---
date: 
title: 2019 06 26 2019 Minutes
source: 2019/2019_06_26_2019 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

Pagell

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Where Community Connects

SUMMARY MINUTES
WORK SESSION MEETING

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019 6:00 P.M.

Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor_ Anthony S. Ford Rand Knighton, City Mana er
Councilman Elton Alexander Cami a Moo_re, Ass_t. City anager
Mayor_ Pro Tem John_B|ount Vanessa |_-lolida City Clerk

Councilwoman LaKeisha_Gantt Ra_ndi Rain_ey, epu_ty 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.

Mayor Ford called the meeting to order.

Invocation by City Manager Randy Knighton.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All members
were present.

Councilman Alexander motioned to amend the Agenda to add the Downtown Parking
Issue as an Agenda Item; second by Councilwoman Gantt. The Motion passed 4-0-1
(Mayor Pro Tem Blount abstained).

Review of the Minutes for the following meetings:
1. 05/13/2019 2. 05/28/2019
No Action taken.

The Clerk received a consensus to number the Downtown Parking item 2(b)

following Public Comments.

Prior to Public Comments being made, Mayor Ford noted today's meeting is a City Council Work
Session meeting and not a Pine Grove HOA meeting.

June 26, 2019 6:00 pm. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page 12

PUBLIC COMMENTS
to the
All persons wishing to speak for public comment must sign in with the City Clerk prior
and phone number. You will be
beginning of the meeting. You must sign your name, address,
able to address the and Council for three (3) minutes. Speakers must respect all members
Mayor
not be
of the elected body, officials, and staff. Defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will
tolerated while meetings are in session.

Ms. Kimberly Collins, Francine Lyken, Rod Jackson, Barry Nelson, George Shine, Webb,
Orion
the Pine View/Pine Grove
spoke regarding the update of the HOA issues and site visit by staff at

subdivision.

AGENDA REQUEST
2b) Parkinglssues in the Downtown Area
Presenter(s): Roger Custin/Greg Horton BarnBeautiful
Owners

Nature of Request: Address Parking issues
Location: Burke Streetl M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail
Mr. Custin and Mr. Horton gave an overview and presentation of parking issues
along M. L. King, Sr. Heritage Trail and offered recommendations to improve parking
problems; noted unsightly areas behind the Ted Strickland Community Center and
of the
alleyway along Burke Street; and asked the City to move forward demolition
Old Police Precinct building; replace signage and move fonNard with the RSVP plan
as approved by the City, the Carl Vinson Institute for Government and the
Stockbridge community; and asked who is responsible and the timeline.

Mayor Ford noted the City is responsible.

Mr. Knighton noted permits have been acquired for the demolition and is scheduled
to be over the next 3 weeks (weather permitting); noted Breezeway
is
completed
estimated to cost $10,000 and the Alleyway Project is estimated to cost $350,000.00
notingthe Breezeway is under his authority to proceed, and the Council would need
to authorize Alleyway expenditure, further noting, staff would seek the
the
the
appropriate funding source and would also provide an update and solutions to
signage and parking issues to be presented at the July 8, 2019 Council meeting.

Councilman Alexander and Councilwoman Robinson agreed with moving fonrvard
with the proposed projects.

Councilman Thomas noted he is the Council Liaison on the Main Street Advisory
Board and supports the RSVP plan and Alleyway project.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount expressed concerns of being fiscally responsible and
approving projects on the fly.

Councilwoman Gantt noted staff has not had an opportunity to identify the funding
source and the input of the City's recently hired Financial Advisor.
suggested

June 26, 2019 6:00 pm. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridgc, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389790!)
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Councilwoman Robinson apologized for the wait with not following through with the

process.

Councilman Thomas reiterated that the City Manager would seek appropriate
funding for the project.

Mr. Knighton stated that if Council approves, staff would find the most appropriate
funding source.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve up to $350,000 to move forward and
complete the Alleyway project with appropriate funding; second by Councilwoman
Robinson. The motion passed 3-1-1 (Blount opposed/Gantt abstained).

OLD BUSINESS
3. Pine View/Pine Grove Subdivision

Update to Mayor & Council from Site Visit of June 11, 2019
Presented by Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
Ms. Moore presented the Pine Grove Property Maintenance Report comprised

following a site visit on June 11, 2019 and noted 53 Code Violations and that 60%
were corrected and the remaining 40% would be corrected by July 1, 2019; noting

the final report to be presented at the July 8, 2019 Council meeting.

Ms. Moore noted one walk—through is complete and the residents will get a chance
to see the list of things signed off on.

