---
date: 2024-04-09
title: Citywide Development Authority Agenda Packet
source: 2024-04/2024-04-09_Citywide Development Authority_Agenda Packet.pdf
pages: 1
---

City of Stockbridge
Citywide Development Authority

STOCKBRIDGE Citywide Development
Development Authority Authority Meeting
Ariel Shaw, Chair Agenda
Samantha Samuels, Vice Chair
April 9, 2024 6:00 PM
Mark Glenn, Secretary

Gadson Woodall, Treasurer

Terri Gleaton, Board Member

Tem Morgan, Board Member

LaKeisha Gantt, Council Member

Kim Allonce

Economic Development Director

Vanessa Holiday Citywide Development Authority (DA) The work of development
Recorder authorities is crucial for the ability for local government to create
a legacy of sustained prosperity and requires strong leadership
STOCKBRIDGE CITY HALL from board members, staff, and elected officials. The Citywide
4640 NORTH HENRY BLVD. Development Authority is a (7) seven-member authority
STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281
consisting of (6) residents of the City and/or business owners and
Website: www.stockbridgega.org
operators preferably with subject-matter expertise such as
Phone: 770-389-7900
attorneys, realtors, developers, and zoning experts and (1)
Fax: 770-389-7912
member of the Governing Body. The directors shall be taxpayers
residing in the county or municipal corporation for which the
authority is created, and their successors shall be appointed as
provided by the resolution provided for in Code Section 36-62-4
AGENDA
CITYWIDE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024 6:00 PM

I. Welcome & Call to Order – Board Chair
II. Roll Call- Secretary
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Old Business
1. Approval of March 2024 Minutes
V. New Business
2. Bylaws Updates & Policies
3. Financial Updates
4. Treasurer’s Report
5. Economic Development Director's Update
VI. Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate Matters
VII. Adjourn
Citywide Development Authority
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Stockbridge City Hall (Levi Meeting Room) 6:00 P.M.

Ariel Shaw, Chair Mark Glenn, Secretary
Present Present
Samantha Samuels, Vice-Chair Gadson Woodall, Treasurer
Present Present
Deverick Tem Morgan – Board Member Terri Gleaton – Board Member
Absent Present
LaKeisha Gantt – Council Member Liaison LaTonya Wiley, Board Attorney
Absent Present

Also Present: Recorder and City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday
Economic Development Director, Kim Allonce

Presenters: Mr. Tommy Collins and Mr. Dexter Warrior of T. Dallas Smith Co.

The Meeting was called to order by Chair Shaw at 6:00 p.m.

Roll Call by Secretary Glenn; all members were present except Board Member
Morgan and Council Liaison Gantt.

Motion to amend and approve the Agenda to add a presentation from T. Dallas
Smith & Co. made by Board Member Gleaton; seconded by Board Member
Samuels. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Following review of the Minutes Board Member Woodall motioned to approve the
February 13. 2024 Minutes made by Board Member Glenn; seconded by Board
Member Gleaton. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

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T. Dallas Smith Presentation
Mr. Dexter Warrior gave an overview of the T. Dallas Smith Company where he
has been a partner for more than 14 years and a native of Atlanta; noted the
company is based in Atlanta, with offices in 35 states, and more than 150 years of
combined commercial real estate experience; and where the company advocates for
clients where they specialize in “OIL” Office, Industrial and Land, not Hotel or
Multi-Family; noting their goal is to be good stewards, good listeners, provide
excellence in customer service with the long view of having the best interest of the
client in mind; noted the company is civically active in the community . Mr.
Warrior noted the company’s first major client was GSA and noted other clients in
the southeast region include working with the City of South Fulton, the City of
Stonecrest, and the City of Clarkston.

Mr. Tommy Collins noted the company has worked in both the public and private
sector.

Board Member Gleaton asked what percentage of the Office, Industrial and Land
was land, and which area is more favored, noting it looks as though the company is
seen more as tenant representatives.

Mr. Warrior noted Microsoft has been their largest land assignment, and that they
would bring in a co-broker to list if necessary.

Mr. Collins noted each assignment would be handled on a case-by-case basis,
noting they have worked in collaboration with multiple entities.

Attorney Wiley asked about the company’s marketing analysis experience for
bringing in viable opportunities and if any research and analytics has already been
done.

Mr. Collins referenced the company’s databases to be used to determine which
industry best fits to paint a better picture.

2|Page
Mr. Warrior referenced TS Investments, an experienced developer who offers
transactional and consulting services and will determine how to proceed following
the onboarding meeting.

Board Member Samuels noted her concern with the T. Dallas Smith’s Mission
Statement, noting it is primarily geared solely toward African Americans.

Mr. Collins noted less that 2% of American Americans are in this industry, and
that the company is diverse with age, creed, and gender, noting that is who they
are.

Board Member Gleaton asked if there were any businesses in the City of
Stockbridge they have worked with, or if they employ anyone who lives in the City
of Stockbridge.

Mr. Collins noted their Office Manager lives in Stockbridge.

Chair Shaw noted the city’s Amphitheater was constructed by H J Russell and
noted a Market Analysis for the city has been completed, and asked if that is the
data that will be used or will there be a need for a new analysis.

Mr. Warrior noted his firm will certainly review the current Market Analysis
Study, which may require an update.

Chair Shaw noted the Board is fairly new, having been established in 2023.

Attorney Wiley asked what onboarding would look like, a recommended a Retreat.

Mr. Warrior concluded the presentation noting it would be important to understand
where the City wants to be in the next 5-10 years, and whether or not each is a
good fit; noting they specialize in acquisitions and looks forward to learning and
understanding more about Stockbridge.

3|Page
Chair Shaw called for a 5-minute recess.

Motion to Recess at 6:40 p.m. made by Board Member Gleaton; seconded by
Board Member Samuels. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Motion to Reconvene at 6:45 p.m. made by Board Member Glenn; seconded by
Board Member Woodall. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Visual Update of Board Direction for New and Returning Members
Chair Shaw referenced the presentation made at the Broker’s Open held at the
Eagles Landing Country Club in partnership with Board Member Terri Gleaton,
noting the Board is working in conjunction with the City, albeit a separate entity;
reviewed the Board’s Mission and Vision Statement and provided a background of
2024 Outlook & Priorities with the Board being more visible, engaging and
strategic with the top focus on Healthcare, utilizing the city’s incentives; asked that
everyone review the website www.selectstockbridge.org and provide input and
feedback; provided a high level overview noting the goal is to engage more with
the public, businesses and all stakeholders with a primary interest in healthcare;
noted the need to hire a Commercial Broker, referencing T. Dallas Smith is one
such broker, and opening up the opportunity for others to present, noting a
recommendation would need to be made to hire over the next month to increase
visibility and increase retail and restaurants in the city and hiring a broker could
help close deals and secure more real estate; noted the upcoming South Metro
Development Outlook event on March 20th; and the Board will have a table at the
Henry County State of the County taking place on April 10th at Grace Baptist
Church; noted plans are in the works for a second Brokers Open in August, noting
the success of the first one; noting the plans for a City Tour on April 12th; and
noted the upcoming training opportunities for Board members with the State
Economic Development Conference, Atlanta Regional Commission training
opportunities, Development Authority Training and State and Local Economic
Development Partners; and noted Developer applications will be made available
online with a vetting process in place; noted the Board has received the FY2024
funding from the City; and is awaiting the funds from the sale of the 145 property.

4|Page
CDA Team Development and Recommendations
Chair Shaw presented the Piper Sandler Overview with a recommendation to bring
on Mr. Ed Wall as the Board’s Financial Advisor; noted Mr. Wall currently works
as the Financial Advisor for the City and has provided the Board with assistance
and understands the certain deals require a financial level of expertise that
members of the Board cannot provide.

Attorney Wiley noted Mr. Wall understands the Bond Market, negotiates for the
best rates, and understands the financial landscape; noted Mr. Wall has an
expanded financial knowledge and has worked with the Hampton Development
Authority,

Chair Shaw noted the Board needs to do what is necessary to streamline the
process for the developer with the application process, noting Mr. Wall has already
provided a great deal of knowledge and assistance in this area.

Board Member Glenn asked what the budget would be for Mr. Wall’s services.

Chair Shaw noted Mr. Wall has been working with the Board knowing the Board is
newly established and not fully funded and will ask that Mr. Wall attend a meeting
of the Board prior to hiring his firm.

Attorney Wiley noted SB26 has been signed that allows for Development
Authorities to meet virtually, noting to date, Mr. Wall has not submitted an invoice
to the Board.

City Economic Development Director – Grant
Mr. Kim Allonce reviewed the city’s Economic Development BRICS Initiative,
the city’s Downtown Business Assistance Program that offers funding up to
$20,000 per application for new or relocating businesses in the downtown area
whereas $10,000 can be used for Capital Equipment, $15,000 can be used for
Interior Improvements, $5,000 can be used for Marketing, and $10,000 can be used
for Rent Abatement (for a new business) and $5,000 can be used for Impact Fees;

5|Page
all reimbursement based with no match; noted the Downtown Assistance Program
does not cover Offices, and instead focuses on Restaurants and Entertainment
businesses, and note there is a Maximum of (3) per year with one remaining; noted
ARPA funds were used for the program, and that the program will not allow retro
payments.

Mr. Allonce noted the Citywide Development Authority Board is talking to the
County regarding the use of CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds,
noting there are restrictions on the use, primarily used for low to moderate income
brackets and the City is currently using Revenue Loss Money, whereas these funds
were not used for services due to COVID.

Mr. Allonce referenced a proposed citywide Façade Grant Program noting the two
major issues will be 1) Funding the Match and 2) Updating the Guidelines and
Requirements.

Mr. Allonce noted roofs and building stabilization are currently not included in the
Downtown Façade Grant Program and focuses more on what you can visibly see
from the street, whereas members of the Board suggested including roofs and
building stabilization to a citywide Façade Grant Program.

Chair Shaw asked if ARPA funds can be used for a citywide Façade Grant
Program.

Mr. Allonce noted the funds were approved by the City with a certain criterion and
that downtown improvements was set as the priority.

Chair Shaw noted the city’s Gateway along Hwy. 138 and North Henry Blvd. are
critical to those entering into the city’s downtown district and is in dire need of
improvements as well.

Attorney Wiley asked if the Council could issue a Resolution to include roofs
under the ARPA criteria.

6|Page
Mr. Allonce noted ARPA funds have been committed with $873,000 committed to
the Economic Development Program and $573,000 towards the city’s Wayfinding,
and $30,000 for Façade Grants.

Board Member Gleaton noted roofs are excluded because they are covered by
insurance.

There was a consensus of the Board to put a process and criteria in place for a
citywide Façade Grant Program.

Executive Session
Motion to convene Executive Session at 7:10 p.m. made by Chair Shaw; seconded
by Board Member Glenn. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Motion to adjourn Executive Session at 8:06 p.m. made by Chair Shaw; seconded
by Board member Glenn. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Motion to sign an Executive Session Affidavit with No Action made by Board
Member Samuels; seconded by Board Member Glenn. The motion passed
unanimously 5-0.

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. made by Chair Shaw; seconded by
Board Member Glenn. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Minutes recorded by: Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk

Citywide Development Authority (DA) The work of development authorities is crucial for the ability for local government to create a
legacy of sustained prosperity and requires strong leadership from board members, staff, and elected officials. The Citywide
Development Authority is a (7) seven-member authority consisting of (6) residents of the City and/or business owners and operators
preferably with subject-matter expertise such as attorneys, realtors, developers, and zoning experts and (1) member of the Governing
Body. The directors shall be taxpayers residing in the county or municipal corporation for which the authority is created, and their
successors shall be appointed as provided by the resolution provided for in Code Section 36-62-4.

7|Page
