The third-party Silver-level Leadership in Environmental Engineering and Design verification will add an extra $56,500 to the project funded with 2007 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax dollars, but Assistant City Manager Dan Porta said current economic conditions could free up some of the money set aside to complete the project.
Officials estimate the 53,325-square-foot building at Harris Road and adjacent to Oak Hill Cemetery will run around $9 million and Fire Station No. 4, which is being constructed on MLK Jr. Drive in conjunction with the headquarters project, will likely cost $1.8 million.
"I just feel based on the downturn in the economy that the bids may come in lower than those projected numbers. Those are conservative estimates anyway," Porta said, adding the savings could be used to commission the structure as a LEED-designed building.
Porta, who recommended the council commission the structure, added LEED buildings, or those constructed within the guidelines and standards of sustainable building practices, often result in more effective and high-performing structures, and cost less to operate through lower utility bills.
Officials also are working to secure plans for Fire Station No. 3, which would be located on the west side of the city.
The council also:
* Approved an annexation and zoning application for the Clarence Brown Conference Center located on 20.3 acres on Ga. 20 at Roving Road from county agricultural to city public institutional.
* Approved text amendments to revise various sections of the Zoning Ordinance.
* Approved a zoning map amendment to readopt the Official Zoning Map.
* Approved a pre-application for a grant through Georgia Emergency Management Agency that would allow the city to purchase three properties near the intersection of Etowah and Lee streets, which have experienced regular flooding due to rain run-off. The homes would be purchased at fair market value and demolished, then flood mitigation features, including two retention ponds, would be installed.
* Approved an $8,600 contract with Haines, Gipson and Associates Inc. to provide engineering services for 230 feet of the boardwalk that will extend from the pedestrian bridge across Pettit Creek as part of the Leake Mounds Trail.
* Authorized the police department to purchase four new vehicles to replace older cars no longer serviceable from City Motors for $83,324 for 2011 Ford Crown Victorias. Additional funding for equipment for the vehicles in the amount of $56,000 was approved and money seized from criminals will fund the total expenditure of $139,324.
* Approved the purchase of fire extinguisher training simulator for the fire department in the amount of $7,087.63 from BullEx Digital Safety.
* Awarded a bid from Johnny's Grading and Hauling for $21,800. The company will correct a substandard drainage system along Brookwood Drive and Oak Hill Circle where stormwater is traversing across private property due to heavy rains.
* Awarded a construction bid to TJ Lyles Company Inc. for the Wells Street Stormwater Project in the amount of $397,634.59. A $500,000 Community Development Block Grant is funding the project.
* Approved an agreement with 280 Investments to relocate gas lines on the corner of Felton Road and Tennessee Street and approved the purchase of materials to perform the work in the amount of $24,221.80. The development will use the city's gas services.