Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA REGULAR

SESSION OCTOBER 5, 2004



The monthly night meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to

order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, October 5, 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 John J. Rodgers

were Councilors Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter,

Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh, Nathan Suber and Evelyn

Woodson. City Manager Carmen Cavezza, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of

Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also

present.



ABSENT: Councilor R. Gary Allen was absent, but was officially excused upon

the adoption of Resolution Number 419-04.



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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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MINUTES: Minutes of the September 21, 2004 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 Woodson.

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CHARACTER WORD:



Mr. Ed Wilson came forward to announce the character word for the month of

October. He said the word for this month seems especially timely and

appropriate in view of some things that are happening in our community and in

our government. He said in the community and in our government we have the

United Way Campaign that is taking place right now and within the Government we

also have a program called Caring and Sharing, which is gathering some things

for those who are in need within the City workforce.



He said the character word of the month is generosity. He said some

related words to ponder and practice are benevolence, concern, compassion,

caring and sharing.



Mr. Wilson said an anonymous writer has stated that the test of generosity

is not how much you give, but how much you have left.



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HALLOWEEN:



Mayor Poydasheff said there have been a lot of questions asked about when

we are going to celebrate Halloween and said, of course, he cannot dictate when

we will be celebrating, but said the City is asking that everyone celebrate

Halloween on Saturday.



He said we certainly don?t want to interfere with church services on

Sunday night and said we want to make sure that the teachers are comfortable,

because the children will be going to school the next day. He said with all the

information and requests he has received, Columbus would be better served to

have the Halloween celebration on Saturday night.



*** *** ***



Mayor Poydasheff recognized the presence of Superior Court Judge John

Allen, Chief of Police Willie Dozier and Professor Archie Rainey.

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CHIEF OF POLICE:



Mayor Poydasheff said he would like to present to the Council, for their

consideration and support, Mr. Rick Boren, to succeed Chief Willie Dozier as

Chief of Police. He said he feels confident that Mr. Boren is going to follow

in the footsteps of Chief Dozier, Chief Wetherington and the many chiefs that

have gone before him to help build the Columbus Police Department to the great

organization that it is and a recipient of numerous awards, which many are

national awards.



He said he believes that it is appropriate when an individual has the

capabilities, education and the support of the organization that he/she is

coming from; or that individual can grow and move the organization into another

plateau, that he will promote from within.



Mayor Poydasheff said he is asking the Council to support his nomination

of Mr. Rick Boren to be effective, November 1st.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved the confirmation of Mr. Rick Boren as Chief of

Police. Seconded by Councilor Henderson.



Councilor Suber said on last week, he received a number of telephone calls

from many of his constituents inquiring about who he would be supporting for

the position of Police Chief and said he advised those citizens at that time

that the position of Police Chief is usually suggested to the Council by the

Mayor. He said either we approve or deny that person. He said he is reminded in

General Government that when a Department Head is chosen, we usually go through

a national search, i.e., as we did with the Parks & Recreation Director, the

Finance Director and the Human Resources Director. He said all but one was

appointed from within this government. He said if we continue the selection

process for the Police Chief that has been established with this one, and the

two previous choices, then the position will only go to the Assistant Chief and

no one else, regardless if others are qualified.



He said by choosing the Assistant Chief only, it is his opinion that we as

a legislative branch are depriving our citizens from being, not just good but

becoming great. He said he believes that the cream always rises to the top, no

matter who or what the competition is.



Mayor Poydasheff then asked if there were any other remarks from the

Council members, but there were none. He then called the question on the motion

to confirm Mr. Ricky Boren as Chief of Police, which carried unanimously by

those nine members of Council present for this meeting.



Councilor Suber said as he told Mr. Boren earlier that he would support

him because you are bringing this nomination tonight, but said he still feels

that we need to change the process in the future.



Mr. Boren then thanked the Mayor & Council for their support and vote of

confidence and the officers for their commitment to their profession and

community. He said he would like to assure the citizens of our community that

their safety and security is his top priority. He said since he has joined the

Columbus Police Department, he has served under five Chief of Polices and have

learned valuable lessons from each of those Administrations and he will carry

those lessons forward to his Administration; and will have some large shoes to

fill.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



?HELP THE HOOCH?:



With Mr. Michael Burgess, Ms. Ann Wright and Ms. Keena Ryles standing at

the Council table, Councilor Anthony read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff

proclaiming the month of October 2004, as ?Help the Hooch Month? in Columbus,

Georgia.



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?FINANCIAL PLANNING WEEK?:



With Mr. Ken Townsend standing at the Council table, Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers

read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff proclaiming the week of October 4 -

10, 2004 as ?Financial Planning Week?, in Columbus, Georgia.



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?TUSKEGEE/MOREHOUSE CLASSIC WEEKEND?:



With Mr. Jim Jackson, Judge John Allen, Ms. Paula Powell, Mr. Henry

Chavers, Ms. Jennifer Martin, Ms. Carolyn Freeman and Mr. Don McCarty standing

at the Council table, Councilor Hunter read the proclamation of Mayor

Poydasheff proclaiming the weekend of October 8 - 10, 2004 as ?Tiger versus

Tiger Classic Weekend? in Columbus, Georgia.



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?NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK?:



With Ms. Jimmie Barnett standing at the Council table, Councilor McDaniel

read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff proclaiming the week of October 10 -

16, 2004 as ?National School Lunch Week? in Columbus, Georgia.



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?COMMUNITIES IN MOTION DAY?:



With Ms. Lisa Goodwin and Mr. Bill Jenkins of METRA Transit standing at

the Council table, Councilor Turner Pugh read the proclamation of Mayor

Poydasheff proclaiming the week of October 7, 2004 as ?Communities In Motion

Day? in Columbus, Georgia.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



WITH THE COACHES AND MEMBERS OF THE BULL CREEK BABE RUTH 14-YEAR OLD

BASEBALL TEAM STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ

IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (405-04) - Commending and congratulating the Bull Creek Babe

Ruth 14 Year-Old Baseball team upon their victory in the 2004 Georgia State

Championship and upon their participation in the Southeast Regional held in

Andalusia, Alabama. Councilor Henderson moved adoption of the resolution.

Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously with those nine

members of Council present standing to cast their affirmative vote.



*** *** ***



WITH THE COACHES AND MEMBERS OF THE COLUMBUS FOOTBALL CLUB RED STAR U-15

GIRLS SOCCER TEAM STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS

READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (406-04) - Commending and congratulating the ColumbusFootball

Club Red Star U-15 Girls Premier soccer team upon their recent victory in the

U. S. Club Southeastern Region C Championship and for placing fifth in the 2004

National Cup III Championship. Councilor Davis moved adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously with those

nine members of Council present standing to cast their affirmative vote.



*** *** ***



WITH THE COACHES AND MEMBERS OF THE COLUMBUS FOOTBALL CLUB RED STAR U-14

GIRLS PREMIER SOCCER TEAM STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING

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

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (407-04) - Commending and congratulating the Columbus

Football Club Red Star U-14 Girls soccer team upon their recent victory in the

Kohl's Cup Tournament held in Atlanta for the second straight year. Councilor

Davis moved adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and

carried unanimously with those nine members of Council present standing to cast

their affirmative vote.

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



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ZONING PUBLIC HEARING:



THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY

CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS

ADVERTISED:



An Ordinance - Amending text of the zoning ordinance to allow

consultants(office only) as a principal services use in the H District.

(53-A-04-Jones)





PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Ms. Jones was present, but she did not make a presentation, as there was

no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance; however, there were

some questions from Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers asked, how are we defining consultants?



Deputy City Manager Bishop said we didn?t tie it down with a definition,

however, they did talk with the Historic District representatives and said they

really didn?t want to tie it down with different types of consultants that they

were going to have, because they didn?t know what was going to come forward, so

they didn?t put a definition on it.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he understands what they are trying to do, but

it seems to him that they are opening the door for other things. He said he

doesn?t think it is very difficult to be classified as a consultant. He said

there is no threshold or test to be made for qualifications.



He said he understands what the petitioner is asking for, but he is just

wondering if the Historic Preservation Society is not opening themselves up for

problems.



City Manager Cavezza said this applicant wanted to be a wedding consultant

and said when it got to the Planning Advisory Commission, there was some

discussion as to why should we just narrow it down to wedding consultant, why

should we make it broader rather than having to come back to the Council to ask

for a exception each time. He said the definition of consultant is kind of

broad, but there are all kind of consultants out there and he doesn?t know if

we could constrain it down to something.



Several minutes of discussion continued on this matter, with City Manager

Cavezza and Deputy City Manager Bishop responding to further questions of the

Council.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he would like to have someone from the Historic

Preservation Society to address his question. He said his only concern is that

we are opening up something so broadly that just about anything could get in

that.



Deputy City Manager Bishop said they could go back to the Historic

Preservation Society and look at it and maybe come up with a definition.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then made a motion to continue the first reading of

this ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those

nine members of Council present for this meeting.



Councilor Turner Pugh asked City Attorney Fay if there are any definitions

of consultants that are written in the State law. City Attorney Fay said he

would look, but he doesn?t know if there are any specific consultants. He said

he would look into the business/professional code and see if they can narrow it

down.



City Attorney Fay then advised that this matter would be delayed for one

week.



Councilor Turner Pugh said if there are some consultants that the Council

prefer not to be in that zone, they can get with the Administration and let

them know that, so if a definition change is brought back, you can also bring

what you don?t want to be considered in the Historic District.



THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ

BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS

ADVERTISED:



An Ordinance - Rezoning property located on the northeast corner of Macon

Road and Primrose Drive (4001 Macon Road) from an R-1A District to a C-2

District. (54-CA-04-Cummings)



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Mr. David Cummings, the petitioner, was present, but he did not make a

presentation, as there was no one present to oppose either of his proposed

rezoning ordinances.



City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone who wanted to be heard on

this matter, but there were none. He then declared this public hearing held and

pointed out this ordinance would be voted on next week.



An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 7797 Veterans Parkway

from an R-1 District to a C-3 District. (55-CA-04-Cummings)



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS DELAYED FROM THE SEPTEMBER 21ST MEETING

WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:



An Ordinance (04-94) - Rezoning properties located at 7836, 7932 & 7936

Shinn Drive from an R-1A District to an R-3B District. (50-A-04-Evans)

Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor

Woodson and carried by a vote of 6 - 3, with Councilors Davis, Suber and Turner

Pugh voting no and all other six members of Council present voting yes.

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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: REFERENDUM FOR THE CITY?S LOCAL OPTION SALES

TAX:



Mr. Olson said he is here representing the opposition to the one percent

sales tax and pointed out that he is the Chairman of the Don?t Be Held Hostage,

Vote No to the City Council?s Second Local Optional Sales Tax Committee. He

said he has filed, by fax and have sent in the mail, to the State Ethics

Commission, saying that Mayor Pro Tem Jack Rodgers, along with City Council

members and City Manager Carmen Cavezza provided a four-minute video

presentation created by the Pro Sales Tax Committee, to vote ?Yes For Columbus?

during all of their previous town hall meetings that were then taped and

replayed on the City?s Public Access Channel, CCG-TV. He said he attended,

along with his Treasurer, Bert Coker at the Blackmon Middle School town hall

meeting and the four-minute video by the Pro Sales Tax Committee, to vote ?Yes

for Columbus? lacks a political disclaimer, which is another ethics code

violation. He said he sent a newspaper article from the Columbus

Ledger-Enquirer establishing this violation, dated September 29, 2004. He said

it also denotes future sales tax town-hall meetings in reference to Columbus?

one percent local option sales tax referendum.



Mr. Olson said he has asked that Mayor Pro Tem Jack Rodgers, Columbus City

Council and City Manager Carmen Cavezza to cease and desist immediately from

showing any future video presentations by the, Vote ?Yes for Columbus?

Committee. He said they are in violation of Georgia Ethics in Government Act,

Title 21-5-30.2(6)(b), which states that no agency and no person acting on

behalf of any agency shall make, directly or indirectly, any contribution to

any campaign committee, political action committee or political organization or

political candidate.



Mayor Poydasheff said he doesn?t agree with Mr. Olson that the Mayor or

Council is in violation of the law.

Mr. Olson continued reading from a prepared statement expressing his

opposition to another Local Option Sales Tax saying that no City has taxed them

into prosperity, and said successful City Governments live within their means.

He said City leaders should know the difference between wants and needs.



He spoke for some eight to ten minutes, after which several members of the

Council then expressed their views regarding many of those comments made by Mr.

Olson, after which he then responded to questions of the Mayor and Council.



*** *** ***



MR. BERT COKER, RE: THE REFERENDUM FOR THE CITY?S LOCAL OPTION SALES

TAX:



Mr. Coker asked Mayor Poydasheff if all of the projects that the SPLOST

provided for, if the people in Columbus voted for them, to which Mayor

Poydasheff said that is correct.



Mayor Poydasheff said if he recalls the statistics correctly for the 1999

SPLOST, which was a category of A & B projects, 63-64% of the people supported

what was stated in the list of projects. He said about 53% voted for the

Library.



Mr. Coker said he is here tonight speaking for those voters who didn?t

vote for the projects. He said it was stated that you are only doing those

projects that the people voted for and also said there were some constraints.

He then asked if the people voted for the constraints.



Mayor Poydasheff then went into details explaining to Mr. Coker those

things which he stated were constraints, which included a $13,500 homestead

exemption, with the tax assessment freeze that the people voted in on property

assessments has severely curtailed what the City can do in operational funds.

He said there is approximately 12,500 homeowners who pay less than $50.00 per

year, but the way the City can move ahead and pay public safety personnel,

maintain the roads, parks and other services is that the people want, is to

shift the burden from the property owners to where everyone will pay.



Mr. Coker said there is another way to do it, which is to use your money

frugally and stay within your budget, just like the way he has to at his house.

He said he has voted against every sales tax that you have had and his quality

of life hasn?t changed because he doesn?t depend on the government to change

his quality of life.



Mr. Coker spent some ten minutes in making comments and expressing his

opposition and encouraging the citizens to vote against the local option sales

tax.

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



EXECUTIVE SESSION:



Councilor Suber said he would like to request an executive session after

the adjournment of this Council meeting to discuss a personnel matter.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (408-04) - Authorizing the execution of a Cooperative

Agreement with Powertel/Atlanta, Inc., D/B/A T-Mobile to provide 311 dialing to

their customers in Columbus at no cost to the Columbus Consolidated Government.

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

Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING SEVEN PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY

CITY MANAGER CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A

SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SUBER,

WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:



A Resolution (409-04) - Authorizing the execution of a construction

contract with Alexander Contracting Company for intersection improvements and a

signal plan in the amount of $431,402.90; which shall consist of intersection

improvements and traffic signal installation at River Road ? Mobley

Road/Mountain Brook Drive intersection in accordance with the designated plans

and specifications. The contractor shall be required to maintain public access

to all private properties located within the project area. The work includes

soil erosion control, grading, and concrete patching /leveling, concrete curbs

and gutter, storm drainpipes, labor and materials for signalization and signage

of the intersection.



A Resolution (410-04) - Authorizing the purchase of a Cisco telephone

system from Logicalis Integration Solutions (Alpharetta, Georgia) in the amount

of $419,992.90, with system being purchased via Georgia State Contract SWC

S-000546-043, which will be installed in the new library. The system includes

all hardware, software and support services to provide network infrastructure,

security, wireless access, IP telephony and web content control.



A Resolution (411-04) - Authorizing payment to Diamond Scapes, Inc.

(Columbus, GA), in the amount of $13,209.00 for emergency renovations of Peach

Little League ball field at Lakebottom Park. The renovations shall include

removing existing sod from infield and 20 feet into the outfield, adding 125

tons of root zone material for sodded areas, adding 100 tons of infield

material, laser grading for positive drainage and installing new Bermuda 419

sod.



A Resolution (412-04) - Approving an agreement with Troutman, Sanders,

Public Affairs Group, LLC (Pete Robinson) for Legislative Liaison Services for

July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005 in the amount of $12,000. Pursuant to

Resolution Number 8-88, the Council has recognized the need for an individual

designated as a ?Legislative Liaison? to assist in coordination of legislative

efforts, defining legislative intent, arranging joint meetings and planning

further legislative goals. This is a 50/50 agreement with the Chamber of

Commerce paying half and the City paying half of a $24,000 payment.



A Resolution (413-04) - Authorizing the purchase of a sedan via Georgia

State Contract, SWC S-000483, from Alan Vigil Ford Fleet & Government Sales

(Morrow, GA), in the amount of $13,386.00, for METRA; which is a replacement

and will be used by METRA for parking management, parking enforcement duties,

on-line bus assistance by supervisors and other management requirements.

Purchase via State contract is recommended because the current vehicle is

constantly in the shop for repairs. It is beyond its useful life and needs to

be replaced immediately.



A Resolution (414-04) - Authorizing the purchase of concrete pipe from

Sherman Concrete Company on an ?as needed? basis. The Public Services

Department estimates they will spend approximately $11,600.00 per year for

concrete pipes, which will be used for the repair and maintenance of storm

drains. The term of the contract period shall be for one year, with the option

to renew for two additional twelve-month periods. The contract renewal is

contingent upon mutual agreement of the Contractor and the City.



A Resolution (415-04) - Authorizing payment of attorney fees to Attorney

George Kendall in the amount of $93,479.25; and approve payment of attorney

fees to Attorney Gary Parker in the amount of $65,500, for legal services

rendered pertaining to the case of State of Georgia vs. Johnny L. Gates.

Attorneys Kendal and Parker were the appointed attorneys in the case of State

of Georgia versus Johnny L Gates, Indictment No. 38355. The fees include the

cost for professional services and reimbursement for necessary expert services.



*** *** ***



UPCOMING EVENTS:



City Manager Cavezza highlighted some upcoming events as outlined below:



? Legislative Appreciation Night, October 7th, 7:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce



? Town Hall Meeting, October 12th, Columbus High School



? Town Hall Meeting, October 14th, Carver High School



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PLANTATION DRIVE:



Councilor Woodson said she has received some additional complaints from a

residence in reference to the property located on Plantation Drive, the

building that we have been discussing for the last ten years. She said we

constantly have to go out there and cut the grass or do something to this

property. She said the individual who called her wanted to know if there is any

way the City can put a time limit on a vacant home; if a home is vacant more

than 3 or 5 years, can we do something. She said we will give the owner a

citation and he will fix it, but he tells them, he is going to keep the

property to irritate them. She then asked if there is anything that we can do.



City Manager Cavezza said currently our ordinances do not allow us to do

anything as long as there are no major construction problems. He said if they

don?t maintain the grounds, we do it, and put a lien against the property. He

said part of the Columbus South Initiative is to re-look at those Codes to see

if there is any way to make them effective in that regard. He said that will

probably be a legislative issue, but it is being looked at now.



Councilor Woodson then asked City Manager Cavezza if we can research the

State law to see if there is something there that we are not familiar with. She

said maybe we could have someone to look at that.



City Manager Cavezza said some communities is putting more emphasis on the

nuisance law and that is one of the things that we are looking at. He said if

we are going to do something we need to put it on the legislative agenda and

said he will get back with her on this issue.



*** *** ***



TOWN HALL MEETINGS:



Councilor Turner Pugh said she thought that we had changed the dates on

the town hall meetings for the Local Option Sales Tax. She said it was her

understanding that October 14th was supposed to be held at Reese Road School

and it was to be at Carver High School on October 19th.



City Manager Cavezza said they have been changed a few times, but the copy

that is on the computer is the correct date.



Councilor Suber said we need to make sure that we have these dates

correct.



*** *** ***



HOUSING:



Councilor Anthony said as we are looking at the legislative issues

relative to the housing situation, if there are guidelines that we can use and

implement relative to renting out property and to whom it is rented, in order

to tighten up some of the abuse in our neighborhoods. He said he thinks that is

where some of our crime emerges in a number of houses that are being rented

out.



*** *** ***



LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX:



Councilor Anthony said in light of the recent presentation that was held

earlier at this meeting, he would ask, if we could have a presentation from the

other group to reflect on the positive value of the local option sales tax.



City Manager Cavezza said with the SPLOST we had both groups to make a

presentation. He said there is no problem with that; however, the committee

that is supporting this hasn?t made a presentation at the meetings, but said

they can do that.



*** *** ***



WAR DOGS:



City Manager Cavezza pointed out that the War Dogs are leaving Columbus.

He said they have been working with them, but they have been having some

financial challenges; so therefore, they won?t be around for a while. He said

they have 90-days left on their agreement and will probably occupy their

offices for that time and then decide what they are going to do from that

point.



*** *** ***



HURRICANE DAMAGE:



City Manager Cavezza said we are still getting costs on the hurricane

damage. He said there was $90,000 spent on Hurricane Frances, and $164,000

spent on Ivan and there are still numbers coming in. He said they are going to

try to recoup some of this money and once we finalize the cost we will provide

those numbers to the Council.

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

CLERK OF COUNCIL'S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS

INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:



(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Animal Control

Advisory Board.



(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Convention & Trade

Center Authority.



(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Honor.



(4) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Land Bank Authority.



(5) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Uptown

Fa?ade Board.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND APROVED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A MOTION MADE

BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SUBER, WHICH CARRIED

UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:



A Resolution (416-04) - Receiving and approving the report from the

Finance Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or

denied during the month of January 2004.



A Resolution (417-04) - Receiving and approving the report from the

Finance Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or

denied during the month of February 2004.



A Resolution (418-04) - Receiving and approving the report from the

Finance Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or

denied during the month of April 2004.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK

OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:





Application of Mike Greene to temporarily close Leonard Street between

Forest Avenue and Wildwood Avenue, on Sunday, October 24, 2004 from 9:00 a.m.

to 6:00 p.m., in connection with the ?St. Paul Fall Festival?. Councilor

Turner Pugh moved the approval. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried

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



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING LETTER WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN

ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR

SUBER:



Letter from Ms. Gabriel Jones requesting a public hearing on her rezoning

petition for property located at 4347 Macon Road that was recommended for

conditional approval by the Planning Advisory Commission and denial by the

Planning Division. (57-D-04-Jones)



Councilor Suber called for the ordinance and public hearing on this

petition.



*** *** ***



MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:



Animal Control Advisory Board, August 31, 2004.

Convention & Visitors Bureau, August 20, 2003.

Convention & Visitors Bureau, September 17, 2003.

Convention & Visitors Bureau, October 21, 2003.

Council Briefing, May 18, 2004.

Elections & Registration, July 1, 2004.

Elections & Registration, July 22, 2004.

Elections & Registration, August 10, 2004.

Family & Children Services, September 21, 2004.

Golf Authority, August 24, 2004.

Housing Authority, August 18, 2004.

Tax Assessors, Nos. 36 & 37.

Taxicab Commission, February 4, 2004.

Taxicab Commission, May 5, 2004.



Councilor Henderson made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded

by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:



Clerk of Council Washington said we need someone to fill the unexpired

term of Mr. Donald Gates, whose seat was declared vacant by the Council. There

were no nominations.



*** *** ***



CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers is

working on a nominee for someone to succeed Mr. Terry Hattaway, who has

resigned his seat on the Civic Center Advisory Board.



*** *** ***



COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need Councilor

Turner Pugh?s nominee for someone to succeed Mr. Douglas Bryant as Council

District Four?s representative. There was no nomination made.



*** *** ***



KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Chuck Granberry has

resigned from this board and we need someone to fill this unexpired seat. Mayor

Pro Tem Rodgers nominated Mr. Jim Gant.



Clerk of Council Washington advised that she would bring this back on next

week for the Council?s confirmation.



*** *** ***



PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:



Clerk of Council Washington said she has outlined the Public Safety

Advisory Commission seats and those individuals that have been nominated. and

confirmed by the Council.



Councilor Anthony pointed out that he is withdrawing the nomination of Mr.

Don Cook due to him currently serving on the Airport Commission and wants to

continue to serve on this board. He said he would bring back another nominee.



Clerk of Council Washington said we still need nominees for Districts 5

and 9.



Councilor Suber asked if we could go ahead and start having meetings and

working out what they want to discuss.



Clerk of Council Washington said she would go ahead and call an

organizational meeting and get those members sworn in.



*** *** ***



RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we need a nominee for Council

District 3 to succeed Mr. Robert Loving who has resigned as well as a nominee

for Council District 4, Mrs. Debra Aldridge?s seat, who is deceased. There

were no nominations.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWNIG ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (419-04) - Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the October 5, 2004 Council Meeting.

Councilor Henderson moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried

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



*** *** ***



EXECUTIVE SESSION:



Mayor Poydasheff said since there has been a request to go into an

executive session; he would entertain a motion to allow that. Councilor Suber

so moved. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight

members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Turner Pugh being absent

for this vote.



*** *** ***



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

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

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

this time.



Mr. Jimmy King then came forward and said that he has been to a couple of

the town hall meetings on the proposal for local option sales tax. He said he

has spoken out in opposition to it because he feels like basic City services

should come first out of the checkbook and then anything else should come

afterwards. He said he had an article in the newspaper, which reflected his

views.



He said he would look forward to seeing the ?Vote Yes Committee?

representatives at the next town hall meeting, because he thinks that the

people of Columbus need to hear this from them and why they support it.



Mr. King said he is for growth in Columbus, but he doesn?t like building

things and then have to come back and pay salaries.



Mr. King spoke for some ten minutes or more in expressing his views as it

relates to the proposal for the local option sales tax, with Mayor Poydasheff

and members of the Council responding to questions and concerns of Mr. King.



Several members of the Council also expressed their views on many of the

comments made by Mr. King.



*** *** ***



At 8:05 p.m., the Council adjourned its regular session to allow the

Council to go into an executive session.



At 8:11 p.m., the regular session was called back to order at which time

Mayor Poydasheff pointed out that the Council met in an executive session and

discussed a personnel matter, but there were no votes taken.



City Attorney Fay said there is a resolution that has been prepared at the

request of the Council as it relates to weapons that have been traded in by the

Marshals Department and requesting that the GBI investigate the Marshal?s

Department regarding this matter pursuant to O.C.G.A 35-3-8.1



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTRONEY FAY AND READ IN

ITS ENTIRETY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (420-04) ? Requesting that the Georgia Bureau of

Investigation investigate the purchase or trade-in of weapons by the Municipal

Court Marshal to determine whether monies and weapons have been properly

accounted for by the Municipal Court Marshal.



Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by

Councilor Suber and carried by a vote of 8 - 1, with Councilor Davis voting no

and all other eight members of Council present voting yes.



*** *** ***



With there being no further business to come before this Council,

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

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

this meeting, with the time being 8:15 p.m.





*** *** ***



Tiny B. Washington, CMC

Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia