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City Council Ni feeting ? oVember 10.2025 Page 3 of 4 D) MS. CRYSTAL JOHNSON WITH AN A&P AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Ms. Crystal Johnson and Mr. Chris Hill were present to address the council with their economic development update. Ms.Johnson discussed the three major challenges they face including the need for more affordable housing, the impact of housing shortages in the workforce and retail attraction. Currently there is a need for approximately one thousand housing units and one thousand houses to fill the gap in housing. Workforce development issues include the need for affordable childcare and the ability of the emerging workforce to identify and pursue a career path that.provides a decent living wage. There are limited sites along major thoroughfares to attract more retail opportunities at this time. She mentioned getting the word out to individuals that own property along those roads to encourage them to list it if possible. Mr. Hill discussed the success of the Experience Batesville App and the impact of tourism-on the local economy. The app has been used by 18,000 people so far this year with about 75%being out of town users. He stated it is a great resource for our community. He also gave an update on the lodging tax collection. They are 7.5% ahead of where they were the same time last year. He hopes the trend continues. E) EXECUTIVE SESSION A motion was made by Councilmember Bennett, seconded by Councilmember Moody to enter into executive session. The motion passed unanimously. The council entered executive session at 6:30 p.m.,upon their return at 6:43 p.m.,the Mayor announced there are three openings on the Parks & Rec Committee. Any residents interested in filling one of those positions can contact Mr. Lowen Lermitte at the Community Center. The Mayor requested a motion to approve the employee incentive pay. Councilmember Krug made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Bennett to approve incentive pay at $1,000.00 for full time employees with the remaining employees receiving pay according to their hours worked. The motion passed unanimously. F) FINANCIAL REPORT The council as provided a copy of the October financial report. COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR The Mayor mentioned the next council meeting is scheduled for November 25th but he will poll the council on other possible dates due to the holiday. He announced the city is partnering with Nova Joe's to collect food donations for Hope & Help until November 21 st The Mayor requested a motion to approve two invoices to be paid from the perpetual fund. The first was an invoice from CAS Blue Water/Walden Chemical in the amount of$8,800.00. A motion was made by Councilmember Hinkle, seconded by Councilmember Bennett to approve the payment from the perpetual fund. The motion passed unanimously.