---
date: 2020-05-11
title: May 11, 2020 City Council Meeting Agenda Packet
source: 2020-05/2020-05-11_May 11, 2020 City Council Meeting_Agenda Packet.pdf
pages: 1
---

STOCKBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL Council Meeting
Mayor
Agenda
Anthony Ford
May 11, 2020 6:00 PM
Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
Councilman Elton Alexander
Councilwoman Yolanda Barber
Councilman John Blount

CITY MANAGER
Randy Knighton

CITY CLERK
Stockbridge City Hall
Vanessa Holiday
4640 N. Henry Blvd.
DEPUTY CLERK Stockbridge, GA 30281
Randi Rainey
Website: www.cityofstockbridge.com

CITY ATTORNEY Phone: 770­389­7900

Michael Williams Fax: 770­389­7912
AGENDA
COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
MONDAY, MAY 11, 2020 6:00 PM

Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas Camilla Moore, Asst. City
Mgr./Community Dev. Director
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilman Elton Alexander Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilwoman Yolanda Barber Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilman John Blount

CALL TO ORDER

INVOCATION

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
1 Draft Minutes of 3/9/2020
2 Draft Minutes of 4/23/2020
3 Council to approve the 2020­2021 renewal of the City's Liability Insurance
Policy

PUBLIC COMMENTS

CEREMONIAL­ Proclamation presented to Henry County Schools in recognition
of the Class of 2020
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NEW BUSINESS
4 Council to approve Water, Sewer, Sanitation and Stormwater Fee Schedule
effective June 1, 2020 ­ Presented by: Decius Aaron
5 Council Consideration to approve Information Technology Infrastructure in the
amount of $142,399.60 (+/­ up to 6%) ­ Presented by: Ashley Smith­ InterDev
Chief Government Information Officer

DISCUSSION
6 Council Discussion of the remaining 2020 Events Calendar ­ Presented by:
Randy Knighton
7 Update on Towing/Parking Services ­ Presented by: Camilla Moore

MAYOR'S COMMENTS (Mayor Anthony Ford)

EXECUTIVE SESSION (Exemptions to the Georgia Open Meetings Acts)

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

ADJOURNMENT

May 11, 2020 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389­7900
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SUMMARY MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas Camilla Moore Asst. City Mgr./
Councilman Elton Alexander Community Dev. Director
Councilwoman Yolanda Barber Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilman John Blount Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Michael Williams, City Attorney
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.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford.

Invocation by Mr. Arthur Christian.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

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

Councilman Blount motioned to amend the Agenda to add a Resolution to Oppose
HB937; second by Mayor Pro Tem Thomas. The motion passed 4-0.

Councilman Blount motioned to adopt the Minutes for the following meeting: second by
Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-0.
1. 1/28/2020

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

Ms. Mildred E. Reed raised concerns of a newly publicized Town Hall and the proposed closing
of the Nolan Street railroad crossing by Norfolk Southern; noted the tremendous negative
impact this would be on the community, and asked what would be the benefit? Ms. Reed also
referenced the RSVP Plan that was approved by the Council 2 years ago with no action to date.
March 9, 2020 6:00 P.M. 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770) 389-7900
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Mr. Bennett Bryan introduced himself and thanked the governing body and for the work of
elected officials, and noted he was a candidate for a position on the Georgia Supreme Court.

Mayor Ford reviewed following ceremonial items:

Mayor Ford read the Women’s History Month Proclamation and Women City Staff in
attendance received replicas of the proclamation.
Swearing In – Planning Commission Member – David Planchon
Swearing In – Downtown Development Authority Members – Arthur Christian
Swearing In – Youth Council Advisory Committee Members – Bonita Adams, Jonathan
Lee-Coley, Rosalynd Rawls, Joc’Quelyn Carter, Ericka Harvey and Canton Jones
Councilman Alexander thanked the Annual Women’s History Month Steering Committee
for the hard work and dedication – and Mayor Ford presented the Annual Women’s
History Month Proclamation to Dr. Amanda Phillips of Eagle’s Landing OB GYN for her
generosity of paying off the past due lunch balances of 12 of 13 schools in Henry County.

OLD BUSINESS
2. Council Consideration to approve Change Order #1 for the Public
Works Facility for additional excavation and subgrade stabilization
in the amount of $155,343.90 Funding Source SPLOST
Presented Decius Aaron – Public Works Director
Decius Aaron – Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted the Change Order is due to unsuitable soil found
at the site of the new Public Works facility.

Councilman Blount noted he spoke with Mr. Aaron and the
engineers working on the project and there were two different
locations tested for soil, and asked Mr. Aaron would this be the
only. Mr. Aaron responded this would be as it relates to soil.

Councilman Alexander inquired if this would become an ongoing
issue due to the flood plan area. Mr. Aaron noted he was assured
this would resolve the issue.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve the Change Order #1 for
the Public Works Facility for additional excavation and subgrade
stabilization in the amount of $155,343.90 using Funding Source
SPLOST; second by Mayor Pro Tem Thomas. The motion
passed 4-0.

Councilwoman Gantt joined the meeting at 6:25 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS
March 9, 2020 6:00 P.M. 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770) 389-7900
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3. Council Consideration to approve the Annual Back-to-School
Initiative to a City Event in the amount of $10,000.00
Funding Source: Contingency.
Presented by Randy Knighton – City Manager
Mr. Knighton stated this proposal is to change the Annual Back-
to-School event from a Council Initiative to a City Event and
requested funds not to exceed $10,000.

Councilman Blount expressed the successes of this Annual Event
noting the vision and wants to make it feasible for the City to
provide much needed services, supplies and resources to and for
the families with school-aged children in Stockbridge; noted this
event removes the burden from those who cannot afford to
purchase much needed supplies for students and teachers.

Councilman Alexander inquired if the City’s Events Department
staff will continue to seek sponsorship and spend the funds
accordingly.

Ms. McGhee, Conference City Manager responded yes.

Councilwoman Barber expressed concern over the proposed
amount of $10,000 with the City seeking sponsorships, and noted
she requested to review the records and budgets for this event for
the last three years.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas noted he had been prepared to approve
the event for a lower amount considering the City would be
seeking sponsors, however, with it being explained by
Councilman Blount, he supports the event and the amount does
not exceed $10,000.

Ms. Moore noted when things are moved from a Council Initiative
to City Event, the marketing expansion goes further with
advertisements to reach a bigger audience and there would be
more costs associated.

Councilman Alexander commended Councilman Blount with
doing an outstanding job with this annual event.

Councilwoman Barber reiterated her concern of $10,000 being
allotted for the event based on prior years budgets and made a
motion to approve in the amount of $5,000; the motion failed for
lack of a 2nd.
Councilman Blount motioned to approve the Annual Back-to-
March 9, 2020 6:00 P.M. 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770) 389-7900
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School event being moved from a Council Initiative to a City Event
with a budget not to exceed $10,000 using Funding Source:
Contingency; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion
passed 5-0.

4. Council Consideration to approve a Resolution opposing
HB937(formerly HB302).
Presented by Michael Williams – City Attorney
Mayor Ford noted this was originally HB302 which would allow
legislation to have control over all the design guideline for all the
Cities.

Attorney Williams noted this House Bill was the same Resolution
approved last year the only difference was the new House Bill
number.

Councilman Alexander encourages citizens to contact their local
legislation to let them know this is a bad bill and they should
believe in Home Rule with local jurisdictions having control of their
communities.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas motioned to approve the Resolution
opposing HB937(formerly HB302); second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford referenced March as Women’s History Month and noted women are
influential in the community every day, every month and thanked all the women for
all they do; noted his recent trip to Macon, GA where the Dutchtown Bulldogs Boys
Basketball Team captured the school’s first State 5AAAAA Championship and
offered congratulations, noting he was especially proud as his daughter is an
alumni; asked everyone to keep the faith as the City continues to move things
forward, referenced the Coronavirus outbreak and asked everyone to be safe,
wash your hands, stay home if you are sick and use hand sanitizer; and
referenced a community meeting taking place at Sylvain’s on Hwy. 42 on March
11, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

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

• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the
Levi Meeting Room.

March 9, 2020 6:00 P.M. 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770) 389-7900
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• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. -
Patrick Henry Meeting Room

• Town Hall – Topic: Norfolk Southern Railroad – Nolan Street Closing Tuesday, March 17,
2020 at 6:30 p.m.

• Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. – Levi Meeting Room

• Planning Commission Meeting Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in the
Council Chamber

• Work Session Meeting Tuesday March 31, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council
Chamber

UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Bingo Bash March 25, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the Merle Manders Center
spearheaded by Councilman Blount. Visit the City’s website or Facebook page for dates
and information.

ONGOING INITIATIVES
Meet & Greet the Mayor Mondays with Mayor Anthony S. Ford from 10:00 a.m. - noon every fourth
Monday of the month (appointment required). Please contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348
for more information and scheduling.

• Don’t Trash Stockbridge No Litter Campaign – Ongoing – spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem
Thomas. Contact: LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Monthly Bingo Bash from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the Merle Manders Center spearheaded by
Councilman Blount. Visit the City’s website or Facebook page for dates and information.

• Quarterly Town Hall – Ongoing – spearheaded by Councilman Alexander. Visit the City’s
website or Facebook page for dates and information.

• Keep Stockbridge Beautiful – Ongoing – spearheaded by Councilman Alexander. Contact
LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Quarterly Homeowners and Neighborhood Association RoundTable – spearheaded by
Councilman Blount. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Litigation
and Real Estate; Second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilwoman Gantt exited the meeting during Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.

March 9, 2020 6:00 P.M. 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770) 389-7900
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Councilman Blount motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by Mayor Pro Tem
Thomas. The motion passed 4-0.

Councilman Blount motioned to reconvene and adjourn; second by Mayor Pro Tem
Thomas. The motion passed 4-0.

EARLY VOTING AT THE MERLE MANDERS CONFERENCE CENTER
2-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 8am – 5pm
3-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 8am – 5pm
4-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 8am – 5pm
5-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 8am – 5pm
6-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 8am – 5pm
9-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 8am – 5pm
10-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 8am – 5pm
11-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 8am – 5pm
12-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 8am – 5pm
13-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 8am – 5pm
14-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL - SATURDAY 9AM - 4PM
15-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL - SUNDAY 1PM - 5PM
16-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 7am – 7pm
17-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 7am – 7pm
18-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 7am – 7pm
19-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 7am – 7pm
20-Mar EARLY VOTING- MMCC - LOWER LEVEL 7am – 7pm
24-Mar ELECTION DAY 7AM - 7PM - MMCC - POLLING PRECINCT FOR STOCKBRIDGE CENTRAL

Respectfully submitted by:

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

March 9, 2020 6:00 P.M. 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770) 389-7900
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SUMMARY MINUTES
SPECIAL CALLED
COUNCIL MEETING (Via Zoom)
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 2:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Councilman Elton Alexander Camilla Moore Asst. City Mgr./
Councilwoman Yolanda Barber Community Dev. Director
Councilman John Blount Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilman Alphonso Thomas Michael Williams, City Attorney
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.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford.

Invocation by Councilman John Blount

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All members
were present.

Councilman Blount motioned to adopt the Agenda; second by Mayor Pro Tem Thomas.
The motion passed 5-0.

New Business
1. Council Consideration: COVID-19 Pandemic Response –
Opposing Re-opening of Non-Essential Businesses.
Mayor Ford read City of Stockbridge Resolution no. R20-1163 in its
entirety

Opposing Premature Re-Opening of the State in Light of the Worldwide Covid-19 Pandemic

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
a world health emergency and a pandemic;

April 23,2020 2:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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WHEREAS, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the President of the United States declared a
National Public Health Emergency on Friday March 13, 2020;

WHEREAS, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor of the State of Georgia declared a
State Emergency in Georgia on March 14, 2020;

WHEREAS, on March 21, 2020, Mayor Anthony S. Ford declared a State of Emergency for the City of
Stockbridge;

WHEREAS, on March 24, the Mayor and Council adopted Resolution Number 20-1159 which resolution
mandated the closure of certain businesses and called on all residents of the City of Stockbridge to practice social
distancing and consider sheltering in their homes;

WHEREAS, on April 2, 2020, the Governor of the State of Georgia issued an executive order imposing a
statewide shelter in place mandate;

WHEREAS, the Governor’s April 2, 2020 executive order also suspended all emergency orders and
resolutions of the City of Stockbridge;

WHEREAS, on April 16, 2020, the President of the United States issued a three-phase set of guidelines
prepared by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) entitled
“Opening Up America Again,” which established certain guidelines for the states to follow prior to reopening for
business;

WHEREAS, the CDC and FEMA have warned that even a cautious and phased approach to reopening the
economy “will entail a significant risk of resurgence of the virus;”

WHEREAS, on April 20, 2020, the Governor issued an additional executive order which order allows all
businesses to be open;

WHEREAS, the Governor’s April 20, 2020 executive order did not even heed the guidelines established by
the CDC and FEMA;

WHEREAS, on April 22, 2020, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases said in response to the Governor’s decision, “that could be setting us back. It certainly isn’t going
to be helpful;”

WHEREAS, on April 22, 2020, even the President of the United States said he “totally disagrees” with the
Governor’s decision;

WHEREAS, COVID-19 infections continue to increase in the State of Georgia;

WHEREAS, COVID-19 imposes a significantly higher threat of mortality to certain minority populations
including the African-American community which makes up a significant portion of the population of the City of
Stockbridge;

WHEREAS, in the opinion of the Mayor and Council of the City of Stockbridge, the Governor’s order is
premature and unfounded based on the medical and scientific advice available;

WHEREAS, in the opinion of the Mayor and Council, the Governor’s April 20, 2020 executive order should
be rescinded;

WHEREAS, in the opinion of the Mayor and Council, until adequate testing, contract tracing and other
measures are in place as advised by the CDC and the Georgia Department of Public Health, residents of the City of
Stockbridge should continue to shelter in place and follow social distancing guidelines and that only essential business
functions should be maintained; and

WHEREAS, after due consideration, the City of Stockbridge does hereby find and declare that a State of
Emergency due to COVID-19 continues to exist, in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the City and its
April 23,2020 2:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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citizens, and in order to manage the pending emergency created by the COVID-19 the measures described below must
be implemented:

THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE HEREBY RESOLVES:

SECTION 1. Opposition to the Executive Order. The City of Stockbridge voices its opposition to the
Governor’s April 20, 2020 Executive Order and encourages residents of the City of Stockbridge and the State of
Georgia and non-essential businesses to continue to shelter in place and follow the CDC’s and the Georgia Department
of Public Health’s recommended social distancing guidelines and safety protocols (including the wearing of masks
when outside of the home).

SECTION 2. Public Record. This document shall be maintained as a public record by the City Clerk and shall
be accessible to the public during all normal business hours of the City of Stockbridge. A copy of this Resolution shall
be delivered to members of the Stockbridge legislative delegation, and made available for distribution to the public
and the press.

SECTION 3. Authorization of Execution. The Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem is hereby authorized to sign all
documents necessary to effectuate this Resolution.

SECTION 4. Attestation. The City Clerk is authorized to execute, attest to, and seal any documents which
may be necessary to effectuate this Resolution, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.

SECTION 5. Effective Date. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption by the Mayor
and City Council of the City of Stockbridge as provided in the City Charter.

SO RESOLVED this 23rd day of April, 2020.

Mayor Ford advised the public to be safe, wear masks and practice social
distancing.

Motion to approve the Resolution as read made by Councilman Alexander; second
by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 5-0.

Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Blount; second by Councilwoman Gantt;
the motion passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

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

April 23,2020 2:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
7. Update on Towing &
Parking Services
Presented by Camilla Moore –
Asst. City Manager/Community
Development Director
