Before the typical government proceedings, two special city-wide proclamations for the month of April were announced at the latest Richmond Hill City Council meeting.
The first proclamation was in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, which is traditionally celebrated in the month of April. Per a definition from the Mayo Clinic, autism spectrum disorder is a “a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others”. Mayor Russ Carpenter read out a proclamation to recognize Autism Acceptance Month, and later handed out a plaque to Lauren Green of Hope ABA, a Richmond Hill-based pediatric clinic for children with autism and related diagnoses.
“Each individual with autism is unique with talents and qualities such as exceptional focus and dedication,” read Carpenter. “Autistic people should have every opportunity to reach their full potential and the whole of society stands to benefit from this.”
“The City of Richmond Hill is honored to take part in the annual observance of Autism Acceptance month to bring awareness to the diversities of individuals with autism and their families.”
The next proclamation was to designate April as Month of the Military Child, in an effort to recognize the unique contributions that children of military families make to the Richmond Hill community.
“Military children demonstrate exceptional courage as hey adapt to frequent relocations, deployments and the uncertainties that come with the service of a parent in the armed forces,” read Carpenter in his written proclamation.
The proclamation also recognized Richmond Hill veteran-owned, non-profit Combat Boots 2 the Boardroom and their efforts to uplift the community, including their “Bookmobile”– an initiative to support childhood literacy and education.
“Combat Boots 2 the Boardroom collaborates with local schools to engage students and families in recognizing the importance of supporting military children, raising awareness for literacy programs and encouraging community involvement in the development of well-rounded, resilient youth,” said Carpenter.
Other business
Items on the Consent Agenda were quickly approved, including approval of pedestrian infrastructure improvement projects on Ivey Street and Timber Trail, totaling $9,967.27 and $26,589.32, respectively. Items under Planning & Zoning that were approved include an acceptance of a warranty/maintenance bond in the amount of $116,131.00 for Heartwood 6B-1B and one for Twin Oaks, Phase I in the amount of $383,361.90. Councilmember Robbie Ward recused himself from the Twin Oaks vote. The revenue ordinance fee changes for Planning & Zoning were also approved under the Planning & Zoning bloc.
Mayor Russ Carpenter recognized Georgia Cities Week, a statewide initiative that aims to “to celebrate cities, their constituents, and their communities.” Carpenter said that the City of Richmond Hill plans to celebrate Georgia Cities Week in April through various events including a fishing derby, bulk trash pickup, and a Spring Fling. More details will be communicated via social media channels. The City Council approved a City Hall renovation award to Parker Properties, LLC for a total base bid of $221,770. The renovation aims to fix up the front door of City Hall, as well as some iron railings and uneven steps, among other things.
