Columbus, Georgia
Georgia's First Consolidated Government
Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016
Council Members
MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
JUNE 1, 2004
The regularly monthly night meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, June 1, 2004, 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 were Councilors R. Gary Allen,
Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E.
McDaniel, Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh and Nathan Suber. City Manager Carmen
Cavezza, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and
Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present. Councilor Evelyn
Woodson arrived at 5:35 p.m.
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Councilor Wayne Anthony.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Robert S. Poydasheff.
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BUDGET:
Councilor Turner Pugh said as Chairperson of the Budget Review Committee
she feels that she must respond to the Mayor?s article in the Columbus Ledger
as well as other public statements by individuals and several telephone calls
that she has received as it relates to the budget.
She said there is no 3-mill increase in the budget because we only had
approximately half of a mill to go before we reached our 9-mill cap; but she
said by law we have to put notice in the newspaper on the tax digest increase.
She said there is no reason for anyone to fear that we are increasing the
millage rate 3 mills.
Councilor Turner Pugh said she feels that it is her responsibility to
publicly state how the City?s budget is spent, but particularly as it relates
to public safety. She said she would like to thank the Council members for the
open and fair discussion on this proposed FY-05 budget. She said out of the 16
years she has been a member of the Council, this has been the hardest budget as
it relates to how the proposed budget will be spent.
She said the proposed budget for FY-05 is $184 million; and of that we are
planning on spending $115, 875,354 on personnel, which is 62.75% of the total
budget. She said of those funds that we will spend on personnel, $74,245,613
would go to public safety; which is 65% of all the money that we will spend on
personnel. She said public safety is the priority of this City Council.
Councilor Turner Pugh said a 3% across the board pay raise for all
personnel would require $3,476,261 plus the related cost for benefits. She said
it is a basic rule of budgeting that you don?t spend money you don?t have and
we don?t have $3.5 million right now. She said taking it from the fund balance
is a bad option because you shouldn?t deplete your savings to meet your
expenses.
She said considering the very real threat for terrorism and natural
disaster, a slow economy and the many other things that could significantly
disrupt the daily function of this community, now is not the time to decrease
our fund balance. She said a LOST (Local Option Sales Tax) would help our
situation and she agrees with the Mayor that it has a good chance of passing;
however, we cannot spend money we don?t have.
Councilor Turner Pugh said if the LOST passes, we would have basically the
same amount of money to work with for the 2005 budget that we do now and said
then and only then during budget preparation for 2006 will we know how much
millage we will need in addition to the LOST.
She spent some ten minutes in outlining those things that has been delayed
other than the pay raises and in her conclusion in reading her prepared
statement, Councilor Turner Pugh said that we want to give, but said we need to
make sure that giving this year doesn?t require firing next year.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THERE WERE NO ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY?S MEETING.
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TEACHERS OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:
Mayor Poydasheff said he wants to apologize to the Teachers who are
present here tonight expecting to be honored as Teacher of Year because there
was a mix up in communication and he will take that responsibility. He said we
would have those resolutions ready for next week.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
WITH MR. TOM BUCK STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION
WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (225-04) - Commending and expressing appreciation to
Representative Thomas B. Buck III for his dedicated and outstanding service to
the 135th District and the citizens of Columbus, Georgia in the Georgia General
Assembly. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting standing to cast their affirmative vote.
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NOTE: The City Attorney?s Agenda is continued below.
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TEACHERS OF THE YEAR NOMINEES:
Referring back to those comments made by Mayor Poydasheff, Councilor Suber
said that he knows that some of the teachers that the Mayor has already
apologized to probably won?t be here next week; therefore, he would like to ask
that they be given an opportunity to come up and introduce themselves and tell
what school they are from in the event they are not here on next week.
Prior to the teachers coming forward, Mayor Poydasheff said there have
been some horrendous fires over the past week, including Cherokee Apartments
and said he was there and saw the work that was done by our firefighters and
said they have done a magnificent job. He said the people of Columbus, Georgia
are very fortunate to have this professional group of employees.
He said thanks to the foresight of the Council and the City Manager, we
were able to enter into mutual aid agreements with various cities and
municipalities including Fort Benning and Phenix City. He said as a result of
that while we were fighting the fire at the Cherokee Apartments, Phenix City
helped cover some of the areas in Columbus, Georgia.
The following teacher, who were present, then came forward and introduced
themselves:
Thelma Anderson (Eddy Middle), Dorothy McGee, (Matthews Elementary),
Orlean Baulkmon (Dawson Elementary), Sara Davis (Baker Middle School), Brenda
Deason (Dimon Magnet Academy), Jennifer Oliver (Double Churches Elementary)
Shirley Bouie (Carver High), Claire Bedingfield (Double Churches Elementary
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?PRESENTATION OF ART:
Ms. Judy Nail, Muscogee County School District Art and History Program
Director came forward to present to Mayor Poydasheff a piece of art drawing
that was selected for this school year in the art contest that is held every
year.
Ms. Nail said for several years she has brought a piece of patriotic art
work to be on loan to the Mayor?s office for Memorial Day, 60th Anniversary of
?D? Day, Flag Day and 4th of July.
She said she is excited about this piece of Art called ?Soldier?s Prayer?,
which was done by Eric Rodriguez, who is present here this morning with his
parents and his grandparents from Puerto Rico and Art Teacher Claudia Williams.
Eric Rodriguez then presented his drawing to Mayor Poydasheff.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?NATIONAL HISTORY DAY?;
With Dr. Pennick and several of the art students standing at the Council
table, Councilor Anthony read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming
high honor and recognition for the Columbus student winners in the National
History Day in Georgia Competition.
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CHARACTER WORD:
Mr. Ed Wilson, Executive Assistant to the Mayor came forward to announce
the character word for the month of June. He said these character words that we
hear from month to month all bring their personal challenges with them. He said
challenging our word for the month of June is to reach out to other people and
to be involved in the solution to their problems and their difficult lives.
Mr. Wilson said the character word for the month of June is ?compassion?.
He said some related words to ponder and practice are understanding, kindness,
and generosity. He said compassion involves concern for the suffering or
distress of others and response to their feelings and needs.
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?KIWANIS CLUB OF GOLDEN K OF COLUMBUS?:
With Mr. Andrew McBride and several of their members of the Kiwanis Club
of Golden K of Columbus standing at the Council table, Councilor Allen read the
proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming May 31, 2004 as ?Kiwanis Club of
Golden K of Columbus, Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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?SPIRIT, TRUTH & LIBERTY MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL CHURCH DAY?:
With Reverend Thomas Mills, Jr., and many of his parishioners standing at
the Council table, Councilor Turner Pugh read the proclamation of Mayor
Poydasheff, proclaiming June 1, 2004 as ?Spirit, Truth & Liberty Ministries
International Church Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
WITH JEANETTE CRAWFORD STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING
RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (226-04) - Commending and congratulating Brookstone School
sophomore Jeanette Crawford upon her victory in the Class A 800 meter
competition and her second-place finish in the Class A 1,600 meter competition
at the Georgia High School Association State track and field meet held in
Albany, Georgia. Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting.
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MARSHAL KEN SUDDETH:
Mayor Poydasheff recognized the presence of Marshal Ken Suddeth, who was
seated in the audience.
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WITHKHADIJA TALLEY AND CHASTITY WILLIAMS STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE,
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HUNTER AND
ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (227-04) - Commending and congratulating Columbus High
School's Khadija Talley upon her victory in the State AAAA Championship in the
discus and the shot put competition and Chastity Williams upon her second place
finish in the shot put competition at the State Championship Track and Field
Meet held in Albany, Georgia. Councilor Hunter moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present for this meeting.
WITH COACH WALLACE DAVIS, JENNIFER LONG, ESTELLA MOORE, NICOLE WILSON AND
SHELBY PERRY STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO
SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HUNTER AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (228-04) - Commending and congratulating Carver High School's
400 meter relay team upon their second place finish in the Class AAAAA Georgia
High School Association State track and field meet held in Albany, Georgia.
Councilor Hunter moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this
meeting.
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WITHCHARLIE MCDANIEL, GRANDSON OF COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, ALONG WITH HIS
PARENTS STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR SUBER AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (229-04) - Commending and congratulating Charlie McDaniel upon
his recent victory in Region 2-AAAA golf tournament held at Bull Creek Golf
Course. Councilor Suber moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS DELAYED FROM THE MAY 18TH COUNCIL
MEETING WAS AGAIN SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND AFTER
SOME DISCSSION WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:
An Ordinance (04-39) - Providing for the demolition of structures located
at 18 Lafayette Drive (Sethira Bell Thomas, owner); and for demolition services
for the Inspections and Code Division in accordance with a Tabulation of Bid
sheet. City Manager Cavezza said two weeks ago, the Council allowed Ms. Thomas
two weeks to go and get some advice and assistance regarding her property.
Councilor Suber then asked Ms. Thomas if she has met the requirements that
we asked her to bring back to this Council.
Ms. Thomas said she has the document for the money, whereby someone is
going to lend her $15,000 and she has the contractor, but she doesn?t have it
in writing because she didn?t get here in time to get what she needed. She said
the contractor needs an outline of what needs to be repaired.
Ms. Thomas responded to several questions of Mayor Poydasheff and members
of the Council.
Mayor Poydasheff said maybe we should delay this matter for one additional
week until Ms. Wiggins can sit down with Ms. Thomas and her Pastor and really
look into this because he is really concerned about this matter.
City Manager Cavezza said that?s fine if this is what the Council wants to
do, but said Ms. Thomas is going to have to be available, because she lives in
Savannah. He said Ms. Thomas hasn?t been available. He said the ball is in her
court to contact Ms. Wiggins, if the Council delays it.
Councilor Suber then asked, what was required of Ms. Thomas to bring back
to the Council today.
City Attorney Fay said we talked about an approved loan and some kind of a
construction plan. He said last time she was supposed to get back with the City
Manager?s office or Mr. Duck?s office with some kind of a written plan.
Councilor Suber said his concern about continuing this matter is that Ms.
Thomas has had an opportunity to talk for the last two weeks and get in touch
with Ms. Wiggins. He said when Ms. Thomas was before the Council last time she
was told to talk with Ms. Wiggins so that she could be told exactly what needed
to be done and at that time, she agreed to do that.
He said now we are two weeks from that time and basically nothing that we have
asked you to provide, you don?t have. He said now you are asking for an
additional week for the same things we asked for before.
Ms. Thomas said that is not so, because Mr. Woodruff is a general
contractor. She said that Mr. Woodruff went to Ms. Wiggins? office to get a
list of those items that needed to be repaired.
Mr. Jenkins, Ms. Thomas? brother said they had the understanding that a
family member could do the work on the house, and said he was going to do it
himself because he does construction work in Savannah.
Mayor Poydasheff said that is not the issue, because this Council very
graciously gave you two weeks because you asked for that. He said you said you
were going to get a licensed contractor and show us proof of a loan, and it was
going to be itemized.
Mr. Thomas said they have the proof of the money.
Discussions continued on this issue with Ms. Thomas and Mr. Jenkins
responding to several questions of members of the Council.
Councilor Suber said he thinks we need to go ahead and demolish the
property, because if we continue to give Ms. Thomas more time then she will be
back within another week with the same situation. He said when Ms. Thomas and
Mr. Jenkins were here two weeks ago, Councilor Davis asked them if they
understood what he was asking of them and they said they did; but here we are
two weeks later and most of that has not been done.
He said he would make a motion that we go ahead and demolish the property.
There was no second to Councilor Suber?s motion.
Ms. Rebecca Wiggins of the Inspections & Code Enforcement Division said
they have not heard from Ms. Thomas since the last time she was at the Council
meeting. She said Mr. Melvin Woodruff who used to be a licensed sub-contractor,
but is no longer licensed to do anything did come in the office at 11:45 today
and asked some questions about what needed to be done, as well as collected
some pictures. She said she called Ms. Thomas today around 4:00 p.m., to make
sure she didn?t forget to be here and she was in route at that time from
Savannah.
She responded to further questions of members of the Council.
Responding to Mayor Poydasheff as to the motion that he made, Councilor
Suber said he didn?t need to make a motion because the ordinance is on second
reading to approve the demolition.
Councilor Suber then moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson.
Ms. Thomas said she is not asking for another week, but she is just asking
for tomorrow. She said she would stay here and take care of this matter. She
said Mr. Woodruff works under a licensed contractor and he was her connection
to the licensed contractor because she doesn?t know any contractors here. She
said she is not trying to prolong this matter. She said she thought the focus
was on the money and that is what they took care of right away. She said she
was not aware that the letter that she has had to be notarized since the
gentleman was the President of the Company who has agreed to provide the
funding for her.
Mayor Poydasheff said that is not the way proper business is done and said
you were given two weeks and specifically advised of what had to be done and
said nothing has been done. He said now we have a motion for the Council to
take action on the issue.
After further discussion, the question was then called on the motion to
adopt the ordinance, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
An Ordinance - Amending Article VIII of Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code
(Convention and Visitors Board of Commissioners) by replacing the words
'Executive Director' with the words 'President and CEO' and the words
'chairman' or 'vice-chairman' with the words 'chair' or 'vice-chair'; by
reducing the number of Board members from fourteen to nine; and for other
purposes.
Councilor Turner Pugh said during our last discussion we talked about the
nine members and making sure there was going to be seats on the board for the
public, not coming from a specialty area, and then asked how many seats will be
available for at-large positions.
Mr. Peter Bowden said in their discussion they had agreed that there
would be three at-large members on the Board.
City Attorney Fay said in Section Three of the ordinance, they have
outlined the organizations and the number of seats that are to be represented
by the organizations.
Councilor Davis said he is concerned about reducing the number. He said he
personally feels that there needs to be a little more representation from what
he would consider the stakeholders, those that are contributing as far as the
hotel/motel tax. He said he would like to see at least one more member or
possibly more from that area on the board so that there would be a broad
consent of representation there. He said he thinks it is important to hear from
all of the hotel/motel owners as far as boards are concerned.
Mr. Bowden said they are increasing that, as presently there are four
designated representatives, one from the Chamber of Commerce, one from the
restaurant industry, one from hotel/motel and one from Historic Columbus; so we
are actually increasing by two. He said this means there would be more
stakeholders. He said he would like to also remind the Council that when the
board was originally setup, it was a nine-member board. He said the only reason
it was increased, was one of the former Mayors had asked for that to be done.
He said what they found through their research and through the
consultant?s recommendations, is to reduce the size, but increase the number of
stakeholders on the board. He said they agree that they need the stakeholders
at the table, to help the CCVB accomplish their mission.
Mr. Bowden then responded to several questions of Councilor Davis, after
which he then made a motion that we decrease the board to twelve members
instead of nine members. He said he would like us to add two additional
hotel/motel representatives. (This motion dies for the lack of a second)
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THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ
BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON
FIRST
READING:
An Ordinance - Renewing a Business Improvement District in Columbus,
Georgia.
Councilor Henderson said in working in the Uptown area, he would like to
say that the ambassadors working under the BID is probably one of the best
moves that this community has made. He said the Uptown area should be
congratulated on doing that as they have done a great job in administrating
over the cleanliness and the safety of that area.
Councilor Suber said Mr. Bernie Quick had requested 10-years in the
ordinance and said he wanted to point out that there is only 5-years in the
ordinance.
Mr. Jerry Newman said that is the proposal that he wanted to bring from
the Board of Trustees. He said they had met since Mr. Quick brought this before
the Council. He said they have had the property owners to sign the petitions
and said they have 75%, 93% by value.
He said the reason why they thought 10-years would work is because of the
amount of time and the effort it requires to get these petitions signs. He
said the other thing is the employees and training them; they want to know that
they have a job. He said they work hard and are proud of all the things that
they contribute; but they would feel more comfortable if they know that they
have this long-range plan.
Mr. Newman said the Council can come back at any time and visit this; and
would like for the Council to consider the 10-year proposal with a 5-year
option.
Councilor Suber said they have considered it and are going to leave it at
5-years.
City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone else who wanted to be
heard on this ordinance, as it is a public hearing, they could now be heard.
The following individuals then appeared and expressed their objections to
this ordinance, pointing out that they don?t think the government should
delegate their authority to private individuals to assess taxes.
Mr. Bert Coker, 5815 Ventura Drive and Mr. Richard Allen, 2809 Cherokee
Avenue.
Mr. Allen said this BID is not setup according to the statues of this
state. He said he doesn?t think the BID is economically depressed in its
conditions, as this is one of the main reasons that the BID was formed. He then
read the law as it relates to the BID. He said the BID provides street
sweeping, security and other services such as pressure washing the sidewalks.
He said the sidewalk is the City?s property and said that is no benefit to the
private property owners in the BID.
City Attorney Fay then responded to several concerns and questions of Mr.
Richard Allen at the request of Councilor Suber.
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An Ordinance - Amending Chapter 13 of the Columbus Code (Health and
Sanitation), so as to adopt the State Rules and Regulations for Tourist
Accommodations and provide for a permit fee for the health permit and for other
purposes.
An Ordinance - Amending Chapter 13 of the Columbus Code (Health and
Sanitation), so as to adopt the Rules and Regulations for Tattoo Studios and
Tattoo Artists as adopted by the Columbus Board of Health and provide for a
permit fee for the health permit and for other purposes.
Mr. Ed Sadila of the Columbus Health Department was present and pointed
out that what they are doing with these two ordinances is adopting the State
rules as a City ordinance violation. He said they are doing the same thing with
these two areas that was done with the food service requirements. He said this
ordinance would allow those persons who don?t meet those standards to go to the
Environmental Court and speed up the process for dealing with establishments
who don?t want to meet these requirements.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT
THE REQUEST OF CITY ATTORNEY
FAY:
A Resolution - Expressing appreciation for meritorious service rendered
Columbus by Mr. Stephen Turner Butler as a member of the Development Authority.
City Attorney Fay said we need to defer this resolution until a later
time.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MS. AUNGELIC NELSON, REPRESENTING MCA COLUMBUS, RE: TO PROVIDE INFORMATION
REGARDING THE IN-HOME STAFFING AGENCY FOR THE DISABLED AND ELDERLY:
Ms. Aungelic Nelson said she is one of the four owners of MCA Columbus.
She said she was also present at last Tuesday morning?s Council Meeting as part
of the Chamber of Commerce?s BOSS Program. She said her company has been
involved in both the SBDC and Professional Consulting Program, which they found
to be very helpful. She said they wanted to come back today and make a formal
introduction to the Council and the community to let them know about this new
resource that is available to you.
She said MCA Columbus is an in-home health and staffing agency, serving
Columbus, Fort Benning and the surrounding counties. She said a large part of
their business is caring for the elderly and disabled. She said they evaluate
each person on an individual basis and create a plan of care for them that
could range from a few hours to several days a week to around the clock care
depending on their needs.
Ms. Nelson spent some ten minutes in outlining the services that her
company provides as well as pointed out that they work very closely with the
Lower Chattahoochee Valley Area Agency on Aging, Alabama Cares, as well as New
Horizons and other groups to ensure the best care for the elderly and disabled.
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MR. BERT COKER, RE: SECURITY CONCERNS:
Mr. Bert Coker read a letter that was addressed to the Mayor and Council
regarding some concerns that he has as it relates to security. He said his
family suffered a great tragedy on last week when a member of the family was
murdered at its place of business. He said during the visitation at the funeral
home, a suspect harassed one of the family members and scared them by riding by
the home of his mother making threatening gestures.
He said on the day of the funeral a suspect made a telephone call to the home
and made some threatening remarks.
He said he called the Columbus Police Department and asked for a security
detail and said the officer that he spoke with said that the Columbus Police
Department was too short-handed and could not provide a detail for the funeral.
He said after talking with his superior, the officer suggested that he rent an
off-duty officer for the detail.
Mr. Coker said the City Council and the government is responsible for this
intolerable situation. He said the Council, Mayor and City Manager should be
held accountable for the lack of protection of their constituency and the
citizens of Columbus who elected them. He said he would hope that the
government would move forward to take positive action as it relates to security
in Columbus, Georgia.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: 3% PAY RAISE FOR CITY EMPLOYEES AND THE CITY?S
BUDGET:
Mr. Paul Olson said he is concerned about the 3% pay raises for the City
employees and also the City budget. He said he believes last year?s budget was
$176 million and this year?s operating budget will be $184 million; therefore,
we have increased $8 million from last year?s budget.
He made several comments as it relates to the City?s proposed budget for
FY-2005 and asked many questions of the Mayor and Council about several bond
issues and the different projects that were approved under those bond issues.
Mr. Olson spoke for some ten to thirteen minutes regarding financing and
budgetary issues of the Columbus Consolidated Government, with City Manager
Cavezza, Mayor Poydasheff and members of the Council responding to those
questions and concerns of Mr. Olson.
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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 (230-04) - Authorizing the adoption of the Liberty District
Master Plan, to promote planned Redevelopment in Columbus Muscogee County in
order to work with the revitalization of the area from Victory Drive to 11th
Avenue and Veteran Parkway to 10th Street in Columbus, Muscogee County,
Georgia. Councilor Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER CAVEZZA AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (231-04) - Approving the filing of an application and
authorizing the acceptance of a pass-through grant from the Georgia Department
of Community Affairs in the amount of $97,500 to the Port Columbus Civil War
Naval Museum and to amend the multi-governmental fund by a like amount.
A Resolution (232-04) - Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to School
House Drive and School Court located in Section Twenty-two, Sweetwater Village.
A Resolution (233-04) - Authorizing the purchase of custodial supplies on
an "as needed basis" from Georgia Correctional Industries, S & S Company of
Georgia, Inc., Brown?s Marketing, Zenger?s Industrial Supply, Zep
Manufacturing, COPACO, Inc., and Unisource for the estimated annual contract
value of $86,640.29 for various departments of the Columbus Consolidated
Government to utilize these custodial supplies and chemicals; with the contract
term being for a one-year period with an option to renew for two additional
twelve-month periods. Renewal of the contract is contingent upon the mutual
agreement of the City and the contracted vendors.
A Resolution (234-04) - Authorizing HVAC Preventive Maintenance service
from Siemens Building Technologies, Inc., for the estimated annual contract
value of $20,661.00. This service will cover maintenance on the large chiller
units for the Government Center, Civic Center, Public Safety and County Jail
buildings. Approval of this annual contract will alleviate the time consuming
process of requesting price quotes for maintenance repairs from contractors,
with the term of the contract period being for one year, with the option to
renew for two additional twelve-month periods. Contract will automatically
renew on the anniversary date of the contract, unless either party gives a
30-day written notice of cancellation.
A Resolution (235-04) - Authorizing payment of a settlement for
RiskManagement Claim #CAGG2004000019 in the amount of $48,553.60. The claim,
which occurred in January 2004, involves an integrated waste vehicle and a
commercial vehicle. The owner of the commercial vehicle has subrogated this
claim for the total loss of their tractor ($44,950.00), damages to the trailer
bed ($1,566.40) and towing services ($2,037.20), and has asked for a settlement
demand of $48,533.60 for property damages.
*** *** ***
BOOM BOOM ROOM CLUB:
Councilor Woodson said she has received a telephone call from a reporter
all weekend as it relates to a recent murder that has taken place at the Boom
Boom Room Club and wanted to know what the City?s stance on this issue was. She
said she told her that the Chief of Police hasn?t brought anything forth to
this Council to revoke their license. She said she would like to know if the
Chief has enough information to go ahead and revoke their license.
Mayor Poydasheff said that the Chief of Police and the Deputy Chief has
informed him of what happened at the club. He said as of today, they are
looking to see what the background is on the club, the ownership, etc. He said
they are looking at what steps are necessary to take to close it down. He said
there has been a history there, and said we are working on that matter.
*** *** ***
UPCOMING EVENTS:
City Manager Cavezza highlighted some upcoming events as outlined below.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Manager Cavezza requested permission to hold a brief executive
session after the adjournment of tonight?s Council meeting to discuss a
personnel matter.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &
COUNCIL:
Notice of the National League of Cities 12th Annual Leadership Summit,
September 23 - 25, 2004 in Charleston, South Carolina.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (236-04) - Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel from the
May 25, 2004 Council Meeting. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATIONS WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK
OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY
THE
COUNCIL:
Application of Rebecca Carter to temporarily close Baldwin Street from
Benner Avenue to Sampson Avenue, on June 11, 2004, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
in connection with a ?Block Party?. Councilor Suber moved the approval of the
application. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
NEW HORIZON MH/MR/SA BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a Certificate of Appointment for
Ms. Sandra Gill to serve another term of office on the New Horizon Community
Service MH/MR/SA Board and requested the Council?s confirmation.
Councilor Woodson moved she be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
C.I.R.C.L.E., April 13, 2004.
Health, Board of, April 28, 2004.
Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, April 13, 2004.
NH Community Service Board, April 12, 2004.
NH Community Service Board, May 10, 2004.
Planning Advisory Commission, March 19, 2003.
Planning Advisory Commission, April 3, 2003.
Planning Advisory Commission, April 16, 2003.
Planning Advisory Commission, May 7, 2003.
Tax Assessors, No. 19-04.
Tax Assessors, No. 20-04.
Water Commissioners, February 18, 2004.
Water Commissioners, April 12, 2004.
Zoning Appeals, Board of, April 7, 2004.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL:
Petition submitted by Ralph Kingrey to rezone approximately 1.81 acres of
property located at 5070 Warm Springs Road from an R-1A District to an A-O
District. (Recommended for conditional approval by the Planning Advisory
Commission and denial by the Planning Division.) (26-D-04-Kingrey)
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
Petition submitted by Larry McCraine to rezone approximately 0.14 acres of
property located at 2812 & 2814 3rd Avenue from an R-4 District to a C-3
District. (Recommended for conditional approval by the Planning Advisory
Commission and denial by the Planning Division.) (27-D-04-McCraine)
Councilor McDaniel moved the petition be received. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for
the meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers
nominated Mr. Thomas Beal to succeed Mr. Dennis Luby on the Building Authority
and that he may be confirmed.
Councilor McDaniel so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we need a nomination for
someone to succeed Mr. Arthur Thomason and Mr. Terry Hattaway, who have
resigned their seats on the Civic Center Advisory Board.
Councilor Turner Pugh nominated Mr. Wane Hailes to succeed Mr. Arthur
Thomason. Councilor Henderson moved he be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for
this meeting.
Councilor McDaniel also nominated Ms. Sharon Pierce to succeed
Mr. Jim Martin as his District 8 representative, due to him no longer living in
this district. Councilor Henderson moved Ms. Pierce be confirmed. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that we still need
nominations for those members who no longer reside in that district in which
they were appointed to serve. She said that is Mr. Brian Hercules, District
One. Councilor Suber said he would have his nomination on next week.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that the terms of office of Ms.
Floretta Thornton-Reid, who represents Council District Seven and Ms. Leigh
Stewart, who represents Council District Eight on the Community Development
Advisory Council expired on March 27, 2004 and said they are not eligible to
succeed themselves.
She then advised Councilors Woodson and McDaniel that they would need to
submit a recommendation for these two seats.
*** *** ***
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers
nominated Mr. Stephen Turner Butler to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Leah
Braxton on the Downtown Development Authority and that he may be confirmed.
Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF HONOR:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out we need someone to succeed Mr.
Jack Mickle who has resigned from his position on the Board of Honor due to him
no longer being a resident of Muscogee County.
Councilor McDaniel asked Clerk of Council Washington to provide a list of
those eligible individuals who can serve on this board.
*** *** ***
INDUSTRIAL & PORT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington said we still need someone to succeed
Mr. Wade Tomlinson on the Industrial & Port Development Commission who has
resigned to serve on another board. There were no nominations.
*** *** ***
MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Dr. Ashok Kumar has resigned
from his position on the Medical Center Hospital Authority and that we need
three individuals from which the Authority will select someone to fill this
seat.
Councilor Anthony nominated Mr. Ed Griffin. Councilor Suber also nominated
Ms. Merrian Douglass.
*** *** ***
UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we are awaiting a
recommendation from the Uptown Columbus for someone to succeed Mr. Brad
Strickland and Ms. Marlene Solis, whose seats were declared vacant at the
request of the Chairperson of the Board.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Council must make a
nomination for the 2004-2005 school year for the Youth Advisory Council.
Councilor Hunter nominated Maria Hunter as his nominee for the Youth
Advisory Board. Clerk of Council Washington said Miss Hunter, as well as Mayor
Poydasheff?s nominee of Alexander Ross can be confirmed. Councilor Woodson so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting.
Councilor Turner Pugh said the nominees she thought they appointed earlier
last year was to serve for the remainder of the school year. Clerk of Council
Washington said that was for the 2003-2004 school year, and said these new
nominees will be for the 2004-2005 school year.
*** *** ***
WEST CENTRAL GA REGIONAL MH/DD/AD BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers has
nominated Mr. Albert Sanders to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Debra Garab and
that he may now be confirmed.
Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor
Poydasheff then asked if there was anyone who was not listed on the Public
Agenda, but had an issue to bring before the Council, they could be heard at
this time. There was no one who indicated that they wanted to be heard.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Manager Cavezza as it relates to an
executive session, Councilor McDaniel made a motion to allow the Council to go
into executive session. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
At 7:40 p.m., the regular session was adjourned to allow the Council to go
into an executive session to discuss a personnel issue.
At 7:44 p.m., the meeting was called back to order, at which time Mayor
Poydasheff pointed out the Council met in an executive session to discuss a
personnel issue, but there were no votes taken.
Councilor Allen then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor
Suber and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
the time being 7:45 p.m.
*** *** ***
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia