---
date: 2019-11-26
title: 11-26-2019 Minutes
source: 2019-11/2019-11-26_11-26-2019 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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Stockbridge
Where Community Connects

SU MARY NUTES
WORKSESS ON EETING

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2019 6:00 P.M.
Ma or & Cit Cou ncil Ad m ‘n istration
Mayor Antﬁony S. Fora Ra n Igﬁton,City Mana
Councilm an E Iton Alexander Cami EIXKMoqre,

Community
er
ev. Dir
Mayor_ Pro Tem Jo hn Blount Vanessa l_-lo City Clerk
Councilwoman LaKeisha_Gantt

Ra_ndi Rain_ey, Indzgl,
epqty City Clerk
Counci woman Neat Robinson Michael Willia ms, City Attorney
Counci man Alphonso Thomas

Mission: To provide visionary leadership and superior municipal services that enhance the
quality of life for citizens while creating a we lcoming business atmosphere focused on
sustainability and expansion of tourism and cultural events

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford

Invocation by Councilman Alexander

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All members
were present.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount motioned to amend the Agenda to remove Item #5; Second by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0. Mr. Knighton noted the removal of the item
does not cause a delay with the project, further noting the need to review the contract that
was delivered from H. J. Russell today.

Councilman Alexander motioned to amend the Agenda to add Cochran Park as a
Discussion Item; second by Councilwoman Robinson. During the discussion of motion,
Mayor Ford noted the discussion may include land acquisition, normally reserved for
Executive Session discussion.

Attorney Williams noted the prior discussion relating to Cochran park took place in open
session

Councilwoman Robinson noted the headline in the Henry County Times newspaper
referenced the County’s position to repair the park if the City agrees to accept the park.

November 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilwoman Gantt noted there are no final figures on the assessment and wants to allow
the City time to receive the report from the engineers and building inspector and is therefore
not prepared to vote on the matter tonight.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount noted the prior discussion was transparent with the elected ofﬁcials
present from the County, however, the City’s engineer and building officials need to review
the reports; noted everyone wants to see the park re-opened, and the elected
body needs
to make a conscious decision, noting the County is not concerned with that; however, the

City needs all of the information pertaining to costs, and based on that, he is not prepared
to make a decision.

Councilman Thomas agreed with the City receiving a true assessment, noting he would
love to Cochran Park become part of the City’s domain; noted the City must be
see

responsible with its actions; asked for an estimated timeline because once the City takes
the step fon/vard, the City of Stockbridge will be held accountable.

Mayor Ford noted the need to make a timely decision; and noted the City must
acknowledge if the County’s offer will be accepted.

Attorney Williams noted the County’s Resolution was unclear and needs clarification.

Councilwoman Robinson noted time is of the essence; asked if the City Attorney and/or
City Manager has spoken with County officials since the joint meeting.

Mr. Knighton confirmed a meeting with County officials earlier today that was pulled
together on short notice; and noted the City’s Engineers, Falcon Design are reviewing the
reports and preparing a report for city officials.

Councilwoman Robinson noted the Council was unaware of the meeting and requested an
update.

Councilman Alexander stated emphatically, the County has told the City what it is they are
going to do; noted the assessment needs to be apples to apples; noted the County has
committed to stormwater repairs and making the park safe; stated the question to the City
is, when the park is repaired and deemed safe, will the City of Stockbridge accept the park;
noted Henry County is not going to make the repairs if the City is not going to accept the
park, noting there is no other option, and if the City does not accept the offer, the park will
become a passive park; noted the aesthetics of the park were not included in the offer; and
stated that he does not want anyone watching over children by individuals who don’t want
to; tasked City Attorney with getting a clarification on the County’s Resolution, and noted
his vote would be contingent upon the park being satisfactory.

Mayor Ford moved to close the discussion.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount motioned to continue the discussion; second by Councilwoman
Gantt; the motion passed 3-1-1 (Alexander oppose; Robinson abstained).

Mayor Pro Tem Blount noted the citizens of Stockbridge have been paying taxes for years
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to Henry County for Parks & Recreation while the County has neglected to maintain the
park; asked if the County was going to rollback the taxes and noted you can’t gift what is
already being paid; noted the City of Stockbridge residents should not be paying for
services not being provided; referenced Commissioner Barham's statement where the

County should fix the park regardless; and further noted the City needs be fiscally
responsible and the County should fix the park.

Councilwoman Robinson noted instructions have been given to the City Manager and City
Attorney who will provide the Mayor & Council with answers.

Councilman Alexander agreed with the sentiments of Mayor Pro Tem Blount, noting the
County has stated what it is they are offering to do, and that the City of Stockbridge cannot
force the County to turn tax monies over to the City; referenced the SDS negotiations that
have been ongoing for years with no resolution; and stated the County has basically told
the City to kick rocks; and reiterated the importance of moving this item forward for the
benefit of the kids.

Councilwoman Gantt noted everyone wants the kids to play at the park; noted some of the
Commissioners are willing to negotiate the repair costs; noted the City needs to be fiscally
responsible; stated citizens will have to address the matter of the park at the polls; does not
want to continue to go around and around without concrete numbers.

Review of the Minutes for the following meeting:

1. 10/29/2019 2.11/7/2019 No Action

PUBLIC CO MMENTS
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.

Mr. Craig Powell, a baseball coach at Cochran Park noted while he hears what the
Council has stated regarding the study, he wants the City to know that there are people
in place ready to help Cochran Park re-open; noted as a business person, he is willing to
donate time and resources to re—open the park; asked the City be responsible for the

upkeep of the fields; agreed with Councilman Alexander where he referenced the
County’s decision; referenced Ola’s community efforts and the maintenance and upkeep
of their park, and wants to do the same thing at Cochran Park; and stated his desire to
make Cochran Park a legendary park.

Mr. Michael Parrish, a baseball coach at Cochran Park noted time is of the essence;
stated someone has to step up as you can’t as a city put a dollar amount on a child;
referenced the difficulties of the kids being able to get to Hidden Valley Park; asked
members of the Council to take a stance and commit to the re-opening of the park as he
does not want to go through this again next year; understands mistakes were made, taxes
have been paid, and those things were done by adults, and that the kids should not have
to pay for those mistakes and be punished; acknowledged that some people screwed
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things up, and wants to move forward and make it right; referenced the Ola park
community of volunteers and noted the people of Stockbridge want to do the same thing
and that everyone is here for the kids.

Mr. Robert Kolpak noted the county decided against Pickieball and
bulldozing the field,
referencing confusion at the meeting; noted there are 2000+ resident who have signed
up for “Save Cochran Park”; asked the City not to use an association (noting the rules
and regulations), but rather someone such as the gentleman who
manages Salem Park;
noted people are ready to help, and ready to make repairs to the
park; noted District 5
Commissioner has not taken care of Cochran Park or Hidden
Valley Park; asked that
softball also be considered; reference sponsors who are
waiting to help could cover the
cost of an employee and the community effort could make this a
park everyone could be
proud of.

OLD BUS INESS

3. Council Consideration to approve FY2020 Water and Sewer Rates
Presented by Decius Aaron —
Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted the County will raise their water and sewer rates
by
2%; the City’s water and debt services account where over 48% and
Council should consider personnel cost increasing. Mr. Aaron also
noted the after completing a rate analysis, the City still has the lowest
rates, and recommends the increase, so in the future there will not be
a bigger increase at one time.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve FY2020 Water and Sewer
Rates; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 3-1-1
(Blount opposed; Robinson abstained).

PUBLIC EARING
4. Proposed FY2020 Budget Hearing —
SECOND Reading
Presented by Randy Knighton —

City Manager
Mr. Knighton noted this is the 2”” reading for the proposed FY2020
Budget which is proposed at $11.54 million. Mr. Knighton also noted
the proposed budget contains revenue projections, a
general fund
budget and specific fund budgets that contains capital projects with a
few modiﬁcations.

Councilman Alexander suggested looking into a pay increase for
Mayor and Council noting the extra time put in by the Council.
Attorney Williams noted a pay increase would not take effect until
after the next Municipal Election; Council would have to follow the
provisions of the statute which requires advertisement for an increase
for Council. Mayor Ford noted and increase was discussed a
couple
of years ago with a comparable analysis study done with similar cities
sizes; also noted the 2020 census is coming up and that could be
added to the study.

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Public Hearing Opened
No Speakers in Favor —
No Speakers Opposed
Public Hearing Closed
Public Hearing will be continued for final adoption 12/9/2019

NEW B SINESS
5 Council Consideration to approve UB Write-Off’s in the amount of
$14,279.37
Presented by John Wiggins City Treasurer
Mr. Wiggins noted last years Utility Billing Write-off’s were in the
amount of $17,699.27 with this year’s write-off decreasing by
$3.419.90, leaving the Utility Billing write-offs at $14,279.37. Mayor
Ford asked if there were citizens who the City has tried contacting
and can’t reach. Mr. Wiggins noted yes with the accounts taken off
the utility general ledger book, noting collection efforts are still
being
made.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve UB Write-Offs in the
amount of $14,279.37; second by Mayor Pro Tern Blount. The motion

passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to approve IGA (Intergovernmental

Agreement)
between the City of Stockbridge and the Public Facilities Authority for
the Amphitheater funding.
Presented by Michael Williams City Attorney
ltem Removed from the Agenda.

Council Consideration to approve an Ordinance Amending the
Stockbridge Code setting forth the hours of sale of alcoholic
beverages for on-premises consumption to authorize such sales on
Sundays from 11:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.
Presented by Michael Williams City Attorney
Attorney Williams noted on November 5”‘ voters approved the Sunday
Brunch Bill which would allow any restaurant that has an alcohol
license to serve alcoholic beverages beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve an Ordinance Amending
the Stockbridge Code setting forth the hours of sale of alcoholic
beverages for on-premises consumption to authorize such sales on
Sundays from 11:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. second by Councilman
Gantt. The motion Passed 5-0.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
No Comments

November 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
Vanessa Holiday wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Mayor Pro Tern Blount thanked everyone for coming out; thanked the coaches of
Cochran Park for their passion and all that they do; thanked staff for a successful
year; noted progress in the City and that everyone is here for the good of the City;
appreciates everyone for working hard, echoing prior comments of this being the
best and dedicated staff.

Councilwoman Gantt echoed the comments of her colleagues; noted ‘tis the season
for giving thanks; and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for coming out and tuning in; noted we
cando this together (referring to Cochran Park); thanked the coaches, parents kids
for their diligence; noted he is committed and wants the park opened
asap and wants
the park to become the shining star on the southside and a first in class facility;
referenced the upcoming holiday season wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving;
asked that everyone enjoy time with family and friends; referenced the Adopt-A-
Family initiative taking place on December 21‘! at Red Oak UMC that is growing
every year, noting the event provides toys, clothing and food to those in need —

looking for sponsors and volunteers, and invited colleagues to participate; thanked
staff for all they do to execute the vision of the elected officials; noted the City is on
the right path; foundation has been set and the Council should be proud of their
accomplishments.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for attending; thanked staff and wished
happy holidays to them and their families; thanked the coaches of Cochran park
noting her work with the park since 2016; stated to her colleagues, the kids need
the City’s help noting, for those who are not out there, they
may not truly understand
it; noted the Teen Ambassadors recent trip to the National League of Cities
Conference and asked the Council to agree to their highlight presentation where
they may go past the 3-minute comment allotment at the December 9”‘ meeting;
commended colleagues for the last two years of outstanding work noting a number
of voices have been heard; referenced Cochran Park and asked that at the end of
the day, to do the right thing for Stockbridge; stated she is not going
away and will
remain involved and will continue to be engaged with the coaches; and wished
everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

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COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford noted the City is moving forward; wished everyone a Happy
Thanksgiving and asked everyone to enjoy their family, friends and football; asked
everyone to keep the faith, be encouraged and noted everyone wants to make the
City of Stockbridge great. God Bless.

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.

Council Meeting (3nd Public Hearing FY2020 Budget & Adoption), Monday, December 9,
2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber

Main Street Advisory Board, Friday, December 13, 2019 at 9:00 a.m./Levi Meeting Room

- Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday, December 16, 2019 at 6:00 p.m./Levi

Meeting Room

0 Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. -
Council Chamber

Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at
6:30 p.m./Levi Meeting Room

- Work Session Meeting Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council
Chamber

UPCOMING EVENT|S) 8; ANNOUNCEMENTS
Clergy RoundTable Monday, December 2nd at 5:00 p.m. —
9:00 p.m. at the Merle Manders
Conference Center (at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room —

spearheaded by Councilwoman
Gantt. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

Annual Holiday Festival, Thursday, December 5th at 5:00 p.m. —
9:00 p.m. at the Merle
Manders Conference Center (at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room —

spearheaded by
Councilwoman Gantt. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTable Tuesday, December 10th at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in
the Levi Meeting Room spearheaded by Councilwoman Gantt. Contact LaQuinda Jackson

@ 678-833-3348 for more information.

Monthly Bingo Bash Wednesday, December 11”‘ from 10:00 a.m. —
noon at the
Ted Strickland Community Center —

spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tern Blount

Holiday Giveback Toy Drive Friday, December 13”‘ from 7:00 p.m. at the Ted Strickland
Community Center spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson

Holiday Giveback Saturday, December 14”‘ from 10:00 a.m. —

noon at Floyd Chapel Baptist
Church spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson

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Page [8

Adopt a Family Tog Giveaway, Saturday, December 21, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at
Red Oak United Methodist /Church —

spearheaded by Councilman Elton Alexander

ONGOING INITIATIVES

Meet & Greet the Mayor Mondays with Mayor Anthony S. Ford from 10:00 a.m. noon
every -

fourth Monday of the month (appointment required). Please contact LaQuinda Jackson
678-833-3348 for more information and scheduling.

Don’t Trash Stockbridge No Litter Campaign -

Ongoing —

spearheaded by Councilman
Thomas. Contact: LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

Monthly Bingo Bash from 10:00 a.m. -
noon at the Ted Strickland Community Center
spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount. Visit the City’s website or Facebook page for dates
and information.

Quarterly Town Hall —

Ongoing —

spearheaded by Councilman Alexander. Visit the City’s
website or Facebook page for dates and information.

Keep Stockbridge Beautiful —

Ongoing —

spearheaded by Councilman Alexander. Contact
LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTab|e every 2”“ Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City
Hall in the Levi Meeting Room spearheaded by Councilwoman Gantt. Contact LaQuinda

Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

Quarterly Homeowners and Neighborhood Association RoundTab|e spearheaded by —

Mayor Pro Tem Blount. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

Teen Ambassadors Meeting December 12”‘ at 5:00 p.m. in the Levi Meeting Room —

spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for
more information.

EXEC UTIVE SESSION
Attorney Williams noted a request for Executive Session

Councilman Thomas made a motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel,
Litigation and Real Estate; motion failed for lack of a second.

ADJOURN
Councilwoman Robinson motioned to adjourn; second by Councilman Thomas. The
motion passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Q/lJ>4<>z_/
Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CMC
§ An¥%o ny S. Ford,
Magor
November 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
