---
date: 2024-10-14
title: 10-14-2024 Minutes
source: 2024-10/2024-10-14_10-14-2024 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

StOCkbridge
Where Community Connects

CITYCOUNCIL EETING
SU ARY INUTES

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024 6:00 PM.
Mavor & City Council
Mayor Anth on S. For dAt-Lar e _

May me le
or Pro Te CounCIl istrict3
CounCIl member Elton Alexande Council District 5
Councilmember Yolanda Council District 4
Councilmember LaKeisha Gantt Council District 1
CounCIlmember Alphonso Thomas Council District 2

Administration
Frederick Gard iner City Manager
Vanessa Ho Irda City Clerk
Cassandra Leste r eputy City Clerk
Lakeisha Gaines Interim City Treasurer
Qumton Washi ngton City Attorney

Mission: To pruyidc visionary leadershi and superior municipal services that
enhance the quality of life for Citizens w 11:: creating a welcoming busmess
atmosphere focused on sustainability and expansmn of tourism and cultural ev ents.

Invocation by Mayor Ford at 6:05 pm.

Invocation by: Mr. Hardy Abbott of Vystar Credit Union

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All the
members were present except Councilmember Barber.

1. The Public Hearing Deferred Item(s) Announcement was read noting the
following: The following items have been deferred to the 11/12/2024meeting
TEXT AMENDMENT CASE #TX-2024-05 (Citywide)
SPECIAL USE PERMIT CASE #SP-2024-O1 (Council District 3)
SPECIAL USE PERMIT CASE #SP-2024-02 (Council District 4)
SPECIAL USE PERMIT CASE #SP-2024-03 (Council District 4)

Motion to adopt the Agenda was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

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2. Motion to approve the Council Meeting Minutes for August 12, 2024, Retreat

Meeting Minutes for August 21, 2024, Retreat Meeting Minutes for August 22,
2024, Retreat Meeting Minutes for August 23, 2024, Work Session Meeting
Minutes for August 27, 2024, Council Meeting Minutes for September 9, 2024,
and Work Session Meeting Minutes for September 24, 2024 was made by
Councilmember Alexander; seconded by Councilmember Gantt. The motion
passed unanimously 4-0.

3. Mayor Ford reviewed the following ceremonial items: Proclamations for Breast
Cancer Awareness Month, Red Ribbon Week, World Mental Health Day,
Domestic Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, Fire Prevention Month,
Small Business Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Good is
EvemNhere Day.

There were no Public Comments

Motion to approve the Consent Agenda with the following items was made by
Councilmember Alexander; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed
unanimously 4-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
4. Council consideration to appoint Bishop Laray Tillman to fill the unexpired term
for the Clergy Representative position on the Citizens-Police Advisory Council.

5. Council Consideration to approve the Exercise of First Option Renewal for
Contract RFQ No. 2023-0012, Civic Wayfinding Project with DeNyse Companies,
Inc.

NEW BUSINESS
6. Council consideration to adopt the restated GMEBS Retirement Plan Adoption

Agreement and General Addendum with Plan Amendments.
Presented by: Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
Ms. Wheeler noted the Pension Committee met and also held meeting with the
GMA Retirement Director, Michelle Warner to discuss the Plan and amendments;
noted the City received a favorable determination from the IRS; and noted the
committee makes the following re recommendation: Part-Time Hours = 30 or
less; Police Officers need to be in service with Stockbridge when they meet the
55/20 requirement; Portable service from other GMEBS members toward the 20

years can be allowable.

Motion to approve the adoption of the Restated GMEBS Retirement Plan
Adoption Agreement and General Addendum with Plan Amendments was made
by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by Councilmember Alexander. The motion
passed unanimously 4-0.

7. Council consideration to approve the proposed budget amendment as outlined
within the attached Ordinance to purchase a National Integrated Ballistic
Information Network system ("NIBIN") in the amount of $277,918.00. This is a
sole source purchase from Forensic Technology. Funding Source: General Fund
Account: 100-00000-301000
Presented by: Richard Godfrey, Assistant Police Chief

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Assistant Chief Godfrey noted the Council approved the Reimbursable Grant in
August 2023.

Councilmember Thomas noted he understands the funds will be reimbursed and
asked forthe general ledger line item that would be used.

Ms. Gaines referenced general ledge account number 100-00000-301000

Motion to approve an Ordinance for a Budget Amendment for the purchase of a
National Integrated Ballistic Information Network System in the amount of
$277,918.00 from General Funds was made by Councilmember Alexander;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 4-0. The
General Fund Account was corrected by the Interim City Treasurer to reflect:
From: 10000000389030 Miscellaneous TO: 25515110521202 -
Grants Match

8. Council consideration to adopt an Ordinance and approve the job description,
organizational chart and pay and classification for the newly created position,
Property Tax Specialist.
Presented by: Lakeisha Gaines, Interim City Treasurer and Renee Wheeler,
Human Resources Manager
Ms. Gaines noted the primary role for this position is going to be working with
Homestead Exemptions and Property Tax matters.

Councilmember Gantt inquired about the role of the Tax office,
and asked why the City if paying a fee to the County if city staff will do the work.

Mr. Gardiner stated the Tax office has stated the Homestead
Exemptions will not be prepared by the County.

Mayor Pro Tem Berry asked what happens with the position if the Referendum is
not approved.

Ms. Wheeler noted the position would be reclassified

Motion to approve an Ordinance, Budget was made by Councilmember
Alexander; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed 3-1
(Councilmember Gantt Opposed).

Mayor Ford read the Public Hearing Rules and Procedures

PUBLIC HEARING
9. REZONING CASE #RZ-2024-07 FOR THE PATRICK HENRY PARKWAY
MASTER PLAN. (To be located in Council District 5.)
Consideration of the Patrick Henry Parkway Master Plan, which was prepared by
the TSW consulting firm. It proposes a mixture of retail, commercial, residential,
and entertainment uses for areas along the southern end of Patrick Henry
Parkway, with some properties lying within the Stockbridge City Limits and others
lying within unincorporated Henry County.
Presented by: Frederick Gardiner, City Manager

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Mr. Gardiner presented an overview of the Patrick Henry Parkway Master Plan,

noting the plan has been in the works for about a year, and that he has been
working with the property owners to bring the first vertical mixed-use project to
the southside of Atlanta; noting staff recommends approval.
Public Hearing Opened
No Speakers in Favor
No Speakers Opposed
Public Hearing Closed
Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

10.C|TY OF STOCKBRIDGE 2025-2029 SHORT TERM WORK
PROGRAM/CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT ELEMENT
(STWP/CIE) The Community Development Department is requesting that the
City Council approve the Transmittal of the 2025-2029 Short-Term Work
Program/Capital Improvement Element (STWP/CIE) to the Department of
Community Affairs & the Atlanta Regional Commission for their review and
recommendations.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson, Community Development Director
Mr. Anderson reviewed the Work Program and Capital Improvement
Element, noting the categories and projects, Resolution and Letter to be
submitted by the Mayor.
Public Hearing Opened
Speaker in Favor: Ms. Jocelyn Williams requested a copy of the STWP/CIE
Report.
No Speakers Opposed
Public Hearing Closed
Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by
Councilmember Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

Mayor Ford read Public Hearing Item #11, # 12, #13 and #14

11. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT CASE #CP-2024-01. (To be located in
Council District 5.)
Consideration of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment Request to change
the future land use designation of property on the north side of Hudson
Bridge Drive, comprising Parcel #032-01026000, from Mixed-
to to allow for the construction of a townhome
development. Applicant: Lennar Georgia, LLC. Agent: Battle Law, PC. The
property is located in Land Lot 21 of District 6, and it contains 20.367 +/- acres.
Mr. Anderson presented an overview of Comprehensive Plan Amendment Case
#CP-2024-01, noting the request that the future land use
designation be changed from Medium-Density Mixed-Use to Medium-Density
Residential; Rezoning Case #RZ-2024-01 noting the request to
rezone Parcel #032-01026000 from C-2 (General Commercial) to MFR (Multi-

Family Residential) to allow for the development of a townhome community of
140 units on approximately 20.367 acres; and Variance Case #2024-03 Variance
Request #1, noting the request to reduce the front yard setback of the
townhome lots from the required 50 feet to 20 feet; and Variance Case #2, noting

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the request for the rear yard setbacks of the townhome lots to be
reduced from the required 20 feet to 10 feet.

