Snellville Council Meeting Notes: Jan. 9

Yes, there was tension. Yes, a few sparks flew. And, it's possible that Snellville Mayor Kelly Kautz said "you are out of order" too many times to count, but there was work completed.

If you weren't there, here's a rundown of the major decisions.

1. Public Hearing: Consideration and action on parliamentarian procedures

Item: This ordinance amendment would change the city council parliamentarian from the city attorney to a person chosen by council. This person would serve a one-year team.

Action: This action received a vote of 4-2, with council members Dave Emanuel, Diane Krause, Tom Witts and Bobby Howard voting for, and Mayor Kelly Kautz and Councilman Mike Sabbagh voting against.

2. New Business: Consideration and action on board and commission appointments

Item: Ten people were considered for seven positions on an array of boards, including Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, Downtown Development Authority, Urban Redevelopment Agency, Art Jurors, Parks and Recreation, and Gwinnett Municipal - County Planning Commission

Action: This measure failed with a vote of 4-2, with council members Dave Emanuel, Diane Krause, Tom Witts and Bobby Howard voting against, and Mayor Kelly Kautz and Councilman Mike Sabbagh voting for.

Witts wanted to call for discussion of the agenda item, but he was overruled by the mayor (also known as the chairwoman) who said the matter, according to Robert's Rules of Order, was not debatable. He appealed the decision, but was deemed "out of order."

The positions remain vacant.

3. New Business: Consideration and action on appointments to Snellville Tourism and Trade

Item: -- Claudette Forbes, Gloria Hallen and Glen Williams to the Snellville Tourism and Trade group.

Action: This measure was postponed until the February 13 meeting. The mayor indicated that she was looking to compromise on the item to include two of her choices and one of the people nominated by Snellville Tourism and Trade.

Councilman Tom Witts wanted those who were -- Gretchen Schulz, and Kelly McAloon -- to be voted on. However, the mayor overruled that, indicating that nominations were just that, and that the decision rests with appointments the mayor wants. (Then the city council would vote on those names from the mayor, not those nominated by STAT.) Witts appealed, and he was deemed "out of order."

4. New Business: Consideration and action to adopt five-year update to the Livable Center Intiative

Item: Council planned to adopt a resolution to update the LCI Action Plan with progress of development plans and future work. Previously, in 2003, the city received a grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission to conduct a study to prepare plans for upgrades to existing centers and corridors.

Action: This measure was approved unanimously, 6-0.

5. New Business: Consideration and action regarding chosing a mayor pro tem

Item: This agenda item was brought by Councilman Dave Emanuel, who believes the city charter allows the city council to chose a mayor pro tem.

Action: This measure was not heard, as it was determined to be "out of order" by the mayor. Councilman Mike Sabbagh is the current mayor pro tem, appointed by the mayor.

6. New Business: Consideration and action to adopt a resolution to open an ethics investigation

Item: Councilman Bobby Howard called for this agenda item, . The event in question is Sabbagh's appearance before the Marietta City Council.

Action: This measure was approved, with council members Bobby Howard, Diane Krause and Dave Emanuel voting for, Mayor Kelly Kautz voting against, Councilman Tom Witts abstaining from the vote, and Councilman Mike Sabbagh recusing himself.

7. New Business: Consideration and action on the Market Street Services, Inc., contract

Item: The city would pay $37,000 (plus $2,700 in estimated fees) to have the Market Street team lead them in strategic economic development plan.

Action: This measure passed unanimously, 6-0.