---
date: 2022-01-10
title: 01-10-2022 Minutes
source: 2022-01/2022-01-10_01-10-2022 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

StOCkbridge
Where Community Connects

COUNCL
l M EET I NG
SU MM ARY MI NUTES

MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2022 6:00 PM.
Mavor & Citv Council Administration
Mayor Antho ny S. Ford City Manager Vacant
Mayor_ Pro Te m Elton Alexander Vanessa Hollda City Clerk

Countllwoma n Yolanda Barber John WI insity Treasurer
Councilman John Blount Quinton City Attorney
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Jeremy T. Berry, Clty Attorney
CounCIlman Alphonso Thomas

Mission: To rovidelyision l eadership and s uperior mun icipal services that enhance the
quality of Ife for ary1
Cltgzeng .w i le creatlng la wel comgng bUSI ness atmosph ere focused on
sustainabll Ity a nd expans Ion of tourism and cultu ral events.

Call to Order by Mayor Ford

Invocation by City Chaplain, Pastor Terrance Gattis

Pledge of Allegiance recited by all in attendance.

Swearing-ln of by Judge McCord
Anthony S. Ford, Mayor
Mayor Ford thanked his campaign team, supporters and citizens for entrusting him to be
the Mayor for the next four years, and will honor that along with the City Council to
the best of his ability to provide a great environment for the citizens; noted that whether
you voted for him or not, he represents all citizens of Stockbridge; referenced the
Amphitheater as being Phase l of the (LCl) Livable Cities Initiative to develop the
downtown area of and the Cultural Arts Center coming as well, along with the
implementation of the very own police department with Chief Trammer and staff
who have been brought onboard to launch the police department mid-summer; noted the
Bridges of Jodeco project is underway; noted with passing of the TSPLOST vote last
November, the city is expected to receive an estimated $30 million dollars for roads and
street infrastructure improvements, and trails and connectivity throughout the city, and
curb and gutter in certain neighborhood have improvements on the way; referenced his
wife Alcelia, who was present in the chamber, and daughter Ariana watching online; mom
with his sister in Roswell, and on his father who passed away two years ago at

age 95 and their competitiveness and his plans to outlive his dad; noted his service in the
Army Reserves as a young Lieutenant in St. Louis, MO and his mentor, Al Greer, who he
had not seen for over 20 years and happened to be at the same event and they have
since connected noting Mr. Greer has family in the area, was also in attendance; thanked
Mr. Greer for all that he learned from him; and thanked everyone again for the opportunity
to serve another four years.

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LaKeisha Gantt, Councilmember
Councilwoman Gantt referenced her two daughters who were present have grown up in
politics with the youngest daughter being an infant when she was first elected and the
oldest daughter was in kindergarten and both have had been able to see how
government works and how you serve your community; referenced the sacrifice of raising
children while in and thanked her daughters for their and for sharing their
mom with the public to allow her to serve, telling them she loves them very much; thanked

the citizens of Stockbridge for believing in her an trusting her to make the right decisions
and to represent each and every one to the best of her ability and has always said it is
always best to do what is in the best interest of Stockbridge and not any one individuals;
stated to her colleagues she looks forward to working with each of them, while they may
not always agree, they have continued to move the city fon/vard, even during the

pandemic for the of the city and the county; noted there are six of them and but
30,000 residents and noted her door is always open; thanked her parents who were in
attendance; thanked her business partner and close friend Devlin Cleveland who was in
attendance, and the Chair of the Youth Council, Erica Harvey; noted it is a blessing to be
able to serve and looks fon/vard to the next four years.

Alphonso Thomas, Councilmember
Councilman Thomas stated he is humbled by the opportunity to serve the great city of
Stockbridge again; referenced a banner in the background depicting the late Mrs. Carrie
Mae Hambrick, a Stockbridge business owner for over 60 years that he had the
opportunity to be mentored under; noting Mrs. Hambrick made it her mission to
serve the citizens of this city, noting he is standing on the shoulders of
Mrs. Hambrick and Martin King, Sr. who have trailed the grounds of this city; thanked his
heavenly father for his grace and mercy for allowing the citizens of Stockbridge to see his
light for all of the citizens of Stockbridge; thanked his supporters who believed in his
campaign and platform, walked with him in neighborhoods, held signs, phone banked and
contributed financially; gave a special thanks to Ms. Hughes who led two successful
campaigns; and thanked the citizens for seeing his light, and trusting and believing in him
knowing that he will do the best of ability to serve all of the citizens of Stockbridge to
ensure that each and every one of you will be able to enjoy the for a great quality
of life, youth and adults; looks foward to working with councilmates; and is excited about
the hire of the new incoming city manager and thanked everyone again for allowing him
to serve.

Mayor Ford recognized Henry County Superior State Court Judge Ralph Bailey who was
sworn in last week by Governor Kemp was present.

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

Councilwoman Gant motioned to adopt the agenda: Second by Councilwoman Barber
The motion passed 5-0.

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PUBLIC COMMENTS
All public comments must be submitted to the Clerk no later than one hour prior to the meeting.
The Public Comment Form can be found on the webpage on the City page at:
and the form must include your name,
phone, and email contact information. Comments are limited to (3) three minutes and will be read
by the Clerk during the meeting, respecting all members of the elected body, officials, and staff.
Comments including defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will not be accepted.

Ms. Anne Moore noted she was recently widowed and spoke to the challenges for seniors
getting through the holidays and thanked Councilwoman Barber for her generosity of gifts
provided to the seniors, and for allowing her to accompany her to Red Oak Senior Center
for Bingo and other activities and thanked her for the food and fellowship and looks
forward to the next event.

The Randazzo family expressed their concerns regarding the noise coming from the
concerts at the Amphitheater, and the noise that continues after two years of construction;
noted they have made repeated requests for a resolution and noise mitigation for the
neighborhood

NEW BUSINESS
1. Appointment and Swearing-ln of Municipal Court Judge
Councilman Blount motioned to appoint Matthew McCord Municipal Court
Judge; Second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0. Followed
by Swearing-in by Mayor Ford.

Judge McCord referenced the loss of his father a year ago and noted as he
went through some of his things, he found a sermon his dad had preached
with the message love thy neighbor as thyself, noting your neighbor may
not live next door, or look like you, or have the same faith, and noted the
church asked his father to leave the church following that sermon; and
noted the Mayor & Council and citizens of Stockbridge are his neighbors
along with all of you and looks forward to the day when his job is not
necessary, but in the meantime, he is honored to serve the people of this
city.

2. Appointment and Swearing-ln of Municipal Court Solicitor
Councilwoman Gantt motioned to appoint Julie Kert Municipal Court
Solicitor: Second by Councilman Thomas. The motion passed 5-0.
Swearing-in to follow on a later date.

3. Swearing in of Council on Aging Representative
Swearing-in of DeRitha Barber to follow on a later date

4. Swearing-ln of Main Street Advisory Board Members
Swearing-ln completed by Mayor Ford for the following board members
Shomari Furtch 2yr Term; Willie Hopkins 2yr Term
Greg Horton 3yr Term; Linda Jones 3yr Term
Anika Potts 2yr Term; Mildred E. Reed 2yr Term

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Following the swearing in, board members noted they were grateful to
continue and be re-appointed to the Main Street Board and looks foward to
being a part of the development of downtown Stockbridge.

Swearing-ln of Advisory Committee Members
Swearing-ln completed by Mayor Ford for the following board members
Jodie Alexander 2yr Term; Alfreda Gourdine 2yr Term
Arvia Hall 2yr Term; Shameka Jones 1yr Term
Aaniyah Kendrick 1yr Term; Derius Peurifoy 1yr Term
Keely White 2yr Term; Sharika Zellars 2yr Term

Following the swearing in, Chairwoman Ericka Harvey welcomed the
members, thanked them for volunteering and noted she is excited and
looking forward to the committee leading the youth of Stockbridge; and
noted Aaniyah Kendrick was an inaugural member of the Stockbridge Youth
Council and is now a committee member.

Swearing-in of Youth Council Members
Swearing-ln completed by Mayor Ford for the following board members
Zipporah Barnes; Kaitlynn Nash; Simone Walker

Following the swearing in, the new members stated their excitement and
looks for to seeing what is ahead for the Stockbridge Youth Council; and
current member Taylor Harvey welcomed the new members and looks
fonNard to their membership.

Proclamation Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday
Read by Mayor Ford

. Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem
Councilman Thomas Nominated of Councilwoman Yolanda Barber to serve
as Mayor Pro Tern: Second by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander. The motion
passed 4-0-1 (Blount Abstained).

Councilwoman Barber noted when she accepted the responsibilities of
serving on the Council, it was with the intentions of helping our city to be
better; noted the last two years we have been faced with a number of
challenges, noting the pandemic which began within her first three months
into office and even with that has been able to navigate through it all with
the support of staff and councilmates; noted her appreciation of the
nomination made by Councilman Thomas and does not take the
responsibility lightly; noted everyone does not always agree with the
decisions that are made, and asked for everyone to respect each other for
their difference of opinion, and reiterating we must do better as that what
she is charged to do, do better for the constituents, the people in the
community and the stakeholders; and thanked her councilmates for
entrusting her with the position.

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8. Appointment of City Attorney
Councilman Alexander motioned to appoint Bell Washington as the City
Attorney: Second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 4-0-1
(Barber Abstained).
Attorney Washington noted they were appreciative to the City of
Stockbridge Mayor, Council and the Clerk and everyone who works with
their office on a basis to move Stockbridge fonNard to help to
make it a great city.

Attorney Berry thanked the members of Council noting he appreciates
working with the City and making sure things are kept legal an looks
fonNard to continuing to move the city forward.

Council Consideration to appoint members to the Downtown
Development Authority Board
Appointments postponed to January 25, 2022 meeting.

10.Appointment of the Council Liaison to the Downtown Development
Authority
Councilman Alexander inquired on the recommendation made by the
Downtown Development Authority board. Mayor Ford noted the
recommendation was Mayor Pro Tem Barber or Councilman Alexander.

Councilman Alexander motioned to appoint Councilwoman Yolanda Barber
as the Downtown Development Authority Liaison; second by Councilman
Thomas There was no vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber inquired if the decision had to be made today.

Mayor Ford noted it does not.

Councilwoman Barber noted she would abstain from the vote and motioned
to Table the appointment; Second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion
passed 5-0.

11. Appointment of the Council Liaison to the Main Street
Advisory Board
Councilman Alexander motioned to appoint Councilman Thomas as the
Main Street Advisory Board Liaison; Second by Councilwoman Barber. The
motion passed 5-0.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford noted the meeting tonight as a hybrid in-person and online format due to the
pandemic; noted the Omicron virus was still out there; noted the CDC has recommended
Pfizer booster for ages 12 and older and the Moderma booster for
age 18 and older; and
recommended everyone get vaccinated and/or your booster if you have not done
already
SO.

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UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Meeting will be held via Zoom until
further notice. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please visit the website
www.cityofstockbridge.com for the meeting invitation link, Facebook page or contact City
Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates.

> Youth CouncilMeeting, 5:30 pm. -
2nd Wednesday of each month Levi
Meeting Room City Hall (Jan 12)

Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd Friday of each month 9:00 am. Via
Zoom (Jan 14)

Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 6:00 pm. Via Zoom -
3rd
Tuesday of each month Via Zoom (Jan18)

Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm. -
3rd Tuesday of each
month Patrick Henry Meeting Room -

City Hall (Jan 18)

Planning Commission Meeting, at 6:30 pm. Via Zoom 4th Thursday of each
month (Jan 20)

City Council Work Session Meeting, Last Tuesday of each month Via Zoom
(Jan 25)

City Council Meeting -
2nd Monday of each month 6:00 pm. Location TBD
(Feb 14)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES

> Please join Councilwoman Barber at the Eagles Landing Dance Center for FREE
Zumba Saturdays at 8 am. at 627 Red Oak Road Stockbridge, GA
Councilwoman Barber noted the Zumba classes on Saturday ended December 31

> A Continuous Salute to Veterans: Please forward pictures of Veterans including
name, branch, rank, and years of service as Councilman Thomas presents a special
tribute to our local veterans. Pictures should be submitted to:

zgearson@cityofstockbridge-gaAgov Thank you for your service!

> Here is your opportunity to Meet the Mayor, and voice your questions and/or
concerns Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 10 am. to noon. Call Zenovia Pearson

to schedule an appointment. 770-389-7900 ext. 248.

> Mayor Pro Tem Alexander referenced the annual Martin Luther King Service Project
taking place Saturday, January 15th from 9am noon at l-75/Jodeco Road for clean-
up and beautification for a weekend of service.

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Councilwoman Barber noted today is Will Anderson Day at Dutchtown High School who
honored the outstanding linebacker for the University of Alabama and wished him success
in the College National Football Championship game tonight.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber motioned to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Litigation
and Real Estate; Second by Councilman Thomas. The motion passed 3-2 (Blount/Gantt
opposed)

Councilman Thomas motioned to end Executive Session; Second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 3-0 (Blount/Gantt were not present forthe vote).

Councilman Thomas motioned to Reconvene the meeting; Second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 3-0 (Blount/Gantt were not present forthe vote).

Mayor Pro Tem Barber motioned to Reconsider the nomination and vote for Mayor Pro
Tem; Second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 3-0. (BIount/Gantt were not
present for the vote).

Mayor Pro Tem Barber motioned to nominate Councilman Alphonso Thomas as Mayor Pro
Tem: Second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 3-0. (BIount/Gantt were not
present for the vote).

Mayor Ford announced the Dr. Elizabeth Davis has just the City of Stockbridge that
the Henry County Board of Education has selected the former Patrick Henry High School
to be the site for the STEM school, here in the city of Stockbridge.

ADJOURN

Councilman Alexander motioned to adjourn; Second by Mayor Pro Tem Thomas. The
motion passed 3-0. (BIount/Gantt were not present for the vote).

Respectfully submitted by;

Vanessa Holiday, %ity Clerk M 7%? Anthon y 8. Ford,
?Eyo r

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