---
date: 2019-06-10
title: June 10, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes
source: 2019-06/2019-06-10_June 10, 2019 City Council Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 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 Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilwoman Neat Robinson Michael Williams, City Attorney
Councilman Alphonso Thomas
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 – Kenneth McFarland

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call – All members were present

V. Motion to amend the Agenda: Remove Item #8: Blount/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

VI. Adoption of the Minutes for the following meetings:
1. 04/08/2019 2. 04/30/2019 Blount/Gantt -Passed 5-0.

Mayor Ford reviewed the following ceremonial items and recognitions
• 2018 Gold Award - WWTP
• Congratulations - 2019 Dutchtown High School Valedictorian – Christina Wilcher
• Letter of Commendation – Christina Wilcher
• Youth Council 2018 - 2019 Mayor’s Award
• Letter of Commendation – Kelli Crews
• Letters from Gov. Kemp and Secretary of State Raffensperger – Kelli Crews
• Recognition of 2018 - 2019 Youth Council NLC/Youth Symposium Sponsors
• Introduction of 2019 – 2020 Teen Ambassadors & Pinning Ceremony
• Letter of Commendation – Eagle’s Landing Community Association

June 10, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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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
The following citizens spoke during Public Comments regarding the City of
Stockbridge - Silverstone - DraPac lawsuit – HOA Communications/Billing Issues/
Property Liens/Lack of Use of Amenities/Code Violations/Abandoned
Vehicles/Flooding/Homes Under Construction and other issues in the Pine
Grove/Pine View Subdivision: Noel & Kimberly Collins, Ronnette Walton, Rod
Jackson, Dwayna Dawkins on behalf of Francine Lyken, Anthony & Chantae Mays,
Nettie Ross Wiggins, Nedra B. Byron Pratt, Melisha Parson, Tyrone and Sheronda
Hardy, and Mattie Simpkins. Councilwoman Neat Robinson also spoke as a resident
of the subdivision.

Motion to add the Pine Grove/Pine View matter to the Agenda as a Discussion Item:
Alexander/Robinson: Passed 5-0.

Randy Knighton referenced a list of items that had been addressed in the
Agreement that were to be fixed, noting it was stated that approximately 90% of the
items were reported to be resolved, however, none of these fixes had been
confirmed by the City.

Camilla Moore stated she would visit the site tomorrow, June 11th and report back
the findings to the Council at the next meeting on June 26, 2019; and take citizens
contact information and keep them updated on the status as well.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Tyrone Smith (2020 Recruiting Assistant) spoke regarding job openings with the
2020 Census Count and reminded everyone of the importance of being counted,
and the funds associated with the Census.
Councilman Alexander made Mr. Smith aware of the City’s upcoming Job Fair on
June 20th.

AGENDA REQUEST
3. Appeal Hearing
Applicant: Jacqueline Kennedy / Kennedy Events LLC
Nature of Request: Denial of Business Permit
Location: 114 West Burke Street - Proposed Use: Event Center
Reason for Denial: Moratorium in place for Assembly Uses
Presented by Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
Motion to approve the exemption and issue a pending license:
Alexander/Gantt 5-0

June 10, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Motion to remove Appeals from the Moratorium and insert Stand-Alone
facilities, excluding those in the hopper: Alexander/Gantt 5-0

OLD BUSINESS
4. Council Consideration to approve the Jodeco Development Standards
and Site Plan.
Presented by Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
Jeff Grant noted his appreciation to the City on this project and noted
the proposed vendors are reviewing the Design Guideline Standards
and Site Plan and will submit to markups to staff.
No Action Taken.

NEW BUSINESS
5. Council Consideration to approve Policy for Theft of Service and
Tampering with Water Meters.
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Motion to approve - Gantt/Robinson: Passed 5-0.

6. Council Consideration to approve Policy for Water Leak Adjustments
and Application Process.
Presented by Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Motion to approve - Gantt/Robinson: Passed 5-0

7. Council Consideration to fill vacancies and appoint members of the
Youth Council Advisory Committee.
Presented by Ericka Harvey Youth Council Advisory Committee Chair
Item to be heard following Executive Session.

8. Council Consideration to appoint members of the Development
Authority and Public Facilities Authority.
Presented by Michael Williams, City Attorney
Item removed from the Agenda.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Announced the upcoming Summer Concert Series that begins on Saturday and
invited everyone to come out and enjoy the event.

COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
No Comments

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas wanted to address his comments to the residents of Pine
Grove and let them know they have been heard, and there will be results.

June 10, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mayor Pro Tem Blount echoed the sentiments of Councilman Thomas; stated we
are Better Together and would like everyone to be of one sound mind and saying
the same thing, and if that doesn’t happen, work to find out how we all get back to a
place where we are all on one accord and shooting for one goal; stated the City Hall
and Chamber should never be used as a battlefield, but rather a place of progress
and a place to make a difference noting when you use this place as a battle field,
no one wins, as war is never good and asked that the Chamber be used as a place
or getting things done and seeing results; and by doing that you will see the
economic development; elated to see the citizens who came out tonight and asked
that they keep up the good work.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone who remained throughout the meeting;
thanked the citizens who came out and expressed their views and concerns about
their community; noted there are (6) members of the governing body and tons of
citizens, noting the City wants to do what they can and what is best as long as they
can legally do so; noted Food Truck Tuesday is in its’ 4th year, noted the citizens are
having a great time at the event and noted the upcoming unique Pop Up Farmer’s
Market tomorrow with fresh produce and asked everyone to come out and support
noting this could lead to a Community Garden and Food Market here in Stockbridge;
and thanked everyone again for their support and concerns and thanked those for
coming out to express their concerns noting that she doesn’t want to sell anyone a
dream because sometimes the answers given may not be what you what to hear,
but she must be honest and do what’s in the best interest for Stockbridge and for
your community.

Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for tuning in; noted there was a large
crowd there and stated the City needs this type of participation at every meeting and
noted citizens need to be heard and involved and at the table and be a part of the
democratic process and not focus what is happening in Washington and on the
Network TV cable news channels, but rather be involved here locally as these are
decisions relating to their lives on a daily basis and asked that everyone stay
engaged and stay tuned; referenced the Campground Rd. Extension project nearing
completion will be without sidewalks and is a, referencing the Winslow @ Eagle’s
Landing subdivision is not the only community that is being affected, and noted the
road project has no bike lanes or lighting with a 45 mph speed limit, noting there
should be a higher priority on building better roads and facilities embracing
pedestrian connectivity and safety and noted this was a 100% Henry County project
noting the City of Stockbridge had no involvement, noted the ROW land was
donated to the County by the Developer and when Campground Rd. subdivisions
were annexed, the ROW was never annexed into the City of Stockbridge; and also
noted there was extra SPLOST funds in the account and those funds were
transferred out of the account to other projects in the County and now this project is
being built in an inferior capacity; and asked that citizens reach out and demand that
every road project be built with to include sidewalks.

June 10, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for coming out; congratulated the (14)
Teen Ambassadors, and noted they have great things ahead on their calendar, and
will serve the City well, and be on the lookout for what they will be doing as are ready
to shine; thanked her Pine Grove community for coming out as your voices have
been heard tonight noting you have been fighting a long time, and it’s not over; noted
as stated by staff, the community is going to get people together who will come to
City Hall and get answers and communicate and will be pushing forward to make
the community whole again; thanked her colleagues for hearing her community and
prays that all will stand boldly on their comments to make sure all of the residents
get what they deserve.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford appreciates that the citizens were here and encourages constant
dialogue and wants to get things straightened out; asked that everyone keep the
faith as we continue to make things happen; congratulated Michael Harris of
Stockbridge High School who was drafted in the 3rd round by the Atlanta Braves and
hopes he does well; best wishes.

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.
• City Council meeting, Monday, June 10, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. – Council Chamber

• Youth Council Advisory Committee, Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 6:30 p.m./Levi Room

• Main Street Advisory Board meeting, Friday, June 14, 2019 at 9:00 a.m./Levi Room

• Downtown Development Authority meeting, Monday, June 17, 2019 at 6:00 p.m./Levi Rm.

• Planning Commission meeting, Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 7:00 p.m./Council Chamber

• Work Session meeting, Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council
Chamber.
UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Food Truck Tuesday, Tuesday, June 11, 2019 from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at Clark Park 111 Davis
Rd. Stockbridge

• Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTable – Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. in the Levi
Meeting Room - spearheaded by Councilwoman Gantt

• Economic Summit, Thursday, June 13, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Merle
Manders Conference Center – spearheaded by Mayor Anthony S. Ford

• Don’t Trash Stockbridge No Litter Campaign, Saturday, June 15, 2019 Location:
spearheaded by Councilman Thomas. Contact: LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for
more information.

June 10, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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• FREE Sounds of Summer Concert, Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. on the City Hall
Lawn; bring your chairs and blankets

• Food Truck Tuesday, Tuesday, June 18, 2019 from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at Clark Park 111 Davis
Rd. Stockbridge

• Food Truck Tuesday, Tuesday, June 25, 2019 from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at Clark Park 111 Davis
Rd. Stockbridge

• Career Expo, Thursday, June 20, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Merle Manders
Conference Center

• Monthly Bingo Bash Wednesday, June 26, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the Ted
Strickland Community Center – spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount

• Stockbridge Active – Morning on the Range, Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. –
noon at the Rum Creek Golf Range 107 St. Ives Crossing, Stockbridge, GA – spearheaded
by Councilman Alexander

ONGOING INITIATIVES
• Meet & Greet 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 from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the Ted Strickland Community Center
spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem 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.

• Quarterly Clergy RoundTable – spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson. Contact
LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Quarterly Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTable every 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30
p.m. in the City Hall Levi Meeting Room – spearheaded by Councilwoman Gantt. Contact
LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Quarterly Homeowners and Neighborhood Association RoundTable – spearheaded by
Mayor Pro Tem Blount. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

June 10, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Litigation and Real Estate:
Robinson/Blount: Passed 5-0.

Motion to end Executive Session: Alexander/Blount – Passed 5-0.

Motion to reconvene the meeting: Gantt/Alexander – Passed 5-0.

Motion to amend the Youth Council Advisory Committee Ordinance to allow up to
12 members on the Committee and remove the Council Liaison: Gantt/Robinson:
Passed 5-0.

Motion to fill vacancies and appoint members to the Youth Council Advisory
Committee: Glenn Collins, Ericka Jennings, Ollie Richardson and Sharika Zellars
Robinson/Gantt: Passed 5-0.

Motion to adjourn: Robinson/Gantt: Passed 5-0.

June 10, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
