---
date: 2019-12-09
title: December 9, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes
source: 2019-12/2019-12-09_December 9, 2019 City Council Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2019 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Councilman Elton Alexander Camilla Moore, Community Dev. Dir
Mayor Pro Tem John Blount Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Randi Rainey, Deputy 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.
I. Call to Order – Mayor Ford

II. Invocation – Ms. Susan Edwards

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call – All members were in attendance except Councilwoman Gantt

V. Moment of Silence for recent teenage tragedy

VI. Motion to amend the Agenda to remove Item #4: Mr. Knighton stated this
action will not delay the construction, and there are no concerns, and plans to
bring the item back to the Council soon. Motion to approve Blount/Thomas –
Passed 4-0.

VII. Adoption of the Minutes for the following meeting:

1. 10/29/2019 2. 11/7/2019
Motion to approve Robinson/Blount – Passed 4-0.

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
Ms. Darlene Jackson expressed her concerns regarding logistics and parking for the
Amphitheater, noting increased traffic, driving through neighborhoods, illegal parking, trash, and
the need to hire extra police.

Ms. Moore, the City’s Community Development Director referenced an internal street that was
going to be constructed, additional street widening and noted the current speed bumps in the
adjacent neighborhood and invited Ms. Jackson to come in a review the traffic study.

Ms. Jackson noted her skepticism; and asked when the parking on the streets, specifically both
sides of the street was going to be addressed by the Council.

Ms. Moore noted the item would be discussed later in the meeting.

Mr. Roger Custin noted he is a City homeowner and business owner; referenced the City-adopted
RSVP plan over a year ago that was conducted by professionals with input from hundreds of
citizens and asked that the plan be put into place, noting the old fire station is owned by the City,
in the heart of the City, is vacant and being used for storage; noted the RSVP called for the
building to be “The Station”; and questioned why the decisions of the officials are better than those
recommended by citizens and professionals; stated the downtown area remains blighted and
asked the City to bring the Station to light and asked the Councilmembers to clarify their position
on the RSVP plan.

Mr. Robert Kolpak thanked Councilwoman Robinson for her service; referenced a picture of the
proposed Passive Park (Cochran Park) design; asked the City to provide a resolution to have the
county repair the park, and then take ownership for the kids to play ball in the spring; noted his
support of BarnBeautiful and Small Business Saturday and asked the City to invest in all areas of
the City noting the City of Stockbridge does not have the same appeal as downtown Hampton,
McDonough or Griffin, and he is on board to help however he can to make the City nice; noted
the RSVP is here and the City needs to follow the plan instead of allowing the building to sit
vacant.

Mr. Michael Parrish asked where the City was with its assessment of Cochran Park, and
questioned why the review was taking so long; wants to know if it is a go to open the park for
baseball or a no; noted the park has been closed for (7) seven months and with kids being killed
every day, these kids need something to do and be involved; asked the City Council to get past
the politics, be real with the citizens and coaches, noting the coaches are committed to giving
their time and money; asked the City to give the kids a Christmas present with the park being
opened; and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Mayor Ford reviewed the following ceremonial items:
➢ Henry County Schools Proclamation - Celebrate Learning in Henry County
Schools Day

➢ Board & Committee member recognition for their service (Diane Miller: Youth
Council Advisory Committee, Ola Martin Youth Council Advisory Committee;
Lawrence Wilbon Planning Commission and Raoul Clarke Downtown
Development Authority

➢ Teen Ambassadors End of Year Program – the Teen Ambassadors received
Certificates of Service and Appreciation, Medallions for the Inaugural Year,
and the Mayor’s Award was issued to Chynna Brown for her above and
beyond participation. The Ambassadors thanked and awarded
Councilwoman Neat Robinson for her leadership and spearheading the
program.
➢ Councilwoman Robinson thanked each one of the Teen Ambassadors for
their willingness to learn about government, stating while it’s not easy, they
can make changes in their community; noted she was honored the youth were
able to observe by shadowing her in her councilmember role; thanked the
parents for giving her the opportunity to mentor their teens; noted that
although she will not be in the chair as a councilperson, she will be around
and serving in some capacity; and expressed her love for each and every one
of them.

➢ Councilman Alexander noted this is what community service looks like; stated
he knows that Councilwoman Robinson’s heart is in the right place and that
these young lives will be forever changed; and thanked Councilwoman
Robinson for all that she does.

➢ Mayor Ford also thanked Councilwoman Robinson for her leadership and
service to the community; and looks forward to her future endeavors.

PRESENTATIONS
3. Teen Ambassadors National League of Cities Review
Chynna Brown and Chelsey Parker gave an overview of their
experiences as members of the Teen Ambassadors program and their
attendance at the 2019 National League of Cities Annual Youth
Conference, and thanked Councilwoman Robinson for her mentoring
and leadership, and thanked the parents and sponsors for their
support of the program.

OLD BUSINESS
4. Council Consideration to approve IGA (Intergovernmental Agreement)
between the City of Stockbridge and the Public Facilities Authority for
the Amphitheater funding.
Presented by Michael Williams City Attorney
Item removed from the Agenda

NEW BUSINESS
5. Council Consideration to approve 2020 Municipal Court Calendar
Presented by Randy Knighton – City Manager
Motion to approve Blount/Alexander Passed 4-0

6. Council Consideration to approve 2020 Facilities Use Schedule
Presented by LaQuinda Jackson – Ex. Asst. to Mayor & Council
Motion to approve w/changes Blount/Thomas Passed 4-0

7. Council Consideration to approve 2020 Holiday Schedule
Presented by Vanessa Holiday – City Clerk
Motion to approve Robinson/Thomas Passed 4-0
8. Council Consideration to approve contract extension with TSW
(Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh) for a two-year contract
Presented by Lindell Miler- Purchasing Supervisor and Camilla Moore
– Community Development Director
Motion to approve Alexander/Blount Passed 4-0

9. Council Consideration to approve contract extension with Site
Engineering.
Presented by Lindell Miller- Purchasing Supervisor and Decius Aaron
– Public Works Director
Motion to approve w/Revision from 6 months to 1 year Robinson/Blount
Passed 4-0

10.Council Consideration to approve contract extension with Falcon
Design for a one-year contract
Presented by Lindell Miller- Purchasing Supervisor and Decius Aaron
– Public Works Director
Motion to approve Blount/Thomas Passed 4-0

Councilwoman Gantt joined the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

11.Council Consideration to approve contract extension with Carter &
Sloope for a two-year contract
Presented by Lindell Miller- Purchasing Supervisor and Decius Aaron
– Public Works Director
Motion to approve Blount/Thomas Passed 4-0-1 (Gantt abstained)

PUBLIC HEARING
12.Proposed FY2020 Budget Hearing – Third Reading & Adoption
Presented by Randy Knighton – City Manager
Mr. Knighton noted this is the 3rd Reading and proposed adoption of
the FY2020 Operating Budget; there have been no comments from the
public; the City’s Vision and Mission statement were read; noted the
Budget is being proposed at $11.59 million dollars with the following
proposed added staff positions: Administrative Assistant (Events),
Procurement Clerk and Planner I; noted the budget has been produced
based on realistic projections of revenue and expenditures.

Councilman Alexander asked about an increase in property tax
assessment revenues for the City.

Mr. Knighton noted the City of Stockbridge has seen a significant
increase in the Tax Digest, noting residential growth and even more
notable, commercial growth.

Councilman Alexander asked if there had been specific funding placed
in the budget for Beautification projects.
Mr. Knighton referenced the recently approved Landscaping item
where roads and corridors where added to the schedule for
improvements to the City’s aesthetics.

Councilman Alexander referenced District 5 where commercial
businesses may need to be considered for annexation; and noted the
Holiday Inn on Hwy. 138 has noticed the improvements in the area and
thanked the City for their efforts.

Mr. Knighton noted the City needs to be strategic about annexations
and welcomes those conversations.

Councilwoman Robinson noted the Hwy. 138 area @ the Walmart
deserves more attention and encouraged the City’s management team
to travel the area going to and from work; noted the gas stations need
to bring up their standards; referenced the local churches who
participate in the Adopt-A-Road program; and asked the City to
impress upon them City’s current landscaping service to improve the
standards and set the bar high in 2020.

Mr. Knighton noted the Landscaping bid will be going out soon.

Councilman Thomas noted he has had conversations with the City
Manager regarding the proposed budget and reserved the right to
discuss some items with Council and bring the budget back before the
Council in January 2020 to revisit certain areas and to earmark specific
line items.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount noted the City is presenting a balanced budget
and that he too has met with the City Manager and noted budget
amendments can always be made where needed.

Mr. Knighton referenced the additional staff position of the Part-Time
Administrative Assistant to replace the Temporary position who assists
the Executive Assistant to Mayor & Council. This position is being
proposed as a permanent part-time position in the Clerk’s Office, noting
the Council had been aware of this position, and wanted to make sure
the information was entered into the record.

Public Hearing Opened
Mr. Robert Kolpak asked if funds were placed in the FY2020 for
Cochran Park should the City take possession.

No Speakers in Favor No Speakers Opposed
The Public Hearing was Closed
Motion to approve Gantt/Blount Passed 5-0

DISCUSSION
13.Council Discussion of Towing & Wrecker Services
Presented by Lindell Miller Purchasing Supervisor and
Camilla Moore - Community Development Director
Motion to Table the item to be heard in January 2020 Thomas/Gantt
Passed 5-0.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Randy Knighton wished everyone Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas; thanked
the thousands of individuals who came out to enjoy the City’s Holiday Festival noting
it was a great event; thanked the Council for leadership and vision; thanked staff for
their continuous efforts; noted several City projects are moving forward and is
looking forward to great things for the City.

COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
Vanessa Holiday wished Happy Holidays to everyone and to be safe.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas echoed the sentiments of the City Manager; noted as the year
closes out, there is more heavy lifting and work to be done; commended
Councilwoman Robinson’s service to the City; noted the City has overcome a
number of issues, and following the holiday festivities, the Council needs to come
back prepared to take on that heavy lifting, noting Cochran Park is one of those
issues, and there is no time to relax; commended staff for their support of the
Council’s vision; thanked citizens for their continued support; commended the
Council for taking on a lot of the heavy lifting; asked everyone to enjoy the holidays
and to return in 2020, ready to roll up your sleeves and get ready to get some things
done as there is more work to do.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount thanked the citizens for attending the meeting; noted
everyone here has a vested interest in the City and everyone here wants to see a
better Stockbridge and stated the Council is doing their best to make Stockbridge
the best that it can be; thanked the baseball coaches and others for their passion
for the City; noted this was the best Holiday Festival he has attended during his
tenure with a lot of moving parts and great coordination; invited all seniors to attend
the upcoming Bingo Bash on Wednesday from 10am – noon at the Ted Strickland
Community Center, noting this was the last one of the year; stated he knows that
Council truly wants to do what is in the best interest for the City; stated it was
beautiful to see the young people here today and commended Councilwoman
Robinson for having a great heart for what she does with the youth and commended
her service to the City and the youth, including the recent trip to the National League
of Cities in San Antonio, TX where although there paths did not cross while there,
he commended Councilwoman Robinson for the opportunity given to the teens to
attend.
Councilwoman Gantt thanked Councilwoman Robinson for her service; wished
everyone Happy Holidays noting the wonderful Holiday Festival; commended the
Public Works and Events Team for a great event; stated ‘tis the season of giving;
noted she is ready to work and get the job done and is looking forward to many more
groundbreakings and more things to come; noted her door is always open.

Councilman Alexander thanked everyone for tuning in and attending the meeting,
noting he does not take it for granted for those who come out and take up their time
to participate in the in the democratic process; referenced the upcoming Adopt- a-
Family event taking place at Red Oak UMC on Walt Stephens Rd. on 12/21 and that
this is his favorite event of the entire year; noted he and others are so blessed to be
able to share their abundance that the Lord has provided with the underprivileged
families in the area and asked those who have abundance and can share, to please
contact LaQuinda Jackson, noting the burden to be even heavier this year as
Connecting Henry had to cut back on their age group of donations and the Adopt-
A-Family has gladly stepped in to help fill the void, and asked for everyone who can
to support this effort; noted over 2,000 toys were distributed last year; asked anyone
wanting to donate toys and/or time, to please do so and to come out and support
this outstanding event; noted a heartfelt loss of the two young people from Eagle’s
Landing High School, referencing the 2 students who were gunned down and asked
the City to wrap their arms around the families of all affected; thanked everyone who
supported him during the recent loss of his father, highlighting the effects of diabetes
and hypertension, and is trying to educate and give back to the community stating
we need to change our habits; and thanked the staff, and referenced the Christmas
decorations placed around the City, particularly in the Eagle’s Landing area, and is
looking forward to adding to the Walt Stephens corridor as well.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked everyone for coming out and wished Happy
Holidays to everyone; stated she was overwhelmed earlier as the Teen
Ambassadors stood to honor her; noted these are some amazing teens who have
represented the City well; noted the Youth Council program started out with (7)
seven students thanked the City Attorney, Michael Williams for his assistance in
helping to carry out the vision; noted the program participation went from 7 students
to 15 students and also established a Youth Council Advisory Committee which is
part of the City’s Charter for as long as the City chooses to have the committee;
referenced the (12) members of the Teen Ambassadors program; noted members
of the Youth Council/Teen Ambassadors have attended conferences in Charlotte,
NC; Los Angeles, CA; and San Antonio, TX giving them local and national exposure
to better serve their communities; noted she is honored to have had the opportunity
to touch 34 young people, giving them the opportunity to see how their local
government works and would not have been able to do so without the support of
local businesses, noting it was not done for political reasons, but was done for the
young people, and as you can see, the kids in the program are quite impressive;
stated to fellow colleagues, these four years have been a great experience, and she
is excited because she knows each of them and their hearts, desires and love they
have for the City and looks forward to working with them as a team representing
Stockbridge; and noting what has been near and dear to her since 2015 is ensuring
that Cochran remains open; noted that in 2020 she will be speaking from the other
side directly, noting the Council has the power to act now as time is of the essence
and asked the Council not wait until after the holidays to make a decision stating the
City has the power to let the County know their stance before the holidays, and to
act on behalf of the kids; referenced the Holiday Giveback this weekend and asked
anyone interested in participating to reach out to LaQuinda Jackson for information;
stated it has been an honor to work with staff and looks forward to continuing to work
together; stated Mayor Ford’s leadership has been phenomenal, further noting she
has recommended he fill her seats on the GMA Federal and Legislative Policy
committees.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford noted the Holiday Festival was great; noted next month begins the
City’s 2020 Centennial celebrations with an event highlighter every month, with the
expectations of an outstanding year; wished everyone Happy Holiday, Happy New
Year and asked everyone to keep the faith as the City continues to make you
proud; God Bless.
Mayor Ford read the following meeting notices and event announcements:

UPCOMING MEETINGS
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.

• Main Street Advisory Board, Friday, December 13, 2019 at 9:00 a.m./Levi Meeting Room

• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, Monday, December 16, 2019 at 6:00 p.m./Levi
Meeting Room

• Work Session Meeting (2nd Public Hearing FY2020 Budget), Tuesday, December 17, 2019
at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber

• Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. – Levi Meeting Room

• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at
6:30 p.m./Patrick Henry Meeting Room
UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Stockbridge Youth Council Holiday Drive Saturday November 30 – Friday, December 13,
2019: Accepting Donations for the Holiday Season for Families in need – Clothing, Toys,
Canned/Boxed Food and Hygienic items. Drop off Locations: Stockbridge City Hall,
Dutchtown H.S., Eagle’s Landing H.S., Stockbridge H.S., Woodland H.S. and Waffle House
(Hudson Bridge Rd.) Contact Shana Thornton for more information @ 678-702-7460 for
more information.

• Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTable Tuesday, December 10th 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.

• Monthly Bingo Bash Wednesday, December 11th from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the
Ted Strickland Community Center – spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount
• Holiday Giveback Toy Drive Friday, December 13th from 7:00 p.m. at the Ted Strickland
Community Center – spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson

• Holiday Giveback Saturday, December 14th from 10:00 a.m. – noon at Floyd Chapel Baptist
Church – spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson

• Adopt a Family Tog Giveaway, Saturday, December 21, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at
Red Oak United Methodist /Church – spearheaded by Councilman Elton Alexander

ONGOING INITIATIVES
• Meet & Greet the Mayor Mondays with Mayor Anthony S. Ford from 10:00 a.m. - noon every
fourth Monday of the month (appointment required). Please contact LaQuinda Jackson @
678-833-3348 for more information and scheduling.

• Don’t Trash Stockbridge 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.

• Welcoming Stockbridge RoundTable every 2nd Tuesday of each month 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.

• Quarterly Homeowners and Neighborhood Association RoundTable – spearheaded by
Mayor Pro Tem Blount. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for more information.

• Teen Ambassadors Meeting December 12th at 5:00 p.m. in the Levi Meeting Room –
spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for
more information.

Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Litigation and Real Estate:
Gantt/Robinson – Passed 5-0.

Motion to Adjourn Executive Session: Blount/Alexander – Passed 4-0 (Councilman
Thomas was not present for the vote)

Motion to Reconvene the meeting: Alexander/Blount – Passed 4-0 (Councilman Thomas
was not present for the vote)

Motion to Adjourn: Robinson/Gantt – Passed 4-0 (Councilman Thomas was not present
for the vote)
