---
date: 2021-12-21
title: December 21, 2021 Work Session Meeting Minutes
source: 2021-12/2021-12-21_December 21, 2021 Work Session Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

WORK SESSION MEETING
ACTION MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Mayor Pro Tem Elton Alexander Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilwoman Yolanda Barber John Wiggins, City Treasurer
Councilman John Blount Quinton Washington, City Attorney
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Jeremy T. Berry, City Attorney
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.
I. Zoom Meeting Information

II. Call to Order – Mayor Ford

III. Roll Call - `All members present except Councilwoman Gantt

IV. Invocation – Mayor Pro Tem Alexander

V. Motion to amend the Agenda to Remove Item #10 Johnson Controls
Alexander/Barber Passed 4-0

VI. Motion to amend the Agenda to Table Item #20 DDA Appointments to be
heard in January 2022.Barber/Alexander Passed 4-0

VII. Motion to amend the Agenda to Add Item #30 to purchase Tasers for Police
Services Alexander/Barber Passed 4-0

VIII. Motion to amend the Agenda to Table Item #18, Green Room Rental; Item
# 24 Police Dept. Policies; Item #26 Temporary Spending Authority
Barber/Thomas Passed 4-0

IX. Motion to adopt the Agenda Barber/Alexander passed 4-0

X. Motion to amend the Agenda to Add Item #31 Discussion Item Employee
Incentive Blount/Alexander Passed 4-0

XI. Motion to approve Minutes Barber/Alexander Passed 5-0

1. 9/15/21 2. 9/16/21 3. 9/17/21 4. 9/20/20 5. 10/8/21 6. 10/26/21 7. 11/8/21
8. 11/30/21 Barber/Alexander Passed 4-0.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
All public comments must be submitted to the Clerk no later than one hour prior to the meeting.
The Public Comment Form can be found on the City’s webpage on the City Clerk’s page at:
https://stockbridge.seamlessdocs.com/f/20pkdz4mo7xb and the form must include your name,
phone, and email contact information. Comments are limited to (3) three minutes and will be read
by the Clerk during the meeting, respecting all members of the elected body, officials, and staff.
Comments including defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will not be accepted. None

OLD BUSINESS

9. Public Hearing - FY2022 Operating Budget – Final Adoption
Presented by John Wiggins, Treasurer
Mr. Wiggins presented the FY2022 Operating Budget
General Fund Budget $18,380,993.12

Motion to add Employee and Volunteer Recognition in December in the amount not to
exceed $20,000.00 Barber/Thomas Passed 3-0-1 (Blount Abstained)

Motion to task staff with advertising for a Grants Administrator for Police Services w/salary
not to exceed $65,000 Barber/Motion Rescinded

Motion to task staff with advertising for a Grants Administrator for the City salary and
benefits funded upon research by staff and to be placed under the City Manager on the
Organizational Chart and for the position to remain posted until filled: Barber/Thomas
Passed 3-1 (Blount Opposed).

Motion to task staff to post the Executive Assistant to Mayor & Council position (confirmed
as funded by the Treasurer) and to remain posted until offer has been accepted
Barber/Alexander Passed 4-0.

Motion to reduce Youth Council Budget by $6,000 noting all departments were requested
to make reductions to their budgets Barber/Motion Rescinded

Motion to amend the Assistant Public Works Director Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, a related field of engineering, environmental
science or technology, requiring by seven (7) years of experience in public works,
including water, sewer, stormwater, solid waste management, streets and roads, parks,
and facility and fleet maintenance; with an equivalent combination of education, training,
and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job will
be considered with the required engineering degree and a valid State of Georgia Driver’s
License: Thomas/Alexander Passed 3-1 (Blount Opposed).

PUBLIC HEARING OPENED – No Speakers In Favor or Opposed
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED

Motion to approve the FY2022 Operating Budget with the approved amendments for a total
of $18,480,993.12 Alexander/Thomas Passed 4-0.

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10. Council Consideration for approval to increase the contract for Johnson Controls
Security Solutions LLC (Tyco Integrated Security LLC) in the amount of $497,572.84 for
installation costs; plus $7,579.80 for year one service costs and monitoring for a total of
$505,152.64.
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Item Removed from the Agenda

11. Council Consideration to approve Merle Manders Conference Center Building
Renovations in the amount of $314,000. Funding Source; $50,000 FY2021 Budget;
$150,000 FY2022 Budget $134,000 Tourism Funds
Presented by Kim Jordan, Conference Center & Events Manager
Motion to approve with contingency of confirmed Tourism funding Alexander/Thomas
Passed 4-0

NEW BUSINESS
12. Council Consideration to approve and publish the 2022 Public Meetings schedules.
Presented by Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Motion to approve w/Option 1 of the City Council meetings and the Board/Committee
meetings as presented Alexander/Blount Passed 4-0.

13. Council Consideration to approve the 2022 Agenda Timeline.
Presented by Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Motion to approve Thomas/Barber Passed 4-0.

14. Council Consideration to approve the 2022 Holiday Calendar.
Presented by Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
Ms. Wheeler read the holidays for 2022: Jan 1 New Year’s Day, Jan 17 M L King, Jr.
Holiday, April 15 Good Friday, May 30 Memorial Day, June 19 Juneteenth, July 4
Independence Day, Sep 5 Labor Day, Nov 24 Thanksgiving Day, Nov 25 The Day After
Thanksgiving, Dec 24 Christmas Eve, Dec 25 Christmas Day.
Motion to approve Blount/Barber Passed 4-0.

15. Council Consideration to approve the 2022 Council Initiatives Calendar of Events.
Presented by Zenovia Pearson, Admin. Asst. to Mayor & Council
Motion to approve Alexander/Thomas Passed 4-0

16. Council Consideration to approve the 2022 City Events Calendar.
Presented by Kim Jordan, Conference Center & Events Manager
Motion to approve Alexander/Blount Passed 3-0-1 (Barber Abstained)

Councilwoman Barber motioned to rescind her vote from the 12/13/2021 meeting
supporting the Halloween Festival.

Mayor Ford asked Legal Counsel to speak to the legality of the request.

Attorney Berry noted Councilwoman Barber can have a note placed in the record noting
her position on the matter has changed from yes to no; however, the vote has been taken
and is recorded as history and that a motion to reconsider the item would be the appropriate
action.
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Councilwoman Barber noted she has observed other members change their votes on this
Council and called for a motion to Reconsider her vote of the City’s Halloween Festival.

Councilman Thomas offered his knowledge of the Motion to Reconsider and noted that
supports the City’s Halloween Festival, he was of the understanding that a voting member
has the right to change his or her position on an item at the meeting or the very next
meeting.

Councilman Blount noted during the discussion at the previous meeting it was stated there
was another Halloween event and the motion was approved to move forward, in which he
voted to oppose and in conflict along with Councilwoman Gantt that the events were in
conflict.

Mayor Ford requested a legal opinion.

Attorney Berry stated that any councilmember that voted in the majority whether it was a
vote in favor of or a vote opposed to could bring the item back for reconsideration and a
vote and stated Councilwoman Barber has the right to bring the item back for a vote.

Attorney Washington read the City’s Charter Section 2.04.140 Motion to Reconsider:
A motion to reconsider any of the proceedings of council shall not be entertained unless it
be made by a member who voted with the majority, and such motion shall be made at the
same or succeeding meeting.

Councilman Thomas stated that while he remains in favor of the original motion, he wants
the actions of the Council to be procedurally correct to allow for a Motion to Reconsideration
and stated likewise with a Point of Order, that request should speak to the item at hand.

Mayor Ford called on Councilwoman Barber for her request.

Councilwoman Barber made a Motion to Reconsider her vote; second by Councilman
Blount.

Attorney Berry stated the motion is not to reconsider her vote, but a motion to reconsider
the item and call for a vote on the item.

Councilwoman Barber made a motion to Reconsider the motion regarding the Halloween
Event at the December 13, 2021 meeting.

Councilman Thomas disagreed with the opinion stating it is the councilmember’s
prerogative to change their vote without other members of Council voting on that.

The Clerk read the rule regarding the motion to reconsider; The motion to reconsider may
be made only by a member who voted on the prevailing side in the original vote (such as
someone who voted “yes” if the motion had passed or voted “no” if the motion was
defeated). The making of the motion to reconsider takes precedence over all other motions
and yields to nothing.

Attorney Berry agreed with the definition as read and stated it contemplates a motion.
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Attorney Washington stated that as with any other motion, it must be properly moved and
seconded to take any action.
Councilman Thomas disagreed with the call for a motion to reconsider her vote.

Attorney Berry stated the meeting two weeks is set stone and is why it takes a Motion for
Reconsideration to bring the item back to the Council for a vote.

Attorney Washington stated the City’s only provision in the Charter speaks to a Motion to
Reconsider can only be brought back by a member of the Governing Body who voted in
the majority.

Councilwoman Barber stated she is prepared to make two motions: A motion to rescind her
vote; and a Motion to reconsider.

Mayor Ford called for a vote on the motion to reconsider made by Councilwoman Barber;
second by Councilman Blount (there was not vote from Alexander or Thomas) the motion
failed.

Attorney Berry noted the action of the was correct and gave an example of a rezoning item
being approved by the Council and the developer begins to build relying on the zoning, and
a member of the Council comes back two weeks later to change their vote, which is why
the actions or voting of the full council.

Councilwoman Barber responded that the example of a developer or investor would relate
to items involving contracts.

Attorney Berry noted the process is from Robert’s Rules and used the rezoning as an
example.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander noted the Council voted and has received the opinion of legal
counsel.

Councilwoman Barber opted to move on.

Councilman Blount stated while it was her prerogative to move on, he did not think
Councilwoman Barber was allowed to change her vote.

Mayor Ford noted the process was that the Council did vote on the motion to reconsider,
and the motion failed.

Councilman Thomas stated for the record he abstained from the vote.

17. Council Consideration to approve the 2021 Utility Billing Write-offs in the amount of
$14,111.8.
Presented by John Wiggins, Treasurer
Motion to approve Alexander/Barber Passed 3-0-1 (Thomas Abstained)

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18. Council Consideration to approve Green Room Community Use Policy and Fee
Schedule.
Presented by Kim Jordan, Conference Center & Events Manager and Econuel ingram,
Conference Center Coordinator
Item Tabled

19. Council Consideration to appoint a representative to the Council on Aging.
Presented by Attorney Washington
Motion to appoint DeRitha Barber – 2yr Term Alexander/Barber Passed 4-0.

20. Council Consideration to appoint members to the Downtown Development Authority
Presented by Attorney Washington
Item Tabled to January 2022

21. Council Consideration to appoint members to the Main Street Advisory Board.
Presented by Attorney Washington
Motion to appoint Greg Horton to a 3yr Term; Linda Jones, Mildred Reed, Anika Potts,
Willie Hopkins and Shomari Furtch with a 2-yr Term Thomas/Alexander Passed 4-0.

22. Council Consideration to appoint members to the Youth Council Advisory Committee
Presented by Attorney Washington
Motion to appoint Sharika Zellars and Jodie Alexander with a 2-yr Term; Aaniyah Kendrick,
Alfreda Gourdine, Arvia Hall, Derius Peurifoy, Keely White and Shameka Jones, with terms
to be determined to fill the 1yr unexpired terms or vacant 2-yr terms following discussion
with legal: Blount/Alexander Passed 3-0-1 (Barber Abstained)

23. Council Consideration to approve the Commercial Code Enforcement Fee Schedule
Presented by Brecca Johnson, Community Development Director
Motion to approve with amendments Alexander/Barber Passed 3-0-1 (Blount Abstained0
Motion to bring Residential Fee Schedule to the Council within the next 30 days for approval
Alexander/Barber Passed 4-0.

24. Council Consideration to grant the Chief of Police the authority to implement and/or
amend police department policies and procedures with review by Legal Counsel as
appropriate, excluding policies and procedures with a financial impact greater than $5,000.
Presented by Frank Trammer, Police Chief
Item Tabled

25. Council Consideration to approve Vehicle Usage Policy for the City of Stockbridge
Police Department.
Presented by Frank Trammer, Police Chief
Motion to approve Barber/Thomas Passed 4-0.

26. Council Consideration to temporarily waive spending authority limits to authorize the
City Manager to approve police department start-up purchases not to exceed a designated
amount and/or specified costs for pre-approved categories.
Presented by Frank Trammer, Police Chief
Item Tabled

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27. Council Consideration to approve the purchase of body worn cameras with a 5-year
program in the amount of $471,743.99, and in-car video cameras and associated storage
costs with a 5-year program in the amount of $239,500.01 for the City of Stockbridge Police
Department for a total amount of $711,244.00. Funding Source ARPA.
Presented by Frank Trammer, Police Chief and Richard Godfrey, Commander
Motion to approve Barber/Alexander Passed 4-0.

28. Council Consideration to approve the purchase of mobile and in-car police radios for
the City of Stockbridge Police Department in the amount of $611,736.00. Funding Source
ARPA.
Presented by Frank Trammer, Police Chief and /Richard Godfrey, Commander
Motion to approve Barber/Alexander Passed 3-0 (Blount was not present for the vote).

29. Council Consideration to approve the purchase of remote-controlled spotlights for City
of Stockbridge Police Department patrol vehicles in the amount of $37,589.26. Funding
Source ARPA.
Presented by Frank Trammer, Police Chief
Motion to approve Thomas/Barber Passed 3-0 (Blount was not present for the vote).

30. Council Consideration to approve the purchase of 56 Taser X 7’s for the City of
Stockbridge Police Department in the amount of $.176,198.39. Funding Source ARPA.
Presented by Frank Trammer, Police Chief and Richard Godfrey, Commander
Motion to approve Alexander/Barber Passed 3-0 (Blount was not present for the vote).

DISCUSSION
31. Councilman Blount proposed a $500 incentive for vaccinated employees and staff
working through the pandemic using ARPA Funds.
Councilman Blount noted the City was blessed not to have to layoff any staff throughout
the pandemic and that ARPA funds was being used by other municipalities to issue
incentives to staff and wants the City of Stockbridge to issue a $500 incentive to
vaccinated staff and those who worked through the pandemic using ARPA funds for
approximately $50,000 for the city’s eighty employees.

Councilwoman Barber supports tasking HR staff and legal with researching vaccine
incentives for employees noting ARPA funding is specific and wants to be sure the
incentives fall within the ARPA parameters and supports all ways of encouraging staff to
get vaccinated and get their boosters; and to research how what is done in the case of
employees who don’t want to be vaccinated at all and how that factors in; and noted a
Cost of Living Adjustment increase would require General Funds and cannot use ARPA
Funding.

Councilman Blount noted this request does not involve the Cost of Living (COLA) and
saw today in fact on the news where other cities were distributing this type of incentive to
their employees and wants the city’s legal team and staff to look into for our employees.

Mayor Ford asked legal if they had any remarks.

Attorney Washington noted legal would need to research the item and prepare a memo
and submit to Council.
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Mayor Pro Tem Alexander stated he is in support of doing something for the city’s
employees with the ARPA funding that has come to the city; noted the city has been
fortunate with no layoffs and maintained a full staff; noted the increase in the livable wage
to a minimum of $15/per hour; and wants to make sure the attorneys are tasked with a
leveled approach if it is legal to give this one-time payment it should perhaps be 3-tiered
with an employee who has taken the steps to get fully vaccinated with the booster and
protect themselves and others should receive a higher amount than someone who has
received one or two vaccinations; and they should receive a higher amount than
someone who has not been vaccinated at all; noting the definition of fully vaccinated as
defined by the CDC will change; and noting everyone endured, and there may be those
who did not get the vaccination for religious reasons and did wear a mask and took
precautions would be worthy of something and it not be zero, and it is allowable,
everyone should receive something; and asked HR staff and see what other cities are
doing.

Councilman Blount noted he appreciated Mayor Pro Tem’s recommendation of the tiers
and referenced the cities of Douglasville and Sandy Springs who he believes may have
issued incentives to their employees as part of the research, and just wants to do
something for the employees.

Councilwoman Barber wants the attorneys to look into the discrimination factor of the
tiered approach to avoid potential litigation; and noted her support of the incentive.

Councilman Blount noted it falls along the line of insurance companies who charge based
on a tiered approach.

Councilwoman Barber noted because this is the use of ARPA Funding, there are specific
guideline and criteria.

Mayor Pro Tem asked HR to look into and bring back to the Council if the cost of
employees not getting vaccinated and if there will be a cost that will be passed along to
the city, noting the city has absorbed the cost of the added premiums for several years,
as this will certainly help with the decision.

Mayor Ford asked Ms. Wheeler for her thoughts on the request for the research; there
was no response.

Councilman Blount noted that when the information comes back from HR and Legal,
asked if there could be a consensus by email or vote in the public.

Attorney Washington noted a vote would need to be made before the public.

Councilman Blount noted the request is that there be an incentive of $500 for the
vaccinated; $250 for the unvaccinated and $7 for the boosters.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander asked that the Council wait on the research from HR and
Legal as discussed.

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Mayor Ford noted the Attorneys have heard the information and HR Staff and Legal
Counsel were tasked with determining the feasibility and legal justifications for the
incentive and distribution and report back to the Council within the next 30 days.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford noted the COVID variant Omicron has become more prominent; noted Dr.
Henson of Piedmont Henry stated the hospital is preparing for the 5th surge as people
prepare to gather for the holiday season; noted he and his spouse received the booster
with no issues, and encouraged everyone to get vaccinated, get boosters, get tested
because Omicron is here and that’s the only way we will be able to beat this virus; noted
the CDC has stated boosters are available to those who qualify age 16+ free of charge
and you can set up an appointment for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations and boosters
at the Public Health Department located at 135 Henry Pkwy in McDonough by calling
470-661-0005; noted COVID Testing is available Monday through Friday from 9am – 3pm
at Red Hawk Field 143 henry Pkwy in McDonough and with rapid testing for faster results
and you can get vaccinations and the booster as well; noted walk-ins are welcome from
9am – 11am and 1pm – 3pm and closes at 5pm and is open 5 days per week; noted
once you have completed the first two vaccines from Pfizer or Moderna you can cross
over and take the Pfizer or Moderna boosters; noted the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are
being administered to individuals age 5+, and boosters cannot be administered to ages 5
– 15, noting the CDC has not approve a booster for that age group, and asked that you
please get permission and/or advice regarding the vaccinations; noted the City has
moved forward with the selection of a Sole Finalist to fill the vacancy for the City Manager
position noting the candidate is Mr. Frederick Gardiner, and noted the city is in the 14-day
period by law of the process which started on Saturday and will end December 31st where
the city will then have a Special Called meeting between January 1 – 10 to make the
formal appointment and confirmation.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Meeting will be held via Zoom until
further notice. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please visit the city’s website
www.cityofstockbridge.com for the meeting invitation link, Facebook page or contact City
Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates.
➢ City Council Meeting and - 2nd Monday of each month 6:00 p.m. Swearing-In
Ceremony Location TBD (Jan 10)

➢ Youth Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m. - 2nd Wednesday of each month Levi
Meeting Room - City Hall (Jan 12)

➢ Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd Friday of each month 9:00 a.m. Via
Zoom (Jan 14)

➢ Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - 3rd Tuesday of each
month Patrick Henry Meeting Room - City Hall (Jan 18)

➢ Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Via Zoom - 3rd
Tuesday of each month Via Zoom (Jan18)

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➢ City Council Work Session Meeting, Last Tuesday of each month - Time and
Virtual (Jan 25)

➢ Planning Commission Meeting, 4th Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Via Zoom – (Feb
24)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES

Please join Councilwoman Barber at the Eagles Landing Dance Center for FREE Zumba
Saturdays at 8 a.m. at 627 Red Oak Road Stockbridge, GA

A Continuous Salute to Veterans: Please forward pictures of Veterans including name,
branch, rank, and years of service as Councilman Thomas presents a special tribute to our
local veterans. Pictures should be submitted to: zpearson@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov Thank
you for your service!
Here is your opportunity to Meet the Mayor, and voice your questions and/or concerns
Monday, January 25, 2022, from 10 a.m. to noon. Call Zenovia Pearson to schedule an
appointment. 770-389-7900 ext. 248.
Mayor Ford wished everyone, and on behalf of the City Council and the staff a Merry
Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukah, and Kwanza.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Litigation, and Real Estate:
Barber/Alexander Passed 4-0.
Motion to adjourn Executive Session: Thomas/Barber Passed 3-0. (Councilman Blount was
not present for the vote).
Moton to reconvene the meeting without action from Executive Session Thomas/Barber
Passed 3-0 (Councilman Blount was not present for the vote).
Ms. Holiday noted during the presentation of the Public Meeting Schedule it was stated that
the Planning Commission meeting time was 6:00 p.m. and should be 6:30 p.m.
Motion to adjourn Thomas/Alexander Passed 3-0. Councilman Blount was not present for
the vote).

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