---
date: 2021-03-08
title: 03-08-2021 Minutes
source: 2021-03/2021-03-08_03-08-2021 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

Where Community Connects

COU N CL
l M EETING
SU MM ARY MI NUTES

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Antho ny S. Ford Randy City Mana ger
Mayor Pro Te m Elton Alexander Vanessa lelday, City Clerk
Councilwoma n Yolanda Barber John _C|ty Treasure r
Councilman John Blount QuintonWlwns
asFungton, ON A ttorney
Councjlwoman LaKeisha Gantt
CounCIlman Alphonso Thomas

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.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford

Invocation by Councilwoman Gantt

Pledge of Allegiance was recited all in unison

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All
members were present for the roll call.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adopt the Agenda as printed: Second by Councilman
Blount. The motion passed 5-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to approve the Minutes for the following meetings:
Second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 5-0.
1. 1/11/2021
2. 1/15/2021
3. 1/26/2021

CEREMONIAL
Mayor Ford read the 2021 Proclamation for History Month.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
All public comments must be submitted to the Clerk no later than one hour prior to the meeting.
The Public Comment Form can be found on the webpage on the City page at:

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httpszllstockbridqeseamlessdocs.com/f/20pkdz4mo7xb and the form must include your name,
phone, and email contact information. Comments are limited to (3) three minutes and will be read
by the Clerk during the meeting. respecting all members of the elected body, officials, and staff.
Comments including defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will not be accepted. None

PUBLIC HEARING
4. Council Consideration to approve the Final Adoption of the 2020-2025
Work Program & Capital Improvement Element (STWP/CIE).
Presented by Randy Knighton, City Manager
Mr. Knighton noted the Council approved the report in January with the
Department of Community Affairs reviewing and approving noting one item
that was transposed. Mr. Knighton further noted there was a project name
that was not mentioned but funds where available, the DCA asked the City
to make the changes and submit for approval.

Public Hearing Opened
No Speakers in Favor No Speakers Opposed
Public Hearing Closed

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Final Adoption of the 2020-
2025 Short-Term Work Program &
Improvement Element
Capital
(STWP/CIE); Second by Councilwoman Barber. The motion passed 5-0.

5. Council Consideration to approve Rezoning Case #RZ-2020-02.

Applicant Neil Koelbl requests the rezoning of certain property from RA
(ResidentiaI-Agricultural District) to R-3 (Single-Family Residential District)
to allow for the development of a single-family residential subdivision. The

property is located in Land Lot 29 of District 7 within the Stockbridge City
Limits, along the southeast corner of Brannan Road and North Salem
Drive. It contains 73.71 total acres, which previously consisted of five
parcels. The Planning Commission approved the recombination of the five
parcels to form just one parcel at its last meeting on December 17, 2020.
This occurred via Recombination Plat Case #RC-2020-03, which had the
same applicant as this rezoning case. For the record, the parcels were as
follows:
0 732 Brannan #088-02049000
o 664 Brannan
o 618 Brannan

Large parcel on Brannan
0 Small parcel on North Salem #088-02045000
Presented by Linda Logan, Senior Planner

Ms. Logan presented the Staff Report noting the signs were properly
posted and advertised. referenced two private community meetings held
by the developer; and recommended approval for the proposed Liberty
Communities development to be called the Reserve@ Hickory

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Hills; noted the existing cell tower would remain and noted Planning
Commission recommended denial.

Councilwoman Barber recommended sidewalks on both sides of the
streets.

Attorney Michele Battle, who represents the applicant, referenced two
community meetings that were held, noted the number of homes was
reduced from 147 to 139, increased lot sizes, proposed 2000 sq. ft.
homes with 20 feet between the homes; 41 lots will be 12,000 sq. ft., 20
lots will be 12,000 13,000 sq. ft., 28 lots will be 13,000 15,000 sq. ft.
and 50 units will be 15,000 sq. ft. and above; and 15% of the homes
have side entry garages; noted the amenities of two pits, pavilion and
clubhouse space, and presented a picture of the proposed pool; noted
the homes will be 4-sided brick, noted sidewalks along Brannan Rd. with
a subdivision monument and plantings and made comparisons to the
Clark Meadows subdivision (PTD R2/R3) approved by the City of
Stockbridge and requested approval for the proposed Rezoning to R3.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander recommended a condition to increase the
house size to minimum 2500 sq. ft.

Attorney Battle suggested an average house size of 2500 sq. ft. and not
a minimum to allow for homeowners to implement upgrades.

Mr. Marc Acampora, a 30-year Professional Traffic Engineer with an
expertise in Studies presented a Impact Study noting
proposed residential development studies are performed weekdays from
7am 9am and 4pm 6pm with 15-minute intervals; potential shopping
center studies are performed on Saturday, and potential church studies
are performed on Sunday. Mr. Acampora noted he included Henry

County DOT data and adjusted his report taking into consideration the
pandemic and considered the patterns to be low to moderate.

