---
date: 1979-01-08
title: January 8, 1979 Minutes
source: 1979-01/1979-01-08_January 8, 1979_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

January 8, 1979

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
HENRY COUNTY, GEORGIA JANUARY 8, 1979

OATH OF OFFICE

We, the Mayor and Councilmen, who have been duly elected to office to serve the City of Stockbridge, do
solemnly swear that we will uphold the by-laws and the Charter of the City of Stockbridge, the Constitution
of the State of Georgia and the Constitution of the United States of America and to perform the duties of our
office to the best of our ability without fear or favor, So Help Me God.

R. G. Kelley, Mayor
Harold Cochran
Ross B. McMichael
Phillip Paulk
G. W. Evans - appointed
Joe Simmons

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
HENRY COUNTY, GEORGIA JANUARY 8, 1979

I, G. W. Evans, having been duly appointed to office of Council to serve the City of Stockbridge, do solemnly
swear that I will uphold the by-laws and the Charter of the City of Stockbridge, the Constitution of the State
of Georgia and the Constitution of the United States of America and to perform the duties of our office to the
best of my ability without fear or favor, So Help Me God.

G. W. Evans, Jr.

January 8, 1979

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
HENRY COUNTY, GEORGIA JANUARY 8, 1979

The regular meeting of the Stockbridge City Council was held January 8, 1979 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Kelley
presiding and members Harold Cochran, G. W. Evans, Phillip Paulk and Joe Simmons present.

Bill Hinton, County Commissioner, was present to ask for financial assistance from the City to pave Railroad
Street. He stated this is a much-needed project to enable the citizens of North Henry County access to Henry
General Hospital. The commissioners suggest the City pay approximately $8,700 for paving material and
the County would pay preparation and labor costs. Total cost of project would be $12,000. Mayor Kelley
advised Mr. Hinton that the Council realizes the need for paving Railroad Street but the City is unable to
provide financial assistance at the present time. The Council will discuss further and notify the Board of
Commissioners by letter of their decision.

Sheriff Jimmy Glass was present to discuss police service in Stockbridge. He advised Council that he was
not aware of any problems and would like to be made aware if any existed so they could be handled. Mayor
Kelley advised that he and the Council have received only good reports and expressed the Council's
appreciation for the protection Henry County is providing the City of Stockbridge.

Motion was made by Harold Cochran to appoint A. J. Welch, Jr. as City Attorney for one year, seconded by
Joe Simmons and passed unanimously.

Motion was made by Harold Cochran to appoint Larry Tew as City Court Recorder for one year, seconded
by Phillip Paulk and passed unanimously.

Motion was made by Harold Cochran to appoint Merle Manders as City Clerk for one year, seconded by G.
W. Evans and passed unanimously.

Motion was made by Harold Cochran to adopt an Ordinance to decriminalize public drunkenness. This
ordinance would enable law enforcement officers to transport offenders to a treatment center in Griffin rather
than filing charges for public drunk. Motion was seconded by G. W. Evans and passed unanimously.

Bill Elder, Fire Chief, reported Fire Department activities for 1978.
Chief Elder requested that he and Mike Crowe be allowed to rotate hours in order to relieve the County Fire
dispatcher because several of their employees have resigned and they are unable to replace them through
CETA. This will be a temporary situation. Motion was made by Harold Cochran, seconded by Joe Simmons
and passed unanimously.

Chief Elder presented plans to remodel fire station to add a bay. First step of this project would be to cut out
front wall and install door. Office space would be converted to garage type facility to house fire engine and
other equipment. He submitted plans for new office and living quarters behind fire station with an approximate
cost of $10,000 for materials and volunteer firemen would furnish labor. Plans for new office and living
quarters were tabled for the present time.

Mayor Kelley announced committees for 1979 and advised that each committee chairman and his members
would handle complaints referred to them and report findings and results at regular Council meetings.
MINUTES
1/8/1979
PAGE 2

Joe Simmons asked what progress has been made in getting cost estimates from private companies to
contract for City's garbage collection. W. A. Gardner advised that he had contacted several companies and
they would only give approximate figures of $3.50 to $4.00 per household until the City is ready for a detailed
study to submit sealed bids. Since the City has had a reduction in personnel, Council decided not to pursue
this matter at this time.

Al Thomas asked Council to consider a pro-rated business license for 1978 since he only acquired his license
to permit dancing at his establishment in October 1978. Motion was made by Harold Cochran to give Mr.
Thomas $350.00 credit toward his dancing license for 1979, seconded by Joe Simmons and passed
unanimously.

Ed Whiddon invited the Mayor and City Council to participate in the Georgia Heart Association parade
January 20, 1979 at 11:00 a.m.

Meeting adjourned 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Merle Manders R. G. Kelley
City Clerk Mayor

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
HENRY COUNTY, GEORGIA JANUARY 8, 1979

The special meeting of the Stockbridge City Council was held January 8, 1979 at 7:00 p.m. R. G. Kelley was
sworn in as Mayor, Harold Cochran and Phillip Paulk were sworn in as City Councilmen. Councilman Joe
Simmons was present.

Motion was made by Harold Cochran to appoint G. W. Evans to complete the one year unexpired term of Ed
Whiddon as City Councilman, seconded by Joe Simmons and passed unanimously.

Joe Allen, City's accountant, submitted a list of outstanding inventory and trailer taxes, which are uncollectible
and should be omitted from the tax digest for the years 1971 through 1977. Motion was made by Joe
Simmons to omit these past due taxes from the digest, seconded by Harold Cochran and passed
unanimously.

Meeting adjourned 7:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Merle Manders R. G. Kelley
City Clerk Mayor
