---
date: 2015-03-31
title: March 31, 2015 Minutes
source: 2015-03/2015-03-31_March 31, 2015_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

v5.9.2 ‘*

DRAFT INUTES
WORK SESSION
cnv or STOCKBRIDGE

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 6:00 PM _,

The Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Thompson at 6:00 pm.

Mayor Thompson provided the invocation.

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

All in the chamber recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Councilman Ford made a motion to adopt the Agenda; second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion
passed 5-0.

Mayor Thompson asked the members of Council if there were any changes to the Minutes as
presented; there were no changes.

The City Clerk advised the Mayor and Council that Ms. Espinosa was prepared to read her
statement and conduct the proclamation ceremony at the end of the meeting

Mayor Thompson asked the City Attorney, Mike Williams if the agenda has to be amended to acid
the Proclamation at the end of the meeting. Mr. Williams responded she could read her statement
during the Public Comment section.

Alfred Britt Ill, Cemetery Research Group of Henry County and the B&N Civil Research Group
and Mr. Mike Moon came before Mayor and Council to request a Proclamation for April 2015 as
Confederate History Month. Mr. Britt stated in 2009 the GA General Assembly approved Senate
Bill 27 which was signed by Governor Sonny Purdue. The bill designates April permanently as
Confederate History and Heritage Month.

Mr. Moon presented to Mayor and Council seven history booklets reflecting the history of the
City of Stockbridge.

Dale Hall, Administration & Community Services Director stated to Mayor and Council before
them is a Resolution to annex 519 Country Club Dr. into the City that has been presented to
Council several times.

Councilwoman Buschman inquired about the 60% method and asked if there were changes. Mr.
Hall stated the applicant was using the 100% method for the annexation request.

Councilwoman Buschman asked Mr. Hall if all of the conditions have been met. Mr. Hall stated
the proper paper work has been filed and will come before Mayor and Council once more at the
Public Hearing. Mr. Hall stated that will also include a rezoning that will be more in accordance
with the City zoning.

March 31, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Dale Hall, Administration & Community Services Director reviewed the Modifications to
Conditions and Zoning request for the property located at 4325 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge,
GA. Mr. Hall stated this project was heard by the City Council on December 13, 2010 which was
a rezoning from a zoning to C3. in the meeting, the City Council placed eleven (11) zoning

conditions on that property. Mr. Hall stated if the owner of the property would like to change the
conditions of zoning or change zoning all together, they would have to come through and modify
several of those conditions.

Mr. Hall stated the applicant will continue to use an automobile dealership on the property;
however, some ofthe eleven conditions had some restraints they wanted to revise; specifically
with #1, which dealt with the building and construction of the building. #4 dealt with the
placement of a dumpster, #9 and #11 which is specific use of that property.

Mr. Hall stated during a Modification to Conditions of Zoning, if an applicant brings an item
before Council, Council has the option to look at all of the conditions of zoning and decides what
is appropriate.

Mr. Hall stated in the report created by Henry County Planning and Zoning, they did not want to
make a recommendation as to what Council should do, due to the fact these where conditions
placed by previous Council a while back. On page 3 of the report (page 31 in the agenda
packet), there are some conditions to consider and are revisions of the existing conditions,
which would allow the applicant to move fonlvard.

Mr, Hall informed Council that condition #2 of recommendations was written in 2010, and placed
some restrictions on their signheight and sign size. Mr. Hall stated the City's zoning code and
16ft.
Sign Ordinance has changed since that time frame. Mr. Hall stated the original footage was
with different sizes and the current code only calls for 8ft.to 64sq. ft.

Michael Harris, City Manager stated that in 2009 the Municipal Court began contracting with ZSI
Probation Services which provides services such as: supervision, drug and alcohol screenings,
etc.) Mr. Harris also stated staff is recommending the current agreement with ZSI Judicial
Alternatives of Georgia be renewed with the same current terms and conditions with no
changes. Mr. Harris expressed staff is recommending approval and it has been reviewed by city
staff and the Municipal Court Judge.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward asked Mr. Harris about the current terms and Mr. Harris responded
one (1) year renewable.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward inquired about how much the company has been paid and Mr.
Harris responded he would provide it to Mayor and Council before the next meeting.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward stated her concern is, if they are given the employee rate, she
would like to see something written in their contract offering citizens some type of entry—level
work. Mr. Harris stated he will take the request to Judge McCord who could answer any
additional questions.

Councilwoman Gantt stated she was previously the Solicitor for the City, and the probation
service has about 2 to 3 employees that come to the City, and they are based out of Jackson,
GA. Councilwoman Gantt stated she believes the pay is about $45/month as long as that
Solicitor gives the defendant a fine and
person is on probation and further explained that the
probation, or when theycannot afford the fine, they are placed on probation until they can pay
theirfine.

March 31, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockb11'dge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilwoman Gantt noted that the City does offer community service for First~Time Offenders.

Councilman Ford asked Mr. Harris if the cost of service is high or low compared to other
jurisdictions. Mr. Harris stated his understanding is they are on the lower side of what's charged
for probation services.

Mr. Harris addressed Councilwoman Lewis Ward’s previous question in regards to the income.
Mr. Harris stated in FY2014, the City paid ZSI approximately $6,700. The budget for FY2015 is
$10,000.

City Manager, Michael Harris, stated he does not recall if there were any Pension Meetings held
in 2014. Mr. Harris stated and that in the past, the appointments consisted of seven individuals;
the City Manager, City Clerk, Treasurer and Human Resources Manager, as well as three
Councilmembers appointed by the Mayor. Mr. Harris stated staff recommends approval, and if
possible to utilize the standing Finance Committee members as an option if the Mayor
approves.

Councilman Ford stated he likes the recommendation of using the Finance Committee members
as the Pension Committee members.

Linda Nabers, Treasurer stated she would recommend that the City move fowvard with Mauldln
& Jenkins forthe year-end audit ending December 31, 2014.

Councilwoman Buschman inquired on how many years the City has been using Mauldin &
Jenkins. Ms. Nabers responded Mauldin & Jenkins did their first audit in 2011. Ms. Nabers
stated typically, the City would look at getting a new auditor every 3 to 5 years. Ms. Nabers
stated for continuity purposes, the City should keep Mauldin and & Jenkins this year and could
possibly entertain bidding out next year.

Councilwoman Buschman asked if the audit from last year (2013) was presented to Mayor and
Council and that she knows there were extensions from the state.

Mr. Harris replied the audit has not been presented as of yet. Mr. Harris also mentioned they are
currently working on an extension through the month of June, and they are in the process of
scheduling a meeting between the current auditor for the City and the auditor for the Downtown
DevelopmentAuthority (DDA). Mr. Harris stated he believes that having a few meeting between
each, the City and DDA, will alleviate all outstanding issues for the 2013 audit.

Ms. Nabers added that the reports will have significant impact on the City's 2013 and 2014
audit, Consensus of the Council was to place this item on the Consent Agenda April 13, 2015.

Renee Wheeler, Human Resource Manager stated that before Mayor and Council is a draft
proposal of a Travel Policy & Procedures. Ms. Wheeler stated the policy before the governing
body would help provide guidance and direction on how travel is to be conducted in the City.

Ms. Wheeler stated in the draft proposal, there are sections for employees and city officials and
is proposing where it states “employees only” to add "elected officials” as well. Ms. Wheeler
stated there is no policy in place solely for elected officials
reference page 13.

Councilwoman Buschman stated she knows with the last administration, elected officials were
required to take a Defensive Driving Course and asked if that was in the proposed policy. Ms.
Wheeler replied that it does not include that. Councilwoman Buschman stated that may be
something to look into.

March 31, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated when the new administration came, many of the
Councilmembers had the Defensive Driving course. Councilwoman Buschman stated she thinks
it is prudent to cover it in the proposed policy for insurance purposes.

Mayor Thompson asked Councilwoman Buschman if it was her recommendation to have all city
employees and elected officials to take the driving course. Councilwoman Buschman reiterated
she was told in order to be covered by the insurance for the City, you have to take the
Defensive Driving Course.

Mayor Thompson asked Mr. Harris if he was aware of the policy. Mr. Harris responded he will
check with the carrier to see if that is a requirement, and will report back next week with the
findings.

Mayor Thompson asked if the direction from Council is to have staff add "elected officials“ to
the employee section and to see if the policy exist; and if it does, would that be a conflict to add
to a policy that may not exist.

Mike Williams, City Attorney stated he is aware of a number of jurisdictions that have these
types of policies and would verify with the insurance company to see as to whether or not it is
required.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas asked Mayor Thompson if he would poll all members of Council as to
whether or not they object to include the defensive driving course. Mayor Thompson asked
Mayor Pro Tem Thomas to clarify. Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated he has not heard from the
other members of Council and would like to know their input on the Mayor’s directive.

Mayor Thompson stated he was under the understanding that it was a directive by
Councilwoman Buschman to include defensive driving as a requirement under City Travel
Regulations for City Officials and City employees.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas wanted to clarify his statement, and added he knows staff had a
directive to check with the insurance carrier. However, he has not heard from the other
members of Council about adopting this policy.

Mayor Thompson stated the insurance company will not require that. Mayor Thompson added
he thinks the directive from Councilwoman Buschman was to add it to the travel policy.

Councilwoman Busohman stated if it protects the City, and would like to know if it indeed
protects the City. Councilwoman Buschman stated the prior administration was told if anyone
was going to get behind the wheel of a City vehicle, the defensive driving course is needed.

Mayor Thompson asked for clarity from Councilwoman Buschman to see if the directive was
changing to say if the City requires it, include it. Councilwoman Buschman stated she was
asking the City Attorney, seeing they were advised from a previous administration.

Mr. Williams stated staff will look into what the previous advice was. Mr. Williams also
mentioned every person driving a City vehicle should be subject to the same requirements. In a
lot of cases, background checks are done for driving.

Ms. Wheeler stated the employees took a Defensive Driving Course in 2014.

March 31, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 3 89-7900
Councilman Ford stated he is in favor of the Defensive Driving Course and thinks it is a good
thing to do; then, asked how long the course is good for. Councilman Ford stated in reference to
the travel policy, City employee and Elected Official should be under the same guidelines.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward inquired on how the tier 1 rates were calculated. Ms. Wheeler
respond they were based on the federal IRS regulations. Councilwoman Lewis Ward asked
could that section be re-worded to include the verbiage that the page will be updated every time
the IRS updates their rates.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward stated under the section Miscellaneous Travel Expenses, there is
not a cap on how much employees would be reimbursed. Ms. Wheeler stated she will get with
the Finance department to see what the cap should be.

Linda Nabers, Treasurer stated the City has to end the year with a balanced budget, if there are
things from 2013, there may be more amendments to the FY14 budget. Ms. Nabers stated this
is a budget amendment closing the 2014 end to fund balance.

Michael Harris, City Manager provided an update to the Mayor and Council and the public on
Georgia House Bill 294. Mr. Harris stated Council unanimously voted to move forward with
taking this initiative to local delegation. This item was approved in the State House and the
State Senate and although this has been approved, it has yet to be signed by the Governor. Mr.
Harris stated if it is signed before the actual voting meeting that will be held on April 13, 2015,
staff will prepare a Resolution for Mayor and Council to vote on. The City anticipates to generate
over $50,000 in revenues which would be used for tourism.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated the Adopt a Street came from the Don’t Trash Stockbridge
program in 2014. Many participants such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts Troops, small and large
church organizations asked if the City had a program where they could adopt a street for
periodical clean ups. Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated that is program being utilized in the County
and in the State and would make it relatable to the City.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated last year was the first year engaging from a community stand
point and had several organizations participating. Mayor Pro Thomas Tem stated the intent of
Don’t Trash Stockbridge is to raise the level of awareness on littering; and wanted to create an
ongoing solution for citizens. Don’t Trash Stockbridge is scheduled for May 2. 2015. Mayor Pro
Tem Thomas also stated he has asked staff to see if there was a way to put something on the
city’s website. Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated there were a few glitches with last year's
program, safety being a major concern.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated the City has engaged in a Memorial Day celebration the last 5
out of 6 years, excluding 2013 where there was no participation. The activities will be discussed
during the Community Relations Committee meeting on April 8, 2015, and noted there have
been suggestions from staff on a few changes. Councilman Ford noted he plans on join Mayor
Pro Tem Thomas and staff on planning being he is the only veteran on Council.

Michael Harris, City Manager stated last month, Mr. Hopkins, Director of Merle Manders
Conference Center (MMCC) and Dale Hall, Administrative and Community Services Director
oonversed on the different positions at MMCC. Mr. Harris expressed one comment from Council
was to have a better understanding of the action plan and strategic plan for the center.

Mr. Harris stated Councilwoman Buschman asked for a brief overview on what the strategic
plan was.

March 31, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridgc, GA 30281 Phone: (770)389-7900
Mr. Hopkins stated the action plan before Council pertains to all of the areas managed. Mr.
Hopkins stated the Mayor asked specifically for at 35 year plan on what will be the target for the
MMCC and how the City plans to move forward. Mr. Hopkins stated the MMCC opened in 2002
as an to the community and to attract tourist to the City. The MMCC holds corporate
amenity
meetings, conferences, special events, weddings, receptions and other large social events. The
ballroom is the primary locations where majority of the activities are being held during the week.
Mr. Hopkins stated over the last 3—5 years, the MMCC averages over 115 activities in the
ballroom per year. The Availability to use the MMCC are Monday—Thursday 7:00am ~—
11:00pm;
and Friday—Sunday 7:00am —
12:00am.

Mr. Hopkins stated in addition to MMCC, staff is also responsible for planning and executing all
events, managing the Ted Strickland Community Center and the City Park Pavilion
major city
Rental process.

Mr. Hopkins also mentioned the MMCC ballroom is over 5,600 sq. ft. Per the ADA and fire
codes, up to 450 people are allowed in a ballroom setting with round tables. There are 5
meeting rooms on the lower level with plenty of parking.

Mr. Hopkins stated the MMCC has a niche wedding market where there are some off season's
after
weddings that happens (Valentines and Christmas Season); most of the weddings happen
Easter weekend until mid—October.

Mr. Hopkins stated there are no hotels, retails stores or restaurants nearby and no sign to
inform citizens where the MMCC is located.

Mr. Hopkins stated the City targets the wedding market, however, if the City wants more
there are opportunities for
revenue, they would have to target other areas. Mr. Hopkins stated
the city such as: Open up more dates during the week; Create new events I programs that draw
community interest and Summer Camps to name a few.

Mr. Hopkins stated the goals for 2015 are to: identify and implement a new reservation
software; identify and repair/replace outdated and damaged equipment and hardware
(Example: Broken floor plates, increase tablelchair inventory, update sound system, etc);
identify and implement best practices to track facility I event attendance (Example: People
Counter hardware increase revenue by 10%); Non-traditional business hour show
appointments; full facility rentals and; update operating procedures inventory, contracts,
policies, filing, etc.

Mr. Hopkins also stated the goals for 2016 are to: Update marketing plan and implement
changes (Selective advertising, direct mailers, cold call businesses, create and distribute event
and
packet, way finding signage); Continue to repair/replace outdated and damaged equipment
hardware; identify and implement new community class schedule and activities: (Spanish,
fitness, sewing, painting, etc.) increase MMCC revenue by 10%; nonstandard business hours;
update rental rates; and Begin staffing events.

Mr. Hopkins also stated the goals for 2017 are to: Update aesthetic /technology (Paint, pictures,
Continue to repair/replace equipment and hardware; Update and implement
projectors, etc.);
community class schedule and activities; increase MMCC revenue by 10%; Offer additional
services (event planning/coordination, on-site event support, etc.); and increase
attendance/exposure in professional organizations/networking events
identify possible outdoor venue space.

March 31, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbtidge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389—7900
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Mayor Pro Tem Thomas expressed his appreciation in getting the information that was asked of
from Mr. Hopkins and asked Mr. Hopkins how competitive are the rates for the MMCC when
comparing rates with other nearby facilities such as the Morrow Center. Mr. Hopkins replied
other facilities may charge a staffing and for items such as linens, which are built into their
packages. Mr. Hopkins stated the MMCC is a more cost effective model and it includes a larger
ballroom space than other facilities and being cheaper. Mr. Hopkins stated the MMCC does not
staff events.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas asked Mr. Hopkins what is in place to assist renters if there are any
problems and also wanted Mr. Hopkins to explain the process of returning keys once a venue is
over. Mr. Hopkins responded with every contract, the renters are given at check-out
sheet in

which they will sign the key out. On the check-out sheet, they are notified to contact the police in
case of a medical or fire emergency, and there is an on—call phone number listed that
will go
Mr. stated with the Ted Strickland Community Center and
directly to Mr. Hopkins. Hopkins
MMCC, there is a black box on the side of the building as you exit. They may drop the key and
the check off list in the black box.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas asked are there any safe guard measures. Mr. Hopkins replied there
are no safe guard measures. Mr. Hopkins also mentioned staff is scheduled Monday— Friday,

unless there is an event.

Councilwoman Buschman inquired on who maintains the parks and is there a safe guard where
the same people check the grounds for MMCC. Mr. Hopkins responded the Public Works
staffers who
department does schedule workers during the park season. There are about two
Mr.
change the signs on the pavilions and makes sure they are cleaned after being used.
Hopkins stated to his knowledge, no one from Public Works comes to the MMCC.

Councilwoman Buschman stated the number one problem is there are no signs. Additionally,
there is improper lighting and improper acoustics for audio and videos. Councilwoman
Buschman stated once money is invested into the MMCC, there will have to be security of some
sort.

Councilwoman Buschman suggested having staffers utilize
the kitchen with the caterers. Mr.
the preferred caterers on the list, they are not charged
Hopkins stated whenever someone uses
a fee. If the decides to bring their own caterer, they
party would have to pay a fee.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked Mr. Hopkins for his presentation and stated although there was
notimeline she thinks Council would have to get together and decide on when they would
given,
like to make it happen.

Councilwoman Gantt requested to place “The Removal of Preferred Caterers at MMCC” at the
next City Council Meeting for a vote.

the
Mayor Thompson clarified the consensus of Council would like to direct staff to modify
policy, to remove the preferred catering item.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward requested Mr. Hopkins to explain the Preferred Caterers List.
Mr. Hopkins stated it is his understanding the Preferred Caterers List is a listing of caterers that
has catered at least three (3) events at MMCC; also submitted the proper documents
previously
to the City (Business License and Liability Insurance) and also asked to be on the list.

Match 31, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Hemy Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 3 89-7900
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Councilwoman Lewis Ward asked if there is a preference on the list. Mr. Hopkins responded he
their services. Mr.
has notgivenany preference on the list becausehe has not experienced
have
Hopkins stated since he has been at the MMCC, there have been a few caterers that
come more than once.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward inquired if a caterer or vendor can apply to work at MMCC if they
are not on the preferred caterers list. Mr. Hopkins replied yes they are
allowed to bring in their

own caterer.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward then asked if Mr. Hopkins agrees the benefit to the City would be
Mr. Hopkins
that the vendor has already been vetted over someone who has not been vetted.
citizens.
stated he does agree on if the City was to vet a vendor that would be a benefit to the

and action
Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated looking through the presentation, he sees goals
plans and asked how does Mr. Hopkins plans to evaluate the success of the goals. Mayor Pro
Tem Thomas also asked Mr. Hopkins is there something in place to evaluate the goals and
he scheduled a meeting
plans that are out. Mr. Hopkins stated when he put the packet together,
with the staff at MMCC to see where they all wanted to go, Mr. Hopkins also stated they
collaborated together and came up with the goals. The intent was to meet on a quarterly basis,
he does intend to
however, due to the influx of calls, they have not met yet. Mr. Hopkins stated
meet with his staff in April. Mr. Hopkins expressed to Council his number one priority is to serve
then he looks at the goals and action plans and implements them in his day.
the citizens,

it also includes Council
Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated the approach is not only for the MMCC,
who needs to set goals and critique themselves.

Councilman Ford thanked Mr. Hopkins for the briefing and thinks it was very good.
Councilmember Ford asked Mr. Hopkins if the goals he has in mind allocated for the 2015
to accomplish those
budget or would he come before Council to ask for additional funding
Mr. Harris responded on behalf of Mr. Hopkins and replied there are funds
particular goals.
Pro Tem
allocated for the software reservation management. Mr. Harris diverted back to Mayor
forward would require the appropriate funding which
Thomas and stated a lot of the items going
would need a vote from Council.

Councilman Ford stated Councilwoman Buschman made mention of the two previous
administrations. Councilman Ford inquired on what is the difficulty in getting signs off of
with the
interstate 75 and 675 that states Merle Manders this way and the City of Stockbridge
he does not know who they would need to ask. Councilman
emblem. Councilman Ford stated
Services
Ford asked if Public Works, the City Manager or the Administration and Community
Director involved. Mr. Harris replied if it on the State highway, it is DOT issue and the City could
move forward with it. Mr. Harris explained the City
is moving fonrvard with a rebranding effort.
ahead and add signs
Mr. Harris stated what they did not want to happen was have the City jump
be helpful for
while taking the rebranding approach. Councilman Ford stated that would
between interstate 675 and 75 and
advertising, he also thinks the city is in a very strategic place
is a gold mine.

wanted to get
Councilwoman Buschman stated to Councilman Ford, the last two administrations
a signinside the city limits, close to City Hall, but ran into a lot of problems with Ordinances.
Councilwoman Buschman stated anything is betterthan having nothing.

4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stocklnidge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 3 89-7900
March 31, 2015 6:00pm
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I_’_.9_s..<:a.I 9

Mr. Harris stated in regards to Councilwoman Buchman’s statement about security around the
parks and MMCC building.Mr. Harris explained he will be meeting with staff from the Public
Works department next week along with Henry County PD to discuss policing details during the
summer months.

Mr. Harris referred to Councilwoman Lewis Ward in regards to the preferred vendors list. Mr.
Harris stated he has been working with the Treasurer, Ms. Nabers on a draft in which they will
present to Council within the next few days or week.

Councilwoman Gantt stated the Finance Committee Meeting met on March 25, 2015 at 5:30pm
in the Library of City Hall. The Committee looked over the budget to see where the City was
Council
currently at. Councilwoman Gantt stated there will be a presentation at the next City
meeting by Ms. Nabers.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward stated the Public Safety Committee met in February and March, and
there will be a full quarterly presentation at the next City Council meeting.

Public Comments

is
Ms. Eluth Espinosa, spoke about the awareness of autism month. Ms. Espinosa stated autism
the fastest where
growing disability 3.5 million people are suffering from autism in the
roughly
United States. Ms. Espinosa stated parents, caregivers and teachers are desperate and needs
to make
help from the community. Ms. Espinosa expressed competency test should be done
sure autistic children gets the help they need from their teachers
and/or caregivers. Ms.

Espinosa is currently working with Carol McKenzie, founder of African—American Mental Health
to create map for new parents who may not know the first thing on dealing with an autistic child.
Ms. asking
is the her in
City tojoin the word and “light it blue" this month to
spreading
Espinosa
bring awareness to the community.

Councilman Ford thanked Ms. Espinosa on the briefing.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward presented Ms. Espinosa and Ms. Carolyn McKenzie with a
Proclamation and stated this is a Proclamation of the City's commitment to bring awareness
duringthe month of April, the City plans to light the fountain at City Hall.

Mr. Harris stated the fountains are turned back on and with Council's desire, they will change
the lights blue.

Elton Alexander spoke about the possibility of Council approving a Resolution to celebrate
Confederate Month. Mr. Alexander stated there is a great concern in the community due to the
issue related to Confederate Month. Mr. Alexander stated he is for honoring or recognizing that
citizen that the
period of time, but not for a whole month; and asked as an African~ American
City takes it seriously with passing out the Resolution.

thinks recognition
Marylyn Flynn stated she supports Ms. Espinosa with Autism Awareness and
is not enough. Ms. Flynn stated what needs to happen is a needs assessment to find out how
of Stockbridge. Ms. Flynn stated there is a desperate
many others are living within the City limits
need of respite are help for the caretakers. Ms. Flynn stated there is a Macintosh Trail program
out there that would deliver services to the City.

March 31, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389~7900
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Mr. Harris informed Mayor and Council there is a new City map and resource guide available to
citizens at no cost. The maps are located at City Hall in the receptionist area.

Councilwoman Gantt made a motion to convene into Executive Session for items A, F and H,
Excluding Mayor Tim Thompson on item F, and excluding Councilwoman Buschman on item H;
second by Councilman Ford; the motion passed 5-0.

Councilman Ford made a motion to adjourn Executive Session; second by Councilwoman

Buschman; the motion passed 5-0.

Councilman Ford made a motion to reconvene back into Work Session; second by
Councilwoman Buschman; the motion passed 5-0.

Mayor Thompson read the following news and announcements.

- All City Offices will be closed Friday, April 3, 2015 in observance of Good Friday
Community Relations Committee Meeting located at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room-
April 8, 2015 at 6:OOpm- Chair, Councilman Thomas
- Public Works Committee locate at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room- April 8, 2015 at
7:00pm- Chair, Councilwoman Buschman
City Council Meeting~ April 13, 2015 at 6:0OPm at City Hall

Councilman Ford made a motion to adjourn the Work Session meeting at 9:35pm; second by
Councilwoman Buschman; the motion passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted:

to

March 31, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
