAD DECIDED WHAT IT WAS GOING TO DO AND BECOME THE CITY HALL AND IN THOSE 30 YEARS, THE CITY HAS BEEN A GREAT SUPPORTER OF THE FOOD BANK. YOU MAY NOTICE NOW IN ITS THIRD BUILDING IN THE AUBURN INDUSTRIAL PARK, THE CITY HAS PLAYED A BIG ROLE IN MAKING THOSE FACILITIES POSSIBLE. THE FOOD BANK SERVES SOME SEVEN COUNTIES, 168 AGENCIES I THINK IT IS NOW GET THEIR FOOD FROM THERE BUT A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF FOOD FROM THE FOOD BANK GOES TO THE LEE COUNTY COMMUNITY MARKET WHICH WE ESTABLISHED SOME 22 YEARS AGO . THE AUBURN MINISTER ASSOCIATION AND I'M SO SORRY I DIDN'T SAY MY NAME AND ADDRESS -- >> I WAS GOING TO SHEEPISHLY REMIND YOU A LITTLE LATER. >> AND, YOU DIDN'T CALL ME ON IT. >> ALL DUE RESPECT, MAYOR DEMPSEY. >> SORRY. MY NAME IS JAN DEMPSEY AND I STILL LIVE IT 370 SHIP POPPEL DRIVE IN AUBURN. THE AUBURN ASSOCIATION CALLED ME TO COME TO A MEETING SOME 22 YEARS AGO AND THEY HAD HAD A COMMITTEE MEETING FOR A WHILE FROM VARIOUS CHURCHES AND WHAT THEY WERE HOPING FOR IS A COMBINED EFFORT IN FEEDING THE HUNGRY AND LEE COUNTY. EVERY DAY SOMEONE WAS COMING TO THE GEORGE -- DOORS OF THE CHURCH AND THEY KNEW THEY WERE NOT REALLY MEETING THAT NEED SUCCESSFULLY AND SOMEHOW OR ANOTHER THEY PICKED ME TO LEAD THE EFFORT IN BUILDING THE COMMUNITY MARKET WHICH OPENED ITS DOORS SOME 21 YEARS AGO. WE HAVE BEEN IN OUR LOCATION ON OPA LOCKA ROAD DURING THOSE YEARS AND HAVE DISTRIBUTED OVER 18 MILLION POUNDS OF FOOD TO THE HUNGRY AND LEE COUNTY WHICH IS A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF PEOPLE. OVER 20% OF THE PEOPLE IN THE COUNTY ARE INSECURE. OVER 6000 CHILDREN , 2000 ELDERLY, AND OUR CURRENT LOCATION HAS BECOME SO CONGESTED AND THE PARKING, A NIGHTMARE AND THAT IS PARTICULARLY TRUE BECAUSE OF THE ELDERLY WE SERVE ON MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS. WE HAVE A NEW BUILDING. YOU'VE SEEN THE DRAWINGS AND WE ARE JUST ABOUT READY TO FINISH THOSE UP, MEETING WITH THE CONTRACTOR, STEVE REEVES HAS CHAIRED THE BUILDING COMMITTEE . SORRY HE CAN'T BE HERE TONIGHT . AND [00:20:01] MARTHA WITH THE FOOD BANK IS HERE. DOUG WATSON, WHO IS A FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE FOOD BANK I THINK YOU KNOW ALL OF THESE PEOPLE, SO WHAT WE ARE ASKING YOU TO DO IS BE A PART OF THE FUND DRIVE FOR THIS NEW BUILDING AND WE ARE JUST BEGINNING THAT DRIVE . OUR GOAL IS $3.5 MILLION . WE HAVE ABOUT 1.3 MILLION IN HAND , JUST BEGINNING TO VISIT PEOPLE INDIVIDUALLY ARE WE PAID FOR THE PROPERTY IN OPA LOCKA AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING WHAT I HOPE WILL BE A POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM THIS COUNSEL AS IT CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY MARKET. YOU HAVE BEEN A FAITHFUL SUPPORTER OF THE OPERATING EXPENSES OF THAT MARKET SINCE WE BEGAN AND OF COURSE WE WILL NEED TO CONTINUE THAT, AS WELL. IF THERE ARE QUESTIONS, I THINK THAT COMES AT ANOTHER TIME ON THE AGENDA BUT THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERATION AND I LOOK FORWARD TO BEING VERY HAPPY ABOUT THIS. >> THANK YOU, MAYOR DEMPSEY. IT'S GREAT TO SEE YOU. >> I DELL CROSBY. I LIVE IT 1070 LEE ROAD 56. I AM IN MY FIFTH RESIDENCE IN AUBURN IN 38 YEARS SO I AM GOOD FOR THE ECONOMY. I MOVE AROUND A LOT AND WE HAVE LOVED EVERY HOME WE HAVE BEEN IN. I HAVE LOVED AUBURN. WE HAD A CHILD AT AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL FOR 17 YEARS STRAIGHT. THEY ARE ALL GROWN AND GONE. I HAVE 13 GRANDKIDS SO YES, I AM AGING. I'M HERE TO REPRESENT MERCY MEDICAL CLINIC MINISTRY AND CLINIC. 30 YEARS AGO, I WAS RETURNING ON THE CHAIRS -- A CHURCH BUS FROM A SHORT-TERM MISSION TRIP IN AFRICA AND I WAS VERY IMPRESSED. I WAS PRAYING ABOUT THE PRIVILEGE OF DOING WHAT I DO AS AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN HERE OF 38 YEARS IN EAST ALABAMA, AND LOVING GOING OVERSEAS TO DO THESE SHORT-TERM MISSIONS WHICH MANY PEOPLE IN AUBURN DO, AND IT BEGAN TO BE A DREAM WHILE I WAS ON THAT BUS . I WAS SAYING ALL RIGHT, I'M WILLING TO SPEND ABOUT $3000, TRAVEL ABOUT 8000 MILES TO SERVE PEOPLE I HAVE NEVER MET, BUT GET SUCH A THRILL OUT OF IT. WHAT ABOUT AUBURN? IT WAS OBVIOUS THERE IS A NEED AND NO ONE WOULD KNOW BETTER THAN AN E.R. DOC BECAUSE THAT IS WHERE EVERYBODY COMES. 