---
date: 
title: 2017 05 30 2017 Minutes
source: 2017/2017_05_30_2017_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
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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.

APPROVED
SUMMARY MINUTES
WORK SESSION MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 30, 2017 6:00 p.m.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Judy Neal Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilman Elton Alexander Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilman John Blount
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
Councilwoman Neat Robinson
Mayor Neal Called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

Invocation was provided by Bishop Eusebio D. Phelps of New Faith Christian Church.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday proceeded with a verbal roll call, all members of Council
were present which constituted a quorum.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adopt the Agenda; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford.
The motion passed

No Action was taken on the Minutes for 4/10/17, 4/19/17 and 4/25/17 scheduled to be
adopted at the June 12th meeting.

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.
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Alphonso Thomas spoke in protest of renaming the Cultural Arts Center anything other
than the Carrie Mae Hambrick Cultural Arts and Enrichment Center stating this was the
only building in Henry County named after an African-American; noted he brought
forward the King family’s ancestral history to the City of Stockbridge; made strong
comments specifically directed to Councilman Alexander; and asked Council to adopt a
Resolution for an RFP for design of the replacement Cultural Arts building.

Mildred Reed referenced the first building in the City named for an African-American
and supports naming the rebuilt building again after Carrie Mae Hambrick.

Gary E. Williams supports the renaming of the center after rebuilding after Carrie Mae
Hambrick for her lifetime commitment of being a public servant.

Melvin Fulton spoke in support of naming the center after Carrie Mae Hambrick and
referenced maintenance issues of the park facilities.

The Clerk read into the record a council-approved public comment from Susan Cochran
O’Neal who along with her family, supports naming the arts center after Carrie Mae
Hambrick noting her uncle was Mayor of Stockbridge (Lawrence L.B. Cochran) and
Harold Cochran, Stockbridge Councilman for 34+ years was her cousin and she noted
her family supports naming the building after Carrie Mae Hambrick stating
Mrs. Hambrick was well loved by all in the Stockbridge community..

OLD BUSINESS

1. Council Consideration - Ordinance Amendment Regarding Section 3.30
Presented by: Councilwoman Gantt
Councilwoman Gantt referenced Sections 3.30, 2.222 and 3.30223
Subsection (B) “Approval of Contracts” allows for the City Manager to spend
up to $50,000 per contract without Council approval. Councilwoman Gantt
referenced conversations and comparisons of other comparable cites, all
who agreed $50,000 was too high for a city of this size, and recommended
the amount be reduced to $10,000 per contract to allow Council more fiscal
responsibility of public funds.

Councilwoman Robinson disagreed and does not want to limit or take away
funds from the Mayor who is also Acting City Manager noting the previous
City Manager had access and does not feel the need to change as this is
the amount that had always been allowed.

Councilman Blount expressed he would like to see the City ran as an entity
and not a bank and believes Council should be good stewards for the
citizens noting this is a responsible move.

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Councilman Alexander concurred with Councilwoman Robinson and noted
this was not a problem until the leadership changed further stating he is
willing to give the Mayor the benefit of the doubt.
Councilwoman Gantt noted the amount was changed to $50,000 under
Milliron and the previous administration and that this action was not
reflection on the Acting City Manager and made a motion to approve the
Ordinance Amendment Regarding Section 3.30; second by Councilman
Blount. The motion passed 3-2 (Alexander and Robinson Opposed).

2. Council Consideration for Policy and Procedures for Distribution of
Documents and Correspondence to Mayor & Council.
Presented by: Councilwoman Gantt
Councilwoman Gantt proposed to have Mayor and Council receive
documents relating issues and matters pertaining to the City be received
simultaneously by Mayor & Council and communicate as one.

Councilman Blount noted he was glad to see that Council is trying to clean
house and this action gives Council a chance to get information and see
everything as it comes in to the City.

Councilwoman Robinson asked the City Attorney if staff would be included.
Attorney Williams explained he would have to have a meeting with the City
Clerk and the City Manager to discuss the options and create a draft policy.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Policy and Procedures for
Distribution of Documents and Correspondence to Mayor & Council
simultaneously; second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 3-0-2
(Alexander and Robinson abstained).

PRESENTATIONS

3. Henry Council for Quality Growth – Leader in Me Program
Presented by: Steve Cash of Henry Council for Quality Growth
Mr. Cash gifted oil paintings of Stockbridge renditions to Mayor and Council.

Councilwoman Robinson recused herself noting she was a member of the
board.

Mr. Cash presented Mayor and Council with an update on the Cotton Indian
Elementary School Leader in Me Program, distributed a financial report and
referenced the reduction of disciplinary occurrences at the school and made
a request for financial assistance for the program.

Councilman Blount referenced the recent report of Henry County schools
and the test scores. No action taken.
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4. K Piano Club Learning Foundation – Partnership Proposal
Presented by: Kenneth L. Wilson, Sr. Executive Director
Mr. Wilson noted the K Piano Club had raised and donated over $60,000
over the last six years to Henry County and Clayton County schools. Mr.
Wilson noted the K Piano Club currently has several programs that operates
during the school’s academic hours as well as after school and has taught
over 11,000 students. Mr. Wilson noted this program would be worth
considering bringing into the City and proposed launching a Stockbridge
Youth Orchestra in partnership with the City where he would return and the
program and financial plan to the City within the next 3 months.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford expressed his interests with the program.

Councilman Alexander asked Mr. Wilson how much money he estimates
would be needed from the City to invest. Mr. Wilson stated for roughly 75
youth, the cost could be between $18,000 -$21,000 with K Piano matching
dollar for dollar.

No action taken

5. Agenda Request- Serafino’s Restaurant- Transfer of Ownership
Presented by: Mr. Gad Woodall
Mr. Gad Woodall requested a transfer of the alcohol license from the
previous owners to the current owners. Attorney Williams explained the
City’s Code provides that if current owners meet all the requirements to
obtain an alcohol license by passing all necessary steps, it would be up to
Mayor and Council to decide to waive the fees associated with obtaining
liquor licenses.

Mayor Neal asked if all requirements had been met, and Attorney Williams
confirmed they had.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Transfer of Ownership of
Serafino’s Restaurant; second by Councilwoman Robinson. The motion
passed 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

6. Council Consideration- Proposal of Insurance and Risk Management
Renewal 2017-2018- J. Smith Lanier Co.
Presented by: Mayor Neal, Acting City Manager

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Mayor Neal noted she was part of a meeting along with the previous City
Manager, the City Clerk and J. Smith Lanier Co. met to review the City’s
insurance policy and renewal.
Councilman Alexander asked if this was a process to renew yearly or bid out
yearly. Mr. Williams, City Attorney explained there is no right or wrong way
to go about seeking insurance.

The Clerk referenced the programs implemented to save the City money
and referenced the reduction in the renewal from the previous year.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Proposal of Insurance and
Risk Management Renewal 2017-2018- J. Smith Lanier Co; second by
Councilwoman Robinson. The motion passed 4-1 (Alexander opposed).

7. Council Consideration - Task Order for WWTP Improvements - Phase II
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted the task order was identified in the STWP (Short-Term
Work Program) and is requesting permission to move forward with replacing
the UB Inspections system, the filters at the wastewater treatment plant and
the rehabilitation on Glen Addy by using SPLOST III funds not to exceed
over $109,100.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve Task Order for WWTP- Phase II
not to exceed $109,100 using SPLOST III funds; second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

8. Council Consideration – Playworld Rubber Surfacing
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted this request will be funded by SPLOST IV funds and will
replace mulch with a rubber surface for Clark Park and Reeves Creek Trail.
Mr. Aaron included funds will not exceed $117,216 and has a life
expectancy of 15-20 years.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve Playworld Rubber Surfacing for
Reeves Creek Trail using SPLOST IV Funds not to exceed over $117,216
using SPLOST IV funds; second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed
5-0.

9. Council Consideration – Disposal of Claw on Trash Loader
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted the City purchased a knuckle boom truck to help pick up
bulk furniture and yard debris when sanitation services were in-house. Mr.
Aaron stated once sanitation was privatized, the truck became obsolete and
is asking for approval sell the extra component on GovDeals.

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Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the Disposal of Claw on Trash
Loader and to advertise on GovDeals- Surplus Auction; second by Mayor
Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

10.Mr. Aaron asked Council to consider Task Order FDC2017.05 Falcon
Design Consultants for Stormwater Improvements- Hillcrest Street @
Bowen Street.
Council asked that this Item to be placed on the June 12, 2017 Agenda for
Council Consideration.

11.Council Consideration – Authorization to move forward with RFP for
Permitting and Inspection Services
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
Ms. Moore made a request to put out an RFP that would allow permitting
and inspection services within the City. Ms. Moore expressed this would-be
budget neutral and the cost would come through a third-party vendor, noting
this action would help expedite project that come to the City and would
generate revenue for the City.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve the authorization to move forward
with the RFP Permitting and Inspection Services; second by Councilwoman
Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

12.Council Consideration – Authorization to move forward with RFP for
Comprehensive Land Use Plan
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
Ms. Moore noted the County had made a collaborative effort that included
the City in terms of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan noting the City does
not have to be a part of the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan, noting
the City can take its own ideas and move forward to determine what would
be best for the City as far as land use and development.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the authorization to move
forward with the RFP for Comprehensive Land Use Plan; second by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

DISCUSSION

13.Council Discussion Re: Code Enforcement Concerns: Storefront
Merchandise, Illegally Parked Vehicles, Right-of-Way Signage
Presented by: Councilman Alexander, Camilla Moore, Community
Development Director and Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilman Alexander stated it is his desire to have a zero-tolerance policy
raising the standards for the City and stated if the code is already on the

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books, it should be enforced; however, there are issues where code
enforcement does not have the authority to enforce it due to a conflict in the
code.

Ms. Moore noted there are issues and those have been brought to her
attention and will be addressed via amendments and adjustments with
existing ordinances to be presented to Council for Consideration in an
upcoming meeting.

14.Council Discussion Re: Ordinance pertaining to Special Event Permit for
Teen House Parties
Presented by: Councilman Alexander and Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilman Alexander motioned to table this item; second by Mayor Pro
Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

15.Food Truck Tuesday Update
Presented by: Councilwoman Gantt
Councilwoman Gantt noted several members of Council had expressed a
desire to extend Food Truck Tuesday through August 29.2017 noting a
budget amendment during the 2nd Qtr.

Councilwoman Robinson noted she had not been included in the
discussions to extend Food Truck Tuesdays and will not vote for the
extension.

Councilwoman Gantt noted there were Food Truck committee meetings and
no, Councilwoman Robinson did not attend.

Ms. Holiday, City Clerk stated for the record, the meeting was a staff
meeting where members of Council, including Councilman Alexander and
Councilwoman Gantt attended, noting this was not a published or public
meeting.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to extend Food Truck Tuesday until
August 29, 2017; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 4-0-1
(Councilwoman Robinson abstained).

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Alexander noted his appreciation for everyone who came out
to the meeting; made reference to former Councilman Thomas’ comments
as inappropriate; noted Carrie Mae Hambrick’s service to the community;
stated he has every intention of honoring her with what she deserves and
suggested a museum or room inside of the new facility where she would
gain more exposure nationally, as opposed to local exposure; gave credit

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to Mr. Thomas for bringing forward the M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail and
noted the City dropped the ball after that; and stated the King name of the
building would be marketed to the entire United States of America
generating hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Councilman Blount referenced Hartsfield-Jackson airport, referencing
Maynard Jackson’s attributes to Atlanta, thus the name on the airport;
stated he is 100% in favor of naming the building after the Servanthood of
Carrie Mae Hambrick as it was very much deserved.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford thanked everyone for the planning and participation
of the Memorial Day March; invited everyone to the One Henry Tech & Tea
event to be held at the Merle Manders Conference Center on June 22 nd;
noted he was in attendance when the building was dedicated to Carrie
Mae Hambrick; referenced the King family’s ancestral history in
Stockbridge; referenced buildings in the City named after individuals who
served the Stockbridge community (noting “Daddy King” had left the area
as a teenager; and supports renaming the building for Carrie Mae
Hambrick.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for coming out; thanked everyone
for the support; noted it was with honor to honor Mrs. Carrie Mae Hambrick
as she gave back so much to the community; noted she is hopeful the new
facility will include senior and youth services; stated she wants the name to
remain the same and that Mrs. Hambrick has her vote as she paved the
way for her, an African-American businesswoman; noted she agreed to
build a building that would benefit citizens and families of Stockbridge;
noted the Summer Concert series coming up, Food Truck Tuesdays and
FREE movies; and noted her contact information was available online to
contact her with questions and/or concerns.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for coming out; noted she
grew up around Mrs. Carrie Mae Hambrick; noted the action to name the
building took place in December 2015 prior to the new Council members
coming on board having been elected in November of 2015; stated she
does not want Carrie Mae Hambrick’s legacy attached to politics;
referenced the Henry County Chamber’s “History has a Name” and wants
the City to have something to contribute to the history; asked that everyone
seek information for themselves and not rely on what you are being told;
and noted she loves the Hambrick family, and they know that.

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COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Neal thanked everyone for coming out; noted the events and
announcements were included on the Agenda and encouraged everyone
to pick up a copy from the lobby.

UPCOMING OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS/EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.

 Food Truck Tasty Tuesdays begin Tuesday, June 6, 2017 @ Clark Park

 FREE Main Street Movie – Saturday, June 10th on the City Hall Lawn

 Council Meeting – Monday, June 12, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. City Hall

 Food Truck Tasty Tuesday, June 13, 2017 @ Clark Park

 Job Fair, June 15, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Merle Manders
Conference Center 111 Davis Rd. Stockbridge, GA
 Coffee w/A Cop, Saturday, June 15, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at
Bridgeview Country Cooking North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA

 FREE Sounds of Summer Concert – Saturday, June 17, 2017 on the City Hall
lawn.

 Food Truck Tasty Tuesday, June 20, 2017 @ Clark Park 111 Davis Rd.

 Council Work Session– Wednesday, June 28, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. City Hall Chamber.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND/OR INITIATIVES

 Non-Profit Social Mixer – Hosted by Councilwoman Gantt – Date to be determined
at the Merle Manders Conference Center at 5:30 p.m.

UPCOMING CIVIC EVENTS

 Annual Carrie Mae Hambrick Celebration
Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. – Trinity UMC – Green Front Café Lawn

EXECUTIVE SESSION (If necessary)
16.Council Consideration- Naming members to fill vacancies on the Youth
Council Advisory Committee
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
No Action

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Councilwoman Gantt motioned to convene Executive Session for
Litigation, Personnel and Real Estate; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford.
The motion passed 5-0.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by
Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to reconvene the Work Session meeting;
second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilman Alexander motioned to nominate Billy Beckett, Interim City
Manager with conditions: (1) When negotiations of contract have been
completed; and until the Slavin Executive Firm completes their search for a
City Manager; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 4-1
(Councilman Blount Opposed).

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adjourn the meeting; second by Mayor
Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CMC Judy Neal, Mayor

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