MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 9, 2015
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 9, 2015, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens
Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia Honorable
Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor and Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh were Councilors Mike Baker, Tom B. Buck III, Berry H. Henderson, and Judy
W. Thomas. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant
City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy
Clerk of Council Lindsey Glisson were also present. Councilor R. Gary Allen
took his seat at 9:05 a.m. Councilor Glenn Davis took his seat at 9:14 a.m.
Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat at 9:45 a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilors Jerry Barnes and Evelyn Woodson were absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Dr. Carolyn Carlisle of Holsey Monumental
C.M.E. Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Teresa Tomlinson.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS PUBLIC HEARING:
Mayor Tomlinson said we have just completed the budget process and said we
will now have the taxpayers? bill of rights public hearing, which has been
published in the newspaper and is required pursuant to law. She then called
forward Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge to come forward and conduct that public
hearing.
Deputy City Manager Hodge said this is the first of three required public
hearings for the taxpayers? bill of rights. She said the ad for this week?s
public hearing was published on last week, and there was also an ad in today?s
newspaper for next week?s public hearing scheduled.
She said this relates to the millage rate being higher than the rollback
rate; and what that means is that the total amount of taxes that are being
collected city-wide are more than last year. She said this is due to the
increase in the digest and not a change in the millage rate. She said for
those homeowners who have been in their home and have homestead exemption,
there will be no change in their taxes or no change in the millage rate.
Ms. Hodge said at this time we will open up the public hearing to the
public for anyone who wanted to be heard on this matter. There was no one who
indicated that they wanted to be heard.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked City Attorney Fay if there is any formal
announcement that needs to be made in this regard, to which City Attorney Fay
said there were none. He said that this hearing is being held pursuant to
O.C.G.A. 48-5-32.1 and said anyone is allowed to speak on the tentative millage
rate, if they want to.
Once again Mayor Tomlinson asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak
regarding the taxpayers? bill of rights, and the millage rate could be heard at
this time, but there was no one. City Attorney Fay said there will be two
other public hearings conducted like this one; one being held at 6:00 p.m.
today, and the other one will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16th during
the regular business meeting of the Columbus Council meeting.
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?SHERYL GREEN DAY?:
With Muscogee County School District?s Teacher of the Year, Ms. Sheryl
Green of Jordan High School, standing at the Council table Councilor Judy
Thomas read Mayor Tomlinson?s proclamation, proclaiming June 9, 2005, as
?Sheryl Green Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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RECOGNITION OF MR. BRIAN ANDERSON:
Mayor Tomlinson recognized the presence of Mr. Brian Anderson, who
is the new Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, who was seated in the
audience.
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PRESENTATION:
Mayor Teresa Tomlinson said we have provided a response to a referral made
by Councilor Woodson to provide a regular report to Council regarding the
expenditures of Elected Officials and the transferring of line items. She went
into many details in outlining the responses to several questions as it relates
to the lawsuit filed by Marshal Greg Countryman and Clerk of Municipal Court,
Vivian Creighton-Bishop.
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REQUEST APPROVAL FOR AN AUDIT:
Mr. John Redmond, Internal Auditor came forward and said recently he
received a request from Deputy City Manager Hodge; which has been endorsed by
City Manager Hugley and Mayor Tomlinson to perform a Transition Audit of the
Community Reinvestment Division.
He said they have had several changes of command in that agency over the
past seven years. He said he thinks it is a legitimate request and today he is
here requesting the Council?s approval to authorize that transition audit.
Councilor Henderson then made a motion to approve Mr. Redmond?s request
for a Transition Audit of the Community Reinvestment Division. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight member of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Woodson being absent for the meeting.
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FINDINGS OF THE TRANSITION AND OPERATIONAL AUDIT OF THE INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT:___
____
Mr. John Redmond, Internal Auditor came forward and provided a
Report on the Information Technology Department?s Transition Audit and
provided the following information, as highlighted below.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
? Services
? Computers
? Telephone/Cell Phone
? Internet/Intranet
? System & Application Software
? Web page
? On-line payments
? Access controls
Management Transition
? Charles Tate retired July 2014
? Dr. Forrest Tolle assumed IT Director responsibilities in December 2014
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
?Mainframe
?Operating manual was found to be satisfactory
?Other significant job tasks, processes, standards of operations
?Not documented
?Policies and procedures manual being developed
STRATEGIC PLAN
?Strategic Plan provides the framework for IT support of current City
operations and long-range master plan.
?A written strategic plan did not exist nor was there a departmental
understanding of changes that would be required to meet the evolving
technological environment.
STRATEGIC PLAN IN DEVELOPMENT
?Strategic Plan
?Moving from a mainframe operating environment to a server based environment
?Fiber Optic Network to all City locations
?Long-term benefit - reducing cost of IT operations
STRATEGIC PLAN REQUIREMENTS
?New and different skill sets will be required from staff to meet strategic
plan goals
? Experienced and Qualified Network technician
? To implement server based platform
? To design fiber optic network deployment to all City locations
? Permanent and on-going technical need
Technical Expertise
? Outsource required technical expertise
? Create a permanent position
PAYROLL AUDIT
? All paid employees were identified and actively at work
? Pay rates were verified
SYSTEM VULNERABILITY
? Access control to City network and applications
? Significant weakness
? 16 of 17 area reviewed received failing scores
? Weaknesses being addressed
? Immediate Steps
? Strengthening passwords for management with a roll-out program for other
employees
? Password encryption and restricted IT access
? Deactivating access for terminated employees
? Future Steps
? Penetration testing, both internal and external
? Implementation of more stringent system controls
SOFTWARE LICENSING
? Compliant with software licensing agreements
? Major exception is Microsoft
? Microsoft
? New contracts remedying deficiencies
? Upgrades Microsoft applications to current version for all City users
? Improves productivity and training for City users
CONTRACTS
? Contracts did not follow City review and approval process
WIRELESS PHONE
? Insufficient compliance and control of cell phones
? Current Usage
? Approximately 600 cell phones currently issued
? Monthly bill in excess of $22,000
? Action Plan
? Physical inventory of all cell phones
? Verification of need
FIBER OPTIC CABLE USES
? Fiber Optic Cable
? Phones
? Internet/Intranet
? Television
PHONES/INTERNET/CABLE
? City facilities not currently linked on fiber optic network
? City currently contracts with Phone/Internet/Cable service providers such as
AT&T,WOW, Spectrum, Mediacom, etc.
? Monthly Cost
? $55,000 Phone (approximately)
? $3,000 Internet (approximately)
? $1,000 Cable (approximately)
? Leased fiber optic network
? Expensive and ongoing cost
? Does eliminate some expenses for Internet and Cable
FIBER OPTIC CABLE OPPORTUNITY
? City owned
? One time installation cost
? Long-term will eliminate cost of leasing fiber optic networks and contracting
with other service providers for internet and cable
? Improved quality of service
? Savings of $700,000 annually
After the conclusion of his presentation, Mr. Redmond then responded to
questions of Councilor Davis.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the May 26, 2015 Council Meeting of the Consolidated
Government were submitted and approved upon the adoption of a motion made by
Councilor Allen. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously
by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Woodson
being absent from the meeting.
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***----------------------------------------------------- CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ZONING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS ADVERTISED:
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located North of J. R. Allen Parkway,
West of Blackmon Road, East of Schomburg Road for rezoning from RE1
(Residential Estate 1) zoning district to SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) &
RO (Residential Office) zoning district with conditions.
City Attorney Fay said there are certain conditions in the ordinance that
apply to property bordering on Turtle Creek. He then asked if there were any
questions of the Council, but there were none.
City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone who was present in the
audience that wanted to speak for or against this proposed rezoning ordinance.
A gentlemen who was seated in the audience, stated that he has a statement that
he would like to make.
PROPONENTS:
Mr. George Mize, the petitioner representing the property owner came
forward and said he would like to ask the gentleman what his question is in
order that he can answer it, without having to add any additional time to the
Council?s agenda.
Mr. Mize said the staff report does present some conditions, as they have
worked hard with residents out there in the area to come to a consensus on the
conditions. He said the conditions that was passed and attached at the PAC
meeting. He said the ones that were included in the staff report needs a little
tweaking. He then provided a copy of the conditions to City Attorney Fay,
which he said needs to be incorporated into the ordinance.
Mayor Tomlinson said she thinks it is appropriate to have the gentleman to
come forward to make his statement and then Mr. Mize can respond.
City Attorney Fay said there is no problem with that, and said afterwards
we would need a motion to get these new tweaked conditions included in the
ordinance, as an amendment. He said we can have the question first.
Councilor Allen said he thinks that maybe we need to have Mr. Mize to go
over the conditions first and let us hear what they are, and that may help this
gentleman as well. He said he knows that Mr. Mize has met several times with
the neighbors, and he has heard from some neighbors, as well.
He said he thinks that everything has been resolved worked out, but said he
would like to hear what the amendments are before we vote on them.
Mr. Mize said they have had numerous meetings with residents in Turtle
Creek, as well as Wood Mart Subdivision, and said he has answered many calls on
the telephone. He then distributed around the Council table, a booklet which
included the conditions to be included in the ordinance. He then directed the
members of the Council to the tab, entitled ?Site Plan? and said that he thinks
that they will understand what those conditions are once they take a look at
that.
Mr. Mize said these five conditions have been worked through with numerous
residents. He said they are asking you to rezone two tracts of land; one is a
four-acre tract, which you can see in the northwest corner of the site plan,
where you can see the smaller lots. He said they are asking you to rezone that
from an RE1 (Residential Estate 1) zoning district to SFR3 (Single Family
Residential 3), which is the exact same zoning classification that Turtle Creek
is rezoned. He said that Mr. Will White will be the developer on this project,
and said the point is that they will be adding an additional and final section
of Turtle Creek; which he is going to develop those four acres, consistent with
the other section of Turtle Creek.
Mr. Mize said the other tract of land which they are trying to rezone
(19.03 acres) are the larger lots that you see on the site plan. He said the
conditions relate only to the 19.03 acre tract. He said there are five
conditions and said the first three conditions relates to the land that is
designated on this site plan as Lots 1, 2 & 3. He said this is the land that
borders Turtle Creek lots that are currently fronting Pine Branch Circle and
Turtle Creek Court. He said that is the distinction in the conditions that
they thought was important because it only affects those three lots because
once the four acres is incorporated into Turtle Creek; then that becomes Turtle
Creek and those conditions would then affect Lot 4, and said they don?t want
that to happen; and said that is not the intent of the conditions and agreement
that we have with the residents.
He said the first three conditions relates solely to those tracts of land
that are designated on the site plan, as Lots 1, 2 & 3. He said they have
agreed to limit the building height to one single story. He said there will be
one building per lot and a maximum of four lots in that tract of land.
Mr. Mize said with respect to the entire 19 acres, they have agreed that
there will be no motel or hotel constructed on any part of the property.
He said they have also agreed that there will be no traditional garden-style
apartments constructed on any part of the property. He said these are the type
of apartments similar to the ones that Mr. Will White is developing now in the
Grey Stone community. He said we have agreed not to place these garden style
typed apartments on any portion of the 19 acres. However, he said to be clear,
that would not exclude all developments that have multiple residential tenants
that pay rent, such as an assisted living facility.
After Mr. Mize concluded his comments, Mr. David Endenfield, of 248 Pine
Branch Circle then came forward and stated that his property is Lot 21 on the
site plan and said that he will be backing up to the property in question. He
said he is not here representing the Turtle Creek Homeowners Association, but
said he would like to provide a little background information of their reaction
to the rezoning. He said they meet several times as a Homeowners Association,
as a neighborhood about the proposal. He said they did meet with Mr. Mize, as
well as Mr. White to discuss the conditions and the rezoning. He said they
don?t want this in their backyards, but understand the reality that it will
more than likely be rezoned. He said they are trying to reduce the impact to
their neighborhood by supporting the conditions submitted with the rezoning.
He said there is no doubt that Mr. White will build a quality, professional,
nice looking development, as he has proved it many times throughout the City.
He said his question has never been about the quality of the development, but
the concern has always been about the buffer and the effect it will have on his
family?s backyard activities and what it will look like from his backyard.
Mr. Edenfield said just because it is going to be a nice development that
doesn?t mean he wants to see a parking lot in his back yard. He said his
understanding of the three buffer options, includes an option of a 10-foot
buffer with a fence. He said he would hate to imagine their homes being
separated from a parking lot and an office building with 10-feet and a
fence.
He said he would ask the Council to consider eliminating this option from the
possible three buffers.
At the request of Councilor Thomas, Mr. Mize then responded to those
questions and concerns of
Mr. Endenfield. He also went into further details in explaining exactly what
the plans of Mr. Will White is regarding this proposed rezoning.
After Mr. Mize responded to further questions of members of the Council,
Councilor Allen then made a motion to amend the ordinance by eliminating the
10-foot buffer option. Seconded by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Woodson
being absent from the meeting.
Councilor Thomas made a motion to add the conditions to the rezoning, as
outlined above by Mr. Mize. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously
by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Woodson
being absent from the meeting.
City Attorney Fay pointed out that those conditions are dated June 9, 2015
and are attached to the site plan. He also pointed out that Clerk of Council
Washington has received a copy of those conditions as well.
At the request of Councilor Henderson, City Attorney Fay then read the
conditions into the record.
City Attorney Fay then said this concludes the public hearing on today and
that the matter will be vote on at the next meeting on next week.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located at 7822 & 7838 Lloyd Road is
proposed for rezoning from SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) zoning district
to SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) zoning district with a 45- foot lot with
variance.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
No one, including the applicant was present to speak to this proposed
rezoning ordinance; however, the Director of the Department of Planning
responded to a question of Councilor Davis.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET ASADVERTISED, WITH
MUCH DISCUSSION BEING
HELD:_
An Ordinance ? Adopting an operating budget for the Fiscal Year 2016
beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts
shown in each budget.
City Manager Hugley said it is unusual for him to speak on first reading
and to advocate for something that is different than what is being brought
forth in the budget; however, he is going to do that today and said that he did
call the Budget Chairperson on yesterday to share with him his concern that we
did not get included in the budget, the Network Engineer for our Information
Technology Department. He said he has asked the Information Technology
Director, Forrest Toelle to make one last effort to encourage the Council and
to share with the Council additional information to see if we can get this
position approved.
Mr. Forrest Toelle, Director of the Department of Information Technology
then came forward and presented the following information, as outlined below
regarding the Network Engineer?s position.
Information Technology?s Top Priority: Network Engineer Position
Staffing
? Current staffing model was designed around a mainframe model and related
applications
? Growing emphasis on server and web based systems
? Currently with only one person to support the Network
? That staff member has no formal trainings on current technologies
? Currently Paying $150 to over $700 an hour for required Network Engineering
Services
? New position will save the Columbus Consolidated Government money in the near
term as well as in the foreseeable future
Director Toelle also showed the organizational Chart (March 2015
Transitioning towards Mainframe Decommissioning)
Current Active Projects That require a Network Engineer in addition to
existing staff
?iasWorld ? Oasis Replacement
?RMS- Record Management System for the Columbus Police Department
?E-Ticket for the Columbus Police Department
?Core Switch Replacement
?VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) Upgrade
Current Active Projects That require a Network Engineer in addition to
existing staff
?WAN (Wide Area Network) upgrade
?LAN?s (Local Area Network?s) installations
?AZURE Cloud Computing Solutions
?Disaster Recovery Solutions
?Network Security Controls and Procedures
?Microsoft Office and Windows upgrades
?DATA Center Stability Upgrades
Top 5 Critical Immediate Technology Needs In Priority Order
?Network Engineer
?Core Switch and Network Infrastructure for the WAN and LAN?s (In Progress)
?Upgraded Licensing (In Progress)
?Integrated Jail, Courts, Public Safety Enterprise System. Implementation over
several years. (In planning phase)
?Integrated HR/Payroll/Finance/Budgeting System upgrade. Implementation over
several years. (In planning phase)
After the conclusion of Dr. Toelle?s presentation, Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh then made a motion to authorize the position of a Network Engineer in the
budget. Seconded by Councilor Henderson.
Director Toelle then responded to questions of members of the Council
regarding the Information Technology?s Top Priority of the Network Engineer
Position.
Councilor Henderson then made a motion to eliminate the funding of the
position of a deputy?s position within the Marshal?s office that has been
unfilled since October. Seconded by Councilor Allen.
Further discussion continued on this matter with members of the Council
expressing their views regarding it, with City Manager Hugley, Deputy City
Manager Hodge and Information Technology Director Toelle responding to further
questions of the Council.
Councilor Allen requested that Council be provided with quarterly updates
on the savings regarding this position so we can keep track of that. City
Manager Hugley said he would have Deputy City Manager Hodge to include that on
her list, as part of the Finance update.
After the conclusion of the discussion, Councilor Thomas said there are
two motions that are on the table and said she wants to make sure that she
understands them both before we get to the vote.
Mayor Tomlinson said she only recalls one motion being put on the table
and seconded; and then asked Clerk of Council Washington to clarify the motions
that are on the table. Clerk of Council Washington stated that there are
currently two motions on the table. She pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh had made a motion to authorize the funding for the Network Engineer?s
position in the budget, which was seconded by Councilor Henderson.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that Councilor Henderson made
a motion to eliminate the funding of a deputy marshal position in the Marshal?s
office. Seconded by Councilor Allen.
Councilor Thomas then asked if that goes to use that money to pay for this
position. Councilor Henderson said it is an offset. He said the idea behind
that was to offset the cost of adding this position. He said the only reason he
didn?t tie it to it was because he didn?t want to jeopardize this position
being approved because it has been explained to him how critical this position
is, but he did want to offer an opportunity to offset the additional cost of
that person.
Mayor Tomlinson then called the question on Councilor Henderson?s motion
to eliminate the funding of a deputy marshal position in the Marshal?s office.
Deputy City Manager Hodge said the amount of that funding would be
$49,049.00.
After still some discussion on this motion to eliminate the funding of a
deputy position in the Marshal?s Office, the question was finally called, which
carried by a vote of seven to one with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors
Allen, Baker, Buck, Davis, Henderson, Thomas voting yes and Councilor Huff
voting no, with Councilors Barnes and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
Regarding the second motion, as made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh to
authorize the funding in the budget for the Network Engineering position,
Deputy City Manager Hodge said it is at an amount of $66,636.00.
Mayor Tomlinson then called the question on the motion, which carried by a
vote of seven to one with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Allen,
Baker, Buck, Davis, Henderson, Huff voting yes and Councilor Thomas voting no,
with Councilors Barnes and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
With the discussion concluded, as it relates to the approval of the
Network Engineer?s position for the Information Technology Department,
Councilor Davis said he has another matter as it relates to the FY-16 operating
budget that he would like to ask for re-consideration on. He said he is still
really concerned about the matter with the Integrated Waste Fund on the
mandating of the elimination of all plastic bags for trash and yard waste. He
said he really thank this is going to be a big issue; and he thinks that the
Council will get hit hard with this from the citizenry. He said he is really
not convinced yet.
Councilor Davis said he thinks that this is a matter that, instead of
mandating it, he thinks that we can ease into this; maybe from an education
standpoint he thinks we still need to look into what we are doing here.
He said he has not been convinced that we are not just passing on an extra
cost of living to the citizenry; even though we are terming it as cost
avoidance. He said he thinks there is still going to be issues with what is
being proposed with the biodegradable bags, and plastic containers. He said
he thinks there are going to be issues as it relates to the model of both
plastic bags and pick up times with the trucks, wear and tear on the trucks.
He said he thinks there are still going to be some issues, and he question
that. He said he thinks that we need to future analyze this matter.
Councilor Davis said we have a person now that is on board with Public
Works and that is funded out of the Intergraded Waste Fund; Gloria Weston Smart
of Keep Columbus Beautiful that could make this one of her priorities in
educating and communicating to the community; and hopefully, they would
voluntarily get on board with this, and maybe have the opportunity to ease into
it. He said at this point, there is not enough awareness in the community; both
awareness to the citizens of what?s going to happen. He said he thinks there is
still going to be an issue with businesses and how they choose to stock their
stores; and even from a competitive standpoint. He said he thinks it is going
to be an excessive cost to the citizenry.
He said he know that we have talked about the issue of cost avoidance and
said he has found that. He said Councilor Allen brought up a new proposal that
passed, which was an additional $495,000 of cost avoidance. He said he thinks
that if you take that and you substitute it for the cost avoidance that is
being proposed, it becomes a wash; therefore it is not an issue, and the issue
of cost avoidance has been addressed.
Councilor Davis said he would like to put that out as a reconsideration to
the Council and make a motion that this be taken out of the budget for this
year and continue to be evaluated. The motion was then seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh for discussion.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked Deputy City Manager Hodge to tell us what the
impact of that may or may not be.
Deputy City Manager Hodge said what was included in the budget was the
elimination of the use of plastic bags and what was included on the add/delete
list was to eliminate glass recycling. She said both of those items that
Councilor Davis was referring to is cost avoidance of three trucks and drivers
and she thinks what he is suggesting is that by eliminating the glass recycling
you have reached the goal that was presented in the original budget, of the
three trucks and drivers; and now we are netting an additional three trucks and
drivers, which is much needed in the Public Works Department. She said she
would allow Director Pat Biegler to address the specifics of that particular
program, but said it does meet the requirements that she has to provide the
other services in her department.
Director of Public Works Pat Biegler then came forward and went into many
details regarding the operations of her department, the Public Works
Department. After spending some fifteen minutes of more regarding this matter,
she then responded to questions of members of the Council.
After Director Biegler concluded her comments, Councilor Davis also made
some additional comments regarding this matter.
Members of the Council also continued to make additional comments
regarding this matter, after which Director Biegler responded to those further
questions and concerns of the Council.
After the conclusion of the discussion on the motion made earlier by
Councilor Davis to eliminate the requirement of plastic bags, which was
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh for discussion, the Mayor called the
question on the motion, which resulted in an inconclusive vote of five to three
with Councilors Allen, Buck, Davis, Huff, Thomas voting yes and Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and Councilors Baker and Henderson voting no, with Councilors
Barnes and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
Councilor Allen then made a motion to delay the implementation of the use
of the plastic bags and yard waste until January 1, 2016. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson.
Councilor Thomas said later on the City Attorney?s Agenda, we have an
ordinance on first reading that would mandate this, and said in that ordinance
is a date, and then asked if this motion would amend that proposed ordinance,
to which Mayor Tomlinson said it would.
Councilor Thomas then said when this proposed ordinance comes back for a
second reading in two weeks, and it does not pass, then then what impact would
that have on the budget, if any.
Deputy City Manager Hodge said that it will not change the total dollar
amount of the budget, but said what it will do is have the cost avoidance that
was going to be recognized of those three trucks and drivers would not be
there. She said the overtime savings that she would have expected to have seen
would not happen. She said the overtime would still be generated at the level
that it is now.
The question was then called on the motion to amend Item Number 9, which
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors
Barnes and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone else in the audience who
wanted to be heard on the FY-16 budget, but there was no one who indicated that
they wanted to be heard.
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THE FOLLOWING SEVEN ADDITIONAL BUDGET ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
An Ordinance ? Adopting non-operating budgets for the Fiscal Year 2016
beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts
shown in each budget.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance ? Providing for contributions to the Columbus, Georgia
General Government Employees? Pension Plan for the fiscal year beginning July
1, 2015.
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An Ordinance ? Providing for the supplemental contributions to the
Columbus, Georgia Pension Plan for employees of the Department of Public Safety
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance ? Providing for Government funding of a Major Disability
Income Plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance ? Providing for Government funding of a Death Benefit Escrow
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance ? Amending various provisions of Chapter 13 Article VII of
the Columbus Code pertaining to solid waste collection and disposal.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance ? Amending Article VII of Chapter 13 of the Columbus Code,
Solid Waste Collection and Disposal, by updating the poverty guidelines for an
offset to the residential rate for low-income households; and for other
purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
CLIFTON FAY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (137-15) ? Authorizing 911 charges of $1.50 per billable
telephone per month, E911 charges of $1.00 per month and prepaid wireless 911
charges of $0.75 per month, all as authorized by O.C.G.A. Sections 46-5-133
through 46-5-134.2.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and
Councilors Barnes and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
***
*** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay said he would like to request a brief executive session
at the end of today?s meeting, to discuss a matter of litigation.
----------------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------------------------
PUBLIC AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS APPEARED BEFORE THE COUNCIL ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA
TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING SUBJECT MATTERS, AS LISTED BELOW: ______
REVEREND CLIATT, REPRESENTING TREE OF LIFE HEALTH CARE, RE: THE OPENING OF
THE TREE OF LIFE HEALTH CARE FACILITY:____________________
Reverend Cliatt, representing the Tree of Life Health Care, along with
several members of the staff of the Tree of Life Health Care Facility came
forward and provided information to the Mayor and Council on their facility and
exactly what the facility does. He said they are a non-profit free health care
facility, which is located on the campus of Midtown Medical Center at 1968
North Avenue. He said they will be working with the Emergency department to
relieve some of the stress there at that facility, as well as working with the
universities to allow some of the students to have clinical hours, but said
most importantly, they are here to provide free quality health care to citizens
in our area; both in west Georgia and east Alabama. He said they deal with the
homeless, and those who can?t afford healthcare for themselves, as well as
their families.
He said they are looking for volunteers through the Georgia Public
Healthcare, where they will provide liability coverage for those doctors and
nurses that would like to volunteer at no cost. He said they are also their
credentialing source, as well. He said they are asking those in the healthcare
profession in our community that want to find a place to volunteer, to please
consider them. He said they also would like to ask for the community?s
support.
Reverend Cliatt said he would like to invite the Mayor and Council, as
well as the community to come to their grand opening of the facility opening,
which will be held on June 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. He said the facility is
located at 1968 North Avenue. He said he would extend a personal invitation to
the Mayor and Council to come and take a tour of the facility. He said his
staff that he has with him today are full-time volunteers, who has a heart for
this city and the community. He then asked each of them to introduce themselves.
*** *** ***
MR. JOEY KLINE, REPRESNETING AMERICAN FUEL SYSTEM, RE: ALTERNATIVE FUEL.
(See below of Mr. Kline?s appearance.
*** *** ***
MR. HENRY McCOY, REPRESENTING THE COLUMBUS PUBLIC LIBRARY, RE:
STORYCORPS:________________
_________
Mr. Henry McCoy, representing the Columbus Public Library, came forward
and pointed out that the Library System is recording stories of individuals in
the city. He said stories are sacred and stories are political because stories
have power and they have power because they are our real histories; and said
now is our time to save their stories.
He said he is here to tell you about the Mildred L. Terry?s Memory
Project, a long dreamed about effort, to capture and preserve the precious
memories of this City of Columbus. He said it is leaders, yes, but more
importantly, its citizens. He said from nearly 350 applicants, the
Chattahoochee Valley Libraries was one of only 10 Library Systems nationwide
chosen to receive the ?Story Corps at your library Grant?.
He said this grant provides money, training, free recording equipment, and
archival expertise to allow us to collect, for free, the oral histories of the
people of this community.
Mr. McCoy then provided some additional information regarding the ?Story
Corps? project and said that we want the story of everyone in the community. He
said we need to preserve the history of how we lived and then encouraged
everyone in the community to come out and have their stories recorded. He said
from now throughout October, we will be happy to help you preserve your stories
and memories for free, and in return, you will receive a free CD copy of your
interview and your interview will be preserved in the Library of Congress and
in certain instances, the Smithsonian Institution.
Ms. Gloria Battle also came forward and encouraged everyone to come and
have their stories told.
Councilor Thomas said she would suggest to Mr. McCoy that there are a
number of places that your presentation would reap rewards and said one of them
is this Friday, at 11:30 a.m., the Muscogee Retired Educators Association will
be meeting and said they have a tremendous network and she is sure they would
allow you five minutes on their agenda to do this kind of presentation. She
said she is looking forward to hearing Columbus?s stories.
***
*** ***
MR. RANDY CRUMPLER, RE: THE CITY?S TNR PROGRAM FOR FERAL CATS:
Mr. Randy Crumpler, who requested to be listed on today?s Public Agenda to
speak to the subject of the City?s TNR Program for feral cats did not respond
when given the opportunity to address the Council.
***
*** ***
MR. ROBERT DOW, RE: THE NOISE ORDINANCE AND PARKING VIOLATIONS:
Mr. Robert Dow, who requested to be listed on today?s public agenda to speak to
the subject of the
Noise Ordinance and parking violations did not respond when given the
opportunity to address the
Council.
----------------------------------------------------*** ***
***----------------------------------------------------- CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (138-15) ? Authorizing to approve and accept the donation of
one Reebok Treadmill V8.90 and one Gazelle Freestyle Cross-trainer Glider to be
used in the Center?s Weight Room.
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and Councilors Barnes
and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (139-15) ? Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to
submit an application and, if approved, accept a grant from the Georgia
Department of Human Services in the amount of $46,000, or as otherwise awarded,
with no local match requirement, for fiscal year 2016, to support the Columbus/
Muscogee County Family Connection Collaborative for improving child health and
welfare, school performance, family stability, family economic capacity, and to
reduce child abuse, neglect, and teenage pregnancy, and to amend the Family
Connection Partnership Fund (Fund 985) by the amount of the award.
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and Councilors Barnes
and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR
HENDERSON AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR
THIS MEETING WITH COUNCILOR BUCK BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILORS
BARNES AND WOODSON BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING:___
A Resolution (140-15) ? Authorizing approval of the annual contract to
purchase tennis court surfacing supplies, on an ?as needed basis?, from 10-S
Tennis Supply (Pompano Beach FL.) for the estimated annual contract value of
$15,260.00.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (141-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) pick-up truck
(2016/Ford F250/Regular Cab/V8/Long Bed 4X2/? ton), from Allan Vigil Ford
(Morrow, GA), in the amount of $28,975.00, via Georgia State Contract
#99999-SPD-ES40199373-0002.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (142-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of One Hundred Three
(103) tasers, plus related supplies, to include: holsters, battery packs, and
taser cartridges, from Taser International (Scottsdale, Arizona), in the amount
of $111,457.74.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (143-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of a Faro Focus 3D-XX30
Laser Scanner System from Dustin Forensics (Adairsville, GA) in the amount of
$63,200.00.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (144-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of seven (7)
2016/Chevrolet Impala/Sedan Limited, from Hardy Chevrolet (Dallas, GA), at a
unit price of $18,377.00 each, for a total amount of $128,639.00, via Georgia
State Contract #99999-SPD-ES40199373-0005.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (145-15) ? Authorizing the filing of the FY 2016 Annual
Action Plan and applications for Entitlement funding for the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnership Program
(HOME).
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and Councilors Barnes
and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
***
*** ***
STATEWIDE CONTRACTS:
Councilor Davis said we just approved some of these statewide contracts
and then asked City Manager Hugley if most or all of the departments utilize
these statewide contracts; whether it?s general government or public safety.
City Manager Hugley said we do. He said we do request for proposals or
bids for our uniforms and said that the vendor for our uniforms is provided by
a local vendor. He said we utilize the statewide contract for automobiles
purchases and any other items that we would need in the government. He said for
automobiles , although we know the bid price for automobiles, pickup and cars,
we still bid it out so that our locals will have an opportunity to bid it out
and they would get a preference.
----------------------------------------------------*** ***
***----------------------------------------------------- CLERK OF COUNCIL?S
AGENDA :
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: __________________________ __
1. Biographical sketch of Mr. Chris I. Badcock, one of the Commission?s
nominees for the seat of Ms. Sherry Goodrum on the Airport Commission.
2. Biographical sketch of Mr. Lawton E. Grantham, Councilor Henderson?s
nominee for the Board of Tax Assessors.
3. Biographical sketch of Mr. William Carter Woolfolk, one of the Commission?s
nominees for the seat of Ms. Sherry Goodrum on the Airport Commission.
4. Biographical sketch of Ms. Shana D. Young, one of the Commission?s nominees
for the seat of Ms. Sherry Goodrum on the Airport Commission.
5. Application of Shae Anderson to temporarily close 8th Avenue, between 8th
Street and 9th Street, from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in connection with the
Liberty Theatre?s monthly event held on the following dates:
? Sunday, June 7, 2015
? Sunday, June 21, 2015
? Sunday, July 5, 2015
? Sunday, July 19, 2015
? Sunday, August 2, 2015
? Sunday, August 16, 2015
6. Application of Auderey Rena Stinson to temporarily close Gleason Avenue,
from Norton Street to 2936 Gleason Avenue, on Saturday, June 20, 2015, from
12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in connection with a Block Party.
7. Application of Debra Singletary to temporarily close Playa Delray Drive,
between Meadowlark Drive and Califon Drive, on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, from
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in connection with the National Night Out Against Crime
Block Party.
8. Application of Tyrone Baskin to temporarily close Britt Avenue, from
Wynnton Road to Francis Street, on Saturday, August 22, 2015, from 12:00 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m., in connection with the Evangelistic Block Party.
***
*** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_______ _ __
A Resolution (146-15) ? Changing the schedule of Council Meetings for the
month of June, making June 9, 16, and 23, 2015 regular meeting, and cancelling
the June 30, 2015 meeting.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and Councilors Barnes
and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_______
Board of Tax Assessors, 17-15.
Budget Review Committee, May 12 & 26, 2015.
Columbus Golf Course Authority, April 28, 2015.
Cooperative Extension Advisory Board, May 14, 2015.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, April 28, 2015.
Recreation Advisory Board, May 27, 2015.
Taxicab Commission, January 28, 2015.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and Councilors Barnes
and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
***
*** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_______
A Resolution (147-15) ? Cancelling the July 7, 2015 Proclamation
/Resolution Session.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and Councilors Barnes
and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
AIRPORT COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we have received the three
nominees from the Airport Commission, from which the Council may select someone
to succeed Ms. Sherry Goodrum, who has resigned from the board. She said the
three nominees are Mr. Chris I. Badcock, Mr. William Carter Woolfolk and Ms.
Shana D. Young.
Voting for Mr. Chris I. Badcock was Councilors Baker, Davis, Henderson
and Huff. Voting for Mr. Woolfolk was Councilors Allen and Thomas. Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh voted for Ms. Shana Young.
There was not enough votes to appoint anyone, with Councilor Barnes and Woodson
being absent for this meeting, and Councilor Buck being absent for the vote.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at the next regular
meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked if Ms. Goodrum was the only female that
was on the board, to which Clerk of Council Washington said yes; however,
Councilor Allen pointed out that there was a notation on the agenda that there
were two other females serving on the board. Clerk of Council Washington
pointed out that she would bring back the correct information to the Mayor and
Council at the next meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Ms.
Tamika N. Luttrell, whose term of office will expire on June 30, 2005 was
nominated to succeed herself for another term of office and that she may now be
confirmed. Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time,
with Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and Councilors Barnes and
Woodson being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. John W. Williams has
resigned his seat on the Board of Tax Assessors and that Councilor Henderson is
nominating Mr. Lawton E. Grantham for this seat and that we will bring it back
at our next regular meeting for confirmation.
***
*** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Paul Todd has resigned
from his seat on the Hospital Authority and that Mr. Mike Welch has being
nominated and that we still need two additional nominees to send to the
authority for them to select someone to succeed him.
Councilor Davis pointed out that Councilor Barnes had a nominee of Dr.
Deepali S. Agarawl. Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that is correct;
however, she failed to list it on the agenda. She said we now need one
additional nominee in order to be able to forward these names to the authority.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted the recommendations of the Keep
Columbus Beautiful Commission for the terms of office ending on June 30, 2015.
The following individuals representing the following district were nominated
and confirmed for another term of office:
Ms. Jackie Barnes
District 3
Ms. Malinda Stovall
District 4
Ms. Robbie Monfort
District 5
Ms. S. Carol Ridley
District 6
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion that the above district
appointments be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously
by those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Buck
being absent for this vote and Councilors Barnes and Woodson being absent for
the meeting.
Ms. Nicole de Vries, District 7 Mr. Jason Cooper, District 8; the other
two district representatives were not reappointed due to the District Councilor
not being present for this meeting.
The following at-large nominations were then made by the councilors
outlined below. Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at
our next regular meeting for the Council?s confirmation.
Theresa Fike (Councilor Davis? nominee)
(Theresa Fike) SD-29
At-Large
Eligible to succeed herself
(Council?s Apptmt.)
Nathan Rogers (Councilor Davis? nominee)
(Nathan Rogers) SD-29
At-Large
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council?s Apptmt.)
Theresa Fike (Councilor Davis? nominee)
(Theresa Fike) SD-29
At-Large
Eligible to succeed herself
(Council?s Apptmt.)
Nathan Rogers (Councilor Henderson?s nominee)
(Nathan Rogers) SD-29
At-Large
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council?s Apptmt.)
William Kent (Councilor Thomas? nominee)
(Rev. Juan Rodriguez) SD-29
At-Large
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council?s Apptmt.)
*KCBC has suggested William Kent.
Marsha Collins (Councilor Davis? nominee)
(Marsha Collins) SD-29
At-Large
Eligible to succeed herself
(Council?s Apptmt.)
Dale Williams (Councilor Davis? nominee)
(Dale Williams) SD-29
At-Large
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council?s Apptmt.)
Herman Lewis (Councilor Davis? nominee)
(Herman Lewis) SD-29
At-Large
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council?s Apptmt.)
Jacqueline Boling (Councilor Davis? nominee)
(Stacy Poydasheff) SD-29
At-Large
Not eligible to succeed herself
(Council?s Apptmt.)
*KCBC has suggested Jacqueline Boling.
Carolyn Tigner (Councilor Davis? nominee)
(Adele Lindsey) SD-15
At-Large
Not eligible to succeed herself
(Council?s Apptmt.)
*KCBC has suggested Carolyn Tigner.
Ronald Tate (Councilor Huff?s nominee)
(Elaine Tarpley) SD-29
At-Large
Not eligible to succeed herself
(Council?s Apptmt.)
*KCBC has suggested Ronald Tate.
William ?Bill? Murphy (Councilor Davis? nominee)
(Christine Pratt-Consoletti) SD-29
*** *** ***
RETIREES HEALTH BENEFITS COMMITTEE:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Ms.
Mary Stranger will expire on June 30, 2015 and that she is not eligible to
succeed herself for another term of office and that Mayor Tomlinson is
nominating Ms. Rhonda Davis to succeed Ms. Stranger and that she may now be
confirmed. Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time,
with Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and Councilors Barnes and
Woodson being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington said we are still working trying to get a
replacement for someone to succeed Ms. Jodi Sears, whose seat was declared
vacant on the Taxicab Commission.
*** *** ***
BUDGET MEETING:
Councilor Baker said a few weeks ago, when we had a budget meeting, he
made comments as it relates to the funding for the Naval Museum and said he
didn?t mean for it to be a critical prospective, but more of an explanation
that some of the issues were becoming a little bit of stumbling block to
justify additional funding. He said he has talked with Mr. David; both Kendrick
and Bob and explained to them that his intent was not to be critical, but it
was to be more of an explanatory situation, as to the issue that we discussed
during the budget session. He said he probably should have explained it better,
and he apologizes if they took it in the wrong light. He said as part of the
conversation, it came up that we are going to take a look, after we get passed
the budget, at our memorandum of understandings that was drafted back in the
1990s and said there may be some opportunities for some savings, to review
those. He said we will bring those back once we get an opportunity to and said
that we may not be able to get them some more money, but we might find a way to
save them some money.
----------------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------------------------
PUBLIC AGENDA CONTINUED:
MR. JOEY KLINE, REPRESENTING AMERICAN FUELING SYSTEM, RE: ALTERNATIVE
FUEL:___________________
________
Mr. Joey Kline, representing American Fueling System, came forward and
presented the following presentation, as listed below, as it relates to
Alternative Fuel. He said the reason that he is here today is to introduce what
they are doing here in Columbus. He said wherever they go they like to be very
close with the community leaders. He said they have been doing some work here
and actually will be building something that he thinks will be beneficial to
the City.
CNG: COMING TO COLUMBUS
Background
? AFS is a leader in the alternative fueling industry, providing both CNG and
LNG to the transportation and energy sectors
CNG Facility ? 4506 Armour Road
Finished CNG Fueling Facility
Mr. Joey Kline showed a picture of what a finished CNG Fueling facility
would look like. He also showed a map of the current and planned CNG stations i
n Georgia.
Savings/Benefits
?Cleaner
?Cheaper
?Domestic
?Safety
Medium/Heavy Duty Tax Credit
?H.B. 348 Passed during the 2014 Georgia legislative session.
?Provides a tax credit for purchasers of alternative fuel heavy-duty and
medium-duty vehicles:
?Heavy-duty vehicles
?Gross vehicle weight ratio (GVWR) greater than 26,000 lbs
?Tax credit not to exceed $20,000 per vehicle
?Medium-duty vehicles
?GVWR: 8,500 to 26,000 lbs
?Tax credit not to exceed $12,000 per vehicle
After the conclusion of his presentation, Mr. Kline then responded to
questions of members of the Council.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Tomlinson entertained a motion to go into executive session to
discuss a litigation matter. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to go
into executive session to discuss a litigation matter. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the
time, with Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and Councilors Barnes and
Woodson being absent from the meeting.
At 12:40 p.m., the Council adjourned its meeting to go into executive
session.
At 12:52 p.m., the meeting was reconvened. Mayor Tomlinson pointed out
that the Council met in an executive session to discuss a matter of litigation,
but there were no votes taken.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Allen made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with Councilor
Buck being absent for this vote and Councilors Barnes and Woodson being absent
from the meeting, with the time being 12:53 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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