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date: 
title: 2017 12 11 2017 Minutes
source: 2017/2017_12_11_2017_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
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Stockbridge
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.

SUMMARY MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2017 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Judy Neal Randy Knighton, City Manager
Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilman Elton Alexander Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilman John Blount Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
Councilwoman Neat Robinson
Call to Order made by Mayor Neal.

Invocation by Randy Knighton, City Manager.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday proceeded with a verbal roll call; all members of Council
were present except Councilman John Blount, a quorum was confirmed.

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to adopt the Agenda; second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 4-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to adopt the Minutes for the following meetings:
10/9/2017, SCM 10/24/2017 and Work Session 10/24/2017; second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 4-0.

CEREMONIAL REVIEW:
Mayo Neal recognized City Events partners and volunteers for the year of 2017.

There were no public comments.

December 11, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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PRESENTATION
1. Keep America Beautiful Program
Presented by: Councilman Alexander/Gordon Burkette
Councilman Alexander introduced Gordon Burkette of Keep America. Mr. Burkette
gave a brief presentation of the Keep America Beautiful Program, noting the
mission of the program is to promote clean and attractive sustainable communities
which is accomplished through community partnerships and regular maintenance.
No action was taken by the Council.

OLD BUSINESS
2. City Hall HVAC Update
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director.
Mr. Aaron gave an update on the City Hall HVAC repairs, noting the scope of work
should be completed by the end of the month, and then the bid would go out.
No action was taken by the Council.

3. Municipal Court Renovations Update
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted Mr. Kimble, an Industrial Hygienist should complete the
scope of work report within the next 2 weeks and the bid would go out.
No action was taken by the Council.

4. City of Stockbridge Wells Report
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director/
Mr. Aaron noted SPLOST funds were identified for the City to look for additional
water sources. Mr. Aaron noted he contacted Dan Harmon of Groundwater
Services, Inc to locate well sites, further noting Mr. Harmon identified two (2)
location within the Reeves Creek Trail, with one site having 100 gallons/ minutes
and the other with 50 gallons/minute; averaging about $7,100/month on water.
Mr. Aaron noted staff will come back in a few weeks to ask for approval to test both
sites noting the recommendation of the wells are 600ft. for each well and cost is
estimated at approximately $15/foot.

PUBLIC HEARING
5. Water & Sewer Improvements – Smith Barnes Sanitary Sewer System – Inflow
and Infiltration Evaluation of which $100,000 to be funded by CDBG (Community
Development Block Grant)
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted the Smith-Barnes basin is over 50 years old and staff would like to
be proactive with improving the inflow and infiltration. Mr. Aaron noted funding will
be allocated from the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) not to exceed
$100,000 and will be completed in phases.

PUBLIC HEARING
In Favor: None
In Opposition: None

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.
December 11, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the Water & Sewer Improvements –
Smith-Barnes Sanitary Sewer System – Inflow and Infiltration Evaluation of which
$100,000 to be funded by CDBG (Community Development Block Grant); decond
by Councilwoman Robinson. The motion passed 4-0.

6. Third Public Hearing –FY2018 Budget
Presented by: Rashonda Favors, Lead Accountant & Randy Knighton, City Mgr.
Ms. Favors noted this is the third and final Public Hearing for the Budget with no
changes made. Mr. Knighton noted the final adoption will take place on December
19, 2018.

PUBLIC HEARING
In Favor: None
In Opposition: None

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.

No Action Taken by the Counci.

7. RZ-17-25-S
STKR Investments, LLC of Fort Lauderdale, FL requests a rezoning from M-1(Light
Manufacturing) to MUND (Mixed-Use Neighborhood Development for the property
located on Campground Road Extension at the intersection with Highway 42 North,
in Land Lot 97 of the 7th District. The property consists of 64.27 +/- acres, and the
request is for a mixed-use neighborhood development.
Presented by: Randy Knighton, City Manager
Mr. Knighton noted the applicant is requesting a rezoning from M-1(Light
Manufacturing) to MUND (Mixed Used Neighborhood Development). The property
was recommended with conditions by the City’s Planning Commission with the
following conditions:
To the owner's agreement to abide by the following:

a. To the site plan received by the Department of Community Development on
August 11, 2017. Said site plan is conceptual only and must meet or exceed
the requirements of the Zoning Resolution and these conditions prior to the
approval of a Land Disturbance Permit. In the event the Recommended
Conditions of Zoning cause the approved site plan to be substantially different,
the applicant shall be required to complete the concept review procedure prior
to application for a Land Disturbance Permit. Unless otherwise noted herein,
compliance with all conditions shall be in place prior to the issuance of the first
Certificate of Occupancy.

2. Development plans shall require the approval of HCDOT.

3. Owner/Developer shall coordinate with HCDOT for access and median
openings.

4. All access locations shall be required to have a deceleration lane/acceleration
taper, be located to meet the minimum spacing requirements per the Henry County
December 11, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Code and shall meet the minimum intersection sight distance requirements.

5. The site shall be developed in such a way to allow room for placement of a future
deceleration lane into the site upon the widening of the Campground Road
Extension to a four-lane section.

6. For access into the site from the extended West Campground Road & Right of
Way, there shall be a public turnaround inside of dedicated public right-of-way prior
to entering into the private property of the development.

7. To allow for U-turn movements to access the commercial portion of the site to
the east of the creek, a U-turn bulb meeting GDOT standards shall be designed d
and constructed.

8. Only and emergency entrance shall provide access to the portion of the subject
property north of the Campground Road Extension from the Campground Road
Extension which shall be included on the approved development plans.

Mr. Knighton suggested tabling the item until more clarity can be provided on the
conditions.

PUBLIC HEARING
In Favor: Wanda Moore, Falcon Design Consultants and Frank Harris
In Opposition: None
Public Hearing will continue at the City Council Meeting December 19, 2017.

8. VR-17-20-S
Deborah Ross of Stockbridge, GA requests a variance from development standards
for the property located on 107 Wexford Court, in Land Lot 15 of the 6th District. The
property consists of 0.139 +/- acres, and the request is reduction in setbacks.
Mr. Knighton noted the applicant is requesting to reduce the minimum rear setback
requirements from twenty feet (20’) to fourteen (14’) to convert the back patio into
an enclosed sunroom; and to reduce the minimum side yard setback requirements
from six feet (6’) to five feet (5’). Mr. Knighton stated the Planning Commission
recommends approval with one condition:

To the owner's agreement to abide by the following:

a. To the site plan received by the Department of Community Development on
May 22,2017. Said site plan is conceptual only and must meet or exceed the
requirements of the Zoning Resolution and these conditions prior to the
approval of a Land Disturbance Permit. In the event the Recommended
Conditions of Zoning cause the approved site plan to be substantially different,
the applicant shall be required to complete the concept review procedure prior
to application for a Land Disturbance Permit. Unless otherwise noted herein,
compliance with all conditions shall be in place prior to the issuance of the first
Certificate of Occupancy.

December 11, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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PUBLIC HEARING
In Favor: None
In Opposition: None

PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve VR-17-20-S with one (1) condition;
second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 4-0.

NEW BUSINESS
9. Council Consideration to approve 2018 Water/Sewer Rates.
Presented by: Rashonda Favors Lead Accountant and Decius Aaron, Public
Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted Henry County Water Authority notified the City of a 2% water rate
increase. Mr. Aaron stated staff is recommending the City add an additional 3% to
help with additional cost that have been incurred by the new AMI Metering System.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve the 5% of the 2018 Water/Sewer rates;
second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion failed.

After some discussion, the Council and City Manager asked for more clarification
and justification of the 5% recommended increase. The item tabled to the
December 19, 2017 meeting.

10. Council Consideration to approve Development Projects Policy
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney.
Attorney Williams noted this establishes a policy to avoid inadvertent release of
information or also limit the potential for any undue influence on Economic
Development Policies. Attorney Williams explained this policy will direct the City
Manager and anyone acting on his behalf, to inform City staff not release
information to Councilmembers pertaining to pending development applications or
Economic Development inquires unless otherwise voted on by Council.

Councilman Alexander strongly objected noting information could be received via
Open Records Request.

Councilwoman expressed concerns of being non-transparent.

No action was taken, the item will be heard at the City Council Meeting December
19, 2017.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Randy Knighton invited everyone to attend the GA DOT meeting on Thursday,
December 14 at the McDonough Christian Center, 2000 Jonesboro Rd. for the
Western Parallel meeting; thanked staff for their hard work and commended the
City’s successful events.

December 11, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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COMMENTS FROM THE CITY CLERK
No Comments

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for participating; loves the City of
Stockbridge citizens and how they fellowship; noted events are well attended
despite those being concerned about attendance of events; happy that citizens are
showing love for the City.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford commended the Holiday Events, specifically the Christmas
Gala and noted all City Events have been outstanding! Noted, if you build it, they
will come; asked everyone to continue to be engaged; wished everyone Happy
Holidays and Merry Christmas and to enjoy friends and family.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone and wished Happy Holidays to all.

Councilwoman Robinson invited everyone to Trinity UMC for the Holiday Giveback
from 9AM – 11AM on Saturday, December 16th; also referenced a Christmas
event being held on Friday, December 15th at 7:30 P.M. at the Ted Strickland
Community Center and all are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy; noted she
is here to serve the citizens and does not support creating bad policies to change
things for one bad apple and that she is voting for you, your best interest and
serving you well.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
No comments.

EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
Councilwoman Gantt motioned to convene Executive Session for Personnel,
Litigation and Real Estate; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 4-

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by
Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 4-0.

Councilman Alexander motioned to convene the meeting; second by Mayor Pro
Tem Ford. The motion passed 4-0.

UPCOMING OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS/EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meeting will be held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times are
subject to change. Please visit the city’s website www.cityofstockbridge.com, Facebook
page or contact City Hall offices at 770.389-7900 for updates and detailed information.

 Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 6:00 P.M. at City Hall –
Budget Hearing and Adoption of Proposed FY2018 Operating Budget for the City.

December 11, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENT(S)
 Holiday Giveback – Friday, December 15, 2017 at the Ted Strickland
Community Center – Spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson.

ADJOURN
Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:55PM; second by
Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, CMC Anthony S. Ford, Mayor

December 11, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
