---
date: 2020-08-25
title: 08-25-2020 Minutes
source: 2020-08/2020-08-25_08-25-2020_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

8 OCka'idge
Where Community Connects

SU MM ARY NUTES
WORK SESSIO NM EET NG (VIA ZOO )
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020 6:00 PM.

Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Antho ny S. Ford Rand Kni hton Cit Mana er
Mayor Pro Te m AI honso T homas Camilla Mgore AsstyCity Mgr./
Councilman E Iton lexande r Community Dev. Direc or
Councilwoman Yolanda Barber Vanessa l_-lo|ida City Clerk

Councilman John Blpunt Randi Rain_ey, epqty City Clerk
CounCIIwoman LaKeisha Gantt Michael Williams, City Attorney
John Wiggins, Treasurer

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.

Invocation by Randy Knighton

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 Thomas motioned to amend the Agenda to add a Consent Agenda for
Item #4, 5, 8, 9 12; second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion was withdrawn.

Councilman Alexander motioned to adopt the Agenda as printed: second by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

Review of the Minutes for the following meetings:

1. 7/13/2020 2. 7/28/2020 NoAction

PUBLIC COMMENTS

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.

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Mr. Rod Jackson, HOA member of the Pine Grove subdivision spoke in favor of Council

approval of street lighting (Item #5 on the Agenda); asked for assistance with regulations in their
community where the developer has destroyed and abandoned the property.

DISCUSSION

3. Council Consideration to approve a Resolution for City/Municipal and
County Polling Locations
Presented by Vanessa Holiday City Clerk, Michael Williams City

Attorney, Ameika Pitts, Elections Superintendent, Patrick Jaugstetter
County Attorney and Donna McBride H C Board of Elections Chair.

Brook Schreiner Polling Coordinator
Mrs. Holiday noted City and Municipal Elections are held every two

years except for Special Elections which are held in odd number years,
County Elections are held in even number years except for Special
Elections and SPLOST Referendums, which take place every (5)
years with the next one scheduled in 2023.

Mrs. Holiday stated in November 2019, the City of Stockbridge held its
municipal election and there was also a county-wide SPLOST V
Referendum on the ballot.

Mrs. Holiday noted early voters cast votes for the City election and
County SPLOST V Referendum at the same location; however, on
election day, voters casts their ballots at the municipal election
designated polling office, and had to travel to the County designated
polling offices to cast their ballots for SPLOST V Referendum, causing
confusion.

Mrs. Holiday stated the Henry County Elections Board approved a
Resolution urging the City Council to adopt a Resolution aligning City
voting precincts with State and County elections and to also work with
re-apportionment where both City and County attorneys would
complete.

Mrs. Holiday noted the City of Stockbridge has three City/County (3)
polling locations: Merle Manders Conference Center, Stockbridge First
Methodist Church and Red Oak United Methodist Church located in the
city limits of Stockbridge. Elections Superintendent Ameika Potts and
Poll Coordinator Brook Schreiner had relayed information stating

polling locations could be expanded for Municipal Elections, however,
they needed to be within the city limits. County Attorney Patrick
Jaugstetter and City Attorney Michael Williams noted they did not see
that provision in the code and would verify and report back their
findings, and stated the City selects the polling locations.

Mrs. Holiday noted if the Council chooses to move fonNard with
expanding the Municipal Election polling locations, voters would be
assigned polling precincts by the Justice Department; and noted the
close proximity of Stockbridge UMC to the Merle Manders Conference

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Center and voters would be assigned to Red Oak UMC as well.
Elections Board Chair Dr. Donna McBride referenced Tabernacle of
Praise is currently a County Polling location and could be an option to
expand the Municipal Elections polling locations.

Mrs. Holiday noted the cost to hold a City election is approximately
$20,000 and includes early voting and Election Day voting and would
cost an estimated $1 ,500- $2,000 to add additional Election Day voting
at expanded locations.

The consensus of the Council was to increase voting space at the
current polling location (Merle ManderS Conference Center) in 2020
ahead of an anticipated large turnout. County Attorney Jaugstetter
noted this action will be based on the availability of election staff and
voting machine equipment availability for the November 2020 election;
and both the City Attorney and County Attorney were tasked with
reviewing election law relating to polling locations in/out of city limits
and move fonNard with adding additional precincts where allowable and
submit to the Justice Department and/or prepare legislative action.

OLD BUSINESS

4. Council Consideration to approve the purchase of a 19,500 GVW
Chassis w/Rugby Box Dump International (CV Dump Bed Truck) from
Rush Truck Center of Georgia, Inc. -
RFP No. State
Contract 99999-001-SPD00000155 in the amount of $69,673.84.
Funding Source: Water Department Budget.
Presented by Lindell Miller
Procurement Manager and Decius Aaron
Public Works Director
Ms. Miller noted the contract is good until August 2021 and is

necessary for the Water and Sewer department to have the CV Dump
Bed Truck to help bring and remove debris from work sites.
Mr. Aaron noted the purchase would replace a 1987 dump truck.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the purchase of a 19,500
GVW Chassis w/Rugby Box Dump International (CV Dump Bed Truck)
from Rush Truck Center of Georgia, lnc. -
RFP No. 2019-0007P- State
Contract in the amount of $69,673.84.
Funding Source: Water Department Budget; second by Councilwoman
Gantt. The motion passed

NEW BUSINESS.

5. Council Consideration to approve the Pine Grove Subdivision Phase II
and Phase III streetlights petition with an annual cost of $4,835.54.
Funding Source: General Fund.
Presented by Decius Aaron Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted the Pine Grove Subdivision is requesting lighting
under the lighting plan for Phase II and Ill, noting the Pine Grove

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Subdivision has been permitted for years and has a lighting plan that
has also been approved.
Mr. Aaron stated the Homeowners Association (HOA) has requested
and submitted a petition asking the City to assume payment of the

lights.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the Pine Grove
Subdivision Phase II and Phase III streetlights petition with an annual
cost of $4,835.54. Funding Source: General Fund; second by
Councilwoman Barber. The motion passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to approve a Resolution to Authorize the
Execution of the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Terms and Conditions
Agreement; to Authorize Acceptance of Grant Payments, Including all
Understandings and Assurances Contained Within such Agreement; to
Direct and Authorize the Person Identified as the Official
Representative of the City, or the Designee of the City to Act in
Connection with the Grant Application; and to Provide such Additional
Information as may be Required.
Presented by Michael Williams City Attorney & Joseph Henning,
Henry County Chamber of Commerce
Attorney Williams noted the City would need to file a Reimbursement
Request for the CARES Act Funding through the State; the State is
requiring all local governments to adopt a Resolution like the Grant
Assurance.

Mr. Knighton noted the portion is approximately $460000 which
is around 30%; with the 70% added, the total would be $1.5 million.

Mr. Knighton noted the City has received the 30% and to receive the
70%, the City would be required to provide documents on how the
funds will be spent, noting most municipalities are spending the
COVlD-19 funding for public safety departments, however, the City of
Stockbridge is serviced for police and by Henry County public
safety. Mr. Knighton noted the City has spent COVlD-19 funds on items
to keep staff and citizens safe with increased sanitizing methods

throughout the City, distribution of face coverings and hand sanitizer to
the public and suggested using allocating funds towards small business
who was affected by COVlD-19, noting the would need to expend
the funds by September

Mr. Henning noted a portal has been set up with the Chamber of
Commerce for small businesses to participate and apply for the grant if
they are a qualified business.

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Mayor Pro Tem Thomas motioned to approve a Resolution to Authorize
the Execution of the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Terms and
Conditions Agreement; second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion
was withdrawn.

The distribution amount was not determined.
Following the advice of the City Attorney to make two separate
motions, Mayor Pro Tem Thomas motioned to approve the Resolution
to authorize receipt of the Coronavirus Relief Act funding; second by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas motioned to approve a Resolution to authorize
an Agreement with the Henry County Chamber of Commerce to

receive the CRF funding for distribution for businesses and
citizens as set forth in the terms of the agreement and as
recommended by the Stockbridge Review Committee established by
the City; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to rescind Resolution R17-889 -
Information
Policy with Respect to Certain Economic Development Matters.
Presented by Michael Williams City Attorney
Attorney Williams noted the Resolution would rescind the previous
Resolution that allowed for the protection and preservation of certain
Economic Development matters to be discussed amongst staff.

Councilman Alexander expressed he would like to be made aware of
new developments coming to the City.

Councilwoman Gantt suggested the Mayor & Council receive
information on new permit requests submitted.

Ms. Moore noted staff would advise on what the department is legally
able to share.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to amend the Resolution whereas staff
shall notify the Governing Body upon receipt of applications and
permits submitted for developments in the City; second by Councilman
Blount. The motion passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to amend the Social Media Policy.
Presented by Michael Williams -

City Attorney
Attorney Williams noted there was a request from several
Councilmembers to remove a provision that provides certain
information pertaining to Council Initiatives to be limited to promotional
information prior to Council events.

Councilman Alexander noted all events should be shared on all
platforms to promote the events and would like to see changes.

SIPage
Councilman Alexander motioned to revise the Social Media
Policy to allow for Post Event Press Releases and coverage; second by
Councilwoman Barber. The motion passed (Blount/Gantt
Opposed).

Council Consideration to approve use of the Ted Strickland Community
Center for Community Blood Drives.
Presented by Councilwoman Barber
Councilwoman Barber noted she is requesting use of the Ted
Strickland Community Center to conduct a Community Mobile Blood
Drive once a month on a Saturday for the remainder of the year.
Councilwoman Barber expressed there will be no public access inside
the Ted Strickland Community Center, except for staff.

Mayor Ford noted his concern with the policy in place for use of
buildings.

Councilwoman Barber referenced the COVlD-19 crisis and the
need for blood in the Stockbridge community and motioned to

approve use of the Ted Strickland Community Center for Community
Blood Drives; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion

passed 5-0.

10. Council Consideration to approve an increase of the contract for
Geotechnical Engineering Services in the amount of $74,380.00 for
Unsuitable Soils for the Amphitheater Project. Funding Source:
Presented by Randy Knighton -

City Manager, Carl Trevathan and Eric
Pitts of Keck & Wood, Camilla Moore Assistant City Manager/

Community Development Director
Mr. Knighton noted the Council previously awarded an amount of
$25,620.00 for services related to unsuitable soil on the
Amphitheater site; with the second phase of the project, Geotechnical
services would be needed again to note any impervious surfaces to be
applied on the site. Carl Trevathan and Eric Pitts of Keck & Wood noted
the contract for material testing are set up on a basis as needed
and the project needs more than projected.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve an increase of the contract for
Geotechnical Engineering Services in the amount of $74,380.00 for
Unsuitable Soils for the Amphitheater Project; second by
Councilwoman Barber. The motion passed 4-1 (Mayor Pro Tem
Thomas Opposed).

11. Council Consideration to award a bid for RFQ No. 2020-0006 -
Unified
Development Code to the Collaborative Firm in the amount of
$100,000.00. Funding Source: P&Z Budget
Presented by Lindell Miller, Procurement Manager and Camilla Moore -

Asst. City Mgr/Community Development Director
Ms. Miller noted staff posted of an RFQ 2020-0006 on February 5,

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2020 which closed on March 5, 2020 with the Collaborative Firm
responding to the request on March 5, 2020, Staff presented a draft
copy of a contract on July 23, 2020.

Ms. Miller requested approval of the Collaborative Firm, LLC. For the
preparation of Unified Development Code and approve the agreement
in the amount not to exceed $100,000.

Councilwoman barber noted she would like to see this go back out for
bid for 60 days as an RFP and not an RFQ to allow other bidders to
bid, noting there was only one response and are a two-step
process.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve the award a bid for RFQ No.
2020-0006 -

Development Code to the Collaborative Firm in the
amount of $100,000.00; second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion

passed 3-1-1 (Barber Opposed, Alexander Abstained).

12. Council Consideration to approve the Carter & Sloope Task Order No.
23 for Annual Watershed Monitoring and Reporting (Years 2021
2023) in the amount of $61,200.00 Funding Source: Sewer Budget.
Presented by Decius Aaron Public Works Director and Brad

Holtsinger Wastewater Superintendent.

Mr. Holtsinger noted the NPDES permits requires the City to
conduct an annual Watershed Monitoring to determine the
wastewater discharge impact on the receiving water quality
and population and requested approval.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Carter & Sloope Task
Order No. 23 for Annual Watershed Monitoring and Reporting (Years
2021 2023) in the amount of $61 ,200.00; second by Mayor Pro Tem

Thomas. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilman Blount motioned to amend the Agenda to add Moratorium
Cigar Bars and Hookah Bars; second by Mayor Pro Tem Thomas. The
motion passed 3-0-2 (Alexander/Barber Abstained).

13. Council Consideration to approve a Moratorium on Hookah Bars and
Cigar Bars.
Presented by Michael Williams City Attorney

Attorney Williams noted Council approved an Ordinance that provided
spacing for certain types of businesses and limits numerical limitations
on others, among the businesses where vape shops. Attorney Williams

noted there is a concern with Hookah and Cigar bars that was not
included with the previous Ordinance restricting certain business and
suggested adopting a Moratorium on those types of businesses, with
staff bringing back a recommendation on whether to include those
types of with the Ordinance.

7|Page
Councilman Blount motioned to approve a Moratorium on Hookah Bars
and Cigar Bars for 90 days: second by Councilwoman Gantt. The
motion passed 3-0-2 (Alexander/Barber opposed).

14. Council Consideration to approve an Ordinance requiring the use of
Masks or Face Coverings in Public during the COVlD-19 Outbreak.
Presented by Michael Williams City Attorney

Attorney Williams noted the Ordinance would provide for a mandatory
mask policy for citizens to wear mask while in public with the
exceptions of:
1. In person vehicles or upon residential property;
2. When a person is alone enclosed spaces or only with other
household members;
3. When an individual has a bona fide religious objection;
4. Medical exemptions; children under 10;
Mr. Williams noted a business can also opt out of requiring face mask.
Mr. Williams noted the Ordinance states if a person is out and not

wearing a mask, they should be provided warning first with the
opportunity to put on a facial mask; if a person fails to comply after
been given a warning, they may be subjected to a fine of $25 for the
first offense and no more than $50 for the second offense. Mr. Williams
included there will be no violations for businesses or corporate entities.

Mayor Ford noted it may be particularly hard enforcing the Ordinance
without a Police Department and believes Code Enforcement does not
have the authority to give out citations.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas recommends emphasizing Public Facilities.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve Ordinance requiring the
use of Masks or Face Coverings in Public during the COVlD-19

Outbreak; second by Councilwoman Barber. The motion failed
(Blount/Gantt/Thomas Opposed).

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR

Mayor Ford encouraged everyone to wear masks or face coverings and to wash your
hands frequently; referenced the phone number to contact the Department of Health

(800) 847-4262; noted the testing site at the Heritage Senior Center in McDonough, GA
and the days and hours for testing Mon., Wed., Thu., and Fri. 8am -1pm, Tue. 8am -1pm
and 2pm 7pm, and Sat. 9am 12pm; referenced the upcoming election and noted the
deadline to request Absentee Ballots is September 15th, the deadline to register to vote is
October 5th, Early Voting begins October 12th October 30th and Election Day November
3rd; noted the importance of the Census for funding for schools, hospitals, public safety,
and other resources for the City and asked everyone to participate at Census2020.gov;
and wished everyone a safe Labor Day.

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UPCOMING MEETINGS

Meeting will be held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times are
subject to change. Please visit the website www.cityofstockbridge.com, Facebook

page or contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates and detailed information.

Planning Commission Meeting, Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 6:30 pm. Via Zoom

(canceled)
Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, Friday, September 11, 2020 at 9:00 am. Via Zoom

City Council Meeting, Monday, September 14, 2020 at 6:00 pm. Via Zoom
City Council Budget Retreat, Tuesday, September 15, 2020 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 pm. Via Zoom
Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 6:00 pm. Via
Zoom
0 Youth Council Advisory Meeting, Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 6:30 pm. Via Zoom

City Council Budget Retreat, Thursday, September 17, 2020 9:00 am. -
1:00 pm. Via Zoom
City Council Budget Retreat, Friday, September 18, 2020 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 pm. Via Zoom
Free Virtual Event: Doing Business in Stockbridge hosted by Councilman Alexander and Southern
Crescent Women in Business September 1St from 10am 12pm. Registration required. Contact
Zenovia Pearson @ 404-565-5109

CITY EVENTS HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY POSTPONED

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adjourn; Second by Mayor Pro Tem Thomas. The motion

passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

WWW:
Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CM E,MC
Anthony S. Fo Mayor

I i

1920 2020

StOCkb ridge
Where Community Connects

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