---
date: 2020-02-19
title: 02-19-2020 Minutes
source: 2020-02/2020-02-19_02-19-2020_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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Stgckbridge
Where Community Connects

C OUN C IL RETREAT
Summary Minutes
February 19, 2020
8:00 a.m. —

4:00 p.m.

Officials in Attendance: Mayor Anthony S. Ford, Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas, Councilman Elton Alexander,
Councilwoman Yolanda Barber, Councilman John Blount and Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt

Staff and others in Attendance: Randy Knighton City Manager, Camilla Moore Assistant City Manager/Community
Dev. Director, Decius Aaron Public Works Director, Vanessa Holiday City Clerk, John Wiggins City Treasurer and
Michael Williams City Attorney and Jack Wilson of Robert Jack Wilson P.C.

Mayor Ford called the meeting to order.
lnvocation by Mayor Ford
Pledge all in unison

Roll Call -
All members of the Council were in attendance
Motion to adopt the Agenda: Thomas/Blount —

passed 5-0

DAY THREE AGENDA
Facilitated by Randy Knighton —

City Manager

Recap of Day Two
Mr. Knighton recapped Day Two noting the significant number of rainy days that have
delayed the
Amphitheater construction project, the ancillary cost of furnishings and fixtures for the Amphitheater,
TSW’s report ofthe Cultural Arts Center, noting the theater to be priority and revision of the ballroom,
Procurement Office review, Dr. Watkins’ updated Police Feasibility report where the Council asked for
more detailed numbers and further discussion; Falcon Design’s North and South Lee Street

realignment, the Alleyway Project, Country Club Drive analysis, and lowering the speed limit on
Country Club Drive from 35mph to 25mph, and adding a Flashing Light to slow down in the area of
Atlanta Heart medical office.

Water/Sewer Infrastructure Projects
Mr. Aaron noted the Wastewater Treatment Plant was the
City’s first major infrastructure project in a
number of years noting $11 million dollars has been allocated to the City’s infrastructure; noted the

prior administration did not utilize the GEFA forgiveness program; referenced the CDBG grant of
$100,000 per year being utilized for completion of the Smith—Barnes Pump Station project; repairs
made to leaks in Willow Springs; and noted the Clark Park area infrastructure
pre—dates the 1960’s.

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Mr. Aaron noted $910,000 of stormwater repairs were being made utilizing Stormwater Fund Balance;
noted the new Public Works Facility construction is in progress with a $170,000 change order

pending: noted the City’s Water Superintendent, Donald Mullis has 30 years of experience in this field
and is putting a Plan of Action in place for the City’s water system.

Mr. Knighton noted the City is attempting to correct the mistakes of the past and ensure proper steps
are taken.

Mr. Aaron referenced the City’s aggressive paving and resurfacing schedule and reviewed the
discussion to add parking at Memorial Park.

Mr. Aaron noted GDOT provides a LMIG grant in the amount of $290,000 to cover 1 to 1 ‘/2 miles of

paving and resurfacing noting funding could come from Fund Balance and be repaid with SPLOST;
noted there was a change in the procurement process that delayed bidding causing the 2019 paving
to fall behind schedule; and noted the Council recently approved the 2020 list scheduled for paving
and resurfacing.

Mr. Knighton recommended SPLOST and Fund Balance for Reeves Creek Trail repairs

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas noted there needs to be a new access and additional parking spaces at
Memorial Park with new enhancements noting the previously discussion of 5 parking spaces being
added would only be a band-aid; suggested relocating the Transfer Station to a more suitable
locaﬂon.

Mr. Aaron suggested the City review options of the lease

Councilman Alexander agreed stating Memorial Park is a hidden jewel and was disappointed to hear
the trailer lot on Rock Quarry Rd. sold months ago; and noted the City should proceed with the low

hanging fruit of installing signage.

Mr. Knighton noted Falcon Design would look at additional parking at Memorial Park as determined

by an analysis. Mr. Knighton also noted Henry County Police is receiving payment for patrolling City
parks and commercial businesses.

There was a consensus of the Council to use SPLOST IV funds to be received from Jan —

Apr 2020 to
make repairs to Reeves Creek Trail; and tasked staff to apply for a CDBG Grant and other sources
for sidewalks on M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail.

Railroad Crossing Closing/Quiet Zone
Mr. Knighton referenced his conversation with Mr. Connor Poe of Norfolk Southern who is willing to
work with the City by offering $50,000 and removal of the storage yard and a $7,500 match from
GDOT with the potential of closing the Nolan Street railroad crossing. Mr. Knighton noted the City has

applied for a Quiet Zone and paid the $5,400 application fee being processed by the City's Project

February 19, 2020 130 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, Georgia 30030
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Manager, Keck & Wood. Mr. Knighton noted the process would need to be advertised and a
Resolution passed by the Council and states this would make for a safer environment. Mr.
Knighton
noted there would need to be a 30-day Notice of Intent advertised and would be a six-month
process.
Mr. Knighton also stated Norfolk Southern has the
power and authority to close the railroad crossing
without the City’s consent as the criteria to close is already there. Mr.
Knighton proposed a town hall
to make the community aware.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas favored the town hall and wants an opportunity to speak to the community.

Ms. Moore stated the railroads are governments within themselves and have the
right to close; noted
the storage shed has been cleared out and stated the
closing of the Nolan Street crossing opens
development opportunities.

Mayor Ford recommends the Quiet Zone and closing of the Nolan Street crossing for the betterment
of the downtown long-term.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated citizens will be directly affected by the closing of this crossing and
they are not concerned about “downtown”, noting this action will be a significant change of life for
these neighborhoods. Mayor Pro Tem Thomas asked to
go on record stating he does not support this
Resolution and asked the council not to pretend that this will
go over well.

Councilwoman Gantt stated she sympathizes with the action

Councilman Blount stated he sees what is going on in the community.

There was a consensus of the Council to hold a Community Town Hall set for March 17, 2020
at 6:30 p.m. at the Merle Manders Conference Center to discuss the
closing of the Nolan Street
Railroad Crossing and the Quiet Zone.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas exited the meeting

Councilwoman Gantt spoke about the direction of the old fire station and the vision.

Mr. Knighton noted the DDA’s Master Plan
may have been premature.

Councilman Blount noted the RSVP plan was a template spearheaded
by the Main Street Program,
however, Main Street should not be involved in the development of the City.

Ms. Moore stated the RSVP should have been a
Planning function.

Councilman Alexander noted the RSVP Presentation was excellent and
appreciates the hard work of
the Main Street Program; commended their hard work with the
community, staff, elected officials and

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business owners to give us the RSVP template, and noted Main Street staff also took the lead on the

Alleyway Project.

Councilman Blount questioned the function of the Main Street Program

Mr. Knighton stated that it is appropriate for the Main Street Program to relate to businesses and

improve the downtown district and all that is relevant in the Main Street area.

Ms. Moore noted she does not want anything conflicting with the RSVP, and stated it was
premature
to approve the Master Plan without securing properties.

Mr. Knighton stated Mayor Pro Tem Thomas is the Council representative on the Main Street

Advisory Board and should be included in the conversation.

Councilman Alexander and Councilwoman Barber preferred to continue the conversation with
Mayor
Pro Tern Thomas, The Economic Development Director and Main Street Manager present so that

everyone is on the same page.

Sanitation & Fee Schedules
Ms. Moore explained the Impact Fees as a one—time fee assessed to recover infrastructure costs

required to serve new development; reviewed the impact Fees noting the split between Residential
Fees (for Parks) and Commercial Fees (for Roads) and estimated the 2020 Impact Fees to be

approximately $240,000.00.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas joined the meeting

Mr. Aaron referenced revenue shortfalls in the FY2019 Sanitation
Budget of $210,000 and proposed
an increase from $14/month to $17/month; and referenced the Stormwater FY2019 budget had
revenue shortfalls as well and presented the Water, Sewer, Sanitation and Stormwater Fee Schedule
with an effective date of June 1, 2020 and will present to the Council for approval in the next 60
days.
Mr. Aaron also noted the addition of commercial business sanitation services.

Ms. Moore noted commercial businesses would receive a 6-month notice to terminate with their
current sanitation provider should the City decide to add commercial services.

There was discussion among the Council regarding Public Works staffing needs and the Street

Sweeper schedule. Councilwoman Barber requested a schedule of dedicated workers assigned to
trash/litter pickup.

Councilwoman Gantt asked if the DDA should halt the Master Plan and Fire Station project.

Ms. Moore noted the cost would be $100,000.00 for a teardown of the old fire station for a
private
venture with a restaurant.

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Attorney Williams noted the old fire station building has not formally been deeded over to the DDA.

Councilwoman Gantt noted the DDA has hired TSW.

Councilwoman Barber inquired as to when Mr. Capehart was scheduled to meet with the Council.

Mr. Knighton noted Mr. Capehart is scheduled to attend the Council meeting; was scheduled for the

Retreat, however, a conflict prevented his attendance.

Ms. Moore noted Mr. Capehart met with Planning; reviewed the Comp Plan and proposed
phasing.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated Mr. Capehart needs to meet with Council to receive information and
where he will be given his directives from the Council.

Mr. Knighton noted Mr. Capehart will be available for the next meeting of the Council for
updates.

Towing & Parking Update
Ms. Moore presented the Towing/Parking updated as previously discussed at a prior meeting and

presented a timeline for implementation.

Ms. Moore presented a memo consisting of the RFP for selection of a Towing Service Vendor and

approval of associated costs. The memo referenced the (3) vendors who responded: New Image
Towing, Swanson Towing and Bernal’s Towing and Scope of Services. Associated Costs were
estimated at $27,000.00 for signage; $2,500.00 to mail Post Card notifications; $8,000.00 for

postage notices mailed twice to 10,000 households, and between $44,000.00 $50,000.00 for

Permit software. Ms. Moore noted the Proposed Implementation Schedule would include a
60-day
Code Enforcement warning notice period, six—month trial period of the
program and then follow up
with a community town hall to get feedback and suggestions on the
program if needed.

Councilwoman Gantt exited the meeting

There was a discussion of a cost—sharing arrangement with the selected tow
company with a plan
that will fit the entire City.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve Swanson Towing for the City’s Towing & Wrecker
Services with postcards to notify the public via a postcard mailout and a 60-day warning notice
Time frame, with a six—month trial period to be followed up by a community town hall to evaluate
the program; second by Councilman Thomas. The motion passed 3-0-1 (Blount abstained).
SDS (Service Delivery Strategy) Update
Mr. Jack Wilson of Robert Jackson Wilson PC represents the City of Stockbridge with the SDS

negotiations between the City of Stockbridge and Henry County and gave an overview of the process
noting the City has not signed the agreement and noted those services not utilized by the City would

February 19, 2020 130 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, Georgia 30030
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receive millage rollbacks and noted the City of Stockbridge residents should receive the same
services as unincorporated residents.

Mr. Wilson noted the millage rate differential between the City of Stockbridge and Henry County (no

police and fire services); roads (cost of maintenance and paving). Mr. Wilson noted the State requires
a description of services and approved documents must be filed with the Department of Community
Affairs (DCA)noting how they are funded; noted Henry County has agreed to service the City of

Stockbridge the same as unincorporated Henry County residents.

Councilman Alexander stated the City of Stockbridge needs more policing services than

unincorporated Henry County.

Attorney Williams advised of the liabilities, lawsuits, workers compensation and other costs that go
along with having a police department.

Mr. Knighton advised the Council that negotiations are still underway and will report back
any updates
to the Council.

Strategic Planning
Mr. Knighton presented an overview of the 7 Elements of a Strategic Plan: Vision Statement -
vision statement describes the way you envision your business. As such, it should communicate that
dream to your employees and customers in an inspirational manner. Mission Statement— A mission
statement describes what you do currently. It often describes what you do, for who, and how.

Focusing on your mission each day should enable you to reach your vision. A mission statement
could broaden your choices, and/or narrow them. Core Values: Core values describe your beliefs
and behaviors. They are the beliefs you have that will enable you to achieve your vision and mission.
SWOT Analysis: SWOT is an acronym for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. A
SWOT analysis provides businesses a situational investigation into their position in the market. It
allows you to spot and name the important aspects, happenings, and adversaries of
your business.
Long-Term Goals, Yearly Objectives: Long—term goals are statements that drill down a level below the
vision and describe how you plan to achieve it. This set of goals usually starts three years out and
extends to around five years into the future, directly aligning with the mission and vision statements.
Action Plans: Each objective should have a plan that details how it will be achieved. The amount of
detail depends on the amount of flexibility you want your managers and team to have. The more
detail there is, the less flexibility those that follow it have.

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

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, ty Clerk C S. Ford, r

February 19, 2020 130 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, Georgia 30030
