---
date: 2013-03-05
title: March 5, 2013 Minutes
source: 2013-03/2013-03-05_March 5, 2013_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

WORK SESSION MINUTES
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013 - 6:00 PM

City Council
Mark Alarcon, Mayor
Richard Steinberg, Mayor Pro Tem
Robin Buschman, Councilwoman
Harold Cochran, Councilman
Shirley Dabney, Councilman
Alphonso Thomas, Councilman

Rhonda A. Blackmon, City Clerk

Call to Order; Mayor called the meeting to order.

invocation by Kathryn Gilbert.

Pledge of Allegiance

Adopt Agenda; Richard Steinberg asked to remove item # 2 from the agenda; a second was made by
Harold Cochran; the motion passed 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

Item #1 - Presented by Mark Alarcon, Mayor
Proclamation —
2013 Industry Appreciation Week; Mayor discussed that proclamations should be of the
entire Council to approve. He explained the proclamation request. He then discussed the small businesses
preferred vendor list for the City to help assist our local businesses. Mayor stated he wanted to put this on
consent agenda but he wanted discussion first. Robin Buschman talked about local businesses as she has
a local business and she stated that local business people come in to her restaurant and ask about the City

doing something like this to help out the businesses. Alphonso Thomas stated that he agreed that
proclamations should come from the body. All agreed to put on the consent agenda.

Item # 2 - Presented by Mark Alarcon, Mayor
Resolution —

Appointment of City's Pension Committee Members; item removed.

Item # 3 - Presented by David Milliron, City Administrator
Permit —
Six-month extension to the Conditional Use Permit for Islamic Society of South Atlanta; Mr. Milliron
explained that this is an extension of a conditional use permit that was previously issued and he talked
about that he and a few council members and the Mayor had been out to visit this organization to keep
updated with their actions. He mentioned that part of the conditional use is that the organization look at
permanent properties to occupy. Mr. Milliron said that he has seen that they are actively doing such.
Richard Steinberg stated he had worked with Mr. Kahn recently and he agreed that they are actively
working on ﬁnding a permanent location. He recommended we put on consent agenda. Robin Buschman
agreed and said that she had seen also where they were looking at different properties. Mr. Milliron stated
that this does not require an act of consent agenda and may even require a public comment on the item.
Alphonso Thomas said he was in agreement as well and that he had been out to see the mosque and he
has seen their plans as well. Shirley Dabney asked if this was their first extension. Richard Steinberg said
this was the second one but there was some confusion surrounding the first extension and the organization
understanding the process. Robin Buschman stated that they could not even worship as the issue was
problematic but Council and Mr. Milliron worked with them to get everything straightened out.

March 5, 2013; 6:00pm
Item # 4 -
Presented by David Milliron, City Administrator
Ordinance Criminal Trespass to be added to the Code of Ordinances; Mr. Milliron said that this ordinance

came up through the Municipal Court but it was vetoed by former Mayor Stuart. The court has brought this
forward again along with support from Ms. Buschman and Mr. Steinberg. Mr. Milliron stated that this would
allow the City to handle this item locally rather than taking these cases to the county. He also explained that
with the new solicitor, he brings creative approaches to working with juveniles and the law. This is a
proactive measure to getjuveniles out of the system as quickly as possible in regards to criminal trespass.
Richard Steinberg stated that this was notjust focused on youth. Mr. Milliron stated that was correct.
However, the data shows that the bulk of criminal trespass is youth related but it is not only forjuveniles.
Robin Buschman said thatjuveniles usually get tried in juvenile court and not in this court so you would
have that threshold that if they have to be seen in this court, would they not be an adult. Mr. Milliron talked
about the criteria as to how thejuveniles would be adjudicated in relation to age and the offense. Alphonso
Thomas has had some issues with this piece of legislation and he has some concerns. He stated that we
needed to be careful with this. He said he was still reading this and would hopefully be ready by the Council
meeting to discuss further. Robin Buschman talked about that if someone commits this act regardless of
their age, this only allows this to be heard in our court. Mayor Alarcon talked about the reasons for having a
library and a court and tag office and such is to benefit the community. .Alphonso Thomas said that it was
not where the case was heard but rather some of the language and how it reads, Mr. Linkous said this was
drafted almost mirrored by the Georgia code. Shirley Dabney said that she knew that some of the funds go
to the state so she asked would some of these funds come to the City. Mr. Milliron said that these funds
would be for the City. No action taken at this time.

Item # 5 -
Presented by David Milliron, City Administrator
Resolution —
Vacant or Foreclosed Property Registry to be added to the Code of Ordinances; Mr. Milliron
said that item # 5 and item # 6 go together. He then explained what this ordinance would do as to tracking
the vacant and foreclosed properties. He went into item # 6 (the resolution) and how the $100.00 fee had
come forward. Richard Steinberg stated that they had learned about this in a meeting with other cities. He
asked what other cities are implementing this. Mr. Milliron said that there are a very large number of cities
that have been using a registry. Mr. Linkous wanted to add that DeKalb was the first to actually start one of
these. In response to that, the State came up with a code section that prescribed what would be placed in
an ordinance. Alphonso Thomas asked David if he could elaborate on the inspection process and was it a
visual on the outside. Mr. Milliron said that it was outside visual unless they had access to the property.
Also, Thomas asked about the time period on rentals between tenants and what the time frame is for that.
Mr. Milliron read parts of the resolution and indicated the time frame of 60 days vacant and 60 days with no
utility usage. Alphonso Thomas also asked about a form that a property would need to complete; what is
the connection. Mr. Milliron stated that this form would be on the City website and on the Department of
Community Affairs website. No action taken at this time.

Item # 6 -
Presented by David Milliron, City Administrator
Resolution —

Setting the fee, pursuant to City Code Section 9.80.070, for entry on the City's vacant and
foreclosed real property registry at $100.00. See item # 5.

Item # 7 -
Presented by David Milliron, City Administrator
Resolution Requesting the Henry County Legislative Delegation to introduce legislation in the General

Assembly to create voting districts for the election of Stockbridge City Council members; Mr. Milliron went
over the resolution and noted that If the resolution is passed, a copy then goes to Henry County

legislative delegation and then goes to the redistricting office and then General Assembly. Richard
Steinberg has been in contact with Senator Jones and at his request, we are moving this forward to at
least be discussed at the General Assembly. Alphonso Thomas said he thinks everyone is all in favor of
district voting. His concern is about transparency and citizen involvement on this and that this should
have been the first step. Mr. Mayor stated that he and Mr. Steinberg have met with Stockbridge United
Group twice. He stated that due to the past involvement, he ran with this. Mayor also stated that there
were two town hall meetings and both had a good turnout and at both, the input was to have districting.

He also explained that if the resolution is passed, there is no input from the Council or the citizens or
anyone else other than the State and they decide the district lines, the number of council members, etc.
Mr. Thomas stated again that he was in favor of district voting and he knew the citizens were in favor of
district voting. He only wanted to make the statement that he believes there should be more citizen input
on items. Robin Buschman stated that her only turmoil is that she is not sure how they will do this or if

one council member will be running against another for the same district. All agreed to put on consent

March 5, 2013; 6:00pm
agenda.

Item # 8 -
Presented by David Milliron, City Administrator
Ordinance —

Relating to the City Administrator so as to change the name of the position, clarify the
selection process, and clarify permissible interactions between elected officials and city staff; Mr. Milliron
said that # 8 and # 9 are in tandem together and are housekeeping items. In 2011 the City created a City
Administrator ordinance which is in direct conflict with the Code of Ordinances. David also referred to some
verbiage changes that he will defer to the City Attorney to go over. Bill Linkous went over the verbiage
changes; city administrator to city manager; how the city manager is selected; interim and a vacancy. In
subsection D, clarification on when staff can be approached and the content of interaction by elected
officials; and some other small items such as typos, etc. Mr. Mayor reiterated that the elected officials
cannot interfere, change or redirect staff at all. They can speak to the staff in conversation otherwise.

Item # 9 - Presented by David Milliron, City Administrator
Ordinance —

Re-adoption of Procurement Ordinance so as to change City Administrator to City Manager
throughout for consistency of the Code of Ordinances. See item # 8.

HENRY COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING

No items

COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEMS

Item # 10 -
Order of business/procedures for agendas as requested by City Clerk; the Clerk went over some
suggestions as to when to have items turned in for the agendas and when notebooks would be ready. The
City never adopted a procedure for this process. Mr. Thomas suggested the books to be completed on
Wednesday knowing that information is given to the Clerk prior to that. The Mayor stated that Council has a
key to the City to pick up books. Mr. Steinberg said that there is a security code. Mayor stated that Fridays
are fine for the books but it is getting the information to Mr. Milliron or to the Clerk to put on the agenda. Mr.

Thomas suggested move everything back a day. The Clerk said notebooks on Thursday is fine. Shirley
Dabney asked what time frame the Clerk suggested. Mrs. Blackmon said no later than the Wednesday
before the meeting unless we change the notebook date and then no later than the Tuesday before a
meeting. Robin Buschman asked what percentage of items are usually late. Mayor reiterated that Council
has never taken an ofﬁcial stance. The Clerk stated that items come as late as the day the notebooks are
due. Mr. Thomas suggested cutoff is Tuesday and notebooks are Thursday. Mr. Steinberg said that then
Friday can be a fall back day in case it is needed. Mayor said that this may be too early as then there are
some items that may not make the agenda. Mr. Steinberg thought Tuesday would be best. Mr. Milliron
ii
recommended cut off at 1 pm on Wednesday and have books ready for close of business on Thursdays. ,r

The Clerk absence is not an issue as the books are on the web for access and the Deputy Clerk will be on i
board as well. We are close to rolling out new software for the agendas and meetings and everyone will be i
it

getting new lPads. Mr. Milliron also stated that he and the Mayor are trying to hold the agendas to no more
than ten (10) items and the meetings at two (2) hours. Mayor asked if the hard copies and the web copy
would be done by Thursday. The Clerk agreed that the cut off for items will be Wednesday at 1 pm and the
notebooks will be ready by close of day on Thursdays with Friday as a backup day in case of any problems.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS Mayorread through the announcements.

All Meetings Will Be Held At City Hall Unless Otherwise Noted

1. Urban Redevelopment Agency Meeting: March 7, 2013 at 5:00 pm
2. Monthly City Council Meeting: March 11, 2013 at 6:00 pm
3. Town Hall Meeting With Mayor Alarcon and Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes on the
Future of Stockbridge: March 23, 2013 at 9:00 am at the Stockbridge Multiplex on Burke Street
4. City Hall will be closed for Good Friday: March 29, 2013
5. Citizens Gun Safety Workshop: March 14"‘ at 6:00 pm the Merle Manders Conference Center

(Pre—registration required by calling 770-288-8335)

March 5, 2013; 6:00pm
Mayor recognized Commissioner Reid Bowman in attendance.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Citizens are permitted to address the City Council for up to three (3) minutes on any topic on today's
agenda. The Mayor will recognize individuals to speak. Please provide your name and address for the
record prior to speaking on your topic.

item # 3; Vanessa Holiday at 708 Seline Court made a comment that this item needed a public hearing and
not a public comment.

item # 4; Marilyn Flynn at 521 Country Club Drive stated that as we deal with the juveniles, ifa juvenile is
found guilty and they are fined and they work out their sentence, they can eventually have that expunged
unless they had to pay a fine and she wanted to know if that was correct. She then said to be cautious
when dealing with the juveniles about making it a permanent record.

Vanessa Holiday at 708 Seline Court said that the City currently pays the Flint Judicial Circuit on a monthly
basis for services.

Item # 5; Houston Nelson at 2504 Walter Way wanted to say that he appreciated this little piece of legislation
and he hopes that in addition to this that if there are multiple complaints that we address that with fines;
especially for the nuisance portion.

Samuel Valme at 110 Jasper Drive asked what happens if the $100.00 fee is not collected.

Kathryn Gilbert at 120 Willow Hill Lane stated on behalf of Windsong Plantation Property Owners

Association and they say thank you for this. They have had properties that were foreclosed on and vacant
and gutted for copper.

ltem # 6; Houston Nelson at 2504 Walter Way said that regarding the fees and regarding what Mr. Valme
said, he hopes that further down the road thatwe can adjust the fees for repeat offenders and what the City
will do with the homeowners that will not to comply.

Item # 7; All Osuch at 612 Redbud Lane stated that most of the people that voted for the current Council
did not have an opportunity to attend a town hall meeting concerning districting. She wants another town
hall meeting. She stated she had never heard of the Stockbridge United Group and that they were a special
interest group and was only a slice of the constituency.

Marilyn Flynn said she did not get notification about the meeting on Friday until an acquaintance sent it to
her. She did not know what was on the agenda and it leaves her very suspicious about the districting and
annexation items. She agrees with Mr. Thomas that they should have more openness and it leaves the
Council very suspect. She asked if she was supposed to go to the legislation to discuss these items.

Item # 8; Vanessa Holiday at 708 Seline Court said that Mr. Milliron stated that procurement ordinance was
the only item that had been presented to the Council with the City Administration name to it but in fact the
contract for the City Administrator also refers to the City Administrator. She wanted to know if that contract
would be reapproved as the procurement ordinance is being reapproved and the name is changing from
City Administrator to City Manager and will the contract be in its entirety this time. Mr. Mayor interrupted
and asked Ms. Holiday to stick to the subject as discussing the contracts is not part of the discussion. Ms.
Holiday restated her question.

Item # 10; Kathryn Gilbert at 120 Willow Hill Lane reiterated the change and she said that if they went to

Tuesday at noon, there were work session items that may get eliminated. She also stated that she was
March 5, 2013; 6:00pm
thrilled as she got her notification and then all the documents were on the website.

Commissioner Bowman asked for confirmation on the Town Hall Meeting time and place.

Ms. Flynn said it was interesting that the Commissioner’s question got answered but her questions did
not.

MOTION TO ADJOURN; motion was made by Shirley Dabney; a second was made by Harold Cochran;
motion passed 5-0.

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Respectfully submitted by:

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Rhonda A. Blackmon, City Clerk
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A. Alarcon,
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March 5, 2013; 6:00pm
