Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

MAY 13, 2008



The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called

to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 13, 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 and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner

Pugh, were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops?

Barnes, Glen Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Charles E.

McDaniel, Jr. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of

Council Tiny B. Washington, and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also

present. Councilor Woodson took her seat at 9:04 A.M.

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ABSENT: No one was absent

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INVOCATION: Offered by Dr. Brad Hicks, Senior Pastor, Wynnbrook Baptist Church.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by (3rd ? 5th Grade) students from Gentian Elementary

School.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



?COLUMBUS, GEORGIA TOURISM WEEK?



With Mr. Peter Bowden and members of his staff from the Columbus Convention

& Visitors Bureau standing at the Council table, Councilor Anthony read the

proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming the week of May 10 - 18, 2008

as ?Columbus Georgia Tourism Week? in Columbus, Georgia.



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?SMALL BUSINESS WEEK?



With Mr. Mike Mayhew, Chair of SBR Committee standing at the Council table,

Councilor Allen read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming May 19

- 23, 2008 as ?Small Business Week? in Columbus, Georgia.



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?DR. FRANK BROWN DAY?



With Dr. Frank Brown, President, Columbus State University and his family

and staff standing at the Council table, Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh read the

proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming Tuesday, May 13, 2008 as ?Dr.

Frank Brown Day? in Columbus, Georgia.

The Mayor and several Council members expressed their appreciation for/and

to Dr. Brown, after which City Manager Hugley made some additional comments and

then called attention to item number one on his agenda:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS THEN SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_______________________________________

_____ _



A Resolution (215-08) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into a

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Columbus Water Works for the

development of a two-phase masterplan for the Oxbow Meadows Park and to approve

an expenditure of $31,650 as the City's share of the project.



Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by

Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council

present for this meeting.

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NOTE: The City Manager?s Agenda is continued below.



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?WOMEN?S HEALTH WEEK?



With Ms. Sarah E. Lang, Chief Executive Officer of Valley Healthcare

standing at the Council table, Councilor Woodson read the proclamation of Mayor

Wetherington, proclaiming the Week of May 12 - 16, 2008 as ?Women?s Health

Week? in Columbus, Georgia.

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MAYOR?S AGENDA:



WITH MEMBERS OF COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL LADY BLUE DEVILS LACROSSE TEAM

STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN IT?S

ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:______________ ____



A Resolution (216-08) ? Commending Columbus High School Lady Blue Devils

Lacrosse team for their 2008 Area One (A-AAAAA) Championship. Councilor Davis

called on the members of Columbus High School Lady Blue Devils Lacrosse team to

come forward. Upon reading the resolution, Councilor Davis moved the adoption.

Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those ten members of

Council present for this meeting.



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WITH MEMBERS OF NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL PATRIOTS RIFLE TEAM STANDING AT THE

COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN IT?S ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR

HENDERSON AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:______ ________________



A Resolution (217-08) ? Commending Northside High School Patriots Rifle

team for placing second in the Georgia High School Association Riflery

Championship. Councilor Henderson called on the members of Northside High

School Patriots Rifle team to come forward. Upon reading the resolution,

Councilor Henderson moved the adoption. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and

carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor

Barnes being absent for this vote.

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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the February 26, 2008 Council Meeting of

the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted

and approved. Councilor Allen moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by

Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council

present, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent for this vote.



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FIRE DEPARTMENT:



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she has received several telephone calls

from her constituents regarding the handling of the fire department issue. She

said while she does not agree with just a letter of reprimand, she does know

that the Charter provision as set forth states that the Public Safety Director

is responsible for everything in Public Safety; so whether she likes it or not,

she does not have the ability to change things.



She further stated that several people has also asked why didn?t the City

Manager have an input in the letter of reprimand or what was going to happen

after the review. She said the City Manager did not have any input in this

matter since he do not authority over what happens in public safety.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY

FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND

READING:__________________________________



An Ordinance (08-16) ? Amending the text of the Unified Development

Ordinance (UDO) to amend two minor issues related to Day Care Centers, Types I,

II, and III and Dwellings and one major issue related to Personal Services,

Health and Fitness Facilities, and Wedding Chapels. Councilor Henderson moved

the adoption of the ordinance (as amended with Type I Day Care taken out).

Seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten

members of Council present for this meeting. (See explanation below)



Councilor Henderson asked about the type of permitting license or other

requirements when there are less than six clients.



Mr. Rick Jones in response to Councilor Henderson?s question stated that

the UDO reads that if someone has six clients in a residential area, you must

meet building codes standards for this type of facility. However, if there are

less than six clients, it is considered residential structure and no additional

permitting is required.



Mr. Jones and several members of Council spent an additional 20 minutes

discussing this issue after which Councilor Henderson moved to delay this item

for two weeks. Seconded by Councilor Anthony. City Manager Hugley asked if

Mayor and Council is going to approve the other areas included in the ordinance

and just take the day care out for a later date or take the entire ordinance

off the table?



Councilor Henderson suggested just taking the Type I Day Care out of the

ordinance and then we can go ahead and proceed with the others. City Attorney

Fay then pointed out that a motion would be required for this action.



Councilor Henderson then made a motion to delay the ordinance for Type I

Day Care. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten

members of Council present for this meeting.



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An Ordinance (08-17) ? Rezoning property located at 2303 and 2307 South

Lumpkin Road from an SFR3 (Single Residential Family 3) to NC (Neighborhood

Commercial) District. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance.

Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of

Council present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDNINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY

FAY AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL

AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR HUNTER AFTER SOME

DISCUSSION:



An Ordinance ? Amending Personnel Policy No. 220-505 so as to specify that

three members of the Personnel Review Board constitute a quorum for transacting

business; and for other purposes.



Councilor Hunter asked for clarification on whether or not this would

create a quorum with three members, to which City Attorney Fay replied yes,

this is consistent with the State law. City Attorney Fay said the quorum has

been three but the board wanted to put it in an ordinance where everyone can

see.



Councilor Hunter also asked if this ordinance specifically states that the

quorum of three would need all three members voting the same. City Attorney Fay

replied that this ordinance only addresses the quorum, after which Councilor

Hunter asked that the ordinance be amended to address what he previously

stated. Councilor Hunter then made a motion to amend the ordinance. Seconded by

Councilor Anthony.



City Attorney Fay then pointed out that the motion for the amendment is to

add one clause that says ?the quorum shall be at least three members of the

board and they will take a vote of three members for any additional action.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said last week she asked a question in reference

to this ordinance ? if we have five members on the board and five alternate

members, why is it a difficulty in that board having a quorum? She then

requested that staff looks into this.



City Manager Hugley in responding to Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh?s question,

stated that Director Tom Barron has indicated that we have not have a problem

in the past, but just recently they have had a problem and they wanted to go

ahead and get this in an ordinance. He said they could go back and take a look

at absences and failure to show on board members.



After several minutes of further discussion, City Attorney Fay reminded

Mayor and Council of the motion and seconded to amend this ordinance, which was

then carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this

meeting.



At the request of City Manager Hugley and to allow staff to look into

absences and failure to show with board members of the Personnel Review Board,

to delay this item for two weeks, Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion

for the two weeks delay. Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by

those ten members of Council present for this meeting.

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THE FOLLOWING EIGHT RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS

READ BY MAYOR PRO-TEM TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:__________________________



A Resolution (218-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mrs. Maria Whistnant

upon her retirement with the Clerk of Superior Court after 20 years of service.

Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by

Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council

present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (219-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Willie C. Hicks

upon his retirement with METRA Transportation after 19 years of service. Mayor

Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor

Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present

with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (220-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Johnny F. Arrington

upon his retirement with the Columbus Police Department after 20 years of

service. Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution.

Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members

of Council present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (221-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Nettie M. Allison

upon her retirement with METRA Transportation after 31 years of service. Mayor

Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor

Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present

with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (222-08) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Melvin

Thrower, employee with the Columbus Water Works, who passed away on March 14,

2008. Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded

by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council

present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (223-08) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Ronald

E. Parker, employee with the Columbus Fire and Emergency Services, who passed

away on March 20, 2008. Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those

eight members of Council present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent

for this vote.







A Resolution (224-08) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs. Martha

E. Gunnels, employee with the Finance/Accounting Department, who passed away on

March 1, 2008. Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution.

Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of

Council present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (225-08) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. George

W. Fenical, employee with the Columbus Airport, who passed away on March 6,

2008. Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded

by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council

present with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this vote.





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LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX RESOLUTION:



With some members of the Council being absent on last week, Councilor

Henderson asked for a reconsideration of the vote that was taken on last week

to allow the full Council to vote on this issue.



He stated that he does not have a problem with this resolution, but would

like to give consideration to those Council members who were not here last week

when it was voted on. He said it is important that we afford the full body of

Council the opportunity to vote on it and pass it unanimously.



A Resolution (226-08) ? Whereas, the Columbus Council and Muscogee County

Board of Elections and Registration have called for a referendum on July 15,

2008 to allow voters to decide whether to impose a new Local Option Sales Tax

pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 48-8-96; Councilor Henderson then moved for

reconsideration. Seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously

by those ten members of Council present for this meeting. (See below for the

final vote to reaffirm this resolution.)

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REQUEST FOR RESOLUTIONS:



Councilor Hunter called for a resolution honoring the following individuals:



Eric Plump of Hardaway High School who won the State Championship in 100

meters race.



Chris Jackson of Carver High School who won 200 meters race



Brookstone Girls Tennis team for winning the State Championship and for the

boys? team who made it to the final four semi-finals.



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Councilor Anthony called for a resolution recognizing the student body

Presidents in the various high schools in the community who served this year.



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Councilor Henderson also called for a resolution recognizing the girls?

soccer team of Columbus High School for making it to the finals this year.





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LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX RESOLUTION:



With all ten members of Council now being seated at the Council table,

Councilor Henderson then reiterated his desire and motion to call for

reconsideration of the vote on this resolution from last week. Seconded by

Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council

present. Councilor Henderson then moved approval. Seconded by Councilor

Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for

this meeting.



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ZONING PUBLIC HEARING:



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD

ASADVERTISED:__________________________________________





An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 3605 Edgewood Road from an

SFR2 (Single Residential Family 2) to NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District.

(9-A-08-Horace) The proposed use is a beauty salon.



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Ms. Rosalyn Horace, the petitioner was present and stated that she is

requesting to turn this property into a Beauty Salon. Mr. Horace stated that

the reason they were not present last week was due to their address being wrong

and did not received notification to appear.



Councilor Baker stated that some of the residents were here last week with

questions they wanted to addressed:



What would be the general hours of operation? 8:30 pm ?9:00 pm at the latest,

to which Ms. Horace stated.



What about the buffer requirements? Mr. Horace said it would 10 ft with shrubs



Mr. Will Johnson stated that the residents on the North side of the

property might have trouble with the width of the buffer because the setback

requirement for SFR2 District is eight feet. He said what was discussed was

doing the fence along the North property line, but instead of grass, some bushy

shrubs ? something that is going to get tall since this property is on higher

ground than the Pitts are and the Pitts house seems to be built much closer to

the setback line.



After much discussion by several Council members, Mr. Will Johnson, and the

Horace?s about the rezoning and necessary buffer, City Attorney Fay then

suggested that the Council approve a motion to cover the East side of the

property where the Pitts are.



Councilor Henderson stated that the Beauty Shop is an excellent industry

for this area but he also appreciated that Mr. & Mrs. Horace understands the

necessity to be sensitive to the neighbors. He then requested to include in the

motion instead of restricting the width, also add a minimum height on the

vegetation and it has to be placed and maintained.



City Attorney Fay then stated the new condition is that the developer shall

construct and maintain an eight-foot privacy fence and plant large trees to

attain at least eight feet at maturity on the east side of the property subject

to rezoning. Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh then moved the motion as stated by City

Attorney Fay. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those ten

members of Council present for this meeting.



Ms. Cynthia Pitts, of 3611 Edgewood Road stated that she was here last week

and her concern is that the natural buffer was cut down. She then presented

Council with a picture of her windows as they are now stating that these were

not visible from the Tip Top Drive side. She said these are her bedroom and

home office windows. She said the trees were not in the Horace?s yard but

rather on the property line. She said she did not receive prior notice before

the trees were cut down and if the natural buffer were not cut down, she would

not be here today.



Councilor Woodson asked if the trees that were cut were on the petitioner?s

property or the neighbor?s property to which Mr. Will Johnson responded that

they were on the petitioner?s property. Councilor Woodson said that we have

asked a lot of the petitioner to protect Ms. Pitts? property and if she (Ms.

Pitts) wanted more protection than what Council have put in place, she can go

ahead and plant some more trees.



City Attorney Fay informed Council that this ordinance would be back for a

vote next week on second reading.



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An Ordinance ? Regulating the vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia, by

establishing a No Parking Zone along Fifth Street, authorizing the installation

of official traffic control signs indicating said parking restrictions,

repealing conflicting ordinance and for other purposes.



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



There was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance.



City Attorney Fay informed Council that this ordinance would be back for a

vote next week on second reading.



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PUBLIC AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEAR ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A

SUMMARY OF THEIR

COMMENTS:





REV. DR. BILL HOWELL, REPRESENTING RAINBOW PUSH COALITION, RE: MUSCOGEE

COUNTY JAIL:



Rev. Howell stated that in December 1994 the United States Department of

Justice visited and toured the Muscogee County Jail; on June 1, 1995 the United

States Department of Justice issued a findings letter regarding the conditions

of the jail based upon a tour of the facility. This document detailed what the

Justice Department called constitutional deficiencies that affect the life,

health and safety of the jail population. Some of the key deficiencies were

lack of adequate staffing and supervision to ensure reasonable inmate safety;

lack of adequate medical and mental health care; lack of safe and sanitary

physical plant; lack of reasonable opportunity for exercise; lack of meaningful

access to the courts (due process).



He then read a detailed list of deficiencies in the Muscogee County Jail as

found by the Department of Justice and further requested that the Mayor and

Council give some consideration to this because the longer we fail to give some

consideration to it, the greater the problem becomes.



Councilor Hunter suggested that the Mayor and Council look into the

allegations (molded food, and some other sub-standard conditions) being made by

Rev. Howell and if there are problems, and let?s make sure we address each

problem individually.



City Attorney Fay added that the Sheriff has met with the Mayor and the

Justice Department when they was here a few weeks ago and conducted another

review like they have done annually for the past several years. He said the

latest concern the Justice Department have is the staffing level at the jail

(which the Sheriff is working on with the Mayor and Council) continually and

will keep working on during this budget cycle. He said there are also some

vacancies with the nursing staff that they are also trying to work on.



Mayor Wetherington, several members of Council, the City Manager and Rev.

Howell spent additional 15 minutes discussing issues such as staffing and over

crowding.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING FIVE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:__________________________________________________ _



A Resolution (227-08) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into an agreement

with the Georgia Department of Transportation for $215,327 in funds to initiate

a comprehensive study for the relocation of the Columbus Railyard. Councilor

McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner

Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with

Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote.





A Resolution (228-08) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Richland

Drive located in Richland Subdivision. The Department of Engineering has

inspected this street and recommends the acceptance. Councilor McDaniel moved

the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and

carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor

Henderson being absent for this vote.



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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED

BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY:____________



A Resolution (229-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of materials for dugout

covers from Lowe?s in the amount of $15,529.20. The materials include roofing

sheets, ridge caps and treated lumber, which Parks and Recreation will use to

construct dugout covers. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those

ten members of Council present for this meeting.



A Resolution (230-08) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with River

Signs, LLC, in the amount of $15,395.00, to refurbish signage at South Commons,

with the option to provide electrical repairs in the amount of $1,004.20. The

work includes refurbishing, repainting and re-lettering ten (10) directional

signs located in the South Commons area: Golden Park, Civic Center, Memorial

Stadium, Softball Complex, Victory Drive, Naval Museum, Skate Park and South

Commons. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution.

Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of

Council present for this meeting.



A Resolution (231-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) Wheeled Coach

Type I Medium Duty Ambulance from Peach State Ambulance, Inc., (Tyrone,

Georgia) at the unit cost of $169,894.00 each, including equipment, which

equates to a total cost of $339,788.00. The two replacement units will be used

by The Department of Fire/EMS to provide immediate medical assistance and

transport patients. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those

ten members of Council present for this meeting.



A Resolution (232-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) E-One 1500 GPM

Mount Rescue Pumpers with 1030 Gallon Booster Tanks on new Custom E-One Typhoon

Cab & Chassis, and applicable loose equipment, from Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus,

Inc., (Ocala, Florida) at the unit cost of $314,056.00, which equates to total

cost of $628,112.00, plus $156,107.50 for ancillary equipment. The Fire/EMS

Department at Station 5 and Station 7 will utilize these replacement units.

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by

Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council

present for this meeting.



A Resolution (233-08) ? Authorizing the purchase twenty (20) MW810 mobile

data computers with automatic vehicle location (AVL), in the amount of

$198,640.00 from Motorola Corporation. The unit cost for the mobile data

computers with AVL is $9,932.00. The equipment will be installed in emergency

response vehicles for the Fire & EMS Department. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh

moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and

carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.





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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY

MANAGER HUGLEY AND AFTER SOME DISCUSISON DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL:______________



A Resolution ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) Challenger MT335B

tractors, via Georgia State Contract, SWC S-080773, from Yancey Brothers,

(Austell, GA) in the amount of $48,217.00. The tractors are replacement units

that will be used by the Right-of-Way Maintenance Division, of the Public

Services Department, to transport bush hog rotary mowers to various works sites

to be used for the maintenance of road right-of-ways and City owned detention

ponds.





A Resolution ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Shulte S100 10? Batwing

mower, via Georgia State Contract, SWC S-080773, from Yancey Brothers,

(Austell, GA) in the amount of $12,993.00. The mower is a replacement unit

that will be used by the Right-of-Way Maintenance Division, of the Public

Services Department, to cut right-of-ways throughout Muscogee County and City

owned detention ponds.



A Resolution ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Massey Ferguson 563

tractor, via Georgia State Contract, SWC S-080773, from Yancey Brothers,

(Austell, GA) in the amount of $20,806.00. The tractor is an additional unit

that will be used by the Street Improvement Division, of the Public Services

Department, to pull a harrow and box blade, which will be used to cut hay to

control soil erosion.



Councilor McDaniel asked if Yancey Brothers if the only company who can

provide these particular mowers to which City Manager Hugley responded that

they are not the only one but since this is coming from the Georgia State

contract, where this is bided out and every tractor dealer in and outside the

state of Georgia have an opportunity to bid on this.



Councilor McDaniel said what he is getting at is that some time other

people can beat the state contract and asked if it would be wise to put this

out for bid after which Mayor Pro-Tem made a motion that items F, G, and H (as

seen above) be pulled and delayed for two weeks. Seconded by Councilor Woodson

and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council for this meeting.





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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_________

__________________________________



A Resolution (234-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of a permit management

system from EnerGov Solutions (Duluth, GA). The system will centralize

information collection and management relating to the permit process, and

provide greater access to permit information to appropriate City staff and

applicants. The goal is to consolidate this information in one central database

that will be more easily accessible to users, with the configurability to be

maintained and updated in-house. Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption

of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by

those ten members of Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***

ANNOUNCEMENTS:



City Manager Hugley made the following announcements:



Public Hearings on Local Option Sales Tax

May 19, 2008 ? Forest Road Elementary School ? 6:00 pm

May 20, 2008 ? Blanchard Elementary School ? 6:00 pm

May 22, 2008 ? Baker Middle School ? 6:00 pm

City Manager Hugley also reminded the Mayor, Council and the viewing public

that the session next week (May 20, 2008 at 9:00 am) will be a Consent

Agenda/Work Session and the only item on the Work Session Agenda will be the

Citizens Review Board Panel.

*** *** ***



Councilor Hunter asked City Manager Hugley to make sure the Plaza is

properly air-conditioned because he has received complaints from people who

have attended functions recently that it is very warm in there.

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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:



Memorandum from ACCG, Re: Policy Committee Appointments and 2009

Legislative Issues.



(2) Memorandum from ACCG, Re: Public Hearings by Commission for a New

Georgia Freight and Logistics Task Force.



(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Columbus Golf Course

Authority.



(4) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Family & Children

Services Board.



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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON:__________________________

____



A Resolution (235-08) ? Approving and receiving the report of the Finance

Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses there were approved and/or denied

during the month of April 2008. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those nine

members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote.

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