Mayor Ford, Councilman Blount and Councilwoman Gantt expressed
concerns that the survey did not include weekend

Councilwoman Gantt asked for clarification on the (Planned Town
Development) PTD R2/R3 development used for Clark Meadows.

Ms. Logan noted Clark Meadows was developed with the PTD
designated and has been discontinued by the City.

Neil Koelbl noted the trend of development is to build outdoor meetings

spaces with social distance in mind for gatherings.

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Mayor Pro Tem Alexander recommended a condition to increase the
clubhouse capacity.

Councilwoman Gantt asked for clarification for on the street parking
concerns.

Mr. Steve Moore and Mr. Neil Koelbl confirmed the driveway and garage
have room for up to eight (8) cars.

Councilwoman Gantt, Councilman Blount and Councilman Thomas
agreed the City is open for business; noted the many concerns that were
submitted by citizens and that the Council must reach a decision in the
best interest of the City, collectively, and grow the City smartly.

Public Hearing was opened.
Speakers in Favor citing a lack of inventory of homes in Stockbridge,
impressive amenities, lot sizes are larger than neighboring communities,
development is aesthetically pleasing, welcomes new home and growth,
county will see an increase in revenue via taxes.

Amber Whitaker
Angela Stitt
Randy Stitt
Jane Hammock
Caily Pike
Frank Flucas
Turkessa Taylor
Lurae Davis

Speakers Opposed citing increased density, lack of retail and
restaurants, transportation issues, increased traffic, increased school
population, lot sizes, wants to remain rural, lack of sidewalks along the
shoulder, supports gradual growth and prefers R2.

Susan Cannon
Barbara Fleischman
Yolanda Allen
Wendy Kilpatrick
Verna Ferrie
Joanne Young
Elisa Lyons
Marc Jones (presentation) Attorney Battle noted the presentation
referenced Henry County requirements and not the City of Stockbridge
requirements.

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Public Hearing was closed.
Attorney Battle addressed statements made from Mr.
presentation and clarified that homes in the rear would not be smaller;
noted sidewalks would be installed along the entire length of the
frontage on Brannan Rd. and noted the builder is obliged to govern in
accordance with the City of Stockbridge Zoning Ordinances,
Development Code and Land Use requirements.

Councilwoman Gantt requested a Planning Commission member,
preferably the Chair, be present for the meetings when planning item is
presented, and noted her preference is R2 and quality affordable
housing.

Attorney Battle noted they are consistent or have exceeded the City of
Stockbridge requirements, and the lots are larger than what the City has
already approved across the street.

Councilwoman Barber asked for a legal opinion of the counsel to
assist to decide for approval or denial.

The Attorneys noted based on the Zoning Code determines that a
denial would need to be very noting there is no

Mr. Moore stated the distance from gutter to gutter was 26 feet.

Councilwoman Barber asked the builder if they would consider
decreasing the density and increasing the lot size.

Attorney response was no, due to final plats that will have been
issued, noted the concessions that have already been made
and noted the HOA dues will be required to maintain the upkeep of
subdivision which will also include walking trails, and when you lessen
the number of homes, you increase the financial burden on the
homeowners and are looking at a price point of $330,000 to $350,000 as
a good entry point and should still be affordable and believes 139 units is
the bottom line for the project.

Neil Koelbl stated he is committed to building a great development, not
cutting corners and noted he is trying to invest in the City of Stockbridge
and this development will include 20 acres of green space, is okay with
adding sidewalks on both sides of the street; increasing the capacity of
the clubhouse, noting these are all things that are typically found in a
multi-hundred home development, whereas this is a 139-home
development; and that he understands the City wants quality, and that is
what he plans to build.

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Councilwoman Gantt recommended mimicking the Clark Meadows
R2/R3 postponing a decision for two weeks to include a list of the
conditions as outlined and referenced the Pine Grove subdivision and
does not want the same problem.

The Clerk noted the next Council meeting will be on March 30, 2021

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander noted staff can put the conditions into the
record and the Attorney include the conditions into the final record as
stated in the motion.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander noted the application was submitted in
November 2020, and this application has been postponed several times,
and noted the developer has agreed to several the conditions and
motioned to approve the Rezoning to R3 with the following conditions in
addition to the Staff Recommendation of conditions:

1) Sidewalks on both sides of the street.
2) Minimum house size 2500 sq. ft.
3) Clubhouse capacity 40.
4) Pool to be as shown in the rendering.
5) Clause to be included stating the development would be owner-
occupied with 15% rental cap.

Councilman Blount called for a point of order

Mayor Ford addressed the point of order noting the motion is made and
the Council will vote to approve the motion or not following a 2nd to the
motion.

Councilwoman Gantt recommended the conditions be drafted by the
Attorney and brought back to the Council for a vote to get it right and
does not want to rush the decision.

Attorney Battle noted Mayor Pro Tem Alexander has accurately
the method of recording the conditions, and prefers not to wait, but
understands the concerns and will conform to the request;
however, going to R2 and 30,000 sq. ft. lot will kill the deal.

Mr. Knighton noted the meeting on the March 30th would be appropriate
to present.

Councilman Blount noted the conditions have been heard and is okay
with waiting two weeks and has staff to carry out the request, noting this
is a collective effort, no need to rush the decision.

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Mayor Pro Tem Alexander noted he has been listening to the community
and the developer for the last 5 months, the applicant has been trying to
get this approved for months and have complied with the
concerns with larger homes, larger lots, sidewalks, addressed concerns

for parking on the streets, the clubhouse concerns.

Councilman Thomas asked the Council to get away from the personal
and agrees to have the document include all the modifications and
conditions outlined to be voted on.

The motion was withdrawn by Mayor Pro Tern Alexander

There will be noting the Public Hearing was held today

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to revisit the item for a vote only on
March 30, 2021 with the conditions as outlined; Second by
Councilwoman Barber. The motion passed 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS
6. Council Consideration to approve the Main Street Program Mural Project.
Presented by Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Program Manager
Anika Potts, Main StreetAdvisory Board Chair and J. Christian, Mural Artist

Ms. Potts noted during the 2019 Main Street Advisory Board Strategic
Planning Session the board members approved a mural as a Downtown
Public Arts initiative.

Mrs. Harris-Braggs noted the step to involve a mural program that was
taken out of the RSVP downtown
strategic plan which was a
recommendation of the strategic planning process and introduced the
Mural Artist, John Christian, who is affiliated with John Christian Studio and
Mural & Fine Arts and is a part of the Georgia Council for the Arts Mural
Artist Listing. Mrs. Harris-Braggs noted the first proposed mural site would
be the wall along the corner of Harrell St. and N. Henry Blvd., located at
Stockbridge Elementary School and directly across from City Hall.

Mrs. Harris-Braggs noted proposed future locations would be the
breezeway area between Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail and Burke
St., the side of the Ted Strickland Community Center, and on buildings such
as Fletchers & Sons and the Oglesby building. Mrs. Harris-Braggs noted

the timeline for the mural design process ends on March 30th, April 2nd will
begin the painting process on the panels in the studio, and painting will be
completed June 30th noting the total cost is $11,500 with the City receiving
a grant from the Georgia Council on the Arts for a 50/50 match, matching

$5,750.

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Mayor Ford inquired on payment due dates. Mrs. Harris-Braggs noted there
has already been a down payment for getting the artist with a payment

schedule starting on March 15th, and the final payment would be made
once the art is completed with and estimated date of June 30th.

Councilman Thomas motioned to approve the Main Street Program Mural
Project on Harrell Street Site; Second by Councilwoman Gantt. The
motion passed 5-0.

7. Council Consideration to approve Georgia Power Lighting Agreement for
the Amphitheater Project in the amount of $5,219.87. Funding Source:
General Fund and Fund Balance.
Presented by Randy Knighton, City Manager
Mr. Knighton noted this is related to the Georgia Power Lighting installation
for the Amphitheater Project to install lighting poles, lamps, decorative
poles, and 19 aluminum poles. Mr. Knighton noted there will lighting and
LED area throughout the Amphitheater complex. Mr. Knighton also
noted Georgia Power will install all poles with a month-to-month standard
agreement recommending the $5,219.87/month option for the entirety of
the agreement.

Councilwoman Barber inquired about the $1 million dollar approval for
Georgia Power Lighting for the Amphitheater Project.

Mr. Knighton responded that he did not believe the number to be quite that

high.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to approve the Georgia Power Lighting
Agreement for Amphitheater Project; Second by Councilwoman Gantt.
The motion passed 4-0-1 (Barber abstained).

Council Consideration to approve Bond Interest Rates, Fees and
Distributions for the Amphitheater Project, Cultural Arts Center, Trails
Project and Police Services.
Presented by Randy Knighton City Manager, Ed Wall
Financial Advisor,
Doug Selby Bond Counsel, Quinton Washington City Attorney
Mr. Knighton noted there is a slight change with the with the Series C bond
that was approved a few weeks ago.

Mr. Wall noted Council approved three series of bonds with the first series

being 7 million for the Amphitheater, $2.8 million for the Cultural Arts Center,
and $9,910,000 with an interest rate at 1.32%; Series B had $4,020,000
$1,030,000 for a portion of the trail network with Series A & B being a
4-year bond issuance and paid for by SPLOST with an interest rate of 1.04%
and tax exempt. Mr. Wall noted Series C was $11 million for the remainder
of the Cultural Arts Center, $3 million for public safety equipment with a

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15-year bond issuance and secured by the General Fund with an interest
rate of 2.25%. Mr. Wall noted Truist Bank came back with an interest rate
of2.35%: Mr. Wall noted he asked for an option of repaying without
pre-
payment penalties after 5 years, if a new SPLOST is voted on with new
project added, the bonds would be paid off without pre-payment penalty with
a new interest rate of 2.53% and recommends going with that interest rate.

Councilman Blount inquired about the annual payments.

Mr. Wall noted it would be a 15-year fixed rate at 2.53% with the option
after 5 years to early without penalty.

Councilman Blount inquired on how to pay back without decreasing the
fund balance.

Mr. Wall noted expenses would need to be cut or levy a
property tax.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander expressed delaying has caused the interest
rates to increase and delaying has cost
money and should get on a
streamline process.

Councilman Thomas reminded the Council of the presentation he made
followed by a presentation by the City Manager that showed a surplus of
revenue if Building & Permitting services were brought in-house.

Councilwoman Barber expressed her concerns with the attorneys being
paid on the back end.

Councilman Thomas motioned to approve Bond Interest Rates, Fees and
Distributions: Second by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander.
The motion passed 4- (Blount opposed).

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford reminded everyone that it is your constitutional right to vote and noted
the ESPLOST Referendum of $325 million dollars and the project list can be found
at HenryESPLOST.com where the funds would
go towards upgrades for the Henry
County School System Stem opportunities, technology upgrades and
transportation upgrades and the District 90 State Rep. runoff unden/vay with early
voting taking place now including the Merle Manders Conference Center, and
election day March 16th at your local polling location; noted vaccinations are the
priority with 2nOI doses being issued on March 16th at J P Moseley Recreation
Center for those who previously received their dose at the Merle Manders
Conference Center; doses will be issued on March 23rd and March 30th at the
Locust Grove Senior Center from 8:30am 3:30pm and to call 762-888-8180 for
reservations (Moderma vaccine); and beginning March 25th the County will
conduct Pfizer vaccinations (based on availability) at the Atlanta Motor
Speedway
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from 8:30 am to 2:45 pm and are looking administer 1000 1500 vaccinations via
drive-thru and will open up on Wed-Fri from 8am-5pm each day; noted Henry
County Schools will have a vaccination pod for teachers and personnel who will be
given the Johnson & Johnson single vaccination Wednesdays there will be 300
doses administered at the old Henry County Middle School location from 9am
3pm and the following Wednesday, there will be 500-600 doses and are looking to
administer 3400 doses scheduled for the Henry County School System; noted
while vaccinations are the priority, testing is still taking place at the Heritage Senior
Center in McDonough Mon Thu 9am 3pm and Sat 9am noon and to call
847-4262 for testing; noted there are different variations of the Covid-19 virus and
that the South African virus(B15131) was here in Georgia and more specifically
here in Stockbridge (the only known case in GA); noted the virus is real, asked

everyone to mask up, use hand sanitizer, wash your hands, stay away from
crowds and get vaccinated when it is your time; prayers continue to go out to the
Barham family; asked everyone to be safe.

CITY 0 FFICES ARE CLOSED DUE TO COVlD-19 PRECAUTIONS
As a COVlD precaution, City are closed to the public until further notice. Staff is
operating under telework protocol. Please contact the webpage
cityofstockbridge.com to contact each department for service and information.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meeting will be held via Zoom until further notice. Meeting dates and times are subject
to change. Please visit the website www.cityofstockbridge.com for the meeting
invitation link, Facebook page or contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates.

City Council Meeting at 6:00 pm. Via Zoom 2nd Monday of each month

Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, at 9:00 am. Via Zoom -
2nd Friday of each
month

Downtown Development Authority Meeting, at 6:00 pm. Via Zoom -
3rd Tuesday of
each month

Youth Council & Advisory Meeting, 6:30 pm. Via Zoom -
3rd Tuesday of each month

Planning Commission Meeting, at 6:30 pm. Via Zoom 4th Thursday of each
month

City Council Work Session at 6:00 pm. Via Zoom Last Tuesday of each month
unless otherwise noted.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Councilman Blount motioned to convene Executive Session for Litigation; Second
by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

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Councilwoman Gantt motioned to end Executive Session; Second by Councilman
Thomas. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to reconvene the meeting; Second by Councilman
Thomas. There was not vote.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adjourn the meeting; Second by Councilman
Thomas. The motion passed 5-0.

|y submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk ony S. Ford ayor

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