Council seeks clear rules for use of city facilities, town halls and council‑sponsored events

Council members discussed gaps in written policy for the use of city facilities by council members, nonprofits and third parties and debated whether to treat councilmember‑initiated or council‑sponsored activities differently than nonprofit or private events. Councilmember (speaker) described a proposed backpack giveaway and asked whether that would be treated as a city event, a council member event or a nonprofit event. Police and legal staff cautioned that if an event is open to the public and expected to draw crowds the city should plan for off‑duty officers for security, parking and traffic control; otherwise the city could assume liability if crowds require public safety resources. The police chief said the department sometimes answers county calls under mutual aid and cannot rely on county staffing to cover city events. City Attorney explained that town halls may trigger the Georgia Open Meetings Act if a quorum of the governing body is present: in that case published notice, an agenda, signage and minutes (for later approval) are required. If no quorum attends, the Open Meetings Act does not apply and the group has more flexibility. Several council members recommended categorizing events into two types: city‑sponsored events (with policies and budget allocations) and nonprofit/third‑party events that must follow established facility‑use rules. Council asked staff to draft formal guidance on event categories and town hall procedures and to bring a recommended policy back to the council. No formal ordinance change was made at the work session.