25 YEARS AGO, WE GATHERED SIX OR EIGHT PEOPLE AND WE BEGAN TO STRATEGIZE AND PRAY ABOUT MERCY MEDICAL MINISTRY AND CLINIC. WE HAVE BEEN THERE 25 YEARS. WE SERVE THOSE WHO ARE UNINSURED, HAVE NO INSURANCE, AND WE HAVE A LARGE FOOTPRINT IN AUBURN. WE CONTINUE TO GROW LITERALLY EVERY YEAR FOR 25 YEARS . OUR CLIENTELE HAS GROWN IN NUMBER . IN 2022, WE HAD 2400 VISITS . IN 2023 WE HAD 3000 VISITS. WE ARE ON PAR TO HAVE 4500 VISITS IN 2024. WE HAVE, TO THIS DATE, MORE THAN 600 BRAND-NEW PATIENTS AT MERCY MEDICAL . WE BASICALLY HAVE EACH PERSON WHO IS ADMITTED TO EACH -- EAST ALABAMA AND WHO DOES NOT HAVE A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO INSURANCE, THEY ARE GIVEN TO MERCY MEDICAL TO CONTINUE THE CARE, SO WE HAVE A VERY SIGNIFICANT FOOTPRINT FOR THE MEDICAL SYSTEM AND WE ARE THANKFUL TO HAVE THAT. WE ARE FAITH-BASED AS A CLINIC AND MINISTRY. WE BASICALLY TRY TO EMULATE WHAT JESUS HIMSELF DID IN HIS MINISTRY. HE SAW PEOPLE THAT MAY OR MAY NOT RESPOND TO HIS MESSAGE BUT HE GAVE THE SAME COMPASSION AND CARE NO MATTER WHAT THEIR RESPONSE WAS , TO HIS SPIRITUAL MESSAGE. WE ENCOURAGE EVERY PATIENT WE CAN SPIRITUALLY. WE DON'T FORCE ANYTHING ON THEM. BUT, WE GIVE THEM COMPASSIONATE CARE NO MATTER WHAT. I HAVE SEEN TWO OR THREE ATHEISTS WHO I HAVE BEEN THE BEST FRIENDS WITH THAT I HAVE TRADED, GIVEN THEM THE SAME COMPASSION AND CARE I WOULD GIVE ANYONE. WE ARE ON THE PRECIPICE OF FORMING -- BUILDING A NEW CLINIC. WE'VE BEEN AT OUR PRESENT LOCATION ACROSS FROM DUCK STANFORD STADIUM FOR 25 YEARS BUT WE ARE BUILDING A NEW FACILITY. WE ARE IN A 4800 FT.÷ LEASED CAN FACILITY. WE ARE GOING TO A 10,000 FOOT FACILITY BECAUSE WE ARE BUSTING AT THE SEAMS. WE NEED MORE ROOM. THE HOSPITAL HAS GRACIOUSLY GIVEN US 4 ACRES VALUED AT $600,000. WE HAVE BROKEN GROUND. THE SITE PREP HAS BEEN DONE. THE ARCHITECT HAS DONE HIS WORK FOR FREE, PROBABLY PAID AT $400,000 AND WE ARE HAVING A GROUNDBREAKING [00:25:09] IN THREE DAYS, ON FRIDAY. THE BUDGET -- THE REMAINING BUDGET IS $3.8 MILLION. WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN BASICALLY 1.5 MILLION BLANK SERVICES TO THIS POINT, SO WILL -- WHERE WILL THE MONEY COME FROM? GOD HAS ALL THE MONEY BUT HE WILL MOVE PEOPLE TO PROVIDE THAT MONEY. I AM HERE BEFORE YOU TO INVITE YOU TO BE A PART OF THIS VERY EXCITING MINISTRY . ABOUT A THIRD OF THE PATIENTS WE SEE COME FROM AUBURN. ABOUT A THIRD COME FROM OPELIKA. ABOUT A THIRD COME FROM SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. WE HAVE BEEN HERE FOR 25 YEARS. WE ARE MOVING TO OPELIKA BECAUSE THE HOSPITAL GAVE US THIS FREE LAND. LET ME TELL YOU THIS, THOUGH. I'M A GREAT CITIZEN OF AUBURN . FOR 38 YEARS I'VE GOT NO MONEY FROM OPELIKA AND BROUGHT IT TO AUBURN SO YOU SHOULD LOVE ME. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, DR. CROSBY. >> GOOD EVENING. I GREG NICHOLS, VICE PRESIDENT OF WITH ME TONIGHT I HAVE TWO PEOPLE TO BE HERE IF WE HAVE QUESTIONS LATER ON. ONE IS OUR DIRECTOR OF OUR FOUNDATION, SUSAN COWARD AND HER ADDRESS IS 719 MOORE SMITH ROAD IN AUBURN AND OUR CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER IS WITH ME, AS WELL AND IF WE HAVE QUESTIONS LATER ON AND 3216 HAMILTON ROAD HERE IN AUBURN AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO YOU TONIGHT REGARDING THE FUNDING REQUEST WE HAVE REGARDING OUR NEW MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY WE ARE CURRENTLY BUILDING TO ADDRESS THE MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS WE SEE IN OUR COMMUNITY. AS PART OF OUR STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS, WE TAKE A FOCUSED LOOK AT OUR COMMUNITY , WHAT THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS ARE AND ALLOCATE RESOURCES TO ADDRESS THOSE NEEDS. AN EXAMPLE OF THAT IS A FREESTANDING EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT THAT WAS RECENTLY BUILT IN AUBURN A FEW YEARS AGO. WE SAW THE NEED FOR MORE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT SERVICES AND MADE THE DECISION TO LOCATE HERE AND IT HAS BEEN A WONDERFUL SUCCESS. WE APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE OF AUBURN FOR THAT FACILITY. WE HAVE SEEN THERE IS A NEED FOR INCREASING MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN OUR COMMUNITY AS EVIDENCED BY THE FACT THAT ONE IN FIVE ALABAMIANS ACROSS OUR STATE AT SOME POINT WILL FACE A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS IN THEIR LIFETIME SO 25 PERCENT OF PEOPLE IN THE STATE IN OUR COMMUNITY WILL DO THAT. SECONDLY, THROUGH OUR WORK WITH AUBURN UNIVERSITY WE SEE MANY COLLEGE STUDENTS, AS THEY MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM BEING IN A HOME WITH THEIR PARENTS AND TO THE FREEDOM THAT COLLEGE BRINGS AND ALSO THE STRESS THAT COLLEGE BRINGS, THEY ALSO OFTEN FACE A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS. IN OUR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS WE HAVE CARE FOR PEOPLE TO COME IN WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS AND EMERGENT SITUATIONS AND WE OFTEN HAVE TO HOLD THOSE PATIENTS IN OUR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FOR HOURS OR EVEN DAYS TO TRY TO FIND A PLACE FOR THEM TO BE ADMITTED ON AN INPATIENT BASIS. WE CURRENTLY HAVE 28 INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC BEDS IN OPELIKA AND WE ARE RUNNING IN OCCUPANCY RATE THERE OF OVER 90% AT ALL TIMES AND MOST OF THE TIME, CLOSER TO 100% FULL. IN THE LAST YEAR WE WILL BE CLOSE TO HAVING TO TRANSFER OUT OR FOR SOMEBODY ELSE TO SEEK CARE, OTHER PLACES WITH ABOUT 220 PATIENTS THAT WERE EITHER PRESENTED AT OUR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OR REQUESTED TO COME TO OUR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE NEED AND TRANSLATION TO IN-PERSON STATUS AND WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH FOR THAT. WE RECOGNIZE THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE SO WE PARTNERED WITH AN ARCHITECT AND CONTRACTOR IN AUBURN AND HAVE DEVELOPED A PLAN TO BUILD A NEW MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY. I'M GOING TO HOLD THIS UP FOR YOU VERY QUICKLY HERE, A RENDERING OF WHAT OUR NEW FACILITY WILL LOOK LIKE. THIS PROJECT STARTED IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR. CONSTRUCTION IS TAKING PLACE NOW AND WILL BE FINISHED SOMETIME NEXT YEAR, OCTOBER THE 21ST IS OUR DATE TO HAVE THIS PROJECT COMPLETED. WHAT THIS PROJECT BRINGS TO US IN THE COMMUNITY PROVIDING INCREASED SPACE, THE 40 BEDS WILL HELP US CARE FOR MORE PATIENTS BUT THERE IS MORE SPACE FOR OUR CHILD AND ADOLESCENT POPULATION. WE HAVE AN ACCREDITED SCHOOL THAT OPERATES WITHIN A MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY NOW. THOSE ADOLESCENTS WITH US FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME MAY BE THERE AND CAN EITHER COMPLETE THE SCHOOL, SOME MAY GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL IN [00:30:01] OUR MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY OR THEY ARE THERE AND THEY DON'T LOSE TRACK OF THEIR PROGRESSION OF SCHOOL WHILE THEY ARE WITH US. THIS NEW FACILITY WILL ALLOW US TO HAVE MORE SPACE TO MEET THOSE NEEDS AND ALSO THIS IS JUST AS IMPORTANT. WE ARE BEGINNING A NEW PSYCHIATRIC RESIDENCY PROGRAM TO TRAIN PSYCHIATRIST IN THIS NEW BUILDING WILL ALLOW US TO DO THAT , AND MOST OF THE TIME, A LOT OF THOSE DOCTORS WHO ARE TRAINED WILL WANT TO STAY IN THIS AREA. THE SPACE ALSO IS GOING TO PROVIDE OUTPATIENT SERVICES SO WE ARE COMBINING OUTPATIENT INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC TRAINING FOR RESIDENTS THAT ARE THERE INTO THIS ONE NEW LOCATION SO WE ARE HERE TO REQUEST YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH US ALONG WITH MANY IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT ALREADY CONTRIBUTED TO THE SCHOOL THAT WE HAVE OF RAISING MONEY TO BUILD THIS BUILDING AND AGAIN WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT. >> THANK YOU, MR. NICHOLS. >> ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL? >> MY NAME IS JAKE 012-9582 SUNSHINE ROAD. THANK YOU FOR LETTING US BE HERE TONIGHT. THANKS TO THE STAFF. WE ARE REQUESTING A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT. WE HAVE A $52 MILLION PROJECT. WE RECEIVED A GRANT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND DIA. WE WILL BE BUILDING AROUND 680 MILES AUBURN STATUS CENTER SO WE WILL BE OPERATING A NONDISCRIMINATOR Y ACCESS NETWORK TO ALLOW ALL OTHER PROVIDERS TO CONNECT TO AND CONNECT ANY BUSINESSES IN PHASE ONE THAT WANT CONNECTION WITHIN 1000 FEET OF A PROJECT IF APPROVED AND THAT'S IT UNLESS WE GOT QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE? OKAY. WE WILL MOVE AHEAD WITH CITY MANAGERS COMMUNICATIONS. [7. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS.] >> THIS EVENING WE HAVE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF ONE VACANCY ON THE PUBLIC PARK AND RECREATION BOARD. THE TERM WILL BEGIN DECEMBER 1910 AND DECEMBER 18TH 2030. THE APPOINTMENT WILL BE MADE AT THE DECEMBER 3RD MEETING. OUR FIRST ITEM OF BUSINESS IS THE CONSENT AGENDA. DOES ANY COUNCILMEMBER WISH TO REMOVE AN ITEM FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND DEAL WITH THAT ITEM [8.c.11. Stivers Ford Lincoln. Purchase two (2) Ford F-250s. Public Works Department. $121,378.] INDIVIDUALLY? >> THANK YOU. I WOULD LIKE TO REMOVE 8C 11. EIGHT CHARLIE 11, PLEASE. >> OKAY. ANYONE ELSE? WE WILL MOVE AHEAD . >> 8 C 11 AUTHORIZES THE PURCHASE OF TWO FORD SUPER CREW TRUCKS FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,689 EACH FOR A TOTAL OF $121,000. >> WILL FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND. >> THANK YOU. I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE TO CONSIDER THE TWO REPLACEMENT VEHICLE SEPARATELY FROM THE ONE EXPANSION VEHICLE. >> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND TO DIVIDE THE ISSUE. ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS REGARDING THAT? >> ME WE HAVE AN EXPLANATION AS TO NEED PLEASE? >> YES, I PREVIOUSLY STATED MY OBJECTIONS TO SOME OF THE EXPANSION SAYING THAT WE HAVE A LOT OF VEHICLES ALL OVER THE CITY AND ON ANY GIVEN DAY YOU CAN FIND MANY OF THEM IN THE MOTOR POOLS OR GATHERINGS OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS. >> ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? THERE IS A MOTION TO DIVIDE THE QUESTION. ALL IN FAVOR OF APPROVING THIS, PLEASE SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> ANY OPPOSED? PLEASE SAY NAY. >> MAY. >> LET'S DO A HAND VOTE, PLEASE. THOSE WHO WANT TO SUPPORT DIVIDING THE QUESTION PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND. THOSE WERE OPPOSED PLEASE RAISE YOUR HAND. OKAY, SO WE WILL TAKE THE ITEM AS IT IS. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY OTHER FURTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ALL IN [8. CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA.] FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES. DO I HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE [9.a. Farmville Mixed Use Annexation. Approximately 3.79 acres. Property located at the southeast corner of East Farmville Road (Lee Road 72) and US Highway 280. Second reading.] BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA? ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED? THE CONSENT AGENDA IS APPROVED. >> UNDER ORDINANCES ITEM NINE LETTER IS A REQUEST TO ANNEX APPROXIMATELY 3.79 ACRES OF [00:35:02] PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF EAST FARMVILLE ROAD . THE PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THIS REQUEST AT ITS SEPTEMBER 12TH MEETING. THIS IS A SECOND READING. >> WILL FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND. >> COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS FROM THE COUNCIL? >> I WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE MY APPRECIATION FOR THE MEETING THAT I HAD WITH THE FORESIGHT GROUP AND THE DEVELOPERS IN GOING THROUGH A LOT OF THE DETAILS THAT CORNER IS PRETTY IMPORTANT IN THIS WOULD HELP COMPLEMENT THAT TO MAINTAIN THAT COMMERCIAL CORNER OF THIS WOULD ENSURE WE HAD A NICE BUFFER BETWEEN THE PROPOSED HOUSING THAT WILL GO THERE TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT IS BEHIND IT, AND THERE IS ABOUT A 10 TO 11 ACRE LOT THAT SEEMS TO BE OWNED BY A SINGLE RESIDENT AND SHOULD STAY INTACT FOR AS LONG AS THEY PLAN SO THOSE ITEMS MADE ME COMFORTABLE WITH MOVING FORWARD ON THIS. THANK YOU. >> ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ROLLCALL, LINDSAY. >> PARSONS >> YES >> ADAMS >> YES >> COBLENTZ [9.b.1. Farmville Mixed Use Rezoning. Rezoning of approximately 3.79 acres from Rural (R) to Development District Housing (DDH).] >> YES >> DAWSON >> YES >> GRISWOLD >> YES >> MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 9B ONE IS A REQUEST TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 3.79 ACRES OF PROPERTY FROM RURAL TO DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT HOUSING. THE PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THIS REQUEST AT THE SEPTEMBER 12TH MEETING. THIS IS THE SECOND READING AND REPUBLIC -- PUBLIC HEARING IS REQUIRED. >> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. >> AT THIS TIME I WILL OPEN PUBLIC HEARING. IF YOU LIKE TO SPEAK PLEASE GIVE US YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD. SEEING NO ONE, WE WILL CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS FROM THE COUNCIL? >> I DO WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I THINK FARMVILLE ROAD ITSELF, THERE ARE PIECES OF IT THAT SHOULD REMAIN RURAL, BUT BECAUSE THIS IS AT THE CORNER OF 280 AND FARMVILLE THAT I DO BELIEVE THE REQUEST FOR REZONING IS ACCEPTABLE. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? >> >> YES >> ADAMS >> YES [9.b.2. Farmville Mixed-Use PDD Rezoning. Rezoning to apply the Planned Development District (PDD) designation to approximately 14.17 acres in the Development District Housing (DDH) zoning district.] >> MOREMAN >> YES >> PARSONS >> YES >> MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 9B TO IS A REQUEST TO REZONE APPROXIMATELY 14.17 ACRES IN THE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT HOUSING . THEY JUST GOT RESOUNDED NOW TURN AROUND ASKING FOR THE PLAN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OVERLAY. THE PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL AT ITS SEPTEMBER 12 READ -- MEETING. >> WILL FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND. >> FORTUNATE SECOND. I WILL OPEN PUBLIC HEARING. PEOPLE WHO WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL PLEASE COME FORWARD AND GIVE US YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD AND YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL. SEEING NO ONE WE WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? >> AGAIN I WILL JUST ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I APPRECIATE THE TIME SPENT WITH THE APPLICANT AND I DO WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE HAD SEEN ACROSS THE WAY ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE COMMERCIAL AND WE HAD A VERY CANDID CONVERSATION THAT THE COMMERCIAL SHOULD REMAIN INTACT ON THIS PROPERTY SO THE PDD OVERLAY IS CRITICAL FOR THAT AND FOR THAT I AM APPRECIATIVE. THANK YOU. >> ANYBODY ELSE? PROCEED WITH THE ROLLCALL. >> ADAMS >> YES [9.c. Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. Exempt specified items from City Sales Tax. Friday, February 21, 2025, through Sunday, February 23, 2025. Unanimous consent necessary.] >> COBLENTZ >> YES >> GRISWOLD >> YES >> PARSONS >> YES >> COBLENTZ >> YES >> THAT MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 9C AUTHORIZES A PREPARED -- SEVERE WEATHER PREPARED THE SALES TAX HOLIDAY FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21ST, 2025 THROUGH SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD, 2025. UNANIMOUS CONSENT IS NECESSARY. >> I HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. DOES ANYONE ON THE COUNCIL HAVE A PROBLEM MOVING FORWARD WITH THE VOTE THIS EVENING? SEEING ON, ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? >> COBLENTZ >> YES >> DAWSON >> YES >> GRISWOLD >> YES [9.d. Franchise agreement. Troy Cablevission, Inc. and its Affiliates dba C Spire. Unanimous consent necessary.] >> PARSONS >> YES >> >> ADAMS >> YES. >> THAT MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 9D [00:40:05] IS A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT. >> I WILL INTRODUCE THE ORDINANCE AND ASK FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT. >> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. SEEING AND HEARING THEN I WILL OPEN PUBLIC HEARING. ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS CITY COUNCIL PLEASE COME FORWARD GIVE US YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD AND YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES TO SPEAK. YES, SIR. >> WHICH IS SERVING OTHER PROVIDERS, CELL TOWERS AND BUSINESSES RESIDENTIAL. 647 MILES. WE WILL BE BUILDING INTO THE DATA CENTER HERE, SEVERAL OTHER DATA CENTERS IN THE STATE. WE WILL HAVE THOSE TYPE OF SERVICES BUILDING INTO SEVERAL COLLEGES AROUND THE STATE AS WE GO AROUND ON IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS OR IF YOU WILL DO QUESTIONS HERE. >> IF THERE ARE QUESTIONS WE WILL ASK. YES, MR. GRISWOLD. >> I'VE BEEN PART OF THE WORKING GROUP TO DISCUSS 2025 WHERE THE 2030 PLAN WHATEVER THIS IS. >> 2040. >> A LOT OF DISCUSSION ON WHETHER OR NOT THE CONDUITS FOR THE VARIOUS UTILITIES WILL BE SHARED SO YOU ARE GOING TO BE DIGGING YOUR OWN CONDUITS? YOU GOING TO BE USING SHARED CONDUITS? >> WE WILL BE DEPLOYING OUR OWN CONDUIT. IT WILL BE A DUCT SYSTEM. IT IS A VERY SMALL DUCT. THEY HAVE MICRO TRENCHES SO IT IS A 2 X 2 DUCT. WE WILL HAVE SPARE DUCTS IN THE CASE IF WE CAN GET ACCESS TO SOMEONE