---
date: 1978-01-09
title: January 9, 1978 Minutes
source: 1978-01/1978-01-09_January 9, 1978_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

January 9, 1978

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
HENRY COUNTY, GEORGIA JANUARY 9, 1978

The regular meeting of the Stockbridge City Council was held January 9, 1978 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Hart
presiding and members Harold Cochran, Rudy Kelley, Ross McMichael, Joe Simmons and Ed Whiddon
present.

Motion was made by Ed Whiddon to rescind decision to suspend Stephen Bentley, seconded by Joe
Simmons and passed unanimously.

Fire Chief Jack Oakman presented Council with a plan to purchase a FMC fire fighter mounted on Ford F-
800 chassis. This engine would come fully equipped for a total price of $46,625. Terms would be 20% or
$9,325 down with 6½% simple interest on unpaid balance for 5 years. Fire Department agreed to pay $1,325
of the first payment and the City to use funds appropriated to Fire Department in 1978 budget of $8,000.
Mayor Hart's recommendation was to purchase the fire truck; motion was made by Ross McMichael,
seconded by Harold Cochran and passed unanimously.

Mayor Hart stated he would like to clarify an article in the Weekly Advertiser regarding a Council meeting
held December 5, 1977. As stated in the minutes of November 14, 1977, this meeting was scheduled to be
held with County Commissioners to request aid in purchasing a new fire truck. He emphasized that all Council
meetings have always been open to the public and this practice would continue according to state laws.

Motion was made by Ross McMichael to appoint Theodore Lowe as Court Recorder, motion died for lack of
second.

Motion was made by R. G. Kelley to appoint Larry Tew as Court Recorder, seconded by Ed Whiddon, motion
carried.

Motion was made by Ross McMichael to appoint A. J. Welch, Jr. as City Attorney, seconded by R. G. Kelley
and passed unanimously.

Motion was made by Harold Cochran to appoint Merle Manders as City Clerk, seconded by Joe Simmons
and passed unanimously.
Motion was made by Ross McMichael to appoint Paul Collier, Sr. as Chief of Police, motion died for lack of
second.

Harold Cochran made the motion not to appoint Paul Collier, Sr. as Chief of Police. Harold Cochran stated
that Paul Collier was incapable of handling men as his officers would not listen and therefore, failed to do
their job. Ed Whiddon was in agreement with Mr. Cochran. Joe Simmons felt the people wanted a change
and R. G. Kelley stated he thought the people would like to see a better image in the Police Department.
Mayor Hart stated he has confidence in Paul Collier's ability to perform his duties as Police Chief and strongly
opposes this decision.

After hearing from citizens who supported Chief Collier and citizens who did not, motion was seconded by
Ed Whiddon. Motion carried with Ed Whiddon, Harold Cochran, Joe Simmons and R. G. Kelley voting in
favor of the motion and Ross McMichael opposed. Chief Collier's termination to be effective January 9, 1978

At this point, Officers Bentley, Summers and Tapley resigned in support of Chief Collier.

MINUTES
1/9/1978
PAGE 2

Harold Cochran noted that the County Police Department would give assistance in policing the City until a
chief is hired.

Willie Goggins, 104 Walker Street presented a petition signed by his neighbors giving their consent for him
to operate a beauty shop in his home. Motion was made by Harold Cochran to issue a business license,
seconded by Joe Simmons and passed unanimously.

Claude Kelley, 110 Rosenwald Circle, requested his $35.00 deposit for a sewer tap be refunded because
sewer lines were not available to him. Council was in agreement and instructed Clerk to refund Mr. Kelley's
deposit.
Motion was made by Harold Cochran to appoint R. G. Kelley as Mayor Pro Tem, seconded by Ed Whiddon
and passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

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