Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

MAY 11, 2004



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

order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 11, 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, Berry Henderson,

Julius H. Hunter, 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. Councilor Evelyn Turner

Pugh arrived at 9:10 a.m.



ABSENT: No one was absent.



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INVOCATION: Offered by Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from the Wee Care Childhood Development

Center.

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EVENTS IN IRAQ:



Mayor Poydasheff said he knows that all of the citizens in Columbus and

many of you here have been reading quiet a bit about some of the depravation

and abominations that have taken place by a very, very small few in Iraq at the

prison. He said he would like the City of Columbus to remember that those

serving on active duty are those who are willing to stand in harms way, with

that many have been killed. He said they just buried and eulogized Mr. Whitaker

on last week. He said that over 99% are great people; great soldiers, marines

and service members, and they serve their country well.



He encouraged the citizens not to be swayed or emotional over the fact

that a small percentage, less than one-tenth of one percent committed these

depravations. He said he is not excusing them, and he is asking the City of

Columbus that whenever they see a member of the armed forces; particularly our

people let them know that we appreciate them. He said he knows that General

Freakley and his staff are training them to the best that they can and we do

produce outstanding soldiers. He said with respect to those events that have

taken place in Iraq, that?s not the way we train our soldiers and said he is

asking Columbus not to forget that.

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?INTERNAL AUDITORS MONTH?:



Councilor Davis read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming the

month of May 2004 as ?Internal Auditors Month?, in Columbus, Georgia.

With no one being present to receive this proclamation, Mayor Poydasheff said

that he would see to it that this proclamation is mailed to the President of

the organization.





?TRAVEL & TOURISUM?:



With Mr. Peter Bowden and several members of his staff, as well as Mr.

Dale Hester, of the Civic Center, Ms. Laura Lowe, River Center, Mr. Jim

Smith, Heritage Inns Hotel and Mr. Larry Campbell of the Trade Center standing

at the Council table, Councilor Allen read the proclamation of Mayor

Poydasheff, proclaiming the month of May as, ?Columbus Tourism Month? in

Columbus, Georgia.

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NOTE: Councilor Turner Pugh arrived at 9:10 a.m.



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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



WITH MR. JIM HUNSINGER STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING

RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (210-04) - Commending and congratulating Mr. Jim Hunsinger,

Employer Marketing Representative with the Georgia Department of Labor, upon

his receipt of the "Regional Marketing Representative for Region One" Award.

Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor

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

meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY

MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (210-04) - Expressing appreciation to State Senators Seth

Harp, Ed Harbison, George Hooks and State Representatives Thomas B. Buck, III,

Calvin Smyre, Carolyn Hugley, Debbie Buckner and Vance C. Smith, Jr. for their

efforts in securing passage of House Bill 709 at the 2004 Session of the

Georgia General Assembly. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten

members of Council present for this meeting.



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WITH MANY OF THOSE NAMED IN THE RESOLUTION STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE,

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND

ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (210-04) - Commending and expressing appreciation to Division

Chief Mike Higgins, Chairperson for Save-A-Life Saturday Mass CPR Committee;

Laura Cardin Health Initiatives Manager, American Heart Association; CPR

Instructors; Maggie Monahan, Bob Monahan, Cassandra Richardson, Paula Carter,

Larry Keaton, Jack Rodgers, David McCall, Michelle Breitfelder, Paulette

Rhodes, David Arrington, Margarita Callahan, Rebecca Tew, Hudson Garrett,

Daphne Register, Aaron Wilson, Sherrie Grantham, Lori Ashmore, and all the

volunteers who donated their time and the people of this community who came and

learned this life-saving skill. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the

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

members of Council present for this meeting.

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MINUTES: Minutes of the April 27, 2004 & May 4, 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 Mayor Pro Tem

Rodgers and seconded by Councilor Woodson.

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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS;



THE FOLLOWING FIVE ZONING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS

READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS

ADVERTISED:





An Ordinance - 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.)



PROPONENTS:



Mr. Ed Sprouse representing the Development Authority of Columbus, Ms.

Becca Hardin, Mr. Dayton Preston and Mr. Brian Sillitto of the Chamber of

Commerce.



Mr. Sprouse said initially we had a rezoning request on 175 acres that was

the lower part of what we call the Miller tract (now the Fall Line Business

Park) in 2000, which was rezoned with conditions. He said a portion of the next

petition relates to a modification of the conditions that we had in the 2000

rezoning request.



Councilor Turner Pugh said she needs some help in understanding why we

want to take that property from being residential, as such, into manufacturing.



Mr. Sprouse said from the Development Authority?s standpoint, they feel

like we need additional property for economic development and expansion. He

said the Development Authority has really designated this as more the Business

Park. He said we have Muscogee Technology Park that H & K is going into and the

other more heavily manufacturing, which is a M-1 classification. He said MTP is

not heavy manufacturing, but what they want is the larger manufacturing kinds

of businesses to go in Muscogee Technology Park.



He said they feel like Fall Line Business Park is ideal for situations,

like a Blue Cross/Blue Shield, an AFLAC or TSYS or Remitco. He said just like

we need additional residential property, we also need additional property at

this point in time that we can know we have available for economic development

for future growth and development in the community.



Mr. Sprouse said this petition is 166 acres, which is contiguous to our

existing M-1 property and contiguous in part to some M-2 properties on part of

the southern boundary line and we feel like this is a very logical extension of

the Fall Line Business Park and the need to be able to have that kind of park

for businesses that are going to be; other than the larger manufacturing.



He said they have met with the residents of the Garrett Creek Subdivision

from the Midland Homeowners Association over a period of years, trying to make

sure what they are planning on doing is compatible with their long term goals

and wishes. He said they have made adjustments from time to time over the years

and what they have done based on that input; and their feeling is that we need

that kind of site that we don?t now have. He said it might be 10 years before

this project is built out or it may not happen within that time frame.

Councilor Turner Pugh said she is hopeful that when the Development

Authority sits down with the City Manager and the Mayor, and we look at

projects in the Chamber that we want to look at to go into Muscogee Technology

Park, that we look at those good companies; just as we are going to look at

those that will go in the 175 proposed acres. She said she is hopeful that this

will be our number one priority on what we put on that side of Schatulga Road.



Mr. Sprouse said we are looking to improve Corporate Ridge at both

Muscogee Technology Park and Fall Line Business Park in the sense of putting in

protective covenants from the Development Authority that is going to guarantee

that anyone who will be there that they will have to do certain requirements in

terms of esthetics and setbacks, as well as building materials and those things

that will require approval. He said what we want MTP to be is something

comparable to Corporate Ridge, but done a little more nicely.



Mr. Sprouse spoke for some thirteen minutes in explaining why they are

wanting to rezone this proposed tract; showing a conceptual drawing of the area

on the map.



Mr. Sprouse said what they are talking about in terms of buffer areas,

which also involves the second rezoning as well. He said they had a buffer area

between the two tracts because this was A-1 and we had the 200 feet buffer on

the 175-acre tract. He said if this piece of property is rezoned, we don?t need

that in the interior of our property; therefore, we are talking about buffer

areas along the A-1 tract, R-2, R-1A and there is a 200-feet buffer along any

of those areas that abut either an A-1 or any of the ?R? designations. He said

they don?t think the buffer is needed along the bottom of the green space area.



He said this is an extension of what they have done earlier with the M-1

zoning and said they have tried to be responsive to the residents, but said

some of the residents in Garrett Creek didn?t get notices of this rezoning

because their residency was beyond the 300 foot requirement for getting

notices. However, they have met with the Board of the Garrett Creek Homeowners

Association and met with a representative group from there and have explained

what their project is and what they are proposing to do.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he agrees with Mr. Sprouse and doesn?t feel

that the buffer is needed in as much as the green space is there in perpetuity

now, as it can?t be used for anything else; so he doesn?t see why they should

be required to maintain a 200 feet buffer along the green space; therefore, he

would move that the condition be amended to remove that requirement that along

that acreage, the buffer be required. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and

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



Mr. Terry Gumbertt, 11226 Rambling Trail, Midland, Georgia, said this is a

part of Country Walk Subdivision, which abuts up to the subject land for

rezoning, appeared and expressed his and fellow members of the Midland

residents support for this proposed request.



He read from a prepared statement saying that they knew that an Industrial

Park would be a valuable asset to the community and that no citizen could stand

in its way and said because of that; they met with the members of the

Development Authority to find out what they had to say.



Mr. Gumbertt said once they met with them, they were provided detailed

information regarding this project and therefore, does not have any objections

to this project.



OPPONENTS:



Mr. Chris Meacham, representing Pinnacle Homes Development, Inc. & Mr.

David Erickson said he and his clients are very much in favor of the work of

the Development Authority, as they have done a great job. He said as many of

you may know, he is the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Harris County

and is very involved with the development of commerce and business in our

communities. He said he is very aware of the need for commerce and business to

come to our communities. He said he is very active and aggressive in doing that

in Harris County and he commends the work of the Chamber of Commerce here in

Columbus.



Mr. Meacham said that he and his clients are very much concerned and are

responsive to the future growth and development to the growth of our community

and are in favor of those. He said that is not the only issue that is before

this Council on today. He said the issue that they submit is before you is one

of consistency, policy and planning and applicability to all concerned.



He then went into some details in outlining the concerns of his clients

and the objections that surrounds the notification to the surrounding property

owners.



He said it was acknowledged that there were no notices given to homeowners

in the Garrett Creek Subdivision, as well as no notices given to the residents

within the Randall Creek Subdivision.



Mr. Meacham said they also inquired about the posting of the

advertisements and the signs.



He then spent some ten minutes in expressing his and his clients further

objections to this proposal, pointing out that the issue that needs to be

addressed is one of the things that was brought out in the Planning Advisory

Commission meeting, which is, this proposed rezoning effort is against your

Comprehensive Plan.



After the conclusion of his presentation, Mr. Meacham then responded to

several questions of members of the Council. Mr. Will Johnson of the Planning

Division responded to questions of the Council as well.



Members of the Council also expressed their views as it relates to this

matter.



After more than thirty-five minutes of discussion on this subject, this

matter was concluded.



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An Ordinance - 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.)



There were no other discussions on this proposed rezoning, as it was

discussed earlier with the first proposed petition.



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An Ordinance - 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.)



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Mr. Will White, 2001 Country Club Road, representing Whitesville Road,

Inc. said he has a presentation prepared and said he is more than willing to go

through it, but if the Council would prefer he could answer any questions that

the Council may have.



There were no questions from members of the Council; however, Councilor

Davis said he would like to hear the presentation because he knows that Mr.

White has put countless hours into developing this project. He said he thinks

it is one of the most creative ideas of development that has come along in a

long time. He said this is probably our first attempt in defining a

conservation subdivision. He said he thinks it is worth Mr. White showing

exactly what's going to be accomplished there.



Mr. White said this is a 163 acre tract of property that is bordered by

A-O property to the south of I-185 on the east of Whitesville Road and large

lots on the south. He said the Comprehensive Land Use plan calls for

low-density residential which allows for three plus lots to the acreage.



He said what they have tried to do is to incorporate four different price

ranges into their development and have fairly large buffered areas, as outlined

on the plan. He said they also have a buffer along Whitesville Road; which is a

minimum buffer of at least 50 feet and in most cases it goes upward of 100

feet. He said it would be deeded to the Homeowner's Association, where it will

remain as is in perpetuity. He said they feel that the buffers and the green

space area they have reflect; to a large extent, the concept of a conservation

use subdivision plan that is being presented in the UDO. He said they have

changed some of the numbers to represent what they feel would encourage

developers to use this new conservation subdivision.



Mr. White said this was a brief overview of his proposed plans and then

offered to answer questions concerning his plans, but there were none.



Mayor Poydasheff said he would suggest that if there was anyone who needs

a more intense viewing of his plans, he could do it privately.



City Manager Cavezza said Mr. White has been cooperative in this process

and has put up with a lot from us and said as Councilor Davis has pointed out,

this is the direction that we are going with the conservation subdivision.



After Councilors Henderson and Davis expressed their thanks to Mr. White

for his work and the development of this subdivision, this public hearing was

then concluded.



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An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 3992 Reese Road from an

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



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Mr. Don Bowles was present but did not make a presentation, as there was

no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance; however, he

responded to questions of Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said his question goes back to the previous rezoning

on the other side of Reese Road down hill. He then asked Mr. Bowles, if he has

cut his road in there?

Mr. Bowles said they have not, but they have put in an access construction

entrance to the property. He said that will be where the road is going to be.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he noticed that they are clearing from the

inside out and said a question has been posed to him, do you intend to leave

that vegetation buffer that exists on the Reese Road portion.



Mr. Bowles said they are planning on replanting along the Reese Road

property. He said the buffer that is currently there would be eliminated. He

said there is a buffer that will run 30 feet wide along Cooper Creek and then

there will be about a one acreage green space remaining at the northeast corner

of the property along Cooper Creek.



In responding further to Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers, Mr. Bowles said the

vegetation along Reese Road would come down. He said they are planning on

coming back with crape myrtles and little gems.



Councilor Allen asked if the dual driveways that are referenced in the

ordinance would be on Reese Road or Primrose, to which Mr. Bowles said there

would be two homes that would face Primrose and four that will face Reese Road.



Mr. Bowles said he met with Traffic Engineering Ron Hamlet and have came

up with a design to eliminate cars backing onto Reese Road.



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An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 1401 32nd Street from an

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



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Mr. Johnston, the petitioner was present, but he did not make a

presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning

ordinance.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:



An Ordinance (04-31) - Authorizing the establishment of the Class Titles

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

and 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. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved its adoption.

Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members

of Council present at the time, with Councilor Anthony being absent for this

vote.



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RESOLUTION FOR TOM BUCK:



Councilor McDaniel said he would like to call for a resolution from the

entire Council for State Representative Tom Buck, for his years of service.

Councilor Turner Pugh requested that we have the resolution framed.





THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY

FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:



An Ordinance - 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.



Ms. Mary Jo Langley, 205 Magnolia Street, Geneva, Georgia, said her son

owns the property, but she has a power of attorney. She said they didn't know

that they needed an extension, as long as they were working on the property.

She said they have been working on the property every week for the past eight

weeks, with the exception of two weekends. She said they need an extension.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers asked Ms. Rebecca Wiggins of the Inspections & Code

Enforcement Division what is her recommendation on Ms. Langley's request for an

extension. He said that Ms. Langley has stated that there has been consistent

work done on this property, and then asked Ms. Wiggins is that the case.



Ms. Wiggins said it has been over a long period of time. She said this

house burned before Ms. Langley's son purchased it. She said he purchased the

burned house after they had condemned it and he has signed for all the notices.

She said the work has been very slow and this is what remains as of April 28,

2004. She said the home was purchased on or about November 2003.



Several minutes of discussion continued on this issue with Ms. Langley

responding to questions of Mayor Poydasheff and members of the Council.



Mr. Langley, Mr. Steven Langley's father also responded to questions of

members of the Council and also requested an extension to complete the

property. Mr. & Mrs. Langley said that they didn't know the property was

condemned, they just knew they had to go in there and take out the burnt spots.



Ms. Wiggins continued to respond to further questions of the Council.



Mayor Poydasheff said when we get ready to demolish a house; if there is a

Red ?D? placed on the property; if a person sees the house this is something

that would notify the individual that the house is going to be demolished.



Councilor Suber said for his son to purchase the property, someone should

have made him aware that this property has already been condemened by the

City.



Ms. Wiggins said they put a list pendence, which is a lien against the

property; so, therefore, if they did a title search of any kind that would have

showed up.



After further discussion with Mr. & Mrs. Langley responding to questions

of the Council, Mayor Poydasheff asked City Attorney Fay to do some research

and determine whether or not it is possible to prevent any home from being sold

that is under the demolition process.



There was no action taken on Mr. & Mrs. Langley's request for an

extension.



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Mr. David Serrato, 3212 Hilton Avenue appeared and advised that he is

the owner of the property located at 3220 River Avenue. He said he is here this

morning requesting an extension on this property. He said he has begun working

on the house and has replaced the front porch and gutted the kitchen where

there was a fire. He said he has begun the process of working with a general

contractor to assist him with speeding up the process.



He said he has been tied up with some other projects on Broadway and he

hasn't had time to get into it; however, he is now focusing on this property

and there is another one that he has coming up after this property.



Mr. Serrato said the contractor is Mr. Ron Brown and he is licensed. He

said if he could get an additional 90 or 120 days, he could get the property

completed.



City Manager Cavezza said they don't have any objections to an extension,

but there was a stagnant period when nothing was being done and said the only

way we could get Mr. Serrato's attention was to get it to this Council. He said

they would support an extension, but they would like for it to remain on first

reading.



After some discussion on this issue, Councilor McDaniel then made a motion

to allow Mr. Serrato a 90-day extension. Seconded by Councilor Allen, which

resulted in an insufficient vote of 4 to 6 vote. Voting for the motion was

Councilors Allen, Davis, Henderson and McDaniel. Voting against the motion was

Councilors Anthony, Hunter, Turner Pugh, Suber, Woodson and Mayor Pro Tem

Rodgers.



Ms. Wiggins said Mr. Serrato has another property located on 3221 Park

Avenue.



Mr. Serrato said he has vinyl sided the house, as well as put a new deck

on the house. He said he lost the person who was working on the house and is

looking for someone else to work on it. He said he would contact the

contractor, Mr. Brown, who he had on the other house. He said he was going to

call the inspectors, to come out and see exactly what he needed to do, to

support the new deck that he put on the house. He said he wanted to go back

with brick and mortar again. He said he was going to put columns and go back

with brick and cinder block and go back into the house and redo it.



He said all but one side of the house has been vinyl sided. He said

originally the house was a duplex and what he is planning on doing is turning

the house back to a single-family home. He said he has done some things on the

interior and he will be demolishing one of the kitchens and keeping the two

bathrooms, making it a multiple bedroom, two-bathroom home.



Mr. Serrato said he wants the Council to know that he had redone the porch

on the other home before he received a letter that he would have to come before

the Council to ask for this extension. He said he was not prodded into action,

but admits that he was delayed and got tied up on something else.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he thinks there is something of a

misconception, saying this is not a forum for a request for an extension. He

said this is the last step in a process that he thinks the landowners have been

made intimately aware of through the Inspections & Code Enforcement Division.

He said this is the court of mercy, if you will. He said this is not something

that traditionally comes about; the number of extensions that we are asked to

grant relative to the number of properties that are on the list is very, very

small.



Ms. Wiggins said this property was condemned on June 5, 2003.



After further discussion on this issue, Mr. Serrato, Ms. Wiggins, as well

as Chief of Inspections & Code Enforcement, Bill Duck responded to further

questions of this Council.



There was no motion to grant an extension in this matter.



City Attorney Fay then advised that the ordinance would be on second

reading for a vote on next week with no changes.

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PUBLIC AGENDA:



NO ONE REQUESTED TO BE LISTED ON TODAY?S PUBLIC AGENDA.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (213-04) - Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Creek Bend

Ridge, Windrush Way, Portion of Travelers Way and Portion of Journey Way,

located in Section Three, Kings Trail Subdivision. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved

the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried

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

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BUDGET REVIEW MEETING:



City Manager Cavezza reminded the Council that immediately after the

adjournment of the Council meeting, there would be a Budget Review Meeting in

the Ground Floor Conference Room.



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GEORGIA BOARD OF EDUCATION:



City Manager Cavezza said on tonight at 7:00 p.m., Spencer High School,

the Georgia Board of Education would hold a public hearing to update interested

parties on significant policies and program issues.



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ENTERPRISE ZONE:



Councilor Woodson said based on the information that we received earlier

on the rezoning petition of the property located on the Miller tract; asked the

City Manager to schedule the Development Authority to come before the Council

at a Work Session and provide an update of the businesses that have located in

the Enterprise Zone, as well as Muscogee Technology Park. She said she is

interested in seeing how many people have looked at those parcels.



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GALLOPS SENIOR CENTER:



Councilor Woodson said she called a few weeks ago regarding an issue with

the Gallops Senior Center and has not had a response to her request. She said

she would like for the City Manager to provide a status report as it relates to

transferring of some employees at the Gallops Center.



City Manager Cavezza said he would follow up on that.



Councilor McDaniel said he received that same telephone call and he told

the caller that we didn't get involved with personnel issues. He said she told

him that she hadn't been able to talk with the Director of Parks & Recreation

Tony Adams. He said he has asked that a meeting be setup with Mr. Adams and for

them to discuss this issue.



City Manager Cavezza said that Mr. Adams has met with those individuals at

the various Senior Centers and said we will bring a final resolve to this

matter.



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PUBLIC SAFETY:



Councilor Suber said he wants to know what happened to the resolution that

the Public Safety Committee discussed on this morning that we were supposed to

have some discussion on today.



City Manager Cavezza said he thinks it was Councilor Anthony's intent to

bring this resolution on next week.



Councilor Anthony said their plan is to bring it back to a Work Session at

the fourth Tuesday's meeting and then have it ready for first reading at next

month's night meeting. He said he would not be present at next week's Council

meeting due to him being called to jury duty. He said if the other committee

members would like to take the lead on that, he would be glad to bring it at

that time. He said we are ready to bring it to first reading.



He said as it relates to the Public Safety Advisory Commission, he would

also like to take some time at the Work Session to talk about the Advisory

Commission and some of the guidelines that they would use in selecting persons

to serve on the Commission.



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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:



Councilor Anthony said with the new comprehensive plan is there a

guideline as to how far back off the major arteries we will extend M-1 or M-2;

so that residents in the future will have a sense of how far we will go back;

i.e. US 80 or US 27.



City Manager Cavezza said there are no guidelines per se; basically it is

addressed as part of the comprehensive plan.



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FLAT ROCK PARK:



Councilor Allen asked City Manager Cavezza to look into some concerns that

he have been brought to his attention, in that there are four-wheeler vehicles

and 4 x 4 trucks that are driving through Flat Rock Park. He said we used to

lock the gate to the park at night and then said we need to consider doing this

again.



He said people using the park are actually pulling their vehicles down

into the rock area where the water is running and said he doesn't think it is

intended for them to be that close to the water. He said he thinks there needs

to be some supervision in that area.



*** *** ***



LITTLE LEAGUE FIELDS:



Councilor Henderson said he had asked several weeks ago about the

construction process with the little league fields that adjoin the property

with the Bull Creek Golf Course and said he would like to get an update on

that.



He said they had moved a lot of dirt and he knows the Golf Course

Superintendent had expressed some concerns and said at some point there may

have been some kind of altering of the storm-water runoff. He said in addition

to that, there were some concerns about some of the kids, baseballs flying into

the course.



City Manager Cavezza said he thinks that has been resolved, and there will

be a buffer between the two. He said there was a meeting to talk about the

buffer and John Milam was there and he was satisfied with the results that came

from the meeting.



*** *** ***



FLAT ROCK PARK:



Referring back to the subject of Flat Rock Park, Councilor Woodson asked

if we have any liability on anyone that hurts themselves sliding on those rocks

at the park, because there are no signs out there. She said she would ask that

we look at considering putting up some signs out there as it relates to

individuals sliding on the rocks.



*** *** ***



POLICE OFFICERS MEMORIAL SERVICES:



Mayor Poydasheff said the FOP and the FOP Auxiliary did a great job during

the Police Officers Memorial Services and he also appreciates those Council

members who were present for those fallen officers.

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

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

CLERK OF COUNCIL'S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED AND

EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE

COUNCIL:





Application of Eric Turner to temporarily close the parallel parking

spaces next to the median in 1000 block of Broadway, on May 6 - June 24, 2004

from 2:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., in connection with the "Pedestrian Safety during

the Uptown Concert Series". Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved the approval of the

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

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:



Employees Pension Boards of Trustees, April 14, 2004.

Family & Children Services, April 28, 2004.

Hospital Authority of Columbus, March 30, 2004.

Tax Assessors, No. 17-04.



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

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

Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



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. There were no

nominations.



*** *** ***



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 resides 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 and Ms. Mary G. Walker-Crooks, District 7.



Councilor Woodson then nominated Mr. Gerardo Ricci to replace Ms. Mary G.

Walker-Crooks. Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Ricci could now

be confirmed. Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and

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



*** *** ***



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 would expire 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.



*** *** ***



DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that on last week, Mr. Billy

Blanchard was nominated to succeed Mr. Stephen Turner Butler and that he may

now be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen

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

meeting.



*** *** ***



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, but there

were no nominations.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:



Clerk of Council Washington stated that she has outlined the eleven

positions that have been authorized to serve as a member of the Public Safety

Advisory Commission. She said each member of the Council, as well as Mayor

Poydasheff needs to make a nomination for this Commission.



Councilor McDaniel asked if the Council members? nomination needs to be

someone from their own Council District, or can they just appoint someone.



Councilor Henderson said he was under the impression that each Council

member would appoint someone from within his or her Council District.



Councilor Hunter said the idea was to follow the procedure that we use

with regard to the other Advisory Boards; whereby the Councilors traditionally

appoint someone from their own Council District and the at-large Councilors can

appoint anyone. He said he has been approached by a number of people who want

to be on this board and said he has advised them that Councilors Anthony and

Henderson are the at-large representatives and that the Mayor would also be

available to make an appointment.



Councilor Henderson said he thinks it is also wise as suggested by

Councilor Anthony that we put it on the Council Work Session, to discuss, if

not the criteria, but certainly the process. He said this Advisory Commission

has generated a lot of interest and in order to protect the integrity and

initial focus of this group, we would be well advised to discuss some criteria

and at least a uniformed selection process.



Councilor Anthony said that was his request that we review it at the Work

Session.



*** *** ***



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, but there were no nominations.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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

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



*** *** ***



STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS:



Councilor Hunter said we are into our Spring Sports season where the

respective athletes are having their tournaments and said we have had some

athletes who have won State Championships and said he would ask the City

Attorney to prepare a resolution to honor them.



He said maybe we could set aside a Tuesday evening meeting to honor those

athletes who have won State Championships and runner-ups. He said he knows

specifically that Kadjah Talley of Columbus High School has won a State

Championship, as well as Brookstone School and Carver High School.



*** *** ***



TEACHER OF THE YEAR:



Councilor Henderson also asked that the staff prepare a resolution

congratulating the Teacher of the Year and all those teachers who were

nominated from each of the Muscogee County schools and present them at next

month?s night meeting.



*** *** ***



DEATH OF ALAN ROTHSCHILD, SR.:



Mayor Poydasheff said he and Councilor McDaniel would like for the City

Attorney to prepare a resolution expressing the Council?s condolences to the

family of Mr. Alan Rothschild, Sr.



*** *** ***



PARKING AT LAKEBOTTOM:



City Manager Cavezza said Deputy City Manager Hugley and the traffic

division have located twenty-two more additional parking spaces at Lakebottom

around the girl scouts hut. He said that seems to have resolved a lot of

problems and said the noise level has gone down.



*** *** ***



REGIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT:



Councilor Suber said that Councilor McDaniel?s grandson also placed in a

Golf Tournament that was recently held in the City. He then asked that the City

Attorney prepare a resolution congratulating Councilor McDaniel?s grandson who

won a medal in the recent Regional Golf Tournament.



*** *** ***



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

adjourn, which carried unanimously by those ten members of Council, with the

time being 11:15 a.m.



*** *** ***





Tiny B. Washington, CMC

Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia