MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
JULY 9, 2013
A meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 9:19
A.M., Tuesday, July 9, 2013, in the new Citizen 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 Mike Baker, Berry H. Henderson, Judy W. Thomas and Evelyn
Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk Sandra Davis were also present.
Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat at the Council table at 9:15 a.m. Councilor
Jerry ?Pops? Barnes took his seat at the Council table at 9:17 a.m.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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Prior to the Council meeting being called to order someone attempt to exit
the emergency door in the new Council Chambers, which set off the emergency
alarm, which did not go off until some nineteen minutes later, after which the
Council meeting was then called to order.
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RECOGNITION OF MRS. JO MCDANIEL:
Mayor Tomlinson recognized the presence of Mrs. Jo McDaniel, wife of
Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., who was seated in the Council Chambers.
She welcomed everyone to the new Council Chambers that is located in the
new Citizens Service Center Complex, which is off of Macon Road on Citizens Way
that is near the Library on Macon Road. She said we are not live streaming
today, but said we are working on that and hopefully, by our next meeting we
will have that up and running. She said this is a new facility and said there
are some kinks that need to be worked out and she is going to be asking for the
Council?s indulgence as we move through the microphone system this morning. She
said it is a wonderful system; however, it is not exactly set up to the way we
function, but said the software company will come back out and adjust some
things and said there may be some delays as you are recognized and another
councilor is recognized; but said she would ask for your patience in this
matter.
She said we want to congratulate all of those who have made this possible.
She said this is a great building came in well within budget and on time.
Mayor Tomlinson said we know that those things just don?t happen by
accident, but said it takes a lot of great people working together to make that
happen.
She then named several individuals who played a part in this matter, as
well as those who were instrumental in making this possible, to include the
general contractor, architect, project manager, as well as several departments
who were also involved. She thanked all those who had a part in this move.
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WOW CABLE:
Mayor Tomlinson said she would also like to thank WOW, a cable provider,
formerly known as Knology who is running this presentation live, at no cost to
the City as a public broadcasting service to the community. She said she would
like to commend them for their partnership in this endeavor.
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INVOCATION: Led by Chaplain Neil Richardson- Muscogee County Jail.
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PLEDGE: Led by Mayor Tomlinson.
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LIVE BROADCASTING:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked the Mayor to explain to the public why we
are not live on the other cable channels besides Knology.
Mayor Tomlinson said she believes there was an article in the newspaper
about it, but she would ask the City Manager to elaborate on it. She said we
have three cable providers, Knology, now known as WOW is running us live as a
public broadcast service to the community. She said we are in talks with
Mediacom and said at this time Charter is not participating.
City Manager Hugley said we have been working with the cable providers at
the Government Center over the years since we have been live broadcasting with
CCG-TV. He said we have had full cooperation from them in providing access to
the citizens through CCG-TV at no cost to the City. He said the Government
Center was the only location that we were doing this from and now that we have
moved to this new building, this will be the only location and said that we
have simply asked them to transfer that same courtesy from the Government
Center to this building.
He said we have had complete full cooperation with WOW (Knology) as the
Mayor has indicated we are live today with them and we really want to thank
them for their support of this government and providing open government and
access to the citizens. He said Mediacom was routed at the Government Center
through Charter; and that is how we were connected to Mediacom. He said as we
started the talks with Charter, Charter balked at not connecting us to this
facility based on what State law provides; which is within 200 feet of the
building, and then we would bring the connection to the building from there.
City Manager Hugley said they initially started out wanting to charge us
$1400 per month to share CCG-TV with the citizens. He said we balked at the
$1400 per month because we believe that we should have the same opportunity
that we had at the Government Center. He said they started out at $1400 per
month and then got down to $400 per month. He said we know that they can
arbitrarily at any time jack up that $400 to $1400 or $2400 per month or
whatever they want and said that we are not in agreement with that; so as we
continued those discussions with Charter, Mediacom said that they would work
with us. He said they have given indication on their own and not go through the
Charter technology to provide the service; therefore, we are currently in
positive talks with Mediacom and anticipate their full cooperation and support
in the same way that WOW has provided that support.
He said we expect to have that worked out with Mediacom within the next
30-60 days and hope that we will have connectivity and they will be live.
City Manager Hugley said they are continuing those discussions with
Charter and they have gone through GMA and have asked them to assist at the
State level with that discussion. He said they have not agreed to do what they
have done over the years that they did at the Government Center so we are still
talking.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
THE FOUR CRIME PREVENTION GRANTS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CRIME
PREVENTION DIRECTOR SETH BROWN AND APPROVED 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 TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:_________
A Resolution (221-13) ? Authorizing the approval to extend the current
contract with Columbus Parks/Recreation for $40,599.63 through June 30, 2014
for the Boxwood Project.
A Resolution (222-13) ? Authorizing the approval to extend the current
contract
with Columbus Police Department for $10,042.46 through June 30, 2014 for the
Copper Theft Project.
A Resolution (223-13) ? Authorizing the approval to extend the
current contract with the Muscogee County Juvenile Drug Court for $66,429.79
through June 30, 2014 Crime Prevention Initiatives.
A Resolution (224-13) ? Authorizing the approval to extend the current
contract with Muscogee County Marshal's Office for $29,038.07 for the Junior
Marshal's Program.
Councilor Henderson said we have had a lot of discussion about the Crime
Prevention funds and said he is a huge advocate of what Mr. Brown and his board
are doing, but said we have talked a lot about accountability and how we were
going to keep score cards and have measurable goals, said he thinks it would be
great when we renew these to have a short Work Session to give the statistics
and
show the number of people that are impacted by these funds, as it is the
public?s
money.
He said to be able to show that this is working and show the numbers of
people
it is reaching and then translates that to the savings of the community in
property damage and make some estimates as far as what we are saving; dollar
wise down the road for the use of these funds, he thinks would be a good
idea.
Mr. Brown said the last time he gave an update to Council, he pointed out
that
for every dollar they are spending, they are saving the taxpayers about $2.50.
Councilor Henderson said he remembers that and he thinks that is exactly
what
we need, but said he also thinks that we need to tie them to the individual
projects
because each project is evaluated on its own merit. He said your commitment
through us to the community was to make sure that those dollars are accountable
and that we are going to evaluate and grade and said the ones that are
achieving or
exceeding the goals that they set, we can renew them. He said the ones that
are
falling short, there may be a better need for that money somewhere else.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the June 11, 18 & 25, 2013 Council
Meetings of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia
were submitted and approved. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the approval of
the minutes. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:
An Ordinance (13 ?37) ? Rezoning property located at 2828 Warm Springs Road
from an SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to NC (Neighborhood Commercial)
Zoning District. The purpose of the rezoning is to for a parking lot for an
office. Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ITS FIRST READING WAS AGAIN DELAYED AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF
DISCUSSION:_
An Ordinance ? Requiring elected officials and all departments of the
consolidated government to seek Council approval for expenditures exceeding
budgeted appropriations; and for other purposes.
Mayor Tomlinson said several of the elected officials have asked for a
delay on this matter and then asked if there was a motion to delay the first
reading until our next meeting. Councilor Woodson then made a motion to delay.
Seconded by
Councilor Allen.
Councilor Henderson said he had no problem with the delay and said we
tried to accommodate elected officials by delaying it last week. He said he
don?t mind delaying it again, provided that there will be some attempt to
dialogue between the folks who have issues or concerns about it. He said the
emails that he got said they knew about it four hours before our meeting; and
said he feels that we dropped the ball because this was first brought up on the
11th day of June. He said it is disappointing to find out that they just found
out about it four hours before the meeting. He said we put elected officials in
there, but said this is not aimed at elected officials, but it is for all
department heads. He said some department heads are elected officials.
He said former Mayor, Judge Peters sent a letter out which he thinks
captures
the essence of this particular effort very eloquently. He said given time, he
thinks that the people who are opposed to it, will understand.
Councilor Henderson said he would not oppose the delay, but said he would
hope that during the delay, we reach out to one another and have some
conversation. He said if they have specific concerns, he would hope that the
elected officials contact us. He said he has not heard from anyone until this
morning.
Mayor Tomlinson said we received a letter requesting a delay and said that
was taken up and discussed at length at the last Council meeting.
After some discussion on this matter, with several members of the Council
expressing their views regarding this proposed ordinance, Councilor Woodson
asked City Manager Hugley to setup a Pre- Council meeting or either a Work
Session and have the elected officials, as well as the department heads to come
to the meeting and discuss the matter.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to accept the dates as
outlined by the City Manager for a Work Session. Seconded by Councilor Barnes;
however, there was some concerns about those dates and then it was pointed out
that we would have the City Manager to send an email with those proposed dates
to the members of the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Turner then withdrew her motion to
accept hose dates.
The question was then called on Councilor Woodson?s earlier motion to
delay the proposed ordinance, which carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:_
An Ordinance ? Changing the official street and tax maps of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia by deleting a segment of Hamilton
Road and Talbotton Road right-of-way from the official street map; and for
other purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: ______________
A Resolution (225-13) ? Authorizing the approval, acceptance and execution
of the Third Amendment to the letter of agreement for inmate medical services
with Corizon Health, Inc. Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
No one requested to be listed on today?s Public Agenda.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUMBITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION:____
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A Resolution (226-13) ? Authorizing the approval to accept the amended
Community Development Block Grant budget for FY2014 for $1,411,899 and HOME
Program grant for $656,416.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen.
Several members of the Council had questions regarding the Homeowner Rehab
Program, as well as the reduction in our demolitions within the confines of
this budget; with Ms. Amy Carbajal and City Manager Hugley responding to those
questions and concerns of members of the Council, after which several referrals
were made by the Council, which are outlined below.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she thinks that we need to go back and see
what we can do; get together with Neighbor Works or some of the other partners
in Columbus that fix houses and see what we can do; because those are the homes
that need fixing up in the neighborhood that we say we want to redevelop. She
said she has a real big problem when we can?t help those who really need our
help.
City Manager Hugley said when the Council approves this resolution today,
we still have the flexibility to go back and said if we need to move some money
from one program to another; the program that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
Councilor Barnes are speaking of; then, we could come back with some
adjustments in those line items. Ms. Carbajal said, yes, that is correct.
He said if you approve the resolution today, you can still direct the
staff to bring back something that would address that program. He said he
wanted Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh to know that if you approve accepting these
funds today; which we need them, and there is no match; however, the other
option would be not to approve it. He said we can bring back the programs and
move money from one program to another to address your concerns to your
satisfaction. He said as Ms. Carbajal has said, there are a lot of demand for
homeowner?s assistance; which they may have seventy on the list; but the
maximum you can spend on a home with the Homeowner?s Rehab program is
$30,000.00 and if they have a home that needs to be repaired and it costs
$90,000.00; and that would be like putting a band-aid on the problem, and the
decision might be we don?t tackle that home because we can?t do good for it.
City Manager Hugley said we can provide some options for the Council to
look at in terms of moving money from one program to another.
Councilor Barnes said he would like for the Council to take a relook at
this program so that we can brainstorm and make this a program that?s most
effective to the community. He said he would like to have a recap of the
program, as well, to look at rules and regulations of the program.
After more than forty-five minutes of discussion on this resolution, the
question was then called on the motion to adopt the resolution, which carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUMBITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_____
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A Resolution (227-13) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a Quit Claim Deed
for approximately 2.07 acres on Regency Drive that was transferred by Quit
Claim Deed to the Enrichment Services Program. The property is no longer needed
by Enrichment Services and requesting to return property to the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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A Resolution (228-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a Quit Claim Deed for
the alleyway at the connection of Hamilton Road and 7th Avenue to Columbus
Healthcare Resources, Inc., (CHR) to construct a new parking lot for the campus
and improve the aesthetics of the intersection. The alleyway is adjacent to
all sides of Columbus Healthcare Resources Inc.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUMBITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:_____ ______
A Resolution (229-13) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and,
if approved, accept a grant for the District Attorney?s Victim-Witness
Assistance Program for $77,860 with no local from the Georgia Criminal Justice
Coordinating Council as allocated in the FY14 Budget to provide funding for
Sexual Assault Victim Services in the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit and
specifically in Chattahoochee County, Harris County, Marion County, Talbot
County and Taylor County from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014.
A Resolution (230-13) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and,
if approved, accept a grant for the District Attorney?s Victim-Witness
Assistance Program for $44,265 with no local match, from the Georgia Criminal
Justice Coordinating Council as allocated in the FY14 Budget to provide funding
for Sexual Assault Victim Services in the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit and
specifically in Muscogee County from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014.
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THE FOLLOWING SIX PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUMBITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON,
WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING, WITH COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT:
A Resolution (231-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase steel signal
strain poles from Southern Lighting & Traffic Systems (Roswell, GA) for the
estimated annual contract value of $250,000.00. The estimated contract value
is based on the amount the department has budgeted for steel signal strain
poles. The Traffic Engineering Division will purchase steel signal strain
poles, on an ?as needed? basis, to include the following: round steel strain
poles, heavy duty round steel mast arm poles, single and or tandem arms,
decorative bases, luminaire arm. This contract also includes an initial
purchase for a roadway project currently under construction. The Traffic
Engineering Division, of the Engineering Department, installs and maintains
steel signal strain poles along City owned streets within Muscogee County.
The term of the contract shall be for two years, with the option to renew
for three additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be contingent
upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
A Resolution (232-13) ? Amending Resolution #425-10 (approved November 23,
2010) to change the name of awarded vendor from ATC Associates, Inc.,
(Columbus, GA) to ATC Group Services, Inc., d/b/a Cardno ATC (Houston, TX).
Resolution #425-10 authorized the annual contract for geotechnical
environmental testing services, whereby ATC Associates, Inc., was one of two
vendors awarded the contract on an ?as needed? basis.
A Resolution (233-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase industrial,
medical and special gases from Airgas USA, LLC, via Georgia Statewide Contract,
SWC 9999-SPD-SPD0000054, during the current contract term and any future
contract renewals. The gas products will be purchased by Columbus Fire & EMS,
and other departments, on an ?as needed basis?. The term of the contract
effective date is August 1, 2011 through July 31, 2013, with the option to
renew.
Columbus Fire & EMS will be able to purchase medical gas products such as
acetylene, oxygen, etc. from Airgas USA, LLC, under the State Contract, which
has already been competitively bid.
A Resolution (234-13) ? Authorizing the approval of the annual contract
for Inmate Commissary Services with Stewart Distribution (Waycross, GA).
Stewart Distribution will provide inmate commissary services at the Muscogee
County Prison. The contractor shall provide, but not limited to, the following:
o The Contractor shall provide a variety of sundry items to be purchased by
inmates, to include, but not limited to the following: snacks, soft drinks and
personal hygiene items.
o The Contractor shall furnish all stock, supplies, labor, supervision,
packaging and equipment to successfully provide and distribute sundry terms to
MCP inmates.
o The Contractor shall obtain and hold all pertinent permits and licenses.
o The Contractor shall manage the inmate commissary accounts via the Jail
Management System (JMS). The Contractor shall be responsible for all cost
associated with interfacing onto the Jail Management System. Contractor shall
provide an up to date Server.
o Inmate commissary orders shall be processed using scan forms and an optical
scanner. Commissary orders shall be electronically posted to inmate accounts.
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.
A Resolution (235-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase work uniforms
from All American Uniforms (Columbus, GA), on an ?as needed basis?, for the
estimated annual contract value of $157,519.00. The uniforms will be utilized
by the following departments: Inspections & Code Enforcement, METRA Transit,
Engineering, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, the Civic Center and other
departments, as needed. The contract period shall be for two years, with the
option to renew for three additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal
will be contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
A Resolution (236-13) ? Authorizing the approval of payment to Tyler
Technologies, Inc., (Dallas, TX) in the amount of $31,216.50 for the annual
software support and license renewal for Eagle Imaging Software. This payment
will cover the period from August 1, 2013 through July 31, 2014.
The Clerk of Superior Court utilizes the software for imaging and indexing
land records. O.C.G.A Title 15 requires the Clerk of Superior Court to file,
record, and index, maintain, and secure all real estate transactions for
Muscogee County, Georgia. The Georgia Code also requires the Clerk to transmit
such data to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks Cooperative Authority on a
timely basis in such form and with such data elements as is required by such
Authority.
The following software application modules are covered:
EagleQuickdocs Recording
EagleRecorder Public View Recording
EagleRecorder Recording
Eagle Web Recording
eCommerce Recording
Public Printing EagleRecorder Recording
Per Resolution #104-11, Council approved the initial purchase of the software
from Tyler Technologies. Therefore, the vendor is considered the only known
source for the maintenance support.
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RIVERWALK BRIDGE PRESENTATION:
City Manager Hugley said he knows that we have had some discussions about
the Riverwalk Bridge, and there have been some concerns expressed by the Mayor,
members of the Council, as well as the citizens regarding the Riverwalk bridge
and said he has asked the staff to provide an update and let you know what we
are getting ready to do related to the bridge. He said our Engineer John
Hutchinson is going to come and make that presentation this morning.
Prior to Mr. Hutchinson coming forward to make his presentation, Director
of Engineering Donna Newman came forward to introduce him and gave some
background information on Mr. Hutchinson. She said he has been with the City
almost four years now, and said he is actually an architect, and comes from the
University of Tennessee with an Architectural Degree and said he is working on
getting his license. She said their intent when they hired John was to work
with Harry Westcott who was the Project Manager for this building, as well, as
many other projects within the City. She said that Harry Westcott will be
retiring in a few years and said that John has been training to take Mr.
Westcott?s place and said we wanted to get him out in the community, so
everyone would be familiar with him. She said he has already been working on
some projects, along side Mr. Westcott.
City Manager Hugley said that he handled the Boxwood Drive, as well as
done some drawings for South Commons and said that many of the Council members
have met him and have seen some of his work.
Mr. John Hutchinson then came forward and gave a brief presentation of the
Riverwalk Bridge. He showed a drawing of the Riverwalk Wooden Bridge Site, as
well as pointed out the sharp turn which causes users to fall. He said the
bridge holds water after raining.
ANALYSIS:
Several site visits were conducted.
Users of the bridge were contacted for input.
Site was surveyed internally.
Public Works cleared any low hanging branches.
SURVEY OF WOODEN BRIDGE:
Total Bridge Length: 615?
ACTIONS:
Before any work is done, the area will be pressure washed to remove all algae
and film that has grown on bridge over time.
Weep holes (1/4? inch) to be drilled into wood decking to allow water to leave
bridge.
The most cost effective option is the use of a textured concrete coating as a
non-slip surface for the bridge.
PROJECT COST:
Mr. Hutchinson said the estimated project cost for the repairs is
$32,057.00.
TIMELINE:
Work is expected to take about 4 to 6 weeks.
Have a preliminary agreement with Brasfield-Gorrie who is currently working on
Cusseta Road Pedestrian Bridge.
Area will be closed to prevent user access during work.
Detour will be provided.
RIVERWALK PATH DETOUR ROUTE:
Mr. Hutchinson showed the path of the route of the detour that has been
made for the runners and bikers until the repairs have been made.
After the conclusion of his presentation, Mr. Hutchinson and Director
Newman then responded to questions of members of the Council.
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CITIZENS? SERVICE CENTER PARKING GARAGE:
Councilor Thomas said she has been out to the new Citizens? Service Center
facility several times lately and said it?s a wonderful facility; however, she
knows that there are several things that are still being worked on, even as we
speak. She said there is one thing that she has noticed every time she has come
out and gone into the parking garage, as people come in, there is always
somebody who has asked for directions.
She said she was talking with our Police Chief, Chief Boren on yesterday
and she mentioned this to him and said one of the things they wanted to suggest
to the City Manager, is that we have a group, ?Citizens? Law Enforcement
Academy?, and said many of those folks are retirees and are looking for a place
to volunteer.
She said Chief Boren said that Lt. Ross is meeting with this group tonight
and if we would like to ask them if there is anyone who wants to volunteer to
be in the Citizens Service Center Lobby and/or parking garage, to help direct,
they do have shirts that identify them as CLEA graduates. She said these are
retirees who don?t have full time jobs are looking for some place to volunteer.
She said she would like for the City Manager to get in contact with Lt.
Ross today to see if any of the Citizens? Law Enforcement Academy are
interested in volunteering. She said it may be that the CLEA folks could be
here a short period of time and she think they can be very helpful to us.
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TSPLOST DISCRETIONARY FUNDS:
Councilor Thomas said she spoke with the City Attorney and said she would
like to have on a future agenda, or perhaps, it may be on an upcoming business
agenda. She said the question is the timing of the disbursement of TSPLOST
Discretionary Funding. She said she don?t want to hold this until the Deputy
City Manager Arrington comes back to us with a recommendation, but said she
would like for the Council to have some conversation because she has some ideas
about the timing of that. She said she would like for it to be put on an agenda
and she would like for the Council to talk about this matter.
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THANKS TO THE SHERIFF?S DEPARTMENT:
Councilor Thomas said the Mayor has given kudos to a number of our staff
today who has done a great job and said she sees Major Mike Massey, from the
Sheriff?s Office standing in the back of the Council Chambers today and said
the Sheriff?s Office personnel, who have been here and have helped to do
whatever needed to be done in the security of this building have done a great
job. She said she just wanted to say thanks to Mayor Massey and his personnel
from the Sheriff?s office. She said she thinks that these guys have gone above
and beyond, as all of our employees in making this move and said she just
wanted to include them in our kudos.
Mayor Tomlinson said she think that she did for sure, but said there is no
harm in doing it again and said she would like to thank them again for all the
great work that they have done in this regard.
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TSPLOST PRESENTAITON:
Mayor Tomlinson said she thinks that we need to go ahead and put the
TSPLOST presentation on July 16th Work Session Agenda and said we need to go
ahead and finalize that in whole or in part, because we need to come to rest at
some point so that the Council and the community feels comfortable that there
is indeed a plan.
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BUFFER ZONES:
Councilor Huff asked City Manager Hugley to tell him about the buffer
zones when they finish a project, if the buffer zone grows into the yards of
the residence, is there a process we go through, as far as getting that area
cleared.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said he is assuming that the Councilor is
talking about on residential property and the buffer encroaches into the area.
He said that would be a zoning issue and said that they would have to send
someone out from Inspections & Code would have to go out and take a look at the
matter. He then asked that Councilor Huff give them the property address and
they would then send someone out to look into the concern.
*** *** ***
BROWN AVENUE BRIDGE:
Councilor Huff also asked Deputy City Manager Arrington to give an update
with regards to the delay of the work on the Brown Avenue Bridge.
Deputy City Manager Arrington then went into some details in explaining
the reason for the delay with the work on the bridge.
*** *** ***
CITIZENS SERVICE CENTER BUILDING:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked City Manager Hugley if we know when the
front portion of the Citizens Service Center Building will be handicapped
accessible.
City Manager Hugley said the front of the building was designed to be a
drop
off area only and he has asked the staff to relook that area. He said they have
now
designed that area to be handicapped parking, with two fifteen minute drop-off
spaces. He said we are just waiting for the concrete to cure and said we will
have handicapped parking there in the front.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said not the parking, but said she was talking
about the ramp area when you come up to the door. City Manager Hugley said that
area will be done as well. He said originally we weren?t going to use the front
of
the building, but now we have decided we will. He said we have the sidewalk to
bring them up to the entryway and said they are going to take that piece of
concrete
out and it will be handicapped accessible.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said that area was a preformed piece and it
was
supposed to be have been flushed all along, but it turned out not to be; so,
the
contractor is making those adjustments. He said we have not received a delivery
date from them yet on when those repairs will be made, but he is aware of it.
He said they will be working to remedy that in a timely manner as possible; and
said that we have told the contractor that it was a priority and we did have
plans to
drop the front dropout location to handicapped parking, as said they are
working
on that as fast as possible.
Deputy City Manager Arrington then responded to several other concerns of
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh regarding this matter.
City Manager Hugley also pointed out that we will have way finder signs
for all of the three buildings located on the campus for all of the public
facilities; and said, they will all be the same. He said they have some other
things to do that has been mentioned; the monumental sign that will go in front
of our building, as well as putting in the light posts in. He said it will all
come together soon.
*** ***
***
TSPLOST:
Councilor Davis said a great matter of concern that goes along with what
Councilor Thomas requested earlier as it relates to having an upcoming meeting
dealing with the TSPLOST and the discretionary funds. He said in light of just
coming through this budget session that we went through; he thinks a lot of
warning signs has been raised. He said he thinks that we are all concerned
about the direction that we are heading due to the decrease in revenues mainly
because we have taken on a lot of operational expenses in this coming year. He
said he think we need to really have a discussion as it relates to the bands;
he said he knows there are approved bands with regards to the TSPLOSTS. He said
he has also talked a lot about the Park & Ride project that?s part of those
bands; and said he has made it known that the State does have a process as it
relates to the bands, and said you can move projects within the band; however,
the process is somewhat complicated.
He said the reason he is bringing it up is because he thinks that we need
to have a conversation in this regard because he still really doesn?t know what
the Park & Ride project is all about. He said he doesn?t understand what that
project encompasses and the details of it. He said he know that?s the only
project that is in his mind right now, the only project within that band that?s
going to have operational cost involved and it is going to be a further strain
on the operations of this government. He said he think it is important that if
it is going to be a continued burden on our budget, then we need to look at
moving it out a little further and stick to those brick and mortar projects
that will not further point a strain on our operating budget. He said he would
request that we talk about this matter a little further.
Mayor Tomlinson asked the staff to put this matter on the Work Session
Agenda for the August 16th Work Session so that we can get everyone?s questions
answered in this regard. She said it is wholly funded, $22 million, to include
all operations. She said it is an issue that we need to understand much better.
*** *** ***
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said at some point in time, we need to have an
in-depth analysis from the Chamber of Commerce on Economic Development at one
of our Work Sessions.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACES:
Councilor Woodson asked City Manager Hugley to look at the handicapped
spaces within the new Citizens Service Center Parking Garage to make sure that
there is enough room for vans to park in those handicapped parking spaces.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATON TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:_____________
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Downtown Development
Authority.
(2) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Rose Spencer, Councilor Huff?s nominee to
replace Mr. Sudir Patel on the Commission on International Relations & Cultural
Liaison Encounters (C.I.R.C.L.E).
(3) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1000 Block of
Broadway on July 13, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., in connection with
?American Idol Auditions?.
(4) Application of Joanne Cogle to temporarily close the outer southbound lane
of Victory Drive to South Lumpkin Road; outer southbound lane of South Lumpkin
Road from Victory Drive to Waterworks Road; Broadway from 5th Street to 10th
Street, on Saturday, July 20, 2013, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in connection
with the ?Sprint Triathlon?.
(5) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1100 Block of Bay
Avenue in front of Synovus Building, on Monday, July 29, 2013, from 5:00 p.m.
to 8:00 p.m., in connection with the ?Beep Ball Opening Ceremony?.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:__________________
______________________
A Resolution (237-13) ? Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from
the June 25, 2013 Council Meeting.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Barnes being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
________________________________________________
Board of Health, May 22, 2013.
Board of Elections & Registration, March 7, 2013.
Board of Elections & Registration, April 9, 2013.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 22-13.
Board of Water Commissioners, May 13, 2013.
Housing Authority of Columbus, May 15, 2013.
Land Bank Authority, April 10, 2013.
Land Bank Authority, May 1, 2013.
Personnel Review Board, June 19, 2013.
Taxicab Commission, June 26, 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 at the time, with Councilors Barnes being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):_______________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Huff has nominated
Ms. Rose Spencer to succeed Mr. Sudhir Patel, who did not want to serve another
term of office; and said that she may now be confirmed. Councilor Allen so
moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those
nine members present at the time, with Councilors Barnes being absent for this
vote.
*** *** ***
COLUMBUS GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that for the seat of Mr. Neill
Hatcher, which has been declared vacant by the Council we have two nominees,
Dr. William Roundtree and Mr. Sam Warren to fill this unexpired term of office.
She then took a roll call vote which resulted in Mr. Warren being elected.
Voting for Dr. Roundtree was Councilors Huff, Woodson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh. Voting for Mr. Warren was Councilors Allen, Baker, Davis, Henderson,
McDaniel and Thomas, with Councilor Barnes being absent for the vote.
Councilor Henderson moved confirmation of Mr. Warren. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being absent for the vote.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need someone to fill
the unexpired term of Mr. Robert Nobles?at-large seat, due to him having been
appointed to serve on another board. She further pointed out that the
Commission is working on a recommendation for this seat.
*** *** ***
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Regarding the memorandum that Clerk of Council Washington provided to the
members of Council in their agenda packets, as it relates to the Downtown
Development Authority, Councilor Thomas said it says that Mr. Butler, Mr.
Clonninger and Mr. Bickerstaff are all eligible to succeed themselves; to which
Clerk of Council Washington said that is correct.
She said Mr. Reynolds Bickerstaff was appointed to serve the Board of
Water Commissioners on last week and then asked, if Mr. Bickerstaff can serve
on both of these boards, to which Clerk of Council Washington said he can. She
said there is a resolution that allows dual appointment on these two boards.
Councilor Thomas said she wanted to make sure that both of these boards
are the ones that you can serve dual roles on; to which Clerk of Council
Washington said they are.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she knew it was the Development Authority
and another board that you could serve on two boards, but she didn?t know it
was the Water Board as well. She then asked that a copy of the resolution be
provided to the members of the Council.
Some discussion developed on this matter, with members of the Council
expressing some concerns. Councilor Henderson said maybe we need to have a Work
Session to review some of the boards that we allow dual service on and discuss
this matter further.
*** *** ***
VOTES OF COUNCIL:
Councilor Henderson said there are votes frequently taken when members of
Council have stepped away from the Council table, and then asked; what is the
procedure now to record our votes accurately since we have a new system in
place. He said when they come back into the meeting, do they ask directly what
their vote is on a certain item.
Mayor Tomlinson said if you are away for the vote, then you are marked as
absent for the vote.
Clerk of Council Washington said if a councilor is out of the room when a
vote is taken and when they return back to the Council table and request that
their
vote is shown in the affirmative on that particular item, and then we will make
that notation in the minutes.
Mayor Tomlinson said the process will remain the same, if you are out of
the room for the vote, then you will simply be recorded as absent for vote.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said in the past when a councilor stepped out to
get some coffee or stepped out to ask the staff a question, when they came back
they would ask the clerk to register their vote in the affirmative or
non-affirmative.
Mayor Tomlinson said that they do sometimes, but not all the time. Clerk
of Council Washington said that is correct. She said if they do not make that
request, it will be shown that they are absent for that particular vote.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said that is the question now that we have new
technology, will they be able to come back in the room and say they missed the
vote on number five and they want to register the vote.
Clerk of Council Washington said they would have that right to do that and
it wouldn?t show up as an absent for vote.
City Manager Hugley said we don?t intend to print tapes out at every
meeting, but said you can, that vote is recorded and there is a record and at
some point you can ask for your voting record.
Clerk of Council Washington then asked City Manager Hugley if we will be
able to tell what particular issue the Council has voted on.
City Manager Hugley said yes, but said they are setting up that feature,
but not as of right now.
After some ten minutes of discussion on this matter, Mayor Tomlinson said
the Clerk is the keeper of all official votes, and said she thinks any tally
taken will be an unofficial recording and if someone wants an official record
of your vote, you will need to see the Clerk of Council. She said the Clerk
will always be the official recorder.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL:
Councilor Huff said in light of all that has gone on throughout the United
States and our public safety, he heard the Mayor say thank you to our public
safety personnel and said he would also like to say thank you to all of our
Public Safety personnel. He said we lost firemen, 19 of the finest public
safety officers a week or so ago, and have had incidents at airports and a lot
has been going on lately, and then said he would like for the Mayor to give
condolences to the family of Captain Jackey Long. He said they had a real nice
article about him in the newspaper and said he meant so much to the community;
and we just want to let the family know that we are thinking about him.
Mayor Tomlinson said she did speak with his wife early on yesterday
morning and said many of us will be attending the visitation and the funeral.
She also said that she did send a letter of condolences to the Mayor in Arizona
where the 19 firefighters lost their lives protecting the lives and property of
others; and she appreciates Councilor Huff bringing that up.
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
so moved. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel
being absent for this vote, with the time of adjournment being
11:19 a.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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