Chattanooga City Council Budget Education Session #1 - 05/12/2026

Full Transcript

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIwfSa7OPkA

[07:29] I 10:00 on the dot and I 10:00 on the dot and we'll now call to order.
[07:35] we'll now call to order a budget education session.
[07:40] You are. Thank you. Okay.
[07:43] You are. Thank you. Okay. Excited.
[07:46] So, just a couple of notes that I wanted to go over about our schedule.
[07:52] Uh, one obviously next Tuesday, May the 19th, we are starting at 9:00 a.m. uh with public works.
[07:58] And then uh we had to move uh DTS from today at 10 to next Tuesday at 10.
[08:09] So y'all I think that's everybody got an updated copy?
[08:14] Yeah, they had some outside the door.
[08:15] Okay. All right. U Melissa has got an updated copy just to make sure that everybody has one.
[08:19] Today we will be going over general government, city attorney, uh internal audit, quasi agencies, HR, and we left off finance.
[08:31] agencies, HR, and we left off finance.
[08:34] So we'll cover that real quick.
[08:34] Um I did not have any emails from any council persons with questions.
[08:36] Uh Weston said that he did not either.
[08:39] So, I would assume that today's uh presentation would be pretty much cut and dry uh straightforward.
[08:47] So, I'm going to turn it over to Weston and uh let you let you run with it.
[08:52] Perfect. Thank you very much.
[08:55] I think last year um we have some our budget team is watching so they're going to try and take down questions and I think Kim maybe last year you helped us with questions.
[09:04] Perfect. So, as things come up, Kim will write them down or our team will write them down and we'll follow up if there's things that we just can't get to.
[09:12] Um, so just wanted to make that note.
[09:14] Um, and then we'll just jump right in to general government essential costs.
[09:26] Um, this is when we're looking at kind of this bucket of of the budget.
[09:33] Of this bucket of of the budget.
[09:33] Um the bulk of it is made up of debt service.
[09:36] Bulk of it is made up of debt service.
[09:38] Roughly half of it is is the debt service at $21.8 million.
[09:41] And you have the contingency uh fund right now at 3.2 million.
[09:44] Uh RNR, this thing is replacing like small equipment, chairs, desks, uh weed eaters, things like that.
[09:55] Um things that aren't quite capital, but that departments need to to operate.
[09:58] So that's money that gets allocated to the departments for things like that.
[10:02] Uh the education for TCA, that's the mixed drink money that comes into the city and then we send to the county for education.
[10:09] Um this bucket also includes the money for 911 and McCain.
[10:17] Uh that's a bit of a change from last year.
[10:19] Last year that was uh in the police department budget.
[10:23] Uh we pulled it out because it's more of a citywide function.
[10:25] Uh 911 is is public safety.
[10:29] So kind of is fire and police.
[10:30] And we just thought with some of the changes in there, it was kind of
[10:33] The changes in there, it was kind of hard to track the changes in CPD's.
[10:35] Hard to track the changes in CPD's budget from like an operation standpoint.
[10:36] So we thought kind of pulling it out from here in this in this slide and then this bucket of funds made a little more sense.
[10:40] So that money is is there.
[10:45] Essential costs.
[10:46] We have a slide that kind of breaks down what that other is.
[10:48] And then uh the $4 million at the bottom is allocated to agencies.
[10:49] I think Kevin sent out an email yesterday on that.
[10:52] Um, and so we can we can touch on that as well.
[10:55] All right.
[10:58] Debt service.
[10:59] This slide just kind of I'm not going to read it to you, but it kind of shows the the bond issuances that make up that debt service number, the balances on those, the annual debt service for next year, and when they mature.
[11:02] So, just kind of an FYI for you guys.
[11:04] I'm sorry.
[11:06] Do we have a digital of this that you're going over?
[11:08] See, I can share with you guys.
[11:10] If you could share every file before we have these meetings, that would be great.
[11:37] Or reference the exact budget page that you're pulling it from.
[11:41] But the actual presentation is better.
[11:44] You guys should have that one.
[11:51] Is is there a folder now?
[11:53] There was a 26 folder, but I had not seen a 27 folder yet, and it would not let me create one.
[11:58] So, I will get it updated.
[12:01] So, you're just sharing the This is the general government essential cost.
[12:09] That's right. Thank you very much.
[12:40] the RNR bucket is broken down by department and this is kind of the breakdown of how that works out.
[12:48] Each department submits a list to finance for what they're requesting.
[12:53] Um, and then we kind of go through the list and based on what they're asking for, what we've given them in the past, go through the process of allocating the funds.
[13:03] Um, and this is the allocation for 27.
[13:07] And again, that's for things like um anything from desks to like I said, weed eaters, small equipment, things like that that they need to do kind of some day-to-day operational things.
[13:20] >> And where does that appear? Is that within their own budget or is it outside of their budget?
[13:26] >> It's outside of their budget.
[13:27] So, it's in this essential cost.
[13:28] >> Gotcha. Gotcha. Okay.
[13:29] >> Right. 1.5. Yeah.
[13:31] >> Gotcha.
[13:35] other essential costs that is broken down as follows.
[13:38] So, the storm water
[13:41] down as follows.
[13:43] So, the storm water assistance fund money that goes to assistance fund money that goes to United Way, uh, storm water money on city facilities, technology replacement,
[13:48] that's essentially laptops um and and small technology that DTS, they use that money to replace um laptops.
[13:59] Um, audits and dues is our annual audit.
[14:04] It's about $130,000 and some other juicy things in there.
[14:10] Election expense is just that if if we had to have a special election or anything, we always set aside some funds just to cover that in case something comes up.
[14:16] Um and then obviously in election years up a little bit.
[14:20] City code revisions, there's an administrative cost to doing some of that.
[14:24] Uh so there's money for that.
[14:28] Uh the tuition assistance is $20,000.
[14:29] This program we offer to employees to help with uh tuition on uh basically.
[14:36] And so >> is that a new program?
[14:38] This is the first year that I've seen that.
[14:40] I've seen it noted multiple places in the budget.
[14:42] Noted multiple places in the budget.
[14:44] It's not it's it's been ongoing.
[14:45] Um I I think in the past maybe it was abbreviated TAP.
[14:48] I know I've seen it abbreviated TAP.
[14:49] So I don't know if that's what it was in the past budgets.
[14:53] Um but yeah, the tuition assistance program.
[14:55] I don't know many if you know how long that's been going on, but it's been going since the entirety of the Burke administration.
[15:01] And so what what does it re $20,000 isn't very much money.
[15:08] It's not.
[15:10] And honestly, we don't get a lot of use out of it.
[15:12] There's very few people that that use it.
[15:15] Um I I could pull kind of the history.
[15:19] Uh but and I can get the specifics.
[15:20] I don't remember.
[15:21] Mandy, I don't know if you can speak to what it covers, but it's certain dollar amount on certain eligible.
[15:26] I believe it's up to $1,000.
[15:29] Up to $1,000.
[15:31] Don't quote me on this.
[15:33] Oh, but up to I think it's up to a certain amount.
[15:35] Yeah, of course has to be something that has to do with the job that you're doing and you it's a reimbursement.
[15:38] It's not upfront.
[15:39] So they have to come back with their grades so that they pass the class and then they get reimbured.
[15:42] get reimbursed.
[15:42] Okay.
[15:44] And we have a handful a year maybe. Not not a ton.
[15:45] Yeah.
[15:45] So that's not paid for policies.
[15:49] No. Yeah. No.
[15:50] What about this intergovernmental relations you
[15:53] Oh, sure. Oh, yeah. Um so and why is that essential?
[15:56] That is kind of um some of the work that we use the
[16:00] folks uh I'm trying to think of the group um
[16:05] the bridge thank you bridge um that they do working with the state trying to get
[16:10] some of the lobbying activity dealing with them um that's in there there's
[16:14] some sponsorships and things that live
[16:18] okay everybody but I think the bulk of it is the bridge
[16:24] with our next session this is session Tennessee specific accounting and auditing issues.
[16:29] Uh this is always a great session especially for our Tennessee attendees and our panelists
[16:33] doing an excellent job of
[16:34] We've got Lisa Beller,
[16:38] the senior contract audit review specialist with the comprollers office.
[16:40] We have Nathan Abbott, assistant
[16:42] We have Nathan Abbott, assistant director in the division of local director in the division of local government audit with the comprollers government audit with the comprollers office.
[16:47] Have Justin Garcia, contract audit review specialist with the audit review specialist with the division of local government audit also from the comprollers's office.
[16:52] And then finally, we have Anna Brantley, the senior standards research and compliance specialist with Tennessee Compeller's office as well.
[16:58] Please welcome them.
[17:01] Thank you.
[17:08] How is it that you're not allowed to make
[17:10] All right. Hey guys, good morning.
[17:13] Um, Google permission.
[17:15] When I went to the the one that for 26 and right click to add a folder, it did straight out.
[17:18] But you just need to add a new folder cuz you shouldn't section this morning.
[17:24] Whatever. Yes, there was a 27 but in the 27 there was a 26 folder.
[17:27] So I went to add a new folder in that and it was grayed out.
[17:29] It wouldn't let me select that office or the division.
[17:33] I will try to get that updated in.
[17:36] All right. I know what y'all are thinking.
[17:37] Uhoh. Standards research and compliance. That means I'm going to talk about the standards. I'm sure we all
[17:43] About the standards.
[17:43] I'm sure we all feel a little bit like this.
[17:45] Like I feel a little bit like this.
[17:46] Like I didn't think you hear about this till later today under RNR.
[17:48] Later today under RNR.
[17:51] I will say I'm always so.
[17:55] It's it's kind of a wide variety of things.
[17:56] But again it can be replacing chairs and desk.
[17:59] It can be replacing public works.
[18:02] It can be things like that that are not big.
[18:05] Things like that that are not big.
[18:08] Before I jump into the standards, I do want to talk about the TRS pension cost sharing test work real quick.
[18:10] Want to talk about the TRS pension cost sharing test work real quick.
[18:13] So, kind of set the stage here for what I'm talking about for those of you that are not familiar.
[18:15] Um, as far as the pension and OPED census data for the Tennessee state plans, we have several different sets of census data.
[18:18] We've got uh.
[18:19] Or I'm not trying to pick I just said police, but it could be anybody.
[18:22] I'm sorry.
[18:25] Say that one more time.
[18:28] Why is it separated out versus like if I know as a department head that we're
[18:45] know as a department head that we're going to need to replace office furniture.
[18:52] in this space for 2027, I'm I'm projecting that I'm going to need to replace X number of dollars in office furniture.
[18:55] Why is that not in my budget?
[18:57] I think part of it's the main reason is because we kind of set a dollar amount for that.
[19:01] So, let's see where we at.
[19:04] So like that that amount originally was um half a million dollars when we kind of started this process and then through some of looking at the revenue side we came up with this looking at interest especially which we're going to have a conversation on I guess this afternoon um we realized the baseline when we went through kind of setting the baseline of those volatile revenues that we talked about was like 5.5 million but to kind of from a budget standpoint we felt like six and a half was a good enough spot.
[19:35] So that million dollar delta got added to this line.
[19:38] So that 1.5 was a half a million up to got upped to 1.5 later in
[19:45] million up to got upped to 1.5 later in the budget process.
[19:46] And what that allows us to do is say we know what the whole bucket is and then we get all the asks.
[19:51] And then we can kind of help manage where that money is going as opposed to we don't know how much to give each department at the outset of kind of the budget process until we go through some of this and then we say okay here's the bucket and then we kind of manage this way and then it gets broken out in the book.
[20:08] I think it's actually broken out.
[20:11] It says RNR- police where whatever it gets spread and then when we meet with them every month we meet with the departments monthly um to go over their budgets.
[20:16] We always touch on that way.
[20:18] It's it's on the sheet that we go over.
[20:19] Hey, where are you at in your RNR?
[20:21] How much have you spent?
[20:22] What are your plans to do with it?
[20:24] And we kind of we look at it all together.
[20:26] It's just in this process it lives kind of separate because it's just easier for us to manage that.
[20:31] Okay. Thank you. Any other questions before we move to city attorney?
[20:44] I'm just going to go down the list. I
[20:46] I'm just going to go down the list.
[20:53] I don't know if you have a separate um um city attorney's budget is this these city attorney's budget is this these slides just kind of a graphical slides just kind of a graphical representation of of the budget but you representation of of the budget but you can see the bulk of it is is salary can see the bulk of it is is salary infringement services and other um the infringement services and other um the bottom right chart is the cost centers bottom right chart is the cost centers but all that is in in the book as well.
[21:14] but all that is in in the book as well.
[21:17] Um, so the city attorney's budget in total went up $200,000.
[21:19] Benefits was salaries and benefits was 29,000 of that.
[21:22] Um, and you can see the breakdown of that there, but the bulk of it is uh they moved a position over to risk a kind of a compliance officer that was in their office.
[21:25] Now it's more aligned kind of with what risk is doing.
[21:30] So they've moved that person to the risk office.
[21:32] And then um uh salaries and benefits increases.
[21:34] And then you'll see this like a couple times.
[21:35] Um last year, if you remember, we did a kind of a
[21:47] if you remember, we did a kind of a three-month hiring freeze at the beginning of the year.
[21:51] Um and so departments budgeted that.
[21:53] So there was a reduction in in salaries and wages for that three months.
[21:57] Well, we didn't do that this year.
[21:58] So you'll see their budgets will have gone up by that amount, right?
[22:02] So So last year they had $16,000 budgeted vacancy.
[22:05] They don't have that anymore.
[22:06] So their salaries would have gone up $16,000 over for that purpose.
[22:11] Um and then operations went up $170,000.
[22:16] We've listed some of them, not all of the differences, but some of the the differences here.
[22:21] Um including um additional legal service, outside legal counsel, um decrease from warehouse storage and delivery, library supplies went down because DTS is covering some of that now.
[22:33] And so >> why did the risk allocation increase?
[22:38] >> So the risk allocation is done based on headcount.
[22:39] And so we take kind of the total risk and and divide it out by headcount.
[22:46] Last year when we when we stood it up the
[22:48] Year when we when we stood it up the risk fund, it was our best guess.
[22:51] It was risk fund, it was our best guess.
[22:52] It was kind of based on what departments had budgeted for those items mostly OJI and we took the budgets for the departments.
[22:59] OJI on job injury.
[23:04] IOD sorry, I always call that wrong, uh injury on duty.
[23:07] And so we we took what each department budgeted, put it all together and kind of spread it across based on headcount.
[23:12] I think what happened is the bud departments just budgeted less than probably what they should have.
[23:18] And so this year when we're actually looking at actuals and figuring it out, we kind of I think got the number closer to right this year than it was last year.
[23:26] So it went up, but it's more a function of last year I think was just too low.
[23:29] Um and this year is probably the correct baseline to kind of start with and so the total went up and so it gets spread by based on that account.
[23:42] Um in each of these we also included a position change kind of summary so we can see hopefully help us.
[23:47] Uh again the
[23:49] can see hopefully help us.
[23:51] Uh again the one officer moved or the compliance officer uh moved over to the risk.
[23:57] officer uh moved over to the risk.
[23:58] Excuse me.
[24:01] A couple bigger questions um based on the the narrative the executive summary.
[24:04] Okay.
[24:10] Um so first of all says that um in 27 they'll be using utilizing the office for advice on housing challenges for its citizens.
[24:18] Um can you elaborate on what that what does that mean?
[24:24] Phil speak whatever housing disputes we get into here.
[24:29] I guess we're dealing with the aspect of that's one of the mayor's priorities here in connection with providing low and moderate housing.
[24:34] If there's some sort of dispute about individuals that are uh in property that are the housing is not maintained properly whether land development office is going in on those cases.
[24:47] We have been handling a whole bunch more cases in city court regarding land development
[24:51] city court regarding land development issues here and property maintenance issues going on.
[24:56] So we have two people in our office that are going every week to city court.
[24:59] So So this is about code enforcement.
[25:05] Yes.
[25:08] Okay.
[25:15] Okay. Um and then um there are there's quite a lot of information uh noted here about the um limitations due to pay rates and unavailability of advancement for long-term attorneys.
[25:31] What are you doing to address that?
[25:32] Like I was kind of surprised there wasn't a a request for a a different position code or salary increases or some type of stipen or sign on bonus or where where are you in problem solving with that and where's the administration in being useful in that discussion?
[25:52] That discussion?
[25:54] We have discussions ongoing about trying to fill the position of deputy city attorney here since Valerie left our office.
[25:58] That's an ongoing dispute.
[26:01] Uh we are trying to at least make sure we've got enough money to be able to handle that position whenever it comes in and we're trying to at least make sure we've got someone that is associated with having real property experience and contract experience in that position.
[26:16] We have interviews scheduled for that here in the next two weeks I believe for that position here.
[26:20] It's been difficult to try to find someone here in the range of pay that we've got.
[26:25] But uh we also have one more attorney who is leaving here at the end of the month.
[26:30] So we will have another attorney, one absence in our group here that we're trying to maintain.
[26:36] So what's the gap between what you currently have and what you need to be able to recruit the person?
[26:44] Um they um you know people tell us that they want to have a larger um rate depending on the position for attorney ones.
[26:50] So, we did get an increase here
[26:55] ones. So, we did get an increase here this past year for some of our folks.
[26:56] this past year for some of our folks which really helped in that regard at least get them to talk about it.
[26:58] Uh, but you know, somewhere in the range of about $10,000, I believe.
[27:02] So, 10,000 for attorney one.
[27:04] And what about deputy?
[27:06] In that same range, I think would help.
[27:10] Just 10,000.
[27:12] It would be nice to be able to do more, but I'm trying to deal with.
[27:14] um Guess I'm surprised that that's not in this budget.
[27:16] Yes, we're we're trying to work with what we've got in the budget this year and not go for any increases more than we needed.
[27:18] We're trying to at least make sure at least on our end of it, we can keep the folks we got.
[27:21] Well, yeah, but um Okay.
[27:22] And part of the issues this year as well is there's a parallegal position that we're trying to fill at this point in time.
[27:24] has not been filled to this point, but we are expecting to make that to help out a little bit on the attorney load, but the attorneys are still the ones that are having to go to court.
[27:26] And what about your office manager?
[27:28] Office manager is working well at least
[27:55] >> Office manager is working well at least to be able to handle uh issues back and
[27:57] to be able to handle uh issues back and forth here. It's it's good to have Rusty
[27:59] forth here. It's it's good to have Rusty back in our uh office. He knows
[28:01] back in our uh office. He knows something about it. So that
[28:02] something about it. So that >> Okay, great. Um, and then the other
[28:05] >> Okay, great. Um, and then the other thing, could you just speak to us
[28:07] thing, could you just speak to us briefly about the potential of the tort
[28:10] briefly about the potential of the tort liability reform? I think we talked
[28:12] liability reform? I think we talked about it last year. It feels like it's a
[28:13] about it last year. It feels like it's a ma massive risk hanging out there.
[28:16] ma massive risk hanging out there. >> It is. Uh, in that regard, at some point
[28:18] >> It is. Uh, in that regard, at some point in time, y'all are going to have to
[28:19] in time, y'all are going to have to think about do you want to get into an
[28:22] think about do you want to get into an insurance pool or not on here. The the
[28:24] insurance pool or not on here. The the aspect of doubling the amount of the
[28:26] aspect of doubling the amount of the tort liability act last year, which was
[28:28] tort liability act last year, which was floated in the general assembly, was a
[28:30] floated in the general assembly, was a big big number. But um you know we
[28:32] big big number. But um you know we currently have still the 300700 limits.
[28:36] currently have still the 300700 limits. Uh we just recently were involved in
[28:38] Uh we just recently were involved in litigation of a matter where the
[28:40] litigation of a matter where the attorney wanted 300 and we told him no
[28:41] attorney wanted 300 and we told him no we weren't going to give him that. We
[28:42] we weren't going to give him that. We ended up getting a lesser amount here
[28:45] ended up getting a lesser amount here with the assistance of courts. So that
[28:47] with the assistance of courts. So that that's the way that that goes. But that
[28:49] that's the way that that goes. But that that could be a much larger number for
[28:52] that could be a much larger number for y'all to consider about in your
[28:53] y'all to consider about in your judgments and cost aspect of it in the
[28:55] judgments and cost aspect of it in the future if that number goes up. Is that
[28:58] future if that number goes up. Is that something that the risk department is
[29:00] something that the risk department is looking into insurance for us?
[29:02] looking into insurance for us? >> I do not know.
[29:07] >> Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[29:09] >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Yeah. Um, Bill, what the court's
[29:12] >> Yeah. Um, Bill, what the court's eviction retention program, could they
[29:14] eviction retention program, could they be of assistance with this code
[29:16] be of assistance with this code violation stuff? I don't know how busy
[29:18] violation stuff? I don't know how busy they are, but I'm just wondering if that
[29:21] they are, but I'm just wondering if that could help offset some of the work that
[29:24] could help offset some of the work that you all are doing since it's kind of
[29:25] you all are doing since it's kind of it's still a landlord tenant thing.
[29:26] it's still a landlord tenant thing. Yeah, as long as they can resolve issues
[29:29] Yeah, as long as they can resolve issues here with between the landlord and the
[29:31] here with between the landlord and the tenant, that that would help. Yes.
[29:32] tenant, that that would help. Yes. >> So, how do we how do we bring
[29:35] >> So, how do we how do we bring >> Is Emily still over that program?
[29:37] >> Is Emily still over that program? >> I think land development would have to
[29:38] >> I think land development would have to get in charge with them and and talk
[29:40] get in charge with them and and talk with Emily's group regarding that if
[29:43] with Emily's group regarding that if they're having issues that are going on
[29:45] they're having issues that are going on and we can try to at least facilitate
[29:47] and we can try to at least facilitate that.
[29:48] that. >> Yeah. I mean, I don't mind connecting
[29:49] >> Yeah. I mean, I don't mind connecting with Emily either, but I'm just
[29:51] with Emily either, but I'm just wondering if if you're asking for an
[29:54] wondering if if you're asking for an increase because you need to to
[29:57] increase because you need to to supplement or provide those services.
[30:00] supplement or provide those services. I'm wondering if there's a service
[30:01] I'm wondering if there's a service that's already out there that could
[30:02] that's already out there that could that's already in that arena. And it
[30:05] that's already in that arena. And it seems like that that eviction retention
[30:07] seems like that that eviction retention program with the courts is already in
[30:09] program with the courts is already in that arena. that that would be helpful,
[30:11] that arena. that that would be helpful, but we're we're still having to go uh on
[30:13] but we're we're still having to go uh on quite a few of increased numbers of
[30:15] quite a few of increased numbers of cases here uh to city court in those
[30:18] cases here uh to city court in those matters because they don't get resolved
[30:20] matters because they don't get resolved outside city court.
[30:21] outside city court. >> So, it's city court like for when
[30:22] >> So, it's city court like for when somebody has um trashed their entire
[30:25] somebody has um trashed their entire house and they won't fix it that then
[30:28] house and they won't fix it that then they're going to stand up and say you
[30:30] they're going to stand up and say you need to find them and make them clean up
[30:33] need to find them and make them clean up their house. It's a little bit different
[30:34] their house. It's a little bit different than the eviction prevention. Well, I
[30:35] than the eviction prevention. Well, I know. I know. But I'm just thinking
[30:36] know. I know. But I'm just thinking since they're already in that arena
[30:38] since they're already in that arena working with landlords and tenants that
[30:40] working with landlords and tenants that it would just be another avenue for them
[30:42] it would just be another avenue for them to take on to get it out of the hands of
[30:46] to take on to get it out of the hands of the city attorney's office.
[30:47] the city attorney's office. >> If it would get to the point where it
[30:48] >> If it would get to the point where it does not get to be totally trashed,
[30:50] does not get to be totally trashed, yeah, that that would work. Okay. And
[30:51] yeah, that that would work. Okay. And it's a situation of are the landlords
[30:53] it's a situation of are the landlords actually maintaining the property, too.
[30:55] actually maintaining the property, too. Well, I think on both sides,
[30:57] Well, I think on both sides, >> yes,
[30:57] >> yes, >> they could represent the tenant in the
[31:00] >> they could represent the tenant in the landlord piece of it if the landlord is
[31:03] landlord piece of it if the landlord is not taking care of the property and if
[31:05] not taking care of the property and if the tenant is not taking care of the
[31:07] the tenant is not taking care of the property on behalf of the landlord.
[31:08] property on behalf of the landlord. Okay.
[31:10] Okay. >> Thank you,
[31:11] >> Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[31:12] Mr. Chair. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, so would is
[31:15] >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, so would is there a role here for our administrative
[31:17] there a role here for our administrative hearing officer to hear some of these
[31:19] hearing officer to hear some of these cases as well?
[31:20] cases as well? >> Yes. and and we we are participating in
[31:23] >> Yes. and and we we are participating in those AHO hearings as well on there. Uh
[31:26] those AHO hearings as well on there. Uh our folks are are handling those
[31:28] our folks are are handling those whenever the AHO schedules a hearing for
[31:30] whenever the AHO schedules a hearing for property in that regard and the purpose
[31:32] property in that regard and the purpose for that is there's a larger penalty
[31:35] for that is there's a larger penalty potentially for that or there's the
[31:37] potentially for that or there's the potential to get the property maintained
[31:38] potential to get the property maintained better and we're we're doing that as
[31:40] better and we're we're doing that as well.
[31:41] well. >> Okay. All right. Thank you so much.
[31:43] >> Okay. All right. Thank you so much. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[31:44] Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Yes, ma'am.
[31:45] >> Yes, ma'am. >> Any other questions for city attorney?
[31:48] >> Any other questions for city attorney? Not we'll roll into
[31:55] Stay in your room.
[32:02] >> How you doing?
[32:03] >> How you doing? >> Good.
[32:05] >> Good. >> All right. Internal audits budget um is
[32:11] >> All right. Internal audits budget um is is pretty much flat. uh they had an
[32:13] is pretty much flat. uh they had an total increase of $21,000 just on almost
[32:16] total increase of $21,000 just on almost 22,000 but the bulk of that is increases
[32:19] 22,000 but the bulk of that is increases in salary the cola and the change of
[32:22] in salary the cola and the change of benefits and then the the rest of it is
[32:25] benefits and then the the rest of it is just the additional um
[32:28] just the additional um risk allocation
[32:32] no changes in positions so all in all
[32:35] no changes in positions so all in all pretty pretty much a flat budget nothing
[32:38] pretty pretty much a flat budget nothing too too crazy with stance budget
[32:43] anything you need to add to this that we
[32:45] anything you need to add to this that we need?
[32:46] need? >> I mean, we're it's it's flat. It's the
[32:48] >> I mean, we're it's it's flat. It's the cola and then that allocation of risk.
[32:51] cola and then that allocation of risk. They said that that's the only real
[32:52] They said that that's the only real change. It's a static budget. Um
[32:56] change. It's a static budget. Um we're we are,
[33:00] we're we are, you know, I have an aging staff. Um and
[33:05] you know, I have an aging staff. Um and and we are definitely been up below
[33:08] and we are definitely been up below market for where those staff positions
[33:10] market for where those staff positions are. But uh so at some point, you know,
[33:13] are. But uh so at some point, you know, it's going to be kind of like Phil where
[33:15] it's going to be kind of like Phil where he's looking for lawyers and the pay
[33:16] he's looking for lawyers and the pay rates that we have. And so as I have
[33:18] rates that we have. And so as I have turnover, you know, year over year, we
[33:21] turnover, you know, year over year, we come in and generally our budget's just
[33:23] come in and generally our budget's just static. But there's going to be a point
[33:26] static. But there's going to be a point where I'm I'm going to have to we're
[33:28] where I'm I'm going to have to we're going to have to look at I'll get with
[33:29] going to have to look at I'll get with HR um and look at where we are. You
[33:32] HR um and look at where we are. You know, senior auditor positions are
[33:34] know, senior auditor positions are required to be CPAs or CIAs.
[33:38] required to be CPAs or CIAs. And we we tend to be in a classification
[33:41] And we we tend to be in a classification where they're they're comped against um
[33:46] where they're they're comped against um auditor positions that that are a lower
[33:48] auditor positions that that are a lower level than that. Like I think we have
[33:50] level than that. Like I think we have some comp issues we got to deal with
[33:52] some comp issues we got to deal with there. Right now we're we're okay. I
[33:54] there. Right now we're we're okay. I know I have one that's that's a ticking
[33:57] know I have one that's that's a ticking time bomb that's going to he's in his
[33:59] time bomb that's going to he's in his mid70s and Richard is still him, but
[34:03] mid70s and Richard is still him, but he's he's ready to move to be with his
[34:05] he's he's ready to move to be with his grandkids
[34:07] grandkids >> in Knoxville. Um, so, uh, and that's
[34:10] >> in Knoxville. Um, so, uh, and that's probably going to happen soon and we'll
[34:12] probably going to happen soon and we'll deal with it. I'll get with HR and we'll
[34:13] deal with it. I'll get with HR and we'll deal with those things. So, I guess all
[34:15] deal with those things. So, I guess all I would say is nothing now, but but yes,
[34:17] I would say is nothing now, but but yes, it's it's tough out there when you get
[34:19] it's it's tough out there when you get in that professional market. You know,
[34:21] in that professional market. You know, you're looking at attorneys like Phil is
[34:23] you're looking at attorneys like Phil is who are licensed and then you're looking
[34:25] who are licensed and then you're looking at certified public accountants and
[34:27] at certified public accountants and it's, you know, these kids are coming
[34:29] it's, you know, these kids are coming out of school with a four-year degree in
[34:31] out of school with a four-year degree in accounting and they're making almost
[34:32] accounting and they're making almost what I've got CPAs with, you know, 25
[34:36] what I've got CPAs with, you know, 25 and 30 years of experience. So,
[34:39] and 30 years of experience. So, >> there'll be an ask out there coming at
[34:41] >> there'll be an ask out there coming at some point is what I'll say, but not not
[34:43] some point is what I'll say, but not not right now.
[34:45] right now. Are you doing anything um or tell us
[34:49] Are you doing anything um or tell us about what you are doing to train new
[34:52] about what you are doing to train new folks? Are you do you participate in the
[34:54] folks? Are you do you participate in the internship programs that the city does?
[34:58] internship programs that the city does? >> So we're a very small office. I have
[34:59] >> So we're a very small office. I have four auditors and myself. Um so there's
[35:03] four auditors and myself. Um so there's just there's not a lot of opportunity
[35:05] just there's not a lot of opportunity there for
[35:07] there for bringing in someone new and working them
[35:09] bringing in someone new and working them up and through a system. We're just a
[35:11] up and through a system. We're just a small office. And so luckily we've been
[35:14] small office. And so luckily we've been we've been relatively static. I mean,
[35:16] we've been relatively static. I mean, you know, I've had the auditors that
[35:18] you know, I've had the auditors that I've had there. You know, Lisa has been
[35:19] I've had there. You know, Lisa has been with the city for probably over 30 years
[35:22] with the city for probably over 30 years now. Um,
[35:26] now. Um, yeah, Pam, uh, my four daughters and
[35:28] yeah, Pam, uh, my four daughters and Pam, she left briefly to be assistant
[35:31] Pam, she left briefly to be assistant city aud
[35:34] city aud Florida or something like that, but then
[35:36] Florida or something like that, but then they ended up back after a couple years.
[35:38] they ended up back after a couple years. So, she's probably got 15 years with us
[35:40] So, she's probably got 15 years with us total. Um and and Jeff now is is I think
[35:44] total. Um and and Jeff now is is I think at 10 or more. Um Richard's probably
[35:47] at 10 or more. Um Richard's probably pushing 15 and he's probably
[35:51] just I don't you know we're not
[35:53] just I don't you know we're not structured and have the size where we
[35:55] structured and have the size where we have this this lower level that can just
[35:58] have this this lower level that can just build up and you can train. So, the
[36:01] build up and you can train. So, the bigger concern that I have is and I I
[36:05] bigger concern that I have is and I I want to be very clear like I'm not I'm
[36:07] want to be very clear like I'm not I'm not looking to leave or retire next
[36:10] not looking to leave or retire next year, okay? Or the year after um or the
[36:13] year, okay? Or the year after um or the year after that necessarily or whatever.
[36:16] year after that necessarily or whatever. You know, um my biggest concern honestly
[36:21] You know, um my biggest concern honestly at this point is that I have to find
[36:25] at this point is that I have to find someone who has the potential to take
[36:27] someone who has the potential to take over when I leave. and and I need
[36:29] over when I leave. and and I need someone to be in that position for
[36:31] someone to be in that position for several years because they need to be
[36:34] several years because they need to be familiar with the city as it operates as
[36:36] familiar with the city as it operates as a whole and have some history and some
[36:38] a whole and have some history and some experience and the folks that I have in
[36:40] experience and the folks that I have in there right now. Um they're they're you
[36:44] there right now. Um they're they're you know they're they're they're Gen Xers
[36:47] know they're they're they're Gen Xers and a boomer and um we're
[36:52] and a boomer and um we're none of them are going to be when I
[36:53] none of them are going to be when I leave you know if they're not already
[36:56] leave you know if they're not already gone they're going to be close to gone
[36:58] gone they're going to be close to gone and so just that's my biggest concern
[37:00] and so just that's my biggest concern right now. It's not something that's
[37:02] right now. It's not something that's immediate for this budget year. I think
[37:05] immediate for this budget year. I think I think an internship would be great
[37:07] I think an internship would be great just knowing coming from that background
[37:09] just knowing coming from that background I think it'd be wonderful experience for
[37:11] I think it'd be wonderful experience for whoever got to do that but I think you'd
[37:13] whoever got to do that but I think you'd struggle keeping that person because
[37:15] struggle keeping that person because when they graduate they'll be making 60
[37:17] when they graduate they'll be making 60 70 plus thousand a year just with a
[37:20] 70 plus thousand a year just with a four-year degree and so it's it would be
[37:22] four-year degree and so it's it would be hard to retain that person. So it' be
[37:23] hard to retain that person. So it' be great experience for them. might help
[37:25] great experience for them. might help you in some ways, but it would be hard
[37:26] you in some ways, but it would be hard to like really benefit from that program
[37:29] to like really benefit from that program for the city as far as keeping them. And
[37:32] for the city as far as keeping them. And you might find someone that just really
[37:33] you might find someone that just really >> if you do it the exact same way you've
[37:35] >> if you do it the exact same way you've always done it,
[37:36] always done it, >> but if you have a cliff you're facing, I
[37:40] >> but if you have a cliff you're facing, I mean, so what I'm hearing you say is
[37:41] mean, so what I'm hearing you say is like in three years I'm going to tell
[37:43] like in three years I'm going to tell you it all fell apart. And as an
[37:45] you it all fell apart. And as an auditor, like you you would be telling
[37:48] auditor, like you you would be telling me now, hey, in three years it's all
[37:50] me now, hey, in three years it's all going to fall apart. So you need to do
[37:52] going to fall apart. So you need to do XYZ, right? It's not going to fall apart
[37:54] XYZ, right? It's not going to fall apart for years. Um I have I have we've been
[37:57] for years. Um I have I have we've been really I feel really stable. I do have
[37:59] really I feel really stable. I do have Richard probably going to be leaving
[38:01] Richard probably going to be leaving sometime soon. I've actually uh started
[38:04] sometime soon. I've actually uh started the process probably about a year ago
[38:06] the process probably about a year ago with with HR looking at some things
[38:09] with with HR looking at some things dealing with issues about the comps and
[38:11] dealing with issues about the comps and getting the comps straight so that we
[38:12] getting the comps straight so that we get the salary structure right. Um and
[38:16] get the salary structure right. Um and and it's it is sort of this it's going
[38:18] and it's it is sort of this it's going to be some preparation over a period of
[38:20] to be some preparation over a period of time. It's not going to fall apart in
[38:22] time. It's not going to fall apart in three years. Um, and that's why I'm
[38:24] three years. Um, and that's why I'm saying now, like this is where, you
[38:26] saying now, like this is where, you know, I'm not in here asking you guys
[38:28] know, I'm not in here asking you guys for big salary increases for my staff
[38:30] for big salary increases for my staff right now. But, um, you can expect some
[38:34] right now. But, um, you can expect some incremental changes or things that I I
[38:37] incremental changes or things that I I will probably be asking for over the
[38:39] will probably be asking for over the next, say, three years, getting ready
[38:42] next, say, three years, getting ready and starting to build up for some of
[38:43] and starting to build up for some of those things. But I think we're going to
[38:45] those things. But I think we're going to find
[38:47] find when Richard leaves it, it's going to be
[38:49] when Richard leaves it, it's going to be very obvious how difficult it is to find
[38:51] very obvious how difficult it is to find someone with the qualifications we
[38:53] someone with the qualifications we demand for an auditor position here for
[38:56] demand for an auditor position here for a senior auditor at the pay that we
[38:59] a senior auditor at the pay that we have. So that's going to be there's
[39:00] have. So that's going to be there's going to be some realization there that
[39:02] going to be some realization there that we work through over this next year.
[39:04] we work through over this next year. >> Okay.
[39:04] >> Okay. >> Council Bur.
[39:06] >> Council Bur. >> Hey Stan, what in a perfect world, what
[39:08] >> Hey Stan, what in a perfect world, what would you need to prepare for that
[39:10] would you need to prepare for that succession plan? Uh, you know, I think
[39:14] succession plan? Uh, you know, I think um, like I say, like you have Richard
[39:16] um, like I say, like you have Richard leaving and it's an opportunity to
[39:19] leaving and it's an opportunity to really focus on um, in the interview
[39:22] really focus on um, in the interview process and the application process and
[39:24] process and the application process and in hiring for that is to be very mindful
[39:28] in hiring for that is to be very mindful that um, I really would like to take
[39:31] that um, I really would like to take that opportunity to try to find someone
[39:33] that opportunity to try to find someone who would grow into falling in my
[39:35] who would grow into falling in my position. there's, you know, like I
[39:38] position. there's, you know, like I said, the folks that that we have, the
[39:40] said, the folks that that we have, the four that I have right now, like they're
[39:42] four that I have right now, like they're they're gonna
[39:44] they're gonna they're going to age out. They're
[39:47] they're going to age out. They're they're not going to there's not going
[39:48] they're not going to there's not going to be someone there when I leave who's
[39:50] to be someone there when I leave who's been here for several years who's ready
[39:52] been here for several years who's ready to move into it. They're going to be
[39:54] to move into it. They're going to be ready to retire, too.
[39:56] ready to retire, too. >> So, what are you talking about, you
[39:58] >> So, what are you talking about, you know, dollar-wise? And and if you had
[40:02] know, dollar-wise? And and if you had >> I mean
[40:03] >> I mean >> like could you bring would you bring
[40:04] >> like could you bring would you bring somebody in now that could just start
[40:06] somebody in now that could just start training so they're ready to go when
[40:08] training so they're ready to go when Richard leaves or what I mean what's
[40:10] Richard leaves or what I mean what's that do you have an idea of what that
[40:12] that do you have an idea of what that amount is? I think it's more of when
[40:14] amount is? I think it's more of when Richard leaves, we we're doing the
[40:16] Richard leaves, we we're doing the recruiting process and we're looking for
[40:18] recruiting process and we're looking for someone and what's going to be really
[40:19] someone and what's going to be really difficult is I'm going to need to bring
[40:22] difficult is I'm going to need to bring someone at a pay level that is probably
[40:26] someone at a pay level that is probably higher than what my other auditors
[40:29] higher than what my other auditors >> are making
[40:31] >> are making um who have more experience and that's
[40:34] um who have more experience and that's going to be a real difficulty that I've
[40:36] going to be a real difficulty that I've got to work through. And um
[40:37] got to work through. And um >> do you have a deputy?
[40:39] >> do you have a deputy? >> No.
[40:40] >> No. and and that that might be a solution
[40:42] and and that that might be a solution for such a small office, you know, have
[40:44] for such a small office, you know, have four auditors. So now if I have have a
[40:46] four auditors. So now if I have have a deputy and then and then three that's
[40:49] deputy and then and then three that's but that is a structure that I it would
[40:51] but that is a structure that I it would be really good to have even if it's just
[40:53] be really good to have even if it's just for a period of time until we get a
[40:56] for a period of time until we get a transition into that. Um but again, you
[40:59] transition into that. Um but again, you know, these are things that that I got
[41:01] know, these are things that that I got to talk with HR about. I got to work
[41:02] to talk with HR about. I got to work through because now if I go hire a
[41:04] through because now if I go hire a deputy who is going to have less
[41:07] deputy who is going to have less experience than the other auditors I
[41:09] experience than the other auditors I have and I bring them in at a higher pay
[41:11] have and I bring them in at a higher pay and a higher level position than the
[41:13] and a higher level position than the others. That gets difficult, right? But
[41:16] others. That gets difficult, right? But but I know that these are, you know,
[41:18] but I know that these are, you know, these three are not going to be the ones
[41:19] these three are not going to be the ones who are going to follow me when I leave.
[41:22] who are going to follow me when I leave. So I do I would need something like a
[41:24] So I do I would need something like a deputy, but I don't have the person
[41:26] deputy, but I don't have the person there now to move up through that
[41:28] there now to move up through that progressive method. It's
[41:32] progressive method. It's I guess, you know, there are a lot of
[41:34] I guess, you know, there are a lot of things to look at and consider and I got
[41:36] things to look at and consider and I got to work with HR on it and I don't have
[41:38] to work with HR on it and I don't have the answer for you right now. I think it
[41:42] the answer for you right now. I think it has to be a little bit fluid um so that
[41:45] has to be a little bit fluid um so that we can figure out the best way to make
[41:46] we can figure out the best way to make it work with I you know I have I think I
[41:49] it work with I you know I have I think I think I have the smallest budget in the
[41:51] think I have the smallest budget in the city other than city council might give
[41:52] city other than city council might give me a run for my money on that you know
[41:54] me a run for my money on that you know with y'all might be just under me. I'm
[41:56] with y'all might be just under me. I'm not sure.
[41:58] not sure. So, we're just we're small and so the,
[42:00] So, we're just we're small and so the, you know, we'll work with it the best
[42:02] you know, we'll work with it the best way that we can, but I do have a goal of
[42:05] way that we can, but I do have a goal of trying to take advantage of when Richard
[42:07] trying to take advantage of when Richard leaves, which is probably going to
[42:08] leaves, which is probably going to happen this year, um, in the recruiting
[42:11] happen this year, um, in the recruiting process, having a focus on trying to
[42:13] process, having a focus on trying to find someone who So, maybe I can bring
[42:15] find someone who So, maybe I can bring them in at a level where I don't have to
[42:17] them in at a level where I don't have to bring them in higher than my existing
[42:18] bring them in higher than my existing auditors with a with a mind that over
[42:21] auditors with a with a mind that over the next several years they'll build up
[42:24] the next several years they'll build up and they'll, you know, they could they
[42:26] and they'll, you know, they could they could become have the potential, you
[42:28] could become have the potential, you know, with proper demonstrating proper
[42:31] know, with proper demonstrating proper competency.
[42:37] >> Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[42:39] >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you, Stan.
[42:41] >> Thank you, Stan. How how's the participation rate of the
[42:43] How how's the participation rate of the community survey?
[42:45] community survey? >> I haven't checked it uh but uh I think
[42:47] >> I haven't checked it uh but uh I think it's on par with what we said in the
[42:49] it's on par with what we said in the past. Hadn't checked it today. So, it's
[42:52] past. Hadn't checked it today. So, it's coming coming along.
[42:54] coming coming along. We have some good information on that.
[42:56] We have some good information on that. We put a new box in uh at the end now
[43:00] We put a new box in uh at the end now limited it to 250 characters to let
[43:02] limited it to 250 characters to let people put in some just comments that um
[43:06] people put in some just comments that um we can't analyze that stuff because it's
[43:09] we can't analyze that stuff because it's not like in a common format, but you
[43:11] not like in a common format, but you know, we'll capture it.
[43:13] know, we'll capture it. >> We'll send it out to you guys and you
[43:14] >> We'll send it out to you guys and you guys you can you can read it
[43:16] guys you can you can read it >> for information purposes only. You can
[43:17] >> for information purposes only. You can read through it and it's it's probably
[43:19] read through it and it's it's probably not going to be nice comments, but you
[43:21] not going to be nice comments, but you know, you guys can see what you're
[43:23] know, you guys can see what you're >> we get those in our email all the time,
[43:25] >> we get those in our email all the time, >> right?
[43:26] >> right? >> Yes. We're just going to consolidate
[43:27] >> Yes. We're just going to consolidate that for you and give it to you in a
[43:29] that for you and give it to you in a nice packet. Okay. Spend some time.
[43:31] nice packet. Okay. Spend some time. >> Thank you. Good. Thank you, chair.
[43:34] >> Thank you. Good. Thank you, chair. >> Packet full of hate mail.
[43:35] >> Packet full of hate mail. >> All right. Well, let's talk about the
[43:36] >> All right. Well, let's talk about the quai agencies.
[43:38] quai agencies. >> Yeah. All right.
[43:59] Mr. Chair.
[44:00] Mr. Chair. >> Yes, ma'am.
[44:01] >> Yes, ma'am. >> Question for I just want to make a
[44:02] >> Question for I just want to make a statement to Weston that uh I think it's
[44:04] statement to Weston that uh I think it's I don't know if that's your assistant,
[44:06] I don't know if that's your assistant, but they sent out a Crystal
[44:09] but they sent out a Crystal Cre.
[44:11] Cre. She did send us out a folder with all
[44:13] She did send us out a folder with all the stuff in it
[44:14] the stuff in it >> with all of the um
[44:16] >> with all of the um >> awesome
[44:16] >> awesome >> the um Oh, so you don't have to keep
[44:18] >> the um Oh, so you don't have to keep sharing. I said that so you don't have
[44:20] sharing. I said that so you don't have to keep sharing. Perfect.
[44:21] to keep sharing. Perfect. >> Great.
[44:21] >> Great. >> But she did send it out a little bit
[44:23] >> But she did send it out a little bit after u counciloman Hill asked about it.
[44:26] after u counciloman Hill asked about it. Perfect.
[44:32] >> She put it in a folder and shared the
[44:34] >> She put it in a folder and shared the folder.
[44:34] folder. >> Yes.
[44:36] >> Yes. That's the finance. And then she have a
[44:39] That's the finance. And then she have a bunch.
[44:44] Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[44:51] >> A folder for everyone.
[44:58] >> Um yes. So we'll touch on agencies and
[45:01] >> Um yes. So we'll touch on agencies and and kind of external quasa agencies. So
[45:05] and kind of external quasa agencies. So um kind of looking at that middle column
[45:07] um kind of looking at that middle column proposed 27. So, Carta U 8 point roughly
[45:12] proposed 27. So, Carta U 8 point roughly 8.4 million. That was their request for
[45:15] 8.4 million. That was their request for this year. So, you'll see it went up
[45:16] this year. So, you'll see it went up $750,000.
[45:18] $750,000. That's just our continued ongoing
[45:19] That's just our continued ongoing support for the work that they're doing.
[45:21] support for the work that they're doing. Uh Enterprise South and the uh Tennessee
[45:24] Uh Enterprise South and the uh Tennessee River Park, those those are shared
[45:28] River Park, those those are shared maintenance dollars. So, the county
[45:30] maintenance dollars. So, the county gives us kind of they go in and estimate
[45:32] gives us kind of they go in and estimate what they think it's going to cost to
[45:33] what they think it's going to cost to maintain those two pieces and then they
[45:36] maintain those two pieces and then they we split the cost with them. So they
[45:38] we split the cost with them. So they invoice for half of each of those. So
[45:41] invoice for half of each of those. So that those numbers come straight from
[45:43] that those numbers come straight from county. Um
[45:46] county. Um and then going into kind of the quasi
[45:48] and then going into kind of the quasi agencies, you see air pollution control
[45:49] agencies, you see air pollution control board um the Bessie Smith Cultural
[45:52] board um the Bessie Smith Cultural Center building maintenance. Again,
[45:54] Center building maintenance. Again, that's the number um we get from public
[45:56] that's the number um we get from public works and then we share that with the
[45:58] works and then we share that with the county. So that's the number that public
[46:00] county. So that's the number that public work half of the number that public
[46:01] work half of the number that public works thinks it'll take to kind of
[46:02] works thinks it'll take to kind of maintain that building for the year.
[46:04] maintain that building for the year. Chico public library.
[46:06] Chico public library. um
[46:08] um then some small grant supplements and
[46:10] then some small grant supplements and then RPA and then Karen will be here
[46:13] then RPA and then Karen will be here next week to kind of go over with city
[46:14] next week to kind of go over with city planning and so she'll also touch on
[46:16] planning and so she'll also touch on kind of RPA in a little more detail at
[46:18] kind of RPA in a little more detail at that point but that is our um allocation
[46:22] that point but that is our um allocation to RPA again the county cut there they
[46:25] to RPA again the county cut there they were about 8 $900,000
[46:27] were about 8 $900,000 um funding to that agency that they
[46:29] um funding to that agency that they decided not to do this year so um Karen
[46:32] decided not to do this year so um Karen and the staff as you guys have heard
[46:33] and the staff as you guys have heard have done some good work kind of make
[46:34] have done some good work kind of make that up
[46:35] that up >> um but she'll be here next week to to
[46:37] >> um but she'll be here next week to to speak more to that.
[46:40] speak more to that. >> Um
[46:43] >> Um sorry
[46:44] sorry you go.
[46:45] you go. >> Yeah. Uh so um so the bestie Smith
[46:48] >> Yeah. Uh so um so the bestie Smith cultural you said that was for building
[46:49] cultural you said that was for building maintenance. That's our portion.
[46:51] maintenance. That's our portion. >> Correct.
[46:51] >> Correct. >> Okay. Because then we've got another 90
[46:54] >> Okay. Because then we've got another 90 suggested for an agency allocation. So
[46:57] suggested for an agency allocation. So that is not for maintenance.
[46:58] that is not for maintenance. >> That's operations.
[46:59] >> That's operations. >> Operations. Okay. Okay.
[47:02] >> Operations. Okay. Okay. >> Thank you. In the past, I think we've
[47:04] >> Thank you. In the past, I think we've called this Heritage Hall, but I didn't
[47:07] called this Heritage Hall, but I didn't know what that was when I started. And I
[47:08] know what that was when I started. And I think just this is just a little more
[47:10] think just this is just a little more clarity of like what what we're actually
[47:11] clarity of like what what we're actually talking about. So, we changed it to to
[47:13] talking about. So, we changed it to to actually say the Bessie Smith building
[47:15] actually say the Bessie Smith building maintenance.
[47:25] >> Yeah, they're having a lot of trouble
[47:26] >> Yeah, they're having a lot of trouble with their building uh uh humidity in
[47:31] with their building uh uh humidity in particular, I think.
[47:41] some of the other agencies that we fund
[47:44] some of the other agencies that we fund um from some of so most of what we're
[47:47] um from some of so most of what we're looking at is is fund 1100 general fund.
[47:49] looking at is is fund 1100 general fund. It's the main operating fund of the
[47:51] It's the main operating fund of the city. We have some of these other funds
[47:54] city. We have some of these other funds uh that fund external agencies. So
[47:56] uh that fund external agencies. So you'll see uh economic development fund.
[47:59] you'll see uh economic development fund. There's a department in 1100, but
[48:00] There's a department in 1100, but there's also this this fund that's set
[48:02] there's also this this fund that's set aside um to
[48:05] aside um to fund a handful of economic development
[48:08] fund a handful of economic development related um agencies and those are listed
[48:11] related um agencies and those are listed here. No significant change really to
[48:13] here. No significant change really to any of those, just small changes. Um and
[48:17] any of those, just small changes. Um and then hotel motel, that's money we get
[48:19] then hotel motel, that's money we get from the occupancy tax. Uh Chadnika
[48:22] from the occupancy tax. Uh Chadnika Tourism, their request uh is in line
[48:24] Tourism, their request uh is in line with last year or what we're giving them
[48:26] with last year or what we're giving them is in line with last year. And then
[48:28] is in line with last year. And then you'll see we're giving them another
[48:30] you'll see we're giving them another 600,000. That is to help with the uh
[48:33] 600,000. That is to help with the uh World Cup FIFA team that's going to be
[48:36] World Cup FIFA team that's going to be here this summer. So that's to help um
[48:39] here this summer. So that's to help um with the operations of having those
[48:40] with the operations of having those folks here in town. And then the 250 is
[48:43] folks here in town. And then the 250 is going to Foundation for a Chattanooga
[48:47] going to Foundation for a Chattanooga Hamilton County history experience. that
[48:51] Hamilton County history experience. that um Kevin can help me remember, but it's
[48:54] um Kevin can help me remember, but it's it's working with kids u in in music
[48:58] it's working with kids u in in music history, I think. Is that right?
[48:59] history, I think. Is that right? >> Yep. So, we were approached by the the
[49:01] >> Yep. So, we were approached by the the county asking for a 50-50 partnership to
[49:04] county asking for a 50-50 partnership to fund what they're calling a pop-up
[49:06] fund what they're calling a pop-up history museum that's going to be a
[49:08] history museum that's going to be a temporary installment. It's going to be
[49:09] temporary installment. It's going to be um created in in conjunction with uh the
[49:14] um created in in conjunction with uh the folks at Songbird and then Hamilton
[49:16] folks at Songbird and then Hamilton County School System Kids. And it's I
[49:18] County School System Kids. And it's I think it's going to be four or five
[49:20] think it's going to be four or five interactive video productions that
[49:22] interactive video productions that they're going to put together. Um, and
[49:25] they're going to put together. Um, and basically the idea is is to roll it out
[49:28] basically the idea is is to roll it out and make it accessible to the public as
[49:29] and make it accessible to the public as part of the 250th uh celebrations this
[49:32] part of the 250th uh celebrations this summer. And so that's a a 250 $100,000
[49:36] summer. And so that's a a 250 $100,000 ask that we are uh proposing to fund
[49:39] ask that we are uh proposing to fund from hotel motel.
[49:43] from hotel motel. Um, so we have we're going to have one
[49:47] Um, so we have we're going to have one FIFA team in Chattanooga, right?
[49:50] FIFA team in Chattanooga, right? >> And it's going to cost $600,000 to
[49:52] >> And it's going to cost $600,000 to protect them for how long?
[49:54] protect them for how long? >> So they are going to be here for uh I
[49:57] >> So they are going to be here for uh I think at minimum
[49:59] think at minimum two weeks, but then I think it depends
[50:01] two weeks, but then I think it depends on them winning. And as I recall,
[50:04] on them winning. And as I recall, they're the number one ranked team in
[50:05] they're the number one ranked team in the world. And so I do think that
[50:07] the world. And so I do think that >> Oh, well, we got a good one, didn't we?
[50:08] >> Oh, well, we got a good one, didn't we? >> We did. Yeah. And so
[50:10] >> We did. Yeah. And so >> they do just require the heavy security.
[50:13] >> they do just require the heavy security. It's part of kind of the FIFA contract
[50:15] It's part of kind of the FIFA contract obligations. And 600,000
[50:18] obligations. And 600,000 is an upper limit threshold estimate. So
[50:22] is an upper limit threshold estimate. So it it
[50:25] it it uh I don't want to speak out of turn. I
[50:26] uh I don't want to speak out of turn. I would need to just follow up with Susan
[50:28] would need to just follow up with Susan Harris at the tourism company just to
[50:30] Harris at the tourism company just to get a fresh
[50:32] get a fresh >> okay
[50:32] >> okay >> estimate, but 600 was the the
[50:34] >> estimate, but 600 was the the placeholder number. So, will that be our
[50:36] placeholder number. So, will that be our police that will be doing that or will
[50:37] police that will be doing that or will it be private security?
[50:39] it be private security? >> So, I I think that it's going to be
[50:41] >> So, I I think that it's going to be through the extra job framework that CPD
[50:44] through the extra job framework that CPD uses where when they're not on shift,
[50:46] uses where when they're not on shift, they can go and and work on a contract
[50:49] they can go and and work on a contract basis.
[50:50] basis. >> Okay.
[50:53] >> Wow.
[50:56] >> Wow. >> For two weeks. Get why Harry and Megan
[50:58] >> For two weeks. Get why Harry and Megan have such a challenge
[51:01] have such a challenge on it.
[51:05] Chief, what stay right there just a
[51:07] Chief, what stay right there just a minute. You know, we're I guess we're
[51:09] minute. You know, we're I guess we're contributing to tourism and I understand
[51:12] contributing to tourism and I understand that part. One thing that we do we don't
[51:15] that part. One thing that we do we don't seem to go after is the sport side and I
[51:17] seem to go after is the sport side and I know they branched off into two.
[51:22] know they branched off into two. >> We don't contribute anything to that
[51:24] >> We don't contribute anything to that side. Um, it looks like to me we're
[51:28] side. Um, it looks like to me we're we're missing out on a big e economic
[51:30] we're missing out on a big e economic opportunity by not going after more
[51:34] opportunity by not going after more sports events than we do. And of course,
[51:37] sports events than we do. And of course, and I think we have a a
[51:42] study basically that breaks down kind of
[51:45] study basically that breaks down kind of where gaps are in in the city.
[51:50] where gaps are in in the city. >> I'm a little bit concerned that we're
[51:51] >> I'm a little bit concerned that we're falling behind.
[51:53] falling behind. We as the city or we as a community
[51:55] We as the city or we as a community >> well we as a city are falling behind in
[51:58] >> well we as a city are falling behind in this
[52:00] this in capturing a lot of this force revenue
[52:02] in capturing a lot of this force revenue that's
[52:03] that's >> that's out there. U it's a big industry
[52:06] >> that's out there. U it's a big industry right now.
[52:06] right now. >> It is
[52:07] >> It is >> completely changed probably in the last
[52:10] >> completely changed probably in the last decade anyway. And
[52:13] decade anyway. And >> uh at one time Summit was you know we
[52:17] >> uh at one time Summit was you know we captured and still do uh captured a lot
[52:20] captured and still do uh captured a lot of revenue there. we were sort of the
[52:22] of revenue there. we were sort of the softball capital of I think you know the
[52:25] softball capital of I think you know the United States but uh but a lot of that
[52:29] United States but uh but a lot of that is changing and I don't I don't see us
[52:32] is changing and I don't I don't see us looking like we've got a vision towards
[52:35] looking like we've got a vision towards that.
[52:35] that. >> Yeah. So Mayor Kelly and Mayor Wamp are
[52:38] >> Yeah. So Mayor Kelly and Mayor Wamp are working together. They pulled together
[52:40] working together. They pulled together um a a working group of about 10 12
[52:44] um a a working group of about 10 12 people and then we're working with um
[52:46] people and then we're working with um PFM taking a look at our downtown
[52:50] PFM taking a look at our downtown tourism and economic development
[52:52] tourism and economic development ecosystem and talking with those
[52:53] ecosystem and talking with those organizations. So, the convention
[52:56] organizations. So, the convention center, the tourism company, um the
[52:59] center, the tourism company, um the sports events corporation, Tim Morgan
[53:01] sports events corporation, Tim Morgan Group, uh River City, DCA, the chamber
[53:05] Group, uh River City, DCA, the chamber toward
[53:07] toward making sure that where we ultimately
[53:10] making sure that where we ultimately want to go is is figuring out the best
[53:12] want to go is is figuring out the best way to to optimize how those groups work
[53:16] way to to optimize how those groups work together and how those things are
[53:18] together and how those things are funded. Recognizing that sports events
[53:21] funded. Recognizing that sports events are a tremendous opportunity for an
[53:24] are a tremendous opportunity for an economic driver. Um, I say that just to
[53:27] economic driver. Um, I say that just to say that I feel like while there isn't
[53:29] say that I feel like while there isn't anything reflected right now in this
[53:31] anything reflected right now in this budget, I do anticipate that as as that
[53:35] budget, I do anticipate that as as that effort evolves and lands in a place of
[53:38] effort evolves and lands in a place of of of clarity around what we think might
[53:42] of of clarity around what we think might work on a go forward, um, I anticipate
[53:45] work on a go forward, um, I anticipate that
[53:47] that we're going to be coming back to both
[53:49] we're going to be coming back to both the city council and the county to the
[53:51] the city council and the county to the commission to talk about
[53:54] commission to talk about what it might look like on a go forward.
[53:56] what it might look like on a go forward. So, I think it's still evolving. Um, but
[54:00] So, I think it's still evolving. Um, but I I affirm what you're saying that it is
[54:01] I I affirm what you're saying that it is a tremendous opportunity. There's a lot
[54:03] a tremendous opportunity. There's a lot of conversation going on uh regarding
[54:06] of conversation going on uh regarding it, but we we actually did not get a
[54:08] it, but we we actually did not get a request from the sportsman's corporation
[54:10] request from the sportsman's corporation for this budget. So, um
[54:14] for this budget. So, um >> that's I mean I I think to be forward
[54:17] >> that's I mean I I think to be forward looking I I'm I'm not sure that we don't
[54:19] looking I I'm I'm not sure that we don't we don't need to have something in
[54:21] we don't need to have something in there, you know, to start addressing
[54:23] there, you know, to start addressing that. And uh even if it's of course I
[54:27] that. And uh even if it's of course I don't know what these talks look like
[54:28] don't know what these talks look like but um even from our park standpoint our
[54:32] but um even from our park standpoint our u our special events or or programming
[54:36] u our special events or or programming you know having a partnership
[54:38] you know having a partnership >> with
[54:40] >> with the uh sports
[54:43] the uh sports >> event sport
[54:43] >> event sport >> event sports yeah um
[54:46] >> event sports yeah um I I think I think there could be a
[54:48] I I think I think there could be a partnership had there that would be
[54:50] partnership had there that would be beneficial to both bodies.
[54:53] beneficial to both bodies. I think so, too.
[54:54] I think so, too. >> And a
[54:56] >> And a a meaningful revenue stream.
[54:58] a meaningful revenue stream. >> Okay. Um,
[55:03] >> yes, we're we're we're open to that as
[55:04] >> yes, we're we're we're open to that as well and and want to figure out what the
[55:08] well and and want to figure out what the most additive approach would be.
[55:11] most additive approach would be. >> The county contributes about 500,000,
[55:13] >> The county contributes about 500,000, don't they,
[55:13] don't they, >> to that?
[55:14] >> to that? >> Yep. But they just started doing that,
[55:15] >> Yep. But they just started doing that, as you know, kind of midway through
[55:16] as you know, kind of midway through their budget.
[55:17] their budget. >> Yeah.
[55:18] >> Yeah. Okay.
[55:19] Okay. >> And they did they reduce their tourism
[55:22] >> And they did they reduce their tourism company?
[55:23] company? >> Yeah. Yeah. They took it from the
[55:25] >> Yeah. Yeah. They took it from the tourism company and reallocated it to
[55:27] tourism company and reallocated it to the
[55:28] the >> what the uh to the sports
[55:31] >> what the uh to the sports >> what are we what are they calling it?
[55:33] >> what are we what are they calling it? >> It's it's the sports events corporation.
[55:35] >> It's it's the sports events corporation. >> Okay. Sports events corporation.
[55:39] >> Okay. Sports events corporation. >> So it is
[55:41] >> So it is >> uh and I think it's T SEC is it not? I
[55:45] >> uh and I think it's T SEC is it not? I think the the as part of that name.
[55:47] think the the as part of that name. >> I don't think I recognize.
[55:48] >> I don't think I recognize. >> Um, so did they reduce by 500 or did
[55:52] >> Um, so did they reduce by 500 or did they pull out completely?
[55:55] they pull out completely? >> Completely.
[55:56] >> Completely. >> The way that the county funded it is
[55:58] >> The way that the county funded it is they reduced the previous allocation to
[56:02] they reduced the previous allocation to the tourism company by 500 and
[56:04] the tourism company by 500 and redirected it to
[56:05] redirected it to >> Right. So how much are they currently
[56:06] >> Right. So how much are they currently funding the tourism company? China
[56:10] funding the tourism company? China Tourism.
[56:11] Tourism. >> I don't remember. It's
[56:12] >> I don't remember. It's >> I was under the impression they had
[56:13] >> I was under the impression they had pulled out. Not no total sports.
[56:16] pulled out. Not no total sports. >> They were around $10 million the tourism
[56:18] >> They were around $10 million the tourism company. So
[56:19] company. So >> they just poured out they just poured
[56:20] >> they just poured out they just poured out a portion.
[56:21] out a portion. >> Yeah, I think it's nine. Yeah,
[56:22] >> Yeah, I think it's nine. Yeah, >> 9 and a half.
[56:23] >> 9 and a half. >> Okay.
[56:25] >> Okay. >> Yeah, there's still a significant
[56:26] >> Yeah, there's still a significant amounted.
[56:27] amounted. >> Got it.
[56:31] >> Okay.
[56:33] >> Okay. >> Thank you, sir.
[56:36] >> Mr. Chair, I have a quick question.
[56:38] >> Mr. Chair, I have a quick question. Sure. Just I'm sure it's in this book
[56:40] Sure. Just I'm sure it's in this book somewhere, but off the top of your head
[56:42] somewhere, but off the top of your head what we what we collect in hotel motel
[56:44] what we what we collect in hotel motel tax.
[56:45] tax. >> It's around that $10 million.
[56:47] >> It's around that $10 million. >> Okay.
[56:48] >> Okay. >> What was your question? I mean,
[56:51] >> What was your question? I mean, >> how much we collect annually in hotel
[56:53] >> how much we collect annually in hotel motel tax.
[56:54] motel tax. >> Okay.
[56:54] >> Okay. >> 10 million. And so this this this 850
[56:58] >> 10 million. And so this this this 850 comes out of that 10 million. Okay.
[57:00] comes out of that 10 million. Okay. Correct. Thank you.
[57:02] Correct. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[57:04] >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> And that's council.
[57:06] >> And that's council. >> That's annually we collected. What if we
[57:08] >> That's annually we collected. What if we don't What do we do with the residual?
[57:11] don't What do we do with the residual? >> Pay for the riverfront.
[57:12] >> Pay for the riverfront. >> Goes to pay for the riverfront.
[57:13] >> Goes to pay for the riverfront. >> Yeah. So there there is a there is a tab
[57:15] >> Yeah. So there there is a there is a tab in the book hotel motel. It's towards
[57:17] in the book hotel motel. It's towards the back somewhere. Um that breaks it
[57:20] the back somewhere. Um that breaks it down. But yeah, so so 10 million part of
[57:22] down. But yeah, so so 10 million part of it is capital for riverfront uh or other
[57:24] it is capital for riverfront uh or other tourism infrastructure capital things.
[57:27] tourism infrastructure capital things. Um and then part of it is debt on the
[57:30] Um and then part of it is debt on the riverfront and then part of it is is and
[57:32] riverfront and then part of it is is and the rest of it is this. And then there's
[57:33] the rest of it is this. And then there's a small amount that goes to fees to the
[57:35] a small amount that goes to fees to the hotels and to the county. So I I mean I
[57:38] hotels and to the county. So I I mean I don't know how much history you know
[57:40] don't know how much history you know understand about this but uh the hotel
[57:42] understand about this but uh the hotel motel tax was created to funding source
[57:47] motel tax was created to funding source for all of the development on the
[57:49] for all of the development on the riverfront. I mean that that became
[57:52] riverfront. I mean that that became the revenue generator for the debt.
[57:56] the revenue generator for the debt. >> Okay that's
[57:58] >> Okay that's >> yeah and and this is just kind of the
[58:00] >> yeah and and this is just kind of the breakdown of that over the last three
[58:04] breakdown of that over the last three years.
[58:15] And that's paid off. The debts pay off
[58:17] And that's paid off. The debts pay off 2032 or something like that.
[58:19] 2032 or something like that. >> That's right. Somewhere around there.
[58:22] >> That's right. Somewhere around there. >> Okay.
[58:26] >> Does the hotel motel text have a sunset?
[58:28] >> Does the hotel motel text have a sunset? >> It does
[58:29] >> It does >> tied to that. Great.
[58:31] >> tied to that. Great. It it was originally when it was
[58:33] It it was originally when it was established was for that purpose, but
[58:34] established was for that purpose, but since then it has been expanded more
[58:36] since then it has been expanded more broadly to be tourism and tourism
[58:38] broadly to be tourism and tourism infrastructure, not specifically
[58:40] infrastructure, not specifically >> I think what opened up the door for us
[58:41] >> I think what opened up the door for us to be able to spend
[58:44] to be able to spend >> more broadly rather than just in a
[58:46] >> more broadly rather than just in a specific area.
[58:46] specific area. >> That's right.
[58:47] >> That's right. >> Yeah.
[58:49] >> Yeah. >> As long as it relates to tourism.
[58:51] >> As long as it relates to tourism. >> That's right.
[58:53] >> That's right. >> Okay. Any other questions on quasi?
[58:58] Well, it looks like we need to move to
[59:00] Well, it looks like we need to move to HR.
[59:01] HR. >> Are we not doing DTS today?
[59:02] >> Are we not doing DTS today? >> No.
[59:03] >> No. >> Uh Gerald's today.
[59:05] >> Uh Gerald's today. >> U
[59:06] >> U >> I was
[59:06] >> I was >> at the start.
[59:07] >> at the start. >> At the start. I missed that.
[59:08] >> At the start. I missed that. >> We uh we're moving that to uh 10:00
[59:12] >> We uh we're moving that to uh 10:00 Tuesday, May 19th.
[59:14] Tuesday, May 19th. >> That should be Do you have an updated uh
[59:18] >> That should be Do you have an updated uh copy of the budget sessions?
[59:20] copy of the budget sessions? >> I don't, but I've been making notes, so
[59:22] >> I don't, but I've been making notes, so Okay.
[59:23] Okay. >> I'll I can double check against that.
[59:24] >> I'll I can double check against that. >> Okay.
[59:25] >> Okay. Yeah, Gerald was I think out of town
[59:27] Yeah, Gerald was I think out of town this week and wanted to make sure he was
[59:29] this week and wanted to make sure he was here. Okay. So,
[59:32] here. Okay. So, >> all right. So, HR um their
[59:36] >> all right. So, HR um their personnel total budget up $168,000.
[59:40] personnel total budget up $168,000. Uh salaries and benefits is is pretty
[59:42] Uh salaries and benefits is is pretty much the bulk of that. Um and again,
[59:44] much the bulk of that. Um and again, that goes back to they had a last year
[59:46] that goes back to they had a last year budgeted $161,000
[59:49] budgeted $161,000 in vacancy savings. Um, and they that
[59:52] in vacancy savings. Um, and they that was part of that three-month kind of
[59:54] was part of that three-month kind of hiring freeze and so that went away this
[59:57] hiring freeze and so that went away this year. So that money got added back into
[59:59] year. So that money got added back into their budget.
[01:00:03] Uh, no changes in positions um for them.
[01:00:08] Uh, no changes in positions um for them. And then on the ops operation side um
[01:00:12] And then on the ops operation side um slight increase in the risk management
[01:00:15] slight increase in the risk management and then some other miscellaneous
[01:00:17] and then some other miscellaneous decreases
[01:00:18] decreases but nothing too tremendous here. Any
[01:00:21] but nothing too tremendous here. Any questions?
[01:00:26] >> I did want to add in that I followed up
[01:00:27] >> I did want to add in that I followed up with HR. We had 17 tuition
[01:00:29] with HR. We had 17 tuition reimbursements uh last year. So far this
[01:00:31] reimbursements uh last year. So far this year we have seven that have been
[01:00:32] year we have seven that have been submitted.
[01:00:33] submitted. >> Okay. I did have a question about
[01:00:36] >> Okay. I did have a question about employee training. Mhm.
[01:00:37] employee training. Mhm. >> Um I know that we we had some challenges
[01:00:41] >> Um I know that we we had some challenges this this year where when you were in HR
[01:00:44] this this year where when you were in HR you had set up so many processes and
[01:00:46] you had set up so many processes and here's the exact policies that we follow
[01:00:49] here's the exact policies that we follow >> and then
[01:00:51] >> and then the wheels slowly came off.
[01:00:53] the wheels slowly came off. >> Um so I imagine this employee training
[01:00:57] >> Um so I imagine this employee training line is different than I I would think
[01:00:59] line is different than I I would think you would be very thoughtful about
[01:01:00] you would be very thoughtful about making sure that they're very well
[01:01:02] making sure that they're very well trained and ready to Can you talk about
[01:01:05] trained and ready to Can you talk about that just briefly? So employ there's two
[01:01:07] that just briefly? So employ there's two buckets of employee training. So
[01:01:08] buckets of employee training. So employee training would be whether we do
[01:01:10] employee training would be whether we do it citywide or whether it's done in the
[01:01:12] it citywide or whether it's done in the department. So the department training
[01:01:14] department. So the department training is virtually free uh because it's done
[01:01:17] is virtually free uh because it's done by myself um and whoever we hel if we
[01:01:21] by myself um and whoever we hel if we have legal questions about that about
[01:01:22] have legal questions about that about how we do our processes and um based on
[01:01:25] how we do our processes and um based on my past experience not because I'm all
[01:01:27] my past experience not because I'm all knowing by any means it's best practices
[01:01:29] knowing by any means it's best practices in HR. Um so we've gone through that for
[01:01:31] in HR. Um so we've gone through that for the individual part for the individuals
[01:01:32] the individual part for the individuals in HR. Of course they're allowed to go
[01:01:34] in HR. Of course they're allowed to go out to training. We do investigation. We
[01:01:36] out to training. We do investigation. We send them out to investigation training,
[01:01:37] send them out to investigation training, things like that. Citywide training that
[01:01:39] things like that. Citywide training that we do. We do have multiple trainings
[01:01:41] we do. We do have multiple trainings that we offer. Radical Cander is one of
[01:01:42] that we offer. Radical Cander is one of them. We have um a manager training that
[01:01:46] them. We have um a manager training that we do now. We had a new hire orientation
[01:01:48] we do now. We had a new hire orientation that was one day, then we moved it to
[01:01:49] that was one day, then we moved it to two days during the time I was here. Now
[01:01:51] two days during the time I was here. Now it's three days. The third day is for
[01:01:52] it's three days. The third day is for managers specifically to learn how to be
[01:01:54] managers specifically to learn how to be a manager at the city. Um so obviously
[01:01:56] a manager at the city. Um so obviously we put that on ourselves. We don't
[01:01:58] we put that on ourselves. We don't outsource that um for them to do that,
[01:02:00] outsource that um for them to do that, but we also offer these other trainings
[01:02:02] but we also offer these other trainings um throughout the year that they can do
[01:02:03] um throughout the year that they can do if they're interested in learning
[01:02:04] if they're interested in learning something else. I did want to if if you
[01:02:06] something else. I did want to if if you don't mind, we do have a career ladder
[01:02:08] don't mind, we do have a career ladder process. So, you had asked about
[01:02:09] process. So, you had asked about internal audit and how we do these
[01:02:11] internal audit and how we do these things. We have apprentichip programs,
[01:02:12] things. We have apprentichip programs, we're doing interns, career ladders
[01:02:14] we're doing interns, career ladders where we allow people to move up without
[01:02:16] where we allow people to move up without having a position open based upon their
[01:02:17] having a position open based upon their certifications and their training. So,
[01:02:19] certifications and their training. So, we've been doing a lot of different
[01:02:20] we've been doing a lot of different programs, institute employee
[01:02:21] programs, institute employee development. We also offer a um class
[01:02:24] development. We also offer a um class that's called um I call it base camp
[01:02:26] that's called um I call it base camp because that's what it was out west but
[01:02:27] because that's what it was out west but basically it's how to move if you want
[01:02:29] basically it's how to move if you want to interview pract interview practice
[01:02:30] to interview pract interview practice and to learn your skills to be able to
[01:02:32] and to learn your skills to be able to move up for internal employee
[01:02:33] move up for internal employee development. So we're really big on
[01:02:36] development. So we're really big on enriching our employees and making sure
[01:02:37] enriching our employees and making sure that they stay with us and that we give
[01:02:38] that they stay with us and that we give them opportunities to be able to move up
[01:02:40] them opportunities to be able to move up within the city.
[01:02:42] within the city. >> So so the staff employee training costs
[01:02:46] >> So so the staff employee training costs have gone down not huge but $5,500 down.
[01:02:51] have gone down not huge but $5,500 down. So what's changing?
[01:02:54] So what's changing? >> That's just avail that again that's how
[01:02:56] >> That's just avail that again that's how many trainings that we're putting out.
[01:02:57] many trainings that we're putting out. Uh we did actually lose a trainer this
[01:02:59] Uh we did actually lose a trainer this year and so that is one of our vacant
[01:03:01] year and so that is one of our vacant positions currently. Um and so we're
[01:03:03] positions currently. Um and so we're we're going to be hiring for that here
[01:03:05] we're going to be hiring for that here pretty soon. Um and then uh like I said
[01:03:07] pretty soon. Um and then uh like I said internally it's just what's available.
[01:03:09] internally it's just what's available. So if there is a class that's available
[01:03:11] So if there is a class that's available and we go um then we send somebody to it
[01:03:14] and we go um then we send somebody to it and then they utilize that training
[01:03:15] and then they utilize that training opportunity. Sometimes MTAS puts them on
[01:03:17] opportunity. Sometimes MTAS puts them on for free, sometimes they're not free.
[01:03:19] for free, sometimes they're not free. So, it just depends on what we have
[01:03:20] So, it just depends on what we have available to us during the year.
[01:03:21] available to us during the year. >> Okay. Well, with regard to audit, I'm
[01:03:23] >> Okay. Well, with regard to audit, I'm just going to make a note in my list of
[01:03:25] just going to make a note in my list of follow-ups that and I'll get with you
[01:03:26] follow-ups that and I'll get with you about that.
[01:03:27] about that. >> Yep.
[01:03:28] >> Yep. >> Great.
[01:03:30] >> Great. >> Nobody else wants to talk HR.
[01:03:33] >> Nobody else wants to talk HR. >> All right.
[01:03:34] >> All right. >> Thank you all.
[01:03:35] >> Thank you all. >> Thank you.
[01:03:36] >> Thank you. >> The heck out of here.
[01:03:36] >> The heck out of here. >> Congrats on getting somebody chosen.
[01:03:39] >> Congrats on getting somebody chosen. Thank you.
[01:03:42] Thank you. >> Good. Uh we'll hit finance real quick.
[01:03:46] >> Good. Uh we'll hit finance real quick. Left it off the list.
[01:03:51] uh finance budget went up 1.6 million
[01:03:54] uh finance budget went up 1.6 million but
[01:03:55] but as part of the bulk of that uh 1.4 point
[01:03:58] as part of the bulk of that uh 1.4 point for 4 and some changes. We moved
[01:04:00] for 4 and some changes. We moved purchasing from a budget perspective
[01:04:02] purchasing from a budget perspective into finance. Before it was kind of
[01:04:04] into finance. Before it was kind of broken out like DTS. Um operationally
[01:04:06] broken out like DTS. Um operationally purchasing has always been or not always
[01:04:09] purchasing has always been or not always since I've been here it's been under
[01:04:10] since I've been here it's been under finance. Um and so this is just moving
[01:04:13] finance. Um and so this is just moving the budget to kind of align with that.
[01:04:15] the budget to kind of align with that. So um that's the bulk again 1.4 and some
[01:04:19] So um that's the bulk again 1.4 and some change of that is just their budget
[01:04:21] change of that is just their budget coming into ours. The rest is uh
[01:04:24] coming into ours. The rest is uh primarily the salaries and benefits
[01:04:25] primarily the salaries and benefits changes.
[01:04:28] changes. So no nothing crazy there. So the 12 new
[01:04:31] So no nothing crazy there. So the 12 new positions moved in um from um purchasing
[01:04:34] positions moved in um from um purchasing and then we did add one new position in
[01:04:36] and then we did add one new position in payroll and it's a part of our kind of
[01:04:38] payroll and it's a part of our kind of effort to more centralize the payroll
[01:04:41] effort to more centralize the payroll function in the city. Um the way payroll
[01:04:44] function in the city. Um the way payroll had worked in the past is in each
[01:04:47] had worked in the past is in each department there may be multiple folks
[01:04:48] department there may be multiple folks that deal with payroll and it's usually
[01:04:50] that deal with payroll and it's usually an an EA or somebody where it's one
[01:04:52] an an EA or somebody where it's one small piece of their job. um and it led
[01:04:56] small piece of their job. um and it led to a lot of issues where things weren't
[01:04:57] to a lot of issues where things weren't being submitted right or on time or
[01:04:59] being submitted right or on time or whatever. So, what we've done is try to
[01:05:01] whatever. So, what we've done is try to take those position in payroll and then
[01:05:04] take those position in payroll and then take those responsibilities off of those
[01:05:06] take those responsibilities off of those folks to allow them to do other EA
[01:05:09] folks to allow them to do other EA things or whoever it is to to focus on
[01:05:11] things or whoever it is to to focus on their other and allow us to kind of
[01:05:12] their other and allow us to kind of focus on the payroll piece and hopefully
[01:05:14] focus on the payroll piece and hopefully cut down on the errors and the and the
[01:05:16] cut down on the errors and the and the issues we were having in payroll. So,
[01:05:18] issues we were having in payroll. So, um, we've already we had some existing
[01:05:21] um, we've already we had some existing positions that we were able to work with
[01:05:22] positions that we were able to work with and bring folks in and this is just one
[01:05:24] and bring folks in and this is just one more person they add to the staff and
[01:05:25] more person they add to the staff and help with that process.
[01:05:31] >> But other than that, that's all.
[01:05:36] >> Any questions?
[01:05:38] >> Any questions? >> No.
[01:05:39] >> No. >> Nope.
[01:05:41] >> Nope. >> Thank you.
[01:05:43] >> Thank you. >> Sit down. We have uh finished up pretty
[01:05:46] >> Sit down. We have uh finished up pretty much right at 11:00.
[01:05:48] much right at 11:00. >> My time is implement
[01:05:51] >> My time is implement ready to roll
[01:05:53] ready to roll >> roll right into uh Councilman Elliot uh
[01:05:56] >> roll right into uh Councilman Elliot uh in the legislative committee covering
[01:05:59] in the legislative committee covering city council judges and executive.
[01:06:02] city council judges and executive. >> Absolutely.
[01:06:02] >> Absolutely. >> Okay.
[01:06:05] >> Okay. You want to move over here? You going
[01:06:07] You want to move over here? You going >> It may help if when I see people hands
[01:06:10] >> It may help if when I see people hands >> Y. while I start pushing my stuff.
[01:06:19] >> Hello. How's everybody doing?
[01:06:21] >> Hello. How's everybody doing? >> Good.
[01:06:23] >> Good. How are you today?
[01:06:24] How are you today? >> Well, pardon my tardiness. I had stuff
[01:06:28] >> Well, pardon my tardiness. I had stuff going wrong with my business today to
[01:06:30] going wrong with my business today to help me up. Um, Judge Patty sends her
[01:06:33] help me up. Um, Judge Patty sends her regards. she was unable to attend, but
[01:06:37] regards. she was unable to attend, but uh if we have any questions around the
[01:06:40] uh if we have any questions around the courts, uh I can make sure we collect
[01:06:42] courts, uh I can make sure we collect those now and we can send those off um
[01:06:47] those now and we can send those off um at a future date and if we really want
[01:06:49] at a future date and if we really want to have them come in, I guess we can
[01:06:52] to have them come in, I guess we can coordinate with you.
[01:06:52] coordinate with you. >> Yeah.
[01:06:53] >> Yeah. >> And then we can go from there.
[01:06:55] >> And then we can go from there. >> So, we do have um Tuesday, May the 26th
[01:06:59] >> So, we do have um Tuesday, May the 26th for any kind of followup that we may
[01:07:01] for any kind of followup that we may need. So if if there are questions and
[01:07:04] need. So if if there are questions and we need to squeeze them in on that 26th,
[01:07:07] we need to squeeze them in on that 26th, we can.
[01:07:08] we can. >> Okay. Perfect. Uh
[01:07:11] >> Okay. Perfect. Uh starting with that, are there any
[01:07:12] starting with that, are there any pressing questions now as far as city
[01:07:15] pressing questions now as far as city court that we would like to capture
[01:07:18] court that we would like to capture while we're here?
[01:07:22] >> Your budget basically flat.
[01:07:24] >> Your budget basically flat. >> Yeah. No, no changes. All hearts and
[01:07:28] >> Yeah. No, no changes. All hearts and minds clear.
[01:07:29] minds clear. >> Yes, sir.
[01:07:30] >> Yes, sir. >> Okay, good deal. Um well let's
[01:07:32] >> Okay, good deal. Um well let's transition into the mayor's office Kevin
[01:07:37] transition into the mayor's office Kevin and then we will take it from there.
[01:07:41] and then we will take it from there. Good morning.
[01:07:45] All right.
[01:07:47] All right. Um again this is just a graphical kind
[01:07:49] Um again this is just a graphical kind of representation. The top left is kind
[01:07:51] of representation. The top left is kind of the the buckets that their budget
[01:07:53] of the the buckets that their budget falls in. The bottom right is cost
[01:07:55] falls in. The bottom right is cost center breakdown.
[01:07:57] center breakdown. We'll come up here. Um so total budget
[01:08:01] We'll come up here. Um so total budget for the executive branch decreased
[01:08:04] for the executive branch decreased $441,000.
[01:08:06] $441,000. Um salaries and benefits dropped uh
[01:08:09] Um salaries and benefits dropped uh $232,000.
[01:08:11] $232,000. Um biggest reason for that is they
[01:08:14] Um biggest reason for that is they transferred three positions over to
[01:08:16] transferred three positions over to economic development. And what can I
[01:08:18] economic development. And what can I there's a slide after this that'll get
[01:08:19] there's a slide after this that'll get the position changes.
[01:08:21] the position changes. And then the operations side uh dropped
[01:08:24] And then the operations side uh dropped $28,000. we move um again part of this
[01:08:27] $28,000. we move um again part of this budget in last year there were these
[01:08:30] budget in last year there were these four-year RFP contracts that live within
[01:08:32] four-year RFP contracts that live within each department those all ended last
[01:08:35] each department those all ended last year so they're not in this budget so we
[01:08:37] year so they're not in this budget so we moved essentially took all that money
[01:08:39] moved essentially took all that money out of the department's budget so when
[01:08:40] out of the department's budget so when we told the flat it was flat less the
[01:08:43] we told the flat it was flat less the RFP dollars right and then we put all of
[01:08:45] RFP dollars right and then we put all of that in that $4 million line item that
[01:08:48] that in that $4 million line item that was in in the slide earlier so so you'll
[01:08:51] was in in the slide earlier so so you'll see a couple different departments where
[01:08:52] see a couple different departments where you'll see that RFP agencies removed and
[01:08:54] you'll see that RFP agencies removed and that's what That is um and then uh a a
[01:08:58] that's what That is um and then uh a a small reduction in the innovation fund.
[01:09:00] small reduction in the innovation fund. >> What is the innovation fund? It's marked
[01:09:02] >> What is the innovation fund? It's marked here multiple times and it's pulled out
[01:09:05] here multiple times and it's pulled out as important, but I don't remember us
[01:09:06] as important, but I don't remember us ever talking about an innovation fund in
[01:09:08] ever talking about an innovation fund in the executive branch.
[01:09:10] the executive branch. >> So, I'm not sure when it was stood up,
[01:09:12] >> So, I'm not sure when it was stood up, but it was since before I I mean, since
[01:09:14] but it was since before I I mean, since I've been in the mix, it's it's been um
[01:09:17] I've been in the mix, it's it's been um an annual budget line item, and it's
[01:09:20] an annual budget line item, and it's it's used for different things. I think
[01:09:22] it's used for different things. I think originally it it was leveraged
[01:09:25] originally it it was leveraged um with respect to ideas that employees
[01:09:28] um with respect to ideas that employees would put forward
[01:09:30] would put forward >> um and then there was kind of an
[01:09:31] >> um and then there was kind of an incentive program
[01:09:33] incentive program >> that still happens uh and Jeff Mills who
[01:09:36] >> that still happens uh and Jeff Mills who is one of our project managers helps
[01:09:38] is one of our project managers helps facilitate that. Those requests have
[01:09:41] facilitate that. Those requests have have diminished um a little bit but
[01:09:44] have diminished um a little bit but there's still some volume there. So we
[01:09:46] there's still some volume there. So we we continue to evaluate those. And then
[01:09:49] we continue to evaluate those. And then uh we also use it for
[01:09:54] uh we also use it for kind of like ad hoc opportunities that
[01:09:56] kind of like ad hoc opportunities that that come up that
[01:09:59] that come up that make sense for it. Um I'm trying to
[01:10:00] make sense for it. Um I'm trying to think of an example. Well, I mentioned
[01:10:02] think of an example. Well, I mentioned in the previous session how Mayor Wamp
[01:10:05] in the previous session how Mayor Wamp and uh Mayor Kelly are working together
[01:10:08] and uh Mayor Kelly are working together on this tourism/economic development
[01:10:10] on this tourism/economic development endeavor. We're we're going to fund some
[01:10:12] endeavor. We're we're going to fund some of that consultancy work out of the
[01:10:14] of that consultancy work out of the innovation fund. Um
[01:10:16] innovation fund. Um >> just kind of a little slash area.
[01:10:20] >> just kind of a little slash area. >> A little bit of flexibility there. Yes,
[01:10:22] >> A little bit of flexibility there. Yes, ma'am.
[01:10:25] >> Thank you.
[01:10:26] >> Thank you. >> It um I think for context, it started
[01:10:30] >> It um I think for context, it started under Ryan Ewalt SC remember when we
[01:10:34] under Ryan Ewalt SC remember when we launched it. I don't know what it looks
[01:10:35] launched it. I don't know what it looks like now, but
[01:10:36] like now, but >> yeah,
[01:10:36] >> yeah, >> it started under the IDP department and
[01:10:39] >> it started under the IDP department and Ryan Evol was the spearhead of that
[01:10:42] Ryan Evol was the spearhead of that innovation.
[01:10:43] innovation. >> Yep. And so employees submit their ideas
[01:10:45] >> Yep. And so employees submit their ideas and we look at them and evaluate them
[01:10:46] and we look at them and evaluate them and if it's good then we use the money
[01:10:48] and if it's good then we use the money to help implement the idea on like a
[01:10:50] to help implement the idea on like a pilot basis and then there's also a
[01:10:51] pilot basis and then there's also a small incentive depending on certain
[01:10:53] small incentive depending on certain criteria that gets paid off.
[01:10:56] criteria that gets paid off. >> Did yes ma'am.
[01:10:57] >> Did yes ma'am. >> Um did this the innovation fund reduced
[01:11:01] >> Um did this the innovation fund reduced where is it on this summary? What
[01:11:04] where is it on this summary? What category does it fall under?
[01:11:06] category does it fall under? >> Be in services
[01:11:08] >> Be in services >> in services. Okay.
[01:11:14] So, it didn't get moved someplace else.
[01:11:16] So, it didn't get moved someplace else. It just got reduced.
[01:11:20] >> Thank you.
[01:11:24] >> Thank you. >> Uh, again, they they moved three folks
[01:11:26] >> Uh, again, they they moved three folks out of the executive branch over to
[01:11:28] out of the executive branch over to economic development. And then we had
[01:11:31] economic development. And then we had >> Can I clarify?
[01:11:32] >> Can I clarify? >> Yes. So,
[01:11:34] >> Yes. So, >> the positions as listed are are FTEEs as
[01:11:38] >> the positions as listed are are FTEEs as they were in the mayor's office. We
[01:11:39] they were in the mayor's office. We didn't move a deputy chief operating
[01:11:41] didn't move a deputy chief operating officer over to economic development. We
[01:11:44] officer over to economic development. We gave them that FTE. As you'll recall, um
[01:11:49] gave them that FTE. As you'll recall, um when Steve departed, we decided to
[01:11:52] when Steve departed, we decided to combine the deputy chief and the deputy
[01:11:54] combine the deputy chief and the deputy deputy operating officer into one Darren
[01:11:57] deputy operating officer into one Darren Leford.
[01:11:58] Leford. >> Um and so he he kind of straddles the
[01:12:00] >> Um and so he he kind of straddles the fence between those two. And so it's a
[01:12:03] fence between those two. And so it's a net reduction. And so what we did with
[01:12:04] net reduction. And so what we did with that FTE is we gave it over to uh
[01:12:07] that FTE is we gave it over to uh economic development as part of
[01:12:10] economic development as part of moving Monica's group over to economic
[01:12:12] moving Monica's group over to economic development and providing some
[01:12:13] development and providing some additional capacity for her and her team
[01:12:16] additional capacity for her and her team around arts and creative company.
[01:12:19] around arts and creative company. >> Go ahead, Mr. Chair. Oh, you
[01:12:22] >> Go ahead, Mr. Chair. Oh, you >> So I have a question. So when Steve was
[01:12:25] >> So I have a question. So when Steve was relocated,
[01:12:27] relocated, was that not done in through reduction
[01:12:29] was that not done in through reduction in force?
[01:12:31] in force? I think Steve moved over into an already
[01:12:34] I think Steve moved over into an already existing project manager role. And so
[01:12:39] existing project manager role. And so it it was a reduction in um because we
[01:12:43] it it was a reduction in um because we we combined the deputy chief and the
[01:12:46] we combined the deputy chief and the deputy chief operating officer.
[01:12:49] deputy chief operating officer. The mayor's office reduced kind of like
[01:12:51] The mayor's office reduced kind of like the number of actual people, but that
[01:12:54] the number of actual people, but that FTE did not disappear. So it's not a
[01:12:56] FTE did not disappear. So it's not a reduction in force because we've moved
[01:12:57] reduction in force because we've moved that uh FTE over to economic
[01:13:00] that uh FTE over to economic development.
[01:13:00] development. >> So do we only define reduction in force
[01:13:04] >> So do we only define reduction in force as the job title going away and not the
[01:13:07] as the job title going away and not the salary?
[01:13:08] salary? >> I think a reduction in force would be
[01:13:10] >> I think a reduction in force would be when we're eliminating an occupied
[01:13:13] when we're eliminating an occupied position
[01:13:15] position and the position and its salary and the
[01:13:19] and the position and its salary and the person occupying it goes away.
[01:13:22] person occupying it goes away. Okay, that's a
[01:13:26] Okay, that's a Okay, Council Clark.
[01:13:27] Okay, Council Clark. >> Uh, thank you, uh, Chairman Elliot. Uh,
[01:13:31] >> Uh, thank you, uh, Chairman Elliot. Uh, going back to the notable variances with
[01:13:34] going back to the notable variances with the budget decreases versus some of the
[01:13:36] the budget decreases versus some of the position requests,
[01:13:39] position requests, uh, the 311 operating customer service
[01:13:42] uh, the 311 operating customer service representative position is going from a
[01:13:44] representative position is going from a CSR1 to a CSR2. Is that a variance
[01:13:48] CSR1 to a CSR2. Is that a variance increase in their the amount that they
[01:13:51] increase in their the amount that they get paid or
[01:13:53] get paid or or is that a new because it's not a new
[01:13:55] or is that a new because it's not a new position. It's a it's a classification
[01:13:59] position. It's a it's a classification of an RS CSRS2 which is more additional
[01:14:04] of an RS CSRS2 which is more additional money for them.
[01:14:05] money for them. >> It it is an incremental compensation for
[01:14:09] >> It it is an incremental compensation for that position
[01:14:13] >> because they're moving. So why is it a
[01:14:14] >> because they're moving. So why is it a position request and not just if it's an
[01:14:18] position request and not just if it's an incremental
[01:14:19] incremental computation from the cuz we still have
[01:14:21] computation from the cuz we still have CSR once is that correct? We do and and
[01:14:24] CSR once is that correct? We do and and so but but every position that we have
[01:14:27] so but but every position that we have has to be authorized in the budget
[01:14:28] has to be authorized in the budget ordinance. And so because this
[01:14:30] ordinance. And so because this individual is is moving from a CSR1 to a
[01:14:34] individual is is moving from a CSR1 to a CSR2, we have to that that change has to
[01:14:37] CSR2, we have to that that change has to be reflected.
[01:14:37] be reflected. >> So it's just one individual. This is not
[01:14:39] >> So it's just one individual. This is not a a reclassification of all CSR1 into
[01:14:43] a a reclassification of all CSR1 into CSR. We're just changing the the mix of
[01:14:45] CSR. We're just changing the the mix of CSR1's and CSR2 by reducing a CSR1 and
[01:14:50] CSR1's and CSR2 by reducing a CSR1 and creating a new CSR2 to accommodate that
[01:14:52] creating a new CSR2 to accommodate that s that um I guess that promotion.
[01:14:55] s that um I guess that promotion. >> Gotcha. That's what it was not reading
[01:14:58] >> Gotcha. That's what it was not reading to me. Okay. And I also want to go back
[01:15:00] to me. Okay. And I also want to go back to the C the decreases.
[01:15:06] >> Sorry, let me make sure I'm doing go. I
[01:15:08] >> Sorry, let me make sure I'm doing go. I don't who's
[01:15:11] don't who's >> um the salary
[01:15:14] >> um the salary uh decreases when we when it explains
[01:15:16] uh decreases when we when it explains that it goes from CLO
[01:15:19] that it goes from CLO >> I'm sorry someone could who's who's
[01:15:21] >> I'm sorry someone could who's who's >> I'm driving
[01:15:22] >> I'm driving >> okay
[01:15:22] >> okay >> yeah it was your um the slide deck it
[01:15:24] >> yeah it was your um the slide deck it was the slide deck where we were y
[01:15:26] was the slide deck where we were y >> please
[01:15:26] >> please >> yeah if you could keep it there just for
[01:15:28] >> yeah if you could keep it there just for a second thank you the three positions
[01:15:30] a second thank you the three positions transfer to economic development so the
[01:15:32] transfer to economic development so the the position transfers were from for
[01:15:36] the position transfers were from for lack of a deputy CEO O and an assistant
[01:15:40] lack of a deputy CEO O and an assistant correct for to the COO. So what but we
[01:15:44] correct for to the COO. So what but we did not replace those POS like so she
[01:15:46] did not replace those POS like so she like ranger in that department or
[01:15:49] like ranger in that department or >> That's right. So we so that that
[01:15:52] >> That's right. So we so that that executive assistant
[01:15:53] executive assistant >> stay right there W please. Thank you.
[01:15:54] >> stay right there W please. Thank you. Mhm.
[01:15:54] Mhm. >> The executive assistant role and the
[01:15:56] >> The executive assistant role and the deputy chief operating officer role both
[01:15:59] deputy chief operating officer role both were vacated and instead of rehiring,
[01:16:02] were vacated and instead of rehiring, we combined COO, deputy COO with deputy
[01:16:07] we combined COO, deputy COO with deputy chief of staff and and and thereby could
[01:16:10] chief of staff and and and thereby could free up that position to transfer it
[01:16:12] free up that position to transfer it over to economic division.
[01:16:13] over to economic division. >> So, but we're not adding an executive
[01:16:15] >> So, but we're not adding an executive assistant back to the C like that those
[01:16:18] assistant back to the C like that those positions are gone for that division
[01:16:20] positions are gone for that division altogether.
[01:16:21] altogether. >> Yes, sir.
[01:16:21] >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. And when we're transferring them
[01:16:24] >> Okay. And when we're transferring them to economic development, what are those
[01:16:25] to economic development, what are those comparable roles? Like for instance, the
[01:16:28] comparable roles? Like for instance, the salary for a deputy chief operating
[01:16:29] salary for a deputy chief operating officer to economic development, I think
[01:16:31] officer to economic development, I think you mentioned that was going to Monica.
[01:16:33] you mentioned that was going to Monica. Were the salary ranges comparable or
[01:16:36] Were the salary ranges comparable or what was the
[01:16:37] what was the >> no equilibrium in the transfer since
[01:16:39] >> no equilibrium in the transfer since those positions no longer exists in the
[01:16:41] those positions no longer exists in the budget?
[01:16:41] budget? >> Yep. So there there was a reduction
[01:16:44] >> Yep. So there there was a reduction because the deputy chief operating
[01:16:47] because the deputy chief operating officer position costs more than the
[01:16:49] officer position costs more than the position that is going to be occupied in
[01:16:52] position that is going to be occupied in economic development. And so that's part
[01:16:54] economic development. And so that's part of the savings or the reduction in the
[01:16:56] of the savings or the reduction in the overall budget for the mayor.
[01:17:00] overall budget for the mayor. So if if like uh just simple so like if
[01:17:04] So if if like uh just simple so like if the deputy chief operating officer was
[01:17:06] the deputy chief operating officer was $100 but the position over in economic
[01:17:09] $100 but the position over in economic development was $75 because they're not
[01:17:11] development was $75 because they're not the same level then the $25 is what is
[01:17:15] the same level then the $25 is what is is part of the reduction to the mayor's
[01:17:17] is part of the reduction to the mayor's overall budget because we
[01:17:21] overall budget because we >> well actually it would be the whole the
[01:17:23] >> well actually it would be the whole the city budget.
[01:17:23] city budget. >> Yeah I'm sorry the city budget. Yes. So
[01:17:26] >> Yeah I'm sorry the city budget. Yes. So the mayors goes down 100, economic
[01:17:29] the mayors goes down 100, economic development goes up 75. The citywide
[01:17:31] development goes up 75. The citywide realizes the 25. Sure.
[01:17:33] realizes the 25. Sure. >> So what support staff does the chief
[01:17:35] >> So what support staff does the chief operating office have? I mean that's a
[01:17:37] operating office have? I mean that's a staff that I know that
[01:17:40] staff that I know that police, public works. I mean it's a main
[01:17:44] police, public works. I mean it's a main functioning artery of our government.
[01:17:46] functioning artery of our government. And I know you have a deputy and an
[01:17:49] And I know you have a deputy and an assistant and like most
[01:17:51] assistant and like most >> So Darren is both the deputy chief of
[01:17:52] >> So Darren is both the deputy chief of staff and the deputy chief of operating
[01:17:54] staff and the deputy chief of operating officers. I did not know that. Was that
[01:17:56] officers. I did not know that. Was that is that something that we were notified
[01:17:57] is that something that we were notified of or
[01:17:58] of or >> Okay,
[01:17:59] >> Okay, >> we combined it um last year and and
[01:18:02] >> we combined it um last year and and decided not to backfill to see if we
[01:18:04] decided not to backfill to see if we could do more with three pe if we could
[01:18:06] could do more with three pe if we could do the same amount of work that needed
[01:18:07] do the same amount of work that needed to be done with three people that was
[01:18:09] to be done with three people that was being done previously with four and
[01:18:10] being done previously with four and we've been able to successfully do that
[01:18:12] we've been able to successfully do that and so we are happy to eliminate that
[01:18:15] and so we are happy to eliminate that position from our budget and move
[01:18:16] position from our budget and move >> and that makes sense to me now because
[01:18:17] >> and that makes sense to me now because I'm thinking to myself like in the
[01:18:20] I'm thinking to myself like in the hierarchy or the org chart for most
[01:18:22] hierarchy or the org chart for most departments you have an executive
[01:18:25] departments you have an executive assistant, a deputy chief operating
[01:18:27] assistant, a deputy chief operating officer, and in some cases, you have an
[01:18:29] officer, and in some cases, you have an operating officer. You know, it's it's
[01:18:31] operating officer. You know, it's it's tiered that way. And I know that that is
[01:18:34] tiered that way. And I know that that is a fun that's a portion of government
[01:18:36] a fun that's a portion of government that I deeply depend on. And and not
[01:18:39] that I deeply depend on. And and not speaking for the chief operating
[01:18:41] speaking for the chief operating officers who is not speaking, but
[01:18:44] officers who is not speaking, but whatever. You're telling me that Darren
[01:18:47] whatever. You're telling me that Darren has a dual role as a deputy and
[01:18:50] has a dual role as a deputy and supporting both the chief of staff and
[01:18:52] supporting both the chief of staff and the chief operating officer.
[01:18:54] the chief operating officer. >> That's right. Okay. And that is the cost
[01:18:55] >> That's right. Okay. And that is the cost saving by eliminating that role and
[01:18:58] saving by eliminating that role and transferring it to the economic
[01:19:00] transferring it to the economic development department because their
[01:19:02] development department because their capacity. Okay.
[01:19:03] capacity. Okay. >> Yes, sir.
[01:19:03] >> Yes, sir. >> I just want to be sure that I'm I'm not
[01:19:05] >> I just want to be sure that I'm I'm not that you can't advocate for yourself. I
[01:19:08] that you can't advocate for yourself. I know the functionality of your division
[01:19:11] know the functionality of your division and you know I just want to make sure
[01:19:12] and you know I just want to make sure that the support is there. Um and I do
[01:19:16] that the support is there. Um and I do know that Darren does a great job in
[01:19:18] know that Darren does a great job in helping in some of those functionality.
[01:19:20] helping in some of those functionality. So I just I was just curious in the
[01:19:22] So I just I was just curious in the reorg as not a reduction in force but a
[01:19:26] reorg as not a reduction in force but a reorg and the fact that we moved it over
[01:19:28] reorg and the fact that we moved it over into economic development. So I just
[01:19:30] into economic development. So I just wanted to see what the equilibrium was
[01:19:32] wanted to see what the equilibrium was with that and the transfer. So I'm good.
[01:19:34] with that and the transfer. So I'm good. >> If I might add something not
[01:19:36] >> If I might add something not >> Yeah, for sure. I'm so sorry if I'm
[01:19:38] >> Yeah, for sure. I'm so sorry if I'm overstepping.
[01:19:38] overstepping. >> I just wanted to add in that so we did
[01:19:40] >> I just wanted to add in that so we did some other we did another transition
[01:19:42] some other we did another transition where Miles Hump had a different
[01:19:44] where Miles Hump had a different position. We made that into an office
[01:19:46] position. We made that into an office manager position which is executive
[01:19:48] manager position which is executive assistant anymore because she got
[01:19:50] assistant anymore because she got promoted to the office manager position.
[01:19:51] promoted to the office manager position. Uh and so the reality of not having two
[01:19:55] Uh and so the reality of not having two people to support anymore like we didn't
[01:19:57] people to support anymore like we didn't have an executive assistant that had to
[01:19:59] have an executive assistant that had to support two people. So that's why we
[01:20:01] support two people. So that's why we were able to eliminate that position.
[01:20:03] were able to eliminate that position. The office manager does help me with
[01:20:05] The office manager does help me with scheduling. Um that so I have I do have
[01:20:08] scheduling. Um that so I have I do have that support with the office manager
[01:20:09] that support with the office manager helping me organize. So she does lend.
[01:20:12] helping me organize. So she does lend. She lets in for everybody but she wants
[01:20:14] She lets in for everybody but she wants it for me as well. So I do have I do
[01:20:16] it for me as well. So I do have I do have support.
[01:20:16] have support. >> It's okay if you need to wink twice. You
[01:20:19] >> It's okay if you need to wink twice. You know I just find that really interesting
[01:20:21] know I just find that really interesting that in most organizational
[01:20:24] that in most organizational organizations when you have a chief
[01:20:25] organizations when you have a chief operating off quite different here and
[01:20:28] operating off quite different here and how we have restructured that. I've
[01:20:30] how we have restructured that. I've never seen that uh paradigm before, but
[01:20:33] never seen that uh paradigm before, but if it works, you know, it works for you
[01:20:35] if it works, you know, it works for you all. Um, as long as it's not lacking for
[01:20:38] all. Um, as long as it's not lacking for uh service delivery.
[01:20:40] uh service delivery. >> Thank you.
[01:20:40] >> Thank you. >> Okay.
[01:20:42] >> Okay. Council Har.
[01:20:43] Council Har. >> Yeah. Just wanted to ask what what are
[01:20:45] >> Yeah. Just wanted to ask what what are the functions of the director of design
[01:20:47] the functions of the director of design and mental health clinician?
[01:20:49] and mental health clinician? >> So, the director of design was uh what
[01:20:53] >> So, the director of design was uh what what Steve Helmer did while he was here.
[01:20:55] what Steve Helmer did while he was here. This was part of the rebranding effort.
[01:20:58] This was part of the rebranding effort. Um, and he really helped us with kind of
[01:21:01] Um, and he really helped us with kind of the launch and the proliferation of the
[01:21:03] the launch and the proliferation of the new branding and helped just kind of
[01:21:06] new branding and helped just kind of reset and rebuild templates and all of
[01:21:09] reset and rebuild templates and all of that work. He
[01:21:12] that work. He a lot of that work kind of turned it
[01:21:13] a lot of that work kind of turned it from like um trailblazing to just
[01:21:15] from like um trailblazing to just maintenance and then eventually it just
[01:21:17] maintenance and then eventually it just really slowed down and so he moved on.
[01:21:20] really slowed down and so he moved on. And so,
[01:21:21] And so, um,
[01:21:24] um, I'm a little bit confused about why
[01:21:25] I'm a little bit confused about why we're calling it out as a director of
[01:21:27] we're calling it out as a director of design because I thought you you speak
[01:21:30] design because I thought you you speak into it.
[01:21:31] into it. >> So, it just it says new positions, but
[01:21:33] >> So, it just it says new positions, but but the brackets it's we're getting rid
[01:21:35] but the brackets it's we're getting rid of the director.
[01:21:36] of the director. >> That's what I thought. All right. That
[01:21:36] >> That's what I thought. All right. That was my talk, but then I got confused.
[01:21:38] was my talk, but then I got confused. >> Yeah. Sorry. Yeah. So, the the the
[01:21:40] >> Yeah. Sorry. Yeah. So, the the the brackets are on the one director. We're
[01:21:42] brackets are on the one director. We're getting rid of that one. It's going
[01:21:43] getting rid of that one. It's going away.
[01:21:43] away. >> Yeah. So, it's a net zero new position.
[01:21:46] >> Yeah. So, it's a net zero new position. >> We had it for branding. It's finished.
[01:21:49] >> We had it for branding. It's finished. it's going away.
[01:21:50] it's going away. >> Okay.
[01:21:51] >> Okay. >> And we what we did with um the the
[01:21:55] >> And we what we did with um the the funding that was for that position is we
[01:21:59] funding that was for that position is we used a portion of it and and gave that
[01:22:02] used a portion of it and and gave that funding over to RPA to help offset their
[01:22:04] funding over to RPA to help offset their reduction and help preserve
[01:22:07] reduction and help preserve >> a staff member.
[01:22:08] >> a staff member. >> Okay. who is going to do a little bit of
[01:22:10] >> Okay. who is going to do a little bit of the branding work that Steve was doing
[01:22:13] the branding work that Steve was doing in addition to the work that she was
[01:22:15] in addition to the work that she was already doing for RPA
[01:22:17] already doing for RPA >> because there's comparable skill set
[01:22:18] >> because there's comparable skill set there.
[01:22:18] there. >> Who is that person?
[01:22:20] >> Who is that person? >> Melody Collins.
[01:22:21] >> Melody Collins. >> Oh, yeah.
[01:22:24] >> Oh, yeah. >> We love her.
[01:22:27] >> We love her. >> Are you good at counseling?
[01:22:29] >> Are you good at counseling? >> Yeah. Uh well, a mental health
[01:22:30] >> Yeah. Uh well, a mental health clinician.
[01:22:31] clinician. >> Okay.
[01:22:34] >> Okay. >> Is that for family justice center?
[01:22:36] >> Is that for family justice center? >> Okay. It's it's at the FJC.
[01:22:38] >> Okay. It's it's at the FJC. >> Okay. All right. Yeah, that's good.
[01:22:40] >> Okay. All right. Yeah, that's good. Okay. Thanks. Um, Councilwoman Hill,
[01:22:43] Okay. Thanks. Um, Councilwoman Hill, >> thank you. In the executive uh summary,
[01:22:47] >> thank you. In the executive uh summary, there was a statement that I found
[01:22:50] there was a statement that I found interesting that inadequate funding is
[01:22:53] interesting that inadequate funding is one of your most significant challenges
[01:22:54] one of your most significant challenges in the executive branch. So, what is
[01:22:57] in the executive branch. So, what is your inadequate funding?
[01:23:00] your inadequate funding? Um, I think that
[01:23:03] Um, I think that we're probably talking about just like
[01:23:06] we're probably talking about just like in the aggregate that that
[01:23:09] in the aggregate that that every year we're finding opportunities
[01:23:12] every year we're finding opportunities to do things more efficiently
[01:23:15] to do things more efficiently in recognition that
[01:23:18] in recognition that we can't just keep hiring and bringing
[01:23:21] we can't just keep hiring and bringing on additional people in the way that we
[01:23:23] on additional people in the way that we could if if you know revenue or
[01:23:25] could if if you know revenue or resources were not a a limiting factor.
[01:23:29] resources were not a a limiting factor. Um, and so I think that the purpose of
[01:23:33] Um, and so I think that the purpose of that line was to kind of speak to this
[01:23:35] that line was to kind of speak to this continuous commitment to doing things
[01:23:38] continuous commitment to doing things more efficient.
[01:23:40] more efficient. While the cost of doing business in
[01:23:42] While the cost of doing business in general continues to go up, we are
[01:23:44] general continues to go up, we are recognizing that we're resource
[01:23:45] recognizing that we're resource constrained and are committed to
[01:23:48] constrained and are committed to efficiency.
[01:23:50] efficiency. >> Stephanie, would you add anything to
[01:23:51] >> Stephanie, would you add anything to that line?
[01:23:56] >> Who?
[01:23:58] >> Who? Oh,
[01:24:01] executive W.
[01:24:04] executive W. >> All right, that's it for executive.
[01:24:08] >> All right, that's it for executive. >> Any other questions for executive branch
[01:24:10] >> Any other questions for executive branch colleagues?
[01:24:12] colleagues? All hearts and minds are clear.
[01:24:15] All hearts and minds are clear. >> All right. Thank you, sir.
[01:24:21] Are you
[01:24:30] that was under yours? I was just
[01:24:32] that was under yours? I was just chairing it.
[01:24:32] chairing it. >> I mean,
[01:24:36] >> I mean, well, actually the chair usually does,
[01:24:38] well, actually the chair usually does, but
[01:24:39] but >> is this for city council?
[01:24:40] >> is this for city council? >> This for city council. Um
[01:24:46] >> so city council has um roughly 75% of
[01:24:50] >> so city council has um roughly 75% of the budget is salary infringe salaries
[01:24:52] the budget is salary infringe salaries and benefits um two cost centers kind of
[01:24:55] and benefits um two cost centers kind of the admin cost center and then there's
[01:24:57] the admin cost center and then there's one cost centers dedicated to you guys
[01:24:59] one cost centers dedicated to you guys district expenses
[01:25:01] district expenses >> and if I'm correct nothing really has
[01:25:03] >> and if I'm correct nothing really has changed uh from last year to this
[01:25:07] changed uh from last year to this >> but colleagues I will I will advise you
[01:25:09] >> but colleagues I will I will advise you of this chairman Davis has an email in
[01:25:12] of this chairman Davis has an email in his inbox if he shall approve it where
[01:25:14] his inbox if he shall approve it where I'm requesting to place our policy
[01:25:17] I'm requesting to place our policy position on the agenda next week for
[01:25:19] position on the agenda next week for consideration. Um, and then that will
[01:25:23] consideration. Um, and then that will probably um I've talked to Kevin and
[01:25:27] probably um I've talked to Kevin and Weston. They have agreed to try to work
[01:25:29] Weston. They have agreed to try to work with us and we also within our budget
[01:25:31] with us and we also within our budget make sure we have all the funds
[01:25:32] make sure we have all the funds necessary to fund that role if we decide
[01:25:35] necessary to fund that role if we decide to move forward with it. So, uh, you'll
[01:25:38] to move forward with it. So, uh, you'll see it uh, if the chairman approves it.
[01:25:40] see it uh, if the chairman approves it. It's been tweaked for suggestions. I got
[01:25:43] It's been tweaked for suggestions. I got suggestions from Councilwoman Hill and
[01:25:45] suggestions from Councilwoman Hill and Councilwoman Burs and written. So,
[01:25:48] Councilwoman Burs and written. So, that's the one thing that may uh look
[01:25:51] that's the one thing that may uh look different for this budget after
[01:25:54] different for this budget after uh we make a decision on that one.
[01:25:59] >> Yes, sir.
[01:26:00] >> Yes, sir. >> Do you want to point out it looks like
[01:26:01] >> Do you want to point out it looks like we did change a little bit that we uh
[01:26:03] we did change a little bit that we uh saved $32,000.
[01:26:05] saved $32,000. >> Is that correct?
[01:26:07] >> Is that correct? >> Something to be something to be pointed
[01:26:09] >> Something to be something to be pointed out and celebrated. Absolutely.
[01:26:11] out and celebrated. Absolutely. >> Absolutely.
[01:26:13] >> Absolutely. >> Is there a line in here about we have
[01:26:14] >> Is there a line in here about we have inadequate funding anywhere? I don't
[01:26:16] inadequate funding anywhere? I don't think there is.
[01:26:19] think there is. >> Um but council, does anybody have any
[01:26:20] >> Um but council, does anybody have any questions regarding the city budget?
[01:26:26] >> I did council.
[01:26:28] >> I did council. >> Yes, ma'am.
[01:26:28] >> Yes, ma'am. >> Yes. So, just wanted to confirm we still
[01:26:30] >> Yes. So, just wanted to confirm we still maintain the increase that we um each
[01:26:32] maintain the increase that we um each district got within. I think that was
[01:26:35] district got within. I think that was stated uh with you as chair's budget
[01:26:37] stated uh with you as chair's budget last year and that's still reflected.
[01:26:40] last year and that's still reflected. Thank you.
[01:26:40] Thank you. >> And that is
[01:26:42] >> And that is >> yeah 10,000 I believe. Yes, ma'am. Per
[01:26:44] >> yeah 10,000 I believe. Yes, ma'am. Per district. Yeah.
[01:26:46] district. Yeah. >> Thank you so much.
[01:26:47] >> Thank you so much. >> Any other questions?
[01:26:48] >> Any other questions? >> Um Chairman Elliot, I do have a question
[01:26:51] >> Um Chairman Elliot, I do have a question going back to your uh fiscal note
[01:26:53] going back to your uh fiscal note request that when we do move over that
[01:26:57] request that when we do move over that position if it goes to our agenda, what
[01:27:01] position if it goes to our agenda, what have those discussions been like for the
[01:27:03] have those discussions been like for the amount? because right now what we have
[01:27:06] amount? because right now what we have budgeted for to supplement a position
[01:27:08] budgeted for to supplement a position like that comes out of our consultant
[01:27:12] like that comes out of our consultant uh fees of $100,000.
[01:27:15] uh fees of $100,000. And so my question is is that uh do we
[01:27:18] And so my question is is that uh do we have the intentionality and maintaining
[01:27:20] have the intentionality and maintaining that amount but requesting that they
[01:27:24] that amount but requesting that they move additional funding over to support
[01:27:27] move additional funding over to support that role? Is that how those
[01:27:28] that role? Is that how those conversations have been going? request
[01:27:30] conversations have been going? request that was made to help us crop up some
[01:27:33] that was made to help us crop up some >> that position
[01:27:34] >> that position >> that position
[01:27:35] >> that position >> and what amount
[01:27:36] >> and what amount >> there's a formula based on if it passes
[01:27:40] >> there's a formula based on if it passes as is there's a formula that HR has to
[01:27:44] as is there's a formula that HR has to account for benefits as well
[01:27:47] account for benefits as well >> and so we'll count both of that together
[01:27:49] >> and so we'll count both of that together on that form I don't it's
[01:27:50] on that form I don't it's >> generally 30% markup for that
[01:27:52] >> generally 30% markup for that >> there you go and so we'll take that
[01:27:54] >> there you go and so we'll take that account if if there's no changes to it
[01:27:57] account if if there's no changes to it we'll go with that but if whatever
[01:27:58] we'll go with that but if whatever reason if there are changes is we'll
[01:28:00] reason if there are changes is we'll have to adjust it as necessary.
[01:28:03] have to adjust it as necessary. >> So take it 7030. Is that what that
[01:28:06] >> So take it 7030. Is that what that means?
[01:28:08] means? >> I was requesting
[01:28:09] >> I was requesting >> I'm going be I'm I'm going to be for
[01:28:11] >> I'm going be I'm I'm going to be for transparency purposes
[01:28:14] transparency purposes for this particular item. I am planning
[01:28:18] for this particular item. I am planning if it does pass and hopes is that this
[01:28:20] if it does pass and hopes is that this council will work with administration to
[01:28:23] council will work with administration to figure out what the movement looks like.
[01:28:24] figure out what the movement looks like. There's been a commitment to help find
[01:28:26] There's been a commitment to help find the funds, but I have been cautious
[01:28:29] the funds, but I have been cautious about moving forward with locking them
[01:28:31] about moving forward with locking them in because I don't want to
[01:28:34] in because I don't want to preempt any potential changes that can
[01:28:36] preempt any potential changes that can happen on that. Hope no changes happen,
[01:28:39] happen on that. Hope no changes happen, but I'm just one of nine. And so if
[01:28:43] but I'm just one of nine. And so if someone comes up and amends something,
[01:28:45] someone comes up and amends something, for whatever reason, they get enough
[01:28:46] for whatever reason, they get enough votes and it could potentially change
[01:28:49] votes and it could potentially change the cost of the salary range. Does that
[01:28:52] the cost of the salary range. Does that make sense?
[01:28:54] make sense? like we have extra room in our budget
[01:28:56] like we have extra room in our budget that there was conversations last year.
[01:28:59] that there was conversations last year. We could potentially look to use our
[01:29:01] We could potentially look to use our consulting budget. If not, we can also
[01:29:03] consulting budget. If not, we can also look to see uh how else we expand um and
[01:29:07] look to see uh how else we expand um and fill that those monies to make sure we
[01:29:09] fill that those monies to make sure we get what we need for the position.
[01:29:12] get what we need for the position. >> Yes, ma'am. A question, Mr. Chair. So,
[01:29:16] >> Yes, ma'am. A question, Mr. Chair. So, uh, for the policy position, your you
[01:29:19] uh, for the policy position, your you sent a request to our chair that that
[01:29:22] sent a request to our chair that that position gets voted on by us prior to
[01:29:24] position gets voted on by us prior to the budget or within this added to this.
[01:29:26] the budget or within this added to this. >> The request is that it's uh put on next
[01:29:29] >> The request is that it's uh put on next week's agenda.
[01:29:30] week's agenda. >> Okay. Next week's agenda for the
[01:29:32] >> Okay. Next week's agenda for the position.
[01:29:32] position. >> For the position
[01:29:33] >> For the position >> and then we'll have the amounts, the
[01:29:34] >> and then we'll have the amounts, the benefits, all these things included in
[01:29:36] benefits, all these things included in that if it's approved by
[01:29:38] that if it's approved by >> if it is approved.
[01:29:39] >> if it is approved. >> Okay. And then from there
[01:29:40] >> Okay. And then from there >> and if it's approved by council. Go
[01:29:43] >> and if it's approved by council. Go ahead.
[01:29:43] ahead. >> Okay. And then from there, if that
[01:29:46] >> Okay. And then from there, if that position is approved, then we would
[01:29:48] position is approved, then we would amend this bud this here, this budget
[01:29:51] amend this bud this here, this budget we're looking at now to include that
[01:29:52] we're looking at now to include that amount with the fridge benefits and all
[01:29:54] amount with the fridge benefits and all the things.
[01:29:54] the things. >> Correct.
[01:29:55] >> Correct. >> Okay. Just make sure I understand the
[01:29:56] >> Okay. Just make sure I understand the process. Okay, that works. Then
[01:29:58] process. Okay, that works. Then >> madam um chairman,
[01:30:00] >> madam um chairman, >> hi.
[01:30:01] >> hi. >> Uh I apologize and you may have already
[01:30:03] >> Uh I apologize and you may have already said that I had to step out and take a
[01:30:05] said that I had to step out and take a phone call. Um so did we receive did I
[01:30:08] phone call. Um so did we receive did I miss an update of that uh job
[01:30:11] miss an update of that uh job description? I know I had sent back to
[01:30:12] description? I know I had sent back to you a bunch of questions that I had when
[01:30:15] you a bunch of questions that I had when we last discussed this in strategic
[01:30:17] we last discussed this in strategic planning. So, where are we on the
[01:30:20] planning. So, where are we on the >> where where are we on that?
[01:30:22] >> where where are we on that? >> I got a written um suggestion from
[01:30:24] >> I got a written um suggestion from yourself and council mahil that I
[01:30:27] yourself and council mahil that I updated and reflect as best as possible.
[01:30:30] updated and reflect as best as possible. Is identical? No. Um but if chairman
[01:30:33] Is identical? No. Um but if chairman Davis agrees for it to go on the agenda,
[01:30:35] Davis agrees for it to go on the agenda, I'll make sure we all get that copy
[01:30:37] I'll make sure we all get that copy going into it. So,
[01:30:40] going into it. So, >> there have been changes made to the
[01:30:41] >> there have been changes made to the scription.
[01:30:42] scription. >> There has. Okay. So, I haven't missed a
[01:30:44] >> There has. Okay. So, I haven't missed a response from you to my email about the
[01:30:46] response from you to my email about the questions I had and maybe some
[01:30:48] questions I had and maybe some suggestions that I've made.
[01:30:49] suggestions that I've made. >> No, you haven't.
[01:30:50] >> No, you haven't. >> And when might I expect that or when
[01:30:52] >> And when might I expect that or when might
[01:30:52] might >> if I get confirmation that we're fine to
[01:30:54] >> if I get confirmation that we're fine to move forward for this
[01:30:56] move forward for this >> next the request, I'll send that out to
[01:30:59] >> next the request, I'll send that out to the council's office.
[01:31:00] the council's office. >> What's the hold up on that?
[01:31:01] >> What's the hold up on that? >> I just sent it today.
[01:31:03] >> I just sent it today. >> Oh, there's no hold up. He hadn't even
[01:31:04] >> Oh, there's no hold up. He hadn't even checked his email, I think. So this is a
[01:31:07] checked his email, I think. So this is a budget hearing um about this budget line
[01:31:10] budget hearing um about this budget line item. So why can we not discuss what we
[01:31:13] item. So why can we not discuss what we intend to move that I don't know why
[01:31:16] intend to move that I don't know why we're belaboring this discussion on this
[01:31:18] we're belaboring this discussion on this and we're here
[01:31:20] and we're here >> and that's not a critique towards you. I
[01:31:22] >> and that's not a critique towards you. I mean is it going to be on the agenda or
[01:31:24] mean is it going to be on the agenda or not?
[01:31:24] not? >> Um we're here
[01:31:27] >> Um we're here um and what is the
[01:31:30] um and what is the what is the intent to fund that
[01:31:32] what is the intent to fund that position? I just mentioned that I don't
[01:31:35] position? I just mentioned that I don't I have no intention on touching the
[01:31:38] I have no intention on touching the $100,000 that we have set aside for
[01:31:41] $100,000 that we have set aside for consulting cuz I think we would need
[01:31:42] consulting cuz I think we would need that. And what we're doing, which is
[01:31:44] that. And what we're doing, which is perfectly fine, if we need to add an
[01:31:47] perfectly fine, if we need to add an additional amount to fund staff for our
[01:31:49] additional amount to fund staff for our council, they do it. We're no different
[01:31:51] council, they do it. We're no different as the legislative branch. And so I
[01:31:54] as the legislative branch. And so I would like for us to have that
[01:31:55] would like for us to have that discussion now. Um because that's what
[01:31:58] discussion now. Um because that's what we're here for. I don't please do not
[01:32:00] we're here for. I don't please do not kick this. Is it going to be on the
[01:32:02] kick this. Is it going to be on the agenda or or not?
[01:32:05] agenda or or not? >> I mean, I I haven't seen the email yet.
[01:32:07] >> I mean, I I haven't seen the email yet. Um I I see no problem with putting it on
[01:32:10] Um I I see no problem with putting it on the agenda and discussing discussing it
[01:32:13] the agenda and discussing discussing it now.
[01:32:13] now. >> Um I know we also have time built in on
[01:32:16] >> Um I know we also have time built in on the 26th if we need to come back and
[01:32:18] the 26th if we need to come back and look at anything.
[01:32:20] look at anything. >> What I would like
[01:32:21] >> What I would like >> the first I've heard of it, sir.
[01:32:22] >> the first I've heard of it, sir. >> Gotcha. So what I would like to propose
[01:32:25] >> Gotcha. So what I would like to propose for an amount uh for to be moved over
[01:32:27] for an amount uh for to be moved over into the executive branch to fund this
[01:32:29] into the executive branch to fund this position is to cap it at $110,000
[01:32:33] position is to cap it at $110,000 which would which I think is comparable
[01:32:36] which would which I think is comparable for
[01:32:38] for the position that we're seeking for the
[01:32:40] the position that we're seeking for the talent that we are requesting even if
[01:32:41] talent that we are requesting even if it's someone that is mo that would be
[01:32:44] it's someone that is mo that would be moving in moving over internally from a
[01:32:48] moving in moving over internally from a different department. Um, and so that is
[01:32:50] different department. Um, and so that is that I'm going to put that on the table
[01:32:52] that I'm going to put that on the table just for transparency, for discussion
[01:32:54] just for transparency, for discussion purposes when it does hit the agenda
[01:32:56] purposes when it does hit the agenda because I think we just need we're all
[01:32:58] because I think we just need we're all here. So, we just need to discuss it.
[01:33:00] here. So, we just need to discuss it. Um, as such and not to be aggressive in
[01:33:03] Um, as such and not to be aggressive in that, I'm just like this is why we're
[01:33:04] that, I'm just like this is why we're here. So, let's discuss it. Sorry. Thank
[01:33:06] here. So, let's discuss it. Sorry. Thank you.
[01:33:09] you. >> I guess I've got a process question and
[01:33:11] >> I guess I've got a process question and this goes back to budget. So we're
[01:33:14] this goes back to budget. So we're talking about voting on this position
[01:33:17] talking about voting on this position before before this budget's voted on.
[01:33:20] before before this budget's voted on. Correct.
[01:33:20] Correct. >> That's correct.
[01:33:21] >> That's correct. >> Because he wants to find the money.
[01:33:22] >> Because he wants to find the money. >> So that it would not be an amendment to
[01:33:24] >> So that it would not be an amendment to this budget.
[01:33:25] this budget. >> No, not a technical amendment. It
[01:33:28] >> No, not a technical amendment. It >> we would be changing it, but not an
[01:33:29] >> we would be changing it, but not an actual
[01:33:30] actual >> probably going to get some more papers
[01:33:31] >> probably going to get some more papers to put in your budget book before we
[01:33:32] to put in your budget book before we actually
[01:33:32] actually >> I just want to make sure my ter
[01:33:34] >> I just want to make sure my ter terminology is is right.
[01:33:36] terminology is is right. >> Yeah, we're talking about it now because
[01:33:37] >> Yeah, we're talking about it now because this is what we're here for.
[01:33:39] this is what we're here for. >> Not in a minute. Would this be
[01:33:41] >> Not in a minute. Would this be considered Phil an alternate? If we
[01:33:44] considered Phil an alternate? If we change this budget,
[01:33:47] change this budget, >> can we just change it now and it's the
[01:33:49] >> can we just change it now and it's the budget or we have to list it as version
[01:33:52] budget or we have to list it as version two or one or
[01:33:53] two or one or >> No, you've not presented it in a budget
[01:33:56] >> No, you've not presented it in a budget form.
[01:33:57] form. >> No, correct.
[01:33:58] >> No, correct. >> Correct.
[01:33:59] >> Correct. >> That's right.
[01:34:01] >> That's right. >> In the form of an ordinance.
[01:34:02] >> In the form of an ordinance. >> Yes.
[01:34:04] >> Yes. My husband just sent me that
[01:34:07] My husband just sent me that talking through
[01:34:10] >> I mean the obviously the public is aware
[01:34:12] >> I mean the obviously the public is aware of this budget. So we can go ahead we
[01:34:16] of this budget. So we can go ahead we can make this change to this budget
[01:34:19] can make this change to this budget >> which reflected in your ordinance
[01:34:21] >> which reflected in your ordinance version of this.
[01:34:23] version of this. >> Okay.
[01:34:24] >> Okay. >> You good council?
[01:34:24] >> You good council? >> Yeah. Council.
[01:34:26] >> Yeah. Council. >> Yes. Thank you so much Mr. there. And
[01:34:28] >> Yes. Thank you so much Mr. there. And thank you to Councilman Henderson and to
[01:34:30] thank you to Councilman Henderson and to Councilman to Councilman Clark cuz I
[01:34:32] Councilman to Councilman Clark cuz I agree just kind of just thrown in here a
[01:34:36] agree just kind of just thrown in here a little bit, but we have been discussing
[01:34:37] little bit, but we have been discussing it. So, I do understand that. Um, and to
[01:34:41] it. So, I do understand that. Um, and to the point of the $110,000
[01:34:43] the point of the $110,000 salary. Uh, I'm all about paying people
[01:34:46] salary. Uh, I'm all about paying people what they are worth, hands down. Uh, but
[01:34:48] what they are worth, hands down. Uh, but does that include would that include
[01:34:49] does that include would that include fringe benefits or did you have ideas?
[01:34:51] fringe benefits or did you have ideas? >> That's the cap that I'm recommending.
[01:34:53] >> That's the cap that I'm recommending. >> Total cap of everything. French
[01:34:54] >> Total cap of everything. French benefits.
[01:34:55] benefits. >> Correct. and and being so what is
[01:34:58] >> Correct. and and being so what is comparable to that position in other
[01:35:01] comparable to that position in other portions of our government. So
[01:35:03] portions of our government. So >> so in that case and then we look at the
[01:35:06] >> so in that case and then we look at the uh like 3% each year
[01:35:08] uh like 3% each year >> that is correct.
[01:35:09] >> that is correct. >> Okay.
[01:35:11] >> Okay. If this position existed in the
[01:35:13] If this position existed in the executive branch, which it does, that
[01:35:15] executive branch, which it does, that would be what the comparable rate would
[01:35:17] would be what the comparable rate would be with a cost of living adjustment. If
[01:35:19] be with a cost of living adjustment. If we cuz what that if I'm not mistaken,
[01:35:22] we cuz what that if I'm not mistaken, Councilman Elliot, that proposal
[01:35:25] Councilman Elliot, that proposal with that policy position, which
[01:35:27] with that policy position, which includes some legislative functions,
[01:35:28] includes some legislative functions, which includes some constituent service
[01:35:31] which includes some constituent service stuff, if you
[01:35:33] stuff, if you has it, you're not you're shaking your
[01:35:35] has it, you're not you're shaking your head. Go ahead.
[01:35:35] head. Go ahead. >> Constituent services uh items have been
[01:35:38] >> Constituent services uh items have been removed.
[01:35:38] removed. >> Okay.
[01:35:40] >> Okay. And I I I have not I'm not aware of
[01:35:42] And I I I have not I'm not aware of that.
[01:35:43] that. >> No, none of us.
[01:35:44] >> No, none of us. >> Okay. I was the only one.
[01:35:47] >> Okay. I was the only one. >> Oh, you're the only one that know. Okay.
[01:35:50] >> Oh, you're the only one that know. Okay. So, for context, and we're going to toss
[01:35:53] So, for context, and we're going to toss it back to you cuz you saw the floor.
[01:35:54] it back to you cuz you saw the floor. For context, um this I got heavy
[01:35:59] For context, um this I got heavy suggestions from Council Hill and
[01:36:01] suggestions from Council Hill and Councilman Burrs and just feedback in
[01:36:03] Councilman Burrs and just feedback in general about the constituent services
[01:36:06] general about the constituent services piece. That piece has largely been
[01:36:10] piece. That piece has largely been rolled back at request from that and is
[01:36:13] rolled back at request from that and is solely a pol a legislative affairs
[01:36:16] solely a pol a legislative affairs position at this point
[01:36:18] position at this point >> uh to help us focus on our policy.
[01:36:21] >> uh to help us focus on our policy. >> That is that is a variance
[01:36:23] >> That is that is a variance from what was initially proposed to us.
[01:36:26] from what was initially proposed to us. >> That is correct. Uh I'm going to toss it
[01:36:29] >> That is correct. Uh I'm going to toss it back to council madal. Uh
[01:36:30] back to council madal. Uh >> that was it. That was all my questions.
[01:36:31] >> that was it. That was all my questions. I thank y'all for bringing that up to
[01:36:33] I thank y'all for bringing that up to the restroom.
[01:36:34] the restroom. >> Anybody else seeking to be recognized?
[01:36:40] Councilman.
[01:36:42] Councilman. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Reason for
[01:36:44] >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Reason for removing the constituent services was
[01:36:47] removing the constituent services was >> I had gotten just a lot of feedback from
[01:36:49] >> I had gotten just a lot of feedback from uh the two conversations we had had
[01:36:52] uh the two conversations we had had previously. uh I think we had this last
[01:36:55] previously. uh I think we had this last May or June and then even in our most
[01:36:58] May or June and then even in our most recent uh conversations we had a lot of
[01:37:01] recent uh conversations we had a lot of folks who are resistant against the
[01:37:05] folks who are resistant against the having dual roles and if I recall
[01:37:07] having dual roles and if I recall correctly there were concerns about
[01:37:10] correctly there were concerns about duplication of work with what uh Kim
[01:37:13] duplication of work with what uh Kim Strong did in the mayor's office and so
[01:37:17] Strong did in the mayor's office and so that was highly suggested um from
[01:37:20] that was highly suggested um from multiple people. Now, my original
[01:37:22] multiple people. Now, my original proposal, I wanted to have both. Now,
[01:37:24] proposal, I wanted to have both. Now, that was that was the the raw uncut
[01:37:26] that was that was the the raw uncut version. And so, what what I am
[01:37:29] version. And so, what what I am presenting now is the compromised
[01:37:31] presenting now is the compromised version to hopefully get something over
[01:37:33] version to hopefully get something over the hump. But if there is a desire to
[01:37:37] the hump. But if there is a desire to put some of those items back in there on
[01:37:39] put some of those items back in there on the floor, I am open to that. But this
[01:37:42] the floor, I am open to that. But this is something that I've worked with and
[01:37:45] is something that I've worked with and gotten feedback from colleagues and this
[01:37:47] gotten feedback from colleagues and this is the consensus I've gotten so far. So
[01:37:49] is the consensus I've gotten so far. So when it was brought back before us, what
[01:37:52] when it was brought back before us, what was the top out salary on that? What was
[01:37:54] was the top out salary on that? What was it? One
[01:37:55] it? One >> the original top out. I couldn't
[01:37:56] >> the original top out. I couldn't remember the top out, but originally the
[01:38:00] remember the top out, but originally the >> Do you remember? I'm sorry, but do you
[01:38:02] >> Do you remember? I'm sorry, but do you remember Chief Green?
[01:38:03] remember Chief Green? >> I believe when we initially started this
[01:38:05] >> I believe when we initially started this that 125 with that benefit was what was
[01:38:08] that 125 with that benefit was what was suggested or as a salary. I think y'all
[01:38:11] suggested or as a salary. I think y'all are comparing this to Dylan Rivera's
[01:38:13] are comparing this to Dylan Rivera's position. He's the director of policy
[01:38:14] position. He's the director of policy and implementation in the mayor's
[01:38:16] and implementation in the mayor's office. makes 85671 currently. Um, if I
[01:38:20] office. makes 85671 currently. Um, if I look at this, let me see. He's a he's an
[01:38:22] look at this, let me see. He's a he's an NPAP. So, if he does not have a range
[01:38:24] NPAP. So, if he does not have a range cuz if they're appointed, NPAP means
[01:38:26] cuz if they're appointed, NPAP means that they're they're an appointed
[01:38:27] that they're they're an appointed person. So, there is no range for that.
[01:38:29] person. So, there is no range for that. You're designated a salary from the
[01:38:30] You're designated a salary from the mayor.
[01:38:31] mayor. >> So, for context as well, when I embarked
[01:38:34] >> So, for context as well, when I embarked on this, we did get a pay study from uh
[01:38:38] on this, we did get a pay study from uh HR to compare it to like positions
[01:38:41] HR to compare it to like positions across uh other municipalities of our
[01:38:43] across uh other municipalities of our size. and they had a range I can pull
[01:38:46] size. and they had a range I can pull that up again or have it ready for next
[01:38:48] that up again or have it ready for next week for discussion. Uh my original
[01:38:51] week for discussion. Uh my original proposal I think it was a GS
[01:38:53] proposal I think it was a GS 22 if I'm not mistaken and that starting
[01:38:56] 22 if I'm not mistaken and that starting salary the starting salary was 105 but
[01:39:00] salary the starting salary was 105 but after feedback what you'll see and this
[01:39:03] after feedback what you'll see and this I believe this is what I presented last
[01:39:04] I believe this is what I presented last time the um salary was rolled down to
[01:39:08] time the um salary was rolled down to GS17
[01:39:10] GS17 and the base for that is 91. Okay,
[01:39:16] and the base for that is 91. Okay, >> I got a clarifying question.
[01:39:17] >> I got a clarifying question. >> One second.
[01:39:18] >> One second. >> Oh, council has to
[01:39:20] >> Oh, council has to >> Oh, yeah.
[01:39:21] >> Oh, yeah. >> Um, okay.
[01:39:26] >> And council claw wants to top it out at
[01:39:28] >> And council claw wants to top it out at 110
[01:39:30] 110 >> as a part of a compromise, but I I was
[01:39:33] >> as a part of a compromise, but I I was not aware that the constituent service
[01:39:36] not aware that the constituent service component had been taken out. That's
[01:39:38] component had been taken out. That's again,
[01:39:40] again, >> I don't know if it's in an email that
[01:39:42] >> I don't know if it's in an email that was sent and I probably have missed it,
[01:39:44] was sent and I probably have missed it, but I I do believe that we need to we
[01:39:48] but I I do believe that we need to we have not gotten yet that we need to go
[01:39:49] have not gotten yet that we need to go back and revisit that
[01:39:51] back and revisit that >> and although I do respect the opinions
[01:39:52] >> and although I do respect the opinions of my two colleagues that this is a nine
[01:39:55] of my two colleagues that this is a nine member council. Um, and I'd like to have
[01:39:58] member council. Um, and I'd like to have that conversation about how that could
[01:39:59] that conversation about how that could possibly be a hybrid uh to
[01:40:03] possibly be a hybrid uh to encompass those skill sets that we need
[01:40:06] encompass those skill sets that we need in both legislative policy and
[01:40:08] in both legislative policy and constituent services, which is possible.
[01:40:10] constituent services, which is possible. Those roles do exist in other
[01:40:12] Those roles do exist in other legislative municipal bodies throughout
[01:40:13] legislative municipal bodies throughout the country. It's not abnormal. Uh but
[01:40:16] the country. It's not abnormal. Uh but what is abnormal if we do not pay them
[01:40:19] what is abnormal if we do not pay them the comparable rate especially if we're
[01:40:20] the comparable rate especially if we're willing or trying to fill that position
[01:40:23] willing or trying to fill that position internally meaning that someone would
[01:40:25] internally meaning that someone would transfer into that position then the 110
[01:40:28] transfer into that position then the 110 I thought was a compromise to the 125 to
[01:40:30] I thought was a compromise to the 125 to Dylan but it has changed and so my
[01:40:34] Dylan but it has changed and so my proposal which is I think should be
[01:40:35] proposal which is I think should be opened up for discussion is that one
[01:40:38] opened up for discussion is that one that component the consensual service
[01:40:40] that component the consensual service component should be added back in there
[01:40:42] component should be added back in there and that we should top that salary out
[01:40:43] and that we should top that salary out at 110 is my proposal. I'm one of nine.
[01:40:46] at 110 is my proposal. I'm one of nine. So, I'll just say that.
[01:40:47] So, I'll just say that. >> And um really quickly, are you you good
[01:40:51] >> And um really quickly, are you you good on that one?
[01:40:52] on that one? >> I am. Thank you, M.
[01:40:53] >> I am. Thank you, M. >> And I'm good, too. Thank you, sir.
[01:40:55] >> And I'm good, too. Thank you, sir. >> Council Harvey. And then
[01:40:56] >> Council Harvey. And then >> go ahead. Um I'll you
[01:40:58] >> go ahead. Um I'll you >> council Henderson,
[01:41:00] >> council Henderson, >> Councilman, when you're saying 110,
[01:41:02] >> Councilman, when you're saying 110, you're talking about that for the base
[01:41:04] you're talking about that for the base salary.
[01:41:05] salary. >> That's for the base and the fringe
[01:41:07] >> That's for the base and the fringe because the I'm sorry. Go ahead. 110
[01:41:11] because the I'm sorry. Go ahead. 110 plus fringe or that would be all in
[01:41:14] plus fringe or that would be all in fringe and base salary
[01:41:16] fringe and base salary >> plus
[01:41:20] wait I'm sorry
[01:41:20] wait I'm sorry >> because I think I think what I
[01:41:22] >> because I think I think what I understood them to say a few
[01:41:24] understood them to say a few >> I'm saying 110 plus and the cola and so
[01:41:28] >> I'm saying 110 plus and the cola and so whatever that tops out at but
[01:41:31] whatever that tops out at but >> okay wait a minute you just confused me
[01:41:34] >> okay wait a minute you just confused me plus the cola cola's cost of living
[01:41:36] plus the cola cola's cost of living >> right I'm saying like that's when you're
[01:41:37] >> right I'm saying like that's when you're considering future budget wise.
[01:41:41] considering future budget wise. I'm trying to figure out
[01:41:43] I'm trying to figure out >> and I think what Councilman Henderson is
[01:41:45] >> and I think what Councilman Henderson is asking, are you also including the
[01:41:48] asking, are you also including the benefits? Is that what you're asking?
[01:41:49] benefits? Is that what you're asking? >> I'm trying to figure out if we're all in
[01:41:51] >> I'm trying to figure out if we're all in at 110 and the base salary is 30% less
[01:41:56] at 110 and the base salary is 30% less 85.
[01:41:56] 85. >> No.
[01:41:57] >> No. >> No. You're saying 110's the base and you
[01:42:00] >> No. You're saying 110's the base and you add the 30% on top of the 110.
[01:42:02] add the 30% on top of the 110. >> So, it's like 148.
[01:42:04] >> So, it's like 148. >> Okay. So what I understood
[01:42:07] >> Okay. So what I understood >> Miss Green to say is that Dylan was at
[01:42:10] >> Miss Green to say is that Dylan was at 85 as base,
[01:42:12] 85 as base, >> which is I thought was a comparable role
[01:42:14] >> which is I thought was a comparable role here.
[01:42:16] here. >> No, I got you a list.
[01:42:18] >> No, I got you a list. >> Well, let me back up. Okay,
[01:42:22] >> Well, let me back up. Okay, >> we're using we are using Dylan now
[01:42:24] >> we're using we are using Dylan now because he changed it and we don't know
[01:42:26] because he changed it and we don't know that it was changed. Before we were
[01:42:28] that it was changed. Before we were using Dylan, the comparable role was Kim
[01:42:30] using Dylan, the comparable role was Kim Strong's uh director of constituent
[01:42:34] Strong's uh director of constituent services support. Is everybody on the
[01:42:36] services support. Is everybody on the same page with that?
[01:42:37] same page with that? >> So when I when we were initially
[01:42:39] >> So when I when we were initially presented this,
[01:42:41] presented this, >> it was presented with the constituent
[01:42:43] >> it was presented with the constituent service support role in there. Okay. Is
[01:42:45] service support role in there. Okay. Is that correct?
[01:42:46] that correct? >> Mhm.
[01:42:46] >> Mhm. >> Am I not? Okay. And so when we look when
[01:42:48] >> Am I not? Okay. And so when we look when we're talking about comps of the person
[01:42:51] we're talking about comps of the person that's already in that position and I'm
[01:42:53] that's already in that position and I'm so sorry to do this to Kim that position
[01:42:56] so sorry to do this to Kim that position I think was at 10 you're 105 or one
[01:42:59] I think was at 10 you're 105 or one >> 104
[01:43:00] >> 104 >> 104 and so those were the comps that we
[01:43:03] >> 104 and so those were the comps that we were using. Now today we are being
[01:43:05] were using. Now today we are being notified that it has changed. And so
[01:43:08] notified that it has changed. And so what I'm saying is I am open to that
[01:43:10] what I'm saying is I am open to that discussion if we need to reconsider if
[01:43:13] discussion if we need to reconsider if it's the 104 510 with the comps with the
[01:43:17] it's the 104 510 with the comps with the French. I'm open to that. But I'm saying
[01:43:19] French. I'm open to that. But I'm saying I think we need it to be a hybrid of the
[01:43:22] I think we need it to be a hybrid of the policy and the constituent support like
[01:43:24] policy and the constituent support like we had initially discussed. And then we
[01:43:26] we had initially discussed. And then we can have the conversation about what
[01:43:27] can have the conversation about what comp we want to use as far as if it
[01:43:30] comp we want to use as far as if it includes the 110 plus the fringe which
[01:43:34] includes the 110 plus the fringe which in this case if we're using the comp
[01:43:35] in this case if we're using the comp with Kim
[01:43:37] with Kim >> it does not if if that makes sense. Did
[01:43:40] >> it does not if if that makes sense. Did I
[01:43:41] I >> Yeah.
[01:43:42] >> Yeah. >> Coun
[01:43:45] I think we just need more more
[01:43:47] I think we just need more more information and clarity about what this
[01:43:49] information and clarity about what this position was
[01:43:50] position was >> right. Um
[01:43:52] >> right. Um >> because I mean, yeah, if you're going to
[01:43:53] >> because I mean, yeah, if you're going to throw if you're going to throw
[01:43:54] throw if you're going to throw constituent services in with policy,
[01:43:58] constituent services in with policy, >> you're you're talking about a hybrid,
[01:44:01] >> you're you're talking about a hybrid, >> I guess, position or person.
[01:44:04] >> I guess, position or person. >> And I want to be on the record. I would
[01:44:06] >> And I want to be on the record. I would not support the position without I'm
[01:44:07] not support the position without I'm just going to put it out there. I'm not
[01:44:08] just going to put it out there. I'm not going to kick the can down the road like
[01:44:10] going to kick the can down the road like some I'm just going to let you know I'm
[01:44:12] some I'm just going to let you know I'm not supporting it without the
[01:44:13] not supporting it without the constituent service.
[01:44:14] constituent service. >> Yeah. Let me I have a list going down
[01:44:16] >> Yeah. Let me I have a list going down here. So, next on the list is Council
[01:44:18] here. So, next on the list is Council >> Madal.
[01:44:20] >> Madal. What? I already asked my question.
[01:44:22] What? I already asked my question. >> You're good.
[01:44:22] >> You're good. >> Yeah. Yeah.
[01:44:23] >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Council me,
[01:44:24] >> Council me, >> thank you. Um, so, um, I think for me as
[01:44:29] >> thank you. Um, so, um, I think for me as I studied this, um, after our last
[01:44:33] I studied this, um, after our last strategic planning when we discussed it
[01:44:35] strategic planning when we discussed it and we were asked to provide feedback to
[01:44:37] and we were asked to provide feedback to Councilman Elliot, that's exactly what I
[01:44:39] Councilman Elliot, that's exactly what I did. So, I agree. where each we're each
[01:44:42] did. So, I agree. where each we're each one of nine members and part of getting
[01:44:45] one of nine members and part of getting work done on behalf of the city is
[01:44:48] work done on behalf of the city is providing feedback and Councilman Elliot
[01:44:51] providing feedback and Councilman Elliot sounds to me like he's trying to get to
[01:44:53] sounds to me like he's trying to get to five votes. Um and he knows and you all
[01:44:57] five votes. Um and he knows and you all know I'm not going to vote in favor of
[01:45:00] know I'm not going to vote in favor of this if it's a position that I think
[01:45:02] this if it's a position that I think will be overpaid and underutilized. Um,
[01:45:06] will be overpaid and underutilized. Um, so also I feel strongly that this needs
[01:45:12] so also I feel strongly that this needs to contribute to our overall city
[01:45:14] to contribute to our overall city council office functioning and not
[01:45:17] council office functioning and not create um some kind of um confusion as
[01:45:22] create um some kind of um confusion as it has in the past. So, you know, Mandy
[01:45:26] it has in the past. So, you know, Mandy talks a lot about how HR, you know,
[01:45:28] talks a lot about how HR, you know, you're moving people up and things like
[01:45:29] you're moving people up and things like that. Like the HR policies at the city
[01:45:32] that. Like the HR policies at the city are very thoughtful in that way. So as I
[01:45:36] are very thoughtful in that way. So as I consider this position, what I think
[01:45:38] consider this position, what I think about is we have we have two different
[01:45:40] about is we have we have two different types of work. We have legislative
[01:45:42] types of work. We have legislative research support.
[01:45:45] research support. We need a what I think we need is a
[01:45:48] We need a what I think we need is a researcher.
[01:45:49] researcher. I don't I'm not looking for us to hire a
[01:45:52] I don't I'm not looking for us to hire a lobbyist right now. You know, we need a
[01:45:54] lobbyist right now. You know, we need a researcher. And a researcher is not
[01:45:56] researcher. And a researcher is not somebody who it doesn't have to be
[01:45:59] somebody who it doesn't have to be somebody where I mean we've said in this
[01:46:00] somebody where I mean we've said in this we want three years of experience. Well,
[01:46:02] we want three years of experience. Well, just about any polyai graduate coming
[01:46:05] just about any polyai graduate coming out of college has three years of
[01:46:06] out of college has three years of experience in research if they've been
[01:46:08] experience in research if they've been doing internships, right? The other
[01:46:10] doing internships, right? The other piece is constituent services or an an
[01:46:14] piece is constituent services or an an enhanced
[01:46:15] enhanced um council member support service is
[01:46:20] um council member support service is what I that is what I see.
[01:46:23] what I that is what I see. Our staff,
[01:46:25] Our staff, our top staff is a GS11.
[01:46:30] our top staff is a GS11. I do not think it is appropriate for us
[01:46:32] I do not think it is appropriate for us to hire anyone into our office at more
[01:46:36] to hire anyone into our office at more than our current leader who is doing an
[01:46:39] than our current leader who is doing an excellent job. Nicole is doing fantastic
[01:46:43] excellent job. Nicole is doing fantastic work for this department. Um she is a
[01:46:46] work for this department. Um she is a leader within the city and I want to be
[01:46:49] leader within the city and I want to be fully supportive of her and respect the
[01:46:52] fully supportive of her and respect the way that she
[01:46:54] way that she manages the the department. Our other
[01:46:58] manages the the department. Our other two staff are at GS6 and GS4.
[01:47:03] two staff are at GS6 and GS4. So my suggestion when I looked at this
[01:47:06] So my suggestion when I looked at this and I I gave a lot of feedback on it, I
[01:47:10] and I I gave a lot of feedback on it, I would like to see something that what I
[01:47:12] would like to see something that what I asked Councilman Elliot to consider was
[01:47:16] asked Councilman Elliot to consider was bringing to us a legislative
[01:47:19] bringing to us a legislative researcheronly position. I believe what
[01:47:21] researcheronly position. I believe what I I called it a legislative support
[01:47:24] I I called it a legislative support specialist.
[01:47:26] specialist. um whose primary role is to provide
[01:47:30] um whose primary role is to provide research and technical support to
[01:47:32] research and technical support to council persons for their legislative
[01:47:34] council persons for their legislative priorities with strong research skills,
[01:47:37] priorities with strong research skills, organization and project management
[01:47:39] organization and project management being some of the key things. Um, and my
[01:47:42] being some of the key things. Um, and my thought would be that to
[01:47:46] thought would be that to meet the council, we do have council
[01:47:49] meet the council, we do have council people I recognize who are very
[01:47:50] people I recognize who are very interested in additional support
[01:47:53] interested in additional support services for constituent needs that we
[01:47:57] services for constituent needs that we offer an advancement opportunity to um a
[01:48:03] offer an advancement opportunity to um a high functioning a high performing
[01:48:05] high functioning a high performing employee within our own office because
[01:48:07] employee within our own office because right now and I'm happy to share GS S
[01:48:10] right now and I'm happy to share GS S 11, GS6 and GS4 with you. But I think
[01:48:13] 11, GS6 and GS4 with you. But I think you will see that there is real
[01:48:15] you will see that there is real opportunity for greater greater um uh
[01:48:20] opportunity for greater greater um uh salary. Uh I think a raise would be
[01:48:23] salary. Uh I think a raise would be appropriate to say if you would like to
[01:48:25] appropriate to say if you would like to take on if you would like by choice to
[01:48:27] take on if you would like by choice to take on these additional
[01:48:29] take on these additional responsibilities
[01:48:31] responsibilities then you would get a raise with that
[01:48:32] then you would get a raise with that responsibility. So we would effectively
[01:48:34] responsibility. So we would effectively get both. we would add one person in the
[01:48:37] get both. we would add one person in the legislative support specialist role and
[01:48:40] legislative support specialist role and we would add additional support for the
[01:48:42] we would add additional support for the council in the form of giving um giving
[01:48:46] council in the form of giving um giving a person within our own office an
[01:48:48] a person within our own office an opportunity for advancement. That is
[01:48:49] opportunity for advancement. That is what I suggested or what I shared as
[01:48:53] what I suggested or what I shared as feedback with Councilman Elliot in a
[01:48:55] feedback with Councilman Elliot in a timely manner after we had the last
[01:48:58] timely manner after we had the last strategic planning session. So, um I
[01:49:01] strategic planning session. So, um I personally, yeah, would would be able to
[01:49:04] personally, yeah, would would be able to get pretty excited about um some folks
[01:49:07] get pretty excited about um some folks at a GS6, GS7 level for this work. Thank
[01:49:12] at a GS6, GS7 level for this work. Thank you. That's all.
[01:49:13] you. That's all. >> Council, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um I
[01:49:16] >> Council, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um I appreciate and respect what you're
[01:49:17] appreciate and respect what you're saying, Councilman Clark, and Council
[01:49:19] saying, Councilman Clark, and Council Councilman Hill. Um, I I think you know,
[01:49:23] Councilman Hill. Um, I I think you know, Councilman Clark, you and I have talked
[01:49:24] Councilman Clark, you and I have talked a lot uh the last few weeks about how
[01:49:27] a lot uh the last few weeks about how many legislative things that we've got
[01:49:29] many legislative things that we've got on our mind that we want to accomplish
[01:49:31] on our mind that we want to accomplish and it's a lot and you multiply that by
[01:49:34] and it's a lot and you multiply that by nine council members and that's a big
[01:49:36] nine council members and that's a big undertaking. Then you add constituent
[01:49:38] undertaking. Then you add constituent services to it and then you know that's
[01:49:41] services to it and then you know that's that's a ton of stuff that this one
[01:49:44] that's a ton of stuff that this one person's going to have to do. And I fear
[01:49:47] person's going to have to do. And I fear that adding that will take away from
[01:49:49] that adding that will take away from what we want to accomplish
[01:49:50] what we want to accomplish legislatively. Uh it's going to take
[01:49:52] legislatively. Uh it's going to take away from their time because as you know
[01:49:54] away from their time because as you know I mean we're inundated with uh
[01:49:57] I mean we're inundated with uh constituent requests in voting works and
[01:50:00] constituent requests in voting works and and it's it's almost all that we can
[01:50:02] and it's it's almost all that we can handle doing just that. And so I think
[01:50:05] handle doing just that. And so I think with the the excellent work that Kim
[01:50:07] with the the excellent work that Kim Strong does is letting her handle
[01:50:10] Strong does is letting her handle constituent services.
[01:50:12] constituent services. And mainly another point is we pretty
[01:50:18] And mainly another point is we pretty much rely on the administration 100% to
[01:50:20] much rely on the administration 100% to get these constituent services and
[01:50:23] get these constituent services and public works things done. We we just
[01:50:25] public works things done. We we just it's the function of the executive
[01:50:27] it's the function of the executive branch of government. And so keeping
[01:50:29] branch of government. And so keeping that with Kim Strong, I think would take
[01:50:32] that with Kim Strong, I think would take would allow this person to have more
[01:50:34] would allow this person to have more time uh as Councilwoman Hill said, to
[01:50:36] time uh as Councilwoman Hill said, to research these things and help us draft
[01:50:39] research these things and help us draft these pieces of legislation and push
[01:50:41] these pieces of legislation and push them through quicker than if they have
[01:50:43] them through quicker than if they have to deal with getting a road pave
[01:50:45] to deal with getting a road pave somewhere, calling a constituent,
[01:50:47] somewhere, calling a constituent, falling up on a request of storm water
[01:50:50] falling up on a request of storm water or whatever it is.
[01:50:51] or whatever it is. And so, um, with that proposal, I I I I
[01:50:55] And so, um, with that proposal, I I I I tend to to, um, agree more with, and and
[01:50:59] tend to to, um, agree more with, and and I like Councilwoman Hill, what you said
[01:51:01] I like Councilwoman Hill, what you said about giving opportunity to our current
[01:51:03] about giving opportunity to our current staff for advancement. Um, so, so again,
[01:51:06] staff for advancement. Um, so, so again, I think it it it it opens the door, um,
[01:51:09] I think it it it it opens the door, um, if it does become, you know, too much
[01:51:11] if it does become, you know, too much for for Kim to handle all of that that
[01:51:14] for for Kim to handle all of that that if we want to offer that to a another
[01:51:17] if we want to offer that to a another council member who's currently with us,
[01:51:20] council member who's currently with us, not only is it advancement, but it's
[01:51:22] not only is it advancement, but it's also meeting in the middle a little bit
[01:51:25] also meeting in the middle a little bit because then they can handle some
[01:51:26] because then they can handle some constituent requests. So, I I I like
[01:51:28] constituent requests. So, I I I like that idea. Um, if we do go with uh just
[01:51:33] that idea. Um, if we do go with uh just this person being a legislative aid, I
[01:51:36] this person being a legislative aid, I have to agree. I think meeting it with
[01:51:40] have to agree. I think meeting it with what Dylan's making at 85 is is very
[01:51:44] what Dylan's making at 85 is is very comparable. Um, and again, even even at
[01:51:47] comparable. Um, and again, even even at that level, um, that person will be
[01:51:50] that level, um, that person will be making more than our council clerk, and
[01:51:52] making more than our council clerk, and we don't want that to be an issue. Um,
[01:51:56] we don't want that to be an issue. Um, >> I just shared, uh, the the pay with
[01:51:58] >> I just shared, uh, the the pay with everybody. I just Okay. All right.
[01:52:02] everybody. I just Okay. All right. >> So, so I like this I like this idea. I
[01:52:04] >> So, so I like this I like this idea. I think it's something we need um as a
[01:52:05] think it's something we need um as a council because again we've we've talked
[01:52:08] council because again we've we've talked about a lot of things that we want to
[01:52:09] about a lot of things that we want to accomplish legislatively
[01:52:11] accomplish legislatively and uh to have that person focus on just
[01:52:14] and uh to have that person focus on just that I think uh would be an extreme
[01:52:16] that I think uh would be an extreme benefit to us. So um that those are my
[01:52:19] benefit to us. So um that those are my thoughts.
[01:52:20] thoughts. >> You good council?
[01:52:21] >> You good council? >> I'm good. Thank you.
[01:52:22] >> I'm good. Thank you. >> Councilwoman all.
[01:52:23] >> Councilwoman all. >> Thank you Mr. Chair. First of all, um I
[01:52:27] >> Thank you Mr. Chair. First of all, um I guess I missed the memo where this has
[01:52:30] guess I missed the memo where this has become a competition between Nicole and
[01:52:33] become a competition between Nicole and the office staff that we have here now.
[01:52:36] the office staff that we have here now. Uh should not be. It is totally two
[01:52:40] Uh should not be. It is totally two different skill sets
[01:52:42] different skill sets >> for this position and what our council
[01:52:45] >> for this position and what our council staff do now. now to put extra work on
[01:52:48] staff do now. now to put extra work on the council staff that we have now.
[01:52:50] the council staff that we have now. Whether it's um allowing them to uh say
[01:52:56] Whether it's um allowing them to uh say I want to do this or not, there is
[01:52:59] I want to do this or not, there is nothing wrong with our three staff that
[01:53:02] nothing wrong with our three staff that we have now. So, there's no need to go
[01:53:06] we have now. So, there's no need to go and fiddle with that because it's not
[01:53:09] and fiddle with that because it's not broken.
[01:53:11] broken. The position
[01:53:13] The position requires different skill sets than what
[01:53:16] requires different skill sets than what our council people have now. And why?
[01:53:19] our council people have now. And why? Why? I mean,
[01:53:22] Why? I mean, who's to say that whomever this person
[01:53:25] who's to say that whomever this person is cannot make more than the other three
[01:53:28] is cannot make more than the other three people that's here? I'm confused on
[01:53:30] people that's here? I'm confused on that. It has nothing to do with our
[01:53:33] that. It has nothing to do with our three ladies we have here now. Nothing
[01:53:36] three ladies we have here now. Nothing to do with that. that person as a
[01:53:38] to do with that. that person as a legislative person, as a constituent
[01:53:41] legislative person, as a constituent service in there or taken out, it is
[01:53:45] service in there or taken out, it is still different skill sets.
[01:53:48] still different skill sets. We do not want to overt tax. If we want
[01:53:50] We do not want to overt tax. If we want to do anything for our three ladies
[01:53:52] to do anything for our three ladies here,
[01:53:53] here, >> then give them a raise now for what they
[01:53:55] >> then give them a raise now for what they do. That's right.
[01:53:55] do. That's right. >> Cuz they do a lot now without adding
[01:53:58] >> Cuz they do a lot now without adding anything on to it. I don't understand
[01:54:00] anything on to it. I don't understand what this come want to break your back
[01:54:03] what this come want to break your back type of thing. It It makes no sense to
[01:54:06] type of thing. It It makes no sense to me. So it is no competition. It is a
[01:54:09] me. So it is no competition. It is a position. A position for legislative and
[01:54:14] position. A position for legislative and or constituent services. It has nothing
[01:54:18] or constituent services. It has nothing to do with what job any one of the
[01:54:22] to do with what job any one of the others are doing or not doing. It has
[01:54:25] others are doing or not doing. It has nothing to do with that. So stop making
[01:54:27] nothing to do with that. So stop making it a competition. It it does not need to
[01:54:31] it a competition. It it does not need to be there. Just vote on it. Put it in
[01:54:34] be there. Just vote on it. Put it in there. And I along with council Clark,
[01:54:36] there. And I along with council Clark, the constituent service part should be
[01:54:38] the constituent service part should be in there. It should be in there. And and
[01:54:41] in there. It should be in there. And and the fact that we always want to lowball
[01:54:44] the fact that we always want to lowball any person that has a position. You want
[01:54:47] any person that has a position. You want to lowball them? I know nobody I
[01:54:50] to lowball them? I know nobody I wouldn't want to come in here and do all
[01:54:51] wouldn't want to come in here and do all that for Would you do it for 110,000?
[01:54:55] that for Would you do it for 110,000? >> No.
[01:54:55] >> No. >> Would Could you Would you do it for
[01:54:57] >> Would Could you Would you do it for that?
[01:54:58] that? >> Yes, ma'am.
[01:54:58] >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So then I mean then you can have
[01:55:01] >> Okay. So then I mean then you can have it. But I'm just saying the struggle is
[01:55:05] it. But I'm just saying the struggle is real.
[01:55:08] Uh gas prices are high.
[01:55:12] Uh gas prices are high. Food is high. So no, it's just uh don't
[01:55:16] Food is high. So no, it's just uh don't just don't make it a competition between
[01:55:18] just don't make it a competition between them because it's not. It is a added
[01:55:20] them because it's not. It is a added position. That's all it is. It's an
[01:55:23] position. That's all it is. It's an added position. It should not be
[01:55:25] added position. It should not be compared to the other three individual
[01:55:27] compared to the other three individual salaries.
[01:55:28] salaries. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[01:55:29] >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. >> Council for context. We have 10 minutes.
[01:55:31] >> Council for context. We have 10 minutes. >> I just I just want
[01:55:32] >> I just I just want >> Councilman Clark and then Councilwoman
[01:55:34] >> Councilman Clark and then Councilwoman Bur.
[01:55:34] Bur. >> I will be very brief because I want to
[01:55:36] >> I will be very brief because I want to respond to some of the things you said
[01:55:37] respond to some of the things you said and and I agree with and I agree with
[01:55:40] and and I agree with and I agree with you and Councilwoman Noel, but I want to
[01:55:43] you and Councilwoman Noel, but I want to put this in its proper framework. Um
[01:55:46] put this in its proper framework. Um that it is supply and demand, meaning
[01:55:49] that it is supply and demand, meaning that this is a position that this
[01:55:52] that this is a position that this council after an election some of us
[01:55:54] council after an election some of us felt maybe less than I'm not sure what
[01:55:57] felt maybe less than I'm not sure what the what the road to five is. I don't
[01:56:00] the what the road to five is. I don't know. But as a part-time council person,
[01:56:04] know. But as a part-time council person, our roles, we are here part-time, but as
[01:56:07] our roles, we are here part-time, but as you all know who are in this role, the
[01:56:10] you all know who are in this role, the demand on us is a full-time
[01:56:13] demand on us is a full-time >> responsibility. And I thank Kim. Kim
[01:56:15] >> responsibility. And I thank Kim. Kim Strong was with me yesterday at
[01:56:17] Strong was with me yesterday at Washington Hills.
[01:56:19] Washington Hills. >> Um, and she shows up with us in those
[01:56:20] >> Um, and she shows up with us in those constituents cuz we get overwhelmed. We
[01:56:22] constituents cuz we get overwhelmed. We walked away with 10 support items. In my
[01:56:26] walked away with 10 support items. In my role as a part-time council person,
[01:56:28] role as a part-time council person, unless we want to have that discussion
[01:56:30] unless we want to have that discussion to make us full-time,
[01:56:32] to make us full-time, this is a capacity request to help us do
[01:56:36] this is a capacity request to help us do better at our jobs as council people.
[01:56:38] better at our jobs as council people. Not saying that we don't currently,
[01:56:41] Not saying that we don't currently, but this is a supply and demand request.
[01:56:44] but this is a supply and demand request. And it may not be Kim. It may I don't
[01:56:46] And it may not be Kim. It may I don't know who's going to be in the position.
[01:56:47] know who's going to be in the position. I don't really care. But what I'm saying
[01:56:49] I don't really care. But what I'm saying is is that it is not abnormal, Cody, for
[01:56:53] is is that it is not abnormal, Cody, for councils to have this type of support
[01:56:55] councils to have this type of support staff in comparison to some of our peer
[01:56:58] staff in comparison to some of our peer cities. Most council people have three
[01:57:00] cities. Most council people have three or four people that work for each of
[01:57:03] or four people that work for each of them.
[01:57:04] them. >> Um, this is I believe that as a council
[01:57:07] >> Um, this is I believe that as a council we are understaffed for the work that we
[01:57:10] we are understaffed for the work that we should be doing that I don't think some
[01:57:12] should be doing that I don't think some of us are doing. That's just not a dig.
[01:57:13] of us are doing. That's just not a dig. What I'm saying there's more support
[01:57:15] What I'm saying there's more support that we can give. But I don't want to
[01:57:17] that we can give. But I don't want to compare that to something that's
[01:57:19] compare that to something that's completely unrelated to the fact that
[01:57:22] completely unrelated to the fact that our support staff only gets paid $21 per
[01:57:25] our support staff only gets paid $21 per hour. I don't know if you knew that.
[01:57:27] hour. I don't know if you knew that. >> So, I don't want to put this in the same
[01:57:29] >> So, I don't want to put this in the same boat because I think we still have a
[01:57:31] boat because I think we still have a task to figure out why our support staff
[01:57:35] task to figure out why our support staff is comparable to the workers at Walmart
[01:57:37] is comparable to the workers at Walmart or Amazon and they're full-time. That's
[01:57:39] or Amazon and they're full-time. That's a different conversation that should not
[01:57:41] a different conversation that should not be coupled with this capacity request to
[01:57:44] be coupled with this capacity request to help us do our jobs better. So, that's a
[01:57:46] help us do our jobs better. So, that's a secondary conversation I think we should
[01:57:49] secondary conversation I think we should be having in our council budget. And if
[01:57:52] be having in our council budget. And if the position is approved and one of
[01:57:55] the position is approved and one of those support staff people wishes to
[01:57:56] those support staff people wishes to apply for, then they could. I'm not
[01:57:58] apply for, then they could. I'm not against that. But the clerk position is
[01:58:01] against that. But the clerk position is the clerk's position
[01:58:03] the clerk's position >> and it is comparable to what clerks in
[01:58:06] >> and it is comparable to what clerks in our state get paid in our region and it
[01:58:08] our state get paid in our region and it would be a comp she would not be getting
[01:58:10] would be a comp she would not be getting paid the same as someone who has a
[01:58:12] paid the same as someone who has a different skill rate because she's a
[01:58:14] different skill rate because she's a clerk. So, I don't care if it if she if
[01:58:18] clerk. So, I don't care if it if she if that position tops out above the clerk
[01:58:20] that position tops out above the clerk because a clerk versus this skill set
[01:58:24] because a clerk versus this skill set would be totally different if she were
[01:58:25] would be totally different if she were in another city or state. And so, my
[01:58:28] in another city or state. And so, my request again to put this in a framework
[01:58:30] request again to put this in a framework has nothing to do with the coal, has
[01:58:32] has nothing to do with the coal, has nothing to do with the clerk's pay. It
[01:58:34] nothing to do with the clerk's pay. It is has everything to do. We're asking
[01:58:35] is has everything to do. We're asking for an additional position, no different
[01:58:37] for an additional position, no different from the executive branch, by the way,
[01:58:39] from the executive branch, by the way, which we can have that conversation if
[01:58:40] which we can have that conversation if y'all want about positions that we could
[01:58:43] y'all want about positions that we could use from the executive branch to support
[01:58:44] use from the executive branch to support us in the legislative branch, but that's
[01:58:46] us in the legislative branch, but that's a different committee time. But I just
[01:58:48] a different committee time. But I just want to make sure that in this hearing
[01:58:51] want to make sure that in this hearing or this budget hearing that it is clear
[01:58:53] or this budget hearing that it is clear that we're requesting the 110 in
[01:58:56] that we're requesting the 110 in conjunction to what's going to be on the
[01:58:57] conjunction to what's going to be on the agenda. so that because we've been we've
[01:58:59] agenda. so that because we've been we've been talking about this position for a
[01:59:00] been talking about this position for a long time and we need to move it across
[01:59:03] long time and we need to move it across the goal line and make a decision and go
[01:59:05] the goal line and make a decision and go from there.
[01:59:06] from there. >> Counciloman Bur.
[01:59:08] >> Counciloman Bur. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think that um
[01:59:10] >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think that um just as we consider this, it would be
[01:59:13] just as we consider this, it would be helpful to look at the job descriptions
[01:59:16] helpful to look at the job descriptions for the positions we already have
[01:59:18] for the positions we already have because in my comments to um in my
[01:59:22] because in my comments to um in my comments back to Councilman Elliot was
[01:59:26] comments back to Councilman Elliot was let's look at what we already what the
[01:59:29] let's look at what we already what the job descriptions say for our three staff
[01:59:31] job descriptions say for our three staff currently because a lot of those things,
[01:59:33] currently because a lot of those things, not a lot of them, but several of the
[01:59:35] not a lot of them, but several of the points that were brought out in the job
[01:59:36] points that were brought out in the job descriptions, job description for
[01:59:39] descriptions, job description for position are already spelled out in the
[01:59:41] position are already spelled out in the job descriptions for our staff. So
[01:59:44] job descriptions for our staff. So revisiting their job descriptions so
[01:59:46] revisiting their job descriptions so that we're not bringing in somebody to
[01:59:49] that we're not bringing in somebody to do work that's already
[01:59:51] do work that's already >> been spelled out in another job that's
[01:59:54] >> been spelled out in another job that's already on staff and and if we need to
[01:59:57] already on staff and and if we need to look at their pay to increase it so that
[01:59:59] look at their pay to increase it so that it so I'm kind of mine my comments are
[02:00:01] it so I'm kind of mine my comments are kind of a hybrid of everything and I I
[02:00:03] kind of a hybrid of everything and I I appreciate the conversation. So, thank
[02:00:04] appreciate the conversation. So, thank you, Council Clark, for saying, "Let's
[02:00:06] you, Council Clark, for saying, "Let's go ahead and talk about it now." Because
[02:00:08] go ahead and talk about it now." Because I think we keep
[02:00:09] I think we keep >> we keep because I think we just
[02:00:11] >> we keep because I think we just >> I think everybody wants to do the right
[02:00:13] >> I think everybody wants to do the right thing, but we just haven't come up with
[02:00:15] thing, but we just haven't come up with the right com combination. So, for
[02:00:17] the right com combination. So, for example, if I look at I'm just pulling
[02:00:19] example, if I look at I'm just pulling out the the job descriptions for here's
[02:00:23] out the the job descriptions for here's here's the clerk schedules, meetings,
[02:00:24] here's the clerk schedules, meetings, appointments, social obligations, and
[02:00:26] appointments, social obligations, and interviews, notifies individuals and
[02:00:28] interviews, notifies individuals and groups of meeting dates, times, and
[02:00:30] groups of meeting dates, times, and purposes. So some of the things that
[02:00:32] purposes. So some of the things that were in the job description for the
[02:00:35] were in the job description for the constituent services piece of that are
[02:00:38] constituent services piece of that are spread out over the three job
[02:00:40] spread out over the three job descriptions for our council staff. So,
[02:00:44] descriptions for our council staff. So, I think I think we need to bring that
[02:00:46] I think I think we need to bring that piece into the mix. And if if the right
[02:00:49] piece into the mix. And if if the right call is to bring in another supportive
[02:00:53] call is to bring in another supportive person, whether it's legislative andor
[02:00:56] person, whether it's legislative andor constituent services that were that were
[02:00:59] constituent services that were that were taking into consideration some of the
[02:01:02] taking into consideration some of the responsibilities that already are on our
[02:01:05] responsibilities that already are on our council staff that we just don't take
[02:01:06] council staff that we just don't take advantage of,
[02:01:07] advantage of, >> right? So, where are we not taking
[02:01:10] >> right? So, where are we not taking taking advantage of the resources that
[02:01:12] taking advantage of the resources that we already have available to us and that
[02:01:14] we already have available to us and that we just weren't aware? You know, for us
[02:01:16] we just weren't aware? You know, for us five that were, you know, thrown not
[02:01:18] five that were, you know, thrown not thrown into us, we chose this position
[02:01:20] thrown into us, we chose this position five, you know, a little over a year
[02:01:22] five, you know, a little over a year ago, we were thrusted right into budget
[02:01:25] ago, we were thrusted right into budget and then into doing our job. And
[02:01:28] and then into doing our job. And >> to tell you the truth, until Councilman
[02:01:30] >> to tell you the truth, until Councilman Elliot brought this before us, I never
[02:01:31] Elliot brought this before us, I never went back and looked at their job
[02:01:33] went back and looked at their job descriptions and I was kind of like,
[02:01:34] descriptions and I was kind of like, okay, I've got to rationalize this. So,
[02:01:37] okay, I've got to rationalize this. So, I think that um as we continue this
[02:01:39] I think that um as we continue this conversation over the next couple weeks,
[02:01:41] conversation over the next couple weeks, I'm happy to share with each of you. I
[02:01:43] I'm happy to share with each of you. I went through and highlighted the areas
[02:01:46] went through and highlighted the areas on those job descriptions that parallel
[02:01:49] on those job descriptions that parallel the job description that Councilman
[02:01:51] the job description that Councilman Elliot proposed to us. So, where we see
[02:01:54] Elliot proposed to us. So, where we see where we could pull away from one and
[02:01:56] where we could pull away from one and and and again, if it's a pay increase,
[02:01:59] and and again, if it's a pay increase, maybe that's part of the mix so that we
[02:02:01] maybe that's part of the mix so that we can get the right person to supplement
[02:02:03] can get the right person to supplement what we need. and maybe it's not as a
[02:02:06] what we need. and maybe it's not as a higher rate, but we're making sure that
[02:02:08] higher rate, but we're making sure that our current staff is being properly
[02:02:10] our current staff is being properly compensated. So, that's all I have to
[02:02:13] compensated. So, that's all I have to say.
[02:02:13] say. >> Thank you, Mr.
[02:02:14] >> Thank you, Mr. >> Um, Councilwoman, I appreciate
[02:02:17] >> Um, Councilwoman, I appreciate everybody's robust conversation around
[02:02:18] everybody's robust conversation around you, council budget.
[02:02:19] you, council budget. >> Sorry to
[02:02:21] >> Sorry to u I will say this. Um I didn't expect it
[02:02:25] u I will say this. Um I didn't expect it to go all in this deep dive and C
[02:02:28] to go all in this deep dive and C chairman Davis, I'm sorry cuz I didn't
[02:02:30] chairman Davis, I'm sorry cuz I didn't mean to blindside you on that one
[02:02:32] mean to blindside you on that one either. So, that take my fault, but
[02:02:35] either. So, that take my fault, but >> it's called work. It's
[02:02:36] >> it's called work. It's >> Well, no, I I want people um the intent
[02:02:39] >> Well, no, I I want people um the intent for this is for people to be prepared as
[02:02:42] for this is for people to be prepared as to what to expect and potential changes
[02:02:45] to what to expect and potential changes that could come to our council budget.
[02:02:47] that could come to our council budget. Uh I appreciate everybody's robust
[02:02:49] Uh I appreciate everybody's robust conversation. I'm sure we're going to
[02:02:51] conversation. I'm sure we're going to continue this next week or whenever the
[02:02:54] continue this next week or whenever the chairman allows us to have this on the
[02:02:56] chairman allows us to have this on the agenda. Um, if he approves this ahead of
[02:02:59] agenda. Um, if he approves this ahead of time, you guys will get uh information
[02:03:02] time, you guys will get uh information including the proposed job description
[02:03:04] including the proposed job description and some of the other items that are
[02:03:06] and some of the other items that are mentioned today well in in advance of
[02:03:08] mentioned today well in in advance of the meeting just so you can kind of have
[02:03:10] the meeting just so you can kind of have your head wrapped around what to expect
[02:03:13] your head wrapped around what to expect and we can continue this robust
[02:03:14] and we can continue this robust conversation from there. But, uh, aside
[02:03:17] conversation from there. But, uh, aside from this policy position, are there any
[02:03:20] from this policy position, are there any questions on our council budget as it
[02:03:22] questions on our council budget as it stands?
[02:03:24] stands? >> Okay. Um, I appreciate you guys and with
[02:03:27] >> Okay. Um, I appreciate you guys and with 4 minutes to remind the judges.
[02:03:30] 4 minutes to remind the judges. >> Uh, I think we covered that earlier. Um,
[02:03:33] >> Uh, I think we covered that earlier. Um, council for spare time unless you guys
[02:03:36] council for spare time unless you guys have any pressing questions regarding
[02:03:40] have any pressing questions regarding city judge and what they have going on,
[02:03:42] city judge and what they have going on, I'll forego that. And as chairman
[02:03:45] I'll forego that. And as chairman Henderson mentioned earlier, if we need
[02:03:48] Henderson mentioned earlier, if we need to circle back and reconsider it,
[02:03:49] to circle back and reconsider it, there's appropriate time then. But Won,
[02:03:51] there's appropriate time then. But Won, thank you for that. But we're good from
[02:03:53] thank you for that. But we're good from city judge for now. Uh if all hearts and
[02:03:55] city judge for now. Uh if all hearts and minds are clear and there's no
[02:03:56] minds are clear and there's no unreadiness, we are journ until 12:30
[02:03:59] unreadiness, we are journ until 12:30 and then we'll pick up with community.
[02:04:01] and then we'll pick up with community. >> Okay.
[02:36:46] All right, council. We'll go ahead and
[02:36:48] All right, council. We'll go ahead and get started with community development.
[02:36:50] get started with community development. Excited to have this uh to be the chair
[02:36:52] Excited to have this uh to be the chair of community development this year. So,
[02:36:54] of community development this year. So, I open up with my my little opening
[02:36:56] I open up with my my little opening remarks and then I'll turn it over to
[02:36:58] remarks and then I'll turn it over to our new uh well, not new, but
[02:37:00] our new uh well, not new, but administrator Cedric Henson. So, good
[02:37:02] administrator Cedric Henson. So, good afternoon uh chair and colleagues. When
[02:37:05] afternoon uh chair and colleagues. When people think about core city services,
[02:37:07] people think about core city services, they often think first of fire, police
[02:37:09] they often think first of fire, police or public works. But the community
[02:37:11] or public works. But the community development department represents
[02:37:13] development department represents something just as essential. the people
[02:37:15] something just as essential. the people center work that strengthens the
[02:37:17] center work that strengthens the foundation of our city every single day
[02:37:20] foundation of our city every single day through the office of community health,
[02:37:21] through the office of community health, office of family empowerment, community
[02:37:23] office of family empowerment, community engagement, and community centers. This
[02:37:26] engagement, and community centers. This department touches the lives of
[02:37:27] department touches the lives of Chattanooans in ways that are both
[02:37:29] Chattanooans in ways that are both visible and deeply personal. Community
[02:37:32] visible and deeply personal. Community development houses some of our city's
[02:37:34] development houses some of our city's greatest amenities while also providing
[02:37:37] greatest amenities while also providing critical support services, workforce
[02:37:39] critical support services, workforce development opportunities, youth and
[02:37:41] development opportunities, youth and family programming and initiatives that
[02:37:43] family programming and initiatives that address both the physical and social
[02:37:45] address both the physical and social needs of our residents. These teams are
[02:37:47] needs of our residents. These teams are often the face of the city and our
[02:37:49] often the face of the city and our neighborhoods. They understand the pulse
[02:37:51] neighborhoods. They understand the pulse of our communities, the challenges of of
[02:37:53] of our communities, the challenges of of our residents, our residents face, and
[02:37:56] our residents, our residents face, and the opportunities that exist to create
[02:37:58] the opportunities that exist to create lasting impact. Under the leadership of
[02:38:01] lasting impact. Under the leadership of our new administrator, Cedric Henson,
[02:38:03] our new administrator, Cedric Henson, with a strong focus on quality
[02:38:05] with a strong focus on quality programming, efficiency, accountability,
[02:38:07] programming, efficiency, accountability, and measurable outcomes, we are
[02:38:09] and measurable outcomes, we are continuing to build a stronger
[02:38:11] continuing to build a stronger Chattanooga by creating an ecosystem of
[02:38:14] Chattanooga by creating an ecosystem of holistic support that empowers
[02:38:16] holistic support that empowers individuals, strengthens families,
[02:38:18] individuals, strengthens families, improves public health outcomes, and
[02:38:20] improves public health outcomes, and creates safer, more connected
[02:38:22] creates safer, more connected communities. This department is still in
[02:38:25] communities. This department is still in a building stage, so please keep that in
[02:38:27] a building stage, so please keep that in mind. But the momentum and impact are
[02:38:29] mind. But the momentum and impact are clear. As we move forward, it is
[02:38:31] clear. As we move forward, it is important that our investments remain
[02:38:33] important that our investments remain intentional so this work can continue to
[02:38:35] intentional so this work can continue to grow and meet the evolving needs of our
[02:38:37] grow and meet the evolving needs of our city. With that in mind, I turn it over
[02:38:39] city. With that in mind, I turn it over to the community development
[02:38:41] to the community development administrator to present the FY27
[02:38:43] administrator to present the FY27 budget.
[02:38:44] budget. >> Perfect. And I'll kind of run through
[02:38:46] >> Perfect. And I'll kind of run through the slides like we've been doing and
[02:38:48] the slides like we've been doing and then Cedric see.
[02:38:50] then Cedric see. >> Um, good. So their their budget in total
[02:38:54] >> Um, good. So their their budget in total was a a decrease of right around
[02:38:56] was a a decrease of right around $134,000.
[02:38:58] $134,000. Uh salaries and benefits was up 385,000.
[02:39:02] Uh salaries and benefits was up 385,000. That was five new positions added. And
[02:39:05] That was five new positions added. And then they also had the cola and the
[02:39:07] then they also had the cola and the benefits change.
[02:39:09] benefits change. Um on the operations side, they had a
[02:39:12] Um on the operations side, they had a reduction of um right at $520,000.
[02:39:16] reduction of um right at $520,000. uh 325 of that was um RFPs, those
[02:39:20] uh 325 of that was um RFPs, those four-year contracts that were up and now
[02:39:22] four-year contracts that were up and now have moved to that $4 million bucket
[02:39:24] have moved to that $4 million bucket that we chatted about earlier. Um and
[02:39:27] that we chatted about earlier. Um and then in, if you'll remember in September
[02:39:29] then in, if you'll remember in September when we did the budget amendment, we
[02:39:32] when we did the budget amendment, we designated $500,000 to expand um the
[02:39:39] designated $500,000 to expand um the gun prevention, what is what is the
[02:39:41] gun prevention, what is what is the phrase I'm looking for? um violence
[02:39:44] phrase I'm looking for? um violence >> violence interrupter expansion of that.
[02:39:47] >> violence interrupter expansion of that. And so when we put that budget into the
[02:39:49] And so when we put that budget into the system in 26, we kind of put it in one
[02:39:51] system in 26, we kind of put it in one line item cuz we weren't exactly sure
[02:39:53] line item cuz we weren't exactly sure was it personnel, was it operations, it
[02:39:54] was it personnel, was it operations, it was going to be some mix of the two. So
[02:39:56] was going to be some mix of the two. So we put that in one line in their budget
[02:39:58] we put that in one line in their budget in 26. In 27, that line is gone and now
[02:40:01] in 26. In 27, that line is gone and now that has been moved to kind of personnel
[02:40:03] that has been moved to kind of personnel and other areas where they anticipate
[02:40:05] and other areas where they anticipate using those funds, right? So the money's
[02:40:07] using those funds, right? So the money's not gone. has been reallocated to
[02:40:09] not gone. has been reallocated to instead of having it in one line item
[02:40:11] instead of having it in one line item like it was in 26, it's now in salaries
[02:40:13] like it was in 26, it's now in salaries or in in employment agencies or in um
[02:40:17] or in in employment agencies or in um other operations programs uh services.
[02:40:19] other operations programs uh services. So So you'll see the $500,000 going
[02:40:22] So So you'll see the $500,000 going away. It's really just a reallocation of
[02:40:24] away. It's really just a reallocation of that money cuz when we booked in 26, we
[02:40:26] that money cuz when we booked in 26, we didn't know exactly where it was going
[02:40:28] didn't know exactly where it was going to be spent and now we have an idea of
[02:40:29] to be spent and now we have an idea of where to put that in the budget. Uh and
[02:40:32] where to put that in the budget. Uh and then you'll see employment agencies
[02:40:34] then you'll see employment agencies increase 250,000 and a portion of that
[02:40:36] increase 250,000 and a portion of that is related to that gun violence
[02:40:38] is related to that gun violence prevention expansion.
[02:40:40] prevention expansion. Um again position changes. We have three
[02:40:42] Um again position changes. We have three new positions uh in this budget. Uh
[02:40:45] new positions uh in this budget. Uh three assistant directors of community
[02:40:47] three assistant directors of community centers, a lifeguard and a manager of
[02:40:50] centers, a lifeguard and a manager of community safety and community safety
[02:40:52] community safety and community safety and gun violence prevention.
[02:40:55] and gun violence prevention. >> So I'll pause for a minute.
[02:40:57] >> So I'll pause for a minute. >> All right. So, Councilman Elliot
[02:41:00] >> All right. So, Councilman Elliot >> Cedric, can you describe a little bit
[02:41:02] >> Cedric, can you describe a little bit more the um
[02:41:05] more the um the scope of work for these new
[02:41:06] the scope of work for these new assistant directors? And thank you for
[02:41:08] assistant directors? And thank you for that, Councilman. Yes. And so, so these
[02:41:10] that, Councilman. Yes. And so, so these positions, it's while in this year's
[02:41:13] positions, it's while in this year's budget, it will look like new positions.
[02:41:16] budget, it will look like new positions. This is something that a level of
[02:41:17] This is something that a level of leadership that has historically been
[02:41:19] leadership that has historically been inside of the Department of Community
[02:41:21] inside of the Department of Community Development. Um it's it's right now what
[02:41:24] Development. Um it's it's right now what we have. uh we we we had uh some
[02:41:28] we have. uh we we we had uh some positions that were there that have have
[02:41:30] positions that were there that have have been pulled and what we've saw is
[02:41:33] been pulled and what we've saw is essentially a 19:1 ratio to where all of
[02:41:36] essentially a 19:1 ratio to where all of our community center managers are
[02:41:38] our community center managers are reporting directly to the deputy
[02:41:40] reporting directly to the deputy administrator. Uh and so what this is
[02:41:42] administrator. Uh and so what this is what this is essentially has done is is
[02:41:45] what this is essentially has done is is really took uh you know executive level
[02:41:47] really took uh you know executive level and strategic leadership you know the
[02:41:50] and strategic leadership you know the why uh and now has the deputy
[02:41:52] why uh and now has the deputy administrator really into the tactical
[02:41:54] administrator really into the tactical day-to-day firefighting of the how uh
[02:41:57] day-to-day firefighting of the how uh things are getting done. Uh and so what
[02:41:59] things are getting done. Uh and so what we're trying to do is just rightsize
[02:42:01] we're trying to do is just rightsize through this realignment. Uh we we kind
[02:42:03] through this realignment. Uh we we kind of I spoke about it uh in in a previous
[02:42:06] of I spoke about it uh in in a previous um in a previous uh discussion with you
[02:42:09] um in a previous uh discussion with you all at council on what the
[02:42:11] all at council on what the reorganization of the or of community
[02:42:13] reorganization of the or of community development look like. And this was a
[02:42:15] development look like. And this was a critical piece of it because uh what
[02:42:17] critical piece of it because uh what we're end up doing is it's just really
[02:42:19] we're end up doing is it's just really slowing down some of the operational
[02:42:20] slowing down some of the operational efficiencies inside of the department by
[02:42:23] efficiencies inside of the department by not having this level of leadership. Uh
[02:42:25] not having this level of leadership. Uh and now bringing that back. What it'll
[02:42:27] and now bringing that back. What it'll do is basically put uh two community
[02:42:30] do is basically put uh two community resource hubs and four community centers
[02:42:33] resource hubs and four community centers uh in a region and then we'll
[02:42:34] uh in a region and then we'll essentially have three regional managers
[02:42:36] essentially have three regional managers throughout the city that are that are
[02:42:38] throughout the city that are that are managing the uh community centers as
[02:42:40] managing the uh community centers as well.
[02:42:41] well. >> So if I can if I'm describing the or
[02:42:45] >> So if I can if I'm describing the or chart all the centers fall under the
[02:42:47] chart all the centers fall under the deputy correct
[02:42:49] deputy correct >> and then under the deputy there will be
[02:42:52] >> and then under the deputy there will be three new assistant directors.
[02:42:54] three new assistant directors. >> Correct. Correct. each representing x
[02:42:57] >> Correct. Correct. each representing x amount of community centers.
[02:43:01] amount of community centers. >> Okay. And so so currently and for for
[02:43:06] >> Okay. And so so currently and for for many of the of organizations within the
[02:43:08] many of the of organizations within the city, the deputy administrator controls
[02:43:10] city, the deputy administrator controls division directors across all of our all
[02:43:13] division directors across all of our all of our departments, the deputy has
[02:43:15] of our departments, the deputy has divisions. Uh the deputy has divisions
[02:43:18] divisions. Uh the deputy has divisions in community development, but oh by the
[02:43:20] in community development, but oh by the way, this level of leadership was
[02:43:22] way, this level of leadership was stripped out in in a previous
[02:43:23] stripped out in in a previous reorganization. And so now it created to
[02:43:26] reorganization. And so now it created to where you have division directors and
[02:43:29] where you have division directors and this long line of managers that are also
[02:43:31] this long line of managers that are also reporting to to the deputy
[02:43:33] reporting to to the deputy administrator. So, you know, the deputy
[02:43:34] administrator. So, you know, the deputy administrator currently has 24 direct
[02:43:37] administrator currently has 24 direct reports. and just from being able to
[02:43:40] reports. and just from being able to truly wrap um uh arms around our
[02:43:43] truly wrap um uh arms around our community centers and provide you know
[02:43:46] community centers and provide you know good oversight and leadership there's a
[02:43:49] good oversight and leadership there's a there's a gap there that has to be
[02:43:50] there's a gap there that has to be shorter.
[02:43:51] shorter. >> What is their responsibilities going to
[02:43:53] >> What is their responsibilities going to be and how many roughly will each one be
[02:43:56] be and how many roughly will each one be managing
[02:43:58] managing >> in terms of
[02:43:59] >> in terms of >> assistant directors? So, so three will
[02:44:02] >> assistant directors? So, so three will two will uh have six and then one will
[02:44:05] two will uh have six and then one will have seven to to include the senior
[02:44:07] have seven to to include the senior center uh of community centers. So,
[02:44:09] center uh of community centers. So, that's that's how many direct reports
[02:44:11] that's that's how many direct reports they'll have which is by HR business
[02:44:13] they'll have which is by HR business practice what we what we look to try and
[02:44:15] practice what we what we look to try and have. Okay.
[02:44:16] have. Okay. >> About seven seven direct reports.
[02:44:18] >> About seven seven direct reports. >> What is their responsibilities going to
[02:44:19] >> What is their responsibilities going to be? So their responsibilities will
[02:44:21] be? So their responsibilities will really start focusing in on, you know,
[02:44:23] really start focusing in on, you know, that that overarching programming, you
[02:44:26] that that overarching programming, you know, being able to ensure as we look at
[02:44:28] know, being able to ensure as we look at building out how we do programming and
[02:44:30] building out how we do programming and and turn that to where it's really more
[02:44:32] and turn that to where it's really more outcomebased programming, uh they'll
[02:44:34] outcomebased programming, uh they'll they'll be able to to to really drive
[02:44:36] they'll be able to to to really drive that home. They're also looking at, you
[02:44:38] that home. They're also looking at, you know, the daily maintenance partnering
[02:44:40] know, the daily maintenance partnering with facilities management, being able
[02:44:42] with facilities management, being able to make sure that, you know, all of the
[02:44:43] to make sure that, you know, all of the projects that are happening inside of
[02:44:45] projects that are happening inside of the facility, uh, they're doing those as
[02:44:47] the facility, uh, they're doing those as well. It's it's still leading and
[02:44:50] well. It's it's still leading and guiding, you know, those community
[02:44:52] guiding, you know, those community center managers from one-on-one
[02:44:53] center managers from one-on-one perspective. Uh and and then taking
[02:44:55] perspective. Uh and and then taking those, you know, just being that
[02:44:57] those, you know, just being that strategical bridge of what we're doing
[02:44:59] strategical bridge of what we're doing in terms of of big projects and and uh
[02:45:02] in terms of of big projects and and uh um strategic guidance that we're
[02:45:04] um strategic guidance that we're bringing down, being able to translate
[02:45:06] bringing down, being able to translate that into the how um into those centers
[02:45:09] that into the how um into those centers so that everybody's on on the same sheet
[02:45:11] so that everybody's on on the same sheet of music. We we found that we've created
[02:45:14] of music. We we found that we've created some silos by having so many community
[02:45:16] some silos by having so many community center managers. You know, 19 community
[02:45:18] center managers. You know, 19 community center managers directing up to one.
[02:45:20] center managers directing up to one. We've created some silos within
[02:45:22] We've created some silos within community centers as well. And so, this
[02:45:24] community centers as well. And so, this level of leadership will help kind of
[02:45:26] level of leadership will help kind of dissolve some of that. And
[02:45:27] dissolve some of that. And >> just for clarity, this these assistant
[02:45:30] >> just for clarity, this these assistant directors will be driving programming,
[02:45:32] directors will be driving programming, not the actual center managers. Correct.
[02:45:36] not the actual center managers. Correct. Uh no they they'll be driving they'll be
[02:45:39] Uh no they they'll be driving they'll be driving the work that the center
[02:45:41] driving the work that the center managers are doing as well or supporting
[02:45:43] managers are doing as well or supporting you know the the center managers in
[02:45:45] you know the the center managers in their work as well.
[02:45:46] their work as well. >> The reason I asked a series of questions
[02:45:50] >> The reason I asked a series of questions you know we were in a position a couple
[02:45:52] you know we were in a position a couple years ago where this department had a
[02:45:54] years ago where this department had a ton of bureaucracy and just a lot of
[02:45:56] ton of bureaucracy and just a lot of positions with not a lot of clear work
[02:45:59] positions with not a lot of clear work product. And I just don't want us to
[02:46:02] product. And I just don't want us to fall back in the position where we have
[02:46:04] fall back in the position where we have a whole lot of folks with a lot of I can
[02:46:08] a whole lot of folks with a lot of I can I know what the center manager is making
[02:46:11] I know what the center manager is making and I know these positions are probably
[02:46:12] and I know these positions are probably going to be knocking on six figures or
[02:46:15] going to be knocking on six figures or close to it and those roles. I just want
[02:46:17] close to it and those roles. I just want to make sure that if we're going to
[02:46:19] to make sure that if we're going to support the the work that there's work
[02:46:24] support the the work that there's work to do and you don't have a whole bunch
[02:46:26] to do and you don't have a whole bunch of people with six centers sitting back
[02:46:30] of people with six centers sitting back have nothing to do
[02:46:32] have nothing to do >> or even micromanaging even more the
[02:46:35] >> or even micromanaging even more the people we've entrusted to lead the
[02:46:36] people we've entrusted to lead the actual centers. You see what I'm saying?
[02:46:37] actual centers. You see what I'm saying? >> I do. I do. And and and I I appreciate
[02:46:40] >> I do. I do. And and and I I appreciate that, Councilman, because you know,
[02:46:43] that, Councilman, because you know, the pace that the department is is is is
[02:46:46] the pace that the department is is is is going uh going towards and the
[02:46:48] going uh going towards and the trajectory that that that I'm saying
[02:46:50] trajectory that that that I'm saying this is where we this is where we need
[02:46:52] this is where we this is where we need to be. Uh I I think it's important to
[02:46:55] to be. Uh I I think it's important to understand that community center
[02:46:57] understand that community center managers are going to be asked to do
[02:46:59] managers are going to be asked to do more than they've done they've had to be
[02:47:01] more than they've done they've had to be asked to do in a long time. Uh and and
[02:47:03] asked to do in a long time. Uh and and because of that, being able to create
[02:47:05] because of that, being able to create some of that, you know, support
[02:47:07] some of that, you know, support structure is going to be important for
[02:47:09] structure is going to be important for us to be able to do. Uh because they are
[02:47:11] us to be able to do. Uh because they are they are really going to be what they're
[02:47:14] they are really going to be what they're great at being able to look inside and
[02:47:16] great at being able to look inside and handle the dayto-day. Uh but but how we
[02:47:20] handle the dayto-day. Uh but but how we bring in partners, how we bring in uh
[02:47:23] bring in partners, how we bring in uh you know, Blue Cross Blue Shield has a a
[02:47:25] you know, Blue Cross Blue Shield has a a great wellness program that we want at
[02:47:27] great wellness program that we want at this community center. uh and and
[02:47:29] this community center. uh and and keeping those and keeping those
[02:47:31] keeping those and keeping those partnerships intact and keeping those
[02:47:33] partnerships intact and keeping those more uh partnerships built. You know
[02:47:35] more uh partnerships built. You know who's doing that? Me having the
[02:47:37] who's doing that? Me having the expectation that one of my community
[02:47:39] expectation that one of my community center managers can manage the dayto-day
[02:47:42] center managers can manage the dayto-day at the same time be able to you know
[02:47:43] at the same time be able to you know build some of those relationships, keep
[02:47:45] build some of those relationships, keep those going, understand what's going on
[02:47:47] those going, understand what's going on inside of the high schools, uh you know,
[02:47:49] inside of the high schools, uh you know, in their areas and being able to have
[02:47:51] in their areas and being able to have that that communication piece there. All
[02:47:53] that that communication piece there. All of that is going to be kind of built in
[02:47:55] of that is going to be kind of built in and shared in the responsibilities of of
[02:47:57] and shared in the responsibilities of of different leaders. So it just allows us
[02:47:59] different leaders. So it just allows us to be able to again take those you know
[02:48:02] to be able to again take those you know strategic you know initiatives and
[02:48:03] strategic you know initiatives and objectives that we have and then build
[02:48:05] objectives that we have and then build that bridge to translate that into the
[02:48:08] that bridge to translate that into the what and how that's being that that's
[02:48:10] what and how that's being that that's being handled on the ground level.
[02:48:12] being handled on the ground level. >> Okay. Last thing I just um this manager
[02:48:15] >> Okay. Last thing I just um this manager of community safety and gun violence is
[02:48:17] of community safety and gun violence is that grant funded?
[02:48:19] that grant funded? >> No, that will be general fund.
[02:48:20] >> No, that will be general fund. >> Okay. And so th those are the dollars we
[02:48:24] >> Okay. And so th those are the dollars we talked about the reallocation. Those are
[02:48:26] talked about the reallocation. Those are the dollars from that reallocation to to
[02:48:28] the dollars from that reallocation to to uh pay for that position. And that
[02:48:30] uh pay for that position. And that manager position is in support of uh us
[02:48:34] manager position is in support of uh us expanding the violence interruptors uh
[02:48:37] expanding the violence interruptors uh throughout the city. Just taking them
[02:48:38] throughout the city. Just taking them out of that typical corridor and then
[02:48:40] out of that typical corridor and then spreading it out. That manager will be
[02:48:42] spreading it out. That manager will be in support.
[02:48:44] in support. >> Thank you. Okay.
[02:48:45] >> Thank you. Okay. >> All right. Council, any other questions?
[02:48:47] >> All right. Council, any other questions? Is it
[02:48:47] Is it >> council Harvey? Is that with the 423
[02:48:50] >> council Harvey? Is that with the 423 chain breakers? Correct. Okay. Y
[02:48:53] chain breakers? Correct. Okay. Y >> right. Yes. Council,
[02:48:55] >> right. Yes. Council, >> I'll yield to Councilwoman.
[02:48:56] >> I'll yield to Councilwoman. >> Okay. Councilwoman Hill, followed by
[02:48:58] >> Okay. Councilwoman Hill, followed by Council McLar. Thank you. So, Weston,
[02:49:01] Council McLar. Thank you. So, Weston, I'm I'm confused about
[02:49:05] I'm I'm confused about our community health and our gun
[02:49:08] our community health and our gun violence prevention because they they've
[02:49:10] violence prevention because they they've been moved out of line items. Tell me
[02:49:13] been moved out of line items. Tell me what the administration's vision is for
[02:49:15] what the administration's vision is for this and where they live now.
[02:49:18] this and where they live now. So the community health lives currently
[02:49:21] So the community health lives currently in community development. That was done
[02:49:24] in community development. That was done in an amendment last year um in FY26
[02:49:30] in an amendment last year um in FY26 really after the the first amendment.
[02:49:34] really after the the first amendment. >> Okay. Um,
[02:49:34] >> Okay. Um, >> so does that is that it's not considered
[02:49:37] >> so does that is that it's not considered a division anymore of community
[02:49:39] a division anymore of community development? Like as I look at this
[02:49:41] development? Like as I look at this list, community centers, office of
[02:49:43] list, community centers, office of community of family empowerment and
[02:49:45] community of family empowerment and community health is a division or no,
[02:49:48] community health is a division or no, >> it's a division.
[02:49:49] >> it's a division. >> Okay. Okay. And then the gun violence
[02:49:53] >> Okay. Okay. And then the gun violence was in community health.
[02:49:54] was in community health. >> It's in community health.
[02:49:55] >> It's in community health. >> Still in community health.
[02:49:56] >> Still in community health. >> Yes. Is a part of that division.
[02:49:59] >> Okay.
[02:50:03] >> Okay. because moving from administration
[02:50:06] >> Okay. because moving from administration all over the place. Okay, that's very
[02:50:08] all over the place. Okay, that's very helpful. So the growth then in the
[02:50:11] helpful. So the growth then in the administration
[02:50:13] administration line the 388 in that growth that is
[02:50:16] line the 388 in that growth that is because of these three new
[02:50:19] because of these three new middle managers
[02:50:22] middle managers >> the um
[02:50:24] >> the um >> the the I'm sorry I didn't have the
[02:50:26] >> the the I'm sorry I didn't have the exact name of what you're calling them.
[02:50:28] exact name of what you're calling them. Are you on
[02:50:30] Are you on >> I'm looking at the B177 just broken down
[02:50:34] >> I'm looking at the B177 just broken down because when I look at the when I look
[02:50:36] because when I look at the when I look at the general I studied the entire
[02:50:40] at the general I studied the entire ordinance first to kind of get the
[02:50:42] ordinance first to kind of get the bigger view and so I saw that
[02:50:43] bigger view and so I saw that administration was up almost 400,000
[02:50:48] administration was up almost 400,000 >> and so what I think I'm understanding is
[02:50:50] >> and so what I think I'm understanding is that that is for the three new middle
[02:50:52] that that is for the three new middle managers
[02:50:53] managers >> and and it's it's also some of this what
[02:50:56] >> and and it's it's also some of this what you'll see changes is also bringing
[02:50:59] you'll see changes is also bringing personnel from the reorg from last
[02:51:01] personnel from the reorg from last year's from FY26 budget. Uh bringing
[02:51:04] year's from FY26 budget. Uh bringing those individuals inside of of our
[02:51:07] those individuals inside of of our budget as well. So it's it's some folks
[02:51:10] budget as well. So it's it's some folks that had moved around internally uh that
[02:51:13] that had moved around internally uh that we we shifted. For instance, um
[02:51:16] we we shifted. For instance, um executive assistant and Kim and Kim uh
[02:51:19] executive assistant and Kim and Kim uh you know, she's my executive assistant
[02:51:20] you know, she's my executive assistant now. She was under community engagement.
[02:51:22] now. She was under community engagement. I moved her over into administration and
[02:51:26] I moved her over into administration and so now she sits her position rest inside
[02:51:29] so now she sits her position rest inside of administration as well.
[02:51:30] of administration as well. >> Okay. So the
[02:51:34] >> Okay. So the line the community safety and gun
[02:51:37] line the community safety and gun violence prevention has gone down by
[02:51:40] violence prevention has gone down by 225,000
[02:51:42] 225,000 give or take and we said that we're
[02:51:45] give or take and we said that we're moving 500.
[02:51:47] moving 500. We brought our community engagement line
[02:51:49] We brought our community engagement line down by 410. So what's you were saying
[02:51:53] down by 410. So what's you were saying that y'all were peacemealing it into
[02:51:55] that y'all were peacemealing it into different things. So Cedric, can you
[02:51:56] different things. So Cedric, can you help me understand?
[02:51:58] help me understand? >> Yeah. So where the uh community safety
[02:52:00] >> Yeah. So where the uh community safety and gun violence dollars ended up uh
[02:52:03] and gun violence dollars ended up uh being spread out, that 500,000
[02:52:05] being spread out, that 500,000 allocation specifically went to space
[02:52:08] allocation specifically went to space costs. There are some space cost lines
[02:52:10] costs. There are some space cost lines that that have now increased uh by that.
[02:52:13] that that have now increased uh by that. Uh employee agencies uh temp employment
[02:52:16] Uh employee agencies uh temp employment agencies uh got the bulk of those
[02:52:18] agencies uh got the bulk of those dollars. Uh and then we also um uh put
[02:52:22] dollars. Uh and then we also um uh put the the about 117 for the actual gun
[02:52:25] the the about 117 for the actual gun violence position uh prevention manager
[02:52:28] violence position uh prevention manager position. Uh and then the remaining of
[02:52:30] position. Uh and then the remaining of it went to program expenses that they'll
[02:52:32] it went to program expenses that they'll be doing inside it.
[02:52:33] be doing inside it. >> So how will our gun violence
[02:52:36] >> So how will our gun violence safety
[02:52:37] safety gun violence prevention team how will
[02:52:40] gun violence prevention team how will they use temporary employees?
[02:52:44] they use temporary employees? >> Uh that's what that is how we'll hire.
[02:52:46] >> Uh that's what that is how we'll hire. So, it will be no new positions added
[02:52:49] So, it will be no new positions added for that that uh those violence
[02:52:51] for that that uh those violence interrupterss. They will be hired
[02:52:53] interrupterss. They will be hired through the temp agency.
[02:52:54] through the temp agency. >> That's part of it. I M's not in here and
[02:52:56] >> That's part of it. I M's not in here and Kevin might be able to speak to it, but
[02:52:58] Kevin might be able to speak to it, but I think there the city has some rules
[02:53:00] I think there the city has some rules around background checks and different
[02:53:02] around background checks and different things when we do hiring. And so, some
[02:53:03] things when we do hiring. And so, some of the folks that we're employing in
[02:53:05] of the folks that we're employing in these roles don't quite meet those
[02:53:06] these roles don't quite meet those because of just the timeline of their
[02:53:09] because of just the timeline of their their p because of their past. And so,
[02:53:10] their p because of their past. And so, we have to go through this employment
[02:53:12] we have to go through this employment agency process.
[02:53:13] agency process. >> Okay, that makes sense. Okay.
[02:53:16] >> Okay, that makes sense. Okay. Okay. And then in the um individual line
[02:53:20] Okay. And then in the um individual line items for the centers, what what do
[02:53:23] items for the centers, what what do those costs represent? Is that
[02:53:24] those costs represent? Is that utilities? What is that?
[02:53:26] utilities? What is that? >> Yes, it is. It is um councilwoman. That
[02:53:30] >> Yes, it is. It is um councilwoman. That is a makeup of not only utilities, but
[02:53:32] is a makeup of not only utilities, but also program expenses are inside of
[02:53:34] also program expenses are inside of there. Uh both recreational equipment
[02:53:36] there. Uh both recreational equipment and recreational services are included
[02:53:39] and recreational services are included uh in those numbers as well.
[02:53:45] Okay. The other thing I wanted to thank
[02:53:47] Okay. The other thing I wanted to thank you for that those specifics. The other
[02:53:49] you for that those specifics. The other thing I wanted to um better understand
[02:53:53] thing I wanted to um better understand is
[02:53:55] is what you're thinking about for um
[02:53:59] what you're thinking about for um how you want to evolve. Um because
[02:54:02] how you want to evolve. Um because certainly how our community used a
[02:54:05] certainly how our community used a community center 40 years ago is
[02:54:07] community center 40 years ago is different 50 and 60 years ago is
[02:54:10] different 50 and 60 years ago is different than it is now. And I thought
[02:54:12] different than it is now. And I thought I'd like to better understand
[02:54:14] I'd like to better understand um which are the six community centers
[02:54:17] um which are the six community centers that will be community resource hubs and
[02:54:19] that will be community resource hubs and then what this um virtual classes is all
[02:54:24] then what this um virtual classes is all about.
[02:54:24] about. >> Okay. Uh yeah, thank you for that,
[02:54:26] >> Okay. Uh yeah, thank you for that, Councilwoman. Uh and so, you know, the
[02:54:29] Councilwoman. Uh and so, you know, the department of community development, you
[02:54:31] department of community development, you know, we we I've had conversations with
[02:54:33] know, we we I've had conversations with folks and when I ask what do you think
[02:54:34] folks and when I ask what do you think when when you talk about community
[02:54:36] when when you talk about community development, some will say, well, you
[02:54:38] development, some will say, well, you know, that's the place where we go shoot
[02:54:39] know, that's the place where we go shoot basketball. Someone says we're going to
[02:54:41] basketball. Someone says we're going to hang out, you know, and then what what
[02:54:43] hang out, you know, and then what what the staff is doing inside of those
[02:54:45] the staff is doing inside of those buildings. Um and and so, you know, I've
[02:54:48] buildings. Um and and so, you know, I've charged the team with one simple mantra,
[02:54:50] charged the team with one simple mantra, community support reimagine. And so what
[02:54:53] community support reimagine. And so what we're looking at doing is really going
[02:54:55] we're looking at doing is really going back to human centered services. Uh and
[02:54:58] back to human centered services. Uh and so for community development, you know,
[02:55:00] so for community development, you know, there there's a couple of things that
[02:55:01] there there's a couple of things that we're laser focused on. Uh external for
[02:55:05] we're laser focused on. Uh external for us, it's it's the power and
[02:55:06] us, it's it's the power and partnerships. We understand that we
[02:55:08] partnerships. We understand that we don't necessarily have the capacity to
[02:55:11] don't necessarily have the capacity to be able to come in the building, do
[02:55:14] be able to come in the building, do recreation, and then turn around and
[02:55:16] recreation, and then turn around and give a resume class and then turn around
[02:55:19] give a resume class and then turn around and give a cooking class. Me having a
[02:55:21] and give a cooking class. Me having a program uh a specialist that can do all
[02:55:24] program uh a specialist that can do all of those things is not realistic. So,
[02:55:26] of those things is not realistic. So, the power and partnership is going to be
[02:55:27] the power and partnership is going to be be the way that we really model and
[02:55:30] be the way that we really model and shape our resource uh or our uh
[02:55:32] shape our resource uh or our uh community centers moving forward. And so
[02:55:34] community centers moving forward. And so it's it's about going out there and
[02:55:37] it's it's about going out there and finding what we see as a resource rich
[02:55:40] finding what we see as a resource rich city and nonprofit and community action
[02:55:43] city and nonprofit and community action agencies that are chomping at the bit to
[02:55:45] agencies that are chomping at the bit to do good work in the city. Uh and so
[02:55:47] do good work in the city. Uh and so bringing them into our community centers
[02:55:49] bringing them into our community centers is is goal one to kind of really get
[02:55:52] is is goal one to kind of really get give well-rounded a well-roundedness to
[02:55:54] give well-rounded a well-roundedness to our um our community center programming.
[02:55:58] our um our community center programming. Uh but but then when it comes to
[02:55:59] Uh but but then when it comes to programming, what we want to be able to
[02:56:01] programming, what we want to be able to do is be an outcomebased organization.
[02:56:04] do is be an outcomebased organization. And so, you know, I I've I've had
[02:56:07] And so, you know, I I've I've had several conversations uh with with
[02:56:09] several conversations uh with with folks. And what we need to be able to do
[02:56:11] folks. And what we need to be able to do is say we didn't just do a program
[02:56:13] is say we didn't just do a program because it brought a lot of people to
[02:56:15] because it brought a lot of people to it. We need to be able to do a program
[02:56:17] it. We need to be able to do a program because it it had a real impact. And so
[02:56:20] because it it had a real impact. And so so you know uh we've revamped how
[02:56:23] so you know uh we've revamped how programming is submitted uh to the
[02:56:26] programming is submitted uh to the administration. Uh and so now you know
[02:56:29] administration. Uh and so now you know community center managers have the
[02:56:30] community center managers have the responsibility to really spell out first
[02:56:34] responsibility to really spell out first in understanding what the community
[02:56:35] in understanding what the community needs. You know what are the desires and
[02:56:38] needs. You know what are the desires and and what are the needs of that community
[02:56:40] and what are the needs of that community and then when we see the need what type
[02:56:42] and then when we see the need what type of program can fill that gap. uh and
[02:56:44] of program can fill that gap. uh and then once we're able to do that, be able
[02:56:46] then once we're able to do that, be able to say after we do this, how does it
[02:56:49] to say after we do this, how does it better that group that we that we
[02:56:51] better that group that we that we attempted to target? And so, so those
[02:56:54] attempted to target? And so, so those are some of the things that that we
[02:56:55] are some of the things that that we really need to to wrap our arms around
[02:56:58] really need to to wrap our arms around uh and be able to produce in a more uh
[02:57:00] uh and be able to produce in a more uh efficient manner within the department.
[02:57:02] efficient manner within the department. Uh and we've kind of laid out some
[02:57:04] Uh and we've kind of laid out some strategic milestones to be able to do
[02:57:05] strategic milestones to be able to do that. Um and then ultimately for the
[02:57:08] that. Um and then ultimately for the community resource hub, what we want to
[02:57:10] community resource hub, what we want to be able to do is create a model. We
[02:57:12] be able to do is create a model. We understand that that because of physical
[02:57:15] understand that that because of physical constraints, just space constraints, uh
[02:57:18] constraints, just space constraints, uh all of our community centers can't be
[02:57:19] all of our community centers can't be community resource hubs. So, the way
[02:57:22] community resource hubs. So, the way that we started this and being able to
[02:57:24] that we started this and being able to say, let's pilot a community resource
[02:57:26] say, let's pilot a community resource hub is we look for some of our larger
[02:57:28] hub is we look for some of our larger centers and that were in demographics
[02:57:31] centers and that were in demographics that definitely needed, you know, a lot
[02:57:33] that definitely needed, you know, a lot of that human center programming. Uh and
[02:57:35] of that human center programming. Uh and so right now we have, you know, in uh
[02:57:38] so right now we have, you know, in uh East Lake is currently being piloted. uh
[02:57:40] East Lake is currently being piloted. uh South Chattanooga, uh Aendale, Carver,
[02:57:44] South Chattanooga, uh Aendale, Carver, uh Hixon, and then uh uh the Chris
[02:57:47] uh Hixon, and then uh uh the Chris Ramsey are all going to be, you know,
[02:57:49] Ramsey are all going to be, you know, our initials as community resource hubs.
[02:57:52] our initials as community resource hubs. Uh but we're looking to expand that. I
[02:57:54] Uh but we're looking to expand that. I want to be able we we're taking a a
[02:57:57] want to be able we we're taking a a close look at at John A. Patton. It's
[02:58:00] close look at at John A. Patton. It's it's on an island. So So being able to
[02:58:03] it's on an island. So So being able to to and they they got the space to do it
[02:58:05] to and they they got the space to do it to be able to say, "Okay, let's let's
[02:58:07] to be able to say, "Okay, let's let's invest in in John A. patent as being a
[02:58:09] invest in in John A. patent as being a community resource hub as well uh is is
[02:58:11] community resource hub as well uh is is is what we're finalizing now. And so
[02:58:14] is what we're finalizing now. And so that community resource hub, the big
[02:58:17] that community resource hub, the big difference between a community center
[02:58:19] difference between a community center and and a community resource hub is
[02:58:21] and and a community resource hub is simply um consistency to the public. Uh
[02:58:25] simply um consistency to the public. Uh the community resource hub will be
[02:58:27] the community resource hub will be required Monday through Friday that
[02:58:30] required Monday through Friday that there are four categories that we looked
[02:58:32] there are four categories that we looked at in community development. four
[02:58:33] at in community development. four buckets, if you will, health and
[02:58:35] buckets, if you will, health and wellness, uh, community support, social
[02:58:37] wellness, uh, community support, social service, education and workforce
[02:58:39] service, education and workforce development, and then recreation and
[02:58:41] development, and then recreation and quality of life, something we've been
[02:58:42] quality of life, something we've been doing great for for years. But out of
[02:58:44] doing great for for years. But out of those four buckets, what you'll know is
[02:58:46] those four buckets, what you'll know is every day you walk inside of a community
[02:58:48] every day you walk inside of a community center, a community resource hub, that
[02:58:51] center, a community resource hub, that will be happening. There will be a
[02:58:52] will be happening. There will be a program specifically for one of those
[02:58:55] program specifically for one of those four categories. So, very robust uh uh
[02:58:58] four categories. So, very robust uh uh programming um uh that's going to be
[02:59:00] programming um uh that's going to be happening inside of our community
[02:59:01] happening inside of our community resource hub. And then on top of that,
[02:59:03] resource hub. And then on top of that, we're going to invest in what we call
[02:59:06] we're going to invest in what we call resource row. Uh you'll see some dollars
[02:59:08] resource row. Uh you'll see some dollars in our capital uh that that we're we're
[02:59:11] in our capital uh that that we're we're looking to to uh invest in resource row.
[02:59:14] looking to to uh invest in resource row. And what resource row is even with the
[02:59:17] And what resource row is even with the physical constraints of a community
[02:59:19] physical constraints of a community center, what we're able to do is tap
[02:59:21] center, what we're able to do is tap into the virtual space. And so resource
[02:59:24] into the virtual space. And so resource role will be a makeup of kiosk uh uh uh
[02:59:27] role will be a makeup of kiosk uh uh uh you know computer stations and so on and
[02:59:29] you know computer stations and so on and so forth uh that we're able to activate
[02:59:31] so forth uh that we're able to activate and provide services through that
[02:59:34] and provide services through that virtual space uh whenever you come
[02:59:36] virtual space uh whenever you come inside of of a community resource hub.
[02:59:38] inside of of a community resource hub. Uh one one of the greatest you know
[02:59:40] Uh one one of the greatest you know benefits and and and um partnerships
[02:59:44] benefits and and and um partnerships that we have thus far is uh with the
[02:59:46] that we have thus far is uh with the state of Tennessee and a driver's
[02:59:48] state of Tennessee and a driver's license kiosk and so on a community
[02:59:50] license kiosk and so on a community resource hub. You don't have to go all
[02:59:51] resource hub. You don't have to go all the way to to, you know, Bunny Oaks or
[02:59:53] the way to to, you know, Bunny Oaks or or or wherever to to get your driver's
[02:59:55] or or wherever to to get your driver's license done. You can come to the
[02:59:57] license done. You can come to the community center and get your driver's
[02:59:59] community center and get your driver's license done right there. And so that's
[03:00:00] license done right there. And so that's what resource role will look like, you
[03:00:02] what resource role will look like, you know, uh bringing things like that
[03:00:04] know, uh bringing things like that inside of our community center to really
[03:00:06] inside of our community center to really give more teeth and backbone that
[03:00:08] give more teeth and backbone that separate kind of separates, you know,
[03:00:10] separate kind of separates, you know, what that looks like uh from a standard
[03:00:12] what that looks like uh from a standard community center to to our community
[03:00:14] community center to to our community resource center.
[03:00:15] resource center. >> Thank you. So one other question. So you
[03:00:17] >> Thank you. So one other question. So you mentioned Monday through Friday and this
[03:00:20] mentioned Monday through Friday and this is something that that I often hear from
[03:00:22] is something that that I often hear from community groups um in my district about
[03:00:26] community groups um in my district about access to the community centers. Um you
[03:00:29] access to the community centers. Um you know great great majority of our
[03:00:32] know great great majority of our community is committed in some other way
[03:00:34] community is committed in some other way from
[03:00:36] from 9:00
[03:00:38] 9:00 7:30 to 6:00 at night. Um and and so
[03:00:42] 7:30 to 6:00 at night. Um and and so they're looking for activities on
[03:00:46] they're looking for activities on Saturdays and Sundays. Um and and even
[03:00:48] Saturdays and Sundays. Um and and even later in the evenings um
[03:00:52] later in the evenings um for a typical
[03:00:54] for a typical salaried employee or hourly employee, I
[03:00:56] salaried employee or hourly employee, I would anticipate that we would run into
[03:00:58] would anticipate that we would run into some type of overtime situation. Is
[03:01:00] some type of overtime situation. Is there a different way that you're able
[03:01:01] there a different way that you're able to hire people so that they know that
[03:01:03] to hire people so that they know that their their job is working uh Tuesday
[03:01:08] their their job is working uh Tuesday through Sunday or Wednesday through
[03:01:10] through Sunday or Wednesday through Sunday? That is their work week.
[03:01:12] Sunday? That is their work week. >> Yes. Yeah. And and so I you know I say
[03:01:14] >> Yes. Yeah. And and so I you know I say it Monday through Friday comes we're
[03:01:16] it Monday through Friday comes we're actually open on Saturdays um a a long
[03:01:19] actually open on Saturdays um a a long period four hours on Saturday.
[03:01:23] period four hours on Saturday. And that's what really makes our our uh
[03:01:26] And that's what really makes our our uh personnel uh how we have to schedule
[03:01:30] personnel uh how we have to schedule very interesting because you know we're
[03:01:32] very interesting because you know we're we're already operating off a 6 day work
[03:01:35] we're already operating off a 6 day work week. Uh and then because of that uh all
[03:01:38] week. Uh and then because of that uh all of our centers at a minimum are open for
[03:01:41] of our centers at a minimum are open for 8 hours. Some of them are open up to 11
[03:01:43] 8 hours. Some of them are open up to 11 hours. So we we it it becomes a it
[03:01:47] hours. So we we it it becomes a it becomes a moving target on how managers
[03:01:50] becomes a moving target on how managers have to flex people's time in order to
[03:01:53] have to flex people's time in order to say hey not only are we you know our
[03:01:55] say hey not only are we you know our normal operating hours of Monday through
[03:01:57] normal operating hours of Monday through Friday uh we we have to stay open but oh
[03:02:00] Friday uh we we have to stay open but oh by the way who am I flexing this week to
[03:02:02] by the way who am I flexing this week to be able to to to be inside of the
[03:02:04] be able to to to be inside of the community center on Saturday uh as well
[03:02:07] community center on Saturday uh as well uh we definitely to explore how we do
[03:02:10] uh we definitely to explore how we do that better add additional hours on a
[03:02:13] that better add additional hours on a Saturday
[03:02:14] Saturday love to be able to to to look at uh
[03:02:16] love to be able to to to look at uh being able to do more of that and and we
[03:02:19] being able to do more of that and and we >> I guess that that's one of the things
[03:02:21] >> I guess that that's one of the things that really comes to mind for me about
[03:02:22] that really comes to mind for me about how I I hypothesize how we use our
[03:02:26] how I I hypothesize how we use our centers has changed. You know, I mean,
[03:02:28] centers has changed. You know, I mean, my two centers, the two centers in
[03:02:30] my two centers, the two centers in district 2 were both um probably packed
[03:02:33] district 2 were both um probably packed with kids um after school and in the
[03:02:35] with kids um after school and in the summer um 25, 30 years ago. And just
[03:02:40] summer um 25, 30 years ago. And just what children do and how they spend
[03:02:41] what children do and how they spend their time is different now. Um I would
[03:02:44] their time is different now. Um I would I would think that is similar in other
[03:02:46] I would think that is similar in other parts of the city as well. Um and it
[03:02:51] parts of the city as well. Um and it feels to me like we
[03:02:54] feels to me like we our hours need to reflect
[03:02:57] our hours need to reflect community support reimagined
[03:03:00] community support reimagined um and work backward from when our
[03:03:02] um and work backward from when our community needs them, not from our how
[03:03:04] community needs them, not from our how we've done it. You know, just just some
[03:03:06] we've done it. You know, just just some thoughts. Um, I know that um a previous
[03:03:11] thoughts. Um, I know that um a previous community development chairperson was
[03:03:13] community development chairperson was was frustrated at um getting solid
[03:03:17] was frustrated at um getting solid feedback on like progress. So, are we
[03:03:22] feedback on like progress. So, are we headed in a better direction now to get
[03:03:26] headed in a better direction now to get good feedback from community
[03:03:28] good feedback from community development? Abs.
[03:03:28] development? Abs. >> Absolutely.
[03:03:29] >> Absolutely. >> You've been in the chair now more than a
[03:03:31] >> You've been in the chair now more than a year, right?
[03:03:33] year, right? I I was confirmed in October, but I've
[03:03:35] I I was confirmed in October, but I've been I had I had a little time to be
[03:03:36] been I had I had a little time to be able to to uh start I got a running
[03:03:40] able to to uh start I got a running start to see see what was what was going
[03:03:41] start to see see what was what was going on. Uh but but yes, um Councilwoman, we
[03:03:45] on. Uh but but yes, um Councilwoman, we we we came in and and being able to look
[03:03:48] we we came in and and being able to look across, you know, uh different files and
[03:03:51] across, you know, uh different files and how we've done it in the past and um and
[03:03:54] how we've done it in the past and um and really what I was looking for was
[03:03:56] really what I was looking for was where's the meat on the bone? you know,
[03:03:57] where's the meat on the bone? you know, I I mean, we did a great job in being
[03:03:59] I I mean, we did a great job in being able to say how many people came through
[03:04:01] able to say how many people came through the door. You know, we did a great job
[03:04:03] the door. You know, we did a great job in and you know, uh some of the numbers
[03:04:05] in and you know, uh some of the numbers that we have uh just attendance uh but
[03:04:09] that we have uh just attendance uh but again, you know, shifting to to become
[03:04:12] again, you know, shifting to to become an outcomebased organization is a
[03:04:14] an outcomebased organization is a cultural shift. it is. You know, I I was
[03:04:17] cultural shift. it is. You know, I I was uh talking to a a uh a council person
[03:04:21] uh talking to a a uh a council person and and and was telling them about, you
[03:04:23] and and and was telling them about, you know, after this meeting today, I'll be
[03:04:26] know, after this meeting today, I'll be meeting with an individual that that's
[03:04:27] meeting with an individual that that's that's looking to bring some financial
[03:04:30] that's looking to bring some financial uh readiness workshops inside of the
[03:04:32] uh readiness workshops inside of the community center. Um, and what
[03:04:35] community center. Um, and what outcomebased uh looks like is when we're
[03:04:38] outcomebased uh looks like is when we're done, I want to be able to say how many
[03:04:41] done, I want to be able to say how many people increased their credit score that
[03:04:44] people increased their credit score that came that came to this that that's
[03:04:46] came that came to this that that's that's outcome driven programming,
[03:04:48] that's outcome driven programming, right? And so so how we do that full
[03:04:51] right? And so so how we do that full transparency, it wasn't it wasn't it's
[03:04:54] transparency, it wasn't it wasn't it's not there currently. Um but but how we
[03:04:57] not there currently. Um but but how we do that moving forward, how we submit
[03:04:59] do that moving forward, how we submit programs and designate outcomes for it
[03:05:02] programs and designate outcomes for it is the standard for for community
[03:05:03] is the standard for for community development moving forward. Uh we've
[03:05:05] development moving forward. Uh we've also taken opportunity to to create what
[03:05:08] also taken opportunity to to create what we call a community community center uh
[03:05:11] we call a community community center uh report card. And so it's it's just an
[03:05:13] report card. And so it's it's just an assessment that quarterly every
[03:05:15] assessment that quarterly every community center will be graded. Uh and
[03:05:18] community center will be graded. Uh and inside of this uh that those community
[03:05:20] inside of this uh that those community centers a makeup of subject matter
[03:05:23] centers a makeup of subject matter experts within the city risk and safety
[03:05:25] experts within the city risk and safety will be on the team uh as well as
[03:05:27] will be on the team uh as well as community advisory committee members. So
[03:05:30] community advisory committee members. So our constituents will also uh be on that
[03:05:33] our constituents will also uh be on that team coming in and saying how we're
[03:05:35] team coming in and saying how we're doing inside you know what that looks
[03:05:37] doing inside you know what that looks like from an HR perspective from a
[03:05:39] like from an HR perspective from a programming perspective for cleanliness
[03:05:41] programming perspective for cleanliness of the facility all the things. uh we'll
[03:05:43] of the facility all the things. uh we'll be able to say uh how we're doing, not
[03:05:46] be able to say uh how we're doing, not to say gotcha, but just continue to to
[03:05:48] to say gotcha, but just continue to to to better ourselves uh with inside of
[03:05:51] to better ourselves uh with inside of our community center.
[03:05:52] our community center. >> Thank you very much. That's all madam
[03:05:53] >> Thank you very much. That's all madam chair. Thank you, Councilwoman Mu and
[03:05:54] chair. Thank you, Councilwoman Mu and Council Clark.
[03:05:55] Council Clark. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um I did have
[03:05:57] >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um I did have the pleasure in chairing this um
[03:06:00] the pleasure in chairing this um committee and thank you Councilwoman
[03:06:01] committee and thank you Councilwoman Dolly for taking over. And I do have
[03:06:03] Dolly for taking over. And I do have questions and concerns. Um, I do want to
[03:06:05] questions and concerns. Um, I do want to take us back to last year. Um, and to
[03:06:10] take us back to last year. Um, and to kind of give y'all a caffeine boost
[03:06:12] kind of give y'all a caffeine boost here. Last year, Chairwoman Hill, to
[03:06:15] here. Last year, Chairwoman Hill, to piggy back off of your statement about
[03:06:18] piggy back off of your statement about efficacy, right? And we know what that
[03:06:20] efficacy, right? And we know what that word means
[03:06:21] word means >> when we have a desire for a particular
[03:06:25] >> when we have a desire for a particular amount of results. And if you guys
[03:06:27] amount of results. And if you guys remember, Chip, I had the epic walk out
[03:06:29] remember, Chip, I had the epic walk out and made news channel. I was like, "Oh
[03:06:30] and made news channel. I was like, "Oh my god, it was over community
[03:06:31] my god, it was over community development." Um, and it wasn't because
[03:06:34] development." Um, and it wasn't because there was this perception that we wanted
[03:06:36] there was this perception that we wanted to cut community development, but we
[03:06:38] to cut community development, but we need community development to thrive. I
[03:06:41] need community development to thrive. I am a my family, we are victims of gun
[03:06:45] am a my family, we are victims of gun violence. I don't know if you guys
[03:06:46] violence. I don't know if you guys recall that my brother was murdered on
[03:06:47] recall that my brother was murdered on Glass Street. And so for me, it's a
[03:06:49] Glass Street. And so for me, it's a little personal and serving as the chair
[03:06:51] little personal and serving as the chair in this position, I am a little
[03:06:53] in this position, I am a little disappointed by some of the outcomes
[03:06:54] disappointed by some of the outcomes because we don't have them. And I
[03:06:56] because we don't have them. And I remember in my epic walk out if you guys
[03:06:58] remember in my epic walk out if you guys recall and even from the dis and
[03:07:01] recall and even from the dis and chairing the committee
[03:07:03] chairing the committee which sometimes y'all would gripe when
[03:07:05] which sometimes y'all would gripe when we had those consistent uh monthly
[03:07:08] we had those consistent uh monthly meetings jokingly I know but that was
[03:07:10] meetings jokingly I know but that was done on purpose so that we could
[03:07:11] done on purpose so that we could highlight the wonderful things that you
[03:07:14] highlight the wonderful things that you all were doing but
[03:07:17] all were doing but in order to do that you have to show the
[03:07:19] in order to do that you have to show the wonderful things that you're doing um
[03:07:21] wonderful things that you're doing um and what we call in in some of the
[03:07:23] and what we call in in some of the public I work in public health Okay, we
[03:07:26] public I work in public health Okay, we have to show what we're doing through
[03:07:29] have to show what we're doing through evidence-based practices. It is not
[03:07:31] evidence-based practices. It is not uncommon to ask for OKRs or to ask for
[03:07:34] uncommon to ask for OKRs or to ask for key performance indicators. And I
[03:07:36] key performance indicators. And I remember last year, Jenny, and everybody
[03:07:39] remember last year, Jenny, and everybody when we talked about this, I was like,
[03:07:40] when we talked about this, I was like, when we get back to this budget year,
[03:07:42] when we get back to this budget year, you all are going to have to show us the
[03:07:46] you all are going to have to show us the efficacy, like what are the results? and
[03:07:48] efficacy, like what are the results? and you yeah you were confirmed confirmed in
[03:07:50] you yeah you were confirmed confirmed in October uh but we are in
[03:07:53] October uh but we are in uh now May and so I just want to set
[03:07:56] uh now May and so I just want to set that up as a framework to some of my
[03:07:58] that up as a framework to some of my questions because I'm not I'm not I do
[03:08:00] questions because I'm not I'm not I do support community development I know
[03:08:02] support community development I know there's sometimes this I was at a one of
[03:08:04] there's sometimes this I was at a one of your community centers last night one of
[03:08:05] your community centers last night one of your staff people came up to me goes you
[03:08:07] your staff people came up to me goes you trying to cut community development I'm
[03:08:08] trying to cut community development I'm like no not in a community where we need
[03:08:11] like no not in a community where we need more community development which is my
[03:08:13] more community development which is my concern like what do we do to make sure
[03:08:16] concern like what do we do to make sure that the efficacy even if it's a change
[03:08:18] that the efficacy even if it's a change in leadership, if it's a change in
[03:08:19] in leadership, if it's a change in whatever the dynamic, the reorg, this
[03:08:23] whatever the dynamic, the reorg, this department has to work. And I know
[03:08:24] department has to work. And I know Councilwoman Dodley, uh, thankful for
[03:08:27] Councilwoman Dodley, uh, thankful for her chairing this. I know she's doing a
[03:08:29] her chairing this. I know she's doing a tour of the community centers, uh,
[03:08:31] tour of the community centers, uh, because we need community development
[03:08:32] because we need community development work. And so that's where my line of
[03:08:33] work. And so that's where my line of question is about to come at you with,
[03:08:35] question is about to come at you with, and please keep them short and succinct
[03:08:37] and please keep them short and succinct if you don't mind. Um, my first question
[03:08:41] if you don't mind. Um, my first question has to do with, and maybe this is a
[03:08:45] has to do with, and maybe this is a question for Weston, and this is
[03:08:46] question for Weston, and this is probably just some lack of knowledge on
[03:08:49] probably just some lack of knowledge on my part. In the budget, do these numbers
[03:08:53] my part. In the budget, do these numbers include grant dollars? Like for
[03:08:55] include grant dollars? Like for instance, let me give you an example.
[03:08:56] instance, let me give you an example. Please give me a short uh answer in
[03:08:59] Please give me a short uh answer in community safety and gun violence for
[03:09:01] community safety and gun violence for proposed FY27. That's 1.257.
[03:09:06] proposed FY27. That's 1.257. Is that and I think Councilman Elliot
[03:09:08] Is that and I think Councilman Elliot asked this number. Does do any of these
[03:09:10] asked this number. Does do any of these numbers include grant dollars. Okay.
[03:09:13] numbers include grant dollars. Okay. Gotcha. So my second question then goes
[03:09:17] Gotcha. So my second question then goes to
[03:09:18] to the community safety and gun violence
[03:09:20] the community safety and gun violence prevention manager which is an added
[03:09:23] prevention manager which is an added position. Is that correct? But we
[03:09:25] position. Is that correct? But we currently have a position that I think
[03:09:28] currently have a position that I think we just did a hire on. Is that correct?
[03:09:31] we just did a hire on. Is that correct? Yes. And what is that position and what
[03:09:33] Yes. And what is that position and what is the difference between that position
[03:09:36] is the difference between that position and the proposed
[03:09:39] and the proposed community safety gun violence prevention
[03:09:42] community safety gun violence prevention manager?
[03:09:43] manager? >> So um Chris Sans who was the executive
[03:09:47] >> So um Chris Sans who was the executive director um and for for um the team had
[03:09:52] director um and for for um the team had the had that position. We just recently
[03:09:54] the had that position. We just recently hired that position. Uh and that
[03:09:57] hired that position. Uh and that position encompasses the entirety of the
[03:10:00] position encompasses the entirety of the team. uh this manager position uh is is
[03:10:03] team. uh this manager position uh is is just helping with the expansion of the
[03:10:07] just helping with the expansion of the violent sound.
[03:10:09] violent sound. >> So that position there's a director
[03:10:11] >> So that position there's a director position and now under that we are
[03:10:13] position and now under that we are adding to the reorg and management
[03:10:15] adding to the reorg and management position and what was the justification
[03:10:18] position and what was the justification for that like did we expand the team
[03:10:21] for that like did we expand the team that the manager would be managing? Do
[03:10:23] that the manager would be managing? Do we have more 423 chain breakers? What is
[03:10:26] we have more 423 chain breakers? What is the justification to for the capacity
[03:10:29] the justification to for the capacity build of that? Yes, that that is that is
[03:10:31] build of that? Yes, that that is that is the expansion. So, uh again, the 500,000
[03:10:34] the expansion. So, uh again, the 500,000 that was in the FY26 amendment uh was
[03:10:37] that was in the FY26 amendment uh was based on growing that team. And so, now
[03:10:40] based on growing that team. And so, now this is just this is just doing that.
[03:10:43] this is just this is just doing that. This is more violence interrupterss and
[03:10:46] This is more violence interrupterss and then a manager to lead that.
[03:10:48] then a manager to lead that. >> Gotcha. So, there is you are hiring more
[03:10:51] >> Gotcha. So, there is you are hiring more violence interrupterss. Does is that
[03:10:54] violence interrupterss. Does is that included in the 1.257 257
[03:10:57] included in the 1.257 257 or in the additional grant funding for
[03:10:59] or in the additional grant funding for that or
[03:11:00] that or >> it it's it's included in that. Some of
[03:11:03] >> it it's it's included in that. Some of the things that they will will have will
[03:11:05] the things that they will will have will be supported by grant dollars, but it's
[03:11:07] be supported by grant dollars, but it's it's included in that as well.
[03:11:09] it's included in that as well. >> Okay. Gotcha. And my other question has
[03:11:11] >> Okay. Gotcha. And my other question has to do on B1 179 as it relates it's under
[03:11:15] to do on B1 179 as it relates it's under operations. It's an expenditure that
[03:11:18] operations. It's an expenditure that says services at 2.452
[03:11:22] says services at 2.452 million.
[03:11:24] million. what what is the breakdown of those
[03:11:26] what what is the breakdown of those services?
[03:11:28] services? Uh because it's your it's one of your
[03:11:30] Uh because it's your it's one of your more larger expenditures outside of
[03:11:32] more larger expenditures outside of salary and wages.
[03:11:35] salary and wages. >> So, it's even higher than what we're
[03:11:37] >> So, it's even higher than what we're doing in community safety, gun violent.
[03:11:40] doing in community safety, gun violent. >> Um if you go to Let me make sure.
[03:11:43] >> Um if you go to Let me make sure. >> And I'm I'm on B1 uh B179. If you go to
[03:11:46] >> And I'm I'm on B1 uh B179. If you go to B 181,
[03:11:49] B 181, there's a kind of a breakdown of of that
[03:11:52] there's a kind of a breakdown of of that larger number starting on B181 and ends
[03:11:55] larger number starting on B181 and ends on 182.
[03:12:04] Thank you.
[03:12:06] Thank you. When I saw the crest, I thought that was
[03:12:07] When I saw the crest, I thought that was the end of the uh
[03:12:09] the end of the uh >> Oh, sorry.
[03:12:09] >> Oh, sorry. >> Sorry. It's okay. Sometimes y'all's
[03:12:11] >> Sorry. It's okay. Sometimes y'all's presentation format throws me off. Okay.
[03:12:13] presentation format throws me off. Okay. My other question for you, Cedric, I
[03:12:15] My other question for you, Cedric, I have a list infrastructure needs um for
[03:12:19] have a list infrastructure needs um for the aging community centers. Where in
[03:12:21] the aging community centers. Where in the line item does that address the
[03:12:24] the line item does that address the capital needs for that? Um so our
[03:12:28] capital needs for that? Um so our capital requests
[03:12:31] capital requests here are are the dollars that that we
[03:12:33] here are are the dollars that that we have. uh separate from this when public
[03:12:36] have. uh separate from this when public works come and brief their budget they
[03:12:39] works come and brief their budget they will have community developments
[03:12:41] will have community developments maintenance budget living inside of of
[03:12:44] maintenance budget living inside of of public.
[03:12:44] public. >> Gotcha. So just for clarity like when I
[03:12:47] >> Gotcha. So just for clarity like when I look at some of the expenditures for my
[03:12:49] look at some of the expenditures for my my follow-up question is going to be
[03:12:51] my follow-up question is going to be what is the algorithm and how we come up
[03:12:53] what is the algorithm and how we come up with some of the uh price the the
[03:12:56] with some of the uh price the the amounts for the community centers but
[03:12:58] amounts for the community centers but for community center I just want to be
[03:13:00] for community center I just want to be clear on this for community center
[03:13:03] clear on this for community center deferred maintenance or whatever you all
[03:13:04] deferred maintenance or whatever you all are calling it. It has been spread out
[03:13:07] are calling it. It has been spread out through different portions of the
[03:13:09] through different portions of the capital budget or public works is what
[03:13:12] capital budget or public works is what you're saying correct.
[03:13:13] you're saying correct. >> Okay. Gotcha. All right. And my other
[03:13:16] >> Okay. Gotcha. All right. And my other question is, if you go back to B177
[03:13:20] question is, if you go back to B177 where for instance Chris uh Chris Ramsey
[03:13:23] where for instance Chris uh Chris Ramsey Center, their FY27 is at 91,500
[03:13:27] Center, their FY27 is at 91,500 which I'm very fortunate for cuz it's in
[03:13:29] which I'm very fortunate for cuz it's in my district and has the highest
[03:13:30] my district and has the highest allocation.
[03:13:32] allocation. Um I would like to know how do you what
[03:13:36] Um I would like to know how do you what is the algorithm in which you all come
[03:13:38] is the algorithm in which you all come up with that number? Is it based on the
[03:13:40] up with that number? Is it based on the needs and services of that center or the
[03:13:42] needs and services of that center or the capacity or the size of that that
[03:13:44] capacity or the size of that that center?
[03:13:45] center? >> So right now our programming dollars um
[03:13:49] >> So right now our programming dollars um have been basically been basically have
[03:13:51] have been basically been basically have been fixed for individual centers um in
[03:13:55] been fixed for individual centers um in terms of just recreational services.
[03:13:58] terms of just recreational services. Utilities shift based on you know what
[03:14:01] Utilities shift based on you know what you know depending on the center. Um
[03:14:04] you know depending on the center. Um you'll notice Chris Ramsey and both
[03:14:05] you'll notice Chris Ramsey and both South Chattanooga have a higher um
[03:14:08] South Chattanooga have a higher um amount simply because they also are the
[03:14:10] amount simply because they also are the ones that have pools. Uh and so uh you
[03:14:13] ones that have pools. Uh and so uh you know realistically when it comes to
[03:14:15] know realistically when it comes to programming dollars uh we have equally
[03:14:18] programming dollars uh we have equally distributed those dollars between all of
[03:14:20] distributed those dollars between all of our communities.
[03:14:21] our communities. >> Gotcha. And has the the new reorg has
[03:14:24] >> Gotcha. And has the the new reorg has that been sent out to council members? I
[03:14:25] that been sent out to council members? I know I've seen it. I did not send it out
[03:14:27] know I've seen it. I did not send it out while I was chair, but has that been
[03:14:29] while I was chair, but has that been distributed to council members where
[03:14:31] distributed to council members where they see the the three assistant
[03:14:34] they see the the three assistant director positions with within the or
[03:14:37] director positions with within the or chart?
[03:14:37] chart? >> Okay. No, it has not.
[03:14:38] >> Okay. No, it has not. >> Okay. Can you send can you send that
[03:14:41] >> Okay. Can you send can you send that out? I maybe Councilwoman Dolly,
[03:14:42] out? I maybe Councilwoman Dolly, Chairwoman Dolly, if you could send I
[03:14:44] Chairwoman Dolly, if you could send I would like for people to see that
[03:14:47] would like for people to see that framework and that request um just so
[03:14:51] framework and that request um just so people can see how that factors into
[03:14:55] people can see how that factors into this realignment. I I think it's
[03:14:56] this realignment. I I think it's interesting you guys are calling a
[03:14:57] interesting you guys are calling a realignment when it's really an
[03:14:59] realignment when it's really an increase. Um but I would like for people
[03:15:02] increase. Um but I would like for people to see that flow chart for your
[03:15:04] to see that flow chart for your organization as a justification as why
[03:15:07] organization as a justification as why we need it. Um alongside our cuz I think
[03:15:11] we need it. Um alongside our cuz I think currently community development in that
[03:15:13] currently community development in that or chart will maintain its deputy of
[03:15:16] or chart will maintain its deputy of course you either you the deputy and an
[03:15:20] course you either you the deputy and an operations manager. Is that correct? the
[03:15:22] operations manager. Is that correct? the director of operations. Correct.
[03:15:23] director of operations. Correct. >> And then the three assistant director
[03:15:26] >> And then the three assistant director positions.
[03:15:27] positions. >> Correct.
[03:15:27] >> Correct. >> Okay. Do you feel, and maybe this is
[03:15:30] >> Okay. Do you feel, and maybe this is where you can kind of go in a little bit
[03:15:32] where you can kind of go in a little bit more detail, does that seem a bit
[03:15:34] more detail, does that seem a bit topheavy to you given the efficacy of
[03:15:38] topheavy to you given the efficacy of the programming needs for the
[03:15:39] the programming needs for the department? No, I I do I don't you know
[03:15:42] department? No, I I do I don't you know and when when you look across the board
[03:15:44] and when when you look across the board I I guess you know um
[03:15:48] I I guess you know um fire a as a community center. We have a
[03:15:51] fire a as a community center. We have a a fire station that that are that
[03:15:53] a fire station that that are that supports our community. That fire
[03:15:55] supports our community. That fire station has a fire captain that stations
[03:15:58] station has a fire captain that stations in your neighborhood is supporting your
[03:16:00] in your neighborhood is supporting your community. Um, in between that fire
[03:16:03] community. Um, in between that fire captain and the deputy for fire is three
[03:16:10] captain and the deputy for fire is three levels of leadership. And so, you know,
[03:16:13] levels of leadership. And so, you know, we're asking for the one uh there there
[03:16:15] we're asking for the one uh there there is no difference in parks and outdoors
[03:16:17] is no difference in parks and outdoors currently has a division manager in
[03:16:21] currently has a division manager in between, you know, who's in charge of
[03:16:24] between, you know, who's in charge of their different parks and how that feeds
[03:16:26] their different parks and how that feeds up. So, it's it's really not a level of
[03:16:28] up. So, it's it's really not a level of leadership that that I see as, you know,
[03:16:32] leadership that that I see as, you know, uh something that's overkill. I think
[03:16:34] uh something that's overkill. I think it's something that's absolutely a
[03:16:35] it's something that's absolutely a necessity for us to be able to take some
[03:16:38] necessity for us to be able to take some strategic and then being able to shift
[03:16:39] strategic and then being able to shift that over to a to a tactical aspect.
[03:16:42] that over to a to a tactical aspect. >> Yeah. And I just want to say for the
[03:16:43] >> Yeah. And I just want to say for the record in comparison yourself to the
[03:16:45] record in comparison yourself to the other departments who I also think are
[03:16:46] other departments who I also think are topheavy
[03:16:48] topheavy as we get through the budget for those
[03:16:50] as we get through the budget for those departments I'll be asking the same
[03:16:52] departments I'll be asking the same question as to why we have those extra
[03:16:55] question as to why we have those extra layers of leadership of that in my
[03:16:58] layers of leadership of that in my opinion when we are asking our taxpayers
[03:17:03] opinion when we are asking our taxpayers to cut um and to be good stewards of our
[03:17:06] to cut um and to be good stewards of our dollars is this a time to be adding
[03:17:09] dollars is this a time to be adding positions which for me seems might be a
[03:17:12] positions which for me seems might be a level of inflation in some of our
[03:17:14] level of inflation in some of our leadership and just not for your
[03:17:15] leadership and just not for your department but through AC across the
[03:17:17] department but through AC across the board. And that is my
[03:17:20] board. And that is my budgetary ideology that when we can
[03:17:23] budgetary ideology that when we can streamline things, especially when we're
[03:17:26] streamline things, especially when we're budgeting for outcomes or we're looking
[03:17:27] budgeting for outcomes or we're looking for evidence-based practices, one of the
[03:17:30] for evidence-based practices, one of the things I would like to be comfortable
[03:17:31] things I would like to be comfortable with in supporting your budget request
[03:17:32] with in supporting your budget request is one finally seeing what program
[03:17:35] is one finally seeing what program results are. I would love to see some of
[03:17:38] results are. I would love to see some of the grant um I know in in applying for
[03:17:42] the grant um I know in in applying for some of those grant dollars for the
[03:17:44] some of those grant dollars for the community safety program that they're
[03:17:46] community safety program that they're required to port report some of those
[03:17:48] required to port report some of those outcomes just for compliance with that
[03:17:50] outcomes just for compliance with that grant. Um for me to be comfortable with
[03:17:53] grant. Um for me to be comfortable with this and it's not a cut, but I think we
[03:17:55] this and it's not a cut, but I think we I like the fact that you guys use the
[03:17:56] I like the fact that you guys use the word realignment twice. I think that is
[03:17:58] word realignment twice. I think that is very much so appropriate for your
[03:18:00] very much so appropriate for your department. But I would like to see what
[03:18:02] department. But I would like to see what efficacy looks like um or not. Uh but
[03:18:05] efficacy looks like um or not. Uh but until then, you know, I'm not as
[03:18:07] until then, you know, I'm not as comfortable with adding those positions.
[03:18:09] comfortable with adding those positions. Um and I think we need to really look at
[03:18:12] Um and I think we need to really look at where there's been areas of inflation to
[03:18:14] where there's been areas of inflation to see if there could be some savings on
[03:18:15] see if there could be some savings on that. And that's just, you know, my
[03:18:18] that. And that's just, you know, my outlook from just looking at your budget
[03:18:19] outlook from just looking at your budget proposal. And that'll be it for me. Uh
[03:18:21] proposal. And that'll be it for me. Uh council
[03:18:22] council >> and just a little bit into response to
[03:18:24] >> and just a little bit into response to that. Uh cuz that was the issue and I
[03:18:26] that. Uh cuz that was the issue and I think that has been an issue across
[03:18:27] think that has been an issue across community development for quite some
[03:18:28] community development for quite some time. what is the impact as opposed to
[03:18:30] time. what is the impact as opposed to numbers just people just showing up cuz
[03:18:31] numbers just people just showing up cuz we can all just show up to a center and
[03:18:33] we can all just show up to a center and sign in and be counted. But what they've
[03:18:35] sign in and be counted. But what they've created with community engagement coming
[03:18:37] created with community engagement coming over into their department is there's a
[03:18:40] over into their department is there's a team of about two or three that actually
[03:18:42] team of about two or three that actually are creating a program quality what's it
[03:18:45] are creating a program quality what's it called?
[03:18:45] called? >> Quality insurance
[03:18:46] >> Quality insurance >> quality show quality program where
[03:18:48] >> quality show quality program where they're going to train all the center
[03:18:49] they're going to train all the center directors. This is how you do your
[03:18:51] directors. This is how you do your programs. These are the results we want
[03:18:52] programs. These are the results we want to see. They also are in the process of
[03:18:54] to see. They also are in the process of hiring a grant writer because you can't
[03:18:56] hiring a grant writer because you can't hire right grants if you don't have the
[03:18:58] hire right grants if you don't have the data to support what you need the money
[03:18:59] data to support what you need the money for. And so they are in the process of
[03:19:02] for. And so they are in the process of getting that rolled out. They're
[03:19:03] getting that rolled out. They're finishing up that now. The quality
[03:19:06] finishing up that now. The quality program assurance team or whatever they
[03:19:08] program assurance team or whatever they are. So they're finishing up that now
[03:19:10] are. So they're finishing up that now and then they're going to roll that out
[03:19:11] and then they're going to roll that out and train the community center managers
[03:19:12] and train the community center managers how to do how to actually do it. uh how
[03:19:16] how to do how to actually do it. uh how to actually fill out the form and do all
[03:19:19] to actually fill out the form and do all the different things they need to do for
[03:19:20] the different things they need to do for the program and being able to submit
[03:19:21] the program and being able to submit that back cuz again to your point you
[03:19:23] that back cuz again to your point you know grants the end of the day they want
[03:19:25] know grants the end of the day they want results just like of course our
[03:19:27] results just like of course our taxpayers do and so that's one of the
[03:19:29] taxpayers do and so that's one of the pieces that I'm I'm excited about. I
[03:19:30] pieces that I'm I'm excited about. I didn't know that until we we met a
[03:19:32] didn't know that until we we met a couple weeks ago. So that is a place
[03:19:34] couple weeks ago. So that is a place where I think in years of community
[03:19:37] where I think in years of community development we hadn't really seen you
[03:19:40] development we hadn't really seen you know that type of impact or whatever. So
[03:19:42] know that type of impact or whatever. So we so we are moving in that direction.
[03:19:44] we so we are moving in that direction. and it's just taking a little time um to
[03:19:46] and it's just taking a little time um to get that programming done, but they're
[03:19:48] get that programming done, but they're working on that. Should have that
[03:19:49] working on that. Should have that resolved in in just a minute,
[03:19:50] resolved in in just a minute, >> right? And I support that. And I think,
[03:19:52] >> right? And I support that. And I think, you know, I think Cedric, you said
[03:19:53] you know, I think Cedric, you said something earlier that and matter of
[03:19:55] something earlier that and matter of fact, uh council, you said it that, you
[03:19:58] fact, uh council, you said it that, you know, impact is I think you use the word
[03:20:01] know, impact is I think you use the word evolving and I get that, but you have to
[03:20:04] evolving and I get that, but you have to have a measurement tool. I'm I'm a
[03:20:05] have a measurement tool. I'm I'm a certified grant writer for the you know
[03:20:07] certified grant writer for the you know in order to do my job for the state and
[03:20:09] in order to do my job for the state and I review grants and part of when you're
[03:20:12] I review grants and part of when you're reviewing that you you have to tell them
[03:20:14] reviewing that you you have to tell them what you're measuring and how you're
[03:20:16] what you're measuring and how you're measuring and what I'm saying is I I get
[03:20:19] measuring and what I'm saying is I I get that it is ing it's go it is happening
[03:20:22] that it is ing it's go it is happening but I also wanted to reflect on the fact
[03:20:23] but I also wanted to reflect on the fact that you know we've been in this we're
[03:20:25] that you know we've been in this we're in another budget year um and what I
[03:20:28] in another budget year um and what I expected to see as far as like how we
[03:20:30] expected to see as far as like how we measure that I have not seen and I would
[03:20:34] measure that I have not seen and I would like to see that moving forward in this
[03:20:36] like to see that moving forward in this year. I'm glad to know that it's
[03:20:38] year. I'm glad to know that it's something y'all are thinking about or
[03:20:39] something y'all are thinking about or implementing. Um, but I think we need to
[03:20:43] implementing. Um, but I think we need to be a little bit more serious about what
[03:20:47] be a little bit more serious about what tool we are using to measure what
[03:20:49] tool we are using to measure what success looks like for your department
[03:20:51] success looks like for your department to justify
[03:20:53] to justify adding. You know, my mom used to tell me
[03:20:55] adding. You know, my mom used to tell me you can't you got to do with what you
[03:20:57] you can't you got to do with what you have before I give you something more.
[03:20:58] have before I give you something more. And I feel like that that is um
[03:21:02] And I feel like that that is um where how I feel with this department
[03:21:04] where how I feel with this department right now. It's not to cut but to look
[03:21:07] right now. It's not to cut but to look what strategic alignment looks like. Uh
[03:21:09] what strategic alignment looks like. Uh even if that's a realignment. So um
[03:21:12] even if that's a realignment. So um anyway, that's it. Thank you.
[03:21:14] anyway, that's it. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. And council, I do
[03:21:15] >> Thank you so much. And council, I do want you to note the bottom line of this
[03:21:17] want you to note the bottom line of this department is $133,000
[03:21:20] department is $133,000 lower than last year. Uh so we'll have
[03:21:22] lower than last year. Uh so we'll have Councilwoman Burs, Councilwoman Elliot,
[03:21:24] Councilwoman Burs, Councilwoman Elliot, I'm Counciloman Elliott, I'm sorry, and
[03:21:25] I'm Counciloman Elliott, I'm sorry, and then Councilwoman Hill and we'll go
[03:21:27] then Councilwoman Hill and we'll go ahead and get this wrapped up. Thank
[03:21:28] ahead and get this wrapped up. Thank you, Madam Chair. Okay. I just had a a
[03:21:31] you, Madam Chair. Okay. I just had a a quick comment and a quick question. Um
[03:21:34] quick comment and a quick question. Um Cedric, thanks for all you've done. You
[03:21:36] Cedric, thanks for all you've done. You pumped a lot in eight months. I know you
[03:21:39] pumped a lot in eight months. I know you still have a lot left to accomplish, but
[03:21:41] still have a lot left to accomplish, but um quick question. Um will you just
[03:21:44] um quick question. Um will you just repeat the hubs? Who which are the hub
[03:21:46] repeat the hubs? Who which are the hub centers again?
[03:21:47] centers again? >> Yes, it'll be uh Chris Ramsey,
[03:21:49] >> Yes, it'll be uh Chris Ramsey, >> uh South Chattanooga,
[03:21:51] >> uh South Chattanooga, >> East Lake,
[03:21:52] >> East Lake, >> Harbor,
[03:21:53] >> Harbor, >> uh East Lake, Carver,
[03:21:55] >> uh East Lake, Carver, >> Aendale.
[03:21:56] >> Aendale. >> Okay.
[03:21:58] >> Okay. and Hixon
[03:21:59] and Hixon >> and Hixon. Okay, great. And then just my
[03:22:01] >> and Hixon. Okay, great. And then just my comment, I'd love to hear that you're
[03:22:03] comment, I'd love to hear that you're using uh looking to the nonprofits for
[03:22:05] using uh looking to the nonprofits for what resources they can bring to the
[03:22:07] what resources they can bring to the centers because that's another way to
[03:22:09] centers because that's another way to provide impact within the centers
[03:22:11] provide impact within the centers without increasing costs. So, I applaud
[03:22:14] without increasing costs. So, I applaud you all because I know it's a group of
[03:22:16] you all because I know it's a group of people that have gone out and said,
[03:22:17] people that have gone out and said, "What can we bring into the centers that
[03:22:19] "What can we bring into the centers that doesn't impact our bottom line?" So,
[03:22:23] doesn't impact our bottom line?" So, >> I love hearing that. Thank you.
[03:22:24] >> I love hearing that. Thank you. >> Thank you.
[03:22:25] >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Madam Chair.
[03:22:25] >> Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you, Council Members. Councilman,
[03:22:27] >> Thank you, Council Members. Councilman, I'm going to do Councilwoman Elliott.
[03:22:29] I'm going to do Councilwoman Elliott. I'm so sorry cuz councilwoman Hill uh
[03:22:32] I'm so sorry cuz councilwoman Hill uh because Council uh Councilwoman Hill
[03:22:35] because Council uh Councilwoman Hill then Councilman Elliott I am so sorry.
[03:22:39] then Councilman Elliott I am so sorry. Um I apologize
[03:22:41] Um I apologize Vice Chair Elliot. Okay, go ahead.
[03:22:43] Vice Chair Elliot. Okay, go ahead. Council
[03:22:43] Council >> Hill. Thank you ma'am. So I
[03:22:46] >> Hill. Thank you ma'am. So I >> like to leave you up. I do want to point
[03:22:48] >> like to leave you up. I do want to point out that in FY25,
[03:22:52] out that in FY25, two budget cycles ago, this was a
[03:22:54] two budget cycles ago, this was a department with a $9.5 million budget,
[03:22:58] department with a $9.5 million budget, and now we're at $5.39 million more than
[03:23:01] and now we're at $5.39 million more than that. So, community development has
[03:23:04] that. So, community development has grown by virtue of putting some other
[03:23:06] grown by virtue of putting some other department resources into this
[03:23:08] department resources into this department, um, which adds to the the
[03:23:12] department, um, which adds to the the call for leadership and and guidance
[03:23:14] call for leadership and and guidance from you, Cedric. Um, and I'm very I'm
[03:23:17] from you, Cedric. Um, and I'm very I'm hopeful. Um, and something that I
[03:23:20] hopeful. Um, and something that I thinking about is I I do have questions
[03:23:23] thinking about is I I do have questions about what's being accomplished with the
[03:23:26] about what's being accomplished with the one plus million dollars we've got for
[03:23:29] one plus million dollars we've got for community health. What's happening in
[03:23:31] community health. What's happening in Office of Family Empowerment? What's
[03:23:34] Office of Family Empowerment? What's really going on with our our gun
[03:23:36] really going on with our our gun violence work? All of that like to to me
[03:23:39] violence work? All of that like to to me all of that matters. But right now,
[03:23:41] all of that matters. But right now, we're so concerned about the
[03:23:42] we're so concerned about the functionality and getting return on
[03:23:44] functionality and getting return on investment in our community centers that
[03:23:47] investment in our community centers that um I guess my my call to the rest of
[03:23:49] um I guess my my call to the rest of your department would be get ready cuz
[03:23:51] your department would be get ready cuz once y'all have your community centers,
[03:23:53] once y'all have your community centers, we're going to be looking real hard at
[03:23:54] we're going to be looking real hard at these others because I think all of this
[03:23:56] these others because I think all of this discussion has focused on those 18
[03:23:58] discussion has focused on those 18 centers, right? Um,
[03:24:01] centers, right? Um, and I I'll share some comments with you
[03:24:05] and I I'll share some comments with you after this about some experiences we've
[03:24:08] after this about some experiences we've had recently that
[03:24:09] had recently that >> you probably want to know about.
[03:24:10] >> you probably want to know about. >> That's all. Thank you.
[03:24:12] >> That's all. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Hill and
[03:24:13] >> Thank you, Councilwoman Hill and Councilman Ellie.
[03:24:14] Councilman Ellie. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Sedra, I'm echo
[03:24:17] >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Sedra, I'm echo some of uh sentiments my colleagues,
[03:24:20] some of uh sentiments my colleagues, Council uh Councilman Clark,
[03:24:22] Council uh Councilman Clark, Councilwoman Hill, and uh Dotley know
[03:24:25] Councilwoman Hill, and uh Dotley know this department's had so much
[03:24:27] this department's had so much instability
[03:24:28] instability >> for the last several years. And I don't
[03:24:31] >> for the last several years. And I don't care who took it over, it was going to
[03:24:33] care who took it over, it was going to be a large task for anybody. And so we
[03:24:36] be a large task for anybody. And so we all have a lot of interest and concerns.
[03:24:39] all have a lot of interest and concerns. This is also probably the department we
[03:24:41] This is also probably the department we hear from the most,
[03:24:42] hear from the most, >> right? Um, our constituents are always
[03:24:47] >> right? Um, our constituents are always in these centers in some form of
[03:24:49] in these centers in some form of fashion. Um, these groups, especially
[03:24:53] fashion. Um, these groups, especially center employees, are not uh shy about
[03:24:56] center employees, are not uh shy about letting their voices be heard by no
[03:24:58] letting their voices be heard by no means. And it's good. You know, I
[03:25:00] means. And it's good. You know, I appreciate they feel safe enough and
[03:25:02] appreciate they feel safe enough and comfortable enough to have those
[03:25:04] comfortable enough to have those conversations.
[03:25:05] conversations. The thing that I ask, and I think we're
[03:25:08] The thing that I ask, and I think we're we're all looking for, tell the story,
[03:25:12] we're all looking for, tell the story, right?
[03:25:14] right? tell the story of what is happening.
[03:25:16] tell the story of what is happening. Give us clarity. Allow us to see the
[03:25:19] Give us clarity. Allow us to see the numbers. And some of it is hard. I get,
[03:25:22] numbers. And some of it is hard. I get, right? I worked in OF for a while. It's
[03:25:25] right? I worked in OF for a while. It's sometimes hard to tell the story of
[03:25:28] sometimes hard to tell the story of social services work, right? But figure
[03:25:31] social services work, right? But figure out a way that we can hear some of these
[03:25:34] out a way that we can hear some of these things that some of our colleagues are
[03:25:36] things that some of our colleagues are pushing so everybody can have a peace of
[03:25:40] pushing so everybody can have a peace of mind. you're able to tell that story,
[03:25:41] mind. you're able to tell that story, you probably won't ever hear from us
[03:25:43] you probably won't ever hear from us >> at some point. But you have a lot of
[03:25:46] >> at some point. But you have a lot of people that are interested that we just
[03:25:48] people that are interested that we just don't know, right? I know when doc this
[03:25:51] don't know, right? I know when doc this is before Dr. Anderson even got here.
[03:25:53] is before Dr. Anderson even got here. When Office of Community Health was
[03:25:55] When Office of Community Health was created, it was created with a $4
[03:25:56] created, it was created with a $4 million grant that was completely grant
[03:25:59] million grant that was completely grant funded. I think Mayor Kelly applied for
[03:26:01] funded. I think Mayor Kelly applied for that before he even officially got
[03:26:03] that before he even officially got inaugurated if I remember correctly. And
[03:26:06] inaugurated if I remember correctly. And I don't even know what's grant funded. I
[03:26:09] I don't even know what's grant funded. I don't know what's general funded, right?
[03:26:11] don't know what's general funded, right? And we we just don't know, right? You
[03:26:15] And we we just don't know, right? You got thrown into this baptism by fire and
[03:26:18] got thrown into this baptism by fire and you're trying to drive a department, but
[03:26:21] you're trying to drive a department, but help help us see it clearly because this
[03:26:23] help help us see it clearly because this is the only department that's probably
[03:26:25] is the only department that's probably had so much adjustment and movement over
[03:26:28] had so much adjustment and movement over the years and particularly these
[03:26:30] the years and particularly these centers. It's not even just a last few
[03:26:34] centers. It's not even just a last few year thing. These centers have always
[03:26:36] year thing. These centers have always been in flux for well before most of us
[03:26:40] been in flux for well before most of us probably even got in office. And it's
[03:26:43] probably even got in office. And it's it's a it's not fair, right? I think we
[03:26:46] it's a it's not fair, right? I think we have to understand that it's a the
[03:26:49] have to understand that it's a the instability of leadership has to fall on
[03:26:52] instability of leadership has to fall on us and I not just council but
[03:26:54] us and I not just council but administration and people in leadership
[03:26:56] administration and people in leadership to provide some type of support and
[03:26:58] to provide some type of support and stability for our our teams. And I know
[03:27:01] stability for our our teams. And I know you guys are going into this with the
[03:27:03] you guys are going into this with the will of trying to do that. I just ask
[03:27:05] will of trying to do that. I just ask tell us a story.
[03:27:07] tell us a story. >> Show us what we what we need to see, but
[03:27:10] >> Show us what we what we need to see, but do it sooner rather than later. Okay.
[03:27:13] do it sooner rather than later. Okay. >> All right. That's it.
[03:27:14] >> All right. That's it. >> Well, thank you so much, C Vice Chair
[03:27:16] >> Well, thank you so much, C Vice Chair Elliott. And uh we got Councilman
[03:27:18] Elliott. And uh we got Councilman Henderson, and then we'll wrap up. I
[03:27:19] Henderson, and then we'll wrap up. I have a few storytelling slides for you
[03:27:21] have a few storytelling slides for you all.
[03:27:23] all. >> U Senator, you mentioned community
[03:27:25] >> U Senator, you mentioned community advisory committee a few minutes ago.
[03:27:27] advisory committee a few minutes ago. Could you circle back and make sure that
[03:27:30] Could you circle back and make sure that all of them are functioning
[03:27:33] all of them are functioning >> the way they were intended to function?
[03:27:36] >> the way they were intended to function? >> Yes.
[03:27:38] >> Yes. >> Yes. And you know with with with
[03:27:41] >> Yes. And you know with with with everything else us taking a look at how
[03:27:43] everything else us taking a look at how we best use community advisory committee
[03:27:46] we best use community advisory committee is is there uh and you know for me and
[03:27:49] is is there uh and you know for me and what I've charged the team with is you
[03:27:51] what I've charged the team with is you know I want I want that group to not
[03:27:53] know I want I want that group to not only be that feedback loop but help with
[03:27:56] only be that feedback loop but help with help with how we do things policy and
[03:27:59] help with how we do things policy and procedure. I I want their input on how
[03:28:01] procedure. I I want their input on how we do those things as well. you know,
[03:28:03] we do those things as well. you know, because ultimately our community centers
[03:28:05] because ultimately our community centers are just the microcosm of our
[03:28:08] are just the microcosm of our communities and so, you know, uh them
[03:28:10] communities and so, you know, uh them being involved in some of that is is
[03:28:12] being involved in some of that is is important. So, you know, we want to
[03:28:14] important. So, you know, we want to stand up our volunteer uh management
[03:28:16] stand up our volunteer uh management program and and start bringing more
[03:28:18] program and and start bringing more volunteers inside of the community
[03:28:20] volunteers inside of the community center to help with the deficit of of
[03:28:22] center to help with the deficit of of personnel and things of that nature,
[03:28:24] personnel and things of that nature, maybe get after extending hours and
[03:28:26] maybe get after extending hours and things of that nature. And so I want
[03:28:27] things of that nature. And so I want them to be a part of how does that
[03:28:29] them to be a part of how does that volunteer program uh look like and how
[03:28:31] volunteer program uh look like and how do we want to build that out. So uh both
[03:28:33] do we want to build that out. So uh both a feedback loop and and policy and
[03:28:36] a feedback loop and and policy and procedure driven is is the way that I'm
[03:28:38] procedure driven is is the way that I'm leaning towards the community uh
[03:28:40] leaning towards the community uh advisory
[03:28:41] advisory >> just just make sure they're all
[03:28:44] >> just just make sure they're all functioning
[03:28:46] functioning the way they're supposed to or intended
[03:28:48] the way they're supposed to or intended to.
[03:28:49] to. >> Thank you council.
[03:28:51] >> Thank you council. >> Yeah.
[03:28:51] >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you so much Councilman and
[03:28:53] >> Okay. Thank you so much Councilman and Henderson. Uh so with that as in any
[03:28:56] Henderson. Uh so with that as in any other Well, we done with questions. If
[03:28:57] other Well, we done with questions. If y'all got questions, email them e
[03:28:59] y'all got questions, email them e please. We have the 26 to make it of. Uh
[03:29:02] please. We have the 26 to make it of. Uh so as we close, I also want to take a
[03:29:04] so as we close, I also want to take a moment to highlight the impact of our
[03:29:06] moment to highlight the impact of our community centers. Did you have anything
[03:29:07] community centers. Did you have anything else?
[03:29:07] else? >> I just uh we touched on it very briefly,
[03:29:09] >> I just uh we touched on it very briefly, but the capital that lives within
[03:29:11] but the capital that lives within community development. Um just a list of
[03:29:14] community development. Um just a list of those there um for you guys. They're
[03:29:17] those there um for you guys. They're also in the budget book in the back.
[03:29:19] also in the budget book in the back. >> Uh just to make sure we highlight that.
[03:29:21] >> Uh just to make sure we highlight that. And then part of that is kind of the
[03:29:22] And then part of that is kind of the deferred maintenance and and there's a
[03:29:24] deferred maintenance and and there's a slide in here on that um that's just put
[03:29:26] slide in here on that um that's just put together. Um again it's you guys have
[03:29:29] together. Um again it's you guys have access to this you're welcome to
[03:29:33] access to this you're welcome to and
[03:29:34] and so it has been my goal since I've been
[03:29:36] so it has been my goal since I've been community development chair is to visit
[03:29:38] community development chair is to visit all 19 centers. It's 19 right? Okay. 19
[03:29:41] all 19 centers. It's 19 right? Okay. 19 centers across the city and as of today
[03:29:44] centers across the city and as of today I have visited six of them. So I've
[03:29:45] I have visited six of them. So I've covered districts one through four. Uh
[03:29:47] covered districts one through four. Uh have not been in Hixon that much in my
[03:29:49] have not been in Hixon that much in my life. Uh but Kevin and short I don't
[03:29:52] life. Uh but Kevin and short I don't even know
[03:29:54] even know to get there heels is ridiculous.
[03:29:57] to get there heels is ridiculous. >> It's the one time every four years I can
[03:29:59] >> It's the one time every four years I can fit into my jeans
[03:30:00] fit into my jeans >> because I mean that was going to that
[03:30:02] >> because I mean that was going to that Frank was it Franc Wyatt? Uh that was a
[03:30:05] Frank was it Franc Wyatt? Uh that was a task. Um but it is my goal to offer this
[03:30:08] task. Um but it is my goal to offer this support to our administrator and the
[03:30:10] support to our administrator and the staff to make sure that they know that
[03:30:12] staff to make sure that they know that they you know I understand the needs of
[03:30:14] they you know I understand the needs of council. I've been here 5 years. Some of
[03:30:17] council. I've been here 5 years. Some of us have been here longer and have seen
[03:30:18] us have been here longer and have seen the shifts in community centers uh the
[03:30:21] the shifts in community centers uh the community development department as a
[03:30:22] community development department as a whole. And so I want to make sure that
[03:30:24] whole. And so I want to make sure that I'm offering that support and that
[03:30:25] I'm offering that support and that feedback as well uh to to our great
[03:30:28] feedback as well uh to to our great administrator. Now while each center has
[03:30:30] administrator. Now while each center has its own unique character and strength,
[03:30:31] its own unique character and strength, they all share the same mission creating
[03:30:33] they all share the same mission creating quality programming and welcoming spaces
[03:30:35] quality programming and welcoming spaces for Chattanoo of all ages. Um in each
[03:30:37] for Chattanoo of all ages. Um in each center I had a series of questions I
[03:30:39] center I had a series of questions I asked. I talked to the facility manager
[03:30:40] asked. I talked to the facility manager as well as uh the staff that were there
[03:30:42] as well as uh the staff that were there that were willing to speak. So in
[03:30:46] that were willing to speak. So in district 1, John A. Patton, I just want
[03:30:48] district 1, John A. Patton, I just want to highlight this as kind of the end of
[03:30:49] to highlight this as kind of the end of it, just so y'all know, there is work
[03:30:50] it, just so y'all know, there is work being done. We are out there uh at John
[03:30:54] being done. We are out there uh at John A. Patton Center not only serves the
[03:30:55] A. Patton Center not only serves the community through programming, but also
[03:30:57] community through programming, but also through a community pantry and clothing
[03:30:59] through a community pantry and clothing closet. I met uh two wonderful ladies,
[03:31:01] closet. I met uh two wonderful ladies, Miss Claude and Miss Bonnie, and they
[03:31:03] Miss Claude and Miss Bonnie, and they show gave me a tour of the pantry of the
[03:31:06] show gave me a tour of the pantry of the clothing closet, which is my pictures
[03:31:08] clothing closet, which is my pictures are just my pictures, but it is great.
[03:31:11] are just my pictures, but it is great. It's like a boutique. It is amazing in
[03:31:13] It's like a boutique. It is amazing in there. They uh probably the best
[03:31:16] there. They uh probably the best auditorium I've seen with carpeting. It
[03:31:18] auditorium I've seen with carpeting. It says a lot about Councilman Henderson. I
[03:31:20] says a lot about Councilman Henderson. I always say if you're going to have one
[03:31:21] always say if you're going to have one center in your district, it better be
[03:31:23] center in your district, it better be good. Uh and so it is Oh. Oh, you know,
[03:31:26] good. Uh and so it is Oh. Oh, you know, Councilman Harvey is a mad. Uh so, but
[03:31:29] Councilman Harvey is a mad. Uh so, but it it does need work, but it has so much
[03:31:31] it it does need work, but it has so much potential and it is huge. They have
[03:31:33] potential and it is huge. They have three rain gardens on site that helps
[03:31:35] three rain gardens on site that helps with uh the surface the surface water
[03:31:38] with uh the surface the surface water running off from John A. Patton. They
[03:31:39] running off from John A. Patton. They have a really good program tutor. Um and
[03:31:41] have a really good program tutor. Um and what we understand they've been helping
[03:31:42] what we understand they've been helping them uh parents have seen a noticeable
[03:31:44] them uh parents have seen a noticeable increase in TCAP scores from there. They
[03:31:47] increase in TCAP scores from there. They uh threads of hope uh is the store. I
[03:31:49] uh threads of hope uh is the store. I think that's the name they shooting
[03:31:50] think that's the name they shooting around with the name and they have
[03:31:52] around with the name and they have strong volunteer support and the turf is
[03:31:54] strong volunteer support and the turf is tenative for June 26. I think that
[03:31:56] tenative for June 26. I think that thanks to Councilman uh Henderson,
[03:31:57] thanks to Councilman uh Henderson, right? You turf.
[03:31:59] right? You turf. >> Yes. So that's district one. So I wanted
[03:32:01] >> Yes. So that's district one. So I wanted to tell some of these stories cuz I
[03:32:02] to tell some of these stories cuz I didn't know all this was going on in
[03:32:03] didn't know all this was going on in y'all centers until I got a chance to
[03:32:05] y'all centers until I got a chance to get out. Francis B. Wyatt Community
[03:32:07] get out. Francis B. Wyatt Community Center is I say off in the cut is off
[03:32:09] Center is I say off in the cut is off down a hill to the side and uh I was
[03:32:11] down a hill to the side and uh I was like oh god but it was so good because
[03:32:14] like oh god but it was so good because it's a pure recreation center. It is um
[03:32:17] it's a pure recreation center. It is um the facility managers has has 50 years
[03:32:20] the facility managers has has 50 years of service across community centers
[03:32:22] of service across community centers which is something we want to see in our
[03:32:23] which is something we want to see in our community center managers that you can
[03:32:25] community center managers that you can transition to a variety of centers and
[03:32:27] transition to a variety of centers and be impactful in all of them. They have
[03:32:29] be impactful in all of them. They have strong community support. As a matter of
[03:32:30] strong community support. As a matter of fact, that we went out Friday uh and
[03:32:34] fact, that we went out Friday uh and they were having a they want to block
[03:32:35] they were having a they want to block the street off in front of this sign and
[03:32:36] the street off in front of this sign and have play street or something to that
[03:32:38] have play street or something to that effect.
[03:32:38] effect. >> That's the neighborhood association.
[03:32:39] >> That's the neighborhood association. >> Yeah. So, that was really nice. And then
[03:32:41] >> Yeah. So, that was really nice. And then inclusive pro and so the some of the
[03:32:44] inclusive pro and so the some of the information I got from the um manager
[03:32:46] information I got from the um manager was that you know they have inclusive
[03:32:48] was that you know they have inclusive program participation. For instance,
[03:32:50] program participation. For instance, people drive from Jasper and Cookville
[03:32:52] people drive from Jasper and Cookville to come play
[03:32:53] to come play >> pickle ball
[03:32:54] >> pickle ball >> ball pickle ball
[03:32:56] >> ball pickle ball >> and uh and across and across and and on
[03:32:59] >> and uh and across and across and and on our way in. Kimstrong has been my
[03:33:01] our way in. Kimstrong has been my partner the whole time. We've been going
[03:33:03] partner the whole time. We've been going in. On my way in ran into one of my
[03:33:05] in. On my way in ran into one of my district 7 constituents going into that
[03:33:08] district 7 constituents going into that center and I'm like what what are you
[03:33:09] center and I'm like what what are you doing over here? UH BUT I SAID I KNOW
[03:33:12] doing over here? UH BUT I SAID I KNOW YOU LIVE ON MAIN STREET. I thought uh
[03:33:14] YOU LIVE ON MAIN STREET. I thought uh uh-huh. Uh so we got tightened up over
[03:33:16] uh-huh. Uh so we got tightened up over there at South Chattanooga. Uh but it
[03:33:19] there at South Chattanooga. Uh but it was really good to see that. So that's
[03:33:20] was really good to see that. So that's District 2. Wonderful center, wonderful
[03:33:22] District 2. Wonderful center, wonderful manager. North Chattanooga Community
[03:33:24] manager. North Chattanooga Community Center. Um they talked about and if you
[03:33:26] Center. Um they talked about and if you see the little West say facility
[03:33:28] see the little West say facility manager, top priority. That's what they
[03:33:29] manager, top priority. That's what they see all around inclusion. They want
[03:33:31] see all around inclusion. They want everybody to feel welcomed. They had a
[03:33:33] everybody to feel welcomed. They had a lot of program highlights. Um, one of
[03:33:34] lot of program highlights. Um, one of the ones I liked the most was the Carter
[03:33:37] the ones I liked the most was the Carter uh that they instead of using um the
[03:33:40] uh that they instead of using um the center vans, they actually use the the
[03:33:42] center vans, they actually use the the free chart the free shuttle to take the
[03:33:45] free chart the free shuttle to take the students the participants to go fishing
[03:33:48] students the participants to go fishing and to do different things downtown um
[03:33:50] and to do different things downtown um Koolage Park and uh Riverfront Park and
[03:33:52] Koolage Park and uh Riverfront Park and so that saves us on money and it gives
[03:33:54] so that saves us on money and it gives gives students experience to use that
[03:33:56] gives students experience to use that that shuttle. So that was fantastic.
[03:33:58] that shuttle. So that was fantastic. >> There's there's no water at Stringers
[03:34:00] >> There's there's no water at Stringers Ridge.
[03:34:00] Ridge. >> It's not. Yeah,
[03:34:01] >> It's not. Yeah, >> it's a hill where we go fish. not
[03:34:03] >> it's a hill where we go fish. not fishing at Stringers. They fish on the
[03:34:05] fishing at Stringers. They fish on the river and then Stringer Ridge is where
[03:34:07] river and then Stringer Ridge is where they walk at. I'm sorry that was that
[03:34:08] they walk at. I'm sorry that was that was supposed to be up there. But um and
[03:34:10] was supposed to be up there. But um and then participants express themselves
[03:34:12] then participants express themselves through t-shirt design. So they do teams
[03:34:14] through t-shirt design. So they do teams with teens and they also have at the
[03:34:16] with teens and they also have at the bottom you see like a little pantry too,
[03:34:17] bottom you see like a little pantry too, a little kitchen that they help can help
[03:34:20] a little kitchen that they help can help uh others in the community as well. So
[03:34:21] uh others in the community as well. So you go to District 3 Hixon. This is the
[03:34:23] you go to District 3 Hixon. This is the first center I visited. So I didn't give
[03:34:25] first center I visited. So I didn't give many pictures because I didn't realize
[03:34:26] many pictures because I didn't realize exactly what I was doing till I got all
[03:34:28] exactly what I was doing till I got all the way in there. But that's also a old
[03:34:30] the way in there. But that's also a old school. Uh they have a great walking
[03:34:32] school. Uh they have a great walking track. people outside playing pickle
[03:34:33] track. people outside playing pickle ball and tennis. Um they're one of the
[03:34:36] ball and tennis. Um they're one of the few camps that has a senior summer camp
[03:34:39] few camps that has a senior summer camp that's going to have seniors at the
[03:34:40] that's going to have seniors at the center. Uh I am excited and I shall be
[03:34:42] center. Uh I am excited and I shall be out there this summer to see what
[03:34:44] out there this summer to see what they're doing. Uh inclusive uh
[03:34:46] they're doing. Uh inclusive uh participants. So they have a a wide
[03:34:47] participants. So they have a a wide array and all the centers do have a wide
[03:34:49] array and all the centers do have a wide array of people that participate and
[03:34:51] array of people that participate and they also have strong community support
[03:34:53] they also have strong community support as well. And you see that across most of
[03:34:55] as well. And you see that across most of the centers. People want these centers
[03:34:56] the centers. People want these centers to thrive and do well. So I think the
[03:34:58] to thrive and do well. So I think the goals of the community, the goals of the
[03:35:00] goals of the community, the goals of the council all fall into on the shoulders
[03:35:03] council all fall into on the shoulders of our administrator and deputy
[03:35:05] of our administrator and deputy administrator Veronica. And next center
[03:35:07] administrator Veronica. And next center uh North River Community Center, they
[03:35:10] uh North River Community Center, they have a good model. Um they have a board,
[03:35:15] have a good model. Um they have a board, they have a board that they started with
[03:35:16] they have a board that they started with and they still do that provide support
[03:35:18] and they still do that provide support to the center in addition to the
[03:35:20] to the center in addition to the community advisory committee, which I
[03:35:22] community advisory committee, which I think is a great model for our community
[03:35:24] think is a great model for our community advisory committee to just take a look
[03:35:25] advisory committee to just take a look at what they're doing. Um because uh we
[03:35:27] at what they're doing. Um because uh we talked to Miss Linda who runs that
[03:35:29] talked to Miss Linda who runs that center and she was like, "Yeah, whatever
[03:35:31] center and she was like, "Yeah, whatever I need, whatever program we have,
[03:35:32] I need, whatever program we have, whatever." She goes to the board. The
[03:35:34] whatever." She goes to the board. The board make sure they have all the
[03:35:35] board make sure they have all the supplies, whatever it is. Whatever it
[03:35:37] supplies, whatever it is. Whatever it is, they have a high volume of rentals.
[03:35:39] is, they have a high volume of rentals. Uh they have strong business community
[03:35:41] Uh they have strong business community support. And they have participants also
[03:35:43] support. And they have participants also that come from Chattanooga and North
[03:35:44] that come from Chattanooga and North Georgia. Uh so we have um some amazing
[03:35:48] Georgia. Uh so we have um some amazing centers here. And then the last one, I
[03:35:50] centers here. And then the last one, I saved this one for last because I didn't
[03:35:51] saved this one for last because I didn't want to rank them, but if I had to rank
[03:35:54] want to rank them, but if I had to rank the centers and I had to say which one
[03:35:55] the centers and I had to say which one of the four that I've gone to that has
[03:35:57] of the four that I've gone to that has been the best, I'm going to say Heritage
[03:36:00] been the best, I'm going to say Heritage House. Uh it is I see you down here. Um
[03:36:04] House. Uh it is I see you down here. Um we met with them and it was amazing.
[03:36:06] we met with them and it was amazing. From the way you walk the when you drive
[03:36:08] From the way you walk the when you drive into the to Harrison Park, Har the Jack
[03:36:11] into the to Harrison Park, Har the Jack Benson Heritage Park um and their
[03:36:14] Benson Heritage Park um and their facility manager, I said, "What is your
[03:36:15] facility manager, I said, "What is your top priority?" and she said community
[03:36:17] top priority?" and she said community making working with a variety of people
[03:36:19] making working with a variety of people and so they have one of the most diverse
[03:36:21] and so they have one of the most diverse centers uh amongst all the centers all
[03:36:25] centers uh amongst all the centers all neighborhood I mean so many different
[03:36:27] neighborhood I mean so many different ethnicities age groups it is amazing
[03:36:30] ethnicities age groups it is amazing they have a high volume of of of volume
[03:36:32] they have a high volume of of of volume of rentals which puts back into our
[03:36:34] of rentals which puts back into our general fund so that's one of the places
[03:36:35] general fund so that's one of the places we'll be looking at say how are these
[03:36:37] we'll be looking at say how are these centers also generating revenue they
[03:36:40] centers also generating revenue they have high rentals north river civic has
[03:36:42] have high rentals north river civic has high rentals and we may have a couple
[03:36:43] high rentals and we may have a couple other that has really high rentals Um
[03:36:45] other that has really high rentals Um and then they have of course robust
[03:36:47] and then they have of course robust senior programs. Matter of fact, when we
[03:36:48] senior programs. Matter of fact, when we were waiting on the center director to
[03:36:50] were waiting on the center director to get in from she stayed over because they
[03:36:52] get in from she stayed over because they had an event. Um but so she came in a
[03:36:55] had an event. Um but so she came in a little later. Uh one of the actual
[03:36:56] little later. Uh one of the actual participants in the program told us all
[03:36:58] participants in the program told us all about the center, what was going on. It
[03:37:01] about the center, what was going on. It was listen it was fantastic. Um and they
[03:37:04] was listen it was fantastic. Um and they have great outdoor space and those
[03:37:05] have great outdoor space and those pictures at the bottom are pictures that
[03:37:07] pictures at the bottom are pictures that the participants painted. Uh we were um
[03:37:10] the participants painted. Uh we were um leaving and um uh the center director
[03:37:12] leaving and um uh the center director came out to show us that and we had and
[03:37:14] came out to show us that and we had and we didn't get a chance to see them
[03:37:15] we didn't get a chance to see them initially because when we were coming in
[03:37:16] initially because when we were coming in they were doing chair yoga uh and we
[03:37:19] they were doing chair yoga uh and we couldn't be loud with that. Uh, so I
[03:37:22] couldn't be loud with that. Uh, so I have been respectful of the centers and
[03:37:23] have been respectful of the centers and everything, but it has been
[03:37:25] everything, but it has been >> the work that they've done in these
[03:37:27] >> the work that they've done in these centers, the way the community centers
[03:37:29] centers, the way the community centers work and like uh, Councilwoman Hill
[03:37:30] work and like uh, Councilwoman Hill said, we focus a lot on the centers, but
[03:37:32] said, we focus a lot on the centers, but we do still have off office of family
[03:37:34] we do still have off office of family empowerment that just got a silver tier
[03:37:36] empowerment that just got a silver tier award from the national community action
[03:37:38] award from the national community action um, partnership. We have uh, our office
[03:37:42] um, partnership. We have uh, our office of community health. We also have civic
[03:37:43] of community health. We also have civic engagement. So, it's so many other
[03:37:45] engagement. So, it's so many other things. And so, we do want to begin to
[03:37:46] things. And so, we do want to begin to focus on on those as well. But I wanted
[03:37:48] focus on on those as well. But I wanted to make sure I told the story as a
[03:37:49] to make sure I told the story as a nonprofit person. I know storytelling is
[03:37:52] nonprofit person. I know storytelling is key and important and when you all get a
[03:37:54] key and important and when you all get a chance to hear it from one of your
[03:37:55] chance to hear it from one of your colleagues, hopefully it sounds a little
[03:37:57] colleagues, hopefully it sounds a little different. But my this week um we'll be
[03:38:00] different. But my this week um we'll be in districts five and six and then next
[03:38:02] in districts five and six and then next week we'll be in eight and nine. And of
[03:38:03] week we'll be in eight and nine. And of course I didn't want to add district
[03:38:05] course I didn't want to add district seven cuz I didn't want to embarrass
[03:38:06] seven cuz I didn't want to embarrass y'all centers. Uh but uh that's just
[03:38:09] y'all centers. Uh but uh that's just what it but uh cuz I have three super
[03:38:11] what it but uh cuz I have three super centers. Uh but any case, those are my
[03:38:15] centers. Uh but any case, those are my uh those are my others. I want to give a
[03:38:17] uh those are my others. I want to give a big kudos to Kim Strong. She's been
[03:38:18] big kudos to Kim Strong. She's been riding out with me for this and I
[03:38:20] riding out with me for this and I appreciate her so much for coming to
[03:38:22] appreciate her so much for coming to these things and thank y'all so much.
[03:38:29] >> All right. Thank you, Cedric.
[03:38:34] >> That is a draft of our spring summer
[03:38:37] >> That is a draft of our spring summer that Ken Smith has brought out. But I
[03:38:39] that Ken Smith has brought out. But I thought it was appropriate when you're
[03:38:41] thought it was appropriate when you're looking at the budget and the amount of
[03:38:43] looking at the budget and the amount of programming that's happening there. It's
[03:38:44] programming that's happening there. It's It's great to to be able to
[03:38:46] It's great to to be able to >> So, this says 3,000 downloads and the
[03:38:48] >> So, this says 3,000 downloads and the budget says 400 downloads.
[03:38:51] budget says 400 downloads. >> We have We have really we have really
[03:38:54] >> We have We have really we have really doubled down on
[03:38:57] doubled down on >> that has to get in the hands of
[03:38:58] >> that has to get in the hands of everybody. That is
[03:38:59] everybody. That is >> But so, but so the app and the budget
[03:39:01] >> But so, but so the app and the budget document says that there's 400
[03:39:03] document says that there's 400 downloads, but this says there's 3,000
[03:39:05] downloads, but this says there's 3,000 downloads. So, which one is it?
[03:39:08] downloads. So, which one is it? >> Okay. You started promoting it, huh?
[03:39:14] Thank you, sir.
[03:39:14] Thank you, sir. >> I left my pen down there.
[03:39:18] >> I left my pen down there. >> That blue pen?
[03:39:20] >> That blue pen? >> Thank you.
[03:39:23] >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Appreciate it.
[03:39:28] >> Um, whichever.
[03:39:29] >> Um, whichever. >> I think police is first on the list. I
[03:39:31] >> I think police is first on the list. I don't know if it ever matters.
[03:39:40] You don't want to bring them all in.
[03:39:44] >> Yeah.
[03:39:46] >> Yeah. >> Come on in.
[03:39:46] >> Come on in. >> Yeah. Come on in. All right.
[03:39:51] >> Yeah. Come on in. All right. >> Then here come the real deal.
[03:39:55] >> Then here come the real deal. Yes.
[03:39:56] Yes. >> Real deal.
[03:39:59] >> Real deal. >> The bells and whistles.
[03:40:00] >> The bells and whistles. >> Yeah.
[03:40:03] >> Yeah. >> Chief.
[03:40:04] >> Chief. >> Yeah.
[03:40:07] Hey, Dad.
[03:40:23] >> All right,
[03:40:25] >> All right, >> I had the most.
[03:40:28] >> I had the most. >> Okay, everybody in?
[03:40:30] >> Okay, everybody in? >> Mhm.
[03:40:31] >> Mhm. >> Okay. Thank you. Good afternoon council
[03:40:34] >> Okay. Thank you. Good afternoon council family and
[03:40:37] family and bar police narcotics and TV
[03:40:43] bar police narcotics and TV tbrcs.
[03:40:45] tbrcs. So um thank you all for
[03:40:49] So um thank you all for coming today and being able to present
[03:40:51] coming today and being able to present to us. Um, we want to uh hear about your
[03:40:56] to us. Um, we want to uh hear about your budget um from all of you all and we
[03:40:59] budget um from all of you all and we want to thank you for your services and
[03:41:02] want to thank you for your services and your commitment to keeping our community
[03:41:04] your commitment to keeping our community safe and we look forward to hearing uh
[03:41:07] safe and we look forward to hearing uh what your uh priorities and needs are
[03:41:10] what your uh priorities and needs are for um the coming year. So with that
[03:41:14] for um the coming year. So with that being said, I will turn it over to
[03:41:18] being said, I will turn it over to Weston and then we will pass the baton
[03:41:20] Weston and then we will pass the baton on to you, Chief James.
[03:41:22] on to you, Chief James. >> Great. So take a look at police's
[03:41:25] >> Great. So take a look at police's budget. You can see here salaries and
[03:41:27] budget. You can see here salaries and benefits uh make up the vast majority of
[03:41:30] benefits uh make up the vast majority of that. And the bottom right, you can kind
[03:41:32] that. And the bottom right, you can kind of see their different cost centers.
[03:41:35] of see their different cost centers. Um moving on. So, their total police
[03:41:38] Um moving on. So, their total police budget increased
[03:41:41] budget increased um $5.5 million. Mhm.
[03:41:44] um $5.5 million. Mhm. >> Uh the bulk of that 4.8 uh with salaries
[03:41:46] >> Uh the bulk of that 4.8 uh with salaries and benefits. Um and so that's due to
[03:41:50] and benefits. Um and so that's due to kind of the the COLA and anniversary
[03:41:51] kind of the the COLA and anniversary increases and then um the adjustments to
[03:41:55] increases and then um the adjustments to the benefit rates. They did move one
[03:41:57] the benefit rates. They did move one position from CPD into risk kind of like
[03:42:00] position from CPD into risk kind of like the city attorney's office did. Um and
[03:42:03] the city attorney's office did. Um and then you
[03:42:04] then you >> there's something different. This is
[03:42:06] >> there's something different. This is different because we've got a
[03:42:08] different because we've got a >> we have a decrease of 3 million.
[03:42:10] >> we have a decrease of 3 million. >> Wesley, you need to speak to the fact
[03:42:12] >> Wesley, you need to speak to the fact that you are comparing like to life out.
[03:42:17] that you are comparing like to life out. >> Yeah, but his number is different.
[03:42:20] >> Yeah, but his number is different. >> Yeah, that
[03:42:24] I thought I was going crazy and I was
[03:42:27] I thought I was going crazy and I was >> Yeah, that's what we have.
[03:42:29] >> Yeah, that's what we have. >> I'm here today.
[03:42:31] >> I'm here today. took a whole week looking
[03:42:34] took a whole week looking >> the difference that other one included
[03:42:36] >> the difference that other one included the
[03:42:37] the >> the uh
[03:42:39] >> the uh >> 911 and animal control.
[03:42:41] >> 911 and animal control. >> So you are you are you taking it out?
[03:42:44] >> So you are you are you taking it out? >> We're taking it out.
[03:42:45] >> We're taking it out. >> So this is reflective.
[03:42:46] >> So this is reflective. >> Yes. So so the budget book is okay.
[03:42:49] >> Yes. So so the budget book is okay. >> The budget book is wrong.
[03:42:50] >> The budget book is wrong. >> No, the budget is correct.
[03:42:55] >> What were we looking at just a few
[03:42:56] >> What were we looking at just a few minutes few seconds ago? So what what
[03:42:58] minutes few seconds ago? So what what what Weston was doing was showing a
[03:43:01] what Weston was doing was showing a apples to apples comparison. So up until
[03:43:04] apples to apples comparison. So up until this coming fiscal year both 911 for
[03:43:07] this coming fiscal year both 911 for fire and police as well as Mckame
[03:43:10] fire and police as well as Mckame >> which was to the tune of close to $9
[03:43:12] >> which was to the tune of close to $9 million was in my budget which inflated
[03:43:14] million was in my budget which inflated my budget.
[03:43:15] my budget. >> So it was removed
[03:43:17] >> So it was removed >> to so so it's a true comparison of what
[03:43:19] >> to so so it's a true comparison of what my budget really looks like. But to give
[03:43:21] my budget really looks like. But to give you an apples to apples comparison, it
[03:43:23] you an apples to apples comparison, it was pulled out of the past budget years
[03:43:25] was pulled out of the past budget years as well, just to show you what the true
[03:43:28] as well, just to show you what the true budget comparison would look like. Does
[03:43:31] budget comparison would look like. Does that make sense? Otherwise, it shows a
[03:43:33] that make sense? Otherwise, it shows a $3 million reduction, and that's truly
[03:43:35] $3 million reduction, and that's truly not accurate, right? When you're talking
[03:43:37] not accurate, right? When you're talking about you pulled out something, but it's
[03:43:39] about you pulled out something, but it's getting paid somewhere else,
[03:43:40] getting paid somewhere else, >> right? So, yeah. So that was the the
[03:43:42] >> right? So, yeah. So that was the the 5.5. It's kind of the true police
[03:43:44] 5.5. It's kind of the true police operations
[03:43:46] operations taking out the the
[03:43:48] taking out the the noise of 911.
[03:43:50] noise of 911. >> So the police operations have increased
[03:43:52] >> So the police operations have increased by 5 million.
[03:43:53] by 5 million. >> Correct.
[03:43:53] >> Correct. >> Is what you're saying. Okay, that makes
[03:43:55] >> Is what you're saying. Okay, that makes a a lot of sense,
[03:43:56] a a lot of sense, >> right? So
[03:43:57] >> right? So >> the salaries and benefits 4.797. Got it.
[03:44:00] >> the salaries and benefits 4.797. Got it. >> This is right.
[03:44:01] >> This is right. >> Okay.
[03:44:03] >> Okay. >> Yeah. So So yeah. So, so in reality,
[03:44:06] >> Yeah. So So yeah. So, so in reality, when you look at last year's budget to
[03:44:07] when you look at last year's budget to this year's, it's a drop, but that's
[03:44:09] this year's, it's a drop, but that's because we pulled out all that the 911
[03:44:12] because we pulled out all that the 911 and McCain U animals. So, this is kind
[03:44:15] and McCain U animals. So, this is kind of just a true analysis of their
[03:44:18] of just a true analysis of their operating budget, which is why we're
[03:44:20] operating budget, which is why we're kind of showing it.
[03:44:20] kind of showing it. >> Yeah, this got moved to that general
[03:44:22] >> Yeah, this got moved to that general government we covered.
[03:44:23] government we covered. >> Yes, that's right.
[03:44:24] >> Yes, that's right. >> So, my apologies for that.
[03:44:26] >> So, my apologies for that. >> I have a question.
[03:44:27] >> I have a question. >> Yes.
[03:44:28] >> Yes. >> So, FY26, that also does not represent
[03:44:31] >> So, FY26, that also does not represent Mckame and the rest of it.
[03:44:33] Mckame and the rest of it. >> That's right. Okay, just one check.
[03:44:36] >> That's right. Okay, just one check. >> Your your book does. What's on the
[03:44:38] >> Your your book does. What's on the screen does not.
[03:44:39] screen does not. >> To give you an apples to apples
[03:44:41] >> To give you an apples to apples comparison.
[03:44:41] comparison. >> That makes sense. I'm following.
[03:44:43] >> That makes sense. I'm following. >> Okay. Sorry.
[03:44:44] >> Okay. Sorry. >> What you're putting down.
[03:44:46] >> What you're putting down. >> Um. Yes. So, so salaries and benefits
[03:44:48] >> Um. Yes. So, so salaries and benefits again make up the bulk of their their
[03:44:51] again make up the bulk of their their entries. Um, and then operations, they
[03:44:54] entries. Um, and then operations, they have money added to fleet. That's to
[03:44:55] have money added to fleet. That's to cover um maintenance and fuel, which
[03:45:00] cover um maintenance and fuel, which we're all seeing the the increases
[03:45:02] we're all seeing the the increases there. Um, and the flea lease vehicle
[03:45:05] there. Um, and the flea lease vehicle operations piece. Uh, the Axon contract,
[03:45:08] operations piece. Uh, the Axon contract, the 1.4 million, that's for their body
[03:45:09] the 1.4 million, that's for their body cameras and and car cameras. Uh, that
[03:45:12] cameras and and car cameras. Uh, that number came out of their budget. It now
[03:45:13] number came out of their budget. It now lives in DTS's budget. So, you'll see an
[03:45:15] lives in DTS's budget. So, you'll see an increase on the DTS side. The D the
[03:45:18] increase on the DTS side. The D the increase on the DTS side is going to be
[03:45:20] increase on the DTS side is going to be higher than the 1.4. I think it's around
[03:45:22] higher than the 1.4. I think it's around 2.5. Um, and so cuz just the cost of
[03:45:26] 2.5. Um, and so cuz just the cost of that contract has just gone up. Um, and
[03:45:27] that contract has just gone up. Um, and so, but for the purpose of of police's
[03:45:30] so, but for the purpose of of police's budget, that $1.4 $4 million was taken
[03:45:32] budget, that $1.4 $4 million was taken out of their budget and added to DTS uh
[03:45:34] out of their budget and added to DTS uh to cover that contract. And then they
[03:45:36] to cover that contract. And then they have their um risk management allocation
[03:45:39] have their um risk management allocation just like everybody else.
[03:45:42] just like everybody else. Uh they do have um the one position
[03:45:45] Uh they do have um the one position moving to um risk the occupational
[03:45:49] moving to um risk the occupational safety specialist moving to the risk
[03:45:52] safety specialist moving to the risk group and then they have one new police
[03:45:54] group and then they have one new police fleet specialist position. See their
[03:45:57] fleet specialist position. See their their positions represented there.
[03:46:01] their positions represented there. Uh, C, we'll stop there. We'll pause
[03:46:03] Uh, C, we'll stop there. We'll pause there. Okay. For questions,
[03:46:06] there. Okay. For questions, uh, Councilwoman,
[03:46:07] uh, Councilwoman, >> thank you, Chief. I really I wanted to
[03:46:10] >> thank you, Chief. I really I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your
[03:46:11] tell you how much I appreciated your executive summary. Um, and the the
[03:46:15] executive summary. Um, and the the clarity with which you discussed the the
[03:46:18] clarity with which you discussed the the reality of of why you need the fleet
[03:46:20] reality of of why you need the fleet specialist. Um, and and the challenges
[03:46:23] specialist. Um, and and the challenges that have occurred as as we've gotten
[03:46:25] that have occurred as as we've gotten fully staffed, which is great. I mean,
[03:46:27] fully staffed, which is great. I mean, that's the headline, right? that we're
[03:46:28] that's the headline, right? that we're we're fully staffed. Um, which then
[03:46:31] we're fully staffed. Um, which then means we we have more resources to
[03:46:33] means we we have more resources to manage. Um,
[03:46:35] manage. Um, also, um, I appreciate that the way I
[03:46:40] also, um, I appreciate that the way I read this executive summary,
[03:46:43] read this executive summary, I see that you are thinking about here's
[03:46:46] I see that you are thinking about here's where I am today a as a department
[03:46:48] where I am today a as a department leader and here's where I see that we're
[03:46:50] leader and here's where I see that we're headed and what I'm already solving for.
[03:46:52] headed and what I'm already solving for. Um that is so helpful to me as a as a
[03:46:57] Um that is so helpful to me as a as a leader who's got to look at all the
[03:46:58] leader who's got to look at all the departments. Um and so I I want to
[03:47:02] departments. Um and so I I want to applaud it here publicly and encourage
[03:47:04] applaud it here publicly and encourage you continually to make yourself
[03:47:07] you continually to make yourself available to other department heads who
[03:47:09] available to other department heads who have challenges, right? I mean we know
[03:47:11] have challenges, right? I mean we know that one of your huge challenges was the
[03:47:13] that one of your huge challenges was the salary, right? And that was a massive
[03:47:15] salary, right? And that was a massive hill we climbed. And I think many of us
[03:47:19] hill we climbed. And I think many of us here want to make sure we never have to
[03:47:20] here want to make sure we never have to do that in that way again. I don't ever
[03:47:22] do that in that way again. I don't ever want the police or fire to be pawns in
[03:47:24] want the police or fire to be pawns in in a political discussion. Um but what
[03:47:29] in a political discussion. Um but what you've got and the way you think is
[03:47:31] you've got and the way you think is immensely valuable to our city. So thank
[03:47:33] immensely valuable to our city. So thank you and please spread the wealth. That's
[03:47:36] you and please spread the wealth. That's all. Thank you, Madam Chair.
[03:47:38] all. Thank you, Madam Chair. >> You're welcome.
[03:47:40] >> You're welcome. Any anyone else any questions?
[03:47:43] Any anyone else any questions? Okay. Hello.
[03:47:47] >> Well, it would be appropriate for me to
[03:47:48] >> Well, it would be appropriate for me to Yeah.
[03:47:49] Yeah. >> John or
[03:47:51] >> John or you can go now.
[03:47:52] you can go now. >> Uh, if you want,
[03:47:53] >> Uh, if you want, >> you're the chief.
[03:47:56] >> you're the chief. >> Sounds like you just got your budget
[03:47:57] >> Sounds like you just got your budget approved.
[03:47:58] approved. >> Yeah, I know.
[03:47:59] >> Yeah, I know. >> So, I I do I I wanted to take this
[03:48:01] >> So, I I do I I wanted to take this opportunity cuz I, you know, since, you
[03:48:04] opportunity cuz I, you know, since, you know, August, September of of last year,
[03:48:06] know, August, September of of last year, we haven't had this this opportunity.
[03:48:08] we haven't had this this opportunity. And and I do want you all to to
[03:48:10] And and I do want you all to to recognize as painful as that process was
[03:48:14] recognize as painful as that process was last year, um when I was appointed uh in
[03:48:18] last year, um when I was appointed uh in in September of 2024, I walked in with a
[03:48:20] in September of 2024, I walked in with a 23% vacancy rate. That means 23% of our
[03:48:24] 23% vacancy rate. That means 23% of our department, we didn't have people for at
[03:48:26] department, we didn't have people for at at the same time at the conclusion of
[03:48:28] at the same time at the conclusion of 2024, we had the highest attrition rate.
[03:48:31] 2024, we had the highest attrition rate. We lost 45 officers, most of which were
[03:48:34] We lost 45 officers, most of which were to other agencies that year. And at that
[03:48:38] to other agencies that year. And at that that same calendar year, we only brought
[03:48:40] that same calendar year, we only brought in 36 new police officers. And it had
[03:48:44] in 36 new police officers. And it had been upside down like that where we had
[03:48:45] been upside down like that where we had more officers leaving than we did coming
[03:48:47] more officers leaving than we did coming in for five consecutive years. So that's
[03:48:50] in for five consecutive years. So that's what led to the 23% vacancy rate. And I
[03:48:52] what led to the 23% vacancy rate. And I committed to you all that I would give
[03:48:53] committed to you all that I would give my 110% that one that I knew that we
[03:48:56] my 110% that one that I knew that we needed to make some changes from a
[03:48:58] needed to make some changes from a leadership culture perspective. And then
[03:49:00] leadership culture perspective. And then I needed y'all's help, right? and you
[03:49:02] I needed y'all's help, right? and you provided that last year um so that we
[03:49:05] provided that last year um so that we had competitive salary and I know some
[03:49:07] had competitive salary and I know some some of you wanted a top salary and I'd
[03:49:09] some of you wanted a top salary and I'd be all about that right absolutely love
[03:49:11] be all about that right absolutely love it our men and women deserve it but we
[03:49:13] it our men and women deserve it but we have to be at least be competitive and
[03:49:15] have to be at least be competitive and and we know we never want to go back
[03:49:16] and we know we never want to go back there which is that the the need for
[03:49:19] there which is that the the need for that 3% across the board for sworn and
[03:49:21] that 3% across the board for sworn and that's how we keep from going back there
[03:49:23] that's how we keep from going back there is ensuring that we're treating that the
[03:49:26] is ensuring that we're treating that the same from a cost of living perspective
[03:49:28] same from a cost of living perspective I'm very happy to report right that as
[03:49:30] I'm very happy to report right that as of this moment right Now we have two
[03:49:32] of this moment right Now we have two vacancies in sworn too.
[03:49:34] vacancies in sworn too. >> That's it. Went from 23% to two
[03:49:37] >> That's it. Went from 23% to two vacancies. This is less than a
[03:49:39] vacancies. This is less than a percentage point.
[03:49:40] percentage point. >> Um and we have an academy starting in
[03:49:42] >> Um and we have an academy starting in July.
[03:49:43] July. >> We have 38 viable candidates who have
[03:49:45] >> We have 38 viable candidates who have passed background PT test all of that
[03:49:48] passed background PT test all of that stuff vying for two positions.
[03:49:50] stuff vying for two positions. >> Wow.
[03:49:51] >> Wow. >> Right. And we still hold PT test for the
[03:49:53] >> Right. And we still hold PT test for the next two weeks. So, we're going to have
[03:49:55] next two weeks. So, we're going to have 60 plus candidates that are that's where
[03:49:57] 60 plus candidates that are that's where I want us to be as an agency, as a city
[03:50:00] I want us to be as an agency, as a city to where we have the ability to compete
[03:50:02] to where we have the ability to compete that it's not just with do you have a
[03:50:04] that it's not just with do you have a pulse and have you not ever been
[03:50:05] pulse and have you not ever been arrested for a felony, right? That's not
[03:50:07] arrested for a felony, right? That's not the standard for a police officer and
[03:50:10] the standard for a police officer and and that's that's where we're at today
[03:50:12] and that's that's where we're at today and it is in large part because of what
[03:50:14] and it is in large part because of what was done at this table and thank you all
[03:50:16] was done at this table and thank you all so much for that.
[03:50:17] so much for that. um the the increase to the fleet as as
[03:50:20] um the the increase to the fleet as as we talked about last year um in 2021 due
[03:50:24] we talked about last year um in 2021 due to the availability of vehicles because
[03:50:27] to the availability of vehicles because of the um it was actually a chip issue
[03:50:30] of the um it was actually a chip issue that were getting shipped over um postco
[03:50:33] that were getting shipped over um postco we couldn't get vehicles and we didn't
[03:50:34] we couldn't get vehicles and we didn't have the cops to put in those vehicles.
[03:50:36] have the cops to put in those vehicles. Today that's not our reality. So, we
[03:50:39] Today that's not our reality. So, we lost half of our budget in 2021 for
[03:50:41] lost half of our budget in 2021 for vehicles, and this that's what they're
[03:50:43] vehicles, and this that's what they're doing now is kind of putting that money
[03:50:44] doing now is kind of putting that money back to get us square to where I've I've
[03:50:46] back to get us square to where I've I've kept to my word. I'm we're getting cops
[03:50:48] kept to my word. I'm we're getting cops on the streets and we've got to have
[03:50:50] on the streets and we've got to have vehicles to put them in. So, thank you
[03:50:51] vehicles to put them in. So, thank you for for that aspect. Um, thank you for
[03:50:54] for for that aspect. Um, thank you for bringing up the the police fleet. That
[03:50:56] bringing up the the police fleet. That is an area where um it was in our budget
[03:51:00] is an area where um it was in our budget once before. Um, and when that person
[03:51:02] once before. Um, and when that person retired, it was given up to kind of city
[03:51:04] retired, it was given up to kind of city general. It was turned into an open data
[03:51:06] general. It was turned into an open data analyst. The first thing I asked for was
[03:51:08] analyst. The first thing I asked for was can have it back, but it was filled and
[03:51:10] can have it back, but it was filled and and and you know, an employee already,
[03:51:12] and and you know, an employee already, you know, that's already here works for
[03:51:14] you know, that's already here works for DTS, so we couldn't do that. Um, so
[03:51:16] DTS, so we couldn't do that. Um, so that's why I'm asking for that back. And
[03:51:17] that's why I'm asking for that back. And and really the the premise of that is I
[03:51:20] and really the the premise of that is I want some ownership into the maintenance
[03:51:23] want some ownership into the maintenance and and all of the aspects when it comes
[03:51:26] and and all of the aspects when it comes to the accounting of my fleet and
[03:51:28] to the accounting of my fleet and everything has been I won't say dumped
[03:51:29] everything has been I won't say dumped on, but it's been the responsibility of
[03:51:31] on, but it's been the responsibility of fleet. have worked very closely with
[03:51:33] fleet. have worked very closely with with Gerani and and weighin as well as
[03:51:36] with Gerani and and weighin as well as Stan Su with office of internal audit,
[03:51:38] Stan Su with office of internal audit, right, to make sure that we're doing the
[03:51:40] right, to make sure that we're doing the right thing and we're all in agreement
[03:51:42] right thing and we're all in agreement that, you know, they want us to have
[03:51:44] that, you know, they want us to have some skin in the game. We want to have
[03:51:45] some skin in the game. We want to have some ownership of what that looks like.
[03:51:47] some ownership of what that looks like. And that's what that position is exactly
[03:51:49] And that's what that position is exactly for is to to help monitor not just who's
[03:51:52] for is to to help monitor not just who's driving what vehicle, right? But also
[03:51:54] driving what vehicle, right? But also their maintenance schedules, the
[03:51:56] their maintenance schedules, the equipment inside those vehicles. There
[03:51:57] equipment inside those vehicles. There are, as you will see with the Axon
[03:51:59] are, as you will see with the Axon contract, right? there are tens of
[03:52:00] contract, right? there are tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment
[03:52:02] thousands of dollars worth of equipment in every one of our vehicles. That's
[03:52:04] in every one of our vehicles. That's important that we keep track of that
[03:52:05] important that we keep track of that stuff and we don't need to let that
[03:52:07] stuff and we don't need to let that stuff go. So, that's what this position
[03:52:09] stuff go. So, that's what this position is for. Um, and then when it comes to
[03:52:11] is for. Um, and then when it comes to the the capital, there's a couple minor
[03:52:13] the the capital, there's a couple minor um projects that we're working through.
[03:52:16] um projects that we're working through. One is a split cost 50/50 between us and
[03:52:19] One is a split cost 50/50 between us and 911 for a chiller. I am not an HVAC
[03:52:22] 911 for a chiller. I am not an HVAC expert, but a chiller is a main
[03:52:24] expert, but a chiller is a main component of a commercialrade HVAC
[03:52:27] component of a commercialrade HVAC system. Um, it's my understanding it's
[03:52:30] system. Um, it's my understanding it's what cools the air and reduces the
[03:52:32] what cools the air and reduces the humidity. And if we know where we are
[03:52:33] humidity. And if we know where we are from a humidity standpoint, that's very
[03:52:35] from a humidity standpoint, that's very important.
[03:52:36] important. >> Um, and then police services center
[03:52:38] >> Um, and then police services center renovations. That's continued efforts,
[03:52:40] renovations. That's continued efforts, you know, towards what we've been doing
[03:52:41] you know, towards what we've been doing to work on our our service center to to
[03:52:43] to work on our our service center to to upgrade office workspace. Um, one of the
[03:52:46] upgrade office workspace. Um, one of the things that the men and women that work
[03:52:47] things that the men and women that work at patrol don't have as a is a break
[03:52:49] at patrol don't have as a is a break room area um at all. So once the mold re
[03:52:52] room area um at all. So once the mold re remediation is complete, those are some
[03:52:53] remediation is complete, those are some things that that we're wanting to invest
[03:52:55] things that that we're wanting to invest in for the men and women that are coming
[03:52:56] in for the men and women that are coming in every single day. And u we do have a
[03:52:58] in every single day. And u we do have a contract now with with uh with Vibrant
[03:53:00] contract now with with uh with Vibrant Mills so they have a small cooler. We're
[03:53:02] Mills so they have a small cooler. We're wanting to have a nice space for men
[03:53:04] wanting to have a nice space for men they can come and eat and actually have
[03:53:05] they can come and eat and actually have a healthy meal, things like that. This
[03:53:07] a healthy meal, things like that. This the environment we're trying to create.
[03:53:08] the environment we're trying to create. >> Okay.
[03:53:10] >> Okay. All right. Uh Council Clark.
[03:53:12] All right. Uh Council Clark. >> Uh uh thank you. Uh Chairwoman, have I
[03:53:16] >> Uh uh thank you. Uh Chairwoman, have I asking questions on the specifically? I
[03:53:18] asking questions on the specifically? I got a specific question about the
[03:53:20] got a specific question about the psychological exams for the uh police
[03:53:22] psychological exams for the uh police department. Yes, sir.
[03:53:23] department. Yes, sir. >> Which cuz I know you're heavily invested
[03:53:25] >> Which cuz I know you're heavily invested into, you know, health care and for, you
[03:53:30] into, you know, health care and for, you know, I'm very passionate about that as
[03:53:31] know, I'm very passionate about that as well,
[03:53:32] well, >> but it's been a decrease in
[03:53:33] >> but it's been a decrease in psychological exams and I know we've
[03:53:35] psychological exams and I know we've brought in a contractor,
[03:53:37] brought in a contractor, uh, Dr. Lamar, what's Lamar's name?
[03:53:39] uh, Dr. Lamar, what's Lamar's name? >> Henderson.
[03:53:40] >> Henderson. >> Henderson. Um, does that, and this is
[03:53:43] >> Henderson. Um, does that, and this is just for lack of knowledge,
[03:53:45] just for lack of knowledge, >> yes. Is she involved in the
[03:53:47] >> yes. Is she involved in the psychological exams? And if so, why was
[03:53:50] psychological exams? And if so, why was there a decrease in our work in that
[03:53:52] there a decrease in our work in that area?
[03:53:53] area? >> So, so when it comes to the
[03:53:54] >> So, so when it comes to the psychological exams, as you see in our
[03:53:56] psychological exams, as you see in our line out of budget, that is specific for
[03:53:58] line out of budget, that is specific for cadet applicant entry level
[03:54:01] cadet applicant entry level psychological exams. It's a post
[03:54:03] psychological exams. It's a post requirement that every police officer
[03:54:05] requirement that every police officer has to have and pass a psychological
[03:54:06] has to have and pass a psychological exam. That's what that number
[03:54:09] exam. That's what that number represents. Dr. Lamara is not part of
[03:54:11] represents. Dr. Lamara is not part of our budget as but her contract is all
[03:54:14] our budget as but her contract is all predicated on grant funding.
[03:54:15] predicated on grant funding. >> Gosh.
[03:54:16] >> Gosh. >> So that's not there. The reason there's
[03:54:18] >> So that's not there. The reason there's a reduction there to to be honest like
[03:54:20] a reduction there to to be honest like it we we increased it last year because
[03:54:22] it we we increased it last year because we were anticipating the number of
[03:54:24] we were anticipating the number of cadetses that we were going to be able
[03:54:26] cadetses that we were going to be able to put through rightfully so. Um but
[03:54:28] to put through rightfully so. Um but where we're at now with two vacancies,
[03:54:30] where we're at now with two vacancies, we're we're anticipating this year we
[03:54:32] we're we're anticipating this year we won't have the spots to to actually
[03:54:35] won't have the spots to to actually process the same number of of applicants
[03:54:37] process the same number of of applicants as we did this past year. So, we're just
[03:54:39] as we did this past year. So, we're just trying to make that, you know, measure
[03:54:41] trying to make that, you know, measure with what we're projecting that we're
[03:54:43] with what we're projecting that we're going to need, if that makes sense.
[03:54:44] going to need, if that makes sense. Instead of just a flat rate. We could
[03:54:46] Instead of just a flat rate. We could have left it the same, but we're trying
[03:54:47] have left it the same, but we're trying to be very responsible there.
[03:54:49] to be very responsible there. >> Gotcha.
[03:54:50] >> Gotcha. >> Yes, sir.
[03:54:50] >> Yes, sir. >> Madam Chair, I have another follow-up
[03:54:52] >> Madam Chair, I have another follow-up question if you don't mind. And this is
[03:54:54] question if you don't mind. And this is again I I have had we've only had this
[03:54:57] again I I have had we've only had this book for a week and we're still combing
[03:54:58] book for a week and we're still combing through it. So, forgive me
[03:55:00] through it. So, forgive me >> for not being as knowledgeable about
[03:55:02] >> for not being as knowledgeable about where things are in some of the row
[03:55:03] where things are in some of the row labels.
[03:55:04] labels. >> Make the question short.
[03:55:05] >> Make the question short. >> Yes, ma'am. Um
[03:55:08] >> Yes, ma'am. Um the when we bring in special events
[03:55:11] the when we bring in special events sorry
[03:55:14] sorry okay sorry
[03:55:15] okay sorry >> insane when we bring in special events
[03:55:19] >> insane when we bring in special events um I for an example we would landed the
[03:55:23] um I for an example we would landed the Spanish team that will be here and the
[03:55:26] Spanish team that will be here and the city of Chattanooga is paying a hefty
[03:55:28] city of Chattanooga is paying a hefty amount of money in security for that
[03:55:30] amount of money in security for that where how does that impact your
[03:55:33] where how does that impact your workforce and your budget as far far as
[03:55:36] workforce and your budget as far far as do we hire do we use that extra money
[03:55:38] do we hire do we use that extra money for overtime like can you make that
[03:55:41] for overtime like can you make that connectivity to your budget cuz I think
[03:55:43] connectivity to your budget cuz I think we're spending $600,000
[03:55:46] we're spending $600,000 um to host the Spain team here for the
[03:55:51] um to host the Spain team here for the FIFA things and there's a security cost
[03:55:53] FIFA things and there's a security cost on that tell me what the connectivity is
[03:55:55] on that tell me what the connectivity is to your budget your department
[03:55:56] to your budget your department >> so the the short answer is when there
[03:55:59] >> so the the short answer is when there are special events whether it's the
[03:56:01] are special events whether it's the Spain or the Iron Man or the Jingling
[03:56:03] Spain or the Iron Man or the Jingling Marathon whatever it is if it is an
[03:56:05] Marathon whatever it is if it is an event of such a such a scale that onduty
[03:56:09] event of such a such a scale that onduty personnel can't handle that which is
[03:56:10] personnel can't handle that which is primarily our special operations group
[03:56:12] primarily our special operations group right so traffic DUI K9 that that small
[03:56:14] right so traffic DUI K9 that that small group
[03:56:15] group >> then it does go into an overtime
[03:56:17] >> then it does go into an overtime situation where we do bring officers in
[03:56:19] situation where we do bring officers in for for overtime that that would work
[03:56:21] for for overtime that that would work those events I can say specific to the
[03:56:23] those events I can say specific to the example you gave about staying the
[03:56:25] example you gave about staying the majority of those cost from a security
[03:56:27] majority of those cost from a security perspective is actually an extra job
[03:56:29] perspective is actually an extra job format
[03:56:30] format >> to where they so so that's extra
[03:56:32] >> to where they so so that's extra employment so where an officer has to
[03:56:35] employment so where an officer has to off duty and then they are contracted
[03:56:37] off duty and then they are contracted directly with the vendor to pay them
[03:56:39] directly with the vendor to pay them directly to work.
[03:56:40] directly to work. >> So, our office will be making more money
[03:56:42] >> So, our office will be making more money doing this. Okay, perfect.
[03:56:44] doing this. Okay, perfect. >> Um, and that's all I have. I just want
[03:56:45] >> Um, and that's all I have. I just want to say you're I tell people if I were
[03:56:47] to say you're I tell people if I were not a city council person, I would love
[03:56:49] not a city council person, I would love to work for John Chambers. You guys come
[03:56:52] to work for John Chambers. You guys come here
[03:56:53] here >> and give us I remember your presentation
[03:56:56] >> and give us I remember your presentation last year and to come back and say we
[03:56:58] last year and to come back and say we did it.
[03:56:59] did it. >> Yes. because of our work like that makes
[03:57:01] >> Yes. because of our work like that makes us feel good as a council and to uh
[03:57:03] us feel good as a council and to uh councilwoman Hill's comment, you know,
[03:57:06] councilwoman Hill's comment, you know, to help along your other colleagues
[03:57:08] to help along your other colleagues realize what that efficacy looks like
[03:57:10] realize what that efficacy looks like and what it means to our taxpayers to
[03:57:11] and what it means to our taxpayers to say, you know what, that $1.93 I voted
[03:57:14] say, you know what, that $1.93 I voted for, this is why because our community
[03:57:17] for, this is why because our community is safer because of your leadership. So,
[03:57:18] is safer because of your leadership. So, I just wanted to give you that kudos.
[03:57:20] I just wanted to give you that kudos. So, thank you so much.
[03:57:21] So, thank you so much. >> Everyone didn't vote for that night.
[03:57:23] >> Everyone didn't vote for that night. >> That's right.
[03:57:25] >> That's right. Okay. So, okay, Councilwoman Bur,
[03:57:28] Okay. So, okay, Councilwoman Bur, >> I just have a follow-up question. Thank
[03:57:29] >> I just have a follow-up question. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, to Councilman
[03:57:31] you, Madam Chair. Uh, to Councilman Clark, just to clarify because I know
[03:57:33] Clark, just to clarify because I know there's people outside of this room that
[03:57:35] there's people outside of this room that are watching. When when the city has
[03:57:37] are watching. When when the city has special events, it's typically the
[03:57:39] special events, it's typically the financial responsibility of this of the
[03:57:41] financial responsibility of this of the special event to cover the costs of of
[03:57:44] special event to cover the costs of of police officers that help with traffic
[03:57:46] police officers that help with traffic management and things like that. It
[03:57:48] management and things like that. It typically does not come out of your
[03:57:49] typically does not come out of your budget. Is that correct?
[03:57:51] budget. Is that correct? I feel like we would need to have
[03:57:53] I feel like we would need to have somebody from that department here to
[03:57:54] somebody from that department here to answer that question specifically. Okay.
[03:57:56] answer that question specifically. Okay. And I know like our role in that is when
[03:57:59] And I know like our role in that is when there's a particular event,
[03:58:01] there's a particular event, >> something like the Iron Man um or or
[03:58:04] >> something like the Iron Man um or or like the Iron Man World Championships um
[03:58:06] like the Iron Man World Championships um that are going all through the city down
[03:58:09] that are going all through the city down into Georgia and back. So large events
[03:58:11] into Georgia and back. So large events like that that requires a significant
[03:58:13] like that that requires a significant amount of a significant amount of
[03:58:15] amount of a significant amount of personnel resources.
[03:58:17] personnel resources. >> Um and I do pay for those out of my
[03:58:19] >> Um and I do pay for those out of my overtime budget. You do?
[03:58:21] overtime budget. You do? >> Absolutely I do.
[03:58:22] >> Absolutely I do. >> Okay. And and and there are events that
[03:58:24] >> Okay. And and and there are events that also privately pay for offduty police
[03:58:27] also privately pay for offduty police officers even though it's secured might
[03:58:29] officers even though it's secured might be secured through the special events
[03:58:32] be secured through the special events department.
[03:58:32] department. >> And I' I've been working with with the
[03:58:34] >> And I' I've been working with with the mayor staff on cuz I know I brought this
[03:58:35] mayor staff on cuz I know I brought this up last year and we've been working
[03:58:37] up last year and we've been working towards like a model to where there
[03:58:40] towards like a model to where there would be um essentially like a matrix
[03:58:44] would be um essentially like a matrix that would exist, right? to where
[03:58:45] that would exist, right? to where whoever's wanting to have an event, if
[03:58:47] whoever's wanting to have an event, if it required x number of officers and
[03:58:49] it required x number of officers and then it it kind of exceeded our
[03:58:51] then it it kind of exceeded our bandwidth and what we could cover on an
[03:58:53] bandwidth and what we could cover on an on-duty basis, well then these metrics
[03:58:55] on-duty basis, well then these metrics would apply and you would need x
[03:58:57] would apply and you would need x officers and you would it would cost you
[03:58:58] officers and you would it would cost you x dollars. Um that's what we're hoping
[03:59:01] x dollars. Um that's what we're hoping to kind of get to one of these days.
[03:59:02] to kind of get to one of these days. Okay. Um you know, this is a work in
[03:59:04] Okay. Um you know, this is a work in progress that involves multiple
[03:59:05] progress that involves multiple departments. So, you know, we're we're a
[03:59:08] departments. So, you know, we're we're a little bit out of time. And then of
[03:59:09] little bit out of time. And then of course when Spain came up, that was a
[03:59:10] course when Spain came up, that was a very spur-of the- moment thing for us.
[03:59:12] very spur-of the- moment thing for us. Um and and there was an immediate push
[03:59:14] Um and and there was an immediate push by me as well as others to say, "Well,
[03:59:18] by me as well as others to say, "Well, this event organizer, they're going to
[03:59:19] this event organizer, they're going to have to foot the bill for most of this
[03:59:21] have to foot the bill for most of this stuff because we don't have the
[03:59:23] stuff because we don't have the resources to be able to supply." And
[03:59:24] resources to be able to supply." And they didn't push back at all.
[03:59:26] they didn't push back at all. >> Well, and as was acknowledged earlier,
[03:59:28] >> Well, and as was acknowledged earlier, that came from hotel motel tax. You
[03:59:30] that came from hotel motel tax. You know, we've got a bulk of that coming
[03:59:31] know, we've got a bulk of that coming from that. But just just knowing that I
[03:59:34] from that. But just just knowing that I know there are several events that
[03:59:35] know there are several events that happen throughout the year in
[03:59:36] happen throughout the year in Chattanooga that
[03:59:38] Chattanooga that >> money does not come from your budget to
[03:59:40] >> money does not come from your budget to pay for those offices. I hear some of
[03:59:42] pay for those offices. I hear some of the bigger ones that in no way could we
[03:59:44] the bigger ones that in no way could we support it without that extra support.
[03:59:46] support it without that extra support. But
[03:59:46] But >> there is a large number that they pay
[03:59:48] >> there is a large number that they pay directly to the officers for security.
[03:59:50] directly to the officers for security. There's a large number of those.
[03:59:51] There's a large number of those. >> I think it's important for the taxpayers
[03:59:52] >> I think it's important for the taxpayers to hear that that their tax dollars are
[03:59:53] to hear that that their tax dollars are not going to pay for for those events to
[03:59:55] not going to pay for for those events to happen which sometimes can be confusing.
[03:59:57] happen which sometimes can be confusing. So that is very true.
[03:59:58] So that is very true. >> Thank you. Thank you.
[04:00:00] >> Thank you. Thank you. >> So hopefully there's not any more
[04:00:01] >> So hopefully there's not any more questions I don't think for Chief
[04:00:03] questions I don't think for Chief Chambers because we do have two or three
[04:00:05] Chambers because we do have two or three others that we need to bring forth as
[04:00:08] others that we need to bring forth as the council. Can you
[04:00:09] the council. Can you >> Yeah. Can we do narcotics?
[04:00:12] >> Yeah. Can we do narcotics? >> Yeah. Yeah. Narcotics. Is Is that okay?
[04:00:14] >> Yeah. Yeah. Narcotics. Is Is that okay? You're going to speak to it? Okay. So,
[04:00:16] You're going to speak to it? Okay. So, we just going to keep you in the chair.
[04:00:19] we just going to keep you in the chair. >> Yes, ma'am.
[04:00:19] >> Yes, ma'am. >> All right. Move forward.
[04:00:20] >> All right. Move forward. >> Narcotics. Um budget is pretty basic. Be
[04:00:24] >> Narcotics. Um budget is pretty basic. Be at $500,000 in services. That is the
[04:00:27] at $500,000 in services. That is the same number as last year.
[04:00:29] same number as last year. >> Mhm.
[04:00:30] >> Mhm. >> Um and that is based on their estimated
[04:00:33] >> Um and that is based on their estimated need. No new positions. And then I'll
[04:00:35] need. No new positions. And then I'll let Chief fill in. So, so what this is
[04:00:38] let Chief fill in. So, so what this is an allocation of funds that already
[04:00:39] an allocation of funds that already exist. So, the narcotics funds are funds
[04:00:42] exist. So, the narcotics funds are funds that are generated through forfeitures
[04:00:44] that are generated through forfeitures and seizures related to narcotics
[04:00:46] and seizures related to narcotics investigations. It could come from
[04:00:48] investigations. It could come from seizing a vehicle to seizing money to
[04:00:50] seizing a vehicle to seizing money to seizing drugs. Um, and this has been a a
[04:00:53] seizing drugs. Um, and this has been a a longtime fund that's in existence. It is
[04:00:55] longtime fund that's in existence. It is you know man or it is uh governed and
[04:00:58] you know man or it is uh governed and overseen by the state as well as fed as
[04:01:01] overseen by the state as well as fed as federal government as it relates to not
[04:01:03] federal government as it relates to not just the seizures but then also how we
[04:01:05] just the seizures but then also how we spend the money. The money has to be
[04:01:07] spend the money. The money has to be spent related to narcotics
[04:01:08] spent related to narcotics investigations. But it is very open from
[04:01:12] investigations. But it is very open from that point, right? It can be training.
[04:01:13] that point, right? It can be training. It can be equipment for the homicide
[04:01:15] It can be equipment for the homicide inve I'm sorry, the narcotics
[04:01:16] inve I'm sorry, the narcotics investigators. It it could be um you
[04:01:19] investigators. It it could be um you know any type of technological
[04:01:21] know any type of technological advancements that they might need for,
[04:01:23] advancements that they might need for, you know, for the investigation. Um it
[04:01:26] you know, for the investigation. Um it also could be for storage and of the
[04:01:28] also could be for storage and of the evidence related to narcotics
[04:01:29] evidence related to narcotics investigations. Um, so there's
[04:01:32] investigations. Um, so there's approximately 1.9 million in this fund
[04:01:34] approximately 1.9 million in this fund that exists already. We're only
[04:01:36] that exists already. We're only anticipating to spend about 500,000 and
[04:01:39] anticipating to spend about 500,000 and that's about what we're also
[04:01:40] that's about what we're also anticipating that that we would bring in
[04:01:42] anticipating that that we would bring in throughout the course of the year so
[04:01:43] throughout the course of the year so that it doesn't ever drop below, you
[04:01:45] that it doesn't ever drop below, you know, too far below that number.
[04:01:48] know, too far below that number. Okay. Um, Vice Chair Elliott,
[04:01:51] Okay. Um, Vice Chair Elliott, >> I'm good, Madam Chairman. He question.
[04:01:54] >> I'm good, Madam Chairman. He question. >> Okay. All right.
[04:01:55] >> Okay. All right. >> I was a fun amount. Okay.
[04:01:58] >> I was a fun amount. Okay. >> Okay. So I see no other hands of Chief
[04:02:01] >> Okay. So I see no other hands of Chief Chambers, thank you so much as always. I
[04:02:04] Chambers, thank you so much as always. I knew you would not disappoint. So
[04:02:06] knew you would not disappoint. So wonderful Chief Nor.
[04:02:09] wonderful Chief Nor. >> Yes. Come on down.
[04:02:14] >> I hope I don't disappoint.
[04:02:16] >> I hope I don't disappoint. >> You will not.
[04:02:19] >> You will not. Set that bar high. I was hoping I get no
[04:02:23] Set that bar high. I was hoping I get no disappointing in public safety.
[04:02:26] disappointing in public safety. from the chair down. It ain't no
[04:02:28] from the chair down. It ain't no disappointment.
[04:02:30] disappointment. >> All right.
[04:02:32] >> All right. Hop right in here.
[04:02:34] Hop right in here. >> Um buyers budget um you see the bottom
[04:02:37] >> Um buyers budget um you see the bottom line here increase 4.2 million. Uh again
[04:02:41] line here increase 4.2 million. Uh again the bulk of it is in salaries and
[04:02:43] the bulk of it is in salaries and benefits with uh their COLA and
[04:02:45] benefits with uh their COLA and anniversary increases and then some
[04:02:47] anniversary increases and then some changes in benefits. Um they did have
[04:02:51] changes in benefits. Um they did have 160,000 roughly in operations increase.
[04:02:53] 160,000 roughly in operations increase. Again, they have some vehicle operations
[04:02:55] Again, they have some vehicle operations that's maintenance, fuel, things like
[04:02:57] that's maintenance, fuel, things like that for their apparatus. They have
[04:02:59] that for their apparatus. They have their risk allocation. Um, we did some
[04:03:02] their risk allocation. Um, we did some onetime funding in the amendment last
[04:03:04] onetime funding in the amendment last year. If you remember, for station 21,
[04:03:05] year. If you remember, for station 21, we added another crew. So, we had to add
[04:03:08] we added another crew. So, we had to add the all the all the the beds and all the
[04:03:10] the all the all the the beds and all the different equipment that goes along with
[04:03:11] different equipment that goes along with having a second crew there. So, that was
[04:03:13] having a second crew there. So, that was what that money was for. Obviously, we
[04:03:14] what that money was for. Obviously, we don't have that this year. So, that
[04:03:15] don't have that this year. So, that money comes out. Um, and then every two
[04:03:18] money comes out. Um, and then every two years they do promotional testing. So,
[04:03:20] years they do promotional testing. So, last year they didn't have the $200,000.
[04:03:23] last year they didn't have the $200,000. this year they will have that. So, um
[04:03:25] this year they will have that. So, um that's kind of just a quick overview of
[04:03:27] that's kind of just a quick overview of that. Uh no new positions and we'll
[04:03:30] that. Uh no new positions and we'll pause for a second before
[04:03:32] pause for a second before >> Okay.
[04:03:32] >> Okay. >> Uh
[04:03:34] >> Uh Chief Nolles.
[04:03:35] Chief Nolles. >> So, it's my first budget session. So, so
[04:03:39] >> So, it's my first budget session. So, so I was excited about it and excited to
[04:03:42] I was excited about it and excited to sit down with Councilwoman Noel
[04:03:43] sit down with Councilwoman Noel yesterday and go over it just with her.
[04:03:46] yesterday and go over it just with her. So, with this budget, you'll see just
[04:03:49] So, with this budget, you'll see just the uh the majority of the increase was
[04:03:51] the uh the majority of the increase was for the salaries and benefits. Like
[04:03:54] for the salaries and benefits. Like Chief Chambers said, um just working
[04:03:57] Chief Chambers said, um just working with y'all, I stepped into the role
[04:03:59] with y'all, I stepped into the role right at the beginning of the budget
[04:04:00] right at the beginning of the budget amendment last year. So, stepping into
[04:04:02] amendment last year. So, stepping into that and seeing how that was going to
[04:04:05] that and seeing how that was going to reshape our department and help our
[04:04:06] reshape our department and help our department. And so, with that raise and
[04:04:10] department. And so, with that raise and with the increase in benefits, we've
[04:04:11] with the increase in benefits, we've also in our department seen a positive
[04:04:14] also in our department seen a positive thing with that. So from 2018 to 20 2025
[04:04:20] thing with that. So from 2018 to 20 2025 we averaged 12 resignations a year and
[04:04:23] we averaged 12 resignations a year and most of those were firefighters between
[04:04:26] most of those were firefighters between 1 and 10 years of service and the
[04:04:28] 1 and 10 years of service and the majority of those left because of pay.
[04:04:30] majority of those left because of pay. As of today 2026 we've had one and with
[04:04:34] As of today 2026 we've had one and with that one it was for family. He moved
[04:04:36] that one it was for family. He moved back to where his family was. And so so
[04:04:40] back to where his family was. And so so really the it's it's working, you know,
[04:04:41] really the it's it's working, you know, getting increasing those benefits,
[04:04:43] getting increasing those benefits, increasing that that salary, that
[04:04:45] increasing that that salary, that compensation uh to make us competitive
[04:04:48] compensation uh to make us competitive not only in the state of Tennessee but
[04:04:49] not only in the state of Tennessee but in the region has uh has done exactly
[04:04:52] in the region has uh has done exactly what we we wanted it to do and very
[04:04:54] what we we wanted it to do and very excited about that and thank y'all for
[04:04:56] excited about that and thank y'all for that. U also ladder 21 just want to talk
[04:05:00] that. U also ladder 21 just want to talk about that just a little bit with that
[04:05:01] about that just a little bit with that budget amendment with that putting that
[04:05:03] budget amendment with that putting that truck in service. We saw exactly the
[04:05:05] truck in service. We saw exactly the benefit of that the other night in in
[04:05:07] benefit of that the other night in in Councilman Harvey's neighborhood with
[04:05:09] Councilman Harvey's neighborhood with that two alarm residential fire
[04:05:11] that two alarm residential fire >> in his neighborhood.
[04:05:13] >> in his neighborhood. >> Yes.
[04:05:15] >> Yes. >> You know, if that if that ladder if
[04:05:17] >> You know, if that if that ladder if ladder 21 was not there at that location
[04:05:19] ladder 21 was not there at that location at station 21 so close at that time or
[04:05:23] at station 21 so close at that time or as we put it there, the next closest
[04:05:25] as we put it there, the next closest ladder would have been coming from
[04:05:27] ladder would have been coming from Brainard at at Moore Road or from
[04:05:29] Brainard at at Moore Road or from Volkswagen. And so having that ladder
[04:05:32] Volkswagen. And so having that ladder that close, I spoke with the incident
[04:05:34] that close, I spoke with the incident commander today. And so he said if it
[04:05:37] commander today. And so he said if it wasn't for having ladder 21 on scene so
[04:05:39] wasn't for having ladder 21 on scene so fast to get the aerial up to start
[04:05:41] fast to get the aerial up to start getting water on it, we would have lost
[04:05:44] getting water on it, we would have lost both houses and probably damaged another
[04:05:46] both houses and probably damaged another one because the fire was so advanced.
[04:05:48] one because the fire was so advanced. But to have that set up so fast, have
[04:05:50] But to have that set up so fast, have that ladder truck there. They were able
[04:05:52] that ladder truck there. They were able to, you know, at least contain the
[04:05:54] to, you know, at least contain the majority of fire to the house to the the
[04:05:55] majority of fire to the house to the the the be the house that was that was on
[04:05:58] the be the house that was that was on fire and then we saved the other house.
[04:06:00] fire and then we saved the other house. it had gotten into the attic, but they
[04:06:01] it had gotten into the attic, but they made a good stop and the crews did
[04:06:03] made a good stop and the crews did excellent. So, another positive for
[04:06:06] excellent. So, another positive for putting that um ladder 21 in service
[04:06:08] putting that um ladder 21 in service with amendment last year.
[04:06:10] with amendment last year. >> So, thank you again. Thank you for
[04:06:12] >> So, thank you again. Thank you for everything. It is has done has helped
[04:06:14] everything. It is has done has helped our department tremendously. But with
[04:06:16] our department tremendously. But with the the operating budget uh you see the
[04:06:18] the the operating budget uh you see the increase of about 160,000 and uh Western
[04:06:22] increase of about 160,000 and uh Western went over a majority of the services uh
[04:06:24] went over a majority of the services uh with the increase of that about 321,000
[04:06:27] with the increase of that about 321,000 was for 200,000 for promotional testing.
[04:06:30] was for 200,000 for promotional testing. This is 2027. We will do that and uh and
[04:06:34] This is 2027. We will do that and uh and so then we'll skip another year. We do
[04:06:35] so then we'll skip another year. We do it every two years. And he went over
[04:06:38] it every two years. And he went over vehicle operating expenses 351,000 fuel,
[04:06:41] vehicle operating expenses 351,000 fuel, gasoline, labor, parts, everything. And
[04:06:44] gasoline, labor, parts, everything. And then the other expenses risk management
[04:06:46] then the other expenses risk management was uh was that uh positions that we
[04:06:50] was uh was that uh positions that we have vacant at this time within the
[04:06:51] have vacant at this time within the department we have 43 and that is all
[04:06:54] department we have 43 and that is all counting the 26 or not counting the 26
[04:06:58] counting the 26 or not counting the 26 cadets that we have in the academy that
[04:07:00] cadets that we have in the academy that will graduate in July. Once we graduate
[04:07:03] will graduate in July. Once we graduate those there'll be 17 vacant positions.
[04:07:05] those there'll be 17 vacant positions. We are starting another academy October
[04:07:08] We are starting another academy October that will run till April and we expect
[04:07:11] that will run till April and we expect to have about 20 uh spots available in
[04:07:14] to have about 20 uh spots available in that academy. And so as of April 2027,
[04:07:17] that academy. And so as of April 2027, we should be fully staffed in the fire
[04:07:19] we should be fully staffed in the fire department. And with those 20 positions
[04:07:22] department. And with those 20 positions uh for the uh academy in October, we had
[04:07:26] uh for the uh academy in October, we had 523 applicants for 20 positions.
[04:07:29] 523 applicants for 20 positions. >> Wow.
[04:07:30] >> Wow. >> Wow.
[04:07:31] >> Wow. >> So you're paying people. That's good
[04:07:33] >> So you're paying people. That's good stuff. because we're
[04:07:35] stuff. because we're >> Yes, cuz we're competitive.
[04:07:37] >> Yes, cuz we're competitive. >> So, yes. So, very excited about that and
[04:07:40] >> So, yes. So, very excited about that and um and I believe that's it. Okay. Any
[04:07:43] um and I believe that's it. Okay. Any questions? Council F. U Councilwoman
[04:07:46] questions? Council F. U Councilwoman Hill.
[04:07:46] Hill. >> Thank you. Um Chief, thanks for the
[04:07:50] >> Thank you. Um Chief, thanks for the points that you made about um planning
[04:07:53] points that you made about um planning for future growth. Um you mentioned that
[04:07:55] for future growth. Um you mentioned that we're going to be needing a fireh hall
[04:07:57] we're going to be needing a fireh hall in Hamilton Place Mall area and then
[04:08:00] in Hamilton Place Mall area and then also Black Creek. Councilman Henderson
[04:08:03] also Black Creek. Councilman Henderson is bringing us um a proposed budget
[04:08:06] is bringing us um a proposed budget amendment about getting um water
[04:08:10] amendment about getting um water services to Raccoon Mountain. Right now
[04:08:11] services to Raccoon Mountain. Right now they're all on well and it's my
[04:08:14] they're all on well and it's my understanding that they have very
[04:08:15] understanding that they have very limited fire service because of that.
[04:08:19] limited fire service because of that. >> Well, they don't have access to uh fire
[04:08:21] >> Well, they don't have access to uh fire hydrants. They have to haul water down
[04:08:25] hydrants. They have to haul water down to
[04:08:25] to >> so extinguish a fire. Will the
[04:08:29] >> so extinguish a fire. Will the Black Creek, and you may not have the
[04:08:31] Black Creek, and you may not have the answer to this yet, but will the Black
[04:08:33] answer to this yet, but will the Black Creek station be able to adequately
[04:08:36] Creek station be able to adequately service Raccoon Mountain?
[04:08:38] service Raccoon Mountain? >> Station three and station 20 right now
[04:08:41] >> Station three and station 20 right now um service Raccoon Mountain. Okay.
[04:08:43] um service Raccoon Mountain. Okay. >> So, that'll just be another station
[04:08:45] >> So, that'll just be another station that's in the Tonia uh Lookout Valley
[04:08:47] that's in the Tonia uh Lookout Valley area that would help assist in that.
[04:08:49] area that would help assist in that. >> Okay.
[04:08:49] >> Okay. >> And so, yes, we have two stations right
[04:08:51] >> And so, yes, we have two stations right now that that respond to the Raccoon
[04:08:53] now that that respond to the Raccoon Mountain area.
[04:08:53] Mountain area. >> Okay. And then
[04:08:54] >> Okay. And then >> I don't think Black Creek would ever
[04:08:56] >> I don't think Black Creek would ever come off of that mountainarily. Right.
[04:09:01] come off of that mountainarily. Right. >> We would like to keep somebody up there,
[04:09:02] >> We would like to keep somebody up there, but if it is a fire in the valley and
[04:09:04] but if it is a fire in the valley and they're the next closest truck, yes,
[04:09:05] they're the next closest truck, yes, they're coming down. We would just shift
[04:09:07] they're coming down. We would just shift another fire truck from another part of
[04:09:09] another fire truck from another part of the city, we would relocate them up
[04:09:11] the city, we would relocate them up there to make sure that we continued
[04:09:13] there to make sure that we continued coverage up on top of Black Creek. Yes.
[04:09:15] coverage up on top of Black Creek. Yes. >> Okay. So three and 20 have the capacity
[04:09:18] >> Okay. So three and 20 have the capacity to continue doing what they're doing and
[04:09:19] to continue doing what they're doing and they'll be happy to have fire hydrants
[04:09:23] they'll be happy to have fire hydrants >> on Raccoon Mountain when the time comes.
[04:09:25] >> on Raccoon Mountain when the time comes. >> Yes, if they're put in. Yes, absolutely.
[04:09:27] >> Yes, if they're put in. Yes, absolutely. That that hasn't been decided yet.
[04:09:28] That that hasn't been decided yet. >> It has not been decided. Yeah, that's a
[04:09:30] >> It has not been decided. Yeah, that's a little
[04:09:31] little >> premature. Okay, go ahead. Go ahead.
[04:09:34] >> premature. Okay, go ahead. Go ahead. Okay.
[04:09:35] Okay. >> Is that it?
[04:09:35] >> Is that it? >> Yes. Thank you. That's
[04:09:36] >> Yes. Thank you. That's >> okay.
[04:09:38] >> okay. Any other qu Oh, yeah. I'm sorry, Vice
[04:09:40] Any other qu Oh, yeah. I'm sorry, Vice Chair Elliott and then Councilman Clark.
[04:09:44] Chair Elliott and then Councilman Clark. Thank you, Madam Chair. This may be a
[04:09:46] Thank you, Madam Chair. This may be a question for the administration.
[04:09:48] question for the administration. At some point, there was conversations
[04:09:51] At some point, there was conversations about the Black Creek community putting
[04:09:53] about the Black Creek community putting up funding for the fire hall. Whatever
[04:09:58] up funding for the fire hall. Whatever happened to that?
[04:10:02] >> Well, I don't think we have landed on
[04:10:04] >> Well, I don't think we have landed on the financing solution in totality yet.
[04:10:08] the financing solution in totality yet. So that's an ongoing conversation, still
[04:10:10] So that's an ongoing conversation, still developing,
[04:10:12] developing, not not big enough to bring anything
[04:10:15] not not big enough to bring anything forward at this point.
[04:10:15] forward at this point. >> Is there still interest in them doing
[04:10:17] >> Is there still interest in them doing it?
[04:10:19] it? >> I am not tracking that particular.
[04:10:23] >> I am not tracking that particular. >> I know this was before a lot of y'all's
[04:10:25] >> I know this was before a lot of y'all's time or current roles. I just didn't
[04:10:27] time or current roles. I just didn't know if Chip, I don't know if you even
[04:10:29] know if Chip, I don't know if you even know. Do you know
[04:10:30] know. Do you know >> what the
[04:10:34] longer
[04:10:36] longer Well, I will get out in front of the
[04:10:38] Well, I will get out in front of the administration. I mean, but there has
[04:10:40] administration. I mean, but there has there have been talks. Now, as far as I
[04:10:43] there have been talks. Now, as far as I don't think there's been any kind of
[04:10:45] don't think there's been any kind of final
[04:10:47] final >> agreement
[04:10:49] >> agreement between the developers and us to build a
[04:10:51] between the developers and us to build a fire off
[04:10:54] fire off >> Okay, we're working with them and we're
[04:10:56] >> Okay, we're working with them and we're trying to we're trying to figure that
[04:10:57] trying to we're trying to figure that out.
[04:10:57] out. >> Yeah.
[04:11:00] >> Okay. You good, Council Vice Chair?
[04:11:03] >> Okay. You good, Council Vice Chair? >> Vice Chair, you good?
[04:11:04] >> Vice Chair, you good? >> I'm good, Madam Chair. Okay. Uh, this is
[04:11:06] >> I'm good, Madam Chair. Okay. Uh, this is a technical question which I think is
[04:11:08] a technical question which I think is really cool. Uh, Chief knows, thank you
[04:11:10] really cool. Uh, Chief knows, thank you again for your response. We've been
[04:11:12] again for your response. We've been getting a lot of requests in my district
[04:11:14] getting a lot of requests in my district about fire hydrants and we got one last
[04:11:17] about fire hydrants and we got one last night. Uh, Kim and I were at the
[04:11:19] night. Uh, Kim and I were at the Washington Hill Centers.
[04:11:21] Washington Hill Centers. >> Give us a quick education about So, the
[04:11:23] >> Give us a quick education about So, the request that we got is that they want to
[04:11:26] request that we got is that they want to be repainted. The one in Gayen Heights
[04:11:28] be repainted. The one in Gayen Heights and the one um off of Rosemary. I'm
[04:11:32] and the one um off of Rosemary. I'm looking at Cam. I can't remember. Um,
[04:11:34] looking at Cam. I can't remember. Um, I'm sorry, Lake Vist. And I'll give you
[04:11:36] I'm sorry, Lake Vist. And I'll give you the details, but like what is if I
[04:11:37] the details, but like what is if I needed to request for those to be
[04:11:39] needed to request for those to be checked to make sure they're working cuz
[04:11:41] checked to make sure they're working cuz I've gotten two random requests in the
[04:11:43] I've gotten two random requests in the last 30 days or repainted. What is your
[04:11:46] last 30 days or repainted. What is your department's role in that? Who do I
[04:11:48] department's role in that? Who do I direct that to?
[04:11:49] direct that to? >> So, all the hydrants in the city,
[04:11:50] >> So, all the hydrants in the city, unfortunately, we do not own. So,
[04:11:53] unfortunately, we do not own. So, Tennessee American Water Company owns,
[04:11:55] Tennessee American Water Company owns, East Side Utility owns some of them, and
[04:11:57] East Side Utility owns some of them, and also Hick utility. So, they own them and
[04:11:59] also Hick utility. So, they own them and they maintain them. the as far as
[04:12:02] they maintain them. the as far as checking them, our department checks
[04:12:04] checking them, our department checks them twice a year um in the spring and
[04:12:07] them twice a year um in the spring and in the fall. And so we will flow them,
[04:12:09] in the fall. And so we will flow them, make sure clean them out because you see
[04:12:11] make sure clean them out because you see some of them if they've been sitting
[04:12:12] some of them if they've been sitting there for a little while when you first
[04:12:14] there for a little while when you first open them up, they'll have rust and
[04:12:15] open them up, they'll have rust and debris and things like that in them. So
[04:12:17] debris and things like that in them. So we don't want that going into our fire
[04:12:18] we don't want that going into our fire apparatus and clogging our pump. So, we
[04:12:20] apparatus and clogging our pump. So, we will flow them uh once a year and then
[04:12:22] will flow them uh once a year and then we'll go through a second time and we
[04:12:24] we'll go through a second time and we will inspect them, make sure they're not
[04:12:26] will inspect them, make sure they're not broke, make sure they're not leaking and
[04:12:28] broke, make sure they're not leaking and uh weed eat around them and make sure we
[04:12:30] uh weed eat around them and make sure we can see them and and and maintain them
[04:12:32] can see them and and and maintain them that way. But if anything's broken on
[04:12:34] that way. But if anything's broken on them, we will send an email to Tennessee
[04:12:36] them, we will send an email to Tennessee American Water East Side or Hixon,
[04:12:39] American Water East Side or Hixon, whichever one owns those hydrants, and
[04:12:41] whichever one owns those hydrants, and they will come out and fix.
[04:12:42] they will come out and fix. >> So, if if is it a required color for it
[04:12:44] >> So, if if is it a required color for it like But people can't just go out and
[04:12:46] like But people can't just go out and paint them, right? The color is based on
[04:12:48] paint them, right? The color is based on the pressure that comes out of that. Got
[04:12:52] the pressure that comes out of that. Got >> interesting.
[04:12:52] >> interesting. >> So, don't tell people to paint those.
[04:12:54] >> So, don't tell people to paint those. >> No, please.
[04:12:59] >> Pretty fascinating.
[04:13:01] >> Pretty fascinating. >> Yeah, I've seen one painted a Snoopy in
[04:13:03] >> Yeah, I've seen one painted a Snoopy in somebody's yard that did that.
[04:13:05] somebody's yard that did that. >> I thought that was a thing. So, I may
[04:13:06] >> I thought that was a thing. So, I may have misinformed someone. So,
[04:13:09] have misinformed someone. So, >> I thought people could paint those, but
[04:13:11] >> I thought people could paint those, but there are there's a color code based
[04:13:13] there are there's a color code based off. Okay. So if your biggest challenge
[04:13:15] off. Okay. So if your biggest challenge is your needs to be painted
[04:13:19] is your needs to be painted if it is rusted and if they see that
[04:13:21] if it is rusted and if they see that it's rusted or if we see it we'll turn
[04:13:22] it's rusted or if we see it we'll turn that in.
[04:13:23] that in. >> We'll send the request to you and then
[04:13:24] >> We'll send the request to you and then they will come out and rehab it to
[04:13:26] they will come out and rehab it to repaint it.
[04:13:27] repaint it. >> Whoever owns that hydra will come out
[04:13:29] >> Whoever owns that hydra will come out and take a look at it and maintenance
[04:13:30] and take a look at it and maintenance it.
[04:13:30] it. >> Thank you for that information. I
[04:13:32] >> Thank you for that information. I apologize.
[04:13:34] apologize. >> Council member Burns.
[04:13:35] >> Council member Burns. >> Yeah. I just have a quick question. the
[04:13:38] >> Yeah. I just have a quick question. the fact that you gave about the 500
[04:13:40] fact that you gave about the 500 applications the same time a year ago.
[04:13:44] applications the same time a year ago. What were the number of applications?
[04:13:45] What were the number of applications? >> Same time a year ago when uh we started
[04:13:48] >> Same time a year ago when uh we started that academy this past July we were 400.
[04:13:52] that academy this past July we were 400. Before that um so I would say before
[04:13:55] Before that um so I would say before that we were about 100 I think 2020 and
[04:13:58] that we were about 100 I think 2020 and 2021 we're around 100.
[04:14:02] 2021 we're around 100. >> I just was curious. I think that's a
[04:14:04] >> I just was curious. I think that's a fascinating
[04:14:05] fascinating >> 178 in 2024. 268 2025 we jumped up
[04:14:10] >> 178 in 2024. 268 2025 we jumped up because we started to discuss on that to
[04:14:12] because we started to discuss on that to 400 and then 523 this year.
[04:14:16] 400 and then 523 this year. >> Wonderful.
[04:14:16] >> Wonderful. >> And we have 18 year olds that are
[04:14:18] >> And we have 18 year olds that are >> Yes.
[04:14:20] >> Yes. >> And the state line
[04:14:21] >> And the state line >> and the state line. So we've opened the
[04:14:22] >> and the state line. So we've opened the borders up. We've increased that.
[04:14:24] borders up. We've increased that. >> Do you have the data on how many who
[04:14:26] >> Do you have the data on how many who applied for the 500 came from across the
[04:14:28] applied for the 500 came from across the state line?
[04:14:29] state line? >> No, not yet. We will have that.
[04:14:31] >> No, not yet. We will have that. >> Might be interesting.
[04:14:32] >> Might be interesting. >> Yes, we will look at all that. I know
[04:14:34] >> Yes, we will look at all that. I know this last academy that started in July,
[04:14:36] this last academy that started in July, we had
[04:14:37] we had >> two 18 year olds, a 19 year old and a 20
[04:14:40] >> two 18 year olds, a 19 year old and a 20 year old. So, we had four out of the uh
[04:14:43] year old. So, we had four out of the uh 29 I believe is what we started that
[04:14:45] 29 I believe is what we started that that were under the age of 21 when we
[04:14:47] that were under the age of 21 when we started the first class to do that.
[04:14:49] started the first class to do that. >> And it's worth noting, sorry, that we've
[04:14:51] >> And it's worth noting, sorry, that we've seen an increase in minorities, by the
[04:14:53] seen an increase in minorities, by the way. you left that out, but I just
[04:14:55] way. you left that out, but I just wanted to say that that we've seen an
[04:14:58] wanted to say that that we've seen an increase
[04:14:59] increase >> and both both fire and police, I mean, I
[04:15:01] >> and both both fire and police, I mean, I just
[04:15:02] just >> can't say enough how you guys are just
[04:15:03] >> can't say enough how you guys are just meeting our expectations and filling
[04:15:06] meeting our expectations and filling those gaps, getting more minorities in
[04:15:07] those gaps, getting more minorities in those positions. Like, I'm just
[04:15:10] those positions. Like, I'm just >> our recruiting team is doing an
[04:15:11] >> our recruiting team is doing an incredible job and they're actually
[04:15:14] incredible job and they're actually they're they're helping the the
[04:15:16] they're they're helping the the applicants. So now before because you
[04:15:19] applicants. So now before because you know somebody might work out and lift
[04:15:20] know somebody might work out and lift weights and stuff but uh firefighting is
[04:15:22] weights and stuff but uh firefighting is a lot more cardio and uh along with
[04:15:24] a lot more cardio and uh along with lifting weights. So what our team has
[04:15:26] lifting weights. So what our team has done now is um about 6 weeks before the
[04:15:31] done now is um about 6 weeks before the testing starts every weekend they have
[04:15:33] testing starts every weekend they have an open gym at the training center. So,
[04:15:36] an open gym at the training center. So, some of our members will meet whoever
[04:15:39] some of our members will meet whoever wants to come
[04:15:40] wants to come >> and they will do workouts with them to
[04:15:42] >> and they will do workouts with them to prepare them for the physical ability
[04:15:44] prepare them for the physical ability test because it's it's not easy. It's
[04:15:47] test because it's it's not easy. It's very difficult. And so, they will
[04:15:48] very difficult. And so, they will prepare them and you can see we've had
[04:15:51] prepare them and you can see we've had three tests so far. We've got another
[04:15:53] three tests so far. We've got another one coming up in on Saturday. And you
[04:15:55] one coming up in on Saturday. And you can see the ones that have attended
[04:15:57] can see the ones that have attended those workouts and then the ones that
[04:16:00] those workouts and then the ones that have not because they're prepared. They
[04:16:02] have not because they're prepared. They know what exercise. They know what
[04:16:03] know what exercise. They know what muscle groups they're going to be using.
[04:16:04] muscle groups they're going to be using. So th that team has done an incredible
[04:16:06] So th that team has done an incredible job preparing and getting us the best
[04:16:08] job preparing and getting us the best quality people.
[04:16:09] quality people. >> Is that open to council members?
[04:16:10] >> Is that open to council members? >> Sure. Come on.
[04:16:12] >> Sure. Come on. >> Me council m Clark and council Elliot.
[04:16:16] >> Me council m Clark and council Elliot. >> Okay. Any other questions? Council
[04:16:18] >> Okay. Any other questions? Council family.
[04:16:20] family. >> Okay. Thank you, Chief. Appreciate it.
[04:16:23] >> Okay. Thank you, Chief. Appreciate it. You did a wonderful job. Both of you get
[04:16:25] You did a wonderful job. Both of you get a a plug. So real quick, I'm sorry.
[04:16:29] a a plug. So real quick, I'm sorry. Capital items, right?
[04:16:31] Capital items, right? um the fire capital maintenance that is
[04:16:34] um the fire capital maintenance that is a sort of a down payment on their
[04:16:37] a sort of a down payment on their self-contained breathing apparatus.
[04:16:39] self-contained breathing apparatus. >> Y
[04:16:40] >> Y >> um and so you'll see next year the
[04:16:41] >> um and so you'll see next year the balance of that is will be in the
[04:16:43] balance of that is will be in the capital that's that has to be replaced
[04:16:45] capital that's that has to be replaced every so often. So that's just putting
[04:16:47] every so often. So that's just putting money aside for that. Uh then there's
[04:16:49] money aside for that. Uh then there's fire station capital maintenance. Uh
[04:16:52] fire station capital maintenance. Uh some money in here for that East Brainer
[04:16:54] some money in here for that East Brainer to to balance out the East Brainer
[04:16:55] to to balance out the East Brainer property that we're buying u for station
[04:16:58] property that we're buying u for station out there at some point. and then
[04:16:59] out there at some point. and then apparatus replacement funds.
[04:17:01] apparatus replacement funds. >> Okay. Thank you.
[04:17:02] >> Okay. Thank you. >> Question.
[04:17:03] >> Question. >> So if Okay, Councilman Harvey. Okay, now
[04:17:06] >> So if Okay, Councilman Harvey. Okay, now come on.
[04:17:08] come on. >> First of all, I want to say thank you to
[04:17:10] >> First of all, I want to say thank you to you and your team for the response to my
[04:17:12] you and your team for the response to my neighborhood um two nights ago. It was
[04:17:14] neighborhood um two nights ago. It was devastating u for the family uh who lost
[04:17:17] devastating u for the family uh who lost their home, but you saved the ones right
[04:17:19] their home, but you saved the ones right next door to it. Um so I can't say
[04:17:21] next door to it. Um so I can't say enough uh the the your team was out
[04:17:24] enough uh the the your team was out there in the days after and and was just
[04:17:26] there in the days after and and was just tremendous. So, uh, thank you for for
[04:17:29] tremendous. So, uh, thank you for for all you did there and, uh, I look
[04:17:31] all you did there and, uh, I look forward to supporting the land
[04:17:32] forward to supporting the land acquisition. Um, so we'll we'll work
[04:17:34] acquisition. Um, so we'll we'll work towards getting another station much
[04:17:36] towards getting another station much needed out in our area. So, thank you.
[04:17:38] needed out in our area. So, thank you. >> Thank you all.
[04:17:39] >> Thank you all. >> That's all, Madam Chair. Thank you.
[04:17:40] >> That's all, Madam Chair. Thank you. >> Thank you, Chief Doll. So, if we will
[04:17:42] >> Thank you, Chief Doll. So, if we will have what we have next, um,
[04:17:45] have what we have next, um, >> yes, Dan,
[04:17:48] >> yes, Dan, come on down.
[04:17:50] come on down. >> Yeah.
[04:17:55] >> Okay, y'all. This is Dan, my new found
[04:17:58] >> Okay, y'all. This is Dan, my new found friend. So, y'all just
[04:18:01] friend. So, y'all just in.
[04:18:01] in. >> So, we're going to touch on uh
[04:18:03] >> So, we're going to touch on uh >> Yes.
[04:18:04] >> Yes. >> TVRCS. It's Tennessee Valley Regional
[04:18:06] >> TVRCS. It's Tennessee Valley Regional Communication System. Uh
[04:18:11] Communication System. Uh is that right?
[04:18:12] is that right? >> Is this new?
[04:18:13] >> Is this new? >> Why do you say TDRC? It's
[04:18:15] >> Why do you say TDRC? It's >> like
[04:18:17] >> like teaching me something new about
[04:18:18] teaching me something new about government.
[04:18:18] government. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. No, no, this is this is
[04:18:21] >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. No, no, this is this is I'm not sure when it was stood up. I
[04:18:22] I'm not sure when it was stood up. I don't know. It's been there for us. been
[04:18:25] don't know. It's been there for us. been working with the city.
[04:18:26] working with the city. >> I don't know the full history, but we
[04:18:27] >> I don't know the full history, but we were the first uh to to set up a a trunk
[04:18:31] were the first uh to to set up a a trunk system which has now been taken over by
[04:18:32] system which has now been taken over by the state. Entire state uses model.
[04:18:36] the state. Entire state uses model. >> All right. Uh so their bud budget is is
[04:18:39] >> All right. Uh so their bud budget is is flat uh for the most part. Um salaries
[04:18:42] flat uh for the most part. Um salaries and benefits changed $3,000. Operations
[04:18:46] and benefits changed $3,000. Operations um entries um
[04:18:49] um entries um operations other financing 172,000. The
[04:18:52] operations other financing 172,000. The bulk of that is going is funds set aside
[04:18:54] bulk of that is going is funds set aside to replace equipment as it becomes
[04:18:56] to replace equipment as it becomes obsolete. Yes.
[04:18:59] obsolete. Yes. >> No, keep going.
[04:19:00] >> No, keep going. >> Got you. Uh is is going to replace
[04:19:02] >> Got you. Uh is is going to replace equipment to maintain the system as it
[04:19:04] equipment to maintain the system as it becomes obsolete. Um and then the money
[04:19:07] becomes obsolete. Um and then the money that's transferred to capital. That's
[04:19:09] that's transferred to capital. That's based on their estimate of what they
[04:19:11] based on their estimate of what they think they're going to need. So they've
[04:19:12] think they're going to need. So they've adjusted that. Uh no changes in
[04:19:15] adjusted that. Uh no changes in positions. They have nine folks over
[04:19:17] positions. They have nine folks over there. Um no no changes to that. And so
[04:19:22] there. Um no no changes to that. And so again, their budget is is mostly flat,
[04:19:23] again, their budget is is mostly flat, but we just wanted to bring it for you
[04:19:25] but we just wanted to bring it for you guys. And so,
[04:19:26] guys. And so, >> okay,
[04:19:27] >> okay, >> go ahead, Dan.
[04:19:28] >> go ahead, Dan. >> So, we're an enterprise fund, so we uh
[04:19:31] >> So, we're an enterprise fund, so we uh bring in our uh our revenue from uh uh
[04:19:34] bring in our uh our revenue from uh uh subscriptions to the radio services. We
[04:19:37] subscriptions to the radio services. We maintain uh radio uh emergency uh
[04:19:39] maintain uh radio uh emergency uh communications in 11 counties, uh four
[04:19:42] communications in 11 counties, uh four of them in Georgia. Um
[04:19:46] of them in Georgia. Um we're expecting about 3.7%
[04:19:49] we're expecting about 3.7% increase in revenues which shows the
[04:19:52] increase in revenues which shows the increase uh uh for the money coming in.
[04:19:55] increase uh uh for the money coming in. And as he said the uh uh expenses are
[04:19:58] And as he said the uh uh expenses are we've got uh our uh DC power plants that
[04:20:02] we've got uh our uh DC power plants that hold the the battery systems that hold
[04:20:04] hold the the battery systems that hold the the sights up. uh if they lose
[04:20:06] the the sights up. uh if they lose commercial power uh they've reached end
[04:20:08] commercial power uh they've reached end of life and we're so we're in the
[04:20:09] of life and we're so we're in the process of replacing those and also some
[04:20:12] process of replacing those and also some uh equipment on the on the towers
[04:20:14] uh equipment on the on the towers themselves that just reached end of life
[04:20:16] themselves that just reached end of life and so they're budgeted in from and
[04:20:18] and so they're budgeted in from and taken out of the revenue so
[04:20:21] taken out of the revenue so >> okay
[04:20:22] >> okay >> 078
[04:20:24] >> 078 >> any questions from the council family I
[04:20:26] >> any questions from the council family I guess vice chair
[04:20:27] guess vice chair >> was this originally under the fire
[04:20:29] >> was this originally under the fire department's budget was this far it's
[04:20:31] department's budget was this far it's just kind of popping up
[04:20:33] just kind of popping up >> has this always been separate
[04:20:35] >> has this always been separate It was in general services here under
[04:20:38] It was in general services here under Mayor B he under the fire department
[04:20:42] Mayor B he under the fire department >> enterprise enterprise fund.
[04:20:45] >> enterprise enterprise fund. >> Okay. I'm just excuse me for my
[04:20:47] >> Okay. I'm just excuse me for my ignorance. I just didn't know it existed
[04:20:49] ignorance. I just didn't know it existed and so when I
[04:20:50] and so when I >> I was packing up cuz I thought we were
[04:20:52] >> I was packing up cuz I thought we were done and
[04:20:54] done and >> I saw that rub.
[04:20:55] >> I saw that rub. >> This is a this is a pleasant surprise
[04:20:56] >> This is a this is a pleasant surprise and I thank you for your work. So it was
[04:20:58] and I thank you for your work. So it was just I just didn't know. So thank you so
[04:21:01] just I just didn't know. So thank you so much.
[04:21:02] much. >> Okay. Any other questions from the
[04:21:04] >> Okay. Any other questions from the council members? Not at all.
[04:21:07] council members? Not at all. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Uh, Councilwoman Hill,
[04:21:09] >> Oh, I'm sorry. Uh, Councilwoman Hill, >> thank you. Um, so with regard to the
[04:21:12] >> thank you. Um, so with regard to the future, um, you said you've got
[04:21:14] future, um, you said you've got substantial infrastructure upgrade
[04:21:16] substantial infrastructure upgrade project on the horizon and you're
[04:21:17] project on the horizon and you're working with state and local partners to
[04:21:19] working with state and local partners to identify funding sources. So, how when
[04:21:22] identify funding sources. So, how when we say substantial, is it significantly
[04:21:25] we say substantial, is it significantly more than your typical revenue? And are
[04:21:27] more than your typical revenue? And are you are there state grants that you're
[04:21:29] you are there state grants that you're seeking? Uh I believe he's working on a
[04:21:31] seeking? Uh I believe he's working on a on a state grant. Uh I'm not directly
[04:21:34] on a state grant. Uh I'm not directly involved in it yet. I do know what the
[04:21:35] involved in it yet. I do know what the substantial upgrades are due to. They're
[04:21:38] substantial upgrades are due to. They're changing out the uh the base radio
[04:21:39] changing out the uh the base radio systems that have reached the end of
[04:21:42] systems that have reached the end of life. We're going to the new improved
[04:21:43] life. We're going to the new improved digital. They're already part like I
[04:21:45] digital. They're already part like I said we're we started out the uh
[04:21:48] said we're we started out the uh communication system and the state has
[04:21:51] communication system and the state has attached to it. were small compared to
[04:21:54] attached to it. were small compared to the state effort, but uh so we they
[04:21:57] the state effort, but uh so we they share in that they've already uh fielded
[04:22:01] share in that they've already uh fielded and tested all these upgrades and so all
[04:22:03] and tested all these upgrades and so all we've got to do is install them at our
[04:22:05] we've got to do is install them at our sites and run with it
[04:22:07] sites and run with it >> once they're purchased and you're think
[04:22:08] >> once they're purchased and you're think you're seeking a state grant to help
[04:22:10] you're seeking a state grant to help with that upgrade
[04:22:11] with that upgrade >> working with the state with the tack the
[04:22:14] >> working with the state with the tack the overall state network.
[04:22:15] overall state network. >> Okay. Thank you. That's all madam chair.
[04:22:18] >> Okay. Thank you. That's all madam chair. >> Okay. Uh, Councilwoman Bur,
[04:22:20] >> Okay. Uh, Councilwoman Bur, >> I have just a question of understanding.
[04:22:22] >> I have just a question of understanding. So, we So, you serve the city of
[04:22:25] So, we So, you serve the city of Chattanooga in 11 counties
[04:22:27] Chattanooga in 11 counties >> in other counties in Tennessee and four
[04:22:29] >> in other counties in Tennessee and four counties. Are they are they contributing
[04:22:31] counties. Are they are they contributing to the expenses? Do you
[04:22:33] to the expenses? Do you >> Yes.
[04:22:33] >> Yes. >> We charge them for some at some level
[04:22:36] >> We charge them for some at some level >> subscriber service for each radio they
[04:22:38] >> subscriber service for each radio they have in hand. Uh, they charge we charge
[04:22:40] have in hand. Uh, they charge we charge them a fee. Uh, that gets them on the
[04:22:43] them a fee. Uh, that gets them on the system, maintains them and we get a
[04:22:45] system, maintains them and we get a capital to keep the system up to date.
[04:22:47] capital to keep the system up to date. Okay. for minor stuff. But yes, each
[04:22:49] Okay. for minor stuff. But yes, each each entity provides a s source of
[04:22:52] each entity provides a s source of income.
[04:22:53] income. >> So does your budget your budget reflects
[04:22:55] >> So does your budget your budget reflects the services to those other counties as
[04:22:57] the services to those other counties as well? Yes, ma'am. Okay. And then they're
[04:23:00] well? Yes, ma'am. Okay. And then they're contributing to the cost of that.
[04:23:03] contributing to the cost of that. >> Okay. Do do we have I'm sure we have
[04:23:04] >> Okay. Do do we have I'm sure we have somewhere in here what what the revenue
[04:23:07] somewhere in here what what the revenue is.
[04:23:07] is. >> Uh on page B43
[04:23:10] >> Uh on page B43 that Okay. Is it the 2 million?
[04:23:12] that Okay. Is it the 2 million? >> It is. So and then it's actually broken
[04:23:14] >> It is. So and then it's actually broken down a little further on 463. Um
[04:23:16] down a little further on 463. Um >> gotcha. Okay.
[04:23:17] >> gotcha. Okay. >> As to and there's a line in there other
[04:23:19] >> As to and there's a line in there other government maintenance
[04:23:21] government maintenance >> so what are we what so I guess Weston
[04:23:24] >> so what are we what so I guess Weston what do we actually contribute to that
[04:23:26] what do we actually contribute to that amount so what how much is coming from
[04:23:29] amount so what how much is coming from >> I can pull the breakdown
[04:23:30] >> I can pull the breakdown >> okay I just I'd be curious to see that
[04:23:32] >> okay I just I'd be curious to see that >> we can break it down by by district
[04:23:36] >> we can break it down by by district thank you madam chair
[04:23:37] thank you madam chair >> all right council family anything else
[04:23:40] >> all right council family anything else >> are you over uh tornado sirens
[04:23:42] >> are you over uh tornado sirens >> no
[04:23:43] >> no >> okay never mind too communications Okay.
[04:23:48] >> okay never mind too communications Okay. >> And and I was Matthew Sadler is the
[04:23:49] >> And and I was Matthew Sadler is the director uh for TVRCS, but he was out of
[04:23:52] director uh for TVRCS, but he was out of the country. He wasn't here to be here.
[04:23:56] the country. He wasn't here to be here. >> Okay. Oh, we're good. Thank you, Dan. Oh
[04:23:58] >> Okay. Oh, we're good. Thank you, Dan. Oh my god, that was awesome. So, uh, hold
[04:24:02] my god, that was awesome. So, uh, hold up. I haven't missed this. I haven't
[04:24:04] up. I haven't missed this. I haven't dismissed this yet. Come on. Come on.
[04:24:06] dismissed this yet. Come on. Come on. >> So, thank you for your presentations
[04:24:09] >> So, thank you for your presentations >> and for the work that you do every day
[04:24:12] >> and for the work that you do every day to serve and protect our communities.
[04:24:15] to serve and protect our communities. and we appreciate your dedication and
[04:24:19] and we appreciate your dedication and your um your needs presented during this
[04:24:22] your um your needs presented during this budget session. So now it is our
[04:24:24] budget session. So now it is our responsibility
[04:24:26] responsibility as a council family to make sure we are
[04:24:30] as a council family to make sure we are positioning these department for
[04:24:32] positioning these department for success. So we need to make sure they
[04:24:34] success. So we need to make sure they have what they need when they need in
[04:24:36] have what they need when they need in order to continue to protect and serve
[04:24:38] order to continue to protect and serve us. Okay, y'all are greatly appreciated.
[04:24:41] us. Okay, y'all are greatly appreciated. All right, appreciate it. All right. So,
[04:24:45] All right, appreciate it. All right. So, if there's not anything else,
[04:24:48] if there's not anything else, everybody is good. Cody, you always
[04:24:50] everybody is good. Cody, you always bringing up the real there. You good?
[04:24:52] bringing up the real there. You good? All right. Praise the Lord.
[04:24:54] All right. Praise the Lord. >> All right. Then we are done.
[04:24:56] >> All right. Then we are done. >> Thank you.
[04:24:57] >> Thank you. >> Thank you.