---
date: 2015-06-23
title: June 23, 2015 Minutes
source: 2015-06/2015-06-23_June 23, 2015_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

P was J1,

APPROVED MINUTES
WORK SESSION
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE

TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2015 6:00 PM

Mayor & City Council Administration

Tim L. Thompson, Mayor Michael Harris, City Manager

Alphonso Thomas, Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Robin Buschman, Councilwoman Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk

Anthony S. Ford, Councilman Absent -
Michael Williams, City Attorney
LaKeisha Gantt, Councilwoman Bryan A. Downs, Attorney
Regina Lewis Ward, Councilwoman

Mayor Thompson called the Work Session meeting to order at 6:00pm. City Clerk, Vanessa
Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All members of Council were present
in which a quorum was confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Thomas arrived at 6:02pm following the
roll call.

Invocation by Councilwoman Buschman.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

Councilman Ford made a motion to adopt the Agenda; second by Councilwoman Gantt;
the motion passed 5/0.

Mr. Mike Moon presented Stockbridge History and referenced the Camp Creek train wreck
(the worse train wreck in the State of Georgia) and noted that the two fatalities from Henry
County were from Stockbridge.

Michael Harris, City Manager & Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager presented a
Resolution to ratify the 2015 —
2016 Health Insurance Benefits package. Mr. Harris noted
that this item was discussed at the last meeting and is more of a ratification to what was
previously discussed. He further mentioned that the City will continue to use United
HealthCare and that during negotiations last year, the maximum percentage increase was
13.7%; and the City was able to negotiate it down to 12.9%.

Michael Harris, City Manager & Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas presented the Street
Renaming Martin Luther King, Sr. Historic Trail. Mr. Harris stated that Councilman

Alphonso Thomas brought fourth this initiative to rename a City Street in honor of Martin
Luther King, Sr. and that Council convened a committee to look into what it would take to
locate a street and the associated cost.

June 23, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilman Thomas expressed he would like to honor the King family in the City of
Stockbridge seeing this is their ancestral home. Councilman Thomas stated he recently
toured the City with the Main Street Program and discovered several historical landmarks
here in the City.

Councilman Thomas noted that the committee has decided to identify North and South
Berry Street as the potential name change. This street runs through the heart of downtown
Stockbridge and has the least resistance. Councilman Thomas stated there is protocol to
consider when trying to rename a street, and some reimbursements that would go to
businesses who would have to change their signage.

Councilman Thomas stated the reason that the committee chose a street that runs through
the heart of downtown is because of the Main Street program. The Main Street mission is
to design and identify the historic downtown district that will promote economic
development and will help encourage cultural enrichment.

Councilman Thomas noted that letters were being drafted for the business who could be
affected by the name change. Mr. Thomas also stated that addressed in the letter would
be a proposal for a Town Hall Meeting so the businesses could voice their opinions and/or
concerns and noted that he would like to work with the rest of the Council and the Main
Street program on this initiative.

Councilman Thomas identified the proposed name forthe street change would be the M.L.
King Sr. Historic Trail and he further explained that the trail would start on Love Street at
the old fire station, down North and South Berry Street and will end -on Rock Quarry Road,
which will lead you to downtown Stockbridge.

Councilman Ford inquired about the process. Councilman Thomas replied it will not have
to go to the State and reiterated the businesses that will be effected will have some type of
reimbursement or compensation; and that the hope is to have to businesses on board and
to have them aware of what the City is proposing; and would like to hear feedback from
them.

Councilman Ford inquired on what type of expenses the City may incur when it comes to
changing information (i.e.: Post office boxes, stationary use). Councilman Thomas as far
as stationary, an address change would solve that.

Mayor Thompson asked Councilman Thomas if he knew what the cost would be.
Councilman Thomas stated it will depend on whether or not the business push the City to
do it.

Councilwoman Gantt inquired if the letters would be sent out before or after the Town Hall
meeting and Councilman Thomas advised that the letters would be sent out prior to the
Town Hall meeting.

Michael Harris, City Manager presented an update to the Intergovernmental Agreement for
Police Services with Henry County and stated that at the Board of Commissioners meeting
that was held last week; there was a discussion on the extension of the City’s agreement
for police services.

June 23, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Hemy Blvd. Stockbridgc, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Mr. Harris noted that in 2014 the City was told on numerous occasions that the Police
Services would remain the same. Mr. Harris further noted that the City decided to move
forward with adopting a 2015 Operating Budget; and, on the same day as adopting the
budget, the City was notified that the County would like to increase the police services.

Mr. Harris stated that he met with the County Manager, who provided proposed figures on
what the Countythinks the City should pay. Mr. Harris expressed the County provided the

City with estimates to show why they would like to increase the rates. Mr. Harris then spoke
with Mr. Welch, the City's legal representative for the SDS agreement and issued a
Buddy
response to the county that was based on data from the Counties budget.

Mr. Harris stated he met with representatives for the County in April 2015 and presented
them with a detailed document on how there figures where flawed and also included the
proposal that Council discussed along with a settlement proposal agreement based on the
igures that were presented. A week later, the County requested the City’s figures which
indicated the justification of the proposed agreement, the information was provided to them
in May 2015. Mr. Harris stated the City has not heard anything back in regards to the
oroposed agreement. Mr. Harris spoke with the County manager prior to the deadline date;
they both were under the assumption an extension would be granted. Since then, the
extension was granted until July 7”‘ and they would not extend beyond that time frame. Mr.
-larris expressed it is the City's intent to continue to work with the county and met with the
nterim County Manager, Cheri Matthews earlier this week to discuss the different options
and also wanted to inform the public that the City would not go without police services.

Councilwoman Buschman inquired if there would be a press release for the citizens. Mr.
-larris replied the City issued press releases with the local organs.

_egal Counsel, Buddy Welch stated it is important to realize that both the City and County
stated the City has be
pays taxes and are entitled to police services. Mr. Welch further
provided County records they have not been able to refute showing the City paying over
$100 per person, per service; where as in the Unincorporated areas, they are paying only
$74 per person, per service.

Councilwoman Gantt requested the dollar amount the County pays for police services. Mr.
Welch for the FY 2015, the County's total budget was $19,511,812 for police
replied
services.

Michael Harris, City Manager presented the City's S.P.L.O.S.T. Project List Update and
distributed the updated version of the S.P.L.O.S.T. list that was discussed at the previous
council retreat.

Mr. Harris noted that projects were broken down into categories (i.e.: Transportation, Public
Works Facilities, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety, etc.). Mr. Harris mentioned some of
the things discussed at the retreat were projects and the utilization of the funds for those
projects. Mr. Harris stated Parks and Rec allotment was divided out and money was set
aside for the Multi—Plex, Monument Park, Recreation and water feasibility study and new
park equipment totaling $1 million dollars.

June 23, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Hemy Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 339-7900
Mr. Harris mentioned he met with the Public Works Department to identify some of the
needs at each individual park. Gardner Park needs new picnic tables, and the playground
area adjacent to the tennis courts needs to be replaced. Also, the tennis courts have been

resurfaced, now its time to replace them as the tennis courts are continuously used by the
public and is a great feature.

Mr. Harris noted that there has been much discussion between himself, the Treasurer,
Linda Nabers and the Public Works Director, Kevin Walter to utilize the Storm Water funds
for the bank restoration at Gardner and Clarke parks.

Mr. Harris also noted that the City currently has $150,000 of CDBG funds allocated for a
pool.

Councilwoman Gantt stated she met with Sunrise Builders, and the one thing that people
would like to see is the City actually move forward with a project, like the LC! Study.

Councilman Thomas stated one of the things discussed at the retreat was planning and
preparing a design to move fonNard and encouraged staff to move forward with planning
and design.

Mr. Harris stated that he would like to get directive from Council to obtain quotes for design,
which will help dictate the costs that will be associated.

Councilwoman Buschman inquired if the ice rink or splash pad would be incorporated with
the LC] and also wanted to know if an amphitheater could be included. Mr. Harris

responded yes it would be include and as far as the amphitheater, it would be a challenge
because of the fountain located at City Hall.

Mr. Harris noted that the next big step would be to solidify a master plan for the area which
will show exactly where the proposed splash pad and amphitheater would go.

Councilwoman Buschman inquired if they were going to do two or three things at a time
instead of doing just the splash pad and ice rink and then will be reimbursed? Mr. Harris
replied with the design and building it out, yes. However, it will depend on what is in the
budget, or they will utilize S.P.L.O.S.T. funds.

Councilwoman Buschman wished everyone a safe Fourth of July Holiday.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas asked for support of the Street Renaming and the concept of the
King Legacy for Stockbridge.

Councilman Ford asked everyone to enjoy your Fourth of July Holiday, and remind
yourself you still live in the greatest country on earth, and God bless.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for coming out and enjoy the holiday.

June 23, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Mayor Thompson thanked everyone for coming out and noted that he likes the new Work
Session intimate setting and asked all to remember those in Charleston, South Carolina
and that we are thankful that the City of Charleston did not render the same results as
Baltimore.

Mildred Reed thanked Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas for organizing the Prayer Vigil;
thanked staff and liked the phrase “One City, One Dream, One Team” as new branding
idea for the City.

Jonas Ho, business owner, opposed LED light enforcement.

Michael Souze, business owner, opposed LED light enforcement.

Mr. Patel (Eco Friendly Dry Cleaner) opposed LED light enforcement.

Louis Goglip spoke about speeding on Rock Quarry Rd.

Motion to convene into Executive Session for item H made By Councilwoman Gantt;
second by Councilman Thomas; the motion passed; 5/0.

Motion to adjourn Executive Session made by Councilwoman Bushman; second by
Councilman Ford; the motion passed 5/0.

Motion to reconvene the Work Session meeting made by Councilwoman Gantt; second
by Councilman Ford; the motion passed 5/0.

Motion to adjourn made by Councilwoman Buschman; second by Councilwoman Gantt;
the motion passed 5/0.

Respectfully submitted by:

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Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
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June 23, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Hemy Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
