---
date: 2021-11-08
title: November 8, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes
source: 2021-11/2021-11-08_November 8, 2021 City Council Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

COUNCIL MEETING
ACTION MINUTES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Vacant, City Manager
Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilwoman Yolanda Barber John Wiggins, City Treasurer
Councilman John Blount Quinton Washington, City Attorney
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Jeremy T. Berry, 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. Zoom Meeting Information

II. Call to Order - Mayor Ford

III. Roll Call - All members except Councilwoman Gantt

IV. Invocation - Chief Trammer

V. Motion to amend the Agenda to Table Item #11, 12, 14 and 15 to allow for
the vendors to present to project updates, status and timelines to the Mayor &
Council at the November 30, 2021, Work Session meeting and amend the
contract language to include this language to present to the quarterly updates
and placed on the Consent Agenda 12/13/2021: Thomas/Barber passed 3-0-1
(Blount abstained).

VI. Motion to amend the Agenda to Table Item #16 & 17 to receive more
information: Barber/Blount Failed

VII. Motion to amend the Agenda to add Item #21 Re-opening City Hall and
Public Buildings and Item #22 Returning to In-Person Public Meetings:
Barber/Alexander Passed 3-0-1 (Thomas Abstained).

VIII. Motion to adopt the Agenda: Alexander/Barber Passed 4-0.

IX. Motion to adopt the following Minutes: 1. 9/13/2021 2. 9/28/2021
Barber/Alexander Passed 4-0.

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PUBLIC COMMENTS
All public comments must be submitted to the Clerk no later than one hour prior to the meeting.
The Public Comment Form can be found on the City’s webpage on the City Clerk’s page at:
https://stockbridge.seamlessdocs.com/f/20pkdz4mo7xb and the form must include your name,
phone, and email contact information. Comments are limited to (3) three minutes and will be read
by the Clerk during the meeting, respecting all members of the elected body, officials, and staff.
Comments including defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will not be accepted.

Mr. Charles Marshall commented on behalf of the Henry County Coalition Committee and
congratulated the Mayor and Councilmembers on their recent re-election victories; noted
they look forward to the continued efforts of moving the city forward; referenced the
success of the Amphitheater, and bringing in the city’s Police Force, more robust
business growth and the plans for the Cultural Arts Center, a revitalized downtown,
upgraded streets and trails and a premium development site at Bridges of Jodeco; noted
the challenges and looks forward to partnering with the city officials to work together and
make Stockbridge a great place to live, work and play for city residents and surrounding
area residents as well.

CEREMONIAL
3. Proclamation - Retired Teachers
Ms. Wendy Hughes, President of the Henry County Retired Teachers
Association thanked the city for the recognition and noted they continue to
be engaged and providing support to the community.

4. Proclamation presented for Hospice and Palliative Care Month

5. Proclamation presented to National Trichology Training Institute

6. Proclamation presented for Small Business Saturday
Lisa Fareed, Main Street Program Coordinator, thanked the city and
introduced the new Main Street initiative “Blitz” where everyone is
encouraged to support Small Businesses throughout the entire month of
November and especially on Saturday, November 27th.

Anika Potts, Main Street Advisory Board Chair thanked the city for
supporting the Main Street Program and encouraged everyone to Shop
Small!

Councilwoman Gantt joined the meeting.

PRESENTATION
7. Police Services Financial Presentation
Presented by Ed Wall, Financial Advisor and Chief Frank Trammer
Mr. Wall referenced the new release from the Department of Treasury in
July 2021 and referenced page 21 & Page 22 noting if crime has increased
in your area, you are allowed to use ARPA to hire, and purchase
equipment; noted the Henry County statistics of 2019, 2020 and 2021 have
risen significantly citing the increases in armed robbery, aggravated assault
and homicide have all risen upwards of 500-600% vs, pre-pandemic.
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Mr. Wall also noted he was unaware of this Treasury release when he
issued his initial report.

Mr. Trammer noted the city can show a nexus between the pandemic and
crime; and noted he spoke with Becky Taylor of GMA along with
Councilwoman Yolanda Barber who confirmed his interpretation that the
funds were allowable.

Mr. Wall agreed ARPA funds can be used for vehicles, equipment and
hiring and asked the City’s attorneys to weigh in.

Attorney Berry agreed, noting he too had spoken with Ms. Taylor of GMA.

Mr. Wall noted Court fines are estimated to be at the levels prior to
removing them from Municipal Court, which was around $1 million dollars
annually, a 2.5 millage rate (2023 or thereafter), $3 million in ARPA funding
and $3 million from bonds will account for the estimated $5.5 million dollar
police department budget.

Councilwoman Gantt asked for confirmation of the proposed millage and if it
would be 2.5, 3.0 or 3.5; noted the city’s budget has increased from $12
million to $17 million dollars.

Mr. Wall offered an estimate of sales tax in 2021 as $5,704,000, 2022 as
$5,818,000 and 2023 $5,900,000 and 3.3 mil vs. 2.5 with an increase in
sales tax and court fines, noting the tax would be higher in the event of a
recession.

Councilwoman Gantt noted the start-up of officers were 43 officers and is
now 50 officers with a $12 million dollar budget.

Chief Trammer noted the budget will be around $3,325,000 for 7 months of
FY2022 and estimated at $5.8 million dollars thereafter; and noted he did
not want to use all the ARPA funds with there being latitude as how the
funds can be used, and the city have more projects in Public Works as
perhaps elsewhere to utilize the funds.

Councilwoman Gantt asked Mr. Wall what the interest rate is on the $25
million dollar bond.

Mr. Wall noted he believed the rate was around 2.85%; and noted he
projects the Fund Balance for the city will continue to increase, noting this is
a projection, and you will need to monitor it month to month.

Councilwoman Barber noted it was her understanding the ARPA expenses
must be expended by 2026 (to utilize the funds).

Chief Trammer confirmed noting Stockbridge uses of ARPA funds would go
towards Public Safety and Public Works.
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Councilman Thomas agreed, and noted revenues were up during the
pandemic; noted Council has the leeway and authority to control the city’s
budget, and it is the Council’s obligation to provide public safety and provide
services to our citizens.

Councilwoman Barber asked Mr. Wiggins to provide an ARPA
income/expenditure report to the Council.

Mr. Wiggins confirmed, noting $70,000 of the $5 million received thus far
has been spent.

OLD BUSINESS

PUBLIC HEARING
8. 1. Rezoning Case #RZ-2021-01 Council Consideration to approve
proposed Davidson Parkway Commerce Center - - Rezoning Request by
East Group Properties, L.P., the Applicant to rezone certain property from
'C-3' (Heavy Commercial) to 'M-1" (Light Manufacturing) to allow for the
development of business distribution center within five new buildings. The
property is located in Land Lot57 of the 12th District within the Stockbridge
city limits. It contains three (3) parcels with 79.17 +/- acres as follows:

• Parcel #030-01009000 -- Contains 73.88 acres. Located to the rear
of the southwest corner of Davidson Parkway and Walter Way.
• Parcel #030-01009006 -- Contains 1.66 acres. Located on the south
side of Davidson Parkway, one lot west of Walter Way.
• Parcel #030-01009005 – Contains 3.63 acres. Located on the west
side of Walter Way, two lots south of Davidson Parkway.

Presented by Linda Logan, Senior Planner

Ms. Logan presented Rezoning Case #RZ-2021-01 to the Mayor & Council
followed by a presentation from the Applicant’s Attorney Michele Battle and
the Applicant John Coleman

Mayor Ford opened the Public Hearing. There were no speakers in favor or
opposed. The Public Hearing closed.

Motion to deny the request Thomas/Alexander Passed 5-0

2. Comprehensive Plan Amendment Case #CP-2021-01--The City of
Stockbridge Planning Commission and the City of Stockbridge Mayor and
City Council will hear a Comprehensive Plan Amendment Request by East
Group Properties, L.P., the Applicant, to change the future land use
designation of certain property from ‘Low-Density Vertical Mixed-Use’ to
‘Light Industrial’ to allow for the development of a business distribution
center within five new buildings. The property is located in Land Lot 57 of
District 12 within the Stockbridge City Limits. It contains three parcels with
79.17 +/- total acres, as follows:
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Parcel #030-01009000 -- Contains 73.88 acres. Located to the rear of the
southwest corner of Davidson Parkway and Walter Way.

