Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

APRIL 15, 2003





The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called

to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, April 15, 2003, on the Plaza Level of the

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

presiding.



*** *** ***



PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Poydasheff was Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers

and Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson,

Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh, Nathan

Suber and Evelyn Woodson (arrived at 9:03 a.m.). City Manager Carmen Cavezza,

City Attorney Clifton Fay, and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also

present.



*** *** ***



ABSENT: Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington was absent.



*** *** ***











INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Wayne Baker- Sprit-Filled Methodist Church.



*** *** ***



PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Poydasheff.



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

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



MINUTES: Minutes of the April 8, 2003 meeting of the Council of the

Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were not available for this

meeting.

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

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



CARE PACKAGES FOR

SOLDIERS:



Mayor Poydasheff immediately called forward Mrs. Leah Nunez, who was

seated in the audience. Mrs. Leah Nunez, passed around the table a document

that briefly explains the effort for care packages for the soldiers.



Mrs. Leah Nunez explained that her husband is a staff Sgt. in the United

States Army. She also introduced Mrs. Lisa Emberton who was present with her.

She said that it has come to their attention that quite a few of the soldiers

that are deployed have not received any mail from home. She said they do not

know the reason why family and friends would not be sending them something.

She explained they have received permission to send care packages to the

commanders to be distributed to the front line troops. She pointed out that

their intention was to take care of a small number of soldiers, who had not

received anything from home, but it has turned out that other groups have come

forward to participate in our efforts by donating items. Mrs. Nunez advised

that they have been able to assemble 160 care packages to be mailed out. She

briefly described the items that are included in the care packages. She

pointed out that the schools are also participating by having the students

write letters to the soldiers and are included in each care package. She also

provided a listing of items needed to make additional care packages. Mayor

Poydasheff asked that the information be placed on the CCG-TV for the

citizens.

Councilor Woodson asked that batteries be included on the list for the

care packages. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers suggested asking for assistance from UPS

or Airborne to ship these items, because he knows that all of those companies

are interested in the publicity that goes along with acts of humanity to see if

they will participate in the efforts.



Several members of Council commended Mrs. Nunez and Mrs. Emberton for

their efforts in sending items to the soldiers. Councilor Allen suggested

contacting Congressman Mac Collins? Office and Congressman Sanford Bishop?s

Office to ask for their assistance in getting assistance from the post office.

In response to a comment from Councilor Henderson, Mrs. Nunez responded by

stating that the address for deliveries to be made is 2617 Warm Springs Road,

Columbus, Georgia 31904 and for more information call (706) 317-2201 and the

email address is armycarepackages@yahoo.com.

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

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



PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:



Mayor Poydasheff noticed that the students from Martin Luther King Jr.

Elementary School had arrived and asked them to come forward. He stated that

we would stand to do the Pledge of Allegiance once again. The students also

introduced themselves to the members of Council.

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

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

CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



WITH MS. SUSAN CULPEPPER STANDING BEFORE THE COUNCIL, THE FOLLOWING

RESOLUTION WAS CALLED UP AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AS SUBMITTED BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HUNTER:



A Resolution (171-03) - Expressing appreciation for meritorious service to

Susan Culpepper upon fifteen years of service to the Keep Columbus Beautiful

Commission. Councilor Hunter moved to its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

Davis and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present and

standing to cast their affirmative vote.



Ms. Donna Baudoin, representing the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission

came forward to request Mayor Poydasheff present a special honor to the son of

Ms. Susan Culpepper, Cates Culpepper, which is the Certificate of Appreciation

for dedicated service in volunteering with the Keep Columbus Beautiful

Commission.



*** *** ***



WITH TRANSPORTATION SERVICE MANAGER JOHN LYLES AND SEVERAL EMPLOYEES OF

METRA STANDING BEFORE THE COUNCIL, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS CALLED UP AS

THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN ITS

ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR

HUNTER:



A Resolution (172-03) ? Commending and congratulating Metra Transit

System, and bus operators for their participation in the 2003 Southwest Georgia

Bus Roadeo. Councilor Hunter moved its adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem

Rodgers and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present and

standing to cast their affirmative vote.

