MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
NOVEMBER 8, 2011
The monthly night meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 9:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 8, 2011, on the Plaza Level of the
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor,
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis,
Bruce Huff, Charles E. McDaniel, and Judy Thomas. City Manager Isaiah Hugley,
City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk
of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
Councilor Berry Henderson took his seat at 11:20 A.M.
ABSENT: Councilor Evelyn Woodson was absent.
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INVOCATION: by Reverend Roy Plummer, Faith Tabernacle Community Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Muscogee Elementary School.
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PROCLAMATION:
MR. EDWIN JACKSON DAY:
With Mr. Edwin Jackson, professional baseball player and pitcher for the
St. Louis Cardinals, standing at the Council?s table, Mayor Tomlinson read the
proclamation of the Mayor, proclaiming November 8, 2011 as ?Edwin Jackson? Day
in Columbus, Georgia.
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STATE OF THE COLUMBUS, GEORGIA ECONOMY:
Dr. Mike Daniel came forward and stated that as a result of a very gracious
gift to the College of Business, they were able to establish the Center for
Economic and Business Research. He then turned over the remainder of the
presentation to Dr. Benjamin Blair.
Using the overhead monitors, Dr. Blair made a presentation referencing the
unemployment rates from 2001 to 2010 stating that during the early years,
Muscogee County had a higher unemployment rate than Georgia as a whole. But
after 2006, when BRAC kicked in, the unemployment rate was slightly lower than
Georgia as a whole. Both unemployment rates were rising as result of the
recession but BRAC tend to insulate Muscogee County from that large increase in
unemployment.
He made some additional references on the increase of employment and the
decrease in jobs; major industries with employment; per capita income;
long-term and short-term growth rate; sales tax revenue; housing market and
construction permits (residential & non-residential); and housing prices.
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SUPERIOR COURT REPORTER POLICY OUTLINE PRESENTATION:
Mr. Britt Hayes, Assistant Finance Director came forward and stated that
the issues they are currently facing are escalating compensation packages,
inability to effectively budget their annual pay because of the per-page
transcript fees, no set guidelines for transcripts, currently retirement is
calculated on the entire compensation earned to include per-page charges for
transcripts, and equipment is used for city work, circuit county work and
possibly private work in civil cases.
He said other issues we face right now is that some use the city?s
resources to create documents they sell to outside attorneys for $3.78 per
page. Currently GGC pays for some of the licenses, some training, and some
cells phones and employees refuse to work for judges to whom they are not
assigned.
He said the guidelines of the State of Georgia Board for Court Reporters
states that we must pay court reporters a daily rate of $190.08 per day, plus
$3.78 for each page they transcribe. But we are not required by the state to
pay benefits, equipment, licenses, office (space) etc.
He said the plan we are proposing to the City would provide a maximum total
compensation not to exceed $68,988.00; that would be an annual salary as
proposed by Dr. Condry ? a G21 level in the mid-point because of the tenure of
our court reporters. He said for existing court reporter, their salary would be
$58,988.00 and that would also be the basis for retirement calculations. New
employees would be Grade 21, step A which would be $47,233, which is he same as
an ADA or an assistant solicitor. He said these employees are currently not
part of the pay plan but they would be with this implementation and would
receive pay increases as all other general government employees do. They will
not be included in the merit system but they will receive our benefits,
including retirement, health and life insurance. They will not be able to
accrued sick and vacation time due to their intermittent work schedule.
Mr. Hayes said when talking about transcripts, we did not want an
opportunity for them (court reporter) to earn additional revenue base on
per-page fees, so we have included an option to pay up to $10,000.00 per court
reporter for transcripts fees; a business license would be required for them to
achieve those earnings through private work as well as per-page fees through
superior court; transcripts are not included in retirement calculations - only
base salary would be use to calculate retirement and this would exclude capital
cases as specified by the chief judge of superior court; all transcripts over
$10,000.00 would not be compensated as it is already included in their base
salary; copies of transcripts for all CCG Departments would be furnished at no
additional cost to the city; other expenses provided by the city would be other
equipment, maintenance, agreements, travel, supplies, and license renewal
training; equipment shall not be used outside of Muscogee County unless they
are being lease at a cost of $50.00 per a day; any jobs utilizing the print
shop for CCG will need a work order and would have to be approve by the
superior court judge; other trainees would be placed in a pool to cover
absences of other court reporters, that way we will not have to pay temporary
court reporter to come in and provide that service when other s are out; they
will rotate through criminal at the direction of the judges, and everyone will
have an opportunity to work in criminal as well as civil cases; there would be
no changes with the civil cases and would be no change at this time with any
other counties within the circuit; no change with the state-pay travel stipend;.
He said the benefit to the city is that the city can finally effectively
budget their annual pay; the compensation package would protect the
unanticipated swings in earnings, retirement would be calculated on salary
only, and the pool would eliminate the expense of using temporary court
reporter.
Mr. Hayes then went into some details about the cost of this proposal in
comparison to actual expenses over the last four to five years. Following the
conclusion of Mr. Hayes presentation, Mr. Hayes, City Manager Hugley, City
Attorney Fay, Judge Allen, Judge Peter, and several members of Council
discussed this issue for an additional 20 minutes, after which City Manager
Hugley informed the Mayor and Council that on the 4th Tuesday of this month, he
would bring back to you, on the City Attorney?s agenda, an ordinance asking to
adopt what was presented here today. This ordinance would be on first reading.
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CRIME PREVENTION GRANT APPLICATION:
Mr. Seth Brown said the amount being requested here today is $75,122 and
this is for three new initiatives (case manager, surveillance officer,
operational funds) the Adult Drug Court is putting in place. He said the
recommendation for the operational funds came from Mayor Wetherington over one
year ago based on the demand from people wanting to be in the adult drug court
but could not afford the fees. This would not pay those fees completely, but it
would offset some of the burned of having to pay to be in the program.
He said the Adult Drug Court was created in October 2007 and since then
75-80% of individuals incarcerated are because of drug-related offenses and the
board felt this program was important to fund; 75% of drug court participants
remain arrest free after successful completion of the program; he department of
justice research of drug court programs shows for every $1.00 spend, $3.36 is
save by the justice system, for every $1.00 spend, $12.00 is save in the
community trough emergency rooms, foster care, property lost, and medical care;
the average drug addict will commit 140 felony acts in the first six months
after release, if the individual continues to abuse drugs.
He said the success of the current program, fell inline with the juvenile
drug court and is an important program to fund.
Responding to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, Mr. Brown said he
is not sure of the breakdown and then called on Mr. Larry Love to respond.
Mr. Love responded that for individuals who cannot afford to pay, will
receive the services for free. He said there is also a federal grant that pays
for residential, treatment, and drug testing. And if those people qualify, they
pay a minor amount or no amount at all in order to get through the program.
Following additional information of the DARE, GREAT, and Junior Marshal
Program, Mayor Tomlinson asked Mr. Brown to be on the Mayor?s agenda for the
next Council meeting to address new considerations regarding existing programs.
Councilor Thomas moved the approval of Mr. Brown?s request. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those six members of Council, with
Councilors Barnes, Davis, and Henderson being absent for this vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
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VEHICLE CAPITAL REPLACEMENT PLAN:
Mayor Tomlinson explained that in the last series of budget hearings, we
talked about the fact that we had hundreds of vehicles that exceeded the
manufacturing life span as well as our fleet manager?s recommended life span.
We have purchased for several years now, no vehicles out of our general fund,
but we have purchase vehicles out of a separate fund we have available to us ?
so we are continuing to lose the race. Every year we fall more and more behind
and it is something that could certainly in the future present a great
financial burden to this community if we were to have several dozen of our
vehicles goes out in a couple months span. We would then have to go into our
reserves quite significantly and we do not want to be in that position.
She said the City Manager, Finance Director, Fleet Manager and other have
been working to come up with a proposed vehicle replacement plan but also some
observations related to potential funding sources.
Ms. Pam Hodge, Finance Director, came forward and provided the following:
Current Inventory ? 1319 vehicles. Fluctuates daily base on vehicle damage and
maintenance issues; 506 are general government, 813 are public safety vehicles.
Total replacement cost of 1319 vehicles is $76.5 million and does not include
depreciated value of vehicles but what is would cost to replace them all today.
($43.8 million for general government, $32.7 for public safety).
Inventory by fund ? four major funds ? storm water, paving, integrated waste,
and general fund ? the main fund with 944 vehicles ($38.1 million) includes the
majority of public safety vehicles.
Replacement criteria ? useful life for pursuit vehicles is 7 years of 100,00
miles; fire equipment at 10 years or 100,000 miles; all other vehicles
including trucks and inmate vans is 12 years or 120,000 miles; heavy equipment
is five years of 9,000 hours. Other factor used to determine replacement to
include maintenance history as well as the priority of the vehicle (daily use
or spare vehicle).
Items budgeted for replacement in 2012 was 71 vehicles and a total of $3.4
million was in the FY12 budget. WE have not replaced vehicles in the general
fund since 2008, except for two garbage trucks.
Vehicles meeting criteria to be replaced now is 386 or 29% of our total fleet;
204 of those in general government and 182 in public safety t a cost of $28.8
million or 37% or the total fleet. Split between general government and public
safety of $18.2 million and $10.6 million respectively - after what is
scheduled to be replaced in the FY12 budget.
Future replacement requirements ? 386 now, 175 in FY13 at $11.7 million. Any
vehicle that is not funded in the year designated would be carried over to the
next year until such funding becomes available.
Funding options ? other LOST (implemented in 2009). As of June 30 we did have
fund balance available in public safety of $2.6 million and in the
infrastructure side, it is just under $700,000. In the other LOST we also have
possible additional sales tax revenue that is coming in over our FY12
projections. Currently that other LOST is up 16.17% over the first three months
of collection. We can review the priorities of the 30% infrastructure
allocations to address some of the capital needs. There was money set aside in
the FY12 budget of $191,000 for capital replacement; we would like to look at
the least purchase program with a five year financing requirement; we will have
debt service capacity in FY13 to address $2.5 million of capital needs and
another $4.5 million in FY18 to further address the current and future capital
needs.
Summary- FY12 we have $3.3 million available in the other LOST. That would
bring our replacement requirement down to $25.5 million; looking ahead to FY13
and the least purchase agreement, we also have to ad don what will come on what
is going to come up for replacement in 2013. We will still be looking at around
$36 million in vehicles that will need to be replaced next year.
Following the presentation, Ms. Hodge responded to questions and comments
from several members of Council.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes if the August 30, 2011, September 13 & 27,
2011 and October 11 & 18, 2011 Meeting of the Council of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Henderson and Huff being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING EIGHT ORDINANCES LISTED ON THE CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA WAS
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED ON SECOND READING BY
THE COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
An Ordinance (11-54) ? amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a
district located at 2044, 2046, 2048 and 2050 Mason Street; 502, 504 and 514
20th Avenue; 2037, 2039 and 2043 Cusseta Road is proposed for rezoning from
RMF2 (Residential Multi-Family 2) to RMF1 (Residential Multi-Family 1)) zoning
district.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote, and Councilor
Woodson being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (11-55) ? Amending the Unified Development Ordinance to
correct typographical and clerical errors in various chapters.
Councilor Thomas moved adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with
Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote, and Councilor Woodson being
absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (11-56) ? Providing emergency management authority in Columbus,
Georgia pursuant to O.C.G.A. ??38-3-27 through 38-3-28 and 38-3-54 through
38-3-56.
Councilor McDaniel moved adoption of the Ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Thomas and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with
Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote, and Councilor Woodson being
absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (11-57) ? Amending the Columbus Code by adding a new
Subsection 2-81(b) related to naming of streets for persons after
recommendation from the Board of Honor.
Councilor Davis moved adoption of the Ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present,
with Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote, and Councilor Woodson
being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (11-58) ? Amending the Columbus Code by revising Subsection
3-12(i) pertaining to the requirements for the permission to cater; and for
other purposes.
Councilor Davis moved adoption of the Ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present,
with Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote, and Councilor Woodson
being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (11-59) - amending Section 3-20(d) of the Columbus Code so as
to require alcoholic beverage licenses for manufacturing, distribution, sale,
handling, possession for sale or transport of alcoholic beverages; and for
other purposes.
Mr. Paul Olson came forward and provided his address as 13830 Upatoi Lane
and stated that the price is too high and instead of $1,000 we should be
looking more at $200.00 especially if we want to be business friendly.
Responding to Mr. Olson?s comments, Ms. Hodge said beer license is $500.00
and wine license is $300.00.
Councilor Davis moved adoption of the Ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present,
with Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote, and Councilor Woodson
being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (11-60) - amending the Columbus Code by adding a new
subsection 3-1(gg) to provide procedures and restriction on the issuance of
on-premises licenses to certain Non-alcohol Retail Establishments; and for
other purposes.
Councilor Davis moved adoption of the Ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present,
with Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote, and Councilor Woodson
being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (11-61) ? Amending Ordinance No. 01-77 to add two (2)
additional members to the Civic Center Advisory Board.
Councilor Davis moved adoption of the Ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present,
with Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote, and Councilor Woodson
being absent from 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 - Rezoning property located at the northwest corner of Veterans
Parkway and Williams Road; and the east side of Veterans Parkway, north of Moon
Road, are proposed for rezoning from PMUD (Planned Mixed-Use Development) with
conditions to PMUD (Planned Mixed-Use Development) with amended conditions.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Ms. Lucy Jones, representing the Woodruff Company came forward and stated
that the Woodruff Company is thankful for the public/private partnership ?
without the city staff this venture would not be within six weeks from
groundbreaking. It would be a collaboration of multi-family, single family
residential, a lot of green space as well as retail shopping, parks/recreation
and plenty of amenities for all of Columbus to enjoy. She said we are not
asking for anything that city officials have not agreed upon.
Responding to a question from Councilor Thomas, Mr. Will Johnson, Zoning
Administrator, said that all of these conditions they (the petitioner) has
asked for are designed related ? height of curb, width of street, turn radius
at intersections, and things of that nature. All the density was addressed in
2010 when they came back with the concept plan that they are dealing with now
and this case has been before Council in 2006/2007 and 2010. It has been an
evolving design over the last five years and now it?s to a place where they are
ready to move forward with development.
Mr. Johnson explained that in 2010 we did address the school issue and
there will be a significant impact in the area but what this development does
is turn those into neighborhood schools.
With no one here to oppose this proposed rezoning, City Attorney Fay said
this would be voted on in two weeks.
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An ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 6100 Green Island Drive is
proposed for rezoning from RO (Residential-Office) zoning district to RMF2
(Residential Multi-Family 2) zoning district.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. George Mize came forward and stated that he is with the law firm of
Hatcher Stubbs and represents the applicants in this case ? the Woodmont
Properties. He went over the conditions that were approved by the Pac as well
as the Planning Department:
No access to Green Island Drive
Will use a type ?C? buffer along the border with the condominiums.
There will be a minimum of 15ft undisturbed natural buffer along Green Island
Drive, which we will supplement with plants as needed. In addition we will put
in a 6ft high black vinyl coated chain link fence along the boundary line of
Green Island Drive.
Lighting for the parking area closest to Green Island Drive would be directed
downward and away from Green Island Dive.
Councilor Davis said he received a number of phone calls on his matter
thanking the applicant, developer, and those involve in this project.
With on one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance, City
Attorney Fay explained that is would be voted on in two weeks.
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An Ordinance enacting the Districting Plan submitted by the Columbus
Consolidated Government Districting Commission according to Section 6-102 of
the Charter of Columbus, Georgia reapportioning Council District Boundaries.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Judge Julia Lumpkin who serves as chair person for the Districting
Commission came forward and stated that this process started in May with the
census figures being supplied to the city, the number of the population was
181,917 ? divided by eight (number of Council Districts) is 22,740 the ideal
number for each district. She said we have a +/- 5% variance that is allowed so
the target population would then be 21,603-23,877. She said the 17-member
commission met for the first time September 9, 2011 and at that meeting a chair
and vice-chair were elected. We began by comparing the 2000 number to the 2010
numbers and noticed that the population had grown by 4% or 7,297 people. The
population went from 174,638 (in 2000) to 181,917 (in 2010); broken down in the
White and minority population, it changed from 48% and 52% (in 2000) to 43% and
57% (in 2010); the White population declined by 7.1% or 6,044 people and the
minority population increased by 14.7% or 13,323 people. She said he reason she
is presenting these numbers is because this is what was used to look at the
districts.
She said districts 1, 5, and 8 are within acceptable ranges but districts
2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 are outside the ranges, which meant we had to do some
changes. We were provided with three scenarios (a) the ideal population ?
putting the exact number in each district with no concern for boundaries or
anything else; (b) meeting the target population percentages, which would
withstand the Department of Justice requirements but not using center lines of
roads; (c) variation of (b), which straighten up the lines and use the center
lines of roads and try to use major roadways. After examining all three of the
proposals, we dismissed proposal (a) and decided to consider (b) and (c) and he
next meeting. At that meeting, the considerations we were faced with was to
make sure the district boundaries were continuous and compact and the boundary
lines were based on center lines of streets or other well defined boundaries
and that each district had a reasonably similar amount of population, taking
into consideration the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which meant the minority
population cannot be diluted in construction of new districts. After the
commission had discussions on both scenarios and all of the individual
districts, a motion was made to adopt proposal (c), seconded and was passed
unanimously by all members present.
Upon the conclusion of Judge Lumpkin?s presentation, herself and Ms. Nancy
Boren, Executive Director, Elections & Voters Registration, responded to
questions from the mayor and several members of Council.
City Attorney Fay explained that once Council adopts this package in
ordinance form, it would be forwarded by ms. Boren to the Department of Justice
in Washington, D.C, for pre-clearance are required under the Civil Rights Act.
He said this would be voted on in two weeks unless there are any further
changes.
Mr. Paul Olson came forward and asked about the years of residence of
citizens in order to run for elected office, given the creation of new district
lines, to which Ms. Boren responded that for Council the district residency
requirement is one year and for School Board it is 6 months. She said a
resident has already been into her office looking into this because that
individual lives on the cusp of Council Districts 7 and 8. She said Council
District is up for election in 2012, seven will not be up until 2014 so that
person would meet the residency requirement for the 2014 election if they are
drawn into district 7, if they remain in district 8, they would have already
meet that residency requirement. If the residency changes from an even number
to another even number, the city attorney would have to address that issue.
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An Ordinance providing for the demolition of various structures located at:
(1) 4237 7th Avenue (Victor Manuel Rodiquez Arguello, Owner)
(2) 5716 Winsloe Avenue (Dorothy Gavin Bates, Estate % Patrick James Bates,
Owner)
(3) 4178 Linden Circle (Curtis Oscar Caldwell, Owner)
(4) 1105-B Neill Drive (Sheryl P. Collins & Cindy L. Cotton, Owners) (Removed)
(5) 2512 8th Street (James C. & Mary E. Henry, % James C. Henry, Jr. Owner)
(6) 310 31st Avenue (Willie Luttrell, Owner)
(7) 371 Tennant Avenue (Crawford B. Smith, Jr., Owner)
(8) 4201 Meritas Drive (Stallings Investments, LLC, Owner)
in the total amount of $52,324.20 for demolition services. (Councilor McDaniel)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Councilor Thomas made a motion to removed item No. 4, property located at
1105-B Neill Drive from the demolition?s list. Seconded by Councilor Baker and
carried unanimously by those six members of Council present, with Councilors
Barnes, Davis, and Henderson being absent for this vote and Councilor Woodson
being absent from this meeting.
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Note: Councilor Henderson took his seat during this portion of the proceedings
with the time being 11:20 a.m.
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When called upon, the representatives (no name given) for property located
at 4201 Meritas Drive, and stated that he was hoping that he would not have to
be here today because he should have had a contract on this house prior to this
meeting but was unable to get in touch with the individual who expressed an
interest in purchasing the property.
City Attorney Fay explained that Ms. Rebecca Wiggins, (Inspections and
Code) have a history on this property but unless this Council makes a motion to
allow an extension, the property will remain in the list to be demolished.
Responding to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, the representative
said he owned the property for almost eight year.
Ms. Wiggins explained that this property was condemned in January 2011; a
notice of the hearing was mailed to the owner of record and went through due
process. To date, no progress has been made. I did received several phone calls
from an interested party who showed some interest in initiative in wanting to
buy this property but has decided not to. Since we?ve condemned it, it has been
completely gutted of everything worth having (wiring, plumbing, HVAC,) and he
prospective buyer stated that it would cost more to repair it because all of
those things are gone and we cannot support any more time for this individual.
Mayor Tomlinson then informed the representative that if there is not
motion, which it appears there is none, to remove this property from the
demolitions list, it will remain on the list.
City Attorney Fay then explained that the items remaining on the list would
be voted on in two weeks.
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MOTION TO RECONSIDER:
Mayor Tomlinson explained that Councilor Barnes would like to make a motion
to reconsider a zoning that was approve at the last meeting at 6939 Buena Vista
Road. There was a condition- use of the property subject o rezoning shall be
limited to a convenience store with gas sales only. She said the owner has
apparently re-think this condition and would like to add for the purposes
restaurant, hotel, and beauty salon.
Mr. Will Johnson, Zoning Administrator explained that they met with the
Singh?s? and Councilor Barnes last week regarding condition No. 2, which limits
the use to convenience store and gas sales. They come in with their sight plan
that show convenient store, restaurant, beauty salon, and we told her that
condition would not be allowed and they and Councilor Barnes asked if they can
reconsider and after talking to the city attorney to determine what that
process, we are back her today. We asked the Singh and give them a list of the
allowed uses in General Commercial and strike through things they could not
foresee themselves utilizing and bring it back to use. We have not received
that list back as yet and if in deed it goes back on first reading, we would
bring back the list with what think would be utilized on that property and then
have this body review it, similar to what was done with Cross Country Plaza
(restriction uses).
Councilor Allen then made a motion to reconsider to bring this item back on
first reading in two weeks. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those six members of Council present with Councilors Baker,
Barnes, and Davis being absent for this vote and Councilor Woodson being absent
from this meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested to have the list of uses for this
proposed rezoning before the next Council meeting.
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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:______________________________________________________
MS. JENNIFER DAVIDSON, REPRESENTING THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COOPERATIVE
EXTENSION, RE: UPDATE ON LOCAL MASTER GARDENER EXTENSION VOLUNTEERS GARDEN
INSTALLATION AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:__________________
Ms. Davidson was unable make it to Council this morning because she was
teaching a Master Gardener?s Class.
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MS. PATRICIA FLEMING, RE: THE EVICTION OF TENANTS THAT REPORT CODE
VIOLATIONS AND THE CODE ENFORCEMENT:______
Ms. Flemings came forward and stated that when she initially made the
complaint, it was past the 45 days for code violations, so they are now here as
a neighborhood. She said the home she is complaining about is located at 2819
10th Avenue, in the Waverly Terrace. A property she claims to demolish due to
neglect. Ms Flemings did point out that she no longer lives in this property,
but at the time of her initial complaint, she was renting the property.
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that there is a process we have to go through.
She then asked Council to entertain a motion to allow Ms. Flemings to speak
about demolition by neglect. Councilor Thomas then moved the motion. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes, Davis, and McDaniel being absent for this vote
and Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
Mr. Adam Smith then came forward and gave his address as 2806 10th Avenue
and stated that himself and family moved to Columbus about seven years ago and
moved in to the Waverly Terrace area before it became a historic district. He
said there are properties that are being neglected due to certain status as
being rented out the people. He said the specific property mentioned by Ms.
Flemings is a property she moved into. He said even though code enforcement has
a very large job in enforcing codes, this specific property is in dire need of
action to be taken by code enforcement.
He said on August 22, 2011, Code Enforcement did come by the property and
came up with at least 67 code violations and the owner of the property was
given 45 days notice to fix these problems and it has been 78 days total. He
made some additional comments regarding the process that Ms. Flemings went
through in Municipal Court, which led to the arrest of the property owner (not
relating to this case). Mr. Adams said what he is requesting, as a
representative of the neighborhood, is for Council to contact code enforcement
to actually enforce something for this owner. He said he also have pictures of
the property that show neglect, but this is not the only property on 10th
Avenue but there are others on Beacon Road that are in need of repair.
