---
date: 2023-02-07
title: Citywide Development Authority Agenda Packet
source: 2023-02/2023-02-07_Citywide Development Authority_Agenda Packet.pdf
pages: 1
---

City of Stockbridge
Citywide Development Authority

STOCKBRIDGE Citywide Development
Development Authority Authority Meeting
Ariel Shaw, Chair
Agenda
Samantha Samuels, Vice Chair
February 7, 2023 6:00 PM
Dr. Cathy Hill, Secretary

Gadson Woodall, Treasurer

Mark Glenn, Board Member

Kalpesh Patidar, Board Member

Kim Allonce

Economic Development Director

Randi Rainey

Recorder STOCKBRIDGE CITY HALL

4640 NORTH HENRY BLVD.

STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281

Website: www.cityofstockbridge.com

Phone: 770-389-7900

Fax: 770-389-7912
AGENDA
CITYWIDE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2023 6:00 PM

I. Welcome and Call to Order - Board Chair

II. Roll Call - Secretary

III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Old Business
A. Review and Approval of January Meeting Minutes
B. Incentive Subcommittee Presentation
C. DCA (Department of Community Affairs) Registration Update
D. South Metro Conference
V. New Business
A. Strategy Subcommittee Request
B. Economic Development Update - Development Authority Director
VI. Executive Session (if needed)
VII. Adjourn

Citywide Development Authority (DA)- The work of development authorities is crucial
for the ability for local government to create a legacy of sustained prosperity and
requires strong leadership from board members, staff, and elected officials. The
Citywide Development Authority is a (7) seven-member authority consisting of (6)
residents of the City and/or business owners and operators preferably with subject-
matter expertise such as attorneys, realtors, developers, and zoning experts and (1)
member of the Governing Body. The directors shall be taxpayers residing in the county
or municipal corporation for which the authority is created, and their successors shall
be appointed as provided by the resolution provided for in Code Section 36-62-4.
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CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, January 10, 2023 6:00 P.M.
Mark Glenn, Board Member Samantha Samuels, Board Member
Cathy Hill, Board Member Ariel Shaw, Board Member
Kalpesh Patidar, Board Member Gadson Woodall, Board Member
Vacant – Board Member
Kim Allonce, Economic Development Director

The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. by Chairwoman Shaw.
All board members were present.
Dr. Hill motioned to adopt the agenda as printed; Second by Mr. Woodall. The
motion passed 5-0.
Dr. Hill read the December 13, 2022 minutes aloud.
Mr. Glen motioned to adopt the December 13, 2022 minutes with changes made by
the board: Second by Mr. Patidar. The motion passed 5-0.

Old Business
Board Attorney and Subcommittee Choice:
Chairwoman Shaw noted two law firms to choose from: Fincher Denmark, LLC
and Hecht Walker Jordan, P.C. with the recommendation of choosing Fincher
Denmark, LLC.

Winston Denmark, representing Fincher Denmark, LLC. Gave a brief overview
and noted the firm has served as an appointed general council for over 30 separate
local governmental entities such as the City of College Park, Lake City, Jonesboro
and has also served as council for the Hapeville Development Authority and the
Stonecrest Urban Redevelopment Agency. Mr. Denmark noted providing services
for developments, bonds, Tax Allocation Districts (TAD) and has specially trained
contingent lawyers and support staff for over 350,000 citizens. Mr. Denmark noted
Location: Stockbridge City Hall 4640 North Henry Blvd. Levi Meeting Room Stockbridge, GA 30281
Page |2

the firm would provide general council for the Citywide Development Authority
for $175/hour with a monthly cap for general services of $4,000 with the fees for
bonds and public finance paid to the firm through the proceeds of each bond
transaction with the bond fees reflecting the traditional standard rate.

Ms. Samuels motioned to convene the meeting for a 5-minute break: Second by
Dr. Hill. The motion passed 5-0.
Dr. Hill motioned to reconvene the meeting: Second by Mr. Glenn. The motion
passed 5-0.

Kirby Glaze, representing Hecht Walker Jordan, P.C. gave a brief overview and
noted the firm being instrumental in proposing legislation and policies governing
public-private partnerships in the state of Georgia and currently serves as general
counsel to the East Point Business and Industrial Development Authority and the
Development Authority of the City of Forest Park. Mr. Glaze noted being the
president of 4PM and CDP and has helped manage the delivery of over $70 million
in public and public-private developments and currently manages the development
of municipal complexes for the Cities of Jonesboro and Powder Springs. Mr. Glaze
noted serving as a program speaker and seminar leader for the University of
Georgia’s Office of Economic Assistance, the Georgia Economic Developers
Association, and the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). Mr. Glaze noted
proposing a retaining fee of $2,500/month that would cover all routine day to day
advice and counsel to the Authority.

Dr. Hill motioned to convene the meeting for a 5-minute break: Second by Mr.
Glenn. The motion passed 5-0.
Dr. Hill motioned to reconvene the meeting: Second by Mr. Glenn. The motion
passed 5-0.

Mr. Allonce, Economic Development Director introduced himself to the board and
noted being from Haiti and was the previous Economic Development Manager for
the City of Wilton Manors located in Florida and the City of Orlando and worked
with the Downtown Development Authority and CRA, has marketing experience
and has also worked for the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Mr.
Allonce noted obtaining his master’s in public administration from the University
of Georgia and is currently a PHD candidate at the University of Central Florida.

Chairwoman Shaw noted Fincher Denmark, LLC. Has an hourly cap and suggested
going down from $4,000 to $3,000 for the general services and noted Hecht
Walker Jordan, P.C. recommends being paid upfront with a $2,500 retainer, which
is roughly a $500 difference and suggested voting to be able to register with the
State to become a legitimate board.
Location: Stockbridge City Hall 4640 North Henry Blvd. Levi Meeting Room Stockbridge, GA 30281
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Dr. Hill motioned to appoint Fincher Denmark, LLC. As the Citywide
Development Authority’s legal counsel: Second by Mr. Glenn. The motion passed
4-1 (Woodall in opposition).

New Business
Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Bonds and Financing
No discussion

Incentive Subcommittee:
Chairwoman noted the recommendation of starting a subcommittee with an
incentive to be included.

Kim Allonce, Economic Development Director noted working on an incentive
package and requested time to come back with recommendations.

Ms. Samuels motioned to put a subcommittee for the creation of bonds: Second by
Dr. Hill. The motion passed 5-0. Mr. Patidar, Chairwoman Shaw, and Dr. Hill all
agreed to become volunteers for the committee.

Mark Glenn left the meeting at 7:19pm.

2023 Budget:
Chairwoman Shaw noted the board having a budget of $45,000.

No action taken.

Mission and Vision Statement of the Board/Logo:
Chairwoman Shaw noted the proposed mission and vision statement read as “The
City of Stockbridge Citywide Development Authority (SDA) is dedicated to
stimulating & sustaining economic development and quality growth, in and
throughout the entire City of Stockbridge”, and suggested including in the
verbiage: in alignment with the City of Stockbridge”.

Dr. Hill motioned to approve the mission and vision statement with the added
verbiage “in alignment with the City of Stockbridge”: Second by Mr. Patidar. The
motion passed 4-0.

Chairwoman Shaw noted Fredrick Gardiner, City Manager noting having
cohesiveness and being in align with other boards. Chairwoman Shaw noted
adding the Citywide Development Authority’s name to the City’s current logo.

Mr. Allonce inquired if anyone has checked with the City’s Public Information
Location: Stockbridge City Hall 4640 North Henry Blvd. Levi Meeting Room Stockbridge, GA 30281
Page |4

Officer (PIO) to see if the logo matched with the city’s branding guidelines.
Chairwoman Shaw noted the logo is already on the city’s website and whatever is
voted on could be amended later. Chairwoman Shaw also noted the board does not
have to submit a logo to the city seeing the city has given the approval to place on
the website.

Mr. Allonce requested more time to discuss the logo and branding before voting.

Dr. Hill inquired on the urgency with voting on a logo; Chairwoman Shaw noted
being able to print business cards out for meetings outside of the city.

Ms. Samuels suggested not to put anything out and inquired on how the current
logo was added to the city’s website. Chairwoman Shaw noted the Information
Technology Dept. (IT) added the log to the city’s website for the sake of the
meeting agenda for the clerk’s office. Ms. Samuels noted having the board look at
the logo before being released to the city. Chairwoman Shaw noted presenting the
logo to the city clerk and was unaware IT would add the logo to the website and
noted taking the advice of the city manager.

Dr. Hill recommended adding to the motion once made to be recognizable,
identifiable and with limited use of using the logo. Chairwoman Shaw noted
“contingency” would be fine in the motion.

Mr. Allonce noted to make sure the same language is being used on how the board
would like to present themselves to the community for branding purposes.
Chairwoman Shaw inquired if the branding would come out of the citys budget or
the Citywide Development Authority’s budget. Mr. Allonce, Economic
Development Director noted the board is currently new and would need to discuss
what the vision looks like.

Mr. Patidar motioned to approve the current logo being used, take off the City of
Stockbridge under city’s logo with the contingency of not making any purchases
until consulted with the Economic Development Director: Second by Mr. Woodall.
The motion passed 4-1 (Dr. Hill in opposition).

Upcoming Meetings
Chairwoman Shaw noted Eggs and Issues will be on January 11, 2023 and the
South Metro Development Conference will be on March 8, 2023 with early
registration staring at $70/person and inquired on who would like to attend; Mr.
Patidar, Dr. Hill and Chairwoman Shaw noted they would go.

Location: Stockbridge City Hall 4640 North Henry Blvd. Levi Meeting Room Stockbridge, GA 30281
Page |5

Chairwoman Shaw noted the next board meeting will be held on February 7, 2023.

Adjourn
Dr. Hill motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:08pm: Second by Ms. Samuels. The
motion passed 4-0.

Minutes prepared by: Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk

Location: Stockbridge City Hall 4640 North Henry Blvd. Levi Meeting Room Stockbridge, GA 30281
INCENTIVES PROPOSED BY THE CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

1. The City of Stockbridge will waive occupation taxes for up to three (3) years for new businesses.
The purpose of the City of Stockbridge New and Emerging Business Tax Waiver Program is to
encourage or maintain select businesses or practitioners of certain types of occupations or
professions in the city of Stockbridge. (Specific industry to be decided)
2. Housing Opportunity Bond Financing - Small Multi-family: Moneys held in the program fund
will be used for low interest loans to developers to finance in part the acquisition, construction or
renovation of housing. These funds may be used in conjunction with conventional financing,
bond financing or other private/public financing to construct and/or rehabilitate residential
housing and finance predevelopment and site development costs. No HOB loan may be made or
unconditionally committed to be made unless the developer has evidence of a firm commitment
letter from funding sources detailing the terms and conditions for the balance of the total costs of
the housing development. The obligation to repay the loan shall be evidenced by a promissory
note and shall be secured by a deed to secure debt. Each housing project financed with HOB
funds shall be regulated by a land use restriction agreement for a minimum of 15 years. Funding
is subject to availability.
3. Federal New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC). Our NMTC program aims to attract private
investment to underserved neighborhoods and financially support catalytic projects that provide
services or create quality jobs
4. Easy and streamlined process to do business with The City of Stockbridge Development
Authority (remove bottlenecks with city admin)
5. Tax Abatement over a 5year to 10year period. Types of Abatement include but are not limited to
tax decrease, reduction in penalties, or a rebate.
6. An “Urban Enterprise Zone” (UEZ) is a designated district that is located within an economically
depressed area of the City where property owners receive tax abatements over a ten- year period,
if certain conditions are met. *This may need to be in partnership with DDA as their area may be
more impacted.
7. The Development Authority can issue taxable and tax-exempt bonds for qualified economic
development project. The bonds, the interest on which may be taxable or tax-exempt, facilitate
financing for a company or institution, allowing the company to buy land, build new facilities,
expand existing facilities, upgrade equipment, or otherwise make investments that enhance value
and create jobs within the COS. For projects meeting certain criteria, the DA will issue a taxable
bond (for which the client must identify a purchaser). The DA holds ownership of the property
and leases it to the client. The leasehold interest in the property is initially valued, for ad valorem
tax purposes, at 50% of the assessed fee interest, and that value increases by 5% annually over a
10-year period. Thereafter, the leasehold interest terminates, and the property is fully taxable
8. Create a Business Services initiative allowing the Workforce Development Division to establish
employment partnerships with private and public sector companies to meet the company’s
employment needs.
9. Investment Tax Credit –Manufacturing and telecommunications companies may receive up to
3% credit toward 50% of their tax liability by making a minimum $100,000 investment in a new
or existing facility in Georgia.
10. Job Tax Credit – $1,750 per new job created, minimum 15 new jobs, that can offset 50% of a
company’s income tax liability.
11. Port Tax Credit - The “port bonus” is an additional $1,250 per job, per year, for up to five years
for taxpayers with qualified increases in shipments through a Georgia port. The $1,250 is added
to the Job Tax Credit.
12. High-Paying Job Creation Tax Credit – Companies may receive Quality Jobs Tax Credits
(QJTC) if they create and maintain net new jobs that pay at least 110% of the city’s average
wage.
13. Small Issue Bonds for Manufacturing - Small issue private activity bonds may be issued on a tax-
exempt basis for property and facilities used in the manufacturing, production, or processing of
personal property and on-site, related, and ancillary facilities including office space. Note that no
more than 25% to 30% of the bond monies may be applied to such ancillary facilities.
14. Film, Television, and Digital Entertainment Tax Credit www.georgia.org/competitive-
advantages/tax-credits/film-television-and-digital-entertainment Film and television
companies may receive a tax credit of up to 30% of money spent on production and post-
production in Georgia, either in a single production or on multiple projects. The minimum
spending amount is $500,000. Companies producing feature films, television series, music
videos, commercials, interactive games, or animation may qualify.

Georgia’s Entertainment Industry Investment Act provides a 20% tax credit for companies that
spend $500,000 or more on production and post-production in Georgia, either in a single
production or on multiple projects. The state grants an additional 10% tax credit if the finished
project includes a promotional logo provided by the state. If a company has little or no Georgia
tax liability, it can transfer or sell its tax credits.

*COS can collectively create a “Made in Stockbridge” roster to highlight films made in the area.
Certain films that are made in the City, where we can allow abatements or credits, we ask them to
add “made in Stockbridge, GA” to their credits. Ask for a certain percentage of jobs be allocated
to Stockbridge residents, ie. graphic design, extras, etc.

*The City needs to establish its own CVB and place marketing dollars to heavily promote their
city and its amenities.
ESTABLISHED BUSINESSS

15. Create the Small Business Improvement Grant program to support local
small businesses and commercial property owners located in the City of Stockbridge Tax
Allocation Districts (TADs- as they begin)
16. Help companies make needed structural property repairs and upgrades to save energy and water
through Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing. Property owners can
choose from hundreds of eligible building improvements, ranging from windows and doors to
roofing, to solar panel arrays and HVAC units.
17. Façade Grants
18. Create a revolving loan fund in partnership with a CDFI or Bank for current local small
businesses, possibly with matching funds.

* A TAD, sometimes called a TIF (tax increment financing), is a financing incentive tool in which bonds are issued
to pay for infrastructure and other improvements in a designated area. These bonds are repaid by increases in
property values (and corresponding property ‘tax increments’) from that area.
