Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

MAY 18, 2004



The regularly weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to

order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 18, 2004, on the Plaza Level of the Government

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

John J. Rodgers, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.



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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Poydasheff and Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers

were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Julius H. Hunter,

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

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

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

present.



ABSENT: Councilor Berry Henderson was absent.



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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend David Holston - Elizabeth Missionary Baptist

Church.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Reese Road and Matthews Elementary

School.

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CARVER HIGH SCHOOL:



Mayor Poydasheff called forward Dr. Tina Cross of Carver High School and

said on behalf of the City Manager and himself, he would like to thank her and

the students of Carver High School for what they have done in honoring the

Veterans of this great community of ours. He said they appreciate it very much

and their project is wonderful.



Dr. Tina Cross of Carver High School then came forward and said they have

a book for each of the Council members and they hope each one of them read and

enjoy it.



Students of Carver High School then distributed to the Mayor and Council a

book, which focus on the lives of some of the Veterans in the Columbus area,

which was done by the students of Carver High School.



Dr. Cross said the Columbus Council has always been very supportive of

Carver High School and their projects and said this is just a small token of

their appreciation for what they have done.



She said the Bradley Library, all public libraries, as well as all high

school libraries and Fort Benning would receive a copy of this book.

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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:



THERE WERE NO ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY?S MEETING.

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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MS. SALLY LASSETER, REPRESENTING COLUMBUS READS & LITERACY ALLIANCE, RE:

COMMENDATIONS FOR SUPPORTING THE DISTRIBUTION OF LITERACY INFORMATION TO THE

COMMUNITY:





Ms. Lasseter said she is here today from the Literacy Alliance to thank

the Mayor and Council for their foresight for helping our community to become a

strong literate community. She said you have helped to fund the Columbus

Literate Community Program when it began in 1990, the results of which you know

that in 2004 Columbus, Georgia was designated as the first Certified Literate

Community in the State of Georgia.



She said they have continued through the Literacy Alliance, doing business

under that name rather than the Columbus Literate Community Program to serve as

the center point for all of the literacy efforts in our community. She said

once again, your foresight encouraged them to take on a project called

?Columbus Reads?.



Ms. Lasseter said in the Columbus Reads project, they have been working

with four year olds to help them develop their vocabulary to get ready to be

good solid kindergarteners who will be able to learn to read well.



Ms. Lasseter spoke for some ten minutes in outlining several new projects

and plans that are being set forth by the Columbus Reads program. She also

pointed out that they would be participating in a community assets and needs

survey development with the Chamber of Commerce. She said on today at 4:00

p.m., in the CB & T Team meeting room on Broadway they will hold the first of

many town meetings.



She said they would like to encourage everyone in the community to come

out and talk about our strengths and our needs in order that we can help to

develop a survey that will continue to lead Columbus, Georgia forward in the

years to come.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



?ADELE LINDSEY DAY?:



With Ms. Adele Lindsey standing at the Council table, Councilor McDaniel

read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff proclaiming May 18, 2004 as ?Adele

Lindsey Day? in Columbus, Georgia.



Mayor Poydasheff said we also have Certificates of Appreciation for Ms.

Angie Shehane, Ms. Barbara Curry and Ms. Donna Matthews and then presented the

proclamation to Ms. Lindsey and certificates to those named above.



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?DOCTOR?S DAY?:



Councilor Davis read into the records, a proclamation in celebration of

Doctor?s Day, proclaimed by Mayor Poydasheff on May 18, 2004 as ?Attorney vs.

Physician?s charity basketball game day? in Columbus, Georgia.



With there being no one present to receive this proclamation, Mayor

Poydasheff said he would see to it that the proclamation is sent to

Ms. Miriam Tidwell.



?NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK?:



With Commander Donald R. Wilburn, Mr. Bob Parnell, Mr. Joe Stagnant and

Mr. Thomas Peavey standing at the Council table, Councilor Hunter read the

proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff proclaiming May 22-28, 2004 as ?National Safe

Boating Week? in Columbus, Georgia.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



WITH MR. TIM VINSON STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING

RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:





A Resolution (214-04) - Commending and congratulating Mr. Tim Vinson

upon his selection as 2004 Teacher of the Year for the Muscogee County School

District. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded

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

present for this meeting standing to cast their affirmative vote.

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



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PUBLIC AGENDA CONTINUED:



MR. GUY SIMS, RE: TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT

PROJECT:





Mr. Guy Sims said he is here this morning to inform the Mayor & Council

about the first of four town hall meetings that they will be having to get

input from the broad cross-section of the community with a community assessment

that they are involved in. He said this would be a very comprehensive community

assessment.



He said United Way had a need to do a needs assessment, as well as Family

Connections having a mandate from the State to do a needs assessment;

therefore, they decided to join together and do a more comprehensive

assessment; looking, not only at what the human services needs in the community

are, and not only looking at what we are doing well, but looking at areas that

we really need to focus on and improve on. He said it would include Russell

County, Phenix City and the other six surrounding counties that are a part of

this assessment.



Mr. Sims said once this assessment is completed, we will have a good look

of not only what the human service needs are, but what the economic

development, educational, natural environmental, social environment, health

service, as well as the safety needs of each of these communities are. He said

the reason he thinks this assessment is so important is because for the first

time, we will be able to delve down in and see what the root causes of the

problems are and begin working together to put a comprehensive plan together,

of how we will try to meet the needs of the people, but get down and begin to

address more adequately what is causing these problems. He said the first town

hall meeting would be this afternoon at 4:00 p.m., in the community room at the

Uptown CB& T Bank. He said there would be three other meetings that will be

held.



Mr. Sims then distributed information to the Mayor & Council of those

upcoming meetings, as well as a public release, which provides brief

information as to what they are going to be doing and also a listing of those

individuals that will be serving on a steering committee for these critical

issues and community needs assessment that they will be looking at.



In his conclusion, Mr. Sims said he thinks this is something, once

completed, not only would serve the United Way and Family Connections, but

would serve this entire community very well.



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MR. RICKY WEEKS AND MR. ART MURPHY, REPRESENTING RIVERTOWN RIDERS/GWRRA,

RE: TO EXTEND AN INVITATION TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:



Mr. Ricky Weeks said on this weekend the Gold Wing Chapter of Columbus

Rivertown Riders are putting on a motorcycle rally beginning on Friday night

through Saturday midnight. He said they are expecting between 1,500 - 2,000

motorcycles to be in Columbus this weekend.



He said they are holding this event to raise funds for the Children?s

Miracle Network here in Columbus. He said there will be several activities and

events to be held and are here this morning to encourage all citizens to attend

this event.

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Mayor Poydasheff said he would like to commend City Manager Cavezza and

the staff of the Civic Center, as well as the Convention & Trade Center for the

great job that was done when we had the Georgia Republican Convention held in

our City. He said there were between 5,500 - 6,000 people here.



He said he has never seen such efficiency and effectiveness in setting up

the convention. He said the Civic Center and Trade Center did a magnificent job

and everything was in place and went tremendously well.

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MINUTES: Minutes of the May 11, 2004 meetings of the Council of the Columbus

Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved

unanimously upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor Allen and seconded

by Councilor Woodson, with Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers being absent for this vote.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA CONTINUED:



THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:







An Ordinance (04-32) - Rezoning property located on the west side of Old

Pope Road, bordering the east property line of Garrett Creek subdivision

(northern portion of the Miller Tract) from an A-1 District to an M-1 District.

(17-CA-04-Development Auth.) Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the

ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight

members of Council present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers being

absent for this vote.



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THE FOLLOWING FOUR ADDITIONAL ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND THEIR

CAPTIONS READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND

READING, PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR ALLEN

AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SUBER, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS BEING ABSENT

FOR THIS

VOTE:





An Ordinance (04-33) - Rezoning property located on the north side of

Macon Road, 3950 feet west of Midland Road (southern portion of the Miller

Tract) from an M-1 District with conditions to an M-1 District with amended

conditions. (18-CA-04-Development Auth.)



An Ordinance (04-34) - Rezoning property located at 8544 Whitesville Road;

1990 Hubbard Road; and property between 1990 Hubbard Road and GDOT property

along I-185 from an A-1 District to an R-1A/R-1/A-1 Districts.

(19-CA-04-Whitesville Road, Inc.)



An Ordinance (04-35) - Rezoning property located at 3992 Reese Road from

an R-1A District to a R-2 District. (20-CA-04-Don Bowles, Inc)



An Ordinance (04-36) - Rezoning property located at 1401 32nd Street from

an R-2 District to an R-3A District. (21-CA-04-Johnston)



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND AFTER SOME DISCUSSION WAS

ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:



An Ordinance (04-37) - Providing for the demolition of structures located

at 629 Lawyers Lane (Katie Shepherd & George Daniel, owners); 4247 Earline

Avenue (Steven L. Langley, owner); 3466 Marathon Drive, Lots 44, 45, 51 & 62

(Mamie Nelms, owner); 18 Lafayette Drive (Sethira Bell Thomas, owner); 3220

River Avenue (Vista Del Bibb, LLC, owner); and 3221 Park Avenue (Vista Del

Bibb, LLC, owner); and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code

Division in accordance with a Tabulation of Bid sheet.



City Manager Cavezza said that he would like to request that the Council

give a 90-day extension to the property located at 3220 River Avenue and 3221

Park Avenue. He said he has talked with the individual involved and have been

out to visit the houses. He said Mr. Serrato has all of his permits and have a

contractor and the houses are basically good houses and are in a historical

part of our City, although they are not technically historical homes.

He said Mr. Serrato has assured him that he can complete them within 90 days

and continues to work on them as we speak. He said he would request that the

Council allow him 90-days for him to complete that before we start demolition.



Councilor McDaniel moved approval of a 90-day extension. Seconded by Mayor

Pro Tem Rodgers.



Councilor Suber said he would not support this request of the City Manager

because he believes that an individual that has the opportunity to receive as

many letters as this property owner did receive, than we are just asking for

problems. He said he thinks that a precedent is being set at this particular

time.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he thinks that we need to leave this on the

demolition list.



City Manager Cavezza then asked if he is saying leave it on the list, but

allow the extension. However, Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said that would be somewhat

contradictory.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said until recent years, he has never supported any

kind of extension because the process is due process and allows ample time for

anyone who is genuinely concerned about preserving their property to get their

act together and get things done.



He said he is told by the staff that even to this day, there areextensions

that we have granted, allowing the demolition to be approved; and going forward

under the guidance and watchful eye of our staff, continually to improve the

home that there are deadlines that have already past that have not been

complied with and that the work has not been finished. He said now we are in

the position that there has been so much invested in that property, he doubts

very seriously that you could bring it back before this Council and have it

demolished.



City Manager Cavezza said he is embarrassed because the staff has not seen

fit to tell him what they have informed the Mayor Pro Tem of.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he thinks there is a way that this can be

resolved. He said if this Council is going to grant an extension, it needs to

hold that individual responsible and that individual needs to stand back before

this Council again on the deadline date and tell us whether it is finished or

not and let us make a decision once again, as to what we are going to do with

that.



City Manager Cavezza said he doesn?t have any objections to that.



Mayor Poydasheff said the property will not be taken off of second

reading, it will remain there; but what we are doing is granting a 90-day

extension so that no action will be taken to demolish the houses until 90-days

and then the individual will come and we will have our report.



Several minutes of discussion continued on this issue, with members of the

Council expressing their views on this matter.



Councilor Turner Pugh said she would agree to a 90-day extension, as long

as the motion is that it stays on second reading and after a period of 90-days

if it hasn?t been 100% completed, then it is demolished. She said she also

thinks that if those individuals who have been given extensions were not

completed by that date, then the staff needs to bring them back next week and

let the owners know that they will be demolished.



Mayor Poydasheff said he believes that was the intent of Councilor

McDaniel?s motion; however, Councilor Turner Pugh said she need Councilor

McDaniel to say what his motion is, not what the intent is.



Councilor McDaniel said his motion is that we approve the City Manager?s

request to grant a 90-day extension and that it stay on the list for those 90

days.



Mayor Poydasheff said that it remains on second reading.



Councilor Turner Pugh said also that if it is not 100% completed in

90-days it will be demolished.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said more specifically that this Council be notified

on any extension that we give a specific drop-dead date to, that it be reported

to us, the status of it at that time. He said he would support the request

under those conditions.



Councilor Anthony said he would ask that we are consistent with everyone,

as well as give due process. He said he would encourage those persons involved

take seriously when Ms. Wiggins and staff members come to them well in advance

in the process and they take it seriously and don?t want them to come to us to

appeal at the last minute.



Councilor Hunter then asked, if it will remain on second reading?



Mayor Poydasheff said it would remain on second reading.



Councilor Hunter then said what that means is that after the completion of

90-days it will come back to the Council.



City Attorney Fay said it doesn?t have to. He said the City Manager will

notify the Council as to whether or not, it is 100% completed to meet code or

not.



Councilor Hunter said if it is on second reading, don?t we have to take a

vote. He said if it is on second reading, then there has to be a vote taken on

second reading. He said what we are doing is, in effect continuing second

reading today. City Attorney Fay said we are just conditioning the demolition.



Mayor Poydasheff said the way he and the City Attorney reads it, he

believes that it is on second reading and if it passes, it is on second

reading; however, those two properties will remain untouched until 90-days at

which time, Mr. Serrato would have either complied with what?s on the punch

list or he hasn?t and then it automatically comes within the purview of

demolition so you don?t have to go back and forth.



Councilor Hunter said it would seem that we would need to vote on second

reading today to demolish the property and then give him a 90-day extension.

Mayor Poydasheff said that is exactly what we are doing.



However, Councilor Hunter said that is not what we are saying. He said we

are saying that we are keeping this on second reading and as long as we say

that, in effect, we are continuing second reading.



Mayor Poydasheff said we have a second reading, but said within the second

reading, we are granting a 90-day don?t touch exception for those two pieces of

property (3220 River Avenue & 3221 Park Avenue) and after the end of the

90-days consistent with the motion and Councilor Turner Pugh remarks, the

property will either go down or be taken off the demolition.



Councilor Hunter said let?s not use the language that we are keeping it on

second reading, if that is what the intent is. He said he is asking for

clarification as to what the intent is. He said the language that is being used

basically keeps this on second reading, which means that it should come back to

the Council for a vote.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers, in trying to clarify this issue, said what the

Mayor is saying is whether the terminology is correct or not, by keeping it on

second reading means we are not going to remove these two properties from the

list of other properties and not take action.

He said we are intending to take demolition action against these properties

today; however, the City Manager is separately or in conjunction with this

empowered to ride herd over them for 90-days to ensure that the work is done.

He said the Council really doesn?t have to vote after that because demolition

for these properties has already been approved. He said that is his

understanding of how he is using the terminology keeping it on second reading,

i.e., not removing it from the ordinance that is on the table right now.



City Attorney Fay said you are simply deferring the implementation of

demolition for 90-days. He said if it is not completed and up to code, then the

implementation will be carried out.



Councilor Davis said he would like to ask the Council?s approval to ask a

question of Mr. Serrato. Councilor Allen then moved that Mr. Serrato be allowed

to be heard. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those nine

members of Council present for this meeting.



Councilor Davis then asked Mr. Serrrato if he could have these homes

completed within the 90-days, to which he said yes.



In response to a question of Councilor Allen, as to whether or not Mr.

Serrato will have to come back before the Council and the Council vote on the

issue, City Manager Cavezza said it is his understanding that he would tell the

Council whether or not the properties are completed and the Council then take

action.



Mayor Poydasheff said the Council doesn?t have to take action, because

it?s on second reading and if he hasn?t complied; then the City Manager will

tell us that and then the ordinance takes effect and the houses go down. He

said it?s as simple as that. City Manager Cavezza said he would defer to the

City Attorney; whatever is the right thing to do, then that is what we will do.



City Attorney Fay said if we leave it on second reading today and take a

vote, the houses can come down if the work is not done up to Code within the

90-day period. He said we could either do it this way, which we have done in

the past or we can take the two items out of second reading and come back later

and have another vote. He said either way, you are legally sufficient.



Councilor Allen said what we are doing today is leaving them in, and we

are voting; so Mr. Serrato doesn?t have to come back to the Council. City

Attorney Fay said that is correct.



Mayor Poydasheff then asked Mr. Serrato if he understands everything that

is being said and done in this Council, to which he said, yes.



Councilor Hunter said he is going to vote for the extension. He said

again, he truly believes that if Mr. Serrato is able to do the repairs within

90-days, then procedurally what should happen is that this should be removed

from second reading and if he fails to complete it, then we need to vote on

second reading as to whether or not to go forward with the demolition. He said

that is his belief and he wants to state that for the record.



After more than thirty minutes of discussion on this subject, with members

of the Council expressing further their views in this regard, and City Manager

Cavezza as well as City Attorney Fay then responding to questions of the

Council, Mayor Poydasheff then called the question on the motion to defer the

Serrato properties.



Prior to the vote being called, Councilor Turner Pugh then asked, why do

we have to do anything, why can?t we just vote on the second reading of those

properties to be demolished with the understanding that the City Manager will

come back to us at the end of 90-days and tell us whether or not the demolition

is going to be carried out.



Mayor Poydasheff said because we have a motion on the floor.



Councilor Turner Pugh said she doesn?t feel that motion is needed.



Mayor Poydasheff said unless the Council withdraws the motion, his hands

are tied. He said we do have a motion and a second, so we have to vote on it.



Mayor Poydasheff said the extension is attaching to the Serrato

properties, which are a part of the ordinance. He said there probably would be

an amendment required and then vote on the ordinance. Mayor Poydasheff said

there is a motion and second in that regard and then called the question on the

extension, which carried by a vote of 6 - 3. Voting for the motion was

Councilors Allen, Davis, Hunter, McDaniel, Turner Pugh and Mayor Pro Tem

Rodgers. Voting against the motion was Councilors Anthony, Suber and Woodson.



Councilor Woodson said she was speaking to the staff regarding the

property listed in the ordinance, #18 Lafayette Drive and said the individual

was unable to be here on last week. She said she wanted to give them due

process and would like to request that they be heard. Seconded by Councilor

Suber and carried unanimously.



Ms. Woodson then called Ms. Sethira Bell Thomas, owner of the property of

#18 Lafayette Drive to come forward.



Ms. Sethira Bell Thomas said she presently resides with her parents in

Savannah, Georgia. She said she was employed with the Department of Human

Resources in 1980 up until she became disabled in December 1998. She said

after a short period of time thereafter, a neighbor?s dog came over onto her

property and attacked her and she has been having mental panic attacks as a

result from that bite along with some other health issues.



She said she is aware that letters were sent out and some of them reached

her, and some didn?t. She said she came here with her brother and met with Ms.

Wiggins and explained her situation. She said at that time she was willing to

work with her, but there was a breakdown in communication.



Ms. Thomas said she thought she was supposed to get the money, return and

get the building permit at the time she had the money. She said she didn?t know

that she could go ahead and get the building permit and then start the repairs.

She said this is her home and she hopes to return to Columbus some day. She

said in December, there was a storm where a tree knocked down a live wire,

which is what brought the inspectors to the attention of her house.



She said she is here today at the mercy of the Council asking that she be

given an extension to keep her home. She said she recently lost her husband and

has just been going through a lot of things. She said by her being in Savannah,

some of the letters were going to 18 Lafayette Drive and some were going to her

post office box.



Ms. Thomas said when she came to Columbus on Thursday to get the permit

she was told that she could not get the permit because it had gone before the

Council on Tuesday. She said everything was about to close when she went to Ms.

Wiggins? office to address this matter. She said she was told that a letter had

been mailed, but said she didn?t have the receipt to get the letter and she

still has not received the letter to know that she was supposed to be here on

last week.



Ms. Thomas then responded to several questions of members of the Council.



Ms. Rebecca Wiggins of the Inspections & Code Enforcement Division also

responded to questions of members of the Council as to what are the major

improvements that needs to be made. Pictures were also shown to the Council as

to what those repairs are.



Mr. Andrew Jenkins, Ms. Thomas? brother said he could have the property

brought up to Code within 90 days.



Ms. Wiggins also responded to further questions of the Council as it

relates to licensing requirements.



Councilor Davis said he would strongly encourage Ms. Thomas to look at all

financial matters in order to make a wise decision on this house and what she

should and shouldn?t do. He said if you don?t have money for counseling, he

thinks there is some organization in town that can help you look into this and

help you make a wise decision; i.e., the Pastoral Institute or United Way.



Councilor Woodson said if we left this property on the list and they took

the suggestions of Councilor Davis and allowed them to come back with some

financing for the repairs, asked if we could bring it back on next week.



City Manager Cavezza said if the Council would support a motion, we could

bring it back.



Councilor Woodson said she would also suggest that Ms. Thomas go and seek

some assistance from some of these agencies outlined by Councilor Davis.



After more than thirty minutes of discussion on this matter, with Mr.

Jenkins, Ms. Thomas and Ms. Wiggins responding to further questions, Councilor

Davis then made a motion that we delay this matter for two weeks to allow these

individuals to seek counseling and for them to look into finding a contractor

or provide some type of guarantee that they can get the job done or look at

some other alternative before the Council make a final decision on this issue.

Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and carried by a vote of 6 - 3. Voting for

the motion was Councilors Allen, Davis, Hunter, McDaniel, Turner Pugh and

Woodson. Councilors Anthony, Suber and Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers voting no.



Mayor Poydasheff then informed Ms. Thomas and Mr. Jenkins that they have

two weeks to bring back the information that has been requested, which will be

on June 1st at 5:30 p.m.



City Attorney Fay told Ms. Thomas and Mr. Jenkins that they have two weeks

to show the City Manager and his staff some kind of financing plan, and a

construction plan.



Councilor Turner Pugh then clarified the documents that they would like to

have, saying we need to have a licensed contractor to do the work and where the

money is going to come from to make these repairs.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then made a motion to adopt the ordinance on second

reading as outlined above. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously

by those nine members present for this meeting.



City Attorney Fay pointed out that all of these properties that have been

approved on the second reading of the ordinance would be slated for demolition,

with the deferral of the two properties of Mr. David Serrato for 90-days. He

said the property of Ms. Thomas of #18 Lafayette will come back for second

reading in two weeks.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST

READING:



An Ordinance - Adopting Muscogee County Prison Policy, Number 420-100,

Muscogee County PrisonPromotion Policy.



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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (215-04) - Respectfully requesting that the Georgia Power

Company utilize underground wiring in Columbus projects, particularly in the

Liberty Heritage District. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved the adoption of the

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

members of Council present for this meeting.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY

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

SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR TURNER

PUGH AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE

TIME, WITH COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS

VOTE:



A Resolution (216-04) - Authorizing a renewal agreement with Georgia

Municipal Association in the amount of $17,500.00 for Telecommunication

Management Services for one year, effective May 1, 2004 - April 30, 2005.



A Resolution (217-04) - Authorizing the purchase of frames, grates, covers

and inlets from Engineering and Equipment Company on an ?as needed basis? for

the estimated annual contract value of $104,252.60; which will be utilized by

the Public Services Department on various streets and roads around the City.

The term of this contract shall be for one year, with the option to renew for

two (2) additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be contingent

upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.



A Resolution (218-04) - Declaring several vehicles and various equipment

shown on the attached list as surplus in accordance with Section 7-501 of the

Charter of Columbus Consolidated Government; and to also declare surplus,

additional Public Safety vehicles that will be replaced upon delivery of new

vehicles which were budgeted, approved and purchased in FY04.



A Resolution (219-04) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with

SiteInfo, Inc., for a Forestry Management Plan, Phase I and Phase II, for

Carver Park, Cooper Creek Park and Flat Rock Park. The project will be divided

into two phases. The first phase will produce a forest stand map delineating

the different tree species throughout the parks and will require a 10%

inventory of the trees within the boundaries of each park.



Phase II: SiteInfo, Inc., will also perform the work associated with Phase II

when budgeted funds permit. The specific objectives and deliverables will be

determined in conjunction with SiteInfo, Inc., prior to implementation of Phase

II. Anticipated outcomes of Phase II include, but are not limited to, the

following: forestry management plans for each park that will identify current

uses, potential uses, overlays and recommendations for sustainable management

of the forest stand.



A Resolution (220-04) - Approving the purchase of field marking paint on

an "as needed" basis from Suntec Paint, Inc., for the estimated annual contract

value of $14,437.20 for one year with the option to renew for two additional

twelve-month periods. The contract will automatically renew on the anniversary

date of the contract, unless either party gives a 30-day written notice of

cancellation. Approximately 76 cases of aerosol spray paint, and approximately

3,200 gallons of field marking paint will be used by Park Services Division to

line fields of various City parks.



*** *** ***



BUDGET REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING:



City Manager Cavezza reminded the Mayor & Council that there would be a

Budget Review Committee Meeting immediately following the adjournment of

today?s Council meeting.



*** *** ***



YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:



City Manager Cavezza said tonight at 5:30 p.m, there would be the Youth

Advisory Council recognition ceremony at the Trade Center.



*** *** ***



VETERANS DAY CEREMONY:



City Manager Cavezza also reminded the Mayor & Council of the Veterans Day

Pre-Memorial Day ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2004 at the

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park, located on Lawyers Lane.

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

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

CLERK OF COUNCIL'S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS

INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &

COUNCIL:



Report from the Department of Audits and Accounts of the 2003 Sales

Ratio Study and the 2003 Statewide Equalized Adjusted Property Tax

Digest.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (221-04) - Authorizing the removal of a condition placed on a

Special Exception Use at 7501 Midland Road by Resolution #521-03, which

mandated that a wireless communications facility be painted a natural tone

above the tree line. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine

members of Council present for this meeting.



A Resolution (222-04) - Authorizing a Special Exception Use to Transfer

Ownership of leasehold interestand improvements attached toan existing wireless

communications facility (tower) at 5110 Hamilton Road. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers

moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried

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



*** *** ***



UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Mr. Neil P. Clark,

Chairman of Uptown Fa?ade Board, requesting that the seats of Mr. Brad

Strickland and Ms. Marlene Solis be declared vacant.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers so moved. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and

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



*** *** ***



MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:



Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Dr. Ashok Kumar

resigning from his position on the Medical Center Hospital Authority. Mayor Pro

Tem Rodgers moved the letter be received with regrets and thanks for his

service. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those nine

members of Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



BOARD OF HONOR:



Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Mr. Jack Mickle

resigning from his position on the Board of Honor. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved

the letter be received with regrets and thanks for his services. Seconded by

Councilor Allen carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present

for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY

CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:







Application of Mr. Eric Turner to temporarily close the parking spaces

from and in front of 1020, 1026, 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034, to/and including 1036

Broadway, on every Thursday from May 20 - June 24, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30

p.m. in connection with the ?Uptown Concert Series?. Councilor Turner Pugh

moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by

Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.



Application of Mr. Kevin Welch to temporarily close the 1000 block of

Broadway, on June 5, 2004 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in connection with the

?International Sports Car Show?. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved the adoption of

the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those

nine members of Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:



Airport Commission, March 24, 2004.

Building Contractors Examining Board, March 4, 2004.

Building Contractors Examining Board, April 1, 2004.

Council Briefing, December 16, 2003.

Council Briefing, January 13, 2004.

Development Authority, April 1, 2004.

Election & Registrations, April 1, 2004.

Planning Advisory Commission, January 15, 2003.

Planning Advisory Commission, February 5, 2003.

Planning Advisory Commission, March 5, 2003.

Tax Assessors, No. 18-04.

Uptown Fa?ade Board, April 19, 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.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING THREE NEW ZONING PETITIONS RECOMMENDED FOR CONDITIONAL

APPROVAL BY BOTH THE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING DIVISION WAS

SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING

WAS CALLED FOR BY MAYOR PRO TEM

RODGERS:





Petition submitted by Jordan Hart Commercial Services to rezone

approximately 1.90 acres of property located at 8101 Veterans Parkway from an

R-1 District to a C-3 District. (23-CA-04-Jordan Hart Commercial Services)





Petition submitted by David Cummings to rezone approximately 0.41 acre of

property located at 3820 Gentian Boulevard from an R-1A District to an A-O

District. (24-CA-04-Cummings)



Petition submitted by Claude Mooneyhan to rezone approximately 0.17 acre

of property located at 2021 6th Avenue from an R-4 District to an A-O

District. (25-CA-04-Mooneyhan)



*** *** ***



BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need someone to fill

the seat of Mr. Dennis Luby who cannot succeed himself. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers

nominated Mr. Thomas Beil to succeed Mr. Luby.



*** *** ***



CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:



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

someone to succeed Mr. Arthur Thomason and Mr. Terry Hattaway, who have

resigned their seats on the Civic Center Advisory Board.



She also pointed out that we still need nominations for those members who

no longer reside in that district in which they were appointed to serve. She

said those individuals are Mr. Brian Hercules, District One and Mr. Jim Martin

who represents Council District 8.



*** *** ***



COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:



Clerk of Council Washington advised that the terms of office of Ms.

Floretta Thornton-Reid, who represents Council District Seven and Ms. Leigh

Stewart, who represents Council District Eight on the Community Development

Advisory Council expired on March 27, 2004 and said they are not eligible to

succeed themselves.



She then advised Councilors Woodson and McDaniel that they would need to

submit a recommendation for these two seats.



*** *** ***



DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:



Clerk of Council Washington stated that we are still looking for someone

to succeed Ms. Leah Braxton on the Downtown Development Authority.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers nominated Mr. Stephen Butler to succeed Ms. Leah

Braxton.



Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back in two weeks

for the Council?s confirmation.



*** *** ***



INDUSTRIAL & PORT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:



Clerk of Council Washington said we still need someone to succeed Mr. Wade

Tomlinson on the Industrial & Port Development Commission who has resigned to

serve on another board. There were no nominations.



*** *** ***



YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Council must make a

nomination for the 2004-2005 school year for the Youth Advisory Council.



Mayor Poydasheff nominated Alexander Ross.



Councilor Turner Pugh said the nominees she thought they appointed earlier

last year was to serve for the remainder of the school year. Clerk of Council

Washington said that was for the 2003-2004 school year, and said these new

nominees will be for the 2004-2005 school year.



*** *** ***



WEST CENTRAL GA REGIONAL MH/DD/AD BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Debra Garab has resigned

her position on the board and that Council needs to nominate someone for this

seat. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers nominated Mr. Albert Sanders.



Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back in two weeks

for the Council?s confirmation.



*** *** ***



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

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

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

this time. There was no one who indicated that they wanted to be heard.



*** *** ***



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by

Councilor Suber.



*** *** ***



BROOKSTONE TENNIS TEAM:



Councilor Davis said we have some resolutions that will be forthcoming to

honor some of our fine scholar athletes and said this past week, the Brookstone

Tennis Women team won the State Championship. He said the Men?s team came in

second place.



*** *** ***



Mayor Poydasheff recognized the presence of former Councilor Billy Watson

who was seated in the audience.



*** *** ***



The question was then called on Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers? earlier motion to

adjourn, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present,

with the time being 11:15 a.m.



*** *** ***







Tiny B. Washington, CMC

Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia