---
date: 1975-09-09
title: September 9, 1975 Minutes
source: 1975-09/1975-09-09_September 9, 1975_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

September 9, 1975

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
HENRY COUNTY, GEORGIA SEPTEMBER 9, 1975

The regular meeting of the Stockbridge City Council was held September 9, 1975 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor
Hart presiding and all Council members present.

Visitors welcomed.

Minutes approved as read.

Mr. Y. F. Geeslin and Mr. Warren Brown of Club Circle asked Council if anything could be done about mud
washing from West side of Club Circle into the street and down on to their driveways and carports. They
also complained about low water pressure. Council instructed Ron Kelley to investigate and see what can
be done to eliminate this problem.

Jan Zuegel, President of the Smith Barnes PTA informed Council that they plan to sell tulip bulbs as a fund
raising campaign for the bicentennial and asked for support from the Council in this project.

Residents from Shields Road were present to discuss the low water pressure in their area. Ken Leonard,
engineer with John J. Harte Associates explained that altitude valves on each water tank would probably
increase their water pressure. Mr. Leonard to secure prices and dates for installation.

Mr. Lewis Woodard, Georgia Power Company, inquired why the City Council had not approved the new
Georgia Power Franchise Ordinance they had requested last month. Mayor Hart explained the City had
received a letter from Georgia Municipal Association suggesting all cities refrain from taking any action on
new franchise tax ordinances until they file a lawsuit against Georgia Power and the court makes a decision.

Jack Oakman gave a report on the fire at Stockbridge Plaza. Due to low water pressure, the fire truck was
only able to pump 600 gallons per minute and the maximum capacity is 750 gallons per minute. They
requested that both City water tanks be filled to maximum capacity along with the altitude valves, which had
been previously mentioned. These improvements would help the truck reach maximum pumping power. He
also requested several additional pieces of equipment. Ross McMichael made a motion that Jim Butcher be
given full authority to purchase equipment needed by the Fire Department, seconded by John Dabney and
passed unanimously.

Mayor Hart suggested the fire department paint fire hydrants red, white and blue along main thoroughfares
for the bicentennial, City to purchase paint. Motion was made by Ross McMichael, seconded by Jim Butcher
and passed unanimously.

Jim Butcher suggested the Bicentennial Committee have a specific fund raising project. Council agreed to
make the Fire Department the City's fund raising project.

The Public Hearing on the proposed City Park to be constructed on the location of the City dump funded by
a block grant was tabled for lack of interest. These funds will not be available this year.

The Municipal Election will be December 6, 1975. Mayor Hart recommended October 22 as opening for
candidate qualification and November 5, 1975 at 12:00 noon as closing. Motion made by John Dabney to
change qualifying fee for Council to $20.00, seconded by Ross McMichael and passed unanimously.

MINUTES
9/9/1975
PAGE 2

Mayor Hart opened discussion on the possibility of the City waiving contract provision whereby the City could
penalize Bellamy Brothers for non-completion of treatment plant by contract date, September 4, 1975. The
delay was created when Bellamy Bothers ordered equipment from a company that went out of business
before delivery and the equipment had to be ordered from another company. In an attempt to handle sewage,
if City allowed residents to use system, Bellamy Brothers installed temporary pumps. Ken Leonard informed
Council that EPA and EPD would not approve and could impose a fine on the City. Under these
circumstances, the Council decided not to allow residents to use system until treatment plant is complete.
Possibility of waiving penalty was postponed.

Ross McMichael made a motion to leave the mill rate for 1975 property tax at 8 mills, seconded by John
Dabney and passed unanimously.

Jim Butcher made a motion to sign a Resolution for Mayor Hart to have full authority to proceed with final
inspection, estimates and payment to J. D. Stephens Company, Contract III, seconded by Ross McMichael,
and passed unanimously.

Ron Kelley gave tentative estimate of $7,000 to pave College Street submitted by Mr. Hipp. Mr. Huddleston
has refused to pay his portion of the cost. In order to cut cost and proceed with this project, Council discussed
the possibility of constructing this street to handle only regular and school traffic and enforcing a load limit of
10,000 pounds. This would not permit Mr. Huddleston's heavy trucks to travel this road. Council instructed
Ron Kelley to contact Mr. Huddleston and Henry County to see if an agreement can be reached before they
make a final decision.

Meeting adjourned 9:30 p.m.

Merle Manders George W. Hart, Jr.
City Clerk Mayor
