[00:00:04]
>> IT'S PAST 6:00. WE WILL GO AHEAD AND MOVE INTO THE REGULAR AGENDA. WELCOME EVERYBODY TO THE AUBURN CITY COUNCIL MEMBER FOR DECEMBER 2, 2025.
WELCOME THOSE THAT ARE WITH US TONIGHT AS WELL AS THOSE LISTENING ON WANI AS WELL AS WATCHING THROUGH OUR STREAMING SERVICES. THE ROLL CALL.
>> PLEASE STAND FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND REMAIN STANDING FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE. 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. PLEASE BE SEATED.
[4. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS]
THIS IS THE FIRST MEETING OF THE MONTH. WE WILL RECOGNIZE OUR OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES AND OTHER EMPLOYEES WITH SERVICE AWARDS.>> WE ARE PROUD TO INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR DECEMBER EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH.
I HAVE A MEMORANDUM FROM THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR. VALLEY TEMPLE BEGAN HER SERVICE IN 2014 AS A YOUTH SERVICES LIBRARY ASSISTANT AND WAS LATER PROMOTED TO ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH LIBRARY ASSISTANT. OVER THE PAST 11 YEARS, VALERIE HAS DEMONSTRATED EXCEPTIONAL DEDICATION AND HAS SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR OUTREACH ACTIVITIES AND LIBRARY PROGRAMS. VALERIE HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN COORDINATING WITH SCHOOLS TO FACILITATE OUR OUTREACH INITIATIVES, INCLUDING THE THIRD GRADE READING DRAGONS PROGRAM, WHERE STAFF VISITED EVERY THIRD GREAT CLASSROOM IN AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS EACH MONTH AND MET WITH A BOOK CLUB OFFERED AT DRAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND AUBURN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. HER DEDICATION IS HELPING FOSTER A LOVE OF READING AND LEARNING IN THE COMMUNITY. IN ADDITION TO HER IMPRESSIVE ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS, VALERIE EMBODIES CORE VALUES. SHE APPROACHES HER RESPONSIBILITIES WITH RELIABILITY, ENTHUSIASM AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL AS WELL AS A COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT ALWAYS GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF OUR PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH. IN 2021, VALERIE'S INSTRUMENTAL IN ORGANIZING AND MENTORING THE FIRST AUBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY TEEN ADVISORY BOARD. OVER THE LAST YEAR, VALERIE AGAIN SERVED AS A TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MENTOR, HELPING TEENS DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS WHILE FOSTERING A COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
AMONG MANY APPRECIATION NOTES ADDRESSED TO HER, ONE FAMILY SAYS ABOUT MISS VALERIE, THANK YOU FOR LOVING US SO MUCH AND TEACHING US SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS. YOU ARE AN ANGEL TO US. HER COMMITMENT TO DELIVERING EXCELLENT SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY, HER EXCEPTIONAL WORK ETHIC, HER WILLINGNESS TO SERVE IN ANY ROLE MAKE HER A DESERVING CANDIDATE FOR THIS RECOGNITION. THANK YOU. CONGRATULATIONS.
CONGRATULATIONS TO VALERIE AS OUR OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH AS WELL AS OUR OTHER OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES.
TO MY OLD TEAMMATE, ALL THE BEST FOR YOU AS YOU RETIRE.
WE HAD A VERY RICH DISCUSSION REGARDING INFORMATION THAT WE WOULD POTENTIALLY ASK THE STAFF TO PROVIDE RELATED TO BUDGETEDBUDGETED ITEMS. WE WILL TAKE THAT UP HOPEFULLY MAYBE IN TWO WEEKS. I WILL BE TALKING TO EACH OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS ABOUT THAT.
I JUST WANT TO SAY, THANK YOU TO OUR PUBLIC SAFETY, PARTICULARLY OUR POLICE. AT THE GAME A COUPLE WEEK AGO, IT WAS PROBABLY THE LARGEST CROWD THAT'S BEEN IN THAT STADIUM.
IT WAS WELL ORGANIZED. IT WAS OBVIOUS OUR POLICE HAD A PLAN THAT WAS PUT IN PLACE FOR MANY DAYS.
I THOUGHT THE GAME WAS UNFORTUNATELY WENT TO THE OTHER TEAM, BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS WELL PLAYED AND
[00:05:03]
WAS WELL HANDLED BY OUR PUBLIC SAFETY.MAKE SURE YOU SEND MY THANK YOU TO THAT.
IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT AND A BIG CROWD.
I WAS PROUD TO BE FROM AUBURN THAT NIGHT. IT WAS WELL HANDLED. AS WELL AS THIS PAST WEEKEND WITH IT BEING THANKSGIVING AND THE IRON BOWL, THANK YOU TO OUR POLICE, OUR PUBLIC SAFETY, EVERYBODY INVOLVED IN HELPING OUR CITY GO THROUGH THOSE BIG GAME WEEKENDS. OBVIOUSLY, WE KNOW HOW IMPORTANT PEOPLE WOULDN'T FEEL COMFORTABLE BEING HERE UNLESS THEY FELT PROTECT AND FELT LIKE THINGS WERE ORGANIZED AND WE HAD A PLAN TO GET THEM IN AND OUT OF TOWN.
I'M JUST APPRECIATING THE HARD, HARD WORK THAT GOES INTO EACH AND EVERY FOOTBALL WEEKEND AS WELL AS EACH AND EVERY FOOTBALL SEASON. THANK YOU AGAIN TO OUR POLICE OFFICERS AND OUR PUBLIC SAFETY TEAM. Y'ALL DID A GREAT JOB. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO AUBURN UNIVERSITY FOR ALLOWING ME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TREE LIGHTING SERVICES AND INCLUDING OUR COMMUNITY IN THAT.
CONGRATULATIONS TO AUBURN'S NEW FOOTBALL COACH. WE WELCOME HIM TO TOWN AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH HIM AND ALL THE BEST TO HIM AS HE BRINGS HIS FAMILY TO AUBURN. THIS WEEKEND THERE'S A LOT OF CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES GOING ON IN AND AROUND THE TOWN, ESPECIALLY DOWNTOWN. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THAT.
INCLUDING THE PARADE ON SUNDAY. CERTAINLY EVERYBODY JUST NEEDS TO BE MINDFUL OF THAT AS THEY'RE TRYING TO GET AROUND THIS WEEKEND.
ANY OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS OR COMMENTS?
[5. AUBURN UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS]
ANYONE ELSE? WE WILL MOVE AHEAD WITH AUBURN UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS.>> HELLO. I HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT THANKSGIVING BREAK. SO JUST AS YOU SAID, BIG NEWS FOR AUBURN FOOTBALL. WE HIRED A NEW HEAD COACH.
WE ARE HOPING FOR A GOOD SEASON. LAST FRIDAY, RILEY GREEN PUT ON AN AMAZING CONCERT. IN THE FALL, ZACH BRYAN IS COMING. WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THAT. SGA HOSTED ITS CREED DAY ON NOVEMBER 19, WHICH IT'S A CELEBRATION THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE AUBURN CREED AND EMPLIFIES ITS VALUES. WE ARE HAVING RUNG NIGHT. AND THE POLITICAL HONOR SOCIETY PARTNERED WITH THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS TO HOST AN EVENT. IT HELPED STUDENTS LEARN TO PREPARE FOR JOB HUNTING. NOVEMBER 21, THE MEN'S BASKETBALL DEEM DEFEATED ST.
JOHNS. IT WAS A GREAT GAME. DOWNTOWN JUST GOT ITS NEW COOKIE FIX STORE. IT'S A BIG HIT WITH THE STUDENTS. LASTLY, FINALS ARE NEXT WEEK FOR OUR STUDENTS. WE ARE OFF FOR WINTER BREAK. THANK YOU.
>> GOOD LUCK ON FINALS. CITY ANAGER'S COMMUNICATIONS.
>> HOLD ON A MINUTE. I HAVE NO COMMUNICATIONS ON AGENDA ITEMS.
>> I DIDN'T KNOW IF YOU WERE GOING TO DO -- WE HAVE
[6. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS ON AGENDA ITEMS]
CITIZENS' COMMUNICATIONS.>> THANK YOU. YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL ABOUT ANYTHING ON OUR AGENDA, NOW WOULD BE THE TIME TO COME FORWARD AND DO THAT.
YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.
GIVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON ITEM 9A WAIT UNTIL THAT POINT IN TIME. THERE'S A PUBLIC HEARING ATTACHED TO THAT. YES, SIR.
>> TOM HALEY, 1695 EAST UNIVERSITY DRIVE.
I HAVE A COUPLE QUESTIONS. PROBABLY NOT GOING TO GET THE ANSWER TONIGHT. AS I READ THROUGH THE PACKET, THERE WERE THINGS I DISCOVERED THAT I NEVER HEARD OF. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT AN UNOBLIGATED ACCUMULATED FUND IS. OBVIOUSLY, THERE'S A LOT OF MONEY IN IT. Y'ALL WILL DECIDE HOW IT'S SPENT. I REMEMBER A MONTH AGO THE MORATORIUM DISCUSSIONS WE HAD AND PROBLEMS WE HAVE DOWNTOWN. I'M HOPING MAYBE SOME OF THIS MONEY COULD LOOK AT SOME OF THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS WE HAVE DOWN THERE FROM UNDERSIZED SEWER LINES AND A STORM DRAIN THAT WE COULD÷÷ PRIORITIZE USING SOME OF THIS MONEY FOR THAT. THE NEXT THING I GUESS MIGHT BE INTERESTING TO KNOW IS HOW MUCH MONEY IS IN THAT FUND? WE'RE SPENDING MILLIONS TONIGHT.
WE GOT A PROBLEM DOWNTOWN THAT YOU KNOW ABOUT.
I JUST WANTED TO POINT THAT OUT. THE UNOBLIGATED ACCUMULATED FUND IS NEW TO ME. IT WOULD BE NICE TO KNOW THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT'S SITTING IN
[00:10:03]
THERE THAT'S UNOBLIGATED. THANK YOU.>> YES, SIR. MY GUESS IS THAT WILL COME UP IN THE DISCUSSION A LITTLE BIT LATER.
ANYONE ELSE LIKE TO SPEAK ABOUT
[7. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS]
AN ITEM THAT'S ON TONIGHT'S AGENDA? NOW WE WILL MOVE TO CITY MANAGER'S COMMUNICATION.>> THIS EVENING WE HAVE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THREE VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT.
THEY WILL BE MADE AT THE JANUARY 6 MEETING.
ALL CURRENT APPOINTEES OF THE BOARD THAT THEY ARE SPOTS ARE UP RE- APPOINTMENT ARE ELIGIBLE
[8. CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA]
SHOULD THEY CHOOSE TO APPLY. >> ALL RIGHT.
AGENDA. >> DOES ANY COUNCIL MEMBER WISH TO REMOVE AN ITEM AND DEAL WITH THAT INDIVIDUALLY?
>> I WOULD LIKE TO PULL 8H3 AND 8D2.
[8.c.3. Roadway Management Technologies, LLC. Professional Service Agreement. Comprehensive Roadway Infrastructure Condition Assessment. $74,448.]
>> AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ROAD MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES FOR A ROADWAY ASSESSMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,448.
>> SECOND. >> MOTION AND A SEND.
>> AT FIRST GLANCE, PAYING $74,000 TO TELL US WHAT ROADS TO PAVE IN OUR TOWN, IT SOUNDED FUNNY.
AFTER READING THIS, I REALIZE THERE'S A LOT TO THIS AGREEMENT. I WONDERED IF WE COULD HAVE SOMEONE SPEAK TO THE BENEFIT THE CITY RECEIVES FROM THE APPROVAL OF THESE SERVICES.
>> I WILL HAVE OUR INTERIM CITY ENGINEER SPEAK TO IT.
WHAT'S IMPORTANT IS SOME OF YOU FROM A CONSTITUENT STANDPOINT PROBABLY GET MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT RESURFACING AND WHY CERTAIN STREETS ARE OR ARE NOT.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE DO, IT'S NOT -- YOU DON'T JUST EYEBALL THE STREET AND SAY, IT DOESN'T LOOK GOOD AND IT NEEDS RESURFACING. THERE'S MORE THAT GOES INTO THAT. A LOT OF ANALYSIS. WE'RE GOING TO USE THIS TO BUILD A FIVE- YEAR PAVEMENT PLAN AND USE -- IF WE DO FUTURE YEARS WITH THIS, IT WILL INFORM US ABOUT THINGS THAT HAVE CHANGED.
OWEN STREET DECLINED IN A HURRY. SOME UNEXPECTED THINGS HAPPENED THERE WHERE THAT WAS OUTSIDE OF PAVEMENT ANALYSIS.
THAT WAS AN EYEBALL PLUS GO OUT AND CHECK. THERE'S THINGS THAT ARE DYNAMIC.
>> THANK YOU. WE HAVE BEEN DOING PAVEMENT ASSESSMENTS FOR MANY YEARS. ORIGINALLY, WE DID DO THEM THROUGH A VERY QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS AND INSPECTION THAT WE DID.
THAT TOOK A LOT OF TIME BY EACH OF OUR INSPECTORS.
WITH OUR LAST FIVE- YEAR RESURFACING WE CONTRACTED WITH A DIFFERENT COMPANY. THEY DO THIS NOW WITH NEW MODERN TECHNOLOGY WHERE THEY ARE USING RADAR AND ONARS AS CARS DRIVEDRIVE TO THE SURFACES OF THE ROAD THAT THEN CAN BE USED TO DETERMINE WHAT CONDITION THOSE ROADS ARE IN COMPARED TO EACH OTHER.
THEN WE USE THAT DATA TO DETERMINE THE CONDITIONS AND WHICH ONES SHOULD BE RESURFACED. WE THEN TAKE THAT DATA A STEP FURTHER AND DETERMINE WHAT KIND OF VOLUMES ARE ON THAT ROAD. THEN WE CAN DETERMINE -- WHICH ROADS WOULD HAVE FASTER DETERIORATION TO THE POINT SHE MENTIONED SOME ROADS DETERIORATE FASTER. THAT'S OUR MAJOR STREETS AND THINGS THAT HAVE HEAVY TRAFFIC.
THE ADVANTAGE OF THIS CONTRACT AND THIS TECHNOLOGY IS THEY WILL BE PUTTING EQUIPMENT ON SOME OF OUR VEHICLES LIKE OUR TRASH TRUCKS AND THINGS LIKE THAT ARE DRIVING EVERY STREET EVERY DAY TO DO AN ANALYSIS. THAT CAN BE CONTINUALLY UPDATED.
WE CAN GO IN THERE AND USE THIS SOFTWARE AT ANY TIME TO REASSESS THE CONDITION OF OUR STREETS AND REASSESS THAT FIVE- YEAR PLAN.
IF WE NEED TO MAKE ANY CHANGES.
>> AFTER A WHILE, OUR CITY STAFF IS GOING TO START PUTTING THE SENSORS ON THE VEHICLES?
>> THIS COMPANY WILL COME IN AND PUT THE EQUIPMENT OPEN THE VEHICLES.
WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THEM TO MAKE SURE THAT THE VEHICLES ARE CAPABLE OF RECEIVING THE EQUIPMENT AND WE CAN GET THE DATA THROUGH WI-FI TECHNOLOGY.
>> IT'S NOT A THING I'VE HEARD OF BEFORE. I APPRECIATE THE EXPLANATION ON THAT. I'M SURE A LOT OF OUR CITIZENS APPRECIATE IT AS WELL.
[00:15:01]
>> ONCE THEY DO THE ASSESSMENT AND I GUESS THEY PUT THE EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES, HOW OFTEN WOULD THEY HAVE TO COME BACK AND DO AN ASSESSMENT?
>> IT'S A CONTINUAL ASSESSMENT. THE VEHICLES STAY EQUIPPED. AS THE VEHICLES DRIVE, IT IS CONSTANTLY ASSESSING AND GOING INTO THE COMPUTER ALGORITHMS.
>> IS THAT A CONTINUATION, IS THAT PART OF THIS COST? OR EVERY TIME WE PAY SOMETHING DIFFERENT?
>> NO. THIS FIRST YEAR, THIS $75,000 COVERS THE FIRST YEAR OF CONTINUAL ASSESSMENT.
BUT WE CAN RENEW IT FOR UP TO A TOTAL OF THREE YEARS.
>> WHAT WE WOULD DO IS WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE GETTING DAD -- THE DATA AND SO ON AND THAT IT'S FUNCTIONAL.
WE SWITCHED COMPANIES. WE WERE NOT FULLY SATISFIED.
NOT SAYING THEY DID A BAD JOB. IT WAS NOT EXACTLY WHAT WE NEEDED. SO WE ARE TRYING THIS.
THIS IS A CONCERTED EFFORT BETWEEN PUBLIC WORKS AND ENGINEERING SERVICES.
PUBLIC WORKS MAINTAINS ALL THE ROADS.
THIS DOESN'T SUBSTITUTE WHEN I GET A PHONE CALL FROM ONE OF YOU THAT WE'RE NOT GOING TO GO OUT.
WE WILL SEND A VEHICLE OUT TO DRIVE OVER IT.
BUT WE ALSO SEND ENGINEERS AND OTHER TECHNICAL EXPERTS INTO THE FIELD TO LOOK AT PROBLEMS WHEN WE HAVE THEM. WE HAD TROUBLE ON LONG LEAF THAT WE WERE AWARE OF. IT DETERIORATED QUICKLY. WE HAD TO MAKE ANOTHER PATCH. THOSE S ARE GOING TO HAPPEN.
THIS IS A WAY TO INFORM US TO MAKE A FIVE- YEAR PLAN. WE TRY TO GIVE YOU RESURFACING INFORMATION. BUT THAT'S DYNAMIC.
SOMETHING LIKE OWENS ROAD HAD TO BUMP UP FASTER. THAT WAS A ROAD THAT WAS FAILING AND FAILING FAST.
THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN PERIODICALLY.
YES, SIR. >> YOU SAID THAT WE DID THIS IN THE PAST. YOU SAID WE.
THAT ANOTHER CONTRACTOR? >> CITY STAFF.
>> WE HAD OUR INSPECT ORS GO OUT.
THEY WENT TO EVERY STREET AND DO THE ASSESSMENTS. WE MADE THE CHANGE TO GO TO CONSULTANTS BECAUSE OF THE TIME IT WAS TAKING OUR STAFF TO DO THE WORK.
FINANCIAL INVESTMENT WE HAD IN IT.
