---
date: 2020-03-24
title: March 24, 2020 Special Called Meeting Minutes
source: 2020-03/2020-03-24_March 24, 2020 Special Called Meeting_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

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ACTION MINUTES
SPECIAL CALLED
COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020 9:00 A.M.
Mayor & City Council Administration
Mayor Anthony S. Ford Randy Knighton, City Manager
Councilman Elton Alexander Camilla Moore Asst. City Mgr./
Councilwoman Yolanda Barber Community Dev. Director
Councilman John Blount Vanessa Holiday, City Clerk
Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt Randi Rainey, Deputy City Clerk
Councilman Alphonso Thomas Michael Williams, City Attorney
Mission: To provide visionary leadership and superior municipal services that enhance the
quality of life for citizens while creating a welcoming business atmosphere focused on
sustainability and expansion of tourism and cultural events.
I. Call to Order -Mayor Ford

II. Invocation- City Manager, Randy Knighton

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Roll Call- All members present

V. Motion to adopt the Agenda: Alexander/Mayor Pro Tem Thomas Passed 5-0

New Business
1. Council Consideration: COVID-19 Pandemic Response – Public Gathering
Restrictions
City Attorney, Mike Williams noted the County and Municipalities met on
March 23, 2020 to discuss the COVID-19 Pandemic, and what precaution
local Governments can take. Mr. Williams noted several Jurisdictions across
the County have proposed significant restrictions and stay at home orders:
with the Mayor of Atlanta proposing a mandatory stay at home and closure
of all businesses, except for essential businesses. Mr. Williams noted the
County will anticipate adopting some level of restriction this afternoon; and
noted Council has two (2) Resolutions to chose from to adopt. Mr. Williams
explained the first Resolution is like the County, directing all symptomatic
March 24,2020 9:00 a.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
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people to stay at home and not be allowed in public places. Also, putting a
restriction on indoor recreational fitness and entertainment establishments
for the duration of the emergency. Mr. Williams also noted restaurants
should adopt a drive-thru or delivery model, except for certain
establishments within medical or governmental facilities and should follow
the CDC guidelines. Mr. Williams mentioned there was a section added to
the City’s proposed Resolution, Section:3A- Such establishments are
granted time limited authority to sell packaged beer and wine with food sales
while the Resolution is in effect without any further licensing required by the
City. Mr. Williams noted Houses of Worship are encouraged to not have
more than 10 people meeting at a time. Mr. Williams noted the County
added two more sections, Section 6 that deals with all orders to be carried
out by the City of Stockbridge and staff; and will be in effect until midnight
April 7, 2020.
Mr. Williams explained Option 2 has a general business closure order to
close all businesses, whereas option 1 only deals with indoor recreation. Mr.
Williams noted the Mayor could adopt an emergency order without a vote
from Council.

Mayor Ford noted to make sure the Resolution states City and not County;
and, expressed he would get consensus from Council before adopting
anything, and prefers Option 2.

Councilwoman Gantt noted she has had several small businesses reach out
to her, specifically hair salons and barber shops asking if they could have
one (1) person at a time. Councilwoman Gantt noted she is for Option 2.
Councilwoman Gantt would like to take this very seriously and noted her
thoughts and prayers are with everyone.

Councilman Alexander noted Council wants to do the right thing for the City
and asks all small businesses to understand they are trying to follow the
best medical advice and do the right thing. Councilman Alexander stated he
supports Option 2. Councilman Alexander send condolences to the person
who has passed from the COVID-19 virus.

Councilman Blount noted his concern is with the stimulus package that has
yet to be passed by Congress and is in favor of Option 2. Councilman
Blount also noted Council should be cautious of certain provision with
certain businesses.

Councilman Thomas noted he supports Option 2 and encourages all
citizens to stay at home; and if they do go out to use gloves and wipe down
everything.

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Councilwoman Barber noted she supports Option 2 and echoes all other
members of Council.

Councilman Thomas asked City Manager, Randy Knighton to explain how
the citizens can pay their bills. Mr. Knighton noted he encourages all citizens
to go to the City’s website, while City Hall is physically closed. Mr. Knighton
noted there was a brief problem with the online bill pay yesterday, but the
matter has since bee resolved; and there has been a 30-day grace period
for all water and utility billing and will not disconnect anyone. Mr. Knighton
stated he encourages all citizens to reach out to all of the City’s social media
platform, and can reach him at rknighton@cityofstockrbidge-ga.gov with any
questions they may have.

Councilman Alexander asked if citizens call the main number. Mr. Knighton
noted the main number has been routed to the appropriate staff members.

Councilwoman Gantt inquired when the Resolution will go into effect. Mr.
Williams noted it will go into effect today. Councilwoman Gantt also inquired
how would this be sent for citizens to see. Mr. Williams recommended all
social media outlets and can release a press release. Councilwoman Gantt
suggested getting a copy of the Resolution.

Mayor Ford suggested having Occupational Tax Department to send out a
correspondence to all businesses.

Councilman Blount suggested to add a provision on when businesses
should close. Councilman Blount stated his concern is enforcement and
inquired on how to direct phone calls and who would be responsible to
enforce the closures. Mr. Knighton noted he encourage citizens to utilize
See Click Fix and has had the Henry County Police Department working
night shift patrolling businesses and parks. Councilman Blount inquired if the
6-hour time blocks could be moved to the evenings to check on the
businesses not closed. Mr. Knighton noted there is normally a 9pm-3am
time block.

Councilman Thomas recommends giving Code Enforcement a copy of the
Resolution.

Mr. Williams reiterated Option 2 main provision: Symptomatic persons (shall
reframe from entering public businesses) , business closures (with the
exception of list of businesses on Exhibit A), eating establishments (shall
only provide takeout and delivery services), house of worship (no more than
10 people gathering), physical distancing, Georgia Executive Order, with a
duration to terminate midnight, April 7, 2020. Mr. Williams noted exempt

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businesses are: Healthcare and Public Health Operations, Human Services
Operations and Essential Infrastructures.

Councilman Alexander motioned to adopt Option 2; Second by
Councilwoman Barber. The motion passed 5-0.
Adjourn
Mayor Pro Tem Thomas motioned to adjourn; Second by Councilwoman
Gantt. The motion passed 5-0.

March 24,2020 9:00 a.m. 4640 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA 30281 Phone: (770) 389-7900
