Agenda: Topics Discussed
The agenda is used as an official working guide from which the Council conducts its meetings. The agenda, which is prepared by staff in consultation with the Mayor, includes current legislative and policy issues which must be reviewed by the Council.
While items are usually placed on the agenda at the request of the Council or staff members, citizens who would like the Council to review a particular item should send a formal written request to the Office of the City Clerk, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 220; Austell, Georgia 30106. The item will be reviewed to determine whether it should be handled administratively, referred to a board or commission, or added to an upcoming City Council agenda.
The agenda, staff reports, and other background material may be reviewed at the City Clerk's Office beginning on the Monday before a Council meeting. The City Council agenda can be viewed here.
Addressing the Mayor and City Council
Anyone wishing to speak on an item listed on the agenda, or to bring up an item not listed, will have the opportunity to address those under the Citizens report. Those wishing to be heard should submit their request prior to the meeting to the Office of City Clerk.
Speakers should speak directly to the City Council and state their name and address for the record. Presentations should be clear and concise. Groups and organizations are asked to designate one spokesperson whenever possible. Repetition of ideas expressed by other speakers should be avoided.
Every effort will be made to ensure that citizens have ample opportunity to address the City Council.
Agenda Format
Consent Calendar
Composed of those items which require only routine review by the Council. Only one motion is needed for the approval of all items listed on the Consent Calendar. Any Council Member or staff member may request that a specific item be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action.
Ceremonial Matters
Special presentations or announcements at the beginning of the meeting.
Public Hearings
Hearings on matters of importance or legal requirement, often referred by the Planning and Zoning Board or another City Commission. Meetings are generally held on dates announced at a commission meeting or by mailed notice and/or newspaper publication.
New Business
Items to be reviewed and discussed by the City Council.
Ordinances for Adoption
Ordinances which have been introduced by the City Council at a previous meeting. Public comment is invited at this time.
Other Business
An opportunity for citizens to bring up issues or concerns not listed on the agenda. No formal Council action will be taken.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, those requiring accommodations for the meeting should notify the City Clerk's Office at (770) 944-4326 24 hours prior to the meeting.
Council Actions
Motions
The least formal of Council actions. May be used to approve, deny, or continue items, accept reports, or establish Council policy or procedures.
Resolutions
Formalized Council actions which become effective upon adoption.
Ordinance
Legal instruments or laws used to affect general health, safety, and welfare of the public. Most become part of the Municipal Code. With the exception of emergency ordinances, all Ordinances are introduced at a previous meeting and become effective thirty days after adoption.
Types of City Council Meetings
Regular Meetings
Held on the 1st and Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Austell City Hall Council Chambers located at 2716 Broad Street, SW.
Special Called Meetings
Held as needed to provide the City Council vote on emergency issues.
Pre-Agenda Sessions
Held by the City Council the last Monday of each month, beginning at 6:00 PM for the purpose of briefly reviewing the agenda. No formal action is taken at this time. These sessions are open to the public.
Closed Sessions
Held for the specific purpose of addressing a personnel or litigation matter. For reasons of confidentiality, these sessions are closed to the general public.