---
date: 2025-10-22
title: Ethics Committee Meeting Agenda Packet
source: 2025-10/2025-10-22_Ethics Committee Meeting_Agenda Packet.pdf
pages: 1
---

STOCKBRIDGE ETHICS COMMITTEE
ETHICS COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA
Alicia Barney-Duck - Chair October 22, 2025 6:30 PM
Angela Jenkins – Vice-Chair
Mary Scott – Secretary
Karen Charmaine - Member
Vacancy – Member

MEETING LOCATION:
COUNCIL CHAMBER
2ND FLOOR
6:30 P.M.

STOCKBRIDGE CITY HALL

4640 NORTH HENRY BLVD.

STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281

Website: www.stockbridgega.org

Phone: 770-389-7900

Fax: 770-389-7912
AGENDA
ETHICS COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025 6:30 PM

I. Call to Order
1. Roll Call
2. Approve Agenda
3. Approve July 24, 2025 Meeting Minutes
II. New Business
4. Ethics Committee Discussion/Updates
III. Adjourn
ETHICS COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
July 23, 2025, 6:30 P.M.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Alicia Barney-Duck - Absent Karen Charmaine - Present

Angela Jenkins - Present Mary Scott - Present

Vacant

The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Angela Jenkins at 6:30 p.m.
Roll call by Vice Chair Angela Jenkins with Committee members Charmaine,
Jenkins, and Scott present; Barney-Duck was absent.
The motion to approve the agenda was made by Committee Member Scott and
seconded by Committee Member Charmaine.
The motion to approve the June 11, 2025, Meeting Minutes was made by
Committee Member Charmaine; seconded by Committee Member Scott.

Old Business
➢ Ethics Complaint 05022025-01 Filed by Phedra Thomas against
Councilman Elton Alexander
➢ Ethics Complaint 05092025-01 Filed by Michele Battle against
Councilmember Yolanda Barber
➢ Ethics Complaint 05162025-01 Filed by Councilmember Barber against
City Attorney Quinton Washington
➢ Ethics Complaint 05162025-02 Filed by Councilmember Barber against
Mayor Anthony S. Ford

1|Page
➢ Ethics Complaint 05162025-03 Filed by Councilmember Barber against
Councilmember LaKeisha Gantt
➢ Ethics Complaint 05162025-04 Filed by Councilmember Barber against
Councilmember Kyle Berry Sr.
➢ Ethics Complaint 05162025-05 Filed by Councilmember Barber against
Councilmember Elton Alexander
➢ Ethics Complaint 05202025-01 Filed by Councilmember Barber against
City Attorney Quinton Washington
➢ Ethics Complaint 05202025-02 Filed by Councilmember Barber against
Mayor Anthony S. Ford
➢ Ethics Complaint 05202025-03 Filed by Councilmember Barber against
Councilmember LaKeisha Gantt
➢ Ethics Complaint 05202025-04 Filed by Councilmember Barber against
Councilmember Elton Alexander
➢ Ethics Complaint 05202025-05 Filed by Councilmember Barber against
Councilmember Kyle Berry Sr.
➢ Ethics Complaint 05212025-01 Filed by Councilmember Barber against
Mayor Anthony S. Ford

Vice Chair Jenkins referenced Ethics Complaint 05022025-01 filed May 2,
2025 by Phedra Thomas against Councilman Elton Alexander, and read into the
record the Recommendation Letter of the Ethics Board regarding the above
referenced complaint:

July 23, 2025

Anthony S. Ford, Mayor
LaKeisha T. Gantt, Councilmember
Alphonso Thomas, Councilmember
Kyle D. Berry, Councilmember
Yolanda Barber, Councilmember
Elton Alexander, Councilmember
4640 North Henry Boulevard
Stockbridge, Georgia 30281

2|Page
RE: Recommendation of Ethics Board to Mayor and City Council as to the
following:

2025 05092025-01 Phedra Thomas against Councilmember Elton Alexander,
Filed May 2, 2025

Dear Mayor and Council:

On May 2, 2025, the Stockbridge Ethics Board was referred a complaint filed by
Phedra Thomas against Councilmember, Elton Alexander. Our Board had a
public meeting on June 11, 2025, and both parties were in attendance. The
Board recessed to a closed session to further review the complaint.

Upon conclusion of our review of the herein stated complaint and all supporting
documentation submitted by the parties, the Board determined the
complainant, Ms. Thomas, failed to cite any “Specific Law Violated” of the City’s
Code of Ordinances under the Ethic’s Code within this Board’s jurisdiction. By
unanimous vote, the Board determined said complaint failed to substantiate
facts sufficient to invoke the disciplinary jurisdiction of the City Council via the
Ethic’s Code. Therefore, it is the Board’s recommendation that said complaint
be dismissed pursuant to Code Section 2.40.070 (C). This is the Board’s final
decision regarding the herein referenced complaint. Notwithstanding this
finding, the complaining party may pursue any other action such party might
have at law or in equity against the named city official.

Respectfully submitted,

Alicia Barney-Duck, Esq.
Chairman
Stockbridge Ethics Board

A motion to accept this recommendation was made by Committee Member
Scott and seconded by Committee Member Charmaine.

3|Page
Vice Chair Jenkins referenced Ethics Complaint 05212025-01 Filed by
Councilmember Barber against Mayor Anthony S. Ford, and read into the
record the Recommendation Letter of the Ethics Board regarding
the above referenced complaint:

July 23, 2025

Anthony S. Ford, Mayor
LaKeisha T. Gannt, Councilmember
Alphonso Thomas, Councilmember
Kyle D. Berry, Councilmember
Yolanda Barber, Councilmember
Elton Alexander, Councilmember
4640 North Henry Boulevard
Stockbridge, Georgia 30281

RE: Recommendation of Ethics Board to Mayor and City Council as to the
following:

2025 05212025-01 Yolanda Barber against Mayor Anthony Ford Filed May 21,
2025

Dear Mayor and Council:

On May 21, 2025, the Stockbridge Ethics Board was referred a complaint filed
by Councilmember, Yolanda Barber, against Mayor Anthony Ford. Our Board
had a public meeting on June 11, 2025, wherein the Board recessed to a closed
session to further review the complaint.

Upon conclusion of our review of the herein stated complaint and all supporting
documentation submitted by the parties, the Board determined the
complainant failed to cite any “Specific Law Violated” of the City’s Code of
Ordinances under the Ethic’s Code within this Board’s jurisdiction. Moreover,
Councilmember Barber did not provide any evidence as to how Mayor Ford’s
non-compliance with Ordinance Section 2.18, regarding the timeframe for

4|Page
recommending candidates for the vacant City Manager position, violated an
ethical standard for this Board to consider. As such, by unanimous vote, the
Board determined said complaint failed to substantiate facts sufficient to
invoke the disciplinary jurisdiction of the City Council via the Ethic’s Code.

Therefore, it is the Board’s recommendation that said complaint be dismissed
pursuant to Code Section 2.40.070 (C). This is the Board’s final decision
regarding the herein referenced complaint. Notwithstanding this finding, the
complaining party may pursue any other action such party might have at law
or in equity against the named city official.

Respectfully submitted,

Alicia Barney-Duck, Esq.
Chairman
Stockbridge Ethics Board

A motion to accept this recommendation was made by Committee Member
Scott and seconded by Committee Member Charmaine.

Vice Chair Jenkins referenced Ethics Complaint 05092025-01 Filed by Michele
Battle against Councilmember Yolanda Barber, and read into the record the
Recommendation Letter of the Ethics Board regarding
the above referenced complaint:

July 23, 2025

Anthony S. Ford, Mayor
LaKeisha T. Gannt, Councilmember
Alphonso Thomas, Councilmember
Kyle D. Berry, Councilmember
Yolanda Barber, Councilmember

5|Page
Elton Alexander, Councilmember
4640 North Henry Boulevard
Stockbridge, Georgia 30281

RE: Recommendation of Ethics Board to Mayor and City Council as to the
following:

2025 05092025-01 Michele Battle against Councilmember Yolanda Barber
Filed May 9, 2025

Dear Mayor and Council:

On May 9, 2025, the Stockbridge Ethics Board was referred a complaint filed by
Michele Battle against Councilmember, Yolanda Barber. Our Board had a public
meeting on June 11, 2025, with both parties in attendance. Each party
addressed the Board, providing statements and answering questions posed by
the board for clarification of information submitted. The Board recessed to a
closed session to further review the complaint.

Upon conclusion of our review of the herein stated complaint, the Board
determined by unanimous vote, said complaint failed to substantiate facts
sufficient to invoke the disciplinary jurisdiction of the City Council via the Code
of Ethics and is thus dismissed pursuant to Code Section 2.40.070 (C). While the
complainant cited a violation per Code Section 2.40.055 B(5), this Board found
insufficient evidence to support the claim. There was no information presented
to support that Councilmember Barber attempted to unethically influence or
coerce any relevant party with her presence or statements at a referenced
Stockbridge Planning Committee meeting. Based on statements made, there
was some miscommunication that could have been addressed prior to any
complaint being filed. This Board would suggest greater efforts by both parties
to communicate notice going forward.

Given the aforementioned, the Board did not find any violation of the City
Ordinance within our preview that would invoke the disciplinary action against
Councilmember Barber. This is the Board’s final decision regarding the herein

6|Page
referenced complaint. Notwithstanding this finding, the complaining party may
pursue any other action such party might have at law or in equity against the
named city official.

Respectfully submitted,

Alicia Barney-Duck, Esq.
Chairman
Stockbridge Ethics Board

A motion to accept this recommendation was made by Committee Member
Charmaine and seconded by Committee Member Scott.

Vice Chair Jenkins referenced Ethics Complaints
05202025-01 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against City Atty. Quinton
Washington
05202025-02 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Mayor Anthony Ford
05202025-03 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Councilmember
LaKeisha Gantt
05202025-04 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Councilmember Elton
Alexander
05202025-05 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Councilmember Kyle
Berry, Sr., and read into the record the Recommendation Letter of the Ethics
Board regarding the above referenced complaint:

July 23, 2025

Anthony S. Ford, Mayor
LaKeisha T. Gannt, Councilmember
Alphonso Thomas, Councilmember
Kyle D. Berry, Councilmember
Yolanda Barber, Councilmember
Elton Alexander, Councilmember
4640 North Henry Boulevard

7|Page
Stockbridge, Georgia 30281

RE: Recommendation of Ethics Board to Mayor and City Council as to the
following Complaints filed May 20, 2025:
2025 05202025-01 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against City Atty. Quinton
Washington
2025 05202025-02 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Mayor Anthony
Ford
2025 05202025-03 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Councilmember
LaKeisha Gantt
2025 05202025-04 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Councilmember
Elton Alexander
2025 05202025-05 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Councilmember
Kyle Berry, Sr.

Dear Mayor and Council:

On May 20, 2025, the Stockbridge Ethics Board received an ethics complaint
filed by Councilmember Yolanda Barber against the individuals referenced
above. In accordance with our responsibilities under the City’s Ethics Code, the
Board convened public meetings on May 28, 2025, and June 11, 2025 to review
the complaint. All parties involved were duly notified and invited to participate.

During these sessions, the Board addressed those present and recessed into
executive session to thoroughly examine the complaints and the supporting
documentation provided by both the complainant and the respondents.

Upon completing our review, the Board determined that the volume of
information presented was so extensive that we believe it prudent to request a
third-party review of the complaint. This independent evaluation will offer an
objective decision on how best to move forward, ensuring the integrity and
fairness of the process.

Respectfully submitted,

Alicia Barney-Duck, Esq.

8|Page
Chairman
Stockbridge Ethics Board

A motion to accept this recommendation was made by Committee Member
Charmaine and seconded by Committee Member Scott.

Vice Chair Jenkins referenced Ethics Complaints
05162025-01 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against City Atty. Quinton
Washington
05162025-02 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Mayor Anthony Ford
05162025-03 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Councilmember
LaKeisha Gantt
05162025-04 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Councilmember Kyle
Berry, Sr.
05162025-04 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Councilmember Elton
Alexander, and read into the record the Recommendation Letter of the Ethics
Board regarding the above referenced complaint:

July 23, 2025

Anthony S. Ford, Mayor
LaKeisha T. Gannt, Councilmember
Alphonso Thomas, Councilmember
Kyle D. Berry, Councilmember
Yolanda Barber, Councilmember
Elton Alexander, Councilmember
4640 North Henry Boulevard
Stockbridge, Georgia 30281

RE: Recommendation of Ethics Board to Mayor and City Council as to the
following Complaints filed May16, 2025:

2025 05162025-01 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against City Atty. Quinton
Washington

9|Page
2025 05162025-02 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Mayor Anthony
Ford
2025 05162025-03 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Councilmember
LaKeisha Gantt
2025 05162025-04 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Councilmember
Kyle Berry, Sr.
2025 05162025-04 Councilmember Yolanda Barber against Councilmember
Elton Alexander

Dear Mayor and Council:

On May 16, 2025, the Stockbridge Ethics Board received an ethics complaint
filed by Councilmember Yolanda Barber against the individuals referenced
above. In accordance with our responsibilities under the City’s Ethics Code, the
Board convened public meetings on May 28, 2025, and June 11, 2025 to review
the complaint. All parties involved were duly notified and invited to participate.

During these sessions, the Board addressed those present and recessed into
executive session to thoroughly examine the complaints and the supporting
documentation provided by both the complainant and the respondents.

Upon completing our review, the Board determined that Councilmember
Barber’s complaint failed to cite any specific violation of the City’s Code of
Ordinances or Ethics Code that falls within this Board’s jurisdiction. Her
complaint referenced only Resolution #R20-1239, which pertains to the
issuance of censures or reprimands, asserting that she was not afforded a
hearing before being censured on May 12, 2025.

It is important to clarify that the Ethics Board does not have authority over the
functionality or enforcement of resolutions passed by the City Council—
particularly when there is no accompanying allegation of an ethics code
violation. Moreover, the response submitted by Attorney Quinton Washington,
on behalf of himself and the respondents, directly challenges the enforceability
of the cited resolution and provides substantial background on the rationale
behind the censure.

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The Board concludes that the matters raised, including questions of due
process, lie outside the scope of the Ethics Board’s jurisdiction. If
Councilmember Barber believes her due process rights were infringed upon,
her proper course of action is to seek remedy through a judicial or other
appropriate venue.

Final Determination:

By unanimous vote, the Stockbridge Ethics Board finds that the complaint does
not substantiate any facts sufficient to invoke the disciplinary jurisdiction of the
City Council and is therefore dismissed pursuant to Code Section 2.40.070(C).
This letter constitutes the Board’s final decision regarding this matter.
However, nothing in this determination precludes the complainant from
pursuing any legal remedies that may be available in law or equity.

Respectfully submitted,

Alicia Barney-Duck, Esq.
Chairman
Stockbridge Ethics Board

A motion to accept this recommendation was made by Committee Member
Charmaine and seconded by Committee Member Scott.

The move to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m. was made by Committee Member
Scott; seconded by Committee Member Charmaine.

Meeting Minutes prepared by: Mary Scott, Ethics Board Secretary

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