---
date: 2024-01-30
title: 01-30-2024 Minutes
source: 2024-01/2024-01-30_01-30-2024 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

StQCkbridge
Where Community Connects

C | TY COUNCIL WORK SESS l ON M EETING
SU MM ARY M INUTES

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024 6:00 PM.
Mavor & Citv Council
Mayor Anthony S. Ford At-Large
Mayor Pro Tem Yolanda Barber Council District 4

Council member Elton Council District 5
Councilmember Kyle Berry Council District 3
Councilmember LaKeisha Gantt Council District 1
Councilmember Alphonso Thomas Council District 2

Administration
Frederick Gardi ner Cit_y Manager
Vanessa Hol Iglay City Clerk
Vacant City Treasurer

Quinton Wa shlngton Attorney
Samantha Embry Clty ttorney

Mission: To provideyision ar l eadership and s uperjor mun icipal services that enhance the
quality of | We for crtgzeng [w I le creating la wel comgng bUSI ness atmosph ere focused on
sustainabll ity a nd expans Ion of tourlsm and cultu ral events.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford at 6:13 pm.

Invocation by Principal Christian, Henry County Schools

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.

Motion to amend the Agenda to remove Item #12 to be heard at the March 4, 2024

meeting made by Mayor Pro Tem Berry; seconded by Councilmember Gantt. The
motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Motion to adopt the Agenda made by Councilmember Barber; seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

1. Review of the January 8, 2024 Work Session Meeting Minutes; no action taken.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.

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CONSENT AGENDA
Motion to remove the Johnson Controls contract renewal from the
Consent Agenda made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed unanimously. 5-0.

2. Consent Agenda -
Council consideration to adopt the Metropolitan North
Georgia Water Planning District (MNGWP) Model Litter Control
Ordinance.
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda made by Councilmember
Alexander; seconded by Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed
unanimously

ITEM REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
3. Council consideration to approve the renewal of contract No. 2019-0032P,
Johnson Controls, Security Solutions, LLC (Tyco Integrated Security, LLC)
for Facility Equipment Systems and Services in the amount of
$100,000.00. Funding source is from Government Buildings budgeted
funds.
Staff were asked to elaborate on what was covered under the contract.
Mr. Gardiner noted Johnson Controls is the vendor for the security
system and keycard access control.
Mr. Arron noted the conference center now has access cards similar
to what is used for hotel rooms, and that additional upgrades have been
made throughout city hall and the Amphitheater.
Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by
Councilmember Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

PRESENTATION
4. Henry County Board of Education Update
Presented by: Dr. Elizabeth Davis, Superintendent and Mr. Cemond
Robinzine, Assistant Superintendent

Dr. Davis and Mr. Robinzine presented the Henry County Schools District
Update and introduced the Stockbridge Cluster Team; noted the tagline
for Kids...Every, Kid, Every Minute, Every Day; referenced the
following statistics: Enrollment of 42,963 for 2023-2024, 8th Largest District
in Increase in Enrollment From 2022-2023, 52 District
Schools, including 2 Academies, Approximately 6,000 employees and
Graduated 3,424 in class of 2023; referenced the following Advancing
Academic Opportunities: Furniture replacement for (3) elementary schools,
CTAE equipment and supplies, Talent Development in Elementary 2,000
more students identified for gifted services, Advanced Mathematics in 3rd
grade New in 2023-2024, Increased enrollment in 4th and 5th grade
Advanced Mathematics, Twice as many middle school students earing
high school course credit, Every high school offers increased course
offerings along with increased enrollment in Advanced Placement (AP)
courses, World languages to be offered at all elementary schools within
three years; noted the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics) school, located in the City of Stockbridge, is planned to open
2026-2027; noted the school system will be Advancing the Arts with Fine
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Arts equipment and supplies, Band and orchestra equipment, Band
uniform replacement schedule, Orchestra at every middle and high school
over the next three years, Visual arts equipment and supplies, Choral

programs at all schools, and Theatre programs at many elementary
schools; noted the Board of Education has made a $33 million Campus
Security investment with structural changes and improvements that layer
security prevention tools on school campuses

Members of the Governing Body thanked Dr. Davis and Mr. Robinzine for
the presentation; noted the Henry County Schools system was a factor in
moving to the area, requested reporting from school clusters where city of
Stockbridge students reside; inquired about bus driver shortages and
student pickup/drop off delays; inquired about the criteria for the STEM
School and becoming a Partner in Education, inquired about the Arts in
schools and the correlation to academic performance, and inquired about
number of students in schools as it relates to overcrowding.

