Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

JUNE 3, 2003





The regular monthly night meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was

called to order at 5:33 A.M., Tuesday, June 3, 2003, on the Plaza Level of the

Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Robert S. Poydasheff, Mayor,

and Honorable John J. Rodgers, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.



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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Poydasheff and Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers were

Councilors Wayne S. Anthony, Glenn Davis, Julius H. Hunter, Jr ., Berry H.

Henderson, Charles E. McDaniel, Evelyn Turner Pugh and Nathan Suber. City

Manager Carmen Cavezza, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B.

Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.

Councilor Evelyn Woodson arrived at 6:00 p.m.



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ABSENT: Councilor R. Gary Allen., was absent, but was officially excused upon

the adoption of Resolution Number 253-03.



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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Steve King ? Gentian Baptist Church.



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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Robert S. Poydasheff.

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CITY OF CHARACTER:



Mr. Ed Wilson, Executive Assistant to the Mayor came forward to announce

the Columbus City of Character word for the month of June. He said we in

Columbus are a City of Character, and these words that we announce from month

to month is a part of our participation in that program. He said the word of

character for the month of June is ?compassion?. He said some related words to

practice and ponder are ?tolerance? and ?generosity?.



Mr. Wilson stated that compassion felt in the heart is well and good, but

it is so much better expressed in word and deed. He said there will be

references to this word throughout the month of June on CCG-TV and he would

hope that everyone will help us to spread the word about our word of character.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



?AFFORABLE HOUSING MONTH?:



With Ms. Lynnette Gross, Ms.Michelle Valerie, Ms. Marilyn Denson, Ms.

Jennifer Vaughn and Ms. Lee King standing at the Council table, Councilor

Hunter read Mayor Poydasheff?s proclamation, proclaiming the month of June 2003

as ?Affordable Housing Month? in Columbus, Georgia.



Ms. Valerie invited Mayor Poydasheff and the members of Council to attend

their first Housing Summit that will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2003 at the

Trade Center from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. She said it is open to the public and

totally free, and she would encourage everyone to come out to the Summit.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



WITH THOSE NAMED IN THE RESOLUTION STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE

FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY

THE

COUNCIL:





A Resolution (228-03) - Commending the members of the Fraternal Order of

Police Auxiliary for their organization of the Peace Officers Memorial Service

held on May 15, 2003 in Columbus. Councilor Davis moved its adoption. Seconded

by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council

present at the time, standing to cast their affirmative vote.

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NOTE: The City Attorney?s Agenda is continued below.



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GYSA/ SNICKERS STATE CUP WEEKEND:



With David Holt, Steven Holt, Bruce Getz, and Ray Pena standing at the

Council table, Councilor Davis read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff,

proclaiming the ?Georgia Youth Soccer Association Snickers State Cup Weekend?

on June 6-8 & June 14-15, 2003 in Columbus, Georgia.



Mr. Holt also pointed out that the Columbus Youth Soccer Association is

donating a $250,000 building to the City of Columbus to be built at the

Woodruff Farm Road Soccer Complex. He said they are not asking for any money

from the City to build this, but is just asking for your continued support for

soccer in the community, and said in return they will continue to

bring in these tournaments and do things for the community.

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MINUTES: Minutes of the May 27, 2003 Meeting of the Council of the Consolidated

Government of Columbus, Georgia was submitted and approved upon the adoption of

a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and seconded by Councilor Henderson,

which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the

time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.

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PHYSICIANS FROM RUSSIA:



Mayor Poydasheff introduced a group of eleven physicians and directors

from Russia, who is here visiting the City of Columbus for about three weeks

training and looking at how we do things here in Columbus. He said we are

truly an International City and then greeted these individuals in Russian.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA CONTINUED:



THE FOLLOWING FOUR ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR

CAPTIONS READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:



An Ordinance - Providing for contributions to the Columbus, Georgia

General Government Employees' Pension Plan for the fiscal year beginning July

1, 2003.



An Ordinance - Providing for Government funding of a Death Benefit Escrow

for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003.



An Ordinance - Providing for Government funding of a Major Disability

Income Plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003.



An Ordinance - Providing for the supplemental contributions to the

Columbus, Georgia Pension Plan for employees of the Department of Public

Safety for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2003.



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FY-04 BUDGET:



Mayor Poydasheff said he wants to thank the Council, Budget Review

Chairperson, City Manager Cavezza and the Finance staff for the great work that

was done on this budget. He said he just can?t state enough how much he

appreciates the collegiality of this Council, as you are great people, and you

work hard, and you really do care.



He said in this day of economic woes when states and cities give no raises,

and lay offs are rampant; we, because of the effective and efficient government

are able to give a decent raise and benefits to our employees and public

safety. He said the raise exceeds the inflation rate by almost one-half

percent. He said we still maintain a solid AA, AA3 ratings that saves us

millions of dollars on bond issues and future bonds issues that may be

necessary. He said the paving funds looks good, as we will be paving

approximately 30.81 miles of new roads, thanks to our relationship with the

State and City government.



Mayor Poydasheff said thanks to this Council, our economic development is

in tact. He said there has been a .41 millage increase in debt service for one

time, but said that will go down in the next fiscal year. He said he wants to

be very certain that we all understand that there may be some mixed signals, as

if we are saying; we got and we don?t have any worries in the future. He said

we do, as there will be bumps in the highway, but if we keep working together

as we are, and get the LOST out of the State of Georgia, this City will

continue on the rise.

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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ

BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:



An Ordinance - Adopting non-operating budgets for the fiscal year 2004

beginning July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2004, for certain funds of the

consolidated government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts

shown in each budget.



An Ordinance - Amending Article VII of Chapter 13 of the Columbus Code

Solid Waste Collection and Disposal by changing the guidelines for an offset to

the residential rate for low-income households.



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PUBLIC HEARING:



TAXYPAYERS BILL OF RIGHTS:



City Attorney Fay said this public hearing is related to the increases in

the tax digest in Muscogee County where the valuation have increased; so,

therefore the millage rates would actually bring in more dollars this year than

prior years? millage rate, and then opened the floor for public discussion.



City Manager Cavezza said the requirement is that if, in fact, you had

some growth in the City, and we have been living off the growth for several

years now, you have to declare that growth as a tax increase, and said this is

basically what we are talking about.



City Attorney Fay said there will be two additional public hearings on

this same issue, which will be held on Thursday, June 12th in the Council

Chambers at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.



Mr. Gerald Ludwig, 620 1st Avenue, appeared and offered his support of the

2004 budget. He said the Council has done an excellent job, and said it is

marvelous. He said he would ask this Council to use the golden rule as you have

an opportunity to view this budget, and do this in love. He said concessions

had to be made, but it was all for the good of the government, and said he is

convinced that this government will be able to help us out of it.



Mr. Jim Rhodes, One North Whisper Drive said if you have been listening at

all to him, he has been telling you that they need some help out in their area.

He said they have about 21,000 ? 26,000 people in that district.

He said he is here to tell you that they need to know if this Council is going

to put funds in the paving fund to fix their roads. He said his main purpose of

being here today is to ask you to put some funding in this budget, to take care

of the problems that they have out there in their district.



Mr. Rhodes then read excerpts from the newspaper where he said that

Georgia will get $518 million over the next two years under the tax bill

approved by Congress to help pay for essentials, Medicaid and other things

which are listed. He said he doesn?t think that the Council had this

information when they were working on the budget and said this could be some

money that might be available to the City to get from the State.



He said he is a big supporter of public safety and said he doesn?t think

that you can sit here on this Council today with $29 million in reserves and

not give these people a pay raise that works for this government. He said he

knows that you are going to give them 3%; however, you have taken 2% away

before and now you are going to give them 3%. He said he thinks that you should

give them that 2%, plus an additional 2% to make it 4%.



Mr. Rhodes said the way he understands it about the reserves, you are only

required to have 60-days in the reserve; so, why do we have to have 85-days. He

said maybe he is not getting the correct information.







Mayor Poydasheff said he would be delighted to meet with him and the City

Manager, as well as Finance Director Kay Love to explain the fiduciary

obligations that we have and the savings of millions of dollars by adhering to

a reserve that every financial institution, including Standards & Poor and

Moody request before they can give you the AA and AA3 rating, which is just

like banking. He said he understands Mr. Rhodes? concerns and would be glad to

meet with him at his convenience and discuss it and explain it to him fully.



Mr. Rhodes said he always feels like we were shortchanged on the contract

with the Medical Center as it relates to indigent care. He said when his wife

went to the hospital he had to pay $9,000 just prior to her death when she was

in the hospital.



He said he also thinks that you are missing it on tourism, and said there

is a lot more money from retirees in an economy like Columbus than you will get

out of manufacturing.



City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone else who wanted to be

heard on the taxpayers? bill of rights hearing, but there were none. He then

declared this public hearing has now been held.



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BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING:



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF

DISCUSSION FROM THE

COUNCIL:



An Ordinance - Adopting an operating budget for the fiscal year 2004

beginning July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2004, for certain funds of the

consolidated government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts

shown in each budget.



Councilor Henderson said he were approached by some City employees

and some of them were questioning if we could have the pay raise and the health

care increase coincide at the same time.



Councilor Henderson said the Council and the Budget Committee decided that

the health care increases would take place in January in an effort to offset

some of the, ?about 50% of our employees who would have been paying on their

health care up to 9-10 months prior to their anniversary date and receiving a

raise. He said some of the employees were asking whether or not it would be

possible to have the increase in health care to coincide with the anniversary

date and their pay raise.



He said he spoke with Director of Finance Kay Love and said he knows that

even though the dollar amount won?t vary that much, there is a cost from the

administrative standpoint in making the manual entries that will be required,

as those are two separate and distinct systems.



Councilor Henderson said there was another option that was thrown out,

which was the possibility of having pay raises and health care increase both

begin on January 1st. He said the dollars would be just about the same, and

said he is posing these questions to this body, as to whether or not they are

worth considering or whether or not we would be creating a precedent by getting

away from anniversary dates on pay raises that could haunt us down the road.

Mayor Poydasheff said that would be getting away from precedent, but said

the City Manager could explain that or have the Director of Finance to explain

it.



City Manager Cavezza said the point is that we have been doing it for

several years now on the anniversary dates, so that on the first year you don?t

get the full impact of a pay raise, you get half of it. He said it is probably

not that much of a significant difference between going with the anniversary

dates versus the first of January. However, as Councilor Henderson identified

those employees who have anniversary dates prior to that would certainly be

concerned with that. He said the reason they delayed the health care increases

to January 1st, is to avoid the situation where a person would actually have to

pay out more than they are making. He said even though it is a minor increase,

we wanted to make sure we were offsetting that with the pay raise.



Councilor Henderson said he had spoken with Ms. Love about the possibility

of getting back to the idea of having them to hit simultaneously on their

anniversary dates. He said what he is afraid of with that, is it is a

tremendously manual process and he doesn?t want to put the staff in a position

where it will cost this government money, because they are spending so much

time doing a labor intense process.



He said he has asked Ms. Love to assign some dollar figures to that and

she won?t have them available until Thursday; however, he just wanted to bring

it up for discussion on tonight, to see if there were any strong feelings one

way or the other.



City Attorney Fay, in response to a question of Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers,

said it would not a material change and would not delay the adoption of the

budget. He said the money is funded, but it is just plugged in

administratively.



City Manager Cavezza said we could do it on the add/delete list that the

Council will vote on, on next week.



Several members of the Council then expressed their views on this matter,

with Mayor Poydasheff and City Manager Cavezza responding to questions of the

Council.



City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone else who wanted to be

heard on the proposed budget, as it is on public hearing tonight, but there was

no one who indicated that they wanted to be heard. He then declared that this

public hearing has now been held.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY

FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST

READING:



An Ordinance - Amending certain sections of the Columbus Code and changing

miscellaneous fees which are included in the Proposed Fee Increase Chart for

the following departments: Fire and EMS, Public Services and Parks and

Recreation, and which were recommended by the Council Budget Review Committee

for the FY04 budget.



City Manager Cavezza said we did have a public meeting on this issue and

said only one individual showed up. He said they also ran these fees on CCG-TV

and advertised the increases as well.

Councilor Hunter said with regards to the increases at the tennis court,

said these would be increases for out of county residents. He said in looking

at the chart, it appears to be somewhat confusing to him; because in looking at

the hourly fees, it states specifically that they are pertaining to out of

county residents, but in the area below where it talks about the single family

and family membership fees, it doesn?t specifically state that these increases

are for out of county residences only.



He said for the record, he wants to make sure that we are clear that these

fees, even for the yearly memberships, where it goes from $300 to $375 for a

family, that is for out of county only. He said it doesn?t state that in the

chart.



City Manager Cavezza said that the chart might not show that very well;

however, it is only an increase for out of county residents.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL, AT HIS REQUEST:



An Ordinance - Amending Chapter 16A of the Columbus Code so as to change

the percentage of the member's average monthly earnings from two percent to one

and one-half percent in determining the amount of normal retirement pension,

late retirement pension and the amount of disability retirement pension for

members who enter the plan after June 30, 2003; and for other purposes.



City Attorney Fay said with Councilor Turner Pugh?s permission, we need to

delay this ordinance for one week, to allow us to bring back a much shorter

version of the ordinance.



Councilor Turner Pugh moved the ordinance be delayed. Seconded by Mayor

Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.



City Manager Cavezza said this ordinance would only affect those employees

who are hired after July 1, 2003.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING

AFTER BEING EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

CAVEZZA:



An Ordinance - Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by

deleting from the "Official Street Map, City of Columbus, Georgia" the street

segments and rights-of-way of Mount Street, 5th Avenue and old alignment of

Hamilton Road and the new alignment of 5th Avenue north of 18th Street with

each street segment being described in detail by parcels on surveyed plats by

Thomas L. French, Jr. and made a part of the ordinance by reference; providing

that all existing utility easements of record remain in effect and providing

appropriate width of easements as required by the applicable utility companies

will be reserved for unknown utilities; authorizing disposal of said property

in accordance with the Columbus Charter and repealing any conflicting

ordinances.



City Manager Cavezza said this involves the swapping of some

right-of-way land for some other pieces of land to make the right-of-way even.

He said the Medical Center is also purchasing Mount Street, which is basically

closed off now, for the appraised value of $22,000.00.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:



An Ordinance (03-37) - Amending the District Attorney's Crime Victim

Witness Program FY03 budget in the amount of $240,968 from $331,429 to $572,397

and amending the State Court Solicitor's FY03 budget in the amount of $103,272

from $789,648 to $892,920; establishing a percentage distribution of crime

victim witness surcharge funds; and for other purposes. Councilor Suber moved

its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and carried by a vote of 8 to

1, with Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers voting no and all other eight members present

voting yes.



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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (229-03) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

to the Georgia General Assembly introduce a bill amending 1999 Ga. Laws, p.

3802, so as to provide a maximum salary or pay range for the chief assistant

solicitor-general and senior assistant solicitor-generals of the Muscogee

County State Court.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers, in response to Councilor Suber said he understands

the reason for this resolution and said that he certainly concurs.

He said we are asking the Legislators to do something with this; however, he

would like to sit down and really study this entire matter. He said Councilor

Suber is doing what he can to try to free us from this; however, he would like

a little bit more freedom. He said he would support this, but said he would

like to have some continuing dialogue on this issue in a Work Session.



Councilor Suber then moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by

Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS DELETED FROM THE AGENDA AT THE REQUEST OF

CITY ATTORNEY

FAY:





A Resolution - Expressing condolences to the family of Mr. George Mahlon

Hutto, Jr. who passed away on April 27, 2003.



City Attorney Fay said we would bring this resolution back at a later

date.



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THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO SEVERAL

EMPLOYEES WHO RECENTLY RETIRED FROM THE SERVICE OF THE COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED

GOVERNMENT WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND

ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL, PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY

MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SUBER, WHICH CARRIED

UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:



A Resolution (230-03) - Expressing appreciation to David R. Herring upon

his retirement with the Columbus Fire and EMS Department after 28 years of

service.



A Resolution (231-03) - Expressing appreciation to James R. Walden upon

his retirement with the Columbus Fire and EMS Department after 30 years of

service.



A Resolution (232-03) - Expressing appreciation to Charlotte J. Norman

upon her retirement with the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department after 32

years of service.



A Resolution (233-03) - Expressing appreciation to Martha Gregory upon her

retirement with the Columbus Recorder's Court after 31 years of service.



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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF

FOMER CITY EMPLOYEES WITH THE COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT, WHO RECENTLY

PASSED AWAY WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND

ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL, PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY

MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, WHICH CARRIED

UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:







A Resolution (234-03) - Expressing condolences to the family of Mr.

Shelburne W. Brown former employee with the Columbus Police Department, who

passed away on March 21, 2003.



A Resolution (235-03) - Expressing condolences to the family of Mr.

Charles Lanier Jones, former Chief of the Revenue Collection Division, who

passed away on April 2, 2003.



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RESOLUTIONS:



Councilor Woodson asked City Attorney Fay to prepare a resolution for next

week?s Agenda, expressing the Council?s condolences to the family of former

City employee, Ray Evans, who died on last week. Also, prepare a resolution for

the17-year veteran Firefighter, Cindy Shoemaker, who was killed in an

automobile accident this morning.



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DEATH OF CAPTAIN CINDY SHOEMAKER:



Deputy Chief David Arrington pointed out that Fire Chief Roy Waters is

unable to be here tonight, as he is visiting with the family of Fire/EMS

Captain Cindy Shoemaker, who passed away this morning following an automobile

accident in Mobile. He said Captain Shoemaker was a 17-year veteran of the

department, and said if you will recall when she was promoted just a few months

ago, she was the first female Captain promoted in the Fire/EMS Department.



He said she was an outstanding officer and a very caring and compassionate

person and will certainly be missed by all of us within the department. He said

it is a huge loss to this City and he would ask that you keep her family and

friends in your thoughts and prayers.









Deputy Chief Arrington then gave a report of a fire that occurred this

morning at approximately 2:30 a.m., at 901 Joy Road. He said when the Fire/EMS

units arrived this morning, there was a trailer fully engulfed, and one victim

who suffered burn injuries to the arms and face. He said they were treated by

Fire medic on the scene and later transported to the Medical Center and hen

later transferred to Grady Memorial Hospital. He said there was one

firefighter who suffered an injury at the scene, but was treated and released

at the hospital later this morning.



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FIRE STATION NUMBER 7:



Deputy Chief Arrington said about two weeks ago, May 13, 2003, they held a

ribbon cutting at the Buena Vista Road Fire Station, which is the first of the

fire stations that are being constructed under the SPLOST. He said it was

certainly a great day for them, as well as the members in that community who

has waited for a long time for the emergency services in that area to improve.

He said many members of the Council were present at that presentation. He said

the Mayor asked them to put together a plaque, recognizing that event and the

contributions of all the members of the Council to make that project a success.



He then showed the plaque to the Mayor and Council and said that they will

display the plaque inside the Buena Vista Road station.



Chief Arrington said they appreciate the Council?s support, not only of

this project, but of the other SPLOST projects, station construction that was

approved several weeks ago, which would allow them to proceed with improving

the emergency services throughout the community.



Councilor Henderson said on the projects that we complete with the SPLOST

funding where we put the sign up recognizing the efforts of the citizens of

Columbus who voted for that penny, and then asked, if that sign will remain on

site as well?



City Manager Cavezza said that the sign would remain in place.

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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:



THERE WERE NO ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT?S MEETING.

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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. ROGER BUTERBAUGH, REPRESENTING THE SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT, RE: TO EXEND AN INVITATION TO THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:







Mr. Roger Buterbaugh, Director of Human Resources for Rehabilitation

Services of Columbus appeared and said he is here today in his capacity with

the Columbus Chapter of Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). He

introduced Cathy Tustin, and Camellia Shepherd who was also present with him.



Mr. Buterbaugh then gave a brief overview of exactly what SHRM is. He

said they would also like to invite the Mayor and Council to be their guests at

their August luncheon at the Green Island Country Club, which will be held on

August 28, 2003. He said Representative Phil Gingrey, who represents Georgia

11th District will be the featured speaker.



Councilor Anthony thanked Mr. Buterbaugh, Ms. Tustin and Ms. Shepherd for

being here this morning and representing this important organization that does

so much for the people of our City.



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MS. TITANYA TURNER, RE: BUSINESS LOCATED AT 58- 31ST AVENUE:



Ms. Titanya Turner, 3021 Clarabelle Street appeared and said there is a

game room that is expected to open up at 58 31st Avenue, and said although the

building is commercially zoned, they don?t want the game room in their area.

She said they don?t feel that it is conducive to their area, because there is

not enough parking to accommodate the people who might be coming in there.



She said she did speak with the gentleman who is planning on opening this

game room and he has told her that it will be open until 10:00 p.m. on weekdays

and 1:30 a.m. on weekends. She said their community is changing and they don?t

want this game room in their area, and they are here tonight to see what the

Council can do to help them.



City Manager Cavezza said the problem is that the area is already rezoned

C-2, and said there was a game room there once before. He said in between that

there was a daycare center, and said we really don?t have any grounds to

disapprove this. He said he can understand their concerns, but technically, he

doesn?t know how to change that.



Mayor Poydasheff said there is no way that we can do it under the law,

because we would be subject to suit, as the area is zoned commercial. He said

what we could do, is to make certain that the area is patrolled, so if there

are any public safety problems, we can act accordingly, but other than that, he

doesn?t think that there is anything we can really do to prevent that

commercial enterprise from going into a commercial area.



Several members of the Council then expressed their views and concerns

regarding this matter, with Deputy City Manager Richard Bishop responding to

questions of the Council. He said there will be a parking requirement for the

use, but said at this time, they have not had anything to come across their

desk to go out and inspect it, to make sure it does qualify.



Deputy City Manager Bishop said they don?t have anything yet, for them to

come in and get a permit to do anything to that building that would require us

to go out and do it. He said we could go out there and investigate it.



Ms. Turner said she has told the residents that the area is commercially

zoned and said that there is probably nothing that the Council can do about

that part. She said she understands that we can?t tell that man what to do with

his building; however, parking is a problem. She said where are the people

going to park.



After continued discussion on this subject, with City Manager Cavezza

responding to further questions of the Council, Mayor Poydasheff suggested that

we could look at working with the residents to look at taking this commercial

area and rezone it to residential, like we did with the Beallwood

Community.



City Manager Cavezza said as the property became available, we purchased

it and rezoned it.



Councilor Suber said in looking at that location, there is no way to

create any parking out there in that particular location. City Manager Cavezza

said it is going through the process and said it has to be looked at by

Inspections & Code, and they have to meet all the criteria before they will be

issued a certificate of occupancy. He said there was a delay because there was

a mix up on the address, which took some time to get cleared up.



After more than thirty minutes of discussion on this issue, with City

Manager Cavezza responding to further questions of the Council, and members of

the Council expressing their further views on the matter, the matter was

concluded with Mayor Poydasheff stating that we have taken to heart everything

that Ms. Turner has said and said that we will do what we can and absolutely

see to it that their area is protected.

-------------------------------------------*** ***

***------------------------------------

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (236-03) - Authorizing the transmittal of the Columbus

Revised Solid Waste Management Plan Short Term Work Program to the Lower

Chattahoochee Regional Development Center (LCRDC) for its review. Councilor

Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried

unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting.



A Resolution (237-03) - Authorizing the Mayor to execute a Certificate of

Ownership and Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation for the

2003/2004 L.A.R.P. Program for resurfacing 101 streets, totaling 31.51 +/-

miles, Muscogee County. Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by

Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY

MANAGER CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE

MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH,

WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:



A Resolution (238-03) - Authorizing the acceptance of a pass-through grant

from the Georgia Department of Labor, in the amount of $100,000 for a Health

Care Retraining Partnership Initiative Demonstration Grant that will be

administered by the Lower Chattahoochee Valley Workforce Investment Board, and

amend the Job Training Fund 220 by a like amount.



A Resolution (239-03) - Authorizing the City Manager to amend the lease

agreement for professional hockey at the Columbus Civic Center, Section 8.1 of

the agreement with DVA Sports, L.L.C., a Georgia Limited Company d/b/a the

Columbus Cottonmouth's to increase concession rebate to the Cottonmouths from

25% to 50% per event.



A Resolution (240-03) - Reaffirming the necessity of the $1.50 charge for

911 and the $1.00 charge for enhanced wireless 911 to continue per billable

telephone for another year.



A Resolution (241-03) - Amending the FY04 Holiday Schedule to add

Veteran's Day as an additional holiday for the CCG.





*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA, WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND

EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:







A Resolution (242-03) - Authorizing the support for Columbus Housing

Initiative, Inc., a 501C3 community housing development organization to apply

for a Youth build grant. Councilor Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by

Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING EIGHT PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER CAVEZZA AND

ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY

COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH, WHICH CARRIED

UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:



A Resolution (243-03) - Authorizing the purchase of seven (7) Technology

Packages for Sheriff Vehicles from Motorola Corporation, in the

amount of $60,757.76.



A Resolution (244-03) - Authorizing payment to Dictaphone corporation, in the amount of

$18,209.00, for the annual maintenance agreement for the digital recording

system in the 911 Center.



A Resolution (245-03) - Authorizing the purchase of traffic signal

equipment and components using the Georgia Statewide contract, in amounts over

$10,000.



A Resolution (246-03) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with

French & Associates for landscape architectural services for a street tree

master plan.



A Resolution (247-03) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) police

motorcycle from Chattahoochee Harley Davidson, Inc., in the amount of

$17,800.00.



A Resolution (248-03) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) heavy truck

cab and chassis, from Atlanta Freightliner, in the amount of $69,650.00.



A Resolution (249-03) - Authorizing the Emergency procurement of roofing

services for Fire Station #5 from Columbus Roofing, Inc., in the amount of

$24,440.00.



A Resolution (250-03) - Authorizing payment to Georgia Power Company, in

the amount of $59,273.83 for street lighting services.



*** *** ***



UPCOMING EVENTS:



City Manager Cavezza highlighted some upcoming events for the month of

June 2003, which are outlined below.



Monday, June 9, 2003 Change of Command for General Eaton at 4:00 p.m. & a

Farewell BBQ at Riverside.



Friday, June 6, 2003, Homeland Security Task Force Meeting, 9:00 a.m., 2nd

Floor, Learning Center, East Wing



Saturday, June 7, 2003, Housing Summit at the Trade Center, 10:00 a.m. ?

4:00 p.m.



Tuesday, June 10, 2003, Public Meeting to address the Forrest Road project,

6:00 p.m, Edgewood Baptist Church.



*** *** ***



PEABODY APARTMENTS:



Councilor Henderson said he was invited to attend a meeting of the Peabody

residents and said there were representatives from the Police Department there

as well, and said that they raised some issues that he thinks needs our

attention.



He said with the approval of the Hope VI Project revitalization that is

taking place, whereby they have already begun the relocation and the boarding

up of some of those buildings, and because of that transition, some of the

Housing Police force that had been monitoring some of the things in the area

has been pulled back. He said our Police Department is doing an outstanding job

on trying to focus a little bit more on that area, but there are still some

lingering issues around there and said that he just wants us to try to continue

to be conscience of them.



Councilor Henderson said they brought up the fact that there are some very

large potholes on the streets bordering the entrance and exit of those areas,

that doesn?t seem to be getting the attention now that we are transitioning out

of that area. He said there is also a sinkhole in one of the areas that they

have curtained out and put barricades there; however, the barricade gets moved

on the weekend. He asked the City Manager if we could keep in close contact

with Mr. Len Williams of the Housing Authority from a public safety

prospective.

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***------------------------------------

CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS

INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND

COUNCIL:



(1) ACCG?s The County Line Newsletter, Volume 16, Number 1.



(2) Memorandum from GMA, Re: Report on Eighth District Listening

Sessions.



(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Region 7

Emergency Medical Council.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF

COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (251-03) - Excusing Councilor Berry Henderson from the May

20, 2003 Council Meeting. Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by

Councilor Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.



A Resolution (252-03) - Canceling the June 24, 2003 Council Meeting.

Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and

carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK

OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:



Application of Nancy Edge to temporarily close 15th Street from 2nd Avenue

to 3rd Avenue, on June 7, 2003 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., in connection with

the ?Annual Heritage Ball?. Councilor Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded

by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED BY

CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL:



Application of Pat Carpenter to temporarily close Broadway from 10th Street

to 11th Street, on September 13, 2003, from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., in

connection with a ?Fundraiser for OurHouse?.



Clerk of Council Washington said we need to delay this application at this

time, and we will bring it back at a later date.



*** *** ***



UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Mr. Mark R. Lupo

resigning from his position on the Uptown Fa?ade Board. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers

moved the letter be received with regrets and thanks for service. Seconded by

Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE

COUNCIL:



Board of Tax Assessors, Numbers 19 & 20.

Council Briefing, February 11, 2003.

Council Briefing, February 25, 2003.

Council Briefing, March 4, 2003.

Elections & Registrations, April 17, 2003.

Golf Course Authority, April 22, 2003.

Health, Board of, April 23, 2003.

Housing Authority, April 16, 2003.

Zoning Appeals, Board of, May 7, 2003.



Councilor Turner Pugh made a motion that these minutes be received.

Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously by those nine members

of Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION, RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL BY BOTH THE

PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING DIVISION WAS SUBMITTED AND

EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING

WERE CALLED FOR BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS:







Petition submitted by Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity, Inc. to

rezone approximately 1.21 acres of property located at 1029, 1033 & 1037 47th

Street; and 4707, 4711 & 4715 - 11th Avenue from a C-3

District to an R-3 District. (14-A-03-Habitat for Humanity, Inc.)



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED AND

EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:







A Resolution (253-03) - Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the June 3,

2003 Council Meeting. Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for

this meeting.



*** *** ***



BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



BUILDING CONTRACTORS EXAMINING BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we need someone to fill the

seat of Ms. Stella Shulman on the Building Contractors Examining Board, as she

has been appointed to the Development Authority.



She said she has contacted Mr. Bill Duck and he is working with us trying

to get a replacement for Ms. Shulman?s seat.



*** *** ***



COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Poydasheff is

nominating Ms. Lula Arrington to succeed Mr. Charlie Fortson and Mr. Eddie

Roberts to succeed Ms. Connie Parrish on the Community Development Advisory

Council, and said they may both be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers so moved.

Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those nine members of

Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Ollie Johnson does not

wish to be reappointed to the Cooperative Extension Advisory Board; therefore,

the Council will need to nominate someone for this position.



She further pointed out that Ms. Joanne Cavis is working to help us get

someone for this seat.

*** *** ***



FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out the term of office of Mr. Bill

Rumer on the Family & Children Services Board will expire on June 30, 2003 and

that he is eligible to succeed himself. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then nominated

Mr. Rumer to succeed himself for another term of office.



Councilor Suber then asked if he could be confirmed on tonight, to which

Clerk of Council Washington said he could if there are no other nominations.

Councilor Henderson then moved Mr. Rumer be confirmed for another term of

office. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those nine

members of Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



Mayor Poydasheff then asked if there was anyone present in the audience

who was not listed on the Public Agenda, but had an issue to bring before the

Council, they could be heard at this time. No one came forward to be heard.

*** *** ***



RECOGNITION OF MRS. STACEY POYDASHEFF:



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers recognized the presence of Mayor Poydasheff?s wife,

Mrs. Stacey Poydasheff, who was present in the Council Chambers on tonight.

*** *** ***



With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro

Tem Rodgers then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Suber and

carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting,

with the time being 7:00 P.M.



*** *** ***





Tiny B. Washington, CMC

Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia