MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 13, 2015
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 13, 2015, on the 2nd Floor of the
Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia
Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Tom B. Buck III,
Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, and Judy W. Thomas. City Manager Isaiah
Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk
of Council Tiny Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey Glisson were
also present. Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat at the Council table at 9:05
a.m. Councilor Jerry Barnes took his seat at the Council table at 9:10 a.m.,
and Councilor Davis took his seat at the Council table at 9:21 a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Evelyn Woodson was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Cindy Garrard, Pastor - St. Luke United
Methodist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Rigdon Road Elementary School.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
UPDATE, USA POOLS:
Mayor Tomlinson said that on next week, on our agenda, we have an update
of the USA Pools audit that was part of our
contractual agreement with them and said that the Mayor Pro Tem and others have
asked for a brief update on where we are with the
audit for USA Pools, so that we can be prepared for next week. She then asked
Ms. Joan Perrin to come forward and give a brief
update so that we will know where we are for next week.
Ms. Joan Perin, Internal Forensic Auditor came forward and gave an update
on the status of USA Pools, Inc. She said as you remember on November 18, 2014
she came before the Council and presented the presentation on the compliance
audit for USA Pools
and said at that time, they had not spoken with USA Pools about the results.
She said they met with Mr. John Williams and several of
his staff members on December 3, 2014. She said they had an extensive meeting
going over the report and said at that time, he wanted
to reply to the audit, which he did on December 19, 2014. She said he also
agreed that he would provide the additional supplemental
information that we had asked for, but said we have not received most of that
information. She said she is in the process of drafting
another letter asking him again for the additional information and the
information that he agreed to supply from that meeting.
Ms. Perin said she should have this letter out to him this week, and said
we will give him about a week to finalize that information,
and then said in a couple of weeks, she will have our response prepared to his
initial response letter to the audit, to present. She said at
that time, we hope to draw a conclusion to the audit proceedings.
In response to Mayor Tomlinson, Ms. Perin said she is hopeful that she can
get the information back in time for the January 27th
Council meeting and she will be present to present that information, if he gets
anything back to us, and we can do some work on what
they get back to us. Mayor Tomlinson asked if they are going to be present at
the January 27th Council meeting. Ms. Perin said if the
Mayor & Council would like, they would invite USA Pools to be present also at
that time. The Mayor said she thinks that the Council
would like for them to be hear and to hear from them.
Councilor Henderson said the more he hears in the community about the
management practice of these individuals, the more he is
inclined to think that this delay was more of an effort to try to revisit other
proposals that had been made; and then asked Ms. Perin,
are we doing that, as well.
Ms. Perin said we are not at that point, but said that certainly is an
option once we come to a conclusion, and once the Council then
directs us as to what they would like to do.
Councilor Henderson said he don?t want to speak for his colleagues; but he
would just assume that we go ahead and start going
down that road. He said let?s go ahead and start looking at some of the earlier
proposals, and re-contact them. He said we are much
better served if we have a plan in place if we want to pull the trigger on
this; and from all indicators that he is receiving, he thinks that
we are going to have to. He said his biggest concern was just bringing it back
in-house. He said there is nothing against Parks &
Recreation, but as tight as our budget is; and if there is a way to continue to
pass on the management duties, and hold somebody
responsible for it, he would much rather do that.
He said one of the things that he has heard an awful lot, is that there
are employees who did not get paid that has gone to work for
the pools. He said most of these are college kids, and they are trying to earn
some spending money when they go back to school. He
said this really concerns him that some of these people and lifeguards who have
not been paid; and said some of them are owned a
couple of thousand dollars.
Councilor Henderson said he knows that is the responsibility of USA Pools
and then asked, if that trickles up; and then asked City
Attorney Fay, if we have any responsibility or do we want to take some
responsibility.
City Attorney Fay said technically that would be a contractor?s
responsibility, not the City?s; but said it certainly adds to the
number of factors that we are considering.
Councilor Henderson said if we can place a value on what that is,
particularly for the students who have been working at the pools.
Mr. Perin said it is very difficult for them to get any of that
information because they are a contractor and it is almost not within the
parameters of what she can ask for. She said she can tell you, that as recent
as after the meeting, about a month ago, there was again,
an issue with a lifeguard not being paid appropriately. She said she doesn?t
know what the resolution of that matter is.
She said it is very difficult to get this kind of information, and when
you approach them about it, they defer and deny, and are not
very forthcoming about their practices.
