---
date: 2014-02-10
title: February 10, 2014 Minutes
source: 2014-02/2014-02-10_February 10, 2014_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

February 10, 2014

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014 6:00 pm

City Council
Administration
Tim L. Thompson, Mayor
Hugh Austin, Chief Executive Assistant
Alphonso Thomas, Mayor Pro Tem
Stephanie Tigner, Interim City Clerk
Robin Buschman, Councilwoman
Mike Williams, City Attorney
Anthony S. Ford, Councilman
LaKeisha Gantt, Councilwoman
Richard Steinberg, Councilman

Call to Order by Mayor Tim L. Thompson at 6:12pm

Invocation provided by Mr. Michael Eddy, Principal Smith-Barnes Elementary School

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison

Adopt Agenda; Alphonso Thomas made a motion to amend the agenda by striking item #7; a
second was made by Anthony Ford; the motion passed 5-0.

Adopt Minutes; Alphonso Thomas made a motion to table the adoption of the minutes;
Alphonso Thomas withdrew his motion.
Alphonso Thomas made a motion to approve the Work Session minutes of December 3, 2013;
a second was made by Richard Steinberg; the motion passed; 3-0-2 with Anthony Ford and
Lakeisha Gantt as abstained.

Robin Buschman made a motion to approve the Special Called Meeting minutes of December
3, 2013 with the necessary corrections; a second was made by Alphonso Thomas; the motion
passed; 3-0-2 with Anthony Ford and Lakeisha Gantt as abstained.

Alphonso Thomas made a motion to approve the City Council Meeting minutes of December 9,
2013 with the necessary corrections; a second was made by Richard Steinberg; the motion
passed 3-0-2 with Anthony Ford and Lakeisha Gantt as abstained.

Anthony Ford made a motion to approve the January 7, 2014 City Council Meeting minutes with
the necessary corrections; a second was made by Alphonso Thomas; the motion passed 5-0.

Alphonso Thomas made a motion to approve the January 13, 2014 City Council Meeting
minutes; a second was made by Lakeisha Gantt; the motion passed 3-0. Councilmembers
Buschman and Steinberg were absent.

Robin Buschman made a motion to approve the Special Called Meeting minutes of December
9, 2013, December 20, 2013 and December 30, 2013; a second was made by Lakeisha Gantt;
the motion passed 5-0.

Alphonso Thomas made a motion to approve the Special Called Meeting minutes of January 3,
2014; a second was made by Anthony Ford; the motion passed 3-0. Councilmembers
Buschman and Steinberg were absent.

Alphonso Thomas made a motion to approve Special Called Meeting minutes of January 27,
2014 with the noted correction; a second was made Lakeisha Gantt; the motion passed 5-0.

CEREMONIAL
 Item #1-Presented by Alphonso Thomas, Mayor Pro Tem

Proclamation-Honoring Smith Barnes Elementary School; Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso
Thomas recognized Smith-Barnes Principal Michael Eddy and faculty. Alphonso Thomas
highlighted some of the accomplishments of Smith-Barnes Elementary School. Mayor
Thompson then read and presented the proclamation in honor of Smith-Barnes
Elementary School to Principal Eddy and the faculty.

CONSENT AGENDA

 Item #2-Presented by Mayor Tim L. Thompson

Resolution: Wellness Initiative; Mayor Thompson provided a brief overview of the
Wellness Initiative and asked for a motion; Richard Steinberg made a motion to approve
the Wellness Initiative and resolution as written; a second was made by Anthony Ford;
the motion passed 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

Item # 3-Presented by Mayor, Tim L. Thompson
Ordinance: An ordinance to amend the 2014 budget so as to reinstate payments to Henry
County for police services and to re-adopt the COS Organizational Chart; Mayor
Thompson invited Mike Bush to come before Mayor and Council and provide an overview of the
changes to the budget. Mayor Thompson asked if anyone had questions. Robin Buschman
addressed her concerns with removing employee raises and police services. She requested to
table the item. Mike Bush stated the money used to fund the budget was the excess in the
salary line item. He said we have an $8.4M budget this year, $9M last year. There is an
additional $600K that will be available in 2014 to give employee raises. Lakeisha Gantt asked
Mr. Bush about the funds that were received from Planning and Zoning items. Mike Bush said it
was specifically Planning & Zoning issues. He said in the budget discussion with Ms. Coleman
there was $194,000 placed in the budget for the Planning & Zoning department. He further
explained there were additional funds associated for land disturbance and fees. Mayor
Thompson said he spoke to the county in regards to this. He said the staff at Henry was not
able to confirm there was a $194,000 generated last year. Richard Steinberg provided a
document that showed that the county has received $3.66M in permit revenue from the city
since 1988. He also spoke on the line item for payments to Henry County. Mike Bush stated it is
included in the SDS for a $500,000 payment broken out into quarterly payments. Mayor
Thompson stated the money was for the (2) additional police officers per shift. Mayor Thompson
called for a motion; there was no motion.
Item #4- Presented by Mayor, Tim L. Thompson

Information: Legislative Items; Mayor Thompson provided a brief overview of the legislative
items. Robin Buschman requested clarification on the items as they were voted on by the former
administration. City Attorney, Mike Williams stated that a resolution reaffirming those resolutions
would be in order to move forward. Alphonso Thomas pointed out the item is listed as
informational on the agenda and did not feel comfortable voting. He requested council to have
more discussions. City Attorney, Mike Williams stated the longer the council delays direction it is
likely nothing will happen. He said the delegation is likely to move forward based on
authorization given by governing body. Alphonso Thomas addressed his concerns with District
Voting. Robin Buschman stated some items may be ensuing litigation. She also reiterated that
the new council members may not be fully informed about the resolutions and do not want to
send mix signals to the delegation. Anthony Ford addressed his concerns with district voting
and outlined steps to be taken prior to moving forward. Mayor Thompson stated he wanted to
know which items council wanted to move more aggressively on. Lakeisha Gantt addressed her
concerns with transparency. She said I would like to have input from the citizens before a
decision is made; Richard Steinberg asked to postpone the item; Alphonso Thomas made a
motion to authorize the City Attorney to pursue resolutions R13-517(Local Legislation to
Increase the Levy on Lodging),R13-558 (Imposing a Technology Fee), and R13-565 (Granting
the City to the Power to create a Community Improvement District); a second was made by
Lakeisha Gantt; the motion passed 3-0-2 with Robin Buschman and Richard Steinberg as
opposed.

Item # 5-Presented by Mayor Pro Tem; Alphonso Thomas

Ordinance-To amend the powers and duties of the City Manager; Alphonso Thomas
provided a brief overview of the power and duties of the City Manager; Robin Buschman asked
for clarification; Alphonso Thomas stated under the power and duties section 2.12.035 it does
not indicate the word preferred in the ordinance. Anthony Ford made a motion to amend Section
2.12.035 (b) City Manager to include the word “preferred”; a second was made Lakeisha Gantt
providing the second; the motion passed 5-0.

Alphonso Thomas made a motion to ratify the powers and duties of the City Manager in the
ordinance to include the word “preferred” as written; a second was made by Anthony Ford; the
motion passed 5-0.

Item #6-Presented by Mayor Tim L. Thompson

Agreement: Contract between COS and Hugh Austin Management Consultant; Mayor
Thompson announced Mr. Hugh Austin as Chief Executive Assistant to the Mayor. Robin
Buschman stated the council sets the budget and policy. Mr. Austin’s is under contract and the
ordinance states the council has to approve any contract $25,000 and above. City Attorney,
Mike Williams said the contract was amended and is now less than $10,000. Richard Steinberg
asked how the council would have known. He then asked the Mayor if he would have shared
the information with the council. Mayor Thompson replied yes. Robin Buschman said the
contract was amended today to not allow approval by the council. She also wanted to know
what budget line item the money is coming from. Mike Bush said the money will come out of the
salary line item and contract services. Robin Buschman said according to his contract he is not
performing the duties of a City Manager.

Item #7- Presented by Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas and Lakeisha Gantt

Resolution-Policies and Procedures for City Council and Work Session meetings;
removed

Item #8- Presented by Alphonso Thomas, Mayor Pro Tem

Approval: Funding for Black History Month; Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thompson provided
an overview of the Black History Month Celebration. Richard Steinberg stated he reached out to
neighboring cities and they do not fund these types of events. Lakeisha Gantt said she is in
support of the event. She spoke on representing the COS and all cultures that make up the city.
She also spoke on an email sent by Richard Steinberg. Robin Buschman said as a public official
you do not look at color, age or gender. My concern is with the financial side. We can get
volunteers and prepare we can support these types of events. Alphonso Thomas clarified under
governing body the funds were available for council initiatives. Anthony Ford said discretionary
funds were available according to Mr. Bush. He provided an overview of national observances.
City Attorney, Mike Williams provided an overview on the item. He said the event is permissible.
You have discretion on what types of events you would like to host. Robin Buschman addressed
her concerns with council hosting events. She said that she feels that events should be city
sponsored. Mayor Thompson asked for clarification. City Attorney, Mike Williams said it is up to
the council. He said $12,000 has been allocated to be divided amongst the council for council
initiatives; Lakeisha Gantt made a motion to approve the funding; a second was made by
Anthony Ford; the motion passed 4-0-1 Richard Steinberg as abstained.

City Attorney, Mike Williams said he met with Cheri Matthews and Mr. Moore to review the
applications and formulate a way to move forward. He said we are in agreement however there
are a few things required. The applications will have to be tabled and an amendment prepared
to the sign ordinance. We recommend tabling and allow staff to comeback with a zoning
amendment. The variance process requires the city to act within 90 days. The applicant is
requesting an additional 90 days to move forward; Alphonso Thomas made a motion to table
items #9-#16; a second was made by Richard Steinberg; the motion passed 5-0.

OLD BUSINESS

Item #9 - Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

Information: Variance: VR-13-18 (Eagles Landing Signage)
Item #10- Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

Information: Variance: VR-13-19 (Eagles Landing Signage)

Item #11- Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

Information: Variance: VR-13-20 (Eagles Landing Signage)

Item #12 – Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

Information: Variance: VR-13-21 (Eagles Landing Signage)

Item #13 – Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

Information: Variance: VR-13-22 (Eagles Landing Signage)

Item #14 – Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

Information: Variance: VR-13-23 (Eagles Landing Signage)

Item #15 – Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

Information: Variance: VR-13-24 (Eagles Landing Signage)

Item # 16 - Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

Information: Variance: VR-13-25 (Eagles Landing Signage

Mayor Thompson announced (2) applicants for the City Manager position.

Michael C. Harris, Interim County Manager, Henry County

Patrick Eidson, former City Administrator, Centerville Georgia
ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

All Meetings Will Be Held At City Hall Unless Otherwise Noted. Meetings dates and times are
subject to change so please confirm with City Hall at 770.389.7900 or via
www.cityofstockbridge.com

• Work Session Meeting- March 4, 2014 at 6:00pm

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.

Carl Swinson 43 Thurmond Road, spoke on council action and compared them to a neighboring
city. He also spoke on the city’s progress and the use of city funds. He also announced the
Patrick Henry Board of Review.

Houston Nelson; 2504 Walter Way thanked everyone who came out tonight. He spoke on the
former administration and how money was spent for other initiatives. He also thanked Alphonso
Thomas for doing the peoples will.

MOTION TO ADJOURN; Alphonso Thomas made a motion to adjourn; a second was made by
Richard Steinberg; the motion passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:51pm.