Parcel #030-01009006 -- Contains 1.66 acres. Located on the south side of
Davidson Parkway, one lot west of Walter Way.

Parcel #030-01009005 – Contains 3.63 acres. Located on the west side of
Walter Way, two lots south of Davidson Parkway.

Presented by Linda Logan, Senior Planner

Ms. Logan presented Comprehensive Plan Amendment Case #CP-2021-01to
the Mayor & Council.

Ms. Brecca Johnson, Community Development Director noted the items
were presented to the Planning Commission on September 23, 2021, with a
Public Hearing and the Planning Commission is recommending denial
noting the proposed use does not mee the Comprehensive Plan and is not
compatible.
Councilwoman Barber noted the idea of bringing jobs is great, however
there is a greater concern with the traffic.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander noted he attended the Developer’s Town Hall,
and every resident is opposed to the development, and the community is in
opposition of the project, noting the LCI is a concrete plan, and cannot in
good conscious approve the request.

Councilman Thomas noted he has also had several conversations with the
residents in the area who are not favorable to the development.

Mayor Ford opened the Public Hearing. There were no speakers in favor or
opposed. The Public Hearing closed.

Motion to deny the request Alexander/Gantt Passed 5-0

PUBLIC HEARING - BUDGET HEARING - FIRST READING
9. Proposed FY2022 Operating Budget
Presented by John Wiggins Treasurer

Mr. Wiggins noted this was the First Reading and presented the proposed
FY2022 Operating Budget at $17.4 million dollars and $24.9 million in
Enterprise Funds and is up 4.7 percent from FY2021; referenced the 58
new positions in the Police Department, 3 new positions in Community
Development, 1 position in Municipal Court and 1 position in Human
Resources; noted the increases in budget are primarily the new police
department, salaries and benefits; noted the New Police Department has a
FY2022 Budget of $2.6 million; and salaries and benefits for the citywide
staff is $390,000; and noted changes to the proposed budget could be
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made up to the final hearing on December 13, 2021, and noted the
documents were also available online for public view.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander asked if $100,000 is in the budget for N. Henry
Blvd. Beautification and improvements, noting inclusive of the downtown
area and noting the Council approved the hiring of an additional Code
Enforcement Officer to improve compliance, is adding a 2nd streetsweeper,
has a litter team and also has contractors cutting the rights-of-way along the
corridor, noting there needs to be more beautification in the area, as the
citizens are calling form improvements and calls on the Council to include
this in the budget.

Mr. Wiggins was unaware if the $100,000 had been included in the
proposed FY2022 budget.

Mr. Aaron, Public Works Director, stated the former City Manager, Randy
Knighton had mentioned to him to include the $100,000.

Councilwoman Barber noted she supports $100,000 Beautification to be
included in the FY2022 Budget.

Councilman Thomas noted he supports Mayor Pro Tem Alexander’s
$100,000 request for $100,000 for North Henry Blvd. Beautification.

Mayor Ford stated he would review with Mr. Wiggins to include and in the
budget at the 2nd Reading.

Councilman Thomas noted that he does a through sweep and write up of
the budget annually, noting he was favorable to tabling the police job
description item, however, will read his statement into the record here.

Mayor Ford asked Councilman Thomas to share his information for review
and adjust for the 2nd Reading.

Councilman Thomas confirmed that he would and read following statement
of his concerns into the record: As it relates to the Police Department, the
Proposed Budget for City Staff has the new job descriptions included, as it
should be. All the police positions are new positions, but there are only
two job descriptions attached. The Council needs to see and approve all
job descriptions for the police department as well. We cannot approve the
Pay & Class or Organizational Chart without knowing what the job
descriptions are; and stated there are required protocols in Municipal
Government, and this action would be one of them; and asked if there is a
Salary Analysis to include McDonough and other comparable cities for the
proposed Command Staff positions to make sure we are in line with
salaries while also being competitive; Public Works Vehicles - There have
been improvements in the City’s rights-of-way, and I want to commend the
Public Works Staff for their efforts. The parks are a great asset to our
community, and I look forward to moving forward with the Parks Master
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Plan, with consideration to bring a park into the Eagles Landing area to
enhance the quality of life even more with the proposed improvements.
Water, Sewer and Stormwater departments continue to make
infrastructure improvements in the city and many of those projects are
being reimbursed by ARPA funds, which is great. What I would like to see
as it relates to city vehicles is a Vehicle Replacement Plan and Policy
submitted and attached to the budget annually. Having this background
information will assist us in making decisions on approving and funding
vehicle requests in the budget. I would like to recommend all FY2022
requests be contingent upon receiving and approving the Vehicle
Replacement Plan and Policy and ask for Council support on this
recommendation; During one of the Budget Retreats, the HR Manager
noted that the threshold in HR was around 100 employees. The Police
Department will take us over that threshold and this position is going to be
needed. So, because the great majority of staffing added will be in the
police department, I am recommending this position to be an HR Manager
position under Police Services, dedicated solely to public safety
employees and not add that burden to our current HR Department; noted
Chief Trammer referred to a position(s) within the police department
regarding Human Resources and will speak to following this statement;
noted Chief Trammer is going to need someone experienced and
dedicated to the onboarding of Police Department personnel, having
experience with Public Safety Policies, Procedures and Training. It is
important that we hire someone with a minimum of 10 years of HR
experience with public safety employees and have the job description and
funding be amended to reflect this recommendation.

Councilman Thomas motioned to amend the HR Coordinator Position to
HR Manager and place under the Police Department with a Minimum of
10 years of Public Safety HR Experience and all associated funding;
second by Councilwoman Barber.
Councilwoman Gantt requested to hear from the HR Manager as to
whether this is the normal regarding the structure, as she does not know
what that should look like.
Ms. Wheeler noted it was not normal to have an HR Manager within the
police department in a city of this size and referenced her experience at
the City of Riverdale and working as the sole HR Manager with 125
employees including 25 - 28 police officers and fire personnel, and a
commander who works with the Chief of Police with the hirings and the
HR Manager would advertise for the position and police staff working
within the police department with some HR functions and duties; and
referenced the cities of Hampton, and McDonough and Morrow who
handles the departments this way.
Councilwoman Gantt stated she is not in favor of spending additional
funds on a new position.

