MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
APRIL 27, 2010
The regular monthly night session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, April 27, 2010, in the Council Chambers
on the Plaza Level of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J.
Wetherington, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors Wayne Anthony, R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes,
Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr.,
and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay,
Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington, and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis
were also present.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Andrea Franklin, Founder True Vine Deliverance
and Worship Center.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Jim Wetherington.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH THOSE NAMED IN THE RESOLUTION STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE
FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________
A Resolution (94-10) ? Commending Becca Hardin, Executive Vice President of
the Greater Columbus, Georgia, Chamber of Commerce and The Valley Partnership,
upon being featured in the Georgia Trend magazine.
Councilor Anthony called on Ms. Becca Hardin to come forward and upon
reading the resolution moved the approval. Seconded by Councilor hunter and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY
AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION, APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_________________________________________
A Resolution (134-10) ? Approving the naming of the Rails to Trails project
"Columbus Fall Line Trace".
City Manager Hugley said he is honored to bring forth a resolution naming
the Rails to Trails project and called on Director of Planning Rick Jones to
share some information of this project.
Mr. Jones said this is one of the great things about having this job ?
being able to enhance and encourage the public participation in the planning
process. He said we had this name contest and we invited the public to join us
and we could not have done this without our sponsors. He then read a list of
the organizations sponsoring this event. He said in selecting this name, we
went out to the general public and we received 249 entries, we willed that down
to 219 because we limited the contest only to residents of Muscogee County. He
said employees of the Planning Department and Parks and Recreation were not
eligible to participate.
Mr. Jones also recognized members of the selection committee from various
organizations throughout Muscogee County. He said we had a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
place finishers of this competition and we want to recognize those persons
tonight.
Ms. Mattie King ? 3rd place winner and her entry were called ?The Greenway?.
For her efforts, Maddie received a turkey fryer from Atmos Energy and a gift
certificate from Carmike Cinema.
Mr. Randall Craven ? 2nd place winner and his entry was called ?River City
Connection?. For his efforts he will receive an electric turkey fryer and 2
lapper trays from master Build.
Mr. Jones said our grand prizewinner is Ms. Brinkley Pound and the name she
gives us is the name we are recommending to Council tonight to adopt the
resolution of the Columbus Fall Line Trace. He said for her efforts, she would
receive a bicycle and helmet from Ride of Bikes and $500.00 cash prize from W.
K. Dickson.
Councilor Woodson then move the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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MAYOR?S BUDGET MESSAGE AND PRESENTATION OF THE FY2011 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2010 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2011.
_______________________________________
Mayor Wetherington read the following prepared statement in the
presentation of the FY2011 recommended budget for fiscal year beginning July 1,
2010 and ending June 30, 2011:
Dear fellow citizens, during my campaign for Mayor of Columbus, I
promised our citizens that I would be actively involve in the budget process of
our government. I believed I have lived up to that with the preparation of this
budget and will continue until this process is complete. This budget has been
by far, the most difficult of the four that I have presented for your
consideration. I present this budget to you as you mayor in the amount of
$223,535,762.00 plus the other Local option Sale Tax (LOST) of $56,340, 063.00
for a total budget of $279,875,825.00. The citizens approve the other LOST with
an effective date of January 1, 2009. As I committed and the Columbus City
Council confirms, 70% is allocated to public safety, including a $3,000 annual
supplement to all sworn officers and 30% to infrastructure. A total of
$30,145,848.00, which represents the other LOST collections for calendar year
2009, would be used for the 2011 property tax rollback requirement and
$3,92,016.00 for the debt service on the 2010 Columbus Building Authority
bonds. The FY2011 recommended budget is 19.14% over the FY10 adopted budget but
only 4,49% increase excluding the other LOST budget. The Millage tax rate for
funding this budget has decreased in Urban District 1 from 17.91 mills to 10.62
mills for FY11. The tax rate for Urban Service District 2 will decrease from
12.99 mills to 7.06 mills, and for Urban Service District 4, would decrease
from 11.70 mills to 5.82 mills. This change in millage rates is due to the
property tax rollback required by the implementation of the other LOST in 2009.
In preparing this budget various factors were considered to ensure our city
government meets the challenges we continue to face during these difficult
economic times.
Departments were held to the FY10 operational budget with only slight
modifications in the departmental operating budget. We will however continue to
provide high level and quality service to the citizens that we serve. October
1, 2008 the UGA pay plan was adjusted to 100% of the July 1, 2008 market
including longevity increases for our current employees ? of one step or two to
nine years of service and two steps for ten or more years of service.
Advancement or adjustment to the UGA pay plan has been postponed for FY11 until
revenue can support and sustain any additional increase. Employee health care
contributions will remain the same in FY11. My budget recommendations does not
contain funding for any additional general fund positions in accordance with
the staffing commitments anticipated by the other LOST I am recommending 15
additional positions in FY11. I am recommending these positions for the
Muscogee County Prison; 1 position for the District Attorney?s Office; 2
positions for the Municipal Court Clerk Office; and 3 positions for the
Marshall?s Office; and six positions for the Sheriff?s Office. Additional
positions committed from this funding source would be allocated in future
years. In the area of Capital purchases, this budget recommends no General Fund
Capital Purchases. $1,649,333 across all other operating funds and $2,639,428
from the other LOST. We plan to revisit out capital needs at mid-year and may
request additional capital to be funded from the General Fund, fund balance
based on the year-end closeout of FY10. If funds are available, the same holds
true for the capital improvements program with only one amount funded from the
General fund for $198,715 for the Baker Village project of $1,871,192 across
all operating funds and $7,215,150 from the other LOST. Currently we are not
able to fund crucial facility and infrastructure requirements at the desired
level.
This budget is presented to you as a balanced budget using the general
fund, fund balance to meet commitments to several economic development projects
including the Baker Village re-vitalization project, NCR, and a first time
commitment to the river restoration project. The recommended commitment to the
river restoration project is $1.66 million for each of the next three years.
This project will return some $42 million annually to our area when it?s
completed in 2012 and would create more than 700 new jobs. Also included in the
budget are subsidies for the Integrated Waste Fund, Bull Creek Golf Course,
Oxbow Meadows Golf Course, and Emergency 911 Funds. The Employee Pension Fund
requires an additional $4 million annual contribution, and this budget
recommends $1,610,044 from the general fund, fund balance towards the
additional requirements.
The administrative policy of the Columbus Consolidated Government is to
maintain 90 days in the General Fund balance. The other designated fund balance
at June 30, 2009, after FY10 budget commitment was 90.67 days. After FY11
commitments, the fund balance would be just over 77 days. With the intentional
absence of the mid-year budget amendments for FY10, this excess over 90 days
was preserved for the FY11 budget to compensate for any declines in selective
revenue sources. Another mechanism use in the current fiscal year to preserve
the general fund, fund balance, was to postpone any hiring the last quarter of
FY10. Also $561,933 of the transportation fund reserved was used to balance the
transportation fund as its options are evaluated for the future. You will see
$145,366 of the parking management fund reserves has been used to balance the
parking management fund as its operations are evaluated in the future. Some
$72,584 of the trade center fund reserves is used to balance the trade center
fund as well as pending future developments. This budget was prepared to be
able to sustain the level of funding in future years and is physical
responsible.
To budget Chair Skip Henderson and other members of Council, I look forward
to discussions with each of you on what is included in the recommended budget
to meet the needs and desires of the citizens of our great city today while
preparing for future growth and its impact. I want to thank the City Manager,
Mr. Isaiah Hugley; Finance Director Ms. Pam Hodge and her staff and the staff
from each of the departments for their work in drafting this budget. This is my
recommended budget for FY11 and this would be the last budget that I will
present to you as my term ends later this year.
Councilor Henderson said he did want to make one recommendation to Council
as budget chair, in light of the difficult economic times, it didn?t seem like
we afforded enough time to ask certain questions or really drill a bit farther
than we ordinarily would have. He said his recommendation, and subject to
approval from this group that represent the budget committee, would be to add
three more meetings on the Thursdays of each week that we meet. He said he has
spoken with the City Manager and the Mayor about this and we leave the ultimate
structuring of how that would work to the City Manager?s very capable decision
making.
Councilor Henderson said one way he thought of is as we go through the
departments? budgets on Tuesday, if we could schedule four department heads an
hour for three-hour allotted meeting on Thursday and let them have 15 minutes
each and if there are individual questions, we can ask them. He said it has the
added advantage of allowing the citizens to see us get more involved in the
budgeting process. He said the Mayor and City Manager and department heads do
an outstanding job but ultimately the passage of this budget lands in the lap
of City Council. He said unless there are any objections, Ms. Hodge had the
budget meetings scheduled for Tuesdays, may 4, 11, & 18, 2010, 3:00 ? 5:00
p.m., and I would recommend in addition to those we add the Thursdays of May 6,
13, & 29, 2010, 9:00 a.m. ? 12:00 noon.
City Manager Hugley said to reiterate for those watching here and those
watching by television, we have a budget-hearing schedule for Tuesday, May 4,
2010 from 3:00 p.m. ? 5:00 p.m. prior to the proclamation reading next Tuesday.
On Tuesday, may 11, 2010, we?ve got a budget meeting scheduled for 11:00 a.m. ?
2:00 p.m. (immediately following the Council meeting); on Tuesday, May 18,
2010, which is a third Tuesday (we don?t typically meet on third Tuesday),
there would be a special call meeting from 9:00 a.m. ? 12:00 noon. He said on
Tuesday, June 1, 2010, we would have a public hearing at 9:00 a.m. and another
that same day at 6:00 p.m.; and then we would have 1st Reading of the budget
ordinance at that same meeting which would start at 5:30 p.m. He said we always
stop at 6:00 p.m. and we have the public hearing. On Tuesday, June 8, 2010, we
would have a public hearing at 9:00 p.m. and the law requires that we have
three public hearings. We are going to have two in the same day, on June 1,
2010 at 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; and then the final public hearing would be on
Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
City Manager Hugley said we would have a second reading on Tuesday, June 8,
at the Council meeting at 9:00 a.m. And then the final meeting, we would have
during the month of June, would be on June 15, 2010 and at that time we would
have a second reading on the Millage ordinance.
Councilor Davis asked for clarification stating that what he perceived we
would include department heads and any other entities that are involved in
receiving tax revenue from the government, to which Councilor Henderson said
that is correct. He said this is simply an effort to allow Councilors an
opportunity to interfaced with individuals representing their departments where
they may or may not have a few more questions.
Councilor Anthony said what he would be interested in is what expenses and
capital needs are not being included in the budget. If they can bring a brief
description of some of the things they needed (both operationally and capital)
to the discussion.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the March 23 & 30, 2010 Council
Meetings of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia.
Councilor Woodson moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:________________________________________________
An Ordinance (10-11) - Amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a
district located at 2550 Wynnton Road is proposed for rezoning from SFR3
(Single Family Residential 3) zoning district to RO (Residential Office) zoning
district. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
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An Ordinance (10-12) - Amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a
district located at 2622 Wynnton Road & 1315 and 1321 South Dixon is proposed
for rezoning from RMF2 (Residential Multi Family 2) zoning district to RO
(Residential Office) zoning district. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of
the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
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An Ordinance (10-13) - Amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a
district located at 3606 Woodland Drive is proposed for rezoning from SFR2
(Single Family Residential 2) zoning district to SFR4 (Single Family
Residential 4) zoning district. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the
ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:_______________________________________________________
An Ordinance - Property located at 1267 Alta Vista Road is proposed for
rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) zoning district to SFR4
(Single Family Residential 4) zoning district.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The Petitioner, Mr. Heart is present and responded to questions from
members of Council.
Councilor Baker said he has had several neighbors who are concern about the
scope and seize of the project. He said looking at the plan (5.75 acres), and
when you make room for the pond and 21 houses on 5 acres, that is a real
concern about density. He then asked the petitioner if four the only thing that
would work to which the petitioner replied that their intention is to provide
affordable housing in the $160,000 range. He said there is a small detention
pond that is housed at the lower end of the property and he also understands
that there is some drainage considerations, but this would improve whatever
drainage there are currently out there.
Councilor Baker said he wants engineer to take a strong look at the
drainage situation in this area. He said his other concern is that there are
some well established lots; some SFR2 in that entire area and a jump to SFR4
seem like an extreme jump and asked if the developer had enough room to
considered going down to SFR3.
The petitioner said obviously SFR4 suits the need better to provide
affordable housing. He said typical houses in that area are less than $80,000
homes, although they are on bigger lots. There were some additional discussions
regarding issues with sight distance.
Mr. Don Bowles came forward and stated that himself and Mr. Heart are
requesting the petition to rezone to SFR4. He said in meeting with the civil
engineer firm that is handling this for them, because of the configuration of
the land, most of the lots exceed the SFR3 square foot requirement; it is the
frontage that we are asking for primarily in the SFR4.
Ms. Margaret Mitchell came forward and stated she has lived in this area
for 61 years and most the lots out there are large. She said she wants to know
the dimensions of these lots. To which Mr. Bowles said he did not have the
square footage bit there is one lot that is going to be half an acre. He said
some of them are 50ft wide, and some are approaching 150ft.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Mr. Bowles how many houses can fit in SFR3
to which he responded he did not have that information but he can provide such.
In a follow-up question from Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, Mr. Bowles said we
looked at several options in dealing with the civil engineer that designed the
work for us but again, it is a very unique shaped piece of property. He said we
exceed SFR3 square footage in many regards; it was the frontage requirement
that required us to come down here and asked for SFR4. He said he could get a
full-scale set or proposed plot with dimensions square footage on it for
Council?s review.
City Attorney Fay said as it stands now the ordinance has one condition
about no ingress or egress from Morris Road.
At the invitation of City Attorney Fay, another lady approached the podium
and said she is concerned about so many people moving into her street and there
is just way in and one way out and we have three school buses that comes down
Alta Vista Drive and we are not put to have that many people living in that
space to where we could be comfortable with the way we live. She said she has
been living in her house for 56 years and she just can?t imagine anything being
put in the street like that. She said they are old and don?t want to move to
feel comfortable living.
With there being no further discussion on this proposed rezoning, City
Attorney Fay said that information would be put in the package and we will vote
on it in two weeks.
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An Ordinance - Property located at the corner of Dirk Way and Timberlane
Drive is proposed for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) zoning
district to SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) zoning district.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Dave Erickson, the petitioner is present but did not make a
presentation, as there is no one here to oppose this proposed rezoning.
City Attorney Fay then instructed Mr. Erickson that this would be voted on
in two weeks.
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An Ordinance - Amending Chapter 13 of the Columbus Code so as to adopt the
Columbus Board of Health fee increases for various services, effective July 1,
2010.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
City Attorney Fay pointed out these fees were approved by the Board of
Health and they are asking that we approve them by ordinance form to be
effective July 1, 2010.
There were no one present to opposed these proposed increase fees. City
Attorney Fay said these fee increases for the Health Department would be voted
on in two weeks.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION
City Attorney Fay requested a short executive session to discuss
litigation.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF EACH PERSON (S) COMMENTS:_____
MR. STUART HANSEN, REPRESENTING DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS MUSCOGEE CHAPTER
7, RE: PRESENTATION OF AWARDS OF APPRECIATION FOR THE RENOVATION OF VETERANS
BUILDING AT 1000 VICTORY DRIVE:_____________________________________________
Mr. Hansen came forward and said he is commander on Muscogee Chapter No. 7
of the Disabled American Veterans. He said it is our pleasure this afternoon to
present this token of our deep appreciation for Council?s outstanding and
continuous support for the veterans of our community. Mr. Hansen then
distributed plaques to the Mayor and Council.
Mayor Wetherington said he would like to thank the Council for the gesture
they have shown to out veterans.
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MR. BRUCE KEMP, REPRESENTING THE COMMUNITY OF HEROES/WOUNDED WARRIORS, RE:
WARRIORS TORCH RUN:__________
Mr. Kemp said his organization is a liaison group between the community and
the Warrior Transition Battalion/Wounded Warriors stationed out at Fort
Benning. He said he is here tonight to inform the Council of two events that
are happening that are very important to the Soldiers and the community. The
Warrior Games that is put on by the Department of Defense and the U.S. Olympic
Committee out at the Olympic training grounds at Colorado Springs. He said what
they are doing is gathering wounded, injured, and ill veterans to compete in
these athletic games to increase morale. He said Fort Benning has four Soldiers
who were selected to go and attend these games from May 10-14, 2010.
Mr. Kemp said working in conjunction with the Warrior Transition Unit at
Fort Benning is they have decided to have a Torch Run/Walk Relay that we are
very excited about. He this event will take place on Friday morning, May 7,
2010 and will start on the South side of the Government Center with a brief
ceremony. They are going to run up to Broadway, to 12th Street and back down
south on Broadway, through the South Commons, going out the Victory Drive,
right on Benning Road and go into the old main gate at Fort Benning, ending up
at the National Infantry Museum at approximately 10:00 a.m. for a closing
ceremony. He said we would like to encourage the community support for this
even and asked if there are any businesses or residents that this torch
run/walk will go by, that they come out and thank the Soldiers for all the
sacrifices they have made for all of us. He also encouraged and invited members
of Council to come out and show their support for the Soldiers.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: HOTEL/MOTEL EXCISE TAX REVENUE/AUDIT; TAD (TAX
ALLOCATION DISTRICT); NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM; GARBAGE FEE
INCREASE:______________________________
Mr. Paul Olson came forward and said he would like to thank Councilor Baker
for being at the Honor Flight. He said last week Council was discussing whether
they should use general fund and after a meeting with City Manager Hugley, he
learned that $5 million is being spent out of general fund for White Water
Rafting. He spoke on Hotel/Motel excise tax and the lawsuit with Expedia.com is
hurting our city because the website sends everyone to LaGrange, Phenix City,
Opelika, and Auburn.
Mr. Olson made some additional comments regarding the Auditing of selected
Hotels/Motels and the Expedia Lawsuit.
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Note: Councilor Davis left the meeting during this portion of the proceedings
with the time being 6:50 p.m.
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In response to Mr. Olson?s comments, City Manager Hugley points out that
the cost rejection we received from Albright & Fortenberry to conduct
Hotel/Motel audits where we were going to do small, medium, and large (three of
each). He said that was brought to Council for consideration, but Council opted
not to approve it at that time and we went back and had some further
discussions to include the internal auditor but what was put shown (by Mr.
Olson) was a cost projection that Council did not accept or adopt. City Manager
Hugley provided some additional information regarding hotel/motel tax
collected.
City Attorney Fay pointed out that with respect to the Expedia case that
Mr. Olson was talking about, it is important to know that the Council decided
to sue Expedia and Hotels.com and some other online travel companies in March
2006 because these companies were not remitting the correct amount of hotel tax
to Columbus. He said cities and counties all over the country did the same
thing with similar suits. He said as for the contingence fee agreement with the
law firm, it is at 25%, which is much less than normal contingency fee amount.
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MR. BERT COKER, RE: ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND EXPEDIA
LAWSUIT:________________________________________________________
Mr. Coker came forward and said he is here for the Dusty Newman Society. He
said Dusty Newman is a 16-year-old child in Atlanta, Georgia who was killed by
illegal aliens. Mr. Coker made some additional comments regarding illegal
aliens working in Columbus, Georgia.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING FIVE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (135-10) ? Authorizing to submit an application and if
approved accept funds from the Judicial Council of Georgia Standing Committee
on Accountability Courts for the Muscogee County Adult Felony Drug Court for
the amount of the grant award. Councilor Allen moved the approval of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
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A Resolution (136-10) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to that
portion of Forest Crown Drive and Forest Crown Lane located in Section Nine,
Phase One, Ivy Park. Councilor Woodson moved the approval of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
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A Resolution (137-10) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed for
right-of-way adjacent to Levy Road at South Lumpkin Road, that portion of Part
of Land 9, 9th District 0.014. Councilor Woodson moved the approval of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING EIGHT PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S
AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL
AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE
MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH COUNCILOR DAVIS BEING ABSENT
FOR THIS VOTE:_______________________________________
A Resolution (138-10) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction contract
with Ben B. Gordy Construction Company, Inc., in the amount of $30,090.00 for
building improvements at Britt David Park. The work will be performed on the
Little League and Babe Ruth/Football concession buildings. The work consists of
removing and disposing nineteen (19) active and two (2) stationary windows, and
furnishing and installing new horizontal metal sliding window units; installing
six (6) hollow core luan door units; and removing and disposing wood stairs and
fabricating and installing steel stairs.
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A Resolution (139-10) ? Authorizing the purchase of various ancillary
equipment from Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus, Inc., (Ocala, Florida) in the amount
of $62,080.00. The equipment will be installed on a recently purchased rescue
pumper that will be utilized by the Fire/EMS Department. To accomplish this
purchase as expediently as possible, the City is participating in an RFP
administered by the city of Tallahassee, Florida. The City?s Procurement
Ordinance, Article 9-101, ?Cooperative Purchasing Authorized,? allows for
participation in the RFP. The RFP administered by the City of Tallahassee,
Request for Proposal No. 0152-05-VA-TC, is an annual contract for Fire
Apparatus and Special Application Vehicles. Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus was the
successful vendor and entered into Contract #1274 with the City of Tallahassee
for a 5-year period, with the option to renew for an additional five years. The
contract began on June 15, 2006. The procurement process administered by the
City of Tallahassee meets the procurement requirements of Columbus Consolidated
Government; and Hall-Mark has agreed to provide the fire apparatus to the City
under the same contract.
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A Resolution (140-10) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with AT&T
Southeast (Alpharetta, GA) in the amount of $129,243.28 for fiber cable
relocation. AT&T will relocate fiber cable along Victory Drive in order to
clear conflicts with the future Gateway Project, which will be located at the
I-185 and Victory Drive interchange.
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A Resolution (141-10) ? Authorizing the extension of a construction
management contract with Newton Aaron & Associates, Inc., in the amount of
$63,415.00, for the Asphalt Removal, Grassing and Plantings project at the
Columbus Library. The contract extension includes$27,500 for project management
services and $35,915 for design fees (drainage, soil amendments, plantings),
which will be subcontracted by French & Associates.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked if this item was a add-on to which City
Manager Hugley explained that this is for the Muscogee County School District
Library project. He said we (the city) appropriate them $1,050,000 to remove
asphalt from the site and we were able to get the additional acreage that we
needed to move forward with our project. He said this money was left over from
the library project that this Council appropriated to them to resolve all of
the matter. He clarify that this is not in addition to monies already
appropriated to this matter.
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A Resolution (142-10) ? Authorizing the annual contract to purchase pool
chemicals on an ?as needed basis? from Industrial Chemicals, Inc., Chemrite,
Inc., and Leslie?s Poolmart, Inc., for the estimated annual contract value of
$131,155.40. The Parks and Recreation Department will utilize the pool
chemicals for water treatment in the City?s swimming pools.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (143-10) ? Authorizing the contract for employee physicals
from Occupational Medicine. The contractor will provide pre-employment
physicals, periodic employee physicals, drug/alcohol testing and related
employee health services. The services are needed to insure that applicants and
employees are physically qualified to perform the required tasks of the
position assigned. No minimum number of applicants or employees is guaranteed;
therefore services will be required on an ?as needed basis?.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (144-10) ? Authorizing the purchase of various oil and
lubricant products on an ?as needed? basis from Whatley Oil Company, Zep Sales
& Service and T & W Oil Company for the estimated annual contract value of
$101,770.00. The items will be used for maintenance of buses and administrative
vehicles utilized by METRA Transit System.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (145-10) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Reynolds Inliner LLC in the amount of $119,930.00 for the
Stimulus Rehabilitation Contract II of the storm drain rehabilitation project;
the total contract amount shall not exceed $190,000.00 contingent upon
additional work which may be requested by the Engineering Department based on
unit cost bid.
*** *** ***
FINANCE MONTHLY REPORT:
Finance Director Ms. Pam Hodge came forward and presented her report. She
said this is the monthly revenue report for March 2010. She said on the Local
option Sale Tax, at the end of March, we had 96 of the 100 officers on the
payroll. In the 70% Public Safety revenue, we?ve collected almost $15.4 million
and the total expenditures for each department with a total of $9.9 million has
been expended this fiscal year. In the infrastructure 30% (of the LOST), we?ve
collected $6.6 million and expended just over $345, 000.
MONTHLY SUMMARY FOR OPERATING FUNDS:
General Fund ? up 1.41 percent compare to the same period of time last year.
Without the Continental Carbon settlement, we are actually up 4.85%.
Sales Tax - We have seen an increase in sales tax through the end of March, we
are up 4.96% compared to the same period of time.
Sewer Fund ? up 22.30% and the majority of that is due to the increase in the
millage rate in FY10 as opposed to FY09.
Paving Fund ? up 6.99%.
Medical Center Fund ? up 8.30% over the same period last year.
Integrated Waste ? down slightly at 1.05%.
Emergency Telephone Fund (E911) ? down 0.69%.
Economic Development ? up 8.30%.
Debt Service Fund ? showing an increase of 71.45%. We did have a refunding
where the new bond issue we did in January 2010, a portion of that came into
the debt service fund for refunding, so it is inflated for that reason.
Transportation Fund ? up slightly at 0.38%.
Parking Management Fund ? down about 10% from the same period last year.
Trade Center Fund ? up 3.30%.
Bull Creek ? down a little over 8%.
Oxbow ? up slightly at 0.07%.
Civic Center Fund ? up almost 19.27% and their expenditure are in line with the
revenue generated through the end of March.
A copy of the Monthly Revenue Report Summary for March 2010 as prepared by
the Finance Department is on file in the April 27, 2010 Council meeting folder
in the Clerk of Council?s Office.
*** *** ***
CITY SERVICE CENTER COMPLEX UPDATE:
Deputy City Manager Mr. David Arrington came for and presented his update.
He reminded the Mayor and Council that in the Work Session in March 2010 we
provided a presentation on the Citizen Service Center Complex project to
include: Project Scope; Funding Source; Property Acquisition; Design Approach;
Construction Options; and Recommendation. He said Council asked to be provided
information on how we would proposed back-filling the vacated space here at the
government center and to ensure that we didn?t have a surplus of space here
that could otherwise meet out future growth needs. He said this information was
provided to Council at the last meeting. He said what he would like to do today
is briefly go over three of those items and then ask for Council?s guidance on
construction options.
Mr. Arrington said the city service center project was initially identified
in the 1999 SPLOST. He said the project has two funding source: 1999 SPLOST ? a
specific allocation of $3 million and an allocation for a center city pool of
approximately $2 million. He said the additional $1 million shown on the
presentation represents the savings from the other pooled projects where they
came under budget and we put those together with the center city pool
allocation to come to a total of $3 million. He said the total project budget
is $32, 500,000.
Mr. Arrington said there are two construction options at the previous two
meeting and we have also asked that you look at a third option which utilize
some additional space for rental/mix-use space. He said the first option was to
design and construct a building with approximately 63,000 sq ft of office
space. He said this is the amount of office space that was identified in the
space utilization study to accommodate those offices identified in the 1999
SPLOST plus the addition of the Council Chambers and CCGTV. With that amount of
office space, it would meet our current space requirements; it would provide
for additional expansion here at the government center to accommodate courtroom
space needs and to bring the public defender and all the other things we
mentioned in phase two of the design project. He said there would be some
minimal space in the city service center under option one, for future growth.
He said there would be no space for additional government offices in the
future.
Mr. Arrington said option two was to design and construct a building of
approximately 96,000 sq ft and it was our recommendation that we develop 63,00
sq ft of that space consistent with the consultant?s recommendations and phase
one of the space utilization study, but to also add an additional floor that
would be constructed but not developed. He said it would be built, as a shell
that would provide for future growth in government office needs. He said the
third option was that staff was asked to bring back was to design and construct
the 96,000 sq ft foot print, development developing 63,000 for government
operations as was described in the previous two options. He said to utilize the
additional 33,000 sq ft of space for commercial office space or some mix-use.
He said their recommendation remains the same as when it was presented back in
March and it is to construct a 96,000 sq ft facility, developing 63,000 sq ft
of that and having an additional 33,000 built as a shell only, not fully
developed as this would meet our current space requirements and it is
consistent with the 1999 SPLOST objectives and we believe it would accommodate
future growth in this government at a lower cost in the future and we believed
it can be accomplished within the current project budget considering the
construction climate we are presently in. He said they are asking Council?s
guidance in the design of the facility.
Councilor Anthony made a motion to adopt option two. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson.
Upon the completion of Mr. Arrington?s presentation, several members of
Council, City Manager Hugley and Mayor Wetherington spent an additional 15
minutes on this issue discussing what offices should move; appropriate or most
cost-effective option for construction; staff?s rationale for choosing option
two; potential for future growth; parking lot size and requirements; site
plans;
Mayor Wetherington called the attention to the motion on the floor, made by
Councilor Anthony and seconded by Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Allen then made a substitute motion to build the building at two
floors with the option to add a third floor at a later date. He said the
infrastructure of the building would support that third floor when added.
Seconded by mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, but was defeated with council voting
4:5, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, and Councilors Henderson, Baker and Allen
voting Yes and Councilors Anthony, Hunter, McDaniel, and Barnes voting No, and
Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
Mayor Wetherington again called the attention to the original motion made
by Councilor Anthony to adopt option two. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
defeated by a vote of 2:7 with Councilors Anthony and Woodson voting Yes and
Councilors Allen, Baker, Barnes, Henderson, Hunter, McDaniel and Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh voting No, with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
Councilor Henderson then made a motion to adopt option one. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes and defeated by a vote of 5:4 with Councilors Henderson,
Barnes, Woodson, McDaniel, Anthony and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh voting Yes;
and Councilors Allen, Baker, Hunter, and Henderson voting No, with Councilor
Davis being absent for this vote.
Councilor Henderson asked that staff bring back the cost of each of these
options at the next meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said even in leaving the building to the
professionals for the design, we need to know what we are proposing in terms of
square feet and what departments we are going to put out there, to include the
police precinct.
-------------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION
FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL:_________
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Zoning Appeals.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Community Development
Advisory Council.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Development Authority of
Columbus.
(4) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Housing Authority of
Columbus.
(5) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Planning Advisory
Commission.
(6) Biographical Sketch of Mr. William Taylor, Councilor Hunter?s nominee to
replace Mr. Fernando Verdree on the Development Authority.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:___________________________________________________________
A Resolution (146-10) excusing Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh from the
March 30, 2010 Council Meeting. Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
A Resolution (147-10) Approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of February 2010. Councilor Henderson move the approval of the
resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present with Councilor Davis being absent for
this vote.
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close on May 19, 2010 at 8:00
a.m. to May 23, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. Bay Avenue at 10th Street, 11th Street and
Front Avenue; on May 21, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. to May 23, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. 11th
Street at Front Avenue and Bay Avenue at River Club; on May 21, 2010 at 6:00
p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Broadway from 10th Street through 12th Street, 10th Street
and 11th Street from Broadway to Front Avenue; on May 22, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. to
12:00 a.m. Broadway from 10th Street through 12th Street, 10th Street and 11th
Street from 1st Avenue to Front Avenue in connection with the ?AFLAC Games?
pedestrian safety.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of the application. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
Board of Health, March 24, 2010.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 14-10 & 15-10.
Civic Center Advisory Board, March 18, 2010.
Convention & Visitors Bureau, March 17, 2010.
Crime Prevention Board, March 24, 2010.
Housing Authority, March 17, 2010.
Uptown Facade Board, March 15, 2010.
Water Commissioners, Board of, March 8, 2010.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BUILDING AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council informed the Mayor and Council that MRr Terry Ballard does
not desire re-appointment and we will need a replacement. She further pointed
out that Paula Johnson is eligible to succeed herself. Councilor Allen moved to
re-appoint Ms. Johnson. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously
by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Davis being absent for
this vote.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Hunter is nominating
Ms. Addie Cunningham. Councilor Henderson moved the confirmation. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote. She further pointed
out that we will need a nominee for the seats of Mr. Wane Hailes and Ms. Wanda
Jenkins. Both seats were declared vacant. Districts 4 and 1 respectively.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(CIRCLE):_____________________________________
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Pastor Pedro Diaz was
nominated and can be confirmed. Councilor Barnes moved the confirmation.
Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members
of Council present with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Councilor
Allen is nominating Mr. Eduardo Cardona and he can be confirmed. Councilor
Henderson moved the confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor
Davis being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of council Washington pointed out that the West Georgia Architect
Association is nominating Mr. Robert Kidd and he can be confirmed. Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh moved the confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor
Davis being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington point out that she three nominees for the seat
of the late Franklyn Lambert: Mr. Earnest Smallman IV, Mr. Carson Cummings, and
Mr. Matt Mize. She then asked for a motion to forward those nominees to the
Hospital Authority. Councilor Henderson so made the motion. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
HOUSING AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council reminded the Mayor and Council that Mr. Steve Melton has
resigned. This is the Mayor?s appointment.
Mayor Wetherington nominated Mr. Charles Alexander. Councilor Henderson
moved the confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Davis being
absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
LAND BANK AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Mr. Douglas
Bryant has been nominated for Mr. Terry Hattaway?s seat and he may be
confirmed. Councilor McDaniel moved the confirmation. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with
Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
-------------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------------
OTHER COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS AND COUNCIL:
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Councilor Anthony nominated Ms. Jackie Lowe for the vacant seat on the
Development Authority. Clerk of Council Washington said this would be back in
two week for confirmation. She further pointed out that Ms. Stella Shulman and
Mr. Blanchard are both eligible to succeed themselves. Councilor Anthony
re-appoints both individuals.
*** *** ***
Before the Council go into an executive session, the Mayor recognized the
presence of Mr. Paul Olson. Mr. Olson came forward and made some comments about
the Expedia.com lawsuit in an article published in the Columbus
Ledger-Enquirer.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request by City Attorney Fay, Councilor Henderson made
a motion to allow the Council to go into an executive session. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote, with the time
being 8:00 p.m.
At 8:26, the Council came out of an executive session at which time the
pointed out that Council met in an executive session to discus potential
litigation but no action was taken.
*** *** ***
With no other business to come before this Council, Councilor Allen then
made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Woodson, and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Davis being
absent for this vote, with the time being 8:27 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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