Kevin Cousins

The meeting began with brief discussion concerning audio quality issues experienced by one member and acknowledgments regarding the busy schedules of participants. The committee then addressed administrative housekeeping, including the approval of numerous previously unscheduled meeting minutes dating from September 2021 to October 2021. A key discussion point involved media coverage concerning the policing subcommittee's work. The main focus was presenting recommendations based on survey data and complaint reviews regarding the Brookhaven Police Department's (BPD) engagement with minority religious or social organizations, noting a perceived lack of deep partnership despite BPD hosting community activities. Recommendations centered on implementing regular, inclusive community surveys, developing goal-oriented, program-based community engagement activities, and ensuring these activities take place where community members reside to build trust. A consideration was raised regarding the need to assess potential funding implications for BPD to implement these recommendations.

The meeting commenced with technical checks and administrative arrangements regarding meeting hosting and screen sharing permissions. Following this, participants shared brief emotional states, with 'anxious' being a noted sentiment, prompting a commitment to address the sources of anxiety later. The main agenda item featured a presentation by Renee Aring, Executive Director of the Brookhaven Convention and Visitors Bureau, who detailed the 2019 brand strategy process. This process, launched when the organization was new, involved gathering insights from over 700 interviews through a symposium and surveys. Key findings highlighted a 'genuine sense of belonging,' outdoor spaces, and culinary adventures as distinctive assets. The resulting brand experience centers on bringing people together, emphasizing values like being welcoming, approachable, and beautiful. The presentation also covered the formation of the Explore Brookhaven brand identity, logo versions, social media categorization (Dine, Stage, Shop, Discover, Gather), and an overview of the organization's team structure and function as a welcome center. Discussion followed regarding the profile of Brookhaven tourists in 2019 (corporate transient during the week, leisure on weekends) and the disruption caused by non-traditional travelers in the previous year.

The meeting included a review of past accomplishments across several years, detailing progress in social media engagement, capital planning and financing, the reconstitution of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and improvements in human capital management leading to better police department retention. The current agenda focused on the Green Space Acquisition update, noting the city inherited 235.61 acres, has added 70 acres since 2016, bringing the total to 305.6 acres (5.7 per thousand residents), and identified seven strategic parcels totaling 32 acres that could increase this metric to 6.3 per thousand. The discussion also covered FEMA properties maintained as open space and potential strategies for future acquisitions, including purchase options, grants, and working with private developments. This was followed by an update on the Park Bond Capital Improvement Program, which stemmed from the comprehensive park master planning process that involved numerous stakeholders and public meetings.

The proceedings involved multiple public hearings concerning the 2021 ad valorem tax millage rates for the city and special tax districts. Key discussions included maintaining the general fund millage rate at 2.74 mils, which, despite a lower than projected digest, results in a modest net tax increase of 2.89 percent over the prior year, though homestead residents see tax decreases due to exemption increases. The general obligation bond millage rate was recommended to remain at 0.57 mils. Further discussions addressed the Special Tax District 1 millage rate and the La Vista Park Special District millage rate. A separate Special Called Meeting for the Facilities Authority addressed and approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Brookhaven for the purchase of real property known as the Rita's Cleaners property on Dresden Drive, to secure funding and repayment sources.

The meeting commenced with the council convening in their new city center. The work session featured presentations concerning voluntary property abatement (e.g., house demolition), customer service improvement initiatives, the deployment of new drone first responders, and park maintenance. Key actions during the regular session included the withdrawal of the daycare center proposal for Apple Valley and the acceptance of a painting gifted by Susie and Vic Parker for the city center. Appointments were made, including Zeni Lynch to the development authority and Bruce Brown as the business license appeal hearing officer. The Console General of Mexico addressed the city, and the Brook Haven police department received national recognition for ballistics work. Contracts were approved for new drones, a sewer easement through Martyr, and multi-use paths on Northwood Hills and Brierwood Road. Easements acquisition was also approved for the Peach True Creek Greenway and the Codwell Reading intersection alignment.