City Council Meeting

CITY OF STONECREST, GEORGIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING – MINUTES 3120 Stonecrest Blvd., Stonecrest, GA 30038 Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM Mayor Jazzmin Cobble Council Member Tara Graves - District 1 Council Member Rob Turner - District 2 Council Member Alecia Washington - District 3 Mayor Pro Tem George Turner - District 4 Council Member Tammy Grimes - District 5 _____________________________________________________________ Citizen Access: Stonecrest YouTube Live Channel I. CALL TO ORDER: George Turner, Mayor Pro-Tem The meeting began at 6:07 pm. II. ROLL CALL: Sonya Isom, City Clerk All members present. III. INVOCATION Lead by Councilmember Rob Turner. IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE V. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Mayor Pro Tem George Turner asked that the parks LED lighting vendor recommendation item be removed from Consent Agenda and placed under New Business as item C. He also added a presentation by Mayor Cobble under item VII. Mayor Cobble asked that executive session be moved up to come behind general public comments. Motion - made by Councilmember Rob Turner to approve the agenda with stated changes and modifications. Councilmember Tammy Grimes seconded. Motion passed unanimously. VI. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES Page 1 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  a. Approval of Meeting Minutes - December 27, 2022 Motion - made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to accept the minutes of December 27 2022 as presented. Councilmember Rob Turner seconded. Motion passed unanimously. VII. REPORTS & PRESENTATIONS Mayor Cobble presented Councilmember Rob Turner with a certificate stating that he has successfully completed the requirements through Herald F Holt Municipal Training Institute to receive his Certificate of Achievement by completing 72 hours of continuing education as an elected official. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS Citizens wishing to make a public comment may do so in person. Citizens may also submit public comments via email to cityclerk@stonecrestga.gov by 2 pm on the day of the meeting to be read by the City Clerk. All members of the public wishing to address the City Council shall submit their name and the topic of their comments to the city clerk prior to the start of any meeting held by the City Council. There is a two (2) minute time limit for each speaker submitting or reading a public comment. Individuals will be held to established time limits. Cynthia Chambry – Introduced herself as a resident and business owner of the Early Literacy Development Agency located in the Black Wall Street. She also has a bookstore. Malaika Wells – Current President of the Stonecrest Citizens Coalition. Thanked council for the robust discussion at the January 9th work session and specifically Councilmembers Rob Turner and Alicia Washington for voicing concerns for community member that need an/or utilize Extended Stay facilities. She asked that committee meetings continue to be streamed as that facilitates citizen engagement and participation. She expressed concerned about ARPA funds being given to DCSD and citizens have expressed that the funds would be better used by making them available to local and county non-profits. She supports a special called meeting on ARPA funs and looks forward to the city working to ensure there is public input and participation. She supports option one (1) concerning the Ethics Board and feels that the public reflects that as well. Disappointed that the Charter Commission not on tonight’s agenda and asks that council inform the community about when they will begin appointing members. She asked that the URA facts and details be published on the city’s website and asked that public comment time be extended to three (3) minutes. Charles Harper – The beginning of Mr. Harper’s statement was not captured as the microphone was not on. He talked about needing rental assistance and asked why small businesses can’t get grant money. He stated he needs assistance to pay bills. Page 2 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  Faye Coffield – Concerned about giving ARPA money to the Board of Education. Would like the use of ARPA funds to go to programs that provide CPR training to the community. She stated she would like to see signs that indicate where the AED machines are located. Concerned about the ARPA money going to Piedmont College and stated we need to know what this money would be used for. She stated that there are allegations of nepotism involved and asked why she can’t get a copy of the IAG (IGA) between the board of education or Piedmont College. She asked that the city hire off duty police officers to patrol Stonecrest and stated she didn’t know why council no longer speaks to them in meetings. She stated you cannot find anybody on the phone. IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION (When an executive session is required, one will be called for the following issues: 1) Personnel, 2) Litigation, 3) Real Estate) Motion – made by Councilmember Rob Turner to move into Executive Session for litigation and personnel. Councilmember Tammy Grimes seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Motion – made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to leave executive session and return to the regular council meeting. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Motion – made by Councilmember Rob Turner to approve the minutes from executive session. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. X. PUBLIC HEARINGS Citizens wishing to participate and comment during the public hearing portion of the meeting may comment in person. You may also submit your request including your full name, address, position on the agenda item you are commenting on (for or against) via email to cityclerk@stonecrestga.gov by 2 pm the day of the Public Hearing to be read into the record at the meeting. A zoom link for the meeting will be sent to you. When it is your turn to speak, please state your name, address and relationship to the case.. There is a ten (10) minute time limit for each item per side during all public hearings. Only the applicant may reserve time for rebuttal. a. Public Hearing - SLUP-22-007 6505 Charter Way - Keedra Jackson Keedra Jackson, Deputy Planning and Zoning Director, gave an introduction to the item. She stated the Staff's recommendation was approval with conditions. Those conditions are: Page 3 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  1. The maximum overnight occupancy of a short-term rental shall be limited to two (2) persons for each bedroom plus three (3) additional persons. The number of bedrooms shall be based upon the DeKalb County Tax Assessor’s residential profile of the property, and other documents of record, as needed. In no case shall the maximum total occupancy for any 44 dwelling unit exceed the occupancy limits permitted by the state and local fire and building codes. 2. Between the hours of 10 PM and 7 AM, the occupancy load of the unit may not exceed the maximum allowed number of overnight tenants. 3. Compliance with the Stonecrest Noise Ordinance. 4. All marketing and/or advertising for short-term rental units must contain information concerning the occupancy limit of the short-term rental unit, and the maximum parking available on the property. Advertising for more than the allowable occupancy or allowable parking is prima facie evidence of a violation of the city code. Further, failure to include such occupancy limits and maximum parking availability is prima facie evidence of a violation of the city code. 5. Short-term rental units must be properly maintained and regularly inspected by the owner or agent to ensure continued compliance with applicable property maintenance, zoning, building, health and life safety code provisions. 6. No external signage may be permitted on the property. 7. Parked vehicles shall be provided in the driveway and not on-street parking. Shall not be parked on the city right-of-way or along any roadways at any time; and Shall be parked outdoors on the property only on designated hard surfaced areas with concrete or asphalt surfacing; and shall not be permitted outside such hard-surfaced areas (i.e., no parking in yards or neighbor's properties). 8. Capacity shall be subject to the approval of the Fire Marshal's Office 9. If, during the first one-year period, a short-term rental unit becomes in violation of any zoning, building, health or life safety code provision, the special land use becomes void at the completion of one year. 10. The Special Land Use Permit is not transferable and will only be permitted for the owner/operator Tonette Spencer. Motion – made by Councilmember Rob Turner to open public hearing on SLUP 22-007 6505 Charter Way. Councilmember Tammy Grimes seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The applicant Tonette Spencer thanked Council for the opportunity to help those that need a little help and explained some of the features of her short term rental property. No one spoke in opposition to this item. Page 4 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  Motion – made by Councilmember Rob Turner to close the public hearing on SLUP 22- 007 6505 Charter Way. Councilmember Tammy Grimes seconded. Motion passed unanimously. b. For Decision- SLUP-22-007 6505 Charter Way - Keedra T. Jackson Councilmember Tammy Grimes asked the homeowner about the cracked parking surface and if she intended to get it fixed. She also asked how many cars are able to parking in the driveway. The applicant stated the driveway is cracked and she has attempted to fill the cracks but they have reappeared. She also stated that they do not park on the grass and four (4) cars can fit on the parking slab. Councilmember Tammy Grimes asked the owner to remain committed to repairing the parking slab if there will be continuous use. Mayor Pro Tem clarified that they home has two (2) bedrooms and the number of occupants for an overnight stay is no more than four (4) adults. He asked about the additional three (3) plus and if that was for prior to the bedtime restriction hours. The applicant clarified that there is a bonus room on the property located on the lower level that is used for a sitting area and the restrictive hours (10 pm to 7 am) are for the number of occupants for a two bedroom. Motion – made by Councilmember Tara Graves to approve SLUP 22-007 6505 Charter Way with stated conditions. Councilmember Rob Turner seconded. Motion passed unanimously. c. Public Hearing - SLUP 22-008 3434 Bleckley Drive - Keedra Jackson Keedra Jackson, Deputy Planning and Zoning Director, gave a presentation of the item. She stated Staff recommends approval with conditions. Those conditions are: 1. The maximum overnight occupancy of a short-term rental shall be limited to two (2) persons for each bedroom plus three (3) additional persons. The number of bedrooms shall be based upon the DeKalb County Tax Assessor’s residential profile of the property, and other documents of record, as needed. In no case shall the maximum total occupancy for any dwelling unit exceed the occupancy limits permitted by the state and local fire and building codes. 2. Between the hours of 10 PM and 7 AM, the occupancy load of the unit may not exceed the 43 maximum allowed number of overnight tenants. 3. Compliance with the Stonecrest Noise Ordinance. 4. All marketing and/or advertising for short-term rental units must contain information concerning the occupancy limit of the short-term rental unit, and the maximum parking available on the property. Advertising for more than the allowable occupancy or allowable parking is prima facie evidence of a violation of the city code. Further, failure to include such occupancy limits and maximum parking availability is prima facie evidence of a violation of the city code. Page 5 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  5. Short-term rental units must be properly maintained and regularly inspected by the owner or agent to ensure continued compliance with applicable property maintenance, zoning, building, health and life safety code provisions. 6. No external signage may be permitted on the property. 7. Parked vehicles shall be provided in the driveway and not on-street parking. Shall not be parked on the city right-of-way or along any roadways at any time; and Shall be parked outdoors on the property only on designated hard surfaced areas with concrete or asphalt surfacing; and shall not be permitted outside such hard-surfaced areas (i.e., no parking in yards or neighbor's properties). 8. Capacity shall be subject to the approval of the Fire Marshal's Office 9. If, during the first one-year period, a short-term rental unit becomes in violation of any zoning, building, health or life safety code provision, the special land use becomes void at the completion of one year. 10. The Special Land Use Permit is not transferable and will only be permitted for the owner/operator Charmain Hancock. Motion – made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to open public hearing on SLUP 22- 008 3434 Bleckley Drive. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. No one spoke in favor of the item. No one spoke in opposition of the item. Motion – made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to close public hearing on SLUP 22- 008 34334 Bleckley Drive. Councilmember Rob Turner seconded. Motion passed unanimously. d. For Decision - SLUP-22-008 3434 Bleckley Drive - Keedra T. Jackson Keedra Jackson stated that she spoke with the applicant and confirmed the meeting date and time but unfortunately she is not in attendance. Councilmember Tammy Grimes stated she did not hear condition number ten (10) read by Ms. Jackson into the record. Ms. Jackson then read condition number ten (10) into the record. Mayor Cobble asked if the applicants would be required to come back every year for a renewal. Ms. Jackson stated that if there is not violation within the first year of a special land use permit then applicant may continue with the special land use permit. If there is a violation within the first year of a special land use permit, the permit becomes void and they may reapply for a special land use permit. Mayor Cobble asked about the sentence included in the staff report that states there shall be a limit of one year of a special land use duration due to the historical nature of this use in the residential setting. Ms. Jackson Page 6 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  provided some background and history of the subdivision this property is located in and stated that after visiting the property and the subdivision, Staff is comfortable with the conditions they have recommended. Mayor Cobble asked if the use of historical nature in this context means past activity. Ms. Jackson stated that was correct and that it means a past and/or frequent activity. Motion – made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to approve SLUP 22-008 3434 Bleckley Drive with staff recommended conditions. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. e. Public Hearing - SLUP 22-009 1805 Springhill Cove - Keedra Jackson Keedra Jackson, Deputy Planning and Zoning Director, gave a presentation of the item. She stated Staffs recommendation is approval with conditions. Those conditions are: 1. Limit the use of personal care home only to (4) persons. 2. Access shall be limited to the existing curb cut off Spring Hill Cove. 3. All refuse containers shall be screened from public view except during pick up. 4. No identification sign for personal care home shall be posted on the property. 