---
date: 2024-12-10
title: Downtown Development Authority Agenda Packet
source: 2024-12/2024-12-10_Downtown Development Authority_Agenda Packet.pdf
pages: 1
---

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT Downtown Development
AUTHORITY OF THE
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE Authority
BOARD MEMBERS Meeting Agenda
Robert Anderson, Chair December 10, 2024 6:00 PM
Warren Washington, Vice-Chair
Vacant, Treasurer
Kenya Cook, Secretary
Darrell Stamper, Board Member
Jerry Mays, Board Member
Councilmember Elton Alexander

ADMINISTRATION
Frederick Gardiner, 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, DECEMBER 10, 2024 6:00 PM

I. Call to Order
1. Roll Call
2. Motions for additions or deletions to the proposed agenda
3. Approve Agenda
4. Approve October 15, 2024, Meeting Minutes
5. Approve November 12, 2024, Meeting Minutes
II. Officers and City Staff Reports
6. Chairman’s Comments - Anderson
7. Vice Chair’s Comments - Washington
8. Treasurer’s Update - Vacant
9. Secretary’s Updates - Cook
III. Old Business
10. Update on the Joint Sponsorship Amphitheater Table Promotion
11. Update on the 122 MLK Sr. Façade Grant
IV. New Business
12. Review of bylaws relating to the election of officers, the duties of such
officers and election of officers for Fiscal Year 2025
V. City Staff Report
13. City Council Liaison - Councilman Alexander
14. Economic Development Department Liaison - Gerald Sanders
15. Main Street Advisory Board Liaison - Lisa Fareed
VI. Adjourn
VII. Executive Session (if needed)
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Board Members City Staff
Robert Anderson, Chair - Present Cassandra Lester, Deputy City Clerk - Present
Warren Washington, Vice Chair - Present Vacant, Economic Development Director
Frangela Merritt, Treasurer - Present Lisa Fareed, Downtown Development Manager – Present
Kenya Cook, Secretary - Absent Frederick Gardiner, City Manager – Absent
Darrell Stampler, Board Member - Present
Jerry Mays, Board Member - Absent Guest Speaker
Elton Alexander, City Council Liaison - Present

Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Chair Anderson proceeded with a roll
call. Board Members Kenya Cook and Jerry Mays were absent.

Chair Anderson called for a Motion to approve the September 17th, 2024, meeting minutes.
Motion to approve made by Treasurer Merritt; seconded by Vice-Chair Washington. The Motion
passed unanimously.

Officer Reports
Chair's Comments-Anderson
No Updates

Vice-Chair Comments-Washington
No Updates

Treasurer Update-Merritt-Financial Report
Treasurer Merritt presented the October balance sheet to the Downtown Development
Authority.

The operating account currently holds a balance of $22,843.26. This balance includes a $10.34
debit for supplies/admin, which was used to mail the D.D.A. Quarterly Report to the City of
Stockbridge. Additionally, there is a payment of $580.00 to Butler and Snow, which will be
reflected on the November balance sheet.

The Façade account remains at $30,000, and the Project account remains at $165,803.44.

Treasurer Merritt proposed renaming the "Liability" section of the balance sheet to "Liabilities &
Expenses" for continuity purposes. This proposed change will take effect retroactively from
January 2024 to the present. Chair Anderson called for a motion to approve the October
treasurer's report. The motion was made by Vice Chair Washington and seconded by Board
Member Stamper. The motion passed 4-0-1, with Treasurer Merritt abstaining.

Secretary Update-Cook
No Updates

Old Business
Update on the D.D.A./EDD/CDA Joint Sponsorship Amphitheater Table
The Board discussed the remaining concerts in the 2024 season to explore opportunities for
displaying the City to potential investors, business owners, and stakeholders.

Page 1 of 3
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Update on D.D.A. Façade Grant
The Board discussed including outdoor furnishings in the façade grant in the future. They asked
the Downtown Development Manager Lisa Fareed to refine the facade grant policy guidelines to
incorporate outdoor furnishings. The Board has decided to continue with the current grant
guidelines and will review this matter again in the future. A hard copy of the Façade
Improvement Program overview and application was given to the clerk's office for posterity and
will be added to the city website.

E.D.D. Façade Grant Bailout
Vice-Chair Washington suggested renaming the program from "façade bailout" to "façade
legacy" to better align with the D.D.A.'s goal of continuing the former façade grant program
previously administered by the Economic Development Department. No vote was taken.

Ms. Christine Chavis, Economic Development Coordinator, presented the façade grant
applications from the Economic Development Department to the Downtown Development
Authority. (D.D.A)

The D.D.A. reviewed and agreed to fund the application for 114 MLK Senior Heritage Trail in the
amount of $18,866.50. Motion to approve was made by Chair Anderson and seconded by Vice
Chair Warren Washington. The vote passed 4-0-1, with Elton Alexander abstaining.

The D.D.A. reviewed and agreed to fund the application for 122 MLK Senior Heritage Trail in the
amount up to $15,000 plus 2/3rds of any remaining amount. The motion to approve was made
by Elton Alexander and seconded by Vice Chair Washington. The motion passed unanimously.

Chair Anderson called for a vote to transfer $30,000 from the "Project" account to the "Façade
Grant" account. The motion was made by Vice Chair Washington and seconded by Board
Member Stamper. The motion passed with a vote of 4-0-1, with Treasurer Merritt abstaining.

New Business
2025 Calendar
The Board agreed to keep the 2025 meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.

Expired IGA
The Board agreed to have the attorneys update the Intergovernmental Agreement with the
same terms and to keep city staff and the clerk's office updated on its progress.

City Staff Reports
Main Street
Downtown Development Manager Lisa Fareed reported that Bridgefest went well, although
attendance was low due to Hurricane Helene. The Small Business Blitz is underway, and 82
new users have signed up for the app. November is Small Business Saturday month, and
everyone is encouraged to download the app to get their passport to shop at small businesses.
She reminded the Board that in 2022 and 2023, American Express recognized Stockbridge
Main Street as a national inspiration for fostering Small Business Saturday, which is a proud
moment for them. She noted that Stockbridge is featured in Henry Eats magazine and will use
the platform to increase Small Biz Blitz (Small Business Saturday) engagement. She was happy
to inform the Board that the Burke Street lot improvement was completed before Bridgefest and
created more parking. The Tiny Tent concerts ended on September 20th and was well-
Page 2 of 3
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

attended, serving as a great send-off to the event. Additionally, there is an artist under contract
who will paint the windows in the downtown area. Ms. Fareed commented on the white tree
lights that line MLK Sr. Heritage Trail and observed the public's engagement. She noticed how
visitors tend to stroll and browse, and mentioned that the outdoor tree lighting makes the area
cozy and approachable. She hopes to expand the lights beyond the holiday season and into
other walkable spaces in the downtown area.

City Council Update
Council Updates
Councilmember Elton Alexander is excited to share that Norfolk Southern has allowed the city to
occupy the observation stop, which will open parking on MLK Senior Heritage Trail and improve
approachability. He is still motivated by the S.T.E.M school, which is seeing progress and has
fenced off the area behind Stockbridge Elementary. He also mentioned the success of the
Stockbridge Dream Fest, which featured That Girl Lay Lay, King Moore, Super Siah, Lani Love,
JoJo Redd, Royal Rose, and Heiress Harris. He hopes the city will bring back family-friendly
shows like this more often. Additionally, he stated that the Southern Soul Concert was sold out
for three months and brought so many wonderful people to the downtown area. He highlighted
that Diamante Townhomes are now selling.

Executive Session – Real Estate Matters No Updates

Chair Anderson called for a motion to adjourn; Secretary Cook motioned to adjourn the meeting
at 7:48 p.m.; seconded by Vice Chair Washington. 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 50-14-2(1) and
privilege. Identify the case or claim discussed but not the substance of the attorney-client 50-14-3(b)(1)(A)
discussion.
Discuss or vote to authorize negotiations to purchase, dispose of or lease property. 50-14-3(b)(1)(B)
Discuss or vote to authorize the ordering of an appraisal related to the acquisition or 50-14-3(b)(1)(C)
disposal of real estate.
Discuss or vote to enter into a contract to purchase, dispose of, or lease property subject to 50-14-3(b)(1)(D)
approval 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, 50-14-3(b)(2)
disciplinary action 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 50-14-3(b)(2)
agency.
A meeting otherwise required to be open was closed to the public in order to consult and 50-14-2(1)
meet with 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.
Staff meeting held for investigative purposes under duties or responsibilities imposed by 50-14-3(a) (1)
law.

Page 3 of 3
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
THE STOCKBRIDGE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY MEETING SCHEDULED FOR
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH 2024,
AT 6:00 P.M. WAS

CANCELED – NO QUORUM
THE NEXT MEETING IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH 2024 AT 6:00 P.M.

Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, this meeting is open to the public and all are encouraged to
attend O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1
