The Griffin City Commissioners met Tuesday night February 24 th at 6 pm at 100 South Hill Street.

The first order of business at the Griffin City Commissioners meeting Tuesday February 24^th   The commissioners recognized Mrs. Johnnie Stephens, Office Administrator for the Solid Waste Department who retired on January 31, 2015. She was presented a plaque for her 12 1/2 years of dedicated service to the City of Griffin.  

Ms Yvonne Langford, 245 Meriwether Street, addressed the Commission regarding concerns with the parking changes in the 200 block of Meriwether Street. Parking spaces were moved from parallel on both sides of the street to angled parking on the south side of the street. These changes took away the loading zone and took all of the customer parking from the odd number side to the street and moved those parking places to the even numbered side of Meriwether street. The loss of the loading zone created a problem for UPS, FEDEX, U.S.  Postal Service and paper delivery companies to businesses.

The commissioners by a 7/0 vote voted to change the parking back to parallel parking like it was before.

The commissioners denied a variance request from Southern Digital Displays to reduce the front yard setback from seventy five feet to forty five feet and the side yard setback from seventy five feet to ten feet for a proposed billboard sign at 1108 Zebulon Rd. Based upon Staff evaluation, the applicant’s request does not meet the hardship requirements as set forth in the Variance application.

The commissioners approved on first reading an ordinance requesting the de- annexation of approximately 30 +/- acres located along Williamson Road just west of South Pine Hill Road to include property known as tax parcel numbers 054 Block 01 Lot 001 submitted by Bankston Properties LLC. In order to qualify for USDA Grant Funding, the property needs to be considered rural to meet the grant qualification restrictions.

Approved a Resolution to submit the 2015 Community Development Block Grant  application for $500,000 to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to make public water and sewer infrastructure improvements in the Northeast Griffin low-income area (Zone 7 & 8). This area includes portions of Jefferson Street, Adams Street, Washington Street,  E. Tinsley, E. Quilly Street, E Central Avenue, E Broadway, N 2nd Street N. 3rd Street, N 4th Street and N 5th Street.

The Commissioners tabled at this time a Resolution providing direction and authority for the acquisition of real property located at 722 North Hill Street, to be used for construction of the N. Sixth Street Realignment Project. 

Approved a supplemental resolution to ratify final acquisition of land interests required for Georgia Department of Transportation for City of Griffin Intersection Improvements.  The Board approved a Resolution to Acquire the interests in land needed for this project on September 9, 2014, and set the terms and conditions for initial offers to land owners. This Project required acquisition of 2 parcels in their entirety due to uneconomic remnants; in addition, the City elected to acquire the entirety of 2 other parcels to allow for passive parks and landscaping of this transportation corridor.

The Commissioners approved the purchase of two (2) 2015 Dodge Durango SUV’s from Akin’s Ford Dodge, state contract vendor, in the amount of $58,344 and equipment and installation by Trans-Comm Services in the amount of $8055. These vehicles will replace two retired units. The new vehicles were approved as 2014 models in a previous request. Vendor was unable to provide the vehicles in the 2014 model year.

Approved the purchase of a 2015 Dodge Journey in the amount of $27,039 from Cronic Dodge under State contract, and the installation of equipment in the amount of $600 by TransComm Services, for the Police Department using asset forfeiture funds. This vehicle will be utilized by the Special Investigative Unit.

Approved:  of Phase II of the Way Finding Sign Program to Creative Design Signs in the amount of $86,240.00 for Public Works of the Public Works and Utilities Department. The Way Finding program was competitively bid and Creative Design Signs was awarded the contract for this Project in 2013-2014. The signs Type C (yellow) coded are Vehicular Directional Signs; the Type G (green) coded are Parking ID signs. Signs C to be located along GA SR16 and GA SR155 and  at Parking locations. COG received a Tourism Product Development Grant of $20,000.00 to support this effort.

Approved of a task order to Burns-McDonnell for the development of construction documents for the integration of a Variable Frequency Drive unit for Still Branch Water Treatment Plant in the amount of $147,300.00. A high pressure pump was rendered in-operative and currently is under evaluation by the insurance adjuster for the cause of failure.

Approved the purchase of a Toro Groundsmaster 360 turf mower from Jerry Pate Turf in the amount of $26,168.83 off state contract for the City of Griffin Municipal Golf Course of the Public Works and Utilities Department.  And a 2015 F150 pickup truck from lowest bidder, Speedway Ford for $24,021.88 and a 2015 F150 pick up truck from Speedway Ford in the amount of $21,506.00 and declare surplus the existing 2001 Dodge 1500 pickup truck with 210,000 miles.

Also approved the purchase a 2015 F-350 Service Truck off state contract from Speedway Ford in the amount of $43,168.00 and surplus the existing 1999 F350 truck with 234,652 miles for the Water and Wastewater Department .

Approved a professional services agreement with Hazen and Sawyer for the Engineer of Record of the City of Griffin’s Category I Dams as required by Georgia Environmental Protection Division for the Water and Wastewater Department of the Public Works and Utilities Department.  The Georgia Safe Dams Program requires that a state approved engineer of record be responsible to review category one dams.

Approved completion of the Griffin Power Line Construction and Technical Services facility being constructed at the former Thomas Packing site. The project will be completed under budget and ahead of schedule.

Approved authorizing the City Attorney to work with our local legislative delegation to introduce local legislation to increase the City of Griffin Hotel / Motel tax from 7% to 8%.  Based on a presentation by the Main Street Chairman at the City goals workshop on February 10, the consensus of the Commission was to increase the tax to the same amount the county was proposing which is 8%. The 1% increase would result in an increase in anticipated City revenue of $8570.

The Commissioners approved travel expenses for Commissioner Morrow to attend the GMA Spring Legislative Policy Council Meeting, April 29-30, 2015 in Athens, Georgia. Lodging will be $119.00; travel to Athens will be $92.40; and meals $100.00, for a total expenditure of $311.40.  This is a budgeted expense for City Commission Travel.

Parents of prospective Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Pre-kindergarten students are invited to attend a parent meeting on March 9, at 6 p.m. in the Griffin Auditorium, 234 E. Taylor St. During the Pre-K parent meeting, parents will learn about Georgia’s Pre-k program, the registration process and will receive the complete registration packet.
Attending this meeting is very beneficial for Pre-K parents. Receiving the registration information early will give them time to complete the paperwork, gather required documents and make necessary appointments for immunization and ear, eye, dental and nutrition screenings before the Pre-K registration window opens on March 26,” said Pearla Hodo, Griffin-Spalding County School System Pre-K coordinator.
2015-16 Pre-K registration will be open from March 26-April 3 at the Parent Service Center, 234 East Taylor Street. Registration hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Registration hours will be extended until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31.

For students to be included in the lottery drawing, Pre-K registrations packets and all required documents must be completed and turned in during the registration period. Packets turned in after April 3 will be placed on the waiting list.
Please attend the parent meeting to find out more about the excellent program offered by the Griffin-Spalding County School System.

The Pike County Commissioners are becoming more concerned over the amounts of trash on roadways and areas of Pike County.

The Concord Garden Club talked with the Commissioners Tuesday, Feb. 24 meeting. Several commissioners said they recently received complaints about the amount of trash along roads in Pike and noted it is time for some action to be taken. The Garden Club has asked that April be designated as Pick Up Pike Month and Commissioners approved the resolution unanimously.

County manager John Hanson said he is working with probationers to start picking up trash along roads and plans to set up an entire week of work starting April 6.

Additional considerations are for signs that specify littering is punishable by an increasd fine, are also being considered. The Current Pike ordinance says the fine shall not exceed $250 but adding some language to provide for some community service for violations is also being considered. The County manager said It’s only fitting that the people throwing out the trash should be out picking it up.

The Commissioners were also asked to reactivate the program Keep Pike County Beautiful since it is a national organization and offers resources Pike could use.  Citizens can join the Pick Up Pike group on Facebook.

A map will be placed in the Commissioners office so citizens can claim a section or road and clean those areas.

The group Pick Up Pike is doing everything it can to combat the litter problem. And there is a huge support group for this initiative. One individual told the Commissioners all you really need to do is mobilize them.

Commissioner James Jenkins said he and his family walk along the road they live on picking up trash, adding, We’ve got to set the example.

Chairman Briar Johnson said as a Pike deputy, when he would see bags of garbage, he would put on gloves and search for mail or other items identifying the owner and serve them with a summons so they would have to explain to the judge how their trash ended up on the side of the road. He suggested asking the sheriff’s office to take the same approach now.

The Concord Garden Club’s 19 th annual community lecture series known as Lunch and Learn which will be held at the Concord Building from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 16.

The free public event will showcase ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and re purpose for the home, garden and community. Commissioners and citizens were asked to join in an effort for a county-wide clean up weekend April 11 and 12 before the grass really starts to grow and litter becomes an even bigger problem.

An anti-litter poster contest is being held for public, private and home school students in third, fourth and fifth grades with $50 for first and $25 for second and third place winners. The posters will be displayed at the April 16 Lunch and Learn and possibly other places around Pike County.

Special thanks to the Pike Journal Rporter for their assistance in this news story.  You can subscribe to the Pike Journal Reporter at pikecounty.com.

The Butts County Amateur Radio Club will hold its monthly meeting Monday, March 2 at 7:00 PM at Fire Station #7 on Colwell Road in Jackson. The program will be SkyWarn Weather Spotter training. If you are interested in amateur radio or emergency communication, you’re invited to attend. For information about the Butts County Amateur Radio Club or ham radio, call Ed Hoard at 678-920-8986 or www.bcgaares.org.

Board of Commissioners of Spalding County Regular Meeting March 2, 2015 6:00 PM 119 E. Solomon St., meeting Room 108 of the Courthouse annex.

SPALDING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

During the meeting the Commissioners are expected to lift from the table a request to cancel the April 20, 2015 Spalding County Board of Commissioners meeting.

They will also re-consider a recommendation from the Spalding County Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission to transfer the Youth Football Program to the South Atlanta Youth Association.

Conduct a public hearing to consider the establishment of street light district for Sun City Peachtree – Pod 29B and 31c

Consider approval of Resolution to adopt 2014 Amended and Restated DB Pension Plan as required by IRS.

Consider approval of contract between the Board of Commissioners of Spalding County and the Southern Crescent Technical College Foundation, Inc regarding the use and expenditure of 2008 SPLOST funds.

Consider approval on first reading an ordinance establishing a speed limit of 25 miles per hour for Tri-County Road.

Consider authorizing staff to move forward with establishing a fiber optic network backbone with the City of Griffin.

Consider approval of FY 2016 Budget Calendar.

Commissioner Flowers-Taylor would like to discuss possible annexation along North Hill Street.

Four Monroe County men have been arrested and charged in several burglaries from February 18, 2015.  A fifth suspect

STEPHEN BUCHWALD

Suspects and charges are:

AUSTIN K NICHOLSON

Austin Kyle Nicholson, age 19, of Juliette
Felony – Burglary in the 2nd degree
Felony – Theft by taking
Felony – Burglary
Felony – Burglary in the 2nd degree
Misdemeanor – Theft by taking

CHRISTIAN KING

Christian King, age 19, of Forsyth
Felony – Burglary in the 2nd degree
Felony – Burglary in the 2nd degree
Felony – Burglary in the 2nd degree
Felony – Burglary in the 2nd degree
Felony – Burglary in the 2nd degree
Misdemeanor – Theft by taking

DAN GILBERT

Dillan Gilbert, age 17, of Forsyth
Felony – Burglary in the 2nd degree
Felony – Burglary in the 2nd degree
Felony – Burglary in the 2nd degree
Felony – Burglary
Misdemeanor – Theft by taking
Misdemeanor – Theft by taking
Misdemeanor – Theft by taking

JONATHAN A. NICHOLSON

Jonathan Andrew Nicholson, age 18, of Forsyth
Felony – Financial Transaction Card Theft
Felony – Burglary in the 2nd degree
Felony – Burglary in the 2nd degree
Felony – Burglary in the 2nd degree
Felony – Financial Identity Fraud
Misdemeanor – Theft by taking
Misdemeanor – Theft by taking

Also arrested after the execution of a search warrant on Jonathan Andrew Nicholson’s residence at 108 Circle Street in Forsyth was:

SELENA NICHOLSON AGE 41

Selena Sherell Nicholson, age 41, for Felony Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, Felony Financial Transaction Card Theft and Misdemeanor Theft by Receiving Stolen Property.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has recovered over half the items stolen by the suspects when the homes were searched after the suspects were arrested. The suspects have also confessed to burglarizing a vehicle on Laurel Ridge on February 14, 2015.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office encourages citizens to remove valuable items from their cars and to lock their cars, homes, garages and storage buildings to prevent theft. Suspicious persons or activities should be reported to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

If anyone has any information about this case or wanted suspect Steven E. Buchwald, please contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 478-994-7043.

WKEU would like to thank Allison Selman-Willis, PIO/Accreditation ManagerMonroe County Sheriff’s Office Forsyth, GA 478-808-1524 and Sheriff JC. Bittick  For their assistance in this news story.

SPALDING SUPERIOR COURT

On February 27, 2015, Larry Stanford was found guilty of two counts of Felony Murder and two counts of Malice Murder, charges that stem from the 1994 homicide that occurred at 1341 Boyd’s Row in Griffin, Georgia.  After twenty long years, Stanford received life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Phillip Leaks and life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Peggy Stanford. The second life sentence is consecutive to the first life sentence.

The conviction was a collaborative effort between the Griffin Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the District Attorney’s Office.  Inv. Morris said “I would like to give a big thank you to the families of Peggy Stanford and Phillip Leaks who had confidence in our ability to close this case”.  Inv. Morris also said “I would also like to commend the hard work and dedication that District Attorney Scott Ballard, Asst. District Attorney Marie Broder, and the entire staff of the District Attorney’s Office showed throughout this case and trial.” 

PHOTO COURTESY GRIFFIN POLICE DEPARTMENT.

The above picture, taken immediately after sentencing inside the courtroom: left to right- Victim’s Advocate Denise Miller, Asst. District Attorney Marie Broder, District Attorney Scott Ballard, Griffin Police Inv. Mike Morris standing among the families of Peggy Alexander Stanford and Phillip Leaks.

Griffin Police, Spalding Regional EMS,Griffin Fire Rescue, and Spalding county Coroner Sonny Foster were called to The North Expressway Saturday Morning where Stanley Garcia Woods a black male of Griffin a homeless individual was struck and killed by a vehicle on the North Expressway.  The accident occurred  about 5:30 am.  The vehicle that struck Garcia stopped immediately, the driver was going to work at Delta in Atlanta at the time of the incident.  The accident was unavoidable according to Griffin Police and Coroner Sonny Foster. Coroner Sony Foster also said that  Mr. Garcia was wearing all black and that particular section of the North Expressway has claimed two lives since it opened about a year ago.  The other individual that was struck last year was working at Hardees and he was struck within 20 fete of the location of Saturdays accident. This is a very dangerous area said Spalding Coroner Sonny Foster, its dark at that location and the individual was wearing all black.  The incident occurred close to the McDonalds Restaurant.

The Griffin City Commissioners will meet Tuesday night at 6pm March 10, 2015 at 100 south Hill Street.

During the meeting the Commissioners will recognize Darrion Johnson, Equipment Operator III with the Solid Waste Department, as the February 2015 “Strongest Link” award recipient.  Also the Commissioners will Recognize Tom Ridgway, Assistant Director for Griffin Power, who will leave the employment of the City on March 13, 2015, to become the Utility Director for the City of Fairburn

They will also recognize Calvin Vallee, Line Construction Foreman for Griffin Power, who will retire on March 13, 2015, after 29 years of dedicated service to the City of Griffin.

Mr. Tim Jones would like to address the Commission to explain a program on which his group is working with the youth of the community.

Consider denying liability to Charles Bohannon for injuries allegedly sustained on August 12, 2014 at approximately 7:30 a.m. when she fell in the City parking lot behind 134 N. Hill Street.

Consider on second and final reading an ordinance requesting the de-annexation of approximately 30 +/- acres located along Williamson Road just west of South Pine Hill Road to include property known as tax parcel numbers 054 Block 01 Lot 001 submitted by Bankston Properties LLC.

Consider approval of a contract with Net Planner Systems, Inc., the sole source provider for the upgrade of the City’s fiber communications network, in the amount of $17,645.89.

Consider approval to nominate 5 megawatts of Project 1 resources to the MEAG Excess Power Pool for use by any MEAG Participant for a period of up to five (5) years. 11.

Approve the creation of three LED Street lighting rates as follows:

ST LED 2C – $12.50/month

ST LED 4C – $20.00/month

ST LED 6C – $26.00/month

Consider submitting S. 8th Street from Poplar Street to S. 9th Street to the Georgia Department of Transportation’s LMIG program for the City of Griffin

Consider approval to reject all bids for construction of North Griffin Revitalization Area – Zone 6 Project, City of Griffin Community Development Block Grant and rebid project.

Consider approval to amend Clean Water State Revolving Loan package approved May 27, 2014 in the amount of 8.0 million dollars to 12.606 million dollars from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority for the upgrade and expansion of the Potato Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant for the Water and Wastewater Department of the Public Works and Utilities Department.

Consider approval of the Griffin Spalding County Hospital Authority’s 2015 allocation of funding of $13,000, to the Spalding County Board of Health for flu shots.

Consider a request by 1888 Mills to change the street name of “Nacom Way” to “Weaving a Better World Drive.”

Consider Intergovernmental Agreement between City of Griffin and Spalding County to establish a basis for addressing the administrative, operational, and maintenance cost of the 800 MHz radio system.

Friday morning two school buses from the Griffin Spalding School system were taking a group of Cowan Road students to Atlanta for a field trip. The Buses were on highway 41-19 in Clayton County and the back bus was apparently too close to the lead bus and struck the rear of the lead bus.  The accident resulted in a headlight being knocked out on the second bus.   Dr. Curtis Jones Superintendent of the Griffin Spalding School System, was advised of the accident and immediately took school officials to the scene along with school nurses as some of the children had complaints of minor injuries.   Upon investigation by the Clayton County Police, and EMT personnel no injuries were found. One parent picked up their child as a precaution and took the child to their local doctor. Two additional buses were sent to the scene and carried the students into Atlanta for their field trip. Again Dr. Jones said there were there was no injuries from the incident, and he thanked the Clayton County Police and EMT personnel for their assistance in the incident. Dr. Jones told WKEU’s Bill Taylor that the safety of our children remains our first mission, and we are all are dedicated to this effort. Dr. Jones also thanked the School Nurses for their assistance at the scene and dedication to our children every day.

On March 6, 2015 at approximately 9 pm, Officers from the Griffin Police Department and Spalding Regional EMS, and Spalding County Coroner Sonny Foster responded to 223 West Tinsley Street in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival units discovered one male victim that had been shot through the arm and into the left side of his chest.  Emory Air Flight based at the Griffin Spalding Airport was placed on standby for a possible air lift to Atlanta.  Due to the immediacy of medical attention it was decided that the victim be transported to Spalding Regional Medical Center by Spalding Regional EMS, where he was later pronounced dead by Coroner Sonny Foster. The Victim was identified as Walter Horton, 49 years old of Griffin, Georgia. There were several other witnesses in the residence at the time of the robbery, but no other injuries were reported. The Criminal Investigations Division of The Griffin Police Department was notified and several Investigators responded to the scene.

According to multiple witnesses two black males wearing masks and gloves entered the residence, and ordered everyone to the ground and demanded that they “give it up”. During the alleged robbery attempt, for reasons unknown at that this time, the suspects fired three shots at the victim striking him once. The suspects then fled the scene in a black in color SUV, possibly a Jeep Cherokee.

Anyone with information regarding the Homicide of Walter Horton can contact Lt. Mike Richardson with the Criminal Investigations Division of the Griffin Police Department at (Office) 770-229-6450, ext. 543 or (cell) 678-233-4001. All tips can remain anonymous.

Units from The Griffin Police Department, Spalding Regional EMS, Griffin Fire and Rescue, and Emory Air Flight all responded to the 1200 block of Taylor Street near Sonic Drive-In, where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle. The incident occurred about 5:00 pm Sunday afternoon April 8 th. Investigators indicated that the severity of the injuries were called to Spalding Regional and the decision was made to transport the individual to the Egleston Hospital. The pedestrian was taken by Emory Air Flight based out of The Griffin-Spalding County Airport to Atlanta about 5:25 when a landing zone was established in the open field behind Margo’s restaurant. The accident is still under investigation and more information is expected to be released later by the Griffin Police Department.

 The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred Monday night, March 9, 2015 on Smith Road, in North Monroe County. Around 7:30 p.m., a  white Chevrolet Lumina, traveling south on Smith Road, crossed the center line and struck a silver Ford Freestar that was traveling north. The Lumina ran off the roadway on the southbound side of Smith Road and caught on fire. The driver of the Lumina was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and passenger of the Ford Freestar were evaluated by Monroe County Emergency Services at the scene and released. The body of the deceased driver of the Lumina was transported to the GBI Crime Lab in Atlanta for positive identification and determination of the cause of death.