---
date: 
title: 2017 05 08 2017 Minutes
source: 2017/2017_05_08_2017_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

P age |1

Stockbridge
Mission: To provide visionary leadership and superior municipal services that enhance
the quality of life for citizens while creating a welcoming business atmosphere focused
on sustainability and expansion of tourism and cultural events.

APPROVED
SUMMARY MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017 6:00 p.m.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Judy Neal Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilman Elton Alexander Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilman John Blount
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
Councilwoman Neat Robinson
Call to Order by Mayor Neal at 6:00pm.

Invocation by Pastor Matt Grimes of Liberty Baptist Church

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Troop # 260, Stockbridge, GA

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All members of
Council were present with the exception of Councilwoman Gantt; a quorum was
confirmed.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to amend the Agenda to remove items #1 & 2, and to hear
Item #3 after Executive Session; second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 4-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to Approve the Minutes for 3/13/17 and 3/28/17; second
by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-0.

Review of Ceremonial – Public Service Recognition Week
Mayor Pro Tem Ford read a proclamation and Mayor & Council recognized all Public
Service Workers for the week of May 7-13th.

1|P age
P age |2

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. Speakers must respect all
members of the elected body, officials, and staff. Defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will
not be tolerated while meetings are in session.

 Ms. Darlene Jackson spoke in opposition of Eagle’s Landing branching off from
the City of Stockbridge.
 Mr. Leonard Yancey spoke regarding the Transfer Station noise nuisance.
 Mr. Wendell Moore echoed the sentiments of Mr. Yancey and referenced the smell
and number of trucks going to/from the Transfer Station.
 Mr. Leonard Yancey spoke in support of the Eagle’s Landing city noting
Stockbridge has had several mayors and staff changes over the last few years.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Ordinance Amendment Regarding Section 3.30
Presented by: Councilwoman Gantt
REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA

2. Council Consideration for Policy and Procedures for Distribution of
Documents and Correspondence to Mayor & Council
Presented by: Councilwoman Gantt
REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA

3. Council Consideration for Amendment to Job Description for GIS Specialist.
Presented by: Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
TO BE HEARD FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION

4. Council Consideration for approval of Youth Council Curriculum and Budget.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Attorney Williams noted the Youth Council program curriculum had been
developed by the Youth Council Advisory Committee who has also met and
interviewed 8 candidates to form the First Youth Council for the City.
Attorney Williams stated the plan is to formally introduce the Youth Council
at a Council meeting in July. Attorney Williams put forth a Budget for the
Youth Council for 2017 of $9,000 and 2018 of $18,000 for a full year; where
the first retreat will help establish relationships amongst each other and to
put a curriculum in place. Mr. Williams mentioned the estimated budget for
the end of 2017 is at $9,000 and for a full year, it’s estimated at $18,000,
noting the Youth Council would solicit private contributions to offset
expenses and returning to the Council with a request to operate as a non-
profit organization

2|P age
P age |3

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the Youth Council Curriculum
and proposed budget; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed
4-0.

PRESENTATIONS

5. Henry County CVB (Convention Visitor’s Bureau) Annual Presentation
Presented by: Laura Luker & Henry County Chamber President, David Gill
Ms. Luker presented the annual presentation noting the CVB is funded by
restricted hotel/motel tax and in 2016 visitors spent roughly $153 million in
Henry County. Ms. Luker also noted the restricted funds are used on
billboards to attract more businesses, a visitor’s guide is printed out yearly
and a portion of funds are set aside for to help promote the City’s events
and attractions.

6. Henry Council for Quality Growth – Leader in Me Program
Presented by: Steve Cash
No speaker, Item will be heard at the May 30, 2017 City Council Meeting.

7. K Piano Club Learning Foundation – Partnership Proposal
Presented by: Kenneth L. Wilson, Sr. Executive Director
No speaker, Item will be heard at the May 30, 2017 City Council Meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

