---
date: 2023-10-09
title: 10-09-2023 Minutes
source: 2023-10/2023-10-09_10-09-2023 _Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

StOCkbrldge
Where Community Connects

CITYCOUNCL EETING
SU ARY NUTES

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2023 6:00 PM.
Ma 0 r & Cit
Council
Mayor Anthony 5. F 0rd At--Large
Mayor Pro Tem Yola nda Ba rber District 4
CounCIIman Elton Alexander Council District 5
Councilman John Blount Council District 3
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Council District 1
Councilman Alphonso Thomas Council District 2

Administration
Frederick Gardi City Manager
Vanessa l-Iol City Clerk
John Wig I ity Treasurer
Quinton Was City Attorney

Mission: To provide vision eadership and s uperior mun icipal services that enhance the
any]!
quaIIty of l Ife for citizens .w I Ie creating la wel coming busi ness atmosph ere focused on
sustainabii Ity a nd expans Ion of tourism and cultu re! events.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford at 6:02 pm.

Invocation by Councilman Thomas

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.

City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday was asked to proceed with a verbal roll call. All Members
were present.

Motion to amend the Agenda to defer Items #6, Item #8, Item #9, Item #10, Item #11,
and item #12 to be heard at the November 13, 2023 meeting per the applicant's
request
made by Councilman Thomas; seconded by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed

unanimously 5-0.

Motion to approve the Minutes for the following meetings made Councilman Alexander;
seconded by Councilman Blount. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.
1. Retreat Minutes August 10, 2023
2. Retreat Minutes August 11, 2023
3. Council Meeting Minutes August 14, 2023
4. Work Session Minutes August 29, 2023

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PUBLIC COMMENTS
All persons wishing to speak for public comment must sign in with the City Clerk prior to
the beginning of the meeting noting your name, address, and phone number. You will be
allotted three (3) minutes. Speakers must respect all members of the elected body,
officials, and staff. Defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will not be tolerated.
There were no public comments.

CEREMONIAL REVIEW
5. Mayor Ford reviewed the swearing in of Youth Council Advisory
Committee member, Shawana Davis, and Youth Council member Jalynn
Jenkins; and reviewed proclamations for: Small Business
Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness
Month and Mental Health Awareness Month; and presented proclamations
to Paramedics Vanesha Gatewood and Walter Stowers for their heroic
services and rendering aid during a recent concert at the Amphitheater.

PUBLIC EARlNG
6 ZONING MODIFICATION CASE #ZM-2023-01. (Council District 5)
Consider a request for a change in zoning for a modification to amend the
Bridges of Jodeco Conceptual Plan to allow multi-family residential
development in Pod A and to allow senior family residential in Pod B,
identified by Parcel The property has 14.630 +/- acres,
and it is accessed via Chen Parkway and Argento Drive in Land Lots 77,
78, & 83 of District 6. Application by Michelle Y. Saade, Member
(Applicant) of Southern Consulting Services, Inc. (Owner). Staff
Recommendation is approval. Planning Commission Recommendation is
approval. Applicant requests a deferral to be heard at the November 13,
2023 Council meeting.
Item Deferred to the November 13, 2023 Council Meeting at the

request.

7. REZONING CASE #RZ-2023-02. (Council District 4)
Consideration of a request a request for rezoning to rezone three parcels
on the north side of Valley Hill Road from (Rural Residential) and
(Neighborhood Commercial) to allow for the development of a single-family
detached residential subdivision. The applicant/agent is Yvette Morrison,
representing a developer/builder. The property contains three parcels on
Valley Hill Road, as are listed below, in Land Lot 92 of District 12, with
17.06 +/- total acres within the Stockbridge City Limits. 258 Valley Hill
Road (Parcel #809-06010000) Contains 2.2492 +/- acres. Zoned
(Rural Residential). 264 Valley Hill Road (Parcel #SO8-01010000)
Contains 6.5254 +/- acres. Zoned (Rural Residential). Parcel #808-
01020000 Contains 8.2874 +/ acres. Zoned (Neighborhood
Commercial). Staff Recommendation is approval. Planning Commission
Recommendation is approval.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson, Interim Community Development Director
Mr. Anderson presented an overview of the development.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber noted she agrees with smart growth for the city,
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however, there are concerns with several developments already approved
and more proposed in the 4th District, that there has not been a solid road
and infrastructure plan brought fonNard to the Council with designated
funding, noting the repairs that need to be made to Valley Hill Road.

Councilwoman Gantt called for a point of order, noting the Agenda Item is
not for road repairs of Valley Hill Road.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber stated that she is the Council Representative for
District 4 and that it is her responsibility to speak on their behalf, and
asked Mr. Gardiner to speak about the roads and road improvements in
the Valley Hill area.

Mr. Gardiner stated that under current zoning law, you cannot deny based
on roads and infrastructure; noted these roads came into the city in
January 2023 by way of the annexation referendum and the roads were
not approved on the SPLOST list; however, they can be added to
SPLOST Vl.

Mayor Pro Tem Barber noted that her biggest concerns are the lack of
planning and funding for roads, and that while she supports the
redevelopment plan, it is her responsibility to make sure that District 4
residents are not negatively impacted, further noting District 4 has seen
more high density than any other district in the city.

Councilman Blount noted he makes a point of not meeting with the
developer and allows the District Representative to take the lead.

Councilman Alexander referenced a GDOT road
project that has been approved that will widen Hwy. 42 from Walmart up to
l-675 and is expected to be completed over the next couple of years; and
noted it was stated during a recent event that Georgia is the 8th largest
state by population, and growth will continue.

Mayor Ford noted that it was also stated during that event that Georgia
was the best state for jobs.

Public Hearing Opened
Speakers in Favor None
Speakers Opposed Ms. Connie Snow, Ms. Susan Grosvenor, and
Ms. Marion Calhoun.
Public Hearing Closed

The Builder addressed concerns from residents and officials and amended
the site plan by moving some of the amenities to the front of the
development, building the homes on a slab and removing the basements,
including a multi-use path in front of the development, gated; buffer
and evergreen trees with landscaping, a privacy fence, and Marine Inland
insurance; along with conditions presented by staff in the presentation.

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Councilwoman Gantt noted she was impressed with the amenities
considering there were only sixteen homes; expressed concerned for the
runoff mentioned by a homeowner, and noted her interest is for the quality
of life for the residents and what is in the best interest of the city; and
stated the Planning and Zoning Board is in place to hear these items and
make a recommendation to the City Council.

Mayor Ford considered allowing the homeowner, Ms. Susan Grosvenor, to
respond.

Councilman Blount called for a Point of Order noting the Public Hearing
portion of the meeting had closed; and motioned for the members of
Council to be allowed to complete their comments before Ms. Grosvenor
responds, seconded by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 4-1
(Councilwoman Barber Opposed noting she reserves the right to speak
following the comments; Mayor Ford confirmed).

Ms. Susan Grosvenor appealed to the Council to deny the Rezoning
request.

Motion to defer the item to the November 13, 2023 meeting due to the
changes to the development and to allow staff and the engineer to meet
with the adjacent homeowner to review the new site plan made by Mayor
Pro Tem Barber; seconded by Councilman Thomas. The motion failed
2-3. (Barber/Thomas approved). (Alexander/Blount/Gantt Opposed).

Motion to approve Rezoning Case #RZ-2023-02 with a contingency that
the concerns referenced are to be rectified and documented made by
Councilman Blount; seconded by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed
(Alexander, Blount and Gantt Approved); (Barber/Thomas
Abstained).

ANNEXATION CASE #AX-2023-03. (To be located in Council District 5.)
Consideration of a request for the annexation of property at 77 and 87
Holloway Road (with frontage on Patrick Henry Parkway), located in
unincorporated Henry County, into the Stockbridge City Limits. The
applicant is NexMetro Acquisitions, LLC, c/o Battle Law, PC. The property
contains two parcels, as are listed below, in Land Lot 50 of District 6, with
14.16 +/- total acres. 77 Holloway Road (Parcel #052-01023000) --

Contains 1.16 +/- acres. 87 Holloway Road (Parcel #052-01024000) --

Contains 13.00 +/- acres. Staff Recommendation is approval. Planning
Commission Recommendation is denial. Applicant requests a deferral to
be heard at the November 13, 2023 meeting.
Item Deferred to the November 13, 2023 Council Meeting at the

request.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT CASE #CP-2023-03. (To be
located in Council District 5.)
Consideration of a request for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to

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assign the future land use designation of to
property at 77 and 87 Holloway Road (with frontage on Patrick Henry
Parkway), located in unincorporated Henry County, if and after the parcels
are annexed into the Stockbridge City Limits. The
purpose of the request
is to allow for a mixed residential development. The applicant is NexMetro

Acquisitions, LLC, c/o Battle Law, PC. The property contains two parcels,
as are listed below, in Land Lot 50 of District 6, with 14.162 +/- total acres.

77 Holloway Road (Parcel #052-01023000) Contains 1.160 +/- acres.

87 Holloway Road (Parcel #052-01024000) Contains 13.012 +/-

acres. Staff Recommendation is approval. Planning Commission

Recommendation is denial.
Applicant requests a deferral to be heard at the November 13, 2023
Council meeting.
ltem Deferred to the November 13, 2023 Council Meeting at the

request.

10. REZONING CASE #RZ-2023-04. (To be located in Council District
arequest to assign the zoning district of (Planned Unit Development)
to two parcels at 77 and 87 Holloway Road (with frontage on Patrick
Henry
Parkway), located in unincorporated Henry County, if and after the parcels
are annexed into the Stockbridge City Limits. The
purpose of the request is
to allow for a mixed residential development. The applicant is NexMetro

Acquisitions, LLC, c/o Battle Law, PC. The property contains two parcels,
as are listed below, in Land Lot 50 of District 6, with 14.162 +/- total acres.
77 Holloway Road (Parcel 052-01023000) --
Contains 1.160 +/- acres. 87
Holloway Road (Parcel #052-01024000) Contains 13.012 acres. Staff
Recommendation is approval. Planning Commission Recommendation is
denial. Applicant requests a deferral to be heard at the November 13, 2023
meeting.
ltem Deferred to the November 13, 2023 Council Meeting at the

request.

.COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT CASE #CP-2023-04
(Council District 2)
Consideration of a request for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to
change the future land use designation of three parcels on Davidson
Parkway and Walter Way from Vertical to
Density to allow for a mixed residential development. The

applicant is D. R. Horton, Atlanta East, represented by Tiffany D. Hogan.
The property contains three parcels, as are listed below, in Land Lot 57 of
District 12, with 79.16 +/- total acres. Parcel #030-01009000 Contains
73.859 +/- acres. Parcel #030-01009005 Contains 3.636 +/- acres.
Parcel #030-01009006 Contains 1.369 +/- acres. Staff
Recommendation is denial. Planning Commission Recommendation is
denial. Applicant requests a deferral to be heard at the November 13, 2023
meeting.
Item Deferred to the November 13, 2023 Council Meeting at the
request.

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12. REZONING CASE #RZ-2023-05. (Council District
Consideration of a request to rezone three parcels on Davidson
Parkway
and Walter Way from (Heavy Commercial) to (Planned Unit
Development) to allow for a mixed residential development. The applicant
is D. R. Horton, Atlanta East, represented by
Tiffany D. Hogan. The
property contains three parcels, as are listed below, in Land Lot 57 of
District 12, with 79.16 +/- total acres. Parcel #030-01009000 Contains
73.859 +/- acres. Parcel #030-01009005 Contains 3.636 +/- acres.
Parcel #030-01009006 Contains 1.369 +/- acres. Staff
Recommendation is denial. Planning Commission Recommendation is
denial.
Applicant requests a deferral to be heard at the November 13, 2023
meeting.
ltem Deferred to the November 13, 2023 Council
Meeting at the
request.

13. Council consideration to approve an increase to the annual
expenditure
amount for Right-of-Way Landscaping from $200,000.00 to $300,000.00
Staff requested $300,000.00 in its proposed FY2023
budget but it was
reduced to $200,000.00 in the approved FY2023 budget. The annual
contract with CGL is $294,220.52. The funding source is from fund
balance.
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Councilman Alexander suggested the grass to be cut back to the fence
along Walt Stephens Road; noting there was money in hotel/motel tax.

Mr. Gardiner stated the city cannot use hotel/motel tax funds for

landscaping.

Councilman Blount noted the Council approved $200,000 in the
budget,
and yet there a contract for $294,220.52.

Councilwoman Gantt asked if services have been expanded.

Councilman Thomas noted he contacted Mr. Aaron to ask that
question
and was told by Mr. Aaron that he made the request
during the budget
process last year for $300,000, and that amount was cut in the budget to
$200,000 causing the shortfall, and now a budget amendment is required
to pay for services through the remainder of the
year, and to cover
outstanding invoices; and noted the scope of work has not been expanded
by GGL, and noted Mr. Aaron agreed to increase the frequency of cutting
and maintaining North Henry Blvd. by Public Works General Maintenance
staff.

Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Gantt; seconded
by
Councilman Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

14. Council consideration to approve an increase to the annual
expenditure
amount for sanitation disposal costs from $500,000.00 to $1,000,000.00.
Staff requested $700,000.00 in its proposed FY2023
budget but it was
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reduced to $500,000.00 in the approved FY2023 budget. The increase is
needed due to the increased disposal costs from adding the annexed
residents. The funding source is from the Sanitation Fund Balance.
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Councilman Alexander asked for the Sanitation Fund Balance amount.

Mr. Wiggins noted the amount is $1,327,163.

Motion to approve made by Councilwoman Gantt; seconded by
Councilman Blount. The motion passed unanimously

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING MEETINGS

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 for updates.

Stockbridge Citizens-Police Advisory Council meeting 1st Thursday of each
month at 6:00 pm. at the Stockbridge Police Community Room 4545 N.
Henry
Blvd. (Oct 5)
City Council Meeting, 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm. City Hall Council
Chamber (Oct 9)
. Youth Council Meeting, 6:30 pm. -
2nd Monday of each month City Hall Levi

Meeting Room -

City Hall (Oct 9)
. Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm. Monday of each
month Levi Meeting Room -

City Hall (Oct 9)
Citywide Development Authority Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00
pm. -

City Hall Levi Meeting Room (Oct 10)
. Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd Friday of each month Welcome
Center located at 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail at 9am (Oct 13)
Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month
Welcome Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (Oct 17)
Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 pm. City Hall Council Chamber 4th

Thursday of each (Oct 26)
City Council Work Session Meeting, last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm.
City Hall Council (Oct 31)

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 for updates.

Citywide Development Authority Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00
pm. City Hall Levi Meeting Room (Oct 10)
Youth Council Meeting, 6:30 pm. 2nd Thursday each month City Hall Levi

Meeting Room City Hall (Oct 12)

Main Street Advisory Board Meeting, 2nd Friday of each month Welcome
Center located at 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail at 9am (Oct 13)
Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month
Welcome Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (Oct 17)

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Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 pm. City Hall Council Chamber 4th

Thursday of each (Oct 26)
City Council Work Session Meeting, last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm.
City Hall Council (Oct 31)
Stockbridge Citizens-Police Advisory Council meeting 1st Thursday of each
month at 6:00 pm. at the Stockbridge Police Community Room 4545 N. Henry
Blvd. (Nov 2)
City Council Meeting, 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm. City Hall Council
Chamber (Nov 13)
Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm. -2nd Monday of each
month Levi Meeting Room City Hall (Nov 13)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES

Join the City of Stockbridge for the Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon
and Fashion Show, Thursday, October 12th from 11am 2pm at the Merle
Manders Conference Center. Registration is required. Contact the Events Team
at 770-389-5982.
Join the City of Stockbridge for the Annual Pretty in Pink Breast Cancer
Awareness Saturday, October 14th from 10:30 am 1pm at the
Clark Community Park walking trail.
Join Councilman Blount for Bingo Bash, Wednesday, October 18th from 10am
noon at the Merle Manders Conference Center located at 111 Davis Rd.
Join Councilman Alexander to the Jodeco Rd. District 5 Community Cleanup on
Saturday, October 21st from Sam to 11am, Meeting location: parking lot
3056 Jodeco Rd. McDonough, GA
Join Mayor Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Monday, October 23rd from
10am noon. Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an appointment at

678-833-3348 or via email at
Join Councilwoman Gantt for the Annual Fall Festival at Clark Community Park
on Saturday, October 28th from 12-pm to 4pm. This is a FREE event with candy,
food trucks, games, a costume contest and more!
Calling all Veterans! Join the City of Stockbridge for the Annual Veterans Day
Luncheon on Friday, November 10th from 11am 1pm at the Merle Manders
Conference Center as we honor those who have served and continue to serve
this great nation.
Join Councilman Thomas for the 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 to rrawls@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

Please plan to attend the 2023 Stockbridge Municipal Election Forum
Get your tickets for the upcoming 2023 Stockbridge Concert Series by visiting

stockbridgeamp.com or in person at the ticket office located at 4650 North Henry Blvd
Thursday Saturday from 1pm 5pm.

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COMMENTS

Mayor Ford noted we have entered the fall season and reminded everyone to get their
flu shots; noted COVlD-19 is still on the rise and
encouraged everyone to get their
vaccinations and boosters to stay healthy; asked everyone to
support the Braves as
they attempt to even the series against the Phillies, and to root for our hometown center
fielder, Michael Harris II; and reminded city residents of the upcoming Candidate Forum
on Tuesday, October 10th at 7pm at the Merle Manders Conference Center located at
111 Davis Rd. Stockbridge, GA.

Motion to adjourn made by Councilman Alexander; seconded
by Councilwoman Gantt.
The motion passed 4-0. (Blount was not present for the
vote). The meeting adjourned at
8:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, Ci e Anthony 8. Ford,

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