2026-03-31 · City Council · Minutes · Work Session Meeting · Minutes

--- page 1 --- stockbridge CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION SUMMARY MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026 6:00 P.M. Mayor & City Council Mayor Jayden L. Willams At-Large Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander — Council District 5 Councilmember LaKeisha Gantt — Council District 1 Councilmember Antwan Cloud — Council District 2 Councilmember Kyle D. Berry, Sr. — Council District 3 Councilmember Yolanda Barber — Council District 4 Administration Shawn Edmondson — City Manager Frank Milazi - City Treasurer Cassandra Lester — Interim City Clerk Quinton Washington — City Attorney Megan McCullough — Associate Attorney Mission: To provide visionary leadership and superior municipal services that enhance the quality of life for citizens while creating a welcoming business atmosphere focused on sustainability and expansion of tourism and cultural events. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Councilmember Berry led the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All members were present; Councilmember Gantt arrived at 6:39pm. Mayor Williams requested adoption of the agenda with an amendment to add item number 10 under New Business for the 2025 audit agreement from the city's auditor, as confirmed by City Treasurer Frank Milazi. Motion: Councilmember Berry motioned to amend and adopt the agenda to add item number 10 for the 2025 audit agreement; seconded by Councilmember Yolanda Barber. The Motion passed 4-0. Approval of the City Council Special Called Meeting Minutes February 12, 2026 Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to approve the February 12, 2026 minutes; seconded by Councilmember Cloud. The Motion passed 4-0. Approval of the City Council Meeting Minutes March 09, 2026 Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to approve the March 09, 2026 minutes; seconded by Councilmember Cloud. The Motion passed 4-0. 1|Page --- page 2 --- Interim Clerk Lester noted six public comments were submitted. Michelle Moody (100 Mimosa Drive) raised safety concerns about the intersection of Hillcrest Road and Bowen Drive, citing a dangerous creek with a steep drop-off and requesting consideration of a guardrail or barrier. She provided photographs and was directed to follow up with City Manager Mr. Edmondson. Charles Dubs (108 South Lee Street) spoke in opposition to the Lee Street name change, presenting documentation showing former Mayor Lee lived at 108 South Lee Street for years. He detailed Lee's contributions to Stockbridge, including helping establish Stockbridge High School, getting streets paved from McDonough to Atlanta, and bringing electricity to the city. Council voted 3-0-2 to allow him to complete his comments beyond the three-minute limit. Willie Carter (123 Wilson Ave) opposed the street name change, noting the city already has Martin Luther King Heritage Trail and expressing concern that changing the name would not benefit the underprivileged community area. Anthony Ford (708 Lilly Glenn Lane) spoke in favor of the street name change, explaining it would create MLK-named streets on both sides of downtown as it develops. He noted his personal connection to Dr. King through their shared fraternity membership and suggested adding "Doctor" to the proposed name. Ford believed this would make Stockbridge unique in having father and son honored on both sides of downtown. Judy Neal (174 Eagles Club Drive) opposed the name change, citing concerns about impacts on businesses like Pinehurst catering facility, potential delays in Google Maps updates, and costs. She referenced the estimated $95,000-$130,000 cost of statues in today's money and argued the city should focus on supporting Henry County School System initiatives instead of pursuing divisive street renaming. Charles Marshall (140 Somerset Hills) supported the street name change, noting that 955 streets have been named or renamed after MLK across 41 states and 1,000 other places worldwide. He emphasized the King family's historical connection to Stockbridge and the opportunity to honor Dr. King's legacy alongside the existing MLK Senior Heritage Trail. PRESENTATION Henry County Schools City of Stockbridge Update Presentation Assistant Superintendent Dr. Cemond Robinzine presented updates on behalf of Henry County Schools, joined by board members and principals from Stockbridge cluster schools. The presentation highlighted that Henry County Schools is the eighth largest district in Georgia with approximately 42,000 students and over 6,000 employees, making it the largest employer in Henry County. Key highlights included the community-inspired strategic plan with five strategic actions focusing on learning opportunities, educator retention, community connections, health and wellness, and operational culture. The district has achieved notable successes including Stockbridge Elementary School exiting the federal Target Support 2|Page --- page 3 --- Improvement designation, significant safety infrastructure investments totaling over $30 million, and expansion of arts and STEM programs. The presentation covered upcoming E-SPLOST VIl initiatives and the development of a new five-year strategic plan. Mayor Williams opened the floor for discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Alexander asked about a previous study on school capacity that indicated pockets of high intensity but overall available seats in the school system despite community growth; Questioned how the recent school enrollment trends align with growth and capacity planning. Deputy Superintendent Summer Cox confirmed the district conducts periodic enroliment studies with external partners. She noted a slight overall reduction in school enroliment over recent years, consistent with state and national trends and projected some growth in enrollment at specific schools over the next 5-10 years, with plans for additions at Dutchtown Elementary and Tussahaw Elementary. Mentioned that community development does not always translate to increased school enroliment. Mayor Pro Tem Alexander asked about growth and capacity specifically for Flippin Elementary and Union Grove Elementary schools, noting that many students in his district attend these schools while having McDonough addresses. Mayor Pro Tem Alexander then requested data on these schools’ enroliments and expressed interest in pursuing safe routes to school funding for sidewalk connections in new neighborhoods near Hickory Flat Elementary and Flippin Elementary. Deputy Superintendent Summer Cox acknowledged the requests and indicated willingness to follow up on possible sidewalk projects and safe routes to school funding. Noting that the E-SPLOST VII plan is under review and that suggestions for sidewalk improvements may be considered for future projects. Councilmember Gantt inquired about population planning and expressed appreciation for reduced use of trailers and new school additions. CONSENT AGENDA Confirmation of the Chief of Police Scott Hamilton with an official start date of April 13, 2026. Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to confirm Scott Hamilton as the new Chief of Police with an official start date of April 13, 2026; seconded by Councilmember Cloud. The Motion passed 5-0. Chief Hamilton addressed the governing body, thanking them for their confidence and promising to elevate the already respected Stockbridge Police Department to the next level with professionalism, transparency, and accountability. He introduced his family and committed to serving his new Stockbridge family. 3|Page --- page 4 --- Mayor Pro Tem Alexander noted that Chief Hamilton is the first African American police chief appointed in both the city of Austell and the city of Stockbridge. OLD BUSINESS Street Name Changes for North Lee Street and South Lee Street Community Development Director Ryan Anderson reported that staff conducted additional research through over 60 pages of documents but could not find conclusive evidence of who Lee Street was named after. Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to rename North Lee Street and South Lee Street to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way; seconded by Councilmember Gantt. Discussion: Councilmember Barber stated her opposition to the name change. She emphasized that North Lee and South Lee streets are in her district, and the initiative did not originate from her, but affects the residents and stakeholders in the district she is duly elected to represent. She expressed concern about impacts on homeowners and business owners who have lived on Lee Street for decades and noted their public comments opposing the change. Barber requested that council reconsider the initiative, stating it would not benefit her district. Councilmember Berry questioned Mr. Anderson about the research findings. Anderson confirmed they found evidence of former Mayor Lee living on Lee Street but could not locate definitive documentation stating the street was named after him. Based on typical street naming conventions involving largest property owners, first settlers, landmarks, or famous people, Anderson suggested it could “likely” be concluded the street was named after the Lee family. Councilmember Barber presented and referenced an administrator's deed of sale stamped by Henry County that showed William Jackson Lee's connection to the property, citing it supported the street being named after former Mayor Lee. Mayor Williams called for the vote: The Motion passed 3-1-1 (Councilmember Barber opposed, Counciimember Berry Abstained). NEW BUSINESS Council consideration to approve the increase in the City's paid Basic Life Insurance benefit from $10,000 to $50,000, effective April 1, 2026. Human Resources Director Dwayne Pollock presented the proposal using the EPAS model (enhance, provide, align, strengthen) to improve employee benefits. He noted that the current life insurance policy benefit amount of $10,000 is insufficient and is not enough to cover typical funeral expenses in today’s economy. The increase would raise monthly costs from $2.65 to $11.20 per employee, with a total annual cost increase of $19,000. Mr. Pollock emphasized that the adjustment would demonstrate the City’s commitment to employee well-being, provide stronger financial protection, improve competitiveness with peer municipalities, and support talent recruitment and retention. Councilmember Barber inquired about a specific budget line item, to which Mr. Pollack confirmed that the line item is described as "employee group life insurance.” 4|Page --- page 5 --- Councilmember Barber then asked for the approved budgeted amount for this line item. Mr. Pollack responded, “when we receive the annual renewals for the carrier for insurance, the annual amount for this particular coverage is $5,846.00.” Motion: Councilmember Gantt motioned to authorize the increase of the city's basic life and AD&D benefit from $10,000 to $50,000 effective April 1, 2026; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander. The Motion passed 5-0. Council consideration to approve Dianna Hunt & Associates, Inc. to provide acquisition services for approximately 43 parcels in connection with the Tye Street Multi-Use Path Project right-of-way acquisitions - First phase of acquisition services estimated to forty thousand dollars. Funding source is from TSPLOST. Public Works Director Decius Aaron explained this is a TSPLOST project where plans have been prepared and easements drawn up. The request is to use Diana Hunt and Associates for the first phase of three phases of easement preparation. Motion: Councilmember Berry motioned to approve; seconded by Councilmember Cloud. Discussion: Councilmember Barber inquired about how many phases to the project has, to which Mr. Aaron confirmed there are three total phases to the project. Mayor Williams called for the vote: The Motion passed 5-0. Council consideration to approve piggybacking of Macon-Bibb County RFP No. 24-022-LH Traffic Signal Repairs and Maintenance Services, issued April 5, 2024, with Riverside Traffic Solutions, LLC. Mr. Aaron explained that as part of the renewed service delivery strategy and annexation, the city assumed responsibility for multiple traffic signals. Riverside Traffic Solutions previously performed work for Henry County and is familiar with the signals. The company has been responsive to traffic signal issues, and staff recommends continuing their services. Councilmember Barber asked if this would be the first time piggybacking off this specific contract to which Mr. Aaron clarified for “traffic signal maintenance. Yes, ma'am” Motion: Councilmember Gantt motioned to approve; seconded by Councilmember Cloud. The Motion passed 5-0. Council consideration to approve the purchase of two vehicles for departmental use at a cost not to exceed $94,910. The funding for this purchase is available in the fiscal year 2026 budget. Community Development Director Ryan Anderson explained the request is for two vehicles - one for the permitting and inspections division and one for the new business compliance officer position. He noted that in 2023, the city promised five vehicles when permitting and inspection was brought in-house, but this equipment had not been received until now and is presenting the request for two trucks. 5|Page --- page 6 --- Councilmember Barber asked if the purchase was included in the community development budget, to which Mr. Anderson confirmed, “Yes.” Motion: Councilmember Gantt motioned to approve; seconded by Councilmember Berry. The Motion passed 5-0. 2025 Fiscal Audit Agreement City Treasurer Frank Milazi explained that this annual engagement agreement with the audit firm Mauldin and Jenkins is part of their five-year contract from 2023-2028. The agreement stipulates what the auditors will do when they come for the audit on May 4th 2026 and specifies documentation requirements and city responsibilities. Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to approve; seconded by Councilmember Berry. The Motion passed 5-0 MAYOR'S COMMENTS Mayor Williams deferred his comments for executive session. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion to adjourn to executive session for real estate, personnel, litigation, and cybersecurity was made by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander, seconded by Councilmember Cloud. The Motion passed 5-0. Motion to adjourn from executive session made by Councilmember Berry; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander. The Motion passed 3-0. Counciimembers Gantt and Cloud were not present on the dais. From executive session, associate attorney Megan McCullough presented to governing body a Norfolk Southern lease agreement for real property located at milepost 171.308, with the goal of converting the area into a parking lot for a vote. Motion: Councilmember Cloud motioned to approve the lease agreement; seconded by Councilmember Barber. The Motion passed 5-0. Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by Councilmember Berry. The motion passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:56pm Respectfully submitted by: @ Spnee Cassandra Lester, Interim City Clerk fl ||I|ams Mayor 6|Page