Columbus, Georgia

Minutes



COUNCIL BRIEFING



Meeting

December 2, 2003



Members Present: Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers and Councilors R. Gary Allen

(arrived 5:04 p.m.), Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Charles E.

McDaniel, Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh, Nathan Suber and Evelyn Woodson (arrived

5:04 p.m.). Also present were Mayor Robert S. Poydasheff, City Manager Carmen

Cavezza, Interim Finance Director Angela Cole, City Attorney Clifton Fay and

Revenue Division Manager Craig Strain.



Members Absent: Councilor Julius Hunter, Jr. was absent.



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Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. in the Council

Chambers Conference Room, Plaza Level, Government Center.



Skate Park Supercenter:

City Manager Cavezza recalled that we were in Indianapolis, when we saw a

consolidation of venues where they shared a common location; therefore, we

brought that idea back to Columbus. He then called upon Deputy City Manager

Hugley to brief the Council on the Skate Park.



Deputy City Manager Isaiah Hugley pointed out that we have spoken to the

Council about the Skate Park Supercenter. He then passed around the table some

information to which he made reference. (A copy of the document was not filed

for the record.) He continued to describe the features of the complex in

details by stating that the ice rink would be 25,000 sq. ft., office space with

concessions, party room upstairs, etc. He estimated a total of 45,000 sq. ft.

with 25,000 sq. ft. on the first level and 25,000 sq. ft on the second level.

After hearing from the citizens, He amended their version by including

additional locker room space.



When Councilor Henderson spoke of the accessibility to the outside area and the

liability to the City, Deputy City Manager Hugley maintained that the outside

skating area is fenced in to ensure safety.



Deputy City Manager Hugley brought up the matter of cost for entry into the

Skate Park by emphasizing that there were some concerns, because there were

individuals who indicated that they would like to skate board several times

during the week. The commitment that was made to them, as explained by Deputy

City Manager Hugley, is that the Administration would take a look at a

membership type situation where they would pay a nominal fee for membership;

thereby, granting unlimited access to the Skate Park.



Referring back to concerns of liability, Deputy City Manager Hugley provided

information that he had researched online to include the list of sports where

the most injuries where reported with football and basketball as numbers one

and two with skateboarding being listed as number seven. He maintained that

this would be a skate-at-your-own-risk facility; therefore in terms of

liability, we participate in all of the above listed sports, which means that

the City?s liability would be no different for this as any of the other

sports. He immediately pointed out that this is based on information received

from the City Attorney?s Office.



City Manager Cavezza advised that we wanted to bring forth the concept, because

we are rolling the swimming pool into this as well, but the other issues we

would need to spend more time on those.



Deputy City Manager Cavezza continued to respond to various questions from the

members of Council.



In terms of the swimming pool, Deputy City Manager Hugley reminded everyone

that we have been looking for a location for the center city swimming pool, and

after receiving ideas from City Manager Cavezza who envisioned the inclusion of

the swimming pool at the Civic Center in conjunction with the Skate Park

Supercenter, the decision was made to move forward with this concept. He then

spoke in more details in describing the features of the swimming pool, as well

as the specific location.



There was talk of the incorporation of a natatorium that could be funded by the

private sector as mentioned by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers, at which time, City

Manager Cavezza added that the structure would be built so that it could be

developed into a natatorium for an additional $2.7 million.



Deputy City Manager Hugley estimated that 150 parking spaces at the Civic

Center would be lost to incorporate the swimming pool, which we don?t believe

would cause any adverse affects. City Manager Cavezza said that we are looking

at a price tag of $6.2 million. He explained that if we take the money for the

pool and the bond money for the Skate Park, it comes to $6.2 million. In

addition to that, City Manager Cavezza pointed out that the children in this

area do not have a leisure pool, which would solve that problem. He said this

would also give us the opportunity to have a competition pool with about 600

spectator seats, which could be developed into a natatorium for an additional

$2.7 million when the private sector raises that money.



Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance Revision:

City Manager Cavezza reviewed the proposed amendments to the alcoholic beverage

ordinance that would be listed for first reading on next week. (A copy of the

proposed revisions was not filed with the Clerk?s Office.) He began to outline

the changes and are as follows:



? Section 3.1: Three new definitions were added; manager, importer and broker;

this is consistent with the State Law.

? Section 3.3: The fee was added for the annual license.

o Distilled spirits (liquors): for importers ($1,000.00) and brokers ($100.00);

these prices are set by the State.

o Wines: Importers ($500.00); brokers ($50.00)

o Malt beverages: Importers (500.00); brokers ($50.00)



? Section 3-3(d): In the past, when an individual took over a license for

someone, the individual pays basically what the other person paid, but we are

now going to charge that individual $1,500.00. The individual would pay the

standard $1,500.00 to get started with the amount going up incrementally 5%

with a minimum of $750.00 and maximum of $5,000.00 based on sales.

? Section 3-3(e): This subsection addresses the date when an alcoholic

beverage license has to be renewed. Our current ordinance identifies two

different dates; December 31st and January 1st. For consistency, it is

recommended that the renewal date be changed to ?? on or before December 31st.?

? Section 3-4: Excise Taxes: the State Ordinance uses liters versus gallons;

therefore, we have converted from gallons to liters. The prices were changed

appropriately; there is no increase in prices. There is only the change in

measurement.

? Section 3-4(b): The amendment is to change the due date for payment to the

10th of the month; instead of the 5th to be consistent; therefore, everything

would be on the 10th of the month.

? Section 3-5: This section of the Code addresses the ?grandfathering clause?

of a license. Instead of using the term ?similar? license, it is recommended

the language be changed to ?same? license in order to be more specific.

? Section 3-6: Persons Prohibited: There have been three additions to the list

of persons prohibited for issuance of an alcoholic beverage license;

corporation, limited liability partnership and a limited liability

corporation. The license can only go in the name of an individual.

? Section 3-6(b): It is recommended that the background checks be increased

from five to ten years for federal violations and an increase from three to

five years for misdemeanor violations.

? Section 3-6(e): This is a new section. It is being recommended to add

habitual violators are prohibited from being issued a license within ten

years.



Revenue Division Manager Craig Strain was available to respond to various

questions from the members of Council.



After completing the review for Section 3-6, City Manager Cavezza advised that

with the lateness of time, he would resume the overview at the next Council

Briefing. He reminded everyone that his plan is to have it listed on first

reading for next week. If everyone is not satisfied with the changes, he

maintained that we could delay it.





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Meeting adjourned at 5:28 p.m.





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Sandra T. Davis, Deputy Clerk of Council