---
date: 2013-05-13
title: May 13, 2013 Minutes
source: 2013-05/2013-05-13_May 13, 2013_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

May 13, 2013

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013 6:00 pm

City Council
Mark Alarcon, Mayor
Richard Steinberg, Mayor Pro Tem
Robin Buschman, Councilwoman
Harold Cochran, Councilman
Shirley Dabney, Councilwoman
Alphonso Thomas, Councilman

Rhonda A. Blackmon, City Clerk

Call to Order; Mayor Mark Alarcon called the meeting to order

Invocation was provided by Bishop Bryer

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison

Adopt Agenda Richard Steinberg asked to amend the agenda by adding item #15;
Resolution for a 60-Day Sign Moratorium; a second was made by Harold Cochran. The
motion passed 5-0.
Adopt Minutes: Work Session on April 2, 2013; Council Meeting on April 8, 2013;
Richard Steinberg made a motion to adopt the minutes; a second was made by Robin
Buschman. The motion passed 5-0.

CEREMONIAL

Item # 1 - Presented by Councilman Alphonso Thomas
 Proclamation for Henry County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc.
Mayor Alarcon stated the proclamation will be presented to Henry County
Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma at a later date. Alphonso Thomas made a
motion to approve; a second was made by Shirley Dabney; the motion passed 5-

Item # 2 - Presented by Mark Alarcon, Mayor
 Gold Award from The Georgia Association of Water Professionals; Presented the
Water Department with the Gold Award from GAWP; Mayor read the Gold Award
from GAWP for the record and presented the plaque to Public Works Director
Kevin Walters and staff.

CONSENT AGENDA

Item # 3

Presented by Mark Alarcon, Mayor
Resolution – to ratify the Eagle’s Landing Sign and Monument Project Agreement

Presented by David Milliron, City Manager
Application – for proposed annual event “Rock Quarry Brew Fest” requesting $5,000
funding from the Community Partnership Grant to promote event

Richard Steinberg stated for the record that the contract was signed and initiated by the
previous Council and prior to the assumption of his current position. He stated that as
many know, he is a resident in the Eagles Landing Association community and he is
required to pay home owner’s association dues to the community as wells as the Eagles
Landing Masters Association and because of that situation he wishes to recuse himself
from the vote on this particular issue. Robin Buschman stated she would like to enter in
to the record that she is a partner of a business along the Rock Quarry corridor and she
has been working with the business owners to do the festival. The business that she is
associated with has decided to be a vendor at that event with no financial gain to the
business and for that being said for transparency to the citizens, she fees she needs to
recuse herself from the voting. Mayor Alarcon reiterated that Mayor Pro Tem Richard
Steinberg has recused himself from the vote on the Resolution to ratify the Eagles
Landing Sign and Monument Project Agreement and Councilwoman Buschman has
recused herself from the vote on the Application for proposed annual event Rock Quarry
Brew Fest; Harold Cochran made a motion to accept the consent agenda; a second
was made by Shirley Dabney; the motion passed 3-0.

NEW BUSINESS

Item # 4 – Presented by David Milliron, City Manager
Contract – Public Right-of-Way Access Agreement; Mayor Alarcon said a monumental
piece of legislation is before the Council this evening. Council has the opportunity to
approve a public and private contract that will bring in a $15 million dollar investment to
the city limits of Stockbridge. Under the agreement it will bring the community of
Stockbridge and Community Broadband LLC. together in a public-private relationship to
provide fiber network to the City along with 38 jobs. The technology will provide 206
miles of gigabyte internet cable that is capable of handling over 5,300 commercial
businesses including government, educational facilities and hospitals. The City of
Stockbridge will have the largest internet capacity in the state. David Milliron provided
Mayor and Council with a presentation of the Community Broadband LLC. project and
provided more specifics regarding the project. David Milliron said Mr. Allen Davis,
President/CEO of Community Broadband LLC., has over 30 years of experience in
growing businesses. He said Community Broadband LLC. has assisted one billion
companies in more than one hundred service areas. Allen Davis also provided a brief
overview of the project. Alphonso Thomas addressed his concerns with receiving
documents the day of the meeting and not having time to read the information. Mr.
Thomas wanted to know the downside of the issue. Mayor said the City of Stockbridge
will not spend any money on this project; the dollar value is zero. The firm will utilize one
of our facilities on a rental basis but that has not been negotiated. Alphonso Thomas
said he doesn’t think we should pick and choose what we vote on at the last minute.
Robin Buschman made a motion to approve; a second was made by Shirley Dabney;
the motion passed 5-0.

OLD BUSINESS

Item # 5 - Presented by Mark Alarcon, Mayor
Approval – Funding request for Patrick Henry Sculpture project; Mayor Alarcon said the
Patrick Henry sculpture is a very important initiative. The Patrick Henry Sculpture
project is shy of $42,000. An opportunity has been brought to the City by the art
councils and cities to discuss the arts. He stated that for a $10,000 donation a bust of
Patrick Henry will be placed in City Hall. Other cities have pledged to match the
donation. Alphonso Thomas said the statue is great, but he is unable to vote on this
initiative. Robin Buschman said that you will be able to see the statue when you visit the
McDonough area. She said that there are citizens that love the arts. As a council
member, you decide what is best for everyone and not a few people. Richard Steinberg
said he has respect for Mr. Davis’ work and his vision. This would be better served
coming from Henry County rather than the City of Stockbridge and he will support it, but
not at $10,000 level. David Milliron stated the resolution did include the City’s name
being placed on the plaque and deferred to the City Attorney. Bill Linkous said that the
information can be placed in the contract. Robin Buschman made a motion to approve
the resolution for $10,000 donation for the funding of the Patrick Henry Sculpture
project; a second was made by Shirley Dabney; the motion passed 3-0 with Alphonso
Thomas opposed and Richard Steinberg as abstained.

Ordinance 6 – to change the meeting schedule for May and June 2013 (Work Session
May 28th and Regular Meeting June 3rd); David Milliron said this an ordinance to
change the June meeting dates. This is a request to move the June meetings up as
follows; Work Session meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 and the regular
Council Meeting will be held on June 3, 2013. He said the change would be on the
calendar, email notification, website, Facebook page, and staff will also send to the local
newspaper. Richard Steinberg made a motion to revise the city calendar that the work
session will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 and the voting meeting will be held on
Monday, June 3, 2013; a second was made by Shirley Dabney; the motion passed 5-0.

Item # 7 – Presented by Mark Alarcon, Mayor
Appointments – the Board of Commission appointments for the Council on Aging,
Downtown Development Authority and Zoning Advisory Board; David Milliron presented
the names to be considered for the Board of Commission appointments. Mayor Alarcon
stated he wants to engross all the appointments in one vote. Robin Buschman stated for
the record that she was recusing herself from the vote as one of the appointments was
for her to be on the Downtown Development Authority. Harold Cochran made a motion
to adopt the names on the docket; a second was made by Richard Steinberg; the
motion passed 3-0 with Alphonso Thomas abstained and Robin Buschman recused.

Item # 8 – Presented by David Milliron, City Manager
Ordinance – to re-adopt the document entitled “City of Stockbridge 2013 Adopted
Budget,” comprised of the General Fund, the Capital Project Funds, the Enterprise
Funds, Trust Funds, job descriptions, pay scale, and organizational chart marked
accordingly and attached hereto, are incorporated herein by reference and are hereby
adopted as the Budget for Fiscal Year 2013 for the City of Stockbridge, Georgia; David
Milliron stated a Public Works Director was hired to deal with high level projects. The
Director’s role is more strategic and less operational. He said the Public Works Director
has been tasked with the Belt Press, Streetscape and South Berry Sidewalk projects.
There will be no impact on the budget in creating the Assistant Director of Public Works
position. He said there is a vacant public works technician and a senior lead position
that will be eliminated from the budget and rolled over to the Assistant Public Works
Director position. The information will be maintained in the single document with no
change to the bottom line. Shirley Dabney made a motion to adopt the document
entitled City of Stockbridge 2013 Adopted Budget comprised of the General Fund, the
Capital Project Funds, the Enterprise Funds, Trust Funds, job descriptions, pay scale,
and organizational chart marked accordingly and attached hereto ; a second was made
by Robin Buschman; the motion passed 5-0.

Item # 9 – Presented by David Milliron, City Manager
Ordinance – to amend the Code of Ordinances to regulate the production and making
of motion pictures, television productions, and photographic productions within the city
limits; David Milliron said model camera ready ordinances can be found in many camera
ready cities and counties in the state. The ordinance will allow for a one stop online
shop for potential film projects. He said scouts are making visits to the City to find
resources. Richard Steinberg made a motion to adopt; a second was made by Harold
Cochran; the motion passed 5-0.

Item # 10 – Presented by David Milliron, City Manager
Ordinance – to amend the Code of Ordinances relating to miscellaneous provisions so
as to create provisions allowing festivals in the City; David Milliron stated the ordinance
will make it lawful to sell food and beverages at outdoor festivals. He said it is unlawful
under the current ordinance to consume alcoholic beverage in our city parks. Staff
recommendation is to approve the ordinance; Robin Buschman made a motion to
approve; a second was made by Harold Cochran; the motion passed 4-1 with Alphonso
Thomas opposed.

Item # 11 – Presented by David Milliron, City Manager
Ordinance – to amend the Code of Ordinances relating to garbage, refuse, and trash
collection by the City so as to clarify the basis for the imposition of fees, to remove
references to home occupations, and to set a fee rate schedule; David Milliron said
Council initiative at the retreat was to have staff review codes. He said home based
businesses are assessed a $4.00 sanitation fee. Staff recommendation is to repeal the
ordinance to encourage home base businesses in the City. Robin Buschman made a
motion to approve; a second was made by Richard Steinberg; the motion passed 5-0.
Robin Buschman thanked David Milliron for his continued work.

Item # 12 – Presented by David Milliron, City Manager
Ordinance – to amend the Code of Ordinances as related to General Park Regulations
Section 07.08.010 so as to allow alcoholic beverages at officially sponsored City events
in the parks; David Milliron said currently it is illegal to have alcoholic beverages in city
parks. Staff recommendation is to approve the ordinance. Robin Buschman made a
motion to approve; a second was made by Shirley Dabney; the motion passed 5-0.
Item # 13 – Presented by David Milliron, City Manager
Resolution – to seek $150,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funding for a community pool; David Milliron said this is an effort to aggressively go after
CDBG funds. The project was identified to design and construct a community pool. The
resolution does not state an exact location and does not indicate a commitment on
behalf of Council to construct the pool. Staff recommends adoption of the resolution in
support for $150,000 in CDBG funds. Richard Steinberg made a motion to approve to
seek $150,000 CDBG funding for a community pool; a second was made by Harold
Cochran. The motion passed 5-0. Robin Buschman said schools will be very
instrumental in getting this together. There are no swim clubs or swim meets currently.
She said she believes this will take off.

PLANNING & ZONING

Item # 14 – Presented by David Milliron, City Manager
Permit – Six-month extension to the Conditional Use Permit for Next Generation Bible
Church; David Milliron apologized for the word extension. He said the permit is actually
expired. Staff has validated a current City of Stockbridge Occupational Tax License, the
recertification for the fire department has been completed and the church can operate.
Staff recommendation is for approval. A public hearing is required on this item.

Mayor called for speakers for the item:

1. Pastor Don Carlos spoke in favor of the conditional use permit.

Mayor called for speakers against the item: There were no speakers.

Mayor closed the public hearing; Richard Steinberg made a motion to approve the
Conditional Use Permit for the Next Generation Bible Church; a second was made by
Robin Buschman; the motion passed 5-0.

Item #15 – (added to agenda) Sixty Day Sign Moratorium-Presented by David
Milliron, City Manager
David Milliron said the Atlanta Regional Commission project has now commenced and
the County is now under a moratorium. The normal protocol is that you enact a
moratorium when the county is under a moratorium and this is a resolution to enact a 60
day moratorium effective Monday, May 13, 2013. The City shall not issue a sign permit
accept for a temporary sign. Staff recommendation is for approval; Harold Cochran
made a motion to approve; a second was made by Shirley Dabney; the motion passed
5-0. Alphonso Thomas asked were there any exceptions. David Milliron outlined signs
banners and all temporary signs that cannot be permanent will be regulated
accordingly.

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

1. Peace Officers Memorial Day: May 15, 2013
2. Armed Forces Day: May 18, 2013
3. City Hall closed May 27, 2013 in observance of Memorial Day
Sanitation Schedule:
- No sanitation service
- No metal or bagged yard debris pick-up this week
- Chipper will run on Tuesday and Wednesday or as needed
- Tuesday-Friday sanitation routes will run as normal
4. June 2013 Work Session – Tuesday, May 28, 2013 (proposed date change)
5. June 2013 Regular Meeting – Monday, June 3, 2013 (proposed date change)

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.

Item #7 - Tim Thompson at 115 Prestwick Place South spoke on the Downtown Development Authority. He stated for the record
that the City did a bad job on the process. He also questioned the vetting of the board and committees applicants. He said no one
called or interviewed him regarding his application.

Item #7 - Anthony Ford at 708 Lily Glen Lane spoke on the board appointments. He said he was not able to see the information
on the screen. He also wanted to know who was appointed to the Zoning Advisory Board.

Item #8 - Vanessa Holiday at 708 Silene Court said she is happy to see pay classification attached to the budget. She said the
documents were not attached when the budget was passed in January and the public has not had an opportunity to see the original
budget.

Item #10 -Vanessa Holiday at 708 Silene Court addressed her concerns with the amended ordinance for a 60- day moratorium
notice and permit. She said there is not a 60-day window for individuals who have scheduled events.

MOTION TO ADJOURN; Robin Buschman made a motion to adjourn; a second was
made by Shirley Dabney; the motion passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:37 pm.

Executive Session (Exemptions to the Georgia Open Meetings Act)

 A. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the settlement of a matter covered by the attorney-client
privilege as provided in Georgia Code section 50-14-2(1) and 50-14-3(b)(1)(A). The subject discussed
was [identify the case or claim discussed but not the substance of the attorney-client discussion].

 B. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize negotiations to purchase, dispose of or lease property as
provided in Georgia Code section 50-14-3(b)(1)(B).

 C. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the ordering of an appraisal related to the acquisition or
disposal of real estate as provided in Georgia Code section 50-14-3(b)(1)(C).
 D. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into a contract to purchase, dispose of, or lease property
subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as provided in Georgia Code section 50-14-3(b)(1)(D).

 E. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into an option to purchase, dispose of, or lease real estate
subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as provided in Georgia Code section 50-14-3(b)(1)(E).
 F. Meeting to discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring,
disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee as
provided in Georgia Code section 50-14-3(b)(2).

 G. Meeting to interview one or more applicants for the position of the executive head of an agency as
provided in Georgia Code section 50-14-3(b)(2).

 H. Pursuant to the attorney-client privilege and as provided by Georgia Code section 50-14-2(1), a
meeting otherwise required to be open was closed to the public in order to consult and meet with legal
counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or
other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the agency or any officer or employee or in
which the agency or any officer or employee may be directly involved and the matter discussed was
[identify the matter but not the substance of the discussion].

 I. Staff meeting held for investigative purposes under duties or responsibilities imposed by law as
provided by Georgia Code section 50-14-3(a) (1).

Respectfully submitted by:

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