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date: 
source: 2026-04-28_Work_Session_Meeting/COUNCIL_MEETING_SUMMARY_MINUTES_04_13_26
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 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
 SUMMARY MINUTES
 MONDAY APRIL 13, 2026 6:00 P.M.
 Mayor & City Council
 Mayor Jayden L. Willams At-Large
 Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander – Council District 5
 Councilmember LaKeisha Gantt – Council District 1
 Councilmember Antwan Cloud – Council District 2
 Councilmember Kyle D. Berry, Sr. – Council District 3
 Councilmember Yolanda Barber – Council District 4

 Administration
 Shawn Edmondson – City Manager
 Frank Milazi – City Treasurer
 Cassandra Lester – Interim City Clerk
 Quinton Washington – City Attorney
 Megan McCullough – Associate Attorney

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.

Mayor Jayden Williams called the April 13, 2026 Stockbridge City Council meeting to order at
6:00 PM.
Councilmember Kyle Berry led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
Interim City Clerk Cassandra Lester conducted roll call. A quorum was established.
Councilmember LaKeisha Gantt arrived at 6:39pm.
Mayor Williams noted that an amendment was needed to add an item regarding the police
department piggybacking off an existing contract for records services. Councilmember Berry
made a motion to adopt the agenda with the amendment. Councilmember Barber seconded.
The motion passed 4-0.
Adoption of the Work Session Meeting Minutes March 31, 2026
 Councilmember Barber made a motion to approve the March 31st work session minutes.
 Mayor Pro Tem Alexander seconded. The motion passed 4-0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The interim clerk announced five public comments:
Willie Carter (123 Wilson Avenue) addressed case number VR-2026-01, a variance on Wilson
Avenue, stating it needs to be opposed and re-examined due to concerns about the plot. Mayor
Pro Tem Alexander clarified that speakers on this item would have additional opportunity during
the public hearing.
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Charlene Woodruff (7914 Christian Court) discussed her 22-year residency and concerns about
a proposed apartment development. She explained that in 2022 she was told by staff the
development probably wouldn't happen due to incomplete paperwork but recently discovered
surveyors on her property preparing for apartments. She reported that trees on her property had
been cut down, which was verified by the developer. Mayor Williams acknowledged receiving
her email and confirmed staff was working on a solution.
Dave Murphy, (2877 Mandy Court) a 30-year Spivey Cove resident and community leader,
provided background on developments in their area. He detailed the community's consistent
opposition to apartment developments, noting 99% opposition at public meetings despite
council approval of both proposed projects. He described a 2022 community meeting with a
developer who lacked professional presentation materials and proposed 318 apartments and 50
townhomes.
Kathy Walker, (200 Hunting Court) president of Spivey Ridge HOA, expressed concerns that the
current development differs from what was presented in 2022. She reported that residents
received no advance notice before tree clearing began, removing protective buffers between
homes and construction. Walker noted that other nearby developments received significantly
greater buffers (up to 50 feet) while their larger, higher-value homes received less protection.
She requested immediate installation of temporary barriers, restoration of proper buffers, and
accountability to ensure compliance with approved requirements.
Evelyn Dixon (267 Spivey Ridge Circle) from Spivey Ridge raised communication concerns
about the apartment development, noting inconsistent and inadequate updates to residents.
She proposed enhanced communication including timely construction notices, clear impact
information, and consistent communication channels with current information on the city
website.
CEREMONIAL REVIEW:
Proclamations for Autism Acceptance and Black Bookstore Month
Mayor Williams summarized the ceremonial portion held at 5:30 PM, noting three proclamations
were presented: declaring April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month for community inclusivity,
Black Maternal Health Week (April 13-17) to foster public-health sector collaboration, and
joining other mayors in recognizing Black Bookstore Day to promote literacy, culture, and
diversity.
PRESENTATION
Presentation on Potential Small Area Studies to be Undertaken
Community Development Director Ryan Anderson presented the city's plan for small area
studies, explaining they had identified 10 targeted areas for detailed examination over the next
3-5 years with $200,000 budgeted for fiscal year 2026. The studies would focus on underutilized
parcels, aging infrastructure, and areas needing revitalization rather than currently thriving
areas.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander expressed concern that District 5 wasn't adequately represented on
the priority list, noting the need for strategic distribution throughout the entire city rather than
concentration in particular districts.
He advocated for including Hudson Bridge Road and Eagles Landing Parkway to continue high-
quality development momentum, similar to successful Patrick Henry Parkway planning that
attracted major retailers like Costco and Sprouts.



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City Manager Shawn Edmonsdon responded that areas like District 5, which are already
thriving, would be included in the upcoming comprehensive master plan, while these small area
studies target pockets needing revitalization.
Mayor Williams praised the data-driven framework and asked what the studies would mean for
everyday Stockbridge residents.
Anderson explained these grassroots-level studies would give residents in specific
neighborhoods opportunity to influence what they want to see in their areas. He further
confirmed this is a roadmap that will provide intentional rather than just reactive growth.
Councilmember Barber expressed excitement about area studies. Citing that she had been
asking for an area study for District 4, which had nine residential developments approved in her
district. And it was annexed with 6,700 new residents in 2023. She sought confirmation that
State Route 42 and Valley Hill Road areas would be encompassed, which Anderson confirmed.
Barber then asked for clarification between the critical action and high priority ranking areas on
the area study presentation.
Anderson clarified that based on the planning analysis and the development trends and all the
other data that we've taken into consideration, staff felt like there were the three areas they
wanted to target first.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander provided population context stating “In, in 2020, retroactively the
census and Atlanta Regional Commission went back, and they proactively put in the annexation
numbers for the city.” Noting that despite perceptions of rapid growth, the net population
increase from 2020 to 2026 was only 229 residents (from 35,740 to 35,969) when accounting
for retroactive census adjustments that included annexation numbers. He contrasted this with
McDonough's net growth of over 5,000 residents in the same period. Adding that for a three-
year period, there was not one rezoning that came to the city council between 2016 and almost
to 2019, and then one came in 2019, it was denied. So there was a long period of time where
there was no development in the city.
PUBLIC HEARING
Variance Case #VR-2026-01
Community Development Director Ryan Anderson presented the variance request for property
on Wilson Avenue to allow construction of a single-family dwelling. The property's irregular
shape and narrow dimensions require reducing front yard setback from 50 feet to 25 feet and
rear yard setback from 40 feet to 20 feet. The 0.613-acre property is long and narrow, with
insufficient space to meet standard SR district requirements.
Anderson explained the property meets all seven variance criteria, noting there are 40 feet of
city right-of-way that would accommodate future sidewalks without impact.
The proposed 2,294 square foot home would have 1,370 square feet on the first floor and 924
on the second floor to minimize the footprint.
Councilmember Cloud questioned recent variance approvals in the area and existing homes
that might have required variances. Anderson explained that older homes were grandfathered in
before current code enactment, though some existing homes in the area already encroach into
the 50-foot setback requirement.
Councilmember Cloud noted he had spoken with residents and community leadership who
support new development but want it built to existing SR zoning requirements. He expressed
openness to growth while respecting residents' rights to expect code compliance.
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Councilmember Gantt suggested conditioning approval on sidewalk easement acceptance and
noted modern development trends favor reduced setbacks near downtown areas, citing
examples of high-value developments with minimal setbacks selling for premium prices.
Anderson acknowledged this highlighted weaknesses in the current code, which only has two
residential districts (SR and RR) compared to the previous code's four districts (R1-R4). Most
homes in the area don't meet current SR requirements but are grandfathered in.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander confirmed staff recommended approval based on meeting all seven
variance criteria, with Anderson noting it would be difficult to legally defend denial since the
criteria are met and denial would create hardship.
Councilmember Barber expressed concern about setting precedent, noting this would be one of
the largest homes in the area.
No speakers appeared for or against the variance during public comment periods.
     Motion to table VR-2026-01 made by Councilmember Cloud, seconded by Councilmember
     Gantt until the next meeting to allow the applicant to meet with residents for discussion.
     The motion passed 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Council consideration of purchase agreement for SPD K9 Moos to its current handler.
Interim Chief Godfrey explained Lieutenant Blake Zimmerman's resignation to seek
opportunities at a larger agency, requesting to purchase his six-year-old canine Moos. With
approximately two years of service life remaining, finding and training a new handler would
leave only about one year of service by completion. The specialized boarding requirements
during transition would create substantial costs. Staff recommended the sale based on both the
canine's best interests and city financial considerations.
Councilmember Gantt asked about pricing methodology. Chief Godfrey explained they used a
prorated amount based on original canine cost separate from training, resulting in a $2,000 sale
price.
City Attorney requested the motion include finding the canine and kennel unserviceable per city
code.
     Motion to approve the sale of canine Moos and kennel, determining them unserviceable
     based on provided information, made by Councilmember Gantt, seconded by
     Councilmember Barber. The motion passed 5-0.
Quitclaim Disposal of Remnant Tract at 2125 Jodeco Road
Community Development Director Ryan Anderson presented the proposal to transfer a 0.77-
acre remnant tract to Tidal Wave Auto Spa. The city acquired the tract from Georgia DOT in
2023 for drainage maintenance, but the drainage system has been redirected, making only half
the tract necessary for city purposes. The tract's protrusion into the Tidal Wave property creates
development difficulties.
The transfer follows OCGA requirements for conveying small strips to abutting property owners
and includes conditions requiring staff presence during operations for litter control, adherence to
submitted site plans with stacked stone and brick finishes, screening for cleaning stations, and
developer reimbursement of legal costs.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander confirmed this followed standard city abandonment procedures and
appreciated the significant brick and stone requirements to complement the Joe Deco

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development. He emphasized the value of mixed-use development providing services like car
washing on-site to reduce traffic burdens.
     Motion to approve declaring the property at 2125 Jodeco Road unserviceable and
     proceeding with the abandonment made by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander, seconded by
     Councilmember Barber. The motion passed 5-0.
(First Reading) South Berry Street Renaming
Anderson presented the first reading to rename South Berry Street to "Alphonso Thomas
Street" honoring Councilmember Thomas's decades of public service. The renaming affects
only two properties, and proper public notification was provided.
Councilmember Cloud explained his thought process in spearheading this honor, noting
Councilmember Thomas pioneered the Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail and deserved
recognition with his own street. He hoped Thomas would be honored by this gesture.
Councilmember Berry expressed excitement about honoring such a beloved public servant who
served as their predecessor. He emphasized Thomas as a curator of history who loved
Stockbridge, noting this was an appropriate way to memorialize his legacy.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander praised Councilmember Thomas as a statesman and consensus
builder, sharing personal appreciation for Thomas's support during difficult times and noting his
faith-based leadership in the community.
Councilmember Gantt emotionally endorsed the honor, calling Thomas a wonderful colleague
whose legacy lives on, and praised Councilmember Cloud for stepping into Thomas's role
effectively.
     Motion to approve the resolution renaming South Berry Street to Alphonso Thomas Street
     made by Councilmember Cloud, seconded by Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed
     5-0.
(First Reading) Text Amendment Case #TX-2026-02
Anderson presented the proposed text amendment to establish formal procedures for street and
facility renaming, noting no current formal process existed in city code. The proposal included
two pathways: city council initiation requiring legal advertisement and two readings, and
community/resident initiation requiring 75% of affected neighbors' signatures plus petition to
council.
Councilmember Barber questioned whether the Lee Street renaming could be appealed under
this policy, expressing concern about the timing and process and stated for the record;
 “The issue, the policy, the process that we took to rename a street in my district that was
 not initiated by me. If it's the mentality of this governing body to try to just erase history
 and close the door on residents’ businesses and the church that is affected by that
 change, I am vehemently opposed to it. They deserve to have an opportunity to appeal
 that decision. Unfortunately, the vote was approved by the council. Three, I voted
 against it, three approved it, one abstained. I cannot bring that vote back for reconsider
 reconsideration. Only those three who approved it, one of them would need to bring it
 back for reconsideration. Which is why I'm asking that those residents, businesses that
 are affected by this change, they deserve to have an opportunity to appeal the decision.
 But because there was no policy then you're now enacting a policy after we've approved
 the renaming of Councilmember Thomas. It just does not seem fair at all. I just want all
 of this for the record.”

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Barber reiterated her question, asking, “So there is no current policy in which residents,
business owners, or any stakeholder who's affected by that change, they don't have an outlet,
they don't have an opportunity to appeal?” In response, Anderson stated, “The intent of this
formal policy is because if staff is given a directive, we have to have something to work off. So
we were just trying to formalize the process. But council has the right to make motions from the
floor to make a street name proposal.”
Barber then posed a question to city attorney representative Megan McCollugh “those residents,
business owners and the church that is affected by the name change Lee Street, do they have
an opportunity to appeal that? And if they do, what is the timeframe?”
The city’s legal responded “I would actually defer to our zoning attorney and our planning and
zoning attorney Valerie Ross, although she's not here right now. And if those residents are
interested in appealing that, I would recommend that they contact their own counsel. I can't
provide legal advice to residents on that.”
Barber further asked, “I'm asking you on behalf of the governing body, me, as a member of the
governing body who represents this district, is there an opportunity to appeal the name
change?”
And legal stated “what I'm saying is, ma'am, that I can't answer that question for you.”
The discussion continued and Mayor Pro Tem Alexander strongly defended the Martin Luther
King Jr. Way naming, calling it shameful to face "theatrics" for honoring Dr. King. He opposed
any policy limiting council authority to name streets and noted that staff brought forward this
policy without the required three council member votes requesting it.
Councilmember Barber clarified that she never requested the policy, with Anderson confirming it
was staff-initiated to provide working procedures. She supported having consistent policies for
staff rather than random council decisions.
Councilmember Gantt expressed concern about creating additional roadblocks, noting that
adequate notice was provided on meeting agendas and residents could attend to comment. She
opposed adding more processes that could cause delays, referencing previous issues with
excessive procedures that stopped growth.
     A Motion to not move forward with a street name change policy made by Mayor Pro Tem
     Alexander. After discussion about letting items die versus voting, the motion was rescinded
     with staff understanding that no policy change was desired.
Piggyback Henry County Records Contract Amendment
Interim Chief Godfrey presented the final year extension of the piggyback contract with Henry
County for Supreme Trio LLC (DBA Swanson's Towing) and Wrecker One Inc. Wrecker One
received exclusive service rights for the I-75 corridor except during TRIP (Towing and Recovery
Initiative Program) activations for commercial vehicles. The delay in bringing this forward was
due to ownership changes following the original owner's death and probate proceedings.
     Motion to move forward with the piggyback contract made by Councilmember Berry,
     seconded by Councilmember Gantt.
Discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Alexander asked for clarification on the service area of Swanson's
Towing. Godfrey explained Swanson's handles city services while Wrecker One has exclusive
service rights for the I-75 corridor, except during TRIP (Towing and Recovery Initiative Program)
activations, which is required when commercial trucks are involved.

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Mayor Pro Tem Alexander expressed personal concerns about one of the companies based on
previous interactions and requested additional discussion. Interim Chief Godfrey indicated there
will be no disruption to services on the interstate during the discussion period.
     Councilmember Berry rescinded the original Motion and made a Motion to table the
     contract extension to the work session for further discussion; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
     Alexander. The Motion passed 4-0-1 with Councilmember Gantt abstaining.


ADJOURNMENT
     Motion to adjourn made by Councilmember Berry, seconded by Councilmember Gantt.
     The motion passed unanimously 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:58p.m.




Respectfully submitted by:




______________________________                       ______________________________
Cassandra Lester, Interim City Clerk                Jayden L. Williams, Mayor




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