Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

JANUARY 6, 2004





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

called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, January 6, 2004, 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 (arrived at

5:32 p.m.), 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 Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Robert S. Poydasheff.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



?UNITY MONTH?:



With Rev. Force ? St. Mary?s United Methodist Church, Rev. Jim Jackson,

Mr. Lonnie Jackson and Rev. Stephen Jones standing at the Council table,

Councilor Hunter read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming January

1 - 31, 2004, as ?Unity Month?, in Columbus, Georgia.



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CHARACTER WORD FOR THE MONTH:



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

the character word for the month of December. Mr. Wilson said that character

word for December is ?fairness?. He said that fairness is freedom from

favoritism, balancing self-interest on with the concerns of others, not

imposing one?s like and dislikes on others.



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PROCLAMATIONS:



?MLK PRIDE MONTH CLEAN UP DRIVE?:



With Mr. Lonnie Jackson standing at the Council table, Councilor Anthony

read Mayor Poydasheff?s proclamation proclaiming the month of January 6 -

February 28, 2004 as ?MLK Pride Month Clean Up Drive?, in Columbus, Georgia.



?JO GILES?:



With Ms. Jo Giles - Journalist standing at the Council table, Councilor

McDaniel read Mayor Poydasheff?s proclamation proclaiming high honor and

recognition to ?Jo Giles?, in Columbus, Georgia. He then wished her much

success in her new position in Nebraska.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE THAT WAS DELAYED ON SECOND READING WAS CALLED AS

THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:





An Ordinance (04-1) - Amending Chapter 3 of the Columbus Code by adding

new definitions and requirements for issuance of alcoholic beverages licenses;

to provide a more effective process for alcoholic beverage licensure; and for

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

Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for

this meeting.

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MINUTES: Minutes of the December 23, 2003 meetings of the Council of the

Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia was submitted and approved upon

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

Councilor Allen which carried unanimously by those ten members of Council

present for this meeting.

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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS ADVERTISED AFTER MORE THAN TWO

HOURS:





An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 931 Dogwood Drive from an R-1A

District to an R-4 District. (45-D-03-Kingrey.)





PROPONENTS:



Mr. Ralph Kingrey, the petitioner, was present to give some information

regarding the intent of the property owner. He said there is a house on this

property, which is in distress. He said that the owner, Mr. Nevels, would need

to do some elevation to the property because it is in a flood plan. He said

the property is suited for what is out there but is not suited for

redevelopment in its present zoning. He said the owner's only recourse is to

tear the house down and elevate the property. He said that they would like to

extend the zoning of this property to the adjoining property, of which is

already R-4 classification, to allow us to build an apartment complex.



There was continued discussion on this matter with Mr. Kingrey responding

to the various questions from the members of Council.



Ms. Charlotte Frazier, came forward to express her support for the

rezoning. She said the recommendation for conditional approval is that we

would construct a deceleration lying on the waiting into the complex. She then

asked for consideration to approve the rezoning.



OPPOSITION:



State Representative Carolyn Hugley, 4019 Steam Mill Road approached the

rostrum to express her opposition to the rezoning as she did at the previous

public hearing. She pointed out that the City should not have been allowed

this property to get in such a deplorable state. She then expressed concerns

with the development of an additional apartment complex, because we want to

preserve our neighborhood.



Mr. Luther Bennet, 636 Dogwood Drive also came forward to express his

opposition to the rezoning. He then made reference to a petition. He said the

residents in Merrywood subdivision would not want this property rezoned,

because it would bring the property value down.



The following individuals then appeared and expressed their opposition to

the proposed rezoning ordinance to rezone property at 931 Dogwood Drive:



Mr. Wesley Meyer, 4037 Merrywood Drive, Mr. Willie Belfield, 728 Courtland

Drive.



In response to a question from Councilor Davis, Mr. Kingrey replied that a

drawing was presented with the application for rezoning. He said it is really

difficult to be able to determine how much of the actual property they would be

able to use. Councilor Davis said that he would like to see the drawing of

what the development would look like. At this time, Mr. Kingrey provided a

document to Councilor Davis for his review.



Councilor Suber said that when he spoke previously to Mr. Kingrey about

this rezoning, he suggested that Mr. Kingrey speak with the residents in the

Merrywood Subdivision. He said it does not appear that this has been done.



With there been no other comments, City Attorney Fay determine that the

public hearing has been held and listed for second reading on next week.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS

ADVERTISED:



An Ordinance - Rezoning approximately 23 acres of property located along

the south side of St. Mary?s Road, south of Northstar Drive from an R-2

District to an R-3A District. (44-D-03-Legacy Real Estate Advisors, LLC)



PROPONENTS:



Mr. Lance Cuthford, the petitioner, advised that the owner of the property

is Mr. Ted Freeman. He said we originally developed a concept of approximately

450 apartments on the 63 acres with 300 apartments in Phase One and 150

apartments in Phase Two. He said this would allow for a good transition

between the commercial property on the north side of St. Mary's Road between

the built-up areas and the single-family dwellings. He said we were originally

proposing two points of entry one at the intersection of Northstar Drive and

St. Mary's Road and the other on Streator Drive. He said it would be a gated

community and this would be between $20 million and 31 million dollar

investment into Columbus south.



He said after speaking with the neighbors who expressed concerns, they

revised their plans and with their revision they came up with a total of 300

units on the 63 acres of property and we reduced the rezoning from an A-O

classification to a R-4 classification. He said as a compromise, we offered a

single point of entry which would allow all of the tenants to exit on to St.

Mary's Road at Northstar Drive, and there would be a then it's surrounding the

property to prevent pedestrian traffic into the subdivision. He said we are

also offering 100 foot undisturbed buffer around the complete perimeter of

property.



Mr. Cuthsford continued his presentation by continuing to justify the

reason for the rezoning



Mr. Ted Freeman, the property owner, also came forward to express his

support for the rezoning application, as well as, Mr. Myrtis Roach, Jr. and Mr.

Bill Dykes- Legacy Real Estate Advisors, LLC.



OPPOSITION:



The following additional individuals also appeared and expressed their

opposition on this matter:



Mr. Cecil Blanchard -5632 Quebec Drive and Ms. Ollie Tarver- 329 Mays

Avenue.





City Attorney Fay then pointed out that this ordinance would be on second

reading on next week.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS

ADVERTISED:



An Ordinance - Rezoning approximately 34.192 acres of property located on

the east side of Garrett Road-Midland Woods Drive intersection from an A-1

District to an A-2 District. (48-A-03-Waddell)



PROPONENTS:



After more than two hours and fifteen minutes of discussion on this

matter, this public hearing was finally concluded.



Mr. John Allen, 8141 Pleasant Ridge Drive, came forward to advise that Mr.

Waddell has worked with us and reacted to our needs. He said that he is in

support of this rezoning.



OPPONENTS:



Mr. Richard Carter, 9212 Collins Wood Drive, said that this rezoning works

out for everyone except him, because unlike his neighbors, his property does

not have a buffer. He said that if he could also have a buffer; then, he would

be in agreement as well.



Mr. Waddell maintained that we he sells that lot to a builder, he would

make sure the driveway is constructed on the opposite side of the house from

Mr. Carter. Mayor Poydasheff said that he would hope that Mr. Waddell would

work out a reasonable buffer for Mr. Carter. Mr. Carter asked for some

guarantees on that, at which time, Mayor Poydasheff stated that we could have

City Attorney Fay work on that ordinance.



Councilor Allen asked that Mr. Waddell forward the bullet points that were

discussed so that they could be have them amended into the ordinance. He then

made a motion that the conditions be incorporated into the ordinance. There

was no second to this motion.



Mr. Waddell requested that as part of these conditions, that he be allowed

a ten-foot sideline as opposed to the 18-foot for A-2 zoning classifications.

He explained that when he reduced the lots to make them deeper and increased

the size, it forced him to ask for a variance for the 10-foot sideline. City

Attorney advised that we could be it in the ordinance as a condition that there

be a minimum side lot of the amount requested.



After it was pointed out that several members of Council had not seen the

proposed conditions, Mayor Poydasheff suggested that the bullet points be

presented in writing with the proposed variance, and we would be able to work

on the amendments next week.



When asked if the Council has the right to grant a variance in an

ordinance, City Attorney Fay replied that the Council could put a certain side,

rear or front set back line; this is done occasionally. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers

then made a motion to continue the first reading for one week. Seconded by

Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members present with

Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote.



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

ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS ADVERTISED:



An Ordinance ? Rezoning approximately 11.9 acres of property located at

5443 Armour Road from an R-1A District to an R-4 District.

(50-CA-03-Riverstone Community Prop., LLC)



Councilor Davis requested a delay on this rezoning matter. He explained

that there were some individuals who were concerned that they were not

notified. He then made a motion to delay first reading for one week. Seconded

by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members present, with

Councilors Henderson and Hunter being absent for this vote.



PROPONENTS:



Mr. Gary Hall, the petitioner, came forward and introduced Mr. Jack

Wright, who was present with him. Mr. Hall pointed out that this delay

squeezes our position greatly because of the timing issues that we have. He

said that he wanted to make that point for the record.



Using the overhead projector, Mr. Hall displayed the site plan for the

property. He said that the property is approximately 11 acres, and we are

proposing140 units with some being around 12 units per acre.



Councilor Davis expressed his concerns with this neighborhood being squeezed

from all sides. He said that he is not in support of the 140 units, because of

traffic issues and the configurations and the layouts aligning the residents on

Alma Street. He maintained that there is not adequate buffering. Mr. Hall

advised that the Planning Advisory Commission has recommended there be a

30-foot buffer and we have increased the size of the buffer beyond the Code of

Ordinances to comply with an agreement with the landowners. He determined that

the only thing abutting the single-family residential is the building, and all

of the activity is directed internally; therefore, it would not affect the

people on the backside.



There was continued discussion on this matter with Mr. Hall responding to

various questions from Councilor Davis. City Manager Cavezza then requested

the names of the citizens that had not been notified, because our records

indicate that everyone was notified and we received no complaints from

anybody. He explained that the Comprehensive Plan reads that this area is

General Commercial, which in fact would make this rezoning a less intrusive

zoning; therefore, we felt that it was a more appropriate buffer then to have a

commercial go up against that housing area, and this is why we recommended

conditional approval.



OPPOSITION:



Mr. Buck Smoot, 2532 Alma Street, came forward to express his opposition to

having an apartment complex in the neighborhood. He maintained that the

property value would decrease, and the neighborhood would be less attractive to

anyone wanting to buy nearby property. He also expressed concerns with traffic

problems. He suggested a traffic impact study be done before this rezoning is

approved.



In response to a question regarding the traffic report, City Manager Cavezza

advised that this is the 2002 traffic report.



Ms. Doris Bennett, 2613 Alma Street, also came forward to express concerns

regarding traffic issues.



The following individuals also came forward to express similar concerns

regarding the traffic: Ms. Frances White - 5466 Armour Road, Mr. Gene White -

5466 Armour Road, Ms. Jackie Foran - 5450 Armour Road, Jackie Foran - 5450

Armour Road, Ms. Dorothy Foran ? 5450 Armour Road and an unidentified gentleman

? 2614 Alma Street.



Councilor Allen asked the petitioners if they would consider shifting a

lesser buffer abutting the commercial property (Sol Loeb) to give more to the

homeowners on the other end. Mr. Hall replied that they could possibly shift

it over and redesign the units, but we will know more accurately once we get

that topography work completed.



There were continued discussions on this matter with Mr. Hall responding

to various questions from the members of Council. City Manager Cavezza

reminded everyone that between Sol Loeb or the commercial piece of property and

the R-4 zoning, there is a requirement to have a five, ten or twenty foot

buffer depending on the vegetation.



Councilor Allen then asked questions regarding recreational areas, at

which time; Mr. Hall briefly explained the schematics of the apartment units.

Councilor Allen requested that the pool and recreational area be further away

from the residents, that way when the children are at the recreational area,

they would not disturb the abutting neighbors.



After there were no further comments to be made, City Attorney Fay

reminded everyone that this rezoning ordinance would be back on first reading

next week with possible amendments to the 30 foot buffer.



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RESOLUTION:



Mayor Poydasheff requested that City Attorney Fay prepare a resolution to honor

the late Dr. Clarence Butler, who has done so much for this City.



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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. OWEN DITCHFIELD, RE: CLAIM AGAINST CONTINENTAL CARBON:



Mr. Owen Ditchfield came forward and recalled that the City of Columbus

has filed a Class Action Suit, as well as, a Business and Citizen Class Action

against Continental Carbon for many, many years of pollution that they have

dumped on our neighborhood. He said that he is speaking as the immediate Past

President of the South Columbus Concerned Citizens. He said that Judge Fuller

denied class action for the citizen?s group, because he felt that there was so

much difference between the type of claims made by the City and the businesses

versus the citizen?s group. He encourage the citizens in South Columbus area

that Jeff Freeman, the Law Firm representing the City and businesses is willing

to represent as many individuals claimants that are willing to be represented

by that firm for individual law suits against Continental Carbon. He then

explained the procedures for requesting representation.



Councilor Woodson asked City Attorney Fay if she would be able to file an

individual lawsuit, because the City of Columbus has filed suit, at which time,

City Attorney Fay advised that as an individual property owner, she could

retain Mr. Freeman, which would be separate from the City?s claim.



Councilor Woodson also asked that Mr. Ditchfield provide this information

in Spanish so she would be able to forward it to the Hispanic community.



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MR. TIM GREGORY, RE: PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1029 - 31ST STREET FOR

DEMOLITION:





Mr. Tim Gregory, said that he is present to try to prevent the City of

Columbus from demolishing the property at 1029 - 31st Street. He said that he

understands that the Council has already voted to approve the demolition of

this property. He then briefly explained his interest in the property.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers, clarifying the matter, explained that the Council

has already approved the demolition of this property, and Mr. Gregory has no

standing in this matter; except, that he desires to purchase this house. City

Manager Cavezza added that this property has gone through the process and this

is being stated after-the-fact. He pointed out that this would be reopening

the entire situation, which would put us in a situation if we start doing

this. He said there was amply time to deal with this house, but it was not

done. He recommended not reopening this issue.



There was continued discussion on this matter with City Manager Cavezza

responding to various questions from the members of Council. Mr. Gregory made

several other comments in an attempt to prevent the demolition of this

property.



After there were no comments made by the Council, Mr. Gregory filed for

the record copies of the property.

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MR. EDWARD DUBOSE, REPRESENTING THE COLUMBUS NAACP, RE: RECOMMENDATIONS

FOR POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT MISCONDUCT:



Mr. Edward Dubose, came forward to request that a Citizen Review Committee

be formed to look into the misconduct of Police/Law Enforcement Officers. He

recalled that he spoke to Police Chief Willie Dozier approximately four years

ago about a Citizens Review Board. He said that at that time, it was just a

suggestion therefore nothing happened. He then reminded everyone that about

twenty days ago Mr. Kenny Walker was killed. He spoke of other incidents

involving law enforcement officers and the interactions with the citizens. He

challenged the members of Council to establish a Citizens Review Board and

spoke of different models of Citizens Review Boards that are working in other

cities. He also provided some duties and responsibilities of the Citizens

Review Board.



Mayor Poydasheff said the Citizens Review Board is a very complex issue.

He maintained that New York City abolished their board and Charleston, South

Carolina. He said there are some serious problems concerning a Citizens Review

Board, because we have to know how this would affect the Law Enforcement

Officials, would they have subpoena power or no; therefore, he would ask City

Manager Cavezza to get with City Attorney Fay to study the issue in order to

understand the complexities; then, present the findings to the Council during a

work session. He also pointed out that this city does have a civilian review

board in the form of the Council and the Mayor as Public Safety Director. He

then asked for some patience so that we can study the issue and not act

precipitately.



Councilor Woodson agreed with having a Citizens Review Board. She

suggested that Mr. Dubose provide the research information that he has

regarding the findings of other Citizen Review Boards in other cities. She

also suggested background checks be done on anyone that may become a member of

this board.



Councilor McDaniel said that we have had a Public Safety Review Committee

and it did not work. He explained that the committee does not have any

authority and this Council should address these issues and not pass it on to a

Citizen Review Committee; therefore, he would not support establishing a

committee.



Mr. Dubose pointed out that we can all express sincere regrets about the

death of Mr. Kenny Walker, but it is harder to say let?s come together and

create this type of committee. He said if it doesn?t work; then, abolish it,

but at least try it.



Councilor Turner Pugh said that she would hope that before this Council

makes a decision regarding establishing a Citizen Review Committee, that we

research information that we could receive from the entire United States. She

recalled that we have a Public Safety Committee that is set up now, and those

individuals that sit on that committee should also be involved with the City

Manager and City Attorney during this review process. She said they could look

at whether or not they want to bring forth a recommendation to the Council

regarding a Citizen Review Committee.



Councilor Hunter offered his support for the Citizen Review Committee. He

recalled that at the news conference last Friday, the minority elected

officials of Muscogee County recommended the creation of a Citizen Review

Committee. He said that recommendation would give a voice to the sentiments of

this community. He said that since this incident, we have been inundated with

calls and contacts. He said the community is demanding that there be an

independent body, made up of citizens, who would review matters, when there is

a bad result from the interactions between a Public Safety Officials and the

citizen and that would be his recommendation. He said we need to thoroughly

look into having a Citizen Review Commission. He pointed out that one of the

things that he has tried to do for the past couple of weeks is look around the

country to see what other communities are doing, and one thing he has noticed

is that a number of communities have formed a Public Safety Advisory Boards,

which is separate from the review commission. He said that what this board

does is advise. He said that some of these boards are created, because of

something bad happening in the community and some as a result of looking at

other communities and attempting to prevent it from happening in a community.

He then spoke of the dialogue he had with Police Chief Steven Swine from

Oxford, Ohio regarding their Citizen Advisory Board. He reiterated his

previous recommendation to consider forming an advisory board. He explained

that this board would not run the department it oversees, but would provide a

line of communication to the citizens.



Councilor Suber added that he believes that the Mayor, as Public Safety

Director, should head this citizen committee. He said that there have been a

number of individuals that have, in their opinion, been harassed but have not

complained. He said that the minority elected officials would not have came

forward to say that we want this; unless, it was necessary.



Councilor Anthony thanked Mr. Dubose for putting the time and energy into

bringing this matter together. He then asked for his partnership in assisting

the City with looking at other communities to see what they have done in

approaching this type of situation.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said that he believes that much of the frustration

comes from the difficulty in waiting for the answers. He said we should

approach this matter with some trepidation and caution not knowing what it

would consist of in terms of power, authority and jurisdiction that may be

attached to a Citizen Review Board. He said that we should research it to see

what we can come up with before we say that we are going to do this. He

pointed out that we need to get answers regarding the Sheriff and Marshal

Offices, because the employees are under the Personnel Review Board, which is a

City Board, but would they also be subject to any kind of a Public Safety

Review Board, because they are independently elected officials.



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MR. DENNIS RODAN, RE: PUBLIC

SAFETY:



Mr. Dennis Roaden came forward to state that he has a business located at

1649 Elvan Avenue. He said in the past weeks, we have had a lot of problems in

the area. He said that we have created a lot of positive changes to clean the

area up, but the area is not falling apart again. He then spoke of his

building being vandalized with the fence being torn down and litter scattered

around the area. He also expressed his frustration with continuous problems

with run down houses. He said the police had told him that they would put a

business watch on the property, but the vandalism continued. He said that he

is being told that we are short of police officers.



Councilor Suber asked that Mr. Roaden get the names of police officers who

are telling the citizens that we are short of police officers, because the

citizens are only interested in getting their complaints written up in a report.



Councilor Woodson said that we do have a serious problem. She said that

she has complained about the situation that Mr. Roaden is speaking about, as

well as, some other issues that have been brought to her attention. She said

when someone calls 911 for a police officer and it takes thirty minutes to two

hours to get a response.



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MR. SAMMY STARLING, RE: PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6220 WILLIAMSBURG DRIVE:



Mr. Sammy Starling said that we received a letter requesting a variance

for a park located at 6220 Williamsburg Drive that had been sold in our

neighborhood. He pointed out that the Council declared this property as

surplus and sold it. He advised that the property has not been closed on. He

said this property was sold to the City for a recreational area. He then spoke

of a petition that he had with signatures from neighbors to save the park.



Mayor Poydasheff said that he and City Manager Cavezza are trying to work

this situation out. He said that the property has technically been sold, but

there is no closure on it; therefore, the title on this property remains with

the City.



City Manager recalled that several years ago, we began identifying

property that we could get back on the tax rolls by selling it. He said this

was one piece of those properties that were identified. He said that the

Council approved the properties as surplus based on his recommendation. He

said we were in error for not notifying the neighbors. He said that he is

communicating with the people who brought the property, but he has not signed

the contract; although, we have an agreement to sign the contract. He said

this is something that we are trying to work through.



Mr. Starling pointed out that it is listed in every deed that is in that

are, which makes reference to this recreational area designated for that park.

In response to a question of Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers, City Manager Cavezza

replied that it was expressed for recreational property, but there were no

prohibitions on it.



City Attorney Fay advised that it does mention a recreational area in the

plat. Responding further to Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers, City Attorney Fay replied

that the City deed does refer to the recreational area.



Mr. Starling maintained that the reason the neighbors are opposed is

because, the new owners plan to build eight house on this park property, which

would be a little over a quarter of an acre a piece.



Councilor McDaniel stated that in light of this situation, he would

recommend that City Manager Cavezza with the assistance of City Attorney Fay

check every piece of property that has been declared surplus to make sure there

are no complications.



There was continued discussion on this matter with City Manager Cavezza

responding to various questions. Mr. Starling pointed out that there is a

variance hearing tomorrow regarding this property, and this is how we found out

about the plans. City Manager Cavezza said this is correct, they are asking

for a variance and can do this without owning the property. Mayor Poydasheff

recommended that nothing be done on that; until, we find out exactly how we are

going to cure the problem.



After some additional discussion regarding the request for a variance

without being the owners of the property, Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers asked that the

variance request be stricken from the agenda of the Board of Zoning Appeals,

because there is no remedy from the Board of Zoning Appeals except Superior

Court.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM

RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY

THOSE TEN MEMBERS PRESENT:



A Resolution (1-04) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and

if approved accept $290,602.76 in grant funds from The GEMA Phase II Hazmat

Grant Program through the Homeland Security Grant Program.



A Resolution (2-04) - Authorizing a request to accept $280,000 in grant

funds from The Nunn-Lugar-Domenici Domestic Preparedness Equipment Program. the

acceptance of a deed to Boone Links Lane, located in Section ?J?, Phase III,

Maple Ridge Golf Community, on behalf of Columbus, Georgia.



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THE FOLLOWING EIGHT PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER CAVEZZA AND

ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL, PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY

MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH, WHICH CARRIED

UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:



A Resolution (3-04) - Authorizing the procurement of court reporter services

for Recorder's Court from Russell & Russell, for the estimated annual contract

value of $92,080.



A Resolution (4-04) - Authorizing the execution of a contract

McMath-Turner Construction Company for the construction of a regional detention

pond and wetland mitigation in the amount of $610,000.00.



A Resolution (5-04) - Authorizing the continuation of an annual purchase

contract of 800 MHZ Radios, on an ?as needed? basis, via Georgia Technology

Authority (GTA) purchase contract number 980-010-510015 from Motorola, Inc.



A Resolution (6-04) - Authorizing payment to IBM Corporation in the amount

of $30,653.46 for the annual fee for Lotus Notes license and maintenance

support.



A Resolution (7-04) - Authorizing the purchase of thirty (30)

Semi-Automatic Glock Pistols from Smyrna Police Distributors in the amount of

$14,070.00.



A Resolution (8-04) - Authorizing the purchase of twenty-two (22) Sedans

from Allan Vigil Ford in the amount of $267,143.80.



A Resolution (9-04) - Authorizing the emergency procurement of a

Hydrostatic Vibratory Asphalt Roller from Ray Rents, Inc., in the amount of

$12,430.00.



A Resolution (10-04) - Authorizing the declaration of a 1985 Mack Fire

Engine (VIN #1m2h125c8fm001179), and equipment, as surplus in accordance with

Section 7-501 of the Charter of Columbus Consolidated Government; and approving

the donation of the fire engine and equipment to the volunteer fire department

in the City of Whigham, Georgia.



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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS

INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:



(1) Memo from the Georgia Municipal Association, Re: NLC Policy Committee

Appointments.



(2) Notice of the 2004 NLC Annual Congressional City Conference, March 5 - 9,

2004, in Washington, D. C.



(3) Copy of the GASB 34 Compliant Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of the

Muscogee County School District for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2003.



(4) Notice from EPD Public Advisory Air Protection of an application submitted

by Lynx Chemical Group - B H Jackson Plant for a name change and addition of

batch esterification process line and the operation of a methyl ester batch

production line.



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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:



NH Community Service Board, August 11, 2003.

NH Community Service Board, September 8, 2003.

NH Community Service Board, December 8, 2003.

Council Briefing, August 5, 2003.

Council Briefing, August 19, 2003.

Family & Children Services, December 10, 2003.

Hospital Authority, October 28, 2003.

Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, December 9, 2003.

Tax Assessors, Number 48.





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

Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council

present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING TWO NEW ZONING PETITIONS, RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL BY BOTH

THE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING DIVISION WAS SUBMITTED BY

CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR

EACH BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS:





Petition submitted by Elbert & Evergreen Covington to rezone approximately

1.90 acres of property located at 4235 St. Mary?s Road from an A-O District to

an R-1A District. (1-A-04-Covington)



Petition submitted by the Department of Community Reinvestment to rezone

several properties in the Beallwood Community from a C-3 District to an R-3

District. (2-A-04-Community Reinvestment)



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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



Clerk of Council Washington suggested that the Council dispense the board

appointments due to the lateness of the hour. She explained that she is

working with leadership Columbus to get nominees for some of these boards.



BOARD OF HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:



Councilor Woodson ask that she be given the opportunity to place Mr.

Sidney Blackman as a nominee for the position of Mr. John Sheftall on this

board.



In response to questions from the members of Council, Clerk of Council

Washington pointed out that this is the recommendation of the Historic Columbus

Foundation as a replacement for Mr. Sheftall. She stated this position does

not expire until January 31, 2004, but we would have it listed next week.



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TRUCK ACCIDENT:



City Manager Cavezza advised that we had a major accident today. He

explained that one of our garbage trucks collided with an 18-wheeler; the

garbage truck driver was at fault. He said that both truck drivers were taken

to the hospital, and we are not sure of their conditions, but the inmates got

off okay and were not injured. He said both trucks were totaled.



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At this time, Mayor Poydasheff asked if there was anyone present that

wishes to address the Council. No one came forward. With there being no other

business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then made a motion

for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those

ten members of Council present for this meeting, with the time being 9:35 P.M.



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Sandra T. Davis,

Deputy Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia