The Stockbridge City Council convened February 28 and March 1 for its retreat in Kennesaw, learning some things about how that city operates while reviewing many of its own major initiatives.
Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling gave an economic development presentation, including details about various city departments and local businesses which have been successfully established there. Easterling noted that it has taken several years of building relationships and partnerships to reach the success now enjoyed by the city government as well as the business community.
The Stockbridge contingent visited City Hall in a tour facilitated by two of the city’s department heads who outlined how the staff implements the governing body’s vision for the city. The tour continued through downtown Kennesaw, spotlighting businesses along the railroad and successful mixed-use developments which officials believe have successfully incorporated some of the city’s old charm.
As for Stockbridge business, city manager Randy Knighton reviewed the progress made on goals for the 2018 fiscal year, with the de-annexation referendum being the top priority. Stockbridge officials successfully fought an attempt last year to take some of the city’s existing property to create a new city of Eagle’s Landing; that referendum was defeated at the polls in November.
Knighton also discussed the allocation of SPLOST funds to the city, telling the council that the cities in Henry County should get their fair share of SPLOST money and the current 75/25 split doesn’t do that according to the county’s current population.
A representative of the architectural firm Tunnel Spangler and Walsh presented a proposed design for a city amphitheater that has an estimated cost of $10 million. That estimate does not include road work or parking. Completion of the facility would take 12-18 months.
Two concept designs were present for a proposed cultural arts center, one with a one-story building and the other a two-story structure. Cost estimates for those were in the $15 million range.
In a much lower price range was the design for the monument sign to be located across from City Hall in front of the fountain. That project is estimated at $167,000 with a three-month timeline for completion.
The council heard a review of the permitting process as well as information on the issue of impact fees. An item related to impact fees was expected to be on the council’s March 11 meeting agenda.
The retreat’s second day included a review of the city’s five-year capital improvement plan, for which $7.5 million has been approved to use in the 2019 fiscal year.
Representatives of two financial firms gave a review of the city’s financial reports and presented a financial plan for the city. The council then voted to approve Piper Jaffray as the city’s financial advisor.
City attorney Michael Williams recommended consistency with regard to the city’s policies on public use of its facilities, and the council tasked him specifically to formulate a policy for consideration regarding limited use of the Merle Manders Conference Center.
