---
date: 2020-10-27
title: 10-27-2020 Minutes
source: 2020-10/2020-10-27_10-27-2020_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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Smmge
Where Community Connects

SU M MARY M INUTES
COUNC I L MEET l NG (Via Zoom)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 20 6:00 PM.
Ma 0 r & Cit Cou ncil Administration
Mayor A n t5 ony 5. Fora Ranay KnI Egon, City Manager
Mayo_r ProTem Alpho nso Thomas ollday, City C|_erk
Cou ncglman Elton Alexa nder .

Randl R_aIn_ey, Dgputy City Clerk
Councnlwoman Yo landa Barber John WI ms, City Treasurer
Councilman John quu nt Michael Illlams Qt Attorngv
Counculwoman Lake I 5 h a Gantt Deaus Aaron, Public orks Dlr.

Mission To provide visionary leadership and superior
municipal sewices that enhance the
of
quality life for citizens while creating a welcoming business focused on
atmosphere
sustainabll ity and expansion of tourism and cultural events

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford.

Invocation by Randy Knighton.

Pledge of Allegiance recited all in unison.

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

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to amend the Agenda to discuss the
Organizational
Chart; second by Councilman Blount. The motion failed.

Councilman Alexanderjoined the meeting.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adopt the Agenda; second by Councilman Blount. The
motion passed 5-0.

Review of the Minutes for the following No Action
meetings -

1. 09/09/2020 2. 09/15/2020 3. 09/17/2020 4. 09/18/2020

PUBLIC
,CO MMENTS
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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Ms. Eileen Thorne, 17-year Business Owner of SPN Herbs Health and Wellness,
Stockbridge, GA submitted a comment regarding like businesses such as hers being in
proximity of each other.

Mayor Ford asked the City Manager to follow up with Ms. concerns

VETO
5. a. Veto of Ordinance No. OR20-481: Proposed amendment to
the Procurement Ordinance.
Presented by MayorAnthony 8. Ford

Mayor Ford referenced the veto of Ordinance No. OR20-481 read the veto message into
the record:
October 16, 2020

To: Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas
Councilman Elton Alexander
Councilwomen Yolanda Barber
Councilman J ohn Blount
Councilwomen LaKeisha Gantt
Via: Ms. Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk

Stockbridge City Hall
4640 North Henry Boulevard

Stockbridge, Georgia 30281

Re: Veto Message

Dear Council Members:

I hereby exercise my Veto authority pursuant to Section 3.23 of our City
Charter. I am applying the Veto t0 the Procurement Ordinance that was passed

during our monthly City Council Meeting October 12, 2020, which was requiring
an extension of time in procurement matters where less than three bids or

proposals are required.

I truly support the procurement goal of obtaining at least three bids for all our

City solicitations, but I am extremely concerned about the proposed changes in
the previous mentioned Procurement Ordinance unnecessarily complicates our

procurement process where potential contractors will be reluctant to submit bids
once we make a change to extend the bid process after the bidding process opens.

I also believe the three Sections in question imposes an unnecessary requirement
that could result in increased costs to our City.

Please feel to contact me; if you have any further questions or concerns

Sincerely,
Anthony S. Ford
Mayor
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Mayor Ford noted he believes it is unfairto extend the bids at the last minute
and suggested to move the extension to the front once the bidding process
and noted this is his first veto which could be overruled with four (4) votes
from Council.

Councilwoman Barber noted what was proposed in the Ordinance is the
standard procurement practice that aligns with the current procurement
process of extending bids and provided the Council with the language that is
being used in current and previous bids. Councilwoman Barber expressed
the intent is to align the ordinance close to the process outlined in the
procurement manual and is not the intent to change the process; but to allow
Council to have consistency and requiring extra time for staff to solicitate
three (3) qualified proposals. After a good faith effort and staff is unable to
obtain three (3) qualified proposals, valid justification must be provided to
Council when the recommendation to award a contract is presented to
Council with less than three (3) proposals.

Councilman Blount noted the State Statute 4.8.1.1 and 4.4.3.3 stated all
provisions must be posted priorto the closing bid date; also, O.C.G.A 36-91-
20 which governs Public Works and express the City cannot trump the State
or the Federal Codes by the State of Georgia. Councilman Blount inquired
on how Council could pass a Resolution that with the Ordinance, the
State Statue and the Federal Codes that are annotated.

Attorney Williams noted the Ordinance that was passed at the last meeting
along with the proposed Resolution does not conflict with the State or Federal
codes, and stated Council mandates a requirement that at least three (3) bids
are obtained and the Ordinance passed at the last meeting covers that; also,

the policy in place takes a discretionary act with staff members and makes it

mandatory. Attorney Williams noted the State Statute applies to Public Works
construction projects and the provision in question applies to bid
specifications and bid openings.

Councilwoman Gantt expressed her appreciation for the Mayor vetoing the
bill as well as Ms. opinion on what may be compromising and stated
the action could put the City in a bad situation.

Councilman Alexander asked for a recap of the first Agenda motion made
noting he had difficulty logging on for the meeting.

The motion was repeated; there was no action

Councilman Alexander expressed he felt the Mayor should have been a part
of the discussion during the last meeting when the Ordinance was adopted,
and asked Attorney Williams if it was possible to override the Ordinance.

Attorney Williams noted if the veto is not overridden, then the veto will stand.
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Mayor Ford noted he opted not to respond to the comments being made
during the meeting at that time and wanted to think about the veto.

Councilman Blount noted he believes certain conversations should be held
with the City Manager and staff instead of Council.

Mr. Knightonnoted items can be discussed with proper communication;
however, this subject deals with the bidding process which should include an
Ordinance or policy.

5. b. Council Consideration to approve a Resolution amending the
Procurement Policy requiring a minimum of (3) three bids submitted to the
Council and extending if (3) bids are not received; and after due diligence,
resubmitting to the Council all bids received showing due diligence for
approval.
Presented by Michael Williams, City Attorney

Councilwoman Barber motioned to approve the Resolution amending the
Procurement Policy requiring a minimum of (3) three bids submitted to the
Council and extending if (3) bids are not received; and after due diligence,
resubmitting to the Council all bids received showing due diligence for
approval; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion Passed 3-2
(Blount/Gantt opposed).

OLD BUSINESS
6. Council Consideration to appoint members and activate the
Development Authority Board.
Presented by Michael Williams, City Attorney
Item to be heard following Executive Session. The Council took no action
on this item following Executive Session.

7. Council Consideration to approve the ranking of the qualified firms for
RFP 2020-0019, Landscape Maintenance Services; High Grove Partners
LLC @ $88,73200 and Woods Total Lawn Care @ $51,495.00
Funding Source: General Fund
Presented by Lindell Miller, Purchasing Manager and
Decius Aaron, Public Works Director

Councilman Alexander motioned to Table; second by Councilwoman
Barber. The motion Passed (Gantt opposed, Blount abstained).

NEW BUSINESS
8. Council Consideration to award a bid selection for Local Maintenance
Improvement Grant (LMiG) services in the amount of $1,199,263.27 to
Blount Construction Co., LLC. Funding Source: GDOT Grant in the
amount of $291,306.61 and Fund Balance in the amount of $907,956.66
Presented by Lindell Miller, Purchasing Manager and
Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
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Mr. Aaron noted the recommendation is to approve Blount Construction
Co. LLC, to perform the Local Maintenance Improvement Grant
(LMIG) projects of resurfacing 5.65 miles of road within City limits.

Councilman Alexander asked Mr. Aaron to read the streets that will be
paved. Mr. Aaron noted the streets are as followed: Viceroy Curve,
Monarch Village Way to Creek Valley Court; Monarch Lake Way from
Monarch Village way to the Monarch Village Way to Walt
Stephens, from Monarch Lake Way; Windbrook Dr. to Peach Dr. to cul-
Winthrop Ln. to Winbrook Dr. to cuI-de-sac; Winwood Dr. from
Maple Leaf Dr. to Wilshire Way; Winwood Ln. from Windbrook Dr. to
Winthrop Ln. to Winbrook dr. to cul-de-sac; Winwood Dr. from Maple Leaf
Dr. to Wilshire Way; Winwood In. from Winbrook Dr. to cuI-de-sac;
Windham Way from Winwood La. To cul-de-sac; Wilshire Way from
Winwood Dr. to cuI-de-sac; Wincroft Way from Winwood Dr. to
sac.; Woodberry Ct. from Winwood Dr. to Winwood Dr.; Wilmington Way
from Maple Leaf Dr. to cul-de-sac; Windsong Dr. from Rock Quarry Rd.
to County Club Dr. North; Country Club Dr. North from Eagles Landing

Pkwy. To cul-de-sac; Magnolia Place from County Club Dr. North to cul-
de-sac and Hickory Trail on Willow Hill Ln. to Glenwood Dr.

Mr. Aaron gave a brief breakdown of how streets are chosen to be
paved
from the analysis report based on the conditions of the road.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the bid selection for Local
Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG) services in the amount of
$1,199,263.27 to Blount Construction Co., LLC. Funding Source: GDOT
Grant in the amount of $291,306.61 and Fund Balance in the amount of
$907,956.66; second by Councilwoman Barber. The motion passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to approve Pond Company Change Order#2 for
the New Public Works Facility in the amount of $57,576.91. Funding
Source: SPLOST
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron introduced BJ Martin of Pond Company to speak about the
Change Orders where he noted there are three (3) change orders at the
request, The first change order deals with a detention pond
with a sewer line that was not anticipated; the second change order deals
with a request for additional work and subgrade material for the lower
parking lot and the final change order delt with the footers which requires
3 ft. of excavation. Mr. Martin also noted the cost could have been much
more if it were not taken care of.

Councilman Alexander reminded the Council that he had stated it would
not be a good decision to build a building adjacent to a floodplain and
referenced previous issues at the Municipal Court building and
asked about the warranty on the project.
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Mr. Martin noted making sure the foundation was stable enough before
going forward with project was a priority.

Attorney Williams noted there is a standard warranty within the contract
and would forward that information to the Mayor & Council for review.

Mr. Knighton noted the issues with the Municipal Court building have
been resolved; the property in question which is the Public Works
Facility
is in a sensitive area and was apart of a SPLOST |V project where $3
million was allocate forthe project. Mr. Knighton also noted that to protect
the integrity of the building, the change order is needed.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas inquired on the grading for the lower parking lot
and asked for the estimated completion date.

Mr. Martin noted the drain pattern will have a positive drainage and will
not affect the building, with a
high elevation of the parking lot which will
not flood the parking, and estimated the completion date to be around
November 30th while still working with minor details with the steel areas,
which could potentially move the completion date to the end of
January
2021.

Councilman Blount noted his concern is the of rain and inquired on
how it could have been prevented.

Mr. Martin noted
by providing extra strength in the foundation, the
problems will no longer be there; all sub-grade work under the parking lot
and the building has a higher structural load then what was designed for
the site.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve Pond Company Change
Order#2 for the New Public Works Facility in the amount of $57,576.91.
Funding Source: SPLOST; second by Councilwoman Barber. The motion
Passed 4-0-1 (Alexander abstained).

10. Council Consideration to approve Stockbridge Youth Council
Rebranding
Proposal.
Presented by Ericka Harvey, Youth Council Advisory Committee Chair &
Sharika Zellars, Youth Council Advisory Committee Treasurer
Ms. Harvey noted the biggest change will be the look of the program
which includes using two of the new logo colors (red & yellow), a
revamped website, promotional items, a commercial, new apparel
with the City seal, a photo shoot and etiquette training.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas asked what the Youth Council was doing to
impact the youth in the City.
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Ms. Harvey noted the Youth Council held an Art show in February
focusing on mental health as well has holding a March Madness
tournament that was catered to getting the word out about the 2020
Census and a Human Sex information event and also noted
the Youth Council is currently working on a PSA (Public Service
Announcement) about COVID and how it affects the youth as well as

serving the essential workers during the pandemic.

Councilman Alexander inquired about what was being done to get
information out to the youth about voting.

Ms. Harvey noted there is a campaign to make sure each year there is a
focus on voting at every event.

Ms. Zellars stated that educating the youth on presidential and local
elections as well as informing the youth with how local government works
on a City level and County level will be part of the program.

Councilman Blount asked if the Youth Council hold mock sessions

Ms. Harvey noted she would suggest Council to join some of the Youth
Council meetings to give advice on certain things. Ms. Zellers added the
rebranding is not all about the look, but also focusing on Council and
requirements it would take to attend council meetings; and partnering with
a Councilmember for an event.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas noted he would like to work with Juniors and
Seniors in preparation for college. Mayor Pro Tem Thomas also inquired
about having a separate website. Ms. Harvey noted it would be youth
based with a focus on including the whole community with resources that
will be shared.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas inquired on who would manage the separate
site. Mr. Knighton noted any appointed board member should be
responsible. Ms. Harvey stated the board members will be over the site,
with the youth providing information from social media to post on the
website.

Councilwoman Barber inquired on community service plans. Ms. Harvey
noted the Youth works with Council in their initiatives to retrieve the hours
along with the youths four (4) events.

Councilman Blount and Councilwoman Gantt expressed their
appreciation for the board members.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Stockbridge Youth Council
Rebranding Proposal; Second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed
5-0.
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11.Council Consideration to amend the Youth Council application to include
students who attendDutchtown, Landing, Stockbridge, Union
Grove, Woodland and Henry County Private schools as members of the
Stockbridge Youth Council.
Presented by Ericka Harvey, Youth Council Advisory Committee Chair
Ms. Harvey noted there were a few kids from the Youth Ambassadors
who showed interest in joining the Youth Council, however, they do not
live in the city limits and she and the committee are hoping the Council

agrees to change it to a cluster of Henry County high schools instead of
just the city limits residents.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve application to include
students who attend Dutchtown, Landing, Stockbridge, Union
Grove, Woodland and Henry County Private schools as members of the
Stockbridge Youth Council; second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion
passed

12. Council Consideration to approve use ofthe Merle Manders on November
21, 2020 for a Drive-By Turkey Give-Away in partnership with State
Representative Demetrius Douglas.
Presented by Mayor Ford
Mayor Ford noted the use forthe Merle Manders is no longer needed as
to Rep. Demetrius Douglas advised him of an issue
regarding the supply
of turkeys due to COVID.

Councilman Blount suggested the use of Council Initiative funds to
purchase turkeys.

Attorney Williams noted City funds cannot be used to purchase and give
items away as this action would violate the gratuities clause of the
Constitution and noted the City does have the authority to hold fundraisers
for community support.

Mr. Knighton noted the City has issued PPE for those the
during
pandemic to help keep the community safe.

Councilwoman Barber suggested reaching out to local businesses for
donations and support.

Councilman Blount suggested the Mayor & Council exchange ideas via
emails and to come back with suggestions at the next meeting.

Councilman Alexander motioned to Table; second by Councilwoman
Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.
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13. Council Consideration to amend the Proclamation Policy.
Presented by City Attorney, Michael Williams
Councilman Alexander noted he would like Council to understand
amending the Proclamation Policy does not impact the current Policy
which goes through the Mayor, noting the proposed recommendation is
not for one single Councilmember to be able to promote or issue
Proclamations and is asking Council with a majority vote to be able to
issue Proclamations similar to the process in the City of Atlanta.

Councilman Alexander added if a citizen requests a Proclamation, a
Councilmember would sponsor it and bring it before Council which then
would be brought fourth; if the Mayor is unavailable or
agree with
it, the Mayor Pro Tem would read and sign the Proclamation, noting this
process would give the entire Council the ability to issue Proclamations.

Attorney Williams noted the Resolution given to Council for the meeting
does not reflect the way Councilman Alexander described it and if there
is a motion made, the recommendation is to motion as it was presented
and the Resolution would be re-worded.

Mayor Ford noted when proclamation requests are submitted, he
discusses it with the City Clerk to make sure it was within the guidelines
written with present Resolution, and also noted he turned down any
Proclamations; and recommends there to be no changes.

Councilman Blount noted polices and procedures are put into place so
Elected Officials will not abuse them, and he is ok with the current policy.

Councilwoman Gantt expressed her concern is with the balance of
power
and does not understand why Council cannot communicate with the
Mayor for such requests and thanked the City Clerk for providing research
and examples of other cities, and believes keeping the power where it
belongs, and not having the process abused.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas inquired about the guidelines for issuing a
Proclamation and the difference between the current Proclamation and
the proposed Proclamation would be.

Mayor Ford noted in the document provided, exhibit A has eleven (11)
guidelines to follow.

Councilman Alexander noted the City of Atlanta has a City Council
president, Felicia Moore who signs the proclamations and believes it
gives the Council as a body a chance of approving a proclamation if the
Mayor does not.

Councilwoman Gantt noted the City of Atlanta has a different structure
and the Mayor is not apart of their meetings, therefore that is why they
have a City Council President and noted Council should be respectful.
Page |10

Mayor Ford noted he disagrees with Councilman Alexanders comments
and asked him not to assume just because he does not
agree does not
mean he would not sign the proclamation.

Councilwoman Barber noted she is open to new ideas and does not
understand why there should be an argument with
everything.

Councilman Blount noted the proclamations must meet the
guidelines and
he wants to leave the power with the Mayor due to certain alliances with
members of council.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas asked to Table the discussion and continue at
the next meeting.

Councilman Alexander noted he is fine with tabiing and
having an appeals
process.

Councilman Alexander motioned to Table; second by Mayor Pro Tem
Thomas. The motion passed (BIount/Gantt opposed).

14.Council Consideration to approve the FY2021 insurance and Benefits
Renewal with Cigna in the amount of $1,891,523.00.
Funding Source:
General Fund
Presented by Renee Wheeler, Human Resources
Manager
Ms. Wheeler noted the renewals will start January 2021; there is a net
increase of $167,668 for medical, vision has no
changes and dental has
a slight change of 6.38%.

Mr. Knighton noted the total cost is captured in the General Fund and
open enrollment starts in a few weeks.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the FY2021 insurance and
Benefits Renewal with Cigna in the amount of $1,891,523.00.
Funding
Source: General Fund; second by Mayor Pro Tem Thomas. The motion
passed 5-0.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION
15. Council Discussion to include the Juneteenth
Holiday with the list of paid
holidays beginning FY2021.
Presented by Randy Knighton, City Manager
Mr. Knighton noted this was brought before Council on June 23th which
was approved, but there was no conclusion if it would be a
paid holiday is
asking for approval to add it to the paid holiday calendar beginning in
2021.

Mr. Knighton also noted several cities have recently made this a paid
holiday such as Winston-Salem, NC, Dade, FL, and a few counties
in Georgia.
Page In

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas noted it would be a great move for the country to
make Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas motioned to approve Juneteenth as a paid
holiday for the City beginning June 2021; second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR

Mayor Ford reminded everyone that we are living in a pandemic and encouraged everyone
to wear mask, use hand sanitizer, wash your hands and social distance; noted the
Department of Health, District 4 Free COVID testing days and hours have been revised as
follows: Monday Friday 9am 2pm and on Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 9am

noon,
due to the change in weather;

noted the inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness Convoy was a
huge success and
encouraged everyone to get their mammogram for early detection; noted this week is the
last week for Early Voting taking place at the Merle Manders Conference Center, the
Henry
County Elections Office, J P Moseley, and the Fairview Recreation Center, along with other
locations in the county from 7am 7pm, with Election Day on

Tuesday, November 3rd.

Councilman Alexander motioned to Reconsider Item #13; second
by Councilwoman
Barber. The motion passed 3-2 (Blount/Gantt opposed).

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve amendment of the
policy allowing Council to
appeal proclamations denied by the Mayor; second by Councilwoman Barber. The motion
passed 32 (BIount/Gantt opposed).

UPCOMING MEETINGS
Meeting will be held via Zoom until further notice. 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.

City Council Meeting Monday, November 9, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Via Zoom
Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, Friday, November 13, 2020 at 9:00 am. Via
Zoom
Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 6:00
pm. Via Zoom
Youth Council Advisory Meeting, Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 6:30 pm. Via
Zoom

City Council Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 6:00 pm. Via
Zoom

U NG PUBLIC NGS
> Public Hearing First Reading of the Proposed FY2021
Operating Budget
Monday, November 9, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Via Zoom
> Public Hearing Second Reading of the Proposed FY2021 Operating Budget
Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Via Zoom
> Public Hearing Adoption of Proposed FY2021 Operating Budget
Monday, December 14, 2020 at 6:00 PM. Via Zoom
Page |12

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilwoman Gantt motioned to convene Executive Session for
Personnel, Litigation
and Real Estate; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion
passed 5-0.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to Adjourn Executive Session; second
by Councilman
Blount. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilman Alexander motioned to Reconvene the
meeting; second by Councilwoman
Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilman Blount motioned to Adjourn; second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion
passed 5-0.

bmitted by

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CMC MMC 8. Ford,