Mr. Anderson presented the Case Facts and Proposed Site Plan,
noting staff
recommends approval of the revised Site Plan, non-gated, with 127 units 3-4
bedrooms, for sale units with a 10% rental cap, and size ranging from 1800 sq.
feet to 2000 sq. feet; Units 1, 56, 57, 89 and 127, all visible from the street, will
have all brick on both sides, all other units shall have a Brick Water Table with
brick fronts and hardiplank or other fiber Cementous accents, black
streetlight
poles and flock cameras, and units with metal overhangs instead of shingles;
with 2-car garages throughout the development; mandatory HOA, external
sidewalk along Hudson Bridge Road up to the drop off; internal sidewalks on
one side and internal sidewalks on one side; amenities include a pool,
clubhouse, pocket park with playground and pocket park with open space; with a
setback in the front and between the units.

Attorney Battle gave an overview of the development, and referenced
conversations with the District Representative, Councilmember Alexander, to
come to a compromise to bring a quality product suitable for the
community and
for her client, Lennar Georgia, LLC.

Public Hearing Opened for Item #11, # 12, #13 and #14.
No Speakers in Favor
Speakers Opposed Ms. Jocelyn Williams to item #11, # 12, #13 and #14

Public Hearing Closed

Motion to approve Comprehensive Plan Amendment Case #CP-2024-01 was
made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The
motion passed unanimously 4-0.

REZONING CASE #RZ-2024-01. (To be located in Council District 5.)
Consideration of a request to rezone property on the north side of Hudson Bridge
Drive, comprising Parcel #032-01026000, from the C-2 (General Commercial)
zoning district to the MFR (Multiple Family Residential) zoning district to allow for
the construction of a townhome development. The property also lies within the
PMU (Parkway Mixed-Use) Overlay District. Applicant: Lennar Georgia,
LLC. Agent: Battle Law, PC. The property is located in Land Lot 21 of District 6,
and it contains 20.367 +/- acres.
Motion to approve Rezoning Case #RZ-2024-01 was made by Councilmember
Alexander; seconded by Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed unanimously

13.VARlANCE CASE #VR-2024-03. Variance Request #1. (To be located in Council
District 5). Consideration of a variance request for two variances on property on
the north side of Hudson Bridge Drive, comprising of Parcel #032-01026000, to
allow for the construction of a townhome development. Variance Request #1
would reduce the front yard setbacks of the townhome lots from the required
feet to feet. The property also lies within the PMU-Parkway Mixed-Use
Overlay District. Applicant: Lennar Georgia LLC Agent: Battle Law, PC. The

property is located Land Lot 21 of District 6, and it contains 20.367 +/- acres.
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Motion to approve Variance Case #VR-2024-03 Variance Request #1 for feet
front setback was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

14.VAR|ANCE CASE #VR-2024-03: Variance Request #2. (To be located in
Council District 5.)
Consideration of a variance request for two variances on property on the north
side of Hudson Bridge Drive, comprising Parcel #032-01026000, to allow for the
construction of a townhome development. Variance Request #2 would reduce
the side yard setbacks of the townhome lots, between buildings, from the
required feet to feet. The property also lies within the PMU (Parkway
Mixed-Use) Overlay District. Applicant: Lennar Georgia, LLC. Agent: Battle
Law, PC. The property is located in Land Lot 21 of District 6, and it contains
20.367 acres.

Motion to approve Variance Case #VR-2024-03 Variance Request #2 for feet
between the buildings was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

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 or visit the website www.stockbridgega.org for

updates.

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

Planning Commission Meeting, 3rd Thursday of each month, 6:30 pm. City Hall -

Council Chamber (Oct 17)

Community Meeting to discuss the Stockbridge Trails Plan on Wednesday,
October 23rd from 6pm 7:30pm at Downtown Stockbridge Connection Center
(formerly TSCC) (Oct 23)
Community Homestead Exemption Townhall Saturday, October 26th at 11am
City Hall Council Chamber (Oct 26)
City Council Work Session Meeting, Last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. -

City Hall Council Chamber (Oct 29)
Youth Council Meeting 1st Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. City Hall Levi

Meeting Room (Nov 4)
ELECTION DAY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5th from 7am 7pm visit
mvp.sos.ga.gov for your polling location.
Community Zoning and Information Meeting: Wednesday, November 6th from
6:00 pm. 7:00 pm. at City Hall in the Council Chamber (Nov 6)
Stockbridge Citizens-Police Advisory Council meeting 1st Thursday of each
month at 6:30 pm. at the Stockbridge Police Community Room 4545 N.

Henry Blvd. (Nov 7)
The Main Street Advisory Board Meeting on the 2nd Friday of each month at
9am Location is the Downtown Connection Center 130 M L King Sr. Heritage
Trail. (Nov 8)
City Council Meeting, SPECIAL DATE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH at 6:00
pm. -

City Hall Council Chamber (Nov 12) Due to Veterans Day Holiday
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Citywide Development Authority Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00
p.m.- City Hall Levi Meeting Room (Nov 12)
Downtown Development Authority Meeting, November meeting date is to be
announced.

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/lNlTIATIVES
Join Councilman Alphonso Thomas for the monthly Senior Bingo Bash on
Wednesday, October 16th from 10am 12pm at the Merle Manders Conference

Center, 111 Davis Rd. for raffles, prizes, games, snacks and fun!
Join the City of Stockbridge for the 50 Shades of Pink Love Walk to highlight
breast cancer awareness and survivors at Clark Community Park 111 Davis Rd.
on Saturday, October 19th from 10:30am 1:00 pm.
Join Councilwoman Lakeisha Gantt for the Annual Fall Festival at Clark
Community Park 111 Davis Rd. on Saturday, October 26th from 12pm 4:00
pm.
Join Mayor Anthony Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Wednesday,
October 28th from 10am noon at Stockbridge City Hall.
Join Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt in partnership with Atlanta Food Truck Park
for Night Market at the Stockbridge Amphitheater Parking Lot from 6pm 9:30pm
November 7th, and November 21st. There will be vendors, Food Trucks,
Activities, Games, Music, and Vibes. Contact Tan Bowers at
thepeaceofmine@gmail.com for registration and 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.
Councilman Thomas will distribute FREE Smoke Detectors along with Fire
Marshal Demetrius Wells. The date and location will be announced soon. Stay
tuned.
Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an appointment for Meet the Mayor
and for more information on Council Initiatives and events at 678-833-3348 or via
email: rraw|s@stockbridgega.org

2024 Stockbridge Amphitheater Concert Series
a Sunday, October 20, 2024, (Rescheduled Show) featuring Charlie Wilson
with Special Guest El DeBarge
0 Saturday, October 26, 2024, Boney James Slow Burn Tour with Special
Guest Damien Escobar.
0 Saturday, November 2, 2024, Dirty South Throwback Hip-Hop Fest
featuring Eastside Boys, DJ Holiday, 95 South, Tray Bills, Raheem the
Dream, DJ Unk, MC Shy D and Kilo Ali.

,,CO MMENTS

Mayor Ford referenced the recent youth concert that took place at the Amphitheater,
noting the event was a fantastic event for the kids and looks fon/vard to scheduling a
youth concert event annually; and also noted another sold out Southern Soul concert

age
that was a great concert as well; noted the Faith & Blue softball
game with the Police vs.
area ministry, noting the Stockbridge Police Department won 9-8; reminded everyone to
exercise their constitutional right to vote, noting Early Voting begins on
Tuesday, October
15th here in Georgia with Election Day on Tuesday, November 5th.

Councilmember Thomas referenced the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, where he has
put the call out for Veterans and families of Veterans to submit their photos and
encouraged the submission of pictures as the holiday approaches to recognize Veterans.

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8 46 pm. was made by Councilmember Thomas;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

ww?
Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Anthony 8. Ford, Mayor

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