---
date: 2014-08-11
title: August 11, 2014 Minutes
source: 2014-08/2014-08-11_August 11, 2014_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

August 11, 2014

City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
City of Stockbridge
4640 North Henry Boulevard
Stockbridge, GA 30281
August 11, 2014
6:00 PM

Stockbridge, platting the future where historic Stockbridge connects to the next generation: A leader in
innovation, A community supporting lifelong learning, A center for economic growth and sustainability, A
connected community where citizens are valued and respected
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Thompson called the Meeting to Order at 6:10PM.
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived

Tim L. Thompson Mayor Present
Alphonso Thomas Mayor Pro Tem Present
Anthony Ford Councilman Present
Lakeisha Gantt Councilwoman Present
Richard Steinberg Councilman Present
Robin Buschman Councilwoman Present

INVOCATION PROVIDED BY PASTOR SUSAN BENNETT OF STOCKBRIDGE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge was recited in unison.
ADOPT AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Thomas made a motion to remove item # 12 from the agenda, move item # 2 from consent agenda
and move it to item #2, and make item # 13 to item # 12 (organizational chart to adopt). Councilman Steinberg
provided the second. The motion carried unanimously -5-0.

REVIEW OF MINUTES
Councilman Steinberg motioned to adopt the Special Called Meeting Minutes of July 1 ,2014, Work Session Meeting
Minutes of July 1, 2014 and the Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of July 14, 2014. Councilwoman Buschman
provided the second. The motion carried unanimously -5-0.
Tuesday, July 01, 2014
Tuesday, July 01, 2014
Monday, July 14, 2014
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Item #1-Short Term Work Program and Capital Improvement Element Annual Update Transmittal
Mr. Gibson stated this is a Resolution to transmit the Short Term Work Program and Capital Improvement
Element Annual Update Transmittal for the ARC (Atlanta Regional Commission) and the Department of
Community Affairs for review.

Mr. Gibson also mentioned there were a number of concerns to be addressed from the Work Session and reviewed
the pages that changes had been made. Mr. Gibson stated that changes were made to page 2; item # 2 swimming
pools; the amounts were changed from $25,000 to $40,000. On page 3, Transportation; Item # 25 Road Assessment
Analysis changed to $50,000; Item # 26- Resurfacing is now $1.95 million. Mr. Gibson stated that he and Mayor Pro
Tem Thomas had been in discussions to add verbiage and not funds to Item #30-Davis Road, Clark Park to Highway
42, S. Berry Street from Wilson Street to Second Street for sidewalk and streetscaping from Wilson St. to second St.
for sidewalk and streetscaping. Item #32 is a new item called the railroad street streetscape project that will be for
Berry St. to Rock Quarry Rd. and added and estimated cost of $1milliion. The plan is for 5 years and is updated
annually.

Speakers for:

1. Houston Nelson 2504 Walter Way; in support of the STWP( Short Term Work Program) Mr. Nelson stated it is a
clear indication Council is moving in the right direction with the hopes of trying to invigorate the City and providing a
place where people will feel welcomed. He commended Mr. Gibson and staff for their work hard work and efforts.

2. Elton Alexander 920 Maple Leaf Dr; spoke in favor on the STWP. He spoke on being 100% behind the project and
stated a lot of residents would like to see the City move forward with the LCI and all other beautification projects.

Speakers against- none

Councilman Steinberg made a motion to approve the Short Term Work Program and Capital Improvement Element
Annual Update Transmittal. Councilman Ford provided the second. The motion carried unanimously 5-0.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Richard Steinberg, Councilman
SECONDER: Anthony Ford, Councilman
AYES: Thomas, Ford, Gantt, Steinberg, Buschman
2. Short Term Work Program and Capital Improvement Element Annual Update Transmittal
Item #3 Ordinance -- Amendment to Department Head Structure
Mr. Harris provided a brief overview of the Amendment to Department Head Structure. Mr. Harris stated this item
came before Council to change an action that was made on June 3, 2014. Initially, Council voted to amend Section
2.12.050 which established departments and department heads. Main Street was considered it's on department, but
after more research; staff thought it would be better to serve under the Administrative and Community Services
Department.

Councilwoman Gantt made a motion to adopt the amendment to Department Head Structure. Councilman Ford
provided the second. The motion carried unanimously 5-0.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Lakeisha Gantt, Councilwoman
SECONDER: Anthony Ford, Councilman
AYES: Thomas, Ford, Gantt, Steinberg, Buschman

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Item #4 Resolution -- Wellness Program
Councilman Steinberg motioned to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilman Ford provided the second. The motion
carried unanimously 5-0.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Richard Steinberg, Councilman
SECONDER: Anthony Ford, Councilman
AYES: Thomas, Ford, Gantt, Steinberg, Buschman

Item #5 Resolution -- Pertaining to Municipal Court Fees
Councilman Steinberg motioned to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilman Ford provided the second. The motion
carried unanimously 5-0.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Richard Steinberg, Councilman
SECONDER: Anthony Ford, Councilman
AYES: Thomas, Ford, Gantt, Steinberg, Buschman

OLD BUSINESS
Item #6 Resolution -- 2013 Budget Amendments
Mr. Harris stated this was an item that came before Council at a previous Work Session; this is a standard practice of
going back and adjusting the previous year’s budget once the audit has been completed. Mr. Harris stated they
identified the Trail Balances that needed to be adjusted, and compiled them in the final budget amendment. Mr.
Harris also mentioned the issue about the $6 Million which has been removed from the budget and now the budget is
balanced.
Councilwoman Buschman stated for the record she was very concerned with trying to balance a budget; and sent out
an email about the $6 Million being given to the DDA. Councilwoman Buschman stated for the record that as a
Councilmember and member of the DDA. She feels it is important for the City to acknowledge those that say the City
is in litigation and can't do that. Councilwoman Buschman stated for the record the check was cut to the DDA, and
she has a copy of the audit that was sent to the DDA and feels like the City being late on their audit has nothing to do
with litigation; it does need to be reflected in the budget.
Councilwoman Gantt stated after a Work Session, Mr. Bush stated there were standard procedures that takes place,
and none of those procedures took place in 2013 when the proposed DDA was established; and stated Council said
there is no DDA. Due to the City not having a DDA, the $6 Million has not been authorized and thinks it should not go
in the budget during litigation. Councilwoman Gantt stated if the budget is balanced from what the amendments are
as of today, she thinks Council should approve them as written, minus the $6 Million. Councilwoman Gantt wanted
the citizens to know the City is not behind due to the $6 Million; The City is behind due to having journalist as
treasurers, and others in the past who did not necessarily have the qualifications to balance a budget. Councilwoman
Gantt requested that Council moves forward with the amendments.
Mayor Thompson stated the City is almost to a point where the audit is complete. Mr. Harris also mentioned that the
audit is being finalized and made these recommendations; and the final report should be available within the next two
weeks.
Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Amendment to the budget. Councilman Ford provided the second. The
motion carried 3-0-2, with Councilwoman Buschman and Councilman Steinberg opposing.
RESULT: APPROVED [3-0-2]
MOVER: Lakeisha Gantt, Councilwoman
SECONDER: Anthony Ford, Councilman
AYES: Alphonso Thomas, Anthony Ford, Lakeisha Gantt
OPPOSED: Richard Steinberg, Robin Buschman
Item #7 Resolution -- Budget Procedures Resolution
City Attorney Mr. Williams stated before Council is a Resolution that establishes the budget procedures with respects
to amendments to the budget, regarding new employee positions; and to include a revised organizational chart, job
description and specific budget details that would show the line item in which the position will be funded.
Councilman Ford motioned to accept the Budget Procedures. Councilwoman Gantt provided the second. The motion
carried 3-0-2, with Councilman Steinberg and Councilwoman Buschman both opposed.

RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 2]
MOVER: Anthony Ford, Councilman
SECONDER: Lakeisha Gantt, Councilwoman
AYES: Alphonso Thomas, Anthony Ford, Lakeisha Gantt
OPPOSED: Richard Steinberg, Robin Buschman
Item #8 Ordinance -- Ordinance Providing Specific Funding for the Administration and Community
Services Director
Mr. Williams stated this is an Ordinance to resolve any ongoing controversy in regards to specific funds being used
for the Administration and Community Services Director position.

Councilman Ford motioned to approve the Ordinance Providing Specific Funding for the Administration & Community
Service Director. Councilwoman Gantt provided the second. The motion carried 4-1-1; with Councilwoman
Buschman as abstained and Councilman Steinberg as opposed.
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 1]
MOVER: Anthony Ford, Councilman
SECONDER: Lakeisha Gantt, Councilwoman
AYES: Alphonso Thomas, Anthony Ford, Lakeisha Gantt
OPPOSED: Richard Steinberg
ABSTAIN: Robin Buschman
Item #9 Informational Item -- ICMA Retirement Program
Mr. Harris stated this was discussed at a previous Work Session meeting which discusses the City Managers
retirement package associated with the City Managers contract. Mr. Harris stated typically, City Managers can chose
between GMA or ICMA, and he chose to go with ICMA; and is asking Council to approve the attached Resolution.

Councilman Steinberg motioned to approve the ICMA Retirement Program. Councilwoman Buschman provided the
second. The motion carried unanimously 5-0.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Richard Steinberg, Councilman
SECONDER: Robin Buschman, Councilwoman
AYES: Thomas, Ford, Gantt, Steinberg, Buschman
Item #10 Agenda Item -- Proposed By-Laws for the Stockbridge Main Street Advisory Board
Mrs. Harris- Braggs brought before Council the proposed Main Street Advisory Board Bylaws; and is seeking
Councils’ approval of the bylaws in continuance of the Main Street programs.

Councilman Steinberg made a motion to approve the Proposed Bylaws for the Stockbridge Main Street Advisory
Board. Councilman Ford provided the second. The motion carried unanimously 5-0.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Richard Steinberg, Councilman
SECONDER: Anthony Ford, Councilman
AYES: Thomas, Ford, Gantt, Steinberg, Buschman
Item #11 Agenda Item -- Main Street Advisory Board Appointments
Mr. Harris stated to date, the City has received eight (8) applications. Mr. Harris also mentioned the Main Street
program is in the process of moving with obtaining designations before December 31, 2014 deadline; and need at
least four (4) people appointed.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas nominated Anika Potts and Mr. Tavaras Powells. Councilwoman Gantt provided the second.
There was no vote on the motion.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas amended his motion to nominate Anika Potts and Tavaras Powells. Councilwoman Gantt
provided the second. There was no vote on the motion and Mayor Pro Tem Thomas withdrew his motion.

Uncontested

Alphonso Thomas

Angie Atkins

Kathleen Nelson
Ebony Grundy

Councilman Ford motioned to approve all four (4) nominations. Councilwoman Gantt provided the second. The
motion carried unanimously 5-0.

Stockbridge Resident

Kathryn Gilbert

Anika Potts

Tavaras Powells

Richard Grimes

Anastasia Urton

Mayor Pro Thomas made a motion to nominate Tavaras Powells. Councilwoman Gantt provided the second. The
motion carried unanimously -5-0.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to appoint Anika Potts. Councilman Ford provided the second. The motion carried 3-
0-2; with Councilwoman Buschman and Councilman Steinberg as abstained.

RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Lakeisha Gantt, Councilwoman
SECONDER: Anthony Ford, Councilman
AYES: Tim L. Thompson, Alphonso Thomas, Anthony Ford, Lakeisha Gantt
ABSTAIN: Richard Steinberg, Robin Buschman
Item #12 Agenda Item -- Speed Hump Request Procedure
Mr. Harris stated there have been a number of requests received in regards to a process requesting speed humps.
Mr. Harris expressed that there was research done in different jurisdictions like Henry County. Mr. Gibson, Mr.
Walters and himself came up with some language and would like to amend to add definitions regarding the types of
streets they would be allowed on. Mr. Harris stated Councilman Steinberg made mention of a document previously
drafted by the Assistant Public Works Director that involved additional traffic measures. Mr. Harris expressed that
some of that language used in the previous document was added to the document before Council tonight. Mr. Harris
mentioned that there was a particular subdivision requesting speed humps; and stated majority of the subdivision
needs to agree to the speed humps. Once the subdivision agrees to the speed humps, there would be a traffic study
done prior to a petition mentioning those who have signed up; and if they have signed the petition, the City would
verify with each address that they are the property owners. Mr. Harris mentioned the City would work in conjunction
with DOT to check on the speed levels throughout that subdivision.
Councilman Steinberg inquired if Mr. Harris had a chance to check on the other two (2) subdivisions discussed in
previous discussions; and wanted to know if he found out if it needed to be 51% of property owners or 2/3 that had to
approve it, according to his recollection. Mr. Harris answered he knows they have them in Wild Wind, but does not
know if there was a petition process.

Councilwoman Buschman asked if the City is doing a blanket 51%; she also mentioned you would have to go to
different Home Owners Associations to get their percentage, because they all have different percentages. Mr. Harris
replied the neighborhoods that have HOA has strict guidelines and the 51% would be more so for the homes without
an HOA.

Councilman Ford stated his HOA is at 67%.

Councilwoman Buschman made a motion to approve the Speed Humps Request Procedure. Councilman Steinberg
provided the second. The motion carried unanimously 5-0.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Robin Buschman, Councilwoman
SECONDER: Richard Steinberg, Councilman
AYES: Thompson, Thomas, Ford, Gantt, Steinberg, Buschman
Item #13 Ordinance -- New Code Enforcement Position
This item was pulled from the agenda.
RESULT: PULLED [UNANIMOUS]
AYES: Thompson, Thomas, Ford, Gantt, Steinberg, Buschman
Item #14 Agenda Item -- Revised Organizational Chart
Mr. Harris stated he presented to Council an amendment to the organizational chart a few weeks back that
contemplated a number of changes on the structure which was tabled at that time. Some of Council has asked to
bring back this item for consideration. Mr. Harris stated the current organizational chart was adopted March 10, 2014
and has the City Manager falling under a direct report, and does not contemplate an area for Boards and Authority.
The organizational chart list the Treasurer, Finance Department, City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk and the Court Clerk
under direct reports. Mr. Harris stated researched several jurisdictions to see how they are structured, and also
spoke with staff to conjure up ideas. Mr. Harris mentioned the proposed chart contemplates adding Boards and
Authorities, which would fall under the Mayor and Council. The current Executive Assistant position would continue to
stay vacant, but would continue to remain for Mayor and Council. Mr. Harris stated the following positions would be
direct reports: the Solicitor, Court Judge, Auditor, City Attorney, City Manager and the City Clerk; and this would bring
the Treasurer and Finance Department as a direct report under the City Manager and still will be considered an
appointed position by Council. Mr. Harris stated some of the duties that falls under the City Clerk were shifted, such
as Occupational Tax, which was proposed to be moved under the Finance Department. Mr. Harris stated the City
Clerk's Administrative Assistant has been proposed to be moved under the Administrative and Community Services
Director. The Human Resources Manager, along with both Court Clerks would become a direct report for the City
Manager. Mr. Harris stated the Code Enforcement positions Council recently approved are reflected on the
organizational chart. Mr. Harris mentioned that the Resolution before Council should in fact be an Ordinance; and the
backup documents should include the: pay scales and pay ranges. Mr. Harris stated job descriptions are not
included, because they need to make sure that they are accurate.

Councilwoman Gantt stated she was aware of some of the changes and recommended placing Occupational Tax
back under the City Clerk.
Mayor Pro tem Thomas asked Council if they were alright moving the Administrative Assistant from under the City
Clerk to the Administrative and Community Services Director. Mr. Harris mentioned there were no changes made to
the organizational chart from what was proposed a few weeks back. Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated Councilman
Steinberg proposed the position removal.

Councilwoman Gantt stated for clarity she thinks the Administrative Clerk should fall under the City Clerk on a
temporary basis due to what's going on with Occupational Tax; and would like to cross train everyone in the City
Clerks Department. Councilwoman Gantt stated to use the Administrative Clerk as a floater around City Hall.

Councilwoman Buschman stated she prefers Occupational Tax to fall under the Finance Department; due to the fact
that money is involved.

Mayor Thomas asked if anyone has talked with the City Clerk about Occupational Tax. Mr. Harris replied they have.

Councilwoman Gantt made a motion to amend the Organizational Chart to accept changes except for the City Clerk’s
Administrative Assistant and Occupational Tax until further notice; Councilman Ford provided the second. The motion
carried 4-0-1, with Councilwoman Buschman as opposed.
RESULT: APPROVED [5 TO 1]
AYES: Thompson, Thomas, Ford, Gantt, Steinberg
OPPOSED: Buschman

Mayor Thompson thanked the staff and stated he could not attend the Council Retreat due to family matters; and
thanked Councilman Ford for his kind words to him and his family. Mayor Thompson spoke on the code conduct in
which he encourages the board to move forward on the code of conduct in relation to how Council work's with each
other and staff. He asked Council for support on the code of conduct.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated they had a great retreat and spoke on several issues including code of conduct and
goals and objectives. Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated departments came up and spoke on their goals and objectives
and also stated it was very positive. Mayor Pro Tem Thomas mentioned Council asked Mr. Harris to move forward on
all items discussed.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked the staff for their hard work and mentioned Council has planned out everything they
would like to do for the future of the City of Stockbridge. Councilwoman Gantt stated Council brainstormed and
worked together as a group, to put a lot in it and hopes we get out a lot out of it.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated he met the Mayor of Suwanee and had a tour of the City; and stated the City was
phenomenal.

Councilman Ford thanked staff and the citizens; and stated once the written document, once finalized will be
provided to the citizen.
Item #15 Agenda Item -- Executive Session
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
All Meetings Will Be Held At City Hall Unless Otherwise Noted. Meetings dates and times are subject to change so
please confirm with City Hall at 770.389.7900 or via www.cityofstockbridge.com

· Labor Day Holiday-City Hall Closed September 1, 2014
· City Council Meeting- September 2, 2014 at 6:00pm
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The Public Comment session is an opportunity for citizens to address the Mayor and Council on items
specific to the published agenda. This is not a public question and answer session. The Mayor will
recognize individuals to speak, whom are requested to confine their comments to no more than three
minutes. Please state your name and address for the record prior to speaking on your topic.

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.

1. Elton Alexander- 920 Maple Drive, spoke on the LCI Study and a Multi-use Trail. Mr. Alexander stated
health and wellness is something the City should try to pursue and thinks that it would be a great idea for
the City to incorporate a Multi-use trail which could help generate money and ease the burden on tax
payers.

Councilman Steinberg stated that he is the sole representative to the ARC in the south and would like to
speak with Mr. Alexander after the meeting.

2. Tavares Powells 515 Anglewood Trace; addressed thanked Mayor and Council for the appointment to the
Main Street Advisory Board. He also spoke on the Multi Use Trail and spoke about the Family Dollar issue
and thinks that it will diminish the relationship of the community and also hopes that Council keeps residents
into consideration.

3. Houston Nelson 2504 Walter Way spoke about the Department Head and Organization Chart movement.
Mr. Nelson asked Council to please move forward from that topic. Mr. Nelson also stated that he is glad to
hear different names for the Advisory Board and encouraged everyone who has not had an opportunity to
serve, to try to serve. Mr. Nelson spoke on the DDA issue and said $6 Million, this cannot be ignored. The
City still has issues with trash and trash pickup due to the previous Administration changing things with
zoning. Mr. Nelson stated he was happy to hear Council went away for the retreat; and he thinks
homelessness is becoming a huge problem for the City.

4. Kathleen Nelson 517 Country Club Dr. thanked Council for the appointment to the Main Street Advisory
Board. Ms. Nelson stated she has been in the City for over a year to help with family business and thinks
this is a great community to live in and wanted to see where she could serve in the community. Ms. Nelson
state she has a Bachelors in psychology and a Masters in Clinical Health Counseling and would like to work
directly with the community and thinks that Stockbridge would be a great place to start.
MOTION TO ADJOURN
Councilman Steinberg motioned to adjourn the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:27pm. Councilman Ford provided
the second. The motion carried unanimously 5-0