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Chief Trammer noted in his experience, the police department does not
have its own HR Manager, however, the department does have an HR
Coordinator person under the umbrella of the police department for
recruiting, and onboarding, and background checks who would work
closing with the HR Manager and this position is included in the police
department proposed organizational chart, and noted the police
department processes for hiring are more stringent than those of the city’s
hiring process.
Councilman Thomas amended his motion and made a motion to amend
the HR Coordinator position with a minimum of 10 years of Public Safety
experience and all associated funding; noting as Ms. Wheeler and Chief
Trammer spoke to the Public Safety knowledge that would be needed;
second by Councilwoman Barber.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander asked Chief Trammer if this action fits in to
plans for the police department.
Chief Trammer stated that based on a department of around 60, an HR
Manager position would not be needed within the police department, as
there is staff that will be responsible for certain HR duties, however, it
would be beneficial to the City’s HR Team to have a HR Coordinator
position on its team that would assist the police department.
Councilman Thomas asked to clarify the motion, noting he is not
suggesting that the position be under the Police Department, and noted
the HR Coordinator it is already being proposed under the HR structure
and the motion is asking that the level of qualifications be a minimum of 10
years of Public Safety experience.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander further clarified that the position is already
being proposed in the budget, and the request is to amend the public
safety experience.
Councilman Thomas confirmed the request.
Councilwoman Gantt wanted to clarify that the position was not only for
the police department; and noted the city was bursting at the seams and
seeking workspace; and also advised Chief Trammer with all due respect
that it is the responsibility of the Council to approve the job descriptions
and positions and organizational chart for the police department; thanked
Councilman Thomas for his due diligence to the budget annually and
noted she would rely on the expertise of Ms. Wheeler with her many years
of experience in HR and public safety personnel.
Councilman Blount referenced Ms. Wheeler’s HR with public safety
personnel experience, and further stating the Council should not place
stipulations on the job description of her hire, and she be able to hire her
own personnel.
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Mayor Pro Tem Alexander asked for confirmation that the position is
already proposed in the FY2022 budget.
Treasurer John Wiggins confirmed the position is proposed and the
criteria is what is being amended.
The motion passed 3-1-1 (Blount Opposed stating this would be HR’s hire
and experience required, not that of the Council) (Councilwoman Gantt
abstained as she will rely on the experience of HR).
Councilman Blount proposed an infrastructure contingency fund for the
year be placed in the Public Works budget for a study on sidewalks
assessment, like the study done for the streets, and asked Mr. Aaron, the
Public Works Director if there is something in the budget that can be put in
the budget for sidewalk repairs.
Mr. Aaron noted there is $150,000 proposed in the Public Works FY2022
budget for sidewalk maintenance and improvements; and has requested a
solicitation for an on-call vendor to make those improvements that
probably will not be similar to what the LMIG is, and they will put together
a list and present to the vendor to make the repairs as required; and
expects the Ms. Miller will be bringing forward the solicitation for the
vendor at the next meeting.
Councilman Blount noted the request had previously been made for a
sidewalk assessment that has not come back to the Council, and they see
the aesthetics of sidewalks throughout the city, but more than that, wants
Public Works to address the safety concerns, and noted the elected
officials hear about the sidewalks that need repair from the citizens.
Mr. Aaron noted there is a process in place for assessing the sidewalks,
they have been identified, it is just a matter of determining the list and
bringing that to the Council to determine how much of sidewalks to repair
based on the list and the funding.
Mr. Aaron stated he will forward the updated sidewalk and street
assessment report to the Mayor for dissemination to the Council.
Councilman Thomas asked Mr. Aaron to respond to the Vehicle
Replacement Plan and Policy.
Mr. Aaron noted he had distributed a proposal to the former City Manager,
Randy Knighton, and will send it to Mayor Ford for dissemination to the
Council.
Mayor Ford opened the Public Hearing. There were no speakers in favor or
opposed. The Public Hearing closed.
Mayor Ford announced the 2nd Reading of the proposed FY2022 Operating
Budget would take place Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 6:00 p.m.

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NEW BUSINESS
10. Council Consideration to approve the contract renewal. The Public Works
Department is requesting approval to renew the competitive solicited
contract pursuant to Invitation to Bid (ITB) Number 16RFP101216-DRR, for
American Tank Maintenance, LLC, Full-Service Tank Maintenance.
Invitation To Bid (ITB) Number, 16RFP101216-DRR for Full-Service Tank
Maintenance was approved by Council on April 9th, 2018, for estimated not
to exceed amount, $614,190.00, over a ten-year period. The initial contract
term of the Agreement is for one (1) year, with ten (10), one (1) year
renewal options.
Presented by Decius Aaron Public Works Dir./Lindell Miller Purchasing Mgr.
Motion to approve Gantt/Blount Passed 4-0-1 (Barber Abstained).

11. Council Consideration to approve continuation of contract.
The Public Works Department is requesting approval to continue utilizing
Request for Proposal (RFP) 201608-05, Engineering Services for Falcon
Design Consultant Services, Inc, because the City currently has nineteen
(19) ongoing projects in various stages with Falcon Design Consultant
Services, Inc.
Presented by Decius Aaron Public Works Dir./Lindell Miller Purchasing Mgr.
Item Tabled to be placed on the Consent Agenda 12/13/2021

12. Council Consideration to approve continuation of contract.
The Public Works Department is requesting approval to continue utilizing
Request for Proposal (RFP) Number 18RFP021918-CSI, Engineering
Services, Scada System Improvements contract with Carter and Sloope
because the City currently has fifteen (15) ongoing projects in various
stages with Carter and Sloope.
Presented by Decius Aaron Public Works Dir./Lindell Miller Purchasing Mgr.
Item Tabled to be placed on the Consent Agenda 12/13/2021

13. Council Consideration to approve Invitation to Bid (ITB) No. 2021-0009,
Burke Street Sewer Rehabilitation - RDJE, Inc.
The City of Stockbridge Procurement Division is requesting approval to
award a fixed contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, RDJE,
Inc., Invitation to Bid (ITB) Number 2021-0009, for the City of Stockbridge
Burke Street Sewer Rehabilitation, in the total amount of $759,307.00.
Presented by Lindell Miller Purchasing Mgr/Decius Aaron, Public Works Dir
Motion to approve Gantt/Barber Passed 5-0.

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14. Council Consideration to approve contract renewal.
The City Manager’s Office is requesting City Council’s approval to renew
the term contract pursuant to Request for Proposal (RFP) Number
18RFP111918-DRR, Community Development Construction Project
Manager, between Keck & Wood, Inc, and the City of Stockbridge,
authorizing the Mayor to execute same; and authorizing the City Manager
to execute all administrative and budgetary actions related to the
Agreement.
Presented by John Wiggins Treasurer/Lindell Miller Purchasing Mgr.
Item Tabled to be placed on the Consent Agenda 12/13/2021

15. Council Consideration to approve continuation of contract.
The Finance Department is requesting approval to continue utilizing
Request for Proposal (RFP) Number 17RFP112017-DRR, Information
Technology Supportive Services contract with Interdev Technology, LLC,
because Interdev Technology, LLC, currently maintains the City’s daily
operations. The City has seven (7) projects critical to the operations of the
City’s current network infrastructure.
Presented by John Wiggins Treasurer/Lindell Miller Purchasing Mgr.
Item Tabled to be placed on the Consent Agenda 12/13/2021

16. Council Consideration to approve Police Department Job Descriptions,
Organizational Chart and Pay & Classifications and FY2021 Budget
Amendment up to $31,000.00
Presented by Chief Frank Trammer
Motion to approve (2) Job Descriptions, Pay & Class and Organizational
Chart for (2) positions contingent upon the Attorney’s Legal Opinion
regarding the advertisement of the approved positions and FY2021 Budget
Amendment up to $31,000 from Fund Balance: Alexander/Thomas Passed
3-2 (Blount/Gantt Opposed).

17. Council Consideration to approve the purchase of Police Department
Vehicles.
Presented by Chief Frank Trammer
Motion to approve Alexander/Thomas Passed 3-0-1 (Councilman Blount
Abstained). (Councilwoman Gantt was not present for the vote).

18. Council Consideration approve recommendation of second extended term
per Section 4 of Client Services Health and Wellness Agreement for
January 1, 2022, thru December 31, 2022.
Presented by Renee Wheeler Human Resources Mgr
Motion to approve Blount/Alexander Passed 3-0-1 (Councilwoman Barber
Abstained noting she was not in favor of third extension on the contract)
(Councilwoman Gantt was not present for the vote).

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19. Council Consideration approve Sister City relationship with the Afigya
Kwabre South District of Ghana. A Sister City relationship is a formal, long-
term agreement that involves the commitment of resources to achieve
specific goals. Sister City Agreements promote cultural, educational, and
economic exchanges to generate development between the two
communities. The primary aim in establishing a Sister City relationship with
the Afigya Kwabre South District of Ghana is to foster mutually beneficial
connections that will bring new businesses, tourism, and expand the cultural
footprint on both sides of the world. MOU Agreement to be approved in the
amount $5,500.00.
Presented by Alan Peterson Economic Development Director
Motion to approve Alexander/Thomas Passed 3-0-1 (Councilman Blount
Abstained). (Councilwoman Gantt was not present for the vote.)

20. Council Consideration to fill a vacancy and appoint a member to the
Planning Commission.
Presented by Brecca Johnson Community Development Director
Motion to appoint Rodney Hornes to the Planning Commission to fill an
unexpired term through December 31, 2022, Blount/Alexander Passed 4-0.
(Councilwoman Gantt was not present for the vote)

21. Council Consideration to approve re-opening City Hall and public buildings.
Presented by Mayor Ford, Acting City Manager
Motion to approve effective November 15, 2021, Alexander/Blount Passed
4-0. (Councilwoman Gantt was not present for the vote)

22. Council Consideration to approve returning to in-person meetings for public
meetings. City Council in-person meeting beginning December 13, 2021.
Presented by Mayor Ford, Acting City Manager
Motion to approve Alexander/Blount Passed 4-0. (Councilwoman Gantt was
not present for the vote)

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford noted COVID is still among us; noted the city approved moving forward with
opening city hall; noted we are approaching the holiday season and Pfizer has an
approved vaccination for ages 5-11; and encouraged everyone to get vaccinated or
tested; noted we are approaching Veterans Day and asked everyone to Thank a Veteran
and do all that you can do acknowledge our veterans; asked everyone to be thankful for
who is in your life and share good stories; noted TSPLOST passed in the recent election
which is fantastic and will allow projects to connect communities.

Councilman Thomas thanked all the citizens for their belief in him and support on being
re-elected to the City Council and believing in his truth and thanked his team for their hard
work and looks forward to continuing moving the city forward; noted he is excited about
the police department, the Cultural Arts Center, trails and improving the quality of life for
the everyone in and around Stockbridge; and thanked the voters for believing in him.

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Mayor Ford thanked everyone for his re-election as Mayor; looks forward to another
fantastic four years; thanked everyone who voted in favor of TSPLOST and looks forward
to the Cultural Arts Center and is sure this will be another facility that you will be proud of;
and thanked everyone for allowing him to continue to serve.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Meeting will be held via Zoom until
further notice. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please visit the city’s website
www.cityofstockbridge.com for the meeting invitation link, Facebook page or contact City
Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates.
➢ Youth Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Via Zoom - 2nd Wednesday of each month
Via Zoom (Nov 10)

➢ Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd Friday of each month 9:00 a.m. Via
Zoom (Nov 12)
➢ Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Via Zoom - 3rd
Tuesday of each month Via Zoom (Nov 16)

➢ Youth Council & Advisory Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom - 3rd Tuesday of each
month Via Zoom (Nov 16)

➢ City Council Work Session/Budget Hearing - 2nd Reading at 6:00 p.m. – Last
Tuesday of each Via Zoom (Nov 30)

➢ Planning Commission Meeting, at 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom – REVISED Meeting
Date Via Zoom (Dec 2)

➢ Youth Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Via Zoom - 2nd Wednesday of each month
Via Zoom (Dec 8)

➢ Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd Friday of each month 9:00 a.m. Via
Zoom (Dec 10)

➢ City Council Meeting/Budget Hearing - Final Adoption at 6:00 p.m. 2nd
Monday of each month Via Zoom (Dec 13)

➢ Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Via Zoom - 3rd
Tuesday of each month Via Zoom (Dec 21)

➢ Youth Council & Advisory Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom - 3rd Tuesday of each
month Via Zoom (Dec 21)

➢ Planning Commission Meeting, at 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom – REVISED Meeting
Date Via Zoom (Dec 16)

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UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES

Please join Councilwoman Barber at the Merle Manders Conference Center for FREE
Zumba (Fitness in the Park) Saturdays at 8 a.m. at Clark Park Pavilions A, B & C.
Stockbridge Annual Veterans Day Virtual Event, Thursday, November 11, 2021, at 11:00
a.m. via Facebook Live and YouTube.com - Please check the city’s Events page for more
information: www.cityofstockbridge.com

A Salute to Veterans: Please forward pictures of Veterans including name, branch, rank,
and years of service as Councilman Thomas presents a special tribute to our local veterans.
Pictures should be submitted to: zpearson@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov Thank you for your
service!
Connecting Henry’s Annual Noel in November Toy Drive in partnership with Councilman
Blount will take place Thursday, November 18, 2021, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Clark
Community Park located at 111 Davis Road in Stockbridge, Georgia. Please bring
unwrapped toys for children in need. Santa will be there as well.
Here’s your opportunity to Meet the Mayor, and voice your questions and/or concerns
Monday, November 22, 2021, from 10 a.m. to noon. Call City Hall to schedule an
appointment. 770-389-7900.
Please support our small local businesses during the entire month of November with
special emphasis on Shop Small Saturday, November 27th! Stockbridge Small
Businesses owners can register to participate in the Stockbridge Small Business Blitz and
Small Business Saturday by contacting the Main Street Program Office at
mainstreet@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov or contacting Lisa Fareed at 678-833-3325.

Annual Holiday Festival - Thursday, December 2, 2021, from 5pm - 9pm at the Merle
Manders Conference Center 111 Davis Rd. Stockbridge, GA
Motion to adjourn Barber/Alexander Passed 4-0 (Councilwoman Gantt was not present for
the vote).

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