Dr. Davis noted there have been improvements regarding the bus driver

shortage with better compensation and incentives being offered and the
efforts are recruitment ongoing; noted there is an Advisory Board
overseeing the STEM School selection process; noted (4) four Henry
County Schools that include both Dutchtown and Eagles Landing High
Schools who had improvements in SAT/ACT scores; and that seven years

ago there was not an Arts teacher, and now there is great focus on Arts in
schools giving students exposure and agreed there is a strong correlation
to academics; and noted Henry County Schools are at 76% capacity,

noting there are hot spots that are monitored for projections for the
upcoming school year, and noted there are 11 schools being added
through the E-SPLOST that will eliminate the 69 trailers.

5. Economic Development Strategic Plan (Draft Presentation)
Presented by: Kim Allonce, Economic Development Director, and KB
Advisory Group Staff: Geoff Koski, Tate Davis, and Gabrielle Oliverio
KB Advisory Group presented the Draft Economic Development Strategic
Plan; noted the hospital was added via the annexation and that housing
for professionals was essential for the medical hub; noted the challenges
of the railroad and the bridge in the downtown area; suggest the City Go
Big and preserve its history and pursue the TAD; referenced the city of
Douglasville as an example that if you go in that direction, you will
fall behind as a city; and noted the deadline for comments and feedback is
February 9, 2024 with the final adoption at the February 27, 2024 meeting.

OLD BUSINESS
6. VETO of Ordinance OR24-553 To Amend the City of Stockbridge
Charter, Article ll, Section 3.11 (B), Regarding the appointment of the
Mayor Pro Tem.
Presented by: Mayor Anthony S. Ford

Mayor Ford read Section 3.23 and the Veto Letter. There was no motion
to override. The Veto of OR24-553 stands.

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NEW BUSINESS
7. Council consideration to approve a Resolution to establish a systematic
approach for the appointment of the Mayor Pro Tem in the City of
Stockbridge.
Presented by: Samantha Embry, City Attorney
Motion to approve made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Councilmember Berry. The motion passed 3-2 (Alexander, Berry and
Gantt In Favor): (Barber and Thomas Opposed).

8. Council consideration to adopt the Model Findings Resolution on the
proposed Local Amendment to Plumbing Code for water efficiency code
requirements by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Presented by: Jeremy Goodwin, Assistant Public Works Director
Motion to approve made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

9. 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
$400,000.00 as approved in the FY2024 Stormwater budget. The account
number is 510-42500-542515 (Stormwater Repair).
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron referenced problem areas along Mays Rd, noting this vendor
has been the on-call repair and maintenance vendor for a number of

years, and prior to his employment with the city, and noted there have
been no complaints or issues with the vendor.

Councilmember Barber inquired about the original contract, noting
contracts should be re-bid periodically to encourage competition.

Motion to approve made by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by
Councilmember Alexander. The motion passed (Barber Abstained
citing the absence of the original contract between the City of Stockbridge
and Site Engineering as referenced by Mr. Aaron prior to his employment
with the City).

10. Council consideration to approve the purchase of (2) Ford Transit F-25O
Cargo Vans from Lithia Springs Ford at the lowest quoted price. Not
exceeding $99,500 as an emergency exception to the city's procurement
code. FUNDING SOURCE: Budget Transfer/Fund Balance.
Presented by: Frank Trammer, Police Chief
Chief Trammer noted the vehicles will replace vehicles involved in (3)
three accidents and totaled, noting two were not at fault, one at fault; and
that the primary purchase is for CSI who currently use pickup trucks, and
the pickup trucks will be used by patrol officers.

Motion to approve made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Councilmember Berry. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

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Councilmember Alexander asked Chief Trammer about arrests for refusal
to sign citations.

Chief Trammer noted, the state law currently allows for an arrest for refusal
to sign, however the City of Stockbridge does not practice custodial
arrests.

Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel made by
Councilmember Gantt; seconded by Councilmember Alexander. The
motion passed 3-2. (Alexander, Berry and Gantt In Favor); (Barber and
Thomas Opposed).

Motion to adjourn Executive Session and approve an Affidavit for
Personnel made by Councilmember Barber; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Berry. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

11.Council Consideration to approve an Ordinance to allow hiring/firing
authority to Council-Appointed staff and non-appointed Department Heads
and Directors for respective departments.
Presented by: Samantha Embry, City Attorney
Motion to approve made by Councilmember Thomas; seconded by
Councilmember Berry. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

PUBLIC HEARING

12. Ordinance to approve the revised provisions to the State Zoning Procedure
Law.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson, Chief Planner
Item Tabled to the March 4, 2024 meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING MEETINGS

UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council meetings will be held in the
City Council Chamber. Meeting dates, locations and times are subject to change or
contact City Hall at 770-389-7900 or Visit the website www.5tockbridgega.org for

updates.

Stockbridge Advisory Council meeting 1st Thursday of each
month at 6:00 pm. at the Stockbridge Police Community Room 4545 N.
Henry Blvd. (Feb 1)
. Council Retreat February 6 8 from 9am 5pm. Location Sandy Springs,
GA.
Main Street Advisory Board Meeting 2nd Friday of each month -
Welcome
Center/ Main Street located at 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail at 9am
(Feb 9).
. URA (Urban Redevelopment Agency) Meeting Monday, February 12th at 5:00

pm. City Hall Council Chamber (Feb 12)

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City Council Meeting 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. -

City Hall
Council Chamber eb 1
Youth Council Meeting 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. -

City Hall
Levi Meeting Room (Feb 12)
City Wide Development Authority 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. -

City Hall Levi Meeting Room (Feb 13)
Planning Commission Meeting,3rdThursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. City -

Hall Council Chamber (Feb 15)
Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month
Welcome Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (Feb 20)
. Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m. -3rd Tuesday of each
month Levi Meeting Room City Hall (Feb 20)

City Council Work Session Meeting, last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. -

City Hall Council Chamber (Feb 27)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/ INITIATIVES

Join Councilman Thomas and the Stockbridge Youth Council on February 10th for
the installation of the Adopt-A-Road Sign on Tye Street. More information to
follow.
Join Councilman Thomas the monthly Senior Bingo Bash on Wednesday,
February 21 from 10am 12pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center, 111

Davis Rd. for prizes, games, snacks and fun! For more information, please
contact Rosalynd Rawls at 678-833-3348 or rrawls@stockbridgega.0rg
. Join Councilman Alexander for the Quarterly Town Hall on Thursday, February
22ndat 7pm- Location: TBD
. Join Councilman Thomas for the 13thAnnual African American Heritage
Celebration, Saturday, February 24thfrom 5pm 7pm at the Merle Manders
Conference.
. Join Mayor Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Monday, February 26thfrom
10am noon. Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an appointment at 678-
833-3348 or via email at rrawls@stockbridgega.org
Join Councilman Thomas for the Don 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 a Continuous Salute all year long.
Please send your pictures of Veterans with their name, branch, rank, and years of
service to rrawls@stockbridgega.org

COMMENTS

Mayor Ford offered condolences to the families of the three Army Reserve soldiers
recently killing in a drone attack in Jordan, who were identified as: Sergeant Williams
Rivers, Specialist Breona Moffett and Specialist Kennedy Sanders; and noted they were
from Carrollton, Savannah, and Waycross, and noted the President of the United States,
Joe Biden, has also personally reached out to the families and offered condolences and

support and asked that everyone keep the families in prayer; noted COVlD-19 and RSV
are still with us, and encouraged everyone to get their flu shots and boosters to try to

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remain healthy; and referenced the GMA Cities United Summit where officials
attended
for training and networking opportunities.

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 pm. made by
Mayor Pro Tern Berry; seconded by
Councilmember Thomas. The motion passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Anthony 8. Ford, Mayor

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