8. Public Hearing – Rezoning RZ17-07-S Altaf Cheema of Stockbridge, GA
request a rezoning from R3 (Single Family Residence) to C1 (Neighborhood
Commercial) for property located at 791 Davis Dr., in Land Lots 79 and 90
of the 12th District. The property consists of 1.27 +/- acres, and the request
is for a convenience store.
Presented by: Melinda Davies, GIS/Planning Department
Ms. Davies referenced the applicant’s request to rezone both parcels from
R3 (Single Family Residence) to C1 (Neighborhood Commercial), noting the
Henry County Planning and Zoning Office has recommended approval with
the following three conditions:
1. Pending variance from the minimum front yard setback for the existing
single-family structure notwithstanding, any new structures shall meet the
minimum front yard setback, whether by ordinance or by variance.
2. Any new structure shall be brick, stone or stucco on all sides. The
architectural design of all proposed building plans shall meet the
approval of the Planning & Zoning Dept. prior to the issuance of a
building permit.
3. Dumpster(s) shall be placed on a concrete pad and enclosed on three
(3) sides. The enclosure shall be constructed of brick, stone stucco, or

3|P age
P age |4

any combination thereof provided it is consistent with the primary
structure, and shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.

Ms. Davies expressed the ZAB reviewed the request and during the
discussion, the applicant stated the single-family home will be demolished
and a new building would be constructed. The applicant also stated they
would not sell gas at their location. Ms. Davies expressed the ZAB
recommended approval with the conditions at the county.

PUBLIC HEARING
Speakers in favor: Sana Cheema on behalf of the applicant

Speakers opposed: Don Gordon

Public Hearing was closed.

Applicant withdrew request.

9. Council Consideration - Task Order for WWTP Improvements - Phase I
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron stated this task order is to start the new construction of the Waste
Water Treatment Plant using funds from SPLOST IV. Mr. Aaron noting
Carter & Sloope as the engineering firm. Phase I request not to exceed
$95,300.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve the Task Order for WWTP
Improvements - Phase I - not to exceed $95,300; second by Councilman
Blount. The motion passed 4-0.

10.Ordinance – New Car Wash – Recycle Water mandate from the state EPD
(Environmental Protection Division)
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Attorney Williams stated he was notified by the state EPD noting the City is
required to adopt a water recycling system that applies to all car washes
constructed after January 1, 2011; and must use at least 50% recycled
water.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve the New Car Wash Ordinance;
second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 4-0.

11.Ordinance – Water Waste Policy – mandate from the state EPD
(Environmental Protection Division)
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney

4|P age
P age |5

Attorney Williams stated this ordinance is statewide and provides to amend
water restrictions to establish prohibitions on the 5 types of wasting water
and read the following restrictions from the ordinance:

A. The following uses are a waste or unreasonable use or method of use of
water and are prohibited:
1. Allowing water to escape from any premises onto public right-of-way,
such as streets and sidewalks, or upon any other person’s property;
2. Operating an irrigation system or other lawn or landscaping watering
device during rain;
3. Operating an irrigation system or other lawn or landscaping watering
device that has any broken or missing sprinkler heads;
4. Failing to repair a controllable leak, including a broken sprinkler head,
or a leaking valve, or a leaking outdoor faucet, or a service line leak,
or any other visible outside water leaks, on premises owned, leased
or managed by that person, within thirty (30) days;
5. Washing any vehicle with a hose and not having a water shut-off
nozzle or allowing water to run continuously from a hose while
washing any vehicle is also prohibited.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford asked if there was a fee associated and the
enforcement of the ordinance. Attorney Williams stated he would review the
new amendments with the Code Enforcement staff recommending general
fines up to $1,000.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve the Water Waste Policy
Ordinance; second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 4-0.

12.Council Consideration to approve Technical Productions Lighting & Sound
Presented by: Cie Cie McGhee, Conference Center & Events Manager and
Donald Riley, Procurement Specialist
Mr. Riley noted the solicitation for lowest bidder was put out for technical
production lights and sound services where this action would help eliminate
yearly rentals of production and recommends going with RCS Productions
not to exceed $25,825.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve the RCS Productions for
Technical Productions Lighting & Sound; second by Councilman Blount.
The motion passed 4-0.

5|P age
P age |6

DISCUSSION

13.Branding Update
Presented by: Councilman Alexander, Donald Riley, Procurement Specialist
& Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manager
Mr. Riley noted issues with the contract have been resolved and the kick-off
meeting is scheduled for next week.
No action taken.

14.M L King, Sr. Tourism Master Plan
Presented by: Councilman Alexander & Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Mgr
Councilman Alexander noted it is his desire to move forward to feature the
King family’s legacy as well as historic burial sites. Mrs. Harris-Braggs noted
there are several historical sites within the city limits and unincorporated
Stockbridge. Mrs. Harris-Braggs noted staff is scheduled to meet with the
pastor of Floyd Chapel Baptist Church to discuss and put into place the
ideas the City has noting the City must first iron out all the details with the
tourism plan. Mrs. Harris-Braggs also noted city staff has previously alerted
the State Tourism Agency and has received recommendations from the
State. Mrs. Harris-Braggs also noted the City has also applied and received
the tourism product development grant from the state, as well as informed
the Conventions and Visitors Bureau about the King history, and
additionally, city staff has reached out to the historic preservation for
publications for elementary school students. Mrs. Harris-Braggs also noted
the City’s renaming of Berry Street to M.L. King Sr. Heritage Trail in 2015
and the Main Street Program has added banners in honor of Mr. King Sr.
and also added banners acknowledging the Downtown Historic District.
No action taken.

15.S.P.L.O.S.T. Projects Schedule
Presented by: Councilman Alexander, Linda Nabers, Treasurer & Decius
Aaron, Public Works Director
Councilman Alexander stated he believes the City should move forward with
projects that have been approved for some time and believes now is the
time to make a solid decision and prioritize the order they should be
completed. Mr. Aaron noted several projects from Public Works that have
been recently brought forward and approved by Council, and noting there
will need to be another road assessment completed as well as an ecologic
analysis on the Stormwater utility fees. Mr. Aaron presented Council with a
Notice to proceed

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the Stockbridge Public Works
Facility, Construction Drawings, Flood Assessment, Geotechnical

6|P age
P age |7

Evaluations and Cost Estimate Services (Notice to Proceed); second by
Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 4-0.

16.ROW/Grass Cutting and Beautification
Presented by: Councilman Alexander & Decius Aaron, Public Works Dir.
Councilman Alexander referenced additional funding approved for grass
cutting and has noticed the grass has not been cut as much on Rock Quarry
Rd. and would like to duplicate what was done last year.

Mr. Aaron noted there are several surveys being completed on Rock Quarry
and the City’s Public Works crew does not want to disturb the survey
markings and noted all the other streets are being cut within the established
frequency.
No action taken.

17.Stockbridge Boys & Girls Club
Presented by: Councilman Alexander
Councilman Alexander referenced many discussions by the City about
bringing the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta to the City. Councilman
Alexander noted he has been speaking with CEO, Missy Dugan who
referred to a potential partnership with the City. Councilman Alexander
recommended the Community Development Director’s department should
oversee completing the guide and steps needed for the club.
No action taken.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for participating.

Councilman Blount noted the Council was tasked to serve.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford wished all the mothers a Happy Mother’s Day and to honor
those who are no longer with you; and says he will work with the Council to
continue to move the City forward.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked staff for all of the information provided; showed
appreciation to Attorney Williams for his work on the Youth Council; and thanked
staff for a successful Cities Week.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Neal referenced the upcoming Events for the City.

UPCOMING OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS/EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Meeting will be held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times are
subject to change. Please visit the city’s website www.cityofstockbridge.com, Facebook
page or contact City Hall offices at 770.389-7900 for updates and detailed information.
7|P age
P age |8

 Memorial March – Monday, May 29, 2017 – 9:00 a.m. at the Merle Manders
Conference Center.

 Council Work Session– Tuesday, May 30, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. City Hall Chamber.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND/OR INITIATIVES
 Non-Profit Social Mixer – Hosted by Councilwoman Gantt – Date to be determined
at the Merle Manders Conference Center at 5:30 p.m.

UPCOMING CIVIC EVENTS
 Annual Carrie Mae Hambrick Celebration
Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. – Trinity UMC – Green Front Café Lawn

EXECUTIVE SESSION (If necessary)
Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to convene Executive Session for Litigation,
Personnel and Real Estate; second by Councilwoman Robinson. The motion
passed 4-0.

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by
Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 4-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to reconvene the Council Meeting; second by
Councilwoman Robinson. The motion passed 4-0

3. Council Consideration for Amendment to Job Description for GIS Specialist.
Presented by: Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
Ms. Wheeler noted the position was being amended to GIS/Planning
Technician based on the qualifications for the position.
Councilman Blount made a motion to approve the job amendment; second
by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-0.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve the amendment of the job description for
GIS/Planning Technician; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed
4-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to adjourn the meeting; second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 4-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CMC Judy Neal, Mayor

8|P age
