---
date: 2019-02-28
title: February 28, 2019 Council Retreat Agenda Minutes
source: 2019-02/2019-02-28_February 28, 2019 Council Retreat Agenda_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

Retreat Action Minutes
Thursday, February 28, 2019
8:30 A.M.
Embassy Suites – Kennesaw Town Center
620 Chastain Road
Kennesaw, GA 30144

2019 WINTER RETREAT / DAY 1

Facilitated by Randy Knighton, City Manager

Welcome - Mayor Ford

Call to Order – Mayor Ford

Roll Call – Members Present: Mayor Ford, Mayor Pro Tem Blount, Councilman Alexander,
Councilwoman Gantt, and Councilman Thomas. Councilwoman Robinson was not present for
the roll call and did join the meeting at 12:15 p.m.

Also present - Randy Knighton, Vanessa Holiday, Camilla Moore, Kira Harris-Braggs, James
Touchton, John Wiggins and Michael Williams

City Manager’s Report and Review of FY2018 Goals & Objectives
Randy Knighton reviewed the FY2018 goals, with the De-Annexation Referendum being the top
priority, while noting the current objectives to be focusing on funding and timelines. Mr. Knighton
also referenced the staff DISC Assessments currently underway, noting the importance of a
cohesive team. Mr. Knighton referenced a proposed Referendum for the re-allocation of $4
million dollars of SPLOST funds; and noted the City of Stockbridge and other cities in Henry
County should get their fair share of SPLOST funds and that the current 75%/25% does not line
up with current population. A reference was made to the request to the County to return Title 14
and Title 16 infractions to City with an offer to split the revenue, noting the County has not
responded.

City of Kennesaw Economic Development Presentation
Presented by: Mayor Derek Easterling
Mayor Easterling reviewed the State of the City for Kennesaw and showed a presentation of
various city departments, and businesses while highlight their many success stories and noting
the many years it took while building relationships and partnerships to make it happen.

1|Page
City of Stockbridge Winter Retreat February 28 – March 1, 2019
TSW (Tunnel Spangler and Walsh) Architects
Heather Hubbell presented the Amphitheater design and referenced an estimated cost of $10
million dollars, noting that neither roads nor parking was included in that estimate. Ms. Hubbell
also gave an estimated 12 to18 month timeline for completion.

Ms. Hubbell presented two concept designs of the proposed Cultural Arts Center with both a
1-Story building and 2-story building. Estimates were around $15 million dollars.

Ms. Hubbell presented the Monument Sign design to be located across from City Hall and in
front of the fountain. The estimated cost is $167,000 with a 3-month timeline for completion.
Ms. Hubbell noted the turning lane that was included in the RSVP has been accounted for in the
design in coordination with Falcon Design & Engineering, GDOT and the Inspection officials.

Kennesaw City Hall Visit
Presenters: Darryl Simmons, P & Z Administrator & Bob Fox, Economic Development Director
Both Mr. Simmons and Mr. Fox offered excellent information for the Governing Body to put forth
their vision for the City, and then allow staff to carry it out. Additionally, they spoke about the
collaborations and patience to make the vision a reality. Noting where in some cases land
remained vacant until the time and project was right.

Tour of Downtown Kennesaw
The tour travelled through downtown Kennesaw noting businesses located along the railroad
and the success of the mixed-use developments, while still incorporating some of the old charm.

Development Review/Permit Process
Ms. Moore reviewed the Permitting process noting Charles Abbott Associates contracted staff
will process HVAC permits and the newly created Permit Coordinator position for the City would
meet & greet prospective developers and process those permits.

Impact Fees
Ms. Moore reviewed Impact Fees and noted this item would be presented to the Council for
Consideration at the March 11th. Meeting.

Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) Discussion
Mrs. Harris-Braggs reviewed the report previously presented by Henry County CVB Tourism
Director Laura Luker along with additional information regarding the role and purpose of the
CVB. After discussion, the Council decided to start the process of moving away from the Henry
County CVB and establishing its own. Motion made by: Alexander/Blount. Passed 4-1.
Robinson opposed.

Review of Day 1 and Closing Remarks
Mr. Knighton noted he was pleased with the information on Day 1 and looks forward to Day 2.
Ms. Moore provided a Legislative Update noting Senate Bill 453 sponsored by Senator Mullis
will drop on 3/1/2019. Mr. Ford referenced all to review the Code of Conduct, all agreed.

Motion to adjourn: Blount/Robinson Passed 5-0.

2|Page
City of Stockbridge Winter Retreat February 28 – March 1, 2019
