Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

MAY 4, 2004





The regular monthly night meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was

called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, May 4, 2004, on the Plaza Level of the

Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Robert S. Poydasheff, Mayor,

and Honorable John J. Rodgers, Mayor Pro Tem, presiding.



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

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

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

City Manager Carmen Cavezza, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny

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



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ABSENT: Councilor Julius H. Hunter, Jr. was absent.



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INVOCATION: Offered by Councilor Wayne Anthony.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Grace Nagel and Meghan Larsen.

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SILVER AWARD CERTIFICATE:



Ms. Kelli Landry, Program Manager for the Girls Scout Concharty Council,

came forward to advise that the Silver Award Certificate is the highest award

that a girl scout cadet can earn, which makes it the second highest in girl

scouting. She maintained that it does involve leadership, community service

and focusing on the values.



Mayor Poydasheff then presented Miss Grace Nagel and Miss Meghan Larsen with

the Silver Award pins.



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CHARACTER WORD FOR THE MONTH:



Mr. Ed Wilson, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, came forward to present

the character word for the month of May. Mr. Wilson announced that the

character word for May is ?tolerance?. He said that tolerance means

recognizing and respecting the rights, beliefs, practices and cultural

differences of others.



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COLUMBUS SOUTH TASK FORCE:



Mayor Poydasheff asked Mr. Karl Douglass, Jr. and the members of the

Columbus South Task Force to come forward. Councilors Turner Pugh, Woodson,

Suber and Anthony and City Manager Cavezza were asked by Mayor Poydasheff to

stand at their seats to be recognized for their efforts as well. Mayor

Poydasheff determined that we would be concluding in a couple of weeks when the

University of Georgia comes down with the final report that would need to be

signed. He pointed out that we had every facet of our community represented,

as well as, a group from every conceivable, viable organization. He briefly

mentioned some of the great work of the Task Force. He then asked Mr. Karl

Douglas to come forward and congratulated him on ?molding a team? by presenting

him with a plaque that was read in its entirety by Mayor Poydasheff. He

thanked several members of the Administration for being present at the meetings

that were held.



Mr. Karl Douglass, Jr. pointed out that a lot of people gave up a lot of

time to make this process work. He said that this whole initiative is not

about south Columbus but about making Columbus a better place. He mentioned

that he has received the first draft of the report today and as we move through

these strategies and begin implementation, after we locate funding sources;

then, we would be able to see the dreams come off the page into action.



The following Columbus South Task Force members introduced themselves to

the Council and are listed as follows: Mr. Bob Jones, Ms. Sarah Lane, Mr. Len

Williams, Rev. Joseph Roberson, Mr. Jim Wink, Mr. Reginald Pugh, Mr. Edward

Dubose, Mr. Ed Wilson, Mr. Eddie Roberts, Dr. Willie Perry, Mr. Miles Caggin,

Ms. Tracey Belk, Mr. Robert Taylor, Mr. Ronzell Buckner and Mr. Gary Johnson.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



?P. E. E. R AWARDS?:



With Ms. June Davis, Ms. April Harris, Mr. Jessie Gamble, Mr. Rodney

Rawls, Ms. Lisa Castile and PEER of the Year Recipient Ms. Barbara Coppage

standing at the Council table, Councilor Suber read the proclamation of Mayor

Poydasheff, proclaiming May 4, 2004, as the day for high honor and recognition

for ?P.E.E.R. Awards? winners, in Columbus, Georgia.



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?MILITARY DOG HANDLER DAY?:



With Mr. Jessie Mendez, and one other military dog handler standing at the

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

proclaiming May 8, 2004, as ?Military Dog Handler Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.



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?COLUMBUS SILVER BUSINESS SOCIETY?:



With Mr. Lonnie Jackson and Ms. Charlie Mae Banks Events Council standing

at the Council table, along with Mr. Ronzell Buckner accepting for Ms. Zelman

Hennessey, Councilor Turner Pugh read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff,

proclaiming high honor and recognition for ?Columbus Silver Business Society?,

in Columbus, Georgia.



Ms. Charlie Mae Banks, said that we have had drug marches in the

neighborhood, but decided that we needed to get the children informed. With

the assistance of Senator Ed Harbison, Ms. Banks announced that we were able to

get the DFOC house, which is a learning and recreational facility. She said

that we teach the children basic training. She then recognized those people

who have contributed to the DFOC House.



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?COLUMBUS WELLNESS WEEK?:



With Ms. Helen Rankin standing at the Council table along with several

members of the Mayor?s Committee on Physical Fitness, Councilor Allen read the

proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming the week of May 4 - 8, 2004, as

?Columbus Wellness Week?, in Columbus, Georgia.



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?OLDER AMERICANS MONTH?:



With Ms. Mary Ann Johnson ? Gallops Senior Center standing at the Council

table, Councilor McDaniel read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff,

proclaiming the month of May, as ?Older Americans Month?, in Columbus, Georgia.



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?SHAE TIRADO DAY?:



With Miss Shae Tirado, along with her mother standing at the Council

table, Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff,

proclaiming ?Shae Tirado Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.



Councilor Allen requested that the staff get with the Columbus

Ledger-Enquirer to have the 6th Grade Winning Essay by Miss Shae Tirado,

published in the newspaper.



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?LETTER CARRIER DAY?:



With Mr. Ron Harris and several other mail carriers standing at the

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

proclaiming May 8, 2004, as ?Letter Carrier Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.



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?DRINKING WATER WEEK?:



With Mr. David Marion and several other mail carriers standing at the

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

proclaiming May 1 - 8, 2004, as ?Drinking Water Week?, in Columbus, Georgia.



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?GOVERNOR PERDUE?S VISIT:



Mayor Poydasheff thanked the members of Council for their support when

Governor Perdue visited Columbus to sign the Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.)



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MINUTES: Minutes of the April 20, 2004 meeting of the Council of the

Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were 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 nine members of Council

present for this meeting.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON

SECOND

READING:



An Ordinance (04-30) ? Amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code by creating

a Public Safety Advisory Commission. Councilor Suber moved its adoption.

Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried by a vote of eight to one with

Councilor McDaniel voting no and all others present voting yes.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:



An Ordinance ? Authorizing the establishment of the Class Titles and Pay

Grades of Deputy Sheriff, Grades 9A and 9B; Police Officer, Grade 9B;

Firefighter or Firefighter/EMT, Grades 9A and 9B; and, Deputy Marshal, Grades

9A and 9B in the Public Safety Position Classification Plan of the Columbus

Consolidated Government.



Councilor Henderson said that for the sake of consistency, Grades 9A and

9B would be offered throughout Public Safety. He pointed out that the

respective chiefs have the administrative control over the selection process

for their various agencies. He said that if the Fire Chief or Police Chief

decide that they do not want to accept the 9A; then, they are only accepting

the 9B Classification. He said since they have that control anyway, he

believes that it is inconsistent to separate out the Police Department as a 9B

Classification only; therefore, he would offer an amendment to go ahead an add

the 9A classification in there as well. Seconded by Councilor Woodson.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers recalled that there were two ordinances and this was

the one that was chosen to be listed on the agenda. Councilor Henderson

explained that it was his understanding that there were going to be two

ordinances presented today on the agenda for discussion, but someone chose the

one ordinance to be listed.



City Manager Cavezza confirmed the statement that there were two

ordinances but after discussions with the Police Chief and public safety

officers, it was the Police Chief?s preference to delete the 9A from the Police

Department.



After some further discussion on this matter, Mayor Poydasheff called

attention to the motion on the table, which carried unanimously by those nine

members present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS FOR EMPLOYEES RETIRING FROM CITY GOVERNMENT WERE

SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS

AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL ON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS

AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE

MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:





A Resolution (201-04) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. John R. Moore upon

his retirement with the Public Services Department after 27 years of service.



A Resolution (202-04) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. John W. McCarley

upon his retirement with the Public Services Department after 17 years of

service.



A Resolution (203-04) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Robert E. Borel

upon his retirement with the Muscogee County Sheriff?s Department after 23

years of service.



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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. KENNETH CLAY, RE: A CONCERN WITH BANKING MATTERS DEALING WITH A

SAVINGS

ACCOUNT:





Mr. Kenneth Clay, who requested to be listed on today?s agenda, did not

respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.



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MR. EDWARD DUBOSE, REPRESENTING COLUMBUS BRANCH NAACP, RE: CITIZENS

REVIEW BOARD AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PAY RAISE:



Mr. Edward Dubose came forward to express his appreciation to the members

of Council for the hard work that was put into the Public Safety Advisory

Commission.



In reference to law enforcement, Mr. Dubose maintained that he does not

want anyone to think that the NAACP is against law enforcement. He continued

to speak about the pay issues and challenges for Public Safety with emphasis on

the Police Officers. He said that he is speaking up for all of those Police

Officers and people in Public Safety who deserve to have more and deserve to

know that some of the stresses could be relieved by being able to provide for

their families.



In response to a question of Councilor Davis, Mr. Dubose replied that the

stance of the NAACP, which is the entire executive committee and all of the

members, is standing behind the Police Officers and Public Safety being paid

more money.



Mayor Poydasheff reported that he and City Manager Cavezza are working on

what would equate to something similar to hazardous duty pay. He explained

that it is going through some different iterations. He suggested that Mr.

Dubose, as well as the members of the NAACP, assist the City by supporting the

local option sales tax (L.O.S.T.)



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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA 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 ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH BEING

ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:







A Resolution (204-04) - Authorizing the purchase of fastener supplies and

restocking services from Fastenal Company for the estimated annual contract

value of $15,000.



A Resolution (205-04) - Authorizing the execution of a change order with

Alexander Contracting Company, Inc., in the amount of $21,517.30 for concrete

ramp and sidewalks at Elvan Avenue and Marathon Drive.



A Resolution (206-04) - Authorizing the purchase of swimming & pool

supplies, for the estimated annual contract value of $19,732.80, from

Gulbenkian Swim, Inc., Greg Larson Sports, Recreonics, Inc., W.M. Smith &

Associates, Inc., Southland Chemical and the Lifeguard Store.



A Resolution (207-04) - Authorizing the execution of a negotiated contract

with Dudley?s Outdoors to provide four commercial zero-turn-radius mowers with

mulch kits.



A Resolution (208-04) - Authorizing payment to Motorola (Schaumburg, IL)

in the amount of $16,232.88 for mobile data terminal server maintenance support.



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BUDGET REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETINGS:



City Manager Cavezza reminded everyone that we started the Budget Review

Committee Meetings today, and there would be one every week immediately

following the Council Meeting downstairs in the Ground Floor Conference Room;

the meetings are open to the public.



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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND

APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (209-04) - Excusing Councilor Julius Hunter from the May 4,

2004 Council Meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved its adoption. Seconded by

Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members present with

Councilor Turner Pugh being absent for this vote.



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THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK

OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:



Application of Friendship Baptist Church to temporarily close 6th Avenue

between 8th Street and 9th Street on June 12, 2004 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

in connection with ?Vacation Bible School?. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved its

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

members 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:



C.I.R.C.L.E, March 9, 2004.

Golf Course Authority, March 23, 2004.

Housing Authority, March 24, 2004.

Tax Assessors, No. 15-04.

Tax Assessors, No. 16-04.

Uptown Fa?ade Board, March 15, 2004.

Zoning Appeals, March 3, 2004.



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

Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of

Council present for this meeting.



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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



BUILDING AUTHORITY:



Clerk of Council Washington advised that we still need someone to replace

Mr. Dennis Luby. There were no nominations.





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CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington advised that five seats have been outlined

that need replacements and are listed as follows: Mr. Arthur Thomason (Council

District Four), Mr. Terry Hattaway (Council District Five), Mr. Brian Hercules

(Council District One), Mr. Jim Martin (Council District Eight) and Ms. Mary G.

Walker-Crooks (Council District Seven).



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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:



Clerk of Council Washington outlined the two seats that need replacements

and are listed as follows: Floretta Thornton-Reid (Council District Seven) and

Ms. Leigh Stewart (Council District Eight). There were no nominations.



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DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:



Clerk of Council Washington advised that Ms. Stella Shulman and Mr.

Fernando Verdree were nominated last week to succeed themselves; therefore,

they may be confirmed. Councilor Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by

Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously by those eight members present

with Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers nominated Mr. Billy Blanchard to succeed Mr. Stephen

Butler. Clerk of Council Washington said that we would bring this nomination

back next week for confirmation.



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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need a nomination

for Ms. Leah Braxton?s seat. There were no nominations.



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INDUSTRIAL & PORT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:



Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Gregory Blue, Mr. Jon Dodds

and Mr. Allen Taber were nominated last week to succeed themselves; therefore,

they may be confirmed. Councilor Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by

Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members present for this

meeting.



She pointed out that we still need someone for Mr. Wade Tomlinson?s seat.



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WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA REGIONAL MH/DD/AD BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we are still working on a

potential recommendation for the seat of Ms. Debra Garab.



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TRANSPORTING OF DWELLINGS:



Councilor Davis requested to be provided with a full report on exactly

what transpired off of River Road, whereas, a moving company transported a home

with no regard to public or private property. When Councilor Davis mentioned

an amendment to the current ordinance regarding the transporting of dwellings,

Mayor Poydasheff said that he did not feel that was necessary, because there

have been citations issued and undoubtedly civil litigation as well.



City Manager Cavezza agreed that the ordinance is sound, but the gentleman

violated the ordinance by not following the pre-designated route that was

approved. In response to a question by Mayor Poydasheff, City Manager Cavezza

advised that the gentleman was cited ninety-four (94) times.



Councilor Davis continued to express his disappointment with the

destructive action taken by the gentlemen, at which time, City Manager Cavezza

said that the individual has a license from LaGrange, and we have to honor that

license, but we don?t have to give him any permits; therefore, unless he is

instructed otherwise, this gentleman would not be issued anymore permits in

this county.



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EMERGENCY 911 CALLS:



Councilor Woodson requested some information regarding the 911 call that

was made in reference to the three individuals that were shot. She informed

everyone that the three individuals are still in the hospital and are in

critical condition. She said that the community wants to know what happened

with 911 and the response to the call, because these gentlemen were not

assisted.



City Manager Cavezza reported on the data that he had received and the

chronology is listed as follows: Their call came in at 11:37:33 p.m. When the

911 operator answered the call, the caller hung up and 25 seconds later the

operator called that number back, but there was no response. At 11:38:07 p.m.,

the phone call came back in again and there was an individual on the line

speaking Spanish; therefore the operators had a difficult time understanding

her. The woman was put on hold and the operators brought in the ATT language

line. At 11:40 p.m., the ATT language line was on the phone and they were able

to assist the caller by getting the information that they needed. There were

several call backs at different times, but the police officer was dispatched,

and the dispatch was from seven minutes and six seconds from the first hangup

call; a fire engine was dispatched as well as an EMS Vehicle. The Spanish

speaking police officer arrived on the scene and immediate action was taken.



City Manager Cavezza maintained that there was a lot of confusion and

there were a lot of people calling in to 911, but 911 did get the key calls,

and those calls were responded to. He suspected that some of those people that

were calling in and weren?t getting immediate response may not have been aware

that the dispatch had already been made and action was under way. Mayor

Poydasheff suggested that City Manager Cavezza provide the information to

Councilor Woodson.



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TRANSPORTING OF DWELLING:



Councilor Davis said that he wanted to go back to the previous matter

concerning the transporting of the house. He complemented some employees on

their promptness in making sure that this matter was taken care of.



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PUBLIC SAFETY:



Councilor Anthony pointed out that some members of Council requested to be

provided with a copy of the human resources issues regarding public safety that

we have identified. He stated that he was providing each member with a copy.



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EMERGENCY 911 CALLS:



Councilor Suber commended Councilor Woodson for clearing up this matter

for the citizens in the community regarding the 911 call and how long it took.

He said it was good to have this matter brought up, so there would be no

misunderstanding about what happened.



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Mayor Poydasheff asked if there was anyone present in the audience that

had a matter to bring before the Council on a city issue.



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DEMOLITION LIST:



Mr. Don Cotton, came forward to speak about his piece of property that has

been listed for demolition. He explained that there was a gentleman that had

passed away and there were some discrepancies about where to send notices to.

He then mentioned the six heirs to the property.



Mayor Poydasheff suggested that Mr. Cotton discuss this matter with City

Manager Cavezza and Deputy City Manager Richard Bishop.



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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 present for this meeting,

with the time being 6:50 P.M.



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Sandra T. Davis

Deputy Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia