---
date: 2012-12-10
title: December 10, 2012 Minutes
source: 2012-12/2012-12-10_December 10, 2012_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

December 10, 2012

Special Called Meeting

Click here for Pages 1 through 40 of the Special Called Meeting Hearing Transcript

Click here for Pages 41 through 83 of the Special Called Meeting Hearing Transcript

Click here for Pages 84 through 125 of the Special Called Meeting Hearing Transcript.

Click here for Pages 126 through 170 of the Special Called Meeting Hearing Transcript.

Click here for Pages 171 through 215 of the Special Called Meeting Hearing Transcript.

Click here for Pages 216 through 255 of the Special Called Meeting Hearing Transcript.

Click here for Pages 256 through 295 of the Special Called Meeting Hearing Transcript.

Click here for Pages 296 through 340 of the Special Called Meeting Hearing Transcript.

Click here for Pages 341 through 373 of the Special Called Meeting Hearing Transcript.

Regular Meeting

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
December 10, 2012; 7:00 pm

City Council

Mark Alarcon, Mayor Pro Tem

Robin Buschman, Councilwoman

Harold Cochran, Councilman

Richard Steinberg, Councilman

Alphonso Thomas, Councilman
Rhonda A. Blackmon, City Clerk

Call to Order by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Alarcon.

Invocation by Bishop Bryer.

Pledge of Allegiance

Adopt Agenda motion made by Richard Steinberg; a second was made by Robin Buschman;
the motion passed 5-0.

COMMUNITY SERVICE CERTIFICATES; Elyssa Green, President of Teen Expressions, Inc.;
Henry County Alumni Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and Austin Frost, Eagle Scout.
Alphonso Thomas recognized Elyssa Green from the audience and asked that the presentation
for the certificates be rescheduled.

Adopt the minutes for Work Session on October 2, 2012. Motion to pass made by Harold
Cochran; a second was made by Robin Buschman; Richard Steinberg asked that this be tabled
until Council could read through the minutes; the motion was withdrawn by Mr. Cochran and Ms.
Buschman. The item was tabled.

CONSENT AGENDA

Item # 1- Presented by Bill Linkous, City Attorney

Resolution: For Council to authorize Smith, Welch, Webb and White to finish up the collection
of storm water fees so work can begin on the Publix detention pond. Mr. Linkous went over the
summary of the item. Motion made by Richard Steinberg; a second was made by Harold
Cochran; the motion passed 5-0.

OLD BUSINESS

PLANNING AND ZONING HEARING
Item # 2- Presented by Cheri Hobson-Matthews, Director Henry County Planning &
Zoning

Ordinance: To amend Chapter 8.36 of the City of Stockbridge Code of Ordinances which
provides for zoning; as to permit, as an accessory use, one dwelling unit per self-storage facility
in C-3 Zoning Districts. Ms. Matthews went over the summary of the discussion from the work
session the previous week concerning a dwelling being overhead of a storage facility. She
stated that this would be a public hearing on the item. Mayor Pro Tem Alarcon asked Mr.
Linkous if he had reviewed the documents and if he was in agreement with this item. Mr.
Linkous said that he did review this and he was in complete agreement with the County’s
recommendation. Mr. Alarcon opened the floor for any comments for or against the passing of
this ordinance. There were no comments during the hearing portion for this item. Motion to
pass was made by Richard Steinberg; a second was made by Robin Buschman; the motion
passed 5-0.

Item # 3- Presented by Cheri Hobson-Matthews, Director Henry County Planning &
Zoning

Ordinance: Notice is hereby given that the City of Stockbridge will conduct a Public Hearing for
the purpose of approving an ordinance to adopt a new Official Zoning Map. The corrected copy
of the Official Zoning Map will supersede and replace the current Official Zoning Map adopted
January 12, 2009. Ms. Matthews went over the summary of this item as discussed at the work
session in the previous week. She discussed that this was to accurately reflect what certain
parcels should be zoned per the Official Zoning Map. In January, the County will be taking over
the responsibility of making sure that the zoning map is accurate and make changes as items
are brought forth and passed. Ms. Matthews stated that the Planning & Zoning Board
recommended adoption of this ordinance with three (3) conditions. The conditions are that the
zoning map have the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem signature, city seal and approval date on it; to
amend the Code of Ordinances to allow for amendments to the Official Zoning Map when there
are any conflict of minutes, drafting errors or omissions; and also the four (4) parcels currently
delineated on the City of Stockbridge Zoning Map should be reflected to show as C3 zoning due
to past and present commercial uses of the property. Mr. Linkous stated there had been a
meeting on this and this ordinance allows for these changes. He also stated he wanted to have
a opportunity to meet with Ms. Matthews to go over the recommendations and get them done.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcon opened the Public Hearing. There were no comments during the
hearing portion for this item. Motion to approve was made by Harold Cochran; a second was
made by Richard Steinberg; the motion passed 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

Item # 4 - Presented by Anita Gunnoe, Court

Agreement; between the City of Stockbridge and Business Information Systems, Inc. for the
renewal contract on the digital recording system maintenance in the City Court. Ms. Gunnoe
went over this stating that this is an annual contract for the court recording equipment and she
stated this is needed to record the court sessions. Mr. Alarcon asked if this was the equipment
that was being used now and Ms. Gunnoe stated that yes this was the current equipment. Ms.
Buschman asked if Ms. Gunnoe was satisfied with the service of the current company and Ms.
Gunnoe stated that yes and that the company was very responsive when they needed service.
Motion to pass made by Richard Steinberg; a second was made by Robin Buschman; the
motion passed 5-0.

Item # 5 - Presented by Anita Gunnoe, Court

Agreement: between the City of Stockbridge and Metro Waterproofing, Inc. for a proposal to
water proof the City Court to repair and further prevent leaks. Ms. Gunnoe stated that this was
a proposal suggested by Jack Jones from the Public Works department. The court has had
previous leaks and Public Works has repaired them more than once but they still have leaks.
Ms. Gunnoe stated that Jack Jones was here to answer any questions. Mr. Milliron suggested
Council bring Mr. Jones forward. The court building went through previous renovations and
before the City spends any money on this, we need to make sure that this action will fix the
problem so we should hear from the supervisor of Public Works. Mr. Jones said he cannot
guarantee that this will fix the problem. In the opinion of Public Works, we need to go back in
and water proof from the bottom up. If this does not work, we would have to start back over
from scratch. Ms. Buschman asked if the company itself could guarantee that this will take care
of the problem. Mr. Jones stated that he honestly did not think they would guarantee it unless
we had an engineer look at the building as it is an old building and it has been leaking for years.
The other option is cheaper and still may not be guaranteed but you could go in and install a
sump pump. Ms. Buschman talked about not understanding why a sump pump had never been
put in prior to this over the years. Richard Steinberg said that since we have had all of these
problems, would we not be better to have an engineer come in to look at this. Mr. Jones said
that his suggestion is that we have an engineer look at this. Mr. Milliron also suggested that we
get an engineer as we have put a lot of money in to this already as well as a lot of staff time.
Mr. Alarcon stated that reading through the proposal, there is no guarantee and he agrees that
an engineer is the way to go. No action taken at this time.

Item # 6 - Presented by Lee Stuart, Mayor

Agreement; between the City of Stockbridge and Gralion Security Consulting for a proposal for
security surveys for the City of Stockbridge. Mark Alarcon referred to the City Attorney on this
item. Bill Linkous stated that he had no knowledge of this item and suggested that Council table
this item or take no action and then ask staff to review this to see if it should come back before
Council. Robin Buschman asked Mr. Steinberg about the item as his name was on the
paperwork. Mr. Steinberg stated no; that his suggestion was that we have professionals look at
this and that is why it was put on the agenda. Robin Buschman made a motion to table this
item; a second was made by Alphonso Thomas; the motion passed 5-0.

Item # 7 - Presented by Lee Stuart, Mayor
Calendar year 2013 dates. Mark Alarcon referred to Mr. Linkous to see if this item would be
tabled also. Mr. Linkous stated that this should be tabled but that these dates will need to be
discussed and he suggested that he would get with the City Clerk to discuss these dates.
Harold Cochran made a motion to table this item; a second was made by Richard Steinberg; the
motion passed 5-0.

HENRY COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING

No Items

AGENDA REQUEST

Item # 8 - Presented by Bishop Bryer of Cross Road Christian Church

Request for renewal to hold church at 5365 North Henry Boulevard, Stockbridge, GA. Bishop
Bryer asked if there was a possibility to get a two (2) year request. Mr. Milliron stated that the
ordinance only allows for six (6) month intervals. Mr. Alarcon stated that there have been
numerous requests to make this longer than six (6) months but we have nothing in the works to
change that at this time. Robin Buschman stated that we have had problems with some
organizations in the past and she stated that they just needed to make sure they come back
every six (6) months. Motion to renew was made by Robin Buschman; a second was made by
Harold Cochran; the motion passed 5-0.

Item # 9 - Presented by Jane Askew Rutledge

Request; to add funds in the 2013 Budget to clean cemeteries and make a history room in City
Hall and change the name of Davidson Parkway to Martin Luther King Sr. Drive. Mark Alarcon
made a motion to strike this item as Ms. Rutledge was not present; a second was made by
Richard Steinberg; the motion passed 5-0.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS
No items.

EXECUTIVE SESSION No Executive Session

 A. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the settlement of a matter covered
by the attorney-client privilege as provided in Georgia Code section 50-
14-2(1) and 50-14-3(b)(1)(A). The subject discussed was [identify the case or
claim discussed but not the substance of the attorney-client discussion].
 B. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize negotiations to purchase, dispose
of or lease property as provided in Georgia Code section 50-14-3(b)(1)(B).

 C. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the ordering of an appraisal related
to the acquisition or disposal of real estate as provided in Georgia Code
section 50-14-3(b)(1)(C).

 D. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into a contract to purchase, dispose of,
or lease property subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as provided
in Georgia Code section 50-14-3(b)(1)(D).

 E. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into an option to purchase, dispose of,
or lease real estate subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as
provided in Georgia Code section 50-14-3(b)(1)(E).

 F. Meeting to discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment,
compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation
or rating of a public officer or employee as provided in Georgia Code section
50-14-3(b)(2).

 G. Meeting to interview one or more applicants for the position of the
executive head of an agency as provided in Georgia Code section 50-14-
3(b)(2).

 H. Pursuant to the attorney-client privilege and as provided by Georgia Code
section 50-14-2(1), a meeting otherwise required to be open was closed to
the public in order to consult and meet with legal counsel pertaining to
pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings,
or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the agency or
any officer or employee or in which the agency or any officer or employee
may be directly involved and the matter discussed was [identify the matter
but not the substance of the discussion].

 I. Staff meeting held for investigative purposes under duties or responsibilities
imposed by law as provided by Georgia Code section 50-14-3(a)(1).

COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES
No items

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Citizens are allowed to voice city related concerns, opinions, etc., that are not listed on the agenda, during this portion
of the meeting. 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, phone number, and specific topic you wish to speak about or you
will not be recognized. You will be able to address the Mayor and Council for three (3) minutes.

Houston Nelson of Walter Way-spoke on item 9 of the agenda stating that Mrs. Rutledge was here earlier and he has
spoken to her but that she has not spoken to anyone in the community on this item. He said he was concerned that
there was not any community involvement. He stated that he was not in favor of renaming Davidson Landing for the
specific reason that in every city he has ever been a part of, the MLK name, unfortunately, has always been associated
with the bad parts of towns and he believes that we could honor the MLK name in better ways. If the item comes back
up on the agenda, he wanted to state that the people he has spoken to in the community are not in favor of this.

Fabiola Clark-spoke on item 9 of the agenda stating that she is in favor of the cleaning of the cemeteries and adding
the history to City Hall but her concern about changing the name of Davidson Landing is the possibility of the property
values changing and hindering future home owners from coming in to that subdivision.

Chip Flanagan from unincorporated Stockbridge-spoke on his involvement with elections in the past directly relating to
the Mayor and three (3) council members being in office; made claims on removing Mr. Cochran and Mr. Alarcon from
office; made threats against Mr. Alarcon and he stated he misjudged the character of Ms. Buschman and Mr. Alarcon;
he stated that Mr. Alarcon just wanted to get his hands on the City’s money and that would not happen as he will make
sure that Mr. Alarcon will not be on Council in the future; he stated he was disappointed in Ms. Buschman and called
Ms. Buschman a name; he stated that in less than one year Mr. Cochran and Mr. Alarcon would be gone and it would
be his pleasure to do it.

Marilyn Flynn-said she was disappointed tonight. She referred to a statement she had previously given to friends and
read part of it. This referred to a kangaroo court and the statement spoke of the hearing of the former Mayor that took
place earlier in the day. She suggested that we elect by districts. She stated that she was concerned.

Ali Osuch of unincorporated Stockbridge-spoke to Council about why there was a hearing and why the investigation
was not heard by the Ethics Board and the appearance of conflict of interest in the attorneys that handled the hearing.
She made a few points from the hearing that occurred earlier in the day and stated that she thought there was
something wrong with the process.

Jane Rutledge-not present.

Anthony Ford of Monarch Village-spoke about leadership and teamwork and about how Council works for the people.
He stated they need to put their differences aside and work as a unified team and work for the City. He said they may
have a chance in the elections if they show that they are working for the people and that he promised they would be
voted out if not.
Elyssa Green-spoke about leadership also and how Council works for the people and looking at community efforts
concerning youth programs; after school programs and plans for the youth organizations. The community needs their
support.

Aaron Green-spoke about Council needing to think about what they are doing; there are not a lot of people coming
forward on the Council’s behalf; it seems they had made up their minds even before the hearing today and that was a
waste of time and resources; he stated that the Council has never been a unified Council that he has seen; he is
embarrassed; he suggested that they watch their steps very carefully in the future or they will be voted out.

Melvin Fulton-spoke on the sidewalk project. He stated that the Council has a responsibility for the safety of the citizens
and that the sidewalk project has been approved with a $200,000.00 project. He wanted them to think about this and
for them to do something about the project.

Vanessa Holiday-her response was judge and jury; she mentioned the City Treasurer and his credentials; Ray Gibson
and his contract and the settlement; the organizational chart and the charter; city administrator position not being filled;
Ray Gibson pertaining to the Bruce Sutton contract approval; David Milliron and his access to email and internet and
phone system and then Mark Alarcon reads an email during a council meeting and how did he get that; the budget
being put out by David Milliron and writing a letter posing as the Mayor; and despite what the citizens say still removing
Lee Stuart from office.

Sheila Bradley of 407 Sage Court-spoke about Mayor Stuart; commented that tonight was stupid; commented that
Stockbridge is a laughing stock; she does appreciate the hard work they do but she was sad to have seen what
happened today.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

All Meetings Will Be Held At City Hall Unless Otherwise Noted

1. Budget Hearing SCM-Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 7:00pm

2. Mayors Bike Ride- Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 3:00pm

3. Budget Hearing and Adoption SCM-Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 7:00pm
st
4. Closed for Christmas-1/2 day on Friday, December 21 , Monday, December
th th
24 and Tuesday, December 25

5. Public Works Committee Meeting- Cancelled for December 2012

6. Public Safety Committee Meeting- Cancelled for December 2012

7. Building Committee Meeting- Cancelled for December 2012

8. Community Relations Committee-Cancelled for December 2012

9. Finance Committee Meeting- Cancelled for December 2012
MOTION TO ADJOURN made by Mark Alarcon; a second was made by Robin Buschman; the
motion passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Rhonda A. Blackmon, City Clerk Mark A. Alarcon, Mayor
