MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 22, 2012
A meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at
5:30P.M., Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 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 was Councilors, Mike Baker, Jerry
Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Judy Thomas
and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay,
Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and were also present. Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn
Turner Pugh took her seat at the Council table at 6:35 p.m. and Councilor
Barnes took his seat at 6:40 p.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor R. Gary Allen and Bruce Huff was absent, but was excused
upon the adoption of Resolution Numbers 150-12 and 152-12. Deputy Clerk Sandra
Davis was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Pastor Robert Parnell- Peaceful Holiness Baptist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Parks and Recreation
After-school Program
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JIM WETHERINGTON INTERCHANGE AT I-185/JR ALLEN
PARKWAY:______________________________________________
Mayor Tomlinson said we have a really special presentation that is going
to be made on tonight and pointed out that is one of the reasons the Council
Chambers is filled tonight. She said we want to recognize an honor being
bestowed upon former Mayor Jim Wetherington. She recognized the presence of
State Representatives Calvin Smyre and Richard Smith.
She then called forward Representative Richard Smith, Department of
Transportation representative Sam Wellborn, as well as former Mayor
Wetherington.
State Representative Richard Smith said a few weeks ago we had a special
bill signing out at the National Infantry Museum where Governor Nathan Deal
came down and signed the legislation that would allow us to name the JR Allen/
I-185 Interchange after Jim Wetherington. He said he thinks everybody who
knows
Mr. Wetherington knows and understands why this has happened. He said if you
want to put a definition on servant leadership; then just look at Jim
Wetherington which is probably the beset example that he knows.
State Representative Smith said he has known Mr. Wetherington since he
moved here to Columbus in 1983 and said to him Mr. Wetherington epitomes what
everyone should ascribe to be in order to give something back to our City and
State.
After making some additional remarks, State Representative Smith said the
only way you see something like this occur is when you see somebody who is
deeply
committed to giving back to the City and also to State as former Mayor
Wetherington has done; and said the Jim Wetherington Interchange is just one
way that we as a City and d a State can say thank you to him.
Department of Transportation Sam Wellborn, State Representatives Calvin
Smyre and Richard Smith then unveiled the sign to show everyone what it will
look like; after which Representative Smyre and Mr. Wellborn then made comments
expressing their appreciation and thanks to former Mayor Jim Wetherington.
Former Mayor Jim Wetherington said he appreciates this recognition more
than you know to have this proclamation read with his family and friends being
present here tonight. He said he feels more comfortable in giving than he does
receiving. He said he is deeply grateful to this delegation and said they carry
their load for the citizens of Georgia. He then recognized the presence of his
family and friends who was present here tonight.
Mayor Tomlinson then read her proclamation, proclaiming Tuesday, May 22,
2012 as ?Jim Wetherington Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
AT THE REQUEST OF MAYOR TOMLINSON, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS CALLED UP
AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS:
A Resolution (137-12) ? Authorizing the acceptance of donations from local
businesses and public agencies to use as a local match to the State's L230
Transportation funds for development of a feasibility study for rapid rail
transportation between Columbus and Atlanta.
Mayor Tomlinson called forward Mr. Edward Hudson, who serves as
Co-Chairman with State Representative Calvin Smyre on the Commission on
Passenger Rail to give the Council an update on what?s being going on with the
Commission since we have being meeting in January.
Mr. Hudson said that in January the Mayor formed the Mayor?s Commissioner
on Passenger Rail with him and Calvin Smyre serving as Co-Chairs. He said there
are 34 other individuals from around the City and State who have been involved
with this Commission. He said those from the City of Columbus serving on the
Commission are Councilors Allen, Davis and Huff. He said there are also elected
officials who serve at the State and Federal level serving on this Commission,
as well as a number of local business people, Development Authority, people
from the Airport, Georgia Department of Transportation, as well as some
concerned citizens.
He said they have met on a monthly basis and have had several different
speakers speak to them, and have reviewed a number of periodicals and articles
about passenger rails as well as some of the studies that have been on done on
other similar projects throughout the State and the Country
Mr. Hudson said one thing that stands out to him during this process is
that a passenger rail line is really about connecting economical resources. He
said when you look at some of the numbers throughout the State and Country it
is really stagnant. He said if we were to have a passenger rail line between
Columbus and Atlanta we would connect something in the neighborhood of 57% of
the population of the State of Georgia, 6% of jobs in the State of Georgia, 70%
of the GDP in the State of Georgia. He said it is a very important opportunity
to look at this and said what the Commission has been asked to do is to study
the viability. He said is it feasible and does a passenger rail make sense?
He said in order to proceed with our efforts we will need a feasibility study.
He said the study will provide us with more solid information as to what routes
would you use; what sort of technology use, what would your expected ridership
be, what would be the expected economic impact; and what would the cost of the
study be and what would be the possible source of funding? He said these are
the kinds of things that we will be able to get from a good feasibility study.
He said the feasibility study will cost somewhere within the range of $300,000
- $350,000.
Mr. Hudson then pointed out that we have been approved to use L230 funds,
which are Federal funds that are allocated by the Georgia Department of
Transportation for us to use in planning, and we would have to have a 20% local
match; which we have already raised. He said that is one of the reasons we are
here today, is to ask the Council to approve the acceptance of these funds,
L230 funds and the 20% local match; which has been raised privately.
State Representative Calvin Smyre, Co-Chairman of the Mayor?s Commission
on Passenger Rail also came forward and made comments regarding a passenger
rail line. He said having this feasibility study gives us an opportunity to see
what?s on the horizon, as well as to allow us to see how Columbus fits into
that equation as to it relates to a passenger rail and how we as a City can
continue this process. He said we have had some good discussion, which has
given him some insight as to where we are going as a State.
Department of Transportation Sam Wellborn introduced Mr. David Millen. He
said nothing happens in Columbus with regards to transportation that doesn?t
happen without David Millen. He said he is very important to Columbus and he
wants all of the Council members to know him. He said he is in favor of the
Commission that the Mayor has put together. He said he believes that we will
see rail passenger to Atlanta in his life time. He said we think that it is
vitally important for our City. He said he pledge to you his support, as well
as the Department of Transportation?s support in every way.
Mr. David Millen, District Engineer with the Georgia Department of
Transportation then came forward and outlined the Study Process for the High
Speed Rail Planning and Feasibility, which included the following information:
The corridor from Columbus to boundary of MPO
A) Three rounds of stakeholder outreach to allow the public their chance to
weigh in on the issue and project
Study the feasibility in regards to:
A) Capital Costs
B) Operation and Maintenance Costs
C) Ridership and Revenue
D) Funding and Financing Opportunities
Conducted high-level alternatives analysis to determine a representative or
possible route for different technologies and speeds. This exercise will reach
a number of possible routes for further analysis ? it does not establish any
final routes. Levels of technology to be explored:
A) Shared Use (79 to 110 mph) ? utilizes existing freight rail ROW with
improvements based on existing and future capacities
B) Dedicated Use (111 to 220 mph) / Hybrid High Performance (130 mph) ?
utilizes interstate ROW where possible, some areas of true Greenfield (new ROW)
and existing freight rail ROW (this is usually the last mile(s))
C) Other exotic technologies such as Maglev (220+ mph) ? utilizes same
representative route as Dedicated Use / Hybrid High Performance
Estimated travel times, travel speeds (all dependent on number of stations on
the route. More stations = slower speed and longer travel times) and locate
potential station locations (within a mile of a point on the line)
Evaluated the representative routes for feasibility using the criteria from
above(2 a-d)
Run two feasibilities analyses for all technologies:
A) Operating Ratio
B) Benefit-Cost Analysis (User and Non-User Benefits)
Mr. Millen then made reference to the following information, which was
also distributed to the Mayor & Council.
Study Results of Previous Studies, which are outlined below.
These are resulting costs by the routes that were analyzed. These are high
level estimates and will be further refined in the next level of study.
Capital Costs:
Atlanta-Birmingham: $16.8 ? 54.4 million/mile
Jacksonville: $11.5 - $41.3 million/mile
Louisville: $25.3 ? 100.5 (maglev) million/mile
Operation and Maintenance:
Birmingham: $45-$80 million/year
Jacksonville: $95 - $195 million/year
Louisville: $130 - $215 million/year
Ridership and Revenue (over a 30-year period):
A) Birmingham: 37 million riders / $1.1 billion revenue
B) Jacksonville: 47 million riders / $2.7 billion revenue
C) Louisville: 102 million riders / $4.3 billion revenue
4) Operating Ratios:
Birmingham: positive for all technologies
Jacksonville: positive for all technologies
Louisville: positive for all technologies
5) Benefit-Cost Ratios:
A) Birmingham: positive for Dedicated Use/ Hybrid High Performance
B) Jacksonville: positive for all technologies
C) Louisville: positive for Hybrid High Performance
6) Overall Conclusion ? all corridors are feasible from an operational
standpoint and recommend that all three move to the next phase of the planning
process.
Mr. Millen said these are resulting costs by the routes that were
analyzed. These are high level estimates and will be further refined in the
next level of study.
Capital Costs:
Atlanta-Birmingham: $16.8 ? 54.4 million/mile
Jacksonville: $11.5 - $41.3 million/mile
Louisville: $25.3 ? 100.5 (maglev) million/mile
Operation and Maintenance:
Birmingham: $45-$80 million/year
Jacksonville: $95 - $195 million/year
Louisville: $130 - $215 million/year
Ridership and Revenue (over a 30-year period):
A) Birmingham: 37 million riders / $1.1 billion revenue
B) Jacksonville: 47 million riders / $2.7 billion revenue
C) Louisville: 102 million riders / $4.3 billion revenue
4) Operating Ratios:
Birmingham: positive for all technologies
Jacksonville: positive for all technologies
Louisville: positive for all technologies
5) Benefit-Cost Ratios:
A) Birmingham: positive for Dedicated Use/ Hybrid High Performance
B) Jacksonville: positive for all technologies
C) Louisville: positive for Hybrid High Performance
6) Overall Conclusion ? all corridors are feasible from an operational
standpoint and recommend that all three move to the next phase of the planning
process.
Mayor Tomlinson then made some additional comments regarding the amount of
work that has been done by others cities with regard to a passenger rail line.
She then pointed out that we have a resolution, as outlined above that will
need the Council?s approval to accept the funds that has already been raised to
fund the feasibility study.
Councilor Davis then moved the adoption of the resolution as outlined
above. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and Huff
being absent.
Mayor Tomlinson said we will report back to the Council in the near future
and said that the meetings are open to the public and she would encourage
everyone who can to attend, the Council, as well as the public.
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NOTE: THE CONCLUSION OF THE CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA IS
LISTED BELOW.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
WITH MR. SAM WELLBORN AND OTHERS STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE
FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS CALLED UP AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AND ADOPTED BY
THE COUNCIL: __________________
A Resolution (138-12) ? Designating the Camellia as the official flower
of the City of Columbus, Georgia.
Mayor Tomlinson said if you have not had the opportunity to go to the
Annual
Camellia show that is hosted at the Columbus Museum every year; it is
Phenomenal, as people come from all over and it is an economical impact event
with people staying in our hotels and people coming to see the Camellia show.
Mr. Sam Wellborn said every great city needs to have an official flower
and
said when he found out that Columbus didn?t have one, he then started to go to
work to make this happen. He said two years ago, we created the Chattahoochee
Valley Camellia Society. He said he has with him today, two of them board
members and then introduced two of their board members, Ms. Barrett Bain,
daughter of former Mayor J. W. Feighner and Ms. Robin Harold. He said they
have 25 board members.
Councilor Henderson read the resolution in its entirety and then moved its
adoption. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and Huff
being absent.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the May 8, 2012 Meeting of the Council
of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved
by the Council upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor Barnes and
seconded by Councilor McDaniel, which carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from
the meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ZONING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BYTHE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:__________
An Ordinance (12-21) ? Rezoning property located at 6145 and 6157 Crystal
Drive from an SFR1 (Single Family Residential 2) to RMF2 (Residential
Multifamily 2) zoning district. (5-A-12-Crystal Falls Apartments/Mordic) The
proposed use is for multi-family apartments. Councilor McDaniel moved the
adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this meeting, with
Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the meeting.
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An Ordinance (12-22) ? Rezoning property located at 4250 Miller Road from
a GC (General Commercial)/NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district.
(6-CA-12-Jones/Cummings) The proposed use is for auto/truck sales (used).
Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for
this meeting, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND AFTER BEING AMENDED WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:________________________________________________________
An Ordinance (12-23) ? Providing for the demolition of various structures
located at:
(1) 2703 Wise Street (Ameriquest Mortgage Co., Owner)
(2) 1501 & 1501? Warm Springs Road (Available Properties, LLC, Owner)
(3) 2116 Venezia Drive (Nathaniel & Georgia Mae Bessillieu, Jr., Owners)
(4) 3201 7th Avenue (Lillie F. Bush, Owner)
(5) 1218 22nd Street (Cristina M. Cole, Owner)
(6) 626 43rd Street (Community Bank and Trust, West Georgia, Owner)
(7) 314 Bragg Smith Street (Estate of Diane Coulon Dozier, Owner)
(8) 96 Pelham Drive (Wolfgang Esch, Owner)
(9) 1519 27th Street (Arnold Farley & Willie B. & Harry Lee Davis, etal Owners)
(10) 426 Tennessee Drive (Greater Grace Baptist Church, Owner)
(11) 4208 18th Avenue (Patricia C. Greer, Owner)
(12) 5723 Billings Road (Fred W. & Jill E. Hammond, Jr., Owners)
(13) 78, 84 & 88 Pelham Drive (Jescob Investment, LLC, Owner)
(14) 534 Fulton Avenue (Eva Mae Johnson & Bertha Alexander, Owners)
(15) 4126 Bellamy Street (Melvin & Morris Frank Kindred, Owners)
(16) 2310 N. Lumpkin Road (T. M. Lowe, Owner)
(17) 2406 Winchester Drive (Shirlean Marble & Jerome Patrick, Owners)
(18) 810 Harbison Drive (Jorge R.Merjivar, Owner)
(19) 2648 Willow Street (New Hope Church of God, Owner)
(20) 5783 Forest Road (Gussie Parkham, Owner)
(21) 4902 Pollman Street (Maria E. Phillips, Owner)
(22) 2630 Spenola Street (Royal Palm Masonic Lodge, Owner)
(23) 445 2nd Ave (Juanita W. Williams, Owner)
in the total amount of $269,900.66 for demolition services.
City Attorney Fay said before we have a motion to approve this ordinance,
he would ask for a motion to remove Item Number Five from the list, the
property located at 1218 22nd Street has been sold. He said it was sold on
today; therefore, we need to remove it from the list. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
made the motion. Seconded by Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Henderson said he spoke to Ms. Wiggins just prior to the
beginning of this meeting about some properties, but he didn?t see them on the
list. He said the properties are located at 1501 Warms Spring Road, 1501? Warm
Springs Road and 2406 Winchester Drive. He said the reason he wanted to make
mention of this is because he received a call from some contractors who have
done this previously where they secured ownership of properties that were on
the list for demolition. He said they actually did a good job of turning the
properties around and fixing them up and beautifying the neighborhoods. He said
when he spoke with Ms. Wiggins he indicated in his conversation with her that
he would not make an effort to ask to have them removed off the list, but said
she would work with them from an administrative standpoint to try to expedite
the process in getting the property sold to them and allow them to do what they
want to do. He said even though they have not satisfied all of the deed
requirements; they are going to go ahead and send a crew out there to clean
these properties up to make things a little better for the residents. He said
he just wanted to go on record as saying that he would like for us to continue
to work with them to allow them to complete the purchase, if they can do it
within a 30-day period.
Ms. Wiggins said the properties are located at 1501 Warm Springs Road and
1501 ? Warm Springs Road is owned by Available Properties, Inc., and 2406
Winchester Drive; which is now owned by Shirlean Marble and Jerome Patrick. She
said with regards to the property located on Warm Springs Road, the principal
of Available Properties, Inc., is deceased and said that his two grown children
live in Florida. She said there has been some interest from Richard Thomas
Properties about getting the title to be able to repair these. She said he has
provided them with a letter from Attorney Jim Moye that they received this
afternoon. She said the letter goes into some details about them wanting to
make this a markable title, as well as it points out that Available Properties,
Inc., was dissolved after the death of its principal owner and a new registered
agent and office must be provided to the Secretary of State and said that his
children have agreed to do that. She said the
reinstatement of the LLC is not instantaneous and said it may take up to three
weeks or more for that title to be transferred.
Ms. Wiggins said in the meantime the children of the deceased principal of
Available Properties, Inc., has also sent them a letter indicating that Richard
Thomas Properties have their permission to go onto the property to keep it
secured and safe, as well as cut the grass; and etc. She said they feel like
this may come to fruition now as they have worked on this for a long time. She
said you can tell from the photo that this is a viable home; which is a brick
home; however, it has been heavily vandalized. She said there is an add-on in
the back, which she has recommended that it be torn down. She said Richard
Thomas Properties has demonstrated his ability and willingness to do this work.
She said she would like to remind you that he was able to get the house at 1718
43rd Street that was in deplorable condition and today it is a beautiful home.
She said they don?t question his ability and don?t have a lack of confidence in
him at all, but their only concern is the ability to get this title work
straightened out so that they can take ownership of it and get these repairs
done. She said as she understands it, it is not Councilor Henderson?s desire to
take it off the list, but that we work with him administratively to get this
done.
Councilor Henderson said that would be his suggestion, not to take it off
the list in the event that they are unable to satisfy all of the title issues.
He said he would hate to see it drag on for six months, but she he would leave
it up to their discretion.
She said with regards to 2406 Winchester Drive, is a 2-story brick house
which
does have some significant foundation issues and said the title on this
property is very, very deep and bad. She said there are probably up to 20 liens
on this from Discover Card to the IRS, material mans liens, but said Richard
Thomas Properties also has an attorney working on this as well. She said what
they want to do is to get the title worked out on this as well. She said it
appears they may be able to do that and she was hoping his attorney could be
here tonight to tell us how they were planning on working this out. She said it
is her recommendation that we should not allow this title work to go on for
more than 60-days.
After several minutes of discussion on this matter, with Ms. Wiggins
responding to questions of members of the Council, Councilor McDaniel said he
has been pushing for the demolition of his house for some now and said the
problem has been that the bank has now been able to approve the sale of this
house. He said Richard Thomas Properties wants to purchase the property and he
thinks that we need to give them 60-days to work this out. He then made a
motion to allow them 60-days to be able to work out the details on this
property on Winchester Drive.
Mayor Tomlinson said we have a pending motion to remove the property on
Item #5, but said Councilor Woodson has a legal question for the City Attorney.
Councilor Woodson said if a person purchases the property and we remove it from
the list, then would the process would start over again.
City Attorney Fay said that is what we did with Item #5, removed it
because it was sold today to a new owner; so normally that?s true. He said with
this property, administratively they are asking for some more time to try and
work out these title defects not to exceed 60-days and said we have done that
before also.
Councilor Woodson said she understands the 60-days delay, but said here is
where she needs clarification. If someone purchases the property and we take it
off the list because a new owner owns it, and they are in the process of doing
that, why would they need a 60-day time period; she thought the process would
start all over again for the new owner, with a new process.
City Attorney Fay then explained to the Councilor that the property that
we are currently discussing has not been formerly sold as of yet. He said there
has not been a closing of these properties as of today. He said the property
that has been sold, the new owner as of today is on notice that he has to meet
the code and fix all of these problems and if not, Ms. Wiggins will be back to
see him or come back to this Council.
After further discussion on this matter, Mayor Tomlinson then called the
question on Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh?s motion to remove Item #5 from the list,
as stated above, which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor s Allen and Huff being absent.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked if there was a second to Councilor McDaniel?s
motion to allow 60-days to resolve the title. City Attorney Fay said we don?t
need a motion for this property at Winchester Drive. Councilor McDaniel then
withdrew his motion.
Councilor Woodson then made a motion to adopt the ordinance as amended.
Seconded by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_____________
A Resolution (139-12) ?Approving a Special Exception Use in a GC (General
Commercial)/NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district. The proposed site
will be used to operate an auto/truck sales (used) dealership on less than 2
acres.
Councilor Thomas moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Davis and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for
this meeting, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION DELAYED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________
An Ordinance ? Amending Chapter 21 of the Columbus Code authorizing
maximum rates of hire for taxicab services in Columbus, Georgia, including a
fuel surcharge of $2.00 between the months of May through October.
Mr. Joe Zaccaro, 1018 13th Street Phenix City Alabama, who was listed on
the Public Agenda to speak to the issue of the proposed taxicab rate increase,
came forward at the request of Mayor Tomlinson to speak to the proposed rate
increase as proposed by the Council at the request of one of the taxicab
owners, Matthew Probst. He said he owns A Cab, City Cab & Patriot Cab
Companies, which are small cab companies that service the Columbus, Georgia
area. He said he understands the need for all of us to make a living, as well
as said he understands the need sometimes for increase in prices.
He said the company that is asking for the increase is having some
problems and said most of their business is done on Ft. Benning. He said there
are two companies in town that does most of the business, which is his
companies and Yellow Cab Company. He said their call volume is about 700 calls
per day; which means each one of their drivers get between 18 to 20 calls per
day. He said he is not saying that we don?t need some help, but said we need
to be very, very careful in how we do this. He said he understands that the
City that has asked for the increase; there are problems and said we all have
problems.
After Mr. Zaccaro then completed his remarks, Mayor Tomlinson pointed out
that we are working on reconvening the Taxicab Commission and addressing some
of these issues.
Several members of the Council then expressed their views regarding this
matter and Mr. Zaccaro also responding to questions of members of the Council.
Councilor Barnes said there are a lot of citizens that will be impacted by
this increase and said that would probably be a big increase for many of them.
After discussion on this matter, Councilor Davis then made a motion to
delay the first reading of this ordinance and wait until after we get some
additional information on this subject, as well as get the Taxicab Commission
back in place. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and
Huff being absent.
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DRAFT OF PENSION ORDINANCE:
City Attorney Fay said we distributed to each member of the Council, a
draft of the pension. He said he will have Assistant City Attorney Lucy
Sheftall to come forward and comment briefly on a few of the items that is
included in the draft.
He said the Pension Review Committee has been meeting for months now and said
Ms. Sheftall has been working hard with the Committee and the Mayor on these
revisions that are proposed as part of the budget packet for July 1st. He
said they are very complicated and said we appreciate all of the time Ms.
Sheftall has spent on it.
Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall said she is here to give a very
brief overview of the pension materials that was submitted to each of you in
order for you to prepare for the pension reform section of the budget hearings
next week.
She said you have before you a draft copies of the current general
government and public safety pension plans; with new language highlighted in
red that will be needed in order to implement the proposed pension plan reforms
that has been discussed. She said these changes are to require employees?
contributions to be offset by a pay raise beginning July 1, 2012 and to change
the vesting period for those employees employed on or after July 1, 2012 from
five years to ten years.
Ms. Sheftall said as a starting point for these two drafts, she used the
Mercer plans for general government and public safety pension that was adopted
on July 1, 1999 by Ordinance Number 01-15. She said these two plan documents
have been amended by several ordinances since then and said those changes have
also been incorporated into these drafts, along with the other minor changes
necessary to facilitate the administration of the funds.
She said since a deferred retirement option plan, which is called a (DROP)
plan has been recommended as part of the pension reform, she has also provided
a copy of the DROP plan to the Council as well. She said the DROP would be
available to all general government and public safety employees who have
reached 55 years of age with 35 years of service or 58 years old with 30 years
of service. She said the DROP plan would be adopted as a separate plan, in
addition to the other four existing plans that our Pension Board currently
administers under the umbrella of the Columbus, Georgia Employee Defined
Benefit Pension Plan.
Ms. Sheftall said once the Council?s deliberations are complete and the
documents are in final form, we will bring an ordinance which will adopt the
General Government Plan, the Public Safety Employees Plan, the Major Disability
Plan and the Death Benefit Plans all as of July 12, 2012 updated. She said we
would also adopt the new separately proposed DROP Plan as of that effective
date.
Mayor Tomlinson said you have put in the proposed pension changes that
were in the Mayor?s letter that the Pension Board has recommended as well. She
then asked if those changes were in yellow, to which Ms. Sheftall said those
changes are in red.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked what about those changes that you found which
had been codified by Council formerly, but just had not gone back to be
incorporated, to which Ms. Sheftall said those changes are in red as well. She
said she did not distinguish between those. Mayor Tomlinson then asked how we
would know the difference.
Ms. Sheftall said most of the red are the substantive ones. She said on
the yellow highlights, you can totally disregard those as they were just areas
to think about, but not necessarily needing any changes made. She said most of
them were deleted before the ordinance was printed.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked if there is any way to know what was
recommended by the Pension Board versus what you had to go back and change
because it was already adopted by Council in an earlier year.
Ms. Sheftall said the points about employee contribution were all
recommended by the Employees Pension Board.
She said there were prior contributions under earlier plans and some of
that language had to be changed to make that work. She said the two percent
benefit calculation was clarified by ordinance and we made sure that was
consistently in this plan. She said she thinks that there were more deletions
necessary than additions due to subsequent ordinances.
City Attorney Fay said if the Council has any questions, let them know. He
said the bottom line is that the main substantive changes you will see in red.
Ms. Sheftall said there may be some minor changes in red as well.
City Attorney Fay said the new substantive changes will all be in red and
said we have had to obviously include protection of previously vested rights
from prior plans where people had accrued vested rights and said all those are
in there as well. He said when we come back in an ordinance form later in the
month of June what you will see is probably a one or two page ordinance that
will adopts all of these plans. He said they will not be codified, but will be
adopted by a simple ordinance; and the General Government plan, the Public
Safety plan, the Major Disability plan, and the Death Benefit plan and the DROP
plan will all be attached and incorporated by reference.
Ms. Sheftall said one other thing that she needs to point out, in Section
Five; the direct rollover rules of each plan, said there was a lot of changes
in red in that section. She said it had t do with a 2003 ordinance that
incorporated changes to Federal law providing what was a permissible rollover
plan, so that had to be updated.
City Attorney Fay then responded to a question of Councilor Woodson.
Ms. Sheftall said we had to add the word member in to take in account that
there are now going to be member contributions because previously it was a
government contribution.
*** *** ***
EXECUTVE SESSON:
City Attorney Fay said he would like to have a short executive session
after the adjournment of tonight?s meeting, if time permits, to discuss a
matter of litigation.
*** *** ***
COMMENT OF MR. ZACCARO:
City Manager Hugley said he wanted to make a correction with regards to
the statement that Mr. Zaccaro made when he was speaking about the proposed
taxicab rate increase. He said he believe the gentleman made a statement that
we didn?t have public transportation and said we do. He said we do have METRA
public transit system and said it operates six days of week. He said the adult
fare is $1.30, the Ft. Benning route fare is $1.90 and seniors and disabled, is
half-fare. He said they also have swipe cards where you can do unlimited
rides.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. JEROME O. LAWSON, RE: EXTRA PATROL OF POLICE, MONITORS, AND SMALL
CHANGES FOR RECREATION IN URBAN COMMITTIES OF COLUMBUS:___________________
__________________
Mr. Jerome O. Lawson, 3828 Armour Avenue, came forward and said his main
concern is children and adolescents. He said being out in the public and in
urban communities said he has noticed that there are a lot of things that have
been overlooked in several of the neighborhoods in the City; BTW, Elizabeth
Canty Apartments, Chase. He said there are not enough of recreational
activities in these areas. He said he is speaking on behalf of a lot of people
who can?t be here tonight. He said we need more police patrols in these areas.
He said he don?t want these children to see some of the things that he seen. He
said we need jobs for these young people in the community who don?t have
education. He said he would like to see some of the activities and programs
brought to the housing complex.
He made reference to the Bridge on Brown Avenue; that it needs to be
repaired.
He said he is here hoping that we can come up with better recreational
opportunities and other areas that need to be addressed in the community. He
said he is hopeful that we can com together and address these issues, as well
as allow these people to have a better opportunity.
Mayor Tomlinson said it does help us to hear from citizens who have a
passion about these issues in their community. She said she would like to have
Mr. Lawson?s contact information because we have boards and committees that
address some of the issues that you are talking about. She said if we have your
area of interests, then we could have a member of Council to possibly put you
on a committee and said we appreciate your interest.
Councilor Barnes said he knows that these are real life issues. He said he
has a free program, which doesn?t cost anything, but an individual?s time. He
said this program is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. ? 11:30 a.m.,
at his Council?s office located at 3640 Buena Vista Road. He said he has free
skills training, plumbing, auto mechanic, heating and air conditioning. He said
the only requirement is that a person must commit to getting their GED. He said
he doesn?t want anyone to come just for the skills training, but said he wants
them to get their GED as well.
Mr. Lawson said one of his biggest concerns was taking it a step further
and brining the training to those in the housing area because there are some
individuals who are not able to come to your Council office.
Councilor Barnes pointed out that there is a group that does meet in the
Housing area of Elizabeth Canty in the recreational center.
Mayor Tomlinson also pointed out to Mr. Lawson that she will be having a
community meeting at the Warren Williams housing area.
Councilor Woodson said there is also another organization that he can
become involved with because she can see his passion and she thinks that he
just needs to be connected. She also told Mr. Lawson that she too is concerned
about the Brown Avenue Bridge and that she has constantly talked with the City
Manager about getting that bridge repair. She said there are plans in the works
to have that bridge repaired.
*** *** ***
MS. BARBARA MOUSHON, REPRESENTING LITERACY ALLIANCE, RE: INFORMATION ABOUT
LITERACY ALLIANCE:____ _____________
Ms. Barbara Moushon, appeared at the Council?s Budget Review Committee at
its meeting on May 21, 2012 and gave a presentation about the Literacy Alliance
therefore, she did not appear before the Council on tonight.
*** *** ***
MR. ARDESE DAY, JR., RE: MAN-UP RALLY & MARCH:
Mr. Ardese Day, Jr., along with Mr. Nathaniel Sanderson, President of
the NAACP along with several other individuals came forward and expressed their
concerns with all the recent killings that have taken place within Columbus and
the surrounding areas; as well as them being committed by young men. They said
they want to encourage this violence and other actions to cease in our
community. They said they would like to invite the Mayor & Council to attend
what they are calling the Man-up Rally and March, which will be held on
*** *** ***
MR. LORENZA WILDER, RE: THE COLUMBUS POLICE DEPARTMENT &
SPEEDING:___________________________________
___
Mr. Lorenza Wilder, who requested to be listed on the Council?s Public
Agenda to speak about the Columbus Police Department and speeding did not
respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.
*** *** ***
MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: $500.00 USER FEE, TSPLOST 7 NATATORIUM:
Mr. Paul Olson came forward and made comments regarding the City Council
voting to approve the SPLOST, as well as stating that the citizens of Columbus
did not vote for any of these items that was listed in the resolution approving
the SPLOST; especially not a natatorium, but said that all we wanted was three
center city swimming pools. Re: $500.00 User Fee; TSPLOST; & Natatorium.
*** *** ***
MR. PAUL VOORHEES, REPRESENTING RANGER JOE?S GOD & COUNTRY SHOW, RE:
SEEKING COUNCIL?S SUPPORT FOR EFFORTS TO GET PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY PROGRAM ON
STATE BALLOT:_________________________________________________________
Mr. Paul Voorhees, and Dr. Joe Coley came forward and requested the
Council?s support in trying to get prayer back into our school system. They
asked if hey would consider adopting a resolution to forward to the Legislative
Delegation.
*** *** ***
MR. ROBET BARKER, RE: STREET VENDORS:____________________
Mr. Robert Barker said he came before this Council several months ago and
tried to get approval for a license for a Street Vendor. He said that he has
not heard back from anyone; therefore, he wanted to come here to tonight to try
to find out the status of this matter.
Councilors Thomas and Woodson who serves on a committee who is looking
into this matter gave an update to Mr. Barker as to what has taken place thus
far and what we are waiting on to come back with a recommendation on this
request.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTOIN OF A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESNET, WITH COUNCILORS
ALLEN AND HUFF BEING ABSENT FOR THE
MEETING:______________________________________________
A Resolution (140-12) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into a utility
easement agreement for $2,750 with Eastern Property Development, LLC., for the
installation, operation and maintenance of traffic signal equipment on property
they own at 2345 Wynnton Road.
A Resolution (141-12) ? Authorizing the reallocation of $7,200 of the
FY12 Budget-Other Local Option Sales Tax to the Sheriff's Office for modifying
and installing jail access door locks/controllers and to add an extension to
the existing jail weather awning resulting from the new jail parking lot
construction (flood abatement) project.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION ON THE MATTER WAS DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT
THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR
DAVIS:___________________
_________
A Resolution ? Authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with Wells Fargo Bank, Inc., for the repair/replacement of a storm sewer
across property located at 5590 Milgen Road. The City will be responsible for
50% of the estimated $300,000 cost.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCUSSION:______________________
________
A Resolution (142-12) ? Authorizing the submission of payment of
$1,043,580 in local match funds to the Georgia Department of Transportation for
construction of Whittlesey Road as required for use of the State L230 funds.
The total cost for the L230 Project is $6,957,200: Federal $5,565,760; State
$347,860; Local $1,043,580. Councilor Baker moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being
absent for this vote and Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the
meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_______________________________________________ _____
A Resolution (143-12) ? Authorization is requested to submit an
application and, if approved, accept a three year grant of $300,000 from the U.
S. Department of Justice to operate the Muscogee County Adult Felony Drug Court
with a local match of $100,000 for the three year period for a total of
$400,000 in funding. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being
absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the
meeting.
A Resolution (144-12) ? Authorizing the approval for the filing of the
FY2013 Annual Action Plan and applications requesting Entitlement funding for
the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership
(HOME) and also amend the Neighborhood Stabilization Plans 1 and 3 to allow
subrecipients to rent properties purchased with NSP funds.Councilor McDaniel
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Barnes being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and Huff being
absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING FOUR PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANEIL AND SECONED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER
PUGH, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT
THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR BARNES BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILORS ALLEN
AND HUFF BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING:___________________________
A Resolution (145-12) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with C. W. Matthews Contracting Company, Inc., in the amount of
$1,758,093.90, for improvements to the intersection at Corporate Ridge Parkway
and Woodruff Farm Road. The work include asphalt concrete, grading, concrete
sidewalks, concrete medians, concrete driveway aprons and valley gutter,
concrete curb and gutter, concrete bridge work, storm and under-drain pipes,
pavement markings, complete lighting, erosion control, grassing, traffic
control, and all water and sewer items.
A Resolution (146-12) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of one
(1) large bucket truck (Terex Utilities Hi-Ranger XT60) via National Joint
Powers Alliance (NJPA) Contract #031710-GII, from Terex Utilities, Inc.
(Watertown, SD)/Genie Industries, Inc., in the amount of $211,381.00. The
bucket truck is a replacement unit and will be used by the Urban Forestry and
Beautification Division of the Public Services Department to trim trees. The
purchase will be accomplished via Request for Proposal (RFP) #031710, initiated
by the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA), whereby Genie Industries, Inc. (a
subsidiary of Terex), was the successful vendor contracted to provide Public
Utility Vehicles and/or Services, Apparatus, Equipment, and/or Accessories.
The contract, which commenced May 27, 2010, is good through May 27, 2014. The
National Joint Powers Alliance is a Service Cooperative created by Minnesota
Statute 123A.21. This statute was created in 1978 and revised in 1995 to allow
participating governmental and municipal agencies to reduce the cost of
purchased goods by leveraging their combined purchasing power. The NJPA bid
process meets the Procurement Ordinance requirements for Columbus Consolidated
Government.
A Resolution (147-12) ? Authorizing the approval for the execution of a
construction contract with Langford Construction Company in the amount of
$4,978,000.00 for the construction of a recycling facility on Pine Grove Road.
The work shall consist of, but shall not be limited to, a 44,674 square foot
process building, a 9,668 square foot sustainability center, truck scales,
truck docks, lift stations, grading, storm drainage, erosion and sedimentation
control, landscaping and irrigation, detention pond, asphalt and concrete
paving, parking areas, and fencing.
A Resolution (148-12) ? Authorizing the approval to declare two (2)
pursuit vehicles as surplus equipment, in accordance with Section 7-501 of the
City Charter; and also approve the donation of the two pursuit vehicles to the
Police Department of Woodbury, Georgia.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:
_____________________________________________
(1) Memorandum from ACCG, Re: 2012 Summer Regional Meetings.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Keep Columbus Beautiful
Commission.
(3) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Jeremy Cummings, Councilor McDaniel?s nominee to
replace Ms. Claudya Muller on the Tree Board.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Neil Bickerstaff Hatcher, Councilor Henderson?s
nominee to replace Mr. Michael Silverstein on the Columbus Golf Authority.
(5) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Gerald Milye, Councilor Huff?s nominee to
replace Mr. Michael Silverstein on the Columbus Golf Authority.
(6) Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Bay Avenue from 10th
Street to 11th Street & Bay Avenue, on Saturday, May 19, 2012, from 8:00 a.m.
to 9:00 p.m., in connection with ?Girls, Inc.?. (The Police Chief has approved
the application.)
(7) Application of Carroll Pound to temporarily close Hilton Avenue from
Edgewood Road to County Club Road and Lookout Drive at Madden Drive, on Friday,
June 1, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., in connection with ?Annual Heritage
Ball? (The Police Chief has approved the application).
(8) Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Front Avenue from 11th
Street to 13th Street Bridge, on Saturday, June 2, 2012, from 7:00 a.m. to
11:00 a.m., in connection with ?YMCA Kids Triathlon?.
(9) Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Bay Avenue from 10th
Street & Front Avenue to 11th Street and Bay Avenue, on Saturday, June 2, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00
p.m., in connection with ?Slide Show Music Event?.
(10) Application of Clementine Cochran to temporarily close 50th Street from
11th Avenue to 12th Avenue, on Saturday, June 2, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m., in connection with ?Beallwood Beautification?.
(11) Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from 10th
Street to 11th Street, on Saturday, June 2, 2012, from 5:00 p.m. to Midnight,
in connection with ?Broadway Boogie?.
(12) Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from 10th
Street to 11th Street, on Friday, June 8, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.,
in connection with ?Law Enforcement Appreciation Night?.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:__________________________________________ ______
A Resolution (149-12) ? Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel from the
May 8, 2012 Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being
absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the
meeting.
A Resolution (150-12) ? Excusing Councilor Bruce Huff from the May 22,
2012 Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being
absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the
meeting.
A Resolution (151-12) ? Receiving and approving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of April 2012. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of
the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being
absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the
meeting.
*** *** ***
RECORDER?S COURT:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Judge Cynthia Maisano
resigning her judicial positions on both Recorder?s Court and Environmental
Court benches. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the resignation be received with
regrets and thanks for her service. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this meeting, with
Councilors Allen and Huff being absent.
*** *** ***
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted correspondence from Joanne Cavis,
Cooperative Extension Coordinator requesting that Council declare the seats of
Steve Bellafatto (non-attendance) and Mary Ann Morris (non-resident) vacant.
Councilor Henderson moved the seat be declared vacant. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for
this meeting, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
Board of Health, April 25, 2012.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 17-12 & 18-12.
Columbus Convention & Visitor Bureau, April 18, 2012.
Columbus Golf Authority, April 24, 2012.
Cooperative Extension Advisory, May 7, 2012.
Family & Children Services, April 11, 2012.
Housing Authority of Columbus, March 14, 2012.
New Horizons Service Board, August 8 & September 12, 2011.
New Horizons Service Board, November 14 & December 12, 2011.
Personnel Review Board, April 18, 2012.
Recreation Advisory Board, September 28, & October 26, 2011.
Recreation Advisory Board, March 28, 2012.
Region Six Regional Planning Board, March 14, 2012.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded
by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK
OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_________________________________
____
A Resolution (152-12) ? Excusing Councilor Allen from the May 22, 2012
Council meeting. Councilor Baker moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWNG BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH WAS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL:__________________ ________
Biographical sketch of Ms. Gloria Enfinger, Councilor Allen's nominee for
a position on the Community Development Advisory Council.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Michael P. Fox, Jr. has
been nominated to serve another term of office on this board and that he may
now be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved he be confirmed. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent.
*** *** ***
COLUMBUS GOLF AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Ms.
Rhudine Nelson, Mr. Carl Williams and Mr. Michael Silverstein will expire on
June 30, 2012. She further pointed out that Ms. Nelson and Mr. Williams are
eligible to succeed themselves, but Mr. Silverstein is not eligible to succeed
himself. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh nominated Ms. Nelson to succeed herself for
another term of office. Councilor Henderson nominated Mr. Williams to succeed
himself for another term of office. HE also nominated Mr. Neil Hatcher for Mr.
Silverstein?s position.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Allen is nominating
Ms. Gloria Enfinger to fill the expired seat of Mr. Jose Cardona, whose seat
has been declared vacant. Councilor Henderson moved she be confirmed. Seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent.
*** *** ***
COOOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD::
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we need a replacement for
someone to fill the seat of Ms. Mary Ann Morris on the Cooperative Extension
Advisory Board, who is no longer a resident of Muscogee County.
*** *** ***
FMPLOYEES PENSION BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Tomlinson is nominating
Ms. Elizabeth James to succeed herself for another term of office on the
Employees Pension Board and that she may now be confirmed. Councilor Henderson
so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen
and Huff being absent.
*** *** ***
FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Ms.
Evergreen Covington on the Family & Children Services Board will expire on June
20, 2012 and that she is eligible to succeed herself for another term of office
and would like do so. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then nominated her to succeed
herself for another term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at the next
Council meeting.
*** *** ***
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Henderson has
nominated Mr. Glen Heinzelman for another term of office on the Planning
Advisory Commission and then advised that he may now be confirmed. Councilor
Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen
and Huff being absent.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that Mr. Fred Ghent, who was
recently appointed to this board and accepted his appointment; however, he
passed away recently and advises that Council will need to nominate someone to
fill this seat. Councilor Henderson then nominated Mr. Michael Greenblatt on
behalf of Councilor Allen. Councilor Barnes also nominated Mr. Darryl Holloman.
She then pointed out that she will bring this back at the next Council
meeting.
*** *** ***
RETIREE HEALTH BENEFIT COMMITTEE:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mrs. Annie E. Clark, who
served on the Retirees Health Benefit Committee recently passed away and
advises that Council will need to nominate someone else to fill this seat.
There were no nominations.
*** *** ***
TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Jeremy Cummings has been
nominated by Councilor McDaniel to succeed Ms. Claudya Muller and that she may
now be confirmed. Councilor McDaniel so moved. Seconded by Councilor Henderson
and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with
Councilors Allen and Huff being absent.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Mayor Tomlinson said the Council members should have received information from
her regarding the Taxicab Commission and said that we are waiting on a
recommendation for one cab owner who is still on the commission, but said we
are waiting to hear back from him and see if he wants to continue to serve. She
then asked the Council if they would like for the Clerk of Council to go ahead
and outline these recommendations on her agenda as she normally does. Mayor
Pro Tem said yes. Mayor Tomlinson said the gentleman who appeared here tonight
speaking regarding the taxicab rate increase, said he lives in Phenix City.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Councilor McDaniel then made a motion to allow the Council to go into an
executive session to discuss a matter of litigation. Seconded by Councilor
Thomas and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present with
Councilors Allen and Huff being absent.
At 8:30 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to allow the Council to go into an
executive session.
At 8:38 p.m. the meeting was called back to order at which time, Mayor
Tomlinson pointed out that the Council did meet in an executive session to
discuss a matter of litigation, but there were no votes taken.
Councilor Thomas said she would like to make a motion that we accept the
settlement in the case of Howard v. Columbus. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel.
City Attorney Fay said the resolution will be in the record of the
Council, but said this is payment of $35,000.00, which is full and final
settlement in this particular action stemming from thne Charter Oaks Lake
flooding problems. He said the case is Howard v. Columbus and we have a
resolution that is ready for the Council's adoption. Mayor Tomlinson then
asked if there were any questions of the Council, but there were none.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS THEN ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (153-12) Authorizing the City Attorney and Finance Director
to make total payment of $35,000.00, as full and final settlement of all claims
for damages asserted in Howard v. Columbus, et al., Superior Court Civil Action
No. SU-10-CV-2186, including attorney's fees. The City Attorney, Finance
Director and their representatives are authorized to execute all appropriate
settlement documents to this effect.
The resolution carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Councilor Henderson so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and Huff
being absent from the meeting and the time of adjournment being 8:40 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
Council of Columbus, Georgia
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