Columbus, Georgia

Agenda Item#__1___





Columbus Consolidated Government

Council Meeting





Agenda Report#__134_____







TO: Mayor and Councilors



SUBJECT: 2004 Legislative Agenda



INITIATED BY: City Manager?s Office

________________________________________________________________________________



Recommendation: Approve eleven (11) resolutions on issues included on the City

of Columbus? Legislative Agenda for the 2004 session of the General Assembly as

discussed by the Mayor and Council.



Background: Each year the elected and appointed officials of the Columbus

Consolidated Government develop a list of issues important to the citizens of

Columbus that requires action by the local Legislative Delegation. Once the

list is developed, meetings are held with the Delegation to explain the

rationale behind these issues and to solicit their support. If the Delegation

is in agreement with City officials, a final list of issues is written and

presented to the Delegation. A meeting was held on October 28, 2003 with the

Delegation.



Analysis: Staff, elected and appointed officials were asked to present issues

they felt were important to the operation of City Government. Research and

justification for these issues were presented to the City Manager and a list

was prepared for presentation to the Mayor/Council. The Mayor/Council

discussed these issues among themselves and made a final decision on those that

would be presented to the Legislative Delegation.



Financial Considerations: The City is expected to receive additional revenues

if many of the issues are passed by the General Assembly.



Recommendations/Actions: Approve those resolutions, which the Mayor/Council

deems appropriate.











Columbus Consolidated Government



2004 Legislative Agenda





1. Health Department Funding:



Oppose state cuts to the Health Department?s funding, which

could impact the amount of funding that the consolidated

government must provide them on an annual basis.



2. Jail Overcrowding:



Introduce/Support legislation that will expedite transfer of state

inmates to the state prison from city/county jail.



3. Rutledge State Prison



Oppose closing Rutledge State Prison.



4. LOST:



Enact LOST enabling legislation for consolidated governments

as proposed in the 2003 Legislative Session.



5. Tax - Destination Marketing:



Reform the Georgia Hotel/Motel Tax Code (OCGA 48-51) to

insure significant percentage of funds are used for the original

intended purpose of Tax ?Destination Marketing.





6. Trade Center Funding:



Urge funding previously committed to renovate/expand the

Trade Center in the amount of $22,000,000.





7. National Child Crime Search:



Introduce/Support legislation that would permit us to

fingerprint and do a national child crime search on all

employees who have or wish to have one on one contact

with children. This would be consistent with the Federal Child

Abuse Prevention Act. We have an ordinance mandating

such a search, however, since Georgia has not opted into this

Act, such checks are not currently available.



8. Pay Raise for Elected Officials:



Oppose legislation which increases salaries of local elected

officials without a resolution of support from the local governing

authority.



9. State Funding for Oxbow Marina:



Support funding for Oxbow Marina.



10. House Bill 770 (The Georgia Indigent Defense Act of 2003):



Delay implementation of House Bill 770 (The Georgia Indigent

Defense Act of 2003) until adequate state funding is

appropriated to fund public defenders mandated in the Bill.



11. Decriminalization of Traffic Offenses:

Oppose legislation to decriminalize traffic offenses which

means that people who fail to pay traffic fines would not face incarceration.





A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION OPPOSE STATE CUTS

TO HEALTH DEPARTMENT FUNDING.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the Columbus

Consolidated Government and the quality of life for its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action during the 2004 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia, hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation oppose state cuts in Health Department

Funding.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

________ day of ___________, 2003 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Anthony voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting _____________



_____________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bob Poydasheff, Mayor



















A RESOLUTION



No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION

INTRODUCE/SUPPORT LEGISLATATION THAT WILL EXPEDITE TRANSFER OF STATE INMATES TO

THE STATE PRISON FROM CITY/COUNTY JAILS.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the

efficient operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2004 General Assembly

session.



NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS

FOLLOWS:



That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation that will

expedite transfer of state inmates to the state prison from city/county jails.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

_________ day of ___________, 2003 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Anthony voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting _____________







_____________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bob Poydasheff, Mayor

















A RESOLUTION



No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION OPPOSE

CLOSING RUTLEDGE STATE PRISON.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the of the

Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for its citizens;

and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2004 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation oppose closing Rutledge State Prison..

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

_________ day of ___________, 2003 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Anthony voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting _____________







_____________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bob Poydasheff, Mayor





















A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION CONTINUE TO

PURSUE OUR EFFORTS FOR AN ADDITIONAL LOCAL OPTIONS SALES TAX (LOST)



WHEREAS, the Columbus Consolidated Government is committed to improving the

quality of life for its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, the Consolidated Government recognizes the continuing challenge of

providing cost efficient services to support and maintain the quality of life

for its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, Federal and State Governments are cutting funds to governments yet

requiring implementation of new programs; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2004 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the Columbus Delegation take the necessary and appropriate steps to pursue

passage of an additional Local Option Sales Tax (LOST).

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

_________ day of ___________, 2003 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Anthony voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting _____________







_____________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bob Poydasheff, Mayor





A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT

LEGISLATION TO REFORM THE GEORGIA HOTEL/MOTEL TAX CODE (OCGA 48-51) TO INSURE A

SIGNIFICANT PERCENTAGE OF FUNDS ARE USED FOR THE ORGINAL INTENDED PURPOSE OF

TAX-DESTINATION MARKETING.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient

operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for

its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2004 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation to

reform the Hotel/Motel Tax Code (OCGA 48-51) to insure a significant percentage

of funds are used for the original purpose of Tax-Destination Marketing.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

_________ day of ___________, 2003 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Anthony voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting _____________





_____________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bob Poydasheff, Mayor









A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE

LEGISLATION TO AUTHORIZE STATE FUNDING FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE COLUMBUS TRADE

CENTER/VISITORS? CENTER.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient

operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for

its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, funding of the Columbus Trade Center/Visitors? Center will contribute

significantly to Economic Development in the Columbus region and State; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2004 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation respectfully introduce

legislation to authorize state funding for the expansion of the Columbus Trade

Center/Visitors? Center.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

_________ day of ___________, 2003 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Anthony voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting _____________





_____________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bob Poydasheff, Mayor











A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT

LEGISLATION THAT WOULD PERMIT FINGERPRINTING AND NATIONAL CHILD SEARCH ON ALL

EMPLOYEES WITH ONE-ON-ONE CONTACT WITH CHILDREN.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the safety

and security of children; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2004 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation

that would permit fingerprinting and national child crime search on all

employees working one-on- one with children.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

_________ day of ___________, 2003 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Anthony voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting _____________





_____________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bob Poydasheff, Mayor















A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION OPPOSE

LEGISLATION WHICH INCREASES SALARIES OF LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS WITHOUT A

RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FROM THE LOCAL GOVERNING AUTHORITY.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient

operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for

its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2004 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation oppose legislation which increases

salaries of local elected officials without a resolution of support from the

local governing authority.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

_________ day of ___________, 2003 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Anthony voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting _____________





_____________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bob Poydasheff, Mayor













A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE

LEGISLATION TO AUTHORIZE STATE FUNDING FOR OXBOW MARINA.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient

operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for

its citizens; and,



WHEREAS, funding of Oxbow Marina will contribute significantly to Economic

Development in the Columbus region and the State; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2004 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation respectfully introduce legislation to

authorize state funding for Oxbow Marina.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

_________ day of ___________, 2003 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Anthony voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting _____________





_____________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bob Poydasheff, Mayor









A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT

LEGISLATION TO DELAY IMPLEMENTATION OF HOUSE BILL 770 (THE GEORGIA INDIGENT

DEFENSE ACT OF 2003) UNTIL ADEQUATE STATE FUNDING IS APPROPRIATED TO FUND

PUBLIC DEFENDERS MANDATED IN THE BILL.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient

operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2004 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislative Delegation introduce and/or support legislation to

delay implementation of House Bill 770 (The Georgia Indigent Defense Act of

2003) until adequate state funding is appropriated to fund public defenders

mandated in this bill.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

_________ day of ___________, 2003 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Anthony voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting _____________





_____________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bob Poydasheff, Mayor











A RESOLUTION

No. ________





A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION OPPOSE

LEGISLATION THAT WOULD DECRIMINALIZE TRAFFIC OFFENSES.



WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the Columbus

Consolidated Government; and,



WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2004 General Assembly session.



NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of Columbus, Georgia hereby resolves as follows:



That the local Legislation Delegation oppose legislation that would

decriminalize traffic offenses.

_________________________________________



Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the

_________ day of ___________, 2003 and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _____________

Councilor Anthony voting _____________

Councilor Davis voting _____________

Councilor Henderson voting _____________

Councilor Hunter voting _____________

Councilor McDaniel voting _____________

Councilor Rodgers voting _____________

Councilor Suber voting _____________

Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________

Councilor Woodson voting _____________





_____________________________ __________________________

Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Bob Poydasheff, Mayor