---
date: 2016-07-11
title: July 11, 2016 Minutes
source: 2016-07/2016-07-11_July 11, 2016_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

Page |1

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APPROVED MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, JULY 11, 2016 6:00 p.m.

Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor_ Pro Tem- Anthony 5. Ford Michael Harris, Cit
Councilman Elton Alexander Manaﬁer
Vanessa _lloliday, ity Cl_er
Councilman John Blo_unt Ra_ndi Deput_ City Clerk
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Rainey,
Michael Wil iams, Ci y Attorney
Councilwoman Neat Robinson

The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro—Tem Ford at 6:02pm. Mayor Pro Tem Ford
included “All Lives Matter” and asked the citizens to pray for each otherfor a Resolution.

The invocation was provided by Pastor Terrance Gattis.

The 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.

Councilman Blount motioned to amend the Agenda to remove Item #5 for further
discussion on a by Councilwoman. During discussion, Councilman
later date; second
Alexander expressed he would like to discuss item #5 in regards to the library. Councilman
Alexander stated he has heard citizens express they would like the library open and he
will do everything to make that happen. Mr. Alexander mentioned the library is a valuable
asset that needs to be open and calls on all members of Council to listen to those who
came to speak.

Councilwoman Gantt noted members of the public would have an opportunity to speak
during the Public Comments portion of the meeting and also noted that it has been 5 years
since all of Henry County libraries have been closed on weekends; and further stated there,
was more homework to be done while commending Councilman Alexander for pushing

the issue with the libraries.

July 11, 2016 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilwoman Robinson expressed agreement with the library hours being extended and
also stated there should be further discussion on the subject. Councilwoman Robinson
further noted the City has funding for the remainder of the year for
Cochran library to be open on the weekends; which could create jobs for the youth.

Councilman Blount stated he feels there is not one person on Council that is against the
library being open, but there should be provisions made in the taxes currently being paid
by the citizens to the County. Councilman Blount stated he wants to make progress by
solving the problem and not band-aiding the issues at hand.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford expressed his concern of funding the $10,800 from August 15‘

December 315‘ being a short—term problem and that the bigger issue is having funding long
term. Mayor Pro Tem Ford further stated Council will start discussion on the 2017 Fiscal
Year within the next few months and the responsibility of funding the libraries is
Budget
the County’s issue, not the City's. Mayor Pro Tem Ford encouraged anyone having any
issues with the library hours to talk to their County Commissioner. Mayor Pro Tem Ford
noted if Council elects to vote on funding tonight, it is not the City’s
the short term

responsibility to fund the library’s extended hours long term.

Councilwoman Robinson expressed her concern for the youth and their education and
encouraged everyone to go to the County meeting.

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

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the Minutes of 5/9/2016 and 5/31/2016; second
by Councilwoman Robinson; the motion passed 4-0-1(Councilman Alexander abstained).

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.

1. Robin Buschman commended every Council Member for answering a lot of her questions
and expressed her concerns for the less fortunate not having access to the library. Ms.
Buschman noted as a former Councilmember, he worked the Back to School book bag
supply event and noted this City has events going on that other cities don’t; Ms. Buschman
referenced her son’s past use of the library as beneficial and she understands the City
has the funding until December 315‘. Ms. Buschman suggested to the Council not do a
study, but rather to get the statistics and numbers for next year as she does not want to
see another vacant building.

2. Darlene Jackson noted she had spoken with City Manager, Michael Harris regarding the
County Water Tax included on her Property Tax Statement. Ms. Jackson noted she had
also spoken with Mr. Burch (Finance Director of County Water). Ms. Jackson stated she
has already paid the City maintenance the fire hydrants and water lines; however, Mr.
Burch informed her the tax fee is similar to the school bond that is assessed to all
homeowners. Ms. Jackson noted she had also spoken with Lynn Carter from the

4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
July 11, 2016 6:00pm
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Tax Commissioner's Office who stated the County Water Tax on the Property Tax
Statement was not for the maintenance of the water lines and hydrants. Ms. Jackson
wants to know why she is paying double.

3. Tavares Powell spoke in favor of the library hours being extended and hopes Council
takes that into consideration; and also spoke in favor the Feasibility Study on police
services.

4. Toye Powell also spoke on the library hours being extended and also doing a feasibility
study. Ms. Powell reference the City funding concerts vs. education.

5. Kathryn Gilbert stated she had looked at the numbers and services at library branches;
stated she heard the City spent over $25,000 for Tasty Tuesdays and questioned its effect
on children; the opportunity to access library resources noting the County needs
supports
to step up.

6. Sharemah Barlow supports extending the library hours; expressed her concerns with
Councilman Blount’s position; stated research shows kids loose some of what they have
learned during the summer months.

Mr. Harris updated Council of the area wide power outage.

CEREMONIAL

Georgia Municipal Association Lifetime Service Award .

Presented by: Lamar Norton and Pam Helton of the Georgia Municipal Association
Lamar Norton of the Georgia Municipal Association stated that out of the 520 cities and the
31,000 elected officials serving cities; the GMA Board of Directors decided 4 years ago to
recognize those who officials worked for a city for 35+ years either as an elected official or
employee. Mr. Norton recognized and presented the Lifetime Service Award to former City
Clerk, Merle Manders who not only served on the Municipal/Finance Officers Association
Board of Directors, but also became a Certified Municipal Clerk, as well as receiving a
Government Financial Officers achievement awards from 1999-2008.

Ms. Manders thanked everyone and appreciates GMA for the award noting it was hard
work, but she had a lot of fun. Merle Manders served as the Stockbridge City Clerk for
thirty-five (35) years.

PRESENTATIONS

ChooseATL Program
Presented by: Terrilyn Simmons, Director of ChooseATL
Ms. Simmons informed the City Council about ChooseATL works. Ms. Simmons stated
ChooseATL is a Regional Marketing Initiative that was launched in 2015 and that after
conducting research, they found Atlanta was lagging behind when it came to the talent
needed to fulfill jobs. Ms. Simmons stated ChooseATL collaborated with several civic and
corporate partners last year; and the mission is to attract and retain talent. Ms. Simmons
also noted ChooseATL is also funded by their corporate and civic partners to include:

4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770)389-7900
July 11, 2016 6:00pm
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Coca Cola, Henry County, Fayette County, and SunTrust Bank. Ms. Simmons further
stated ChooseATL offers corporate sponsors for the citizens who would like more visibility
on their website; as well as city-page sponsors seeking visibility on the ChooseATL website.

Councilman Alexander thanked Ms. Simmons for attending and inquired on the cost of a

city-page. Ms. Simmons the many different variables and would provide Councilman
Alexander information on pricing.

NEW BUSINESS

ITEM #1 —
Ordinance to Amend FY2016 Operating Budget- SPLOST lll Projects
#2016-010, Municipal Court #2016—O11 and Information Technology #2016-012.
Presented by: Linda Nabers, Treasurer
Ms. Nabers referenced Budget Amendment #2016-010 that would re-align the SPLOST
expenditures in SPLOST Ill, allocating the funds differently between line items and noted
the money is located in the SPLOST balance.

Councilman Alexander requested the figures from the Finance Committee meeting to be
cited for the public. Councilwoman Gantt stated there was discussion on the SPLOST ll
projects being completed and ways to clean up the budget by removing completed projects.
Councilwoman Gantt included they were looking in SPLOST lll funds to see what other

projects could use those funds, since some projects in SPLOST III were completed in
SPLOST ll.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve Budget Amendment # 2016-010 for SPLOST
Ill; second by Councilman Blount; the motion passed 5-0.

Ms. Nabers stated the next budget amendment is for the court fines and forfeitures and
the City of
expenses that are included. Ms. Nabers noted the fines were shifted from
Stockbridge Municipal Court to the Henry County State Court where $1,100,583 was

estimated for FY2016 prior to these funds moving to Henry County. Councilman Blount
noted the County would rather pay the State the funds instead of the funds being paid to
the City. Ms. Nabers estimated the loss of revenue for the remainder of the year is and
estimated $665,000 which will g9_t be collected; and there will be a reduction from what
was anticipated coming in, in the amount of $508,000.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve Budget Amendment #2016-011; second by
Councilman Blount; the motion passed 5-0.

Ms. Nabers referenced Budget Amendment #2016-012 regarding Information Technology
Ms. Nabers stated when it was first budgeted for 2016, the City was under contract with
Total Tech, and an RFP was issued to bid on the services. Ms. Nabers noted, afterthe new
and
company was selected, there was an overlap of services at the beginning of the year
this is for incremental l.T. expenses for the remainder of the year.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve Budget Amendment 2016-012; second by
Councilman Blount; the motion passed 5-0.

4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770)389-7900
July 11,2016 6:00pm
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PUBLIC HEARING

ITEM #2 —
OrdinanceAdopt the City Initiated Technical Update to Zoning
to
Ordinance Unified Development Code (UDC) of the City of Stockbridge
Presented by: Dale Hall, Administration & Community Development Director and
Bill Johnston, AICP of Strategic Planning Initiatives, LLC.
Mr. Hall noted City Council had adopted the Zoning Codes in 1986, with the city still

operating from those codes today. Mr. Hall stated Section 8.36 has been amended
several times since then; there has not been a full update, which has presented conflicts
and inconsistencies. Mr. Hall noted the City hired Bill Johnston, AICP of Strategic

Planning Initiatives, LLC, to assist with preparing the entire zoning code sections, and
make the document a Unified Land Development Code. Mr. Hall recommends further
discussion at the next Council meeting.

Attorney Williams added this is very complex and it would need another 2 weeks to finish
the documents and also recommends a continuance the Public Hearing to be heard at
the July 26, 2016 Work Session for a final vote.

Councilman Blount asked that the document be reviewed as quickly as possible due to
the all of the variance changes.

Public Hearing
Speakers in favor: None
Speakers opposed: None

Mr. Williams noted this item can be open for the public to make comments at the next
meeting.

No action taken.

PLANNING & ZONING

ITEM #3 -
PUBLIC HEARING
Annexation Request -
AX16-46 OwnerlApplicant: Tony and Cheryl Oglesby request
annexation into the City of Stockbridge for property located at of 515 Country Club
Dr. Stockbridge, GA 30281 in Land Lot 14 of the 6'» District;
Parcel ID No. 051-D02008000.
Presented by: Dale Hall, Administration & Community Development Director
Mr. Hall noted the applicants have requested to be annexed into the City using the 100%
method.

PUBLIC HEARING
Speakers in favor: None
Speakers opposed: None

Councilman Alexander motioned to annex AX16-46 515 Country Club Dr. Stockbridge,
GA 30281 into the City limits; second by Councilman Blount; the motion passed 5-0.

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July 11, 2016 6:00pm
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ITEM #4 —Resolution to approve Feasibility Study for Police Services
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager
Mr. Harris stated there was detailed discussion at the last meeting on the police
services; and it was Council's desire to move fom/ard with a Feasibility Study. Mr. Harris
expressed one proposal has been submitted, and asked Council if agreeable, to not let
the amount exceed over $25,000.

Councilman Alexander motioned to accept Mr. Harris’s proposal to not exceed over
$25,000; second by Councilwoman Gantt; the motion passed 5-0.

CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS
Michael Harris —
no comments.

COUNCIL’S COMMENTS

Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for coming out; noted his disappointment of the
“No Vote” on the Library Item and the Library item being removed from the Agenda;
asked for Council for leadership and to act; referenced the Food Truck Tasty Tuesday
budgetand noted the expectation of a budget amendment for this event was coming to
the Council down the road; commended Councilwoman Robinson for beautiﬁcation efforts
throughout the City; and noted he and all of the other Council Members ran to promote
youth and seniors services for the City.

Councilman Blount thanked everyone for coming out and noted the Council must have
order; stated leadership is not belittling fellow council members; referenced his support of
youth activities; encouraged the Council to act on facts and not emotions,‘ noted each
council member has one vote and that everything passed is a collective effort, not I but
US.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for coming out and noted the time for healing of
our and thanked Henry County ﬁrst responders and was glad to know that there
country
were no such issues like that in Henry County,’ asked for continued prayers for the
Council; stated that she is not going to tear down fellow council members; invited
is Christmas in July and asked
everyone to the next Food Truck Tuesday event, theme
everyone to bring canned goods or donate school supplies.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for coming out; noted the Council is
passionate about their ideas; teambuilding is in progress with more to come; referenced
the local clergy meets with her for roundtable discussions on various items involving the
City; plans to hold another roundtable soon and the information would be coming soon via
the City’s webpage and social media.

4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
July 11, 2016 6:00pm
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MAYOR PRO TEM’S COMMENTS

Anthony 8. Ford thanked everyone for attending; hats off to Merle Manders for her 35
years of public service and award; noted the country is healing; noted the Council needs
to Work as a team and no one individual runs the Council but rather the Council operates
under a democracy.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford read the following announcements:

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.cityofstockbridgecom, Facebook page or
contact City Hall offices at 770.389-7900 for updates and detailed information.

o Food Truck Tasty Tuesdays —
5:30 —
9:00 p.m. EVERY TUESDAY —
CITY HALL

o Sounds of Summer Concert, Saturday, July 16, 2016 on the Stockbridge City
Lawn across from City Hall —

6pm ——
9:30 pm. Liz Brasher & Drakarr & An

Experience

0 Downtown Development Authority Board Meeting, Monday, July 18, 2016 at
6:00 p.m. —
Levi Meeting Room.

- Town Hall Meeting, spearheaded by Councilman Alexander, Monday, July 21,
2016 at 7pm. Eag|e‘s Landing Baptist Church.

City Council Work Session, Tuesday, July 26, 2016 6 p.m. Council Chamber

- Annual Back to School Kick-Off spearheaded by Councilman Blount, Saturday,
July 30, 2016 10am —

2pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to convene Executive Session for items 1-6 and 8; second

by Councilwoman Robinson; the motion passed 5-0.
EXECUTIVE SESSION -1 -6 and 8

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

Councilwoman Robinson motioned to reconvene the City Council meeting; second by
Councilwoman Gantt; the motion passed 5-0.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve the subpoenas for Network Solutions and
Gmail; second by Councilwoman Robinson; the motion passed 4-0-1. (Alexander
abstained).

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Motion to approve the designate to the DDA (Downtown Development Authority) powers
of the URA (Urban Redevelopment Agency) regarding bonds for City Hall made by Mayor
Pro Tem Ford; second by Councilwoman Robinson. Passed 4-1 (Councilman Alexander
Opposed stating his objection to turning powers over to the DDA).

Motion to adjourn made by Councilwoman Gantt; second by Councilwoman Robinson.
Passed 5-0

Respectfully submitted by:

6’/£’.;~‘?L««r<;é,4c»;,vz./[éz€:"(‘?‘~ “Q lhbhI(6
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Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk

4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
July 11, 2016 6:00pm
