---
date: 2012-03-06
title: March 6, 2012 Minutes
source: 2012-03/2012-03-06_March 6, 2012_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

March 6, 2012

Work Session

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE

March 6th, 2012

The Council Meeting of the Stockbridge City Council was held on March 6th, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. Mayor
Lee Stuart presided and members present were Mark Alarcon, Harold Cochran, Robin Buschman,
Alphonso Thomas, and Richard Steinberg.

Motion to Convene made by Richard Steinberg; Seconded by Alphonso Thomas. Passed 5-0

Invocation by Ms. Reed, a member of the audience.

Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Stuart announced the presentation of a proclamation for March 12, 2012 as Girl Scouts Day in the
City of Stockbridge, GA. Girl Scout Troop was a no show.

Old Business
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Corrections to January 9 Council Meeting Minutes: Mayor Stuart began with the first correction on page
two with the Resolution for the City Administrators Month-to-month contract; Correction needed on the
vote currently stating “passed unanimously” to “Passed 4-1” with the opposed vote from Alphonso
Thomas. Second correction on page two to select Mayor Pro Tem; correction needed on the vote
currently stating “passed unanimously” to “Passed 4-1” with the opposed vote from Alphonso Thomas.
Third correction, page two for the council appointments by a slate; correction needed on the vote
currently stating “passed 4-1” should only state Councilman Thomas opposed. Councilman Alarcon
referred to page one under old business for the ordinance to adopt 2012 draft budget B; correction
needed on the vote currently stating “passed unanimously” to “Passed 4-1” with the opposed vote from
Alphonso Thomas. Councilman Alarcon also referred to page two, for the amendment of the agenda;
correction needed on the vote currently stating “passed unanimously” to “Passed 4-1” with the opposed
vote from Alphonso Thomas. Councilman Alarcon requested that the council wait to make any changes to
any items on the agenda until Audio Visual is reviewed.

No New Business

Henry County Planning & Zoning- Presented by Stacey Jordan
Applicant: Evangelical Christian Credit Union of Brea, CA
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Location: 125 Rock Quarry Road Land Lot 36 of the 12 District
Request: Conditional Use- CU-11-09-S
Stacey Jordan informed the Council of the First case for the Evangelical Christian Credit Union of Brea,
CA for a conditional use to allow a church at 125 Rock Quarry Road. This location is across from the new
fire station and beside metro glass and has developed in an industrial manner. There was an error in the
official zoning map that indicates the subject property is zoned M-1, which is incorrect. The property was
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zoned to C-4 on October 25 , 1985. The City no longer has a C-4 zoning district. However, the staff has
moved forward with the conditional use because it is allowed in each of the commercial zoning districts.
The applicant is requesting a church in a commercial zoning district. The staff has recommended an
approval with four conditions and the zoning advisory board has recommended an approval with these
same four conditions with an additional recommendation that the council direct staff to update the official
zoning map with an appropriate commercial zoning designation to replace the outdated C-4 zoning
designation.

Mayor Stuart made the question if it is not C-4, did it automatically change to C-2. Stacey informed the
council that others have automatically changed and this change would have occurred in 1986. Planning
and Zoning can review and look at the different definitions of the varies C zoning districts at the time. It
may be C-2 or C-3; C-3 allows marginally more commercial uses and outside storage consistent with the
area. Richard Steinberg reviewed the transcript and is confused of the ownership of the property and
asked Stacey to clarify if it is currently owned by the Credit Union. Stacey confirmed it is owned by the
Credit Union who believes to have a buyer in the church, Ambassadors for Christ, but the church would
like to make sure all appropriate approvals are in place.

Christina Cusack a representative on behalf of Ambassadors for Christ Ministries and Evangelical Credit
Union came fourth and stated that the Ambassadors for Christ have been in extensive conversation with
the Credit Union on this property. The church absolutely does suit the purposes of a church and they
wanted to make sure everything was done in accordance with city council and Henry County code. They
concurred with all conditions but one; they would like the council to consider not including in the approval,
of accessory uses in the building. They would like to have the opportunity to lease their building to other
businesses (ex: day cares) that would not have to be owned and operated by the specific church. Henry
County Board of Zoning Appeals approved the recommendation however, their particular case preceded
that and so they have a condition that states the exact opposite. They would like to be able to have the
same right that other churches in Henry County will now have to allow the building to be a multiple use
facility. Richard Steinberg asked Ms. Cusack for her official title with the church. Ms. Cusack is the Vice
President of the Board of Directors.

Mark Alarcon requested that Stacey State the four conditions. Stacey Jordan listed the conditions:

1.The development of the property with new facilities shall meet current code requirements
including buffer requirements except as permitted by variance.

2.All existing and future buildings shall meet building, fire, and accessibility codes for the
proposed church prior to the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy. An inspection shall be
required by the building department.

3.Any use that is accessory to the primary use of the facility as a place for mass assembly
shall be owned and operated by the owner/operator of the primary use, whether as the
same or as a subsidiary legal entity. The primary use of the facility as a place for mass
assembly may include more than one legal entity. Any such accessory uses that are not
owned and operated by the owner/operator of the primary use shall only be permitted
with an approved conditional use for the specific use. A business license application shall
be required which meets the approval of the tax commissioner’s office.

If number 3 condition is chosen Stacey recommended “tax commissioners” be changed to “business
license” which is more appropriate for the City.

4.Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no zoning conditions imposed herein shall
be interpreted or applied in such a manner as to require any violation of any existing
building, development, storm water and/or any other applicable codes.
Ray Gibson, City Administrator feels the conditional use should go with the property rather than making
them return. He thinks the condition should be revisited and lists the uses that would be allowed in a
conditional use so they do not have to keep coming back. He’d rather spell out what they can and cannot
do.

Mayor Stuart made the question if any accessory uses where in mind for the property. Ms. Cusack
informed the council that at this time there are no ideas for future use they would just like to have the
option in the event they decided to sell or lease.

Ray Gibson, City Administrator informed the council that they can coordination of a list provided as a
condition for the upcoming Council Meeting.

Applicant: Evangelical Christian Credit Union of Brea, CA
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Location: 125 Rock Quarry Road Land Lot 36 of the 12 District
Request: Variance- VR-11-18-S
Stacey Jordan informed the Council of the Second case for the Evangelical Christian Credit Union of
Brea, CA for a Variance to eliminate the buffer requirements to allow the shared parking and to allow the
building be within the 20 foot area that would otherwise be landscaped. He noted this is not a special
requirement for a church this is a requirement of any commercial or industrial establishment that would
locate on the subject property. The reason is because whereas the industrial uses do indeed surround the
property the adjoining property to North and West are both zoned R-3, so there is an automatic
requirement for a buffer between commercial or industrial and R-3 zoned property no matter the use. This
is problematic for the existing building and perspective occupant so the staff recommends approval for
the variance request.

Robin Buschman made the question if the adjoining property had any problems with the Metro Glass and
Trim. Stacey stated that they share this parking and do not expect for them to have any issues but have
not spoken to the adjoin owners themselves. Richard Steinberg asked that someone approach the
owners to make sure there are no problems before moving forward. Ray Gibson believes that they should
look at doing a home map amendment and include them in the discussion of rezoning that entire area.

Applicant: TooLooPeas Management Group
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Location: 107 Flippen Road Land Lot 59 of the 12 District
Request: Rezoning-RZ-11-09-S
Item for Rezoning was removed. Ray Gibson gave the council an update that the request came in for a
restaurant use on an OI piece of property, they were looking for a C-1 zoning. In order to have a
standalone restaurant you have to have a C-2 general commercial zoning district. They are going to go
back through the process with the Zoning Advisory Board in the County and start the process over.

No Business License Request

Resolutions, Agreements and Ordinances

Resolution – presented by Ray Gibson, City Administrator to approve agreement with Smith Welch Webb
& White for legal representation in connection with the LOST with Henry County and authorizing an
agreement with Brown Pelican Consulting, LLC. For consulting services in connection with the same.
Ray Gibson informed the council that this resolution was to clarify Smith Welch Webb and Whites hourly
rate of $150 and to include the contract for Brown Pelican Consulting of $12,000.00. The rates and total
will be split between the four cities. Placed on Consent Agenda
Resolution/Agreement- presented by Ray Gibson, City Administrator to approve the Intergovernmental
Agreement with Henry County for Code Enforcement. This resolution/agreement is not to exceed
$49,707.00. Placed on Consent Agenda

Resolution- presented by Ray Gibson, City Administrator to sponsor Hands on Henry for $1000.00. This
is a volunteer organization that helps clean up our community. This is a resolution for sponsorship of
Hands on Henry to take place on April 21, 2012 of a gold sponsorship of $1,000.00. Ray Gibson
confirmed that this was not on our budget for 2012 and that the request came straight to us from the
Chairman B.J Mathis at the County. Placed on Consent Agenda

Resolution- presented by Ray Gibson, City Administrator authorizing the City of Stockbridge to enter into
a contract with G & K for Uniform Services. The request was made last year where the City asked to hire
G & K to replace Airmark Services. There were numerous deficiencies that were still on the service from
Airmark. A letter has been drafted that will terminate their contract on March 31, 2012. Airmark also halted
our services which breached our contract, another reason why we decided to move forward with G & K.
Placed on Consent Agenda.

Resolution- presented by Adam Price, Falcon Design to enter into a contract with Greystone Grading, Inc.
for the Rock Excavation in relation to the Rock Quarry Road Sewer Replacement Project. We received
three bidders for this project: Classic City Utility, Athens, GA Bid $133,500; Roberts Hauling and Pipe,
Jenkins berg, GA Bid $115,000.00; Graystone Grading, Fayetteville, GA Bid $112,081.42. Graystone
Grading is also the same contractor that did the gravity sewer and force main on the other side of the
bridge that was bid out last year in August. They’ve done a good job on the sewer lines; the estimate that
was originally given on December 12, 2011 to the council was significantly lower than this, about 82
thousand. Reason being is:
1- 8” ductile iron pipe has raised price about 45%

2- Increase in Fuel cost

These two items have drastically increased the price, in addition Falcon Design was provided information
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a week after the Dec. 12 meeting that the designed cross sections which were going to be tied to the
water line at two points to save money, had a two to one slope after being provided the cross sections
from Henry County SPLOST and there was no way, after talks with the Water Department, Ray Gibson,
Jeff Bledsoe and Attorney Carnell with Henry County Water Authority who is the Plan review Authority,
they all agreed that for maintenance purposes that was not going to be a good idea and not smart for a
35’ high slope, placing pipe on the side of a perpendicular area of a two to one slope. For correction a
pipe was ran parallel to New Railroad Street which takes a longer route giving another reason for price
increase due to the need of more water line pipe, from 1150 lineal feet of water main to 1900. Placed on
the Consent Agenda.

Resolution- presented by Ray Gibson, City Administrator to hold a Black History month Event to expend
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an amount not to exceed $2000.00. On March 16 the City will be holding the Black History Month event
from 7pm-9pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center. This resolution is to seek out funds for that
program. The price stated will be cut back. Ray Gibson would like to correct the Resolution to state “not to
exceed $1500.00”. This event was not in the 2012 budget. Placed on the Consent Agenda

Robin Buschman made a proposition that the City begin to look into having a sound system in place if we
decide to continue to hold large events such as these inside Merle Manders due to acoustics.

No Agenda Request

Council Discussion Items
South Berry Street Sidewalk Project- Alphonso Thomas recognized the members of the Stockbridge Civic
Association. This project was brought up to the prior council. Alphonso Thomas asked for the City
Attorney to prepare a resolution for this project to be an independent project of any other sidewalk project.
Alphonso has requested to have the council vote in favor of this resolution on the Monday Council
Meeting. Ray Gibson stated that this is a much needed project. The resolution is to enter separately into
an RFP process for the hiring of an engineer for the design process of the sidewalks, extending from
South of Nolan all the Way to Second Street to The Green Front Café. Looking at the project in its entirety
and after talking to GDOT personal, it appears that receiving transportation enhancement funds for this is
going to be very difficult where GDOT may not accept the agreement. In addition, using transportation
enhancement funds is a long process. If done separately, we have $200,000.00 in the SPLOST III funds
for this particular project. We can move forward, get an RFP done for Engineering Services and then
move forward with an estimated cost. Ray informed the council that he has spoken with Adam Price and
he may be able to give the City an estimated cost by next week for this project. Ray feels that if the City
wants to get this project done quickly using a transportation enhancement fund is not the way. Alphonso
Thomas noted that the initial project, Phase I, calls for sidewalks from Nolan to Second Street which is all
he is asking for at this time.

Public Comments

· Mildred Reed- 10 year citizen in Stockbridge spoke in reference to the Sidewalk Project, about
perceptions that the citizens see with the council. The homeowners in that area feel that they are
not getting the upgrades they deserve.

· Kathy Gilbert- citizen in Stockbridge and prior council member, made the correction of the
misunderstanding and misapprehensions of the prior council in reference to the Sidewalk Project,
stating that this project could have begun two years ago.

· Hamered, citizen of Stockbridge also came forth to express the need of the Sidewalk Project

Motion to Convene to Executive Session made by Councilman Alarcon; Seconded by Robin Buschman.
Passed 4-1

Richard Steinberg was a no vote.

Executive Session

· B. To discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation hiring, disciplinary
action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public office or employee; O.C.G.A. §50-
14-3 (6).

· C. To consult or meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement,
claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or
against employee may be directly involved; O.C.G.A. §50-14-1 and O.C.G.A §50-18-72 (E).

Motion to reconvene to Work Session made by Councilman Steinberg; Seconded by Robin Bushman.
Passed Unanimously

Richard Steinberg made a motion to have Mayor sign an affidavit certifying that the discussions held at
Executive Session were limited to personnel matters and litigation in his presence; Seconded by Mark
Alarcon. Passed 4-1

Alphonso Thomas opposed
Robin Bushman made a motion to have Mayor Pro Tem sign an affidavit certifying that the discussions
held at Executive Session were limited to litigation issues without the presence of the Mayor; Seconded
by Richard Steinberg. Passed 4-1

Alphonso Thomas opposed

No Committee Meeting Comments

Announcement of Upcoming Meetings& Events read by Mayor Stuart

1. Regular Council Meeting- Monday, March 12, 2012 at 7:00pm
2. Black History Month Gala- Friday, March 16, at 7pm-9pm at Merle Manders
3. Town Hall Meeting- Thursday, March 22nd, 7:00pm Hosted by: Mark Alarcon, Robin Buschman
& Richard Steinberg
4. Upcoming Work Session- Tuesday, April 3, 7:00pm
5. Upcoming Council Meeting – Monday, April 9th at 7:00pm

Motion to adjourn made by Mark Alarcon; Second by Richard Steinberg. Passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

Nicol Vasquez, City Clerk Lee Stuart, Mayor

Special Called Meeting

Special Called Meeting Minutes
Stockbridge City Council
Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

A Special Called Meeting of the Stockbridge City Council was held on March 6th, 2012 at 8:38 P.M. Mayor
Lee Stuart presided and Council members present were, Mark Alarcon, Harold Cochran, Robin Buschman,
Alphonso Thomas and Richard Steinberg.
Motion to Convene made by Mark Alarcon; Seconded by Harold Cochran. APPROVED 5-0.

Mayor Stuart stated for the record that he was not properly notified of the Special Called Meeting as he
received his notification at 4:33 pm on this day. Nicol Vasquez, City Clerk assured him that all notices and
notification were posted in a timely manner.

Mayor Pro Tem, Mark Alarcon made a motion for the Council to support a Resolution for the extension of
City Administrator, Ray Gibson’s contract with the City of Stockbridge until December 31, 2013; Seconded
by Harold Cochran. APPROVED 4-1
Alphonso Thomas was a no vote.

Motion to adjourn Special Called Meeting made by Richard Steinberg; Seconded by Robin Buschman.
APPROVED 5-0

Respectfully submitted by:

Nicol Vasquez, City Clerk Lee Stuart, Mayor

Approved As To Form:

Jack Hancock, City Attorney
