---
date: 2023-08-11
title: 08-11-2023 Minutes
source: 2023-08/2023-08-11_08-11-2023 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

Where Community Connects

COUNCIL UDGET T AT
Au gust 11, 2023
9:00 a.m.
Summary inutes
Mayor & Citv Council Administration
Mayor Anthony 5. Ford Frederick Gardiner, Manager
Mayor Pro Tem Yolanda Barber Vanessa Holiday ,City ierk CiteI
Councilman Elton Alexander John ,CIty
Treasurer
Councilman John Blount Samant a Embry, City Attorney
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
Councilman Alphonso Thomas

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 Alexander

Pledge of Allegiance recited by all in attendance.

The Clerk was asked to proceed with the Roll Call. All the members were present

Adoption of the Agenda: Motion to adopt the Agenda made by Councilman Alexander; seconded by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion was approved unanimously.

There were no public comments

DAY TWO AGENDA

Facilitated by Frederick Gardiner City Manager

NEW BUSINESS

1. Public Works Department -
Presented by: De cius Aaron
Mr. Aaron noted he was returning from the Public Works Managers Conference where a

number of concerns that were addressed included staffing and sanitation; noted this is the 7th

Budget that he has presented, and that he is most concerned about addressing services
related to the nearly 7,000 newly addressed residents noting the unanticipated cost of requests

for speed breakers, street lights, road repaving and maintenance specifically along Mt. Zion,
Walt Stephens and Valley Hill roads; noted he has been speaking with David Simmons with
Henry County DOT, and the city will now need to take on street light maintenance and will
need to put a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) in place.

Councilman Alexander noted the County received GDOT funding for road maintenance of

newly annexed roads that were neglected and ignored, and the public may need to get
involved to speak about the neglected areas.

Mr. Aaron noted the cost of the city providing streetlights has escalated and continues to
grow,
and is currently around $750,000 and with the annexation and developments, could
easily
reach one million dollars; reviewed the Public Works Budget Principles; noted the
department
priorities are a funding source to renovate the Public Works Maintenance Shop, implement
Streetlight Districts, conduct and in-depth financial assessment of the infrastructure within the
annexed areas and develop a master plan for addressing capital projects and maintenance

issues, conduct a road and sidewalk assessment, conduct an assessment of city facilities,
crate an internal service fund for preventative maintenance and mechanical
repairs on all city
vehicles (excluding police vehicles), close the Transfer Station and incorporate the land into
Memorial Park for additional parking, and signal maintenance.

Councilman Alexander noted he expressed his concerns prior to the construction of the new
Public Works Building that it had been designed and would be built with no room for future

growth, and that is where we are today.

Councilwoman Gantt noted plans were not put into place in preparation for the annexation, and
there should have been discussions regarding the street lighting costs to be considered
prior to
the adoption of the millage rate.

Councilman Blount noted the need for a feasibility study prior to the annexation and what the
associated costs would be.

Councilman Thomas noted that during every budget cycle he has talked about
streamlining the
budget and make cuts across the board.

Councilman Alexander asked Mr. Gardiner if the 7,000 annexed residents have been included
in the budget that has been proposed.

Mr. Gardiner noted all residents and new roads are included in the proposed balanced
budget
with revenue exceeding expenses; noted the City needs to decide if customers will be
charged
for services and implement a streetlight policy as is done in the County.

Councilwoman Gantt noted she supports grandfathering in the streetlights policy for current

neighborhoods.
Mayor Ford stated the policy needs to be the same for everyone, either all are covered, or all
will need to pay.

Councilman Thomas noted the Council needs to decide on how the policy will look going
fonNard and supports passing along the fee.

Councilwoman Gantt asked staff to complete a streetlight assessment

Mr. Gardiner noted with the new developments coming online, there will be additional

streetlights and additional costs, noting apartments pay for their streetlights.

Councilman Blount asked for a timeline to complete a streetlight assessment.

Mr. Aaron noted he could bring the assessment to the October meeting

Mayor Pro Tem Barber asked for an assessment of the newly annexed roads

Mr. Aaron noted he wants to make sure information is good and correct and needs to put

together a plan of action and determine a funding source, noting the city has a history of
resurfacing five miles and will need to increase the coverage to 8-10 miles for resurfacing

Mayor Pro Tem Barber noted the road assessment should include a review of the LMIG and
TSPLOST projects, noting a number of newly annexed roads that are in bad shape and wants
to see the projects that were set aside to allow funding to resurface Mt. Zion Rd. and Walt

Stephens Rd.

Mr. Aaron noted Henry County has data on the newly annexed roads and that he attends a

monthly meeting with Mr. Sam Baker.

Councilwoman Gantt noted unless Mayor & Council gives a consensus, staff should not take a
different direction, noting you can see the difference between city-maintained roads and

county-maintained roads, noting no one councilmember can direct staff, and asked what can
be done to reallocate funds based on the priority.

Mr. Aaron noted the Council needs to advocate in SPLOST Vl for infrastructure, Mt. Zion Rd.

and Walt Stephens Rd. improvements, law enforcement, and traffic maintenance, and utilizing

LMIG (Local Maintenance Improvement Grant).

Councilman Alexander referenced the ruling regarding the additional funds from LOST (Local

Option Sales Tax).

Mr. Gardiner noted the additional LOST funds have been included in the proposed budget
Councilwoman Gantt noted the decisions made by Council should be based on the
recommendations the rankings provided by Public Works.

Mr. Aaron noted the Parks Master Plan recommends the closure of the Transfer Station for

entrance into the Memorial Park and add additional parking.

Mr. Gardiner noted there are no basketball goals at the newly renovated Mickie D. Cochran

park and there needs to be more ideas for park enhancements.

Mr. Aaron noted budget challenges that are due to the federal lead and
copper rule changes
that require the City to inventory all lead and copper materials on the service line on the

customer side of the water meter and work towards mitigation, noting this could be quite
costly
for the city depending upon the results of the required field
survey; and changes in upcoming
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permil requirements for total
toxicity
will require monthly testing/monitoring with the potential to substantially increase the
possibility
that wastewater discharges will be out of compliance and incur costly Toxicity Reduction

Evaluation studies, often with no resolution without providing any clear benefit to water
quality;
and would be seeking SPLOST and grant funding, and conducting this project in phases.

Councilman Alexander asked what actions the Henry County Water Authority is taking

Mr. Aaron noted the County has been given the same information from the EPD

Councilwoman Gantt referenced a recent GMA training class where it was noted municipalities
must comply with the order.

Mr. Aaron noted the city of Stockbridge will contact the testing/monitoring for city water

customers and Henry County will conduct the testing/monitoring for HCWA customers.

Mr. Aaron referenced the FY2024 Budget Objectives and Budget Highlights,
noting a 30%
increase to address Infrastructure and increased street signs, and noted the
newly annexed residents are making requests and expecting more than what has been
received from the county; and reviewed Public Works Projects from 2017 to current.

Mayor Ford asked if sanitation services have been fully implemented for the newly annexed
residents.

Mr. Aaron noted 1300 of the 2000 households that were annexed into the city have
signed up
for service, and that reminder letters are going out in September to sign
up.

Councilman Alexander asked if there is funding available in Reserves or ARPA for the EPD

project.
Mr. Aaron noted staff is exploring the use of Enterprise Funds; and noted ARPA funding was
reallocated to the Public Works projects to Police Department projects.

Mr. Aaron referenced the Public Works staff and tenure with the city; referenced the
upcoming
Capital purchases.

Councilman Thomas noted he was not aware of funding reallocated from Public Works to the
Police Department, and asked what Public Works projects were affected.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber noted that the Economic Development Department recently received
approval to use $300,000 of ARPA funding and asked what the original allocation was, noting
the Council had been advised ARPA had been exhausted.

Mr. Wiggins noted he would send a report notifying the Mayor & Council of the reallocation

Councilman Alexander noted the Council has given a directive to staff regarding the removal of
the trees along the sidewalks at the Amphitheater and requested a timeline with definite dates

to complete the project.

Mr. Aaron advised he would submit a tlmellne by the end of next week.

Councilman Blount asked Mr. Aaron why the barrels from the concerts remain present

throughout the week and are not stored out of site.

Mr. Aaron noted some ofthe barrels are the property of Summit Construction; and noted

removing the barrels is not the responsibility of Public Works staff.

Mr. Blount noted the E. Atlanta Rd./Lee Street project appears to be inactive and that it is an

eyesore to see those barrels around the city long after the concert, and asked what the
schedule is for pressure washing city buildings.

Councilman Alexander asked why the E. Atlanta Rd. project has stalled

Mr. Aaron noted the utilities have not been relocated, and that a project should not ever start

without obtaining and easements; and noted AT&T will finish moving the utilities
on September and this is the last of the utilities.

Councilman Blount noted the Council needs to receive routine updates from staff without

having to repeatedly ask for status and to complete what should be routine tasks.

Councilman Alexander asked what the plan after September 15th is.
Mr. Aaron noted Georgia Power will not move the poles until all the utilities are moved, and he

will present a schedule and timeline after September 15th.

Councilman Alexander asked if the City has any legal recourse

Mr. response was there is no legal recourse

Councilman Alexander agreed with Councilman Blount that the Council needs to receive

updates and status reports on city projects.

Councilman Thomas asked Mr. Aaron why the trees were still there along the Amphitheater

sidewalks, noting the Council was told the Public Works staff would remove the trees in 2022

Mr. Aaron referenced the flashing lights, and the trees cannot be removed until the
flashing
light issue has been resolved.

Councilman Thomas asked the Public Works department cutting back the limbs along the

roadway and asked how the process works, noting the city needs to be more proactive as a
part of general maintenance.

Mr. Aaron noted Georgia Power will only cut limbs from the major transmission lines, when

trees fall on the line; noted all other limbs are the responsibility of the city; and noted he would

not use the bucket truck to cut back limbs for safety reasons.

Councilman Thomas asked that Code Enforcement and Public Works staff ride the city and
ride the neighborhoods to see what needs to be maintained and cleaned, noting the Council
should not have to continually report issues.

Councilman Alexander asked what the status is regarding the pond at the Amphitheater

Attorney Embry noted they have been in talks with H J Russell, Falcon and TSW seeking a
resolution.

Councilman Blount noted the Council was given a report from Falcon Design and
Engineering
regarding fault and where that lies and directed Mr. Gardiner to seek legal recourse.

Attorney Embry noted damages need to be proved, and stated H J Russell has assumed some
liability.

Councilwoman Gantt noted Mr. Price with Falcon Design noted TSW is taking some

responsibility, and asked for a schedule on when the repair work will begin.

Attorney Embry acknowledged that TSW has agreed to some liability.
Mr. Gardiner noted he would have a report to the Council by the end of next week.

Mr. Aaron noted the former Community Development Director approved the plan and permitted
the project.

Councilwoman Gantt suggested Falcon Design, TSW and H J Russell be told to fix the pond,
noted basic errors in the design, and the City should not be invoiced for legal services, and
recommended the City not give TSW any new projects until the pond issue has been resolved

Councilman Blount noted the is again being reactionary to issues

Mayor Pro Tern Barber noted she has been raising questions and concerns about the Lee
Street project, and has requested status and updates; noted Mr. Gardiner will respond to

inquiries, and does not understand why the city does not put out notice to the public near and
around construction sites, and providing project updates, and she has repeatedly expressed
that she believes in accountability, noting the City Manager has always been responsive to her

requests, and the Council should hold staff accountable.

Councilman Thomas noted all requests should be channeled through the City Manager who
will funnel things down to staff, noting the Council expects everyone to do theirjob, and to be

proactive, and public works and code enforcement staff need to be present riding the streets to
see what needs to be corrected and maintained.

Econom ic Develo pment and Main Street -
Presented by: Kim Allonce
Mr. Allonce reviewed the Mission Statement and gave an overview of the

department noting the Business Units: Office of Downtown Development, Office of Economic
Vitality, Office of Marketing & Special Initiatives; noted he has been laying the groundwork over
the last six months visiting businesses, creating the business connect newsletter, and asked

everyone to sign up to start receiving copies, referenced the Economic Development Strategic
Plan kick-off, approval of the Economic Development Incentives Policy and the BRICS Plan;
referenced the accomplishments of the department in 2022 to current; reviewed the proposed

FY2024 budget in comparison to FY2023, noting a request for new staff, increased cost for

travel, training at the OU Economic Development Institute, IEDC Basic Training at Georgia
Tech, and increased costs for additional staff related to supplies, professional services, phones
& fiber for the Economic Development office, dues and fees, printing & binding, hospitality,

computer software, and economic development incentives; noted the department intends to
provide Quarterly Market Reports and will need to purchase Economic Development CRM
software, CoStar software and Adobe Pro.

Councilman Alexander asked for the status of the Wayfinding project, and where the city is in
the process and the timeline.
Mr. Allonce noted there is a process, noting the team met earlier this week regarding
the rollout, and referenced $500,000 of ARPA funding, and noted the city will issue an RFQ

(Request for Qualifications) rather than an RFP (Request for Proposal) and noted the current
estimate is around $1.15 million dollars.

Main Street -
Presented by : Kim Allonce
Mr. Allonce presented the Main Street proposed FY2024 budget noting increases in

professional services, phones & fiber for the Economic Development office, dues and fees,
education and training, Advisory Board education, travel and training, supplies and materials
and Georgia Power utility costs, hospitality, entertainment, downtown beautification, and

uniforms.

Councilman Alexander noted it would be a good idea to connect with Aerotropolis Atlanta;
asked if the Economic Development department would be using a separate website, and noled
Main Street only offered one event last year.

Mr. Allonce noted he is familiar with Aerotropolis Atlanta and will look into adding that to the

Economic Development conferences; noted a website is proposed in the Economic

Development Department budget, and noted the Main Street team intends to put on more
events this year, just needs the funding in place.

Mayor Ford asked when the Welcome Center will host a grand opening

Mr. Allonce noted he would address the Welcome Center and grand opening later in the

presentation; and presented Economic Development Updates, referencing and ED Marketing
Campaign highlighting UpSkilI Stockbridge in partnership with Southern Crescent Technical
College with job training for Stockbridge residents, with a $1,000 stipend paid to Stockbridge
residents using ARPA funding; noting there will be a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)
and a proclamation presented at the September 11th Council meeting; referenced a Utility Art
Box Project on vinyl material and noted the proposed use of the facility to host the Downtown
Gallery display local art; noted the city needs to move fonNard with naming the facility, and if it
is named the Welcome Center, it will need to be open to the public, and currently there are

security issues that need to be addressed before that takes place.

Councilwoman Gantt noted that it has always been stated that this facility would be the
Welcome Center and open to the public and included the Economic Development and Main

Street and DDA office.

Councilman Blount noted that if there has been a shift in the name or usage, which
has not been relayed to the Council for dialogue and discussion.

Mr. Allonce noted the RSVP Plan had the Station at the corner of Love and M L King Sr

Heritage Trail as the location for offices, however, that property was sold.
Councilman Thomas noted everyone should not get hung up on the name, but rather to make

sure this is an information center/hub for the community and visitors; and to resolve the

security issues and suggests the city keep some signage relating to Ted Strickland.

Councilman Blount noted he is okay with removing the name Ted Strickland from the building
and honoring in another way, noting he needs to see the use of the facility, and stated it needs

to be open to the public.

Councilman Alexander noted the city is changing, and changing the name of the building
would be appropriate, noting the building should function as a Welcome Center, and

appreciates the modern look.

Mr. Allonce noted the department is looking to partner with the Henry County Arts consortium

to display art.

Councilman Alexader suggested placing outdoor seating in the courtyard is low hanging fruit.

Councilman Thomas agreed, noting the RSVP has something similar in the plan, and the city

really needs to complete the Alleyway project; noting that what is at stake is the future
development of M L King and Burke Street infrastructure.

Councilman Blount asked if the city is still waiting for letters that were sent to the property

owners for right of way acquisition regarding the Alleyway project.

Mr. Allonce noted there was a recent meeting with Falcon Design & Engineering and the

property owners; noted letters were sent out to the property owners last Tuesday, and once
received back, the project will move fonivard.

Councilwoman Gantt suggested a Community Grease Trap that would attract businesses,

specifically, restaurants.

Mr. Allonce advised he would research that option

There was a consensus of the Council to have the property owners respond within 30 days

Councilwoman Gantt noted the Planning Retreat is usually more involved with the
information and updates on projects, SPLOST, and Infrastructure, and has more details with
timelines ad project priorities.

Mr. Gardiner noted he has been in conversation with Georgia Power about underground

utilities in the downtown area.
3. Events Department -
Presented bv: Kim Jordan
Ms. Jordan reviewed the venues and revenue streams noting the Conference Center has
booked 215 to date for FY2023, there have been two Amphitheater rentals, and 30 scheduled

city events; presented the Proposed FY2024 Events budget of $615,000 noting the actual
expenditures for FY2022 was $709,709; the approved budget for FY2023 is $284,500, noting a
116% increase to appeal to and draw attendees from outside of
Stockbridge and increase
marketing and advertising for the city event; noted the Conference Center has a 45% budget
increase up from $134,600 in FY2023 to $195,150 proposed for FY2024 to
provide the level of
service needed for paying clients and to reach potential clients from different
regions; and
noted the city transferred $526,057 from Fund Balance to cover the
expenses of the
Conference Center in FY2022; referenced the department staff members and roles
noting
putting on meaningful events with lasting impressions while serving the community are key,
and opens the door for repeat customers at the conference center; reviewed the
city events
calendar and budgets and compared the numbers for FY2022, FY2023 and
proposed numbers
for FY2024; reviewed the revenue for FY2022 of $10,785.00, FY2023
budgeted at $200,000
and an expected transfer from Fund Balance of $525,607; and
proposed revenue for FY2024
of $213,000 and anticipated transfer from Fund Balance of $526,057; reviewed the renovated

features of the ballroom, kitchen and bridal suite, noting the amenities of the
facility; reviewed
the expenses of the Conference Center for FY2022 of actuals at $151,580.47; FY2023 of

$134,600 budgeted and proposed for FY2024 of $195,150; and referenced the 2023 City
Events Calendar with dates and locations.

Councilman Alexander noted the fee for the Food Truck vendors needs to be increased

Councilwoman Gantt noted the original concept had Atlanta Food Truck come in and
coordinated everything, thus cutting down on expenses currently being incurred
by the city

Mr. Gardiner suggested implementing a higher rate for the
July 4th, Juneteenth and
BridgeFest events where food trucks are present.

Mr. Thomas noted the increases in the events and asked the Council to look at
making cuts
across the board and in every department.

Mr. Gardiner recommended increasing the Food Truck Event fee for food trucks to $200 and
the events that feature concerts to $500 for food trucks.

Councilman Alexander suggested staff research other venues to make sure the fees are in
line.

Mr. Gardiner agreed to have the Events Manager
compare Food Truck Vendor fees in the
metro area and will revise the fee schedule accordingly.

10
Councilman Blount referenced the Back-to-School event and
maintaining the integrity of the
event since it is now a City Event and no longer a Council initiative,
noting as an initiative, the
event included a health fair, vision and dental screenings and
requiring the recipients to visit
the vendors before bookbags and supplies were issued, and
suggested returning the event to
the Conference Center to be indoors.

Councilman Alexnader agrees with everything stated by Councilman Blount
except moving the
location back to the Conference Center and supports keeping the event outdoors at the

Amphitheater, noting there were parking issues at the Conference Center.

Councilman Blount noted having the event at the Conference Center and inside means the
event is not compromised by the weather; noted there were no
parking issues; noted in the
past the event distributed at least 1,000 bookbags, a gaming bus and health screenings where
recipients were required to visit a number of vendor booths before the bookbags were issued.

Councilwoman Gantt noted the objective should be giving away schools supplies and
supplies
to the teachers and agreed with moving the event back to the Conference Center.

Councilman Alexander noted the last event was successful with addition of the Shoe
Giveaway
in which Mayor Pro Tern Barber was a partner.

Councilman Blount noted there needs to be more effort put into getting
supplies and donations
throughout the year and putting in the work ahead of time and concentrate on those efforts;
noted he would work with Ms. Jordan and provide a list of resources.

Councilman Thomas noted this has been good discussion, and recalls the recent event was
well attended and was extremely hot outside and asked the Council to decide to continue the

event at the Amphitheater or return the event to the Conference Center.

Councilman Blount made a motion to return the event to the Conference Center. There was
not a second and the motion failed.

Councilman Thomas stated he sees the merit in moving the event inside

Councilman Blount made a motion to return the event to the Conference Center; seconded
by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 3-0-2. (Blount/Gantt/Thomas voted in
favor);
(Alexander/Barber abstained).

Mayor Ford noted the 9/11 usually has $1,000 budget and noticed the proposed FY2024
budget has zero dollars in the budget, and this is a national event.

Councilman Thomas agreed there should be funding, and the
Stockbridge municipality should
show their respect and continue to fund the 9/11 event, and the
City should Never Forget.

11
Councilman Alexander noted the low attendance at the event

Councilman Thomas agreed, and tasked staff with putting in the work to make the community
aware

Mr. Gardiner noted the FY2024 Budget will include $1,000 to continue the event

Mayor Ford referenced the BridgeFest event and a proposed budget that has doubled from
$100,000 to $200,000.

Mr. Gardiner noted the increase is to bring in more high caliber artists, and those are not free

or cheap.

Councilman Blount noted before the Amphitheater was built, the BridgeFest event had high
attendance and was successful.

Mr. Gardiner noted acts can be brought in at various levels.

Councilwoman Gantt suggested bringing in local talent and switch the budget with the
Juneteenth budget; noting BridgeFest is intended to promote local businesses, and Juneteenth
is a comeback home celebration.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber noted the city just implemented a tax to its citizens and the events
budget has more than doubled for free events, 100% city-funded; noted the Council continues
to set a budget and staff continues to go over the set budget without bringing the amendments

back to the Council for approval and to see all of the overages; noted the budget is approved

by the Council, and there is excessive spending after what has been approved in the budget;
referenced the FY2022 budget was approved for $200,000 and staff actually spent $709,000;
noted every line item in the budget is approved by the Council, and while changes can be
made within the department, exceeding the departmental budget needs to be brought back to
the Council for approval.

Councilman Blount agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Barber, noting the Back-To-School event had
never spent $22,000 and agrees it is excessive, and the budget approved was $12,000.

Mr. Gardiner noted there were activities added for the kids to make it more eventful

Councilman Blount reiterated, the event is intended to distribute bookbags and school

supplies, and that is what the focus should be.

Mr. Gardiner noted there were budget adjustments and budget amendments made

12
Mayor Pro Tem Barber noted those adjustments and amendments were not brought to the
Council for approval, and stated the spending is excessive, noting BridgeFest had a $35,000

budget in 2022 and the actual was $212,000 without Council approval.

Councilman Thomas agreed with Councilwoman Gantt regarding what the intent of BridgeFest
is supposed to be and has no problem bringing in local acts; and noted when it comes to the

budget, staff should act responsibly and remain within the budget as approved.

Councilman Alexander noted the proposed budget that has been presented is balanced and

fully funded; noted the recent July 4th and Juneteenth events were standing room only and
does not know if that would be the case with the local acts; noted the sponsorships for the

Amphitheater are coming up woefully short.

Mr. Gardiner noted the city lost two sponsors (Delta and Perry),

Mayor Pro Tem Barber noted the city also lost Pepsi

Councilman Alexander noted the Amphitheater is about selling out, filling in the seats, and

bringing people into the downtown district to spur economic development; and reminded the
Council that the City is currently transferring more than $500,000
every year to subsidize the
Merle Manders Conference Center.

Mr. Gardiner noted that no convention center/conference center covers its cost 100%, and that

the intention of these facilities is to provide quality of life.

Councilwoman Gantt noted the Merle Manders Conference Center is an anchor, not a
money
maker; and noted BridgeFest is not about the concerts, but more about the vendors, and arts,
crafts, and vendors and prefers using local talent and does not want this event to veer away
from that.

Councilman Thomas agreed, noting the original name was Old Stockbridge Days, noting

everything does not have to be grand, and the Council should focus on the legislation for the
city and that is a win/win for everyone.

Councilman Alexander suggested reducing the proposed FY2024 BridgeFest event to

$100,000; increase Juneteenth from $65,000 to $140,000 and moving the BridgeFest event to
the lawn across from city hall adjacent to the railroad, closing E. Atlanta Rd., Ward Street and
M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail and include Main Street and the downtown businesses.

13
Mayor Pro Tem Barber asked why the Volunteer Gala increased from $10,000 to $12,000 and
recommends the budget remain $10,000; noted she is not if favor of the high budget events,

reminding the Council of the tax imposed on its residents to cover the cost of these free
events; suggested the Pretty in Pink event and all city events remain at the same budget that
was approved in the FY2023 budget.

Ms. Jordan referenced inflation and increased food costs for the Volunteer Gala

Councilman Blount agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Barber and moving fon/vard with the FY2023

budget numbers for events and solidify what is needed to carry out the event within the budget

Merle Manders Conference Center -
Presented bv: Kim Jordan
Ms. Jordan reviewed the FY2023 Operating Budget of $134,600 and the proposed FY2024

Budget of $195,150, noting the city transferred $526,000 to cover the cost of the Conference
Center operations.

Councilman Alexander asked what if anything Council can do to improve revenues for the

facility.

Councilman Blount noted the Conference Center is a hidden jewel, and there needs to be
more advertising of the facility.

Ms. Jordan noted several bookings have already been made for 2024.

Mr. Thomas noted there are a number of aesthetic improvements that need to be made at the

Center to compete with other area event centers, perhaps adding drapes for a more elegant

look, and cleaning the oil stains under the canopy.

Ms. Jordan referenced the AC unit needs to be repaired and the sound system needs to be

upgraded or replaced.

Councilman Thomas asked if the Cobblestone House could be utilized in conjunction with the
Conference Center.

Mr. Gardiner noted the building is being considered for storage of Conference Center and

Event supplies.

Information Technoloov -
Presented bv: Demeatrius lvev
Mr. lvey gave an overview of the department noting there are three (3) staff members, and the
goal is to improve information technology across all departments, continue with the OpenGov
software implementation and software integration, with critical items being the Backup Server
and Firewall protections.

14
Councilman Alexander asked that the IT Department prioritize Chamber upgrades with
adding
cameras for public view of presentations.

Mr. lvey noted he has met with the Clerk regarding the request for additional cameras and
placed this on the priority list.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber asked Mr. lvey ifthe proposed training budget is adequate

Mr. lvey confirmed that it is; and is going to implement a program called Tech Tip Tuesday,
providing information to staff regarding recent technology and current trends.

Citv Clerk's Offi ce
Presented bv: Vanessa Holidav
Ms. Holiday gave an overview of the Office, noting a department of three; referenced
the current software programs being utilized by the department; noted the role the

Office has regarding the city's Boards and Committees; referenced the
proposed FY2024
budget noting an $18,000 decrease in expenses from $382,000 to 364,000 compared to
FY2023.

Councilwoman Gantt asked what the day-to-day duties are for the Administrative Assistant in
the department.

Ms. Holiday noted the Administrative Assistant also serves as the Records Coordinator
where she has been certified and scans all Resolutions, Ordinances,
Agreements and
Contracts, Easements, Project Files, Development Agreements, Budgets, LMIG and Grant
information, etc. into the E-File software; physically transfers files to the Records Rooms
and organizes by year, and destruction date, coordinates the annual Records Destruction with
all departments in accordance with the Georgia Records Retention Schedule; maintains all

supplies for the department and community supplies on the Administration floor; retrieves and
distributes department mail; creates all Seamless Online Documents for departments

throughout the city; visits the cemeteries when interment requests are received;

processes all department requisitions for purchases; and submits Fleet Maintenance requests
for all Administration vehicles.

Communitv Development Depa rtment -
Presented bv: F rederic k Gardiner
Mr. Gardiner presented an overview of the department and referenced the Three Business

Units of Land Development, Permits & inspections, Business Services and
Planning & Zoning
and GIS (Geograpic Information Systems); noted the department works in
support of
Economic Growth; noted the 5-year Comp Plan update, the annexation of 6,700 new residents
into the city, adopted the Zoning Map, Future Land Use Map, and
Overlay District Map; noted
(7) seven zoning cases were approved by Council; noted 2,059 new/proposed residential units
and thee new annexations are currently proposed and include mixed use
development; noted
the expectation is the current Council Districts will change with the 2030 census based on the

increased population.

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Mayor Pro Tem Barber noted District 4 currently has the greatest land mass and has to
maintain major roadways and thoroughfares.

Mr. Gardiner noted he agrees, noting Vulcan Materials covers a sizable
portion of the district;
noted during the period of January 1, 2023 June 30, 2023 there were 328 permits issued and
$814,124.80 fees paid; noted Hotel/Motel Tax increases with 25% of those funds that can be
allocated to the Amphitheater and Conference related to tourism.

Councilwoman Gantt noted the city is growing at a fast pace, and that
Stockbridge is not a
small town anymore, and prepare and plan forthe future population.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber noted her concerns with the infrastructure and needs to provide
more information on the plans and funding sources to take on these new
developments and
properly service these new areas.

Mr. Gardiner noted developments pay impact fees and referenced a
development coming
along the Western Parallel Connector, and noted additional annexations are coming forward
and includes commercial developments that will help the tax base; noted Stockbridge will
soon be the largest city between Atlanta and Macon, noting
Stockbridge is growing, and
growing fast.

Executive Department
Presented bv: F
,red erick Gardiner
Mr. Gardiner referenced the future population projections; noted the
Proposed FY2024
Revenues =
$26,711,635 and Expenditures
$26,664,769, noting the revenues exceed

expenditures by $46,866; noted the total proposed FY2024 Budget across all funds has
projected revenue of $61 ,134,479 and projected expenditures of $61,087,612; referenced a
3-year comparison of FY2021 FY2024 General Fund Operations with the proposed FY2024

Budget at $26,711,635; referenced the Positions for the Executive Department noting the
FY2023 was increased to 6 employees and remains the same or FY2024.

Councilman Alexander asked what other grants the city is pursing other than those that come
from the police department and the annual LMIG grant; noting the intention with the
Grants position was to also seek grant funding for the city.

Mr. Gardiner noted the Grants Administrator works with all Department Heads and maintains

the reporting as required due to the city receiving federal grants.

Councilwoman Gantt asked that the next retreat include prioritizing of
projects and setting
timelines. The Council agreed.

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Mr. Gardiner referenced SPLOST Vl, noting the Council needs to meet and create a project list

prioritizing infrastructure, transportation, and facilities, and present the list to the County; and
asked that the Council submit all requests to his office regarding the Proposed FY2024 Budget

where the questions and answers will be documented, with the goal to adopt the FY2024

budget at the December 11, 2023 Council meeting.

Councilman Alexander noted the paving of Patrick Henry Pkwy. Needs to be on the list.

Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Alexander; seconded by Councilwoman Gantt. The
motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 4:55 pm.

Res submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk ny 8. Ford, M

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