---
date: 2025-08-19
title: Downtown Development Authority Agenda Packet
source: 2025-08/2025-08-19_Downtown Development Authority_Agenda Packet.pdf
pages: 1
---

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT Downtown Development
AUTHORITY OF THE
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE Authority
BOARD MEMBERS Meeting Agenda
Kenya Cook, Chair August 19, 2025 6:00 PM
Warren Washington, Vice-Chair
Nathan Banks, Treasurer
Jerry Mays, Secretary
Nycholas Armstead, Board Member
Darryl Stamper, Board Member
Councilmember Elton Alexander

ADMINISTRATION
Shawn Edmondson, City Manager

Gerald Sanders
Economic Development Director

Lisa Fareed STOCKBRIDGE DOWNTOWN CONNECTION CENTER
130 M L KING SR. HERITAGE TRAIL
Downtown Main Street Manager STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281
Website: www.stockbridgega.org
Phone: 770-389-7900
Cassandra Lester, Recorder Fax: 770-389-7912

Blake Sharpton, Attorney
AGENDA
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025 6:00 PM

I. Call to Order
1. Roll Call
2. Prayer
3. Motions for additions or deletions to the proposed agenda
4. Approve Agenda
5. Approve July 14th, 2025 Minutes
II. Officers Reports
6. Chairman’s Comments – Cook
7. Vice Chair’s Comments – Washington
8. Secretary’s Comments – Mays
9. Treasurer’s Comments - Vacant
III. Old Business
10. Façade Grant Update
11. Georgia Downtown Association Conference
12. Discuss Marketing for the Downtown Development Authority
13. Discuss creating an interior grant for businesses
14. Projects update – Habitat for Humanity
IV. New Business
15. Landscaping project – Economic Development Director
16. Discuss creating an interior grant for businesses
V. City Staff Reports
17. City Council Liaison - Councilman Alexander
18. Economic Development Department – Gerald Sanders
19. Main Street Advisory Board Liaison – Lisa Fareed
VI. Adjourn
VII. Executive Session (if needed)
MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Monday July 14th, 2025 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Board Members City Staff
Kenya Cook, Chair - Present Cassandra Lester, Deputy City Clerk - Present
Warren Washington, Vice-Chair - Present Gerald Sanders, Economic Development Director - Present
Nathan Banks, Treasurer - Present Lisa Fareed, Main Street Manager - Absent
Jerry Mays, Secretary - Present Terezy Ochoa, Mainstreet Coordinator - Absent
Darrell Stampler, Board Member - Absent Vacant, City Manager
Nycholas Armstead, Board Member - Present Guest:
Elton Alexander, City Council Liaison - Present Christine Chavis, Economic Development Coordinator

Chair Cook called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

Chair Cook called for a Motion to approve the agenda. A Motion to amend the agenda to enter
Executive Session after the "Officers’ Report" was made by Councilmember Elton Alexander;
Seconded by Vice-Chair Washington. The Motion passed unanimously.

Chair Cook called for a Motion to approve the meeting minutes from June 17, 2025. Motion to
approve made by Vice-Chair Washington; Seconded by Nathan Banks; The Motion passed 4-0-
1 with Councilmember Elton Alexander abstaining.

Officer Reports
Chair's Comments-Cook
No Comments

Vice-Chair Comments-Washington
No Comments

Treasurer-Nathan Banks
Treasurer Banks reported receiving invoice #140586257 for $15.00 related to the publication of
the meeting notice for July 14th. Chair Cook then verbally presented the treasurer’s report,
which included the following account balances:

- Operating Account: $1,767.51
- Façade Account: $41,133.50
- Project Account: $180,803.44

Chair Cook called for a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report. Motion to approve by Nathan
Banks; Seconded by Vice-Chair Warren Washington; The Motion passed unanimously.

Secretary Update-Jerry Mays
No Comments

Executive Session
Councilmember Elton Alexander made the Motion to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss
real estate, litigation and personnel matters at 6:13 p.m.; Seconded by Vice-Chair Washington;
the motion passed unanimously.

Nycholas Armstead arrived at 6:29 p.m. and joined the Board members in Executive Session.

Page 1 of 4
MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Monday July 14th, 2025 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Nathan Banks left the meeting at 6:50 p.m.

Motion to adjourn Executive Session and reconvene the Board Meeting made by Vice Chair
Washington at 6:50 p.m.; Seconded by Nycholas Armstead; The Motion passed unanimously.

There was nothing to report from Executive Session.

Old Business
Waste Collections Services Agreement
Economic Development Director Gerald Sanders updated the Board, stating that there has been
no action from the City Council regarding the discussion raised during the city council meeting
on June 25, 2025. He mentioned that the waste collection services agreement should be
integrated with the Alleyway Project, which is part of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan.
Councilmember Alexander further clarified that since the City’s Alleyway Project covers the
downtown area and other locations, the DDA should consider submitting a resolution to the City
to express the Board’s needs from the Alleyway Project, including the trash compactor,
dumpster pad, and grease collection system.

A discussion took place in which several Board members expressed concerns about requesting
the City to provide waste collection services for the Alleyway Project. They noted that this
request could potentially delay progress. Some members raised questions about how decisions
would be made regarding the prioritization of projects for funding, particularly given the
numerous competing needs within the Alleyway Project. Chair Cook raised concerns about the
DDA's legal costs, questioning why the DDA could not wait for the City to initiate the project
before drafting a resolution. He pointed out that the Alleyway Project may not even begin for
another 6 to 12 months at a minimum.

Mr. Sanders reminded the Board that its (DDA) funding is limited and that sending a resolution
to the City Council would be a cost-effective to have the trash compactor, dumpster pad, and
grease collection system competed. Councilmember Alexander reiterated that the Alleyway
Project is one of the City’s top priorities for improvement and that the DDA Board should send a
resolution to the City Council outlining its needs, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, and
mentioning the RSVP plan to encourage prompt action from the City.

Chair Cook called for further discussion, but no additional comments were made. Chair Cook
called for a Motion. Vice Chair Washington Motioned to approve the language for the resolution
regarding the Alleyway Project. The motion was seconded by Nycholas Armstead and passed
with a vote of 4-1-0, with Chair Cook voting against it.

Façade Grant update for 120 MLK Sr Heritage Trail
Economic Development Coordinator Christine Chavis clarified the grant amount and terms with
the DDA Board. She stated that she would be in contact with Mr. Renehan the following day to
inform him of his contribution portion. Additionally, she mentioned that all payments would be
made to the contractor from the DDA Board once the final numbers are received from Economic
Development Director Gerald Sanders via the Mainstreet office staff as per the current Façade
Grant Guidelines.

Page 2 of 4
MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Monday July 14th, 2025 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

The Board discussed the need to update the Façade Grant Guidelines to incorporate
drawdowns.

Ms. Chavis encouraged the Board to provide her with specific language they would like to see
included in the updated Guidelines. The Board reached a consensus that drawdown payments
made to contractors should be included in the guidelines; however, no vote was taken on this
matter.

Chair Cook commented that since the grant has been approved, after all signatures are
received from Mr. Rehenan, he and Vice Chair Washington will stop by the Mainstreet office to
deliver the first draw.

Mr. Sanders then informed the DDA Board that he and the Economic Development Department
have been working on ways to improve the Façade Grant process, which includes:
- Enhancing communication with applicants.
- Providing copies of completed applications to the
• Economic Development Department
• The Downtown Development Authority
• The Applicants

Vice-Chair Washington left at 7:32 p.m.

Georgia Downtown Association Conference
Chair Cook called for a vote to approve the budget for two DDA representatives to attend the
conference at the early-bird rate. This budget includes registration, travel, lodging, and a
stipend. The motion to approve was made by Councilmember Elton Alexander and seconded by
Nycholas Armstead. The motion passed unanimously.

Amphitheater Initiative
Chair Cook requested clarification on the process for receiving tickets for the Amphitheater
Sponsorship table. He mentioned difficulties in obtaining tickets at the last event, where VIP
guests had to wait to enter. Councilmember Elton Alexander suggested contacting Charisma
Webster for assistance with any ticket-related issues. Chair Cook expressed his desire to keep
this topic on the agenda so the Board can monitor its impact and track the return on investment
for this initiative.

Marketing for Downtown Development Authority
Nycholas Armstead made a motion to rescind the vote to approve and retain the services of
Henry Caslin of Alex and Partners Marketing and Consulting LLC as the vendor to facilitate the
night and pre-concert market events; Seconded by Councilmember Elton Alexander. The
motion passed unanimously.

New Business
Façade Gant Program
Chair Cook wants to increase awareness of the façade grant program among business owners
in the DDA District. Councilmember Elton Alexander suggests that this initiative should start with
Business Services. He recommends including an application and guidelines as part of the
welcome pack given to new businesses when they open or during their ribbon-cutting
ceremony.
Page 3 of 4
MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Monday July 14th, 2025 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Interior Grant for Businesses
Chair Cook noted that he has received feedback from business owners who are aware of the
façade grant and are inquiring whether there is also a grant available for interior improvements.
Economic Development Director Gerald Sanders emphasized the importance of considering the
costs associated with renovations for interior leaseholders, as these fall under building
improvements and should have limitations. Councilmember Elton Alexander mentioned that the
city has a BRICKS program that covers interior improvements. He also emphasized that curb
appeal should be included in the façade grant guidelines. Chair Cook proposed keeping this
item on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting.

City Council Update
Elton Alexander – City Council Liaison
He expressed that he was very impressed with the number of visitors brought to the city of
Stockbridge by both the All-White concert and the Fourth of July event. He also mentioned his
excitement about the appointment of the new City Manager, Shawntez Edmondson, and
encouraged the DDA Board to attend the Council meeting to welcome him. Additionally, he
stated that the city continues to attract new developments to the area.

City Staff Reports
Gerald Sanders – Economic Development Director
No Comments

Lisa Fareed – Main Street Manager
Not Present

Chair Cook called for a motion to adjourn at 7:59 p.m.; Nycholas Armstead motioned to adjourn;
Seconded by Jerry Mays. The Motion passed unanimously. The minutes were written by Deputy
City Clerk Cassandra Lester.

Executive Session Criteria GA Code
Discuss or vote to authorize the settlement of a matter covered by the attorney-client privilege. 50-14-2(1) and
Identify the case or claim discussed but not the substance of the attorney-client discussion. 50-14-3(b)(1)(A)
Discuss or vote to authorize negotiations to purchase, dispose of o lease property. 50-14-3(b)(1)(B)
Discuss or vote to authorize the ordering of an appraisal related to the acquisition or disposal of real 50-14-3(b)(1)(C)
estate.
Discuss or vote to enter into a contract to purchase, dispose of, or lease property subject to approval 50-14-3(b)(1)(D)
in a subsequent public vote.
Discuss or vote to enter into an option to purchase, dispose of, or lease real estate. 50-14-3(b)(1)(E)
Discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action 50-14-3(b)(2)
or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee.
Meeting to interview one or more applicants for the position of the executive head of an agency. 50-14-3(b)(2)
A meeting otherwise required to be open was closed to the public in order to consult and meet with 50-14-2(1)
legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative
proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the agency or any officer
or employee or in which the agency or any officer or employee may be directly involved and the
matter discussed was [identify the matter but not the substance of the discussion.
meeting held for investigative purposes under duties or responsibilities imposed by law. 50-14-3(a) (1)

Page 4 of 4
