Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA



WORK SESSION



OCTOBER 26, 2004





The regular monthly Work Session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was

called to order at 9:04 A.M., Tuesday, October 26, 2004, in the Council

Chambers, 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 John J. Rodgers

were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson,

Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. and Nathan Suber. City Manager

Carmen Cavezza, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington

and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present. Evelyn Woodson

took her seat at 9:15 a.m. and Councilor Evelyn Turner Pugh took her seat at

9:20 a.m.



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ABSENT: No one was absent.



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INVOCATION: Offered by Councilor Wayne Anthony.



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

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LETTERS SUPPORTING THE L.O.S.T:



Mayor Poydasheff began by reading a letter, in its entirety, from the

Rivercenter, Inc. expressing their support for the local option sales tax

(L.O.S.T). Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers reminded the Mayor that we have also

received a letter of support from Uptown Columbus, Inc. after which, he read

the contents of the letter in its entirety.



Mayor Poydasheff said that he would recommend that the Council vote to

receive these two letters for the record. Councilor McDaniel moved the two

letters be received. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by

those eight members present at the time of this vote with Councilors Turner

Pugh and Woodson having not yet arrived.

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CONSENT AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY

MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS VOTE WITH COUNCILORS TURNER PUGH AND

WOODSON NOT PRESENT AT THE MEETING FOR THIS

VOTE:





A Resolution (446-04) - Expressing appreciation to Chief Willie L. Dozier

upon his retirement from the Public Safety Division after 33 years of dedicated

service.



An Ordinance (447-04) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and

if approved accept a grant in the amount of $2,000,000 from the Environmental

Protection Agency a Brownsfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF).



City Attorney Fay asked that Clerk of Council Washington put on the third

item on the Brownsfields Revolving Loan Fund resolution, ?City Manager or his

designee may execute the document?.



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THE FOLLOWING REZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA AND AN

ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS:







Petition submitted by Claude Mooneyham to rezone approximately 2.82 acres

of property located at 5304 Hurst Drive from an R-1 District to an R-3A

District. (Recommended for conditional approval by the Planning Advisory

Commission and denial by the Planning Division.) (60-D-04-Mooneyham)



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WORK SESSION AGENDA:



LOWER CHATTAHOOCHEE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER:



Ms. Patti Cullen, Lower Chattahoochee Regional Development Center, came

forward to give a presentation on the Lower Chattahoochee Regional Development

Center. She began by providing some background information about the LCRDC.

She advised that our membership consist of six counties, sixteen cities and two

consolidated governments. She advised that the agency is owned by the member

government, which is the City of Columbus. She also spoke briefly about the

twenty-two board members with Muscogee County having three of those

representatives. She pointed out that the chairman is Mayor Olan Faulk. Mayor

Poydasheff then recognized Mayor Olan Faulk, who was present in the audience.



Ms. Cullen advised that the mission of the LCRDC is to support the cities

and counties of the Lower Chattahoochee region, plan and develop the economic

opportunities and infrastructure for the region, to obtain and maintain the

highest living standards and quality of life obtainable for our residents and

to protect the regions natural and historic resources. She outlined those

programs that are offered through the RDC.



? Planning & Community Development

o Geographic Information Service (GIS)

o Grant Writing

o Grant Administration

o Historic Preservation

o Total Maximum Dailey Load

o Transportation Planning

o Zoning Administration

o Comprehensive Planning & Regional Planning





? Area Agency on Aging

o Senior Centers

o Congregate Meals Program

o Home Delivered Meals

o Homemaker Services

o Alzheimer Respite Care

o Information & Assistance

o Community Care Screening

o Adult Day Care

o Wellness Programs

o Georgia Cares

o Caregiver Assistance





? Economic Development

o EDA Revolving Loan Fund Program

o USDA RBEG Loan Fund Program

o Certified Development Corporation (Application Pending)

o Employment Incentive Grants

o Rural Business Opportunity Grants

o Rural Business Enterprise Grants

o Zoning Administration

o Comprehensive Planning & Regional Planning





In response to a question of Mayor Poydasheff concerning the regional

partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Cullen replied that the LCRDC

does work with the Chamber of Commerce and she serves on the Economic

Development Committee.



Ms. Cullen announced that there is a new program that is being offered by

the State of Georgia that took effect on October 25, 2004, which is a new

opportunity development for low- income areas with the passage of House Bill

984. She explained that HB 984 allows communities to focus on economic

development efforts and incentives on pockets of poverty in urban and rural

settings. She then outlined what could happen in the opportunity zones and are

listed as follows:



? Reducing deterioration of in-town neighborhoods

? Redevelopment of Brownsfields

? Reverse the decline of commercial corridors

? Traditional and industrial development



She provided the definition of an opportunity zone by stating that it is

an area that is bounded by two or more census block groups with 20% or greater

poverty rate where the Enterprise Zone and the Urban Redevelopment Area have

also been designated by a local government. She pointed out that a business

could apply for a $3,500 job tax credit when 10 or more jobs are created. She

said that this tax credit does not apply to withholdings and only in

traditional jobs. She then outlined areas that could be considered an

opportunity zone, which is the inner section of a designated Enterprise Zone,

the Urban Redevelopment Area and two or more census tracts. Ms. Cullen then

highlighted the Enterprise Zones in Columbus, as well as, the other components

needed for an opportunity zone.



Ms. Cullen provided information on how to complete an application for an

opportunity zone. She pointed out that the Lawyer?s Lane Redevelopment Area is

currently eligible to be an opportunity zone. She said that some possibilities

for economic development in Columbus South would be the partner with the

Economic Development Administration. She defined the Economic Development

Administration by explaining that this is a Federal Agency that is part of the

United States Commerce. She outlined some eligible applications and are listed

as follows:



? Infrastructure - sewer, water, roads and buildings owned by the local

government or the Development Authority

? New Infantry Museum

? Proposed marina

? Hotel located in this area





Ms. Cullen then introduced Ms. Shelly Montgomery, who is present to

discuss some loan programs that are happening at the RDC, which would help the

City of Columbus move forward with some of their efforts.



Ms. Shelly Montgomery, came forward to mention the loan programs that are

available through Lower Chattahoochee RDC. She said that when she came to the

LCRDC, they had two loan programs; USDA RBEG Loan Fund and the EDA Revolving

Loan Fund. She said these are two great programs, but they are restricted to

impoverished, rural counties, which meant that Harris and Muscogee Counties

were not eligible to receive these fundings. She said since that time, we went

to SBA to fill the gaps for these two counties and we are now packaging 7(a)

bank guarantee loans. She advised that we also have an application in for a

certified development status so that we can offer the 5046 Asset Loan Program

in our eight county areas.



She continued to explain the funding that is available to administer these

programs and the number of loans that were approved for small businesses.

She advised that we also try to educate small businesses on the SBA procurement

programs. She also explained the purpose of the HUB zone Program, which is to

provide federal contracting assistance for qualified small businesses in

historically under utilized business zones and to increase employment

opportunities. Using a large map, she provided a listing of qualified census

tracts in Columbus, Georgia.



Mayor Poydasheff suggested that every year the LCRDC send to the City a

report of how many applications have been submitted, how many loans have been

approved, etc. Councilor Anthony agreed that the community needs to be aware

of this remarkable resource that is available to us.



Ms. Montgomery then highlighted those six businesses that have been

identified and qualify as HUB zone businesses. After some questions were

raised by Councilor Suber, Ms. Cullen then came forward to explain the

difference in the HUB zone and the Opportunity Zone. Councilor Suber asked how

to determine qualified opportunity zones, Ms. Cullen responded by saying that

the Department of Community Affairs would make the determination after an

application has been prepared and a resolution has been adopted by this Council

naming that area as an opportunity zone. Regarding further questions, Ms

Cullen added that the business would receive the tax credit based on the job

tax withholding. She said that she believes that the State of Georgia also

receives the tax credit and not the City of Columbus, but she would need to

research that matter further. Mayor Poydasheff then asked City Attorney Fay to

check into the resolution that needs to be drafted.



Ms. Montgomery continuing with her presentation explained that there are

four requirements to be qualified as a HUB zone and are listed as follows:



? Small business

? Owned and controlled by Unites States citizens

? Primary office must be located in the HUB zone

? At least 35 of the business employees must reside in that HUB zone



She also mentioned another SBA procurement program, which is the (8)A

Business Development Program. She said that the SBA is trying to assist the

disadvantaged business in receiving federal contracts and the requirements are

listed as follows:





? Small business

? Owned and controlled by an economically disadvantaged individual of good

character

? Unites States citizens

? Must demonstrate the potential for success



Disadvantaged individual:

? African American

? Hispanic American

? Native American

? Asian-Pacific American

? Others: Women owned businesses, etc.



She then called attention to the six 8(A) businesses that are certified in

Columbus, Georgia. She suggested that if there are any business fairs that the

City holds in Columbus South, she would like for the LCRDC to be included, so

we could get this information out to the community. Councilor Hunter asked if

the Chamber of Commerce is referring individuals to LCRDC to take advantage of

these programs, at which time, Ms. Montgomery said that they work well with the

Chamber of Commerce. Councilor Hunter suggested some type of packet of

information regarding the various programs.



In conclusion, Mayor Poydasheff asked to be provided with a hard copy of

the information provided during the presentation.



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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT - UPDATE:



Mr. Howard Pendleton, Workforce Investment Act, came forward to provide

some information on the Workforce Investment Act, which was formerly JTPA. He

pointed out that it was changed to streamline and consolidate the workforce

programs and activities through statewide and local assistance. He said part

of that was to establish a business led workforce board that would serve as the

board of directors. He pointed out that Ms. Carolyn Hugley serves as president

of that board. At this time, Mayor Poydasheff recognized the presence of State

Representative Carolyn Hugley. He then welcomed her to the Council Meeting.

Mr. Pendleton also called attention to Mayor Olan Faulk, who is one of the

board members representing Stewart County. He explained that Workforce

Investment Act was designed to promote universal access to employment with

training and other support through a one-stop system. He said that the

one-stop system is being housed at the Department of Labor or Columbus Career

Center. He then provided a listing of one-stop partners that are housed at the

one-stop center, which include the following:



? Columbus Consolidated Government

? Georgia Department of Labor

? Vocational Rehab

? Enrichment Services

? Housing Authority

? Muscogee County School District

? Department of Health & Human Services

? Job Corp



He provided a listing of the local area and the counties that are

involved, as well as, a population break down and are listed as follows:

Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Stewart and Talbot.



Mayor Poydasheff called attention to the women clothing closet with Urban

League, at which time, Mr. Pendleton pointed out that our participants are

referred to the clothing closet for certain items to be able to go out on

interviews.



Mr. Pendleton highlighted four of the seventeen performance measures that

must be met and are listed as follows:



? Adult Measures:

? Adult entered employment rate

? Adult employment retention rate at six month

? Adult Average Earnings Change in Six months

? Adult Employment and Credential Rate



? Dislocated Worker Measures:



? Older Youth (Age 19-21) Measures:



? Customer Satisfaction Measures:





Councilor Suber asked questions regarding the youth dropout rates. He

then asked if there is anything being done about that, at which time, Mr.

Pendleton advised that we still have a policy that reads if the youth is still

of school age; then, we cannot let them into our program; unless, they are in

some type of remediation program and that is where we work with the School

System and Tillinghurst to try to place them in those areas.



Councilor Woodson asked if the potential dropouts were being recommended

to the Youth Challenging Center. She recalled that we had looked at a Teen

Challenging Center, but nothing happened with it because 911 occurred. City

Manager Cavezza agreed that the resources went away because of the war, and he

believes that is still the case. Councilor Woodson then requested that we

revisit the issue regarding the program that targeted the potential youth

dropouts to get them into a structured program where they would have a mentor

to assist them, or check with the Muscogee County School District to see if

they could follow through with this program.



Mr. Pendleton provided an overview of the report from the last program

year, which shows the performance level and that we have met our overall goal

for this year.



In conclusion to his presentation, Mr. Pendleton provided information on

the funding mechanism, then Mr. Pendleton responded to questions from the

members of Council.



Mr. Mikell Fryer, Manager of the Career Center, Georgia Department of

Labor, came forward to provide additional information regarding the Career

Center. He described the cycle of events that happen when an individual comes

to the Georgia Department of Labor as it relates to the one stop-shop. Mayor

Poydasheff asked if Columbus Technical College was a part of the one stop shop,

at which time, Mr. Fryer advised that Columbus Technical College is part of the

overall workforce scope for the city. He pointed out that the partners that

are on the list are the folks that are physically located in our building;

therefore, Columbus Technical College is our partner, but is not located in the

building. He mentioned that the Housing Authority is also a partner in our

Career Center. He pointed out that AARP, which is the older worker program for

those individuals that are 55 years of age or older, are there to service the

older workers. He added that we have the Muscogee County Adult Literacy for

GED testing onsite. He announced that the State of Georgia has approved the

Career Center to become a testing site for GED testing, as well as, the State

Correctional Officers test. He provided a listing of other partners that are

under the umbrella of the Career Center and are as follows:



? Enrichment Services Program

? Department of Family & Children Services

? Job Corp



Mr. Fryer announced the unemployment rate for the United States is 5.4%,

which is down from 6.1% one year ago. He said for the State of Georgia, we

were at 4.3% in August, which is down from 4.7% in 2003. He advised that

Columbus MSA, which includes the eight county regions, had a 5.0% unemployment

rate for the month of August down from 5.8% in August of 2003. He said that

Muscogee County is down to 4.7% from 5.6% in August of 2003.



He then provided some additional statistical information on unemployment

claims that were filed. Mr. Fryer then responded to various questions

regarding job gains and job loss, Job Corp referrals and high school

participation. He called attention to the Workforce Conference that would be

held at the Trade Center, on November 3 & 4, 2004. He said that we plan to

have a lot of Columbus participation in that conference, and we look forward to

showing the rest of the State what Columbus is doing on workforce development.



Mr. Mike Gaymon, President of the Chamber of Commerce, said that our focus

and efforts are regional, because we are looking at our market area, which are

about 580,000 people. He said that we are working with the school systems from

Alabama. He said that in our workforce development efforts, we believe that it

should be business driven. He reported that the first white collar training

ever done in the State of Georgia by Quickstart, was done in Columbus, Georgia

for TSYS. He added that this led to the ICAPP Program, which became a national

model that people were talking about.



Ms. Jeannine Tucker, Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Program,

came forward to talk about the one-two approach to workforce development with

the first approach being to help new and existing businesses meet their current

and future workforce needs. She provided two examples of a workforce model

created for businesses in town.



Ms. Tucker spoke briefly about the HIPP Program that was designed for the

certified life and health insurance specialist, which is through Columbus

Technical College. She said this program is a regional initiative. She

reported that a second semester high school senior, who enrolls in this program

will receive duel credit hours and at the completion of the course, would be a

certified life and health insurance specialist and would have first opportunity

to be hired out of high school with AFLAC. She said that we would be piloting

this program out of two high schools in Columbus, Georgia; Shaw and Kendrick

High School, as well as, in Harris County.



At this time, Ms. Tucker responded to various questions from the members

of Council. She then continued by addressing the second approach, which is a

long-term plan to insure our workforce into the future. She announced that we

have developed the Greater Columbus Georgia Workforce Development Advisory

Board, which was formed this year to look at ways to insure that we, in the

long term, would have a workforce. She briefly mentioned the professions of

some of the board members. She pointed out that on November 3, 2004, we will

have the signing of the Valley Promise as the State Workforce Committee, from

12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.



She added that through this Workforce Development Advisory Board, we are

conducting a Regional Superintendents Meeting on a quarterly basis. She said

the purpose is for the board to talk about programs and initiatives that we are

looking to introduce. She said that we want to put emphasis on the high

school transcripts and are requesting that businesses request from students

that are applying for a job, to receive a copy of their high school transcript.



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OXBOW MEADOWS MASTER PLAN:



Mr. Jeff Mills, Jordan, Jones & Goulding, came forward to provide an

update on the status of planning on the Oxbows Environmental Park. He pointed

out that this is a working progress. Using the overhead projector, He then

presented a graphic depiction of where the planning stands at this point,

before the design is taken out to the public. He named those that are involved

or interested in this area.



He explained that we wanted to create one destination with a wide variety

of educational and recreational opportunities. He then pointed out the

individual aspects of this plan and are listed as follows:



? Bird Watching Area

? Designated fishing areas

? Trails - Walking, riding and biking

? Canoeing Trail

? Additional 9 holes to the golf course

? Events Area - Festival Field and the Meadows

? Marina and the opportunity for a hotel

? Opportunity for a recreational vehicle parking area across the street

? Upgraded commercial area

? New Environmental Learning Center with the current center being used as a

Native American Center

? National Infantry Museum



In conclusion, Mr. Mills took this opportunity to respond to various

questions from the members of Council. Councilor Turner Pugh pointed out for

the people that this is not the City Government?s plan and this is just a

proposal of what could happen in that area and should not be mistaken for what

we are asking to do with the L.O.S.T. Mayor Poydasheff stated that this would

be a great opportunity for a public/private partnership and private development

for futuristic planning.



City Manager Cavezza added that there was some 1999 SPLOST money

designated for Oxbow Meadow; therefore, we are going to be coming back to

Council to make some suggestions on how to utilize it.



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?99 SPECIAL PURPOSE LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX STATUS REPORT:



Deputy City Manager Richard Bishop, approached the rostrum to speak first

about the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new fire station on McKee Road. He

pointed out that with the 1999 sales tax, we had six stations and four of those

have been completed. He advised that we are in the short term to completion of

the remaining two that would be located on River Road and Benning Road.

Councilor McDaniel maintained that this is another example of public/private

partnership, at which time, Deputy City Manager Bishop advised that Mr. Bill

Heard donated the land to the City for a fire station.



He also made reference to the following 1999 SPLOST projects that have

been completed or near completion.



? Updating the Public Safety Vehicles in technology: This is the last year

that we would have funding available for equipment. The same is for the

technology packages.

? Animal Shelter: The groundbreaking was a few weeks ago. The private sector

and city staff are working on a selection for a project manager to head a team

to get on board to begin the construction.

? Transportation: We now have property with the Muscogee Technology Park,

which is approximately 1600 acres of industrial development property. The

construction is projected to begin in February 2005.

? Williams Road/Whitesville Road area: We are near completion for the

construction document and hope to begin in early 2005.

? Moon Road & Forrest Road: These roads were on the long-range transportation

plan. Instead of constructing the typical four-lane divided with a raised

median, we are conducting special studies on these two projects.

? Widening of Veterans Parkway from Williams Road to Turnberry: The

environmental studies are being done, and there would be meetings with DOT to

finalize the plans. The projected construction time frame is 2006.

? Resurfacing: We are continuing to resurface about 35 miles per year and we

have a project going with LARP that we are receiving State participation.



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NOTE: Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers left the meeting during this part of the

proceeding with the time being 10:30 a.m.



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Councilor Allen asked questions regarding the entrance into the school

campus, with Deputy City Manager Bishop advising that there would be an

entrance at American Way and Cooper Creek; therefore, there would be two

entrances for that school.

Councilor Henderson raised some concerns regarding the entrance off Cooper

Creek Road.



? Swimming Pools: All of the pools are open except for the Center City Pool,

which is being designed now to be located at South Commons. The construction

time frame is sometime after the first of 2005.

? Bull Creek: All of the work projected to be done in the 1999 SPLOST has

been completed.

? Enterprise Zone: The staff is still working with the Chamber of Commerce to

lure industries into the Enterprise Zone and develop that area.

? Muscogee Technology Park: All of the zoning is complete, and all of the

permitting is in place. The challenge now is to get the road completed at a

minimum past H & K site. The projection is for H & K to open in August and

we need to have that road past their site before than and the schedule is to

start in February 2005.

? Clean Air Buses: Four buses have been delivered with three under

construction with the delivery in the Spring of 2005. We will receive two

other buses in 2007 and one trolley in 2005 and 2007; this would complete this

piece of it.

? Parks & Green Space: We are almost complete in the downtown area by

Country?s Barbecue. We hope to be finish with that block sometime into

November. We are working north from 12th Street to 13th Street.

? Walking Trail and Trolley Line: We are near completion with all of the

engineering work and we plan to have public meetings some time in the fall of

2004 to receive input on how to develop it.

? Liberty District: The Master Plan has been completed. The design standards

are now being worked on.

? Oxbow Meadows: Presentation was held earlier.

? Citizen Service Center: This project has not been started on yet.

? New Library: Opens in early 2005.

? Lake Oliver Marina Improvements: We are close to talking with the design

team on this one to get it started.



City Manager Cavezza reemphasized that these were the SPLOST projects that

were approved by the citizens in 1999; this is not operational funds that we

are talking about. Mayor Poydasheff added that the SPLOST tax would be going

off the books by the end of 2007 or 2008.



Councilor Davis asked about the coordinating efforts with the Muscogee

County School District with regards to the planning for the future in the

District Two area, at which time, Deputy City Manager Bishop advised that we

have had a couple of meetings with some of the staff at the School System and

they now have a copy of our Comprehensive Plan and we keep them informed about

any zoning cases that we are about to do in a particular area to get input from

them about the capacity of the schools. Councilor Davis suggested that we put

together a committee to look at some of the impact issues that we are going to

be faced with soon in this area; especially now, since Ft. Benning is going to

be expanding, such as, traffic routes, school objectives, etc. Deputy City

Manager Bishop agreed with these comments and pointed out that at least four

staff members would be going to Ft. Benning to meet with Mr. Chuck Walt to talk

about these exact same issues to make sure that we understand what is going to

be happening with Ft. Benning in the next six months to a year with base

realignment.



Councilor Anthony asked about the infrastructure in regards to road

construction in the near future. Deputy City Manager Bishop said that we are

in the final stages of doing our long-range transportation plan.



Councilor Henderson said that there are some children that live out of

county that attend the Muscogee County schools. He requested that staff find

out about how many out of county children are attending Muscogee County Schools

and has the school system thought about, with the extreme overcrowding

situation, putting that on hold for a while. City Manager Cavezza said that we

could ask the question.



Mayor Poydasheff requested that the staff get something to the different

newspapers; so, that the citizens know what we are doing, how we are reporting

it and the money involved with the 1999 SPLOST.



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PAWNBROKER ORDINANCE:



Lt. Gil Slouchik, Columbus Police Department, came forward to talk about

the procedure that the Police Department currently has to perform to receive

the reports from the pawnbrokers. He pointed out that a police officer has to

go to each pawnshop to collect the report and there are three data entry clerks

that enter the information into the computer system. He said that we have

found that everything is internet sent to the Police Department. He said that

he spoke to different departments including the City Attorney?s Office about a

proposed ordinance change. He said that he wrote letters to the pawnshops in

Columbus and made telephone calls. Lt. Slouchik advised that he has received

positive responses. Since new equipment had to be purchased anyway, Lt.

Slouchik determined that the money should be spent on new software.



Mayor Poydasheff reiterated the procedure as described by Lt. Slouchik and

pointed out how the procedure is manpower sensitive and a waste. He said that

this new system would get everybody online where they would input the

information once a day into the system for the Police Department.



Councilor Henderson pointed out that the primary concern for some of the

pawnbrokers was that there is a licensing fee that is associated with this to

have the ability to transmit the information back and forth. He explained that

it sounds like they are in agreement with this. When the question was asked

about the fee, Councilor Henderson replied that this would be an annual fee.



Lt. Slouchik said that for the pawnbrokers that need the software, we

would provide it to them. He explained that a detective would go to the place

of business and install the software, training classes would be provided, and

technical support from the manufacturer. City Manager Cavezza added this is

at no additional cost to them.



Councilor Allen said that he would sponsor the ordinance. City Manager

Cavezza said that we would bring this amendment in ordinance form to the

Council. Councilor Suber asked Lt. Slouchik about potential opposition to this

proposed amended ordinance, at which time, Lt. Slouchik responded to the

comment by admitting that he has not spoken to all of the pawnbrokers in town

but has not received any negative calls.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers asked about the $150.00 fee, at which time, Lt.

Slouchik responded to the comment, City Manager Cavezza went into further

details by explaining that the $150.00 is an annual fee with the pawn shops

receiving the new software, the updates and the maintenance for this annual

cost and there would not be any additional fees.



Lt. Slouchik went on to say that he does not know how much it cost to run

this type of business, but it has to cost them paper and ink cartridges to

supply the report. He said that one of the pawnshop owners advised that he

would recuperate the $150.00 annual fee in four months.



*** *** ***



LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX MEETING:



City Manager Cavezza reminded everyone that tonight, at 6:30 p.m. in the

Council Chambers, we would hold the last of the L.O.S.T. meetings.



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CANDLELIGHT VIGIL:



City Manager Cavezza announced that tonight, on the other side of the

Plaza level of the Government Center, at 7:00 p.m., would be the annual

Candlelight Vigil for domestic violence awareness.



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COMPENSATION STUDY:



City Manager Cavezza announced that the individuals from the University of

Georgia, who would be doing the compensation study, will be here on October 28

& 29, 2004. He explained that they would be having meetings with all of the

City employees just to lay out the process and answer any questions that they

may have.



*** *** ***



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

McDaniel then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Allen and

carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with the time

being 12:35 P.M.



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Sandra T. Davis, CDMC

Deputy Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia