---
date: 2015-07-28
title: July 28, 2015 Minutes
source: 2015-07/2015-07-28_July 28, 2015_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

VPagel1

APPROVED MINIUTES
WORK SESSION
Cl I Y OF STOCKBRIDGE

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015 6:00 PM

Mayor 8. City Council Administration
‘l'im L Thompson, Mayor lvichael Harris, Gty Manager
Alphonso Thomas, Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Robin Buschman, Councilwoman Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk

Anthony 5. Ford, Councilman Michael Vlnllians, City Attorney
LaKeisha Gantt, Councilwoman
Regina Lewis Vllard, Councilworran

Mayor Thompson called the Work Session meeting to order at 6:00pm. City Clerk, Vanessa
Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All members of Council were present
and a quorum was confirmed.

invocation by Councilwoman Gantt.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to amend the Agenda to table item #4 Permit Process and
Procedures for Food Vendors; second by Councilman Ford; the motion passed 5/0.

Councilwoman Bushman motioned to adopt the amended agenda; Councilwoman Gantt
provided the second; the motion passed 5/0.

Ms. Sheri White and Mr. Mark with Georgia Department of Transportation presented the
I-75 South Metro Express Lanes Project Update.

Ms. White, I-75 South Project Manager presented to Mayor and Council the I-75 Express
Lane update. Ms. White explained this would be a system that would be used to bypass
the congestion, which would be another option for travelers. Ms. White state those who
uses the expressbuses in the area would also be able to use the express lanes for free.
Ms. White expressed this express lane would be compared to the express lanes of I-85
north; however south metro would be slightly different using 12 reversible lanes.

The construction will begin at SR 155 to SR 138 through the McDonough and Stockbridge
area. Ms. White explained the reversible lanes will allow traffic to flow towards the city
between the AM/PM hours and during special events. The project should take
approximately 2 years and should be open in 2017.

July 23, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 339-7900
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Ms. White stated the major areas that the construction will impact are: Mt. Carmel Rd, the
bridge on Flippen Rd. and H375 near Jonesboro Rd. Ms. White informed Council there will
be a new access location right off of Jonesboro Rd. Mt. Carmel bridge will close on

September 8, 2015 and will be replaced with a newly constructed bridge and an approved
detour route. Ms. White stated the reversible lanes will be maintained and controlled by
GDOT.

Mr. Mark spoke about the peach pass and stated GDOT will construct the lanes; once the
lanes have been constructed, State Road and Toll Authorities will operate the system. Mr.
Mark expressed those who would like to use the express lanes would have to get a free
peach pass sticker buy prepaying on an express lane account. The peach pass can also
be used for I-85 north in Gwinnett County. if any lane is used without a pass, there will be
a fine associated. Mr. Mark stated the tolling prices will fluctuate with the flow of traffic.

When traffic is at its highest, the toll prices will go up, when the traffic is at its lowest the toll
price will stay down. Mr. Mark expressed Peach passes can be purchased at any CV8 or
Walgreens Pharmacy.

Councilman Ford stated he understands the prices for the toll starts at $.50 and will be
regulated by the time of day. Councilman Ford then inquired if the prices would be regulated
by the number of tires passing through the express lanes. Mr. Mark replied the express
lanes price will be determined by using a computer system that will record the speed of the
cars and the volume of cars using the lanes.

Councilwoman Buschman asked if the time to reverse the lanes be the same time every
day. Mr. Mark replied yes they would remain the same. Councilwoman Buschman also
inquired on how the reverse lanes would keep the confusion down with wrong way drivers.
Mr. Mark responded there will be a barrier in place. -

Councilman Thomas expressed his concern for the merchants along the 12 mile stretch
and inquired about the feedback given from the merchants. Mr. Mark responded that Henry
County, Henry County Chamber and City of McDonough have all raised concerns. Mr. Mark
noted there will be signs posted advising drivers of their needs to get off at an exit prior to
or otherwise remain continue to use the general purpose lanes.
the 12 mile stretch
Councilman Thomas asked if known, how visual or noticeable the signs to exit prior to the
12—mil'e stretch would be for drivers, especially for travelers or non—residents. Mr. Mark
stated there are several-types of signs being used and is not sure which design will be used
for the express lanes. Ms. White noted there will be several signs posted before the express
lanes starts. Councilman Thomas asked if there was a speed limit change once inside the

express lanes. Mr. Mark replied the express lane will use the same speed as the general
purpose lanes.

Mayor Thompson and Councilwoman Lewis Ward presented the Citizens Academy
Certificates to first class of participants: Mildred Reed, Wanda Polite, Aneta Thomas Lee,
Josephine Burns Clark, Melvin J. Thomas Fulton, Donald Yee, Elizabeth Yee, Larry
Mitchell, Gail Walton, John P. Moran, Leonard Yancey, Wendell Moore, Tavaras J. Powell
and Sharon Booker.

Citizens Academy participant, Mildred Reed thanked Council and encourages all citizens
to attend the next Citizens Academy class. -

July 28, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389~7900
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Dale Hall, Administration & Community Services Director presented the 2015 Annual Short-
Term Work Program and Capital Improvements Element Annual Update and asked the
Council to consider approval at the next meeting.

Dale Hall, Administration &-Community Services Director presented the City’s Cleaning
Service proposals and noted the City recently put out an RFP forjanitorial services in late_
May. There were six companies that responded and asked Council to review and consider
selection and approval at the next meeting.

Councilman Thomas inquired as to whether or not the current janitorial services was
included in the bids; Mr. Hall replied that everyone was invited to bid, the current janitorial
services did not put in a bid.

Linda Nabers, Treasurer presented the 2"“ Quarter Budget Report. Ms. Nabers stated there
has been a slight amendment since the last Finance Committee Meeting and Council has
the changes in front of them. Ms. Nabers informed Council that staff has been tracking
revenues and so far, the City has collected through June 30”‘ in the General Fund
$3,513,339, and Expenses are at $3,833,787.

Ms. Nabers stated the Enterprise Funds Hotel/Motel revenue are coming in at $39,376,
while the expenses are at $20,746. The Urban Redevelopment fund (debt services fund for
City Hall and paid in February) is at $896,954 for expenses, Capital projects grant fund for
the LC] (Livable Center Initiative) and TE (Transportation Enhancement) the city has paid
$5,325 for South Berry sidewalks. The water and sewer fund with revenues are coming in
at $1,520,467, with expenses at $1,515,173. Stormwater fund is at $21,974 with revenues
coming in at the end of the year; while other expenses are at $130,077. Sanitation fundl
solid waste has revenues coming in at $595,002 with expenses at*$324,717, Merle
Manders Conference Center has a revenue of $99, 472 and expenses of $132,226. The
Ted Strickland center has revenues coming in at $18,275 with expenses at $19,259.
SPLOST 4 funds have revenue of $853,097 from the last six months.

Councilwoman Gantt inquired if the City has received SPLOST 4 revenues of $4 million

(dollars. Ms. Nabers replied that the report she presented represents January to June 2015.

Michael Harris, City Manager_presented‘project updates to include: LCI, RFP’S, Sign
Ordinance, Zoning Code, Feasibility Study, Sidewalks, and Annexations. Mr. Harris noted
the LCI began in 2001 and is a 10 year supplemental study in which was adopted by the
previous Council in 2012. Part of the implementations of the LCl are to include new zoning
and development standards that will support the new vision and plans. Mr. Harris further
stated that the City’s current zoning codes are the County’s old codes; and in 2014, the
previous Administrative & Community Services Director stated it would be necessary to
update the City’s codes.

Mr. Harris stated the city began the process of using the County's ULDC (Unified Land

Development Code) documents and implementing them into the city’s codes. This was
completed late February; and at that time it was discovered that process has already been
completed by a previous attorney. Staff began the process of going section by section, then
realized that method would take longer than expected. Mr. Harris stated he met with Mr.

July 28, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Ste ckbridge, GA 3 0281 Phone: (770) 3 89~790O
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Williams and Mr. Hall and they figured out the best process would be to bring in a consultant

to go through each section and help with an analysis. Mr. Harris stated he received a couple
of names from Mr. Hall and since have met with them. Mr. Harris stated once he receives
all the proposals he will bring it before Council for them to consider. Mr. Harris stated there
was a discussion in June with Council in regards to the codes and Council indicated they
wanted to move forward with a feasibility study as it relates to two of the initiatives identified
in the LC] which are the Amphitheater and Splash Pads/lce Skating Rink. Staff identified
and reached out to a couple of consultants and they are working on proposals. Prior to that,
there was .a concept of revamping the area being City Hall anda complementary docket
establishing a Historic Downtown Area. Mr. Harris stated the City anticipates finalizing this
request and having a consultant on board within the next 30 to 60 days.

Mr. Harris stated in regards to the RFP’s; thejanitorial services was discussed this evening.
The IT Services RFP was discussed at the last retreat; the proposal is currently out and is
due back August 11, 2015. Creek Service Preservations had a design completed last year,
and the bid documents have been prepared and should be back within the next 30 days.
Mr. Harris also stated the draft RFP has been completed for the Reservation System; and
assessments have been completed and will be submitted to the purchasing department
this week. Mr. Harris stated in regards to the New Public Works Facility, the RFP’s have
been finalized and is currently being reviewed by the purchasing department. In regards to
Sanitation Sen/ices, there was a Town Hall meeting held a few weeks back to get receive
input from the public. A draft has been completed and a meeting will be held next week to
be finalized.

Mr. Harris stated there was a concern with the water meters before investing into a large
capital expenditure; staff wanted to make sure they did the proper paper work. Mr. Harris
stated staff also took the time to visit at least six jurisdictions to see what type of smart
water meters they are currently using. The smart water meters will allow staff to check water
meters without having to physically walk and check the meters. Mr. Harris also stated, staff
has currently drafted an RFP and anticipates it to be completed within the next 30 days.

Mr. Harris noted for Council and public consideration that a year ago, all RFP’s were done
by andoutside engineer and that staff is now preparing RFP’s in—house.

Mr. Harris stated that at the Council Retreat that was held in April; Council directed staff to
look into moving forward with a Feasibility Study for the entire city, opposed to certain areas
of the city in regards to annexations and assess the full impact on the city. Mr. Harris noted
that Mr. Hall had been in contact with Carl Vinson Institute of Government and had begun
the process of completing the interviews that also included both city and county staff. Mr.
Harris also stated .staff has been working with the Tax Commissioner Office and plans to
have a completion date no later than late October, early November.
Mr. Harris also stated in regards to the Carriage Lake Subdivision, staff compiled a letter in
conjunction with the Carriage Lake HOA, and over 200 annexation packets have been
prepared. Mr. Harris stated the one key component with annexations and the reason the
process was not previously completed was because of the use of the 60% method. The
actual State method requires both 60% of property owners and 60% of registered voters.
Mr. Harris stated staff will continue to work with the HOA and will submit the annexation
packets over to them.

July 28, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mr. Harris spoke about the Master Trail Plan in regards to sidewalk and noted that in some
areas they may be appropriate, but would like to look at areas that would
require a 10ft.
Multi—Use Trail opposed to a 5ft sidewalk. Mr. Harris further stated the goal of the City is to
have the trail completed by the 13‘ quarter 2016.

Mr. Harris stated that Phase ll of South Berry Street was originally a Transportation
Enhancement Grant Project and was tied with another project. And after speaking with the
County’s CDBP representative thinks CDBG would be a good candidate for Phase ll South
Berry Street. Mr. Harris explained he has been in contact with the engineer and noted the
plans had been designed and submitted to the County last month for review. The county
redlined and sent the designs back to the engineer earlier this week and the
engineers
indicated they would submit the designs back to the County by this Friday and once all
redlined items had been addressed. They anticipate a 10-day turn around, and once
plans
are approved, the County will move forward with the bidding
process. The goal is to have
the bid out within the next few weeks.

Mr. Harris noted the Administration staff has been working with the Public Works staff and
have identified and received proposals for some of the city's worst areas for sidewalk
repairs. The challenge is they feel the process is a sole source, and once confirmed, staff
can proceed. '

Mr. Harris stated the draft has been completed for the Street Sign Ordinance, and is in the

process of scheduling Town Hall meetings to include HOA’s.

Public Comments were made by: .

Leonard Yancey —
Commented on Transfer Station Nuisance (Noise)
Wendell Moore —
Commented on grass cutting conditions of the City.
Melvin Fulton —

Stop Sign request —

Tye/Rosenwald
Judy Neal —
Commented on Back-to—School initiative
Elton Alexander —
Commented on LCl and other City projects

Michael Harris, City Manager noted City Projects were progressing favorably.

Councilwoman Buschman congratulated members of the Citizens Academy and noted
‘knowledge is
power’, a very important tool and to use it; also referenced the City's
unemployment rate being 2nd behindEast Point.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward thanked everyone who believed in the Citizens Academy and
thanked staff and students for 6 «7 weeks of participation; also noted that knowledge is
power and to share it; invited everyone to the Lunch & Learn on 8/27; invited seniors out to
the Public Safety Committee meeting on 8/21.

Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas noted that the annual initiative "Don't Trash Stockbridge”
is to bring awareness to the community; and also noted that the recent
B,ack—to-School
Kick—Off in partnership with Global impact Ministries and 35 other local organizations
impacted the lives of families with the donations of nearly 700 free book bags filled with
school supplies.

July 28, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389~7900
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Councilman Ford_noted that it was good to see everyone come out and continue to do so;
congratulated Citizens Academy students; invited everyone to a new initiative “Coffee with
a Cop" where you will have an opportunity to sit down at a local restaurant from 8:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. Saturday morning coffee will be paid for by Councilman Ford. More

information to come.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for coming out; congratulated the participants of
the Citizens Academy; thanked everyone for coming out to make Sounds of Summer a
huge success; thanked staff, and particularly Mr. Harris for due diligence and hard work
with the City’s progress.

Mayor Thompson« thanked everyone for coming out and congratulated the members of the Citizens
Academy.

Mayor Thompson read the following announcements:

City Council Meeting —

Monday, August 10, 2015 at 6pm —

City Hall Council Chamber 2””
Floor .

Community Relations Committee Meeting —Wednesday, August 12, 2015 6pm —

City Hall
Levi Meeting Room Councilman Alphonso Thomas, Committee Chair.

Public Works Committee Meeting —

Wednesday, August 12, 2015 7pm —

City Hall Levi
Meeting Room —
Councilwoman Robin Buschman, Committee Chair.

City Clerk referenced a Main Street Meet & Greet to be held at the Merle Manders
Conference Center on August 21, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

Councilman Thomas motioned to enter into Executive Session to discuss items: A, B, F, &H;
second by Councilman Ford; the motion passed 5/0. Councilwoman Gantt exited the meeting
and did not attend Executive Session.

Councilwoman Buschman motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by Councilman
Thomas; the motion passed 4/0

Councilwoman Buschman motioned to reconvene back into the regular Work Session;
second by Councilman Thomas; the motion passed 4/0.

Councilman Thomas motioned to adjourn the Work Session meeting; second by Councilman
Ford; the ion passed 4/0.

Respectfully submitted by:
it i

r¢/"/,6"/‘I 4(
4,2 1/,

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
71“ /7 L 9/lhbh%QP .

July 28, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389~7900
