---
date: 2019-03-26
title: March 26, 2019 Work Session Meeting Minutes
source: 2019-03/2019-03-26_March 26, 2019 Work Session Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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ACTION MINUTES
WORK SESSION MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2019 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Councilman Elton Alexander Camilla Moore, Asst. City Manager/
Mayor Pro Tem John Blount Community Development Director
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilwoman Neat Robinson Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilman Alphonso Thomas Michael Williams, City Attorney
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 – Pastor Cecelia Green

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call – All members were present for the roll call except Councilwoman
Robinson who arrived at 6:05 p.m.

V. Motion to amend the Agenda to remove item #8 Gantt/Blount – Passed 4-0.

VI. Review of the Minutes for the following meetings: No Action Taken
1. 2/11/2019

2. 2/26/2019

3. 2/28/2019

4. 3/01/2019

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. No Public Comments
March 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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PRESENTATION
5. DSPII (Discovering Soldiers Potential)
Presented by MSG Sandra Brownlee (Ret.)
Presentation for veteran services presented by MSG Brownlee who met with veterans to
speak about services following the presentation.

OLD BUSINESS
6. Council Consideration to approve Facilities Use Policy
Presented by Michael Williams – City Attorney
Motion to approve Option 3 w/amendments: Gantt/Blount – Passed 3-2 (Alexander
and Robinson opposed).

NEW BUSINESS
7. Council Consideration to Partner with A Friend’s House to allow for
the Annual Fundraiser “Taste of Henry” April 12, 2019.
Presented by Kay Anderson & Angela Beaver of A Friend’s House
Motion to approve: Gantt/Alexander – Passed 5-0.

DISCUSSION
8. Council Consideration of establishing a relationship with the SAB
(Stockbridge Association of Businesses)
Presented by Michael Williams – City Attorney
Item removed from the Agenda.

Mayor Ford announced that all comments would be limited to (3) three minutes,
the same as what is offered to citizens during their public comments.

Councilman Alexander opposed the new rule and appealed to the City Attorney.

Attorney Williams noted it was the Presiding Chair had the authority to institute the
rule, noting it could be overturned by a majority vote.

Councilman Thomas, Mayor Pro Tem Blount, and Councilwoman Robinson all
voted to proceed with the 3-minute rule.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Knighton commended staff for their continued efforts and professionalism; and
ensured the citizens, Stockbridge is moving forward.

COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
No Comments.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas referenced some of the challenges in 2018, noting the new
challenge is Winning the Future and referenced the vision of a vibrant city; noted
the revitalization of Downtown Stockbridge as the heartbeat and is excited to
March 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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implement the City’s Comprehensive Plan developed largely by the community’s
input; looking forward to a robust downtown with the Cultural Arts Center and
Amphitheater being anchors; and commended staff for their work.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount noted the future for the City looks bright and referenced a
recent visit t the State Capitol which had a positive feel; referenced the struggle of
the City in 2018 and recalled the prayer vigil on the City Hall steps noting he
believes that is what got the City through and to see where we are now; noted
great things are happening in Stockbridge; invited everyone out to attend the
Seniors Bingo Bash (for ages 55+) tomorrow at the Ted Strickland Community
Center from 10am - noon; thanked staff for their continuous hard work.

Councilwoman Gantt had no comments.

Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for tuning in and attending the meeting;
noted the desire to move forward in an aggressive manor stating while there is the
upcoming Amphitheater, we can to do more as a city with multiple projects;
referenced Sen. Jones who noted Stockbridge is the largest city in Henry County
and no youth center or pool, noting students travel outside of the county to
compete; asked the Council to be aggressive with funding and lead; referenced
the purchase of land on Tye street and the possibilities for the community in that
area; wants to look at funding sources to make things happen; referenced an
upcoming Job Fair for REI on Thursday, March 28th with jobs paying up to $22/hr.

Councilwoman Robinson apologized for missing the Special Called Meeting;
referenced the recent Youth Symposium and noted the success of the event with
the following Youth Councils in attendance: City of Stockbridge, Union City, Sugar
Hill, Dublin, Newnan, Fayetteville, Walking in Authority (Clayton County), and
Tybee Island and noted the outstanding efforts by staff; referenced Stockbridge
Day at the State Capitol and is excited about the new days ahead in Stockbridge.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford referenced the Youth Symposium, noting it was the first one held in
the Metro Atlanta area; referenced Stockbridge Day at the State Capitol where the
City of Stockbridge received a Proclamation from Senator Emanuel Jones and
Senator Brian Strickland who just last year were on opposite ends and have now
come together in unity and to help to move the City forward; noted the City is
moving forward and is sure that citizens will be proud; asked everyone to keep the
faith, and to keep everyone in their prayers.

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.

March 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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• City Council meeting, Monday, April 8, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council
Chamber

• Youth Council meeting, Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi
Meeting Room.

• Main Street Advisory Board, Friday, April 12, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall in the Levi
Meeting Room.

• Downtown Development Authority meeting, Monday, April 15, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City
Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.

• Youth Council Advisory Committee, Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in
the Levi Meeting Room.

• Planning Commission meeting, Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall in the
Levi Meeting Room

• Work Session meeting, Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council
Chamber.

UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Monthly Bingo Bash – Wednesday, March 27, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the Ted
Strickland Community Center 130 ML King, Sr. Heritage Trail, Stockbridge, GA
spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount

• Paint Henry Blue – Raising Awareness for the Prevention of Child Abuse – Thursday,
March 28, 2019. Claude Gray Park 99 Frances Ward Dr. Locust Grove, GA 30248.

• Keep Stockbridge Beautiful, Saturday, March 30, 2019 – Location TBD; spearheaded by
Councilman Alexander. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• First Responders Appreciation Luncheon; spearheaded by Councilman Thomas in
partnership with 4th Dist. Commissioner Vivian Thomas12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

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.

• Monthly Bingo Bash at the Ted Strickland Community Center – spearheaded by
Councilman Blount. Visit the City’s website or Facebook page for dates and information.

March 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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• 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.

• Quarterly Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTable – spearheaded by Councilwoman
LaKeisha Gantt. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Quarterly Homeowner and Neighborhood Association RoundTable – spearheaded by
Mayor Pro Tem Blount. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Litigation and Real Estate:
Blount/Thomas – Passed 5-0.
Councilman Thomas exited Executive Session at 8:20 p.m.
Motion to adjourn Executive Session: Alexander/Robinson – Passed 4-0.
Motion to reconvene the meeting: Alexander/Robinson – Passed 4-0.
Motion to approve a Settlement Agreement between the City of Stockbridge and DraPac;
authorizing a Development Agreement pertaining to the Pine View subdivision:
Alexander/Gantt – 3-0-1 (Councilwoman Robinson abstained from the vote).
Motion to adjourn: Robinson/Gantt – Passed 4-0.

March 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
