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date: 
title: 2017 06 12 2017 Minutes
source: 2017/2017_06_12_2017_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
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Stockbridge
Mission: To provide visionary leadership and superior municipal services that enhance
the quality of life for citizens while creating a welcoming business atmosphere focused
on sustainability and expansion of tourism and cultural events.

SUMMARY MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 12, 2017 6:00 p.m.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Judy Neal Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilman Elton Alexander Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilman John Blount
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
Councilwoman Neat Robinson
Mayor Neal called the meeting to Order.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All members of
Council were present except for Councilwoman Gantt; a quorum was confirmed.

Councilman Alexander motioned to adopt the Agenda as printed; second by
Councilwoman Robinson. During discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Ford asked that Item #5- be
removed as the Ethics Board will be meeting tomorrow night to discuss the City’s Ethics
Code and Council should table any items until then.

Councilwoman Robinson asked Attorney Williams to present the item. Attorney Williams
stated he would do so with a consensus of the Council and apologized for not having the
information presented to Council.

Councilwoman Robinson informed the citizens Council received a visit from GMA
(Georgia Municipal Association) whom advised Council not to file complaints against
each other and has requested the City Attorney to explain the alternate ways.

June 12, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Attorney Williams stated the two alternate ways are: (A) once a complaint has been filed
with the City Clerk, Council and the Ethics Board would receive copies; however, the
complaint would not be heard by the board, but would be processed by Council in a
manner consistent with Article 2 of the Charter. (B) complaints made by one or more
members of Council against another member of council shall not be forwarded to the
Ethics Board unless referred to the board by majority vote of Council.

Attorney Williams noted the previous City Attorney’s office recommended abolishing the
Ethics Board all together; however, if the option is to keep the board, the complaint can
either go to the board or not. Attorney Williams advised Council to listen to each other and
try to resolve situations without the media being involved.

Mayor Neal called for a vote to remove the item from the Agenda. The motion passed 3-2
Councilman Alexander and Councilwoman Robinson opposed.

Motion to approve the Minutes of 4/10/17, 4/19/17 and 4/25/2017 made by Mayor Pro
Tem Ford; second by Councilwoman Robinson. The motion passed 4-0.

Ernest Ern of the GAWP (Georgia Association of Water Professionals) presented the
Wastewater Treatment Plant Gold Award to Brad Holtzinger, Superintendent of the City of
Stockbridge Waste Water Treatment Plant.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ms. Veronica Ingram referenced Patriots Day to identify patriots and unity in the
community. The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday 9/10 at Heritage Park in
McDonough at 6 P.M. Councilwoman Robinson spoke in favor of the event.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford referenced Patriots Day and the 9/11 remembrance ceremony
held annually in the City of Stockbridge.

Mayor Neal referenced the organization Unite! Consisting of churches throughout the
county and asked those interested to see Julie Weaver for more information.

Ms. Marilyn Flynn noted she is a member of the City’s Ethics Board and realizes
speaking out may cause her to be removed from the board, but is speaking as a citizen.
Ms. Flynn stated she saw the June 12 th Agenda item pertaining to the Ethics Code
although there is a board meeting scheduled for Wed. June 14 th discussing the Ethics
Code. Ms. Flynn stated the City needs to codify the Code of Conduct, and adhere to the
Charter. Ms. Flynn also referenced her teaching career of 43 years and noted teachers
don’t have the right to free speech, as such conduct may lead to grounds for dismissal.
Ms. Flynn stated her hopes to see civil discourse from the Council and encouraged the
Council and citizens to attend the Ethics Board meeting on June 14 th at 6 P.M. where
they will attempt to develop a process that is simple and fair.

Mr. Alphonso Thomas was called as the next speaker, Councilman Alexander called for
a point of order and asked if Mr. Thomas had received an official letter from the City
regarding his comments from the previous meeting.

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Mr. Thomas stated he had not received the letter, but that it was duly noted.

Mayor Neal read the letter that had been prepared by the City Attorney and mailed to
Mr. Thomas referencing Public Comment protocol where it had determined there was a
violation.

Alphonso Thomas noted the City’s Vision Statement and spoke regarding the
importance of Cultural Arts and other community programs that are lacking in the City
and asked the Council to move forward with an RFP for the design of the Center.
Melvin Fulton asked the City to keep the name on the building in honor of Carrie Mae
Hambrick.

Councilman Alexander stated that the Carrie Mae Hambrick building name has not
changed and noted the building may not be built for another 2-3 years and that a new
Council could then change the name if so desired and asked that the legacy of Carrie
Mae Hambrick not be politicized.

Invocation was provided by Pastor John Dewberry, volunteer Chaplain with Bennett
International.

PRESENTATIONS

1. Kensley Grace Aquatic Center
Presented by: Lou Martin, President Kensley Grace Foundation
Mr. Martin, Neil Daniel, Nicki Turpin and Doug Gertson all spoke on behalf
of the Kensley Grace Foundation and noted the benefits of having an
aquatic center in Henry County. The proposed location sits on 21 acres in
unincorporated McDonough. Mr. Martin asked the City to consider a
donation in the amount of $500,000 and to be the first city in the county to
be on board. Mayor Neal asked the family of Kensley Grace to stand and be
recognized.
No action taken by the Council.

NEW BUSINESS

2. Council Consideration – Authorization to approve City’s Health & Benefits
Package Effective July 1, 2017
Presented by: Renee Wheeler, HR Manager
Ms. Wheeler introduced Wendell Strickland, CEO of Strongside Solutions.
who stated during the last year, the City had 150% utilization, which is high
due to two shock loss claims of approximately $183,000. Mr. Strickland also
noted Strongside Solutions would like to implement a prescription drug
savings program that would allow citizens to use manufacturer coupons and
would also help to reduce prescription drug cost. Mr. Strickland
recommended the City renew with Cigna to maintain the current
plan/benefit, as well as put together a current health reimbursement
arrangement plan.
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Councilman Alexander asked about the process of selecting a provider.

Mr. Strickland noted the package presented to the Council includes
proposals from a variety of providers, and that the best plant with the best
rates was selected.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve the City’s Health & Benefits
Package effective July 1, 2017; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion
passed 4-0.

3. Resolution to approve Budgeted Item- Task Order 2017.05 Falcon Design
Concepts for Stormwater Improvements – Hillcrest Street @ Bowen Street
in the amount of $19,450.00
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted Council gave the consensus to design the Stormwater
Improvements project at Hillcrest St. and Bowen St. using Falcon Design in
the amount of $19,450. Mr. Aaron also noted these streets where on the
LMIG 2017 list and would like to have it repaired before resurfacing starts.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the Task Order 2017.05 Falcon
Design Concepts for Stormwater Improvements – Hillcrest Street @ Bowen
Street in the amount of $19,450.00; second by Councilwoman Robinson.
The motion passed 4-0.

4. Resolution to approve Budgeted Item – To approve Proposal submitted by
Georgia Wildcat Paving to repair brick pavers on East Atlanta Rd. near City
Hall $11,533.00.
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted this project is to replace the pavers in front of City Hall on
East Atlanta Road.

Councilman Alexander questioned why bricks were not being used.

Mr. Aaron noted the material to be used on this project is ideal for heavy
traffic areas and is very durable.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford expressed concern over the cost of project.

Mr. Aaron noted the project was properly bidded and the cost is in line.

Councilman Blount questioned the longevity of material.

Mr. Aaron noted the project would be covered by a warranty.
June 12, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilwoman Robinson motioned to approve the proposal submitted by
Georgia Wildcat Paving to repair brick pavers on East Atlanta Rd. near City
Hall in the amount of $11,533.00; second by Councilman Blount. The
motion passed 4-0.

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to convene Executive Session for
Personnel, Litigation and Real Estate; second by Councilman Alexander.
The motion passed 4-0.

Motion to end Executive Session made by Mayor Pro Tem Ford; second by
Councilman Blount. Passed 4-0.

Motion to reconvene the Work Session meeting made by Councilman
Alexander; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. Passed 4-0.

5. Resolution naming members to fill vacancies on the Youth Council Advisory
Committee.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to appoint the following members to the
Youth Council Advisory Committee with term ending 12/31/2017:
Kim Amis, Olabisi Elizabeth Martin, Roaslynd Rawls and Tanesha McCoy-
Washington; second by Councilman Alexander. Passed 4-0.

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to approve salary increases to bring
salaries in line for both the Treasurer and City Clerk; second by Councilman
Blount. The motion passed 4-0.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for coming out and watching online; invited
everyone to the Job Fair in partnership with Goodwill Industries on Thursday, June 14th
from 10am – 2pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center; asked that Council issues be
handled behind closed doors and handle the peoples’ business first.

Councilman Blount thanked everyone for coming out; asked everyone to participate in
City Events; noted the Back to School Council Initiative coming up on July 29th; and noted
everyone is working hard to make Stockbridge a success.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford asked everyone to keep the faith; noted he is looking forward to
moving the City forward; invited everyone out to the Tech & Tea being held on June 22nd
from 5-8pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center; and the Coffee w/a Cop initiative
on Saturday, June 17th from 8:30 – 10:00 A.M. at Bridgeview County Cooking with Henry
County Police taking about keeping Henry County safe.
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Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for coming out; noted the Youth Council was
up and running and just recently completed a 2-day Retreat and noted their meetings are
held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:30 P.M. and congratulated the
newly appointed committee members, and thanked those currently serving on the
committee as the Youth Council is excited.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Neal thanked everyone for coming and referenced the meeting information
was located on the Agenda for review.

UPCOMING OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS/EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meeting will be held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times are
subject to change. Please visit the city’s website www.cityofstockbridge.com, Facebook
page or contact City Hall offices at 770.389-7900 for updates and detailed information.

 Food Truck Tasty Tuesday, June 13, 2017 from 5:30 – 9:00 P.M.
*(New Location) Clark Park 111 Davis Rd. Stockbridge

 Ethics Board Committee Meeting, Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. City
Hall Patrick Henry Meeting Room.

 Job Fair, June 15, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Merle Manders
Conference Center 111 Davis Rd. Stockbridge, GA

 FREE Sounds of Summer Concert – Saturday, June 17, 2017 on the City Hall
lawn (Bring your lawn chairs)

 Food Truck Tasty Tuesday, June 20, 2017 from 5:30 – 9:00 P.M.
*(New Location) Clark Park 111 Davis Rd. Stockbridge

 Council Work Session– Wednesday, June 28, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. City Hall Council
Chamber. NOTE ONE-TIME CHANGE OF DAY TO WEDNESDAY.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND/OR INITIATIVES

 Non-Profit Social Mixer – Hosted by Councilwoman Gantt – Date to be determined
at the Merle Manders Conference Center at 5:30 p.m.

 Coffee w/A Cop, Saturday, June 17, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at
Bridgeview Country Cooking 4727 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge

 Bike Trail Ride, Saturday, June 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. from Reeves Creek
Trail/Flippen Rd. to Memorial Park Stockbridge

June 12, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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UPCOMING CIVIC EVENTS

 OneHenry Tech & Tea, Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 5 – 8 p.m. at the Merle
Manders Conference Center 111 Davis Rd. Stockbridge

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to adjourn the meeting; Councilman Blount
provided the second. The motion passed 4-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CMC Judy Neal, Mayor

June 12, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
