---
date: 2015-01-27
title: January 27, 2015 Work Session Minutes
source: 2015-01/2015-01-27_January 27, 2015 Work Session_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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APPROVED MINUTES
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
WORK SESSION MEETING

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015 6:00 PM

Mayor & Cig Council Administration
11m L Thorrpson, Mayor lvichael Harris, City Manager
Alphonso Thomas, Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Robin Busdtman, Councilwormn Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Anthony 5. Ford, Councilman Michael Williams, City Attorney
LaKeisha Gantt. Councilwoman

Regina Lewis Ward, Coundlvvoman

The Work Session meeting was called to order by Mayor Thompson at 6:38 p.m. The City Clerk,
Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All members of the Council were
present and a quorum was confirmed.

Mayor Thompson provided the invocation.

All in the chamber recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward made a motion to adopt the Agenda with an amendment to move
Public Comments to Item #1; second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

All persons wishing to speak for public comment must sign in with the City Clerk no later than 15
minutes 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.

Tavares Powell, 515 Anglewood Trace stated he is in support of Item #5 The Citizens Academy
and thinks it would be a great opportunity to educate the public on how local government works.
Mr. Powell stated he recently completed the Citizens Police Academy through Henry County and
would be willing to join the Citizens Academy. Mr. Powell also spoke in favor of Item #8 The Ice
Skating Rink. Mr. Powell thinks this would be a great opportunity for young families to get together
and to also make money for the City.

. Toye Powell, 515 Anglewod Trace; stated she thinks the Ice Skating Rink would be really nice and
thinks adding more recreational activities would be beneficial and cost effective to the City. Mrs.
Powell also thinks a splash pad would be nice fun family entertainment; which would be close
enough to drive to in the City.

. Anthony Jacobs, 313 Eagle Way; spoke about attending City Council meetings during the
previous administration’s term and how he would walk out due to the bickering and Council not
following protocol. Mr. Jacobs stated he agrees with Mayor Thompson on issues brought fourth;
and, the Mayor is doing his homework to justify his reasons on things brought forth to Council. Mr.
Jacobs expressed how he would like to become more involved with the City, but would not like to
walk out due to Council not getting along. Mr. Jacobs also mentioned the Mayor Pro Tem
discussed renaming a street in honor of the King family, but feels a park would better suit the King
family’s legacy and suggested Memorial Park for the name change. Mr. Jacobs explained that he
reports things that he sees around the City that would help improve the looks of the City and
suggested the City add sidewalks or safe walking trails to the main roads around the City.
January 27, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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4. Elton Alexander, 920 Maple Leaf Drive; spoke in support of the Ice Skating Rink. Mr. Alexander
stated he posted on “Because We Care Henry County" website the information about the ice
skating rink and received several positive comments stating how the citizens would like to see an
ice skating rink in the City. Mr. Alexander stated he saw something that he really liked tonight, and
that was “leadership".

NEW BUSINESS

Item #2 —

Agreement —
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) —

Georgia Main Street and
City of Stockbridge, GA.
Presented by Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manager

Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manger, gave an overview of the Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU). The MOU is due to the DCA by February 15, 2015. As the City of Stockbridge Main
Street Program has received its Georgia Main Street Accreditation as of January 26, 2015, a
Memorandum of Understanding must be signed to validate the agreement entered into by the
Georgia Dept. of Community Affairs Office of Downtown Development (DCA) and the City of
Stockbridge, and to ensure the City's meaningful participation in the Georgia Classic Main Streets
Program. Mayor Thompson commended the staff on a job well done.

Item #3 —
Main Street Advisory Board Appointment
Presented by Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manager
Kira Harris-Braggs, Main Street Manger, gave an overview openings on the Main Street Advisory
Board and stated that there had been a shift due to the resignation of the person representing the
Board as the business outside of the Main Street District; and the representative from the
Financial Institution has started her own business and no longer works for the Financial
Institution she was representing. This particular individual has met the requisites, and has asked if
she could shift over to the Stockbridge Business Owner outside the Main Street District. Staff is

recommending Council to approve the movement of the Ebony Gurndy as stated. Mayor Pro-Tem
Thomas commended Ms. Harris—Braggs and offered his support on the recommendation.

Councilwoman Buschman asked if the Council agreed to move Item# 1 to the Consent Agenda.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Item #4 —
Discussion -
2015 Calendar of Events (Draft)
Presented by Dale Hall, Administration and Community Services Director
Jan. —
No event currently scheduled Jul —
Fourth of July Fireworks -
tentative
Feb —
Circus Aug —
No event currently scheduled
Mar —
No event currently scheduled Sep —
No event currently scheduled
Apr— Cities Week Oct -

Bridgefest
May Memorial March
Nov —
Veterans Day Parade & Small Business Saturday
Jun —
No event currently scheduled Dec —

Holiday Festival

Summer Events (Concerts/Movies) will be held on various Saturdays throughout the summer
Stockbridge Stories (Quarterly)

January 27, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770)389-7900
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Dale Hall, Administration and Community Services Director presented an overview of the 2015
Calendar of Events (Draft). Mr. Hall stated that this is not an all-inclusive schedule, and is to be
used for staff planning purposes.

Councilwoman Gantt stated that she had been working with Ben Hopkins and planning an event
for March 2015.
Mayor Pro-Tem Thomas stated that he had a calendar of events that he planned to present to the
City Manager and City Clerk and asked the City Manager, Michael Harris if that was proper
protocol, and received an affirmation.

Mr. Harris stated that the ultimate goal is to receive the items as soon as possible to allow staff to
plan and prepare accordingly and also funding for budgeting purposes.

Item #5 —Discussion -
2015 Committee Meeting Schedule
Presented by: Mayor Thompson

> Finance Committee Chair, Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt
Meeting dates scheduled for 2015: March 25"‘, July 24"‘, and September 23'“

> Public Works Committee Chair, Councilwoman Robin Buschman

Meeting dates for 2015 to be determined.

> Public Safety Committee Chair, Councilwoman Regina Lewis Ward
Meeting dates for 2015 to be determined.

> Community Relations Committee Chair, Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas
Meeting dates for 2015 to be determined.

\7 Building Committee Chair, Councilman Anthony Ford
Meeting dates for 2015 to be determined.

Councilwoman Gantt confirmed the Finance Committee dates for March, July and September,
2015.

Mayor Pro-Tem Thomas stated that he would reach out to other members of the committees to
ﬁnalize committee meeting dates.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward noted that the first Public Safety Committee Meeting was tentatively
scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2015 at 10 a.m.

Councilman Ford, Building Committee Chair stated that he needed to meet with the Public Works
Director this week.

Mayor Thompson asked that the Chair of each committee put together dates and submit those to
the City Clerk. The meetings will be open to the public.

January 27, 20l5 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Item #6 —
Discussion
Stockbridge Citizens Academy

Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager and Taffini Gufﬁe, City of McDonough

City Manager, Michael Harris stated that this was an initiative from Council Member Lewis Ward.
Councilwoman Lewis Ward recently provided staff with information concerning the creation of a
Citizens Academy, for the purpose of familiarizing citizens with Stockbridge City Government. The
proposed program would consist of eight (8) sessions, each focusing on a different component of
Stockbridge government. The sessions would be facilitated by City staff members, as well as
members of the Henry County Police and Fire Departments. The principle goals of this program will
be to educate the public on the functions of their local government, and increase citizen awareness
and interest in city government. The estimated annual cost to fund this program is $1,200.00, which
would include course materials (paper, binders, etc.), light refreshments, and graduation materials.
Funds are currently available in the Council's budgeted administration line item.

Tafﬁni Guffie stated that the City of McDonough has had the Citizens Academy program for 2 years
with 24 students to graduate. The program represents a small investment for a greater reward, and
that of the 24 students to graduate, one of those individuals is now a City Council member. There
is no requirement. First come, ﬁrst serve.

Virginia Brown, a proud graduate of the McDonough 101 program spoke very favorably as she
initially felt disconnected and took things for granted. However, after going through the program,
she became more aware of how government works in various departments.

Cy Passao, a 2014 graduate of the McDonough 101 program also spoke favorably of the program.
He volunteered to be a participant and it was well beyond his expectations. He did note that the
presenters need to have great attitudes.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward noted that there was no cost to the citizens and hopes to start in the
spring. Applications will be made available online, and citizens are encouraged to take the class.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday asked for clarification as to where the funding would come from and
City Manager, Michael Harris confirmed that funds were available in the Administrative line item of
the Governing Body Dept. of the 2015 budget.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward stated that the only expense would be books and supplies.

Councilwoman Lewis Ward asked that this item be placed on the Consent Agenda.

Item #7 —
DiscussionParliamentary Procedures

Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager
City Manager, Michael Harris stated that Mayor Thompson has asked staff to prepare information
concerning parliamentary procedures for the Council's consideration. Currently, our City code
provides on how the city is to operate meetings. Those provisions are listed in Article III of the
Charter and in Section 2 of the city code. The Parliamentary Procedures Guide produced by the
GMA outlines basic rules and guidelines to assist in developing an operating procedure for the
conduct of meetings. This guide makes reference to Roberts Rules of Order, and Rosenberg’s
Rules, both of which are common standards of parliamentary procedures utilized in government
today. Rosenberg’s Rules of Order is a simplified version of the rules of parliamentary procedure
created for smaller governments. it retains the basic tenets of order, but is designed more in line
with how today's government bodies operate.

There was not a copy of Rosenberg’s Rules included in the packet. Mayor Thompson stated that
the current code is somewhat sketchy and asked for comments or concerns and asked if Council
has had an opportunity to review.
January 27, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 3028i Phone: (770)389-7900
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Councilman Ford stated that he needed to further review Rosenberg’s Rules prior to the voting
meeting on February 9, 2015.

Item #8 —
Discussion -
Patrick Henry Bust
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager

City Manager, Michael Harris noted preceding Council's Resolution to approve and authorize the
payment of $10,000 to Andy Davis and the Andy Davis Gallery and Studio to go towards the effort
to create a bronze sculpture of Patrick Henry was approved by the Stockbridge Mayor and Council
on May 13, 2013. As a gift, Mr. Davis agreed to create a bronze bust for the
City of Stockbridge.
However, the bust that was delivered to city hall is marble. Mr. Davis has indicated that he would
replace the bust as bronze if the Council desires him to do so.

Councilwoman Buschman acknowledged that it was supposed to be bronze, and it is marble and it
is beautiful.

Council agrees to keep the marble bust and determine the best location to display the bust.

Item #9 —
Discussion —

Proposed Seasonal Ice Skating Rink
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager

City Manager, Michael Harris stated that Councilwoman Gantt had requested that staff prepare
information on the feasibility of doing a seasonal ice skating rink here in the City during the Holiday
season. In reviewing this issue, staff has identified multiple options for how this initiative could be

carried out, each with its own sets of Pros and Cons. Costs will vary considerably, depending upon
the option choses. These features have become increasingly more popular over the past few years,
with cities such as, Conyers and Alpharetta recently adding these features during the holiday
season. The funding options would also vary, depending upon the option to be considered.

Councilwoman Gantt stated that she has conducted a great deal of research and spoken with the
owner of a skating rink in Conyers, GA and their location has received approximately 11,000 visitors
from Nov. 2014 —
Jan. 2015.

Councilwoman Gantt noted the skating rink would be a great asset to the City, and could be used
for birthday parties, field trips and other events and could be a great benefit to the Main Street
Program.

Councilwoman Gantt stated that the announcement of the possibility of a skating rink coming to this
area has received a great amount of positive feedback.

Staff was directed to continue the researching and gathering information on the feasibility and cost
of this project.

Item #10 —
Discussion —
IT Managed Services
Presented by: Michael Harris, City Manager

City Manager, Michael Harris stated that Total Technology Group LLC ("TTG") has been providing
technology support services to the City of Stockbridge since 2006. We are currently operating
under an agreement which was last updated in 2011. Since that time, an inventory of our current
equipment and services shows that both have increased over the past 3 years.

Council directed staff to move fon/vard with a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Information
Technology (IT) services.
January 27, 2015 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 3028] Phone: (770) 389-7900
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COUNC|L’S COMMENTS

Councilwoman Buschman thanked everyone for coming out and taking and interest in our
government. Councilwoman Buschman mentioned the Fuller House Project to rebuild the house
for Mildred Kelly @110 Rosenwald Circle Stockbridge and referenced that Mr. Dunlap, the
President of the Fuller House was in attendance. Councilwoman Buschman was proud to say that
her family's restaurant, Empson’s Deli is going to sponsor a lunch for the workers on this project.
She asked that you get involved and asked citizens to volunteer their time, goods and/or services.

Councilwoman Ward thanked citizens for coming out and supporting the Citizens Academy
initiative. And thanked Mr. Harris and staff for their work thus far on the project.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas stated that he is on the team for the Fuller House Project and working
with Mary Jo McConnell and has recruited volunteers from Trinity UMC, the Stockbridge Civic
Association and the Eureka Lodge and continues to seek volunteers. Councilman Thomas noted
that he had met with Mr. Harris regarding the project to inquire as to how the City could
participate. Councilman Thomas also invited all to the 4”‘ Annual African—American Heritage taking
place on February 28"‘ at Red Oak UMC 3894 Walt Stephens and Rev. Spencer T. O’Neal is the
Keynote Speaker and stated that invitations have been extended to the Mayor and Council.

Councilman Ford thanked the citizens for coming out and to continue to keep the faith as the
Council continues to move the City forward.

Councilwoman Gantt thanked the citizens for coming out and thanked and commended staff and
the team. Councilwoman Gantt thanked everyone for their support and continued prayers and
thanked the community and various media outlets for getting the word out to the community and
was proud to see the community come together in support of the Fuller House Project taking
place this weekend, and she wants to just say thank you.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS

Mayor Thompson stated that at the February 9, 2015 Council meeting, the City will honor Mayor
Rudy Kelley, the former mayor for 31 years and hanging a portrait in the lobby of City Hall
followed by light refreshments.

Mayor Thompson read the upcoming meetings and events:

ANNOUNCEMENT OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

All meetings will be held at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting dates and times are subject to change.
Please check the city’s website www.cﬁyofstockbn'dge.oom or contact City Hall ofﬁces at 770.389-7900 for
information.

Taste and Tour —
Feb. 3, 2015 from 5:00
8:00pm Merle Manders Conf. Ctr. (Free Event)

Council Meeting —

Monday, Febmary 9, 2015 at 6:00pm
Work Session Meeting Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 6:00pm

4'“ Annual African—American Heritage Celebration Sat. Feb. 28, 2015 Red Oak UMC 4pm
Sponsored by Alphonso Thomas, Mayor Pro Tem

Motion to Adjourn. 8:45 p.m.

January 27, 20l5 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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Councilman Ford made a motion to adjourn; second by Councilwoman Gantt. Motion passed 5-0.

Respectfully submitted by:

We
Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
a m .
son, ayor

January 27, 20l5 6:00pm 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770)389-7900
