---
date: 2024-08-20
title: Downtown Development Authority Agenda Packet
source: 2024-08/2024-08-20_Downtown Development Authority_Agenda Packet.pdf
pages: 1
---

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT Downtown Development
AUTHORITY OF THE
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE Authority
BOARD MEMBERS Meeting Agenda
Robert Anderson, Chair August 20, 2024 6:00 PM
Warren Washington, Vice-Chair
Frangela Merritt, Treasurer
Kenya Cook, Secretary
Darrell Stamper, Board Member
Vacant, Board Member
Councilmember Elton Alexander

ADMINISTRATION
Frederick Gardiner, City Manager

Vacant
Economic Development Director

Lisa Fareed STOCKBRIDGE DOWNTOWN CONNECTION CENTER
130 M L KING SR. HERITAGE TRAIL
Downtown Main Street Manager STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281
Website: www.stockbridgega.org
Phone: 770-389-7900
Cassandra Lester, Recorder Fax: 770-389-7912

Blake Sharpton, Attorney
AGENDA
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2024 6:00 PM

I. Call to Order
1. Roll Call
2. Motions for additions or deletions to the proposed agenda
3. Approve Agenda
4. Approve July 16, 2024 Meeting Minutes
II. Officers Reports
5. Chairman’s Comments - Anderson
6. Vice Chair’s Comments - Washington
7. Treasurer’s Update - Merritt
8. Secretary’s Updates - Cook
III. Old Business
9. Update on the DDA/EDD/CDA Joint Sponsorship Amphitheater Table
Promotion
10. Update on the Joint DDA/City Burke Street Parking Lot Renovation
Project
11. Update on the DDA MLK Sr. Heritage Trail Special District Façade
Grant Program / Signing & Sealing of Resolution
IV. New Business
12. None
V. City Staff Reports
13. City Council Liaison - Councilmember Alexander
14. Economic Development Department Liaison - City Manager Frederick
Gardiner
15. Main Street Advisory Board Liaison - Main Street Manager Lisa Fareed
VI. Executive Session (if needed)
VII. Adjourn
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Board Members City Staff
Robert Anderson, Chair - Present Cassandra Lester, Deputy City Clerk - Present
Warren Washington, Vice Chair - Present Vacant, Economic Development Director
Frangela Merritt, Treasurer - Absent Lisa Fareed, Main Street Manager – Present
Kenya Cook, Secretary - Present Frederick Gardiner, City Manager – Present
Darrell Stampler, Board Member - Present
Vacant, Board Member Guest Speaker
Elton Alexander, City Council Liaison - Present

Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.

Chair Anderson proceeded with a roll call. All members were present except Treasurer Merritt.
Vice-Chair Washington joined the meeting at 6:11 p.m.

Chair Anderson moved the Economic Development Department Update to follow Secretary’s
Updates on the Agenda and called for a motion to approve the Agenda. Motion to approve the
Agenda made by Councilmember Elton Alexander seconded by Board Member Kenya Cook.
The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

The June 18th, 2024, meeting minutes were not approved.

Officer Reports
Chair's Comments-Anderson
Chair Anderson recited the statement, "With integrity and transparency, the D.D.A. shall strive
for sustainable trade, commerce, industry, and employment growth within the Downtown
Development District." and proceeded with the meeting.

Vice-Chair Comments-Washington
Vice-Chair Washington had no updates to present.

Treasurer Update-Merritt-Financial Report
During Treasurer Merritt's absence, Chair Anderson presented the balance sheet for the
Downtown Development Authority.

The operating account started at $24,625.74. $1,085.00 was paid for the annual storage cost,
and $6.45 was paid for a combination lock for the storage unit. The balance as of July 16th,
2024, is $23,534.29.

The Façade account remains at $30,000.

The Project account started at $210,799.45. $6,450.00 was paid to the attorneys Butler and
Snow for legal fees related to the sale of 114 MLK Senior Heritage Trail. The balance as of July
16th, 2024, is $204,349.45.

According to Treasurer Merritt's written report there are two pending payments: $232.00 to
Butler & Snow and $3,500.00 to the C.D.A. to which Treasurer Merritt writes, "I shall pay within
the next seven days."

Page 1 of 4
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Secretary Update-Vacant
Vice-Chair Washington motioned to nominate Board Member Kenya Cook to become the
Downtown Development Authority secretary. Board Member Cook second and accepted. The
motion passed unanimously

City Staff Reports
City Staff Updates- Frederick Gardiner – Stockbridge City Manager
Mr. Gardiner presented project updates to the D.D.A. Board.

Parking Lot Renovation:
Quotes were received for the renovation of the parking lot. The new quote's scope of work
included leveling the parking lot, seal coating, restriping, trash pads, and dumpsters. Several
quotes were received, with the lowest being $8,361.00 and $6,720.00.

During the discussion, the Board sought clarification on whether there were any restrictions on
the D.D.A. spending funds on the parking lot, given its classification as infrastructure. The
D.D.A. tasked the City Manager, Frederick Gardiner, with consulting legal counsel to determine
if it was permissible under the D.D.A. law to fund parking lot projects.

Vice-Chair Washington motioned to approve the parking lot project consisting of leveling the
parking lot, seal coating, restriping, trash pads, and dumpsters. However, this approval was
contingent upon the opinion of legal counsel regarding the D.D.A.'s ability to fund the project. If
legal counsel approves the project, it will proceed without further authorization. Councilmember
Alexander seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0-1, with Chair Anderson abstaining.

MLK Sr Heritage Trail Façade Grant:
The D.D.A. Board outlined the requirements for facade grant improvements in the M.L.K. Senior
Heritage Trail area as follows:

• For Grants ranging from $0 to $15,000. Business owners are not required to provide
matching contributions.
• For Grants exceeding $15,001, business owners must match 33% of the grant amount.
• The business must have front and back facade views visible from the public street.
• No upfront payments are required from the business owner. However, three quotes must
be submitted to the D.D.A. for approval.
• Payments will be made directly to the approved contractor upon project completion.
• No changes to the façade are allowed for five years.
• Façade renovation must comply with Stockbridge's unified design code.

Vice-Chair Washington made the motion to approve; seconded by Councilmember Alexander.
The motion passed unanimously.

Old Business
Delivery of proceeds - 114 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Chair Anderson requested clarification on delivering the payment to the City of Stockbridge from
the 114 MLK Senior Heritage Trail sale. City Manager Frederick Gardiner states he will assist
with coordinating receipt of funds.
Page 2 of 4
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Update on Joint Sponsorship Amphitheater Table
Vice-Chair Washington mentions he met with sponsors interested in enhancing businesses and
beautifying the downtown area during football season. He also comments that he met with
potential organizations interested in hosting fundraising events for non-profits in the Downtown
Area.

New Business
New Downtown Development Authority Member – Kenya Cook
Mr. Cook introduced himself and was welcomed to the Downtown Development Board. He was
also accepted as the new D.D.A. Board secretary.

Adjusting Meeting Time
The Board discussed changes to meeting time. No changes were made.

City Staff Reports
Main Street
Main Street Manager Lisa Fareed has announced that D.C.A. has selected Stockbridge Main
Street as Main Street of the month for July. She remarks it is the first time in nine years, making it
a notable moment; mentioned the ribbon cutting for Shalome Personal Home Care at 157 Burke
Street; states that Main Street is starting the Tiny Tent series from 6-8 p.m. on the next five
Fridays with a live band; highlighted the movie nights have been very successful, with an average
of 350-400 participants; mentions the Economic Development Art Box Project and is hopeful for
phase two this fall.

City Council Update
Council Updates
Councilmember Elton Alexander expressed his excitement about the impressive S.T.E.M. school
renderings and mentioned that plans to move forward are now in progress; presented the idea of
repurposing the portion of Patrick Henry High School that was used as Hawkins High School in
the Netflix series Stranger Things as a potential tourist attraction; suggested that if the D.D.A.
board decides to proceed with this idea, it should contact the Henry County School Board before
demolition takes place.

Executive Session – Real Estate Matters
No Updates

Chair Anderson called for a motion to adjourn; Elton Alexander motioned to adjourn the meeting
at 7:28 p.m., seconded by Secretary Cook. The Motion passed unanimously. The minutes were
written by Deputy City Clerk Cassandra Lester.

Executive Session Criteria GA Code
Discuss or vote to authorize the settlement of a matter covered by the attorney-client 50-14-2(1) and
privilege. Identify the case or claim discussed but not the substance of the attorney-client 50-14-3(b)(1)(A)
discussion.
Discuss or vote to authorize negotiations to purchase, dispose of or lease property. 50-14-3(b)(1)(B)
Discuss or vote to authorize the ordering of an appraisal related to the acquisition or 50-14-3(b)(1)(C)
disposal of real estate.
Discuss or vote to enter into a contract to purchase, dispose of, or lease property subject to 50-14-3(b)(1)(D)
Page 3 of 4
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

approval in a subsequent public vote.
Discuss or vote to enter into an option to purchase, dispose of, or lease real estate. 50-14-3(b)(1)(E)
Discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, 50-14-3(b)(2)
disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or
employee.
Meeting to interview one or more applicants for the position of the executive head of an 50-14-3(b)(2)
agency.
A meeting otherwise required to be open was closed to the public in order to consult and 50-14-2(1)
meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims,
administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against
the agency or any officer or employee or in which the agency or any officer or employee
may be directly involved and the matter discussed was [identify the matter but not the
substance of the discussion.
Staff meeting held for investigative purposes under duties or responsibilities imposed by 50-14-3(a) (1)
law.

Page 4 of 4
