WEBVTT 00:01.001 --> 00:02.202 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - (female announcer)  Production funding for 00:02.202 --> 00:05.271 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Behind the Headlines is made possible in part by 00:05.271 --> 00:07.407 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% the WKNO Production Fund, 00:07.407 --> 00:09.476 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% the WKNO Endowment Fund, 00:09.476 --> 00:13.046 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and by viewers like you, thank you. 00:13.046 --> 00:14.280 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - County Mayor Lee Harris 00:14.280 --> 00:16.549 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo 00:16.549 --> 00:18.852 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% on the deal for the Germantown Schools. 00:18.852 --> 00:21.354 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Tonight on Behind the Headlines. 00:21.354 --> 00:24.691 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% [intense orchestral music] 00:38.405 --> 00:39.572 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% I'm Eric Barnes with the Daily Memphian, 00:39.572 --> 00:41.307 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% and thanks for joining us. 00:41.307 --> 00:43.443 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% I am joined tonight by two mayors. 00:43.443 --> 00:44.811 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Mayor Lee Harris, Shelby County. 00:44.811 --> 00:46.746 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Thanks for being here again. - Sure. 00:46.746 --> 00:48.815 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Mike Palazzolo, Mayor of Germantown. 00:48.815 --> 00:50.750 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Thank you for being here. - Good to be here. 00:50.750 --> 00:51.985 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Along with two reporters, 00:51.985 --> 00:53.219 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Bill Dries from the Daily Memphian, 00:53.219 --> 00:55.622 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and Abigail Warren from the Daily Memphian. 00:55.622 --> 00:57.223 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So thank you all for being here. 00:58.458 --> 01:01.027 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I'm gonna start with the reporters. 01:01.027 --> 01:02.529 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% This is a very complicated deal 01:02.529 --> 01:05.298 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that we are all very close to and know a lot about. 01:05.298 --> 01:08.334 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% You all have lived, you all have reported, not everyone has, 01:08.334 --> 01:10.103 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% or understand some of the history 01:10.103 --> 01:12.305 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% behind these three schools in Germantown. 01:12.305 --> 01:14.040 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% The relationship to the county school 01:14.040 --> 01:15.275 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% or county/city school system. 01:15.275 --> 01:17.677 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% I'll start with Bill and then Abigail, 01:17.677 --> 01:21.614 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and just give people a primer of how this started 01:21.614 --> 01:23.383 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and what has been proposed, 01:23.383 --> 01:24.217 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and then we'll go through all the details 01:24.217 --> 01:25.652 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% with the two mayors. 01:25.652 --> 01:30.056 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% - All right, well, we're almost 10 years of the merger 01:30.890 --> 01:33.293 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% and slightly more than that for the de-merger 01:33.293 --> 01:35.428 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that followed the following school year 01:35.428 --> 01:38.364 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% in the 2014-2015 school year. 01:38.364 --> 01:39.766 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% As part of the de-merger 01:39.766 --> 01:42.769 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% into the six suburban school systems, 01:42.769 --> 01:46.172 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% there had to be some kind of resolution 01:46.172 --> 01:47.774 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% of what happens to the schools 01:47.774 --> 01:50.677 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that are in the six towns and cities. 01:50.677 --> 01:53.213 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And what happened was there was an agreement 01:53.213 --> 01:55.582 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% between those towns and cities, 01:55.582 --> 01:56.950 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% each one of those towns and cities, 01:56.950 --> 01:59.886 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and what was then Shelby County Schools 01:59.886 --> 02:03.456 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% for how those buildings would be dealt with. 02:03.456 --> 02:07.894 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% In most cases, not all cases, which is why we're here today, 02:07.894 --> 02:10.396 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% but in most cases, those schools 02:10.396 --> 02:15.135 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that were within Collierville, Arlington, 02:15.135 --> 02:19.639 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Lakeland, and Bartlett, went to the new school systems. 02:19.639 --> 02:24.010 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And that agreement was taken before a federal judge 02:24.010 --> 02:25.678 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and approved by a federal judge 02:27.080 --> 02:28.815 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and the County Commission signed off on it too. 02:28.815 --> 02:33.186 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% In the case of Germantown, the agreement was different. 02:33.186 --> 02:35.788 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% The 3Gs, as we've called them a lot, 02:35.788 --> 02:38.324 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Germantown Elementary, Germantown Middle School, 02:38.324 --> 02:40.193 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and Germantown High School, 02:40.193 --> 02:44.397 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% remained with Shelby County Schools in the de-merger. 02:44.397 --> 02:47.867 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% The school system said that it needed those schools 02:47.867 --> 02:52.071 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% because of the population growth in southeast Memphis. 02:52.071 --> 02:57.043 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Also, Lucy Elementary School, which is within Millington, 02:58.178 --> 03:00.313 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% remained with Shelby County Schools 03:00.313 --> 03:02.382 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% what is today Memphis and Shelby County Schools. 03:02.382 --> 03:05.251 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - And those three Germantown schools that you'll see us 03:05.251 --> 03:07.921 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% do headlines and others do headlines referring to the 3Gs. 03:07.921 --> 03:09.122 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% And people are like, 03:09.122 --> 03:10.390 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% why are we talking about cell phone coverage? 03:10.390 --> 03:11.658 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% But it is the three Germantown schools. 03:11.658 --> 03:13.426 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Abigail, anything to add on that history 03:13.426 --> 03:14.861 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% and where we are? 03:14.861 --> 03:18.031 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% - Nothing really to add, but it has been 03:18.031 --> 03:19.265 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% in the last two years, 03:19.265 --> 03:21.668 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% there's been even more discussion about it 03:21.668 --> 03:25.038 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% as Germantown sought to look at possibly 03:25.038 --> 03:26.906 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% regaining those schools and even asking 03:26.906 --> 03:29.342 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the state legislature to step in. 03:29.342 --> 03:32.278 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I mean, four or five years ago, 03:32.278 --> 03:34.781 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% there was an offer to purchase them. 03:34.781 --> 03:36.282 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% The county-- 03:36.282 --> 03:37.517 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - An offer from Germantown. - An offer from Germantown 03:37.517 --> 03:39.152 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to purchase them for 25 million. 03:39.152 --> 03:40.420 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% The county said no. 03:40.420 --> 03:42.388 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% And so in the past two years, 03:42.388 --> 03:44.891 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% the state legislatures looked at 03:44.891 --> 03:46.693 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% how they can help resolve the issue. 03:46.693 --> 03:48.027 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% - Or force the issue. 03:48.027 --> 03:49.629 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I mean, I'm not taking a side on this, 03:49.629 --> 03:54.334 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% but a law passed in the last legislation session said 03:54.334 --> 03:56.336 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that really the arrangement that it existed 03:56.336 --> 03:58.338 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% for some eight, nine years is no longer valid, 03:58.338 --> 04:00.173 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% which forced these negotiations. 04:00.173 --> 04:01.741 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And again, I'm gonna get the mayors in here in a second. 04:01.741 --> 04:03.977 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Any other background before we get them in, Bill? 04:03.977 --> 04:08.381 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Yeah, the legislation basically gave 04:08.381 --> 04:12.051 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% both sides in this until the end of the year 04:12.051 --> 04:15.255 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% just in a couple of weeks now to work this out 04:15.255 --> 04:17.290 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% or the legislature would do it. 04:17.290 --> 04:19.692 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And the principle behind the legislation was that 04:19.692 --> 04:22.195 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the schools within the school system 04:22.195 --> 04:24.897 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% should be within the boundaries of that school system. 04:24.897 --> 04:26.666 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - And so come to y'all. 04:26.666 --> 04:28.534 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Thanks for your patience 'cause you all have lived this 04:28.534 --> 04:29.769 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% obviously for quite some time. 04:29.769 --> 04:31.738 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% But I think for people who aren't as close, 04:31.738 --> 04:34.173 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% it's good to walk through what's going on and why. 04:34.173 --> 04:36.109 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And right now the deal is it came out, 04:36.109 --> 04:37.377 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and you all are gonna fill us in, 04:37.377 --> 04:39.178 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and it's probably to some degree a moving 04:39.178 --> 04:41.681 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and fast moving target as we record this on Thursday. 04:41.681 --> 04:46.152 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% The offer right now is that the City of Germantown 04:46.152 --> 04:49.022 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% will pay $5 million for the 3 properties in the schools. 04:49.022 --> 04:52.292 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The County Commission has agreed to put up $72 million 04:52.292 --> 04:54.227 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% for the county school system, 04:54.227 --> 04:56.029 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Memphis-Shelby County School system, 04:56.029 --> 04:58.164 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% to build a new high school in Cordova down the road. 04:58.164 --> 05:00.967 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And the transition of ownership, 05:00.967 --> 05:02.335 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% for lack of a better word or control, 05:02.335 --> 05:05.638 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% will be over nine years for all three schools. 05:05.638 --> 05:06.939 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And then the other big question is, 05:06.939 --> 05:08.975 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% will all three of these schools at this point 05:08.975 --> 05:11.311 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% continue as schools or will they be demolished? 05:11.311 --> 05:13.446 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Will they be repurposed and what will happen there? 05:13.446 --> 05:15.748 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I'll go to you county mayor, what did I miss? 05:15.748 --> 05:17.216 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Anything else that we got wrong 05:17.216 --> 05:19.686 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% or that has even changed since we last reported on this? 05:19.686 --> 05:24.524 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% - So the only missing piece is the Germantown High School. 05:24.524 --> 05:26.592 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% So Germantown High School, under the framework 05:26.592 --> 05:29.862 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% that we've all worked so hard on, would remain 05:29.862 --> 05:33.199 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% in Memphis-Shelby County School's hands to be sold. 05:33.199 --> 05:35.101 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And the City of Germantown is gonna work 05:35.101 --> 05:37.003 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% in collaboration with the school system 05:37.003 --> 05:38.471 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% to sell the property. 05:38.471 --> 05:41.240 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We've currently pegged the value of the property 05:41.240 --> 05:43.576 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% at around $22.5 million. 05:43.576 --> 05:45.978 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So the Germantown piece is 22.5 05:45.978 --> 05:48.247 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% because of the value of that property, 05:48.247 --> 05:51.617 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% plus 5 million in cash, 27.5. 05:51.617 --> 05:53.319 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Plus 72 from the county. 05:53.319 --> 05:56.122 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% The total investment in kids 05:56.122 --> 05:57.557 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% from Memphis-Shelby County Schools 05:57.557 --> 06:00.326 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to have a first rate high school in Cordova, 06:00.326 --> 06:02.061 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the total investment is expected to be 06:02.061 --> 06:03.763 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% at least $100 million. 06:03.763 --> 06:05.298 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And I say at least $100 million 06:05.298 --> 06:08.368 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% because as you say, there's a long ramping period here. 06:08.368 --> 06:10.670 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And over the course of that long ramping period, 06:10.670 --> 06:14.440 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% it is conceivable that the Germantown High School property 06:14.440 --> 06:17.810 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% may even fetch higher than $22.5 million. 06:17.810 --> 06:19.312 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% That's a possibility. 06:19.312 --> 06:22.548 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% But the point is, is we are dealing with or have targeted 06:22.548 --> 06:24.117 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% around a $100 million to be invested 06:24.117 --> 06:26.018 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% in the Memphis-Shelby County School system 06:26.018 --> 06:28.554 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% to make sure that they bring a new high school to market, 06:28.554 --> 06:30.056 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% which will be the first time they have 06:30.056 --> 06:32.525 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% a new high school for their kids, for our kids 06:32.525 --> 06:34.327 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% in more than 10 years. 06:34.327 --> 06:36.696 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Okay, so that big piece I left out, apologies. 06:36.696 --> 06:40.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The 22.5 million is the target for selling, 06:40.066 --> 06:42.668 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% for the county selling the Germantown High School. 06:42.668 --> 06:44.404 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And you all then I'm gonna segue to you, 06:44.404 --> 06:45.838 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% you all are on board with this deal? 06:45.838 --> 06:47.106 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% - Sure. 06:47.106 --> 06:48.307 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Anything you wanna add, change, adjust? 06:48.307 --> 06:49.509 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Sure, and the mayor did a good job 06:49.509 --> 06:51.978 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% of giving an overview, and I'd be remiss 06:51.978 --> 06:54.514 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% if I didn't thank him for, in essence, 06:54.514 --> 06:57.817 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% mediating and leading all the parties together 06:57.817 --> 07:00.520 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to come around a table and try to come up 07:00.520 --> 07:02.188 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% with a solution and a compromise. 07:02.188 --> 07:04.924 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And yeah, one of the linchpins is exactly 07:04.924 --> 07:09.929 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% the high school property itself because it will be marketed, 07:11.297 --> 07:14.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and the free market could come in aggressively 07:14.200 --> 07:17.303 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and buy that particular property and that can go toward 07:17.303 --> 07:18.871 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% the funding of a new high school 07:18.871 --> 07:20.907 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and kind of make everyone whole. 07:20.907 --> 07:23.876 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And we're excited about it because it's a solution 07:23.876 --> 07:27.213 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that takes care of families and students and faculty, 07:27.213 --> 07:29.949 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and it ends, various bill mentioned it, 07:29.949 --> 07:33.286 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% it ends a very long unsustainable saga 07:33.286 --> 07:37.890 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% of having an LEA operate in another LEA's jurisdiction. 07:37.890 --> 07:40.293 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And the only thing I would take, not exception to, 07:40.293 --> 07:43.262 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% on Bill's reporting, but, you know, literally 07:43.262 --> 07:46.399 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the state legislation made it legal to do that, 07:46.399 --> 07:49.035 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% but all sides have to come to an agreement 07:49.035 --> 07:51.838 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% or make some type of an accord. 07:51.838 --> 07:55.908 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% So it's actually this kind of benefited, you know, 07:55.908 --> 07:57.844 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% moving the ball down the field, so to speak. 07:57.844 --> 08:01.180 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - An LEA is? - A local education agency. 08:01.180 --> 08:03.249 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Oh, I thought I had it, but I didn't. 08:03.249 --> 08:04.517 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Questions, Abigail? 08:04.517 --> 08:06.385 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - I know you talked about the agreement. 08:06.385 --> 08:08.788 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% The discussions have been ongoing 08:08.788 --> 08:10.690 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% for two years, maybe longer. 08:10.690 --> 08:14.193 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% And I've heard, what was the turning point? 08:14.193 --> 08:16.762 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% There have been conversations and conversations. 08:16.762 --> 08:19.265 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I know Mayor Harris that you stepped in maybe more recently, 08:19.265 --> 08:20.199 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% I'm not quite sure. 08:20.199 --> 08:21.601 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% But what was the turning point 08:21.601 --> 08:24.470 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% when it was finally the parties came together and said, 08:24.470 --> 08:28.441 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% oh, this is a compromise that we're all comfortable with? 08:29.876 --> 08:31.978 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Well, I think obviously operation of state law. 08:31.978 --> 08:33.713 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I mean, that's one of the things 08:33.713 --> 08:35.281 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% that played a factor here. 08:35.281 --> 08:38.251 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% From my piece, I'll say that state law 08:38.251 --> 08:41.120 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% is obviously a challenge for all of us at the table, 08:41.120 --> 08:43.523 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% but I'd like to view it as an opportunity. 08:43.523 --> 08:47.493 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% Certainly it boxed us in into a deadline and a schedule, 08:47.493 --> 08:49.028 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and that's the challenge piece. 08:49.028 --> 08:51.497 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% But the opportunity piece was Memphis-Shelby County Schools 08:51.497 --> 08:53.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% has a lot of deferred maintenance. 08:53.666 --> 08:54.901 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And even these buildings, 08:54.901 --> 08:56.335 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% as the Germantown Mayor can tell you, 08:56.335 --> 08:58.671 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% have a lot of deferred maintenance packed in them. 08:58.671 --> 09:01.107 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And the one way you get out of that, 09:01.107 --> 09:05.511 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% having kids go to buildings that need a lot of maintenance, 09:05.511 --> 09:07.513 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% is to bring new product to market. 09:07.513 --> 09:10.516 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And so that's what I view as an opportunity here 09:10.516 --> 09:11.951 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% is that we can build a new high school 09:11.951 --> 09:13.386 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% for the kids in Cordova. 09:13.386 --> 09:14.654 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% It can be a first rate high school, 09:14.654 --> 09:16.656 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the first high school in more than 10 years. 09:16.656 --> 09:18.558 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And so, you know, the political will 09:18.558 --> 09:20.059 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% is sometimes hard to summon. 09:20.059 --> 09:22.862 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% But you put a deadline out there and we get in a place 09:22.862 --> 09:24.430 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% where people are summoning the political will, 09:24.430 --> 09:25.598 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and we still got a long way to go, right? 09:25.598 --> 09:26.832 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% That's why we're here today 09:26.832 --> 09:28.067 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% 'cause we got four different bodies 09:28.067 --> 09:29.902 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that we've gotta get approvals from 09:29.902 --> 09:31.103 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and we're hopeful we'll get there. 09:31.103 --> 09:32.872 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% That people will see this as an opportunity, 09:32.872 --> 09:35.241 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% not just a challenge. 09:35.241 --> 09:37.543 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - Yeah, and I would just add, I mean, 09:37.543 --> 09:40.346 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% not to play on the school card but, you know, 09:40.346 --> 09:41.514 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I always waited to the last minute 09:41.514 --> 09:43.182 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% on my term papers in college. 09:43.182 --> 09:47.019 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% And it's amazing what urgency and a deadline will do 09:47.019 --> 09:49.755 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% to a transaction or an agreement. 09:49.755 --> 09:51.757 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And again, the mayor's done a great job 09:51.757 --> 09:53.960 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% of bringing all those parties together. 09:53.960 --> 09:55.161 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% - Bill. 09:55.161 --> 10:00.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - So Mayor Harris, where is the $72.5 million 10:01.500 --> 10:04.570 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that the county is putting up here going to come from? 10:04.570 --> 10:07.239 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% I don't have to tell you, but maybe the viewers need to know 10:07.239 --> 10:10.109 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% that in the coming budget season, 10:11.277 --> 10:13.179 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that they're gonna be some other issues 10:13.179 --> 10:16.916 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% like funding for Regional One, I believe further funding 10:16.916 --> 10:19.652 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% of a Frayser Comprehensive High School. 10:19.652 --> 10:22.588 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Is there $72.5 million there currently? 10:22.588 --> 10:26.559 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - There's absolutely $72.5 million to make sure kids 10:26.559 --> 10:28.628 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% are able to get a first rate learning environment. 10:28.628 --> 10:31.030 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And so if we can get the Commission's approval 10:31.030 --> 10:33.199 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and the other legislative bodies 10:33.199 --> 10:34.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that have gotta get a word in on this, 10:34.700 --> 10:36.802 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% then I think we're gonna make it happen. 10:36.802 --> 10:38.070 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% The good thing on the county side, 10:38.070 --> 10:39.338 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% we've really been budget conscious 10:39.338 --> 10:40.806 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% over these last four or five years. 10:40.806 --> 10:43.509 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% So each one of our capital improvement budgets 10:43.509 --> 10:45.578 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% have been limited to $75 million. 10:45.578 --> 10:49.215 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And because of that, we've created some room, capacity 10:49.215 --> 10:52.051 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% to do projects like this if the political will is there. 10:52.051 --> 10:53.753 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Our credit rating is stellar. 10:53.753 --> 10:56.155 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% We've just gone before the credit rating agencies, 10:56.155 --> 10:58.257 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and received our credit rating for the year. 10:58.257 --> 11:01.227 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And so this is another reason why this is a good time, 11:01.227 --> 11:04.897 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and we've just gone out to market for new debt 11:04.897 --> 11:06.399 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% on the county side. 11:06.399 --> 11:09.268 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And so our interest rate came in at a very low four percent, 11:09.268 --> 11:10.803 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% which is remarkable. 11:10.803 --> 11:15.508 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And so we have actual cash on hand or access to cash on hand 11:15.508 --> 11:18.511 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% if the political will is there to get this done. 11:18.511 --> 11:20.980 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - And again, this would not be $72.5 million 11:20.980 --> 11:22.214 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% in a single year. 11:22.214 --> 11:24.950 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% This would be, oh, would this be over probably 11:24.950 --> 11:26.652 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% a nine-year period? 11:26.652 --> 11:29.255 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - If the County Commission approves the plan 11:29.255 --> 11:30.956 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% as currently set out, they would amend 11:30.956 --> 11:34.860 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% this year's budget right now for half of the money, 36.25, 11:34.860 --> 11:39.231 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and I would put another 36.25 in the next budget 11:39.231 --> 11:42.401 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that I present to the County Commission in the spring. 11:42.401 --> 11:44.070 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - And that's part of the capital budget, 11:44.070 --> 11:46.072 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% not the operating budget? - That's exactly right. 11:46.072 --> 11:47.807 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Construction capital budget. 11:47.807 --> 11:52.545 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Mayor Palazzolo, are there any restrictions 11:52.545 --> 11:55.581 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% on the use of the Germantown High School property? 11:55.581 --> 11:59.218 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% If you wipe the school off of that property now, 11:59.218 --> 12:02.688 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% demolish it, are you limited to just something 12:02.688 --> 12:05.591 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that is educational or could it be any use? 12:05.591 --> 12:08.394 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% - Well, the state statute really pins 12:08.394 --> 12:10.730 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% those three properties for educational use. 12:10.730 --> 12:12.231 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% Now if they're an agreement is reached 12:12.231 --> 12:15.868 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% before the state statute before January 1, 12:15.868 --> 12:18.437 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% there can be some, a little bit more flexibility. 12:18.437 --> 12:20.973 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Those properties, Germantown Elementary, 12:20.973 --> 12:23.976 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Middle, and High School are all zoned residential right now. 12:23.976 --> 12:26.746 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% So they'd have to go through a rezoning process. 12:26.746 --> 12:30.015 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And, you know, that pretty much looks the same 12:30.015 --> 12:31.283 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% in all of America. 12:31.283 --> 12:33.586 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% It's a step and it has to go through 12:33.586 --> 12:35.421 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% vetting and regulatory bodies, 12:35.421 --> 12:38.457 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but it's something that cities do all the time. 12:38.457 --> 12:40.893 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Does the municipal school district 12:40.893 --> 12:43.429 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% need the space at this current time? 12:43.429 --> 12:46.465 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Because my impression was that several years ago, 12:46.465 --> 12:48.567 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% this reached kind of a choke point, 12:48.567 --> 12:50.636 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and Jason Manuel, the superintendent 12:50.636 --> 12:54.340 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% of the Germantown Schools, said we either expand Riverdale, 12:54.340 --> 12:58.911 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% do an elementary school, or we get the 3Gs. 12:58.911 --> 13:01.347 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% If we don't get the 3Gs, then we do this. 13:01.347 --> 13:02.548 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% - Sure. 13:02.548 --> 13:04.250 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Well, as Abigail alluded to earlier, 13:04.250 --> 13:05.951 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% we made an offer for all three schools 13:05.951 --> 13:08.621 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% for 25 million in 2017. 13:08.621 --> 13:10.856 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% That was designed because we had pressure points 13:10.856 --> 13:12.358 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% at the elementary school level. 13:12.358 --> 13:16.562 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% When that proposed agreement did not come to fruition, 13:16.562 --> 13:18.497 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% we moved forward with building in elementary. 13:18.497 --> 13:21.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And right now we project that we're pretty good shape 13:21.600 --> 13:22.968 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% for 10 years. 13:22.968 --> 13:26.238 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% We want to acquire property for 20 or 25 years 13:26.238 --> 13:27.439 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% down the road. 13:27.439 --> 13:28.841 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% We do a lot of long-term planning 13:28.841 --> 13:30.943 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and are a little bit more strategic, 13:30.943 --> 13:33.045 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% but those buildings would be used 13:33.045 --> 13:35.347 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% for educational purposes eventually. 13:35.347 --> 13:37.983 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - So after the current students transition out, 13:37.983 --> 13:40.586 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% if there's not a need for 'em, do the buildings just sit vacant 13:40.586 --> 13:42.254 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% until there is a need for them? 13:42.254 --> 13:43.889 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Well, that would be a determination between 13:43.889 --> 13:45.791 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% our friends at Germantown Municipal School District 13:45.791 --> 13:47.626 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and the City of Germantown. 13:47.626 --> 13:48.894 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% It's part of an agreement 13:48.894 --> 13:51.530 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that continues to go back and forth right now. 13:51.530 --> 13:53.299 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% We tend to go back and look at the statute 13:53.299 --> 13:56.135 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that was passed because that helps us 13:56.135 --> 13:59.772 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% be grounded in state law, and we want to follow that 13:59.772 --> 14:01.907 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% because that's the right thing to do. 14:01.907 --> 14:05.177 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And so it'll be determined later on. 14:05.177 --> 14:06.912 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - So just to go back through that, 14:06.912 --> 14:08.080 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% 'cause there's a lot of moving pieces here. 14:08.080 --> 14:10.783 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So the high school specifically, 14:10.783 --> 14:13.118 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% which is gonna continue to be owned, 14:13.118 --> 14:14.753 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% if this agreement goes through 14:14.753 --> 14:16.522 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% and we'll talk about those steps also, 14:16.522 --> 14:19.558 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but that is now valued at $22 million. 14:20.826 --> 14:22.728 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% I took that as a fair market value 14:22.728 --> 14:26.765 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that some private developer might put up $22 million. 14:26.765 --> 14:28.167 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% They're not gonna wanna build a school 14:28.167 --> 14:30.035 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% or an educational facility for $22 million. 14:30.035 --> 14:31.503 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I mean, ostensible unless there's some college 14:31.503 --> 14:32.738 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% going on in there. 14:32.738 --> 14:34.240 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% So it could, am I just missing it? 14:34.240 --> 14:37.109 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% I mean, it could very much part of built into this plan 14:37.109 --> 14:40.212 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% is the assumption that that high school gets repurposed. 14:40.212 --> 14:43.649 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Well, the market and we know the market bears 14:43.649 --> 14:45.117 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% whatever the market bears. 14:45.117 --> 14:48.587 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% And so, you know, a developer or a prospective developer 14:48.587 --> 14:50.890 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% could come in and put something there 14:50.890 --> 14:54.894 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% that could be residential or they could ask for rezoning. 14:54.894 --> 14:57.997 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% It has an institutional use now in a school. 14:57.997 --> 15:00.432 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% But yeah, it's subject to what the market bears. 15:00.432 --> 15:01.634 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% - Right. 15:01.634 --> 15:04.570 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Methodist, Methodist Hospital Group, 15:04.570 --> 15:07.139 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% has been talked about as a use or going, 15:07.139 --> 15:08.507 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% there was a talk of a cancer center. 15:08.507 --> 15:10.643 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Are you talking to Methodist? 15:10.643 --> 15:12.444 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Are they very interested in that property? 15:12.444 --> 15:15.381 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Well, you guys have reported a lot about that. 15:15.381 --> 15:16.916 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Of course we've got a great relationship 15:16.916 --> 15:18.617 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% with Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown. 15:18.617 --> 15:21.687 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% They're an anchor healthcare provider in our city. 15:21.687 --> 15:24.123 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% We talk to them, but it has not moved anything. 15:24.123 --> 15:27.593 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% There's no application, none of that has occurred. 15:27.593 --> 15:29.194 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - Am I right though that Methodist, 15:29.194 --> 15:31.297 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% either because it's a nonprofit 15:31.297 --> 15:32.731 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% or because it's religious affiliated, 15:32.731 --> 15:34.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% it does not pay taxes or does not pay the tax 15:34.800 --> 15:37.436 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that a other type of development would do that? 15:37.436 --> 15:39.872 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - Yeah, but that's not always the case in healthcare. 15:39.872 --> 15:42.341 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% We have a major rehabilitation hospital 15:42.341 --> 15:45.177 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that someone else owns the land, and they pay taxes, 15:45.177 --> 15:47.613 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and they lease, so it can be complicated. 15:47.613 --> 15:48.881 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Because that's heavy on your mind though, right? 15:48.881 --> 15:50.115 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I mean, Germantown is land locked. 15:50.115 --> 15:52.818 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% It has no more growth area and you've got 15:52.818 --> 15:55.321 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% over many decades, a limit, I mean, you've talked 15:55.321 --> 15:56.588 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% about this before. 15:56.588 --> 15:58.958 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% A limited set of developable land. 15:58.958 --> 16:00.426 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - Well, our biggest industry, if you wanna call that, 16:00.426 --> 16:01.660 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% in our community is healthcare. 16:01.660 --> 16:04.430 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And so those things bring, you know, 16:04.430 --> 16:06.732 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% even though they may not pay property taxes, some of them, 16:06.732 --> 16:09.168 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% they bring a lot of other ancillary benefits. 16:09.168 --> 16:13.238 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - Let's go to this question of kind of two part question 16:13.238 --> 16:14.673 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% of what has to happen next. 16:14.673 --> 16:16.442 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% You've talked, Mayor Harris, about County Commission 16:16.442 --> 16:17.443 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% has to approve this. 16:17.443 --> 16:19.611 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% One, has the County Commission 16:19.611 --> 16:20.913 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% or is leadership at County Commission 16:20.913 --> 16:22.448 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% been involved in these negotiations? 16:22.448 --> 16:25.117 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And two, what in the world, this may be inside baseball, 16:25.117 --> 16:27.653 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but what in the world happened when the press release came out 16:27.653 --> 16:29.722 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and a whole lot of county commissioners said, 16:29.722 --> 16:31.357 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% "I had no idea this was happening." 16:31.357 --> 16:35.160 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Was that just a miscommunication? 16:35.160 --> 16:36.762 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Was that a necessity? 16:36.762 --> 16:40.032 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And what are you doing to get County Commission 16:40.032 --> 16:41.900 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% educated on the deal? 16:41.900 --> 16:43.268 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - So I talk to commissioners every day. 16:43.268 --> 16:44.770 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% There's no doubt about it. 16:44.770 --> 16:46.572 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% The Mayor of Germantown is also engaged in that process 16:46.572 --> 16:47.940 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% and we're hopeful that we'll get them to see 16:47.940 --> 16:49.174 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% the opportunity here. 16:49.174 --> 16:51.643 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And in terms of working through the deal, 16:51.643 --> 16:53.145 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% there's no doubt about it. 16:53.145 --> 16:54.980 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Commissioners were involved as we worked through the deal. 16:54.980 --> 16:58.617 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% So on my end at the administration level, 16:58.617 --> 17:00.753 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I deal primarily with the chairman of the Commission. 17:00.753 --> 17:02.087 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% So everything I know he knows. 17:02.087 --> 17:06.091 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% As we've gone through every milestone 17:06.091 --> 17:07.826 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% involved in the negotiation process. 17:07.826 --> 17:09.828 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% At the same time, we brought in many commissioners 17:09.828 --> 17:12.431 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% for one-on-one briefings including the commissioner 17:12.431 --> 17:14.366 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% that is involved in Cordova, 17:14.366 --> 17:15.501 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% the commissioner who chairs 17:15.501 --> 17:17.836 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the Education Commission Committee, 17:17.836 --> 17:19.338 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% the commissioner who chairs the budget committee 17:19.338 --> 17:20.839 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% all along the way. 17:20.839 --> 17:23.208 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% So we deal with them often and make sure they're apprised. 17:23.208 --> 17:24.710 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% With respect to the release, 17:24.710 --> 17:29.014 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% remember, these things are hard, fragile, and complex. 17:29.014 --> 17:31.016 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% So there's one milestone 17:31.016 --> 17:33.752 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% when we get all the parties in the room and we actually reach 17:33.752 --> 17:35.587 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% a framework that everyone can live with. 17:35.587 --> 17:37.489 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Another milestone is how you report out 17:37.489 --> 17:39.725 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% what the group agreed to. 17:39.725 --> 17:42.361 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And my sentiment, just speaking for myself, 17:42.361 --> 17:46.432 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% is as soon as I get all four of these parties agreeable 17:46.432 --> 17:48.033 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that they're ready to give public notice, 17:48.033 --> 17:49.668 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% so this is different from framework, 17:49.668 --> 17:53.005 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but agreeable to public notice, the public has to know. 17:53.005 --> 17:54.640 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% And so that's all on my end. 17:54.640 --> 17:56.075 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% We were moving toward this. 17:56.075 --> 17:58.143 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% As soon as all four sides agree, four people, 17:58.143 --> 18:00.112 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% four legislative bodies agree, 18:00.112 --> 18:01.580 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% then we're gonna send this thing out. 18:01.580 --> 18:03.148 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% So it had nothing to do with the commissioner anyway. 18:03.148 --> 18:05.584 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% It's about that the public has to know, 18:05.584 --> 18:07.920 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% you can't hide anything from the public. 18:07.920 --> 18:10.589 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And the second, you know, you get some agreement 18:10.589 --> 18:12.658 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% around the public notice, the public has a right to know, 18:12.658 --> 18:13.959 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and we're not gonna hide anything 18:13.959 --> 18:15.994 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% on the administrative end. - The other entities, when you- 18:15.994 --> 18:17.696 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% I'm sorry I cut you off there. 18:17.696 --> 18:22.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% The four entities are Germantown City, Germantown Schools... 18:22.000 --> 18:24.670 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Shelby County government. 18:24.670 --> 18:26.138 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - And Shelby County Government. 18:26.138 --> 18:27.773 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And in that scenario, you're saying Shelby County government 18:27.773 --> 18:29.942 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% is both you the mayor and the County Commission? 18:29.942 --> 18:31.243 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - I'm saying the statement- 18:31.243 --> 18:32.711 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - Because it sounds like five entities. 18:32.711 --> 18:34.680 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I'm not to be ticky, but it sounds like five. 18:34.680 --> 18:36.482 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - Well, I guess you could go up to eight 18:36.482 --> 18:38.016 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% if you were to do it. 18:38.016 --> 18:40.786 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Administrative, legislative sides of each one of those. 18:40.786 --> 18:43.055 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% I just meant the negotiating parties. 18:43.055 --> 18:44.790 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% There were four negotiating parties, 18:44.790 --> 18:48.193 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and those four negotiating parties have an obligation, 18:48.193 --> 18:50.662 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% in my opinion, to reveal the product 18:50.662 --> 18:53.132 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and negotiate to the public and that's what we're all about. 18:53.132 --> 18:54.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Who all really quickly, and I'll go back to them, 18:54.800 --> 18:57.069 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% who all has to take a vote for this to be approved? 18:57.069 --> 18:59.004 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% County Commission? - Yes. 18:59.004 --> 19:01.206 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - City of Germantown. - The board of alderman. 19:01.206 --> 19:02.207 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Germantown Municipal School District. 19:02.207 --> 19:03.542 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% - And the school board? 19:03.542 --> 19:05.043 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And Memphis-Shelby County Schools. 19:05.043 --> 19:06.745 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And you've been in communication with them as well? 19:06.745 --> 19:08.614 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% They've been party to this? - Everyone. 19:08.614 --> 19:10.282 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - Yes, okay. I'm sorry, go back to you guys. 19:12.284 --> 19:14.620 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - There's been in the statute, 19:14.620 --> 19:16.355 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% it talks about the land transferring 19:16.355 --> 19:18.557 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% to the city or the LEA. 19:18.557 --> 19:22.394 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% Who owns the land when it's transferred, the campuses, 19:22.394 --> 19:24.930 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% the elementary and middle school campuses? 19:24.930 --> 19:26.798 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - And I'll take that question. 19:26.798 --> 19:28.367 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% You know, and again, we're trying to follow 19:28.367 --> 19:32.671 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% the statute that was passed and stay true to the statute. 19:32.671 --> 19:34.907 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% And so it says either/or. 19:34.907 --> 19:38.043 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% We're working through that with our school district, 19:38.043 --> 19:41.680 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and at the end of the day, we're one community. 19:41.680 --> 19:44.016 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% So we'll work through that piece of things. 19:44.016 --> 19:46.618 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - Either/or being the City of Germantown or the school system? 19:46.618 --> 19:48.287 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - Yes. - Germantown Municipal schools? 19:48.287 --> 19:50.255 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% - Yeah. Back. 19:50.255 --> 19:53.258 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - Mayor Harris, I believe this budget year 19:53.258 --> 19:55.994 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% had some preliminary funding for the design 19:55.994 --> 19:58.397 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% of a new comprehensive high school in Frayser. 19:58.397 --> 20:00.199 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Am I right on that? 20:00.199 --> 20:01.600 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - Let's keep going. Maybe. 20:02.534 --> 20:04.469 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% Go ahead. - All right. 20:04.469 --> 20:06.738 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% Is this an either/or situation 20:06.738 --> 20:10.776 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% that the county is involved in a high school for Cordova 20:10.776 --> 20:12.544 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% or one for Frayser, but not both? 20:12.544 --> 20:14.813 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Can they both coexist? - Absolutely. 20:14.813 --> 20:17.382 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So in terms of background there, 20:17.382 --> 20:18.984 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the only reason I say I hesitated a little bit 20:18.984 --> 20:20.485 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% because there's been some action 20:20.485 --> 20:23.956 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% on the part of the county side and some action on part 20:23.956 --> 20:25.657 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% of Memphis-Shelby County School system 20:25.657 --> 20:27.192 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% with respect to Frayser High School. 20:27.192 --> 20:31.530 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And without getting into every detail of that process, 20:31.530 --> 20:33.398 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% we would love for there to be investment 20:33.398 --> 20:34.900 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% in the Frayser area. 20:34.900 --> 20:37.936 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And we think that it is ripe for there to be investment 20:37.936 --> 20:40.606 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% in the Frayser area with a new high school. 20:40.606 --> 20:42.441 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% There's no one in this community 20:42.441 --> 20:44.443 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that is talked about investment in Frayser 20:44.443 --> 20:46.878 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% or a new high school more than yours truly, 20:46.878 --> 20:49.248 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% other than Stephanie Love on the school board. 20:49.248 --> 20:50.749 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% So I've been beating the drum 20:50.749 --> 20:52.284 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and raising the profile of this issue 20:52.284 --> 20:53.719 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% for the last several years. 20:53.719 --> 20:56.855 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% The important piece to remember is the last Commission 20:56.855 --> 20:59.992 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% voted to take out the money for the Frayser High School. 20:59.992 --> 21:02.661 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I'm not trying to besmirch them, but that's what happened. 21:02.661 --> 21:03.962 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% We had money for Frayser High School. 21:03.962 --> 21:05.197 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% They took it out. 21:05.197 --> 21:08.567 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Edmond Ford, who's a commissioner, made an amendment 21:08.567 --> 21:10.369 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to remove the money for the Frayser High School. 21:10.369 --> 21:13.839 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And so that kind of, you know, put us back a little bit 21:13.839 --> 21:15.307 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% on one of the administration priorities, 21:15.307 --> 21:18.510 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% but that is still a priority of this administration. 21:18.510 --> 21:22.547 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% And I believe we can get it done. 21:22.547 --> 21:24.516 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Right now, what we are all focused on, 21:24.516 --> 21:26.818 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% the four bodies that everybody's been talking about today, 21:26.818 --> 21:28.353 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% we're focused on the state law, 21:28.353 --> 21:30.789 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% which has an expiration, right? 21:30.789 --> 21:32.491 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% If we don't get something done at the end of the year, 21:32.491 --> 21:34.393 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% then we're likely to be in litigation. 21:34.393 --> 21:37.429 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And this community has seen too much 21:37.429 --> 21:38.897 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% of that us versus them, 21:38.897 --> 21:42.434 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% suburban versus urban core, black versus white, 21:42.434 --> 21:43.902 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% wealthy versus hopeful. 21:43.902 --> 21:46.171 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% And I for one am tired of it, 21:46.171 --> 21:49.141 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and I would love to see us with an ability in this community 21:49.141 --> 21:54.112 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% to reach some sort of consensus and to go forward together. 21:55.113 --> 21:56.481 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% So that's what this is about is we've got a state law, 21:56.481 --> 21:58.583 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% which has an expiration. 21:58.583 --> 21:59.818 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% How do you get something done? 21:59.818 --> 22:02.321 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And the county is always willing, right? 22:02.321 --> 22:06.258 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Frayser, Cordova, South Memphis, wherever to invest in kids. 22:06.258 --> 22:09.361 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% There is no shortage of resources in my mind, 22:09.361 --> 22:12.364 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% under my administration for opportunities to invest in kids. 22:13.565 --> 22:15.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Let me- - Three minutes left here. 22:15.133 --> 22:17.903 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - Okay, let me stray just a little bit further then. 22:17.903 --> 22:20.605 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% What about Lucy Elementary? 22:20.605 --> 22:21.840 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - So that's not something I've actually 22:21.840 --> 22:23.141 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% worked on very closely. 22:23.141 --> 22:24.843 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I mean, I've talked a little bit 22:24.843 --> 22:26.478 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% with the superintendent of Millington Schools. 22:26.478 --> 22:28.714 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I've mentioned this a time or two 22:28.714 --> 22:30.248 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to the county attorney's office. 22:30.248 --> 22:33.285 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% What has happened with this, with the 3Gs situation, 22:33.285 --> 22:34.986 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% obviously it's persisted for a very long time 22:34.986 --> 22:37.089 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and there's, you know, and for. 22:37.089 --> 22:39.257 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I got the feeling, I'm not gonna speak for anybody. 22:39.257 --> 22:41.193 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I got the feeling that there wasn't as much 22:41.193 --> 22:44.563 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% high level communication around how to resolve those issues. 22:44.563 --> 22:47.532 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And so for whatever reason we said, 22:47.532 --> 22:49.334 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% well, let's try to get that done. 22:49.334 --> 22:50.569 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% All the parties, right? 22:50.569 --> 22:52.404 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Let's try to take one last stab at that. 22:52.404 --> 22:53.872 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% And so momentum picked up, 22:53.872 --> 22:56.041 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% but maybe there's a solution there. 22:56.041 --> 22:58.543 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% That they aren't talking or that there is not 22:58.543 --> 23:00.112 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% a path forward with respect to other schools, 23:00.112 --> 23:01.680 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% I have not heard that. 23:01.680 --> 23:03.348 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% So I have not worked on that. 23:03.348 --> 23:05.884 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - I did talk to Millington Superintendent Bo Griffin 23:05.884 --> 23:07.285 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% before we stepped in here and he said, 23:07.285 --> 23:09.454 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% "There's not a date to sit down and talk 23:09.454 --> 23:11.623 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% with Shelby County Schools at this point." 23:11.623 --> 23:15.761 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% So there was a lot of... 23:15.761 --> 23:17.295 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% communication regarding Germantown. 23:17.295 --> 23:18.997 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% There's not been a... 23:18.997 --> 23:20.399 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% They've had conversations, 23:20.399 --> 23:22.067 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% they've gone and they've toured Lucy Elementary, 23:22.067 --> 23:24.836 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but it's not been they haven't moved as quickly 23:24.836 --> 23:28.507 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% or as maybe aggressively as Germantown has. 23:28.507 --> 23:31.543 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% But Millington has said if they acquire Lucy, 23:31.543 --> 23:34.413 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that they do plan to continue to use it as a school 23:34.413 --> 23:35.781 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% because they do need that facility 23:35.781 --> 23:37.849 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% due to the growth out there. 23:37.849 --> 23:40.218 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - The nature of the state law that if you all do nothing, 23:40.218 --> 23:43.321 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% it's gonna go to the Millington School District? 23:43.321 --> 23:45.524 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% I mean, you're also a former law professor, right? 23:45.524 --> 23:47.225 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I mean, just taking your seat out. 23:47.225 --> 23:50.328 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Like, the way the law is structured, it's gonna go. 23:50.328 --> 23:52.831 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - And potentially there's no controversy there 23:52.831 --> 23:54.466 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% because if it goes to Millington School District 23:54.466 --> 23:56.635 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% and the students don't have to move out of there, 23:56.635 --> 23:58.770 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% and there is some sentiment that the students 23:58.770 --> 24:00.038 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% might not have to move out of there, 24:00.038 --> 24:01.640 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% then it's just a status quo. 24:01.640 --> 24:03.308 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - And they have four years to operate 24:03.308 --> 24:06.011 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% so they actually have some time to work through this. 24:06.011 --> 24:07.279 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - I'm glad you mentioned that 24:07.279 --> 24:08.780 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% because just with two minutes here, 24:08.780 --> 24:11.650 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the transition with the students and the students 24:11.650 --> 24:14.085 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% who are going to school in Germantown Elementary right now 24:14.085 --> 24:16.254 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and the high school and so on. 24:16.254 --> 24:19.558 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% How does this, I don't even know which of you to ask, 24:19.558 --> 24:21.259 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% but what about them? 24:21.259 --> 24:22.794 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% - Well, I will only answer 24:22.794 --> 24:24.596 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that the children, and the students, and the families 24:24.596 --> 24:26.565 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% are very important to me and my community. 24:26.565 --> 24:28.967 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% And so the nine years that they'll be able 24:28.967 --> 24:31.336 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% to stay at the elementary and middle school 24:31.336 --> 24:33.171 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% are important for them to conclude 24:33.171 --> 24:35.474 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% their education where they started. 24:35.474 --> 24:38.443 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And that's been important for us from day one, 24:38.443 --> 24:39.711 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% but that's more of a 24:39.711 --> 24:41.613 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Memphis-Shelby County schools question. 24:41.613 --> 24:43.748 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% But we're committed to that. 24:43.748 --> 24:45.684 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - The transition period of nine years, 24:45.684 --> 24:48.019 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% as far as I can tell from all my conversations, 24:48.019 --> 24:50.388 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% it's plenty of time for all the parties 24:50.388 --> 24:53.625 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% to, you know, start a construction project 24:53.625 --> 24:56.094 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% to give a path forward to all the affected families 24:56.094 --> 24:58.930 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% and to make sure that, you know, every eye is dyed and so forth. 24:58.930 --> 25:00.265 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - Yeah, and we're looking to have 25:00.265 --> 25:01.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% the interim superintendent Tony Williams 25:01.833 --> 25:04.135 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% from Memphis-Shelby County Schools on very soon 25:04.135 --> 25:05.370 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% to talk about that 25:05.370 --> 25:06.905 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% and all kinds of other things with the schools. 25:06.905 --> 25:08.473 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Any last questions from y'all? 25:08.473 --> 25:10.475 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% We got 40 seconds here. 25:10.475 --> 25:13.545 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% - Yeah, with... [Bill laughs] 25:13.545 --> 25:15.447 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% - Yeah. No, that's fine. 25:15.447 --> 25:16.715 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% Fast ball. 25:16.715 --> 25:21.152 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% - With 40 seconds left, mayor, technically 25:22.554 --> 25:24.623 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% you didn't have to get involved in this, did you? 25:26.391 --> 25:28.493 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - No, no, I don't have to get involved in this, 25:28.493 --> 25:31.930 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% but, you know, long-standing problems, persistent problems, 25:31.930 --> 25:34.799 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% yeah, I don't like to see that in our community. 25:34.799 --> 25:37.335 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So these parties wanted to try to work it out. 25:37.335 --> 25:39.070 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% They really wanted to try to, you know, 25:39.070 --> 25:41.973 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% get the long-term planning activity going in Germantown, 25:41.973 --> 25:44.943 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% get a path forward for displaced families. 25:44.943 --> 25:46.244 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So they had some real objectives 25:46.244 --> 25:49.214 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that squared really well with Shelby County's objectives. 25:49.214 --> 25:52.117 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% - I'll spend my five seconds to tell Mayor Harris thank you, 25:52.117 --> 25:54.452 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% because county mayors can lead 25:54.452 --> 25:57.122 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and this is an example of leadership. 25:57.122 --> 25:58.390 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - All right, we'll leave it there. 25:58.390 --> 25:59.891 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% We'll obviously be doing a whole lot 25:59.891 --> 26:01.026 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% more reporting from these folks and others on this 26:01.026 --> 26:02.494 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% as it goes forward. 26:02.494 --> 26:04.829 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% We'll probably do another show after the Christmas break. 26:04.829 --> 26:05.864 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% But thank you for joining us. 26:05.864 --> 26:07.132 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Join us again next week. 26:07.132 --> 26:09.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% District Attorney Steve Mulroy is on 26:09.200 --> 26:10.569 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% talking about all kinds of things about crime, 26:10.569 --> 26:12.337 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and changes he's making in that office. 26:12.337 --> 26:13.605 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% If you missed any of the show today, 26:13.605 --> 26:15.340 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% you can get it at wkno.org, 26:15.340 --> 26:17.108 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% or you can look for it on YouTube, 26:17.108 --> 26:18.476 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% or you can get the full podcast of the show 26:18.476 --> 26:20.979 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% on the Daily Memphian site, WKNO, iTunes, 26:20.979 --> 26:22.814 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast. 26:22.814 --> 26:25.050 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% Thanks, we'll see you next week. 26:27.185 --> 26:29.187 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% [acoustic guitar chords]