---
date: 2023-08-14
title: 08-14-2023 Minutes
source: 2023-08/2023-08-14_08-14-2023 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

StOCka'idge
Where Community Connects

CITY COUNCL EET NG
SU MARY INUTES

MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 2023 6:00 PM.
Mayor & City Council
Mayor An thony S. Ford ge _ .

Mayor Pro Tem Yol anda cil District 4
Councrlman Elton Counci | District 5
Councilman John Blount Council District 3
Councrlwoman LaKeisha Gantt Council District 1
Councrlman Alphonso Thomas Councrl District 2

Administration
Frederick Gardin er City Manager
Vanessa Holid CIty Clerk

John Wig i [15 aer
Ity Treasurer
Quinton Was Ington City Attorney

Mission: To providevvlision eadership and sup erjor mun icipal services that enhance the
quality of! Ife for crtrzen$ .w I Ie creating la welco mgng bUSI ness atmosph ere focused on
sustainabll ity a nd expans Ion of to unsm and cultu ral event s.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford.

Invocation by Ms. Jasmine Reese

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All Members
were present.

Councilman Blount motioned to amend the Agenda to add Item #10 to approve the
honorary naming of a road for the late Pastor Spencer T. Seconded by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber motioned to amend the Agenda to add Item #11 to add the
Memo regarding the Septic Homestead Exemption; Seconded by Councilman Thomas
The motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber motioned to amend the Agenda to move Item #9 to be heard
following Ceremonial Review made by; Seconded by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion
passed unanimously.

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Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the Agenda as amended made by;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Barber. The motion passed unanimously.

Adoption of the Minutes
Motion to approve the June 12, 2023 and June 20, 2023 Minutes made by Councilman

Alexander; seconded by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed unanimously.

1. Adoption of the June 12, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes
2. Adoption of the June 20, 2023 Work Session Meeting Minutes

PUBLIC COM MENTS
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.
There were no Public Comments.

CEREMONIAL
3 Review of the Swearing In Ceremony for the Planning Commission and
Downtown Development Authority Board Members and Retirement for
Melinda Davies (20 years of service)

Mayor Ford reviewed the swearing-in of Jayden Williams to the
Stockbridge Planning Commission and Warren Washington to the
Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority; and referenced the recent
retirement of Melinda Davies for her service to the City for 20 years.

Item 9 was heard following the Ceremonial Review:(Actions noted below)

PRESENTATION
4 STOCKBRIDGE DOWNTOWN BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN STUDY. The
City of Stockbridge Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing on
Monday, August 14, 2023 at 6:00 pm, in the Stockbridge City Hall,
located at 4640 North Henry Boulevard in Stockbridge, Georgia, to hold
the first review of the Stockbridge Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Study,
which has been prepared by Keck & Wood, in consultation with the City of

Stockbridge Community Development Department. The Study is part of
the Atlanta Regional Livable Centers Initiative (LCI)

Program. Its purpose is to define a proposed project which would improve
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure throughout Downtown Stockbridge.
The boundaries of the Study Area are listed below. The public may review
the proposed boundaries, ask questions, and provide comments on the

existing conditions and proposed improvements. Written statements may
be e-mailed to Robert Renwick of Keck & Wood
at rrenw'IC k@ keckwood.com .

US 23 from East Atlanta Road to Burke Street.
Burke Street from US 23 to Davis Road.
Love Street from Burke Street to East Atlanta Road.

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Jim Clark Drive from MLK Senior Heritage Trail to Burke Street.

Lovejoy Street from Burke Street to MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Presented by: Mr. Robert Renwick of Keck & Wood
Mr. Renwick gave an update of the Stockbridge Downtown Bike and
Pedestrian Study.

Ms. Keri Stevens with the ARC (Atlanta Regional Commission) noted her
office is available to assist with the project.

