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title: 2017 01 09 2017 Minutes
source: 2017/2017_01_09_2017_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
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Stockbridge
Bringing People Together

APPROVED SUMMARY MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2017 6:00 p.m.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Judy Neal Michael Harris, City Manager
Mayor Pro Tem Anthony S. Ford Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilman Elton Alexander Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilman John Blount Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
Councilwoman Neat Robinson
Mayor Neal Call the meeting to Order at 6:00PM.

Invocation by Bishop Michael Strickland of Victory Tabernacle.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in Unison.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All members of
Council were present and a quorum was confirmed.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to amend the Agenda to remove Item #9 – Engineering
Services to be heard at the January 31, 2017 Work Session meeting; second by
Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Minutes of 11/14/2016 and 11/29/2016
as printed; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve the re-appointment of City Attorney, Michael
Williams; second by Councilwoman Robinson. The motion passed 5-0.

CEREMONIAL

1. Proclamation – Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Celebration
Presented by: Mayor Neal

January 9, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mayor Neal read and presented the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday
Proclamation to Eugene Edwards, President of the Henry County NAACP.

2. Proclamation – National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Presented by: Mayor Neal
Mayor Neal read and presented the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
to Bishop Michael Strickland of Victory Tabernacle. Bishop Strickland expressed
what Human Trafficking does to children and encourages all citizens to help
makes all children everyone’s responsibility.

3. Letter of Commendation presented to Stockbridge High School Football Team.
Presented by: Mayor Neal
Mayor Neal presented a Letter of Commendation to the Stockbridge High School
Football Team 2016 4AAAAA Region Champions.

4. Letter of Commendation presented to Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy
Football Team.
Presented by: Mayor Neal
Mayor Neal presented a Letter of Commendation to the Eagle’s Landing
Christian Academy 2016 4A State Champions.

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.

 Pastor Cecilia L. Green spoke in support of the Smoking Ban with minors in the vehicle.
 Steven W. Guettler spoke in support of the Smoking Ban with minors in the vehicle.

OLD BUSINESS

5. Presentation - Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Plan
Presented by: Madie Fischetti, ASLA of WLA Studio
Michael Harris, City Manager noted this item came to fruition by the previous
Council to create a Master Trail Plan to make recommendations to develop an
integrated pedestrian and bicycle network accommodating a wide range of users.
Also noting, the City could provide a safe and connected transportation system
for the citizens of Stockbridge.

Mr. Harris introduced Madie Fischetti, ASLA of WLA Studio. Ms. Fischetti
explained this plan was started by the City because there was no comprehensive
plan showing connectivity in the City and noted their main goal is to create a
safe, connected and efficient transportation system for the citizens which could
become and alternate or active transportation.

Ms. Fischetti referenced the three (3) phases when creating a plan: Inventory
Analysis, Opportunity and the Final Recommendation.
January 9, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Ms. Fischetti stated after completing assessments and surveys, the City has
good sidewalks, especially in smaller neighborhoods, which would be considered
assets and noted the top priorities from citizens who answered the survey would
be to: expand the network, improve safety, nurture a culture for health and fitness
and to improve the environment. Ms. Fischetti further stated, putting the plan in
place would be the best thing to do before trying to get grant approval.

Councilman Alexander posed the question of what would be the first thing done
to improve the safety measures. Ms. Fischetti’s response was to install mid-walk
crossings on North Henry Blvd.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford expressed his thanks for the presentation and stated the
City will work on obtaining grants.

Councilwoman Robinson asked if this was something the City could get involved
with doing. Mr. Harris responded, once the plan is approved and adopted, the
goal is to adopt the recommended policy and eventually the Master Trail Plan.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve the Resolution authorizing the
Stockbridge Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trail Plan; second by Councilman
Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

6. Ordinance – Banning Smoking in Vehicles Containing Minors
Presented by: Councilman Blount
Councilman Blount thanked everyone for their support of this proposed ordinance
and noted he sees how committed the community is to acknowledging sports in
the City and asks for the same support for the health and well- being of minors
trapped in cars with irresponsible adult smokers and to support the proposed
ordinance and motioned to approve the Ordinance to ban smoking in vehicles
containing minors; second by Councilwoman Gantt.

Councilman Alexander expressed his concerns with not wanting to see citizens
charged a $500 fine and the creation of another law where the Henry County
Police Department could give out tickets (for the original stop; i.e. broken tail light
or expired tag) and cite for those caught smoking in vehicles with minors.

Councilwoman Gantt noted State Representative Sandra Scott will present a
similar House Bill to the State asking the entire State to ban adults from smoking
in cars with minors and further noted the enforcement of the proposed ordinance
would not be any different than speeding or texting while driving violations.

Councilwoman Robinson noted that while she favors the idea behind the
smoking ban, but doesn’t believe this is the right timing considering State
Representative Sandra Scott’s proposal, and rather the City support her efforts.

Councilwoman Gantt stated the City of Stockbridge should take the lead and set
the precedence.

January 9, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mayor Pro Tem Ford asked if the Henry County Police would be able to enforce
the ordinance in light of the SDS Agreement.

Mr. Harris response was both the City’s Code Enforcement Officers and the Off-
Duty Henry County Police would both be able to enforce the ordinance.

The motion passed 3-2 (Alexander and Robinson opposed).

NEW BUSINESS

7. Resolution – Banning Smoking in Vehicles Containing Minors
Presented by: Councilman Alexander
Councilman Blount motioned to remove this item from the Agenda; second by
Councilman Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

8. Resolution - Main Street Memorandum of Understanding
Presented by: Kira Harris Braggs – Main Street Manager
Mrs. Harris-Braggs noted the Resolution would renew the Memorandum of
Understanding with the Department of Community Affairs and the State of
Georgia, which would allow the City to maintain its accreditation with the Main
Street Program.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford motioned to approve the Resolution for the Main Street
Memorandum of Understanding; second by Councilwoman Robinson.
The motion passed 5-0.

9. Resolution – To Introduce at the Regular 2017 Session of the General Assembly
of Georgia local legislation providing for the revision of the Corporate City Limits
of the City of Stockbridge.
Presented by: Michael Williams, City Attorney
Attorney Williams noted there was a study completed by the Carl Vinson Institute
for the City of Stockbridge regarding annexations and further noted the proposed
Resolution is asking the General Assembly to consider introducing legislation
that would annex certain portions of land into the City boundaries. Attorney
Williams further noted that if approved, copies would be provided to all of the
Henry County delegation with the hopes of having the General Assembly
approve the annexation plan with respect to commercial areas; residential areas
and would require referendums to occur.

Attorney Williams noted his recommendation to the Council was to approve the
Resolution.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Resolution to Introduce at the
Regular 2017 Session of the General Assembly of Georgia local legislation
providing for the revision of the Corporate City Limits of the City of Stockbridge;
second by Councilman Blount. The motion passed unanimously 5-0. The
proposed map will be placed on the City’s website.

January 9, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mayor Pro Tem Ford expressed the importance of keeping the public of the
proposed annexations and reiterated that the map would be placed on the City’s
website and if there are any citizens who would like to express their opinions to
submit their questions to staff and those questions and/or concerns would be
relayed to the Henry County Legislative Delegation.

DISCUSSION

10. Scheduling Ceremonial Presentations
Presented by: Mayor Neal
Mayor Neal noted observations after being in office few weeks and wanted to
incorporate some ideas that would help streamline the meeting and suggested
the following:
 Streamline and organize Work Session meetings to insure each member
of Council, City Manager and the City Attorney are given every opportunity
to present ideas for discussion and to insure all items are thoroughly
examined prior to placing them on the Agenda
 Streamline City Council meetings to get right to business
 Limit the time staff members are required to work past their normal work
hours
Mayor Neal made a request to Council to agree to retain the 2017 Council
Meetings and Work Session dates with the following changes:
 To remove all ceremonial photo taking both from the City Council and
Work Session Agendas; and, at Council’s discretion to choose to present
them either quarterly or monthly, up to 30 minutes before a City Council
meeting.
Mayor Neal proposed the following to Council in regards to the Work Session
Meetings:
 Move the Work Session meetings to the Levi Conference Room
 Begin each Work Session meeting at 3:00PM to allow Council, Mayor
and staff to work cohesively around a table to work together.
 To have access to staff during normal work hours
 Allow full vetting and planning regarding any ideas on matters that are
pertinent to the City
 Allow the citizens who work at night or cannot drive at night the option to
attend the meetings either at 3pm or 6pm; all voting will still occur at the
regular 6:00PM City Council meeting.
 Allow any item determined at a Work Session as an emergency item by
either the City Attorney or City Manager; and all Executive Session would
be only at the Regular City Council meeting with the exception of an
emergency deemed by the City Attorney or City Manager

Following Council discussion, Councilwoman Robinson motioned to change the
scheduling of ceremonial presentations to occur between 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
(time to be determined at the Mayor’s discretion); second by Mayor Pro Tem
Ford. The motion passed 5-0.

January 9, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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11. Amending the 2017 Council Meeting Schedule
Presented by: Mayor Neal

Councilman Alexander expressed his concerns with the proposed changes for
the Work Session Meetings and to continue voting at the Work Session
Meetings.

Councilman Blount noted the proposed time change would cause a schedule
conflict for him and preferred to have the meetings remain in the Council
Chamber.

Mayor Pro Tem expressed his concerns with changing the meeting time and also
preferred to hold the meetings in the Council Chamber.

Councilwoman Robinson noted she was agreeable to a meeting time after 3:00
p.m. but that and was willing to do so on a trial bases.

Mayor Neal asked Council if 4:00 p.m. would be better for everyone, and the
consensus of the Council was to continue the schedule of 6:00 p.m. for the Work
Session meetings

CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS
 Mr. Harris had no comments.

COUNCIL’S COMMENTS
 Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for coming out; wanted citizens to know
the Council and staff are working to make Stockbridge better every day; noted City
is moving forward and embracing the policies that will make Stockbridge the best
City.
 Councilman Blount thanked everyone for coming out; noted his passion for the
City; thanked everyone for the passing of the Smoking Ban with Minors in Vehicles
Ordinance; and is looking forward to a successful 2017.
 Mayor Pro Tem Ford thanked everyone for coming out and tuning in; asked that
everyone remain engaged; gave an update of several projects from the Building
Committee’s 4th quarter report; stated that even as a Saints fan, he wishes the
Atlanta Falcons all the best in the playoffs and “Roll Tide Roll”!
 Councilwoman Gantt noted she was hopeful that Council Comments would be
limited; thanked everyone for coming out; and looks forward to the New Year.
 Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for coming out; congratulated
Stockbridge H.S. and Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy on their triumphant 2016
football season; called on colleagues to support Representative Sandra Scott on
Smoking Ban w/Minors in cars to help the measure pass statewide noting her
support of the Council.

January 9, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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MAYOR’S COMMENTS
 Mayor Neal informed citizens that meeting dates and announcements are
available online, and invited citizens to sign up to receive e-notifications of city
news and updates.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
All meetings 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.

 Main Street Advisory Board Meeting - Friday, January 13, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall in
the Levi Meeting Room.

 All City offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2017 in observance of Martin Luther
King, Jr. Holiday. City services will resume at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.

 Downtown Development Authority Board Meeting – Monday, January 23, 2017 at 6:00
p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.

 Stockbridge Zoning Advisory Board Meeting – Thursday, January 26, 2017 at
6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Levi Meeting Room.

 Council Work Session – Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council
Chamber.

EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
Councilwoman Gantt motioned to convene into Executive Session for Personnel Matters;
second by Councilwoman Robinson. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to reconvene the regular meeting; second by Mayor Pro
Tem Ford. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

ADJOURN
Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adjourn the City Council Meeting; second by
Councilman Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk CMC Judy Neal, Mayor

January 9, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
