---
date: 2025-07-29
title: 07-29-2025 Minutes
source: 2025-07/2025-07-29_07-29-2025 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

StOCkbridge
When Community Connect:

COUNClL WORK SESSEON MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES

July 29, 2025 6:00 PM.

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Ms. Marion Calhoun expressed concerns about the FY2024 $32 million dollar budget
amendment; questioned transparency of the FY2025 budget and formatting changes,
relating to ARPA and SPLOST accounts; and looks forward to participating
in the FY2026 Budget process.

Ms. Anika Potts, Main Street Advisory Board Member, requested funding for the
Alleyway Project, noting the request was initially made in 2019, along with making
improvements to elevate the city's downtown district.

Mr. Willie Hopkins, Main Street Advisory Board Chair, noted the Board is committed to
promoting entrepreneurship downtown, and promotes successful initiatives. such as the
Tiny Tent events, and appreciates the ongoing support; and requested approval of
the Alleyway Project.

Motion to amend the Agenda to add the Main Street Advisory Board Discussion of the
Alleyway Project was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Councilmember Berry. The motion passed unanimously 4-0

REVIEW OF THE MINUTES
1. Review of the July 15, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes
No Action Taken

DISCUSSION
Main Street Advisory Board Alleyway Project
Presented by: Willie Hopkins, MSAB Chair and Gerald Sanders, Economic
Development Director and Lisa Fareed, Main Street/Downtown Manager
Mr. Hopkins noted there are vital needs in the downtown district to include
updates to the Open Container Ordinance, adding a Private Event
Policy, and Reinforcing the Arts. Mr. Hopkins noted the Main Street
Advisory Board is genuinely exciting and committed and is the hardest
working Board in the city.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt noted the City Council supports the development of
the downtown. district and had an understanding that the Alleyway Project
had been approved and funded. noting the prior Main Street Manager
placed a had on the project noting there were some items that needed to
be resolved.

Mr. Sanders thanked the City Council for their support of the Board and
asked for of the funding source to complete the Alleyway
Project.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt recommended the City Council hold a joint meeting
with Main Street.

Councilmember Alexander stated the project needs to advance noting the
funds are available in SPLOST V and SPLOST VI, asking the City
Treasurer to confirm.

Mr. Milazi stated he would review the accounts and respond accordingly.

2 l P a g e
Mr. Edmondson, the future City Manager, stated that under his
administration no project will be presented to the Council without a clear
understanding of the funding source.

Ms. Fareed thanked the Main Street Advisory Board for their commitment
to the Alleyway Project that was introduced in 2019, with an approved
Resolution in 2020; noting she had been advised by the former City
Manager that the funding for the project was no longer available.
Ms. Fareed noted the Alleyway Project has been included in the Main
Street Action Plan, and has been advised that the City Council ranked
downtown development as the #3 priority project at the Winter Retreat;
however there remains no funding source for the project; noted
there has been increased activity in the downtown district, and the City
Council needs to re-evaluate the codes and ordinances, and noted there
are concerns from business owners regarding the lack of enforcement of

laws currently on the books, and parking issues.

Mayor Pro Tern Gantt noted that downtown parking is a premium
everywhere and referenced downtown Griffin having the same issue.

Councilmember Barber noted her support of the Alleyway Project, and that
the Downtown District is in District 4, and asked that any and all issues
and or concerns be brought to her attention as the District Representative,
and she will discuss with city staff and the City Manager; and asked that
the Shipping Container Initiative for the downtown be reconsidered to
increase foot in the downtown area, especially during the concert
seasons; and requested all city boards be included in the Council Retreats
so that the boards are not working in silos, and where everyone is on the
same page to review the priorities of the city.

Mr. Edmondson stated he needs to review the Comprehensive Plan
and Master Plan to plan for strategic and smart growth.

Councilmember Berry offered his full support to Mr. Edmondson and his
requests.

Councilmember Alexander stated the City Council ranked the priorities.
and that staff needs to execute the plan; and noted that over 700 parking
spaces are available in the downtown area, and similar to other venues in
the downtown, there may be walking involved; noted a trade-off
agreement with Norfolk Southern and expressed of the city's approved
RSVP Plan.

Mr. Hopkins noted his membership on the Main Street Advisory Boaro for
5 1/2 years and recommended the City Council appoint Councilmember
Barber as the Board Liaison.

Councilmember Barber stated she accepts the recommendation made by
Mr. I-iopkins.
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PRESENTATION
2. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 2ND QUARTER 2025 -
Includes: Reports
from Finance. Clerk's Office, Governing Body Administration, Information
Technology, Human Resources, Public Works, Community Development,
Economic Development, Events, Municipal Court, Police Department.
Citywide Development Authority and Youth Council.
Mayor Ford gave an overview of (he Department and Board/Committee
Reports, noting the department reports are available online.

3. Economic Development Presentation SSD (Special Services District)
Presented by: Geraid Sanders, Economic Development Director, and
John Ernst of Ernst Legal Group.
Mr. Sanders noted the SSD was approved by Ordinance in October 2024
and introduced Mr. John Emst to proceed with the presentation.

Mr. Ernst noted he worked with the previous City Manager to create the
SSD, a new funding tool for the city, noting grants are becoming harder to
obtain, and this tool will become a funding mechanism for the city.

Mr. Ernst referenced the CID (Community Improvement District) that was
also proposed to the city, noting the CID is controlled by the business
owners, not the city. and the City Council would need to decide which
would be the priority project, noting the SSD can be done in layers, unlike
a CID, and with the SSD the city chooses the properties, and does not
recommend a CID and SSD at the same time, noting there are two
different services.

Mayor Ford stated the city would not want to overtax business owners.

Councilmember Barber asked Mr. Edmondson if he has had an
opportunity to review the SSD.

Mr. Edmondson that he has reviewed the SSD, and
recommends approval, noting the SSD was approved by the City Council
in October, however, the map needs to be approved to complete the

OLD BUSINESS
4. Council Consideration to approve the SSD (Special Services District) map.
P'esented by: Gerald Sanders, Economic Development Director
Motion to approve was made oy Counciimember Barber; seconded by
Mayor Pro Tern Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

NEW BUSINESS
5. Council Consideration to titl a vacancy and appoint a member to the Main
Street Advisory Board and fill the remainder of the term.
Presented by: Megan McCulicch, Associate Attorney
Associate attorney noted the Main Street Advisory Board has received an
application from Mr. Jaylan Holman to a vacancy on the Board; and

noted the background was one application, and the Board and

Economic Development Staff recommend approval.
Motion to appoint Jaylan Holman to fill an unexpired term on the Main
Street Advisory Board through December 31, 2027 was made by
Councilmember Alexander; seconded by Councilmember Berry. The
motion passed unanimously 4-0.

TEXT AMENDMENT CASE #TX-2025-01 (Council District 4. FIRST
READING
Council consideration of a text amendment to amend Title 12
Development Code). Section 2.5.3 (e) and Section 2.5.3 (f) of the City of
Stockbridge Code of Ordinances relating to the Downtown Village (DT)
Cveriay District, so as to add certain uses to the list of "Special Uses"
requiring a Special Use Permit, and to remove certain uses from the list of
prohibited uses to allow them to now be permitted uses, provided that
certain requirements are met; to provide for severability; to repeal
conflicting ordinances; to provide an effective date; and for other
purposes.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson, Community Development Director
Councilmember Alexander asked what prompted the Text Amendment.

Mr. Anderson stated that the amendment would be needed in order to
facilitate the proposed 3-acre project across from City Hall and is being
brought forward by Community Development.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt exited the meeting at 7:24 pm.

Mr. Anderson noted the United Development Code (UDC) was
approved in March 2022, and this request is the 5m Text Amendment
during his tenure, and noted the PMU was recently amended to allow for
certain uses with a Special Use Permit to give the Council more discretion
of developments that come to the city.

Mr. Anderson presented the Map. and the Purpose of the Downtown
Village Overlay District, along with the regulations; noting there are current
conflicts that need to be addressed with this text amendment.

Mr. Anderson presented the Permitted Uses, Special Uses, and
Temporary Uses in the Downtown Overlay District; and presented the
Pronibited Uses in the Downtown Overlay District.

Mr. Anderson presented the Proposed Changes in the Text Amendment
noting the proposes changes would add certain uses to the list of "Special
Uses" requiring a Special Use Pennit; and removing certain uses from the
list of Prohibited Uses and allow them to now be Permitted Uses, provided
that certain requirements are met.

Mr. Anderson reviewed the reason for the Proposed Changes are due to
interested businesses locating in the Downtown Overlay District, but are
not currently ailowed, and the proposed action is to remove and replace
Section 2.5.3(E) and Section 2.5.3(F).

SlPage
Councilmember Barber noted she does not support Staff Administrative
Approval and requested (h) to be removed.

Mr. Anderson

Councilmember Alexander stated that all the current distance

requirement prohibitions need to remain in place, and recommended the
city update the Sign Ordinance using the Amphitheater signage as a
template.

Mr. Anderson confirmed, and noted an RFP was being prepared for a
UDC Update, not a full re-write, and would work on the Sign Ordinance as
welt; and noted the City Council will vote on this Text Amendment
following the Second Reading at the August 11, 2025 meeting.

TEXT AMENDMENT CASE #TX-2025-02. (Citywide) FIRST READING
Council consideration of a text amendment for Personal Care Homes to
replace Sections 3.2.28 and 3.2.29 in Chapter 3 of the Stockbridge
Development Code to create a new section to combine, revise, and
augment the provisions, standards, licensing, regulations, and oversight
for Personal Care Homes; to amend Chapter 9.70 within Title 9 of the
Stockbridge Code of Ordinances to acid a new section which allows for the
provisicns, standards. licensing, regulation, and oversight of Personal
Care Homes (as are distinguished from day care centers, family day care
centers, and group day care homes) within the City of Stockbridge; to
establish supplemental use standards for Personal Care Homes for one to
six unrelated adults; to identify zoning districts where such uses are
permitted by Special Use Permit; to establish compliance, operational. and
development standards; to amend the Home Occupation section; and for
other purposes. Currently, the City of Stockbridge has no mechanism for
licensing and regulating Personal Care Homes.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson. Community Development Director
Mr. Anderson noted the Business License Department is governed by two
documents: The Development Code and the Code of Ordinances,
and that there is currently with regard to Personal Care Homes
whereas the UDC allows; however, the Code of Ordinances does not
allow the Business License Department to issue the Business License.

Mr. Anderson noted the Text Amendment request is to amend the Code of
Ordinances to establish Supplemental Use Standards for Personal Care
Homes for one to six adults; to identify Zoning Districts wnere such uses
arepermitted by Special Use Permit; and to establish Compliance.
Operational, and Development Standards; and for other purposes; and
asked the City Councii to approve the request to remove the

Councilmember Alexander noted his support of the neWIy opened
business A New Well located on Rock Quarry Rd., noting the business is
a stand-alone facility, and is not located in a residential area.

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Mr. Anderson reviewed the Regulations for Personal Care Homes, and
noted the city's Code needs to be corrected; and stated that per State law,
the last adopted code, the UDC that was adopted in 2022 prevails; and
also stated that a Special Use Permit would still be required and aoproved
by the City Council.

Councilmember Barber offered her support of the request and asked if
there was a distance requirement.

Mr. Anderson stated the Distance Requirement will be recommended at
4,500 feet; and noted the State Law has stringent requirements, and the
City will also require cameras for security. and that the location be on

a minimum of one acre.

Councilmember Berry asked about the in the Code.

Mr. Anderson attributed the difference to Error, an oversight
when the UDC was updated in 2022.

Councilmember Alexander questioned placing a commercial business
within a residential neighborhood.

Mr. Anderson noted daycare centers are allowed in subdivisions; however,
Personal Care Homes must be single-family detached homes that are not
located in a subdivision and reiterated that the request will still require a
Special Use Permit approved by the City Council.

Councilmember Barber noted District 4 received the largest number of
new residents when the city annexed more than 6,000 residents, and that
the applicant purchased the home prior to the annexation when the
property was located in unincorporated Henry County and has been
waiting for the City to bring the matter to the City Council for more than a
yeah

Mr. Anderson noted this request is the First Reading, and that the item wiil
be presented to the City Council for the Secona Reading during the
August meeting for a vote.

CITY OF STOCKBREDGE SHORT-TERM WORK l CAPITAL
lMPROVEMENT ELEMENT (ST'NPICIE) FCR 2026-2030. (Citywide)
Council Consideration to authorize Mayor Ford's signature on a letter to
transmit the City of Stockbridge 2026-2030 STWP/CIE (Short-Term Work
Program/Capital improvement Element) to the Atlanta Regicnal
Commission (ARC).
Presented by: Ryan Anderson, Community Development Director
Mr. Anders r. noted the Short-Term Work Program/Canital Improvement
Element (STWP/ClE) for 2026-2630 is the city's Wish List of projects of

approximately $89 million dollars, and includes proposed funding sources,
and completed projects. Mr. Anderson noted the step each year is to

7|Page
submit an updated Transmittal Letter to the DCA (Department of

[community Affairs) signed by the Mayor and Resolution. The DCA will
provide feedback, and staff will adjust/amend the report based on
recommendations from the DCA and submit the updated report to the City
Council for approval.

Councilmember Alexander referenced the $10 million dollars allocated for
the Community Center, and noted the project was ranked #1 on the

priority list of projects by the City Council during the Retreat earlier this
year.

Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Alexander, seconded by
Councilmember Berry. The motion passed unanimously 3-0.

9. Council consideration for approving a forfeited vehicle to be added to the
Police Department fleet in order to enhance police operations.
Presented by: Richard Godfrey, Assistant Police Chief
Asst. Chief Godfrey noted the city's Police Department is in receipt of a forfeited
vehicle and is requesting to add the vehicle to the for covert operations.

Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Barber; seconded by
Councilmember Berry. The motion passed unanimously 3-0.

10.Council consideration to approve an emergency procurement exception
increasing the Stockbridge Police Department's FY2025 spending
authority with Legacy Ford to an amount not to exceed $95,000. This
authorization is necessary to cover $22,955.69 in outstanding invoices
and $21,000 in projected vehicle maintenance costs over the next 60 days
while a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) is finalized.
Presented by: Frank Trammer, Police Chief
Chief Trammer noted the Procurement Code Motion caps at $50,000
and the Police Department maintenance averages approximately
$10,500 per month utilizing Legacy Ford for repairs and maintenance; and
noted the Police Department and Public Works Department is working
with Procurement to create a citywide RFP for Fleet Services.

Councilmember Berry noted the approval would extend the services for 60

days.

Mr. Milazi noted the city's Public Works Department is working on bringing
Fleet Services En-house, citywide, noting the full operations may not be in
full effect until mid-year 2026.

Motion to approve a 60-day extension for fleet maintenance services. and
to prepare a citywide Fleet Maintenance RFP was made by
Councilmember Berry; seconded by Councilmember Barber. The motion

passed unanimously 3-0.
8 I P a g e
Youth Council Meeting, Monday, August 4th at 6:30 pm. City Hall Levi Room
Citizens Police Advisory Council Meetings are held on the first Thursday of
each month in the Stockbridge PD Community Room at 6:30 pm. (Aug 7)
Main Street Advisory Board Meetings are held on the second Friday of each
month at the Downtown Connection Center 130 M L King Sr. Heritage Trail at
9:00 am. (Aug 8)
The Millage Rate Public Hearing previously set for Monday, August 4th has
been rescheduled for Monday, August 11th at 10:00 am. and the Second Millage
Rate Public Hearing will also take place on August 4th at 6:30 City Hall
Council Chamber (Aug 11)
The City Council Meeting held on the second Monday of each month will
convene at a special time of 7:00 pm. following the Millage Rate Public Hearing

City Hall Council Chamber (Aug 11)
Citywide Development Authority Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of
each month (unless otherwise noted) in the Levi Room at 6:00 pm. (Aug 12)
Community Zoning Information Meeting Wednesday, August 13th in the City
Hall Council Chamber at 6:00 pm. (Aug 13)
The Third and Final Millage Rate Public Hearing and Adoption has been
rescheduled and will take place on Monday, August 18th at 10:00 am. City Hall
Council Chamber (Aug 18)
Downtown Development Authority Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of
each month at the Downtown Connection Center 130 M L King Sr. Heritage Trail
at 6:00 pm. (Aug 19)
Youth Council Advisory Committee Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of
each month City Hall Levi Room at 6:30 pm. (Aug 19)
Planning Commission Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month
at City Hall in the Council Chamber at 6:30 pm. (Aug 21)

City Council Work Session Meeting is held on the Last Tuesday of each month
at City Hall in the Council Chamber (Aug 26)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES
Join Main Street for the Tiny Tent Concert Series Fridays from 6pm to 8pm at the
Stockbridge Connection Center. 130 M L King Sr. Heritage Trail. Bring your lawn
chairs. (Weather Permitting)
Join Mayor Pro Tem Gantt for FREE Line Dance Class on Wednesday, July 30th
from 6pm 8pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center. Bring your own fan!
Join Councilman Thomas & Councilman Berry in partnership for the monthly
Bingo Bash or. Wednesday, August 20th from 10am noon at the Merle
Manders Conference Center. Lots of fun to be had by all.
Join Mayor Anthony Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor Monday, August 25th

from 10am noon at City Hall. Meetings are by appointment.

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. The Economic Development Department host a FREE Business Health Clinic on
the 2nd Thursday of every month from 9am 12pm at the Stockbridge
Connection Center 130 M L King Sr. Heritage Trail. Check the Health of Your
Business with the FREE Clinic.
. 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.
. Join Councilman Thomas for the Trash Stockbridge initiative centered
around education, highlighting the causes and effects of Littering and Illegal
Dumping. More information to follow.
Sign Up for alerts about severe weather, road closures and
emergencies on the RegroupAop. Visit the website or social media pages
for more information on how and where to sign up. Stay Safe!
Municipal Election Qualifying takes place Monday August 18 Friday August 22
from 8:30am to 4:30pm (closed from More inforrrration is available on the
City Clerk's Department page on the website at W

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

2025 CONCERT SEASON SCHEDULE
Saturday, August 16 Stockbridge Jazz Festival hosted by Tommy Davidson,
featuring David Benoit, Jazz Funk Soul, EFX Allstars, Chandra Currelley, Sonny
Emory, Norman Brown, Jennifer Holiiday, Karen Briggs, Eric Darius, and Keiko
Matsui
- Saturday, August 30th Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis celebrating 40 years of
iconic music performances by Reuben Studdard, Deborah Cox, MC
Lyte. Jordan Knight, Yolanda Adams. Chante Moore. Day & Jerome
Benton, Cherrelle, and Ann Nesby
. Saturday, September 13th For Lovers & Friends featuring Tank with special
guest Lyfe Jennings, and Ginuwine
0 Friday, September 6th & Saturday, September 7th, Southern Soul Weekend
featuring King George, Tucka, West Love, Pokey Bear. TK Soul Tywaun Moore,
and Tonio Armani
- Saturday, September 20th Do the Reggae Tour 2025 featuring Ziggy Marley
and Burning Spear

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Motion to adjourn Executive Session and sign an with no action was made by
Councilmember Berry; seconded by Councilmember Alexander. The motion passed
unanimously 3-0.

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Respectful! submitted by:

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Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Anthony S. Ford, Mayor

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