---
date: 2024-05-13
title: Regular Council Meetings Minutes
source: 2024-05/2024-05-13_Regular Council Meetings_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
MONDAY, MAY 13, 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
Vacant – 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.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford at 6:05 p.m.
Invocation by Ms. Keedra Jackson

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.

Motion to amend the Agenda to remove Public Hearing Item#7 at the Applicant’s
Request to defer to the June 10, 2024 meeting was made by Mayor Pro Tem Berry;
seconded by Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.
Motion to amend the Agenda to add Discussion Item #6 – noting the Applicant no longer
requires approval due to the recent update of the City of Stockbridge Comprehensive
Plan Update, and as a result meets the requirements was made by Mayor Pro Tem
Berry; seconded by Councilmember Alexander. The motion passed unanimously 4-0-1
(Barber Abstained).
Motion to adopt the Agenda was made by Mayor Pro Tem Berry; seconded by
Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

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1. Adoption of the Minutes
Council Meeting Minutes March 4, 2024
Work Session Meeting Minutes March 26, 2024
Motion to approve the 4/8/2024, 4/25/2024, 4/30/2024 and 4/13/2024
Minutes, with an amendment to the April 8, 2024 Minutes to add the
verbiage noting a directive was issued to include the installation of Free
and Paid parking signage in those areas, and a request by
Councilmember Gantt to note she recused herself from Executive
Session, was made by Councilmember Barber; seconded by
Councilmember Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ms. Brenda Callaway referenced a letter received regarding the TAD and
requested more information. The City Manager was tasked with following
up and providing information regarding the TAD.

CEREMONIAL REVIEW
2. Mayor Ford reviewed the Proclamations for Public Service Recognition
Week, presented to City Clerk, Vanessa Holiday; Professional Municipal
Clerks Week, presented to Deputy City Clerk, Cassandra Lester, National
Public Works Week, presented to Public Works Operations Manager,
Al Barnes, National Police Week, presented to Chief Frank Trammer,
National Cities, Towns and Villages Month, Asian American and Pacific
Islander Heritage Month, presented to Dr. Rao S. Cheti; Mental Health
Awareness Month, presented to Ms. Kiwana Norman, and presented the
Adopt-A-Road sign to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Alpha
Omega Chapter, which was followed by the installation of the sign on East
Atlanta Rd. near N. Henry Blvd.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

3. Council consideration to approve the City of Stockbridge 2024-2028 Short-
Term Work Program and capital Improvements Element (STWP/CIE)
amendment required due to a State/Department of Community Affairs
mandated revision.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson, Community Development Director
Mr. Anderson noted the Council approved the original document in
November 2023 and presented to the Department of Community Affairs
where there were minor adjustments and asked for approval of the
amended document.
Councilmember Alexander noted for the public that the City is operating
from a plan of projects that are included in the attached Short-Term Work
Program document and asked Mr. Anderson to review the listed projects.
Mr. Anderson referenced projects in various categories, noting this is the
city’s wish list and notes the proposed funding source and status.
Motion to approve the City of Stockbridge 2024-2028 Short-Term Work
Program and capital Improvements Element (STWP/CIE) as amended
was made by Councilmember Alexander; seconded by Councilmember
Gantt. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

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PUBLIC HEARING
4. TEXT AMENDMENT CASE #TX-2024-02. Council consideration of a Text
Amendment to amend Title 12 of the Stockbridge Unified Development
Code (UDC) to amend Section 9.3.4, which contains regulations for
mailed notices. The purpose is to propose changes include: 1) requiring
mailed notices to be sent to owners of properties within 500 feet of the
subject property instead of just sending them to owners of the adjacent
properties; and 2) requiring mailed notices to be mailed at least 30 days
prior to a public hearing instead of 15 days.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson, Community Development Director
Mr. Anderson referenced the Text Amendments as recommended by
Councilmember Barber at the May 26, 2024 meeting; noted the proposed
Text Amendment was presented to the Planning Commission with
unanimous approval.
Public Hearing Opened – No Speakers in Favor/No Speakers Opposed.
Public Hearing Closed. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember
Barber; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed
unanimously 5-0.

5. TEXT AMENDMENT CASE #TX-2024-03. Consideration of a text
amendment to amend Title 12 (Unified Development Code) of the
Stockbridge Code of Ordinances for the purpose of providing various
changes to Section 2.5.2, which contains the regulations for the
Parkway Mixed-Use (PMU) Overlay District.
Mr. Anderson noted this item will be an ongoing process to make the code
more applicable to the allowable uses for the City of Stockbridge.

Councilmember Alexander noted he would like to see carwash businesses
on the prohibited list.

Mr. Anderson noted carwash businesses are more restricted and would
require a Special Use Permit approved by the City Council.

Councilmember Gantt noted the list of prohibited businesses presented by
staff and those referenced in the Agenda book are not the same.

Mr. Anderson noted there were updates made after the Agenda Books
were distributed and will provide the Mayor & Council will the updated
version.

Public Hearing Opened – No Speakers in Favor/No Speakers Opposed.
Public Hearing Closed. Motion to approve was made by Councilmember
Barber; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed
unanimously 5-0. Motion to approve with the inclusion of the revised
documents was made by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by
Councilmember Alexander. The motion passed 4-0-1 (Barber Abstained
citing the correct version of information was not provided by staff).

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6. Comprehensive Plan Amendment Case #CP-2023-04. (Council District 2)
The City of Stockbridge Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing
on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m., in the Stockbridge City Hall,
located at 4640 North Henry Boulevard in Stockbridge, Georgia, to
consider a request for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the
future land use designation of three parcels on Davidson Parkway and
Walter Way from ‘Low-Density Vertical Mixed-Use’ to ‘High-Density
Residential’ 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. Original Staff Recommendation--Denial.
Planning Commission's Recommendation--Denial. City Council Action on
December 11, 2023--Deferral, upon the applicant's request. Current Staff
Recommendation--No Action, due to the recent update of the City's
Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map, whereby the property
now has the correct future land use designation of Low-Density Mixed-
Use. Parcel #030-01009000 – Contains 73.859 +/- acres, Parcel #030-
01009005 – Contains 3.636 +/- acres, Parcel #030-01009006 – Contains
1.369 +/- acres.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson – Community Development Director
Item removed from the Agenda noting the Applicant no longer requires
approval due to the recent update of the City of Stockbridge
Comprehensive Plan Update, and as a result meets the requirements.

7. REZONING CASE #RZ-2023-05. The City of Stockbridge Mayor and City
Council held a public hearing on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:00
p.m., in the Stockbridge City Hall, located at 4640 North Henry Boulevard
in Stockbridge, Georgia, to consider a request to rezone three parcels on
Davidson Parkway and Walter Way from ‘C-3’ (Heavy Commercial) to
‘PUD’ (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. Original Staff
Recommendation--Denial. Planning Commission Recommendation--
Denial. City Council Action on December 11, 2023--Deferral, upon the
applicant's request. Current Staff Recommendation--Denial.
Parcel #030-01009000 – Contains 73.859 +/- acres, Parcel #030-
01009005 – Contains 3.636 +/-acres, Parcel #030-01009006 – Contains
1.369 +/- acres.
Presented by: Ryan Anderson, Community Development Director
Item removed from the Agenda – Deferral Request made by the Applicant
to be heard at the June 10, 2024 meeting.

NEW BUSINESS
8. Council consideration to approve the 2024 -2025 Liability Insurance
Policy with Travelers Insurance Company in the amount of $718,088 -
Presented by: Renee Wheeler, Daniel Duhart and Matt Simmons
Ms. Wheeler noted the city’s Liability Insurance Policy expires May 19,
2024 and Mr. Duhart and Simmons will review the Executive Summary
submitted by Travelers Insurance.
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Mr. Duhart noted the Executive Summary would be presented for the
renewal, noting the process of gathering, forecasting of premiums
based on the market and trends, and based on the information
received, there was a projection of a 40% increase. Mr. Duhart noted
the actual numbers came in lower than the projected 40%,

Mr. Simmons presented the Insurance Marketing Results from the
current carrier, Travelers Insurance, Liberty Mutual who quoted
Casualty only, Tokio Marine (HCC) who declined to quote due to
proximity to Atlanta, Trident who declined to quote due to loss history
and Glatfelter who decline to quote noting they could not meet the
deadline; and noted the policy will convert to a January – December
policy to coincide with the budget.

Mr. Simmons noted there was an increase in the auto coverage, and
an option to increase the Cyber Security and an option to add the
Pollution coverage, and that the updated numbers will be submitted in
the amount of $646,570 which includes the increased Cyber coverage
and Pollution coverage, below the $718,088 number that was included
in the packet.

Mr. Gardiner supported the additional Cyber Security and Pollution
Coverage.

Motion to approve with revised amount of $646,570 was made by
Councilmember Gantt; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion
passed unanimously 5-0.

Mr. Duhart noted the importance of mitigating risks with a Safety
Program and Safety & Accident Review Committee to meet on a
quarterly basis and move with a proactive approach, and work with law
enforcement, with a kickoff meeting in May or June.

9. Council consideration to approve Georgia Power Lighting Agreement
for streetlight enhancement for (59) Lights for Walt Stephens Rd. in the
amount of $24,214.00/yr., (46) Lights for Valley Hill Rd. in the amount
of $18,878.00/yr., (25) Lights for Jodeco Rd. in the amount of
$18,855/yr.(wooden poles) or (25) Lights for Jodeco Rd. in the amount
of $$35,400/yr. (Black Aluminum Poles); and (22) Lights for Davis Rd.
in the amount of $9,338.00/yr., and (19) Lights for Shields Rd. in the
amount of $8,892/yr., for a total of $79,927.00 or $96,772.00 annually.
Funding source from FY2024 department budget.
Presented by: Decius Aaron, Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted staff was tasked with obtaining lighting proposals from
Georgia Power, and noted Councilmember Alexander has requested
black poles in District 5 along Jodeco Rd. in lieu of the wooden poles
with an annual additional cost of $16,545 annually, and that the
wooden poles would not be removed by Georgia Power even if the
black poles were added.

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The Council discussed whether or not the black poles would be
installed throughout the city, the distance between the poles, a
cohesive look throughout all the districts, a CID (Community
Improvement District) to offset associated costs, the height of the
poles, and the different types of poles to include wooden, metal,
decorative and lantern poles, and discussed the creation of a citywide
lighting policy that will prioritize where lighting should be installed.

Motion to Table based on the City Manager’s recommendation, with a
directive to the City Manager and Public Works Director to map out a
plan of where lights should be installed throughout the city, with an
analysis of wooden poles, metal poles, decorative poles, and lantern
poles, and to prioritize the installation of lights based on the need was
made by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry.
The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

10. Council consideration to fill a vacancy and appoint a member to the
Citywide Authority Board to serve an unexpired term.
Presented by: Frederick Gardiner, City Manager
Mr. Gardiner noted there is one vacancy on the Citywide Development
Authority Board and three applicants for the Council to select.

The Council discussed meeting to review the applications in Executive
Session.

Attorney Washington advised that the Council could not convene
Executive Session to discuss the appointment of a Board Member under
the Open Meetings Act.

The City Clerk confirmed the current (6) six Board Members: Shaw,
Samuels, Woodall, Glenn, Gleaton and Councilmember Gantt.

Councilmember Alexander suggested expanding the number of Board
members.

Councilmember Gantt requested the item to be tabled, noting there is a
Citywide Development Authority meeting tomorrow, and wants to discuss
the proposed expansion with the Board.

Motion to Table with consideration to expand the number of members
on the Board and speak with Citywide Development Authority Board
members was made by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

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.

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• Citywide Development Authority Meeting, 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00 p.m.-
City Hall Levi Meeting Room (May 14)
• Planning Commission Meeting,3rd Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m. - City Hall
Council Chamber - (May 16)
• Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 3rd Tuesday of each month Welcome
Center 130 M L King, Sr. Heritage Trail (May 21)
• Youth Council Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.-3rd Tuesday of each
month Levi Meeting Room - City Hall (May 21)
• City Council Work Session Meeting, last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. -
City Hall Council Chamber (May 28)
• Stockbridge Citizens-Police Advisory Council meeting 1st Thursday of each
month at 6:00 p.m. at the Stockbridge Police Community Room 4545 N. Henry
Blvd. (Jun 6)
• City Council Meeting, 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. - City Hall Council
Chamber (Jun 10)
• Youth Council Meeting 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. - City Hall Levi
Meeting Room (Jun 10)
• The Main Street Advisory Board Meeting 2nd Friday of each month at 9am –
Location is the Downtown Connection Center 130 M L King Sr. Heritage Trail.
(Jun 14)

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS/INITIATIVES
• Food Truck Tast Tuesday is back! Join us at Clark Community Park at 111
Davis Rd. Stockbridge on Tuesdays from 5:30pm – 8:00 pm for live music,
great food, and a host of free games and activities for the kids.
• Join Councilman Alphonso Thomas for the monthly Senior Bingo Bash on
Wednesday, May 15th rom 10am - 12pm at the Merle Manders Conference
Center, 111 Davis Rd. for raffles, prizes, games, snacks and fun!
• Join Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt in partnership with Atlanta Food Truck
Park for Night Market at the Stockbridge Amphitheater Parking Lot from 6pm –
9:30pm each 3rd Thursday beginning May 16 – August 15th. There will be 40+
vendors, Food Trucks, Activities, Games, Music, and Vibes. Contact Tan
Bowers at tan@atlantafoodtruckpark.com for registration and additional
information.
• Join Mayor Anthony Ford for the monthly Meet the Mayor on Monday, May 20th
from 10am – noon at Stockbridge City Hall.
• Join the City of Stockbridge for the Annual Memorial March on Monday, May
27th at the Merle Manders Conference Center as we remember those who gave
the ultimate sacrifice. Stay tuned to the city’s website and social media
platforms for more information to participate or contact the Events Team at 770-
389-5982.
• Please mark your calendars for the Main Street Movie Night at Clark Park,
Friday, June 14th with FREE games and activities starting at 6pm and the
featured movie: MIGRATION and begins at sunset.
• Save the dates! Councilwoman Yolanda Barber is again partnering with
Kicks4Kids to collect shoes on Saturday, July 6th, and July 7th at Stockbridge
First United Methodist Church. Please plan to donate what you can to this life
changing initiative.
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• 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.

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
• Saturday, May 25th – Funk Party featuring Zapp, Evelyn “Champagne” King,
Rose Royce, and Rick James’ Stone City Band
• Saturday, June 8th – TLC Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the
“CrazySexyCool” Album, with Special Guest Brownstone
• Saturday, July 13th and Sunday, July 14th – A Night with Kem, and Special
Guest Leela James
• Saturday, July 20th – Ladies Night Out featuring Jodeci, Johnny Gill, and Silk
• Saturday, July 27th – 70’s Soul Jam featuring the Chi-Lites, the Manhattans,
The Legendary Blue Notes, Bloodstone and Peaches & Herb

MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Ford wished all the mothers a belated Happy Mother’s Day, and reminded
everyone of the upcoming Memorial Day March, and invited everyone to come out for
the next concert on May 25th.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion to convene Executive Session for Personnel was made by Councilmember Gantt
at 8:03 p.m.; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.
Motion to adjourn Executive Session at 8:12 p.m. and sign an Affidavit was made by
Councilmember Gantt; seconded by Councilmember Barber. The motion passed
unanimously 5-0.
Motion to reconvene the meeting was made by Councilmember Gantt; seconded by
Councilmember Barber. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m. was made by Councilmember Gantt;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Berry. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.
Respectfully submitted by:

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk Anthony S. Ford, Mayor

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