MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
NOVEMBER 26, 2013
The regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at
5:30 P.M., Tuesday, November 26, 2013, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens Service
Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike
Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis,
Bruce Huff, Judy W. Thomas, and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley,
City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk
of Council Sandra Davis were also present. Councilor Berry H. Henderson took
his seat at the Council table at 5:59 p.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., was absent, but was excused upon
the adoption of Resolution Number 371-13.
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INVOCATION: Chaplain Hall of the Columbus Police Department
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PLEDGE: Led by members of Girls, Inc.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
CRIME PREVENTION GRANTS:
Mr. Seth Brown, Director of the Crime Prevention Department, came forward
to give his presentation on the Grants for his department. Before Director
Brown began, Councilor Thomas asked as he went through each grant that he tell
whether or not they are current recipients of grant funds and when the grant
cycle would start.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Director Brown to also include in his
presentation the number of people who would be impacted in each organization
that the grant would be funding.
BOXWOOD PROJECT
Director Brown said the Columbus Parks/Recreation has requested $80,000.00
funding to provide quality programming for juveniles during summer, after
school and provide a resource and location for community efforts to enrich the
neighborhood. He said funds will be appropriated from the Local Option Sales
Tax, Crime Prevention Program.
As a result of this grant the surrounding area, this is considered Beat 9
with the Columbus Police Department, has seen a 10% reduction in crime.
He said since the opening of the program, churches and other non-profit
organizations have begun utilizing the facilities. The program reaches around
forty
to fifty children per week.
Councilor Barnes commented on the positive impact the program has had on
the surrounding neighborhood.
Director Brown described the Boxwood Project as a ?bright and shining star
in that area that was suffering so much?.
Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro-Tem Turner-Pugh shares their thoughts on
the program and how it has helped cut down the crime rate and the vandalisms in
that area.
Councilor Thomas asked is there a schedule or a timeframe that the
operation costs of the Boxwood Recreation Center will move from the Crime
Prevention Budget to the Parks and Recreation Budget like all the other
Recreation
Centers in the city. She explained that the funding from Crime Prevention for
this
program was originally to get the center up and running. Director Brown stated
that according to the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Wright, this will be the last
year
that Crime Prevention will fund this program. He also stated that in the
beginning,
Crime Prevention funded the program for half a year.
City Manager Hugley added that once the economic times are better and the
tax digest is up he is sure that the Boxwood Program could be transitioned from
the
Crime Prevention Budget to the Parks and Recreation Budget. He said with Parks
and Recreation being one of the larger departments within CCG, it has taken a
significant hit with the budget cut backs. With that being said, he is not sure
when
the General Fund will be able to handle funding this program. In conclusion,
City
Manager Hugley said that he hopes that if CCG has to take on the funding for
this
program at a later time, that Crime Prevention will think again about this
being the
last year that they grant funds to Boxwood seeing the positive impact it has
had on
our community.
Councilor Thomas asked that Boxwood not forget Boxwood during the
budget process. Councilor Barnes and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh stated that the
fate of Boxwood Recreation Center is in the hands of the City Council.
COLUMBUS TECHNICAL COLLEGE - NON-VIOLENT FELON
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM:__________________________________
Director Brown said the Columbus Technical College has requested $80,000
funding toward their effort to employ non-violent felons and reduce the rate of
recidivism.
He said this program has been provided grants from Crime Prevention in the
past but has fallen off the budget in July. The director of this program asked
for less money this year than last year. The Employment Program is designed to
assist non-violent felons to enter the work force in effort to keep the persons
from becoming repeat offenders.
FAMILY CENTER OF COLUMBUS - F.A.S.T. PROGRAM:
Director Brown said the Family Center of Columbus has requested $87,000 in
grant funds for treatment of at-risk youth and families, to reduce the drop-out
rate, juvenile crime rates and delinquency.
He said the total cost to operate this program is $240,000 a year. This
program reaches 550 people to include the at-risk children as well as their
families. FAST is offered at Rigdon Road, Georgetown, Dawson and Fox Elementary
Schools. It has had a 94% participation increase and a 100% increase seen in
the school involvement of their graduating families. Director Brown encourages
the Council to visit one of these sites to witness the remarkable job they have
done with its participants. He said the enrolled youth is hand picked by the
school system.
ADULT DRUG COURT:
Director Brown said the Muscogee County Adult Drug Court has requested
$75,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds toward the reduction of recidivism and
continued drug use among adult offenders.
He said the total budget of the Adult Drug Court is $326,588. Adult Drug
Court has been granted money from Crime Prevention in the past, but has not for
the past 2 years. He said it is their goal to rehabilitate the persons who
graduate this program. Enrollees participate in an 8 week, 5 phase program.
They have had a 64% success rate. There are 80 to 100 persons that are treated
through this program a year.
E.I.T.A. (EDUCATION IS THE ANSWER, INC.)
Director Brown said E.I.T.A. (Education Is The Answer, Inc.) has requested
$45,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds for mentoring juveniles from ages 13-19
in middle and high schools, to reduce truancy rate, drug usage, pregnancy and
delinquency among juveniles.
He said E.I.T.A.?s yearly project expenses are $65,000. E.I.T.A. is a new
program that began a year ago and is located off of Edgewood. This program?s
goals are to provide leadership skills, study skills, entrepreneur workshops,
financial training workshops, family stabilization efforts, parental support
groups
and parent strategy development.
Director Brown stated this project has partnerships with the Juvenile
justice
System, Muscogee County School District and Girls, Inc. The past donors have
been Carmike Cinemas, Piggly Wiggly, Wal-Mart and Publix. Out of the 39
young men that were enrolled last year, they have shown an 85% reduction in
drug
use and violence.
MENTAL HEALTH COURT:
Director Brown said the Muscogee County Mental Health Court has requested
$75,000 for reduction of recidivism and continued drug use among adult
offenders.
The total budget for the Mental Health Court is $297.762. He said this
program will treat between 120 to 200 people a year and a 60+% success rate.
Like the Adult Drug Court program, Crime Prevention has assisted in providing
funds to this program in the past, but has not for the past 2 years.
Director Brown stated that the Crime Prevention Board was extremely
interested in this program because of its help with the Veterans who suffer
from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The concern came from the rate of
incarceration of Veterans who were self-medicating to help deal with their
PTSD.
CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY JAIL MINISTRY, INC.:
Director Brown said the Chattahoochee Valley Jail Ministry, Inc. has
requested $41,500.00 for quality programming as well as mentoring for inmates
within the Muscogee County Jail.
Directed by Chaplain Neal Richardson, this program has a shocking
recidivism rate reduction according to Director Brown. This reentry program has
a yearly operation budget of $85,000 to reach 115 inmates.
Mayor ProTem Turner Pugh asked if Director Brown is aware that Columbus
Technical College offers GED preparation and testing for $160 per student. She
asked that the director of the program could provide more information as to
what other benefits this program offers for it to be more costly.
Chaplain Richardson, Director of Chattahoochee Valley Jail Ministry, came
forward to explain that the $85,000 budget is to provide books, study
materials, teacher at a rate of $20/hour, $160 fee for each student to take the
examination and a $400 cost to bring the Examiners into the sites each month to
administer the tests to the inmates.
Councilor Barnes stated that the hardest thing for people, who have been
incarcerated, is to acquire a job. He said it is even more difficult for
someone who does not have a GED.
LITERACY ALLIANCE OF COLUMBUS PROGRAM:
Director Brown said the Literacy Alliance has requested $105,000 in grant
funding in an effort to increase literacy rates of Muscogee County residents to
reduce crime and lower recidivism rates among adults.
He said the projects annual budget totals to $149,863, and this program
targets kindergarten, middle school and adult literacy.
NEIGHBORHOOD FOCUSED ON AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH,
INC.:______________________________________________________________
Director Brown said the Neighborhood Focused on African American Youth,
Inc. has requested $55,000.00 in Crime Prevention Grant Funds to provide
quality after school programming and tutoring for juveniles during the school
year.
He said this tutorial program is offered at Elizabeth Canty and Warren
Williams
Housing. The total annual budget is $224,000. The hours of operation are
Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. This program enrolls over 100 children
each year focusing on Math, Reading, homework assistance, conflict resolution,
drug awareness and violence prevention.
Mr. Brown said there has been a significant reduction in conflict and
violence amongst the youth in the Elizabeth Canty and Warren Williams areas.
CRCT scores for the children enrolled have increased.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh pointed out that the City has cut travel
expenses completely out of their budget due to the $6 million deficit and asks
that Director Brown share that information with the Crime Prevention Board when
looking into these programs for which they will be helping fund.
Director Brown assured Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh that the board does not
fund any travel outside of Muscogee County and that the Travel Expenses listed
for the programs is merely a transportation expense for field trips within the
county.
Councilor Davis took notice that the majority of the programs that are
listed center around education. He asks if the programs or Crime Prevention
has looked at partnering with the Muscogee County School District.
SAMARC FOUNDATION:
Director Brown said SAMARC Foundation has requested $50,000.00 in Crime
Prevention Grant Funds to increase academic scores and leadership skills among
juveniles within Muscogee County to reduce crime and lower recidivism rates
among juveniles.
The total yearly budget is $147,500. This tutorial program began in 2008
at the Booker T. Washington and Wilson public housing complexes. It is now
based in Shirley B. Winston, Frank Chester and Wilson Housing. He said
it is also closely working with Dawson and Fox Elementary Schools, as well as
Carver and Spencer High Schools. There has been a 30% increase in graduation
amongst the high school students enrolled, 100% pass rate of CRCT testing in
Dawson and 91% pass rate in Fox. The supply expense comes from the textbooks
and computer software needed for the Curriculum for the CRCT tests.
Councilor Thomas asked for more clarification on the $20,000 the program
says is needed for supplies. The Director of the SAMARC foundation, Trina
Trice came forward to state they have about 250 students from kindergarten
through 12th grade. The average cost is about $100 per student to be enrolled
in the software used to improve their Reading and Math skills throughout the
school year in addition to activity books. This is an estimated cost that has
been averaged over the past 3 years.
Councilor Allen brought up for discussion and for the Council to consider
adding a question to be asked on the grant applications just as it is on the
Zoning Petitions, have you contributed to a Councilor?s campaign fund in the
past 2 years in the amount of $250 or more. He asked that the approval of
these grants be delayed until this issue can be addressed.
City Attorney Fay stated that an oral Resolution can be made for this
clause instead of amending the Ordinance. He said the oral Resolution would be
requested to the Crime Prevention Board to verify if any of these pending grant
applications has made a contribution of $250 or more to the Mayor or Council
within the past 2 years.
Councilor Allen then made a motion to put this issue on the floor for
further discussion by Council.
Councilor Davis said he agrees with Councilor Allen?s motion. He stated
that the Council should remain committed to the programs that they always have
supported but that his concern is taking on new programs and expenses when the
city is facing a projected $6.5 million deficit in its budget. He said that
Council needs to take a close look at every request for approval of any funds,
especially with the budget cycle coming up.
Councilor Davis directed the question of having the Crime Prevention
grants being on the same budgetary cycle as CCG to ensure that there is no
overspending or confusion.
Director of Finance Pam Hodge came forward to state that she and Director
Seth Brown have been working together to get these grants on the same budget
cycle as the city to come before the Council with a lump sum amount for
funding.
During the discussion, City Attorney Clifton Fay tells Director Brown if
this Resolution passes, he will need to ask his board members if anyone of
these programs, board members or officers have made contributions to any
Council Member or Mayor?s election campaign. Mayor Tomlinson said also to
include, are they receiving a salary or pecuniary interest from any of these
non-profit organizations or its subsidiaries.
Councilor Woodson speaking to a discussion between her and Councilor Allen
said they believe this would be a good idea to do for all boards and entities
of financial situations. She made a referral to the City Manager to see which
other boards should include this clause.
City Manager Hugley suggests this process be addressed and put into place
at the first of 2014 after he has had time to get with the City Attorney.
Councilor Baker asked Crime Prevention Director, Seth Brown what timeline
these contact are to begin and end. Director Brown responded by saying the
grants brought before Council today will be funded from the approval date to
June 30th, then restart on July 1st so that Crime Prevention can attempt to
have the grants be a part of the budgetary process with CCG. Finance Director,
Pam Hodge clarified to Councilor Baker how the installments are paid to these
programs.
Mayor Tomlinson stated Councilor Davis made a valid point in a sidebar,
Budget Guideline Section 31 states that no grant shall be made outside of the
budgetary process. Mayor Pro-Tem responded by stating, that the Crime
Prevention budget was set for 2013 and then reduced by 1.5%, but that a budget
was approved for grants. Councilor Davis wishes to reconcile that with Section
31.
Earlier in the discussion, Councilor Allen made a motion for an oral
Resolution for a clause to be put in the Grant Application for these programs.
Seconded by Councilor Barnes after further discussion on this motion and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor
McDaniel being absent for this meeting. The oral Resolutions reads that Council
is asking the Crime Prevention Board to require disclosure on the grant
application for contributions made to Mayor or Councilors for $250 or more by
an officer or board member of the applicant in the past 2 years.
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WILD HOGS:
Councilor Huff made a referral to the Mayor and City Manager on the wild
hog problem he has spoken about in the past. He said they have been migrating
from Sandhill to the Washington Heights community. He said the animals are
coming into the yards during the night and ruining the citizens? yards. He said
we need some relief in this matter.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Councilor Woodson said she would like to commend the efforts of Sergeant
Chris Anderson of the Columbus Police Department on his initiative and efforts
on locating the family of an accident victim. She said Sergeant Anderson went
door to door in the South Columbus area trying to find the relatives of the
individual who had been hit by a car.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FOUR ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING PURSUANT TO THE
ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
PRESENT, WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
MEETING:__
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An Ordinance (13-51) ? Rezoning property located at 3705 Weems Road from
NC (Neighborhood Commercial) to GC (General Commercial) Zoning District. The
purpose of the rezoning is for a convenience store with gas sales.
An Ordinance (13-52) ? Rezoning property located at 3556 and 3562 St.
Mary?s
Road from GC (General Commercial) with conditions to GC (General Commercial)
without conditions Zoning District. The purpose of the rezoning is for a
convenience store with gas sales.
An Ordinance (13-53) ? Providing for the demolition of various structures
located at:
610 25th Street (Citi Residential Lending, Owner)
4011 Calhoun Drive (Juan A. Concepcion, Owner)
523 Chesterfield Avenue (Paul F. Cook, et al & Allene Thomas, Owners)
412 9th Street (Michael Lloyd Cooper, Estate)
(5) 412? 9th Street (Michael Lloyd Cooper, Estate)
2850 Doyle Avenue (George K. & G. J. Corley, Owner)
2300 3rd Avenue (Lawrence Curtis Montjoy, Owner)
(8) 3215 6th Avenue (J.C. Shiver, Owner)
(9) 3217 6th Avenue (J.C. Shiver, Owner)
(10) 3219 6th Avenue (J.C. Shiver, Owner)
(11) 2125 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (Percy Tindall, Owner)
(12) 2719 N. Lumpkin Road (Wells Fargo Bank, Owner)
(13) 1925 Lincoln Street (Purnell, Jr. Doris & James H. Williams,
Owners)
in the total amount of $88,236.00 for demolition services.
An Ordinance (13-54) ? Amending the Budgets for the Fiscal Year 2013
beginning July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2013, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in
each fund for various activities; and for other purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ZONING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS ADVERTISED: __________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at the southwest portion of 5576
River Road from an SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to NC (Neighborhood
Commercial) Zoning District. The purpose of the rezoning is for a new wireless
communication facility.
Councilor Allen asks for the proponent to describe the cellular tower.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Ms. Kelly Jacobs, representing AT&T was present, but she did not make a
presentation as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning
ordinance, but she did responded to Councilor Allen?s question.
Ms. Jacobs stated that the tower is a 150 foot monopole, which is a
single steel structure and the antennas are located at different locations on
top of the tower.
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 3845 and 3857 St. Mary?s Road,
from GC (General Commercial) with Conditions to GC (General Commercial) with
Amended Conditions Zoning District. The purpose of the rezoning is for general
retail (Fred?s Store).
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The proponent, Mr. Hart, was present, but he did not make a presentation
as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance. No
questions were asked by Council.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
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An Ordinance ? Adopting changes to the Columbus Consolidated Government
Classification and Pay Plan by adding the position of Official Court Reporter
at a Pay Grade 21 for Court Reporters on the effective date of this ordinance;
authorizing up to $10,000.00 in transcript page charges per fiscal year when
authorized by a Superior Court Judge; adopting Policies and Procedures for
Court Reporters; and for other purposes.
Councilor Thomas asked if this Ordinance will change the pay grade or is
it adding an additional reporter. City Attorney Fay and Finance Director Hodge
respond by clarifying the specifics on the pay scale for court reporters.
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THE FOLLOWNG RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (358-13) ? Granting a hardship variance request to waive the
minimum street frontage requirement in order to develop landlocked lots at 2557
Old River Road. The proposed use is for single family residential development.
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 at the time, with Councilor Huff being absent for the vote and
Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AND ITS FIRST READING CONTINUED UNTIL NEXT
WEEK AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION:_______________________________ ___
An Ordinance ? Prohibiting payment of ?gap time? between authorized
minimum scheduled work hours and the threshold number of hours for overtime
payment required under the Fair Labor Standards Act; and for other purposes.
Mr. Chris Shanafelt, an opponent of the ordinance came forward to the
podium to speak to the subject matter. He said as an employee with the
Muscogee County Sheriff?s Department, Mr. Shanafelt spoke against the
recommendation of the City to discontinue the pay of GAP time to law
enforcement. He stated that it seems extremely unfair to ask an employee to
work an extra eight hours without receiving compensation for those hours
worked. Some employees of the Sheriff?s Department?s employees are scheduled
to work 160 hours a pay period and some are scheduled to work 168 hours
depending on which shift and rotation they are assigned to.
Throughout the discussion, Mayor Tomlinson stated that under FSLA, Law
Enforcement and Firefighters fall under Partial Exemption.
Councilor Henderson commends Mr. Shanafelt for taking the time to speak
for his coworkers. He explains that he is on the fence on this particular
issue.
Several members of the Council expressed their concerns and comments
regarding this subject matter. There were also some referrals made by members
of the Council, as outlined below.
Mayor Tomlinson says this concern could be settled by scheduling within
the departments.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a referral to City Manager Hugley to find
out if UGA incorporated those employees required to work 168 hours a pay period
in the pay plan. City Manager Hugley responded by saying that when UGA did
their study for the pay plan, they studied the job descriptions and duties of
each position and not the hours scheduled.
After more than thirty minutes of discussion on this matter, the ordinance
was delayed until further information is acquired from UGA on Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh?s referral.
Mayor Tomlinson said we will invite the department heads to our next
meeting when this matter is brought back up.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay requested an executive session after the adjournment of
tonight?s regular meeting to discuss a litigation matter.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. CHRISTOPHER BROWN, REPRESENING COURAGE2CHANGE, RE: INFORMATION ON
COURAGE2CHANGE AND THEIR WORK IN THE
COMMUNITY:________________________________________________
Mr. Christopher Brown, representing Courage2Change, came forward to
provide information to the Mayor & Council regarding their program here in the
Community. He stated in his program he asked 8th and 9th graders to write a
letter to the Mayor on issues or ideas that they believe the community would
benefit from. He shared some of the thoughts and recommendations of these
students. The website for this program is Courage2ChangeInc.com.
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MR. NATHANIEL SANDERSON, RE: THE FINDINGS FROM A VISIT
TO THE MUSCOGEE COUNTY JAIL:________________________________
Mr. Nathaniel Sanderson, local Chapter President for the NAACP, shared
that members of his Chapter had a meeting at the Muscogee County Jail with
Sheriff Darr and staff concerning the three recent deaths within the jail. He
said the six person group consisted of an Air Force Retired E-6, Master level
Mental Health Counselor, Master level Human Resources Representative, retired
Registered Nurse and several community activists.
He said the basic function of the government is the safety of its people.
He said there were several areas they wanted to find out about and what the
process was so that we could make sure that deaths such as the recent ones we
had at the jail doesn?t occur again. He said when we cut safety, we pay for it.
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MS. SHAVON TOLBERT, REPRESENTING MYBROTHER?S KEEPER FOUNDATION, RE: MARCH
FOR THE FIRST ANNUAL ?STOP THE VIOLENCE RALLY?:
______________________________________________
Ms. Tolbert explained that her brother was killed by an act of violence
on September 20, 2013 in Columbus, and as a tribute to his memory, they have
organized a march to bring awareness to the community on the violence that
happens each year in our City. She said the event will be held on January 18,
2014 at 3:00 p.m., at the Fullen Recreation Center.
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MR. TOLLIE STRODE, JR., RE: BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS:
Mr. Strode came before the Mayor and Council to give a presentation on his
recommendations on a way the City can earn income by the exemption of the
taxation of Retirement Income.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING SIX RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLYI BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS MEETING:___________________
A Resolution (359-13) ? Authorizing the approval of payment to employees
for unused sick leave in accordance with 16B-15-6(2) of the Columbus Code of
Ordinances.
A Resolution (360-13) ? Authorizing the submission of an application for
ad valorem tax abatements for Hill Three, LLC, d.b.a. Bojangle's of Columbus as
specified under the Enterprise Zone Employment Act. The property is located at
3260 Victory Drive.
A Resolution (361-13) ? Authorizing the submission of an application, and,
if approved, accept a grant for $23,745 from Firehouse Subs Public Foundation
for Muscogee County Marshal's Office.
A Resolution (362-13) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into an
agreement with New Horizons Community Service Board to provide screening and
treatment services for Accountability Courts in Muscogee County on an as needed
basis. Funding will come from existing Accountability Court grants.
A Resolution (363-13) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and,
if
approved, accept $36,660 from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for the
operation of the Muscogee County Adult Felony Drug Court, from January 1, 2014
to June 30, 2014.
A Resolution (364-13) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and,
if approved, accept a grant for the District Attorney?s Victim-Witness
Assistance Program for $84,138 from the Prosecuting Attorney?s Council of the
State of Georgia, along with $21,035 from the 5% Crime Victim Surcharge Fund
allocated in the FY14 Budget to provide funding for Crime Victim Assistance in
the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014.
An additional $5,259 will come from an In-Kind Match contributed by volunteer
hours, donated through established community service programs and internship
opportunities with local universities.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE 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 MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR
WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT,
WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS MEETING:
A Resolution (365-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase hot asphalt
and general road repair services, on an ?as needed? basis, from Robinson Paving
Company (Columbus, GA) for the estimated annual contract value of
$7,160,000.00. The estimated contract value is based upon the annual usage by
Public Services and Engineering Department for street repairs. The contract
term will be for three years, with the option to renew for two additional
twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be contingent upon the mutual
agreement of the City and the Contractor.
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A Resolution (366-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with
Columbus Towing & Recovery, Inc. (Columbus, GA) for traffic incident management
services, which will be used on an ?as needed? basis.
Traffic Incident Management Services (TIMS) is vehicular road services
typically and commonly provided by wrecker/towing services. Vehicles shall
include all self-propelled vehicles, including two-wheel, three-wheel vehicles,
which are defined as a motor vehicle in Ga. Code 40-1-1 (Motor Vehicle
Law-Definitions). Columbus Towing & Recovery will also provide towing services
for City vehicles requiring road assistance.
Columbus Towing & Recovery, Inc. will provide the following services:
? Road services, winching, and towing for passenger autos, small vans, pickup
trucks, motorcycles, and any other vehicles not exceeding two tons for private
owned vehicles.
? Negotiate fees for private owned vehicles exceeding two tons.
? Provide, at no cost, towing of first twenty (20) city vehicles in a calendar
month.
? Provide road and towing services for City vehicles two (2) through five (5)
tons
? Provide road and towing services for City vehicles exceeding five (5) tons.
? Provide all equipment necessary to perform required services.
? Competent administrative, support, driver personnel on a 24-hour per day
basis.
? Maintain a record system that towed vehicles are accurately and uniquely
identified, and release of towed vehicle is made to the rightful owner/agent.
? Provide proper storage of towed vehicles.
The term of the contract shall be for five (5) years. The initial fee schedule
shall remain fixed for the first two (2) years. Once each calendar year,
beginning with the third year and each year thereafter, Contractor may request
a meeting of the various Public Safety agencies, Department of Public Services,
Purchasing Division Manager, and the City Manager's Office to consider fee
changes.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (367-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase one (1) low boy
tri-axle trailer with low boy trailer (2015 Freightliner 122SD Low Boy Tri-axle
Tractor, with Model LB55-22DC Contender Series Detachable Neck Lowboy Trailer)
from Peach State Freightliner, (Norcross, GA) at a unit price of $198,607.00,
via Georgia Statewide Contract #99999-SPD-SPD0000039-0002.
The vehicle was approved in the FY14 Budget. It will be used by the staff of
the Street Paving and Repair Division, of the Public Works Department, to
transport heavy equipment to and from job locations. It will also be used to
transport equipment out of town for repairs. This is replacement equipment.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DICUSSION BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________
A Resolution (368-13) ? Authorizing payment to Mediacom (Columbus, GA) in the amount of $38,044.99 for
cable build services. Mediacom will provide labor and materials to install
cable fiber optic line, modulation equipment and all other necessary hardware
to the City Services Center to facilitate transmission of CCGTV broadcast
programming to Mediacom network. The cable build services for Mediacom are
necessary since they do not have fiber optic facilities in the area of the City
Services Center and must install a dedicated line to the City Services
Center. The services are required in order for CCG-TV to broadcast
programming on the Mediacom network.
Councilor Thomas asked the City Manager to further explain the specifics
of this proposed Resolution.
City Manager Hugley explained that the cable build services will allow
CCG-TV to steam live City Council Meetings as Charter and Wow Networks do.
The reason for the cost is from Mediacom to connect to the right-of-way to the
building. This expense also includes the cost of equipment.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND AFTER A PRESENTATION BY RISK MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR ANNE-MARIE AMIEL
AND SOME DICUSSION RESULTED IN AN INCONCLUSIVE VOTE OF THE COUNCIL:
______________________________________
A Resolution ? Authorizing the negotiation and execution of a contract
with USIS/AmeriSys (Dunwoody, GA) to provide workers? compensation claim
management services for the City?s workforce of approximately 2,750 employees
in various occupations, ranging from Public Safety to Field Force to
Administrative positions.
The Contractor must provide complete system integration and coordination to
provide all core workers? compensation program services, including medical
management and claims administration, as follows:
1. Administrative services
2. Claims services
3. First Notice of Injury services
4. Loss statistic services
5. Managed Care Organization (MCO) services to include:
a. Network access and development services
b. Triage
c. Telephonic case management and (when appropriate, site case management)
d. Pharmaceutical benefit management services
e. Communicable disease management program services
f. Utilization review
i. Medical bill review and audit services
ii. Pre-certification
iii. Concurrent and retrospective review
g. Peer-to-peer review
6. Workers? Compensation excess placement assistance
7. Loss Control services
Other services include: collaborating with the city?s manager of workers?
compensation services to reach settlement of claims in appropriate
circumstances, to assist in selection of defense counsel, providing loss
control, assistance in excess coverage access, and assistance with required
State reporting. The term of this contract shall be for two years, with the
option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. Contract
renewal will be contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the
Contractor.
City Manager Hugley explained the savings the City will see in the future
as well as the need the City has with its size to have a management care system
such as AmeriSys. He also explained that the decision to move to a managed
care system was brought about by a RFP being done and an evaluation committee?s
recommendation. He said it was decided this would be a better fit for the
City.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made the comment that she is going to support
staff?s recommendation for the approval of this contract because of the savings
CCG is expected to gain. She wanted to be sure to point out that this decision
is in no way a negative reflection on ACCG or their relationship with CCG.
Councilor Huff made a statement to the public that Council received a
letter from ACCG on how their company has handled workers compensation cases
over the years and based on the City being in business with ACCG that it is
hard to comprehend that there could?ve been so many mishaps for so many years.
Councilor Henderson made several comments and outlined his support for
staff?s recommendation.
Councilor Allen said he is against the item because he believes the City
is not ready to make this change. He also asks the City Manager to make the
projected savings amount available to the public. It was asked of Director
Amiel to begin providing Council with a quarterly report on workers?
compensation cases.
Worker?s Compensation Director Amiel states that the savings from
Administrative Cost for the year will be around $200,000. This information was
based on the actual bid. She said claim savings will take longer because of the
City having carryovers of the current claims. She said the best early on
savings would be seen from the fact that with the managed care system employees
will be able to see a specialist a lot quicker than in the past.
After much discussion, a motion was made for approval of this resolution
by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and seconded by Councilor Woodson. The vote was
found to be inconclusive with Councilors Henderson, Barnes, Woodson, Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and Davis voting yes; and Councilors Allen, Huff, Thomas and
Baker voting no.
*** *** ***
MONTHLY FINANCE UPDATE:
Ms. Pam Hodge, Director of Finance came forward and gave the monthly
finance update for the month of October 2013.
Other local option sales tax collected for the first 3 months: $8,368,000
Operating funds of the General Fund: - 4.7%
The local option sales tax that is part of the General Fund: - 6.39%
Storm Water fund: - 8.82%
Paving fund: - 9.15%
Medical Center: - 10.65%
Integrative waste: + 3.18%
E-911: + 33.93%
Debt Service Fund: - 13%
Transportation/ Metra Fund: - 11.93%
Parking Management Fund: + 12%
Trade Center Fund: + 35%
Bull Creek: - 7.56%
Oxbow: - 12.80%
Civic Center: + 1 ? %
Insurance Revenues: - 0.7%
Councilor Thomas made a comment saying that the public regularly asks how
to access the reports on the OLOST fund. Director Hodge responds by saying,
that the Council packets are available through E-CAP on the CCG website.
Councilor Davis requests for an organization such as Columbus State
University to identify what exactly is causing our local option sales tax to
continuously decline. Director Hodge says that some information is gathered
from the State but is in such a broad specter to pinpoint the exact cause.
Mayor Tomlinson then made comments on the continuation of laws being
passed to give exemptions and to constrict revenues by Federal and State
legislatures.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh comments on the possibly of the City not
receiving the appropriate funds from taxes on what is being spent within our
community. She expressed this concern because of all the restaurants and
stores that have been established in Columbus over the past couple of years.
Councilor Baker responds by saying that with our population staying at
a standstill, these establishments are not necessarily generating new revenue,
they are taking it from other businesses.
Councilor Davis says that the City in the future will have to seriously
look into tax reform to survive.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATION TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:
_
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Honor.
(2) Memorandum from Deputy Clerk of Council Davis, Re: Airport Commission
Appointments.
(3) Memorandum from Karen Smith, Secretary to the Medical Center Hospital
Authority, Re: Appointments to the Medical Center Hospital Authority, Board of
Trustees.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________________________
A Resolution (369-13) ? Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the
November 12, 2013 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (370-13) - Changing the Council Meeting dates for the month
of December 2013.
Councilor Allen made a motion that the resolutions be approved.
Seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members
of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Ms. Tracy Dean
resigning from her position on the Animal Control Advisory Board. Council Allen
made a motion that the letter be received with regrets. Seconded by Councilor
Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
REFUND OF PROPERTY TAX PENTALTY:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Ms. Mary Eugenia Gates
requesting the waiver of 2013 Property Tax late charge of $115.23.
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that Ms. Huff has requested a delay on this
matter and it will come back to Council when the Tax Commissioner has had time
to do her investigation and present their findings to Council.
A motion was made by Councilor Allen to receive the letter. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY
RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________
Animal Control Advisory Board, October 29, 2013.
Board of Health, October 23, 2013.
Family & Children Services Board, September 11, 2013.
Planning Advisory Commission, October 16, 2013.
Planning Advisory Commission, November 6, 2013.
Recreation Advisory Board, October 23, 2013.
Taxicab Commission, November 13, 2013.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes are received. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________________________
A Resolution (371-13) - Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from
the November 26, 2013 Council Meeting.
Councilor Allen made a motion to approve this Resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING BOARD APPOINTMENTS WERE SUBMITTED
AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:_________
BOARD OF HEALTH:
Dr. William DeNamur does not wish to serve another term on the Board of
Health. Dr. Carlos Wise has been nominated and can be confirmed by Council for
reappointment.
Councilor Woodson made a motion to confirm the reappointment of Dr. Carlos
Wise to succeed himself on the Board of Health. Seconded by Councilor Allen
and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:
Ms. Patricia Hunter is eligible to succeed herself on the Board of Tax
Assessors.
Councilor Henderson submitted a nomination for Mr. Lawton Grantham for
this seat on the Board of Tax Assessors. Councilor Henderson stated that Mr.
Grantham has served on this board in the past but has been off for about two
years. He is supposed to follow-up with this nomination since it would be
against a sitter board member.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh nominated Ms. Hunter for another term of
office.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Pino Wells Davis, Ms.
Felicia Hamilton and Mr. Paul Pierce are all eligible to succeed themselves on
the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board.
Councilor Allen made a motion to confirm the reappointment of Ms. Pino
Wells Davis, Ms. Felicia Hamilton and Mr. Paul Pierce to succeed them selves on
the Convention & Visitors Bureau Board. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor
McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF HONOR:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Jack Rodgers does not
wish to serve again on the Board of Honor.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Addie Cunningham has
resigned from the Civic Center Advisory Board. This is Council District
Three?s Representative.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE):
Mr. Owen Ditchfield has resigned from his seat on the C.I.C.L.E.
Commission. A new recommendation will be needed for that seat.
*** *** ***
MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
The seats of Mr. Michael Eddings and Mr. Robert Koon will expire on
December 31, 2013. Council will need to submit three nominees for each of
these seats.
Councilor Thomas made three nominations to be considered for both of
these seats on The Medical Center Hospital Authority. The nominees are Ms.
Rashme Hudson, Mr. Murray Solomon and Mr. Robert Koon.
Clerk of Council Washington stated the names of these nominees will be
forwarded to the Medical Center Hospital Authority.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Mr. Juan Rodriguez has been recommended to succeed himself by the Keep Columbus
Beautiful Commission.
Councilor Allen made a motion to approve this appointment. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
On the Public Safety Advisory Commission Council District Five, Mr.
Andrew Hollomon?s seat has been declared vacant.
Mr. Daniel Williams, Council District One, cannot succeed himself
and they will need a replacement for him. Councilor Barnes made the statement
that he is in the process of locating a representative.
Ms. Margaret Shafer who represents Council District Seven cannot
succeed herself. Councilor Woodson asked Clerk of Council Washington to contact
the Public Safety Advisory Commission to see if they have a recommendation for
the seat of the Council District Seven.
*** *** ***
REGION SIX REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD:
Ms. Elizabeth Matheny has resigned from her seat on the Region Six
Planning Board and the Clerk of Council will need a replacement for this seat.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Mr. Michael Donnelly has resigned from his seat on the Taxicab
Commission. The Clerk of Council has been in contact with the Hotel/ Motel
Industry, hopefully they will have a representative to Council by the next
meeting.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
The Youth Advisory Council is still in need of a Representative from
Council District Two for the 2013-2014 school years.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
The City Attorney requested an Executive Session to discuss matters of
litigation. Councilor Allen made a motion to go into Executive Session.
Seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Turner-Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this
meeting. Council went into Executive Session at 9:41 p.m.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
The City Council Meeting was called to order at 9:53 p.m. after a brief
Executive Session.
*** *** ***
The City Attorney, Clifton Fay presented an add-on Resolution (372-13) ?
Resolving the case of GEORGIACARRY.ORG vs. Baldwin which is pending in the U.S.
District Court. Councilor Thomas made a motion to approve this Resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
With there being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Councilor Woodson so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this
meeting, with the time of adjournment being 9:54 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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