No Action Taken

Councilwoman Gantt exited the meeting

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5 Council consideration to revise Chapter 10.12 of the city's code of
ordinances governing parking regulations. Parking Ordinance Revisions
Presented by: Chief Frank Trammer
Chief Trammer noted the request to amend Chapter 10.12 of the current
parking regulations ordinance to include: Section 10.12.015- Parking
Prohibitions in General; Noted being a duplication of state regulations and
if not added to the Code, personnel cannot enforce the regulations; noted

adding section 10.12.016-Parking on Sidewalks regarding motorcycles;
added section 10.12.017-Parking in spaces designated for persons with
disabilities; revised section 10.12.018- Parking prohibited on narrow
streets; noted section 10.12.019-Presumption that vehicle oner is the
violator; noted streamlining 10-12.020-Regulation of on-street parking;
noted adding section 10.12.130-Enforcement; noted striking out a

provision stating towing of vehicles by Homeowners Associations must
use city authorized towing services; noted legal counsel requested to

removal due to having covenants which allows towing of vehicles in
violation of those covenants.

Mayor Ford referenced prior discussions with parking on the street and
implementing even/odd addresses which dictated the way parking would
be allowed.

Chief Trammer noted adding signs would be the better method

Mayor Ford inquired about permits being issued to homeowners

Chief Trammer noted residents can have three special permits per year;
noted residents can apply for additional parking permits for each event for
up to five cars; noted residents receive two permits per household.

Motion to approve made by Councilman Alexander; seconded by
Councilman Blount. The motion passed 4-0. (Councilwoman Gantt was
not present for the vote).

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PUBLIC HEARING
6 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FIVE-YEAR UPDATE.
Council Consideration ofa request by the City of Stockbridge Community

Development Department to adopt the Five-Year Update to the City of
Stockbridge Comprehensive Plan, 2018-2023, which is required by the
Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The Five-Year Update would
be effective from 2024 to 2028. It is being prepared by the Atlanta

Regional Commission (ARC) in consultation with the City of Stockbridge
Community Development Department. The Five-Year Update comprises
an update to reflect recent development patterns in the City, and it also

includes a new Future Land Use Plan and Map. The land use categories
have been modified to make needed corrections and clarifications, and to
include the new zoning districts which were created through the adoption
of the Stockbridge Unified Development Code on March 14, 2022.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson, Chief Planner and Keri Stevens, Atlanta

Regional Commission

Mr. Anderson noted the Five-Year Update is required by the Georgia

Department of Community Affairs and would be effective from

Ms. Stevens reviewed the 5-year update presentation, noted items to be
addressed before submitting to the DCA, and referenced the timeline with
2nd Public Hearing prior to submission and approval by the DCA by
October 31, 2023; reviewed the process and the Required Plan Elements,
which included Vision & Goals, Needs & Opportunities, Community Work

Program, Broadband Services, and some requirements for Capital
Improvements Element, Land Use, Economic Development,
Transportation and Housing; noted the update will focus on the Land Use
Map which includes the newly annexed areas, housing, long range
chapter, and utilize the new Strategic Plan and Community Input;
explained the timeline and noted having the first Public Hearing April 25th;
the first public house was held on May 17th; 2 steering committees were
held in June and August; and the 2nd Public Hearing on August 14th, with a
deadline of October noted some of the summary changes includes
new population goals, economic development goals, housing goals,
natural resources goals, community facilities goals, future land use goals,

transportation goals, broadband goals, intergovernmental coordination
goals and newly added general coordination goals.

Public Hearing Opened
No Comments in Favor or Opposed
Public Hearing Closed

No Action Taken

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NEW BUSINESS
7 Council consideration to renew the contract for Emergency Services for
Civil Engineering Services with Whitley Engineering, not to exceed a 6
months.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson, Chief Planner
Mr. Anderson requested to extend the contract for Emergency Services for
Civil Engineering Services with Whitley Engineering, not to exceed 6
months; noting the services have improved, noting the firm has been
responsive and professional and is pleased to request a renewal fortheir
services.

Mr. Whitley stated he and his team have enjoyed working with staff and
has noted it is a great working relationship.

Councilman Alexander noted the importance of being business friendly

Motion to approve made by Councilman Alexander; seconded by
Councilman Thomas. The motion passed unanimously.

Councilwoman Gantt re-joined the meeting

8. Council consideration to accept $905,575 in grant funding from the
Governor's Office of Planning and Budget Public Safety and Community
Violence Reduction (PSCVRGO Grant Program).
Presented by: Chief Frank Trammer and Captain Karen Anderson
Chief Trammer noted the Police Department applied for grant funding
available through the office under the Violent Crime Reduction
Act; noted being one of the recipients to receive $905,575; noted the grant
will help implement various programs that will help reduce crime within the

city; noted utilizing funding for installation of flock license plate reader
cameras; noted implementing various technology in crime lab; noted

receiving funding to implement NIBIN Cartridge case; noted having
Predictive Analysis Software and drone program and noted including a
virtual reality simulator.

Councilman Blount inquired on the location of where the simulators would
be.

Chief Trammer noted they would either be in-house or virtually using state
of the art screens with a 360 environment.

Councilman Alexander recommended implementing all new subdivisions
install camera technology.

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Attorney Washington noted drafting an Ordinance to figure out the
enforcement mechanisms, location of cameras, funding and contracting
and having conditions with developers creating new subdivisions.

Mayor Ford suggested creating the Ordinance.

Councilman Blount noted concern of the overall cost.

Councilman Thomas suggested the Mayor & Council have more
discussions with staff before deciding.

Motion to approve made by Councilman Alexander; seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Barber. The motion passed unanimously.

The Governing Body tasked the City Manager, Chief Trammer and

Attorney Washington with researching a citywide camera system and to
bring information and recommendations to the Council for consideration at
the September 11, 2023 Council meeting.

Council consideration to appoint board members to the City of Stockbridge
Police Department Citizen-Police Advisory Council
Presented by: Chief Frank Trammer
Chief Trammer introduced the 12-member panel of community members
who have been selected to serve on the City of Stockbridge Citizens
Police Advisory Council as follows with terms to follow:
Appointment: Reverend Dr. M. Lavell Sanders
Councilmember Gantt District 1 -
Ms. Carmen Reese
Councilmember Thomas District 2 Mr. Thomas Smith
Councilmember Blount District 3 -
Mr. William Daniels
Councilmember Barber District 4 Mr. Asa 8. Moon
Councilmember Alexander District 5 Mr. Raymond Martin
Police Chief Appointments:
Zone 1 Ms. Hernitha (Neat) Robinson
Zone 2 Mr. Nathan Banks, Sr.
Zone 3 Ms. Angela White
Zone 4 Ms. Deyonna Williams
Business Community Representative Mr. Regonald Sylvain
(Sylvain Funeral Home & Cremation Services LLC)
Faith-Based Community Representative Pastor John (Trea) Brinson
(Eagles Landing First Baptist Church)

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve appointees; seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Barber. The motion unanimously.

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Spencer T. on Red Oak Rd.
Presented by: Councilman Blount
Councilman Blount referenced a prior request to honor Pastor Spencer
who founded Global Impact Christian Ministries in 2006, noting this

request is different with no changes to the name of the road, and the
installation of signage.

Councilman Alexander referenced Pastor impact to the
Stockbridge community and surrounding area and suggested changing
the street name.

Motion to approve the signage made by Councilman Blount; seconded by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed unanimously.

.Council consideration for Attorney Washington to read a Memo from Legal

regarding homeowners of Septic as a City of Stockbridge Homestead
Exemption.
Presented by: Mayor Pro Tem Barber

Mayor Pro Tem Barber requested the Memo regarding the Septic
Homestead Exemption be read in its entirety by Attorney Washington, and
the document is on file in the Office.
the Council Budget Retreat held on August 10, 2023, Mayor Pro Tem
Yolanda Barber requested a written legal opinion on whether the City of

Stockbridge can grant homestead exemptions to homeowners with septic
systems. Pursuant to recent legislative actions, the Stockbridge City
Council has promulgated a series of homestead exemptions for its
constituents. Subsequent to this enactment, the Council has sought legal
clarification regarding its authority to confer an additional, distinct

exemption specifically tailored to residents whose domiciles are equipped
with septic systems.
Homestead exemptions are statutory provisions typically established by
state or local governing entities. Their primary purpose is to provide tax
relief to homeowners regarding their primary residences. By applying
these exemptions, the assessed value of the property for taxation

purposes is effectively reduced, leading to diminished tax liability for the
homeowner. The core question at hand is whether the City of Stockbridge
has the authority or discretion to grant specific homestead exemptions to
homeowners who have septic systems installed on their properties.
Homes with septic systems may garner attention due to:
1. Rural Incentives: Jurisdictions might offer tax incentives to homes in
rural areas or those lacking centralized wastewater facilities.
2. Environmental Incentives: Some areas might favor environmentally

friendly septic systems that protect water sources.

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3. Infrastructure Considerations: To relieve burdened municipal
wastewater infrastructure, septic systems might be incentivized.
4. Septic Maintenance Financial Provisions: Some jurisdictions provide
financial support to homeowners for septic system upkeep.

Georgia offers a variety of exemptions, from standard exemptions to those
for senior citizens, disabled veterans, and surviving spouses of service
members or public safety officers. They are outlined below:
Standard Homestead Exemption: (O.C.G.A. 48-5-44): Georgia
residents' primary residences may qualify for a $2,000 exemption from
certain county and school taxes.
Exemption for Individuals 65 and Older: (O.C.G.A. 48-5-47): Those 65
and older can claim a $4,000 exemption, contingent on income
restrictions.
Additional Exemption for Individuals 62 and Older for Educational

Purposes: (O.C.G.A. This exemption, subject to income
restrictions, offers relief from certain ad valorem taxes.
Floating Inflation-Proof Exemption: (O.C.G.A. Individuals
62 and older can get an exemption based on the homestead's increased

appraised value.
Disabled Veteran or Surviving Spouse: Veterans with specific disabilities

may get an exemption on their homestead up to a certain amount.
Surviving Spouse of US. Service Member: (O.C.G.A.
Unmarried spouses of service members who died in war or armed conflict
are eligible for an exemption.
Surviving Spouse of Peace Officer or Firefighter: (O.C.G.A. 48-5-48.4):
Spouses of peace officers or firefighters who died in the line of duty are
eligible for a full-value homestead exemption.
In Georgia, the power of local municipalities to create homestead

exemptions is rooted in both the state constitution and statutory
provisions. While the state sets the baseline for homestead exemptions,
granting broad tax relief to homeowners for their primary residences, local
governing entities have the discretion to introduce additional exemptions
tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Such local exemptions
often arise from the recognition of specific challenges or priorities within
the municipality, be it economic, demographic, or infrastructural.

Nevertheless, while local municipalities have this power, any newly
proposed homestead exemption must adhere to Georgia's legal
framework and often requires ratification through local referenda, ensuring
that the residents have a voice in decisions that affect their tax liabilities.
The general framework for homestead exemptions in Georgia is provided
under Title 48 (Revenue and Taxation) of the Official Code of Georgia
Annotated (O.C.G.A.). Specifically, O.C.G.A. 48-5-40 through O.C.G.A.
for the provisions that detail homestead exemptions. While

Georgia provides various homestead exemptions, the City of Stockbridge
has the discretion to establish specific exemptions for homes on septic

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systems as long as they adhere to state constitutional and statutory
provisions. This sample ordinance offers a framework for such a provision.
Proper legal review and public input should be sought before any
adoption. The following Draft Ordinance was read into the record:
WHEREAS the City Council of Stockbridge recognizes the unique

challenges and benefits homes with septic systems present;
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of Stockbridge hereby ordains:
1. Homestead Exemption for Septic Systems: Any primary residence
within the City of Stockbridge utilizing a septic system shall be granted a
$2,500 exemption from city property taxes.
2. Eligibility: Homeowners must:
a. Provide proof of primary residency within Stockbridge.

b. Demonstrate their home utilizes a septic system through appropriate
documentation.
3. Application Process: Homeowners wishing to claim this exemption must
submit an application to the City Tax Commissioner by [specified

deadline].
4. Duration: This exemption is renewable annually, subject to continued

eligibility.
5. Effective Date: This ordinance shall take effect on [effective date],

following its passage and approval.
ADOPTED this [day] of [month], [year].

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF U PCOM ING MEETINGS & EVENTS

Council meetings will be held in the City Council Chamber, meeting dates and times are
subject to change. Please visit the website www.5tockbridgega.org or the
Facebook page or contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates.

Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month
Welcome Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (Aug 15)
0 Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm. 3rd Tuesday of each

month Levi Meeting Room -

City Hall (Aug 15)
Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 pm. City Hall Council Chamber 4th

Thursday of each (Aug 24)
City Council Work Session Meeting, last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm.
City Hall Council (Aug 29)
0 Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd Friday of each month Welcome
Center located at 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail at 9am (Sep 8)

City Council Meeting, 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm. City Hall Council
Chamber (Sep 11)
0 Youth Council Meeting, 6:30 pm. -
2nd Monday of each month City Hall Levi

Meeting Room City Hall (Sep 11)

Citywide Development Authority Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of each month 6:00 pm.

City Hall Levi Meeting Room (Sep 12)

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Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 pm. -

City Hall Council Chamber 4th
Thursday of each (Sep 28)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES
Join us for Food Truck Tuesday from 5:30 pm. to 8:30 pm. at Clark Community
Park 111 Davis Rd. Lots and great food and activities for everyone. The last
Food Truck Tuesday Event for the 2023 Season is August 29th.

0 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.

Councilman Thomas is honoring Veterans with 3 Continuous Salute all year long.
Please send your pictures of Veterans with their name, branch, rank and years of
service to rrawls@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

Join Councilman Blount for Bingo Bash , Wednesday, August 16th from 10am
noon at the Merle Manders Conference Center located at 111 Davis Rd.

Join Mayor for an Educational Interactive Workshop for Seniors and Veterans
hosted by workshop will take place on August 23, 2023 from 10 AM. to 12 PM
at the Merle Manders Conference Center. For more information, please call

Join Mayor Ford in collaboration with the and Veterans Coalition of One
for the Veterans Exgo & Townhal/ , Saturday, August 26th from 9am to 4pm at the
Merle Manders Conference Center. For more information call 610-620-3971.

Join Mayor Ford forthe monthly Meet the Mayor on Monday, August 28th from
10am noon. Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an appointment at
or via email at rrawls@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

. Please join the City of Stockbridge for its Annual 9/11 Remembrance. This
annual remembrance will be held on Monday, September 11th, 2023, from 8:00
AM. to 11 AM. on the Stockbridge City Hall steps located at 4640 North Henry

Boulevard, Stockbridge.

Please get your tickets for the upcoming 2023 Stockbridge Concert Series by

visiting stockbridgeamp.com or in person at the ticket office located at 4650
North Henry Blvd. Thursday Saturday from 1pm 5pm.

COMMENTS

Mayor Ford encouraged everyone to get their tickets for the upcoming concerts, and
referenced an amazing concert from Patti LaBelle and Envogue that was featured in

People magazine, and this week will feature Tower of Power and the Ohio Players;
encouraged everyone to do what they can to be healthy, and to get vaccinated to
remain healthy.

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Councilwoman Gantt referenced an upcoming Business Expo on October 1st in

partnership with her Sorority, with more information to follow.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion to convene Executive Session for Real Estate made by Councilman Alexander;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Barber. The motion passed 4-0. (Councilman Blount was
not present for the vote).

Motion to adjourn Executive Session and reconvene the meeting made by
Councilwoman Gantt; seconded by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-0.

(Councilman Blount was not present for the vote).

ADJOURN

Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Councilwoman Gantt; seconded by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 4-0. (Councilman Blount was not present for the vote).

Respectfully submitted

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
%Af, 26%?
Anthony 8. Ford, Mayor

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