---
date: 2019-09-09
title: September 9, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes
source: 2019-09/2019-09-09_September 9, 2019 City Council Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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ACTION MINUTES
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 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- Camilla Speech

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call – All member was present except for Councilwoman Gantt at the
time of Roll Call.

V. Motion to amend the Agenda to remove Item # 9 Henry County Animal
Control Ordinance Update and Item #11 Council Consideration to
approve the 2019 LMIG Program for Roadway Resurfacing; and to
add as a Discussion Item ATL Transit and Hometown Connection:
Blount/Robinson 4-0.

Councilwoman Gantt attended at 6:08pm.

VI. Adoption of the Minutes for the following meetings:
1. 7/8/2019 2. 7/15/2019 3. 7/18/2019 4. 7/30/2019
5. 8/12/2019 6. 8/14/2019 7. 8/15/2019 8. 8/16/2019
Blount/Robinson 4-0-1 (Gantt abstained)

CEREMONIAL REVIEW
September 9, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Mayor Ford reviewed and presented a Proclamation to Hearing Doctors of Georgia-
Accepted by Dr. Colleen Baskett
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.- Award presented to Mayor Anthony S. Ford.

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.

➢ Mr. Andrew Dixon spoke on the Moratorium and his concerns with not being able to speak
with Mayor and Council. Mr. Williams, City Attorney noted the Ordinance for the
Moratorium will be presented and voted on at the September 24th Work Session Meeting.
➢ Armenta McCleese Jones spoke on the many clothing collections bins around the City
and asked if they could be spread out or removed; and, the overgrown weeds at a vacant
lot at Tahoe Trail and McCain Creek and asked if the City could help with unfinished
sidewalks.

PRESENTATION
9. Henry County Animal Control Ordinance Update
Presented by Brad Johnson – Assistant County Manager and
Gerri Yoder – Animal Care & Control Director- Removed from Agenda

OLD BUSINESS
10.Council Consideration to approve selection of vendor for Towing &
Wrecker Services for the City.
Presented by Camilla Moore- Community Development Director
Motion to Approve: Alexander/Robinson- Motion withdrawn
Motion to select Swanson Towing and Recovery: Alexander/Robinson-
Motion withdrawn
No action taken. Will be presented at the September 24th Work Session
Meeting.

NEW BUSINESS
11.Council Consideration to approve Bid Award Recommendation for
Roadway Resurfacing in the amount of $1,322,458.32 Funding
Source: $291,306.61 Grant Funding $1,031,151.71 Fund Balance
Presented by Decius Aaron- Public Works Director- Removed from
Agenda

12.Council Consideration to approve the new Public Works Facility
Construction Bid Award to Pellicano Construction Company in the
amount of $2,120,00.00
Presented by Decius Aaron – Public Works Director
Motion to Approve: Gantt/ Alexander Passed 5-0

13.Council Consideration to approve the amended 2019 Municipal
September 9, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Election Voting Schedule.
Presented by Randi Rainey – Deputy City Clerk
Motion to Approve: Alexander/Gantt Passed 5-0

Mayor Ford noted the Public Hearings will open and stay open until
September 24th Work Session Meeting, due to technical matters regarding the
posting of signage.
PUBLIC HEARING
14.Council Consideration to approve Rezoning Request for Case #RZ-
2019-01: Georgia Health Care Association, Inc., Applicant; and YM
Hospitality Group, Agent; requests the rezoning of their property from
C-2 (General Commercial District) to C-3 (Heavy Commercial District)
for the purpose of constructing a hotel. Property is identified by its
Parcel ID, 051-01028038, and is located east of 160 Country Club
Drive. Property consists of 1.268 acres within Land Lot 20 of District 6
in the City of Stockbridge.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Ms. Moore noted the rezoning item was presented before the Planning
Commission on August 22, 2019; the applicant is requesting rezoning
from a C-2 to a C-3 to allow for construction for a 77-room hotel with
the primary purpose of serve its own needs of holding numerous
educational seminars and training sessions for health care individuals
in the adjacent medical office building. Staff recommends approval with
the following conditions the owner agrees to: 1). To the site plan that
was received by the Department of Community Development on June
28, 2019. Said site plan is conceptual only and must meet or exceed
the requirements of the Zoning Resolution and these conditions prior
to the approval of a Land Disturbance Permit. If the Recommended
Conditions of Zoning cause the approved site plan to be substantially
different, the applicant shall be required to complete the concept review
procedure prior to application for a Land Disturbance Permit. Unless
otherwise noted herein, compliance with all conditions shall be in place
prior to the issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy; Submittal of
an acceptable shared parking agreement that would meet the parking
requirements for the hotel; 2).The use of the subject property shall be
for a hotel use only; 3). No weekly or extended stay lodging rentals
shall be allowed 4). Vehicular parking shall be limited to passenger
cars/SUVs/pickup trucks, as well as vans and limousines which may
provide transportation services to airports; 5). Any future development
of the property which differs from the current proposal shall require the
approval of the Community Development Director.

Councilman Alexander requested to see the renderings for the hotel.

Mayor Ford opened the Public Hearing.

September 9, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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No Speakers in favor- No Speakers Opposed.

No action taken. The Public Hearing will stay open until September 24th
Work Session Meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING
15.Council Consideration to approve Rezoning Request for Case #RZ-
2019-02: Robbie Moore of Palace Hospitality, LLC, Applicant;
representing George P. Harper, III, P.E. of Paramount Engineering,
LLC; request the rezoning of property from C-2 (General Commercial
District) to C-3 (Heavy Commercial District) for the purpose of
constructing a hotel. Property is identified by its Parcel ID, 051-
01028005, and is located at 2725 Patrick Henry Parkway. Property
consists of 3.545 acres within Land Lot 19 of District 6 in the City of
Stockbridge.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Ms. Moore noted the rezoning item was presented before the Planning
Commission on August 22, 2019; the applicant is requesting rezoning
from a C-2 to a C-3 to allow for construction for a Tru-Hilton hotel. Ms.
Moore noted Staff recommends approval with the following conditions
the owner agrees to: 1). To the site plan that was received by the
Department of Community Development on June 28, 2019. Said site
plan is conceptual only and must meet or exceed the requirements of
the Zoning Resolution and these conditions prior to the approval of a
Land Disturbance Permit. If the Recommended Conditions of Zoning
cause the approved site plan to be substantially different, the applicant
shall be required to complete the concept review procedure prior to
application for a Land Disturbance Permit. Unless otherwise noted
herein, compliance with all conditions shall be in place prior to the
issuance of the first Certificate of Occupancy; Submittal of an
acceptable shared parking agreement that would meet the parking
requirements for the hotel; 2).The use of the subject property shall be
for a hotel use only; 3). No weekly or extended stay lodging rentals
shall be allowed 4). Vehicular parking shall be limited to passenger
cars/SUVs/pickup trucks, as well as vans and limousines which may
provide transportation services to airports; 5). Any future development
of the property which differs from the current proposal shall require the
approval of the Community Development Director.

Robbie Moore, agent representative noted it was submitted originally
as a Holiday Inn and Tru-Hilton hotel, but decided to go with Tru-Hilton
hotel instead.

Councilman Alexander inquired if the Patrick Henry Pkwy was covered
September 9, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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in the overlay. Ms. Moore noted it is not and can be added as a
condition. Councilman Alexander requested to see a 10ft. path added
to Jodeco South.

Mayor Ford opened the Public Hearing.

No Speakers in favor.

Speakers Opposed- Andrew Dixon.

No action taken. The Public Hearing will stay open until September 24th
Work Session Meeting.

16. Council Consideration to approve Wetland Application for Jodeco
South
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Motion to Approve: Alexander/Robinson Passed 5-0

DISCUSSION
17.Update on parking in subdivisions.
Presented by Camilla Moore – Community Development Director
Combined with Item # 10. No Action taken.

18.Council Consideration to approve use of the Merle Manders
Conference Center on October 9, 2019 between 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
for ATL Transit Meeting.
Motion to Approve: Alexander/Gantt Passed 5-0

19.Council Consideration to approve use of the Merle Manders
Conference Center on October 10, 2019 between 9 a.m.-11 a.m. to
host the Hometown Connection and to change from a Council Initiative
to City Event
Motion to Approve: Robinson/Alexander Passed 5-0

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Mr. Knighton noted he appreciates great support of staff and is looking forward to
exciting things going on with the City what is in store for the City and will have
announcements in the future.
COMMENTS FROM THE CLERK’S OFFICE
No comments.

COMMENTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Thomas noted to the citizens they are entering the 4th quarter; City
September 9, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Council is evaluating all Service Delivery programs and has met with all the
Department Heads regarding their Budget, goals and objectives and noted great
things were discussed. Councilman Thomas also noted Council is looking at
themselves on how to better themselves and move the City forward and excited
about 3 major projects: The Amphitheater, Cultural Arts Center and the Youth and
Senior Faculty.

Mayor Pro Tem Blount thanked the staff and noted there will be the monthly Senior
Bingo Bash on September 25th; also, would like the citizens to be more involved with
City events and to continue visiting the City’s website.

Councilwoman Gantt thank all for coming and noted a lot of events are coming soon;
Councilwoman Gantt recently attended a Downtown Development Convention and
looks forward with developing downtown. Councilwoman Gantt thanked those for
continued support and noted her door is always open.

Councilman Alexander thanked all for tuning in and participating in the Democratic
process and noted that is what makes a City strong. Councilman Alexander noted
the Municipal Election is approaching and although he cannot say who to vote for,
he wants citizens to ask something for their vote. Councilman Alexander noted this
weekend “Keep Stockbridge Beautiful” will be along Hudson Bridge to clean up and
place pine straw; the City has done a wonderful job with maintaining the
beautification. Councilman Alexander noted there will be a Town Hall meeting on
September 19th at Red Oak United Methodist Church.

Councilwoman Robinson thanked staffed for doing an outstanding job, as well as
the Deputy City Clerk in place for the City Clerk; and, also thanked her colleagues
for the unanimous vote for the Hometown Connection to have a front seat at the
table. Councilwoman Robinson noted there is so much to do for the citizens and
encourages them to meet with Randy Knighton, City Manager to give their thoughts

September 9, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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and ideas on how to use federal and state money; noted Teen Ambassadors
attended the school board meeting tonight to take notes so they can bring their ideas
and thoughts on what they see and the things needed for the community.
Councilwoman Robinson asked citizens to keep praying and noted her door is
always open.

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford noted he had an opportunity to socialize with his teammates and was
notified Donald Lee Knowles, once the Mayor of Stockbridge in the 1960’s passed
and send his condolences; noted he is looking forward to groundbreaking project
and moving forward as a team. Mayor Ford noted the City will turn 100 years old
next year in 2020 along with the census in 2020; and asked to keep the faith.

Mayor Ford read the following 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 Meeting, Friday, September 13, 2019 at 9:00 a.m./Levi Room

• Planning Commission Special Called Meeting, Friday, September 13, 2019 at 10:00
a.m./Council Chamber

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

• Special Called Council Meeting, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. – Council
Chamber

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

• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at 6:30
p.m./Patrick Henry Meeting Room

• Work Session Meeting, Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council
Chamber

• Planning Commission Meeting, Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 7:00 p.m./Council
Chamber

UPCOMING EVENT(S) & ANNOUNCEMENTS
• 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Wednesday, September 11, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
at Stockbridge City Hall. FREE to attend and FREE parking. Open to everyone.

September 9, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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• Keep Stockbridge Beautiful – Saturday, September 14th at 10:00 a.m. Hudson Bridge Road
– spearheaded by Councilman Alexander. Contact LaQuinda Jackson @ 678-833-3348 for
more information.

• Quarterly Town Hall – Thursday, September 19th at 7:00 p.m. at Red Oak UMC 3894 Walt
Stephens Rd. Stockbridge – spearheaded by Councilman Alexander.

• Ex-Offenders Job Fair – Friday, September 20th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Merle
Manders Conference Center 111 Davis Rd. Stockbridge, in collaboration with the Henry
County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Contact
JOBSHACAC@GMAIL.COM for more information and to register.

• Monthly Bingo Bash Wednesday, September 25, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the Ted
Strickland Community Center – spearheaded by Mayor Pro Tem Blount

• BridgeFest – Friday, September 27th 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 28th
10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the lawn across from City Hall. FREE to attend and FREE parking.
Open to everyone.

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.

• Quarterly Clergy RoundTable – spearheaded by Councilwoman Robinson. 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.

September 9, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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• Teen Ambassadors Meetings, November 14th and 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.

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

Motion to end Executive Session: Robinson/Gantt – Passed 5-0.

ADJOURN
Motion to adjourn: Robinson/Gantt: Passed 5-0.

September 9, 2019 6:00 p.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
