---
date: 2019-02-26
title: February 26, 2019 Work Session Meeting Minutes
source: 2019-02/2019-02-26_February 26, 2019 Work Session Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2019 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Councilman Elton Alexander Camilla Moore, Asst. City Manager
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 – Mayor Ford

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call – All members were in attendance except Councilwoman Robinson
who as of member of the was attending the Legislative Black Caucus Annual
Heritage event.

V. Motion to amend the Agenda: To add Item No. 6 – Council Consideration on
HB302 and Item No. 7 – Council Consideration to approve a Resolution for
local legislation for the creation of a Development Authority: Blount/Alexander –
Passed 4-0.

VI. Review of the Minutes for the following meetings:
1. 1/14/2019 2. 1/31/2019 No Action

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. None
February 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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OLD BUSINESS
3. Council Consideration to amend the 2018 CIE (Capital Improvements
Element and Comprehensive Plan Update relating to the
Economic Development Section of the Report.
Presented by: Randy Knighton, City Manager
Memorandum presented noting day-to-day operations as listed under
Economic Development would be effective immediately and the 2019
report would reflect this action. No action required by the governing body.

4. Council Consideration to amend and extend the Moratorium on the
acceptance of applications for certain businesses in the City.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Motion to extend the current Moratorium 180 days and to make sure Hair
and Salons and Vape Shops are included; all applications in the hopper
are excluded: Alexander/Gantt – Passed 4-0.

NEW BUSINESS
5. Council Consideration to approve Citywide Furniture – State of
Georgia Contract No. 99999-SPD000010
Presented by: Lindell Miller, Procurement Supervisor
Motion to approve: Gantt/Thomas – Passed 4-0.

6. Council Consideration to approve a Resolution opposing HB302.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Motion to approve: Blount/Gantt – Passed 4-0.

7. Council Consideration to approve a Resolution requesting the
General Assembly to approve the creation of a 7-member
Development Authority for the City of Stockbridge consisting of (3)
three residents of the City (1) of those being a member of the
Governing Body and (4) four members to be Henry County residents
w/subject matter expertise such as attorneys, realtors, developers
and zoning experts and to have powers similar to the City of
Clarkson, GA.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Motion to approve: Gantt/Alexander – Passed 4-0.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Knighton noted Stockbridge is a great city “Where Community Connects” and
commended staff, and noted he is looking forward to moving the City forward.

COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
Mrs. Holiday referenced the City’s upcoming Retreat and is looking forward great
things to come out of the retreat.

February 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas thanked Cotton Indian Elementary School for hosting the
“Don’t Trash Stockbridge” event he attended along Mrs. Jackson, noting there
were mover 300 students in attendance.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount invited everyone out to the Bingo Bash tomorrow from
10am – noon at the Ted Strickland Community Center for lots of fun for the seniors
in the community; and thanked the Public Works staff for the concrete cleanup.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for their continued prayers and support.

Councilman Alexander invited who have not registered to attend the 4th Annual
Women’s History Month Celebration on Sunday, March 3rd at 3pm at the Merle
Manders Conference Center, tickets can be obtained through Eventbrite; thanked
everyone who attended the recent Town Hall at Red Oak UMC noting great
feedback for proposed city projects and referenced kids of the community having
to leave the area to participate in activities; thanked everyone who participated in
Stockbridge Active event at ClubSpin;; thanked Main Street for coordinating the
event to recognize 1st Lt. Andrea Lewis, and her send-off, and thought it was fitting
for Black History Month; referenced the Retreats and how Council must act, as it is
up to the elected body to direct staff; and challenged fellow council members to
move forward with projects in 2019.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor forward noted he is looking forward to a productive Retreat based on
financial and good logical sense; noted the great Main Street activity for 1st Lt.
Lewis, the first African-American pilot in the Georgia National Guard and wishes
her family all the best; referenced the City’s attendance at the South Metro
Development Conference where for the first time in 17 years of the conference,
they issued the Perseverance and Leadership Award to the City of Stockbridge for
victory to defeat the cityhood referendum, and stated the real heroes were the
citizens who knocked on doors and voted, and noted the City still has a mission to
heal and mend the city and embrace the entire community; noted the city is
prepare for the 2020 census; thank Michael Hightower for the award; noting the
City’s work is not yet done; noted he would be bringing forward the State of the
City at the March 11th meeting; and asked everyone to keep the faith; God Bless.

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.

• Council Retreat – February 28 & March 1, 2019 Kennesaw, GA

• Main Street Advisory Board meeting, Friday, March 8, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall in the
Levi Meeting Room.

February 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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• City Council meeting, Monday, March 11, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council
Chamber

• Youth Council meeting, Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi
Meeting Room.

• Downtown Development Authority meeting, Monday, March 18, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City
Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.

• Youth Council Advisory Committee, Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall
in the Levi Meeting Room.

• Planning Commission meeting, Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall in the
Council Chamber.

• Work Session meeting, Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council
Chamber.

UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Monthly Bingo Bash – Wednesday, February 27, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the Ted
Strickland Community Center 130 ML King, Sr. Heritage Trail, Stockbridge, GA
spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount

• Women’s History Celebration Brunch, Sunday, March 3, 2019 at the MMCC, Stockbridge,
GA– spearheaded by Councilman Alexander 3:00 p.m. RSVP required:
ljackson@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

• GMA Youth Summit (hosted by the City of Stockbridge Youth Council) March 22-24, 2019
at the Merle Manders Conference Center.
ONGOING INITIATIVES
• 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.

• Don’t Trash Stockbridge No Litter Campaign – Ongoing – spearheaded by Councilman
Thomas. Contact: LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Monthly Bingo Bash at the Ted Strickland Community Center – spearheaded by
Councilman 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.

February 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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• Quarterly Clergy RoundTable – spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson. Contact
LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Quarterly Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTable – spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem
LaKeisha Gantt. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Litigation and Real Estate:
Blount/Gantt – Passed 4-0.

Motion to adjourn Executive Session: Gantt/Thomas – Passed 4-0.

Motion to Reconvene the meeting: Alexander/Thomas – Passed 4-0.

Motion to adjourn: Thomas/Gantt – Passed 4-0.

February 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
