Council removes proposed parade and public‑assembly ordinance after council debate

The Villa Rica City Council debated a proposed replacement ordinance addressing parades, demonstrations and public assemblies and ultimately voted to remove the item from consideration on July 14.

Attorney Smith presented what staff described as a more comprehensive ordinance than the city’s current short permitting section (Section 22‑1). Several council members criticized the timing of the proposal and said they had not had enough time to review the substantial changes. Concerns included potential First Amendment implications, limits on amplified sound near meetings, and whether the city already had sufficient legal authority.

“Timing is everything,” Councilmember Warmoth said, expressing discomfort moving forward that night and urging more review. Councilmember Conte and others asked that staff return with a revised proposal after additional deliberation; the council voted to remove the item from the agenda until further notice.

Attorney Smith described the draft as an effort to consolidate existing rules, add administrative clarity and reduce the need to litigate by embedding distilled case-law guidance into local procedure. Council members said they support the right to protest but want clearer public discussion before enacting broader rules.

The motion to remove the ordinance from consideration passed following a second and unanimous voice vote. Council directed staff to revise the draft and seek further feedback before reintroducing it.