Columbus, Georgia

Agenda Item#__________





Columbus Consolidated Government

Council Meeting





Agenda Report#_______







TO: Mayor and Councilors



SUBJECT: 2003 Legislative Agenda



INITIATED BY: City Manager?s Office





Recommendation: Approve eleven (11) resolutions on issues included on the City

of Columbus? Legislative Agenda for the 2003 session of the General Assembly as

discussed by the Mayor and Council.



Background: Each year the elected and appointed officials of the Columbus

Consolidated Government develop a list of issues important to the citizens of

Columbus that requires action by the local Legislative Delegation. Once the

list is developed, meetings are held with the Delegation to explain the

rationale behind these issues and to solicit their support. If the Delegation

is in agreement with City officials, a final list of issues is written and

presented to the Delegation. A meeting was held on December 3, 2002 with the

Delegation.



Analysis: Staff, elected and appointed officials were asked to present issues

they felt were important to the operation of City Government. Research and

justification for these issues were presented to the City Manager and a list

was prepared for presentation to the Mayor/Council. The Mayor/Council

discussed these issues among themselves and made a final decision on those that

would be presented to the Legislative Delegation.



Financial Considerations: The City is expected to receive additional revenues

if many of the issues are passed by the General Assembly.



Recommendations/Actions: Approve those resolutions, which the Mayor/Council

deems appropriate.







Columbus Consolidated Government



2003 Legislative Agenda

__________________________________



1. Fall Line Air Quality Funding for Second Tier Cities:



Oppose cuts in the 2004 Budget of the Fall Line Air Quality Study, which is

checking air quality in Columbus, Augusta and Macon. All three cities may fall

out of compliance with the federal Clean Air Act under a tighter federal

air-quality standard and would then be required to enforce stricter emissions

requirements. (Carry over from 2002 Legislative Agenda)



2. Funding for Expansion of the Trade Center/Visitors? Center:



Support funding for the expansion of the Columbus Trade Center/Visitors?

Center. (Carryover from 2002 Legislative Agenda)



3. Change in Enterprise Zone Legislation to include retail and day care

Facilities:



Support a change in the current Enterprise Zone legislation to expand the

allowable tax abatements and other incentives to include retail and daycare

facilities that locate within an Enterprise Zone creating jobs as mandated by

current State legislation.



4. Exemption from release of records of City/County employees and/or their

dependents:



Introduce legislation that will exempt the release of records that reveal the

home address, the home telephone number, social security number, insurance or

medical information of City/County employees and/or their dependents.

(Carryover from 2002 Legislative Agenda)



5. Passenger Rail Funding:



Support Legislation to keep passenger rail funding in the State Department of

Transportation?s budget and support the establishment of rail passenger service

between Columbus/Griffin/Atlanta simultaneously with the development of the

Atlanta/Griffin/Macon passenger rail corridor (Carryover from

2002 Legislative Agenda)









6. Increased Funding for Road Projects:



Support increased funding in the State Department of Transportation?s budget

for road projects. (Carryover from 2002 Legislative Agenda)



7. Mentally Challenged/Substance Abuse Homes:



Introduce legislation to require state agencies and/or their subcontractors to

notify local elected officials regarding the placement of mentally challenged

or substance abuse homes in neighborhoods. (Carryover from 2002 Legislative

Agenda)



8. State Funding for Oxbow Marina:



Support funding for Oxbow Marina. (Carryover from 2002 Legislative Agenda)



9. Sales Tax for Operation:



Continue to pursue our efforts for an additional local option sales tax

(LOST). (Carryover from 2002 Legislative Agenda)



10. Increased Funding for Criminal Indigent Defense:



Support increased funding for criminal indigent defense. The State now funds

only 10% of Muscogee County?s cost for attorneys for criminals who cannot

afford attorneys. (Carryover from 2002 Legislative Agenda)



11. Tri-Rivers Funding:



Support funding for Tri-Rivers. (Carryover from 2002 Legislative Agenda)









A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE

LEGISLATION TO AUTHORIZE STATE FUNDING FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE COLUMBUS TRADE

CENTER/VISITORS? CENTER.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient

operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for

its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, funding of the Columbus Trade Center/Visitors? Center will contribute

significantly to Economic Development in the Columbus region and State; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action during the 2003 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia, hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation respectfully introduce

legislation to authorize state funding for the Columbus Trade Center/Visitors?

Center.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

______________day of ___________, 2002 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Smith voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting _____________







________________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bobby G. Peters, Mayor



A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE AND/OR

SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO KEEP PASSENGER RAIL FUNDING IN THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF

TRANSPORTATION?S BUDGET AND SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RAIL PASSENGER SERVICE

BETWEEN COLUMBUS/GRIFFIN/ATLANTA SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE

ATLANTA/GRIFFIN/MACON PASSENGER RAIL CORRIDOR.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient

operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for

its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, Columbus/Muscogee County, Georgia is a major second tier city but is

ranked near the bottom of the list to receive commuter rail service; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2003 General Assembly session.





NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation respectfully pursue with all

diligence introducing and/or supporting necessary legislation to keep passenger

rail funding in the State Department of Transportation?s budget and support the

establishment of rail passenger service between Columbus/Griffin/Atlanta

simultaneously with the development of the Atlanta/Griffin/Macon passenger rail

corridor.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

______________day of ___________, 2002 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Smith voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting ______________





________________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bobby G. Peters, Mayor







A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION SUPPORT INCREASED

FUNDING IN THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION?S BUDGET FOR ROAD PROJECTS.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient

operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for

its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2003 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation support increased funding in the

State Department of Transportation?s budget for road projects.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

______________day of ___________, 2002 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Smith voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting ______________





________________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bobby G. Peters, Mayor







A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE

LEGISLATION TO AUTHORIZE STATE FUNDING FOR OXBOW MARINA.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient

operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for

its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, funding of Oxbow Marina will contribute significantly to Economic

Development in the Columbus region and the State; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2003 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation respectfully introduce

legislation to authorize state funding for Oxbow Marina.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

______________day of ___________, 2002 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Smith voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting ______________







________________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bobby G. Peters, Mayor





















A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION SUPPORT INCREASED

FUNDING FOR CRIMINAL INDIGENT DEFENSE.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient

operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for

its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, the State now funds only ten percent of Muscogee County?s cost for

attorneys for criminals who can not afford attorneys; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2003 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation respectfully pursue with all

diligence increased funding for criminal indigent defense.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

______________day of ___________, 2002 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Smith voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting _____________







________________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bobby G. Peters, Mayor









A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION SUPPORT THE

NECESSARY FUNDING FOR THE FALL LINE AIR QUALITY STUDY FOR SECOND TIER CITIES IN

ORDER TO ALLAY THE ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES OF AIR POLLUTION AND ?NON ATTAINMENT?

DESIGNATION.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient

operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for

its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has measured

concentrations of ground level ozone in areas outside Atlanta and other large

metropolitan areas that approach or exceed the existing and proposed U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency?s standard for clean air; and,



WHEREAS, information concerning the composition, source, and fate of air

pollution in and around second tier cities is insufficient to develop effective

and efficient action plans; and,



WHEREAS, funding for second tier cities air quality study and programs requires

action during the 2003 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia, hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation support the necessary funding for

the fall line air quality study for second tier cities in order to allay the

adverse consequences of air pollution and ?non attainment? designation.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

______________day of ___________, 2002 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Smith voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting ______________





________________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bobby G. Peters, Mayor







A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION CONTINUE TO PURSUE OUR

EFFORTS FOR AN ADDITIONAL LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX (LOST).



WHEREAS, the Columbus Consolidated Government is committed to improving the

quality of life for its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, the Columbus Consolidated Government recognizes the continuing

challenge of providing cost efficient services to support and maintain the

quality of life for its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, Federal and State Governments are cutting funds to governments yet

requiring implementation of new programs; and,



WHEREAS, this request requires action in the 2003 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the Columbus Delegation take the necessary and appropriate steps to pursue

passage of an additional Local Option Sales Tax (LOST).



INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

______________day of ___________, 2002 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Smith voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting ______________





________________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bobby G. Peters, Mayor



















A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE

LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE STATE AGENCIES AND/OR THEIR SUBCONTRACTORS TO NOTIFY

LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF MENTALLY CHALLENGED OR

SUBSTANCE ABUSE HOMES IN NEIGHBORHOODS.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient

operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for

its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, State agencies and/or their subcontractors are placing mentally

challenged and substance abuse homes in neighborhoods without proper

notification to local elected officials; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action during the 2003 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia, hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation introduce legislation to require

State agencies and/or their subcontractors to notify local elected officials

regarding the placement of mentally challenged or substance abuse homes in

neighborhoods.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

______________day of ___________, 2002 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Smith voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting ______________







________________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bobby G. Peters, Mayor

















A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION SUPPORT STATE

FUNDING FOR TRI-RIVERS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient

operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for

its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, funding of Tri-Rivers will contribute significantly to Economic

Development in the Columbus region; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2003 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation respectfully support State

funding for Tri-Rivers Development Association.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

______________day of ___________, 2002 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Smith voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting ______________







________________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bobby G. Peters, Mayor





























A RESOLUTION

NO.________





A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION TO EXPAND THE ALLOWABLE TAX ABATEMENTS

AND OTHER INCENTIVES TO INCLUDE RETAIL AND DAYCARE FACILITIES THAT LOCATE

WITHIN AN ENTERPRISE ZONE, CREATING FIVE OR MORE JOBS AS MANDATED BY CURRENT

STATE LEGISLATION.

WHEREAS, Columbus, Georgia has a designated Enterprise Zone under current State

legislation; and,

WHEREAS, currently tax abatements are the only incentive available to those

businesses identified under the current U.S. Standard Industrial Codes (SIC) 60

through 67; and,

WHEREAS, retail and daycare facilities are not recognized under the current

state legislation and are not eligible for tax abatement consideration; and,

WHEREAS, by allowing retail and daycare facilities to be considered for tax

abatements and other incentives will expedite the creation of additional jobs

and growth in low and moderate income census tracts; while providing ancillary

services for those persons accepting the jobs created; and,

WHEREAS, this issue requires research and action during the 2003 General

Assembly session.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia, hereby resolves as follows:

That the Mayor and Council of Columbus Georgia support retail and daycare

facilities being allowed tax abatements and other incentives when locating into

an Enterprise Zone and creating jobs as mandated in current legislation.

Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

_______ day of ________, 2002 and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative

vote of _____--____ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting __________.

Councilor Davis voting __________.

Councilor Henderson voting __________.

Councilor Hunter voting __________.

Councilor McDaniel voting __________.

Councilor Rodgers voting __________.

Councilor Smith voting __________.

Councilor Suber voting __________.

Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.

Councilor Woodson voting __________.







___________________________________ _____________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bobby G. Peters, Mayor









A RESOLUTION

NO.________





A RESOLUTION Requesting that the local legislative delegation introduce

legislation that will exempt the release of records that reveal the home

address, telephone number, social security number, insurance or medical

information of city/county employees and/or their dependants.

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the safety

and security of employees; and,

WHEREAS, the Georgia Open Records Act requires disclosure of almost all

information that exists within a governmental organization, including

information that has the potential to pose a security risk to employees; and,

WHEREAS, this issue requires action during the 2003 General Assembly session.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia, hereby resolves as follows:

That the local Legislative Delegation introduce legislation that will exempt

the release of records that reveal the home address, telephone number, social

security number, insurance or medical information of City/County employees

and/or their dependents.

Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

_______ day of ________, 2002 and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative

vote of ________members of said Council.





Councilor Allen voting __________.

Councilor Davis voting __________.

Councilor Henderson voting __________.

Councilor Hunter voting __________.

Councilor McDaniel voting __________.

Councilor Rodgers voting __________.

Councilor Smith voting __________.

Councilor Suber voting __________.

Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.

Councilor Woodson voting __________.







___________________________________ _____________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bobby G. Peters, Mayor