---
date: 
title: 2018 06 27 2018 Minutes
source: 2018/2018_06_27_2018_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.

SUMMARY MINUTES
WORK SESSION MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2018 4:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Councilman Elton Alexander Camilla Moore, Asst. City Manager
Councilman John Blount Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Mayor Pro Tem LaKeisha Gantt Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilwoman Neat Robinson Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilman Alphonso Thomas
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford at 4:00pm.

Invocation by Councilman Elton Alexander.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All members of
Council were present.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve the Agenda as printed; second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

Review of the Minutes for the following meetings: No action taken.

1. 5/22//2018 2. 6/11/2018

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.
June 27, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mr. Wendell Moore spoke about the Misty Ridge subdivision not being paved,
while noticing street paving in other subdivisions; noted the pickup for limbs was
a lengthy response time from Waste Industries and that they were difficult to
contact; and spoke to the parking on the street in their subdivision – seeking a
resolution.

Ms. Tamara Isbell noted she is a 17-year resident of the City and spoke to many
of the same remarks as Mr. Moore, additionally noting locations of homes and/or
businesses in the city that need to be addressed by the City’s Code Enforcement
department.

APPEAL TO MAYOR & COUNCIL:
3. Appellant Name: Jermaine Peterson
Address: 3057 East Fairview Rd. McDonough, GA 30252
Nature of Request: Denial of Business Permit
Location: 1300 Rum Creek Pkwy. Stockbridge, GA 30281
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Asst. City Mgr./Community Development Dir.
Attorney Williams noted the City of Stockbridge had imposed a moratorium
on truck related establishments. Attorney Williams noted the applicant is
requesting an exemption specific to the route of the moratorium and noted
the moratorium does not specify a specific process. Mr. Peterson, the
applicant expressed it has been a year since he started the project; and,
with the help of Attorney Williams, he was directed on the next steps to take.
Mr. Peterson noted he has 5 years of previous experience with truck stops
in Clayton County. Councilman Blount noted he would like to see a traffic
analysis report completed, and stated his concern is having more trucks
impeding traffic especially for emergency vehicles. Councilwoman Robinson
agreed with Councilman Blount and expressed safety is her main concern.
John Rogers, Mr. Peterson’s business partner spoke of the safety of
truckers who have been mandated to rest after a 10 hours and asked
Council to overturn the denial of the application.

Ms. Moore stated that staff believes the land use is not consistent with what
is being proposed and recommends allowing a plan process to be
completed as staff looks at traffic patterns to determine the land use.

Councilman Alexander motioned to uphold the denial of the application;
second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS:
4. Council Consideration to approve a Resolution to move forward with an
RFP for the Old Fire Station located on M.L. Sr. Heritage Trail
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Asst. City Mgr./Community Development Dir.

June 27, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Ms. Moore noted the Council tasked staff to create an RFP that will be used
to create ideas for use of the old fire station located on M.L. King Sr.
Heritage Trail. Ms. Moore noted the RFP will be used for Commercial Use
and a separate use for office space and is asking Council to approve the
Resolution to move forward noting all information will be placed on the
website for citizens to review.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the Resolution to move forward
with an RFP for the Old Fire Station located on M.L. Sr. Heritage Trail;
second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 5-0.

5. Council Consideration to amend the City’s Proclamation Policy
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Attorney Williams noted staff is asking for clarification as to how Council
would like to proceed with the handling of presenting proclamations as the
current policy states only the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem are able to present
the proclamations during the Council meetings; and posed the question if
proclamations should continue in the Chamber if not during a regular
Council Meeting. Attorney Williams also noted there is also a time issue and
needs Council to clarify exactly how they would like to proceed with
proclamations. Councilwoman Robinson noted she would like to see
consistency. Councilman Blount noted his preference to have ceremonial
and proclamations items completed before the council meetings begin.
Mayor Ford noted he likes reading the proclamations during the meetings,
because it gives the audience a chance to see the individuals being
recognized and is opposed to reading proclamations before the meetings.
Mayor Ford also noted he is willing to compromise by taking pictures before
the meeting starts. Councilman Alexander agreed with Mayor Ford and
stated he would like to see additional proclamations added.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve to amend the City’s Proclamation
Policy by having all proclamations and ceremonial items at 5:30pm and be
completed before the 6:00pm council meeting begins; second by
Councilman Thomas. The motion passed 3-2 (Alexander and Robinson
opposed).

6. Council Consideration to authorize the submittal of the 2018-2019 Georgia
Department of Economic Development Tourism Product Development
Resource Grant Funding Request
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Asst. City Mgr./Community Development Dir.
Ms. Moore requested approval to submit the 2018-2019 Georgia
Department of Economic Development Tourism Product Development
Resource Grant Funding for the Carrie Mae Hambrick building; with a match
requirement of $5,000.

June 27, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilman Thomas motioned to authorize the submittal of the 2018-2019
Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Product
Development Resource Grant Funding Request for Signage, Informational
Brochures & Rack, Historic Marker, Interpretive Signage and Decorative
Banners for the Green Front Café/& former owner Mrs. Carrie Mae
Hambrick; second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 4-1
(Alexander opposed).

DISCUSSION:
7. Street and Off-Site Parking Ordinance
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Asst. City Mgr./Community Development Dir.
Ms. Moore noted there have been issues with parking on subdivision
streets. Ms. Moore noted developers were allowed at some point to develop
subdivisions with streets being only 21-24 ft. wide; when the standard width
starts at 27 ft. which allows for parking on the streets and emergency
vehicles to pass through. Ms. Moore also noted there are homes with one
car garages which also poses a problem when families have gatherings.
Ms. Moore stated the issue will go before the Planning Commission, who
will conduct public hearings starting with the Home Owners Associations in
the City to collectively address the issues. Ms. Moore further stated the
Planning Commission initially suggested using permits to accommodate
parking for special occasions or events, and following the meeting in July, a
recommendation from the Planning Commission that will include the input
from all the HOA’s will be presented to the Council at the July 24th meeting.
Councilman Alexander preferred the City enforce what the City already has
in place on the books now, and not delay enforcement.

Councilman Thomas motioned to direct staff to amend the Street and Off-
Site Parking Ordinance to be heard by the Planning Commission on 7/19
and presented to the Council for approval at the 7/24 meeting to include a
resolution to the street parking issues within the City; second by
Councilwoman Robinson. The motion passed 4-1 (Alexander opposed).

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Knighton reminded everyone of the Education and Information Town Hall
taking place at Tabernacle of Praise International Church on Hwy. 42 in
McDonough on tomorrow; gave notice of the upcoming repaving of the Trail
taking place in approximately two weeks, noting the trails would be out of use
during that time; and noted the City would be participating in the County’s Hot
Cars awareness campaign to educate and inform citizens about leaving kids and
animals in hot vehicles.

June 27, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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COMMENTS FROM THE CITY CLERK
Mrs. Holiday referenced a phone call from the Henry Council Elections
Superintendent regarding a change for the Early Voting for the July 24th runoff;
schedule would be posted on the City’s social media sites.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas thanked citizens for coming out and continuing to raise the
issues and wants citizens to know the Council’s heart is in the right place.

Councilman Blount thanked the City for participating in the Hot Cars Campaign,
noting he rescues dogs and this is great to hear; and invited everyone to get the
word about to Henry County students to come out to the Back-to-School Kickoff
taking place on Saturday, July 28th at the Merle Manders Conference Center
from 10am – 1pm.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt referenced the recent GMA Annual Convention and
Training Sessions where ideas and information would be shared with the DDA
Board; noted the City’s Work Session Meeting is an opportunity to bounce ideas
off of each other, and to try to come up with the best solutions for the City; noted
the cities of Georgia received a huge victory while attending the GMA Convention
where the Georgia Municipal Legislative Council voted to include specific
language regarding Municipal Incorporation; and thanked everyone for their
continued prayers and support.

Councilman Alexander noted his appreciation to citizens for coming out and
stated the Council must be held accountable and be more efficient; asked
citizens to keep input coming; called for improvements in the City to include an
Improvement Package; and referenced the requirements for the City’s 12-month
Capital Improvement Plan.

Councilwoman Robinson referred to the voice of the citizens as powerful; asked
that citizens continue to come out; noted issues of the City should not take 3-5
years to resolve and did not want such matters to take place on her watch; noted
her confidence that staff is fully capable; noted Work Sessions are for good
dialogue and does not agree with rushing through items before the Council;
noted GMA’s support of the City and does not want to tear down bridges; asked
that she and her colleagues be leaders and be out front as she is here to serve;
and thanked everyone for coming out.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford referenced the GMA convention, and thanked the entire Council and
staff members who were present for being there to support and fight for
Stockbridge and cities across the State for what is right, so they won’t have to go
through what Stockbridge is having to go through; wished everyone a Happy
Fourth July; and asked everyone to keep the faith.
June 27, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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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.

• Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi
Meeting Room

• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday July 16, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. at
City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 6:30
P.M. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

• Special Called Meeting – Pre-Planning of Joint Meeting, Friday July 20, 2018 from
5-7 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

• City Joint Meeting, Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at City Hall
in the Levi Meeting Room

• Planning Commission Meeting, Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in
the Council Chamber

• Council Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall in
the Levi Meeting Room

• Stockbridge Association of Businesses Meeting, Thursday, July 28, 2018 at 8:00
a.m. at the Ted Strickland Community Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail

• Education/Information Town Hall – Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at
Tabernacle of Praise

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

• Food Truck Tuesday May 1st thru July 31st at Clark Community Park and
will run through from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.

• Food Truck Holiday Celebration, Tuesday, July 3rd. 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at
Clark Community Park spearheaded by Councilman Alexander

• Main Street FREE Movie – Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. on the City
Hall Lawn (Featured movie – Coco).

June 27, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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• Sounds of Summer FREE Concert Series - Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 6 –
9:30 p.m. on the City Hall lawn

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilwoman Gantt motion to convene into Executive Session for the purpose if
Litigation, Personnel and Real Estate; Councilwoman Robinson provided the
second. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilman Thomas motioned to adjourn Executive Session; Councilman Blount
provided the second. The motion passed 4-0 (Mayor Pro Tem Gantt was not
present for the vote).

Councilman Blount motioned to reconvene the Work Session meeting;
Councilman Thomas provided the second. The motion passed 4-0 (Mayor Pro
Tem Gantt was not present for the vote).

ADJOURN
Councilwoman Robinson motioned to adjourn the meeting; Councilman Thomas
provided the second. The motion passed 4-0 (Mayor Pro Tem Gantt was not
present for the vote).

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CMC Anthony S. Ford, Mayor

June 27, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