Councilor Henderson said in light of that, he really would urge the
administration to go ahead and let?s have a plan in place. He said
let?s go ahead and revisit some of these, and let?s be ready to take action.
City Manager Hugley said that is the very reason we came forward with a
plan. He said he want the record to reflect that as City
Manager, he is not interested in Parks & Recreation management of the pools,
but said they wanted Parks & Recreation to have a plan
in hand and ready to go in 24-hours if something happened; and this is the why
they came forward when the audit initially came forward
to share with you what we would do internally, if we were to step up and step
in. He said if we can find a private provider, for the
management of the pools, which is their preference. He said they don?t want to
manage it internally from Parks & Recreation.
City Attorney Fay said, just a reminder, that the 90-day notice provision
is still in the contract, and said for convenience, to
terminate the contract, we will have to give them a 90-day notice.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said as far as she is concerned, the 90-days
needs to go ahead and start; because the longer we wait,
the longer we have to deal with improper management of the Natatorium. She then
asked City Attorney Fay, is there a law that would
prohibit us from withholding, from our payment to them, the salaries of the
employees over there.
City Attorney Fay said we need to look at the contract language. Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh then asked him to do so.
After members expressed their views regarding this matter, the discussion
was then concluded.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the November 18, December 2 & 9, 2014
Council Meetings, January 6, 2014 Proclamation Session & Organizational
Meeting, and the December 2, 2014 Executive Session of the Consolidated
Government were submitted and approved by the Council pursuant to the adoption
of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and seconded by Councilor Buck,
which carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the
time, with Councilors Allen and Davis being absent for this vote and Councilor
Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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THE DREAM LIVES EVENT:
Mayor Tomlinson said they will be having the ?Dream Lives Event? MLK
Celebration on this Saturday, January 17th, and said the procession will start
at 12:00 noon, but they are asking everyone to be there a little earlier. She
said Joy Reid will be the keynote speaker.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON
EACH:__ _____________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located at 920 9th Street and 800 9th
Avenue from an LMI (Light Manufacturing / Industrial) zoning district to GC
(General Commercial) zoning district. The proposed uses are warehousing and
convenience store with gas sales.
PROPONENTS:
Mr. Ernest Smallman, the petitioner was present, but did not make a
presentation; however, he did respond to a question of the Council.
Councilor Huff asked if this will match the warehousing that is in that
area. Mr. Smallman said the warehouse will remain as it is, but said south of
the warehouse, there is a strip of land that runs between 9th and 10th and said
that is where the gas station will be.
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OPPONENTS:
No one came forward to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance.
City Attorney Fay said we will vote on this ordinance in two weeks at the
regular meeting of Council.
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An Ordinance ? Amending the text to the Unified Development Ordinance
(UDO) to allow Restaurants (General) as a Special Exception Use in the HIST
(Historic) zoning district.
PROPONENTS:
Mr. Earnest Smallman, the petitioner, said Caf? 222 and the Goetchius
House have both operated as a restaurant in the past, in the Historic District,
and said when the UDO changed, restaurants came out and now they cannot operate
under the current zoning ordinance. He said they have a kitchen, table and
chairs and have been a restaurant; and said they have never had a problem until
they were removed from the UDO.
He said parking has been brought up, as an issue, but said that is a
police issue to enforce. He said they have appropriate signs as to where people
are to park. He said getting both of those buildings activated again, and
getting people coming back into the Historic District and enjoying want they
have in restaurants, is a benefit to their neighborhood.
Mr. Justin Krieg, of Historic Columbus Foundation, 1440 2nd Avenue also
came forward and said their organization is in support of this proposed
ordinance. He said they have provided a letter of support from their
organization.
OPPONENTS:
The following individuals then came forward and expressed their opposition
to having restaurants in the Historic District: Mr. Gary Curtin, 438 1st
Avenue, Ms. Susan Wiegel, 215 7th Street, Mr. Sia Etemadi and Ms. Cathy Evers,
627 3rd Avenue.
Mr. Smallman said this is a request for a Special Exception and said
anybody who wants to come and put a restaurant in, it has to come back to the
Council. He said any new construction will require off-street parking, and said
this is trying to clean up these two spots that have operated as a restaurant
in the past. He said he don?t want to see things torn down and people putting
in restaurants because he lives down there; however, he just want to see these
two restaurants back on line.
After the conclusion of the comments made by the opponents, Director of
the Planning Department, Rick Jones, then came forward and responded to
questions of members of the Council regarding the UDO.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located at 2104, 2112, and 2120 Floyd
Road from an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to GC (General
Commercial) zoning district. (District 4-Councilor Pugh) The proposed use is
general retail.
PROPONENTS:
Mr. Richard Mobley, representing the petitioner, 3-D Investment came
forward and said they are looking to build a bigger building for the Family
Dollars Store.
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OPPONENTS:
No one appeared to speak against this proposed rezoning ordinance.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:___
_____________
A Resolution (8-15) ? Requesting that the Joint Study Committee on
Critical Infrastructure Funding and our local delegation to the
Georgia General Assembly strongly oppose any recommendation or measure to
reduce allocation of sales tax funding to local
governments.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Woodson being absent for
the meeting.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay requested an executive session after the adjournment of
the meeting to discuss a matter of litigation and property
acquisition.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS APPEARED BEFORE THE COUNCIL ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA
TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING SUBJECT MATTERS AS LISTED
BELOW:_____________________________
Ms. Linda Harris, representing Area Agency on Aging, came forward and
provided several Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshop.
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DR. WILLIAM FRY, REPRESENTING THE COLUMBUS COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA, RE: MARTIN
LUTHER KING, JR., TRIBUTE CONCERT:______
Dr. William Fry, representing Columbus Community Orchestra, came forward
to invite the Mayor, Council and the community to attend the Martin Luther
King, Jr. Tribute Concert, which will be held on Monday night, January 19, 2015
at St. Mark Community Church, located on Whittlesely Boulevard.
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MR. MIKE TURNER, REPRESENTING GALA INVENTORS GROUP, RE: 2015
OVERVIEW:_______________________________________________________
Mr. Mike Turner, representing Gala Inventors Group, came forward and
outlined the various events and activities that they have scheduled for the
year 2015.
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MS. TERRY BUTLER, REPRESNETING GEORGIA NAVIGATORS, RE: AFFORDABLE CARE
ACT:______________________________________________
Ms. Terry Butler, representing Georgia Navigators, came forward and provided
information regarding the Affordable Care Act.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FIVE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
_____________________________________________________________
A Resolution(9-15) ? ? Authorizing the authority to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding with Bright Meyers 2001, LLC for public
transportation improvements along Victory Drive associated with retail
development as outlined in the MOU/Development Agreement in accordance with
Georgia Department of Transportation standards and permit for project.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND A BRIEF UPDATE PROVIDED, AFTER WHICH THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY
THE COUNCIL: __________
A Resolution (10-15) ? Authorizing the approval of a one-year renewal of
the Health and Wellness Center contract with Transform HealthRx of Georgia
beginning January 14, 2015 through January 13, 2016. Funds are budgeted each
fiscal year in the Employee Health Insurance Fund.
Mrs. Reather Hollowell, HR Director came forward and gave a brief update
on the Health and Wellness Center before Council took action on the resolution,
as listed above.
Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
____________________________________________
_________________
A Resolution (11-15) ? Authorizing the approval to grant The Bike Shop,
3554 Hilton Avenue, a 60 ft. easement to Columbus Fall Line Trace from their
property. The Bike Shop will be responsible for installing and maintaining a
landscaped area long the Trace in accordance with the Unified Development
Ordinance as shown in the exhibit.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the meeting.
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A Resolution (12-15) ? Authorizing the approval for the Department of
Parks/Recreation to accept donations in the form of gift certificates, checks,
and cash from sponsors and individuals for purchasing supplies before and
during the Empty Bowl event as well as for tickets to the event, auction
pieces, bowls and monetary donations. All funds (100%) will go to Feeding the
Valley for the Kid's Cafe' program.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION:
___________________________________________
A Resolution (13-15) ? Authorizing the approval to transfer $211,819 of
the FY15 Public Safety Vacancy Reserve for the Sheriff to the Sheriff's Office
General Fund Budget to fill 6 of the 7 vacant positions.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Huff.
After Director of Finance Hodge and City Manager; Hugley, responded to
questions of members of the Council, the motion to adopt the resolution carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Barnes being absent for the vote and Councilor Woodson being absent
for the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
___________________________________________
A Resolution (14-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Commercial
Logging Trash Loader (2016 Peterbilt Freightliner/20? Dump Body/Lemco 8000
Knuckle Boom Crane), from Peach State Freightliner (Norcross, GA), in the
amount of $182,000.00, via Georgia State Contract #99999-SPD-I0000039-0002.
The vehicle was approved in the FY15 Budget and will be used by the staff
of the Urban Forestry and Beautification Division, of the Public Works
Department, to pick up large tree limbs cut or blown down. It is a replacement
vehicle.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent for the meeting.
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A Resolution (15-15) ? Authorizing payment to CGI Technologies and
Solutions, Inc., (Fairfax, VA), in the amount of $1,805,768.80, for a five-year
annual software maintenance support agreement for the Advantage Financial
(LGFS)/Advantage HR (GHRS) systems. Payments will be paid over the five-year
period as follows: FY15 - $340,124.81, FY16 ? $350,328.55, FY17 - $360,838.41,
FY18 - $371,663.56 and FY19 - $382,813.47. The five year maintenance agreement
was selected because it offers a discounted rate, saving a total of $110,128.
This maintenance provides the Departments of Information Technology,
Finance, and Human Resources with software enhancements, documentation updates,
User Group support, Hotline support and access to the CGI-Advantage sponsored
ADVANTAGE Communications Forum.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent for the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO UPDATES WERE PRESENTED TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL AFTER THE
CONCLUSION OF THE ITEMS PRESENTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA: __
_________________
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin came forward and recognized the presence
of those Taxicab Commission members who were present in the audience, to
include Ms. Amy Bryant and Mr. Richard Howell. She then gave an update on the
Taxicab Commission and provided the following information as outlined below.
HIGHLIGHTS:
? Established in 1996 with a 5 member board
? 1999 Commission increased by 2
? 2002 Commission increased by 2
? 2 Taxicab Owners
? 1 Taxicab Driver
? 1 Airport Authority
? 1 Police Department
? 1 Hotel/Motel Industry
? 1 Chamber of Commerce
? 2 At Large
? There are 17 Taxicab Companies in Columbus, GA
? 160 Taxicab Cars/Drivers
? 7 - based in Phenix City and Smiths Station, AL
? 10 - based in Columbus, GA
? Last meeting of the old Commission was January 2009
? Newly Established Commission held its 1st Meeting in July 2012
? Rates were increased in November 2012
? First ever Taxicab Townhall Meeting was held in December 2012
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
? 2013:
? February: Established a Taxicab Website.
? www.columbusga.org/taxicab-commission/taxicab.htm
? March: Facebook Page created.
? March: Agreement with Peachtree Mall for a ?Taxi Parking Area? established.
? April: Silent Shopper Program established with Columbus Technical College.
? May: QR Code Created ? Sticker required in all taxicabs
? 2014:
? July: Agreement with Epperly Tire and White?s Automotive to have a Safety
Seal attached to prevent meter tampering.
COMMISSION PURPOSE:
? The Commission Shall Ensure Drivers:
? Properly educated as to serving the public
? Courteous to citizens
? Familiar with our Community
? Maintain clean and safe taxicabs
? Ordinance provisions and regulations governing taxicab fees and charges are
followed by all drivers and owners
The Commission will also hear appeals based upon written application due to
denial, revocation, nonrenewal or suspension of a permit by the Chief of Police.
PUBLIC AGENDA CONCERNS:
? Since 2012 ? Twelve Public Agenda appearances before the Commission (8 ? same
individual; 2 ? same individual and 2 different individuals)
? Concerns Raised:
? Safety Partitions
? Police Inspections
? No Smoking (5)
? Drug Testing (2)
? Insurance Requirements
? Rates displayed on taxicabs (2)
? Independent Contracting
? Business Licenses
? Speeding
? Not yielding to pedestrians
? Sales Tax (3) (*) Owner Responsibility
DRUG TESETING:
? Ft. Benning:
? Cab operators are individual contractors with a 5 year contract
? Issued a Medallion to operate on Ft. Benning
? Each pay a $200 fee
? Each are subject to drug testing through a 3rd Party contracted by Ft. Benning
? They are tested under the following:
? Initiating a new contract
? Random
? Reasonable Suspicion
?
They test hair at a cost of $75. Taken from the monthly fee that?s paid
If positive test, they are stripped of their privileges to operate on Ft.
Benning
OTHER COMMUNITIES:
St. Louis, MO Los Angeles, CA Frederick City, MD West Chester, NY
Drivers are required to provide a 5 panel drug screening at the time of renewal
or issuance of a new license. A positive screen will result in a
5 year suspension. Drug/Alcohol Testing. Random monthly/annually. Require
drivers to submit a certificate showing they have contracted with a 3rd party
tester and they are placed in the random pool. Three (3) strike rule when
testing positive. Conduct Random Drug Testing through a 3rd party tester; City
pays for a 5 panel drug screening; if positive, driver is suspended and goes
before Board of Aldermen for an appeal. Drug Test hair every 2 years prior to
renewing or obtaining a new permit. Conducted by a 3rd Party Tester. Driver
responsible for cost. If test is +, 6 months to reapply.
SALES TAX:
? State of Georgia, Department of Revenue (DOR) is responsible for:
? Collection
? Monitoring and Compliance
? Enforcement
? Auditing
? CCG has provided the list of licensed companies to DOR
SOUTH COLUMBUS REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT:
Mr. Logan Kip came forward and gave a detailed presentation of the
Opportunity Zone, as outlined below.
About the Program
? Sponsored by the Department of Community Affairs
? Tax Credit Program based on Job Creation
? Intended to help redevelop blighted areas in older neighborhoods or
commercial corridors and to attract jobs
? Requires an initial application with supporting evidence and then annual
reporting on actions taken within the zone
Benefits
? Maximum of $3,500 tax credit per job created
? Can be used against 100% of state income tax liability
Designation by DCA
? Is limited to individual parcels
BUT
? Is determined by surrounding area block groups
AND
? Only businesses on designated parcels may apply and receive benefits
How DCA determines eligibility
? 1. Is there an enterprise zone?
? 2. Is there 15% or more poverty?
? 3. Is there disinvestment?
? 4. Is the parcel blighted?
? 5. Is the business meeting the criteria?
Criteria for Block Groups
? Is within an Enterprise Zone
? 15% or more of the population is in poverty
? Demonstrates pervasive poverty, blight, underdevelopment, and general distress
? Demonstrates disinvestment, represented by high crime rates, unemployment, or
low education and income
Criteria for Parcels
? Must be within an eligible block group
? Must have a building/structure/or remnants of a structure
? Must have blight, vacancy, or disrepair
OR
? Must be adjacent to a parcel meeting above criteria
Criteria for Businesses
? Can be a new or existing business
? Must create and maintain permanent, full-time jobs working a minimum of 35
hours per week;
? Must pay in excess of the lowest average wage of any county in the state
($31k); and
? Must offer health insurance upon employment, although the employer is not
required to pay for such insurance
Summary of DCA Meeting (October
? Muscogee DCA representative: Tonya Mole
? 5 Opportunity Zones awarded each year
? Only 3 were awarded in 2014
? About 30 applications are currently under review
? Submitted applications roll over into subsequent years
? Opportunity Zone eligibility is highly selective
Summary of Columbus Application
? Assembled from September-December 2014
? Planning staff identified parcels in the field
? 154 Acres
? 55,642 Square Feet of underutilized building space
? 108 parcels within Columbus Business Development Center
? 54 of which are ?target parcels? showing blighted or abandoned buildings
? $756,000 In potential tax credits to businesses meeting minimum standards and
earning maximum credit
Land Use of Identified Parcels
He then showed the South Columbus General Area Map
? Enterprise Zone updated in 2014
? Proposed area is within council districts 7 and 3
? Opportunity zone must be within the Enterprise Zone
Identified eligible parcels along:
? Victory Drive
? Ft. Benning Road
? Intersection of Victory and Ft Benning
? Cusseta Road
? North Lumpkin Road
? 108 Total Parcels
? 54 Target
? 54 Adjacent
? Potential to expand parcel list
? Potential to adjust boundary
He showed the areas on the map, which the Yellow represents? Enterprise Zone
Boundary 2014
The Red represents ? Proposed Opportunity Zone Boundary
The Orange represents? Identified Parcels
Why South Columbus?
? Average household income: $21,200
(Muscogee County average: $44,700)
? Average home value: 60-75k
(Muscogee County average: 175k)
? Pop 25+ with a high school education: 68%
(Muscogee County average: 86%)
? Percentage of households in poverty: 39%
? Higher proportion of demolitions
? Higher proportion of vacant buildings
? Higher rates of crime
Poverty
? Area of Columbus with the highest percentage of households living in poverty
? Some areas with as much as 58% of the population living in poverty
? Household income half the average for Muscogee County
Logan showed several charts that included the statistics for the area to
include the following:
Poverty and Income for this area,
Home Values (median) (in 2012 Dollars)
Crimes per 1000 (2012-2014)
Selected Photos:
He also showed some photos from the area, as well to show the condition of that
area.
Benefits of a successful OZ program:
? Improve marketability of the area
? Attract major employers
? Encourage local business startups
? Decrease poverty and crime
? Increase investment in the area
? Improve connectivity
? Facilitate non-automotive transportation
? Facilitate a successful redevelopment plan?
Opportunity Zone Program is a tool in the redevelopment toolbox
Redevelopment Toolbox
? Opportunity Zone
? Enterprise Zone
? CDBG and City Property
? Parks and Trail system
? Tax Allocation District
? Complete Streets projects
? Other projects, initiatives, and programs
Stakeholders
? Concerned Citizens of South Columbus
? Chamber of Commerce
? Columbus Housing Authority
? Property Owners and Residents
? Current and Potential Business Owners
Other Consideration
? Tax Allocation Districts
? South Lumpkin Trail
? CDBG and City Property
Kellogg Property
Next Steps:
? Application review by City Council
? (Jan 13th)
? City Council approves application
? (Jan 27th)
? Submit final application to DCA
? (Feb 1st)
After the conclusion of his presentation, Mr. Kip then responded to
questions of the Mayor and Council.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR &
COUNCIL:_________
_______
1. Letter from Mr. Maury Klumok, suggesting an honor for Jack Key, Bill Godwin,
former Mayor Bob Poydasheff and the late Councilor Charles ?Red? McDaniel by
placing a plaque along the jogging trail at Weracoba Park.
2. Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close 14th Street, from 1st
Avenue to Broadway, and the 1300 block of Broadway, on Saturday, January 31,
2015, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in connection with the ?Uptown Super Bowl
5K/10K/1 mile?.
3. Biographical sketch of Ms. Becky Carter, Re: Animal Control Advisory Board.
4. Biographical sketch of Ms. Cathy Williams, Re: Historic & Architectural
Review Board.
5. Biographical sketch of Mr. Bradford C. Dodds, authority nominee for the Land
Bank Authority.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:__
_
A Resolution (16-15) ? Excusing Councilor Judy W. Thomas from the December
9, 2014 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (17-15) ? Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the January
6, 2015 Proclamation Session & Organization Meeting.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of these two resolutions. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB OWNER?S BUSINESS LICENSE:
Application of Bianca Barahona for a taxicab owner?s business license to
operate Elite Cab Company, located at 1415 10th Avenue E-1, Columbus, Georgia
31901 was approved by the Council.
Councilor Henderson moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Woodson being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a memorandum from Jennifer Davidson,
requesting that the seats of Mr. Xavier McCaskey and Mr. Raphael Rose be
declared vacant on the Cooperative Extension Advisory Board.
Councilor Thomas moved the request be approved as submitted. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Woodson being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted an email from Mr. Terry Gumbert,
resigning from his position on the Animal Control
Advisory Board. Councilor Allen made a motion that the letter be received with
regrets and thanks for his service. Seconded by
Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEWBOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted an email from Lynda Temples,
regarding the resignation of Mr. Sia Etemadi, resigning from his position on
the Historic & Architectural Review Board. Councilor Allen made a motion that
the letter be received with regrets and thanks for his service. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
VALLEY PARTNERSHIP JOINT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Ms. Jacki Lowe,
resigning from her position on the Valley Partnership Joint Development
Authority. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion that letter be received
with regrets and thanks for her service. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Woodson
being absent.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA:___________________________________
Board of Health, October 22, 2014.
Board of Tax Assessors, 41-14, 42-14 & 43-14.
Civic Center Advisory Board, December 18, 2014.
Columbus Ironworks Convention & Trade Center, October 23, 2014.
Employee Benefits Committee, June 25, 2014.
Family & Children Services, October 8, 2014.
Historic & Architectural Review Board, May 12, June 19, & July 14, 2014.
Historic & Architectural Review Board, August 11, & September 8, 2014.
Historic & Architectural Review Board, October 14 & November 10, 2014.
Housing Authority of Columbus, September 24 & November 20, 2014.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these be minutes be received. Seconded
by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
David Mackie expired back in October and that he is not eligible to succeed
himself for another term of office. She further pointed out that Ms. Gail
Simpson has been nominated for this position. Councilor Davis indicated that he
has a nominee and then nominated Mr. Matthew Butts.
She said she would bring this back at our next regular meeting for a roll
call vote to determine who will be elected.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that we are still waiting to
hear back from the Veterinary Association regarding their representative for
someone to succeed Dr. Carol Houston.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
Chuck H. McDaniel, III on the Community Development Advisory Council has
expired and that he is not eligible to succeed himself for another term of
office. She further pointed out that Councilor Baker is still working on a
replacement for this seat.
She also pointed out that Ms. Clementine Cochran, who serves as Council
District 10 representative is not eligible to succeed herself for another term
of office and that Councilor Henderson is also still working on a replacement
for this seat.
*** *** ***
HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Sia Etemadi has resigned
from this board, and that he represented the Historic Columbus Foundation, and
that they are recommending Ms. Cathy Williams to fill the unexpired term of Mr.
Etemadi; and advises that she may be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that Mr. Matt McDaniel, who
serves as the Historic District Resident member on the Historic & Architectural
Review Board has resigned his seat, due to him no longer living in the
district. She pointed out that Council must nominate someone to fill this
unexpired term.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Mr.
James Webster, Ms. Sarah Banks-Lang and Mr. Jim Laycock expired in November.
She further pointed out that Mr. Webster and Ms. Banks-Lang have both been
nominated to succeed themselves for another term of office; however, we still
need one additional nominee for these three seats to forward to the authority
for them to select someone to serve in these positions.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
has nominated Ms. Wanda Jenkins to succeed Dr. Billy Kendall who serves in an
at-large position and that she may now be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
LAND BANK AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seat of Ms. Tamara Mayer
on the Land Bank Authority has been declared by the board and said we have
received a memorandum from Chairman Justin Krieg, advising that they are
recommending
Mr. Bradford C. Dodds to serve to fill the seat of Ms. Tamara Mayer on the Land
Bank Authority. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still have two seats that
have not been filled yet and advised that she will be taking a roll call vote
today for the seat of
Ms. Gladys Williams-Tillmon and Ms. Jennifer Melvin, who have both been
nominated to succeed themselves for another term of office.
She said the two nominees for Ms. Williams-Tillmon?s seat are Ms.
Williams-Tillmon and Ms. Jaimie Briggs DeLoach. She then proceeded to take a
roll call vote for this position, after which Ms. Williams-Tillmon was elected.
Voting for Ms. Williams-Tillmon was Councilors Allen, Barnes, Buck, Huff,
Thomas and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. Voting for Ms. DeLoach was Councilors
Baker, Davis and Henderson.
Councilor Allen then made a motion that Ms. Williams-Tillmon be confirmed.
Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the meeting.
A roll call vote was then taken for Ms. Jennifer Melvin?s seat. The
nominees are Ms. Jennifer Melvin and Ms. Darlene Porter Small. Voting for Ms.
Melvin was Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. Voting for Ms. Small was Councilors
Allen, Baker, Barnes, Buck, Davis, Henderson, Huff and Thomas.
Councilor Henderson then made a motion that Ms. Porter-Small be confirmed.
Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Valerie A. Thompson, who
represents Council District Four, term of office expired back on October 31,
2014, and that she is not eligible to succeed herself, and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh is working on a replacement for her seat.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Jodi Sears? seat has been
declared vacant and that the Council will need to nominate someone else to fill
this unexpired term of office.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Attorney Fay to go into an executive
session, Mayor Tomlinson then entertained a motion to go into an executive
session to discuss a litigation and property acquisition matter. Councilor
Thomas made the motion to allow the Council to go into an executive session to
discuss a litigation and property acquisition matter. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for the
meeting, with Councilor Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
At 12:06 p.m., the Council adjourned its meeting to go into executive
session.
At 12:49 p.m., the meeting was reconvened and Mayor Tomlinson announced
that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss a litigation matter,
as well as a property acquisition matter, but no votes were taken.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:______
_____________________ __________
______
A Resolution (18-15) ? Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a
Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Justice regarding the monitoring
of the Jail.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to approve the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Buck and Davis being absent for
this vote, and Councilor Woodson absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Henderson then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and
carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Buck and Davis being absent for this vote and Councilor Woodson
being absent for this meeting; and the time of adjournment being 12:50 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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