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date: 
title: 2018 07 24 2018 Minutes
source: 2018/2018_07_24_2018_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
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Stockbridge
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.

SUMMARY MINUTES
WORK SESSION MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 24, 2018 4:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Councilman Elton Alexander Camilla Moore, Asst. City Manager
Councilman John Blount Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Mayor Pro Tem LaKeisha Gantt Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilwoman Neat Robinson Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilman Alphonso Thomas
Call to Order made by Mayor Ford at 4:02pm.

Invocation by Pastor McFarland.

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 except Mayor Pro Tem Gantt.

Councilman Blount motioned to add the Community in Schools Presentation to the
Agenda and hear Item #7 after Executive Session; second by Councilman Thomas. The
motion passed 4-0.

Review of the Minutes for the following meetings: No Action taken.

1. 6/27/2018 2. 7/9/2018

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

July 24, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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members of the elected body, officials, and staff. Defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will
not be tolerated while meetings are in session. NONE.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt joined the meeting.

PRESENTATION
Community in Schools (CIS) of Georgia in Henry County
Presented by: Glenda Harris, Executive Director joined by Principal Watson of
Stockbridge High School
Ms. Harris noted is one of the largest national non-profit drop-out prevention
organizations in the county and explained how they work directly with students at a
high school level to prevent them from dropping out. Ms. Harris noed there are 248
sites in Georgia who work with over 1,389 students on a case management basis;
and mentioned Henry County High and Stockbridge High are a part of the
program. Principal Waston of Stockbridge High thanked Ms. Harris and noted the
success of the program specifically at Stockbridge High School noting the
incentives to keep the kids excited to stay in school.

2ND QUARTER REPORTS:
Councilman Blount motioned to hear Public Safety Report first; second by
Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

Public Safety – Presented by: Lieutenant Stapp
Lieutenant Stapp noted the actual stats will not be ready until next week, however,
staff was able to gather data. Lieutenant Stapp expressed the calls of service has
gone down slightly from May to June; arrests stayed the same with no changes;
citations and warrants are down also. Lieutenant Stapp stated there were no
homicides and no rapes, but there was 2 robberies and 4 aggrevated assaults;
with larseny and theft by taking increasing. Lieutenant Stapp noted frauds are
down and drugs stayed the same; with DUI’s becoming more frequent on the
weekends. Lieutenant Stapp ended accidents have stayed the same with no
fatalities.
Councilman Alexander stated he noticed there was a spike in citations in May and
inquired if there was a particular program going on. Lieutenant Stapp expressed
duing the month of May, there is the No Tolerance and Click it, or ticket.

Youth Council Advisory Committee - Mr. Kenneth McFarland & Youth Council
Chair Kelli Crews
Mr. Kenneth McFarland noted the report is tailored to making sure the kids
understand government on a local, state and federal basis. Mr. McFarland
expressed the Youth Council Advisory Committee started the year out with an
opening retreat which helped the kids to bond. Mr. McFarland included the kids
have volunteered for Movie Night with Main Street, Food Truck Tuesdays, Council
Initiatives, such as Don’t Trash Stockbridge and the Back to School Kick-Off. Mr.
MaFarland ended with thanking Council for the $5,000 for the trip to North Carolina
and noted $7,000 was turned back in. Kellie Crews, Chair for the Youth Council
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Committee reiterated the previous events they have volunteered at, and informed
Council their next big event will be to attend the National League of Cities City
Summit in Los Angelas in November, and they have already started fund raising
for that.

Main Street Program and Advisory Board – presented by: Kira Harris-Braggs
Councilman Thomas noted the Main Street Program, City Council and Downtown
Development Authority held a joint meeting earlier and wanted Mrs. Harris-Braggs
to express what was not in the packets given to Council. Councilman Thomas also
commended the Main Street Program and Advisory Board. Mrs. Harris-Braggs
noted the Main Street Program has been busy working on the branding initiative,
which has not been concluded yet. Mrs. Harris-Braggs also noted the Downtown
RSVP had been completed and the final report will be ready at the end of the
month, and hopes the recommendations can be included in the Comprehensive
Plan that is currently being worked on. Mrs. Harris-Braggs stated the little free
library project is doing well, with 3 installations. Mrs. Harris-Braggs included Main
Street has been approached by more organizations who would like to sponsored
and placed in the Downtown area. Mrs. Harris-Braggs stated Stockbridge stories
brings fourth historic story telling about the City of Stockbridge; in this, the City
completed a Welcome Home Tour celebration for Winter Olymic Athlete Chris
Kinney. Mrs. Harris- Braggs noted the Main Street Program observed the 50th
death anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. by placing a memorial photo in City
Hall lobby as well as a Daddy King: A Stockbridge Story display also in City Hall.
Ms. Harris-Braggs noted the Main Street Program went to the 2018 National Main
Street Conference located in Kanasas City in mid-May. In late June, Main Street
employees attended the Southeastern Tourism Society (STS) Marketing College
for a second year, and will receive certifications in tourism upon completing the
final training next year. Mrs. Harris- Braggs expressed the Main Street Program
hosted a Downtown Discovery Tour of Dublin, GA in may; and, will host their first
movie of the season, Peter Rabbit in June followed by the second movie Coco.
Mrs. Harris-Braggs noted the Main Street staff will be coordinating with City
Events for BridgeFest 2018 in September. Mrs. Harris-Braggs ended with the Main
Street Program has started planning for Small Business Saturday; with save the
date flyers circulated at the June Sounds of Summer concert and the Main Street
Movie events.

Downtown Development Authority – Presented by: Mayor Pro Tem Gantt
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt noted the Stockbridge Downtown Development Authority
(SDDA) met with the Assistant City Manager, Camilla Moore to discuss having a
Developer’s Day and explore options for generating revenues from venues held
with alcohol on premises. Mayor Pro Tem Gantt noted the SDDA voted to have the
implementation of the Façade grant for up to $5,000 in which businesses within
the downtown area could use and apply to improve their façade. Mayor Pro Tem
Gantt expressed the board also looked as streamlining and making the overall
process smoother for new applicants. Mayor Pro Tem expressed the DDA has had
July 24, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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discussions regarding vacant city-owned properties and making them available via
the websire for investors to view; and is planning for a retreat in the near future.

Finance Department – Presented by: Interim Treasurer, John Wiggins
Interim Treasurer, John Wiggins presented the financial summary report ending in
the month of June 30, 2018; a follow up will be at the August Budget Retreat.

Public Works Department – Presented by: Decius Aaron
Decius Aaron noted the Stormwater Division has 4 current projects and has
completed 11, making it a total of 15 projects; Wastewater Division has 16 current
projects and has completed 5, making it a total of 21 projects; Water Division
currently has 9 open projects, and has completed 5, making it a total of 14
projects; Public Works Division currently has 6 open projects and 7 completed,
making it a total of 13; Parks Division currently has 12 projects with 8 completed,
making it a total of 20 and Government Building currently has 13 projects, with 14
completed, making it a total of 27. Mr. Aaron noted in all there are 60 current
projects open and 50 completd projects, making it a total of 110 projects.

Community Development – Presented by: Camilla Moore
Camilla Moore noted under business services, revenue has exceeded over $1
million of it’s budgeted amount with October and November being big revenue
generating months with business licnese renewals. Ms. Moore included there has
been at least 112 developers interested in doing business within the City.
Ms.Moore noted the Collaborative Firm was hired to assist the City in moving
forward with submission of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and hopes to bring
back a draft of the proposal for Mayor and Council. Ms. Moore explained because
the City will be submitting the Short-Term Work Program/Capital Improvements
Project on its own for the first time, the CIP documentation has to be apart of the
documents submitted to the DCA by August 30, 2018. Ms. Moore noted the final
submission to DCA is October 18, 2018. Ms. Moore stated Code Enforcement has
issued over 116 warning notices and has genearated revenues. Ms. Moore noted
the biggest challenge with permitting is getting the files from the County who did
majority of the plans for the City. Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk expressed the
records retention schedule may be the reason the County doesn’t have records;
blueprints only last 10 years, while other documents are good between 1-5 years.
Ms. Moore expressed the City is no longer in an MOU (Memorandum of
Understanding) with the County, and now has to wait 30-60 days to get approval
from the State. Ms. Moore concluded there hav been Town Hall Meetings at City
Hall and faith based institiutions; Community meetings at HOA’s, civic groups and
the Chambers of Commerce; and, business meetings have been held at the
Chamber of Commerce.

OLD BUSINESS:
3. Turning Lane for Red Oak United Methodist Church
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
July 24, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Decius Aaron, Public Works Director stated Red Oak United Methodist
Church is requesting a turning lane; to which Mr. Aaron suggested a traffic
study to be completed by before any road work and recommended Red Oak
United Methodist Church to use a traffic police officer to direct traffic. Mayor
Ford expressed the biggest problem is the drive way, it needs to be a 2 cars
wide. Mr. Aaron included the church would be responsible for the widening of
the lane on their own. Ms. Moore concluded Ponds was awarded the
contract to complete transportation; the transportation network has to be
based on a number of factors and would need to see the results first. Mayor
Ford directed staff to send Red Oak a letter letting them know the City’s
decision.

The City has concluded that it is not conducive to add a turning lane at Red
Oak United Methodist Church on Walt Stephens Rd. – letter to follow.

NEW BUSINESS:
3. Council Consideration to approve selection vendor ICS for Janitorial
Services for the remainder of 2018 in the amount of $27,526.80.
Presented by: Donald Riley, Procurement Specialist
Donald Riley, Procurement Specialist is requesting approval of the lowest
responsible bidder for Janitorial Services in the amount of $27,526.80 with
Intercontinental Commercial Services for the remainder of 2018. Mr. Riley
expressed the company shall provide all chemicals, cleaning supplies and
other necessary equipment.
Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve ICS for Janitorial Services for the
remainder of 2018 in the amount of $27,526.80; Councilwoman Robinson
provided the second. The motion passed 5-0.

4. Council Consideration to approve the Monument Sign RFP process not to
exceed $100,000.
Presented by: Randy Knighton, City Manager
Randy Knighton, City Manager stated staff is requesting approval to move
forward with the Monument Sign process and the finalization of the
amphitheatre and City Hall design’s not to exceed $100,000.
Councilman Alexander motioned to approve approve the Monument Sign
RFP process not to exceed $100,000; Councilman Thomas provided the
second. The motion passed 5-0.

5. Council Consideration to amend the City’s Organizational Chart
Presented by: Randy Knighton, City Manager
Randy Knighton, City Manager
Councilman Blount motioned to amend the City’s Organizational Chart
placing the position of the Executive Assistant to Mayor & Council under the
City Clerk ; Councilwoman Gantt provided the second. The motion passed
3-0-2 (Alexander and Robinson abstained).
July 24, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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NEW BUSINESS:
6. Council Discussion of Street Parking Ordinance
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Asst. City Mgr./Community Development Dir.
Camilla Moore, Asst. City Mgr./Community Development Dir. stated there
was a conversation held on how the City should handle stree parking;
however, some HOA’s did not receive some information in time and has
requested staff to complete a survey for two weeks starting July 31st to
receive more input. Ms Moore included residents will have to choose an
option that would best fit that neighborhood. Ms.

The survey will be placed online beginning July 31st for 2 weeks, results to
be brought forward to Mayor & Council. No action taken.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Knighton announced the series of upcoming Education/Information Town Hall
Meetings throughout the community and referenced the upcoming meeting at the
Falling Waters Community on Thursday, July 26th at 7:00 p.m.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY CLERK
None

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas read the “Don’t Trash Stockbridge” Mission and spoke to the
ongoing campaign of educating the community not to litter.

Councilman Blount thanked everyone for attending and invited everyone out to the
Back to School Kickoff on Saturday, July 28th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. taking
place at the Merle Manders Conference Center; noted the City was in a good
place and that everyone was dedicated to the youth of Stockbridge.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt thanked everyone for listening and watching; thanked the
Stockbridge Team; referenced the City’s willingness to address the alcohol district
and undesirables moratorium; noted school will start soon and asked that
everyone keep the kids in prayer.

Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for tuning in; noted this is all about you;
commended the Sounds of Summer Concerts and thanked the Events Team for
doing a great job; and saluted the radio station 107.5 for their support and wants to
issue a proclamation in their honor.

Councilwoman Robinson asked everyone to support the Youth Council;
referenced the upcoming County Retreat; announced a Youth Summit taking place
in 2019 hosted by Stockbridge; noted the Youth Council Minutes were available to
the Councilmembers for any information.
July 24, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford noted today was the last day to vote in the July 24th Primary Run-Off
election and that he had already done so and encouraged everyone to vote;
thanked everyone for tuning in and coming out; asked everyone to keep the faith
as the City remains whole and continues to grow.
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.

• Stockbridge Association of Businesses Meeting, Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 8:00
a.m. at the Ted Strickland Community Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail.

• Education/Information Town Hall – Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the
Falling Waters Community Club House.

• Education/Information Town Hall – Monday, August 6, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the
Clark Meadows Club House.

• Education/Information Town Hall – Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at
Windsong Club House.

• Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in the
Levi Meeting Room.

• Council Meeting, Monday, August 13, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council
Chamber.

• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 6:30
p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.

• Planning Commission Meeting, Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at City
Hall in the Council Chamber.

• Council Retreat, Thurs., August 16, 2018 and Friday, August 17, 2018 from 8:00
a.m.– 5:00 p.m.

• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday August 20, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.

• Stockbridge Association of Businesses Meeting, Thursday, August 23, 2018 at
8:00 a.m. at the Ted Strickland Community Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage
Trail.

• Council Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall
in the Levi Meeting Room.

July 24, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Don’t Trash Stockbridge No Litter Campaign – Ongoing – spearheaded by
Councilman Thomas. Contact: LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more
information.

• Food Truck Tuesday May 1st thru July 31st at Clark Community Park and will run
through from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.

• Back to School Kickoff Celebration, Saturday, July 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
at the Merle Manders Conference Center 111 Davis Rd. spearheaded by
Councilman Blount.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to convene into Executive Session for Personnel,
Litigation and Real Estate; Councilman Alexander provided the second. The
motion passed 5-0.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adjourn Executive Session; Councilman Blount
provided the second. The motion passed 4-0. (Councilman Thomas was not
present for the vote).

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to reconvene the meeting;Councilwoman
Gantt provided the second. The motion passed 4-0. (Councilman Thomas was not
present for the vote).

Councilman Blount motioned to amend the City’s Organizational Chart placing the
position of the Executive Assistant to Mayor & Council under the City Clerk ;
Councilwoman Gantt provided the second. The motion passed 3-0-2 (Alexander
and Robinson abstained).

ADJOURN
Councilman Thomas motioned to adjourn the meeting; Councilwoman Gantt
provided the second. The motion passed 5-0.

July 24, 2018 4:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
