---
date: 2017-04-10
title: April 10, 2017 City Council Meeting Minutes
source: 2017-04/2017-04-10_April 10, 2017 City Council Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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Stockbridge
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.

ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 10, 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
I. Call to Order - Mayor Neal

II. Invocation - Reverend Andy Postel, Stockbridge First UMC

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call Present Absent
Councilman Alexander ___X___ _______
Councilman Blount ___X___ _______
Mayor Neal ___X___ _______
Mayor Pro Tem Ford ___X___ _______
Councilwoman Gantt ___X___ _______
Councilwoman Robinson ___X___ _______

V. Adoption of the Agenda – motion to amend the Agenda to add Public
Information Officer Discussion Item made by Councilman Blount; second by
Mayor Pro Tem Ford. Passed 5-0.

April 10, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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VI. Adoption of Minutes for 2/9/17, 2/10/17, 2/13/17, 2/20/17 and 2/28/17
Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Robinson; second by Councilman
Alexander. Passed 5-0.

VII. Review of Ceremonial Presentations
Letter of Commendation presented to: Dr. Renata Hannah for receiving the
President Barack Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Services,
a prestigious national honor offered to outstanding citizens in recognition of
sustained volunteer services.

Proclamation presented to Amanda Blanton (whose son is autistic)
accompanied by family and friends on behalf of National Autism Awareness
Month.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Ms. Aneta Lee noted she had spoken with City Manager, Michael Harris regarding City-
wide broadband and bringing in Google Fiber.

Katie Young with You Deserve It! (YDI) proposed a partnership with the City for a Youth
Empowerment Program.

NEW BUSINESS
1. REZONING: RZ-16-39-S – PUBLIC HEARING
WetSet Scuba and Water Sports, Inc. of Stockbridge, Ga requests a
rezoning from C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) to C-2 (General
Commercial) for the property located at 5104 N. Henry Blvd in Land Lot 59
in the 12th District. The property consists of .75 +/- acres and the request is
for a swim school.
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
PUBLIC HEARING: No Speaker Opposed. Applicant Bruce Brown spoke in
favor. Public Hearing Closed. Motion to approve made by Councilwoman
Gantt; second by Councilman Blount. Passed 5-0.

2. VARIANCE: VR-17-02-S – PUBLIC HEARING
Station Two, LP of Atlanta, Ga requests a variance from development
standards for signage for the property located at 4475 N. Henry Blvd. The
property is located in Land Lot 61 in the 12th District. The property consists
of .89 +/-acres and the request is for signage.
Presented by: Camilla Moore, Community Development Director
Councilman Alexander recused himself from this item noting the owner has
advertised with his business entity.
PUBLIC HEARING: No Speaker Opposed. Applicant Dean Normandy
spoke in favor. Public Hearing Closed. Motion to approve made by
Councilwoman Gantt; second by Councilwoman Robinson. Passed 4-0-1;
Councilman Alexander abstained from the vote.

April 10, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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3. Resolution – To establish a Timeline for selecting a Design company and
rebuilding a State-of-the-Art Community and Cultural Arts Center.
Presented by: Councilwoman Gantt
No Action.

DISCUSSION
4. Council Discussion to amend the Facade Ordinance.
Presented by: Councilwoman Gantt
No Action.

5. Council Discussion regarding North Henry Blvd. Facade Grants
Presented by: Councilman Alexander
No Action.

6. Council Discussion regarding reconsideration for Council Districts
Presented by: Councilman Alexander
No Action.

7. Council discussion regarding new City Parks and Pocket Parks as it relates
to the City’s upcoming Comprehensive Plan
Presented by: Councilman Alexander
No Action.

8. Council Discussion – Public Information Officer (PIO)
Presented by: Councilman Blount
Item to be placed on the April 25th Work Session Agenda

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
None

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Alexander stated that he does not take for granted when the citizens
come out to the meetings and appreciates the comments and feedback he
receives from citizens.

Councilman Blount stated God Bless you, American and the City of Stockbridge.

Mayor Pro Tem Ford referenced Autism Awareness Month and Child Abuse
Prevention Month and the symbolism of the color blue; wished everyone Happy
Easter and to keep the faith in the Council as the City moves forward.
Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for coming out; referenced the 3rd Annual
Non-Profit Mixer on Thursday, May 11th at the Merle Manders Conference Center
where there will be a keynote speaker and information on grants; and to please
email her for any questions, information and concerns.
April 10, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilwoman Robinson referenced the Georgia Cities Week activities noting the
Unity in the Community Basketball Game at Stockbridge High School with Public
Safety vs High School Senior Students to be held on April 28th at 6pm; noted she
would not be in attendance for the April 25th Work Session/Town Hall meeting.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Neal referenced the upcoming News and Events and asked that everyone
check the City’s website and sign up for e-notifications; and noted any issues or
concerns should be called in to City Hall and the calls would be routed accordingly.

UPCOMING OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS/EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.

 All city offices will be closed on Friday, April; 14, 2017 in observance of Good
Friday.

 Council Work Session/Town Hall – Tuesday, April 25, 2017 - 6:00 p.m.
City Hall Chamber.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEMBER COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND/OR INITIATIVES
 National Day of Prayer – Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 6pm at Stockbridge City Hall
Location: Council Chamber

UPCOMING CIVIC EVENTS
 GA Cities Week Activities
Thursday, April 27th at 6:00 pm - Stockbridge Trail Mix and Ribbon Cutting at
Reeves Creek Trail (Flippen Rd. entrance)

Friday, April 28th at 6pm - Unity in the Community Basketball Game at Stockbridge
High School.

Saturday, April 29th from 8am – 2pm - Haul it to the Hall Community Yard Sale and
Recycling Event at Stockbridge City Hall parking lot.

Motion to convene Executive Session for Litigation, Personnel and Real Estate
made by Councilman Alexander; second by Mayor Pro Tem Ford; Passed 5-0.

Motion to adjourn Executive Session: Robinson/Ford. Passed 5-0.

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

Motion to adjourn Ford/Blount. Passed 5-0. 9:05 PM

April 10, 2017 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
