After more than a year and a half, the Stockbridge City Council will again convene with each other in the same room as well as with their constituents.

A motion passed at the November 8 regular council meeting approving a return to in-person meetings as of December 13. A separate motion at the same meeting set the reopening of City Hall and other public buildings for November 15.

In other business, a proposed rezoning of some 79 acres along the Davidson Parkway corridor was denied. The request was to obtain M-1 (light manufacturing) zoning for the development of a business distribution center with five new buildings. A subsequent request to amend the comprehensive plan regarding the same property was also denied.

The council approved two major public works expenditures – a $614,190 contract for tank maintenance over ten years and a $759,307 bid for a sewer rehab project on Burke Street.

Vehicle purchases were approved for the city’s police department which is now being organized in the wake of the appointment of chief Frank Trammer. Also approved on behalf of the police department were job descriptions and an organizational chart as well as pay and classification details.

An agreement was approved forming a “sister city” relationship with the Afigya Kwabre South District of Ghana. According to officials, the primary aim is to foster mutually beneficial connections that will bring new businesses, tourism, and expand the cultural footprint on both sides of the world. A memorandum of understanding includes the designation of $5,500 for this initiative.