MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
APRIL 23, 2013
A meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 5:30
P.M., Tuesday, April 23, 2013, on the Plaza Level of the Government Center,
Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor and Honorable Evelyn
Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson was Councilors R. Gary Allen, Jerry
Barnes, Glenn Davis Berry H. Henderson, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Judy W.
Thomas and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton
Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk Sandra Davis were
also present. Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat at the Council table at 9:07
a.m. Councilor Evelyn Woodson took her seat at the Council table at 9:09 a.m.,
and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh took her seat at the Council table at 9:20 a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilors Mike Baker, Glenn Davis and Evelyn Woodson was absent.
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***-------------------------------------INVOCATION: Led by Pastor Larry
Biggers, Northside Worship Center
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PLEDGE: Led by students from Gentian Elementary After School Program
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the March 26, 2013 Council Meeting and
the March 26, 2013 Executive Session of the Council of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved by the Council upon
the adoption of a motion made by Councilor Allen and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh, which carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for the
meeting.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
WITH MRS. REATHER D. HOLLOWELL STANDING AT THE COUNCL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING
RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY
THE COUNCIL:___ __
A Resolution (130-13) ? Confirming the appointment of Mrs. Reather
Hollowell as Director of the Human Resources Department. Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Huff.
City Manager Hugley said Ms. Hollowell is being recommended after going
through a selection review process. He said she is well qualified for the
position and comes highly recommended from the selection committee.
After City Manager Hugley read the resume of Mrs. Hollowell and said that
he is confident that Mrs. Hollowell will provide the continuity, stability,
progress and improvement we need in the Human Resources Department, and said
that he is pleased to present to the Mayor and Council, Mrs. Reather Hollowell,
for confirmation as the Human Resources Director.
Mayor Tomlinson then called the question on the motion made earlier by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, which carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present with Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for
this meeting.
Mrs. Hollowell then expressed her appreciation to the Mayor and Council,
as well as to members of her family and friends.
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NOTE: The City Manager?s Agenda is continued below.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:
____
__________
An Ordinance (13-9) ? Rezoning property located at 622 24th Street from an
RMF2 (Residential Multifamily 2) to a GC (General Commercial) zoning district.
(14-A-12-Garrard Development Services, LLC/George Mize, Jr.) The proposed use
is for general retail. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the
ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present, with Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being
absent for this meeting.
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WITHDRAWAL OF ZONING PETITION:
City Attorney Fay said the Liberty District rezoning petitions were
withdrawn and said we will not be having a public hearing on tonight. The
following notation was listed at the bottom of the City Attorney?s Agenda as
outlined below.
Note: By letters dated April 12, 2013 and April 15, 2013, the Housing
Authority of Columbus, Georgia and the Director of Community Reinvestment have
withdrawn two zoning applications related to the Liberty District,
REZN-1-13-1050 and REZN-2-13-1401. As a result of such withdrawal, there will
be no public hearing shall be held on these applications.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
MR. CARLOS & MIRA HUERTAS, RE: CELEBRATION OF CINCO
DE MAYO:________________________________________________________
Mr. Carlos & Mirta Huertas, came forward and extended an invitation to the
Mayor & Council, as well as the community to attend the second Celebration of
Cinco De Mayo., which will be held on May 4th. He said they want to invite the
entire community to celebrate with them. He said the event will start at 5:00
p.m. ? 11:00 p.m. on Broadway in Uptown Columbus. He said this will be a free
event for everyone and said they want to show everyone in Columbus their
culture.
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THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS APPEARED BEFORE THE COUNCIL AND ADDRESSED MANY
ISSUES AND CONCERNS WITH REGARDS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LIBERTY DISTRICT:
_ _
Mr. Will Lawrence, Mr. Tollie Strode, Ms. Gloria Strode, Re: Ms. Nadine
Moore, Re: 2003 Liberty District Master Plan and Mr. Zeph Baker.
There were also some comments expressed about Government responsibility
and accountability, as well as budget process and recommendations.
Several minutes of discussion surrounded the legal ad that ran in the
Columbus Ledger with regards to the filing of campaign disclosure of any
individual who had contributed monies to any member of this body, they would
have to disclose that in writing. Mr. Rick Jones, Director of the Department
of Planning came forward and went into some details in explaining the process
of this matter.
Mayor Tomlinson said if the Council is not aware of the $250.00 rule,
then we need to put out a memo with the legislation to the members of the
Council. She said ACCG Training for elected officials has it, as well as the
GMA Training.
City Attorney Fay said what this statue does, is a disclosure statute
only. He said it doesn?t say the elected official can?t vote, but it says
anyone who has made a contribution to the elected official, who is a
petitioner, an applicant on a zoning or an opponent has to disclose in writing
that they have made the $250.00 contribution.
Mayor Tomlinson said if you don?t disclose it and vote, it is subject to
challenge. She said there have been some challenges.
City Attorney Fay said he don?t want the impression floating around that
the votes are invalid, because they are valid votes of Council until proven
otherwise because of some legal remedy. He said the process has been the same
and t has been there since 1986 and the burden is on the applicant or the
opponent, who has made this type of contribution, $250.00 or more to a member
of this body, to disclose it in writing.
Mayor Tomlinson asked the City Attorney to get the GMA Training that goes
over this and send it out to all members of the Council advising that this is
indeed
an important requirement.
Several members of Council expressed their views regarding this matter.
Councilor Thomas said if there is information that we can get from ACCG or
GMA for a Refresher Course, she thinks that we need to be provided with that
information.
After more than thirty minutes of discussion on this subject matter, it
was finally concluded.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY
AND WITHDRAW AT HIS REQUEST:____________
A Resolution ? Authorizing the submission of an application and if
approved accept a $65,000 Fiscal Year 2010 Homeland Security Grant from Georgia
Emergency Management Agency for the Muscogee Sheriff's Office to purchase one
Ahura Defender Chemical Identification Device.
City Manager Hugley pointed out that the Sheriff?s office has asked us to
pull this item from the agenda. He said it is his understanding that GEMA will
purchase the equipment and then donate it to the Sheriff?s Department.
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MDRC GRANT:
City Manager Hugley pointed out that on Item Number Nine, which is a
resolution to submit an application for the Maternal and Infant Home visiting
Program evaluation grant, the agenda shows that the grant is $32,500, but he
has been advised that the grant is for $37,500.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_____
___________________________________ _____
A Resolution (131-13) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into a Master
Lease with the Georgia Municipal Association to provide a mechanism to finance
capital equipment. The lease payments were included in the Debt Service Fund
in the FY13 budget for the acquisition of garbage trucks, dozers, and grab-alls
for the Integrated Waste function. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with Councilors Davis,
McDaniel and Woodson being absent for this meeting.
A Resolution (132-13) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into an
intergovernmental agreement with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources
for operational support and maintenance of an emergency access road at Standing
Boy Creek State Park. Funding is available from the Capital Improvement
Program - LOST Road Infrastructure Funds. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously
by those seven members of Council present, with Councilors Davis, McDaniel and
Woodson being absent for this meeting.
A Resolution (133-13) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a variance to the
City Code Section 4.3.12 Shared Parking. The variance will allow a shared
parking lot for a new Dollar General to be located at 2301 Cusseta Road. A
variance to city code section 4.5.7 buffer categories and options for side or
rear yard buffers to allow for type "C' buffer with 15 foot width and six foot
opaque fence for the north and east property line of said development.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with
Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILORS
DAVIS, MCDANIEL AND WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS MEETING: ___________________
A Resolution (134-13) ? Authorizing the execute of a Quit Claim Deed for
an unimproved segment to Ivy Avenue to Ms. Suzanne H. Corley, 1057-1059
Talbotton Road. The Georgia Department of Transportation is in the process of
acquiring property on Talbotton/Warm Springs Road for a widening project that
will impact this business. This property is needed to provide a driveway to
the back of the business making it accessible for parking. This property was
declared surplus on March 26, 2013 Ordinance # 13-15.
A Resolution (135-13) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to a portion
of Essex Heights Trail located in Section Three, Wooldridge Heights. The
Department of Engineering has inspected this street and recommends the
acceptance.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE AODPTOIN OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HUFF, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUMNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILORS
DAVIS, MCDANEIL AND WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS MEETING:________
________ ___________
Resolution (136-13) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and
if approved accept $22,000, with no local match, from MDRC (formerly Manpower
Demonstration Research Corporation) for the Maternal and Infant Home Visiting
Program Evaluation for May 15, 2013 to June 20, 2016.
A Resolution (137-13) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and
if approved accept $37,500 in grant funds from the Georgia Department of Human
Services, Division of Family and Children Services with a local match of
$12,500.
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THE FOLLOWING TEN PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL
PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH
AND SECONDED BY COUNCLOR HUFF, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS
OF COUNCIL PRSENT, WITH COUNCILORS DAVIS, MCDANIEL AND WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR
THIS MEETING:_____________ _
A Resolution (138-13) ? Authorizing the purchase of five (5) Mid-Size 4x4
SUVs (Ford Explorer Base 4x4), from Rivertown Ford, (Columbus, GA) in the
amount of $116,890.00. These vehicles were approved via the Vehicle Replacement
Program (VRP). Three (3) will be used by the Inspections & Code Department. The
remaining two (2) vehicles will be used by the Tax Assessor?s Office. Rivertown
Ford was the awarded vendor for RFB 13-0021, and has agreed to provide the
additional SUVs for the awarded bid price of $23,378.00 per unit, for a total
of $116,890.00.
A Resolution (139-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Landmark Grading Company, Inc. (Ft. Mitchell, AL) in the amount
of $658,993.80 for storm drainage improvements in Oakland Park. The work will
be performed in the Howe Avenue area (Sub-Basin ?C?) and the South Plant Road
area (Sub-Basin ?M?) of Oakland Park. The Contractor shall be required to
maintain public access to all residences located within the project area and
maintain normal traffic.
A Resolution (140-13) ? Authorizing the purchase of five (5)
Zero-Turn-Radius Mowers (John Deere Z915B 60"), from SunSouth, LLC, (Columbus,
GA) in the amount of $31,294.50. One mower was approved in the FY13 Budget to
be used by the Landfill Division of the Department of Public Works, for lawn
care at the landfill. It is a new unit. Four (4) additional mowers were
approved via the Vehicle Replacement Program (VRP). They will be used by staff
of the Parks and Recreation Department to cut right-of-ways and City property.
A Resolution (141-13) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of one
(1) 15-Passenger Van (2013 Ford Econoline E350 Club Wagon 12 Passenger Van LEV)
from Allan Vigil Ford (Morrow, GA), in the amount of $26,837.00, via Georgia
Statewide Contract #S-90795-C5. The vehicle was approved in the FY13 Budget
via the Vehicle Replacement Program. It will be used by the staff of the Parks
and Recreation Department, to transport participants to and from planned
activities. It is a replacement vehicle.
A Resolution (142-13) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of one
(1) Stake Truck (2014 Freightliner M2 106 Crew Cab 36,000GVW) from Peach State
Truck Centers (Norcross, GA), in the amount of $126,413.00, via Georgia
Statewide Contract #99999-SPD-0000039-0002. The vehicle was approved in the
FY13 Budget. It will be used by the staff of the Street Division to transport
crews and equipment to repair signs and guard rails. It is a replacement
vehicle.
A Resolution (143-13) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Farm Tractor
with 15' Batwing Mower (Kubota M8560HD 4WD Tractor/Land Price RC3615 Batwing),
from Mason Tractor and Equipment Co., (McDonough, GA) in the amount of
$43,747.50. One farm tractor and one 15' batwing mower were approved in the
FY13 Budget to be used by the Public Works Department for cutting all City and
State Right-of-Ways within City limits. They are replacement units.
A Resolution (144-13) ? Authorizing the approval of a contract for
electric motor repair services from Southern Rewinding Industrial Sales &
Services (Columbus, GA) for the estimated annual contract value of $22,000.00.
The estimated annual contract value is based on Facilities Maintenance
estimated usage. The services will be utilized by the Facilities Maintenance
Division to repair all single and three phase electric motors up to 150 HP on
an ?as needed basis?. The contract term will be for two years, with the option
to renew for three additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal is
contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
A Resolution (145-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Precision 2000, Inc. (Atlanta, GA) in the amount of $1,143,374.94
for streetscape improvements on Veterans Parkway. The Project consists of the
following major elements: Roadway Improvements: erosion control, clearing and
grubbing, grading of new medians to include 530 CY of graded aggregate base
course, 1,900 LF of 30-inch concrete curb and gutter, 330 LF of 18-inch
concrete storm drain pipe, 28 catch basins, 3,200 SY concrete
sidewalks/driveways, 20 TN recycled asphalt concrete; Signing and Marking: 260
SF of highway signs, 144 LF of galvanized steel posts, 5,600 LF of
thermoplastic striping, and thermoplastic pavement markings; Landscaping: 1,300
SY of Corner Plaza paving, planting of 84 Quercus Nuttallii and 44
Lagerstroemia (furnished by others), 8,020 SY of Bermuda sod; Signalization:
3,900 LF total of 3-inch and 6-inch directional bore, 8 strain poles with
30-foot to 60-foot mast arms, 2 traffic installation areas, 5,800 LF non-metal
rigid conduit.
A Resolution (146-13) ? Authorizing the approval of a forty-eight (48)
month lease contract, for two copier/printers, with RICOH USA, Inc., (Columbus,
GA) in the amount of $390.59 per month, for the Public Defender?s Office, via
Georgia Statewide Contract #SWC 90819-4. Upon installation, maintenance will
be billed quarterly at $0.0062 per b/w image. The monthly maintenance
agreement includes parts, labor and toner.
The two units will replace the copiers currently used by the Public Defender?s
Office. The new copier/printers will have the following features: Surge
Protector, Paper Bank, Network Connectivity, Fax Option, Staple Finisher,
Bridge Unit, and Hole Punch capabilities. The copiers will be networked and
placed in strategic locations to be used by all staff members.
A Resolution (147-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase one (1)
mid-size skid steer (Case SR200), from G, J&L, Inc. d/b/a Border Equipment
(Augusta, GA), in the amount of $26,858.89. The equipment will be assigned to
the Waste Collection Division and will be utilized at the Recycle Center to
load and unload recyclables. This is a new unit.
G, J&L, Inc. d/b/a Border Equipment was the awarded vendor for RFB 13-0028,
Option 6, Mid-Size Skid Steer with Milling Attachments. The vendor has agreed
to provide the additional skid steer without the milling attachments for the
awarded bid price of $45,053.29, less the cost of the milling attachments
($18,194.40), for a total cost of $26,858.89.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AGAIN BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND
AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL:_____
_________________________________
A Resolution ? Authorizing the purchase of furniture for the Recycling
Center from Malone Office Environments (Columbus, GA) in the amount of
$45,892.73. The furniture consists of a desk, a credenza, various types of
chairs, and various types of tables. The attached lists the furniture required
at the Recycling Center. Furniture currently being utilized has been
identified to replace some of the furniture requested to be purchased for the
Recycling Center. This furniture will become available after departments move
to the Citizens Service Center. The potential savings amount to $3,308.85.
Councilor Thomas said this item was on the City Manager?s Agenda a couple
weeks ago and at that time she raised the issue of the $45,000 for the
furniture for the Recycling Center and said Council voted not to approve that
and then the motion was made that the City Manager go back and try to find
furniture from some of the furniture that is being left behind when we move
people out to the new Citizen Service Center and if furniture couldn?t be found
for that, this matter be brought back up. She said this is back on the agenda
and at the same $45,000; and also included in the material was a breakdown of
the furniture that is being requested for the Recycling Center.
After Councilor Thomas expressed many concerns and strong objections to the
purchase of this furniture, City Manager Hugley then responded to questions of
members of the Council
Mayor Tomlinson then asked when was the approval of this is building done;
and said it was before her time. She said when was the building approved that
included classrooms in it and was there any discussions about classrooms in it;
and etc. She said maybe we need to refresh everyone?s recollection as to
exactly what was approved and if people saw plans.
Councilor Thomas also asked, when was contract with Pratt approved?
City Manager Hugley said the Sustainability Recycling Center was part of
the 2010 Bond Packet. He said the presentation that was shared today was a
repeat.
He said he went back and pulled the old presentation that was previously made
to the Council. He said this was done as far back as 2010 and it?s a $7.5
million facility, and funds are included in the budget for construction of the
facility, furniture and fixtures. He said this furniture is a part of the
budget.
He said as pointed out by Councilor Thomas, it is part of a bond packet
and said it is true that if we don?t spend this money as budgeted as part of
this bond project, then that money will be left over in the bond, the $45,000
and it would go toward the debt that we incurred with the bond packet and said
it could not be used for anything else. He said of the $45, 892.73 in
furniture, he had the staff to go and look and said they found $3,308.00 in
furniture that they could delete from the list; therefore, it would be
$45,892.73 less the $3,308.00 for the furniture.
City Manager Hugley said the other furniture, the tables and chairs, if we
are going to carry out the mission that was shared some time ago in a
presentation, as well as was shared on today by Deputy City Manager Arrington
and Director of Public Works Biegler; if we are going to do those things, we
can do it by furnishing the Sustainability Center and making it a world class
facility, as indicated by Ms. Biegler, we would have National Conferences here.
He said people will want to come here and see our Sustainability Center.
After concluding his comments, City Manager Hugley then responded to
questions of Mayor Tomlinson.
Mayor Tomlinson said the resolution was denied on last week and said it
has to be up for a motion for reconsideration today. She said we couldn?t
withdraw the motion because a roll call was being made on the motion. She said
someone who voted no at the last meeting must make a motion for
reconsideration. She said the motion to approve $44,000 in furniture was denied
on last week.
City Attorney Fay said he doesn?t have a record of the vote and then
asked Clerk of Council Washington, what was the status of the vote, to which
she said the resolution was defeated.
City Attorney Fay said it would then have to come back with a member
asking for reconsideration. Mayor Tomlinson said the City Attorney is our
parliamentarian.
Councilor Allen then asked if the bond that was approved in 2010, was a
referendum. City Manager Hugley said, no. He said there were some projects
funded in part through the S.P.L.O.S.T., like the swimming pool and there were
some that were not funded at all. He said the Sustainability Center wasn?t
funded at all; however, we did a bond packet and included those things in the
bond packet, using L.O.S.T. collection as the revenue source to pay the debt
service.
Councilor Allen said over the last three to four years, times have changed
and we have gone through quiet a bit since 2010 and said he would ask the City
Manager to pull this resolution on today and revisit the furniture issue.
He said he would also ask him to talk with the School System and find out
what their plans are regarding field trips education. He said he is reluctant
to support it and said he would like to get a good hand on education about what
we are trying to do, which may not be the right direction we may need to go in.
He said he don?t see the need to have brand new furniture in there, if it?s
going to be an isolated building with not much interest generated from the
school or public to see what?s going on. He said it might be a direction that
we need to rethink.
Mayor Tomlinson said according to our City Attorney, if indeed there is
gong to be a motion for reconsideration, it has to be considered at the meeting
itself or in the succeeding meeting; which of course, this will be.
City Attorney Fay said that is what our ordinance says, the same or
succeeding meeting. He said that?s the motion to reconsider.
Mayor Tomlinson said it would be appropriate to have a motion to
reconsider.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said since Councilor Allen is asking for
additional information and when the additional information is brought back and
someone wants to make a motion that we authorize the purchase of the furniture,
it doesn?t have to be this same motion, it could be another one and nothing
would prohibit us from doing that.
Mayor Tomlinson said as long as he comes back with more information, hen a
fresh motion can be made. City Attorney Fay said as long as it is a new motion
based on new information whatever the facts may be.
Mayor Tomlinson said we can then come back so that we don?t have to worry
about the succeeding meeting rule, for a motion for reconsideration as we
specifically discussed at the last meeting.
City Manager Hugley also responded to questions of Councilor Thomas as to
when the contract was approved by Resolution Number 172-12 on June 26, 2012,
which was approved by eight members of the Council.
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ROSEWOOD DRIVE:
Councilor Barnes said this is just for informational purposes. He said he
had a meeting with some of the residents from Rosewood Drive. He said this has
been two years now for speed tables for an area that has drastically needed. He
said the last meeting that we ask the citizens to do is to go door to door. He
said when that was done, they had a meeting at his office, with the Rosewood
neighborhood Association in November after all the signatures came back and the
study was done. He said Traffic Engineer Ron Hamlett came out and gave the
results of the study; what streets and where the danger area were; which was in
November.
He said subsequent to that Mr. Denson and others have been calling down
and have been told that the speed tables are on the way and will be installed.
He said but here we are not just approving the money with purchasing the speed
tables.
He said he wants to know what has happened from the time that we had the
meeting in his office at the latter part of November where we were told that we
are gong to make sure we get the tables.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said an individual speed table costs a
couple of thousands of dollars and said that they were looking to purchase
approximately seventeen of them initially, and then establishing an annual
contract. However, for that amount of money our purchasing ordinance requires
that we go out and d some type of competitive bid process and said in this
case because of our past experience with speed tables, we did it through a
request for proposal. He said we initiated that process and there were some
technical challenges and they had to go back out for bid again. He said the
contract that you have before you tonight for approval establishes an annual
contract so that we can purchase speed tables as we need them.
After some additional discussion on this subject matter, with Councilor
Barnes expressing further concerns and Deputy City Manager Arrington responded
to those concerns, the following resolution as outlined below was then adopted
by the Council.
AFTER MORE THAN TEN MINUTES OF DISCUSSION ON THIS
SUBJECT MATTER, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:____
_______________________________
A Resolution (148-13) ? Authorizing the approval of an annual contract for
Prefabricated Speed Tables with Transafe, Inc. (Lawrenceville, GA). Transafe,
Inc., will provide prefabricated speed tables, ?on an as needed basis,? to be
installed at various locations throughout the City, to slow or restrict
traffic, especially in residential areas.
Over the years the City has installed concrete, asphalt and prefabricated Speed
Tables to slow traffic. In October 2007, the City issued an RFP (RFP No.
08-0010) for interested vendors to provide Speed Tables for testing purposes.
As a result of that RFP the City has tested Speed Tables manufactured by
Traffic Logix and RoadKare International. Both Speed Tables have been tested
over a period of four to five years. The Traffic Engineering Division
determined that the two types of Speed Tables are satisfactory, and requested
this current RFP for vendors to submit proposals on either of the two
manufacturers.
The term of this contract shall be for one year, with the option to renew for
four (4) additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be contingent
upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
By Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for this
meeting.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATON TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:_____________
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Keep Columbus Beautiful
Commission.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Honor- 14th
Street Bridge Recommendation.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Honor
Recommendation- Memorial Bench.
(4) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Honor
Recommendations- Honorary Street Designations.
(5) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Carla M. Anthony, Councilor Thomas? nominee to
replace the late Mr. Daniel Smith on the Animal Control Advisory Board.
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MEMORIAL BENCH:
Regarding Item Number Three, as listed above, Clerk of Council Washington
pointed out that the Board of Honor did approve the request of CORTA to place a
memorial bench at Cooper Creek Park, in honor of one of the deceased board
members. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the request. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for this
meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
__________________ ______________________
A Resolution (149-13) ? Excusing Councilor Mike Baker from the April 9,
2013 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (150-13) ? Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the April
23, 2013 Council Meeting.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the two resolutions. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present, with Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for
this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK
OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
____
_________________________________
A Resolution (151-13) ? Approving the recommendation of the Board of Honor
to rename the current Dillingham Street Bridge as the Horace King Memorial
Bridge. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present, with Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for
this meeting.
A Resolution (152-13) ? Approving the Board of Honor?s recommendation to
designate the existing 14th Street Pedestrian Bridge as the Mayor Frank K.
Martin
Memorial Bridge. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present, with Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for
this meeting.
*** *** ***
LETTER OF RESIGNATION:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter of resignation from Mr.
Wade
H. Tomlinson resigning from his seat on the Housing Authority of Columbus.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the letter be received with regrets and
thanks to Mr. Tomlinson for his service on the board. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with
Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Tomlinson has submitted
the biographical sketch of Mr. Kenneth Henson, for whom she will be nominating
to replace Mr. Wade Tomlinson on the Housing Authority of Columbus.
Councilor Allen then made a motion that Mr. Henson be confirmed to fill the
unexpired term of Mr. Wade H. Tomlinson. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with
Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
________________________________________________
Board of Health, March 27, 2013.
Board of Honor, April 17, 2013.
Civic Center Advisory Board, March 21, 2013.
Recreation Advisory Board, February 27, 2013.
Recreation Advisory Board, March 27, 2013.
Uptown Facade Board, January 22, 2013.
Uptown Facade Board, February 18, 2013.
Uptown Facade Board, February 25, 2013.
Uptown Facade Board, March 18, 2013.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present, with Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for
this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________________________
A Resolution (153-13) ? Excusing Councilor Glenn Davis from the April
23, 2013 Council Meeting. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present, with Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for
this meeting.
*** *** ***
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington said at the last meeting of Council, Councilor
Thomas nominated Ms. Carla Anthony to fill the unexpired term of the late Mr.
Daniel Smith, who served on our Animal Control Board and advises that she may
now be confirmed. Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present,
with Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need a nominee for
Mr. Tyler Townsend?s position, as he does not wish to be reappointed for
another term of office. There were no nominations made.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Ms.
Addie Cunningham, District Three representative, Mr. Abdur Hassan, Council
District Four representative, Mr. Jim Irwin, Council District Seven
representative, Mr. Walter Lewis, Council District One representative, Ms.
Sharon Pierce, Council District Eight representative and Mr. Robert Wetzel,
Council District Two representative terms of office expired on March 1, 2013.
She further pointed out that Ms. Cunningham would like to serve another term of
office.
Councilor Huff then nominated Ms. Cunningham and moved she be confirmed.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present, with Councilors Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being
absent for this meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh also nominated Mr. Hassan for another term of
office and moved that he be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with Councilors
Davis, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for this meeting.
Clerk of Council Washington further pointed out that Mr. Irwin is eligible
to succeed himself as well, and advises that this is Council District Seven
representative.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):______ _________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Sudhir Patel does not
want to serve another term of office; therefore, the Council will need to
nominate someone to fill this term, which expired on March 1, 2013. There were
no nominations.
*** *** ***
CRIME PREVENTION BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Ms.
Nancy Rinn and Mr. Alfred Hayes on the Crime Prevention Board
expired on March 31, 2013. She pointed out that we have not heard from Ms.
Rinn as to whether or not she wanted to serve another term of office and
advises that as soon as she does, she will inform the Council of this
information. She further pointed out that Mr. Hayes does not wish to be
reappointed for another term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington further pointed out that Ms. Jeanette Davis
has been nominated for Mr. Alfred Hayes?s position and if there are no other
nominations she may be confirmed. Councilor Allen said Councilor Davis called
him on yesterday and asked him to nominate Mr. Seth Harp on his behalf.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at our next
regular meeting for Council to take a vote.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Ann Davis, who represents
Council District Three has resigned from the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission
to serve on another board. She also pointed out that Ms. Shondalee Gamble, who
represents Council District Five has also resigned to serve on another board.
In response to a question of Mayor Tomlinson, Clerk of Council Washington
said it is her understanding that Councilor Huff will be submitting a
nomination for this District Three seat.
*** *** ***
VALLEY PARTNERSHIP JOINT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Ms.
Jacki
Lowe and Mr. Travis Chambers on the Valley Partnership Joint Development
Commission will expire on May 30, 2013 and advises that they are eligible to
succeed themselves for another term of office.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then nominated Ms. Lowe and Mr. Chambers for
another term of office.
Councilor Allen asked if the Valley Partnership qualifies as one of the
committee?s that you can?t serve on more than one more committee. He said that
Mr. Chambers is on the Planning Advisory Commission.
Clerk of Council Washington said she will check the resolution and will
bring this matter back at our next meeting for the Council?s confirmation.
Councilor Henderson also nominated Mr. Tyler Townsend for Mr. Chambers?
position. (See below for Councilor Henderson?s withdrawal of Mr. Townsend?s
nomination)
*** *** ***
LIBERTY DISTRICT:
Councilor Barnes said what he would like for this Council to do is, the
plan that this Council considered and approved in January 2013 for the Liberty
District, in light of the things being tabled and discussion ; and the ongoing
discussion in the community, he would like for this Council to bring it back
for reconsideration.
Mayor Tomlinson said she believes that it has been pulled by the
applicant.
City Manager Hugley said the Master Plan was approved June 1, 2004 and
said on January 22, 2013, you authorized us to partner with the Housing
Authority, for the value of the land, at $1.4 million and $3 million in cash
over multi-years, with an understanding that when they sold property for
commercial, property that they owned, that we would get a return on that
investment of the $4.4 million investment.
Mayor Tomlinson said that has been nullified.
Councilor Barnes said he is closing all doors and just wants to make sure
all the doors are closed. Mayor Tomlinson said the door was closed by the
investor pulling out and us nullifying the contract as a result of the investor
negating the contract.
City Manager Hugley said it needs to be made clear because he has heard
some talk about the $3million that Council approved in the January 22, 2013
resolution is available to spend in the Liberty District, and said that is not
the case. He said for those people who have had that conversation, they need to
be clear that is not $3million that was authorized for the development of the
Liberty District, but it was authorized as a partner in a $32 million overall
package with the Housing Authority.
*** *** ***
STORM DAMAGE:
Councilor Huff said due to the storm on last night, we had a lot of damage
in District 3, and he thinks there was also some damage in District 1 and 4, as
well.
He said we don?t know if it was a tornado or what, but said he just wanted to
personally thank the City employees, and Georgia Power Company. He said he was
out at 12:00 midnight and then again at 3:00 a.m. that morning talking to
several people, and visiting on yesterday. He said they are trying to put
things back together.
He said what he would like to ask of the City Manager is that we really
need to revisit with the City Arborist and everyone with regards to the oak
trees in District 3. He said it is really tearing up property, the pipe
systems; and said they are
having to replace a lot of the curbing. He said the trees are just way too
large and said he think in the future we will have a lot of damage to our
homes, as far as the foundations. He said we have had several homes where they
have had to spend their own personal monies and everyone doesn?t have it. He
said there are a lot of senior citizens in that area. He said there are
driveways turning up, pipes being torn apart and there are flooding in houses;
and it?s a real problem because the trees are huge. He said if they are not in
the power lines, Georgia Power will not take them down.
Councilor Huff said it is something that we really do need to look at
because there is a lot of damage being done. He said in the past, it?s
something that someone thought was a great idea and was never ran by the
residents of the area; whenever, they came home, they had trees planted in
their yards. He said no one is against the trees, but said we are just against
the trees that are tearing up everybody?s property.
City Manager Hugley said as you know there is an ordinance that prohibits
the arborist or city staff, even the city manager from taking down a live tree;
unless it is health threatening in some kind a way. He said it will probably
take an act by this body to allow the arborist or the city manager to authorize
taking down a mature, live tree.
Councilor Huff said if we need to take a bus tour to look the Council see
it, we need to do that. He said during the last storm the power was out for a
long time because we had so many oak trees down across power lines.
City Manager Hugley said he doesn?t disagree because he has seen those
trees and he knows where you are talking about, but because there is a law, we
don?t have the authority or flexibility to do anything.
Mayor Tomlinson said let?s get with the City Attorney to see whether or
not we can issue permits under certain circumstances; to see if there is some
way to administratively issue permits when the Arborist agrees that it meets
some kind of
standard, and let?s see where we are and then we can come back and revisit that.
City Attorney Fay said he will be glad to look at it again, but he thinks
there is something in the ordinance now that there is authority for the City
Arborist to remove something if it?s a public safety hazard or a public
nuisance.
Mayor Tomlinson said she was talking about either allowing the private
property owner to take it down themselves upon a permit if they felt it was
becoming a nuisance to the property, but they can?t because they are prohibited
by law, but she was asking if there could be some sort of permitting process.
City Attorney Fay said if it is a publicly owned tree, the arborist would
have to get involved and give his authority otherwise it stays.
City Manager Hugley said we will talk about.
*** *** ***
VALLEY PARTNERSHIP JOINT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:
Councilor Henderson said he was under the assumption that there was a
pending resignation of an unexpired term on the Valley Partnership Joint
Development Commission and said he didn?t mean to nominate Mr. Townsend for Mr.
Chambers? seat, but he understood that there was another seat coming
available.
He then asked Clerk of Council Washington if she has received any
notification, to which she stated she has not. Councilor Henderson then said he
would then withdraw his nomination of Mr. Townsend until we clarify that.
*** *** ***
CITY ABORIST:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said we need to invite the City Arborist to come
and talk with the Council with regards to the tree planting/and or tree
removal.
She said it is affecting our elderly citizens more than anything else. She said
these trees are tearing up the driveways, as well as the root system of the
plumbing and said we won?t fix it. She said once we tell them that the tree can
come down, we won?t fix it, but we tell them that they have to fix it, and said
she has a real big moral problem with that.
Mayor Tomlinson said let?s just look before we bring the Arborist, to see
what latitude we have, as we should be able to strike some administrative
balance, so let?s look at what legal latitude we have to provide relief to
citizens, business owners that have issues with very large trees and still
promote the interest of the money that we have invested in planting those
trees.
Councilor Barnes said let?s just bring it for a discussion at a Council
Work Session.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson she said would entertain a motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those seven members of Council present, with Councilors Davis, McDaniel
and Woodson being absent for this meeting, with the time of adjournment being
7:45 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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