---
date: 2016-06-13
title: June 13, 2016 Minutes
source: 2016-06/2016-06-13_June 13, 2016_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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APPROVED MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2016 6:00 p.m.

Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor_ Pro Tem- Anthony 5. Ford Michael Harris, Cit
Councilman Elton Alexander Manaﬁer
Vane_ssa l-loliday, ity C|_er
Councilman John Blo_unt Randi Raine _, Deputy City Clerk
Councilwoman LaKeIsha Gantt Michael Wil rams, City Attorney
Councilwoman Neat Robinson

The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro—Tem Ford at 6:02pm and asked citizens
to pray for the Orlando shooting victims and also asked that everyone keep this Country
in their prayers.

The invocation was provided by Sheryl Shaw and Ariel Shaw with a special prayer for
tragedy in Orlando this past weekend and the 2015 Emanuel 9 victims.

The 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 with the exception of Councilwoman Gantt; a quorum was
confirmed.

Councilman Alexander motioned to amend the Agenda moving Item #11 to item #5, with
all other items shifting down on the Agenda; second by Councilwoman Robinson; the
motion passed 4-0.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve the Minutes of 4/1 1/2016 and 4/26/2016; second
by Councilman Alexander; the motion passed 4-0.

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

June 13, 2016 6:00pm 4640 N. Henly 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.

Mrs. Toye Powell spoke in favor of Saturday operating library hours at the Stockbridge
Cochran Library.

Mrs. Tavaras Powell spoke in favor of Saturday operating library hours at the
Stockbridge Cochran Library.

CEREMONIAL
Mr. Ernest Earn, VP Georgia Association of Water Professionals presented the
Gold Award to the City of Stockbridge Water Dept. staff members: Water System
Technicians Rex Hill, Jesus Hernandez, Chad Hitzeman, Chief Water System Operator
Michael Robinson, and Water Superintendent Jeff Bledsoe.
The City's Water Department staff received this award from the Georgia Association of
Water Professionals (GAWP) for maintaining 100% compliance with the Safe Drinking
water Act (federal rules governing drinking water).

Mayor Pro Tem Ford presented a Proclamation to the Henry County Toastmasters Club
#2367 President, Tendai Mudisi-Soley. Toastmasters International is a world leader in
communication and leadership development.

OLD BUSINESS
ITEM #1 —
Ordinance —

Budget Amendment 2016-008 includes Events Coordinator
Job Description, Pay & Classification Scale and Organizational Chart.
Presented by: Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
Mr. Harris noted based on the last conversation, every item for the Events Coordinator
Position was merged into one.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired on the pay scale where Ms. Wheeler indicated the pay
scale it approved would be $30,000 $49,000. -

Councilman Alexander stated the public should know the present Council is very active
and deems the position to be necessary.

Mr. Harris expressed the position’s salary reflects remainder of the current fiscal year and
is not the full
year’samount of the salary. Mr. Harris stated the total amount estimates at

$26,000 which is a portion of the salary to include insurance, workman’s compensation,
travel & education, computers, and other expenses for an estimated total of $58,445.
Once the position is filled, staff can better asses the pay.

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to approve the Ordinance for the Events Coordinator
Position; second by Councilman Alexander; the motion passed 4-0.

ITEM #2 —
Resolution to approve contract with Lamar County for Landﬁll Services
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager
Mr. Harris stated the City has been in contract with Lamar County for 20+ years, which
allows the waste to be transferred to their location and noted the City owns and
City's

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operates the Transfer Station. Mr. Harris further noted part of the proposed agreement
states Lamar County will serve as the agent to run and manage the Transfer Station. The
contract between the City of Stockbridge and Lamar County is up for renewal for a term of
the next three years where Mr. Harris intends to renegotiate the contract to discuss more
favorable terms as there have been several discussions relating to an increase in fees.
Mr. Harris stated the City's position is that it would be more appropriate to make the
increases in annual increments; from $20 to $21 this year, and in incremental increase of
$3 per ton, per year over the next five (5) years, which will eventually be set at $35. Mr.
Harris also noted that for every ton of waste going to the recycling center landfill will be
less money the city will have to pay for waste disposal.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve the Resolution to approve a contract with Lamar
County for Landfill Services; second by Councilman Alexander; the motion passed 4-0.

ITEM #3 —
Resolution to approve contract with Pond & Company for Public Works

Facility Design.
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager
Mr. Harris expressed this project is identified as a SPLOST project; RFP’s have been
drafted, submitted and vetted to design the new public works facility. Staff recommends
the approval of the contract for Pond & Company. Mr. Harris stated this is a standard AlA/
Task Order contract starting from scratch and noted staff will monitor the cost throughout
the project.

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to approve the Resolution to contract with Pond &
Company for the new Public Works Facility design; second by Councilman Alexander; the
motion passed 4-0.

ITEM #4 —
Resolution Establishing guidelines for Alcohol at City Events.

Presented by: Steven Quinn, City Attorney
Attorney Quinn (sitting in for Mr. Williams) stated the City has been hosting events where
some events serves alcohol and noted the City’s Attorney, Michael Williams, had drafted

a policy to govern alcohol being served at certain events. The three things that are being

considered are: vendor accountability, protection of the public and protection of the City.

Councilman Alexander inquired if there was a provision on the limitations of the number of
drinks served. Attorney Quinn replied there is a provision that allows a two (2) drink
limitation.

Councilman Blount expressed the wording does not put a limitation on drinking, but rather
on purchasing alcohol.

Councilwoman Robinson noted no alcohol at the food truck events. Mr. Harris stated the
last conversation mentioned no alcohol at the movies and Sounds of Summer events, but
was not clear with the food truck events.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford stated he remembers Councilman Alexander saying yes to the food
truck events. Mr. Alexander expressed Council did not come to a consensus with the food
truck. Mr. Alexander suggested monitoring alcohol consumption, while trying to re-coup
what was spent to host the events.

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Councilwoman Robinson noted her disapproval of serving alcohol at the food truck
events.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve the Resolution establishing guidelines for alcohol
at City Events; second by Councilman Alexander; the motion passed 4-0.

CEREMONIAL
Mayor Pro Tem Ford presented Certificate to Matt Moore of Union Grove High School —

110 Meter Georgia State Record 2016. Matt will attend the University of Tennessee

on a full track scholarship.

COUNCIL DISCUSSION
ITEM #11 —
Discussion of opening the Stockbridge Library on Saturday during the
summer months.

Presented by: Councilman Alexander
Councilman Alexander stated Henry County has had tremendous amounts of budgetary
cuts with funding libraries and that he had conversations with those individuals without
access to computers or the internet and expressed his desire to fund the library board to
be able to open on Saturday during the summer months.

Councilman Alexander introduced Henry County Library Director Carolyn Fuller who
made a request to the Council to fund the salary and expenses for Saturday hours at
the Stockbridge Cochran Library.

Councilwoman Robinson supported the additional hours and also encouraged all
citizens to reach out to their County Commissioner and to attend the County Meeting to

express the importance of having the libraries open on the weekends, particularly as the
kids return to school from the summer break.

Councilman Blount stated he had worked and partnered with Stockbridge Elementary
school and is for the libraries to be open as much as possible; but also believes citizens
should reach out to the County and demand and ask why Stockbridge is not being
funded like other cities are for extended library hours as libraries are county—funded.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford asked Ms. Fuller to remain in contact with the Executive Assistant
to Mayor and Council, Davida Robinson and City Manager, Michael Harris to keep the
City informed on new information.

City Treasurer, Linda Nabers noted if the City should approve, there would be a budget
amendment required in the amount of $10,080 taken from Fund Balance for FY16 to
cover the additional hours from August 1 December 31, 2016.

No action was taken by the Council.

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NEW BUSINESS

ITEM #5 —
Ordinance —

Amending the Stockbridge Municipal Code with respect to
Littering.
Presented by: Steven Quinn, City Attorney
Attorney Quinn stated the City was contacted by the State EPD who has requested the
City to add a specific language to the codes which would prohibit construction sites from
littering on the site.

Councilman Blount motioned to approve the Ordinance amending the Stockbridge
Municipal Code with respect to littering; Councilman Alexander provided the second; the
motion passed 4-0.

ITEM #6 —
Resolution to approve City’s Benefits and Insurance Policy
Presented by: Wendell Strickland Strongside Solutions & Renee Wheeler, HR Mgr

Mr. Strickland of Strongside Solutions noted he has been the City's insurance broker
since 2011, and in that time, Strongside Solutions has been able to reduce cost,
implement a wellness program, and include a split/deductible that has been able to keep
rates down. Mr. Strickland further noted the total dollar savings since 2011 in hard dollars
was over $459,000 for a City with 60-70 employees.

Mr. Strickland stated the 2016-2017 Benefits Renewal came in with a 19% increase, or
around $125,330 increase in premium.

Mr. Strickland shopped around and came back with (3) three proposals. United
Healthcare was the most competitive and he was able to get the renewal down from 19%
to 9%, which represents a cost reduction of over $65-66,000 for medical insurance. Mr.
Strickland stated Humana (dental insurance) increased over 5% in the 2015-2016 year
which represents a $2,000 increase; with no other competitors. Mr. Strickland also stated
EyeMed (vision insurance) has a 40 month rate guarantee, and was not marketed this
life
year. Mr. Strickland mentioned Mutual of Omaha has been the City’s longlshort-term
insurance, where he was able to negotiate a rate with no increase.

Mr. Strickland recommends the City renew with United Healthcare, and to remain with
Humana, EyeMed, and Mutual of Omaha for life insurance and to maintain the wellness
program.

Councilwoman Robinson expressed her concerns with Eyemed not having enough

coverage, and would like for Strongside Solutions to reconsider looking at EyeMed.

Mr. Harris expressed there was a reduction from 19% to 9%, which is still an increase to
the City and noted that over the years, the City has taken the full burden of these
increases and further noted, this is not a sustainable model.

Mr. Harris stated that after speaking with a few staff members, recommendations will be
submitted with the budget hearing regarding the City's percentage of the premiums. Mr.
Harris noted that based on the new rates, city employees pay between 5-6% of all
premium cost; when typically employees would pay in at rates of 25-40%.

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Councilman Blount motioned to approve the Resolution to approve the second; the
motion passed 4-0.

PUBLIC HEARING

ITEM #7— Planning & Zoning —-

Rezoning Request -
RZ—16-08-S Applicant: Omega
Communities 2 Metroplex Drive, Suite 2020 Birmingham, AL 35209
Agent: James Taylor (Same address) Location: Southeast corner of the
intersection of Highway 42 and Brannon Road Land Lots: 1 & 2 of the 7th District
Parcel ID: 070-01-007-012 Request: Rezone from C-2 (General Commercial) to C-1
(Office-Institutional)
Presented by: Dale Hall, Administration & Community Services Director
Mr. Hall stated the applicant is requesting to rezone the property from C-2 (General

Commercial) to OI (Office-Institutional) for a senior living development of between 100-
200 units, consisting of approximately 120 independent living units, 32 assisted living
units, and 32 memory care units. Mr. Hall also stated the proposed development will
share access to the existing church and Christian academy campus, with a Variance

Request VR-16-03-S running concurrently with the Rezoning Request RZ—16-08-S
regarding parking and facade requirements. Mr. Hall noted staff is asking to put
conditions of zoning on the property, instead of variances.

Mr. Hall noted this rezoning item has gone before the ZAB (Zoning Advisory Board) in

May 2016 with staff recommending approval with 9 conditions. Those conditions are as
follows:

1. The allowable uses of the subject property for residents shall include assisted

living facility. Any assisted living facility shall be a state-licensed use in which
domiciliary care is provided to adults who are provided with food. Shelter, and
personal services within independent living units which could include kitchen
facilities in which residents have the option of preparing and serving some or all of
their own meals. Other uses may include hospital, convalescent center, nursing
home, hospice, clinic, or similar institution devoted primarily to the diagnosis and
treatment of the sick or injured. In no case shall a multi-family dwelling be
permitted. Non-residential uses permitted in the OI zoning district shall be allowed.

2. The number of independent living units shall be limited to 120.

3. The City of Stockbridge shall have architectural control over the development of
the subject property. All buildings shall be constructed of brick, stucco, stone, glass
or any combination thereof, allowing a uniform design with the existing church
campus.

4. Any dumpster(s) shall be placed on a concrete pad and enclosed on three (3)
sides. The enclosure shall be constructed of a material consistent with the
structures on the existing church campus and shall be a minimum of eight feet (8’)
in height.

5. Sixty feet (60’) of right-of-way from the centerline of Hwy 42 North is required to be

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preserved all along the subject property's frontage along Hwy 42 North.

6. No direct access shall be permitted to Hwy 42 or Brannan Rd. Access to the

subject property shall be limited to the private driveway shared with the existing
campus. If the subject property is owned by a different owner than the owner
of the

existing campus, an access easement shall be recorded at the Henry County
courthouse with a copy provided to the City of Stockbridge.

7. Required buffers shall remain undisturbed. In places where the City of Stockbridge
may determine that vegetation within the buffers are inadequate, buffers may be
required to be enhanced. Landscaping shall exceed the minimum required by the
landscaping ordinance.

8. In order to provide for consistent signage throughout Eagles Landing development
area, the property owner shall be allowed to submit a master sign plan for approval
utilizing signage standards currently approved for other properties under the
jurisdiction of the Eagles Landing property owners association.

9. Any independent living unit shall meet or exceed the requirements (or its
equivalent) for multi-family accessible dwelling units of the Georgia Accessibility
Code (120-3-20-.54) as amended.

Mr. Hall also included the Variance Request VR-16-03-S with the following requests; a
reduction to the numbers of required spaces for the independent units from two (2)
parking spaces per unit to one (1) parking space per unit; and the ability to use hardly
plank on the building's exterior facade.

Agent, James Taylor stated this would be a senior lifestyle continuing care community
consisting of 3 different components: independent living, assisted living and memory care.
Mr. Taylor also noted this would be a luxury community which will consist of: a wellness
center, massage and spa salon, fitness center, outdoor pool, walking trails, full
commercial kitchens, etc. and that previous projects had been financed using 142D
Bonds, which means setting aside 20% of units for those making 50% or less of the areas
gross median income.

Councilman Blount inquired on the typical age for that type of community. Mr. Taylor
replied the minimum age is 62; however, the average age for independent living is
between 70-82, assisted living is between 80-85 and memory care is mid 80's and

beyond.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford opened the Public Hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING
APPLICANT: Jeff Siebert of Greenbrier spoke in favor
SPEAKERS IN FAVOR —
Pastor Tim Dowdy —

Eagle’s Landing Church
SPEAKERS OPPOSED —
None

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the rezoning request RZ—16-08-S from C2
to C1 with (9) nine conditions; second by Councilwoman Robinson; the motion passed
4-0.

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ITEM #8 —

Planning & Zoning Variance Request VR-16-O3-S Applicant: Omega

Communities 2 Metroplex Drive, Suite 2020 Birmingham, AL 35209 Agent: James
Taylor (Same address) Location: Proposed Assisted Livingllndependent Living
on Highway 42 at Brannon Road Land Lots: 1 & 2 of the 7th District
Parcel ID: 070-01-007-012 Request: 1) Reduce the minimum number of
independent living parking spaces; 2) Allow cement fiberboard of exterior facade
Presented by: Dale Hall, Administration & Community Services Director
Mayor Pro Tem Ford opened the Public Hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING
The Applicant, Jeff Siebert of Greenbrier and Pastor Tim Dowdy of Eagle’s Landing
Church spoke in favor.
Darlene Jackson inquired as to whether or not the facility would be open to all to apply,
and it was stated by the applicant that everyone would be able to apply for residency.
SPEAKERS OPPOSED —
None

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the Variance Request VR-16-O3-S with
reduced parking; second by Councilwoman Robinson; the motion passed 4-0.

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to approve the Variance Request VR-16-O3-S to
allow facade to be cement fiber board and stone for the first level with final approval by
the City Manager; second by Councilman Alexander; the motion passed 4-0.

ITEM #9 -
Annexation Request -
0wnerIAppIicant: May & Carter Oil
AX16-44 -

Company of Jackson, GA request an annexation into the City of Stockbridge for
property located at 2240 Jodeco Rd. in Land Lot 78 of the 6m District. The property
consist of 1.66 acres Parcel ID No. 053-01016000
Presented by: Dale Hall, Administration & Community Development Director
Mayor Pro Tem Ford opened the Public Hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING
SPEAKERS IN FAVOR —
None
SPEAKERS OPPOSED —
None

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the Annexation request AX16-44; second
by Councilwoman Robinson; the motion passed 4-0.

ITEM #10 -
Annexation Request -
AX16-45 OwnerIApp|icant: Minesh Patel of 1448
Tether Lane McDonough, GA request an annexation into the City of Stockbridge
for property located at 2239 Jodeco Rd. in Land Lot 78 of the 6*“ District. The

property consist of .59 acres Parcel ID No. 053-01015001.
Presented by: Dale Hall, Administration & Community Development Director
Mayor Pro Tem Ford opened the Public Hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING
SPEAKERS IN FAVOR —
None
SPEAKERS OPPOSED —
None

Councilman Blount motioned to approve AX16-45; second by Councilman Alexander;
the motion passed 4-0.

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6:00pm
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CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS
Michael Harris noted the change in the new starting hours for the Transfer Station from
5am to 6am.

COUNCIL’S COMMENTS

Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for tuning in and spoke to the rebranding ofthe
City and beautification efforts and the City’s new image including the proposal for Barack
Obama Way.

Councilman Blount thanked everyone for attending and streaming in and stated that his
first priority was to the citizens and to also work in a collaborative effort with everyone.

Councilwoman Gantt was not in attendance.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for attending and commended staff on a job
well done; congratulated the Water Dept. for receiving the Gold Award, and stated her

support of the Saturday library hours and asked everyone to show up at the
Commissioners meeting and speak up so you voice can be heard.

MAYOR PRO TEM’S COMMENTS
Anthony S. Ford welcomed citizen engagement with the Council; commended the staff for
their efforts and noted an outstanding job by the City's Water Dept. and award; asked that

everyone keep in prayer the families of the Emanuel 9 and the mass shooting victims of
Orlando; and wished all the fathers a “Happy Father's Day”.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford read the following News and Announcements:
All meetings will be held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times are
subject to change. Please visit the city's website wvvw.cityofstockbridge.com, Facebook page or
contact City Hall offices at 770.389-7900 for updates and detailed information.

0 Food Truck Tasty Tuesdays ~
5:30 —
9:00 p.m. EVERY TUESDAY —
CITY HALL

Stockbridge Goodwill Youth Job Fair—Wednesday, June 15, 2016 from
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm -
Merle Manders Conference Center

0 Coffee with a Cop spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Ford, Saturday, June 18, 2016
11 a.m.at Silver Bay Seafood Restaurant 5425 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA

Building Committee Meeting, Chairperson Mayor Pro Tem Ford, Tuesday,
June 21,2016 at 6:00 p.m. City Hall Patrick Henry Meeting Room

City Council Work Session, Tuesday, June 28, 2016 6 p.m. Council Chamber

o Public Works Committee Meeting, Chairperson Councilwoman Robinson,

Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. City Hall -
Patrick Henry Meeting Room.

June 13, 2016 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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- Finance Committee Meeting, Chairperson Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt,
Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. City Hall -
Levi Meeting Room

Community Relations Committee Meeting, Chairperson Councilman John Blount,
Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. City Hall Levi Meeting Room -

EXECUTIVE SESSION Exem tions to the Geor la 0 en Meetin s Act

None

Councilman Alexander motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:38pm; second by
Councilman Blount; the motion passed 4-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

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Vanessa
Holldailm/City Clerk CMC,j Anthony S. Ford, Mayor Pro/Tem
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June 13, 2016 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770)389-7900
