---
date: 2016-01-11
title: January 11, 2016 Minutes
source: 2016-01/2016-01-11_January 11, 2016_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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APPROVED MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2016 6:00 p.m.

Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor_ Vacant Michael Harris, Cit
ManaEer

Councilman Elton Alexander Vanessa i-loliday, ity Cl_er
Councilman John Blount Ra_ndi Deput_ City Clerk
Councilman Anthony 5. Ford Raineii,
Michael Wil iams, Ci y Attorney
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
Councilwoman Neat Robinson

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday called the meeting to order and cited Section 2.04.040 of
the City Charter that references the Clerk of Council to call the meeting to order in the
absence of the Mayor/Mayor Pro Tem.

Invocation was provided by Pastor Cecelia Greene.

Pledge was recited in unison.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday introduced the Honorable Judge, Matthew McCord of the
Municipal Court of Stockbridge, whom administered the Oath of Office to: Councilman
Elton Alexander, Councilman John Blount and Councilwoman Hernitha “Neat” Robinson.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday proceeded with Roll Call. All members of Council were

present, a quorum was confirmed.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday asked Council for a motion to select the Mayor Pro Tem.
After some discussion, Councilman Blount motioned to appoint Councilman Anthony
Ford as Mayor Pro Tem; second by Councilwoman Gantt;

Councilman Alexander asked for clarification on the term to serve.

Attorney Williams cited the Charter as the Mayor Pro Tem would serve until the next
Organizational Meeting to be held following the next municipal election in 2017.

January 11, 2016 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389—7900
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The motion passed 4-0-1. (Councilman Ford abstained from the vote).

Mayor Pro Tern Ford stated it is his and the Council’s intent to move the City forward and
do the best as a team. Mayor Pro Tem Ford also thanked Council for the appointment.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adopt the Agenda as printed; second by
Councilwoman Robinson; the motion passed 4-0. Mayor Pro Tem Ford inquired if he
could still vote. Mr. Williams, City Attorney responded he does not lose his rights to vote
as a Councilmember.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adopt the Minutes of 11/9/15, 11/19/15, 11/24/15,
12/12/15; second by Councilwoman Robinson; the motion passed 5-0.

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
members of the elected body, officials, and staff. Defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will
not be tolerated while meetings are in session.

Mr. Wendell Moore congratulated Council; spoke regarding transparency, spending funds
wisely, and parking on the street and noise at the Transfer Station.

Ms. Mildred Reed spoke regarding the Stockbridge Beautiful Program (formerly Don’t Trash
Stockbridge); Private Security and citizens input into that process.

Mrs. Kathryn Gilbert congratulated the Council; spoke about the CID item on the Agenda and
Council must adopt an Ordinance; Charter changes and District Voting; December 28th
Swearing In of the newly elected ofﬁcials.

Mr. Matthew McCord (serves as the Municipal Court Judge, Stockbridge) noted the tragic loss
of his son and on the same night received an email from Henry County on the proposed‘ Police
Services Agreement where the county would receive 40% of revenue from the Municipal Court
of Stockbridge. Judge McCord noted the court system should not be a means of raising
revenue; stated he was charged with justice being done fairly; and noted
the proposed

Agreement for Law Enforcement for the City would deeply cut his court, however, he believes
the Council did the right thing.

NEW BUSINESS

ITEM #1 — APPOINTMENT OF CITY ATTORNEY
Pursuant the City Charter, Section 2.12.040, the City Attorney shall be appointed at
the first meeting of the Mayor and Council in January of each year.
Councilwoman Gantt motioned to appoint Michael Williams as the City Attorney; second
by Councilwoman Robinson;

Councilmen Alexander inquired about the compensation for the City Attorney;
Councilwoman Gantt noted the contract was open to negotiation. The motion passed 5-0,

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January 11, 2016 6:00pm
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ITEM #2 — HENRY COUNTY E911 & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATE
Presented by: Don Ash, E911lEmergency Management Director
Mr. Don Ash, E911 Emergency Management Director stated the mission of the Henry
County E911 & Emergency Management is to provide the most efficient and effective
coordination of resources available in the mitigation of, planning and preparation for

response to, and recovery from emergencies and disasters.

Mr. Ash noted he meets with City Managers in the county to help prepare for adverse
situations. Mr. Ash also mentioned they are certified with the State of Georgia; and, only
certified agencies are eligible to receive funds.

Mr. Ash also noted based on information received in his office, February is shaping up to
be rather turbulent.

NO ACTION TAKEN

ITEM #3 -
EXECUTIVE SESSION (Exemptions to the Georgia Open Meetings Act);
NO ACTION TAKEN

ITEM #4 —
RESOLUTION —

Appointment of Vacated Main Street (Downtown
Business or Property Owner) Board Member to serve remaining year of an initial 2-
Main
year term (Expires December 31, 2016) and Appointment of City Council
Street Board Member to serve remaining year of an initial 2-year term (Expires
December 31, 2016).
Councilwoman Gantt motioned to nominate Mayor Pro Tem Ford as the City Council
Main Street Advisory Board member; second by Councilman Alexander the motion

passed 4-0 (Mayor Pro Tem Ford did not participate in the vote).

Councilwoman Gantt asked Council to table the remaining Board Appointment until after
the next Work Session Meeting, allowing for time to review applications and discuss with
other members of Council.

After some discussion, Councilwoman Gantt motioned to Table the remaining
appointment for the Main Street Advisory Board; second by Councilman Alexander; the
motion passed 5-0.

ITEM #5 —
RESOLUTION Appointment of Vacated Downtown Development

Authority Board Member to serve remaining four years of a 6-year term (Expires
December 9, 2019); Appointment of Expired Downtown Development Authority
Board Member to serve four-year term (Expires December 9, 2019); Appointment of

Expired City Council Downtown Development Authority Board Member whose term
shall coincide with the appointed council member’s term in office.
Councilman Blount motioned to appoint Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt to the Downtown
Development Authority; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford; the motion passed 5-0.

Councilman Alexander nominated Rocio Camacho for the Downtown Development
Authority 6- year term; second by Councilwoman Robinson.

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January 11, 2016 6:00pm
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Councilman Blount stated if the Council plans to appoint those positions, all positions
should be filled at one time and also noted the Council should review other candidates as
well to fill the positions.

Mr. Harris stated something Council may want to consider is developing procedures and
processes on how they would like to go about reviewing applications.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford asked if Council was allowed to vote during the Work Session
Meetings. Attorney Williams replied historically, Council has not voted during Work
Session Meetings, but are entitled to do so.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford noted Council should be consistent when making appointments for
citizens, and that the Council have all the information and have a discussion before
making these decisions.

Councilman Alexander again nominated Rocio Camacho for the Downtown Development
Authority 6-year term; second by Councilwoman Robinson; the motion failed 2-3
(Councilmembers Ford, Gantt and Blount opposed).

There was no vote on the 6 year-term or 4-year term position for the Downtown
Development Authority.

ITEM #6 —
RESOLUTION Appointment of Zoning Advisory Board Member to serve

remaining two years of a 3-year term (Expires July 2017)
Councilwoman Gantt motioned to Table this item until policies and procedures are in
place for board appointments; second Councilman Blount; the motion passed 5-0.

ITEM #7 —
ORDINANCE —
Amendment of the City of Stockbridge Ethics Ordinance
to increase the number of members appointed to the Ethics Board from three (3)
members to five (5) members. Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the Ordinance to increase the number of
members appointed to the Ethics Board from three (3) to five (5) members; second by
Councilwoman Gantt; the motion passed 5-0.

ITEM #8 -
RESOLUTION authorizing the City of Stockbridge requesting the Henry
County Legislative Delegation to introduce local legislation in the General
Assembly authorizing Charter amendment (s). Presented by: Michael Williams, City
Attorney
Attorney Williams stated there are two alternative Resolutions to choose from; one would
be an update of the Charter; the second one would be an amendment to the existing
Charter to allow for a Special Election to fill the vacancy of the Mayor's seat.

Attorney Williams expressed there are three things that need to be discussed based on
some of the suggestions that were made at the Town Hall Meeting last week. The first

suggestion is to have an election for the vacant mayor position; and, rather than having
plurality to determine the winner, a majority vote of at least 50% +1 would determine the
winner. Council would need to amend line #983 in the Charter, which has plurality voting.
The second suggestion would be to remove the reference to the “State Boards” in the

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Prohibitions on elected officials serving on a State board or authority. It was suggested for
line #792 to have an elected official to serve on the boards; and Council would need to
vote to remove that line referencing the State. The third suggestion references the Mayor
Pro Tem and their ability to vote or cast a veto. Attorney Williams expressed in the
absence or vacancy of the Mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem would not be allowed to veto
legislation, but would continue to vote as Mayor Pro Tem.

Attorney Williams informed Council if they do not chose to go with the Comprehensive
Charter, the 2"“ Resolution deals with the voting on the vacancy of the Mayor. Attorney
Williams stated the only change to that section would be the requirement of the 50%+1 of
the voters.

Counci man Alexander motioned to authorize a Special Election with plurality voting and
to come back to revisit the Charter changes; there was no second to the motion; the
motion failed.

Counci woman Gantt motioned to approve Option 1 to include all Charter changes and all
that is included in the Resolution; second by Councilman Blount; the motion passed 5-0.

Counci woman Gantt motioned to change Section 5 line #983; in order to become Mayor,
theymust have 50%+1 of voters; second by Councilman Blount; the motion passed 5-0.

Counci woman Gantt motioned to amend the Charter changes to allow line 792, to
remove the word “State”, to allow members of Council to become a part of state boards;

second by Councilwoman Robinson; the motion passed 5-0.

Counci woman Gantt motioned to eliminate from Section 2.35 lines 738 and 739 “the
Mayor Pro Tem shall not have veto power”; second by Councilman Blount; the motion
passed 4-0-1 ( Mayor Pro Tem Ford abstained).

Counci woman Gantt motioned to approve the entire Resolution to include the changes
as agreed upon; second by Councilwoman Robinson; the motion passed 5-0.

ITEM #9 — RESOLUTION - To award contract for Inclusive Playground Equipment
for Memorial Park in the amount of $80,134.18. Presented by: Michael Harris, City
Manager
Mr. Harris noted staff had been working in conjunction with the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) program with the County, to insure the project met all the
requirements and criteria and asked Council to move forward with Kompan for the
playground equipment.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Resolution to award the contract for
Inclusive Playground Equipment for Memorial Park in the amount of $80,134.18 to
Kompan; second by Councilwoman Robinson; the motion passed 5-0.

ITEM #10 —
RESOLUTION -
To award contract for Privatized Sanitation Services.
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager
Michael Harris, City Manager stated the City is at a point where the number of garbage
trucks are in need of major repairs; and it has become a matter of immediately looking at

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January 11, 2016 6:00pm
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a large capital investment to purchase new trucks or going to privatization.

Public Works Director, Kevin Walter noted there were a few important things to add to the
criteria. The first thing to note is: the privatizing of sanitation would not take away anything
from the citizens; recycling would be added; and no positons will be eliminated. Mr.
Walter recommended the Council approve Waste Industries and referenced a July 1,
2016 start date.

Councilman Alexander inquired on what type of containers the citizens would receive and
the separation process. Mr. Walter replied each customer would receive 2 containers,
one for general household waste and the second one for recyclable materials. Mr. Walter
also noted the proposal allows for pick up once a week.

Councilman Blount inquired on the longevity of the contract and wanted to know the
criteria for the elderly citizens to receive a reduction in cost. Mr. Walter answered the
longevity of the contract is a 3 year term and can be canceled with notice.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Resolution to award Waste Industries for
sanitation services; second by Councilman Alexander; the motion passed 5-0.
privatized

ITEM #11 -
ORDINANCE -
Creating the position of Economic Development Director.
Presented by: Councilman Alexander
Councilman Alexander noted the City had the position of Economic Development Director
in 2013 and is asking the City Council to reauthorize the position.

Linda Nabers, Treasurer noted the funding would require a Budget Amendment pulling
the funds for the position from the City’s reserves.

Renee Wheeler, Human Resource Manager stated this position was not included in the
FY16 budget and would need Council’s approval to include it.

Mr. Harris added that in 2014 the decision was made to eliminate the position along with
another Planning position; and that many of those duties have been combined and
molded into the current Administrative and Community Services Director.

Mr. Harris further noted staff would need clarity on how both the Economic Development
Director and the Administrative and Community Services Director would function and be
structured.

Councilman Blount motioned to Table this for further discussion at the upcoming Retreat;
second by Councilwoman Gantt; the motion passed 5-0.

ITEM #12 —
RESOLUTION Encouraging the business community to consider the

creation of Community Improvement Districts (CID) in Stockbridge community.
Presented by: Councilman Alexander
Councilman Alexander referenced other metro areas that have the CID (Community
Improvement Districts) and where businesses impose a tax on themselves to hire private
contractors to detail the grounds in the business district.

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January 11, 2016 6:00pm
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Councilman Blount stated he believes Council should reach out to the local business
community that would be affected to get a consensus from them before implementing
anything.

Councilman Blount motioned to Table this item; second by Councilwoman Gantt; the
motion passed 4-1 (Councilman Alexander opposed).

COUNCIL DISCUSSION

ITEM #13 —
Building repairs for City Hall and Municipal Court.
Discussion -

Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager
Mr. Harris noted the current City Hall structure was built in 2009 and has had some
challenges with severe leaking problems as well as the Municipal Court building.

Mr. Harris stated he has met with Public Works Director, Kevin Walter and noted actions
have been taken to help mitigate some of the problems. A thorough assessment of both

buildings has been completed; an assessment plan has been completed by Jacobs
Engineering; an RFP was generated and put out for bid with only one bid received (few
companies are experts in this field); staff has consulted with Jacobs Engineering. Staff
met with the sole bidder and reassessed the project and also went through an evaluating

engineering process to see if the cost could be reduced. Mr. Harris noted Council should
receive information within the next few days and staff will be prepared to give a
recommendation at the next council meeting.

ITEM #14 -
Discussion -
Career Expo at the Merle Manders Conference Center 1*‘
Qtr. 2016. Presented by: Councilman Alexander and Quinton Irvin, Goodwill Career
Center Manager, Stockbridge, GA
Councilman Alexander introduced Quinton Irvin, Goodwill Career Center Manager, and
stated that he would like to see the City partner with them about the job search resources
available through Goodwill Industries.

Mr. Irvin spoke about the resources available at GoodwiI|’s Career Center and stated they
are free of charge. Mr. Irvin introduced two career facilitators who joined him to speak
about the services they offer —
Ms. Tameka Ginn and Mr. Ray Bryant. They stated
they've established relationships with several businesses who are in need of qualiﬁed
applicants and would like to host a Career Expo at Merle Manders Conference Center on
March 3, 2016. He also asked that the Council help to recruit business/vendors to

participate in the job fair.

City Manager Michael Harris asked for clarification on whether this is considered a city-
sponsored event.
Motion to approve a Resolution for the Goodwill/Stockbridge Career Expo as a City Event
made by Councilman Alexander; second by Councilwoman Robinson; passed 4-0.
(Councilwoman Gantt was not present on the dais for the vote).

ITEM #15 —
Discussion -
Potential Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Henry
County to look into converting the SPLOST IV Sidewalk Project for Walt Stephens
Rd. to Multi-Use Paths connecting Walt Stephens Rd. to Reeves Creek Trail.
Presented by: Councilman Alexander
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January 11, 2016 6:00pm
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Councilman Alexander brought up for discussion the prospect of using $1 million dollars
in SPLOST funds to build multi-use paths along Walt Stephens Road and Flippen Road.
He stated it would need to be paid for initially by the City, but that it would be replenished
over a period of six years from county-collected SPLOST funds. He further stated that it
would enhance property values for the communities along the proposed trai|(s) and, due
to the benefit, would reduce the number of homes being sold in that same area.

Councilwoman Gantt mentioned that there is currently a master-trail project undenrvay
and asked Dale Hall, Administrative and Community Services Director, to provide
information regarding that project.

Mr. Hall noted the City is currently working with consultants from Yeager Company

regarding what is currently referred to as the Bicycle Pedestrian Trail plan which is a
comprehensive look at the city's needs, community input, and a financial strategy for such
plan, and they are presently scheduling meetings for resident input and should have a
completed plan by 3"‘ Quarter 2016.

There was no action taken on this item, and there was consensus to discuss it further at
the Retreat.

ITEM #16 —

Keep Stockbridge Beautiful Program adding beautification
Discussion -

to North Henry Blvd in front of Stockbridge Elementary School, the corner of Hwy
138 and North Henry Blvd, the hill in front of the water tower, at the I-75 exit, across
from the new Fairfield Inn Hotel, as well as keeping the city litter free on an
ongoing basis. Presented by: Councilman Alexander
Councilman Alexander referenced “Keeping Stockbridge Beautiful” particularly North

Henry Boulevard and the interstate exits. He asked Councilwoman Robinson and
Councilman Blount to speak regarding their support of a beautification project. Both
spoke in favor of the project and expressed a need for better upkeep of the City. .

Mr. Harris stated there are some initiatives coming up this year —
the first being a

Community Services project with the Municipal Court and expanding the current
landscaping contract.

There was no action taken on this item, and there was consensus to discuss it further at
the Retreat.

ITEM #17 —
Discussion of Committee Appointments
Mayor Pro-Tem Ford motioned to bring Committee Chair and Member appointments
forward at the January 26-2016 Work Session; second by Councilwoman Gantt; passed
5-0.

ITEM #18 —-
Discussion of Henry County GO! Grant Resolution
Presented by: Councilman Alexander
Councilman Alexander stated that Henry County DOT and Henry County Government
wants local municipalities to pass Resolutions supporting the GO! Initiative. He stated
there is a grant available, and they are considering placing a park-and-ride in Stockbridge
or at Jonesboro Road in McDonough.

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January 11, 2016 6:00pm
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Item to be presented at the January 26, 2016 Work Session upon review of deadline for
the grant application.

CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS
Michael Harris noted it was great hearing new ideas and excited about the enthusiasm
and energy from the Council.

COUNCIL’S COMMENTS
Councilman Alexander noted he was excited about the City's future and his goal is to be
productive; City needs discussion on transit at January 26”” meeting.

Councilman Blount thanked everyone for coming out.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for coming out and commended and thanked
staff.

Councilwoman Robinson wished everyone a Happy New Year and noted she was
passionate to work together as a team; ready to do the City's business and liked that staff
was present.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford stated it's a New Year with new beginnings and also stated the City has an
outstanding staff; announced Billy Petit as Henry County Paramedic of the Year!

Mayor Pro Tem Ford read the following News and Announcements:

Swearing-In Ceremony for New/y Elected Ofﬁcials, Thursday, January 14, 2016 at the
Merle Manders Conference Center 111 Davis Drive Stockbridge GA at 6pm.

- All City ofﬁces will be closed Monday, January 18, 2016 in observance of Martin Luther
King, Jr. Holiday.

0 Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 6pm. Council Chambers.

0 Coffee with a Cop spearheaded by Mayor Pro-Tem Ford will be held on Saturday, January
30, 2016 from 8:30am —
10am at Bridgeview Country Cooking 4727 N Henry Blvd,
Stockbridge, GA 30281.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk

4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30231 Phone: (770) 389-7900
January 11, 2016 6:00pm
