---
date: 2011-08-08
title: August 8, 2011 Minutes
source: 2011-08/2011-08-08_August 8, 2011_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

August 8, 2011

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
SUMMARY OF MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING

August 8, 2011 6:00 P. M.

A Meeting of the Stockbridge City Council was held on August 8, 2011 at 6:00
P. M. Mayor Lee Stuart presided and Council members present were Mark Alarcon,
Harold Cochran, Shirley Dabney, Fred Evans and Kathy Gilbert.

Motion to Convene made by Councilman Cochran, seconded by Councilman Evans.
Passed Unanimously 5-0.

Motion to approve the Regular Council Meeting Minutes of July 11, 2011 made by
Councilman Cochran, seconded by Councilwoman Gilbert. Approved 5-0.

Invocation by Councilman Mark Alarcon.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Stuart welcomed all guests.

OLD BUSINESS
Attorney Andy Welch presented the Resolution to authorize the restatement of the City
of Stockbridge Retirement Plan; amendment of retirement to clarify application of new
benefit under the City’s plan 457(b). Three options were presented. 1. Only the lump
sum post-retirement death benefit set for in Section (14) of the General Addendum will
be payable (i.e. the new lump sum post-retirement death benefit in Section 8.12(b) of
the GMEBS Master Plan will not apply); 2. Either the greater of the City’s existing lump
sum post-retirement death benefit set for in Section (14) of the General Addendum or
the lump sum post-retirement death benefit established in Section 8.12(b of the Master
Plan will be payable; or 3. Both the lump sum post-retirement death benefit set forth in
Section (14) of the General Addendum and the lump sum post-retirement death benefit
established in Section 8.12(b) of the Master Plan will be payable. Councilwoman Gilbert
made a motion to adopt Option 2. Seconded by Councilwoman Dabney. Passed
unanimously 5-0.
CONSENT AGENDA

Resolution – Authorizing the appointment of members to the City of Stockbridge
Pension Committee 457(b). The Mayor’s recommendations are: Steven Hammond and
Stephanie McFarlin as employee representatives, and Harold Cochran, Shirley Dabney
and Fred Evans from the Governing Authority.

Agenda Request – Faith Walk Ministries South – Pastor Andre Watson – Temporary
Use for new Ministry located at 4340 North Henry blvd. Suite 140, Stockbridge, GA.
(Brooklyn Plaza).

Councilwoman Gilbert made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda. Seconded by
Councilman Cochran. Passed unanimously 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

Miranda Roberts, Events Director presented an Ordinance to request to amend the City’s Ordinance to
increase Pavilion Rental Fees at city parks and assess a fee for the Gazebo Rental at Memorial Park.
Councilwoman Gilbert made a motion to adopt Option 1 for the Pavilion Rental Fees and Option 2 for the
Gazebo Rental Fees as recommended by staff. Seconded by Councilman Evans. Passed unanimously. 5-

Rental Fee Structure.
Pavilions in city parks may be reserved as follows:
$50 a day (daylight to dusk)
$35 morning block of time (daylight to 2:00pm)
$35 afternoon block of time (3:00pm to dusk)

Gazebos in city parks may be reserved as follows:
$25 a day (daylight to dusk)
$15 morning block of time (daylight to 2:00pm)
$15 afternoon block of time (3:00pm to dusk)

Ray Gibson, City Administrator presented a Resolution authorizing the City of
Stockbridge to enter into an Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation
to carry out a Transportation Enhancement Activity which consists of: Project CSTEE-
0009-00(093) P.I. No. 0009093, Henry County, Berry Street Project that will extend from
Love Street to Nolan Street. Total cost of the project - $850,000. Federal funds are
$680,000 with a local match of $170,000.00.Councilman Alarcon stated that he recalled
that some of the funds had been moved from the original project. Ray Gibson confirmed
that some of the original funds slated for the Berry Street project had been moved to the
Reeves Creek Trail Project, Phase I somewhere between $150,000 - $200,000 and
stated that the new cost to complete the Berry Street Project is $850,000. Attorney
Welch asked if the funds for the Berry Street Project were budgeted funds and asked if
the budget had been amended because funds had been moved. Ray Gibson stated that
the move of funds had been more than three years prior. Councilwoman Gilbert made a
motion to adopt the Resolution. Seconded by Councilman Evans. Passed unanimously
5-0.

Ray Gibson, City Administrator presented a Resolution authorizing the approval of the
Georgia Department of Transportation Contract – ID:C38743-11-000-0S 013642 PRC
Henry County. Various Streets – Plant Mix Resurfacing – LMIG- Code 5ST300. The
streets included in the project are: Evergreen Terrace, Medical Blvd., and North Park
Trail. The City has coordinated with GDOT who has worked with the City to get the
allotted funds of $84,624.89 to pave those three roads. Mr. Gibson stated that the City
will still need to go out as part of the bid process for services to prepare the roads, and
those funds are separate, although part of this project. Councilman Evans made a
motion to adopt the Resolution. Seconded by Councilman Cochran. Passed
unanimously 5-0.

Ray Gibson, City Administrator presented a Resolution authorizing the Henry County
Planning & Zoning Department to present an amendment of the City Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 8.36 thereof regarding zoning. The City is requesting that the
Henry County Planning & Zoning Department put together a religious facilities
ordinance for the City of Stockbridge to follow. The ordinance would then be sent to the
City and then presented to the Zoning Advisory Board who will make a recommendation
to the City of Stockbridge City Council for adoption. Councilwoman Gilbert made a
motion to approve. Seconded by Councilman Evans. Passed unanimously 5-0.
Ray Gibson, City Administrator presented a Resolution authorizing the pursuit of
certification as a new HUD Urban County by meeting all requirements of HUD’s
Community Development Block Grant Programs. Based on the 2010 Census figures,
Henry County is now entitled to funds estimated to be $731,600, which could change on
an annual basis. After meeting with the County Manager and other City Managers
throughout the County, a summary of that meeting was sent to the Mayor and Council.
At the bottom of that information page was an email received from DCA - Department of
Community Affairs that stated that if the City were to participate with the County in the
CDBG program, the City would not be eligible to apply for state CDBG Funding, the
Employment Incentive Program or the CDBG Redevelopment Program. Mr. Gibson
made the recommendation to Council to move forward and support the initiative of the
County to participate in their CDBG funding. Once received back from the County, he
would work with the County Manager and other City Managers to create a consolidated
plan and determine what money goes where. This Resolution is only to enter into the
agreement and commit to those funds. What remains is approximately a six-month
process to outline what the City of Stockbridge will obtain as far as funding is
concerned. Funds can only be used for low to moderate income projects in low to
moderate income areas in the City. Councilwoman Gilbert asked for clarification on the
amount of funds available for the entire county and the number of years, one or five.
Ray Gibson stated that the funds were available every year over the next five years to
the County to disburse among those cities that opted in for the CDBG Program. Mr.
Gibson reiterated that this is a federal program, and the funds are not guaranteed. But
also, that it may be more and it could be less. Councilwoman Gilbert asked how much
money the City of Stockbridge was currently receiving from the State CDBG Program.
Mr. Gibson responded that the City is not receiving any funds through the State’s CDBG
Program, and also believes that the City has never applied for funds. Councilwoman
Gilbert expressed a concern that if the City opts in with the County CDBG Program, how
will the funds be equitably divided. Mr. Gibson stated that this is the choice that the
Council has to make. He further stated that the application process is quite lengthy. The
County Manager has stated that it will require personnel to manage the grant and that
cost for personnel will be paid for out of the grant. Should the City decide to apply for
the state CDBG, it may be viewed negatively, because the City is part of a community
already receiving a grant. Additionally, the City would need to likewise hire staff to
manage the program and administration of the funds. Councilman Alarcon stressed that
because the City has not previously applied for state funds that anyone is aware of, that
the City participate in the County’s CDBG Program. Mr. Gibson suggested that the
Mayor appoint a committee to be a part of the negotiations when the County meets to
decide on the distribution of the funds. Councilman Alarcon made a motion to adopt the
Resolution. Seconded by Councilman Evans. Passed unanimously 5-0.
Attorney Welch was to present an Ordinance to amend the City of Stockbridge Ethics
Ordinance. Revisions to the Ordinance have been made and they are currently being
reviewed by the Ethics Board Chairman, LaKeisha Gantt. When comments are received
back from Chairman Gantt, a final version will be presented to the board for review.
Councilwoman Gilbert made a motion to postpone to be heard at the next Work
Session. Seconded by Councilwoman Dabney. Passed unanimously 5-0.

Attorney Welch presented a Resolution appointing terms for members of the Board of
Ethics of the City of Stockbridge. Councilwoman Gilbert made a motion for the Council’s
appointments for the two-year term to be George Hawxhurst and for the one-year term
to be Judy Neal. Seconded by Councilman Evans. Passed unanimously 5-0. Mayor
Stuart appointed Don Gordon to the two-year term and Alphonso Thomas to a one-year
term. Chairman – LaKeisha Gantt- Two-Year Term. The Chairman has an automatic
two-year term.
Councilwoman Gilbert made a motion to adopt the Resolution. Seconded by
Councilman Evan. Passed unanimously 5-0.

Councilwoman Gilbert reviewed information regarding the Work Session schedule that
had been previously requested by staff in January 2011. She further stated that the
meeting schedule that is now in effect was not intended to be that way. As a result,
there is a conflict with the Work Session date of August 25, 2011, which also coincides
with the Henry County Intergovernmental Retreat date. Councilwoman asked for a
Resolution to correct the Work Session Meeting date to be changed from August 25th to
September 1st; and that the November Work Session be changed also. Councilman
Alarcon addressed Attorney Welch and asked how that change would affect his
schedule. Attorney Welch stated that the Ordinance was put before the Council as a
request so that he could attend the City’s Work Session and Council Meetings on a
night when the City of Locust Grove was not meeting. That was the purpose of moving
the Work Session to a different date. The Ordinance was outlined with specific dates to
accommodate that request for the remainder of the year. Attorney Welch went on to
state that the setting of the dates is the Council’s business, and that he merely made
the request that the day be changed. Council has authority to change the dates and
amend the Ordinance at any time. Mayor Stuart made the recommendation that Mayor
Pro Tem Gilbert attend the Henry County Intergovernmental Retreat and represent the
City of Stockbridge. Mayor Stuart further stated that the Council should not change the
meeting dates again for the third time when there are 25,000 citizens and change the
schedule to accommodate five. Councilwoman Gilbert thanked Mayor Stuart. Ray
Gibson pointed out that the City needs to network with other cities and with other county
officials to get things done for the City of Stockbridge. Stockbridge needs to be
represented at the table, and the Intergovernmental Retreat is one of those forums.
Councilwoman Gilbert restated her motion and called for a point of order. Mayor stated
that the conversation had been a matter of discussion, and there was not a Resolution
or Ordinance recognized. Councilwoman Gilbert called for a point of order.
Councilwoman Gilbert stated that Mayor Stuart has suggested that she attend the
Henry County Intergovernmental Retreat as a representative of the City, and that there
needs to be a motion affirming that action. Mayor Stuart stated that no such action was
required. Councilwoman Gilbert asked for Attorney Welch’s opinion. Attorney Welch
stated to the Council that if they, the Council want Councilwoman Gilbert to go and
represent the City, they can do that. However, there is no legal necessity for
Councilwoman Gilbert to be designated. It’s up to the members of Council to decide.
Attorney Welch stated that if Councilwoman Gilbert wishes to ask for the Council’s
consent to attend, there is nothing

wrong with her asking for that consent. Mayor Stuart asked the Council if they wanted to
adopt a Resolution authorizing Councilwoman Gilbert to attend the Henry County
Intergovernmental Retreat. Councilwoman Dabney asked Mayor Stuart if
Councilwoman Gilbert was the only person allowed to attend. Councilman Evans stated
that all Council members were invited, the same as the GMA Convention. Councilman
Alarcon stated that all Council was invited, however he has a scheduling conflict that will
not allow him to attend. Councilwoman Dabney asked if other staff was permitted to
attend. Ray Gibson, stated that if the Council wishes, he could attend the
Intergovernmental Retreat and not spend the night, but instead return for the Council
Meeting. Councilwoman Gilbert asked if staff had been invited. Ray Gibson confirmed
that staff had in fact been invited. Councilwoman Dabney stated that staff that had been
invited should have an opportunity to attend, rather than just Councilwoman Gilbert.
Mayor Stuart asked Councilwoman Gilbert to attend and update everyone with the
information.

Ray Gibson, City Administrator updated the Council on the application for the 2011 LCI
Transportation Project Funding. The City can receive up to five million dollars for a
project with a 20% municipal match required. Application due date is September 23,
2011. The City will be applying for some of these funds and Mr. Gibson will be
coordinating with members of Council about what types of projects to apply for. An
outline will be prepared of what the LCI states in terms of projects, and everyone is
encouraged to give feedback. The kickoff meeting for the LCI Supplemental Study will
be held here at City Hall on August 30th, look for more information on the City’s
website. Mayor Stuart suggested citizens input which was concurred by Councilwoman
Gilbert.

Ray Gibson, City Administrator updated the Council on the water fountain at the corner
of East Atlanta Rd. and North Henry Blvd.. After speaking with Attorney Buddy Welch,
funding will be available to repair the fountain from the insurance company. The
fountain at Municipal Park is still under review, but likewise, the City will probably be
receiving funds to repair that fountain as well.

Councilwoman Gilbert asked about mowing services for the City, as she had received
citizen complaints. Mr. Gibson stated that there have been some absences in the Public
Works Department for various reasons, but he would follow up.

Attorney Welch updated the Council on the Audubon Hills Apartments situation. There
was a press release issued on August 3, 2011. They are on an order to have all of the
permits and begin renovation and construction by the end of August 2011. They are
moving through the process. The owners, the insurance companies the banks, and
everyone that has been involved with the case has been put on notice of every aspect
that the City has taken. It is unknown as to whether or not this information is being
passed down to the citizens and residents of the apartments.

Public Comments

· Rashida Cloud - Spoke in support of the Henry County Community Development Block Grant
and stated her experience of writing grants.

· Beverly Edwards – Spoke in support of the Henry County Community Development Block Grant
and stressed the need for activities for youth in the City of Stockbridge.

· Marilyn Flynn – Spoke in support of the Henry County Community Development Block Grant –
and in opposition of the proposed Redistricting Maps for Henry County, and asked for discussion
of how the Council feels the redistricting will affect the governance within the City of Stockbridge
since the new district lines have split the City and moved a predominately black district out of
District 4 and into District 5.

There was no response from the Council.
· Anthony Ford – Spoke in support of a Red Light being installed on Walt Stephens Road near
Brentwood and Monarch Village subdivisions. The City acknowledged that it has received
$40,000 from Pathway Communities approximately four months ago.

· Houston Nelson – Spoke in support of Lighting along Davidson Parkway and Walter Way and he
also spoke regarding Street Lights within Northbridge Crossing Subdivision that were being paid
by the HOA that are City street lights and that he on behalf of Northbridge Crossing would be
making a formal request of the City for about $500/month for the last six years.
Ray Gibson, City Administrator updated the Council on the progress of the Red
Light/Monarch Village Project. Discussions were held with the county and they have put
intersection improvement plans together for the area around Monarch Village. The City
is waiting on the cost estimate, so that this item can be brought back to Council. The
county has made it clear that there is no money available on their end.Ttherefore, the
majority of funding will be coming from the City.

Chairman Alarcon of the Finance Committee stated that the August 11, 2011 meeting
has been canceled. Information has not been received from all of the departments
relating to the 2012 budget.

Chairman Alarcon reminded everyone about the Community Relations Committee
Meeting on Monday, August 15th at 6pm. Lots to be discussed and would love to have
the community’s input.

Chairman Cochran reminded everyone of the Public Works and Public Safety
Committee Meetings being held on Tuesday, August 9th and 6:00 and 6:30pm.

Mayor Stuart read the announcements, meetings and events.

Councilwoman Gilbert made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilwoman Dabney.
Passed unanimously 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Lee Stuart, Mayor
