Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR MEETING

DECEMBER 2, 2003



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

called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, December 2, 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 R. Gary Allen, Wayne S. Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson,

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

Suber and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Carmen Cavezza, City Attorney Clifton

Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra

Davis were also present.



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ABSENT: No one was absent.



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INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. Jimmy Elder- First Baptist Church.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from the Messiah?s Martial Arts School.



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CHARACTER WORD FOR THE MONTH:



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

the Columbus City of Character word for the month of December. He said the

character word is ?honesty?. He said that honesty is at the very foundation of

all of our system of ethics as human beings. He said that transparency in

government is the essence of honesty.



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MISS COLUMBUS 2004:



Mr. Mike Owens, Convention and Visitor?s Bureau, came forward to introduce

Miss Columbus 2004, as well as, our representative in the Miss Georgia Pageant

in June, Miss Dionne Daniels. He also introduced Miss Teen Columbus, Miss Kate

Rouse.



Miss Dionne Daniels, Miss Columbus 2004, stated that as Miss Columbus, she

has devoted herself to developing the youth in the community through

mentoring. She said that her goal in the Muscogee County School District is to

develop a teacher mentoring program. She stated that on behalf of Miss Kate

Rouse and herself, we appreciate the support from Columbus.

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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MS. TINA CROSS, REPRESENTING CARVER HIGH SCHOOL, RE: INFORMATION ON A NEW

GRANT THAT WAS RECEIVED BY CARVER HIGH

SCHOOL:



Ms. Tina Cross, representing Carver High School, approached the rostrum,

and immediately pointed out that Ms. Dionne Daniels, Miss Columbus 2004, is a

graduate of the Carver High Magnet Program. She then introduced the two

students that were present with her and are as follows: Miss Jonna Pierce and

Mr. Ricky Riley. She advised that they are the student chairs for this

effort. She pointed out that Carver High School has received a grant and in

February 2004, we are going to invite African American Veterans from all wars

beginning with WWII to come and speak to the classes. She said that every

student at Carver High School would write an essay documenting the experiences

that those veterans had during the various conflicts. She said that the best

essays would be published as a hard-bind book with a library of Congress number

and copies would be made available to every student who is published, every

school and library in Muscogee County and the tri-city area. She said that our

hopes are to provide the Veterans with a copy as well. She encouraged anyone

who is an African American Veteran to contact her at Carver High School.



Mayor Poydasheff suggested that every interview be video taped. He also

suggested that she work with the United States Army National Infantry Museum or

the Army War College.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



?NATHANIEL WILLIAMS, JR., EAGLE SCOUT RECIPIENT?:



With Mr. Nathaniel Williams, Jr. standing at the Council table, Councilor

Suber read Mayor Poydasheff?s proclamation, proclaiming high honor and

recognition for ?Nathaniel Williams, Jr., Eagle Scout Recipient?, in Columbus,

Georgia.



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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



WITH JACK AND MIRIAM TIDWELL STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING

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

COUNCIL:





A Resolution (539-03) - Commending and expressing appreciation to Jack and

Miriam Tidwell who sponsored the second ?God Bless Ft. Benning? rally during

the weekend of November 22 - 23, 2003. Councilor Davis moved adoption.

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

of Council present and standing to cast their affirmative vote.



Dr. Jack Tidwell, reading from a prepared statement, expressed his

appreciation for the citizens of Columbus and the soldiers. He urged for

support of our troops in Ft. Benning and solid support for the Western

Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation mission, which is for the

education and teamwork needed to provide international security. He said the

Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation is the world?s best

educational template for efficiently establishing lasting peace on this planet.





Mrs. Miriam Tidwell, recognized the following individuals, who

participated in the ?God Bless Ft. Benning? rally and provided each with a

shirt and are as follows: Mr. Jim Martin, Clear Channel, Damien Orton, Edgar

Champagne, Roby Watson, Bob Quick, Allen Dupreis, Gladiola Unzueta, The Ritchie

Brothers, Jan Drew, Ken Woodson, Russ Hollenbeck, Chuck Thompson, Elizabeth

Terry, Jeff Bailey, Bill & Pam Cornelius, David, from Ray Rents, Gary Dunn,

Mark Clayton, Wyatt Terry, Scott Henderson, Marvin Dean, Harry McMann, Channel

3 Television, Channel 9 Television, Channel 16 Television, Don Cook, Chuck

Williams, Major Julius Graham, Lt. Sherman Thomas, Bruce Smith, Will Bergen,

Mayor Robert Poydasheff, City Manager Carmen Cavezza, Miriam?s Cafe, Calloway

Blue Bottle Spring Water, Pam Brodus, Maroon, Columbus Corner Bakery, Nextel,

Brenda Hopkins and Kim Miller from Santa?s Castle.



An unidentified gentleman came forward to advise that we have a room full

of toys at the Tidwell Cancer Center, which is ready to be picked-up. He then

presented a check for $1,200 from cash donations and raffles.



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MR. EDWARD DUBOIS, REPRESENTING THE NAACP LOCAL CHAPTER, RE: VOTING

EQUIPMENT:





Mayor Poydasheff recognized the presence of Mr. Ed Dubois and asked that

he come forward at this time.



Mr. Edward Dubois, representing the NAACP Local Chapter, appeared before

the Council to express his concerns with the voting equipment. He provided

examples of citizens that had expressed concerns to the NAACP regarding faulty

voting machines. He said he is not here to debate the outcome of the previous

election for the one percent sales tax for the Muscogee County School District,

but said there were three citizens that came forward from Spencer High School

voting precinct, one from the Rothschild Middle School precinct and one from

Muscogee Elementary School precinct, one from Brewer Elementary precinct and

one from Gentian Elementary precinct, who indicated that they went to the polls

to cast a vote and the voting machine registered different from that person?s

choice. He said that one machine from the Spencer High precinct was pulled

aside and not used. He said that he is concerned with the status of the other

machines that were identified as faulty, because the citizens spoke with the

poll workers. He said these are the same machines that everyone in Muscogee

County would be using for the Primary Election and eventually, the Presidential

Election.



He pointed out that he has identified real problems that citizens in

Columbus have experienced at the polls, and there are no answers. Mayor

Poydasheff said he would express these concerns that have been presented by Mr.

Dubois to Ms. Nancy Boren, Director of Elections and Registration, and believes

that Ms. Boren would do everything in her power to see to it that the machines

are functioning for the upcoming elections.



Councilor Suber reported that there were 290 votes that were not counted

and asked in which area were these votes not counted in, at which time, Mr.

Dubois said that he believes it was predominantly in the South Columbus area,

but he is uncertain.



In response to another question of Councilor Suber regarding the amount

of money the City had to pay for the machines, City Manager Cavezza informed

that we contributed $90,000 for the voting machines.



Ms. Nancy Boren, Director of Elections and Registration, explained that

the 297 votes are blank ballots and considered under votes. She pointed out

that under votes occur in every election. She advised that each of the 48

sites contributed to the 297 votes; each precinct in the county had an under

vote. She advised that if a citizen did not cast a vote as ?yes? or ?no? then

it showed up as a blank ballot. She explained that before the elector cast

that blank ballot, there are two warnings; one at the top and one at the

bottom.



Mayor Poydasheff suggested that Ms. Boren make a presentation on the

CCG-TV to explain the procedures for using the voting equipment. Ms. Boren

added that prior to every election we do a logic and accuracy test on all

equipment that is sent out in the field. She said the machines are tested to

insure that they would register a vote in each position on that ballot.



There was continued discussion on this matter with Ms. Boren responding to

various questions from the members of Council.



Mr. Dubois said that he has the names of these citizens and would be

available to talk with someone regarding the people they had petitioned, when

they cast their vote one way and it came back another.



Councilor Turner Pugh suggested that a sign be posted at each polling

place that lets the citizens know that if they have a problem that could not

get corrected at the polling site, there is a number they could call for the

Elections Headquarters. Responding to Councilor Allen?s comments, Ms. Boren

maintained that if a citizen is illiterate, the equipment has an audio ballot

that is attached to the equipment. She said there are numerous things in place

to assist someone who does not know how to read.



Councilor Hunter suggested that in addition to the presentation on CCG-TV,

that Ms. Boren get with the local network stations to have them run a service

announcement on how to work the voting machines. He then suggested that the

poll workers orally advise every voter when they come to the precinct that the

poll workers are available for voter assistance, if they needed it.



Councilor Allen suggested that the ballot be structured to not allow a

person to cast a ballot unless the citizen chooses something. Ms. Boren said

according to the current laws, we cannot force a person to vote. Councilor

Hunter added that if a third box was listed to abstain from voting on an issue,

it would allow the person to move to the next page, because they would have to

check something. Ms. Boren explained this would require a change in the State

Election Code, which would require legislative action.



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EXECUTIVE SESSION:



City Attorney Fay requested that the Council go into a brief executive

session to discuss a matter of litigation.



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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ELEVEN LEGISLATIVE AGENDA RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND

EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON A SINGLE MOTION

MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH, WHICH

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:





A Resolution (540-03) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

oppose state cuts to health department funding.



A Resolution (541-03) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce/support legislation that will expedite transfer of state inmates to

the state prison from city/county jails.



A Resolution (542-03) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

oppose closing Rutledge State Prison.



A Resolution (543-03) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

continue to pursue our efforts for an additional Local Options Sales Tax (LOST).



A Resolution (544-03) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce/support legislation to reform the Georgia Hotel/Motel Tax Code (OCGA

48-51) to insure a significant percentage of funds are used for the original

intended purpose of tax-destination marketing.



A Resolution (545-03) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce legislation to authorize state funding for the expansion of the

Columbus Trade Center/Visitors? Center.



A Resolution (546-03) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce/support legislation that would permit fingerprinting and National

Child Search on all employees with one-on-one contact with children.



A Resolution (547-03) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

oppose legislation which increases salaries of local elected officials without

a resolution of support from the local governing authority.



A Resolution (548-03) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce legislation to authorize State funding for Oxbow Marina.



A Resolution (549-03) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce/support legislation to delay implementation of House Bill 770 (The

Georgia Indigent Defense Act of 2003) until adequate State funding is

appropriated to fund public defenders mandated in the bill.



A Resolution (550-03) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

oppose legislation that would decriminalize traffic offenses.



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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND

EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE

ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR SUBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR

TURNER PUGH, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT

FOR THIS

MEETING:



A Resolution (551-03) - Authorizing payment to Motorola Communication

Enterprise (Schaumburg, IL) in the amount of $39,585.14 for mobile data

terminal hardware maintenance and support.



A Resolution (552-03) - Authorizing a five-year lease for a UPS

(Uninterruptible Power System) from Georgia Power in the amount of $1,262.00

per month.



A Resolution (553-03) - Authorizing the purchase of a dance floor system

from Sisco America, Inc., (Minneapolis, Minnesota) in the amount of $45,283.50



A Resolution (554-03) - Authorizing the purchase of a Remottee Andros F6A

Hazardous-Duty Robot from Remotec (Oak Ridge, Tennessee) in the amount of

$147,823.00.



A Resolution (555-03) - Authorizing the purchase of a Bomb X-Ray System

from Logos Imaging (Richmond, Indiana) in the amount of $25,049.00.



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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY

CITY MANAGER CAVEZZA AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ONE WEEK:



A Resolution - Authorizing the execution of a contract with Jordan, Jones

& Goulding (Columbus, Ga) for engineering services for Veteran Parkway widening

project for the estimated contract value of $400,000.



City Manager Cavezza addressed a concern regarding the engineering

services for Veterans Parkway widening project. He stated that the cost is

$400,000 and the concern is this may be too high. He explained that the

company, JJ&G, is doing the project for DOT, and we were going to keep them on

to do the City?s piece of it, which is the engineering services. He then

briefly explained the process and the procedures. He said this is a $4.5

million project. He explained that when DOT does a project, they add about 10%

for engineering services, which in this case, would be $450,000 and this

contract is for $400,000. He said that in the interest of time, we decided to

stick with this company and move forward. He said the members of Council have

expressed a concern in that area; therefore, we maintain that we need to do

this project as quickly as possible. He said that we could bid this service

out, but that would take another three or four months to do that.



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Councilor Davis said the people in the community seem to think that the

City is picking up the cost for the hazardous duty robot and the x-ray system.

Mayor Poydasheff advised that the money is coming from Homeland Security

Grants. City Manager Cavezza added this is grant money from the Homeland

Security Defense. He projected that there would not be an additional cost or

major cost to the city. Councilor Davis reiterated that there is no money

coming out of the general fund, at which time, Mayor Poydasheff said that is

correct.



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In response to a comment made by Councilor Suber regarding acknowledging

the cost, City Manager Cavezza explained that we did not go out for bid,

because we were going to go sole source. He said the reason for this is

because they are in the process of working with DOT, but the alternative is to

bid it out, which we could do but would incur time lost.



Councilor Davis said that he has researched this matter, and most people

he has spoken to thinks the amount is too high. He said if we could save some

money on a project; then, we are doing justice for the taxpayers.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he was provided with the name of a reputable

engineering firm, who is saying that they could do the work cheaper; therefore,

he would request a delay for one week to research this information. City

Manager Cavezza outlined the services that would be provided without giving the

numbers involved and are listed as follows: design, traffic study,

environmental study, aerial mapping survey and the Geo tech piece.



There were continued discussions on this matter with various Councilors

expressing their views, and City Manager Cavezza responding to some questions.

Mayor Poydasheff suggested that we accept the recommendation of Mayor Pro Tem

Rodgers and delay this matter for one week.



City Manager Cavezza welcomed some of the critics, who have stated they

could do better with the cost, because he does not receive these types of

calls. Councilor Davis suggested that the only way to solve this issue would

be to put it out to bid.



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UPCOMING EVENTS:



City Manager Cavezza highlighted some upcoming events, which are outlined

below.



? Night of Lights: On December 4, 2003, at 6:00 p.m., the Tri-Community

Christmas Celebration ?Night of Lights?, in the Phenix City Amphitheater.



? Liberty District Redevelopment Plan: On December 8, 2003, at 6:00 p.m.,

there would be a public meeting on the Liberty District Redevelopment Plan.



? Columbus South Revitalization Task Force: On December 9, 2003, at 6:00 p.m.

at Baker Middle School, the Columbus South Revitalization Task Force would

hold a meeting.



? Employee Gala: On December 12, 2003, the Employee Holiday Gala would be held

at 7:00 p.m., at the Civic Center.



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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING TWO ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION FOR THE

COUNCIL:



(1) Memo from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Downtown Development Authority.



(2) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Marie Colston Kemp Lewis, Councilor Davis'

nominee to replace Ms. Sharon Dixon on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



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THE FOLLOWING TWO ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND

RECEIVED BY THE

COUNCIL:



Letter from Mr. Joel Collis submitting his resignation from the Keep

Columbus Beautiful Commission. Councilor Henderson moved it be accepted with

regrets. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those

ten members of Council present for this meeting.



Memo from Ms. Gloria Weston-Smart submitting the resignation of Ms. Sharon

Dixon from the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission. Councilor Allen moved it be

accepted with regrets. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and carried

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



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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE

COUNCIL:



C.I.R.C.L.E., October 14, 2003.

Health, Board of, September 24, 2003.

Housing Authority, October 14, 2003.

Risk Mgmt Accident Prevention/Risk Analyst Com., Nov. 19, 2003.

Tax Assessors, Number 45.

Water Commissioners, August 11, 2003.

Water Commissioners, September 8, 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.



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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Mr.

Junie Christian and Ms. Mary Mills would be expiring at the end of December.

She added that Mr. Christian is eligible to succeed himself for another term of

office. Councilor Allen then renominated Mr. Christian for another term of

office.



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BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:



Councilor Woodson asked about a nominee that she was to receive from Ms.

Virginia Peebles, at which time, Clerk of Council Washington advised that she

did receive the information on the nominee, but the term for the position does

not expire until January of next year, but she would research it further.



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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need someone to

replace Ms. Leah Braxton on the Downtown Development Authority. There were no

nominations.



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HEALTH, BOARD OF:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Dr.

Howard Willis would be expiring at the end of December. She added that Dr.

Willis is eligible to succeed himself for another term of office. Councilor

McDaniel then renominated Dr. Willis for another term of office.



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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:



Clerk of Council Washington outlined the four seats that expiring on

November 14, 2003 and are as follows: Ms. Donzy O?Dell, Mr. James Webster, Mr.

Robert Kelly and Mr. Harvey Phelps; Kelly and Mr. Phelps are eligible to

succeed themselves, but Ms. Donzy O?Dell and Mr. Webster cannot. She pointed

out that the Council must nominate three individuals for each seat. Councilor

Allen then renominated Mr. Kelly and Mr. Phelps for another term of office.



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INDUSTRIAL & PORT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need someone to

replace Mr. Wade Tomlinson on the Industrial & Port Development Commission.

There were no nominations.



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MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:



Clerk of Council Washington outlined two seats that would be expiring at

the end of December and are as follows: Dr. Ashok Kumar and Mr. George Jeter;

Mr. Kumar is eligible to succeed himself, but Mr. Jeter cannot. She pointed

out that the Council must nominate three individuals for each seat. Councilor

Allen then renominated Mr. Kumar for another term of office. She advised that

we do have one nominee, Mrs. Carlton Franklin, submitted by Councilor Suber for

Mr. Jeter?s position, but we still need two additional nominees for this seat.



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RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Ms.

Tiffany Tootle and Ms. Brenda Dozier would be expiring at the end of December.

She added that Ms. Tootle and Ms. Dozier are eligible to succeed themselves for

another term of office. Councilor Allen then renominated Ms. Tootle and Ms.

Dozier for another term of office.



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LEADERSHIP COLUMBUS:



Councilor Anthony suggested that this list of board appointments be sent

to Leadership Columbus Alumni Association so they would be aware that we have

these vacancies.



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Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers asked if there was anyone in the audience that

wanted to bring a matter before the members of Council. No one came forward.



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EXECUTIVE SESSION:



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

Tem Rodgers called attention to a previous request to go into executive session

to discuss a matter of litigation. Councilor McDaniel so moved. Seconded by

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

present for this meeting with the time being 6:50 p.m.



At 7:00 p.m., the Councilor reconvened its regular meeting. Mayor Pro Tem

Rodgers announced that the members of Council did meet in an executive session,

but there were no votes taken. Councilor Suber then made a motion for

adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten

members of Council present, with the time being 7:01 p.m.



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Sandra T. Davis

Deputy Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia