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.

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

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

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

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