[00:00:04] CALL TO ORDER THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR MARCH 17, 2026. WELCOME THOSE WHO JOINED IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND THOSE LISTENING ON W ANI. ROLL CALL. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, MOMENT OF SILENCE, I WANT TO ASK ALL TO CONSIDER THE CLINER FAMILY. AUBURN LOST A HERO, A YOUNG MAN THAT GREW UP IN THE COMMUNITY AND GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL AND WENT TO AUBURN UNIVERSITY AND PLAYED-PASSED AWAY IN A PLANE CRASH IN IRAQ. SURE MOST OF YOU KNOW THAT BUT IF YOU KEEP IN THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AS WELL. IF YOU STAND FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND REMAIN STANDING. >> 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. [4. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS.] >> THANK YOU. DURING THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE THE COUNCIL ELECTED REAPPOINT CAITLIN ALLEN TO FIRST FULL TERM ON THE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD. SERVED A PARTIAL TERM IN THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVED DOUG HANKS TO THE TREE COMMISSION FOR UNEXPIRED TERM. ANNOUNCEMENTS I HAVE MANY SO PLEASE BE PATIENT. ON MARCH 28 WE HAVE TWO BIG EVENTS THAT OUR COMMUNITY ALWAYS SUPPORTS, ONE IS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE HEADQUARTERS AND THE OTHER IS BARK IN THE PARK FROM 9 TO 2. THIS IS IN CONJUNCTION WITH CARE, ANOTHER NAME FOR THE HUMANE SOCIETY AND PROMOTES RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP. THE HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY IS SUCCESSFUL. A OPPORTUNITY TO GET RID OF THOSE THINGS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED DOING THATD AND SOMETHING AROUND THE STORAGE ROOM, GO TO THE CITY WEBSITE AND LOOK THE INFORMATION UP AND THEY ARE VERY ORGANIZED AND DO A OUTSTANDING JOB. ALL THE EASTER ACTIVITIES ARE COMING UP AND NOW IS TIME TO SIGN FOR BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY AND EASTER EGG HUNT AND APPRECIATE THE PARKS AND RECS STAFF TO MAKE THE EVENT HAPPEN FOR THE COMMUNITY. I WANT TO SAY CONGRTULATIONS TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SLIGHT SELECTION MAGAZINE NOMINATED OR VOTED OBEN OPELIKA AS NUMBER 2 COMMUNITIES FOR TIER 2 SUPPLIERS AND SITES IN THE COUNTRY. THIS IS SECOND YEAR IN A ROW WE WERE NUMBER 2 COMMUNITY. A LOT GOES INTO THAT. THERE ARE BEEN 13 PROJECTS AND ALL MOST 200 JOBS WITH A HALF BILLION DOLLARS OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN OUR COMMUNITY. NONE THAT HAPPENS AT ONCE. THERE IS A LOT OF GROUND WORK PAVED AND DONE TO GET TO THE POINT WHERE THESE COMPANIES MAKE THEIR DECISIONS TO COME TO AUBURN OR EXPAND IN OUR COMMUNITY AND I WANT TO THANK PHILLIP AND THE STAFF FOR THE GREAT WORK THEY CONTINUE TO DO. MENT THE COMPANIES COME AUBURN THEY CONTRIBUTE TO THE ECONOMY IN A BIG WAY AND THEY HELP UNDERWRITE A LOT OF THINGS IMPORTANT TO OUR COMMUNITY THAT WE ALL ENJOY AND I JUST APPRECIATE THEIR EFFORTS. ALSO APPRECIATE PHILLIP'S STAFF IS SHEPHERD THE ANCHOR AUBURN PROGRAM. THERE IS A GROUP OF STUDENTS THAT ARE TAKING A LOOK WHAT AUBURN WOULD BE LIKE AS A PERMANENT PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE FUTURE AND THEY ARE BEING EXPOSED TO COMPANIES AND IDEAS AND HOUSING AND WAYS TO SERVE IN THE COMMUNITY AND LOOK FORWARD SPEAKING TO THIS GROUP THIS FRIDAY AND SHARING THOUGHTS ABOUT HOW AUBURN WORKS AND WHY IT WOULD BE A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE. WE ARE STARTING TO SEE COLLEGE STUDENTS MAKE THAT CHOICE TO STAY IN AUBURN AND BE A PART OF OUR COMMUNITY. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MEMBERSHIP AT BELL BAPTIST CHURCH THIS WEEKEND CELEBRATING 100 ANNIVERSARY. SERVED NORTHWEST AUBURN FOR A CENTURY AND THAT IS WORTH CELEBRATING AND LOOK FORWARD BEING A PART THAT THAT WELL. WEARS JEWELERS CELEBRATING THE 80 BIRTHDAY AND THANK THE WARE FAMILY THEY ARE HONORABLE CITIZENS. MR. LAMAR WARE WAS A FINEST MAN I KNEWS A A CHILD IN THE TOWN. AUBURN GROBEL HAVING THE ANNUAL EVENT IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. A ORGANIZATION ON CAMPUS THAT RECOGNIZES AND BRINGS TOGETHER THE MANY [00:05:01] STUDENTS FROM DIFFERENT COINTRIES THAT CHOOSE TO COME AND FURTHER THEIR EDUCATION AT AUBURN AND LOOK FORWARD BEING A PART THAT AND APPRECIATE THE GOOD EFFORT THEY DO TO INCLUDE ALL OUR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS. AND FINALLY I WANT TO SAY, INCLUDE THE LEE COUNTY CAREER FAIR AT AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL MARCH 31. THIS IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE EXPOSED FOR DIFFERENT TYPE OF JOBS THEY CAN MAKE DECISIONS ON POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AS TO WHETHER THEY WANT TO GO INTO THE JOB MARKET OR GO TO JUNIOR COLLEGE OR COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND GET PREPARED OR 4 YEAR SCHOOL THAT HELPS MAKE THE DECISIONS. BETWEEN NOW AND APRIL 7, I HAVE BEEN INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN 8 DIFFERENT RIBBON CUTTINGS. I NEVER TAKE THESE LIGHTLY BECAUSE THAES ARE ALL INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AND PEOPLE THAT ARE WANTING TO FULFILL DREAMS AND THEY INVESTMENT IN AUBURN THEY BELIEVE THIS IS A GREAT PLACE FOR THEM TO GROW THEIR COMPANY AND COME AND HANG THEIR SHINGLE AND HAVE TO HAVE 8 OVER THREE WEEK PERIOD OF TIME IS PRETTY SUBSTANTIAL AND BELIEVE IT SHOWS AUBURN IS A BUSINESS FRIENDLY COMMUNITY AND A PLACE YOU CAN MAKE A LIVING AND SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY AND FAMILIES OF OTHERS SO EXCITED ABOUT THAT. ANYONE ELSE HAVE ANNOUNCEMENTS THEY LIKE TO MAKE? IT IS SPRING TIME. THERE IS A LOT GOING ON IN AUBURN IN THE SPRING TIME. [5. AUBURN UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS.] ANYONEENTIAL? ELSE? MOVE AHEAD WITH AUBURN UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS. >> GOOD EVENING. AS WE RETURN FROM SPRING BREAK IT THERE ONLY 6 MORE WEEKS FOR STUDENTS TO BE HERE UNTIL FINALS. THERE IS NOT AS MUCH GOING ON ON CAMPUS AS NOW. SGA IS INTERVIEWING CANDIDATES FOR POSITIONS WHICH IS ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT POSITIONS AND DIRECTORS POSITIONS HAVE OPENED AND INTERVIEWS FOR THOSE ROLES WILL BE CONDUCTED NEXT WEEK. THE 2026-2027SGA CABINET AND SENATE WILL BE FULL AS OF THE END OF MARCH SO THAT IS SUPER EXCITING. AND THEN AS FAR AS SGA WE WILL MEET THURSDAY MORNING FOR BREAKFAST. AS WE ARE TRANSITIONING INTO THE NEEX YEAR FOR SGA TERMS, THIS WILL BE MY LAST CITY COUNCIL MEETING. PTED TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW. IT HAS BEEN A HONOR TO SERVE OVER THE PASH 2 YEARS AND THIS EXPERIENCE PROVIDED WITH A LUTE OF GREAT EXPOSURE TO CITY GOVERNMENT AND I REALLY ENJOYED THIS EXPERIENCE. IT IS TRULY ONE OF MY FAVORITE PARTS OF AUBURN. I WILL BE IN DC OVER THE SUMMER SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT. THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING AND WAR EAGLE. >> THANK YOU. DID A GOOD JOB. WHEN YOU GET TO DC TELL MY DAUGHTER HELLO. WE HAVE CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS. THIS IS ONLY ON ITEMS ON TONIGHT'S AGENDA. THERE IS ONE PUBLIC HEARING UNDER RESOLUTIONS. ITEM A. IF YOU LIKE TO SPEAK TO THE CITY COUNCIL, PLEASE ON THAT ITEM PLEASE WAIT TO THE TIME BUT IF YOU LIKE TO SPEAK TO COUNCIL ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE ON THE AGENDA, NOW IS THE TIME TO COME FORWARD AND GIVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS AND YOU HAVE 5 MINUTES TO SPEAK [7. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS.] TO THE COUNCIL. OKAY. MOVE AHEAD WITH CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS. >> I MENTIONED DURING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE WE SUBSTITUTED ORDINANCE FOR 9B2 TO MAKE A QUICK CHANGE TO A LEGAL DESCRIPTION JUST ADJUSTING POITS 83 ACRE PORTION OF THE 6 ACRE PARCEL. REQUESTING ANNEXATION AS IT IS ALREADY IN THE CITY LIMITS. [8. CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA] OTHER THEN THAT, OUR FIRST ITEM OF BUSINESS IS CONSENT AGENDA. ANY COUNCIL MEMBER WISH TO REMOVE A ITEM FROM CONSENT AGENDA AND DEAL WITH THAT ITEM INDIVIDUALLY? >> 8B2. ANYONE ELSE? [8.b.2. Chewacla State Park.160 – Special Retail – More Than 30 Days.124 Shell Toomer Parkway] >> 8C4. ANYONE ELSE? OKAY. 8B2. >> REQUEST FROM THE ALABAMA DEPARM OF CONVERSATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES FOR SPECIAL RETAIL MORE THEN 30 DAYS ALCOHOL BEVERAGE LICENSE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 124, SHELTON PARKWAY. >> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND. MOREMAN. >> THANK YOU. THIS IS OPEN-ENDED REQUEST. IST THATYPICAL? >> THAT IS ON MORE THEN 30 DAY LICENSES. THIS ALLOWS THEM TO HAVE EVENT AT THE PARK THAT WISH AND CHOOSE TO SELL ALCOHOL AT. REQUESTS THAT LAST? >> WE HAVE SEVERAL ON CAMPUS THAT ARE SIMILAR. FOR THE VARYING SPORTING VENUES. IF IT ISN'T LIKE THE WEEKENDS [00:10:02] LEADING UP TO FOOTBALL GAMES YOU SEE AROUND THE BASEBALL STADIUM BUT WE HAVE THINGS LIKE THE ARENA, FOOTBALL AND BASEBALL STADIUM ITSELF FOR THE NON-PARKING LOT SIDE. YOU HAVE THEM ALL OVER-THERE WAS QUITE DISCUSSION AS THIS IS DIRECT STATE ENTITY TO WHETHER OR NOT THIS IS NECESSARY. I OFFERED TO PUT IT ON THE AGENDA BECAUSE THE UNIVERSITY IS A STATE ENTITY. I TREATED THIS THE SAME. I DON'T THINK THIS IS FOR MEGA EVENTS ON THE EVERY WEEKEND, BUT THIS GIVES THE ABILITY TO BE COMPETITIVE IN THE SPACE WITH EVENTS THAT COULD BE HELD OUT THERE. >> SAY AGAIN, THIS NEVER ENDS? IT DOESN'T RENEW EVERY YEAR? >> NOBODY'S DOES, UNLESS THE OTHER-YOU HAVE ONE OTHER ITEM ON THE AGENDA THAT IS JUST A ONE DAY EVENT AND SO UNLESS IT IS WRITTEN THAT WAY, PEOPLE'S ALCOHOL LICENSE IN GENERAL DON'T UNLESS THERE IS A VIOLATION OR TRANSFER OR SOMETHING ELSE. >> I WOULD GUESS MR. MOREMAN THIS IS IMPACTED BY THE EVENT CENTER BUILT AT THE STATE PARK AND THEY ARE LOOKING TO HOST FUNCTIONS OUT THERE THAT WOULD POTENTIALLY UTILIZE THIS LICENSE. MY GUESS IS THAT IS WHY WE ARE ASKED TO APPROVE THIS TONIGHT. ANYONE ELSE? ANY OTHER COMMENTS? GOT A MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED? >> NAY. >> ONE NAY. [8.c.4. McSweeney Auto. Purchase one (1) Chevrolet Colorado 4WD crew cab truck. Engineering Services Department. $33,570.49.] >> 8C4 IS REQUEST TO PURCHASE CHEVY COLORADO CREW CAB FOR ENGINEERING SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $33.570.49. THE DEPARTMENT WILL ABSORB IT WITHIN THE BUDGET. >> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND. MR. GRISWOLD. >> THANK YOU. SO, YOU ALREADY MENTIONED IT IS UNBUDGETED AND THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE FOR THE ENGINEERING SERVICE DIRECTOR. >> CORRECT. >> SO, AND THAT DIRECTOR ASSUME HAS A NUMBER OF VEHICLES ALREADY? >> THE DEPARTMENT HAS VEHICLES, THERE ISN'T ONE ASSIGNED TO THE CITY? GEN EARRING WHO HAS TO GO OUT IN THE FIELD ON A FREQUENT BASIS AND IS ON CALL 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK, YEAR ROUND. TO RESPOND TO EVENTS AT ALL TIMES. >> YOU TAKE THIS VEHICLE HOME WITH HIM? >> YES, THIS IS TAKE HOME VEHICLE. MOST EMPLOYEES DO NOT TAKE VEHICLES HOME, BUT IN THIS INSTANCE IT WILL. >> WHEN WE ASK FOR A BID OR SOLICIT FOR A BID DO WE ALWAYS GO FOR THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE CREW CAB? THERE ISN'T A PLAIN JANE TRUCK? >> WE ARE SPECKING BASED ON THE NEEDS WHEN WE HAVE CONSTRUCTION SITES AND ROAD PROJECTS WE HAVE TO GO OFF ROAD AND TO BE MOST NIMBLE AND SOMEBODY ELSE HAS TO USE THE VEHICLE AND STORM RESPONSE WE BUY 4 WHEEL DRIVE PICKUPS ACROSS THE BOARD. IT ISN'T USUALLY A BIG ADDED EXPENSE. >> CREW CAB, YOU CAN'T GET A REGULAR 4 WHEEL DRIVE? >> 2 DOORS WITH 2 SEATS? >> THE CREW CAB ON I HAVE TO ASK MR. COMINGINGS. IS THAT A 4 OR 5 SEATER? I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS QUADCAB OR CREW. >> IT ISN'T THE QUADCAB, IS MORE A CREW CAB THAT GIVES MORE SPACE IN THE BACK SEAT. ENABLES TO CARRY DIFFERENT TYPES OF EQUIPMENT, MAINTAIN THE EQUIPMENT AND THE VEHICLE AND SUCH AND CARRY ADDITIONAL PEOPLE IF NEEDED. >> AND YOU CAN'T REASSIGN VEHICLES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT? SO THAT THE SERVICE DIRECTOR HAS ONE ALL THE TIME AND CAN TAKE IT HOME AND SOMEBODY ELSE CAN BE BORROWING ONE DURING THE DAY? >> EVEN DURING THE DAY HE HAS TO GO TO JOB SITES ON THE REGULAR. PREVIOUSLY THE TWO PREVIOUS ENGINEERING SERVICE DIRECTORS CHOSE TO DRIVE THEIR OWN VEHICLES AND RECEIVE A VEHICLE ALLOWANCE. IN THIS INSTANCE AND MANDATED THE ENGINEER DRIVE A CITY VEHICLE, BECAUSE WITH YOU ARE ON JOB SITES, TAKING YOUR PERSONAL VEHICLE IS TOUGH. I LIKE FLASHING LIGHTS WHEN PEOPLE DONT HAVE ON THE PERSONAL VEHICLE, THEY PULL OFF ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SO I WANT TO INSURE THAT. WE HAVE A NUMBER OF ENGINEERING INSPECTORS ON JOB SITES ALL OVER THE CITY EVERY DAY. WE HAVE 9 OF THOSE THAT 9 INDIVIDUAL VEHICLES AND 6 TRAFFIC ENGINEER PERSONNEL THAT NEED INDIVIDUAL VEHICLES TO RESPOND TO TRAFFIC CONCERNS AND OTHER PROJECT MANAGERS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE THAT HAVE TO INSPECT SITES. 8 EMPLOYEES IN THE DEPARTMENT THAT ALREADY SHARE A POOL OF VEHICLES AND HE NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO GO ON THE READY [00:15:04] WHENEVER HE IS DESIRED AT A MEETING. >> OKAY. ALRIGHT. THAT'S ALL I HAVE. THANK YOU. >> ANYONE ELSE? >> CURIOUS HERE. HOW DO WE-- THE DECISION TO PURCHASE A VEHICLE BY A SPECIFIC DEPARTMENT. WHAT IS THE PROCESS THAT STAFF GOES THROUGH ON MAKING THAT REQUEST AND WHAT IS LOOKED AT AND DETERMINING WHETHER OR NOT THAT REQUEST MAKES IT TO US? VEHICLE AND JUSTIFY A NEED FOR IT AND SO MY DEPARTMENT HEADS ARE SKITTISH ABOUT ASKING ABOUT VEHICLES AND IF YOU LOOK AT ALL OF THEM THEY ARE SMILING NOW, BUT I MENTIONED THIS BEFORE, BUT THE MOST PAINFUL PART OF OUR BUDGETING PROCESS IS WHEN YOU WANT TO ASK FOR A REPLACEMENT OF A EXISTING VEHICLE OR EXPAND, WHICH IS THE ADD TO THE FLEET. EXPANDING USUALLY MEANS ADDING EMPLOYEE THAT HAS A NEED CONSTANT NEED FOR A VEHICLE. I AM HYPERFOCUSED ON NOT BEING ANYMORE VEHICLES THEN NECESSARY TO PERFORM THE JOB THAT OUR CITIZENS EXPECT US TO DO AND A LOT OF PEOPLE SHARE. FOR EXAMPLE THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAS 8 EMPLOYEES AND ONE VEHICLE. THEY GO OUT ON THE FEEL ON REGULAR, BUT NOBODY IS FULL TIME IN THE FIELD. THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER HAS MANY EMPLOYEES AND WE HAVE 0 VEHICLES OWNED BY THE CITY. HUMAN RESOURCES HAS ONE AND FINANCE HAS ONE. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HAS THEIR OWN BY THE INDUSTRIAL-EVERYBODY IN CITY HALL COMPLEX SHARES TWO CITY VEHICLES AND IT HAS SEVERAL VEHICLES FOR THEIR NEEDS. IT REALLY BALANCES. POLICE IS A DIFFERENT THING AND WE LOOK CAREFULLY BUT THEY HAVE TO JUSTIFY IT. I HAVE TO AGREE WITH IT. THEIR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BUSINESS UNITS HAS TO AGREE WITH IT AND IT IS A PAINFUL PROCESS. THEY ALL GET VEHICLES CUT ON THE REGULAR FROM THEIR REQUEST BECAUSE I ALSO HAVE UNDERSTOOD CLEARLY FROM THIS GOVERNING BODY THAT VEHICLES ARE SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND USAGE OF AND FOR THE PUBLIC MAY NOT UNDERSTAND WHY WE ARE USING THOSE SO ONLY BUYING VEHICLES NECESSARY. I WARN YOU, SOMEBODY LIKE INSPECTION SERVICES THAT DOES BUILDING INSPECTION AND 24 THOUSAND IN A YEAR, ALL OUR INSPECTORS HAVE A VEHICLE ASSIGNED. THEY HAVE A EXTRA THE STAFF USES, BUT THOSE VEHICLES DO GO IN THE SHOP AND GO DOWN AND TO BE RESPONSIVE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR REQUESTING INSPECTIONS WE ROTATE THE ADMIN VEHICLE INTO THE FLEET SO THE DIFFERENT INSPECTORS ARE NOT DOWN A VEHICLE. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES SITS ON A COUPLE PICKUP TRUCKS THAT ARE OLD AND WE USE THOSE ACROSS THE FLEET. PUBLIC WORKS HAS VEHICLES THAT GO DOWN. WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DOES AND WE SWITCH THEM OUT, BUT IT ISN'T A EASY PROCESS. THERE IS A LOT OF SCRUTINY AND LOOK AT MAN POWER AND OUR SERVICE REQUEST AND IF THEY ARE NEEDED THEN I PROPOSE THEM, IF I DON'T THINK THEY ARE NEEDED THEY ARE NOT PROPOSED FOR YOUR APPROVAL. >> THANK YOU. >> COMMENTS? >> I THINK IT IS A GREAT RECRUITING TOOL ALSO TO GIVE A VEHICLE TO A NEW EMPLOYEE IF THAT'S THE CASE. I KNOW 4 WHEEL DRIVES MAY SEEM EXCESSIVE BUT WHEN YOU HAVE A STORM OR SOMETHING YOU NEED THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. BACK IN 95 I THINK WE HAD TWO 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES AND-[INAUDIBLE] I WAS DRIVING ONE AND HAD TO WORK THE NIGHT. [INAUDIBLE] SEE WHAT IT IS LIKE. ALSO, YOU CAN-IF YOU GIVE A EMPLOYEE A NEW VEHICLE TO DRIVE YOU CAN HOLD THEM RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY TEND TO TAKE MUCH BETTER CARE OF THEM WHEN THEY KNOW THEY ARE NOT GETTING ANOTHER IF THEY TEAR THAT UP. I TORE MINE UP AND DIDN'T GET ANOTHER. >> THANK YOU, I UNDERSTAND THE QUESTION AND WHY WE ARE ON FLEET, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR COMPETITIVE REASONS AND GETTING CLOSE TO BEING THERE EVERY POLICE OFFICER HAS A TAKE-HOME VEHICLE. ALL OUR COMPETITORS DO THAT AND THEY ARE HEAVILY USED AND REPLACED, BUT THERE IS A MILE RADIUS WHERE THEY CAN'T GO BEYOND THE MILE RADIUS, BUT THIS IS SOMETHING WE HAVE BEEN WORKING TOWARD AND ALL MOST THERE. NOT QUITE, BUT WE ARE CLOSE. >> THAT IS GREAT, BECAUSE IF YOU HAVE A CRIMINAL COME TO DOWN AND SEES A LOT OF VEHICLES PARKED OR--TEND TO MOVE ON. COMMEND YOU ALL DOING THAT. >> ANYONE ELSE? [00:20:01] WE HAVE MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED? HAD >> NAY. >> ONE NAY. THE MOTION CARRIES. MOTION TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE CONSENT AGENDA? >> SO MOVED. >> MOTION AND SECOND. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED? [9.a.1. City taxes - 5 mills for general purposes (General Fund). City taxes - 5 mills for capital projects debt repayment (Special Five Mill Tax).] THE CONSENT AGENDA IS APPROVED. ORDINANCES. >> 9 A 1, ANNUAL RENEWAL OF THE AD VALOREM TAXES FOR CITY TAXES, 5 MILLS FOR GENERAL PURPOSE GENERAL FUND AND 5 MILLS FOR CAPITAL PROJECT DEBT REPAYMENT. COUNCIL ANNUALLY RENEW THE PROPERTY TAXES TO AUTHORIZE THE REVENUE COMMISSIONER TO ASSESS THE CITY PROPERTY TAXES. THIS IS ONLY RENEWAL OF EXISTING TAXES, THESE ARE NOT NEW TAXES AND NOT TAX INCREASES. UNANIMOUS CONSENT IS NECESSARY. >> INTRODUCE THE ORDINANCE AND ASK FOR CONSENT. >> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND. ANYONE HAVE A PROBLEM MOVING FORWARD A VOTE SPHCOMMENTS OR QUESTION SNZ LINDSEY. [9.a.2. School taxes - 11 mills for educational purposes (Special School Tax Fund).] OF AD VALOREM TAXES FOR SCHOOL TAXES, 11 MILLS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES KNOWN AS THE SPECIAL SCHOOL TAX FUND. COUNCIL MUST ANNUALLY RENEW THE TAX TO AUTHORIZE THE LEE COUNTSY REVENUE COMMISSIONER TO ASSESS PROPERTY TAXES. THIS IS RENEWAL OF EXISTING TAX, NOT A NEW TAX, OR TAX INCREASE. UNANIMOUS CONSENT IS NECESSARY. >> INTRODUCE THE ORDINANCE AND ASK FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT. >> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND. ANYONE HAVE A PROBLEM MOVING FORWARD WITH A VOTE ON THIS THIS EVENING? SEEING OR HEARING NONE, ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? >> I LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT IF I MAY. DR. HERRING IS HELPING TO ORGANIZE THE BUILDING OF A NEW SCHOOL. IS THIS PART OF OUR CONTRIBUTION OR ALL OUR CONTRIBUTION TO THAT? >> IT INVOLVES-IT IS MORE INVOLVES THE NEXT ONE, BUT I WILL HAVE ALLISON EDGE ANSWER THAT. IT INVOLVES A BLEND. >> IT IS PART OF THE CONVERSATION, I ASKED IF SHE NEEDED MONEY AND SHE SAID NO, WE HAVE PLENTY. >> THIS ITEM AND THE NEXT THOSE TOGETHER THE 16 MILLS FULLY FUND THE DEBT SERVICE RELATED TO THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL, NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL AND THEN ALSO IT FUNDS PARTIAL OPERATIONS AS WELL. >> THAT IS A REMARKABLE FACT. >> I'LL REMIND YOU BECAUSE THE 5 MILL YOU RENEWED AS PART OF 9 A 1 SPECIFIC TO THE CITY, PROCEEDS FROM THAT FUND ARE USED TO PAY DEBT ON THE CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL, HOWEVER, FUND HAVE BUILT UP AS WE EXPLAIN DURING THE BUDGET PERIOD AND WE ARE ABLE AS WE BUILT FUNDS UP AND WE WILL BE ISSUING SOME DBT MOVING FORWARD FOR THE SIT ASIDE. WE'LL RETURN A LOT OF 5 MILL FUNDS IN THE CITY PROJECTS AND ALL DEBT MOVING FORWARD FOR THE NEXT DEBT ISSUANCE FOR NEW SCHOOLS BEING TALKED ABOUT WILL NOT INVOLVE THE CITY 5 MILL TAX FUND, ONLY INVOLVES THE SCHOOL TAX FUND BUT NOT THE CITY. >> OKAY. ANY OTHER COMMENTS? LINDSEY. [9.a.3. School taxes - 5 mills for educational purposes (Special School Tax Fund).] TAXES FOR SCHOOL TAXES 5 MILLS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES KNOWN AS THE SPECIAL SCHOOL TAX FUND. COUNCIL MUST ANNUALLY RENEW THE PROPERTY TAX TO AUTHORIZE TO ASSESS CITY PROPERTY TAXES. THIS IS RENEWAL OF EXISTING TAX, NOT A NEW TAX OR TAX INCREASE. UNANIMOUS CONSENT IS NECESSARY. >> INTRODUCE THE ORDINANCE AND ASK FOR CONSENT. >> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND. ANYONE HAVE A PROBLEM MOVING FORWARD WITH VOTE THIS EVENING? SEEING AND HEARING NONE, COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? LINDSEY. [9.b.1. Heatherly Annexation. Annexation of approximately 5.00 acres. 601 Lee Road 25 (Hillandale Drive). Unanimous consent necessary.] >> 9B1 IS REQUEST TO ANNEX APPROXIMATELY 5 ACRES OF PROPERTY AT 601 LEE ROAD 25 HILLANDALE DRIVE. THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST AT THE MARCH 12 MEETING. UNANIMOUS CONSENT IS NECESSARY. >> INTRODUCE AND ASK FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT. >> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND. >> 5 ACRES CORRECT? >> YEAH, 5 ACRES. >> I THOUGHT I HEARD 6. JUST WANT TO MAKE CLEAR. >> 5 ACRES IS CLEAR. I MAY HAVE SAID THAT. >> ANYONE ELSE? OKAY. LINDSEY WITH ROLL CALL. [9.b.2. Stockton and Taylor Holland. Approximately 5.17 acres. Property located at 2000 Rockwood Lane (Lee Road 809).] [00:25:04] >> 9B2 REQUEST TO ANNEX APPROXIMATELY 5.17 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2000 ROCKWOOD LANE KNOWN AS LEE ROAD 80 NIFEN. 9. THE PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL. AT MARCH 12 MEETING. >> INTRODUCE AND ASK FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT CHT >> MOTION AND SECOND. ANYONE HAVE A PROBLEM MOVING FORWARD WITH A VOTE? ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? LINDSEY. [9.b.3. Mark A. & William L. Noel (Joyce Jackson Life Estate). Approximately 1.74 acres. Property located at 587 Chadwick Lane.] APPROXIMATELY 1.74 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 587 CHADWICK LANE. THE PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL AT MARCH 12 MEETING. UNANIMOUS CONSENT IS NECESSARY. >> INTRODUCE AND ASK FOR CONSENT. >> SECOND. >> ANYONE HAVE A PROBLEM MOVING FORWARD THIS EVENING? SEEING AND HEARING NONE, ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? >> THE STRIP OF LAND BETWEEN THE CURRENT CITY LIMITS AND THIS PIECE OF PROPERTY, THAT'S A ACCESS ROAD TO SOMETHING ELSE? >> IT GOES-IT IS A FLAG THAT STICKS DOWN AND GOES TO A LARGER PARCEL EAST OF THIS. >> IS THAT THE PARCEL WITH THE HOME ON IT LOOKING AT THE MAP LOOKS LIKE IT IS TO THE WEST? >> THIS ONE HAS A HOME AS WELL, DOESN'T IT? >> YEAH. >> IT MAY BE OFF THE MAP. >> ON THE FLAG LOT. >> I'M GET TG TO. LOT 6-THE LOT BEING ANNEXED. >> THE ONE FURTHER BACK IT IS OFF THE MAP IS WHAT HE'S REFERRING TO. >> IT IS ON OUR MAP. THIS ONE BACK HERE. >> YOU CAN SEE IT. YEP. HE'S REFERRING TO THE NEXT NOT TAX PARCEL BUT THE NEXT PARCEL OVER. THERE THERE IS A HOME ON EACH ONE. >> THAT CORRECT. THERE IS A HOME IN THE BACK OF IT OR NOT THE VERY BACK, I GUESS RIGHT WHEN THE LOT EXPANDS TO THE FLAG OF THE LOT. >> THAT PART OF THE FLAG LOT THEN? THAT STRIP IS FOR THAT HOME? >> THAT'S CORRECT. >> THANKS. ROAD MAINTENANCE. THE MAP SHOWS THE CITY ENDING WHERE THE CITY LIMITS END AND MEGAN YOU SAID WE ALREADY DO ALL CHADWICK LANE? >> CHADWICK LANE IS COMPLETELY OUR RESPONSIBILITY FROM WIRE ALL THE WAY TO THE HIGHWAY 14. >> WHAT DOES THE BLUE ENDICATE? >> THE BLUE IS SHOWING A CITY STREET AS PUBLIC WORKS RESPONSIBILITY IN A BIGGER MAP. THE WHITE PORTION SHOWING A PORTION OF COUNTY COULD BE CONFUSING BUT DAN YOU VERIFIED, WE COMPLETELY MAINTAIN CHADWICK LANE. >> CORRECT, CHADWICK IS CITY RESPONSIBILITY. >> THE WHITE PART THERE RUNS ALONGSIDE THE PROPERTY, IT IS JUST- >> GIS GLITCH. I WOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT IT, MEANING WE HAVE TO MAINTAIN THE ROAD WITHIN THE RIGHT OF WAY, PERIOD. I SEE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING, THERE IS A WHITE PATCH OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS, YES, SIR. WE ARE STILL RESPONSIBLE 6789 >> OKAY. THANK YOU. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? LINDSEY. [9.c. City Code. Add Chapter 24 — Consumable hemp products regulations. Unanimous consent necessary.] CHAPTER 4, CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS REGULATION. >> I INTRODUCE AND ASK FOR CONSENT CHT >> MOTION AND SECOND. ANYONE HAVE A PROBLEM MOVING FORWARD ON THIS THIS EVENING? SEEING AND HEARING NONE, ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? >> CITY ATTORNEY IS PRESENT. YES, SIR. >> I LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS IF I MAY. PLEASE BEAR WITH ME. >> YES, SIR. >> ISSUES USUALLY START SMALL AND THEN THEY GROW BIG. THIS STARTED BIG AND BECOMING SMALL. THAT IS A GOOD THING. BUT IT IS ENORMOUSLY COMPLICATED SUBJECT AND LIKE TO TRY TO SUMMARIZE THE HIGH POINTS BEFORE WE JUMP INTO IT. BEST I UNDERSTAND IN 2017, 9 YEARS AGO, PRODUCTS WITH LARGE AMOUNTS OF THC, THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT IN CANNABIST THAGETS YOU HIGH WERE SOLD IN AUBURN THROUGH VARIOUS BUSINESSES. IN 2018, AN EFFORT WAS MADE AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL TO TONE DOWN THESE PRODUCTS UNDER WHAT IS CALLED THE FARM [00:30:01] BILL. THIS LEGISLATION HELPED ONLY SLIGHTLY. A SECOND EFFORT MADE LAST YEAR AT THE STATE LEVEL TO BRING THIS INDUSTRY UNDER CONTROL BY THE PASSAGE OF HB445. AS OF 1 JANUARY THIS YEAR IT IS LEGAL TO SELL CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS IN ALABAMA THAT CONTAIN OVER 10MG OF THC, WHICH IS THE ACTIVE MIND ALTERING INGREDIENT. BEFORE THESE CHANGES, JUST LAST YEAR, STORES IN AUBURN HAD BEEN SELLING PRODUCTS OVER THE COUNTER THAT CONTAINED SEVERAL HUNDRED MG OF THC PER SERVING. ALL OF THIS WAS NEWS TO ME. AS IT MAY BE TO MANY OF OUR CITIZENS. I BELIEVE THE QUESTIONS WE SHOULD ASK TONIGHT ARE, WHAT ARE THE MORAL, LEGAL AND MEDICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE SALE OF THESE PRODUCTS? MORALLY, SHOULD WE BE OFFERING MIND ALTERING SUBSTANCES TO OUR POPULOUS? ON THE FACE I WOULD SAY THE ANSWER TO THAT IS NO. THE SERVING SIZE AT 10MG IS SMALLER COMPARED TO THE SIZE BEFORE THE PASSAGE OF HB445, I DON'T BELIEVE IT IS MORALLY RIGHT OR IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF THESE PRODUCTS AT ALL. I DON'T THINK IT MAKES A BETTER AUBURN. ON THE LEGAL ASPECT I UNDERSTAND FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS THE SALE OF CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS WHICH ARE CLASSIFIED AS SCHEDULE 1 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO RECONCILE THAT WITH THE NEW ALABAMA LAW. EVEN THOUGH THE NEW ALABAMA LAW IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. ALSO, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, PENDING CHANGES IN THE FEDERAL LAW, WHICH WILL TAKE EFFECT NOVEMBER THIS YEAR. LOST MY PLACE. WILL LIMIT THE THC IN A SERVING TO .4MG, RATHER THEN 10. I CANNOT SUPPORT A CITY ORDINANCE CONTAINING 10MG PER PRODUCT. MY RESEARCH INDICATING INGESTING 10MG OF THC IN A CHEWABLE PRODUCT WOULD HAVE A GREATER IMPACT ON THE BODY AND LAST LONGER THEN IF IT WERE ABSORBED BY INHALING IT IN SMOKE. AND ALSO, THC CONSUMABLES ARE NOT CONSIDERED SAFE FOOD PRODUCTS BY THE FDA AND THC IS NOT AN APPROVED FOOD ADDITIVE. LASTLY, I HAVE CHECKED WITH FEW DOCTORS AND SOME OF THEM SAY HEMP PRODUCTS CONTAINING THC MAY HAVE MEDICAL BENEFITS. IF THAT IS THE CASE, IT SEEMS LOGICAL THAT THESE PRODUCTS SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED UNDER A DOCTOR CARE AND NOT OVER THE COUNTER. AND THEY SHOULD BE PRESCRIBED AND CAREFULLY ADMINISTERED DOSES. WHAT WE ARE FACED WITH TONIGHT IN THREE ITEMS IS FIRST OF ALL, RECONCILING THE CITY CODE WITH THE NEW ALABAMA LAW. THE NEW ALABAMA LAW IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, BUT I DON'T THINK WE ARE THERE YET. THESE PRODUCTS SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED UNDER A DOCTOR'S CARE, NOT OVER THE COUNTER THROUGH RETAIL OUTLET, SO AGAIN, I WILL NOT SUPPORT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE BECAUSE I BELIEVE MORE MUST BE DONE TO INSURE THE SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF OUR CITIZENS. SECONDLY, IF THE ORDINANCE DOES PASS, WE MUST THEN DETERMINE IF THE BUSINESS VAPEN JAYS IS OPERATING WITHIN THE CODE RESTRICTIONS OF THE NEW CITY ORDINANCE AS TWO STORES. ONE STORE SELLING NICOTINE PRODUCTS AND ONE SELLING CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS. WE'LL SAY MORE ABOUT THAT THEN BUT THE SHORT VERSION IS THE NEW 10MG CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS CAN BE SOLD WITH ALCOHOL PRODUCTS BUT CANNOT BE SOLD WITH NICOTINE PRODUCTS. THAT IS A SIDE ISSUE THAT THE STATE BELIEVES TO BE IMPORTANT AND I'M NOT SURE WHY. TONIGHT, I WILL HAVE TO APPLY WHATEVER LAW IS CONTROLLING. THIRDLY, WE AS A COUNCIL MAY HAVE TO DECIDE WHETHER TO APPROVE A BC PERMIT FOR VAPEN JAYS BECAUSE THAT IS ANOTHER LAYER OF OVERSIGHT PLACED ON SALE OF CHP. I RATHER HAVE THAT OVERSIGHT THEN NOT HAVE IT, SO I WILL SUPPORT THAT RESOLUTION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND INDUJANCE. >> ANYONE ELSE? >> COULD I ASK-CLARIFICATION ON THE--PAUL DOES--EDUCATE US ON THE STATE LAW AND WHETHER OR NOT--IS THERE CONFLICT BETWEEN THE STATE LAW [00:35:03] AND FEDERAL LAW AS FAR AS- >> NOT CURRENTLY. SO, HEMP WAS LARGELY ALLOWED UNDER THE 2018 FARM BILL, WHICH WAS PASSED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. AT THE TIME, I DON'T THINK IT WAS ANTICIPATED THAT HEMP PRODUCTS WOULD BE USED AND SOLD IN HIGH CONCENTRATIONS CONTAINING HIGH CONTRATIONS OF THC. I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING NOT CONTEMPLATED AT THE TIME, BUT BETWEEN 2018 AND 2024, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO LAW IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA REGULATING HEMP DERIVED THC PRODUCTS THEY COULD BE SOLD IN THE STATE WITHOUT VERY MUCH REGULATION WHAT SO EVER. SO, THAT FARM BILL IS STILL FEDERAL LAW, SO PRODUCTS CONTAINING THC DERIVED FROM HEMP, WHICH IS DIFFERENT PLANT THEN MARIJUANA IS STILL LAWFUL UNDER THE 2018 FARM BILL. SO, IN 2025, THE STATE TOOK AN EFFORT TO RESTRICT SOME OF THE SALE OF SOME OF THOSE HEMP PRODUCTS WITH THC AND CBD OIL IN THEM AND THAT'S WHERE THE RESTRICTIONS COME FROM THAT COUNCIL MEMBER MOREMAN CITED REDUCING THE OVERALL THC CONTENT TO 10MG PER SERVING AND NO MORE THEN 4 SERVINGS PER CONTAINER. NOW, THERE IS A AS MR. MOREMAN MENTIONED, THERE IS A PROVISION IN THE 2025 AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATION BILL PASSED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THAT WILL LIMIT AS OF NOVEMBER 2026 FURTHER LIMIT THE AVAILABLE THC THAT COULD BE SOLD IN HEMP PRODUCTS TO .04MG PER CONTAINERS. THERE IS A EFFORT TO DELAY THAT OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL PASSED IN 2025. AS WE SIT HERE TODAY WE ARE IN THE WINDOW BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2026 WHEN THE STATE LAW WAS IN EFFECT, BECAME IN EFFECT, AND THE 2018 FARM BILL WHICH ALLOWS HEMP PRODUCTS WITH THC IN THEM WITH THE END WINDOW COMING POTENTIALLY IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, WHICH WOULD AGAIN RESTRICT FROM A FEDERAL PERSPECTIVE THE ALLOWABLE THC IN HEMP PRODUCTS. THE ALABAMA ACT PASSED LAST YEAR CONTEMPLATES THAT-IT STATES FEDERAL LAW IS PASSED AFTER THE ACT WITH DIFFERENT RESTRICTIONS WITHIN THEM WILL SUPERCEDE THE ALABAMA ACT. IF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ACTS WHICH IT HAS, IF THAT RESTRICTION REMAINS IN PLACE FOR NOVEMBER OF 2026, THEN THE THC LIMITS IN CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS WILL BE REDUCED AUTOMATICALLY BASED ON THE LANGUAGE OF HB445. >> THAT WOULD APPLY IN THIS ORDINANCE AS WELL? >> CORRECT. >> SO WE ADDRESSED THAT? >> CORRECT. >> OKAY. >> CAN I ASK A QUESTION? ONE OF THE PORTIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE STATES LOCATION. IT SAYS, WITHIN 250 FEET FROM ANY-IT GOES THROUGH A LITANY OF THINGS. IT SAYS, DAYCARE, PRIVATE SCHOOL, PUBLIC SCHOOL OR COMBINATION. CHURCH OR OTHER RELIGIOUS FACILITY AND PUBLIC PARK. TWO PARTS. WHAT IS A RELIGIOUS FACILITY? THAT COULD MEAN A LOT OF THINGS. TWO, IF A ESTABLISHED BUSINESS THAT WE APPROVE AND GIVE THE ABILITY TO SELL THESE PRODUCTS IS THERE FIRST AND SOMEONE MOVES IN WITHIN 250 FEET, WHO GETS THE RIGHT TO OPERATE UNDER THIS ORDINANCE? >> BOTH GOOD QUESTIONS. SO, THE TERM RELIGIOUS FACILITY WAS TAKEN FROM OTHER ORDINANCES THROUGHOUT THE STATE ON THE LOCAL LEVEL THAT REGULATE THINGS LIKE ALCOHOL SALES WITHIN THE PROXIMITY TO THESE TYPE OF BUSINESSES. IT IS GENERALLY MEANT TO BE A ALL ENCOMPASSING TERM. CHURCHES HAS A SPECIFIC CONNOTATION PERHAPS WITHIN THE CHRISTIAN FAITH BUT THERE ARE ALSO RELIGIOUS FACILITIES, TABERNACLES, MOSQUES, BUDDHIST TEMPLES THAT QUALIFY AS RELIGIOUS FACILITY THAT DOES WANT NEATLY FALL UNDER CATEGORY OF CHURCH. THAT IS INTENDED MEANING OF RELIGIOUS FACILITY. THE CITY ORDINANCE DOES ADDRESS EXCEPTION IN SECTION 24-27 TO SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS. [00:40:07] IF A LICENSE IS ESTABLISHED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND BUSINESS BEGINS TO OPERATE, IF A CONFLICTING USE IN THE LIST OF USES YOU JUST MENTIONED COMES INTO EXISTENCE AFTER THE LICENSE IS APPROVED, THEN THE CHP STORE CAN REMAIN IN BUSINESS EVEN IF IT CHANGES HANDS, SO LONG AS THERE IS CONTINUOUS SALE OF CHP PRODUCTS, HOWEVER ANY POINT IN TIME CHP PRODUCTS AS A USE ARE DISCONTINUED FROM THE LOCATION, THEN THE EXEMPTION GOES AWAY AND THE PROXIMITY RESTRICTIONS WITHIN THE ORDINANCE WOULD TAKE OVER. YOU COULDN'T REPLACE IT ONCE THE USE HAS ENDED. >> THANK YOU. >> REAL QUICKLY, TWO THINGS. JUST WANT TO BE SURE THE COUNCIL IS CLEAR WHY WE PUT THIS TOGETHER AND SECOND, TO COUNCIL MEMBER MOREMAN'S CONCERNS IS, THIS IS A QUESTION I HAD EARLY ON MEETING WITH STAFF ABOUT IT. I CAME INTO MEETING AND SAID, WHY TO WE HAVE TO ALLOW THIS AT ALL. THE FIRST QUESTION I WILL GET FROM THE COUNCIL IS, ARE THEY REQUIRED TO ALLOW THIS IN THE CITY LIMITS BECAUSE STATE LAW SAYS IT IS ALLOWABLE WITHIN THE STATE AND SO IF YOU TO GO OVER THAT FIRST AND WHY WE DO AN ORDINANCE. >> WE HAVE TO EXTRAPOLATE CASE LAW BECAUSE THIS IS A NEW AREA OF LAW WITHIN THE STATE OF ALABAMA. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A LAW ADDRESSING CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS OR HEMP PRODUCTS WITH CBD OR THC IN THE STATE. WE CAN EXTRAPOLATE CASE LAW FROM THE REGULATION OF ALCOHOL SALES WITHIN THE STATE AND THERE IS SIGNIFICANT CASE LAW WITHIN THE STATE THAT SAYS IN RELATION TO ALCOHOL SALES THAT A CITY COUNCIL CANNOT BAN THE SALE OF ALCOHOL THAT IS OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED BY THE STATE. THERE IS SOME ABILITY OF A COUNTY TO TAKE A VOTE ON BEING A DRY COUNTY OR WET COUNTY, BUT MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN A COUNTY THAT ALLOW ALCOHOL SALES CANNOT IN AND OF THEMSELVES BAN ALCOHOL SALES SO WE BELIEVE THAT WOULD BE APPLIED TO CHP PRODUCTS UNDER HB445, SO A CITY COUNCIL COULD NOT OUT-RIGHT BAN THE SALE IN THE CITY. THERE IS ALSO SUFFICIENT CASE LAW IN THE STATE RELATED TO ALCOHOL SALES THAT SAYS, A CITY COUNCIL CAN'T MAKE OBTAINING A LICENSE TO SELL THESE LAWFUL PRODUCTS SO ARDUOUS FROM A PRACTICAL STANDPOINT YOU GET A LICENSE TO SELL THEM. USING THAT CASE LAW AS A BASIS, WE BELIEVE THAT THIS COUNCIL CANT COMPLETELY BAN THE SALE OF CHP PRODUCTS WITHIN THE CITY OF AUBURN, AND COULDN'T MAKE IT SO ARDUOUS. WE PUT A ORDINANCE TO PUT REASONABLE RESTRICTIONS ON SALE OF CHP PRODUCTS INCLUDING PROXIMITY RESTRICTIONS TO THE LIST OF USES THAT COUNCIL MEMBER WITTEN. WE ALSO ADOPTED SOME SUGGESTED ADOPTING SOME OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE STATE CODE REGARDING THE SALE OF CHP PRODUCTS TO MINERS AND POSSESSION BY MINERS AND THE SALE OF CHP PRODUCTS WITHOUT A LICENSE AS OFFENSES AGAINST THE CITY, SO THAT THOSE OFFENSES CAN BE PROSECUTED EASILY SUCCESSFULLY IN CITY COURT. SO WE TRIED TO SUGGEST TO THE COUNCIL REASONABLE RESTRICTIONS ON THESE PRODUCTS WITHOUT RUNNING AFOUL OF THE CASE LAW THAT WE BELIEVE WOULD BE APPLIED TO THIS BILL SHOULD IT GO TO COURT. >> WOULD THIS ALLOW-ARE WE-IS THERE A OPPORTUNITY FOR A BUSINESS TO SELL ALCOHOL AND THC PRODUCTS TOGETHER IN THE SAME FACILITY? >> THAT IS MY UNDERSTANDING OF THE ABC REGULATIONS THAT GOVERN THE SALE OF THESE PRODUCTS. AGAIN, THE STATE LEGISLATOR GAVE THE RIGHT TO CREATE RULES AND RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO SALE OF CHP PRODUCT. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING ABC WILL GRANT A LICENSE FOR THE SALE OF CHP PRODUCTS TO SELL ALCOHOL. THAT SPECIFICALLY CALLED OUT IN THE STATE ACT THAT THOSE TYPE OF FACILITIES CAN EXIST. THE OTHER TYPES OF FACILITIES THAT CAN SELL CHP PRODUCTS ARE A STAND ALONE RETAILER LIKE VAPEN JAYS, A PHARMACY OR FOOD RETAILER ARE 14 THOUSAND SQUARE FEET OF FACILITY. >> IF THEY HAVE EXISTING ALCOHOL LICENSE DO THEY HAVE TO GO THROUGH OTHER MEASURES WITH THE CITY? [00:45:01] >> MY READING OF THE ACT IS PRETTY CLEAR, YOU CAN'T SELL CHP PRODUCTS WITHOUT A LOCAL GOVERNMENT APPROVING THE APPLICATION. AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT HAS THE NOT ONLY THE AUTHORITY, BUT THE REQUIREMENT TO APPROVE THESE LICENSES BEFORE SALES CAN BE HAD WITHIN THE CITY. SO, IF YOU HAVE A EXISTING ALCOHOL LICENSE YOU COULD COME BEFORE THIS COUNCIL WITH A APPLICATION TO ADD CHP PRODUCTS TO THAT FACILITY, BUT AGAIN THAT IS APPROVAL BY THIS COUNCIL THAT ALSO HAS TO BE APPROVED BY ABC BOARD AS WELL. >> NOT UNDER CONSIDERATION TONIGHT THE PLANNING STAFF HAS BEEN WORKING TO ADD MEASURES TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE JUST IN TERMS OF ALLOWBABLE IN THE USE TABLE, IS THAT IT? >> THAT IS CORRECT. >> YOU'RE FINE WHEN YOU GET TO THAT ITEM, BUT THERE IS A TANDEM THING WITH THE ZONING ORDINANCE. IT WOULD HAVE NO IMPACT ON A LATER APPLICATION BECAUSE IT IS COMING UNDER ALL OTHER USES. THE ORDINANCE BEFORE YOU JUST AND WE'LL TALK ABOUT THIS THE CONDITIONAL USE, THE APPLICATION YOU HAVE TONIGHT CAN COMPALESTINE WITH THE ORDINANCE AS WRITTEN IN TERMS OF THE LOCATION. >> CORRECT. >> BECAUSE WE DON'T REGULATE ALCOHOL WITH PROXIMITY TO ADDITIONAL USES? >> THAT'S CORRECT. >> BUT IF A BUSINESS THAT SELLS ALCOHOL THEN WANTED TO ADD THIS THC PRODUCTS THEY WOULD HAVE TO-FALL UNDER THIS ORDINANCE SHOULD IT PASS? >> CORRECT. >> THANK YOU. THIS TONIGHT, DOES THAT MEAN THE STATE CAN LET THEM DO IT ANYWAY? >> IF WE DON'T PASS THIS ORDINANCE IT MEANS THERE ARE NO LOCAL RESTRICTIONS ON THE SALE OF CPH PRODUCTS. IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE COUNCIL CAN DENY EVERY APPLICATION THAT COMES BEFORE IT. IT JUST MEANS THERE IS NO LOCAL RESTRICTIONS. THE ONLY RESTRICTIONS THAT WOULD APPLY WOULD BE THOSE PROMULGATED BY ABC. >> THANK YOU, SIR. >> WHEN WOULD THESE RESTRICTIONS IF THIS ORDINANCE PASSED, WHEN WOULD THE ORDINANCE BE EFFECTIVE? >> IMMEDIATELY ON PASSAGE AND PUBLICATION, WHICH IS THE NORMAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE RBD ONNS IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA. PUBLICATION MY UNDERSTANDING IS THE FIRST PUBLICATION DATE AVAILABLE FOR THIS WOULD BE MARCH 26. PUBLISHED IN A NEW PAPER LOCAL CIRCULATION WITHIN THE CITY. >> MARCH 26 IS- >> VERIFY WITH OUR ASSISTANT CITY CLERK BECAUSE THAT IS NEXT THURSDAY. YES. >> BASED OEN THE SUBMISSION DEADLINES THAT THE VILLAGER HAS. >> UNDERSTOOD. >> WE CAN ASSUME REASONABLY THAT THERE WILL BE MORE APPLICANTS APPROACHING US WITH AN APPLICATION TO SELL THESE PRODUCTS, CORRECT? >> YES. >> SEEMS TO ME THAT HAVING AN ORDINANCE IN PLACE, IT PUTS ME IN THE MIND OF THE SHORT-TERM RENTAL SITUATION WHERE A USE ARRIVED IN THE CITY THAT WE ARE NO REGULATIONS TO IN PLACE. I'M GLAD THAT I THINK GIVEN THE FACT THAT THIS IS BEEN HAPPENING SO MANY YEARS ALREADY, IT DOES HAVE A SIMILAR PATINA AS THE SHORT-TERM RENTAL AND I'M CERTAINLY GLAD THAT WE CAN GET ON TOP OF IT NOW AND HAVE SOME BONES WITH WHICH TO HAVE SOME ENFORCEMENT SHOULD BUSINESS OWNERS CHOOSE TO BREAK THE LAWS. SO, JUST SEEMS TO ME A VERY LOGICAL MATTER OF FACT PIECE OF LEGISLATION TO PUT IN PLACE AND WE CAN ARGUE ABOUT THE MORALITY OF SUBSTANCE CONSUMPTION NOT ONLY WITH REGARDS TO THC, BUT I THINK WE ALREADY SEEN A DEMONSTRATION THAT SAME TYPE OF CONCERN MORALLY ABOUT THE USE OF ALCOHOL AND THE DANGERS PRESENT THERE. I JUST WOULD--I'M COMFORTABLE THAT THE ABC IS THE REGULATORY BODY FOR BOTH OF THESE PRODUCTS BECAUSE THEY ARE BOTH SIMILAR. I'M A CHILD OF THE 60'S AND I THINK THERE HAS BEEN A LITTLE HYSTERICS GENERALLY IN THE RHETORIC OF THC CONSUMPTION. I THINK IT ALL SEEMS QUITE APPROPRIATE. >> COUNCIL MOREMAN'S POINT EARLIER ABOUT THE USE OF THC UNDER [00:50:03] DOCTOR CARE, THERE IS ALREADY A MEDICAL MARIJUANA STATUTE IN THE STATE SHOWLY IMPLEMENTED AND SO THERE ARE INSTANCES WHERE THC DERIVED FROM MARIJUANA NOT HEMP CAN BE LAWFUL AND WILL BE LAWFUL IN THE FUTURE UNDER A DOCTOR DIRECTION. >> WHAT IS THAT? WHAT IS THE MAJOR DISTINCTION THERE? BETWEEN THOSE TWO. ONE IS HEMP AND ONE IS-- >> IT IS A SLIGHT DISTINCTION OF CLASSIFICATION ON OF THE PLANTS THEMSELVES. BOTH ARE CANNABIS CLASSIFICATIONS. HEMP IS SPECIFICALLY DEFINED AS CANNABIS L, WITH A NATURALLY OCCURRING THC CONTENT OF LESS THEN .03 PERCENT. >> THE STATE CHOSEN TO REGULATE THOSE IN TWO SEPARATE WAYS? >> THANK YOU. >> AS HAS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. >> REMIND US, WHAT IS THIS ORDINANCE WE ARE CONSIDERING DO? >> IT IS PUTTING REGULATIONS-THE CITY LEVEL. IT IS ALLOWING YOU TO PUT SOME BROAD PARAMETERS IN WITHOUT THIS YOU'RE GOING WHEN YOU CONSIDER A LICENSE JUST ON STATE AND BASIC ZONING ORDINANCE ITEMS NOW WHICH IS ALL OTHER USE WHEN YOU GET TO IT. YOU PUT THIS IN HERE IT HAS DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS. -WE DID NOT TALK ABOUT IT TONIGHT BUT IT IS SENSITIVE TOPIC IN THE PAST UNDERSTANDING WHY THE COUNCIL HAS THE ABILITY TO REVOKE BUSINESS LICENSES FOR CERTAIN BEHAVIORS RELATIVE TO THESE LICENSES, SO THAT IS