5. Owner/Operator must live on the property according to the supplemental regulations cited in the Stonecrest Zoning Ordinance Sec. 4.2.31 and 4.2.41. 6. The applicants shall secure the necessary certification by the State of Georgia and the necessary business license, building permits and certification of occupancy for three people from the city of Stonecrest. 7. The Special Land Use Permit shall be issued to (operator) for the operation of a personal care home and shall not be transferable. Motion – Made by councilmember Tara Graves to open public hearing for SLUP 22-009 1805 Springhill Cove. Councilmember Rob Turner seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Barris Henry, husband of Mevita Henry the applicant, spoke on her behalf as she was at work and could not attend the meeting. He stated that his wife, himself, and their daughter work together to provide a service and have a passion for people. No one else spoke in favor of this item. No one spoke in opposition of this item. Motion – made by Councilmember Tara Graves to close public hearing on SLUP 22-009 1805 Springhill Cove. Councilmember Rob Turner seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Page 7 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  f. For Decision- SLUP-22-009 1805 Spring Hill Cove - Keedra Jackson Councilmember Tammy Grimes asked what subdivision the property was located in. Ms. Jackson referred to the applicant and he clarified that it is Rogers Crossing. Mayor Cobble asked for clarification about condition number six (6). Ms. Jackson stated honestly she was unsure about why that condition was included and apologized. She stated the goal was to make sure that the applicant has secured all of the necessary certifications to operate this use. Mayor Pro Tem George Turner stated that he believes it states three (3) to six (6) at this level but staff has kept it at four (4) and that can go up. Mayor Cobble stated she wanted to ensure that the requirement is related to the state certification because they are going to get a certification based on the amount of occupants or patients. Ms. Jackson clarified the condition and read it into record as follows "the applicant shall secure the necessary certification by the state of Georgia and the necessary business license building permits and certification of occupancy". Councilmember Tammy Grimes asked if the residents who will be in this property will be seniors with disabilities or can-abilities. She also asked if they will be mobile and in and out of the property and on the ground. Mr. Henry stated yes. Councilmember Tammy Grimes asked if the yard is fenced in and will there be a need for van assistance or that kind of transportation to and from. Mr. Henry stated no. Motion – made by Councilmember Rob Turner to approve SLUP 22-009 1805 Springhill Cove with conditions stated number six (6). Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. g. Public Hearing - SLUP-22-012 7173 Covington Highway - Keedra T. Jackson Keedra Jackson, Deputy Planning and Zoning Director, gave a presentation of the item. She stated that due to the number of community members that attended the Planning Commission meeting on January 3rd, there was concern and the Commissioners felt that the item will need to return to staff as well as the CPIM. She stated that on last Thursday the applicant did attend and because of those concerns Staff is asking to defer this case for a full cycle deferral. Motion – made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to support a full cycle deferral and hold that public hearing at that time. Councilmember Rob Turner seconded. Motion passed unanimously. h. For Decision - SLUP-22-012 7173 Covington Highway - Keedra T. Jackson Full Cycle Deferral. i. Public Hearing - TMOD-22-012 Seaquest - Keedra T. Jackson Keedra Jackson, Deputy Planning and Zoning Director, gave a presentation of the item. She stated that Staff's recommendation is approval. She stated that the establishment contacted the city and requested to extend the number of animals or the type of animals in the establishment. She stated after speaking with staff and the establishment a few times Page 8 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  there was a concern that the operation may not in compliance. She stated after several meetings with the city manager and as well as Seaquest, Staff decided or felt it was necessary to write a text amendment to bring the establishment into compliance. Ms. Jackson outlined the staff's recommendations in the text amendment and clarified that this item was presented by staff and there is no applicant. Motion – made by Councilmember Tara Graves to open public hearing on SLUP 22-012 7173 Covington Highway. Councilmember Tammy Grimes seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Faye Coffield stated she was not sure if she was speaking in favor or against it. She stated she wished that there was a part where they could have some questions to ask about the impact of Seaquest on the community and what that impact has been thus far. She stated her position is without that information is hard to say. She stated that there are talks of bringing live animals into a section of the mall where the food places are and that she does not want to eat where live animals are running loose. She stated that she understands that they are trying build Privi so she wishes she had more information on what it has done for the community and what impact will be of these animals being outside. She stated that she did not know what kinds of animals they are to be there and said she would like location of where these animals will be held to be addressed before asking the public whether they are in favor or opposed to it. No one spoke in favor. Julie Robertson spoke in opposition. She stated she went to Seaquest with her God children who requested to go and it was a disturbing experience for her as well as the children. She stated there were a lot of flies around the animals and it was obviously hatching from something inside Seaquest. She stated that there was feces on the floor out in the public area and quite a bit of it. She stated many of the fish tank were extremely overcrowded, murky, and smelly. She stated a large fish lay at the bottom of one tank and he was obviously extremely ill and possibly dying. She stated her God-children noticed the fish and as animal lovers, they were extremely upset. She mentioned the fish to a staff member but he did not seem concerned. She stated seeing wild animals trapped in bleak tiny enclosures was depressing and the day turn out to be a depressing day. She stated that some of the reptiles were digging frantically at the walls of their small enclosures trying to escape then pace, and attempt to escape again. She stated she looked up Seaquest when she got home that day andn saw that they have numerous citations in other cities even Federal citations, hundreds of horrific animal deaths from neglect and the owners have been convicted of serious crimes. She stated one of the co-founders served more than a year in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit illegal wildlife trafficking. She stated she read statements from former Seaquest employees that state they were instructed to withhold food so that the animals would interact with people. She believes this to be true because while visiting and feeding the fish, they were frantic with hunger and begging from inside the aquarium through the glass. She stated she saw the fish frantically fighting for food and well fed aquarium fish do not act like that. She stated it is no surprised that they have been operating out of compliance and asked that Council deny the new zoning that would allow Seaquest to remain in business. She stated she does not have to go back and will not but these animals have no choice. Page 9 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  Dana Davis spoke in opposition. She stated that Seaquest is an interactive aquarium that operates under the guise of education so this puts people, children, adults, and the animals at risk. She stated that Seaquest Aquariums are plagued by animal deaths, animal welfare issues, injuries to employees and the public from direct contact with animals and legal violations. She stated Seaquest CEO Vince Gavino and his brother Iman Gavino have been convicted for things such as hiding previous disciplinary actions from investors, illegal wildlife trafficking, conspiracy to commit illegal wildlife trafficking, and violating parole. She spoke about concerns of studies that state that seventy-five (75) percent of emerging viruses that affect humans are zoonotic or originate in animals. She stated that there are tons of violations violations that people can read about but they continue to operate with a track record poorly run establishments along with an extensive history of animal welfare and public safety violations. She stated that she urged council not to pass this new zoning law and to close down this crooked aquarium at Stonecrest Mall. She stated that Simons Property Group, one of the largest shopping mall operators, has already committed to not working with Seaquest and that this corrupt business should have never been allowed and should not be given a free pass for it's illegal operation. Christopher Eubanks spoke in opposition. He stated that is deeply disturbed that Seaquest is apart of the community. Heh stated that the existing zoning laws prohibit animal exhibits at Stonecrest Mall and by allowing this business to operate, we are setting a dangerous precedent. He stated not to be fooled by the name of the business as it imprisons animals on display for profit and aquariums like Seaquest are seen as places to help preserve animals but this is a common misconception and is merely marketing tactics. He stated locations nationwide suffer from animal deaths and health violations and injuries to the public. He mentions a child being attacked by an animal at another location and Seaquest being cited tor mistreatment of animals. He stated that this shows that animal cruelty is a natural part of the business model of Seaquest. He stated we shouldn't allow animal exploitation in our community and that it is only a matter of time before someone from the community of Stonecrest is bitten or harmed by an animal at Seaquest. He stated that this establishment has been protested against and the community does not want animal captivity in their neighborhood. He stated that if Stonecrest allows Seaquest to stay in business, he believes the protest will grow stronger. Faye Coffeild stated that council had now heard from people who ere evidently in the field of looking at animal rights and that there needs to be an investigation of Seaquest. She stated that because they allowed Seaquest to come here they become a party to Seaquest. She stated that there are serious allegations that were made and the question of putting live animals at the mall is a very serious question. She asked if the animals would be held in the parking lot or near the food and clarified that most people would not like to eat where uncaged animals are. She encouraged council to slow it down, do an investigation, and offered suggestions on different animal rights groups that had facts on their websites. She asked council not to be in a hurry to approve this item. Motion – made by Councilmember Rob Turner to close public hearing on SLUP 22-012 Seaquest. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. j. For Decision - TMOD-22-012 Seaquest - Keedra T. Jackson Page 10 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  Mayor Pro Tem George Turner inquired about the name of the item being TMOD 22-012 Seaquest and stated that the text amendment would apply to anyone with an animal exhibition within the bounds of Stonecrest so the item could have moved forward without the name Seaquest. Ms. Jackson agreed with him and stated that it was Staff's decision to put that name in reference to the discussion that had been going back and forth with the attorney's office and city manager. Mayor Pro Tem stated that any violations of the rules they put in place belong to another area and not in this particular arena this evening and they will be dealt with in another manner. Councilmember Rob Turner asked if there are any other businesses that are looking to bring indoor or outdoor animal exhibitions to this area. Ms. Jackson stated that staff has not been contacted with such desire. Councilmember Turner asked what kinds of regulations are the utilizing to secure safety or health issues for our citizens visiting these exhibitions at Seaquest. Ms. Jackson stated that the state of Georgia has regulations that businesses such as this would have to follow and that they are enforcing those regulations on this type of use. She also stated that they have the wildlife animal ordinance that is regulated by the State of Georgia that Stonecrest will adhere to or follow. Councilmember Rob Turner asked if Staff had received any reports from those organizations. Ms. Jackson stated that she had not. Ms Jackson also asked to respond to Faye Coffield's questions and named the type of animals that are there. She clarified that the State of Georgia also has a list of animals that are permitted at any indoor animal exhibition and she will share that document with council. Mayor Cobble asked for clarity in the ordinance on the supplemental regulation pertaining to outdoor animal exhibitions and also what staff is requesting written permissions for. Ms. Jackson agreed to make clarifications. Ray White, Planning and Zoning Director, stated that permission has to come from the owner to the city operate an animal exhibition if the exhibitor is not the owner. Councilmember Tammy Grimes asked for clarity that council is dealing with two different issues, one is the TMOD and the other is the business. She asked if it was council's business to deal with the TMOD. Ms. Jackson stated she was correct. Motion – made by councilmember Tara Graves to defer TMOD 22-012 Seaquest to the February 27th council meeting for decision only. Councilmember Tammy Grimes seconded. Motion passed unanimously. XI. CONSENT AGENDA XII. APPOINTMENTS a. For Decision - URA Appointments, District 5 and Office of Mayor - Mayor Pro Tem George Turner Motion – made by Rob Turner to approve the appointment of two members: District 5 Tammy Grimes and office of the Mayor Jazzmin Cobble to the URA. Page 11 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. b. For Decision - Committees, Boards, Commissions and Agency Membership - Mayor Pro Tem George Turner Mayor Pro Tem George Turner gave a introduction of the item. Motion – made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to reappoint Harden Lark back to the Construction Board of Appeals. Councilmember Rob Turner seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Motion – made by Councilmember Rob Turner to approve stated members to the SPLOST committee. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Motion – made by Councilmember Rob Turner to accept the stated members to the CID committee. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Motion – made by Councilmember Tara Graves to accept the stated members of Parks and Recreation committee with replacement Omari Barrow. Councilmember Tammy Grimes seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Motion - made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to approve the stated members of reappointment and replacements to the Finance Oversight Committee. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Motion – made by Councilmember Rob Turner to approve Transportation Committee members that have been reappointed and replaced. Councilmember Tammy Grimes seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Motion – made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to reappoint the slate of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Page 12 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  Motion – made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to accept the slate of Planning Commission appointees. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Motion – made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to defer the final constitution of the Economic Development Committee to the Special Called meeting on January 31st. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. XIII. OLD BUSINESS a. For Decision - Film Permit Text Amendment - 2nd Read - William Smith The preamble of the Film Permit Text Amendment was read by City Clerk, Sonya Isom. This was the second read. Motion – made by Councilmember Rob Turner to approve the Film Permit Text Amendment. Councilmember Tammy Grimes seconded. Motion passed unanimously. XIV. NEW BUSINESS a. For Decision - Resolution Appointing DeKalb County to Conduct the City of Stonecrest General Election - Sonya Isom Sonya Isom, City Clerk, gave an introduction to the item and read the preamble. Motion – made by Councilmember Rob Turner to approve the resolution appointing DeKalb County to Conduct the City of Stonecrest General Election. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. b. For Decision - Resolution To Set Qualifying Dates and Fees for the November 7, 2023 General Election - Sonya Isom Sonya Isom, City Clerk, gave an introduction of the item and read the preamble of the resolution. Motion – made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to accept resolution to set qualifying dates and fees for the November 7, 2023 general election. Councilmember Rob Turner. Motion passed unanimously. c. For Decision - Parks LED Lighting Vendor Recommendation - Gia Scruggs Page 13 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  Gia Scruggs, acting City Manager, gave an introduction of the item. She stated Musco Sports Lighting is the vendor recommendation and the total costs are $374,211.00 Councilmember Tara Graves asked was this additional funds allocated to Parks and Rec on top of what is already been discussed. Ms. Scruggs clarified that this is a portion of the funds already allocated. Motion – made by Councilmember Rob Turner to approve Parks lighting vendor recommendation. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. XV. CITY MANAGER UPDATE Gia Scruggs, acting City Manager, stated she was excited as this was the first meeting of the new year. She stated she will be bringing some additional recommendations for ARPA spending to council soon based on survey results and also staff recommendations. She encouraged everyone to visit the City of Stonecrest website for job opportunities and upcoming city events. She stated as of the beginning of January, we now have a total of 47 employees. XVI. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS District 1 Tara Graves - no additional comments District 2 Rob Turner - a late Happy New Year to everyone and he's excited about the direction we are moving in as a city. He stated this will be our greatest year yet. District 3 Alecia Washington - Very excited about how we move forward in 2023! District 5 Tammy Grimes - To the educators in Stonecrest and in general, hang in there! We're going to get to the finish line in May. She stated that are gearing up for Georgia Milestones in April so she needs all students. parents, guardians, stakeholders, everybody who has a child or supports a child to understand what goes on in the schoolhouse. She asked that you come and give your support and make sure that your students know how to write. Mayor Cobble - a reminder to the residents of Stonecrest that the County Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson is hosting a legislative Town Hall tomorrow with legislators that represent the fifth district of the county which she believes includes the city of Stonecrest and invited everyone out to participate in that conversation tomorrow at 6 pm at the Lou Walker Center in the city of Stonecrest. Mayor Pro Tem George Turner - We are having a special called meeting January 31st on a Tuesday at 6 pm. XVII. ADJOURNMENT Motion – made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to adjourn. Councilmember Rob Turner seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting ended at 9:21 pm. Page 14 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM  Americans with Disabilities Act The City of Stonecrest does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, services, activities and employment practices. If you need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (such as a sign language interpreter, an assistive listening device or print material in digital format) or reasonable modification to programs, services or activities contact the ADA Coordinator, Sonya Isom, as soon as possible, preferably 2 days before the activity or event. Page 15 of 15 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM