Resident seeks city partnership for senior services; separate commenter raises water concerns tied to county biolab

Tiffany Howard, a Conyers resident and founder of the nonprofit Stimulate America, used the public comment period to describe the group’s Magnolia Club initiative, a free program for people age 60 and older that offers social events, memory exercises and resource fairs. Howard said Stimulate America has produced large events in the Atlanta area and requested to work with Conyers to bring jobs, housing and senior resources to the city.

"We provide free resources, education, and aid to American citizens who have been continuously affected by economic strife," Howard said, and described recent events that included live music and a community meal for about 350 seniors. Howard asked the council to partner with her group on upcoming Magnolia Club events and said Stimulate America plans local giveaways and partnerships with small businesses.

A different resident raised concerns about chemicals in the water following media reports connected to a bio-research facility outside city limits. The mayor and other council members said the facility and the water system are under Rockdale County jurisdiction and recommended the resident address the matter at a Rockdale County Commission meeting. "The biolab is actually outside the city limits that's in the county, so we don't have anything to do with permits or inspections and the water department is owned by Rockdale County," the mayor said.

Council staff indicated that county commissioners have previously received public comments on the matter and that residents with concerns could present them to the county body.