---
date: 2024-04-30
title: 04-30-2024 Minutes
source: 2024-04/2024-04-30_04-30-2024 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

Stockbridge
Where Community Connects

WORK SESS l ON M EET l NG
SU M MARY M INUTES

TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2024 6:00 PM.
Mavor & Citv Council
Mayor Anth on S. For d At-Lar e _

May orProTe m Ky le Councrl istrict 3
CounCIl member Elton Alexande Councrl District 5
Councilmember Yolanda Barber Council District 4
Councrlmember LaKeisha Gantt Council District 1
Councilmember Alphonso Thomas Council District 2

Administration
Frederick Gardi _ner City Manager
Vanessa Hol Clty C_|erk
Cassandra Leste r eputy City Clerk

Lakeisha Gaines Interim Qty Treasurer
Quinton Washin gton Clty Attorney

Mission: To providelvjsion leadership and s uperjor mun icipal services that enhance the
quality ofl Ife for crtgzens [w I le creating la wel comgng bUSI ness atmosph are focused on
sustainabll Ity a nd expans Ion of tourism and cultu ral events.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford at 6:01 pm.

Invocation by Mayor Pro Tem Berry

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All Members
were present except Councilmember Gantt.

Councilmember Gantt joined the meeting at 6:04 pm

Motion to amend the Agenda to remove Item No. 5 at Request to be deferred to
the May 13, 2024 Council meeting was made Mayor Pro Tem Berry; seconded by
Councilmember Barber. The motion passed 4-0-1 (Alexander Abstained).
Motion to adopt the Agenda as amended made by Mayor Pro Tem Berry; seconded by
Councilmember Thomas. The motion passed unanimously 5-0

Review of the April 8, 2024 Minutes No Action.

QUARTERLY REPORTING
2. First Quarter Transportation Update Eniel Gonzalez
Stockbridge Representative Henry County Advisory Group

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Mr. Gonzalez provided an update of the ongoing transportation projects in and
around Stockbridge; was tasked with following up on tentative bus routing
through the city with dates and times of bus operations; and was asked to
inquire about an Amphitheater concert schedule.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments

Councilmember Alexander requested Item A and Item B to be removed from
the Consent Agenda.

CONSENT AGENDA
3. C) Request for use of the Council Chamber and Levi Meeting Room for the
Annual Youth Council Senior Ceremony and Banquet. The Youth Council will
select a date when both spaces are available.
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda was made by Councilmember Gantt;
seconded by Councilmember Alexander.
The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
A) Request for use of the Merle Manders Conference Center on Sunday,
June 2, 2024 from 2pm 5pm for a Father's Day Event hosted by

Councilmember Yolanda Barber.
Presented by Councilmember Yolander Barber
Councilmember Barber noted the Council Initiative Calendar was approved
by the Council and included June 8th for the Day Initiative event,
however, the Events Staff failed to confirm the scheduled date and has
accepted another reservation for that date, and this request is to change the
date of the Day Initiative from Sunday, June 8th to Sunday, June 2nd

Councilmember Alexander noted he supports use of the facilities, and asked
Mr. Gardiner for the cost and impact for the free events, noting the transfer of
funds annually for the conference center expenses.

Mr. Gardiner noted the impact of using the facility is minimal, noting municipal
facilities operate at a loss; and that every event brings people to the facility
and puts the venue on the map for potential rentals.

Mayor Ford referenced recent events held at the Merle Manders Conference
Center including Town Halls, the Ferst Readers Luncheon, and Piedmont
Henry.

Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Thomas; seconded by
Councilmember Barber. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

B) Request for use of the Amphitheater Green Room on Wednesday, August
21, 2024 from 4pm 9pm for a Broker's Open Event hosted by the Citywide

Development Authority.
Presented by Councilmember LaKeisha Gantt

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Councilmember Gantt noted the request is for the 2nd Open event
where Real Estate Brokers and Developers come in to discuss real estate
opportunities in the City.

Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

UNFINISHE BUSINESS
4. Council consideration to approve the Amphitheater Parking Map for Free and
Paid parking locations and Rideshare location(s).
Presented by: Frederick Gardiner, City Manager
Mr. Gardiner displayed the current Amphitheater Parking Map, noting the

Municipal Court Building has been designated as the Rideshare location.

Councilmember Barber requested the 3-acre lot across from City Hall to be
designated on the map as free parking with signage to access the area from
Harrell St. and Ward St.

Mayor Ford noted there needs to be Quiet Zone signage, and agreed there
should be specific signage indicating the free parking.

Mr. Gardiner confirmed, noting there will be no parking on the lot when rain is
forecast, or the grass is wet.

Councilmember Alexander referenced the 91 additional free parking spaces
on N. Lee St. and noted drivers will no longer be able to access the 3-acre lot
from East Atlanta Road and will need signage directing entrance via Harrell
St. to Ward Street.

Councilmember Thomas referenced the area along M L King, Sr. Heritage
Trail and the storage previously used by the railroad for additional parking.

Mr. Gardiner noted staff has contacted the railroad to discuss leasing the

space for parking similar to the fenced downtown area in Locust Grove.

Motion to approve the Amphitheater Parking Map with the following revisions:
1) Notate on the map the Municipal Court Building to be identified as the
Rideshare Uber/Lyft pickup and drop-off location, with signage. 2) Expand

the blue boxes on the map to indicate free parking on the 3-acre site across
from city hall 3) Install signage at all designated Free Parking areas was
made by Councilmember Barber; seconded by Councilmember Thomas. The
motion Passed unanimously 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS
5. Council consideration to approve Georgia Power Lighting Agreement for
streetlight enhancement for (59) Lights for Walt Stephens Rd. in the amount
of $24,214.00/yr., (46) Lights for Valley Hill Rd. in the amount of
$18,878.00/yr., (25) Lights for Jodeco Rd. in the amount of $18,855/yr., (22)
Lights for Davis Rd. in the amount of $9,338.00/yr., and (19) Lights for
Shields Rd. in the amount of $8,892/yr., for a total of $79,927.00.

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Funding source from FY2024 department budget.
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Item Deferred to the May 13, 2024 Council Meeting

Council Consideration to approve Invitation To Bid (ITB) 2024-002, Walter
Way, Pine View and Memorial Park Lift Station Rehabilitations to SOL
Construction, LLC. Funding Source: SPLOST V $1,000,000.00; Sewer Fund
Balance $1,404,086.87; Sewer Impact Fee $300,000.00 for a total amount of
$2,704,086.87
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted the request is for upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment
Collections System and will generate $5.5 million dollars in Impact Fees.
Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by
Councilmember Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Council consideration to approve the purchase of JCB Backhoe under
Sourcewell contract number 020223-JCB with Westpro-JCB in the amount of
$130,748.83. Funding source is from Public Works Department budgeted
funds.
Presented by: Al Barnes, Public Works Operations Manager
Mr. Barnes noted the Public Works Department is seeking funding to replace
a backhoe.

Councilmember Barber noted Budget Worksheet indicates the item was
requested in the 2023 Budget, and asked if there was a backhoe purchased
in 2023, noting 2023 actuals have not been presented to the Council to

compare. Mr. Barnes noted the purchase was not made in 2023.

Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by
Councilmember Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Council consideration to approve the purchase of Kubota Utility Cab Tractor
under Sourcewell contract number 031121-KBA with Mason Tractor &
Equipment Co., Inc. in the amount of $55,885.26. Funding source is from
Public Works Department budgeted funds.
Presented by: AI Barnes, Public Works Operations Manager
Mr. Barnes noted the Bush Hog will be used to cut along the roadway

primarily in the newly annexed areas and take the strain off of the zero turn
mowers.

Mayor Pro Tem Berry asked if the equipment would be used along roadways
with deep drop offs.

Mr. Barnes noted the crews will continue to use weed eaters along the
embankments and the Bush Hog will be used along wide right away areas,
with plans to purchase a Broom Mower in the 2025 budget.

Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

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9. Council consideration to piggyback on a contract with Galls lnc., as outlined in
Henry County Resolution 23-268 and Bid Number 24.01 up to a maximum
amount of $100,000 for uniforms and equipment.
Presented by: Richard Godfrey, Police Major
Major Godfrey noted the request is to raise the threshold from $50,000 to
$100,000 and piggyback on the contract, noting specialized
equipment for K-9 unit, and a 2nd K-9 officer, the four newly hired Public
Safety Officers and other uniforms and equipment; and noted the request
does not include additional funding and the request is not for a budget
amendment.

Councilmember Thomas noted the documents included in the Agenda Packet
reference a Budget Amendment and note the funding source is General
Fund, and the Council relies on the correct information to make informed
decisions.

Major Godfrey apologized that the documentation in the packet was not
correct.

Mayor Pro Tem Berry asked Major Godfrey if the uniform budget for Fiscal
Year 2024 remains the same. Major Godfrey confirmed.

Motion to approve with express statement of no additional funding from
general funds and no budget amendment was made by Councilmember
Alexander; seconded by Councilmember Barber. The motion passed
unanimously

10.Council consideration to approve an Ordinance to Deannex from the
Corporate Limits of the City of Stockbridge the following parcels located in the
Manderlay Subdivision 013A01128005, 013A01132000, 013A01061000,
013A01051000, 013A01060000, 013A01059000, O13A01058000,
013A01057000, 013A1127000 and 013A0113800.
Presented by: Frederick Gardiner, City Manager
Mr. Gardiner noted the city had received a De-Annexation request Henry
County relating to ten homeowners in the Manderlay subdivision; noted the
application was in compliance within State code and meet the State law and
recommends the Council approve the request.

Councilmember Alexander asked Mr. Gardiner to explain the law and
questioned how ten parcels out of 74 can de-annex.

Mr. Gardiner noted the State Legislature have the right to the County with the
new law, and noted the Annexation Referendum that passed was not 100%,
and there are no thresholds to deny; and noted the Council should prepare for
the next wave of ten.

Councilmember Gantt noted she was aware of a petition circulating to de-
annex from the city, and will follow the law, noting there will be boundary
issues relating to public safety, and city/county roads.

SIPage
Motion to approve the de-annexation made by Councilmember Gantt;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously

11.Council consideration of the Ethics Re-Certification Ordinance
Presented by: Quinton Washington, City Attorney
Attorney Washington noted the City is required to submit a Resolution to
recertify as a Georgia Municipal Association City of Ethics every four years,
and submit any changes made; noting the Resolution to the policy regarding
Censure and Reprimands will be submitted to GMA with the re-certification.
Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Motion to amend the Agenda to add Item #12 to Discuss Amphitheater
Operations, Ticketing, Ticket Pricing and Potential Ticketing Discounts was
made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by Councilmember Barber.
The motion Passed 3-2 (Alexander/Barber/Berry in Favor); (Gantt/Thomas
Opposed).

Motion to amend the Agenda to add Item #13 to Review Financial Reporting
of Alcohol Sales at the Amphitheater was made by Mayor Pro Tem Berry;
seconded by Councilmember Barber.

Mayor Ford read the Action Minutes from the April 25, 2025 Special Called
Meeting related to the Alcohol Ordinance. Mayor Pro Tem Berry withdrew the
motion.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION
12. Council discussion of Amphitheater Operations, Ticketing, Ticket Pricing and
Potential Ticketing Discounts
The City Council reviewed the Fresh Tix Report for the tickets sold for the
2024 Concert Series.

During the discussion, Attorney Washington advised Council to reserve the
discussion until after Executive Session due to potential litigation.

There was further discussion or action taken on this item following the
Executive Session.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council meetings will be held in the City Council Chamber. Meeting dates, locations and
times are subject to change or contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 or visit the
website www.stockbridgega.org for updates.
Stockbridge Citizens-Police Advisory Council meeting 1st Thursday of each
month at 6:00 pm. at the Stockbridge Police Community Room 4545 N. Henry
Blvd. (May 2)
The Main Street Advisory Board Meeting 2nd Friday of each month at 9am
Location is the Downtown Connection Center 130 M L King Sr. Heritage Trail.
(May 10)
City Council Meeting, 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm. City Hall Council

Chamber (May 13)

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Youth Council Meeting 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. -

City Hall Levi
Meeting Room (May 13)
Citwvide Development Authority Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00
p.m.- City Hall Levi Meeting Room (May 14)
Planning Commission Meeting,3rd Thursday of each month, 6:30 pm. City Hall -

Council Chamber (May 16)

Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month
Welcome Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (May 21)
Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.-3rd Tuesday of each
month Levi Meeting Room -

City Hall (May 21)
City Council Work Session Meeting, last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. -

City Hall Council Chamber (May 28)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES
. Join Mayor Pro Tem Kyle Berry forthe Annual National Day of Prayer on
Thursday, May 2nd in the City Hall Council Chamber at 6:30 pm.
Join Councilman Alphonso Thomas for the monthly Senior Bingo Bash on
Wednesday, May 15th rom 10am 12pm at the Merle Manders Conference

Center, 111 Davis Rd. for raffles, prizes, games, snacks and fun!
Join Mayor Anthony Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Monday, May 20th
from 10am noon at Stockbridge City Hall.

. Join the City of Stockbridge forthe Annual Memorial March on Monday, May
27th at the Merle Manders Conference Center as we remember those who gave
the ultimate sacrifice. Stay tuned to the website and social media platforms
for more information to participate or contact the Events Team at 770-389-5982.
Join Councilman Thomas for the Trash Stockbridge initiative centered
around education highlighting the causes and effects of Littering and Illegal
Dumping. More information to follow.
Councilman Thomas is honoring Veterans with a Continuous Salute all year long
Please send your pictures of Veterans with their name, branch, rank, and years
of service.
There will be a Henry County/City of Stockbridge Joint SPLOST Vl Meeting to be
conducted with the public to discuss potential projects and collaborations, on
Thursday, May 9th at 6:00 pm. at the Merle Manders Conference Center 111
Davis Rd. Stockbridge.
Food Truck Tast Tuesday is back, beginning Tuesday, May 7th from 5:30 8:00
pm at Clark Community Park in Stockbridge. Join us for live music, great food,
free games for the kids.

Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an appointment for Meet the Mayor
and for more information on Council Initiatives and events at 678-833-3348 or via
email: rrawls@stockbridgega.org

2024 STOCKBRIDGE AMPHITHEATER CONCERT SERIES

Saturday, May 11th Day Concert featuring Tyrese, Eric Benet,
and Isiah Tatum

Saturday, May 25th Funk Party featuring Zapp, Evelyn
King, Rose Royce, and Rick Stone City Band

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0 Saturday, June 8th TLC Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the

Album, with Special Guest Brownstone
0 Saturday, July 13th and Sunday, July 14th A Night with Kem, and

Special Guest Leela James
0 Saturday, July 20th Ladies Night Out featuring Jodeci, Johnny Gill, and
Silk
0 Saturday, July 27th Soul Jam featuring the Chi-Lites, the
Manhattans, The Legendary Blue Notes, Bloodstone and Peaches &
Herb

MMENTS

Mayor Ford wished all the mothers a Happy Day and invited everyone to
participate in the Memorial Day March on May noted the State of the
City can be viewed on the website.

Councilmember Thomas noted there is an announcement at every meeting requesting
pictures of fallen service members to be submitted, and with Memorial Day approaching,
the request is being amplified to highlight those who have perished.

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 pm. was made by Mayor Pro Tem Berry;
seconded by Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

EXEC UUUUU SESSION
Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Litigation and Real Estate made by
Mayor Pro Tem Berry; seconded by Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed
unanimously 5-0.

Councilmember Gantt recused herself from Executive Session at 8:21 pm. and exited
the meeting.

Motion to adjourn Executive Session and approve an Affidavit with No Action, was
made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion
Passed 4-0.

Motion to reconvene the meeting was made by Mayor Pro Tem Berry; seconded by
Councilmember Alexander. The motion Passed unanimously 4-0.

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 pm. was made by Councilmember Alexander;
seconded by Councilmember Thomas. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk ny 8. Ford, r

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