MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
JUNE 28, 2011
The monthly night meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, June 28, 2011, on the Plaza Level of the
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor,
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis,
Berry H. Henderson, Bruce Huff, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., and Evelyn Woodson.
City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
ABSENT: Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., was absent.
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INVOCATION: by Reverend Goodman, St. Mary?s Road UMC.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by River Road Elementary Summer Campers.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
REPORT:
BROWN AVENUE BRIDGE:
Deputy City Manager came forward and informed the Mayor and Council that
stated that the last time he provided a status on the project, Department Of
Transportation (DOT) had submitted their plans to Norfolk Southern for review
and comments and the time frame for that process has been approximately two
years. He said funding was slated for this upcoming fiscal year, and as a
result of the information we were provided; it has been two years, until the
Mayor stepped in and request to speak directly with someone at Norfolk
Southern. He said from the call by the Mayor, Norfolk Southern committed to
have the plans reviewed by the end of March 2012. If this plan comes through as
committed, then the project would be able to move forward as plan and funded by
DOT.
Mr. Arrington expressed his appreciation to the Mayor and Norfolk Southern
to expedite the plan review process based on how urgent that bridge needs to be
improved and also because of the impact it has primarily on Public Safety,
School District, and many other businesses in the area. He also thanked the
board members, Mr. Sam Welborn for all of his assistance, not only on this
project but every ongoing DOT project, as well as Mr. David McMillan.
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PRESENTATION:
RIVER VALLEY REGION TRANSPORTATION ROUNDTABLE:
Mr. Todd Long came forward and explained to the Mayor and Council that when
gas is purchased, a portion of the costs goes toward motor fuel tax, something
that started since the late 1950?s, and is the funding mechanism to build
roads, bridges, and transit. He made some references to the Interstate Act of
1956 and the purposes of this piece of legislation; gas tax as a user fee to
raise money for transportation purposes; increases in the user fee; and gas
sales revenue to fund transportation needs.
Mr. Long said it is imperative that we invest in transportation given that
Columbus is one of the few areas in Georgia that is growing. He said in order
for us to keep the companies we have in Georgia and if we want to recruit new
companies to come to Georgia, we better invest in our infrastructure. He said
the General Assembly passed the Transportation Investment Act of 2010 ? an
opportunity for infrastructure investment in the state and there are 12
different regions (tax districts) these are planning boundary regions that
existed, not because of transportation, but because of planning purposes, and
Columbus happen to be in the River Valley Regional Commission. Each tax
districts can levy a one-percent sales tax for a period of ten years. This is
not for Individual County but rather as a whole district and the money raised
within the River Valley region, will remain in the district.
Mr. Long said elected officials decide the criteria for project selection,
called round tables, and each county in the region has two representatives ?
the County Commission Chair and the Mayor elected by the Mayors of the various
counties. He said the vote would be in the summer of 2012, July 31 and then the
funds will start flowing in the first quarter of 2013. He the money as it comes
in is divided into two different pots ? a regional pot and a local pot. The
regional pot is a list of projects that this regional roundtable has decided
on. The local pot is a percentage of the money goes directly back to the cities
and the counties in the region by the use of a formula (1/5 population as a
factor and 4/5 center line mass). He said the bill is written with a broad
definition of project, airports, bike lanes, bridges, bus rail are eligible,
including operations.
Mr. Long provided some additional information on project selection process,
public hearings, and the vote by the roundtable on October 15, 2013.
Councilor Henderson suggest we scroll this information on our local CCGTV
access channel so people would be able to access the information directly from
the DOT.
Councilor Woodson request that this be listed on an upcoming Work Session
Agenda for further discussion.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
Mayor Tomlinson explained that City Manager Hugley has requested that this
item be moved up to accommodate those our special guests who are here to greet
the Civic Center Director.
City Manager Hugley called on Mr. Horner and his spouse to come forward,
along with employees and partners (Cotton Mouths Hockey and Columbus Lions
Football) of the Civic Center, read his professional accomplishments, and
requested confirmation of Mr. Horner as the Civic Center Director.
A Resolution (221-11) - Authorizing the appointment of Ross D. Horner, CFE,
as Civic Center Director.
Councilor Woodson made a motion to approve the resolution and seconded by
Councilor Allen.
Councilor Davis then made a supplement motion to amend the resolution to
have separate votes on the conformation and compensation package. Seconded by
Councilor Baker for discussion purposes only. Following a point of order by
Councilor Henderson on the motion made by Councilor Davis, the with a vote of 2
to 7, this motion failed due to an inclusive vote, with Councilors Davis and
Baker voting yes, and all other Councilors voting no, and Councilor McDaniel
being absent from this meeting.
Mayor Tomlinson then recall the first motion made by Councilor Woodson and
seconded by Councilor Allen to approve the resolution appointing Mr. Horner as
Civic Center Director. This motion was carried by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
Following a few comments by Mr. Horner, Mayor Tomlinson, and Councilor
Davis, City Manager Hugley pointed out that the start date for Mr. Horner is
August 1st.
City Manager?s Agenda continues below.
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MAYORS? AGENDA (Continues):
UPDATE:
CITY BANK ACCOUNT REPORT:
Finance Director Ms. Pam Hodge came forward explained that the information
distributed around Council?s table included bank accounts that are set up with
the city?s identification number, name of bank, agency responsible for the
account, purpose of the account, and the amount as of March 31, 2011. She said
this list will be updated each year at the end of the fiscal year and would be
provided to Council. After some additional comments regarding the legitimacy of
the accounts, she pointed out that one such account set up by the Muscogee
County Marshall?s Office is an account that was set up previous to Marshall
Countryman and it is her understanding that there has been no activity on this
account.
Ms. Hodge said we did follow up with banks that did not initially respond
and the main account for the city that is held and managed by the Finance
Department is at Columbus Bank & Trust and this bank was selected during an RFP
process and it is the bank that we utilize for the ongoing operations of the
city. She said there were five accounts at CB&T; (Concentration Account, Jury
Manager Account, Probation Operational and Custodial Account, C.I.R.C.L.E.,
Clerk of Municipal Court) At Community Trust they Jail Commissary, and Clerk of
Superior Court maintain cash bond accounts; Fist Georgia ? originally there
were two accounts for the Metro Narcotics Task Force but those accounts are no
longer active.
Responding to a question from Councilor Davis, Ms. Hodge explained that
certain accounts maintained with the Clerk of Superior Court has to be set up
in a separate account for a particular purpose, individual or piece of
property.
Mayor Tomlinson asked that Ms. Hodge inquire and report back to the Council
regarding the accounts (Clerk of Superior Court) being at different banks. She
said at Sun Trust, the clerk of Superior Court has five different operating
accounts for different purposes; Probate Court has two different Custodial
Accounts at Sun Trust; MCP keeps different accounts for their inmate store,
travel, and trust accounts. She said Wells Fargo is the restitution account for
Adult Probation; Metro has one bank account as Wells Fargo for seizures; Clerk
of State and Superior Court has one account for intangibles; and a Custodial
Account for Probate Court. She said the last account is at Regions for the
Clerk of Superior Court and those two accounts are no longer active as well as
the one for the Marshall that we will be following up on.
Responding to a question from Councilor Woodson regarding the Marshall?s
account, Ms. Hodge explained that on one that we are aware of is a signer on
the account and banks will not release that type of data to someone who is not
a signer on the account. She said they would have to work with the bank to
determine who the authorized signers are on that account. She said she did
speak with Marshall (Countryman) and he received a statement when he first took
office but it did not belong to him and he turned it over to the previous
Marshall and since that time we did not have any correspondences with the bank.
Councilor Thomas suggested that during orientation for new employees, the
resolution recently approved requiring the Finance Director and City Manager to
sign off on things should be included in the orientation process.
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INFORMATION:
AIRPORT PENSION:
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that included in Council?s packets is a letter
from Don Morgan, attorney for the Airport Commission, requesting to have the
public safety personnel of the airport commission added to our pension. She
said that after consultation with the Director of Finance and also with the
City Attorney, this particular offer differs and that they are offering to pay
upfront in a difference to buy in. However, before we know exactly how much
that is and before they can actually commit to paying in, we would have to
expand resources for our actuaries to determine how much it is they would have
to pay in and because I think this has been voted down in the past, we wanted
to get some direction from the Council on whether this would be something you
would want us to expend city resources in determining what the buy-in would be,
or if you want to keep them under the city?s General Government Pension Plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked if it was discussed with the Airport
Commission that if we chose to do this that they would have to repay the
government any funds expended, to which City Manager Hugley responded that the
way he understood it to be is that they would be required to pay for the
actuarial study and so they would have to take care of the expanses of
determining the amount and then put that amount upfront.
Mayor Tomlinson explained that the Pension Board declined to consider this
at all because they did not feel that they could give any authority to move
forward without Council determining who would be responsible for this actuary
analysis.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to allow the Airport sworn
officers to be part of our public safety pension plan, with the understanding
that they will reimburse the city for any funds expanded from the actuarial
study.
Councilor Allen said he did not hear a second but asked for clarification
on the motion ? if we are going to ask for the actuary to provide us the
numbers first before we approve them. He said while he agrees with Mayor Pro
Tem?s motion, approval of it may not be the first step as we need to get the
information first.
Following additional comments from members of Council and Mayor Tomlinson,
Councilor Allen said he voted against this the last time it came up because
they were not sure of the amount. He said they (Airport Commission) have a
retirement plan but they seem to like ours better. He said the collective
concern of this Council was the cost of absorbing them into that (plan). It was
said at that time as well that they would pay the cost but we did not know what
the cost was and we denied the request.
Finance Director Hodge then explained that the airport is part of our
pension plan but their employees are in the general government pension plan and
not in the public safety pension plan. She said the Airport pays their portion
of the retirement for their employees and it is a percentage of payrolls for
each of the agencies that are participating in our pension plan.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE LISTED ON THE CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA WERE
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY:____________________________________________
An Ordinance (Defeated) ? amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a
district located at 4627 Milgen Road from LMI (Light Manufacturing Industrial)
zoning district to GC (General Commercial) zoning district.
Councilor Henderson made a motion to deny this ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Baker, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND WAS ADOPTED ON SECOND READING BY THE COUNCIL:
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An Ordinance (11-31) - amending the Unified Development Ordinance to
create a new special exception use in Neighborhood Commercial with additional
standards.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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At the request of Councilor Henderson, City Attorney Fay called up the
following resolution listed on his agenda.
A Resolution, (222-11) ? Authorizing a special exception use to permit
Ambulance Services in a NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district located at
3623 Calvin Drive.
Councilor Henderson said he had a few questions for Mr. Mize as he heard
from some of the residents. He then asked Mr. Mize to address the issues the
two of them spoke about.
Mr. Mize came forward and stated that since Council just approved a text
amendment to allow a special exception in a NC Zoning Classification, we are
now seeking a special exception use at 3623 Calvin Drive which is currently
zoned NC. He said we have conditioned this in addition to the condition in the
text amendment, which limits it to six ambulances operating at any one time at
that site, and we have additionally conditioned it (1) No sirens or emergency
lights until the intersection of Calvin Drive and Warm Springs Road, unless
they are responding to an emergency call in the neighborhood. (2) There would
be no turning left, going north on Calvin Drive into the neighborhood unless
the ambulance is responding to a call. (3) We would construct and maintain an
eight-foot wooden privacy fence together with a landscape buffer consistent
with the plan presented to Council two weeks ago. In addition to that, and
hearing the residents concerns about the idling of the ambulances, Mr. Campbell
has agreed to implement additional operational guidelines to take into
consideration the concerns of the residents.
Mr. Dale Campbell came forward at the request of Councilor Henderson and
addressed some of the concerns of the residents such as idling which would be
limited to 15 minutes; parking ? only office personnel will park in the front,
ambulances will park in the back and at no time will they be parked in the
front, on the roads, or in the access driveway; crew will not be allowed to
hang around outside or in the parking lot. He said this has been included in
the policy that would be implemented and govern by the management.
A copy of this policy is on file with the June 28, 2011 Council Meeting in
the Clerk of Council?s Office.
Following additional discussions by members of Council, Mr. Rick Jones, and
Mr. Campbell, Councilor Davis suggested to have the conditions of the policy
described by Mr. Campbell included in the resolution.
Mr. Campbell then suggested that the policy could say ?any vehicle that
idles, will not idle for more than 15 minutes at a time. He said the purpose of
the vehicle idling is to check the fluids for cooling and heating of the
vehicle.
Councilor Davis then made a motion to amend the resolution with the
suggestions stated earlier. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent
from this meeting.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Ms. Angela Rose then came forward and stated that she is campus
administrator of Magnolia Manor and they have over 400 beds in their long-term
care and assisted living. She said it is with great excitement that she is here
and thinking that Lifeline EMS would be across the street from Magnolia Manor.
She said they are the primary provider of transport for our residents, to and
from the hospital, with St. Francis being our primary hospital.
Mr. Tony Chance then came forward and stated that he is the owner of the
Reese?s, a gas station close to the property being rezoned. He said he is in
favor of this rezoning due to the fact that it would be a 24-hour presence
there that would deter any criminal-type activity.
Ms. Henrietta Gill ? 3631 Calvin Drive came forward and stated that she is
disappointed that the text amendment was passed because she think that
ambulance services have already gotten some very unique benefits. She said one
year ago, this Council approved to let them expand their locations to include
general commercial areas, and now it was expanded to neighborhood commercial,
even though it is contrary to what the definition of neighborhood commercial.
Ms. Gill said these ambulance services are not so much a public service as
they are a very profitable specialized transportation service business and they
particularly benefit because they are able to use off-duty city fire department
employees to staff the ambulance instead of having to pay for this training
themselves. She said the residents of the nursing home deserves any emergency
medical care they require but it is hard to believe that a few seconds really
count while they are waiting to be transported because during that time they
are being provided care be the nursing home medical staff.
Ms. Gill made some additional comments regarding idling of vehicles,
activities on Calvin Drive with regard to traffic, noise ordinance, lost of
value to surrounding homes, number of ambulances on site at one time, and
height of fence.
Following explanation from Mr. Rick Jones, Director of Planning regarding
the procedure for text amendments, special exception use requests, and
advertising, Councilor Allen then moved the approval of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (11-32) ? providing for the establishment of taxing districts,
including a county-wide general services district and three (3) urban services
districts and three (3) Business Improvement districts (BID); providing for the
levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for Columbus, Georgia within such
districts for the calendar year 2011 as provided under the Charter of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; providing penalties for
violations of the provisions of said ordinance; and for other purposes.
Councilor Henderson then moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (11-33) ? providing for the levy, assessment, and collection
of taxes for the public school system of Columbus, Georgia; and for other
purposes.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (11-34) ? amending certain sections of the Columbus Code and
changing miscellaneous fees for Inspection & Codes and the Planning Departments
that were recommended by the Council Budget Review Committee for the FY2012
budget.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:_____________________________________
An Ordinance amending Section 2-11 of the Columbus Code so as to provide
that the Recorder?s Court Clerk shall be appointed by and removed by the
Columbus Council; placing supervision of the Recorder?s Court Clerk and
deputies under the Senior Recorder; and for other purposes.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Councilor Woodson informed the Mayor and Council of an email sent by Judge
Allen, requesting to delay this matter. Councilor Woodson then made a motion to
delay for 30 days. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel
being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code so as to prohibit the
opening of checking accounts or interest-bearing accounts by employees,
appointed officials, and members of boards and commissions without prior
written approval of the City Manager and Finance Director; and for other
purposes.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
With no one here to oppose these proposed changes to the Columbus Code,
City Attorney Fay then pointed out that this item would be listed for 2nd
reading and a vote at the next meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA WERE
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:___________
A Resolution, (223-11) ? Authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement
between Columbus, Georgia and the Georgia Department of Corrections for FY12
operations at the Muscogee County prison.
Mayor Tomlinson explained that although it has been signed, it was tendered
to the city Attorney and has not been delivered.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay requested a brief executive session at the end of the
regular session to discuss potential litigation.
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ASSESSMENT NOTICES:
Councilor Davis said he has received a lot of phone calls from residents
concerned about the assessment notices that have been mailed out, especially
with 2009 taxes due to the rollback. He said it might me wise for Council to
talk about those matter ? what is happening and what rights do individuals
have.
City Attorney Fay explained that the Board of Tax Assessors is limited by
our local constitution amendment but provides a homestead assessment freeze and
when that was drafted in the early 80s, the drafters at the General Assembly
took into account the fact that with the homestead freeze, people may make
improvement to their property, and they put in the constitution provision
language to cover that ? the board of Tax Assessor shall add the value of any
such improvements to the frozen homestead assess value. But, they did not
address any reduction in the frozen homestead value in the case of
deteriorating market conditions or real estate market having problems like
they?ve had in the last two or three years. He said the amendment as it is
written, applies to keep the homestead assessment frozen at the purchase price
level.
Councilor Thomas asked for a report on how many request for appeals the
Clerk of Superior Court have received.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF EACH PERSON (S)
COMMENTS:______________________________________________________
MR. ROGER D. MARTIN, REPRESENTING CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER WARDEN, RE: TO THANK
CITY OFFICIALS FOR THE RECENT CONTRACT TO STABILIZE THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER
BANK:____________________________________________________________
Mr. Martin, Executive Director of the Chattahoochee River Warden, said this
is a non-profit organization formed back in 2009 by a group of concern citizens
throughout the Chattahoochee Valley who became concern about the lack of a
river protection advocacy organization. He made some comment regarding their
works, milestones, and the future opportunities of the river.
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MR. JOSHUA S. BLACK, RE: TRASH AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL
ALTERNATIVES:__________________________________________________
Mr. Black who was listed on the Public Agenda did not respond when called
to address Council.
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MS. SARAH E. LANG, RE: REPRESENTING VALLEY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, INC., RE: THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ON-SITE EMPLOYEE HEALTH CENTER FOR THE COLUMBUS
CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT:__________________________________
Ms. Lang came forward and stated that she is the Chief Executive Officer
for the Valley Health Care System, and she is thankful for the opportunity to
come before this Council to discuss innovative and cost effective way to
provide health care services for the employees of the city. Ms. Lang further
introduced other members of her organization: Ms. Jennifer Melvin, Chief
Financial Officer and Mr. David Smith, Consultant.
Ms. Melvin said they are a local non-profit organization that has been base
in Columbus for over 17 years and they provide services to three counties ?
Harris, Tolbert, and Muscogee. She explained the types of health care services
provided by their various clinics to include the location of each of their
clinics. She said the reason they are here is because they believe they can
provide a dedicated, comprehensive, and quality primary health care site for
the City of Columbus, its employees and retirees, the result being to improve
the health care status and lower costs of health care for the city.
Following the presentation by Ms. Melvin and other members of her
organization, she responded to questions and comments from the Mayor and
several members of Council.
A copy of the presentation made by Valley Healthcare System, Inc. is
available in the Clerk of Council?s Office.
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MS. KIMBERLY N. SWANSON, RE: IMPORTANCE OF REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER
DIRECTORY:______________________________________
Ms. Swanson came forward and stated that she is a 29-year old mother to
five children and was only recently aware of where to go to find out about sex
offenders who may be living her area.
Major Randy Robinson, Sheriff?s Department than came forward and explained
that currently they are managing approximately 300 sex offenders in Muscogee
County and the Muscogee County Sheriff?s Office website has a logo (Offender
Watch) that provide additional information. Residents can also register their
address into the offender watch and if a sex offender moves within one mile of
your home, you will receive an email notifying you that a registered sex
offender has moved, to include the address of where the individual has moved.
He said in Muscogee County, sex offenders are also required to register where
they work, in addition to registering where they live.
Responding to a question from Mayor Tomlinson, Maj. Robertson explained
they do send deputies to Public Housing, but a large amount of individual
living in Public Housing do have internet and what we have done in apartment
complexes is basically letting the manager know and they in turn let their
tenants know. He said the apartment managers are also putting in the
information into the offender watch to keep them notified. He said the problem
we are dealing with in Georgia is that we are operating under three different
sex offender laws that are base on when the offense was committed. He said the
individual Ms. Swanson came into contact with committed the crime in July 2004
and he was convicted and sentenced in February 2006 and this individual cannot
reside within 1000 feet of a childcare facility, school, or area where children
(anyone 17 or younger) congregate. He cannot live near those places but he can
work at those places. He said these are just some of the problems we are
running into. He said there were some portions of the law that was declared
unconstitutional and now it is base on when the act occurred.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA, WERE
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_______
A Resolution (224-11) - Authorizing the adopting of a Fund Balance Policy
for compliance with the new requirements of GASB Statement No. 54.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote and Councilor Thomas
being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (225-11) Authorizing the execution of a contract with the
Georgia Department of Transportation for Financial Assistance to carry out the
FY2012 Transportation Planning Work Activities of the Columbus-Phenix City
Transportation Study (C-PCTS).
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Davis asked about the differences from last year to this year and
what we would be planning for the future.
City Manager Hugley responded that this is an annual grant and is actually
our MPO Office ? the administrative office of the Metropolitan Planning Office
and this takes care of employees and people. He said it is an 80/20 percent
match grant and if we did not have this grant, then some of our administrative
planners (staff) would go away.
Mayor Tomlinson called the question of the motion made by Councilor
Henderson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present,
with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (226-11) Authorizing the approval of a permanent encroachment
at 1109 Broadway for the construction of a balcony that will extend six feet -
six inches into the public right-of-way from the existing building face with a
minimum height of eight feet above the sidewalk.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the approval of the resolution, seconded by
Councilor Allen.
Responding to a question from Councilor Henderson, City Manager Hugley
explained that this request have been dome for others and because the sidewalk
or distance varies, the code allows for five feet and we have done eight feet
for some, but this one if 6?6? and is because of the width of the walkway. He
said they will come individually and we may get more.
Following further comments from Mayor Tomlinson and members of Council, and
the applicant, Mayor Tomlinson called the question, which was carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor McDaniel
being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (227-11) Authorizing to the execution of a City Right of Way
Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for a county
contract for an intersection and bridge improvement at Mutec Drive (Corporate
Ridge) and Woodruff Farm Road.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S
AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED PURSUANT
TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH. SECONDED
BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH THEN CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF
COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FROM THIS MEETING:
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A Resolution (228-11) ? Authorizing the purchase of five (5) 2012 Chevrolet
Impalas, via Georgia State Contract, SWC90796, from Hardy Chevrolet (Dallas,
GA) in the amount of $87,005.00. The 2012 Chevrolet Impalas will be used by the
Columbus Police Department as administrative vehicles. These are replacement
vehicles.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (229-11) ? Authorizing the payment to F4W, Inc., in the amount
of $26,892.06 for the annual maintenance renewal for the mobile command force
satellite system utilized by the Sheriff?s Office.
The system is used as a mutual aid tool providing communication services to
26 Counties in the event of emergency situations. The maintenance includes
24/7 telephone support, software upgrades and loaner equipment during repair
periods. This payment will cover the period from July 15, 2011 ? July 14,
2012. Funds are budgeted in the FY12 Budget: General Fund ?Sheriff ?
Operations ? Contractual Services; 0101-550-2100-SPTL-6319.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (230-11) - Authorizing the payment to Robinson Paving, in the
amount of $46,511.97, to settle a property damage claim. The claim settlement
relates to an accident, which occurred on Friday, April 29, 2011. While on
I-185 one mile south of the St. Mary?s Road exit, a city employee was driving
and operating a grab-all in a southerly direction on I-185, when the arm of the
grab-all swung out and hit the sound barrier wall causing extensive damage.
The damaged sections of the wall are mostly custom made.
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MONTHLY FINANCE UPDATE:
Finance Director Pam Hodge came forward and provided a brief update for the
month of May 2011. During Ms, Hodge?s presentation, she responded to questions
and comments from the Mayor and members of Council.
A copy of Ms. Hodge?s presentation is on file in the Clerk of Council?s
Office.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR MAYOR AND
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Council Districting
Commission.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Audit Reports.
(3) Notice from the United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission of an
application filed by Uptown Columbus, Inc. to surrender both the Eagle and
Phenix Mills Project license and the City Mills Project exemption.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (231-11) ? Excusing Councilor Bruce Huff from the June 21,
2011 Council Meeting.
Councilor Allen moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present,
with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (232-11) ? Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the June 21,
2011 Council Meeting.
Councilor Allen moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present,
with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
Application submitted by Richard Bishop to temporarily close the North
bound and South bound lanes of Broadway at 14th Street, Northbound and South
bound lanes of 1st Avenue at 13th Street, 14th & 15th Streets; West side of 2nd Avenue, 10th Avenue at 18th Street, Railroad
Street at 2nd Avenue underpass, Front Avenue North of 12th Street, on June 25,
2011, in connection with ?YMCA Youth Triathlon?. (Approved by Chief of Police
and Mayor). (Approved)
Councilor Allen moved approval of the application. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present,
with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS:
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 22-11.
Community Development Advisory Council, March 15, 2011.
Councilor Allen moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present,
with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE NEW ZONING PETITIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY THE CLERK OF
COUNCIL, AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR
ALLEN:________________________
(a) Petition submitted by William C. Pound, Esq. to rezone 12.091 acres of
property located at 2122 Manchester Expressway from RO (Residential Office with
conditions) to RO (Residential Office with amended conditions). (Recommended
for approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning
Department.) (12-A-11-Pound)
(b) Petition submitted by William C. Pound, Esq. to rezone 2.708 acres of
property located at 4205, 4211, 4217, 4223, 4303, 4311 and 4325 St. Francis
Avenue from SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) / RMF1 (Residential Multi Family
1) to RO (Residential Office) district. (Recommended for approval by both the
Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department.) (13-A-11-Pound)
(c) Petition submitted by Jack Hayes to rezone 5 acres of property located at
6003 Veterans Parkway from GC (General Commercial) to RO (Residential Office).
(Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the
Planning Department.) (14-A-11-Hayes)
Councilor Allen called for public hearings for the petitions.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES:
Clerk of Councilor Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Councilor
Barnes has nominated Ms. Deepali Agarwal and she can be confirmed. Councilor
Thomas moved the confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with councilor
McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
COUNCIL DISTRICTING COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington encouraged members of Council to begin making
their nominations. The following are those nominations:
Mr. Abdul Hassan ? District 4
Ms. Gloria Graham ? District 1
Mr. Jerry Luquire ? District 2
Ms. Jean Flowers ? District 6
Councilor Baker said it came to his attention that one of the nominees that
was submitted to from the Grand Jury no longer reside at the address provided.
He asked if it is the responsibility of Council to check the nominees they
receive to make sure they are currently residing in that district. Ms.
Washington said she believed that is the responsibility of the grand jury, but
she will confirm once she speak with District Attorney Julia Slater.
City Attorney Fay explained that these are appointments that are being made
by this Council, from the list on nominees.
*** *** ***
PENSION PLAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the City Manger that Ms. Reather
Hollowell?s term would expire at the end of this month. No action taken.
*** *** ***
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Ms. Lucy
Sheftall has resigned and this is Council?s appointment. No action taken.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Baker is working on
a replacement for Ms. Tiffany Tootle. No action taken.
*** *** ***
REGION SIX PLANNING BOARD DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Ms. Shana
Young has resigned. No action taken.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request by City Attorney Fay, Councilor Allen made a
motion to go into an executive session. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with councilor McDaniel
being absent from this meeting, with the time being 8:45 p.m.
At 9:56 p.m., the regular session was called back to order at which time
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that the Council met into an executive session to
discuss potential litigation, but no action was taken.
*** *** ***
With no other business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Allen, and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilor Davis
being absent for this vote, Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting,
and the time being 9:57 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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