---
date: 
title: 2018 10 30 2018 Minutes
source: 2018/2018_10_30_2018_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

Pasell

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.

SUMMARY MINUTES
WORK SESSION MEETING

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2018 4:00 P.M.
Ma or & Cit Council Administration
Mayor_ Anthony 5. Ford RanEl_ Knighton, City Mana er
Councilman Elton Alexander Cami a Moore, Asst. City anager
Councilman John Blount _
Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk

Mayor Pro Tem LaKeisha Gantt
Councilwoman Neat Robinson Michael Williams, City Attorney

Councilman Alphonso Thomas

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford.

Invocation by James Touchton

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All members of
Council were present except for Councilman Alexander.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt motioned to adopt the Agenda; second by Councilman Thomas.
The motion passed 40. .

Review of the Minutes for the following meetings: No action taken.

1. 7/21/2018 (Joint Meeting) 2. 9/25//2018 3. 9/28/2018 4. 10/8/2018

Councilman Alexanderjoined the meeting.

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

October 30, 2018 4:00 pm. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page [2

all
able to address the Mayor and Council for three (3) minutes. Speakers must respect
unruliness and/or swearing will
members ofthe elected body, officials, and staff. Defamation,
not be tolerated while meetings are in session.

Anika Potts spoke in favor of adopting the Main Street (RSVP) Renaissance
Strategic Visioning Planning (RSVP) plan for downtown Stockbridge.

Mildred Reed spoke in favor of adopting the Main Street (RSVP) Renaissance
Strategic Visioning Planning (RSVP) plan for downtown Stockbridge.

PRESENTATION
5. Nuisance & Abatements
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney /Jessica O’Connor
Chief of Stafflstaff Attorney, City of Griffin
Attorney Williams referenced a Nuisance and Abatement presentation
during a recent GMA (Georgia Municipal Association) Conference
and
pertaining to how Cities deal with abatements the correct way
thought it would be helpful for city officials.

Jessica O’Connor, Chief of Staff for the City of Griffin was introduced.

Ms. O’Connor gave an overview of the Nuisance and Abatement

program in place for the City of Griffin.

Councilman Thomas noted his request to bring this item before
Council as it is greatly needed in the City of Stockbridge. Mr. Knighton
noted there is a item in the proposed FY2019 budget for
$50,000~line
this program.

Ms. Moore noted the ordinances are in place and only the funding
needs to be identified and to complete a survey to identify the
properties.

Councilman Alexander agreed with the program and inquired about
increasing the funding amount to be more aggressive.

the homeowners
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt expressed concern regarding
to
who faced financial challenges and could not afford to make repairs
the properties.

Ms. Connor stated the Ordinance states the judge cannot look at
financials, but rather question if the property was a nuisance or not.
Ms. Connor added you can abate through demolition or rehabilitation.

There was no action taken.

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Prior to hearing Item #6, Councilman Alexander motioned to amend
the
of the
Agenda to include a Council Discussion on the ground breaking
Amphitheater; second Councilwoman Robinson. The motion failed 2-3
by

Councilman Alexander proceeded to question (specifically the City
Manager) as to the groundbreaking ceremony had been
why
canceled, noting funding had been identified for the project;
Councilwoman Robinson also questioned why the event had been
canceled.

Councilman Blount called for a Point of Order stating the motion on
the floor was to amend the Agenda, not discussion of the
amphitheater.

After some discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Gantt directed staff to send an
updated timeline on the amphitheater.

Mayor Ford recalled the motion to amend the Agenda.
The motion failed bhXhtr
2—8~O. (Thomas, Blount and Gantt opposed).

6. Health & Awareness Diabetes_Education Presentation Council ~

Consideration to use the Merle Manders Conference Center Meeting
Rm 1, 2 and 3 for an education workshop.

Presented by: Mayor Ford /Annie Carr of Delta Sigma Theta
of
Ms. Carr, a representative of the National Negro Council of Women
Health
Henry County made a request to partner with the City to host a
& Awareness Diabetes Education Workshop on November 10, 2018
at the Merle Manders Conference Center using rooms 1,2 and 3 from
of
9:00am— 1:00pm. Ms. Carr expressed the National Negro Council
Women to educate citizens on how to delay, control and
plans
manage diabetes.

Awareness
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt motioned to approve the Health &
Diabetes Education Presentation; and to use the Merle Manders
Conference Center Meeting Rm 1, 2 and 3 for an education
workshop; second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 5-0.

l QUARTERLY REPORTS
1 7. Fourth Quarter Reporting
bhXhtf 1. Henry County Public Safety ——
North Precinct~ Written report only;
there was no presentation.

2. Youth Council Kenneth McFarland, Youth Council Advisory

1 Committee Chair noted the Youth Council has been volunteering
on Councilmember projects and has raised several thousands of
dollars to attend the National League of Cities City Summit
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October 30, 2018 4:00 p.m.
Page [4

Conference in Los Angeles, CA. Mr. McFarland also stated
Councilman Alexander attended a Youth Council Advisory
Committee meeting and made an inquiry to the Committee
for
regarding the use of funds that would need to be reallocated
the LA trip and stated he had concerns with members of the City
Council attending the conference. Mr. McFarland further stated he
has been asking Council about use of the funds for the Youth
Council trip but has yet to receive a response. Mr. McFarland also
noted he plans to resign from the board in May or 2019.

Councilman Blount called for a Point of Order stating Mr.
McFarland was in attendance to present the Youth Council’s
quarterly report.

and
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt thanked Mr. McFarland for his service
the
support and stated there had already been a consensus of
Council to release the funds and apologized if he did not receive
the message.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked Mr. McFarland for his service
and mentioned there was a misunderstanding with Council on a
statement she made to them at the Budget Retreat regarding the
funds and to her colleagues. Councilwoman Robinson
apologized
then stated the Youth Council was told they could not use
city funds and sought sponsorships from: Vulcan Materials, Grace
Baptist Church, Tabernacle of Praise Church, The Collaborative
all
Firm, Fincher & Denmark and a private developer and thanked
those who sponsored the trip.

Councilwoman Robinson stated she was told the Youth Council
had to get sponsors and couldn't use the pre—approved money that
had been allocated; however, two (2) Councilmembers were
registered to attend the National League of Cities Conference
using ‘City funds.

Councilman Blount noted less than 50% of the youth council
members would be attending the NLC in Los Angeles and would
like to see more members participating and more leadership being
taught to the youth.

Councilman Alexander stated he found it to be unfair to have two
(2) Councilmembers attend the National League of Cities
Conference in Los Angeles after stating they were against going.

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Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk requested and was granted a

5- minute recess.

Following the recess, Main Street was called to offer their quarterly
report.

Main Street- Main Street Manager Kira Harris—Braggs noted this
the Main Street Program attempted to host it's 2"“
past July,
summer movie; however, the radio station sponsoring decided to
cancel it due to inclement weather; attended the City’s joint
meeting in July; completed and submitted the 2”“ Tourism Product
Development Grant which was written in support by Council and
Stockbridge Stories Historic Preservation. Mrs. Harris-Braggs
stated the grant was successful and they will move forward with
the Green Front Café identification Project. Noted staff attended
the Georgia Downtown Conference in Braselton, GA in August;
submitted the final draft of the City’s first Downtown Specific
Development Plan RSVP where staff is recommending the 2018
Stockbridge Renaissance Strategic Plan be included as an
addendum to the City of Stockbridge’s 2038 Comprehensive Plan,
noting the alternative is to have staff recommend the,RSVP Plan
to be adopted by Resolution as the City’s Official plan for
downtown development where the RSVP will serve as the guide to
Stockbridge’s DDA, Main Street Program and of the Cities
Economic Community Development. Mrs. Harris—Braggs noted the
movie Coco was shown as the kick-off of BridgeFest; and the Main
Street Program successfully hosted its first Muscle and Mystic Car
Show during BridgeFest.

Councilman Thomas agreed with the recommendation to add the
RSVP Plan to the 2038 Comprehensive Plan.

Downtown Development Authority- Mayor Pro Tem Gantt noted
the DDA had recently appointed a new member, Roger Custin,
who representsBarnBeautifu, a business in the downtown district;
thanked Ms. Reed for her service on the DDA board; noted the
DDA is waiting to hear back on bids for the old fire station; noted
DDA members spoke with Main Street regarding a mural in the
downtown district noting it would be a part of the RSVP plan;
referenced a DDA Retreat being planned and welcomed the new
Economic Development Director, James Touchton to the team.

. Community Development- Community Development Director,
Camilla Moore noted the renewal process has been expedited for
those business owners who may be affected if Eagles Landing

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October 30, 2018 4:00 pm.

Page [6

becomes a City; noted Business Services is almost up to date with
renewals from last year, with an outstanding balance of $3,600;
stated the last function of Planning with the County will move to
the City on December 3, 2018; stated the City will have Senior
Planner filled by the end of December 2018. Ms. Moore
position
encouraged all citizens to use See Click Fix when they see issues
within the city limits; referenced plans of an Open House the first
of December in conjunction with Economic Development,
Business Services and Community Development to invite all the
developers to come in and familiarize themselves with the
development process, information on parcels and land use
development. Ms. Moore noted the last Education and information
Town Hall Meeting was held on October 29*“; noted the City is
of
waiting on the feedback and approval from the Department
Community Affairs about the 2038 Comprehensive Plan and will
have an update at the next council meeting. Ms. Moore concluded
staff will
by referencing the proposed parking ordinance noting
bring forth the subdivision parking results at the next scheduled
meeting.

Public Works Public Works Director, Decius Aaron gave an
overview of more than 55 Public Works projects that have been
completed along with a timeline for completion; noted Stormwater
has added 5 more projects to be completed before the end of the
that will
year; noted Wastewater has one major project pending
need additional funding; noted Water has two projects that have
being identified with 100% SPLOST funding; and noted Public
Works has obtained all acquisitions for Phase I of the Davis Road
Sidewalk project.

Finance interim Treasurer, John Wiggins noted as of September
30”‘,
the revenue was $5,197,800; and, as of today, the
City’s
city's revenue is $5,650,526, which gives the City positive revenue
of $452,726. Mr. Wiggins noted the city’s expenses as of y

September 30"‘ totaled $6,471,739 with encumbrances of
$6,446,271, leaving a variance of $25,468. Mr. Wiggins also stated
if revenues were compared to expenditures, it would leave a
‘ negative —$795,746, due to revenue that comes in at the end of the
recorded.
year and has not yet been received and

OLD BUSINESS
8. Council Consideration to extend Moratorium for certain businesses in
the City. «

Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Attorney Williams noted Council received a list of documents that

4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stocltbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
October 30, 2018 4:00 pm.
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state the number of types of businesses that would have been
subjected to the Moratorium back in September; and, stated the
Moratorium has since expired. Attorney Williams noted the Council
made a request that staff prepare the number for the businesses and
relate them to the population to get a sense to see ifthere is
saturation in the area. Attorney Williams also suggested Council look
at the distance separation. requirements and move forward to re-
establish the moratorium.

Ms. Moore noted there will be a physical map attached noting where
the businesses will be located which will be presented at the next
council meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt motioned to extend the 120-day Moratorium on
the following businesses: Beauty Salons, Assembly Uses, Auto
Brokers, Barber Shops, Car Repair Shops, Cash Shops, Nail Salons,
Pawn Shops, Tattoo Shops, Thrift/Consignment/Used Appliance
Stores, Tire Shops, Title Lending and Vapor Shops; second by
Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 3-1-1 (Blount opposed,
and Thomas abstained).

NEW BUSINESS
9. Council Consideration to approve the Spanish Village Subdivision
Speed Humps Request —

(Bryant Street)
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted residents of the Spanish Village Subdivision had
made a for speed humps on Bryant St. and noted 51% of
request
residents must approve the speed humps further noting the Spanish
Village Subdivision has 63% approval from its residents.

Counci man Alexander motioned to approve the Spanish Village
Subdivision Speed Humps; second by Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. The
motion passed 5-0.

10.Counci Consideration to approve the use of the Merle Manders
Conference Center for the African-American History Program to be
held on February 9, 2019.
i Presented by: Councilman Thomas
i Counci man Thomas noted the request for use the Merle Manders
; Conference Center on February 9, 2019 for the 9"‘ Annual African-

i American History Program.

Counci man Thomas motioned to approve; second by Councilwoman
Robinson. The motion passed 5-0.

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October 30, 2018 4200 p.111.
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11.Council Consideration to approve the Renaissance Strategic
Visioning Planning (RSVP) plan for downtown Stockbridge.
Presented by: Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manager
Mrs. Harris-Braggs noted staff's recommendation to add the RSVP as
anaddendum to the 2038 Comprehensive Plan or adopt the plan by
Resolution as the City’s official plan for downtown development,
notingthe RSVP would be the go—to document of any downtown
planning, development or re-development projects.

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to approve the RSVP plan as an
addendum to the 2038 Comprehensive Plan; second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

PUBLIC HEARING
of
12.PUBLlC HEAR|NG- Council Consideration to approve the adoption
the Short—Term Work Program/Capital improvement Element
(STWP/ClE)
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Asst. City Mgr./Community Dev. Dir.
Ms. Moore noted this item has not completed and made a request
that the Public Hearing be continued and heard on November 12,
2018.

13.PUBLlC HEARlNG- Council Consideration to approve the Transmittal
for the 2038 Comprehensive Plan
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Asst. City Mgr./Community Dev. Dir.
Ms. Moore noted this item has not completed and made a request
that the Public Hearing be continued and heard on November 12,
2018.

Councilman Thomas exited the meeting.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Knighton commended the staff for the success on so many ongoing projects

and town halls and thanked everyone for their hard work.

COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
Mrs. Holiday reminded voters of Early Voting this week through Friday, November
2”’ hereinStockbridge at the Municipal Court building and that voting will take

place on Tuesday, November 6'“ at your regular polling location.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Blount invited everyone out to Noel in November Saturday, November
17”‘ at the Merle Manders Conference Center -admission is one free unwrapped
win the battle to keep
toy and make a child smile on Christmas; and is seeking to
the City whole.

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October 30, 2018 4:00 pm.

Page |9 1

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt had no comments.

Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for tuning in and referenced being
transparent and encouraged citizens to participate; referenced Council’s
to
commitment to adoptrdistrict representation requesting the matter be presented
the General Assembly; referenced the recent Town Hall where an update
was

on the Campground Rd. Extension; noted
he was displeased with that
presented
there was not discussion of the proposed amphitheater and that Mr. McFarland’s
presentationwas not noted officials were elected and should likewise
‘completed;
be held accountable by its constituents; asked that the City move
forward.

Pastor
Councilwoman Robinson noted she will fight for the citizens; referenced
the Youth Council
McFarland’s position as a Youth Advisor and stated members of
wereunable to attend the NLC Conference due to other activities and
and be
commitments; stated her frustration with the politics and noted will serve
Retreat in
transparent; and thanked Pastor McFarland for travelling to the Budget
August to represent the Youth Council.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
whole and not split
Mayor Ford continued to express his desire to keep the City
Council
and asked that everyone keep the faith; referred to the comment regarding
Districts noting this was presented to the opposition prior to the legislation being

passed and they were not interested.

UPCOMING MEETINGS
dates and times are
Meeting will be held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. lllleeting
Facebook
subject to change. Please visit the city’s website www.cityofstockbridge.com,
at 770-389-7900 for updates and detailed information.
page or contact City Hall offices

- Education & information Town Hall —Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: CityHall Chamber 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA
in the
i - Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, Friday, November 9, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.

l Room. will be rescheduled
Meeting for Friday, November 16"‘ due to the
Levi Meeting
s Veterans Day Parade.

- Council Meeting ~
First FY2019 Operating Budget Public Hearing, Monday, November 12,

2018 at 6:00 pm, at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

- Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 5:30 pm. at City
Hall in the
Levi Meeting Room

2018 at 6:00 p.m.
o Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday, November 19,
at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

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October 30, 2018 4:00 pm.
Page [10

at 6:30 p.m.
Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, November 21, 2018
at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

Hall in
Council Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at City
the Levi Meeting Room

Planning Commission Meeting (as needed)

Stockbridge Association of Business Meeting (as needed)

UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Don’t Trash Stockbridge No Litter Campaign Ongoing spearheaded by

Councilman Thomas. Contact: LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

be advised of road
Veterans Day Parade Friday, November 9, 2018 at 10:00 am. Please
North Henry Blvd. and vicinity from 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
closures along

The Urban League Homebuyer Education Workshop and Resource
Fair in partnership
2018 at the Merle
with Councilwoman Neat Robinson on Saturday, November 17,
Manders Conference Center lower level from 8:30 a.m.
4:30 p.m.

November 17,
Noel in November in partnership with Councilman John Blount on Saturday,
6:00 pm. 8:30
2018 at the Merle Manders Conference Center Ballroom from

p.m. Admission is (1) one or more new, unwrapped toys.

November 24, 2018 from
Shop Small Saturday Pop Up Shop Schedule Saturday

10:00 am. 4:00 p.m. at the Ted Strickland Community

com: #SHOPSMALL WITH us
November 24, 2018

tQ:‘
CI.'I[.‘-M bhXh6i
Di

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilman Blount motioned to convene into Executive Session for Litigation,
Personnel and Real Estate; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed
4-0.

Session.
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt exited the meeting during Executive
Session.
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt rejoined the meeting following Executive

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October 30, 2018 4:00 p.in.
P a g e | 11

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by
Councilman Blount. The motion passed 4-0.

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

ADJOURN

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to adjourn the meeting; second by Mayor Pro
Tem Gantt. The motion passed 4-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CMC Anthony S. Ford,“ Mayor

4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
October 30, 2018 4:00 pm.
