Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR MEETING



JANUARY 18, 2005





The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called

to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 18, 2005, 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., Evelyn Turner Pugh and Nathan

Suber. Interim City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay and

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

her seat at 9:07 a.m.



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ABSENT: Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington was absent.



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INVOCATION: Offered by Dr. Darrell Ellis- New Life Church International.



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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Allen Elementary School.

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MARCH IN PROTEST FOR JUSTICE FOR KENNETH WALKER:



Mayor Poydasheff commended everyone that came out for the march for the

peaceful manner in which it was conducted in exercising their First Amendment

Constitutional right. He thanked Chief Ricky Boren and law enforcement for

putting a plan into place to accommodate the march. He mentioned that at this

same time, a funeral was being held at Fourth Street Baptist Church and Troy

University was having a graduation ceremony at the Trade Center. He pointed

out that Columbus represented everything that is good in our country.



He then recognized Chief Boren who was seated in the audience and other

public safety personnel. Chief Boren then introduced Major Graham, Major

Barker Wright, Major Rowe and Lt. Ross. He also pointed out that Lt. McAneny

is not present today, but is a part of this group. Chief Boren then commended

his public safety officers for the work that was done to make everything work

out favorable.



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MOREHOUSE/SPELLMAN/TUSKEGEE COMBINED CHOIR:



Mayor Poydasheff encouraged everyone to attend the event next year to hear

the combined choirs of Morehouse, Spellman and Tuskegee. He commented on the

wonderful experience of being in attendance to be able to hear the combined

choir.



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MLK UNITY BREAKFAST:



Mayor Poydasheff made complimentary remarks regarding the Martin Luther

King, Jr., Unity Breakfast, which was an excellent event. He also commended

Congressman Sanford Bishop for being presented with the Unity Award.



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FT. BENNING EXERCISES:



Mayor Poydasheff commended Ft. Benning for the exercises that were held on

Friday, January 14, 2005. He said that all and all, it was a proud time to be

in Columbus.



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CHATTAHOOSCHEE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT:



Mr. Bill Watkins, Circuit Public Defender for the Chattahoochee Judicial

Circuit, came forward to present a check. He thanked the Council for their

participation in the budget work over the past six months. He announced that

he is in attendance to present two checks that total $47,522.00. Mayor

Poydasheff then asked that the checks be presented to Deputy Clerk of Council

Davis for proper handling.



Councilor Turner Pugh then asked that Mr. Watkins explain to the citizens

the reason for the checks, at which time, Mr. Watkins responded by saying that

the checks are under the old GIDC system, which are the grants from the State

that we have received in previous years. He added that this would be the last

check, because we are going to the new system. He was then asked to explain

the GIDC system, which is the Georgia Indigent Defense Council that is no

longer in existence as of the first of this year. He said that it became the

Georgia Public Defenders? Standard Council of which the City of Columbus is a

member. He said that GIDC has taken over the indigent defense for the State

and it is a brand new program. He explained that each judicial circuit now has

a Chief Public Defender and full-time lawyers with the idea being to provide

better and more efficient services to defendants throughout the State.

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MINUTES: Minutes of the January 11, 2005 meeting of the Council of the

Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia was submitted and approved upon

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

Councilor Allen, which carried unanimously by those ten members of Council

present for this meeting.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



WITH COACH BLAIR HARRISON STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, COUNCILOR DAVIS

READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION IN ITS ENTIRETY AS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:





A Resolution (25-05) - Commending Brookstone Coach Blair Harrison for

recently being named Columbus Ledger-Enquirer's Coach of the Year. Councilor

Davis moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously

by those ten members of Council present for this meeting with the Council

standing to cast their vote in the affirmative.



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WITH THE FAMILY OF THE LATE MR. PHILIP BATASTINI STANDING AT THE COUNCIL

TABLE, COUNCILOR MCDANIEL READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION IN ITS ENTIRETY AS

SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (26-05) - Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Philip

H. Batastini, who passed away on January 2, 2005. Councilor McDaniel moved its

adoption. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those ten

members present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND

THE CAPTIONS FOR EACH WERE READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WERE ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:





A Resolution (27-05) - Conveying condolences to the family of Dr. Jack

Hughston, who passed away on September 6, 2004. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved

its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten

members present for this meeting.



A Resolution (28-05) ? Commending Mr. James E. Butler, Jr., Partner with

the Columbus Law firm of Butler, Wooten, Fryhofer, Daughtery and Crawford for

recently being profiled in Georgia Trend magazine as one of Georgia?s 2004

Legal Elite. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING FIVE ORDINANCES TO AMEND THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS,

GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL ON

SECOND

READING:





An Ordinance (05-6) - Rezoning property located at 3049, 3103, 3127, and

3151 Tower Road is proposed for rezoning from M-1 (Light Manufacturing)

District to C-3 (General Commercial) District. (66-A-04-Allen Development

Group, Inc.) Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



An Ordinance (05-7) - Rezoning property located at 1213 18th Street is

proposed for rezoning from R-3A (Medium density Residential) District to a C-3

(General Commercial) District. (68-CA-04-Cummings) Councilor Allen moved its

adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously by those

ten members present for this meeting.



An Ordinance (05-8) - Rezoning property located at 318 Andrews Road is

proposed for rezoning from C-3 (General Commercial) District to R-3A (Medium

Density Residential) District. (69-A-04-Habitat for Humanity) Councilor

McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried

unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



An Ordinance (05-9) - Rezoning property located at 1130 Talbotton Road is

proposed for rezoning from M-1 (Light Manufacturing) District to C-3 (General

Commercial) District. (70-CA-04-Cummings) Councilor McDaniel moved its

adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten

members present for this meeting.



An Ordinance (05-10) - Rezoning property located at 7424 Veterans Parkway

is proposed for rezoning from C-2 (Neighborhood Shopping) District to C-3

(General Commercial) District. (71-A-04-Veterans Development, LLC) Mayor Pro

Tem Rodgers moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried

unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE REGULATING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND DELAYED AT THE REQUEST OF CITY ATTORNEY

FAY ON FIRST

READING:



An Ordinance - Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by

establishing/amending the parking restrictions along the following street

segments: Young Street ? Establishing a No Parking Anytime, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00

p.m. weekdays, along the south curb of Young Street beginning at the East Curb

of Wildwood Avenue running, easterly to Oak Avenue a distance of 255 feet; Oak

Avenue ? Establishing a No Parking Anytime, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays,

along the East curb of Oak Avenue beginning at the South curb of Young Street

and running northerly a distance of 575 feet; authorizing the installation of

official traffic control signs indicating said parking restrictions; repealing

any conflicting ordinances and for other purposes.



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WITH COACH KEVIN PETTIS STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, COUNCILOR DAVIS

READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION IN ITS ENTIRETY AS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:





A Resolution (29-05) - Commending Pacelli High School football coach Kevin

Pettis upon his outstanding success with the Pacelli Vikings. Councilor Davis

moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by

those ten members of Council present for this meeting and standing to cast

their vote in the affirmative.



Coach Kevin Pettis, announced that we are going to sign a record of eleven

students to play Division I football at a college level. He pointed out that

this would be the most that he is aware of, in the history of Columbus.

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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. STEVE MELTON, PRESIDENT OF CB&T REPRESENTING THE WORKFORCE ADVISORY

COMMISSION, RE: THE VALLEY

PROMISE:





Mr. Steve Melton began by thanking the leadership of Columbus for making

Columbus a great place to live. He spoke about the efforts that are being made

by the Chamber of Commerce through the Workforce Development. He said that we

support General Freakley and the soldiers at Ft. Benning and wanted to develop

a program to support the efforts at Ft. Benning, such as; BRACK, the Military

Affairs Committee and anything else to assist with support of the leadership in

Ft. Benning. He called attention to the numerous jobs that have gone away in

our community and determined that there was a need to equip people with the

skills to change jobs and to focus on the students graduating from high school

to give them the needed skills to move into the workforce. He then spoke of

the advisory board that has brought the leadership together to talk about

workforce development, and we also have a committee that is chaired by Ms.

Helen Johnson and she will be speaking to the Council about the works of the

committee. He then mentioned the people involved with the advisory committee

and the involvement of people in the business community with the focus groups

that were established.



Mr. Melton said that each quarter at CB&T Bank, he hosts a School

Superintendent Roundtable that involves superintendents from Alabama and

several counties in Georgia. He maintained that the mission of the Workforce

Development is to develop and sustain highly qualified and skilled workers

through educational training and partnerships. He said that we want to lead

Columbus into the future in economic development. He called attention to the

three main goals of the Workforce Development and are listed as follows:

coordinate Workforce Development Programs in our community, the development of

a regional website to provide information and to develop programs and practices

throughout our region that support the School Systems. He recalled that the

School System?s goals are for student retention and improvement of basic

skills. He said that the key to Workforce Development begins in the schools

and we have several programs underway.



Ms. Helen Johnson, came forward to provide an overview on one of the

specific aspects of the Workforce Development. She agreed that we need more

collaboration between the education and business. She said the first priority

would be a recommitment in strengthening of the career connection. She said

the Chamber is attempting to create a vehicle for small businesses,

entrepreneurs and small contractors that would be able to participate to widen

the spectrum so young people would know all of the opportunities available.

She pointed out that we are going to be discussing workplace ethics with the

students. She also commented on the redesigned brochure that would be

available that tells everyone in Columbus where the contacts are for

assistance. She said that this brochure would not only be available at the

Department of Labor, but we have businesses and human resources offices that

have agreed to have it there for people that come to their establishment

looking for a job and find out how to get assistance and be successful in

getting a job.

In conclusion, she pointed out that we are going to be putting a new

emphasis on the high school transcript. She pointed out that the best

predictor of how they are going to perform is by how they performed during

their high school years. She advised that businesses are making that

commitment to ask for those transcripts, when the young people come to them

requesting employment.



Ms. Johnson called attention to the Valley Partnership Promise that was

displayed in the Council Chambers as a large hanging banner and invited each

member of Council to sign it.



Councilor Woodson expressed her concerns with placing a great deal of

emphasis on student transcripts, because there are some students that don?t do

very well during their high school years because of some attributing factors.

She said that if businesses depend on the transcripts, there might be a lot of

graduating students who would be unemployed. Ms. Johnson advised that we have

discussed this issue a lot and understand the concerns. She explained that it

is not so much that the employer is going to be looking at the grade point

average at that point, but are going to want to see effort, attendance and

tardiness records. She said we have asked that the focus not be so much on the

standardized test scores, because we are not really trained to analyze it.



At the request of Mayor Poydasheff, Ms. Johnson then recognized those

members of the board that were present in the audience.



Councilor Hunter said that he wanted to commend Mr. Melton for continuing

on the board past his chairmanship, because one of the things he stated was

that he wanted to bring more inclusiveness to the Chamber. He said that the

board reflected that inclusiveness in that there were more minorities on the

board, and the Chamber began to reach out to minority businesses in this

community, which is ongoing. He said a lot of that is attributable to Mr.

Melton.



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MR. BILL AND LORRIE WATT, RE: A REQUEST FOR GUARDRAILS ON CHEROKEE AVENUE:



Ms. Lorrie Watt, came forward and introduced Mr. Bill Watt, and spoke of

the accident involving her son that occurred on Cherokee Avenue. She said that

he was fortunate to come away from this accident with only minor scratches and

bruises. She said that most people know that this is a dangerous road to

travel and has been brought to the attention of the Council before. She then

described the roadway and the angle leading into the ditch.



Mr. Bill Watt, had pictures distributed around the table of the accident,

as well as, different areas along that mile long stretch of Cherokee Avenue.

He then requested that a guardrail be installed on Cherokee Avenue at least a

mile in length along Cherokee Avenue where the creek is right up beside the

roadway. He pointed out that the guardrail would not stop the accidents but it

would keep somebody from going into the ditch. He mentioned the report they

received from the State Department of Transportation that lists all of the

accidents that have occurred on Cherokee Avenue that they have on record.



Mayor Poydasheff referred this matter to Interim City Manager Hugley to

take another look at this area to see if we can come up with a plan to get

guardrails. Interim City Manager Hugley said that we would look at the

information presented by Mr. Watt, but it was a couple of years ago that we did

take a look at guardrails along Cherokee Avenue. He agreed that it has met the

necessary standards to warrant guardrails, but there are numerous areas through

this community that meet the standards for guardrails, and it has become a

funding issue. He said they would take a look at Cherokee Avenue and other

areas that meet the standards for guardrails and if money is available in the

future; then, we would want to address those areas.



Councilor McDaniel said that he requested guardrails years ago, because

this is a dangerous area. He maintained that the problem is located the

funding for it. Mayor Poydasheff said that he would also contact the Police

Chief to beef up the patrolling in this area for those who may be speeding on

this road.



Councilor Henderson said that he knows that a study has been conducted to

determine the areas that need guardrails, but he would encourage us to step it

up to see if we could have some results and apply the limited funding we do

have towards the most necessary areas.



Councilor Woodson asked Interim City Manager Hugley to have the staff

check to see if there are any grants that could be used to deal with the areas

that need guardrails. She also requested that we research the matter to find

out if there are any foundations or corporations that would be willing to

provide funding for this project.



Ms. Watt called attention to a fireman, Mr. Robert Herrara, who did see

the accident and actually talked her son out of the car. She said that she

wanted to thank Mr. Herrara publicly, because Public Safety employees do work

twenty-four hours a day. Mr. Watt added that Mr. Herrara was off-duty at the

time of the accident, but stopped to assist their son and deserves an accolade

for that.



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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: RESOLUTIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 1993/1999 SPLOST

AND THE 2005 AMENDED

BUDGET:





Mr. Paul Olson did not come forward when given the opportunity to speak

before the members of Council.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY INTERIM CITY

MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE

MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SUBER, WHICH

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR

ALLEN BEING ABSENT FOR THIS

VOTE:



A Resolution (30-05) - Authorization is requested to submit an application

and if approved accept a grant for $1,060,000 from the Georgia Emergency

Management Agency for the purpose of upgrading the City's 800 MHz Radio

Communication System to improve Radio Interoperability between the counties

within the GEMA Region IV.



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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE CITY

MANAGER?S AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY INTERIM CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND

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

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

UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR ALLEN BEING

ABSENT FOR THIS

VOTE:





A Resolution (31-05) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with

Columbus Total Customizing/New York Hot Dogs for food vending services for

Metra to provide portable food and beverage for Metra?s customers at the

transfer station.



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GRANTS:



Interim City Manager Hugley advised that we are continuously going after

grants. He recalled that it was just two weeks ago that we presented four to

Council. He said and now we are bringing forth another grant for $1,060.00.

He pointed out that we are continuing to look for grants as they are being made

available.



Mayor Poydasheff advised that he has been in contact with Homeland

Security Mr. Joe Whitley of the General Counsel to see about getting grants to

come directly to the City of Columbus. He said that we are so far ahead of

other cities when it comes to the Homeland Security Task Force and other things

that we have done to be proactive in this effort.



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UPCOMING EVENTS:



Interim City Manager Hugley made the following announcement regarding

upcoming events:



? Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting: January 20, 2005, at the Trade Center,

at 7:00 p.m.



? Economic Outlook: January 21, 2005, at the Trade Center, at 11:00 a.m.



? 55th Man of the Year Banquet: January 22, 2005, at 6:00 p.m., at the Trade

Center. Mayor Poydasheff would be the speaker at this event.



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VACANT HOME ON PLANTATION ROAD:



Councilor Woodson advised that she has been receiving calls regarding the

house on Plantation Road. She requested that the staff check to see if there

are any laws or something that could be done about this vacant house on

Plantation Road that has become an eyesore to the community.



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CITIZEN COMPLAINTS:



Councilor Woodson reminded everyone that we need to have the staff to

schedule a work session to explain the procedures and paperwork to be filed

when a citizen has a complaint against a member of Public Safety.

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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS

INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &

COUNCIL:





(1) Biographical Sketch of Mr. James Edgar, Councilor Anthony?s nominee for a

position on the Medical Center Hospital Authority.



(2) Biographical Sketch of Mr. J. Robert Jones, Councilor Davis? nominee for a

position on the Medical Center Hospital Authority.





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THE FOLLOWING TWO LETTERS OF RESIGNATION WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF

COUNCIL DAVIS AND WERE RECEIVED BY THE

COUNCIL:



Letter from Mr. James Grant resigning from his position on the Keep

Columbus Beautiful Commission.



Letter from Mr. Jose R. Feliciano resigning from his position on

C.I.R.C.L.E.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved that both resignations be received with

regrets. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously those nine

members of Council present with Councilor Anthony being absent for this vote.



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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL

DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE

COUNCIL:



Building Contractors Examining Board, December 2, 2004.

Tax Assessors, No. 1-05.



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

Councilor Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present with Councilor Anthony being absent for this vote.



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THE FOLLOWING THREE NEW ZONING PETITIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF

COUNCIL DAVIS AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:



Petition submitted by Daniel & Susan Smith to rezone approximately 13

acres of property located at 5700 Billings Road from an R-1 District to an A-1

District. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission

and the Planning Division.) (1-A-05-Smith)



Petition submitted by Preston Holdings, LLC to rezone approximately 8.29

acres of property located at 5666 Forrest Road from an R-1A District to an R-2

District. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission

and the Planning Division.) (2-A-05-Preston Holdings, LLC)



Petition submitted by Woodmont Properties, LLC to rezone approximately 2

acres of property located at the eastern corner of Cooper Creek Parkway and

Milgen Road from a M-1 District to a C-3 District. (Recommended for

conditional approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning

Division.) (3-A-05-Woodmont Properties, LLC)



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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers is still

working on a nominee to replace Mr. Terry Hattaway.



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BOARD OF HONOR:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we would need a replacement for

the late Mr. Philip Batastini. Councilor Allen asked to be provided with a

listing of eligible nominees to serve on this board.



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KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Joan Cargill has resigned;

therefore, we would need a replacement for her on this board.



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MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Emory Alexander is eligible

to serve another term of office, but Mr. Murray Solomon cannot. Councilor

Suber nominated Mr. Alexander to serve another term of office. Councilor Davis

then nominated Mr. Robert Jones for the position of Mr. Murray Solomon. Deputy

Clerk of Council Davis advised that we still need two additional nominations

for these two positions.



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PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Ellis Dandy and Mr. Guy

Smith serve as regular members on this board. Mr. Dandy cannot succeed

himself, but Mr. Smith is eligible to serve another term. Councilor McDaniel

nominated Mr. Guy Smith for another term of office. She also advised that Ms.

Kay Howse and Mr. Roger Buterbaugh serve as alternate members and are both

eligible to serve another term of office. Councilor McDaniel than nominated

Mr. Buterbaugh for another term.



Councilor Anthony made a motion to move Ms. Kay Howse into the regular

member position to replace Mr. Ellis Dandy. Seconded by Councilor Suber and

carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Anthony being

absent for this vote.



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RECORDER?S COURT JUDGE:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the vote tabulation sheets have

been distributed around the table. She pointed out that the three nominees are

Ms. Jennifer Austin, Mr. Ronald Self and Mr. Alonza Whitaker.



The results of the vote tabulation are as follows: Councilors Anthony,

Davis, Hunter, Turner Pugh, Suber and Woodson voting for Mr. Alonza Whitaker;

this was a total of six votes. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers voted for Mr. Ronald Self

for a total of one vote. Councilor Allen, Henderson and McDaniel voted for Ms.

Jennifer Austin for a total of three votes.



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that Mr. Alonza Whitaker has

received six votes and may now be confirmed. Councilor Suber moved

confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten

members present for this meeting.



Councilor Woodson requested that a hard copy of the vote tabulation sheet

be provided to all of the members of Council. Deputy Clerk of Council Davis

advised that the tabulation sheet on ecap is just for viewing purposes only and

would for the future provide the hard copies.



City Attorney Fay advised that Mr. Alonza Whitaker is also serving

part-time as a contract public defender. He pointed out that the Judicial

Qualification Commission who looked at this before with Mr. James Messner, who

was able to work part-time as a criminal defense lawyer and a part-time

Recorder?s Court Judge. He pointed out that if there is any conflict; than,

Mr. Whitaker would have to recluse himself. Mayor Poydasheff pointed out that

there are no improprieties or ethical violations, at which time, City Attorney

Fay agreed with the comments and stated that Mr. Whitaker would have to adhere

to the Judicial conduct and Supreme Court rules.



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RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Brenda Dozier, who serves

at the School District Representative, is not eligible to serve another term of

office. She pointed out that the School District has been sent a letter

requesting a nominee to replace Ms. Dozier.



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TAX ASSESSORS, BOARD OF:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. William Braxton is eligible

to succeed himself. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then nominated Mr. Braxton for

another term of office. Deputy Clerk of Council Davis stated that we would

list Mr. Braxton for the next regular meeting for confirmation.



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TREE BOARD:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the following individuals are

eligible to serve another term of office: Mr. Hal Averett, Mr. Ken Henson, Ms.

Gloria Weston-Smart and Mr. George Stanton. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers made the

nomination and moved confirmation of each. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and

carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting. Councilor

Davis asked that Deputy Clerk of Council Davis make certain that the four

members confirmed today would like to continue service.



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EXECUTIVE SESSION:



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers requested a brief executive session to discuss a

personnel matter. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those

ten members present for this meeting.



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GOVERNMENT CENTER ENTRANCE:



Councilor Henderson made reference to the cold temperatures that we have

been experiencing. He said that it is cold at the entrance of the Government

Center where the bailiffs are located. He pointed out that we did put a heater

there at the entrance, but let?s check into expending some funds to put some

type of screen or block outside the doors where the bailiffs are located to

assist with blocking the wind from coming in.



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PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:



Councilor Suber asked who is responsible for the Personnel Review Board

decisions. City Attorney Fay responded by saying that he believes that the

City Manager could appeal the decision to the Council. He added that if the

employee feels aggrieved; then, that employee could file another proceeding in

Superior Court. Councilor Suber providing a chronology of events stated that

the initial appeal is to the City Manager, then the Personnel Review Board if

it gets that far, then once the decision has been made by the Personnel Review

Board it comes to the Council. City Attorney Fay said it only comes to the

Council if the City Manager appeals it; the employee could appeal the decision

of the Personnel Review Board to Superior Court. Councilor Suber said that

once the decision is made by the Personnel Review Board; then, the individual

has a right to appeal to Superior Court and not to City Council. City Attorney

Fay agreed with this comment and added that the City Manager has an additional

appeal to the Council, if the City Manager wants to appeal the decision; the

City Manager is the only one that can do that.



Councilor Suber said that he wanted to clarify that matter, because there

seems to be a lot of miscommunication in the assumption that the Council has

total control over the Personnel Review Board, at which time, City Attorney Fay

said that if the employee wants to appeal further, it would be in Superior

Court.



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Mayor Poydasheff asked at this time if there was anyone in the audience

who had a matter to bring before this Council on City business. No one came

forward.



At 10:12 a.m., the Council adjourned its regular session to allow the

Council to meet in executive session.



At 11:05 a.m., the Council reconvened its regular session, at which time,

Mayor Poydasheff announced that the Council did meet in executive session to

discuss a personnel matter and a vote was taken concerning the hiring of a

private search firm to assist the Selection Committee in looking for a City

Manager in the selection process. He stated that there was a tie vote in which

he broke the tie vote against the retention of a private search firm to assist

the selection committee. Councilors Allen, Davis, Henderson, McDaniel and

Rodgers voted in favor of hiring a private search firm. Councilors Anthony,

Hunter, Suber, Turner Pugh and Woodson voted no. Mayor Poydasheff voted no

resulting in a six to five vote against the hiring of a private search firm to

assist the selection process for the City Manager?s position. Mayor Poydasheff

said that there was a vote to go out of executive session.



*** *** ***



TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON VETERANS PARKWAY:



Councilor Henderson said that he has received several complaints about the

traffic congestion on Veterans Parkway. He then asked that the staff check

into the cause for the traffic congestion on Veterans Parkway around 8:15 a.m.

when the traffic gets backed all the way up to River Road.



*** *** ***



Councilor Suber said that he wanted to publicly thank the City Manager and

Engineering staff and all those people involved with getting the lights

completed on I-185 from St. Mary?s Road to Steam Mill Road, because they are

now working properly.



*** *** ***



TRAFFIC LIGHT RESYNCHRONIZATION:



Councilor Allen said that he believes that there was a letter to the

editor regarding the traffic lights downtown. He then asked that the staff

check to see if the traffic lights could be resynchronized downtown after 6:00

p.m. when the different events are going on at the Trade Center, Civic Center,

Rivercenter and the Springer Opera House to allow the traffic to flow a little

different than what it does during the normal business hours.



*** *** ***



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

Henderson then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Woodson,

which carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this

meeting with the time being 11:08 a.m.



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Sandra T. Davis

Deputy Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia