Jan. 14 City Council Meeting Recap
Read through the live blog and find out what was resolved during the regularly scheduled meeting.
Key points:
- A vote of confidence in Tony Powell passed. Whether he remains City Attorney permanently remains to be seen, but right now, he is serving alongside Cruser and Mitchell, the attorneys Mayor Kelly Kautz appointed.
- An ordinance was passed to allow growlers in Snellville liquor stores. Growlers are reusable jugs that you can fill up with your favorite beer on tap.
- The council voted on a number of measures that change the official City Charter. Each change limits the mayor's power. This was a first reading; there will be another reading at the next council meeting. "The charter gives the mayor the right to hire and fire the city attorney," said Mayor Kautz. "The council is attempting to change this to make it require four votes of council."
- Jack Poles, who owns Wallpaper Your World, was nominated to serve on the Downtown Development Authority Board. He was approved. This was a contentious issue a few months ago when the Mayor nominated him, but the council would not approve him because he had not yet turned in his paperwork.
- Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts was reaffirmed as the Mayor Pro Tem. This happens every calendar year. He was approved 5-1, with the mayor voting against.
- An investigation will be launched concerning an ethics complaint filed against councilman Mike Sabbagh. The matter will hopefully be laid to rest when it is discussed again during the March 11 council meeting.
- George Anderson dismissed his complaint against Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts. He asked that the City dismiss their declaratory judgment against him.
Snellville Tod
10:35 pm on Monday, January 14, 2013
Sorry I missed the meeting. I was getting gum out of my eight year old's hair. Thank you for the great coverage Crystal. I was able to catch up and feel like I have a good grasp of what took place. Snellville Patch is providing a great service to our community.
Matt Czarick
10:53 pm on Monday, January 14, 2013
So let me make sure I understand this. George Anderson, who is a resident of Rome, Ga and as he stated tonight is disabled, broke, and who had to work 3 hours last week at Subway just so he could put enough gas money in his car to make the round trip drive to Snellville came to berate 4 members of the city council only because he is concerned about our citizens? The members he so rudely addressed are only trying to clarify the ambiguity of the city charter. I don't for one second believe he drove half way across the state just out of the "goodness of his heart". Given his situation it make no sense. The mayor and the council work for and have to answer to the citizens of Snellville, not A citizen of Rome. Mr. Anderson, what is your connection to the city of Snellville or Mayor Kautz? Why would you care about what happens in our little city? While I appreciate your "concern" for us citizens of Snellville, how about you watch over your city and we will watch over ours.
Kenneth Stepp
6:02 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Crystal
Another amazing job by our favorite Patch person. I am going to check on the live video feed and give you the details. That along with the live blog could really be an exciting night. Thank you for all you do.
Paula Girard
8:50 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2013
We appreciate all that you do for us, Crystal.
Vicki E. Pomeroy
1:40 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Crystal,
As I foretold when you were promoted to Editor of our Patch, you have become a very important and valuable part of our city and I personally am very grateful for all you do.
Brenda Lee
9:46 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2013
IMHO, Crystal is of the same caliber of objective reporters that have covered Snellville in the past, Carole Townsend (GDP), Gail Lane & Sharon Swanepole (Loganville-Grayson Patch), Shane Blatt (AJC).
All I've ever asked of reporters is, be objective in your reporting and quote me accurately. Beyond that, it's my job to get my message out to the public. They aren't paid to be my public relations person.
Crystal, thank you for your professionalism and particulary for bringing "live blogging" to Snellville.