---
date: 2024-09-17
title: Downtown Development Authority Agenda Packet
source: 2024-09/2024-09-17_Downtown Development Authority_Agenda Packet.pdf
pages: 1
---

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT Downtown Development
AUTHORITY OF THE
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE Authority
BOARD MEMBERS Meeting Agenda
Robert Anderson, Chair September 17, 2024 6:00 PM
Warren Washington, Vice-Chair
Frangela Merritt, Treasurer
Kenya Cook, Secretary
Darrell Stamper, Board Member
Jerry Mays, Board Member
Councilmember Elton Alexander

ADMINISTRATION
Frederick Gardiner, City Manager

Vacant
Economic Development Director

Lisa Fareed STOCKBRIDGE DOWNTOWN CONNECTION CENTER
130 M L KING SR. HERITAGE TRAIL
Downtown Main Street Manager STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281
Website: www.stockbridgega.org
Phone: 770-389-7900
Cassandra Lester, Recorder Fax: 770-389-7912

Blake Sharpton, Attorney
AGENDA
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 6:00 PM

I. Call to Order
1. Roll Call
2. Motions for additions or deletions to the proposed Agenda
3. Approve Agenda
4. Approve August 20, 2024 Minutes
II. Officers Reports
5. Chairman’s Comments – Anderson
6. Vice Chair’s Comments -- Washington
7. Treasurer’s Update -- Merritt
8. Secretary’s Updates – Cook
III. Old Business
9. Delivery of the certified, signed, sealed, and notarized copy of the
existing IGA
10. Update on the DDA/EDD/CDA Joint Sponsorship Amphitheater Table
Promotion
11. Update on the Joint DDA/EDD/City Burke Street Parking Lot Renovation
Project
12. Update on the DDA Façade Grant Program
13. EDD Façade Grant Bailout
IV. New Business
14. New Downtown Development Authority Board Member Jerry Mays
V. City Staff Report
15. City Council Liaison - Councilmember Alexander
16. Economic Development Dept. Liaison – City Manager Frederick
Gardiner
17. Main Street Advisory Board Liaison – Lisa Fareed
VI. Executive Session (if needed)
VII. Adjourn
Page | 3
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Board Members City Staff
Robert Anderson, Chair - Present Cassandra Lester, Deputy City Clerk - Present
Warren Washington, Vice Chair - Present Vacant, Economic Development Director
Frangela Merritt, Treasurer - Present Lisa Fareed, Main Street Manager – Present
Kenya Cook, Secretary - Present Frederick Gardiner, City Manager – Present
Darrell Stampler, Board Member - Absent
Vacant, Board Member Guest Speaker
Elton Alexander, City Council Liaison - Present

Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.

Chair Anderson proceeded with a roll call. All members were present except board member
Stampler.

Chair Anderson called for a Motion to approve the June 18th, 2024, meeting minutes. Motion to
approve made by Secretary Cook; seconded by Vice-Chair Washington. The Motion passed
unanimously.

Chair Anderson called for a Motion to approve the July 16th, 2024, meeting minutes. Motion to
approve made by Vice-Chair Washington; seconded by Treasurer Merritt. The Motion passed
unanimously.

Officer Reports
Chair's Comments-Anderson
Chair Anderson recited the statement, “With integrity and transparency, the D.D.A. shall strive
for sustainable trade, commerce, industry, and employment growth within the Downtown
Development District.”

Vice-Chair Comments-Washington
Vice-Chair Washington requested updates on the alleyway, breezeway and M.L.K. Senior
Heritage Trail projects.

Treasurer Update-Merritt-Financial Report
Treasurer Merritt presented the August balance sheet for the Downtown Development Authority.

The operating account has a current balance of $23,210.03. This balance reflects payments of
$232.00 for attorney fees; and $92.26 for supplies.

The Façade account remains at $30,000.

The Project account has a current balance of $165,803.44. This balance reflects payments of
$32,846.01 to the City of Stockbridge from the sale of 114 MLK Senior Heritage Trail; $2,200.00
paid in attorney fees from the same sale; and $3,500.00 paid to the C.D.A. for the amphitheater
V.I.P. table sponsorship.

Chair Anderson called for a Motion to approve August 20th treasurer’s report. Motion to approve
made by Secretary Cook; seconded by Vice Chair Washington. The Motion passed 4-0-1 with
Treasurer Merritt abstaining.

Page 1 of 4
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Secretary Update-Cook
No Updates

Old Business
Update on the DDA/EDD/CDA Joint Sponsorship Amphitheater Table
The Board discussed which concerts were available for potential showcase opportunities.

Update on the Joint DDA/City Burke Street Parking Lot Renovation
City Manager Frederick Gardiner provided an update to the Board, informing them that the
vendor has signed a contract and aims to complete the parking lot renovation by Bridgefest. The
Board discussed and clarified the scope of work and the legal process for the renovation.

Scope of Work:
The Board revised the scope of work section, which was previously understood as "leveling," to
{equivalent measures addressing the safety and quality concerns raised by the Board, including
actions necessary to "address safety and tripping hazards."} with allotted money that was
previously approved.

Vice-Chair Washington motioned to approve moving forward with the project based on;
clarifying and defining "Leveling" as implementing the most cost-effective measure to address
safety and tripping hazards; based on the City's commitment to providing either one universal
dumpster or two dumpsters; based on the city manager reaching out to Georgia Power
regarding lighting; based on the D.D.A. providing bicycles rack; based on the budget for the
project not exceeding $8,000; in an effort to have the work completed by Bridgefest. Motion
seconded by Elton Alexander. The Motion passed 4-0-1. Chair Anderson abstained.

Legal Process:
During the meeting, Chair Anderson discussed completing a Memorandum of Understanding
(M.O.U.), which is a requirement in the Inter-Governmental Agreement (I.G.A.) between the
Downtown Development Authority and the City of Stockbridge.

The Board agreed to seek legal clarification on whether a Memorandum of Understanding
(M.O.U.) needs to be drafted before the project begins.

Chair Anderson mentioned that if the M.O.U. is not needed, the Downtown Development
Authority (D.D.A.) will convene a special meeting to sign its resolution.

City Council Liaison Elton Alexander suggested that the project could move forward if the City
accepts the agreement from the D.D.A., and the Board (the Downtown Development Board) can
sign its resolution at any time.

City Manager Frederick Gardiner further clarified that the D.D.A. will need a resolution to codify
its vote. He also explained that since the vote has been taken, it is now a formality to sign and
seal the resolution, which would not require a public meeting.

Board members discussed streamlining the project approval process to prevent delays in
improvements within the D.D.A. district.

Page 2 of 4
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Secretary Cook motioned that if the attorney stated the M.O.U. is not required, the chair and
secretary would sign the resolution immediately thereafter; Treasurer Merritt seconded. The
Motion passed unanimously.

Update on DDA MLK Sr. Heritage Trail Façade Grant
The Board discussed and agreed that the Façade grant will cover all the boundaries of the
D.D.A. area. They also discussed and agreed to revise the grant criteria from "Business
Owners" to "Business/Property Owners."

The Board requested clarification on the application process. To which Chair Anderson
proposed the following process: The business owner should first find a contractor. Then, they
should visit the City permitting department to ensure compliance with all required regulations,
inspections, and building codes. After receiving clearance from the City permitting department,
the business owner can submit the contract, clearance from the City, and façade grant
application to the D.D.A. Board for approval and funding. Secretary Cook motioned to table the
topic until the next meeting; Vice Chair Washington seconded. The Motion passed unanimously.

New Business
None

City Staff Reports
Main Street
Main Street Manager Lisa Fareed has announced that the first 16 feet of Main Street's downtown
Stockbridge location has been activated with the implementation of Tiny Tent Concerts. Initially,
only four concerts were scheduled, but due to the overwhelming response, the concerts are
extended until September 20th, and they will bring the concerts back next year. She then states
that Main Street still needs volunteers and asks the D.D.A. Board for support where possible. It is
also noted that due to a lack of manpower, the M.S.A.B. will not have a car show at Bridgefest this
year but will suggest a drive-in showcase similar to one seen at Carrie-Mae Day.

City Council Update
Council Updates
Councilmember Elton Alexander expressed his excitement about the impressive $73 million
S.T.E.M. school that is preparing to start construction. He stated that the school is the best in the
entire state and is an excellent opportunity for the downtown Stockbridge area. He mentioned that
Barn Beautiful is up for sale and that 114 Senior Heritage Trail is now ready to lease. He also
mentioned potential residential and commercial projects, including two parking decks, a major
brand coffee shop, and a park trail connecting the downtown area. Additionally, there are plans for
hotels that, although not directly in the downtown area, will still tie into the City's live-work-play
plan.

Executive Session – Real Estate Matters
No Updates

Chair Anderson called for a motion to adjourn; Secretary Cook motioned to adjourn the meeting
at 7:52 p.m.; seconded by Councilmember Elton Alexander. The Motion passed unanimously.
The minutes were written by Deputy City Clerk Cassandra Lester.

Page 3 of 4
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Executive Session Criteria GA Code
Discuss or vote to authorize the settlement of a matter covered by the attorney-client 50-14-2(1) and
privilege. Identify the case or claim discussed but not the substance of the attorney-client 50-14-3(b)(1)(A)
discussion.
Discuss or vote to authorize negotiations to purchase, dispose of or lease property. 50-14-3(b)(1)(B)
Discuss or vote to authorize the ordering of an appraisal related to the acquisition or 50-14-3(b)(1)(C)
disposal of real estate.
Discuss or vote to enter into a contract to purchase, dispose of, or lease property subject to 50-14-3(b)(1)(D)
approval in a subsequent public vote.
Discuss or vote to enter into an option to purchase, dispose of, or lease real estate. 50-14-3(b)(1)(E)
Discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, 50-14-3(b)(2)
disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or
employee.
Meeting to interview one or more applicants for the position of the executive head of an 50-14-3(b)(2)
agency.
A meeting otherwise required to be open was closed to the public in order to consult and 50-14-2(1)
meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims,
administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against
the agency or any officer or employee or in which the agency or any officer or employee
may be directly involved and the matter discussed was [identify the matter but not the
substance of the discussion.
Staff meeting held for investigative purposes under duties or responsibilities imposed by 50-14-3(a) (1)
law.

Page 4 of 4
