---
date: 2023-02-13
title: Regular Council Meetings Minutes
source: 2023-02/2023-02-13_Regular Council Meetings_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

COUNCIL MEETING
ACTION MINUTES
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2023 6:00 P.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Frederick Gardiner, City Manager
Mayor Pro Tem Yolanda Barber Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilman Elton Alexander John Wiggins, City Treasurer
Councilman John Blount Quinton Washington, City Attorney
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Jeremy T. Berry, 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 – Bishop Tillman, Floyd Chapel Baptist Church

III. Pledge of Allegiance – Recited by all in attendance.

IV. Roll Call – All members were present.

V. Motion to amend the Agenda to remove Item #8, 9, and 10 from the Agenda at
the request of Legal and the Planning & Zoning Department until further notice.
Thomas/Barber Passed 5-0.
VI. Motion to amend the Agenda to remove Item # 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 at the
request of the Applicant.
Thomas/Alexander Passed 5-0.
VII. Motion to amend the Agenda to add Item # 17 – Resolution to officially
welcome the new 6,667 residents to the City of Stockbridge.
Thomas/Gantt Passed 5-0.
VIII. Motion to amend and adopt the Agenda to convene Executive Session for
Personnel, Potential Litigation and Real Estate matters following Ceremonial
Review: Thomas/Alexander Passed 5-0

ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES – Blount/Barber Passed 5-0.
1. Review of the Minutes for the Council Meeting December 12, 2022
2. Review of the Minutes for the Work Session Meeting December 20, 2022

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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.
Citizens opposing the 175 Candler Rd. Warehouse Development:
Annia Berdecia; Beth Godsey; Desiree Fox; Paula Sorrell; Aubrey Kekiwi; Linda Shaw;
Katie Wilhelm; Charles Marshall; and Nelson Berdecia.

Northbridge Crossing Community, HOA President
Denita Minnis referenced parking violations; storm drain issues; commercial trucks parking in
the subdivision damaging the roadways.

CEREMONIAL REVIEW
3. Mayor Ford reviewed the swearing-in of newly appointed members to the Youth Council
Advisory Committee (Thomas Smith and Deyonna Williams) and newly appointed member
(Robert Anderson) to the Downtown Development Authority; and referenced proclamations
presented to Gordon State College for their 2022 Football Club Championship and presented
the annual Black History Proclamation, noting this year’s African American Heritage
Celebration spearheaded by Councilman Thomas will take place on February 25th and will
honor the Divine 9 Fraternity and Sorority groups of which Mayor Ford and Councilwoman
Gantt are members.

EXECUTIVE SESSION (Exemptions to the Georgia Open Meetings Acts)
Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Potential Litigation and Real Estate:
Gantt/Barber Passed 5-0

Motion to adjourn Executive Session: Thomas/Barber Passed 5-0

Motion to reconvene the meeting: Barber/Gantt Passed 5-0

Attorney Washington noted after legal review the project at 175 Candler Road will go under
review under the new United Development Code.

PRESENTATION
4. Presentation of the Amphitheater Sound Study – Results and Recommendations.
Presented by: Heather Hubble, TSW
Motion to Table to be heard in Executive Session: Thomas/Gantt Passed 3-0-2
(Alexander/Barber Abstained).

5. TAD (Tax Allocation District) Update
Presented by: Frederick Gardiner, City Manager
Update presented. No further action currently.

OLD BUSINESS
6. Council Consideration to approve Open Gov Project Software
Presented by: John Wiggins, City Treasurer
Motion to Table: Alexander/Gantt Passed 5-0.

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NEW BUSINESS
7. Council consideration to adopt the Civility Resolution and pledge to become a City
of Civility.
Presented by: Mayor Anthony S. Ford
Motion to approve: Barber/Gantt Passed 5-0.

PUBLIC HEARING
8. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE – ADOPTION OF THE OFFICIAL ZONING
MAP, #OZM-2022-01. To consider Staff amendments to the Official Zoning Map,
in accordance with the Resolution and Referendum annexation method, voted
upon during the November 8, 2022 election. There are approximately 1640+/- new
parcels to be added to Stockbridge City boundaries, as indicated within House Bill
612, including but not limited to 23 subdivision communities, and parcels primarily
consisting of 1507+/- single-family residential, 105 combined commercial and
industrial, etc.
This item is deferred until further notice by Legal and Planning Staff.
Item removed from the Agenda.

9. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE – ADOPTION OF THE OVERLAY DISTRICT
MAP, #ODM-2022-01. To consider Staff amendments to the Overlay District Map,
in accordance with the Resolution and Referendum annexation method, voted
upon during the November 8, 2022 election. There are approximately 1640+/- new
parcels to be added to Stockbridge City boundaries, as indicated within House Bill
612, including but not limited to 23 subdivision communities, and parcels primarily
consisting of 1507+/- single-family residential, 105 combined commercial and
industrial, etc.
This item is deferred until further notice by Legal and Planning Staff.
Item removed from the Agenda.

10. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE – ADOPTION OF THE FUTURE LAND USE
MAP, #FLUM-2022-01. To consider Staff amendments to the Future Land Use
Map, in accordance with the Resolution and Referendum annexation method,
voted upon during the November 8, 2022 election. There are approximately
1640+/- new parcels to be added to Stockbridge City boundaries, as indicated
within House Bill 612, including but not limited to 23 subdivision communities, and
parcels primarily consisting of 1507+/- single-family residential, 105 combined
commercial and industrial, etc.
This item is deferred until further notice by Legal and Planning Staff.
Item removed from the Agenda.

11. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE – UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE -- TEXT
AMENDMENT, #TX-2022-01. To allow the use of “Computer and data processing
services” within the C-3 Heavy Commercial District as a permitted use, and to
update other applicable references to this use throughout the Unified Development
Code.
Presented by: Brecca Carter, Community Development Director
Ms. Carter noted this Text Amendment to be the first since the UDC was adopted
in March 2022; noted the changed is to allow computer and data processing
services to be allowed in C-3, and noted a letter of support for the change is on file
from the Henry County Development Authority.
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Councilman Alexander requested John Fenn, Executive Director of the Henry
County Development Authority to speak on the matter.

Mr. Fenn noted when looking at the availability of sites throughout the county,
there are opportunities where infrastructure matches up in Stockbridge, whereas
M1 and M2 is the only option, and supports the amendment.

Councilman Gantt asked Mr. Fenn was aware of why this industry was only
allowable in M1 and M2, and his response was that he did not know the reasoning.

Public Hearing Opened

No Comments in Favor/No Comments Opposed

Public Hearing Closed

Motion to approve: Gantt/Alexander Passed 5-0.

12. CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE – UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE -- TEXT
AMENDMENT, #TX-2022-01. To allow the use of “Computer and data processing
services” within the C-3 Heavy Commercial District as a permitted use, and to
update other applicable references to this use throughout the Unified Development
Code.
Postponed by Applicant on January 24, 2023, via letter.
Item removed from the Agenda

13. REZONING CASE #RZ-2022-07. To consider a request to rezone property at 576
Davis Road (Parcel #S05-01002000) from Henry County’s ‘RA’ (Residential-
Agricultural) district to the City of Stockbridge’s ‘MFR’ (Multiple Family Residential)
district to allow for the construction of a townhome
development. Applicant: Forestar Real Estate Group (USA), Inc. Agent: Alex
Brock of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP. The property is in Land Lot 91 of
District 12, and it contains 27.635 +/- acres.
Postponed by Applicant on January 24, 2023, via letter.
Item removed from the Agenda.

14. VARIANCE CASE #VR-2022-03. To consider three Variance Requests for
property at 576 Davis Road (Parcel #S05-01002000) to allow for the construction
of a townhome development. The three requested variances are as follows: 1)
reduce the front yard setback from the required minimum of 50 feet to 25 feet; 2)
reduce the side yard setbacks from the required minimum of 15 feet to 10 feet; and
3) increase the maximum lot coverage from the allowable
maximum of 50 percent to 75 percent. Applicant: Forestar Real Estate Group
(USA), Inc. Agent: Alex Brock of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP. The property
is in Land Lot 91 of District 12, and it contains 27.635 +/- acres.
Postponed by Applicant on January 24, 2023, via letter.
Item removed from the Agenda.

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15. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT CASE #CP-2022-07. To consider
a Comprehensive Plan Amendment Request to change the future land use
designation of certain property on the north side of Hudson Bridge Drive,
comprising Parcel #032-01-26000, from ‘Medium-Density Vertical Mixed-Use’ to
‘High-Density Residential’ in order to allow for the construction of an apartment
development. Applicant: Carter Acquisitions, LLC, c/o Battle Law,
P.C. Agent: Battle Law, P.C. The property is in Land Lot 21 of District 6, and it
contains 20.367 +/- acres.
Postponed by applicant on January 26, 2023, via letter.
Item removed from the Agenda.

16. REZONING CASE #RZ-2022-08. To consider a request to rezone certain property
on the north side of Hudson Bridge Drive, comprising Parcel #032-01026000, from
the C-2 (General Commercial) district to the MFR (Multiple Family Residential)
district to allow for the construction of an apartment development. Applicant:
Carter Acquisitions, LLC, c/o Battle Law, P.C. Agent: Battle Law, P.C. The
property is in Land Lot 21 of District 6, and it contains 20.367 +/- acres. Postponed
by Applicant on January 26, 2023, via letter.
Item removed from the Agenda.

NEW BUSINESS (continued)
17. Council consideration to approve a Resolution welcoming 6,667 newly annexed
residents into the City of Stockbridge.
Motion to approve: Alexander/Blount Passed 4-0-1 (Barber Abstained).
Mayor Pro Tem Barber noted the Resolution was not included in the original
submission of documents to the Council, and was included in the Agenda books
today, and she has not had an opportunity to review the information and will
therefore abstain from the vote.

MAYOR'S COMMENTS (Mayor Anthony Ford)
Mayor Ford wished everyone and their loved ones a Happy Valentine’s Day; noted we are still
in a pandemic and encouraged everyone to get COVID vaccinations, boosters and flu shots.

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. Please visit the
city’s website www.cityofstockbridge.com for the meeting invitation link, Facebook page or
contact City Hall offices at 770-389-7900 for updates.

• Main Street Advisory Board Meeting 2nd Friday of each month at 9:00 a.m. - City Hall
Levi Meeting Room (Feb 10)
• City Council Meeting, 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. – City Hall Council
Chamber (Feb 13)
• Youth Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - 2nd Monday of each month - City Hall Levi Meeting
Room - City Hall (Feb 13)
• Citywide Development Authority Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of each month 6:00 p.m. - City
Hall Levi Meeting Room (Feb 14)
• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Via Zoom - 3rd Tuesday of each
month Via Zoom (Feb 21)

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• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - 3rd Tuesday of each month Levi
Meeting Room - City Hall (Feb 21)
• Planning Commission Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - City Hall Council Chamber 4th Thursday of
each month– (Feb 23)
• City Council Work Session Meeting, Last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. – City Hall
Council Chamber (Feb 28)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES

➢ Join Mayor Pro Tem Barber for the District 4 Meet & Greet Town Hall on Tuesday,
February 21st from 6pm – 8pm at the Stockbridge Police Precinct Community Room
located at 4545 North Henry Blvd.
➢ Bingo is Back! Join Councilman Blount on Wednesday, February 22nd at the Merle
Manders Conference Center. Please contact Rosalynd Rawls at 678-833-3348 for more
information.
➢ Join Councilman Alexander for the District 5 Quarterly Town Hall Meeting on Thursday,
February 23rd from 7pm – 9pm at the Winslow @ Eagles Landing Community Clubhouse
at 900 Maple Leaf Drive in McDonough (City of Stockbridge).
➢ SAVE THE DATE! Join Councilman Thomas for the 12th Annual African American
Heritage Celebration, Tribute to Sororities and Fraternities and their contributions to the
community, Saturday, February 25th at the Merle Manders Conference Center from 4pm
to 7pm.
➢ Please join Mayor Ford for his monthly “Meet the Mayor” on Monday, February 27th from
10:00 a.m. – 11am and 2pm – 3pm. Please contact Rosalynd Rawls to schedule an in-
person appointment: or call 678-833-3348.
➢ SAVE THE DATE! Join Councilman Alexander for the Annual Women’s History Month
Celebration, Sunday, March 5th at the Merle Manders Conference Center from 3pm –
5pm.
➢ A Continuous Salute to Veterans: Please forward pictures of Veterans including name,
branch, rank, and years of service as Mayor Pro Tem Thomas presents a special tribute
to our local veterans. Pictures should be submitted to: Rosalynd Rawls
at rrawls@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov Thank you for your service!

Councilman Blount exited the meeting.

EXECUTIVE SESSION (Exemptions to the Georgia Open Meetings Acts)
Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel, Potential Litigation and Real Estate:
Gantt/Thomas Passed 4-0.

Motion to adjourn Executive Session: Alexander/Barber Passed 4-0

Motion to reconvene the meeting: Alexander/Barber Passed 4-0

ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn: Gantt/Thomas Passed 4-0.

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