>> THE DATA THAT WE GET FROM THIS CONTRACT OR THIS SERVICE, IS THAT RAW DATA OR HAVE THEY
MASSAGED IT? >> THE RAW DATA IS IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. IT DOES GET MASSAGED INTO AN EASY TO SEE VIEW OF WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.
THEY GET A NUMERIC SCALE OF CONDITION.
THEN WE CAN SET PARAMETERS, FOR IF IT DROP AS SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE IT DROPS TO A LOWER THRESHOLD THAN WE ARE COMFORTABLE WITH, WE CAN GET AN ALERT. WE WOULD KNOW THE ROAD, SECTIONS HAD DROPPED BELOW WHAT WE FIND ACCEPTABLE. WE WOULD KNOW TO PRIORITIZE THAT.
>> THE THREE- YEAR EXTENSION, THEY ARE GOING TO PROVIDE THE DATA. WE HAVE THE SENSORS. THEY ARE SENDING -- THE SENSORS ARE SENDING DATA WHERE?
>> EVERY DAY, THEY ARE HOUSED -- THE DATA IS HOUSED ON CLOUD IN A COMPUTER PROGRAM.
>> SOMETHING THE CITY HAS ACCESS
>> IS THERE A REASON WE CAN'T EVALUATE THAT DATA RATHER THAN PAY SOMEBODY 75K EACH TIME?
>> IT'S BUILT INTO THE SOFTWARE.
>> IT'S BUILT INTO THE SOFTWARE.
>> IT'S FOR THE SOFTWARE PACKAGE AND SENSORS. WE ARE JUST LEASING THE SENSORS.
>> LEASING THE SENSORS. YOU SAID THEY REMAIN ON THE VEHICLES?
>> FOR THE DURATION OF THE CONTRACT.
>> I HAVE A QUESTION. HOW MUCH WOULD IT COST CITY TO BUY THESE SENSORS OURSELVES AND EVALUATE THE DATA?
>> WE COULDN'T WITHOUT THE SOFTWARE.
>> THE SOFTWARE IS PROPRIETARY TO THIS COMPANY?
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? A MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.
[8.d.2. James Booth and Anna Champagne. Accept public greenway easement. Property located at 825 Lee Road 96.]
>> D2 IS FOR PROPERTY AT 825 LEE ROAD 96.
>> MY ORIGINAL QUESTION WAS, WHAT IS A GREENWAY EASEMENT? I THINK I UNDERSTAND THAT NOW.
MY NEXT QUESTION IS, WILL THE CITY HAVE USE OF THIS GREENWAYGREENWAY WE APPROVAL IT TONIGHT?
>> IT'S A GREAT QUESTION. THAT IS THE EVENTUAL GOAL. THAT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT
[00:20:01]
WOULD BE IMMEDIATELY REALIZED BY ACCEPTING THIS TONIGHT.THIS IS JUST DEDICATING THAT AREA DESIGNATED ON A PLAT THAT THIS WOULD BE A PART OF THE EASEMENT SO WHEN WE DECIDE TO -- WHEN WE HAVE ENOUGH OF THE STRETCH CONNECTED AND HAS BEEN DEDICATED, WE WILL -- IT WILL BE ON A LIST. IT WILL GET CONSTRUCTED AND OPEN TO ACCESS. RIGHT NOW WHEN YOU SEE THESE SUBDIVISION PLATS COME IN AND THE GREENWAY EASEMENTS ARE DEDICATED, IT'S AN ACCUMULATION UNTIL WE GET ENOUGH OF A STRETCH TO PRIORITIZE THEM TO CONSTRUCT THAT GREENWAY AND IT WILL BE OPEN.
THIS IS THE FIRST PART IN A VERY LONG THOUGHT OUT PROCESS OF EVENTUALLY CONSTRUCTING THESE EASEMENTS -- OR THESE
GREENWAYS. >> WE HAVE BEEN COLLECTING THESE FOR YEARS PER THE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS.
>> GOOD. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
>> MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR SAY
>> MOTION CARRIES. A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA?
>> ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR SAY
[9.a. Zoning Ordinance text amendments. Article II, Definitions (Section 203 – Definitions), Article IV, General Regulations (Table 4-3 Standards for Nonresidential Uses by District), and Article V, Detailed Use Regulations (Table 5-2: Lot Area, Setback, Bulk Regulations and Parking Requirements: Neighborhood Conservation District and Section 511.07, Detailed Accessory Use Regulations). Planning Commission recommendations. Unanimous consent necessary. Public hearing required.]
AYE. >> ANY OPPOSED? THE CONSENT AGENDA IS APPROVED. ORDINANCES.
>> 9A VARIOUS ZONING ORDINANCE THAT INCLUDE AN AMENDMENT TO DEFINITIONS AND USE REGULATIONS FOR SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS. SECTION 203, SECTION 511. 07C, AMENDMENT TO STANDARDS FOR NORN RESIDENTIAL USES IN RURAL ZONING DISTRICTS, ESTABLISHMENT OF RESIDENTIAL USE REGULATIONS FOR THE NC40 ZONING DESCRIPTION, LEFT OUT OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE.
AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL AT ITS OCTOBER 19TH MEETING -- SORRY, 9TH. UNANIMOUS CONSENT IS NECESSARY. A PUBLIC HEARING IS REQUIRED.
>> A MOTION AND SECOND. DOES ANYONE HAVE A PROBLEM MOVING FORWARD WITH A VOTE? I WILL OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL, GIVE US YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD. YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES TO SPEAK.
>> DAVID HAMILTON. I LIVE AT 2261 LONGWOOD DRIVE.
I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THE ORDINANCE REGARDING THE SOLAR ASPECTS OF THE ORDINANCE. AS I REVIEW AND LOOK AT IT, IT'S INCOMPLETE. IT DOESN'T COVER A LOT OF THE S OF SOLAR THAT EXIST. IT'S RESTRICTIVE, ESPECIALLY WITH REGARD TO THE SIZE AND AVAILABILITY OF SOLAR FOR GROUND-BASED SYSTEMS. THE FACT THAT NON-RESIDENTIAL SYSTEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED. I THINK I ASKED A QUESTION TO THE COUNCIL. DO YOU THINK SOLAR IS GOING TO BECOME IMPORTANT TO AUBURN IN THE FUTURE IN TERMS OF PROVIDING POWER? WHO THINKS SO?
>> LET ME GIVE YOU SOME INFORMATION THAT MIGHT TELL YOU HOW THINGS ARE GOING.
THE COST OF ENERGY FROM ROOFTOP SOLAR, WHICH IS THE COST YOU GET TO PAY FOR YOUR ENERGY, IS AT A POINT NOW WHERE IT'S CROSSING OVER THE COST OF UTILITY ENERGY PRICES.
WHICH OF THOSE IS GOING UP AND WHICH OF STHOES THOSE IS GOING DOWN IN THE FUTURE? IN TERMS OF NEW CAPACITY FOR ENERGY PROVIDED TO THE UNITED STATES, OVER 50% OF NEW ELECTRICAL CAPACITY IS SOLAR.
WE ARE ENTERING THE SOLAR FUTURE.
I HAVE SOME SUGGESTIONS ON IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE.
I STARTED LOOKING AT WAYS TO DRIVE THAT. I WAS LOOKING THROUGH COMP 2030.
ONE OF THE STATEMENTS IN THERE SAYS, PLANNING SHOULD INTEGRATE SUBSTANTIALLY INTO EVERY DECISION. WE HAVE A DECISION HERE. WE SHOULD BE CONSIDERING SUSTAINABILITY. WITH REGARD TO THE ORDINANCE, IT READS, IT SHALL ESTABLISH -- EXCUSE ME.
I THINK THE ORDINANCE SHOULD BE REWRITTEN TO SAY, THE PURPOSE OF THE ORDINANCE IS TO ESTABLISH CLEAR AND CONSISTENT REGULATION FOR THE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS AND BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS. THEY ARE AN ACCESSORY TO A SOLAR SYSTEM WHICH PROVIDE BACKUP IN CASE YOUR SOLAR PANELS ARE NOT GETTING POWER LIKE DURING THE NIGHT.
[00:25:03]
WE WOULD -- THE BENEFIT OF THAT IS TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE THROUGH COMPLIANCE WITH FIRE AND ELECTRICAL CODES.ORD INARILY ORDERLY AND CLEAN RESOURCES.
ESTABLISH CLEAR STANDARDS FOR DECOMMISSIONING AND SITE RESTORATION OF LARGE SOLAR FACILITIES.
THE SCOPE DID NOT INCLUDE LARGE SOLAR FACILITIES.
IT DID NOT INCLUDE A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS. ONE OF THE THINGS IT DID NOT INCLUDE IS WHAT'S CALLED INTEGRATED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS OR BUILDING INTEGRATED PHOTO -- THOSE ARE THINGS SUCH AS SOLAR MATERIALS THAT ARE INCORPORATED DIRECTLY AND USED IN PLACE OF CONVENTIONAL BUILDING COMPONENTS SUCH AS SOLAR SHINGLES, ROOF TILES AND BUILDING FACADES OR SKYLIGHTS.
IT LOOKS LIKE A REGULAR HOUSE EXCEPT IT'S GOT SOLAR POWER. TODAY, AS THE ORDINANCE READS, YOU WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO INSTALL THAT ON THE FRONT SIDE OF YOUR HOUSE.
ANOTHER USE, WHICH IS SORT OF A LITTLE OUT THERE, BUT COMING IS SOMETHING THAT'S NEAR TO AUBURN'S HEART, WHICH IS WHERE YOU TAKE A FARM AND MIX SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION WITH FARMING. IT INCLUDES THE PHOTO PANELS IN A MANNER WHERE IT'S COMPLIMENTARY TO THE FARMING THAT'S BEING DONE.
AUBURN IS GOING TO HAVE THAT EXPLORED.
LOCAL FARMERS MIGHT WANT TO EXPLORE THAT AS WELL.
IT'S A GROUND- BASED NON-RESIDENTIAL APPLICATION.
IT'S NOT GOING TO BE PERMITTED. THERE'S SOME CHANGES I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE TO THE ACTUAL ORDINANCE ITSELF.
ONE IS WITH REGARD TO ALLOWANCES FOR THE SOLAR PANELS. ON ROOFTOP SOLAR PANELS, AS I MENTIONED, THE BUILT- IN MATERIALS, SHOULD BE ED ON THE FRONT SIDE OF HOUSES.
>> THANK YOU, MR. HAMILTON. WE APPRECIATE IT.
>> YOU GET THE GIST. IT WOULD BENEFIT THE CITY TO RE- VISIT THIS AND SET UP A GROUP
WHO WILL BE NEXT? CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING.
>> YES. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE PLANNING DIRECTOR ADDRESS THESE, IF YOU WOULD PLEASE.
>> HOLD ON A MINUTE. ONE OF THE THINGS -- I WILL HAVE JUSTICE GIVE YOU MORE BACKGROUND.
PEOPLE WERE GOING TO INSPECTION SERVICES TRYING TO GET PERMITS. WE WEREN'T SPEAKING TO IT IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE. WE HAVE AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM ALONG WITH MYSELF THAT HAS TREMENDOUS BACKGROUND IN LOOKING AT SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS. WE HAVE A LOT OF CLOUD COVER IN AUBURN THAT MAKES IT HARDER.
THERE ARE SOLAR FARMS. JUSTICE WILL DISTINGUISH THAT THIS IS THE FIRST SHOT ACROSS THE BOW.
MOST HOAS DO NOT ALLOW ASPECTS OF SOLAR ENERGY.
I'M NOT SAYING WHETHER THE CITY AGREES WITH THAT AND WE DO NOT REGULATE THAT. WE ARE CHALLENGED BY THAT FOR SOME OF OUR SUBDIVISIONS. FOR THOSE NOT PROTECTED BY COVENANTS WHO GET FRUSTRATED, WE ARE LOOKING TO START SOMEWHERE TO SAY HERE ARE BASIC REGULATIONS TO HELP PEOPLE.
WE HAVE NOT HAD A DRUMBEAT OF LET'S -- WE HAVE HEARD FROM MR. HAMILTON, OF LET'S GO BROADER WITH THESE REGULATIONS. I WILL HAVE JUSTICE TALK ABOUT
WHY WE MOVE THESE FORWARD. >> THANK YOU.
WITH THIS, THAT'S A GOOD SUMMARY OF IT. WE HAVEN'T HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE CLAMORING FOR THIS. I THINK HONESTLY, WHEN TALKING TO CODES ABOUT THIS, IT'S COLLABORATING ACROSS DEPARTMENTS OF HOW WE NEED TO APPROACH THIS.
BUILD OFFICIALS SAID THERE'S LESS THAN A DOZEN OF THESE. THERE AREN'T THAT MANY.
WE DON'T GET THE COMPLEXITY OF THE DIFFERENT SYSTEMS. GO TO DIFFERENT PLACES OUT WEST IN FLAGSTAFFS HAVE STRUCTURES.
THEY ARE ON LARGER BUILDINGS LIKE UNIVERSITIES. WE SOME USERS IN THE INDUSTRIAL PARK THAT HAVE THEM AND ASKED ABOUT IT FROM ACCESSORY USE STANDPOINT. LIKE I SAID, WE DON'T HAVE THE NUANCES OR THAT MANY APPLICATIONS IN TOWN WHERE IT REQUIRES THE COMPLEXITY ON OUR END. WE WERE ESTABLISHING SOMETHING FOR -- TO CUT DOWN ON PEOPLE COMPLAINING FROM, THIS ISN'T REGULATED. WHAT DO I DO ? THIS IS JUST ESTABLISHING
[00:30:01]
REALLY JUST THE BASELINE FOR THE FEW PEOPLE WHO HAVE AND MAKING A PATHWAY FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO ADD THEM ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.SPEAKING TO THEM LOCATED IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS, THOSE USES ARE AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE WHO DO NOT ANNEX TO THE CITY. FOR A LOT OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE AGRICULTURAL USE ALREADY, BUT FOR RURAL AMERICA AND WHERE I USED TO WORK, IT WAS A HOT TOPIC.
YOU WOULD HAVE BIG LAND OWNERS, 300- ACRE PLUS CONVERTING THEIR FARM TO SOLAR PANELS. THAT DIDN'T SIT WELL WITH PROPERTY OWNERS AND COMMUNITIES. WE TALKED ABOUT WHERE THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE CONDITIONAL USE AND TREATED AS AN INDUSTRIAL AND CONFINED TO AN INDUSTRIAL ZONE. THAT'S THE REASON FOR TAKING THAT OUT. THEY MATCH SIMILAR TO WINDMILL ORDINANCES WE HAVE. AVAILABLE IN BACKYARD. JUST NOT IN THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE. THIS IS REALLY JUST THE FIRST ATTEMPT TO SATISFY -- I WANT TO STRESS -- HANDFUL OF PEOPLE FROM A RESIDENTIAL USE STANDPOINT THAT UTILIZE THESE ON THEIR OWN PERSONAL PROPERTY.
>> FOR NON- RESIDENTIAL USES, THEY ARE ALLOWED OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRIAL ZONE. THERE'S A PROVISION FOR THAT. IT'S JUST NOT THE -- IT CAN'T BE THE PRIMARY USE OF THE PROPERTY LIKE THE SOLAR FARM.
>> CORRECT. FROM THE PRIMARY USE STANDPOINT, I KNOW THERE'S THE EXIT ALONG 85 WHERE IT'S AN INTERSTATE EXCHANGE, LOOKS LIKE -- WE DON'T WANT SOMEONE BUYING A LOT AND I'M DOING FIVE RES OF THIS. THAT CAN BE ACCESSORY USE NOT PRIMARY. THAT'S A QUESTION WE HAVE HAVE HAD. USERS THAT HAVE WANTED TO PUT INDUSTRIAL ON -- HAVE WANTED TO PUT SO LAR LAR AS AN ACCESSORY USE BUT NOT PRIMARY.
>> DOES THAT GET YOUR QUESTION
>> JUSTICE, COULD YOU TALK ABOUT, HOW DID THE PLANNING COMMISSION LOOK AT THIS? WHAT WERE SOME OF DISCUSSION POINTS?
>> THERE WERE SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT WHY THE SIDE YARD, WHY COULD IT EXTEND ABOVE THE REACH OF THE HOUSE? A LOT HAS TO DO WITH PEOPLE GETTING ABOVE THE SHADOW LINE THAT THEIR HOUSE WOULD COST.
THAT'S THE REASON. SOME OF THE WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE AND WHAT THE REASONS WAS.
WHAT WAS THE REASON FOR EXEMPTIONS. A LOT WERE THE DISTENSION BETWEEN PRIMARY USE AND ACCESSORY USE.
ALSO STRESSING THAT WE HAVE A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE IN TOWN.
THIS IS NOT DRUMBEAT, NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE ASKING THIS ON A WEEKLY OR MONTHLY MAY SIS. THIS IS OCCASIONAL, ASKING, WE HAVE SOMEONE ASKING AGAIN.
WHAT DO WE TELL THEM IN SOMEONE FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASKING, WE HAVE A SPECIFIC COMPANY THAT NEEDS TO PUT UP SOLAR PANELS TO MEET THEIR COMPANY STANDARDS. HOW DO WE ADDRESS THIS IN US GIVING THEM A PATHWAY.
>> WE NEEDED SOMETHING ON THE BOOKS?
>> CORRECT. THIS IS GETTING SOMETHING ON THE BOOKS.
>> I WOULD SAY IS TIME EVOLVES. IF THIS IS A BIGGER DEEM FOR OUR RESIDENT SHAM NEIGHBORHOODS, OUR BUSINESSES OR WHATEVER, WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO EVOLVE THE ORDINANCE. WE PUT AN ORDINANCE IN PLACE THAT'S ADDRESSING WHAT EVERYBODY EXPECTS. THAT IS A GREATER CONVERSATION.
IF IT BECOMES A HIGH VOLUME SITUATION, WE WILL HAVE TO HAVE A LOT OF DISCUSSIONS ABOUT IT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ALLOWING IT AND BEING SENSITIVE TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO LOOK AT IT. THAT'S WHY THIS IS A STARTING POINT AND VERY BASIC AT THIS STAGE.
>> I HAVE A QUESTION, MR. HAMILTON BROUGHT UP THE TYPE OF PRODUCT THAT IS EVOLVING RESIDENTIALLY ON ROOFS THAT -- FOR THE CASUAL OBSERVER MAY NOT EVEN RECOGNIZE THE ROOFING AS BEING A SOLAR PANEL.
I'M ASSUMING BASED ON WHAT YOU ARE PRESENTING HERE TONIGHT THAT THAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION IS ALSO -- WOULD ALSO BE ADDRESSED IN THE EVENT THAT YOU ARE HAVING CODE PEOPLE AND PEOPLE SHOWING YOU A PRODUCT THAT IS PERHAPS DIFFERENT TO WHAT OUR
PRECONCEPTIONS ARE. >> CERTAINLY.
WE GOT A NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT WANTED TO INSTALL SOLAR
[00:35:03]
ROOFS ON THEIR HOUSE.THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING WE TALK ABOUT.
THAT'S NOT AN INQUIRY WE HAVE GOTTEN.
THAT'S A ROOF SOLAR -- YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT THE ROOF SHINGLES. NOT JUST -- WE HAVE SOME IN TOWN.
IT'S VERY SPARINGLY. NOT SOMETHING WE WHERE IT'S COMMON. TO YOUR POINT, THE ROOF SOLAR SHINGLES HAVE NOT BEEN INSTALLED OR HAVE NOT BEEN REQUESTED FOR US TO REVIEW.
>> IN THE EVENT THAT THEY ARE,
YOU WOULD REVIEW THEM? >> CORRECT.
>> INSPECTION SERVICES IS -- JOHN IS VERIFYING THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ASKED ABOUT IT FROM A BUILDING PERMITTING STANDPOINT.
>> SHOULD THEY LOOK LIKE NORMAL SHINGLES, WOULD THIS ORDINANCE PREVENT --
>> THAT'S UP TO INTERPRETATION OF THE PLANNING DIRECTOR.
>> THAT WOULD BE AN INTERPRETATION MATTER.
TO THAT POINT, IF WE GOT -- THIS ISN'T A HARD STANCE.
>> THE POINT IS THAT YOUYOU WANT LARGE SOLAR PANELS ON THE FRONT OF SOMEBODY'S ROOF.
>> CORRECT. SOMEBODY PUTTING -- OR SOMEONE PUTTING MULTIPLE PYLON SYSTEMS IN THEIR FRONT YARD. SOMETHING OF THAT NATURE.
THIS IS MORE SO TRYING TO CAPTURE THE STREET- FACING STUFF, NOT LIMITING ANYBODY.
THAT'S REALLY THE INTENT. THE GOAL IS TO PROVIDE A THWAY FOR PEOPLE.
THAT'S JUST THE FLEXIBILITY OF THE SIDE YARD.
EXTEND PAST THE APEX OF THE HOUSE, THINGS LIKE THAT.
>> AS THESE OTHER -- AS THIS OTHER TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES TO DEVELOP, WE WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO BACK AND MASSAGE THESE ORDINANCES TO MEET OUR NEEDS?
>> PIGGYBACK ON A COUPLE OF THOSE. THE ITEM THAT SAYS THE ROOF MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM SHALL NOT BE PLACED ON A ROOF PITCHED TOWARD PUBLIC STREET, IS THAT FOR AESTHETICS OR ARE WE CONCERNED ABOUT THE STRUCTURE?
>> THAT'S JUST AN AESTHETICS THING.
A LOT OF HOAS PREVENT THAT. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT MIRRORS THE WINDMILL ORDINANCE WE HAVE IN TOWN.
THAT WAS WHY WE ADOPTED THAT LANGUAGE.
OTHER PROVISIONS FOR PEOPLE TO PUT THEM IN SIDE YARDS.
>> I WILL REMIND YOU WE ARE UNDERTAKING A FULL REWRITE OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE. THAT'S OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
AS THINGS CHANGE, THAT CAN BE WRITTEN IN.
WE HAVE A CONSULTING TEAM THAT'S GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT THIS. IF THEY SEE THINGS THAT ARE MISSING, THEY WILL ADVISE ACCORDINGLY. I THINK IT'S -- AS TECHNOLOGY CHANGES OR DEMANDS FROM OUR BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS, THEY WANT DIFFERENT THINGS.
THOSE ARE THINGS WE SHOULD TALK ABOUT AND WE ARE VERY OPEN, INCLUDING THIS IS JUST A STARTING POINT.
>> ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?
>> YES. SINCE THIS IS THE FIRST READING OF THIS AND WE DID WAIVE EVERYTHING TO TALK ABOUT IT TONIGHT, I PROPOSE WE POSTPONE THIS AND GIVE MR. HAMILTON AN OPPORTUNITY -- YOU ARE NOT AVAILABLE BETWEEN NOW AND THEN? ALL RIGHT. PERHAPS FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND DIRECTOR TO CONSIDER SOME OF THE POINT EZ
BROUGHT UP TONIGHT. >> WE HAVE HAD INFORMATION FROM MR. HAMILTON FOR A PERIOD OF TIME.
HE EMAILED HIS CONCERN AND HAD DIALOGUE WITH US ALREADY.
>> THIS IS WHAT WE BROUGHT FORWARD.
>> HOWEVER YOU WANT TO DO IT. IF YOU WANT FURTHER DISCUSSION OR THE SOLAR PIECE TO BE MORE INVOLVED, WE CAN DO THAT. I WOULD ASK YOU DIVIDE IT OUT EVENTUALLY SO THAT WE CAN MOVE FORWARD WITH THE OTHER COMPONENTS.
>> I'M SATISFIED FROM MY PERSPECTIVE IN TERMS OF THE LANGUAGE ON THE PIECE REGARDING THE SOLAR.
I FEEL VERY REASSURED THAT YOU ARE APPROACHING THIS WITH ALL THE READINESS TO ACCOMMODATE WHATEVER COMES BEFORE US AS A CITY. I'M GOOD WITH IT AS IT STANDS.
>> I WOULD AGREE WITH YOU. I READ THROUGH SOME OF THE INFORMATION. I THINK WE ARE
[00:40:04]
ACCOMPLISHING SOME OF THE ITEMS IN HERE.I THINK WITH ALLOWING IT TO BE AN ACCESSORY TO -- SOLAR AN ACCESSORY TO MAIN POWER IS THE RIGHT TERMINOLOGY THERE. I'M NOT SURE.
THIS IS NOT SOMETHING I KNOW A LOT ABOUT.
TO BE HONEST. I THINK THIS IS A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO TALKING ABOUT THIS FURTHER.
I THINK IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYBODY IS WILLING TO CONTINUE CONVERSATIONS ON THIS AND DEVELOPING THIS ORDINANCE OVER TIME.
I THINK THIS GIVES US A GOOD STARTING POINT TO START THOSE CONVERSATIONS.
MR. HAMHAMILTON, I'M WIMING TO HAVE YOU HAVE CONVERSATIONS.
>> IF WE PICKED ONE ASPECT, THE ROOF TILES IN A MORE AESTHETICALLY PLEASING SOLAR COLLECTOR, WOULD THERE BE A WAIVER PROCESS?
>> NOT AT THIS TIME. IT HAS TO BE IN THE ORDINANCE TO BE A WAIVER PROCESS.
IT'S UP TO HIS INTERPRETATION AS THE PLANNING DIRECTOR.
>> IF IT WERE APPROVED, WOULD THERE BE A WAIVER PROCESS?
WAIVERS ARE EVERYTHING BECAUSE THIS IS A LAW OF THE CITY. WE HAVE TO OUTLINE WHETHER OR NOT THERE CAN BE -- YOU CAN APPEAL HIS INTERPRETATION OF THE BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT WHETHER IT'S ALLOWED. THAT'S ABOUT IT.
>> THE PROCESS AS I UNDERSTAND IT, JUST -- LET ME JUST HYPOTHETICALLY, SUDDENLY THERE'S A RUSH ON A PRODUCT THAT IS THE LATEST THING ON THE SOLAR WORLD.
EVERYBODY WANTS TO GET IN ON A PARTICULAR SUBDIVISION.
THEY BRING THAT TO YOU. I PRESUME SOME TYPE OF AMENDMENT WOULD BE BROUGHT BROUGHTTO US.
>> IMAGINE. FOR SOME OF THATTHAT -- IF SOMEONE WERE COMING IN AND THEY WANTED TO DO THIS FOR PURPOSE BUILD, THEY PUT IT ON ALL THE HOMES, I GUESS WE WOULD WORK THAT OUT IN THE PRE-AP. AS THEY WORK THROUGH THE PROCESS AND ALL THAT, THAT WOULD BE AN AMENDMENT WE COULD FIGURE OUT.
JUST ON THE INDIVIDUAL SCALE, ON THE MICRO LEVEL, EACH INDIVIDUAL PERSON ASKING, IT PROBABLY WOULDN'T RISE. I THINK WE WOULD FIND SOLUTIONS. LIKE I AID, WE WOULD MOVE TO BE LIKE, THERE'S A CRITICAL MASS FOR THIS, THERE'S BEEN A CHANGE. WE CAN DO THAT. WE ENTERTAIN II THINK -- WE TRY TO BE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE, TO THE NEEDS OF BUSINESSES IN TOWN TO BE BUSINESS FRIENDLY. AMENDING THIS SHOWS THAT.
JUST TRYING TO GIVE A PATHWAY TO PEOPLE AND FOR OPTIONS ON THEIR PROPERTY AND BUSINESSES AND
AVENUES FOR THEM. >> THANK YOU.
