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 Council Member Tammy Grimes – District 5 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA VIRTUAL MEETING September 28, 2020 7:00 p.m. Citizen Access: URL I. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Jason Lary II. ROLL CALL: Megan Reid, City Clerk III. INVOCATION- Council Member Rob Turner led the invocation. IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE V. APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL AGENDA Motion 1 – made by Council Member Rob Turner to approve the agenda with removal of Item C. Zoning Ordinance Revision Update under presentations and adding Item C. Discussion of Public Input during Public Hearings on Zoom under New Business and was seconded by Council Member Jazzmin Cobble. Motion passed unanimously. VI. MINUTES: a. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes September 14, 2020 Motion 2 – made by Council Member Rob Turner to approve the September 14, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Council Member Tammy Grimes. Motion passed unanimously.  VII. PRESENTATIONS: a. October is National Code Compliance Month Code Enforcement Director Alejandro Ferrell gave a presentation on National Code Compliance Month b. Georgia Rock the Vote – October 24, 2020 Chief of Staff Iris Settle let everyone know about an upcoming event to promote Voter Registration and the General Election. VIII. APPOINTMENTS OR PERSONNEL: None. IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS (this meeting will be conducted virtually, the public comments received via email in advance of the meeting will be read into the minutes by the City Clerk) -- Concerned CitizensInGa stopmetrogreen@yahoo.com Good evening, This is just a reminder that South Dekalb residents are still watching what is happening, or NOT happening, with Stonecrest and Metro Green. Please do not think we are going away. We also would like to see some type of update in your meetings. We understand that there is ongoing litigation. However, there could still be some type of update provided to the community especially since you all refused to place a Stop Work Order on that site. Please be advised we are not taking our eyes, or our voices, off of this toxic dump site on Miller Road. We will continue to hold every one of you accountable if you are not ACTIVELY fighting against Metro Green Recycling. We have not forgotten. Thank you, Concerned Citizens in South Dekalb 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, Megan Reid, as soon as possible, preferably 2 days before the activity or event.  Sent from Mail for Windows 10 -- Alexis Morris alexismorris1972@gmail.com Good afternoon! This letter comes with continued disappointment in our Government's leadership. Once again, there are items on the agenda which affect the community that has not been shared nor discussed with the citizens. I understand that the city has contracted with the Collaborative Firm to revise the city ordinances. This is taking place without any input from the citizens. There has been no town-hall meetings, surveys, calls, or post to find out what ordinances need to be revised. As it stands at present, the council and mayor need to be replaced as they have shown a reckless disregard for the citizen's health and well-being. So how dare you attempt to move forward with revising ordinances when some of you don't even know what is in the City's Charter? The Charter needs to be revised before we can move forward with any ordinance changes. There are several issues that are still on the table. To date, Stonecrest Governing Board refuses to address or update the citizens about the City's position regarding Metro Green Recycling Plant. So until we resolve the current issues, the entire council familiarize themselves with the charter, and Jason Lary is removed from being Mayor, I strongly oppose any revisions to any ordinances. I can be reached at 404-670-3184 if any of you care to discuss this matter further. I am open to a candid and healthy conversation in the pursuit of what is in the best interest of the citizens of Stonecrest. Concerned Resident Alexis B. Morris -- Dave Marcus dmarcus123@gmail.com Good evening Mr. Mayor and council members. Ms. Cobble, it is especially nice to see you where you belong tonight. 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, Megan Reid, as soon as possible, preferably 2 days before the activity or event.  My comment is about Stonecrest 2020 Paving Project - Phase 2 My understanding is that you are being asked to vote on whether to increase the amount of an existing contract by slightly more than two million dollars. I am not qualified to judge whether this is legally proper or not and will leave that to lawyers in the room. But please keep in mind that it seems that different lawyers have voiced different opinions about this and--if another vendor sues--what will it cost the city in legal fees? And in reputation? Developers lurk everywhere and they judge the attractiveness of the city by many things. Now that we are over the recent unpleasant attempt to remove Ms. Cobble from her seat, perhaps having a goal of 12 months without an embarrassing lawsuit might be a good idea. What I do want to ask is that you take these things four things into consideration as you are deciding: 1. The prices of asphalt goes up and down. We are at the end of the paving season. If it is lower than it was when the original contract was signed, does that mean we could get a better deal from another company? 2. Will your vote remove an opportunity to work with other vendors? For instance, there is a gentleman who is trying to start an asphalt and paving operation in Stonecrest. If he had suceeeded in getting approval for the first location he wanted, a vote to no-bid this two million would be a vote to exclude him - a local, minority-owned company. 3. Will you vote imply that next spring the contract with Snell should again be increased? If it is worth doing now, and is legal, what prevents you from doing it again and again? 4. Is this an emergency? Are these all extremely poor roads that really need the work? I drove over two of them this week and they did not seem like really bad situations. But others may be much much worse. So in your vote, please balance the need to fix really bad roads with shutting out other vendors; with having the squeaky-clean appearance that we need but don’t quite have; and whether we will get the best deal. I am not sure there is a clear-cut answer. 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, Megan Reid, as soon as possible, preferably 2 days before the activity or event.  And, after you vote, please ask the question, “Why are you put in the position of making this choice?”. Was it that the two million dollars just appeared? Was it that no one told you that the money would be available when the fixed-price contract was signed earlier in the year? I would have thought that phase II contracting would have been started as soon as the phase 1 contract was signed. There might be some good reasons that you are being forced at this late date to figure out the best choice. But if the city knew earlier that not all the budgeted money was going to be spent in round one, why didn’t the administration start round two early enough to allow for a competitive process? That is the appearance that people may complain about. Thank you. -- Pyper Green greenpyper@yahoo.com To the Mayor & Council: Once again we are concerned about the activities of this administration. We are concerned with the Zoning Code update. The Metro Green disaster, created by this group, should lead you to involve the citizens before you all do anything. The citizens are the ones suffering because of the lack of REAL Zoning regulations in Stonecrest. Please allow the public to have major input prior to implementing any type of Zoning changes. Please remember your job is to PROTECT and ENHANCE the community. Metro Green shows that serious Zoning ordinances need to be in place to protect the community against toxic businesses. Citizens deserve to receive actual notifications of any businesses coming to our area & not signs put up on a desolate back road like you allowed with Metro Green. We need Stonecrest to NOT bypass Dekalb County’s waste management plan like you did with Metro Green. We need Stonecrest officials to realize this is not a dictatorship, but a democracy FOR the people. We need you to LISTEN to the community. We need you to INFORM the community as well. Had Council members actually provided real updates to the community, Metro Green would not be building in our backyards. We want real Zoning ordinances put in place that will never allow a Baldwin Asphalt to operate. We want Zoning ordinances that will never allow a Metro Green to be built in the backyards of taxpaying VOTERS. We want Zoning ordinances that protect our community, and not make South Dekalb an industrial wasteland. We want Zoning that will allow for green space and not more warehouses. 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, Megan Reid, as soon as possible, preferably 2 days before the activity or event.  Do better for South Dekalb. Pyper Bunch Sent from Mail for Windows 10 -- Zay zay1071@yahoo.com My name is Xavier bolton, I’m a resident of miller woods subdivision. We would all of the council members to do all that they can to help us in this fight to stop metro green recycling. We as a community would also like to know what the council discovered in there investigation into permits for metro green. Lastly, I hope these revisions of ordnance’s does not allow more companies like metro green to enter our community. Elected officials please do what is right for our community and it’s residents. Sent from my iPhone -- Elaine Berry rosiebee11@yahoo.com Mayor Lary, I understand the city has contracted with the Collaborative Firm to revise the the city ordinances. There has been no collaboration with the citizens of Stonecrest. What ordinances are you going to revise? Will you allow more polluting industries in the residential areas of Stonecrest and unincorporated Dekalb county? Or perhaps more gas stations? Why haven't the citizens seen the revisions? PLEASE DON"T make the city of STONECREST another Flint, Michigan. We care about our community and deserve much better. Concern Citizen of Stonecrest, Elaine McCants -- 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, Megan Reid, as soon as possible, preferably 2 days before the activity or event.  Renee Cail disoni7@yahoo.com Good Evening Mayor Jason Lary: It would be great if you would begin advocating more for the residents of Stonecrest, GA. How can you in good faith allow a Collaborative Firm to revise our zoning ordinances without notifying the citizens? What meetings have they initiated with the community? What codes will be revised? As we read the current ordinances it seems as many of they favor industries, large corporations, and landowners who do not reside here nor have they one concern those about those who pay taxes here, reside here and support the businesses here. We are exhausted with hush, hush attitude of your administration. Who or what gives you the right to chart our destiny? Are there any areas that have been targeted as Opportunity Zones? If so, why weren't we informed? Did anyone inform the city council members? Oftentimes, they don't seem to have been informed of critical matters or they have been given information without adequate notice to review the documents. We are inundated with SLUP requests, applications for housing in areas that currently have the zoning they need, we have industries trying to move in residential areas which are beautiful, peaceful and thriving, more unwanted gas stations (incidentally electric cars are sustainable and new energy) not to mention unwanted CELL towers in residential areas. Last but not least a recycling center being constructed in an established neighborhood. Really???? The major corporations nationally and globally only come here to get richer. Trammell Crow??? Have you noticed the tax incentives they will get for building the Home Depot Warehouse in our predominantly African American Community? Its cheaper for them to come here!!!!!! 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, Megan Reid, as soon as possible, preferably 2 days before the activity or event.  We tried to meet with you early this year to develop a strong community engagement component to no avail. We are still open to creating a healthy dialogue with our city officials. Sincerely, Renee Cail Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment CHASE) X. PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. SLUP-20-002 (6623 Housworth Lane) - to operate a childcare home up to five children Motion 3- was made by Mayor Jason Lary to open the Public Hearing for SLUP-20- 002 (6623 Housworth Lane) - to operate a childcare home up to five children and was seconded by Council Member Rob Turner. Motion passed unanimously. Presentation by Applicant. Motion 4- was made by Council Member Rob Turner to close the Public Hearing and was seconded by Council Member George Turner. Motion passed unanimously. b. SLUP-20-003 (7101 Covington Hwy) - to operate a convenience store with accessory fuel pumps and restaurant with a drive-thru Motion 5- was made by Council Member Rob Turner to open the public hearing for SLUP-20-003 (7101 Covington Hwy) - to operate a convenience store with accessory fuel pumps and restaurant with a drive-thru and was seconded by Council Member George Turner. Motion passed unanimously. Presentation by Applicant. 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, Megan Reid, as soon as possible, preferably 2 days before the activity or event.  Motion 6- was made by Council Member George Turner and was seconded by Council Member Tammy Grimes. Motion passed unanimously. XI. OLD BUSINESS: a. Adopt Parks & Recreation Master Plan Presented by Lisa Wolff Motion 7- was made by Council Member Tammy Grimes to adopt the Parks & Recreation Master Plan and was seconded by Council Member Rob Turner. Motion passed unanimously. b. Approve COVID-19 Relief Funding Plan Resolution Motion 8- was made by Council Member Rob Turner to defer the decision until Thursday, October 1, 2020 and was seconded by Council Member Tammy Grimes. Motion was withdrawn by Council Member Rob Turner after much discussion. Motion 9- was made by Council Member Rob Turner to approve the Covid-19 Relief Funding Plan Resolution with changes to adding “or designee” to be added to the last paragraph after City Manager and was seconded by Council Member Jazzmin Cobble. Motion passed 5-0 with Mayor Lary absent. c. Approve Stonecrest 2020 Paving Project- Phase 2 Motion 10- was made by Council Member Jazzmin Cobble to deny the Stonecrest 2020 Paving Project- Phase 2 and was seconded by Council Member Tammy Grimes. Motion passed 4-1 with Council Member Jimmy Clanton voting nay and Mayor Lary was absent. XII. NEW BUSINESS: a. Approve SLUP-20-002 (6623 Housworth Lane) - to operate a childcare home up to five children 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, Megan Reid, as soon as possible, preferably 2 days before the activity or event.  Motion 11- was made by Council Member Tammy Grimes to approve SLUP-20-002 (6623 Housworth Lane) - to operate a childcare home up to five children and was seconded by Council Member Rob Turner. Motion passed 5-0 with Mayor Lary absent. b. Approve SLUP-20-003 (7101 Covington Hwy) - to operate a convenience store with accessory fuel pumps and restaurant with a drive-thru Motion 12- was made by Council Member Rob Turner to defer the decision until October 12, 2020 of SLUP-20-003 with accessory fuel pumps and was seconded by Council Member Tammy Grimes. Motion passed 5-0 with Mayor Lary absent. Motion 13- was made by Council Member Rob Turner to defer the decision until October 12, 2020 of SLUP-20-003 to operate a restaurant with a drive-thru and was seconded by Council Member Tammy Grimes. Motion passed 5-0 with Mayor Lary absent. c. Discussion of Public Input during Public Hearings on Zoom Council Member George Turner would like to investigate Public Hearing processes on Zoom. XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION None. (when an executive session is required, one will be called for the following issues: 1) Personnel, 2) Litigation, 3) Real Estate) XIV. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Deputy City Manager Plez Joyner- Get out and Vote! 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, Megan Reid, as soon as possible, preferably 2 days before the activity or event.  City Clerk Megan Reid- None XV. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS None XVI. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Council Member Jimmy Clanton/District 1 – Get out and vote and complete your Census! Council Member Rob Turner/District 2 –Please be careful, wear masks and stay safe. Get out and vote and complete your Census! Council Member Jazzmin Cobble/District 3 – Please be careful, wear masks and stay safe. Get out and vote and complete your Census! Thanked everyone for their support. Council Member Tammy Grimes/District 5 – Reiterated everyone sentiments. Also said to remember to say Brionna Taylor’s name! Council Member George Turner/District 4 - Remember the Census and get those who are unaccounted for to complete the Census! Keep the Mayor in your prayers he left the meeting early due to an illness. XVII. ADJOURNMENT Motion 15 – made by Council Member Rob Turner to adjourn the City Council Meeting. Seconded by Council Member Tammy Grimes. Motion passed unanimously. 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, Megan Reid, as soon as possible, preferably 2 days before the activity or event.