---
date: 2014-05-06
title: May 6, 2014 Minutes
source: 2014-05/2014-05-06_May 6, 2014_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

May 6, 2014

WORK SESSION MINUTES
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014 6:00 pm

City Council
Administration
Tim L. Thompson, Mayor
City Manager, Michael Harris Alphonso Thomas, Mayor Pro Tem
Interim City Clerk, Stephanie Tigner
Robin Buschman, Councilwoman City
Attorney, Mike Williams
Anthony S. Ford, Councilman
LaKeisha Gantt, Councilwoman
Richard Steinberg, Councilman

Call to Order by Mayor Tim L. Thompson at 6:00pm

Invocation provided by Mayor Thompson

Pledge of Allegiance was recited unison

Adopt Agenda; Anthony S. Ford made a motion to amend the agenda by moving item #14
before #5 and adding item #15 Per Diem Policy; a second was made by Richard Steinberg; the
motion passed 5-0.

Review Minutes: Special Called Meeting, April 1, 2014, at 5:30pm

Work Session of April 1, 2014, at 6:00pm

City Council Meeting of April 14, 2014, at 6:00pm
NEW BUSINESS

Item #1 - Presented by Mayor Tim L. Thompson
Proclamation: Lupus Awareness Month; Richard Steinberg wanted to know if having monthly
proclamations was going to become on-going. Michael Harris stated that proclamations raise
awareness in the community. Richard Steinberg stated that maybe Council could look at the
calendar and prepare the proclamations in advance. No action was taken.

Item #2 - Presented by Mayor Tim L. Thompson
Proclamation: Taste of Life Week; Mayor Thompson provided an overview of the FBLA
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students at Stockbridge High School. These students has placed 3 in the state and is going to
compete nationally. Mayor Thompson stated that students needs to be recognized.

Item #3 - Presented by Treasurer, Mike Bush
Informational Item: Monthly Financial Report; Mike Bush provided an overview of the March
and Year-To-Date Financials. Mike Bush stated that he plans to have a comparison chart to
show at the next Work Session; the chart would show where the City is this year compared to
last year. He wants to place the report on the website for citizen’s review. Anthony S. Ford
asked if Council could review before having the Financials being posted on the website; this
would allow Council to be prepared to answer citizen’s questions. Mike Bush stated that he
would submit the documentation to Michael Harris for approval and then send a memorandum
to Council. Richard Steinberg asked about the business license revenue that was in the vault
since December or January. Mike Bush explained that on the February Financial Report that the
additional revenue was included. Mike Bush stated that the City has had issues with Incode and
the problem is being corrected for business licenses. Mayor Thompson asked are we running a
little below in the budget for the year-to-date. Mike Bush explained that the City’s revenues and
expenditures are not on a flat lined level. The City revenues and expenditures will run low in
certain months but the City will receive a large revenue in December. The City sometimes has
increases in certain months showing unusual spikes. Mike Bush stated that he could provide a
report showing how the revenues and expenditures change from month-to-month. Anthony S.
Ford stated that the report should show what the City is actually spending that have bullet points
with explanations on why there are changes in the revenues and expenditures should be
sufficient. Mike Bush stated that he could provide a narrative that would be provided with the
financial charts.

Item #4 - Presented by City Manager, Michael Harris
Ordinance: Eagles Landing Master Sign Plan; City Manager Michael Harris provided an
overview of the master sign plan. Michael Harris spoke with Sherry Matthews and other Henry
County staff members and is comfortable with the preliminary review and brought to the Council
for consideration for approval of the master sign plan. Robin Buschman asked if the master plan
goes above and beyond the ordinance. Did they change the height or does this work into what
has been done? Michael Harris stated that the new language in the master sign plan provides
more flexibility. Richard Steinberg requested the corrected map from Moore Bass showing all
the signs.

Item #5 - Presented by City Manager, Michael Harris

Informational Item: Discussion of Various Signage Issues; City Manager Michael Harris need
to develop a plan to address some other signage issues. The City need to create a plan that is
clear and consistent of handling all signage. The City has some new proposed cites as well as
some existing cites; one business wants to upgrade his sign that includes an LED panel. The
LED panel is prohibited in the current ordinance. The current ordinance does not allow any
provisions without coming back to Council. The staff would have to deny the application and
then the applicant would have to appeal to Council. Michael Harris stated that the City needs
some type of mechanisms to deal with unique cases. If the Mayor and Council wants staff to
remain steadfast to what the City has correctly then the staff would govern themselves
accordingly. Michael Harris asked if Council wants staff to seek other means. Robin Buschman
stated that community involvement was low concerning the LED signs with some of the citizen’s
thinking that it was circus looking. Robin Buschman stated that the City can get the citizens
input. Michael Harris stated placing provisions to include specifications on the type, the size, the
illumination of the LED sign. The City could have an Administrative review on the type of sign for
final approval. Richard Steinberg stated that the citizens believed LED will turn us into a Las
Vegas strip. It should be quantified by how much or how many and it should have some
tastefulness into the regulations. Michael Harris stated that the City could have some
restrictions that have a certain amount of space between businesses. Richard Steinberg is in
support of the business community but it should be a balance of what is appropriate and what
becomes too much. Lakeisha Gantt suggested staff look into a type of variance on a case by
case basis. Lakeisha Gantt largest concern is that there is no uniformity with the signs. She
believes that it is just not with the LED signs but the businesses not having uniformity. She
stated that she thinks that staff should look into how the City could make the businesses uniform
across the board. Anthony S. Ford stated that he was on the sign committee as a citizen.
Anthony S. Ford states that we need to find better ways to make the signs attractive to
businesses and for the community. He volunteered to help make the ordinance better with the
citizens and staff. Anthony S. Ford wanted to verify if he can participate in the discussion with
the Assisted Living Memory Care Facility because he knows the person that owns the business
and he wanted to know if he would be in compliance; City Attorney, Mike Williams stated that
the ordinance is general applicability for the City. City Manager, Michael Harris thanked Anthony
S. Ford for his assistance. Richard Steinberg also volunteered to assist with the sign issues.
Mayor Thompson stated that he has received a call about signage issues. Michael Harris stated
he would get with the City Attorney, Mike Williams to draft amendment language to specifically
dealing with the LED portion and to have set criteria and share with Council. Mayor Pro Tem
Alphonso Thompson volunteered to take a proactive stance and suggested to reactivate the
committee.

Item #6 - Presented by Chief Executive Assistant, Hugh Austin
Agenda Item: Merle Manders CC Rate Increase; Hugh Austin and Miranda Allen provided an
overview of the MMCC rates. Hugh Austin provided documentations supporting a rate increase.
The first documentation shows comparison from different locations: Morrow Center, Riverdale
Center, Douglasville Center (relatively new), Locust Grove Center, and Newnan Center
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(relatively new). With all the centers, Merle Manders has the 2 largest Ballroom. The second
documentation provides an annual comparison report of revenues that MMCC has generated
since it opened in 2002. The third documentation is a narrative with the suggested pricing. Hugh
Austin wanted to bring to the Council attention some observations: The sign at the end of Burke
Street on North Henry Boulevard and Conference Center software that would assist Miranda
Allen in efficiently booking and leasing the facility. The Main Street Manager will take care of the
special community events; as well as handle the communities’ activity reports that the State of
Georgia requires. Also, the City is planning to hire an Administrative & Community Services
Director. Hugh Austin has requested that the Ballroom have an increase of $500 increase which
is about $.33 extra a square foot. Compared to other locations the price is reasonable. The
kitchen fee has no change for registered caterers; $500 kitchen fee for all caterers that are not
registered with the City. Each caterer are required to have license from the State of Georgia,
both in transporting food/beverage and serving food/beverage, and a certificate of insurance.
Richard Steinberg noted a minimal increase only in the Ballroom fee and stated that there is a
recommended discount on alcohol for various groups and organizations. Richard Steinberg
stated that there is no documentation on the impact from the proposed changes. He wants what
the annual pluses and minuses would be based on the proposed adjustments. Richard
Steinberg stated that in the past the Ted Strickland Center and MMCC has operated in losses
and that Council had to support financially to keep them running. He wanted to have clarification
on how these minimal changes would impact the entire component on the proposed increases
for MMCC. Hugh Austin stated that the current revenue is about 4% above pace and that
amount is part of the slowest months of the year. He stated with wedding season approaching
the bookings are ahead. Hugh Austin stated that he doesn’t think that the increases will have a
negative effect. He believes that the minimal increase will have a positive effect on the City
because there is additional revenue. Richard Steinberg wants a clarification of the amount of
increase, (i.e. additional 5%, 25%), based on the Ballroom fee. Secondly, he wanted to know if
the increase is an offset of the alcohol discounts that would be given to various organizations.
Miranda Allen stated that the 20% discounts for alcohol are the current booking guidelines and
has been used for at least 5 years; therefore, there will be no negative impact. Miranda Allen
stated that the Council should consider that in 2011 MMCC was asked to lower prices from
$2990 to $1500 because of the economic downturn. There was a decrease in revenue due to
lowering the prices. Saturday bookings are prime for MMCC; the bookings have not slacked and
are always reserved. Miranda Allen suggested that the prices should be raised incrementally to
get back to the $2990; she does not have an exact percentage of change for MMCC. She stated
that MMCC is booked every Saturday except one in 2014. The $500 increase is only for parties
that have not gone to contract and future contracts if the increase is approved in the City
Council Meeting, May 12, 2014. Miranda Allen stated that MMCC has bookings for 2015 and
2016 that is why if the Council approves raising prices to do so now because people are getting
back to booking much further in advance. Robin Buschman stated that MMCC has been up and
down because of the economy and she stated that MMCC has down a great job marketing.
Alphonso Thomas addressed his concerns with marketing. How can we improve that? He stated
that Miranda Allen had answered his question and that having enough staff will assist with
attracting businesses. Alphonso Thomas stated that one business was unhappy with the City
and wanted to go to another City for their events but wants the City to put a great product out
there. Hugh Austin spoke on attending the Hospitality Business Network and passed out MMCC
brochures. Anthony S. Ford wanted to know about how many registered caterers are on the City
list. Miranda Allen stated that the City has 10 registered caterers; the caterers have different
price points and different menu options. Miranda Allen stated that majority of the caterers have
been on the list for 10 plus years. Anthony S. Ford wanted to know about the training room and
that at one time the City had computers in that room. Miranda Allen stated the City had a
contract with Triality to use their software in 2002 and the company supplied the computers and
businesses were brought in to train. The contract dissolved in 2012 or 2013 and the computers
were removed and now is just a training space. Lakeisha Gantt asked what the requirements to
become a preferred caterer are and can others apply. Miranda Allen stated that there is an
application process; the company must have a business license, food service permit, and have
the City of Stockbridge and the Merle Manders Conference Center listed as the additional
insured; there is a questionnaire that asked how many years they have been in business and it
ask for references. The company had to have catered at MMCC at least 3 events previously.
Lakeisha Gantt addressed concerns with elimination of membership. Robin Buschman stated
that the Chamber of Commerce really market the City. Miranda Allen; provided council with an
update. The community will complete a ceremonial 1 mile walk; they will meet at the MMCC to
have breakfast & coffee. The Sponsors have signed on for the event and their information is on
the t-shirts and banners. Alphonso Thomas thanked Miranda Allen for her work and stated that
a meeting was going to be held on May 7, 2014 at 7pm at City Hall. Thanked the council for the
support. Anthony S. Ford spoke on the banner that was located at Walt Stephens and Flippen
Rd. Alphonso Thomas thanked former Mayor Lee Stuart for the vision for the Memorial Day
March.

Item #7 - Presented by City Attorney, Mike Williams
Agenda Item: Municipal Court Ordinance Revisions; Mike Williams provided and over view on
items 6, 7, and 8 to simplify and remove any confusion in the application of the ordinances. Item
# 6 to clarify that if approved to assert jurisdiction over all criminal offenses that state law
permits the City. The City Charter authorizes that the court to impose a maximum fine of $1000
and a year in jail. In the ordinance it states that specific penalties and reduce the time to certain
offenses 60 days. The Municipal Court is asking Council, to allow the court to impose the
maximum at the judges’ discretion. Richard Steinberg asked how the ordinance compares to
other jurisdictions. Mike Williams stated that most jurisdictions have a hodgepodge and the
preference is to have this done by the court so that they can have uniformity in their own
procedures. Richard Steinberg asked if the Judge and Assistant Judge is on board with the
proposed idea. Mike Williams stated that it is his understanding that they are but he has not
spoken with the Judges. Richard Steinberg asked if anyone had spoken with the Judges.
Lakeisha Gantt stated that she keeps in contact with the courts and in regards to this ordinance
the revisions would keep in line with the state level as far as the courts. It allows the judge to
use discretion on the penalty. Robin Buschman addressed her concerns about some of the
examples that was listed; Lakeisha Gantt stated that a noise ordinance will be accessed a fine
and usually not jail time; Lakeisha Gantt stated that this is geared towards drugs and no
insurance. Anthony S. Ford recommended to consolidate and give his personal approval. Mike
Williams stated that on Monday, May 12, 2014, he would bring an ordinance for approval.

Item #8 - Presented by City Attorney, Mike Williams
Agenda Item: City Ordinances-60 Days Detention
Consolidated with Item #7 in tandem

Item #9 - Presented by City Attorney, Mike Williams
Agenda Item: Ordinance Revisions
Consolidated with Item #7 in tandem

Item #10 - Presented by City Manager, Michael Harris
Ordinance: Approval of Job Descriptions and Salary Ranges; City Manager Michael Harris
spoke on the job descriptions. The organizational chart has already been approved Council; this
will address pay scale and new job descriptions. Alphonso Thomas stated that the new
positions and job descriptions definitely has to be approved by Council. Mayor Thompson does
not want to burden the Council with these job descriptions and the pay scale if it has already
been addressed previously. Alphonso Thomas stated a question. Did the Council vote on the
job descriptions? Mike Williams stated that the Council voted on the budget amendment and he
doesn’t believe that the Council has to vote on the job descriptions because the ordinance state
that Mayor and Council has to approve all Department Heads. The way the language is written
it is not clear if it is just all Department Heads. Mike Williams urged council to vote to have it on
record. Lakeisha Gantt stated that she was concerned and she recommends that the Human
Resources Manager report to the City Manager and not the Administrative & Community
Services Director and changing it from Director to Manager. Alphonso Thomas stated that there
are only (5) Department Heads per the Charter and there is a process to go through; amending
the position to the Y diagram and moving it where it should, which is under the City Manager.
Michael Harris made a recommendation to review the organizational chart once more.

Item #11- Presented by City Manager, Michael Harris
Agenda Item: Approval of Six Month Conditional Use Permit for Generation Church; Michael
Harris to revisit the 6 months renewal. Would like to explore the renewal in the upcoming
months as it relates to churches.

Item #12 - Presented by Councilman, Richard Steinberg
Resolution: Restrictions on the Sale of Drug Paraphernalia Convenience Stores; Michael
Harris provided an overview on the resolution; in 2012 Councilwoman Notti with the City of
McDonough brought a resolution to the city asking businesses to post a notice that they would
not sale illegal contraband. Richard Steinberg stated that our Community look like other
Communities across the State and across the Country that has an increase in the use of illegal
drugs and drug based crimes. The State of Georgia in 2012 passed a law prohibited drug
related materials and drug paraphernalia across the State. In the City there are many locations
within the City whether it be convenience stores that sell drug paraphernalia in defiance to the
State law; drug deals are taking place in open public. In an effort to take the City back, the City
of Locust Grove has taken on this ordinance. The City of McDonough has passed the resolution
as well and put up a notice to mirror the State law. Richard Stenberg stated that he is asking the
City to take a hard look at this issue and to move forward with a resolution to mirror other cities
in the state and other communities. Richard Steinberg stated that the City should publically
place notices to take the city back. Chief Dorsey provided Michael Harris a CD and stated that
he wants the City to adopt the resolution in a future meeting; and provided an overview of drug
paraphernalia. Chief Dorsey is part of the joint drug task force and stated that we all need to
work together to run the drug dealers out of Henry County.

Robin Buschman asked the question that since the City does not have its own police force will
Henry County and the joint drug task force enforce the resolution if this is passed. Henry County
Police Department as well as the joint task force has the ability to make the arrest. Michael
Harris stated that the law is already in place; the resolution will just enforce to help boaster the
City position. Richard Steinberg thanked Chief Dorsey.

Item #13 - Presented by City Manager, Michael Harris

Ordinance: Ordinance to Appoint City Clerk; the discussion to appoint the City Clerk will
happen in the executive session.
Item #14 - Presented by Councilwoman, Lakeisha Gantt

Informational Item: Discussion Concerning “Music in the Park” Event; Lakeisha Gantt
proposed music at Memorial Park; this is an initiative to get the citizens involvement that does
not normally come to Council meetings; the City could have bands with gourmet food trucks to
get people to gather to discuss their needs and wants in the City of Stockbridge. Lakeisha Gantt
suggested that this happen this year. Robin Buschman introduced Miranda Allen and then
discussed that the City use to have “Music in the Park” and it wasn’t financially feasible. Robin
Buschman stated that if the City want to try it again that she is in support of having the event;
but the City just couldn’t people excited. Miranda Allen stated that some events in 2012 were
cancelled due to rain and that the City should find out what the community wants. Mayor
Thompson wanted to know if food was served. Miranda Allen stated that no food was served;
but, people were able to bring picnic baskets. The event was marketed as a date night and
there was signs that stated no alcohol so the City received negative comments. Mayor
Thompson stated that the City just purchased property for an Amphitheater for events and
music; his concern is if the City cannot get people to come to “Music in the Park” how the City
will fill up an Amphitheater. Robin Buschman stated that in the past there was an ordinance in
the City that would not allow food trucks. Mayor Thompson stated that he is not suggesting food
trucks; but, food is essential component to a successful event like Taste of Henry. Miranda Allen
stated that there is a push to have a get food truck village in Henry County. Lakeisha Gantt
proposed that we have food trucks and there are permits that are needed; Suwannee had an
event that was family oriented and the people had their children and pets; the event was
successful. Lakeisha Gantt believes that this will bring diversity and allow community
involvement and that this event is nothing new because it happens in other cities. Alphonso
Thomas stated that there are reasons why the events in the past were not successful. The first
issue was parking at Memorial Park. The second issue was an overzealous person checking
citizen’s coolers. Alphonso Thomas stated that currently the City has on the books there are
provisions now where that alcohol is available in the park just have to go through the process to
make sure it is available; the City tried to bring a variety of music; citizens are going to come out
to what they want to hear. Alphonso Thomas stated that previously “Music in the Park” was
th
every 4 Saturday at Memorial Park on certain nights it was packed. Lakeisha Gantt
volunteered to assist with looking for bands that would provide diverse music. Miranda Allen
stated that the City has social media and should post surveys on the website to ask citizens to
vote for what they want to hear. Lakeisha Gantt stated that we have to find creative ways to
reach the masses. Richard Steinberg stated that the Council will support the idea; the issue is
trying to find a way to make it work; in the past the City has hired a professional organization to
hire the bands that performed diverse music because the person that likes jazz might not like
country. Richard Steinberg stated that his only concern is does the City have the resources to
do this; the City is missing staff and Bridgefest is coming up. He wants to make sure that if the
City does the “Music in the Park” that it is done correctly and given 150% of effort. Anthony S.
Ford stated that having food for “Music in the Park” should not be a problem since the process
is the same for Bridgefest. Mayor Thompson stated that if it is planned properly it would be
successful.

Item #15 – Presented by City Manager, Michael Harris
Discussion on Per Diem: Michael Harris stated that there is some confusion on how the City
handle per diem as it relates to Council or staff traveling out of town. The previous staff had
started drafting a policy but it was never completed; but a procedure needs to be in place that is
clear and concise on how per diem would be handled as it relates to food, travel, and parking.
Michael Harris wants to make sure that it is done consistently. Michael Harris wants to pull
together a recommendation to proceed with drafting a policy. Anthony S. Ford spoke on the per
diem policy with examples of the military per diem policy.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

All Meetings Will Be Held At City Hall Unless Otherwise Noted. Meetings dates and times are
subject to change so please confirm with City Hall at 770.389.7900 or via
www.cityofstockbridge.com

• Don't Trash Stockbridge - May 10th, 2014 at 9:00am

• City Council Meeting - May 12, 2014 at 6:00pm

• City Hall Closed - Monday, May 26, 2014 in observance of Memorial Davy

• Annual City of Stockbridge Memorial Day March, Monday May 26, 2014 at 9:00am

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.

1. Ilde Robles, 3780 Hickory Branch Trail, Suwanee GA. 30024; Autumn Leave of
Stockbridge Assisted Living. Mr. Robles wanted to address an issue about the main
monument. He stated that the ground signs and flag poles are affecting the company
dealing with the new ordinance requires the address to be shown on the main
monument. The address should be on the monarch and his address should be on the
Monarch said and not Walt Stephens. Mr. Robles wants to have three flag poles instead
of one.

MOTION TO ADJOURN; Richard Steinberg made a motion to adjourn; a second was made by
Alphonso Thomas; the motion passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.
Stephanie Tigner, Interim City Clerk Tim L. Thompson, Mayor
