All right.

Good evening, everyone.

Welcome to our Cobb County Board of Commissioners meeting this September twenty third, two thousand and twenty-five.

He will be providing our invocation, which will be followed by the pledge.

Staff in all who participate in this meeting.

Grant them clarity of my unity of spirit and integrity of heart as they make decision that impact the life of Sumani.

Bless the families of those who serve and bless the people of Cal County with peace, safety, and prosperity.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you.

Our meeting is now called to order, and I do want to recognize some special guests that we have here from the Georgia Symphony Orchestra.

And I have been told that they would like to play our anthem, yeah, national anthem for us.

So if you don't mind, we will have this diversion.

That was beautiful, and you're welcome back.

Make that a part of our regular meeting.

Thank you so much.

Don't go too far.

I understand you'll be back in our program.

But first, we do have a number of presentations before us.

And the first one is to present a proclamation to Goodwill of North Georgia.

For those of you who are here as a part of that presentation, please join Commissioner Allen up front.

So today we want to honor Goodwill.

Goodwill has fostered hope, opportunity, and community strength for over 100 years.

In Cobb County alone, Goodwill operates nine retail stores and a career center, continuing its strong tradition of service.

Across North Georgia, Goodwill runs 70 stores, 14 career centers, and 40 donation centers employing more than 3600 people.

Thanks to Goodwill, more than 40 million pounds of material are diverted from landfills every year.

The Smyrna Career Center alone has helped 20,000 plus Cobb residents secure meaningful employment, where they offer specialized programs for entrepreneurs, high school students, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

So we, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, proclaim September 23rd as goodwill of North Georgia Day in Cobb County.

Thank you.

If you'd like to say a few words, sure, you stole all my thunder, though.

But I always start these presentations by first saying thank you to uh Madam Commissioner and the rest of the county commission board.

Thank you so much for this opportunity for us to come out.

But I always start these presentations by asking how many of you have shopped at or donated to a goodwill?

It's always it's always the case.

But most don't know what we do with the prophets.

We we take the profits from what is now one of the largest retail operations in the state.

We're actually bigger than Target in the state of Georgia.

And we use those profits for workforce development.

We are the most successful workforce development nonprofit, arguably in the entire United States of America.

That we have just about 200 full-time people working every single day to help people, primarily those with barriers, to get to work.

And we've been extremely successful at it.

Over the last eight years, we've helped over 125,000 North Georgians find jobs.

And more importantly, we've helped 80% of those, almost of 80%, are working in working class, uh working class jobs, where they're moving up.

And our approach is we call the ABC approach of a job, a better job, and onto a career.

Our economic impact on the state of Georgia now approaches a billion dollars.

And we are helping people with disabilities, people coming out of the criminal justice system, and just folks who are looking for a way to improve their lives.

So thank you, Cobb County.

Thank you so much for this wonderful honor.

We look forward to another.

We are we our store in Cobb County, our oldest door is 28 years old.

We're looking forward to reaching 30 years with you all and tens of thousands of more people helping put them to work.

So thank you very much.

All right, here we go.

Gotcha, thank you.

And did our youth musicians leave?

They left.

Oh no.

Well, we so appreciated them playing for us tonight.

So it is with great honor that I get to give this proclamation to you, whereas the Georgia Symphony Orchestra serves an integral part of Cobb County's cultural fabric, enriching the lives of residents through exceptional performances, community engagement, and a commitment to ensuring music is accessible to all.

And whereas, since its founding in 1951, the GSO has united professional musicians, volunteers, and supporters to deliver world-class symphonic, jazz, and choral music experiences that inspire, connect, and uplift our community.

And whereas the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras established in 2006, developed the talents of thousands of young musicians during the past 20 years, offering educational opportunities that foster discipline, creativity, and leadership.

And whereas, under the artistic leadership of music director, Dr.

Timothy Perville, the GSO has earned recognition for innovation, artistic excellence, and pioneering programs, including sensory-friendly concerts, family programming, and initiatives expanding access to undeserved communities.

Now, therefore, we, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, do hereby honor the Georgia Symphony Orchestra for 75 years of dedicated service, its role in strengthening the economy, enhancing the quality of life of residents, and extend our deepest gratitude for its invaluable contributions to the culture via vitality of Cobb County.

This is the 23rd day of September, 2025.

Sure.

Um, thank you so much, Commissioner Gambrill, and all of the Board of Commissioners for this honor.

We are so glad to be with you tonight.

Uh, we thank you for celebrating us on this uh eve of our 75th anniversary as we go into this season.

Uh, we thank you for the support that the county has always given this organization.

Uh, for those of you who are not familiar with us, this organization, as I said, it's been here for 75 years.

We have over 500 musicians that are involved with us, both professional within the symphony, amateur within our chorus, and our students within our youth symphony that you heard a sample of today.

We have a wonderful season about to happen, and it's gonna launch on October 12th with a sensory-friendly performance at the Jenny T.

Anderson, where we'll be doing the music of video games.

So you should come and check that out.

I hope that you'll come and join us at some point during our season and celebrate uh this community orchestra that wants to bring world class music to everyone in the uh Cobb County and North Georgia region.

So thank you very much.

Thank you.

All right, next up, we have members of Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services who will be recognized for their heroic efforts.

Please join Commissioner Burrell up front.

While they're coming up, good evening, everyone.

It is my honor to present the certificate of recognition to Evan Davis, a 10-year-old who is our walking miracle tonight.

And to the brave men and women of our fire department that saved his life.

So back in March 18th, I believe, um, of this year, Evan and his dad were in a tragic car accident at Canton Road Hawkins store on their way to soccer practice.

And because of the quick response while we have an ISO rating of one, because of the quick response to our firefighters from a couple of fire stations, 14 and 16.

Um they were able to quickly get him to the hospital, and um actually took the mom to the hospital to meet them there because I detained the father for questioning and and making sure he didn't need to go to the hospital.

But um, I'm gonna let Evan tell y'all a little bit about his experience and and what this all means to him.

Do you want to say a few words?

Um my way to soccer practice.

I didn't even know that we would get in records.

Yeah, we're back at school.

Yeah.

Wow.

What made my fit?

You were very proud of the question.

I just want to thank the firefighters on behalf of my husband, my daughter, and my son.

Um, because if they had not gotten there when they had, we wouldn't have our son anymore.

And also um, we're so thankful to have Children's Hospital of Atlanta here in Atlanta.

We spent 10 weeks there with his recovery from traumatic brain injury and injuries to his leg and his hip.

And everybody combined are the reason why we still have our child.

And then the last place that I want to thank is his school.

The principal of his school, Dr.

Beasley has been nothing short of a miracle to us.

Um, from being at the hospital to see him to having a Red for Eve day, that's his Facebook page at school to support him.

All of the cards that came to the hospital from all of his friends, and then I'll never forget getting back to the school and her looking at me on the orientation day and saying, You have fought for your son for all this time.

Now we've got him.

So all of these Cobb County and Georgia people have made it possible for Evan to be where he is now, healing and working miracles.

So we're so thankful.

We hope nobody ever, ever, ever has to go through what we have, but we are so thankful for the community that we have that that held us up during this time.

Thank you.

Commissioner Burrell, thank you so much for recognizing our firefighters.

I really appreciate that, Chairwoman, Commissioners.

Thank you so much.

You know, this is really truly what it's all about.

Um, it is when training and courage and teamwork all come together at the the most opportune time for a favorable outcome.

And uh I couldn't be more proud of these individuals.

Um their quick action is a reason why not only Evan is here tonight, um, but the opportunity that we get to celebrate him uh is because of the hard work and dedication of uh of our firefighters.

And so with that being said, thank you so much for sharing him with us.

Evan, thank you so much for never giving up, and uh, I couldn't be more proud of the individuals that are up here tonight or the the men and women of Cobb Fire that are here that serve the community every day with excellence.

So thank you.

Thank you.

So this first certificate is for you, Evan, and it says the Cobb County Board of Commissioners recognizes the determined efforts of 10-year-old Evan Davis to overcome severe back injuries from a March 18th vehicle collision that left him in a week's long medically induced coma.

His refusal to give up and his hard work through months of medical rehabilitation led him to be able to thank the firefighters who treated him at the crash scene, and this determination and gratitude ref reflects well on Evan's character, and we look forward to his future contributions to our community.

So are you going to be joining these guys when you get older and be a firefighter?

Maybe want to be when you get older.

Okay.

Okay.

Thank you.

And battalion chief Lewis, can you come over here a minute and help me?

Sure.

Um I have shape.

Okay.

Yes, I was first at the scene with my crew, uh Tucker and Rueda when we got the car.

Um we knew immediately that it wasn't good.

And uh thankfully he put up a fight, and we're here today for him.

That's it.

Okay, I think um do that.

Okay, I'm gonna read yours and then we'll just hand out the other ones because the Cobb County Board of Commissioners recognizes the work of fire and emergency services engineer Shane Dorfman, who was the first officer in charge at the scene of a March 18th vehicle collision.

Dorfman directed the rapid extraction of injured 10-year-old Evan Davis in order to provide him crucial and immediate care.

We commend Dorfman for providing an example of the essential work required from first responders in our community.

This is the 23rd day of September 2025.

So that is yours.

And uh Lieutenant Logan Dean isn't with us, but he was very special that night too, as you all were.

Um Lewis, Battalion Chief Jeremiah Lewis, Cobb County Board of Commissioners recognizes the work of Battalion Chief Jeremiah Lewis at the scene of a March 18th vehicle collision.

Lewis transported the mother of injured 10-year-old Evan Davis, so she could be present with her son at the emergency room.

We commend Lewis for providing an example of the essential work required of first responders in our community.

And then this is for the whole squad, 16.

So who would like this?

Captain Antonosi.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you.

And Ruben, I know Ruben Reid is here.

Thank you, sir.

And Dawson Tucker.

Thank you.

And now we need a picture, unless anybody else wants to say anything.

This is so great for us because we rarely get to do this.

We we rarely get to see this side of the of the outcome.

We see the outcome out on the on the street, and we don't get to do this very often.

So this was great for for all of us to see the the positive outcome in this.

For any one of us that have children know that he's a walking miracle and a blessing to his family, just what a blessing our first responders are.

All right, it's my pleasure to recognize September 15th through 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month.

For those who are here as a part of that presentation, please join me up front.

Thank you.

Again, thank you so much for being here.

It is my honor and pleasure to present this proclamation this evening.

Whereas Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th through October 15th each year, honoring the rich histories, diverse cultures, and lasting contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across the United States.

Recognizing the profound impact Hispanic Americans have had on our story of our nation.

And we're as in Cobb County, nearly 15% of our residents, approximately one hundred and thirteen thousand people identify as Hispanic.

Their talents, dedication, and vibrant traditions enrich our cultural landscape and feel the economic vitality of our community.

And we're as the diversity, resilience, and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans have strengthened the fabric of our county, enhance our shared culture, and contributed greatly to the social, economic, and civic life of both Cobb County and the United States.

And we're as Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the legacies of Hispanic leaders, educators, innovators, artists, public servants, and community builders whose influence continues to shape and inspire future generations.

Now, therefore, we the Cobb County Board of Commissioners to hereby proclaim September 15th through October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month in our county, and we encourage all residents to help us honor the celebration and the vibrancy, resilience, and invaluable contributions of our Hispanic community.

This the 23rd day of September 2025.

Thank you.

And we're also honored to have a representative from the consulate office of Mexico here in Georgia.

So I'll also let him share a few words as well.

Thank you.

And also don't let me look over our former representative of Gwennett County, yes, Brenda Lopez.

I'm very familiar because she's very active.

Thank you so much for being here tonight.

Thank you very much.

We have attorneys, we have a physicians, and we have young Mexican Americans who was born here in the United States.

And we feel proud to be part of these incredible county and incredible country.

We feel safe in COP, and we are looking to be like that for many, many years.

Thanks for people like you that open your arms and your hearts.

And we also think a former police chief Bankuser that is here with us because police sheriff office and everybody here, the court and all the commissioners are always being very careful.

And I'm really appreciate that.

Because we are feeling part of this community, and this is important for us.

Thank you.

In representative General of Mexico, Rafael La Vega, I'm with the Message.

Um he extend the gratitude to for the Cobb County for the proclamation, the Hispanic Heritage.

And we are honored to reflect the strong and enduring that between Mexico and wonderful Hispanic community in Cobb County.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

I feel this youngest audience member deserves a round of applause.

My children would have never been so proclamation.

Thank you.

Thank you, Chairwoman.

As the board provides the podium for public comment, it's appropriate to review some of those related meeting rules.

Please state your name and if you're speaking on behalf of an organization.

All comments should be made to the commission as a body.

And addressed through the chair.

Public comment is not a dialogue with the board, but an opportunity for speakers to provide their comments to the board.

Comments should not be slanderous.

The board encourages regardless of the topic for the audience to be respectful and courteous to all speakers.

Everyone attending this meeting should give it others the right to both listen and to be heard by treating each other with civility.

Statements made during the public comments portion do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the board or the administration of Cobb County Government.

And there is a timer on the podium to keep track of your three minutes.

And Mr.

Stevenson, you are first.

Tracy Stevenson.

First of all, I would like to uh take a moment to tell you the good news, which is it's Denny Wilson's birthday today.

She's 29 for at least the second time.

And uh we want to say well, no, she's been 29 a long time.

That's my point.

But uh, we're happy to have Denny around.

She's very active, everybody knows her here.

Happy birthday, Denny.

Now let's I want to move on and talk about the last two years really in elections.

We all know about home rule.

I'm not gonna beat that to death.

We hired this young lady, Tate Fall during this whole stressful time.

And I couldn't help but when I read the article this weekend, well, September 15th in the MDJ.

Last month, Jennifer Moschbacher, chair of Cobb Elections Board, shared that Fall had, and I quote, requested that her leave begin.

In light of falls, that was a maternity leave as I understand it.

In light of fall's planned continuing absence, the board unanimously appointed preparation center division manager Michael Dietrich Delitry, I don't know his name, as the new acting election coordinate director.

I have been a poll worker and a poll manager for quite a few elections.

I found that Tate Fall did a very good job.

She made some mistakes and some very trying times, but I really liked her a lot.

She was really honest with everybody and straightforward.

This is a pretty dishonest statement in the paper.

She was run out of town.

All right.

She chose to go ahead and finish up and leave, but I think we all know what really happened.

She was run out of town.

And I don't even know what her politics were, but I know that every time that I ever needed to talk to her, every time she ever made a decision, she was always available, and she was always fair.

So I I'm a little upset that I couldn't help but notice in the lobby when I came in tonight.

The voter guide.

Whose picture's on there?

Tate fall.

You know, and I just want to say free tape fall.

Let her say what really happened.

I feel like she's being verbally handcuffed.

I really do respect her, and I wish she was still here because I think she did a pretty good job.

She made mistakes, like I said, there were some precinct math problems.

But gee whiz, I can't imagine why that could have happened.

There were some voter cards that went out wrong.

Can't imagine why that happened.

But at the end of the day, I think she's getting a really raw deal.

And I'd like for you, I really would like to see more support from her from the board.

Thank you.

The next speaker is Michael Capo.

Good evening.

My name is Michael Capo, and I'm presenting some petitions on behalf of Guide Point Montessori School as well as Heatherwood community who is adjacent to Teddy's Market as they're presenting a uh alcohol appeal for proximity location.

Um, for one of the petitions, uh I believe that Charlie Brender had emailed.

Excuse me.

I'm excuse me.

Okay, thank you.

Let's need to further our county attorney.

Okay, but just ask that you please be seated.

Okay.

This is our public comments portion of our meeting.

I think people are allowed to be able to speak for what they want to Mr.

Park's Uff's uh point.

The hearing has been closed, and none of this information will be should be considered by the board.

Thank you for clarifying that.

Thank you.

Yes, sir.

Please continue.

As I was saying, Charlie Render had emailed the board earlier today saying that I'd be presenting the petition on behalf of their or their school and their community.

Uh, as far as our neighborhood goes, I run daily.

Um those signs that they had put up that they claim to have put up.

I have seen briefly when they went to appeal something else, and they were not down on my daily runs and commutes, they weren't present.

I couldn't see them.

There's a substantial amount of garbage and debris in the community from that specific location.

They've owned it for some time and have failed to upkeep the yard, that just the general community.

It seems unsafe, and we're asking them to come in and now have their alcohol license when they're less than 300 feet from our neighborhood and less than 600 feet, even less than 300 feet from the guide point Montessori school.

There's already a lot of traffic concerns in that area.

I believe you guys are all aware of that as well.

And this is just going to present more danger for that specific element.

We don't want the alcohol sales during the times.

The the letter had or the appeal statement or something, I can't remember what it's called.

I'm sorry, I'm not a public speaker, guys.

It uh it said from 6 a.m.

to noon.

It does not say from 6 a.m.

to midnight, and that just does not feel right if they are gonna be selling alcohol during those hours.

Why is it six hours during school hours?

Why is it going to be that early in the day?

So there's constant code violations and nuisances on the property.

We do have pictures to support that as well.

There's safety concerns, broken glass debris all over the property.

There's no no trespassing signs, nothing preventing anybody from coming on the property.

We've seen people set up shop and establish just as of yesterday.

There was a barbecue company selling underneath their awning.

I highly doubt that they were licensed.

Um got a lot more to say, but my nerves are getting the best of me.

So I can present the petitions from our community if you guys would like those.

And I appreciate you guys for giving me the time and the floor.

Thank you.

The next speaker's Mel Skelton.

Uh oh.

Yes.

All right.

I've got some things here.

Uh oh, watch that to the board.

If they don't kill me first, no, we won't our desire.

Yes, that's it.

These go along with what he just said.

Yes.

And it goes back to when we were in the case.

So you need to please state your name, sir.

Please state your name.

And I know everything.

I know all that's you have to state your name before you begin your comments.

That's the one.

Mel Skelton, I'm sorry.

Tell me your name again.

Mel Skelton.

Thank you, Mel.

Okay.

And I've been before you before when we went through this two years ago.

But anyway, okay.

A lot of what he said.

Okay.

This is just reiterating, but this place has been between that intersection and the danger of that intersection.

School kids going to Lasseter High School and you know, Simpson Middle School and everything, you know, and all the people turning the wrong way out of the two different businesses across there, which this one will be, and nothing to constrict that, which we talked about this at the library two years ago, and things were supposed to be done, they haven't been done.

I almost got rear-ended by an F-350 when someone turned in front of me out of the business across the street.

There's all kinds of trash and everything, and one of our huge complaints is about the wildlife in Wren Creek, which is natural watershed in the Chattahoochee.

Five weeks ago, I walked out of my backyard.

There were suds three feet high in the creek.

The water was white.

And here you will see empty Home Depot buckets where somebody probably dumped all of their waste into the creek from there.

There are no fish alive, no snakes alive, nothing alive in the creek right now.

This is the third time since I've lived in this house in the 42 years that something like this has happened where it killed off all the wildlife.

If they're not going to keep the property up like that, what do they do?

What are they gonna do when they get into that building and they have their liquor license?

Are they gonna do the same thing with that selling to minors and things like that?

Another thing is is that when we did this last time, we're supposed to be a sound absorbing deflection sound wall for the noise that was coming from there.

If on the latest plans, it's pictured on there, but it's not put on the plans.

That has to be there because one of the houses is less than 200 feet from where it is my house.

I can hear everything from the you know from inside my bedroom when there's a wreck up there or anything else.

And so these things need to be addressed along with the liquor license.

And these are pictures of what he was just talking about, and I'm just gonna leave it with you along with measurements to each one of the different buildings and backyards, which my backyard when we did the measurements on.

Actually, my lot is touched by this 300-foot limitation, and that's all I've got to say.

Okay, you know, Miss Burrell.

We've had a lot of conversations with her, and she knows you know what's going on.

Okay, if they're gonna approve this, they're gonna be.

Sorry, your time's up.

They're gonna do this.

Thank you.

They need to address them.

The next speaker is Donald Barth.

Oh, excuse me, Commissioner, did you want to respond?

Sir, um I was just gonna comment the when the zoning came in, the stipulations on the zoning are enforced by Cobb County.

So once they start building inspections will be done to make sure that all those stipulations are in place and they're compliant.

Um, tonight's vote is on the alcohol.

Right.

Just wanted to you know, all this sort of second.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Talmbar, good evening.

First of all, I'd like to say happy Russia Shana to our Jewish people to be inclusive of everybody in Cobb County.

It's important to note this is one of the highest holy days, and it is their new year.

So again, if I got the name right, happy Rosh Hashanah.

Second of all, I want to thank y'all.

Think about what was said tonight.

ISO rating, insurance rating.

Low as you can go, low is good.

In other words, you have provided the equipment, the training, everything that it takes to have an ISO rating.

That doesn't mean we did it.

You guys did it.

ISO came from you.

So thank you very much.

I probably wouldn't have been here tonight except I scanned the paper like a dummy.

But I see this thing and we talk about a moratorium again on student purpose housing.

Y'all bumped your head.

We go from ISO, we need student purposed housing.

Why?

Because we have a housing shortage.

We have the best colleges sitting right here in Cobb County, and we want them to grow.

How do you get growth?

You put the potential out there.

I did this in Marietta, I argued too.

We wanted student purposed housing.

I have some right up the street from me.

Not once has it caused any problem, but I can tell you it's brought in tax dollar after tax dollar.

Those people are grown, they stay there in these apartments and they do what they're supposed to do.

They go to school.

We've got Chattahoochee Tech.

I'm not just talking about one college.

We've got Life College, Piedmont College.

I mean, we are eat up with trade schools and colleges, and people need a place to stay and affordable.

The more housing you have drives the price down.

The more people that we have that aren't putting a burden on our school systems, they're giving us free money.

They have their own police.

Go over there to the Walmart 210 South Cobb.

Look at the crowd of students and they're spending money.

I just had to go up off of Chastain Road last week.

It's changed.

I'll give you that.

It's changed.

Do I want it to change?

I want it to keep changing.

Cobb County is going to grow.

You can't shut the door at 285 and say stay out.

We don't want any more.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next speaker is Denny Wilson.

Yes, happy birthday before you.

Thank you.

You see how you guys stood up.

You turned to the flag, you put your hand over your heart, and you pledge the legion to our flag.

I can't believe that you guys would have someone sitting in a chair at the Board of Elections on the elections board for two years that gave the flag her backside to kiss.

She never stood up.

She never put a hand over her heart.

She never said the pledge.

And she's been promoted to chair of the elections board.

I mean, where do we where do we do something like this?

Now that she's chair, she stands up, she faces the flag, she has her hand at her side, and she never opens her mouth to pledge allegiance to that flag.

That's an insult to every service member that has gone off to fight for the freedom and the air that we breathe every day.

And that should not be allowed.

I need you guys to put pressure on that election board and tell them she needs to be gotten out of that seat.

I don't care if she continues to sit on the board, but she should not have the highest position on that board when she has disrespected our service members in the way that she has.

So I don't know what happened, but all I know is I've heard that she's gone, and the paper says she's not coming back.

And last but not least, um, I am really enjoying the Cobb 101 class.

I think I'm gonna have to vote early.

Uh, and I think community development is probably gonna get my prize.

Um we played we played a game the other night, and I'm I I love to read.

I love to read, and I read a lot, and there's not many things that can capture my attention 100%, but they did it week before last.

I mean, they had me from the start, and I really enjoyed the game that they had, and I think that is something that you guys should take out in the community and practice with the communities because then I think they would better understand zoning, planning, code enforcement, economic development.

You know, I think they would you know they would understand it a lot better.

So that's it for me.

Thank you.

The next speaker's Craig Harfoot.

Thank you.

Good evening, commissioners.

My name's Craig Harfoot.

Um, I wanted to speak on two things, but the what happened to Charlie Kirk.

It made me think back to a guy I was in scouts with.

I was uh my mother and his mother were in child evangelism together.

They went to church with them.

He went on a mission trip to Beirut Lemon, Lebanon, somewhere in the 68, 69.

He's passing out tracks.

Somebody opened the door and shot him in the head.

Now Muslim country, but you know, no tolerance.

But this is during the whole Vietnam War thing.

He was not participating in war, he was doing mission work.

But anyhow, I um what Donald talked about with the students.

The one thing Charlie Kirk talked straight with everybody that's in school about is you're going in student debt, you're you know, you're you got all this money you owe when you're out, and it's mostly paid for housing, like you know, generally if you got a scholarship that that's covered, but it's all just what they're spending is borrowed money, and it's what buries all the young people when it's all said and done.

And if you don't get a job, you're toast.

And then we had a high suicide rate in Cobb even from people that have college degrees and can't get jobs.

So I I saw this other video, and it was just really disturbing because a Marine, they have footage of the whole thing, and he's he shows in this video.

It wasn't the kid on the roof, he was shot from behind.

It's like Kennedy, you know what I mean?

And it the whole thing is, and maybe he's not talking about it, and it's like so.

Who did Charlie really?

Is it the bankers?

They don't they want to float the whole country on the backs of student loan debt, and I mean that's what's really disturbing to me because the one thing I would tell any kid now, you're better off in a trade, you're better off not having any debt, get some skills and you know move forward.

That's what I did.

I went to junior college, lived at home two years.

Heck, you can live at home in cob and drive the Kennesaw, you know, and I would say if you got a scholarship, do it, but don't go in debt.

And then I heard you did a lot of presentation today.

Please consider a lost because you know, uh trying to do that.

Mr.

Harford, your top your time's up, chairwoman.

That's the last of the speakers, the first portion.

Okay, thank you.

Commissioners, we do have our consent agenda.

However, there are two non-consent items to add to consent.

The first one I will um read is to approve the allocation of district two contingency funding for the procurement of office furniture and fixtures for his and his administrators' office.

Um is there a motion to add that to consent?

So moved.

Is there a second?

Second.

Okay, call the question.

Excuse me.

Is there any discussion?

All right, call the question.

The motion carries five zero.

We also have a motion.

Oh excuse me, yes, to add authorization for settlement of Cobb County versus Waltz Capital, Kennesaw LLC.

Um, this is a civil action regarding parcel 16.

Um, I move that we add this to the consent agenda.

Second, okay.

Is there any further discussion?

Call the question.

The motion carries five zero, and those are the only two non-consent agenda items that I have.

As for the other consent agile agenda items, those have been scrolling on the screen prior to the meeting, and we'll scroll on the screen afterwards.

We have had some revisions to agenda items five, twelve, sixteen.

Those are the only three revisions that I have.

Um, from our clerk.

Commissioners, are there any other comments or questions or changes needed to the consent agenda?

All right.

Yes, I was gonna read the motion.

Yes.

With that, I move that we approve the items on our consent agenda as it has been revised, and to authorize execution of necessary documents by the appropriate county personnel.

Second.

Okay, is there any discussion?

We'll call the question.

The motion carries five zero.

Thank you.

Okay, we are on to our regular agenda, and our first tab is under transportation, and I will turn things over to our DOT director.

Good evening, chairwoman, commissioners, deputy county manager Drew Esler with the Department of Transportation.

We have just one item for your consideration this evening.

The department recommends the board of commissioners approve a contract with Chapfield contracting incorporated in an amount not to exceed 115,144 dollars for drainage system repairs on Woodland Brook Drive at Farmington Drive.

Project number B 2266, authorize the corresponding budget transaction and further authorize the chairman to execute the necessary documents.

Okay, Commissioner Allen.

So moved.

Second, is there any further discussion?

We'll call the question.

The motion carries five zero.

Thank you.

Thank you.

The next item is under public services, and I will turn things over to our parks director, Michael Brantley.

I am actually for Mr.

Brightley tonight.

I'm glad you noticed the difference.

That makes me feel better.

Uh Michael is uh at the employee appreciation of it.

So I am graciously filling in for him tonight, hopefully.

Thank you for the time.

I'm gonna ask for that favor to be returned someday from him.

Parks has one agenda item, and the agenda item tonight is asking the board of commissioners to allocate undesignated content contingency funding within the chairwoman's twenty FY25 adopted budget in the amount of 100,000 dollars to supplement the indoor track, which is a 2022 SPLOST Program B0640, authorize the corresponding budget transactions and further authorize the chairwoman to execute the necessary documents.

Thank you, Bill.

You're welcome.

Um, so moved as presented.

Second, is there any further discussion?

We'll call the question.

The motion carries 401 with Commissioner Gamble and opposition.

Thank you.

Thank you.

That now takes us to our second public comment.

There's no one signed up for the second portion.

Okay, and there's no one for second public comment, so that will take us to the commissioner's public address, and we will begin with I apologize.

We decided we're gonna change the agenda, excuse me.

We typically have our hearings that follow the address, and I've asked commissioners if we can move our hearing before the final public address.

Thank you for that reminder, Commissioners.

A typical of our evening meeting, we're going to go into our community development hearing.

We do have an outstanding meeting from our last community development hearing.

This hearing will have an appending motion by our district two commissioner.

There is no presentation with respect to this hearing, and there is no vote other than his vote, which will be provided for this hearing.

And I just need a little bit of direction from our county attorney.

If we should read the motion that is before us, how should we sure chair one if you just set this up a little bit on September 23rd?

Um the board heard uh alcohol hearing regarding Teddy's market at that conclusion of that meeting.

The board tied to two with Commissioner Allen not being present.

Uh we contacted uh Commissioner Allen for him to be able to review.

Obviously, our meetings are tape for him to be able to review the hearing and then to become uh here and be present to be able to vote on that motion at this time.

So that's why it's here.

That's the only matter that's before us regarding this in the current matter.

The current, or if I could just have the clerk read the current uh motion as is approved so that he knows clearly what he's voting on.

Thank you.

Thank you, Bill.

It's okay.

We'll get it together.

So the current recommendation is for Commissioner Allen to vote on the pending motion to deny the alcohol bear beverage application for Teddy's market.

But that is a denial that's currently pending.

I just want some clarification.

There's no motion needed.

He's just voting.

Correct.

Okay.

Commissioner Allen, you can cast your vote.

Okay.

So the pending motion fails with Commissioners Allen Gambrel and Chairwoman Cupid voting in opposition to the pending motion.

And Chairwan, I would say at this time that the matter is still before you for the decision that needs to be made regarding regarding the uh uh the alcohol license.

We'll leave it up to the board to make a motion and then a vote.

Okay.

So with that, I move to affirm the decision of the license review board following the review of the summary of the appeal hearing that took place on July 10th, 2025 to approve the application for a beer, wine, and Sunday sales package license for Trickham Road LLC doing business as Teddy Smart at 3705 Trickham Road, Marietta, Georgia 3006, with Karen Sing Ahua as the licensee.

Second.

Okay, is there any discussion?

We'll call the question.

Okay.

I don't know.

It's not working.

There we go.

We still have one more vote.

Okay, yes.

All right.

So the motion carries 401 with Commissioner Burrell in opposition.

Okay.

I'm sorry, I need to change.

You want to change your vote?

Okay.

I was looking at it from the death route.

And it gets confusing.

Yeah.

Yes.

It does get confusing, but I still want to have the approval vote is on the question.

Certainly.

Let me can you still press it now?

There you go.

No baby.

Okay.

Thank you.

So the vote or the motion passes with Commissioners Sheffield and Burl in opposition.

All right.

Thank you, Commissioners.

That will now take us to Commissioner's public address.

And we will begin with Commissioner Gambrel once her slides are on the screen.

And again, happy birthday, Denny.

Hope you had a great day.

The Cotton Marietta Retired Educators Association is offering five scholarships of two thousand dollars each to students seeking careers in education.

Sophomores through graduate students studying education or seeking certification are eligible.

You can scan the QR code for the application.

The deadline is October 31st.

Runners will cross the finish line into a post-race party featuring awards ceremony and celebration.

The next race in the series will be the nightmare on Main 5K on October 25th.

Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner Gamble.

And we will now go to Commissioner Allen.

Good evening, Denny.

Happy birthday.

You'll probably get that quite a bit tonight, but happy birthday.

The annual Cobb County Make a Wish 5K is coming to Marietta Square next Saturday.

Proceeds for the race will be donated to Make a Wish Georgia to grant wishes for children in Cobb County with critical illnesses.

This will be on October 4th.

Uh the Marietta Square walk up registration is from 6 30 to 7 20 a.m.

And the race will start at 8 a.m.

As we all know, we're right now in the middle of the North Georgia State Fair, so please come out to Jim Miller Park September 18th through 28th.

The good thing is this year there is free parking, and as we can see, the chairwoman has enjoyed herself tonight and come back from the fair with some face paint.

So she's modeling one of the things that you're able to do with your uh with your kids if you go out.

Um and also a great appreciation celebration on Saturday and tonight for Cobb County employees.

Um thank you to all Cobb County employees for the work that you do, and I hope that you are also enjoying the fair.

And lastly, uh September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

Um it's a time to raise awareness and support for nearly 100,000 Americans affected by sickle cell disease.

This inherited generic uh genetic condition impacts red blood cells and primarily affects people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian ancestries.

You can learn more and find ways to get involved and support Sickle Cell Association at Sickle Cell GA.org.

Thank you, Commissioner.

We will now go to Commissioner Burrell.

Thank you.

Friday night at Pope High School.

We celebrated Matt Hobby Day.

Matt Hobby is a former student and football player at Pope that passed away in May of 2006 from Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer.

His legacy lives on through Matt Hobby Night, where buckets are passed through the stands of Pope High School home football game, collecting donations for cancer research.

This was the 20th anniversary of raising funds for cancer research cancer youth cancer, childhood cancer.

Um it was um they named the field for Matt Hobby that night, and that was the presentation.

And I had a proclamation that we gave to his family.

His kids are in the Pope district, so um it was a good night and a good cause.

Then Saturday I had the pleasure of going with our Cobb County Animal Services to the mansion, the governor's mansion.

Every year, First Lady Marty Camp hosts a pet adoption for shelters and rescues from all over the state of Georgia.

Bring pets that are up for adoption.

And we had a trailer full of dogs and cats, and we actually had five, I'm sorry, seven dogs adopted out and three kittens.

So it was very successful, and I know Director Hammond is here in the back, so he was very well pleased.

Um Saturday, October 4th from 9 to 11 at Ebenezer Downs Park.

We will have our fourth annual, I think, fishing rodeo and fish with your commission.

So registration is open at Cobb County.gov slash parkslashabout slash program dash registration and go to the special events tab at the top of the page.

And um also yesterday at sundown began the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, and next week, um Wednesday, October 1st through October 2nd.

We um the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur will be sub will be celebrated.

So to all who observe, we wish you health, happiness, and peace in the year to come.

Thank you, Commissioner Burrell.

We'll now go to Commissioner Sheffield.

Thank you, Chair.

District 4 news and updates.

Cobb Senior Services is excited to welcome Cafe Social House to Marietta.

This beloved favorite of Mapleton, known for its Southern Comfort Classes, classics is expanding its warmth and flavor to a new community.

We invite residents, families, and food lovers alike to join us for the grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, October 3rd at 11 30 a.m.

The restaurant will be located inside the Senior Wellness Center at 1150 Powder Spring Street in Marietta.

The cafe will be open to the public for lunch Monday through Fridays from 11 a.m.

to 2 p.m.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 11th.

The Mapleton Pastors Collective, along with the Cobb Police and Cobb Sheriff's Department, are coming together once again for an amazing unity walk and community event on October 11th.

It's a great opportunity to come out, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the strength and spirit of our community.

As Rosh Hashanah ends in Yung Kippur just days away, we wish our Jewish community a year of peace, health, and hope, as well as a time for reflection and renewal.

May these high holy days inspire us all to embrace unity, compassion, and growth.

And please join me as I acknowledge Master Firefighter Preston Fant, who passed away on August 2nd while rescuing a college.

I'm sorry, September 2nd while rescuing a colleague from a warehouse building.

While firefighter fant served a Cab County for over 21 years, he was born in Marietta and lived in Powder Springs at the time of his passing.

Thank you for your service and your heroism.

Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner Sheffield, and thank you all of you for being here this evening and tuning in.

I joined my commissioners in wishing those who are observing Rosh Hashanah a very happy new year.

I also want to recognize that on September 25th is National Homicide Victims Remembrance Day.

And Marcy's Law recognize Congresswoman McBath today for her advocacy for those who have been victims of violence.

And this day provides a platform for families and communities to mourn and to share stories and seek justice.

In conclusion, as Commissioner Allen recognized, this is a time where we also recognize our employees of the county, and we want to thank you for your wonderful service in making Cobb as great as it is.

Want to thank the many volunteers that are working at the fair to put on this event and thank our employees for again their dedication and their commitment to the residents, the businesses, stakeholders, and visitors to Cobb County.

The fair goes on, I believe, for another how many weeks?

Is it still Sunday?

I've got to use my tickets quickly.

I didn't thought I had more time.

And for those in our sheriff and police department who have been working that site, traffic for the times that I've been out there has flowed very well.

So kudos.

That's been through a concerted effort of our county manager, the sheriff's department, and our department of transportation.

So free parking.

Free parking, yes.

Thank you, Commissioner Burl.

Let's help with the traffic.

Yes, not having to stop and pay.

So it's been great.

With that again, thank you for tuning in.

I hope all of you have a wonderful rest of your evening and week.

Good night.