---
date: 2021-05-25
title: 05-25-2021 Minutes
source: 2021-05/2021-05-25_05-25-2021_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

StOCka'l'dge
Where Community Connects

WORK SESSION MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES

TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021 6:00 PM.
Mayor & City Council Administration
MayorAntho ny S. Ford Randy City Manager
Mayor: Pro Te m Elton Alexander Vanessa City Clerk
Councu I woma n Yolanda Barber John Wi olidag,
ins Ity Treasurer
Councilman John Blount Quinton 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.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ford

Invocation by Councilman Thomas.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited all in unison.

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

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to adopt the Agenda: Second by Councilwoman
Barber. The motion passed 5-0.

Review of the Minutes for the following meetings:
1. 4/12/20201 2. 4/27/2021 No Action

PUBLIC COMMENTS
All public comments must be submitted to the Clerk no later than one hour prior to the
meeting.
The Public Comment Form be found the webpage on the City
can on
page at:
and the form must include your name,
phone, and email contact information. Comments are limited to (3) three minutes and will be read
by the Clerk during the meeting, respecting all members of the elected body, officials, and staff.
Comments including defamation, unruliness and/or swearing will not be accepted.

Mr. Ron Shaw expressed his excitement about the direction of the City and economic
development throughout the County; commended the Mayor & Councilmembers noting
he is especially proud of Mayor Pro Tem Alexander.

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OLD BUSINESS
3. Council Consideration to approve the Development Agreement to
complete requirements for Rezoning Case for property
located at 438 East Atlanta Rd. Stockbridge, GA
Presented by Randy Knighton City Manager and Brecca Johnson

Community Development Director
Mr. Knighton noted this was a previous item and Council requested to
make sure the current standards were put into place.

Ms. Johnson noted staff went back and looked at the requirements for
the overlay district and included specifics for sidewalk width, adding a
10ft. width sidewalk for the external and a 4ft. width sidewalk internally
Ms. Johnson also noted staff worked with the Fire Marshal to ensure
the city followed National Fire Codes and noted the developers would
adhere to the detailed sight plans for the highway overlays district.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander noted to make sure the language includes
having sidewalks on both sides of the streets and to make sure the
community would be gated.

Attorney Battle, representing the applicant, noted the community would
be gated and there would be sidewalks on both sides of the streets

internally.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to approve with conditions as
recommended by staff the Development Agreement to complete
requirements for Rezoning Case 5 for property located at 438
East Atlanta Rd. Stockbridge, GA; second by Councilwoman Barber.
The motion passed 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS
4. Council Consideration to amend the 2021 Meeting Schedule.
Presented by Vanessa Holiday -

City Clerk
Mrs. Holiday noted Council approved the 2021 meeting schedule in
2020 and since then, Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) has revised
their Annual Conference which is normally held in June to August.
Mrs. Holiday noted Council approved the 2021 Work Session meeting
schedule which is normally held on the last Tuesday of the month to
June 30th (Wednesday) due to the anticipated GMA conference;
however, with the change in schedule by GMA to August, needs to
know from the Mayor & Council how to proceed with the meeting dates
in both June and August to properly advertise to the public.

Mayor Ford noted he spoke with the GMA President who expressed
the annual convention will be from August 6-10, 2021.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander noted the public is accustomed to having the
last meeting of the month on Tuesday and suggests moving it back to
June 29th instead of June Mayor Pro Tem Alexander also noted
the August 9th Meeting would need to be adjusted.

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Mrs. Holiday noted that would eliminate option #3 and leaves option #1
& 2 for the August meeting.

Councilman Thomas asked Mrs. Holiday to read the different options.
Mrs. Holiday noted Option #1: reschedule the Work Session meeting to
June and reschedule the August Council meeting to August
Option #2 reschedule the Work Session to Tuesday, June and
cancel the meeting for Monday, August and Option #3: no changes
to the Wednesday, June 30th meeting date and reschedule the meeting
for Monday, August 9th to Monday, August 16th.

Councilman Blount recommends cancelling the August 9th meeting and
noted council could hold a special called meeting if something is
pending before the last meeting in August. Mrs. Holiday inquired if
Councilman Blount was in favor of option #2. Councilman Blount noted
he is in favor of keeping the same schedule and not to move days
around.

Councilwoman Gantt noted she agrees with Councilman Blount and is
either way; but noted to keeping the June meeting on schedule and
is ok with having a special called meeting if necessary and noted her
concern would be having meetings back-to-back.

Councilman Thomas inquired if the August meeting is canceled how
would Council move fonNard with any litigation.

Mr. Knighton noted if the August meeting is move to the there
would still be a 2-week gap in between the August Work Session
meeting.

Councilman Thomas motioned to approve option 1 Revised June

Work Session to June 29th and August Council Meeting to August
second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to approve Site Engineering to replace thirty-six-
inch (36") CMP culverts on Hudson Bridge Rd. in the amount of
$129,225.00. Funding Source: Stormwater Fund Balance
Presented by Decius Aaron Public Works Director

Mr. Aaron noted during a stormwater inspection, staff found a culvert
under Hudson Bridge Drive that has rusted out in a subdivision with
only one way in and one way out

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to approve Site Engineering to replace
CMP culverts on Hudson Bridge Rd. in the amount
of $129,225.00; second by Councilwoman Barber. The motion passed

Council Consideration to approve RFP (Request for Proposal) Number
2020-0027P -
National Auto Fleet Group -
Source Well Contract No.
120716-NAF in the amount of $87,903.90 for (1) Stormwater Vehicle in

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the amount of $29,301.30; (1) Water Dept. Vehicle in the amount of
$29,301.30 and (1) Code Enforcement Vehicle in the amount of
$29,301.30 Funding Source: Stormwater, Water, Code Enforcement
Department Budgets.
Presented by Lindell Miller Procurement Manager, Decius Aaron
Public Works Director and Brecca Johnson -

Community Development
Director
Ms. Miller noted staff recommends awarding the contract to 72 Hour
LLC. D/B/A National Auto Fleet Group -
Source Well Contract No.
120716-NAF in the amount of $87,903.90 for (1) Stormwater Vehicle in
the amount of $29,301 .30; (1) Water Dept. Vehicle in the amount of
$29,301.30 and ( 1) Code Enforcement Vehicle in the amount of
$29,301.30.

Councilman Blount noted there should be a budget for each
department.

Mr. Aaron noted the vehicles were approved with the 2021 budget.

Mr. Knighton noted staff assessed the needs and added it to the 2021
budget and noted the City used a piggyback contract/state contract to
bundle all vehicles together to receive a better deal.

Councilwoman Barber motioned to approve RFP (Request for
Proposal) Number 2020-0027P -
National Auto Fleet Group -
Source
Well Contract No. 120716-NAF in the amount of $87,903.90 for (1)
Stormwater Vehicle in the amount of $29,301.30; ( 1) Water Dept.
Vehicle in the amount of $29,301 .30 and (1) Code Enforcement Vehicle
in the amount of $29,301.30 Funding Source: Stormwater, Water, Code
Enforcement Department Budgets; second by Councilwoman Gantt.
The motion passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to approve RFP (Request for Proposal) No.
2019-0007P Contract Renewal with Rush Truck Center of GA, Inc. in
the amount of $48,995.00 for the purchase of an Isuzu Chassis and
Truck Bodies. Funding Source: Public Works Department
Presented by Lindell Miller Procurement Manager and Decius Aaron
Public Works Director
Mr. Aaron noted the item was approved with the purchases of lawn

mowers; this would be the truck that would haul the lawn mowers to
each site.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander inquired on obtaining alternative fuel
vehicles such as electric cars or clean energy vehicles to fleet.

Mr. Knighton noted Presidents proposed infrastructure plan
should have funding for those types of vehicles for local government.
Councilman Blount motioned to approve RFP (Request for Proposal)
No. 2019-0007P Contract Renewal with Rush Truck Center of GA, Inc.
in the amount of $48,995.00 for the purchase of an Isuzu Chassis and

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Truck Bodies; second by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander.
The motion
passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to approve RFP

(Request for Proposal) No.
2018-0010 Special Non-Hazardous Waste Service
Agreement
Renewal with Republic Services, Inc. in the amount of
$35,000.00.
Funding Source: Water & Sewer Department Budget
Presented by Lindell Miller Procurement Manager and Decius Aaron
Public Works Director
Ms. Miller noted the agreement with
Republic Services was initiated in
2018 and owns and operates the Pine
Ridge Landfill which is the
closest within a reasonable distance. Ms. Miller also
noted if the
contract is renewed, it would be renewed until December
4, 2022.

Councilman Blount motioned to
approve RFP (Request for Proposal)
No. Special Non-Hazardous Waste Service Agreement
Renewal with Republic Services, Inc. in the amount of
$35,000.00;
second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion
passed 5-0.

Council Consideration to approve

Change Order No. for the new Public
Works Facility in the amount of $58,293.50 the
extending existing
Contract No. RFQ with Pond Company to an overall total
of $667,196.50
Presented by Lindell Miller Procurement Manager and Decius Aaron
Public Works Director
Ms. Miller noted staff is
requesting approval for a Change Order for
additional services, with the
existing contract originally at $608,903.00
and with the change order at $58,239.50 would
extent the contract to
$667,769.50.

Pond Representative B.J Martin noted it is an
expansion of the original
contract that expired August 2020 but was extended to
February 15,
2021. due to weather delays and contractor delayst Mr. Martin noted
the walk through has been
completed, however there are a few other
things that needs to be completed, with the need for additional funding
to manage the contractor until the
building is delivered to the city.
Mr. Martin noted there is a 10% construction fees
for situations such as
operating outside an expired contract.

Coun cilman Bloun t inquired on what it would intel for
the contractors to
comp late the work

Mr. Martin noted they have been
operating at risk since February
and the additional change over covers
management of the
work, weekly sit insp ections, management of pay applications,
specialty
inspections and addi tional cost for special inspections related to the
building. Mr. Martin also noted the contract was extended due to
weather delays and unsuitable soils.
Councilwoman Gantt inquired if there was a contract in contractual
language with the company that will reimburse the City.

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Mr. Martin noted the contractor is not the one who will reimburse; once
the contractor completes a certain amount of work, the Pond Company
reviews the work and informs the city, and the city pays the contractor.

Councilwoman Barber inquired if Pond Company contract is currently
active.

Mr. Martin noted he does not know the expiration date, but there was a
cost of services with an expected deadline.

Councilwoman Barber motioned to approve Change Order No. for the
new Public Works Facility in the amount of $58,293.50 extending the

existing Contract No. RFQ with Pond Company to an
overall total of $667,196.50; second by Mayor Pro Tern Alexander. The
motion passed 4-0-1 (Councilman Blount Abstained).

10. Council Consideration to approve a Resolution in support of the l-75
Central Corridor Coalition.
Presented by Randy Knighton -

City Manager
Mr. Knighton noted the Resolution will provide support for a smart
growth study along l-75, with no expenditures except for annual
membership of $500.00.

Mayor Ford noted the coalition is looking at mass transit from the
Airport to Macon-Bibb County and has obtained $500,000 from Senator
Kennedy from the State to help with the process and complete the
study.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to approve a Resolution in support
of the l-75 Central Corridor Coalition; second by Councilwoman Gantt.
The motion passed 5-0.

.Council Consideration to approve Cultural Arts Center funding.
Presented by Randy Knighton -

City Manager and Ed Wall -
Financial
Advisor
Mr. Knighton noted the Cultural Arts Center was bonded for $14 million
and staff has been conversing with TSW (Tunnel-Spangler & Walsh) to
try to reduce the original concept plan from $18 million to $14 million
which would change the vision of the Cultural Arts Center.
Mr. Knighton also noted Mr. Wall Financial Advisor provided a letter
to council about potential funding and a term sheet which includes a

payment schedule using a combination of the General Fund and
SPLOST V funds and gave a brief presentation noting the General
Fund balance is right at $14 million and is based on an unaudited
information which will not be official until June, and it provides a
snapshot where the fund balance would stand and the only actual item
from the fund balance is from the 2019 audit. Mr. Knighton also noted it
does not include $2.2 million in assets and the net position is at
$92 million and includes all buildings, properties. capital assets (not

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including the amphitheater). Mr. Knighton included other fund levels
includes the Water and Sewer fund at $22.630,500; Slormwater
at
$2,018,177; Solid Waste at $1,205,094; Merle Manders Conference
Center at $2.388.310 and the Ted Strickland
building at $649,060 and
are considered
the capital assets the City has and has been
recommended to leave there to be taken care of. Mrt
Knighton also
noted SPLOST V civic
projects totals $9,852,437; road projects total
$4,720,959; Sewer/Water Slormwater Infrastructure projects totals
$4,720,959 and Park lmprovements totals $1,231,554. Mr, Knighton
reminded council out of SPLOST V, there is $20.5 million lotal in
which
$98 million for Civic projecls is devoted lo back the
pay bonds; and
look $500,000 from roads and $500.00 from
parks for trails. Mrt
Knighlon noted the Cultural Arts Center will include a 320-seat
ballroom, meeting rooms, a museum and other rooms for culinary
arts,
ballet, etc. Mrs Knighton reminded Council $14 million was
originally
approved, $7 million is for the Amphitheater. $1 million is for trails and
$3 million is for police start-up; and noted Mr. Wall- Financial
adviser
re comm ends using the fund balance for the additional $4 million for the
pr oject

Mr. Wall r ecommends us ing fund bala nee and
reserv e the $4 million
with bond issue and nole d 18 months from
now after the $14 million is
gone, more options should be available to come
up with the extra $4
million, Mr. Wall also noted Option if TSPLOST (transportation
Special Local Option Sales Tax) is approved, there would no
longer be
a need for$4 million from SPLOST V; Option 2 bond it and
Option 3-
add revenues to fund balance and use fund balance Mr. Wall
noted his
re commendatio n was to not borrow the
$4 million but wait until the $4
m illion was the! e to
spen d.

Mayor Ford agreed with Mr. recommendation.

Mayor Pro Tem Alexander noted the city has a net position of $112
million and asked Mr. Knighton to
explain the American Rescue Plan.
Mrt Knighton noted the ARP
(American Rescue Plan) has been
approved and will provide close to $9 million for the city which would
help towards water, sewer. and broadband infrastructure.

Mr. Knighton noted there is still some instruction
coming from the
Department of Treasury on how the funds can be expended.
Mayor Ford noted he attends the weekly covid meetings and expressed
the good news of lhe Department of
Treasury approving over $800
million for me non-entitlement cities
(515 cities) in the stale.

Counc ilwoman Gan tt exp ressed h er concern o f not uti
lizing the fund
balanc 6 unless it is cover ed by so
mething els e such a s the TSPLOS T.

Councilwoman Barber noted there n eeds to be an
exp eri enced project
manager and s uggest using Keck & wood as the p role ct
manag er.

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Councilman Blount expressed his concerns with
starting a Police
Department and having public safety as a top priority.

Councilman Thomas motioned to approve the
funding for the Cultural
Arts Center at the $18 million level: Second
by Mayor Pro Tem
Alexander. There was no Vote.

Councilwoman Barber noted following the vote for
funding, her intent is
to motion for the approv al to d
esigna te Keck & Woo d as the Project
Manager w/weekly repo rting d irectly to the M ayor & Council.

Councilman Thomas motioned to approve
funding for the Cultural Arts
Center at the $18 million dollar level and
designating Keck & Wood as
the Project Manager with
weekly reporting and project management of
all capital projects Second by
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander. There was no
Vote.

Councilman Thomas motioned amended to
approve funding for the
Cultural Arts Center at the $18 million dollar level and
designating Keck
& Wood as the Project Manager and all other
unassigned projects with
weekly reporting of project status and updates directly to the Mayor &
Council and excluding projects with current
Project Managers; second
by Mayor Pro Tem Alexander. The motion passed (BIount/Gantt
Abstained).

COMMENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Mayor Ford noted Covid-19 testing continues to take place at the
McDonough Sr.
Heritage Center and to call Mon-Fri from 10am 3pm and Sat from 9am

noon to schedule an
appointment; noted vaccinations are the priority, noted the
Department of Health administered 122 vaccinations today at the Atlanta Motor
Speedway, and w ill continue at that I oca tion for th e next two week 3 for the 2n d dose
only
and to call 888-45 7 -0186 Mon-Fri 8a m
8pm and Sat & Sun 8am 5pm for a vaccin ation

reservation or to n d the closest Ioca tion nea r
you that is administering vaccines such as
CVS, Walgreens, etc.; noted the Department of Health, Henry
County EMS and CORE (a
agency funded by Sean Penn) have partnered to reach out to underserved
communities with church groups and other
organizations to educate and inform citizens
about getting vaccinated; noted Pfizer has been authorized to
vaccinate children 12+ and
Moderma and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are
being administered to 18+ and
ages
seeking app roval to issue vacci ne begin ning at age 12; noted good news for Geo
rgia w ith
vaccinat ions up and hospitaliza tion and death numbers
being down ; noted the co ntact
information for CORE: Xavier Crockett 706-350-0281 to
help coordinate and assist with
efforts; noted today is the one-year anniversary of George death that occurred in
Minneap 0 lis and ca us ing na tie nwide and global protests aroun d the world by those who
witnesse d the 9:29 mi nutes of kneeli
ng o n George Floyd's nec k and ultimate death
followed b y echoes of phras es such as
breathe", "Say t h eir names", and Hands u p
and while protests for the most
pan were peacefu I, noting
some were it
not,
was most notable that a great number of the
protestors were not African-Americans, they
were not just people of color, they were all races and were all protesting in
support of all
human beings and that
everyone should be treated equally and fairly; and expressed
hope for the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act to be passed the United States
by

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Congress

CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, MAY 318T IN OBSERVANCE OF
MEMORIAL DAY.

CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED FRIDAY, JUNE 18TH IN OBSERVANCE OF THE
JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY CELEBRATION.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Meeting will be held via Zoom until
further notice. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please visit the 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/Downtown Development Authority Joint
Planning Session Meeting, 9:00 am. noon Via Zoom (Jun 12) MSAB -

meeting for June has been canceled.
> City Council Meeting at 6:00 pm. Via Zoom 2nd Monday of each month.
(June 14)
> Downtown Development Authority Meeting, 6:00 pm. Via Zoom 3rd -

Tuesday of each month (Jun 15) has been canceled.
> Youth Council & Advisory Meeting, 6:30 pm. Via Zoom 3rd Tuesday of each

month (Jun 15)
> City Council Work Session at 6:00 pm. Via Zoom Last Tuesday of each

month unless othenNise noted. (Jun 29)
> Planning Commission Meeting, at 6:30 pm. Via Zoom 4th Thursday of each
month (Jun 24)

CITY EVENT -
Please join the City of Stockbridge for a Virtual Memorial Day Musical
Tribute and Remembrance -

Monday, May 31, 2021 at 8:00 pm.
EXECUTIVE SESSION

Councilwoman Barber motioned to convene Executive Session for
Personnel/Litigation/Real Estate; second by Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.
Mayor Pro Tem Alexander motioned to adjourn Executive Session; second by
Councilwoman Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to reconvene the Work Session Meeting; second
by Mayor
Pro Tem Alexander. The motion passed 5-0.

Councilwoman Gantt motioned to adjourn at 9:35pm: Second by Councilwoman Barber.
The motion passed 5-0.

Respectfu lly submitted by

Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk MMC 8. Ford,

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