---
date: 
title: 2018 09 10 2018 Minutes
source: 2018/2018_09_10_2018_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

P age |1

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 SEPTEMBER 10, 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
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford at 6:05pm.

Invocation by City Manager, Randy Knighton.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

Deputy City Clerk, Randi Rainey was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All
members of Council were present.

Councilman Alexander motioned to amend the Agenda to include a discussion to
authorize funds for the trip to Los Angeles for the Youth Council; no second. Motion
failed.

Councilman Blount motioned to amend the Agenda to move Item#6 to Item #7, and Item
#7 to Item #6; second by Councilman Thomas. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilman Blount motioned to adopt the Minutes for the following meetings: 7/20//2018
2. 7/24/2018 3. 8/13/2018 4. 8/16/2018 5. 8/17/2018; second by Councilman Thomas.
The motion passed 4-0-1 (Gantt abstained).

September 10, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
P age |2

REVIEW OF CEREMONIAL:
• Mayor Ford swore in Lawrence Wilborn as the newest Planning
Commission member
• Councilman Alexander presented a Letter of Appreciation to Urban
One/Radio One received by Tim Davis and Brenda Lowery
• Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation- was not presented, will present later
during the month
• Walk to End Alzheimer’s Proclamation - was not presented, will present later
during the month
• Mayor Ford presented Stockbridge Association of Business members; and
announced new businesses in the City.

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. None.

Mayor Ford acknowledged his visit to the assisted living facility, Benton Village
today for National Assisted Living Week where a Proclamation was presented to
Mayor Ford during his visit.

PRESENTATION
6. Hands of Hope Clinic 15th Annual Goblin Gallop
Presented by: Elizabeth “BJ” Mathis, Executive Director
Mrs. Mathis announced the Hands of Hope Clinic’s 15th Annual Goblin
Gallop. Mrs. Mathis also gave an overview of the Hands of Hope clinic
noting facility is a non-profit clinic that provides medical and dental care to
low income and uninsured residents of Henry County; and is currently
located behind Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge. Mrs. Mathis noted
the clinic has served over 5,000 patients and provides primary care, dental
counseling services, and offer several health and wellness classes. Mrs.
Mathis also noted the Hands of Hope Clinic will host its 15th Annual Goblin
Gallop 5K, 10K and 15K race on October 20th at Panola State Park with a
start time of 7:30 a.m. noting the clinic is trying to raise $30,000 to go
towards the clinic and inquired if the City would like to become a sponsor.

Councilman Blount expressed his sentiments and recommended the City to
become a sponsor. Councilman Thomas echoed the sentiments of
Councilman Blount and asked Mrs. Mathis to provide the number of citizens
they serve out of Stockbridge. Mrs. Mathis stated approximately 38-42% of
September 10, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
P age |3

their patients come from the Stockbridge area. Councilman Alexander
thanked Mrs. Mathis for all their work and invited Hands of Hope Clinic to
the next Job Fair to connect with other businesses. Councilwoman
Robinson thanked Mrs. Mathis for coming and informed her of the Clergy
Roundtable meetings with local pastors. Mayor Ford inquired with Council if
they wanted to vote on this matter now of have further discussions about it.
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt suggested discussing it after looking at the budget.
Mrs. Mathis invited Council to visit the clinic.
No action taken.

7. FY2017 Financial Audit Report
Presented by: Hope Pendergrass of Mauldin & Jenkins, CPA
Ms. Pendergrass presented the FY2017 Financial Audit Report noting the
biggest highlight of the report is the City received unmodified opinions (once
known as unqualified opinions) and reported no findings. Ms. Pendergrass
noted the City’s assets are $103.5 million; with limited liability of only $19.3,
resulting in an equity position of $84.2 million and noted most of the equity is
tied into the physical planned buildings which totals $44.1 million in
restricted net positions; which means the equity is not readily available for
discretionary use. Ms. Pendergrass also noted $15.3 million is for SPLOST
and $24.77 million is for unrestricted and as of December 31, 2017, the net
income was almost $4 million dollars. Ms. Pendergrass noted majority of
expenditures came from building and planning and the second highest
came from Public Works and parks; and the City has had an increase of
$2.63 million in the fund balance. Ms. Pendergrass explained in the budget
to actuals; revenue exceed the general fund by $786,000, general
government expenditures had a variance of $1 million; and total
expenditures had a variance of $1.663 million, with a total variance budget
of $3.1 million. Ms. Pendergrass noted the SPLOST IV funds had assets of
$12 million with liabilities of $500,000 and almost $11.6 million in fund
balance (SPLOST is restricted to what is approved by the voters). Ms.
Pendergrass expressed for the current year, SPLOST IV has revenues of
almost $2.6 million and expenditures of $3.6 million; and, SPLOT III had a
balance of $2.9 million left with revenues of $500,000 (interest only), total
expenditures totaling up to $450,000 and noted City has a positive cash flow
of $760.000.
OLD BUSINESS
8. Council Consideration to amend the City’s Alcohol Ordinance regarding an
Open Container District to include map of boundaries of designated area.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney

September 10, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
P age |4

Attorney Williams noted the map was prepared by the request of Council to
give them options on where they would like to consider an Open Container
District and referenced the pink area of the map stating this represents the
central area where it is proposed to have the open container district and
noted a big section of that is City Hall, and noted under the current codes,
alcohol is only allowed at City events. Attorney Willems noted the
amendment to the codes would be simply adding a map in which the area
Council agrees upon. Councilman Blount expressed his concerns and
stated he does not think the area above North Henry should apply. Mr.
Knighton explained the area’s added are commercial properties. Attorney
Williams proposed redrawing the map to exclude everything north of Burke
Street and Martin Luther King, Sr, Heritage Trl, and going north towards the
Merle Manders Conference Center. Mr. Knighton noted North Henry would
be the dividing line. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt agreed with amending the map to
exclude the highlighted areas.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt motioned to approve the Ordinance regarding an
Open Container District and map, excluding those highlighted across the
street of North Henry (Nolan St. and Herald Dr.); second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS:
9. Council Consideration to approve a Resolution for use of Ted Strickland
Community Center on October 3, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for a
Bingo Bash activity for seniors of the community.
Presented by: Councilman Blount
Councilman Blount noted he would like to host a Bingo Bash for seniors on
October 3, 2018 from 10:00am-12pm at the Ted Strickland Community
Center and motioned to approve a Resolution for use of Ted Strickland
Community Center on October 3, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for a
Bingo Bash activity for seniors of the community; second by Mayor Pro Tem
Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

10.Council Consideration to approve a Resolution for use of Ted Strickland
Community Center on December 14, 2018 for a Toy Drive.
Presented by: Councilwoman Robinson & Clarence Boone of Dream
Achievers – Stockbridge Jonesboro Nupes.
Councilwoman Robinson noted this will be the 2nd annual Toy Drive in the
Historic Downtown District and can partner with the Dream Achievers who
are a group of 12-14 yr. old boys showcase baseball team. Councilwoman
Robinson introduced Clarence Boone, President of Dream Achievers who
noted the objective is to inspire service within the public interest. Mr. Boone
September 10, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
P age |5

gave an overview of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity in Stockbridge whom was
internationally recognized and has been Chapter of the year in 2007, 2013
and 2015 and referenced supporting and/or working in partnership with
Councilman Thomas and Councilman Blount on their community service
initiatives and allocated funds to develop the free little library in Clark Park.
Mr. Boone noted Dream Achievers – Stockbridge Jonesboro Nupes have
developed a signature holiday toy drive event that starts the day after
thanksgiving and will end December 14th; and has partnered with
Councilwoman Robinson for the second year. Mr. Boone concluded
normally men brings in toys for boys, and women brings in toys for girls; and
asked for the Council’s support in allowing the Dream Achievers to partner
with Councilwoman Robinson to continue to support her efforts to be able to
reach and provide services needed and would like to help host the toy drive
that will be held on December 14th at the Ted Strickland Community Center
from 7:30pm-11pm.

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to approve a Resolution for use of Ted
Strickland Community Center on December 14, 2018 for a Toy Drive;
second by Councilman Thomas. The motion passed 5-0.

11.Council Consideration to approve the Wage & Salary Survey Analysis and
Option 2 recommendation.
Presented by: Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
Ms. Wheeler noted there are two recommendations: the first
recommendation is to revise the title of some classifications, collapse the
titles of some positions and expand titles for other positions suggested
during the budget retreat; the second recommendation is to approve the pay
plan with competitive open range pay aligned with the City’s compensation
philosophy. Ms. Wheeler noted it will slot all classifications into the plan
based on the external and internal equity and will also implement the new
structure by transitioning employee salaries into the new plan.

Councilman Alexander stated he would like for the City to be able to
compete for the top talent and would like to make sure all employee’ are
paid adequately. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt expressed she was proud of how
the City has turned around.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt motioned to approve the Wage & Salary Survey
Analysis and Option 2 recommendation made by HR; second by
Councilwoman Robinson. The motion passed 5-0.

September 10, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
P age |6

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Thanked Deputy City Clerk, Randi Rainey for facilitating tonight’s meeting;
commended the clean audit report and thanked Rashonda Favors and the Finance
Department for a job well done.

COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
No comments.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas thanked the citizens involved with the Comprehensive Plan
Process and taking ownership; thanked staff and commended Council on all the
initiatives.

Councilman Blount noted to look at the City’s website and Facebook page to stay
informed and wants everyone to make a sound choice on November 6th.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt asked everyone to continue to keep Council and the City in
your prayers with the battle against Eagles Landing and thanked all the citizens.

Councilman Alexander noted he wants the citizens to understand “these are great
days in the City of Stockbridge” with the economy booming, wages going up and
new businesses coming into the City; noted he sees how Hudson Bridge is on the
same level as Eagles Landing Pkwy and thanked the Public Works Department.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for allowing the community to be
involved; also thanked colleagues for connecting with the citizens; also thanked
Councilman Alexander for bringing up the Youth Council and is happy to move
forward with the youth.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford apologized for not recognizing Aretha Franklin at the last meeting and
wants her to Rest In Peace; expressed there was an unauthorized photo of him
that was used on the Eagles Landing social media webpage stating he was for the
split; it has since been taken down and appreciates all those in support and
expressed he is NOT for a split, he rather have the City whole and complete as he
wants the City to grow and be prosperous and asked the citizens to keep the faith.
Mayor Ford read the upcoming meetings and announcements

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.

September 10, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
P age |7

• Education/Information Town Hall – Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 7:00
p.m. at the Vineyards Community Club House.

• Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at
City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

• Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, Friday, September 14, 2018 at 9:00
a.m. in the Levi Meeting Room.

• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday, September 17, 2018 at
6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

• Education/Information Town Hall – Wednesday, September 19, 2018, 2018
at 7:00 p.m. at the Eagles Landing Country Club.

• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, September 19,
2018 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

• Planning Commission Meeting, Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
at City Hall in the Council Chamber

• Council Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

• Stockbridge Association of Businesses Meeting, Thursday, September 27,
2018 at 8:00 a.m. at the Ted Strickland Community Center 130 M L King,
Sr. Heritage Trail
UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Don’t Trash Stockbridge No Litter Campaign – Ongoing – spearheaded by
Councilman Thomas. Contact: LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for
more information.

• 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, Tuesday, September 11, 2018 @ 8:00 a.m.
City Hall

• BridgeFest- September 28-29, 2018- City Hall Lawn
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Real Estate, Litigation and Personnel
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt motioned to convene into Executive Session for Real
Estate, Litigation and Personnel; second by Councilwoman Robinson. Passed 5-0

September 10, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
P age |8

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. Passed 5-0
Councilwoman Robinson motioned to reconvene into the regular meeting; second
by Councilman Thomas. Passed 5-0

ADJOURN
Councilwoman Robinson motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:30pm; second by
Councilman Thomas. Passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk Anthony S. Ford, Mayor

September 10, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
