Agenda Item # 1
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
November 8, 2016
Agenda Report # 53
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: 2016 Legislative Agenda
INITIATED BY: City Manager?s Office
Recommendation: Approval is requested of twenty (20) resolutions for the 2017
Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly, which the Mayor and
Council deem appropriate.
Background: Each year elected and appointed officials of the Columbus
Consolidated Government develop a list of issues important to the citizens of
Columbus that requires action by the Local Legislative Delegation. Once
approved, a meeting will be held with the Delegation to explain the rationale
behind these issues and to solicit their support. The Hometown Connection and
Legislative Agenda meeting will be held November 17, 2016.
Analysis: Staff, elected and appointed officials were asked to present issues
they felt were important to the operation of city government. Research and
justification for these issues were presented to the city manager and a list
was prepared for presentation to the mayor/council.
Financial Considerations: The City is expected to receive additional revenues
if many of the issues are passed by the Georgia General Assembly.
Recommendations/Actions: Approve those resolutions, which the mayor and
council deem appropriate.
COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT
2017 PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
1. 911 SURCHARGE ? INCREASE:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the legislative delegation
to introduce/support legislation to increase 911 fees from $1.50 to $2.50 for
telephone landlines and wireless phones from $1 to $2.50. (Carry over from
previous years) (Requested by Deputy City Manager Hodge)
Explanation:
The revenue generated by the landline, wireless and prepaid phones does not
currently support the operation of the E911 function. The E911 function for
the past four fiscal years has been subsidized from the General Fund and the
Other Local Option Sales Tax Fund for a total of $2.4 million. The E911 fees
from the landline phones have continued to decline almost 10% over the last
three years.
2. COURT COSTS--RECORDER'S COURT:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting legislation that will repeal
the sunset provision and allow Columbus, Georgia to add a fee to state mandated
fines as approved for other cities in Georgia. (Carry over from previous years)
(Requested by Judge Cielinski)
Explanation:
Recorder's Court provides citizens of Muscogee County with fair and impartial
justice, promote public safety, enhance public trust and confidence, and
safeguard the constitutional rights of all who appears in this court.
Recorder's Court is requesting removal of the sunset provision. This fee
should apply to all tickets. The state law as written does not allow the city
of Columbus to impose a fee on state mandated fines. CCG is requesting a $25
fee be imposed due to startup costs instead of the $15 fee. The charge will be
added as a surcharge to each fine imposed by the Recorder's Court, effective
July 1, 2017 to be used to defray administrative costs of Recorder's Court.
3. SALES TAX ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY USER SAFEGUARD (POINT OF SALES
DATA):
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the legislative delegation
to take necessary steps to ensure the full collection and timely remittance of
all sales and use taxes due to the state and to local governments, whether such
steps include additional funding for the Department of Revenue for audits and
compliance purposes, privatizing sales tax collections or allowing local
governments to collect and audit local sales taxes locally. (Carry over
2010/11/12/13/14/15/16) (Requested by Mayor, City Manager and Deputy City
Manager Hodge)
Explanation/Example:
1. Require the Department of Revenue to collect data showing sales tax
collections in cities;
2. Fully capture all data, whether electronically or manually filed;
3. Require the Department of Revenue to share sales tax data for collections
within municipal boundaries;
4. To the extent required to protect taxpayers, support confidentiality and
privacy of information shared with cities;
5. Support efforts to increase audits to ensure compliance; and,
6. Allow for more timely remittance of sales tax dollars to local governments.
4. REPEAL LOCAL POPULATION PROVISION CONTAINED IN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CODE
PERTAINING TO MEASUREMENT TO PROHIBITED LOCATIONS:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting that the legislative
delegation to the General Assembly introduce legislation to repeal paragraph
(d) of O.C.G.A. ?3-3-21 so that there are not separate and inconsistent
measuring methods which only apply to Columbus and two other Counties of the
State. (Requested by Councilor Barnes)
Explanation:
Legislation would repeal the paragraph which provides a different method of
measurement from alcohol establishments to prohibited locations for counties
having a population between 175,000 and 195,000. This provision is of
questionable constitutionality, and Columbus has well over 202,000 people based
on the 2014 Census estimate. However, because of technicalities in the way
population bills work, there is an argument that unless the population
provision is declared unconstitutional by a court, the 2014 Ordinance revision
which council adopted to bring us into compliance with the measurement
standards used throughout the 156 other counties of the State would be invalid
until the year 2020.
5. GEORGIA OPEN CARRY LAW:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the legislative delegation
to support an amendment to OCGA Section 16-11-127 to allow lessees of pubic
assembly venues the ability to choose not to allow weapons within the leased
space of their events and to post signage indicating weapons are not allowed.
When lessees rent the entire facility they should have the option of choosing
to prohibit weapons within the entire facility and post signage indicating
weapons are not allowed. (Requested by David Bevans, CFE, Executive Director
Columbus GA Convention & Trade Center, IAVM State Representative)
Explanation:
As OCGA Section 16-11-127 currently stands the law allows anyone with a weapons
carry license to bring a firearm into a government building. Unless the venue
conducts a weapons check regularly during business hours customers leasing the
space for private events don?t have the ability to prohibit guns at their
event. Persons carrying a weapon into a facility by the law can?t be
questioned if they have a permit.
6. CASINO GAMING REFERENDUM:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the legislative delegation
introduce and/or support legislation to authorize a referendum to allow Georgia
citizens to vote as to whether they want to allow casino gaming in Georgia for
the purpose of Hope Scholarship funding. (Requested by Mayor Pro Tem and
Councilor Woodson)
Explanation:
To provide Hope Scholarships to college bound students to ensure that a lack of
funding does not prevent them from going to college, staying in college and
graduating from college.
7. PEACHCARE FOR KIDS:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the legislative delegation
introduce and/or support legislation that will ensure that all uninsured
children ages 18 and under have access to PeachCare for kids as created by
Title XXI of the Social Security Act to include, preventive, vision, dental,
specialist and primary care. (Requested by Mayor Pro-Tem)
Explanation:
To ensure that all children have access to affordable healthcare through a
healthcare system designed for kids; and to provide a mechanism to ensure that
childcare agencies and those responsible for programs/services for kids be
encouraged to disseminate material relative to the PeachCare for Kids program.
8. LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUES:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting that the legislative
delegation to the Georgia General Assembly introduce general legislation at the
2017 Session to implement one or more of the recommendations. (Request of
Mayor Tomlinson)
Explanation:
1) Require all law enforcement agencies within the State of Georgia to meet
best practices of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies
(CALEA.)
2) Require any future fatal officer-involved shooting within the State of
Georgia to be investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
3) Require any future fatal officer-involved shooting within the State of
Georgia to be reviewed and/or prosecuted by a District Attorney outside the
jurisdiction of the shooting.
4) Require the compilation and maintenance of data on officer-involved
shootings in all Georgia jurisdictions.
5) Require all incident video footage of any officer- involved shootings to be
subject to the Georgia Open Records Act regardless of pending review or
investigation, absent court order protection.
6) Convene a bi-partisan legislative commission to review and report on law
enforcement immunity statutes in Georgia and the need for any legislative
amendments or adjustments. (This item may be accomplished by any appropriate
Resolution of the Georgia General Assembly.)
9. TAX REFORM ? KEY PRINCIPLES OF LOCAL TAXATION:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the legislative delegation
to support GMA?s efforts to promote tax reform that increases transparency,
respects home rule and the need for municipal government officials to respond
to the needs of their constituents by supporting a thorough review of existing
tax exemptions and incentives. (Requested by Deputy City Manager Hodge)
Explanation:
During each legislative session, numerous changes are made to Georgia?s tax
code, often through individual bills. These tax cuts and tax shifts have
resulted in an unbalanced tax code, including regional distortions in the tax
base, which has in turn led to budget shortfalls at the state and local levels.
Since many types of taxation work together to provide revenue for the state and
local governments, any change to one type of tax will often affect the others.
To ensure that Georgia has a balanced and equitable system of taxation, the
state should take a comprehensive approach to taxes as a whole. Of pressing
need for immediate reform is the motor vehicle Title Ad Valorem Tax Fee (TAVT)
state and local percentage share. Any revision of the tax code should respect
the needs of municipal governments and the important and often diverse services
that municipalities provide to their residents and property owners.
10. HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the legislative delegation
to continue advocating for and support additional funding in the 2017 Session
to be allocated for Home and Community Based Services for Georgia Senior
population. (Requested by Councilor Barnes)
Explanation:
Funding received from the Older Americans Act along with State funding are not
keeping pace with the increasing needs of the senior population. There is a
need of continual funding for Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, the Elderly
Legal Assistance Program, and the many Senior Wellness Programs under the Home
and Community Based Services.
11. HOTEL/MOTEL TAX:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting that the legislative
delegation to the General Assembly introduce legislation to amend O.C.G.A.
48-8-96 (h) (1) so that it only applies to LOST referenda held after January 1,
2011, thereby leaving the original two exemptions contained in the 2004
legislation in place in Columbus, Georgia. (Requested by Councilor Henderson)
12. REPEAL OR MODIFICATION OF HOTEL DESTINATION FEE IMPOSED BY HB 106 2015
SESSION:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting legislative delegation to
repeal or modify Section 3 of HB 106, to be codified as O.C.G.A.?48-13-50.3,
which imposes a $5 per night fee on hotel lodging, as part of the
transportation funding plan enacted by HB 170. (Requested by Mayor Pro Tem)
Explanation:
This fee unfairly burden Georgia businesses and visiting families who are
already supporting transportation funding through other taxes. This surcharge
constitutes another tax upon consumers within the Columbus market and hampers
the ability of Columbus hotels to maintain room rates. The burden of any such
fee should be spread among all counties and should not impose a heavier burden
on residents or visitors to border counties like Columbus-Muscogee. The fee
was added as part of an amendment to HB 170 which was made late in the session
and was not extensively debated.
13. PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES (PTV?S):
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the legislative delegation
for an amendment to the provisions of O.C.G.A.?40-6-365(c)(3) which governs the
ability of local governments registration of PTV?s which are allowed to be used
on public streets in specifically designated areas. The amendment would allow
inspection and registration of such vehicles annually instead of once every
five years. (Requested by Councilor Davis)
Explanation:
This Council has recently enacted an ordinance allowing the use of PTV?s on
certain designated streets in the Uptown area. Due to state law restrictions,
registration was only able to be required every 5 years. Annual registrations
are requested to better protect the safety of citizens in areas where PTV?s are
permitted.
14. LOCAL GOVERNING AUTHORITIES HAVE TO REVIEW AND ISSUE CERTAIN BUILDING
PERMITS:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the legislative delegation
to advocate against Senate Bill 437, which is requesting a reduced timeline for
building permits and giving the applicant an opportunity to use a private plan
review to approve construction plans. (Requested by John Hudgison)
Explanation:
Currently Part 2 of Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 8 of the Official Code of
Georgia Annotated, relating to state building, plumbing, and electrical codes,
allow municipalities the ability to review plans for up to 30 business days.
Senate Bill 437 would amend it to only 15 business days. With the diverse
nature of building construction and use, building plans have to go through
other departments for approval (Engineering, Planning, etc.) as well as other
local boards (BHAR, BZA, PAC). Much of that work and approval would take more
than 15 business days. This would force the City to stop simultaneous
submittals and would not be able to come to the Inspections & Code Department
to submit plans until the other departments have seen and approved the plans.
Also this opens the door for private plans examiners and inspectors to approve
plans and inspect buildings without notifying the local municipality if the
applicant feels that the timelines are not met.
15. AMENDMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROVISION FOR REDEVELOPMENT POWERS LAW:
Introduce/support legislation to revise and to clarify the conflict of interest
provisions in the Redevelopment Powers Law which address the participation of
local government elective and appointive officials and employees in the
creation and administration of Tax Allocation Districts. (Requested by
Councilor Henderson)
Explanation:
1) With respect to property acquired after the designation of a redevelopment
area or TAD, the current law very broadly prohibits any "elected official,
appointed official, or employee of any political subdivision, board,
commission, or redevelopment agency from voluntarily acquiring any interest,
direct or indirect, in any property contract or transaction or proposed
contract or transaction in connection with the redevelopment of that
redevelopment area..." The proposed revision would remove the blanket
prohibition against voluntary property acquisition in a redevelopment area and
instead provide that any official or employee who has a direct ownership
interest in a property that is proposed to receive payment of redevelopment
costs shall disclose the interest in writing to the legislative body and shall
not vote or in any way participate in considering the matter or seek to
influence the votes of others on the matter.
2) The current law requires that any elected or appointed official or employee
of a political subdivision who has acquired any interest direct or indirect in
property in the redevelopment area within the two years immediately prior to
the date the plan is submitted to the local legislative body shall disclose the
interest in writing 30 days in advance and "not participate in any action of
the political subdivision which affects that property." The revision would cut
the time of written notice to 5 days and limit the coverage of the provision to
public officers as defined by O.C.G.A. Section 21-5-3 (22) instead of the
current general reference to all elected officials, appointed officials and
employees.
3) The proposed revision also refines the definition of the property interest
covered by the conflict provision. The current law covers any transaction which
facilitates the acquisition "any interest direct or indirect" in property and
substitutes a direct ownership interest in property as defined by O.C.G.A.
Section 21-5-3(8).
16. ENSURE THAT CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS PAY THEIR OWN ATTORNEY?S FEES WHEN
FILING SUIT AGAINST THEIR COUNTY GOVERNING AUTHORITY:
Request that the legislative delegation to the Georgia General Assembly amend
OCGA Section 45-9-21 to make it clear that the statute is not applicable to
constitutional officers when they file suit against their local governing
authority as a plaintiff. (Requested by Councilor Henderson)
Explanation:
One of the issues which has arisen in the current constitution officer
litigation is how attorneys? fees are funded during the pendency of the
litigation. Plaintiff constitutional officers have taken the position that
their attorneys? fees should be paid by the governing authority they are suing
from a source other than the officers? budget or personal budget. The code
section was legitimately designed for the situation when both the officer and
governing authority are sued and there is a legitimate conflict of interest
which makes it impossible for the City Attorney to represent both parties.
Clarification is requested from the General Assembly to insure that
constitutional officers may not create the conflict and make use of the Statute
to sue the governing authority and force it to pay for the attorney?s fees
without any safeguard to the public coffers.
17. LEGISLATION IMPOSING RESTRICTIONS ON STEP THERAPY/FAIL FIRST PROTOCOLS:
Request that our Legislative Delegation provide limitations on Step
Therapy/Fail First protocols imposed by insurance companies that restrict the
liberty that physicians and health care providers have to prescribe medication
they know will be effective in treating their patients. (Requested by Councilor
Barnes)
Explanation:
Step Therapy, also known as Fail First policies are insurance practices which
require the least expensive drug in any class to be prescribed to a patient
first, even if a patient?s physician believes a different therapy is medically
in the best interest for their condition. We strongly believe the physician
should make this decision, not your health insurance company. The result of the
Step Therapy process places the patient?s health in jeopardy.
Legislation would provide limitations on Step Therapy/FailFirst protocols in
order to allow medication access and protect patients. Legislation would:
Prohibit insurers from requiring insured patients from having to fail a
prescription medication more than once, permit a prescriber to override the
step therapy when patients are stable on a prescribed medication, permit a
physician to override the step therapy if the physician expects the treatment
to be ineffective or will likely cause an adverse reaction by or physical harm
to the patient, or is not in the best interest of the patient, based on medical
necessity. It would also require health insurance plans to incorporate step
therapy approval and override processes in their preauthorization applications.
18. HOTEL TAX RELIEF FOR EVACUEES FROM STORMS OR HURRICANES OR OTHER DISASTERS
WHEN AN EVACUATION ORDER IS ISSUED:
Request an amendment to the current hotel tax exclusions to provide that no
such taxes shall be charged to individuals who are seeking lodging as a result
of a mandatory or voluntary evacuation order issued by federal, state or local
officials due to a storm, hurricane, or other disaster. (Requested by Councilor
Davis)
Explanation:
O.C.G.A. 48-13-51(h)(1) already provides that the tax shall not apply to
?persons who certify that they are staying in such room, lodgings, or
accommodations provided without charge as a result of the destruction of their
home or residence by fire or other casualty.? This request is to expand that
exemption to include situations where the person?s home is not destroyed but
they still are forced to seek temporary lodging during an evacuation.
19. NON-PARTISAN PRIMARY BALLOTS FOR ALL LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS INCLUDING
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS:
Amend state law to provide that all local elected officials, including
constitutional officers, be elected on non-partisan primary ballots. (Requested
by Councilor Davis)
Explanation:
This would allow the voter the opportunity to vote on all local elected
officials without having their choices limited by the party they wish to select
candidates for state and federal elective office.
20. STATUTORY WAIVER OF STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT RULES BY LOCAL GOVERNING
AUTHORITIES:
Amend state law to provide that local governing authorities may waive certain
Department of Public Health safety rules for one-time events or meets in
facilities they own or operate. (Requested by Councilor Davis)
Explanation:
This will allow the local government the authority to determine when special
exceptions to specific Department of Public Health Regulations are appropriate
in their own facilities.
Item # 1 (1)
A RESOLUTION
NO. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION TO AMEND O.C.G.A. ? 46-5-134 TO INCREASE THE MONTHLY LANDLINE AND
WIRELESS ENHANCED 9-1-1 CHARGES UP TO $2.50.
WHEREAS, in accordance with the limits established by O.C.G.A. ? 46-5-134, this
Council has set the existing monthly landline (including VoIP) 9-1-1 charge at
$1.50 and the existing wireless enhanced 9-1-1 charge at $1.00 per each
connection; and,
WHEREAS, the cost to operate the Emergency System Telephone Fund 9-1-1-
Operations exceeds the revenue generated by the current charges; and,
WHEREAS, the Columbus Consolidated Government is subsidizing the operations of
the 9-1-1 operations from the General Fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation to amend
O.C.G.A. ?46-5-134 to authorize local governments to increase the monthly
landline and wireless enhanced 9-1-1charges to a maximum of $2.50 per each
connection.
__________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2016 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (2)
A RESOLUTION
No._____
WHEREAS, in 2013, the General Assembly adopted House Bill No. 556 (Act No. 297)
creating a Recorder?s Court Technology Fee, to be set by the Court, not to
exceed $15.00 as a surcharge to each fine imposed; and,
WHEREAS, said Act and Technology Fee was automatically repealed on July 1,
2016; and,
WHEREAS, this Council desires that the local legislative delegation introduce
local legislation at the 2017 Session of the Georgia General Assembly to permit
imposition of court costs of $25.00 to be added as a surcharge to each fine
imposed by the Recorder?s Court, effective July 1, 2017, to be used to defray
administrative costs of the Recorder?s Court.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby respectfully request that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly introduce local legislation at the 2017 Session to permit imposition
of court costs of $25.00 to be added as a surcharge to each fine imposed by the
Recorder?s Court, effective July 1, 2017, to be used to defray administrative
costs of the Recorder?s Court. Let a copy of this resolution be forwarded by
the Clerk of Council to each member of the local delegation to the Georgia
General Assembly.
______________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
_______ day of ___________ 2016, and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative
vote of ______ members of Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (3)
A RESOLUTION
NO. ______
WHEREAS, the Columbus Finance Department and other officials of Columbus,
Georgia have requested information concerning sales tax data from the Georgia
Department of Revenue on many occasions; and,
WHEREAS, other consolidated governments and cities and counties of similar size
have also requested the same information in the past; and,
WHEREAS, O.C.G.A. Section 48-2-15(d) allows cities with populations greater
than 350,000 to request any pertinent tax information from state tax returns by
resolution to the State Revenue Commissioner; and,
WHEREAS, this Council deems it appropriate to request an amendment to O.C.G.A.
Section 48-2-15(d) to allow similar requests by consolidated governments or
cities or counties with a population greater than 170,000.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby respectfully request that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly introduce general legislation at the 2017 Session of the Georgia
General Assembly to amend O.C.G.A. Section 48-2-15(d) so as to permit
consolidated governments or cities or counties with a population greater than
170,000 to request any pertinent tax information from state tax returns by
resolution to the Georgia Commissioner of Revenue. Let a copy of this
resolution be forwarded by the Clerk of Council to each member of the local
delegation to the Georgia General Assembly.
________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2016 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (4)
A RESOLUTION
No. _____
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION TO REPEAL PARAGRAPH (D) OF O.C.G.A. ? 3-3-21 TO ALLOW COLUMBUS TO
USE STANDARD GUIDELINES FOR MEASURING PROHIBITED DISTANCES UNDER THE ALCOHOL
BEVERAGE LAWS.
WHEREAS, on May 12, 2015, this Council adopted Ordinance No. 15-15 which
repealed existing distance regulations in Columbus Code Section and substituted
the current method of measurement provided by State law for all counties except
for those in a specific population category; and,
WHEREAS, numerous alcoholic beverage licenses have been issued pursuant to
surveys performed in accordance with the guidelines of Ordinance No. 15-15
which are consistent with the general statewide measurement standards set forth
in O.C.G.A.?3-3-21(c); and,
WHEREAS, there is legal uncertainly that due to anomalies in the 2010 census
figures for Columbus, it did not have a high enough census to fall outside of
paragraph (d) of O.C.G.A. ? 3-3-21.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation to repeal
paragraph (d) of O.C.G.A. ?3-3-21 to allow Columbus to use the method of
measuring prohibited distances in accordance with the guidelines generally
applicable throughout the State.
__________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ____________ , 2016 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (5)
A RESOLUTION
No.________
WHEREAS, OCGA Section 16-11-127 permits weapons carry licensees to bring
weapons into government buildings where screening is not conducted; and,
WHEREAS, this Council desires that OCGA Section 16-11-127 be amended so as to
permit lessees of government buildings to prohibit weapons at events in their
discretion.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby respectfully request that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly introduce statewide general legislation at the 2017 Session to amend
OCGA Section 16-11-127 so as to permit lessees of government buildings to
prohibit weapons at events in their discretion. Let a copy of this resolution
be forwarded by the Clerk of Council to each member of the local delegation to
the Georgia General Assembly.
---------------
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ____________ , 2016 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (6)
A RESOLUTION
NO.________
WHEREAS, this Council desires to facilitate the provision of Hope Scholarships
to college bound students to insure that a lack of funding does not prevent
them from going to college; and,
WHEREAS, additional funding sources are necessary to be able to fully
implement the Hope Scholarship program.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
We hereby respectfully request that the local legislative delegation to the
Georgia General Assembly introduce or support legislation to authorize a
referendum to allow Georgia citizens to vote as to whether casino gaming should
be allowed in Georgia for the purpose of Hope Scholarship funding. Let a copy
of this Resolution be forwarded by the Clerk of Council to each member of the
local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly.
______________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
_______ day of ___________ 2016, and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative
vote of ______ members of Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (7)
A RESOLUTION
NO.________
WHEREAS, uninsured children under age 18 often go without healthcare due to
affordability issues; and,
WHEREAS, access to healthcare through the PeachCare for Kids program
need to be more accessible to those children in need through more public
information concerning the program and through quicker eligibility
determinations.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
We hereby respectfully request that the local legislative delegation to the
Georgia General Assembly support or introduce legislation which will ensure
that all uninsured children under age 18 who qualify will have timely access to
PeachCare for kids as created by Title XXI of the Social Security Act to
include preventive vision, dental, specialist, and primary care. Let a copy of
this Resolution be forwarded by the Clerk of Council to each member of the
local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly.
______________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
_______ day of ___________ 2016, and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative
vote of ______ members of Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (8)
A RESOLUTION
No._____
WHEREAS, events across the country have brought law enforcement encounters with
citizens into focus and states and communities are studying such issues as
policing, use of force policies, transparency and civic order;
WHEREAS, this Council desires that the Georgia General Assembly consider
passage of statewide general legislation or appropriate Resolution to implement
the following:
1. Require all law enforcement agencies within the State of Georgia to meet
best practices of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies
(CALEA.)
2. Require any future fatal officer-involved shooting within the State of
Georgia to be investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
3. Require any future fatal officer-involved shooting within the State of
Georgia to be reviewed and/or prosecuted by a District Attorney outside the
jurisdiction of the shooting.
4. Require the compilation and maintenance of data on officer-involved
shootings in all Georgia jurisdictions.
5. Require all incident video footage of any officer- involved shootings to be
subject to the Georgia Open Records Act regardless of pending review or
investigation, absent court order protection.
6. Convene a bi-partisan legislative commission to review and report on law
enforcement immunity statutes in Georgia and the need for any legislative
amendments or adjustments. (This item may be accomplished by any appropriate
Resolution of the Georgia General Assembly.)
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby respectfully request that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly introduce general statewide legislation or any appropriate Resolution
at the 2017 Session to implement the above-described recommendations. Let a
copy of this resolution be forwarded by the Clerk of Council to each member of
the local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly.
---------------
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
_______ day of ___________, 2016, and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (9)
A RESOLUTION
NO.________
WHEREAS, this Council desire to insure that all tax code exemptions and
incentives under state law be reviewed in a comprehensive way which assures
that their impact on each other and particularly on local governments is
considered; and,
WHEREAS, there is pressing need for immediate reform in the motor
vehicle Title Ad Valorem Tax Fee (TAVT).
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
We hereby respectfully request that the local legislative delegation to the
Georgia General Assembly support efforts of the Georgia Municipal Association
to promote tax reform that increases transparency, respects home rule and the
needs of municipal governmental officials by supporting a comprehensive review
of all existing tax exemptions and incentives. Let a copy of this Resolution be
forwarded by the Clerk of Council to each member of the local delegation to the
Georgia General Assembly.
______________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
_______ day of ___________ 2016, and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative
vote of ______ members of Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (10)
A RESOLUTION
NO.________
WHEREAS, senior citizens are Georgia's most vulnerable population with many
socio-economic barriers to quality of life issues. With the advent of the "Baby
Boomer generation, the 60 and above is the fastest growing age cohort. Funding
received from the Older Americans Act along with State funding are not keeping
pace with the increasing needs of the senior population; and,
WHEREAS, in the River Valley Region alone, the following Home and
Community Based Services have been provided: More than 212,013 meals to clients
during FY15; More than 31,362 hours of services provided to clients for
Homemaker, Personal Care and Respite Care for FY15; and 5044 hours of services
provided to caregivers through the Respite Care Services Voucher Program; and,
WHEREAS, continual funding is also needed for the Long Term Care Ombudsman
Program, The Elderly Legal Assistance Program, and the many Senior Wellness
Programs under The Home and Community Based Services.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
We hereby respectfully request that the local legislative delegation to the
Georgia General Assembly continue advocating for and support additional funding
in the 2017 Session to be allocated for Home and Community Based Services for
Georgia's Senior population. Let a copy of this Resolution be forwarded by the
Clerk of Council to each member of the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly.
______________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
_______ day of ___________ 2016, and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative
vote of ______ members of Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (11)
A RESOLUTION
NO._______
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE
LEGISLATION TO AMEND O.C.G.A. 48-8-96(1) (I) SO THAT IT ONLY APPLIES TO LOST
REFERENDA HELD AFTER JANUARY 11, 2011, THEREBY LEAVING THE ORIGINAL TWO
EXEMPTIONS CONTAINED IN THE 2004 LEGISLATION IN PLACE IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the
efficient operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of
life for its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2017 General Assembly
Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS
FOLLOWS:
We hereby respectfully request that the local Legislative Delegation to
the Georgia General Assembly introduce legislation at the 2017 Session to amend
O.C.G.A. 48-8-96 (h) (1) so that it only applies to LOST referenda held after
January 1, 2011, thereby leaving the original two exemptions contained in the
2004 legislation in place in Columbus, Georgia.
___________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia,
held the ________ day of _______________, 2016 and adopted at said meeting by
the affirmative vote of _______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (12)
A RESOLUTION
NO._____
WHEREAS, the Transportation Act, H.B.170, as amended by Section 3 of H.B. 106,
both enacted in the 2015 legislative session, enacted a new code section
48-13-50.3 which imposed a $5.00 per day fee on hotel/motel lodging effective
July, 2015 to fund transportation expenditures; and,
WHEREAS, this Council is concerned that this additional fee will adversely
impact the residents of Georgia, who make up a significant portion of hotel
visitors to most Georgia cities, and who make up 79% of overnight hotel guests
in Columbus, as these Georgians are otherwise being taxed to support the
development of transportation infrastructure within the State; and,
WHEREAS, this Council finds that local businesses of Columbus are particularly
adversely impacted by this destination fee, which when added to existing sales
and use taxes already charged on Columbus hotel rooms results in an average tax
of 23% on the average daily hotel rate, making it difficult for Columbus hotels
to maintain reasonable daily rates, particularly in light of competition from
hotels across the border in Alabama which are not subject to the same fee
structure.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby request that the local delegation to the General Assembly introduce
legislation to repeal or modify O.C.G.A. ?48-13-50.3 which imposed a $5.00 per
night hotel/motel fee effective July 1, 2015.
__________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2016 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (13)
A RESOLUTION
NO._____
WHEREAS, O.C.G.A.?40-6-365(c)(5) provides that local governments may regulate
the use of PTV?s on its streets by requiring registration and proof of
insurance once every five years for a fee not to exceed $15.00; and,
WHEREAS, this Council recently passed Ordinance No. 15-8 implementing a PTV
plan permitting the use and registration of PTV?s on certain designated streets
in the Uptown Columbus area, but based on the requirements of O.C.G.A. ?40-6-365
(c)(5), registration and insurance verification was limited to once every five
years for a fee of $15.00; and,
WHEREAS, this Council finds that in the interest of protecting the safety and
welfare of pedestrians and motorists in the areas where PTV are permitted, it
would be advantageous to require yearly registration and verification of
adequate insurance.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby request that the local delegation to the General Assembly introduce
legislation to amend O.C.G.A. ?40-6-365(c)(3) to allow for the annual
registration and inspection of PTV?s permitted for use on public streets for a
fee not to exceed $15.00.
_________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2016 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (14)
A RESOLUTION
NO._____
WHEREAS, there is a pending Senate Bill 347 which would amend Title 8 of the
Georgia Code reduce the timeline for local governments to act on building,
plumbing and electrical permit requests from thirty days to fifteen days and to
permit the use of private inspectors if the fifteen- day timeline is not met;
and,
WHEREAS, the Department of Inspections and Codes has advised that such a
reduction of the time allowed for processing permit applications would be
difficult to comply with and would interfere with the current practice of
concurrent plan review.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby request that the local delegation to the General Assembly oppose
Senate Bill 437 or any similar proposal, which shortens the time available to
local plans examiners to act on permit requests or expands the ability for
applicants to seek a private inspection in lieu of one performed by the local
government?s plan examiners. Let a copy of this Resolution be forwarded by the
Clerk of Council to each member of the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly.
_________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2016 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (15)
A RESOLUTION
NO._____
WHEREAS, the conflict of interest provision of Redevelopment Powers Law, Title 36,
Chapter 44 is broadly and unclearly worded in a way that leaves all CCG
officials, even employees whose positions have nothing to do with the creation
or administration of a Tax Allocation District, subject to possible disclosure
requirements and prohibitions from voluntarily acquiring a direct or indirect
interest in property in any TAD created by Council; and,
WHEREAS, this Council desires that the conflict of interest provision
applicable to TAD?s be more specific and limited as to the persons covered by
its requirements and use definitions consistent with the Ethics in Government
Act found in Chapter 5 of Title 21 of the Georgia Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby request that the local delegation to the General Assembly
introduce/support the attached proposed amendment to O.C.G.A.? 36-44-21 or any
similar proposal, which clarifies that code section by providing standard
definitions and eliminates the prohibition against the acquisition of property
in TAD?s by all CCG employees. Let a copy of this resolution be forwarded by
the Clerk of Council to each member of the local delegation to the Georgia
General Assembly.
________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2016 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (16)
A RESOLUTION
NO._____
WHEREAS, this Council desires that the law be clarified to expressly state that
constitutional officers who file suit against their local governing authority
as a plaintiff are not entitled to payment of their attorneys? fees out of
other governing authority funds that have not been budgeted to them.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby request that the local delegation to the General Assembly
introduce/support an amendment to O.C.G.A.? 45-9-21 to make it clear that the
statute is not applicable to constitutional officers when they file suit
against their local governing authority as a plaintiff. Let a copy of this
resolution be forwarded by the Clerk of Council to each member of the local
delegation to the Georgia General Assembly.
________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2016 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (17)
A RESOLUTION
NO._____
WHEREAS, this Council is concerned that insurance companies impose protocols
known as Step therapy /Fail First which require that a health care provider
prove that a less expensive medicine has failed to work for a particular
patient before a more efficacious but more expensive prescription may be
prescribed; and,
WHEREAS, this Council desires to protect the health of Georgians and preserve
the ability of physicians to prescribe the best treatment without interference
from unnecessarily restrictive insurance requirements.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby request that the local delegation to the General Assembly
introduce/support the legislation which provides limitations on the use of
StepTherapy/ Fail First protocols by insurance companies. Let a copy of this
resolution be forwarded by the Clerk of Council to each member of the local
delegation to the Georgia General Assembly.
________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2016 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (18)
A RESOLUTION
No._____
WHEREAS, many citizens from Georgia and neighboring states have recently been
displaced as a result of mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders issued by
federal, state or local officials due to storm, hurricane or other pending or
threatened disaster; and,
WHEREAS, this Council desires that OCGA Section 48-13-51(h)(1) be amended so as
to expand the hotel tax exemption to provide relief to persons displaced as a
result of mandatory or voluntary evacuation order issued by federal, state or
local officials due to a storm, hurricane or other disaster.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby respectfully request that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly introduce statewide general legislation at the 2017 Session to amend
OCGA Section 48-13-51(h)(1) so as to expand the hotel tax exemption to cover
persons displaced as a result of mandatory or voluntary evacuation order issued
by federal, state or local officials due to a storm, hurricane or other
disaster. Let a copy of this resolution be forwarded by the Clerk of Council
to each member of the local delegation to the Georgia General Assembly.
---------------
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2016 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (19)
A RESOLUTION
No.______
WHEREAS, in recent primary elections, Muscogee County and Georgia voters were
forced to choose a particular primary ballot for local races, including
constitutional officers, and were not able to vote for other such candidates
listed on another primary party ballot; and,
WHEREAS, this Council desires that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly amend the state law so that voters can choose a non-partisan primary
ballot for races of all local elective offices, including constitutional
officers.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby respectfully request that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly introduce statewide general legislation at the 2017 Session to allow
voters to choose a non-partisan primary ballot for races of all local elective
offices, including constitutional officers. Let a copy of this resolution be
forwarded by the Clerk of Council to each member of the local delegation to the
Georgia General Assembly.
---------------
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
_______ day of ___________, 2016, and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
Item # 1 (20)
A RESOLUTION
No._____
WHEREAS, application of certain State Health Department Rules for swim meets
has recently caused delay or cancellation of certain athletic events in
Muscogee County; and,
WHEREAS, this Council desires that the local governing authority be empowered
to waive certain State Health Department Rules when an exception is appropriate
in a facility owned or operated by or on behalf of the county for one-time
meets or athletic events.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby respectfully request that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly introduce statewide general legislation at the 2017 Session to allow a
local governing authority to waive certain State Health Department Rules when
an exception is appropriate in a facility owned or operated by or on behalf of
the county for one-time meets or athletic events. Let a copy of this resolution
be forwarded by the Clerk of Council to each member of the local delegation to
the Georgia General Assembly.
---------------
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
_______ day of ___________, 2016, and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Garrett voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
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