Councilwoman Robinson for an explanation of why the City allowed developers to
move fonlvard with Phase ll with numerous code violations in Phase I.

Ms. Moore stated there is a difference between a covenant and development
agreement noting cities cannot amend covenants, but cities can amend the zoning
portion of how properties are developed, which is the development agreement.

Attorney Williams noted there is a misunderstanding with the Development
Agreement and stated it does two things: it provides for the enhancement of facades
and zoning and the development group DraPac has agreed to fix all code violations
in exchange to begin development.

Councilman Alexander inquired as to when the residents would be able to utilize the

pooland club house. Ms. Moore noted once the residents have ownership of both
by obtaining a lawyer and having DraPac obtain possession.

Attorney Williams noted the HOA is currently controlled by Rialto and the HOA
controls access to the facilities. Attorney Williams further noted the quality of the
pool is governed by the County Health Department; the City can work on correcting
code violations.

June 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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AGENDA REQUEST
4. Appeal Hearing
Applicant: Geraldine Biggs Warriors Against the Devil Ministries

Nature of Request: Appeal the Denial of Business Permit
Location: 5365 North Henry Blvd. Proposed Use: Church

Reason for Denial: Moratorium Restriction
Presented by Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
Ms. Moore presented the Applicants appeal noting Geraldine Biggs is
requesting exemption from the denial to allow the owner of the building
to obtain fire sprinklers within the next thirty (30) days. Ms. Biggs noted
she cannot move into the unit until the fire sprinklers have been
installed and has received a fire permit.

Attorney Williams noted the issue staff is looking at is providing
exemption; and noted exemption was provided with the last denial that
came before the Council because it was stand—alone facility with its own

parking and this one is in a shopping center.

Councilman Thomas recommended that all potential business owners
come to the City first and get all questions answered before signing a

lease.

Councilman Alexander motioned to uphold the denial; second by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 4-0-1 (Blount abstained).

5. Appeal Hearing
Applicant: Andrew James Dixon
Nature of Request: Appeal the Denial of Business Permit
Location: 31 Hwy. 138 Suite 240 Proposed Use: Tattoo Studio

Reason for Denial: Moratorium Restriction
Presented by Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
Ms. Moore noted Tattoo Parlors are a part of the Moratorium. Mr. Dixon
stated he has been a Tattoo Artist for over 11 years, will soon become
a resident of Stockbridge. Mr. Dixon noted that he had not signed a

business lease yet and is looking at properties along Hwy 138.

Councilman Thomas asked for the timeline of re-writing the Zoning
Code to address the standards and distance requirements.

Ms. Moore stated the RFP for the re—write of the City’s Zoning Code e
would be put out by the end ofJuly, first of August.
Attorney Williams noted the City must have a basis for granting an
exemption; no standards apply. Attorney Williams further noted with the
anticipated re—write of the Zoning Codes the Council could grant an

June 26, 2019 6:00 pm. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page l5

exemption and stated the nature of tattoo shops has changed and
stated that if the Council is inclined to approve, he recommends
removing Tattoo Shops from the Moratorium. applications and would
be at the discretion of the Council.

Mayor :ord noted the appeals processed has been removed and that
no other tattoo shops could follow this one if allowed.

Counci woman Robinson suggested the applicant if he had looked at
locations in Clayton County along Hwy. 138.

Mr. Dixon pointed out the verbiage in the City’s code states an

exemp ion could be made it there are no other like businesses in the
vicinity.

Counciman Alexander motioned
uphold to denial; second by
Counci woman Gantt. The motion passed 5—0.

NEW BUSINESS
6. Counci review of the S.P.L.O.S.T. V Project List
Presented by Randy Knighton City Manager

Mr. Knighton upcoming 6/27/2019 Joint meeting with
referenced the
the County; noted the current SPLOST split is 70/25 County/Cities with
an estimated total of $245,000,000; the Cities are proposing a 70/30

split based on population and will present a modified copy at the joint
meeting July 18, 2019.

Councilman Alexander recommended having a separate line item for
sidewalks and multi-use trails and expressed wanting to see more
sidewalks within the City limits.

Councilwoman Robinson asked staff to seek funding through grants
through various sources.

Mr. Knighton referenced the City’s Grant Writer is looking at grants for
the City. Councilwoman Robinson asked for an update of grants
sought.

7. Council Consideration to approve a Resolution limiting the acceptance
of sponsorship funds from vendors to City Events only.
Presented by Michael Williams —

City Attorney
Attorney Williams noted it has been indicated by members of Council
that there were two issues of concern: Conflict of Interest with vendors

doing business with the City and seeking funds for various projects.

June 26, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page|6

Attorney Williams stated there are two issues to be addressed as
members of Council and staff felt as though vendors were being
solicited for funds repeatedly.

Attorney Williams noted Point 1: states no member of Council, any
volunteer or employee of the city can solicit funds to support any type
of City Event or Council Initiative; with the exception that an employee
ofthe city is authorized to solicit sponsorships, donation, gifts and funds
from any entity in support of a city—wide event to include: Bridgefest,
Food Truck Tuesday, Memorial March, Christmas Festival, Job/Career
Fairs, Veterans Parade/Luncheon, Breast Cancer Awareness
Luncheon/Walk, 9/11 Ceremony, Sound of Summer Concerts, Main
Street Movie Event; Centennial Festivities etc.

Attorney Williams noted Point 2: no membr of Council can solicit funds
in support of any Council initiative from an existing or pending vendor
of the City.

Councilwoman Robinson stated for the record the Youth Council had a
budget and was told by her colleagues they could not utilize the funds
and needed to get sponsors, further stating, the Teen Ambassador
initiative was started and sponsors will need to be utilized to run the
program and considered the Resolution to be personal.

Councilwoman Gantt refuted the accusation and expressed support for
the Resolution.

Councilman Alexander noted the success Councilwoman Robinson’s
tenure with the Youth Council and applauded her fundraising efforts.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount stated policy is clear and is being put in place
to avoid conflict of receiving funds from a vendor who feels pressured
to give and who relies on the vote of the Council to approve their
contract.

Mayor Ford asked about the process to amend the Resolution in the
event new City Events are introduced.

Attorney Williams suggested the policy could be amended to add an
event; or create a Resolution for that event authorizing Council to direct
staff to solicit for that event. Attorney Williams named the current City
Events included in the Resolution.

June 26, 2019 6:00 pm. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770)389-7900
Page [7

Councilman Thomas defined contractors to be those who provide a
service to the City, and where all parties have signed and agreed upon
the terms of the scope of work and services.

Councilwoman Robinson noted this policy would make it difficult for the
14 kids who are a part of the Teen Ambassadors Initiative as vendors
from last year have again committed that they will offer support.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount suggested to Councilwoman Robinson to seek
sponsorship from the many businesses and corporations outside of the
handful of contractors that the city receives services from.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve a Resolution limiting the
acceptance of sponsorship funds from vendors to City Events only;
second by Councilman Thomas. The motion passed 3-2

(Alexander/Robinson opposed).

Council Consideration to approve the Amphitheater Pre—Qualification
Bid.
Presented by Lindell Miller —

Purchasing Supervisor
Ms. Miller noted staff is requesting approval for the recommendation of
short—listed firms for the RFQ—20190019— Step 1, which would solicit
services of qualified general contractors to construct the new
amphitheater and parking. Ms. Miller also noted, upon approval, staff
will proceed with the RFP process for Step 2, which would be solicited
to the short—listed firms approved tonight.

Councilman Alexander motioned to approve the Amphitheater Pre—
Qualification Bid; second by Councilwoman Robinson. The motion
passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to fill vacancies and appoint member(s) to the
Youth Council Advisory Committee
Presented by Ericka Harvey Chairperson

Councilman Alexander motioned to appoint Jodie Alexander and
Gabriel Armstead for a two—year term; second by Councilwoman Gantt.
The motion passed 5-0.

Councilman Alexander motioned to re—appoint Ericka Harvey, Diane
Miller, 0. Elizabeth Martin, Pamela Warner, Joc‘Quelyn Carter and
Rosalynd Rawls for a two—year term; Councilwoman Gantt providing
the second. The motion passed 5-0.

June 26, 201‘) 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page |8

DISCUSSION
10.Council Discussion Vicious Dog Ordinance
Presented by Councilman Alexander
Councilman Alexander noted he requested this item to be added to the

Agenda to discuss the issue of the City not having its own Vicious Dog
Ordinance, but rather has adopted the Ordinance from the County;
and, would like to look at what the City could do to have a Vicious Dog
Ordinance.

Mr. Emir Williams, a resident of the Winslow @ Eagle’s Landing
subdivision referenced the dog attack in his subdivision that resulted in
his family dog being attacked and killed.

Ordinance and update to be presented at the August 12, 2019 meeting.

