---
date: 1990-12-10
title: December 10, 1990 Minutes
source: 1990-12/1990-12-10_December 10, 1990_Minutes.pdf
pages: 1
---

December 10, 1990

CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE
HENRY COUNTY, GEORGIA DECEMBER 10, 1990

The regular meeting of the Stockbridge City Council was held December 10, 1990 with Mayor Kelley presiding
and members present were Harold Cochran, John Dabney, G. W. Evans, H. M. Kersey and Ronnie Simmons.

Motion was made by Harold Cochran to convene, seconded by John Dabney and passed unanimously.

Motion was made by G. W. Evans to approve minutes of November 12, 1990 Council Meeting, seconded by
H. M. Kersey and passed unanimously.

Mayor Kelley conducted a Budget Hearing to approve the 1991 proposed budget. After discussion, motion
was made by Harold Cochran to approve 1991 proposed budget as presented, seconded by H. M. Kersey
and passed unanimously.

Council discussed computers for City Hall. Motion was made by Harold Cochran for City Manager and City
Clerk to get information for Council's consideration, seconded by G. W. Evans and passed unanimously.

Mayor Kelley introduced a new Personnel Policy for the City. Ted Strickland, City Manager, pointed out that
there were several changes that A. J. Welch, City Attorney, suggested be made regarding the relationship
between the City Manger and the City Council. These changes included the bid process and the legal limits,
which require the bid process. Mayor Kelley suggested the Council pass the Personnel Policy as presented
and changes can be made at a later date since they are not major changes in the personnel policy. Motion
was made by Ronnie Simmons to adopt Personnel Policy as presented, seconded by Harold Cochran and
passed unanimously.

As a matter of information, Ted Strickland, City Manager, informed Council that a pre-construction conference
for the construction of the maintenance facility was held December 10, 1990 with McAfee Development
Company, Manley Architects, P.C. and the City. McAfee Development Company will begin construction
within 10 days.

Motion was made by Harold Cochran to increase employee Christmas bonuses to $50.00 for all employees
and $100.00 for department heads, seconded by G. W. Evans and passed unanimously.
Ronnie Simmons reported that the December 1, 1990 Christmas Parade was the biggest and best parade
held in Stockbridge.

A. J. Welch, City Attorney, was late arriving for Council meeting but wanted to make several comments
regarding the Personnel Policy. He felt the Council should look closely at the City Manager's powers. There
is no problem with day-to-day decisions being made by the City Manager, but the bid process should be
studied very closely.

A. J. Welch also noted that the City's Charter is outdated. Council agreed that Mr. Welch should prepare
amendment to charter to be presented in 1991 Legislature for approval of the new City Charter in the Spring
of 1991.

Ronnie Simmons recommended the City contact Commercial Insurance Services in regards to a lower
insurance rating to reduce homeowner and commercial insurance rates for Stockbridge policyholders. The
lower insurance rating was discussed with Commercial Insurance Services when the City of Stockbridge Fire
Department merged with Henry County Fire Department but, as yet, the City has no reply from the CIS.
Council instructed Ronnie Simmons to contact CIS.
MINUTES
12/10/1990
PAGE 2

Ted Strickland informed Council that he has had notification from the Georgia Department of Natural
Resources that stricter regulations will be required of local governments to incorporate Federal regulations
for testing of drinking water. Mr. Strickland will provide Council with an update on these regulations after he
attends future meetings scheduled in 1991.

Council discussed Franchise Agreement between City and BiJo Cablevision. A. J. Welch advised Council
that the agreement could be approved with the exception of several sections. BiJo wanted the City to
guarantee payment to them if the City cuts a cable line while installing a water or sewer line. A. J. Welch
advised that the City would not pay for any cuts to cable lines unless BiJo could prove gross negligence
through the judicial system. A. J. Welch assured Mr. Billy Jones of BiJo Cablevision that the City uses the
"Dig Georgia" to spot cables and lines before we begin a project and the City would not deliberately damage
anyone's lines. Inasmuch as the City would be allowing BiJo Cablevision to use City right-of-way to locate
their cable lines, these right-of-ways are public property owned by the citizens of Stockbridge and are
protected by sovereign immunity laws. Motion was made by Harold Cochran to approve agreement as
written, with the exception of correcting Sections 13 and 22 of the Franchise Agreement, seconded by G. W.
Evans and passed unanimously.
Motion to adjourn was made by Harold Cochran, seconded by G. W. Evans and passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Merle Manders R. G. Kelley
City Clerk Mayor
