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date: 
title: 2017 04 25 2017 Minutes
source: 2017/2017_04_25_2017_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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Stockbridge
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.

APPROVED
SUMMARY MINUTES
TOWN HALL & WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2017 6:00 p.m.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Judy Neal Michael Harris, City Manager
Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilman Elton Alexander Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilman John Blount Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
Councilwoman Neat Robinson
Mayor Neal called the meeting to order.

Invocation by the City Chaplain, Dr. Terrance Gattis of Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday proceeded with a verbal roll call, all members of Council were
present with the exception of Councilwoman Robinson; a quorum was confirmed.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to amend the Agenda to add to Discussion: Policy &
Procedures for Projects and Ordinance Amendment: Section 3.30; second by Councilman
Blount. The motion passed 4-0.

Review of Minutes for 3/13/17 and 3/28/17- No Action Taken.

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.
April 25, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mr. Thomas White spoke in opposition of the Public Information Officer position.

Pastor Cecilia Green spoke in opposition of proposed City of Eagles Landing.

PRESENTATIONS
1. Henry County Police Services – Public Safety Update
Presented by: North Henry Precinct Captain, Phillip Bratton
Captain Bratton gave a statistical quarterly update for the City of Stockbridge.
Captain Bratton noted citizens can also see the stats on the County’s website.
Captain Bratton explained the City of Stockbridge did not have any homicides,
but an involuntary manslaughter of an infant in March. There were no rapes
reported for the 1st quarter; there were 6 robberies, 11 total aggravated
assaults, 19 commercial burglaries, 32 residential burglaries, 152 theft by
taking (including entering auto’s, shoplifting, receiving stolen goods, etc.), 22
stolen vehicles, 47 forgery cases, 36 drugs & narcotics, 11 DUI’s 1,734 calls
of service, 841 incidents, 238 arrests, 1,156 citations, 1,996 warning citations,
238 auto accidents, and 1 auto fatality.

2. First Quarter Public Works Update
Presented by: Public Works Director, Decius Aaron
Mr. Aaron stated the goal and vision of the Public Works department is to
create an effective work strategy for a sustainable future. Mr. Aaron reviewed
the projects that are currently ongoing in the City; and noted the Mays Rd.
Culvert will be completed in May. Mr. Aaron also referred to upcoming
Stormwater projects to include: Bryant St., N. Lee St, Meadow Ridge and
Davis Rd. Mr. Aaron also noted to the Streambank at Clark Park has been
restored; Gardner and Memorial parks have been refreshed with paint for the
bathrooms and pavilions; and there are plans at Municipal Park to replace the
water fountain to make it a focal point once more; Reeves Creek Trail will
have cameras added at the trail heads to decrease car break-ins. Mr. Aaron
also noted the City will improve the water system by installing AMI
Smartmeters which will help citizens receive updates and discover leaks
sooner. Mr. Aaron also referenced the upcoming projects will of replacing and
rehabbing two Lift Stations at Willow Springs and Southwinds.

Councilman Blount inquired about the tennis courts at Garner Park and
whether or not they would be resurfaced before the summer end. Mr. Aaron
noted staff is in the process of developing an RFP for resurfacing of the tennis
courts at Gardner Park.

Mr. Aaron also noted the Public Works Dept. has a predetermined project list
and schedule with priority items and issues at the top of the list.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford asked how roads are selected to be repaved/repaired.
Mr. Aaron explained he is currently using a 2014 road assessment list that

April 25, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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presented to the City by a consultant and further noted the majority of the
funds to complete these projects will come from SPLOST funds.
No Action Taken.

3. First Quarter Finance Update
Presented by: City Treasurer, Linda Nabers
Ms. Nabers stated the city is in a good position financially, noting the
2016 audit is being handled by Mauldin & Jenkins and the City is required by
the State to have a balanced budget.

Ms. Nabers noted in 2016 there were budget amendments made and the City
closed out the year’s fund balance with $2,782,100 in the General Fund and
reviewed numbers for each of the City’s departments.

No Action Taken.

EXECUTIVE SESSION (If necessary)- Litigation, Personnel and Real Estate
Councilwoman Gantt motioned to convene into Executive Session for
Litigation, Personnel and Real Estate; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The
motion passed 4-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by
Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to reconvene the meeting; second by
Councilman Blount. The motion passed 4-0.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to extend employment services with Michael
Harris at the current pay rate for 33 days through May 31, 2017 with
amendments to the Employment Agreement; second by Mayor Pro Tem
Ford. The motion passed 4-0.

NEW BUSINESS
4. Ordinance – 2016 Year-End Budget Amendment #2016-014 & #2016-015
Presented by: City Treasurer, Linda Nabers

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the 2016 Year-End Budget
Amendment #2016-014 & #2016-015; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The
motion passed 4-0.

5. Ordinance – First Quarter 2017 Budget Amendment #2017-001
Presented by: City Treasurer, Linda Nabers and City Manager, Michael Harris
Mr. Harris stated Council should have draft B of the 2017 budget amendment
and has requested to remove line item- Police Services in the amount of
$300,000.

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Councilman Blount inquired about the $11,000 budget amendment allocated
for the Camelia Garden and where funds will come from and where the
garden will be located. Mr. Harris replied its adjacent to the Police Department
where the water fountain is located. Mayor Neal stated the Georgia Tourism
recommended updating the garden to allow the city to be a part of the State
Camelia Tour and will receive a $5,000 grant in the fall to help recoup funds.

Mr. Harris also made note Main Street applied for the RSVP grant and the
City was selected to receive a grant from that program, to be discussed later.

Councilwoman Gantt requested the budget amendments be reviewed line by
line seeing there are certain things that have been voted on and certain things
they will need more information on before voting at the next meeting.

Ms. Nabers referred to each line item as follows:

A. Municipal Dinner- $3,000
B. Paint Henry Blue/ Cities Week-$2,000
C. Economic Development Position- $18,000 will be saved due to the position
being opened
D. Executive Staff Salary Adjustments0 $10,000
E. Public Information Officer- $33,750 for 6 months (SET ASIDE)
F. Lobbyist to Defend Eagle’s Landing Proposal- $150,000
G. Ethics Investigation- $5,300- Missing the last invoice (SET ASIDE)
H. Incubator Expenses/ One Henry- $3,000
I. Election Expenses- $8,000-already voted on, adjustment difference
J. Fiber Optics Infrastructure-$350,000 (SET ASIDE)
K. New Servers-Disaster Recovery- $150,000
L. Camellia Garden at PD Park- $11,0000
M. Defibulators for City Hall and MMCC buildings (7)- $11,000
N. Payment to Henry County for Policing Services- $ 300,000 (REMOVED)
O. Fountain at PD Park-$30,000
P. Code Enforcement- $ 21, 900 added back
Pension- $4,000 added back
GIS Planning- $25,900
Pension- $4,000
Q. Land Acquisition- $1,500,000
R. RSVP for Main Street- $56,000
S. Branding Initiative- $62,000
T. Hotel/Motel fund Balance- $118,000 added back

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve all the items except those that
were set aside; second by Councilman Alexander; The motion passed 4-0.

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Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve E in the amount of $33,750;
second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 3-1 (Alexander
opposed).

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve G in the amount of $10,000;
second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford nd. The motion passed 3-1 (Alexander
opposed).

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to Table J in the amount of $350,000; second
by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 4-0.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve staff recommendations to remove
N in the amount of $300,000; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion
passed 4-0.

6. Public Information Officer, Pay Class, Job Description and Org. Chart
Presented by: Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager

Councilman Blount noted this item was discussed in Executive Session and
inquired if there should be a vote. Attorney Williams explained since this item
was discussed during the budget amendment and approved, it would be
helpful for the record.

Councilman Alexander stated for the record he is opposed to this position.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford read the job description for the PIO.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve the Public Information Officer, Pay
Class, Job Description and Org. Chart; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The
motion passed 3-1 (Alexander Opposed).

7. Naming the GCIC Agency Head for the City
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager
Mr. Harris noted the City is required to have a GCIC certified and agency
head; this person has the authorization to go through and do background
checks as needed. Currently the City Manager serves in that capacity; both
the City Manager and City Clerk have been certified and recommends
designating City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday until a City Manager is named.

Councilman Alexander motioned to appoint the City Clerk as GCIC Head for
the City; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 4-0.

April 25, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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8. Policy and Procedures for Projects
Presented by: Councilwoman Gantt
Councilwoman Gantt her request for Council to adopt a Policy and
Procedures for projects to include every project planned/scheduled to be
written by Resolution with a timeline attached, and to place the project list i9n
the Council Meeting Binder until the project has been completed.
Councilwoman Gantt expressed this should help with accountability and
recognition of the task staff has been asked to perform.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve a Resolution to direct the City
Attorney to draft policy and procedure for City projects and timelines; second
by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 4-0.

9. Amendment of Ordinance 3.30
Presented by: Councilwoman Gantt
Councilwoman Gantt withdrew until further notice.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Michael Harris thanked everyone for the three years of service to the City, thanked
citizens for embracing him and noted he will remain engaged.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Alexander thanked the City Manager for his service and noted he will be
missed; referenced a recent Sex Trafficking Awareness Event and thanked the Deltas for
putting out the information.

Councilman Blount noted Mr. Harris will be missed; noted his recent attendance at Global
Impact Christian Ministries’ event where they fed the homeless; stated that better, brighter
days are ahead for the City; and wished Michael Harris well.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford noted Mr. Harris has given the City three great years and will be
missed, and that someone has big shoes to fill; keep the faith and God Bless.

Councilwoman Gantt apologized for the length of the meeting and thanked Mr. Harris for
his service, and thanked staff for hanging in there; and thanked everyone for attending.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Neal noted Michael Harris has been a delight to work with and that he has
set the bar high; and asked everyone to remember Merle Manders, the former City
Clerk who recently passed away and who also contributed greatly to the City, and
commended the current Clerk, Vanessa Holiday.

April 25, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK
Clerk Vanessa Holiday thanked the Mayor, and referenced the passing of Merle
Manders noting she was hired by Merle, and uses many of her processes every
day; and thanked Michael Harris for his professionalism and wished him great
success in the future.

Mayor Neal noted the City has started a search for a City Manager and plans to
bring in someone who will make the City proud.

UPCOMING OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS/EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
Council Meeting – Monday, May 8, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. City Hall Chamber.
Memorial March – Monday, May 29, 2017 – 9:00 a.m. at the Merle Manders
Conference Center.
 Council Work Session– Tuesday, May 30, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. City Hall Chamber.
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND/OR INITIATIVES
 Unity in the Community Basketball Game – Hosted by Councilwoman Robinson at
Stockbridge High School Friday, April 28, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
 National Day of Prayer – Hosted by Councilman Blount – May 4, 2017 at City Hall
in the Council Chamber at 6:00 p.m.
 Non-Profit Social Mixer – Hosted by Councilwoman Gantt – May 11, 2017 at the
Merle Manders Conference Center at 5:30 p.m.

UPCOMING CIVIC EVENTS
 GA Cities Week Activities
Thursday, April 27th at 6:00 p.m. - Stockbridge Trail Mix and Ribbon Cutting at
Reeves Creek Trail (Flippen Rd. entrance)
 Saturday, April 29th from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. - Haul it to the Hall Community
Yard Sale and Recycling Event at Stockbridge City Hall parking lot.
 Annual Carrie Mae Hambrick Celebration
Saturday, May 20th 1:00 p.m. – Trinity UMC – Green Front Café Lawn

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adjourn the meeting; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford.
The motion passed 4-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CMC Judy Neal, Mayor

April 25, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
