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date: 
title: 2018 02 12 2018 Minutes
source: 2018/2018_02_12_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
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Councilman Elton Alexander Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilman John Blount Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Mayor Pro Tem LaKeisha Gantt Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilwoman Neat Robinson
Councilman Alphonso Thomas
Call to Order by Mayor Ford

Invocation by Pastor Cecilia Green.

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 Councilman Thomas.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt motioned to amend the Agenda to remove Public Hearing Item #6;
second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt motioned to approve the Minutes of the following meetings:
12/11/2017 and 12/19/2017; second Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-0.

There were no Public Comments.

Councilman Thomas joined the meeting at 6:08 P.M.

February 12, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mayor Anthony S. Ford issued the STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS:

Welcome citizens to 2018, which will be a very prosperous and successful year for
the City of Stockbridge, and its citizens.

The “State of Our City is Strong, Very Strong”

In February 2016 as the Mayor Pro Tem/Interim Mayor I gave a State of City Address
and the primary theme was “Teamwork is the Key to Success”. Well, teamwork
makes champions or championships. If I may use a sports analogy, i.e. the 1995
Braves; 2016 Stockbridge Tigers; 2016 Falcons; 2017 UGA Bulldogs or even the 3-
time State Champion Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy Chargers. “Teamwork is
the Key to Success”.

As I look to my right and left I see my immediate “Teammates”: Mayor Pro Tem
LaKeisha Gantt, Councilman Elton Alexander, Councilwoman Neat Robinson,
Councilman John Blount and Councilman Alphonso Thomas. What I envision and
foresee is the interlocking of arms with my teammates as we successfully move the
City of Stockbridge forward toward a very bright future. Whereas, no one is left
behind and together, we are moving forward in lock step together as one and
handling the citizens business just as you elected us to do. You citizens are first.

The Interlocking of arms with my teammates reminds me so much of the peaceful
protests led by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as we were fighting for Civil Rights
of all people. This is especially meaningful since our City of Stockbridge is the
ancestral home of the “King Family” and the birthplace Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr.
better known as “Daddy King”.

The “State of Our City is Strong, Very Strong”

We have a very active; competent and confident staff full of leaders that have an
extreme amount of expertise to ensure their areas of responsibility are handled
efficiently.
City Manager, Randy Knighton
City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday,
Community Development Director, Camilla Moore
Public Works Director, Decius Aaron
Human Resources Manager, Renee Wheeler
City Events Manager, Cie Cie McGee
Public Information Officer, Shana Thornton
Main Street Program Manager, Kira Harris-Braggs

The “State of the City is Strong, Very Strong”

We are financially stable with $15 million in Reserves, a $9 million Operating Budget
and currently, the citizens of Stockbridge do not pay a city property tax.

We need each of you to support the City’s position as we implement our Strategic
Plan for protecting our City’s boundaries against the proposed City of Eagles
February 12, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Landing. There are individuals attempting to de-annex nearly half of our City, which
includes our primary economic corridor that assists in funding Stockbridge’s daily
operations that supports our citizens. We need you to join our efforts, read the
materials on the website, sign the appropriate documents to support our efforts and
then return it to the city staff for future use. This collective documentation is used to
alert the Georgia State House and Senate members of our citizen’s desire to remain
as one City within the current city limits. We need your support as we stand together
to “Keep Stockbridge Together”.

There were several 2017 events and Council Initiatives that deserve to be
highlighted as being extremely successful for the City of Stockbridge. These
community-focused activities are budgeted for and will continue during the 2018
calendar year. The Renaissance Strategic Visioning & Planning (RSVP) project
initiated by our Main Street Program, BridgeFest featuring HispaniFest, our Summer
Concert Series, our Summer Main Street Movies, Memorial Day March, 9/11
Remembrance Ceremony, Veterans Day Parade and Luncheon, Food Truck “Tasty
Tuesdays”, Pretty in Pink Luncheon and the Love Walk, the Citizens Academy, our
Youth Council, Christmas Gala and many, many more individual City Council
initiatives and exciting activities are scheduled for our citizens.

We truly look forward to a very prosperous 2018 that will include the completion of
our Comprehensive Plan which will outline our city’s growth and economic strategy
for the next twenty years, to include the development of our downtown Main Street
Area and Downtown District. We look forward to planning and forward movement
on our cultural arts center, splash pad and amphitheater. We also continue to make
progress on the Jodeco Road, Atlanta South Development Project and look forward
to announcing an official groundbreaking ceremony.

It will take us all working collectively together as “One Team” to make living in the
City of Stockbridge an outstanding experience. We look forward to a very bright
future for our City and along with the City Council, the intent is to always move the
city toward success as we look to obtain the “Live, Work, and Play” concept for our
community.

The “State of Our City is Strong, Very Strong”

May God continue to Bless the Citizens of Stockbridge. Thank you for listening.

CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Ford read the 2018 National African-American History Month Proclamation
and was joined by the City Council as the Proclamation was read.

2. Mayor Ford read a Letter of Congratulations from the United States Vice President
Mike Pence, to Stockbridge resident Chris Kinney of the 2018 U.S. Olympic Team
competing in the XXIII Olympic Winter Games, with an open invitation to Chris
Kinney upon his return.

February 12, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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OLD BUSINESS
3. Council Consideration to approve recommendation of staff for Municipal Court and
City Hall building repairs in conjunction with the protocol provided by Penta
Engineering in the amount of $54,980.00 (Court) and $2,150.00 (City Hall).
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted this is Phase I of the renovations for the Municipal Court and City
Hall. Mr. Aaron referenced Council’s approval of Epic to renovate both the Municipal
Court and City Hall. Mr. Aaron noted the cost to renovate/repair the Municipal Court
building is $54,980.00 and to make repairs to City Hall is $ 2,150.00.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve Phase I of the Municipal Court
renovations/repairs in the amount of $54,980 and City Hall repairs in the amount of
$2,150; second by Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

PUBLIC HEARING
4. Continuation of Public Hearing: RZ-17-25-S
Applicant: STKR Investments 201 SE 12th St. Suite 100 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Location: Campground Rd. Extension and Hwy 42 N LL 33 & 34, 7th Dist.
Request: Rezoning from M-1 (Light Manufacturing) to MUND (Mixed Use
Neighborhood Development. Parcel IDs: 071-01034001 and 071-01034019 Lot
Size: 64.27 +/- acres Proposed Use: Commercial and Residential Development
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
Ms. Moore noted this rezoning case was heard in November 2017 with the applicant
asking for a rezoning from M-1 (light industrial) to MUND (mixed use). Ms. Moore
also noted Henry County recommended approval with certain conditions; City staff
recommended approval with a different set of conditions, and the Planning
Commission approved the same set of conditions as City staff. Ms. Moore presented
the Staff Recommendation and Conditions as follows:

APPROVAL W/CONDITIONS: M-1 (Light Manufacturing) to MUND (Mixed Use
Neighborhood Development)

Should the ZAB and Mayor/Council APPROVE the Application, it should be subject to the
owner’s agreement to the following enumerated conditions. Where these conditions
conflict with the stipulations and offerings contained in the Letter of Intent, these
conditions shall supersede unless specifically stipulated by Mayor and Council.

1. To the owner's agreement to abide by the following:
a. To the site plan received by the Department of Community Development on
August 11, 2017. Said site plan is conceptual only and must meet or exceed the
requirements of the Zoning Resolution and these conditions prior to the approval of
a Land Disturbance Permit. In the event the Recommended Conditions of Zoning
cause the approved site plan to be substantially different, the applicant shall be
required to complete the concept review procedure prior to application for a Land
Disturbance Permit. Unless otherwise noted herein, compliance with all conditions
shall be in place prior to the issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy.

2. The two site plans, included with these conditions, are conceptual only and
subsequent development plans must meet or exceed the requirements of the
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Zoning Resolution and these conditions prior to the approval of a Land Disturbance
Permit. Unless otherwise noted herein, compliance with all conditions shall be in
place prior to the issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy.

3. Development plans shall require the approval of HCDOT.

4. Owner/Developer shall coordinate with HCDOT for access and median openings.

5. All access locations shall be located to meet the minimum spacing requirements
per the Henry County Code, shall meet the minimum intersection sight distance
requirements, and where required shall have a deceleration land/acceleration
taper.

6. If utilized, access from Old Ivy Path shall be improved per HCDOT development
standards. The improvements may require either the extension of Old Ivy Path
right-of-way through the site to connect with Campground Road Extension or a
dedicated public turnaround located on site.

7. If Pod A is developed, access will be provided from Campground Road Extension.
Should an emergency access be required it shall connect to White Petal Road.

8. Additional Conditions to clarify the intent of development requested by the
Applicant:
The development shall meet the development standards as follows:

A. Single Family Detached Residential Development Facade Standards shall
comply with Section 12.02.088 as amended on 1/30/18 with the following
modification:
a. Square footage for Custom Homes (2,100 sf – single story, 2,500 sf – two
stories)

B. Single Family Detached Residential Development Standards
i. Lots size area variable and shall be a minimum of 5,500 square feet to
21,780 sq. ft.
ii. Lot widths shall be a minimum of fifty feet (50’).
iii. Minimum front yard setback shall be twelve feet (12’).
iv. Minimum side yard setback shall be five feet (5’).
v. Minimum rear yard setback shall be twenty feet (20’).
vi. Private alleys are not required.

C. Single Family Attached Residential Development Standards shall meet the
requirements of Section 12.02.0311 Townhouses - Multiple Family District - RM-
2; except as follows.
i. Private alleys are not required.
ii. The amenity package shall be submitted to Community Development for
review and approval prior to the issuance of the first Certificate of
Occupancy.

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9. The development shall meet the commercial standards outlined in Section
12.02.044 C-3 Highway Commercial District.

PUBLIC HEARING
Speakers in Favor: None
Speakers Opposed: None

Ms. Moore noted Council’s approval of an Ordinance that states the square footage
must be 2,500 sq. ft. Ms. Moore also noted the applicant is asking for a single unit
of 2,100 sq. ft. Staff recommends a single unit of 2,100 sq. ft. and a two-story unit
with 2,500 sq. ft.

Wanda Moore, the applicant’s representative noted the applicant has no objections
to the square footage as recommended.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve with staff recommendations; second by
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

PUBLIC HEARING
5. Conditional Use Request: CU-17-09-S
Applicant: Reggie Sylvain 128 Bayberry Hills McDonough, GA 30253
Agent: Arkos Engineering 125 Westridge Ind. McDonough, GA 30253
Location: 3952 Walt Stephens Road LL 7 & 26, 12th District.
Parcel ID No. 031-02014000
Request: Conditional Use for funeral home in C-2 (General Commercial) Zoning
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
Item removed from the Agenda per the applicant’s request.

PRESENTATIONS
6. 2018 Comprehensive Plan Process
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
Ms. Moore outlined the City’s 2018 Comprehensive Plan and was joined by
members from The Collaborative Firm, LLC: Amanda Clement, Assistant Director,
Planning & Economic Development and Dannelle Crowe, Director of Marketing &
Communications and Community Engagement.

7. Stockbridge Youth Council Presentation
Youth Council Members: Kelli Crews, Aaron Rose and Aaniyah Kendrick each gave
an overview of their trip to the National League of Cities in Charlotte, NC and the
Mayor’s Day Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Special Recognition of Kelli Crews: Stockbridge Youth Council Chair
Kelli Crews was congratulated on being accepted to the 2018 Disney Dreamers
Academy.

NEW BUSINESS
8. Council Consideration to approve Roadway Lighting Assistance for Western Parallel
Connector from Hudson Bridge to Jonesboro – P.I. No. 0014482;

February 12, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted the City has reached out to GDOT with concerns with the lighting
on the Western Parallel Connector off Hudson Bridge and Jonesboro Road. noting
GDOT started construction on the lights and that part of the agreement with the City
is to have the City pay for the electrical cost and the maintenance on the lights. Mr.
Aaron also noted the agreement stated if the lights are damaged, it is the City’s
responsibility to repair the poles. Mayor Ford inquired on the cost, Mr. Aaron stated
the cost is estimated to be $25-30/per pole, per month.

Mayor Pro Tem Gantt motioned to approve the Roadway Lighting Assistance for
Western Parallel Connector from Hudson Bridge to Jonesboro – P.I. No. 0014482;
second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

9. Council Consideration to approve the use of the Merle Manders Conference Center
on April 18, 2018 for the First Responders Appreciation Luncheon
Presented by: Councilman Alphonso Thomas
Councilman Thomas stated he would like to host the 2nd First Responders
Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 12:00 PM to honor
Henry County’s First Responders.

Councilman Alexander asked if it would be a City Event or Council Initiative.
Councilman Thomas expressed he has taken the lead and it is a partnership with
District 4 County Commissioner.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve the use of the Merle Manders Conference
Center on April 18, 2018 for the First Responders Appreciation Luncheon; second
by Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. The motion passed 3-0-2 (Alexander/Robinson
Abstained).

10. Council Consideration to approve the use of the Merle Manders Conference Center
on July 28, 2018 for the Back-to-School event.
Presented by: Councilman John Blount
Councilman John Blount stated he would like to use the Merle Manders Conference
Center on July 28, 2018 for the Back-to-School event.

Councilman Thomas motioned to approve the Merle Manders Conference Center
on July 28, 2018 for the Back-to-School event; second by Mayor Pro Tem Gantt.
The motion passed 4-0-1 (Alexander Abstained).

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Knighton offered condolences on behalf of the City to the family of Chase Maddox,
Locust Grove officer killed in the line of duty, and to the two sheriff officers also injured and
recovering, noting the great sacrifice these officers make and respond in the face of danger.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY CLERK
No Comment.

February 12, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas – no comment.
Councilman Blount – no comment.
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt – no comment.

Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for coming out and agreed with Ms. Moore
regarding citizens participation with the City’s Comprehensive Plan; noted the Hearing
under the dome on tomorrow, February 13, 2018 regarding the proposed city issue and
asked everyone to show up in support to keep Stockbridge together; spoke in opposition
of the Censure of him issued by the Council.

Councilman Blount called for a Point of Order followed by a Motion to cease the
conversation as a rebuttal would not be allowed due to Executive Session privileged
information; there was a second by Councilman Thomas. The motion passed: 4-1.
(Alexander Opposed).

Councilwoman Robinson thanked Councilman Thomas for acknowledging the Henry
County First Responders; offered condolences to Lake City Mayor Willie Oswald and
offered condolences to her former classmates, parents of Officer Chase Maddox of Locust
Grove; noted life is short and to continue to pray for the City; and thanked everyone for
coming out.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford offered condolences to the Maddox family and two sheriff officers in Locust
Grove; wished everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day; and asked everyone to keep the faith
and keep the City in Prayer, God Bless.

EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt motioned to convene into Executive Session for Real Estate,
Litigation and Personnel; second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilman Alexander motioned to reconvene the meeting; second by Councilwoman
Robinson. The motion passed 5-0.

11. Downtown Development Authority Board Appointments
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt motioned to appoint Calvin Gleaton for a term of four (4)
years; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-0 (Councilman
Thomas Recused).

12. Main Street Advisory Board Appointments
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilman Thomas motioned to re-appoint Linda Jones and Alison Ramsey for a
term of two (2) years; second by Mayor Pro Tem Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

February 12, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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13. Youth Council Advisory Committee Appointments
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilwoman Robinson motioned to appoint Ericka Harvey for a tern of two (2)
years; second by Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 4-0 (Mayor Pro Tem
Gantt recused).

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, Facebook page or contact City Hall
offices at 770-389-7900 for updates and detailed information.
• Planning Commission Meeting, Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. at City
Hall in the Chamber

• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday, February 19, 2018 at 6:00
P.M. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

• Council Retreat, Tuesday, February 20th and Wednesday, February 21st from
8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Buford, Georgia

• Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 5:30 P.M. at City Hall in
the Chamber

• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at
6:00 P.M. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

• Stockbridge Association of Businesses Meeting, Thursday, February 22, 2018 at
6:00 P.M. at Ted Strickland Community Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail.

• Council Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 4:00 P.M. at City
Hall in the Levi Meeting Room

UPCOMING EVENT(S)
• Main Street Small Business Bootcamp for Retail - February 26, 2018
More information to follow. CANCELLED

ADJOURN
Mayor Pro Tem Gantt motioned to adjourn the meeting; second by Councilwoman
Robinson. The motion passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CMC Anthony S. Ford, Mayor

February 12, 2018 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