GIVING YOU AUTHORITY TO DEAL WITH THEM IF THEY BECOME BAD ACTORS THAT MEET CRITERIA THERE IS A HEARING BEFORE YOU AND SO WHAT YOU ARE DOING TONIGHT IF YOU ADOPT THIS IS ADDING TO CITY CODE AND IT BECOMES EFFECTIVE MARCH 26. TO JUST PUT FURTHER REGULATIONS ON THE SELL OF CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS UNDER STATE LAW IN THE CITY OF AUBURN. >> I HAVE ONE MORE QUESTION IF I MAY. >> PLEASE. >> I LIKE TO ASK DIRECTOR MATTHEWS, REGARDING THE LAST SAY 8 YEARS IN THE CITY OF AUBURN, WHERE WE HAVE HAD THE SALE OF THC PRODUCTS, HAS YOUR DEPARTMENT NOTICED A UPTICK IN CRIME ASSOCIATED WITH THC OR DRUG ABUSE OR ANY TYPE OF ACTIVITY YOU CAN SAFELY PRESUME ARRIVED OUT OF THE SALE OF THESE PRODUCTS IN OUR BUSINESSES? >> SO, I CAN'T ABSOLUTELY SAY THERE IS A ANY CHANGE IN THE RATE OF CRIME BEING COMMITTED IN THOSE YEARS THAT YOU SPECIFIED. AS FAR AS OVERDOSES AND MEDICAL EMERGENCIES GO, TYPICALLY THOSE AREN'T SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED UNTIL AFTER THE MEDICAL TREATMENT IS RECEIVED AND TESTING IS DONE, SO MOST OF THE TIME THE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNLESS IT'S A CLEAR CASE OF A CRIMINAL ACT OF OVERDOSE, DRUGS PROVIDED ILLICITLY, THERE ISN'T A CASE THAT IS NECESSARILY MADE IF IT JUST A MINER OVERDOSE OF THC OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. BUT, THE BIGGEST THING WE SEE AS FAR AS RETAIL GOES IS CHANGE IN PACKAGING. THE CHANGE IN THE LEVEL OF THC THAT MIGHT BE IN A CERTAIN PACKAGE OR PRODUCT, BUT AGAIN, ABC TYPICALLY IS THE LEAD INVESTIGATING AGENCY ON THOSE AND THEY PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION, WE ASSIST WHEN THEY COME INTO TOWN AND WANT TO DO INSPECTION OF A STORE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND THEY COLLECT THOSE ITEMS TO BE TESTED, BUT MOST OF THE TIME THERE ISN'T A CASE TO BE MADE IMMEDIATELY. IT IS AFTER TESTING AND VERIFICATION THAT THE PRODUCT IS ILLEGAL. >> OKAY, THANK YOU. >> I HAVE ONE MORE QUESTION. WE LIST PUBLIC PARKS. THAT WOULD PRECLUDE ANYONE WHO HAS A COTTAGE BUSINESS THAT MAY INCLUDE CBD IN THEIR TALLOW OR SOME OTHER HOME MADE PRODUCT FROM BEING ABLE TO BE A VENDOR AT A EVENT WITHIN THE PUBLIC PARK SNZ >> WITHOUT A LICENSE. >> WITHOUT A LICENSE. >> CORRECT. >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. GOOD QUESTIONS. [00:55:02] ANYBODY ELSE? >> I APPRECIATE. I DON'T KNOW WE CAN GO ANOTHER ROUND. I WAS A CHILD OF THE 60 BUT MY DAD WAS A CHILD OF THE 40'S AND NEVER TRIED MARIJUANA AND DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS-LIKE BUT I SPENT A GOOD PORTION OF MY LIFE FIGHTING THE KEEP MARIJUANA OUT OF THE HANDS OF THE KIDS. I HAD THE SAME QUESTION ABOUT IT SOMETIMES, BOB. BUT I TELL YOU ONE ABOUT THC, THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT. I LOCKED UP A MAN WHO MADE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS SELLING DOPE. HE SAID I WISH I NEVER SMOKED BY FIRST MARIJUANA CIGARETTE. YOU CAN SAY HEMP. I THINK IT IS-I DON'T THINK IT IS GOOD THING, I THINK IT IS BAD THING, BUT THE PERSON WILL MAKE THEIR OWN DECISION AND THEN ALCOHOL IS READILY AVAILABLE IF YOU ARE OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE IT. YOU CAN BUY IT. IF YOU BAPTIST HAVE TO GO TO TOWN NEXT DOOR TO BUY IT. I JUST THINK IT IS INDIVIDUAL DECISION OR IN MY CASE MY DADDY'S DECISION. I DO APPRECIATE WHAT MR. SUNNY HAD TO SAY AND I TOTALLY AGREE. I DON'T THINK IT IS MORALLY RIGHT, BUT I THINK IT IS THE ISSUE WITH MARIJUANA AND--I'M BASING ON FACT. MARIJUANA THC IS A GATEWAY DRUG. IT WILL LEAD TO OTHER THINGS. ALCOHOL CAN SAY IT CAN LEAD TO OTHER THINGS, BECAUSE DO THINGS UNDER ALCOHOL NOT NORMALLY DO. IT IS BAD SITUATION. I DON'T LIKE TO SEE PEOPLE, KIDS IN AUBURN RUINING LIVES CHARGED WITH A FELONY SELLING MARIJUANA. I THINK WE NEED SOMETHING NATION WIDE WITH CONSISTEN LEGISLATION TO FAIRLY ENFORCE THE CRIMINAL PART OF IT IN THE WHOLE COUNTRY, BECAUSE JUST NOT FAIR TO LOCK UP A KID IN AUBURN AND CHARGE WITH A FELONY AND GO TO ANOTHER STATE AND TO THE SAME THING AND NOT HAVE A FELONY. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT. THANK YOU. >> ANYONE ELSE? OKAY. MOTION AND SECOND. ROLL CALL. [10.a.1. VapenJays. Commercial and entertainment use (specialty retailer of consumable hemp products). Property located at 1452 Opelika Road, Suite C. Postponed from February 17, 2026.] >> RESOLUTIONS. >> RESOLUTIONS, 10 A 1 IS REQUEST FOR CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL OF COMMERCIAL INTERTAINLMENT USE SPECIALTY RETAILER OF CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS AT 1452 OPELIKA ROAD, SUITE C IN CORRIDOR REDEVELOPMENT ZONING. THE PROJECT IS ZONE OR THE REQUEST IS KNOWN AS VAPEN JAYS. THE PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST AT THE FEBRUARY 12 MEETING. THE ITEDM POSTPONED AT THE FEBRUARY 17 COUNCIL MEETING. >> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. >> MOTION AND SECOND. OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AND IF YOU LIKE TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL, PLEASE COME FORWARD AND GIVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS AND YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL. >> >> MY NAME IS MEGAN HARDISTY. ADDRESS IS 2120 TEAL LANE WAVERLY ALABAMA, 36879. GOOD EVENING MAYOR AND COUNCIL, I WANT TO BEGIN BY THANKING THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND COUNCIL FOR OPEN DIALOGUE THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS. I TRULY APPRECIATE THE TIME YOU HAVE TAKEN TO ASK QUESTIONS, VISIT MY BUSINESS, AND WORK THROUGH WHAT IS A BRAND NEW STATE LAW THAT ALL OF US ARE NAVIGATING IN REAL TIME. THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL AND ABC LICENSE IS PART OF THE NEW STATE FRAMEWORK. I DID NOT CREATE THESE CHANGES. I AM SIMPLY DOING EVERYTHING I CAN TO COMPLY FULLY AND OPERATE LAWFULLY UNDER THE RULES THAT HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE. I ALSO WANT TO COMMEND THE CITY FOR ADOPTING A ORDINANCE THAT PROVIDES CLARITY AND STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS. ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO PREVENTING MINERS FROM ACCESSING THESE PRODUCTS. AS BOTH THE BUSINESS OWNER AND MOTHER, I FULLY SUPPORT SAFEGUARDS THAT INSURE THESE PRODUCTS REMAIN IN THE HANDS OF ADULTS ONLY. THAT IS ALWAYS BEEN HOW I OPERATED FOR OVER A DECADE. MY CUSTOMER BASE IS OVERWHELMINGLY ADULT. WITH A AVERAGE AGE OF AROUND 55. THESE ARE INDIVIDUALS SEEKING NATURAL OPTIONS FOR SLEEP AND PAIN RELIEF. PARENTS, GRAND PARENTS, VETERANS WORKING PROFESSIONALS, MEMBERS [01:00:02] OF THE COMMUNITY LOOKING FOR RESPONSIBLE ACCESS TO PRODUCTS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY AVAILABLE TO THEM HERE IN AUBURN. I WORKED DILIGENTLY TO MEET EVERY REQUIREMENT PRESENTED AT BOTH THE STATE AND THE LOCAL LEVELS. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT I MEET ALL PROPOSED CRITERIA. I'M FULLY PREPARED TO OPERATE IN COMPLIANCE IMMEDIATELY UPON APPROVAL. EVERY ADDITIONAL DELAY IMPACTS SMALL BUSINESSES LIKE MINE FINANCIALLY. ENCOURAGES AUBURN RESIDENTS TO SEEK THE SAME PRODUCTS ELSEWHERE. WHETHER THAT IS ACROSS STATE LINES OR NEIGHBORING CITIES. WHEN THAT HAPPENS, AUBURN LOSES TAX REVENUE AND THE ABILITY TO INSURE THOSE PRODUCTS ARE SOLD IN A REGULATED, RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENT BY ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES ACCOUNTABLE TO THIS COMMUNITY. I AM NOT ASKING FOR SPECIAL TREATMENT, ONLY THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE SERVING ADULT CUSTOMERS IN FULL COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW AND CITY ORDINANCE, JUST AS I HAVE DONE MORE THEN 10 YEARS. I RESPECTFULLY ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT TONIGHT SO WE CAN MOVE FORWARD UNDER THE FRAMEWORK THE STATE HAS PUT IN PLACE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR CONSIDERATION. ANY QUESTIONS? >> WE HAVE SOME WE'LL BRING YOU BACK UP. >> OKAY. >> YES, MA'AM. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> WHO WILL BE NEXT? ANYONE? OKAY. CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. QUESTIONS FROM THE COUNCIL? COMMENTS? >> WE JUST PASS AN ORDINANCE THAT REGULATES CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS. THIS ORDINANCE WOULD APPLY TO THIS CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL? >> IT WILL NOT APPLY UNLESS YOU ADD A CONDITION THAT SAYS YOUR CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL IS NOT EFFECTIVE UNTIL THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE ORDINANCE OF THE CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCT ORDINANCE. YOU CONDITION THIS APPROVAL, SOMEBODY MAKE A-THE APPROVAL IS EFFECTIVE ON THE DATE THE ORDINANCE IS EFFECTIVE AND IT DOESN'T MAKE THE LICENSE AFFECTIVE SHOULD YOU APPROVE THAT UNTIL THE CONDITIONAL USE IS EFFECTIVE. IT MAKES EVERYTHING EFFECTIVE MARCH 26 IF YOU MAKE THE AMENDMENT. IF YOU DON'T, THEN YOU WOULD BE APPROVING THIS CONDITIONAL USE WITHOUT ANYTHING THAT IS STATED IN THE ORDINANCE YOU JUST ADOPTED. >> ONCE THE ORDINANCE IS IN EFFECT THERE- >> YOU CAN'T RETROACTIVELY, CORRECT. >> OKAY. >> AS LONG AS THAT BUSINESS STAYS OPEN AND IN CONTINUOUS USE SELLING CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS. SOME OF THIS IS-YOU HAD DISCUSSION OF A LITTLE LONGER TIMEFRAME AT A MEETING MONTH AGO AND OPTED TO SPEED IT UP AND GOT THE ORDINANCE TO YOU SEVERAL WEEKS BEFORE THE MEETING AS A STARTING POINT TO TALK ABOUT AND THESE ARE THINGS WE WORKED THROUGH IN THE INTERIM PERIOD, NOT TRYING TO BE CHALLENGING FOR THE APPLICANT BUT IF YOU WANT THIS TO APPLY AND INCLINED TO APPROVE THIS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ADDING THE AMENDMENT THAT CHANNELS THIS APPROVAL WITH THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE ORDINANCE AND ALL TRACKS TOORLTH. TOGETHER. >> I LIKE TO MOVE WE DO THAT SO THAT UPON THE ENACTMENT OF THE ORDINANCE THIS CONDITIONAL USE RUNS- >> EFFECTIVE- >> EFFECTIVE. >> SECOND. >> WE HAVE MOTION AND SECOND. >> DISCUSS THE AMENDMENT. >> YEAH. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING THE AMENDMENT? >> WHAT ARE WE AMENDING IT TO? >> WANTING TO AMEND IT SO THAT THIS CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL- >> NOT GRAND FATHERED IN. >> IT IS EFFECTIVE THE DATE THE CONSUMABLE HEMP ORDINANCE IS EFFECTIVE SO WON'T GET IT A DATE UNLESS THE COUNCIL WANTS TO BECAUSE IT IS DATE OF THE PUBLICATION SO THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYTHING TO BE EFFECTIVE AND BELIEVE THAT IS MARCH 26 AND DON'T HAVE A REASON IT IS NOT. WE JUST CANT MAKE IT SOONER THEN THAT. >> AND THIS LOCATION AND THIS BUSINESS WOULD BE CONFORMING TO WHAT WE JUST- >> CORRECT, PLANNING EVALUATING THAT, THE CITY ATTORNEY OFFICE EVALUATING THAT AND FELT IT WAS IMPORTANT THE APPLICANT RECEIVE THE ORDINANCE LAST WEEK BEFORE THE COUNCIL PACKET WENT OUT BECAUSE WANTED TO MAKE SURE SHE WAS AWARE AND HAD DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH THE STAFF ABOUT IT. >> SO, YOU MENTIONED YOU BROUGHT THIS FORWARD AND BOB AND KELLY MADE MOTIONS FOR THIS. HOW WOULD THIS AMENDMENT READ, SO WHEN WE APPROVE THIS-I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE GET IT RIGHT. >> BASICALLY THE AMENDMENT WILL READ YOU AMEND THE PLANNING [01:05:03] COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TO ADD A CONDITION THAT STATES THAT THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL IS THE SAME AS THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCT ORDINANCE. >> SAY ONE MORE TIME PLEASE? >> THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL IS THE SAME AS THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCT ORDINANCE OR ADDITION OF CHAPTER 24 TO THE CITY CODE. YOU WRITE FAST ENOUGH? >> ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? >> I HAVE A QUESTION FROM DIRECTOR MATTHEWS. >> YES, SIR. >> DOES ABC STILL COME AROUND? [INAUDIBLE] SEE IF THEY ARE SELLING ALCOHOL TO UNDER AGED- >> THEY DO. >> THAT IS SOMETHING THEY CAN DO IN THIS SITUATION AS WELL? >> CERTAINLY. I EXPECT IT TO, ESPECIALLY UNDER THE NEW STATE LAW. >> THANK YOU. >> OTHER QUESTIONS? WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND FOR THIS AMENDMENT. WOULD YOU READ THE AMENDMENT YOU HAVE WRITTEN DOWN THERE? YOUR SCRIBBLES IS BETTER THEN MINE. >> THIS IS THE AMENDMENT THAT BOB MADE. THE CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE UNTIL THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF CHAPTER 24 OF THE CITY CODE WHICH REGULATES CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS. >> PERFECT. >> THANK YOU. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED? >> NAY. >> ONE NAY. WE HAVE ONE NAY ON THE AMENDMENT. NOW BACK TO THE DISCUSSION ON THE CONDITIONAL USE. ANY COMMENTS? >> I WILL SAY, I HAVE BEEN NOTHING BUT IMPRESSED BY THIS APPLICANT WHO HAS GONE ABOUT NAVIGATING NEW GROUND. NOT ATTEMPTED TO DO ANYTHING UNDER-HANDED OR AWAY FROM THE PUBLIC EYE OR ANYTHING THAT BREAKS LOCAL LAWS OR ORDINANCES, AND I'M THANKFUL THAT YOU ARTICULATED YOUR INTENTIONS SO WELL AND I'M IN FULL SUPPORT OF THIS BUSINESS AND I WISH YOU WELL CONTINUING TO NAVIGATE AS BODIES LARGER THEN THIS LOCAL BODY STRUGGLE WITH THIS ISSUE AS WELL. GOOD LUCK TO YOU. >> I LIKE TO SECOND WHAT BOB SAID. WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE HOW YOU'VE GONE ABOUT THIS PROCESS AND APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE WITH US AS WE NAVIGATED IT AS WELL. >> ANYONE ELSE? THIS IS VOTING ON THE CONDITIONAL USE OKAY? THE AMENDED CONDITIONAL USE. ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED? >> NAY. >> ONE NAY. [10.b. VapenJays Botanicals. 700 – Specialty Retailer of Consumable Hemp Products. 1452 Opelika Road, Suite C.] >> MOTION CARRIES, RIGHT? ITEM 10B FINAL REQUEST HAVING TO DO WITH CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCT FROM VAIBEN DAY BOTANICAL SPECIALTY RETAILER CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCT FOR PROPERTY AT 1452 OPELIKA ROAD SUITE C. YOU DO NOT NEED TO CONDITION THIS BECAUSE THE CONDITIONAL USE HANDLES-SOMETHING VERIFIED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY EARLIER TODAY. >> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND. ANY FURTHER COMMENTS, QUESTIONS? THOUGHTS? ALRIGHT. ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE. >> AYE. [10.c. Tax abatement. 2a USA, Inc.] >> OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. >> 10C OCTERIZE THE TAX ABATEMENT FOR 2 A USA. THE COMPANY PLANS TO INVEST $32 MILLION AND ADD 92 NEW EMPLYEES OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS. >> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND. ANY COMMENTS, QUESTIONS? >> I LIKE TO SAY WHAT YOU SAID EARLIER, I APPRECIATE THE JOB DOING WITH OUR INDUSTRY. NOT ONLY DOES IT EFFECT AUBURN BUT EFFECTS THE ENTIRE REGION. PEOPLE DRIVE FROM CHAMBERS COUNTY AND M A CON COUNTY AND FEEDS A LOT OF HUNGRY MOUTHS AT HOME AND MAKES A LOT CHRISTMAS BETTER WHAT WE-YOU HAVE DONE A REAL GOOD JOB AND CANT SAY IT ENOUGH. YOU WATCH ME DO IT ON THE JOB TOO SO LEARNED FROM ME. [01:10:02] [LAUGHTER] YOU HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB. >> I THINK YOU SHOULD ASK HIM TO STAND UP. JUST KIDDING. [LAUGHTER] >> WE HAVE A GREAT TEAM. A LOT OF PEOPLE WORK VERY HARD DOING THIS. AND >> YOU DO. YOU AND YOUR TEAM AND ALL THE OTHERS INVOLVED. WE APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO. >> HE'LL THE FIRST AND ONLY ECONOMIC DEVELOPER BEGINNING IN 1984. >> THAT'S TRUE. >> PRETTY SCARY. [LAUGHTER] >> SCARY GOOD. ANY OTHER COMMENTS? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. [10.d. Section 108 Loan. Bow & Arrow, LLC.] >> AYE. >> OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. >> 10D4, SECTION 108 LOAN THE FEDERAL FUNDS THE CITY BORROWED FROM BOW AND ARROW. THE LOAN AMOUNT IS $350 THOUSAND WITH TERM OF 6 YEARS AND INTEREST RATE OF 6 PERCENT. >> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND. ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE AYE. [10.e.1. D & J Enterprises, Inc. FY26 Roadway Patch Project. $463,026.69.] OPPOSED THE MOTION CARRIES. >> 10E1 AUTHORIZE THE CONTRACT WITH D & J ENTERPRISES FOR FISCAL 26 ROADPATCH PROJBECT FOR $463.026.69 >> MOTION AND SECOND. COMMENTS? QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR PLEASE SAY AYE. >> AYE. [10.e.2. D & J Enterprises, Inc. Resurfacing of Charlotte and Curtis Ward Bicycle Trail. $594,442.] >> OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES. >> 10E2 AUTHORIZE THE CONTRACT WITH D & J ENTERPRISES FOR RESURFACING OF THE CHARTLET CURTIS WARD BIKE TRAIL FOR $594.442. THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WILL REIMBURSE HALF THE COST FOR THE TRAIL. >> MOTION AND SECOND. COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. >> AYE. >> OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES. >> THOSE ARE THERE THE ITEMS OF [12. CITIZENS' OPEN FORUM] BUSINESS THIS EVENING. >> THIS TIME OPEN CITIZEN OPEN FORUM. YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL ABOUT ANYTHING ON YOUR MIND. ASK YOU ADDRESS COMMENTS TO COUNCIL. YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES TO SPEAK. WHO WOULD BE FIRST? >> STEVEN DIXON, 916--ACCORDING TO CITY AUBURN, SECTION 8-5 OF MUNICIPAL CODE IT STATES POLITICAL SIGNS MAY NOT BE PLACED EARLIER THEN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO ELECTION DATE AND REMOVED NO LATER THEN 7 DAYS FOLLOWING THE ELECTION. YET TODAY ON MARCH 17, 2026, SOLID MONTH BEFORE POLITICAL SIGNS ARE ALLOWED TO BE PUT OUT, I PERSONALLY OBSERVED A POLITICAL SIGN IN THE YARD AT MAYOR RON ANDERS HOUSE SUPPORTING KATHERINE ROBERTSON FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A ISOLATED ISSUE, POLITICAL SIGNS APPEAR TO BE WIDE SPREAD ACROSS AUBURN. IF THE CITY INTENDS TO IF ENFORCE THE ORDINANCE THEN ENFORCEMENT SHOULD BE VISIBLE, CONSISTENT AND CITY WIDE. THAT MEANS CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS KNOCKING ON DOORS ISSUING NOTICES AND ARE REQUIRING COMPLIANCE FROM PROPERTY OWNERS ACROSS THE TOWN INCLUDING THE MAYOR BECAUSE AS OF THIS AFTERNOON, HIS PROPERTY IS IN VIOLATION. AT THE CITY TRULY MEANS WHAT IT SAYS IN THE ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC GUIDANCE, THEN THE NEXT MUNICIPAL COURT SESSION SHOULD BE BUSY BECAUSE EQUAL ENFORCEMENT ISN'T SELECTIVE, EQUAL ENFORCEMENT IS NOT PAUSED WHEN IT BECOMES POLITICALLY UNCOMFORTABLE AND EQUAL ENFORCEMENT DOES NOT STOP AT THE MAYOR'S DRIVEWAY. IF THE ORDINANCE MATTERS ENFORCE IT. IF IT DOES NOT AMEND THE ORDINANCE BUT DO NOT TELL PEOPLE OF AUBURN RULES APPLY TO THEM WHEN LOOKING THE OTHER WAY WHEN RULES APPEAR TO BE VIOLATED BY THE MAYOR HIMSELF. THANK YOU. >> WHO WILL BE NEXT? >> ROBERT WILKINS. 261 DENSON DRIVE AUBURN ALABAMA. GOOD EVENING MAYOR AND COUNCIL. AUBURN'S VOICE, THE PURPOSE OF AUBURN'S VOICE IS BEST SAID BY THOMAS JEFFERSON. GOVERNMENT IS THE STRONGEST OF WHICH EVERY MAN FEELS APART. WE CANNOT LET THE CITY BUREAUCRATS ELITES UNINFORMED CITY COUNCIL OR GREEDY BUSINESSES CONTINUE TO DESTROY THE ONCE LOVEIEST VILLAGE ON THE PLANES. WE HAVE CONCERNED ABOUT THE COMMUNITIES AND CITIES THAT MAKE UP THE 67 COUNTIES IN THE WONDERFUL STATE OF ALABAMA. ESPECIALLY LEE COUNTY. WE DEDICATE LIMITED TIME TO [01:15:03] INTELLIGENT VOTING, INVOLVED AND STAYING INFORMED WHILE GIVING INPUT TO FUTURE FAMILIES. WE CANNOT ALLOW USEILOUS LAWS AND GREEDY MEMBERS TO EFFECT OUR FREEDOMS. AUBURN VOICE PRODUCED 72 VIDEOS OVER THE LAST 22 MONTHS UNDER 4 CATEGORIES. CITIZEN MINUTES, CITIZEN BRIEF, BE INFORMED AND NEWEST, CITIZEN AND PROFILE. THE REASON I STARTED AUBURN VOICE ON YOU TUBE.COM AND NEXT DOOR.COM WAS THE NEGLECT OF VERGE E INDIVIDUALS CONCERN DURING AUBURN CITY COUNSAL MEETING. OPEN CITIZEN FORUM. MAYOR ANDERS NEVER MENTIONED CITIZEN FORUM ON MINUTES. NEVER DOES. I FELL WE DESERVE BETTER. AUBURN VOICE PRODUCTION STARTDED WITH MINUTES. 34 VIDEOS AND COUNTING WITH ADDITIONAL 38 VIDEOS ON TOPICS SUCH AS PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS, LEE COUNTY COMMISSION, PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST, BIG GOVERNMENT, FIRST AMENDMENT DURING ELECTION DAY, ALABAMA RULE HEALTH AT A POINT OF NO RETURN, LACK OF FAIRNESS BY THE CITY COUNCIL, IMPROVING RURAL HEALTH THROUGH CLINICS, PHYSICAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CITY TAX DOLLARS, PHARMACY DESERT, AMENDMENT TO 3388 SHORT-TERM RENTAL RFB AUDIT FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT, DOWNTOWN MORATORIUM, RULE AMBULANCE SERVICE IN TROUBLE, BLUE CROSS BLUE CROSS MONOPOLY. ELECTION REQUIREMENT FOR MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS. WHEN IS GOVERNMENT TOO BIG? WHAT ARE WE GETTING TAXED ON? I THINK EVERYTHING SEEMS LIKE. LEE SCOTT ACADEMY CONTROLLED BY A FEW. CHEROKEE COUNTY A TV BUSINESS OVER REGULATION TO DESTROY IT. PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION DESTRUCTION AND MORE. I ARE APPRECIATE THE 10S OF THOUSANDS OF CITIZENS THAT RESPONDED TO OUR 72 VIDEOS. YOUR LACK OF CONCERN MAYOR ANDERS HAS CREATED A OPEN CITIZEN FORUM BY AUBURN VOICE PRODUCTION. THANK YOU. >> WHO WILL BE NEXT? ANYONE? OKAY. CLOSE. MR. MOREMAN YOU LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT. >> TWO COMMENTS IF I MAY. I HAVE A SIGN IN MY FRONT YARD. INTERESTED SEEING HOW THIS TURNS OUT. >> BETTER GET IT MOVED. >> THE OTHER THING I WANT TO SAY I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET A RIDE ALONG WITH FIRST RESPONDERS FOR A WHILE NOW AND I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO DO THAT. FINALLY ABLE TO WORK THAT OUT ON 3 MARCH AFTER THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING. WHEN I WAS SCHEDULED A RIDE WITH OUR EMS FOLKS, AND LET ME SAY HOW IMPRESSED I WAS WITH THEIR PROFESSIONALISM AND THEIR CARE AND THEIR CONCERN FOR THOSE THAT MINISTERED TO. IT TOOK 5 MINUTES FOR THEM TO ARRIVE AT MY HOUSE AFTER MY WIFE INVITED THEM TO STOP BY. I DON'T REMEMBER ALL THE NAMES OF THOSE I HAD THE PLEASURE RIDING WITH BUT I THINK BLAKE WAS THE TEAM LEAD. MANY THANKS TO ALL THEM SHOWING ME HOW THEY SAVE LIVES ON DAILY BASIS. I SALUTE THOSE CARING PROFESSIONALS AND EXCELLENT STAFF OF THE EAST ALABAMA MEDICAL CENTER WHO RECEIVE THE PATIENTS FROM THOSE EMS TEAMS. WE ARE BLESSED AS A COMMUNITY HAVE THOSE FINE FOLKS TAKING CARE OF US. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. GLAD YOU ARE HERE. ANYONE ELSE? >> YES. DO YOU KNOW WHETHER OR NOT MEGAN THAT THAT ORDINANCE FOR SIGNS DOES THAT PERTAIN TO CITY ELECTIONS? >> I WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO GET IN THE HEADS OF THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT THAT MADE IT VERY CLEAR IN RULING THAT THE CITY MAY NOT REGULATE SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY WHEN IT COMES TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH. SO, WHILE THE CITY HAS ELECTION RULE AND IT IS YOUR PRIVATE HOMESTEAD AND NOT PUTTING A SIGN ON THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY, WE LEGALLY CAN'T MAKE YOU TAKE IT DOWN. WE CAN ASK YOU TO TAKE IT DOWN, BUT CANNOT MAKE YOU TAKE IT DOWN AND OUR CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL HERE IN THE CITY ATTORNEY OFFICE REITERATED THAT. WE HAD A LOT OF CANDIDATES CALL AND ASK. I KNOW THIS IS RULE, I SEE OTHER SIGNS OUT, WHAT SHOULD I DO. I HAD TO SAY THIS IS UP TO YOU. THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT MADE A DECISION FOR US. IT IS UP TO THE CANDIDATE AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THEY FOLLOW THAT RULE. IF IT IS IN THE RIGHT OF WAY IT GETS COLLECTED AND KINDLY PUT BEHIND THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE BUILDING 171 NORTH ROSS STREET SO THE CANDIDATES CAN PICK THEM UP. THIS WAS THE SAME CASE 4 YEARS A. IT IS UP TO THE CANDIDATES IF THEY COMPLY WITH THE CITY ORDINANCE [01:20:01] OR NOT BUT I DON'T HAVE UNILATERAL AUTHORITY THANKS TO THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT TO ASK TO TAKE IT DOWN. IT IS THE SAME AS WELCOME BABY BOY OR GIRL OR HE HAS RISEN OR JIM BOB'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE OR WLAURFB IT IS IN SOMEBODY'S YARDS APPLIES TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH I CANNOT INTERFERE WITH THAT FOR THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT. MR. CLARK, DID I MISS ANYTHING? AND SO, THAT ORDINANCE WOULD BE UNENFORCEABLE? >> UNENFORCEABLE SO TO MR. DIXON'S POINT WE CAN REMOVE IT FROM THE CITY BOOKS. IT IS ON THE BOOKS A LONG TIME, BUT THE SUPREME COURT MADE THAT DECISION FOR US WHEN UNILATERAL CHALLENGES CAME TO THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT ABOUT FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND SIGNAGE IN GENERAL. IT DOESN'T IMPACT THE ZONING ORDINANCE BECAUSE THERE IS A OTHER REGULATORY ITEMS WE REGULATE SIZES OF SIGNS AND SO ON, BUT THE CONTENT ITSELF OTHER THEN ON A ELECTRONIC READER BOARD YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO HOLD A MESSAGE FOR A CERTAIN TIME, WE DO NOT REGULATE WHAT THOSE MESSAGES SAY. THIS IS FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND RELIGION AND ALL THOSE THINGS SO IT IS WHY THE SUPREME COURT LEANED THAT WAY BUT DEALING WITH INTERNALLY SOME TIME. THE INSPECTION SERVICE STAFF TRIES TO GO OUT AND KINDLY LEAVE A NOTE ON THE DOOR THAT SAYS, THE CITY ORDINANCE SAYS PLEASE REMOVE IT, BUT IF PEOPLE DONT COMPLY WE DON'T HAVE RECOURSE. >> THANK YOU. I THOUGHT THAT WAS THE CASE. I JUST THINK IT IS PELTY WE WORRY ABOUT WHAT THE MAYOR HAS IN HIS YARD. AS LONG AS IT ISN'T OBSCENE. I AM-WHAT I WANT TO GET OUT IS YOUR [INAUDIBLE] TO PUT A SIGN IN THE YARD IF YOU WANT TO. >> ANYONE ELSE? OKAY. ADJOURN? >> * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.