Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

SEPTEMBER 17, 2002





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

order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 17, 2002, on the Plaza Level of the

Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Bobby G. Peters, Mayor, and

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



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

Councilors R. Gary Allen, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter,

Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Richard Smith, Nathan Suber, Evelyn Turner Pugh

and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Carmen Cavezza, City Attorney Clifton Fay and

Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington were also present.



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ABSENT: Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis was absent.



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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor DeSan Neal- of Alive with Christ Ministries.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Downtown Elementary School.

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MAYOR-ELECT POYDASHEFF:



Mayor Peters welcomed Mayor-elect Bob Poydasheff to the Council Chambers,

and congratulated him on winning the election.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



"MS. IDA MAE WILLIAMS DAY":



With Ms. Ida Mae Williams at the Council table, Councilor Hunter read the

proclamation of Mayor Peters, proclaiming and honoring Ms. Williams on her 101

Birthday, today, September 17, 2002, as "Ms. Ida Mae Williams Day", in

Columbus, Georgia.



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"MS. MATTIE BELL WILLIS"



With Ms. Mattie Bell Willis at the Council table, Mayor Peters read his

proclamation, also honoring Ms. Williams on her 100th Birthday and proclaiming

September 12, 2002, as ?Ms. Mattie Bell Willis Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



WITH MR. JIM WETHERINGTON, COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS

ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:







A Resolution(522-02) - Expressing appreciation toCommissioner Jim

Wetherington of the Department of Corrections for his support in assigning a

Mobile Construction Team to complete a number of construction projects in the

Government Center complex. Councilor Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded

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

present for this meeting.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



?CONSTITUTION WEEK?:



With Ms. Teresa Howard, Regent Oglethorpe Chapter, Daughters of American

Revolution, Ms. Kitty Thompson, Registrar of the George Walton Chapter,

Daughters of American Revolution, and Mr. Billy Thompson, President of the

Coweta Falls Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, Councilor Smith read the

proclamation of Mayor Peters, proclaiming the week of September 17 - 23, 2002,

as Constitution Week?, in Columbus, Georgia.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



WITH THE COACHES AND MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE 11- 12 YEAR OLD

ALL-STARS, STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN

ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:





A Resolution (523-02) - Commending and congratulating the ColumbusAmerican

Little League 11-12 year old All-Stars upon their victory in the 2002 Georgia

State Championship. Councilor Davis moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

Allen and carried unanimously with those ten members of Council present,

standing to cast their affirmative votes.

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NOTE: The City Attorney?s Agenda is continued below



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?LITERACY MONTH?:



With Ms. Shelia Barefield, Instructional Specialist for the Muscogee

County School District, standing at the Council table, Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers

read the proclamation of Mayor Peters, proclaiming the month of September 2002,

as ?Literacy Month?, in Columbus, Georgia.



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?AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN?S ASSOCIATION DAY?:



With Ms. Cheryl Dillard, Ms. Barbara Diggs and Ms. Judy Lakes, standing at

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

proclaiming September 22, 2002, as ?American Business Women?s Association Day?,

in Columbus, Georgia.



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MCP G.E.D & O.J.T.C GRADUATION PROGRAM:



Mayor Peters pointed out that Warden Charlie Golden of the Muscogee County

Prison has submitted an invitation to the Mayor and Council requesting your

presence at the graduation program, where officials from the Correctional

Institution will be present for the inmates who have gone through this G.E.D. &

O. J. T.C. program.



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WILKERSON FAMILY:



Councilor Hunter said he would like for the City Attorney to prepare a

resolution thanking the Wilkerson Family for their assistance in helping Mr.

Fisher in the demolition and removal of the materials of the structure located

at 4756 Kolb Avenue.

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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS DELAYED FROM THE AUGUST 20, 2002

COUNCIL MEETING WAS AGAIN SUBMITTED AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL FOR AN

ADDITIONAL TWO WEEKS AT THE REQUEST OF MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS:



An Ordinance - Rezoning approximately 3.3 acres of properties located at

the northwest side of Arkansas Drive, the northwest corner of Arkansas Drive

and Anglin Road, and the southwest corner of Claymore Road and Anglin Road from

an R-1A District to an R-4 District. (41-CA-02-McGee)



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he has met with the petitioners and the

neighbors and said that they are still accumulating some information and said

with the consent of both parties, they are asking that this matter be delayed

for two weeks.



Mayor Peters then asked if there was anyone present who wanted to be heard

on this petitioner, but there were none. He then pointed out that this matter

will be back before the Council at its October 1, 2002 Council meeting, which

will be held at 5:30 p.m.



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

Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council

present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ

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

ADVERTISED:





An Ordinance - Rezoning approximately 0.32 acres of property located at

1105 and 1109 19th Street from an R-3A District to a C-3 District.

(48-CA-02-Cummings)



An Ordinance - Rezoning approximately 0.16 acres of property located at

1101 19th Street from an A-O District to a C-3 District. (49-CA-02-Cummings)



PROPONENTS:



Mr. David Cummings, said they are requesting that these two pieces of

property be rezoned for the purpose of a medical office practice.



In response to a question of Mayor Peters, as it relates to the petitioner

requesting an A-O classification to a C-3, Mr. Cummings said that what has

happened to them with the buffer and the tree ordinance, is that they could do

better with a C-3 classification. He said they submitted a plan, which is a

corner lot and allows adequately for a 5000 square foot building; where they

can put a 15-foot fence in the rear, with a 15-foot setback and the parking in

the front.



Councilor McDaniel said this is a neighborhood in transition and that it

would be a big improvement to have these medical offices up there.



Mr. Will Johnson of the Planning Division responded to several questions

of members of the Council, as to why they are going to a C-3. He said it is for

setback reasons. He said A-O will meet their requirements; however, the A-O

setback requirements are 40-feet off the rear, whereas it will be 15-feet with

a C-3 and the sides are also less on the C-3 as opposed to the A-O. He said

they have designated this entire area from the Medical Center over towards 12th

Street, for medical offices.



Councilor Allen said if we could amend the setback from the rear rather

than putting a C-3 next door to a residential zone. City Manager Cavezza said

he believes that it is already C-3 in the general area, all around there and

that is another reason why they went to C-3.



After several minutes of discussion, Mr. Cummings and Mr. Johnson

responded to further questions of members of the Council, City Attorney Fay

then pointed out that these two ordinances would be voted on at next week?s

meeting on the Consent Agenda.



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An Ordinance - Rezoning approximately 1.84 acres of property located at

10051 Veterans Parkway from an A-1 District to a C-3 District.

(50-CA-02-Russell)



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Mr. Mike Russell was present, but he did not make any presentation, as

there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance. In

response to a question of Mayor Peters, Mr. Russell said he will construct

office/warehouses on the property.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA CONTINUED:



THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY

CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING PURSUANT TO THE

ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY

COUNCILOR SUBER, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:

An Ordinance (02-92) - Rezoning approximately 0.4 acres of property

located at 1524 and 1532 Harvey Avenue from an R-4 District to a C-3 District.

(46-CA-02-Baird)



An Ordinance (02-93) - Rezoning approximately 1.387 acres of property

located at 6131 Crystal Drive from an R-1A District to an A-O District.

(47-CA-02-Mordic Builders, Inc.)



An Ordinance (02-94) - Amending Ordinance No. 01-100 which designated the

Wynnton Village Historic District as an official historic district in Columbus,

Georgia by removing the parcel of property located at 2033 Wynnton Road (Burger

King) from said historic district.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND

READING:



An Ordinance (02-95) - Providing for the demolition of the structures

located at 4756 Kolb Avenue (James W. & Ollie M Fisher, owners), 930 Winston

Road (Ethel Mae Jones, owner), 901 Joy Road (Erik J. & Linda Livsey, owners),

2833 Bradley Circle (Charlie M. & Ora L. Mickle, owners), 410 - 24th Street

(Wyndol B. Montgomery, owner), 2801 - 9th Street (Ruby J. & Michael Pitts,

owners), 358 Bragg Smith Street (Dorothy J. Rachal, Life Est., owner), 4325 Old

Cusseta Road (Eddie Smith, owner), and 1605 Sheffield Drive (James Snell,

owner), and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Division in

accordance with a Tabulation of Bid sheet.



Councilor Henderson said he spoke with Mr. Montgomery who appeared before

the Council on last week and said he has indicated that he has already

initiated demolition on his property at 410- 24th Street and he has indicated

to him that he would be able to complete the demolition and remove the debris

within ten (10) days; so, therefore, he would like to put on the record that we

not proceed with the contract on that property for ten (10) days. He said since

our purpose is to get rid of the property, we shouldn?t have any problems

allowing him to do that.



City Manager Cavezza said he would recommend that we go ahead and approve

the ordinance, but hold his feet to the fire and we will not take it down

within ten days. Councilor Henderson said Mr. Montgomery understands that it

will be approved for demolition, and if he completes it within ten days that?s

it, but if not, then there will be another appraisal done by our contractor and

then they will complete it.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded

by Councilor McDaniel.



Prior to the vote being called, Councilor Suber asked Reverend Maddox, who

was seated in the audience, even though we are doing this, if that would fall

in line with what he wants, to which Reverend Maddox said yes.



Councilor Turner Pugh said we also need to remove the property of 4756

Kolb Avenue. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson

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

meeting.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then moved the adoption of the ordinance, as

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

members of Council present for this meeting.



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

ATTORNEY FAY AND THEN INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF

DISCUSISON:





An Ordinance - Amending the FY03 adopted budget, beginning July 1, 2002

and ending June 30, 2003, by reappropriating funds for activities continued

from FY02 and adjustments made for other purposes.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said he would like to address what the other

purposes are and can we specifically deal with those. He said the way he

interprets that is those other purposes are the work in process.



City Manager Cavezza said the $5.6 million is CDBG funding and said that

money has been designated for revitalization; however, the money hasn?t been

used since that revitalization program has been ongoing. He said they decided

this year to put those funds as part of the carryovers rather than just let

them build up. He said this is HUD money that we will be using in various

revitalization programs.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers said we typically adopt a CDBG budget and said

should not that have a fund balance, as well. He said what he is hearing is

that we are starting to integrate our CDBG monies into our general fund now.

City Manager Cavezza said we just want to account for the CDBG money openly, as

we do with the other funds, and report it to the Council as a separate fund, to

keep you apprised as to where we are.



Mayor Peters, in explaining this matter to the viewing audience, said that

CDBG money is federal dollars assigned to a community specifically and only for

revitalization programs. He said that it cannot be used in the general fund for

salaries or anything else. He said it is for specific areas that are blighted

and need revitalization.



City Manager Cavezza then cited an example of a program, saying that we

had money in the CDBG budget in previous years for recreation improvements for

the 8th Street area. He said that money has been sitting there for a couple of

years to be used, and said they will be using it for the Fluellen Center for

recreation improvements.



Councilor Turner Pugh said she would like for the Finance Director to

provide a breakdown of the $918,000 funding from the general fund and advise

what departments it is for.

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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. GLEN BAHDE, MR. HENRY HALL, MR. ERIC REEVES & MR. MICHAEL JOHNSTON,

REPRESENTING THE COLUMBUS FIREFIGHTER?S ASSOCIATION, RE: FACT FINDING

INFORMATION FOR THE UPCOMING PROMOTIONAL PROCEDURES ORDINANCE FOR THE COLUMBUS

DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND

EMS:



Mr. Henry Hall once again cancelled their scheduled before the Council

this morning.

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FIRE DEPARTMENT:



Mayor Peters said he, the Mayor and Council have spent numerous hours on a

new promotional procedure ordinance for the Fire Department and the combination

of the Fire Department with EMS. He said it is a very complicated ordinance,

with a lot of variables. He said all of us can find things in the ordinance

that we don?t agree with, but said that we are trying to come up with a

consensus on an ordinance, and said it is a work in process.



He said the firefighters are concerned about their individual positions

and what is going to happen to their promotions, and said we are not about

individual cases, but we have to deal with a collective ordinance that has to

be fair to everybody. He said he appreciates everyone?s patience on it.



Mayor Peters said we are cross-training our EMT?s and fire fighters, so

quick response will not be delayed in any way at all, and the fire stations

will be built around the City in key locations. He said the response time will

be cut drastically, and said they are working on a new protocol system; whereby

we are looking at cutting down on the number of units going to responses. He

said we have a plan in place, and said it will be unveiled at the Work Session

on next week. He said the individuals that are working with us have over 20

years of experience in writing ordinances and dealing with promotional

procedures, and said they are making their recommendations on what they think

is fair and equitable for everyone in the department. He said they have met

with all the fire fighters, and said we will have a public hearing on this

issue. He said these are only recommendations and until the Council gets these

to the table and fine-tune them, we don?t know what the final recommendations

will be, and said this will be a difficult process.



City Manager Cavezza said we are planning a Work Session on September

24th, where the consultants will come in and go through the ordinance with the

Council.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY

MANAGER CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:





A Resolution (524-02) - Requesting the reimbursement of original

expenditures for the Trade Center and Library Projects in the maximum principal

amount of $10,000,000 from the sale of General Obligation Sales Tax Bonds,

Series 2003 and to declare official intent to issue the Series 2003 Bonds.

Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried

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



A Resolution (525-02) - Amending Resolution 72 - 71 to provide that a

Board position becomes vacant if the appointee misses three unexcused meetings

in a twelve-month period. Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by

Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present

for this meeting.



A Resolution (526-02) - Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Esther

Court and the Detention Pond located in Jenkins Place Subdivision, on behalf of

Columbus, Georgia. Councilor Suber moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

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

this meeting.



THE FOLLOWING EIGHT PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA PACKET WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE

MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SUBER, WHICH

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:





A Resolution (527-02) - Authorizing the purchase of office furniture via

Georgia State Contract SWC S-000534 from the Overby Company, in the amount of

$10,001.16, and from Knoll in care of the Overby Company, in the amount of

$36,961.25.



City Manager Cavezza said we are moving the Victim Witness office out of

that building that they are currently in, and said we will be putting that

building on the market. He said they will be moving in the West Wing and said

they are asking to purchase furniture.



Councilor Turner Pugh said why can?t they use the furniture that they

have. City Manager Cavezza said he has been told that it is in very poor

condition and is insufficient. He said they share desk because it is so

crowded, and don?t have an adequate reception area for people to wait,

therefore, they have to wait outside. He said the assessment of the District

Attorney and Victim Witness is that this is what their requirements are.



Councilor Turner Pugh asked that City Manager Cavezza provide a report on

this request.



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A Resolution (528-02) - Authorizing the execution of a contract for tree

and stump removal service with Tefft Tree Services, Inc., on an ?as needed

basis? for the Public Services Division.



Councilor McDaniel said why did it take a year and a half to get a bucket

for this truck. He said this truck broke down in January of 2001 and we are

just now getting a bucket for this truck. He then asked City Manager Cavezza to

provide a report, as to why it has taken almost a year and a half to get the

proper equipment for a bucket truck.



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A Resolution (529-02) - Authorizing the purchase of three (3) 15-passenger

vans from Freeway Ford, in the amount of $63,309.24.



A Resolution (530-02) - Authorizing the purchase of two (2) midsize

extended cab, utility 4 x 2 pick-up trucks from Lukken Chevrolet, in the amount

of $28,550.00.



A Resolution (531-02) - Authorizing the purchase of three (3) cab and

chassis from Transpower, Inc., in the amount of $122,973.00 and three (3)

7-yard dump bodies from Park Built Body Company, Inc., in the amount of

$21,630.00.



A Resolution (532-02) - Authorizing the execution of change order one with

Earth-Scapes, Inc., in the amount of $114,103.42.



A Resolution (533-02) - Authorizing the purchase of two (2) 8-packs of

36GB 15k drives from IBM/LRS, in the amount of $58,080.00.



A Resolution (534-02) ? Authorizing payment to Verlin Perry and his

Attorney, William Mason, in the amount of $47,537.10, plus $65.00 in court

costs for Case SC2000CV779, Verlin Perry vs. Town of Bibb City, Georgia.



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MEETING IN MIDLAND:



City Manager Cavezza said on last night we had a meeting in Midland to

kick off the discussions on the new comprehensive plan, and said there was a

tremendous turnout, about 400 people.



Councilor Allen said this was a follow-up to the meeting that we had last

October. He said Councilor Davis, Henderson and Smith were present at that

meeting. He said it was very overwhelming to hear the people voice their

concerns and comments and asked the questions that they did.



He said he thinks that they agreed that growth is coming, managed growth,

smart growth and transitional type growth is what they agreed upon, with some

preservation of land that is currently existing in the area. He said there were

several developers and builders there, and a good cross-section of the

community. He said even comments were made about South Columbus and housing. He

said there were also several members of the Planning Advisory Commission

present, and said one of the members got up and explained the process of PAC

and how it works in conjunction with the Council, which was very well done and

timely.



Councilor Allen said he thought that the meeting went extremely well and

said there was a good exchange of ideas and was well received by the citizens

and the City. He said he would like to commend City Manager Cavezza and his

staff for the work that was done.



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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:



September 17, 2002 - 6:00 p.m., Community Improvement for 2nd Avenue, at

Comer Gym..



September 20, 2002, 4:00 p.m., Bull Creek Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

September 20, 2002, 2:00 p.m., House of Heroes, Civic Center.



Councilors Davis and Henderson also expressed some comments regarding the

meeting that was held at Midland on last night.

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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) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Recreation Advisory

Board.



(2) Notice of the next Region 9 Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance

Abuse Board, on September 20, 2002 at 2:00 p.m., at 3800 Schatulga Road,

Columbus, Georgia 31907.



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND

ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (535-02) - Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the

September 10, 2002 Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved its adoption.

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

Council present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK

OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:



Application of The Move of God Ministries for a temporary street closure

for Mallory Road from Reynolds Road to Southern Pines Drive, on September 21,

2002, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., in connection with a ?Back to School Church

Carnival?. Councilor Suber moved its approval. Seconded by Councilor Henderson

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

meeting.



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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:



Board of Tax Assessors, Number 35.

Building Contractors Examining Board, September 5, 2002.

Council Briefing, June 27, 2002.

Development Authority, August 7, 2002.

Uptown Fa?ade Board, August 19, 2002.



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

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

Council present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION, RECOMMENDED FOR CONDITIONAL APRPOVAL BY

BOTH THE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING DIVISION WAS SUBMITTED

BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE WAS CALLED FOR BY MAYOR PRO TEM

RODGERS:



Petition submitted by Developers-Investors, Inc. to rezone approximately

2.444 acres of property located at the west end of South Stadium Drive from an

R-1 District to an R-4 District.(51-02-Developers-Investors, Inc.)



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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:



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

Kendall was nominated to succeed Ms. Dee Shore who has resigned from the Keep

Columbus Beautiful Commission. She further pointed out that Mr. Kendall may be

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

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



TAXICAB COMMISSION:



Clerk of Council Washington said we still need someone for the new

at-large seat on the Taxicab Commission that was approved several months ago.

There were no nominations.



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YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that there are two additional

nominees that are needed on the Youth Advisory Council and then asked Councilor

Davis if he had a nominee. Councilor Davis then nominated Mr. Dustin Coleman to

succeed Ms. Jennings Ross. Councilor Suber moved that Mr. Coleman be confirmed.

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

Council present for this meeting.



There was no nomination from Councilor Henderson for someone to succeed

Ms. Andrea Woodson.



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EXECUTIVE SESSION:



Mayor Peters said he would like to request permission of the Council to go

into an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.



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FURNITURE FOR VICTIM WITNESS OFFICE:



Councilor Davis said earlier Councilor Turner Pugh had asked for a report

regarding the request of the Victim Witness Office, and then said that he would

also like to have a list of those items that they would like to purchase.



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TREE REMOVAL CONTRACT:



Councilor Davis said he would like to request that the staff go back a few

years and research the records, and provide for him a report, as to the number

of trees that have been contracted out and removed.



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WHITESVILLE ROAD @ MOYE ROAD:



Councilor Henderson said he has received some telephone calls from some

parents who have newly licensed drivers that drive in Councilor Davis? area on

Whitesville Road near Moye Road where there is a steep drop off on both sides,

and they have asked about some procedures that they would have to go through to

install some guardrails.



He said he would like for us to go out and check this to see what can we

do about installing some guardrails.



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Prior to the Council adjourning its regular session, to go into an

executive session, Mayor Peters then asked if there was anyone who was seated

in the audience that wasn?t listed on the Agenda, but had an issue to bring

before the Council, they could be heard at this time.



Officer Candidates Paul Ramsey, William Trevathan and Chad Neibert of

Officers Candidate Class 6502, appeared and requested permission from the City

to allow them to erect a monument for the war on terrorism.



He said their goal was to have it erected and commemorated on September

11th; however, with all the processes that they had to go through, they are

pushing it back to October 14th.



Officer Candidate Paul Ramsey said on last year, the United States

suffered its greatest tragedy in recent history, and said they would like to

commemorate a memorial, working with the Chamber of Commerce and the Riverfront

Committee. He said they would like for this memorial to be located near the

Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center and the Golf Course.



He said this memorial would be dedicated to three OCS Alumni, who are Lt.

General Timothy Maude, Richard ?Rick? Rescorla and Lt. Col. Stephen Neil

Hyland, Jr. He said the monument is for those who have served, are serving and

will serve against the fight against terrorism. He said that is not just the

armed forces, but everybody, i.e., teachers, little leagues, etc.



Officer Candidate Ramsey spoke for some ten minutes in explaining their

request to the Council, after which they distributed around the Council table,

information regarding this matter.



In response to a question of Mayor Peters, Officer Candidate Ramsey said

what they are wanting to do is to break ground on Friday, and said they are

supposed to have bricks delivered on Thursday.



City Manager Cavezza said the procedure that they have set up is that

anyone who wants to put anything on the Riverwalk has to go to the Riverfront

Committee, and they review it and then make a recommendation to the Council. He

said he understands that these gentlemen have talked to the Riverfront

Committee.



Officer Candidate Ramsey said Biff Hadden has gone before that committee

on their behalf. However, City Manager Cavezza said we have not received their

recommendation yet. He said we need to follow up with the Riverfront Committee,

to find out where they are in this process.



City Manager Cavezza said the ultimate approval lies with the Council, and

the committee makes a recommendation. Mayor Peters then asked if we could go

ahead and give the approval, if the committee has approved it.



After more than twenty minutes of discussion on this matter, City Manager

Cavezza and the three Officer Candidates then responded to several questions of

Mayor Peters and members of the Council.



City Manager Cavezza said we haven?t seen this plan before and said it

imposes a lot of maintenance requirements and said we really need to look at it

and find out exactly what the requirements are before we can really make a

recommendation.



After further discussion on this matter, Councilor Henderson said he and

Councilor Turner Pugh are thinking that we should make a motion to approve the

project, subject to the approval and control of the City Manager, in

conjunction with the Riverfront Committee, and then so moved. Seconded by

Councilor Suber.



The officers then responded to further questions of the Mayor Peters and

Council, after which the question was then called on the motion, which carried

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



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Ms. Quanita McCorley also appeared and said she watches the Council

meeting every week, because she is not able to come down and watch it in

person, and said she would like to ask that some of the Councilors move their

microphones a little closer to them when they are speaking so that they can be

heard, or not to turn their head when they are speaking, because they can?t be

heard on television.



She said oftentimes Councilor Allen turns his head from the microphone and

said that it is also hard to hear Councilor Turner Pugh, and said she would

like to hear what?s going on.



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EXECUTIVE SESSION:



Mayor Peters said he and City Manager Cavezza have received some

complaints from employees about one of the offices of an elected official and

said he would like to meet with the Council in an executive session to discuss

this matter briefly.



Columbus Ledger-Enquirer news reporter Chuck Williams then asked what

category would that be under, to which Mayor Peters said that will be a

personnel matter.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then made a motion to allow the Council to go into

an executive session. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by

those ten members of Council present for this meeting.



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At 10:36 a.m., the Council adjourned its regular session to allow the

Council to go into an executive session, to discuss a personnel matter.



At 10:55 a.m., the regular session was called back to order, at which time

Mayor Peters pointed out that the Council did meet in an executive session to

discuss a personnel matter, but there were no votes taken.



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

Suber then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh,

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

with Councilor Smith having left immediately after the adjournment of the

executive session, with this meeting adjourning at

10:56 a.m.



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Tiny B. Washington, CMC

Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia