---
date: 2024-10-29
title: Work Session Meeting Agenda Packet
source: 2024-10/2024-10-29_Work Session Meeting_Agenda Packet.pdf
pages: 1
---

STOCKBRIDGE Council Meeting
CITY COUNCIL Agenda
Mayor Anthony S. Ford
October 29, 2024 6:00 PM
At-Large

Mayor Pro Tem Kyle D. Berry, Sr.

Council District 3

Councilmember Elton Alexander

Council District 5

Councilmember Yolanda Barber

Council District 4

Councilmember LaKeisha Gantt

Council District 1

Councilmember Alphonso Thomas

Council District 2

CITY MANAGER
Frederick Gardiner STOCKBRIDGE CITY HALL
CITY CLERK
4640 NORTH HENRY BLVD.
Vanessa Holiday
STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281
INTERIM CITY TREASURER
Lakeisha Gaines Website: www.stockbridgega.org

Phone: 770-389-7900
CITY ATTORNEY
Fax: 770-389-7912
Quinton G. Washington
Translation and Interpretation Services are available with (7)
days prior notice. Please contact the City’s HR Manager at
770-389-7908 for assistance.
AGENDA
COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024 6:00 PM

CALL TO ORDER

INVOCATION

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

REVIEW OF THE MINUTES
1 Review of the October 14, 2024 Council Meeting Minutes

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.

CONSENT AGENDA
2 Council consideration to approve the use of the Merle Manders Conference
Center (Lower Level) for the Main Street Program's Thanksgiving charity
community dinner on Friday, November 15th). - Presented by:
3 Council consideration to approve the use of the Merle Manders Conference
Center (Main Level) for the Youth Council's Holiday Family Festival on Sunday,
December 8th). - Presented by:

PRESENTATION
4 Public/Private Partnership District Presentation and Ordinance
Page | 3

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council meetings will be held
in the City Council Chamber. Meeting dates, locations and times are subject
to change or contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 or visit the website
www.stockbridgega.org for updates.

• Youth Council Meeting 1st Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. - City
Hall Levi Meeting Room (Nov 4)
• ELECTION DAY – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5th from 7am – 7pm – visit
mvp.sos.ga.gov for your polling location.
• Community Zoning and Information Meeting: Wednesday, November 6th
from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber (Nov 6)
• Stockbridge Citizens-Police Advisory Council meeting 1st Thursday of
each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Stockbridge Police Community
Room 4545 N. Henry Blvd. – (Nov 7)
• The Main Street Advisory Board Meeting on the 2nd Friday of each
month at 9am – Location is the Downtown Connection Center 130 M L
King Sr. Heritage Trail. (Nov 8)
• City Council Meeting, SPECIAL DATE – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH at
6:00 p.m. - City Hall Council Chamber (Nov 12) Due to Veterans Day
Holiday
• Citywide Development Authority Meeting has been canceled. The Board
will hold a Retreat on Friday, November 15th. Location to be announced.
• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, SPECIAL DATE –
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH at the Stockbridge Downtown Center 130
M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (Nov 12)
• City Council Work Session Meeting, Last Tuesday of each month at
6:00 p.m. - City Hall Council Chamber (Nov 19)
• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.- 3rd Tuesday of
each month Levi Meeting Room - City Hall (Nov 19)
• Planning Commission Meeting, 3rd Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. -
City Hall Council Chamber - (Nov 21)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES

• Please join the City of Stockbridge for the Annual Veterans Day
Luncheon honoring our Veterans on Monday, November 11th from 11am
– 1pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center. Please RSVP no later
than November 4th to Events@stockbridgega.org
• Join Mayor Anthony Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor on
Wednesday, November 18th from 10am – noon at Stockbridge City
Hall.
• Join Councilman Alphonso Thomas in partnership with Mayor Pro Tem
Kyle Berry for the monthly Senior Bingo Bash on Wednesday,

October 29, 2024 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
Page | 4

November 20th from 10am - 12pm at the Merle Manders Conference
Center, 111 Davis Rd. for raffles, prizes, games, snacks and fun!
• Join Councilman Elton Alexander for a District 5 Town Hall on
Thursday, November 21st from 7pm – 9pm – Location to be announced.
• Councilman Thomas is honoring Veterans with a Continuous Salute all
year long. Please send your pictures of Veterans with their name,
branch, rank, and years of service.
• Councilman Thomas will distribute FREE Smoke Detectors along with
Fire Marshal Demetrius Wells. The date and location will be announced
soon. Stay tuned.
• Join Councilman Thomas for the Don’t Trash Stockbridge initiative
centered around education highlighting the causes and effects of
Littering and Illegal Dumping. More information to follow.

Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an appointment for Meet the
Mayor and for more information on Council Initiatives and events at 678-833-
3348 or via email: rrawls@stockbridgega.org

MAYOR'S COMMENTS (Mayor Anthony Ford)

EXECUTIVE SESSION (Exemptions to the Georgia Open Meetings Acts)

ADJOURNMENT

October 29, 2024 6:00 PM 4640 N. Henry Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council
Mayor Anthony S. Ford At-Large
Mayor Pro Tem Kyle Berry – Council District 3
Councilmember Elton Alexander – Council District 5
Councilmember Yolanda Barber – Council District 4
Councilmember LaKeisha Gantt – Council District 1
Councilmember Alphonso Thomas – Council District 2
Administration
Frederick Gardiner – City Manager
Vanessa Holiday – City Clerk
Cassandra Lester – Deputy City Clerk
Lakeisha Gaines – Interim City Treasurer
Quinton Washington – City Attorney
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.
Invocation by Mayor Ford at 6:05 p.m.

Invocation by: Mr. Hardy Abbott of Vystar Credit Union

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All the
members were present except Councilmember Barber.

The Public Hearing Deferred Item(s) Announcement was read noting the following: The
following items have been deferred to the 11/12/2024meeting:
TEXT AMENDMENT CASE #TX-2024-05 (Citywide)
SPECIAL USE PERMIT CASE #SP-2024-01 (Council District 3)
SPECIAL USE PERMIT CASE #SP-2024-02 (Council District 4)
SPECIAL USE PERMIT CASE #SP-2024-03 (Council District 4)

Motion to adopt the Agenda was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

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Motion to approve the Council Meeting Minutes for August 12, 2024, Retreat Meeting
Minutes for August 21, 2024, Retreat Meeting Minutes for August 22, 2024, Retreat
Meeting Minutes for August 23, 2024, Work Session Meeting Minutes for August 27,
2024, Council Meeting Minutes for September 9, 2024, and Work Session Meeting
Minutes for September 24, 2024 was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

Mayor Ford reviewed the following ceremonial items: Proclamations for Breast Cancer
Awareness Month, Red Ribbon Week, World Mental Health Day, Domestic Violence
Prevention and Awareness Month, Fire Prevention Month, Women’s Small Business
Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and VyStar’s Good is Everywhere Day.

There were no Public Comments.

Motion to approve the Consent Agenda with the following items was made by
Councilmember Alexander; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed
unanimously 4-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Council consideration to appoint Bishop Laray Tillman to fill the unexpired
term for the Clergy Representative position on the Citizens-Police
Advisory Council.

2. Council Consideration to approve the Exercise of First Option Renewal for
Contract RFQ No. 2023-0012, Civic Wayfinding Project with DeNyse
Companies, Inc.

NEW BUSINESS
3. Council consideration to adopt the restated GMEBS Retirement Plan
Adoption Agreement and General Addendum with Plan Amendments.
Presented by: Renee Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
Ms. Wheeler noted the Pension Committee met and also held meeting
with the GMA Retirement Director, Michelle Warner to discuss the Plan
and amendments; noted the City received a favorable determination from
the IRS; and noted the committee makes the following re
recommendation: Part-Time Hours = 30 or less; Police Officers need to be
in service with Stockbridge when they meet the 55/20 requirement;
Portable service from other GMEBS members toward the 20 years can be
allowable.

Motion to approve the adoption of the Restated GMEBS Retirement Plan
Adoption Agreement and General Addendum with Plan Amendments was
made by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by Councilmember Alexander.
The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

4. Council consideration to approve the proposed budget amendment as
outlined within the attached Ordinance to purchase a National Integrated
Ballistic Information Network system ("NIBIN") in the amount of
$277,918.00. This is a sole source purchase from Forensic Technology.
Funding Source: General Fund Account: 100-00000-301000
Presented by: Richard Godfrey, Assistant Police Chief
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Assistant Chief Godfrey noted the Council approved the Reimbursable
Grant in August 2023.

Councilmember Thomas noted he understands the funds will be
reimbursed and asked for the general ledger line item that would be used.

Ms. Gaines referenced general ledge account number 100-00000-301000.

Motion to approve an Ordinance for a Budget Amendment for the purchase
of a National Integrated Ballistic Information Network System in the amount
of $277,918.00 from General Funds was made by Councilmember
Alexander; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed
unanimously 4-0. The General Fund Account was corrected by the Interim
City Treasurer to reflect: From: 100.00000.389030 – Miscellaneous TO:
255.15110.521202 - Grants Match

5. Council consideration to adopt an Ordinance and approve the job
description, organizational chart and pay and classification for the newly
created position, Property Tax Specialist.
Presented by: Lakeisha Gaines, Interim City Treasurer and Renee
Wheeler, Human Resources Manager
Ms. Gaines noted the primary role for this position is going to be working
with Homestead Exemptions and Property Tax matters.

Councilmember Gantt inquired about the role of the Tax Commissioner’s
office, and asked why the City if paying a fee to the County if city staff will
do the work.

Mr. Gardiner stated the Tax Commissioner’s office has stated the
Homestead Exemptions will not be prepared by the County.

Mayor Pro Tem Berry asked what happens with the position if the
Referendum is not approved.

Ms. Wheeler noted the position would be reclassified.

Motion to approve an Ordinance, Budget was made by Councilmember
Alexander; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed 3-1
(Councilmember Gantt Opposed).

Mayor Ford read the Public Hearing Rules and Procedures

PUBLIC HEARING
6. REZONING CASE #RZ-2024-07 FOR THE PATRICK HENRY PARKWAY
MASTER PLAN. (To be located in Council District 5.)
Consideration of the Patrick Henry Parkway Master Plan, which was
prepared by the TSW consulting firm. It proposes a mixture of retail,
commercial, residential, and entertainment uses for areas along the
southern end of Patrick Henry Parkway, with some properties lying within

3|Page
the Stockbridge City Limits and others lying within unincorporated Henry
County.
Presented by: Frederick Gardiner, City Manager
Mr. Gardiner presented an overview of the Patrick Henry Parkway Master
Plan, noting the plan has been in the works for about a year, and that he
has been working with the property owners to bring the first vertical mixed-
use project to the southside of Atlanta; noting staff recommends approval.
Public Hearing Opened
No Speakers in Favor
No Speakers Opposed
Public Hearing Closed
Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by
Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

7. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE 2025-2029 SHORT TERM WORK
PROGRAM/CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT ELEMENT
(STWP/CIE) The Community Development Department is requesting that
the City Council approve the Transmittal of the 2025-2029 Short-Term
Work Program/Capital Improvement Element (STWP/CIE) to the
Department of Community Affairs & the Atlanta Regional Commission for
their review and recommendations.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson, Community Development Director
Mr. Anderson reviewed the Short-Term Work Program and Capital
Improvement Element, noting the categories and projects, Resolution and
Letter to be submitted by the Mayor.
Public Hearing Opened
Speaker in Favor: Ms. Jocelyn Williams requested a copy of the
STWP/CIE Report.
No Speakers Opposed
Public Hearing Closed
Motion to approve was made by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by
Councilmember Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

Mayor Ford read Public Hearing Item #11, # 12, #13 and #14.

8. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT CASE #CP-2024-01. (To be
located in Council District 5.)
Consideration of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment Request to change
the future land use designation of property on the north side of Hudson
Bridge Drive, comprising Parcel #032-01026000, from ‘Medium-Density
Mixed-Use’ to ‘Medium-Density Residential’ to allow for the construction of
a townhome development. Applicant: Lennar Georgia, LLC. Agent:
Battle Law, P.C. The property is located in Land Lot 21 of District 6, and it
contains 20.367 +/- acres.
Mr. Anderson presented an overview of Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Case #CP-2024-01, noting the applicant’s request that the property’s
future land use designation be changed from Medium-Density Mixed-Use
to Medium-Density Residential; Rezoning Case #RZ-2024-01 noting the
applicant’s request to rezone Parcel #032-01026000 from C-2 (General
Commercial) to MFR (Multi-Family Residential) to allow for the
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development of a townhome community of 140 units on approximately
20.367 acres; and Variance Case #2024-03 Variance Request #1, noting
the applicant’s request to reduce the front yard setback of the townhome
lots from the required 50 feet to 20 feet; and Variance Case #2, noting the
applicant’s request for the rear yard setbacks of the townhome lots to be
reduced from the required 20 feet to 10 feet.

Mr. Anderson presented the Case Facts and Proposed Site Plan, noting
staff recommends approval of the revised Site Plan, non-gated, with 127
units 3-4 bedrooms, for sale units with a 10% rental cap, and size ranging
from 1800 sq. feet to 2000 sq. feet; Units 1, 56, 57, 89 and 127, all visible
from the street, will have all brick on both sides, all other units shall have a
6’ Brick Water Table with brick fronts and hardiplank or other fiber
Cementous accents, black streetlight poles and flock cameras, and units
with metal overhangs instead of shingles; with 2-car garages throughout
the development; mandatory HOA, external 10’ sidewalk along Hudson
Bridge Road up to the drop off; 5’ internal sidewalks on one side and 8’
internal sidewalks on one side; amenities include a pool, clubhouse,
pocket park with playground and pocket park with open space; with a 30’
setback in the front and 10’ between the units.

Attorney Battle gave an overview of the development, and referenced
conversations with the District Representative, Councilmember Alexander,
to come to a compromise to bring a quality product suitable for the
community and for her client, Lennar Georgia, LLC.

Public Hearing Opened for Item #11, # 12, #13 and #14.
No Speakers in Favor
Speakers Opposed - Ms. Jocelyn Williams to Item #11, # 12, #13 and #14
Public Hearing Closed

Motion to approve Comprehensive Plan Amendment Case #CP-2024-01
was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Berry. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

9. REZONING CASE #RZ-2024-01. (To be located in Council District 5.)
Consideration of a request to rezone property on the north side of Hudson
Bridge Drive, comprising Parcel #032-01026000, from the C-2 (General
Commercial) zoning district to the MFR (Multiple Family Residential)
zoning district to allow for the construction of a townhome
development. The property also lies within the PMU (Parkway Mixed-
Use) Overlay District. Applicant: Lennar Georgia, LLC. Agent: Battle Law,
P.C. The property is located in Land Lot 21 of District 6, and it contains
20.367 +/- acres.
Motion to approve Rezoning Case #RZ-2024-01 was made by
Councilmember Alexander; seconded by Councilmember Gantt. The
motion passed unanimously 4-0.

10. VARIANCE CASE #VR-2024-03. Variance Request #1. (To be located in
Council District 5). Consideration of a variance request for two variances
5|Page
on property on the north side of Hudson Bridge Drive, comprising of
Parcel #032-01026000, to allow for the construction of a townhome
development. Variance Request #1 would reduce the front yard setbacks
of the townhome lots from the required 50’ feet to 20’ feet. The property
also lies within the PMU-Parkway Mixed-Use Overlay District. Applicant:
Lennar Georgia LLC - Agent: Battle Law, P.C. The property is located
Land Lot 21 of District 6, and it contains 20.367 +/- acres.
Motion to approve Variance Case #VR-2024-03 Variance Request #1 for
30’ feet front setback was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded
by Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

11. VARIANCE CASE #VR-2024-03: Variance Request #2. (To be located in
Council District 5.)
Consideration of a variance request for two variances on property on the
north side of Hudson Bridge Drive, comprising Parcel #032-01026000, to
allow for the construction of a townhome development. Variance Request
#2 would reduce the side yard setbacks of the townhome lots, between
buildings, from the required 15’ feet to 10’ feet. The property also lies
within the PMU (Parkway Mixed-Use) Overlay District. Applicant: Lennar
Georgia, LLC. Agent: Battle Law, P.C. The property is located in Land Lot
21 of District 6, and it contains 20.367 +/- acres.
Motion to approve Variance Case #VR-2024-03 Variance Request #2 for
10’ feet between the buildings was made by Councilmember Alexander;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council meetings will be held in the
City Council Chamber. Meeting dates, locations and times are subject to change or
contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 or visit the website www.stockbridgega.org for
updates.

• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month
Stockbridge Downtown Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (Oct 15)
• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.- 3rd Tuesday of each
month Levi Meeting Room - City Hall (Oct 15)
• Planning Commission Meeting, 3rd Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. - City Hall
Council Chamber - (Oct 17)
• Community Meeting to discuss the Stockbridge Trails Plan on Wednesday,
October 23rd from 6pm – 7:30pm at Downtown Stockbridge Connection Center
(formerly TSCC) (Oct 23)
• Community Homestead Exemption Townhall – Saturday, October 26th at 11am –
City Hall Council Chamber (Oct 26)
• City Council Work Session Meeting, Last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. -
City Hall Council Chamber (Oct 29)
• Youth Council Meeting 1st Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. - City Hall Levi
Meeting Room (Nov 4)
• ELECTION DAY – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5th from 7am – 7pm – visit
mvp.sos.ga.gov for your polling location.
• Community Zoning and Information Meeting: Wednesday, November 6th from
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chamber (Nov 6)

6|Page
• Stockbridge Citizens-Police Advisory Council meeting 1st Thursday of each
month at 6:30 p.m. at the Stockbridge Police Community Room 4545 N.
Henry Blvd. – (Nov 7)
• The Main Street Advisory Board Meeting on the 2nd Friday of each month at
9am – Location is the Downtown Connection Center 130 M L King Sr. Heritage
Trail. (Nov 8)
• City Council Meeting, SPECIAL DATE – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH at 6:00
p.m. - City Hall Council Chamber (Nov 12) Due to Veterans Day Holiday
• Citywide Development Authority Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00
p.m.- City Hall Levi Meeting Room (Nov 12)
• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, November meeting date is to be
announced.

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES
• Join Councilman Alphonso Thomas for the monthly Senior Bingo Bash on
Wednesday, October 16th from 10am - 12pm at the Merle Manders Conference
Center, 111 Davis Rd. for raffles, prizes, games, snacks and fun!
• Join the City of Stockbridge for the 50 Shades of Pink Love Walk to highlight
breast cancer awareness and survivors at Clark Community Park 111 Davis Rd.
on Saturday, October 19th from 10:30am – 1:00 p.m.
• Join Councilwoman Lakeisha Gantt for the Annual Fall Festival at Clark
Community Park 111 Davis Rd. on Saturday, October 26th from 12pm – 4:00
p.m.
• Join Mayor Anthony Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Wednesday,
October 28th from 10am – noon at Stockbridge City Hall.
• Join Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt in partnership with Atlanta Food Truck Park
for Night Market at the Stockbridge Amphitheater Parking Lot from 6pm – 9:30pm
– November 7th, and November 21st. There will be vendors, Food Trucks,
Activities, Games, Music, and Vibes. Contact Tan Bowers at
thepeaceofmine@gmail.com for registration and additional information.
• Join Councilman Thomas for the Don’t Trash Stockbridge initiative centered
around education highlighting the causes and effects of Littering and Illegal
Dumping. More information to follow.
• Councilman Thomas is honoring Veterans with a Continuous Salute all year long.
Please send your pictures of Veterans with their name, branch, rank, and years
of service.
• Councilman Thomas will distribute FREE Smoke Detectors along with Fire
Marshal Demetrius Wells. The date and location will be announced soon. Stay
tuned.
Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an appointment for Meet the Mayor
and for more information on Council Initiatives and events at 678-833-3348 or via
email: rrawls@stockbridgega.org

2024 Stockbridge Amphitheater Concert Series
o Sunday, October 20, 2024, (Rescheduled Show) featuring Charlie Wilson
with Special Guest El DeBarge
o Saturday, October 26, 2024, Boney James Slow Burn Tour with Special
Guest Damien Escobar.

7|Page
o Saturday, November 2, 2024, Dirty South Throwback Hip-Hop Fest
featuring Eastside Boys, DJ Holiday, 95 South, Tray Bills, Raheem the
Dream, DJ Unk, MC Shy D and Kilo Ali.

MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Ford referenced the recent youth concert that took place at the Amphitheater,
noting the event was a fantastic event for the kids and looks forward to scheduling a
youth concert event annually; and also noted another sold out Southern Soul concert
that was a great concert as well; noted the Faith & Blue softball game with the Police vs.
area ministry, noting the Stockbridge Police Department won 9-8; reminded everyone to
exercise their constitutional right to vote, noting Early Voting begins on Tuesday, October
15th here in Georgia with Election Day on Tuesday, November 5th.
Councilmember Thomas referenced the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, where he has
put the call out for Veterans and families of Veterans to submit their photos and
encouraged the submission of pictures as the holiday approaches to recognize Veterans.
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 p.m. was made by Councilmember Thomas;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

8|Page
STATE OF GEORGIA
HENRY COUNTY
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE

ORDINANCE NO. 24-

AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE THE CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE SPECIAL SERVICE
DISTRICT, DESIGNATING THE BOUNDARIES OF SUCH DISTRICT, PROVIDING
FOR DEFINTIONS; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; TO PROVIDE AN
EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, the City of Stockbridge (“City”) is a municipal corporation duly organized
and existing under the laws of the State of Georgia and is charged with providing public services
to residents located within the corporate limits of the City; and,

WHEREAS, Article 9, Section 2, Paragraph 6 of the Georgia Constitution authorizes local
governments to establish Special Service Districts (“SSD”); and

WHEREAS, the Supreme Court of Georgia has held that taxes imposed by a SSD is not a
municipal tax; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of the SSD authorized by the Constitution is to provide for local
government services within such districts; and

WHEREAS, the Constitution further authorizes fees, assessments, and taxes to be levied
and collected within such districts to pay, wholly or partially, the cost of providing such services
within the district and to construct and maintain facilities for the district; and

WHEREAS, in order to achieve the economic development goals of the City, including
any Redevelopment Plan that may be adopted in the future, the City Council has determined that
it is in the best interest of the City, citizens and residents that a SSD be created encompassing the
geographic limits of the City, for the purposes of (a) driving commercial, trade, and employment
opportunities through the City and (b) achieving the equitable economic development and
redevelopment within the district, consistent with the policy goals of the City Council o foster and
improve infrastructure and connectivity; and

WHEREAS, the implementation of the Stockbridge SSD and associated funding measures
to complete improvements to infrastructure components and connectivity has the potential (a) to
foster sustainability by catalyzing additional federal, state, philanthropic, and local funding sources
for infrastructure improvement and repair and fostering connectivity and transportation
alternatives, (b) to help create sustainable jobs in and around Stockbridge, (c) to enhance and
improve destinations, services for visitors, and convention services with in the City to increase the
guest economy and other experiences to be marked by the City; (d) to provide additional funds for
affordable housing and support for keeping small businesses in place and thriving within
Stockbridge, (e) to serve as a national and internation model of excellence in equitable economic
development; and (f) to provide revenue and funding for sustainable watersheds within the City.
WHEREAS, the City has determined that creation of the Stockbridge SSD is essential to
improving infrastructure and connectivity, and redevelopment opportunity for the City; and

WHEREAS, in order to complete the necessary improvements to infrastructure and
connectivity, which the City Council expressly finds and determines constitute the provision of
services and all construction and maintenance of facilities in support of government services, all
as contemplated in the SSD Clause, the City has further determined that a special improvement
tax should be levied and collected, in the form of an ad valorem property tax imposed on all taxable
property located within the Stockbridge SSD to be used to pay, in whole or in part, the costs of
those improvements, including, without limitation, related financing and issuance costs.

WHEREAS, the City intends to partner with community organization, Governmental and
quasi-Governmental entities, Community Improvement Districts, as well as with neighborhood
and business associations to advocate for infrastructure improvements around connectivity,
wayfinding and public safety.

NOW THEREFORE, the Mayor and Council hereby Ordain and Enact as follows:

SECTION 1. Incorporation of Recitals and Findings. The aforementioned recitals and findings
are hereby adopted by the City and shall inform the intent of this Ordinance as though fully set
forth in full in this Section.

SECTION 2. Definitions. As used in this ordinance, the term:

(a) “Stockbridge SSD” or “District” means the special district created by and described in
Section 3 below.

(b) “Cost of the project” means and includes:

(i) All costs of acquisition by purchase or other means, construction, assembly,
installation, modification, renovation, or rehabilitation incurred in
connection with any project or any part of any project, as authorized by this
Ordinance;
(ii) All costs of real property, fixtures, or personal property used in or in
connection with or necessary for all project or for any facilities related to
any project, including but not limited to the cost of all land, estates for years,
easements, rights, improvements, water rights, connections for utility
service fees, franchises, permits, approvals, licenses, and certificates; the
cost of securing any such franchises, permits, approvals, license, and
certificates and all costs of all fixtures, machinery, equipment, furniture and
other property used in or in connection with necessary for the project;
(iii) All financing charges and loan fees and all interest on bonds, notes, or other
obligations which accrue or are paid prior to and during the period of
construction of a project or any portion of a project-related infrastructure,
maintenance or improvement and connectivity during any additional period
as the City Council may reasonably determine to be necessary to place such
projects in operation;
(iv) All costs of engineering, surveying, architectural, and legal services and all
expenses incurred by engineers, surveyors, architects, and attorneys in
connection with any project or services of projects;
(v) Any and all expenses for inspection of any project or series of projects;
(vi) All fees of fiscal agents, paying agents, consultants, attorneys, and trustees
for bondholders under any trust agreement, indenture of trust, or similar
instrument or agreement; all expenses incurred by any such fiscal agents,
paying agents, consultants, attorneys, and trustees; and all other costs and
expenses incurred relative to the issuance of any bonds, notes, or other
obligations for any project or series of projects;
(vii) All expenses of or incidental to determining the feasibility or practicability
of ay project or series of projects;
(viii) All costs of plans and specification for any project or series or projects;
(ix) All costs of title insurance and examinations of title with respect to any
project or series of projects;
(x) Repayment of any loans for the advance payment of any part of any of the
foregoing costs, including interest thereon and any other expenses of such
loans relating to the project or series of projects;
(xi) Administrative expenses and such other expense as many be necessary for
or incidental to the project or the financing thereof or the placing of any
project or series of projects in operation; and
(xii) The establishment of a fund or funds for the creation of a debt service
reserve, a renewal and replacement reserve, or such other funds or reserved
as the City Council or its redevelopment agency (as the case may be) may
approve with respect to the financing and operation of any project or series
of projects and as may be authorized by any bond resolution , trust
agreement, indenture of trust, or similar instrument or agreement pursuant
to the provisions of which the issuance of any bons, notes or other
obligations for the benefit of the Stockbridge SSD may be authorized.
(xiii) Any cost, obligation, or expense incurred for any of the foregoing purposes
shall be a part of the cost of the project and may be paid or reimbursed as
such out of proceeds of bonds, notes, or other obligations issued for the
benefit of the Stockbridge SSD.

(c) “Project” means the design, construction, acquisition, equipping and financing of the
completion of any infrastructure maintenance or improvement plan or of a connectivity
plan which is expected to b provided by the provision of the supplemental services or
the imposition of the special improvement tax contemplated by the Ordinance.
(d) “Special improvement tax” means a tax, fee or assessment levied by ordinance of the
City Council to fund the supplemental service and/or facilities to be provided;
particularly, the project or any series of projects.
(e) “Supplemental services” means those services provided for the improvement of the
Stockbridge SSD, as and to the extent associated with the design, construction,
acquisition, equipping, improvement and financing of any infrastructure maintenance
or improvement plan, any connectivity plan, and any necessary or appropriate elements
of the related surface transportation project lying on or within the boundaries of the
District.
(f) “Surface transportation project” means a project for the public improvement and related
public facilities within the District, including related facilities, systems, trails, streets,
and greenspace.
(g) “Taxpayer” means any entity or person responsible for paying special improvement
taxes, whether on one or more businesses or one or more parcels of property, levied
within the District ad whose property is not fully exempt from taxation. The owner of
the property or properties subject to a special improvement tax and not any tenant or
tenants, lessee or lessees, or other user or users, shall for the purposes of this ordinance
be deemed the taxpayer. Taxpayer shall not mean person’s property where the property
is subject to a homestead exemption under State law.

SECTION 3. Creation of the Stockbridge Special Service District. Pursuant to the SSD Clause,
there is hereby created a special district for the purpose of the provision of local government
services and supplemental services and facilities to be funded, in whole or in part, by a special
improvement tax or taxes therein to be known as the “Stockbridge Special Service District” (the
Stockbridge SSD” or the “District”), the boundaries of which shall be co-extensive with the
boundaries of the City.

SECTION 4. Term of the District. The District shall continue in perpetuity, subject to
termination by further action of the City Council, for the purposes described here.

SECTION 5. Severability. To the extent any portion of this Ordinance is declared to be
invalid, unenforceable, or non-binding, that shall not affect the remaining portions of this
Ordinance.

SECTION 6. Repeal of Conflicting Provisions. Except as otherwise provided herein, all
ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed.

SECTION 7. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its
adoption by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Stockbridge as provided in the City Charter.

SECTION 8. Public Record. This document shall be maintained as a public record by the City
Clerk and shall be accessible to the public during all normal business hours of the City of
Stockbridge.

SECTION 9. City Attorney Authority. Pursuant to the City’s charter and with explicit
consent of the City Counsel, the City Attorney is duly authorized to make requisite amendments
to all contracts, ordinances, resolutions, and documents, as may be necessary, in order to secure
conformity with the express intent of the City Council and to ensure adherence to all pertinent
laws and ordinances of the City.
SECTION 10. Attestation. The City Clerk is authorized to execute, attest to, correct any
Scrivener’s Errors to give effect to the intent of the Council, and to seal any documents which may
be necessary to effectuate this ordinance, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.

SO ORDAINED and ENACTED this th day of October 2024.

ANTHONY S. FORD
MAYOR OR MAYOR PRO TEM
ATTEST:

_________________________ (SEAL)
VANESSA HOLIDAY, CITY CLERK

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

QUINTON WASHINGTON, CITY ATTORNEY
