---
date: 2025-03-05
title: Downtown Development Authority - Special Called Meeting Agenda Packet
source: 2025-03/2025-03-05_Downtown Development Authority - Special Called Meeting_Agenda Packet.pdf
pages: 1
---

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT Downtown Development
AUTHORITY OF THE
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE Authority
BOARD MEMBERS Meeting Agenda
Kenya Cook, Chair March 5, 2025 6:00 PM
Warren Washington, Vice-Chair
Vacant, Treasurer
Vacant, Secretary
Vacant, Board Member
Jerry Mays, Board Member
Darryl Stamper, Board Member
Councilmember Elton Alexander

ADMINISTRATION
Vacant, City Manager

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

Blake Sharpton, Attorney
AGENDA
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025 6:00 PM

I. Call to Order
1. Invocation Followed by Pledge
2. Roll Call
3. Approve Agenda
4. Approve December 10th Minutes
5. Approve December 18th SCM Minutes
II. Officers Reports
6. Chairman Comments - Cook
7. Vice Chair Comments - Washington
8. Treasurer's Report - Vacant
9. Secretary's Update - Vacant
10. Review the statuses of Façade Grant Applications
III. Old Business
11. 2025 Joint Sponsorship Amphitheater Table Promotions
12. Parking Lot Renovation Payment
IV. New Business
V. City Staff Reports
13. City Council Liaison - Councilmember Alexander
14. Economic Development Department Liaison - Gerald Sanders
15. Main Street Advisory Board Liaison - Lisa Fareed
VI. Adjourn
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, December 10, 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 - Absent Gerald Sanders, Economic Development Director - Present
Vacant, Treasurer Lisa Fareed, Main Street Manager – Absent
Kenya Cook, Secretary - Present Frederick Gardiner, City Manager – Absent
Darrell Stampler, Board Member - Present
Jerry Mays, Board Member - Absent Guest Speaker
Elton Alexander, City Council Liaison - Present

Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Chair Anderson proceeded with a roll
call. Board Members Jerry Mays and Warren Washington were absent.

Chair Anderson called for a Motion to approve the October 15th, 2024, meeting minutes. Motion
to approve made by Secretary Cook; seconded by Board Member Stampler. The Motion passed
unanimously.

Officer Reports
Chair's Comments-Anderson
Recited the mission statement.

Vice-Chair Comments-Washington
No Updates

Treasurer Update - Financial Report
No expenditures reported and no balance provided. No vote was taken to approve the financial
report.

Secretary Update-Cook
No Updates

Old Business
Update on the DDA/EDD/CDA Joint Sponsorship Amphitheater Table
No Updates

Update on 122 MLK Sr Heritage Trail Façade Grant
The business owner is in the process of securing a 3rd quote.

New Business
Review of Bylaws, Duties, Training and Elections of DDA Officers for FY2025
Chair Anderson provided an update to the Board on mandated training requirements. The
following Board Members were elected to serve in 2025 unanimously:

Chair - Kenya Cook
Vice Chair - Warren Washington
Treasurer - Vacant (Chair Cook will act as Interim)
Secretary - Vacant
Main Street Liaison - Vacant

Page 1 of 3
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Parking Lot Invoice
There was a discussion about responsibility for paying the parking lot renovation invoice. It was
decided that this issue would be addressed at the DDA's next meeting, when the city manager
is available.

Special Called Meeting
Economic Development Director Gerald Sanders requested a special-called meeting on behalf
of City Manager Frederick Gardiner to discuss a property transfer with the Downtown
Development Authority.

120 MLK Sr Heritage Trail Façade Grant Application
Economic Development Director Gerald Sanders submitted a façade grant application to the
DDA for consideration. Chair Anderson noted that the application was submitted on an outdated
form and did not comply with the current façade grant guidelines. It was recommended that the
applicant complete the correct application and resubmit the request. Chair Anderson also
emphasized that all façade grant applications should be directed to the DDA Board. In
response, Gerald Sanders stated that the Economic Development Department would enhance
the DDA Board's effectiveness, as they are in-house and in close proximity, allowing them to act
as liaisons between business owners and the DDA Board. Chair Andrson stated that the correct
information needs to be supplied to the business owners from the start to maintain the integrity
of the program.

City Council Update
Councilmember Elton Alexander stated that the Holiday Fest was a great success. It served a
dual purpose: the citizens enjoyed the entertainment and had the opportunity to see and utilize
the renovations made in the downtown area; Councilmember Alexander welcomed Gerald
Sanders, noting that he is a valuable resource; He highlighted the SPLOST allocation of $10
million dedicated to the construction of a multigenerational recreation center. Additionally, the
pedestrian bridge is scheduled to receive over $1 million dollars collectively from Congressman
Scott and through remaining SPLOST funds; States the Railroad area will be cleaned up,
allowing parking to be opened to the public; Adds the Tax Allocation District is currently awaiting
approval from the school board and the county; Reminded the Board that Henry County has a
first-time homebuyers program available for Stockbridge, which is worth exploring and more
information can be found on the Henry County website; Encouraged the Board, stating that the
decisions made now may not yield immediate results, but they are laying the groundwork for
positive outcomes in the future.

City Staff Reports
Economic Development
During the meeting the Economic Development Director Gerald Sanders expressed his
excitement about joining the team and has good plans for the City of Stockbridge. He
emphasized that he has a wealth of experience and sees this as an opportunity to elevate
Stockbridge to the level of other cities experiencing similar population growth.

Executive Session – Real Estate Matters
No Updates

Page 2 of 3
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Chair Anderson called for a motion to adjourn; Secretary Cook motioned to adjourn the meeting
at 7:12 p.m.; seconded by Board Member Stampler. The Motion passed unanimously. The
minutes were written by Deputy City Clerk Cassandra Lester.

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 3 of 3
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Board Members City Staff
Robert Anderson, Chair - Present Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk - Present
Warren Washington, Vice Chair - Present Gerald Sanders, Economic Development Director - Present
Vacant, Treasurer Lisa Fareed, Downtown Development Manager – Present
Kenya Cook, Secretary - Present Frederick Gardiner, City Manager – Present
Darrell Stampler, Board Member – Present (6:05 PM)
Jerry Mays, Board Member - Absent Guest Speaker
Elton Alexander, City Council Liaison - Present Cynthia Jenkins, CEO – Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Secretary Cook proceeded with the Roll Call. All members were present for Roll Call except
Board Members Mays and Stamper. Board Member Stamper joined the meeting at 6:05 p.m.

Motion to approve the meeting Agenda made by Board Member Cook; seconded by Board
Member Washington. The motion passed unanimously 4-0.

New Business
Property Transfer – Presented by Frederick Gardiner, City Manager
Mr. Gardiner noted the City had been contacted by Ms. Cynthia Jenkins, CEO of Southern
Crescent Habitat for Humanity in search for vacant land to build two affordable homes with
Henry County ARPA funds and identified the property as: 116 Davis Road, Stockbridge, GA
30281 – Parcel ID No. S18-0203300, located in the Downtown District.

Mr. Gardiner advised the Board of the City’s action on December 17, 2024 to transfer the funds
to the Downtown Development Authority for the purpose of Habitat Humanity to construct two
homes with a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) and Development Agreement which
includes Conditions: 2-car garage, Brick Façade, (switching out the stock stone on the columns
to brick), and fencing, and variances would be done administratively by the Community
Development Department.

Ms. Jenkins noted the Southern Crescent Habit for Humanity covers Fayette, Clayton and
Henry Counties, and that Henry County has allocated $600,000 of ARPA for the construction of
affordable home ownership, with the deadline to spend the funds being December 31, 2025,
and the goal to complete the homes is June 2025, with potential homeowners already in the
pipeline.

Chair Anderson raised questions about the survey, and title search.

Mr. Gardiner assured the Board that all proper documentation would be provided, requesting
the assistance of Ms. Angela Robinson, the Real Estate Attorney for the City.

Motion to accept the property transfer of 116 Davis Road, Stockbridge, GA 30281 – Parcel ID
No. S18-0203300 was made by Board Member Washington; seconded by Board Member Cook.
The motion passed 4-0-1 (Anderson Abstained, citing the questions raised).

Councilman Alexander thanked Henry County for their allocation of ARPA funds and thanked
Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity for choosing the City of Stockbridge for this project.

Page 1 of 2
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 @ 6 PM
130 MLK Senior Heritage Trail
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Motion to adjourn at 6:38 p.m. was made by Councilman Alexander; seconded by Board
Member Stamper. The motion passed unanimously.

Minutes recorded by Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk

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 2 of 2
