---
date: 2025-06-25
title: 06-25-2025 Minutes
source: 2025-06/2025-06-25_06-25-2025 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

Stockbridge
When Community Connect-

COUNClL WORK SESSION MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES

June 25, 2025 6:00 PM.

Mission: To proigide visionary leadershi _and superior municing serviees that
enhance the uality of life foi- c1tizens w 11e creating a welcoming busmess
atmosphere ocused on sustainability and expansmn of tourism and cultural events.

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Ms. Marion Calhoun referenced a program to assist and address the needs of homeless
individuals and address sex offenders who prey on the community; and stated the
excess funds used at the amphitheater could have been used in other ways to help
Stockbridge residents.

Ms. Anne Fields made a request to the Council to purchase the homes of the residents
behind the Amphitheater who are being subjected to the unbearable noise, stating the
homeowners are willing to sell, and that the situation would be ideal, especially hearing
of the city's downfall.

Mr. Willie Carter stated there needs to be an oversight committee established, noting
there is no safeguard between the Ethics Committee and the City Council; and
referenwd a comment made by a Councitmember during the Juneteenth event that was
not appropriate.

Mayor Pro Tern Gantt joined the meeting at 6:16 pm.

REVIEW OF THE MINUTES
1. Review of the June 9, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes
Review of the June 16, 2025 Special Called Meeting Minutes
No Action Taken

PRESENTATION
2. Project Update
Presented by Gerald Sanders, Economic Development Director, and
Eominic Heritage of Sky Design and Sheryl Woodson of DeNyse Co.
Mr. Sanders noted the Project was undenNay with signage
being installed in Phase I and introduced Mr. Heritage to lead the
presentation.

Mr. Heritage introduced himself and Ms. Woodson, the sign fabricator, and
noted Phase I of the project was nearing completion; and that Phase II
wouid begin soon and is more of the bread and butter of the oroject as it
encompasses the gateway signs, and instatlation is scheduled to be
completed by Ccto'ae: and noted Phase lli involves SCOT and
includes ti'e heavier signs along the and are the large

gateway signs, with a discrepancy id by GDOT whereas the City of
Stock and County have a; let! to place signage in the same
area !-75 south, and GDOT wi!l arty in one sign. Mr. Heritage
ens-a the city leadersnia :9 meet w. the County as matter is
currently at a standstill; and noted another discrepancy by
.or the sign at i-iudson Bridge/Rock Quarry Rd. exit, and

suggested the sign be pracec. at the Jodecc Rd. exit.

Mayor I:ro Tem Gantt stateo she did not recall Council approval of
signage being placed at the Bridge Rd. exit. and that the gateway
signs are supposed to replace the city's current wooden signs within the
city limits.

ZIPage
Mr. Heritage noted there is currently no Plan B for the l-75 Gateway
signage. and that Phase III may be completed by early 2026. but
unfortunately, there is no solid timetable at this time.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt asked staff to meet with the County and bring a
solution to the gateway sign issue and establish a Plan B.

Mr. heritage noted the request for Digital Signage with one location
outside of City Hall behind the retaining wall, and the sign being placed
in the monument on Eagles Landing, both costing $117,000.00 each; and
referenced directional signage at the Amphitheater MLK Sr. Heritage
Trail.

Councilmember Alexander noted the recommended placement of signage
along MLK Sr. Heritage Trail and the Amphitheater are too close in
proximity, and sugnested the signage be place in the Jodecc development
as a marketing tool to drive to the downtown area; and to change
out the bricks at the Merle Manders Conference Center signage to brick
veneers; and referenced a sidewalk widening project coming fowvaro to
change the sidewalks from to from Lee Street to East Atlanta Rd.
along North Henry Blvd.

Mayor Ford asked staff to provide a cost to the Council to potentially
resurface the brick at the Merle Manders Conference Center and place a
signed in the Bridges of Jodeoo.

Mr. Heritage noted Phase I concludes their work, noting they can continue
with the mapping signs, or the city can use their GIS staff.

Mayor Pro Gantt noted the maps for the downtown are for the live,
work, play for the downtown environment, and that developing downtown

maps will be for the area, and are replaceable whereas when new
retail or developments come in, the signs can be updated, and noted
Phase I of the Trails project starts downtown.

Councilmember Barber referenced the locations, reminding
everyone of the newly annexed areas as the true gateways to the city, and
State Hwy. 42, Valley Hill Rd. and Stagecoach Rd. will need
gateway signs

Mr. Heritage noted the Digital Signs will be informational and will allow for
programming by the city.

Councilmember Barber requested a listing of all signage locations within
the city limits and reiterated the new.y annexed gateway entry points.

Councilmember Berry wmrnended Mr. Heritage and Ms. Woodson on the
quality of the signs and too ts forward to Phase II.

3|Page
Councilmember Alexander invited DDA Board Members to express their
opinions on the Waytinding project and sign installations.

Mr. Warren Washington, DDA Vice Chair, agreed the signage needs to be
utilized as a marketing tool to drive business to the downtown area.

Mr. Kenya Cook, DDA Chair, stated he was not impressed with the color
scheme, and appreciated the effort.

Mayor Pro Tem noted the full project has three phases with Directional
Signage and Gateway signage and mapping to be placed throughout the
city, and the overall project is impressive and needs to be viewed in
totality.

Councilmember Alexander agreed, noting the city visiting Avalon, and
implemented those standards herein Stockbridge.

Mr. Heritage noted there will be two programmable kiosks installed and
would provide information on what is happening in the downtown and
surrounding area.

Mr. Wasnington noted the digital sign as you enter the city of Morrow from
the exit ramp.

Mayor Ford thanked everyone, and requested follow-up as recommended
during the presentation.

CID (Community Improvement District) Presentation
Presented by Malaika Rivers, Pontem Resources
Ms. Rivers referenced her thirty years of experience and background with
CIDs, and that she let the CID in the State of Georgia; noted her
experience includes Special Service Districts ($80) and Community
Improvement Districts (CID) implementation; noted she presented to the
Henry County Board of Commissioners regarding a CiD on Jonesboro Rd.
and Eagles Landing Pkwy. one was advised to present to the City of
Stockbridge; gave background on ClCis, noting they are public/private
partnerships where commercial businesses tax themselves, are governed
by the commercial property owners with a board of directors who
collaborate for commercial businesses only, and assess a millage rate
between 3% and 25% and would need 2/3 or 75% my in of the approved
area; noted the Henry County Tax certifies the district and collects
and distributes the taxes; noted the 'mportance of separating the mixed-
use parcels 'D nu'nbew, and noted based on her experience, she

estimates the Eagles Landing Pkwy. CID would reqJire a minimum of six
months of education for the business owners, and approved, the
implementation could take 3-4 years.

Ms. Rivers also referenced a BID (Business Improvement District),
wne'eas a tax could be assessed on basiness and residential properties.

4|Page
Councilmember Alexander noted the Eagles Landing Community
Association currently assess fees to homeowners to maintain the Eagles
Landing Pkwy. and noted the City Council approved a Resolution to
consider a CD in 2017/2013 with Nickleworks for a CID along the
Hwy.138 corridor, that unfortunately did not move forward.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt noted for the record that 3 cm would have business
owners would tax themselves, not residents, and hopes it works out for

the County and for the City.

NEW BUSINESS
4. Council Consideration to approve the FY2024 Budget Amendment
Presented by Frank Milazi, City Treasurer
Mr. Milazi reviewed the FY2024 Budget Amendment as required to
complete the audit, noting only City Council has authority to
move/reallocate funds, and that staff and management has not followed
procedures, and over the years, has let the citizens clown and has the
elected as a result.

Mr. Milazi noted there has been non-buogeted funds spend, and the report
as presented references amendments highlighted in blue to snow the

adjustments from what was originally adopted by the City Council for
FY2024; and noted the numbers may change after the audit has seen
completed.

Mr. Milazi noted. the FY2024 budget was adopted at $26 million, and the
total spent at this point was $29 million, noting expenses were concealed,
and not properly reported under the true expense.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt noted that when staff presented to the City Council,
there was a reference to the funding source for the purchase.

Mr. Milazi stated no one has the authority to move or reallocate funding
over $50,000.30, noting it has happened, and staff has let you down, and

has not been honest.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt asked the City Clerk if there is a record of any
requests for budget amendments for the last four years.

Ms. Holiday stated that she cannot respond to the requests that nave
beer made for b.dget amendments, however, did recall budget
amendments that were made in 2021, and the budget amendment in the
of $500,500.00 ir August of 2024, but did not recall other budget
amendmetts in 2022, 2023 or 2024.

Mr. Milazi reviewed accounts line-item adjustments throughout various
departments, noting some accounts were overstated, and others were
understated.

SlPage
Councilmember Alexander stated that the city bonded the Amphitheater at
a good time when interest rates were low, and that helped to be able to
payoff the Amphitheater in August of this year; and stated the information
presented regarding transactions is shocking and that he is
disappointed to hear that incorrect information was provided to the
aucitors and to the Council, and thanked Mr. Milazi for bringing forward
the corrections with new pc!icies and procedures in place that were
approved by the City Council upon his arr'va. and again during the Council
Retreat earlier this year in cebruary, noting the $50,000 policy is
clear, and anything beyond the $50,000 threshold should have been
presented to the City Council for approval, and it was not.

Mr. Milazi confirmed.

Mayor Dro Tem Gantt referenced revenue accounts where were

budgeted low, and excess of funds was received well beyond what was

budgeted, hotel/motel where the projected revenue was
understated, noting additional hotets are due to come ontine.

Mr. Milazi ccnfirmed, noting projections were understated in some areas,
and there needs to be a better accounting of projected revenue.

Councilmember Alexander stated he beiieves hotel/mote: tax was off due
to the newuy annexed hotels not being included and agrees there needs to
be better forecasting for a more accurate picture.

Vlr. Milazi explained that while that is the case in some areas. however,
there were also accounts that budgeted $700,000 for revenue and only
I'eceived $150,000 and were clearly not projected properly; and noted the
City Council can expect at least one to two budget amendments each
year; and noted the original projection for the Amphitheater was over
budget $6 million, and the new number is $8.1 million dollars, noting
expenditures were conceaied with transactions being entered in
unassociated categories.

Councitmember Alexander reiterated that Amphitheater costs were
concealed by placing the expenditures some : ace else in the budget in
an unreiated category. and that the Council was not

Mr. Milazi

Councilmember Barber referenced the Citywide Projects line item, and
asked which projects are at risk due to a lack of funding.

Mr. Milazi noted the Citywide Project account was being used as a pass-
and referenced the purchase of {6) police department vehicles in
the amount of $471 ,030.00 that were not budgeted, and the purchase was
not approved by the City Council.

6|Page
Councilmember Barber noted that in December, 2022, the Council was
asked to adopt the FY2023 Operating Budget, and the Council by majority
voted to adopt the budget, however, she did not vote to adopt the budget
because there were year-to-date numbers presented by staff.
and she asked during that budget adoption meeting why the
City Council was being asked to adopt a budget when current year
numbers were not up to date, noting the question went unanswered; and
stated that this Counci: is very much aware that she has been asking for
statements, monthly reports. quarterly reports, audit reports for
the city's since becoming a councilmember in 2020.

Councilmember Barber thanked Mr. Milazi for being transparent, as that is
what the citizens deserve; noted her many requests for routine
reponing, and and loss statements for the amphitheater, and was
shutdown by the Council when requests were made for the
finances; and that prior to Mr. Milazi coming on board, this Council failed
to hold staff accountable, and instead targeted her for speaking up and

speaking out regarding the city's stating that her multiple public
requests are well documented.

Councilmember Barber stated that she knows the request on the Agenda
today from Mr. .Vilazi is for the Council to approve the Budget
Amendment, however, she will not approve it and would not have
approved it had it been presented tc the Council last year; and asked the
to hold staff accountable, and for the citizens to hold the elected
officials accountable.

Counci!member Berry thanked Mr. Milazi for coming forward with the
corrections, for the work that he has done, and for being a champion and
asxing the questions to get to the end result, stated that he is grateful to
him, and wants the city to continue to operate in the manner that he has
presented going forward, and wants him to know that he has his full
support.

Mayor Pro Terr. Gantt stated that she does not want to pint noting
the only budget amendment that came to the City Council in 2024 was the
$500,:33, and that it is the job of the City Manager and Treasurer to notify
the City Councit when budget amendments are required; noted there are
Minutes that state that all councilmembers should receive information as
requested, and refemnced the Minutes of April 25, 2024 regarding the
operations of the Amphitheater where she asked why .akeisna Gaines,
the City Treasurer at the time was not in attendance of that rneeting to
:rmvide financial information or answer questions; and that
Councilmember Eerry raised questions regarding the Amphitheater
for 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; and that Counci'member
Thomas stated the Courcil needs to see the data. and that the Minutes
state that she agreed, noting the should be submitted; and that
Counciimember Barber stated that members of the Council should not
microma'rage the Amphitheater, but that the General Manager shourd be
working with the City Manager who is to keep the Ccuncil updated.
7 | P a g e
Mr. Milazi stated that based on what he now knows, the reports and
information submitted to the Council would not have included correct
information.

Mayor Pro Tern Gantt stated that when a member of Council asks for
documents, it should be received; and that staff was hired to do a job, and
that reports were submitted that stated the Amphitheater was breaking
even, noting that had she received a warning from Finance, the Treasurer
or the City Manager, she would have acted; and that now that the Council

is aware, the job now is to the problem; noting those who have created
this problem are no longer here, and that she and councilmembers
Alexander. Thomas, Berry and Mayor Ford have asked about the
and made decisions based on the information that was
provided to the Council.

Councilmember Alexander agreed, noting the information the Council
received was erroneous information, and that during the Special Called
Meeting for the Amphitheater when questions were asked,
they were told to stop micromanaging the Amphitheater; stated questions
have been raised over the years. noting things did not add up, and that
now that the city has brought in a new Treasurer, who has done an

amazing job with providing accurate information; noted 2023 shows $10
million dollars was spent, however, no on sounded the alarm; noted there
are policies in place to protect the city, and Mr. Milazi will contintte to

review and scrutinize every document to help us determine why was the
information that was provided to the Council inaccurate; and noted the city
should be about solutions.

Councilmember Alexander noted the Council has no knowledge of
documents being redacted and is not sure why complete information is not
being provided to the public when requested.

Councilmember Barber noted the statements from the April Special Called
meeting only contained segments of what she stated during the meeting,
and that what was not mentioned was her statement noting the city needs
to seek sponsorships to help fund the Amphitheater. and that since

January 2320 she has been asking for information, contracts and
to be sent to the full Council; and that councilmembers told staff
not to send information to her but instead to send information
to the Mayor who would distribute the information; noring it does not work
like that; and stated that a consensus of (3) members of the Council have
received information, and that in November 2024, she had to hire her own
attorney to submit a demand letter for information, where some of
that information was just received today; and noted that she has become a
target because she asked questions, and stated the questions and
corcerns now being raised by members of the Council should have been

made when staff was not submitting monthly an quarterly reports; and
should have asked why it took ten months to get the audit results.

BlPage
Mayor Pro Tern Santt stated the city lost sponsorsrvip opportunities, and
that candidates for City Manager have walked away as a resu!t of viewing
the city's Council meetings; and that no one has said there needs to be a
consensus for information to be released and encouraged everyone to

view the Minutes, noting everyone has their own style of doing things, and
that you have to be loud or show your hand.

Motion to approve the FY2024 Budget Amendment in the amount of
$32,536,517.98 was made by Councilmember Berry; seconded by Mayor
Pro Terr Santt. "he motion passed 3-1 (Alexander, Berry and Gantt
Approved). (Barber Opposed citing principle).

Ms. Holiday responded to Councilmember questions and
remarks regarding Open Records Request redactions, and noted Ms.
Lester, who is currently the ORR Besignee, is doing an amazing job with
the amount of that have been submitted over the last
few years; and noted the standard redactions of
information such as date of birth, social numbers, banking information, etc.
are mutine redactiors, however= anything other than standard redactions
come to the Clerk's as a directive from Legal.

Councilmember Alexander noted the and stated there may be
a need for further personnel discussions in Executive Session.

Council Consideration to adopt the Federal Financiai Procedures
and Programmatic Progress Reports Procedures.
Presented by l=rank Milazi, City Treasurer
Mr. noted the request comes as a result of audit and non-
budgeted spending, with processes, pncedures and reporting that will be
required, with the City Treasurer having the signature and authority.

Motion to approve adoption of the Federal Council Consideration to adopt
the Federal Financial Reports Procedures and Programmatic Progress
Reports Procedures as presented was made by Councilmember
Alexander; seoonded by Mayor Pro Tem Gar-lit. The motion passed
unanimously

DISCUSSION
6. Downtown Alleyway Sanitation and Trash Collection
Presented by Kenya Cook, DEA Chair and Warren Washington, DDF, Vice
Chair
Mr. Washirgton made a reouest for grease collection bin and to have the
city canstruot a trash oompactor in the al.eyway in the rear of the
businesses along M _ (ing Sr. .ieritage Trail, at the expense as a
prefect, noting the request precedes him joining the DDA.

Alexander stated the request is in line with the RSVP Plan
that was presented by Ms. Moore, and that the attorneys would need to
draft a MOU (Me noraridum of with tne DEA for Council
approval.
9|Page
Ccuncii member Barber noted the request is being made for c'ivate
business cwrers who need to make investments 51 oroperties,
there ieeds to be i'nrovemerzts the city. a a

downtown, however, tne ccncem is these are private investme
we'e purchased at a low Ccflar amo_. t and the invest
able to make improvements '5 thei' private pmperties.

Mayo- P'o Tet: noted there cannot be an approval without knowing
the of tre orc;osea projects am asked =f "he city is being asxed to
Day to: the Emorovements anc cannot move fowvard with the costs.

Counciimember Alexander stated the project is in line with the RSVP
Plan.

Mr. Cock noted :ther proposals wi'l be presented to the city down the
and. asked Sou member Barber what needs to be presents: to move
mess reouests

Cour": resconse was that tne request presented was
*3 : ferent' if what i155 23A presented eariler this at he Council

awn Develop rent Authority to as drafted by the attorr-eys
and bring -ack to the Council requesting approval.

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 at 770-389-7900 or visit the website www.5tockbridgega.org for

updates.

a Planning Commission Meeting, Thursday, June at 6:30 pm. City Hall -

Council Chamber (Jun 26)-

- Citizens Police Advisory Council, Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. (Jul 3
CANCELED)
- Community Zoning Information Meeting Wednesday. Jul at 6:00 pm. at City
Hall in the Council Chamber (July 9)
Citywide Development Authority Meeting 2nd Tuesday of each Month at 6:00 pm.
at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room (Jun 10 CANCELED)
. Main Street Advisory Board Meeting 2nd Friday of each month at the Downtown

Connection Ctr 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (Jul 11)
City Council Meeting 2"" Monday of each month at 6:00 pm. at City Hall in the
Council Chamber (Jul 14)
. Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:00
pm. at the Downtown Connection Ctr 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (Jul 15)
. Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 3'd Tuesday of each month at 6:00
pm. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room (Jul 15)

iDlPage
Planning Commission Meeting, Thursday, July 17th at 6:30 pm. City Hall

Council Chamber (Jul 17)
Ethics Committee Meeting, Wednesday, July 23" at 6:30 pm. City Hall Council
Chamber -

(Jul 23)
City Council Work Session Meeting, Last Tuesday of each month, July at
6:00 pm. City Hall Council Chamber (Jul 29)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES
Food Truck Tasty Tuesdays are happening at Clark Park from 5:30 pm 8pm.
Join us for great food and lots of fun!
Join Councilman Alexander for the District 5 Town Hall meeting on Thursday,
June 26'" from 7pm at Winslow Clubhouse 900 Maple Leaf Dr. McDonough
Join Councilman Alexander for the District 5 Community Cleanup on Saturday,
June 23th from 9am 11am on Hudson Bridge Rd. (Parking is available at
Walmart).
The Stockbridge Main Street and the City of Stockbridge Government proudly
present this fun community event! Get to Stockbridge! Let's walk
together on June 28, 2025, at 9 am. Complete the full roundtrip or go at your own
pace Community members are highly encouraged to shop for fresh produce at
the Downtown Farm-to-Table Market as well from 9am 1pm. Location: 130 M L
King Sr. Heritage Trail.
Join Mayor Anthony Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor Monday, June 30"1

from 10am noon at City Hall. Meetings are by appointment.

The Stockbridge Police Department will host its 3" Annual State of Public Safety
Address, Tuesday, July at 6pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center.
Join the City of Stockbridge for the FREE July 4th Celebration at the
Amphitheater. Gates open at 5pm Concert start at 7pm. Featuring Jagged

Edge.
Stockbridge Main Street presents Family Movie Night featuring Inside Out 2-
Friday, July at 7:30 pm. at Clark Community Park. This event is FREE.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. 12 and under must be accompanied by an
adult.
Join Councilman Thomas & Councilman Berry in partnership for the monthly
Bingo Bash on Wednesday, July16th from 10am noon at the Merie Manders
Conference Center. Lots of fun to be had by all.
Join Mayor Anthony Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor Monday, July

28'h from 10am noon at City Hall. Meetings are by appointment.

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.
Join Councilman Thomas for the Don't Trash Stockbridge initiative centered
around education, highlighting the causes and effects of Littering and Illegal
Dumping. More information to follow.
Sign Up for 'eal-time alerts about severe weather, road closures and
emergencies on the Regroup App. Visit the website or social media pages
for more information on how and where to sign up. Stay Safe!
The Economic Development Department host a FREE Business Health Clinic on
the Thursday of every month from 9am 12pm at the Stockbridge
Connection Center 130 M L King Sr. Heritage Trail. Check the Health of Your
Business with the FREE Clinic.
11 I P a g e
. Join Main Street for the Tiny Tent Concert Series Fridays from 6pm to 8pm at the
Stockbridge Connection Center, 130 M L King Sr. Heritage Trail. Bring your lawn
chairs. (Weather Permitting)
Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an appointment for Meet the Mayor and for
more information on Council Initiatives at or via

email: :
--:s a";

2025 CONCERT SEASON SCHEDULE
. Saturday. June 28'h Ledisi & Kindred The Family Soul
Saturday, July 12"1 The All-White party Tribute to Frankie Beverly featuring The
Maze Band. Jubu Smith, Eric Benet, Dave Hollister. Christopher Williams, Mike
Phillips & Vivian Green
Saturday, July Girls Night" Xscape with special guest Mya.
Saturday, August 16 & Sunday, August 17"1 Stockbridge Jazz Festival hosted
by Tommy Davidson, featuring David Benoit. Jazz Funk Soul, EFX Allstars,
Chandra Currelley, Sonny Emory, Norman Brown, Jennifer Holliday, Karen
Briggs, Eric Darius, and Keiko Matsui
Saturday, August 29th Parti-Gras Tour featuring Bret Michaels and Special
Guests Lupe Fiasco and Chapel Hart
. Saturday, September For Lovers & Friends featuring Tank with special
guest Lyfe Jennings, and Ginuwine
Friday, September 6'" & Saturday, September Southern Soul Weekend
featuring King George, Tucka, West Love, Pokey Bear, TK Soul Tywaun Moore,
and Tonio Armani
. Saturday. September 20". Do the Reggae Tour 2025 featuring Ziggy Marley
and Burning Spear

MAYOR'S COMMENTS
e ceie ; 7:33 the rezertiy
Arr-ea! :e Savannah twee

ate 35 on, are he became an
heat, arr: asked eve'yone to stay

12|Page