11.Council Discussion of the Sunday Brunch Bill
Presented by Councilman Alexander
Councilman Alexander noted businesses in the community would like
to allow serving mimosa’s staring at 11am on Sunday and believes this
should go before a vote. Mr. Williams added the Resolution has already
been drafted and would need to go before the Elections Superintendent
for a vote.

Resolution to be presented at the July 8, 2019 meeting.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
No Comment.

COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
Mrs. Holiday noted she was thankful for the opportunity to attend the Georgia
Municipal Association and Carl Vinson Institute for Governments training,
networking with fellow clerks and elected officials, and looks forward to putting the
training to use.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL

Councilwoman Robinson recognized the Stockbridge Youth Council for their hosting
the GMA Symposium, the first in the region and noted the City will house the trophy
until the next city to host is announced at the Mayor’s Day Conference in 2020;
noted she feels as though things are put in place for her to not be successful, noting
God has other plans; stated there is no conflict between the Youth Council and Teen
Ambassadors programsnoting the Ambassadors include students from
unincorporated Henry County and is diverse and is looking forward to doing great
things with the teens who will be shadowing her in her capacity as a council member;
noted she received her Certificate of Distinction award during the recent GMA
Conference, and accomplished this feat during her first term in office.
June 26, 2019 6:00 pm. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Pagc|9

Councilman Alexander thanked tuning in; asked for support of
everyone for
sidewalks and lighting along the Campground Extension, noting while this was a
100% County project many of the residents who live in the subdivisions in the area
are City of Stockbridge residents and asked the City to take a position and look out

for its residents to make this a safe road.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR

Mayor Ford thanked everyone for attending the meeting; noted the City is working
to move things forward and will make everyone proud; noted the GMA Conference
was outstanding and hi~lighted that all 538 cities are members of GMA; referenced

the great turnout at the City’s recent Career Fair and wished the jobseekers well;
asked everyone to keep the faith.

UPCOMING MEETINGS
Meeting will be held at City Hall unless othenrvise 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.

- Joint SPLOST V meeting, Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Henry County
Administration Bldg. 140 Henry Pkwy. McDonough, GA

City Council meeting, Monday, July 8, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. —
Council Chamber

o Youth Council Advisory Committee, Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 6:30 p.m./Levi Room

- Main Street Advisory Board meeting, Friday, July 12, 2019 at 9:00 am./Levi Room

- Downtown Development Authority meeting, Monday, July 15, 2019 at 6:00 p.m./Levi Rm.

Planning Commission meeting, Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m./Council Chamber

- Work Session meeting, Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council
Chamber.

UPCOMING EVENT(SL& ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Stockbridge Active Morning on the Range, Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 10:00 am.

noon at the Rum Creek Golf Range 107 St. Ives Crossing, Stockbridge, GA— spearheaded

by Councilman Alexander

- Food Truck Tuesday, Tuesday, July 2, 2019 from 5:30 —
9:00 p.m. at Clark Park

- Food Truck Tuesday, Tuesday, July 9, 2019 from 5:30 —
9:00 p.m. at Clark Park

- Food Truck Tuesday, Tuesday, July 16, 2019 from 5:30 —
9:00 p.m. at Clark Park

- FREE Sounds of Summer Concert, Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 8:00 am. on the City Hall
Lawn; bring your chairs and blankets

- Food Truck Tuesday, Tuesday, July 23, 2019 from 5:30 —
9:00 p.m. at Clark Park

June 26, 2019 6:00 pm. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page I10

Back to School Kickoff, Saturday, July 27, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. at Merle

Manders Conference Center spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount

Food Truck Tuesday, Tuesday, July 30, 2019 from 5:30 —
9:00 p.m. at Clark Park

Monthly Bingo Bash Wednesday, July 31, 201 9 from 10:00 a.m. —
noon at the Ted Strickland

Community Center spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount

ONGOING INITIATIVES

Meet & Greet the Mayor Mondays with Mayor Anthony S. Ford from 10:00 am. -
noon every

fourth Monday of the month (appointment required). Please contact LaQuinda Jackson @
678-833-3348 for more information and scheduling.

Don't TrashStockbridge 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.

Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTable 2"“ Thursday in July at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in the
Levi Meeting Room spearheaded by Councilwoman Gantt. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @

678-833-3348 for more information. (Schedule will change after the last Food Truck

Tuesday event).

Quarterly Homeowners and Neighborhood Association RoundTable spearheaded by —

Mayor Pro Tem Blount. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adjourn; second by Councilman Thomas. The
motion passed 5-0.

Respe u
submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, ity Clerk CM A/nthony S. Ford, ayor

June 26,2019 6:00 pm. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
