2026-02-12 · City Council · Minutes · City Council Special Called Meeting · Minutes

--- page 1 --- stockbridge CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL CALLED MEETING SUMMARY MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026 6:00 P.M. Mayor & City Council Mayor Jayden L. Willams At-Large Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander — Council District 5 Councilmember LaKeisha Gantt — Council District 1 Councilmember Antwan Cloud — Council District 2 Councilmember Kyle D. Berry, Sr. — Council District 3 Councilmember Yolanda Barber — Council District 4 Administration Shawn Edmondson - City Manager Frank Milazi - City Treasurer Cassandra Lester - Interim City Clerk Quinton Washington - City Attorney Megan McCullough - Associate Attorney 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. Mayor Jayden L. Williams called the Special Called Meeting to order at 6:03 PM. The Mayor led the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Interim City Clerk Cassandra Lester conducted the roll call. Councilmember Kyle Berry was not present. With all other members present, a quorum was established. Motion to adopt the agenda made by Councilmember Cloud Seconded by: Councilmember Gantt Vote: Approved unanimously 4-0. EXECUTIVE SESSION (Exemptions to the Georgia Open Meetings Act O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1) Mayor Williams requested a motion to go into executive session for real estate, litigation, cybersecurity, and personnel matters. Councilmember Barber objected stated that the matter before them was a contract, which did not qualify for executive session under Georgia law. She noted that executive sessions are limited to personnel, litigation, real estate, or cybersecurity matters, and that this contract should be discussed in the open meeting. Mayor Williams inquired whether the city attorney was present. 1|Page --- page 2 --- City Manager Shawn Edmondson responded that their legal counsel had previously advised that since the matter dealt with personnel, initial discussions could occur in executive session, but a formal vote would need to take place in the public meeting. Councilmember Barber reiterated her concern about violating the Open Meetings Act. Stating the issue before the city council was a professional services agreement, and the Council had already approved the personnel matter when they voted to select the individual at the prior city council meeting. She emphasized again that what was before them was a professional services agreement that should be discussed in the open meeting, though she would defer to the consensus of the Council. Councilmember Gantt stated that the city council would be discussing a legal contract agreement that had not been finalized. She noted that as a legal matter, and any legal matters can be discussed behind closed doors, consistent with the Council's practice since at least 2014. She stated that once they finalized the legal agreement, they would return for the public vote. Motion to go into executive session for real estate, cyber security, personnel, and litigation made by Councilmember Gantt; Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander. Vote: Approved 3-1 (Barber opposed) Councilmember Barber stated for the record that she opposed because "this is a contract." The Council adjourned for executive session. Motion to end executive session and return to the regular scheduled meeting made by Councilmember Gantt; Seconded by Councilmember Cloud: Vote: Approved unanimously 4-0. Mayor Williams announced that there were two items to bring back to the public from executive session. The first item was presented with a motion to approve the contractual agreement with Sandra Poag in the amount of $140,000.00 (one hundred forty thousand dollars) as the General Manager for the Vystar Amphitheater made by Councilmember Gantt; Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander. Discussion: Councilmember Barber stated there were several questions she had asked via email and in executive session that should have been asked in the public meeting. Citing that all questions do not relate to the contract per se but wanted them for public knowledge. She requested the following be stated on the record: The Council has not yet adopted or approved a rental policy for the amphitheater. She had asked about assistance with finalizing the contract. She requested a force majeure clause be added to all contracts. She inquired about limited liability insurance for vendors and everyone else. 2|Page --- page 3 --- ¢ She noted the amphitheater has historically not been in use from October to March and asked for creative ideas to generate revenue during that period. (The following questions were mentioned at the meeting and emailed to the clerk’s office during this meeting for the record) e Why was this contract advertised as a Job Announcement as opposed to a solicitation (RFQ)? e Why is limited liability insurance not required? Mayor Williams called for the vote as previously stated by Councilmember Gantt and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander for all those in favor of the contractual agreement with Sandra Poag in the amount of $140,000.00 (one hundred forty thousand dollars) as the General Manager for the Vystar Amphitheater. Vote: Approved 3-1 (Barber opposed) Councilmember Barber stated her opposition was because her questions had not been answered and there were still changes that needed to be made to the contract. The second item from Executive Session was presented with a motion to approve the Seay Firm LLC for entertainment legal services that was made by Councilmember Gantt Seconded by: Mayor Pro Tem Alexander. Vote: Approved 3-1 (Barber opposed) Councilmember Barber stated she opposed because the information was just provided to her in executive session, and she hadn't had an opportunity to review any information prior to the meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn made by Councilimember Gantt: Seconded by Councilmember Cloud: Motion approved unanimously 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 PM. Respectfully submitted by: // i Tt At ©. Jeser Cassandra Lester, Interim City Clerk 3|Page