2020-03-24 · City Council · Transcript · Special Called Meeting

--- title: March 24 2020 Special Called Meeting date: 2020-03-24 source: 2020-03-24_March_24_2020_Special_Called_Meeting.wav --- [0:00:00, 0:00:05]: All right. Thank you, sir. Thank you. So [0:00:07, 0:00:11]: We can have one more person go to the floor or all you guys can [0:00:12, 0:00:24]: Mr. Thomas, you are not sitting on here, but I'm weird right here. I mean I can move. Somebody can sit at my tank. Well you got the only can't keep them. No. Not necessarily. I think I'm gonna move. I'm wearing a regular. [0:00:25, 0:00:26]: Yeah. [0:00:27, 0:00:28]: Yeah, you got to. [0:00:50, 0:00:50]: Yeah. [0:00:52, 0:00:53]: Everybody set? [0:00:57, 0:00:58]: Yeah. [0:01:02, 0:01:03]: Clerk, you set? [0:01:05, 0:01:11]: Hi ladies and gentlemen. Um special call meeting, called to order I have here about two minutes after nine. [0:01:12, 0:01:15]: All right, invocation. Please stand. Mr. Knighton, please. [0:01:31, 0:01:51]: Let us pray that most gracious and all-wise God, we come before you this morning with joy and with thanksgiving that only comes from you. We thank you for the gathering of his mayor and council, his elected body, and we pray God for a blessing, a discernment, wisdom, and understanding on each. [0:01:51, 0:02:05]: One bless our homes and our respective families, bless this great city of Stockbridge, bless our state and our nation. And God, in these unprecedented times and times of anxiety, [0:02:05, 0:02:06]: And uncertainty. [0:02:07, 0:02:09]: The one thing that we are certain about. [0:02:09, 0:02:11]: Is that you are still God? [0:02:12, 0:02:20]: And that you reign supreme. You have all power in your hand. And your word declares that you can heal us. [0:02:21, 0:02:24]: Of all our diseases, we ask your blessing right now. [0:02:25, 0:02:26]: In the name of Jesus. [0:02:27, 0:02:28]: Amen. [0:02:30, 0:02:42]: Played to lead us to the flags of America and to the new Republic. We just stand one nation, under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. [0:02:43, 0:02:45]: Madam Clerk, roll call, please. [0:02:46, 0:02:47]: May I Protam Thomas? [0:02:48, 0:02:49]: Councilman Black. [0:02:49, 0:02:50]: President. [0:02:51, 0:02:51]: Present. [0:02:53, 0:02:54]: President [0:02:55, 0:03:03]: Alexander. Present. Council of the Barber. Present. Mayor Ford, you have a question. Thank you very much. Appreciate that. Um Council, I need a motion to adopt the agenda, please. [0:03:05, 0:03:06]: Is there a second? [0:03:06, 0:03:23]: Seconds down here. Uh is there something I need? Is there some paperwork I need or something? Uh do you not okay. Uh Councilman Blount does not have his agenda in front of him. Okay, here's is this the next one right here? Mm-hmm. Okay, okay. Uh here, here, here. [0:03:24, 0:03:25]: Thank you. [0:03:25, 0:03:30]: Yeah, the capital. No, I don't have any. Uh yeah, here here's everything. There you go. [0:03:33, 0:03:38]: All right, I had a motion to adopt adopt the agenda and of course a second. All in favor, please indicate. [0:03:40, 0:03:49]: Thank you very much. Okay, new business. Council consideration, COVID nineteen, pandemic response, public gathering restrictions. Mr. Williams, please. [0:03:55, 0:04:12]: As you uh know, the uh county and the municipalities in Henry County have been uh attempting to coordinate activities and coordinate uh an emergency response to the COVID nineteen pandemic. Uh yesterday afternoon. [0:04:12, 0:04:32]: There was a conference call with all the city managers, the county managers, and and the mayors, and and I believe the uh Chair Wood was on the call to discuss what additional measures the Henry County local governments can take in response to uh where we stay. [0:04:32, 0:04:52]: As you know, a number of jurisdictions across the country have imposed significant restrictions, stay-at-home orders, uh shelter-in-place orders, whatever you you may call. Um, and then just last night, the mayor of Atlanta imposed uh the the most uh strict. [0:04:52, 0:04:59]: [299.4, 319.4]: an essential business or an essential employee, as well as closures of uh all businesses except certain businesses um that are deemed essential. Um so in response to sort of where we are, uh the county um coordinated the conference call [0:05:19, 0:05:39]: Uh we anticipate the county commission uh adopting uh some level of restrictions this afternoon when they meet. Um and of course they're looking to all the municipalities to kind of coordinate the efforts and adopt similar measures. So what you have before you [0:05:39, 0:05:59]: um are two resolutions. Um the first resolution, it doesn't have a marking at the top. There's two resolutions. One is kind of a clean resolution, the other one's is option two on the front of it. The the first one is essentially the Henry County resolution that we anticipate them adopting [0:05:59, 0:06:19]: Later today. Um, what they are directing is that all symptomatic persons um stay uh in their homes and you know seek medical attention, etc. But they're they would not be allowed in any public buildings, restaurants, shops, public transportation, etc. Um [0:06:19, 0:06:39]: They're also putting a restriction on on all indoor recreation, fitness, and entertainment facilities, and they shall be closed during the duration of the emergency. With respect to restaurants, they are uh adopting a uh essentially a um [0:06:40, 0:07:00]: um a drive-through or or delivery model similar to what other uh jurisdictions are doing, um with the exception of certain um uh eating establishments within medical or governmental facilities and they just need to follow the C D C guidelines. So this would be [0:07:00, 0:07:20]: For instance, the cafeteria at the hospital would not have to close. Um there is a difference that we've added in this resolution, which is different from Henry County with respect to restaurants. And there's the line, this is the last line in section 3A that says such establishments, these are restaurants who are doing delivery. [0:07:20, 0:07:22]: Um [0:07:23, 0:07:43]: or carry out. Such establishments are granted time limited authority to sell packaged beer and wine with food sales while the resolution is in effect. That's kind of similar to what the city of Atlanta has d done. In terms of the houses of worship, um you can see the provisions here. There there's more of a of an encouragement [0:07:43, 0:07:45]: Um [0:07:45, 0:07:55]: The uh the governor, as you all know, adopted a restriction on meetings of ten or more um [0:07:55, 0:08:15]: And so yeah, you know, that would obviously somehow be factored into this. Um and the rest of this is kind of what we've heard, um, just the physical distancing. People are encouraged to kind of do what we're doing here in in in the in terms of the social distancing. Um [0:08:15, 0:08:35]: Uh two things were added to the Henry County in addition to the beer and wine provision. One is section six, which basically s says that all orders of the governor um are to be carried out by the uh city of Stockbridge and staff. And that's really a statement that's already in the [0:08:35, 0:08:53]: code but we just put that in here um contemplating potentially um any additional orders that come through the governor if if the if the governor does decide to impose additional restrictions and then the last thing um the [0:08:53, 0:09:10]: This resolution is in effect to to mirror the t um time period that the county's resolution, which is April seventh. So it's through midnight on April 7th. Obviously, uh you could adjust that depending on what changes occur with the county. Um [0:09:10, 0:09:14]: Option two the only difference between option [0:09:15, 0:09:16]: One and option two. [0:09:17, 0:09:32]: is a significant difference, but it's the only diff difference. Um in section uh two of the county version there's just a restriction on indoor recreation um and you know that language is kind of clear. [0:09:33, 0:09:53]: In section two of option two, there's a general business closure order which closes all businesses with the exceptions of those listed on uh exhibit A. And so this is the most similar to what the city of Atlanta adopted last night, although you know there [0:09:52, 0:10:12]: I'm sure there are some differences, but generally it's all businesses are directed to be closed with the exception of essential business operations. And it's a fairly long list, but they're the kind of the usual suspects, obviously, hospitals, clinics, medical facilities. Um then you have to still use [0:10:12, 0:10:32]: have the food restrictions for uh uh restaurants, et cetera, but then grocery stores, gas stations, banks and credit unions, et cetera, those businesses which kind of vital to kind of keeping things going, albeit at a limited level, are exempted. That's essentially [0:10:32, 0:10:37]: Actually it um a couple of things to keep in mind. [0:10:37, 0:10:41]: Um one under our emergency management ordinance. [0:10:42, 0:10:42]: Um [0:10:43, 0:10:47]: In theory, the mayor could do this. Well actually in fact the mayor could [0:10:47, 0:10:47]: A dot [0:10:48, 0:10:57]: an emergency order that accomplishes all this without a vote of mayor and council. But I believe the mayor wanted to consult with everyone and want everyone to be on the same page. [0:10:57, 0:11:01]: Um rather than him just doing it unilaterally, but he does have that authority. [0:11:02, 0:11:19]: And to the extent whatever you adopt today, to the extent additional measures need to take place, the mayor could again impose whatever additional restrictions are necessary, or you could always meet again to reassess depending on where we stand. [0:11:20, 0:11:40]: So that's it in the nutshell. I'm happy to take any questions. All right, Mike, I'll start this off. First of all, anything that um anything, whatever we adopt in the actual uh resolution there, uh I just want to make sure that if it's if it's supposed to say city, make sure it says city versus the county in this aspect when it comes to the city limits, the stop bridge. And number two, uh I will say to you. [0:11:39, 0:11:59]: and the council and anybody else listening that it's mine in my personality that even though I may have the ultimate authority to do this, I'm not gonna I do this. I think you know me well enough that I wouldn't do this without at least talking to you all and getting a general consensus of what what direction we need to go. Okay. So that's what happened actually with the declaration of state of emergency that was signed. [0:11:59, 0:12:19]: uh several days or so ago and I would not be signing anything like this uh unless I once again had a simple majority at least a consensus on doing anything like that. And uh and just for conversation sake, I'll say number three, is I like option two, but also we'll go with a consensus of the council. On that note [0:12:19, 0:12:33]: Note I'll be quiet and who wants to speak first. Go right ahead, please. Thank you. Um thank you, Mayor. Um just so that those who are live streaming is aware, we have two council members sitting out um [0:12:34, 0:12:54]: on the desk because because we're practicing, making sure that we're six feet apart. Um and we encourage all citizens to do the same. I did receive some phone calls about um concerns from small business owners on yesterday and they ironically came from a hair salon and a barber shop. [0:12:53, 0:12:57]: who specifically asked the question of [0:12:58, 0:13:18]: whether or not they could have one chair and allow service for one person at a time in their facility and if it's other people were sitting out in their car and someone needed a service. Um I really don't object to that. I like option two as well, but it I just wanted to let the council know that I did receive some [0:13:18, 0:13:38]: calls um in regards to their concerns about that in particular that that particular service. I'm hoping everyone stays at home and stays safe as much as possible. We do take this serious. I definitely take this serious. And you know my thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. [0:13:38, 0:13:53]: as well as with my colleagues as we make these tough decisions. So I am for option two. I just want you to consider possibly allowing those type of services to have one person in at a time if needed. [0:13:54, 0:14:14]: Go right ahead, Councilman Howson. I'd like to say thank you, uh, Councilwoman Gantt for those uh comments. And I'd like to echo those comments because uh I think collectively uh this council wants to do the the right thing by our city. And we ask all small business owners, business [0:14:14, 0:14:34]: Owners, citizens, and everybody out there to understand, I think we're trying to follow the best medical advice possible to do the right thing. And from what I understand personally, is that by doing this now, uh, select and I support options. [0:14:34, 0:14:35]: Yeah. [0:14:36, 0:14:39]: The the by doing it now with [0:14:39, 0:14:45]: basically uh shutting down as as as as much as we can, except essential businesses. [0:14:46, 0:15:06]: It will help this to pass by faster. We'll be able to get through this without having the hospitals overwhelmed and our system overtaxed. Because uh what is happening is that if we watch um the numbers grow, uh we've gotten to the point now where the numbers [0:15:06, 0:15:26]: Are almost doubling in a daily basis to uh to where they are now. And uh I think we all would like to send out our our condolences to uh the individual here in Henry County that passed away, uh, of the nine cases that we had tested positive, and all of those. [0:15:25, 0:15:45]: Around uh the country who have suffered from this from this gr uh affliction. We just need to make sure that we understand and that we practice the science and that we're here to make sure that we lead. Everybody in this room, from the mayor to all other council, wants to make sure that you are safe and I wholeheartedly [0:15:45, 0:16:05]: Support uh option number two to make sure that uh these businesses are complying and understand that we understand the pain uh of the small business owner and the exception for the restaurants to make sure that you can still serve your customers uh in a to-go fashion. [0:16:05, 0:16:25]: It is my belief that uh if you have have those establishments open, then it is only how do you decide between who do you let in and who you're not, and then you got 10 and somebody wants to come in, it puts the pressure on that business owner and we wanna support you. Uh I ordered food myself to go. [0:16:25, 0:16:40]: to make sure that I was supporting small business and I ask every person out there to do the same. And I think all our council members would do that as well. But I wholeheartedly support uh option number two and we want to make sure that you stay safe. [0:16:41, 0:16:42]: Yeah. [0:16:43, 0:17:03]: Uh when we um was going to meet about this, one of the things that was concerned to me is that is the stimulus package that hasn't been passed by Congress and it's gonna affect small businesses that need um some type of uh um boost to get back on their feet or to sustain their own businesses. I don't want to see any big [0:17:03, 0:17:23]: business go out of business. So these are some tough t uh tough decisions for the council to make. But I was, but I would uh as as looking and talking to different business owners, I I support option two as well. And one of the things that we have to be careful and cautious of, I believe, is that when we start to make uh [0:17:23, 0:17:43]: Certain special provisions instead of non-essential because we're looking at certain provisions be set for one business, but what about the provision that could come in for another? What about these restaurants that don't have the ability to sustain themselves through uh deliveries and drive-throughs that that that help the smaller business that say, [0:17:43, 0:17:49]: say, hey, well I can bring people in and we'll sit'em here, sit'em there. We have to be careful and cautious when we do [0:17:49, 0:18:09]: provisions for certain businesses that are on the list and and uh options of provisions could come up for another. So I'm for option two, but I I think we need to step fast because this virus is so intense and I've known uh people that have been affected by it is that there's there's no there's [0:18:09, 0:18:26]: There's no ceiling to this yet where there's gonna start a decline. And I think there's a city that I think that we're taking the right measures and right um uh being being proactive in some ways and reactive in other ways, but but I think the decision to make for non essential businesses, I think that that should stand [0:18:27, 0:18:47]: uh uh a uh alone as itself and and for each individual also to put the onuses on them to to just practice this uh practice good uh safety. You know, I just think we have to be careful when we start talking about making special provision for certain type of businesses. Uh I think that we need to go across the board [0:18:47, 0:18:54]: with this because this thing is so is very dangerous, very contagious and and those are the hard decisions that we have to make today. [0:18:57, 0:19:00]: Anybody else? Go right here, sir. [0:19:01, 0:19:21]: I'm going to also support Object Chief. And I just echo what all of my councilmates are founding on today. I would encourage all citizens for the most part if you do not have to get out, stay home. If you do get out, if you go into the gas. [0:19:21, 0:19:41]: pump, wear your glove, might be known down, the handle down. If you're going grocery shopping, take your gloves, clean off the carts. But many of us will continue to go shopping as we need items. So we have to be careful in the grocery store. [0:19:41, 0:20:01]: And just make sure you wipe those parts down the hound, especially. And even it has been stated that even the products that we purchased, when you get them home, some of those items need to be wiped out. So I do favor option two. I just encourage everyone to keep the distance, be safe, and as much as possible. [0:20:01, 0:20:02]: Fast signal. [0:20:03, 0:20:09]: And I would imagine I'm just gonna ask Council Barber, everybody spoke but you. Do you have something you need to say? [0:20:11, 0:20:29]: I just echo everything else that this council has already mentioned. Uh Councilwoman Gantt already addressed the hair salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors. Um Councilman Blonde already addressed the small businesses. So I'm support of option two as well. [0:20:30, 0:20:43]: All right. So be it. But uh but what I thought I heard in this process, you have the exemption list here, you had a recommendation to make a special consideration, but you also heard some rebuttal to that thinking that the [0:20:43, 0:20:44]: If I understand right that the [0:20:45, 0:20:48]: The exemption list would be as stands equal across the board. [0:20:49, 0:21:09]: In this aspect we might go down a a a road in which you're picking and choosing certain things is what I thought I understood or heard on that aspect. Yes yes, sir. You have something you want to say? I I I um I just wanna speak to that. I'm very sympathetic, uh Councilwoman Gantt to uh these business owners as [0:21:08, 0:21:28]: Well. But sometimes I think Councilman Blount is correct in that sometimes we might have to protect them from themselves because you don't know that person does not know whether that client coming in is infected or not. [0:21:28, 0:21:31]: [1292.3, 1300.0]: If if there was a in a perfect world, if there was a way for the client to be tested and the stylist to be tested. [0:21:40, 0:22:00]: I would say, yeah, let's do it. But if that client came in and that client is infected, and God forbid the stylus is infected and then infects the client, then that exponentially goes out. That's the whole issue in itself. But I understand because this is folks' livelihood that we're talking about. [0:22:00, 0:22:06]: But at the same time uh what Councilman Blount makes a strong point in that uh [0:22:07, 0:22:27]: We would the convenience the the other businesses that were closing could come back and say to us, Well, can you just let one person in at a time? And that's kind of what it really come down to me. It's not uh who whose idea it was or whatever. I support what you're saying in concept, if we could do it, but in the on the other side I just [0:22:27, 0:22:40]: I just uh put uh have some concerns about that. And and based on that, I think I would just like to go ahead and make an o motion for option two to go ahead and move forward uh with option two. [0:22:40, 0:22:43]: All right. Motion was made. Is there a second? [0:22:44, 0:22:47]: A second. Okay. Any further discussion? [0:22:48, 0:23:08]: Sir. Um I wanted to ask this question earlier before the motion. As I was walking in, there was a gentleman attempting to come into the bill and to to pay his bill. Um he read a note on the door. I wanted Mr. Nine to come forward and just explain to the Bureau and audience uh [0:23:08, 0:23:27]: uh the procedure here as to um you know how you come and and pay your bill. I know there's a drop box and I instructed him to put it in the box. But Mr. Night you may just want to share to the to the folks at the view and and maybe you can tell the uh city operations. [0:23:28, 0:23:31]: You want me to do that? Yeah, yes, sir. Go ahead. I'm sorry, go right ahead. [0:23:31, 0:23:51]: Yes, um obviously uh the uh city buildings have been closed for the last several days in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Uh we have encouraged people to go online and correspond with the appropriate staff via email. Um and also there's an opportunity to pay uh certain bills online. [0:23:51, 0:24:11]: Online as well. We did have a brief problem with some of the utility billing online payments yesterday, and that was to be corrected uh either late yesterday or by this morning. Also, I would mention um that uh uh this council had already had already put in place [0:24:11, 0:24:31]: Uh a grace period for paying uh you know your water bills, utility bills for uh at least 30 days. And so we certainly would not um disconnect anyone uh for failure to pay during this period of time. Obviously, we want to be sensitive to uh the challenges that everybody is facing, and we encourage [0:24:31, 0:24:40]: Um uh citizens to reach out to us via our social media platforms, and also uh they certainly can contact me directly. [0:24:41, 0:24:46]: Uh Randy Knighton is a city manager, R Knighton at city of stockbridge-ga.gov. [0:24:46, 0:24:50]: Please feel free to give me a call or feel free to email me. [0:24:50, 0:24:54]: And we'll make sure that uh we're all responsive. I think the staff has worked very well. [0:24:55, 0:25:15]: Um during uh this unusual period uh in being able to respond to um uh citizen needs, uh number of emails and phone calls that I've received, and staff has been able to respond. And so we asked everybody's patience during this time. Uh we're here to continue to serve uh the citizens of Stockbridge, uh the high [0:25:15, 0:25:26]: highest professional level and we'll continue to do so. Again, I encourage citizens to use our online platforms and if you need to contact me directly, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Thank you. [0:25:27, 0:25:47]: Ms. Alzhan, go ahead, please. I thank Council, Mr. Knighton, if you will. I thank Councilman Thomas for asking that very valuable question because I've gotten a number of correspondence as well. While you're up there, so I wanna understand for myself. So if someone's calling the utility billing, they have to call a specific number. [0:25:47, 0:25:51]: Or do they call if they call the main city hall number, will they be [0:25:51, 0:26:11]: Their numbers, the the the uh normal numbers are being routed to specific people to their cell phones. Um also again we encourage people to email. There is a drop box as well uh outside that people can still make uh uh payments by check uh outside in the drop box um here at the back of City Hall. [0:26:11, 0:26:20]: as well, but those um calls we sought to route all of the the calls that would normally come into the office to a specific person's cell phone of that particular department. [0:26:21, 0:26:41]: Right. My issue was that folks were calling the main number. It's the three eight nine seven nine zero zero. That number was not moving people through the system. Okay. Can we fix that? We'll make sure that that is because you know they can try to find different numbers and then maybe get this posted uh on the social media. [0:26:41, 0:27:01]: Media spots with all the phone numbers so folks can just uh really get to it. And uh we apologize. I do it myself as well. And I think we all do for the the uh system outages that we've had that have caused some of these conflicts. Yeah, let me mention that too while I'm here. Um we did have some uh internet uh issues. [0:27:01, 0:27:06]: Issues over the past week and our internet provider has basically shifted everything to a new platform. [0:27:07, 0:27:14]: uh from an old platform is shifted to a new platform. So we should not experience those issues that we've had in the past several days. [0:27:14, 0:27:34]: Uh Mayor. Yes, sir. Um we in disrespect of those that are viewing those businesses that are waiting on the decision, uh I would hope that we can reserve the right to ask questions after the motion uh after we make the uh vote. Um but just for those businesses that we just put on edge, um I would ask. [0:27:34, 0:27:43]: that we go ahead and make a vote on that so they can go ahead and uh move through and then after that if we if my colleagues wish that we could ask questions of our of our city manager. [0:27:44, 0:28:04]: But we've uh but the question at hand now is to vote on this and so I'm pretty I know quite a few people that are watching it, so I think that we uh probably serve best to go ahead and make that vote so they can make start making whatever provisions they need to make. Uh change to the vote. Thank you. The motion was made and was seconded, but uh for are there further discussion before it takes the vote. Any further comments on [0:28:04, 0:28:07]: on this. And if not, all in favor of the motion please indicate. [0:28:08, 0:28:28]: Oh okay, it's unanimous. All right. Now uh Mike in reference to since the public's listening in reference to this, uh there's a couple things I think uh that you have to make a couple changes in reference to some sm minute words in reference county versus city. And uh obviously it's effective now once upon signature, you and I and then the clerk has some [0:28:28, 0:28:48]: To sign this and then I'm assuming once that happens, this will be posted on our oh he just stepped out on our website for everybody to know and it'll be publicized just like anything else from the CDC or public health departments all on a website for folks to to see that. Okay. Yes sir. Um now says Mike is in front. Did you all have you talking about questions? [0:28:48, 0:28:55]: Which has already been passed. Any questions specifically from Mike, the city manager will be back in a second. Yes, ma'am. Mayor, thank you. Um just real quick. [0:28:56, 0:29:16]: Is this to take effect immediately today or tomorrow? Today. Today. So the businesses need to just shut down right away. That's why you said what he did. That's why Councilman Bliss said what he did. And and if they do that, if they shut down. Go ahead, I'm sorry. Immediately, right? No prep time, just shut down right now, then [0:29:20, 0:29:36]: Where how are we gonna communicate this? Or is this gonna be through just our website? Are we gonna contact where's our PIO officer? Are they gonna be notified to contact all media? How is this gonna get to those businesses within this timeframe? [0:29:37, 0:29:44]: My my recommendation is sort of an all of the above approach. Put it on the website, put it on Facebook, all social media. [0:29:44, 0:30:04]: uh you may issue a press release, um but then code enforcement um as they kind of patrol the city, they you know, initially obviously they should, you know, take a a collaborative, you know, approach to let them know that it's been passed, you need to shut down and [0:30:04, 0:30:10]: You know, w we're hoping that for the most part we get voluntary compliance and we don't have to go to the next step. [0:30:11, 0:30:16]: May I suggest that we have some type of copy of our resolution for those business owners just to have or [0:30:16, 0:30:21]: I mean, I know there'll be a lot of questions. We need someone's gonna have to call. [0:30:22, 0:30:34]: Um I mean expect for us to have those type of phone calls. I'm for let me be quite clear, I am for the shutdown of um we can't get better without doing this. Um [0:30:35, 0:30:52]: And it's unfortunate. I hope this shutdown is contagious. I hope that other cities um and c and other counties, I hope that the state of Georgia, I hope that the governor models this. Um I think it's imperative that we do this right away. However, [0:30:52, 0:31:02]: We have to notify our citizens and our businesses and that is very important to me. So I want to make sure that we're doing it in the best manner that we can. [0:31:03, 0:31:23]: I got a thought here. Uh every all the businesses have to have a business license. I was wondering whether or not the business occupational tax folks so they can help out with this or a list of folks to somehow get some type of correspondence out to the businesses that way as well. We'll definitely explore all those avenues, whether we can send it out as an email blast to the uh the folks we have in our database. [0:31:23, 0:31:35]: Um so we'll we'll we'll do all of the above to get the word out. [0:31:36, 0:31:45]: And and we can just even on that we as simple as d you know, letting them know that it's been passed and directing them to the website to see the actual language. [0:31:45, 0:31:46]: Mayor. [0:31:46, 0:32:06]: Yes, sir. Go right ahead, please. I I agree with Councilwoman Gann. Um, I think that some we have to put some kind of uh provisions in there to that when we leave here, it's not just close your doors now. I whether it's by midnight tonight or noon tomorrow or something, we got to w I think that we have to put the word out and [0:32:06, 0:32:26]: Lee show uh do that. But I think that w the moves we're making, I'm in total agreement with that. But uh also, Mr. Knighton, I don't know who would answer this question, because with this move, I'm sure that each council member is gonna get some phone calls. Uh and one of my concerns have been pertaining to enforcement. Uh [0:32:26, 0:32:35]: Uh that's been that's been my concern uh pertaining to this whole uh shutdown. How do we direct the phone calls? [0:32:37, 0:32:57]: And who's uh who's responsible for enforcement and what entities, whether it's code enforcement, uh Henry County PD or Fire Marshall, how do we direct phone calls pertaining to this? Right. For those particular items, um, I encourage people one to use C click fix, which we already have, if they notice something that is [0:32:57, 0:33:17]: Contrary to what you all have just uh passed. The other item is that the code enforcement division can also, and their regular patrols, uh, come in contact with uh people or businesses who may be uh not complying with this particular um order. And I think really, as in most cases. [0:33:17, 0:33:21]: [2001.4, 2011.2]: Um we become aware of it through C click fix or through other means. The other item I would mention related to Henry County Police Department is this we had conversations with the county staff. [0:33:31, 0:33:51]: Um yesterday and the county attorney, myself and Mr. Williams, uh about this uh since it was pending. Um the uh we also have uh Henry County police officers that um uh work a night shift, um patrolling businesses and parks for the city of Stockbridge. I've been in contact with Captain uh Black, the North [0:33:51, 0:33:53]: Uh Henry Precinct here. [0:33:53, 0:33:58]: And he's fully aware of this. Um, those officers uh have every right to [0:33:58, 0:34:13]: Um if they see something that again is not compliant, they have every right and will address those particular businesses as they exist um who may be a foul of uh what you all have approved. So there are different mechanisms that we'll use, including the fire marshal as we can. [0:34:14, 0:34:20]: To be able to enforce these measures, and we hope that of course people will self-comply. [0:34:20, 0:34:28]: That is the whole um intent of this is to encourage people uh to take the necessary means and precautions to [0:34:28, 0:34:48]: social distance and to um make sure that we're all doing our part to uh be able to reduce or flatten um this escalation of the virus throughout the uh throughout the metro area and throughout the country. And so there are different mechanisms and we'll be in constant I'll be in constant contact with Captain Black as well with Henry County. [0:34:48, 0:34:49]: [2089.7, 2109.7]: Um just a follow up real quick, uh if you might go right, sir. Well um and I know that times and I'm and I I don't want to go through our officer, I'm gonna leave him neutral. Uh that the time blocks, the six hour blocks will can fluctuate. Uh is there any way we could have that time block doing whether it's the evening hours? [0:35:09, 0:35:19]: Uh or however th that they're that they're in the hours of those businesses, not checking businesses that are closed, right, but checking businesses now that are open. [0:35:19, 0:35:29]: Right. We could certainly have that conversation with uh Captain Black. Typically in the past they've they've worked from um generally nine PM to three A. M. [0:35:30, 0:35:50]: Um but that that fluctuates um uh from time to time. And again I'm talking about controlling of the commercial areas in the parks that have been traditional and those would be the the standard times that they would be out given um that time frame. But we can certainly have a conversation with Captain Black about um bringing that closer to the evening hours if [0:35:50, 0:36:10]: if you will, uh, to make sure that uh during this period of time we have the ability or at Henry County Police Department are better positioned to address these issues. I'm sorry, go ahead. Yeah, well I'm just say at uh my concern is at nine o'clock, you probably got ninety percent of the businesses at nine o'clock that's closed. [0:36:10, 0:36:12]: And I'm just trying to look at [0:36:14, 0:36:16]: Who and there's no code enforcement out there. [0:36:18, 0:36:20]: Uh between five [0:36:21, 0:36:41]: and nine and then at nine o'clock ninety percent of the business are closed, then there's basically no enforcement for the business over other than an overseer for you know things that are right. So yes I and I understand that point very very well and I'll have it [0:36:41, 0:37:01]: conversation with Captain Black and I think um I think we'd be able to work with them to be able to modify those times since they're off duty officers. But I want to make sure we have that con I can have that conversation with him. During this time if we need to just be for this period of shutdown correct if we need to get with Captain Black to add another shift, I don't [0:37:01, 0:37:21]: Think that this this council would be against that for this time period. We'll do what's necessary there, and I I appreciate that. Yes. The other thing, if I if I may, uh to the mayor and council mention is that um uh the public information officer has been putting out information on a regular basis uh in the last couple of days, um and it's so [0:37:21, 0:37:41]: Soon as obviously this meeting is over, we'll put out additional information based on what you have passed, obviously, to all of our media sources and any other entities uh that would be potentially affected by this. We'll use all the means we can to inform the public again about this particular provision. I would also ask if [0:37:41, 0:38:01]: If uh um perhaps uh mayor uh before the meeting is concluded, if uh attorney Williams could come back one more time and summarize what the resolution states again for the benefit of our uh viewing audience. Sure, absolutely. Mayor Porteman Thomas, please. Thank you, Mayor. Uh Mr. Knight, I would highly recommend [0:38:01, 0:38:21]: That we arm uh code enforcement with some version of this resolution. I think we want to prevent uh code enforcement with in trying to interpret uh this resolution, and then we just hand them a document as opposed to uh them trying to interpret. [0:38:21, 0:38:26]: So they need to uh arm them with some type of [0:38:27, 0:38:32]: All right, thank you, sir. We will do. Okay, on that note, your suggestion is well taken. Um Mr Williams, please. [0:38:37, 0:38:57]: These are the main provisions of option two in the order. It provides for symptomatic persons. Any person showing symptoms recognized by the CDC as indicators of COVID-19 shall refrain from entering public buildings, restaurants, shops, public transportation facilities, and all other areas where public ingress. [0:38:57, 0:39:17]: Or of public ingress or egress. Business closures, except as provided for herein, and with the exception of those businesses listed on exhibit A, all businesses and business type operations are hereby closed. The exceptions listed on Exhibit A are healthcare and public health operations. [0:39:17, 0:39:37]: But that excludes fitness gyms, spas, salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, and similar facilities. Human service operations are exempted. Those are long-term care facilities, et cetera. Essential infrastructure are exempted. [0:39:37, 0:39:57]: And this is a partial listing and uh again the full listing will be put on the website. Stores that sell groceries and medicine, food, beverage and alcohol or and agriculture organizations that provide charitable and social services, media, gas stations and businesses, banks and credit unions, certain critical trades such as plumbers, electricians, [0:39:57, 0:40:14]: etc. to kind of keep things moving. Mail, post shipping, logistics, and and the list goes on. Those are excluded from the order again because they're deemed to be essential services. As it relates to restaurants and [0:40:15, 0:40:32]: Uh eating establishments, of course, the governor uh in his order has closed all bars and and nightclubs, so this really pertains to traditional restaurants. So all eating establishments um shall um be closed to in-person dining. Um [0:40:33, 0:40:53]: And they shall only provide delivery and takeout services. And again, as I stated before, this uh would allow limited, time-limited authority to sell packaged beer and wine with food sales. Um there's an encouragement for houses of worship to uh follow the guidelines, um, physical distance. [0:40:53, 0:41:07]: Distancing and social distancing is encouraged. There's a provision that requires uh full cooperation with all executive orders of the governor. And again, it's time limited to it end on midnight on April seventh, twenty twenty. [0:41:09, 0:41:29]: All right, thank you. Any other questions from the council before we adjourn? I'd just like to make one statement, if I could. Go ahead, sir. I just like to say that everybody here is uh just trying to make sure that we do the right thing uh for the public. And I think sometimes timing is everything, and that you know, we uh the government [0:41:29, 0:41:43]: Governor had an opportunity to lead yesterday. We are stepping in as our citizens to fill the gap to make sure, as our council to make sure that the public is protected, echoing what Councilwoman Gantt said. [0:41:44, 0:41:50]: All right. If no other comments on any motion to adjourn. So moved. Is there a second? [0:41:50, 0:41:51]: I second. [0:41:51, 0:42:11]: All in favor no actually no I don't have to do that. Yes I do. All in favor, please educate. Yeah, I'm sorry. I have one question in the discussion, please. Okay. Mr. Knight, does the city have anything to do with the for for is any stimulus package coming toward the cities for any disbursement? Is there anything that the cities may have to be involved with [0:42:11, 0:42:31]: With anything that may come down for this uh any stimulus package from the uh Well as he's coming, let me mention this. The small business administration, there's a website you can go to and businesses can go and apply for at least that way as well. Yeah, we've been in contact [0:42:31, 0:42:40]: With GMA about this, and I think a lot is hinging upon the um bill that is pending in Congress right now. Hopefully they'll pass. [0:42:40, 0:42:45]: Today the other thing that we have been doing, we have been tracking this time сепаратly. [0:42:45, 0:42:46]: On our payroll. [0:42:46, 0:43:00]: So we want to be positioned to be able to receive any reimbursements if we need um via that mechanism. So we've been tracking it differently during this period of time as we as we uh would not normally do on our in our normal payroll system. [0:43:00, 0:43:20]: Okay. Because I know that they talked about having aid disbursements for cities, city governments outside of what they was coming in for the individual businesses and and uh individuals but cities disbursement for for aid for w whether it's the homeless or whatever they're gonna do and for that's why I didn't know if you'll have uh that [0:43:20, 0:43:27]: The head come down. Okay. All right. Motion was made, Miss Second. All in favor of the motion to adjourn. We now stand adjourned. [0:43:35, 0:43:49]: I have specially made homemade uh mask here if you're interested in a homemade mask. The first lady. That is so nice. Let me get the red one. I get the red one. I get the red. [0:43:50, 0:43:54]: I think I see a light green. Light green? Uh