2018-12-10 · City Council · Minutes · December 10, 2018 City Council Agenda · Minutes

P age |1 Stockbridge Mission: To provide visionary leadership and superior municipal services that enhance the quality of life for citizens while creating a welcoming business atmosphere focused on sustainability and expansion of tourism and cultural events. ACTION MINUTES COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2018 6:00 P.M. Mayor & City Council Mayor Anthony S. Ford Councilman Elton Alexander Councilman John Blount Mayor Pro Tem LaKeisha Gantt Councilwoman Neat Robinson Councilman Alphonso Thomas Administration Randy Knighton, City Manager Camilla Moore, Asst. City Manager Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk Michael Williams, City Attorney I. Call to Order - Mayor Ford II. Invocation – Steve Cash III. Pledge of Allegiance IV. Roll Call Present Absent Councilman Thomas ___X___ _______ Councilman Blount ___X___ _______ Mayor Ford ___X___ _______ Mayor Pro Tem Gantt _______ ___X___ Councilman Alexander ___X___ _______ Councilwoman Robinson ___X___ _______ V. Motion to amend the Agenda to remove Item #13 and #16: Thomas/Blount – Passed 4-0. VI. Motion to Adopt the Minutes for the following meetings: 1. 10/30/2018 2. 11/12//2018 Robinson/Alexander – Passed 4-0. December 10, 2018 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900 P age |2 CEREMONIAL REVIEW Don’t Trash Stockbridge Recognition of various groups National Day of Racial Healing Proclamation Leader in Me Letter of Appreciation presented to Steve Cash PUBLIC COMMENTS All persons wishing to speak for public comment must sign in with the City Clerk prior to the beginning of the meeting. You must sign your name, address, and phone number. You will be able to address the Mayor and Council for three (3) minutes. Speakers must respect all members of the elected body, officials, and staff. Defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will not be tolerated while meetings are in session Ms. Mildred Reed spoke unfavorable regarding the recent Town Hall initiative by Councilman Alexander and recommended a Task Force be established to unite the city. Mr. Ronald Thomas stated that as a resident since 2001, this was his first Council meeting and is glad be here, wants to get involved and is happy to help in whatever way that he can; noted as a resident of Winslow @ Eagles Landing, streets have not been paved since 2001. Ms. Jeanetta Roberts commended Councilman Alexander, who she has known for a long time, on the recent Town Hall initiative; noted the City needs to come together; asked the Council to consider a Senior Center in Stockbridge as Fairview and Heritage are both too far away, noting the elderly and babies always seem to be left behind; referenced a pot hole that needs to be repaired on Rock Quarry Rd; and noted streets in Winslow @ Eagles Landing needed to be paved. Ms. Cheryl Shaw stated the recent Town Hall initiative by Councilman Alexander was impactful and that she understood that other individuals are concerned and wants to see Stockbridge move forward; and stated the City needs to hold more meetings with all officials present. Ms. Ariel Shaw noted she had been called on to participate as a panelist at the recent Town Hall initiative by Councilman Alexander; agrees with moving the City forward; noted she is in favor of Council Districts. Mr. Quintin McChristian noted he has a concern when it comes to Council Districts as he has always been able to reach out to any and all members of the Council and get results; and stated he is not in favor of Council Districts because there is a concern of competition among councilmembers for limited resources. Mrs. Kathryn Gilbert noted she has been a City of Stockbridge resident for 20 years and served on the City Council from 2008 – 2012 and noted there were issues then and there are issues now; stated there is a need for Council Districts and recommends (6) six districts as that was the platform that she ran on as a December 10, 2018 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900 P age |3 candidate where there was a ground swell for equal representation, further noting that you can always speak to any and all officials; she also stated her support of CID’s (Community Improvement Districts) and said the City just needs to adopt the Ordinance; and noted businesses will not support the CID not knowing what the City will or will not do. Dr. Marilyn Flynn noted she has been a City of Stockbridge resident for 28 years and wished everyone a Merry Christmas; requested an investigation and/or explanation regarding the mode of attack and lack of transparency; congratulated the Mayor & Council and staff noting the forums were both professional and informative, and gave a special praise to the citizens of Stockbridge for the overwhelming victory as they worked hard 24/7 to defeat the referendum while also identifying individuals who stepped up and questioned why the Council was insulting these individuals citing the fool me once adage and referenced the former Mayor’s “mock trial”, failed DDA, and noted members of the ELERC; she also stated the redistricting in 2010 led to Gerrymandering and asked the Council to take it slow and involve citizens in the process; against the CID and Eagles Landing Community Association. Ms. Yolanda Barber noted her position as Chair of the Coalition to Keep Stockbridge Together; stated she was attracted by the Unity title to attend the recent Town Hall initiative by Councilman Alexander and upon arrival was disappointed to see the ELERC members on the panel noting no one on the panel represented those citizens of Stockbridge who were not allowed to vote on the referendum; stated she should not be expected to move on after 28 days considering her life for every day for the last 10 months has been in the fight to keep the City together and stated she was shocked to hear a member of the ELERC group state during the town hall that she had reached out to the State Representative (who had sponsored the bill to create the City of Eagles Landing) to carry legislation forward in 2019 and further noted she is prepared to defend the City again against any such action; she spoke unfavorable towards Councilman Alexander; defined statesman; asked the city to complete the donut holes and fill in the unincorporated areas before considering council districts; thanked Councilman Blount for meeting with the citizens on November 28th; referenced a newly formed citizen group – Stockbridge Alliance. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt joined the meeting during Public Comments. OLD BUSINESS PUBLIC HEARING 3. Third Reading & Adoption of the FY2019 Operating Budget Presented by: Randy Knighton, City Manager and John Wiggins, Interim Treasurer Motion to continue the Budget Hearing to 12/18/2018 meeting: Gantt/Thomas – Passed 5-0. December 10, 2018 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900 P age |4 OLD BUSINESS 4. Council Consideration to approve the 2019 Meeting Schedules No changes to the 2nd Monday 6pm Location: Council Chamber a) Option 1 Work Session 4:00 pm. – Location: Council Chamber b) Option 2 Work Session 6:00 pm. – Location: Council Chamber c) Option 3 Work Session 4:00 pm. – Location: Levi Meeting Room d) Option 4 Work Session 6:00 pm. – Location: Levi Meeting Room Presented by: Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Motion to approve Option No. 4 – Gantt/Robinson (withdrawn). Motion to approve Option No. 2 - Gantt/Blount: Passed 5-0. NEW BUSINESS 5. Council Consideration to approve the 2019 Municipal Court Arraignment Calendar Presented by: Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Motion to approve: Gantt/Alexander - Passed 5-0. 6. Council Consideration to approve the 2019 Voting Schedule Presented by: Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Motion to approve Option No.2 (w/two Saturdays): Blount/Thomas – Passed 5-0. 7. Council Consideration to approve the City’s 2019 Holiday Schedule Presented by: Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Motion to approve: Gantt/Blount – Passed 5-0. 8. Council Consideration to approve the selection of the Grants Writer. Presented by: Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager Motion to approve: Alexander/Blount - Passed 4-0-1 (Gantt abstained). 9. Council Consideration to approve the 2019 Water/Sewer Rate Schedule Effective January 1, 2019 Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director Motion to approve: Alexander/Gantt - Passed 5-0. 10.Council Consideration to approve the addition of Sidewalks Assessment with the FY21019 Street Assessment Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director Motion to approve: Blount/Thomas – Passed 5-0. 11.Council Consideration to approve 2019 LMIG Street Resurfacing Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director Motion to approve: Gantt/Robinson – Passed 4-1-0 (Alexander opposed) December 10, 2018 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900 P age |5 12.Council Consideration to approve the Transportation Enhancement Agreement for the Davis Road Sidewalk Project. Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director Motion to approve: Gantt/Thomas – Passed 5-0. 13.Council Consideration to approve the Wrecker Service Bid award. Presented by: Donald Riley, Procurement Specialist Item Removed from the Agenda. 14.Council Consideration to approve the 2019 Fee Schedule Presented by: Camilla Moore, Asst. City Mgr./Community Dev. Dir. Motion to approve: Gantt/Robinson – Passed 5-0. 15.Council Consideration to approve the City of Stockbridge ADA SelfEvaluation and Transition Plan. Presented by: Camilla Moore, Asst. City Mgr./Community Dev. Dir. Motion to approve: Alexander/Robinson – Passed 5-0. 16.Council Consideration to establish the Stockbridge Association of Business. Presented by: Camilla Moore, Asst. City Mgr./Community Dev. Dir. Item removed from the Agenda. 17.Council Consideration to approve the City’s Branding Presented by: Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manager Motion to approve Option 1 (excluding tagline): Alexander/Robinson – Passed 4-1 (Gantt opposed). 18.Council Consideration to approve the Main Street Board’s amended By-Laws. Presented by: Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manager Motion to approve: Thomas/Gantt 3-2-0 (Blount/Robinson opposed). 19.Council Consideration to approve the Re-appointment of members of the Main Street Advisory Board. Presented by: Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manager Motion to re-appoint: Shomari Furtch –: Term Ending 12/31/21; Willie Hopkins – Term Ending 12/31/21; Greg Horton – Term Ending 12/31/21 and Anika Potts Term Ending 12/31/21 – Passed 5-0. 20.Council Consideration to approve use of the Ted Strickland Community Center for a Bingo Bash on 12/12/2018 10am – noon. Presented by: Councilman Blount Motion to approve: Robinson/Alexander – Passed 5-0. December 10, 2018 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900 P age |6 21.Council Consideration to approve Facility Use for 2019 Presented by: LaQuinda Jackson, Executive Asst. to Mayor & Council Motion to approve: Alexander/Robinson – Passed 5-0. COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER Mr. Knighton noted the weather concerns for tomorrow morning and noted City offices would delay opening until 10:00 a.m. with the threat of black ice. COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE Mrs. Holiday reminded everyone to sign up for CodeRed to receive weather alerts; commended the Events Team for a great Holiday Festival, and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL Councilman Thomas thanked everyone who participated in the Don’t Trash Stockbridge initiative and attended the ceremonial event with special thanks to Ms. Jackson for her assistance. Councilman Blount invited everyone to come out to the 3rd Bingo Bash on Wednesday, December 12th at 10:00 a.m. at the Ted Strickland Community Center; noted Council is here to serve the whole City of Stockbridge; and referenced Stevie G. and the Rockerz and Susan Crumbley for the success of the Noel in November campaign as they collected a record number of toys & gifts this year. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt thanked everyone form coming out; introduced the new Welcoming Stockbridge Roundtable initiative that will meet quarterly embracing all nationalities, and contribute to the community and noted applications are currently being accepted and is available online. Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for coming out, noting everyone is committed to moving the city forward; noted the streaming issue of the meeting was unacceptable; stated the recent Town Hall initiative was done from the heart and understands emotions are raw; referenced the Town Hall initiative held on January 25th as an early start to the de-annexation fight; noted he advocated for buses to go the capitol and suggested the city should have started the fight earlier; appreciates everyone who participated in the fight; and emphasized that the City must move forward; noted the community is 20 years behind our competitors of metro Atlanta and will stated the city could deteriorate if we don’t move forward; stated no one fought harder to stop the referendum for you, not him; stated that in his opinion, 30 days is not too soon to move forward, forgive and move on; and stated the members of the panel said they were committed to making Stockbridge the best community. December 10, 2018 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900 P age |7 Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for coming out; referenced the Youth Council’s participation in the Don’t Trash Stockbridge campaign; referenced the Holiday Giveback taking place on Saturday, December 15th at Floyd Chapel Baptist Church where she is partnering with State Representative Sandra Scott and will distribute turkeys, coats and blankets; and also referenced the collection of toys and other items by the Kappa’s on Friday, December 14th at the Ted Strickland Community Center; invited everyone to come to the Youth Council meeting this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and the Youth Council Advisory Committee meeting the following Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. to ask questions of the board. COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR Mayor Ford congratulated Atlanta United for their Soccer Championship, noting Atlanta has a championship team (first one since the Atlanta Braves in 1995); asked for continued prayers for the officer shot in Henry County and to keep all public safety members in your prayers as they continue to protect and serve; noted the Christmas Gala was a wonderful and diverse crowd and is looking forward to 2019; noted the City is preparing for the 2020 Centennial celebration; asked that everyone keep the faith as there are good things to come. UPCOMING MEETINGS Meeting will be held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please visit the city’s website www.cityofstockbridge.com, Facebook page or contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates and detailed information. • Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room • Stockbridge Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, Friday, December 14, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room • Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday, December 17, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room • Work Session Meeting Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall in Levi Meeting Room. • Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Holiday Giveback Toiletry Drive – Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Savoy Bar & Grill spearheaded by Councilwoman Neat Robinson • Holiday Giveback Toy Drive – Friday, December 14, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ted Strickland Conference Center spearheaded by Councilwoman Neat Robinson in partnership with the Dream Achievers Foundation – Stockbridge/Jonesboro Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. December 10, 2018 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900 P age |8 • Holiday Giveback Distribution - Blankets/Coats/Toiletries/Turkeys and Toys, Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at Floyd Chapel Baptist Church spearheaded by Councilwoman Neat Robinson in partnership with Representative Sandra Scott, Dream Achievers Foundation – Stockbridge/Jonesboro Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Georgia Showcase Baseball Team. One Turkey per household (limited quantities) • Adopt-A-Family Christmas Toy Giveaway, Saturday, December 22, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at Red Oak United Methodist Church 3894 Walt Stephens Rd. Stockbridge spearheaded by Councilman Alexander in partnership with Red Oak United Methodist Church Vulcan Materials, Eagles Landing Baptist Church, Toys for Tots, Because We Care Henry – Atlanta South, Smoothie King – Eagles Landing Pkwy. ONGOING INITIATIVES • Don’t Trash Stockbridge No Litter Campaign – Ongoing – spearheaded by Councilman Thomas. Contact: LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information. • Quarterly Town Hall – Ongoing – spearheaded by Councilman Alexander. • Keep Stockbridge Beautiful – Ongoing – spearheaded by Councilman Alexander. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information. NO EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion to adjourn: Thomas/Gantt – Passed 5-0. 9:53 p.m. December 10, 2018 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900