South Fulton’s Mayor and City Council will hold a special called meeting on Friday, Dec. 27 at 2:30 p.m. at City Hall, 5440 Fulton Industrial Blvd.
The meeting agenda includes discussion regarding the Mayor’s veto of the hearing officer section of Resolution 2019-060 and his veto of Agreement 2019-032 Professional Services Agreement for City Attorney. The vetoes were issued on Friday, Dec. 20.
Resolution 2019-060 set a hearing on Dec. 30 to investigate the roles Mayor Bill Edwards and Councilwoman Helen Willis played in a development deal between Halperns’ Steak and Seafood and the Development Authority of Fulton County. In the resolution, the designation and role of the hearing officer were left to the discretion of Special Attorney John Mrosek. Mayor Edwards vetoed this section citing financial impact. Mrosek said that a hearing officer is not required for the proceeding under Georgia law.
On Dec. 16, City Attorney Emilia Walker presented a contract to the city council for review and approval. Reasons cited for Mayor Edward’s veto of the contract included: it was presented to the council one hour before the meeting, prohibiting meaningful discussion; the contract was never give to the finance department for proper vetting and remarks; section titled “Termination” is believed by the Mayor to violate Section 4.12 of the city charter; it is the custom that all contracts be reviewed by an attorney; and at the time of contract approval, funding had not been identified by the finance department.
The special called meeting on Dec. 27 is open to the public. Any questions should be directed to the City Clerk at 404-809-7272.