Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR MEETING

FEBRUARY 3, 2004





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

called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, February 3, 2004, on the Plaza Level of

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

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



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

Councilors Wayne S. Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Julius H.

Hunter, 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. Councilors R. Gary

Allen and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr.took their seats at the Council table at 5:35

p.m.



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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 Mayor Robert S. Poydasheff.

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

Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved upon

the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and seconded by

Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those ten members of Council

present for this meeting.

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CHARACTER WORD:



Mayor Poydasheff said as you know, we are One Columbus and as a part of

that, we are a City of Character and every month we highlight a word that we

hope everyone in Columbus will follow and try to implement. He then called

forward his Executive Assistant, Mr. Ed Wilson to announce the Character word

for the month of February 2004.



Mr. Wilson said before he deals with the Charter word for the month, he

would like to recognize the presence of Ms. Joanne Wells in the Council

Chambers. He said Ms. Wells is the Director of Guidance Services and the Safe &

Drug Free Schools for the Muscogee County School District. He said Ms. Wells is

going to be recognized by the Mayor later in the Council meeting; but the

reason he is mentioning her now is because it has been a real pleasure to work

with Ms. Wells in disseminating the Character Word of the month. He said it is

due to the coordination that she has given that the Character words that we are

using in the City are also being used throughout the Muscogee County School

District. He said he would like to express his thanks to Ms. Wells for her

cooperation in that.



Mr. Wilson said we are indeed committed to be a City of Character and said

it is our hope that we will be a City of Character in fact, as well as in

name. He stated that this month?s Character word is ?diligence?. He said some

related words for us to ponder and practice are discipline, patience and

potential. He said he would like to note that diligence involves careful and

continued work and conscientious efforts.



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JUNIOR LEAGUE FOLLIES:



At the request of Mayor Poydasheff, Ms. Blanchard came forward and then

introduced Ms. Stacy Pease, Chairperson of the Junior League Follies, as well

as Ms. Courtney Ellison, Chairperson of Public Relations. She said this year?s

Follies are entitled ?Big Band, Bold Blues.?



Ms. Pease commented on the Charter word for this month and said that it

applies to the Junior League of Columbus. She said they work very diligently on

providing great work for various charities throughout the community. She said

with the 2004 Follies, they have decided to make the Anne Elizabeth Shepherd

Home, the recipient of the monies that are raised from the Follies. She said

they have voted them as their signature project and are working to raise monies

for the girls at the Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home.



She then highlighted the events and extended an invitation for the Council

to attend this event, which will be held on Friday & Saturday, February 7-8,

2004 at 8:00 a.m., at the Bradley Theater.



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DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS:



Mr. Bill Davis, along with Mr. Jay Smith, Mr. Stewart Hanson and Mrs. Bill

Davis of the Disabled American Veterans were present to present to the Mayor

and City of Columbus a flag of the following branches of the Armed Forces:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard and Prisoner of War Flag.



Prior to Mr. Davis making the presentation of flags to the City, Mr. Smith

then gave a brief history of the Veterans Administration and the Disabled

American Veterans. After approximately ten minutes of history, Mr. Hanson,

with the assistance of Mr. Smith and Mrs. Davis then presented each of the

flags as outlined above, after giving a brief description of each of the

symbols detailed on the flags.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE AWARD:



Councilor Turner Pugh said the purpose of the Individual Excellence Award

Program is to provide an opportunity for the Columbus Consolidated Government?s

Leadership Team to recognize individual employees for promoting excellence in

support of the City?s mission. She said the objective is to recognize employees

who make consistent contributions to the organization through outstanding job

performance as viewed by supervisors, managers and employees who set an example

of outstanding quality management and teamwork and/or customer service.



With Mr. Victor Boyce standing at the Council table, Councilor Turner Pugh

then read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming February 3, 2004 as

?Victor Boyce Day? in Columbus, Georgia.



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?P.E.E.R. AWARDS?:



Councilor Turner Pugh said the P.E.E.R. Award promotes employee excellence

through recognition, with the purpose being to provide an opportunity for

Consolidated Government employees to recognize their peers for promoting

excellence in support of the City?s mission.



She then called forward Michael Hill, Sandra Wilson, Shelley Stephens,

Jeffrey Lomack and Janet Langan, after which she read the proclamation of Mayor

Poydasheff proclaiming February 3, 2004 as their day, in Columbus, Georgia.



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?NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK?:



With Ms. Joanne Wells, Director of Guidance for the Muscogee County School

System, along with Ms. Randalette Barnes, Counselor at Blanchard Elementary

School and Ms. Shelby Eagle, Guidance Director at Arnold Middle School standing

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

Poydasheff, proclaiming the week of February 2 - 6, 2004, as ?National School

Counseling Week in Columbus, Georgia.



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AWARD OF EXCELLENCE:



Mayor Poydasheff said he had the honor and pleasure of participating with

Edgewood Elementary School on yesterday when they were one of the three

recipients in Columbus out of the entire State of Georgia to receive an Award

of Excellence. He said he would like for the City Attorney to prepare a

resolution commending Edgewood, as well as Columbus High and Britt David

Elementary School for being selected as one of the top three schools in the

State of Georgia to receive this Award for the Muscogee County School System.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY

COUNCILOR HUNTER AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (53-04) - Commending Columbus Ledger-Enquire Executive

Editor, Mike Burbach, for his service to the community. Councilor Hunter moved

its adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously by

those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Suber being

absent for this vote.

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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:



THE FOLLOWING TWO 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 at 4235 St. Mary's Road from an

A-0 District to an R-1A District. (1-A-04-Covington)



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Elbert & Evergreen Covington, the petitionerswere present, but they did not

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

rezoning ordinance.



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An Ordinance - Rezoning various properties located in Beallwood on 11th

Avenue and 12th Avenue and specifically identified by Tax Parcel ID No. in this

ordinance from a C-3 District to an R-3 District. (2-A-04-Community

Reinvestment)





PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Members of the Planning Division staff was present, but they 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 ITS CAPTON READ BY CITY ATTORNEY

FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AFTER SOME DISCUSSION:







An Ordinance - Amending Chapter 20 of the Columbus Code by adding a new

Article 20 that provides for vehicle immobilization, impoundment and sale when

parking tickets are unpaid; and for other purposes.



Councilor Henderson said this may be the best way to collect our past due

tickets from those individuals that are ignoring the laws, but he has some real

concerns as to whether or not the timing for implementation is right. He said

he thinks that the entire parking scheme was created as a result of the input

at the direction and request of Uptown, which was designed to enhance the

business opportunities for those folks down there. However, as we have heard

from them when they came before us at the last meeting, there have been some

changes in the makeup with the residents and more service oriented businesses

in the area. He said as he has been thinking about this issue, he thinks it

makes sense to delay indefinitely the implementation of this ordinance until we

get some kind of information from Uptown as to how they think it?s going to

affect their businesses down there.



After making several comments and outlining his further concerns as to why

he thinks this matter should be delayed, Councilor Henderson then made a motion

to postpone the ordinance indefinitely with the timing to be determined by the

input of the Uptown Business Association. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers.



Mayor Poydasheff said City Manager Cavezza and Deputy City Manager Hugley

met with Uptown Columbus as requested, but they wanted the business leaders to

meet with the Council.



Councilor Henderson said his understanding was that Uptown Columbus does

not oppose the booting at this point, but they wanted to wait until after the

Streetscapes project had been completed.



City Manager Cavezza said he has trouble seeing how it is going to hurt

the business of the Uptown merchants. He said they listened to the merchants on

yesterday and Councilor Henderson expressed their concerns as they did; but he

doesn?t see any reason to delay this matter.



The question was then called on the motion to delay the ordinance, which

resulted in a 5-5 tie vote, with Councilors Allen, Davis, Henderson, McDaniel

and Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers voting yes and Councilors Anthony, Hunter, Turner

Pugh, Suber and Woodson voting no. Mayor Poydasheff then broke the tie by

voting not to delay the ordinance; thereby making the vote 6 ? 5.



Ms. Judy Nelms, 3259 Flint Drive said the boot is a solution to a

financial problem and doing nothing to solve the parking problem. She said she

asked at the meeting why these people are not paying their fines and was told

they don?t know where a lot of them are. She said Mr. Lunsford asked at the

meeting on yesterday, how this breaks down; those who live in Muscogee County

and those who are not. She said between the meeting on yesterday and this

meeting tonight, they didn?t have much time to get any information and still

don?t have that question answered.



After making further comments, Ms. Nelms then responded to several

questions of members of the Council. Mayor Poydasheff, members of the Council,

as well as City Manager Cavezza also responded to concerns of

Ms. Nelms.



Ms. Lisa Goodwin, of METRA also responded to questions of members of the

Council.



City Manager Cavezza said when they had the discussion with the merchants

on yesterday, they acknowledged that there are changes and it may be

appropriate for them to look at making the changes; however, that was a

separate issue altogether. He said they agreed that they would take another

look in view of the changes that has occurred downtown. He said a lot of the

people who are getting tickets are employees who work downtown. He said these

merchants came to them early on and said their problem is the employees who are

taking up the parking spaces and we need to do something about it.



Councilor Woodson said she has one serious concern about this issue, that

being the after hours. She then asked if there is any way that we can look at

having a 1-800 telephone number where individuals can call after hours to

contact someone to have the boot removed from their vehicle. She said if the

establishment of a 1-800 number is a problem, then consider having at least two

employees on call to be available to perform this service and provide them with

a beeper for someone to reach them.



Mayor Poydasheff said there is an amnesty period and it will not take

effect on next week.



City Manager Cavezza said the issue is not getting the 800 number, but the

overtime and the personnel to do it, that is what we would need them to

address.



After continued discussion on this matter, members of the Council

expressed their further views on this issue.



Councilor Turner Pugh said when we send out the letters to the car owners,

let?s make sure that we send them certified mail, return receipt requested.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers asked Ms. Goodwin to provide him with a list of

tickets that were issued within the last two years, in the counties where we

know the owners have tags in Harris, Russell, Muscogee and Chattahoochee.



After more than forty-five minutes of discussion on the subject, with Ms.

Goodwin responding to further questions of the Council, this matter was then

concluded.



City Attorney Fay then pointed out that this ordinance would be voted on

at next week's meeting.

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

ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AFTER SOME

DISCUSSION:





An Ordinance - Amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2004 beginning

July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2004, for certain funds of the Consolidated

Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in each fund for

personnel actions and various other activities.



Mayor Poydasheff said there was an excellent article in the Columbus

Ledger newspaper about the mid-year adjustments and said he is in favor of what

has been proposed. He said Councilor Turner Pugh stated that there is a crisis

and he used the term that there is a serious problem, but said there is a

crisis in some elements of the City. He said there has been considerable

discussion on the proposed raises for two appointed officials of this

government and he agrees with that. He said somehow in all of this there was a

presumption that nothing was contemplated for the other employees of the

government; and said he would like to set the record straight that as far as he

is concerned nothing could be farther from the truth.



He said in his remarks during his swearing in as Mayor, he said Government

is in the service business and the success of any service business is directly

related to the quality of its people. He said we are fortunate to have

outstanding people working for our City and as your Mayor, he wants all the

City employees to know that he appreciates all the hard work that you do for

the people of this community; and are looking forward to working with you to

take this City to an even higher level of achievement and to see that you get

the recognition and respect that you deserve. He said when he said that just

over a year ago, he meant what he said and he means it now; therefore, he is

going to ask that the Council and the City Manager consider including a raise

of at least four percent for all of the City employees that is part of the

Administration's budget preparation process. He said he is also asking that an

additional one percent be included in the budget for our Public Safety

personnel who take personal risk to protect the people of this City and their

property.



Mayor Poydasheff said he is also not unmindful, but keenly aware that we

are going into one of the most difficult budget preparation cycles ever. He

said he is also aware that funding a pay increase for all of our employees,

will require us to draw on our fund balance. He said he was convinced even

before this matter came up that we had to find a way to meaningfully increase

the pay of our employees and keep faith with them. He said we are all

optimistic that our request for a referendum on the LOST will be approved and

that the people will go to the polls and authorize a shift in the tax burden

from property owners of the more broadly base sales tax, which 30 - 40 percent

of that will come from outsiders. He said if that hope is realized we can

recover any investment we now make in our employees. He said he realizes that

his request is an ambitious proposal and that it comes at a time when we face

some major budgetary challenges, but he ask the Council to join with him in

this positive and determined effort to implement a meaningful increase for our

employees; because he believes over the long haul its in their best interest

and in the best interest of the people they serve, which are our citizens.



Councilor Davis said he received the most calls he has ever received from

City employees and citizens since he has been on the Council. He then read from

a prepared statement as to why he is not supportive of the proposed mid-year

adjustment to the yearly budget, saying that he is pleased with any effort to

trim the City's government operations budget to lighten the burden on taxpaying

citizens or to increase provided services to our citizens. He said he applauds

the City Manager in all his efforts to do so, as he has done an outstanding

job. He said he supports the position of our two deputy city managers as it

provides the means to keep City operations flowing smoothly and in a timely

manner. He said he supports the majority of the ordinance to amend the 2004

budget; however, he is not in favor of mid-year salary increases for

individuals without looking at the rest of our City employees as a whole,

especially Public Safety. He said he personally believes that all salary

matters should be handled during the budget sessions and said he is concerned

about morale issues that might arise from any significant salary adjustments

within City Government and the consequences from the perception of the wrong

message being sent to our City employees. He said he cannot support the

proposed amended budget without necessary changes.



Councilor Turner Pugh said when the Mayor brings a budget to the Council

she would ask that you bring a balanced budget. She said you determine what

percentages are included from what you request of the Council in your proposed

budget. She said when you bring it to us in a balanced form you will know where

the money is coming from to fund your budget increases. She said she would also

ask this of the City Manager, as well as the Department Heads.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he does concur with Councilor Turner Pugh that

we not only would like, but we demand a balanced budget and said he thinks at

this point, it is totally inappropriate to earmark fund balance funds for an

ongoing annual pay raises. He said if the Mayor has another source of funds to

go to, we would be glad to consider it.



Discussions continued on this matter for approximately twenty-five

minutes, with members of the Councilor expressing their further views on this

matter.



City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone who wanted to be heard on

this ordinance, but there were none.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND AFTER SOME EXPLANATION OF THE CHANGES BY CITY MANAGER CAVEZZA,

THE ORDINANCE WAS THEN INTRODUCED ON FIRST

READING:





An Ordinance - Amending Chapter 11 of the Columbus Code (Fire Protection)

by amending the promotional procedure and by identifying cross-training

requirements for the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services; and for

other purposes.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said we did have a presentation prior to this

Council meeting by the Chief and the City Manager on this subject, and then

asked if there were any questions, but there were none.



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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND DELAYED

FOR ONE WEEK AT THE REQUEST OF ITS SPONSOR, MAYOR PRO TEM

RODGERS:





A Resolution - Conveying condolences to the family of Honorable Oscar D.

Smith Jr., Judge of the Superior Court, who passed away on December 17, 2003.



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THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THOSE EMPLOYEES

WHO HAVE RECENTLY RETIRED FROM THE SERVICES OF THE CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT WERE

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

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

MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSY

BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:



A Resolution (54-04) - Expressing appreciation to Jose' R. Guerrero upon

his

retirement with the Columbus Police Department after 36 years of service.



A Resolution (55-04) - Expressing appreciation to Ronald R. Copeland upon

his retirement with the Columbus Police Department after 26 years of service.



A Resolution (56-04) - Expressing appreciation to Jesse J. Johnson, Sr.

upon his retirement with the Columbus Water Works after 32 years of service.



A Resolution (57-04) - Expressing appreciation to Joel E. Smith upon his

retirement with the Columbus Public Services Department after 29 years of

service.



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THE FOLLOWING SIX RESOLUTIONS, EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF

FORMER CITY EMPLOYEES WHO RECENTLY PASSED AWAY WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY

FAY AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND THEN ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM

RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE

NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR SUBER BEING ABSENT

FOR THIS VOTE:



A Resolution (58-04) - Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs. Vernell

Toney, former employee with the Parks and Recreation Department, who passed

away on October 26, 2003.



A Resolution (59-04) - Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Elijah

Clark, Jr., former employee with the Columbus Public Services Department, who

passed away on December 5, 2003.



A Resolution (60-04) - Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. James H.

Foxworth, former employee with the Columbus Water Works, who passed away on

December 6, 2003.



A Resolution (61-04) - Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs. Evelyn

H. McElvey, former employee with the Tax Commissioner's Office, who passed away

on December 14, 2003.



A Resolution (62-04) - Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Raymond

J. Taff, former employee with the Inspections and Code Enforcement Division,

who passed away on December 23, 2003.



A Resolution (63-04) - Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Tobe

Solomon, Jr., former employee with the Columbus Water Works, who passed away on

January 1, 2004.

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SPECIALTY COFFEE MONTH:



Councilor Davis said he received a press release from Mr. John Woodward

and Mr. Kevin Welch, who has informed him that the month of February is

Specialty month. He said the theme for this month, Specialty Coffee Month.



He then asked Mayor Poydasheff to call for a proclamation for Specialty

Coffee Month.

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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. WILLIAM MADISON, RE: DEMOLITIM OF PROPERTY AT ALPINE DRIVE, REGATTRA

COURT AND CAPRCICE COURT VERSUS OTHERS NOT BEING DEMOLISHED:







Mr. William ?Bill? Madison, appeared and expressed several concerns.

He said unfortunately, he declares that Columbus is not One Columbus. He made

reference to the demolition of property he owned on Alpine Drive, Regatta Court

and Caprice Court versus others not being demolished.



He said he is here because of the lack of justice that has been

demonstrated by the actions of several agencies of Government to his family

since he has been here. He then spent some twelve minutes in outlining

instances that have occurred to him.



Mr. Madison highlighted several properties that he states are in a

deplorable condition, which are located at Pine Terrace Court and Columbus

Motor Lodge and has been that way for some time now. He said he and his wife

are very disappointed in the system as they have been the longsuffering victims

of and the antics of this Government.



He also outlined instances as it relates to the Columbus Housing

Authority, the Juvenile Court, as well as Columbus Bank & Trust Company.



Mr. Madison said he is going to court in the morning and will be going to

jail, and he is asking the City to look into the matter of his grandson being

illegally removed from his house in June 2001. He said the things he has gone

through with the many agencies of the Government, as well as Attorney Bill

Kirby is nothing but wrongful conduct and absolutely disgusting. He said it is

disgusting to live in Columbus, Georgia in this day and age and he demands that

the District Attorney look into what happened to his grandson.



Councilor Turner Pugh said she would request that the staff look into the

issue of Pine Terrace Court and Columbus Motor Lodge.



City Manager Cavezza responded to questions as it relates to the Columbus

Motor Lodge, stating that a demolition permit, as well as a building permit has

been issued for demolitions of this property. He said this property has been

involved in a number of transactions. He said the developers of the Victory

Crossing Apartment Complex has been trying to purchase this property, and are

applying for grants and now they have succeeded in doing that. He said they

will soon be tearing it down and will do construction on that property.



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

the property that Mr. Madison is talking about is 1600 Fort Benning Road, which

is the Traffic Gardens Apartments, which faces onto Pine Terrace Drive. She

said there are about eight buildings that were condemned in the past year. She

said from talking to Capital Development in Atlanta earlier this year, they

plan to sell and close on that property within the next 60 days. She said they

are also in the Enterprise Zone and will have the opportunity to pursue tax

credits and funding to make those low to modern income apartments and their

plan is to rehab those apartments. She said they have elected to work with them

to see if they can keep those on the tax rolls; however, should it not happen,

they are in a position to proceed with the demolition of those structures.



Councilor Turner Pugh then asked the staff to have someone to go out and

check to see if there are any burned out apartment buildings in the Pine

Terrance Apartment Units, and determine why they have not been demolished.

Also, determine how long have they been burned and report back to this Council

on next week.



Councilor Davis said he would like for us to talk about some of the issues

as far as keeping Columbus clean, in dealing with these derelict properties all

over the City. He told Mr. Madison as far as the issue with his grandchild, he

doesn't think that we can do anything as a City; however, he said he thinks

that this is a State matter, possibly with DFACS. He said he would hope that

your State Representative would hear your concern and suggest that you call

them.



Councilor Hunter said the property off of Fort Benning Road is in the

Enterprise Zone and said that Capital Development Group in Atlanta has been

trying to get things in order and do the paperwork that is necessary. He said

he is hopeful that they will be successful, because if they do, that's going to

make for a better community off of Fort Benning Road.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

CAVEZZA AND AFTER SOME DISCUSSION WAS THEN ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:





A Resolution(64-04) - Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to the portion

of

Flintlock Drive and the portion of Mint Drive located in Section Ten, Eagle

Pointe

Subdivision. Councilor Suber moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by

Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council

present at the time, with Councilors Davis and Turner Pugh absent for this

vote.



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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS THAT WERE INCLUDED WITH THE CITY

MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE ALSO 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 SUBER, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY

THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILORS DAVIS AND

TURNER PUGH BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:







A Resolution (65-04) - Authorizing the purchase of asphalt rubber &

sealant from Crafco, Inc., for the estimated annual contract value of

$16,575.00. The material will be used on an "as needed basis" by the Public

Services Department for sealing cracks when repairing streets, parking lots and

highways.



A Resolution (66-04) - Authorizing the purchase of four (4) walk-through

metal

detectors from G. T. Distributors in the amount of $11,389.44. The Garrett

PD6500 Magnascanner metal detectors will be used on the Ground Floor (2) and

East Wing (1) of the Government Center and at Muscogee County Jail or

Recorder?s Court (1).



A Resolution (67-04) - Authorizing payment to American Management

Systems, Inc., (Fairfax, VA), in the amount of $190,162.00 for the annual

maintenance support for the LGFS/GHRS systems. The maintenance period will be

from January 2004 - January 2005 and will provide the Departments of

Information Technology, Finance, and Human Resources with software

enhancements, documentation updates, User Group support, Hotline support and

access to the American Management Systems (AMS)-sponsored ADVANTAGE

Communications Forum.



A Resolution (68-04) - Authorizing the purchase of paint supplies from

Porter Paints for the estimated annual contract value of $10,774.55, which will

be purchased on an ?as needed basis? by Facilities Maintenance Division for the

upkeep of City buildings, with the contract term being for one year with the

option to renew for two additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal is

contingent upon the mutual agreement of the Contractor and the City.



A Resolution (69-04) - Authorizing the execution of a negotiated contract

with

Brodart Company for the procurement of library materials and services for the

new Main Library. Brodart Company will provide complete customized opening day

collection services for the new Main Library. The Library Board plans to

purchase materials in a wide variety of formats to serve the adults, young

adults and children in this area. The existing main library collection

consists of 150,000 items. The opening day collection will be integrated with

these items at the new site. General goals for the opening day collection are

to ensure a core collection of essential materials and to enrich the current

collection to include a generous selection of the types of materials most

popular in this community. The firm will provide project management support,

collection development services including selection and acquisition of

materials, monthly fund reports, cataloging and item updates, Ohio College

Library Consortium (worldwide database of catalogue records) holding updates,

physical processing, storage and shelf-ready delivery of items.



*** *** ***



WAIVER OF TAX PENALTY:



City Manager Cavezza said Tax Commissioner Lula Huff has asked that he

present a request to the Council with her approval. He said there was a couple,

Mr. & Mrs. Phillip J. Muriel who was in a serious car accident and

unfortunately Mrs. Muriel died in that accident. He said Mr. Muriel has been in

and out of the hospital and because of that didn't make their tax payments on

time; therefore, they are recommending that the Council waive the penalties.



Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried

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

Councilors Davis and Turner Pugh being absent for this vote.

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

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

CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS

INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:



(1) ACCG?s Legislative Update Newsletter, Volume 16, Number 1.



(2) Memo from Jerry R. Griffin, Executive Director of ACCG, Re: SPLOST.



(3) GMA Board of Directors Monthly Board Report.



(4) Memo from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Historic &

Architectural Review Board.



(5) Memo from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Tax Assessors.



(6) Letter from Mr. Brian Grier submitting Mr. Chad D. Pepper as the

nominee to replace Mr. Tommy Hinton on the Building Contractor?s Examining

Board.



(7) Notice of a claim filed against the City by Attorney Kimberly L.

Jacobsen, on behalf of Ms. Eula Johnson.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING TWO TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY

CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE

ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR

PRO TEM RODGERS, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILORS DAVIS AND TURNER PUGH BEING ABSENT FOR

THIS

VOTE:





Application of Lucy Burkett to temporarily close the Dillingham

Street

Bridge, on May 14, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in connection with the

?CVCC Graduation Ceremony?.



Application of Art Murphy to temporarily close the 1000 block of Broadway

north and south lanes, on May 21, 2004, from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. to

accommodate 2,000 - 3,000 motorcycles, for parking and public viewing in

connection with the Goldwing Road Riders Association motorcycle race. .



*** *** ***



MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:



Development Authority, November 6, 2003.

Development Authority, December 4, 2003.

Development Authority, December 15, 2003.

Family & Children Services, January 14, 2004.

Golf Authority, December 16, 2003.

Board of Health, November 26, 2003.

Housing Authority, December 17, 2003.

Tax Assessors, No. 2.

Tax Assessors, No. 3.



Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by

Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council

present at the time, with Councilors Davis and Turner Pugh being absent for

this vote.

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

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

BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



BUILDING CONTRACTORS EXAMINING BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Tommy Hinton is no longer

a resident of Muscogee County and that the Homebuilders Association

is recommending Mr. Chad Pepper to succeed Mr. Tommy Hinton on the

Building Contractors Examining Board. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then nominated

Mr. Pepper to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Hinton.



*** *** ***



COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:



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

succeed Ms. Mary Mills, who cannot succeed herself.



She said that she is still working with Ms. Gardner of the Chamber of

Commerce on the remaining board appointments, as listed below





*** *** ***



HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Ms.

Donzy

O?Dell, Mr. James Webster, Mr. Robert Kelly and Mr. Harvey Phelps on the

Hospital Authority expired on November 14, 2003. She said Ms. O?Dell and

Mr. Webster are not eligible to succeed themselves, but Mr. Kelly and Mr. Phelps

are and that they have both been nominated to succeed themselves; however,

we still need two additional nominees for those two positions, as well as three

nominees for Ms. O?Dell and Mr. Webster?s seat.



*** *** ***







PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we need someone to succeed

Mr. David Edwards on the Personnel Review Board, who was moved up to a regular

member status. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then nominated Mr. Devon Wylie.



She said she would bring this back on next week for the Council's

confirmation.



*** *** ***





TAX ASSESSORS BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out Mr. Richard Stallings has been

nominated to succeed himself for another term of office on the Board of Tax

Assessors and may be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers so moved.

Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those nine members

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

vote.



*** *** ***



TREE BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out Ms. Gloria Battle, Mr. Elizabeth

Dreelin, Mrs. Carlton Franklin and Ms. Andrea Richardson was nominated on

last week to succeed themselves for another term of office. She said they may

be confirmed, but pointed out that she has spoken with the Secretary of the

Medical Center Hospital Authority and that Ms. Carlton Franklin has been

appointed to serve on that board.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then moved confirmation of all of the other three

individuals. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those

nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Davis being absent

for this vote.



*** *** ***



PUBLIC MEETING:



City Manager Cavezza said the Department of Transportation will hold a

public meeting on next Tuesday, Feb. 10th at 5:00 p.m., at Northside High

School, on the proposed Veterans Parkway Improvement from Veterans

Parkway to Hancock Road.



*** *** ***







COLUMBUS SOUTH REVITALIZATION:



City Manager Cavezza said the Columbus South Revitalization Task Force

will also be meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10th from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., at Baker

Middle School.



*** *** ***



BUENA VISTA ROAD:



City Manager Cavezza said on Feb. 12th, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. the Department of

Transportation will hold a public hearing on the proposed widening of Buena

Vista Road from Illges Road to Brown Avenue.



*** *** ***



Mayor Poydasheff then asked if there was anyone 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 address the

Council.



*** *** ***



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

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

and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time,

with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote, with the time being 7:28 P.M.



*** *** ***







Tiny B. Washington, CMC

Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia