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date: 
title: 2017 03 28 2017 Minutes
source: 2017/2017_03_28_2017_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.

APPROVED SUMMARY MINUTES
WORK SESSION MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2017 6:00 p.m.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Judy Neal Michael Harris, City Manager
Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilman Elton Alexander Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilman John Blount Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
Councilwoman Neat Robinson
Mayor Neal called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.

Invocation was provided by Reverend Jacqueline Rose Tucker of Red Oak UMC.

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Stockbridge Troop No. 115 and recited in unison.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday proceeded with a verbal roll call, all members of Council
were present with the exception of Councilwoman Gantt and a quorum was confirmed.
Councilwoman Gantt joined the meeting 6:10pm

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to amend the Agenda to add item #6 under Discussion;
second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-0.

Minutes for 2/9/17, 2/10/17, 2/13/17, 2/20/17 and 2/28/17 were under review; no action
taken.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no Public Comments.

March 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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OLD BUSINESS
1. Council Consideration for adopting a Social Media policy for the City.
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager
Mr. Harris referenced the prior meeting where staff had developed two (2) social
media policy options, noting Option #1 would advertise for City events and council
initiatives as approved by Council and would consist of pre-event advertising as
opposed to post event advertising; Option #2 allows for Council initiatives to be
promoted and photos to be posted at the discretion of the PIO (Public Information
Officer).

Councilman Alexander noted there should have been an option #3 where there is
no posting of initiatives during qualifying and election season.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford noted he is not for an option #3, but would like to see that
postings can be made at the discretion of the PIO in option #1.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve Option #1-post event photos as
determined by the PIO or current committee as authorized by the City Manager;
second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 5-0.

2. Council Consideration to add a Fourth of July w/Fireworks event for the City.
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager
Mr. Harris noted after much research, the anticipated cost to add fireworks would
be between $25,000 - 30,000; with the challenge being the ability to secure a firm
to do production and securing entertainment, especially at this late date, and
further noting if it is Council’s desire to have the celebration on the actual day, the
City would have to pay a premium and recommended this event be considering
during next year’s budget process.

Councilman Blount motioned to Table this item to be heard at a later date; second
by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS
3. Council Consideration to approve a Change Order for the Local
Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) paving and resurfacing project
for the City with Blount Construction in the amount of $264,272.80.
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager
Mr. Harris noted Council had approved a needs improvement list for streets
last year; and this year awarded the contract to Blount Construction with a
provision that allows other items to be added should they come up as in
need in repair.

Mr. Harris noted Flippen Rd. and East Atlanta Rd. were added to the list; a
quote was given and a change order was approved, however, as pointed
out by the Procurement Specialist, Donald Riley, Change Orders in the
amount of 20% + must come back to the Council for approval. Council was
notified and was given the consensus to continue the work, tonight will ratify
the action taken.
March 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve a Change Order for LMIG paving
and resurfacing project for the City with Blount Construction in the amount of
$264,272.80; second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 5-0.

DISCUSSION
4. REZONING: RZ-16-39-S
WetSet Scuba and Water Sports, Inc. of Stockbridge, Ga requests a
rezoning from C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) to C-2 (General
Commercial) for the property located at 5104 N. Henry Blvd in Land Lot 59
in the 12th District. The property consists of .75 +/- acres and the request is
for a swim school.
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager
Mr. Harris referenced the business has been in the City for over 20 years
and teaches both swimming and scuba lessons and the applicant is in the
process of converting from a scuba store to a swimming school; the current
zoning is C-1 and per the Code and the location of the building, the
applicant is requesting rezoning from C-1 to C-2. The Zoning Advisory
Board recommends approval and will come before Council on April 10th for
approval. No action taken.

5. VARIANCE: VR-17-02-S
Station Two, LP of Atlanta, Ga requests a variance from development
standards for signage for the property located at 4475 N. Henry Blvd. The
property is located in Land Lot 61 in the 12th District. The property consists
of .89 +/-acres and the request is for signage.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Attorney Williams explained the applicant is requesting to change the color
scheme using primary colors and reduce the signage from 31’ ft.to 14’ ft.
Attorney Williams noted the location is an existing Shell gas station, but will
change its name to Sunoco using the same operators. Mr. Williams stated
during the time since the existing Shell Station was established, a new sign
ordinance has been put into place with a number of provisions that would
not allow primary colors, also noting the ODOD (Old Downtown Overlay
District) prohibits the use of primary colors for signage on external building
surfaces.

Attorney Williams noted the Sunoco brand uses primary colors for their
brand and has requested to only change the colors on the canopy and
street sign. Also, the current height of the sign is 31’ft and the applicant
plans to lower it to 14’ft changing the structure of the sign and would also
like to re-paint and update the building using a grey color and adding
planters to the street sign. Attorney Williams recommended Council meet
with staff to be walked through the process and will re-present at the Public
Hearing on April 10th. No action taken.

March 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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6. Request to approve OneHenry Tech and Tea Event at the Merle Manders
Conference Center in the amount of $3,000.00 on June 22, 2017.
Presented by: Mayor Pro Tem Ford
Mayor Pro Tem Ford noted he and Mr. Harris received a briefing and a
proposal from citizens asking the City of Stockbridge to become a sponsor
for an entrepreneur event, in conjunction with Advanced Technology
Development Center (ATDC) and Technology Association of Georgia
(TAG) and the One Henry Economic Alliance.

Mayor Pro Tem also noted, this event would focus on business incubators
and entrepreneurs working in the Stockbridge area from a technology
aspect; and would help entrepreneurs with the startup of their businesses.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford noted the event is scheduled to take place on June
22nd and introduced Mr. Bowen, Ariel Shaw and Gladwin Bowen of the
OneHenry Alliance.

Mr. Bowen noted their goal is to put together a space where citizens can
get help with the startup of their business, noting ATDC is organized under
Georgia Tech, and is 80% funded by state. Mr. Bowen further noted their
mission is to develop technology incubators and referred to a study in the
amount of $30,000, 50% paid by the State and 50% paid by the Henry
County Development Authority, was launched to determine the level of
entrepreneurs in Henry County.

Mr. Bowen stated ATDC will provide the primary speaker for the event and
does not want to charge an admission fee, but are looking for sponsors
and hopes the City would become a sponsor.

Mayor Neal asked for the group’s specific request. Mr. Bowen stated the
group ATDC was asking for the use of the Merle Manders Conference
Center to include light hors d’oeuvres and be able to serve beer and wine
at a cash bar upon obtaining a pour license.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve the use of the Merle Manders
Conference Center Facility to include a budget not to exceed $3,000
allowing beer & wine by someone licensed to pour; second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 4-0-1(Gantt abstained).

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Harris introduced Community Development Director, Camilla Moore (not
in attendance), noting Ms. Moore has hit the ground running.

March 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for participating and moving Stockbridge
forward; noted the Council wants to be good stewards of the City’s money;
referenced the upcoming Stockbridge/Goodwill Industries partnership for a career
expo to be held at the Ted Strickland Community Center; thanked volunteers for
their assistance with the litter campaign, with a special thank you to Henry County
Chair, June Wood.

Councilman Blount stated his prayer is to make the best decisions for the City and
move the City forward; announced the upcoming National Day of Prayer, May 4th.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford referenced the upcoming Paint Henry Blue – Prevent Child
Abuse campaign kick-off in Stockbridge on Thursday, March 30th at the Merle
Manders Conference Center at 6:30 p.m. and asked everyone to wear blue during
the month of April; and asked for continued prayers to move the City forward.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for coming out and asked for continued
prayers and support.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for coming out.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Neal noted the News and Announcements

UPCOMING OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS/EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.

 City Job Fair in partnership with Goodwill Industries to be held on Thursday, April
6, 2017 at the Ted Strickland Community Center 130 M. L. King, Sr. Heritage Trail
from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

 Council Work Session – Monday, April 10, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. - City Hall Chamber.

 All city offices will be closed on Friday, April 14, 2017 in observance of Good
Friday.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND/OR INITIATIVES

 Coffee w/a Cop – Hosted by Mayor Pro Tem Ford- April 1, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. –
10:00 a.m. at Bridgeview Country Diner – N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA

 Unity in the Community Beautification Project – Hosted by Councilwoman
Robinson- April 1, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. Location: TBD

March 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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 Non-Profit Social Mixer – Hosted by Councilwoman Gantt - April 13, 2017 at the
Merle Manders Conference Center at 5:30 p.m.

UPCOMING CIVIC EVENTS
 Paint Henry Blue, Kick-Off Campaign in Stockbridge, Thursday, March 30, 2017
at 6:30 p.m. at the Merle Manders Conference Center 111 Davis Rd. Stockbridge.
#painthenryblue

 GA Cities Week Activities
Thursday, April 27th at 6:00 p.m. - Stockbridge Trail Mix and Ribbon Cutting at
Reeves Creek Trail (Flippen Rd. entrance)

Friday, April 28th at 6:00 p.m. - Unity in the Community Basketball Game at
Stockbridge High School.

Saturday, April 29th from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. - Haul it to the Hall Community
Yard Sale and Recycling Event at Stockbridge City Hall parking lot.

EXECUTIVE SESSION (If necessary)

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to convene Executive Session for Litigation,
Personnel and Real Estate; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed
5-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by
Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-0 (Councilwoman Gantt was not in
attendance for the vote).

Announcement by Mayor Neal to accept the resignation of Michael Harris.

ADJORN
Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:47pm; second by
Councilwoman Robinson. The motion passed 4-0. (Councilwoman Gantt was not
in attendance for the vote).

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CMC Judy Neal, Mayor

March 28, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
