---
date: 2013-07-25
title: July 25, 2013 Minutes
source: 2013-07/2013-07-25_July 25, 2013_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

July 25, 2013

SPECIAL CALLED MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013 6:00 pm

City Council
Administration
Mark Alarcon, Mayor
David A. Milliron, City Manager
Richard Steinberg, Mayor Pro Tem
Rhonda A. Blackmon, City Clerk
Robin Buschman, Councilwoman
Bill Linkous, City Attorney
Harold Cochran, Councilman
Shirley Dabney, Councilman
Alphonso Thomas, Councilman

Call to Order – by the Mayor at 6:00pm

Invocation provided by Mr. Dick Grimes

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison

Adopt Agenda – Richard Steinberg made a motion; Robin Buschman made a second;
agenda was approved 5-0.
A Special Called Meeting and Public Hearing of the City Council of the City of
Stockbridge, Georgia will be held at 6:00PM on Thursday, July 25, 2013 in the Council
Chambers at City Hall, 4640 North Henry Blvd., Stockbridge, GA 30281.

FOR THE PURPOSE OF:

1. Urban Redevelopment Plan Amendment Resolution – Public Hearing; David
Milliron stated that on the monitor is the Urban Redevelopment Area. This has
been prepared in conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan. David Milliron turned
the discussion over to the City Planner, Vicki Coleman provided further
explanation of the resolution. The Mayor talked about the Broadband and the
many interactions from out of state since that announcement and he mentioned
the companies that have been making inquiries to the City. Alphonso Thomas
asked Ms. Coleman if most of this was residential. Ms. Coleman confirmed. Mr.
Thomas has a concern that this is the first public hearing of his knowledge and
that the citizens have not had any information on this. He stated that he has no
problem with anything other than the process of how this is being implemented.
The Mayor stated he appreciates the due diligence of staff. City Attorney said the
notice for this public hearing complies with the law.

The Mayor opened up the public hearing at 6:14pm for anyone to speak for or
against.

There were no comments made. The Mayor asked the City Attorney if we met all
legal ramifications in this process. The City Attorney confirmed.

Richard Steinberg made a motion to accept the resolution; Harold Cochran made
a second; the resolution was approved 5-0.

2. Opportunity Zone – Public Hearing; David Milliron reiterated the postings of the
public hearings and the avenues that all were advertised in and through. Mr.
Milliron then went over the item itself stating the city can move forward with a
designated Opportunity Zone. Areas designated can take advantage of up to a
$3,500 tax credit per job created. The credit is for areas designated by the State
Department of Community Affairs as an Opportunity Zone. Mr. Milliron then
turned the item over to City Planner Ms. Coleman. Ms. Coleman went over the
tier level of 1 – 4 and stated that Henry County is a level 3. She then explained
the benefits of an Opportunity Zone. Most of the new businesses coming into
Georgia to relocate are looking to locate in an Opportunity Zone and Henry
County does not currently have an opportunity zone. The Department of
Community Affairs also look for other provisions. Robin Buschman stated that in
a GMA class that she and Mr. Steinberg attended in June they discussed this in
class. The Mayor asked if the credit was for (5) years. Vicki stated it was for ten
(10) years. This will also help the small businesses. Richard Steinberg made the
comment he is honored to be able to vote on this item. This will attract business
and assist existing businesses. Alphonso Thomas made the comment that if your
neighborhood has been zoned an Opportunity Zone, the City can allow
businesses to come to your neighborhood. I am all in favor for this, but if your
neighborhood has been zoned an Opportunity Zone a warehouse may be located
near you. The Mayor stated the designation will not allow for a warehouse near a
residential home. Alphonso Thomas thanked the Mayor.

The Mayor opened the item up for public hearing at 6:27pm.

There were no comments made. Richard Steinberg made a motion; Shirley
Dabney made a second; the motion approved 5-0.

3. SPLOST IV Agreement with County; David Milliron explained the process for the
SPLOST initiatives. Robin Buschman made a motion to support the agreement;
Shirley Dabney made a second; the agreement passed 5-0.

4. Main Street Program Resolution; David Milliron talked about the program and
recognized that there are members of the DDA and the URA here with us tonight.
This will support the City making allocations for this program. Mr. Milliron
explained the program. The Mayor further explained that this was an application
and that the City will be evaluated to show what we have done and where we are
going as a City. Shirley Dabney made a motion; Robin Buschman made a
second; the resolution was passed 5-0.

5. Land Acquisition; the Mayor talked about the vision as the Council vision and the
City’s vision which began back with Ted Strickland, Merle Manders, Rudy Kelly
and so forth. The Mayor read portions of the LCI to outline the items that the City
still needs to acquire. The Mayor said we are here to purchase the property and
put the City in a winning position. The City will acquire the properties for the
amphitheater and green space. Richard Steinberg made it known that this was
not just the wishes of the Council but also of the citizens of this community. Mr.
Milliron referred to the City Attorney as to what the Council has in their
possession and that it was appropriate the Mayor entertain a motion to move
forward with the vote on the offer letter without stating the amount in the record.
Bill Linkous stated that yes it was legal to do it this way. Harold Cochran made
the motion to accept the letter; Shirley Dabney made a second; the motion
passed 5-0.

MOTION TO ADJOURN; Robin Buschman made a motion to adjourn; Richard
Steinberg made a second; the meeting adjourned at 7:30pm.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY:

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