All is well in GBC

Feb. 27--ATHENS -- The cost of medical insurance is motivating Gun Barrel City to prepare a Wellness Program for its employees.

According to City Manager Gerry Boren, the city is looking to curtail the cost of medical insurance for city employees by creating a "Wellness Program." Boren said the program aims to improve the employees overall health by discouraging unhealthy behaviors and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

The program will be designed to encourage employees to get regular check-ups and identify high-rish factors. Boren said the city is hoping to keep the cost of insurance down, while creating a healthy environment for employees.

Councilman Curtis Webster suggested the city provide an exercise room for the employees wishing to exercise on their breaks.

Boren said the city would assess a tobacco fee in 2015 of $500 a year for employees using tobacco products.

"Electronic cigarette and vapor cigarette would not count as a tobacco product, because they are not tar-based products," said Boren.

Boren indicated that no one would be grandfathered into the program. Boren said all employees would have the same benefits and incentives to live a healthy lifestyle.

The city council agreed to proceed forward with a policy creating the new requirements for a Wellness Program for city employees.

In other items discussed at the Gun Barrel City council meeting, the council proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month. A recipient of the Texas Community Development grant, the city is required to designate April as "Fair Housing Month."

The city also voted unanimously to approve the 380 Economic Development Program Agreement between the Gun Barrel City Economic Development Corporation (GBCEDC), the city and Home Town Cinema for the cinema re-opening in the Town Center development.

The GBCEDC has agreed to reimburse Home Town Cinema up to $100,000 for improvements made to the existing cinema building. The agreement calls for the city to reimburse the developers' sales tax for five years. The cinema is expected to be open within 90 days.

Also, Police Chief Damon Boswell presented the city council with the annual Racial Profiling report.

In another item, the city council rejected all bids on the proposed construction of the Church Street Development area in Gun Barrel City Park. Boren said both proposals were over the budgeted amount for the projects. Boren said the city would look at the project, and decide how to proceed.

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