---
date: 2012-08-13
title: August 13, 2012 Minutes
source: 2012-08/2012-08-13_August 13, 2012_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

August 13, 2012

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
August 13th, 2012; 7:00PM

The Council Meeting of the Stockbridge City Council was held on August 13, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. Mayor Lee Stuart
presided and the members present were Mark Alarcon, Harold Cochran, Robin Buschman, Alphonso Thomas, and
Richard Steinberg.

Motion to convene made by Harold Cochran; Second by Richard Steinberg. The motion passed
5-0.
Invocation made by Reverend Brown

Pledge of Allegiance

Motion to amend the agenda, to add under Old Business, a Resolution requiring Mayor Stuart to
submit to the Council all weekly reports of the City Departments; add under Henry County
Planning & Zoning, a presentation from Mr. Houston Nelson on behalf of Molly Maid and move
item # 8 to item # 14 made by Richard Steinberg; Second by Robin Buschman. The motion
passed 4-1 with Alphonso Thomas opposed.
Welcome Guest

Motion to approve the July 9th, 2012 Council Meeting Minutes- Motion made by Robin
Buschman; Second by Harold Cochran- passed 4-1 with Alphonso Thomas as abstained.

OLD BUSINESS

Added item: Presented by Richard Steinberg, Councilman

Resolution- Requiring Mayor Lee Stuart to submit to the Council all weekly reports of the City
Departments. Councilman Steinberg stated that at the request of City Council and as specified
under the charter, Council may request documents and reports related to the ongoing activities
of the City. The Council previously requested and received weekly reporting from the prior City
Administrator on an ongoing basis. Councilman Steinberg continued state that since combining
the functions of City Administrator and Mayor the council has made several repeated requests
to the Mayor for similar weekly reporting of all department heads. This is the nature for this
resolution. Motion to approve made by Richard Steinberg; Second by Harold Cochran. The
motion passed 4-1 with Alphonso Thomas opposed.
Councilman Steinberg requested to go on the record stating that he sent the Mayor several
emails to which he responded that he refuses to give the council such information.

No New Business

Mayor Stuart reviewed the Consent Agenda process; stating that the council had discussed these items previously at
the Work Session and agreed to approve all items with one vote.

CONSENT AGENDA
Resolution- Authorizing The City To Approve The Purchase Of Digital Cameras And Fingerprint Scanners And To
Donate Them To Licensed Pawn Shops And Precious Metals And Gem Dealers In The City Of Stockbridge In Order
To Ensure Compliance With The City’s Regulatory Ordinances
Resolution- Authorizing the City Treasurer to implement an employee buyback program for 2012 in which employees
are compensated for sick and annual leave not used during 2012

Resolution- Authorizing the City Treasurer to implement across the board cost of living adjustments to the salaries of
all employees except those appointed by City Council
Motion to approve the Resolutions on Consent Agenda made by Robin Buschman; Second by Richard Steinberg.
The motion passed 5-0.

HENRY COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING
Added Item: Presented by Houston Nelson
Presentation about Molly Maid – Item moved to after item #14

RESOLUTIONS, AGREEMENTS AND ORDINANCES
Ordinance- Presented by Gerri Yoder, Henry County Animal Control, to amend the Code of
Ordinance, so as to codify the new Henry County Animal Control Ordinance; to repeal
conflicting Ordinance. Mayor informed the council that Ms. Yoder was unable to attend and that
this Ordinance is an administrative item to have the same code for the City as the County.
Motion to approve made by Robin Buschman; Second by Harold Cochran. The motion passed
5-0.

Ordinance- Presented by Mayor Lee Stuart & Bert Foster, Director of Henry County Building
Department amending the City’s Code of Ordinance to allow care takers’ living quarters as a
permissible use to self storage facilities. Mayor Stuart informed the council that there is no
ordinance prepared at the time but the Mr. Bert Foster would discuss this item. Mr. Foster stated
that he was back before the council, as he was at working session, to discuss specifically the
Hudson Self Storage Project on Hudson Bridge Road. It is understood that the Council would
like to make some revisions to the self storage ordinance at that the Attorneys would be able to
help with this portion. Mr. Foster stated that he would also like the council’s opinions on the
color renderings that were sent to each one of them for review.

Mr. Bill Linkous with the City Attorney’s Office informed the Council that it was his understanding
that there was some discussion as to whether or not the Council wanted to move forward with
this particular item and would like to ask the council, as a governing body, give the legal counsel
direction and that they would be happy to follow the will of the council.

Mr. Linkous stated that the Ordinance will be specific and just apply to self storage facilities and
that it doesn’t go farther than what the council intends. Mayor Pro Tem, Mark Alarcon made a
motion to have the counsel draft a very tight, constrained, deliberate ordinance that only allows
that in self storage and is not a broad opening that supersedes the City’s regular zoning and
ordinances, or other businesses; Second by Harold Cochran. The motion passed 5-0.

Motion to approve Item # 4-7 in a lump vote made by Richard Steinberg; Second by Robin
Buschman. The motion passed 5-0.

• Ordinance- Presented by David Milliron, Treasurer & Lt. Lunsford to amend the code of
ordinances so as to replace the existing pawnshops code with provisions relating to
pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers. Mr. Milliron informed the council that this was a
complete re-write of the pawn shop code. This includes the wording for a lottery process
(as does all four of these items). The City had a 15,000 plus cap with the 2010 census;
now this will allow for additional spots for every 5000 population. This also will allow for
the Henry County Police Department to do electronic reporting. On the pawn shop
broker side, there are three operations in the City now and this ordinance would allow
there to be a total of four. Also, there is a reference in the pawn shop ordinance to the
police department and this changes it to Municipal/County police.

• Ordinance- Presented by David Milliron, Treasurer & Lt. Lunsford To amend the code of
ordinance relating to dealers in Precious Metals and Gems so as to clarify reporting
requirements and to provide a process for allowing additional licenses based upon
census data. Mr. Milliron stated that this has the same lottery process as the previous
item and the electronic reporting as well. There are currently three operations in the city
and this ordinance would allow four. In section A of 9.17.160, “and mailed or delivered”,
this add electronically.

• Ordinance- Presented by David Milliron, Treasurer & Lt. Lunsford To amend the code of
ordinances so as to replace the existing used automobile and truck sales code with
provisions creating a process for additional dealers when required. Mr. Milliron that this
is a lottery process based on population. The City currently has one in operation and
this ordinance would allow for four.

• Ordinance- Presented by David Milliron, Treasurer & Lt. Lunsford To amend the code of
ordinances relating to dealers in Distilled Spirits so as to clarify the number of licenses
available and to provide a process for allowing additional license based upon census
data. This is package stores and this is also a lottery process with currently three in
operation in the City and this would allow up to four.

Added Item: Presented by Houston Nelson
Presentation about Molly Maid, formally requesting the council to consider a continuance
beyond 30 day deadline providing City the opportunity to research what changed in the
Business License issue since 2005. Mr. Nelson stated that he would like a review of the
process as to how, after seven years of being classified a home business, they have to either
apply for rezoning or move from a location that they have enjoyed for over seven years. Mark
Alarcon discussed with Mr. Nelson that the next time he could be heard by the County would be
in November. Mr. Steinberg wanted to go on record that he has no problem with an extension.
Mr. Milliron stated that this came through the Occupational Tax Office as an address change.
This prompted the Fire Marshall and building inspections process. The company was on record
with a different address in the previously. The City Administrator was to walk the business
through the rezoning process and C1 was discussed. The GIS department recalls there was
talk of rezoning this property years ago but it was never done. Motion to extend deadline to the
end of November 2012 for due diligence made by Mark Alarcon; Second by Richard Steinberg.
The motion passed 5-0.

Resolution- Presented by Mark Alarcon, Mayor Pro Tem Censuring Mayor Lee Stuart for
comments concerning and/or directed towards City Employees, directing the Mayor to correctly
carry out the duties of the Mayor- Moved to item # 14

Resolution- Presented by Mayor Lee Stuart & David Simmons authorizing the City to approve a
change order to its existing contract with Ohmshiv Construction, LLC for intersection drainage
efficiency improvements at Walt Stephens Rd at Monarch Village Way/Brentwood Parkway. Mr.
Simmons handed out a revised document and discussed the costs and materials to be used in
the change order. The current contract is for $400,000; option A is $410,000 but with leveling, it
would be about $420,000 with option A or B. Mr. Steinberg wanted to verify with Mr. Simmons
that he then would have all that was needed to complete the job so they would not have to
come back before Council. Motion to approve for $420,000.00 made by Richard Steinberg;
Second by Mark Alarcon.

David Milliron recommended an amount of $422,000 for some buffer room to help cover costs
such as oil prices. Motion to rescind the previous motion for amount of $420,000.00 made by
Richard Steinberg.

Motion to approve resolution with corrected amount of $422, 000.00 made by Richard
Steinberg; Second by Mark Alarcon. The motion passed 5-0.

Resolution- Presented by Mark Alarcon, Mayor Pro Tem affirming the duties of the City
Treasurer under the City Charter, affirming the supervisory duties of the City Treasurer under
the City’s new organizational chart. Mark Alarcon read the resolution that recognizes what the
Council has implemented with the new organizational chart. Mayor pointed out that this should
be done via ordinance and that the money and position should be moved to the correct
department as per the Charter. Motion to approve made by Mark Alarcon; Second by Harold
Cochran. The motion passed 4-1 with Alphonso Thomas opposed.

Resolution- Presented by Mayor Stuart & Stevenson & Palmer authorizing the City to contract
with Lanier Contracting Company for the Belt Press Facility Project. Brad Holtsinger discussed
the eight bids regarding the Belt Press project and the tabulation of the lowest three. Mr.
Holtsinger recommended Lanier Construction. Mark Alarcon stated he was a huge fan of this
project but he was concerned with the bid opening procedure attendants. Mr. Alarcon stated he
would like the bid scoring sheets for this project. David Milliron discussed the RFP/Bid process
and the history of the situation. Mr. Milliron stated he has the scoring sheets. The
recommendation by Mr. Holtsinger does not conflict with Stevenson & Palmer so he does not
see any reason to hold off on the project. Mr. Alarcon does not want to hold this up but he
wants to be cautious as paperwork was turned in after the bid opening process. Bill Linkous
stated they can take another look at it. Bill Linkous recommends that they table the item. Mr.
Holtsinger asked Mr. Milliron about the process and Mr. Milliron verified that the process was
followed according to the policy. There is no requirement that scoring sheets go to the Council.
However, Mr. Milliron has no problem holding the project. Motion to table item made by Mark
Alarcon; Second by Harold Cochran. The motion passed 5-0.

AGENDA REQUEST

• Presented by Don Carlos Bain

Approval of 1 year to continue services at Next Generation Bible Church at 5353 N.
Henry Blvd. - Motion to Strike Item due to the applicant’s absence made by Mark
Alarcon; Second by Richard Steinberg. The motion passed 5-0.

• Presented by David Graham

Request for 6 month/ 1 year temporary occupancy at 1951 Hwy 42 property. Mr.
Graham asked for a one year temporary occupancy to function at said address as a
church as it is now. Mr. Steinberg asked Bill Linkous if the books preclude Council going
beyond the 6 months. Mr. Linkous believes 6 months is the limit. Motion to approve for
6 month temporary occupancy made by Harold Cochran; Second by Robin Buschman.
The motion passed 5-0.

Item #14: Resolution- Presented by Mark Alarcon, Mayor Pro Tem Censuring Mayor Lee Stuart
for comments concerning and/or directed towards City Employees, directing the Mayor to
correctly carry out the duties of the Mayor.
Mayor Pro Tem, Mark Alarcon, read Censure Resolution into the record.

Motion to approve made by Mark Alarcon; Second by Harold Cochran. The motion passed 4-1
with Alphonso Thomas opposed.

Mayor Stuart read his presentation in response to the censure into the record and handed out
documentation.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS

No Items

Public Comments:
Citizens are allowed to voice city related concerns, opinions, etc., that are not listed on the agenda, during this portion of the
meeting. 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, phone number, and specific topic you wish to speak about or you will not be recognized. You
will be able to address the Mayor and Council for three (3) minutes.
• Mark Churchman- Abominable behavior of the Majority of the Council. Mr. Churchman discussed his opinion on some
of the current Council and he addressed issues on rumors about himself; gave an opinion on former City Administrator
Ray Gibson and stated that he would be making changes on council.
• Kathy Gilbert- Mayoral Ethics Complaint. Mrs. Gilbert discussed the ethics complaint that she is turning in against Mayor
Lee Stuart.
• George Espada- Read Ethics Investigation Letter into record. Mr. Espada discussed his complaints on not receiving
what he asked for on previous Open Records Requests. He has no complaints on the City Clerk but has opinions
concerning the current City Council. Mr. Espada asked Mr. Stuart for his support and cooperation to have an ethics
violation investigation into the legal government activities of the City Council of the City of Stockbridge on behalf of the
citizens.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

No Session

COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES

No Items
ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

All Meetings Will Be Held At City Hall Unless Otherwise Noted

th
1. Hightower House Burning Ceremony- Thursday, August 16 , 2012 at 7:30pm
th
2. Special Called Meeting- Friday, August 17 , 2012 at 10:00am

3. Sounds of Summer- Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 6:00pm

4. Mayors Bike Ride- Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 7:00pm

5. Public Works Committee Meeting- Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 6:00pm

6. Public Safety Committee Meeting- Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 6:30pm

7. Building Committee Meeting- Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 7:00pm

8. Community Relations Committee Meeting- Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 6:00pm

9. Finance Committee Meeting- Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 7:00pm

10. City Hall Closing - Friday, August 31, 2012 at 2:00pm

11. Labor Day, City Hall Closed- Monday, September 3, 2012

12. Upcoming Work Session Meeting- Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 7:00pm

13. Upcoming Council Meeting- Monday, September 10, 2012 at 7:00pm

Motion to adjourn made by Mark Alarcon; second by Harold Cochran. The motion passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Rhonda A. Blackmon, Interim City Clerk Lee Stuart, Mayor
