---
date: 2023-01-09
title: Regular Council Meetings Minutes
source: 2023-01/2023-01-09_Regular Council Meetings_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

COUNCIL MEETING
ACTION MINUTES
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2023 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. Call to Order - Mayor Ford

II. Invocation – Forest Park Councilmember Daboure Antoine

III. Pledge of Allegiance – Recited by all in attendance

IV. Roll Call – All members were present except Councilman Alexander

V. Motion to amend and adopt the Agenda moving Item#21 to be heard following
Ceremonial, and Postpone Item #14, 15, 16 and 17 to be heard February 13th:
Thomas/Gantt Passed 4-0

VI. REVIEW OF THE MINUTES – Motion to approve: Barber/Thomas Passed 4-0.
1. Adoption of the Minutes for the Council Meeting November 14, 2022
2. Adoption of the Minutes for the Work Session Meeting November 29, 2022

Councilman Alexander joined the meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENTS - All persons wishing to speak for public comment must sign in with the
City Clerk prior to the beginning of the meeting noting your name, address, and phone number.
You will be allotted three (3) minutes. Speakers must respect all members of the elected body,
officials, and staff. Defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will not be tolerated. None

CEREMONIAL
3. Appointment and Swearing-In of Municipal Court Judge
Motion to appoint Matthew McCord – Municipal Court Judge Blount/Gantt Passed
5-0. Followed by Swearing-in by Mayor Ford.

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4. Appointment and Swearing-In of Municipal Court Solicitor
Motion to appoint Julie Kert – Municipal Court Solicitor Gantt/Thomas Passed 5-0.
Followed by Swearing-in by Mayor Ford.

5. Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem
Motion to Nominate Yolanda Barber to serve as Mayor Pro Tem:
Thomas/Alexander Passed 3-0-2 (Blount/Gantt Abstained)

6. Appointment of City Attorney
Motion to appoint Bell Washington as the City Attorney:
Thomas/Alexander Passed 5-0

7. Swearing in of Planning Commission Members
Swearing-in of Kathleen Nelson - Term Expires 12/31/2024
Harold Thibodeaux – Term Expires 12/31/2026

8. Swearing-In of Advisory Committee Members
Bonita Adams – Term Expires 12/31/2024
Joc’Quelyn Carter – Term Expires 12/31/2024
Ericka Harvey – Term Expires 12/31/2024
Ayesha Watson – Term Expires 12/31/2024
Tonya Williams – Term Expires 12/31/2024

9. Swearing-In of Main Street Advisory Board Members
Andrea Burnett – Term Expires 12/31/2024
Camille Reynoso Mason – Term Expires 12/31/2023

10. Proclamation – Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday
11. Proclamation – National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Review of the proclamations read by Mayor Ford prior to the meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING
12. ANNEXATION CASE #AX-2022-01 -- The City of Stockbridge Planning
Commission and the City of Stockbridge Mayor and City Council will hear an
Annexation Request by S3 Capital Investments, LLC, the Applicant, represented
by Battle Law, P.C., the Agent, to annex a parcel, as described below, into the
Stockbridge City Limits from unincorporated Henry County in order to allow
the parcel to be combined with an adjacent parcel for an age-restricted residential
development.
Parcel #071-01034012 – Subject property is in unincorporated Henry County, with
frontage on Highway 42 North, across from Summit View Drive. Currently zoned
‘MU’ (Mixed-Use), with a land use designation of ‘MIX’ (Mixed-Use). Contains
20.00 +/- acres. Located in Land Lot 31 of District 7.
Planning staff recommended approval of this request, with twenty-four (24)
conditions. On August 25, 2022, the Planning Commission recommended
APPROVAL of this request. The City Council postponed the vote on this item until
the January 9, 2023, meeting, to await the decision of the Henry County Board of

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Commissioners, who offered an objection to the annexation. However, at the
November 14, 2022, Henry County Board of Commissioners, Henry County
rescinded their objection, which allows the City Council to render a final decision
on the annexation and accompanying zoning requests for this proposed project.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson
Mr. Anderson presented the proposed Annexation case noting staff and the
Planning Commission recommend approval with 24 conditions.

Ms. Michele Battle, attorney for the applicant, noted the development will consist
of 100-units, and will be age-restricted 55+ and adjacent to the traumatic brain
injury facility; noted the intent is to allow for independent seniors and individuals
with traumatic brain injuries to transition back into everyday life, and is much
needed housing for seniors in the community and will include two pools and
cabanas, and great amenities to include walking trails and two separate
clubhouse facilities; and noted the timing is great with Henry County issuing a
moratorium on multi-family townhomes and duplex housing.

Councilman Alexander reiterated the importance of an age-restricted 55+
development for the community and referenced the conditions Henry County
placed on the development if it were developed in the county.

Attorney Battle noted there were 19 conditions in the City’s staff report that are
consistent with the Henry County recommendation for 100 units, and will be
multi-family fee simple units, and reserve that ability for the declarant to rent, as
an affordability component.

Councilman Alexander noted there would be a walkable path along Hwy. 42 with
beautification.

Councilman Blount asked if short-term rentals would be allowed.

Attorney Battle noted there will be flexibility for rentals, but not the AirBNB’s; and
noted the selling price point would be between $250,000 and $300,000.

Public Hearing Opened
No Speakers in Favor
No Speakers Opposed
Public Hearing Closed

Motion to approve AX-2022-01 with conditions as recommended by staff:
Alexander/Gantt Passed 5-0.

13. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT CASE #CP-2022-02 -- Consideration of
a Comprehensive Plan Amendment Request by S3 Capital Investments, LLC, the
Applicant, represented by Battle Law, P.C., the Agent, to change the future land
use designations of certain parcels, as are described below, from ‘Light Industrial’
and ‘Mixed-Use’ to ‘High-Density Residential’ to allow for an age-restricted
residential development.

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Parcel #071-01034014—Located within the Stockbridge City Limits, with frontage
on Highway 42 North and situated at the end of Technology Parkway. Applicant
proposes to change the current land use designation from ‘Light Industrial’ to
‘High-Density Residential’. Contains 22.01 +/- acres. Located in Land Lot 31 of
District 7.

Parcel #071-01034012 – Subject property is in unincorporated Henry County, with
frontage on Highway 42 North, across from Summit View Drive. Applicant
proposes to change the current County land use designation of ‘Mixed-Use’ to the
city land use designation of ‘High-Density Residential’ after the parcel is annexed
into the Stockbridge City Limits. Contains 20.00 +/- acres. Located in Land Lot 31
of District 7.

Planning Staff recommended approval of this request. On August 25, 2022, the
Planning Commission recommended APPROVAL of this request. This item was
delayed in connection with the associated Annexation case.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson
Mr. Anderson presented the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment
associated with AX-2022-01 noting staff and the Planning Commission
recommend approval.

Councilman Alexander noted it is the city’s intent to protect the residential areas
around the development and asked Mr. Anderson what business would be
allowed without approval of this amendment.

Mr. Anderson noted warehouses, trucks stop, and auto repair shops would be
allowed without the amendment.

Councilman Alexander asked if the there will be research and coordination with
GDOT (Georgia Department of Transportation) to determine if a traffic light is
feasible.

Attorney Battle noted the applicant is prepared to complete a traffic study and
discuss the installation of the traffic light if required by GDOT.

Mr. Anderson noted a recombination of plats would be required and would be
processed administratively.

Public Hearing Opened
No Speakers in Favor
No Speakers Opposed
Public Hearing Closed

Motion to approve the Comprehensive Plan Amendment CP-2022-02:
Alexander/Barber Passed 5-0.

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14. REZONING CASE #RZ-2022-02 -- Consideration of a Rezoning Request by S3
Capital Investments, LLC, the Applicant, represented by Battle Law, P.C., the
Agent, to rezone certain property from ‘OI’ (Office-Institutional) and ‘LI’ (Light
Industrial) in the Stockbridge City Limits and ‘MU’ (Mixed-Use) in unincorporated
Henry County to ‘PUD’ (Planned Unit Development) to allow for an age-restricted
residential development. The property contains two parcels, as are listed below,
with 42.01 +/- total acres.

Parcel #071-01034014—Located within the Stockbridge City Limits, with frontage
on Highway 42 North and situated at the end of Technology Parkway. Currently
zoned ‘OI’ (Office-Institutional) and ‘LI’ (Light Industrial). Property also lies within
the Parkway Mixed-Use Overlay District. Contains 22.01 +/- acres. Located in
Land Lot 31 of District 7.
Parcel #071-01034012 – Subject property is in unincorporated Henry County, with
frontage on Highway 42 North, across from Summit View Drive. Currently zoned
‘MU’ (Mixed-Use). Contains 20.00 +/- acres. Located in Land Lot 31 of District 7.

Planning staff recommended approval of this request. On August 25, 2022, the
Planning Commission recommended APPROVAL of this request. The City
Council postponed the vote on this item until the January 9, 2023, meeting, to
await the decision of the Henry County Board of Commissioners, who offered an
objection to the annexation. However, at the November 14, 2022, Henry County
Board of Commissioners, Henry County rescinded their objection, which allows the
City Council to render a final decision on the annexation and accompanying zoning
requests for this proposed project. This item was delayed in connection with the
associated Annexation request. Presented by: Ryan Anderson
Mr. Anderson presented the proposed Rezoning Case No. RZ-2022-02
associated with AX-2022-01 noting staff and the Planning Commission
recommend approval with 19 conditions.

Ms. Carter, Community Development Director, noted the conditions associated
with the Rezoning are categorized, noting the Annexation has been approved
tonight along with the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, and the Recombination
of Plats must be completed to begin the development process; noted there are
19 conditions that are specific to the development when the rezoning was
approve by the county several years ago; noted staff did remove conditions,
noting the project remains true to the conditions by the county and the city
agrees with; noted staff recommends approval.

Councilman Alexander noted the development will enhance the area and provide
some traffic relief, noting the road widening project along Hwy. 42 that is a few
years out (2027-2028).

Ms. Carter noted the traffic study is a requirement included in the conditions.

Attorney Battle noted the conditions were addressed as part of the zoning.

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Ms. Carter noted the name change for the development to: Trauma Brain Facility
and is no longer referred to as a Memory Care Facility and noted the new limit for
units is 100 and not 60.
Attorney Battle noted there were conditions that she wanted to make sure they
were addressed and noted would be three entry points, and that otherwise, the
developer could not build 100 units; noting the third entry point is needed;
referenced the amenities which will include two pavilions, two cabanas, walking
trail and two separate clubhouses in two separate locations with a n indoor and
outdoor pool.

Councilman Alexander asked Ms. Carter if staff was agreeable to the requested
conditions made by Attorney Battle.

Ms. Carter noted this was the first time she has heard the request to reduce the
number of pavilions and was okay with the reduction.

Councilman Blount asked for the size of the pavilions.

Attorney Battle noted they would be no less that 1200 sq. feet.

Councilman Blount asked about security for the facility.

Attorney Battle noted the development is not intended to be gated, noting a great
majority of the residents will be independent seniors in an age-restricted facility.

Councilman Alexander referenced the Winding Creek development with public
streets.

Attorney Battle reiterated there must be three points of entry for this
development.

Councilman Alexander asked if gates are required for multi-family developments.

Ms. Carter noted it is not a requirement and would be determined by the
applicant, noting when gated, the homeowner’s association takes over the cost of
maintaining the roads.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve Rezoning No. RZ-2022-02 with
conditions and asked Council to support a gate as a matter of safety; seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Barber. The motion was withdrawn following discussion.

Ms. Carter noted the conditions include a traffic study and noted if gated, the
street would be private.

Councilman Blount noted his community is used as a cut-through, which is the
highest amount of traffic in the neighborhood and to gate the community and
maintain the roads would be setting a precedent.

Ms. Carter noted she prefers not to have a condition to gate the development.

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Attorney Battle noted she understands the safety concern.

Ms. Carter noted the traffic study will take 6-8 weeks to complete.

Councilman Blount asked that the motion on the floor be read, noting the traffic
study has no impact on whether a gate is installed.

Councilwoman Gantt agreed.

Attorney Battle noted the applicant opposes a gate, noting the residents are
senior residents and a gate would slow down emergency response time and the
costs associated with the maintenance of the roads would be assessed to the
residents.

Councilman Alexander asked that staff work with GDOT to determine if a gate is
needed.

Councilman Blount noted the gate is irrelevant as it pertains to the traffic study
and should not be included in any motion.

Councilwoman Gantt agreed, noting if the traffic study includes a gate, the
development is on hold.

Councilman Thomas expressed his concerns for the senior residents and the
costs associated with maintenance of the roads.

Ms. Carter noted staff will add security cameras as a condition.

Attorney Battle noted the applicant agrees with adding security cameras as a
condition.

Public Hearing Opened
No Speakers in Favor
No Speakers Opposed
Public Hearing Closed
Motion to approve RZ-2022-02 with 19 conditions as recommended by staff and
modified to add security cameras as a condition: Alexander/Gantt Passed 5-0.

15. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE – ADOPTION OF THE OFFICIAL ZONING
MAP- #OZM-2022-01. To consider Staff amendments to the Official Zoning Map,
in accordance with the Resolution and Referendum annexation method, voted
upon during the November 8, 2022, election. There are approximately 1640+/-
new parcels to be added to Stockbridge City boundaries, as indicated within
House Bill 612, including but not limited to 23 subdivision communities, and
parcels primarily consisting of 1507+/- single-family residential, 105 combined
commercial and industrial, etc.
This item was advertised as being presented to the City Council on January 9,
2023. However, because the Planning Commission has been postponed, this item
will be presented to the City Council at the February 13, 2023, meeting.
NO ACTION
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16. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE – ADOPTION OF THE OVERLAY DISTRICT
MAP #ODM-2022-01. To consider Staff amendments to the Overlay District Map,
in accordance with the Resolution and Referendum annexation method, voted
upon during the November 8, 2022, election. There are approximately 1640+/-
new parcels to be added to Stockbridge City boundaries, as indicated within
House Bill 612, including but not limited to 23 subdivision communities, and
parcels primarily consisting of 1507+/- single-family residential, 105 combined
commercial and industrial, etc.
This item was advertised as being presented to the City Council on January 9,
2023. However, because the Planning Commission has been postponed, this item
will be presented to the City Council at the February 13, 2023, meeting.
NO ACTION

17. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE – ADOPTION OF THE FUTURE LAND USE
MAP #FLUM-2022-01To consider Staff amendments to the Future Land Use Map,
in accordance with the Resolution and Referendum annexation method, voted
upon during the November 8, 2022, election. There are approximately 1640+/-
new parcels to be added to Stockbridge City boundaries, as indicated within
House Bill 612, including but not limited to 23 subdivision communities, and
parcels primarily consisting of 1507+/- single-family residential, 105 combined
commercial and industrial, etc.
This item was advertised as being presented to the City Council on January 9,
2023. However, because the Planning Commission has been postponed, this item
will be presented to the City Council at the February 13, 2023, meeting.
NO ACTION

18. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE – UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE -- TEXT
AMENDMENT TX-2022-01 To allow the use of “Computer and data processing
services” within the C-3 Heavy Commercial District as a permitted use and update
other applicable references to this use throughout the Unified Development Code.
This item was advertised as being presented to the City Council on January 9,
2023. However, because the Planning Commission has been postponed, this item
will be presented to the City Council at the February 13, 2023, meeting.
NO ACTION

NEW BUSINESS
19. Council consideration to approve Yellowstone Landscape to perform the
Campground Road and Hudson Bridge Road Median Enhancement Project in the
amount of $70,158.96. Funding source from Fund Balance.
Presented by: Decius Aaron
Motion to Table: Gantt/Barber Passed 4-0. (Blount was not present for the vote).

20. Council consideration to approve 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 $300,000.00 as
approved in the FY2023 Stormwater budget. The funding source is from the
Stormwater budget account number 510-42500-542515 (Stormwater Repair).
Presented by: Decius Aaron

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Motion to approve: Gantt/Alexander Passed 3-0-1 (Barber Abstained) (Blount was
not present for the vote).
21. Council consideration to approve the award of Request for Proposal (RFP)
Number 2022-0017, Wastewater Treatment Plant Pole Barn to Diversified
Construction of Georgia, Inc., in the amount of $1,271,650.00. Funding source is
from Water and Sewer department fund balance account 505-43300-541462
(WWTP Facility Improvements).
Presented by: Decius Aaron
Motion to approve: Gantt/Barber Passed 4-0 (Blount was not present for the vote).

22. Council consideration to ratify the Resolution to extend a consultant contract to
Harold Young effective January 1, 2023.
Presented by: Quinton Washington, City Attorney
Item was heard following Ceremonial on the Agenda
Motion to approve a Resolution to enter into a contract agreement:
Thomas/Gantt Passed 4-0-1 Barber Abstained)
Motion to approve the contract between the City of Stockbridge and Harold
Young for consulting services: Thomas/Gantt Passed 4-0-1 (Barber Abstained)

23. Council Consideration to appoint members to the Youth Council Advisory
Committee.
Presented by: Quinton Washington, City Attorney
Motion to Table: Thomas/Barber Passed 4-0 (Blount was not present for the
vote).

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council meetings will be held in the City
Council Chamber. Meeting dates, locations 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.

• City Council Meeting - 2nd Monday of each month – City Hall Council Chamber
(Jan 9)
• Youth Council Meeting - 6:30 p.m. - 2nd Monday of each month City Hall Levi
Meeting Room - City Hall (Jan 9)
• Downtown Development Authority Meeting- 6:00 p.m. Via Zoom - *Special Day*
(Jan 10) - Tuesday Via Zoom
• Citywide Development Authority Meeting - 6:00 p.m. City Hall Levi Meeting Room
2nd Tuesday of each month (Jan 10)
• Main Street Advisory Board Meeting 2nd Friday of each month at 9:00 a.m. City
Hall Levi Meeting Room (Jan 13)
• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - 3rd Tuesday of each
month Levi Meeting Room - City Hall (Jan 17)
• Planning Commission Meeting - 4th Thursday at 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council
Chamber – (Jan 26)
• City Council Work Session Meeting - Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. – City Hall Council
Chamber (Jan 31)

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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: Rosalynd
Rawls at rrawls@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov Thank you for your service!
• Please join Councilman Alexander for the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Service
Project on Saturday, January 14th at Hudson Bridge Rd. @ I-75 (Parking at
Walmart) from 10am - 12pm.
• Please join Councilman Blount for Bingo Bash on Wednesday, January 18th at
the Merle Manders Conference Center from 10am - noon.
Here is your opportunity to Meet the Mayor and talk with Mayor Ford on Tuesday,
January 24th from 10am to noon. Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an
appointment at 678-833-3348 or via email at rrawls@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

MAYOR'S COMMENTS (Mayor Anthony Ford)
Mayor Ford noted we are still in a pandemic and encouraged everyone to get COVID
vaccinations, boosters and flu shots; wished everyone a Happy New Year; welcomed the new
residents to the city who were annexed via the Senate Bill 612 Referendum and noted the New
Resident Guide that they should have received and is available online and in city hall; noted
there will now be (5) five council districts as a result of the approved referendum, and looks
forward to providing great service throughout the city; and wished the Georgia Bulldogs a
victory.

EXECUTIVE SESSION (Exemptions to the Georgia Open Meetings Acts)

ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn: Thomas/Gantt Passed 4-0 (Blount was not present for the vote).

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