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date: 
title: 2017 02 13 2017 Minutes
source: 2017/2017_02_13_2017_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
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APPROVED SU MARY MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2017 6:00 p.m.
mygr & City Council Administration
Mayor e |H a
Judereal
Mayor Pro em Anthony S. Ford rrids,Citd(ltV Cler
Vanessa _H Olid ManaEer
Counci_lman Elton Alexander Ra_ndI EV, Clerk
CounCIlman John Blount MIchaelRaIneYJ
WII Iams, IV A City orney
Councilwoman LaKeisha _Gantt
CounCIlwoman Neat RobInson

Mayor Neal called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.

Pastor Steve Murell of First Baptist Church of Stockbridge provided the invocation.

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 and a quorum was confirmed.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adopt the Agenda; second by Councilman Alexander.
The motion passed 5-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to adopt the Minutes of 12/12/2016, 12/14/2016,
12/16/2016 and 12/27/2016; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed

Mayor Neal recognized ceremonial items presented prior to the meeting: Black History
Month Proclamation, Letter of Commendation for Commissioner Bruce Holmes and Letter
of Commendation for Naval Academy candidate Karina Patel.

Organizational Appointments: Mayor Pro Tem
Councilman Alexander motioned to appoint Councilman Anthony Ford as Mayor Pro
Tem; second Councilwoman Robinson. The motion passed 5-0 (Ford abstained).

February 13, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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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 ofthe elected body, officials, and staff. Defamation, unruliness
and/or swearing will not be tolerated while meetings are in session.

Ms. Mildred E. Reed asked for City sponsorship and citizen support of the Henry County
Council on Aging Miles for Meals fundraising event taking place on Saturday, May 6th.

PRESENTATION
1. 2017 Paint Henry Blue Raising Awareness for the Prevention of Child
Abuse Kick-Off Month in Stockbridge Thursday, March 30, 2017.
Presented by: Susan Crutchfield

The Clerk asked Council to Table this item until the February 28th Work Session meeting

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to table this item and to be heard at the February 28,
2017 Work Session Meeting; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0

OLD BUSINESS
Councilwoman Robinson motioned to approve all appointments by Slate; second by
Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

2. Appointment of Council Representative on Main Street Advisory Board

ANTHONY 8. FORD TERM EXPIRES 12/31/2017

3. Appointments to the Main Street Advisory Board

WILLIE E. HOPKINS TERM EXPIRES 12/31/2018

GREG HORTON TERM EXPIRES 12/31/2018

4. Appointment of Council on Aging Representative

TYRONE C. ANDERSON, SR. TERM EXPIRES 12/31/2017

5. Appointment to the Zoning Advisory Board

SHIRLEY WALLACE TERM EXPIRES 12/31/2017

6. Appointment of Youth Council Advisory Committee

EMMA LEWIS TERM EXPIRES 12/31/2017

KENNETH MCFARLAND TERM EXPIRES 12/31/2017

DIANE D. MILLER TERM EXPIRES 12/31/2017

February 13, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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E. CARTER TERM EXPIRES 12/31/2017

XAVIER ROSS TERM EXPIRES 12/31/2017

PAMELA WARNER TERM EXPIRES 12/31/2017

KALI ROBINSON TERM EXPIRES 12/31/2017

PUBLIC HEARING

7. Variance Request VR-16-14-S PUBLIC HEARING
Waffle House Inc., of Norcross GA requests a variance from
development
regulations for the property located at the Southeast Corner of the intersection of
Eagles Landing Parkway and Parkside Lane, Land Lot 1 of the 11th District. Parcel
ID no. The property consists of acres, and the request
is for wall and ground signs.
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager

Mr. Harris noted this items was previously heard at the Work Session meeting and
the applicant is requesting two (2) Variance requests as follows:
To increase the allowable size of one (1) ground sign
To increase the allowable number of wall signs from 2 to 3

Mr. Harris referenced the configuration of one side of the building as being narrow
and noted the City Ordinance states applicants are allowed to have a ground sign

up to 64 Sq. ft. based on the width of the front of the building. Mr. Harris also noted
the proposed building frontage is roughly 24-25 sq. ft. which would allow up to a 20

sq. ft. ground sign. The applicant is requesting a 50 sq. ft. ground sign and an
additional wall sign.

Mayor Neal informed the public that the applicant has met the zoning
requirements for the restaurant and are making a request for a sign variance as
has across the street.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Sgeakers in Favor:
Applicant Sanford McAllister w/Waffle House.
Ms. Janet Beuchler noted her questions were answered by the applicant.

Sgeakers Oggosed:
Sandra Reichert.

Mr. Harris clarified the property was already zoned and did not need to come before
Council; and was approved by the Zoning Advisory Board a few weeks ago.

Public Hearing was closed

February 13, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770)
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Council discussion included feedback from residents and notification of new

developments in the City.

The applicant, Sanford McAllister was asked which side of the building would be
facing the neighborhood amenities and if there was something there to cover the
sign from the view of the residents. Mr. McAllister explained the extra sign would be
on the west side of the building and there were trees to buffer the view.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford referenced the 2014 sign variance by McDonalds and noted it
was good to know there would be a good amount of buffer between Waffle House

and the adjacent neighborhood Parkside subdivision and motioned to approve the
wall and ground sign variances; there was no second. The motion failed due to the
lack of a second.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the ground sign variance only and not
the third wall sign; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion failed 2-3 with
Councilmembers Alexander, Blount and Robinson opposing.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford asked about options for Waffle House as a result of the vote. .

Mr. Harris noted Waffle House would be restricted to two (2) wall signs and a ground

sign not to exceed 20 sq. feet.

Annexation PUBLIC HEARING
City-lnitiated annexation
request consisting of acres of parcel number

located at 415 Flippen Rd. in Land Lot 38 of the 12 District.
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager

Mr. Harris noted this property is currently owned by the City and was purchased
four years ago. The property in question is the Reeves Creek Trail leading from
Flippen Rd. to Memorial Park, but is not inside the city boundaries. Mr. Harris
further noted the City notified the County in January for the notification and
there has been met with no opposition. The annexation was also heard and

approved by the Zoning Advisory Board.

PUBLIC HEARING:
There were no speakers in favor or opposed

Public Hearing was closed

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the annexation second by
Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

. Update of the Official Zoning Map PUBLIC HEARING
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager

Mr. Harris noted the City will adopt the Official Zoning Map annually noting staff will

keep an active map throughout the year which would show any rezoned parcels.

February 13, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mr. Harris also referenced a new zoning district this year and a classification X1,
which helps establish a zoning classification for railroad which gives
the city the opportunity to put provisions in place.

PUBLIC HEARING
There were no speakers in favor or opposed

Public Hearing was closed

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Official Zoning Map; second by
Councilman Blount. The motion passed 5-0.

10. Request for Amendment of the Zoning Code PUBLIC HEARING
In regards to brick facade.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney

Attorney Williams noted this matter involves an update to the commercial zoning
codes, which would require an enhanced brick facade for commercial buildings
throughout the City and that the Zoning Advisory Board has requested to have
additional time to review before making a recommendation.

Attorney Williams advised the Council to go fonNard with the Public Hearing to
hear the comments and then recess the Public Hearing until the next Council
meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING:
There were no speakers in favor or opposed.

Public Hearing was recessed until the March 13, 2017 meeting

NEW BUSINESS

11.Counci| Consideration to approve the 2017 voting schedule for the City.
Presented by: Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
The Clerk noted the City will hold a municipal election for two (2) council seats and
one (1) mayoral seat in 2017 and presented to Council with proposed schedules
for the 2017 voting calendar. The Clerk further noted after contacting the Henry
County Elections Office, the proposals were adjusted to include Sunday.
Option #1- added a Sunday with voting hours from 1pm-5pm; with two (2)
Saturdays with voting hours from 8am-2pm, one (1) week of early voting at
the Merle Manders Conference Center with voting hours from 7am-7pm.
The other two (2) weeks would be at the Henry County Elections Office,
with the run-off being held at the Merle Manders Conference Center/Henry
County Elections Office with voting hours from Sat/Sun offset
no change to the estimated cost of $23,500.00

Option #1A- added a Sunday with voting hours from 1pm-5pm; with two (2)
Saturdays with voting hours from one week of early voting at the

Merle Manders Conference Center/Henry County Elections Office with
voting hours from 7am-7pm; and the held at the Henry County

February 13, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Elections Office. The adjustments to the Sat/Sun hours were offset; the
estimated cost did not change and remains at $19,000.

Option #2-added a Sunday with voting hours from 1pm-5pm; one (1)
Saturday with voting hours from one (1) week of early voting at

the Merle Manders Conference Center/Henry County Elections Office with
voting hours from 7am-7pm; and the run-off held at the Merle Manders
Conference Center/Henry County Elections Office. The adjustment to add
the weekend increased by $200, with a total estimated cost of $21,700.

Option #2A- added a Sunday with voting hours from 1pm-5pm; one
Saturday with voting hours from 8am-2pm; one (1) week of early voting held
at the Merle Manders Conference Center/Henry County Elections Office;
and the run-off held at the Henry County Elections Office from 7am-7pm.
The adjusted cost for the weekend increased by $200, with a total
estimated cost of $17,200.
The Clerk noted the data received from the Elections Office indicated weekend voting
to be a combination of votes cast at the Henry County Elections Office and the Merle
Manders Conference Center, however, the system was unable breakout specific
locations. It was further noted the 2014 General Election had the race for Governor,
and there were 1,289 weekend votes cast with no Sunday voting. In 2015, there was a
Municipal Election with 56 weekend votes cast and no Sunday voting. The Clerk noted
there was a Municipal election, Special election and a General election in 2016 with
3,903 votes cast on Saturday and 1,529 votes cast on Sunday and noted the FY2017
budget for Municipal Elections is $16,000.00.

Councilwoman Gantt asked about a deadline for the Council to select an option,
where the Clerk responded there was no however, the Conference Center
Coordinator needs the dates to reserve for those dates and time periods for planning
purposes.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve Option #1 with an estimated cost of
$23,500 and estimated budget amendment in the amount of $7,500; second by
Councilwoman Robinson. The motion passed 4-1 with Councilwoman Gantt opposed

12.Council Consideration to approve use of the Merle Manders Conference
Center for Non-Profit Mixer to be held on April 19, 2017.
Presented by: Councilwoman Gantt

Councilwoman Gantt noted this is a Non-Profit Mixer which includes
churches and targets the City of Stockbridge and Henry County and
extended groups and agencies to attend this free mix and mingle event
where light refreshments and would be served.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve the use of the Merle Manders
Conference Center for the Non-Profit Mixer to be held on April 19, 2017;
second by Councilwoman. The motion passed 5-0. (The date was later
changed to April

February 13, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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13. Council Consideration Proposed Budget Amendment for Fiber Optics
Connection in the amount of $350,000.00
Presented by: Councilman Alexander

Councilman Alexander noted the aggressiveness to compete at the highest
level in the Metro area and believes the City should invest in fiber optics.

Mr. Harris referenced the recent presentation made to the Council by the IT
firm, Liberty Technology regarding fiber optics for the City, specifically, the
ownership of the lines.

Councilman Blount noted the Fiber Optics Initiative was identified during the
approval of the FY2017 budget subject to funds coming in and wants to move
forward based on the recommendations from staff.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford noted he would like to explore different companies to see
which product would best benefit the city.

Mr. Harris stated he would make the request to Liberty Technology to speak to
Council to explain their recommendations.

Mayor Neal noted this would be a matter of moving forward at the right time, and
encouraged Council to look further into it and move forward.

Councilwoman Robinson asked for a timeframe

Councilman Alexander motioned to Table the item to come back to the Council for
up to 60 days or a date closest to the March 25, 2017 meeting; second by Mayor
Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

DISCUSSION
14. Proposed CID (Community Improvement District) for the Hwy. 138 Corridor
Presented by: Councilwoman Robinson

Councilwoman Robinson referenced this item being discussed at a Town Hall
meeting last year in regards to improving the Hwy. 138 corrido, along with the
rebranding of the City through the Main Street Program.

Councilwoman Robinson introduced Consultant, Vivian Thomas to present
information from One Henry regarding a proposed CID who referenced the
importance of networking and getting the businesses in the area to buy in to the
concept of imposing a self tax. Ms. Thomas noted the One Henry (CID) meetings
held on the first Thursday of each month at Heritage Bank located at 830 Eagles
Landing Pkwy. Suite 100, 2nd Floor Stockbridge, GA 30281 at 3:00 pm.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
No Comments

February 13, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770)
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COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Alexander thanked citizens for coming out and taking part of the
democratic process; noted Council was embarking on monumental tasks and need
to avoid the pitfalls of destruction; and to put water under the bridge to move the

City forward.

Councilman Blount stated the importance of his character, noted that prior to being
an elected he was volunteering in his church and in the community every

day; and thanked Mr. Willie Hopkins for volunteering for the Main Street Advisory
Board.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford thanked everyone for being engaged; referenced the recent
Council Retreat where goals and objectives were set by the Council; referenced a
recent award presented to the City of Stockbridge from Goodwill Industries for the
2016 Job Fairs spearheaded by Councilman Alexander; noted he was hurt behind
the Super Bowl loss; and wished everyone Happy Day.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for attending; asked for continued prayers;
noted tough decisions are being made by the Council, and that it is not an easy
task and City is headed in the right direction; noted the City recently held a
wonderful Retreat; and reminded citizens that she is accessible, and to reach out to
her with your questions and/or concerns referencing the contact
information is located on the website.

Councilwoman Robinson congratulated Commissioner Holmes and Karina Patel for
their ceremonial oommendations; congratulated everyone appointed to the Youth
Council Advisory Committee and noted the City Attorney would be in contact with
each of them soon to schedule a meeting

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Neal noted the City of Stockbridge would host (4) four Town Hall
meetings at City Hall quarterly and include updates along with any
a dditiu nal updates regarding City business; noted individual council members

would host Community Meetings as their individual initiatives off-site; and
referenced an upcoming Community Meeting to be hosted by Councilman
Alexander at Red Oak UMC on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 7pm.

Mayor Neal read the following News and Events referencing City Events and Council
Initiatives:

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
All meetings will be held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times
aresubject to change. Please visit the website www.cityofstockbridge.com,
Facebook page or contact City Hall offices at 770389-7900 for updates and detailed
information.

Community Meeting Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 7:00 pm. at Red Oak
United Methodist Church 3894 Walt Stephens Rd. Stockbridge, GA 30281

Spearheaded by Councilman Alexander
February 13, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770)
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Stockbridge Zoning Advisory Board Meeting Thursday, February 23, 2017 at
6:00 pm. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.

Coffee with a Cop Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Bridgeview Country Cooking
4727 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge from 8:30 am. 10:00 am. Spearheaded by

Mayor Pro Tem Ford.

Downtown Development Authority Board Meeting Monday, February 27, 2017 at
6:00 pm. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.

Council Work Session Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 6:00 pm. at City Hall in
the Council Chamber.

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

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

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to reconvene the regular meeting; second Councilman
Blount. The motion passed 4-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to adjourn the meeting; second by Councilman Blount.
The motion passed 4-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

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anessa Holiday, City Clerk C J
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February 13, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770)
