---
date: 2018-06-11
title: June 11, 2018 City Council Meeting Minutes
source: 2018-06/2018-06-11_June 11, 2018 City Council Meeting_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.

ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2018 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Councilman Elton Alexander Camilla Moore, Asst. City Manager
Councilman John Blount Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Mayor Pro Tem LaKeisha Gantt Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilwoman Neat Robinson Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilman Alphonso Thomas
I. Call to Order – Mayor Ford

II. Invocation – Reverend Jacqueline Johnson

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call Present Absent

Councilman Thomas ___X___ _______
Councilman Blount ___X___ _______
Mayor Ford ___X___ _______
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt ___X___ _______
Councilman Alexander ___X___ _______
Councilwoman Robinson ___X___ _______
V. Motion to adopt the Agenda: Blount/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

VI. Approval of the Minutes of the following meetings:

1. 4/10//2018 2. 4/11/2018 3. 4/24/2018 4. 5/14/2018
June 11, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Motion to approve: Blount/Alexander – Passed 5-0.

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
Mr. Derek Favors of the Falling Waters Community Association noted a home in
the neighborhood is in violation of the City’s parking ordinance and noted the
homeowner had been cited for operating an illegal business in their home.

Mr. Knighton, City Manager, noted court action had taken place earlier today.

Ms. Molly Hammer referenced the comment made by Mr. Favors and also noted
the homeowner’s blatant disregard for the law and the neighborhood covenants.

CEREMONIAL:
5. Mayor Ford presented a Proclamation to Elizabeth Bradley in honor of
National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month (also in attendance was Kevin
Bradley and Debbie Watkins).

6. Mayor Ford presented a Proclamation to Ross Childress, co-founding
member of the band Collective Soul of Stockbridge, Georgia.

Mayor Ford reviewed the Proclamation ceremony held prior to the meeting
presented to Reverend Jacqueline Johnson and Minister Rick Johnson of
Trinity UMC for their service to the Stockbridge community.

Mayor Ford reviewed the Letter of Recognition ceremony prior to the
meeting that was presented to Jackie Watson and Chris Smith celebrating
Caribbean American Heritage Month.

OLD BUSINESS:
7. Council Consideration to postpone the Western Parallel Lighting Agreement
until further notice.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Motion to approve: Gantt/Blount – Passed 4-0-1 (Alexander abstained)

8. Council Consideration to approve the City’s Vehicle Usage Policy.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Motion to approve: Blount/Thomas – Passed 3-2 (Alexander/Robinson
opposed)
9. Council Consideration to extend the City’s Truck Moratorium.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Motion to approve: Gantt/Blount – Passed 4-0-1 (Alexander abstained)
June 11, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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NEW BUSINESS:
10.Council Consideration to amend Title 9, Section 9.12 of the Stockbridge
Municipal Code by hereby deleting and replacing Section 9.12 in its entirety,
as it pertains to the Solicitation Permit and process.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Motion to approve: Blount/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

11.Council Consideration to amend Chapter 9.01 of the Stockbridge Municipal
Code by hereby amending and adding a new Section 9.01.260 to provide for
Disabled Veterans engaging in operating businesses or practicing
proofessions.
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Asst. City Mgr./Community Development Dir.
Motion to approve: Alexander/Gantt – Passed 5-0

12.Council Consideration to approve selection of the City’s Health and Wellness
Insurance Policy - staff recommendation Cigna Healthcare
Presented by: Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
Motion to approve: Alexander/Robinson – Passed 5-0.

13.Council Consideration to approve and amend the City of Stockbridge
Personnel Policy to reflect Georgia State Law House Bill 673 (HB673) –
Hands Free Cell Phone Policy effective July 1, 2018.
Presented by: Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
Motion to approve: Gantt/Thomas – Passed 5-0.

14.Council Consideration to approve and ratify the Architectural firmTSW for
No. 08-Project Assignment Agreement to construct the amphitheater.
Presented by: Randy Knighton, City Manager
Motion to be heard following Executive Session: Blount/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Knighton encouraged everyone to attend the Education and Information Town
Hall meeting on Tuesday, June 12th at 7:00 p.m. taking place at the Merle Manders
Conference Center and also invited everyone to come out and enjoy Food Truck
Tasty Tuesday taking place at Clark Park.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY CLERK
Mrs. Holiday notified the public of the decision of the Henry County Elections
Board voting not to have an early voting location in the City of Stockbridge for the
run-off and that early voting would take place at the Elections Office in
McDonough, with voting at your regular polling location on July 24th, election day.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL

June 11, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilman Thomas thanked everyone for their participation with the Don’t Trash
Stockbridge No Litter Campaign; commended Ms. Moore and staff for their work
on the City’s Comprehensive Plan and crisscrossing of the city.

Councilman Blount stated as elected officials, they are here to serve the citizens
and do what is best for the City; noted there are many challenges facing the City
and asked individuals to get involved; referenced the upcoming Back-To-School
Kickoff on Saturday, July 28th and noted donations are being accepted and to
contact the Ex. Asst. to Mayor & Council, LaQuinda Jackson for more information.

Councilwoman Gantt had no comment.

Councilman Alexander thanked citizens for tuning in and being engaged in the
community; stated everyone needs to be engaged to move the City forward;
reflected on the Letters of Recognition for Caribbean Heritage Month noting the
contributions of the community and the importance of diversity in the community;
noted the proposed city is an area of the City of Stockbridge; noted his personal
experience seeking a business license years ago of not knowing that his residence
has a McDonough address and is located in the City of Stockbridge, and the same
applies to his neighbors; noted Buckhead is an area of the City of Atlanta;
referenced three groups in the proposed city hi-lighting the silent majority; noted
that he is listening to their concerns along with the wants and needs of everyone in
the entire City; wants to continue to move the city forward.

Councilwoman Robinson noted the Youth Council just completed a successful
2-day Retreat and thanked staff, and City Manager for their assistance, and
specifically thanked the City Attorney for his assistance and leading the youth in
the right direction; asked that everyone get engaged, as this is your City; noted
they are leaders who sometimes make bad decisions; reiterated that everyone get
involved.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford noted his recent visit to Tasty Tuesday and the length of time it took
find a parking space, which was a good thing noting Stockbridge has great
diversity and is a great community; noted it was great to see so many people out
and enjoying themselves; referenced the proclamations and noted his personal
experience with his father’s struggle with Alzheimer’s; noted it was an honor to
present the proclamation for Rev. Johnson as she truly deserved the recognition;
and likewise to Ross Childress formerly of Collective Soul, noting he looks forward
to seeing his performance at the Sounds of Summer Free Concert on Saturday,
June 16th
UPCOMING MEETINGS
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.
June 11, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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• Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi
Meeting Room

• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday June 18, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. at
City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

• Stockbridge Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting, Tuesday,
June 19, 2018 at 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Merle Manders Conference Center

• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at
6:30 P.M. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

• Planning Commission Meeting, Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. at City Hall
in the Council Chamber

• Stockbridge Comprehensive Plan Final Open House Meeting, Tuesday,
June 26, 2018 at 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Merle Manders Conference Center

• Council Work Session Meeting, Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at 4:00 P.M. at City
Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

• Stockbridge Association of Businesses Meeting, Thursday, June 28, 2018 at
6:00 P.M. at the Ted Strickland Community Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail

UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Food Truck Tuesday begins, May 1st at Clark Park and will run through
July 31st from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. Excludes July 3rd

• Sounds of Summer FREE Concert Series - Saturday, June 16, 2018 at
6 – 9:30 p.m. on the City Hall lawn

Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Litigation and Real Estate-
Robinson/Alexander – Passed 5-0.

Motion to Adjourn Executive Session: Robinson/Thomas – Passed 5-0.

Motion to Reconvene: Thomas/Robinson – Passed 5-0.

Motion to approve Item #14: Alexander/Thomas – Passed 5-0.

Motion to appoint Charles Michael Carly to the Henry County Board of Health –
Robinson/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

Mayor Ford noted a strong recommendation for candidate E. Jill Bolton would be
presented to County Chair, June Wood.

Motion to adjourn: Thomas/Robinson – Passed 5-0.
June 11, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