>> ON THE WAIVER PROCESS, IF WE DON'T EXPLICITLY SAY THAT A WAIVER COULD BE GRANTED UNDER THESE CONDITIONS BY PLANNING COMMISSION, WE CAN'T DO IT.
IF IT'S GRAY AND HE THINKS IT MEETS THE TEST OF THE ORDINANCE, HE IS FINE.
>> I APPRECIATE OUR APPROACH. I BELIEVE WE'RE TRYING TO GET SOMETHING ON THE BOOKS.
BECAUSE WE HAVE HAD A FEW QUESTIONS.
I THINK WE KNOW THIS IS -- HAS THE POTENTIAL FOR COMING IN THE FUTURE AND GROWING.
WE NEEDED TO START SOMEWHERE. I WANT TO TELL MR. HAMILTON, THANK YOU FOR THE WAY YOU HAVE GONE ABOUT ADVOCATING FOR THIS.
YOU HAVE WRITTEN US VERY CLEAR E EMAILS AND ENTHUSIASTIC EMAILS. I APPRECIATE YOU OFFERING SOLUTIONS AND NOT JUST TELLING US WHERE THE PROBLEMS ARE. THAT WAS REFRESHING.
THANK YOU FOR THAT. YOUR WORK IS NOT IN VAIN.
WE APPRECIATE YOU DOING THAT. I CAN'T LET YOU RESPOND.
YOU SAID IT WAS YOUR FIRST MEETING, RIGHT? IT'S ALL GOOD. DOES ANYBODY ELSE HAVE ANYTHING?
>> MR. MAYOR, ON THE TABLE 5, THE SETBACK, I HAD SOME COMMENTARY FROM CONSTITUENTS AROUND THAT. I MAYBE HAVE ONE OF THE ONLY NC40 NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE CITY. CAN PLANNING DIRECTOR SPEAK TO SOME OF THOSE, WHAT WE'RE DOING ON THOSE REGULATIONS?
>> CERTAINLY. THIS IS ONE OF THE FEW ZONING ORDINANCES IN TOWN THAT HAVE ZERO BULK REGULATION.
NC40 ONLY EXISTS ON A MAP. SOMEONE CAME IN AND WAS LOOKING AT ADDING --
BULK REGULATIONS HAVE TO DO WITH THE ACTUAL -- THE MEAT OF THE ORDINANCE THAT THE METRICS THAT DEFINE IT. NC40, THE NUMBER DESIGNATES THE -- IN THOUSAND SQUARE FEET SIZE.
[00:45:03]
NC40 IS A MINIMUM LOT SIZE OF 40,000 SQUARE FEET, RIGHT ALMOST JUST UNDER AN ACRE.AN ACRE IS 43,000ISH. FROM THERE, THERE WERE NO SETBACKS, THERE WERE NO SURFACE RATIO, FLOOR AREA RATIO.
SOMEONE COULD DO A CONVENTIONAL SUBDIVISION, A 50-FOOT LOT MINIMUM AND SUBDIVIDE THE LOTS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE ONES IN THE -- ON THE CUL-DE-SAC. A LOT OF THE LOTS HAVE 200 FEET OF FRONTAGE. WHEN WE DISCOVERED THIS, WE LOOKED BACK HOW WE MISSED THIS.
THIS HAS BEEN IN THE ZONING ORDINANCE AS A NOTE FROM STAFF TO CHANGE THIS SINCE 1996. WE SHOULD ADD THESE IN.
IT WAS NEVER ADDED IN. THIS IS MEETING THE TABLE.
WE WENT THROUGH FROM NC39 AND 48.
THIS IS THE ONLY NC40 DISTRICT IN TOWN.
THAT'S HOW IT HAS NEVER COME UP.
THERE ARE ABOUT 36 HOUSES OUT THERE.
UP UNTIL THIS POINT, I HAVE GOTTEN TWO INQUIRIES.
BUT WE ARE ADDING IN SETBACKS FROM THE REAR MINIMUM FRONT AND ADDING ISR AND ASR.
IF SOMEONE WERE TO SUBMIT A CONVENTIONAL ADMIN PLAT, THEY CAN SUBDIVIDE. NO LOT MINIMUMS WE WOULD BE ABLE TO ENFORCE ON THE BOOKS.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? THOUGHTS?
>> THE DELETION OF THE VETERINARY SERVICES.
>> IT'S THE OWN ONE THAT HAD -- IT HAD A SEPARATE CALLOUT BECAUSE -- IT WAS A PLACE HOLDER.
[10.a. Tax abatement. I-PEX USA Manufacturing Inc.]
[10.b.1. Kenworth of Montgomery, Inc. Purchase Two (2) Grapple Lightning Loaders with Hardox Body. Environmental Services. $562,304.]
[00:50:32]
WITH THE OPERATOR, THERE'S NOT AN OPERATOR UP IN THE CAB, AN OPERATOR IN THE TRUCK CAB. THERE'S JUST ONE OPERATOR, ISTHAT RIGHT? >> THAT'S CORRECT.
>> HOW MANY OF THESE DO WE HAVE ALREADY?
>> WE HAVE FOUR GREAT >> OKAY. WELL, I JUST, SORRY, I HAVEN'T SEEN IT, SO THANK YOU FOR THAT.
>> SUPPOSE IT SPENDS ALL ITS TIME OVER IN PARK PLACE, GETTING THAT -- PICKING UP PEOPLE'S YARD DEBRIS.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS?
[10.b.2. Schmidt Environmental Construction, Inc. Miscellaneous Pump Station Improvements Project. $3,167,000.]
>> ALL RIGHT, WE HAVE A MOTION IN A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR,
>> AUTHORIZE OF THE CONTRACT WITH SCHMIDT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRUCTION INC. FOR THE MISCELLANEOUS PUP STATEMENT --
IN THE AMOUNT OF 300 -- >> MOVE FOR APPROVAL.
>> SECOND. >> HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
COMMENTS, QUESTIONS? >> YES, THIS WAS POINTED OUT TO ME BY THE CITY MANAGER, THIS IS ON PAGE 292 OF THE BUDGET UNDER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN SEWER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, SEWER SYSTEM COLLECTION PROJECTS. IS THIS 3.167 MILLION SPECIFICALLY CALLED OUT, OR IS IT JUST LUMPED INTO THAT BIG BROAD CATEGORY?
>> I DO NOT HAVE THE DOCUMENT IN FRONT OF ME. I DOUBLE CHECKED IT LAST NIGHT, AND I DON'T KNOW IF ALLISON CAN LOOK. I BELIEVE IT WAS SPECIFICALLY CALLED OUT AT THE MISCELLANEOUS PUMP STATION IMPROVEMENTS, BUT I'LL HAVE TO CHECK.
>> YES, IT IS A CALLED OUT PROJECT IN THE CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN. >> THANK YOU. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? CAN WE DISCUSS IN A LITTLE MORE DETAIL WHAT IS MEANT BY VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MECHANICAL AND STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS?
>> SO THAT, THAT IS, IN YOUR MEMO, AND WE BROADLY DESCRIBED, WE TALKED ABOUT THIS, IT WILL BE VARIOUS ELECTRICAL MECHANICAL STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS TO A VARIETY OF PUMP STATIONS THAT ARE LISTED IN HERE, BECAUSE EACH INDIVIDUAL PUMP STATION HAVE IT, ITS OWN PLAN IN THE, IN THE SET OF DOCUMENTS, AND SO INDIVIDUALLY, AND THAT CAN WALK THROUGH THE ASSESSMENT THAT WAS DONE TO DETERMINE THAT, PUT THE SPECS TOGETHER. SO THE REASON WE SAVE AREAS THAT YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH EACH PUMP STATION TO SAY
WHAT WE'RE DOING. MATT? >> YEAH, THAT'S CORRECT, MEGAN.
MOST OF THD SO OVER TIME, JUST, THINGS WEAROUT. ELECTRICAL PANELS, PIPING INSIDE THE STATION, SOME OF THEM NEED NEW LIGHTING, SOME OF THEM DON'T HAVE FENCING, FENCING IS NEEDED FROM A SECURITY STANDPOINT. A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE JUST BRINGING THOSE STATIONS UP TO OUR CURRENT STANDARDS . IT REALLY BURIES EACH STATION WAS LOOKED AT INDIVIDUALLY TO DETERMINE WHAT WAS NEEDED AT THOSE STATIONS, AND THEN WE MADE KIND OF A LIST OF IMPROVEMENTS THAT WAS NEEDED AND THAT'S WHAT
WAS IN THE BIG DOCUMENTS. >> OKAY. AND AS, AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THIS WILL UPGRADE 7 OF OUR 8 PUMP STATIONS?
>> THAT'S CORRECT. WE'VE GOT 18 STATIONS IN OUR SYSTEM WITH OUR OLDEST CONSTRUCTED IN 1976. THAT'S GREYSTONE LIFT STATION, WHICH IS OFF OF GREYSTONE LANE OFF OF MID-CREEK ROAD, OUR TWO NEAREST STATIONS WERE CONSTRUCTED LAST YEAR IN NORTHGATE SUBDIVISION AND MEN'S TRAIL SUBDIVISION. BUT MOST OF THESE, WELL, ALL OF THESE ARE, OR STATIONS THAT ARE 20+ YEARS
>> OKAY. QUESTION? OKAY. ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY
[10.b.3. The Spencer Family Exempt Trust. Property purchase contract. Duck Samford Park Expansion. $4,000,000.]
>> ANY OPPOSED? AND THE MOTION CARRIES.
>> ITEM 10 B3 AUTHORIZES -- LOCATED ADJACENT TO DUCK SAMFORD PARK FROM THE SPENCER FAMILY EXEMPT TRUST IN THE AMOUNT OF $4 MILLION. THIS EXPENDITURE WAS NOT BUDGETED.
>> MOVED FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND.
>> I HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. COMMENTS, QUESTIONS?
>> YES. >> IN YOUR REPLY TO THE COUNSEL ON THIS, YOU SAID THERE WAS $5.7 MILLION IN THIS UNOBLIGATED ACCUMULATED FUND BALANCE. IS THAT BEFORE OR AFTER WE TAKE THE
$4 MILLION OUT OF IT? >> IT'S $5.7 MILLION. I'M ABOUT TO SEND YOU THE YEAR-END FINANCIALS ENDING SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2025. AND SO THAT MONEY IS, THERE'S, THERE'S MORE THAN THAT IN OUR ENDING BALANCE, BUT THAT'S SPOKEN FOR, AND I'LL HAVE ALLISON EXPLAIN WHY. BUT THE $5.7 MILLION THAT I'M REFERRING TO HERE IS ON, IT'S MONEY WE BUDGETED FOR EMPLOYEES THAT WE DID NOT SPEND. WE HAD AN AVERAGE OF 30 VACANCIES A MONTH, AND SO WHILE THE MONEY WAS BUDGETED, WE DID NOT SPEND THAT
[00:55:01]
ON PERSONNEL BENEFITS, ET CETERA. WE ALSO HAD RETIREMENTS FOR WHEN PEOPLE RETIRE, THEY'RE A HIGHER SALARY, AND THE PEOPLE THAT REPLACE THEM TYPICALLY. AND SO WE ENDED UP WITH THIS AMOUNT OF MONEY. WE DON'T BUDGET IT IN THE BUDGET MOVING FORWARD, OR CARRY IT FORWARD, BECAUSE WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT NUMBER'S GOING TO BE UNTIL THE FISCAL YEAR ENDS. SO IT JUST GOES BACK, IT'S NOT ENCUMBERED ANYWHERE ELSE. OTHER ENDING BALANCE MONEY ALLISON CAN EXPLAIN WHY WE'RE NOT CALCULATING THAT TOWARDANYTHING ELSE. >> EXCUSE ME, YOU DIDN'T ANSWER MY QUESTION. IS THE $5.7 MILLION INCLUSIVE OF THE $4 MILLION THAT
WE WANT TO SPEND? >> I'M GETTING TO THAT, OKAY?
>> VERY SIMPLE, YES OR NO. >> THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS THAT THE $5.7 MILLION, AS I SENT TO YOU IN AN EMAIL THAT THEY, IS THAT IS THE BALANCE AT THE END OF THE 2025. PERIOD. YOU ASKED HOW MUCH MONEY WAS IN THE ACCOUNT, IT'S $5.7 MILLION.
>> YEAH, SO THE, THE UNOBLIGATED ACCUMULATED FUND BALANCE IS JUST GENERAL FUNDS. THAT'S WHAT IT IS. AND SO WHEN WE END, WE, WE TALK ABOUT THIS DURING EVERY BUDGET PROCESS. IT ACCUMULATES FOR VARIOUS REASONS. OUR REVENUE MIGHT BE HIGHER THAN EXPECTED, OUR EXPENDITURES MIGHT BE LOWER THAN EXPECTED. WHEN WE HAVE SOMETHING LIKE PERSONAL SERVICES, THAT'S ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT DOESN'T CARRY FORWARD. SO IT'S GOING TO ACCUMULATE, AND IT'S GOING TO BE IN FUND BALANCE, AND WE'RE GOING TO MOVE FORWARD WITH IT. AND SO WHEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS COMES UP, KIND OF A VERY UNEXPECTED THING, A VERY LARGE ONE, THE CITY MANAGER WILL COME TO ME AND SAY, CAN WE AFFORD THIS? AND, AND THAT'S MY ROLE, AND THAT PROCESS IS, IF WE DO THIS AND IT'S $4 MILLION, HOW ARE WE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS? AND THAT IS NOT A YES OR NO ANSWER. WE HAVE TO LOOK AT A LOT OF THINGS. DOES IT MEAN THAT WE DON'T GET TO DO SOMETHING ELSE? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? AND SO I'M LOOKING AT WHAT OUR FUND BALANCES ARE RIGHT NOW. IT'S JUST SO HAPPENED TO BE RIGHT AT THE TIME WE'RE LOOKING AT FISCAL 25 AND HOW IT ENDED. AND SO I CAN VERY, VERY CLEARLY SAY, IF THIS IS A PRIORITY FOR YOU, WE CAN USE THE UNSPENT PERSONAL SERVICES BUDGET FOR THAT. THAT, THAT, THAT'S WHERE THIS KIND OF TERM COMES FROM. IT JUST MEANS THAT FUND BALANCES THERE . SO THE ANSWER, CAN WE AFFORD THIS, IS YES, BUT I DON'T ANSWER THAT WITHOUT DOING A WHOLE LOT OF ANALYSIS OF, OF WHERE WE ARE WITH FUND BALANCE. AND THOUGH THAT, THAT IT. OTHER THINGS, LIKE SAVINGS IN CONTRACTUAL SERVICES OR COMMODITIES OR THINGS LIKE THAT, THOSE THINGS ARE CARRIED FORWARD IN ENCUMBRANCES. WE MIGHT NOT HAVE SPENT IT ALL IN '25, BUT IF IT'S ENCUMBERED, IT GETS CARRIED FORWARD, THAT OBLIGATED. THOSE ARE THINGS WE HAVE TO PAY FOR. THIS IS JUST A PORTION OF WHAT WE, WHAT WE HAVE LEFT OVER THAT WE DID NOT SPEND THAT WILL NOT, IT, IT HAS NOT BEEN OBLIGATED TO ANY SPECIFIC PURPOSE. SO THAT'S WHERE THE TERM COMES FROM. IT'S, GENERAL FUND, FUND BALANCE, IT IS NOT A SPECIAL PART OF FUNDS LET'S SITTING OVER HERE. IT IS IN THE GENERAL FUND. IT IS PART OF THAT ACCUMULATED FUND BALANCE WE DISCUSSED EVERY TIME WE GO THROUGH THE BUDGET PROCESS WITH
YOU. >> WHERE DOES IT GO IF IT'S NOT
SPEND? >> IT JUST ACCUMULATES. AND SO ONCE YOU COME TO THE NEXT FORMAL BUDGET PROCESS, WE WILL BE LOOKING AT THAT UNBALANCED LEVEL AND SAYING, OH, OKAY, YOU KNOW, WE FINISHED THE YEAR BETTER. WE ACTUALLY COULD OBLIGATE MORE FUNDS. AND YOU HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE BUDGET IN THAT PROCESS. THIS IS JUST HAPPENING NOW, AND SO WE CAN, WE COULD USE THIS NOW IF THAT'S SOMETHING THAT YOU
CHOOSE TO DO. >> YEAR TO YEAR, 5.7, IS THAT ABOUT AVERAGE, OR IS THAT HIGH, IS THAT LOW?
>> I WOULD SAY FROM PERSONAL SERVICES, THE BEING UNDER BUDGET IS, IS TYPICAL IN EMPLOYEE RELATED THINGS. I MEAN, WE, WE HAVE VACANCIES ALL THE TIME. THINGS CHANGE WITH SALARIES.
THAT NUMBER IS A LITTLE BIT HIGHER THIS YEAR, BUT THAT IS A, A FUNCTION OF THE SALARIES INCREASE OVER, YOU KNOW, FROM YEAR TO YEAR. THINGS HAPPEN THERE. AND THAT'S, THAT'S COMPREHENSIVE. IT'S EVERY DEPARTMENT, YOU KNOW, IF YOU DEAL WITH THE VACANCY ALL YEAR LONG. THE WAY WE BUDGET POSITIONS AS WE BUDGET THEM AS IF THEY WOULD ALL BE FILLED AT ANY GIVEN POINT IN TIME. WE HAVE THE BUDGET THAT WAY. THAT IS, YOU KNOW, NOT REALISTICALLY THE WAY IT HAPPENS, AND SO THAT, THAT'S, THAT'S KIND OF WHY WE END UP BEING AT 92, 91% OF BUDGET AND PERSONAL SERVICES. THAT, THAT $5.7 MILLION IS ABOUT 8% OF OUR TOTAL PERSONAL SERVICES BUDGET, SO THAT'S NOT
UNUSUAL. >> SHE'S SAYING THAT NUMBER GROWS YEAR-OVER-YEAR BECAUSE PERSONNEL COSTS GROW. BUT THE PERCENTAGE IS CONSISTENT WITH PREVIOUS FISCAL YEARS. SO ULTIMATELY IT'S WHETHER OR NOT YOU WANT TO SPEND THESE FUNDS ON THIS, SOMETHING ELSE, OR YOU WANT US TO LEAVE THEM FOR THE NEXT BUDGET CYCLE, YOU KNOW, FROM BALANCE STANDPOINT, I'M TELLING YOU WHERE, WHERE THE MONEY CAN COME FROM, THAT
[01:00:02]
ULTIMATELY UP TO YOU. FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY, THAT'S A DIFFERENT DISCUSSION, IF YOU WANT TO GETTO THAT WHEN YOU'RE READY. >> I'M ALL FOR SPENDING THE MONEY FOR THIS PROPERTY, THERE'S NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. I JUST WANTED TO KNOW, SO THIS WILL LEAVE APPROXIMATELY $1.7 MILLION IN THE UNOBLIGATED ACCUMULATED FUND BALANCE AFTER
>> SO THE ANSWER IS, IT IS AFTER -- OKAY, NEVERMIND. I'M GOOD.
