MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
JULY 29, 2008
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 29, 2008, in the Council Chambers on the
Plaza Level of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J.
Wetherington, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington were Councilors Wayne Anthony,
Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr.,
and 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.
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ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh and Councilor R. Gary Allen were
absent, but were excused upon the adoption of Resolution Numbers 333-08 &
334-08 respectively.
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INVOCATION: Reverend Marsha Emery, Striplin Terrace United Methodist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by children from the Childcare Network Center with
Director Kim Ratledge.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?DR. JOHN PHILLIPS DAY?
With Dr. John Phillips and his family standing at the Council table,
Councilor McDaniel read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming
Tuesday, July 29, 2008 as ?Dr. John Phillips Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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?MUSCOGEE COUNTY TAX COMMISSIONER?S OFFICE RECOGNITION
DAY?:________________________________________________________________
With Ms. Lula Huff, Tax Commissioner and other staff members standing at
the Council table, Councilor Henderson read the proclamation of Mayor
Wetherington, proclaiming Tuesday, July 29, 2008 as ?Muscogee County Tax
Commissioner?s Office Recognition Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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?SUMMERFEST CULTURAL FESTIVAL DAY 2008?
With Ms. Carol Gertjegerdes and other staff members of the Columbus Times
standing at the Council table, Councilor Barnes read the proclamation of Mayor
Wetherington proclaiming Friday, August 8, 2008 as ?Summerfest Cultural
Festival Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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MAYORS? AGENDA:
WITH THOSE NAMED IN THE RESOLUTION STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE
FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR ANTHONY AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL:______________
A Resolution (320-08) ? Commending WTVM, Columbus State University and the
many volunteers involved in the 2008 Thunder on the Hooch July 4th Celebration.
Councilor Anthony called on representatives from WTVM to come forward. Upon
reading the resolution, Councilor Anthony moved the adoption. Seconded by
Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Allen being absent from
this meeting.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the May 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2008 Council
Meetings of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia
were submitted and approved.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Allen being absent from
this meeting.
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PUBLIC HEARING: On the submission of the Community Agenda Section of the 2028
Comprehensive Plan.
Director Rick Jones (Director of Planning) introduced members of his staff
saying that these are the folks who are behind this project, doing the legwork
and instrumental in putting this plan together.
Mr. Jones said the intent this morning is to hold this presentation and
give the public an opportunity to come and speak about the plan. He said the
Comprehensive Plan is a document that looks 20 years in the future. It also
deals with land use issues and is a document we depend on when dealing with
zoning issues and other matters regarding development throughout the community.
He pointed out that 327 citizens attended various forums on this issue where
they were given an opportunity to see first hand the process of the plan and
also provide input on what they would like to see for the future of Muscogee
County. Upon the completion of the presentation, Director Jones then asked for
Council?s permission to submit this document as required by State so the State
will have ample time to review it and get a response back to us. He pointed out
that we are not adopting the plan today, but all we are doing is asking for
permission to submit it on behalf of the City to the State for their review and
they will in turn give their comments back to us and at that time (possibly in
October 2008) we will come back to Council and ask for a formal adoption of the
plan.
City Manager Hugley said we would like to extend an opportunity to members
of the audience to come forward if they would like to ask questions and make
comments.
Mr. Bert Coker, 5815 Ventura Drive asked what is the cost of the plan to
which City Manager Hugley responded that the Mayor and Council authorized us to
spend up to $600,000 for this plan and we are within budget. He then made some
additional comments regarding hiring of consultants, the rail yard, and other
infrastructures and roads.
Mr. Owen Ditchfield said he is excited at the fact that most of the
citizens emphasize the need for revitalization and asked what can or will the
city do to encourage that (revitalization)? In response to Mr. Ditchfield?s
question, Director Jones said what we are actually doing with this plan is
looking inwards to see if we can do that in terms of how our zoning goes in
place, where we do our infrastructure, improve development and improve growth -
we have a lot of potential going now and it is up to us (Planning Department)
to provide that guidance and direction to Council in terms of how we develop
those areas.
Mr. Paul Olson, 13830 Upatoi Lane said he lives out in the Eastern
Panhandle of Muscogee County in Upatoi and we pay property taxes on sewage but
he does not have run-off and we also pay one percent of millage but there is no
service. He then asked what is being done to provide that area with sewage
lines? In response to Mr. Olson question, City Manager Hugley said he would be
more than happy to answer questions regarding the 2028 plan and will also get
with the Columbus Water Works to find out plans for future sewage lines. Mr.
Olson then asked if the 2028 plan addresses sewage lines to which Director
Jones said the plan as it is required to, does address how we will address
infrastructure needs, transportation needs, and sewer needs.
Mr. Olson then made a few more comments regarding budgeting and paving and
reserve fund.
Another citizen who lives at 5050 Midland Trace came forward and said it
was her understanding that part of this plan was to change the Midland area
(Blackmon Road) towards Pierce Chapel to SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1
District) from Rural Development and asked if this change was still going to
take place and how was it going to be handled. In response to the citizen?s
question, Director Jones said we realize we have a potential rezoning going on
in that particular location, we met with the developers and some of the
neighbors and we are still waiting on the results of that but one of the things
that came out of that conversation was we had the future land use map showing
it as a single family and not rural residential and our conversation with
Councilor Allen about that we said we would change that back to rural
residential and the map now reflects such, the Blackmon Road area is reflected
as rural residential.
After some additional questions and comments from several members of
Council and Director Jones, City Manager Hugley requested that Items number 1
and 2 on his agenda be considered for a vote at this time as listed below.
CITY MANAGERS? AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE THEN SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (321-08) ? Authorizing the submission of the Community Agenda
Section of the 2028 Comprehensive Plan to the Lower Chattahoochee Regional
Development Center and to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for
approval. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Allen being absent from
this meeting.
A Resolution (322-08) ? Authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),
with Midtown, Inc., for a flood study of the Lindsey Creek Basin from the west
right-of-way of I-185/SR 411 south to Decatur Street near Lower Bull Creek.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present with
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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NOTE: The City Manager?s Agenda is continued below.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Wetherington asked for a motion to go into an executive session to
discuss personnel matters. Councilor Barnes so moved. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present with
Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting
and the time being 10:05 a.m.
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At 10:32 a.m. the meeting was called back to order at which time Mayor
Wetherington pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to
discuss personnel matters, but no action was taken.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
During this portion of the proceeding, Mayor Wetherington called on
Councilor Henderson to read a resolution.
A Resolution (323-08) ? Authorizing the Mayor, City Manager and Police
Chief to begin the process of recruiting, advertising and hiring up to 100
police officers at a cost not to exceed $3.462 million. The total amount
expended shall be refunded from the appropriate sales tax account to the
General Fund, after sufficient Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) revenues have been
collected as determined by the Finance Director. The Public Safety supplement
of $3,000 will take affect as budgeted on July 1, 2009. Councilor
Mayor Wetherington then read the following statement:
?During the recent L.O.S.T. the Council and I made a pledge to you to
increase the presence of police on the streets by 100 officers in addition to
those that we currently have. Council passed a resolution (this morning) to do
that immediately and not wait for the sale tax revenue to be collected. If all
100 officers were hired as of October 1, 2008 and were employed thru June 30,
2009 the cost of salaries, benefits, and equipment would be approximately $3.75
million. The $3,000 supplement for sworn officers will begin on July 1, 2009 at
the beginning of the next budget year. The city has recently received just over
$3.4 million from a judgment in the Continental Carbon case. This money was not
considered when the budget for the fiscal year was developed, as we had no
guarantee of receiving it. Because of that I recommended and the Council
approved using the money to beginning hiring up to 100 police officers as soon
as Chief Boren can hire them. Once the money from the sales tax is received the
Council?s resolution called for the sales tax revenue to repay the money spent.
I believe and the Council has concurred that this is the best use of the
Continental Carbon?s settlement money. It will begin the process we pledge to
the citizens of Columbus during the recent campaign and by repaying the money
we will have that money to use in the future for other projects this Council
determines. I believe the citizens will benefit immediately from the action and
will continue to benefit for years to come.?
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL:_________________
A Resolution (324-08) ? Imposing the Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.)
pursuant
to O.C.G.A. ?48-8-86 and approval at referendum on July 15, 2008, such tax to
be effective January 1, 2009. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Anthony and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor
Allen being absent from this meeting.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF THEIR COMMENTS:________________
MR. CECIL CALHOUN & MR. DAVID HAY, REPRESENTING COLUMBUS HIGH AND JORDAN
HIGH ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS, RE: CELEBRATION OF 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST
COLUMBUS VS. JORDAN FOOTBALL
GAME:_____________________________________________________________
Mr. Dewayne said they are here to promote the 100th Anniversary of
Columbus High School vs. Jordan High School football game with the game
schedule to begin at 7:30 p.m. at the A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium.
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MRS. LINDA GEORGE, RE: DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE HANDICAPPED; EXPERIENCE
WITH BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:_____
Mrs. George started out by reading the Fair Housing Act after which she
pointed out a bill (included in packets submitted to Council) she received on
6/23/2008 regarding the reappraisal of her home and that it can be re-evaluated
every year. She said she attempted to contact the Tax Assessors Office but did
not get an answer but did leave a message. She said she then sent two expressed
mails in order to start the appeal process. She said she also sent two
certified mailings to the Tax Assessors? Office and has asked Council to vote
collectively to direct the Board of Tax Assessors to set a hearing to determine
what is going to be done about the bill she received in the amount of
$51,680.00.
At the end of the five minutes allowed for persons appearing on the public
agenda, Councilor Hunter then made a motion to allow Mrs. George an additional
five minutes. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present wit Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor
Allen being absent from this meeting.
Mrs. George described other inconsistencies with regards to the purchase
(date) and amount paid for the house and asked Council to caution employees
about providing inaccurate information.
In responding to Mrs. George?s comments Ms. Middleton, Chief Appraiser of
the Tax Assessors? Office said she did meet with Mrs. George at the request of
Senator Bishop?s Office. She said Ms. George did not request a meeting with us
until that time. She said we have received mail from her appealing her
evaluation and it is going through the normal process of all the appeals we
received and are receiving. She said she has assured Mrs. George in our
conversation that when we are ready to go out again and review this property
she will give her a call so she can come down to meet with us or allow her
tenant to let us review the property again. The normal process is when we
receive building permits, we review the property for any changes made and at
the same time we bring it up to current market value if necessary. She said on
our records we have it as a duplex (it was built and constructed as a duplex)
but she heard Mrs. George say it was a triplex. Responding to City Manager
Hugley?s questions, Ms. Middleton say this appeal is going through the normal
process and has not deviated from the normal process.
After another 15 minutes of questions and comments from Council and
Ms. Middleton, City Manager Hugley said he would be happy to meet with
Ms. Middleton and Mr. & Mrs. George and serve as mediator to try and get the
George?s some answers.
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MR. DOUG GEORGE, RE: EXPERIENCE AS TAXPAYER IN COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA:____________________________________________________________
Mr. George said he and his wife resides in Fort Smith, Arkansas but they
own property on Old Town Road here in Columbus, Georgia. He said the fact is
that they currently pay $2345.00 per year in taxes and there are homes on that
street that are not too much different than ours that pay zero. He said some of
the taxes are $78.00 per year on that same street. There is one other piece of
property that is taxed like ours but now we will be the highest taxpayers on
the street. He said we have never claimed that we live in Columbus and we do
not claim homestead exemption in any other state.
He said we paid about $1500 to have an air conditioner repaired but was
informed by the repair person that it would be cheaper to replace the unit. Mr.
George pointed out that the paper he past out is a list of suggestions for
employee improvement within the city government.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: ADVANCED VOTING; GARBAGE PICK-UP; PROCLAMATION FOR
CHUCK WILLIAMS:___________________________
Mr. Olson congratulated the Mayor and Council on the one percent sales
tax, which recently passed and then questioned the Mayor about a picture in the
local newspaper and further asked why there is no disclaimer at the bottom of
the picture. He went on to say that this is an ethics violation and he will
have to file a report. He made some additional comments regarding the date
(July 15, 2008) of the referendum to pass the sales tax stating that it was
deliberate because most people will be on vacation thereby allowing the
referendum to be passed. He then made more comments regarding House Bill 709.
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MR. BERT COKER, RE: FIVE-MINUTE RULE ORDINANCE; PURCHASE OF NEW CITY
VEHICLES; OMBUDSMAN:______________________________
Mr. Coker made some remarks about the Talk Light (public agenda 5-minute
timer) saying it intimidates people and makes them not want to come down here
and talk to Council. He said purchasing 8-cylender vehicles does not cut back
on gas and further commented on the need for an ombudsman.
Councilor Barnes cautioned Mr. Coker about leaving divisive comments on
his phone and asked that he not leave another divisive message on his phone.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH MAYOR PRO
TEM TURNER PUGH AND COUNCILOR ALLEN BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:__________________________________
A Resolution (325-08) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with River
City
Door Company, in the amount of $44,560.00, for overhead doors. River City Door
Company will provide all labor, equipment and materials to install commercial
overhead doors, track and operating hardware at Fire Station 4, located at 200
N. Oakley Drive; Fire Station 8, located at 5844 Whitesville Road; and Fire
Station 11, located at 4617 Warm Springs Road. This project includes ten (10)
electrically operated overhead doors and eight (8) manually operated overhead
doors.
A Resolution (326-08) ? Authorizing payment to IBM, in the amount of
$47,992.00, to cover maintenance agreements for various computer hardware. The
cost covers parts and service 24-hours, 7-days per week.
A Resolution (327-08) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with
Huckaby
Brothers Floor Covering, Inc., in the amount of $33,550.00, for flooring
services. Huckaby Brothers Floor Covering, Inc., will provide and install vinyl
composite tile at the four Super Centers and provide and install rubber
flooring at the gym of the Public Safety Building. For the areas not covered by
rubber flooring, the vendor will install approximately 190 square yards of
carpet with moisture-resistant backing.
A Resolution (328-08) ? Authorizing the execution of Change Order 2 for
Effingham Way Drainage Improvements, with Abney Grading and Paving, Inc., in
the amount of $154,819.41. Resolution No. 402-07 authorized the execution of
the contract with Abney Grading and Paving, Inc.
A Resolution (329-08) ? Authorizing the approval of the emergency
procurement of construction services from KAM, Inc., (Columbus, GA), in the
amount of $58,500.00, plus the cost of unknown contingencies, to repair a
drainage pipe on Ford Drive. The defective drainage pipe, located on Ford
Drive, has failed and caused a dangerous sinkhole. As a result, the street
paving surrounding the sinkhole is failing and causing the sinkhole to increase
in size.
A Resolution (330-08) ? Authorizing the approval of Mobile Data Terminal
(MDT) Server and Premier MDC Software Maintenance Support. The maintenance
provides hardware and software support for MDT Server hardware located in the
911 Center, on a 24 x 7 x 365 schedule. It is the hardware infrastructure that
interfaces the MDTs in the Police Department, Sheriff?s Office, Fire
Department, Marshal?s Office and Inspections & Codes Division. The maintenance
period is July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.
A Resolution (331-08) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of hot
asphalt and
general road repair services, on an ?as needed? basis, from Southern Asphalt (A
Division of Robinson Paving Company) for the estimated annual contract value of
$1,947,512.00. The estimated contract value is based upon the annual usage by
Public Services and Engineering Department for street repairs. The contract
term will be for three years, with the option to renew for two additional
twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be contingent upon the mutual
agreement of the City and the Contractor.
A Resolution (332-08) ? Authorizing the approval of the Maintenance
Agreement for
the E911 Plant Integrated Telephone System Console Equipment. The Police
Department (through the E911 Center) uses Plant/Motorola Telephone Console
equipment to answer incoming 911 calls. This equipment is a critical part of
the Public Safety communications system. It has, since the initial warranty
expired, been covered by a comprehensive 24/7/365 maintenance agreement with
Motorola in order to assure rapid and accurate repairs and minimal down time.
This Maintenance Agreement will insure that the City receives complete and cost
effective support of this equipment and allows the City to control the
operating costs associated with the console equipment.
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REQUESTS OF COUNCIL:
VICTORY DRIVE:
Councilor Woodson reminded City Manager Hugley of her request for a report
regarding the apartment building that were burned on Victory Drive and stated
she did received a response but is still concern because the owner of the
property is still unknown.
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DRESS CODE FOR TAXICAB DRIVERS:
Councilor Anthony asked City Manager Hugley if there is a dress code for
taxicab drivers as he has received complaints from citizens.
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RESOLUTIONS:
Councilor Davis called for a resolution honoring Sam Mitchell Youth
Basketball Camp and the Toronto Raptors Basketball (parent club).
Councilor Anthony called for a resolution honoring the Rod Hood Football
and Bobby Howard Baseball Camps.
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SPEEDING SURVEY:
Councilor Barnes asked City Manager Hugley for an update on his request
for the survey on Wellborn and Celia Drive as there is still speeding in this
area as well as Emerson and Wellborn Drive.
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LAKE BOTTOM:
Councilor Hunter said Saturday as he was jogging at Lake Bottom, there was
a group of young people who were handing out water to people who were walking
and jogging.
He said he thinks that was such a wonderful gesture for these young people to
do.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:
(1) Notice of ACCG?s Newly Elected Commissioner?s Conference to be on December
2-5, 2008 at the University of Georgia, Athens-Clarke County, GA.
(2) Memorandum from GMA, Re: Fall Training Program to be held on October 22,
2008 at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education, University of Georgia in
Athens, GA.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Water
Commissioners.
(4) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Downtown Development
Authority.
(5) Letter from the Muscogee County Child Fatality Review Subcommittee
submitting a copy of the Muscogee County Child Fatality Review Committee Annual
Report for 2007.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL: _
A Resolution (333-08) ? Excusing Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh from
the July 29, 2008 Council Meeting. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Anthony and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor
Allen being absent from this meeting.
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UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Ms. Katie T. Coakley
declining her appointment to succeed Mr. Mark Renner on the Uptown Fa?ade Board
and expressing her interest in becoming a Commissioner on the Keep Columbus
Beautiful Commission. Councilor Henderson moved the acceptance of the letter.
Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Allen being absent
from this meeting.
She also submitted a letter and biographical sketch of Mr. William S.
Flournoy, Jr. to succeed Mr. Mark Renner on the Uptown Fa?ade Board.
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that this recommendation comes
from Uptown Columbus and that Mr. Flournoy could be confirmed. Councilor
Woodson moved the confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh and Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________________________________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 24-08.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 25-08.
Budget Review Committee, May 20, 2008.
Council Briefing, September 5, 2006.
Personnel Review Board, July 16, 2008.
Uptown Fa?ade Board, June 16, 2008.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Allen being absent from
this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (334-08) ? Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen?s absence from
the July
29, 2008 Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor
Allen being absent from this meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Diane Scrimpshire was
nominated for this board and is eligible for confirmation. Councilor Henderson
moved the confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS:
Councilor McDaniel nominated Mr. Karl Douglas for this board.
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that this would be back next week
for confirmation.
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CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Councilor Woodson nominated Mr. Jim Irvin to fill the seat of Mr. Virgil
Thompson who has resigned. Clerk of Council pointed out that Mr. Irvin could be
confirmed since this is a District Council appointment. Councilor Henderson
moved the confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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EMPLOYEES PENSION BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Mayor is nominating Mr.
Frank Martin for Ms. Weaver seat and could be confirmed. Councilor Anthony
moved the confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously
by those eight members of Council present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL:
Clerk of Council Washington that Councilor Barnes is still working on a
replacement for the District One seat.
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PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Ms. Veronis Hall cannot
succeed herself and there is also a vacant alternate seat.
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TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Mr. Wallace Archie has
resigned his position on this board. This is a driver seat and Council needs to
make a nomination.
Councilor Henderson asked Ms. Washington to check with the Taxicab
Commission for nominations for this position.
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TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Ms. Andrea Richardson is
no longer a resident of Muscogee County ? this is an at-large seat. There were
no nominations made for this position.
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YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington reminded the Mayor and Council that they would
need to begin making nominations for the 2008/2009 school years. She further
pointed out that Kiara House (District 1) and Everett Graham (District 3) have
been nominated and are eligible for confirmation. Councilor Hunter moved the
confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor
Allen being absent from this meeting.
Councilor Woodson asked Ms. Washington to check with her nominee from
District Seven for the Youth Advisory Council to determine if he wants to serve
again.
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OTHER COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS AND COUNCIL:
Mr. Paul Olson said he would like to give a proclamation to Mr. Chuck
Williams (Staff writer for Ledger Enquirer) for working in collaboration with
City Council and Mayor in getting free advertisement in passing the one-percent
sales tax.
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NOTE: Councilor Davis left during this portion of the proceedings with the
time being 11:45 a.m.
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Mr. Olson made a few additional comments regarding the frequency of
Council meetings, the availability of the agenda and absences of Councilors.
In response to Mr. Olson comments, City Attorney Fay pointed out that the
Agenda is posted every week on the bulletin board on the Plaza level of the
Government Center.
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Mr. Bert Coker showed a few pictures of illegal signs of people who are
running for public office. He further stated that several of his signs
(announcing that he is running for City Council) have been removed because they
were illegally posted yet other illegal signs were left in place.
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Mr. Jackson Turner said he did not plan on saying anything today but was
moved to do so after hearing Mrs. George. Mr. Turner said he too have had less
than a pleasant experience with personnel in the Tax Assessors Office and asked
Council to look into what is going on in that office.
City Manager Hugley in response to a question from Councilor Hunter said
anyone with complaints like Mr. Turner is encouraged to call his office. But
the chain of command is as such: the Tax Assessor reports to the Board of Tax
Assessor and the Board of Tax Assessor is appointed by the Council.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
McDaniel then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and
carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present with Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting and
Councilor Davis being absent for this vote with the time being 12:05 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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