City Council Regular Meeting

CITY OF STONECREST, GEORGIA Honorable Mayor Jason Lary, Sr. Council Member Jimmy Clanton, Jr. – District 1 Council Member Rob Turner- District 2 Council Member Jazzmin Cobble – District 3 Council Member George Turner- District 4 Tammy Grimes – District 5 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES July 27, 2020 7:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting Available to the Public via YouTube Live I. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Jason Lary II. ROLL CALL: All members present. III. INVOCATION: Invocation was led by Council Member Rob Turner. A moment of silence was held in memory of Rev. C.T Vivian and Representative John Lewis. IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE V. APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL AGENDA: Motion 1- was made by Council Member Rob Turner to accept and approve the agenda with the following changes add Fair Count Census as item b under Presentations and add under appointments add a. Staff Appointments and b. Request for City Manager and was seconded by Council Member Jimmy Clanton. Motion passed unanimously. VI. MINUTES: a. July 9, 2020 Special Called Minutes Motion 2- was made by Mayor Jason Lary to table the minutes until August 10, 2020 and was seconded by Council Member Rob Turner. Motion passed unanimously. b. July 13, 2020 Public Hearing Meeting Minutes 1  Motion 3- was made by Mayor Jason Lary to table the minutes until August 10, 2020 and was seconded by Council Member George Turner. Motion passed unanimously. c. July 13, 2020 City Council Meeting Minutes Motion 4- was made by Mayor Jason Lary to table the minutes until August 10, 2020 and was seconded by Council Member Rob Turner. Motion passed unanimously. VII. PRESENTATIONS: a. Mayor Lary stated that there will be a Mid-Year Budget Report scheduled for August 10, 2020. b. A presentation from the Fair Count Census was made by Tish Naghise. VIII. APPOINTMENTS: a. Staff Appointment Mayor Jason Lary appointed Brenda Cornelius as the liaison for the Council b. Request for City Manager Appointment City Council requested that Mayor Lary appoint a City Manager and Mayor Lary said he would be ready to appoint a City Manager on August 10, 2020. IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS a. Deputy City Clerk Sonya Isom read aloud the Public Comments. -- Veda Anderson Sir I am a senior Citizen of the Miller Woods with underline condition and we cannot have a landfill right in our front yard It will affect the air condition It will not be good for the US and the community We are asking you to get it remove -- Alexis Morris Good evening! My name is Alexis Morris and I am a resident of Miller Woods Subdivision located in Stonecrest, GA. It has come to my attention and the attention of my neighbors that the city of Stonecrest, in particular, Mayor Larry Johnson, has granted the company Metro Green Recycling Plant to expand their hazardous waste company right in our backyards. This comes months right after the city allowed a 5G tower to be constructed right in the same area. These two acts alone have shown a blatant disregard for the lives 2  and health of the families that live in this community. As a ten-year cancer survivor, I refuse to sit back and allow this city to kill me, my family, and neighbors. When I ran for District 2 City Council for the inaugural seat, several people in the community and neighborhoods doubted the city's ability to thrive and function. They doubted the authenticity and character of the charter members of the city and many were adamant that the sole purpose of pushing the charter for the city was an effort of charter members to "pad their pockets" with financial opportunities, some of which were already in progress. We already were skeptical about economic development as many businesses were started and left as neighborhood eyesores diminishing already struggling property values. This decision to move forward with this hazardous project confirms the fact that this was nothing but a personal business venture all along. I am saddened to have to admit that my neighbors were right! Our city government has failed us! Or should I say, our city government has tricked us? While many are marching and protesting that "Black Lives Matter" our city government is committing genocide right here in our backyard! It is happening at the hands of black leadership. People we elected to protect us. I am asking that the County, State, and Federal Leaders step up and intercept this matter. We are asking for an emergency injunction against the city and to force the Mayor to halt construction while a proper investigation is held to ensure that proper procedures were taken to obtain a permit. We know as a matter of fact that proper notice was not given to the residences. We are aware of the zoning allowances, however, there are hazardous issues that would have required proper notice to be given and a public forum. I have observed the posting of inconspicuous postings since residing in this neighborhood. I would challenge the company to show by photograph the public notice posted. I can guarantee that it was not large, bold, or on gold paper like the rezoning notices. When our neighboring business "Max on the Miller" attempted to get a license to operate her business as a club, her postings were deemed unacceptable as notice. Ultimately, she (a black female business owner) was not allowed to proceed under the auspices that there was no or pooer attendance to any of the hearings. She had to repost and reschedule the hearing so that adequate representation could be present and heard. What makes this company any different? Is it that it is a large company having deep pockets? Again, we realize this was not a rezoning issue but Dekalb and now Stonecrest has a history of conducting business dealings and padding pockets at the expense of the residences. The research will show that the adjoining subdivision Miller Woods Subdivision rezoning and construction was not conducted correctly either. As one of the original owners, I can attest to several violations with Homelife Builders which subsequently led to a federal investigation and the suicide of its owner. Further research in this matter would reveal some startling discoveries, to say the least. I can assure you that Mayor Jason Larry's decision was not based on concern for the economic progress of the city. If that were the case, we would not have had so many businesses that were needed, like grocery stores and other retail businesses, leave abruptly once he took office. It would have been so much easier and safer to build alliances with those businesses and encourage that growth in leu of building alliances with companies that would be a hazard to the community in which he was elected to serve and protect. I am disappointed in his leadership, to say the least. His fear of large businesses and their deep 3  pockets to litigate has hindered his ability to fight for his citizens, the citizens of Stonecrest. I hope that this same fear does not cripple the County, State, and Federal level. I am trusting that you guys would take on the challenge and halt this construction on our behalf. Otherwise, we would be left with no other choice but to fight for ourselves. That my friends, will not be a pretty fight against a community of people rallied together by women, fighters, survivors, and winners!!!! Like I mentioned earlier, a cancer survivor is no stranger to a fight. Let's stand and work together and halt construction on Metro Green Recycling Plant. -- Dante Clark Hello, I am resident of MILLER WOODS, a 30035 area and I have just been made aware that there is a recycling plant being built on 5152 Snapfinger Woods rd. As a long term citizen of this area I feel like it is very uncivil for construction to even start without any acknowledgement to the tax payers of this community. Not only is this area near hundreds of families but also this is near two schools, this type of places should not be near families period; but it should definitely not be newest health concern I have to be worried about when it comes to my children… especially not with a national pandemic going on. The building of this recycling plant will effect the whole community from young too old with problems ranging from lower property values and odors to pollution and our health and wellbeing. Today I am sending you this email to ask you to help put a stop to this recycling plant. -- Kamla Gonzalez Good day, My name is Kamla Gonzales, and I am a resident of the Miller Woods Subdivision, located in the city of Stonecrest, county of Dekalb. It has come to my attention that Mayor Jason Lary approved a permit allowing Metro Green Recycling Plant to expand their hazardous waste company in my community. There were reports that the city of Stonecrest was launching an investigation into the permitting of Metro Green recycling plant. A stop order was placed after a unanimous vote by the city council to launch an investigation, as to who approved the permit. There is speculation regarding the approval of the permit. It has been suggested that the permit was approved by Environmental Protection Division; therefore by passing Stonecrest city council. However, Mayor Lary announced Tuesday (7/14/2020) he was lifting a stop-work order. The city said it was worried about possible legal action from Metro Green. I am concerned about the negative health hazard this recycling plant will have in my community, if this plant continues to operate. There is concern that dust particles from concrete, drywall, plastics and other materials would pollute the air making it harder for residents with chronic respiratory disease to breathe. Minorities’ account for more than 90% of this community, and statistics show minority children have a higher prevalence of asthma. The plant is located between two zoning areas, and proper notice was not given. I am asking for construction to be halted and the “stop order” re-enforced until a through investigation can be done. According to an article written in the AJC on, July, 16, 2020, Stonecrest citizen’s 4  group focused on environmental safety questions Mayor Lary’s commitment to having high quality communities. At this time I’m asking for all you to get involve, investigate, and deny Metro Green Recycling plant expansion into our Stonecrest community. -- Tony Wilson First, I stand in opposition of the development of the Metro Green Three recycling facility being constructed in the area of Snapfinger Woods Drive and Miller Road. This business is located in very close proximity to neighborhoods, medical offices, and schools. Secondly, I question: • If the City of Stonecrest does not have a Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP), how can Mayor Jason Lary approve this project? • Why wasn't this recycling project deferred or transferred to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners who provides SWMP oversight for solid waste disposal for unincorporated DeKalb County and the City of Stonecrest? • How was Mayor Lary able to state in writing all requirements were met for the project to move forward when at least two letters from a Stonecrest city employee stated the opposite? • My subdivision, where I have been a homeowner for over 25 years, is directly across the street from this development. I never saw signage about this project. When and where was signage posted soliciting public comment about Metro Green? Thirdly, over the last two decades, the Atlanta metro area has witnessed several major conversions of industrial, manufacturing, and military sites. Here are a few examples: • Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts (1998) • Atlantic Station (2005) • Ponce City Market (2014) • Atlanta BeltLine (2017) • Tyler Perry Studios (2019) • Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry (currently under development) Finally, why are Mayor Lary, Councilpersons, and Director Wheeler moving Stonecrest and South DeKalb in the opposite direction of these wonderful communities? Residents of South DeKalb also want a thriving and viable community where we live, work, and play without being surrounded by industrial sites. I implore all of you to hear the voices of the residents from Stonecrest and South DeKalb. Stop Metro Green Three recycling center from coming to Stonecrest and South DeKalb. -- Pyper Bunch To the Stonecrest officials: For the past few months, the community has been quite vocal about our displeasure with the businesses being dumped into South Dekalb by The Stonecrest mayor and officials. If a business needs an area rezoned to a Heavy Industrial category, Please be advised the community does NOT want it. We don’t care if a site was previously a toxic site and it closed 5  down. That doesn’t mean we want another one to take its place. For the record, the South Dekalb residents do NOT want the following businesses: -Concrete recycling plants -Asphalt companies -Landfills; or -Any type of Heavy Industrial businesses. The South Dekalb community wants to BREATHE fresh air. We don’t want Metro Green Recycling, or another concrete company, building in our residential areas. The Miller Road Metro Green site is surrounded by hundreds of HOMES. It is within walking distance of 2 schools. The South Dekalb community does not want the Maddox Rd, or Lithonia Industrial, areas to be rezoned as Heavy Industrial. Period. I doubt seriously if most people would have voted for Stonecrest if they knew the true intent behind the formation of this city. It appears that this city was started as a gateway to dump toxic businesses into a predominantly Black community. Listen to your constituents, and not the white businesses who are using you. Listen to the South Dekalb residents. We are all watching you. We are alerting the media to watch you. Don’t allow environmental racism to destroy the residential communities of South Dekalb. We can’t breathe if you do the will of business owners who don’t care about South Dekalb. Black lives should matter to the Black elected officials of Stonecrest. Based on the current dumping of toxic businesses in our area, it doesn’t appear that Black lives matter to you. DO THE RIGHT THING. -- Malaika Wells My name is Malaika Wells. I am a homeowner and resident of Stonecrest. These are my public comments regarding: The July 13th council meeting. In said meeting, Mayor Lary called a resident’s public comment an “idiot book” he was not going to listen to. This is not the first time I’ve witnessed such a response from the mayor to public comment. I find it unbecoming conduct for the office of mayor as it communicates disdain for public opinion. The mayor must lead in the area of encouraging civil, public discourse (to include public comments), and civic engagement among all city residents. My name is Malaika Wells. I am a homeowner and resident of Stonecrest. These are my public comments regarding: Case No. 20CV5052, a case against Councilperson Jazzmin Cobble in the Superior Court of DeKalb County. I am not a lawyer; however, this lawsuit seems frivolous and I hope it is dismissed. Ms. Cobble should be represented according to the highest ethical standards. Will the City Attorney represent Ms. Cobble in this matter? -- 6  -- Michelle Carrington As a concerned senior citizen, I would like to bring to your attention the excessive speeding that constantly occurs on Snapfinger Woods Dr specifically directly across from the PANOLA GARDENS SENIOR resident building. It happens during the day and turns into drag strip at night! This I’m sure is in part due to the lack there is NO lights or stop signs on that strip from Panola Rd to Emory Hillandale Hospital and back on either side despite the community’s effort to ask for a traffic light in years! Although I do not know which agency handled this but I did notice a recent installment this week of what appears to be a electronic traffic sign. I’m not sure if that ‘may’ click the speed of a vehicle. We thank Rob Turner, Plez Joyner, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Patrece Keeter & many others who have helped so far. We are grateful for this but would like to know... My question is does this replace our long standing request for a much needed traffic light & if not, when will a traffic light requiring a full stop be installed so we can adequately address the continuously dangerous condition that will stop the free flow of high speed traffic before (God forbid) innocent lives are loss. -- Debora Constable Dear Stonecrest City Leaders: My address is 2456 Kentwell Lane, Decatur 30035 in the Windsor Downs subdivision. My backyard faces Miller Rd. which is across the street from the site of Metro Green Recycling. I am concerned that this development will impact my health and property value. Our subdivision was never notified of the zoning change so we were not aware that this was going to happen. Our property values are finally rising to meet other areas in the county and I fear that this will set us back again. I have lived in my home for more than 20 years and have no desire to move anywhere else. I respectfully request that this development be moved to another location and the area rezoned to residential. Thank you for your consideration. -- Faye Coffield I have been a resident of what is now Stonecrest for over 25 years. From the beginning of conversations about creating the City of Stonecrest, I stated my opposition. I had observed 7  those pushing for the city and those who were behind the scenes purshing for a city. And what I concluded and publicly stated was the only purposes of a city was to: 1. Dilute Black voting power in Dekalb County. 2. To allow developers to build developments which had been denied or would be denied by Dekalb County 3. To serve as a dumping ground for negative things that were needed but not allowed or wanted in DeKalb, Fulton, Henry or Gwinnette County. The high end businesses, developers and retail development we were assured were "waiting for us to become a city so they could move here" never materialized. Instead what citizens of Stonecrest have found themselves in is a continued battle to prevent personal care and group homes, additional liquor stores and gas stations along with storage facilities. We are constantly bombarded with lovelly photos of proposes development only to realize they do not match existing land or something completely different is built. We have also been involved for over a year in a battle to remove a sitting councilwoman because she missed two meetings which she stated she would not be attending in advance. In the 3 years since its formation, Stonecrest has seen little if any positive development. We still have the same 2 grocery stores - Pubix and Food4Less. The majority of housing being developed in Stonecrest is the same Urban type that has been duped in the area Almost every condo/townhouse project is the exact same. The apartment development is for low income or as they like to say market rate. The Sports complex which caused many to vote for certain elected officials has never even turned a blade of grass at the site. In fact, despite their statements to the contrary they never owned the land or any buildings associated with it. The city has now purchased two abandoned buildings at a declining mall and wants a tax increase. What have you done as a city to warrant a tax increase other than buy buildings and make empty promises. -- Damion Lewis Hello, my name is Damien Lewis and I live in Mckenna Square Townhomes at Covington Hwy & Philips Rd...trying to see if me and my neighbors needed to come to any meeting today at 7p to let you know that we are AGAINST the building of the concrete recycling plant! We are abt half a mile across the street from the proposed site, but will be the first ones affected by the noise and pollution. Thx -- Danielle Miliner Support the Mayor: Council members, you all should support our mayor for his vision and development of the city. He has managed us through this entire city development with zero taxes. Our roads are paved, jobs are being created and we're doing just fine. Let's support our mayor. -- Arlene Holmes Hello, 8  My name is Arlene Holmes and I love in the Miller Woods subdivision. It’s really unfortunate that our government body seems it ok to allow Metro Green to build a construction waste plant literally in our backyard. Regardless of what the area is zoned for, there are several families that lives in this neighborhood that are affected by the decision to allow this. I truly hope that the government body that was voted in by the families in the neighborhood make a stand against this plant as well as the asphalt plant that is trying to come into our neighborhood. Thank you. X. PUBLIC HEARING a. RZ-20-002 (6892 Maddox Road) - rezone the property from M (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial) Planning and Zoning Director Chris Wheeler explain that the Ryan Teague the applicant is asking for a deferral, however since the Public Hearing was advertised the City must allow the Public Hearing to continue. Motion 5- was made by Council member Rob Turner to open the public hearing for RZ-20-002 (6892 Maddox Road) rezone the property from M (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial) and was seconded by Mayor Jason Lary. Council Member George Turner noted that he has not have time to read the materials due to them being sent out so late. There was discussion about Public Hearings during the pandemic. Council Member Cobble and Council Member George Turner were concerned that Citizens have a chance to ask questions in real time. Motion passed 6-0. In favor of RZ-20-002: Ryan Teague- Applicant- would appreciate a deferral of the decision in order to speak with the community first. In opposition of RZ-20-002: 9  Read aloud by Deputy City Clerk, Sonya Isom: -- Renee Cail Dear Stonecrest Officials: On behalf of Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment (CHASE) we are writing this letter to respectfully request that the Rezoning application for Baldwin Paving Company be denied. We are submitting this request for the following reasons: 1. They have did not properly notify the community of their plan to rezone the designated area, 2. The owner (s) have not presented an environmental impact study. 3. They are zoned M-1 which is the zoning approved by Stonecrest officials. 4. Baldwin Paving Company will be operating in an area (Quarry) that consistently emits dangerous volatile organic compounds, toxic chemicals, crushed concrete and other poisons polluting the air. These chemicals subject the residents to more respiratory illnesses. 5. Baldwin has had numerous violations reported to the EPD and we do not want to be subjected to the following: A. Tanker trucks turning over spilling asphalt. B. Hydraulic and diesel oil spills. C. Heavy dust blowing from the asphalt plant. D. Water contamination and air pollution. Baldwin Paving Company should not be allowed to operate an asphalt plant in Stonecrest. We are tired of being victims of environmental racism. Sincerely, Renee Cail President Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Envcironment (CHASE) -- Malaika Wells My name is Malaika Wells. I am a homeowner and resident of Stonecrest. These are my public comments regarding: 10  RZ-20-002 (6892 Maddox Road) - rezone the property from M (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial) I DO NOT support rezoning of the aforementioned properties from light industrial to heavy industrial. -- Angela J. Russell City Council, First of all let me state that I am against industrial businesses anywhere near residential areas because it’s bad for your health, the environment and they do disturb the look of the neighborhood. When an area is rezoned from M1(bad) to M2(worse) you need to be concerned about your decision making as to it’s location. RZ-20-002: Baldwin’s Paving Company, 6892 Maddox Rd. I visited this area and it is already heavily occupied by a mixture of light and heavy industrial businesses probably for many years. So, I really don’t think it will make much difference to rezone this area to M2 with it being where a previous and similar company once was. I recommend this area stays zoned M1. -- Tracy Hickman Hello Ms. Megan Reid, I am citizen of Stonecrest and wanted to express my opposition to re-zoning any area or property in of the City of Stonecrest from M1 to M2 zone. This is hazardous to our health and not supportive of our housing property value if these types of industries are allowed to occupy in our city. Please note any member who are in favor of such industries shows their lack and care for the citizens of this county/city. I have been in more zoom meetings in all my 25+ years of being a resident of Dekalb county in the last month. I have never had to fight so hard for what is right other than racist opposition and systemic racism against black people as a whole. To even have this as a discussion tonight is a slap in the residence face! We allowed this city to be formed to bring better business and support to our community not kill us slowly. We must have chosen the wrong leadership if this is what we must worry about and not even been informed properly using weak loopholes to avoid getting the insight and to hear the voices of the residents. Its distasteful and disrespectful to say the least. 11  Again I will be in attendance tonight and is very disappointed in the leadership of the city of Stonecrest! Also please place on record Myself and the seven other voters in my home is in opposition of the rezoning of ANY property located in the city of Stonecrest and any parts of unincorporated Dekalb to a heavy industrial zone! NO M2 ZONES!!! Citizen, and a Voter! -- Motion 6- was made by Mayor Jason Lary to close the Public Hearing and a second was made by Council member Jimmy Clanton. Motion passed 6-0. b. RZ-20-003 (2547 Lithonia West Drive) rezone the property from M (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial) Motion 7- was made by Council Member Jimmy Clanton open the public hearing for Item b. RZ-20-003 (2547 Lithonia West Drive) rezone the property from M (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial) and was seconded by Council Member George Turner. Planning and Zoning Director, Chris Wheeler, announced that the applicant would like to withdraw the application. Motion passed 5-0-1 with Mayor Jason Lary absent for voting. Chris Wheeler, Planning and Zoning Director, gave the staff’s recommendation of denial, and the Planning Commissions’ recommendation of approval. In favor of RZ-20-003: Hannah Caswell representative for Mr. Kennebrew would like to withdraw their application. -- Public Comment read aloud by Deputy City Clerk, Sonya Isom Hello, my name is Alexis Ross. I am writing this letter as a notice of support for the manufacturing of concrete at 404 Concrete. 12  I am a resident of the City of Stonecrest and am writing to ask that the Mayor and Board Members allow the manufacturing of concrete at 404 Concrete located just off of Covington Hwy. The plant is a black owned business, currently staffed by over 30 black men. The owner, Ron Kennebrew grew up in the area and is more than invested in helping the city flourish. Just over 3 years ago, he purchased about 20 acres of land near Covington Hwy and Lithonia W Rd. As a military vet and 3rd generation construction worker, he felt compelled to invest in himself, his family, and the community to create jobs based on his trades and previous work experience. Although the portion of the land that currently serves as a space to manufacture concrete is zoned for light industrial work under The City of Stonecrest ordinance, making it against code to manufacture concrete, the property's status as a light industrial zone did not prevent Mr. Kennebrew from this aspect of his business at the time of purchase. My hope is that the community not confuse the environmental effects and intentions of 404 Concrete with that of Metro Greene. Currently, the land serves as a space for contractors to pick up and drop off dirt, trees, and mix concrete. I also encourage those concerned to visit the site and see that it is located at a dead end road far away from any residents. Best Regards, Alexis Ross -- Hannah Caswell mentioned that the properties adjacent to this property are not residential. She also addresses the measures that are taken place into ensure environmental protection. In opposition of RZ-20-003: Read aloud by Deputy City Clerk, Sonya Isom: -- Renee Cail Dear Stonecrest Officials: After many conversations with countless residents, environmentalists, activists, government officials it is not in the best interests of the people who live near 13  cement manufacturing/recycling plants to be subjected to their dangerous pollutants. As stated previously we did not move here to be victims of an industrialized city. African Americans are prime targets for large corporations who have no regard for our health or our safety. Cement dust is extremely unhealthy as these particles enter our lungs at a rapid pace. Incidentally, the dust travels and does not hover over the plant. There are many residences near 2547 West Lithonia Drive and it is disturbing that the application for rezoning does not mention the many residences, schools, churches and day care day care centers near the cement plant. Nor was the community adequately notified of this rezoning application. Building new cities should include work and play areas, tourist areas, high quality housing, green space and natural resources for all to enjoy. We enjoy not having to travel to dine at restaurants that at great distances from our homes. Please deny this application and build something that we can be proud of. Sincerely, Renee Cail -- Malaika Wells My name is Malaika Wells. I am a homeowner and resident of Stonecrest. These are my public comments regarding: RZ-20-003 (2547 Lithonia West Drive) rezone the property from M (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial) I DO NOT support rezoning of the aforementioned properties from light industrial to heavy industrial -- Angela Russell City Council, First of all let me state that I am against industrial businesses anywhere near residential areas because it’s bad for your health, the environment and they do disturb the look of the neighborhood. When an area is rezoned from M1(bad) to M2(worse) you need to be concerned about your decision making as to it’s location. 14  RZ-20-003: Kinnebrew Recycling Plant, 2547 Lithonia West Dr. First of all, if this company was operating without a permit it should have been fined. This area backs up to Hillandale Rd. where there is a hospital, multiple apartment complexes, homes, and a fire station. Once again very bad for the environment. On Lithonia Industrial Blvd, which is on the opposite side have light industry(M1) for which it was zoned. I recommend this area stays zoned M1. -- Tracy Hickman Hello Ms. Megan Reid, I am citizen of Stonecrest and wanted to express my opposition to re-zoning any area or property in of the City of Stonecrest from M1 to M2 zone. This is hazardous to our health and not supportive of our housing property value if these types of industries are allowed to occupy in our city. Please note any member who are in favor of such industries shows their lack and care for the citizens of this county/city. I have been in more zoom meetings in all my 25+ years of being a resident of Dekalb county in the last month. I have never had to fight so hard for what is right other than racist opposition and systemic racism against black people as a whole. To even have this as a discussion tonight is a slap in the residence face! We allowed this city to be formed to bring better business and support to our community not kill us slowly. We must have chosen the wrong leadership if this is what we must worry about and not even been informed properly using weak loopholes to avoid getting the insight and to hear the voices of the residents. Its distasteful and disrespectful to say the least. Again I will be in attendance tonight and is very disappointed in the leadership of the city of Stonecrest! Also please place on record Myself and the seven other voters in my home is in opposition of the rezoning of ANY property located in the city of Stonecrest and any parts of unincorporated Dekalb to a heavy industrial zone! NO M2 ZONES!!! Citizen, and a Voter! -- Motion 8- was made by Council Member Rob Turner to close the public hearing for Item b. RZ-20-003 (2547 Lithonia West Drive) rezone the property from M (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial) and was seconded by Council Member Tammy Grimes. Motion passed 5-0-1 with Mayor Jason Lary absent for voting. 15  XI. OLD BUSINESS a. Set Date for Stonecrest Transportation Master Plan Public Hearing Deputy City Manager Plez Joyner suggested the date of August 24, 2020 during the council meeting that begins at 7pm. Motion 9- Council Member George Turner to set the date for Stonecrest Transportation Master Plan Public Hearing during the August 24, 2020 Council Meeting and was seconded by Council Member Jimmy Clanton. Motion passed 5-0-1 with Mayor Jason Lary absent for voting. b. Set Date for Mid-Year Budget Review Deputy City Manager Plez Joyner suggested the date of August 24, 2020 at 5:00pm during a special called meeting. Motion 10- Council Member Jimmy Clanton to set the date for Mid-Year Budget Review on August 24, 2020 at 6:00pm at the work session and this to be the only item on that agenda and was seconded by Council Member Jazzmin Cobble. Motion passed 5-0-1 with Mayor Jason Lary absent for voting. c. Update on Investigation of Metro Green Recycling Center Development City Attorney Winston Denmark updated the Council. They have met with the Committee a couple of times. Would like to present the facts and have a legal conclusion and a legal opinion to the committee and would like to present this to the council as well. XII. NEW BUSINESS a. RZ-20-002 (6892 Maddox Road) - rezone the property from M (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial) Staff recommends deferral. Motion 11- was made by Jimmy Clanton to defer the decision to September 14, 2020 (6892 Maddox Road) - rezone the property from M (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial) and was seconded by Council Member Rob Turner. Motion passed 5-0-1 with Mayor Jason Lary absent. 16  b. RZ-20-003 (2547 Lithonia West Drive) rezone the property from M (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial) Staff recommends approving withdrawal of application. Motion 12- was made by Rob Turner to approving withdrawal of application RZ- 20-003 (2547 Lithonia West Drive) rezone the property from M (Light Industrial) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial) and was seconded by Council Member Tammy Grimes. Motion passed 5-0-1 with Mayor Jason Lary absent. XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion 13- was made by Council Member Tammy Grimes to suspend the regular meeting and go into executive session to discuss potential litigation and was seconded by Council Member Rob Turner. Motion passed 5-0-1 with Mayor Jason Lary absent. Motion 14- was made by Council Member Jimmy Clanton to adjourn the executive session and to go back into regular session and was seconded by Council Member George Turner. Motion passed 6-0. Motion 15-was made by Council Member Rob Turner to add 2 items for vote on the agenda 1. Cover Council Member Cobble’s legal expenses pertaining to the current suit against Council Member Cobble and 2. To cover the Mayor and Council for any lawsuits and was seconded by Council Member George Turner. Motion passed 6-0. Motion 16- was made by Council Member Rob Turner to authorize city funds to cover the defense litigation for Council Member Cobb’s legal defense during her lawsuit and was seconded by Council Member Tammy Grimes. Motion passed 5-0-1 with Council Member Jazzmin Cobble recusing herself. Motion 17- was made by Council Member Jimmy Clanton to cover the Mayor and Council for any future lawsuits and was seconded by Council Member Tammy Grimes. Motion passed 6-0. XIV. CITY MANAGER UPDATE 17  Get home safely and stay safe. One of our staff members has contracted Covid-19 and to please keep them in your prayers. XV. CITY ATTORNEY Will be drafting an indemnity order for Deputy City Manager and Council. XVI. MAYOR AND COUNCIL UPDATES Council Member Jimmy Clanton- None. Council Member Rob Turner- August 8 at 10:00am- DeKalb Cultural Exchange Zoom Meeting to introduce the new DeKalb County Superintendent. Council Member Jazzmin Cobble- Need help with pushing the CENSUS response and they will have a Complete Count 2020 Meeting this Thursday. Council Member George Turner- Complete Census Count 2020 would like to continue doing the robo-calls and do phone calls. We all need to be counted. Council Member Tammy Grimes- Please early vote at Stonecrest Library and continue completing the Census. Check with your pastor and church officials to see if you are able to comment regarding voting and census. Please be careful with the young teens who are selling water on the exit ramps. A special thank you to Mr. Nelson, Mr. Andrews, and Ms. Hunter for their effort in keeping Stonecrest clean. Will have a health care professional to come and speak via Stonecrest District 5. Arabia Stone Mountain will be collaborating with Kaiser Permanente for a special meeting. Mayor Jason Lary- Addressed the Council and Citizens- for those that didn’t want Stonecrest to become a city anyway, go away. For those of you who think the city was created to harm the citizens and ourselves are idiots. He is tired of the nonsense. He will keep fighting for Stonecrest to build a better Stonecrest. Roads are paved and Mall is coming up and much more development to come. XVII. ADJOURNMENT Motion 18- was made by Council Member Jimmy Clanton to adjourn and was seconded by Mayor Rob Turner. Motion passed unanimously. 18  Read and adopted in the regular meeting of the City Council held on this _____ day of _______________, 2020. __________________________ Mayor Jason Lary ATTEST: _______________________________ Megan P. Reid, City Clerk 19