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

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



NOTE: See below for the continuation of the City Attorney?s Agenda.



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

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



FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT:



Mayor Poydasheff recognized the presence of Fire Chief Roy Waters, who

immediately called upon the EMT Instructor, Lt. Nate Bader.



Lt. Nate Bader, advised that our success rate has grown tremendously

within the past year for the EMT program. He recalled that in the year 2002,

the Fire Department had started cross training fireman and it proved to be

quite a challenge. He then provided more details on this matter. He advised

that when this class graduates, we would have a total of 58 EMT?s, which is a

phenomenal number. Mayor Poydasheff asked each employee to introduce himself

or herself. Lt. Bader added that the graduation ceremony is at 2:00 p.m., in

the Community Room, of the Public Safety Building.

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

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

CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



WITH MR. CECIL CHEEVES STANDING BEFORE THE COUNCIL, THE FOLLOWING

RESOLUTION WAS CALLED UP AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AS SUBMITTED BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS:



A Resolution (173-03) ? Commending and expressing appreciation to the

Downtown Rotary Club of Columbus for its generous contributions and commitment

to the beautification project in Lakebottom Park. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved

its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those

ten members present for this meeting.

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

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



PROCLAMATIONS:



?AMBASSADOR OF MUSIC?:



With Mr. Jo Jo Benson standing at the Council table, Councilor Suber read

Mayor Poydasheff?s proclamation, proclaiming Mr. Jo Jo Benson as the Ambassador

of Music, in Columbus, Georgia.



*** *** ***



?ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS WEEK?:



With Ms. Judy Harris standing at the Council table, Councilor Anthony read

Mayor Poydasheff?s proclamation, proclaiming the week of April 20 ? 26, 2003,

as ?Administrative Professionals Week?, in Columbus, Georgia.

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

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

PUBLIC AGENDA:



MS. BRENDA PRICE, RE: TOUR DE GEORGIA:



Mayor Poydasheff called forward Ms. Brenda Price, who was listed on the

public agenda.



Ms. Brenda Price, Executive Director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau,

came forward to provide each member of Council with a Tour De Georgia t-shirt.

She advised that Tour De Georgia is coming to Columbus on next Thursday, April

24, 2003. She then invited the members of Council to become a part of this

welcoming ceremony for these 400 racers, who will be traveling here from Macon,

Georgia, which is approximately 116 miles.

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

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

CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



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

ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS DELAYED FOR TWO WEEKS ON FIRST READING:



An Ordinance - Rezoning approximately 9.59 acres of property located at

the undeveloped portion of 700 Veterans Parkway from an R-4 District to a C-3

district. (4-CA-03-GML Real Estate, LLC)



Councilor Davis pointed out that he has some concerns and is not quite

sure what is going on there, but he knows this is a challenging piece of

property. He said that he would like a better understanding of the request and

made the motion to delay the first reading for three weeks. He stated that he

would like to have an opportunity to speak with the petitioner. Seconded by

Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers.



PROPONENT & OPPONENT:



There were some questions regarding the amount of time needed for the

delay of the first reading. Councilor Davis then amended his motion to a

two-week delay on first reading. Councilor Allen agreed with the request for a

delay, but wanted to ask the petitioner if he is amenable to the delay, at

which time, the petitioner concurred with the delay. Mayor Poydasheff called

attention to the motion for delay, which carried unanimously by those ten

members of Council present for this meeting.



Councilor Allen recalls that historically we have asked commercial

establishments to have all lighting directed internally and to use shields. He

said that with the technology for the lighting systems, it would seem that we

should better address this. He suggested that we require lighting poles be a

certain heights to avoid light pollution from commercial establishments. City

Manager Cavezza responded by saying that this issue has come up before and we

have followed through with it. He advised that in the new unified development

ordinance, this would be addressed, because there is new technology that

restrains the lighting.



After no one came forward to speak regarding this rezoning ordinance, City

Attorney Fay advised that this ordinance would be back on first reading in two

weeks.



*** *** ***



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

ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS

HELD:



An Ordinance - Rezoning approximately 0.36 acres of property located at

1423 54th Street from an R -2 District to an C-2 District. (5-CA-03-George)



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



City Attorney Fay indicated that the petitioner was seated in the audience,

but made no presentation since there was no one present to come forward in

opposition.



*** *** ***



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

ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS DELAYED FOR TWO WEEKS ON FIRST READING:



An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 1569-A Alta Vista Drive from

an R-1A District to an R-3A District. (6-D-03-Ashton Homes, LLC)



PROPONENT:



Mr. Rex Kingrey, the petitioner, came forward to request for approval of

the rezoning of 1.38 acres of property located off of Alta Vista Road for R-3A

single-family dwellings. He advised that the plan is to put four (4) dwellings

in this acreage that is subdivided.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers pointed out that there is a reason why the Planning

Division has recommended denial. He pointed out that virtually everything in

that area is R-1A and just what kind of precedent this rezoning would set. He

said it could be mentioned about the R-3A zoning that is right down the street,

but that has been one of the most contingent pieces of property that he has

dealt with as a member of Council; the property has apartments on it right

now. He stated that he is not sure how that property ever got rezone, but he

does have some concerns with the density and agrees with the Planning Division

on this matter. He advised that he would be more inclined to entertain

something in the R-2 density range than the R-3A.



After several comments, Mr. Kingrey asked if the Council would be more

amenable to accepting an R-3 zoning classification, at which time, Councilor

Allen asked City Attorney Fay to meet with Mr. Kingrey regarding the options

that are available as far as an amendment to his petition. He said this would

give him an opportunity to revisit his maps with consideration to the comments

that have been by the Council. When Mayor Poydasheff asked the petitioner if

he would be in agreement to a two-week delay, Mr. Kingrey concurred with the

delay. Councilor Allen then made the motion to delay first reading for two

weeks. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine

members present at the time with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this

vote.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY

CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED ON SECOND READING:



An Ordinance (03-20) ? Amending Section 13-167.4 (e) (2) of the Columbus

Code, Solid Waste Collection and Disposal, by requiring that transfer station

facility owners or managers control noxious odors from such facilities; and for

other purposes. Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.

(Councilor McDaniel was absent at the time of this vote, but later requested

that his vote be cast in the affirmative.)



An Ordinance (03-21) - Amending Section 3-5 (g) of the Columbus Code so as

to permit the issuance of alcoholic beverage licenses to restaurants located

within the Central Riverfront Zoning District provided such restaurants are at

least 250 feet away from the grounds of any church and provided that any such

restaurant shall not be permitted to charge a cover charge pursuant to

3-1(f)(9) and shall not be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages on public

right-of-way unless permission is obtained from the City Manager pursuant to

Section 3-12(i). Councilor Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

Woodson.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers pointed out that the focus has been on one

particular church, but he wanted to make the community aware that there are

other churches in the downtown area that would be affected by this change. He

admitted that he is surprised there has not been more discussion about this.



Mayor Poydasheff called attention to the motion for approval, which

carried by a vote of nine to one with Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers voting no and all

others present voting yes. (Councilor McDaniel was absent at the time of this

vote, but later requested that his vote be cast in the affirmative.)



An Ordinance (03-22) - Establishing parking management and enforcement

areas for Lakebottom Park/Weracoba Park (13th Street, 18th Avenue, Garrard

Street, Cherokee Avenue and 17th Street) and 9th Avenue between 15th Street and

Linwood Boulevard to be patrolled and enforced by special parking enforcement

officers of the Department of Transportation/METRA of Columbus, Georgia;

authorizing the Chief of Police to deputize special parking enforcement

officers to enforce parking and related traffic regulations in said areas; and

for other purposes. Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this

meeting.

(Councilor McDaniel was absent at the time of this vote, but later requested

that his vote be cast in the affirmative.)



*** *** ***

THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST

READING:



An Ordinance - Amending Section 19-47 of the Columbus Code so as to impose

an occupation tax for revenue purposes upon attorneys regulated by the Georgia

Supreme Court based upon business transacted during the previous calendar year.



In response to a comment by Councilor Suber, City Attorney Fay advised

this amendment is for the purpose of coming into compliance with the Georgia

Supreme Court ruling that was issued last month.

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

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

PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. ESAU HUNTER, RE: THE BUSINESS LICENSE OF GENERAL CONTRACTORS:



Mr. Esau Hunter, stated that he has a prepared speech to present to the

members of Council. Mr. Hunter, reading from his prepared statement, began to

provide a chronology of events leading to the necessity to hire a general

contractor for construction work on his home. He then outlined some of the

incomplete work as performed by J.K. Builder and was displeased that Mr. John

Kittrell was able to obtain a business license permit from the City. At this

time, Councilor Pugh advised there is nothing that the Council could do

regarding this matter and said he may want to contact an attorney. She also

cautioned Mr. Hunter about making remarks against this individual without him

being present to justify or not justify what is being said, and this is unfair

to Mr. Kittrell.



Mayor Poydasheff suggested that Mr. Hunter meet with City Attorney Fay

after the Council meeting to allow him to walk through the steps he would need

to contact an attorney, because this is a civil matter and the remedy lies

within the court system.



Councilor Woodson asked if there is an ordinance; whereby, the City could

revoke or no longer continue to grant an individual a business license or

permit if a contractor subjects someone to a hazardous situation when

constructing a home or any other building. City attorney Fay responded by

saying that complaints could be referred to the Building Contractors Examining

Board, but the Council just does not have any legal jurisdiction over it.

Councilor Woodson asked City Attorney Fay to research this matter further and

provide a response.



There was continued discussion on this matter with various councilors

expressing their views. City attorney Fay advised that we would get with Mr.

Bill Duck, Inspections & Code Enforcement Division Manager, and refer all of

the information to Mr. Duck and the Building Contractors Examining Board so

they would be aware of it.



Councilor Anthony suggested that Mr. Hunter contact the House of Heroes

Program for veterans. He then provided Mr. Hunter with a card to contact the

program to see if they could provide some assistance in repairing the house.



*** *** ***

MR. RANDY ROBERTSON, REPRESENTING THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, RE: PAY

RAISES AND BENEFITS FOR LAW

ENFORCEMENT:



Mr. Randy Robertson, advised that he is the newly elected President of the

Fraternal Order of Police for Columbus, Georgia. He stated that he is here to

represent the 700 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, which most are

current active law enforcement officers in Columbus.



He stated that there were some things that we were concerned about. He

recalled when the Mercer report was provided to the Council, which dealt with

benefits for city employees. He emphasized that we are only concerned with the

Sheriff's Department, Muscogee County Prison, Police Department and the

Marshal?s Office. He recalled one of the points made in the report was in

regards to the premiums that are paid for public safety law enforcement

officers, which is higher than the general government employees, and that is a

fact. He went on to explain the reason for the higher premiums for public

safety.



Councilor McDaniel said that the entire Council is sympathetic in that we

do want to be able to pay the employees more money. He asked if this one cent

state sales tax passes to the House or the Senate; then, public safety needs to

assist in getting this legislation passed, because that is one way of getting

some additional money to put in the operation fund to pay more money to the

employees. Mr. Robertson said that it is his understanding, regarding the one

percent sales tax, is that there is going to be a property tax rollback; so,

the money that would normally be used for state property taxes then would be

drawn out of the additional one percent sales tax.



There was continued discussion on this matter with members of Council

expressing their views and responding to some of the comments of Mr.

Robertson. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers suggested that Mr. Robertson make an

appointment to come to a Budget Review Committee worksession to discuss some of

the matters that he is scheduled to discuss today; therefore, we would have an

opportunity to go into further details, at which time, Mayor Poydasheff advised

that the Budget Review Committee meetings are open to the public.



In conclusion, Mr. Robertson maintained the members of the FOP are

requesting at least a six (6) percent pay raise to make up for a lack of raises

in the past, allow officers to contribute an additional one percent along with

the two (2) percent that the City pays into their retirement, no reduction in

benefits for retirees and permanent benefit of the sick pay bonus that is voted

on during the month of November.



Councilor Woodson suggested that Mr. Robertson explain the budget process

to the members of the FOP. Councilor Anthony suggested that Mr. Robertson take

back to the members the concerns that the members of Council have raised and

interface to assist in working more closely together to accomplish the goals

and objectives of both organizations.



Councilor Davis requested that he be provided with a copy of some

comparisons of salary and benefits from within the state of Georgia and

surrounding areas.



City Manager Cavezza advised during the budget process, he offered an

opportunity to brief everyone in the city government about the hard, cold

reality of finances with the intent for the employees to know everything that

he knows. He pointed out that he had between six (6) and eight (8) sessions,

but does not know how many public safety employees attended those meetings. He

added that he would be more than happy to brief the FOP, because without

understanding the basic facts; then, it would be hard to understand the

reactions that you would receive.



*** *** ***



RECOGNITION OF CONGRESSMAN SANFORD BISHOP:



Mayor Poydasheff recognized the presence of Congressman Sanford Bishop,

who was seated in the audience.



Congressman Sanford Bishop, came forward to inform the members of Council

that he is officially here in Columbus, as a representative. He then

introduced his district director, Mr. Kenneth Cutts and Field Representative

Elaine Gillespie. He invited the members of Council to the ribbon cutting and

Open House, at 4:00 p.m., April 21, 2003, at the Heritage Tower Suite 201. He

stated that he wanted everyone to know that we are in the midst of working for

projects that have been brought to our attention for the City of Columbus,

Housing Authority, and many of the other interests in this area that will help

the council jointly with us for all of our constituents to improve the quality

of life for everyone.



Mayor Poydasheff recalled that earlier during the meeting, Ms. Nunez was

present regarding care packages for the soldiers in Iraq. He then asked that

Ms. Gillespie meet with him after the Council meeting regarding concerns of the

post getting through to Iraq, and they are raising funds and items to be sent

to their husbands and other soldiers in Iraq.



Congressman Bishop advised that he would be going to Ft. Benning this

afternoon, at 3:00 p.m., for a memorial service for two of the Ft. Benning

soldiers that were killed in Iraq; it is a private service.



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

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

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:





A Resolution (174-03) ? Authorizing a request to accept a deed to the

cul-de-sac at the end of Bradley Lake Boulevard adjacent to Tract I, Phase One,

Brookstone Centre. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved its adoption. Seconded by

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

present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING SIX PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED 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 TEN MEMBERS OF

COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:



A Resolution (175-03) - Authorizing the execution of a construction

contract with Lott Sheet Metal Contractors Inc., in the amount of $12,793.00

and (optional) $4.00 per board foot for roof renovations at Tillis Pool.



A Resolution (176-03) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) cab and

chassis from Bill Heard Chevrolet in the amount of $15,882.00; and one (1) ?

ton service body from Truck Equipment Sales, Inc., in the amount of $2,986.00.



A Resolution (177-03) - Authorizing a renewal agreement with Georgia

Municipal Association (Atlanta, Ga) in the amount of $17,500.00 for

telecommunication management services.



A Resolution (178-03) - Authorizing the amendment to the software lease

agreement with American Management Systems, Inc., (AMS) to provide conversion

and implementation services for AMC Advantage? 3.0 software in the amount of

$1,248,000.00.



A Resolution (179-03) - Authorizing the purchase of IBM Xseries Servers,

to support AMS Advantage 3.0, from Beck and Associates, via Georgia State

Contract/Western State Contracting Alliance number 94-00151 in the amount of

$58,169.03.



A Resolution (180-03) - Authorizing payment for additional engineering

services required from Wet Weather Engineering & Technology, LLC (WWETCO), in

the amount of $186,000.00, for the Stormwater Treatment Demonstration Project.



*** *** ***



UPCOMING EVENTS:



City Manager Cavezza made the following announcements regarding some

upcoming events and are listed as follows:



? Georgia Power Luncheon: The Georgia Power Luncheon is at the River Club, at

12:00 pm.



? Community Meeting: Road name change for Cartledge Road, at 5:30 p.m., at

Double Churches Middle School.



? Community Meeting: Columbus Regional is looking at a retirement center in

the vicinity of Mobley and River Road, which would involve the closure of Green

Island Drive. The meeting would be at Double Churches Middle School, at 6:30

p.m.



*** *** ***



WARREN WILLIAMS HOUSING COMPLEX:



Councilor Woodson stated that she has received at least two phone calls

from the residents of Warren Williams Housing Complex regarding concerns with

the air-conditioning units. She received questions regarding the bid process

for purchasing the units, because the air-conditioning units that they are

putting in the housing complex is costing the residents more money than the

rent they pay for housing; therefore, it is becoming a problem for the

residents. City manager Cavezza advised that he would contact Mr. Len

Williams, The Housing Authority Director, regarding this matter.

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

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

CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:





THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS

INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &

COUNCIL:

(1) Memorandum from GMA, Re: GMA Listening Sessions.



(2) Report from the February/March 2003 Term of the Grand Jury regarding the

inspection of the Muscogee County Jail, Columbus, Georgia.



*** *** ****



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF

COUNCIL DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (181-03) - Approving the report of the Finance Director of

those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied during the

month of March. Councilor Allen moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Turner

Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this

meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED AND

EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON A

SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:







Application of Dean King to temporarily close Cora Drive from Cathryn

Drive to Clubview Drive, April 25, 2003, from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., in

connection with a ?Neighborhood Gathering?.



*** *** ***



MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL

DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE

COUNCIL:



Board of Tax Assessors, Numbers 13.

Council Briefing, April 8, 2003.

Development Authority, March 5, 2003.

Planning Advisory Commission, November 20, 2002.

Taxicab Commission, March 5, 2003.

Tree Board, February 19, 2003.

Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by

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

present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL

DAVIS AND AN ORDINANCE WAS CALLED FOR BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS:



Petition submitted by Columbus Housing Initiative, Inc. to rezone

approximately 0.16 acres of property located at 4831 - 13th Avenue from a C-3

District to an R-3 District. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning

Advisory Commission and the Planning Division.) (8-A-03-Cols. Housing

Initiative, Inc.)



*** *** ***



BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL:



There were no nominations for the following two positions: Mr. Homer Kuhl

cannot succeed himself; this is Council District Five nomination, and Mr.

Timothy Johnson relinquished his seat; this is Council District Six

nomination.



*** *** ***



CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Jim Walker has relinquished

his seat; this is Council District Three nomination.



*** *** ***



COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Ollie Johnson does not

desire reappointment; this is the Council?s appointment. There were no

nominations.



*** *** ***



OPERATION THANK YOU:



City Manager Cavezza said that he failed to mention one important point,

that is on, May 10, 2003 there would be an Operation Thank You in honor of the

soldiers from this community and their family members to be held at Memorial

Stadium. He pointed out that this is a community wide effort with many

agencies being involved. He said this event would begin at 11:00 a.m. with

lunch being served from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. He said everything would be

provided free to the military, but we are also encouraging others to attend to

say thank you to the soldiers and their families. He said there would be

entertainment throughout the day and it is going to be a great event.



Mayor Poydasheff stated the committee might want to consider hosting a

parade on Victory Drive when the 3rd Brigade and the 36th Brigade come back

from Iraq to Ft. Benning.



*** *** ***



A. J. MCCLUNG MEMORIAL STADIUM:



Councilor Suber said that he recalled that Memorial Stadium had been

approved to be renamed the A. J. McClung Memorial Stadium, at which time, City

Manager Cavezza agreed it is correct, Memorial Stadium has been renamed the A.

J. McClung Memorial Stadium, and we are going to have to get in the habit of

referring to it that way.



*** *** ***



2003 GRAND JURY REPORT:



Councilor Suber requested that the individuals that wrote the grand jury

report for the Muscogee County Jail be invited to one of our Budget Review

Committee Meetings, because he does not believe they understand the type of

restraints that we are under at this particular time, and maybe this is

something that they would be interested in doing.



*** *** ***



At this time, Mayor Poydasheff asked if there was anyone seated in the

audience that had a matter they would like to bring before the members of

council. No one came forward to be heard.



*** *** ***



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

McDaniel made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried

unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting with the

time being 10:58 a.m.



*** *** ***





Sandra T. Davis

Deputy Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia