Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

NOVEMBER 12, 2002





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

to order at 9:01a.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2002 on the Plaza Level of the

Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable by Bobby G. Peters Mayor,

presiding.



PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Peters and Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers were

Councilors R. Gary Allen, Berry H. Henderson, Glenn Davis, Julius H. Hunter

Jr., Charles E. McDaniel Jr., Richard Smith, Nathan Suber, Evelyn Turner Pugh

and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Carmen Cavezza, City Attorney Clifton Fay,

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

were also present.



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ABSENT: No one was absent.



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INVOCATION: Led by Pastor Andrea Franklin of the True Vine Praise and Worship

Center.



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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from the Tinker Town Daycare and

Learning Center.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



PACELLI HIGH SCHOOL FAST PITCH SOFTBALL DAY:



With Coach Lonnie Arrington and several of the players standing at the

Council table, Councilor Henderson read the proclamation of Mayor Peters,

proclaiming November 12, 2002, as "Pacelli High School Fast Pitch Softball

Day", in Columbus, Georgia.



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METRA BALLADEERS:



With Ms. Lisa Goodwin, Director of METRA and members of the METRA

Balladeers, standing at the Council table, Mayor Peters pointed out that in

1998 Ms. Goodwin formed the METRA Balladeers to perform for a Georgia Transit

Association meeting that was held in Columbus and said they had been recognized

by some individuals from Japan and were asked to come to Japan to perform for

the officials there.



He said they have been raising money and said we have been trying to help

them raise money, and also pointed out that they have received a grant from

Japan to go on tour, as a singing group and said they will be leaving on

tomorrow.



Ms. Goodwin then introduced the members of the METRA Balladeers, which

includes Mr. Darrion Mitchell, Ms. Pearlie Hickey, Ms. Lubirde Edge, Mr. Mance

Bailey, Ms. Jean Patton and Ms. Verlinda Chaney. She said they will be leaving

on tomorrow and return on next Tuesday.



Mayor Peters also pointed out that these individuals drive our buses and

said we have a resolution commending Mr. Darrion Mitchell and then asked that

the resolution be called up at this time.



WITH MR. DARRION MITCHELL STANDING AT THE CONCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING

RESOLUTON, NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY MAYOR PETERS

AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:







A Resolution (635-02) - Commending and congratulating Darrion Mitchell,

METRA Transit System Bus Operator, for demonstrating his expert driving skills

in the International Bus Operator's Roadeo, and his placing 5th in the Rodeo

competition out of 115 operators. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved its adoption.

Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously with all ten members of

the Council standing to cast their affirmative vote.



Ms. Goodwin then thanked Mayor Peters and Council for their support of the

METRA Balladeers, as well as the METRA bus drivers.



Councilor Suber then requested the METRA Balladeers to sing a short song

for the Council.



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"NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH":



With Ms. Linda Harper, Director of the Department of Family & Children

Services and several other individuals standing at the Council table, Councilor

Hunter read the proclamation of Mayor Peters, proclaiming the month of November

2002, as "National Adoption Month", in Columbus, Georgia.



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"GEORGIA RETIRED EDUCATORS DAY":



With Ms. Juanita Booker, Vice President, and other retired educators

standing at the Council table, Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers read the proclamation of

Mayor Peters' proclaiming November 12, 2002, as "Georgia Retired Educators

Day", in Columbus, Georgia.



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"AMERICA RECYCLES DAY":



With Ms. Ann Davis and several members of the Keep Columbus Beautiful

Commission, and others, standing at the Council table, Councilor Allen read the

proclamation of Mayor Peters, proclaiming November 12, 2002, as 'America

Recycles Day", in Columbus, Georgia.



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"NIGHT OF LIGHTS":



With Mr. Elliott Waddell, representing the Keep Columbus Beautiful

Commission, Ms. Shelby Guest and ?Candice? standing at the Council table, Mr.

Waddell invited Mayor Peters and the members of the Council, as well as the

community to attend the Night of Lights event, which will be held on December

5, 2002 at 6:00 p.m., at the Phenix City Amphitheater. (A special invitation

and a Night of Light Christmas ornament were presented to Mayor Peters and the

Council.)



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DEATH OF MARGARET DAWSON:



Mayor Peters said we had a well-known lady of Columbus who passed away

this week, in Ms. Margaret Dawson, and said we send our condolences out to her

family. Councilor Turner Pugh said that her funeral will be Saturday, November

16th at 10:00 a.m., at St. Benedict Catholic Church.

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MINUTES: Minutes of the October 29th & November 5, 2002 meeting of the Council

of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved

by the Council upon the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Ten Rodgers and

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

Council present for this meeting.

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RECOGNITION OF MAYOR-ELECT POYDASHEFF & HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBERS:



Mayor Peters recognized the presence of Mayor-elect Poydasheff and several

members of the Housing Authority, who were present in the audience.

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ZONING PUBLIC HEARING:



An Ordinance - Rezoning properties located at 4907, 4909, 4763, 5110, 5106

and 5015 by 11th Avenue, 4801 Ingram Avenue, 4803, 4826, 4806,4732, 4728 and

4726 13th Avenue; 4714, 4749, 4751, 5127, 5129 and 5031 12th Avenue; 1120,

1114& 1110 48th Street; and 4602 Gilbert Avenue from a C -3 District to an R-3

District.



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Mr. Will Johnson of the Planning Division staff was present, but he did

not make a presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed

rezoning ordinance.



Mayor Peters said this is an effort to put back residential, where we have

had commercial for a long time, to restore the neighborhood.



City Manager Cavezza said this is part of the Beallwood revitalization

efforts, and said these are properties that we have bought up over the years.

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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING FOURTEEN RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ

BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF

A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SMITH,

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

MEETING:





A Resolution (636-02) - Expressing appreciation to Thomas H. Benefield,

Captain, upon his retirement with the Columbus Fire Department after 33 years

of service.



A Resolution (637-02) - Expressing appreciation to Ronnie R. Brown,

Sergeant, upon his retirement with the Columbus Police Department after 33

years of service.



A Resolution (638-02) - Expressing appreciation to Aubrey L. Burt,

Manager, upon his retirement with the Public Services/ Facilities Maintenance

Division after 34 years of service.

.

A Resolution (639-02) - Expressing appreciation to Alva M. Copeland,

Sergeant, upon his retirement with the Columbus Fire Department after 32 years

of service.



A Resolution (640-02) - Expressing appreciation to Charlie L. Golden,

Warden, upon his retirement with the Muscogee County Prison after 34 years of

service.



A Resolution (641-02) - Expressing appreciation to Robert M. Lahl,

Rain/Sewer Division Manager, upon his retirement with the Columbus Public

Service Department after 30 years of service.



A Resolution (642-02) - Expressing appreciation to Rudolph M. Lovell,

Sergeant, upon his retirement with the Columbus Police Department after 30

years of service.



A Resolution (643-02) - Expressing appreciation to Margaret L. Mayberry,

Administrative Services Coordinator I, upon her retirement with the Public

Services/Facilities Maintenance Division after 34 years of service.



A Resolution (644-02) - Expressing appreciation to Wesley E. Mott, Jr.,

Deputy Police Chief, upon his retirement with the Columbus Police Department

after 36 years of service.



A Resolution (645-02) - Expressing appreciation to John Russell,

Lieutenant, upon his retirement with the Columbus Fire Department after 31years

of service.



A Resolution (646-02) - Expressing appreciation to Aubrey T. Todd,

Lieutenant, upon his retirement with the Emergency Medical Services Division

after 31 years of service.



A Resolution (647-02) - Expressing appreciation to Charles E. Veasley,

Rain/Sewer Division Assistant Manager, upon his retirement with the Columbus

Public Services Department after 45 years of service.



A Resolution (648-02) - Expressing appreciation to Robert C. Loughman,

Captain, upon his retirement with the Columbus Fire Department after 25 years

of service.



A Resolution (649-02) - Expressing appreciation to William C. Mears,

Lieutenant, upon his retirement with the Columbus Fire Department after 32

years of service.



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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE INADVERTENTLY LEFT OFF THE CITY

ATTORNEY'S AGENDA, BUT WAS ALSO ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



An Ordinance (02-111) - Amending the "Official Street Map, City of

Columbus, Georgia" by changing the official street name for the section of

public roadway currently designated as Aspen Grove Road to "Heardmont Drive" to

be one street name consistent with the length of the roadway and authorizing

the replacement of existing street name signs labeled as Aspen Grove Road to

"Heardmont Drive." Councilor Allen moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

Smith and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this

meeting.



An Ordinance (02-112) - Amending Chapter 3 of the Columbus Code so as to

permit the transfer of an alcoholic beverage license from a hotel to a

restaurant and vice versa once during any calendar year provided the restaurant

is located in the same building as the hotel operations and deleting the

provision which allows provisional licenses to be held by attorneys. Councilor

Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried

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

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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. WALTER GOULD, RE: WATER RATE INCREASE:



Mr. Walter Gould appeared and read a prepared statement expressing his

opposition to the water rate increase passed by the Water Board on Monday,

November 11, 2002. He said the citizens of Muscogee County's water bill will be

increased by $3.00 per month for the next five years and in the year 2007, each

month the water bill will be $43.00.



He said he would like to know how the citizens of Muscogee County water

bills can be raised and the Water Board can't get Phenix City to abide by a

legal contract. He said it doesn't make sense for the citizens of Columbus to

foot the bill for another state. He said hopefully Mr. Turner will inform the

citizens of Columbus, what actions the Water Board is taking to ensure Phenix

City abides by the contract, since the Water Board voted to raise our water

rates.



Mr. Gould spent some ten minutes in expressing his opposition and asking

several questions as it relates to the Water Board. He said it is past time,

for not only the Water Works to become fiscally responsible, but all facets of

the Government. He also said it is time for this Council to stop neglecting

their responsibility and investigate the operations of the Columbus Water Works

and the contract signed with Phenix City.



He said he thinks this Council should introduce an ordinance or whatever

it takes, whereas, this Council will approve or disapprove water rate

increases. He said no board should have the power to raise rates on anything.



After Mr. Gould concluded his comments, Councilor Turner Pugh said she

agrees wholeheartedly with some of those things that he stated. She then said

most utilities in this State are governed under the Public Service Commission,

and said her biggest concern and the problem with this, is the Water Works just

being able to raise rates based on the Board.



She said she thinks that this is something that the City Attorney needs to

explain to the public on how the Statute was set up by the State Legislators,

as far as the operations of the Water Works.



City Attorney Fay then gave a brief explanation, pointing out that the

1902 Act that created the Water Works and set up the board does empower the

board to increase water rates, and set rates. He said they have authority over

that, and at the same time, the local legislation that does that, it gives the

Council the power to; by ordinance, to regulate such things as rate increases

or contracts. He said this Council has chosen to let the 1902 Act work the way

it is written, which is the board setting rates and making any amendments, as

far as rates and contracts. He said this Council has the final say on the

setting or rates of amending water rates or the entering into a contract; and

if you want to go that far by ordinance, you can, you do have that authority.

He said right now as the legislation stands, the Water Board has the power to

set the rates.



Mayor Peters said he thinks that they made a good case for the loss of

revenue for an increase, but said to do five years without coming back to the

Council to discuss it is a concern of his; because things do change and new

customers might come in like the mall and contracts change. He said if they

would simply follow the City's Procurement Code, he would feel more

comfortable. He said they said that they do not have to follow the City's

procurement ordinance, but they follow State law. He said he thinks that we

could have a better handle on it, if all purchasing was done in one central

location, all bidding, and everything. He said that would be for all

departments, not just the Water Works, for everyone with taxpayers? money.



Councilor Suber said he thinks that we have an outstanding Water Board and

said the information that they have given has been justified by Mr. Billy

Turner and the Administration of the Water Works; however, a few years ago, he

asked that the Water Works be put under the direction of this Council, but

didn't get the support.



He said now he would like to call for an ordinance to ensure that the next

water rate increases come before this Council, and that the five-year plan that

they have implemented, he thinks it is unfounded. He said he thinks that our

water rates should be discussed openly and if it is justified like the one

right now, then he would agree that they need to have a water rate increase.



Councilor Suber said he thinks before the Water Board ceremonially say

that they are going to have a five-year increase of water rates, without coming

before this Council and the people is unfair and said he thinks that we need to

do an ordinance to change that.



Councilor Henderson also said he would agree that there needs to be some

kind of an ordinance change, whether or not we put them under the direction of

the Council is another issue, and it is for much discussion at a later time,

and he would like to hear their input.



He then asked City Attorney Fay if it needs to be in the form of an

ordinance change, or can it be a resolution, as suggested by Mayor Pro Tem

Rodgers, that we forward to the Water Works.



City Attorney Fay said the Council could certainly do a resolution,

requesting that they come before this Council for a public hearing before a

subsequent increase, as suggested by Councilor Suber earlier; however, if you

want to control it by a force of law, you can adopt an ordinance, stating that

it will come before this Council for approval before any subsequent increase.



After some thirty minutes of discussion with several members of the

Council expressing their views on this matter, there were many requests made

and several referrals from the Council, which are outlined as follows:



Councilor Suber also said he would like to ask Mr. Billy Turner of the

Water Works, to come before this Council and explain their procurement

process.



Councilor Suber said if they follow the State law, then the City Attorney

should be able to give us an opinion, and then asked that the City Attorney

give an opinion as to whether or not the Water Works should be following the

City?s procurement process and also explain what is the State law?s requirement

in this regard.



In addressing some concerns expressed by Councilor Hunter as it relates to

the resolution, City Attorney Fay said that if the Council wants to send a

resolution now, and if it is not effective after a public hearing next year,

then the Council could adopt an ordinance at that point.



After still further discussion on this subject, Councilor McDaniel then

called for the resolution to be sent to the Water Works requiring them to hold

a public hearing before the Council each year of their proposed five year

period, and that this same timetable, same projects and the same budget are

still on line to warrant rate increases.



Mayor Peters in making the final comments on this subject said the

resolution from the Water Works did say that each year, they would adopt a

five-year rate increase and the board would review it each year and could make

adjustments on it, but said it didn?t include the public hearing, which is the

only missing link. Councilor McDaniel said we want to make sure it includes a

public hearing before this Council in the resolution, to which City Attorney

Fay said they would put that in there.



Councilor Suber also reminded City Attorney Fay of the procurement

procedures that he said needs to be addressed. City Attorney Fay also said that

he would look into that.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

CAVEZZA AND AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF DISCUSSION, WAS DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT

THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR

DAVIS:





A Resolution - Pledging a commitment of funds in the amount of

$5,568,093 to support public infrastructure improvements for the Peabody

Apartments Hope VI revitalization during the four-year grant implementation

period. Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Smith.



Councilor Davis said that he would like to request a delay on this

resolution, because there are some questions that he has, and some thoughts

that he would like to have clarified. He said he really doesn?t feel

comfortable in voting on this today.



He said this is a noble project and certainly he is for the revitalization

of cities, but said he would like to spend some more time with the staff and

members of the Housing Authority to try to understand some of the numbers that

were projected to the Council during the briefing on last week.



Councilor Davis then made a motion for a one-week delay.



City Manager Cavezza said he understands that Mr. Williams has to have his

application packet in by December 5, 2002.



Mr. Len Williams, Executive Director, of the Housing Authority, who was

seated in the audience, then came forward and in response to City Manager

Cavezza said they are hopeful that they can submit the application prior to the

Thanksgiving holidays. He said they would like to have it by next week.



Mayor Peters said it would be a tremendous project, if we can get this

Hope VI grant.



Councilor Henderson said he would second Councilor Davis? motion and said

he doesn?t think that one-week will hurt anything. He said he thinks it is an

outstanding project and hopefully, the grant will be successful, but said he

thinks there are still some issues that needs to be addressed.



Several members of the Council then expressed their views regarding this

application, with Mr. Williams responding to questions, as it relates to the

selection of the master developer, as well as the selection of the architect.

Questions were also asked as to whether or not the master developer would be

using local contractors.



City Manager Cavezza said when the City awards a construction contract, we

don?t direct the contractors to do a competitive bid processing, but said we

ask for DBE participation, which is the disadvantage business participation,

which is part of the consideration; but we don?t require them to use

competitive bidding below the contracting level. He said in a lot of cases

here, regardless of who gets the bid, they will probably use the same

sub-contractors.



Mr. Williams said he could have a representative of the developer present

next week. City Manager Cavezza said he will set something up for next week,

because he thinks we do need to have a discussion on developers and how they

get their sub-contractors, and what that process is.



After more than forty-five minutes of discussion on this matter, with

several members of the Council expressing their further views on this subject,

and Mr. Williams as well as City Manager Cavezza responding to questions of the

Council, there were several requests and referrals made by the Council, which

are outlined as follows:



Councilor Turner Pugh asked Mr. Williams to provide the City Attorney with

a copy of that part of the HUD requirements where it does not require the

developer to go out for bids. She also asked that the City Attorney explain

that to the Council.



Mr. Williams pointed out that Mr. Franklin Douglas, Mr. Larry Cardin,

Cathy Vaughn and other members of the Housing Authority are present in the

audience with him, in support of this project.



Councilor Henderson asked that Mr. Williams provide something in writing

as it relates to the Relocation Program. He also asked that he provide the

number of those families that they anticipate taking advantage of the Section 8

Voucher Program.



Councilor Davis also asked that the Housing Authority get together with

the developer and look at the contingency and find out if anything can be done

in that regard.



Mr. Len Williams then responded to further questions of Mayor Peters and

members of the Council, after which the question was then called on Councilor

Davis' motion to delay the resolution for one week, which carried unanimously

by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen

and Turner Pugh being absent for this vote.



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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY

MANAGER CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (650-02) - Authorizing the Chief Judge of Muscogee County

State Court to enter into a temporary agreement on a monthly basis with

Judicial Alternatives of Georgia until an annual provider is selected.

Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and

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

Councilors Allen and Turner Pugh being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (651-02) - Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to an

extension of Wondering Lane and Eging Court, located in Section Two, Farrwood

Cove Subdivision on behalf of Columbus Georgia. Councilor McDaniel moved its

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

members of Council present for this meeting.



A Resolution (652-02) - Authorizing a variance to the City Code Section

22-32(A)(6)(a) to allow the radius of a driveway to cross the property line for

CVS Pharmacy, located at 7042 Moon Road for one commercial driveway accessing

Moon Road and for one commercial driveway accessing Stone Mill Drive; and

authorizing the Traffic Engineer to issue a permit with said variances.

Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Smith and carried

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



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THE FOLLOWING FOUR PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA PACKET, WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION

MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SUBER, WHICH CARRIED

UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:







A Resolution (653-02) - Authorizing the purchase of thirty-nine (39)

Remington M870P, 12-gauge shotguns from Smyrna Police Distributors, in the

amount of $15,000.32.



A Resolution (654-02) - Authorizing payment to the Association County

Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), in the amount of $11,561.38.



A Resolution (655-02) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with Moon

Shower?s Right-of-Way services, Paul Garrett and Gilbert Sandford for

professional negotiating Consultant Services on an "as needed basis".



A Resolution (656-02) - Authorizing the purchase of fencing materials on

an "as needed basis" from Georgia Fence Wholesales Inc., for the estimated

contract value of $37,953.96.



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SIRENS:



City Manager Cavezza said that they are in the process of putting all the

new sirens in place that were approved with the SPLOST projects. He said there

are 47 sites around the City with a more effective siren. He said there will be

approximately 13 additional locations, and said we don?t have to test this

system, like we do with our current system.



Councilor McDaniel then asked if the siren at Johnson School would be

replaced or repaired, and also asked if it will remain in the same location.



City Manager Cavezza said the poles would remain and said they will

replace all of the equipment. He said he would have to check on it, to make

sure it would remain in the same place.



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LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON:



City Manager Cavezza informed the Mayor and Council that the Legislative

Luncheon that was scheduled for 12:00 noon today with the local Legislative

Delegation has been delayed until December 3rd.



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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:



City Manager Cavezza said on next Monday, November 18, 2002 there would a

Comprehensive Plan update for Districts 6 & 7.



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EXECUTIVE SESSION:



City Manager Cavezza said he would like to request a brief executive

session to discuss a real estate issue after the adjournment of this meeting.

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CLERK OF COUNCIL'S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS

INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND

COUNCIL:



(1) Notice of the ACCG's 2003 legislative Conference, February 5 & 6,

2002, in Atlanta, Georgia



(2) Letter from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: The Uptown Fa?ade

Board.



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

of the Muscogee County School District for the fiscal year ending June 30,

2002.



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THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF

COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (657-02) - Excusing Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers from the November

5, 2002 Council meeting. Councilor Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by

Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present

for this meeting.



A Resolution (658-02) - Excusing Councilor Woodson from the November 5,

2002 Council meeting. Councilor Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by

Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present

for this meeting.



A Resolution (659-02) - Approving a Special Exception Use request to allow

a restaurant at the southeast corner of Buena Vista Road and Andrews Road.

Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and

carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.



A Resolution (660-02) - Approving the report of the Finance Director of

those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and or denied during the

month of October 2002. Councilor Allen moved its adoption. Seconded by

Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council

present for this meeting.



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CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington submitted a memorandum from Mr. Charles

Schilling, Civic Center Director, requesting that the seat of Ms. Jasmine

Houston and Mr. Jim White on the Civic Center Advisory Board be declared

vacant, due to their lack of attendance at the board meetings.



Councilor Henderson then made a motion that these seats be declared

vacant. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those ten

members of Council present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK

OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE

COUNCIL:



Application of Uptown Columbus, Inc., for a temporary street closing of the

Dillingham Street Bridge on December 5, 2002, from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., in

connection with the Festival of Lights Holiday celebration. Councilor McDaniel

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

those ten members of Council present for this meeting.



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INDUSTRIAL & PORT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:



Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter of resignation from Mr.

James Yancey, resigning his position on the Industrial and Port Development

Commission.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved the letter be received with regrets and thanks

for service. Seconded by Councilor Smith and carried unanimously by those ten

members of Council present for this meeting.



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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE

COUNCIL:



Board of Tax Assessors, No. 43.

Development Authority, October 2, 2002.

Elections & Registration Board , June 6 2002.

Elections & Registration Board, July 8, 2002.

Elections & Registration Board, August 1, 2002.

Taxicab Commission, October 2, 2002.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers made a motion that these minutes be received.

Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of

Council present for this meeting.



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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Dr.

Emma Hunter, Mr. Seth Harp, Mr. Willie Davis and Ms. Ola Mae Washington on the

Hospital Authority will expire on November 14, 2002. She further pointed out

that Dr. Hunter, Mr. Harp, and Mr. Davis are eligible to succeed themselves,

but Ms. Washington is not as she has already served two consecutive full terms

of office.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then nominated Dr. Hunter, Councilor Henderson

nominated Mr. Harp and Mr. Davis to succeed themselves for another term of

office.



Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that we need three nominees

for Ms. Washington?s seat, as she cannot succeed herself. (See below for

additional nominee to this board.)



*** *** ***



TAXICAB COMMISSION:



Clerk of Council Washington once again requested nominations for someone

to fill the new at-large position on the Taxicab Commission that was added

several months ago, but there were none.



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TREE BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that there are four new at-large

positions on the newly re-created Tree Board and advised that Council may begin

making those nominations.



Councilor Davis then nominated Ms. Sharon Dixon and Dr. Beth Drelane for

two of the at-large positions on the Tree Board.



Councilor Davis said since this is something new in our community, maybe

it is not a bad idea, if we approach some of the members of the Tree Ordinance

Committee, since they are knowledgeable, educated and have been through this

process for awhile, and possibly would like to have in some of these positions.

He said we have Jodi Neilson who served on the Tree Committee and is with

Georgia Power Company, who could possibly fill one of the utilities companies

position. He said there are some others from different utilities companies and

developers, whereby maybe the first time around, it may not be a bad idea to

look to some of these people and it would expedite and help the process to work

well.



In response to a question of Mayor Peters, Clerk of Council Washington

said that these board appointments are made by the Council, and said we are

writing the different utility companies asking for recommendations.



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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:



Councilor Allen also nominated Mr. Allen McMullen for Ms. Ola Mae

Washington's seat.



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TREE BOARD:



Councilor Allen requested that Clerk of Council Washington write a letter

to the Homebuilders Association and ask for a recommendation for someone to

serve on the tree board as well. Councilor Woodson also nominated Ms. Andrea

Richardson for one of the at-large positions.



*** *** ***



EXECUTIVE SESSION:



City Manager Cavezza requested an executive session to discuss a real

estate matter. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and

carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.



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At 10:42 a.m., the meeting was adjourned to allow the Council to go into

an executive session.



At 11:11 a.m., the regular meeting was called back to order, at which time

Mayor Peters pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to

discuss a real estate matter, but there were no votes taken.



*** *** ***



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

Tem Rodgers then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Suber and

carried unanimously by those nine members of Council still present with

Councilor McDaniel having already left the meeting, with time being 11:12 a.m.



*** *** ***





Tiny B. Washington, CMC

Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia