---
date: 2013-10-21
title: October 21, 2013 Minutes
source: 2013-10/2013-10-21_October 21, 2013_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

October 21, 2013

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2013 6:00 pm
City Council
Administration
Mark Alarcon, Mayor
David A. Milliron, City Manager
Richard Steinberg, Mayor Pro Tem
Rhonda A. Blackmon, City Clerk
Robin Buschman, Councilwoman
Bill Linkous, City Attorney
Harold Cochran, Councilman
Shirley Dabney, Councilwoman
Alphonso Thomas, Councilman

Call to Order by the Mayor at 6:06pm

Invocation by Mr. Fulton

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison

Adopt Agenda; a motion was made by Richard Steinberg to adopt the agenda minus item #2
and item #5; a second was made by Shirley Dabney; the motion passed 5-0.

Approve Minutes: Council Meeting August 12, 2013 (revised)
Work Session September 3, 2013

Council Meeting September 9, 2013

Special Called Meeting September 26, 2013

Mayor asked for a motion to engross the above minutes for adoption; Robin Buschman made
the motion; a second was made by Harold Cochran; the motion passed 5-0.

CEREMONIAL

Item # 1 - Presented by Mark Alarcon, Mayor

Proclamation: Retired Educator’s Day; Mayor asked Kathy Hill to come forward for the Retired
Educator’s proclamation; Mayor read and presented the proclamation.

Item # 2 - Presented by Mark Alarcon, Mayor

Proclamation: Papi’s Restaurant; this item was removed from the agenda.

Item # 3 – Presented by Mark Alarcon, Mayor

Proclamation: Ruth Rucker of Hands of Hope Clinic; the Mayor called Ruth Rucker to come
forward; Mayor read and presented the check; he then surprised Ms. Rucker with a
proclamation in honor of her work and in lieu of her retirement.

CONSENT AGENDA

Item # 4 - Presented by David Milliron, City Manager

Approve: Rock Quarry Road GTIB Grant Application; David Milliron stated that this is a consent
agenda item which staff is seeking approval. Mr. Milliron explained the information pertaining to
the Rock Quarry Extension. He stated staff is seeking approval to submit an application to help
fund the Rock Quarry extension from N. Henry Blvd. to Valley Hill. In addition to the proposed
SPLOST IV dollars based on voter approval we are requesting an additional $4million dollars
from GTIB. Mr. Milliron said staff envisions a two lane with a multi-use trail on one side. He said
this will relieve traffic on N. Henry and E. Atlanta Road and provide a corridor that connects to
Fairview; Richard Steinberg made a motion to approve; a second was made by Shirley Dabney;
the motion passed 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS

Item # 5 – Presented by Mark Alarcon, Mayor

Appointment: City of Stockbridge Police Chief; this item has been removed from the agenda.

OLD BUSINESS

Item # 6 - Presented by David Milliron, City Manager

Resolution: Meeting Rule Three Related to Public Hearings and Public Comments; David
Milliron explained the rule and stated that if approved this would govern the public hearing set
for this evening. Robin Buschman made a motion to approve; a second was made by Shirley
Dabney; Alphonso Thomas stated that during the work session he had stated that he was in
agreement for this but he wanted to have a provision that would allow citizens to speak about
items that are not on the agenda. Robin Buschman reminded citizens to call the Council with
any issue or a problem; we will call you. Richard Steinberg also wanted to go on record to
accept what is here but to look for an additional mechanism for citizen input; the motion passed
4-1 with Alphonso Thomas as opposed.

Item # 7 - Presented by David Milliron, City Manager

Approve: Contract on ITB #2013-009 for LMIG resurfacing; David Milliron said this was an
intent to bid the city appropriately. Mr. Milliron went through the process and stated that the
lowest bidder that was completely vetted is C.W. Matthews. The company was selected to do
milling and paving project in the city beginning in November. The total amount of the contract is
$440,468.39. He reminded citizens that $327,367.16 is being paid from state grant funds;
Shirley Dabney made a motion to approve; a second was made by Robin Buschman; Richard
Steinberg wanted to ask Mr. Milliron if he was familiar with the company being awarded the bid
and if they had been thoroughly vetted. Mr. Milliron stated C.W. Matthews is one of the largest
pavers in the State of Georgia. There was a similar contract awarded to the company last year.
Mayor added that C.W. Matthews is a national and international firm; the motion passed 5-0.

Item # 8 - Presented by David Milliron, City Manager

Ordinance: Revised Home Brew Competition Ordinance; Mayor stated that this was an
ordinance that is being revisited. The city attorney has made note of some minor changes that
needed to be adhered to in line with the state law. Mr. Milliron went over those changes. Robin
Buschman made a motion to approve with changes; a second was made by Harold Cochran;
Alphonso Thomas stated that he is opposed to the City being involved with this. He stated he
does appreciate the city and the city attorney making the corrections. He stated, if anyone would
like to know why I oppose this ordinance I can speak to you after the meeting; the motion
passed 4-1 with Alphonso Thomas abstained.
PLANNING & ZONING

Item # 9 - Presented by David Milliron, City Manager

Public Hearing: Conditional Use Permit for Iglesia Hispana en Stockbridge; the Mayor made
note that he had been in contact with this organization and they are in the process to relocate in
a free-standing building in November. Mr. Milliron stated that the group had turned in
paperwork on time but due to the change in the October meeting dates, there was a lapse. He
stated to be in compliance they have to continue to seek a permanent location and maintain
compliance with state and federal laws; the recommendation is for approval.

The Mayor opened up the public hearing at 6:30pm. He called for anyone against the permit.
There was no one that came forward against the permit.

The Mayor then asked for anyone to come forward for the permit. Cecilia Zurita, City of Locust
Grove came forward to speak. She stated that she appreciates the City of Stockbridge for times
the church came forward to request extensions. She said they are in the process of moving and
that is the reason for the extension; She went on to request a letter be sent to the current
landlord that would relieve the church from incurring extra fees; Harold Cochran made a motion
to approve; a second was made by Richard Steinberg; the motion passed 5-0.

Item # 10 - Presented by David Milliron, City Manager

Public Hearing: MC-13-04 Boos Development Modification Zoning Conditions; Mr. Milliron
went over the modification and explained that this was properly advertised and posted. He
stated that we were informed late today that the applicant was not present and a request was
made to the county to table this item. He deferred to the City Attorney for clarification. Mr.
Linkous said the Mayor was correct and he stated that Ms. Coleman could address the Council
on this item. He also stated if the applicant want to request a deferral or withdrawal the
applicant can do so without a public hearing. Ms. Coleman went over the information on the
modification request. (A representative for Boos Development spoke up saying that they were
here to request for deferment of three weeks). The Mayor clarified that the City has incurred
cost at this point.

The Mayor opened up the public hearing at 6:46pm for anyone to speak for the item. Ms.
Zicker, Smith, Gramble & Russell came forward to state Boos has requested to defer the item
until the next meeting. She said her client met with some of the representatives of Monarch
Village Board of Directors in regards to landscaping and signage; Mayor then turned to the city
attorney to ask for legal advisement. Mr. Linkous we can have the public hearing and the
council can make the motion whether to move forward or defer.
Mr. Milliron asked for a moment. Mayor called for the public hearing.

The Mayor asked for anyone to speak in support of the item at 6:50pm. Ms. Zicker, with Smith,
Gramble & Russell spoke in favor of the modification. She stated Family Dollar is in the process
of rebranding. She spoke on the landscaping and signage consideration included in the
modification request. She said the client is seeking to build a smaller store at this location but
the previous site plan outlined a strip center.

Mayor asked for anyone else to come forward in support and no one else came forward.

Mayor called for anyone to come forward against the item at 6:54pm. Anthony Ford at 708 Lily
Glen Lane came forward for Monarch Village; stated that he and several others are not
interested in the Family Dollar going in there at all. He stated they wanted something more of a
smoothie place or an ice cream parlor rather than this. He stated there was a Dollar General
just down the road.

Carlos Smith at 711 Lily Glen Lane; stated that he was hoping that there would be a vote tonight
to deny the request.

Brian Bailey at 348 Vista Creek Drive; stated that any business coming into the community
should be wanted by the community. The majority of the people in this community do not want
this here.

Shelitha Singleton at 650 Fairgreen Trail; asked if the property values of this community have
been addressed when talking about a Family Dollar going in.

James Holland at 251 Monarch Village Way; said it is important not to settle for a third tier
retailer.

Dawn Randolph at 267 Monarch Village Way; stated that her house was built in 2001 and the
property is valued for less than they owe on the mortgage.

Laura Howard at 250 Monarch Village Way (treasurer); speaking on behalf of Lea Patterson
who could not attend tonight but wanted to state that she is strongly against this business. It will
bring too much business to the area. Mrs. Patterson resides at 365 Chad Commons. She also
spoke on behalf of Vonda Brown who asked if the association was in agreement with the Family
Dollar. She said the community has one discount store.

Bill Barton, owner of the property pointed out that the property was rezoned in 2006 to C-2
which is in line with a Family Dollar. It was zoned for a strip center and it will be better for the
community. Mayor interjected and asked how this would affect the hearing and the time. The
city attorney stated that the time that was taken will be added back to the clock for anyone
speaking in opposition to this item. Mr. Milliron stated that there are 4 minutes and 45 seconds
left for opposition.

Celeste Harris at 1003 Gossamere stated she opposed the request. The property value is under
water. We do not stand for Dollar General or Family Dollar.

William Curry at 610 Cliff Lake Trail; said he opposes the Family Dollar. He stated that a Dollar
General is located down the street. He asked council to please consider this.

Mayor asked for anyone else to speak to this matter.

Robin Moyer at 706 Lily Glen Lane; she has just recently moved here to Monarch Village. She
has lived in the City since 1999 and has always wanted to live in Monarch Village. We have a
Dollar General down the street; this does not make sense.

Felicia Holland at 251 Monarch Village Way; stated she has been in real estate and has done
her homework. She said when a Family Dollar store is built in communities the property values
do not increase.

Monroe Roark at 411 Fairlawn Drive; wanted to know if the modification is denied can a strip
shopping center be built without council action. What are the options and what can be done?

Mayor asked if anyone wanted to speak in opposition.

Bill Linkous stated the remaining time can be used for opposition and council action.
Mayor brought the public hearing to a close at 7:13pm. He then deferred to Mr. Milliron. Mr.
Milliron explained the applicant has made a request to amend the requirement for the concept
plan to exhibit 2. The document was approved by a previous council in 2009. The applicant
wanted to include a new concept plan. It is not about landscaping, it is about if you are going to
subdivide the property. Staff recommendation is for denial.

Mayor stated that the council has had their books and we have had the public hearing for and
against; he entertained a motion. Richard Steinberg stated that he has heard the citizens and
he made a motion to deny the modification for Boos Development; a second was made by
Alphonso Thomas; the motion to deny passed 5-0.

Item # 11 – Presented by David Milliron, City Manager

Public Hearing: VR-13-15 Anchorage Group, LLC Variance Request; David Milliron stated that
the city was notified today that the applicant request that this be removed and the request was
withdrawn.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

All Meetings Will Be Held At City Hall Unless Otherwise Noted. Meetings dates and times are
subject to change so please confirm with City Hall at 770.389.7900 or via
www.cityofstockbridge.com

? October 19 to November 1: Early Voting from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm at the Ted Strickland
Community Center, 130 North Berry Street, in Stockbridge. Excluding Sundays. Registered
voters in Henry County, including unincorporated Henry County and the cities of
Stockbridge, Hampton, McDonough and Locust Grove can also early vote at the county
office.

? November 5: Election Day from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm at the Ted Strickland Community Center, 130
North Berry Street, in Stockbridge, and at all county precincts.

? November 4: Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA) Meeting at 5:00 pm in the City Hall
Library

? November 5: Council Work Session Meeting at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City
Hall.
PUBLIC COMMENTS

The Public Comment session is an opportunity for citizens to address the Mayor and Council on items
specific to the published agenda. This is not a public question and answer session. The Mayor will recognize
individuals to speak, whom are requested to confine their comments to no more than three minutes. Please
state your name and address for the record prior to speaking on your topic.

Mayor called for anyone to speak on items 1-3; item 4; item 6; item 7; item 8. There were no
speakers.

Motion to Adjourn; Richard Steinberg made a motion to adjourn; a second was made by
Shirley Dabney; the motion passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:20pm

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY:

Rhonda A. Blackmon, City Clerk Mark A. Alarcon, Mayor
