---
date: 2019-11-26
title: November 26, 2019 Work Session Meeting Minutes
source: 2019-11/2019-11-26_November 26, 2019 Work Session Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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ACTION MINUTES
WORK SESSION MEETING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2019 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Councilman Elton Alexander Camilla Moore, Community Dev. Dir
Mayor Pro Tem John Blount Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilwoman Neat Robinson Michael Williams, 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. Call to Order – Mayor Ford

II. Invocation – Councilman Alexander

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call – All members were present

V. Motion to amend the Agenda to removed Item #5 – Blount/Gantt – Passed
5-0. Mr. Knighton noted the removal of the item does not cause a delay with
the project, further noting the need to review the contract that was delivered
from H. J. Russell today.

Motion to amend the Agenda to add Cochran Park as a Discussion Item –
Alexander/Robinson – During the discussion of motion, Mayor Ford noted the
discussion may include land acquisition, normally reserved for Executive
Session discussion.

Attorney Williams noted the prior discussion relating to Cochran park took
place in open session.

Councilwoman Robinson noted the headline in the Henry County Times
newspaper referenced the County’s position to repair the park if the City agrees
to accept the park.
November 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilwoman Gantt noted there are no final figures on the assessment and
wants to allow the City time to receive the report from the engineers and building
inspector and is therefore not prepared to vote on the matter tonight.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount noted the prior discussion was transparent with the
elected officials present from the County, however, the City’s engineer and
building officials need to review the reports; noted everyone wants to see the
park re-opened, and the elected body needs to make a conscious decision,
noting the County is not concerned with that; however, the City needs all of the
information pertaining to costs, and based on that, he is not prepared to make a
decision.

Councilman Thomas agreed with the City receiving a true assessment, noting
he would love to see Cochran Park become part of the City’s domain; noted the
City must be responsible with its actions; asked for an estimated timeline
because once the City takes the step forward, the City of Stockbridge will be held
accountable.

Mayor Ford noted the need to make a timely decision; and noted the City must
acknowledge if the County’s offer will be accepted.

Attorney Williams noted the County’s Resolution was unclear and needs
clarification.

Councilwoman Robinson noted time is of the essence; asked if the City Attorney
and/or City Manager has spoken with County officials since the joint meeting.

Mr. Knighton confirmed a meeting with County officials earlier today that was
pulled together on short notice; and noted the City’s Engineers, Falcon Design
are reviewing the reports and preparing a report for city officials.

Councilwoman Robinson noted the Council was unaware of the meeting and
requested an update.

Councilman Alexander stated emphatically, the County has told the City what it
is they are going to do; noted the assessment needs to be apples to apples;
noted the County has committed to stormwater repairs and making the park safe;
stated the question to the City is, when the park is repaired and deemed safe,
will the City of Stockbridge accept the park; noted Henry County is not going to
make the repairs if the City is not going to accept the park, noting there is no
other option, and if the City does not accept the offer, the park will become a
passive park; noted the aesthetics of the park were not included in the offer; and
stated that he does not want anyone watching over children by individuals who
don’t want to; tasked City Attorney with getting a clarification on the County’s
Resolution, and noted his vote would be contingent upon the park being
satisfactory.

Mayor Ford moved to close the discussion.

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Mayor Pro Tem Blount motioned to continue the discussion; second by
Councilwoman Gantt; the motion passed 3-1-1 (Alexander oppose; Robinson
abstained).

Mayor Pro Tem Blount noted the citizens of Stockbridge have been paying taxes
for years to Henry County for Parks & Recreation while the County has neglected
to maintain the park; asked if the County was going to rollback the taxes and
noted you can’t gift what is already being paid; noted the City of Stockbridge
residents should not be paying for services not being provided; referenced
Commissioner Barham’s statement where the County should fix the park
regardless; and further noted the City needs be fiscally responsible and the
County should fix the park.

Councilwoman Robinson noted instructions have been given to the City Manager
and City Attorney who will provide the Mayor & Council with answers.

Councilman Alexander agreed with the sentiments of Mayor Pro Tem Blount,
noting the County has stated what it is they are offering to do, and that the City
of Stockbridge cannot force the County to turn tax monies over to the City;
referenced the SDS negotiations that have been ongoing for years with no
resolution; and stated the County has basically told the City to kick rocks; and
reiterated the importance of moving this item forward for the benefit of the kids.

Councilwoman Gantt noted everyone wants the kids to play at the park; noted
some of the Commissioners are willing to negotiate the repair costs; noted the
City needs to be fiscally responsible; stated citizens will have to address the
matter of the park at the polls; does not want to continue to go around and around
without concrete numbers.

VI. Review of the Minutes for the following meeting:

1. 10/29/2019 2. 11/7/2019 No Action

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.
Mr. Craig Powell, a baseball coach at Cochran Park noted while he hears what the Council has
stated regarding the study, he wants the City to know that there are people in place ready to help
Cochran Park re-open; noted as a business person, he is willing to donate time and resources to
re-open the park; asked the City be responsible for the upkeep of the fields; agreed with
Councilman Alexander where he referenced the County’s decision; referenced Ola’s community
efforts and the maintenance and upkeep of their park, and wants to do the same thing at Cochran
Park; and stated his desire to make Cochran Park a legendary park.

Mr. Michael Parrish, a baseball coach at Cochran Park noted time is of the essence; stated
someone has to step up as you can’t as a city put a dollar amount on a child; referenced the
difficulties of the kids being able to get to Hidden Valley Park; asked members of the Council to
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take a stance and commit to the re-opening of the park as he does not want to go through this
again next year; understands mistakes were made, taxes have been paid, and those things were
done by adults, and that the kids should not have to pay for those mistakes and be punished;
acknowledged that some people screwed things up, and wants to move forward and make it right;
referenced the Ola park community of volunteers and noted the people of Stockbridge want to do
the same thing and that everyone is here for the kids.

Mr. Robert Kolpak noted the county decided against Pickleball and bulldozing the field,
referencing confusion at the meeting; noted there are 2000+ resident who have signed up for
“Save Cochran Park”; asked the City not to use an association (noting the rules and regulations),
but rather someone such as the gentleman who manages Salem Park; noted people are ready to
help, and ready to make repairs to the park; noted District 5 Commissioner has not taken care of
Cochran Park or Hidden Valley Park; asked that softball also be considered; reference sponsors
who are waiting to help could cover the cost of an employee and the community effort could make
this a park everyone could be proud of.

OLD BUSINESS
3. Council Consideration to approve FY2020 Water and Sewer Rates
Presented by Decius Aaron – Public Works Director
Motion to approve Gantt/Alexander – Passed 3-1-1 (Blount opposed;
Robinson abstained).

PUBLIC HEARING
4. Proposed FY2020 Budget Hearing – SECOND Reading
Presented by Randy Knighton – City Manager
Public Hearing Opened
No Speakers in Favor – No Speakers Opposed
Public Hearing Closed
Public Hearing will be continued for final adoption 12/9/2019

NEW BUSINESS
5. Council Consideration to approve UB Write-Off’s in the amount of
$14,279.37
Presented by John Wiggins City Treasurer
Motion to approve Gantt/Blount – Passed 5-0.

6. Council Consideration to approve IGA (Intergovernmental Agreement)
between the City of Stockbridge and the Public Facilities Authority for
the Amphitheater funding.
Presented by Michael Williams City Attorney
Item Removed from the Agenda.

7. Council Consideration to approve an Ordinance Amending the
Stockbridge Code setting forth the hours of sale of alcoholic
beverages for on-premises consumption to authorize such sales on
Sundays from 11:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.
Presented by Michael Williams City Attorney
Motion to approve: Alexander/Gantt – Passed 5-0.
November 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
No Comments

COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
Vanessa Holiday wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Mayor Pro Tem Blount thanked everyone for coming out; thanked the coaches of
Cochran Park for their passion and all that they do; thanked staff for a successful
year; noted progress in the City and that everyone is here for the good of the City;
appreciates everyone for working hard, echoing prior comments of this being the
best and dedicated staff.

Councilwoman Gantt echoed the comments of her colleagues; noted ‘tis the season
for giving thanks; and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for coming out and tuning in; noted we
can do this together (referring to Cochran Park); thanked the coaches, parents kids
for their diligence; noted he is committed and wants the park opened asap and wants
the park to become the shining star on the southside and a first in class facility;
referenced the upcoming holiday season wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving;
asked that everyone enjoy time with family and friends; referenced the Adopt-A-
Family initiative taking place on December 21st at Red Oak UMC that is growing
every year, noting the event provides toys, clothing and food to those in need –
looking for sponsors and volunteers, and invited colleagues to participate; thanked
staff for all they do to execute the vision of the elected officials; noted the City is on
the right path; foundation has been set and the Council should be proud of their
accomplishments.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for attending; thanked staff and wished
happy holidays to them and their families; thanked the coaches of Cochran park
noting her work with the park since 2016; stated to her colleagues, the kids need
the City’s help noting, for those who are not out there, they may not truly understand
it; noted the Teen Ambassadors recent trip to the National League of Cities
Conference and asked the Council to agree to their highlight presentation where
they may go past the 3-minute comment allotment at the December 9th meeting;
commended colleagues for the last two years of outstanding work noting a number
of voices have been heard; referenced Cochran Park and asked that at the end of
the day, to do the right thing for Stockbridge; stated she is not going away and will
remain involved and will continue to be engaged with the coaches; and wished
everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

November 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford noted the City is moving forward; wished everyone a Happy
Thanksgiving and asked everyone to enjoy their family, friends and football; asked
everyone to keep the faith, be encouraged and noted everyone wants to make the
City of Stockbridge great. God Bless.

UPCOMING MEETINGS
Meeting 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.

• Council Meeting (3nd Public Hearing FY2020 Budget & Adoption), Monday, December 9,
2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber

• Main Street Advisory Board, Friday, December 13, 2019 at 9:00 a.m./Levi Meeting Room

• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday, December 16, 2019 at 6:00 p.m./Levi
Meeting Room

• Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. - Council Chamber

• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at
6:30 p.m./Levi Meeting Room

UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Clergy RoundTable Monday, December 2nd at 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Merle Manders
Conference Center (at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room – spearheaded by Councilwoman
Gantt. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Annual Holiday Festival, Thursday, December 5th at 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Merle
Manders Conference Center (at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room – spearheaded by
Councilwoman Gantt. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTable Tuesday, December 10th at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in
the Levi Meeting Room – spearheaded by Councilwoman Gantt. Contact LaQuinda Jackson
@ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Monthly Bingo Bash Wednesday, December 11th from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the
Ted Strickland Community Center – spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount

• Holiday Giveback Toy Drive Friday, December 13th from 7:00 p.m. at the Ted Strickland
Community Center – spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson

• Holiday Giveback Saturday, December 14th from 10:00 a.m. – noon at Floyd Chapel Baptist
Church – spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson

• Adopt a Family Tog Giveaway, Saturday, December 21, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at
Red Oak United Methodist /Church – spearheaded by Councilman Elton Alexander

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ONGOING INITIATIVES
• Meet & Greet the Mayor Mondays with Mayor Anthony S. Ford from 10:00 a.m. - noon every
fourth Monday of the month (appointment required). Please contact LaQuinda Jackson @
678-833-3348 for more information and scheduling.

• Don’t Trash Stockbridge No Litter Campaign – Ongoing – spearheaded by Councilman
Thomas. Contact: LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Monthly Bingo Bash from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the Ted Strickland Community Center
spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount. Visit the City’s website or Facebook page for dates
and information.

• Quarterly Town Hall – Ongoing – spearheaded by Councilman Alexander. Visit the City’s
website or Facebook page for dates and information.

• Keep Stockbridge Beautiful – Ongoing – spearheaded by Councilman Alexander. Contact
LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTable every 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City
Hall in the Levi Meeting Room – spearheaded by Councilwoman Gantt. Contact LaQuinda
Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Quarterly Homeowners and Neighborhood Association RoundTable – spearheaded by
Mayor Pro Tem Blount. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Teen Ambassadors Meeting December 12th at 5:00 p.m. in the Levi Meeting Room –
spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for
more information.

Attorney Williams noted a request for Executive Session.

Councilman Thomas made a motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel,
Litigation and Real Estate; motion failed for lack of a second.

Motion to adjourn Robinson/Thomas – Passed 5-0.

November 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
