---
date: 2019-10-14
title: October 14, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes
source: 2019-10/2019-10-14_October 14, 2019 City Council Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 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 – Charles Marshall

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call – All members were present

V. Motion to amend the Agenda to add Item#17 – Main Street use of the TSCC
11/1/2019 for Shop Small Saturday Workshop
Motion to approve: Alexander/Robinson – Passed 5-0.

VI. Adoption of the Minutes for the following meetings:
1. 6/27/2019 2. 9/9/2019
Motion to approve: Alexander/Robinson – Passed 5-0.

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. Coren Randazzo asked for the replacement of Speed Bumps vs Speed Humps along Bryant
Street; noted the amphitheater construction noise; referenced current signage in their
neighborhood and asked the City to not re-route of traffic through the Bryant Street subdivision;
referenced a pending Open Records Request for Amphitheater information.

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October 14, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281
Mr. Robert Kolpak spoke in reference to the closing of Cochran Park and asked the City
and residents to put pressure on District 5 Commissioner Holmes to repair the park
(estimated $598,000 price tag) and noted it to be a small amount compared to the proposed
$8 million dollar park from District 4 Commissioner Vivian Thomas; Mr. Kolpak also noted
he does not believe the report to be accurate; noted the home on Flippen Rd. owned by
Commissioner Thomas to be in disrepair with campaign signs posted on the property;
asked the City to move forward with the Force Clean Up program; commended Councilman
Alexander on the beautification efforts in the City; and asked that Code Enforcement be
given more bite to enforce the City’s code.

Mr. Kenneth Willison of K-Piano noted he had presented the program to the previous City
Manager 10 years ago and today this is a more impactful program wrapped around the
Stockbridge Youth Orchestra; noted the program would also include robotics which is
beneficial to the community; noted the program is a not for profit organization that has
donated over $100,000 to Clayton and Henry County schools; provided copies of the
program Executive Summary to be distributed to the governing body; noted he had spoken
with the Mayor & members of Council about the program and is hopeful the City can provide
a services by means of facilities.

Mayor Ford reviewed the following ceremonial presentations made prior to the meeting:
Back to School Kickoff Gold Sponsor Appreciation Award
Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation
Retired Educators Month Proclamation
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
2019 Citizens Academy Graduates
2019 BridgeFest Sponsor Recognitions

OLD BUSINESS
PUBLIC HEARING (Continued from 9/9/2019 meeting)
3. Council Consideration to approve Rezoning Request for Case #RZ-2019-01:
Georgia Health Care Association, Inc., Applicant; and YM Hospitality Group,
Agent; requests the rezoning of their property from C-2 (General Commercial
District) to C-3 (Heavy Commercial District) for the purpose of constructing a
hotel. Property is identified by its Parcel ID, 051-01028038, and is located
east of 160 Country Club Drive. Property consists of 1.268 acres within Land
Lot 20 of District 6 in the City of Stockbridge.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Public Hearing Opened: Speakers in Favor: Dist. 4 Commissioner Vivian
Thomas Speakers Opposed: None. Public Hearing Closed.
Motion to approve: Robinson/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

PUBLIC HEARING (Continued from 9/9/2019 meeting)
4. Council Consideration to approve Rezoning Request for Case# RZ-2019-02:
Robbie Moore of Palace Hospitality, LLC, Applicant; representing George P.
Harper, III, P.E. of Paramount Engineering, LLC; request the rezoning of
property from C-2 (General Commercial District) to C-3 (Heavy Commercial
District) for the purpose of constructing a hotel. Property is identified by its
Parcel ID, 051-01028005, and is located at 2725 Patrick Henry Parkway.

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October 14, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281
Property consists of 3.545 acres within Land Lot 19 of District 6 in the City of
Stockbridge.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Public Hearing Opened: Speakers in Favor: Dist. 4 Commissioner Vivian
Thomas Speakers Opposed: None. Public Hearing Closed.
Motion to approve: Gantt/Blount – Passed 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS
PUBLIC HEARING
5. Council Consideration to approve Ordinance Amendment: Title 9 – Licensing
and Regulation – to establish interim standards pertaining to certain
businesses impacted by the current Moratorium with either numeral limitation
or distance separation.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Public Hearing Opened: Speakers in Favor: Andrew Dixon Speakers
Opposed: None. Public Hearing Closed.
Motion to approve: Alexander/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

PUBLIC HEARING
6. Council Consideration to approve amendment of zoning conditions of
RZ-16-30-S, Jodeco Crossing, zoned Planned Town Development (PTD) to
adopt Design Standards w/Amendment
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Public Hearing Opened: Speakers in Favor: John Palmer of Falcon
Engineering & Design Consultants and Jeff Grant, Property Owner.
Speakers Opposed: None. Public Hearing Closed.
Motion to approve: Blount Robinson – Passed 4-0-1 (Alexander abstained).

PUBLIC HEARING
7. Amendment of Chapter 12.02.104, Highway Overlay District, to amend the
boundaries to include the following: Patrick Henry Parkway, Country Club
Drive, Flippen Road, Walt Stephens, Mt. Zion Parkway, and Campground
Road Extension.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Public Hearing Opened: Speakers in Favor: None Speakers Opposed:
None. Public Hearing Closed.
Motion to approve: Alexander/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

PUBLIC HEARING
8. Council Consideration to approve rezoning for case# RZ-2019-04 - Rezoning
Request by TPA Residential, requesting the rezoning of their property from
C-2 (General Commercial District) to MUND (Mixed-Use Neighborhood
Residential District) for the purpose of constructing a mixed-use development
projects with townhomes and commercial uses. Property is identified by its
Parcel ID< 032-01026000 and is located to the rear of 1580 & 1590 Hudson
Bridge Road and to the west of 1490-1548 Hudson Bridge Road. Property

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October 14, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281
consists of 20.367 acres within Land Lot 21 of the District 6 in the City of
Stockbridge.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Public Hearing Opened: Speakers in Favor: Mr. John Palmer w/Falcon
Engineering & Design Consultants stated the applicant had made a request
for this item to be Tabled and was not present pending further information
from GRTA and more information on the DRI.:
Speakers Opposed: Tim Callahan.
Councilman Alexander made a motion to Table; no second. Motion failed
During the Public Hearing, Mr. John Palmer of Falcon Design relayed a
message to Ms. Moore that he had received a text message from the
applicant to withdraw the request.
Councilwoman Gantt accepted the request to withdraw from Mr. Palmer on
behalf of the applicant.

9. Council Consideration to approve purchase of Fire Marshal Vehicle &
Equipment in the amount of $55,243.00 Funding Source: General Fund
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Motion to approve: Alexander/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

10. Council Consideration to approve the job description, organizational chart
and reclassification of the Utility Billing Clerk to Financial Services
Technician.
Presented by Renee Wheeler - Human Resources Manager and
John Wiggins - Treasurer
Motion to approve: Gantt/Robinson – Passed 5-0.

11. Council Consideration to amend Chapter 2.12 – Administration to formally
assign Finance powers and duties to the City Treasurer position.
Presented by Renee Wheeler - Human Resources Manager
Motion to approve: Robinson/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

12. Council Consideration to approve Minimum Development Standards for
Water, Sewer, Stormwater and Roads as prepared by City of Stockbridge
Engineers: Carter & Sloope
Presented by Decius Aaron – Public Works Director
Motion to approve: Gantt/Blount – Passed 5-0.

13. Council Consideration to approve Bid Award Recommendation for Roadway
Resurfacing in the amount of $1,322,458.32 Funding Sources: DOT Grant
$291,306.61, Fund Balance $650,000.00 (previously approved) and Fund
Balance and SPLOST $381,151.71.
Presented by Decius Aaron – Public Works Director
Motion to approve: Gantt/Alexander – Passed 5-0.

14. Council Consideration to approve the amendment of the City Gateway
Beautification contract with CGL Facility Management, LLC and the City,
under the State of GA Contract No. 99999-001-SPD0000154-0001, Facility
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October 14, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281
Maintenance Solutions; City of Stockbridge Procurement Contract No. 2019-
00022P, Groundskeeper/Landscaper, for the Public Works Department,
modifying the scope of services (Walt Stephens Rd, Old Atlanta Rd, Flippen
Rd, Davidson Parkway and East Atlanta Rd), and increasing the overall
estimated contract amount to $200,000.00 annually.
Funding Source: General Fund - Presented by Decius Aaron – Public Works
Director and Lindell Miller - Purchasing Supervisor
Motion to approve: Alexander/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

15. Council Consideration to approve the Pond Company for Construction
Program Management of the Public Works Administration Building in the
amount of $126,250.00. Funding Source: SPLOST.
Presented by Decius Aaron – Public Works Director and Lindell Miller -
Purchasing Supervisor
Motion to approve: Gantt/Thomas – Passed 4-0 (Alexander was not present
for the vote).

16. Council Consideration to approve ranking of bidders and authorize
negotiations of construction contracts for the Amphitheater. Awarded to H. J.
Russell & Company.
Presented by Randy Knighton City Manager and Lindell Miller – Purchasing
Supervisor.
Motion to approve: Alexander/Robinson – Passed 5-0.

17. Council Consideration to approve the Main Street Program’s use of the TSCC
November 1, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the Small Business
Saturday Workshop
Presented by Kira Harris-Braggs – Main Street Manager
Motion to approve: Gantt/Thomas – Passed 5-0.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Randy Knighton noted staff will do better with presenting items to the Governing
Body; referenced the approval of the Jodeco Design Guidelines and approval of the
construction of the Amphitheater noting it took the vision and leadership of the
Mayor & Council, a lot of time and people to make this happen noting the importance
on getting it right; stated these two items are both historic and transformational and
will change the face of the City of Stockbridge for many years to come that will make
you all and the citizens of Stockbridge proud, and look forward to the
groundbreaking coming very soon.

COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
Vanessa Holiday offered congratulations to the City of Stockbridge, and hats off to
the Council and staff for a job well done; thanked the Clerk’s Office team for
participating in some teambuilding activities with a special thank you to the Human
Resources Manager for her leadership and guidance with the activities.

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October 14, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281
COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas stated to staff and fellow councilmates that most everyone
knows him pretty well and that he is pretty much even-keeled and when there is a
spur under his collar, he may get a little upset, and does not apologize for earlier
statements relating to a breakdown in communication and also acknowledged that
perhaps staff is not given enough credit when due, and rather highlighting the errors
noting you have to take the good with the bad; noted the City does have a great staff
and knows the City is moving in the right direction; and noted he is big on the (3)
three “P’s” Policy, Procedure and Protocol;

Mayor Pro Tem Blount thanked citizens for remaining throughout the meeting and
echoed the sentiments of Councilman Thomas regarding staff noting the City has
been blessed with a staff dedicated to working extended hours; hats off to the City
Manager, Community Development Director and staff for a job well done; referenced
his appreciation for staff and they work that they do, and noted he has thanked staff
and prepared lunch to show his appreciation; and noted everyone has a heart for
the City and getting things done, and hats off to all.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for coming out and being actively involved;
noted the past (6) six years may have looked dormant from those on the outside
looking in, however, tonight showed what has been in the making for years such as
the hiring of the Economic Development Director, the Public Information Officer, and
other new positions, and not knowing what our account balances were, and now
with the City about to break ground on the Amphitheater that was talked about so
much, it’s exciting and the entire Council is on 10, and that next year, we may be
breaking ground on a Cultural Arts Center; thanked staff for their hard work and
dedication and having to deal with councilmembers who have the pressure from the
citizens is a heavy load to carry and it’s recognized; noted the City is moving right
along and loves the way the puzzle pieces are fitting together; extended
congratulations to the City Clerk for completion of the Clerk’s Master’s Certification
Program; stated staff is doing a phenomenal job; thanked Ms. Moore for bringing
Permitting and the Fire Marshal in-house to better serve the businesses of
Stockbridge; asked citizens to keep the City in your prayers; and noted it is not an
easy job and that everything that she does is in the best interest of Stockbridge.

Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for coming out and tuning in, noting that
he was told that people may not be in attendance, however, they are tuning in and
watching the meetings; echoed the City Manager’s comments that tonight’s decision
were both historical and transformational and will go down in history for the City of
Stockbridge and stand the test of time; noted this Council started by hiring an
exceptional leader in the City Manager, and compensates staff following a salary
evaluation to compete for the top talent; noted no matter what happens with the
upcoming election, the foundation has been set by this Council; noted the City
completed its first Comprehensive Plan independent of the County and dictates the
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City’s Path through 2038; referenced the hiring of a certified Fire Marshal, Planning
& Zoning and Permitting to alleviate the wait time for inspections for business
licenses allowing businesses to open more timely; referenced the first international
company to call Stockbridge home, the Hegla Corporation, who has moved its
headquarters to Stockbridge; noted it has been and outstanding year for the City;
noted the City’s focus on beautification efforts; referenced Early Voting has started
and asked everyone to vote, and no matter who you vote for, Stockbridge is going
to be in good shape because there is a solid foundation and asked everyone to
support the community to make sure noting Stockbridge will be the shining star of
South Metro.

Councilwoman Robinson echoed colleagues and thanked staff for an outstanding
job; noted the City has waited a long time to get here noting 2016 feels like a lifetime
ago, City made, went through a lot of ups and downs, even within our community;
thanked the citizens for being continuously engaged as this helps them to be better
leaders; acknowledged State Senator Emanuel Jones to is present in the Chamber
tonight and was instrumental in the City’s process; referenced the recently held a
successful Hometown Connection, hosted by the City of Stockbridge took place
where State, City, County and other officials, along with legislators were in one room
to discuss achievements and challenges to the delegation who were in attendance;
noted it was fitting for Senator Jones to be present tonight for the City’s historic
decisions and asked Senator Jones to take that information back that the City of
Stockbridge is progressive and moving forward, noted this to be a great day in
Stockbridge; and asked the businesses to come and grow with us as we open for
business here in Stockbridge.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford expressed his excitement about the City moving forward; referenced
the Design Guidelines for Jodeco project and that the citizens will be very proud of
the development noting everyone will be able to live work and play right here in
Stockbridge, Henry County and not have to travel downtown, as it was proved
tonight, it’s coming; and the Amphitheater will be the anchor for downtown; and
noted that as the City goes through this process, asked that everyone in their own
time be prayerful that the Amphitheater will be completed by August 6, 2020 as the
City celebrates its 100-year anniversary and imagines the south metro area to be
quite celebratory; and asked everyone to keep the faith.

Mayor Ford read the following news & events:
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.
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October 14, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281
• Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. - Council Chamber

• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at
6:30 p.m./Levi Meeting Room

• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday, October 21, 2019 at 6:00 p.m./Levi
Meeting Room

• Planning Commission Meeting, Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 6:30 p.m./Council Chamber

• Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council
Chamber

UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon – Thursday, October 17, 2019 11:00 a.m. at the Merle
Manders Conference Center, Stockbridge – Registration required. Please contact
events@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

• Breast Cancer Love Walk – Saturday, October 19, 2019 9:00 a.m. Clark Park, Stockbridge.
– Registration required. Contact events@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

• Monthly Bingo Bash Wednesday, October 30, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the Ted
Strickland Community Center – spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount

EARLY VOTING BEGINS MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 THROUGH FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2019 AT THE
STOCKBRIDGE MUNICIPAL COURT 4602 NORTH HENRY BLVD. STOCKBRIDGE AND HENRY
COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE 40 ATLANTA ST. MCDONOUGH, GA WHERE VOTERS WILL HAVE THE
OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE FOR CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL, THE CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
BRUNCH BILL REFERENDUM AND THE HENRY COUNTY SPLOST V REFERENDUM.
NOTE: If you choose to vote on Election Day (November 5th), you will be required to vote at your
county local polling location to vote on SPLOST V and the city polling location at the Municipal
Court to vote on City Council candidates and the Brunch Bill.
PLEASE CHECK THE CITY’S WEBSITE cityofstockbridge.com FOR HOURS AND ADDITIONAL
LOCATIONS; FLYERS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE LOBBY HERE AT CITY HALL
CHECK YOUR VOTING STATUS AND POLLING LOCATION AT:
https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do
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.

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• 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.

• Quarterly Clergy RoundTable – spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson. 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 Meetings, November 14th and 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.

Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Real Estate and Litigation:
Gantt/Robinson: Passed 5-0.
Motion to adjourn Executive Session: Robinson/Alexander: Passed 3-0. (Blount/Thomas
were not present for the vote).

Motion to reconvene meeting: Robinson/Gantt: Passed 3-0. (Blount/Thomas were not
present for the vote).

Motion to adjourn the meeting: Robinson/Thomas: Passed 4-0. (Blount was not present for
the vote).

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