---
date: 2019-10-29
title: October 29, 2019 Work Session Meeting Minutes
source: 2019-10/2019-10-29_October 29, 2019 Work Session Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

Page |1

ACTION MINUTES
WORK SESSION MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2019 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Councilman Elton Alexander Camilla Moore, Asst. City Manager
Mayor Pro Tem John Blount Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilwoman Neat Robinson Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilman Alphonso Thomas
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.
I. Call to Order – Mayor Ford

II. Invocation – Mr. Kenneth Wilson

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call – All members in attendance

V. Motion to amend the Agenda to remove Item # 5, 6 & 7, and to hear Item # 14
following Executive Session. Blount/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

VI. Review of the Minutes for the following meetings:

1. 10/14/2019 No 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. 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

October 29, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page |2

Mr. Robert Kolpak congratulated the City on the Amphitheater groundbreaking and is looking
forward to great projects to come; spoke about Cochran Park and Commissioner Holmes’
response that he had offered the City to take over the park, and that he had not been contacted
from anyone in the City; asked that the City put something in writing to Commissioner Holmes;
and referenced older structures near the park that were in far better shape.

Coach Parish thanked everyone for their support to try to keep Cochran Park open for baseball;
referenced a phone call he received which led him to the park to find 4 trucks from Materials
Construction Services of Locust Grove, and when approached and asked why they were there,
he was told they were collecting soil samples near a hole in the ground near Gardner and Cochran
parks; noted he contacted Commissioner Holmes who stated he was unaware of who they were
and was asked by Commissioner Holmes why he doesn’t just go to another park; stated his
response to Commissioner Holmes was he is here for the kids of Cochran Park; noted the pictures
put out to the public by Henry County were more than 15 years old and he believes the report to
be fraudulent; referenced millions of dollars spent at Village Park in north Henry while Cochran
Park has been neglected; noted funding went to Ola Park renovations (who got it right) and District
5 got it wrong; stated the county was given an estimate for repairs, not an assessment.

Mr. Andrew Dixon notified the Council that he was on the clock as the tenant of his proposed
business location was no longer there and the Landlord has been quite patient with him to this
point; noted there was a motion made by Councilman Alexander to change the distance
requirement and a motion made by Councilman Thomas to remove the Tattoo business from the
list and referenced the question from Councilwoman Robinson prior to voting on the Ordinance
as to whether or not this would affect his matter before the Council. Mr. Dixon pleaded with the
Council to act in his favor.

Mr. Elon Daly offered his support of the K-Piano Program, noting the difference in his son’s
communication skills since becoming a part of the program, and wants every child to have the
same opportunity and asked that the program be approved.

PRESENTATIONS
2. Project Proposal for Interim Youth Enrichment Center &
Development/Administration of World-Class Youth Enrichment
Programs - The K-Piano Learning Foundation.
Presented by Kenneth L. Wilson, Sr. Executive Director
Mr. Kenneth Wilson referenced his 10-year passion for music and education and
presented the Mayor & Council with a proposal for the City to partner with the
K-Piano Stockbridge Youth Orchestra program by providing funding towards
building space.
3. (3rd Quarter Summary Reports 2019)
1. Stockbridge Youth Council Update
Presented by Youth Council Chair Jayden Williams
2. Downtown Development Authority Update
Not presented
3. Economic Development Update
Presented by James Touchton
4. Main Street Program Update
Presented by Kira Harris-Braggs

October 29, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page |3

Councilman Alexander tasked the City Manager to coordinate of meeting of all
entities.
5. Conference Center/Events Update
Presented by CieCie McGhee
6. Community Development Update
Presented by Camilla Moore
7. Public Works Update
Presented by Decius Aaron
8. Finance Update
Presented by John Wiggins

NEW BUSINESS
4. Council Consideration to approve use of the Merle Manders
Conference Center as the City’s official polling location effective
January 1, 2020 in coordination with the schedule of the Henry
County Elections Office.
Presented by Dan Richardson, Vice Chair Henry County Elections
Motion to approve: Gantt/Robinson – Passed 5-0.

5. Council Consideration to approve the City’s 2020 Benefits package.
Presented by Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager,
John Wiggins, City Treasurer and John Leggett w/MSI Benefits
ITEM REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA

6. Council Consideration to approve the City’s updated IT (Information
Technology Policy).
Presented by Recardo Tucker, IT Project Manager and
Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
ITEM REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA

7. Council Consideration to approve the City’s updated Cell Phone &
Cell Phone Usage Policy
Presented by Recardo Tucker, IT Project Manager and
Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
ITEM REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA

8. Council Consideration to approve a Resolution authorizing $25,000 in
matching funds for an ARC (Atlanta Regional Commission) Grant in
the amount $125,000 applied for by the City’s Project Manager Keck
& Wood.
Presented by Randy Knighton, City Manager
Motion to approve: Alexander/Robinson – Passed 5-0.

October 29, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page |4

9. Council Consideration to approve the replacement of the Access
Control System for the Municipal Court Building in the amount of
$42,706.95. Funding Source: FY2019 Government Bldgs. budget
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Motion to approve: Gantt/Robinson – Passed 5-0.

