Category: City Council

2017-01-09 · City Council · Agenda · January 9, 2017 City Council Meeting · Agenda

2017-01-09 · City Council · Agenda · source: ccscrape-meetings · sha256 125bc97b · pages 6 · method: text

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January 9, 2017

2017-01-09 · City Council · Agenda Packet · January 9, 2017 City Council Meeting · Agenda Packet

2017-01-09 · City Council · Agenda Packet · source: ccscrape-meetings · sha256 8778439c · pages 171 · method: text

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City of Stockbridge Bringing People Together STOCKBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL Mayor Judy Neal Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford Councilman Elton Alexander Council Meeting Agenda January 9, 2017 6:00 PM Councilman John Blount Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Councilwoman Neat Robinson CITY MANAGER Michael Harris CITY CLERK Vanessa Holiday Council Chamber 2nd Floor DEPUTY CLERK Randi Rainey 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Website: www.cityofstockbridge.com CITY ATTORNEY Michael Williams Phone: 7703897900 Fax: 7703897912 AGENDA COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017 6:00 PM Mayor & City Council Judy Neal, Mayor Anthony S. Ford, Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander, Councilman John Blount, Councilman LaKeisha Gantt, Councilwoman Neat Robinson, Councilwoman I. Invocation II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Call to Order IV. Roll Call Administration Michael Harris, City Manager Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk Michael Williams, City Attorney Present Absent Councilman Alexander Councilman Blount Mayor Neal Mayor Pro Tem Ford Councilwoman Gantt Councilwoman Robinson V. Adoption of the Agenda VI. Adoption of Minutes for 11/14/2016, 11/29/2016 Draft Minutes of November 14, 2016 Draft Minutes of November 29, 2016 Organization Appointment of City Attorney:_____________________________ pursuant the City Charter, Section 2.12.040, the City Attorney shall be appointed at the first meeting of the Mayor and Council in January of each year Page | 3 CEREMONIAL Item # 1 Proclamation Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Celebration Presented by: Mayor Neal Item # 2 Proclamation National Human Trafficking Awareness Day Presented by: Mayor Neal Item # 3 Letter of Commendation presented to 2016 Stockbridge High School Football Team Presented by: Mayor Neal Item # 4 Letter of Commendation presented to Eagle's Landing Christian Academy Football Team Presented by: Mayor Neal 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. OLD BUSINESS Item # 5 Presentation Stockbridge Bicycle Pedestrian and Trail Plan Presented by: Madie Fischettie, ASLA of WLA Studio Item # 6 Ordinance Banning Smoking in Vehicles Containing Minors Presented by: Councilman Blount NEW BUSINESS Item # 7 Resolution Condemning Smoking in Vehicles Containing Minors Presented by: Councilman Alexander Item # 8 Resolution Main Street Memorandum of Understanding Presented by: Kira Harris Braggs, Main Street Manager January 9, 2017 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 3897900 Page | 4 Item # 9 Resolution Engineering Services Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager Item # 10 Resolution to Introduce at the Regular 2017 Session of the General Assembly of Georgia local legislation providing for the revision of the Corporate City Limits of the City of Stockbridge Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney DISCUSSION Item # 11 Discussion Scheduling Ceremonial Presentations Presented by: Mayor Neal Item #12 Discussion Amending the 2017 Council Meeting Schedule Presented by: Mayor Neal CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS Michael Harris COUNCIL'S COMMENTS Councilman Alexander Councilman Blount Mayor Pro Tem Ford Councilwoman Gantt Councilwoman Robinson MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Judy Neal EXECUTIVE SESSION (Exemptions to the Georgia Open Meetings Acts) January 9, 2017 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 3897900 Page | 5 I. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the settlement of a matter covered by the attorneyclient privilege as provided in Georgia Code section 50142(1) and 50143(b)(1)(A). The subject discussed was {identify the case or claim discussed but not the substance of the attorneyclient discussion}. II. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize negotiations to purchase, dispose of or lease property as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(1)(B). III. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the ordering of an appraisal related to the acquisition or disposal of real estate as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(1)(C), IV. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into a contract to purchase, dispose of, or lease property subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(1)(D). V. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into an option to purchase, dispose of, or lease real estate subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(1)(E). VI. Meeting to discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(2). VII. Meeting to interview one or more applicants for the position of the executive head of an agency as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(2). VIII. Pursuant to the attorneyclient privilege and as provided by Georgia Code section 50142(1), a meeting otherwise required to be open was closed to the public in order to consult and meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the agency or any officer or employee or in which the agency or any officer or employee may be directly involved and the matter discussed was {identify the matter but not the substance of the discussion.}. IX. Staff meeting held for investigative purposes under duties or responsibilities imposed by law as provided by Georgia Code section 50143(a)(1). January 9, 2017 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 3897900 Page | 6 ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS All meetings will be held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please check the city's website www.cityofstockbridge.com or contact City Hall offices at 770.389‐7900 for information.  Main Street Advisory Board Meeting ‐ Friday, January 13, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  All City offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2017 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. City services will resume at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.  Downtown Development Authority Board Meeting – Monday, January 23, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  Stockbridge Zoning Advisory Board Meeting – Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  Council Work Session – Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber. Motion to Adjourn. January 9, 2017 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 3897900 Letter of Commendation January 9, 2017 As elected officials of the great City of Stockbridge, Georgia, it is both our pleasure and duty to recognize great programs such as the 2016 Stockbridge High School Football program. And, whereas this honorable body commends rare athletic achievement, and gives special honor and commendation to those athletic teams who pursue such excellence that they become examples for the youth of this community. Once again, the Stockbridge High School Tigers continue to make us proud! The 2016 season was magical going on a 13-0 run and finishing the season at 13-1; hailing as Region Champs and returning to the State Semi-Finals. Coach Kevin “The Admiral” Whitley, and a talented coaching staff have brought a tradition of winning to Tiger Nation. The 2016 season was another impressive year for the Tigers: Region 4AAAAA Champs, Coach Kevin Whitley Region 4-5A Coach of the Year, 13 All-Region Team selections including: Defensive Player of the Year Benton Cox, First Team selections: Benton Cox, Jalen Holston, Marquez Ezzard, Austin Donaldson, Kenderick Duncan, Kelton Dawson, Chris Hall and Nasir Greer; Second Team selections: Aaron Robinson, Brandon Lopes, Mike Price, and Honorable Mention selections: Abu Bangura, Jordan Douglas, Jordan Brown, Wesley Guilford, Nidarius Alexander, and Ryan Massey. We look forward to another exciting year for the Tigers in 2017! We commend the Stockbridge High School Administration, led by Principal Eric Watson, for your leadership both in the classroom and on the field. Having a great athletic program offers many of the Tigers an opportunity to continue their athletic and academic careers with well-deserved scholarships. This body honors the Tigers and wishes you the best of luck in your future endeavors. ________________________________________ Judy Neal, Mayor ________________________________________ Anthony S. Ford, Councilmember _____________________________________ Elton Alexander, Councilmember ________________________________________ LaKeisha Gantt, Councilmember _____________________________________ John Blount, Councilmember ________________________________________ Neat Robinson, Councilmember Whereas: e Mayor CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN JANUARY 4, 2017 Prepared for: CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE, GEORGIA ADOPTED: JANUARY 9, 2017 Page intentionally left blank CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS MAYOR Judy B. Neale CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL Anthony S. Ford LaKeisha T. Gantt Elton Alexander John Blount Neat Robinson CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE STAFF Michael C. Harris, City Manager Justin Kilgore, GIS Specialist/Planner Kira Harris‐Braggs, Main Street Manager CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE MAIN STREET ADVISORY BOARD Shomari Furtch Alison Ramsay Ebony Gurndy Anika Potts Tavaras J. Powell Mildred Reed Terry Sanders Anthony Ford Kathryn “Kat” Vallish Kira Harris‐Braggs CONSULATANT TEAM WLA Studio ii This page intentionally left blank CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements Executive Summary 1) Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 4 Project Process Plan Goals and Objectives 2) Existing Conditions Inventory ...................................................................................................... 8 Policies, Zoning & Development Regulations System Appraisal and Evaluation 3) Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Network Development ................................................................ 26 Project Recommendations 4) Recommendations and Implementation Plan ........................................................................... 38 Project Implementation Plan Funding Options Policy Development and Implementation Strategies ILLUSTRATIONS Illustration A Illustration B Illustration C Illustration D Illustration E Illustration F Illustration G Illustration H Illustration I Illustration J Illustration K Illustration L Illustration M Study Area Northwest Quadrant Recommendations Northeast Quadrant Recommendations Southwest Quadrant Recommendations Southeast Quadrant Recommendations Walt Stephens Road – Proposed Improvements Red Oak Road – Proposed Improvements Davis and Old Conyers Roads – Proposed Improvements Rock Quarry Road – Proposed Improvements Flippen Road – Proposed Improvements North Henry Boulevard – Potential Crossings Proposed Greenway Routes MLK Sr. Trail – Proposed Extension Appendix A – Public Meeting Presentations Appendix B – Cost Estimates for Physical Improvements iv CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan The Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan (SBPTP) was developed through a collaborative process involving a team of stakeholders from the community and relying heavily on public input. The plan provides details on the existing condition of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the city and opportunities for future improvement. The SBPTP is intended to guide investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the future and outlines priorities for the city. It includes the following sections: 1) Introduction: This section includes an outline of the project process and gives an overview of the tools used throughout the project to gather input from the community including in‐person open house sessions, work sessions with key stakeholders, and public survey. This section also includes a description of the purpose of the plan and overarching goals. The primary goal of the SBPTP is to provide active (non‐automobile) transportation opportunities to the citizens of Stockbridge both within the city limits and to the surrounding region. The City of Stockbridge does not currently have a Comprehensive Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Trail Plan. The plan aims to make recommendations to develop an integrated pedestrian and bicycling network that accommodates a wide range of users and abilities from children to seniors. By developing a Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Plan the city will provide a safe, connected and efficient transportation system for the citizens of Stockbridge. 2) Existing Conditions: This section provides an assessment of the existing bicycle and pedestrian network, noting pedestrian gaps and deficiencies and key opportunities and constraints throughout the city. Included in the assessment are existing policies, zoning and development regulations as well as an appraisal of the physical system and existing city assets. Stockbridge has many sidewalks in the core downtown area but they are not well connected to neighborhoods and parks. An existing greenway trail does not connect to the regional system or provide offroad routes to community resources such as schools and parks. Major north‐south thoroughfares in the city limits are lacking any pedestrian or bicycle amenities. While there are several bike lanes in the southern half of the city, and trails and sidewalks exist throughout, gaps in the system create a lack connectivity. 3) Bicycle, Pedestrian & Trail Network Development: This section outlines the process used to develop and prioritize the plan elements ultimately selected for inclusion in the SBPTP. This section includes mapping of high priority crossings, connections, and routes and lists the prioritized plan elements. Plan elements include basic information like description of existing conditions, potential improvements, and costs for planning, design, and completion. The plan includes solutions to provide better pedestrian access across major thoroughfares in the city (SR 138) as well as recommendations for offroad trail systems. Gaps in neighborhood sidewalk systems are addressed in the plan. The plan explores the need and makes recommendations for off‐road paths with 2 regional connections to the nearby PanolaArabia Mountain PATH trail. 4) Recommendations & Implementation Plan: This section outlines a phased implementation program based on staff and public input. Potential funding options are identified for plan elements. The implementation plan also describes the relationship of the SBPTP to past planning documents and recommends revisions to city policies to facilitate implementation of the SBPTP. The plan looks at both public and private sector funding sources for capital improvements and future planning efforts. The CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN SBPTP addresses both policy efforts and educational opportunities for the city. Key action items include extension of existing streetscape and greenways, ordinance recommendations, and elimination of gaps in the sidewalk network. Illustrations for physical improvements are included at the end of the report. Cost estimates for individual projects are included in Appendix B. CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION Figure 1: Stockbridge City Hall. (http://stockbridge.municipalcms.com/files/images/City_H all_‐_Summer_07‐15‐2011_083218.JPG) The City of Stockbridge Stockbridge is located just east of the junction of I‐75 and I‐675 in northwest Henry County. The city is located approximately 20 miles south of Atlanta and is part of the Atlanta Regional Commission planning area. The population estimate for 2015 for Stockbridge is 28,202 persons1. Nearly one third of the population of Stockbridge is under the age of 18 and less than seven percent is over the age 65.2 Existing active transportation amenities within the city limits include parks, Reeves Creek Trail, sidewalks and streetscape areas (see Chapter 2 for a full description of existing conditions). Project Process The consultants began work on this plan in February 2016. After a meeting with city staff, the consultants began the process of conducting inventory and analysis of the existing bicycle, pedestrian, and trail facilities within Stockbridge. The study area boundary 1 Accessed online at http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215 /1373704,00 (11/28/16) 2 Ibid. Figure 2: Consultants conducting in person survey for citizen input for plan (Unless noted, all photos by author, 2016) was the city limits with attention given to connections to county and regional resources. Since the city limits of Stockbridge are irregular, some areas outside of the city limits were considered in linear connections to avoid recommendations with gaps. In addition to physical inventory, the consultants also reviewed existing policy, zoning and development regulations in regard to active transportation options in the city. During the inventory and analysis process the consultants conducted a survey both online via the city website and in person at Main Street public events. Results of the public survey were tallied and helped define key project areas and project goals and objectives. The consultants presented inventory and analysis and proposed project options to the public and Main Street Advisory Board members. Input from these public sessions helped guide final recommendations and project priorities. The consultants conducted the project in three phases: 4    Phase One: Inventory and Analysis – Data was collected throughout study area, including physical data, natural and cultural resources, evaluation of existing facilities and input from citizens. Phase Two: Opportunities – Collected data was reviewed, opportunities were identified and presented graphically upon project maps. Additional public input was gathered. Phase Three: Strategy – Final bicycle, pedestrian and trail plan strategy was developed along with supporting mapping and graphics. The plan will be presented before City Council for final approval. PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of the City of Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Plan (SBPTP) is to plan for a convenient and comfortable active (non‐auto based) transportation system for local trips within the community and connections with regional trail systems. The plan identifies access points, preferred alignments, key potential road crossing options, design elements, regulatory requirements, preliminary cost estimates, and potential sources of funding. The SBPTP expands on and responds to recommendations set forth in several previous studies such as the 2012 City of Stockbridge Livable Centers Initiative 10‐year Update and the 2016 Henry County/Cities Joint Transportation Plan. The plan’s primary goal is to offer options for active transportation to city residents and visitors. The planned bicycle and pedestrian routes are intended to provide convenient access to community resources within Stockbridge, reduce reliance on auto transportation, and improve safety for all user groups regardless of age and ability. Project goals and objectives for the SBPTP were developed with input from the public and CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Figure 3: Public giving input for project prioritization. stakeholder groups such as the Main Street Advisory Committee. Citizens were asked to “vote” for their favorite projects and favorite project configurations. SURVEY RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS:    Citizens DO value bicycle and pedestrian resources Citizens DO want additional resources Citizens value connectivity and facilities Priorities:    Network – expand and improve active transportation network Safety – prioritize safety (especially for vulnerable users) when planning network additions to trails and intersections Culture – nurture a culture which incentivizes active transportation for health, fitness, and to improve the environment (1) Trails  Recreation  Protect natural and cultural resources  Provide SAFE off‐road connections for walkers/bikers (2) Sidewalks  Complete the network  Provide standards for development (3) Intersections  Accessibility  Signals (4) Bicycle Facilities  Bike lanes  Improved alternative transportation connections  Focus on neighborhoods/schools/retail PROJECT GOALS Project goals provide guidance that helps direct where the citizens of Stockbridge see the city in the future. Goals for this project include: Safety and Health: enable people to safely walk, run or bicycle in and through the city. Accessibility: develop a non‐automobile focused system that is accessible to all ages and abilities. Community: encourage citizen interest and participation in pedestrian and bicycling activities. PROJECT OBJECTIVES Project objectives specifically describe the project purpose and the outcomes desired from the SBPTP. The primary objective of the plan is to provide a plan for development of resources for all potential users of the pedestrian and bicycle system.         Link to regional PATH system and local trails Link to Main Street area and city retail hubs Link to community destinations such as schools, residential areas, parks, community centers, etc. Provide connections and access to natural areas Increase north‐south connectivity by adding more pedestrian and bicycle routes Provide design standards for well‐designed, visible, and safe crossings Minimize conflicts between people biking and walking and automobiles and address safety and security of bicycle and pedestrian route users Provide for connectivity between existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities Sustainability: develop community assets that are both environmentally and economically sustainable. Figure 4: Example of a project board with citizen vote priority dots. 6 Page intentionally left blank. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN CHAPTER 2 – EXISTING CONDITIONS Policies, Zoning Regulations and Development JOINT HENRY COUNTY/CITIES TRANSPORTATION PLAN - 2007 This document evaluated and made countywide recommendations to improve roadway conditions including bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The document concludes that as “a rapidly suburbanizing area, Henry County, like many other counties in this situation, is experiencing an increase in need for transportation improvements of all types, including better sidewalk, bicycle path, and public transportation networks.”3 Public transportation is limited within the county with on‐demand transit for elderly and citizens with limited mobility. As part of the Comprehensive Transportation Plan process, the planning group developed additional criteria specific to Henry County to supplement Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans. The plan included priority areas for improvements which had: • “Proximity to Key Locations – proximity to schools, libraries, parks and other public facilities; • Network Definition – Connecting existing segments of the sidewalk network; 3 Joint Henry County/Cities Transportation Plan – 2007, Accessed online via http://www.co.henry.ga.us/transportationplanning/ CTP.shtml). • Connectivity – Access between major bicycle and pedestrian origins and destinations; • Roadway Expansion Opportunities – locations where roads are planned to be reconstructed or constructed along new alignments and new pedestrian and bicycle facilities can be added; • Protection of Right‐of‐Way – opportunities to encourage developments to provide adequate right‐of‐way for bicycle and pedestrian facilities as new developments are constructed; and, • Consistency with Other Plans ‐ the consistency with the GDOT Statewide Bicycle Plan, ARC Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, and local plans.”4 Several of the Priority Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning areas identified in the report are within the Stockbridge city limits. One of the objectives outlined in the Transportation Plan is: “Provide travel choices for residents and visitors.” The following policies outlined in the report support this objective: • “Policy 1.2.1: The County and Cities will support a balanced and multimodal transportation system that serves the mobility needs of all segments of the population, accommodates all travel modes, and promotes community economic development needs. • Policy 1.2.2: Highway investments will include provisions for alternative travel modes, such as transit, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities, to create multimodal transportation corridors to serve travel needs, as appropriate. 4 Ibid. 8 • Policy 1.2.3: Context‐sensitive design approaches should be used where appropriate in transportation project development to balance the needs of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, land use and development, and safety considerations. • Policy 1.2.17: Henry County and its Cities will identify the need for improvements in the pedestrian and bicycle networks in key areas, such as downtown areas, commercial nodes, school complexes, government office areas, and other locations where pedestrian activity is present. These needs will be identified, as appropriate, in the Capital Improvement Programs of each jurisdiction. • Policy 1.2.18: Henry County and its Cities will provide where deficient and require new development to construct sidewalks for areas within one mile of public facilities such as schools, libraries, government buildings, hospitals, etc. and will encourage sidewalks in all other areas. • Policy 1.2.19: The County will construct sidewalks on both sides of all thoroughfares, on both sides of collector streets, and on one side or both sides of requested local streets as desired based on available resources. • Policy 1.2.20: Henry County and its Cities will pursue funding opportunities from federal, state, and regional agencies and private‐nonprofit programs to improve the pedestrian and bicycling environment. • Policy 1.2.21: The County will consider the construction of bicycle lanes with a minimum width of four (4) feet consistent with the GDOT’s and the County’s standards on all new or reconstructed roadways within the County, where feasible (excluding limited access CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN roadways and local streets). Wherever bicycle lanes are not feasible, justification will be included as part of the roadway preliminary design process. Alternative routes will be identified. • Policy 1.2.22: The County will provide a connected network of bikeways, as needed, and sign them appropriately. • Policy 1.2.23: The County will study and identify off‐road bicycle trail opportunities as part of its on‐going transportation planning activities. • Policy 1.2.24: Henry County will share information and participate in ARC’s regional bicycle and pedestrian planning program so that bicycle issues and opportunities in Henry County can be incorporated into ARC’s regional planning programs. • Policy 1.2.25: Henry County should participate in ARC’s regional planning activities to capitalize on any opportunities for the planning and development of multi‐use trails. • Policy 1.2.26: Henry County Planning and Zoning Department and Public Works Department shall coordinate with the County’s Parks and Recreation Department, adjacent county jurisdictions, and GDOT to determine locations where future pedestrian, bicycle paths, and trails are needed and desired. • Policy 1.2.27: The County/Cities Land Development Regulations will be reviewed and modified to encourage better pedestrian and bicycling environments in emerging developments, existing developed areas, and redeveloping areas. • Policy 1.2.28: Henry County and its Cities shall maintain a list of recommended pedestrian and bicycle system improvement projects implementation. for • Policy 1.2.29: The planning and development of mixed use developments in the County and Cities shall facilitate and improve existing opportunities for walking and bicycling. • Policy 1.2.30: Bicycle parking racks should be provided at all public transportation facilities and stations (i.e. express bus stations, etc.). • Policy 1.2.31: Henry County and its Cities will support the preservation of abandoned railroad and utility rights‐of‐way for walking, bicycling, or multi‐use trails and potential future transportation corridors. • Policy 1.2.32: Henry County and its Cities shall promote public education programs aimed at pedestrian and bicycle safety, especially for children. • Policy 1.2.33: Henry County and its Cities will explore opportunities and implement projects as appropriate to create safe routes to schools. • Policy 1.2.34: The County and Cities will ensure that all school speed zones meet the standards for signs, markings, and other safety features recommended by the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).5” The report specifically outlines transportation priorities for the City of Stockbridge that affect alternative transportation including: widening Rock Quarry Road; synchronizing traffic lights, and intersection improvements along Fairview Road. JOINT HENRY COUNTY/CITIES COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN (CTP) – UPDATE 2016 One of the new initiatives that updates the original 2007 CMTP is an initiative known as “Healthy Henry.” This effort highlights “an important aspect of the transportation network that has traditionally received less attention during planning.” Healthy Henry aims to battle obesity in the community by promoting healthful lifestyle habits. Active transportation choices support this goal.6 The Healthy Henry plan advocates capitalizing on opportunities in Henry County for greenway trails along “creeks, rivers, utility easements, and railroad corridors, to connect to neighboring county trail systems, and to provide school access and connectivity.”7 The types of “Healthy Infrastructure” advocated in the CPT Update supported by the recommendations in the SBPTP include greenway trails, sidepaths, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and nature trails. Several goals of the CTP Update are supported by the SBPTP. Goal 4: Protect and enhance the county’s and cities’ environmental quality. 4.1 Minimize air quality impacts of transportation investment 4.2 Preserve the county’s natural and environmentally sensitive areas 6 5 Ibid. “Transportation Planning,” August 2016, accessed November 30, 2016, http://www.co.henry.ga.us/transportationplanning/ CTP.shtml., 3. 7 Ibid., 31. 10 Figure 5: Greenway Trail Opportunities in northern part of Henry County as identified in Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update – 2016, Jacobs. Goal 9: Enhance citizens health and quality of life through transportation improvements. 9.1 Increase access to parks and schools via active transportation infrastructure 9.2 Provide comfortable, safe, and convenient options to walk to nearby destinations 9.3 Provide access and connections to regional trails 9.4 Prioritize at least 50% of bicycle and pedestrian improvements in an appropriate areas with high demand corresponding to active transportation focus areas identified in the needs assessment process8 The report identifies several routes in the Stockbridge city limits with “congestion needs.” Primary congestion corridors include Eagle’s Landing Parkway and North Henry Boulevard (SR 138 and SR 42). Secondary congestion corridors include East Atlanta Road, Red Oak Road and Flippen Road.9 The report identifies SR 138 as a regional truck route. 8 9 Ibid., 4. Ibid., 20. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN The CTP Update identifies North Henry Boulevard and Eagle’s Landing Parkway as primary access corridors. The report states that “access management is most needed in commercial and industrial corridors where unmanaged access to local land uses can generate significant traffic congestion and safety concerns.” Mapping identifies an extension of Rock Quarry Road from North Henry Boulevard north to East Atlanta Road as a priority access management corridor.10 The CTP Update includes an analysis of “walking propensity” and identifies several areas within Stockbridge as priority areas: North Henry Boulevard, Flippen Road, and Eagle’s Landing Parkway. The report recommends improvements for areas where there are currently gaps in the sidewalk network and also have a high walking propensity.11 The CTP identifies pedestrian safety needs and notes that many of the pedestrian crashes that have occurred in the county are in the Stockbridge area clustered in “higher density activity 10 11 Ibid., 23‐24. Ibid., 34. corridors where pedestrian activity is more frequent.” The reports identifies North Henry Boulevard, Flippen Road, and Eagle’s Landing Parkway as areas that “contain the highest density residential developments in the county, generate the most pedestrian traffic, and require the greatest amount of pedestrian facilities and safety measures.”12 boundary was roughly bounded by Davis Road to the north, Rock Quarry Road to the east, Walt Stephens Road/Red Oak Road to the south, and I‐75/I‐675 to the west. The area included the traditional downtown and commercial areas long Henry Boulevard (SR 138) as well as adjacent residential areas. Weaknesses identified in this report included: Pedestrian safety needs outlined in the CTP Update include:     North Henry Boulevard: traffic calming, pedestrian improvements, reduced speeds, access management, improved signage Eagle’s Landing Parkway: access management, traffic calming, improved signage, operational improvements13    The plan identifies one specific roadway project in the Short Term Work Program within Stockbridge. Rock Quarry Road is scheduled to be widened from Eagle’s Landing Parkway to SR 138, adding one lane in each direction. The design for this project is currently underway.   The plan identifies several projects within the Stockbridge city limits pertaining to the SBPTP but few of these projects are included in the county’s short term work program. The short term work program does include a Countywide Greenway Trail Master Plan. The purpose of this study is to “drill down specifically on greenway trails alignments, feasibility, and costs.”14  CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE LIVABLE CENTERS INITIATIVE, 10-YEAR UPDATE, 2012   “Auto‐oriented existing land uses Lack of design standards for new construction along North Henry Blvd A built form which encourages driving Combination of development patterns, existing facilities, and distances mean that much of the study area is not walkable Poor ADA accessibility for pedestrians along North henry Boulevard Lack of sidewalk connectivity on key streets Lack of ADA‐Compliant facilities at intersections Hostile environment for bicyclists along north Henry Boulevard Narrow local streets create safety concerns for bicyclists Lack of bike racks”15 The study identified several alternative transportation projects and goals to improve pedestrian and bicycle policies. Several of the projects have been implemented by the city since the study was released. New major pedestrian facilities in the traditional downtown and adjacent neighborhoods have been implemented and include new sidewalk, curb and gutter, landscaping, and pedestrian lighting. This study concentrated on the areas adjacent to Hwy 138 within the city limits. The study area 15 12 Ibid., 35. 13 Ibid., 35. 14 Ibid., 69. Tunnell‐Spangler‐Wallsh & Associates, et al, City of Stockbridge Liviable Centers Initiative 10‐Year Update, As Adopted ed. (n.p.: City of Stockbridge, GA, 2012)., 14‐35. 12    Figure 6: Newly implemented streetscape improvements in the traditional downtown area. The report includes specific recommendations for many residential and side streets including replacement of existing curb and gutter, landscaping, and sidewalks. The report includes a recommendation that the city adopt a “citywide standard for typical street sections and layout, as well as tree types and styles for all street furnishings to be used for the proposed pedestrian facility projects.”16     16 2030 JOINT HENRY COUNTY/CITIES COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (Adopted 2009) The 2030 Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Plan is a document that outlines the community’s vision for the future and details plans to implement that vision. The report includes analysis of existing and future land use, zoning, natural and cultural resources, and infrastructure. 18 Recommendations specific to the City of Stockbridge include: following  “Encourage adjacent homeowner associations to work together to study ways to improve pedestrian and bicycle connections between them. Provide public facilities and buildings that are accessible and visitable to persons with disabilities and the elderly. Improve pedestrian accessibility to and across the North Henry Boulevard (SR 138/42) Corridor. Implement requirements for non‐vehicular improvements as part of a proposed North Henry Boulevard (SR 138/42) overlay district.  The LCI Study promotes the pedestrian and bicycle policies: Ibid., 96 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Design new buildings to support walking and bicycling with basic urban design elements. Continue coordination of joint bicycle facilities with Henry County, the ARC, and surrounding areas. Implement requirements for non‐vehicular improvements for all future transportation projects.”17   17 The implementation of recommendations outlined in the LCI study to increase connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists The adoption of a street connectivity ordinance to establish restrictions on block sizes and connections between developments The commissioning and adoption of a conceptual corridor master plan to identify greenway and collector road locations A partnership with the PATH Foundation to master plan a trail system Ibid., 92‐92. “Henry County Board of Commissioners,” 2030 Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Plan, March 27, 2012, accessed November 20, 2016, http://www.co.henry.ga.us/planningzoning/CompLa ndUsePlan.shtml. 18 The Short Term Work Program from the CMP includes the following recommendations. Those that have not been completed are shown in bold. Many of the projects have already been implemented on at least one side of the road. Table 1 – Selected Projects from Short Term Work Program, Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Master Plan Project Cost* Responsible Party/Funding Town Center Streetscape (Love Street to Hwy 42)19 $12,000,000 City of Stockbridge/ General Extension of Rock Quarry Road to Old Conyers $1,560,000 City of Stockbridge, GDOT, Road and Valley Hill Road (started in 1999 and is HCDOT/ General Fund, SPLOST ongoing) Multiuse trail for Reeves Creek Phase 1: From $900,000 City of Stockbridge/ General Dabney‐Hunter Simmons Park to Tye Road Fund, LCI, TEA Old Downtown Square Sidewalks, streetscapes $1,000,000 City of Stockbridge/ General (Barry Street) Fund, LCI, SPLOST, TEA Flippen Road from North Henry Boulevard to Walt $500,000 City of Stockbridge and Henry Stephens Road Bike Lanes, Sidewalks County/ General Fund, LCI, SPLOST, TEA Tye Street Improvements, including curb and $400,000 City of Stockbridge, HCDOT, Sidewalks (started in 2000)20 GDOT/General Fund, SPLOST Miller Road to Miller Court (sidewalks) $50,121 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST Neal Avenue from North Henry to Oakland $152,544 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST Boulevard (sidewalks)21 Mann Boulevard from North Henry to Oakland $163,440 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST Boulevard (sidewalks)22 Woodhaven Drive from North Henry to Old Atlanta $12,000 City of Stockbridge/ General Road (sidewalks)23 Fund, SPLOST Sheppard Drive from North Henry Boulevard to end $16,650 City of Stockbridge/ General of cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks)24 Fund, LCI, SPLOST, TEA Appleton Boulevard from Flippen Road $25,500 City of Stockbridge/ General (sidewalks)25 Fund, SPLOST 26 Fairhaven Court (sidewalks) $19,650 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST Fairhaven Road from Flippen Road to Fairhaven $11,325 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST Court (sidewalks)27 Club Place from Club Circle to end of street $41,878 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST (sidewalks) 19 Project is partially completed Improvements are on west side of road only from N. Henry Blvd to Smith Barnes Elementary School 21 Improvements are on west side of road only 22 Improvements are on east side of road only 23 Improvements are on west side of road only 24 Improvements are on east side of road only to Old Atlanta Rd 25 Improvements on north side of road only 26 Improvements on east side of road only 27 Improvements on north side of road only 20 14 Glendale Court from Appleton Boulevard to end of cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) Lombardy Way from Fairhaven Court to Fairhaven Blvd (sidewalks)28 Fairhaven Blvd from Sheffield Court to Fairhaven Court (sidewalk)29 Nolan Street from South Berry Street to the dead end (sidewalks) First Street from Tye Street to South Berry Street (sidewalks) Second Street from Tye Street to Railroad Street (sidewalks) Child Street from Tye Street to end of street (sidewalks) Sheffield Court from Fairhaven Court to Fairhaven Boulevard (sidewalks) Church Street from Berry Street to Wilson Avenue (sidewalks) Jennings Way (Cemetery Street from Second Street to Wilson Street (sidewalks) Duvall Drive from East Atlanta Road to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) Parkwood Drive from West Burke Street to Davis Road (sidewalks) Stockview Terrace from Creek Circle to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) Lambert Drive from North Henry Boulevard to end of street (sidewalks)30 Lane Drive from North Henry Boulevard to Spring Street (Curbs, Gutters, and Sidewalks) Lake Drive from Lambert Drive to Lake Terrace (sidewalks) Lake Terrace from Lake Drive to end of street (sidewalks) Creek Circle from Davis Road to Davis Road (sidewalks)31 Bridge Park Court from Creek Circle to cul‐de‐sac Landover Drive from Davis Road to Davis Road (sidewalks) Ridge Run from Landover Drive to Landover Drive (sidewalks) 28 Improvements on west side of road only Improvements on west side of road only 30 Improvements on east side of road only to Lake Terrace 31 Improvements are on one side only 29 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN $4,650 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $24,000 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $24,000 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $75,000 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $65,376 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $166,164 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $98,064 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $17,790 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $51,494 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $87,168 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $147,858 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $68,644 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $8,510 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $121,490 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $34,867 $71,913 City of Stockbridge/ General Fund, SPLOST City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $41,404 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $37,275 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $3,900 $35,700 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $15,105 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST Meadow Ridge Drive from Davis Road to cul‐desac (sidewalks) Angela Court from Meadow Ridge Drive to cul‐desac Rebecca Court from Meadow Ridge Drive to culde‐sac (sidewalks) Shields Road from North Henry Boulevard to Davis Road (sidewalks) Meadow Ridge Way from Shields Road to cul‐desac (sidewalks) Meadow Ridge Court from Meadow Ridge Way to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) Club Circle from Club Place to Club Circle (sidewalks)32 Wren Court from Club Circle to Club Place (sidewalks) Club Drive from North Henry Boulevard to Club Place (sidewalks)33 Ceresa Drive from North Lee Street to end of road (sidewalks) Center Street from North Henry Boulevard to West Burke Street (sidewalks) Iron Horse Way from Northbridge Drive to end of cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks)34 Engine Run from Central Line to end of cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks)35 Northbridge Drive from Flippen Road to end of culde‐sac (sidewalks)36 Shortline Court from Central Line to end of cul‐desac (sidewalks)37 Pullman Lane from Central Line to end of cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks)38 Central Line from Iron Horse Way to Seaboard Drive (sidewalks)39 Seaboard Drive from Northbridge Drive to Old Atlanta Road (sidewalks)40 Sideline Court from Seaboard Drive to end of cul‐ $25,125 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $3,900 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $3,900 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $501,216 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $7,545 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $8,250 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $64,500 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $3,180 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $116,151 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $45,218 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $13,215 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $13,905 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $3,825 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $25,125 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $3,900 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $6,600 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $25,500 $19,650 City of Stockbridge/ General Fund, SPLOST 77 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $14,475 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST 32 Improvements are on one side only Improvements are on east side only 34 Improvements are on west side only 35 Improvements are on east side only 36 Improvements are on north side only 37 Improvements are on east side only 38 Improvements are on east side only 39 Improvements are on north side only 40 Improvements are on west side only 33 16 de‐sac (sidewalks)41 Northern Run from Seaboard Drive to end of cul‐desac (sidewalks)42 Beacon Street from Old Atlanta Road to Hillcrest Drive (sidewalks)43 Wilson Street from Wilson Avenue to Jennings Way (Cemetery Street) (sidewalks) South Berry Street from Nolan Street to Second Street (sidewalks)44 North Henry Boulevard to end of Bowen Street (sidewalks) West Burke Street from Burke Street to Center Street (sidewalks) South Lee Road, North Henry Boulevard from Rock Quarry Road to East Atlanta (sidewalks and streetscape)45 Davis Road from Clark Park to Highway 42 (Sidewalks and Streetscape)46 $8,400 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $9,360 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $130,752 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $156,902 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $115,497 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $108,960 City of Stockbridge/ SPLOST $625,000 City of Stockbridge/LCI City of Stockbridge/ LCI Grant Tunnel under railroad between Gardner Park and $900,000 Clark Park City of Stockbridge/ Federal Grant, General Funds Burke Street to Love St, Berry Street, Jennings Way to Dabney Hunter Simmons Memorial Park (Streetscape and Sidewalks/trails)47 *Costs as projected in 2009 City of Stockbridge/ LCI, SPLOST, TEA 41 Improvements are on south side only Improvements are on north side only 43 Improvements are on east side only 44 Improvements are on west side only to Wilson Avenue 45 Portions are complete 46 Portions are complete 47 Improvements include curb and gutter and sidewalks on west side of road 42 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Public comment through Preliminary Visioning Workshops helped shape the “One Henry” CMP. Common comments from these sessions pertaining to the SBPTP include    “Preserve/create greenspace Connections – parks with trails, sidewalks, trails and roads to connect neighborhoods Intersection improvements”48 Community input also garnered the following comments regarding transportation in Stockbridge: “Require housing developments to provide a high level of both auto and pedestrian connectivity to surrounding land uses and streets.”49 For natural and cultural resources, citizen desired the creation of “additional nature parks with trails and other recreational opportunities.”50 The Vision Statement for the Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive plan is as follows: “Henry County’s vision for the future is a smarter land use pattern that conserves rural character by focusing new growth in high quality neighborhoods and schools centered around a wide variety of accessible commercial and public services. There will be improved mobility, more choice and enough jobs for every household to live and work in Henry County. During the next 20 years, Henry County and its cities are committed to work together will all elements of the community to achieve this vision.”51 The SBPTP supports this vision with goals to improve active mobility and provide facilities for access to community, commercial, and neighborhood assets. The plan advocates for public investment in infrastructure such as streetscapes and activity centers that include sidewalks and open space. The SBPTP supports several policies outlines in the “One Henry” CMP. Land Use Policies52  “LU‐7: Encourage walkability, interaction among businesses, clear visibility of entryways, and centralized open space.  LU‐9 Enact clear design guidelines so that streets, buildings, and public spaces work together to create a “sense of place.”  LU‐26: Create walkable, safe, and attractive neighborhoods throughout the community, where people have easy access to schools, parks, and necessary services (grocery store, drug store) without having to travel by car.” Transportation Policies53  “T‐1: Maintain an efficient and reliable multi‐modal transportation network to support efficient land use, minimize traffic congestion, and facilitate community‐wide and regional circulation. 51 48 “Henry County Board of Commissioners,” 2030 Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Plan, March 27, 2012, accessed November 20, 2016, http://www.co.henry.ga.us/planningzoning/CompLa ndUsePlan.shtml. 49 Ibid., 3‐7. 50 Ibid., 3‐8. “Henry County 2030 Comprehensive Plan: Community Assessment,” accessed November 30, 2016, http://www.co.henry.ga.us/planningzoning/pdf/Co mpLandUse/HenryCommunityAssessment.pdf. 52 “Henry County Board of Commissioners,” 2030 Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Plan, March 27, 2012, accessed November 20, 2016, http://www.co.henry.ga.us/planningzoning/CompLa ndUsePlan.shtml, 6‐1 – 6‐3. 53 Ibid., 6‐8 ‐6‐9. 18 Figure 7: Diagram from ARC Walk. Bike. Thrive! document showing how a focus on short trips will allow the region to maximize the benefits associated with more walking and biking. Recommendations in the SBPTP support this goal.      T‐4: Require sidewalks in all new developments. T‐7: New and reconstructed roadways will be designed to accommodate multiple functions, including pedestrian facilities, parking, bicycle routes, public transit (if applicable) as well as local vehicular circulation. T‐8: Ensure that new developments will be designed to be conducive to walking and biking. T‐9: Require bike lanes, a broad bicyclefriendly shoulder, or a parallel multi‐use path for all widening, and new construction roadway projects for all collector and arterial streets. T‐14: Support creation of a communitywide pedestrian/bike path network.” ATLANTA REGIONAL COMMISSION WALK. BIKE. THRIVE! The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) commissioned a study to assess needs and provide recommendations to improve the regional bicycle and pedestrian network. Stockbridge is in the ARC study area. The ARC CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN outlines a vision for a more walkable and bikable Atlanta area. The report outlines guidelines for both physical facilities and policy implementation to help guide future improvements. The ultimate goal is for the region to have a strong network of WalkFriendly and Bike‐Friendly Communities connected by a strong regional trail system. The final recommendations contained in this document helped shape recommendations for both the SBPTP network and policy recommendations. The report outlines criteria for expanding the regional trail network. Facilities which are considered “Regional Trails” should achieve the following:     “Assists with meeting the goal of having at least one regional trail in every county in the region Improves trail access to or within an Equitable Target Area Connects to an existing Trail of Regional Significance Connects to an Activity Center or High Demand Area   Connects to a federal, state, or local park Meets a minimum standard for initial feasibility (runs along a riparian, greenspace, railroad, or utility corridor)” Should an entity such as the City of Stockbridge wish to receive funding from ARC for regional level trails, the trails should meet the following criteria:       “Be at least 12 feet wide to allow for comfortable passing even when users in the opposite direction are walking or biking two‐abreast, and wider in dense areas where demand is likely to be high. Meet or exceed guidance put forth in AASHTO’s Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities for physical separation from the roadway if built as a “sidepath”. Include wayfinding signage that provides information about popular destinations. Provide safe, convenient crossings that minimize delay and out‐of‐direction travel for people walking and bicycling. Include support facilities at trailheads and along the route including seating, trash cans, water fountains, bathrooms, bike parking, and/or public art. Accommodate the full range of bicycle types, including cargo bikes, tandems, recumbants, tag‐along/trailerbikes, and bicycle trailers.”54 GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLANS Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is “now partnering with Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety (PEDS) and Georgia Bikes to increase the safety of people who walk and ride bicycles in Georgia.” These organizations are engaged as the state develops its latest Strategic Highway Safety Plan. GDOT announced in March 2016 that over three years a total of $613,710.00 will be invested to promote programs that “make it safer for Georgians to walk and ride bikes.” 55 Other GDOT manuals oriented to bicycle and pedestrian improvements were consulted in the production of the SBPTP, but many of these publications are more than ten years old. Reports Include the GDOT Pedestrian and Streetscape Guide (2003), Georgia Guidebook for Pedestrian Planning (2006), Georgia Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Statewide Route Network (1998). EXISTING STOCKBRIDGE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS Several development guidelines within the existing development ordinances for the city support the development of bicycle and pedestrian amenities. For example: 8.36.050.A.2 ‐ Planned town development district (PTD) “The PTD sets forth a framework for traditional neighborhood development (TND) and MUND 54 “Walk Bike Thrive!: Atlanta Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan (2016),” 2016, accessed November 15, 2016, http://www.atlantaregional.com/transportation/bic ycle‐‐pedestrian., Part 1 ‐ 21. 55 “Bicycle and Pedestrian,” accessed November 20, 2016, http://www.dot.ga.gov/PartnerSmart/Public/PressR eleases/NewPartnerships‐PEDSandGABikes‐3‐216.pdf. 20 that encourages pedestrian‐scale residential and nonresidential activities to be designed in such a way as to reduce the number and type of vehicle trips, limiting traffic congestion and thereby improving air quality. MUND, in addition, incorporates multifamily residences into a PTD with an emphasis on vertical and horizontal integration of residential and nonresidential uses. Conventional development (CD) is also permitted in a manner to promote clustering of residences. Each of these development types are designed to set aside areas for recreation and open space, enhance pedestrian and bicycle movement, and provide buffers between residential and nonresidential activities. A master development plan may contain one or more of these types of developments. Also, net densities herein are in accordance with the benchmarks established by the Henry County/Cities Joint Comprehensive Development Plan.”56 8.36.180 ‐ Conservation residential subdivision. F. Development Standards 16. Multiuse Paths57 “Multiuse paths are required. Such paths shall be constructed to connect each residential lot to the largest portion of green space and required amenities located in the subdivision and those commercial, office, and industrial areas inside and outside the subdivision as required in subsection (F)(16)(b) of this section. Multiuse paths may not be constructed in lieu of streets or alleyways; however, private alleyways may be counted towards the multiuse path requirement where at least a ten foot (10′) wide easement is granted for public use and the private alleyway is demarcated according to this 56 “Code of Ordinances,” MuniCode, accessed November 30, 2016, https://www.municode.com/library/ga/stockbridge/ codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8PLDE_CH8.3 6ZO_ARTIIAMCOPRGRWEPR_8.36.050PLTODEDI. 57 Ibid. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN subsection. Multiuse paths shall be a minimum of four inches (4″) in depth, ten feet (10′) in width with demarcations, either by different shaded surfaces or a solid or dashed line, to designate that at least four feet (4′) of the width of the path is for pedestrian use and the remaining portion of the width of the path may be used for bicycles and golf carts. Multiuse paths shall be constructed of concrete, asphalt, some pervious material approved by the city or a combination thereof. If pervious material is used, it shall not be a loose material (e.g., wood chips, gravel, sand, or dirt) and it shall have a life span comparable to or better than that of asphalt.” 8.36.100 ‐ Multi‐family residence district. D. Multi‐family residential district 5. Development Standards q. Multiuse Paths “(1) Multiuse paths are required in all developments developed under the standards of this district. Such paths shall be constructed to connect residential lots with all the amenity areas of the development. (v) Multiuse paths shall be constructed of concrete, asphalt, some pervious material approved by the city or a combination thereof. If pervious material is used, it shall not be a loose material (e.g., wood chips, gravel, sand or dirt), and it shall have a life span comparable to or better than that of asphalt. Multiuse paths shall be a minimum of four inches (4″) in depth, ten feet (10′) in width with demarcations, either by different shaded surfaces or a solid or dashed line, to designate that at least four feet (4′) of the width of the path is for pedestrian use while the remaining portion of the width of the path may be used for bicycles and motorized carts.” Figure 8: Floyd Chapel Baptist Church, a historic resource near downtown Stockbridge. Figure 9: Multi‐use path at Clark Community Park (Photo, City of Stockbridge.) System Appraisal and Evaluation EXISTING BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN AND TRAIL NETWORK There are a number of sidewalks and pedestrian amenities within the City of Stockbridge. Past efforts including the LCI study have led to numerous projects including the addition of many sidewalks within neighborhoods. Several major thoroughfares in the southern portion of the city include bike lanes. For example despite being a nine lane road in some areas, Eagle’s Landing Parkway includes bike lanes and sidewalks from I‐75 to Country Club Drive. The Reeves Creek Trail offers an off‐road multi‐use trail option to Stockbridge’s citizens. Off‐road multi‐use paths can also be found at all local parks. However, the system in Stockbridge lacks real connectivity. There are few north‐south pedestrian and/or bicycle connections. Safe traversable interstate crossings are limited to on‐road resources at Eagle’s Landing Parkway. Parks and Greenways are not linked together. The following sections highlight assets within the city limits. Existing conditions specific to proposed project areas are described in Chapter Three. MARTIN LUTHER KING, SR. TRAIL In 2015, the Stockbridge City Council voted to rename portions of downtown streets Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail. The designation covers portions of Berry and Railroad Streets and honors King who was a native of Stockbridge. King preached his first sermon at Floyd Chapel Baptist Church (see Figure 8) which is in close proximity to the trail. King attended the Rosenwald School (no longer extant) which was located at the corner of Tye and Second Streets. The streetscape project associated with the MLK Sr. Trail includes pedestrian scale lighting, landscaping curb and gutter, and sidewalks. Community Development Block Grants funded the project. Stockbridge Main Street advocates extending the project to Rock Quarry Road and adding spurs to historic sites along the route. PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ASSETS Memorial Park Memorial Park is located in the Tye Street neighborhood at the corner of Jennings Way (Cemetery Street) and Wilson Street. This park includes pavilions, playgrounds, basketball court, and a walking loop path. The park also serves as a trailhead for the Reeves Creek Trail. 22 Figure 10: Aerial image showing intersection of Reeves Creek Trail with the Memorial Park loop trail. (Aerial from Henry County GIS.) Gardner Park Gardner Park is north of downtown off East Atlanta Road. The city‐owned portion of this park is approximately ten acres and includes hard surface walking paths, picnic pavilions and tennis courts. Henry County Cochran Park which is the adjacent 18 acres and includes active recreation ball fields. Clark Community Park Clark Community Park is nearly twelve acres and includes playgrounds, hard surface walking paths, picnic pavilions, and a dog park. The park is located north of downtown off Davis Road. The park is separated from Gardner Park by a steep railroad embankment. City Hall/Town Green The greenspace adjacent to Stockbridge City Hall is well used for public events and gatherings. While there is no formalized trail system in this area, public sidewalks surround the town green and connect to the traditional downtown area. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Mearle Manders Conference Center Mearle Manders is a conference and events facility just north of the traditional downtown area. While there are no formalized pedestrian or bicycle facilities at the center, portions of the Clark Community Park trails pass adjacent to the Conference Center building. The center is accessible to City Hall and the traditional downtown area by sidewalk. Figure 11: Town green outside city hall. Citizens use this space for festivals and gatherings such as Screen on the Green and Tasty Tuesday Food Truck nights in the summer. north‐south route in the city frequently. There are several surface street overpasses to the rail line including North Henry Boulevard and a newly constructed overpass at Rock Quarry Road. The railroad easement includes steep embankments in the northern part of the city. Figure 12: Parking for Reeves Creek Trail off of Flippen Road. The trail route follows a creek, sewage, and power easements. REEVES CREEK TRAIL Reeves Creek is a three mile hard surface multiuse trail. The trail runs along a utility corridor from Flippen Road to Memorial Park. There is a parking lot on Flippen for eighteen cars. The trail is largely shaded and includes floodplain areas. The trail crosses Tye Street between Misty Ridge Road and Red Oak Road. This crossing includes a striped crosswalk and signage. UTILITY AND TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS Several major utility and transportation corridors exist within the city limits. A major power easement cuts through the southern portion of the city. The easement runs east west and roughly parallels the northern side of Walt Stephens/Red Oak Road. Another power easement runs roughly north‐south in the area extending north from the current alignment of Rock Quarry Road. Sewer easements exist along most of the creek corridors in the city. The other major obstacle to connectivity is the north‐south interstate corridor (I‐75). While this interstate provides a vital transportation connection between Stockbridge’s citizens and the Atlanta area, its grade and the few crossings limit surface connectivity. NEIGHBORHOOD AND SCHOOL ASSETS Many of the neighborhood developments in the southern part of the city include swim and/or tennis amenities. An existing neighborhood trail runs east‐west along Rum Creek in the Monarch Village neighborhood. The Pine Grove neighborhood in the northern portion of the city includes a common swim and tennis club area as well as walking trails developed in the northern end of the neighborhood. The Eagle’s Landing Country Club (private) includes 27 holes of golf. This is not a public golf course. Additional amenities at the Country Club include swimming and tennis. Schools within the city limits include:    Red Oak Elementary School: 20 acres Stockbridge Elementary School: 15 acres (site includes a closed HCBOC building) Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (private) A major barrier to east‐west surface connectivity is the Norfolk Southern freight line which bisects the city. The train moves through 24 Page intentionally left blank. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN CHAPTER 3 – BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN AND TRAIL NETWORK DEVELOPMENT Introduction The recommended improvements in this section include both upgrades to the physical facilities for pedestrians and cyclists in Stockbridge and recommendations for improving policies and ordinances to support walking and biking. Illustrations of improvements are included at the end of the report. Costs associated with the individual projects are listed in Appendix B – Cost Estimates for Facilities. Figure 15: Adjacent to road hard surface multi‐use trail. The following are examples of some of the physical facilities and upgrades recommended in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Network Plan. MULTI-USE TRAILS Figure 16: Elevated boardwalk multi‐use trail. SIDEWALKS AND STREETSCAPES Figure 13: Off‐road hard surface multi‐use trail. Figure 14: Off‐road soft surface multi‐use trail. Figure 17: Streetscape with site furnishings. 26 Figure 18: Sidewalk with vegetated buffer. Figure 22: Sharrows. (https://www.nacto.org) Figure 23: Bike boxes. (https://www.nacto.org) Figure 19: Sidewalk with no buffer. Figure 20: Mid‐block crossing and striped bike lane. BICYCLE FACILITIES Figure 21: Separated bike lane. (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov) CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Figure 24: Bike rack. Project Recommendations The project study area is shown on Illustration A. Illustrations B‐E depict the city in four quadrants and show the potential upgrades to the pedestrian and bicycle network. ROADWAY TRAIL/SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS Walt Stephens Road (Illustration F) Existing Conditions Spanning 1.75 miles in length (within the city limits of Stockbridge), Walt Stephens Road extends east from Speer Road, crosses I‐75, and terminates at Flippen Road. As this route travels east, beyond Flippen Road, it becomes Red Oak Road. The typical existing cross section consists of a grassed shoulder and drainage swale along with two vehicular travel lanes within a 120’ right‐of‐way. Proposed Improvement Options 1. Two 12 foot shared travel lanes allow bicyclists who are more comfortable traveling with vehicular traffic to utilize the roadway. Shared lane markings are proposed as a notification to drivers that bicyclists may be present. Curb and gutter can be utilized as a method of separation between vehicular and pedestrian traffic and to assist in stormwater management. A planted buffer adds an additional level of separation between a 10’ multi‐use trail on the northern side of the roadway and a 5’ pedestrian sidewalk on the road’s southern edge. Planted buffers with multiple levels of understory plantings and tree canopy will assist in slowing and treating stormwater runoff and visually softening roadside conditions. Pedestrian scale lighting provides safety and comfort for those using this route at night. 2. Two 12 foot travel lanes accommodate vehicular travel and separated lanes are provided for bicyclists. Striping and other pavement markings signify these separate uses. A planted buffer separates pedestrian travel via five foot sidewalks on the northern and southern end of the roadway from both bicycle and vehicular traffic. Updated lighting standards improve upon the safety and comfort of this route. Plant material assists in the management and treatment of stormwater while improving upon the aesthetic character of the Walt Stephens Road corridor. 3. With two 12 foot travel lanes, bicycle lanes, and a planted buffer; this option is very similar to Option 2. However, Option 3 replaces the five foot sidewalk along the northern edge of the roadway with a ten foot multi‐use trail. This two‐way hardscape trail can accommodate a variety of uses and provides bicyclists a route with further separation from vehicular traffic. Landscape and lighting updates are proposed as well. Preferred Option Option 3 was indicated as the preferred choice by residents during the public review process. Red Oak Road (Illustration G) Existing Conditions Stockbridge’s Red Oak Road corridor spans on mile between Flippen Road and Rock Quarry Road. The 60 foot right‐of‐way area consists of two travel lanes and a grassed swale on either side of the roadway. Proposed Improvement Options 1. Two proposed 12 foot shared travel lanes with curb and gutter accommodate both vehicular and bicycle traffic. A planted buffer along the curb and gutter adds a 28 level of separation between a 10 foot multiuse trail on the northern side of the roadway and a five foot sidewalk along the road’s southern edge. While minimal, the remainder of the available 60 foot right‐ofway can be planted with attractive and low maintenance plant material. Lighting improvements are also proposed. 2. Dedicated bicycle lanes separate vehicular and bicycle traffic. A planted buffer is shown between the bike lanes and a 5 foot sidewalk along the northern and southern edge of the roadway. Plant material and pedestrian scale lighting standards are proposed to be installed outside of these hardscape improvements. Preferred Option Option 1 was indicated as the preferred choice by residents during the public review process. Old Conyers Road (Illustration H) Existing Conditions This route extends one mile (within the city limits) northeast from East Atlanta Road, towards Cotton Indian Elementary School, Stockbridge High School and Hwy 138. The 50 foot right‐of‐way consists of a grassed shoulder, drainage swales and two travel lanes. Proposed Improvement Considering the limited right‐of‐way area available, the proposed improvements to this corridor focus on features that will get the most use from residents and offer the largest impact to accessibility. Two 12 foot travel lanes with shared lane markings increase safety for bicyclists while a curb and gutter system and planted buffer separate five foot pedestrian sidewalks. Pedestrian lighting is proposed to increase visibility and encourage use. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Davis Road (Illustration H) Existing Conditions Extending 1.75 miles east from North Henry Boulevard and terminating at Parkwood Drive, this route becomes Burke Street near Clark Community Park. Davis Road connects multiple neighborhoods with the goods and services available to residents along N Henry Boulevard and downtown Stockbridge. Pedestrian facilities are not present, except for a short span leading east away from the North Henry Boulevard intersection. Desire lines in the form of worn footpaths can be seen along the roadside where residents frequently walk, indicating the need for improved pedestrian facilities. The 50 foot right‐of‐way span consists of grassed swales, vegetation, and two vehicular travel lanes. Proposed Improvement With a similar right‐of‐way and development character, the proposed transportation improvements along this roadway are much like those proposed for Old Conyers Road. 12 foot travel lanes with shared road markings increase safety for bicyclists while a curb and gutter system and planted buffers separate five foot pedestrian sidewalks from vehicular and bicycle use. Lighting updates are proposed to accommodate use of the proposed facilities during the early morning hours and at night. Rock Quarry Road (Illustration I) Existing Conditions This roadway extends 2.5 miles north from Eagles Landing Parkway to N Henry Boulevard. The typical cross section includes a 100 foot right‐of‐way with two travel lanes, grassed drainage swales and minimal landscape plantings. Sidewalks exist where neighborhood entrances and businesses have recently been constructed, however much of the route is without designated pedestrian pathways and no bicycle facilities exist along this road. Proposed Improvement Options 1. Four (two northbound and two southbound) vehicular travel lanes are proposed along with a curb and gutter system to create separation and assist in the handling of stormwater. A planted buffer then divides this roadway from a ten foot wide multi‐use trail along one edge of the roadway and a five foot sidewalk along the other. The remaining space allows for grading and additional planting improvements as well as pedestrian scale lighting to be installed. 2. Like Option 1, four lanes of vehicular traffic are proposed. Devoted bicycle lanes are placed outside of the vehicular travel lanes. A planted buffer of variable width then separates these bicycle lanes with a 10 foot multi‐use trail along one side of the road and a five foot pedestrian sidewalk along the other. Space remains for any earthwork, lighting or landscape improvements outside of this profile. 3. Two dedicated bicycle lanes are proposed, bordering four vehicular travel lanes. Spacious planted buffers separate these travel lanes with a five foot pedestrian sidewalk on both sides of the road. A planted buffer and lighting improvements are both proposed along the outer edge of the proposed sidewalks to assist with the functional and aesthetic improvement of this corridor. 4. Four travel lanes are proposed with space for strategically located mid‐block crossings along the roadway. These crossings can be signalized to allow for pedestrians and bicyclists to traverse the roadway safely. A 6” curb and planted median increases vehicular and pedestrian separation at these mid‐block crossings. Along the outer edge of the vehicular lanes, a planted buffer separates a 10 foot multi‐use trail and a five foot pedestrian sidewalk. Space remains for planting and lighting improvements along the outer edge of this roadway profile. Preferred Option Option 4 was indicated as the preferred choice by residents during the public review process. Flippen Road (Illustration J) Existing Conditions The three mile segment of Flippen Road which travels north from Hudson Bridge Road and connects with North Henry Boulevard offers the opportunity to link many residents living on the southern end of Stockbridge with city amenities. While pieces of this stretch of roadway are outside of the city limits, many neighborhoods are located along this road and would greatly benefit from pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements. With a trail head for Reeves Creek Trail located along Flippen Road, allowing for additional pedestrian and bicycling facilities here could effectively increase accessibility to parks, businesses and residential communities. The current roadway section consists of an 80 foot right‐of‐way with two travel lanes and grassed drainage swales outside of the vehicular lanes. I‐75 crosses Flippen Road one mile north of Hudson Bridge Road creating a challenging space with limited horizontal clearance for roadside pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Proposed Improvement Options 1. Two 12 foot vehicular travel lanes are lined by a curb and gutter system with a planted buffer. A 10 foot multi‐use trail along one edge of the roadway and a 5 foot sidewalk 30 along the other allow for the separation of vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Space remains outside of the hardscape trail and sidewalk for updated landscape plantings, required site grading and the installation of lighting standards. 2. Dedicated bicycle lanes are placed alongside two 12 foot vehicular travel lanes. A planted buffer then separates these lanes from a 10 foot multi‐use trail along one side of the roadway and a five foot sidewalk along the other. The location of these hardscape features can be adjusted horizontally to allow for larger or smaller plant buffers alongside the roadway. Improved lighting is proposed to increase visibility and pedestrian safety. 3. As with Option 2, this layout sites dedicated bicycle travel lanes alongside two vehicular travel lanes. These are separated by white striping and are denoted with typical symbols and markings for easy identification. A wide planted buffer then separates these uses with pedestrian scale lighting standards and 5 foot sidewalks on either side of the roadway. This layout allows for the maximum amount of plant material and vegetation. Preferred Option Option 1 was indicated as the preferred choice by residents during the public review process. North Henry Boulevard (Illustration K) Existing Conditions Beginning at Daniel Drive, traveling southeast to Brown Road, 3.5 miles of North Henry Boulevard are located within Stockbridge’s city limits. Sidewalks and facilities for pedestrians are present, with some exception. Given that there are limited crossing roads and thus limited signalized crosswalks, it is difficult for CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Figure 25: Existing conditions along North Henry Boulevard. pedestrians to easily cross to the northern or southern side of this street. Proposed Improvement Many times when pedestrian crossings are not provided or are placed a long distance from one another, street crossing occurs in unsafe locations. To reduce this risk, mid‐block crossings can be used to offer marked, signalized and protected areas for pedestrians to traverse vehicular routes. Signalized crossings are proposed at the following crossroads along N Henry Boulevard: 1. Davidson Parkway 2. Brush Creek Court/Shepherd Drive 3. McCain Creek Trail Preferred Option When given the opportunity to choose between the three proposed crossing locations, Davidson Parkway was indicated as the preferred choice by residents during the public review process. However, multiple crossing points would strengthen the safety along this corridor. POTENTIAL GREENWAY ROUTES (Illustration L) Reeves Creek Trail Extension Completed in 2014, the existing segment of Reeves Creek Trail consists of a 10 foot wide concrete multi‐use pathway located along the edge of Reeves Creek with boardwalks and bridges crossing the creek bed where necessary. There are two trailheads for this greenway. One is located on the eastern side of Flippen Road just north of the creek. The other is located at Memorial Park, which is south of Downtown Stockbridge. Both allow for car parking. The trail follows the southern edge of the Glynn Addy and Wild Wind subdivisions and crosses Tye Street halfway along its 1.5 mile length. The majority of this greenway is shaded, however segments of the trail emerge from the dense tree canopy found along Reeves Creek and travel through an existing power easement. The proposed extension of this greenway would cross Flippen Road and travel west along Reeves Creek before shifting north to connect to Davidson Parkway; a total span of approximately two miles. This would allow easy access to the greenway trail and Memorial Park for those living in the residential neighborhoods along Davidson Parkway. The treatment of the site should be similar, with the trail placed in order to avoid large trees and sensitive natural features along the creek. Brush Creek Trail Clark Community Park is a heavily used recreational amenity for Stockbridge residents. This park is located near a largely residential area and is just north of the city’s downtown district. The proposed Brush Creek Trail would generally follow the route of Brush Creek, which Figure 26: Existing Portion of Reeves Creek Trail flows from Clark Community Park, through Gardner Park and across East Atlanta Road. The pathway would travel east with Brush Creek through woodlands and be easily accessible by residents. Ultimately, this would change direction and move north, connecting with Old Conyers Road near its intersection with Mays Road close to Stockbridge Middle School; spanning approximately 1.5 miles. This trail would offer a quick link for residents to walk, run or bike downtown. With public events already happening near City Hall and more and more work being done to promote and improve upon the downtown district and city center; this link could provide a critical pathway to shopping, dining, recreation and many other amenities found at the center of the city. Rum Creek Trail Residents on the western edge of Stockbridge currently do not have a safe, comfortable or easy route to use when accessing the center and eastern portions of Stockbridge. A proposed four mile greenway trail along Rum Creek could offer access for all of those living in the many neighborhoods along the creek corridor a recreational outlet and a functional trail used to travel throughout the community. Beginning at a possible trailhead near the intersection of Rock Quarry Road and Red Oak 32 Rd, the trail would move southeast, and then shift southwest; wrapping around the Carrington Ridge and the Retreat and Eagle’s Landing apartments. The proposed greenway trail would then cross over Rock Quarry Road and continue southwest, eventually traveling beneath I‐75 towards the Red Oak community. The pathway would follow Rum Creek before connecting with Blackhall Road near Lake Spivey. Patrick Henry Parkway Trail Rock Quarry Road becomes Patrick Henry Parkway after traveling south across Eagle’s Landing Parkway. As Patrick Henry Parkway continues south, it parallels I‐75 before ending at its intersection with Jodeco Road. It bounds the western edge of the Eagles Landing community and allows vehicular commuters a local north‐south route through this southern portion of Stockbridge. A 3.75 miles greenway trail is proposed along this route to connect residents in nearby neighborhoods with Patrick Henry Parkway, Eagles Landing Parkway, Rock Quarry Road, Jodeco Road and State Route 42. The trail begins on the western side of Patrick Henry Parkway, across from the terminus of Country Club Drive. The pathway then travels south, along Patrick Henry Parkway, before turning east and utilizing the space provided by an existing power easement. The trail then heads north, along Peach Drive, passing in front of Flippen Elementary School and north towards Wolf Creek and Dailey Lake. Traveling alongside the eastern path of Wolf Creek, the trail then heads northeast towards State Route 42 and Eagles Landing Christian Academy. An important historic feature is located along this proposed trail. A Woodland Era Mound CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN exists within the vacant area between 2480 Patrick Henry Parkway and I‐75. According to a report prepared by the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourist Product Development Division, this mound was created by Native Americans around 1,000 A.D., during the Woodland Period. A small park surrounding this historic landscape feature could be located along the proposed greenway. Interpretive signage could relay the history of the site and Native American occupation within Stockbridge. PROPOSED FACILITIES OUTSIDE OF PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY While many of the roadside facilities described within this report strictly utilize the public right of way, in some instances the proposed route of the greenway trails travels through privately owned land. It should be noted that right‐ofway negotiations will be required where this occurs. The corridor needed for greenway trails is often created through the use of an easement when placed on private property. This can be a critical tool when strategically linking pedestrian and bicycle routes to allow residents easy access to their daily needs. Keeping within the public right of way is sometimes not the most efficient form of travel and if successfully negotiated, an easement placed upon private property can allow for a more direct route, which often increases use. It should be noted that additional funds and documentation will be needed prior to construction in order to acquire necessary property or negotiate easements. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) can provide guidance on the documentation and submittal requirements for this process, especially as it relates to the use of federal funding for project implementation. Figure 27: Regional Trail System Concept from ARC Walk. Bike. Thrive! Plan, pg 20. The red star shows the location of Stockbridge relative to the trail network. Preferred Option During the public review process, the potential greenway route locations were scored equally. The overall response for the construction of greenway trails was strong. With the success of the recently completed Reeves Creek Trail, the demand for such a facility has been proven and use should expand with the installation of similar projects. Henry County proposes funding to connect the Paola Mountain Greenway Trail to Austin Road Middle School. Austin Road is outside the incorporated city limits, but this effort helps realize the possibility of a connection between the city and the Panola‐Arabia Mountain trail system. Proposed greenway routes within the city would connect to trails in the county to become part of this network. The overall goal of any off‐road multi‐use trails should be to tie into the existing Atlanta region network of trails including connections to the Arabia‐Panola Mountain PATH trail. A recent agreement between the PATH Foundation and 34 MLK SR. HERITAGE TRAIL CONTINUATION AND CONNECTIONS (Illustration M) Spur Trail to Cultural Resources MLK Sr. Heritage Trail begins in Downtown Stockbridge and travels south, crossing beneath North Henry Boulevard and traveling alongside an active rail line before terminating at Rock Quarry Rd. Recent streetscape improvements, including updated ADA compliant road crossings, new concrete sidewalks, and pedestrian scale lighting exist along this roadway beginning downtown, continuing along Berry Street and eventually ending near 2nd Street. Structures significant to the cultural history of Stockbridge exist near this updated streetscape and spur trails to these resources could link visitors to Downtown Stockbridge and city residents to these locations. Floyd Chapel Baptist Church While his son is likely the most widely‐known member of the King family, Martin Luther King Sr. was also a key figure in the civil rights movement. Before serving as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and joining the board of the NAACP’s Social Action Committee, Martin Luther King Sr. became a licensed preacher in Floyd Chapel Baptist Church at age fifteen. It was here that many first heard him speak from behind the pulpit. A trail connection to this cultural landmark along with interpretive signage could emphasize the cultural significance of the church and assist in educating visitors and local citizens of its importance. Green Front Café Located at the intersection of Berry Street and 2nd Street, the Green Front Café is recognized as another significant cultural resource near CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Downtown Stockbridge. One of the first public restaurants in the city, the Green Front Café became a neighborhood staple after Carrie Mae Hambrick took over ownership and operation of the eatery in 1949. Mrs. Hambrick faithfully served her community for years and is a beloved figure in the history of Stockbridge and Henry County. A street in the city is named after her and the second Saturday of May is celebrated as Carrie Mae Hambrick day throughout Stockbridge. The local branch of the NAACP named an annual community service award in honor of Mrs. Hambrick in 2010. In 2015, Stockbridge dedicated the Carrie Mae Hambrick Cultural Arts and Enrichment Center, located in the downtown area. Much like Floyd Chapel Baptist Church, the Green Front Café and residents and visitors could benefit from a spur trail leading to the restaurant site with signage and interpretive items describing the history and significance of this cultural resource and the lifelong community service of Carrie Mae Hambrick. Continuation/Completion of MLK Sr. Heritage Trail Streetscape Improvements As previously described, the MLK Sr. Heritage Trail has recently undergone streetscape updates, improving the pedestrian experience and connecting residents within the neighborhood south of Downtown Stockbridge with the civic and commercial amenities within the area. This streetscape treatment could be extended along this road until its termination at Rock Quarry Road. Currently, no pedestrian facilities exist along this section of roadway. This approximate .75 mile extension would complete the connection between Downtown Stockbridge and Rock Quarry Road. Potential Trailhead Location, Interpretive Signage Point, Link to Reeves Creek Trail If the updated streetscape features or other non‐vehicular facilities are installed along the southern stretch of MLK Sr. Heritage Trail, this could set the stage for a link to Reeves Creek Trail and Memorial Park from the road’s intersection with Rock Quarry Road. The relatively new and widely used Reeves Creek Trail is only 200 foot from MLK Sr. Heritage Trail at the greenway’s eastern edge. A link could be constructed between the two, with a trailhead at this new connection. Opportunities for interpretive signage educating trail users on the natural and cultural features of the area could add additional interest to the greenway experience. Preferred Option The potential trailhead location with interpretive signage and a link to MLK Sr. Heritage Trail from the Reeves Creek Trail was determined as the preferred project from this category during the public review process. Figure 28: Historic Green Front Café adjacent to the Martin Luther King, Sr. Trail. 36 This page intentionally left blank. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN CHAPTER 4 – RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Project Implementation Plan Projects detailed within this report are listed below, along with cost information and a proposed timeline for implementation. Additional info, such as miscellaneous sidewalk infill opportunities is also included. As these Symbol $ $$ $$$ $$$$ ID infill projects primarily affect residents within specific residential neighborhoods, they are not listed along with the wider‐reaching priority projects and can be accomplished as budget allows. Costs specific to projects are detailed in Appendix B. Estimated Cost Range $1 ‐ $50,000 $50,000 ‐ $250,000 $250,000 ‐ $1,000,000 $1,000,000 + Table 2: Project Implementation Plan –Plan Recommendations Description Cost Project Year 1‐2 3‐4 5‐6 7‐8 9‐10 Priority Projects Design and Construction (Public Right of Way) D‐1 Walt Stephens Road improvements $$$$ X D‐2 North Henry Boulevard/Davidson Parkway crossing $ X D‐3 Flippen Road improvements $$$$ X D‐4 Rock Quarry Road improvements $$$$ X D‐5 Trailhead location, interpretive signage point, link to $$ X Reeves Creek Trail D‐6 Red Oak Road improvements $$$$ X D‐7 Davis Road improvements $$$$ X D‐8 Old Conyers Road improvements $$$$ X D‐9 Continuation/completion of Martin Luther King Sr. $$$$ X Heritage Trail improvements D‐10 Tunnel under railroad between Gardner Park and $$$ Clark Park Design and Construction (Public Right of Way/Potential Property Purchase or Easements Required) D‐11 Spur trail to Floyd Chapel Baptist Church $$ X D‐12 Spur trail to Green Front Café $$ X D‐13 Reeves Creek Trail extension – $$$$ X X X Flippen Road to Davidson Parkway D‐14 Brush Creek Trail – $$$$ X X X 38 Clark Community Park to Old Conyers Road D‐15 Rum Creek Trail – $$$$ Rock Quarry Road to Blackhall Road D‐16 Patrick Henry Parkway Trail – $$$$ Eagles Landing to GA 42 D‐17 Extension of Rock Quarry Road to Old Conyers Road $$$$ and Valley Hill Road ID X X X X X X X X Description Miscellaneous Sidewalk Infill (to be completed as possible/ongoing improvements) D‐18 Miller Road to Miller Court (sidewalks) D‐19 Club Place from Club Circle to end of street (sidewalks) D‐20 Nolan Street from Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail to the dead end (sidewalks) D‐21 First Street from Tye Street to Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail (sidewalks) D‐22 Second Street from Tye Street to Railroad Street (sidewalks) D‐23 Child Street from Tye Street to end of street (sidewalks) D‐24 Sheffield Court from Fairhaven Court to Fairhaven Boulevard (sidewalks) D‐25 Church Street from Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail to Wilson Avenue (sidewalks) D‐26 Jennings Way from Second Street to Wilson Street (sidewalks) D‐27 Duvall Drive from East Atlanta Road to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐28 Parkwood Drive from West Burke Street to Davis Road (sidewalks) D‐29 Stockview Terrace from Creek Circle to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐30 Lane Drive from North Henry Boulevard to Spring Street (curb and gutter, sidewalks) D‐31 Lake Drive from Lambert Drive to Lake Terrace (sidewalks) D‐32 Lake Terrace from Lake Drive to end of street (sidewalks) D‐33 Bridge Park Court from Creek Circle to cul‐de‐sac D‐34 Landover Drive from Davis Road to Davis Road (sidewalks) D‐35 Ridge Run from Landover Drive to Landover Drive (sidewalks) D‐36 Meadow Ridge Drive from Davis Road to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐37 Angela Court from Meadow Ridge Drive to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐38 Rebecca Court from Meadow Ridge Drive to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐39 Shields Road from North Henry Boulevard to Davis Road (sidewalks) D‐40 Meadow Ridge Way from Shields Road to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐41 Meadow Ridge Court from Meadow Ridge Way to cul‐de‐sac (sidewalks) D‐42 Wren Court from Club Circle to Club Place (sidewalks) D‐43 Ceresa Drive from North Lee Street to end of road (sidewalks) D‐44 Center Street from North Henry Boulevard to West Burke Street (sidewalks) D‐45 Wilson Street from Wilson Avenue to Jennings Way (sidewalks) D‐46 North Henry Boulevard to end of Bowen Street (sidewalks) CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN X Cost $$ $ $$ $$ $$ $$ $ $$ $$ $$ $$ $ $ $$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $$$ $ $ $ $$ $ $$ $$ Funding Options POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES A number of options exist for the financing of projects outlined within this report. Federal, state, local and private funds can be leveraged and combined to assist in the realization of these proposed bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements. The methods below are separated into three categories: Federal and State Funding, Local Funding and Private Funding. A variety of projects have been identified within this report. Some of the funding programs listed may only apply to a certain type of planning and installation effort. For example, the Georgia Heritage Grant, which is administered through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Historic Preservation Division, is focused on the preservation of properties and archaeological sites throughout the state. This potentially applies to the projects such as the establishment of a link from the Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail pedestrian improvements to Floyd Chapel Baptist Church or pedestrian and bicycle facilities nearby the Woodland Mound found along Patrick Henry Parkway. However, this grant may not apply to roadside improvements along Walt Stephens Road. While investigating possible funding sources, it is important to be aware of the intent and requirements of the grants or awards provided. FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING Dollars distributed by the federal government can be used to pay for design and construction of transportation facilities. Often, state agencies such as the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) assist in allocating these funds based on a project’s potential positive impact on the health, safety and welfare of citizens. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the Atlanta Region’s local federally funded Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), assists with the dispersal of these funds. Many federal funding sources are aimed at reducing trips via motorized vehicles and therefore assist in the implementation of alternate modes of travel, i.e. multi‐use trails that allow citizens to travel to work or provide access to nearby amenities, rather than funding trails used strictly for recreation. Generally, federal funds provide up to 80 percent of a project’s overall cost, with the local municipality responsible for the remaining 20 percent of funding. Often, a local or regional plan calls for certain upgrades to be installed when reconstruction (road widening, sidewalk reconstruction, maintenance, etc.) of roadway features occurs. These upgrades include bike lanes, markings, buffer plantings and other improvements. GDOT uses federal or state funds to provide these updates as necessary and where called for in established planning documents. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) offers financial support for programs aimed at the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians. This GOHS Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program Grant could supply up to three years of supplemental funding for such programs. Many public sources are listed below. These are all worth reviewing as potential funding options. Other resources may be available and it is advised that the City of Stockbridge reach out to GDOT and other state and federal agencies to receive further information for funding possibilities as projects are implemented. While some of the programs listed below will not offer the amount of financial support as others and a few strictly 40 provide for technical assistance, each could be a helpful tool during the design and construction Funding Program Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) Safe Routes to School Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program Transportation Alternatives (TA) Railway‐Highways Crossing Program Recreational Trails Program Land and Water Conservation Fund Historic Preservation Fund Grant Georgia Heritage Grant Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program Grant Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Source GDOT of proposed improvements described within this report. Table 3: Federal and State Funding Local Match Website Information N/A http://www.dot.ga.gov/PS/Local/LMIG GDOT N/A USDOT 20% FHWA/ARC 20% http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/air_ quality/cmaq/ FHWA/GDOT/ ARC FHWA 20% 10% https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/factsheet s/transportationalternativesfs.cfm http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/xings/ FHWA 20% http://www.gastateparks.org/grants/rtp NPS/DNR 50% http://www.gastateparks.org/grants/lwcf NPS/DNR 40% http://georgiashpo.org/node/2265 NPS/DNR 40% http://georgiashpo.org/node/2266 NPS N/A https://www.nps.gov/orgs/rtca/index.htm GOHS 1st Year – 0% 2nd Year – 20% 3rd Year – 40% N/A Grants
HUD/DCA CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN http://www.dot.ga.gov/DS/SafetyOperation /SRTS https://www.transportation.gov/tiger/about http://www.dca.state.ga.us/communities/C DBG/index.asp LOCAL FUNDING Infrastructure bonds and local sales taxes are the primary tools used for local funding of bicycle and pedestrian projects. One such tool, Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles (GARVEEs), generates up‐front capital for states or local authorities to pay for transportation projects using future federal reimbursements. This allows municipalities more flexibility with project timelines and can allow for the project to be implemented sooner than traditional payas‐you‐go federal funding methods. GARVEEs are typically used for large highway projects, such as major corridor projects. Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) are established to assist underdeveloped areas by pledging property taxes over an agreed upon threshold towards redevelopment and improvement projects within the district. In addition to other uses, this method can be used to fund public works or improvements, clearing and grading of land and the purchase of equipment. One example of this is Atlanta’s BeltLine Tax Allocation District, which was established in 2005 to assist with the implementation and construction of a network of public parks, multiuse trails and transit improvements. Another useful tool for funding projects within commercial areas is the establishment of a Community Improvement District (CID). During the creation of a CID a geographic area is defined and business owners within this location self‐impose and agree to an increased property tax rate to contribute towards the betterment of their district. The business owners will then work together to decide how best to use these additional funds within their immediate area. Examples of this method put to work in the Metro Atlanta area include the Buckhead, Lilburn, Perimeter CIDs. Gwinnett Place and Many capital projects within Georgia are financed using Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds. This program allows for additional sales taxes paid by consumers in a specific county to be used for improvements to public facilities. Henry County currently utilizes SPLOST funds for a variety of projects, including many transportation and recreation projects. SPLOST funds would certainly be an appropriate tool to support the proposed bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements listed within this report. PRIVATE FUNDING Many private companies and organizations offer financial assistance to projects aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyles and improving communities. One benefit of expanding infrastructure to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians is that citizens begin to use these facilities as alternative transportation routes and therefore, become more active by bicycling and walking where they previously may have driven. This potential improvement to health, safety and welfare throughout communities can create many private grant opportunities. Aside from traditional public funding sources, crowdfunding has become a popular format in recent years for direct donations and support of community improvements. Websites, such as ioby.com (In Our Back Yard) specifically focus crowdfunding on neighborhood improvement projects. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has worked with this site in the past for funding and the site has assisted with the overall funding of approximately 100 projects that make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. This example 42 illustrates the potential for many sources of funding available, other than the traditional providers sought by municipalities. A few organizations that could assist in the implementation of the facilities found in this report are listed in the following table. The level of potential funds vary between each organization and certain recommended projects within this report may be more appropriately funded by these programs than others; however, private organizations (and individual donors) can be a valid source of financing for the design and construction of this report’s proposed improvements. Table 4: Private Funding Funding Program Miscellaneous Grants/Partnership Opportunities Community Grant Program Community Grant Program Miscellaneous Grants Source PATH Foundation People for Bikes Walmart Foundation Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Community Health Kaiser Improvement Grant Permanente Miscellaneous Advocacy Grants Advance Crowdfunding In Our Back Opportunities Yards (IOBY) Local Match N/A Contact and Website Information https://pathfoundation.org/ 50% min http://www.peopleforbikes.org/pages/gra nt‐guidelines http://giving.walmart.com/apply‐forgrants/ http://www.rwjf.org/en/how‐wework/grants‐and‐grant‐programs.html N/A N/A N/A http://www.kpgagives.org/process.html N/A http://www.advocacyadvance.org/grants N/A https://www.ioby.org/about Policy Development and Implementation Strategies CITY INPUT INTO FUTURE JOINT HENRY COUNTY/CITIES CMP and CTMP EFFORTS Part of the SBPTP is the evaluation of existing federal, GDOT, Henry County, and Stockbridge codes and ordinances to determine how these documents support bicycling and pedestrian activities within the city. The consultants reviewed existing land use policies, codes and other documents to identify areas where conflicts exist or new concepts can be adopted. This section summarizes these findings and makes recommendations for the city on which local codes, ordinances and policies should be strengthened to better support pedestrian and bicycle systems. Both the Henry Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) and the Joint Henry County/Cities Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan (CMTP) include multiple policies and projects that support the goals, objectives and vision of the SBPTP. As these documents are revisited in the future, it is recommended that active transportation remain a priority for locations within Stockbridge. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN The City of Stockbridge should continue to stress multi‐modal transportation in any future updates to the CTMP. Key projects are identified in the plan that will help strengthen active transportation connectivity within the city (see Chapter 3.) Several areas can be highlighted to help strengthen the policies pertaining to pedestrian and bicycle facilities.    Conservation and Environment: an emphasis on these issues will present an opportunity to capitalize on the energy savings, fossil fuel reductions and air quality benefits that can be attributed to bicycle and pedestrian transportation. The number of trips made by bicyclists and pedestrians is a fundamental benchmark of the quality of the City’s environment. Stockbridge should participate annually in the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project to standardize a bicycle traffic count program and measure success. Schools: the national Safe Routes to Schools (SR2S) Program provides funding to increase opportunities for children to walk or bicycle to school. Mode share data for the number of children who walk, bike, ride the bus or are driven to school should be collected by the county as part of the annual data collected for school transportation. School site location should be considered a priority factor with reference to the potential for children to walk or bike to school. Public Safety: any recommendations pertaining to active transportation help support public health and safety. Bicycling and walking provides opportunities for increased physical activity, reductions in traffic injuries and fatalities, and cardiovascular disease and obesity prevention. ZONING AND LOCAL CODES Stockbridge has adopted zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations for land use and development within the city. In general, the zoning ordinances are good, but they need to emphasize a stronger connection between land use and transportation, especially bicycle and pedestrian travel. Ongoing efforts to integrate form‐based codes and improved guidelines for the city’s public realm will support this process. The current Stockbridge Code of Ordinances is available online at: http://www.municode.com/library/ga/stockbri dge/codes/code_of_ordinances. A general recommendation would be to modify the local ordinances to provide a balance approach to both on and off‐street bicycling, transportation, recreation and support facilities including a stronger connection between mixed use zoning, compact land use and a more detailed guideline for bicycle parking and amenities within the traditional downtown area. This report recommends some additions to the Title 7 – Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. There are currently no definitions pertaining to bicycles or greenways. Sample language would include: Regulation of the Use of Bicycles and Other Non‐motorized Vehicles on Park Trail and Greenway Systems. (a) Definitions. As used in this section, except where the context clearly requires otherwise, the words and terms used in this section shall have the following meanings: (1) Bicycle. A non‐motorized vehicle with two (2) or three (3) wheels tandem, a steering handle, one (1) or (2) seats, and pedals by which the vehicle is propelled, and also bicycles with helper motor rated less than one (1) brake 44 Figure 29: Illustration of shared access between commercial developments. horsepower which produce only ordinary pedaling speed up to ten (10) miles per hour. (b) Use of the Greenway System. Nonmotorized vehicles as defined herein may use the system of Greenway and park trails designated as such by the city so long as any user of such a vehicle complies with all traffic regulations applicable and so long as the operator shall stop or otherwise yield the right‐of‐way to pedestrian traffic. No non‐motorized vehicle shall exceed a speed of ten (10) miles per hour while being operated on the Greenway or park trail systems. Off‐street parking regulations should amended in the following sections: be 8.36.200 – Old Downtown Overlay District 8.36.230 – High rise mixed‐use overlay district 8.36.050 – Planned town development district 8.36.100 – Multi‐family residence district CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN The zoning ordinances regulate additional aspects of land development including offstreet parking landscaping, signage and other development standards. Off‐street parking is the most applicable regulation directly affecting bicycling and pedestrian safety. Requiring shared access for new development will help reduce the number of curb cuts along commercial corridors (see Figure 29.) The current off‐street parking regulations only provide for automobile parking and do not take bicycle parking into consideration. Bicycles should receive equal consideration when calculating parking needs with specific calculations provided for determining the amount of bicycle parking provided by district type. Design and location standards for bicycle parking should be clearly stated to provide for safe and convenient access to all commercial and multi‐family residential areas. Sample text could read: Multi‐family residential uses [or insert different overlay/use] shall provide bicycle parking at the rate of one bicycle parking space for each 20 motorized vehicle spaces but not more than 50 total bicycle parking spaces are required for any single development. Non‐residential uses with an off‐street parking requirement for motorized vehicles of at least 15 spaces and not more than 40 spaces shall provide a minimum of 2 bicycle parking spaces. Non‐residential uses with an off‐street parking requirement greater than 40 spaces shall provide bicycle parking spaces to 5% of the total number of spaces required up to 100 spaces. Bicycle parking should be located in secure, visible areas, sheltered from rain as possible. Short term bicycle parking should also be included as a routine element in streetscape design for all commercial, institutional and mixed‐use streetscapes. All schools should provide secure parking for a minimum of 10% of the student/faculty population. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY The development of any new economic or tourism development strategies should include references to diverse transportation systems including bicycle and pedestrian facilities. It is recommended that future economic or tourism studies include the following recommendations:   Financial and Community Resources: bicycle tourism can play a role in attracting visitors to the area and providing non‐motorized tourism options within the city along planned greenways and multi‐use paths. Maintain and Improve the City’s Physical Environment: an increased emphasis on multi‐modal transportation choices or the promotion of a city‐bike program can help  to achieve targets in the reduction of air pollution. Institutional Resources/ Economic Development Program: recycle‐a‐bike programs offer the opportunity for entry level jobs which teach the needed and valuable skill or bicycle repair. The program can be geared as a youth development program or as a tool to provide skills to unemployed workers looking for jobs. COMPLETE STREETS POLICY There is a growing national trend toward integrating bicycling, walking, and transit as a routine element in highway and transit projects. This movement has developed under the name “Complete Streets” and this policy has been adopted by over 900 agencies nation‐wide. GDOT is one of the agencies which has adopted this policy Context‐Sensitive Design Online Manual ver 1.0. This policy covers design pertaining to state routes. A locally adopted Complete Streets Policy would help strengthen an emphasis on access by citizens to multimodal transportation. According to Smart Growth America, an ideal Complete Streets policy:     Includes a vision for how and why the community wants to complete its streets Specifies that ‘all users’ includes pedestrians, bicyclists and transit passengers of all ages and abilities, as well as trucks, buses and automobiles Applies to both new and retrofit projects, including design, planning, maintenance, and operations, for the entire right of way Makes any exceptions specific and sets a clear procedure that requires high‐level approval of exceptions 46       Encourages street connectivity and aims to create a comprehensive, integrated, connected network for all modes Is adoptable by all agencies to cover all roads Directs the use of the latest and best design criteria and guidelines while recognizing the need for flexibility in balancing user needs Directs that Complete Streets solutions will complement the context of the community Establishes performance standards with measurable outcomes Includes specific next steps for 58 implementation of the policy PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN It is recommended that the City of Stockbridge engage in a Parks and Recreation Plan. This plan would have a direct connection to pedestrian and bicycling amenities, especially in terms of promoting physical activity, bicycle touring, mountain biking, and shared‐use paths. A Parks and Recreation Plan can help achieve some of the goals outline in the CMTP so long as the facilities are accessible to non‐motorized travel. The access points to the parks (including trail systems) should be designed so that local users can travel to the facilities without needing to travel by car. Specific recommendations could include:   Park and Trail Network: set goals to complete connections between existing park facilities as a connected multi‐use path for recreation and transportation use. Equitable Distribution of Facilities across the Community: include having a bicycle facility 58 “The Ten Elements of a Complete Streets Policy,” Complete Streets, 2016, accessed November 20, 2016, https://smartgrowthamerica.org/resources/the‐tenelements‐of‐a‐complete‐streets‐policy/. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN  within one mile of all residences in Stockbridge. Encourage Public Involvement/Provide Environmental Education Opportunities: include physical activity promotion, support of bicycle clubs, National Bike Month events, Share‐the‐Road safety programs, community bike programs, summer bike camps, etc. PARTNERSHIP WITH PATH FOUNDATION The municipality may choose to partner with an advocacy group such as Atlanta’s PATH Foundation to help raise supplementary funds for creating bicycle and pedestrian multi‐use trail infrastructure. This group has a proven track record for raising money and serving as a consultant to oversee construction and project administration for bicycle infrastructure projects. Since Stockbridge is in close proximity to the Arabia Mountain PATH project, this relationship would be potentially beneficial to both the city and the Foundation. BIKE & WALK FRIENDLY COMMUNITY Long term goals for Stockbridge include potentially becoming a Bike Friendly Community, a designation from the League of American Bicyclists. Categories of evaluation for this designation include: Engineering:    Does your community have a comprehensive, connected and wellmaintained bicycling network? Is bike parking readily available throughout the community? Is there a Complete Streets ordinance or another policy that mandates the accommodation of cyclists on all road projects? Education:    Is there a community‐wide safe routes to school program that includes bicycling education? Are there bicycling education courses available for adults in the community? Does your community educate motorists and cyclists on their rights and responsibilities as road users?  Is there an active bicycle advocacy group in the community?59 Walk Friendly Community Designation is a similar process and includes a combination of education, advocacy, and built projects. It should be a city goal to pursue both Bike Friendly and Walk Friendly designations once capital improvements have been implemented and the network has been strengthened.60 Evaluation:     Is there a specific plan or program to reduce cyclist/motor vehicle crashes? Does your community have a current comprehensive bicycle plan? Is there a bicycle advisory committee that meets regularly? Does your community have a bicycle program manager? Enforcement:    Do law enforcement officers receive training on the rights and responsibilities of all road users? Does your community have law enforcement or other public safety officers on bikes? Do local ordinances promote safety and accessibility for bicyclists? Encouragement:    Does your community have an up‐to‐date bicycle map? Does the community celebrate bicycling during National Bike Month with community rides, Bike to Work Day or media outreach? Does the community host any major community cycling events or rides? 59 “Quick Assessment,” August 27, 2014, accessed November 15, 2016, http://www.bikeleague.org/bfa/quickassessment/community. 60 “WFC: How to Get Started,” accessed November 15, 2016, http://www.walkfriendly.org/get_started.cfm. 48 ID Table 4: Policy Updates Description 1‐2 Planning and Policy Update Projects P‐1 Adopt a city‐wide Complete Streets policy P‐2 Begin a Safe Routes to School Program including educational efforts P‐3 Form a city bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee and designate one city staff member as a program manager for bike and pedestrian improvement projects P‐4 Integrate bicycle and pedestrian recommendations into future economic and tourism promotion efforts P‐5 Pursue partnership with PATH foundation for future improvements P‐6 Implement changes to zoning and development code to encourage development friendly to cyclists and pedestrians P‐7 Begin programming such as community cycling and walking events P‐8 Complete a Parks and Recreation Plan (could be a joint effort with Henry County) P‐0 Pursue Bike and Walk Friendly Community Designation CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Project Year 3‐4 5‐6 7‐8 9‐10 X X X X X X X X X ILLUSTRATIONS Illustrations This page intentionally left blank CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN IllustraƟon Project Study Area A Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon (1) Northwest Quadrant Recommendations B Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon (2) Northeast Quadrant Recommendations C Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon (3) Southwest Quadrant Recommendations D Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon (4) Southeast Quadrant Recommendations E Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon Walt Stephens Road - Proposed Improvements F IllustraƟon Red Oak Road - Proposed Improvements G Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon Davis and Old Conyers Roads - Proposed Improvements H IllustraƟon Rock Quarry Road - Proposed Improvements I Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon Flippen Road - Proposed Improvements J Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon North Henry Boulevard - Potential Crossings K IllustraƟon Proposed Greenway Routes L Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge IllustraƟon MLK Sr. Trail - Proposed Extension M Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan City of Stockbridge This page intentionally left blank CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN APPENDIX A – Public Presentations APPENDIX A This page intentionally left blank CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN 09/09/2016 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan INTRODUCTION Project Team: City of Stockbridge • City Council Anthony S. Ford, LaKeisha T. Gantt, Elton Alexander, John Blount, Neat Robinson • Administration and Community Services • Main Street Advisory Board Shomari Furtch , Alison Ramsay , Ebony Gurndy , Anika Potts , Tavaras J. Powell, Mildred Reed , Terry Sanders , Anthony Ford , Kathryn “Kat” Vallish, Kira Harris-Braggs WLA Studio Madie Fischetti, Keyes Williamson, Cameron Yates 1 09/09/2016 WHY DEVELOP THIS PLAN?  City of Stockbridge does not have a Comprehensive Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Trail Plan  Several Bike Lanes, Trails and Sidewalks throughout the City, are limited due to topography, and right of way constraints. The overall goal of developing a Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan is to provide a safe, connected, and efficient transportation system for the citizens of Stockbridge. Supporting objectives include: a technically sound and feasible program of investments • Identifying Creating a safe system which minimizes modal conflicts • Developing an integrated pedestrian and bicycling network that • accommodates a wide range of users and abilities from children to seniors PROJECT APPROACH & SCHEDULE SUMMER SEPTEMBER OCTOBER Appendix A Phase One: Inventory and Analysis - Data is collected throughout study area, includes physical data, natural and cultural resources, evaluation of existing facilities, input from citizens Phase Two: Opportunities - Collected data is reviewed, opportunities are identified and presented graphically upon project map, narrative is provided; Additional public input is gathered Phase Three: Strategy - Final bicycle, pedestrian, and trail plan strategy is developed along with supporting mapping and graphics, presentation is developed and brought before City Council for final approval 2 09/09/2016 WHAT WILL THE FINAL PRODUCT BE? Master Plan Report and Mapping • What, where, when, who, how much • Recommendations for policy, programming, and infrastructure improvements • Standard cross sections and guidelines Then What Happens? • City implements policy recommendations • City launches Education and Encouragement Initiatives • Develop capital plan for bicycle and pedestrian improvements/projects • Design and construct infrastructure improvements CURRENT TASKS • • Survey Compilation and Analysis: analyze input from citizen survey Key Stakeholder Input: gather input from key stakeholder groups (such as Main Street Advisory Board) for input on priority areas and • projects Mapping: complete mapping of existing facility location; natural and cultural resources and regional connections • Potential Connections, Routes, and Improvements: identify critical intersections and areas for improvements, key routes, and connection points both within the city and region Appendix A 3 09/09/2016 INVENTORY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS Type of Data Collected: • Public Input (Survey) • Crash Data • Environmental Inventory • Pedestrian Facilities • Bicycle Facilities • Intersection Conditions (ADA Compliance) • Other Studies (Regional and Local) Such As • Stockbridge LCI Study, 2012 • Henry County Comprehensive Transportation Plan, 2007 • ARC Walk, Bike, Thrive, 2016 Appendix A 4 09/09/2016 Quadrant 1 Quadrant 2 Appendix A 5 09/09/2016 Quadrant 3 Quadrant 4 Appendix A 6 09/09/2016 ASSETS AND OPPORTUNITIES - TRAILS Reeves Creek Trail offers a mostly shaded pathway and easily accessible trailhead Martin Luther King, Sr. Trail creates the opportunity to link parks near downtown area and Reeves Creek Trail Clark Community Park and Gardner Park both feature shaded pathways primarily used for walking; connectivity is an issue Linking the western and eastern portions of the city currently divided by I-75 will be reviewed as part of this study. Currently, bike lanes exist but a more comfortable crossing could encourage a higher rate of pedestrian trave. Appendix A 7 09/09/2016 CULTURAL RESOURCES Locations influence trail routes, parks or interpretive elements; could include the Green Front Café, Floyd Chapel Baptist Church near downtown and the Woodland Mound along Patrick Henry Pkwy PUBLIC INPUT/SURVEY Type of Data Collected: • Public Input • Survey conducted online and in person • Summer 2016 • Approximately 95 responses • Crash Data • Environmental Inventory • Pedestrian Facilities • Bicycle Facilities • Intersection Conditions (ADA Compliance) Appendix A 8 09/09/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 1: Respondent’s age. Age Range # % Under 16 2 2.3% 17‐24 1 1.1% 25‐34 14 15.9% 35‐44 22 25.0% 45‐54 27 30.7% 55‐64 14 15.9% 65+ 8 9.1% Q2: How often do you walk or ride a bike between work/school and home or to run an errand? Frequency # % Daily 18 18.6% Weekly 19 19.6% Bi‐weekly 9 9.3% Monthly 10 10.3% Never 41 42.3% SURVEY FINDINGS Q 2A: If YES (I walk or bike), what is your primary reason? Q 2B: If YES (I walk or bike), what is your typical destination? Reason # % Destination # % Exercise 50 54.3% a. School 2 1.8% Recreation 11 12.0% b. Work 4 3.6% Commuting/transportation 2 2.2% c. Retail 8 7.3% Running errands/shopping 5 5.4% d. Community Center/Church 7 6.4% Mountain biking 1 1.1% e. Library 7 6.4% N/A 23 25.0% f. Park 43 39.1% g. Other* 13 11.8% N/A 26 23.6% * Other included: around neighborhood; friend’s houses Appendix A 9 09/09/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 2C: If NO, why don’t you walk/bike in Stockbridge? Lack of Pedestrian/Bicycle Facilities # % Lack of crosswalks 3 2.7% Lack of sidewalks 15 13.5% Lack of pedestrian signals across roads 4 3.6% Lack of midblock crossings 3 2.7% * Other included: don’t have a bike; don’t like to walk Bike lanes 13 11.7% Off street bike paths 14 12.6% Off‐road (mountain bike) trails Concerns about safety while walking/biking 0 0.0% 19 17.1% Condition of sidewalks is poor 4 3.6% Uneducated motorists Disabled, elderly, or unable to walk/bike 5 4.5% 2 1.8% Other 7 6.3% SURVEY FINDINGS Q 3: Please rate the following statement; Stockbridge lacks connectivity in pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Q 4: Please rate the following statement; The City of Stockbridge has adequate pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Response # % Response # % Strongly agree 42 44.2% Strongly agree 2 2.1% Agree 30 31.6% Agree 10 10.5% Undecided 15 15.8% Undecided 19 20.0% Disagree 5 5.3% Disagree 26 27.4% Strongly disagree 3 3.2% Strongly disagree 38 40.0% Appendix A 10 09/09/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 5: Which is the most important factor to encourage more walking and/or biking in Stockbridge? Response # % Nature trails 26 15.0% Other________________ 3 1.7% Off‐road hard surface trails 28 16.2% Dedicated bicycle lanes/trails 32 18.5% Wider sidewalks 22 12.7% Wider paved shoulders 13 7.5% Better pedestrian scale lighting Improved intersections crossings(crosswalks, signalization, etc.) 40 23.1% N/A 5 2.9% 4 2.3% Response # % SURVEY FINDINGS Q 6: Do you use the Reeves Creek Trail? How often? Response # % Yes 44 47.8% 1+ times/week 11 25.6% No 48 52.2% 1+ times/month 10 23.3% Several times/year 16 37.2% 1 time/year 5 11.6% N/A 1 2.3% Appendix A 11 09/09/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 7: Do you use any regional trails (such as Panola-Arabia Mountain Trail)? Response # % Yes 50 No N/A Response # % 53.2% 1+ times/week 6 12.0% 34 36.2% 1+ times/month 18 36.0% 10 10.6% Several times/year 14 28.0% 1 time/year 9 18.0% N/A 3 6.0% SURVEY FINDINGS Q 8: Are there any specific streets that you see as a safety concern for pedestrians and bicyclists in the City of Stockbridge? Eagles Landing Pkwy 3 Austin Road 1 Old Atlanta Rd 1 Rock Quarry Rd 12 Fairview Rd 3 Banks Road 1 Panola Road 1 East Atlanta Rd 7 Walt Stephens Rd 7 MLK SR Heritage Trl 3 Center Street 1 Scarborough Rd 1 Red Oak Rd 3 Flat Rock Rd 1 Speer Rd 1 Hwy 138 6 Hudson Bridge Rd 2 Gardner Road 1 Stagecoach Rd 1 Tye Street 5 North Henry Blvd 2 Hearn Road 1 Swan Lake Rd 1 Davis Road 4 Shields Road 2 Hwy 42 1 West Burke Rd 1 Flippen Rd Appendix A 14 12 09/09/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 9: Are there any specific streets that would benefit the most from improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists in Stockbridge? Rock Quarry Road 9 Old Conyers road 4 Center Street 1 Patillo Road 1 Flippen Road 7 Walt Stephens Road 7 East Atlanta Road 5 Tye Street MLK SR Heritage Trail North Henry Boulevard 4 Flat Rock Road 1 Red Oak Road 1 3 Gardner Road Hudson Bridge Road 1 Shields Road 1 1 Speer Road 1 Davis Road 4 Eagles Landing 4 Parkway Connect the Parks 2 Jodeco 1 Stagecoach Road 1 Fairview Road 2 Millers Mill Road 1 Swan Lake Road 1 Hwy 138 Hwy 42 2 Old Atlanta Road 1 West Burke 1 4 3 SURVEY FINDINGS Survey Results Conclusions: • Citizens DO value bicycle and pedestrian resources • Citizens DO want additional resources • Citizens value connectivity and facilities Priorities: Network – expand and improve active transportation network Safety – prioritize safety (especially for vulnerable users) when planning network additions to trails and intersections Culture – nurture a culture which incentivizes active transportation for health, fitness, and to improve the environment Appendix A https://utown.ubc.ca/sites/utown.ubc.ca/files/styles/adaptive/public/gallery/Oct-212013/WnR_schoolbus.JPG?itok=XygWm9A6 13 09/09/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS (1) Trails (2) Sidewalks •Recreation •Protect Natural and Cultural Resources •Complete the Network •Provide standards for Development •Accessibility (3) Intersections •Signals (4)Bicycle Facilities •Bike lanes •Improved alternative transportation connections •Focus on neighborhoods/schools POLICIES Complete Streets • Requires streets to be planned, designed, operated, and maintained to enable safe, convenient and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation Walk Friendly Community •National recognition program developed to encourage cities establish a high priority for supporting safer walking environments and improve a wide range of conditions related to walking, including safety, mobility, access, and comfort Bike Friendly Community •National recognition program developed to encourage the “5 E”s in bike-able communities: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Evaluation, and Enforcement Appendix A 14 09/09/2016 CONNECTIONS - REGIONAL Walk Bike Thrive!: Atlanta Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan (2016) CONNECTIONS REGIONAL Arabia Mountain PATH Appendix A 15 09/09/2016 T YPES OF PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLE FACILITIES Off-road hard surface multiuse trail Off-road soft surface multiuse trail Streetscape Sidewalk with buffer On-road hard surface multi-use trail w/ buffer Elevated boardwalk trail Sidewalk with no buffer Mid-block crossing BICYCLE FACILITIES https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ Striped Bike Lane Separated Bike Lane Bike Racks/Bike Parking Appendix A Sharrows & Bike Boxes https://www.nacto.org 16 09/09/2016 WHAT WILL THE MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS LOOK LIKE? WHAT WILL THE MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS LOOK LIKE? Public Meeting – Project Prioritization Photo courtesy of City of Brookhaven Appendix A Photo courtesy of City of Brookhaven 17 09/09/2016 WHAT WILL THE MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS LOOK LIKE? Priority Project Name Location Facility Type Type of Project 1 Jones Creek Trail Extension West of Main Street 12’ Multi-Use Trail Master Plan 2 5’ wide sidewalk West Road Sidewalk with Buffer Construction Documents 3 Martin Luther King Sr. Trail Railroad Street Streetscape Construction Documents 4 Long Branch Trail City Park to City Limits 12’ Multi-Use Trail Master Plan 5 8’ wide sidewalk South Road, City Limits to West Road Sidewalk with Buffer Construction Documents 6 Bicycle Lanes Broad Street, City Limits to Main Street 5’ Striped Bicycle Lane Construction Documents WHAT DO YOU THINK? Questions for Today What are your major concerns towards the pedestrian and bicycle modes in the City? Appendix A What do you think will help? What are some additional concerns or suggestions you have for us? 18 09/29/2016 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN & TRAIL PLAN Project Priorities Presentation September 29, 2016 INTRODUCTION Project Team: City of Stockbridge • Administration and Community Services • City Council WLA Studio • Madie Fischetti • Cameron Yates Appendix A 1 09/29/2016 WHY DEVELOP THIS PLAN?  City of Stockbridge does not have a Comprehensive Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Trail Plan  Several Bike Lanes, Trails and Sidewalks throughout the City, are limited due to topography, and right of way constraints. The overall goal of developing a Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trail Plan is to provide a safe, connected, and efficient transportation system for the citizens of Stockbridge. Supporting objectives include: a technically sound and feasible program of investments • Identifying Creating a safe system which minimizes modal conflicts • Developing an integrated pedestrian and bicycling network that • accommodates a wide range of users and abilities from children to seniors PROJECT APPROACH & SCHEDULE SUMMER SEPTEMBER OCTOBER Appendix A Phase One: Inventory and Analysis - Data is collected throughout study area, includes physical data, natural and cultural resources, evaluation of existing facilities, input from citizens Phase Two: Opportunities - Collected data is reviewed, opportunities are identified and presented graphically upon project map, narrative is provided; Additional public input is gathered Phase Three: Strategy - Final bicycle, pedestrian, and trail plan strategy is developed along with supporting mapping and graphics, presentation is developed and brought before City Council for final approval 2 09/29/2016 WHAT WILL THE FINAL PRODUCT BE? Master Plan Report and Mapping • What, where, when, who, how much • Recommendations for policy, programming, and infrastructure improvements • Standard cross sections and guidelines Then What Happens? • City implements policy recommendations • City launches Education and Encouragement Initiatives • Develop capital plan for bicycle and pedestrian improvements/projects • Design and construct infrastructure improvements CURRENT TASKS • Potential Connections, Routes and Improvements: Identify critical intersections and areas for improvements, key routes, and connection points both within the city and region • Identification of Priority Projects: Present potential projects to key stakeholders and the public, prioritize future efforts Appendix A 3 09/29/2016 INVENTORY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS Type of Data Collected: • Public Input (Survey) • Crash Data • Environmental Inventory • Pedestrian Facilities • Bicycle Facilities • Intersection Conditions (ADA Compliance) • Other Studies (Regional and Local) Such As • Stockbridge LCI Study, 2012 • Henry County Comprehensive Transportation Plan, 2007 • ARC Walk, Bike, Thrive, 2016 Appendix A 4 09/29/2016 ASSETS AND OPPORTUNITIES - TRAILS Reeves Creek Trail offers a mostly shaded pathway and easily accessible trailhead Martin Luther King, Sr. Trail creates the opportunity to link parks near downtown area and Reeves Creek Trail Appendix A Clark Community Park and Gardner Park both feature shaded pathways primarily used for walking; connectivity is an issue 5 09/29/2016 ASSETS AND OPPORTUNITIES CONNECTIONS Linking the western and eastern portions of the city currently divided by I-75 will be reviewed as part of this study. Currently, bike lanes exist but a more comfortable crossing could encourage a higher rate of pedestrian travel. ASSETS AND OPPORTUNITIES CULTURAL RESOURCES Locations influence trail routes, parks or interpretive elements; could include the Green Front Café, Floyd Chapel Baptist Church near downtown and the Woodland Mound along Patrick Henry Pkwy Appendix A 6 09/29/2016 PUBLIC INPUT/SURVEY Type of Data Collected: • Public Input • Survey conducted online and in person • Summer 2016 • Approximately 95 responses • Crash Data • Environmental Inventory • Pedestrian Facilities • Bicycle Facilities • Intersection Conditions (ADA Compliance) SURVEY FINDINGS - SUMMARY Q 2A: If YES (I walk or bike), what is your primary reason? Q2: How often do you walk or ride a bike between work/school and home or to run an errand? Reason # % Frequency # % Exercise 50 54.3% Daily 18 18.6% Recreation 11 12.0% Weekly 19 19.6% Commuting/transportation 2 2.2% Bi‐weekly 9 9.3% Running errands/shopping 5 5.4% Monthly 10 10.3% Mountain biking 1 1.1% Never 41 42.3% N/A 23 25.0% Appendix A 7 09/29/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 2C: If NO, why don’t you walk/bike in Stockbridge? Lack of Pedestrian/Bicycle Facilities # % Concerns about safety while walking/biking 19 17.1% Lack of crosswalks 3 2.7% Condition of sidewalks is poor 4 3.6% Lack of sidewalks 15 13.5% Uneducated motorists 5 4.5% Lack of pedestrian signals across roads 4 3.6% Disabled, elderly, or unable to walk/bike 2 1.8% Lack of midblock crossings 3 2.7% Other 7 6.3% * Other included: don’t have a bike; don’t like to walk SURVEY FINDINGS Q 3: Please rate the following statement; Stockbridge lacks connectivity in pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Q 4: Please rate the following statement; The City of Stockbridge has adequate pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Response # % Response # % Strongly agree 42 44.2% Strongly agree 2 2.1% Agree 30 31.6% Agree 10 10.5% Undecided 15 15.8% Undecided 19 20.0% Disagree 5 5.3% Disagree 26 27.4% Strongly disagree 3 3.2% Strongly disagree 38 40.0% Appendix A 8 09/29/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 8: Are there any specific streets that you see as a safety concern for pedestrians and bicyclists in the City of Stockbridge? Eagles Landing Pkwy 3 Austin Road 1 Old Atlanta Rd 1 Rock Quarry Rd 12 Fairview Rd 3 Banks Road 1 Panola Road 1 East Atlanta Rd 7 Walt Stephens Rd 7 MLK SR Heritage Trl 3 Center Street 1 Scarborough Rd 1 Red Oak Rd 3 Flat Rock Rd 1 Speer Rd 1 Hwy 138 6 Hudson Bridge Rd 2 Gardner Road 1 Stagecoach Rd 1 Tye Street 5 North Henry Blvd 2 Hearn Road 1 Swan Lake Rd 1 Davis Road 4 Shields Road 2 Hwy 42 1 West Burke Rd 1 Flippen Rd 14 SURVEY FINDINGS Q 9: Are there any specific streets that would benefit the most from improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists in Stockbridge? Rock Quarry Road 9 Old Conyers road 4 Center Street 1 Patillo Road 1 Flippen Road 7 Walt Stephens Road 7 East Atlanta 5 Road Tye Street MLK SR Heritage Trail North Henry Boulevard 4 Flat Rock Road 1 Red Oak Road 1 3 Gardner Road Hudson Bridge Road 1 Shields Road 1 1 Speer Road 1 Davis Road 4 Eagles Landing Parkway 4 Connect the Parks 2 Jodeco 1 Stagecoach Road 1 Fairview Road 2 Millers Mill Road 1 Swan Lake Road 1 Hwy 138 Hwy 42 2 Old Atlanta Road 1 West Burke 1 Appendix A 4 3 9 09/29/2016 SURVEY FINDINGS Survey Results Conclusions: • Citizens DO value bicycle and pedestrian resources • Citizens DO want additional resources • Citizens value connectivity and facilities Priorities: Network – expand and improve active transportation network Safety – prioritize safety (especially for vulnerable users) when planning network additions to trails and intersections Culture – nurture a culture which incentivizes active transportation for health, fitness, and to improve the environment https://utown.ubc.ca/sites/utown.ubc.ca/files/styles/adaptive/public/gallery/Oct-212013/WnR_schoolbus.JPG?itok=XygWm9A6 SURVEY FINDINGS (1) Trails (2) Sidewalks •Recreation •Protect natural and cultural resources •Provide SAFE off-road connections for walkers/bikers •Complete the network •Provide standards for development •Accessibility (3) Intersections •Signals (4)Bicycle Facilities Appendix A •Bike lanes •Improved alternative transportation connections •Focus on neighborhoods/schools/retail 10 09/29/2016 CONNECTIONS REGIONAL Arabia Mountain PATH T YPES OF PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLE FACILITIES Off-road hard surface multiuse trail Off-road soft surface multiuse trail Streetscape Sidewalk with buffer On-road hard surface multi-use trail w/ buffer Elevated boardwalk trail Sidewalk with no buffer Mid-block crossing Appendix A 11 09/29/2016 BICYCLE FACILITIES https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ Striped Bike Lane Separated Bike Lane Bike Racks/Bike Parking Sharrows & Bike Boxes https://www.nacto.org WHAT WILL THE MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS LOOK LIKE? Priority Project Name Location Facility Type Type of Project 1 Jones Creek Trail Extension West of Main Street 12’ Multi-Use Trail Master Plan 2 5’ wide sidewalk West Road Sidewalk with Buffer Construction Documents 3 Martin Luther King Sr. Trail Railroad Street Streetscape Construction Documents 4 Long Branch Trail City Park to City Limits 12’ Multi-Use Trail Master Plan 5 8’ wide sidewalk South Road, City Limits to West Road Sidewalk with Buffer Construction Documents 6 Bicycle Lanes Broad Street, City Limits to Main Street 5’ Striped Bicycle Lane Construction Documents Appendix A 12 09/29/2016 WHAT DO YOU THINK? Please help us Prioritize Projects What are the TOP project priorities for walkers and bikers in Stockbridge? What will help Sotckbridge become a more LIVEABLE city? Take some voting dots. Use your dots to vote! Use all dots for one project OR spread your dots among several projects. All of the potential projects will appear in the master plan report, but this will help us prioritize what matters to YOU. ORANGE: Favorite Project Dots eg: I want facilities along Rock Quarry Road! BLUE: Favorite Type/Facility Dots eg: I like the multi-use trail and bike lanes along Rock Quarry Rd! WHAT DO YOU THINK? Projects to Prioritize • Potential Greenway Routes (off Road, multi-use paths) • North Henry Blvd – Accessibility Amenities (additional pedestrian crossings) • Road Specific Improvements: • Davis Road • Old Conyers Road • Walt Stephens Road • Red Oak Road • Flippin Road • Rock Quarry Road • MLK Sr. Trail (completion, spurs to cultural resources, tie into Reeves Cr Trail) Appendix A 13 09/29/2016 WHAT DO YOU THINK? BLUE: Favorite Type/Facility Dots eg: I like the multi-use trail with a sidewalk configuration best. ORANGE: Favorite Project Dots eg: I want facilities along Rock Quarry Road! (I used 2 of my 3 votes) Appendix A 14 APPENDIX B – Cost Estimates for Physical Improvements The following cost estimate was created by referencing unit prices and design fees found within projects similar in type to those proposed. Individual elements and features have been listed separately to allow for the City to remove or add items as appropriate during future planning efforts. The full proposed length of each project may not be built at once. Because of this, the price per linear foot for applicable projects is listed to allow for a cost estimation at any planned length. APPENDIX B This page intentionally left blank CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE • BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN Item Walt Stephens Road ‐ 1.75 miles Price/LF Option 1 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Shared Road Markings (at 200' intervals, incl. both sides) Concrete Curb and Gutter (incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $0.15 $40.00 $48.00 $20.00 $10.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $360.65 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $399,888.72 Total Construction Cost for 1.75 Miles $3,332,406.00 Option 2 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Sidewalk (5' width, incl. both sides) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $48.00 $20.00 $10.00 $45.00 $100.00 Total/LF $329.65 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $365,515.92 Total Construction Cost for 1.75 Miles $3,045,966.00 Option 3 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $48.00 $20.00 $10.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $352.15 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $390,463.92 Total Construction Cost for 1.75 Miles $3,253,866.00 Red Oak Road ‐ 1 mile Option 1 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Shared Road Markings (at 200' intervals, incl. both sides) Concrete Curb and Gutter (incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $0.15 $40.00 $16.00 $7.00 $4.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $309.65 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $196,194.24 Total Construction Cost for 1 Mile $1,634,952.00 Option 2 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Sidewalk (5' width, incl. both sides) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $16.00 $7.00 $4.00 $45.00 $100.00 Total/LF $278.65 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $176,552.64 Total Construction Cost for 1 Mile $1,471,272.00 Old Conyers Road ‐ 1 mile Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Shared Road Markings (at 200' intervals, incl. both sides) Concrete Curb and Gutter (incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Sidewalk (5' width, incl. both sides) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $0.15 $40.00 $11.00 $5.00 $3.00 $45.00 $100.00 Total/LF $279.15 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $176,869.44 Total Construction Cost for 1 Mile $1,473,912.00 Davis Road ‐ 1.75 miles Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Shared Road Markings (at 200' intervals, incl. both sides) Concrete Curb and Gutter (incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Sidewalk (5' width, incl. both sides) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $0.15 $40.00 $11.00 $5.00 $3.00 $45.00 $100.00 Total/LF $279.15 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $309,521.52 Total Construction Cost for 1.75 Miles $2,579,346.00 Rock Quarry Road ‐ 2.5 miles Option 1 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Additional Travel Lane (12', incl. both sides) Dashed Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Concrete Curb and Gutter (incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $72.00 $1.50 $40.00 $31.00 $13.00 $7.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $407.00 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $644,688.00 Total Construction Cost for 2.5 Miles $5,372,400.00 Option 2 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Additional Travel Lane (12', incl. both sides) Dashed Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $72.00 $1.50 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $31.00 $13.00 $7.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $398.65 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $631,461.60 Total Construction Cost for 2.5 Miles $5,262,180.00 Option 3 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Additional Travel Lane (12', incl. both sides) Dashed Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Sidewalk (5' width, incl. both sides) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $72.00 $1.50 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $31.00 $13.00 $7.00 $45.00 $100.00 Total/LF $376.15 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $595,821.60 Total Construction Cost for 2.5 Miles $4,965,180.00 Option 4 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Additional Travel Lane (12', incl. both sides) Dashed Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Mid‐Block Crossing (8 total, each incl. items listed below) Curb (6") Concrete Walkway/Transition (8') Signage Crosswalk Striping Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $72.00 $1.50 $7.00 $29.00 $12.00 $6.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $370.00 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $586,080.00 Total Construction Cost for 2.5 Miles $4,884,000.00 Flippen Road ‐ 3 miles Option 1 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Curb and Gutter (incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $40.00 $35.00 $15.00 $8.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $340.50 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $647,222.40 Total Construction Cost for 3 Miles $5,393,520.00 Option 2 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $35.00 $15.00 $8.00 $45.00 $22.50 $100.00 Total/LF $332.15 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $631,350.72 Total Construction Cost for 3 Miles $5,261,256.00 Option 3 Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Dedicated Asphalt Bicycle Lane (5' width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Striping (5" width, incl. both sides) Bicycle Lane Marking (at 200' intervals incl. both sides) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Engineered Soils Concrete Sidewalk (5' width, incl. both sides) Lighting (at 50' intervals) $75.00 $30.00 $1.50 $0.15 $35.00 $15.00 $8.00 $45.00 $100.00 Total/LF $309.65 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $588,582.72 Total Construction Cost for 3 Miles $4,904,856.00 Reeves Creek Trail Extension ‐ 2 miles Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Boardwalk/Bridge (10' width, approx. 10% of trail length) Lighting (at 50' intervals) Signage (.25 mile markers and misc. info) Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings $25.00 $41.00 $50.00 $100.00 $0.30 $0.18 $0.76 $4.80 $2.00 Total/LF $224.04 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $283,903.49 Total Construction Cost for 2 Miles $2,365,862.40 Brush Creek Trail ‐ 1.5 miles Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Boardwalk/Bridge (10' width, approx. 10% of trail length) Lighting (at 50' intervals) Signage (.25 mile markers and misc. info) Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings $25.00 $41.00 $50.00 $100.00 $0.30 $0.18 $0.76 $4.80 $2.00 Total/LF $224.04 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $212,927.62 Total Construction Cost for 1.5 Miles $1,774,396.80 Rum Creek Trail ‐ 4 miles Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Boardwalk/Bridge (10' width, approx. 10% of trail length) Lighting (at 50' intervals) Signage (.25 mile markers and misc. info) Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings $25.00 $41.00 $50.00 $100.00 $0.30 $0.18 $0.76 $4.80 $2.00 Total/LF $224.04 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $567,806.98 Total Construction Cost for 4 Miles $4,731,724.80 Patrick Henry Parkway Trail ‐ 3.75 miles Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) Signage (.25 mile markers and misc. info) Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings $25.00 $45.00 $100.00 $0.30 $0.18 $0.76 $4.80 $2.00 Total/LF $178.04 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $423,023.04 Total Construction Cost for 3.75 Miles $3,525,192.00 MLK Sr. Heritage Trail, Spur Trail to Floyd Chapel Baptist Church ‐ .25 mile Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) Signage (.25 mile markers and misc. info) Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Total/LF Estimated Engineering and Design Fees Total Construction Cost for .25 Miles $25.00 $45.00 $100.00 $0.30 $0.18 $0.76 $4.80 $2.00 $178.04 $28,201.54 $235,012.80 MLK Sr. Heritage Trail, Green Front Café ‐ .25 mile Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Lighting (at 50' intervals) Signage (.25 mile markers and misc. info) Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Total/LF Estimated Engineering and Design Fees Total Construction Cost for .25 Miles $25.00 $45.00 $100.00 $0.30 $0.18 $0.76 $4.80 $2.00 $178.04 $28,201.54 $235,012.80 Continuation of MLK Sr. Heritage Trail ‐ .75 mile Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Shared Road Markings (at 200' intervals, incl. both sides) Concrete Curb and Gutter Concrete Sidewalk (5' width) Overstory Plantings Understory Plantings Lighting (at 50' intervals) Total/LF Estimated Engineering and Design Fees Total Cost for .75 Mile $25.00 $0.15 $20.00 $22.50 $4.80 $2.00 $50.00 $124.45 $59,138.64 $492,822.00 Item Unit Unit Price Quantity Potential Trailhead Location with Reeves Creek Trail Link at MLK Sr. Heritage Trail Grading Complete Asphalt Parking Lot with Entry Drive (20 spaces) Precast Bumper Block Parking Lot Striping (20 spaces, 6" white striping) Parking Lot Striping (6" yellow striping at entry drive) Pavement Marking (Accessible Parking Symbol) Concrete Multi‐Use Trail (10' width) Lighting Signage Trash Receptacle Bench/Seating Landscape Plantings Total LS $20,000.00 1 $20,000.00 SF $3.00 6,750 $20,250.00 EA $50.00 20 $1,000.00 LF $1.00 360 $360.00 LF $1.00 48 $48.00 EA $30.00 2 $60.00 SF $4.50 2000 $9,000.00 EA $5,000.00 8 $40,000.00 EA $250.00 4 $1,000.00 EA $1,000.00 2 $2,000.00 EA $1,000.00 2 $2,000.00 LS $20,000.00 1 $20,000.00 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees $11,571.80 Total $115,718.00 N Henry Boulevard Mid‐Block Crossing (quantities per each crossing) Grading Complete (incl. traffic control) Curb (6" height) ADA Ramp Concrete Walkway Signage Crosswalk Striping Plant Material Engineered Soils LS $3,500.00 1 LF $15.00 80 EA $750.00 2 SF $4.50 64 EA $2,000.00 4 LF $2.00 224 LS $1,250.00 1 CU YD $50.00 20 Estimated Engineering and Design Fees Total $3,500.00 $1,200.00 $1,500.00 $288.00 $8,000.00 $448.00 $1,250.00 $1,000.00 $1,718.60 $17,186.00 CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, & TRAIL PLAN WLA Studio 675 Pulaski Street, Suite 1000 Athens, Georgia 30601 Phone (706)543-5459 Email. info@wlandstudio.com www.wlandstudio.com Proposed Revised 2017 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE 4640 NORTH HENRY BLVD. STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281 2017 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE 2nd MONDAY OF EACH MONTH IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER 2nd FLOOR AT 6:00 P.M. January 9, 2017 February 13, 2017 March 13, 2017 April 10, 2017 May 8, 2017 June 12, 2017 July 10, 2017 August 14, 2017 September 11, 2017 October 9, 2017 November 13, 2017 December 11, 2017 CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT 5:30 P.M. 2017 WORK SESSION MEETINGS ARE HELD THE LAST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH (EXCEPT WHERE NOTED*) IN THE LEVI MEETING ROOM - 2:00 P.M. January 31, 2017 February 28, 2017 March 28, 2017 April 25, 2017 May 30, 2017 June 27, 2017 July 25, 2017 August 29, 2017 September 26, 2017 October 24, 2017* November 28, 2017 December 19, 2017* VOTING ON EMERGENCY ITEMS ONLY ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN AND THE PUBLIC IS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND

January 9, 2017

2017-01-09 · City Council · Minutes · January 9, 2017 City Council Meeting · Minutes

2017-01-09 · City Council · Minutes · source: ccscrape-meetings · sha256 5dac637c · pages 4 · method: text

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P age |1 Stockbridge Bringing People Together ACTION MINUTES COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017 6:00 p.m. Mayor & City Council Mayor Judy Neal Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford Councilman Elton Alexander Councilman John Blount Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Councilwoman Neat Robinson Administration Michael Harris, City Manager Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk Michael Williams, City Attorney I. Call to Order Mayor Neal II. Invocation Bishop Michael Strickland, Victory Tabernacle III. Pledge of Allegiance IV. Roll Call Present Absent Councilman Alexander ___X____ _______ Councilman Blount ___X____ _______ Mayor Neal ___X____ _______ Mayor Pro Tem Ford ___X____ _______ Councilwoman Gantt ___X____ _______ Councilwoman Robinson ___X____ _______ V. Motion to amend the Agenda to remove Item #9: Ford/Alexander – Passed 5-0. VI. Motion to adopt the Minutes of 11/14/2016, 11/29/2016: Gantt/Ford – Passed 5-0. January 9, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900 P age |2 VII. Organization Appointment of City Attorney: Pursuant the City Charter, Section 2.12.040, the City Attorney shall be appointed at the first meeting of the Mayor and Council in January of each year Motion to appoint Michael Williams City Attorney: Ford/Robinson – Passed 5-0. CEREMONIAL 1. Proclamation for 2017 Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday presented to: Eugene Edwards, President of the Henry County NAACP Presented by: Mayor Neal 2. Proclamation – 2017 National Human Trafficking Awareness Day – January 11, 2017 presented to: Bishop Michael Strickland of Victory Presented by: Mayor Neal 3. Letter of Commendation presented to Stockbridge High School Football Team – 2016 4AAAAA Region Champions. Presented by: Mayor Neal 4. Letter of Commendation presented to Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy Football Team – 2016 4A Private State Champions. Presented by: Mayor Neal 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.   Pastor Cecilia L. Green in support of Smoking Ban w/minors in vehicles ordinance. Steven W. Guettler – In support of Smoking Ban w/minors in vehicles ordinance. OLD BUSINESS 5. Presentation - Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Plan Presented by: Madie Fischetti, ASLA of WLA Studio Motion to approve Resolution authorizing Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Plan: Ford/Alexander – Passed 5-0. 6. Ordinance – Banning Smoking in Vehicles Containing Minors Presented by: Councilman Blount Motion to approve: Blount/Gantt – Passed 3-2 (Alexander & Robinson opposed). NEW BUSINESS 7. Resolution – Banning Smoking in Vehicles Containing Minors Presented by: Councilman Alexander Motion to remove from the Agenda: Blount/Alexander – Passed 5-0. January 9, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900 P age |3 8. Resolution - Main Street Memorandum of Understanding Presented by: Kira Harris Braggs – Main Street Manager Motion to approve: Ford/Robinson – Passed 5-0. 9. Resolution – Engineering Services Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager Item Removed from the Agenda. 10. Resolution – To Introduce at the Regular 2017 Session of the General Assembly of Georgia local legislation providing for the revision of the Corporate City Limits of the City of Stockbridge. Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney Motion to approve: Gantt/Blount – Passed 5-0. Proposed annexation map to be placed on the City’s website. DISCUSSION 11. Scheduling Ceremonial Presentations Presented by: Mayor Neal Motion to approve presentation of ceremonial items between 5:00 – 6:00 P.M. (time to be determined at Mayor’s discretion): Robinson/Ford – passed 5-0. 12. Amending the 2017 Council Meeting Schedule Presented by: Mayor Neal No Action. CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS Michael Harris – No Comments. COUNCIL’S COMMENTS  Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for coming out; wanted citizens to know the Council and staff are working to make Stockbridge better every day; noted City is moving forward and embracing the policies that will make Stockbridge the best City.  Councilman Blount thanked everyone for coming out; noted his passion for the City; thanked everyone for the passing of the Smoking Ban with Minors in Vehicles Ordinance; and is looking forward to a successful 2017.  Mayor Pro Tem Ford thanked everyone for coming out and tuning in; asked that everyone remain engaged; gave an update of several projects from the Building Committee’s 4th quarter report; stated that even as a Saints fan, he wishes the Atlanta Falcons all the best in the playoffs and “Roll Tide Roll!”! January 9, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900 P age |4  Councilwoman Gantt noted she was hopeful that Council Comments would be limited; thanked everyone for coming out; and looks forward to the New Year.  Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for coming out; congratulated Stockbridge H.S. and Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy on their triumphant 2016 football season; called on colleagues to support Representative Sandra Scott on Smoking Ban w/Minors in cars to help the measure pass statewide noting her support of the Council. MAYOR’S COMMENTS Mayor Neal informed citizens that meeting dates and announcements are available online, and invited citizens to sign up to receive e-notifications of city news and updates. ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS All meetings 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.  Main Street Advisory Board Meeting - Friday, January 13, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  All City offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2017 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. City services will resume at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.  Downtown Development Authority Board Meeting – Monday, January 23, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  \Stockbridge Zoning Advisory Board Meeting – Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  Council Work Session – Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber. Motion to convene Executive Session for personnel: Gantt/Robinson – Passed 5-0. Motion to adjourn Executive Session: Robinson/Gantt – Passed 5-0. Motion to reconvene meeting: Gantt/Ford – Passed 5-0. Motion to adjourn: Gantt/Alexander – Passed 5-0. January 9, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900

January 9, 2017

2016-12-27 · City Council · Minutes · December 27, 2016 Work Session Meeting · Minutes

2016-12-27 · City Council · Minutes · source: ccscrape-meetings · sha256 c16427eb · pages 4 · method: text

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Page |1 Stockbridge Bringing People Together ACTION MINUTES WORK SESSION COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2016 6:00 p.m. Mayor & City Council Mayor Judy Neal Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford Councilman Elton Alexander Councilman John Blount Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Councilwoman Neat Robinson Administration Michael Harris, City Manager Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk Michael Williams, City Attorney I. Call to Order II. Invocation -Mayor Neal III. Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and Georgia flag IV. Roll Call Present Absent Councilman Alexander ___X____ _______ Councilman Blount ___X____ _______ Mayor Neal ___X____ _______ Mayor Pro Tem Ford ___X____ _______ Councilwoman Gantt ___X____ _______ Councilwoman Robinson ___X____ _______ V. Adoption of the Agenda- Gantt/Blount Passed 5-0 VI. Review of Minutes for 11/14/2016, 11/29/2016 -No action taken December 27, 2016 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900 Page |2 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. Robert West-congratulated Mayor Neal on her win; expressed his dissatisfaction with how Food Truck Tuesday was handled with his ice cream business “French Quarters Ice Cream”; and mentioned he was told his business is not welcomed in the City. Melinda West- also expressed her dissatisfaction with Food Truck Tuesday and explained how her and her husband was escorted out of Food Truck Tuesday by police officers due to not having a food truck. Mrs. West also included her and her husband where treated like “thugs” after getting necessary documents to be a part of Food Truck Tuesday. Mayor Neal thanked the West’s for coming and expressing their concerns and mentioned their comments will go before the committee for Food Truck Tuesday. OLD BUSINESS PUBLIC HEARING Final Reading and Adoption of Proposed FY2017 Operating Budget Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager & Linda Nabers No Public Hearing was held Motion to allow Mayor Pro Tem Ford to have additional speaking time: Alexander/Blount; Passed 5-0 Motion to approve FY2017 budget without including Land Acquisition in the amount of $904,500: Alexander/No Second; Motion Failed Motion to accept the recommendations and revisit the items that will be removed: Blount/Gantt Passed 3-1-1 (Alexander Opposed) (Ford abstained) 1. Main Street Advisory Board Appointments Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager & Lisa Fareed-Muhammad, Main Street Program Assistant Appointments made during Executive Session NEW BUSINESS 2. Main Street Advisory Board By-Laws Update Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager & Lisa Fareed-Muhammad, Main Street Program Assistant Motion to approve revised Main Street Board By-Laws: Gantt/Blount Passed 5-0 December 27, 2016 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900 Page |3 CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS Michael Harris congratulated Sargent Webster on receiving a Chief Award for Henry County from the Henry County Police Department. COUNCIL’S COMMENTS Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for coming out and expressed there is still time to apply to Boards and Commission positions; wished everyone a Happy Holidays. Councilman Blount thanked everyone for attending and wishes everyone a safe holiday; 2017 will be an awesome year for the City. Mayor Pro Tem Ford thanked everyone for being engaged; wishes everyone a happy New Year and stated 2017 will be a prosperous year; will also see improvements with the Downtown area and Economic Development with the intent in making the City the best City in the State. Councilwoman Gantt explained citizens can access forms and look at the criteria in regards to food truck, with the main criteria having to own a food truck with a specialized item; residents of Stockbridge or Henry County are priorities with food truck; also thanked everyone for their continued support and prayers and expressed to citizens to reach out with any questions they may have; also excited with having a new team. Councilwoman Robinson thanked colleagues for the great dialogue and wishes everyone a merry Christmas and happy new years. MAYOR’S COMMENTS Mayor Neal welcomed everyone and encourages citizens to bring one person with them the next time they attend a Council Meeting to fill up the room. ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS All meetings 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.  All City offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2017 in observance of New Year’s Day. City services will resume at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.  Council Meeting – Monday, January 9, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber.  Main Street Advisory Board Meeting - Friday, January 13, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  All City offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2017 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. City services will resume at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. December 27, 2016 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900 Page |4   Stockbridge Zoning Advisory Board Meeting – Thursday, January 20, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  Downtown Development Authority Board Meeting – Monday, January 23, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  Council Work Session – Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber. EXECUTIVE SESSION IF NECESSARY Motion to consider appointments in Executive Session: Alexander/ Mayor Pro Tem Ford Passed 3-2 Motion to end Executive Session: Robinson/Gantt Passed 5-0 Motion to reconvene back into regular meeting: Robinson/Blount Passed 5-0 Motion to recommend appointing Anika Potts (2 yr. term), Ebony Gurndy (2 yr. term), Lea Sanders (2 yr. term) and Donald Gordon (2 yr. term) to the Main Street Board: Mayor Pro Tem Ford/ Gantt Passed 5-0 Adjourn December 27, 2016 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900

December 27, 2016

2016-12-27 · City Council · Transcript · Work Session Meeting

2016-12-27 · City Council · Transcript · source: 10yr-transcripts · sha256 fc2513d1 · pages – · method: official

Full text — searchable

--- title: December 27 2016 Work Session Meeting date: 2016-12-27 source: 2016-12-27_December_27_2016_Work_Session_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:20, 0:00:20]: Yeah. [0:00:22, 0:00:26]: I want to ask a question if anyone publicly speaks [0:00:29, 0:00:40]: Find those out in the lobby if you want to during the the evening. So if you have not, um go get your phone. [0:00:42, 0:00:44]: three minute period to speak. [0:00:48, 0:00:48]: Uh [0:00:49, 0:00:53]: I need a motion to open it. Uh no, call to order and you hit the head. [0:00:55, 0:01:07]: I wanna tell y'all this is my coach. He has been the mayor of Pro Cham for the year, so um Anthony Ford, uh our mayor Pro Chim. Okay. [0:01:08, 0:01:23]: Thank you. Okay. Now then officially we'll get started with this meeting. We're delighted to have everyone here this evening. And at this point I would um do we need a motion to open the meeting? No, no ma'am, you need invocation. Someone to give invocation. Okay. [0:01:24, 0:01:37]: All right. I'll tell you what I would love to do at this time. If you would uh bear with me one more time, I would love to do the invocation for the evening. So if I could ask everyone to please stand and bow your heads. [0:01:40, 0:01:44]: Dear Heavenly Father, we ask you that you be in this space with us this evening. [0:01:44, 0:01:48]: Give us pure hearts that we're here for the right reason. [0:01:48, 0:01:53]: to run the business of our city in a very cohesive manner. [0:01:54, 0:01:55]: We're all on one team, Lord. [0:01:56, 0:02:01]: And we just ask that you would guide us and direct us so that whatever decisions we make [0:02:01, 0:02:07]: will be for the benefit of our wonderful city, the city of Stockbridge. This prayer we ask in your name. Amen. [0:02:08, 0:02:12]: And if you would at this point uh join me in pledging the flag. [0:02:13, 0:02:17]: But do we specify how we can understand? [0:02:19, 0:02:23]: But what it says one nation, one job, one [0:02:27, 0:02:31]: Uh before you sit down, I want you to do something else for me. [0:02:31, 0:02:31]: Um [0:02:32, 0:02:45]: I am used to being in the state Senate this time of year, right after Christmas, and every day there we pledge the Georgia flag. And there's a dollar bill that I'm gonna give to the person that tells me that they know the pledge to the Georgia flag. [0:02:47, 0:03:05]: Okay. All right. Listen up, we're gonna learn it because if we're gonna have it up here, we're gonna honor it. Otherwise we have to move it out of the room. So here it goes. There are three key words to the pledge of the Georgia flag, and those are made up by the motto of the state of Georgia. And the motto is real simple. [0:03:06, 0:03:07]: Wisdom? [0:03:08, 0:03:09]: Justice. [0:03:09, 0:03:10]: in moderation. [0:03:11, 0:03:14]: That's the Georgia Matto wisdom. [0:03:14, 0:03:16]: justice and moderation. [0:03:17, 0:03:20]: And the flag pledge is very similar to that. [0:03:21, 0:03:24]: I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag. [0:03:25, 0:03:29]: and to the principles for which it stands. [0:03:29, 0:03:33]: wisdom, justice and moderation. [0:03:33, 0:03:34]: Okay? [0:03:34, 0:03:40]: Now if you have trouble remembering those words, I'm going to take just a minute to tell you how you can remember'em. [0:03:41, 0:03:42]: I'm gonna be Wilson. [0:03:43, 0:03:45]: Councilman Blount, it's going to be [0:03:46, 0:03:47]: Wisdom, justice. [0:03:48, 0:03:52]: And Councilman Alexander over here is gonna be moderation. [0:03:52, 0:03:57]: So you got it? Wisdom, justice, moderation. Okay, let's pledge the Georgia flag. [0:03:59, 0:04:05]: I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands. [0:04:06, 0:04:09]: wisdom, justice and moderation. [0:04:10, 0:04:11]: Okay, we're good to go. [0:04:16, 0:04:17]: [258.1, 259.9]: At this time um [0:04:20, 0:04:22]: Let's ask for a roll call. [0:04:23, 0:04:26]: Councilman Alexander. [0:04:26, 0:04:27]: Councilman Blair. [0:04:27, 0:04:27]: President. [0:04:28, 0:04:29]: No? [0:04:29, 0:04:31]: Present. Councilman Ford. [0:04:32, 0:04:40]: Mayor Pro Tem Ford, present. Mayor Pro Tem Ford. Thank you. Councilwoman Gett? Present. Councilwoman Robinson? Present. Mayor, you have a corn. [0:04:42, 0:04:43]: [284.8, 289.1]: At this time we are going to um [0:04:50, 0:04:58]: Adopt the agenda for the evening if you all have your agenda in front of you. [0:05:01, 0:05:03]: [307.0, 323.9]: Okay. All right. We're gonna review minutes before we do that. So if um everybody you have your minutes in your book, we've already read those. Do I hear a motion that we accept the minutes from eleven fourteen? We have to [0:05:27, 0:05:38]: All right, that's good. He's coaching me that we are going to review the minutes tonight, but we won't vote on them until we get to the regular council meeting. So is everybody okay with that? [0:05:39, 0:05:44]: Okay, have you all already read all your minutes? Everybody's review. Okay? So that's all we have to do. [0:05:46, 0:05:50]: Right, unless there are any questions unless they have any questions on that. All right, now [0:05:50, 0:05:54]: If you have questions, let's hear those right now, otherwise we'll move forward. [0:05:56, 0:05:56]: Okay. [0:05:57, 0:06:04]: At this time, um again, if you have your public comment sheets back in, take those to the clerk. [0:06:09, 0:06:13]: No, that's this like a card youth. [0:06:16, 0:06:26]: Yeah, because we don't have to send page. Madam Mayor. I'm going to take this back. Okay. Okay. [0:06:29, 0:06:30]: Madam Mayor. [0:06:31, 0:06:38]: Madam Mayor, um I would like to make a motion to adopt the agenda. [0:06:38, 0:06:41]: Okay. Thank you very much. [0:06:41, 0:06:50]: Okay. We've done the minutes, we've adopted the agenda and now we have discussed the public comment options. Excuse me, Mayor, you have to make a motion. [0:06:52, 0:06:53]: It was secondary. [0:06:53, 0:06:56]: Th there's a motion on the floor, it just needs to be voted on. [0:06:56, 0:06:57]: Okay. [0:06:58, 0:06:59]: All right. All in favor? [0:07:01, 0:07:02]: A post? [0:07:02, 0:07:05]: Okay, we're good to go. Sorry that we got off track there. [0:07:06, 0:07:08]: Okay, at this point um [0:07:08, 0:07:18]: On our agenda is old business and that will deal with our public hearing on the final reading and adoption of our proposed [0:07:21, 0:07:24]: Do we have any public comments? Okay. [0:07:25, 0:07:26]: All right. Well [0:07:26, 0:07:37]: It looks like we need to just back up and start over again. Okay. Uh would you call the names of the people who signed up for public comments and then we'll have them come up and they have three minutes each to speak. [0:07:38, 0:07:40]: Okay. Miss Melinda West, please. [0:07:47, 0:07:50]: And you can both come on up, that'll be fine. [0:07:51, 0:07:56]: And when you come to the microphone, would you state your name and your address where you live? [0:08:05, 0:08:08]: [492.8, 493.4]: Oh [0:08:14, 0:08:23]: Hello, Robert West, uh one thirty five Winsong Drive. Robert West, one thirty five Winsong Drive. [0:08:24, 0:08:24]: Uh [0:08:26, 0:08:30]: First of all, congratulations, um mayor. [0:08:33, 0:08:35]: I mean I'll make it brief, but [0:08:37, 0:08:39]: I was here to let everyone know [0:08:40, 0:08:41]: That uh [0:08:42, 0:08:43]: I'm the owner of [0:08:43, 0:08:46]: French quarter entrees, which is uh [0:08:47, 0:08:50]: Package ice cream, wholesale retail business. [0:08:51, 0:08:52]: Uh [0:08:53, 0:08:55]: tried to join the food truck Tuesday. [0:08:56, 0:08:56]: Event. [0:08:58, 0:08:59]: Was denied. [0:09:00, 0:09:01]: Well [0:09:03, 0:09:07]: acts to submit business license and [0:09:08, 0:09:12]: Put your insurance in the name of the city of Stockbridge [0:09:12, 0:09:14]: And all of this [0:09:15, 0:09:16]: Uh [0:09:17, 0:09:19]: By Ms Grant. [0:09:21, 0:09:22]: Like we were gonna be in it. [0:09:23, 0:09:24]: Never happened. [0:09:26, 0:09:27]: Phone call to my wife. [0:09:27, 0:09:28]: Saying. [0:09:29, 0:09:31]: We don't want that kind of business. [0:09:31, 0:09:32]: Uh [0:09:33, 0:09:35]: You gotta get with the food truck people. [0:09:37, 0:09:39]: This, that and the third, you know [0:09:40, 0:09:44]: Never, ever, ever apply to this again. [0:09:44, 0:09:51]: You know, you have to go through all these levels and all this, talk to the food truck peop okay, well okay, I talked to the food truck lady. [0:09:52, 0:09:57]: heavy set African American lady. She just sits in the car down on the hill. [0:09:57, 0:09:59]: Well she said uh [0:10:01, 0:10:04]: We need to join Food Truck Coalition's five hundred dollars. [0:10:04, 0:10:07]: Well how much is it going to be to get in? She don't know. [0:10:09, 0:10:10]: Uh [0:10:11, 0:10:13]: You just, you know, come out here and just [0:10:14, 0:10:20]: set up and y she don't know how much it's gonna be. You just you're gonna give her part of whatever you make. [0:10:21, 0:10:24]: Like, okay, well, that's not how I [0:10:25, 0:10:27]: I do business, you know what I mean? I raise four kids in this [0:10:28, 0:10:29]: County. [0:10:29, 0:10:30]: Yeah, been uh [0:10:32, 0:10:33]: You know, citizen with [0:10:34, 0:10:35]: Clean record. [0:10:37, 0:10:37]: You know. [0:10:38, 0:10:42]: Police will call it, I set up by myself that property owner's permission. [0:10:43, 0:10:44]: Way down from Nibia. [0:10:45, 0:10:50]: Police will call, told me get off the property. City manager came out and told me [0:10:51, 0:10:53]: Well where's your licence? Where's your [0:10:54, 0:10:55]: Oh [0:10:56, 0:10:57]: You're right to sell. [0:10:57, 0:10:58]: And all this [0:10:58, 0:11:00]: What a property owner. I submitted all that. [0:11:02, 0:11:06]: Next thing I know, the police came and got me off the property, told me [0:11:06, 0:11:07]: The license no good. [0:11:08, 0:11:08]: Yeah. [0:11:09, 0:11:11]: You know, cardner the city manager. [0:11:12, 0:11:12]: And your [0:11:13, 0:11:14]: You know you gotta leave. [0:11:15, 0:11:18]: And I've lost money since then. [0:11:18, 0:11:20]: You know, and uh [0:11:21, 0:11:31]: Something you know. Something you know uh Mr West, your three minutes are up. I appreciate your comments and we will deal with those um after [0:11:31, 0:11:35]: tonight, Mrs. West, at the same address. [0:11:35, 0:11:46]: Okay. Melinda West, one three five Winston Drive. First of all, I want my husband and my statements to vote be included in these m meeting minutes officially. [0:11:46, 0:11:47]: Um [0:11:47, 0:11:53]: Actually, uh my husband was explaining that we were treated like common thugs on the street. [0:11:53, 0:11:54]: Swept off the streets. [0:11:55, 0:12:00]: uh probably um I'm sure it was all Lakeisha Gantt because she called me. [0:12:00, 0:12:07]: on the phone and told me that the type of business we had was not needed in the city of Stockbridge and that the people [0:12:08, 0:12:17]: in the city o of Stockbridge, we would not have to use the Atlanta Food Corps coalition if the people in the city would kick their game up. [0:12:17, 0:12:18]: And I say, Well [0:12:18, 0:12:22]: Are we allowed to get in after we went and got insurance? [0:12:23, 0:12:28]: We followed all the processes and procedures and policies that you all had in place. [0:12:28, 0:12:29]: But of course [0:12:30, 0:12:45]: I have documents that was changed throughout the process. We never was told that we had to that you all had a contract I had to go through and follow up myself after my husband and I had went through [0:12:45, 0:12:51]: bringing documents here and uh following up and and and actually being misled [0:12:52, 0:13:00]: that we were gonna be a part of a food truck coalition. Then we were I was dem uh talked to in a diminishing way [0:13:01, 0:13:20]: de degraded and humili publicly humiliated because my husband and I was um had oh say okay we left the food truck alone in the city of Stockbridge and we went down the street and got a private owner who I also have a copy of his letter saying we was okay to sell there and and we were [0:13:20, 0:13:30]: follow up with a police officer approaching us and pushing us off the lot. Which in course we lost a lot of money and like I said publicly humiliated. [0:13:31, 0:13:34]: And as my husband said, we have raised four kids. [0:13:34, 0:13:38]: We lived in Henry County for I think this is going on about [0:13:38, 0:13:43]: maybe eighteen years. Now we've been in the city of Stockbridge maybe three and a half years. [0:13:43, 0:14:02]: But we have lived in Ellen Wood and the Stockbridge area for quite a while and we are familiar with the area. And our questions are before my three minutes uh is uh over, I would like to this people in the city of Stockbridge and the Henry County residents, I would like [0:14:03, 0:14:05]: Us to be [0:14:06, 0:14:07]: the people dead. [0:14:08, 0:14:14]: we go to for businesses and to be considered for all the public events. [0:14:15, 0:14:27]: so that it can be community oriented, so that the community can put the money back in the community po uh pockets, the taxes. I think that's what the entire community would want. [0:14:27, 0:14:38]: not to have the money flowing outside of the community. I think whoever made the contract was kinda foolish because that's not really beneficial to the community at all. [0:14:39, 0:14:49]: I want to thank both of you for coming and presenting your case and all of your comments will be taken up when the food truck Tuesday event is planned for next year. [0:14:49, 0:14:51]: If it is if it is pliant. [0:14:52, 0:14:55]: your comments will be printed up and put in before the committee. [0:14:56, 0:14:59]: Thank you so much. And congratulations, I'm sorry. [0:14:59, 0:15:00]: Thank you. [0:15:01, 0:15:05]: Okay. Now then we've heard about um [0:15:05, 0:15:10]: some things that have gone wrong, but let's hear about something that hopefully is gonna go right. [0:15:10, 0:15:15]: And this is uh taking up uh we're moving into our public hearing [0:15:16, 0:15:17]: At this point in time. [0:15:17, 0:15:20]: Do I need a motion to go into public hearing? [0:15:21, 0:15:21]: Followed. [0:15:22, 0:15:22]: Okay. [0:15:23, 0:15:37]: Then we are going to start with our city manager who is going to present a portion uh or get us started on our budget for twenty seventeen. The goal of the budget is to have a balanced budget. So [0:15:38, 0:15:41]: Let's hear what they are bringing to us at this time. [0:15:41, 0:15:43]: Okay. Um thank you, Mayor. [0:15:43, 0:15:45]: Good evening, Council. [0:15:45, 0:15:51]: Uh this is the third official hearing rehearing of the of the of the budget. [0:15:52, 0:16:03]: after the last meeting um in conversation with the mayor and based on some of the conversations that took place after the last hearing a request was made to go back and look at [0:16:03, 0:16:20]: um making modifications to the proposed draft to get it to the number that would not involve dipping into the fund balance at all. So myself working in conjunction with our treasurer missiles and neighbors, we went back and identified several items um that could be [0:16:21, 0:16:24]: removed from the current proposed budget [0:16:25, 0:16:45]: Certainly for future consideration should that be the case, but the the thought was with the intent of having a budget that matched expenditures matching revenues without the need for going into fund balance. I believe that's been presented to all the council members for your consideration. So uh myself, Miss Neighbors, I [0:16:44, 0:16:47]: [1013.9, 1021.6]: Councilman Alexand I mean sorry, uh Councilman Ford who is serving as our president pro tem of the [0:17:01, 0:17:02]: Right. [0:17:03, 0:17:11]: All right, let's start this off here. First of all, um council, mayor and citizens, initially when this budget was presented [0:17:11, 0:17:14]: A couple of months ago, about two months now, I guess it is. [0:17:15, 0:17:16]: It seems like that anyway. [0:17:16, 0:17:19]: Um the one point three five seven [0:17:20, 0:17:23]: point five, right? Million dollars come out of fund balance. [0:17:24, 0:17:25]: That [0:17:25, 0:17:26]: Okay. [0:17:26, 0:17:32]: That is not illegal. To pull money out of fund balance, to balance your budget budget is not illegal. [0:17:32, 0:17:44]: It's a different way or method methodology to get a balanced budget. It's probably not the preferred method method, but it's not illegal. And I want to make sure that you understand that since I presented this. [0:17:44, 0:17:49]: I didn't do anything illegal. The council wouldn't do anything illegal if we adopted it originally as proposed. [0:17:49, 0:17:50]: Okay. [0:17:50, 0:17:51]: Now [0:17:52, 0:17:56]: All the items that were in that budget primarily [0:17:57, 0:18:03]: were things that the council had agreed to to do during fiscal year two thousand seventeen. [0:18:03, 0:18:16]: Once again, reband rebranding initiative, amphitheater design, a comprehensive plan, opportunity opportunity zone uh zone applications. All right, help move the city forward. Fiber optic network for the city buildings. [0:18:16, 0:18:30]: replacing any type of aging equipment, light towers and message boards, all those items. Okay? One time purchases to help the city move forward, to build up our downtown area and and have economic uh develop work on the economic development for the city itself during the downtown area. [0:18:31, 0:18:37]: Now I'll tell you, if all those items are not taken out of fund balance now and we balance the budget without that [0:18:38, 0:18:40]: You know what's going to happen during the course of the year? [0:18:41, 0:18:56]: The council has already agreed to these doing the course you will have to have amendments and we'll take make amendments for each of those items and we'll take it chances are we're gonna take it out of fund balance and we'll make several different amendments, whether it's in February, March, June, October, November, whatever. [0:18:57, 0:19:00]: So it's just a methodology, whether you take it out now [0:19:00, 0:19:01]: Or you take it out later. [0:19:02, 0:19:03]: Okay? [0:19:03, 0:19:04]: Should [0:19:04, 0:19:08]: As long as we the council agrees and that there's items that we talked about [0:19:09, 0:19:12]: in our last organized finance meeting [0:19:12, 0:19:15]: that we said that we wanted to have all these things. [0:19:16, 0:19:19]: You know, uh fine, as long as we do those things. [0:19:20, 0:19:25]: That's the bottom line. Now, I can agree to the fact about the land acquisition [0:19:26, 0:19:39]: uh coming out and that was one of the big contentious type items before. You know, but you public and the people that are listening know that we've have been discussing this. Fine, if we want to take it out to help balance but so be it. [0:19:39, 0:19:47]: Eventually if we get to purchase land, guess what? It's gonna come out of fund balance anyway. And you'll know it because we're gonna tell you we know it uh that we're doing this. You'll know that. [0:19:47, 0:20:06]: Same thing I admitted uh last time we were together about our public affair uh information officer. And I believe that uh the and I agree that that after some training and some education problems and other other folks in other cities, then I agreed in the sense that uh that most likely will come out of fund balance as well and I agree the fact we should have that. The city needs that. [0:20:06, 0:20:07]: In that aspect. [0:20:08, 0:20:09]: So on that note [0:20:10, 0:20:14]: Whether we take it off on balance now or later is gonna eventually most likely. [0:20:14, 0:20:25]: the chances are it'll come out of fund balance. If it didn't, there'll be some other pot of money and you would know that because we wouldn't do it without you knowing it in the first place. But I just want to make sure that you understand when the initial budget was presented [0:20:26, 0:20:27]: By me and presented. [0:20:27, 0:20:29]: There was nothing illegal about it. [0:20:30, 0:20:36]: It's perfectly legal to balance the budget that way. It's a different methodology and it's probably not the preferred methodology. [0:20:36, 0:20:40]: But if it's going to help get our budget approved [0:20:40, 0:20:47]: and get it through for twenty seventeen, make the council and the majority of maybe citizen out here happy, so be it. [0:20:48, 0:20:55]: But eventually as we go down the road to make these improvements the things that we agreed to and it come back for addendums. [0:20:55, 0:21:02]: It is gonna have to come out. Once we get it presented to us, we pull it out, have that discussion, it'll come out of fund balance anyway. [0:21:02, 0:21:04]: So whether it's now or later, [0:21:05, 0:21:08]: I just want to make sure I say that at this point. Thank you. [0:21:10, 0:21:11]: Madam Mayor. [0:21:13, 0:21:18]: I I would like to explain something to the audience just to help [0:21:19, 0:21:20]: Um [0:21:21, 0:21:25]: The audience understand uh the comments that were made. [0:21:26, 0:21:27]: A budget [0:21:28, 0:21:30]: When it is put together [0:21:30, 0:21:31]: has to be [0:21:32, 0:21:32]: Um [0:21:33, 0:21:37]: funded on the revenue estimates that are coming in. [0:21:37, 0:21:39]: That is Georgia law. [0:21:40, 0:21:43]: If you go beyond that [0:21:43, 0:21:50]: you do have to dip into your fund balance or emergency fund, whatever title you want to put on that. [0:21:50, 0:21:58]: So that's that's the point of discussion here tonight. And uh does anyone else have a comment they would like to [0:21:59, 0:21:59]: Hi. [0:22:00, 0:22:01]: Councilman Alexander. [0:22:01, 0:22:09]: Yes, uh ladies and gentlemen. Uh uh speaking to uh Mayor Pro Tem's uh point and the overall budget. [0:22:09, 0:22:12]: The one thing that uh this council endeavoured to do [0:22:13, 0:22:21]: was to make Stockbridge uh the great city that it should be, that it could be, that it ought to be, that it used to be. [0:22:22, 0:22:42]: As you drive around the city, one of the things that we did uh we took some money out of the reserve fund to help with um cleaning up the litter and um making sure that we had the grass cut uh when you get off the interstate. So when you pulled off the interstate and the sign says Stock Bridge in Henry County, you wouldn't be embarrassed. [0:22:43, 0:22:49]: Those are the type things that we put in this budget that we fought for. Uh when you come uh down I seventy five [0:22:49, 0:23:09]: and you're looking at the exit to pull off on, uh in order to keep our tax base low, we need to have those exits maintained because if you're a traveler and you're traveling south, we want you to stop in stockbridge. Because every time you spend a dollar for gas or every time you spend a dollar for food and lodging, that's a tax dollar that you don't have to pay. [0:23:10, 0:23:20]: We look at this uh these adjustments as investment uh into the city. Um as Mayor Pro Tem said, you know, this is a collective body and we work together as a team. [0:23:21, 0:23:36]: Uh the compromise position is there was one point five million dollars set aside out of fund balance. Uh the compromise position uh to myself would be to remove the one million dollars in property acquisition as Mayor Pro Tem said, but to leave [0:23:37, 0:23:55]: the remaining money uh into the budget. One of the things that we're trying to do to endeavor is to increase the infrastructure. You've heard a lot about that. One of the key infrastructure to bring quality jobs and development to Henry County is fiber optic connectivity. We're trying to be on the front end. [0:23:56, 0:24:07]: There's a tremendous amount of competition going on uh in the Metro Atlanta area. And I say this, there are gonna be the halves and there's gonna be those that are left behind. [0:24:07, 0:24:09]: If you're not competitive [0:24:09, 0:24:19]: and we want high wage, high paying jobs, you gotta invest in fiber optics and the infrastructure that you need to do to improve your community. [0:24:19, 0:24:23]: I say and I commit it to you all when I was running for office [0:24:23, 0:24:43]: that uh I'm not satisfied with the way North Henry Boulevard looks. And for us to do something about it, we have to invest in it. We can't simply say w we want to make change, we want to make improvement and not put any money there. It is kinda not disingenuous to say that we're going to make all of these changes, but when the time comes, you know [0:24:43, 0:25:03]: Put any money in that column. You just simply cannot do that. And what I ask I'll call on to do is that we're working as a collective body. Let's compromise, take part of it out, uh the property acquisition out, which is over a million dollars, and then use to invest in our city to make it the best that it can. [0:25:03, 0:25:04]: [1507.7, 1509.0]: Any other comments? [0:25:10, 0:25:13]: I have one more for my second time. [0:25:13, 0:25:15]: [1517.1, 1537.1]: The rule I was told they get five minutes on each discussion. So your five minutes are up. Mayor um Madam Mayor, it's actually each council member gets five minutes and they get two five minute sessions actually. So if they want to have a comment and then they want to rebut it, as of now the ordinance hasn't been [0:25:37, 0:25:55]: and changed to list anything but they get to speak twice and after that they have to ask counsel, yield to counsel for extended period of time. But let me ask the counsel because I was told that each person could speak twice for a total of five minutes, so I need a ruling on that. [0:25:55, 0:25:57]: I would like to make a motion, please. [0:25:57, 0:26:02]: Beg your pardon? I think Mike Mike's gonna Mike's gonna the attorney's gonna do this. I'm pulling it up. [0:26:06, 0:26:16]: I may be allowed to just read from the ordinance. Uh it says no member while councils in session shall speak on the matter under discussion without first being recognized by the presiding officer. [0:26:17, 0:26:23]: Nor shall we speak longer than five minutes, nor more than twice upon the same question without the consent of Council. [0:26:25, 0:26:27]: Okay. So was that right? [0:26:28, 0:26:32]: Th the five minutes w is correct. Um [0:26:33, 0:26:37]: If he wishes to speak, if the council so desires to allow him to speak, they can [0:26:37, 0:26:39]: decide to allow'em a speech. [0:26:39, 0:26:40]: Mm-hmm. [0:26:41, 0:26:42]: Okay. [0:26:42, 0:26:43]: Do I have a [0:26:44, 0:26:52]: Yes, you have a motion to extend the uh amount of time for to allow Mayor Portem to make his uh comments. Second. [0:26:53, 0:26:56]: Okay. Motion is second. [0:26:57, 0:26:59]: Discussion. Anybody want to discuss that? [0:27:00, 0:27:01]: Okay. [0:27:01, 0:27:05]: I'm okay with it either way. I'm just trying to follow the the rules that I was told. [0:27:06, 0:27:07]: Okay. [0:27:07, 0:27:08]: All in favour? [0:27:09, 0:27:10]: Okay. [0:27:11, 0:27:16]: On that note, what I forgot to mention earlier is that uh on a document that is before the council and I believe [0:27:16, 0:27:21]: Uh our uh city manager Mike Harris is gonna uh bring this up and further explain some things. [0:27:21, 0:27:24]: It talks about uh concerts and what I wanted to [0:27:24, 0:27:27]: make known is that I'm in favor of having [0:27:27, 0:27:30]: Uh three concerts, uh June, July and August. [0:27:30, 0:27:32]: А форта сидис. [0:27:32, 0:27:38]: And for the second concert to be somewhere around the fourth of July week uh holiday time frame. [0:27:38, 0:27:55]: And also to look at having fireworks uh for that, since that is something that has not occurred in the southern part of the Atlanta metro area that I know of. Um but I would want to mention that as well, be part of this uh budget process, make sure we properly fund for those three concerts. [0:27:55, 0:27:58]: Fourth of July, fireworks for our citizens. Thank you. [0:28:01, 0:28:03]: Anyone else have a comment? [0:28:03, 0:28:05]: Madam Mayor, I have a question. [0:28:05, 0:28:07]: Um thank you. [0:28:07, 0:28:27]: Uh Mr. Harris and and maybe Ms. Napers can answer this question for me. In regards to our twenty seventeen budget, does it not include possible land acquisition revenue that's coming in? We we haven't included that as of yet, correct? So that if we received some revenue from [0:28:27, 0:28:47]: Um either revenue, expected revenue from whatever type of um whether we were to sell land or something of that nature. If it is not included, we then can amend the budget to include these items that are taken out at this time. That's correct. Um the prospect [0:28:47, 0:29:06]: of revenues from potential sales of city properties is not included in in the estimated in the current draft budget. And if I if I could just kind of clarify a couple of points, I think it is important to kind of go through the list of items that were considered for um to be backed out of [0:29:07, 0:29:20]: the proposed that made up to one point five. That did include uh land, uh some of the money is set aside for land acquisition, also the fiber optic initiative, as well as the d disaster recovery um redundancy. [0:29:20, 0:29:22]: that we've talked about before. [0:29:22, 0:29:25]: Um one of the Sound of Summer Concerts. [0:29:25, 0:29:27]: A light tower, a message board. [0:29:28, 0:29:30]: The design of the amphitheatre [0:29:30, 0:29:31]: Um [0:29:31, 0:29:34]: using actually taking that out of general fund [0:29:35, 0:29:45]: monies and using SPLOSS funds for that. We've researched that and found that as a viable um a viable option. And we also were able to um realize some [0:29:45, 0:29:46]: insurance cost savings. [0:29:47, 0:29:50]: Um actually based on mayor coming in and not taking insurance. [0:29:50, 0:29:51]: That's where that came from. [0:29:51, 0:29:54]: So those items, removing those items. [0:29:54, 0:29:56]: That makes up that one point five [0:29:57, 0:29:59]: Seven, one point five three seven. [0:29:59, 0:30:03]: that would have been coming over from fund balance. But I think it's important to note [0:30:03, 0:30:05]: This does in any in any [0:30:05, 0:30:25]: way, shape, or form mean that these cannot be added back in when the council deems appropriate to be used at a different time. Certainly um the fiber initiative and the disaster recovery initiative are initiatives that we feel are important for us to move forward with. There's a number of steps that need to take place and happen prior to us being ready to actually move forward, but sure that's something we would anticipate happening this year. [0:30:25, 0:30:26]: Yeah. [0:30:26, 0:30:46]: as well as everything else. And we would anticipate that whether that's a budget amendment that takes place b in January, February, or mid year in June or Jan or June or July, you know, the council consumer to dictate when uh when it would be deemed most appropriate. Certainly the staff will be making recommendations to the council on when we feel it would be the best from a time [0:30:46, 0:30:56]: timeliness standpoint. Um so those are the items that make up the the gap of that one point five three seven uh million dollars that was going into the fund balance. [0:30:57, 0:31:02]: So basically so the audience the the people who are the actual [0:31:02, 0:31:05]: citizens of Stockbridge can understand. [0:31:05, 0:31:10]: They're not pulling anything out of the budget that's just gone forever. [0:31:10, 0:31:25]: it's gone so that we can go forward with a balanced budget without dipping into reserve funds. Some of those items might that money might not be needed like right away. Is that correct? That's correct. I think it's [0:31:26, 0:31:46]: One thing this city has been really mindful of doing over the course of the last two or three years is building our fund reserves back up. And you know again I credit Miss Neighbors and her staff for doing such a good job of building our reserves back up to the levels it was at now, because in three years ago it was less than half a million dollars and then we're well beyond that right now. There are a number of items and initiatives that the [0:31:46, 0:31:50]: Council has identified that are very important and again we think are certainly [0:31:50, 0:31:55]: important to the to the viability and success and the thriving and advancement of this of the city. [0:31:56, 0:32:16]: Uh the thought being let balance the budget based on our anticipated revenues and then when deemed appropriate we can go back into the fund balance and utilize those funds to do those things, acquire land as needed, um, move forward with some of the techno technological um advancements that we need to make to to continue to enhance our services. [0:32:17, 0:32:17]: Okay. [0:32:18, 0:32:19]: Any other comments? [0:32:19, 0:32:20]: I'd like to make a motion, please. [0:32:22, 0:32:23]: Okay. [0:32:23, 0:32:28]: I'd like to make a motion to Councilman Alexander. Thank you. [0:32:28, 0:32:31]: I would like to make a motion to enter these [0:32:31, 0:32:36]: The budget, uh with the exception of the land acquisition. [0:32:37, 0:32:48]: uh portion of the budget um to leave these items in and to remove the nine hundred and four thousand dollars in land acquisition. [0:32:50, 0:32:52]: Is there a second to that motion? [0:32:56, 0:33:04]: There appears to be no second to that motion. Do I hear any discussion or another motion? [0:33:04, 0:33:06]: Madam Mayor. [0:33:06, 0:33:07]: Okay? Okay. [0:33:07, 0:33:27]: So basically you're saying this is to have a balanced budget going into twenty seventeen that we can revisit once we have the revenue coming from other areas, we can revisit this. Is that what you're saying? Absolutely. At any time. You know, we can revisit it at any time because we do have a a healthy fund balance at this point. Okay. [0:33:27, 0:33:33]: So basically this would actually take us going in twenty seventeen with a balanced budget. [0:33:33, 0:33:38]: It would have a budget where the expenditures match our anticipated revenues. [0:33:38, 0:33:39]: Yes, ma'am. [0:33:39, 0:33:59]: One other point I would like to add has also been brought up, um the position of uh public information officer. Um did also contemplate making some additional uh amendments. That's something that we can certainly use fund balance for as well. I anticipated not likely filling that position until later on, later part of the year, probably in um [0:33:59, 0:34:01]: middle part of the year. Um [0:34:02, 0:34:20]: We had the job description, I think the council has seen the job description previously, but um certainly a thought would be also adding that in as well and either we could utilize fund balance for that when that time became appropriate or we could reduce in another area in order to make up that difference. But that's something also for council's consideration. [0:34:21, 0:34:24]: Okay. Is there a motion? [0:34:26, 0:34:28]: A comment from Councilman Blount. [0:34:29, 0:34:29]: Um [0:34:31, 0:34:33]: One of the things that are made clear to [0:34:34, 0:34:43]: in discussions to this prior to coming is that this uh this doesn't change anything that we've agreed upon as a council. Uh it doesn't [0:34:44, 0:34:46]: Change anything, so [0:34:46, 0:34:54]: With that being said, I would like to make a motion to accept the recommendations and to re and to visit these uh items in order to [0:34:54, 0:34:58]: balance the budget that we would I would motion that we accept the budget. [0:34:58, 0:35:01]: And then revisit these items that we will be removing. [0:35:03, 0:35:19]: There is a motion on the floor to accept the presented budget um to make it balanced. That would be by removing one million five hundred thirty seven thousand five hundred dollars worth of items to balance the budget. Is there a second to that? [0:35:20, 0:35:21]: I second. [0:35:22, 0:35:24]: Yes. [0:35:26, 0:35:32]: Ladies and gentlemen, I disagree with that decision. I'm gonna vote against this budget. [0:35:32, 0:35:36]: The reason that I'm gonna do that is because I wanna be honest with you. [0:35:36, 0:35:42]: And being honest with you means if I'm gonna do something just like you do in your household, you got a budget for it. [0:35:43, 0:35:46]: Not no not one of us sitting in these seats. [0:35:47, 0:36:07]: would go out and uh into twenty seventeen saying every time that you needed to do something you're gonna change your budget incrementally as you go along. Is this is this ingenuous for us to say, you know, we're gonna make these changes uh when they occur or when they happen. I ran on [0:36:07, 0:36:19]: reinvestment. I ran on actually giving you a distinguishable downtown. There's money in the budget for that. I ran on cleaning up the stockbridge streets. There's money in the budget for that. [0:36:20, 0:36:26]: We've been kicking the can down the road in Stockbridge for years. [0:36:26, 0:36:33]: This is why our city looks like it does now. It's embarrassing in some areas because we don't invest in it. [0:36:34, 0:36:54]: This is not acceptable to uh to you or to anybody sitting on this path. What date are we gonna deal with cleaning up Highway one thirty eight? What date are we gonna deal with uh recreating the downtown? What date are we gonna deal with doing fiber optics uh in the community? I went to train [0:36:54, 0:36:56]: [2217.3, 2227.2]: The training at the Georgia Municipal Association that trains all of us says that we need to have twenty five percent in reserved rainy day funds. [0:37:07, 0:37:25]: Contrary to what you have heard, the city has eighty-seven percent fund balance. That means we're supposed to have twenty-five, but we have eighty-seven. That means that we have seven point eight million dollars as of last year's audit in the bank to reinvest in Stockbridge. [0:37:25, 0:37:33]: The reason that Stock Ridge looked the way that it did previous in the leaders when we were proud of it is because the city reinvested. [0:37:34, 0:37:41]: Rudy Kelly and and Tip um and P and Tip Strickland reinvested in the city. They thought it was important. [0:37:41, 0:38:01]: And you have to put that into the budget in order to make it look the way that it needs to look. I say to each and every one of us up here, I would not go through uh twenty seventeen changing my budget monthly when we could put it out there right now, tell you what we're gonna do. We just heard members sitting on this very board. [0:38:01, 0:38:10]: forward that said, We're gonna do it in twenty seventeen. If you're gonna do it in twenty seventeen, why would you not budget it? That makes no sense. [0:38:11, 0:38:15]: Madam Mayor. Thank you for your comment. Are there any other comments? Madam Mayor, may I? [0:38:16, 0:38:18]: Yes. Councilman Robinson. [0:38:20, 0:38:27]: I I have a question because on the list that was provided, these are the only items that we're taking off, correct? [0:38:28, 0:38:48]: And I'm I'm in this saying land, fiber, disaster recovery, on one concert, light tower, message board, amphitheater design, um which we possibly use the SPLOSS for fund for that, um and then the insurance cost savings. Will this interfere with any of the [0:38:48, 0:38:59]: the beautification efforts that we've already started and we've already have foreseen for twenty seventeen. No. All other budgeted items are remain intact. [0:38:59, 0:39:05]: So it's just these items that if so we can revisit later. That's correct. [0:39:05, 0:39:08]: Okay, thank you. Any other comments? [0:39:10, 0:39:10]: Madam Mayor. [0:39:11, 0:39:22]: If I may. I I um understand where Councilman Alexander's coming from and it is my opinion and and my intention that as soon as [0:39:23, 0:39:43]: if we are to receive revenues um coming in um that will help us balance out these items in the near future, then I planned on amending the budget that one time to place those items in there and hopefully sooner than later. Um and I I think that that would be a I would feel [0:39:43, 0:39:50]: feel comfortable with a balanced budget um going in twenty seventeen. Um [0:39:50, 0:39:59]: making sure that we have we're not spending more than what we have. I understand the argument of twenty five percent general reserves. [0:39:59, 0:40:00]: However, we've heard [0:40:01, 0:40:21]: other arguments at state that's uh more for small rural towns who really don't have any funds and they're saying at bare minimum keep that at least twenty five percent. Um you know, if a disaster were to happen or something were to happen, I would hate to have a city with only twenty five percent um of our reserves. [0:40:21, 0:40:39]: at that point in time. But I wanted everyone to know that it is my intention to do everything that we say that we want to do, including the amphitheater and including the fiber optic. I think we all can agree on that. Right now our concern is doing what we need to do to balance our budget. That's my concern at least. [0:40:41, 0:40:42]: Okay. Any more discussion? [0:40:43, 0:40:50]: We have a motion on the floor to remove items that would total in the amount of one million five hundred thirty seven dollars. [0:40:51, 0:40:53]: Uh thirty seven, five hundred dollars. [0:40:55, 0:40:57]: At this point we've had um [0:40:57, 0:40:58]: Healthy discussion. [0:40:59, 0:41:04]: Uh all in favor of that um motion, please raise your hand. [0:41:06, 0:41:09]: The vote is three to two. The budget is balanced. [0:41:11, 0:41:18]: Opposed. Oh, sorry. All opposed. I got really excited about pa passing that budget. Uh all opposed? [0:41:21, 0:41:22]: For staying. [0:41:23, 0:41:25]: Okay, you got the vote. [0:41:27, 0:41:29]: Okay, Stockbridge, you can be very proud tonight. [0:41:30, 0:41:32]: Your city council passed a balanced budget. [0:41:33, 0:41:36]: And I think we need to I know it was not easy. [0:41:36, 0:41:40]: for them to make this decision but I'd like for you to give them a round of applause. [0:41:46, 0:41:53]: Okay. Do we need a motion um Mr Ford to come out of our public hearing? No. [0:41:53, 0:41:55]: No motion. All right, we'll move on. [0:41:55, 0:42:02]: Okay, the next thing we have on our agenda tonight is um Main Street. [0:42:02, 0:42:04]: advisory board appointment. [0:42:05, 0:42:08]: And I think our city manager, Michael. [0:42:08, 0:42:10]: Harris is going to [0:42:10, 0:42:12]: Come and tell us something about that. [0:42:12, 0:42:13]: Yes, thank you again. [0:42:14, 0:42:15]: Um [0:42:16, 0:42:20]: Our Main Street manager, Ms. Kirch Bragg, was before the council [0:42:20, 0:42:22]: Couple of weeks ago [0:42:22, 0:42:26]: um making a recommendation for [0:42:26, 0:42:34]: the proposed new board appointments. At that time the council opted to um [0:42:34, 0:42:53]: because at the same time we're also annexing in some additional properties, particularly Carriage Lake property. So the directive that came back from the uh city council was let's defer that appointment for um I think at least thirty days, additional thirty days to allow them time to come in and those who in that community may be interested so they can apply. [0:42:54, 0:42:56]: Um she said that's fine. But as he went back [0:42:56, 0:43:03]: Um and look what would that would it would because we have a number of members that are rolling off the term expires at the end of the year. [0:43:03, 0:43:13]: we would not have enough members to form a quorum beginning the first uh meeting in January. So the reason why this is coming back for consideration by the council is [0:43:14, 0:43:18]: Um again there's two items related to Main Street tonight. One is to [0:43:19, 0:43:39]: um appoint at least three members so we could have a quorum coming into tw twenty sixteen that would still leave a number of uh three additional three or four additional members that still need to be appointed, giving them time to um to make the appointments to to for curious leg consideration, but also adding a person but I believe the other two appointments [0:43:39, 0:43:59]: appointments are business owners, businesses within the Main Street area. Um so we're the second piece on the Main Street item tonight is the bylaws and one of the proposed amendments to the bylaws is the addition of another position which could be filled by that carriage lake. Um [0:44:00, 0:44:00]: option. So [0:44:00, 0:44:02]: Again, the first item is [0:44:02, 0:44:03]: Um [0:44:04, 0:44:06]: [2647.3, 2649.3]: to reappoint [0:44:09, 0:44:20]: Again, at least three of the members. That fourth member is the actually the council appointee, which currently is being um handled by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. [0:44:20, 0:44:22]: And certainly we would also ask that that be [0:44:23, 0:44:40]: um um handled as well if the the council so d so desires. But again the issue here is to be able to make sure we have a quorum to be able to meet in January. It still will leave two additional business owner positions and a newly added um resident at large position. [0:44:41, 0:44:49]: Uh would it be the council's pleasure that we do that in public meeting or would you like to discuss that um [0:44:49, 0:44:51]: those appointments in executive sessions. [0:44:52, 0:44:53]: Yeah, well. [0:44:54, 0:44:55]: Exactly session. [0:44:56, 0:44:56]: Oh. [0:44:59, 0:45:02]: Any other comments before I call for a vote? [0:45:02, 0:45:03]: Okay. [0:45:03, 0:45:09]: You said that the recommendation is from Main Street to r to reappoint the three positions. [0:45:10, 0:45:13]: that are currently in and then to [0:45:14, 0:45:14]: Um [0:45:16, 0:45:26]: Re reappoint either reappoint Mayor Pro Tem Ford or appointment. So three position and Mayor Pro Tem Ford? That's correct. That's rec recommendation from Main Street. Right, as a minimum for for tonight. [0:45:26, 0:45:36]: 'Cause there were some re other recommendations but again the council wanted staff to hold off and put those back out in case anyone from the Keraslet community w had an interest in applying. [0:45:38, 0:45:44]: Okay. Any other comments? Okay. Councilman Robinson. Um Michael [0:45:45, 0:45:45]: [2745.6, 2747.2]: Is it a way [0:45:47, 0:45:54]: requirement they have a meeting in January that they have to have this meeting that we can't wait. I mean [0:45:55, 0:46:08]: Yeah, Lisa. We've had other appointments uh that we're waiting, so I I'm just trying to see w what's the rush for this one if we have to have a meeting in January. I'm gonna bring in Miss Lisa Fareed, the assistant to Miss Bragg's. [0:46:08, 0:46:09]: on that issue. [0:46:10, 0:46:14]: Thank you, Madam Mayor and members of the Council, City of Stockbridge. [0:46:15, 0:46:18]: Yes, ma'am, Council Member Robinson. Um [0:46:19, 0:46:20]: If we [0:46:20, 0:46:24]: are not in compliance with these bylaws which we have submitted to [0:46:25, 0:46:26]: The state [0:46:26, 0:46:27]: Four. [0:46:27, 0:46:27]: Um [0:46:28, 0:46:30]: our accreditation. We will be [0:46:30, 0:46:31]: out of compliance. [0:46:32, 0:46:33]: And so um [0:46:35, 0:46:38]: I guess what the problem is because we were a start up [0:46:39, 0:46:40]: Two years ago. [0:46:41, 0:46:46]: All of our initial appointments were made at the same time, so several of them are rolling over at the same time. [0:46:46, 0:46:50]: They'll be staggered more from this point out. [0:46:50, 0:46:51]: Um however [0:46:52, 0:46:56]: As of December thirty first, we have um [0:46:56, 0:46:57]: For [0:46:58, 0:47:02]: um members who would like to be reappointed. Um [0:47:03, 0:47:12]: If they are reappointed, we can go on with our January meeting and have an actual quorum. We do have some applications that are [0:47:12, 0:47:13]: Um [0:47:13, 0:47:18]: you know, being examined and we're also trying to you'll see in our next [0:47:18, 0:47:21]: presentation open a new position [0:47:21, 0:47:27]: for a third resident so that we can include more members of our community and have a good cross section. [0:47:28, 0:47:30]: But we would be out of compliance. [0:47:32, 0:47:38]: Any other comments from council members? Yes, Mayor. Um if you don't mind. [0:47:39, 0:47:48]: I'm okay with going ahead and reappointing. Um I don't see a need for executive session on this. There may be some other reason, I don't know, but [0:47:49, 0:47:55]: I'm okay based off of what we had heard before and from the understanding there needs to be a quorum for the next meeting. [0:47:56, 0:48:00]: And being that our Main Street department is fairly new [0:48:00, 0:48:06]: you know, the foundation has been laid there. So I totally understand when it comes to boards [0:48:07, 0:48:10]: Well the amount of time it takes, especially volunteer board. [0:48:10, 0:48:13]: of of this sort. They've act they've worked really hard. [0:48:14, 0:48:15]: They got things moving. [0:48:15, 0:48:19]: And if it's the recommendation of our staff members [0:48:19, 0:48:21]: to at least reappoint [0:48:21, 0:48:30]: those that were already on the board, I'm okay with that. I'm I'm willing to go ahead and move forward with making that recommendation. The the question that was on the floor was [0:48:31, 0:48:36]: Do you want to do this in public session or in executive session? [0:48:36, 0:48:40]: Did anyone else have a comment about that before we move forward? [0:48:42, 0:48:44]: Okay. Councilman Ford. [0:48:45, 0:48:46]: Keeping mine of my five minutes, right? [0:48:46, 0:48:48]: Yeah. Five minutes. Okay. [0:48:48, 0:48:57]: What it amounts to since I'm the uh council representative to the Main Street, uh there are several recommendations that are in front of you council and and that the [0:48:57, 0:49:00]: Main Street manager is is uh is identified. [0:49:00, 0:49:04]: as uh three uh recurring individuals that want to remain [0:49:05, 0:49:09]: and two additional folks uh the applications that were before you as well. [0:49:09, 0:49:29]: For me specifically, uh if we approve all these folks or at least enough at least uh uh five people this evening, uh we'll have more than enough for a quorum to conduct our meeting. Uh specifically for me and the council, we can do that at our meeting in January and whether or not uh the council prefers me to remain [0:49:29, 0:49:32]: Fine. If not we can appoint someone else from the council. [0:49:32, 0:49:40]: it I mean what is the council's uh intent whatever the council's intent is on that on that aspect. I do also to answer the Pacific question [0:49:40, 0:49:47]: Um I I feel that maybe we need we want to discuss this in a secular session, then come back out of the second session and tell you exactly who [0:49:47, 0:49:51]: uh we would want to appoint. I would think it'd be more beneficial to do it that way. [0:49:52, 0:49:53]: In that aspect. [0:49:54, 0:49:55]: uh take on this at this point. [0:49:56, 0:49:57]: Any other comments? [0:49:58, 0:50:04]: Do I have a motion as to which way we're gonna go? Executive session versus um [0:50:04, 0:50:05]: Public session. [0:50:05, 0:50:06]: No. [0:50:07, 0:50:13]: I'll make a motion that we re reconsider these uh appointments in executive session. Do I hear a second? [0:50:14, 0:50:15]: I'll second that. [0:50:15, 0:50:16]: Discussion. [0:50:18, 0:50:20]: No discussion. All in favor, please raise your hand. [0:50:23, 0:50:24]: Those opposed? [0:50:27, 0:50:27]: Okay. [0:50:28, 0:50:32]: Got the vote. It looks like we're going into executive session. I'm thinking [0:50:32, 0:50:52]: uh that we won't be in there long if you want to wait um and see how this goes we'll try to make it as quick as possible. If you do wait, I would encourage you to get up out of your seat, go uh all over the room and introduce yourself. Stockbridge is strong and it's people, so we want all of you to get to know each other. [0:50:56, 0:50:58]: We'll be back quickly. [0:51:10, 0:51:16]: Well you can talk if you can make it. [0:51:16, 0:51:20]: [3090.0, 3095.1]: [0:51:50, 0:51:51]: Yeah, I think it's [0:52:05, 0:52:10]: [3131.7, 3140.0]: I wouldn't like. [0:52:23, 0:52:27]: Forward and we're going back into our regular, get a boat, get a boop. [0:52:29, 0:52:33]: [3154.2, 3155.1]: Okay. [0:52:36, 0:52:40]: Now that I'm really confused. [0:52:41, 0:52:49]: We're we're going we have a motion and we're gonna vote. All in favor? Okay. Five? [0:52:50, 0:52:51]: And maybe the version of weekly. [0:52:51, 0:53:03]: Yeah, I got it. I got it. The coach's helping and throwing me off all at the same time. Okay. At this time we're gonna reconvene our regular meeting. Do I have a motion that we reconvene? [0:53:05, 0:53:06]: To reconvene. [0:53:07, 0:53:09]: Thank you, Councilwoman. [0:53:09, 0:53:11]: All right, second. We're back. [0:53:11, 0:53:13]: So do we have discussion on that? [0:53:14, 0:53:16]: No discussion, then all in favor? [0:53:18, 0:53:30]: Okay, we're back into our regular meeting. We were in executive session. There is a recommendation that's coming out of executive session, so I'm gonna turn to our mayor Pro Tem who's gonna present. Okay. [0:53:30, 0:53:34]: Madam Mayor, I'd like to make a motion that uh the members of the uh [0:53:35, 0:53:41]: Uh recommended members for the um Main Street would be Anika Potts, which is a Stockbridge resident. That'll be for [0:53:42, 0:53:47]: uh two year term ebony gurney for uh a two year term also Stockbridge resident. [0:53:47, 0:53:52]: And then Miss Leah Sanders is a new applicant and business owner which is outside the Main Street district. [0:53:53, 0:53:55]: And that business is Olympia Pizza. [0:53:55, 0:54:00]: and Mr. Don Gordon is a new applicant, business owner outside of the Main Street district. [0:54:00, 0:54:02]: And his business is airstrike photography. [0:54:04, 0:54:08]: Okay, you've heard that motion. Do I hear a second? A second. [0:54:09, 0:54:18]: All right, we have a motion and a second. All in favor. Oh no, discussion, discussion, I got it. Yes. We've got to have a discussion at this point. Yes. [0:54:18, 0:54:35]: Um I just wanna make note that um there is also a position for the Downtown Development Authority which crosses over to Main Street. However, the Downtown Development Authority it's our duty to appoint that person and for the council to confirm that meeting will be held January twenty third. [0:54:37, 0:54:38]: Any other discussion? [0:54:38, 0:54:40]: If not, all in favour? [0:54:42, 0:54:44]: It's a hundred percent. [0:54:44, 0:54:47]: No opposed. Thank you. [0:54:47, 0:54:49]: Uh okay, let's do that. [0:54:53, 0:55:04]: At this time um we are going to take up some new business and that that is going to deal with the bylaws for the Main Street program. [0:55:07, 0:55:08]: Thank you again, Mayor. [0:55:08, 0:55:10]: Council. Um [0:55:10, 0:55:30]: This last item is again it's a resolution to approve the revised set of bylaws. Um one of the primary changes or revisions in this year is the addition of an additional position. Uh one of the things that came out of the last meeting was a request to add a position for consideration by those in Carriage Lake to give them some opportunity to go back through and apply. [0:55:30, 0:55:42]: apply and look at the position and look at the credentials that are needed. So that's one of the main additions. I'm gonna kinda defer to Miss Lisa Fare to kinda give you some of the uh kind of some of the highlights of some of the other amendments that are being proposed in this revise. [0:55:42, 0:55:43]: Mm. [0:55:45, 0:55:47]: Please if you can. [0:55:47, 0:55:50]: Thank you again, Madam Mayor and Members of Council. [0:55:50, 0:55:51]: Um [0:55:52, 0:55:55]: So in Article eight at section eight [0:55:55, 0:56:05]: Point zero one, it states that the Main Street Advisory Board bylaws may be modified at any time upon the recommendation of the board and approval by the Stockbridge City Council. [0:56:06, 0:56:09]: Um and we believe you've received those notes. [0:56:09, 0:56:12]: Um in addition, according to section [0:56:12, 0:56:27]: three point zero five C of the Main Street Advisory Boards, the addition or removal of board positions as listed in Article three, Section three point zero four of these bylaws must be approved by the mayor and council. [0:56:28, 0:56:40]: Therefore, the Main Street staff recommends the following. We ask that Madam Mayor and Council approve our submitted bylaws and the changes speak to verbiage consistency. [0:56:41, 0:56:41]: Voting. [0:56:42, 0:56:48]: Increasing the number of resident Main Street Advisory Board positions from two to three. [0:56:48, 0:56:50]: individuals and [0:56:50, 0:56:53]: having each a two year term. [0:56:53, 0:56:54]: And this would um [0:56:55, 0:56:58]: only be adding one additional resident position. [0:56:58, 0:57:00]: So the result of that would be that [0:57:01, 0:57:01]: Um [0:57:01, 0:57:05]: This will increase the number of board positions from eleven to twelve. [0:57:06, 0:57:11]: And most importantly, it would allow for those who are submitting applications through the extended [0:57:11, 0:57:13]: thirty day application period. [0:57:13, 0:57:16]: An opportunity to be appointed to the border as a resident. [0:57:17, 0:57:20]: or to any of the other open positions that they may be qualified. [0:57:22, 0:57:22]: Okay. [0:57:23, 0:57:25]: You have heard the presentation. [0:57:26, 0:57:29]: Is there a motion to accept the bylaws? [0:57:29, 0:57:31]: Mayor Present. I mean Madam Mayor. [0:57:32, 0:57:32]: Sorry. [0:57:33, 0:57:35]: Um I would like to move to approve a resolution [0:57:36, 0:57:39]: Um for the revised bylaws of the Stockbridge Main Street Advisory Board. [0:57:40, 0:57:41]: Say a second. [0:57:43, 0:57:44]: Councilman Block. [0:57:44, 0:57:45]: Is there discussion? [0:57:46, 0:57:46]: Yes. [0:57:47, 0:57:57]: Yeah, I just want to mention, thank you, Mayor, that uh part of attachment A deals with the increased boundary of Main Street. Just wanna make sure the councillors understands that, how we the Main Street area has is expanded. [0:57:57, 0:58:06]: Yeah, I think that's a that's a great thing there. And of course, as you well know, everything uh all the new changes are all outlined in red, so you can easily read those changes. Thank you very much. [0:58:06, 0:58:09]: Okay. Um all in favour? [0:58:11, 0:58:15]: No opposed. Thank you. Passed. Yeah, thank you. [0:58:15, 0:58:23]: At this time before our city manager sits down, I'm gonna ask if he has any comments he would like to have. Just one very brief comment. Um [0:58:24, 0:58:29]: often sometimes it goes overlooked but just want to say a special congratulations to Sergeant Webster and she's [0:58:30, 0:58:33]: She's out there she is. Sergeant Webster. [0:58:33, 0:58:41]: Um congratulate her. She was um recipient of one of the Chiefs Awards this year for Henry County and you know she serves up here so once I congratulate her. [0:58:47, 0:59:01]: Thank you. All right, we are almost to the end of our evening. Um if we do have any pertinent comments uh from our council, we'll start down here. If you don't have anything, it's okay to pass and go on down the line. [0:59:01, 0:59:03]: I like the yes, me. [0:59:04, 0:59:05]: Woman I recognize. [0:59:06, 0:59:26]: Yes, Councilman. Yes, I would like to thank everybody for coming out to uh the meeting tonight and for participation. And I'd like everybody out there sitting in the audience to know that you can apply for these board positions that we just came up with, and we need you all to be actively involved in everything we do. I want to make [0:59:26, 0:59:32]: Make sure that every uh everybody has hop happy holidays and hope you had a merry, very, merry Christmas and a happy new year. [0:59:34, 0:59:35]: Councilman Black. [0:59:36, 0:59:38]: I'll also like to thank everyone for coming in, uh [0:59:39, 0:59:44]: It's good to see a room full of people still uh participating when we come out of executive session. [0:59:45, 0:59:51]: Um hope you all had a safe holidays and I say look forward to twenty twenty seventeen to be an awesome year in here in the city of Stockbridge. [0:59:53, 0:59:55]: Thank you. I'd just like to say welcome. [0:59:55, 1:00:01]: I want you to go home tonight, bring one person with you next time and let's start filling up the house. [1:00:02, 1:00:22]: Thank you, Mayor. Um I want to tell folks thank you for being engaged once again. Hopefully you had a great Christmas, so happy holidays to you and happy new year. We're gonna have a very prosperous, outstanding, very successful New Year. Uh obviously you were here and listening to all the budget conversations over the course of time and you're gonna see that we're gonna produ uh be balanced budget, but you're also gonna see improvements in your [1:00:22, 1:00:42]: downtown area, economic development and improvements in the city of Stockbridge and the intent is to make the city of Stockbridge the best city in the state of Georgia, without a doubt. Okay? So keep keep keep the faith, keep with us. We're gonna get it done right and we'll have this continue to have this dialogue with you and uh make everything proper and good. God bless you all. Thank you. [1:00:44, 1:01:04]: Uh yes. Um Mr. and Mrs. West are no longer in here, but I wanted to get an opportunity to speak to them in regards to the food trucks and wanted to give you a little updated information about that. We've been really successful this past year with the food trucks and look forward to a new year. Um we um you know it [1:01:04, 1:01:24]: It was our first year doing it, so of course we have some trial and errors. But you're more than welcome to go on a City of Stockbridge website and look at the forms and the criteria. Um one of the things is you must be a food truck and you must have a specialized item. So the item purchased from the ice cream, um purchased out of a store [1:01:24, 1:01:44]: would not be sufficient for the food truck day. And I'm hoping that they're watching. If not, then I'll get the information and give them a call and speak to them in that regard. Um but we definitely want if you are a citizen of Stockbridge or a Henry County resident and you have a food truck to let [1:01:44, 1:02:04]: you know that you are definitely a priority when it comes to attending events such as these and we make that known and we have made that known and we've spoken to several restaurants in the community about that. So if you have a truck or if you know someone who has a truck that's local, please tell them to give us a call because we want to get that started off um [1:02:04, 1:02:24]: Right and we tried to do that exact same thing last year for vendors as well. There's a if you go on the City of Stockbridge website and you click up click on um events, click on food trucks, everything will pop up. The application is very detailed. We did our homework from several cities in Atlanta metro area. [1:02:24, 1:02:42]: And if you have any question, comments, and concerns, please feel free to reach out. Um having said that, I would just like to thank you and for all your support and your continued prayers. I'm excited about our new year with our great team up here and we're headed in the right direction. We want to do what's right for you. So thank you and God bless. [1:02:43, 1:02:59]: Thank you all so much for coming out. Also wanna um thank my colleagues for having a great meeting tonight, having the great dialogue, and Merry Christmas to everyone um and happy new year, and we'll see you in twenty seventeen. Thank you. [1:02:59, 1:03:19]: Before we close quickly, I want to just uh tell the audience that every time you come to a city council meeting there are agendas out in the front and I would encourage you to get one. Um if you did not get one tonight when you get ready to leave, um there are announcements of upcoming meetings and all of these events will be [1:03:19, 1:03:36]: held at the city hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times are subject to change and if you have access to a computer you can always visit the city website. If not, um we would encourage you to call and double check. [1:03:37, 1:03:41]: if there's a meeting you're interested in, just to make sure everything's safe. [1:03:41, 1:03:51]: But um I'm not gonna read all these meetings, I'm gonna encourage you to stop out front, get your own copy, take it with you and you'll have all your meeting notices for the next um couple of weeks. [1:03:52, 1:03:55]: Uh anything else? Otherwise, do I have a motion to adjourn? [1:03:56, 1:03:57]: Madam Mayor. [1:03:58, 1:04:00]: I move that we adjourn our meeting. [1:04:01, 1:04:03]: Okay. Uh all in favor? [1:04:04, 1:04:08]: Oh gosh, we've got to have discussion again. Do you want to discuss adjourning? [1:04:09, 1:04:10]: [3850.4, 3852.8]: Uh okay. All right. Then um [1:04:13, 1:04:19]: All in favor, please raise your hand to adjourn. Thank you. Let's note that we're out of here at seven thirty. [1:04:26, 1:04:27]: Good ending. [1:04:31, 1:04:32]: Mm-hmm.

December 27, 2016

2016-12-27 · City Council · Agenda · December 27, 2016 Work Session Meeting · Agenda

2016-12-27 · City Council · Agenda · source: ccscrape-meetings · sha256 9f8d5f95 · pages 5 · method: text

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City of Stockbridge Bringing People Together STOCKBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL Mayor Judy Neal Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford Councilman Elton Alexander Council Meeting Agenda December 27, 2016 6:00 PM Councilman John Blount Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Councilwoman Neat Robinson CITY MANAGER Michael Harris CITY CLERK Vanessa Holiday Council Chamber 2nd Floor DEPUTY CLERK Randi Rainey 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Website: www.cityofstockbridge.com CITY ATTORNEY Michael Williams Phone: 7703897900 Fax: 7703897912 AGENDA COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2016 6:00 PM Mayor & City Council Judy Neal, Mayor Anthony S. Ford, Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander, Councilman John Blount, Councilman LaKeisha Gantt, Councilwoman Neat Robinson, Councilwoman I. Call to Order II. Roll Call Administration Michael Harris, City Manager Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk Michael Williams, City Attorney Present Absent Mayor Pro Tem Ford Councilman Alexander Councilman Blount Councilwoman Gantt Councilwoman Robinson III. Invocation IV. Pledge of Allegiance V. Adoption of the Agenda VI. Review of Minutes for 11/14/16 and 11/29/16 OLD BUSINESS Item # 1 PUBLIC HEARING Final Reading and Adoption of Proposed FY2017 Operating Budget Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager and Linda Nabers, City Treasurer Item # 2 Main Street Advisory Board Appointments Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager and Lisa FareedMuhammad, Main Street Program Assistant Page | 3 NEW BUSINESS Item # 3 Main Street Advisory Board ByLaws Update Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager and Lisa FareedMuhammad, Main Street Program Assistant 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. CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS Michael Harris COUNCIL'S COMMENTS Councilman Alexander Councilman Blount Mayor Pro Tem Ford Councilwoman Gantt Councilwoman Robinson MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Judy Neal EXECUTIVE SESSION (Exemptions to the Georgia Open Meetings Acts) I. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the settlement of a matter covered by the attorneyclient privilege as provided in Georgia Code section 50142(1) and 50143(b)(1)(A). The subject discussed was {identify the case or claim discussed but not the substance of the attorneyclient discussion}. II. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize negotiations to purchase, dispose of or lease property as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(1)(B). December 27, 2016 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 3897900 Page | 4 III. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the ordering of an appraisal related to the acquisition or disposal of real estate as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(1)(C), IV. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into a contract to purchase, dispose of, or lease property subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(1)(D). V. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into an option to purchase, dispose of, or lease real estate subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(1)(E). VI. Meeting to discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(2). VII. Meeting to interview one or more applicants for the position of the executive head of an agency as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(2). VIII. Pursuant to the attorneyclient privilege and as provided by Georgia Code section 50142(1), a meeting otherwise required to be open was closed to the public in order to consult and meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the agency or any officer or employee or in which the agency or any officer or employee may be directly involved and the matter discussed was {identify the matter but not the substance of the discussion.}. IX. Staff meeting held for investigative purposes under duties or responsibilities imposed by law as provided by Georgia Code section 50143(a)(1). December 27, 2016 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 3897900 Page | 5 ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS All meetings will be held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please check the city's website www.cityofstockbridge.com or contact City Hall offices at 770.389‐7900 for information.  All City offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2017 in observance of New Year’s Day. City services will resume at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.  Council Meeting – Monday, January 9, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber.  Main Street Advisory Board Meeting ‐ Friday, January 13, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  All City offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2017 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. City services will resume at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.   Stockbridge Zoning Advisory Board Meeting – Thursday, January 20, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  Downtown Development Authority Board Meeting – Monday, January 23, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.  Council Work Session – Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber. Motion to Adjourn. December 27, 2016 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 3897900

December 27, 2016

2016-12-16 · City Council · Transcript · Special Called Meeting

2016-12-16 · City Council · Transcript · source: 10yr-transcripts · sha256 a7b46058 · pages – · method: official

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--- title: December 16 2016 Special Called Meeting date: 2016-12-16 source: 2016-12-16_December_16_2016_Special_Called_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:22, 0:00:35]: [ 60.8, 61.2]: Okay. [0:01:02, 0:01:02]: Sure. [0:01:06, 0:01:08]: Yeah yeah. [0:01:35, 0:01:46]: [108.6, 110.0]: Yeah, [0:01:50, 0:01:51]: Yeah. [0:01:52, 0:01:53]: [116.4, 120.0]: Man, I got some paperwork. [0:02:32, 0:02:35]: But okay. How are you doing, ladies and gentlemen? [0:02:35, 0:02:39]: I'll call it a meeting order. This is a council meeting uh for uh Monday, December twelfth. [0:02:40, 0:02:42]: And I have about six o'clock, which is right on time. [0:02:43, 0:02:44]: That's called'em in order. [0:02:46, 0:02:47]: Uh could you please stand for the invocation? [0:02:48, 0:02:52]: Pastor Ed Goldworth, I guess with Canon Cleveland uh tuna home, please. [0:03:00, 0:03:02]: That's probably [0:03:02, 0:03:22]: Our father, we thank you for the opportunity of being here. We thank you for this community and for the city of Stockbridge. Thank you for the work that we do cooperatively together as we share and we uh anticipate the good things that are going to happen becomes we celebrate a new mayor and for the opportunity as Judy Neal will be uh installed tonight as our new mayor. [0:03:22, 0:03:42]: We pray for her that you will give her wisdom, give all of the counsel wisdom as we work together, as we seek the better good, as we seek to do good things. But most of all we pray that you would guide us and lead us and open up our hearts, that we would just be joined together in a spirit of oneness and fellowship, we pray, in Jesus' name. [0:03:42, 0:03:47]: Yeah. [0:03:49, 0:03:59]: [242.0, 243.9]: Madam Clerk, I need a roll call, please. [0:04:04, 0:04:15]: Councilman Alexander. Present. Councilman Blount. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Ford. Present. Councilwoman Gantt. Present. Councilwoman Robinson. Present. Council Yabakorm. Thank you very much. [0:04:16, 0:04:19]: Council, I need a motion to adopt agenda, please. [0:04:20, 0:04:26]: Mayor Protam? Yes ma'am. I'm making a motion to adopt the agenda. Okay, any discussion. [0:04:26, 0:04:28]: All in favour, please indicate. [0:04:28, 0:04:29]: Okay. [0:04:31, 0:04:36]: the motion to uh adopt the minutes from october tenth, twenty sixteen. [0:04:36, 0:04:38]: October twenty fifth. [0:04:38, 0:04:40]: which is a special call meeting two thousand sixteen. [0:04:40, 0:04:44]: And uh October twenty fifth as well, two thousand sixteen. [0:04:44, 0:04:47]: I would think that you had a chance to review them already. [0:04:49, 0:05:00]: There are a motion to accept those minutes. I'll make it go ahead, go ahead. Mayor Portem. Yes ma'am. I'll move that we accept the minutes from October tenth and twenty fifth, twenty sixteen. [0:05:00, 0:05:06]: And the special call meeting on the special call meeting on the second. Second. There you go. Any further discussion? [0:05:06, 0:05:07]: All favor, please indicate. [0:05:08, 0:05:10]: Okay, thank you very much. [0:05:10, 0:05:12]: Now we go to a ceremonial part of the [0:05:12, 0:05:13]: Meeting? [0:05:13, 0:05:16]: And swearing um uh swearing in of mayor. [0:05:16, 0:05:17]: Judy B Neil. [0:05:18, 0:05:23]: Um Matt McCord, Judge McCord, there you are you are, sir. Going down there. [0:05:54, 0:05:56]: Ms. Neal, I said to my daughter this morning. [0:05:57, 0:06:12]: Uh my two year old uh that tonight Daddy was going to swear in the first female mayor in the history of the city of Stockbridge. I don't think she understands what that means, but I told her that it was an honor and she'd be here tonight to watch, uh but I wanted you to have all the dignity that you deserve. [0:06:14, 0:06:20]: What I'm gonna do is read this oath to you and at the end of it, if you will, if you will just say I do, if you'll raise your right hand. [0:06:21, 0:06:33]: Do you solemnly swear affirm that you will faithfully perform the duties of this city, and that you will support and defend the charter thereof as well as the Constitution and laws of the State of Georgia and of the United States of America? [0:06:33, 0:06:40]: that you are not a holder of any unaccounted for public money due this state or any public sub political subdivision or authority thereof. [0:06:41, 0:06:51]: That you are not the holder of any other office of trust under the government of the United States, any other state, or any foreign state which you by the laws of the state of Georgia are prohibited from holding. [0:06:52, 0:06:57]: That you are otherwise qualified to hold said office according to the constitution and the laws of the state of Georgia. [0:06:58, 0:07:17]: That you have been a resident of the City of Stockbridge for the time required by the Constitution and laws of this state and by the municipal charter, that you will perform the duties of your office in the best interest of the City of Stockbridge to the best of your ability, without fear, favor, affection, reward, or expectation thereof. [0:07:18, 0:07:19]: If you will say I will. [0:07:21, 0:07:26]: Then it's my privilege to be the first to say, Madam Mayor. Thank you. Congratulations. [0:07:44, 0:07:45]: Mm. [0:07:56, 0:07:57]: [480.2, 486.7]: Uh only done office a second. We're down to bureaucracy already. Three copies. [0:08:28, 0:08:37]: I'm gonna just take a moment. Um, if everyone will bear with me just for a second. I have a few things I'd like to say. [0:08:37, 0:08:38]: Um [0:08:38, 0:08:39]: to to all of you. [0:08:40, 0:08:46]: And and I'll be talking back and forth uh to the council and so that we have um I have my back to you. [0:08:46, 0:08:48]: But after a long [0:08:49, 0:08:51]: hard eight month campaign. [0:08:52, 0:08:54]: I am very happy to be here tonight. [0:08:54, 0:08:58]: accepting the gavel of office for the city of Stockbridge. [0:08:59, 0:09:00]: I am [0:09:01, 0:09:02]: A a a bit of a poem? [0:09:02, 0:09:04]: What a privilege it is. [0:09:04, 0:09:06]: And what an honour it is. [0:09:06, 0:09:09]: And what a great responsibility it is. [0:09:09, 0:09:13]: to all the citizens of this historic city. [0:09:13, 0:09:17]: that um I can step forth and be your mayor. [0:09:18, 0:09:20]: My worthy opponents [0:09:20, 0:09:26]: um, have my greatest congratulations and appreciation for good race. [0:09:26, 0:09:33]: I think we all stayed within the realms of civility. I think we all worked hard. We stayed in good taste. [0:09:33, 0:09:38]: And at the end it was a a wonderful race. [0:09:38, 0:09:44]: Of course, I'm especially grateful to all the people who gave up their precious time. [0:09:44, 0:09:49]: in their energy, not just to me, but to all the candidates that were in this race. [0:09:49, 0:09:52]: Because that is what community is all about. [0:09:53, 0:09:56]: is when people pull together to help each other. [0:09:56, 0:10:08]: And I made only a very minimal amount of promises when I was going door to door and the reason I did that is because the mayor does not have the vote. [0:10:08, 0:10:16]: But what I did promise, I hope that I will always be able to live up to my minimal promises that I made. [0:10:17, 0:10:23]: I think as I went door to door I began to realize that I had spent most of my life [0:10:23, 0:10:26]: preparing for this particular moment. [0:10:27, 0:10:28]: I had um [0:10:29, 0:10:36]: witnessed and observed politicians for many years and I already knew that every um [0:10:36, 0:10:41]: Fairy tale uh does not always begin with once upon a time. [0:10:41, 0:10:45]: And neither do um some political things. [0:10:45, 0:10:54]: Uh but they usually don't always begin with once I'm elected, I promise you this. I can assure you that I do not [0:10:54, 0:10:56]: make many promises. [0:10:56, 0:11:01]: Because I felt that I wanted to be able to honor what I promised you. [0:11:02, 0:11:06]: And throughout my term of office I will try to live up to that. [0:11:06, 0:11:10]: Nothing will be allowed to supersede that mission that I'm on. [0:11:10, 0:11:14]: You'll be pleased to know that this is not my first rodeo. [0:11:14, 0:11:27]: Uh, even though I've never held an elected uh position, I have been um around government for many years. I actually ran a state agency and both a state authority [0:11:27, 0:11:33]: And I have been responsible for many, many projects, some big, some small. [0:11:33, 0:11:38]: And in addition to that, I also ran a trade organization post retirement. [0:11:40, 0:11:44]: And in fact, it seems that these various experiences throughout my whole life [0:11:44, 0:11:46]: prepared me specifically [0:11:47, 0:11:48]: for this particular job. [0:11:49, 0:11:51]: And it is a great challenge. [0:11:51, 0:11:57]: It's no secret that we've had recent controversy in our city government over a number of years. [0:11:57, 0:12:01]: stagnation and misdirection in our local government. [0:12:01, 0:12:05]: Sadly, much of it has been paraded on television. [0:12:06, 0:12:10]: in the in the Metro Atlanta news, which goes all over the world. [0:12:11, 0:12:13]: So I want to assure each of you [0:12:14, 0:12:17]: And and my colleagues on the dais tonight. [0:12:17, 0:12:24]: that the anchor for bad publicity for Stockbridge has ceased is I why [0:12:25, 0:12:37]: I will not play that game, I will not be in that ball enough. I'm interested in doing the white thing for the citizens of Stockbridge. [0:12:38, 0:12:44]: I am interested that we not make those same mistakes again. I learned from my mother [0:12:45, 0:12:48]: that a mistake is not a mistake if you don't repeat it. [0:12:48, 0:12:50]: You get forgiveness on that first one. [0:12:50, 0:12:55]: But you don't when you continually do the w the things over and over again. [0:12:55, 0:13:07]: So I want to in a spirit of unity tonight with my colleagues on the dias to put out a hand of friendship so that we can wipe our slates clean and we can start [0:13:07, 0:13:14]: in twenty seventeen with an absolute clean slate start over and let's see if we can't move forward. [0:13:15, 0:13:19]: in the best interest of Stockbridge everything that we start to do. [0:13:20, 0:13:21]: As a beginning I [0:13:22, 0:13:26]: As I said, I st extend a hand of friendship to the city council members. [0:13:26, 0:13:46]: And I want to assure them and you that I will be working t together with them to extend to the citizens of Stockbridge the very best services that we can render so that we will make a name for ourselves, but it won't be a negative name. It will be one that they go, wow. [0:13:46, 0:13:51]: Ah, have you heard about those people in Stockbridge? We want that for our city. [0:13:51, 0:13:52]: Um [0:13:53, 0:13:57]: One of the things that I will focus a lot on in my leadership [0:13:57, 0:13:59]: is that I am accustomed [0:13:59, 0:14:02]: to working with um budgets. [0:14:03, 0:14:06]: And I have always considered it a primary duty. [0:14:07, 0:14:11]: to match all budgets with legitimate monies. [0:14:12, 0:14:16]: that are set aside for that purpose, estimated revenues. [0:14:16, 0:14:19]: I will do everything within my power as mayor. [0:14:19, 0:14:35]: to see that the citizens of Stockbridge um receive the same due diligence that I've always given looking after a budget. If we have the money, we can use it. If we don't have the money, I will not be supporting that. [0:14:35, 0:14:40]: Georgia law requires that every budget in city, county, state [0:14:40, 0:14:43]: in the state have to be that have to be balanced. [0:14:43, 0:14:48]: That simply means you have to match'em to your revenue estimates that are coming in for the next year. [0:14:49, 0:14:52]: And so as a as a point, knowing that [0:14:52, 0:14:55]: It will be my goal to always do that. [0:14:55, 0:14:57]: So I will [0:14:57, 0:15:01]: not be depending on emergency funds or other funds. [0:15:01, 0:15:05]: to under um support to support a budget. [0:15:07, 0:15:07]: Fue muy [0:15:07, 0:15:09]: set out a goal of [0:15:10, 0:15:17]: planning a budget, we can't use our linear thinking there because we only can use that that we have. [0:15:17, 0:15:21]: All of us in the last number of years have learned [0:15:21, 0:15:23]: That what we think might happen [0:15:23, 0:15:24]: Doesn't always happen. [0:15:25, 0:15:32]: We saw that happen in Henry County, we thought our county was moving forward and that level was never gonna burst. [0:15:32, 0:15:33]: Well when we [0:15:34, 0:15:36]: We start dipping into our reserve funds. [0:15:37, 0:15:40]: That bubble will and can burst more often than not. [0:15:41, 0:15:46]: So I will be a supporter of managing our money very wisely. [0:15:46, 0:15:51]: A second banner that will be prominently waived throughout my administration. [0:15:51, 0:15:54]: is strict compliance with Georgia laws. [0:15:55, 0:15:57]: The city of Scottridge Charter. [0:15:57, 0:16:06]: and rules of ethics and morality that citizens expect all of us who are in public office to guide our actions. [0:16:06, 0:16:10]: Except where allowed and required by law. [0:16:11, 0:16:15]: Any business that I conduct as your mayor will be done with the door open. [0:16:16, 0:16:17]: Um [0:16:17, 0:16:21]: with full reporting to the council and to the citizens of Scott Ridge. [0:16:22, 0:16:23]: Stockbridges. [0:16:24, 0:16:27]: so ideally located to attract [0:16:27, 0:16:29]: Business and industry. [0:16:29, 0:16:38]: that I will work diligently with all of our departments, with Henry County officials as well as state and utility agencies. [0:16:38, 0:16:40]: So that we can attract [0:16:40, 0:16:41]: Good job. [0:16:41, 0:16:45]: and good positions for the people that live in our community. [0:16:45, 0:16:53]: Of primary concern to all of us is the necessity of keeping good businesses that we already have in our community. [0:16:54, 0:17:09]: Unfortunately there are communities in Metro Atlanta that have had one bed one business closed after the other. And that happens oftentimes until you look around one day it starts gradually and you look around one day and you're down to um [0:17:10, 0:17:17]: a kind of a ghost town that's left. A lot of empty buildings, inconvenience stores, nail salons and things like that. [0:17:17, 0:17:22]: But Stockbridge has currently a great variety of restaurants. [0:17:22, 0:17:42]: We have a good uh line of fast food stores. We have a lot of things like that and it's crucial for us to keep things that we have. But we are also blessed to have a huge medical community uh partially located within the city limits. Part of it is in the county part [0:17:42, 0:17:43]: [1063.7, 1066.8]: But we are so blessed to have that. [0:17:47, 0:17:48]: partially in our city limits. [0:17:48, 0:17:51]: It's convenient to every Stockbridge citizen. [0:17:52, 0:17:56]: We also have many other services, whether it's a print company [0:17:56, 0:18:01]: or any number of other businesses in our community. [0:18:01, 0:18:05]: It makes life better for those of us who live in Stock Rouge. [0:18:06, 0:18:09]: We have things that are convenient and affordable. [0:18:09, 0:18:19]: And as we seek more business and more industry for our community, we must all make certain that our current businesses are nurtured [0:18:19, 0:18:22]: and made to feel welcome in our community. [0:18:23, 0:18:26]: That will be one major thing that I will focus on. [0:18:27, 0:18:30]: They are our treasures and we want to keep them. [0:18:30, 0:18:42]: No one wants to drive twenty minutes to go to the bank or shop for groceries or visit a doctor. So to make sure that we keep what we have not only as services [0:18:42, 0:18:44]: but also as our tax base. [0:18:44, 0:18:45]: Uh [0:18:45, 0:18:48]: pledge to be visiting with business owners [0:18:48, 0:18:51]: and business managers of our community. [0:18:52, 0:18:52]: And [0:18:52, 0:18:55]: any industry, business that's here. [0:18:55, 0:19:07]: I want to visit with them and make sure that they understand we value them being here and we want to focus attention on what we can do to make their businesses better. [0:19:07, 0:19:12]: They are not our piggy banks to always go to asking for something. [0:19:13, 0:19:17]: It is us that needs to make them feel a great part of our community. [0:19:18, 0:19:20]: So I want to stand ready to do that. [0:19:21, 0:19:26]: One factor that will scare money out of a community faster than a streak of lightning. [0:19:26, 0:19:29]: is simply when we have rampant clime. [0:19:30, 0:19:35]: An early priority for me would be to visit with our Henry County police. [0:19:35, 0:19:43]: so that I can review all the crime records for our community to make sure that the services for which we contract [0:19:43, 0:19:45]: are adequate to the task. [0:19:45, 0:19:50]: of keeping all of the citizens of Scott Bridge safe and visitors who come to our city. [0:19:51, 0:20:04]: We want to make sure that all properties are secured and that people when they go into our restaurants, into our businesses, they don't come back to find a broken window in their car. We want to make sure that everyone is safe. [0:20:04, 0:20:14]: We cannot thrive if Scott Ridge, as with some other communities, is being shamed in the news every night, with crime uh being paraded on our televisions. [0:20:15, 0:20:16]: So when it comes to [0:20:16, 0:20:20]: facet, every facet of the security of our citizen. You can [0:20:21, 0:20:30]: depend on the mayor of Stockbridge being on the front line, encouraging our council to all of us to be that be a lead thing that we focus on. [0:20:30, 0:20:31]: So that's where I stand. [0:20:32, 0:20:33]: With fewer than [0:20:33, 0:20:36]: fewer than thirty thousand citizens in the city of Stockbridge. [0:20:37, 0:20:38]: It's not a big city. [0:20:39, 0:20:49]: But for all the people here and for me, our uh city manager and all the employees, our attorney, it's a big job to manage a city of our size. [0:20:50, 0:20:52]: And I have no doubt [0:20:52, 0:20:53]: That [0:20:53, 0:20:56]: I will be able to I'm I'm going on a lot of faith. [0:20:57, 0:21:05]: But the reason I'm doing it is because I know a lot of prayers are going up in this community. They're going up by the millions, literally. I've never seen anything like it. [0:21:05, 0:21:07]: And we are praying. [0:21:07, 0:21:09]: That God will remove [0:21:09, 0:21:10]: Every [0:21:11, 0:21:12]: Every barrier. [0:21:13, 0:21:15]: in the way of the city of Stockbury. [0:21:15, 0:21:18]: And if we are the barrier personally [0:21:18, 0:21:28]: Or if you're the barrier, the citizens, then we have to pray that barrier away so that we can move forward and do great things for our community. [0:21:29, 0:21:30]: So as we [0:21:30, 0:21:39]: come together tonight. I want to let you know that my background in government has always been I'm always firm [0:21:39, 0:21:41]: But boy am I sad. [0:21:42, 0:21:58]: And and my good to the people that want to move us forward. And that is what I pledge. I will respect every voter. I do not care who they are, where they live, or what their circumstances, they will be high on my list. [0:21:58, 0:22:00]: I do not see colour. [0:22:00, 0:22:01]: I seek people. [0:22:02, 0:22:05]: I see policies and I see procedures. [0:22:05, 0:22:08]: I see competence and incompetence. [0:22:08, 0:22:11]: So tonight I pledge to you. [0:22:11, 0:22:15]: That I will try to be the best person I can be. [0:22:15, 0:22:21]: And I want to close with a little quote that you've heard me say, many of you have heard me say this before. [0:22:22, 0:22:32]: by Martin Luther King. It's one of my favorites. I don't agree with everybody everything everybody says, but I like to pick the best of everybody that I see and I know. [0:22:33, 0:22:37]: and take those best comments and use them to make me a better person. [0:22:38, 0:22:40]: And I want to share my closing thoughts. [0:22:40, 0:22:42]: The Martin Luther King cross quote. [0:22:42, 0:22:47]: Which simply says it's always the right time to do the right thing. [0:22:48, 0:22:52]: And tonight in Stockbridge, I believe it's an opportunity for us. [0:22:52, 0:22:53]: [1373.6, 1375.2]: Put out hands of friendship. [0:22:55, 0:23:00]: And we're gonna work together and we're gonna have fun doing it. It's not gonna be [0:23:02, 0:23:07]: I don't like the dark side. I don't play in the dark side. I play on the in the sand pile with [0:23:07, 0:23:08]: Happiness. [0:23:08, 0:23:12]: So I want to be that kind of mayor so that no matter what happens [0:23:13, 0:23:16]: They're gonna say, Boy, those people in Stockbridge have got it going down there. [0:23:17, 0:23:24]: And that's what I invite all of my colleagues to join in on that because I know we can do it. [0:23:24, 0:23:30]: And we can do it together. So I thank you all for coming tonight and I thank you for letting me share these thoughts. [0:24:05, 0:24:22]: invites someone that I am extremely fond of who um have a pra medical practice in the Eagle Slanding Unit. It's Dr. Kathy Mallow and I'm gonna ask her if she would come up. Uh there is a somebody has a [0:24:24, 0:24:42]: They don't leave. I'm I'm gonna brag on her before I come down there real quick. Um, doctor, come on up. Um, if you've not had a child in her pediatric practice, you need to tell all your friends and neighbors about it. She promotes reading and that's what we're gonna talk about here. [0:24:59, 0:25:15]: I just want to tell you that she has a library in her practice to teach children to read. That's one of her big things and that's what we're going to be reading about tonight. But if you haven't been to Cher Library, I encourage you to go and take a book and donate it. [0:25:16, 0:25:18]: But she would be so happy if you did it. [0:25:21, 0:25:30]: As elected officials of this great city, it is our pleasure and duty to recognize individuals who are doing wonderful things here in the Stockbridge community. [0:25:30, 0:25:33]: Doctor Catherine T and I'm gonna let you pronounce [0:25:34, 0:25:35]: [1536.4, 1548.5]: Close. Um Dr. Maurer, MD joined the nationwide campaign Reach Out and Read, a nonprofit program to promote early age literacy for her patients. [0:25:48, 0:25:53]: The Reach Out and Read Literacy Organization provides training [0:25:53, 0:25:57]: to pediatricians with a goal to prepare their young patients for scoop. [0:25:58, 0:25:59]: Excuse me, for school. [0:26:00, 0:26:08]: Through this program doctors prescribe books for patients to read and the doctors also encourage families to read together. [0:26:08, 0:26:15]: To promote reading for her young patients while attending visits to her office, there are no televisions. [0:26:17, 0:26:28]: Instead there are reading rooms in the waiting areas. The office waiting room is decorated vibrantly with mechanical games, brightly colored artwork, and a library of books. [0:26:29, 0:26:39]: Dr. Maurer also involves parents by offering advice on the importance of reading to their children in teaching their children to read for themselves. [0:26:40, 0:26:54]: We commend you, Dr. Maurer, for your commitment to literacy and to the Stockbridge community. Thank you for the wonderful work that you do. We also would like to congratulate you on your recent accolades of being included in [0:26:54, 0:27:01]: on the best docks in Atlanta list. We agree and we wish you continued success. [0:27:20, 0:27:21]: Want us down there? [0:27:31, 0:27:32]: Let me get one more. [0:27:55, 0:28:05]: T-shirt was the one that followed up to his um ideas. I don't know. Okay, no three. One, two, three. [0:28:05, 0:28:09]: Well, one, two, three. [0:28:10, 0:28:15]: [1724.7, 1725.1]: Yeah. [0:28:53, 0:28:55]: We do, we have Ms. Darlene Jackson. [0:28:58, 0:29:00]: Barlene Jackson, if you would [0:29:12, 0:29:20]: Hello everyone at the city council. Thank you. Morning. Evening. Um I brought this well, I best better state my name and my address. [0:29:20, 0:29:25]: Uh Darlene Jackson is my name. I leave at four two eighteen Ahealy Court, Stockbridge. [0:29:26, 0:29:26]: Um [0:29:27, 0:29:29]: My question that I'm bringing tonight [0:29:29, 0:29:49]: is the second time that I brought uh to the council uh pertaining to the water authority. I wanted some investigation into why we're paying it on our tax bill as well as paying the city of Stockbridge for doing the same job. Um after talking with Mr. Birch [0:29:49, 0:30:02]: I've even talked with uh Mr. Curry as opposed to why uh we're paying this and it was a bond that was given to the water thirty years ago to help sustain themselves. [0:30:03, 0:30:05]: Um I'm hearing now that they can [0:30:06, 0:30:10]: So I'm wondering why are the bonds still open? [0:30:10, 0:30:28]: where they're able to add if they wanna say they need uh maintenance work done on the lines or whatever, we have no means of uh seeing that this is being done. Uh the citizens have no uh say on whether it should be staying uh open or not. [0:30:29, 0:30:36]: And I'm just trying to get to the bottom of it before I decide to leave. I've been here since two thousand five. [0:30:36, 0:30:38]: And [0:30:38, 0:30:58]: They do the same thing. City of Stockbridge does the same thing as the Water Authority. Why is this bond still open? Why are they able to add it? Why can't we vote on it staying open? And then my second question was about public safety. What exactly are we going to pay for? I know it's been added to our uh tax pay. [0:30:58, 0:31:03]: feel but I I would like it outlined on exactly where my money is going. [0:31:06, 0:31:20]: They have and and the rest people can say we have people that functions are functions. I'm not sure that our speeches are not around. [0:31:25, 0:31:27]: [1888.3, 1894.1]: Yeah, we spoke before, yeah. So I will talk to him and [0:31:37, 0:31:40]: Okay. Thank you for your time. Uh oh. [0:31:46, 0:31:48]: Ms. Nancy Strickland. [0:32:08, 0:32:13]: Council and Mayor, I'm Nancy Strickland. I live at one oh two Wexford Court. [0:32:13, 0:32:14]: In Stockbridge. [0:32:15, 0:32:17]: I just want to thank you all. [0:32:17, 0:32:19]: We've had so much. [0:32:19, 0:32:25]: turmoil along the way and I just want to tell all of you how much I appreciate y'all [0:32:25, 0:32:26]: And what you've done. [0:32:27, 0:32:29]: My husband was teared stripped one. [0:32:29, 0:32:33]: And if I get emotional I'll just go sit down but [0:32:33, 0:32:34]: Um [0:32:35, 0:32:38]: And I want to thank Michael so much for the good job that he's done. [0:32:40, 0:32:41]: But uh this is um [0:32:42, 0:32:45]: a time that we've had an election now. [0:32:45, 0:32:50]: And I just hope that we can settle down and get back to business. [0:32:51, 0:32:51]: Oh [0:32:54, 0:32:57]: There's nobody in the world, I guess, that loves Stockbridge more than I do. [0:32:58, 0:33:04]: And I want to let y'all know that I will be available at any time to help in any way that I can. [0:33:04, 0:33:06]: And also um [0:33:06, 0:33:08]: Judy mentioned the budget. [0:33:09, 0:33:17]: Has the budget already been settled for this year? Okay. Is this budget balanced? [0:33:18, 0:33:21]: Mail, can you on it? [0:33:23, 0:33:25]: Okay. [0:33:25, 0:33:30]: Okay. I just wanted to make sure this is a level playing film now. [0:33:31, 0:33:31]: We've got [0:33:32, 0:33:33]: To start over. [0:33:33, 0:33:34]: And uh [0:33:34, 0:33:38]: Just want to make sure that it it's it's balanced without any reserve. [0:33:39, 0:33:41]: being used or anything like that. But [0:33:42, 0:33:47]: Most of all I'm just so proud of y'all and uh I'm I'm proud of the job that Judy's going to be doing. I've [0:33:48, 0:33:54]: I've worked with her since our kids were in PTA in elementary school and she's a worker. [0:33:54, 0:33:59]: And she's gonna do well. And thank y'all so bad for listening to me. [0:34:05, 0:34:06]: There are no public comments. [0:34:12, 0:34:13]: To order a blue sexy. [0:34:17, 0:34:18]: And um [0:34:20, 0:34:22]: First thing that would be [0:34:25, 0:34:26]: I don't think that's [0:34:26, 0:34:46]: But I'm gonna ask a favor of the council tonight. Um please I got here and um I've got this big book and everything and and the box and things that we need to learn. Um would you I would like because you designed a change that you can explain, there's a both you [0:34:46, 0:34:57]: [2098.1, 2107.0]: Hey, can we balance I think we're going to come to turn them? I'm gonna ask our council tonight if we want to [0:35:07, 0:35:25]: They may not and I would like for us to put a twenty five those and five not have a chance to have a formal conversation yet with our [0:35:26, 0:35:29]: I want to ask that everything on this [0:35:29, 0:35:49]: Uh we'll probably work session on January month. If we shall have that time, we will all have the time to have some conversations. I think there are lots of ways to solve the problems. I'm not going to spend around seven fifteen and [0:35:50, 0:35:57]: And saying that solution to the case. They would do it with why not being there for it. [0:35:58, 0:36:04]: So I would like to make that as a recommendation and if anybody will support me on it, I would like to hear from [0:36:06, 0:36:18]: Madam Mayor, you don't mind. Um I'd like to ask the uh uh uh uh uh a council here, can we go into a new fiscal year without having a balance of Mayor's asking for January, can we do ac action for do that first of all? [0:36:20, 0:36:24]: My understanding is it would be for the December twenty seventh, um [0:36:24, 0:36:25]: Or two uh [0:36:26, 0:36:33]: December twenty seventh is the work session in December and then January is you referred to the meeting in January. So [0:36:35, 0:36:37]: I actually want us to wait and [0:36:40, 0:36:48]: the at the end of this month and and that is something the council could certainly do. Um, Madam Mayor, if I could make a recommendation [0:36:49, 0:37:09]: We'd advertise tonight for the public hearing. You could still have the public hearing and hear from the public tonight and that would satisfy the legal requirements so that you wouldn't have to have another public hearing. You could if you wanted to and hear from the public again. But I would recommend you go ahead and have the hearing tonight and if the council [0:37:09, 0:37:14]: What's the way to make a final decision on a doctrine, then they could do that on the twenty seventh. [0:37:17, 0:37:19]: All right. Uh can I continue on here? [0:37:19, 0:37:21]: Um a couple things. Um [0:37:21, 0:37:24]: The one point five million come out of fund balance. [0:37:24, 0:37:35]: Um obviously we'll have additional conversation about this, but uh my understanding is that we're not doing anything illegal. We're not doing anything illegal by doing that. Now, mind you, [0:37:35, 0:37:37]: [2260.7, 2276.7]: Well for the public hearings for the public to address us. I mean I I was thinking that you wanted some comments in reference to this now. I mean I could s I'll say the comments later. I just need to get this whatever I want to say off my chest and and and say these things. [0:37:56, 0:37:58]: To ensure that um [0:37:58, 0:38:01]: uh that at least get publicly known. [0:38:02, 0:38:03]: Well excuse me. [0:38:04, 0:38:09]: One second. Okay. So I mean I'm looking at you, sir, once again, for any legal advice here. [0:38:10, 0:38:17]: Well, it it's the council's decision whether or not they want to delay final adoption of the budget for [0:38:18, 0:38:27]: you know, another for two weeks. Um so it's my understanding the mayor is asking you all to make that decision now before you proceed [0:38:29, 0:38:33]: All right. I'll I'll I'll wait for my comments. I'm I'm pretty sure other people want to speak. [0:38:34, 0:38:35]: Madam Mayor, if I may. [0:38:35, 0:38:40]: Um, I think uh and correct me if I'm wrong, but I think one of [0:38:40, 0:38:42]: The issues is um [0:38:42, 0:38:45]: Mayor Pro Tem is addressing [0:38:45, 0:38:52]: his issues with the budget or whether or not we're gonna discuss it, I don't know. I'm a little confused. Do we talk about [0:38:52, 0:38:58]: discussing it or do we go ahead and make a motion to allow for public comments? [0:38:59, 0:39:00]: Well [0:39:00, 0:39:16]: Madam Mayor, if I may respond, it's my understanding, you know, the public comments will proceed in due course if the council makes no decision that that's on the agenda and you already have that set. And so what's being requested is a change from the agenda [0:39:16, 0:39:21]: for the council to consider delaying final adoption but [0:39:22, 0:39:29]: All I've recommended is if you do that you should probably still go ahead and at least have a public hearing portion tonight. [0:39:29, 0:39:35]: And then but you should decide what you want to do as far as final adoption before you have that public hearing. [0:39:36, 0:39:37]: Madam Mayor. [0:39:41, 0:39:45]: Um one of the things I've always contended here on the council is that [0:39:46, 0:39:50]: Uh lack of understanding always breeds two things and that's conflict and confusion. [0:39:50, 0:39:54]: And so until everybody get a clear understanding of the budget because there is still some [0:39:54, 0:39:58]: uh things that we haven't as a council agreed on pertaining to this budget. [0:39:58, 0:40:02]: So if we whatever's gonna go on tonight, if we're gonna do an extension [0:40:03, 0:40:03]: Uh because [0:40:04, 0:40:06]: as the budget is laid out before the public to see. [0:40:07, 0:40:12]: over ten million dollars and we only have a general fund that comes in is eight point eight, eight point nine. [0:40:12, 0:40:17]: I would not agree to the budget tonight myself, pertaining to what's shown to the public tonight. So [0:40:18, 0:40:26]: if there's an agreement to move forward to uh for us to make those adjustments, then I'm for that. Well mayor. [0:40:33, 0:40:46]: So you're saying that you really need to open it up for public hearing and it it was online. [0:40:47, 0:40:50]: You're you're saying that we would not have a public hearing. [0:40:51, 0:40:52]: After we [0:40:53, 0:40:55]: After we maybe have [0:40:55, 0:41:15]: Let me clarify. I'm just saying you've already advertised for the public hearing tonight, so I'm recommending that you at least have that. You c you are still fully within your rights as a council to receive additional public comment again in two weeks if that's your decision to delay it. But I just don't want you [0:41:15, 0:41:20]: you to not have the hearing tonight after you've already uh advertised it. [0:41:30, 0:41:33]: It's all the budget's already been presented, so uh I think it'd be appropriate [0:41:34, 0:41:35]: Yes, ma'am. [0:41:37, 0:41:50]: Yes, uh I uh uh this is what I want clarification on. I think uh Madam Mayor asked the council for us to have what we thought about moving this item two weeks. [0:41:51, 0:42:11]: That is discussion. So I think what Mayor Pro Tem did was absolutely appropriate in that the request was for us to talk about or to decide. I think we would want the public to know what our thoughts are on whether or not um we were for that. Um personally like um Mayor [0:42:11, 0:42:31]: Pro Tem said I I want to make sure that we do everything that's legal and in accordance with where we're trying to go uh to establish the budget. But the state does outline uh a budgeting process. There was three advertised meetings, and tonight was actually supposed to be the last one of those three advertising. [0:42:31, 0:42:51]: advertised meetings. We've had them three s uh two of them success that was opened up to the public as well as all council members. Uh there were several members of the public who attended all of those meetings and we kinda decided uh you know what uh was going into the budget. I would like to call on [0:42:50, 0:43:09]: uh Madam Mayor to go on record to tell us what her concerns are uh with the budget, seeing that we've had uh three meet this is our third meeting, so we could kinda talk about where we wanted to go and if there was any concerns that you've had with the process uh s thus far. [0:43:13, 0:43:17]: The question on the table is where is the council point? [0:43:19, 0:43:39]: That me enough. I've been in office for like five months, budget. And we do want to go to the city's suppliers of seventeen budget. I'm asking for a full two week so that I can study the budget, be better prepared, and that we can [0:43:39, 0:43:41]: [2622.5, 2640.3]: on a solution to cities collected for two. I mean I'm not faulting anybody, I'm not criticizing anybody, I'm just saying that at this point I would like that two weeks period of time so that we can [0:44:00, 0:44:01]: Yeah. [0:44:01, 0:44:02]: Yeah. [0:44:02, 0:44:03]: Thank you. [0:44:03, 0:44:09]: budget that is finally passed is the budget that we can live with. That is my request. [0:44:14, 0:44:15]: Madam Mayor. [0:44:17, 0:44:28]: I move that we allow the public to speak in regards to the final reading and adoption of the proposed fiscal year twenty seventeen operating budget. [0:44:30, 0:44:41]: However, I move that after the public speaks that we table and allow you time to review the budget for a couple of weeks. Sorry. I'm in agreement with that. [0:44:42, 0:44:43]: All in favor? [0:44:44, 0:44:46]: Discussion please. [0:44:48, 0:45:02]: Mm-hmm. I I can agree to this, uh, but I also want to make sure that uh during discussion after the public speaks I have some comments that I like to make to help us along this process. I need to get it off my chest before we leave here tonight. Okay? Thank you. [0:45:02, 0:45:04]: Yes discussion as well. [0:45:10, 0:45:10]: We take a vote. [0:45:11, 0:45:13]: Madam Mayor, you need the the yeas and nays. [0:45:14, 0:45:17]: No you no no you didn't. All right. All in favor? [0:45:19, 0:45:20]: Um [0:45:22, 0:45:31]: Mayor Neal, I just need a clarification on the date. Did you say the twentieth s the work session? Is that where we're delaying this? Twenty session. Okay. Thank you. [0:45:39, 0:45:43]: Madam Mayor, you'd open the public hearing and and ask for comments. [0:45:49, 0:46:05]: Not as familiar with the budget, but if you have comments that you want to make um the budget, that's what we're hearing about that mail just about the it will um come to closing one dot one as a comment. [0:46:05, 0:46:07]: Part one structure. [0:46:10, 0:46:23]: Actually the public hearing in itself has a certain amount of time for the public hearing. Ten minutes for your public hearing. In favor or opposed? If anyone wants to speak. [0:46:30, 0:46:35]: Those in favor should come forward first. Those in favor. [0:46:37, 0:46:43]: Those in favor of the of the budget should come forward first and then those opposed would come second. [0:46:46, 0:46:48]: I I want them to have enough [0:46:54, 0:46:55]: That's the other one. [0:46:56, 0:47:08]: Is that okay? So we're gonna mix it in. Alright, so uh uh you don't have to tell us quickly for like before you come to the podium if you have any statement you wanna make about the budget, please come to this time. [0:47:11, 0:47:14]: No mess, start from this way and come all the way over. Okay. [0:47:15, 0:47:25]: We'll just start up and start over here, or then we'll do that two minutes and I'll sort of about three minutes to the first one. [0:47:27, 0:47:30]: [2851.9, 2856.2]: Mayor Neal, the three minute rule does not apply. It's open to ten minutes. [0:47:38, 0:47:44]: If he talks ten minutes, that's the entire hearing. [0:47:46, 0:47:51]: M my name is Joe Bates, uh eighteen thirteen Chick Court, Stockbridge, Georgia. [0:47:52, 0:47:57]: And I want to encourage the entire council not to have a budget. [0:47:57, 0:47:58]: That is not balanced. [0:47:59, 0:48:05]: Uh my understanding with the state law is fairly simple. I'm not a lawyer and I'm not an official. [0:48:05, 0:48:18]: But I just uh don't believe that uh having an unbalanced budget would be in the best interest of anybody here and certainly not myself. So that's all I have to say and thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. [0:48:22, 0:48:23]: Discussed. [0:48:41, 0:48:59]: Council, um I just wanted to clarify the reason I mentioned budget to start with is because my husband was Ted Strickland and I know when budget time came up they worried and worked and all of this and I just wanted to make sure I didn't know whether this would even come up or not. [0:48:59, 0:49:02]: But I wanted to make sure that uh the [0:49:02, 0:49:11]: Everything is level ground at this point and and we can move from here. Thank you. [0:49:20, 0:49:40]: My name is Lou Goldie and I live at 172 Garden Walk in uh Stockbridge. I've lived there for eighteen years. Uh my question is does next year's budget include uh provision for city police? I know it's talked about, I just haven't heard any more about it. Uh I'd just like to know if that's included in the budget next year, if anything's been approved on. [0:49:40, 0:49:42]: That's the only question I have. Thank you. [0:49:45, 0:49:47]: I mean [0:49:50, 0:49:54]: Um I think that would be that [0:50:01, 0:50:05]: I'm Shirley Wallislong at three ten Tory Trail here in South Bridge. [0:50:05, 0:50:10]: I wanna know, I haven't had an opportunity to even review the proposed budget. [0:50:10, 0:50:13]: Or what you was going to discuss tonight as a citizen. [0:50:13, 0:50:16]: I would like to be able to see that budget myself. [0:50:17, 0:50:19]: And also when you have your next meeting [0:50:20, 0:50:22]: Make it to where everybody [0:50:22, 0:50:26]: who wants to attend to give their opinion about the the pu the budget. [0:50:27, 0:50:29]: Make it where we can speak instead of [0:50:31, 0:50:33]: It just coming up and this is what it is. [0:50:33, 0:50:34]: Um [0:50:34, 0:50:34]: Yeah. [0:50:35, 0:50:39]: That's what a lot of people are concerned about at this particular point. [0:50:39, 0:50:44]: And if if that can just be presented to where whether you listen it on [0:50:44, 0:50:45]: The website [0:50:46, 0:50:48]: 'Cause most of us here do have access to the website. [0:50:50, 0:50:54]: then that would be good to give at least me as a president of my community to [0:50:54, 0:51:02]: get it to my community so they can take a look at it and not all of us will be able to come in, but at least a consensus where we could all [0:51:03, 0:51:06]: get our our questions together and at least have one representative. [0:51:10, 0:51:30]: Mayor Neal, the the budget was placed on the website with the first hearing. When there were changes made to the first hearing, those changes were also made public on the website. In addition to the website, we have a copy in the receptionist area as we indicate, and we also have a copy in our finance office for the public. [0:51:29, 0:51:30]: Public to view. [0:51:37, 0:51:40]: That would be an open records request from Ms. Long. [0:51:42, 0:51:58]: It's it's available to view, but if she wants a copy, then we would have to do that via open records report. And I'll it's also on the website. [0:51:59, 0:52:00]: [3129.8, 3131.2]: We're at six minutes. [0:52:19, 0:52:25]: My name is Richard Ordonas, I live at one hundred twelve men Boulevard. My wife is a lifelong resident, born and raised here in Stockbridge. [0:52:26, 0:52:28]: We've taught our kids. [0:52:28, 0:52:28]: Two. [0:52:29, 0:52:30]: Spend what you have. [0:52:30, 0:52:32]: Safer any David, don't go over that. [0:52:33, 0:52:35]: I expect and I would like to see. [0:52:35, 0:52:36]: Our city council did the same thing. [0:52:37, 0:52:38]: The budget should be [0:52:39, 0:52:39]: Um [0:52:40, 0:52:44]: within the realms of what we have to spend and not over that we should be balanced. [0:52:45, 0:52:49]: If I did not balance my budget at home, I may not be able to pay my water bill or my taxes. [0:52:49, 0:52:51]: And then who do I have to come to? [0:52:51, 0:52:53]: City of Stockbridge and explain it. [0:52:53, 0:52:55]: So I think that it who's everybody [0:52:56, 0:53:00]: to be within a balanced budget for whatever city they specifically Stockbridge because they live here. [0:53:01, 0:53:04]: But I've always taught my kids to maintain that [0:53:04, 0:53:10]: and how it is so that when they're down the road, they get older, they're able to provide for themselves. [0:53:10, 0:53:14]: And things like that. So I would like to make sure and see that our balance our budget is balanced. [0:53:14, 0:53:18]: So that we don't have to keep going back and back and trying [0:53:18, 0:53:25]: get more money from the s the businesses, from the citizens, or some other place in order to meet the balance budget. Thank you. [0:53:27, 0:53:42]: And um at this point as a little bit of some of our platform people that have a foot camera. Um next the work session would be [0:53:44, 0:53:45]: Okay for that. [0:53:46, 0:53:47]: [3227.7, 3232.3]: It's the twenty seventh of December. [0:53:53, 0:53:56]: I know. She wanna come back for that. [0:53:58, 0:54:04]: At at this point I'll see my coming out and then uh typically coming up. [0:54:05, 0:54:17]: We are talking about and and I know that um Georgia law says we have to balance our budget the [0:54:22, 0:54:23]: And you have [0:54:25, 0:54:40]: actually estimated the exact medium uh pockets that we're starting from us. So that's basically what I think um uh project boards would like to do that. I'll start with the people on that. [0:54:42, 0:55:02]: Thank you, Madam Mayor. Appreciate that. In the process of going through a budget, uh we wanted to see we're seeking basically economic development. We want to do what we can to bring businesses and bring you all downtown and develop the area right around here, the city hall and our main street area, things of that nature. So part of the budget uh coming out of fund balance dealt with [0:55:02, 0:55:06]: with the rebanding initiative, also dealt with apitheater design. [0:55:07, 0:55:16]: Okay, that we want to have back here as well. A comprehensive plan, which is actually a two year process, and half of it would be paid in in in twenty seventeen, the other half in twenty eighteen. [0:55:17, 0:55:21]: opportunity zone, uh tax zone information to bring businesses downtown. [0:55:22, 0:55:29]: And uh fiber optic network for all our city buildings. That's part of it what we would want to take out of uh the fund balance as well. [0:55:29, 0:55:35]: Now we we have all these uh Tasty Tuesdays and we have all these these events downtown and we were renting [0:55:35, 0:55:47]: out uh lights. So we want to purchase uh uh light towers for our public works and also message boards to get information out to you all, the citizens, that all came out that was all coming out of fund balance as well. [0:55:48, 0:55:59]: And the the biggest concern I I think and the council will speak to this themselves if they want to, I think the biggest concern dealt with roughly five hundred thousand dollars of the of the one point five million [0:56:00, 0:56:20]: easily to dealt with any purchases of land for development of the downtown area. If if we were looking at expanding what we would pay potentially pay to expand everything on the downtown area. That was kind of the more of the concern of how about to go go about the process of going about doing that, whether you you amend the budget later or whether or not you identify it up front. Another I think a [0:56:20, 0:56:32]: concern dealt with a public informations officer uh that the staff uh had wanted and council members had mentioned as well. Now granted I was uh I was opposed to that last time we talked about this. [0:56:32, 0:56:35]: To fund anything like that a new position. [0:56:35, 0:56:54]: it also has to come out of fund balance. And that's one of the things I said publicly in our two uh previous uh uh budget hearings is that there were things that Mr Harris and our and our treasurer Linda neighbors had told me and I just said, No, I think I want to go down this road which generated additional conversation which is why we're having this now, which is perfectly fine. [0:56:54, 0:56:55]: Um [0:56:55, 0:56:57]: Now I have to tell you that uh [0:56:57, 0:57:00]: Uh the GMA, the Jordan Municipal Association [0:57:00, 0:57:20]: has a plenty of classes and educates our municipal officials, elected officials and just last week I went to Tifton, Georgia for how do you effectively brand and market your city. Okay. Once again I mentioned earlier rebranding an initiative which is this that we want to start here in in Stockbridge and and have and we started those type of things with [0:57:20, 0:57:33]: with our Main Street program, which is in this general facility, and uh we're looking at uh the hiring and uh some contractors that help us with rebranding our our our city itself. Well I went to this particular class with open mind [0:57:33, 0:57:53]: And talking getting an education, spend three hours learning some things and talking to some other officials in some other cities and around the state. And after thinking about it and understanding where we where I think this council wants to take the city and the fact of of what the s what uh city officials of the p full time staff have mentioned to me, I'm now of the mindset to go ahead and say, Okay, I think we probably [0:57:53, 0:58:04]: need a public information officer. All right? Whether it's full time or part time. But even since I've changed my mind and I say that, guess what? If we do that, that funding event's gotta come out of fund balance to do that. [0:58:05, 0:58:16]: See all these things it's a process. All these things that we want to move the city forward uh comes out of fund balance. Now there are some things with splots initiatives, some other funds we can use, but the m the to move as aggressively is what this council wants to do. [0:58:17, 0:58:19]: Funds balance is how we're gonna have to solve it. [0:58:19, 0:58:30]: If we don't do that then there are things that we will be able to do but become very slow and it'll take several years. We wanna move faster. And we can do it faster. [0:58:30, 0:58:37]: I just wanted to mention that in that aspect. Uh that is for m for right now, that is my two cents. Thank you. Madam Mayor. [0:58:42, 0:58:46]: Um, the only comment I uh um really have in regards to the bo um [0:58:46, 0:58:47]: Budget. [0:58:47, 0:58:49]: And just so the audience knows. [0:58:50, 0:59:00]: We have as a finance committee chair, anytime there's a quarterly report or any update on what's going on, feel free to go online to the City of Stockbridge website. [0:59:00, 0:59:04]: Um whether it's the agendas, whether it's the quarterly [0:59:04, 0:59:17]: updated everything is on the website for you. Um if you were to come and ask for a copy here you would have to go through open records. So I I don't have any comments tonight in regards to the budget. Thank you. [0:59:20, 0:59:21]: Pani Przewodnicząca. [0:59:22, 0:59:35]: I just want to say a lot of the training that we're receiving through GMA, um, we're doing just as what we were tr we're trained to do. Um we're using the information and just like Miss Strickland said, um [0:59:36, 0:59:56]: A lot of the drawings that are in our clerk's office are from the previous counsel and mayor. They had drawings of having an amphitheater. So what we're trying to do is their vision was there as well. It's just now the time is now. And we just need the public support to be um we have [0:59:56, 1:00:16]: have the council meetings as we stated the budget and we went through the process. We just need your help to come out and attend these meetings. Even when we're saying with the branding, a lot of people aren't on social media, but we can at least let you know with our new branding with the signs to say there's a council meeting [1:00:16, 1:00:22]: meeting on this day. So that way you're aware and you can come out just like you have done this evening. [1:00:22, 1:00:27]: But again I just wanna state that um the drawings and I wish we could have had it um [1:00:27, 1:00:47]: out here but um mister Ted Strickland and all of them they had that vision and and it wasn't the time but we're basically still in line with everything that they were trying to do is what I see. Um and we just want to bring that to pass and I thank you for your prayers. We're definitely gonna need it. Um but they have [1:00:47, 1:01:07]: And like I said, if you want to come to the clerk's office, you'll be willing to show anyone um those drawings that they had. Um but again the information is there on the webpage, but we're just trying to make a change for Stockbridge. Stockbridge is um growing, people are moving here, and we're just trying [1:01:07, 1:01:09]: [3670.0, 3676.3]: a welcoming city and that we know that we can be. But definitely keep us in your prayers and um [1:01:17, 1:01:37]: Madam Mayor, um I am in agreement to sitting down. Um hopefully I was hoping we could have had a special call meeting before tonight and we could have done this, but it didn't happen. But I do feel that we all need to be on the same page and if we're gonna be a team and be as one, we have to sit down at the table, have a conversation. [1:01:37, 1:01:41]: and then that way we can come together, be it your way or this way [1:01:42, 1:01:45]: Whatever, as long as we're doing it for the city, I'm in agreement with that. [1:01:52, 1:02:04]: I just want to say that uh in in in government, in any body of government, there's always the perception of the truth and then there's always the the truth. One presents what could be reality and the other presents reality. [1:02:04, 1:02:11]: And what the coun this council has to do and the way we need to operate is that we need to make sure that the perception that you get [1:02:12, 1:02:13]: is the reality. [1:02:13, 1:02:24]: Because if your perception is shown differently, maybe we could be going in reality in the right way in something of the truth. But if we give you all the wrong perception, that's what you're gonna go off of. [1:02:24, 1:02:34]: And I and and I petition each one of my colleagues here and the mayor that we come to you with not perception but the reality of the truth. [1:02:35, 1:02:47]: And how do you do that? You do that strategically by making a plan and everybody come together and say, What's the best plan that we can make this happen where it doesn't look like a perception of something that would not be s pleasing to the citizens? [1:02:48, 1:02:52]: My opinion and my opinion only, I can only control this area right here. [1:02:52, 1:03:01]: There's things about this budget that I don't agree with and I've made that clear. There's things about this and I told them even tonight that I would not agree on this budget. [1:03:01, 1:03:10]: Each one of my colleagues know this. But that's me right here in my section uh in my space, so I would not give you all a perception of something. [1:03:11, 1:03:12]: That's not the truth. [1:03:15, 1:03:31]: Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the this is what it really comes down to. Madam Mayor and everybody ran up here. I think I'd like to thank Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Ford for doing an outstanding job of stewarding the city uh in the last eleven months and twelve days. [1:03:36, 1:03:48]: We have endeavored to make Stockbridge one of the best cities in Metro Atlanta. We developed a new vision statement to actually outline that to put it in writing. [1:03:48, 1:04:08]: But when it really comes down to it where the rubber meets the road, Georgia is the number one place in America to do business. And it's not it's no accident that Stockbridge has been left behind in many occasions. You gotta put skin in the game. The state established incentive programs that we're trying to establish called enterprise. [1:04:08, 1:04:28]: Zones. If you, as a business owner, want to bring a business downtown, you would be rewarded every time you created a new job, getting a$3,400 tax credit. But in order for us to do that, we have to submit a bid to DCA in order to have it certified as an enterprise zone. Economic development. [1:04:28, 1:04:31]: Saying those words get you elected. [1:04:32, 1:04:46]: I am determined for myself personally to not just be a politician that talks, to get things done and to make sure that we move forward with the things that we promise the citizens, like downtown redevelopment. [1:04:47, 1:04:51]: And many times our downtown is completely indistinguishable. [1:04:52, 1:05:09]: We have set forth to outline a master plan to uh have a distinguishable downtown, to draw new businesses, restaurants and shops, and to help those existing business owners repair their businesses through facade grants through the DDA which helped us. [1:05:09, 1:05:11]: Let me say this to you right now. [1:05:12, 1:05:22]: All the training that you pay for at Georgia Municipal Association, which is twelve thousand dollars in last year's budget, taught us, it said to us [1:05:22, 1:05:40]: Fiscal responsibility requires twenty-five percent savings and everybody here has a save personal savings account that they live on uh that they have for a rainy day. The Georgia Municipal Association establishes that rate at fifteen to twenty-five percent. [1:05:41, 1:05:55]: Contrary to what you probably heard in the media or in the news, Stockbridge had an eighty seven percent fund balance. Means that we had we're supposed to have twenty five, but we have eighty seven percent. [1:05:56, 1:06:15]: mean which means that we have a almost a year's supply of extra funding. I challenge each and every one of you in this council as we are putting this budget together to say part of the reason that the city of Stockbridge looks like it does in areas right now is we haven't been spending enough money. [1:06:16, 1:06:25]: We need to reinvest in our city to make it look and appear the way that we want to, to attract the kind of businesses that we want to attract. [1:06:26, 1:06:46]: If we use this budget, which is fund reserve, we plan the budget calls for us to use uh a pro um to take us down maybe one point five million dollars out of that reserve. What that does it takes us down to about seventy percent fund balance, which is we still have [1:06:46, 1:07:06]: have a seventy percent savings rate, which the Georgia Municipal Association requires twenty five percent. So we still have substantial savings. I hope many of you have noticed some of the improvements that we made uh as you come down Rock Quarry Road. It was so silly to me that [1:07:06, 1:07:20]: we would cut part of Rock Quarry Road, then the county wouldn't cut apart, and then we would cut another part, and you would drive down and it looked like somebody had a haircut and part was right here, this part wasn't cut. You know what I said to this council? [1:07:21, 1:07:23]: The citizens just want to see it cut. [1:07:24, 1:07:44]: And that's what we start doing. We invested in you because we want Stockbridge to be one of the best places in Metro Atlanta to live. And please do not have it be misinterpreted that we would do anything illegal. We were not going to pass a budget that is not balanced. Yes, we are going to take reserve funds. [1:07:44, 1:07:53]: funds. But those reserve funds take us down to still seventy percent of fund balance for a rainy day in case things happen. [1:07:53, 1:07:54]: In this city. [1:07:55, 1:08:15]: But you cannot go to these new new we're trying to attract jobs to the city. You can't go go to these businesses empty handed and say economic development. They're not going to hear that. They're going to put you at the bottom of the list. I'm calling for this money to be investment into the city to improve our standards of living here so we can [1:08:15, 1:08:24]: can attract the jobs that our citizens need. Every time I look at the unemployment data in Stockbridge, we're like number four from the from the top. [1:08:25, 1:08:45]: Our rate is like two to three percent higher than anybody in Metro Atlanta. That's completely unacceptable. Completely unacceptable. And to answer in just thirty more seconds, if I could, to answer the gentleman's question, we have a feasibility study underway right now from Carl Vincent Institute paying. [1:08:45, 1:09:05]: For to establish a Stockbridge Police Department or to tell us whether it would be appropriate to establish a Stockbridge Police Department. I ran on establishing a Stockbridge Police Department because the county resources are spread so thin. And those are the type of things that we have to do. And that's where the budget comes from. [1:09:05, 1:09:25]: You can't have that safety and security without putting the money in the game. And that's what we're asking to do by balancing the budget, using some of our reserve funds to invest in our city in sidewalk and police services and in fixing up the city. So when you get off the expression [1:09:25, 1:09:29]: [4169.2, 4173.2]: that there's not litter everywhere. That's what we have in this budget. [1:09:36, 1:09:36]: Um [1:09:39, 1:09:44]: Do I have any objections to us moving our agenda forward? [1:09:51, 1:09:54]: You would need to close the public hearing formally. [1:10:00, 1:10:05]: Okay, at this time in the public hearing is [1:10:16, 1:10:18]: Um would you say that at this point I [1:10:22, 1:10:27]: Uh madam, um there are some other items on the agenda that are not related to the budget. [1:10:28, 1:10:30]: I thought we were gonna move the whole media. [1:10:30, 1:10:31]: No. [1:10:32, 1:10:34]: No, just the idea. [1:10:35, 1:10:38]: Yeah we we misunderstood. We we thought you were just referring to the budget. [1:10:57, 1:11:00]: Madam Mayor, uh the city council [1:11:00, 1:11:05]: Um this item I'm gonna rely heavily on Ms. Harris Bragg's. Um there are a number of uh [1:11:06, 1:11:12]: either current vacancies or soon to be vacancies that will uh require appointments. [1:11:12, 1:11:13]: by the Council. [1:11:17, 1:11:18]: Thank you. [1:11:20, 1:11:25]: Madam Mayor, Council members, um I come before you today because we have several [1:11:25, 1:11:29]: Um positions that are now vacant on the Main Street Advisory Board. [1:11:30, 1:11:46]: Since receiving its accreditation in twenty fifteen Stockbridge Main Street program has been very busy establishing the framework for downtown development under the four point approach that includes design, organization, promotion, and economic vitality. [1:11:46, 1:11:51]: Key to our success has been a very hard working and dedicated board. [1:11:51, 1:12:00]: We currently have several positions open and have received um applications and letters for renewal of [1:12:00, 1:12:02]: um terms on the Main Street Advisory Board. [1:12:03, 1:12:05]: Um you all should have received [1:12:05, 1:12:06]: Copies of [1:12:06, 1:12:08]: Those um applications. [1:12:08, 1:12:10]: And you also should have received [1:12:10, 1:12:11]: The letters but [1:12:11, 1:12:12]: But um [1:12:12, 1:12:17]: have been submitted as well as statements of intent to continue with the Main Street Advisory Board. [1:12:18, 1:12:21]: We have received statements of intent from [1:12:21, 1:12:22]: Um [1:12:23, 1:12:24]: Councilman Anthony Ford. [1:12:25, 1:12:32]: Um with regard to our city ma city council member position, which serves as an ex officio officer on the board. [1:12:33, 1:12:35]: We also um have a [1:12:35, 1:12:39]: Um position open for two Stockbridge residents. [1:12:39, 1:12:41]: Um those two positions are up [1:12:42, 1:12:44]: for um reappointment. [1:12:44, 1:12:49]: Anika Potts and Ebony Gurndy have um submitted their statements of intent. [1:12:49, 1:12:53]: um to remain on the Main Street Advisory Board in these capacities. [1:12:53, 1:12:56]: We've also received um [1:12:56, 1:12:57]: Two [1:12:58, 1:13:01]: um recommend two um requests [1:13:02, 1:13:20]: for the available positions under um Stockbridge property owners or operators. Um we've received actually I'm sorry we've received several applications for that particular position. Um Leah Sanders for Outside the Main Street District business owner, Don Gordon for a business outside the Main Street [1:13:20, 1:13:21]: um district. [1:13:22, 1:13:27]: We also received two citizen applications for Miss Shirley Wallace and um [1:13:28, 1:13:28]: Sharp. [1:13:28, 1:13:31]: I'm not sure how to pronounce this name. [1:13:31, 1:13:33]: But um I think it's Rangadiv. [1:13:34, 1:13:35]: Um Chakra Bari. [1:13:37, 1:13:40]: The Main Street program advisory board [1:13:41, 1:14:01]: Um based on our um current cons uh current uh makeup as far as our um positions that are currently filled and those that need to be refilled, we would like to make the rec recommendations for reappointment of Anika Potts to Stockbridge resident position, reappointment of Ebony Gurndy [1:14:01, 1:14:03]: to the Stockbridge resident position. [1:14:03, 1:14:09]: And then as far as our positions that are open for property owners outside the Main Street District. [1:14:09, 1:14:11]: Leah Sanders. [1:14:11, 1:14:12]: And Don Gordon. [1:14:15, 1:14:31]: With regard to council member, that would be um whatever your pleasure would be, but we would like to recommend that Mr Anthony Ford be reappointed to the board. And then as the representative from the Downtown Development Authority, Mildred Reed, who was currently serving, has also [1:14:31, 1:14:33]: um extended her [1:14:33, 1:14:36]: um request to be reappointed to that board as well. [1:14:38, 1:14:40]: I hear a motion to accept. [1:14:42, 1:14:45]: Madam Mayor. [1:14:47, 1:14:53]: I I would like to move that we accept these recommendations um given by Ms. Kirabrax. [1:14:54, 1:14:56]: I'll second that. [1:14:56, 1:15:00]: Discussion please. No discussion. [1:15:00, 1:15:18]: Yeah. On the on the discussion. I appreciate the recommendation that the the Main Street uh advisory board has conducted for me specifically, but of course that is up to the council to make that decision. And I thought that w those appointments will happen in January. Is that right? So so actually so it's up to the council whether or not they [1:15:18, 1:15:28]: Want me to still do that and out or whether or not someone else wants to do that. So that happened at January meeting. Okay. That's true. Okay. I just want to make sure that we know that. Oh thank you. [1:15:32, 1:15:36]: Yeah. Um I would like for us to actually move [1:15:36, 1:15:42]: this to thirty days after the annexation of Carriage Lakes because this is a new community that's coming in. [1:15:42, 1:15:55]: And I would like for that community to have an opportunity to be a part of uh a part of what we're doing actually in Stockbridge and I think it would be a good gesture from the city to open that uh open these positions up, citizens' positions up to Carriers Lake. [1:15:56, 1:16:00]: to also put in their applications for for those positions. [1:16:00, 1:16:07]: Um I ris in due respect to your recommendations, but I think that that f as a city this would be a good uh [1:16:07, 1:16:14]: good opportunity for us to welcome them in and let them know that they they can actually come in and uh put in application to be a part of uh [1:16:14, 1:16:19]: part of what we're doing here in the city. So I would like the council to actually move in that direction. [1:16:20, 1:16:27]: Have a motion on the floor to move forward and we have a second, so we'll we've heard what we [1:16:27, 1:16:28]: Failure. [1:16:31, 1:16:33]: I think he's still got still got discussion there. [1:16:34, 1:16:45]: Yes, as far as the discussion is concerned, generally we get to in the past we went in executive session and kinda talked about these applications to um look over them to see [1:16:46, 1:16:52]: Uh what we recommended I are surely you made a recommendation and could you go over the the the names again? I did [1:16:56, 1:17:00]: Um with regard to uh reappointment [1:17:00, 1:17:02]: Those names are Ebony Gurndy. [1:17:02, 1:17:04]: A Nick Apart. [1:17:04, 1:17:09]: And then Mildred Reid, who is the D D A representative on our board currently. [1:17:10, 1:17:13]: And then we received additional applications. [1:17:13, 1:17:15]: From Leah Sanders. [1:17:15, 1:17:16]: Don Gordon. [1:17:17, 1:17:18]: Shirley Wallace [1:17:18, 1:17:21]: And Mrs. Schab Schabert. [1:17:22, 1:17:23]: [4643.2, 4645.3]: Shaka Porti. Yes, thank you. [1:17:25, 1:17:27]: Okay, and you recommended [1:17:28, 1:17:35]: Um my recommendations were reappointment of Ebony Gerny and Anika Potts in the citizen positions. [1:17:36, 1:17:39]: Um Mildred Reed as the DDA representative. [1:17:39, 1:17:46]: Leah Sanders and Don Gordon as businesses outside the Main Street District. Those are the positions that we are recommending. [1:17:47, 1:17:54]: Okay. I I like I said, I'd like we generally discuss those in executive session. I'd like time to do that. [1:17:56, 1:17:58]: Madam Mayor, if I may. [1:17:58, 1:18:10]: I would like to withdraw my motion um so that we can allow time for uh carriage plates to be annexed in and for us to discuss um the appointment positions. [1:18:12, 1:18:12]: A second. [1:18:13, 1:18:15]: A second? Yeah, here I said. Yes. [1:18:17, 1:18:18]: Draw. [1:18:19, 1:18:29]: Uh well, they would have to vote. You don't have to it's just a withdrawal. You don't have to vote on that. If she's original motion, she made an original motion you can withdraw any time. And I don't second so I don't have to do that. [1:18:30, 1:18:31]: So be it. [1:18:32, 1:18:35]: I I believe that districts with that matter. [1:18:40, 1:18:40]: Yeah. [1:18:46, 1:18:53]: Good evening, Madam Mayor again, uh members of the council. Um you have before you a resolution that would appoint [1:18:54, 1:18:57]: five uh volunteer members on a [1:18:57, 1:19:00]: a fairly informal committee [1:19:00, 1:19:04]: that would be uh put together to assist the city and the staff [1:19:05, 1:19:06]: In creating [1:19:07, 1:19:10]: a a curriculum and program for a youth [1:19:10, 1:19:15]: council for the city. And this would be very similar to the youth councils that you see [1:19:15, 1:19:18]: All across the state and indeed across the country. [1:19:18, 1:19:21]: Which would essentially be a leadership development program for [1:19:22, 1:19:24]: Um certain of the city's youth um [1:19:25, 1:19:29]: Uh about two months ago or maybe a month ago the city opened up [1:19:29, 1:19:30]: Uh [1:19:30, 1:19:32]: uh advertisements for [1:19:33, 1:19:36]: members of the community to apply to serve on this board. [1:19:37, 1:19:40]: We've received five applications. [1:19:40, 1:19:44]: Um the persons who applied were Miss Pam Warner [1:19:45, 1:19:46]: Diane Miller. [1:19:46, 1:19:48]: Emma Lewis, Jacqueline Carter. [1:19:49, 1:19:50]: And Ken McFarland. [1:19:51, 1:19:51]: Um [1:19:52, 1:19:57]: These were the uh if I'm not mistaken, these are the only uh applications we've received [1:19:57, 1:20:02]: Um th this committee would be an informal, unpaid committee. [1:20:02, 1:20:03]: Um [1:20:03, 1:20:14]: And it unlike s the various other committees and and boards that the city has, there would not be specific terms. This isn't necessarily a a permanent committee that would be in place. It's really [1:20:15, 1:20:17]: created for a discrete purpose, that is to [1:20:18, 1:20:22]: Help the city formulate the program, establish the the program and get it up and running. [1:20:23, 1:20:27]: um has been discussed by the council a number of times. [1:20:27, 1:20:30]: We we have an idea but we don't have [1:20:30, 1:20:32]: The meat on the bones, if you will. [1:20:32, 1:20:33]: Um [1:20:34, 1:20:37]: the city currently in the budget has budgeted a line item [1:20:38, 1:20:42]: But that's just it. It's a line item. So what that money would be used for [1:20:42, 1:20:46]: This committee would formulate a a recommended curriculum and program. [1:20:46, 1:20:56]: which would then be brought back to the city council for a final approval and that would form the uh the basis for w within which [1:20:56, 1:20:59]: the funds and the budget would be spent. Um [1:21:00, 1:21:07]: So th there you have it. I frankly, Madam Mayor, members of the council, I I'm not in a position to make recommendations as to [1:21:07, 1:21:14]: these individuals because I just don't know know them but it's up to the council how you want to proceed. [1:21:18, 1:21:20]: I hear a motion to move forward. [1:21:20, 1:21:21]: Mayor. [1:21:22, 1:21:33]: If I will it's it okay to to bring this I would like to do the also the same thing with this instead of us voting on it tonight is allow Carries Lake the gonna be annexed in on the sixteenth. [1:21:33, 1:21:36]: to actually put in applications and be a part of this. [1:21:37, 1:21:39]: So I would take I would like to table it until [1:21:40, 1:21:45]: Give them thirty days and and and welcome them to also be a part of this if they would like to. [1:21:46, 1:21:48]: Mayor Fabet. [1:21:48, 1:21:55]: If I may, um I would like to extend both the um in regards to [1:21:56, 1:21:57]: Are items four and five? [1:21:58, 1:22:11]: Just extend the deadline for applications in general and to include carriage lakes, but just to extend the applications in general. Right. Do we have a date to extend [1:22:12, 1:22:12]: Mm. [1:22:13, 1:22:16]: Are we extending that thirty days after the annexation? [1:22:16, 1:22:24]: I would prefer that. Because you we've given other cities I'm sorry. Cit January work sessions. Okay. [1:22:27, 1:22:28]: Councilman blind. [1:22:30, 1:22:35]: That was the that was the recommendation in my mind that thirty days after the sixteenth. [1:22:36, 1:22:39]: would give them ample time like we've done other citizens. [1:22:40, 1:22:47]: to put the application in, to get the application in. That gives the time for them to get the information and and make decisions to put the application in. Thank you. [1:22:48, 1:22:48]: Right. [1:22:57, 1:22:58]: Sorry. [1:23:01, 1:23:02]: I just want to do that. [1:23:02, 1:23:03]: Okay. [1:23:03, 1:23:12]: I just want to make sure we we did a proper motion on that, I guess. I mean with all the details. Correct. Councilman Blount made the motion, a second by Councilman Alexander. [1:23:13, 1:23:22]: Okay and and with the right d amount of date and thirty days past and everything, right? Thirty days past the sixteenth which case. Okay. All right. Excuse me. So be it. [1:23:42, 1:23:44]: Um can [1:23:46, 1:23:49]: [5029.3, 5032.1]: Oh, it's nice. It's nice to vehicle. It's not a vehicle stuff, please. [1:23:53, 1:23:57]: These would be in private motor vehicles or w really any motor vehicle. [1:23:57, 1:24:00]: That's driven within the city limits of Stockbridge. [1:24:01, 1:24:06]: Um this ordinance uh really came up after the conversation I had with [1:24:06, 1:24:12]: Um Councilman Blount, um who had inquired about whether there was any regulation [1:24:12, 1:24:14]: um of this kind and [1:24:14, 1:24:19]: U I had mistakenly been under the belief that the General Assembly had already [1:24:19, 1:24:20]: enacted [1:24:20, 1:24:23]: a state code um to this effect, but in [1:24:24, 1:24:28]: one was introduced and passed by the Georgia State Senate [1:24:28, 1:24:32]: but never adopted by the House and therefore never uh entered into law. [1:24:33, 1:24:37]: Um so what is before you is a modification [1:24:37, 1:24:38]: of that bill. [1:24:39, 1:24:39]: Um [1:24:40, 1:24:49]: which would make it a civil um violation to drive a motor vehicle within the city limits of Stockbridge [1:24:49, 1:24:51]: Um and smoke with [1:24:51, 1:24:52]: Uh [1:24:53, 1:24:55]: persons below the age of fifteen in the car. [1:24:56, 1:25:01]: And it defines smoking as to inhale, exhale, burn, or carry a lighted cigarette. [1:25:01, 1:25:02]: Cigar, pipe. [1:25:02, 1:25:06]: weed plant regulated narcotic or any other combustible [1:25:06, 1:25:10]: uh substance. So if you're doing that in a car, that's considered smoking. [1:25:11, 1:25:14]: Um and if there's a person fifteen years of age [1:25:14, 1:25:17]: or younger in the car at the same time. [1:25:17, 1:25:21]: that would be considered a crime or actually it would be considered a civil [1:25:22, 1:25:26]: uh violation under this ordinance. This ordinance would not make it a crime. [1:25:26, 1:25:31]: It would make it uh make the person subject to a civil fine. [1:25:31, 1:25:33]: Of up to five hundred dollars. [1:25:33, 1:25:36]: Um this it so it very much follows the state [1:25:37, 1:25:40]: bill on the matter, what was proposed in the General Assembly [1:25:41, 1:25:46]: was again a civil violation, not a crime, so it wouldn't be a misdemeanor or a felony. It would just [1:25:46, 1:25:49]: subject the violator to a civil [1:25:50, 1:25:52]: penalty. Um in the case of the state [1:25:53, 1:25:59]: uh bill the violation uh would result in a fine not to exceed a hundred dollars. [1:26:00, 1:26:04]: what's proposed before you would result in a civil penalty [1:26:04, 1:26:06]: not to exceed five hundred dollars. [1:26:07, 1:26:11]: And that's based on the severity of the crime. So it would be in the judges [1:26:11, 1:26:27]: municipal court judges discretion of how high to set the penalty based on the circumstances of the propo of the actual violation. So that's before you um and is really in the the council's hands whether how you want to proceed. [1:26:36, 1:26:40]: I came to um [1:26:40, 1:26:45]: our attorney about this because I when I w uh it's too many times I'm riding through the city of Stockbridge [1:26:46, 1:26:48]: And I'm seeing supposed to be responsible adults. [1:26:49, 1:26:53]: Get out of their car, smokes are pouring out of the car and then they go unbuckle a child. [1:26:53, 1:26:54]: out of a car seat. [1:26:55, 1:27:15]: And when I started looking at the statistics in America, how many kids are getting bronchitis and and pneumonia annually, it's it's it's stunning. And when you look at the infant death uh uh the CIS, the it's increasing in CIS deaths uh uh in this country. And also you're looking at uh uh uh children are particularly at risk because over [1:27:15, 1:27:18]: eighteen percent of homes have smokers in them. [1:27:20, 1:27:26]: We are not trying to govern people's lives to be responsible. We're trying to protect the kids from irresponsible people. [1:27:28, 1:27:36]: So I believe that this this would not only set a standard for other cities to join in because the state didn't pass it. [1:27:36, 1:27:42]: that they will join in and and and we the reason we said a fine up to five hundred dollars [1:27:42, 1:27:43]: Because [1:27:43, 1:27:53]: That's gonna be dependent on what the court says. If you smoking in the car and you have a minor in there and that's one kid, what happens to that person that's riding around with three, four kids in the car? [1:27:54, 1:28:06]: So that'll be up to the courts. We have to do something to to to provide something in our city and let the city know that we are not only we're in economic development mode, but we're in a citizen concern mode also. [1:28:18, 1:28:19]: May I [1:28:20, 1:28:20]: Yes, uh [1:28:25, 1:28:25]: Mayor. [1:28:27, 1:28:35]: I move that we adopt this ordinance for the city of Stockbridge to pass the uh ban on smoking in vehicles contain uh containing miners. [1:28:35, 1:28:36]: A second. [1:28:38, 1:28:39]: Of Sh. [1:28:39, 1:28:40]: Yes. [1:28:42, 1:28:43]: Yes, about the [1:28:44, 1:28:47]: I just like to ask a couple of questions. I mean we [1:28:48, 1:28:55]: It sounds uh it sounds like a laudable thing that we're doing, uh, in order to move forward with that. [1:28:55, 1:29:03]: But it seems like big government and just being very intrusive uh in order to [1:29:06, 1:29:07]: Enforce it. [1:29:07, 1:29:25]: What is the enforcement mechanism? Can we talk w I mean, what do you do? The cops the d the the police officers have a lot going on already. The they see somebody driving down the street, uh they pull somebody over and say, Okay, I'm gonna give you a ticket, you're smoking with someone less than fifteen in the car [1:29:26, 1:29:33]: How does it work? And how in practical application. The state didn't move on it, so what was the reasoning behind them not moving on it? [1:29:35, 1:29:42]: Madam Mayor, uh I honestly can't speak for the rationale for why the the House didn't adopt this uh ordinance. [1:29:43, 1:29:44]: Or uh uh the code. [1:29:45, 1:29:47]: Um I will say as it relates to enforcement [1:29:48, 1:29:52]: something that unfortunately I have to say a lot, which is, you know, the police [1:29:53, 1:29:54]: Don't pull over every speed or [1:29:55, 1:29:57]: Um enforcement sometimes it [1:29:57, 1:30:03]: i is difficult. Uh what would be required here is the police would have to see someone smoking [1:30:03, 1:30:05]: And see a child in a vehicle. [1:30:05, 1:30:07]: And make the decisions you [1:30:07, 1:30:09]: take the time to issue a citation. [1:30:10, 1:30:10]: And [1:30:11, 1:30:14]: You know, I can't look you all in the eye and say that's gonna happen every time. [1:30:15, 1:30:22]: But when it does happen, you know, at least that's one opportunity to send the message if that's what the council decides to do. [1:30:26, 1:30:28]: Further discussion, anyone else? [1:30:31, 1:30:35]: I would like to say that this is this doesn't con uh pertain to a big government. [1:30:36, 1:30:41]: Because when a council member comes and says, Hey, do we have a a law to pull your pants up? [1:30:43, 1:31:03]: Then you come back and say a law that's gonna protect our youth and protect our kids from irresponsible adults. This is not big government. This is this is what you call caring for our children. Caring for the future of this not only this country, but the future of our kids. Not putting something in them because of irresponsible adults. So it's not big government, it's big concern for [1:31:03, 1:31:03]: [5466.5, 5467.6]: Further discussion. [1:31:08, 1:31:18]: I would just like to say is there any way that we can get some more information on practical application where this has been passed at? [1:31:18, 1:31:21]: to see what effect that it has on it. [1:31:21, 1:31:35]: I'm for doing this or for moving forward with this, but before we move forward with it, I'd like to see more information on the practicality of this before citizens start complaining about being harassed [1:31:35, 1:31:55]: and such um when I say big government, big government means intrusive. That means that, you know, police officer has no other reason to stop you and they see, okay, well, this is a probable cause now for me to stop you because I see smoke in the car. I thought I saw a child. So I'm not against what you're [1:31:55, 1:32:07]: proposing I would just like some more time before we go out and we start s having another fine or another violation and to see what the practical effect is. [1:32:11, 1:32:14]: Uh anybody else have a comment on the council? [1:32:16, 1:32:36]: Yes, ma'am. I'm in in agreeant to getting more information um on this.'Cause like I said, we're already with our having questions with our police force. I just don't want to add extra things um for his enforcement until we get more information. [1:32:36, 1:32:48]: and and establish things, have things in place and then we can move forward at that time. But again, it's a great idea, um but I just would like to have more information and tonight I will not vote on it. [1:32:49, 1:32:50]: Mayor. [1:32:55, 1:32:57]: Think that uh Councilman Gantt was next. [1:32:57, 1:32:59]: Thank you. [1:33:00, 1:33:08]: Really I was just gonna go ahead and vote for it, but since there are concerns on what happens and more information [1:33:09, 1:33:09]: Um [1:33:10, 1:33:13]: Any time an officer is on duty [1:33:13, 1:33:19]: Um whether they're stopping someone for speeding or whether they saw someone run a red light. [1:33:19, 1:33:20]: Um [1:33:22, 1:33:42]: Everyone doesn't get caught but when they do get caught, sometimes other things are in their vehicle. That's not what we're saying here today. What I believe um this ordinance is doing is it's about the health, safety and well being of our youth, of our children. Um with nicotine space. [1:33:41, 1:34:01]: smoke being in a isolated in a in a car enclosed with our minor children. Um it is a known fact that cigarettes and nicotine causes cancer. Um and these children are inhaling this smoke involuntarily, basically. Um whether it's something new [1:34:01, 1:34:21]: or whether we're the first person to put our foot down, I commend us for trying to do so. Um and how do you monitor that? Well it's a code ordinance violation, but it's a civil uh code ordinance violation like any other code ordinance violation. If a dog bit someone or [1:34:21, 1:34:41]: Or somebody ran off and something was done in a yard, everything might not necessarily be monitored. Sometimes it's actually, you know, you're given a warning. Sometimes you're given a a fine of fifty dollars. Sometimes I mean you you the max is up to five hundred. That doesn't mean it will be five hundred. Maybe they're habitual buyers. [1:34:41, 1:35:00]: violator of it. Um this ordinance is to protect our youth, their health, safety and well being. Um and government entities are to do that. That's why we make up laws, we create laws. Um and if an officer happens to stop a vehicle for speeding [1:35:01, 1:35:08]: And he gets out and I can use this in d as an example. He gets out. He stopped at a vehicle for speeding, he gets out. [1:35:08, 1:35:14]: And he goes up to the car and there's a child in the car and he rolls down the window and the cigarette smoke is coming out. [1:35:15, 1:35:22]: Well then you're getting a speeding ticket and you're getting a ordinance violation for smoking with a minor child. [1:35:22, 1:35:39]: Those that that's what I foresee is happening. Um it's kinda like no texting and driving. People may text and drive. The officer may not necessarily see it, right? But they have that law out there. So I will be voting in support of that tonight. [1:35:40, 1:35:42]: [5742.9, 5745.6]: Okay, one more comment and then [1:35:48, 1:36:08]: Okay, what I want to say here is that uh and actually uh Councilwoman Gantt hit most of it for me, but uh uh the time frame we're talking about, say for instance we don't uh uh approved this tonight and want more information, what time frame we're looking at? Uh thirty days, uh what w where would you get the information from anyway? I mean you would have to s you can't you can't do much [1:36:08, 1:36:12]: with the state. I guess you probably have to go outside the state or some federal agency I I would imagine. [1:36:12, 1:36:26]: Um Madam Mayor, we would have to go out of state. There are a number of other states that have adopted this type of legislation and and there are a number of activist groups that promote this and they have data. So we could pull that fairly quickly. [1:36:26, 1:36:34]: All right, so so maybe thirty days from now we might have enough information to make a decision if you decide not to approve this ordinance tonight, I guess. [1:36:34, 1:36:36]: Okay. All right. Thank you. [1:36:36, 1:36:38]: Okay, we have a motion on [1:36:43, 1:36:45]: Yeah. [1:36:48, 1:37:05]: The motion is still on the table. Okay. The the the motion is still on the table because whatever information needs to be gotten is all in the ordinance and this is only to protect the s protect kids. And so this the the motion is on the table. All in favor of the motion, please acknowledge. [1:37:09, 1:37:10]: Votes, those closed? [1:37:13, 1:37:15]: That's fair. [1:37:16, 1:37:17]: Yeah. [1:37:18, 1:37:37]: Okay. On that note though I thought that uh what we would want to do is is is to revisit this with additional information. So I'd like to make a motion, if you don't mind, that we re look at this after we get some additional information to help validate our decision uh in the future, roughly we're probably gonna address this next month, I would imagine. [1:37:41, 1:37:44]: Yes, sir. At the at next coun regular council meeting. [1:37:49, 1:38:05]: Well I I think it probably a motion because otherwise it it it dies and it's n there's no act th there's no there's no directive to bring it back. Okay. [1:38:05, 1:38:06]: After we get additional information [1:38:07, 1:38:09]: to help help make us a more informed decision. [1:38:09, 1:38:10]: I said. [1:38:10, 1:38:11]: Wait a minute. Neil Neo. [1:38:12, 1:38:18]: This would be a motion to reconsider and Mr. Ford can bring that up because he was in the majority of the [1:38:19, 1:38:26]: motion failing the origin. Yes, he would, but it's a motion to reconsider. Okay. Thank you. We have a motion. We have a set. [1:38:28, 1:38:30]: Motion and a second, any discussion? [1:38:32, 1:38:33]: Uh [1:38:34, 1:38:35]: All in favor? [1:38:37, 1:38:39]: Yeah. [1:38:40, 1:38:45]: It was majority. For clarification, it is to bring the item back when. [1:38:45, 1:38:49]: [5930.0, 5939.3]: December or January. January. Next official well um coun city councilman, not the work session. J I'll say January ninth. Whatever our first one in of the year is January ninth, yes. [1:39:01, 1:39:04]: Okay, we'll move on to the next um item on the agenda now. [1:39:06, 1:39:08]: [5952.0, 5957.8]: Madam Mayor, um I'm looking at the city manager uh for strength so that I [1:39:18, 1:39:20]: Make sure all my comments are [1:39:21, 1:39:26]: proper um we we joke about this because this particular ordinance is one of the [1:39:27, 1:39:27]: ordinances that [1:39:28, 1:39:30]: Every uh few years a state. [1:39:30, 1:39:33]: tells all the cities you have to adopt our model ordinance. [1:39:34, 1:39:35]: Um [1:39:35, 1:39:38]: It is frustrating because they tell us to adopt it. [1:39:39, 1:39:42]: or else. This is an adopted or else situation. [1:39:43, 1:39:49]: It's really a readoption of our soil and erosion and sedimentation pollution control ordinance. [1:39:49, 1:39:51]: Um currently Henry County [1:39:51, 1:39:56]: uh manages that for us by contract. Um so this is any time there's any sort of [1:39:56, 1:39:58]: So all disturbance related to any [1:39:59, 1:40:03]: uh development, um they have to follow the dictates of this ordinance. [1:40:04, 1:40:04]: Um [1:40:05, 1:40:06]: The reason this ordinance is [1:40:07, 1:40:09]: somewhat humorous in adopting is because [1:40:10, 1:40:12]: Primarily the only change [1:40:12, 1:40:20]: from this the model code from what we already have is an additional buffer requirement for coastal marshlands. [1:40:20, 1:40:23]: And I haven't found any in the city of Stockbridge. [1:40:24, 1:40:27]: But I'm sure there's there th to be found somewhere. [1:40:27, 1:40:32]: Um but in any event I'm recommending you adopt this ordinance um per the state request. [1:40:33, 1:40:37]: and and move forward. But other than that, it it's essentially the same ordinance we currently have on the books. [1:40:38, 1:40:39]: [6040.5, 6046.0]: Mayor, I would like to move that we adopt the solar rushing control ordinance. [1:40:46, 1:40:47]: Second. [1:40:50, 1:40:52]: Session then all [1:40:56, 1:40:56]: Thank you. [1:41:00, 1:41:01]: Yeah. [1:41:05, 1:41:05]: So [1:41:08, 1:41:09]: I will. [1:41:11, 1:41:21]: Thank you. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um it was requested this has been an ongoing project we've been working on for several months now. This is the master plan, um master trail, pedestrian trail plan. [1:41:22, 1:41:22]: Um [1:41:23, 1:41:28]: It was asked to kind of bring it back. They've been working back and forth diligently. We've had a number of public [1:41:28, 1:41:30]: um hearings or or public [1:41:30, 1:41:34]: venues in which they came back, presented and received public input as well. [1:41:35, 1:41:45]: The plan draft has been completed. What I provided um the council members and the mayor on the dais is just the summary, executive summary and the initial introduction. [1:41:46, 1:42:04]: We are still as a staff going through about eighty hundred page document right now. I've been in contact with the consultant that that drafted the plan, um uh the Jaeger company and they they will be coming into the January meeting to formally present it. There are some um [1:42:05, 1:42:25]: few items that I've already identified that want them to go back and make some adjustments too prior to them bringing back the formal document. But um the council can plan on receiving this would be on the January ninth agenda for them to come back and formally present it. It'll be in your hands well be well well before then so you can have an opportunity to review it and and [1:42:25, 1:42:30]: um formulate any questions that you may have in regards to it. But we're thrilled about this. Um I a couple of points I did want to make [1:42:30, 1:42:33]: I think it's it's it's it's it's it's uh [1:42:33, 1:42:34]: Pertinent. [1:42:34, 1:42:41]: Um it takes into you know what the plan does, it takes into c um into consideration the existing conditions of the area. [1:42:42, 1:43:02]: um policies, zoning ordinance and the like and and how those would apply to a master trail plan. Um there was a great deal of public outreach that went in with this plan as well. Um we had uh Food Truck Tuesdays, they came out, did surveys with the citizens, got a great cross section of of of um information from the citizenry. [1:43:02, 1:43:12]: Also at some of our Main Street events they came as well, presented documents, presented boards, got input from citizens as well. So again we feel really strong about the public involvement component. [1:43:12, 1:43:27]: Um we reviewed our Henry County's um uh currently recently updated comprehensive transportation plan that was just recently updated using with um Jacobs in conjunction with the county and the other cities. So it took that those components into effect as in in into play as well. [1:43:28, 1:43:48]: Um some of the areas it looked at, Walt Stevens Flip and Road, the MLK Senior Heritage Trail, um that's a big piece of it and some of the future plans for the sidewalks in that area and pedestrian trails in that area. Um further it looks at you know the typical sections and we got a great deal of feedback during some of our main street events on what the type of section, typical section for a road [1:43:48, 1:44:08]: That individuals would like to see that would make them feel comfortable having a bike trail in a particular area. And finally, lastly, the funding options. It also explores different funding options, grant options that may exist. So all that will is included in the plan. Again, as we as a staff complete our review of the document and they make their subsequent changes. [1:44:08, 1:44:26]: A final document would be forwarded to the mayor and council well prior to the January 9th meeting. So again, I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have, but the limited knowledge that they have is we're still going through the review, but um I didn't want to let the council know that we will they will be back, um the consultant will be back in January to do their formal presentation. [1:44:28, 1:44:29]: Yeah. [1:44:30, 1:44:48]: Yeah, thank you for that Mike and the staff. Um I think this is great. Uh this also uh fees into our long term economic development for the whole city. Uh live, work and play concept. I think it's outstanding. I think the citizens are really gonna enjoy this once it all gets in play and we start building this trail plan. It's gonna be wonderful. Thank you very much. Thank you. [1:44:49, 1:44:49]: [6291.9, 6311.9]: Comment yes, ladies and gentlemen. I I I'm a big proponent of this particular project, uh the Master Trail Plan. And you know, one thing nothing brings people together like this one issue, which has been sidewalks, trails, and connectivity. Uh seniors and millennials alike have one thing in common. [1:45:11, 1:45:31]: The number one thing on their list to decide where they're going to live is connectivity, trails, sidewalks, connectivity in the community. Those things like that raise property values. You look at the economic development driver, such as the Atlantic. [1:45:31, 1:45:51]: Belt line and then even in the suburbs, Carrollton has a green belt that circles their city. Economic development drives these trails drive economic development. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to take a trail from uh downtown uh through Memorial Park [1:45:51, 1:46:11]: onto uh flipping road, Walt Stevens, Highway one thirty eight because right now I see cyclists and I see'em if you're early in the morning you see'em, the runners and the biker, they're running down the road and tragically we've had people hit and killed because it wasn't safe for them to ride or [1:46:11, 1:46:31]: to access a location and they're trying to uh exercise or they're trying to live a healthier lifestyle. We need to do whatever we can to be supportive of those types of measures in our community so we can increase quality of life. Sustainability is tied to these to the [1:46:31, 1:46:51]: Multi use trails. We have uh you know we're so close to uh Panola Mountain State Park. And if you never been out to Panola Mountain State Park, it is a marvel out there the trail system that they developed. At some point we like to tie into that. And the the region itself has embarked upon [1:46:51, 1:47:11]: on a connectivity um uh of a regional bike trail that connects the cities so uh uh we can actually be able to ride a bike from Stockbridge all the way uh to downtown Atlanta or to the belt line in the not too distant future. And those are the types of things that we want to do uh [1:47:11, 1:47:31]: One of the things that we talked about uh previously here is the Davis Road Sidewalk Project. It's been on the table, uh on the shelf, on somebody's desk for quite some time now. And as part of this I hope that we'll we'll see uh that corridor have uh the sidewalk program extending down Davis. [1:47:31, 1:47:39]: Road uh all the way to Highway 42, uh adding connectivity so you can safely uh traverse that corridor. [1:47:39, 1:47:59]: um connecting the community. As well as you know, many of you may not be aware that Highway 42 is going to be widened as well from um the Walmart location there at one thirty eight to I six seventy five. That's going to have a ten foot multi use path along it all the way [1:47:59, 1:48:19]: way to I-675. So the trail plans are in there and that's a state funded project. So anytime that we could have those funds come that don't have to come directly from our local taxpayers, we need to do that. And this is one of those forward steps in order to get us to that location and then to be able to [1:48:19, 1:48:35]: walk to our downtown area, um, being able to just walk it or bike it to be able to enjoy it uh in a connected way with all the communities. You know, the suburbs is known so much for you know, everybody's got their own little cluster. [1:48:35, 1:48:47]: But we want to try to see if we can break out that a little bit so you can know your neighbor and that you can actually walk and enjoy and meet them. Nothing quite does that like connectivity, getting out walking. [1:48:54, 1:49:14]: you'll get uh an official presentation and um we are uh fastly approaching um um uh as a box encouraged uh allow us to in future I would like to see our meetings shorter so that the public will stay to the original instead of to keep the [1:49:14, 1:49:20]: So I wanna thank you. [1:49:20, 1:49:23]: Manager uh has some close income. [1:49:24, 1:49:44]: Very brief. Um just wanna introduce our new public works director, Mr. Deshus Aaron. He began on December fifth and I can assure you he has hit the ground running. Um we're excited to have him here. Over twenty plus years of experience in public works arena, so excited about what he brings to the team. So [1:49:44, 1:50:04]: At this time if you have any more closing comments, uh I'd like to minimize those um talked about a lot of things, but if you have something just pertinent that you want to say, do it. Try to get out of here. [1:50:04, 1:50:05]: And what [1:50:07, 1:50:20]: Councilman Alexander, I think he's already talked told us just about everything, but maybe he's got one more minute. I got one more minute, we're how about that lady? I want to invite everybody here to the town hall that we're having Thursday. [1:50:21, 1:50:31]: uh at r at um Floyd Chapel Baptist Church. And my attempt in these town hall is to have'em all over town. So you don't have to come to City Hall. We will come to you. [1:50:31, 1:50:44]: You will be able to hear about police service, you'll be able to hear about fire service and everything that's going on in the city'cause these meetings are very formal and you will be able to ask questions of the police and the fire and all of our officials. [1:50:45, 1:50:46]: Oh Councilman Blount. [1:50:47, 1:50:50]: [6650.5, 6658.2]: Um, I just wanna say that uh uh my philosophy for government is to work from the from the inside and then expand out. [1:50:58, 1:50:59]: Meaning that [1:51:00, 1:51:06]: The closest way to find out about a problem is to talk to the people and look at the situations closest to the problem. [1:51:07, 1:51:12]: That means if we see things going on that we can help and make our citizens better [1:51:12, 1:51:21]: Then those are the things we do and then we expand out. We expand out to growth. We expand out to programs. We expand out economic development because it all comes together. [1:51:21, 1:51:23]: in in one pool. But I believe in [1:51:24, 1:51:42]: hitting the center first and then working my way out. But I'd like to thank everybody for being here in the time of a discussion to see this many people in here. So and I also like to welcome you, our mayor, to and to know that we're gonna work closer, all of us are gonna work closer together and you can all uh rest assured that uh our plans is to uh [1:51:43, 1:51:52]: Just to do the right thing in the city of Stockbridge. Do the right thing and uh be good stewards of the city's funds. And I think that's the uh idea for everybody sitting up here. [1:51:52, 1:51:53]: Thank you. [1:51:56, 1:52:00]: Thank you, Mayor. I appreciate it. Appreciate you all uh citizens coming out tonight. [1:52:00, 1:52:20]: But uh what I really want to also tell you is that um yeah, I wanna thank you citizens and the council for the last eleven months as I handle the marital type of duties as the mayor pro tem. Uh thank you for that and the flank for the effort and and the team effort to to make things right and do the right thing. So I want you now to take that same effort citizens and uh also council [1:52:20, 1:52:26]: to support our current elected mayor mayor Judy B. Neal as we continue to look forward to move everything forward with the city. [1:52:26, 1:52:40]: and do what we can, the best we can for the citizens of Stockbridge. This is all team effort and I'm gonna continue to say team effort and I'll always use that in my correspondence because I truly believe in working together as a team we can make a s a successful improvement and do the best we can. [1:52:40, 1:52:48]: in an aspect and and besides that I want to tell everybody happy holidays and Merry Christmas. Be have a safe holiday and enjoy yourself and your families and friends. God bless you all. Thank you. [1:52:51, 1:53:00]: I just want to thank everyone for attending tonight. Um I ask for your continued prayers and support. Um and I wish you happy holidays. [1:53:03, 1:53:21]: El Smore Robbins. Yes, thank you, Mayor. Um again, thank you everyone. Mayor, thank you um for a great meeting. Um Mayor Pro Tem, thank you so much for um being the lead for us um during the duration that you um did so. Um you did a excellent job. [1:53:22, 1:53:24]: Um and just want to thank you for that. [1:53:24, 1:53:27]: I know it was a lot of hard work. So thank you. [1:53:28, 1:53:48]: Um I did want to say that we have some events that I don't see that's on our announcement, but I do have to where we're giving back to our historic district during the holidays. Um so we're collecting gently warm um coats any age um and also blankets. Um we wanted to go through the historic district [1:53:48, 1:54:06]: um on Christmas Eve and we want to be able to give back to our community. So on this Wednesday at Poppy's um on Rock Quarry, if you have any gently worn coats of any size or some blankets, we would love for you to st drop that off between the time of five to seven. [1:54:06, 1:54:10]: Yeah, five to seven. Um, it would be greatly appreciated. [1:54:10, 1:54:30]: Because on New Year's Eve we're going to walk through the community and just try to give back. Um so we just want to be able to do that and hopefully that you can support us um here at the city while we're trying to do so within our community. Um and that's basically it. Happy holidays or I'll say Merry Christmas to everyone and maybe [1:54:30, 1:54:31]: you all have a safe holiday. [1:54:33, 1:54:47]: I'd like to thank everyone for coming and I hope that you will make this um a fun outing in Stockbridge. Come to city council meeting and be a part of your community. Thank you all. Merry Christmas. Happy holidays and [1:54:47, 1:54:48]: Anything else? [1:54:49, 1:54:49]: We good? [1:54:50, 1:55:01]: All right. Do we need a motion to adjourn? No ma'am. We've got announcements to read. Oh, we do have announcements. I forgot about that. [1:55:02, 1:55:12]: Okay. We do have some announcements coming up. Um these are, I believe, posted on our website, is that correct? Correct. [1:55:12, 1:55:13]: Okay. [1:55:13, 1:55:18]: Uh we have um Public Works committee meeting is coming up. [1:55:19, 1:55:26]: Thursday, december fifteenth, if you're interested, Town Hall Public Safety Committee, Thursday, December fifteenth. [1:55:27, 1:55:28]: Um [1:55:29, 1:55:31]: It's already been mentioned, uh Floyd Chappell. [1:55:32, 1:55:36]: Special call meeting of the council will be December sixteenth. [1:55:36, 1:55:39]: Six PM City Hall, Council Chamber. [1:55:39, 1:55:45]: Downtown Development Authority meeting Monday, December ooh, that's been counseled. Okay. [1:55:46, 1:55:51]: And council work session meeting, the one we've talked about earlier, december twenty seventh. [1:55:52, 1:55:58]: Um that will be at City Hall Community Relations Committee meeting Thursday, December twenty ninth. [1:55:58, 1:56:09]: Um that would be at six PM. And going back up to the Downtown Development Authority known as the D D A, that next meeting will be January twenty third. [1:56:09, 1:56:26]: All right, comment over here. Um Madam Mayor, uh we need a very brief executive session just for real estate, no other topics. Okay. Um that sounds like an executive session where we will not be coming back out to vote, so all of you may be um [1:56:27, 1:56:42]: like to leave at this point. So at this time uh do have a motion for executive session. Madam Mayor, I would like to move that we go into executive session for the purpose of real estate. Okay, that's fine. Got a second. All in favor. [1:56:43, 1:56:47]: Okay, we're gonna take a five minute break and then we'll be in executive session. [1:56:50, 1:56:52]: Thank you. [1:56:52, 1:56:55]: How we'll forget it. [1:57:14, 1:57:15]: [7051.2, 7070.0]: Well that you know, yeah. [1:57:55, 1:57:58]: I'm one of them council members to go out of the community. [1:57:59, 1:58:02]: Uh, right over the uh uh Jackson bombershop. [1:58:02, 1:58:09]: Uh right there, uh it's dying across from uh the the uh Walmart and Wall Street who where the uh we over there with the bottom. [1:58:35, 1:58:55]: Oh go past elco. Oh my day. [1:58:54, 1:58:59]: Yeah, I know exactly. [1:59:00, 1:59:19]: Upon a heel council. Okay. [1:59:20, 1:59:22]: [7164.2, 7169.6]: But they did that because I changed the other two. But but are we annexing but if you had next [1:59:30, 1:59:32]: Oh under control in my area, man. [1:59:35, 1:59:38]: Um in your phone, man. [1:59:39, 1:59:40]: Time to do. [1:59:45, 1:59:48]: [7190.0, 7198.6]: Celebrate the ones and volunteer and they bring their ideas. Man, give me [2:00:00, 2:00:01]: Yeah, I said. [2:00:07, 2:00:09]: Well you know about leadership. [2:00:09, 2:00:12]: That's what I'm saying. [2:00:15, 2:00:35]: Yeah. [2:00:35, 2:00:40]: [7242.1, 7249.1]: Yeah. [2:00:50, 2:00:55]: [7270.0, 7280.1]: [2:01:55, 2:01:59]: [7325.0, 7345.0]: [2:02:30, 2:02:50]: Yeah, no drawing job. [2:03:00, 2:03:13]: Yeah, that's all right. [2:03:14, 2:03:15]: Right. [2:03:20, 2:03:30]: [7411.4, 7412.9]: [2:03:34, 2:03:54]: Uh yeah, they don't have this one. [2:03:54, 2:04:00]: [7452.7, 7472.7]: Oh no, you can watch the [2:04:32, 2:04:35]: [7485.0, 7505.0]: [2:05:05, 2:05:25]: Yeah. [2:05:24, 2:05:38]: [7545.0, 7557.9]: Yeah, but they're not going to be able to do and maybe I'll not be able to do that. [2:06:45, 2:07:05]: [7624.9, 7630.0]: [2:07:20, 2:07:36]: [7667.6, 7687.6]: [2:08:07, 2:08:09]: [7694.1, 7700.1]: One of the [2:09:02, 2:09:06]:

December 16, 2016

2016-12-16 · City Council · Agenda · December 16, 2016 Special Called Meeting · Agenda

2016-12-16 · City Council · Agenda · source: ccscrape-meetings · sha256 1231966f · pages 3 · method: text

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December 16, 2016

2016-12-14 · City Council · Agenda · December 14, 2016 Special Called Meeting · Agenda

2016-12-14 · City Council · Agenda · source: ccscrape-meetings · sha256 333d1c4d · pages 3 · method: text

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City of Stockbridge Bringing People Together STOCKBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL Mayor Judy Neal Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford Councilman Elton Alexander Council Meeting Agenda December 14, 2016 8:00 AM Councilman John Blount Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Councilwoman Neat Robinson CITY MANAGER Michael Harris CITY CLERK Vanessa Holiday Council Chamber 2nd Floor DEPUTY CLERK Randi Rainey 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Website: www.cityofstockbridge.com CITY ATTORNEY Michael Williams Phone: 7703897900 Fax: 7703897912 AGENDA COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016 8:00 AM Mayor & City Council Judy Neal, Mayor Anthony S. Ford, Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander, Councilman John Blount, Councilman LaKeisha Gantt, Councilwoman Neat Robinson, Councilwoman I. Call to Order II. Roll Call Administration Michael Harris, City Manager Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk Michael Williams, City Attorney Present Mayor Pro Tem Ford Councilman Alexander Councilman Blount Councilwoman Gantt Councilwoman Robinson III. Invocation IV. Pledge of Allegiance V. Adoption of the Agenda NEW BUSINESS Item # 1  CityWide Annexation Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager Item # 2  CID (Community Improvement District) Legislation Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager Item # 3  Delegation Comments Presented by: Absent Page | 3 Item # 4  Review of Stockbridge Initiatives Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager EXECUTIVE SESSION (Exemptions to the Georgia Open Meetings Acts) I. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the settlement of a matter covered by the attorneyclient privilege as provided in Georgia Code section 50142(1) and 50143(b)(1)(A). The subject discussed was {identify the case or claim discussed but not the substance of the attorneyclient discussion}. II. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize negotiations to purchase, dispose of or lease property as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(1)(B). III. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the ordering of an appraisal related to the acquisition or disposal of real estate as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(1)(C), IV. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into a contract to purchase, dispose of, or lease property subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(1)(D). V. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into an option to purchase, dispose of, or lease real estate subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(1)(E). VI. Meeting to discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(2). VII. Meeting to interview one or more applicants for the position of the executive head of an agency as provided in Georgia Code section 50143(b)(2). VIII. Pursuant to the attorneyclient privilege and as provided by Georgia Code section 50142(1), a meeting otherwise required to be open was closed to the public in order to consult and meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the agency or any officer or employee or in which the agency or any officer or employee may be directly involved and the matter discussed was {identify the matter but not the substance of the discussion.}. IX. Staff meeting held for investigative purposes under duties or responsibilities imposed by law as provided by Georgia Code section 50143(a)(1). Motion to Adjourn. December 14, 2016 8:00 AM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 3897900

December 14, 2016

2016-12-12 · City Council · Transcript · City Council Meetings

2016-12-12 · City Council · Transcript · source: 10yr-transcripts · sha256 9b5db01f · pages – · method: official

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--- title: December 12 2016 City Council Meetings date: 2016-12-12 source: 2016-12-12_December_12_2016_City_Council_Meetings.wav --- [0:00:22, 0:00:35]: [ 60.8, 61.2]: Okay. [0:01:02, 0:01:02]: Sure. [0:01:06, 0:01:08]: Yeah yeah. [0:01:35, 0:01:46]: [108.6, 110.0]: Yeah, [0:01:50, 0:01:51]: Yeah. [0:01:52, 0:01:53]: [116.4, 120.0]: Man, I got some paperwork. [0:02:32, 0:02:35]: But okay. How are you doing, ladies and gentlemen? [0:02:35, 0:02:39]: I'll call it a meeting order. This is a council meeting uh for uh Monday, December twelfth. [0:02:40, 0:02:42]: And I have about six o'clock, which is right on time. [0:02:43, 0:02:44]: That's called'em in order. [0:02:46, 0:02:47]: Uh could you please stand for the invocation? [0:02:48, 0:02:52]: Pastor Ed Goldworth, I guess with Canon Cleveland uh tuna home, please. [0:03:00, 0:03:02]: That's probably [0:03:02, 0:03:22]: Our father, we thank you for the opportunity of being here. We thank you for this community and for the city of Stockbridge. Thank you for the work that we do cooperatively together as we share and we uh anticipate the good things that are going to happen becomes we celebrate a new mayor and for the opportunity as Judy Neal will be uh installed tonight as our new mayor. [0:03:22, 0:03:42]: We pray for her that you will give her wisdom, give all of the counsel wisdom as we work together, as we seek the better good, as we seek to do good things. But most of all we pray that you would guide us and lead us and open up our hearts, that we would just be joined together in a spirit of oneness and fellowship, we pray, in Jesus' name. [0:03:42, 0:03:47]: Yeah. [0:03:49, 0:03:59]: [242.0, 243.9]: Madam Clerk, I need a roll call, please. [0:04:04, 0:04:15]: Councilman Alexander. Present. Councilman Blount. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Ford. Present. Councilwoman Gantt. Present. Councilwoman Robinson. Present. Council Yabakorm. Thank you very much. [0:04:16, 0:04:19]: Council, I need a motion to adopt agenda, please. [0:04:20, 0:04:26]: Mayor Protam? Yes ma'am. I'm making a motion to adopt the agenda. Okay, any discussion. [0:04:26, 0:04:28]: All in favour, please indicate. [0:04:28, 0:04:29]: Okay. [0:04:31, 0:04:36]: the motion to uh adopt the minutes from october tenth, twenty sixteen. [0:04:36, 0:04:38]: October twenty fifth. [0:04:38, 0:04:40]: which is a special call meeting two thousand sixteen. [0:04:40, 0:04:44]: And uh October twenty fifth as well, two thousand sixteen. [0:04:44, 0:04:47]: I would think that you had a chance to review them already. [0:04:49, 0:05:00]: There are a motion to accept those minutes. I'll make it go ahead, go ahead. Mayor Portem. Yes ma'am. I'll move that we accept the minutes from October tenth and twenty fifth, twenty sixteen. [0:05:00, 0:05:06]: And the special call meeting on the special call meeting on the second. Second. There you go. Any further discussion? [0:05:06, 0:05:07]: All favor, please indicate. [0:05:08, 0:05:10]: Okay, thank you very much. [0:05:10, 0:05:12]: Now we go to a ceremonial part of the [0:05:12, 0:05:13]: Meeting? [0:05:13, 0:05:16]: And swearing um uh swearing in of mayor. [0:05:16, 0:05:17]: Judy B Neil. [0:05:18, 0:05:23]: Um Matt McCord, Judge McCord, there you are you are, sir. Going down there. [0:05:54, 0:05:56]: Ms. Neal, I said to my daughter this morning. [0:05:57, 0:06:12]: Uh my two year old uh that tonight Daddy was going to swear in the first female mayor in the history of the city of Stockbridge. I don't think she understands what that means, but I told her that it was an honor and she'd be here tonight to watch, uh but I wanted you to have all the dignity that you deserve. [0:06:14, 0:06:20]: What I'm gonna do is read this oath to you and at the end of it, if you will, if you will just say I do, if you'll raise your right hand. [0:06:21, 0:06:33]: Do you solemnly swear affirm that you will faithfully perform the duties of this city, and that you will support and defend the charter thereof as well as the Constitution and laws of the State of Georgia and of the United States of America? [0:06:33, 0:06:40]: that you are not a holder of any unaccounted for public money due this state or any public sub political subdivision or authority thereof. [0:06:41, 0:06:51]: That you are not the holder of any other office of trust under the government of the United States, any other state, or any foreign state which you by the laws of the state of Georgia are prohibited from holding. [0:06:52, 0:06:57]: That you are otherwise qualified to hold said office according to the constitution and the laws of the state of Georgia. [0:06:58, 0:07:17]: That you have been a resident of the City of Stockbridge for the time required by the Constitution and laws of this state and by the municipal charter, that you will perform the duties of your office in the best interest of the City of Stockbridge to the best of your ability, without fear, favor, affection, reward, or expectation thereof. [0:07:18, 0:07:19]: If you will say I will. [0:07:21, 0:07:26]: Then it's my privilege to be the first to say, Madam Mayor. Thank you. Congratulations. [0:07:44, 0:07:45]: Mm. [0:07:56, 0:07:57]: [480.2, 486.7]: Uh only done office a second. We're down to bureaucracy already. Three copies. [0:08:28, 0:08:37]: I'm gonna just take a moment. Um, if everyone will bear with me just for a second. I have a few things I'd like to say. [0:08:37, 0:08:38]: Um [0:08:38, 0:08:39]: to to all of you. [0:08:40, 0:08:46]: And and I'll be talking back and forth uh to the council and so that we have um I have my back to you. [0:08:46, 0:08:48]: But after a long [0:08:49, 0:08:51]: hard eight month campaign. [0:08:52, 0:08:54]: I am very happy to be here tonight. [0:08:54, 0:08:58]: accepting the gavel of office for the city of Stockbridge. [0:08:59, 0:09:00]: I am [0:09:01, 0:09:02]: A a a bit of a poem? [0:09:02, 0:09:04]: What a privilege it is. [0:09:04, 0:09:06]: And what an honour it is. [0:09:06, 0:09:09]: And what a great responsibility it is. [0:09:09, 0:09:13]: to all the citizens of this historic city. [0:09:13, 0:09:17]: that um I can step forth and be your mayor. [0:09:18, 0:09:20]: My worthy opponents [0:09:20, 0:09:26]: um, have my greatest congratulations and appreciation for good race. [0:09:26, 0:09:33]: I think we all stayed within the realms of civility. I think we all worked hard. We stayed in good taste. [0:09:33, 0:09:38]: And at the end it was a a wonderful race. [0:09:38, 0:09:44]: Of course, I'm especially grateful to all the people who gave up their precious time. [0:09:44, 0:09:49]: in their energy, not just to me, but to all the candidates that were in this race. [0:09:49, 0:09:52]: Because that is what community is all about. [0:09:53, 0:09:56]: is when people pull together to help each other. [0:09:56, 0:10:08]: And I made only a very minimal amount of promises when I was going door to door and the reason I did that is because the mayor does not have the vote. [0:10:08, 0:10:16]: But what I did promise, I hope that I will always be able to live up to my minimal promises that I made. [0:10:17, 0:10:23]: I think as I went door to door I began to realize that I had spent most of my life [0:10:23, 0:10:26]: preparing for this particular moment. [0:10:27, 0:10:28]: I had um [0:10:29, 0:10:36]: witnessed and observed politicians for many years and I already knew that every um [0:10:36, 0:10:41]: Fairy tale uh does not always begin with once upon a time. [0:10:41, 0:10:45]: And neither do um some political things. [0:10:45, 0:10:54]: Uh but they usually don't always begin with once I'm elected, I promise you this. I can assure you that I do not [0:10:54, 0:10:56]: make many promises. [0:10:56, 0:11:01]: Because I felt that I wanted to be able to honor what I promised you. [0:11:02, 0:11:06]: And throughout my term of office I will try to live up to that. [0:11:06, 0:11:10]: Nothing will be allowed to supersede that mission that I'm on. [0:11:10, 0:11:14]: You'll be pleased to know that this is not my first rodeo. [0:11:14, 0:11:27]: Uh, even though I've never held an elected uh position, I have been um around government for many years. I actually ran a state agency and both a state authority [0:11:27, 0:11:33]: And I have been responsible for many, many projects, some big, some small. [0:11:33, 0:11:38]: And in addition to that, I also ran a trade organization post retirement. [0:11:40, 0:11:44]: And in fact, it seems that these various experiences throughout my whole life [0:11:44, 0:11:46]: prepared me specifically [0:11:47, 0:11:48]: for this particular job. [0:11:49, 0:11:51]: And it is a great challenge. [0:11:51, 0:11:57]: It's no secret that we've had recent controversy in our city government over a number of years. [0:11:57, 0:12:01]: stagnation and misdirection in our local government. [0:12:01, 0:12:05]: Sadly, much of it has been paraded on television. [0:12:06, 0:12:10]: in the in the Metro Atlanta news, which goes all over the world. [0:12:11, 0:12:13]: So I want to assure each of you [0:12:14, 0:12:17]: And and my colleagues on the dais tonight. [0:12:17, 0:12:24]: that the anchor for bad publicity for Stockbridge has ceased is I why [0:12:25, 0:12:37]: I will not play that game, I will not be in that ball enough. I'm interested in doing the white thing for the citizens of Stockbridge. [0:12:38, 0:12:44]: I am interested that we not make those same mistakes again. I learned from my mother [0:12:45, 0:12:48]: that a mistake is not a mistake if you don't repeat it. [0:12:48, 0:12:50]: You get forgiveness on that first one. [0:12:50, 0:12:55]: But you don't when you continually do the w the things over and over again. [0:12:55, 0:13:07]: So I want to in a spirit of unity tonight with my colleagues on the dias to put out a hand of friendship so that we can wipe our slates clean and we can start [0:13:07, 0:13:14]: in twenty seventeen with an absolute clean slate start over and let's see if we can't move forward. [0:13:15, 0:13:19]: in the best interest of Stockbridge everything that we start to do. [0:13:20, 0:13:21]: As a beginning I [0:13:22, 0:13:26]: As I said, I st extend a hand of friendship to the city council members. [0:13:26, 0:13:46]: And I want to assure them and you that I will be working t together with them to extend to the citizens of Stockbridge the very best services that we can render so that we will make a name for ourselves, but it won't be a negative name. It will be one that they go, wow. [0:13:46, 0:13:51]: Ah, have you heard about those people in Stockbridge? We want that for our city. [0:13:51, 0:13:52]: Um [0:13:53, 0:13:57]: One of the things that I will focus a lot on in my leadership [0:13:57, 0:13:59]: is that I am accustomed [0:13:59, 0:14:02]: to working with um budgets. [0:14:03, 0:14:06]: And I have always considered it a primary duty. [0:14:07, 0:14:11]: to match all budgets with legitimate monies. [0:14:12, 0:14:16]: that are set aside for that purpose, estimated revenues. [0:14:16, 0:14:19]: I will do everything within my power as mayor. [0:14:19, 0:14:35]: to see that the citizens of Stockbridge um receive the same due diligence that I've always given looking after a budget. If we have the money, we can use it. If we don't have the money, I will not be supporting that. [0:14:35, 0:14:40]: Georgia law requires that every budget in city, county, state [0:14:40, 0:14:43]: in the state have to be that have to be balanced. [0:14:43, 0:14:48]: That simply means you have to match'em to your revenue estimates that are coming in for the next year. [0:14:49, 0:14:52]: And so as a as a point, knowing that [0:14:52, 0:14:55]: It will be my goal to always do that. [0:14:55, 0:14:57]: So I will [0:14:57, 0:15:01]: not be depending on emergency funds or other funds. [0:15:01, 0:15:05]: to under um support to support a budget. [0:15:07, 0:15:07]: Fue muy [0:15:07, 0:15:09]: set out a goal of [0:15:10, 0:15:17]: planning a budget, we can't use our linear thinking there because we only can use that that we have. [0:15:17, 0:15:21]: All of us in the last number of years have learned [0:15:21, 0:15:23]: That what we think might happen [0:15:23, 0:15:24]: Doesn't always happen. [0:15:25, 0:15:32]: We saw that happen in Henry County, we thought our county was moving forward and that level was never gonna burst. [0:15:32, 0:15:33]: Well when we [0:15:34, 0:15:36]: We start dipping into our reserve funds. [0:15:37, 0:15:40]: That bubble will and can burst more often than not. [0:15:41, 0:15:46]: So I will be a supporter of managing our money very wisely. [0:15:46, 0:15:51]: A second banner that will be prominently waived throughout my administration. [0:15:51, 0:15:54]: is strict compliance with Georgia laws. [0:15:55, 0:15:57]: The city of Scottridge Charter. [0:15:57, 0:16:06]: and rules of ethics and morality that citizens expect all of us who are in public office to guide our actions. [0:16:06, 0:16:10]: Except where allowed and required by law. [0:16:11, 0:16:15]: Any business that I conduct as your mayor will be done with the door open. [0:16:16, 0:16:17]: Um [0:16:17, 0:16:21]: with full reporting to the council and to the citizens of Scott Ridge. [0:16:22, 0:16:23]: Stockbridges. [0:16:24, 0:16:27]: so ideally located to attract [0:16:27, 0:16:29]: Business and industry. [0:16:29, 0:16:38]: that I will work diligently with all of our departments, with Henry County officials as well as state and utility agencies. [0:16:38, 0:16:40]: So that we can attract [0:16:40, 0:16:41]: Good job. [0:16:41, 0:16:45]: and good positions for the people that live in our community. [0:16:45, 0:16:53]: Of primary concern to all of us is the necessity of keeping good businesses that we already have in our community. [0:16:54, 0:17:09]: Unfortunately there are communities in Metro Atlanta that have had one bed one business closed after the other. And that happens oftentimes until you look around one day it starts gradually and you look around one day and you're down to um [0:17:10, 0:17:17]: a kind of a ghost town that's left. A lot of empty buildings, inconvenience stores, nail salons and things like that. [0:17:17, 0:17:22]: But Stockbridge has currently a great variety of restaurants. [0:17:22, 0:17:42]: We have a good uh line of fast food stores. We have a lot of things like that and it's crucial for us to keep things that we have. But we are also blessed to have a huge medical community uh partially located within the city limits. Part of it is in the county part [0:17:42, 0:17:43]: [1063.7, 1066.8]: But we are so blessed to have that. [0:17:47, 0:17:48]: partially in our city limits. [0:17:48, 0:17:51]: It's convenient to every Stockbridge citizen. [0:17:52, 0:17:56]: We also have many other services, whether it's a print company [0:17:56, 0:18:01]: or any number of other businesses in our community. [0:18:01, 0:18:05]: It makes life better for those of us who live in Stock Rouge. [0:18:06, 0:18:09]: We have things that are convenient and affordable. [0:18:09, 0:18:19]: And as we seek more business and more industry for our community, we must all make certain that our current businesses are nurtured [0:18:19, 0:18:22]: and made to feel welcome in our community. [0:18:23, 0:18:26]: That will be one major thing that I will focus on. [0:18:27, 0:18:30]: They are our treasures and we want to keep them. [0:18:30, 0:18:42]: No one wants to drive twenty minutes to go to the bank or shop for groceries or visit a doctor. So to make sure that we keep what we have not only as services [0:18:42, 0:18:44]: but also as our tax base. [0:18:44, 0:18:45]: Uh [0:18:45, 0:18:48]: pledge to be visiting with business owners [0:18:48, 0:18:51]: and business managers of our community. [0:18:52, 0:18:52]: And [0:18:52, 0:18:55]: any industry, business that's here. [0:18:55, 0:19:07]: I want to visit with them and make sure that they understand we value them being here and we want to focus attention on what we can do to make their businesses better. [0:19:07, 0:19:12]: They are not our piggy banks to always go to asking for something. [0:19:13, 0:19:17]: It is us that needs to make them feel a great part of our community. [0:19:18, 0:19:20]: So I want to stand ready to do that. [0:19:21, 0:19:26]: One factor that will scare money out of a community faster than a streak of lightning. [0:19:26, 0:19:29]: is simply when we have rampant clime. [0:19:30, 0:19:35]: An early priority for me would be to visit with our Henry County police. [0:19:35, 0:19:43]: so that I can review all the crime records for our community to make sure that the services for which we contract [0:19:43, 0:19:45]: are adequate to the task. [0:19:45, 0:19:50]: of keeping all of the citizens of Scott Bridge safe and visitors who come to our city. [0:19:51, 0:20:04]: We want to make sure that all properties are secured and that people when they go into our restaurants, into our businesses, they don't come back to find a broken window in their car. We want to make sure that everyone is safe. [0:20:04, 0:20:14]: We cannot thrive if Scott Ridge, as with some other communities, is being shamed in the news every night, with crime uh being paraded on our televisions. [0:20:15, 0:20:16]: So when it comes to [0:20:16, 0:20:20]: facet, every facet of the security of our citizen. You can [0:20:21, 0:20:30]: depend on the mayor of Stockbridge being on the front line, encouraging our council to all of us to be that be a lead thing that we focus on. [0:20:30, 0:20:31]: So that's where I stand. [0:20:32, 0:20:33]: With fewer than [0:20:33, 0:20:36]: fewer than thirty thousand citizens in the city of Stockbridge. [0:20:37, 0:20:38]: It's not a big city. [0:20:39, 0:20:49]: But for all the people here and for me, our uh city manager and all the employees, our attorney, it's a big job to manage a city of our size. [0:20:50, 0:20:52]: And I have no doubt [0:20:52, 0:20:53]: That [0:20:53, 0:20:56]: I will be able to I'm I'm going on a lot of faith. [0:20:57, 0:21:05]: But the reason I'm doing it is because I know a lot of prayers are going up in this community. They're going up by the millions, literally. I've never seen anything like it. [0:21:05, 0:21:07]: And we are praying. [0:21:07, 0:21:09]: That God will remove [0:21:09, 0:21:10]: Every [0:21:11, 0:21:12]: Every barrier. [0:21:13, 0:21:15]: in the way of the city of Stockbury. [0:21:15, 0:21:18]: And if we are the barrier personally [0:21:18, 0:21:28]: Or if you're the barrier, the citizens, then we have to pray that barrier away so that we can move forward and do great things for our community. [0:21:29, 0:21:30]: So as we [0:21:30, 0:21:39]: come together tonight. I want to let you know that my background in government has always been I'm always firm [0:21:39, 0:21:41]: But boy am I sad. [0:21:42, 0:21:58]: And and my good to the people that want to move us forward. And that is what I pledge. I will respect every voter. I do not care who they are, where they live, or what their circumstances, they will be high on my list. [0:21:58, 0:22:00]: I do not see colour. [0:22:00, 0:22:01]: I seek people. [0:22:02, 0:22:05]: I see policies and I see procedures. [0:22:05, 0:22:08]: I see competence and incompetence. [0:22:08, 0:22:11]: So tonight I pledge to you. [0:22:11, 0:22:15]: That I will try to be the best person I can be. [0:22:15, 0:22:21]: And I want to close with a little quote that you've heard me say, many of you have heard me say this before. [0:22:22, 0:22:32]: by Martin Luther King. It's one of my favorites. I don't agree with everybody everything everybody says, but I like to pick the best of everybody that I see and I know. [0:22:33, 0:22:37]: and take those best comments and use them to make me a better person. [0:22:38, 0:22:40]: And I want to share my closing thoughts. [0:22:40, 0:22:42]: The Martin Luther King cross quote. [0:22:42, 0:22:47]: Which simply says it's always the right time to do the right thing. [0:22:48, 0:22:52]: And tonight in Stockbridge, I believe it's an opportunity for us. [0:22:52, 0:22:53]: [1373.6, 1375.2]: Put out hands of friendship. [0:22:55, 0:23:00]: And we're gonna work together and we're gonna have fun doing it. It's not gonna be [0:23:02, 0:23:07]: I don't like the dark side. I don't play in the dark side. I play on the in the sand pile with [0:23:07, 0:23:08]: Happiness. [0:23:08, 0:23:12]: So I want to be that kind of mayor so that no matter what happens [0:23:13, 0:23:16]: They're gonna say, Boy, those people in Stockbridge have got it going down there. [0:23:17, 0:23:24]: And that's what I invite all of my colleagues to join in on that because I know we can do it. [0:23:24, 0:23:30]: And we can do it together. So I thank you all for coming tonight and I thank you for letting me share these thoughts. [0:24:05, 0:24:22]: invites someone that I am extremely fond of who um have a pra medical practice in the Eagle Slanding Unit. It's Dr. Kathy Mallow and I'm gonna ask her if she would come up. Uh there is a somebody has a [0:24:24, 0:24:42]: They don't leave. I'm I'm gonna brag on her before I come down there real quick. Um, doctor, come on up. Um, if you've not had a child in her pediatric practice, you need to tell all your friends and neighbors about it. She promotes reading and that's what we're gonna talk about here. [0:24:59, 0:25:15]: I just want to tell you that she has a library in her practice to teach children to read. That's one of her big things and that's what we're going to be reading about tonight. But if you haven't been to Cher Library, I encourage you to go and take a book and donate it. [0:25:16, 0:25:18]: But she would be so happy if you did it. [0:25:21, 0:25:30]: As elected officials of this great city, it is our pleasure and duty to recognize individuals who are doing wonderful things here in the Stockbridge community. [0:25:30, 0:25:33]: Doctor Catherine T and I'm gonna let you pronounce [0:25:34, 0:25:35]: [1536.4, 1548.5]: Close. Um Dr. Maurer, MD joined the nationwide campaign Reach Out and Read, a nonprofit program to promote early age literacy for her patients. [0:25:48, 0:25:53]: The Reach Out and Read Literacy Organization provides training [0:25:53, 0:25:57]: to pediatricians with a goal to prepare their young patients for scoop. [0:25:58, 0:25:59]: Excuse me, for school. [0:26:00, 0:26:08]: Through this program doctors prescribe books for patients to read and the doctors also encourage families to read together. [0:26:08, 0:26:15]: To promote reading for her young patients while attending visits to her office, there are no televisions. [0:26:17, 0:26:28]: Instead there are reading rooms in the waiting areas. The office waiting room is decorated vibrantly with mechanical games, brightly colored artwork, and a library of books. [0:26:29, 0:26:39]: Dr. Maurer also involves parents by offering advice on the importance of reading to their children in teaching their children to read for themselves. [0:26:40, 0:26:54]: We commend you, Dr. Maurer, for your commitment to literacy and to the Stockbridge community. Thank you for the wonderful work that you do. We also would like to congratulate you on your recent accolades of being included in [0:26:54, 0:27:01]: on the best docks in Atlanta list. We agree and we wish you continued success. [0:27:20, 0:27:21]: Want us down there? [0:27:31, 0:27:32]: Let me get one more. [0:27:55, 0:28:05]: T-shirt was the one that followed up to his um ideas. I don't know. Okay, no three. One, two, three. [0:28:05, 0:28:09]: Well, one, two, three. [0:28:10, 0:28:15]: [1724.7, 1725.1]: Yeah. [0:28:53, 0:28:55]: We do, we have Ms. Darlene Jackson. [0:28:58, 0:29:00]: Barlene Jackson, if you would [0:29:12, 0:29:20]: Hello everyone at the city council. Thank you. Morning. Evening. Um I brought this well, I best better state my name and my address. [0:29:20, 0:29:25]: Uh Darlene Jackson is my name. I leave at four two eighteen Ahealy Court, Stockbridge. [0:29:26, 0:29:26]: Um [0:29:27, 0:29:29]: My question that I'm bringing tonight [0:29:29, 0:29:49]: is the second time that I brought uh to the council uh pertaining to the water authority. I wanted some investigation into why we're paying it on our tax bill as well as paying the city of Stockbridge for doing the same job. Um after talking with Mr. Birch [0:29:49, 0:30:02]: I've even talked with uh Mr. Curry as opposed to why uh we're paying this and it was a bond that was given to the water thirty years ago to help sustain themselves. [0:30:03, 0:30:05]: Um I'm hearing now that they can [0:30:06, 0:30:10]: So I'm wondering why are the bonds still open? [0:30:10, 0:30:28]: where they're able to add if they wanna say they need uh maintenance work done on the lines or whatever, we have no means of uh seeing that this is being done. Uh the citizens have no uh say on whether it should be staying uh open or not. [0:30:29, 0:30:36]: And I'm just trying to get to the bottom of it before I decide to leave. I've been here since two thousand five. [0:30:36, 0:30:38]: And [0:30:38, 0:30:58]: They do the same thing. City of Stockbridge does the same thing as the Water Authority. Why is this bond still open? Why are they able to add it? Why can't we vote on it staying open? And then my second question was about public safety. What exactly are we going to pay for? I know it's been added to our uh tax pay. [0:30:58, 0:31:03]: feel but I I would like it outlined on exactly where my money is going. [0:31:06, 0:31:20]: They have and and the rest people can say we have people that functions are functions. I'm not sure that our speeches are not around. [0:31:25, 0:31:27]: [1888.3, 1894.1]: Yeah, we spoke before, yeah. So I will talk to him and [0:31:37, 0:31:40]: Okay. Thank you for your time. Uh oh. [0:31:46, 0:31:48]: Ms. Nancy Strickland. [0:32:08, 0:32:13]: Council and Mayor, I'm Nancy Strickland. I live at one oh two Wexford Court. [0:32:13, 0:32:14]: In Stockbridge. [0:32:15, 0:32:17]: I just want to thank you all. [0:32:17, 0:32:19]: We've had so much. [0:32:19, 0:32:25]: turmoil along the way and I just want to tell all of you how much I appreciate y'all [0:32:25, 0:32:26]: And what you've done. [0:32:27, 0:32:29]: My husband was teared stripped one. [0:32:29, 0:32:33]: And if I get emotional I'll just go sit down but [0:32:33, 0:32:34]: Um [0:32:35, 0:32:38]: And I want to thank Michael so much for the good job that he's done. [0:32:40, 0:32:41]: But uh this is um [0:32:42, 0:32:45]: a time that we've had an election now. [0:32:45, 0:32:50]: And I just hope that we can settle down and get back to business. [0:32:51, 0:32:51]: Oh [0:32:54, 0:32:57]: There's nobody in the world, I guess, that loves Stockbridge more than I do. [0:32:58, 0:33:04]: And I want to let y'all know that I will be available at any time to help in any way that I can. [0:33:04, 0:33:06]: And also um [0:33:06, 0:33:08]: Judy mentioned the budget. [0:33:09, 0:33:17]: Has the budget already been settled for this year? Okay. Is this budget balanced? [0:33:18, 0:33:21]: Mail, can you on it? [0:33:23, 0:33:25]: Okay. [0:33:25, 0:33:30]: Okay. I just wanted to make sure this is a level playing film now. [0:33:31, 0:33:31]: We've got [0:33:32, 0:33:33]: To start over. [0:33:33, 0:33:34]: And uh [0:33:34, 0:33:38]: Just want to make sure that it it's it's balanced without any reserve. [0:33:39, 0:33:41]: being used or anything like that. But [0:33:42, 0:33:47]: Most of all I'm just so proud of y'all and uh I'm I'm proud of the job that Judy's going to be doing. I've [0:33:48, 0:33:54]: I've worked with her since our kids were in PTA in elementary school and she's a worker. [0:33:54, 0:33:59]: And she's gonna do well. And thank y'all so bad for listening to me. [0:34:05, 0:34:06]: There are no public comments. [0:34:12, 0:34:13]: To order a blue sexy. [0:34:17, 0:34:18]: And um [0:34:20, 0:34:22]: First thing that would be [0:34:25, 0:34:26]: I don't think that's [0:34:26, 0:34:46]: But I'm gonna ask a favor of the council tonight. Um please I got here and um I've got this big book and everything and and the box and things that we need to learn. Um would you I would like because you designed a change that you can explain, there's a both you [0:34:46, 0:34:57]: [2098.1, 2107.0]: Hey, can we balance I think we're going to come to turn them? I'm gonna ask our council tonight if we want to [0:35:07, 0:35:25]: They may not and I would like for us to put a twenty five those and five not have a chance to have a formal conversation yet with our [0:35:26, 0:35:29]: I want to ask that everything on this [0:35:29, 0:35:49]: Uh we'll probably work session on January month. If we shall have that time, we will all have the time to have some conversations. I think there are lots of ways to solve the problems. I'm not going to spend around seven fifteen and [0:35:50, 0:35:57]: And saying that solution to the case. They would do it with why not being there for it. [0:35:58, 0:36:04]: So I would like to make that as a recommendation and if anybody will support me on it, I would like to hear from [0:36:06, 0:36:18]: Madam Mayor, you don't mind. Um I'd like to ask the uh uh uh uh uh a council here, can we go into a new fiscal year without having a balance of Mayor's asking for January, can we do ac action for do that first of all? [0:36:20, 0:36:24]: My understanding is it would be for the December twenty seventh, um [0:36:24, 0:36:25]: Or two uh [0:36:26, 0:36:33]: December twenty seventh is the work session in December and then January is you referred to the meeting in January. So [0:36:35, 0:36:37]: I actually want us to wait and [0:36:40, 0:36:48]: the at the end of this month and and that is something the council could certainly do. Um, Madam Mayor, if I could make a recommendation [0:36:49, 0:37:09]: We'd advertise tonight for the public hearing. You could still have the public hearing and hear from the public tonight and that would satisfy the legal requirements so that you wouldn't have to have another public hearing. You could if you wanted to and hear from the public again. But I would recommend you go ahead and have the hearing tonight and if the council [0:37:09, 0:37:14]: What's the way to make a final decision on a doctrine, then they could do that on the twenty seventh. [0:37:17, 0:37:19]: All right. Uh can I continue on here? [0:37:19, 0:37:21]: Um a couple things. Um [0:37:21, 0:37:24]: The one point five million come out of fund balance. [0:37:24, 0:37:35]: Um obviously we'll have additional conversation about this, but uh my understanding is that we're not doing anything illegal. We're not doing anything illegal by doing that. Now, mind you, [0:37:35, 0:37:37]: [2260.7, 2276.7]: Well for the public hearings for the public to address us. I mean I I was thinking that you wanted some comments in reference to this now. I mean I could s I'll say the comments later. I just need to get this whatever I want to say off my chest and and and say these things. [0:37:56, 0:37:58]: To ensure that um [0:37:58, 0:38:01]: uh that at least get publicly known. [0:38:02, 0:38:03]: Well excuse me. [0:38:04, 0:38:09]: One second. Okay. So I mean I'm looking at you, sir, once again, for any legal advice here. [0:38:10, 0:38:17]: Well, it it's the council's decision whether or not they want to delay final adoption of the budget for [0:38:18, 0:38:27]: you know, another for two weeks. Um so it's my understanding the mayor is asking you all to make that decision now before you proceed [0:38:29, 0:38:33]: All right. I'll I'll I'll wait for my comments. I'm I'm pretty sure other people want to speak. [0:38:34, 0:38:35]: Madam Mayor, if I may. [0:38:35, 0:38:40]: Um, I think uh and correct me if I'm wrong, but I think one of [0:38:40, 0:38:42]: The issues is um [0:38:42, 0:38:45]: Mayor Pro Tem is addressing [0:38:45, 0:38:52]: his issues with the budget or whether or not we're gonna discuss it, I don't know. I'm a little confused. Do we talk about [0:38:52, 0:38:58]: discussing it or do we go ahead and make a motion to allow for public comments? [0:38:59, 0:39:00]: Well [0:39:00, 0:39:16]: Madam Mayor, if I may respond, it's my understanding, you know, the public comments will proceed in due course if the council makes no decision that that's on the agenda and you already have that set. And so what's being requested is a change from the agenda [0:39:16, 0:39:21]: for the council to consider delaying final adoption but [0:39:22, 0:39:29]: All I've recommended is if you do that you should probably still go ahead and at least have a public hearing portion tonight. [0:39:29, 0:39:35]: And then but you should decide what you want to do as far as final adoption before you have that public hearing. [0:39:36, 0:39:37]: Madam Mayor. [0:39:41, 0:39:45]: Um one of the things I've always contended here on the council is that [0:39:46, 0:39:50]: Uh lack of understanding always breeds two things and that's conflict and confusion. [0:39:50, 0:39:54]: And so until everybody get a clear understanding of the budget because there is still some [0:39:54, 0:39:58]: uh things that we haven't as a council agreed on pertaining to this budget. [0:39:58, 0:40:02]: So if we whatever's gonna go on tonight, if we're gonna do an extension [0:40:03, 0:40:03]: Uh because [0:40:04, 0:40:06]: as the budget is laid out before the public to see. [0:40:07, 0:40:12]: over ten million dollars and we only have a general fund that comes in is eight point eight, eight point nine. [0:40:12, 0:40:17]: I would not agree to the budget tonight myself, pertaining to what's shown to the public tonight. So [0:40:18, 0:40:26]: if there's an agreement to move forward to uh for us to make those adjustments, then I'm for that. Well mayor. [0:40:33, 0:40:46]: So you're saying that you really need to open it up for public hearing and it it was online. [0:40:47, 0:40:50]: You're you're saying that we would not have a public hearing. [0:40:51, 0:40:52]: After we [0:40:53, 0:40:55]: After we maybe have [0:40:55, 0:41:15]: Let me clarify. I'm just saying you've already advertised for the public hearing tonight, so I'm recommending that you at least have that. You c you are still fully within your rights as a council to receive additional public comment again in two weeks if that's your decision to delay it. But I just don't want you [0:41:15, 0:41:20]: you to not have the hearing tonight after you've already uh advertised it. [0:41:30, 0:41:33]: It's all the budget's already been presented, so uh I think it'd be appropriate [0:41:34, 0:41:35]: Yes, ma'am. [0:41:37, 0:41:50]: Yes, uh I uh uh this is what I want clarification on. I think uh Madam Mayor asked the council for us to have what we thought about moving this item two weeks. [0:41:51, 0:42:11]: That is discussion. So I think what Mayor Pro Tem did was absolutely appropriate in that the request was for us to talk about or to decide. I think we would want the public to know what our thoughts are on whether or not um we were for that. Um personally like um Mayor [0:42:11, 0:42:31]: Pro Tem said I I want to make sure that we do everything that's legal and in accordance with where we're trying to go uh to establish the budget. But the state does outline uh a budgeting process. There was three advertised meetings, and tonight was actually supposed to be the last one of those three advertising. [0:42:31, 0:42:51]: advertised meetings. We've had them three s uh two of them success that was opened up to the public as well as all council members. Uh there were several members of the public who attended all of those meetings and we kinda decided uh you know what uh was going into the budget. I would like to call on [0:42:50, 0:43:09]: uh Madam Mayor to go on record to tell us what her concerns are uh with the budget, seeing that we've had uh three meet this is our third meeting, so we could kinda talk about where we wanted to go and if there was any concerns that you've had with the process uh s thus far. [0:43:13, 0:43:17]: The question on the table is where is the council point? [0:43:19, 0:43:39]: That me enough. I've been in office for like five months, budget. And we do want to go to the city's suppliers of seventeen budget. I'm asking for a full two week so that I can study the budget, be better prepared, and that we can [0:43:39, 0:43:41]: [2622.5, 2640.3]: on a solution to cities collected for two. I mean I'm not faulting anybody, I'm not criticizing anybody, I'm just saying that at this point I would like that two weeks period of time so that we can [0:44:00, 0:44:01]: Yeah. [0:44:01, 0:44:02]: Yeah. [0:44:02, 0:44:03]: Thank you. [0:44:03, 0:44:09]: budget that is finally passed is the budget that we can live with. That is my request. [0:44:14, 0:44:15]: Madam Mayor. [0:44:17, 0:44:28]: I move that we allow the public to speak in regards to the final reading and adoption of the proposed fiscal year twenty seventeen operating budget. [0:44:30, 0:44:41]: However, I move that after the public speaks that we table and allow you time to review the budget for a couple of weeks. Sorry. I'm in agreement with that. [0:44:42, 0:44:43]: All in favor? [0:44:44, 0:44:46]: Discussion please. [0:44:48, 0:45:02]: Mm-hmm. I I can agree to this, uh, but I also want to make sure that uh during discussion after the public speaks I have some comments that I like to make to help us along this process. I need to get it off my chest before we leave here tonight. Okay? Thank you. [0:45:02, 0:45:04]: Yes discussion as well. [0:45:10, 0:45:10]: We take a vote. [0:45:11, 0:45:13]: Madam Mayor, you need the the yeas and nays. [0:45:14, 0:45:17]: No you no no you didn't. All right. All in favor? [0:45:19, 0:45:20]: Um [0:45:22, 0:45:31]: Mayor Neal, I just need a clarification on the date. Did you say the twentieth s the work session? Is that where we're delaying this? Twenty session. Okay. Thank you. [0:45:39, 0:45:43]: Madam Mayor, you'd open the public hearing and and ask for comments. [0:45:49, 0:46:05]: Not as familiar with the budget, but if you have comments that you want to make um the budget, that's what we're hearing about that mail just about the it will um come to closing one dot one as a comment. [0:46:05, 0:46:07]: Part one structure. [0:46:10, 0:46:23]: Actually the public hearing in itself has a certain amount of time for the public hearing. Ten minutes for your public hearing. In favor or opposed? If anyone wants to speak. [0:46:30, 0:46:35]: Those in favor should come forward first. Those in favor. [0:46:37, 0:46:43]: Those in favor of the of the budget should come forward first and then those opposed would come second. [0:46:46, 0:46:48]: I I want them to have enough [0:46:54, 0:46:55]: That's the other one. [0:46:56, 0:47:08]: Is that okay? So we're gonna mix it in. Alright, so uh uh you don't have to tell us quickly for like before you come to the podium if you have any statement you wanna make about the budget, please come to this time. [0:47:11, 0:47:14]: No mess, start from this way and come all the way over. Okay. [0:47:15, 0:47:25]: We'll just start up and start over here, or then we'll do that two minutes and I'll sort of about three minutes to the first one. [0:47:27, 0:47:30]: [2851.9, 2856.2]: Mayor Neal, the three minute rule does not apply. It's open to ten minutes. [0:47:38, 0:47:44]: If he talks ten minutes, that's the entire hearing. [0:47:46, 0:47:51]: M my name is Joe Bates, uh eighteen thirteen Chick Court, Stockbridge, Georgia. [0:47:52, 0:47:57]: And I want to encourage the entire council not to have a budget. [0:47:57, 0:47:58]: That is not balanced. [0:47:59, 0:48:05]: Uh my understanding with the state law is fairly simple. I'm not a lawyer and I'm not an official. [0:48:05, 0:48:18]: But I just uh don't believe that uh having an unbalanced budget would be in the best interest of anybody here and certainly not myself. So that's all I have to say and thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. [0:48:22, 0:48:23]: Discussed. [0:48:41, 0:48:59]: Council, um I just wanted to clarify the reason I mentioned budget to start with is because my husband was Ted Strickland and I know when budget time came up they worried and worked and all of this and I just wanted to make sure I didn't know whether this would even come up or not. [0:48:59, 0:49:02]: But I wanted to make sure that uh the [0:49:02, 0:49:11]: Everything is level ground at this point and and we can move from here. Thank you. [0:49:20, 0:49:40]: My name is Lou Goldie and I live at 172 Garden Walk in uh Stockbridge. I've lived there for eighteen years. Uh my question is does next year's budget include uh provision for city police? I know it's talked about, I just haven't heard any more about it. Uh I'd just like to know if that's included in the budget next year, if anything's been approved on. [0:49:40, 0:49:42]: That's the only question I have. Thank you. [0:49:45, 0:49:47]: I mean [0:49:50, 0:49:54]: Um I think that would be that [0:50:01, 0:50:05]: I'm Shirley Wallislong at three ten Tory Trail here in South Bridge. [0:50:05, 0:50:10]: I wanna know, I haven't had an opportunity to even review the proposed budget. [0:50:10, 0:50:13]: Or what you was going to discuss tonight as a citizen. [0:50:13, 0:50:16]: I would like to be able to see that budget myself. [0:50:17, 0:50:19]: And also when you have your next meeting [0:50:20, 0:50:22]: Make it to where everybody [0:50:22, 0:50:26]: who wants to attend to give their opinion about the the pu the budget. [0:50:27, 0:50:29]: Make it where we can speak instead of [0:50:31, 0:50:33]: It just coming up and this is what it is. [0:50:33, 0:50:34]: Um [0:50:34, 0:50:34]: Yeah. [0:50:35, 0:50:39]: That's what a lot of people are concerned about at this particular point. [0:50:39, 0:50:44]: And if if that can just be presented to where whether you listen it on [0:50:44, 0:50:45]: The website [0:50:46, 0:50:48]: 'Cause most of us here do have access to the website. [0:50:50, 0:50:54]: then that would be good to give at least me as a president of my community to [0:50:54, 0:51:02]: get it to my community so they can take a look at it and not all of us will be able to come in, but at least a consensus where we could all [0:51:03, 0:51:06]: get our our questions together and at least have one representative. [0:51:10, 0:51:30]: Mayor Neal, the the budget was placed on the website with the first hearing. When there were changes made to the first hearing, those changes were also made public on the website. In addition to the website, we have a copy in the receptionist area as we indicate, and we also have a copy in our finance office for the public. [0:51:29, 0:51:30]: Public to view. [0:51:37, 0:51:40]: That would be an open records request from Ms. Long. [0:51:42, 0:51:58]: It's it's available to view, but if she wants a copy, then we would have to do that via open records report. And I'll it's also on the website. [0:51:59, 0:52:00]: [3129.8, 3131.2]: We're at six minutes. [0:52:19, 0:52:25]: My name is Richard Ordonas, I live at one hundred twelve men Boulevard. My wife is a lifelong resident, born and raised here in Stockbridge. [0:52:26, 0:52:28]: We've taught our kids. [0:52:28, 0:52:28]: Two. [0:52:29, 0:52:30]: Spend what you have. [0:52:30, 0:52:32]: Safer any David, don't go over that. [0:52:33, 0:52:35]: I expect and I would like to see. [0:52:35, 0:52:36]: Our city council did the same thing. [0:52:37, 0:52:38]: The budget should be [0:52:39, 0:52:39]: Um [0:52:40, 0:52:44]: within the realms of what we have to spend and not over that we should be balanced. [0:52:45, 0:52:49]: If I did not balance my budget at home, I may not be able to pay my water bill or my taxes. [0:52:49, 0:52:51]: And then who do I have to come to? [0:52:51, 0:52:53]: City of Stockbridge and explain it. [0:52:53, 0:52:55]: So I think that it who's everybody [0:52:56, 0:53:00]: to be within a balanced budget for whatever city they specifically Stockbridge because they live here. [0:53:01, 0:53:04]: But I've always taught my kids to maintain that [0:53:04, 0:53:10]: and how it is so that when they're down the road, they get older, they're able to provide for themselves. [0:53:10, 0:53:14]: And things like that. So I would like to make sure and see that our balance our budget is balanced. [0:53:14, 0:53:18]: So that we don't have to keep going back and back and trying [0:53:18, 0:53:25]: get more money from the s the businesses, from the citizens, or some other place in order to meet the balance budget. Thank you. [0:53:27, 0:53:42]: And um at this point as a little bit of some of our platform people that have a foot camera. Um next the work session would be [0:53:44, 0:53:45]: Okay for that. [0:53:46, 0:53:47]: [3227.7, 3232.3]: It's the twenty seventh of December. [0:53:53, 0:53:56]: I know. She wanna come back for that. [0:53:58, 0:54:04]: At at this point I'll see my coming out and then uh typically coming up. [0:54:05, 0:54:17]: We are talking about and and I know that um Georgia law says we have to balance our budget the [0:54:22, 0:54:23]: And you have [0:54:25, 0:54:40]: actually estimated the exact medium uh pockets that we're starting from us. So that's basically what I think um uh project boards would like to do that. I'll start with the people on that. [0:54:42, 0:55:02]: Thank you, Madam Mayor. Appreciate that. In the process of going through a budget, uh we wanted to see we're seeking basically economic development. We want to do what we can to bring businesses and bring you all downtown and develop the area right around here, the city hall and our main street area, things of that nature. So part of the budget uh coming out of fund balance dealt with [0:55:02, 0:55:06]: with the rebanding initiative, also dealt with apitheater design. [0:55:07, 0:55:16]: Okay, that we want to have back here as well. A comprehensive plan, which is actually a two year process, and half of it would be paid in in in twenty seventeen, the other half in twenty eighteen. [0:55:17, 0:55:21]: opportunity zone, uh tax zone information to bring businesses downtown. [0:55:22, 0:55:29]: And uh fiber optic network for all our city buildings. That's part of it what we would want to take out of uh the fund balance as well. [0:55:29, 0:55:35]: Now we we have all these uh Tasty Tuesdays and we have all these these events downtown and we were renting [0:55:35, 0:55:47]: out uh lights. So we want to purchase uh uh light towers for our public works and also message boards to get information out to you all, the citizens, that all came out that was all coming out of fund balance as well. [0:55:48, 0:55:59]: And the the biggest concern I I think and the council will speak to this themselves if they want to, I think the biggest concern dealt with roughly five hundred thousand dollars of the of the one point five million [0:56:00, 0:56:20]: easily to dealt with any purchases of land for development of the downtown area. If if we were looking at expanding what we would pay potentially pay to expand everything on the downtown area. That was kind of the more of the concern of how about to go go about the process of going about doing that, whether you you amend the budget later or whether or not you identify it up front. Another I think a [0:56:20, 0:56:32]: concern dealt with a public informations officer uh that the staff uh had wanted and council members had mentioned as well. Now granted I was uh I was opposed to that last time we talked about this. [0:56:32, 0:56:35]: To fund anything like that a new position. [0:56:35, 0:56:54]: it also has to come out of fund balance. And that's one of the things I said publicly in our two uh previous uh uh budget hearings is that there were things that Mr Harris and our and our treasurer Linda neighbors had told me and I just said, No, I think I want to go down this road which generated additional conversation which is why we're having this now, which is perfectly fine. [0:56:54, 0:56:55]: Um [0:56:55, 0:56:57]: Now I have to tell you that uh [0:56:57, 0:57:00]: Uh the GMA, the Jordan Municipal Association [0:57:00, 0:57:20]: has a plenty of classes and educates our municipal officials, elected officials and just last week I went to Tifton, Georgia for how do you effectively brand and market your city. Okay. Once again I mentioned earlier rebranding an initiative which is this that we want to start here in in Stockbridge and and have and we started those type of things with [0:57:20, 0:57:33]: with our Main Street program, which is in this general facility, and uh we're looking at uh the hiring and uh some contractors that help us with rebranding our our our city itself. Well I went to this particular class with open mind [0:57:33, 0:57:53]: And talking getting an education, spend three hours learning some things and talking to some other officials in some other cities and around the state. And after thinking about it and understanding where we where I think this council wants to take the city and the fact of of what the s what uh city officials of the p full time staff have mentioned to me, I'm now of the mindset to go ahead and say, Okay, I think we probably [0:57:53, 0:58:04]: need a public information officer. All right? Whether it's full time or part time. But even since I've changed my mind and I say that, guess what? If we do that, that funding event's gotta come out of fund balance to do that. [0:58:05, 0:58:16]: See all these things it's a process. All these things that we want to move the city forward uh comes out of fund balance. Now there are some things with splots initiatives, some other funds we can use, but the m the to move as aggressively is what this council wants to do. [0:58:17, 0:58:19]: Funds balance is how we're gonna have to solve it. [0:58:19, 0:58:30]: If we don't do that then there are things that we will be able to do but become very slow and it'll take several years. We wanna move faster. And we can do it faster. [0:58:30, 0:58:37]: I just wanted to mention that in that aspect. Uh that is for m for right now, that is my two cents. Thank you. Madam Mayor. [0:58:42, 0:58:46]: Um, the only comment I uh um really have in regards to the bo um [0:58:46, 0:58:47]: Budget. [0:58:47, 0:58:49]: And just so the audience knows. [0:58:50, 0:59:00]: We have as a finance committee chair, anytime there's a quarterly report or any update on what's going on, feel free to go online to the City of Stockbridge website. [0:59:00, 0:59:04]: Um whether it's the agendas, whether it's the quarterly [0:59:04, 0:59:17]: updated everything is on the website for you. Um if you were to come and ask for a copy here you would have to go through open records. So I I don't have any comments tonight in regards to the budget. Thank you. [0:59:20, 0:59:21]: Pani Przewodnicząca. [0:59:22, 0:59:35]: I just want to say a lot of the training that we're receiving through GMA, um, we're doing just as what we were tr we're trained to do. Um we're using the information and just like Miss Strickland said, um [0:59:36, 0:59:56]: A lot of the drawings that are in our clerk's office are from the previous counsel and mayor. They had drawings of having an amphitheater. So what we're trying to do is their vision was there as well. It's just now the time is now. And we just need the public support to be um we have [0:59:56, 1:00:16]: have the council meetings as we stated the budget and we went through the process. We just need your help to come out and attend these meetings. Even when we're saying with the branding, a lot of people aren't on social media, but we can at least let you know with our new branding with the signs to say there's a council meeting [1:00:16, 1:00:22]: meeting on this day. So that way you're aware and you can come out just like you have done this evening. [1:00:22, 1:00:27]: But again I just wanna state that um the drawings and I wish we could have had it um [1:00:27, 1:00:47]: out here but um mister Ted Strickland and all of them they had that vision and and it wasn't the time but we're basically still in line with everything that they were trying to do is what I see. Um and we just want to bring that to pass and I thank you for your prayers. We're definitely gonna need it. Um but they have [1:00:47, 1:01:07]: And like I said, if you want to come to the clerk's office, you'll be willing to show anyone um those drawings that they had. Um but again the information is there on the webpage, but we're just trying to make a change for Stockbridge. Stockbridge is um growing, people are moving here, and we're just trying [1:01:07, 1:01:09]: [3670.0, 3676.3]: a welcoming city and that we know that we can be. But definitely keep us in your prayers and um [1:01:17, 1:01:37]: Madam Mayor, um I am in agreement to sitting down. Um hopefully I was hoping we could have had a special call meeting before tonight and we could have done this, but it didn't happen. But I do feel that we all need to be on the same page and if we're gonna be a team and be as one, we have to sit down at the table, have a conversation. [1:01:37, 1:01:41]: and then that way we can come together, be it your way or this way [1:01:42, 1:01:45]: Whatever, as long as we're doing it for the city, I'm in agreement with that. [1:01:52, 1:02:04]: I just want to say that uh in in in government, in any body of government, there's always the perception of the truth and then there's always the the truth. One presents what could be reality and the other presents reality. [1:02:04, 1:02:11]: And what the coun this council has to do and the way we need to operate is that we need to make sure that the perception that you get [1:02:12, 1:02:13]: is the reality. [1:02:13, 1:02:24]: Because if your perception is shown differently, maybe we could be going in reality in the right way in something of the truth. But if we give you all the wrong perception, that's what you're gonna go off of. [1:02:24, 1:02:34]: And I and and I petition each one of my colleagues here and the mayor that we come to you with not perception but the reality of the truth. [1:02:35, 1:02:47]: And how do you do that? You do that strategically by making a plan and everybody come together and say, What's the best plan that we can make this happen where it doesn't look like a perception of something that would not be s pleasing to the citizens? [1:02:48, 1:02:52]: My opinion and my opinion only, I can only control this area right here. [1:02:52, 1:03:01]: There's things about this budget that I don't agree with and I've made that clear. There's things about this and I told them even tonight that I would not agree on this budget. [1:03:01, 1:03:10]: Each one of my colleagues know this. But that's me right here in my section uh in my space, so I would not give you all a perception of something. [1:03:11, 1:03:12]: That's not the truth. [1:03:15, 1:03:31]: Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the this is what it really comes down to. Madam Mayor and everybody ran up here. I think I'd like to thank Mayor Pro Tem Anthony Ford for doing an outstanding job of stewarding the city uh in the last eleven months and twelve days. [1:03:36, 1:03:48]: We have endeavored to make Stockbridge one of the best cities in Metro Atlanta. We developed a new vision statement to actually outline that to put it in writing. [1:03:48, 1:04:08]: But when it really comes down to it where the rubber meets the road, Georgia is the number one place in America to do business. And it's not it's no accident that Stockbridge has been left behind in many occasions. You gotta put skin in the game. The state established incentive programs that we're trying to establish called enterprise. [1:04:08, 1:04:28]: Zones. If you, as a business owner, want to bring a business downtown, you would be rewarded every time you created a new job, getting a$3,400 tax credit. But in order for us to do that, we have to submit a bid to DCA in order to have it certified as an enterprise zone. Economic development. [1:04:28, 1:04:31]: Saying those words get you elected. [1:04:32, 1:04:46]: I am determined for myself personally to not just be a politician that talks, to get things done and to make sure that we move forward with the things that we promise the citizens, like downtown redevelopment. [1:04:47, 1:04:51]: And many times our downtown is completely indistinguishable. [1:04:52, 1:05:09]: We have set forth to outline a master plan to uh have a distinguishable downtown, to draw new businesses, restaurants and shops, and to help those existing business owners repair their businesses through facade grants through the DDA which helped us. [1:05:09, 1:05:11]: Let me say this to you right now. [1:05:12, 1:05:22]: All the training that you pay for at Georgia Municipal Association, which is twelve thousand dollars in last year's budget, taught us, it said to us [1:05:22, 1:05:40]: Fiscal responsibility requires twenty-five percent savings and everybody here has a save personal savings account that they live on uh that they have for a rainy day. The Georgia Municipal Association establishes that rate at fifteen to twenty-five percent. [1:05:41, 1:05:55]: Contrary to what you probably heard in the media or in the news, Stockbridge had an eighty seven percent fund balance. Means that we had we're supposed to have twenty five, but we have eighty seven percent. [1:05:56, 1:06:15]: mean which means that we have a almost a year's supply of extra funding. I challenge each and every one of you in this council as we are putting this budget together to say part of the reason that the city of Stockbridge looks like it does in areas right now is we haven't been spending enough money. [1:06:16, 1:06:25]: We need to reinvest in our city to make it look and appear the way that we want to, to attract the kind of businesses that we want to attract. [1:06:26, 1:06:46]: If we use this budget, which is fund reserve, we plan the budget calls for us to use uh a pro um to take us down maybe one point five million dollars out of that reserve. What that does it takes us down to about seventy percent fund balance, which is we still have [1:06:46, 1:07:06]: have a seventy percent savings rate, which the Georgia Municipal Association requires twenty five percent. So we still have substantial savings. I hope many of you have noticed some of the improvements that we made uh as you come down Rock Quarry Road. It was so silly to me that [1:07:06, 1:07:20]: we would cut part of Rock Quarry Road, then the county wouldn't cut apart, and then we would cut another part, and you would drive down and it looked like somebody had a haircut and part was right here, this part wasn't cut. You know what I said to this council? [1:07:21, 1:07:23]: The citizens just want to see it cut. [1:07:24, 1:07:44]: And that's what we start doing. We invested in you because we want Stockbridge to be one of the best places in Metro Atlanta to live. And please do not have it be misinterpreted that we would do anything illegal. We were not going to pass a budget that is not balanced. Yes, we are going to take reserve funds. [1:07:44, 1:07:53]: funds. But those reserve funds take us down to still seventy percent of fund balance for a rainy day in case things happen. [1:07:53, 1:07:54]: In this city. [1:07:55, 1:08:15]: But you cannot go to these new new we're trying to attract jobs to the city. You can't go go to these businesses empty handed and say economic development. They're not going to hear that. They're going to put you at the bottom of the list. I'm calling for this money to be investment into the city to improve our standards of living here so we can [1:08:15, 1:08:24]: can attract the jobs that our citizens need. Every time I look at the unemployment data in Stockbridge, we're like number four from the from the top. [1:08:25, 1:08:45]: Our rate is like two to three percent higher than anybody in Metro Atlanta. That's completely unacceptable. Completely unacceptable. And to answer in just thirty more seconds, if I could, to answer the gentleman's question, we have a feasibility study underway right now from Carl Vincent Institute paying. [1:08:45, 1:09:05]: For to establish a Stockbridge Police Department or to tell us whether it would be appropriate to establish a Stockbridge Police Department. I ran on establishing a Stockbridge Police Department because the county resources are spread so thin. And those are the type of things that we have to do. And that's where the budget comes from. [1:09:05, 1:09:25]: You can't have that safety and security without putting the money in the game. And that's what we're asking to do by balancing the budget, using some of our reserve funds to invest in our city in sidewalk and police services and in fixing up the city. So when you get off the expression [1:09:25, 1:09:29]: [4169.2, 4173.2]: that there's not litter everywhere. That's what we have in this budget. [1:09:36, 1:09:36]: Um [1:09:39, 1:09:44]: Do I have any objections to us moving our agenda forward? [1:09:51, 1:09:54]: You would need to close the public hearing formally. [1:10:00, 1:10:05]: Okay, at this time in the public hearing is [1:10:16, 1:10:18]: Um would you say that at this point I [1:10:22, 1:10:27]: Uh madam, um there are some other items on the agenda that are not related to the budget. [1:10:28, 1:10:30]: I thought we were gonna move the whole media. [1:10:30, 1:10:31]: No. [1:10:32, 1:10:34]: No, just the idea. [1:10:35, 1:10:38]: Yeah we we misunderstood. We we thought you were just referring to the budget. [1:10:57, 1:11:00]: Madam Mayor, uh the city council [1:11:00, 1:11:05]: Um this item I'm gonna rely heavily on Ms. Harris Bragg's. Um there are a number of uh [1:11:06, 1:11:12]: either current vacancies or soon to be vacancies that will uh require appointments. [1:11:12, 1:11:13]: by the Council. [1:11:17, 1:11:18]: Thank you. [1:11:20, 1:11:25]: Madam Mayor, Council members, um I come before you today because we have several [1:11:25, 1:11:29]: Um positions that are now vacant on the Main Street Advisory Board. [1:11:30, 1:11:46]: Since receiving its accreditation in twenty fifteen Stockbridge Main Street program has been very busy establishing the framework for downtown development under the four point approach that includes design, organization, promotion, and economic vitality. [1:11:46, 1:11:51]: Key to our success has been a very hard working and dedicated board. [1:11:51, 1:12:00]: We currently have several positions open and have received um applications and letters for renewal of [1:12:00, 1:12:02]: um terms on the Main Street Advisory Board. [1:12:03, 1:12:05]: Um you all should have received [1:12:05, 1:12:06]: Copies of [1:12:06, 1:12:08]: Those um applications. [1:12:08, 1:12:10]: And you also should have received [1:12:10, 1:12:11]: The letters but [1:12:11, 1:12:12]: But um [1:12:12, 1:12:17]: have been submitted as well as statements of intent to continue with the Main Street Advisory Board. [1:12:18, 1:12:21]: We have received statements of intent from [1:12:21, 1:12:22]: Um [1:12:23, 1:12:24]: Councilman Anthony Ford. [1:12:25, 1:12:32]: Um with regard to our city ma city council member position, which serves as an ex officio officer on the board. [1:12:33, 1:12:35]: We also um have a [1:12:35, 1:12:39]: Um position open for two Stockbridge residents. [1:12:39, 1:12:41]: Um those two positions are up [1:12:42, 1:12:44]: for um reappointment. [1:12:44, 1:12:49]: Anika Potts and Ebony Gurndy have um submitted their statements of intent. [1:12:49, 1:12:53]: um to remain on the Main Street Advisory Board in these capacities. [1:12:53, 1:12:56]: We've also received um [1:12:56, 1:12:57]: Two [1:12:58, 1:13:01]: um recommend two um requests [1:13:02, 1:13:20]: for the available positions under um Stockbridge property owners or operators. Um we've received actually I'm sorry we've received several applications for that particular position. Um Leah Sanders for Outside the Main Street District business owner, Don Gordon for a business outside the Main Street [1:13:20, 1:13:21]: um district. [1:13:22, 1:13:27]: We also received two citizen applications for Miss Shirley Wallace and um [1:13:28, 1:13:28]: Sharp. [1:13:28, 1:13:31]: I'm not sure how to pronounce this name. [1:13:31, 1:13:33]: But um I think it's Rangadiv. [1:13:34, 1:13:35]: Um Chakra Bari. [1:13:37, 1:13:40]: The Main Street program advisory board [1:13:41, 1:14:01]: Um based on our um current cons uh current uh makeup as far as our um positions that are currently filled and those that need to be refilled, we would like to make the rec recommendations for reappointment of Anika Potts to Stockbridge resident position, reappointment of Ebony Gurndy [1:14:01, 1:14:03]: to the Stockbridge resident position. [1:14:03, 1:14:09]: And then as far as our positions that are open for property owners outside the Main Street District. [1:14:09, 1:14:11]: Leah Sanders. [1:14:11, 1:14:12]: And Don Gordon. [1:14:15, 1:14:31]: With regard to council member, that would be um whatever your pleasure would be, but we would like to recommend that Mr Anthony Ford be reappointed to the board. And then as the representative from the Downtown Development Authority, Mildred Reed, who was currently serving, has also [1:14:31, 1:14:33]: um extended her [1:14:33, 1:14:36]: um request to be reappointed to that board as well. [1:14:38, 1:14:40]: I hear a motion to accept. [1:14:42, 1:14:45]: Madam Mayor. [1:14:47, 1:14:53]: I I would like to move that we accept these recommendations um given by Ms. Kirabrax. [1:14:54, 1:14:56]: I'll second that. [1:14:56, 1:15:00]: Discussion please. No discussion. [1:15:00, 1:15:18]: Yeah. On the on the discussion. I appreciate the recommendation that the the Main Street uh advisory board has conducted for me specifically, but of course that is up to the council to make that decision. And I thought that w those appointments will happen in January. Is that right? So so actually so it's up to the council whether or not they [1:15:18, 1:15:28]: Want me to still do that and out or whether or not someone else wants to do that. So that happened at January meeting. Okay. That's true. Okay. I just want to make sure that we know that. Oh thank you. [1:15:32, 1:15:36]: Yeah. Um I would like for us to actually move [1:15:36, 1:15:42]: this to thirty days after the annexation of Carriage Lakes because this is a new community that's coming in. [1:15:42, 1:15:55]: And I would like for that community to have an opportunity to be a part of uh a part of what we're doing actually in Stockbridge and I think it would be a good gesture from the city to open that uh open these positions up, citizens' positions up to Carriers Lake. [1:15:56, 1:16:00]: to also put in their applications for for those positions. [1:16:00, 1:16:07]: Um I ris in due respect to your recommendations, but I think that that f as a city this would be a good uh [1:16:07, 1:16:14]: good opportunity for us to welcome them in and let them know that they they can actually come in and uh put in application to be a part of uh [1:16:14, 1:16:19]: part of what we're doing here in the city. So I would like the council to actually move in that direction. [1:16:20, 1:16:27]: Have a motion on the floor to move forward and we have a second, so we'll we've heard what we [1:16:27, 1:16:28]: Failure. [1:16:31, 1:16:33]: I think he's still got still got discussion there. [1:16:34, 1:16:45]: Yes, as far as the discussion is concerned, generally we get to in the past we went in executive session and kinda talked about these applications to um look over them to see [1:16:46, 1:16:52]: Uh what we recommended I are surely you made a recommendation and could you go over the the the names again? I did [1:16:56, 1:17:00]: Um with regard to uh reappointment [1:17:00, 1:17:02]: Those names are Ebony Gurndy. [1:17:02, 1:17:04]: A Nick Apart. [1:17:04, 1:17:09]: And then Mildred Reid, who is the D D A representative on our board currently. [1:17:10, 1:17:13]: And then we received additional applications. [1:17:13, 1:17:15]: From Leah Sanders. [1:17:15, 1:17:16]: Don Gordon. [1:17:17, 1:17:18]: Shirley Wallace [1:17:18, 1:17:21]: And Mrs. Schab Schabert. [1:17:22, 1:17:23]: [4643.2, 4645.3]: Shaka Porti. Yes, thank you. [1:17:25, 1:17:27]: Okay, and you recommended [1:17:28, 1:17:35]: Um my recommendations were reappointment of Ebony Gerny and Anika Potts in the citizen positions. [1:17:36, 1:17:39]: Um Mildred Reed as the DDA representative. [1:17:39, 1:17:46]: Leah Sanders and Don Gordon as businesses outside the Main Street District. Those are the positions that we are recommending. [1:17:47, 1:17:54]: Okay. I I like I said, I'd like we generally discuss those in executive session. I'd like time to do that. [1:17:56, 1:17:58]: Madam Mayor, if I may. [1:17:58, 1:18:10]: I would like to withdraw my motion um so that we can allow time for uh carriage plates to be annexed in and for us to discuss um the appointment positions. [1:18:12, 1:18:12]: A second. [1:18:13, 1:18:15]: A second? Yeah, here I said. Yes. [1:18:17, 1:18:18]: Draw. [1:18:19, 1:18:29]: Uh well, they would have to vote. You don't have to it's just a withdrawal. You don't have to vote on that. If she's original motion, she made an original motion you can withdraw any time. And I don't second so I don't have to do that. [1:18:30, 1:18:31]: So be it. [1:18:32, 1:18:35]: I I believe that districts with that matter. [1:18:40, 1:18:40]: Yeah. [1:18:46, 1:18:53]: Good evening, Madam Mayor again, uh members of the council. Um you have before you a resolution that would appoint [1:18:54, 1:18:57]: five uh volunteer members on a [1:18:57, 1:19:00]: a fairly informal committee [1:19:00, 1:19:04]: that would be uh put together to assist the city and the staff [1:19:05, 1:19:06]: In creating [1:19:07, 1:19:10]: a a curriculum and program for a youth [1:19:10, 1:19:15]: council for the city. And this would be very similar to the youth councils that you see [1:19:15, 1:19:18]: All across the state and indeed across the country. [1:19:18, 1:19:21]: Which would essentially be a leadership development program for [1:19:22, 1:19:24]: Um certain of the city's youth um [1:19:25, 1:19:29]: Uh about two months ago or maybe a month ago the city opened up [1:19:29, 1:19:30]: Uh [1:19:30, 1:19:32]: uh advertisements for [1:19:33, 1:19:36]: members of the community to apply to serve on this board. [1:19:37, 1:19:40]: We've received five applications. [1:19:40, 1:19:44]: Um the persons who applied were Miss Pam Warner [1:19:45, 1:19:46]: Diane Miller. [1:19:46, 1:19:48]: Emma Lewis, Jacqueline Carter. [1:19:49, 1:19:50]: And Ken McFarland. [1:19:51, 1:19:51]: Um [1:19:52, 1:19:57]: These were the uh if I'm not mistaken, these are the only uh applications we've received [1:19:57, 1:20:02]: Um th this committee would be an informal, unpaid committee. [1:20:02, 1:20:03]: Um [1:20:03, 1:20:14]: And it unlike s the various other committees and and boards that the city has, there would not be specific terms. This isn't necessarily a a permanent committee that would be in place. It's really [1:20:15, 1:20:17]: created for a discrete purpose, that is to [1:20:18, 1:20:22]: Help the city formulate the program, establish the the program and get it up and running. [1:20:23, 1:20:27]: um has been discussed by the council a number of times. [1:20:27, 1:20:30]: We we have an idea but we don't have [1:20:30, 1:20:32]: The meat on the bones, if you will. [1:20:32, 1:20:33]: Um [1:20:34, 1:20:37]: the city currently in the budget has budgeted a line item [1:20:38, 1:20:42]: But that's just it. It's a line item. So what that money would be used for [1:20:42, 1:20:46]: This committee would formulate a a recommended curriculum and program. [1:20:46, 1:20:56]: which would then be brought back to the city council for a final approval and that would form the uh the basis for w within which [1:20:56, 1:20:59]: the funds and the budget would be spent. Um [1:21:00, 1:21:07]: So th there you have it. I frankly, Madam Mayor, members of the council, I I'm not in a position to make recommendations as to [1:21:07, 1:21:14]: these individuals because I just don't know know them but it's up to the council how you want to proceed. [1:21:18, 1:21:20]: I hear a motion to move forward. [1:21:20, 1:21:21]: Mayor. [1:21:22, 1:21:33]: If I will it's it okay to to bring this I would like to do the also the same thing with this instead of us voting on it tonight is allow Carries Lake the gonna be annexed in on the sixteenth. [1:21:33, 1:21:36]: to actually put in applications and be a part of this. [1:21:37, 1:21:39]: So I would take I would like to table it until [1:21:40, 1:21:45]: Give them thirty days and and and welcome them to also be a part of this if they would like to. [1:21:46, 1:21:48]: Mayor Fabet. [1:21:48, 1:21:55]: If I may, um I would like to extend both the um in regards to [1:21:56, 1:21:57]: Are items four and five? [1:21:58, 1:22:11]: Just extend the deadline for applications in general and to include carriage lakes, but just to extend the applications in general. Right. Do we have a date to extend [1:22:12, 1:22:12]: Mm. [1:22:13, 1:22:16]: Are we extending that thirty days after the annexation? [1:22:16, 1:22:24]: I would prefer that. Because you we've given other cities I'm sorry. Cit January work sessions. Okay. [1:22:27, 1:22:28]: Councilman blind. [1:22:30, 1:22:35]: That was the that was the recommendation in my mind that thirty days after the sixteenth. [1:22:36, 1:22:39]: would give them ample time like we've done other citizens. [1:22:40, 1:22:47]: to put the application in, to get the application in. That gives the time for them to get the information and and make decisions to put the application in. Thank you. [1:22:48, 1:22:48]: Right. [1:22:57, 1:22:58]: Sorry. [1:23:01, 1:23:02]: I just want to do that. [1:23:02, 1:23:03]: Okay. [1:23:03, 1:23:12]: I just want to make sure we we did a proper motion on that, I guess. I mean with all the details. Correct. Councilman Blount made the motion, a second by Councilman Alexander. [1:23:13, 1:23:22]: Okay and and with the right d amount of date and thirty days past and everything, right? Thirty days past the sixteenth which case. Okay. All right. Excuse me. So be it. [1:23:42, 1:23:44]: Um can [1:23:46, 1:23:49]: [5029.3, 5032.1]: Oh, it's nice. It's nice to vehicle. It's not a vehicle stuff, please. [1:23:53, 1:23:57]: These would be in private motor vehicles or w really any motor vehicle. [1:23:57, 1:24:00]: That's driven within the city limits of Stockbridge. [1:24:01, 1:24:06]: Um this ordinance uh really came up after the conversation I had with [1:24:06, 1:24:12]: Um Councilman Blount, um who had inquired about whether there was any regulation [1:24:12, 1:24:14]: um of this kind and [1:24:14, 1:24:19]: U I had mistakenly been under the belief that the General Assembly had already [1:24:19, 1:24:20]: enacted [1:24:20, 1:24:23]: a state code um to this effect, but in [1:24:24, 1:24:28]: one was introduced and passed by the Georgia State Senate [1:24:28, 1:24:32]: but never adopted by the House and therefore never uh entered into law. [1:24:33, 1:24:37]: Um so what is before you is a modification [1:24:37, 1:24:38]: of that bill. [1:24:39, 1:24:39]: Um [1:24:40, 1:24:49]: which would make it a civil um violation to drive a motor vehicle within the city limits of Stockbridge [1:24:49, 1:24:51]: Um and smoke with [1:24:51, 1:24:52]: Uh [1:24:53, 1:24:55]: persons below the age of fifteen in the car. [1:24:56, 1:25:01]: And it defines smoking as to inhale, exhale, burn, or carry a lighted cigarette. [1:25:01, 1:25:02]: Cigar, pipe. [1:25:02, 1:25:06]: weed plant regulated narcotic or any other combustible [1:25:06, 1:25:10]: uh substance. So if you're doing that in a car, that's considered smoking. [1:25:11, 1:25:14]: Um and if there's a person fifteen years of age [1:25:14, 1:25:17]: or younger in the car at the same time. [1:25:17, 1:25:21]: that would be considered a crime or actually it would be considered a civil [1:25:22, 1:25:26]: uh violation under this ordinance. This ordinance would not make it a crime. [1:25:26, 1:25:31]: It would make it uh make the person subject to a civil fine. [1:25:31, 1:25:33]: Of up to five hundred dollars. [1:25:33, 1:25:36]: Um this it so it very much follows the state [1:25:37, 1:25:40]: bill on the matter, what was proposed in the General Assembly [1:25:41, 1:25:46]: was again a civil violation, not a crime, so it wouldn't be a misdemeanor or a felony. It would just [1:25:46, 1:25:49]: subject the violator to a civil [1:25:50, 1:25:52]: penalty. Um in the case of the state [1:25:53, 1:25:59]: uh bill the violation uh would result in a fine not to exceed a hundred dollars. [1:26:00, 1:26:04]: what's proposed before you would result in a civil penalty [1:26:04, 1:26:06]: not to exceed five hundred dollars. [1:26:07, 1:26:11]: And that's based on the severity of the crime. So it would be in the judges [1:26:11, 1:26:27]: municipal court judges discretion of how high to set the penalty based on the circumstances of the propo of the actual violation. So that's before you um and is really in the the council's hands whether how you want to proceed. [1:26:36, 1:26:40]: I came to um [1:26:40, 1:26:45]: our attorney about this because I when I w uh it's too many times I'm riding through the city of Stockbridge [1:26:46, 1:26:48]: And I'm seeing supposed to be responsible adults. [1:26:49, 1:26:53]: Get out of their car, smokes are pouring out of the car and then they go unbuckle a child. [1:26:53, 1:26:54]: out of a car seat. [1:26:55, 1:27:15]: And when I started looking at the statistics in America, how many kids are getting bronchitis and and pneumonia annually, it's it's it's stunning. And when you look at the infant death uh uh the CIS, the it's increasing in CIS deaths uh uh in this country. And also you're looking at uh uh uh children are particularly at risk because over [1:27:15, 1:27:18]: eighteen percent of homes have smokers in them. [1:27:20, 1:27:26]: We are not trying to govern people's lives to be responsible. We're trying to protect the kids from irresponsible people. [1:27:28, 1:27:36]: So I believe that this this would not only set a standard for other cities to join in because the state didn't pass it. [1:27:36, 1:27:42]: that they will join in and and and we the reason we said a fine up to five hundred dollars [1:27:42, 1:27:43]: Because [1:27:43, 1:27:53]: That's gonna be dependent on what the court says. If you smoking in the car and you have a minor in there and that's one kid, what happens to that person that's riding around with three, four kids in the car? [1:27:54, 1:28:06]: So that'll be up to the courts. We have to do something to to to provide something in our city and let the city know that we are not only we're in economic development mode, but we're in a citizen concern mode also. [1:28:18, 1:28:19]: May I [1:28:20, 1:28:20]: Yes, uh [1:28:25, 1:28:25]: Mayor. [1:28:27, 1:28:35]: I move that we adopt this ordinance for the city of Stockbridge to pass the uh ban on smoking in vehicles contain uh containing miners. [1:28:35, 1:28:36]: A second. [1:28:38, 1:28:39]: Of Sh. [1:28:39, 1:28:40]: Yes. [1:28:42, 1:28:43]: Yes, about the [1:28:44, 1:28:47]: I just like to ask a couple of questions. I mean we [1:28:48, 1:28:55]: It sounds uh it sounds like a laudable thing that we're doing, uh, in order to move forward with that. [1:28:55, 1:29:03]: But it seems like big government and just being very intrusive uh in order to [1:29:06, 1:29:07]: Enforce it. [1:29:07, 1:29:25]: What is the enforcement mechanism? Can we talk w I mean, what do you do? The cops the d the the police officers have a lot going on already. The they see somebody driving down the street, uh they pull somebody over and say, Okay, I'm gonna give you a ticket, you're smoking with someone less than fifteen in the car [1:29:26, 1:29:33]: How does it work? And how in practical application. The state didn't move on it, so what was the reasoning behind them not moving on it? [1:29:35, 1:29:42]: Madam Mayor, uh I honestly can't speak for the rationale for why the the House didn't adopt this uh ordinance. [1:29:43, 1:29:44]: Or uh uh the code. [1:29:45, 1:29:47]: Um I will say as it relates to enforcement [1:29:48, 1:29:52]: something that unfortunately I have to say a lot, which is, you know, the police [1:29:53, 1:29:54]: Don't pull over every speed or [1:29:55, 1:29:57]: Um enforcement sometimes it [1:29:57, 1:30:03]: i is difficult. Uh what would be required here is the police would have to see someone smoking [1:30:03, 1:30:05]: And see a child in a vehicle. [1:30:05, 1:30:07]: And make the decisions you [1:30:07, 1:30:09]: take the time to issue a citation. [1:30:10, 1:30:10]: And [1:30:11, 1:30:14]: You know, I can't look you all in the eye and say that's gonna happen every time. [1:30:15, 1:30:22]: But when it does happen, you know, at least that's one opportunity to send the message if that's what the council decides to do. [1:30:26, 1:30:28]: Further discussion, anyone else? [1:30:31, 1:30:35]: I would like to say that this is this doesn't con uh pertain to a big government. [1:30:36, 1:30:41]: Because when a council member comes and says, Hey, do we have a a law to pull your pants up? [1:30:43, 1:31:03]: Then you come back and say a law that's gonna protect our youth and protect our kids from irresponsible adults. This is not big government. This is this is what you call caring for our children. Caring for the future of this not only this country, but the future of our kids. Not putting something in them because of irresponsible adults. So it's not big government, it's big concern for [1:31:03, 1:31:03]: [5466.5, 5467.6]: Further discussion. [1:31:08, 1:31:18]: I would just like to say is there any way that we can get some more information on practical application where this has been passed at? [1:31:18, 1:31:21]: to see what effect that it has on it. [1:31:21, 1:31:35]: I'm for doing this or for moving forward with this, but before we move forward with it, I'd like to see more information on the practicality of this before citizens start complaining about being harassed [1:31:35, 1:31:55]: and such um when I say big government, big government means intrusive. That means that, you know, police officer has no other reason to stop you and they see, okay, well, this is a probable cause now for me to stop you because I see smoke in the car. I thought I saw a child. So I'm not against what you're [1:31:55, 1:32:07]: proposing I would just like some more time before we go out and we start s having another fine or another violation and to see what the practical effect is. [1:32:11, 1:32:14]: Uh anybody else have a comment on the council? [1:32:16, 1:32:36]: Yes, ma'am. I'm in in agreeant to getting more information um on this.'Cause like I said, we're already with our having questions with our police force. I just don't want to add extra things um for his enforcement until we get more information. [1:32:36, 1:32:48]: and and establish things, have things in place and then we can move forward at that time. But again, it's a great idea, um but I just would like to have more information and tonight I will not vote on it. [1:32:49, 1:32:50]: Mayor. [1:32:55, 1:32:57]: Think that uh Councilman Gantt was next. [1:32:57, 1:32:59]: Thank you. [1:33:00, 1:33:08]: Really I was just gonna go ahead and vote for it, but since there are concerns on what happens and more information [1:33:09, 1:33:09]: Um [1:33:10, 1:33:13]: Any time an officer is on duty [1:33:13, 1:33:19]: Um whether they're stopping someone for speeding or whether they saw someone run a red light. [1:33:19, 1:33:20]: Um [1:33:22, 1:33:42]: Everyone doesn't get caught but when they do get caught, sometimes other things are in their vehicle. That's not what we're saying here today. What I believe um this ordinance is doing is it's about the health, safety and well being of our youth, of our children. Um with nicotine space. [1:33:41, 1:34:01]: smoke being in a isolated in a in a car enclosed with our minor children. Um it is a known fact that cigarettes and nicotine causes cancer. Um and these children are inhaling this smoke involuntarily, basically. Um whether it's something new [1:34:01, 1:34:21]: or whether we're the first person to put our foot down, I commend us for trying to do so. Um and how do you monitor that? Well it's a code ordinance violation, but it's a civil uh code ordinance violation like any other code ordinance violation. If a dog bit someone or [1:34:21, 1:34:41]: Or somebody ran off and something was done in a yard, everything might not necessarily be monitored. Sometimes it's actually, you know, you're given a warning. Sometimes you're given a a fine of fifty dollars. Sometimes I mean you you the max is up to five hundred. That doesn't mean it will be five hundred. Maybe they're habitual buyers. [1:34:41, 1:35:00]: violator of it. Um this ordinance is to protect our youth, their health, safety and well being. Um and government entities are to do that. That's why we make up laws, we create laws. Um and if an officer happens to stop a vehicle for speeding [1:35:01, 1:35:08]: And he gets out and I can use this in d as an example. He gets out. He stopped at a vehicle for speeding, he gets out. [1:35:08, 1:35:14]: And he goes up to the car and there's a child in the car and he rolls down the window and the cigarette smoke is coming out. [1:35:15, 1:35:22]: Well then you're getting a speeding ticket and you're getting a ordinance violation for smoking with a minor child. [1:35:22, 1:35:39]: Those that that's what I foresee is happening. Um it's kinda like no texting and driving. People may text and drive. The officer may not necessarily see it, right? But they have that law out there. So I will be voting in support of that tonight. [1:35:40, 1:35:42]: [5742.9, 5745.6]: Okay, one more comment and then [1:35:48, 1:36:08]: Okay, what I want to say here is that uh and actually uh Councilwoman Gantt hit most of it for me, but uh uh the time frame we're talking about, say for instance we don't uh uh approved this tonight and want more information, what time frame we're looking at? Uh thirty days, uh what w where would you get the information from anyway? I mean you would have to s you can't you can't do much [1:36:08, 1:36:12]: with the state. I guess you probably have to go outside the state or some federal agency I I would imagine. [1:36:12, 1:36:26]: Um Madam Mayor, we would have to go out of state. There are a number of other states that have adopted this type of legislation and and there are a number of activist groups that promote this and they have data. So we could pull that fairly quickly. [1:36:26, 1:36:34]: All right, so so maybe thirty days from now we might have enough information to make a decision if you decide not to approve this ordinance tonight, I guess. [1:36:34, 1:36:36]: Okay. All right. Thank you. [1:36:36, 1:36:38]: Okay, we have a motion on [1:36:43, 1:36:45]: Yeah. [1:36:48, 1:37:05]: The motion is still on the table. Okay. The the the motion is still on the table because whatever information needs to be gotten is all in the ordinance and this is only to protect the s protect kids. And so this the the motion is on the table. All in favor of the motion, please acknowledge. [1:37:09, 1:37:10]: Votes, those closed? [1:37:13, 1:37:15]: That's fair. [1:37:16, 1:37:17]: Yeah. [1:37:18, 1:37:37]: Okay. On that note though I thought that uh what we would want to do is is is to revisit this with additional information. So I'd like to make a motion, if you don't mind, that we re look at this after we get some additional information to help validate our decision uh in the future, roughly we're probably gonna address this next month, I would imagine. [1:37:41, 1:37:44]: Yes, sir. At the at next coun regular council meeting. [1:37:49, 1:38:05]: Well I I think it probably a motion because otherwise it it it dies and it's n there's no act th there's no there's no directive to bring it back. Okay. [1:38:05, 1:38:06]: After we get additional information [1:38:07, 1:38:09]: to help help make us a more informed decision. [1:38:09, 1:38:10]: I said. [1:38:10, 1:38:11]: Wait a minute. Neil Neo. [1:38:12, 1:38:18]: This would be a motion to reconsider and Mr. Ford can bring that up because he was in the majority of the [1:38:19, 1:38:26]: motion failing the origin. Yes, he would, but it's a motion to reconsider. Okay. Thank you. We have a motion. We have a set. [1:38:28, 1:38:30]: Motion and a second, any discussion? [1:38:32, 1:38:33]: Uh [1:38:34, 1:38:35]: All in favor? [1:38:37, 1:38:39]: Yeah. [1:38:40, 1:38:45]: It was majority. For clarification, it is to bring the item back when. [1:38:45, 1:38:49]: [5930.0, 5939.3]: December or January. January. Next official well um coun city councilman, not the work session. J I'll say January ninth. Whatever our first one in of the year is January ninth, yes. [1:39:01, 1:39:04]: Okay, we'll move on to the next um item on the agenda now. [1:39:06, 1:39:08]: [5952.0, 5957.8]: Madam Mayor, um I'm looking at the city manager uh for strength so that I [1:39:18, 1:39:20]: Make sure all my comments are [1:39:21, 1:39:26]: proper um we we joke about this because this particular ordinance is one of the [1:39:27, 1:39:27]: ordinances that [1:39:28, 1:39:30]: Every uh few years a state. [1:39:30, 1:39:33]: tells all the cities you have to adopt our model ordinance. [1:39:34, 1:39:35]: Um [1:39:35, 1:39:38]: It is frustrating because they tell us to adopt it. [1:39:39, 1:39:42]: or else. This is an adopted or else situation. [1:39:43, 1:39:49]: It's really a readoption of our soil and erosion and sedimentation pollution control ordinance. [1:39:49, 1:39:51]: Um currently Henry County [1:39:51, 1:39:56]: uh manages that for us by contract. Um so this is any time there's any sort of [1:39:56, 1:39:58]: So all disturbance related to any [1:39:59, 1:40:03]: uh development, um they have to follow the dictates of this ordinance. [1:40:04, 1:40:04]: Um [1:40:05, 1:40:06]: The reason this ordinance is [1:40:07, 1:40:09]: somewhat humorous in adopting is because [1:40:10, 1:40:12]: Primarily the only change [1:40:12, 1:40:20]: from this the model code from what we already have is an additional buffer requirement for coastal marshlands. [1:40:20, 1:40:23]: And I haven't found any in the city of Stockbridge. [1:40:24, 1:40:27]: But I'm sure there's there th to be found somewhere. [1:40:27, 1:40:32]: Um but in any event I'm recommending you adopt this ordinance um per the state request. [1:40:33, 1:40:37]: and and move forward. But other than that, it it's essentially the same ordinance we currently have on the books. [1:40:38, 1:40:39]: [6040.5, 6046.0]: Mayor, I would like to move that we adopt the solar rushing control ordinance. [1:40:46, 1:40:47]: Second. [1:40:50, 1:40:52]: Session then all [1:40:56, 1:40:56]: Thank you. [1:41:00, 1:41:01]: Yeah. [1:41:05, 1:41:05]: So [1:41:08, 1:41:09]: I will. [1:41:11, 1:41:21]: Thank you. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um it was requested this has been an ongoing project we've been working on for several months now. This is the master plan, um master trail, pedestrian trail plan. [1:41:22, 1:41:22]: Um [1:41:23, 1:41:28]: It was asked to kind of bring it back. They've been working back and forth diligently. We've had a number of public [1:41:28, 1:41:30]: um hearings or or public [1:41:30, 1:41:34]: venues in which they came back, presented and received public input as well. [1:41:35, 1:41:45]: The plan draft has been completed. What I provided um the council members and the mayor on the dais is just the summary, executive summary and the initial introduction. [1:41:46, 1:42:04]: We are still as a staff going through about eighty hundred page document right now. I've been in contact with the consultant that that drafted the plan, um uh the Jaeger company and they they will be coming into the January meeting to formally present it. There are some um [1:42:05, 1:42:25]: few items that I've already identified that want them to go back and make some adjustments too prior to them bringing back the formal document. But um the council can plan on receiving this would be on the January ninth agenda for them to come back and formally present it. It'll be in your hands well be well well before then so you can have an opportunity to review it and and [1:42:25, 1:42:30]: um formulate any questions that you may have in regards to it. But we're thrilled about this. Um I a couple of points I did want to make [1:42:30, 1:42:33]: I think it's it's it's it's it's it's uh [1:42:33, 1:42:34]: Pertinent. [1:42:34, 1:42:41]: Um it takes into you know what the plan does, it takes into c um into consideration the existing conditions of the area. [1:42:42, 1:43:02]: um policies, zoning ordinance and the like and and how those would apply to a master trail plan. Um there was a great deal of public outreach that went in with this plan as well. Um we had uh Food Truck Tuesdays, they came out, did surveys with the citizens, got a great cross section of of of um information from the citizenry. [1:43:02, 1:43:12]: Also at some of our Main Street events they came as well, presented documents, presented boards, got input from citizens as well. So again we feel really strong about the public involvement component. [1:43:12, 1:43:27]: Um we reviewed our Henry County's um uh currently recently updated comprehensive transportation plan that was just recently updated using with um Jacobs in conjunction with the county and the other cities. So it took that those components into effect as in in into play as well. [1:43:28, 1:43:48]: Um some of the areas it looked at, Walt Stevens Flip and Road, the MLK Senior Heritage Trail, um that's a big piece of it and some of the future plans for the sidewalks in that area and pedestrian trails in that area. Um further it looks at you know the typical sections and we got a great deal of feedback during some of our main street events on what the type of section, typical section for a road [1:43:48, 1:44:08]: That individuals would like to see that would make them feel comfortable having a bike trail in a particular area. And finally, lastly, the funding options. It also explores different funding options, grant options that may exist. So all that will is included in the plan. Again, as we as a staff complete our review of the document and they make their subsequent changes. [1:44:08, 1:44:26]: A final document would be forwarded to the mayor and council well prior to the January 9th meeting. So again, I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have, but the limited knowledge that they have is we're still going through the review, but um I didn't want to let the council know that we will they will be back, um the consultant will be back in January to do their formal presentation. [1:44:28, 1:44:29]: Yeah. [1:44:30, 1:44:48]: Yeah, thank you for that Mike and the staff. Um I think this is great. Uh this also uh fees into our long term economic development for the whole city. Uh live, work and play concept. I think it's outstanding. I think the citizens are really gonna enjoy this once it all gets in play and we start building this trail plan. It's gonna be wonderful. Thank you very much. Thank you. [1:44:49, 1:44:49]: [6291.9, 6311.9]: Comment yes, ladies and gentlemen. I I I'm a big proponent of this particular project, uh the Master Trail Plan. And you know, one thing nothing brings people together like this one issue, which has been sidewalks, trails, and connectivity. Uh seniors and millennials alike have one thing in common. [1:45:11, 1:45:31]: The number one thing on their list to decide where they're going to live is connectivity, trails, sidewalks, connectivity in the community. Those things like that raise property values. You look at the economic development driver, such as the Atlantic. [1:45:31, 1:45:51]: Belt line and then even in the suburbs, Carrollton has a green belt that circles their city. Economic development drives these trails drive economic development. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to take a trail from uh downtown uh through Memorial Park [1:45:51, 1:46:11]: onto uh flipping road, Walt Stevens, Highway one thirty eight because right now I see cyclists and I see'em if you're early in the morning you see'em, the runners and the biker, they're running down the road and tragically we've had people hit and killed because it wasn't safe for them to ride or [1:46:11, 1:46:31]: to access a location and they're trying to uh exercise or they're trying to live a healthier lifestyle. We need to do whatever we can to be supportive of those types of measures in our community so we can increase quality of life. Sustainability is tied to these to the [1:46:31, 1:46:51]: Multi use trails. We have uh you know we're so close to uh Panola Mountain State Park. And if you never been out to Panola Mountain State Park, it is a marvel out there the trail system that they developed. At some point we like to tie into that. And the the region itself has embarked upon [1:46:51, 1:47:11]: on a connectivity um uh of a regional bike trail that connects the cities so uh uh we can actually be able to ride a bike from Stockbridge all the way uh to downtown Atlanta or to the belt line in the not too distant future. And those are the types of things that we want to do uh [1:47:11, 1:47:31]: One of the things that we talked about uh previously here is the Davis Road Sidewalk Project. It's been on the table, uh on the shelf, on somebody's desk for quite some time now. And as part of this I hope that we'll we'll see uh that corridor have uh the sidewalk program extending down Davis. [1:47:31, 1:47:39]: Road uh all the way to Highway 42, uh adding connectivity so you can safely uh traverse that corridor. [1:47:39, 1:47:59]: um connecting the community. As well as you know, many of you may not be aware that Highway 42 is going to be widened as well from um the Walmart location there at one thirty eight to I six seventy five. That's going to have a ten foot multi use path along it all the way [1:47:59, 1:48:19]: way to I-675. So the trail plans are in there and that's a state funded project. So anytime that we could have those funds come that don't have to come directly from our local taxpayers, we need to do that. And this is one of those forward steps in order to get us to that location and then to be able to [1:48:19, 1:48:35]: walk to our downtown area, um, being able to just walk it or bike it to be able to enjoy it uh in a connected way with all the communities. You know, the suburbs is known so much for you know, everybody's got their own little cluster. [1:48:35, 1:48:47]: But we want to try to see if we can break out that a little bit so you can know your neighbor and that you can actually walk and enjoy and meet them. Nothing quite does that like connectivity, getting out walking. [1:48:54, 1:49:14]: you'll get uh an official presentation and um we are uh fastly approaching um um uh as a box encouraged uh allow us to in future I would like to see our meetings shorter so that the public will stay to the original instead of to keep the [1:49:14, 1:49:20]: So I wanna thank you. [1:49:20, 1:49:23]: Manager uh has some close income. [1:49:24, 1:49:44]: Very brief. Um just wanna introduce our new public works director, Mr. Deshus Aaron. He began on December fifth and I can assure you he has hit the ground running. Um we're excited to have him here. Over twenty plus years of experience in public works arena, so excited about what he brings to the team. So [1:49:44, 1:50:04]: At this time if you have any more closing comments, uh I'd like to minimize those um talked about a lot of things, but if you have something just pertinent that you want to say, do it. Try to get out of here. [1:50:04, 1:50:05]: And what [1:50:07, 1:50:20]: Councilman Alexander, I think he's already talked told us just about everything, but maybe he's got one more minute. I got one more minute, we're how about that lady? I want to invite everybody here to the town hall that we're having Thursday. [1:50:21, 1:50:31]: uh at r at um Floyd Chapel Baptist Church. And my attempt in these town hall is to have'em all over town. So you don't have to come to City Hall. We will come to you. [1:50:31, 1:50:44]: You will be able to hear about police service, you'll be able to hear about fire service and everything that's going on in the city'cause these meetings are very formal and you will be able to ask questions of the police and the fire and all of our officials. [1:50:45, 1:50:46]: Oh Councilman Blount. [1:50:47, 1:50:50]: [6650.5, 6658.2]: Um, I just wanna say that uh uh my philosophy for government is to work from the from the inside and then expand out. [1:50:58, 1:50:59]: Meaning that [1:51:00, 1:51:06]: The closest way to find out about a problem is to talk to the people and look at the situations closest to the problem. [1:51:07, 1:51:12]: That means if we see things going on that we can help and make our citizens better [1:51:12, 1:51:21]: Then those are the things we do and then we expand out. We expand out to growth. We expand out to programs. We expand out economic development because it all comes together. [1:51:21, 1:51:23]: in in one pool. But I believe in [1:51:24, 1:51:42]: hitting the center first and then working my way out. But I'd like to thank everybody for being here in the time of a discussion to see this many people in here. So and I also like to welcome you, our mayor, to and to know that we're gonna work closer, all of us are gonna work closer together and you can all uh rest assured that uh our plans is to uh [1:51:43, 1:51:52]: Just to do the right thing in the city of Stockbridge. Do the right thing and uh be good stewards of the city's funds. And I think that's the uh idea for everybody sitting up here. [1:51:52, 1:51:53]: Thank you. [1:51:56, 1:52:00]: Thank you, Mayor. I appreciate it. Appreciate you all uh citizens coming out tonight. [1:52:00, 1:52:20]: But uh what I really want to also tell you is that um yeah, I wanna thank you citizens and the council for the last eleven months as I handle the marital type of duties as the mayor pro tem. Uh thank you for that and the flank for the effort and and the team effort to to make things right and do the right thing. So I want you now to take that same effort citizens and uh also council [1:52:20, 1:52:26]: to support our current elected mayor mayor Judy B. Neal as we continue to look forward to move everything forward with the city. [1:52:26, 1:52:40]: and do what we can, the best we can for the citizens of Stockbridge. This is all team effort and I'm gonna continue to say team effort and I'll always use that in my correspondence because I truly believe in working together as a team we can make a s a successful improvement and do the best we can. [1:52:40, 1:52:48]: in an aspect and and besides that I want to tell everybody happy holidays and Merry Christmas. Be have a safe holiday and enjoy yourself and your families and friends. God bless you all. Thank you. [1:52:51, 1:53:00]: I just want to thank everyone for attending tonight. Um I ask for your continued prayers and support. Um and I wish you happy holidays. [1:53:03, 1:53:21]: El Smore Robbins. Yes, thank you, Mayor. Um again, thank you everyone. Mayor, thank you um for a great meeting. Um Mayor Pro Tem, thank you so much for um being the lead for us um during the duration that you um did so. Um you did a excellent job. [1:53:22, 1:53:24]: Um and just want to thank you for that. [1:53:24, 1:53:27]: I know it was a lot of hard work. So thank you. [1:53:28, 1:53:48]: Um I did want to say that we have some events that I don't see that's on our announcement, but I do have to where we're giving back to our historic district during the holidays. Um so we're collecting gently warm um coats any age um and also blankets. Um we wanted to go through the historic district [1:53:48, 1:54:06]: um on Christmas Eve and we want to be able to give back to our community. So on this Wednesday at Poppy's um on Rock Quarry, if you have any gently worn coats of any size or some blankets, we would love for you to st drop that off between the time of five to seven. [1:54:06, 1:54:10]: Yeah, five to seven. Um, it would be greatly appreciated. [1:54:10, 1:54:30]: Because on New Year's Eve we're going to walk through the community and just try to give back. Um so we just want to be able to do that and hopefully that you can support us um here at the city while we're trying to do so within our community. Um and that's basically it. Happy holidays or I'll say Merry Christmas to everyone and maybe [1:54:30, 1:54:31]: you all have a safe holiday. [1:54:33, 1:54:47]: I'd like to thank everyone for coming and I hope that you will make this um a fun outing in Stockbridge. Come to city council meeting and be a part of your community. Thank you all. Merry Christmas. Happy holidays and [1:54:47, 1:54:48]: Anything else? [1:54:49, 1:54:49]: We good? [1:54:50, 1:55:01]: All right. Do we need a motion to adjourn? No ma'am. We've got announcements to read. Oh, we do have announcements. I forgot about that. [1:55:02, 1:55:12]: Okay. We do have some announcements coming up. Um these are, I believe, posted on our website, is that correct? Correct. [1:55:12, 1:55:13]: Okay. [1:55:13, 1:55:18]: Uh we have um Public Works committee meeting is coming up. [1:55:19, 1:55:26]: Thursday, december fifteenth, if you're interested, Town Hall Public Safety Committee, Thursday, December fifteenth. [1:55:27, 1:55:28]: Um [1:55:29, 1:55:31]: It's already been mentioned, uh Floyd Chappell. [1:55:32, 1:55:36]: Special call meeting of the council will be December sixteenth. [1:55:36, 1:55:39]: Six PM City Hall, Council Chamber. [1:55:39, 1:55:45]: Downtown Development Authority meeting Monday, December ooh, that's been counseled. Okay. [1:55:46, 1:55:51]: And council work session meeting, the one we've talked about earlier, december twenty seventh. [1:55:52, 1:55:58]: Um that will be at City Hall Community Relations Committee meeting Thursday, December twenty ninth. [1:55:58, 1:56:09]: Um that would be at six PM. And going back up to the Downtown Development Authority known as the D D A, that next meeting will be January twenty third. [1:56:09, 1:56:26]: All right, comment over here. Um Madam Mayor, uh we need a very brief executive session just for real estate, no other topics. Okay. Um that sounds like an executive session where we will not be coming back out to vote, so all of you may be um [1:56:27, 1:56:42]: like to leave at this point. So at this time uh do have a motion for executive session. Madam Mayor, I would like to move that we go into executive session for the purpose of real estate. Okay, that's fine. Got a second. All in favor. [1:56:43, 1:56:47]: Okay, we're gonna take a five minute break and then we'll be in executive session. [1:56:50, 1:56:52]: Thank you. [1:56:52, 1:56:55]: How we'll forget it. [1:57:14, 1:57:15]: [7051.2, 7070.0]: Well that you know, yeah. [1:57:55, 1:57:58]: I'm one of them council members to go out of the community. [1:57:59, 1:58:02]: Uh, right over the uh uh Jackson bombershop. [1:58:02, 1:58:09]: Uh right there, uh it's dying across from uh the the uh Walmart and Wall Street who where the uh we over there with the bottom. [1:58:35, 1:58:55]: Oh go past elco. Oh my day. [1:58:54, 1:58:59]: Yeah, I know exactly. [1:59:00, 1:59:19]: Upon a heel council. Okay. [1:59:20, 1:59:22]: [7164.2, 7169.6]: But they did that because I changed the other two. But but are we annexing but if you had next [1:59:30, 1:59:32]: Oh under control in my area, man. [1:59:35, 1:59:38]: Um in your phone, man. [1:59:39, 1:59:40]: Time to do. [1:59:45, 1:59:48]: [7190.0, 7198.6]: Celebrate the ones and volunteer and they bring their ideas. Man, give me [2:00:00, 2:00:01]: Yeah, I said. [2:00:07, 2:00:09]: Well you know about leadership. [2:00:09, 2:00:12]: That's what I'm saying. [2:00:15, 2:00:35]: Yeah. [2:00:35, 2:00:40]: [7242.1, 7249.1]: Yeah. [2:00:50, 2:00:55]: [7270.0, 7280.1]: [2:01:55, 2:01:59]: [7325.0, 7345.0]: [2:02:30, 2:02:50]: Yeah, no drawing job. [2:03:00, 2:03:13]: Yeah, that's all right. [2:03:14, 2:03:15]: Right. [2:03:20, 2:03:30]: [7411.4, 7412.9]: [2:03:34, 2:03:54]: Uh yeah, they don't have this one. [2:03:54, 2:04:00]: [7452.7, 7472.7]: Oh no, you can watch the [2:04:32, 2:04:35]: [7485.0, 7505.0]: [2:05:05, 2:05:25]: Yeah. [2:05:24, 2:05:38]: [7545.0, 7557.9]: Yeah, but they're not going to be able to do and maybe I'll not be able to do that. [2:06:45, 2:07:05]: [7624.9, 7630.0]: [2:07:20, 2:07:36]: [7667.6, 7687.6]: [2:08:07, 2:08:09]: [7694.1, 7700.1]: One of the [2:09:02, 2:09:06]:

December 12, 2016