Columbus, Georgia
Georgia's First Consolidated Government
Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016
Council Members
MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
JANUARY 21, 2003
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 9:02 A.M., Tuesday, January 21, 2003, on the Plaza Level of the
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Robert S. Poydasheff, Mayor,
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Poydasheff were Councilors R. Gary Allen,
Wayne S. Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr.,
Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., 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: Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers was absent. Councilor Evelyn Turner Pugh
was also absent, but was officially excused upon the adoption of Resolution
Number 47-03.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Bishop Larry Gilyard, Sr. - Pastor of Christian
Fellowship Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Double Churches Elementary School.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the January 14, 2003 meeting of the Council of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia was submitted and approved upon
the adoption of a motion made by Councilor Allen and seconded by Councilor
Woodson, which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present
for this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THERE WERE NO ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY?S MEETING.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
WITH MATTHEW B. JONES AND HIS GRANDFATHER, LARRY PHILLIPS STANDING AT THE
COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR
ALLEN AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (31-03) - Commending Matthew B. Jones for his heroic
efforts in saving his grandfather, Larry Phillips, after a hunting accident on
November 9, 2002. Councilor Allen moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present
standing to cast their affirmative vote.
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WITH THOSE NAMED IN THE RESOLUTION STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE
FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY MAYOR POYDASHEFF AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL:____________________________
A Resolution (32-03) - Commending and expressing appreciation to Trees
Columbus, Inc. and its Executive Director, Susan B. Kleto, Peachtree Mall, the
Georgia Forestry Commission, the Georgia Power Company, the Columbus, Georgia
Consolidated Government, the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, and students
from Carver, Brookstone, Pacelli, and Columbus State University for their work
on the Holiday Forest tree planting near Peachtree Mall. Councilor Davis moved
its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present for this meeting.
Ms. Susan Kleto, Executive Director of Trees Columbus thanked the Mayor
and Council and those who participated for their assistance in this project.
Mr. Kyle Spencer also thanked the City of Columbus for their support with
the assistance of the City Arborist, Ms. Rachel Buice.
Councilor Davis also thanked those students for their hard work and
assistance in this project.
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NOTE: THE CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA IS CONTINUED BELOW.
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FIRE DEPARTMENT:
Mayor Poydasheff said he would like to say how proud he is and to thank
Fire Chief Roy Waters and Deputy Chief Robert Futtrell for their role in the
production of a training CD on diving and contaminated waters. He said they are
nationally recognized and he was honored to receive letters from the Tri-boil
Corporation from Sweden and all the work that they did with Sweden and Holland,
in helping them prepare that CD.
Deputy Chief Futtrell said in March a production company from California
contacted them and wanted their assistance in making this training CD, which
was sponsored by Trellin Burell, which is an international company that makes
diving and haz-mat suits. He said in conjunction with the Trident Foundation,
the training program was put together using scenes from New York City, Long
Beach, CA., and Columbus, Georgia. He said it has now been distributed to all
of the diving training facilities, public safety facilities around the United
States and Internationally.
Deputy Chief Futtrell said the director who produced the video stated that
out of all the places that he has shot, Columbus was the most hospitable place
that he has ever been. He said one of the good things that came out of this
production besides putting them in the limelight internationally, was that
Chief Waters made recommendations on how they could make their suits safer, and
said they actually implemented that; and Columbus and New York City will be
test facilities for the news suits.
Mayor Poydasheff said when we say we have one of the best fire departments
in the United States and Internationally we mean it. He said you are great and
have done a great job. He said he would also like to commend the Fire
Department in how they responded to Assistant Chief David Arrington when his
house caught on fire.
THE COLUMBUS RIVERDRAGONS:
Mr. Barry McMullen, President of the Riverdragons Basketball Team said
over 18 months ago the NBA was looking for cities that would accept a minor
league in the southeast and said Columbus was chosen as one of those cities. He
said they appreciate the efforts of the City Manager in helping them to
accomplish that. He said over the last 18 months they have being able to grow
in many ways and said he is here today to let you know that.
He said he has been pleased with the way that Columbus has accepted the
Riverdragons, and he knows that it is a slow build, and will take some time;
but said their attendance is getting better. He said their season ticket holder
is up tremendously, as well as the group ticket sales being up by 111%.
Mr. McMullen said they are fourth in the league out of eight teams in
attendance and second with local sponsorship. He said they appreciate everyone
in the community who has helped them out. He said they have some great players
and said the goal of their league is to help young kids become better athletes
and better people. He said he just wanted to thank the Mayor and Council on how
they have received the Riverdragons and they look forward to a great season
next year.
Mayor Poydasheff and members of the Council expressed thanks to
Mr. McMullen and the Riverdragons for what they do in the community, as well as
urged the community to support these teams.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON
SECOND
READING:
An Ordinance (03-3) - Rezoning property located at 4548 & 4350 17th Avenue
and 1706 and 1708 44th Street from an R-4 District to a C-2 District.
(61-CA-02-Griglen) Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for
this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
An Ordinance - Amending the budgets for the fiscal year 2003 beginning
July 1, 2002 and ending June 30, 2003, for certain funds of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; appropriating amounts shown in each fund for
various activities; amending the Personnel Schedule for the Fire and EMS, METRA
and Parking Management Departments; and for other purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND DELAYED INDEFINITLEY BY THE
COUNCIL AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR ALLEN AFTER HE REQUESTED ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
A Resolution - Amending Resolution No. 473-84, which established a list of
rural dirt roadways which may be maintained by Columbus, Georgia, Public
Services Department and further provided that no other roadways may be added to
the work schedule without specific approval of the Council, by adding
Chantileer Trail and Chaucer Drive to the list.
Councilor Allen said he would like to ask for an indefinite delay on this
resolution and ask the City Manager to come back to the Council with a
presentation regarding the cost of scraping the roads and maybe we can look at
having the neighbors to either pay the cost of scrapping the roads that are not
on this exempt list or maybe we can provide the equipment and they can pay the
labor. He then asked City Manager Cavezza to come back to the Council with some
proposals to address this.
He said in our discussion this morning, he was educated by Councilors
Suber and Woodson, who pointed out that there are other streets that also fit
this same type of category, and he thinks this will be the best resolve for
this resolution.
Councilor Allen then moved the resolution be delayed indefinitely.
Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight members
of Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY 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 EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:
A Resolution (33-03) - Appointing Michael Cielinski, the Senior Recorder
for Recorder's Court.
A Resolution (34-03) - Appointing Mary Buckner, the Recorder for
Recorder's Court.
A Resolution (35-03) - Appointing Michael Joyner, the Recorder Pro Tem
for Recorder's Court.
A Resolution (36-03) - Appointing James Messner, the Recorder Pro Tem
for Recorder's Court.
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BUDGET REVIEW CHAIRPERSON:
Councilor Suber said he would like to renominate Councilor Turner Pugh as
the Budget Review Chairperson. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this meeting.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. JIM RHODES, TRUCK TRAFFIC ON MOON ROAD & WATER RATES INCREASE:
Mr. Jim Rhodes said his property backs up to Moon Road and said they have
been wrapped up with rezoning and everything that is going on out in that area.
He said according to the figures that he have received, the traffic has
increased to about 1100 cars per day. He said something has to be done, because
it is has gotten to the point, where you can?t use part of some of your
property because of the noise along that road.
Mr. Rhodes said he has spoken with the City Manager about this concern
before and said he has been helpful by keeping him up-to-date of what is in the
forecast. He said he is afraid that if the Department of Transportation has
their way, which is supposed to happen next year, they will put in all
different kinds of lane, whether it be 5-lane or 6-lane. He said if that is the
case, it would take most of the property where the people live along that road
to do it.
He said he thinks that now is the time to start planning and he thinks
that the problem can be alleviated with the noise, by the public safety
personnel enforcing the laws that are on the books. He said we have a good
noise ordinance that is on the books, but we don?t have the enforcement.
Mr. Rhodes also expressed his concerns about the large concrete truck
traffic that goes up and down this road, which are not supposed to be on this
road. He said he is hopeful that this Council will put this on the forefront,
to get something done about it.
Mr. Rhodes said he wanted to also talk about the water rate increases;
however, Mayor Poydasheff asked that he wait until a later time to discuss this
matter.
City Manager Cavezza then addressed those concerns expressed by
Mr. Rhodes, pointing out it is a timing issue. He said there are priorities, as
we have several roads that need work done on them. He said there is no easy
solution, as Moon Road is going to raise similar issues, as the preferred road
is the 4-lane with the raised median, although the Department of Transportation
is taking a fresher approach to that and going into the design concept of
listening to the community and trying to work with them. He said we have had
some success in that regard.
However, he said when you deal with an area like Moon Road that is built
up, and you start taking right-of-way then of course that creates problems too,
but said there would be public meetings where the citizens will have an
opportunity to input into that.
City Manager Cavezza said the biggest concern of Mr. Rhodes is timing, and
said he is not sure how to change that, other than whether or not we want to go
ahead and drop everything else and move to this.
He also addressed Mr. Rhodes? concerns about noise, and said he has been
watching that closely and said within the last few months, the Police
Department have given 55 citations for the violation of the noise ordinance. He
said they are putting more emphasis on it.
Regarding the Water Works issue, Mr. Rhodes said he saw where the Columbus
Water Works received $475,000 back from Phenix City and said he thinks that the
Council should ask the Water Board to delay the rate increases for at least one
year because that was about a year?s worth of money that they received, that
they weren?t going to get.
Mayor Poydasheff said he thinks that Mr. Billy Turner and the people
working closely with Mayor Coulter of Phenix City did a magnificent job in
settling the issue. He said he is on the Water Board and said in talking with
the staff of the Water Works; that is still not enough to offset the need for
the additional monies that will be coming this year. He said they are going to
be looking at the increases every year; and said that is being taken care of
and being worked on. He said he would urge Mr. Rhodes to call either Mr. Bob
Tante or Mr. Turner of the Water Works, and they can go over the financial
matter with him.
Regarding those concerns addressed by Mr. Rhodes as it relates to Moon
Road, Councilor Henderson also expressed his views and concerns as it relates
to that issue, saying having lived in that area, and the same subdivision as
Mr. Rhodes, it is an enforcement issue with regards to the trucks. He said it
is virtually impossible to have a police officer sit out there 24 hours a day
to catch those trucks.
Councilor Henderson said there are also some serious issues at Springlake
and Hunters Point; whereby people trying to get out of that road is really,
really dangerous. He said putting in four-lanes and a raised median is going to
eliminate a left-hand turn for the people in Hunters Point and Springlake. He
said he thinks this will restrict traffic going up to Columbus Crossing,
particularly for the people in the Springlake area.
He said he thinks it is important for Mr. Rhodes to get his neighbors and
the ones across Moon Road to the Department of Transportation meeting to make
sure that their voices are heard.
Councilor Henderson said he would also like to know what kind of ideas our
traffic engineer personnel have to help to try to alleviate some of the
potential problems of getting onto Moon Road from Hunters Point and Springlake,
especially during peak traffic times.
Councilor Woodson said she travels that road on a daily basis and said the
only trucks that she sees are those construction trucks. Mr. Rhodes said the
biggest trucks that create the biggest problems are the ones coming from the
concrete plant. He said they don?t have to come down Moon Road, but they can go
around and take J. R. Allen Parkway.
Councilor Woodson then said maybe we can look at putting a sign up
detouring those big trucks traveling down Moon Road.
Councilor Allen said normally when the Department of Transportation has a
hearing, the information is posted around the room, and you just walk around
the room and ask questions. He said it is not really a sit-down meeting, to ask
questions for information, and said he would hope that we could work toward
something like that. He said maybe we could have the staff to work with the
Department of Transportation to possibly hold a meeting with DOT staff, whereby
the citizens will be able to ask questions, or have the City to hold this
meeting.
City Manager Cavezza said the Department of Transportation has their
technique and they are reluctant to change from that. He said we have our
personnel out there during their meeting, but said we can have our own meeting.
Councilor Allen said this would facilitate what Mr. Rhodes is looking for
and would allow the neighbors in both subdivisions, Springlake and Hunters
Point that are immediately affected by this to have direct questions and get a
direct answer.
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MR. AKITOSHI KAN, RE: WAIVER OF DELINQUENT TAX PENALTY:
Mr. Akitoshi Kan, who requested to be listed on today?s public agenda, did
not respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.
Councilor Allen said Mr. Kan has delayed his appearance for today?s
meeting.
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MR. TERRY LAUGHLIN, RE: WAIVER OF DELINQUENT TAX PENALTY:
Mr. Terry Laughlin, who requested to be listed on today?s public agenda,
did not respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.
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MS. ANDREA TEMMELI, JR., REPRESENTING THE IMPACT GROUP, RE: REQUEST FOR
SUPPORT OF A SERIES OF GROUNDBREAKING EVENTS TO INCREASE NATIONAL RECOGNITION
FOR COLUMBUS:
Ms. Andrea Temmeli, Jr., representing the Impact Group, appeared and went
into some details and gave an overview of their organization, pointing out that
they are a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between the
aspiring artist, producer, and entrepreneur and the national music industry by
providing career development and network opportunities with recognized industry
professionals.
She said Columbus has been the birthplace of, or affiliated with great
music and great music makers, Platinum artists like Johnny Gill, Joe and Chili
from TLC. Blues greats like Ma Rainey and Jo Jo Benson, Christopher Aaron on
American Idol, self-made millionaires like Dallas Austin, Paul and Jan Crouch,
Founders of TBN and more. She said unfortunately the fact is that they are not
recognized as being part of our community, but they are always from somewhere
else.
Ms. Temmeli, Jr., said Columbus has yet to be recognized as a viable
market venue, and resource in the mainstream music industry, and though many of
its ?great? have come from here, they would like to change that.
She said with the help of the RiverCenter, the Mayor?s office and others,
they will be having the First Annual Impact Music Summit, which will take place
on March 15, 2003 at the RiverCenter.
Ms. Temmeli, Jr., said what the Impact Group would like from the City of
Columbus, is in terms of community impact, it will be bridging the gap between
social and economic classes and encourage diversity by including all genres of
music will increase community support of local artists.
She said in terms of our youth it will reinforce the necessity of higher
learning due to the true corporate nature of the industry being exposed at this
summit.
Ms. Temmeli, Jr., spoke for some ten minutes in highlighting their
upcoming events, after which Mayor Poydasheff then asked what would she like of
the Council.
Ms. Temmeli, Jr., said that they would like the Council?s support, as well
as any advice in terms of where they might be able to continue to go to receive
financial support, because they want to keep it completely free to the public.
She said they would also like inclusion in any type of City events and projects
that would be music related that would help them create Columbus as the Second
Music Mecca of the south.
Mayor Poydasheff recommended that Ms. Temmeli, Jr., sit down with the City
Manager and discuss the possibility of what you have asked. He also asked that
she talk with the Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as the Chamber of
Commerce.
Councilor Woodson also suggested that Ms. Temmeli, Jr., contact the
Georgia Municipal Association and other associations that come throughout the
State of Georgia. She said whenever they have their conferences, they normally
have entertainment and they are always looking for some kind of
entertainment.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
CAVEZZA AND DELAYED FOR TWO WEEKS:
A Resolution - Declaring property identified on Tax Map 004 015 003 and
002, located at 1011 and 1009 3rd Avenue, as surplus and authorize the
execution of all documents necessary to advertise and sell said property at
fair market value.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (37-03) - Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Arrow Point
Lane, Caribou Drive and the Detention Basin, located in Section Nine, Eagle
Pointe Subdivision, on behalf of Columbus, Georgia.
A Resolution (38-03) - Authorizing the abandonment of a certain portion of
a storm drainage easement as shown on Replat Part of Lot 2, Lot 3 and Lot 4,
Block ?D?, Edgewood, located at 3740 Macon Road and execute a Quit Claim Deed
to Buck Investment Company.
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THE FOLLOWING EIGHT 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 WOODSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:
A Resolution (39-03) - Authorizing the purchase of Industrial/Commercial
Mulching mower & repair parts on an ?as needed? basis from Taapken Small Engine
for the estimated annual contract value of $15,299.70.
A Resolution (40-03) - Authorizing payment to Motorola Communications
Enterprises, in the amount of $55,891.00 for repairs to the Fiber Controller
Equipment.
A Resolution (41-03) - Authorizing the purchase of Document Imaging
Software Server License and Scanning Equipment from ISPA, Inc., in the amount
of $48,156.00.
A Resolution (42-03) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with Global
Technologies for the procurement of Surveillance Equipment.
A Resolution (43-03) - Authorizing the execution of a contract for the
procurement of Elevator Upgrade Services from Elevator Service Company, in the
amount of $90,027.00.
A Resolution (44-03) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) mobile Grounds
Sweeper from Consolidated Disposal Systems, Inc., in the amount
of $26,470.00.
A Resolution (45-03) - Authorizing the purchase of various sizes of Youth
Basketball Uniforms from Columbus Fire & Safety for the estimated annual
contract value of $10,000.00.
A Resolution (46-03) - Authorizing payment to the State Board of Workers?
Compensation (Atlanta, GA.) for the FY-03 annual assessment, in
the amount of $19,619.81.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
City Manager Cavezza highlighted several upcoming events and important
dates for the Council to remember, which are outlined below:
Tuesday, January 28th ? Greater Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting
at the RiverCenter, at 6:00 p.m., where Danny Amos will be the Speaker.
Thursday, January 30th, at 11:30 a.m., at the Convention & Trade Center,
Economic Outlook Luncheon.
Thursday & Friday, February 13 & 14, Mayor/Council Retreat at Callaway
Gardens.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Manager Cavezza requested an executive session after the adjournment
of the Council meeting this morning to discuss a real estate issue.
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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) Letter from Mr. Tom Bryan requesting confirmation to serve as the
Humane Society Representative on the Animal Control Advisory
Board.
(2) Biographical Sketch of Mr. David Harold (Hal) Averett, Councilor
Anthony?s nominee for the residential developer
representative
position on the Tree Board.
(3) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Kenneth Henson, Jr., Councilor
Davis? . nominee for the commercial developer
representative position on the
Tree Board.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Milton Pate Anthony, Councilor
Hunter?s
nominee for the public utility representative position on the Tree Board.
(5) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Gloria Battle, Councilor Turner Pugh?s
nominee for the at-large position on the Tree Board.
(6) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Joanna Wilkins, Councilor McDaniel?s
nominee for the environmental advocacy group representative on the
Tree Board.
(7) Monthly Report from the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Service for the month of December 2002.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (47-03) - Excusing Councilor Evelyn Turner Pugh from the
January 21, 2003 Council Meeting. Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (48-03) - Approving the report of the Finance Director of
those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied during the
month of December. Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for
this meeting.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Mr. Timothy Johnson
resigning from his position on the Community Development Advisory Board.
Councilor Allen moved the letter be received with regrets and thanks for
service. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present for this meeting.
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LOWER CHATTAHOOCHEE AREA PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Ms. Patti Cullen,
Executive Director of the Lower Chattahoochee Area Planning & Development
Commission requesting Mayor Poydasheff to reappoint Mr. Robert Day as a member
of the Lower Chattahoochee Area Planning & Development Commission.
Councilor McDaniel moved that Mr. Day be reappointed. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight 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:
Board of Tax Assessors, Number 1.
Council Briefing, November 5, 2002.
Housing Authority, December 18, 2002.
Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, December 10, 2002.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION, 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 COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:
Petition submitted by Ironwood Group, Inc. to rezone approximately 0.485
acre of properties located 290 feet west of North Lumpkin Road, north of
Airview Drive from a C-3 District to an R-4 District. (2-CA-03-Ironwood Group,
Inc.)
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Humane Society has a new
representative, who must be confirmed to succeed Mr. Jim Crowley. Councilor
Woodson moved Mr. Tom Bryan be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need two additional
nominees for someone to succeed Ms. Ola Mae Washington on the Hospital
Authority. There were no nominations.
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MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need two additional
nominees for Mr. Kenneth Crooks and Dr. Kenneth Goldman?s position on the
Medical Center Hospital Authority, from which the authority will select
someone. There were no nominations.
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PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that on last week Mr. Stephen
Hyles was nominated to succeed Ms. Agnes Lowe on the Personnel Review Board and
that he may now be confirmed. Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for
this meeting.
She also pointed out that Mr. David Edwards can be confirmed to succeed
Councilor Anthony. Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this
meeting.
*** *** ***
REGION 9 MH/MR/SA BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out the term of office of Ms. Bennie
Newroth on the Region 9 MH/MR/SA Board expired on December 31, 2002 and that
she is eligible to succeed herself; however, due to the conflict with her
schedule and the board meetings, she does not wish to be reappointed. She said
the Council would need to nominate someone for this seat.
There were no nominations.
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BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Ms. Beatrice Breaux on the Board of Tax Assessors expired on December 31, 2002
and that she is not eligible to succeed herself. She said the Council would
need to nominate someone for that seat.
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TREE BOARD:
At-Large Position No. 1:
Clerk of Council Washington said on the nominations for the Tree Board,
the first at-large seat, the two nominees are Mr. Neal Womack and Mrs. Carlton
Franklin. After taking a roll call vote, Mrs. Carlton Franklin was elected by
receiving seven votes. Voting for Mrs. Franklin were Councilors Allen, Anthony,
Davis, McDaniel, Hunter, Suber and Woodson. Councilor Henderson voted for Mr.
Neal Womack.
At Large Position No. 2:
Councilor Allen moved that Ms. Beth Dreelin be confirmed. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting.
At Large- Position No. 3:
Councilor Allen moved Ms. Andrea Richardson be confirmed. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting.
At-Large Position No. 4:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that there are two nominees for
this final at-large seat, which are Ms. Gloria Battle and Mr. Scott Ammerman.
She then took a roll call vote, which resulted in Ms. Gloria Battle receiving
six votes and being elected. Councilors Anthony, Davis, McDaniel, Hunter, Suber
and Woodson voted for Ms. Battle and Councilors Allen and Henderson voted for
Mr. Ammerman.
Commercial Development Representative:
Councilor McDaniel moved Mr. Kenneth be confirmed as the Commercial
Development Representative. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those eight members of Council present for this meeting.
Educator Representative:
Councilor Woodson moved Mr. George Stanton be confirmed. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting.
Residential Development Representative:
Councilor McDaniel moved Mr. Hal Averett be confirmed. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting.
Councilor Suber then made a motion that Ms. Gloria Weston-Smart, Keep
Columbus Beautiful Representative, Ms. Susan Kleto, Forestry Professional
Representative, Mr. Milton Anthony, Public Utility Representative, and Ms.
Joanna Wilkins, Environmental Advocacy Group be confirmed. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
Mayor Poydasheff then asked if there was anyone present in the audience 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 wanted to be heard.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Manager Cavezza to go into an
executive session, Councilor Allen then made a motion to allow the Council to
go into an executive session to discuss a real estate matter. Seconded by
Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting.
At 10:01 a.m., the Council adjourned its regular session to allow the
Council to go into an executive session.
At 10:21 a.m., the regular session was called back to order, at which time
Mayor Poydasheff pointed out that the Council did meet in an executive session
to discuss a real estate issue, but no votes was taken.
*** *** ***
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
City Manager Cavezza responding to some concerns of Councilor Suber, said
during the Council?s Retreat on February 13 & 14, they want to bring the
Economic Development group to come and talk to us and report on how they have
done with the money that the Council allocated to them.
Councilor Henderson said he thinks that there are issues that we won?t be
able to address around the Council table, as to why a private enterprise
decides to locate in one area versus another, but said what he would like to be
able to see some ideas given on how to enhance and redevelop and try to
resurrect an area, and entice some of these major developers to go into some of
these areas.
Mayor Poydasheff said we are going to have a South Columbus Revitalization
Task Force, which is being worked on now, as we are trying to fill in the
details. He said he is going to ask Councilor Henderson, and Councilor Anthony,
the at-large Councilors, as well as Councilors Hunter and Woodson and anyone
else who wants to serve on this Task Force.
City Manager Cavezza said there are some consultants out there that can
address the issue that Councilor Henderson is talking about, as to how to go
into an area such as South Columbus and encourage development into those areas.
He said we would see if we could align with one of those companies to come in
and give us some ideas. He said he thinks this should be a joint effort with
the Chamber, and said he will get together with the Chamber of Commerce on this
matter.
Several minutes of discussion continued on this issue, with Councilors
Woodson, Hunter and Anthony expressing their views on this subject. Councilor
Hunter gave some examples of those cities that have done what we want to do. He
said the thing that we need to work on is providing incentives for businesses
to come to South Columbus, and said it can be done.
Councilor Anthony said he knows that there are at least three or four
cities that have taken 60 to 100 blocks collectively and redesigned those
entire areas. He said we need to take a look at what has been done and how they
did it and make good use of that strategy.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Allen then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Davis and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this meeting,
with the time being 10:30 A.M.
*** *** ***
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia