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date: 
title: 2017 08 14 2017 Minutes
source: 2017/2017_08_14_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, AUGUST 14, 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
Call to Order made by Mayor Neal.

Invocation was provided by Edward Mitchell and Usman Khan of Islamic Society of South
Atlanta (ISSA)

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; a quorum was confirmed.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to amend the Agenda to include an Executive Session
Item for Real Estate following Public Comments; to add under New Business Item #6
Approval of Tyler Software; Item #7 Approval of Permitting and Building & Inspections
Vendors; Item #8 Approval of Falcons Activities to the 9/12 Food Truck Tuesday City
Event; Item #9 Approval of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government contract for the OCS
Impact Feasibility Study; and, Table Item #1 U.S. Census Presentation until the August
29, 2017 Work Session Meeting; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed
5-0.

August 14, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve the Minutes of the Special Called Meeting of
6/12/2017, Council Meeting of 6/12/2017, Special Called Meeting of 6/28/2017, and Work
Session Meeting of 6/28/2017; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

Mayor Neal introduced newly assigned Command Officers of the North Henry Precinct;
Deputy Chief Mark Amerman, Captain Jason Bolton and Major Chuck Simmons.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
All persons wishing to speak for public comment must sign in with the City Clerk prior to the
beginning of the meeting. You must sign your name, address, and phone number. You will be
able to address the Mayor and Council for three (3) minutes. Speakers must respect all
members of the elected body, officials, and staff. Defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will
not be tolerated while meetings are in session.

Ms. Mildred Reed spoke in support of an RFP going forward for the design of the Carrie
Mae Hambrick Cultural Arts Center, and in favor of Main Street’s (RSVP) (MOU)
Memorandum of Understanding by the Carl Vinson Institute.

EXECUTIVE SESSION (Real Estate)
Councilman Alexander motioned to convene Executive Session for Real Estate;
second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to reconvene the meeting; second by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

PRESENTATION

1. 2020 Census Update (TABLED)
Presented by: Mayor Pro Tem Ford & William Curry, Geographer
U.S. Dept. of Commerce – U. S. Census Bureau
Will be presented at the August 29, 2017 Work Session Mtg.

PUBLIC HEARING

2. Variance: VR-17-10-S
Applicant: DD’s Discounts 31 Highway 138 West Stockbridge, GA requests a
variance from development regulations for the property located at 31 Highway 138
West, in Land Lot 71 of the 12th District. Parcel ID No. S03-05-001-000.
Variance from sign regulations:
1. Request for increased square footage of main wall sign from maximum
allowable of 100 square feet to the requested amount of 281.1 square feet.
2. Request for an increased number of wall signs from the allowed amount of
one (1) wall sign by code, to two (2) wall signs.
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Community Development Director

August 14, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Ms. Moore reviewed the requests and noted the Henry County Planning
Commission had recommended denial due to the City of Stockbridge modifying its
sign ordinances and that the City’s Planning Commission Committee recommends
approval of Request #1with the following conditions:
1. An increase in the square footage of mail wall sign from maximum allowable
of 100 square feet to the requested amount of 281.1 square feet or less, not to
encroach into the decorative building façade (Attachment – Site Photo), and to
the site plan that was received by the Community Development Department.
2. Applicant must obtain proper business license from the City of Stockbridge
Business Service Division.
3. The property and suite must meet all development standards.
4. The business may not extend to occupy a different or greater area of land.
5. Compliance with the plans review approval process.

Staff’s recommendation was to deny Request #2.

Councilman Alexander noted his disapproval of this type of business and would not be
voting in favor of this item.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the recommendations of the City’s Planning
Commission of item #1 with conditions and denial of item #2; second by Mayor Pro Tem
Ford. The motion passed 4-1 (Alexander opposed).

NEW BUSINESS

3. Council Consideration to approve the Main Street RSVP Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU)
Presented by: Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manager
Ms. Harris-Braggs noted the City has been accepted into the Main Street RSVP
program through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government to continue moving
forward with the development of downtown Stockbridge and that the MOU
(Memorandum of Understanding) between Carl Vinson and the City is required to
continue the process.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve the RSVP MOU; second by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

4. Council Consideration to approve Engineered Restorations, Inc. for waterproofing
services at the Municipal Court in the amount of $28,300.00 and City Hall in the
amount of $3,800.00
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron referred to the repairs required for both the Municipal Court and City
Hall buildings and has asked Falcon Design to look at different remedies to
alleviate the water problems. Mr. Aaron introduced Skip Latten of Falcon Design
who spoke about traditional methods that have not worked and has proposed
using an epoxy injection system. Mayor Neal noted funds would come from
SPLOST III.

August 14, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve Engineered Restorations, Inc. for
waterproofing services at the Municipal Court in the amount of $28,300.00 and
City Hall in the amount of $3,800.00; second by Councilwoman Robinson. The
motion passed 4-1 (Alexander abstained).

5. Council Consideration to approve Task Release No. 3 Under Master Engineering
Services Agreement Between the City of Stockbridge and Carter & Sloope, Inc. for
SCADA Water System Improvements in the amount of $36,600.00
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve Task Release No. 3 Under Master
Engineering Services Agreement Between the City of Stockbridge and Carter &
Sloope, Inc. for SCADA Water System Improvements in the amount of $36,600.00;
second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

6. Council Consideration for approval of Tyler Energov Software for Code
Enforcement/GIS/Business Licensing/Planning
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
Ms. Moore requested approval to purchase Tyler Energov Software for Code
Enforcement, GIS, Business Licensing and Planning and Permitting with the initial
start up costing $32,000 for implementation of all 5 modules and $4,000 for the
annual maintenance agreement. Ms. Moore noted funding from the Planning
Division’s budget.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve Tyler Energov Software in the amount
of $32,000 and recurring annual maintenance fee in the amount of $4,000; second
by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

7. Council Consideration for approval of the selection of Permitting and Building
Inspections vendor Charles Abbott & Associates
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
Ms. Moore referenced the RFP process for permitting services had been
completed and Charles Abbott Associates, Inc. is recommended for approval,
further noting she is hopeful of a September 1st. start date.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve Bid Selection of Permitting and Building
& Inspections vendor for the City of Stockbridge (Charles Abbott Associates, Inc.);
second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

8. Council Consideration to fund Falcons Cheerleaders and Mascot attendance at
Tasty Tuesday on Sept. 12th not to exceed $950.00
Presented By: Councilman Alexander
Mayor Neal expressed the Falcon Cheerleaders will be at the last Food Truck
Tasty Tuesday; funds will be allocated from the Food Truck budget in the amount
of $950, with no budget amendment.

August 14, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilman Alexander motioned to approve Falcons Activities at the September
12, 2017 Food Truck Tuesday City Event in the amount of $950.00 (no budget
amendment required); second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

9. Carl Vinson Institute Feasibility Study
Presented By: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Attorney Williams noted the proposed packet is for the De-Annexation Fiscal
Impact Study which would be completed by the Carl Vinson Institute (estimated
around four months or less and in time to go before local legislation) and has been
quoted not to exceed f $20,700 with funding from the Planning Department.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the Carl Vinson Institute Feasibility
Study; second by Councilwoman Robinson provided the second. The motion
passed 5-0.

DISCUSSION

10. Carrie Mae Hambrick Cultural Arts Center Design
Presented by: Councilman Blount
Councilman Blount made a request for a timeline of when RFP will be put out for
the new Carrie Mae Hambrick building.
Ms. Moore recommended staff schedule dates for Council to take tours of a variety
of facilities for ideas and comparisons along with community input.

11. Splash Pad Design and Location
Presented by: Councilwoman Gantt
Councilwoman Gantt noted she had spoken with the Public Works Director and the
Community Development Director and believes this should be discussed more
during the upcoming retreat. Ms. Moore issued a proposed timeline with
construction beginning in late October 2017 and will be funded by SPLOST.

12. Development Performance Bonds
Presented by: Councilman Alexander
Councilman Alexander noted he would like to begin the discussion to protect
homebuyers from buying homes in unfinished subdivisions, and developers
starting up but not finishing. Attorney Williams noted cities usually do not get
involved with Performance Bonds.

13.Affordable Housing
Presented by: Councilman Alexander
Councilman Alexander noted he has seen growth within the city with the
increase in property taxes and rental properties and asked Ms. Moore about
putting in place requirements for affordable housing. Ms. Moore noted the
City’s Comprehensive Plan would include affordable housing for low to
moderate income households.

August 14, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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14.Youth & Senior Center
Presented by: Councilman Alexander
Councilman Alexander stated he belief that the City needs to make a
serious decision on trying to create a building that has everything or build a
youth/senior center, while placing amenities in the under-developed areas
throughout the city. No action taken.

15. Amphitheater
Presented by: Councilman Alexander
Councilman Alexander stated he believes City should move forward with the
footprint and actual designs of creating the Amphitheater. Ms. Moore
recommended staff schedule dates for tours of a variety of facilities for ideas
and comparisons along with community input.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY CLERK
Ms. Holiday noted the upcoming week of August 21 – 25th was Qualifying for
those interested in running for office in the City’s 2017 Municipal Election and
that qualifying would take place from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. with the office
being closed for lunch from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. daily.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL

Councilwoman Robinson invited everyone to attend the upcoming Hwy. 138
Overlay meeting scheduled for August 15th; thanked staff for all that they do.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for coming out; thanked staff and asked
that the August 15th Hwy. 138 Overlay meeting be moved to the Ted Strickland
Community Center.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford noted he looks forward to the upcoming Budget Retreat; is
glad citizens came out and asked everyone to remain engaged as he will fight
against the proposed City of Eagles Landing’s attempt to de-annex property from
the City of Stockbridge.

Councilman Blount asked residents who may have received the Petition letter in
the mail to return it to the City; noted banners in support of the City’s opposition to
de-annexation of properties will be going up; and stated we (Stockbridge) built this
City.

Councilman Alexander reflected on the recent incident in Charlottesville, VA noting
the young hero who lost her life and asked all to pray for the victims and denounce
that type of activity.

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COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Neal referenced the upcoming Overlay and De-Annexation meetings and
asked everyone to review the upcoming meetings and events on the Agenda.

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, August 15, 2017 from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
*(New Location) Clark Park 111 Davis Rd. Stockbridge

 Hwy. 138 Overlay Guidelines Public Hearing Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 6:30
p.m. at City Hall.

 Town Hall Meeting, Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 6:00 PM., Cannon Cleveland
Community Room 2580 GA Hwy. 42 McDonough, GA – De-Annexation and
Negative Impact of the proposed City of Eagles Landing.

 Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday, August 21, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, Levi Meeting Room.

 Town Hall Meeting, Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 6:00 PM., Global Impact
Christian Ministries 125 Red Oak Rd. Stockbridge, GA – De-Annexation and
Negative Impact of the proposed City of Eagles Landing.

 Food Truck Tasty Tuesday, August 22, 2017 from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
*(New Location) Clark Park 111 Davis Rd. Stockbridge
 Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. City Hall

 Food Truck Tasty Tuesday, August 29, 2017 from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
*(New Location) Clark Park 111 Davis Rd. Stockbridge

 Town Hall Meeting, Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 3:00 PM., City Hall – De-
Annexation and Negative Impact of the proposed City of Eagles Landing.

UPCOMING COUNCILMEMBER & YOUTH MEETINGS AND/OR EVENTS

UPCOMING CIVIC EVENTS

EXECUTIVE SESSION (If necessary)

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to convene into Executive Session for Litigation,
Personnel and Real Estate; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed
5-0.

August 14, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by
Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 5+0.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to reconvene the meeting; second by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

ADJOURN

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adjourn the meeting; second by Mayor Pro Tem
Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CMC Judy Neal, Mayor

August 14, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
