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date: 
title: 2017 02 28 2017 Minutes
source: 2017/2017_02_28_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 WORK SESSION SUMMARY MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 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
Call to Order by Mayor Neal.

Invocation- was provided by Michael Brock of Red Oak UMC.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday proceeded with a verbal roll call, all members of Council
were present which constituted a quorum.

Councilman Alexander motioned to amend the Agenda to add first item of business-
Resolution Stating City’s position opposing City of Eagle’s Landing; second by
Councilman Blount. The motion passed 5-0.

The Draft Minutes for January 9, 2017 and January 31, 2017 were reviewed for approval
at the March 13, 2017 Council meeting.

Mayor Neal read Resolution No.17-800 in opposition of the proposed City of Eagle’s
Landing into the record.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve Resolution No.17-800 opposing the formation
of the City of Eagle’s Landing; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

February 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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SPECIAL PUBLIC COMMENTS RE: CITY OF EAGLE’S LANDING
 Pastor Cecilia Green- Spoke in opposition
 Cynthia Johnson- Spoke in opposition
 Dr. Marilyn Flynn- Spoke in opposition
 Roxie G. Harris- Spoke in opposition
 Brett Newsome- Spoke in opposition
 Leonard N. Reynolds- Spoke in opposition
 Jacquelyn Carrier- Spoke in opposition
 Sabrina Jones- Opposed in writing
 Rusenar Anderson- Opposed in writing

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.

 Mildred Reed requested city support of Council on Aging for 2017 Miles for Meals
Campaign.
 Rusenar Anderson applauded the City’s parking on the street enforcement.

OLD BUSINESS
1. Council Consideration to approve the Social Media Policy.
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager

Mr. Harris noted this is a revision to the proposed social media policy. Mr. Harris
stated the three (3) main proposal changes are:
1. Having a consistent Public Information Officer to oversee the City social media
pages
2. Elected officials establishing their own social media accounts and being
responsible for them
3. City social media accounts strive to be fair and will not be used to promote
individuals, business organizations, or non-profits; only City events, as
approved by City Council will be promoted. A community event or other
initiatives would require approval from the City Manager.

Council expressed their concerns with the Social Media policy.

Mr. Harris noted staff would like to bring back at the March 13th meeting for
approval.

NEW BUSINESS
2. 2017 Paint Henry Blue – Raising Awareness for the Prevention of Child Abuse
Kick-Off Month in Stockbridge Thursday, March 30, 2017. Request Use of
Merle Manders Conference Center 111 Davis Road 5pm -9pm
Presented by: Susan Crutchfield and Robin Jones

February 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Susan Crutchfield of Prevent Child Abuse Henry noted the 2017 Paint Henry Blue
Campaign would kick-off in Stockbridge. Ms. Crutchfield noted several agencies
join forces to issue a call to action for residents of Henry County to stand against
child abuse and take action to support children who have been abused or
neglected.

Ms. Crutchfield noted April as Prevent Child Abuse Prevention Month and with the
kick-off being in Stockbridge this year, made the request to hold the event at the
Merle Manders Conference Center on Thursday, April 30th noting setup would
begin at 5:30 p.m.

Ms. Crutchfield also noted the signature pinwheels, ribbons and blue lights that will
be displayed in the city, and also made the request to turn the fountain blue.
Further noting, during the ceremony, all of the Mayors of the Henry County cities
will be present with the annual proclamation read by the mayor of the host city.

Mr. Harris noted there would be a cost associated with this event and noted funds
would come from the miscellaneous funds per Council’s approval.

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to approve the 2017 Paint Henry Blue - Raising
Awareness for the Prevention of Child Abuse with a budget not to exceed
$1,000.00; second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

3. 2017 Taste of Henry Promotional Partnership
Presented by: Nan Jenkins, Director of A Friend’s House

Ms. Jenkins made a request to partner with the City of Stockbridge by allowing the
banners for the Taste of Henry annual fundraising event to be posted throughout
the City. The 2017 A Friend’s House fundraiser is the 16th annual Taste of Henry
event to be held at Heritage Park in McDonough. The Stockbridge Main Street
Program will be granted booth space at the event.

The Council asked about the City of Stockbridge hosting this event, and it was
noted because this is a rain or shine event, it also requires a large covered venue
space, and when Stockbridge is ready, they will come knocking.

Ms. Jenkins also mentioned their annual Benefits Dinner is held at the Merle
Manders Conference Center.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the 2017 Taste of Henry Partnership;
second by Councilwoman Robinson. The motion passed 5-0.

4. Council Consideration to approve Employee Manual update.
Presented by: Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager

Ms. Wheeler noted the proposed changes to the Employee Manual:
 Added the City’s Mission/Vision and Values statements
 Updated the Progressive Discipline Policy
 Updated the inclement weather and emergency circumstances
February 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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 Added Section 4.800- Children at Work
 Revised and updated Ch. 9: Types of leave switched to Annual and
Sick Leave eliminating PTO (Personal Time Off)
 Added Section 9.80: Donated Leave
 Added Section 14.00: Job Abandonment
The consensus of the Council was to place this item on the March 13th
Agenda.

5. Council Consideration to approve Statewide Contract for Public
Works/Sewer Department #SWC-99999-SPD-000039, in the amount of
$84,548.00 with Wade Ford (Marietta, GA) for the purchase of one (1) Ford
F-550 Truck with a nine (9’) foot crane attached with a service body. This is
a one-time purchase.
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director

Mr. Aaron requested approval to purchase one (1) F-550 with a crane
attached in the amount of $84,548.00 from Wade Ford noting this vehicle
will replace a 20-year-old vehicle in the Wastewater Collections Division.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the statewide Contract for Public
Works/Sewer Department #SWC-99999-SPD-000039, in the amount of
$84,548.00; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

6. Council Consideration to approve Statewide Contract for Public
Works/Sewer Department #SWC-99999-SPD-ES40199373-002 in the
amount of $75,993.00 with Alan Vigil (Morrow, GA) for the purchase of three
(3) Ford F-150 Pick Up Trucks with super cabs. This is a one-time purchase.
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director

Mr. Aaron requested approval to purchase three (3) F-150 trucks from Alan Vigil
Ford in the amount of $75,993.00.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Statewide Contract for Public
Works/Sewer Department #SWC-99999-SPD-ES40199373-002 in the amount of
$75,993.00; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

7. Council Consideration to approve the recommendation of Diversified
Environmental Management, Inc. for demolition and site clearing services of
146 Burke Street, Stockbridge, GA
Presented by: Donald R. Riley, Procurement Specialist

Mr. Riley requested approval to contract with staff’s recommendation of Diversified
Environmental Management Inc. for the demolition and site clearing of 146 Burke
Street located in Stockbridge.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve; second by Councilwoman Gantt. The
motion passed 5-0.
February 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired if staff has selected a firm to design the new
building. Mr. Harris explained there are some funds going through SPLOST to
complete design work.

8. Council Consideration to approve use of the Ted Strickland Community
Center for Senior Citizens Fun Night to be held on March 23, 2017.
Presented by: Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt

Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt stated she noticed there is not a senior center and
would like to spearhead and request an event for seniors; and is asking for
approval to use the Ted Strickland Community Center for Senior Citizens Fun
Night which will be held on March 23, 2017.

Councilwoman Robinson inquired about partnering with Council on Aging and
making it a yearly event. Councilwoman Gantt agrees with partnering up with
Council on Aging to create more events for senior citizens. Councilwoman Gantt
also expressed the building being used, could potentially become a senior citizens
center.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve use of the Ted Strickland Community
Center for Senior Citizens Fun Night to be held on March 23, 2017; Mayor Pro
Tem Ford provided the second. The motion passed 5-0.

DISCUSSION
9. Fiber Optic Connection
Presented by: Steven Lease – Liberty Technology

Mr. Lease noted Liberty Technology had identified a 2-mile fiber optic loop that
would help connect primarily to the downtown area of the city noting the biggest
obstacle being the railroad and deciding whether or not the lines would be placed
above ground or underground.

Mr. Lease stated the City would ultimately need a feasibility study to make that
determination and proceeded with the following Fiber Optics information:
City-owned option pros and cons:
Pros:
It is the City’s - Asset for internal use, renting or reselling - Low ongoing cost and
minor maintenance - Achieve much higher speeds (1-10GB vs 10-100MB
providers) - There is no restriction on what the City can run over.
Cons:
Longer installation time - higher upfront cost - Requires: design, permits, pole
agreements, Resolution of right-of-ways and above ground may require hiring an
engineering firm.

Renting/Paying Per Month
Pros:
Low to no up-front costs

February 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Cons:
Long installation time - speed limitations (10x factor in most cases) - limitations on
re-selling access - limitations on protocols or types of data that can be run across it
- likely requires using more than one vendor to achieve coverage – contracts -
no control over long-term cost - perpetual costs

Additional Considerations
Hybrid Solution:
Practical in short or near term - still requires engineering and site surveys to
determine costs.

Wireless Point-To-Point
Option as point solutions - option to cover “last mile” - have fallen out of favor
due to: - instability - susceptibility to weather and acts of God - limitations on
speeds that are able to be achieved

There was no action on this item.

10. Request for Amendment of the City’s Zoning Code In regards to brick facade
requirement to be applied throughout the City.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney

Attorney Williams noted the Zoning Advisory Board approved and recommends
four (4) facade requirements for commercial buildings throughout the City as
follows:

1. Requirement would only apply to commercial buildings and not industrial
buildings; the last version had both it
2. Requirement does not apply to hotels
3. Requirement adds a vinyl standard which has to have a thickness of 0.046’’
4. Requirement adds a metal standard; if used, would have to use 29 gauge
standing seam metal

Attorney Williams also noted the Zoning Advisory Board will recommend two (2)
additional changes: 1. No stucco as an allowable use for the facade of the
buildings. 2. Brick requirement for businesses, noting the current requirement for
brick states you have to have brick on the sides of the building facing the street
and what is being proposed by the Zoning Advisory Board is to have three (3)
sides brick and the facade being ½ brick and ½ of another material to decorate.

Attorney Williams noted the Zoning Advisory Board would like to recommend and
approve at the next meeting any portion of the building that is visible on a public
street should be brick and the façade could be a combination of brick and
decorative materials.

The Public Hearing for this item will be held on Monday, March 13th

February 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Harris noted LMIG projects began today and the Mays Rd. Culvert will be
mobilizing next week; Vision/Mission/Values will be memorialized for viewing;
Main Street Program RSVP Grant application (6-9-month process) cost $45,000 -
$65,000 and proposes the use of funds from sale of property with Council
approval; congratulated Mike Ireland of the Henry County Police Dept. North
Precinct who was recently promoted to Captain.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for coming out; thanked everyone for their
support to oppose the proposed city of Eagle’s Landing and noted that he along with
his neighbors are included in the proposed city and were not asked.

Councilman Blount echoed the previous comments noting his neighborhood was
also included in the proposed city of Eagle’s Landing and likewise was not asked;
thanked colleagues and the Mayor for the support to oppose to proposed city.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford asked everyone to keep the faith as they try to move the city
forward; noted he was glad to see the Mayor and Council united and moving the City
forward.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for coming out and looks forward to a great
2017.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked staff and the presenters; congratulated Captain
Ireland; and wanted citizens to know they are all fighting for Stockbridge.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Neal thanked everyone for coming out and referenced the Agenda copies in
the lobby with the upcoming meetings and events; and referenced the Paint Henry
Blue campaign that will kick off in Stockbridge on Thursday, March 30, 2017.

OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
All meetings 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.
 Main Street Advisory Board Meeting scheduled for Friday, March 10, 2017 has
been canceled.

 Council Meeting – Monday, March 13, 2017 - 6:00 p.m.- City Hall Chamber

 Stockbridge Zoning Advisory Board Meeting – Thursday, March 23, 2017 at
6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.

 Downtown Development Authority Board Meeting – Monday, March 27, 2017 at
February 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

 Council Work Session – Tuesday, March 28, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. - City Hall Chamber.

COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND/OR INITIATIVES
 Coffee w/a Cop – Hosted by Mayor Pro Tem Ford- Date and Location to be
announced.

 Senior Citizens Fun Night – Hosted by Councilwoman Gantt – March 23rd Details
to follow.

CIVIC EVENTS

 Paint Henry Blue, Kick-Off Campaign in Stockbridge, Thursday, March 30, 2017
at 6:00 p.m.

Motion to convene Executive Session for Real Estate, Litigation and Personnel
made by Councilwoman Gantt; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion
passed 5-0.

Motion to adjourn Executive Session made by Mayor Pro Tem Ford; second by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

Motion to reconvene the meeting made by Councilwoman Gantt; second by
Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Councilwoman Gantt; second by Mayor
Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CMC Judy Neal, Mayor

February 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
