Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

MARCH 18, 2003





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

to order at 9:03 A.M., Tuesday, March 18, 2003, on the Plaza Level of the

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

presiding.



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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Poydasheff and Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers

were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Julius H. Hunter,

Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh, Nathan Suber and Evelyn

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

Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.



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ABSENT: Councilor Berry H. Henderson was absent, but was officially excused by

the adoption of Resolution Number 142-03. Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington

was also absent.



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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Jerry E. Sauls- University Assembly of God.



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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Poydasheff.



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THREAT OF WAR AGAINST IRAQ:



Mayor Poydasheff said that by now most of you have heard or read about

the position of our president and the government with respect to Iraq. He

urged everyone to reach out to our soldiers and their families, to pray for

them and offer them support. He explained that they are following the duly

constituted authorities of the president under Article II of our Constitution

and they don't deserve the cursing and horror that was bestowed upon some of us

when we returned from Vietnam. He said that he knows Columbus is in the

forefront of supporting our soldiers and their families. He then asked every

minister in this city of to hold services and prayer of supplication to ask for

peace and to pray for the welfare of the soldiers. He reassured the citizens

of Columbus about the security of this city. He said that the City Manager and

himself have formed a Columbus Homeland Security and Emergency Management Task

Force; we have been meeting with the help of Fort Benning in doing what we can

with respect to emergency management. He maintained that we are in good

position, if not better than any city could be.





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MINUTES: Minutes of the March 11, 2003 meeting of the Council of the

Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia was submitted and approved upon

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

Councilor Allen, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.

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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. KIKE SEDA, RE: A PLAQUE FOR MAYOR POYDASHEFF:



Mayor Poydasheff called forward Mr. Kike Seda, who was listed on the

public agenda.



Dr. Charlie Mendoza came forward to announce that Mayor Poydasheff has

been named an honorary Hispanic. He stated that the Mayor and himself have

been friends for about 30 years and this is for his service and support to the

Columbus Latino community. He then presented Mayor Poydasheff with a plaque.



Councilor Woodson asked Dr. Mendoza to introduce those individuals that

were present with him. Mr. KikeSeda then introduced the following individuals;

Ms. Maria Ortiz, Mr. Milton Ortiz, Jerry Ritchie, Gladiola, Jose and Freddie

and Deago Ritchie and from the Rankin Shop, Ms. Gladys and her spouse.



Councilor Woodson pointed out that the reason she asked that those

individuals be recognized is because the individuals that are seating here in

this audience have become the leaders of the community. She said that they are

the ones that are reaching out to people and the leaders in the Latino

community and she wanted everyone to meet them.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



?COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY DAY?:



With Ms. Meri Robinson standing at the Council table, Councilor Anthony

read Mayor Poydasheff?s proclamation, proclaiming April 3, 2003 as ?Columbus

State University Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.

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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:



WITH MR. BOBBY JONES AND MRS. MARGARET JONES STANDING BEFORE THE COUNCIL,

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS CALLED UP AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AS

SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY

COUNCILOR

ALLEN:





A Resolution (131-03) - Naming the softball field within the stadium at

the South Commons Complex, the ?R. G. Jones Field?. Councilor Allen moved for

the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried

unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting with the

members of Council standing to cast their affirmative votes.

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NOTE: The Clerk of Council?s Agenda is continued below.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



?COLUMBUS MUSEUM?:



With Mr. Tom Butler standing at the Council table, Councilor Turner Pugh

read Mayor Poydasheff?s proclamation, proclaiming high honor and recognition

for the Columbus Museum in this 50th anniversary year.



Mr. Butler invited the entire City of Columbus to join in the celebration

on March 30, 2003 for the birthday party.



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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



WITH MS. MARY LYNNE CUMISKEY STANDING BEFORE THE COUNCIL, THE FOLLOWING

RESOLUTION WAS CALLED UP AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AS SUBMITTED BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR DAVIS:



A Resolution (132-03) - Commending Mary Lynne Cumiskey upon her recent

induction into the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame. Councilor Davis

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

by those nine members of Council present for this meeting with the members of

Council standing to cast their affirmative votes.



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THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND

READ IN THEIR ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HUNTER AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A

SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HUNTER AND SECONDED BY A MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS

AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING WITH COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND WITH THE COUNCIL

STANDING TO CAST THEIR AFFIRMATIVE VOTE:







A Resolution (133-03) - Commending River Road Elementary School and

partner W. C. Bradley Company recently upon their receipt of the Individual

Education Partnership of the year award.



A Resolution (134-03) - Commending Dexter Elementary School and partner

3rd Brigade, upon their receipt of a Special Patriotic Recognition Award.



A Resolution (135-03) - Commending Wilson Elementary School and Partner

Basic Combat Training Brigade upon their receipt of a Special Patriotic

Recognition Award.



A Resolution (136-03) - Commending the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber

of Commerce upon their receipt of the Chamber of Commerce Education Initiative

Award.



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THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY

CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED ON SECOND READING:



An Ordinance (03-15) - Recognizing the Paramedic Diploma and Licensure by

the state of Georgia as equivalent to an associate degree; and for other

purposes. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members present for this

meeting.



An Ordinance (03-16) - Amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code so as to

place the administrative functions and duties of the Clerk/Chief Administrative

Office of Recorders Court under the supervision of the Muscogee County Sheriff;

deleting the position of Finance Manager of Recorder?s Court and reclassifying

the current general government position of Recorder?s Court Clerk to a Judicial

Administrative Technical II; and for other purposes. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers

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

those nine members of Council present for this meeting.



An Ordinance (03-17) - Providing for the demolition of a structures

located at 3751 Cusseta Road, L8 (Joe Allen, Jr., owner), 4333 Hancock Road

(Amber Lee Aplin, owner), 1006 Calvin Avenue (Michael O. & Betty J. Brown,

owners), 2900 Veterans Parkway (James D. Coley, owner), 2310 N. Andrews Circle

(Geraldine Hollis, owner), 6747 Mitchell Drive (Ulysses & Everlena Jackson,

owners) 1415 -29th Street (W. Richard Jordan, Jr., owner), 621 Radcliff Avenue

(Jonnie Lee Roberson, Estate, owner), 44 & 46 Muscogee Drive (Carolyn E. &

Orlando Ryder, owners), 2004 - 3rd Avenue (Katie B. Tew, owner), 2901 Colorado

Street (Ricket Damon Carter, owner), 336 Clover Avenue (Agnes James, owner),

and 3042 Knox Street, Bldg. 1 & 2 (U.S. Bank National Association, owner), and

for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Division in accordance

with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved to its

adoption. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine

members of Council present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS

HELD:



An Ordinance - Amending Chapter 13A of the Columbus Code so as to amend

Section 13A-2 and Section 13A-8 relating to prerequisites required for massage

therapy practitioners.



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Councilor Suber, going back to the previous demolition ordinance, asked if

Ms. Geraldine Hollis? property had been removed from the ordinance for

discussion purposes, at which time, City Manager Cavezza advised that Ms.

Hollis? property was left in the ordinance for second reading and the staff was

to go back and provide additional information. When Councilor Suber pointed

out that he had not received the information, City Manager Cavezza informed the

members of Council that the staff went back and pictures were taken which shows

that the entire structure is in bad shape.



Mayor Poydasheff asked Councilor Suber to yield the floor while he was

continuing the opportunity to review the information regarding the property at

2310 North Andrews Circle.



At which time, Ms. Hollis came before the Council to further outline the

reasons why the property at 2310 North Andrews Circle should not be

demolished. Mayor Poydasheff immediately advised Ms. Hollis that the

demolition ordinance was listed for second reading today and that no further

discussion would be heard. He continued to explain that we do not allow people

to debate the issue on second reading and that she was provided with ample

opportunity to state her position last week. He stated that unless there is a

motion by a member of Council; then, she may not be heard. Ms. Hollis

maintained that it was her understanding that she would be heard today on

second reading. Mayor Poydasheff reiterated his previous comments that Ms.

Hollis would not be heard today on this issue.



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Councilor Allen continuing forward with the first reading for the proposed

amendment to Chapter 13A, stated that the administration is requesting for

consideration by Council for code changes in the massage therapy ordinance. He

explained that the code requires 600 hours with the education and certification

by a national organization, and we are asking for consideration to reduce that

to 500 hours, which is the national average. He pointed out that the former

organization that provided certification is no longer functioning; so, we are

adding varied organizations that can certify those that wish to be certified;

then, they can seek their business license with the city. He said this is

basically an administrative change to continue providing the regulatory

authority that we have this particular organization.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS

HELD:



An Ordinance - Amending the General Fund Budget for FY03 by increasing the

Muscogee County Prison budget by $50,000; amending and increasing the FY03

Greenspace Fund-Community Development budget by $326,633; and by amending and

increasing the FY03 Risk Management Fund-Human Resources by $500,000 for

worker's compensation activity; and for other purposes.



City manager Cavezza explained that the $50,000 additional food cost for

the prison was driven by 3 factors; (1) the prison has had more people then it

is authorized to hold. He said that we have about 540 state prisoners in there

and we have been close to that number right along and it also has the capacity

to hold approximately 40 county prisoners, but in addition to that, it has been

holding an approximately 40 beyond that. He pointed out that this has incurred

the additional food cost, (2) the crews that have been coming into the building

to clean this facility and the Public Safety Bldg. receive a sack lunch. He

added that the freezer went bad and $6,000.00 worth of food was lost as a

result of that. He pointed out that the green space money is more money that

we have received from the state that will go into the green space money that we

already have. He explained that the final amount is the ACCG amount, which is

an additional $500,000., which is the states assessments that are billed in

rears as we make the transition from our current system to the new system with

ACCG, and there is about $48,000 in arrears that we have to pay. He pointed

out that they bill in advance; so, we have to pay about $207,000 towards that.

He stated that there was a $65,000 deposit required by ACCG along with an

adjustment on the service fees that ACCG has to pay, which is based on salary

analysis and at that time we did not have all the information; therefore, we

were short about $20,000. He went on to say that the projected claims for this

fiscal year are exceeding the budget by about $139,000, but the good news is

that we won't have to pay the state assessments anymore in the future, and that

ACCG is already finding cost savings for us.



Councilor Turner Pugh advised that the issue with ACCG is dealing with

workmen's compensation coverage.



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TRANSFER STATION:



Councilor McDaniel called for an ordinance on the odor on Third Avenue, at

which time, City Attorney Fay advised that he would bring this ordinance at the

first meeting in April.

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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 (137-03) - Authorizing a request to purchase 100 +/- acres of

land located at the intersection of Midland and Macon Road for the Greenspace

Program from the Development Authority of Columbus.



Councilor Suber pointed out that the members of Council have received a

letter from Mr. Dave Erickson and that he would like for Mr. Erickson to have

the opportunity to speak regarding his letter. Councilor Suber then made the

motion that Mr. Erickson be heard. Seconded to by Councilor Hunter and carried

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



Mr. Dave Erickson, came forward to explain that he was providing

information to the members of Council to inform them that there are other

parties interested in this property and that he feels that it is an important

ingredient to solving the regional issues that are in this area both

residentially and the future industrial proposals. He explained that he

represents himself, as property owner to the North, but also represents Garrett

Creek Development as the managing partner for Garrett Creek Development, which

is immediately to the west of this property proposed.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then moved to its adoption. Councilor Suber making

further comments, maintained that when the Development Authority, Mr. Bob

Gilson, made the comment regarding this area was that they were looking for

moneys to use to help develop additional lands they had purchased and that with

the additional green space funds they would be able to do that. He said that

he would be unable to support the resolution because he feels that we are not

using this money properly and there are some other areas where we can find some

additional green space.



Councilor Turner Pugh also advised that she would be unable to support

this resolution. she said that she has stated this to the staff and also to

the members of Council that when we put land in green space that is buildable

and also considering our budget crunches that we are having, she does not

consider this to be a wise investment for this particular piece of land.



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers stated that we are committed to the State of Georgia

to put aside 25 percent of our property by accepting the funds that they have

given us for green space. He said that it would be an utopian situation if we

could go out and identify 20 percent that is required that is unbuildable an

undesirable land to put in that green space. He stated that he is prepared to

support the resolution.



There was continued discussion on this matter with various Councilors

expressing their views. Mayor Poydasheff called attention to the motion for

approval. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried by a vote of six to three

with Councilors Suber, Turner Pugh, and Woodson voting no and all other

councilors present for this meeting voting yes.



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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR TURNER

PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SUBER AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE

MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:



A Resolution (138-03) - Authorizing a request to submit an application

and if approved to accept federal funding from the Corporation of National and

Community Service to continue the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

(RSVP).



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THE FOLLOWING THREE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE

ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY

COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:



A Resolution (139-03) - Authorizing the purchase of water management

services from Superior Water Services, at a monthly cost of $1,036.38.



A Resolution (140-03) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) additional

sedan, mid-size, four door, 6 cylinder from Mike Patton CDJ in the amount of

$13,360.00.



A Resolution (141-03) ? Authorizing the purchase of three (3) tents from

Celina Tent, in the amount of $15,797.00.00.



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UPCOMING EVENTS:



City Manager Cavezza made the following announcements regarding some

upcoming events and are listed as follows:



? Midtown Kick-off: The Midtown Kick Off is at 6:00 pm, at the museum.



? Council?s Photograph: March 25, 2003, at 8:30 am, there would be the

photographs of the members of Council taken at that time.



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BROWNSFIELDS PROJECT:



Councilor Turner Pugh called attention to the response listed regarding

her questions on the Brownsfields Project. she pointed out that one of the

responses that came back says that we have to identify specific sites and she

thought that the site on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard next to Masterbuild

could not be used for construction, because it had some contamination, and she

thought that site would be ideal for Brownsfield, at which time, City Manager

Cavezza replied that it is not contaminated, but what has happened is that over

the years some things have been dumped in there and basically there is no solid

foundation for construction. He said that you could build, but you would have

to clean that site out and haul in a lot of dirt and that is the problem but no

contamination problem per se.



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MIDTOWN PROJECT:



Councilor Suber commended the former Mayor Bob Hydrick for his comments,

because his statements were right on time, which the point was made that this

Council needs to take a very serious look at finding someone to fill a position

that has been somewhat vacated and find the moneys to do that not only for that

particular position as a community planner but also for city engineer. Mayor

Poydasheff pointed out that the city manager is in the process of doing that

and he will be meeting with the city manager this week. He stated that there

is an offer to get a search organization at no cost to the city.



Councilor Allen said that he agrees with this concept in trying to tie this

in with a regional concept. He suggested that it might be good if we looked at

the region and try to bring a planner in that could help us with that focus of

growing the region.



City Manager Cavezza said that planning is not a one person show because

planning is working with the community, but we have respectfully, a community

with their own agenda. He said there are a lot of concerns about this and he

believes this is something that we need to work through. He said that he does

not feel it is just a personnel issue.



There was continued discussion on this matter with various councilors

expressing their views. Councilor Woodson expressed concerns with focusing on

hiring a planner with the constraints that we are being faced with regarding

the budget. She said that we have good employees and right now, we are cutting

back on so many benefits to meet our budget, and she is just concerned because

we have some housekeeping to do.



Councilor Turner Pugh maintained that we have not determined what is going

to come up regarding benefits. She advised that those positions in engineering

have been in the budget for a long time, but we have been unable to fill them

at the cost that we want to fill them at, and that is one of the biggest

problems that we have in this government.

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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:





THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS

INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &

COUNCIL:



(1) ACCG?s Legislative Update Newsletter, Volume 15, Number 6.



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THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY

CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (142-03) - Excusing Councilor Berry Henderson from the March

18, 2003 Meeting. Councilor Allen moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present

at the table with Councilor Suber being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (143-03) - Rescheduling the regular meeting time for the May

6, 2003 Council Meeting from an evening meeting at 5:30 p.m. to a morning

meeting at 9:00 a.m. Councilor Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by

Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council

present at the table with Councilor Suber being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (144-03) - Authorizing a Special Exception Use to allow

amusements, recreational and entertainment activities (Professional Wrestling

and associated activities) carried on wholly; within a permanently enclosed

building solely as a Special Exception Use, excluding adult movie houses, adult

bookstores, and adult entertainment, at 5000 Burnham Boulevard, Building 3.

Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and

carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the table with

Councilor Suber being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (145-03) - Authorizing a Special Exception Use to allow a

day care center at 746 3rd Avenue. Councilor Turner Pugh moved its adoption.

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

Council present at the table with Councilor Suber being absent for this vote.



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THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED AND

EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON A

SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH AND

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR SUBER BEING

ABSENT FOR THIS

VOTE:



Application of Frances Quick to temporarily close various streets on April

21 through April 27, 2003, in connection with the ?Riverfest Weekend?.



The schedule has been submitted as follows:



April 21st, 0900 hrs through April 28th 2400 hrs



. Close the four (4) southern entrances to the southeastern parking lots of

South Commons area from Lumpkin Blvd.



April 24th through 0900 hrs through April 27th, 2400 hrs.



. Close Lumpkin Blvd west of the St service entrance gate (one emergency lane

open).



April 25th, 0900 hrs through April 27th, 2400 hrs.



? Close left turn lane from Lumpkin Blvd onto Victory Drive.

? Close center median cut-through at Lumpkin Blvd and Victory Drive.

? Close center median cut-through at Victory Drive north of Lumpkin Blvd.

? Close westbound lanes of Lumpkin Blvd at GA Ports Authority turn around (one

lane to be left open for shuttles and St Service access and emergency vehicles).

? Close entrance to Memorial Stadium east of 6th Avenue.

? Close entrance to Naval Reserve Center at 5th Avenue and Victory Drive.



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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL

DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:



Board of Tax Assessors, Number 9.

Building Contractors Examining Board, February 6, 2003.

Building Contractors Examining Board, March 6, 2003.

Civic Center Advisory Board, December 5, 2002.

Civic Center Advisory Board, January 9, 2003.

Convention & Visitor?s Bureau, November 8, 2002.

Convention & Visitor?s Bureau, November 20, 2002.

Development Authority, February 4, 2003.



Councilor Turner Pugh made a motion that these minutes be received.

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

Council present at the table with Councilor Suber being absent for this vote.



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THE FOLLOWING TWO NEW ZONING PETITIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF

COUNCIL DAVIS AND AN ORDINANCE WAS CALLED FOR ON EACH BY MAYOR PRO TEM

RODGERS:





Petition submitted by GML Real Estate, LLL to rezone approximately 9.59

acres of property located at the undeveloped portion of 7700 Veterans Parkway

from an R-4 District to a C-3 District. (Recommended for conditional approval

by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Division.)

(4-CA-03-GML Real Estate, LLC.)



Petition submitted by Mr. Robert George to rezone approximately 0.36 acres

of property located at 1423 ? 54th Street from an R-2 District to a C-2

District. (Recommended for conditional approval by both the Planning Advisory

Commission and the Planning Division.) (5-CA-03-George)



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THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL

DAVIS AND WAS RECEIVED ONLY BY THE COUNCIL:



Petition submitted by Ashton-Homes, LLC to rezone approximately 1.388

acres of property located at 1569-A Alta Vista Drive from an R-1A District to

an R-3A District. (Recommended for conditional approval by the Planning

Advisory Commission and denial by the Planning Division.) (6-D-03-Ashton

Homes, LLC)



Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved that the petition be received. Seconded by

Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council

present at the table with Councilor Suber being absent for this vote.



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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS



Mayor Poydasheff advised that he is nominating Mr. Dan Menefee to fill the

position of Mr. Frank Chester. Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr.

Menefee may be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers so moved. Seconded by

Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members present for this

meeting.



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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis Mr. Homer Kuhl cannot succeed himself; this

is Council District Five nomination, and Mr. Timothy Johnson relinquished his

seat; this is Council District Six nomination. There were no nominations today.



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COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Ollie Johnson does not

desire reappointment; this is the Council?s appointment. There were no

nominations.



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PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis stated that Councilor Hunter nominated Mr.

Karl Douglass to succeed Ms. Arline Kitchen, Councilor Henderson nominated Mr.

Derrick Shields to succeed Mr. Ralph King and Councilor Davis has nominated Mr.

Bob Crane to succeed Mr. Derrick Shields as an alternate member. She then

advised that the nominations may be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved

confirmation. Seconded to by Councilor Allen.



Councilor Allen said that it was his understanding that when we nominate

new people, they automatically went into the alternative position and the

alternate members had an opportunity to move into the regular member position.

Mayor Poydasheff stated that this is incorrect. Mayor Poydasheff then

explained that a member of Council would have to nominate that alternate member

for a regular member position.



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that the alternate member on

this board had been contacted but has not expressed an interest in moving into

a regular member position.



Councilor Suber said that he would like to make a motion that alternate

members be moved to regular member status when a position becomes available,

and if the alternate member desires to be moved into a regular member position.



Mayor Poydasheff asked that we vote on the motion that is on the floor

which is the confirmation of the three individuals listed on the agenda as

follows; Mr. Karl Douglass, Mr. Derrick Shields, and Mr. Bob Crane. Mayor Pro

Tem Rodgers reiterated his motion for confirmation for these three

individuals. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine

members of council present for this meeting.



Councilor Allen suggested that the alternate members be sent a letter

stating that a regular member position has come available to check to see in

that individual is interested in moving into a regular member position. He

said the alternate member should be given the opportunity to move into a

regular member position if they so desire, at which time, Deputy Clerk of

Council Davis advised that this practice would be done administratively in the

future.



Councilor Davis stated that we need to make sure that the boards are

balanced. He said that he would not like to see where the same people are

representing the same interest from one side.



There was continued discussion on this matter with various members of

council expressing their views. When Mayor Poydasheff pointed out that we

would take the advice of Councilor Allen by having the Clerk of Council?s

Office send a letter to the alternate members advising of vacant regular member

positions to see if that individual desires to be moved into a regular member

position, Councilor Suber withdrew his motion.



Councilor McDaniel pointed out that if a member is serving on a board and

has a financial interest in a matter; then, that member should abstain from

voting. Councilor Allen suggested that City Manager Cavezza remind all of the

boards, committees and commissions that not only does a member have to abstain

from voting on a matter in which they have a financial interest, but they

cannot engage in the discussion.



Councilor Hunter agreed with the concept that if an individual is an

alternate on a board and is attending the meetings; then, that individual

should be given the opportunity to serve as a regular member, and maybe this

should be our policy; however, he does not want to have language that the

alternate member ?shall? automatically assume the position of a regular member.



*** *** ***



RECOGNITION OF SENATOR SETH HARP



Mayor Poydasheff recognized the presence of Senator Seth Harp, who was

seated in the audience.



*** *** ***



REGION 9 MH/MR/SA BOARD:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis stated that Ms. Bennie Newroth does not

desire reappointment; this is the Council?s appointment. There were no

nominations.



*** *** ***



BOARD OF ZONONG APPEALS:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis stated that Councilor Suber has a nominee

for the position of Mr. James Billingsley, at which time, Councilor Suber

nominated Mr. Willie Lewis, Jr. Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we

would bring this nomination back to the Council in two weeks for confirmation.



She recalled that on last week, Councilor Allen nominated Mr. Ralph King

for the position of Mr. Larry Phillips. She stated that he may now be

confirmed. Councilor Allen moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Hunter

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

meeting.



*** *** ***



RECOGNITION OF MS. LUCILLE ANTHONY:



Councilor Anthony recognized the presence of his mother, Ms. Lucille

Anthony, in the audience.

*** *** ***



At this time, Mayor Poydasheff asked if there was anyone seated in the

audience that had a matter they would like to bring before the members of

council. Ms. Geraldine Hollis, came forward to state that she did not have an

opportunity to speak last week and was told that she would be allowed to speak

today. She recalled that she did speak some, but was not able to continue.

Mayor Poydasheff reminded Ms. Hollis that she was able to speak at the meeting

last meeting and was given approximately fifteen (15) minutes to explain why

her property should not be demolished. He said the members of council

graciously asked that this be reviewed very thoroughly before it comes up for a

vote today, and the fact remains that nothing was done on this property for two

years.



Councilor Allen pointed out that normally in this situation, the

administration provides a copy of the next report to the individual and it is

his understanding that the staff was unable to contact Ms. Hollis and did not

have any way to reach her. Mayor Poydasheff asked the staff to provide Ms.

Hollis with the report while she was present in the Council Chambers.



*** *** ***



DAY CARE CENTER AT 746 ? 3RD AVENUE:



Mr. Fred Greene, President of Historic District Preservation Society, is

present regarding an issue that he believes has already been approved, but

wanted to express the concerns of the Historic District Preservation Society

regarding the day care center at 746 Third Avenue and wanted to state their

opposition. He then asked what type of day care would be located there,

because they are concerned about the traffic in that area, at which time, City

Manager Cavezza replied that this would be a children day care center. He

added that in the historic district, if we are going to start putting parking

requirements on these businesses; then, we would not have any businesses

located down there. He said there was a conscious decision made that certain

businesses would be allowed in the historic district.



Ms. Katrina Edwards, rose from the audience and stated that she is the

person requesting the day care center at 746 3rd Avenue. Mayor Poydasheff

immediately advised Ms. Edwards that the special exception use to allow a day

care center at this location has been granted by 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 Allen and

carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting

with the time being 10:24 a.m.



*** *** ***





Sandra T. Davis

Deputy Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia