---
date: 2019-03-11
title: March 11, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes
source: 2019-03/2019-03-11_March 11, 2019 City Council Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 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 Community Development Director
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilwoman Neat Robinson Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilman Alphonso Thomas Michael Williams, City Attorney
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 – Chair June Wood

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call – All members were in attendance except Councilwoman Robinson
who was attending the National League of Cities conference.

Motion to amend the Agenda to: Add Item #15 – Council Consideration to urge
the Stockbridge Legislative Delegation to create a Public Facilities Authority; Add
Item #16 – Council Consideration to amend the Job Classification for the
Building Permit Coordinator from Non-Exempt to Exempt status; Add Item #17 –
Council Consideration to approve use of the Merle Manders Conference Center
on 3/25/2019 for a Henry County Clergy event. Blount/Gantt – Passed 4-0.

I. Adoption of the Minutes for the following meetings:

1. 1/14/2019

2. 1/31/2019
Motion to approve: Gantt/Alexander: Passed 4-0.

March 11, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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CEREMONIAL REVIEW
Mayor Ford reviewed the following ceremonial items:
Women’s History Month Proclamation – Celebration of City Staff
Women’s History Month Celebration - Volunteer Appreciation
Annual African-American Heritage Celebration - Volunteer Appreciation
Adopt-a-Street - Zeta Mu Nu Alumni Chapter of the Omega Si Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Youth Day 2019
Red Oak United Methodist Women 150-year Anniversary

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.

Ms. Mildred Reed made a request to the Council on behalf of the Henry
County Council on Aging for use of the Merle Manders Conference Center on
September 8, 2019 (first choice) or September 5, 2019 (second choice) for a
fundraising event.

3. Mayor Ford presented the 2019 Mayor’s State of the City Address

PUBLIC HEARING
VARIANCE REQUEST: VR-18-14-S

4. Ngozi Ochulo of Locust Grove, GA has requested a Variance to reduce
the minimum rear setback requirements from seventy-five feet (75’) to
forty-five feet (45’) to construct a home on a golf course lot, on the
property located at 845 Cog Hill, in Land Lot 17 of the 6th District. The
property consists of 0.55 +/- acres.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director

Public Hearing: No speakers in favor or opposed

Motion to approve with the following condition: At least 50’ setback.
Gantt/Blount. Passed 3-0-1 (Alexander abstained).

NEW BUSINESS

5. Council Consideration approve a Resolution to adopt the Henry County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan; to Transmit this Resolution
to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
Presented by Decius Aaron – Public Works Director
Motion to approve: Gantt/Alexander – Passed 4-0.
March 11, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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6. Council Consideration adopt the revised 2019 Planning & Zoning
schedule and Planning Commission meeting dates.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Motion to approve: Alexander/Gantt – Passed 4-0.

7. Council Consideration to approve an Ordinance creating Impact Fees
for the City of Stockbridge.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Motion to approve: Alexander/Blount – Passed 4-0.

8. Council Consideration to adopt Impact Fee Schedule
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Motion to approve: Alexander/Blount – Passed 4-0.

9. Council Consideration to adopt an Ordinance requiring Homeowner
and Neighborhood Associations to register with the City.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Motion to approve: Gantt/Blount – Passed 4-0.

10.Council Consideration to approve Resolution to move forward with an
RFP for the creation of the City’s Zoning Ordinance & Unified
Development Code (UDC).
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Motion to approve: Alexander/Gantt – Passed 4-0.

DISCUSSION

11.Demolition Services.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
No Action

12.Annexation
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
No Action

13.Update on Parking Requirements for subdivisions Presented by
Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Item to be presented for Consideration at the April 8, 2019 Council
Meeting.

14.Update on RFP for Towing Services for Parking Requirements.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
No Action

March 11, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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15.Council Consideration to approve a Resolution to establish a Public
Facilities Authority.
Presented by Michael Williams, City Attorney
Motion to approve: Alexander/Gantt – Passed 4-0.

16.Council Consideration to approve an Ordinance amending the
Classification for the Building & Permit Coordinator position from
Non-Exempt status to Exempt status.
Presented by Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
Motion to approve: Gantt/Alexander – Passed 4-0.

17.Council Consideration to approve use of the Merle Manders
Conference Center for a Clergy Roundtable Meeting on
March 25, 2019 (at the request of Councilwoman Robinson).
Presented by Mayor Anthony S. Ford
Motion to approve: Blount/Alexander – Passed 4-0.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Randy Knighton thanked staff for their efforts; noted the City has received 100% of
the construction plans for the amphitheater and will be putting out bids; noted
tremendous progress is being made.

COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
Vanessa Holiday thanked the Mayor & Council for the Women’s History Month
acknowledgements.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas thanked Michael Hightower of the South Metro Development
Organization for the Perseverance Award presented to the City; invited everyone to
the 9th Annual Carrie Mae Hambrick Day Celebration on May 18th sponsored by the
Stockbridge Civic Association; referenced the Cultural Arts Center named for
Mrs. Hambrick; acknowledged Diane Miller as the new owner of the Green Front
Café and noted a special presentation during this year’s event.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount also thanked Mr. Hightower for the distinguished honor
during the SMDO event and noted the difference he is making not only in south
metro, but the region; noted the City is moving forward, whereas in a time where so
much change is occurring, moving forward has no color, race, or religion, it’s simply
progress; thanked the citizens for being a part to help promote and better the City;
and noted things are being done right now that you never would have dreamed of
twenty years ago, and they are historical; and thanked his fellow colleagues for
being a part of the vision to move the City forward.

March 11, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for coming out and asked for their continued
prayers and support and noted there are 6 members of the Governing Body and
28,000 residents; thanked Mr. Hightower for recognizing the hard work of the City
and the citizens of Stockbridge on a day-to-day basis; thanked staff for their work;
referenced a neighborhood sign that spoke about volunteering, whether it be at
schools, or picking up trash along the roadside – stating, it takes a village, and
everyone has to do their part; asked that everyone respect where we live and make
sure all areas of the City are pristine.

Councilman Alexander noted the City’s media presence and referenced YouTube;
echoed the SMDO comments further stating Mr. Hightower was a champion of the
southside; noted it was good to recognize Women’s History Month where 21
exceptional women were recognized including Judge Pandora Palmer, First Female
State Court Judge in Henry County, Pam Bettis, First Female Solicitor General of
Henry County, and First Lt. Andrea Lewis, First African American Female Pilot of
the Georgia Air National Guard; noted the Council’s support of legislation and
policies passed in support of women regarding business and wages; spoke to the
health issues of women; asked the community to support and advocate for the
facility for the Youth and an Arts Center during the SPLOST V discussions; asked
the Council to support three projects getting off the ground this year; spoke about
the Keep Stockbridge Beautiful campaign along with Councilman Thomas’ Don’t
Trash Stockbridge Initiative as both being collective efforts to help keep the City’s
roadways free of debris and entice travelers to exit in Stockbridge and contribute to
the local businesses, because in doing so, keeps the City from having to impose a
City Tax upon its residents, and further noted that being located along I-75 is a gift
that comes with the responsibility of keeping the City clean.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford referenced remarks he made in the State of City Address earlier in the
evening; noted he has a listening ear, encourages open dialogue and in doing so,
helps the elected body make sound collective decisions; thanked Mr. Hightower
for the Perseverance Award presented to the City, and thanked him for being a
great supporter of the City and his work with the City’s Comprehensive Plan; noted
the City is on an upswing with everyone is coming together to get it done for the
citizens. God Bless, appreciates everyone for listening.

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.

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

March 11, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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• 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
Levi Meeting Room (note change in location).

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

• City Council meeting, Monday, March 8, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council
Chamber

UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Monthly Bingo Bash – Wednesday, March 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

• Paint Henry Blue – Raising Awareness for the Prevention of Child Abuse – Thursday,
March 28, 2019. Stay tuned to the City’s Social Media pages for more information.

• Keep Stockbridge Beautiful, Saturday, March 30, 2019 – Location TBD; spearheaded by
Councilman Alexander. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

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

ONGOING INITIATIVES
• Meet 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.

• 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.

March 11, 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 Real Estate, Personnel and Litigation:
Gantt/Alexander – Passed 4-0.

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

Motion to reconvene the meeting: Alexander/Gantt – Passed 4-0.

Motion to retain the legal services of Jack Wilson to assist the City in its litigation and
negotiation with Henry County on the Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) Agreement
Gantt/Blount – Passed 4-0.

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

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