---
date: 2010-01-11
title: January 11, 2010 Minutes
source: 2010-01/2010-01-11_January 11, 2010_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

January 11, 2010

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE MINUTES
HENRY COUNTY, GEORGIA JANUARY 11, 2010

The regular meeting of the Stockbridge City Council was held on January 11, 2010 at 6:00 P.M.
Mayor Lee Stuart presided and members present were Harold Cochran, Fred Evans, Mark Alarcon, Kathryn
Gilbert, and Shirley Dabney.

Mark Alarcon mad a motion to convene; Kathryn Gilbert seconded and passed unanimously.

Reverend Edwards gave the invocation.

Lee C. Stuart and Council members were duly sworn in as Mayor and City Council for the City of
Stockbridge, Georgia.

Kathryn Gilbert made a motion to approve minutes of December 14, 2009 Council Meeting; Shirley Dabney
seconded, and motion carried.

Fred Evans made a motion to approve minutes of a special called Council Committee Meeting on December
23, 2009, for the purpose of obtaining bids for the remodeling of the police precinct and municipal court
buildings. Kathryn Gilbert seconded, and passed unanimously.

Mayor Stuart welcomed guests.

PLANNING AND ZONING

A. J. Welch presented the Unified Planned Development Code, a resolution to the Council for authorization
for legal staff to develop an ordinance to be presented at the study session on January 25. Once changes
or additions are complete, the proposed ordinance will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Board of
Henry County for their review and consideration and recommendation. The Council will then consider
adoption of the new zoning ordinance and development ordinance.

Mr. Welch advised that the zoning ordinance for the City of Stockbridge has always corresponded to that
of Henry County and the Henry County Planning and Zoning Department. Last year, Henry County adopted
the Unified Planned Development Code, part of which deals with zoning and development. Maintaining the
same ordinance as Henry County allows for expeditious annexation of properties into the city, because the
state law says that if your city zoning ordinance is the same as the county zoning ordinance, then property
can be annexed without going through rezoning efforts, thus saving the property owner a lot of time and
expense.

Kathryn Gilbert made a motion to adopt the resolution; Mark Alarcon seconded, and passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS

OLE STOCKBRIDGE DAYS

Brian Hoffman, Worshipful Master of Stockbridge Lodge, advised that the Masonic Lodge has been a long-
time sponsor of Ole Stockbridge Days. Mr. Hoffman gave a brief history of the Ole Stockbridge Days. It
originated in 1978 and was centered on the old Stockbridge train depot. The Stockbridge Volunteer Fire
Department named the even Hooks and Ladder Days. After 1990, the Stockbridge Masonic Lodge took
over the event and, consequently, in 1991 the name was changed to Ole Stockbridge Days.

The masons run the show from beginning to end. They take care of bringing out the spaces, marking the
spaces, and provide trash pickup.

The festival is currently on track to grow and become a signature event for the City. For the past two years,
vendors have prepaid for their spots. New policies have been introduced and efforts have been made to
ensure quality vendors. The 2010 event is scheduled for Saturday, May 8, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

The Georgia Child Identification Program (CHIP), sponsored by the Masons, is being re-introduced. Free
for families, this program allows parents to bring their children to get an imprint of their teeth and fingerprints,
a video, as well as a DNA sample, to put on CD or DVD. The parent also receives an ID card that they can
then laminate. This complete packet is given to the parent. The Masons do not keep any of the information.
In case of a missing child, this invaluable information allows parents to provide the kit to police officers, who
can then enter the details into the national network for missing children. Although, the kit was not provided
in 2009, 200 kits were provided in 2008. Expectations are that the number of kits for 2010 should be at
least as great, or greater.

In order to provide a safe area for attendees, the Masonic Lodge of Stockbridge has requested permission
to shut down East Atlanta Road from North Henry Boulevard to Love Street, rerouting traffic down Burke
Street and Berry Street. Both sides of the street will be set up with various events, including bands and
sound systems. Request was also made for permission to host a parade. Although other cities in the
county, as well as Spalding County, do not obtain permits, Miranda Roberts will be working with the State
DOT to determine possible permitting requirements for the parade to progress from the Confederate Center
parking lot, down Love Street, down East Atlanta, over the bridge, and back. This is actually less space
than that used by most of the parades that go down the state roads.

Although a previous request was made to use the Stockbridge City Train, the request was retracted,
because the Shiners have a train that could be used. The train carries 10 to 20 children at $1.00/each per
ride. Half that money would then go to the Shiners’ Children’s Hospital.

Request was made for financial support of $3,000 needed to assist with advertising and event expenses,
including but not limited to security, staging and production and new signage. An additional one-time
$4,000 was also requested to provide a permanent power set-up for the vendors in the area between the
railroad tracks and East Atlanta that could be used for future events.

Mr. Hoffman provided some background on the Stockbridge Masonic Lodge. The majority of the money
from Ole Stockbridge Days is typically returned to the community in the form of scholarships to high school
kids. More than $35,000 has been awarded in scholarships over approximately 15 years. The Stockbridge
Masonic Lodge is part of a group of lodges on the south side of Atlanta. The 15 lodges in the group provide
memorial services to Masons who have died. Of the 220 members currently on the roster of the Stockbridge
Masonic Lodge, 20 are members of the community. The 2009 event brought in between $4,000-$6,000.
$3,000 or $3,500 was then awarded in high school seniors who had applied for scholarships.

Councilwoman Gilbert questioned why the City should invest $7,000 for a return of approximately $3,000-
$4,000. Mr. Hoffman committed to having a detailed financial breakdown at the next City Council meeting.
Ted Strickland also cautioned about possible duplicate payments for streetscape lighting.

Mark Alarcon suggested that the request be tabled until Mr. Hoffman can supply more detailed plans,
including restrooms, maps of the proposed event layout, and any other pertinent information. Fred Evans
made a request to table the motion; Shirley Dabney seconded, and passed unanimously.
NEW COMMITTEES

Mayor Stuart provided the breakdown of five new committees: 1) Finance; 2) Public Works; 3) Public Safety,
including fire, police, and EMS; 4) Community Relations; 5) Building. The Community Relations Committee
will serve as an umbrella and will include many of the things to improve the city, such as small business
advisory groups, and the after-school program. Kathryn Gilbert made a motion to accept the committees
as recommended by the mayor. Fred Evans seconded, and passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION TO NOMINATE FRED EVANS AS MAYOR PRO TEM

Mayor Stuart provided a written resolution to the Council. Shirley Dabney made a motion to re-elect Fred
Evans as Mayor Pro Tem; Mark Alarcon seconded, and passed unanimously.

COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS

City Manager: Ted Strickland
Assistant City Manager: Ray Gibson
City Clerk: Merle Manders
Treasurer, Finance Director, Deputy Clerk: Nancy Brown
City Attorney: Buddy Welch
Municipal Judge: Donny Patten
Solicitor: Suzanne Whitaker
Associate City Solicitor: John P. Webb
City Engineers: Stevenson & Palmer
City Surveyor: Frank Prince
City Auditor: Jim Whitaker

The resolution also affirms and approves the contracts that were entered into by the previous Mayor and
Council for Mr. Strickland and Mr. Gibson. Fred Evans made a motion to approve all appointments; Harold
Cochran seconded, and passed unanimously.

CONTRACT WITH STATE DOT FOR FUNDING REEVES CREEK TRAIL

Buddy Welch explained that the contract with the State DOT will provide $1.1 million to build the 1.3 mile
Reeves Creek Trail which ties in with the Dabney Hunter Simmons Park. Approval of the resolution will
authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the contract with the State Department of Transportation. Kathryn
Gilbert made a motion to approve the contract; Fred Evans seconded, and passed unanimously.

TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT

Buddy Welch advised that the agreement for the Enhancement Activities between the State DOT and the
City of Stockbridge is in conjunction with the funding of Reeves Creek Trail. Kathryn Gilbert made a motion
to accept the agreement; Fred Evans seconded, and passed unanimously.

SETTLEMENT RESOLUTIONS

Buddy Welch advised that the City has two pending cases for settlement resolutions. The Clary Thurman
case involves a case where the City acquired a tract of property that is now part of the parking lot. Special
master awarded $609,000. The property owners were dissatisfied with that award and appealed to Superior
Court. The Supreme Court jury awarded $452,000 to the property owners, resulting in $157,000 refund
owed to the City by the property owners. The court also agreed that Thurman Clary must pay attorneys
fees. The attorney for Thurman Clary has agreed that attorneys fees of $64,603.61 is reasonable and will
not contest the amount of the attorneys fees/expenses if the City will agree to give them 90 days in which
to reimburse the City $221,603,61. This amount will not bear interest until expiration of the 90 days.
Acceptance of the resolution will authorize acceptance of the offer and will authorize the City Attorney to
collect those funds if they are not paid with the 90-day period and to obtain the necessary orders, judgments
and Fi-Fa’s from Superior Court to collect the money. Harold Cochran made a motion to approve the
resolution; Fred Evans seconded, and passed unanimously.

The Gramm case involves a property on East Atlanta Road. The Urban Redevelopment Agency acquired
the property through the Urban Redevelopment Statute. The Special Master awarded $430,000 to Ms.
Gramm. The City voted to give the property back to Ms. Gramm upon her refunding the money. She
decided that she did not want the property back and appealed the decision of the Superior Court of Henry
County, which required her to take the property back and receive the money. The Court reversed the
Superior Court and required the City to retain the property. Her attorney made an offer of settlement of an
additional $50,000 to settle the case. The Mayor and Council have previously authorized Mr. Welch to offer
the $50,000 to settle the case. The City must approve the agreement. The Gramms’ attorney must provide
the appropriate consent orders from the Court, required deeds and required waivers and release. The City
must then appropriate the sum of $50,000 and have it transferred to the Urban Redevelopment Agency so
that the Agency would have the funds to make payment of the monies. Harold Cochran made a motion to
approve the settlement; Fred Evans seconded, and passed unanimously.

BUSINESS LICENSES

Ramone Preston, CEO of Kingdom Harvest Outreach Ministries at 4721 North Henry Boulevard, is
requesting a license to establish a non-profit business that offers a vocational, educational, economic
development for Henry County and surrounding communities. The requested startup for the business is
January 2010.

Mr. Preston and his wife, both real estate agents, have lived in the Stockbridge area since 2003, during
which time they have helped several people in the Stockbridge area and other areas of Metro Atlanta.
Wishing to move forward, they are looking to obtain a 1400 sq. ft. office space in the plaza adjacent to Phil’s
Diner near the Food Depot. Mr. Gerald Taylor, landlord of the plaza, also agrees that this location would
be ideal for serving right to the heart of Stockbridge. It is a proven location, because the prior tenant was
also a successful outreach ministry.

The business, while under church-controlled charter, will operate specifically for outreach purposes.
Regular office hours will be established and the space will be used to conduct meetings throughout the
week. As such, the office would be zoned under C-2 or O&I zoning districts. Mr. Preston is requesting an
office space to, first and foremost, have an administrative home in order to be legitimate and solidify as a
non-profit in the city, thereby establishing eligibility for state and federal funds in order to help many different
families. Meetings will be conducted to set up rehabilitation programs. Recovery for the City, centered on
families and children in the community, was established six years ago.

Kathryn Gilbert made a motion to approve; Harold Cochran seconded, and passed unanimously.

Robert Wilson, 1400 Hudson Bridge Road, requested a business license to operate a jewelry store on
Hudson Bridge Road, adjacent to American Deli near Wal-Mart that not only sells jewelry, but buys back
jewelry from the public.

The Business License Clerk and City Code Enforcement Officer explained the parameters of the retail
jewelry store business within the city limits of Stockbridge. Jared McIntyre, Regional Manager for Gold
Buddy, spoke on behalf of Mr. Wilson. Gold Buddy, with seven locations in the state of Georgia, is owned
by Mr. Wilson and has been in business for over 10 years. Prior to Gold Buddy, Mr. Wilson owned Wilson
Insulation where he worked for 25 years in the Stockbridge and surrounding areas.
Ninety percent of Gold Buddy’s business is in retail, 70 percent of which comes from the pearl business of
jewelry. A fraction of Gold Buddy’s income does come from buying gold. Because of the economic times
and the gold craze, about 90 percent of all jewelry businesses do buy gold. Money will not be loaned on
jewelry and there is no pawn or trade-in involved in buying the jewelry from the public.

Kathryn Gilbert made a motion to approve the business; Shirley Dabney seconded, and passed
unanimously.
Sandra Mason of Highland Food Mart, a convenience store and gas mart at 2240 Highway 42 at Highland
Plaza, requested an alcohol license for a convenience store to sell packaged beer on the premises. The
application has been submitted and inspections are pending. Approval from the Council is routine for a
business that sells beer/wine/alcohol. Operating hours will be 6:00 to 11:00 Monday through Sunday.

Kathryn Gilbert made the motion to approve, pending the receipt of the required documentation; Fred
Cochran seconded, and passed unanimously.

OPEN DISCUSSION (Three Minute Limit)

Alfonzo Thomas requested an update on the walking trail from Memorial Park to Tye Street and Flippen
Road. What is the cut-through and would it require any property acquisition?

The City had some property acquisitions up close to Rock Quarry Road that have caused delays for some
time. Most of the trail will be on City property and then almost to Flippen Road. One piece of property will
probably have to be eventually condemned. The trail will go almost to Flippen Road, where a cul-de-sac
will be put in to come back around. The trail follows Dabney Hunter Simmons, back through the creek,
down the edge of the creek, turn and follows the creek; go up almost to the Georgia Power right-of-way,
where approval has been given in some places.

Ted Strickland advised that the original plan called for the City to have a walking trail to circle Stockbridge,
starting at Dabney Hunter, going all the way around to almost 675, cutting around, going back up beside
Wal-Mart, going down Davis Road, coming back up Davis Road, coming up by Merle Manders Conference
Center, coming under the bridge, going all the way back to Dabney Hunter Simmons Memorial Park.
Federal funds would 80 percent and the City would fund 20 percent.

Mr. Thomas expressed concern about accessibility of the crime element having access to the trail and
various communities. He expressed concern for the safety of citizens and crime and trail-related deaths
such as those broadcast in the news. Mr. Strickland acknowledged that it could be a problem and agreed
to address the issues. Mayor Stuart invited Mr. Thomas to come to his office and look at the drawings and
discuss the issues.

RESOLUTION TO HONOR TED STRICKLAND, CITY MANAGER

Whereas, Frank Ted Strickland was born in Greenville, Georgia, has been married to Nancy B.
Strickland since 1957, is a father, grandfather and veteran of the United States Army; and
Whereas, Ted Strickland has served Henry County as a public employee since 1956, first as a
teacher for Henry County Public Schools, principal of Stockbridge Elementary and superintendent of
schools from ’81 to ’88;
Whereas, Ted Strickland has served the City Council as the City Manager since 1990 and through
his long tenure has always focused on the best interest of the city and promote its citizens’ welfare, tirelessly
fulfilled his responsibilities of executing the programs, goals and projects of the Mayor and the City Council;
Whereas, the City Manager Ted Strickland spearheaded the renovation of the new maintenance
facility, the updating of the wastewater treatment plant and environmentally friendly biosolids program; and
Whereas, Ted Strickland played a significant role in the design and construction of Clark
Community Park, Dabney Hunter Simmons City Park, City Hall Community Park, Merle Manders
Conference Center and the Cochran Library, the Stockbridge Tag Office and the new City Hall;
Whereas, Ted Strickland facilitated the renovation of the Municipal Building and the Cochran Public
Safety Center and the Stockbridge Community Center;
Whereas, Ted Strickland has been instrumental in obtaining millions of dollars in grants for
numerous city projects;
Whereas, Mr. Strickland has assisted the Mayor and Council in promptly managing the public funds
of the city, which has prevented the levying of ad valorem taxes with the city;
Whereas, the public service career of Ted Strickland has been a credit to the city of Stockbridge,
Henry County and the state of Georgia;
Whereas, the City Council would like to extend its highest commendation in appreciation for Ted
Strickland by dedicating the Stockbridge Community Center in his name.
Now, therefore, it is now resolved by the City Council, the city of Stockbridge, Georgia, as follows:
Declaration of Appreciation: The city hereby issues this resolution in appreciation for City Manager
Ted Strickland’s public service to the city.
Declaration of Naming of the Stockbridge Community Center: The city declares that the
Stockbridge Community Center building located at 130 Berry Road, Stockbridge, is hereby named today
and henceforth known as Ted Strickland Community Center in recognition of the City Manager’s
distinguished tenure of public service.
Execution of Documents: The Mayor and the Mayor Pro Tem and the City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk
is hereby authorized to sign all documents necessary to effect this resolution. The City Clerk and the
Deputy Clerk is hereby directed to record this resolution in the official minutes of the city, and a copy of this
resolution be permanently hung in the reception area of the City Hall.

The resolution became effective on January 11, 2010 and was signed by Mayor Lee Stuart and Merle
Manders, the City Clerk.

Fred Evans made a motion to approve the resolution; Kathryn Gilbert seconded, and passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION TO HONOR HAROLD COCHRAN, CITY COUNCILMAN

Whereas, Harold Cochran moved to the city of Stockbridge in 1948 to work in the family-owned
grocery store; and
Whereas, Harold Cochran married Betty R. Cochran and their marriage produced three wonderful
daughters, one son and seven grandchildren;
Whereas, Harold Cochran served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from ’51 to
’53; and
Whereas, Harold Cochran returned to Stockbridge after his military service and has been the owner
and operator of several businesses I the city; and
Whereas, Council Member Cochran has served the city of Stockbridge as a Council member since
1977; and
Whereas, Council Member Cochran has served on numerous committees and held the position of
Mayor Pro Tem; and
Whereas, during this more than three decades in public service, Harold Cochran has diligently
worked to improve the quality of life, save tax dollars and prevent ad valorem taxation for the citizens of
Stockbridge;
Whereas, Harold Cochran played an intricate role in the design and construction of Clark
Community Park, Dabney Hunter Simmons Park, City Hall, Community Park, new water and sewer
facilities, Merle Manders Conference Center, the Cochran Library, Stockbridge Tag Office and the new City
Hall; and
Whereas, Harold R. Cochran helped facilitate the renovations of the Municipal Court buildings and
the old City – and the Stockbridge Community Center;
Whereas, the public service career of Council Member Harold Cochran has been a credit to the
city of Stockbridge, Henry County, the state of Georgia and their citizens;
Whereas, the City Council would like to extend its highest commendation in appreciation for Harold
Cochran’s achievement by dedicating the old City Hall facility in his name.
Now therefore, it is now resolved by the City Council of the City of Stockbridge, Georgia as follows:
Declaration of Appreciation: The city hereby issues resolution appreciation for Harold Cochran’s
public service to the city.
Declaration of Naming of the Old City Hall building in its location at 4545 North Henry Boulevard,
Stockbridge, is hereby named today and henceforth known as Harold L. Cochran Public Safety Center in
recognition of his distinguished tenure as a public servant; and
Whereas, the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to
sign all documents necessary to effect this resolution.
Recording: The City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk is hereby directed to record this resolution in the
official minutes of the city and that a copy of this resolution may be permanently hung in the reception area
of the City Hall.
This resolution shall take effect immediately this day; adopted January 11, 2010 to be signed by
Mayor Lee Stuart and Merle Manders.

Fred Evans made a motion to approve the resolution; Kathryn Gilbert seconded, and passed unanimously.

Mayor Stuart expressed his appreciation for everyone’s support and committed to listen and serve to the
best of his ability. Citizens may approach any time. We are all Americans, and although there are different
points of view, there is no place greater than America.

Kathryn Gilbert made a motion to adjourn; Fred Cochran seconded and approved unanimously. Meeting
adjourned at 7:30 P. M.

Respectfully submitted,

Merle Manders, CMC Lee Stuart
City Clerk Mayor
