City Council Recap: Prayers, Tourism Week

The Mayor Pro Tem and the Board of Aldermen of the issued proclamations recognizing the National Day of Prayer and National Tourism Week before unanimously passing the consent agenda at Thursday evening's city council meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Butch Price read the proclamation for the National Day of Prayer, which was Thursday. On hand to receive the proclamation was Beth Watson. Both spoke of their strong Christian faith.

“It takes a lot to not be afraid to do the right thing these days,” said Watson. Price said he prays daily for Christian leadership at every level of state government and feels buoyed by the efforts of “prayer buddies,” one for each alderman.

Commenting on the increasingly secular and politically correct nature of public life in America, Price said that “sometimes it's okay to offend someone,” with a show of faith.

Alderman Bob Weatherford presented a proclamation honoring National Tourism Week. Tourism is a crucial part of the Cobb economy; visitors to the area pump over $1 billion into local economies each year. On hand to receive the proclamation from Weatherford was Kathy Buske, partner services manager at the Cobb County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

After passing the consent agenda, the floor was opened to the aldermen to make comments. Tim Richardson urged council members to show restraint in their expenditures in the coming months. Richardson cited as an example the $7,000 dollars spent by aldermen last year to attend various meetings and conventions. As cities all over the country tighten their belts and struggle to meet budgets, Richardson felt that frugality should rule the day. To that end, he asked the council to send only relevant city employees to July's Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG) conference on Amelia Island, FL.

Alderman Weatherford reminded the assembly that the is coming this weekend. Additionally, Weatherford praised the efforts of the “Young Aldermen” youth council, which is comprised of students from and North Cobb High Schools. The group functions like the Acworth City Council and recently carried out a public information project regarding safe driving. The group will present their project in a PowerPoint during the next City Council Meeting on May 19.

Former Mayor Bob Gibson was on hand to attend tonight's meeting with his wife and friends.

Notable items from the consent agenda are as follows:

• Acceptance of a $30,000 anonymous donation for the Expanding Horizons program.

• Release of $16,269.20 in raised funds to the Special Needs Development Group, Inc. The funds will go to the maintenance of Horizon Field.

• Candice Hardin, of 4177 Holly Ct., will have her permit to keep a pygmy goat extended for a year.

• Renewal of pollution legal liability, property and liability coverages through Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency for $284,787.

• Approval to adopt a commercial credit card account with SunTrust Bank.