Columbus, Georgia

Minutes



COUNCIL BRIEFING



Meeting

May 17, 2005



Members Present: Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers and Councilors Wayne Anthony,

Glenn Davis, Julius Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Nathan Suber and

Evelyn Woodson (arrived 8:55 a.m.). Also present were Mayor Robert S.

Poydasheff, City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Deputy City

Manager Richard Bishop, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of

Council Sandra Davis.



Members Absent: Councilors R. Gary Allen, Berry Henderson and Evelyn Turner

Pugh were absent.



Guest: Mr. Sam Wellborn.

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This meeting was called to order at 8:46 a.m., in the Council Chambers

Conference Room, Plaza Level of the Government Center.



*** *** ***

Introduction of Mr. Sam Wellborn:

City Manager Hugley introduced Mr. Sam Wellborn, who is on the Department of

Transportation Board. He would be speaking this morning on scenic byways.



*** *** ***



BRAC:

Mayor Poydasheff thanked the members of Council for supporting his efforts

regarding BRAC. He reported that there are approximately 10,000 people that

are coming into the area.



*** *** ***



ECAP:

City Manager Hugley commented on the problems encountered by the members of

Council in downloading the agenda off of ecap. He reported that it is a bad

switch that we are dealing with; it is a costly switch, and we have determined

that we are not going to replace it but would offer another means of getting

into ecap through the internet.



*** *** ***

Scenic Byways:

City Manager Hugley recalled that there was some discussion on scenic byways

approximately two weeks ago. He pointed out that we are trying to do a scenic

byway on I-185 between Williams Road and the county line with something that

goes through Harris County and on up to Troup County. He then called on Mr.

Wellborn to address the matter.



Mr. Sam Wellborn briefly called attention to the new roadmap that was provided

to the members of Council. Referring to the Scenic Byway, Mr. Wellborn

maintained that there are eight scenic byways in the State of Georgia. He

explained that this is a new program and in his work with the Meriweather, Pike

County byway, this encouraged him to incorporate this byway for our area. He

explained the process involved and what is needed to take the next step, which

would include the support of the three counties where this scenic byway

traverses, which is Harris, Muscogee and Troup. He mentioned that he has

already received a resolution of support from Harris County and that?s what he

needs from this Council. Using a graph to assist with explaining the entire

process, Mr. Wellborn emphasized that this is a long process. (A copy of the

graph titled ?Georgia Scenic Byway Designation Process? has been filed for the

record.)



Mr. Wellborn determined that there is no money involved from the City, no more

than what is already being spent to cut the grass. He said this would allow

that area not to change.



In response to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers, Mr. Wellborn advised that

the end product is that we get signs off the road, boost tourism and economic

development. He highlighted the benefits by mentioning that this would also

qualify the City of Columbus for grants to assist with paying for additional

landscaping and every interchange from the welcome center to I-85.



Councilor McDaniel asked about signs that would let everyone know that this is

a scenic byway, at which time, Mr. Wellborn maintained that there would be

signs and in addition to that, it would be shown on the State road map. He

then requested that a resolution of support be approved.



*** *** ***

Transportation Projects:

Mr. Wellborn concluded by providing an update on some other transportation

projects for the City of Columbus. He said the number one priority is the

Talbotton Road project and is the most needed. He determined that this project

would happen. He projected that construction would begin within the next year

in a half to two years. He pointed out that the project south of the Welcome

Center where there are only four lanes that he refers to as the Lindsey Creek

Bypass there would be an additional lane all the way down to the interchange at

Ft. Benning and Victory Drive. He also spoke of that same interchange, which

is a huge project as well. He pointed out that adding the additional lane will

take out the ?s? curve and would be a great improvement.



City Manager Hugley advised that the scenic byway is on the City Manager?s

Agenda for the Council?s approval.



*** *** ***

Councilor Davis asked about an ordinance regarding 280 Bypass or J. R. Allen

Parkway, at which time, City Manager Hugley stated that he was not aware of

anything but would check into the matter.



*** *** ***



There being no further business to discuss and with the dialogue being

concluded, this meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.







________________________

Sandra T. Davis,

Deputy Clerk of Council