Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

APRIL19, 2005



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

order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, April 19, 2005, on the Plaza Level of the

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

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



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

Councilors R. Gary Allen, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Charles E. McDaniel,

Jr., Nathan Suber and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney

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

Sandra Davis were also present. Councilor Evelyn Turner Pugh took her seat at

the Council table at 9:35 a.m.



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ABSENT: Councilors Wayne Anthony and Julius H. Hunter, Jr., were absent, but

were excused upon the adoption of Resolution Numbers 233-05 & 234-05

respectively.



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INVOCATION: Offered by Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Georgia Pre-Kindergarten.



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PRAYER BREAKFAST:



Mayor Poydasheff pointed out that we had the Mayor?s Prayer Breakfast this

morning and said he would like to invite those who weren?t in attendance this

morning to come out next month. He said the next one is going to publicized;

and said if you want to hear some wonderful petitions supporting our city and

asking for God?s guidance, you must come to these prayer breakfast.



He said the venture was started by former Mayor Bobby Peters, known as the

Mayor?s Prayer Breakfast and it has just metaphorsize into the One Columbus

Prayer Breakfast.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



?THE WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD?:



With Ms. Mary Ann Morris and Mr. Ralph Huling standing at the Council

table, Councilor Suber read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming

the week of April 18 - 30, 2005 as ?The Week of the Young Child? in Columbus,

Georgia.



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?TRI-CITY VOLUNTEER WEEK?:



Councilor Davis read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming

April 17-19, 2005 as ?Tri-City Volunteer Week? in Columbus, Georgia. With no

one being present to accept this proclamation, Mayor Poydasheff requested Clerk

of Council Washington to forward it to the organization.



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?ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS WEEK?:



Councilor Allen read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming

April 24-30, 2005 as ?Administrative Professionals Week? in Columbus, Georgia.

With no one being present to accept this proclamation, Mayor Poydasheff

requested Clerk of Council Washington to forward it to the organization.



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?NATIONAL RED HAT DAY?:



With several members of the Red Hat Society standing at the Council table,

Councilor Henderson read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming

April 25, 2005 as ?National Red Hat Day?

in Columbus, Georgia.



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?PARTNERS IN EDUCATION WEEK?:



With Mr. Myron Douglas standing at the Council table, Mayor Pro Tem

Rodgers read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming April 18-22,

2005 as ?Partners In Education Week? in Columbus, Georgia.



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?OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSING WEEK?:



Councilor McDaniel read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming

April 18-22, 2005 as ?Occupational Health Nursing Week? in Columbus, Georgia.

With no one being present to accept this proclamation, Mayor Poydasheff

requested Clerk of Council Washington to forward the proclamation to the

organization.



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?JUNIOR LEAGUE OF COLUMBUS?:



With Ms. Jan Agnew and Ms. Jodi Saunders standing at the Council table,

Councilor Woodson read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming the

week of April 17-23, 2005 as ?Junior League of Columbus Week? in Columbus,

Georgia.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



WITH MR. DARRION MITCHELL AND MR. ROGER SEQUINFIELD STANDING AT THE

COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY

BY COUNCILOR SUBER AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:







A Resolution (225-05) - Commending and congratulating METRA bus operators

for demonstrating their expert driving skills in the annual Southwest Georgia

local transit roadeo competition. Councilor Suber moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those

seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Turner Pugh not

yet having arrived to the meeting and Councilors Anthony and Suber being absent

for this meeting.

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



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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MRS. VIRGINIA PEEBLES, REPRESENTING THE HISTORIC COLUMBUS FOUNDATION, RE:

ANNUAL RIVERFEST WEEKEND:



Mrs. Peebles, Director of Historic Columbus Foundation, along with Mrs.

Frances Quick, Riverfest Coordinator, and Volunteer Chairperson, Fred Green

appeared before the Council to extend an invitation to the 36th Annual

Riverfest Weekend activities. She said they are here this morning to thank the

Mayor and Council, as well as the entire community for their support of this

event.



She said recently Historic Columbus Foundation changed its mission

statement to bring them into this 21st Century and then read the mission

statement into the record; which states: Historic Columbus Foundation seeks to

revitalize historic Columbus neighborhoods, educate the public about local and

regional history, advocate the benefits that are derived from Historic

preservation and to preserve the historical, architectural and cultural

character of Columbus and its endows.



Mrs. Peebles said under all of these platforms of this mission statement

is where they try to do preservation and educational projects. She said being

here this morning and hearing all the proclamations that were just read, she

realize how many ways they touch different lives in Columbus.



She said in many ways, the things that you celebrated this morning,

Historic Columbus Foundation celebrates also.

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MINUTES: Minutes of the April 12, 2005 meeting of the Council of the

Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved

unanimously upon the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and

seconded by Councilor Henderson, after he made a request to make a correction

to change those being present. He pointed out that it should be Mayor

Poydasheff, not Mayor Peters being present.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA CONTINUED:



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:



An Ordinance (05-33) - Rezoning property located at 6726 Buena Vista Road

is proposed for rezoning from C-3 (General Commercial) District to R-1A (Low

Density Residential) District. (16-A-05-KLB Properties) Councilor Allen made a

motion to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried

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



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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ

BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING PURSUANT TO

THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY

COUNCILOR TUFNER PUGH, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF

COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:





An Ordinance (05-34 - Rezoning properties located at 1161 Curtis Street;

2741 and 2811 12th Avenue; and 1151, 1152, and 1153 28th Street; and 2700 12th

Avenue is proposed for rezoning from C-3 (General Commercial) and M-1 (Light

Manufacturing Districts to A-O (Apartment-Office) District. (17-CA-05-Hammond

Development, Inc.)



An Ordinance (05-35) - Rezoning properties located at 1161 Curtis Street;

2741 and 2811 12th Avenue; and 1151, 1152, and 1153 28th Street; and 2700 12th

Avenue is proposed for rezoning from C-3 (General Commercial) and M-1 (Light

Manufacturing) Districts to MROD (Mill Restoration Overlay District) District.

(18-A-05-Hammond Development, Inc.)



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DEMOLITION OF PROPERTY:



Councilor Davis said he would like to ask for a point of personal

privilege with the intent of making a statement of support as it relates to Mr.

Matt England?s property and request to open up the floor for any questions.



Mayor Poydasheff said if there are no objections from the Council, he

might proceed. There were no objections expressed.



Councilor Davis then asked Mr. Matt England to come forward.

He said he had a reporter to call him on last night and asked him some

questions and he didn?t know the article was going to be in the newspaper

today. He said the article was about Mr. England and some of the circumstances

he is dealing with.



He said this is not something he normally supports and has pointed that out

to Mr. England and he understands that very well. He said there are several

factors here that he needs to take into consideration that are valuable to him

and are very important to this case, which he would like to share several of

them this morning.



Councilor Davis said he wants to thank Mr. England for bringing a bio that

has been provided to each member of the Council. He said the bio includes a

chronological history of his military background and deployments to Iraq and

Afghanistan.



He said he is disappointed that we won?t be able to hear the audio

tape, because he thinks that would have made a big difference.

He said he knows that many of the Council members wanted to hear this tape and

no necessarily take into account the minutes. He said anytime you get in the

position of an appeal, the audiotape is very important.



Councilor Davis said since last Wednesday, he has spoken to a lot of

people that he highly respect and trust in our community, as well as Mr.

England?s fellow soldiers and commanding officers. He said Mr. England is a

good soldier and has served his country and served his country well, who has

lost some time to military combat.



He said while the City was following through with the notice of demolition

process, and inspecting the properties Mr. England was over in Iraq, fighting

in combat.



Councilor Davis spoke for some ten minutes or more in expressing his

concern in this matter. He said because Mr. England has lost some time in

combat, he is going to support an extension to give him an opportunity to

recapture some of the lost time and put a plan together, one that will be

supervised by our Code & Enforcement officials.



After Councilor Davis concluded his remarks, he said he would like to make

a motion for support, but he would first like to hear from the Council members.

He said he knows that Mr. England has come here with a plan today; which is the

intent of his making these comments and he would like to open up the floor for

questions from his fellow Council members.



Councilor Henderson said to follow the procedure, there has to be a vote

to hear Mr. England since the ordinance is on second reading. He said he would

support that, because he would like to know what is the plan. He said because

there are questions that we probably need to ask Mr. England if Councilor Davis

wants to pursue this, he would make a motion that he be heard. Seconded by

Councilor Woodson and carried by a vote of 7 ? 1,with Councilor Turner Pugh

voting no and all other seven members of Council present voting yes.



Several members of the Council then expressed their views, as it relates

to this subject matter. Many of them pointing out that they would like to know

exactly what the plans are and whether or not Mr. England has the financing

available to continue this project.



Councilor Suber said because we have allowed Mr. England to speak, he

would like to make a request that Ms. Cathy Williams of CHI has an opportunity

to speak as well and then so moved. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and

carried by a vote of 7 ? 1, with Councilor Davis voting no and all other seven

members of Council present voting yes.



Councilor Davis said he objects to Ms. Williams speaking, because he

thinks it is totally inappropriate and based on some information that he has, a

possible conflict of interest. He said this is something dealing with Mr.

England and his property and something he has invested in and it shouldn?t be

the vested interest of others.



The question was then called on the motion and carried by a vote of 7 ? 1,

with Councilor Davis voting no and all other seven members of Council present

voting yes.



Mr. Matthew England, of 5462 Roaring Branch Road, owner of the properties

located at 1336 23rd Street, 2213 & 2217 14th Avenue said he is focused on the

future and not on the past; however, these past 10 months have been the most

difficult months of his life. He said it was more enjoyable in combat than it

has been here in the past 10 months dealing with the intense obstacles,

challenges and things he was attempting to overcome here.



He said the only thing that has sustained him until this day, is his faith

in God and with that, he comes before this Council; because he sees that he

needs help. He said he wants to provide to the Council, a plan that they can

review and consider for approval. He said in considering this plan, he would

like for them to reflect on two things, who, he is as a person, as well as his

intent here.



Mr. England spoke for some thirteen minutes in presenting his case, as to

why he felt that he should be allowed an extension to complete his project and

not have his buildings demolished. He said he humbly comes before the Council,

with all respect and ask them for their support.



Mayor Poydasheff interrupted Mr. England and said he thinks the key issue

that was stated by many of the Council members, is what is your plan. He said

no one has assailed your character and we understand that you are an honorable

person; however, the key issue is what is your plan.



Mr. England said he totally agrees and said he just wanted to make those

comments before he distributes the plan for the Council to review. He said once

the Council reviews the plan, he would like to humbly ask that they support him

and his family in bringing this project to a conclusion.



He then went into some details in outlining his plan to the Council, as

well as responded to several questions of members of the Council.



Mr. England said he is asking for 315 days, because he needs to be

realistic about this matter.



City Manager Hugely then responded to a question of Councilor Woodson as

it related to a similar situation like this a few years ago, and outlined the

timeframe that we allowed for those extensions for the other individual.



In responding to further concerns of Councilor Woodson, City Manager

Hugely said in the past we would leave the property on second reading and get

the demolition approved, with the understanding that if after that specified

time period, if it hasn?t been done, then we would proceed with the demolition.



City Manager Hugely said he would ask for some clarification on the

schedule submitted by Mr. England and maybe the City Attorney needs to advise

us on the timeline that he has presented. He said based on Mr. England?s

request that would be beyond the 120-days that our ordinance allows.



City Attorney Fay said the ordinance only allows for a maximum of

120-days.



City Manager Hugely said they brought this as one demolition all of these

properties, excluding the one he have already done work on.



After more than an hour of discussion on this issue, with members of the

Council continuing to express their views on the subject and Mr. England

responding to further questions of the Council, Councilor Davis made a motion

that we allow Mr. England 30-days under the supervision of the Code &

Enforcement staff to get his plans, prepared and ready, including financing.



He said at that point, it will be determined by our staff if Mr. England

can do that or not, and if so, then he will be able to proceed with a time line

that will be acceptable to the staff; which will be scrutinized and monitored

by them. He said if it doesn?t happen, he is under the complete understanding

that the City will have to follow through with its policy.



Mayor Poydasheff said with the understanding that the property will remain

on the demolition ordinance.



There was never a second to Councilor Davis? motion as stated above.



City Manager Hugley said it is his understanding that we can only do one

extension. City Attorney Fay said if you allow 30-days for finance, then you

can only allow an additional 90-days for each property to be brought up to

Code, for a total of 120-days.



City Manager Hugley said he just wanted to make sure that when the Council

votes, it is clear.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then asked, if we formerly condemn this property and

agree to handle this administratively, are we then bound by that 120-days, to

which City Attorney Fay said, you can make a 120-day stipulation a condition of

this demolition.



After continued discussions on this subject with Mr. England responding to

additional questions of the Council, Ms. Rebecca Wiggins of the Inspections &

Code Enforcement Division also responded to questions of the Council.



Mayor Poydasheff said the property is going to remain on the demolition

list and then asked if there was a motion of the Council.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then asked City Attorney Fay if he makes a motion

for a 120-day extension, when does that extension start. City Attorney Fay said

it would start today after the ordinance is adopted, which would be today after

its adoption.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then made a motion to allow Mr. England s 120-day

extension. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel.



Councilor Suber then asked that we hear from the opposition before we vote

on the motion. He then called forward Ms. Cathy Williams to be heard.



Ms. Cathy Williams of Neighbor Works Columbus appeared and read a

prepared statement expressing her opposition to an extension to allow Mr.

England additional time. She said Mr. England is to be applauded for his

distinguished military service, but said that service is not the reason why we

are here this morning. She said we are here because the apartments at the

corner of 23rd & 14th are in despicable condition and have been for some time

now.



She said in the two years that Mr. England has owned this property; he has

not brought them up to standard as required by the City.



Ms. Williams spoke for some nine minutes in expressing her and the

neighborhood?s opposition. She said Mr. England?s lack of action regardless of

the reason is why the people of East Highland and those from Neighbor Works

Columbus oppose any delay in this demolition. She said the property owners and

residents have tried to improve their neighborhood, one thing has remained the

same; which is these apartments that are blight on this community.



She said she is here to be on the record because the residents of East

Highland have asked them to be their voice and that is why she is making this

statement in opposition.



After more than an hour and thirty minutes of discussion on the demolition

of Mr. Matt England?s property located at 1336 23rd Street, 2213 & 2217 14th

Avenue and Ms. Williams concluded her comments, and several members of the

Council expressed further views, the question was then called on Mayor Pro Tem

Rodgers? motion to allow a 120-day extension to Mr. England, which carried by a

vote of 6 ? 2, with Councilors Turner Pugh and Suber voting no and all other

six members of Council present voting yes.



THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE THEN SUBMITTED AND APPROVED UPON THE

ADOPTION OF MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR

ALLEN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR

THIS MEETING:





An Ordinance (05-36) - Providing for the demolition of twenty-two

structures located at 4156 Willis Street (Lassie Alexander, owner); 4809 Ingram

Avenue (Gavin LaRue & Janice T. Anderson, owners); 1336 23rd Street, 2213 &

2217 14th Avenue (Benchmarck, Standard, LLC, owner); 317 26th Street (David

Shaun Benefiled, owner); 1510 25th Street (Charlie & Annie Ruth Blount,

owners); 5115 School Alley (Minnie Carter, owner); 1708 Lincoln Street

(Cleophus Childress, owner); 407A & 407B Old Brown Avenue (Kenneth M. Childs,

owner); 3618 Youmans Street (Consolidated Loan Co., owner); 2427-31 Schaul

Street (Matthew England, owner); 3150 Plateau Dr, Lt 708 (Corine Holton,

owner); 3101 7th Avenue (Terry R. McPherson, owner); 4109 Young Avenue (Eunice

Milsap, owner); 2300 Wagner Drive (Joseph Powell, II, owner); 2944 Colorado

Street (Narvely Smith and Barbara Baley, owners); 911 23rd Street (Paul R.

Steinwachs, owner); 3025 6th Avenue (Ida B & Robert Lee Williams, owners); 4314

16th Avenue

(Lewis L. Williams, owner), 3514 4th Avenue (Andrew & Florence E. Willis,

owners), and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Division in

accordance with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet.



An Ordinance (05-37) - Providing for the demolition of nineteen structures

located at 3751 Cusseta Road Lots 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 23, 29, 32, 43, 54, 55,

123, 132, 144, 149, 172, 173, 175, 189 (Bobby G. Penny, owner), and for

demolition services for the Inspections and Code Division in accordance with

the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet.



City Attorney Fay said the condition on Ordinance Number 05-36; the motion

was for the 120-day extension was on the properties located at 1336 23rd

Street, 2213 & 2217 14th Avenue



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY

FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:



An Ordinance (05-38) - Amending and increasing the FY05

General Fund Budget by $16,068 from $123,313,467 to $123,329,535

for juvenile supervision fees authorized by O.C.G.A. ?15-11-71.

Councilor Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance.

Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously by

those eight members of Council present for this meeting.

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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. GARY HAMMOND, RE: REQUESTING SUPPORT OF THE JORDAN MILL PROJECT:







As Mr. Hammond approached the Council table, Mayor Poydasheff pointed out

that his rezoning ordinance has already been approved.



Mr. Hammond then said he has nothing else to add to the subject, but he is

just present to answer any questions that the Council may have.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCUSSION:

A Resolution (226-05) - Granting support for Hammond Development, Inc., to

apply for Low Income Housing Tax Credits to rehabilitate the old Jordan Mills

Complex located at 2700 12th Avenue. Councilor Suber moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried by a vote of eight

members of Council present for this meeting.



With Mr. Hammond still being present in the Council Chambers,

Councilor Henderson said he would like to thank Mr. Hammond for what he will be

doing with this project in this area and said we are glad to have him here in

Columbus.



Mr. Gary Hammond said he is here to ask for a resolution of support for

the Jordan Mill projects, which would convert the former mill into 101 units of

housing for older persons. He said the support is needed because this will be a

competitive application to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for

housing credits. He said having the Council?s support would help the project

be more competitive.



In response to a question of Mayor Poydasheff, Mr. Hammond said they will

hear from the financing some time in September 2005 and will close within six

months after that. He said they anticipate breaking ground in March or April

2006.



Councilor Allen said since Mr. Hammond?s resolution is based partly on our

resolution of support, asked Clerk of Council Washington and City Attorney Fay,

since there are only eight Council members present today, could we possibly

show on the resolution unanimously for all ten members.



Mayor Poydasheff said the Clerk would have to show those councilors being

absent on the resolution.



Mr. Hammond then responded to further questions of members of the Council.



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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY

MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (227-05) - Granting support for Integral Properties, LLC to

apply for Low Income Housing Tax Credits to construct Phase II of the Peabody

Apartments. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded

by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council

present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (228-05) - Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to additional

right-of-way, 0.306 acres adjacent to County Line Road and the Harris County

Line, on behalf of Columbus, Georgia. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved the adoption

of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by

those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel

being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (229-05) - Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Midland

Woods Court, portion of Midland Woods Drive and portion of Collinwood Drive

located in Section Five, Blackburn Ridge Subdivision, on behalf of Columbus,

Georgia. Councilor Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded

by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council

present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote.



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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT THE

REQUEST OF CITY MANAGER HUGLEY:



A Resolution - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) top dresser from

Jerry Pate & Irrigation in the amount of $21,921.25.



City Manager Hugley said he would like to request a one-week delay on this

resolution. There were no objections expressed.



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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO DELAYED AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL AFTER

SEVERAL MINUTES OF DISCUSSION:



A Resolution - Authorizing payment to Youth Basketball of America (YBOA)

Georgia in the amount of $10,200.00, for referees required for 216 tournament

games.



City Manager Hugley in response to several members of the Council said

that the City and the Department of Parks and Recreation is going to be hosting

YBOA Georgia sanctioned Riverfest Classic and Super Regional youth basketball

tournaments. He said the Parks and Recreation would be required to use the

officials assigned by the state YBOA office. Additionally, the host site is

responsible for paying the bill for officiating services. He said the City

would receive the revenue generated at the gates, and benefits from the

economic impact of visiting tourists participating and supporting tournament

play.

He said he doesn?t know the particular season of this event.



Councilor Turner Pugh said this is an annual budgeted expense, because it

covers the referees for all the games.



City Manager Hugley said this is special for the Riverfest Classic and the

Super Regional youth basketball tournaments. He said he would have to bring you

back further information on this matter.



Councilor Suber said he would like to have some additional information on

this matter and then asked for a delay on the resolution.



After continued discussion on this subject, City Manager Hugley responded

to further questions of members of the Council.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he would like some information on these

tournaments and how a final figure was arrived at for paying the bill for

officiating services, in light of the tournament have not been held yet.



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THE FOLLOWING THREE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, WITH DETAILED INFORMATION

HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA PACKET, WERE SUBMITTED AND

EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON THE ADOPTION

OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR

ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR

THIS

MEETING:





A Resolution (230-05) - Authorizing the purchase of computer servers and

computer upgrades from CDW-G (Vernon Hills, Illinois) in the amount of

$32,958.54 to accommodate the Human Resource software system upgrade. The

purchase will be made via Federal GSA Contract Schedule 70 and Georgia WSCA

Contract #A63311. The servers and upgrades are needed to proceed with the

Advantage HR project to upgrade the system software.



A Resolution (231-05) - Authorizing the purchase of computer

equipment for Engineering/GIS from IBM Direct (Atlanta, Georgia) in the amount

of $22,462.12. The purchase will be made via Georgia State Wide Contract

#A63311. The equipment includes four workstations: including processors,

memory and display units. Over the last year the GIS Division has been in the

process of converting their database from ESRI's coverage database model to the

new Geodatabase model. The Geodatabase model, though new to the City, has

actually been in place for about four years and is the industry-accepted

norm. This new Geodatabase coupled with the acquisition of high-resolution

aerial photography and topographic data provides a heightened level of accuracy

and has greatly enhanced the usefulness of GIS data overall, but this new data

requires computers with more power.



A Resolution (232-05) - Authorizing a forty-eight (48) month

lease contract, for two copier/printers, with Ikon (Columbus, GA) in the amount

of $676 per month for the Public Defender?s Office. The monthly lease amount

covers a maximum of 10,000 copies; additional copies will be at a cost of

$0.011. The monthly payment also includes maintenance and supplies, except

paper and staples, for two copiers. The lease contract is available through

the State of Georgia Digital Copier Contract #GTA-000119. The two units

replaces an obsolete copier currently used by the Public Defender?s Officer.

The new copier/printers will have scan and fax capabilities, and will be

networked and placed in strategic locations to be used by all staff members.



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TRAFFIC CONTROLS:



Councilor Woodson said several weeks ago, she had asked for a traffic

count for some streets over in the South Lumpkin Road area, particularly Walker

Street. She said she would like to have a status report on this request. She

said the development of the Infantry Museum, and it being a two-lane street, it

is difficult for people to come out of that area; therefore, we wanted to look

at the possibility of installing a traffic light if the traffic count warrants

it.



City Manager Hugley said he would find out the status on this request for

Councilor Woodson.



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CINDY DRIVE:



Councilor Woodson said there is a house located on Cindy Drive that has a

Red ?D? placed on it for almost two years, but said nothing has been done to

it. She said she would like to find out the status of this property, because

she received a telephone call just this morning regarding this same property.

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

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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE

MOTION MADE BY CONCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON, WHICH

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE

EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:



A Resolution (233-05) - Excusing Councilor Wayne Anthony from the April

19, 2005 Council Meeting.



A Resolution (234-05) - Excusing Councilor Julius Hunter, Jr. from the

April 19, 2005 Council Meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED AND

EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE

COUNCIL:





Application of Debbie Lipscomb to temporarily close Lumpkin Boulevard at

Victory Drive, on Saturday, April 23, 2005, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., in

connection with the ?Riverfest 5K and 1 mile race?. Councilor Allen moved the

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

eight 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:



Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, February 2, 2005.

Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, March 2, 2005.

Planning Advisory Commission, February 16, 2005.

Planning Advisory Commission, March 2, 2005.

Tax Assessors, No. 14-05.

Zoning Appeals, Board of, January 5, 2005.

Zoning Appeals, Board of, February 2, 2005.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers made a motion that these minutes be received.

Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of

Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that on last week, Councilor

Henderson nominated Mr. Bowman for another term of office and that he may be

confirmed. Councilor Turner Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and

carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this

meeting.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then nominated Mr. Dennis Luby for

Ms. Earnestine Thomas?s position, which expired at the end of last month.



Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this nomination back in

two weeks for the Council?s confirmation.



She then advised Mayor Poydasheff that Mr. Allen Denham?s

position must be filled by him, to which he said he would have a nominee in two

weeks.



*** *** ***



CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that she has outlined those seats

that expired at the end of last month on the Civic Center Advisory Board. She

said Mr. Robert Anderson - District 10, Mr. Brian Hercules - District 6, Mr.

Terry Brown - District 5, Mr. C. L. Moffitt - District 9, Mr. Gerardo Ricci ?

District 7 and Dr. Brian McCluskey, Mayor?s nominee are all eligible to succeed

themselves.



Councilor Henderson nominated Mr. Anderson for another term of office, as

well as Councilor Allen nominated Mr. Hercules and Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers

nominated Mr. Brown.



Mayor Poydasheff said he would also nominate Dr. McCluskey for another

term of office. Councilor Woodson said she would be bringing forth another

nominee for her district. Councilor Allen then made a motion to confirm those

four incumbents as outlined above. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and

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



C.I.R.C.L.E.:



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

Bunky Clark and Mr. Bill Walton on the C.I.R.C.L.E expired on last month and

that they both are eligible to succeed themselves for another term of office.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers nominated Ms. Bunky Clark to succeed herself for a

second term of office. Councilor Turner Pugh nominated Mr. Walton to succeed

himself for a second term of office.



Councilor Henderson then made a motion that they both be confirmed.

Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of

Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



Mayor Poydasheff then asked if there was anyone who was not listed on the

agenda, but had an issue to bring before the Council, they could be heard at

this time.



Mr. James W. Ridenour said he came to work for the County Police

Department in August 18, 1954 and said he was consolidated into the City Police

Department and he hung around at the City Police for about five days and no one

would give him a job. He said he was finally told that he could work with the

Sheriff?s Department, but he couldn?t work anywhere else.



He said he told them that if he went to work for the Sheriff, that he

would be fired because he has had to arrest the Sheriff a couple of times, and

sure enough, when he went to work for the Sheriff?s Department after some time

with the Department, he was fired.



Mr. Ridenour then went into some details in describing a series of events

which he says took place when he was with the Muscogee County Sheriff?s

Department several years ago, as well as him working on a case which involved

him investigating the death of Ann Starnes, and him not receiving any payment

for that work.



He said everywhere he goes to try to get a job; officials are saying that

they don?t have any records of him ever working for the City or Muscogee County.



Mayor Poydasheff asked City Manager Hugley to look into this concern of

Mr. Ridenour to see what the facts are and to get the background on this

matter.



Mr. Ridenour said he could show you very easily that he did indeed work

for the City. He said he has already talked with the City Manager about this

matter and said he can?t understand why he hasn?t been paid all these years.



He said there are many people in this City that can?t understand why he

hasn?t received his retirement benefits from the City of Columbus.



Mayor Poydasheff then told Mr. Ridenour that he would have someone to look

into this matter.



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

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

and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this

meeting, with the time being 11:15 A. M.







Tiny B. Washington, CMC

Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia