Government

South Fulton's City Council passed an emergency ordinance tonight requiring masks or facial coverings to be worn in public places starting tomorrow, July 11 at 12 p.m. The ordinance passed with a vote of 5 to 2. It's the latest step that officials in the city have taken to slow the spread of COVID-19. According to the legislation, anyone within six feet of another person that they do not live with will be required to wear a mask. All customers, visitors and delivery persons in commercial establishments are required to wear masks. Additionally, business owners, managers and supervisors must require their employees and contractors to wear a face covering at all times while interacting with the public. Anyone found to not be in compliance with the ordinance will initially receive ...

According to a news release, the City of South Fulton will start the first of a three-phase process to reopen on July 13. Many facilities have been closed to the public since the onset of COVID-19. “South Fulton residents are battling a colossal challenge – an invisible enemy that has tested each of us on a daily basis,” said Mayor William “Bill” Edwards. “But, overcoming challenges to create opportunities is something we’ve learned to do well, especially during this pandemic.” “We have shown we are able to move forward in the greatest of adversity, while maintaining the highest levels of safety,” Edwards added. “This determination will serve us well as we start to reopen the city as efficiently as possible.” Under South Fulton's proposed plan, the city will reopen offices with ...

Two bills authored by the South Fulton legislative delegation recently passed under the Gold Dome, HB 921 and HB 1019. The City Council is now challenging the merits of the legislation. In a special called emergency meeting yesterday, the City Council voted to authorize special counsel to advise them on both bills during an executive session. At the conclusion of the session, the body voted to have special counsel investigate the constitutionality of the legislation and report back in two weeks. They've also authorized a letter to be written to Governor Brian Kemp to notify him of the City Council's concerns. HB 921 would require the city attorney to be a city employee. He or she would be prohibited from engaging in private practice or representing any other government entity, agen...

Earlier today, South Fulton's City Council voted to recognize Juneteenth as an official city holiday. The legislation, first introduced in 2019, was sponsored by Councilmembers khalid kamau, Carmalitha Gumbs, Naeema Gilyard and Mark Baker. "We should own this holiday," said kamau. "Here on the southside, we are still driving down streets named by men who fought to keep our ancestors as slaves. With all that's going on in our country right now, Black people deserve to have places in America where being Black is not an obstacle to overcome, where we are actually celebrated." Juneteenth marks the date – June 19, 1865 – when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and declared "that all persons held as slaves" had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation issu...

Councilwoman Dr. Catherine Foster Rowell is resuming her quarterly town hall series this week. The meeting will be held today, June 15 at 6 p.m. via Zoom, and she's encouraging residents to tune in. Updates will be provided from city departments including Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. "In addition to hearing from the City of South Fulton parks and recreation staff about the park master planning process, we'll also offer information on improvements forthcoming to Trammell Crow Park," said Councilwoman Rowell. Details will also be shared on several developments in District 1 including the roundabout construction at Campbellton Road and Boat Rock Road, the Publix plaza at Sandtown Crossing II, and Riverside at Anthem, a new active adult senior housing ...