Susan Newsom was recognized for 20 years of service at the Baldwin City Council meeting Tuesday night, January 16. Newsom has worked for the City of Baldwin in various capacities and currently works in the Baldwin Municipal Court System as Clerk of Court. She has held this position since 2013.
Chief Administrative Officer Emily Woodmaster said that Newsom has committed a lot of her life to Baldwin. Her expertise is astounding, and she supports staff and takes many under her wing.
Woodmaster thanked Newsom and said, “Susan is one of three employees that has given over 15 years to the city.”
Cindy Hernandez was recognized as well although she was not in attendance at the meeting. Hernandez received the Employee City Hall Award. Woodmaster said that Hernandez has been influential in the Accounts Receivable Department.
Items tabled
The Baldwin Fire Department Agreement for a fiber internet line to be installed with Trailwave was tabled. The vote was unanimous. The Fire Department had requested the installation to improve connectivity. Currently used is line-of-sight internet or broadband through the city’s installed service with North Georgia Network. The cost, if approved, would be $3,100 for the installation.
On the agenda for the night was the approval of the Council Meeting Procedures. Changes were in the area of naming Citizen Comments to Public Comments and Concerns. Citizens can sign up ahead of time to have 5-minute comments or before the meeting for 3 minutes. Work sessions for the Council are scheduled for Tuesdays instead of Thursdays and have been for the past several years. Meeting dates should be written in the charter. This is done through a resolution. Other changes were for consistency throughout the meeting procedures. A Motion was given to table the vote on the Council Meeting Procedures and the vote was unanimous.
First Responder Grant
The Baldwin Police Department was awarded a $17,300 grant. “The grant does not have a match requirement. It also does not have strict guidelines to follow – other than what was in the agreement,” Woodmaster explained. A separate bank account is required to be opened for the funds. Woodmaster added that the Police Department already knows what is needed to be purchased. The Motion to ratify the First Responders Grant and to approve the expenses that accompany the grant was approved unanimously.
Announcements
The deadline for city property tax payments has been extended to February 16th. Payments can be made at City Hall or online at www.baldwinpayments.com. Also, Homestead Exemptions Affidavits for property taxes are due April 1st. Citizens must stop by City Hall with their Driver’s License or other government-issued IDs. Councilman Venter reminded everyone about the cold temperatures and to check in with elderly citizens.
