The Griffin City Commissioners will meet January 27^th In the Meeting room at 100 South Hill Street.

During the meeting the Commissioners will recognize Butch Richardson, with the Water Department, as 2014′s “Strongest Link” Award recipient.

The Commissioners will consider a proclamation declaring January 21, 2015 to be Kiwanis International Day.

The Commissioners will conduct Public Hearings to receive comments regarding a request amending the Unified Development Code of Griffin to allow for manufacturing of alcoholic beverages as a Special Use permitted in the Central Business District (CBD).

Approve a change order to the contract with Renfroe Construction in the amount of $188,324.01 for the construction of the new Electric Operations facilities7.

Consider a timber sales agreement with Murdock Forest Management, Inc. for the procurement of timber harvesting at the Still Branch Regional Reservoir spray field for the Water and Wastewater Department.

Consider approval of the Tree Trimming and Removal Services to Southern Pride Tree Care & Removals primary and JTH Coleman Group dba Tatum Tree Care as secondary service for the Public Works and Utilities Department.

Consider the approval to purchase a F250 Pick Up Truck from Speedway Ford in the amount of $24,822.00 and declare surplus unit # 863 for the Water and Wastewater.

Consider approval of a purchase for a F150 Pick Up Truck from Speedway Ford in the amount of$22,040.88 and declare the surplus unit # 851 for the Water and Wastewater.

Approve the Downtown LCI Concept of one travel lane northbound and one travel lane southbound on

GA Highway 155, Both sides of downtown GA SR 155 will have extended parking stalls, bulb outs at intersections and travel lanes will be shared bike lanes.

Consider a request from the Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee to make improvements and additions to the Veterans Memorial Park located inside the Oak Hill Cemetery.

Consider approval, on second reading, of amendment to the Alcohol Ordinance to include the requirements for the installation of security cameras at those businesses licensed to sell alcohol by the package for off premises consumption.

Consider a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Griffin, Spalding County Board of Commissioners, Griffin/Spalding Board of Education, and the UGA Partners, agreeing to participate in the development and implementation of the Spalding County Archway Partnership.

Appoint one (1) member to the Historic Preservation Commission. The term of Matthew Rahn expired on 12/31/14.

Appoint two (2) members to the Three Rivers Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Advisory Council.

McLemore Receives Training Certificate

Griffin Mayor Ryan McLemore received the prestigious Certificate of Recognition from the Georgia Municipal Training Institute at the Georgia Municipal Association’s (GMA) Annual Mayors’ Day Conference in Atlanta on January 25.

The Georgia Municipal Training Institute, a cooperative effort of GMA and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, provides a nationally recognized series of training opportunities for elected city officials. To receive a Certificate of Recognition, a city official must complete a minimum of 42 units of credit, including at least 18 hours from the required list. The training program consists of a series of more than 50 courses.  

“This is an outstanding achievement,” said GMA Executive Director Lamar Norton. “We commend Mayor McLemorefor this accomplishment and for the dedication he’s shown in using this valuable resource to become a more effective city official.”           

Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, research, training, employee benefit and technical consulting services to its 521 member cities.

SPALDNG COMMISSIONERS MEETING

The Spalding County Commissioners met Monday night at 6 pm at the courthouse annex meeting room.

During the meeting the Commissioners approved a Proclamation celebrating the Centennial Anniversary of Kiwanis International and proclaiming January 21, 2015 as Kiwanis International Day in Spalding County.   This proclamation recognized the Centennial Anniversary of Kiwanis International and the many local contributions that the Kiwanis Club of Griffin makes to improve community life.

Johnny McDaniel accepted the framed proclamation.   He and several other Kiwanis members were present. Pancake Day is Saturday February 7 th at the fairgrounds.

Miller Edwards IV of Maudlin & Jenkins LLC was present to present the June 30, 2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report to the commissioners. His findings were the county had a clean audit opinion with no findings. This is good and the 2014 expenditures came in $2.4 million under budget.

The Commissioners Approved on second reading an ordinance amending the fiscal year 2015 budget to record proceeds of a $9100 donation from the Disc Golf Association to begin construction of a Disc Golf Course at Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park.

Approved on second reading a rezoning application from the Mabbett Family Limited Partnership, Owners – 300 Airport Road (0.14 acres) – requesting a rezoning from R-1, Single Family Residential Low Density, to C-1 Highway Commercial. A Public hearing and 1st reading was approved on January 22, 2015.

The Commissioners appointed John Hamilton to the Region IV Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.

The Commissioners approved a request from Pulte Homes to approve the final plat for Sun City Peachtree Subdivision – Pod 29 B.   and acceptance of Right-of-Way Deed from Pulte Homes for roads in Pod 29 B (Sun City Peachtree Subdivision). The Right-of-Way Deeds are for Sweet gum Drive and Crape Myrtle Drive.

The Commissioners set February 16, 2015 date for a public hearing to establish as street lighting districts for Sun City Peachtree – Pods 29 B and 31 C

After a lengthy discussion the commissioners tabled until their next regular scheduled meeting the recommendation of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission to transfer the youth football program to the South Atlanta Youth Association.

The Commissioners also approved a recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission for the Parks & Recreation Department to partner with the AMBUCS Club to host a Kick-Ball League. This is an additional level of service the county can provide at very little cost.

After lengthy discussion by a 3/2 vote the Commissioners approved a Portable Restroom Trailer Use Policy as recommended by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission.

The Commissioners approved a request of the Chamber of Commerce for a letter stating that Spalding County has no objection to the State granting a one-day alcohol license for the Annual Business at the Tee fundraising Golf Tournament to be held on April 13, 2015 at Sun City Peachtree. This is an annual request.

The Commissioners approved a request from the Honor our KIA Committee for use of the Park @ 6th for a US Flag display from May 17-26, 2015. The Honor our KIA Committee are requesting the County waive the normal rental fee for this event as there are County and City Commissioners serving on this committee along with City and County staff, Chamber Representatives and many other community organizations participating in this project.

The Commissioners Reappointed: Commissioner Raymond Ray to the Griffin-Spalding Airport Authority Post 1 for a term to coincide with his elective office. Commissioner Ray has served on the Griffin-Spalding County Airport Authority since his appointment on 5/21/2012.

The commissioners appointed Commissioner Bart Miller to the CERT Administrative Council to succeed Commissioner Samuel C Gardner. Commissioners Raymond Ray and Chipper Gardner currently sit on the CERT Administrative Council.

The Commissioners appointed Tammy Daniels to the Board of Elections to succeed William S. “Billy” McDaniel for a term to end December 31, 2018.

The Commissioners approved the ZSI/Judicial Alternatives of Georgia, Inc. Probation Services Agreement for the Superior Court of Spalding County. This contract will replace the current contract the county has had for several years with ZSI Services. There will be No cost to the County or the Court.

Also approved was a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Griffin, Griffin- Spalding Board of Education and the Board of Regents of the University of Georgia to establish a Spalding County Archways Partnership. Memorandum of Understanding has been approved by the Griffin-Spalding Board of Education, the City of Griffin and the University of Georgia. This MOU is effective July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, and may be terminated by any party with 90 days advanced notice. The three local entities will agree to expend $20,000 each for a total of $60,000 in FY 2016. UGA agrees to expend $121,000.

A resolution authorizing the Griffin-Spalding County Airport Authority Bond issuance and authorizing the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement among the County, City and Airport Authority was approved.   In April of 2014 the county signed the formal funding agreement which approved joint funding of the existing airport operations and would terminate in 2023.

The Commissioners approved a resolution approving the execution of an Intergovernmental Contract with the Spalding County Water & Sewerage Facilities Authority relating to the issuance of 2015 bonds to refund a portion of the 2008 bond issue. The SCWA has the opportunity to take advantage of the current lower bond market and refinance their Series 2008 issue and reduce their annual payments by 13% resulting in a $98,000 per year savings.

The Commissioners approved the adoption of a Resolution establishing a policy for the use of Spalding County Board of Commissioners Official Letterhead Stationary. The new policy states no person shall use the official letterhead of the Spalding County Board of Commissioners without prior written approval of the Board. The new policy exempts the use for the County Manager. If a Commissioner uses stated letterhead a copy will be forwarded to the County Clerk as official custodian of Spalding County Records.

The Commissioners approved to allow a right of way for a natural gas line on “The Lakes Parkway” to the industrial park.

Coach Eddie Payne joins Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) as the system’s part-time athletic director. He has over 37 years of experience in high school athletics.

Payne will be responsible for providing all GSCS coaches with professional development to ensure compliance with county, state and national regulations. He will oversee athletic policies and procedures and serve as a liaison to the Georgia High School Association and Georgia Department of Education.  Additional responsibilities include representing GSCS at athletic events, responding to public athletic concerns, coordinating the system’s athletic budget and assisting with transportation for athletic competitions.

Coach Payne began his career in athletics in 1976. He was a teacher in Madison, Georgia, a physical education teacher and defensive coordinator for Griffin High School and served as head football coach and athletic director in the Heard County School System. For the past 14 years, Payne has been serving as the athletic director and administrator for the Thomaston-Upson County School System.

Griffin-Spalding County School System Superintendent, Dr. Curtis L. Jones Jr., said, “We are glad to have Coach Payne back at GSCS. His investment in incorporating character building programs in athletics makes him a great fit for GSCS. I know his extensive experience and success will greatly assist and enhance our system’s athletic programs. “

Susan Egan to Perform at the Auditorium in Griffin, Ga. on February 5, 2015

Live On Stage, Inc. and the Griffin Area Concert Association announce “high-voltage performer”  as part of their 2014 – 2015 Concert Season. 

Susan Egan has been nicknamed “the Belle of Broadway” for her renowned performance as Belle in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Described as “dynamic, irresistible” and “a beacon of enchantment” (The Cleveland Plain Dealer), Egan will present a program of smash hits and amusing anecdotes from the Great White Way at the Griffin Auditorium, Griffin, Georgia, on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets for this performance are $20.00; children are admitted free with an adult ticketholder. A group rate of $15.00 per ticket is available for parties of ten or more.

Tickets may be purchased at the door beginning at 7:00 p.m., online at www.brownpapertickets.com, and locally at Griffin-Spalding County Chamber of Commerce, FNB Main, Zebulon branches, and A Novel Experience Bookstore in Zebulon. For more information visit www.griffinconcerts.org or call 770-228-3229 or email at GACA1958@yahoo.com 

Susan Egan has earned acclaim in theatre, film, television and music.  Her success on Broadway is legendary: she earned both Tony Award and Drama Desk nominations for “Best Actress” as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast;” she appeared in the starring role of “Thoroughly Modern Millie;” and played Broadway’s longest-running Sally Bowles in “Cabaret.”  Egan has appeared with Carol Burnett (“Putting It Together”) and Tommy Tune (“Bye, Bye Birdie”).  Film credits include the voice of Meg in Disney’s “Hercules” and television appearances span from “House” and “NUMB3RS,” to “All My Children” and PBS “Great Performances.” She concertizes regularly in intimate vocal/piano duo performances, with symphonies, including the Los Angeles and Hong Kong orchestra, and special events at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.   Egan has over 40 recording credits for Disney, and six solo CDs. Her 2004 album “Coffee House” was awarded “Best Vocalist” by www.TalkingBroadway.com.  Follow this link to view a video featuring Susan Egan.

The Griffin Area Concert Association has been presenting nationally acclaimed performers to the community since 1958.  This all-volunteer nonprofit organization is committed to enriching the cultural life of the Griffin-Spalding County area through live performances.  Thanks to the generosity of Patrons and Sponsors, these concerts can be offered at affordable, family friendly prices.

Live On Stage, Inc. provides excellent, affordable, entertainment attractions and support services to an American community of concert presenters.  View a video about Live On Stage.

The Griffin Police Department is seeking your help in identifying the above suspect.  On January 12, 2014 at approximately 10:45pm the above pictured suspect entered the Shell Gas station located at the intersection of Williamson Rd. and Pine Hill Rd. armed with a large framed silver revolver. He then demanded money and after getting a large amount of cash the suspect shot the clerk and fled the scene on foot.  The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect please contact Sgt. Sommer Bales with the Criminal Investigations Division of the Griffin Police Department at 770-229-6450, ext. 507 or 911

Sheriff Wendell Beam has advised WKEU news that a six month investigation into the possession and sale of illegal drugs concluded on January 26, 2015 with the arrests of three people. The investigation was conducted by the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, the Griffin Police Department Narcotics Unit, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Christopher Bailey

At approximately 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2015 Christopher Dayne Bailey, age 36, of 2464 Steele Road, Griffin, was arrested and charged with 4 ounces of methamphetamine and a quantity of Oxycodone pills. A search warrant was executed at his residence. kDuring a search of his residence 27 grams of methamphetamine, 40 grams of marijuana, and a quantity of Xanax pills were located. Bailey’s fiancée, Heather Nicole Smith, age 29, also of 2464 Steele Road, Griffin, Georgia, was also arrested.

Heather Nicole Smith

Following the execution of the search warrant on Steele Road, a search warrant was executed at 110 Antebellum Way in Fayetteville, Georgia. At this location 5 ounces of methamphetamine, an assault rifle and 3 other firearms, and $35,000.00 in cash were seized.

As a result of the investigation the following people were arrested:

Christopher Dayne Bailey, age 36, of 2464 Steele Road, Griffin, Georgia charged with;

1. Trafficking methamphetamine

2. Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute (2 counts)

3. Possession of methamphetamine (2 counts)

4. Felony possession of marijuana

5. Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute

Heather Nicole Smith, age 29, of 2464 Steele Road, Griffin, Georgia charged with;

1. Party to the crime of trafficking methamphetamine

2. Party to the crime of possession of methamphetamine

3. Possession of Alprazolam

4. Possession of marijuana

5. Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute

6. Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute

7. Felony tampering with evidence

Shawn Perkins aka Shawn Gregory, age 33, of 110 Antebellum Way, Fayetteville, Georgia charged with;

1. Trafficking in methamphetamine

2. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

3. Violation of parole

Christopher Dayne Bailey and Heather Nicole Smith are being held in the Spalding County Jail without bond.

Shawn Christopher Perkins aka Shawn Gregory, is being held in the Fayette County Jail without bond.

The Griffin Branch NAACP will open to the public its regular membership meeting on Saturday morning, Feb. 7 at the Eighth Street Baptist Church  at 9:30. This  is an  effort to support the  continuation of the eSPLOST and to provide to members of this community all of the necessary information to allow you to cast an informed ballot on March 17, 2015.  Please  come out and hear the superintendent of the Griffin –Spalding County School System, Dr. Curtis Jones, explain the provisions of the SPLOST and the impact it will have for our schools. Dr. Jones will also discuss the new Regional College Career Academy which is coming to Griffin and  will  be open to other  educational issues of interest to you.

Jamarris Williams enters the courtroom Tuesday before his guilty plea. Behind him is Capt. David Knight of the LCSO. (Photo: Walter Geiger)

Jamarris Williams was in Lamar Couinty supeior Court on Wednesday where he entered a guilty plea to one count of felony murder.  He was entenced to life in prison by Judge Bill Fears.

About 11:30 Friday Morning units of the Spalding Sheriffs Department, Spalding Coroner Sonny Foster, and Spalding Regional EMS were called to the Orchard Hill Trailer park on Macon Road to a body that was found unresponsive and not breathing. The individual was identified as Stacy Mobley who was living in a trailer with another male individual that found him and called officials. Coroner Foster pronounced Mr. Mobley dead a the scene and had his body transported to the state crime lab for a determination as to the exact cause of death.

The Commissioners will consider a Joint Proclamation declaring the week of February 16-20, 2015 to be “Small Business Week.”  And Consider Proclamation declaring February 20, 2015 to be “Arbor Day 2015.”

The Commissioners will recognize Frank Carrington, with the Solid Waste Department, as the January 2015 “Strongest Link” award recipient.

Consider the reading of a conflict of interest statement regarding the City of Griffin’s Community Development Block.

Consider for approval the purchase of 12 (twelve) four-yard commercial front- load, 12 (twelve) six-yard commercial front-load, 10 (ten) eight-yard commercial front-load , and 4 (four) thirty-yard open-top containers for use in the Commercial Collections Division of the Solid Waste Dept. from Wastequip Inc, the NJPA and State of GA. approved vendor for the total purchase price of $42,266.12.

Consider the approval of awarding the bid of $33,809.24 for the undercarriage overhaul of the D155 Komatsu Dozier operated at the Shoal Creek Landfill to Tractor & Equipment Company, the most responsive bidder.

Consider approval of the purchase of one set of TNT Extrication Tools (Jaws of Life) in the amount of $22,872.00 and amend the budget accordingly.

Consider approval of a Resolution approving the Bond Resolution of the Griffin-Spalding County Airport Authority authorizing the issuance of up to $7,000,000.00 in aggregate principal amount of Griffin-Spalding County Airport Authority Revenue Bonds, Series 2015; authorizing execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement among Spalding County, City of Griffin, and the Authority; and authorizing the Chairperson and other officers of the City to take actions necessary for the Authority to issue and deliver its Revenue Bonds.

Consider the approval of a Task Order Form to Paragon Consulting Group for the construction management of Intersection #1 (N. Hill St / N. 6th St.) of the 2008 SPLOST in the amount of $52,380.00 for the Public Works and Utilities Department.

Consider the approval of a professional services agreement with Governmental Enterprises for the recovery of state sales tax for the Public Works and Utilities Department. Appoint one (1) member to the Historic Preservation Commission.

Consider Resolution urging the Georgia General Assembly and our local delegation to strongly oppose any bill, provision or measure to reallocate local sales tax funding from local governments to the state of Georgia and to further urge they not approve any provision of a transportation bill that authorizes double taxation of municipal residents.

Consider updated Resolution making appointment to the office of Municipal Court Clerk to make correction to approved compensation for said position.

Consider approving Resolution to Appoint a Municipal Court Solicitor for the City of Griffin, revised to clarify compensation.

Consider Resolution to appoint an Assistant Municipal Court Solicitor for the City of Griffin to serve in the absence of Municipal Court Solicitor.