City Council Meeting

CITY OF STONECREST, GEORGIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING – MINUTES 3120 Stonecrest Blvd., Stonecrest, GA 30038 Monday, February 27, 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 6:03 pm. II. ROLL CALL: Sonya Isom, City Clerk All members present with Mayor Cobble arriving at 7:05 pm. III. INVOCATION Lead by Councilmember Rob Turner. IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE V. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Mayor Pro Tem George Turner asked to move the Ethics item from Old Business item A to the last item on the agenda under New Business, item I. Motion - made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to approve the agenda with the suggested changes. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion approved unanimously. VI. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of Meeting Minutes - January 23, 2023 Page 1 of 8 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, February 27, 2023 at 6:00 PM  Motion - made by Councilmember Tara Graves to defer the January 23, 2023 meeting minutes. Councilmember Rob Turner seconded. Motion passed unanimously. b. Approval of Special Called Meeting Minutes - January 31, 2023 Motion - made by Councilmember Rob Turner to approve January 31, 2023 Special called meeting minutes. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. VII. 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. Donna Priest-Brown - concerns about the management of ARPA funds similar to the previous administration, ARPA presentations missing from meeting packets and no response from Mayor Pro Tem and council after request for information was sent on February 13, 2023. Concerns about monies awarded to Georgia Piedmont on 11/11/2022. Suggested a URL on the city's website that directs ARPA applications to Berry Dunn's website to access funds applications and stated they should handle the entire process from start to finish to avoid any perception of influencing funding decisions. Concerns of no record of ARPA transactions since October 31,2022. Faye Coffield - concerns of ARPA funds being disbursed and proof the check given to the Georgia Piedmont Technical College. If anybody wants to know how she gets her information, ask her. Malaika Wells – Because of limited time for public comments, council is missing opportunities to get to know and hear from those they represent. Please increase public comments time or offer a monthly community engagement meeting where you hear from and speak with constituents beginning in March before any more funding decisions are made or implemented. Would like to see an ARPA special called meeting during which constituents are able to hear directly from Berry Dunn representatives including a question-and-answer session for residents. Asked how many Council members are providing meeting summaries to constituents with updates on city business, votes, etc.? Concerning the Ethics ordinance, how many members have hosted a public dialogue to review and get feedback from constituents on proposed changes? Asked that Council not vote on proposed changes tonight. Council continues to violate the charter in not appointing members to the Charter review committee. Asked that before Council proceeds with the New development Authority, publicly discuss the impacts of the dealings of the previous Development Authority including the land transactions Page 2 of 8 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, February 27, 2023 at 6:00 PM  and tax abatements that it approved. The boards and committees page on the city’s website has inconsistent data available. VIII. 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. For Decision - SLUP-22-015 2708 Evans Mill Rd - Ray White Ray White, Planning and Zoning Director, gave a presentation of the item. He stated that staff recommends approval with conditions. Motion - made by Councilmember Rob Turner to go into Public Hearing for SLUP 22-015 Evans Mill Rd. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. George Shield, the applicant for Boston Market, spoke in favor of this item. He gave details regarding the site plans, traffic concerns, and staff operations of the business. Malaika Wells spoke in opposition to this item. She thanked George Shield for the information he provided. She asked about the 60 ft requirement and stated that she would hope that Mami's Kitchen repeated violations would be addressed. She stated concerns that this development would be located close to a residential property. She offered suggestions to help better inform the public of incoming developments and to maintain the current zoning and SLUP requirements. Mr. Shield provided clarification on the requirements of a drive thru and stated that they have met all requirements regarding the sixty (60) feet condition. Conditions from the Planning and Zoning Department include: 1. The Special Land Use Permit shall be valid as long as Boston Market is the operator. 2. Applicant shall install sidewalks along the frontage on Covington Highway and Evans Mill Road. 3. Ten (10) feet of right of way for dedication to the City of Stonecrest to be used for the future construction of a traffic lane. Motion - made by Councilmember Rob Turner to exit Public Hearing for item SLUP 22- 015 2708 Evans Mill Rd. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Page 3 of 8 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, February 27, 2023 at 6:00 PM  Motion passed unanimously. Motion - Councilmember Rob Turner to approve SLUP 22-015 2708 Evans Mill Road with the three (3) stated conditions. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. IX. CONSENT AGENDA X. APPOINTMENTS a. For Decision - Appointment of Court Administrator - Gia Scruggs Gia Scruggs, acting City Manager, appointed Mallory Minor to Court Administrator. XI. REPORTS & PRESENTATIONS XII. OLD BUSINESS a. For Decision - TMOD 22-012 Animal Exhibition Ordinance - Ray White Ray White, Planning and Zoning Director, gave a presentation. Staff recommends a deferral. Gia Scruggs, acting City Manager, stated that the consultant is currently working on the TMOD and it is not ready. Councilmember Rob Turner asked about a timeline. Ms. Scruggs stated that at the latest it will be ready for the next regularly scheduled council meeting. Motion - made by Councilmember Tara Graves to defer this item to the next regularly scheduled council meeting. Councilmember Tammy Grimes seconded. Motion passed unanimously. b. For Decision - SDP 22-00015 The Enclave at Arabia Mountain - Ray White Ray White, Planning and Zoning Director, gave a presentation. Staff is recommending a deferral until the next council meeting. Motion -made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to defer SDP 22-000015 until the next regularly scheduled council meeting. Councilmember Rob Turner seconded. Motion passed unanimously. XIII. NEW BUSINESS a. For Decision - Ethics Ordinance - Mayor Jazzmin Cobble; Attorney Alicia Thompson Mayor Cobble gave a presentation and explanation of the Hearing Officer Model presented in the Ethics Ordinance. Mayor Pro Tem stated that committees would be excluded and residents and employees would be included. Page 4 of 8 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, February 27, 2023 at 6:00 PM  Alicia Washington, City Attorney, stated that there is language in the Ordinance that states if a complaint is filed against someone, that person cannot handle the complaint. She clarified the City Manager specifically can be added and also stated all persons included. City Clerk Sonya Isom, read the preamble. This is the First Read of this item. Councilmember Tammy Grimes asked if suggestions would be taken during the second read. Ms. Thompson stated yes and Council can ensure the amendments are stated with the motion at the time of the vote. Mayor Cobble asked that all suggestions be sent prior to the next read. b. For Decision - Committee Calendars - Mayor Pro Tem George Turner Mayor Pro Tem George Tuner gave a presentation. He presented a quarterly meeting schedule for committees and stated that each committee has an option to meet more often than the quarterly schedule suggests but at least seven (7) days notice should be provided to the clerks office and minutes will need to be taken and given to the Clerk's office. He stated that all meetings are in person meetings and some of them will be broadcasted as this is not a requirement. Mayor Cobble stated that conference rooms in City Hall will be equipped to host and broadcast meetings in an effort to continue broadcasting all meetings. c. For Decision - Stonecrest Development Authority Code Amendment - Mayor Pro Tem George Turner Mayor Pro Tem George Turner gave a presentation. Mayor Cobble stated that this current amendment just strikes prohibition of Mayor and Council being apart of the Development Authority. City Attorney Alicia Thompson clarified that Georgia Code states that no more than one member of Council can be apart of the Development Authority. City Clerk, Sonya Isom, read the preamble. Mayor Pro Tem stated that there will be 7 members on this Authority. d. For Decision - Wayfinding and Gateway Monument Sign Design Vendor Recommendation - Gia Scruggs Gia Scruggs, acting City Manager, gave a presentation. She stated MERJE is the Firm selected. The costs are $74,950.00 and funding for this will come from SPLOST – TPD Projects Bridgescape & Streetscape and Wayfindng & other signage. Motion – made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to approve and support the recommended Wayfinding design and Gateway Monument design vendor. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. e. For Decision - Hazardous Mitigation Plan Resolution - Gia Scruggs Page 5 of 8 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, February 27, 2023 at 6:00 PM  Gia Scruggs, acting City Manager, gave a presentation. She stated adopting this resolution demonstrates Stonecrest’s commitment to the hazard mitigation and to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property in Stonecrest from the impacts of future hazards and disasters. City Clerk, Sonya Isom, read the preamble. Motion - made by Councilmember Rob Turner to approve the Hazardous Mitigation Plan Resolution. Councilmember Tammy Grimes seconded. Motion passed unanimously. f. For Decision - ARPA Allocation Recommendation - Gia Scruggs Gia Scruggs, acting City Manager, gave a presentation. She clarified her "arms length away" comments made previously and stated that expenses incurred are listed on the City's website. She stated that a ceremonial check was given to Georgia Piedmont Technical College and before any federal funds are disbursed every policy will be followed and it will be brought before council for approval. Ms. Scruggs stated the requested action tonight is that Council approves residential and business support for the dates of March 20th and April 21st but would like for Council to also consider the other recommendations to move forward with. Motion - made by Councilmember Rob Turner to approve ARPA recommendation numbers eight (8) through twelve (12). Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. g. For Decision - Salem Park - Parking Lot Design - Gia Scruggs Gia Scruggs, acting City Manager, gave a presentation. She stated Stantec was selected as the most responsive and the proposal amount is $43,000. The funding for this will come from SPLOST – Park Improvements – Salem Park – Parking Lot Design/Construction. Staff's recommended action is approval. Motion - made by councilmember Tammy Grimes to move forward with the Salem Park parking lot design. Councilmember Rob Turner seconded. Motion passed unanimously. h. For Decision - Sidewalk Designs - Gia Scruggs Gia Scruggs, acting City Manager, gave a presentation. She stated staff scored R.K. Shah & Associates the most responsive vendor. The cost proposal is for an amount not to exceed $70,744.50 The funding for this will come from SPLOST – Transportation – Covington Highway and Browns Mill Path. The recommended action is approval. Motion - made by Councilmember Tammy Grimes to approve the sidewalk design recommendation. Councilmember seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Page 6 of 8 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, February 27, 2023 at 6:00 PM  i. For Decision - 2831 Fairington Rd Easement - Gia Scruggs Gia Scruggs, acting City Manager gave a presentation. She stated the City does not convey any land, but merely grants the rights, privileges and easements hereinbefore set out herein. The easements and rights declared, established, created and granted to Grantee in this Agreement may be utilized by Grantee and its respective guests, patrons, invitees, contractors, agents, servants, licensees, tenants and employees in connection with the development, use as need for the Project The consideration for the placement of this easement is $6,000. Motion - made by Councilmember Rob Turner to approve the 2831 Fairington Rd Easement. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. XIV. 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 Tammy Grimes to temporarily suspend the regular council meeting and enter into Executive Session. Councilmember Rob Turner seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Motion - made by Councilmember Rob Turner to exit Executive Session and return to the regularly scheduled council meeting. Councilmember Tammy Grimes seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Motion - made by Tammy Grimes to adopt minutes from Executive Session. Councilmember Tara Graves seconded. Motion passed unanimously. XV. CITY MANAGER UPDATE Gia Scruggs, acting City manager, thanked Council and stated she was happy to report that March 20th through April 21st 2023 we will open up the application process for our small business support grants as well as our residential assistance grants. She asked that everyone watch the city's website and social media for more details. XVI. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS District 1 - Councilmember Tara Graves thanked the code enforcement officers, Hari Karikaran, City Engineer, as well as the Parks and Recreation Director for the ride along through District 1 and the information given regarding parks. District 2 - Councilmember Rob Turner stated the Stonecrest Film and Entertainment Commission will be presenting On the Line, the Richard Williams Story screening March 4th 2023 at New Birth Baptist Church. You can reserve free tickets at Eventbrite and the doors Page 7 of 8 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, February 27, 2023 at 6:00 PM  open at 5:30 pm with the screening beginning at 6 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to come out and hopefully meet Mr. Williams and possibly Venus and Serena Williams. District 3 - Councilmember Alecia Washington thanked everyone and looks forward to continuing the work in District 3. Food giveaway at Farrington Park every Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. District 5 - Councilmember Tammy Grimes stated it's always live in District 5. Encourage residents out there to stay engaged and stay tuned for a lot of great things coming. District 4 - Mayor Pro Tem George Turner said to stay tuned to the City's website to be aware of what's coming up in the city of Stonecrest. He stated that he's been asked about his newsletter and he would like to be able to follow up like he used to but there is help on the way from a constituent services person. Gia Scruggs stated that new staff is starting weekly and there are vacancies listed on the City's website. She highlighted the City's Engineering page and thanked staff for their efforts in updating the page with current projects as well as summaries of those projects. She stated there is a lot of new technology coming as well as different things people can be involved in. She stated Tuesday morning at 1:00am the Communications staff would be having a technology summit and invited Council to attend. Mayor Pro Tem George Turner added that as a part of Black History Month he would be participating in a panel discussion addressing D.O.T. on public transit as it relates to race relations in the City of Atlanta and to touch on the history of MARTA and his role there as it relates to the role public transit plays in race relations from the 50's up until now. XVII. ADJOURNMENT Motion - made by Councilmember Alicia Washington to adjourn. Councilmember Tammy Grimes seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting ended at 9:29 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 8 of 8 City Council Meeting - Agenda Monday, February 27, 2023 at 6:00 PM