---
date: 2022-04-11
title: Regular Council Meetings Minutes
source: 2022-04/2022-04-11_Regular Council Meetings_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ACTION MINUTES
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2022 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Frederick Gardiner, City Manager
Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilman Elton Alexander John Wiggins, City Treasurer
Councilwoman Yolanda Barber Quinton Washington, City Attorney
Councilman John Blount Jeremy T. Berry, City Attorney
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
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.
I. Zoom Meeting Information
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83979628788
II. Call to Order – Mayor Ford

III. Invocation – Mayor Ford

IV. Pledge of Allegiance – Recited by all in attendance

V. Roll Call – All members were present for roll call except Councilman Gantt

VI. Motion to amend the Agenda -To adopt a Resolution to resume in-person
meetings contingent upon the science: Alexander/Barber Passed 4-0

VII. Motion to adopt the Agenda – Alexander/Barber Passed 4-0

VIII. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES – Alexander/Barber Passed 4-0
1 Draft Minutes February 14, 2022
2 Draft Minutes February 22, 2022

PUBLIC COMMENTS - All public comments must be submitted to the Clerk no later than
one hour prior to the meeting. The Public Comment Form can be found on the City’s
webpage on the City Clerk’s page at:
https://stockbridge.seamlessdocs.com/f/20pkdz4mo7xb and the form must include your
name, phone, and email contact information. Comments are limited to (3) three minutes
and will be read by the Clerk during the meeting, respecting all members of the elected
body, officials, and staff. Comments including defamation, unruliness and/or swearing
will not be accepted.

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Bruce Smith, Sr. submitted a comment where he referenced the city’s recent concert and
events without masks and questioned why City Council meetings were being virtual and
not in person with public access.

Mayor Ford noted the Agenda had been amended to address in-person meetings.

Sunny Randazzo submitted a comment asking the Council to address noise mitigation at
the Amphitheater, noted the effects of the noise to residents in the area; and questioned
why City Council meetings were being virtual and not in person with public access.

Mr. Gardiner noted city engineers and architects have been tasked to address the
matter.

Councilwoman Gantt joined the meeting.

CEREMONIAL
3. Proclamation – Child Abuse Awareness Month
Mayor Ford presented a proclamation for National Child Abuse Awareness Month.
Robin Jones of Paint Henry Blue thanked the City of Stockbridge for its commitment and
continued support to the children of Henry County.

4. Proclamation – Medical Laboratory Professionals Week
Mayor Ford presented a proclamation for Medical Laboratory Professionals Week.
Dr. Paul Brown thanked the City of Stockbridge for recognizing the Lab Professionals
and accepted on behalf of the Lab Group at Piedmont Henry Hospital.

PRESENTATION
5. Henry County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau Annual Hotel/Motel Tax
Report for the City of Stockbridge FY2021.
Presented by Laura Luker, Director of Tourism and Joseph Henning, Henry County
Chamber President
Ms. Luker presented the Annual CVB Report for FY2021, noting the CVB is a
Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) that is charged with marketing Henry County
as s destination for tourist to eat, play, meet and stay; reviewed the Mission; noted the
role of the CVB is to promote tourism, conventions and trade shows and that it is all
about advertising and publicity; noted the CVB is charged with looking at what the city
has and how best to market what the city has to offer; noted the CVB is a private non-
profit (by law, a 501 (c) (6) entity and is supported by hotel/motel tax as a Division of the
Chamber with its on Board of Directors and Financials, and is geographic and industry
specific unlike the Chamber which is membership based and is currently promoting the
cities of Stockbridge, Hampton and Locust Grove along with Henry County; noted the
CVB promotes everything that brings tourists to the area such as restaurants, attractions,
accommodations, caterers, special event venues, special events and film sites focusing
on leisure travelers, youth sports teams, business travelers, brides/weddings, family
reunions, corporate meetings, day trippers, and production companies, and does not
promote to residents; noted the City of Stockbridge collects 8% of the Hotel/Motel Tax for
stays per night, and noted in July 2021, Airbnb and Vacation Rentals were added for the
collection of the 8% tax; noted of the 8% collected, 37.5% is unrestricted funds, 43.75%
is restricted and must be used toward tourism and 18.75% is restricted and must be
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used toward tourism and product development; noted the 2021 Stockbridge Hotel/Motel
Tax Collection was $481,868 with 37.5% or $180,700 Non-Restricted, 43.75% or
$210,818 Restricted toward the CVB for Tourism; and 18.75% or $90,350 Restricted
toward Tourism and Product Development for a total of $271,050 to the City; noted the
City of Stockbridge accounted for 25% of the CVB operating budget in 2021 and has 5
hotels and (1) bed & breakfast; referenced the CVB annual budget and expenses;
reviewed CVB advertising for the city of Stockbridge in 2021: • Free city spread (content
& images provided by city) • Use of city colors to color code listings within grids •
Distributed at hotels from Stockbridge to Florida line • Distributed in the after-hours area
at four Georgia Welcome Centers in brochure racks custom made by BarnBeautiful •
Distributed 39,000 guides in 2021 • Increased production and expanded distribution
programs for 2022; noted the Visit Henry Guide has the Stockbridge Lakes Bed &
Breakfast picture on the front cover; noted BarnBeautiful has brochure boxes in
Welcome Centers across the state; referenced the billboard advertising for the city with •
3 permanent locations • 2 additional boards as part of Explore Georgia marketing grant
and is expanding to (7) seven billboards • Four designs rotated; noted Print & Digital
Ads: Ads in Atlanta Style Weddings, Georgia Travel Guide, Southbound Magazine,
Georgia State Parks Guide, Georgia State Parks website, TripAdvisor, Georgia
Sourcebook, AtlantaMagazine.com among others; referenced print ads and stated
visitors are taking time to read the ads; referenced the video advertising featuring the
Martin Luther King, Sr. Heritage Trail and history with 467,830 Stockbridge specific video
ads server via YouTube, Connected TV and Over-the-top TV, more than 382,161
completed views and over 2,000 clicks to the City of Stockbridge page or itinerary; noted
the Digital Display Ads have the Henry History that has 809,796 impressions, over 3200
clicks and noted all ads and links were Stockbridge specific content featuring what is
unique to Stockbridge and features Floyd Chapel Baptist Church; referenced the website
• 114,843 sessions • 178,272 pageviews • 98,480 users • City of Stockbridge landing
page & itinerary received 14,125 pageviews • A Day Well-Spent in Stockbridge, GA
itinerary was the second most visited page • 2:17 minute time on pg.; referenced the
Earned Media and 3.58 million total Impressions, $36,759 Total Est. Value; noted stories
mentioned on Good Day Atlanta which led to an $800 purchase and is an example of
how media can drive spending; noted the Partner Programming which is beneficial for
partners to get to know each other and build great relationships and includes: •
Hospitality Mixers • Conversations Continued • Quarterly Partner Promotions • Monthly
Customer Service Awards • Tourism Marketing Grant; referenced the free Training
Programs where over 120 people have gone through the program; referenced the
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion training Hospitality for All program with speakers who are
experts in the area, with a quiz at the end of the program to make certain the information
is retained; referenced the Social Media stats: • 132,741 Impressions • 90,312 Reach •
7,832 Engagement Followers • 8,077 – Facebook • 2,509 – Instagram • 1,279 – Twitter;
noted New Initiatives: • Custom coloring sheets designed by Henry County artist • Given
out with branded crayons • Coloring sheets include fact about location depicted •
Different activities on the back • Launched with coloring contest; received 83 entries •
Available to download from CVB website • 13,500 sheets distributed at State Visitors
Information Centers, during race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway and at local hotels
and restaurants, noting one of the coloring sheets is Floyd Chapel Baptist Church;
referenced the Bushy Tail Art Trail where artists show off their talents throughout Henry
County with 18 locations and growing, and looking to expand to 30 locations.

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Mr. Henning expanded on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program noting partners
have been flattering with the commentary stating they learned something they did not
know, and that the program is very practical and ties together with cultural customer
service where it goes hand-in-hand; and noted the Henry County Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion program is further along than most and is free for partners to participate.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked Ms. Luker and Mr. Henning for the presentation, noting
she did not fully understand the role of the CVB before, and does now, noting the Board
does an excellent job of promoting businesses.

Councilman Alexander thanked Ms. Luker and Mr. Henning for the presentation, noting
the partnership and asked about the promotion of McDonough, considering they are not
contributing to the program and seems to be heavily promoted.

Ms. Luker noted McDonough has their own internal CVB Program and promotes the city
of McDonough.

Mr. Henning noted the CVB promotes unincorporated Henry County/McDonough, but not
within the city limits of McDonough.

Councilman Alexander asked for the make up of the Chamber and CVB as it relates to
minorities.

Mr. Henning noted of the (7) seven members, four are women, two African American
and a LBGT members

Ms. Luker noted the CVB is part of the (7) members and two are women with one African
American.

Councilman Alexander referenced the city’s Supplier Diversity Policy.

Ms. Luker noted the CVB is required to report to the DCA (Department of Community
Affairs) annually.

Councilman Alexander asked if the business is required to be a member of the Chamber
to receive advertising from the CVB.

Ms. Luker confirmed the does business is not required to be a member of the Chamber.

Councilman Alexander noted he would like to see more advertising featuring the city’s
Amphitheater.

Ms. Luker noted at the time of print, the information was not available from the city, and
is however included in brochures under activities and events.

Councilman Alexander noted the Amphitheater was part of the LCI approved by the city
and is a $23 million-dollar state-of-the-art facility that needs to be promoted and led to
Stockbridge being chosen to construct the STEM school and is key to getting the word
out.
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Ms. Luker noted she is currently working with the Stockbridge Events Team to package
and advertise the upcoming concerts, events, and other promotions.

Councilman Alexander noted the CVB is welcome and invited to set up a table at city
event to promote the city.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas thank Ms. Luker and Mr. Henning for the presentation and
noted the city is converting one of its buildings to a Welcome Center and asked Ms.
Luker to share her thoughts on what she thought would be the impact.

Ms. Luker noted each city is different, noting some municipalities operate remotely.

Councilman Blount thanked Ms. Luker and Mr. Henning for the presented and noted
what he has noticed is the advertising of the city by the CVB has evolved and changed,
noting the city has certain uniqueness and components and it appears those are being
addressed.

Mr. Henning noted the CVB, and Chamber are working together on promoting the cities
and the County.

Councilman Blount asked about the CVB members attending the city’s ribbon cutting
events.

Mr. Henning requested the Clerk to include the CVB and Chamber in on the distribution
of the information, noting the would be happy to attend.

The City Clerk noted the City’s ribbon cuttings are coordinated by the Community
Development Department and Business Services, and she would notify them
accordingly.

Councilman Alexander noted, he certainly sees a difference and an improvement in the
promotion of the city.

PUBLIC HEARING
6. VARIANCE CASE #VR-2022-01 for 727 Bethpage Drive—Nitesh Patel, the applicant
and owner of a residential lot at 727 Bethpage Drive (Parcel ID #051F01220000),
requests a variance to reduce the property’s rear yard setback from the required 75 feet
(for a golf course-abutting lot) to 50 feet to allow for the construction of a new single-
family detached home. The property is located in Land Lot 17 of District 6 within the
Stockbridge City Limits. It comprises Lot 14 of Block W within Unit XI of the Eagle’s
Land Subdivision.
Presented by Brecca Johnson, Community Development Director,
Linda Logan, Senior Planner and Ryan Anderson, Chief Planner
Public Hearing Opened – No Speakers in Favor No Speakers Opposed
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Public Hearing Closed
Motion to approve as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Staff as follows:

APPROVAL WITH CONDITIONS of a variance to reduce the rear yard setback to 65
feet, provided that the following four Zoning Conditions are met:
a. The property shall be developed only in accordance with a revised site plan,
which is similar to the submitted one (which was prepared by Sibley-Miller
Surveying & Planning, Inc. on 10/29/21 as Job No. L2021147, and which was
received on February 7, 2022), which shows that the rear yard setback will be no
greater than 65 feet. Said site plan may be conceptual only and it must meet or
exceed the requirements of the current Zoning Code and these conditions prior
to the approval of a Land Disturbance Permit. If these recommended Zoning
Conditions cause the approved site plan to be substantially different, the
applicant shall be required to complete the concept review procedure prior to
applying for a land disturbance permit. Unless it is otherwise noted herein,
compliance with all conditions shall in in place prior to the issuance of the first
Certificate of Occupancy.

b. The rear yard setback shall be no less than 65 feet, which shall be measured
from the rear yard property line to the nearest point of the proposed home (the
principal structure).

c. The property shall be developed in accordance with all other specifications of the
Eagles Landing Property Owners Association (ELPOA).

d. The property shall be developed in accordance with all other specifications of the
approved plat for the Eagle’s Landing Subdivision, Unit XI. Gantt/Alexander
Passed 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS
7. Council consideration to fill a vacancy and appoint a member of the Downtown
Development Authority Board
Presented by Alan Peterson, Economic Development Director
No Action

8. Council consideration to approve the East Atlanta Road/Lee Street Roadway
Improvements Project Change Order No.1 with Summit Construction Development for
the modification of the traffic signals and the use of the alternate bid pricing for street
print crosswalks in the amount of $292,181.85. The funding source is from SPLOST.
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director and Skip Layton, Falcon Design LLC
Motion to approve - Alexander/Gantt Passed 5-0.

9. Council consideration to grant the Chief of Police the authority to implement and/or
amend police department policies and procedures with review by legal counsel as
appropriate, excluding policies and procedures with a financial impact greater than
$5,000.
Presented by Frank Trammer, Police Chief
Motion to approve - Alexander/Gantt Passed 5-0.

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Motion to amend the Agenda to consider a Resolution regarding the Citizens Advisory
Board and Citizens Review Board – Barber/Alexander Passed 5-0.

Motion to task staff with researching and preparing an application for stakeholders to
apply for the Citizens Review Board and Citizens Advisory Board with a draft of the
criteria to be presented to the Council at the May 2022 Work Session meeting:
Barber/Alexander Passed 5-0.

Motion to amend the Agenda to consider a Resolution for City Insurance:
Barber/Thomas Passed 5-0.

Motion to task staff with seeking a proposal from Georgia Municipal Association for
GIRMA noting the 20% savings on liability insurance to be presented to the Council at
the April 26, 2022, Work Session meeting: Barber/Thomas Passed 3-2 (Blount/Gantt
Opposed)

10. Council Consideration to approve the Wrecker Services Policy for the City of
Stockbridge.
Presented by Frank Trammer, Police Chief
Motion to approve - Alexander/Gantt Passed 4-0-1 (Barber Abstained noting the Henry
County contract expires September 2022).
11. Council consideration to Award Annual Contract for wrecker services to Supreme
Trio LLC (dba Swanson Towing and Recovery) piggybacking off of Henry County's
Contract # HC_21-98.
Presented by Frank Trammer, Police Chief
Motion to approve as an interim contract with staff preparing and advertising to bid the
services with an alternate vendor noting the Henry County contract expires September
2022 - Barber/Gantt Passed 5-0.

12. Council consideration to approve the Public Works Department request to renew the
annual contract (RFP 2020-0026) with Site Engineering, Inc. for on-call water & sewer
emergency & operational repair/maintenance and construction services in the amount of
$255,000.00 as approved in the FY2022 stormwater budget.
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Motion to approve the renewal of the contract in the amount of $159,390.00 Blount/Gantt
failed 2-1-2 (Alexander Opposed, Barber and Thomas Abstained). Councilwoman Barber
noted she abstained because she was expecting more information from staff prior to the
contract expiring).

Motion to reconsider: Alexander/Blount Passed 3-1-1 (Thomas Opposed, Barber
Abstained).

Motion to approve a one-year contract renewal for Site Engineering On-Call services in
the amount of $159,390.00: Alexander/Blount Passed 3-0-2 (Barber/Thomas Abstained).
Councilwoman Barber noted she abstained because she was expecting staff to provide
more information to the Council prior to the contract expiring on tomorrow and it did not.

13. Council consideration to approve a Resolution to resume in-person Council meetings
effective April 26, 2022 contingent upon the science and CDC guidelines.
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Presented by Quinton Washington, City Attorney
Motion to approve – Alexander/Blount Passed 4-0-1 (Thomas abstained).
COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford noted the Council passed a Resolution to resume in-person meetings; noted
we are still in a pandemic with COVID hospitalization numbers down, an masks optional;
noted free PCR COVID testing is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am –
3pm at Red Hawk Field in McDonough, and the Department of Public Health is
administering the Moderma and Pfizer vaccinations and free COVID testing from 9am –
11:30am and 1pm – 2:30pm to walk-in’s or call 470-661-0005 for an appointment on
Henry Parkway in McDonough,

UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Meetings will be held via Zoom unless
otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please visit the city’s
website www.cityofstockbridge.com for the meeting invitation link, Facebook page or
contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates.
➢ Youth Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m. - 2nd Wednesday of each month Levi Meeting
Room - City Hall (April 13)
➢ Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd Friday of each month 9:00 a.m. Via Zoom
REVISED APRIL MEETING DATE (April 15) CANCELED
➢ Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Via Zoom - 3rd Tuesday of
each month Via Zoom (Apr 19)
➢ Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - 3rd Tuesday of each month
Patrick Henry Meeting Room - City Hall (April 19)
➢ City Council Work Session Meeting, Last Tuesday of each month – Via Zoom
(Apr 26)
➢ Planning Commission Meeting, 4th Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom – (Apr 28)
➢ City Council Meeting, Second Monday of each month – Via Zoom (May 9)
UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES
• A Continuous Salute to Veterans: Please forward pictures of Veterans including
name, branch, rank, and years of service as Mayor Pro Tem Thomas presents a
special tribute to our local veterans. Pictures should be submitted to:
zpearson@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov Thank you for your service!

• Join Stockbridge Councilwoman Yolanda Barber for some Easter family fun on
Saturday, April 16th at Stockbridge First United Methodist Church from 4pm to
6pm and Sunday, April 17th at Mt. Olive Baptist Church immediately following
Easter services from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm! All free! Free ice cream! Free face
painting! DON'T MISS IT!

• Job Fair, Thursday, April 21, 2022 – 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater
parking lot. City-wide job fair with Goodwill and Omega Fraternity and Delta
Sorority and will include an Ex-Offenders Job Fair. There will be on-site resume
assistance and immediate hirings.

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• Here is your opportunity to Meet the Mayor, and voice your questions and/or
concerns Monday, April 25, 2022, from 10 a.m. to noon. Call Zenovia Pearson to
schedule an appointment. 770-389-7900 ext. 248.

ADJOURN:

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