Minutes
COUNCIL BRIEFING
Meeting
March 29, 2005
Members Present: Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers and Councilors R. Gary Allen,
Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius Hunter, Jr., Charles E.
McDaniel, Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh (arrived 8:37 a.m.) and Nathan Suber. Also
present were Mayor Robert S. Poydasheff, City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City
Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Jamie DeLoach, Deputy City
Manager Richard Bishop, Transportation Director Lisa Goodwin, Finance Director
Angela Cole, Human Resources Director Tom Barron, Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis.
Members Absent: Councilor Evelyn Woodson was absent.
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This meeting was called to order at 8:13 a.m., in the Council Chambers
Conference Room, Plaza Level of the Government Center.
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Legislative Agenda:
Mayor Poydasheff made comments regarding a meeting in which he and public
safety officials went to brief the Homeland Security Commission.
He also explained that Georgia Technical College is conducting a study and the
governor asked if the City of Columbus would be the test pilot for the new
communication system. He explained that this system would allow us to
communicate with the other counties; this also would put Columbus in line for
grants.
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Deputy City Manager Appointment:
City Manager Hugley shared his plans to fill the Deputy City Manager position.
He suggested a starting pay of $77,000, which is in line with what Deputy City
Manager Bishop is earning. He recommends Transportation Director Lisa Goodwin
for the position. He explained that she would continue as Transportation
Director and carry that extra responsibility. He remarked that Ms. Saundra
Hunter is next in line and would carry more responsibility as she moves into
the Assistant Director of Transportation position.
City Manager Hugley responded to Councilor Allen questions regarding how this
would affect the budget. He explained that there would be a savings of
$97,011.00 in not filling the director?s position. Councilor Turner Pugh asked
who would be responsible for writing grants, at which time, City Manager Hugley
pointed out that we have a grants writer in the Finance Department; therefore,
this duty would be passed on to that employee.
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Unified Development Ordinance (UDO):
City Manager Hugley advised that we have delayed the UDO. He pointed out that
the Councilors did receive in their packets the proposed changes to the UDO.
Deputy City Manager Bishop shared that the information has gotten out to all of
the affected people. He pointed out that some are concerned about the
screening of the three-sided dumpsters. He recalled that the UDO has been in
effect since March 1st.
Street Maintenance:
Deputy City Manager Bishop has been contacted from three different areas that
have large tracts of land on private streets requesting service. He reported
that the City does minimal maintenance on private roads. However, he did
express some concerns with doing this.
Councilor Suber suggested that the street be dedicated to the City; however,
Ms. Donna Newman pointed out that there are multiple property owners that would
be involved. Engineering Assistant Director Newman maintained that the owners
have claimed that the city has provided maintenance; however, the City has only
done minimal work.
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Big Box Ordinance:
Deputy City Manager Bishop announced their first meeting that would be held at
3:00 p.m. He pointed out that we have a diverse group of people to receive
feedback from. He reported that Mr. Rick Jones and his staff would be
present. In response to a question of Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers, Deputy City
Manager Bishop assured that the Chamber of Commerce would be involved.
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METRA:
Regarding changes in bus routes, Councilor Anthony advised that there are
citizens that would prefer to see the rates increase than to changes the bus
schedule and routes.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers mentioned the people affected by the Warm Springs Road
bus route changes, because people have to go to work in that area. He also
suggested a small increase in bus fare instead of changing the route.
City Manager Hugley explained the fee increase versus the change in bus
routes. He pointed out that with the fee increase, we would not have
accomplished anything.
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Cherokee Avenue:
Councilor McDaniel asked about the status of the guardrails for Cherokee
Avenue, at which time, Deputy City Manager Bishop advised that it is going to
be more costly to install guardrails. He explained that there is a major water
line that runs parallel to Cherokee Avenue.
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Purchases:
City Manager Hugley briefly commented on several purchases that are listed on
the Council?s agenda for Public Safety and are as follows:
Upgrade of the AVL Display Monitors in the 911 center
Captain Swinney from the Police Department was present to respond to
questions regarding the AVL Display Monitors in the 911 Center.
Gas Masks and Accessories
Fire Truck Apparatus and Accessories
Emergency purchase of Heavy Duty Washer/Extractor
Fuel Tank Piping Upgrade Project
Purchase of Second Mobile Data Channel for 800 MHZ Radio System
OUT-OF-TOWN:
City Manager Hugley advised the members of Council that he would be out of town
this Wednesday and Thursday attending a conference for County and City Managers.
Soccer Field:
City Manager Hugley advised that Senator Isaakson has been working with the U.
S. Soccer Foundation and the City has secured a grant for lighting at the
soccer field complex on Woodruff Farm Road, and once we receive this grant, we
would proceed with the lighting of the soccer field.
There being no further business to discuss and with the dialogue being
concluded, this meeting adjourned at 8:54 a.m.
________________________
Sandra T. Davis,
Deputy Clerk of Council
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