City Council

Page 1 of 2 Special Called meeting of the Mayor and Council was held by Teleconference March 25, 2020 at 12:00 P.M. with Mayor Steven M. Tramell presiding. Members Participated: Members Non-Participate: Mayor Pro-Tem Alanteo “Henry” Hutchinson Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III Councilmember Gloria R. Marshall Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter Councilmember Sandra Thornton Councilmember Deedee Williams Special Call Meeting Mayor Steve Tramell begin with a role call of the council and called the meeting to order. Mayor Tramell stated the purpose of the meeting was to consider an amendment to the City of West Point Emergency Ordinance. Update the City of West Point Emergency Ordinance Mayor Tramell asked for a motion to amend the City of West Point Emergency ordinance. The amended ordinance amends the code of the city; to temporarily prohibit Dine-In Services within eating establishments in the City; to require the temporary closure of certain businesses; to prohibit certain gatherings and to require personal distance spacing; to provide for interim succession of the City Manager; to institute a curfew; to repeal conflicting ordinances; to fix effective date; and for other purposes. The Official Code Georgia Annotated § 38-3-28 provides political subdivisions of this state with the authority to make, amend, and rescind such orders, rules, and regulations as may be necessary for emergency management purposes to supplement rules and regulations promulgated by the Governor during a State of Emergency. Section 24(b)(8) of the Charter of the City of West Point authorizes the Mayor and Council “to meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or public peace” The Mayor and Council hereby ratify the state of emergency in the City of West Point, as declared by emergency ordinance adopted March 21, 2020, and the terms of this amendment shall be effective for the duration of said initial emergency ordinance. Councilmember Deedee Williams made said motion. Councilmember Gloria R. Marshall seconded the motion; During the discussion, no recommended changes were made to Section 1 or Section 2. Councilmember Deedee Williams expressed concerns about the inside pick-ups for restaurants as it relates to maintaining the six (6) feet of personal 1 Page 2 of 2 distance. No changes were made to Section 3. No changes were made to Section 4. Councilmember Deedee Williams and Councilmember Henry Hutchinson suggested adding verbiage In Section 5 to specifically name Convivence Stores with establishments that must post signage on entrance doors informing consumers to maintain at least six (6) feet of personal distance between themselves and others as much as possible given the physical constraints of the premises. No recommended changes were made to Section 6. Section 7, Councilmember Deedee Williams asked who would be the person the City Manager would designate as the emergency interim successor if the City Manager is unable to perform his duties. After a lengthy discussion, it was determined there isn’t a person currently in place as an interim successor. No changes were made to Section 7. Section 8, there were a discussion as to how Law Enforcement would determine if a break in curfew was valid. Councilmember Henry Hutchinson suggested Law Enforcement post a statement explaining what they will use as valid reasons for breaking curfew. No changes were made to section 8. Section 9 the effective date was changed to Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Councilmember Deedee Williams asked questions concerning the grammar used in body of the ordinance. No changes were made to the grammar in the ordinance. The motion passed unanimously on roll call vote. Other Mayor Tramell stated he encouraged everyone to stay in unless it is necessary to go out, stay safe, and call to check on the elderly. Councilmember Sandra Thornton asked everyone to continue to pray for each other and call our senior citizens. She stated some of them are lonely and really need someone to talk to. ADJOURN Mayor Steve M. Tramell asked for a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Sandra Thornton made said motion, seconded by Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter; passed unanimously. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. _____________________ ______________________ Richard McCoy Steven M. Tramell City Clerk Mayor 2