10.Council Consideration to approve the City’s Street Acceptance Policy
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
CONSENSUS OF THE COUNCIL TO TABLE THIS ITEM

11.Council Consideration to amend Chapter 5 – Public Works of the
City’s Code of Ordinances.
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Motion to approve: Gantt/Alexander – Passed 5-0.

12.Council Consideration to amend Chapter 5 – Solid Waste Collection
and Disposal of the City’s Code of Ordinances w/3-days to remove
debris following notification.
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Consensus of Council tasked the City Manager to research a
Commercial Sanitation provider.
Motion to approve: Blount/Alexander – Passed 5-0.

13.Council Consideration to amend Chapter 8.30 – Stormwater
Management of the City’s Code of Ordinances.
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Motion to approve: Gantt/Robinson – Passed 5-0.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Knighton thanked the Mayor & Council and staff for all the hard work that went
into the fruition of the Amphitheater project and the groundbreaking ceremony;
looking forward many more great projects for the City; and noted the City Hall
entrance on East Atlanta Rd. will remain open for the next two weeks.

COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
Mrs. Holiday reminded everyone of the Early Voting schedule and encouraged
everyone to vote early to avoid having to vote at two locations on Election Day.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas referenced the purchase of the baseball field under the Alarcon
administration in 2012/2013 when he was a member of Council, and not Kelley
administration; noted that during the previous meeting there were some issues
where he was quite disappointed with some things, however, he is man enough to
acknowledge when staff has done good things to move the City forward and give
credit where credit is due, noting this staff has done a great job of moving the vision
October 29, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page |5

of this Council forward; gave kudos to the Amphitheater groundbreaking with the
landscape, and the entire campus with all of the bells and whistles noting citizens
are excited; commended the Council for coming together to carry out the vision;
recalled being a member of a previous Council where staff was not in place and as
a result, nothing moved and is thankful that this Team has put people in place to
carry the vision forward, while sometimes the bus may at times move a little slow,
he’s ready to fill up the bus and move forward.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount referenced a recent visit to the State Fair in Perry, Georgia
and was impressed with the professionalism there and stated he is glad that he is
able to see other cities because from what was displayed on yesterday, he is more
so impressed with the City of Stockbridge and the professionalism here; noting the
groundbreaking event as a prime example of that; referenced the many great events
that make us all proud to see perfection at its best, noting it’s a great feeling; noted
Stockbridge is a welcoming city; noted when councilmembers are attending events,
he notices how everyone takes the time to answer questions from citizens; noted
everyone is engaging the citizens and showing everyone how much we care about
the people of this City; echoed the comments of Councilman Thomas as he recalled
the year and ½ timeline to tear down an ATM machine; noted as a Council, they
would rather tell staff to slow down, than to get started; noted he is elated about
where the City is going and all of the opportunities ahead; noted he is at peace and
no matter what anyone says, Stockbridge is a diamond no longer in the rough, but
out front and shinning, and showing our value and we are serious about what we
are doing, and staff is on board with making it happen; kudos and thank you.

Councilwoman Gantt concurred with what has been said; commended the
Amphitheater event as a Class A phenomenal event, continues to receive
compliments; thanked staff and the entire team and thanked the citizens who
attended along with the School Board Superintendent, County Chair and
Commissioner, and elected officials from other municipalities which sends the
message that we are all in this together and are here to support Stockbridge; noted
Stockbridge is here and on the map; stated the City had a short window to lay the
foundation from technology to putting key staff in place, thanked staff and the whole
team noting the importance of the Council acting to get the City to this Ah Ha
moment; offered congratulations to Officer Scott, now Sgt. Scott on his recent
promotion; reflected on the presentations from earlier in the evening noting the City
has some great opportunities, noting the City went on a Retreat to get ideas of what
our downtown and City could look like; and looks forward to more RFQ’s and RFP’s
going out for the Cultural Arts Center and other projects as we go down the list and
check things off.

Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for tuning in and coming out to participate
in the process; responded to Councilman’s Thomas’ statement to clarify that he
never said the property (baseball field) was acquired, but rather he was referencing
the Town Center vision which started with the Kelley administration and was not
October 29, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page |6

speaking about the properties acquired, noting a vision of the Town Center is on
display in the City Clerk’s office; noted that he was extremely impressed with the
groundbreaking of the Amphitheater event whereas he had spoken with a reporter
in attendance who stated his hometown has to up their game as he was also
impressed, and that says a lot; noted the Amphitheater is a transformative South
Metro project that puts the City at the top of the ladder, and that’s where we want to
remain with these types of projects; referenced attending the Henry County Girls
Flag Football championship game along with Councilwoman Robinson which was a
great event where the Atlanta Falcons were honored and thanked the Clerk for
preparing the letters so quickly, stated great things are flowing all around this
community and applauded the County’s CCRPI test score, commending the
leadership of Superintendent Davis, the teachers, staff, parents and students who
made this all happen; thanked colleagues for what they do, noting yes it is a hard
job where tough decisions have to be made; and challenged the City to move on
more than one project at a time to continue to move the City forward.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for attending tonight; thanked the
citizens who spoke with their concerns; echoed colleagues, kudos to the entire team
for a great event, with a special thank you to Public Works for an outstanding job;
looking forward to continuing with great things starting with some low hanging fruit
projects; looking forward to hotels coming to the City; noted this Council is working
together noting what they do have in common is getting things right, and doing right
by the citizens; thanked staff for keeping them on their toes with their
recommendations, it means a lot and it is appreciated; noted when the Council was
looking for those to help lead the City, they selected the best of best.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford noted the groundbreaking was a first class event and thanked the
Council for pushing through; looks forward to several more groundbreaking events
in the City; kudos to staff as the Council takes on their recommendations; wished
everyone a safe Halloween; asked everyone to keep the faith, as this City is going
to do the right thing; God bless.

UPCOMING MEETINGS
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.

• Main Street Advisory Board meeting, Friday, November 8, 2019 at 9:00 a.m./Levi Meeting
Room

• Council Meeting (1st Public Hearing FY2020 Budget), Monday, November 11, 2019 at
6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber -

• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday, November 18, 2019 at 6:00 p.m./Levi
Meeting Room

October 29, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page |7

• Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. - Council Chamber
• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at
6:30 p.m./Levi Meeting Room

• Work Session Meeting (2nd Public Hearing FY2020 Budget), Tuesday, November 26, 2019
at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber

UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Monthly Bingo Bash Wednesday, October 30, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the
Ted Strickland Community Center – spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount

• Main Street Small Business Saturday Networking Social & “Idea Smash” – Friday,
November 1, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ted Strickland Community Center 130 MLK Sr.
Heritage Trail, Stockbridge.

• Diabetes Forum and Health Fair – Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to
2:00 p.m. at the Merle Manders Conference Center 111 Davis Rd., Stockbridge;
spearheaded by Mayor Ford in partnership with the Henry/Clayton National Council of
Negro Women

• Veterans Day Parade & Luncheon - Monday, November 11, 2019. Parade starts at
10:00 a.m. followed by the Veterans Luncheon at 11 a.m. at the Merle Manders Conference
Center – Registration is required. Contact Events@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

• Community Thanksgiving Dinner - Saturday, November 23rd at the Ted Strickland
Community Center spearheaded by Councilman Thomas. Please contact LaQuinda
Jackson for more details: 678-833-3348 or via email: ljackson@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

EARLY VOTING BEGAN MONDAY, OCTOBER 14TH AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 1ST AT THE STOCKBRIDGE MUNICIPAL COURT 4602 NORTH HENRY BLVD.
STOCKBRIDGE AND HENRY COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE 40 ATLANTA ST. MCDONOUGH, GA.
VOTERS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE FOR ALL CITY AND COUNTY ITEMS DURING THE
EARLY VOTING PERIOD. SEE THE CITY’S WEBSITE FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS, DATES & TIMES.
NOTE: If you choose to vote on Election Day (November 5th), you will be required to vote at your
county local polling location to vote on SPLOST V and the city polling location at the Municipal
Court to vote on City Council candidates and the Brunch Bill.
PLEASE CHECK THE CITY’S WEBSITE cityofstockbridge.com FOR HOURS AND ADDITIONAL
LOCATIONS; FLYERS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE LOBBY HERE AT CITY HALL
CHECK YOUR VOTING STATUS AND POLLING LOCATION AT:
https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do
ONGOING INITIATIVES
• Meet & Greet the Mayor Mondays with Mayor Anthony S. Ford from 10:00 a.m. - noon every
fourth Monday of the month (appointment required). Please contact LaQuinda Jackson @
678-833-3348 for more information and scheduling.

October 29, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page |8

• Don’t Trash Stockbridge No Litter Campaign – Ongoing – spearheaded by Councilman
Thomas. Contact: LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.
• Monthly Bingo Bash from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the Ted Strickland Community Center
spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount. Visit the City’s website or Facebook page for dates
and information.

• Quarterly Town Hall – Ongoing – spearheaded by Councilman Alexander. Visit the City’s
website or Facebook page for dates and information.

• Keep Stockbridge Beautiful – Ongoing – spearheaded by Councilman Alexander. Contact
LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Quarterly Clergy RoundTable – spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson. Contact
LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTable every 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City
Hall in the Levi Meeting Room – spearheaded by Councilwoman Gantt. Contact LaQuinda
Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Quarterly Homeowners and Neighborhood Association RoundTable – spearheaded by
Mayor Pro Tem Blount. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Teen Ambassadors Meetings, November 14th and December 12th at 5:00 p.m. in the Levi
Meeting Room – spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @
678-833-3348 for more information.

Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Litigation and Real Estate:
Robinson/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

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

Motion to reconvene the meeting: Gantt/Robinson – Passed 5-0.

14.Council Consideration to appoint members to the Stockbridge Public
Facility Authority
Presented by Attorney Mike Williams
Motion to appoint for four-year term: Rashawn George, Shameka
Jones, Irvin Culpepper, T. Edward Collins, Robert Kolpak, Askia
Abdullah and Mayor Anthony S. Ford: Alexander/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

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

October 29, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
