---
date: 2021-08-16
title: 08-16-2021 Minutes
source: 2021-08/2021-08-16_08-16-2021 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

Squbridge
Where Community Connects

COUNC l L MEETING
SU MM ARY M l NUTES

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 6:00 PM.
Mavor & City Council Administration
Mayor Antho ny 5. Ford Randy Kni hyon, Ci_ty Manager
Mayor. Pro Te m Elton Alexander Vanessa ollda Clty Clerk
Counulwoma n Yolanda Barber John WI ins ItyTreajsurer
Councilman John Blount

Qumton City Attorney
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Jeremy T. Berry, City Attorney
Councilman Alphonso Thomas

Mission: To rovide visiona eadership and s uperjor municipal services that enhance the
quality of Ief for citizens w i le creating a wel comgng business atmosph ere focused on
sustainability and exp ans Ion of tourism and cultu ral event s.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford

Invocation by Councilwoman Gantt.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited all in unison

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All members
were present for the roll call.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adopt the agenda: Second by Councilwoman Barber
The motion passed 5-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned for the Adoption of the Minutes for the following
meetings: Second by Councilwoman Barber. The motion passed 5-0.

1. 6/14/21 2. 6/29/21

PUBLIC COMMENTS
All public comments must be submitted to the Clerk no later than one hour
prior to the
meeting. The Public Comment Form can be found on the webpage on the City
page httbS://stockb ridqe.seamlessdocs.co m/f/ZODkdz4 mo7xb and the form
must include your name, phone, and email contact information. Comments are limited to

(3) three minutes and will be read by the Clerk during the meeting, respecting all members
of the elected body, officials, and staff. Comments including defamation, unruliness
and/or swearing will not be accepted.
None.

1|Page
OLD B USI NESS
3. Council Consideration to approve the amendment of
job descriptions for
the Executive Assistant to Mayor & Council, and Administrative Asst. to
Mayor & Council positions.
Presented by Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
Ms. Wheeler noted staff is seeking approval of revisions to the
Administrative Clerk (Part-Time) position which will now become an
Administrative Assistant to Mayor & Council (F ull-Time) and revisions to
the Executive Assistant to Mayor & Council position.

Councilwoman Barber noted in the Executive Assistants job
description
it states to research information and inquired if it was
necessary to add
being specific and responsible for researching the Council Action Items
from the council meetings.

Ms. Wheeler noted it could be added or revised to include follow
up on
Action Items.

Councilwoman Barber motioned to approve Executive Assistant
position
noting that 75% of duties would be pertaining to following up on Action
Items after council meetings. The motion failed for lack of a second.

Councilman Blount expressed concern on how the 75% would be
monitored.

Councilwoman Barber asked that the percentage be removed; however,
the primary role of the position would be to follow
up on all Action Items
following council meetings.

Councilman Blount noted his understanding with the dual roles is one
would be the Admin while the other focuses on Council initiatives and
inquired if Council received the salary range information.

Ms. Wheeler noted it was sent to Council at the last
meeting with no
changes to the Executive Assistant position, but the Council would have
to add money to the Administrative Assistant asst
position seeing it is
going from part-time to full-time with benefits.

Mayor Ford noted there should be more discussion at the next budget
retreat.

Councilwoman Gantt expressed she is not in favor and the motion
should be fine-tuned and expects the City office would be
responsible for providing updates on the tasks at hand with the tasks
that are directed to staff; and noted she believes both
positions should
work together and to also be mindful of the job roles and
responsibilities.

Councilman Thomas recommended to have the language include
and to direct staff to complete tasks.

2|Page
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander noted both positions need to be full-time.

Ms. W heelerremi n ded Council if a
percentage was a dded it would not

give th 9 Assistant t ime to complete other tasks reque sted by other
councilmembers.

Councilwoman Barber noted for the record she did not add
a time limit
but suggested how much time would be
spent to the primary role and
responsibilities and add the wording the primary roles and
responsi bilities would be to follow up on the action items that comes out
of counc ii meetings.

C ouncil woman G antt m otioned to
approve Executive Assistant to Mayor
& Coun ci | and Ad minist rative A ssistant to
Mayor & Council as
presented: Second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS
Council Consideration to approve the November 2021
Municipal

Election Early Voting Schedule.
Presented by Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Ms. Holiday noted this is a
proposed Early Voting Schedule submitted
by the Henry County Elections

Mrs. Holiday cited the early
voting schedule dates and times as
presented by the Henry County Elections Office: Oct. from
9am-5pm; Oct. from 9am-5pm; O ct. 23rd (Sa t urda
y) from 9am-
5pm; from and Oct. 30m (S aturday) from
9am-5pm.
County only locations for the Trans portation Special Local Option Sales
Tax ballot will be held Oct 25th-29th at: JP.
Mosely Park,
Millers Mill Rd., and Fairview Recreational Center. Mrs.
Holiday noted
other locations includes: 40 Atlanta St.-Elections and
Voters
Registration Merle Manders Conference Center, Fortson
(Hampton) Library and Locust Grove Library.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander noted there were discussion with adding new
precincts and wanted to know the update.

Attorney Berry noted there had been discussion with Henry County
which came to a dead end,
noting the County was unsure if they even
had e nough equipment forthe new
precincts.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander reiterated there was discussion on adding a
precinct at Red Oak United Methodist and another location on the south
end of the city.
Attorney Washington noted a process due to codes which states

where precincts can be located; to change the location, people would
need to be notified and the timetable would not accommodate for the

upcoming election and recommended compiling a working group to
meet to work on adding polling precincts.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander expressed he would like to continue
discussion and noted during the last week of voting, polls are normally
opened from 7am-7pm which gives the 9-5 people time to go vote.

Mrs. Holiday attested staff has iterated the importance of the
wishes and the city is at the mercy of the county due to the county
overseeing the election per the SDS Agreement.

Councilman Blount inquired if there would be voting boxes forthe
upcoming election.

Mrs. Holiday noted that would be at the discretion of the Henry County
Elections Board, and went on to state that if Red Oak United Methodist
was open for the municipal election, citizens would still have to go to two
(2) locations to vote for T-SPLOST on election day, if Red Oak was not
their normal county polling location; and keep in mind, this situation
does not pertain to early voting.

Councilwoman Gantt noted there is only one box for absentee ballots;
and there has been a lot of laws changed regarding elections in
Georgia.

Mrs. Holiday noted the city has an Intergovernmental Agreement (lGA)
with the County which controls the municipal elections.

Mayor Ford inquired if not approved tonight, what the timeline would
lookae.

Mrs. Holiday noted the voting locations presented before you tonight are
what has been approved by the elections board; any new locations
would need to be approved by the board and added.

Councilman Blount noted he thinks the Council should approve tonight
and work on adding additional information later.

Mayor Ford noted he agrees with Councilman Blount and is more so
thinking of the timeline and stated Council should go with the suggestion
from Attorney Washington with establishing a working group.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander noted he would like the working class to be
able to vote from 7am-7pm and inquired on the deadline.

4|Page
Mrs. Holiday noted it is her understanding the city can change its
precincts time to 7am-7pm by paying for the additional time forthe
municipal election but was unsure with the TSPLOST vote because
those votes are cast at county polling locations and the city cannot
dictate what occurs at county polling locations.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve a revised Early Voting
schedule for the Merle Manders Conference Center from 7am -

7pm
of each Early Voting Week: Second by Councilwoman
Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

Attorney Washington noted he will schedule a follow up meeting with
City and County regarding additional polling locations.

Council Consideration to approve the emergency purchase of the
generator for the Glynn Addy Pump Station in the amount of
$44,314.00. Funding Source: Department Budget.
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director and Brad Holtsinger,
Sewer Superintendent
Mr. Holtsinger noted the Glen Addy pump station on Tye Street needs to
be replaced due to age and is currently renting a generator for that
location and would like approval to purchase a new generator
in the amount of $44,3324.00.

Councilwoman Barber motioned to approve the emergency purchase of
the generator for the Glynn Addy Pump Station in the amount of
$44,314.00: Second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to approve Information Technology Network
Equipment for the Public Works Administration Building in the amount of
$47,478.80. Funding Source: SPLOST.
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director and Ashley Smith of
lnterDev.
Mr. Aaron noted this Information Technology equipment will be for the
new Public Works Administrative building.

Mr. Smith, lnterdev noted received a few quotes from SHI which
deals with the equipment needed to stand up the network for the Public
Works Administration Building which will get the basic systems up and
running to be operational.

Councilwoman Barber inquired on what will happen to the current
equipment in the current building.

Mr. Smith noted the current equipment will be on surplus or used for

spares.

SlPage
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to approve Information Technology
Network Equipment for the Public Works Administration Building in the
amount of $47,478.80: Second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion

passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to approve Task Order No. 33 with Carter &
Sloope GIS Mapping Program for Water and Sewer in the amount of

$32,020.00. Funding Source: Department Budget.
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted this project was in SPLOST Ill and would help
with designing the Master Plan of the Water & Sewer system
improvements and would benefit water, sewer, and stormwater; and
noted they will be able to identify the location of manholes, waterlines,
fire hydrants and water valves.

Councilwoman Barber motioned to approve Task Order No. 33 with
Carter & Sloope -
GIS Mapping Program for Water and Sewer in the
amount of $32,020.00: Second by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander. The
motion passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to approve Task Order No. 23 with TSW, lnc. -

Renovations of the Wastewater Treatment Plant offices and laboratory
in the amount of $66,590.00. Funding Source: Sewer Fund Balance
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted the laboratory equipment has served its useful life with
technology changing and no improvements have been made to the lab
or equipment since being brought online.

Councilwoman Barber inquired if there was a project list of all the city
facilities that needs repairs or renovations.

Mr. Aaron noted he has been discussing with the Procurement
department on creating a Facilities Maintenance Plan to schedule when
certain equipment should be replaced.

Councilwoman Barber motioned to approve Task Order No. 23 with
TSW, Inc. -
Renovations of the Wastewater Treatment Plant offices and
laboratory in the amount of $66,590.00: Second by Councilwoman
Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to approve a Contract with Georgia Alliance
Stockbridge, LLC. For Management Services of the Amphitheater as a
Professional Service
Presented by Randy Knighton, City Manager
Mr. Knighton noted staff has submitted several potential management

companies as a professional service with proposing to choose Georgia
Radio Alliance Stockbridge, LLC as the management company to run
the Amphitheater; noted provisions are included in the draft contract:
how entertainment would be secured, the cost of security, ticket, food,

6|Page
drink, and sponsorships revenue splits; and stated the facility will serve
as ancatalyst as outlined in the LCI and will spur and encourage
economic development to the downtown area along with the
RSVP Plan, bringing diverse entertainment, and expects to draw
patrons from the Atlanta metro area and southwards. Mr. Knighton
introduced went on to introduce C.L. Murray who introduced Mark Ware,
the Venue Manager, Harold Young, Booking Manager and
Executive Director of the Tubman Museum in Macon, Clydell Price,
Senior Vice President and Scott McPherson, Corporate Attorney.

Mayor Ford noted he was okay with the contract and was personally
happy with the sound test and looks forward with working with Georgia
Radio Alliance Stockbridge, LLC.

Attorney Berry noted the contract is similar the Fayetteville Amphitheater
contract; however, will be a little different because the terms will be
different.

Mr. Murray noted this is the 4th year managing the Fayetteville

Amphitheater which is different from other amphitheaters because they
provide some of the management, booking and productions; and owns
over 27 radio stations that helps promotes concerts and events.

Councilman Blount inquired if the performances were handled through
an Intergovernmental Agreement (lGA) with the city or within the city
itself.

Mr. Murray noted they handle 100% sales and marketing which is
everything from the naming rights, vendors, products, and sponsorships
Mr. Murray also included they normally work with a 70/30 split and

majority of their compensation comes from the performances. Mr.
Murray noted the city will get 85% of ticket and vendor sales.

Councilman Blount inquired if Georgia Radio Alliance Stockbridge, LLC
will handle the EMS portion.

Mr. Ware noted it is handled through a private entity such as Phoenix
Emergency Medical Services who would provide at least one Advanced
Life Support (ALS) unit through a sub-contract.

Mr. Knighton noted he has been in contact with the Henry County Police
Dept. and Fire Marshal Chief Wells to see what would be needed from a
policing and fire point.

Councilman Blount inquired if they would provide security outside of
using Henry County Police Dept.

7|Page
Mr. Ware expressed it will be determined per the liquor license

agreement on how many inside security will be needed;
however, there will be four (4) inside officers with designated spots

Mr. Young also noted they would provide T-shirt security so citizens
would not feel intimidated by police officers.

Councilwoman Gantt inquired on ticket sale prices.

Mr. Murray noted it will depend on the performer

Councilman Blount inquired on the range of promoting concerts.

Mr. Murray noted it will cover 25 miles north of Atlanta and 30 miles
south of Warner Robins into Columbus and anything 50-60 miles within
the city of Stockbridge. Mr. Murray included they would also use a 54-
dBu for promoting.

Councilman Thomas inquired on COVlD-19 precautions and protocols
with the current amphitheaters that are currently being managed.

Mr. Murray noted they follow the State guidelines at all the facilities and
currently there are no restrictions on ticket sales in the state of Georgia
for outdoor venues.

Councilman Thomas inquired if the City would have anything to do with
the naming rights and what percentage would the City receive in food
and beverage sales.

Mr. Murray noted after modifying the contract, the City will have the final
approval on the naming rights sponsor, and proposed that 10% of gross
sales for food, beverage and alcohol will go to Georgia Radio Alliance
and the City would receive 85% and Georgia Alliance receiving 15%

(same as ticket sales).

Councilman Thomas asked if the management fee per year and
revenue split are normal.

Mr. Murray explained with most deals the management company would
not have the marketing force power with radio stations; there is usually a
certain percentage split with the management company who goes out
and purchases the digital radio. Mr. Murray included there is about
$90,000/year against a projected revenue for their company of $624,000
and the projected net revenue forthe city would be around $1.26 million.

Councilwoman Barber inquired on why this type of service was not
advertised by competitive bidding.

8|Page
Mr. Knighton noted Professional Services are allowed within the
Ordinance for types of uses and with dealing this management
company it gives the ability to be hands on.

Councilwoman Barber asked naming rights to be explained forthe
public.

Mr. Murray explained the sponsors would be included in all marketing
materials such as websites and radio.

Councilwoman Barber inquired if the city still needs a broker/agent

Mr. Knighton noted no, the current management company is all inclusive
and will provide those functions.

Councilman Thomas inquired on what could be done on non-booked
days.

Mr. Murray noted the number of concerts is governed by the budget
rather than the number of shows.

Councilwoman Gantt noted she would like to see in the contract city
events utilizing the Amphitheater as concert series by using the city
events staff.

Councilwoman Barber noted Georgia Radio Alliance should have liability
insurance coverage and inquired on job advertisements.

Mr. Murray noted the website, and the amphitheater website will
have them.

Councilwoman Barber motioned to approve with the following revisions
and conditions: Attorneys to negotiate the vendor adding Liability
Insurance Coverage; The City of Stockbridge will have approval of
the Naming Rights Sponsor; Modification of the contract with 10% of

gross sales of Food/Beverage/Alcohol with the City of Stockbridge
receiving 85% and Georgia Alliance receiving 15% (same as ticket
sales); and to the contract revising page one regarding the

verbiage relating to Exclusive Control of Venue Management as noted in
paragraph 1: Second by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander. The motion passed
5-0.

10. Council Consideration to approve COVlD-19 State of Emergency for the

City of Stockbridge
Presented by Quinton Washington, City Attorney
Attorney Washington noted the issue is not currently traveling under an
emergency resolution and based on what was passed, the city can
adopt their own resolution or adopt the resolution Henry County
adopted.

9|Page
Mayor Ford inquired if the document that was provided to Council falls in
line with the State of Emergency.

Attorney Washington noted there was a discussion about city buildings
and informed Mayor Ford he could declare a State of Emergency and
have Council adopt it. Attorney Washington also noted the emergency
Resolution with terms the city was under has expired, Council could
change the terms with what the emergency looks like or adopt what the
County has adopted.

Mayor Ford noted it falls in line with the County but will hear other
considerations from the other councilmembers.

Councilwoman Barber expressed adopting what the County has
adopted.

Councilman Blount inquired what would happen if the city did not adopt
what the county has adopted. Mayor Ford noted the city could make up
its own State of Emergency.

Attorney Washington noted there is a difference with new State of
Emergency and explained the Governor gave back his emergency
powers authorization, which is given to him by the legislature, and
unless the Governor has emergency authority jurisdiction, local control
supersedes that.

Councilman Blount expressed if the city adopts its own, the city could
add a moratorium on evictions and include provisions to help the
citizens from the CARES Fund monies.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander expressed the city should be in line with the
County and inquired with what would the emergency help.

Attorney Washington expressed it would allow for the Mayor and
Council to still meet remotely, and seeing the Governor gave back the
emergency powers, local authorities supersede until the Governor get
the emergency powers once more; and noted decided by the city
would not have interruptions from the State unless the state give back
the emergency powers to the Governor.

Mayor Ford noted one thing the city could do is have an alliance with
local businesses and to have them ask patrons to mask up, and if
citizens do not comply, ask them to leave; and noted the city should
continue with following the CDC guidelines, continue using social media
campaign and ask local businesses for support.

10|Page
Mayor Pro Tern Alexander noted the city could stand behind the
businesses to mandate masks inside the businesses and have code
enforcement to enforce or create an Ordinance stating if the County
passes a mask mandate, the city would be authorized to do so as well.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to approve and adopt the Henry
County Emergency Order: Second by Councilman Blount. The motion
passed 5-0.

DISCUSSION
11. Council Update- Police Chief/Department
Presented by Randy Knighton, City Manager
Mr. Knighton noted there was a Town Hall meeting in 2020 to discuss
the prospect of creating a Police Dept.; noted a feasibility study that was
completed by the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute; noted the
Police Chief would oversee hiring a command staff, acquire vehicles, set
personnel policies, and hire staff; noted the Georgia Association of
Chiefs of Police has taken several candidates through an extensive oral
and written exams process, in which three (3) candidates will be
interview and will have a recommendation at the August 31St Work
Session meeting.

Councilwoman Barber inquired how the transition once a Police Force is
established.

Mr. Knighton noted the agreement with the Henry County Police Dept
would end, the new Police Chief would be a part of the decision-
making process implementations, the North Henry Precinct which is
owned by the city but occupied by the police would be the
facility for the new police department; and noted staff will also look at the
acquisition of equipment, setting personnel policies and hiring staff.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander expressed funding has been and
inquired on a timetable with the Police Chief.

Mr. Knighton noted the candidates for review will be at the August 31St
Work Session meeting and once selected, the new Police Chief will be
introduced to the community.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander also noted there should be a citizen's review
board.

Mayor Ford noted he believes ground rules should be established first
for a review board, the number of people allowed to join and
then advertised.

Councilman Blount expressed he has yet to see a
analysis explaining how the police department will be funded.

11|Page
Mr. Knighton stated there was a forecast sent to Council a few
months back that laid out the exact revenues and expenses for the next
(5) years, with the contemplation of placing a milage rate to fund the
police department while the city remained strong financially.

Councilman Blount inquired if a milage rate tax would be imposed.

Mr. Knighton noted if a police department is imposed in full, at some
point a property tax milage rate would be imposed.

Councilwoman Gantt expressed the same concerns Councilman Blount
has on the property tax and believes the citizens has a right to know a
tax will be imposed soon.

Councilman Thomas expressed this has been discussed repeatedly and
he has not heard an alternative to not having a police department and it
is time to move on.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford noted Piedmont Henry had reported 323 COVID deaths and 22,000 collective
COVID cases and 131 COVID patients currently hospitalized, 49 in ICU and 82 non-ICU
and 18 in the emergency room; noted the entire Piedmont Henry network has halted all
elective surgeries and will require all personnel to become vaccinated by October 1,
2021; noted testing is important and Mako Medical is offering Free testing at Red Hawk
Field located Henry Pkwy Monday -

Friday from 9am -

3pm; noted testing has increased
due to the uptick in the virus and therefore the expanded hours allotted, and encouraged

anyone who wants to get free testing to contact the Department of Health at 800-847-
4262 to schedule an appointment; noted Free vaccinations were available by contacting
the Department of Health on Henry Pkwy where are welcome, although
appointments are preferred and you can contact the Henry County Department of Health
at 800-847-4262 or the State Department of Health at 888-457-0186 or visit to website

district4health.org to schedule an appointment, noting the and Moderna
vaccinations have been approved for children ages 12-17; noted the CDC the Delta
Variant is much more contagious and getting vaccinated prevents the spread of the virus
along with wearing face masks/covering, social distancing and washing your hands;
noted those individuals who are hospitalized and have died were not vaccinated; and
noted those who are fully vaccinated can still get the virus and is why it is important to
continue to wear masks, social distance and wash your hands particularly in indoor
settings, and doing so will protect you and others; noted when students return to the
classrooms in the fall, teachers, students and staff will wear masks; and encouraged
everyone to get vaccinated.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Meeting will be held via Zoom until
further notice. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please visit the website
www.cityofstockbridge.com for the meeting invitation link, Facebook page or contact City
Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates.

> Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd Friday of each month 9:00 am. -

Via Zoom -

(Sept 10)

12|Page
> City Council Meeting at 6:00 pm. Via Zoom 2nd Monday of each month
(Sep 14)
> Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 6:00 pm. Via Zoom 3rd

Tuesday of each month (Aug 17)
> Youth Council & Advisory Meeting, 6:30 pm. Via Zoom 3rd Tuesday of each

month (Aug 17)
> Planning Commission Meeting, at 6:30 pm. Via Zoom Thursday of each
month (Aug 26)
> City Council Work Session at 6:00 pm. Via Zoom Last Tuesday of each
(Aug 31)

CITY EVENT/INITIATIVES
Please join Councilwoman Barber at the Merle Manders Conference Center for the Blood
Drive Council Initiative, Saturday, August 21St from 10 am. to 4 pm. Please donate.
Councilwoman Barber noted the event has been canceled.

your opportunity to Meet the Mayor, and voice your questions and/or concerns
Monday August 23, 2021, from 10 am. to noon. Call City Hall for an appt. 770-389-7900.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Potential

Litigation a Real Estate: Second by Councilwoman Barber. The motion passed 5-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to adjourn Executive Session: Second by Councilman
Thomas. The motion passed 3-0 (Blount and Gantt were not present for the vote).

Councilman Thomas motioned to reconvene the meeting: Second by Mayor Pro Tem
Alexander. The motion passed 3-0 (Blount and Gantt were not present for the vote).

Mayor Ford read a Resolution of Censure into the Record regarding Councilman John
Blount:Mayor Pro Tem Alexander approved the Resolution: Second by Councilman
Thomas. The motion passed 3-0. (Blount and Gantt were not present for the vote).

ADJOURN

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to adjourn the meeting: Second by Councilwoman
Barber. The motion passed 3-0. (Blount and Gantt were not present for the vote).

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Anthony 8. Ford, Mayor

13|Page
