The Griffin City Commissioners met Tuesday night December 9 th at pm at 100 South Hill Street.
During the meeting The Commissioners rrecognized Daniel Cowles, Firefighter with the Fire Department, as the November 2014 “Strongest Link” award recipient. Firefighter Cowles is in charge of the new “Child Safety Seat” program. The “Strongest Link” Award is given monthly to a deserving employee who has demonstrated excellent performance and productivity, loyalty, professional pride, and other noteworthy accomplishments.
The Commissioners also recognized the 2014 Leadership Development Institute Graduates. The City of Griffin Leadership Development Institute was created to encourage current and future leaders of the City of Griffin and Spalding County to participate in a formal program designed to teach the necessary skills to unlock their leadership potential, as well as fostering individual personal growth. The 12-week program included 6 full-day classes and 6 Leadership Power Hour sessions covering a variety of topics. The city had 13 participants and the county had 6 participants.
The Commissioners approved to amend the Unified Development Code of Griffin at Article 2, to enact a new Section, for persons with disabilities to request reasonable accommodation from land use, zoning, and development regulations in order to have an equal opportunity to enjoy housing. It is a violation of the Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988 and the Americans With Disabilities Act for a local government to deny or refuse to make reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities due to zoning and other land use regulations that create “barriers” to equal opportunity.
The Commissioners approved a bulk buy for the purchase of fifty nine (59) PCs from the Dell Georgia State Contract in the amount of $44,088.82. The City has PCs that are out of warranty and over 5 years old that no longer run the current industry standard technology. A bulk buy from the Dell Georgia State Contract affords the City to purchase better quality and additional PC’s/IT equipment at a cheaper cost and a net savings of $10,912.00 from the budgeted amount of $55,000.
Approved: a Lease with Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., Commercial Customer Finance, for 55 new 2015 EFI Yamaha Golf Cars, Gas Drive, equipped, for use at the Griffin City Golf Course, including 2 free-use loaner cars. Pursuant to the Yamaha Trade-In program, all 55 2012 cars will be exchanged for these new cars. The Lease is designated as a “tax-exempt” issue for 2014; however, payments will be made in the years 2015 through 2018 in the total annual obligation of $39,930.00, plus reimbursement of ad valorem taxes. This is a continuance of the Yamaha Golf Car Trade-In Program begun several years ago. Title to the cars remains in Yamaha’s name during the Lease. Monthly lease payments are $3,327.51 per month for the 55 cars. All vehicles will be covered by Yamaha’s Factory Maintenance program.
The Commissioners also aapproved a telecommunication tower lease with Verizon of the East, LP, commencing January 1, 2015 for a telecommunication tower site on the premises of the Griffin Police Department, W. Poplar Street, with access easement. The initial term of the Lease is 5 years, commencing January 1, 2015, with provision for five 5 year renewals. During the first term, base rent is $16,800 per year, payable in 12 equal monthly installments, plus 20% of gross rentals to Verizon from any tower subtenants (payable annually at end of year). At the beginning of each renewal term, base rent escalates to 110% of previous term’s base rent. In addition, the City will receive a one-time payment of $3,000.00 to cover the cost of its telecom consultant in negotiation of the lease. Lessee has 90 days at end of lease term in which to remove all Equipment from the premises and restore the site. Positive cash flow to the City’s General Fund should average $16,800/year, beginning January 1, 2015, with base rent escalator for future terms, and possible Sublease Fees in the event of co-locations.