---
date: 2024-05-28
title: Work Session Minutes
source: 2024-05/2024-05-28_Work Session_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council
Mayor Anthony S. Ford At-Large
Mayor Pro Tem Kyle Berry – Council District 3
Councilmember Elton Alexander – Council District 5
Councilmember Yolanda Barber – Council District 4
Councilmember LaKeisha Gantt – Council District 1
Councilmember Alphonso Thomas – Council District 2
Administration
Frederick Gardiner – City Manager
Vanessa Holiday – City Clerk
Cassandra Lester – Deputy City Clerk
Vacant – City Treasurer
Quinton Washington – City 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.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford at 6:00 p.m.
Invocation by Mr. Dominic Heritage

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

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

Motion to adopt the Agenda was made by Councilmember Barber; seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.
1. Review of the May 13, 2024 Minutes – No Action Taken.

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PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.

NEW BUSINESS
2. Council review and consideration of the TAD (Tax Allocation District)
Downtown Renderings.
Presented by: Frederick Gardiner, City Manager
Mr. Gardiner noted the request from Henry County Chair Harrell to
present the TAD Downtown rendering to the Henry County Board of
Commissioners and to the Henry County Board of Education as
approved by the City Council; noting staff has worked with an
architectural firm to produce the attached renderings noting the first
rendering references the three (3) acres across from City Hall at the
intersection of East Atlanta Rd. and N. Henry Blvd. with a multi-story
mixed-use building, and travelling along East Atlanta Rd. is a
secondary building proposed to be an additional 3-4 story mixed-used
residential building and just north of that building there is a proposed
parking deck.

Mr. Gardiner referenced the next rendering with an overall plan for
adaptive re-use of city-owned properties, noting in the plan and
referenced the legend which identifies each item included in the
rendering, noting the rendering includes three (3) parking decks, which
if the TAD is approved, the parking decks would be some of the areas
the city would fund; noted some of the basic numbers that will be
presented to the City Council prior to presenting the finalized TAD to
Henry County, noting the numbers are being finalized with the city’s
Financial Advisor, and gave an estimate of approximately $30 million
dollars in infrastructure investments that are a part of an approximate
$170 - $225 million dollars project.

Mr. Gardiner referenced the third rendering of Burke Street, noting the
view directly behind the Economic Development office, and the
courtyard, looking towards N. Henry Blvd. and are in line with the city’s
RSVP Plan, with streetscape and scale and a 2-story mixed-use
development with an opportunity to bring more people into the
downtown and expand on commercial use.

Mr. Gardiner noted this is the proposed plan that is scheduled to be
presented to the Henry County Board of Commissioners and Henry
County Board of Education to get approval to move forward, noting the
URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) will need to meet, noting there
is a strong offer/proposal that has been received to develop the TAD
that was being reviewed last week that is being refined, and will submit
to the Mayor & Council once the new documents have been received,
noting there is strong interest in making this project and others happen.

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Mayor Ford asked for the dates when the city plans to present to the
Henry County Commissioners and the Henry County Board of
Education.

Mr. Gardiner stated that once the Council approves the TAD
presentation that is to be presented to the Board of Commissioners
and School Board, he will then meet with the Henry County Manager
to get on their schedule, and then advise the Mayor & Council of the
presentation dates, noting Ms. Matthews has seen a draft copy and
was impressed with the renderings.

Councilmember Alexander asked that the renderings be displayed for
the public to view.

Councilmember Barber noted her support of redevelopment of
downtown, and asked if there have been any town halls and/or
community meetings scheduled to include question/answer sessions
for the residents and business owners to ask about the TAD as they
are the ones who will be affected; and noted the TAD is in District 4
that she represents and needs to be informed to be able to convey
information to the residents and business owners in the area who will
be greatly affected, and encourages members of Council to keep the
residents in the forefront of your mind as decisions are being made
that will impact the current residents and businesses in the area 100%;
and noted her vote will be based on the best interest of the residents,
and not her own interest.

Mr. Gardiner responded that the meetings would be opened up for
public engagement.

Councilmember Alexander noted the plan was very high level and the
details will be filled in as the project progresses and shares the
sentiments of Councilmember Barber.

Mr. Gardiner noted the Amphitheater parking deck would be located
on a portion of the parking lot which already has an impervious surface.

Councilmember Barber asked about the impact on the residents on
Bryant Street.

Mr. Gardiner referenced the legend that identified current structures
and structures to be built over time.

Councilmember Thomas stated that he wants to make sure the full
Council is in agreement with and understands strategically in unison;
noting there have been previous projects approved and completed by
the city, that in hindsight, the Council should have had more input, and
wants to make sure that the full Council is okay with the TAD
development that is being proposed; and noted that while each
member represents a specific district of the city, each and every
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member of the City Council represents the entire city, and posed the
question to Mr. Gardiner, what is his ask of the Council today?

Mr. Gardiner noted his request is for Council approval to present the
TAD to the Henry County Board of Commissioners and Henry County
Board of Education as presented today.

Mayor Pro Tem Berry stated this is the initial bound that is bound to
change.

Mr. Gardiner noted that the plan presented today is a draft, however,
other than some architectural changes, the plan presented today is the
plan, noting other changes will be controlled through the development
agreement.

Councilmember Alexander referenced a prior vote by the Stockbridge
City Council to approve the LCI Plan B, which was approved by the
ARC (Atlanta Regional Commission) whereas the city was able to
receive grants and assistance with the STWP/CIE (Short-Term Work
Program/Capital Improvements Element), and also referenced the
rendering in the Clerk’s office.

Councilmember Thomas referenced the legend with 3-4 stories of
retail and residential that would feel the vibrations from the railroad and
the blasting at the nearby quarry and has concerns about the
foundation.

Mr. Gardiner noted that once the development agreement has been
consummated, they will perform environmental testing, noting
buildings are now constructed to withstand earthquakes.

Councilmember Barber asked if any of the proposed development
includes properties owned by the City, and questioned a number of the
buildings proposed use, and the associated legend not being readable
to identify the proposed use.

Mr. Gardiner confirmed that there are city-owned properties included
in the proposed TAD development.

Mayor Ford asked if the development agreement will be similar to the
way the Bridges of Jodeco development agreement was managed.

Mr. Gardiner confirmed that the TAD development agreement would
be managed in the same way as the Bridges of Jodeco development
agreement, and noted the city cannot keep doing the same thing and
get different results.

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The City Council directed staff to schedule town halls over the next few
weeks to allow for the public to attend with question/answer sessions,
and to distribute new and more defined renderings and legend of the
proposed TAD development taking into consideration comments,
questions and concerns received from the Governing Body.

3. Council consideration to approve an Ordinance to increase the number
of members on the Citywide Development Authority Board from seven
(7) members to nine (9) members.
Presented by: Quinton Washington, City Attorney
Attorney Washington noted the state code for Development Authority
requires a minimum of (7) seven members and a maximum of (9)
members on the Development Authority Board and that an Ordinance
would be in order to increase the number of members.

Councilmember Alexander noted he was contacted by the Citywide
Development Authority Chair who agrees with increasing the number
of members from seven to nine.

Councilmember Barber asked what the reason was for increasing the
number of members on the board and asked if there was any other
board with members greater than nine.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday, responded that the Stockbridge Youth
Council Advisory Committee has a 12-member committee.

Councilmember Alexander noted there were explementary applicants
who had applied for the Board and did not want to exclude appointing
any of the applicants.

Motion to approve expanding the Citywide Development Authority
Board from (7) members to (9) members was made by Councilmember
Alexander; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed
unanimously 4-0.

4. Council consideration and approval of a contract with DeNyse
Companies, Inc. for $1,960,371 for RFQ (Request for Qualifications)
No. RFQ 2023-0012, Civic Wayfinding Project.
Presented by: Frederick Gardiner, City Manager and Dominic Heritage
of Sky Design.
Mr. Gardiner noted this request is for Council to approve the fabricator for
the Wayfinding signs throughout the city, noting the bid went through the
RFQ process to select the vendor, and asked the vendor to find other cost
savings beyond the $1.960,371 price tag, with the project being
implemented in phases, noting $576,000+ was budgeted using ARPA
funds that will fund Phase I and Phase II, and get the project started, and
that while those phases are being implemented, that will allow time to get
the permitting done for Phase III that requires approval from GDOT (GA
Department of Transportation), and that more information will come
forward at the next meeting to request funding from the upcoming
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SPLOST VI based on higher numbers that should be received per Tim
Young, City Manager for Locust Grove.

Mayor Ford asked for confirmation that the Wayfinding signs will include
the newly annexed areas.

Mr. Gardiner confirmed the newly annexed areas were included in the
scope.

Mr. Heritage noted Sky Design completed the RFP process has been
working on the project for over a year, stating the purpose today is to get
the approval of the budgetary numbers, noting the request was made to
them by staff to present cost savings measures such as real brick vs. faux
brick, along with other savings. to include cost savings and presented
proposed renderings of the signage to be fabricated and installed
throughout the city and noted two options: Option 1 – Brick, Option 2 –
Faux Brick, Option 3 – Aluminum, noting the city can always add more
signage over the years.

Mayor Ford noted the importance of using the best material that will hold
up to the elements.

Mr. Heritage noted aluminum that is painted and coated metal will hold up
and is the strongest, and noted solid brick is not allowed per GDOT
Regulations because of collisions that may occur, the object must be able
to give with break away.

Councilmember Alexander noted his preference for the best quality and
not the cheapest, and understands the GDOT Regulations and safety
concerns, however, favors the brick theme similar to the brick at City Hall
and the Amphitheater.

Councilmember Barber stated that she does not object to brick, and is not
opposed to aluminum, noting all of the signage won’t be near city hall;
however, her concern is maintenance, and the associated costs with the
maintenance.

Mr. Heritage noted Sky Design would not compromise the integrity of
signage and the fabricator, who has worked with them on several projects,
would make the finished product look like brick with cost savings of at
least $150,000.00.

Mayor Pro Tem Berry asked how the faux brick would hold up against the
wind, sun and traffic, and the removal of graffiti.

Mr. Heritage noted the faux brick product is very durable, and there is
protection that can be added; and noted moisture can degrade brick over
time, and noted no plans can be made until the city is under contract, and
the request today is to approve the vendor and budget with the requested
cost savings.
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Councilmember Barber suggested the city move forward with Option 3 –
Aluminum, as has been recommended by staff at $1.9 million dollars are
prefers to stay within the staff recommended budget.

Councilmember Alexander noted the city has worked on Wayfinding for a
number of years and prefers a quality project and asked the Council to
consider approving a budget number not to exceed $2,325,000.00.

Motion to approve Option B with half brick and half faux brick not to
exceed $2.15 million and the Initial Phase I of $500,000 or less was made
by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The
motion passed 4-1 (Alexander, Berry, Thomas Approved) (Barber
Opposed, citing the importance of remaining within budget, and needing to
review the ARPA account balance, and not having an account for funding
designated).

UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council meetings will be held in the
City Council Chamber. Meeting dates, locations and times are subject to change or
contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 or visit the website www.stockbridgega.org for
updates.

• Stockbridge Citizens-Police Advisory Council meeting 1st Thursday of each
month at 6:00 p.m. at the Stockbridge Police Community Room 4545 N. Henry
Blvd. (Jun 6)
• City Council Meeting, 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. - City Hall Council
Chamber (Jun 10)
• Youth Council Meeting 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. - City Hall Levi
Meeting Room (No meeting in June due to summer break)
• Citywide Development Authority Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00 p.m.-
City Hall Levi Meeting Room (Jun 11)
• The Main Street Advisory Board Meeting 2nd Friday of each month at 9am –
Location is the Downtown Connection Center 130 M L King Sr. Heritage Trail.
(Jun 14)
• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month Welcome
Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (Jun 18)
• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.-3rd Tuesday of each
month Levi Meeting Room - City Hall (Jun 18)
• Planning Commission Meeting,3rd Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. - City Hall
Council Chamber - (Jun 20)
• City Council Work Session Meeting, SPECIAL MEETING DATE, Wednesday,
June 26th at 6:00 p.m. - City Hall Council Chamber (Jun 26)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES
• Food Truck Tast Tuesday is back! Join us at Clark Community Park at 111
Davis Rd. Stockbridge on Tuesdays from 5:30pm – 8:00 pm for live music,
great food, and a host of free games and activities for the kids.
• Join Councilwoman Yolanda Barber for the Inaugural Father’s Day Brunch
honoring the MANifestation of Greatness! This event will take place on Sunday,
June 2nd from 2pm – 5pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center.
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• Join Councilman Alphonso Thomas for the monthly Senior Bingo Bash on
Wednesday, June 12th from 10am - 12pm at the Merle Manders Conference
Center, 111 Davis Rd. for raffles, prizes, games, snacks and fun!
• Please mark your calendars for the Main Street Movie Night at Clark Park,
Friday, June 14th with FREE games and activities starting at 6pm and the
featured movie: MIGRATION and begin at sunset.
• Join Councilman Elton Alexander for a District 5 Town Hall Meeting on
Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Argento at Bridges of Jodeco, 300 Argento Dr.
McDonough, Ga 30253.
• Join the City of Stockbridge for the Juneteenth Celebration with Cultural Dance
& Music on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at the Stockbridge Amphitheater. The
gates open at 3pm with the concert from 5pm – 9pm.
• Join Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt in partnership with Atlanta Food Truck
Park for Night Market at the Stockbridge Amphitheater Parking Lot from 6pm –
9:30pm on Wednesday, June 19th in partnership with the Juneteenth
celebration. There will be 40+ vendors, Food Trucks, Activities, Games, Music,
and Vibes. Contact Tan Bowers at tan@atlantafoodtruckpark.com for
registration and additional information.
• Join Mayor Anthony Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Wednesday, June
26th from 10am – noon at Stockbridge City Hall.
• SAVE THE DATE for the City of Stockbridge FREE 4th of July Extravaganza
with fireworks and live music. Gates will open at 3pm. The concert will feature
Soul Cartel, Algebra Blessett, Bobby V and the Michael Jackson Live Tribute
and will take place from 5pm – 9pm at the Stockbridge Amphitheater.
• Save the dates! Councilwoman Yolanda Barber is again partnering with
Kicks4Kids to collect shoes on Saturday, July 6th, and July 7th at Stockbridge
First United Methodist Church. Please plan to donate what you can to this life
changing initiative.
• Join Councilman Thomas for the Don’t Trash Stockbridge initiative
centered around education highlighting the causes and effects of Littering
and Illegal Dumping. More information to follow.
• Councilman Thomas is honoring Veterans with a Continuous Salute all year
long. Please send your pictures of Veterans with their name, branch, rank, and
years of service.

Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an appointment for Meet the Mayor
and for more information on Council Initiatives and events at 678-833-3348 or via
email: rrawls@stockbridgega.org

2024 STOCKBRIDGE AMPHITHEATER CONCERT SERIES
• Saturday, June 8th – TLC Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the
“CrazySexyCool” Album, with Special Guest Brownstone and Goody Mob
• Saturday, July 6th – Karen Briggs Contempo Orchestra featuring Phil Perry,
Oleta Adams, Regina Belle, Chieli Minucci, Jazmin Ghent, Brian Bromberg,
and Tommy Davidson
• Sunday, July 7th – End of the 4th of July Weekend featuring Charlie Wilson and
Robin Thicke

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• Saturday, July 13th and Sunday, July 14th – A Night with Kem, and Special
Guest Leela James
• Saturday, July 20th – Ladies Night Out featuring Jodeci, Johnny Gill, and Silk
• Saturday, July 27th – 70’s Soul Jam featuring the Chi-Lites, the Manhattans,
The Legendary Blue Notes, Bloodstone and Peaches & Herb

MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Ford referred to a great Memorial Day ceremony honoring those who made the
ultimate sacrifice, noting the annual March to Memorial Park was canceled due to the
weather, and the event moved indoors at the Merle Manders Conference Center; and
referenced a great concert featuring Zapp at the Amphitheater over the weekend.
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m. was made by Councilmember Alexander;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.
Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Anthony S. Ford, Mayor

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