---
date: 2014-01-07
title: January 7, 2014 Minutes
source: 2014-01/2014-01-07_January 7, 2014_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

January 7, 2014

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014 6:00pm

City Council
Administration
Tim L. Thompson, Mayor
Dr. Ronald Finnell, Interim City Manager
Alphonso Thomas, Mayor Pro Tem
Stephanie Tigner, Interim City Clerk
Robin Buschman, Councilwoman
Mike Williams, City Attorney
Anthony Ford, Councilman
Lakeisha Gantt, Councilwoman
Richard Steinberg, Councilman

Call to Order by Interim City Clerk, Stephanie Tigner at 6:02pm

Invocation was provided by Mr. Melvin Fulton

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison

Adopt Agenda; Anthony S. Ford made a motion to adopt the agenda moving the adoption of
the minutes to the January 13, 2014 meeting and striking item #3 and executive session; a
second was made by Lakeisha Gantt; the motion passed 3-0-2 with Richard Steinberg and
Robin Bushman as abstained.
Adopt Minutes: Special Called Meeting of December 3, 2013

City Council Meeting of December 9, 2013

Special Called Meeting of December 20, 2013

Special Called Meeting of December 30, 2013

Special Called Meeting of January 3, 2014

Interim City Manager announced the ceremonial swearing in of newly elected officials will be
held tonight and on January 13, 2014.

Interim City Manager Ron Finnell introduced Interim City Clerk Stephanie Tigner who
administered the oath of office to all of the newly elected officials.

"I do solemnly swear/affirm that I will faithfully perform the duties of ____________,
(Mayor/Councilmember) of the City of Stockbridge, and that I will, to the best of my
ability, support and defend the charter thereof as well as the constitution and laws of the
State of Georgia and of the United States of America. I further affirm that upon
assumption of this office I do not hold any unaccounted for public money due and
payable to the State, any political subdivision of this State, the City of Stockbridge, or
any authority thereof, nor do I hold any other office of trust of the government of the
United States, of this State, or of any foreign state as proscribed by the laws of the
State of Georgia. I solemnly affirm that I am fully qualified under the Constitution and
the laws of this State to hold the office of ____________ (Mayor/Councilmember), and
that I have been a resident of the City of Stockbridge for the entire period of time
required by the Constitution and laws of the State of Georgia. I will perform the duties of
my office in the best interest of the City of Stockbridge to the best of my ability without
fear, favor, affection reward or expectation thereof."

Mayor Thompson spoke on statement in regards David Milliron’s compensation. He said
a check was cut in the amount of $15,000 for the purpose of job placement. In addition,
there was an additional check cut for $39,020.44 for his severance pay. The total
amount provided to the former City Manager is $54,020.44 signed by the former mayor.

Interim City Manager interjected and stated the correct amount was 54,837.46.
City Attorney Mike Williams spoke on the DDA. He said resolution adopted for the DDA
was insufficient. The resolution did not designate the downtown area or did not name
the members of the DDA. He stated the previous council tried to correct the
membership deficiencies in December however the downtown designation remains. He
cited code 36-42-5.

OLD BUSINESS

Item #1- Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Reconsideration of DDA
Intergovernmental Agreement (From December 30, 2013 Special Called Meeting); Anthony
Ford made a motion to reconsider; a second was made by Lakeisha Gantt; the motion passed
3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Anthony Ford made a motion to rescind; a second was made by Lakeisha Gantt; the motion
passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Item #2- Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager- Reconsideration of COS
DDA Intergovernmental Agreement (From December 30, 2013 Special Called Meeting);
Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to reconsider; a second was made by Anthony Ford; the motion
passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to rescind; a second was made by Anthony Ford; the motion
passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Item #3- Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Reconsideration of DDA
Appointments (From December 30, 2013 Special Called Meeting); item was removed

Item #4- Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager- Reconsideration of Main
Street Program Appointments (From December 30, 2013 Special Called Meeting; Anthony
Ford made a motion to reconsider; a second was made by Lakeisha Gantt; the motion passed
3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Anthony Ford made a motion to rescind; a second was made by Lakeisha Gantt; the motion
passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.
Item #5- Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager- Reconsideration of
Acquisition of Real Estate (From December 30, 2013 Special Called Meeting); Lakeisha
Gantt made a motion to reconsider; a second was made by Anthony Ford; the motion passed 3-
2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to rescind; a second was made by Anthony Ford; the motion
passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Item #6- Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Reconsideration of
Agreement-Intergovernmental Agreement with the Stockbridge DDA (From December 20,
2013 Special Called Meeting); Anthony Ford made a motion to reconsider; a second was
made by Lakeisha Gantt; the motion passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman
as opposed.

Anthony Ford made a motion to rescind; a second was made by Lakeisha Gantt; the motion
passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Item #7- Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager- Reconsideration of
Resolution: Downtown Development Authority, Ratification of Directors and Terms (From
December 9, 2013 Regular Scheduled Meeting); Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to
reconsider; a second was made by Anthony Ford; the motion passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg
and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to rescind; a second was made by Anthony Ford; the motion
passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Item #8- Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Reconsideration of
Resolution Urban Redevelopment Agency, Ratification of Membership and Terms( From
December 9, 2013 Regular Scheduled Meeting); Anthony Ford made a motion to reconsider;
a second was made by Lakeisha Gantt; the motion passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and
Robin Buschman as opposed.

Anthony Ford made a motion to rescind; a second was made by Lakeisha Gantt; the motion
passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.
Item #9- Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Reconsideration of
Resolution: Funding to Complete Renovations of Stockbridge Center for the Arts (From
December 9, 2013 Regular Scheduled Meeting); Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to
reconsider; a second was made by Anthony Ford; the motion passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg
and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to rescind; a second was made by Anthony Ford; the motion
passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Item #10-Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Reconsideration of
Resolution: Fee Simple Deed Transfer of Eagles’ Landing Park Project Property (From
December 9, 2013 Regular Scheduled Meeting); Anthony Ford made a motion to reconsider;
a second was made by Lakeisha Gantt; the motion passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and
Robin Buschman as opposed.

Anthony Ford made a motion to rescind; a second was made by Lakeisha Gantt; the motion
passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Item #11-Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Reconsideration of
Resolution: Fee Simple Deed Transfer of 8 COS Properties Under Lease Agreement with
DDA (From December 9, 2013 Regular Scheduled Meeting); Lakeisha Gantt made a motion
to reconsider; a second was made by Anthony Ford; the motion passed 3-2 with Richard
Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to rescind; a second was made by Anthony Ford; the motion
passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Item #12-Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Reconsideration of
Resolution: COS Loan Agreement for $5M with the DDA (From December 9, 2013 Regular
Scheduled Meeting); Anthony Ford made a motion to reconsider; a second was made by
Lakeisha Gantt; the motion passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as
opposed.

Anthony Ford made a motion to rescind; a second was made by Lakeisha Gantt; the motion
passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.
Item #13-Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Reconsideration of
Resolution: Adoption of a COS Economic Incentive Program (From December 9, 2013
Regular Scheduled Meeting); Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to reconsider; a second was
made by Anthony Ford; the motion passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as
opposed.

Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to rescind; a second was made by Anthony Ford; the motion
passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

NEW BUSINESS

Item #14-Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-2014 Mayor Pro Tem
Selection; Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to nominate Alphonso Thomas; a second was made
by Anthony Ford; Anthony Ford and Lakeisha Gantt voted in favor of the nomination; Richard
Steinberg and Robin Buschman voted against; There was a tie vote; the Mayor broke the tie by
voting in favor of the nomination.

Item #15-Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Committee Appointments;
Anthony S. Ford made a motion to appoint Lakeisha Gantt as Finance Committee Chairperson;
a second was made by Alphonso Thomas. Anthony Ford and Alphonso Thomas voted in favor
of the nomination; Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman voted against; there was a tie vote;
the Mayor broke the tie by voting in favor of the nomination.

Item #16-Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Bank Accounts and Check
Signing; the Mayor provided a brief overview of the Charter relating to Bank Accounts and
Check Signing; the Mayor provided a brief overview of the Charter in regards to Bank Accounts
and Check Signing. Richard Steinberg also spoke on the Charter requirements pertaining to the
Bank Accounts and Check Signing. Anthony Ford made a motion to approve; a second was
made by Alphonso Thomas; the motion passed 5-0.

Item #17-Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Appointment of Judge;
Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to appoint Santana Flanigan; a second was made by Anthony
Ford; the motion passed 5-0.

Item #18-Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Appointment of Associate
Judge; Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to appoint Matthew McCord; a second was made by
Anthony Ford; the motion passed 3-2; with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as
opposed.
Item #19-Presented by: Dr. Ron Finnell, Interim City Manager-Appointment of Solicitor;
Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to appoint Nicole Ramsey; a second was made by Anthony
Ford; the motion passed 3-2 with Richard Steinberg and Robin Buschman as opposed.

Mayor Tim L. Thompson read Veto #1 into the record:

Dear Councilmembers:

I hereby exercise my veto authority pursuant to Section 3.23 of the Charter and apply it to
Agenda Items #2, #3, #4 and #8 from the December 30, 2013 special called meeting of the City
Council of Stockbridge. Each of these matters pertains to the Downtown Development Authority
of the City of Stockbridge. However, it has come to my attention that the Downtown Development
Authority was never properly reactivated by the City Council and therefore does not have the
necessary authority under O.C.G.A. §36-42-1 et. seq, to transact any business or exercise any
powers. Therefore, neither the City nor any persons purporting to act on behalf of any downtown
development authority was capable of entering into any transactions. I look forward to working
with the City Council to address all of the issues that arise as the result of this action.

Mayor Tim L. Thompson read Veto #2 into the record:

Dear Councilmembers:

I hereby exercise my veto authority pursuant to Section 3.23 of the Charter and apply it to
Agenda Item #7 from the December 30, 2013 special called meeting of the City Council of
Stockbridge. This matter pertains to the appointment of members to the City’s Main Street
program. These appointments were made at a special called meeting on the eve of new members
of the City Council being seated. I believe it to be appropriate that the new Councilmembers
should be afforded an opportunity to provide input on the members of the City’s Main Street
program. I look forward to working with the City Council to address all of the issues that arise as
the result of this action.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
All persons wishing to speak for public comment must sign in with the City Clerk prior to the
beginning of the meeting. You must sign your name, address, and phone number. You will be
able to address the Mayor and Council for three (3) minutes.

1. Don Dunlap spoke on the negative perception of the COS. He also addressed his
concerns with the oath of office.

2. Sara Hitmati; addressed her concern with the topics of the agenda

3. Mildred Reed spoke the city moving forward in a positive manner.

4. Bruce Smith 207 Winslow Drive wished Mayor and Council a Happy New Year. He also
spoke on the progress of the city.

5. Houston Nelson 2504 Walter Way; publically extended support to the new council. He
spoke on the election results and how the agenda of the former administration was
rejected by the people.

6. Chip Flanigan, spoke on the election and the former administration.

7. Mark Churchman, addressed his concerns with the code enforcement officer.

Mayor Thompson announced the Inaugural Ceremonial will be held on Monday, January 13,
2014 at 6:00pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center. He urged everyone to attend.

Alphonso Thomas announced the Henry County School Board will host a Town Hall Meeting
regarding Smith Barnes Elementary School and Patrick Henry High on Monday, January 13,
2014. Senator Emanuel Jones will hold a press conference beginning at 7:00pm at Smith
Barnes Elementary. He urged everyone to attend.
