---
date: 2019-11-11
title: November 11, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes
source: 2019-11/2019-11-11_November 11, 2019 City Council Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2019 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Councilman Elton Alexander Camilla Moore, Community Dev. Dir
Mayor Pro Tem John Blount Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilwoman Neat Robinson Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilman Alphonso Thomas
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 – Melvin Stringer

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call – All members were in attendance for roll call except
Councilwoman Gantt

V. Motion to amend the Agenda to add Item #10 – Authorizing the HCPD to
use the MMCC for their annual Policeman Ball on 2/29/2020:
Robinson/Alexander – Passed 4-0.

VI. Adoption of the Minutes for the following meeting: Robinson/Alexander –
Passed 4-0

1. 10/14/2019

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. There were no public comments.
November 11, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mayor Ford reviewed the ceremonial items as referenced below:

CEREMONIAL REVIEW
Proclamation – Cynthia Jewell (former Stockbridge E.S. Principal)
Proclamation – Janae Cohen – Henry County Teacher of the Year from Red Oak E.S.
Proclamation - Shop Small Saturday
Proclamation – Hospice Awareness Month
Resolution - Honoring the memory of Willie B. Hatcher
Swearing-In Ceremony – Public Facilities Authority Members
Proclamation – Diabetes Prevention/Awareness Month Workshop & Health Fair (Sat.)

Mayor Ford also referenced the City’s Annual Veterans Day Parade held earlier in the
day noting the veterans from Benton Village senior facility were unable to attend, however
ceremonial hats were delivered personally by him and members of the Events staff.

Councilwoman Gantt joined the meeting.

PRESENTATION
2. Connecting Henry & Noel in November Update
Presented by Barbara Coleman – Executive Director
Mrs. Coleman presented the agency’s different programs and noted
the Noel in November event is still scheduled as planned.

OLD BUSINESS
3. Council Consideration to approve the City’s 2020 Benefits package.
Presented by Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager, John
Wiggins, Treasurer and John Leggett w/MSI Benefits
Motion to approve Option 1 – Alexander/Blount – Passed 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS
4. Council Consideration to approve FY2020 Water and Sewer Rates
Presented by Decius Aaron – Public Works Director
Motion to Table and be heard at the 11/26/2019 Work Session
Meeting: Gantt/Blount – Passed 3-2 (Alexander/Robinson opposed)

5. Council Consideration to approve use of the Ted Strickland
Community Center on November 22, 2019 for a Youth Council
Forum regarding Human Trafficking and Toy Drive Event 12/15/19.
Presented by Ericka Harvey – Youth Council Chair
Motion to approve: Gantt/Robinson – Passed 5-0.

6. Council Consideration to approve FY2020 Council Meeting Dates
Presented by Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Motion to approve Option 2: Blount/Thomas – Passed 5-0.

November 11, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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PUBLIC HEARING
7. Owner(s)/Applicant(s): Martin Bonea (Everything VM LLC) - Request:
100% Method Annexation into the City of Stockbridge for the property
located at Hwy. 138 Spivey Project. Parcel ID: 012-02013001 Land
Lot 42 of the 12th District 14.01 Acres – Present Land Use: RA.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Public Hearing Opened
Applicant Martin Bonea spoke in favor
No Speakers Opposed
Public Hearing Closed
Motion to approve: Alexander/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

PUBLIC HEARING
8. Council Consideration to hear an amendment to the Zoning Code
amending the procedures and criteria for Administrative Appeals and
Administrative Waivers.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Public Hearing Opened
Andrew Dixon spoke in favor
No Speakers Opposed
Public Hearing Closed
Motion to approve: Gantt/Alexander – Passed 5-0.

PUBLIC HEARING
9. Proposed FY2020 Budget Hearing – First Reading
Presented by Randy Knighton – City Manager
Councilwoman Gantt exited the meeting noting the request from the August
2019 Budget Retreat to list the position for the Events Team as an Office
Manager and not an Administrative Assistant. 7:40 p.m.

Councilwoman Robinson questioned the reduced funding for the Economic
Development Director with all that the City has on its forefront regarding
economic development in the City; and the increase to the Main Street
Program.

Mr. Knighton referred to the letter to Council indicating the increases in
certain areas of the budget and noted he has been charged with presenting
a balanced budget.

Councilman Alexander asked if Wayfinding was in the FY2020 budget;
Randy Knighton confirmed it was not.

Councilman Thomas made a request to move Historic Preservation from
Planning & Zoning to Main Street staff and not the Main Street Program
where it would be more suited.

November 11, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Randy Knighton noted it was not unusual for Historic Preservation to be in
Planning; however, because Main Street is under Community Development
along with Planning, it could happen.

Camilla Moore noted the relationship between Historic Preservation and
P&Z and stated they would comply with the wishes of the Council.

Public Hearing Opened
No speakers in favor
Speakers Opposed – Art Christian disagreed with moving Historic
Preservation.
Public Hearing Closed

No Action taken. Next Budget Hearing will take place on 11/26/2019.

10.Council Consideration to approve the Henry County Police
Department’s use of the Merle Manders Conference Center at no cost
for their Annual Policeman’s Ball on 2/29/2020.
Presented by Randy Knighton – City Manager
Motion to approve: Robinson/Blount – Passed 4-0.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Randy Knighton thanked staff again for the fine job they do every day, and for the
great Veterans Day Parade and Luncheon, honoring all the wonderful veterans
who allow us to enjoy the freedoms and liberties to discuss the very important
matters of city government.

COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
Vanessa Holiday thanked staff, and especially the team of the Clerk’s Office
specifically, as they come in and do a fantastic job, a lot of times behind the
scenes; and thanked all the veterans for all they do (noting she has two brothers
who served).

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas wanted to take the opportunity to complete his thoughts from
the previous meeting noting the vision of the Council and the role of the Council is
to create the vision for the City, and noted the vision could not be carried out
without a great staff and thanked everyone for all that they do to carry out the
vision; noted the groundbreaking of the Amphitheater showed exactly where the
City is headed and there are other projects on the table; noted sometimes there
may be back and forth, as it should be, but the goal is to eventually get it right;
thanked the seven staff members who remained in attendance of the meeting.

November 11, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mayor Pro Tem Blount thanked all the veterans for their service, noting we don’t
take their service for granted; noted that over the last four years, he has suffered a
lot personally with the loss of his son, sacrifices of his family, and also spoke to the
many achievements of the City over the last four years; noted right now, we are in
the right place for the City and moving the city forward; noted citizens came out in
record numbers for early voting and on Election Day, noting the more you get out
and vote, you hear the voice of the citizens and how they want to see the City;
noted a lot of challenges have come this way, and sacrifices have been made;
thanked those who supported his re-election efforts and allowing him to serve,
noting he does not take it for granted; and further stated, he believes you must be
in a serving capacity to do this, noting he has a track record that speaks to that.

Councilman Alexander thanked all who came out and for tuning in and being
involved noting citizens decide the destiny of most communities; noted the
Veterans Day activities today were awesome, noting he was inspired as he
listened to their journeys and patriotism for America as they have protected our
rights to descent and disagree, noting those rights can never be taken for granted;
thanked the veterans for making sacrifices by being away from family, friends and
loved ones to protect those rights that we enjoy in this country; noted the Veterans
Day Parade and Luncheon was one of his favorite events; acknowledged Ms.
Mildred Reed as a veteran and asked those veterans in attendance to stand, and
they were applauded by everyone in the chamber and he thanked them for their
service to America; thanked citizens for voting, no matter who you voted for, and
participating in the democratic process; appreciates the ability to serve; noted it is
a great time to be in the City of Stockbridge; thanked representatives; noted
everyone has the best interest of the City at heart and it’s great to have a seat at
the table.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked all the veterans for their service; noted she
would be travelling along with the Teen Ambassadors to the National League of
Cities November 20-24th and asked everyone to keep them in their prayers;
congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Blount and Councilman Alexander (noting only 4
votes separated them) and allowing to them serve another four years, and
congratulated Councilwoman-Elect Yolanda Barber who was a foot soldier to Keep
Stockbridge Together; noted her respect for the process of elections; stated she is
moving on to a new journey and that she is excited, noting more to come; stated
she will continue her support of the great City of Stockbridge that she loves so
dearly; referenced the last four years of tremendous progress in the City; noted the
seed has been planted and she will be here to see it grow; thanked staff for the
outstanding job that you do and continue to do for Stockbridge and is looking
forward to continuing to work with everyone; and stay tuned for an upcoming
announcement.

November 11, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford referenced the recent elections and noted it is always great to have
people on the local level be involved in the process; noted where he often talks
with kids about registering to vote referring to many who shed blood, sweat an
tears for the right to vote; noted the citizens decided, and Councilwoman Robinson
will be missed, but knows there are great things before her; referenced the City’s
Veterans Day Parade and Luncheon was great and that he is a veteran himself
and his dad was a career soldier; noted this City honored veterans with a great
service today; wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving; noted he is a Saints fan;
asked all to keep the faith, and God Bless.

Mayor Ford read the following news and announcements:

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.
• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday, November 18, 2019 at 6:00 p.m./Levi
Meeting Room

• Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. - Council Chamber

• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at
6:30 p.m./Levi Meeting Room

• Work Session Meeting (2nd Public Hearing FY2020 Budget), Tuesday, November 26, 2019
at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber

UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTable Tuesday, November 12th at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in
the Levi Meeting Room – spearheaded by Councilwoman Gantt. Contact LaQuinda Jackson
@ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Monthly Bingo Bash Wednesday, November 13th from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the
Ted Strickland Community Center – spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount

• Teen Ambassadors Meeting, Wednesday, November 14th at 5:00 p.m. in the Levi Meeting
Room – spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson. Contact LaQuinda Jackson
@ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Community Thanksgiving Dinner - Saturday, November 23rd at the Ted Strickland
Community Center spearheaded by Councilman Thomas. Please contact LaQuinda
Jackson for more details: 678-833-3348 or via email: ljackson@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

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.
November 11, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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• Don’t Trash Stockbridge No Litter Campaign – Ongoing – spearheaded by Councilman
Thomas. Contact: LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Monthly Bingo Bash from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the Ted Strickland Community Center
spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount. Visit the City’s website or Facebook page for dates
and information.

• 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.

• Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTable every 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at City
Hall in the Levi Meeting Room – spearheaded by Councilwoman Gantt. Contact LaQuinda
Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

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

• Teen Ambassadors Meetings, November 14th and December 12th at 5:00 p.m. in the Levi
Meeting Room – spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @
678-833-3348 for more information.

Motion to adjourn: Blount/Robinson – Passed 4-0. 8:05 p.m.

November 11, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