ELSE'S CONDUIT WE WOULD USE IT. BUT, OUR NETWORK IS GOING TO BE OPEN ACCESS NONDISCRIMINATORY NETWORKS SO WE WILL BE OFFERING DARK FIBER AND OTHER TYPE SERVICES TO OTHER PROVIDERS ON A NONDISCRIMINATORY BASIS AS PART OF RECEIVING A GRANT FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THAT WILL BE ONGOING FOR THE LIFE OF THE ASSET, WHICH IS 20 YEARS. >> DO YOU HAVE A TIMEFRAME FOR BEGINNING AND COMPLETION? >> YES. I'VE BEEN WORKING ON GETTING AN ENVIRONMENTAL PERMIT APPROVED FOR A YEAR AND A HALF NOW . I HAVE IT TURNED IN AND THEY HAVE ABOUT 15 MORE DAYS TO TELL ME IF IT IS COMPLETE AND THEY HAVE 270 TO APPROVE IT, BUT THEY COULD APPROVE IT IN THE TWO WEEKS, SO I WOULD WANT TO START A SOON AS POSSIBLE TO SCHEDULE NOW. WE HAVE A TWO-YEAR -- WE ANTICIPATED TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE AFTER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT BUT IT'S GOT TO BE COMPLETE BY 2026 BECAUSE IT IS FUNDED BY THE INFRASTRUCTURE ACT. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? THANK YOU. >> PUBLIC HEARING IS STILL OPEN. ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING THIS? WE WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. ANY FURTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS FROM THE COUNCIL? SEEING AND HEARING NONE, LINDSAY WITH THE ROLLCALL. >> DAWSON >> YES >> GRISWOLD >> YES >> ADAMS >> YES >> COBLENTZ [10.a. Conditional use approval. Farmville Mixed-Use. Various nonresidential uses. Property located at the northwest corner of East Farmville Road and US Highway 280. Public hearing required. Postponed from October 15, 2024.] >> YES >> ANDERS >> YES. >> THAT MOTION CARRIES. READY FOR RESOLUTIONS? ITEM 10 A IS A CONDITIONAL USE REQUEST FOR THE FARMVILLE EXCUSE PROJECT LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF EAST FARMVILLE ROAD AND U.S. HIGHWAY 280 WITH THE PLANNING DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY. THE PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THIS REQUEST. THIS IS POSTPONED FROM THE MEETING DUE TO THE PENDING ZONING ITEMS AND THE PUBLIC HEARING IS REQUIRED. >> WE HAVE A MOTION ON THE SECOND AT THIS TIME I WILL OPEN PUBLIC HEARING IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ABOUT THIS PLEASE COME FORWARD AND GIVE US YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD AND YOU WILL HAVE FIVE MINUTES TO SPEAK FOR THE COUNCIL. SEEING NO ONE, WE WILL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS FROM THE COUNCIL? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED? [10.b.1. East Alabama Health - Center for Mental Health.] THE MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM 10 B1 AUTHORIZES A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION PAYABLE OVER THREE YEARS TO EAST ALABAMA MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION IN SUPPORT OF THE CONSTRUCTION FOR THE CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH. >> MOVED TO APPROVE. >> SECOND. >> MOTION AT A SECOND. ANYONE ON THE COUNCIL HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? PEOPLE FROM EA H ARE WELCOME TO COME BACK UP HERE IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS THEY CAN COME UP AND ANSWER THEM. >> I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT JUDGE MCLAUGHLIN WHEN HE GAVE US HIS UPDATE ON THE COURT SYSTEM WAS ADAMANT ABOUT THE NEED FOR THIS EXPANDED HEALTH SERVICE. >> ALL RIGHT. WE HAVE A MOTION ON THE SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR SAY [10.b.2. Environmental Education Building at Kreher Preserve & Nature Center.] [00:45:09] AYE. ANY OPPOSED? THAT MOTION CARRIES. LYNAM -- >> ITEM 10 B TO AUTHORIZES A PAYMENT TO THE KREHER PRESERVE IN NATURE CENTER. >> ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS FOR THE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE KREHER PRESERVE? >> I WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SUPPORT OF FURTHERING EDUCATION, ESPECIALLY IN THE PRE-K ARENA , WHICH IS KIND OF AN UNDERSERVED AREA IN AUBURN AND I APPRECIATE THEM HELPING TO FILL THAT GAP. >> ANYONE ELSE? >> WE HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE PARTICIPATION OF AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS ON THIS AND THEY POINTED OUT HOW MANY FIELD TRIPS ARE MADE AND ALL THAT KIND OF STUFF SO IT'S A SUPER THING WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF AUBURN WHICH I THINK IS IMPORTANT AND IT SUPPORTS OUR CONTINUING EDUCATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY, SO THANK YOU. >> I APPRECIATE THE COMMENTS OF MAYOR DEMPSEY. I'VE LEARNED A LOT. >> WE ARE ON NUMBER TWO. >> WELL, I WILL JUMP OVER TO NUMBER TWO. I MEAN NUMBER THREE. >> NUMBER THREE IS NOT UP YET. >> WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? >> WE ARE TALKING ABOUT NUMBER TWO. >> KREHER PRESERVE. >> WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT NUMBER TWO? >> NUMBER TWO IS BEEN A ROUSING SUCCESS. I HAVE BEEN AMAZED AT HOW WELL USED IT IS AND I'VE ALSO BEEN AMAZED THAT THEY HAVE HAD CLASSES IN THE ELEMENTS, SHALL WE SAY, OUTDOORS IN TERRIBLE INCLEMENT CONDITIONS AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THEY WILL HAVE AN INDOOR FACILITY AND I AM THRILLED ABOUT THAT . I KNOW IT HAS BEEN EXCITING IN THE LONG TIME COMING FOR THEM, SO I SUPPORTED AND SORRY THAT MY DRAFT AGENDA WAS A LITTLE SCRAMBLED THERE, BUT I DO SUPPORT IT AND I JUST WANTED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT. AND I WILL HOLD MY COMMENTS ON NUMBER THREE. >> ANYBODY ELSE HAVE A COMMENT ON NUMBER TWO? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED? [10.b.3. Food Bank of East Alabama Community Market.] THE MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM 10 B3 AUTHORIZES THE CONTRIBUTION OF $100,000 PAYABLE OVER THREE YEARS IN THREE INCREMENTS EXCEPT FOR THE LAST YEAR WHICH WILL BE $334 TO ROUND THAT OUT. INCREMENTS TO THE FOOD BANK OF EAST ALABAMA IN SUPPORT OF A NEW COMMUNITY MARKET. >> WILL FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND. >> I HAVE A MOTION ON THE SECOND. MR. MOREMAN, I'VE GOT TO LET YOU GO FIRST. >> WELL, I HAVE FOUND OUT, AS WE HAVE GOTTEN INTO THIS, THAT THE FOOD BACK -- BANK IS IN FACT JUST THAT IN THERE ARE THINGS AROUND OUR CITY THAT ARE CALLED PANTRIES AND AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THE FOOD BANK PROVIDES DISTRIBUTION TO THE FOOD PANTRIES WHICH WE HAVE ONE AT OUR CHURCH , AND OTHERS AROUND THE CITY THAT WE ARE FAMILIAR WITH SO ALTHOUGH THIS FACILITY WILL NOT BE IN AUBURN, IT DOES TOUCH AUBURN IN A BIG WAY AND I HAVE ENJOYED THE PROCESS OF LEARNING ABOUT HOW THIS WORKS AND I FULLY SUPPORT EFFORTS TO DO THIS. THIS IS A MONUMENTAL UNDERTAKING. A VERY LARGE PROJECT AND IT IS A NOTEWORTHY THING TO PROVIDE FOOD TO ANOTHER HUMAN BEING AND IT IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT UNTIL YOU GET INTO IT SO I'VE LEARNED A LOT AND I CERTAINLY SUPPORT THIS PROJECT. >> THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE? >> YES. I AM THANKFUL THAT THE FOOD BANKS EXIST AS A FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENT OF WHAT I CONSIDER CIVILIZED SOCIETY AND REALLY APPRECIATE THE WORK YOU DO. I ALSO LOOK FORWARD TO ASSISTING YOU IN ANY WAY I CAN AS THE BUILDING GETS CREATED. [10.b.4. Mercy Medical Ministry] >> THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM 10 B FOR AUTHORIZES A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION OF $150,000 PAYABLE OVER THREE YEARS TO MERCY MEDICAL MINISTRY IN SUPPORT OF A NEW CLINIC. >> WILL FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND. >> ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS FROM THE DAIS? QUESTIONS FOR THE APPLICANTS? >> DO WE CURRENTLY FUND ANY OF THE OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THIS [00:50:05] MINISTRY ? >> NO, WE DO NOT. >> THERE IS NOT AN EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY THAT PROVIDES SUPPORT ? >> NOT AT THIS TIME. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS? >> I HAVE A COUPLE, PLEASE. I GUESS THE QUESTION THAT IS FLOATING IN THE AIR IS HOW DO YOU RAISE MONEY FOR THIS SERVICE THAT IS PROVIDED ALMOST FREE, BUT NOT FREE , TO THE RECIPIENTS OF THE SERVICE? COULD THAT BE ADDRESSED BY DR. CROSBY? >> SURE. >> WHILE HE IS ADDRESSING THAT, I WILL PAUSE FOR ONE THING. THEY PERIODICALLY DO OPERATE IN CONNECTION WITH THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND OTHERS OUT OF OUR BOYKIN MEDICAL CENTER CLINICS WAS THAT RELATIONSHIP THERE BUT RUNS ALSO WITH THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AT TIMES. THEY DO SERVE US, BUT THAT IS NOT A FUNDING CONTRIBUTION FROM US. THAT IS FROM A DIFFERENT WAY. >> YOU ARE ASKING HOW WE ARE FUNDED IN GENERAL? >> HOW DO YOU PAY FOR THE OPERATION? >> INDIVIDUALS, OCCASIONAL GRANTS, BUSINESSES, CIVIC CLUBS, CHURCHES -- A HODGEPODGE. WE HAVE BEEN IN EXISTENCE 25 YEARS. WE HAVE HAD MAYBE THREE FUNDRAISING EVENTS IN 25 YEARS THAT ARE RECENT. GOD IS JUST PROVIDED. THE PATIENTS ARE CHARGED $35 BUT WE DO NOT REQUIRE THAT THEY PAY. WE DON'T PUBLICIZE THAT OR NO ONE WOULD PAY WE DO THAT BECAUSE WE WANT THEM TO HAVE SOME RESPONSIBILITY AND GET THEM RESPECT BUT FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T PAY, WE SEE THEM REGARDLESS. >> DO YOU RECEIVE ANY FUNDS FROM UNITED WAY OR OTHER --? >> WE DO NOT. WE ARE A SIGNIFICANT RECIPIENT OF EAST ALABAMA'S GOODNESS. THEY'VE CONTINUED TO PROVIDE LAB AND X-RAY TO OUR PATIENTS AT NO COST TO MERCY MEDICAL. THEY FUNDUS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY PER MONTH SO THEY HAVE BEEN AN INCREDIBLE PARTNER. >> I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE STATISTICS YOU GAVE HIM THE NUMBER FROM OUR COMMUNITY, THE OPA-LOCKA COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING COUNTY. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FOR DR. CROSBY WHILE HE IS STANDING HERE? COMMENTS? OKAY, THANK YOU. COMMENTS FROM COUNSEL? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE. ANY [10.c. Contract. Stivers Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram. Purchase sixteen (16) 2025 Dodge Durango Pursuit SUVs. Police Department. $730,767.84.] OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM 10 C AUTHORIZES THE PURCHASE OF 16 2025 DODGE DURANGO PURSUED SUVS FROM STIVERS CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP, RAM . [10.d.1. Arkal Automotive USA, Inc. Auburn Technology Park West. Tax abatement.] >> ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SACCO. ANY OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM 10 D1 AUTHORIZES A TAX ABATEMENT FOR ARKALL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES. >> MOVE APPROVAL. >> SECOND. >> MR. DUNLAP, CONGRATULATIONS. [10.d.2. CSP Technologies, Inc. Auburn Technology Park North. Tax abatement extension.] WE HAVE A GOOD ITEM ON OUR AGENDA TONIGHT CELEBRATING YOUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY. ONLY MAKES SENSE. ANY OTHER COMMENTS? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SACCO. ANY OPPOSED? >> ITEM 10 D 2 AUTHORIZES AN ABATEMENT EXTENSION THROUGH DECEMBER 2025 TO ALLOW MORE TIME FOR EQUIPMENT TO BE PLACED IN CERTAIN ADDRESSES WITHIN AUBURN. >> MOTION IS SECOND. ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE. OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES. >> MAYOR, THOSE ARE ALL THE ITEMS OF BUSINESS WE HAVE FOR YOU THIS EVENING. >> AT THIS TIME WE WILL OPEN CITIZENS OPEN FORM. THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO THE CITY COUNCIL ABOUT ANYTHING THAT MIGHT BE ON YOUR MIND. COME FORWARD TO SHARE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD AND YOU WILL HAVE THREE MINUTES TO [Additional Item] SPEAK TO COUNSEL. OKAY, SEEING NO ONE, WE WILL CLOSE CITIZENS OPEN FORUM. I WANT TO SAY , AS A FOLLOW-UP TO SOME OF THE WORK WE JUST DID, THE CITY COUNCIL TOOK ON FOUR CONSIDERATIONS THAT HAVE REALLY NOT BEEN A PART OF OUR HISTORY HERE AT AUBURN TO CONSIDER FUNDING CAPITAL PROJECTS FOR NONPROFITS. THIS IS THIS TIME OF DAY IN OUR COMMUNITY AND [00:55:01] THESE ARE CRITICAL NEEDS IN OUR COMMUNITY AND I WANT TO THANK THE CITY COUNCIL FOR AFFIRMING THE REQUEST THAT THESE FOUR ENTITIES HAVE MADE. BY NO MEANS HAVE WE SET PRECEDENT FOR THE FUTURE. THESE WILL ALWAYS BE INDIVIDUAL DECISIONS THAT THIS BODY WILL HAVE TO CONSIDER INDIVIDUALLY WHEN THEY COME BEFORE US, BUT WHEN YOU CONSIDER MENTAL HEALTH AND FOOD SECURITY AND BASIC MEDICAL CARE, THOSE ARE CRITICAL NEEDS IN A GROWING COMMUNITY AND THESE ENTITIES ARE PROVEN COMMODITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY. THEY HAVE PROVEN RECORDS, PROVEN TESTIMONIES OF HELPING OUR CITIZENS AND TONIGHT, WE DID THE RIGHT THING, I BELIEVE, BY SUPPORTING THEIR EFFORTS TO BUILD THEIR NEW BUILDINGS AND WE CERTAINLY WISH THEM WELL AS THEY MOVE FORWARD. THE KREHER PRESERVE IS A JEWEL IN OUR COMMUNITY. THEY HAVE A RUN SO WELL AND THEY ARE SO CREATIVE AND SO ACTIVE AND THEY MEAN SO MUCH TO OUR COMMUNITY. IT IS EVERYTHING YOU WANT IN A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN A TOWN AND A PARKS AND REC AND UNIVERSITY AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THEIR CONTINUED WORK IN THE * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.