ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jewish Holiday
Council President Pitts stated that the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, was on that date, September 21, 1998, and he consequently extended wishes for a Happy New Year to the Jewish citizens of Atlanta.
Mr. Pitts noted that in honor of Rosh Hashanah and out of respect to Councilmember Doug Alexander, the only Jewish member of Council, he had attempted to reschedule today’s Council Meeting. However, current law restricted him from doing so. Therefore, Mr. Pitts pledged that he would conduct a review of the current law for reconsideration in order that meetings can be rescheduled in the event that future high holy days fall on a regularly scheduled meeting date.
Public Hearings/Meetings/Worksessions
Community Development/Human Resources Chairperson Moore stated that a
worksession will be held on September 25, 1998 to discuss various announced
issues regarding the 1999 Capital Improvement Program. Therefore, Ms. Moore
urged Councilmembers to submit to Mr. Robert Gray, Acting Director, Planning
Department, any amendments and/or suggestions they might have regarding the
CIP legislation.
Community Development/Human Resources Chairperson Moore announced that
a Public Hearing would be held on September 28, 1998 @ 6:00 p.m. in the City
Council Chambers to discuss various issues relating to the 1999 Consolidated
Plan, i.e., Community Development Block Grants, Home Funds, Emergency
Shelter Funds, HOFSTRA and the Section 108 Loan Program. Ms. Moore urged
all members of Council to attend, as these issues affect the entire City of Atlanta.
Councilmember Bond stated that a Political Forum would be held on Tuesday,
September 22, 1998 @ 8:30 p.m. at Paschal’s Hotel & Restaurant. He further
stated that the Forum would be sponsored by the NAACP and its purpose is to
get all statewide candidates together to discuss his/her position on various
issues and their political agenda.
District 11 Councilmember Maddox stated that a town hall meeting would be held
on Tuesday, September 22, 1998 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. The town hall
meeting would be the second of a series of meetings to address the issues of
crime, prostitution and code enforcement. Mr. Maddox urged the community to
attend and let their views be heard.
Council President Robb Pitts Presided
ANNOUNCEMENTS (CONT’D)
Public Hearings/Meetings/Worksessions (Cont’d)
City Utilities Chairperson Muller announced that the third work session on the
water privatization issue would be held on Tuesday, September 22, 1998 @ 4:00
p.m. She further announced that a public hearing would immediately follow the
work session in the Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. All members of Council and
citizens were encouraged to attend.
Rezoning of Property Located at 601 Simpson Rd.
Community Development/Human Resources Chairperson Moore announced that
legislation regarding the re-zoning of property located at 601 Simpson Rd. will
continue to be held in Committee until such time that the Committee gets a
Comprehensive Plan from the owner detailing his plans for the site.
GENERAL REMARKS
Council President Robb Pitts Presided
GENERAL REMARKS
Death of Reverend Hosea Williams’ Son
Councilmember C.T. Martin announced that the son of Reverend Hosea Williams
died from cancer at the age of 40 years old. Mr. Pitts expressed his condolences
and members of the council paused for a brief moment of silent prayer.
Parking Contract Audit
Council President Pitts requested information from Councilmember Emmons
regarding the status of an outside regarding the parking contract at the Airport.
Ms. Emmons stated that she would provide Mr. Pitts with the requested
information in two weeks time certain.
Powers and Conduct of the City Council President
Councilmember Debi Starnes Raised a Point of Order and Inquiry about Council
President Pitts’ methods in Ruling over the council, specifically in regards to the
right of a Councilmember to explain his/her vote after it has been cast and the
vote has closed. Therefore, Ms. Starnes asked an opinion of the Legal
Department regarding the above-mentioned issue as well as the Powers and
Conduct of the President of the City Council as outlined in the City Charter. A
representative of the Legal Department responded that the information would be
provided later in the meeting.
Later in the meeting, a representative of the Legal Department responded to the
above stated issues, and, a brief discussion ensued. Followed by City Attorney
Susan Langford providing Councilmember Starnes with further classification.
Incidents of Crime in Zone 3
Councilmember McCarty stated for the Record, that he is aware of the several incidents of crime in Zone 3 that have unfortunately found notariety in the local media. He re-affirmed to the residents of the area that the city is aware of the crimes and that several steps had been taken towards resolving the problem.
Council President Robb Pitts Presided
Councilmember Bond reported the status on the Simpson Road re-paving. He announced that pursuant to a recent meeting with the Georgia Department of Transportation, the re-pavement of Simpson Road was held up by the State D.O.T. due to the lapse of a city-employee to administer a permit to Bankhead Paving. Mr. Bond further reported that the re-pavement would be completed within the next three weeks.
Traffic-Related Issues
Transportation Committee Chairperson Emmons stated, on the behalf of the
Committee, the need for a public forum to address concerns regarding the need
for traffic calming measures through out the city. Ms. Emmons further stated that
the quality of life in the City of Atlanta is being disturbed by the behavior of the
motorists, particularly in residential areas.
ADJOURNMENT
Council President Robb Pitts Presided
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, a Motion to Adjourn the September 21, 1998 Regular Meeting of the City Council was Made, properly Seconded and CARRIED by voice vote. Council President Pitts Adjourned the Meeting at 6:47 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT ROLL CALL: Council President Pitts;
Councilmembers McCarty, Starnes, Bond, Winslow, Dorsey, Woolard, Morris,
Muller, Moore, Martin, Maddox, Boazman, Thomas, and Emmons (14).
Respectfully Submitted and CERTIFIED BY:
Rhonda Dauphin Johnson, CMC
Municipal Clerk
ROLL CALL VOTES
--
Share with your friends: |