---
date: 2015-11-24
title: November 24, 2015 Minutes
source: 2015-11/2015-11-24_November 24, 2015_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

Page [1

APPROVED MINUTES
WORK SESSION
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015 6:00 PM

Mayor & City Council Administration
11m L Thompson, Mayor Nlichael Harris, Gty Manager

Alphonso Thomas, Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Robin Busohman, Councilwoman Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Anthony 5. Ford, Councilman Michael Williams, City Attorney
LaKeisha Gantt, Councilwoman
Regina Lewis \IlIard, Councilwormn

Mayor Thompson called the Work Session meeting to order at 6:10pm. City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday
was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All members of Council were present except for

Councilwoman Buschman and Councilwoman Lewis Ward, a quorum was confirmed.

The invocation was provided by Wendell Moore.

The pledge was recited in unison.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adopt the Agenda; second by Councilman Ford; the motion
passed 3-0.

There was no action on the Draft Minutes of 9/29/15 and 10/12/15.

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.

Mr. Wendell Moore spoke regarding noise in the park and from the Transfer Station and
asked for a solution to parking on the street. Mr. Moore also thanked the Council and asked
that the City continue to look after citizens and to be receptive to their needs.

Mr. Leonard Yancey agreed with Mr. Moore and spoke to the noise from the Transfer
Station, and commented on the Mayor's investigation, parking on the street and repeat
offenders.

November 24, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mr. Tavaras Powell spoke in support of expanding the boundaries of Main Street and spoke
to the efforts of the Main Street Manager and the committee.

PRESENTATION

Henry County Animal Control Animal Control Management Software

Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager

Mr. Harris noted this item was presented at the most recent Finance Committee Meeting as
an item to add to the budget; some of the discussion included an overview of what it entails.
Mr. Harris referenced the new software program called Comcaid that will allow animal
control officers to have access to violator history.

OLD BUSINESS

Item #1 - Council Consideration —
Ethics Committee Appointments
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney

City Attorney Michael Williams noted as a reminder, during the last Council meeting, the City
Council approved a Resolution affirming its commitment to being a Certified City of Ethics. The
existing Ordinance was forwarded to GMA with the anticipation of re—designating the City of
Stockbridge as a City of Ethics. However; there are vacancies for the Ethics Board that need to be
filled.

Mr. Williams stated the current process is to have one member solely appointed by the Mayor,
one member would be appointed by a vote from Council and one member is nominated by the
Mayor and approved by Council.

Councilman Ford stated he would like to see advertising for the vacancies.

NEW BUSINESS

Item #2— Council Consideration —

Expansion of Main Street Boundaries
Presented by: Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manager

Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manager stated she is asking Council to approve the proposed
revision of the Stockbridge Main Street boundaries. Mrs. Harris-Braggs stated with the new
renaming of S. Berry St. to Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail and Council's approval of Option
B of the LCl Study; the recommendations made by the Georgia Department of Economic
Development is to revise the boundaries. Mrs. Harris— Braggs noted the current boundaries are: E.
Atlanta Rd., Lovejoy Street, Burke Street and N. Henry Blvd. with interior streets of Love Street,
Ward Street, and Berry Street. The Main Street Board is proposing an expansion of the
boundaries to include additional streets such as: Lee Street, Tye Street, First Street and Davis Rd.
The consensus of the Council was to place this item on the Consent Agenda.

November 24, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Item #3 —
Council Consideration —
Resolution to name the building (formerly
Hamilton State Bank Operations Center) Hambrick Cultural Arts & Enrichment
Center after Carrie Mae Hambrick for her dedication to the Stockbridge community.
Presented by: Alphonso Thomas, Pro Tem

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas is asking Council to support a Resolution that will rename the facility after
Mrs. Hambrick. Carrie Mae Hambrick’s biography was shared with all in attendance. Mayor Pro
Tem Thomas stated that even in light of the much needed building renovations, he favors the
need for a facility that is going to provide cultural enrichment for our youth and our seniors.
The consensus of the Council was to place this item on the Consent Agenda.

Item #4 -—
Council Consideration- Honorarium Proposal Naming one of the State
interchanges after MLK Sr. Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager

Mr. Harris stated that State Representative Andy Welch asked for Council support in the naming
of an intersection in honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr. as well as the application and placement of
an historical marker. The consensus of the Council was to place this item on the Consent Agenda.

Item #5- Council Consideration —
Ordinance ~ 2016 Meeting Schedule
Presented by: Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk

Mrs. Holiday present the proposed meeting dates for 2016 Council Meetings and Work Sessions.

Item #6 —
Council Consideration —

Zoning Advisory Board Appointment to serve
remaining two years of a 3-year term.
Presented by: Mike Williams, City Attorney

Mr. Williams reminded the Council that when Mr. Elton Alexander qualified to run for City Council,
he was required to resign from the Zoning Advisory Board on which he served. The Council will
need to consider a replacement. Councilman Ford recommended advertising. Mr. Williams noted
there has been discussion of having a “Stockbridge Only” Zoning Advisory Board.

Item #7— Council Consideration - 2016 Water Rates
Presented by: Kevin Walter, Public Works Director

Mr. Walter noted the City purchases approximately 60% of its water from Henry County Water
Authority (HCWA) and our water ordinance states that we can raise our price of water as they
raise theirs. Historically, HCWA has raised their rates 5% annually. They’ve announced that they
will not be raising their rates this year; however, Mr. Walter proposed that the City of Stockbridge
raise rates 5% to cover the costs of new initiatives to install new water wells, water mains to those
wells, and the installation of intelligent meters. Mr. Walter further stated this is consistent with
previous years, and water rates are currently about 20% lower than that of HCWA.
The consensus of the Council was to place this item on the Consent Agenda.

November 24, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Item #8 —
Council Consideration —
Write-Off of Expired Probation Fines
Presented by: Linda Nabers, Treasurer

Mrs. Nabers asked the Council to consider a write-off of $82,968 in probation fines which would
go against the current year’s revenue and referenced Judge McCord’s presentation to the Council
a few weeks earlier. The consensus of the Council was to place this item on the Consent

Agenda.

Item #9— Council Consideration -
Write-Off of City Bad Debt
Presented by: Linda Nabers, Treasurer

Mrs. Nabers asked the Council to consider a write off of $18,088.33 for bad debt for water/sewer
and this write-off would also roll against the current year's receivables. It does not de-obligate the
consumers from paying, but this process is an industry standard for budget balancing. The
consensus of the Council was to place this item on the Consent Agenda.

PUBLIC HEARING (2"“ Budget Hearing_)_:

Item #10 —
2"“ Budget Hearing —

Proposed FY2016 Operating Budget
Presented by: Linda Nabers, Treasurer and Michael Harris, City Manager

Mayor Thompson reviewed the graph chart and stated there was $1-1.5 million in the saving
account in 2014. Mayor Thompson compared the actual spending versus the budget and stated
2015 budget will be a little under the previous budget. Mayor Thompson stated he would like to
add a Facilities Maintenance Department, Hire Manager under Public Works, Privatization of
Sanitation, less than 2% increase. Mayor Thompson stated as long as he is the Mayor, he will
look out for the City's money.

Councilwoman Gantt stated the Finance Committee met and reviewed the budget and stated her
concerns on the actual spending items.

Mayor Thompson stated in 2009-2010, the budget was $6 million with a growing population.
Mayor Thompson projects in 2016 the estimated collections would be $9.2 million. Mayor
Thompson also mentioned how some of the buildings needs repairs and electrical work complete.

Mayor Thompson opened up the Public Budget Hearing for speakers.

Speakers during the Public Budget Hearing were: Wendell Moore, Leonard Yancey, Tavares
Powell, Mildred Reed.

November 24, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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DISCUSSION:

Item #11 —
Council Discussion —
Amendment of Noise Ordinance
Presented by: Dale Hall, Administration and Community Services Director

Mr. Hall noted this would be an amendment to the City Code on General Park Regulations under
Section 7.08.010 and that currently there are 17 items underthe General Park Regulations and
with the amendment, two more items would be included. The first amendment states no music
shall be audible 150 ft. from any park pavilion; second amendment stated amplified music is
prohibited unless there is a special use permit, permitting such loud music.

Council requested staff to submit to Council a copy of the proposed Special Permit and also
requested a clear definition of amplified music.

Item #12 —
Council Discussion —
Amendment of Street Parking Ordinance
Presented by: Dale Hall, Administration and Community Services Director

Mr. Hall updated Council and stated the recommendation from the consultant was to put together
a questionnaire on street parking. This was pulled from otherjurisdictions to find out what citizens
are actually looking for. The more input from citizens, the better the Ordinance will be on resolving

the parking on the street issues. Councilman Ford noted his agreement with this idea.

Item #13 —
Council Discussion —
Initial Review of Sanitation Collection Services
Proposals and Oral Interviews for Outsourcing of Sanitation Services
Presented by: Kevin Walter, Public Works Director

Mr. Harris noted the City currently uses in-house staff and temporary staff to handle sanitation
services. Mr. Harris also referenced the age and maintenance of sanitation vehicles and the
analysis of replacing vehicles versus privatizing the services.

Mr. Harris noted staff was directed to proceed with an RFP process and also held a town hall
meeting regarding sanitation services. In October 2015, there were 5 proposals received and
reviewed by staff, and the top three firms where identified, followed by interviews. Currently staff is
reviewing the three firms and will bring recommendations back to the Council soon. No action was
taken.

Item #14 —
Council Discussion —
Resolution to name Local Agency Security Officer
(LASO) for the City of Stockbridge
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney

Mr. Williams stated staff needs input from Council for the designee of LASO (Local Agency
Security Officer). Mr. Williams stated the Municipal Courts Clerks recommends the City Manager
serve as the LASO or the Municipal Clerk. Mayor Thompson stated he prefers Mr. Harris to serve
as the LASO. No action taken.

November 24, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS
Michael Harris- No comments

COUNCIL'S COMMENTS

Councilwoman Buschman- absent

Councilwoman Lewis Ward- absent

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas- invited everyone out to the street sign and plaque dedication
ceremony on December 4, 2015 at 3pm.

Councilman Ford- thanked everyone for coming out and remaining engaged; asked everyone
to support the 12-0 Stockbridge tiger’s football team; and wished everyone a happy
thanksgiving.

Councilwoman Gantt- wished everyone a happy thanksgiving and safe travels; asked
everyone to keep the city, mayor and council in your prayers; thanked everyone for continued
support.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Thompson- Wished everyone a happy thanksgiving and asked that anyone with a
question or concern about the budget call him on his cell phone @ (770) 315-4485.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Councilman Ford motioned to convene into Executive Session for the purpose of items A-F;
Personnel, Litigation and Real Estate; second by Councilwoman Gantt; the motion passed 3-0.

Councilman Ford motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by Councilwoman Gantt; the
motion passed 3-0.

Councilman Ford motioned to reconvene the Work Session meeting; second by Councilwoman
Gantt; the motion passed 3-0.

Councilman to adjourn; second by Councilwoman Gantt; the motioned passed 3-0.
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November 24, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
