---
date: 2023-09-11
title: 09-11-2023 Minutes
source: 2023-09/2023-09-11_09-11-2023 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

StOCkbridge
Where Community Connects

CITY COUNC L EET NG
SU ARY NUTES

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 6:00 PM.
Mavor & Citv Council
Mayor An thony S. Ford At-Lar g_e _ _

Mayor Pro Tem Yol anda Coun CII District 4
Councilman Elton Counci I District 5
Councilman Iohn_Blount Council District 3
CounCIIwoman LaKeIsha Gantt Council District 1
Councrlman Alphonso Thomas Councrl District 2

Administration
Frederick Gardi City Manager
Vanessa l-lol City Clerk
Wig i ns Ity Treasurer
Qumton Was ington City Attorney

Mission: To
aryfI eadership and s municipal services that enhance the
quality of l Ife for crtrzens [w i le creating la wel coming busmess atmosph ere focused on
sustainabil ity a nd expans ion of tourism and cultu ral events.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford at 6:07 pm.

Invocation by Mrs. Neeley

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 except Councilwoman Gantt.

Motion to amend the Agenda to remove Public Hearing Items Regarding the Valley Hill
Rd. Development Item # 12, Item #13 and #14 from the Agenda and defer to the
November 13, 2023, meeting at the Request made by Councilman
Alexander; seconded by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 4-0.

Motion to amend the Agenda to request use of the Merle Manders Conference Center
Lower Level on Monday, October 2nd, for a Council Initiative -
'Breast Friends'-Breast
Health Awareness Event and Monday, October 9th, for a Council Initiative -

My 'Breast
Friends' Mammogram Screening Event in partnership with Women's Imaging

Specialists made by Councilwoman Barber; seconded by Councilman Blount. The
motion passed unanimously 4-0.

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Motion to approve the Agenda made by Councilman Blount; seconded by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.
Motion to approve the Minutes for the following meetings made by Councilman
Alexander; seconded by Councilman Blount. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.
July 10, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes
July 18, 2023 at 9:00am Millage Rate Public Hearing Minutes
July 18, 2023 at 6:00pm Millage Rate Public Hearing Minutes
July 25, 2023 Work Session Minutes
July 27, 2023 Millage Rate Public Hearing Minutes

PUBLIC COMMENTS
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 REVIEW
6. Mayor Ford reviewed the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, the Swearing In
of (8) eight new Youth Council Members, the Constitution Week
Proclamation, presented the Workforce Development Month and UpSkill
Stockbridge proclamation to Dr. Clark of Southern Crescent Technical
College, presented the Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation to the
owners of Rico's Mexican Restaurant, presented a proclamation in
Recognition of City Poet Laureate, Steaven Misher and reviewed the
swearing in of Citizen-Police Advisory Council Members and Elected
Officers.

PRESENTATION
7. Presentation on a public safety camera initiative for high-crime areas and
new developments, ordinance best practices, and insights from similar
cities.
Presented by: Chief Trammer
Chief Trammer gave an overview presentation regarding surveillance
cameras throughout the city.

Councilwoman Gantt joined the meeting at 6:30 pm

Councilman Blount, Councilwoman Gantt, and Mayor Ford inquired about
businesses who already have cameras, the timeline to come into
compliance, FLOCK cameras and the associated costs for business
owners and residents, especially those neighborhoods without a
Homeowners Association and if the cameras would be required for new
developments.

Councilman Alexander noted his support all new developments having
cameras, and existing neighborhoods should add the cameras.

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Chief Trammer noted his department would continue to research and
explore and was tasked with preparing Ordinances addressing the
inquiries and concerns and return the information to the City Council for
consideration.

UNIFINISHED BUSINESS
8. Council consideration to approve an Ordinance for the hiring or
appointment of the Deputy City Clerk. Option 1 Hired by the City Clerk.

Option 2 Appointed by the City Council.

Presented by: Vanessa Holiday and Quinton Washington
Ms. Holiday referenced information that had previously been submitted to
the Mayor and members of Council where the 500+ cities throughout the
State of Georgia had been polled and the responses received all noted the
Deputy City Clerk ls hired by the City Clerk; noted Georgia Municipal
Association officials stated the appointment by Council is not best
practice; and noted every Department in the city has the authority to hire
staff, including those staff members who are appointed by the City
Council, except for the City Clerk.

Councilman Blount called for a Point of Order noting the item was
scheduled to be presented by Ms. Wheeler, the HR Manager (who
was not present), and the City Attorney, and stated the matter should be
heard in Executive Session.

Councilwoman Gantt referenced the City of College Ordinance
whereas the Council may appoint the Deputy Clerk should the Clerk
become ill or have an extended absence, and noting the appointment of
the Deputy City Clerk for the City of Stockbridge goes back to the

Councilman Thomas referenced several cities who had responded to the
polling where it was noted that City Clerk hires their staff in the department
and noted every department in the City of Stockbridge has full authority to
hire their team, and asked why this department was different.

Attorney Washington noted his research has shown that there is nothing in
the Charter, nor is there an Ordinance or a Resolution stating how the
Deputy City Clerk position is selected, however, the action would be at the
City discretion.

Councilman Alexander noted he also wanted the item to be discussed in
Executive Session.

Attorney Washington noted that because there was no specific employee
being discussed, the matter does not meet Executive Session rules.

Mayor Ford offered his opinion that the City Clerk should be able to hire
staff in the Office department.

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Motion to approve Ordinance Option 1 authorizing the City Clerk to hire
the Deputy City Clerk made by Councilman Thomas; seconded
by Mayor
Pro Tem Barber. The motion failed 2-3 (Alexander, Gantt and Blount
Opposed).

Motion to revisit the item following Executive Session made by
Councilman Alexander; seconded by Councilwoman Gantt. Councilman
Alexander withdrew the motion.

Motion to approve Ordinance Option 2 authorizing the City Council to
appoint the Deputy City Clerk made by Councilman Blount; seconded by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion failed 2-3 (Alexander, Barber and
Thomas Opposed).
Motion to reconsider made by Councilman Alexander for Option 2 for the
City Council to appoint; seconded by Councilwoman Gantt.
There was no vote on the Motion to Reconsider.

Councilman Blount called for a point of order of the Clerk speaking; Mayor
Ford overrode the point of order to allow the Clerk to speak.

Councilman Alexander called for an override of the decision on
the point of order; seconded by Councilman Blount; the vote passed 3-2
(Alexander, Blount, Gantt in Favor) and (Barber and Thomas Opposed).

Motion to approve Option 2 Ordinance for the Council to appoint the
City
Clerk made by Councilwoman Gantt; seconded by Councilman Blount.

Mayor Ford noted he would use his veto authority should the Ordinance
pass.

Attorney Washington noted the Mayor has authority to veto an Ordinance
and cannot veto a Resolution.

Councilwoman Gantt rescinded the motion

Councilman Alexander reserved the right to discuss further, however, to
move the process fon/vard, asked the Mayor to call for the vote.

Motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Council to appoint the
Deputy City Clerk made by Councilwoman Gantt; seconded by
Councilman Blount. The motion passed 3-2 (Alexander, Blount, and Gantt
in Favor) and (Barber and Thomas Opposed).

ITEM UNANIMOUSLY REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA
9. Council Consideration to approve Yellowstone Landscape Campground
Road and Hudson Bridge Median Enhancement payment in the amount of
$70,158.96.
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director

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Mr. Aaron noted the request is to approve the payment of the project.

Councilman Blount questioned how the project was completed without

funding in place, noting the process is flawed.

Councilman Thomas agreed, noting the work should not have been
completed without approval of the Council.

Councilman Alexander noted the project was approved, along with the
Hudson Bridge project, however, the funding source needed to be

identified, noting the request was to use Tourism dollars, and Mr. Aaron
and the Treasurer needed to confirm that source.

Mr. Aaron noted he takes full responsibility as he did not bring the item
back to the Council after meeting with Mr. Wiggins.

Councilman Blount asked Mr. Wiggins to confirm the amount of funding
that could be used on other landscaping projects throughout the city,

noting improvements to be done along Eagles Landing Parkway.

Councilman Thomas noted the funding should be divided and shared with
each district.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber noted she did not understand how a project has
been completed that is beyond the City spending authority, and
asked Mr. Gardiner to improve the process, noting the city cannot
continue to function this way.

Motion to Approve the payment to Yellowstone made by Councilman

Alexander; seconded by Councilman Blount. The motion passed
unanimously 5-0. Staff were tasked with reporting back to the Council with
the total of the 3% amount in the Hotel/Motel Tourism account and

determining what other projects can be completed citywide using this
funding source.

CONSENT AGENDA
10.Counci| consideration to approve the Surplus List of Items from
Information Technology and City Hall and place for advertisement on the
GovDeaIs platform for sale as prescribed.

11.Council Consideration to approve UpSkill Stockbridge Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between the City of Stockbridge and Southern
Crescent Technical College for the 2023-2024 Academic Year.

Motion to approve the Consent Agenda made by Councilman Blount;
seconded by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 5-0

5|Page
PUBLIC HEARING
12. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT CASE #CP-2023-02
(Council
District 4) -
Consideration of a request for a Comprehensive Plan
Amendment to assign the future land use designation of
to property at 55 Valley Hill Road to allow for the construction
of a townhome development. The applicant is DR. Horton, |nc.,
represented by Tiffany Hogan. The property represents Parcel Number
S16-01006000 in Land Lot 69 of District 12, and it contains 24.96 +/- acres
within the Stockbridge City Limits. Staff Recommends Approval.
Planning
Commission Recommended Denial.
ITEM DEFERRED BY THE DEVELOPER TO THE 11/13/2023 MEETING.

13. REZONING CASE (Council District 4) Consideration of a

request for rezoning lo assign the (Multiple Family Residential)
zoning district to property at 55 Valley Hill Road to allow for the
construction of a townhome development. The applicant/agent is DR.
Horton, Inc. The property is located in Land Lot 69 of District 12, and it
contains 24.96 +/- acres within the Stockbridge City Limits. Staff
Recommends Approval. Planning Commission Recommended Denial.
ITEM DEFERRED BY THE DEVELOPER TO THE 11/13/2023 MEETING

14.VARIANCE CASE #VR-2023-02 (Council District 4) Consider a request

for a variance to allow for the construction of a townhome development.
The purpose of the variance is to allow the reduction in the front yard
setbacks from the required 50 feet to 25 feet in the MFR (Multiple Family
Residential) zoning district. The property is located in Land Lot 69 of
District 12, and it contains 24,96 +/- acres within the Stockbridge City
Limits. Staff Recommends Approval. Planning Commission
Recommended Denial.
ITEM DEFERRED BY THE DEVELOPER TO THE 11/13/2023 MEETING

NEW BUSINESS
15. Council consideration to approve the renewal of the City of
Stockbridge
On-Call Sidewalk Replacement and Repairs Contract with DAF Concrete,
Inc., in the amount of $300,000.00. FY2024 Budget.
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Motion to approve made by Councilman Blount; seconded by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

16.Council consideration to approve Change Order No.1 from Diversified
Construction of Georgia for the WWTP Pole Barn Project in the amount of
$181,041.03 forthe removal and replacement of unsuitable soils. Funding
Source: SPLOST V.
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Motion to approve made by Councilman Blount; seconded by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.
17.Council consideration to fill a vacancy and appoint a member to the Youth
Council Advisory Committee through 12/31/2024.
Presented by: Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk

6|Page
Ms. Holiday noted there is one vacancy and one applicant.
Motion to appoint Shawana Davis to the Stockbridge Youth Council
Advisory Board to serve an unexpired term through 12/31/2024 made by
Councilman Alexander; seconded by Councilman Blount. The motion
passed unanimously 5-0.

18.Counci| consideration approve use of the Merle Manders Conference
Council consideration to approve use of the Lower Level on Monday,
October 2nd, for a Council Initiative -
'Breast Friends'-Breast Health
Awareness Event and Monday, October 9th, for a Council Initiative -

My 'Breast Friends' Mammogram Screening Event in partnership with
Women's Imaging.
Presented by Mayor Pro Tem Barber
Motion to approve made by Mayor Pro Tem Barber; seconded by
Councilman Blount. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

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 offices at 770-389-7900 for updates.

Citwide Development Authority Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00
pm. -

City Hall Levi Meeting Room (Sep 12) CANCELED
Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month
Welcome Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (Sep 19)
Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm. 3rd Tuesday of each
month Levi Meeting Room City Hall (Sep 19)

City Council Work Session Meeting, last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm.
City Hall Council (Sep 26)
Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 pm. City Hall Council Chamber 4th

Thursday of each (Sep 28)
Stockbridge Citizens-Police Advisory Council Meeting, 1st Thursday of each
month Police Precinct 4545 N. Henry Blvd. Community Meeting Room 6:00

pm. (Oct 5)
City Council Meeting, 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm. City Hall Council
Chamber (Oct 9)
Youth Council Meeting, 6:30 pm. 2nd Monday of each month

City Hall Levi

Meeting Room City Hall (Oct 9)
Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd Friday of each month Welcome
Center located at 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail at 9am (Oct 13)

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS

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> Join Mayor Pro Tem Barber for the next District 4 Community Forum on

Thursday, September 14th from 6pm -

8pm at the Merle Manders Conference
Center located at 111 Davis Rd.
> The Economic Development Strategic Plan Community Consensus Workshop
will take place on Thursday, September 14th from 6pm -

8pm via Zoom. Visit our
website www.stockbridgega.org to login information.
> Join Councilman Blount for Bingo Bash, Wednesday, September 20th from 10am
noon at the Merle Manders Conference Center located at 111 Davis Rd.
> Join Councilman Alphonso Thomas for the 5th Annual First Responders

Appreciation Drive-Thru Luncheon recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of
Henry County's First Responders. The event will take place on Thursday,
September 21st from 11am -2pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center
located at 111 Davis Rd.
> Join Mayor Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Monday, September 25th
from 10am noon. Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an appointment
at 678-833-3348 or via email at rrawls@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov
> Join the City of Stockbridge forthe Annual BridgeFest Festival taking place

Saturday, September 30th at the Stockbridge Amphitheater. This is a Free Event
with Carnival Rides, Food Trucks, Vendors, and a Concert. The gates open at
3:00 pm. Contact the Events Team at 770-389-5982 for more information.
> Join Councilwoman Gantt in partnership with the Southern Crescent Pearls
Foundation and AKA Sorority PSI Alpha Omega Chapter for the Bizness Matters

Entrepreneur and Black Business Expo, Sunday, October 1st from 11am 5pm
at the Merle Manders Conference Center; contact via email:

paoblack365@psialphaomega.org for additional information.
> 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 a 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

Get your tickets for the upcoming 2023 Stockbridge Concert Series by visiting

stockbridgeampcom or in person at the ticket office located at 4650 North Henry Blvd.
Thursday Saturday from 1pm 5pm. Babyface and Stokley on September 16th and
Stephanie Mills, Jeffrey Osborne, and Michael Colyar on September Be there!

CO MMENTS

Mayor Ford noted COVlD-19 is still with us and noted a new vaccine and booster is
scheduled to be available within the next few weeks and encouraged everyone to get
the vaccinations and boosters to stay healthy, and congratulated Coco Gauff on her
recent win of the US. Open, the youngest since Serena Williams.

Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel made by Councilwoman Gantt;
seconded by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-1 (Alexander, Barber,
Blount, Gantt ln Favor); (Councilman Thomas Opposed).

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Motion to approve an Affidavit and reconvene the meeting without action made by
Councilman Thomas; seconded by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 4-0
(Alexander, Barber, Gantt, Thomas) (Blount was not present for the vote.)

Motion to adjourn made by Councilwoman Gantt; seconded by Councilman Thomas.
The motion passed 4-0 (Alexander, Barber, Gantt, Thomas) (Blount was not
present for
the vote.) The meeting adjourned at 8:48 pm.

Respectfully submitted by:

WW
Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Anthony 8. Ford, r

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