---
date: 2014-02-04
title: February 4, 2014 Minutes
source: 2014-02/2014-02-04_February 4, 2014_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

February 4, 2014

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 6:00 pm

City Council
Administration
Tim L. Thompson, Mayor
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 6:05pm

Invocation was provided by Houston Nelson

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison

Adopt Agenda; Alphonso Thomas made a motion to move item #1 and bring item #17 up; a
second was made by Richard Steinberg; the motion passed 5-0.

Review Minutes: Work Session December 3, 2013
Council Meeting December 9, 2013

January 7, 2014

January 13, 2014

Special Called Meeting December 3, 2013

December 9, 2013

December 20, 2013

December 30, 2013

January 3, 2014

January 27, 2014

CONSENT AGENDA

Item #17-Presented by Mayor Tim L. Thompson

Resolution: Wellness Initiative; Pam Brooks, Human Resources Manager presented the 2014
Health Wellness Program Initiative. Mrs. Brooks said the Kaiser program with a zero cost was
selected for the city. Richard Steinberg reiterated there were rate increases in the past and
these organizations assist with lower rates for employees. Wendell Strickland spoke on
premium increases and how insurance is affected. He stated when these programs are
implemented the insurance carriers reward city’s. Pam Brooks requested the support of council.

Item #2-Presented by Mayor Tim L. Thompson

Presentation; Miller Edwards presented the 2012 Audit; He spoke on the highlights of 2012
audit. He said the fund balance is strong and the City of Stockbridge is ranked in the top 5%. He
also addressed his concerns with record keeping and pointed out areas of weaknesses found
while administering the 2012 audit. There were (12) recommendations and (7) were material
weakness such as internal controls and processes that don’t occur in a timely manner. He
pointed out substantial adjustments to cash, the enter fund accounts, balancing of the general
ledger and on a periodic bases, maintaining capital assets and corresponding backup. Richard
Steinberg asked if any financial improprieties were found. Mr. Edwards said we did not see any
problems, we saw opportunity. He also reiterated additional resources were needed in the
Finance department. Alphonso Thomas asked if there was a possibility of impropriety or were
any red flags found. Mr. Edwards said there were (7) material weaknesses. Lakeisha Gantt
addressed reconciliations of the records. Mr. Edwards stated there are items from last spring
that need to be addressed and a lot of change in key positions. Richard Steinberg spoke on the
InCode system. He said internal steps should be taken. Alphonso Thomas addressed a
statement made by Miller Edwards regarding the former administration not meeting with the
auditor for an update. Mayor Thompson asked questions in regards to the audit deadlines. Mr.
Edwards spoke on other municipalities that are more complicated than Stockbridge which meet
the deadlines. Mike Bush spoke on issues found in the 2012 audit and reassured council the
areas will be addressed moving forward. Mr. Edwards spoke briefly on the 2013 financials and
cash flow management. Lakeisha Gantt stated money has been spent that we may not have.
Mr. Edwards said apparently there were additional reserves that were available.

CEREMONIAL

Item #2-Presented by Alphonso Thomas, Mayor Pro Tem

Proclamation-Honoring Smith-Barnes Elementary School; Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas
provided a brief summary regarding the closing of Smith-Barnes Elementary School. He said
the School Board has withdrawn the proposal to close the school; He then asked for council’s
support with recognizing Smith-Barnes Elementary School. Robin Buschman spoke on the
resolution passed in support of Smith-Barnes. Anthony S. Ford said this was a great effort by
the citizens of Stockbridge. Richard Steinberg thanked Alphonso Thomas for his initiative.

Alphonso Thomas stated for the record, I would like to ask if Richard Steinberg and Mayor
Thompson should recuse themselves from the discussion as it affects their neighborhood. He
also said that Anthony S. Ford worked on the sign ordinance. Richard Steinberg stated that
Alphonso Thomas vote on matters that affects his community. Mayor Thompson said there is
no financial gain and asked for a legal opinion. City Attorney, Mike Williams stated that he does
not think recusal is necessary but would like to review the zoning ordinance more.

OLD BUSINESS

Item # 3 - Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

Information: Variance: VR-13-18 (Eagles Landing Signage); Mayor Thompson asked Ms.
Coleman to present the items; Ms. Coleman said this is a multipart variance request. The
applicant is seeking an increase of the sign area from 32ft to 55ft and sign height from 6ft to
11ft. This sign request is part of Eagles Landing Parkway expansion. The sign was removed as
a part of a road widening project. Robin Buschman said the signs look great, but if we approve
I’ve been told we will leave ourselves open for lawsuits. Alphonso Thomas said it may be able to
rescind the ordinance and bring it back. Anthony S. Ford said he is not in favor of rescinding. He
wanted to know if there is a way to modify the ordinance. Alphonso Thomas clarified his
statement to not rescind but to modify the ordinance. Mayor Thompson said that these types of
neighborhoods exists elsewhere and an Overlay District may work. City Attorney, Mike Williams
said an Overlay District or a Master Plan would possibly work. He read a part of the ethics
ordinance to address recusal. Richard Steinberg said it should be considered on a case by case
situation. Ms. Coleman explained the overlay district. She said the recommendation is for a
Master Sign Plan to include the minimum standard. Alphonso Thomas said you have to do
something with the current legislation. Lakeisha Gantt addressed her concerns with state
regulations. Mayor Thompson said there is a way to do this legally. City Attorney, Mike Williams
suggested tabling the items and amending the ordinance. Ms. Coleman said the request is a 3-
Part Variance. Mayor Thompson asked for clarification on the items. She said the requests are
for additional signage, height and signage area. Steve Moore provided a summary of the
project. He said this began with the Eagles Landing widening project. The county approached
subdivisions with a Cause for a Cure to replace signage that was removed. The subdivisions
affected opted to not take the money and instead came up with a comprehensive or a
beautification plan. Mayor Thompson said this is something we need to address along with the
financial impact. Ms. Coleman also addressed signs in the right-of-way. Anthony S. Ford stated
signs were constructed in the right-of-way many years ago in several communities. Mayor
Thompson said he would like to review with legal counsel.

Item # 4- Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

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

Item # 5 - Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

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

Item # 6 – Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

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

Item # 7 – Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

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

Item # 8 – Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

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

Item # 9 – Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

Information: Variance: VR-13-24 (Eagles Landing Signage)
Item # 10 - Presented by Vicki Coleman, City Planner

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

Mayor Thompson recessed the meeting for a (5) minute break.

NEW BUSINESS

Item # 11-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; Mike Bush provided
an overview of the budget. Mayor Thompson said the organizational chart and budget was
reviewed to find savings. He spoke on Planning & Zoning items. He said the revenues collected
from Planning & Zoning was $12,733.46. Alphonso Thomas wanted to know the projected
savings for the Planning & Zoning department. Mr. Bush explained that $194,000 allocated for
the department and money for police services. He said building permits and other fees were
included. Ms. Coleman said development and construction review were also included. Robin
Buschman said the organizational chart can be changed. Anthony S. Ford reiterated the need to
pay for police services. He also asked for a briefing with department heads for their insight.
Mayor Thompson spoke on the SDS and the (10) year agreement. Alphonso Thomas
addressed his concerns with the Main Street program. Lakeisha Gantt spoke on the Total Tech
and the former CIO.

Item #12- Presented by Mayor, Tim L. Thompson

Discussion: Legislative Items; Mayor Thompson asked for recommendations on how to move
forward with the legislative items. City Attorney, Mike Williams said the Hotel/Motel Tax and
Technology Fee are important. He said the delegation would like to hear from the governing
body regarding the items. Mayor Thompson spoke on Lodging and Excise Tax and the
Technology Fee. He asked that Council have further discussions.

Item # 13-Presented by Mayor Pro Tem, Alphonso Thomas

Ordinance-To amend the powers and duties of the City Manager; Alphonso Thomas provided
an overview of the powers and duties of the City Manager. He stated that he did not agree with
the policies, procedures nor power provided to the former City Manager. Lakeisha Gantt said
the ordinance was change when the former City Manager was placed in the position. She
pointed out areas in the ordinance to be amended.

Item #14- Presented by Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas and LaKeisha Gantt
Discussion-Policies and Procedures for City Council and Work Session meetings; Alphonso
Thomas and Lakeisha Gantt spoke on the proposed policies and procedures for City Council
and Work Session meetings. Alphonso Thomas said there are several items to be discussed by
the council on procedures. Lakeisha Gantt reiterated that agenda items and correspondence
should be provided to the citizens prior to the meetings.

Item #15- Presented by Alphonso Thomas, Mayor Pro Tem

Discussion: Request for funding for Black History Month; Alphonso Thomas provided an
overview on the request for the Black History Month funding. Richard Steinberg requested
clarification. Alphonso Thomas explained that this is not a city event, this is an initiative of
Councilman Thomas. City Attorney, Mike Williams said you all are committed to fund events.
Mayor Thompson spoke on a function of a group with an issue with general liability insurance
issue. Robin Buschman spoke on the previous city functions. City Attorney, Mike Williams said
there are discretionary funds for council initiatives and clarified a city function. Mike Bush
explained the miscellaneous expense line item. He said the line item is there if you need it;
there is no specific reason to utilize the line item. Lakeisha Gantt said if we wanted to coordinate
a Town Hall meeting can those funds be used. Mike Bush said yes. Anthony S. Ford said if we
do it for one we would have to do it for all ethnicities. Alphonso Thomas asked for the support of
the council.

Item #16-Presented by Mayor Tim L. Thompson

Discussion: Discussion and possible action regarding Hugh Austin, Management Consultant;
Mayor Thompson explained the request for obtaining Hugh Austin, Management Consultant to
assist with day to day operations. He said the contract is for (7) days and will be automatically
renewed every (7) days. He said he is in the process of obtaining a City Manager. Richard
Steinberg asked a series of questions regarding the Mayor’s reasoning behind obtaining a
consultant instead of an interim City Manager.

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

• City Council Meeting- February 10, 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.

1. Lee Stuart, thanked the council for their work and addressed his concerns with the sign
ordinance.

2. Houston Nelson, thanked the Mayor and Alphonso Thomas for their hard work. He
addressed his concerns with the city’s public trust penalty. He asked the council to
review the sign ordinance comprehensively and thanked the Mayor for his time and
selecting Mr. Austin.

3. Mildred Reed, yielded her time to Vanessa Holiday, 708 Silene Court, who corrected a
comment made by Councilwoman Buschman regarding the organizational chart
submitted by ARC. She asked council to review the employee personnel policy for
additional information regarding the powers of the City Manager.

MOTION TO ADJOURN; Alphonso Thomas; a second was made by Lakeisha Gantt; the
motion passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:35pm.