>> IT'S BEFORE, ACTUALLY. SO IT'S 5.7 BEFORE WE, WE WOULD BE USING PART OF THAT. IF YOU WANTED TO ISOLATE IT TO THIS ONE SPECIFIC THING, IN FUND BALANCE, WE COULD SAY WE WOULD USE FOUR OF IT AND 1.7 WOULD ACCUMULATE FORWARD.
>> ASKED THE QUESTION I WAS TRYING TO GET ANSWERED. THANK
YOU. >> SO THIS IS A, THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO PURCHASE A PIECE OF LAND NEXT TO CURRENT PARKS AND REC INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WE WEREN'T INSPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE TO THE CITY TWO YEARS AGO, BUT THROUGH CIRCUMSTANCES, IT IS NOW ON THE MARKET. IT IS CDD BY ZONING, SO IT COULD BE SOLD TO A COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR SURE, OR WHATEVER -- AND THE CONTEMPLATION IS THAT THIS WOULD ENHANCE OUR BASEBALL OFFERINGS FOR OUR FAMILIES AND OUR CHILDREN IN THIS TOWN, AND IT WOULD FUNCTION KIND OF HAND IN GLOVE WITH, NOT TO TAKE A BASEBALL ANALOGY THERE, BUT IT WOULD FUNCTION WELL WITH WHAT'S
ALREADY THERE. >> IT WOULD. I, IT'S A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY, AND CERTAINLY WE TALKED ABOUT THIS IN AUGUST DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS SEVERAL TIMES , THAT WE THOUGHT THIS PROPERTY MIGHT BE AVAILABLE, WE BUDGETED TO ACTUALLY DO IMPROVEMENTS ON IT, BUT WE REALLY DIDN'T KNOW AT THE TIME WHAT THE PROPERTY VALUE WAS AND, YOU KNOW, KIND OF SOME NUANCES. IT'S VERY GENEROUS OF THE SPENCER FAMILY TO GIVE US THIS OPPORTUNITY. WELL, YES, WE'RE PAYING $4 MILLION FOR THE PROPERTY, THERE'S A LOT OF SUITORS FOR THE PROPERTY, A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO DEVELOP IT, AND WE'VE BEEN VERY FOCUSED ON, ON TRYING TO GET THIS. AND I'LL REMIND YOU THERE'S ANOTHER PIECE THAT WE NEED TO ACQUIRE FROM THE WATER BOARD THEY'RE AMENABLE TO THAT, BUT THAT'S A TRANSACTION THAT NEEDS TO COME LATER WHERE THE WATER TANK USE TO BE. I DON'T, WE DON'T GET THESE OPPORTUNITIES. ONE OF THE LAST ONES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TOWN WAS TOWN CREEK PARK, WHERE WE WERE ABLE TO ACQUIRE THAT, AND YOU COULD LAUGH THAT DUCK SAMFORD'S NOT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TOWN FROM THE NORTH-SOUTH PERSPECTIVE. IT PRETTY MUCH IS, AND IT'S REALLY SQUARES UP YOUTH BASEBALL AND PUTS OLDER KIDS IN PARTS OF DUCK SAMFORD PARK AND LET'S US AT RICHLAND PARK, AS WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THAT CAPITAL PROJECTS, TAKE CARE OF, OF KIDS IN CERTAIN AGE RANGES. I THINK, KEITH, YOU SAID 13 -- BUT YES, MA'AM. THE INTENTION FOR PROPOSED USE OF THIS PROPERTY WOULD BE TO CONTINUE TO BUILD 60, WHAT TO 60-90 FIELDS, OR 60 FOOT POUNDS -- BASEBALL, WHICH IS WHAT IS IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THIS LOCATION ANYWAY. SO YOU KEEP THAT SIZE FIELD IN THE SAME LOCATION GEOGRAPHICALLY, AND GIVES US, THEN, THE OPPORTUNITY TO FOCUS ON THE 225 FOOT FENCE FIELDS AT RICHLAND PARK AS WE'RE MASTER PLANNING THAT.
>> ANY QUESTIONS OR THOUGHTS? >> I WILL BE, HOW WILL WE HANDLE
THE .65 ACRES WITH THE WATER? >> THE WATER BOARD'S ALREADY AWARE. THAT WILL BE PAID FOR OUT OF THE SAME FUND, LIKELY , IF YOU GUYS AGREE, AND -- THAT TRANSACTION WILL HAPPEN NEXT CALENDAR YEAR. BUT IT WILL BE, IT, IN ESSENCE, IT'S $290,000 AN ACRE. IT'S LESS THAN AN ACRE, SO MULTIPLY THAT TIMES .65 AND THAT'S WHAT WE'LL BE PAYING. AND THAT IS NORMAL. I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THE TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN THE WATER BOARD AND THE CITY, THAT IT'S NOT UNCOMMON THAT ONE BUYS PROPERTY FROM THE OTHER AND THEY GO BACK AND FORTH AT FAIR
MARKET VALUE. >> CAN WE SPEAK TO, TO SOMETHING MR. HALEY BROUGHT UP ABOUT USING SOME OF THESE FUNDS TOWARDS DOWNTOWN PROJECTS, MAY BE TRAFFIC ISSUES OR -- WE'VE, WE'VE DISCUSSED, AND THEN -- LAST WEEK -- WHAT COULD BE DONE WITH THIS AMOUNT OF MONEY -- ENOUGH TO DO A PROJECT OF ANY
SIZE DOWN THERE. >> YEAH, SEWER THINGS TYPICALLY ARE GOING TO RUN OUT OF THE SEWER ENTERPRISE FRONT END WOULDN'T BE CO-MINGLED WITH THIS, ALLISON. SO IF YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION OR OTHER THINGS, THE ABILITY TO USE IT IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA, VALUATION OF PROPERTY IS HIGH. WE WOULD HAVE TO MOVE FORWARD AND ASSESS WHAT THE MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY IS, AND THIS LIKELY WOULDN'T COVER MUCH OF AN ACQUISITION IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA. A LOT OF THESE, WE HAVE TO HAVE PROPERTY OWNER WILLINGNESS, OR WE HAD TO GO TO CONDEMNATION PROCEEDINGS. WE HAVE TO DO A LOT OF APPRAISALS AND OTHER THINGS THAT HAVE YET TO BE DONE. SO I COULD UNEQUIVOCALLY TELL YOU WHAT IT WOULD IMPACT, BUT AT THE PRICE PER ACRE IN THE URBAN CORE AND IN URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD WEST, DEPENDING ON LOCATION, IS VERY HIGH FROM A VALUE STANDPOINT.
[01:05:01]
AND SOME OF THE RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITIONS THAT WOULD BE NEEDED WILL TAKE, TAKE OUT STRUCTURES OR PARTS OF STRUCTURES AND WOULD BE VERY COMPLICATED. NOT THAT THEY CAN'T BE DONE. THEY'RE JUST VERY TIME-CONSUMING AND COMPLICATED AND IT DEPENDS ON YOUR LENS AND WORKING WITH PROPERTY OWNERS VERSUS CONDEMNATION.>> OKAY. THANK YOU. >> ANY OTHER COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS? I'LL BE SURPRISED TO HEAR, I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS. I THINK IT'S AN OPPORTUNITY WE CAN BYPASS TO HAVE THIS KIND OF PROPERTY NEXT TO ADDITIONAL PARKS AND REC IS, GIVES US, REALLY, AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD SOMETHING UNIQUE AND SPECIAL THERE, AND IT REALLY HELPS US CHECK A BOX FOR OUR OLDER KIDS WHO ARE PLAYING BALL IN THIS TOWN. AGAIN, IT'S A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A PROPERTY RIGHT THERE NEXT TO THE FIELDS.
>> I THINK THIS IS A, GIVING BACK, THE CITY TOOK AWAY MY BALL FIELDS, WHICH WE'RE SITTING ON RIGHT NOW. -- GIVING THEM BACK, AND I'M, I'M PRETTY HAPPY ABOUT THAT.
>> ME TOO. OKAY. ALL IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.
>> AYE. >> ANY OPPOSED? ON THE MOTION
CARRIES. >> THEY ARE, THOSE ARE ALL THE ITEMS OF BUSINESS WE HAVE FOR YOU THIS EVENING.
>> IF YOU'D LIKE TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ABOUT ANYTHING THAT MIGHT BE UNDERMINED, PLEASE COME FORWARD AND GIVE US YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD. YOU HAVE THREE MAC MINUTES TO SPEAK WITH THE COUNCIL, AND PLEASE MAKE YOUR COMMENTS DIRECTED TO THE COUNCIL. OKAY, SEEING NO ONE, WE'LL CLOSE CITIZENS OPEN FOR HI
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.