Ms. Rebecca Wiggins, Inspector with Code Enforcement came forward and
stated that they received a complaint form the tenant on August 17 of this year
and they attempted to make an inspection o the 18th and found the occupant not
home of unresponsive. We did investigate and made a complete inspection on
August 19, and the 45-days notice went out the landlord on August 22. That
would have given him a compliance date of October 5. During the months of
August and September we spoke with both the landlord and the tenant several
times and there seem to be an impasse between the two of them about the ability
to be able to schedule work there and get anything done. In the end, the tenant
was evicted for non-payment of rent and the house was vacated on or about
October 19, and since that time we have met with the owner at the house and he
understands what has to be done and he will not be able to rent that house
until those correction are made.
She said the house is in the historic district and also clarified for the
Mayor and Council that if the owner wants to make any changes to the fa?ade on
the outside of the property, he has to go before the Board of Historic and
Architectural Review. She said the owner now has questions about whether he
wants to replace the tin shingles on the roof because they are so hard to find.
If he decides to change those shingles, he has to go before the Board and ask
to put on a different shingle. She said there are 15 total violations for which
he was written up for and we?ve attempted to work with him and he with his
tenant and we feel that compliance would be met now that the house is vacant.
Upon completion of Ms. Wiggins? presentation, she responded to questions
and comments from several members of Council on the progress of correcting the
violations, timeline for completion of work, and available loans from Uptown
Fa?ade Board, and Historic Columbus Foundation.
*** *** ***
MR. FRANK DUNFORD, REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS
COLUMBUS, RE: TRAINING COURSES AND THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF SERVICES OFFERED BY MAMI
COLUMBUS:______________________________________________
Mr. Dunford came forward and stated that he lives on Candle Stick Loop and
he is on the board of Columbus Chapter on National Alliance of Mental Illness
(NAMI). He said his propose here to day is to invite the Mayor and Council, and
the City Manager to attend the corporate crisis intervention training course to
be held in December (5-9) ? a 40-hour course that spans the entire workweek. He
said classes offered by NAMI are free of charge and includes:
Peer to Peer (10 weeks course)
Family to Family (12 weeks course)
NAMI Basics (6 weeks course)
Family & Friends Support Group
*** *** ***
MR. RICHARD E. THOMAS, Sr., THE DEMOLITION OF 1718-43RD STREET AND TO
PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE WORK
PERFORMED:____________________________________________________
Councilor McDaniel said this was the property he requested a delay on last
week, where this individual had just purchased the property prior to the
ordinance for demolitions being adopted.
Mr. Richard E. Thomas, Sr. came forward and provided his address as 3056
Oak Circle and he has lived in Columbus, Georgia all his life and has rehab and
restored houses for almost 40 years. He said he tried to buy this particular
house for almost one year, working back and forth with Ms. Wiggins (Code
Enforcement) and we finally buy it and is trying to see if we can save this
house. He said if this house is demolished, it would leave an empty lot, with a
lien against it that probably never be rebuilt. He said he is prepared to step
in and do what is necessary to bring it back up to pristine condition; and we
have the force and will to do it. He said they have already cleaned the inside
of the property, and removed the tree that was on the top of the roof. He said
they did not wan to go any further until they received the Council?s approval,
and if we get the approval, we are prepared to go full force and get it done
quickly.
Mr. Thomas provided the Council with pictures of other properties they have
completed as well as a letter from their attorney who has done a research of
the title.
Ms. Wiggins (Inspections and Code Department) came forward and stated that
someone has removed the exterior wood siding from the house. She said this
house is probably savable as the previous owner could or would do the repairs.
She said Mr. Thomas has done this kind of work before.
City Attorney Fay further explained that since this was voted on in
ordinance form, we will need a vote today with an oral resolution to extend
demolition, and then at the earliest time, we would also need an amendment to
that ordinance. He we will at least need a vote today to allow an extension for
a specific period of time.
Councilor Davis moved the request to allow for an extension of the
demolition and to be reviewed in 90 days. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and
after some additional discussion, Councilor Thomas made a substitute motion for
the City Attorney to bring back, at our next meeting, an ordinance to take this
property off the demolition list. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, who
pointed out that a substitute motion is applicable because there?s a question
regarding the security deed from First American South Corporation, and by that
time we should know if all the liens have been released to allow Mr. Thomas to
purchase the property.
Following further clarification of the procedure and the request being made
by Council, the motion made by Councilor Thomas and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh was carried unanimously by those eight members of Council, with
Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote, and Councilor Woodson being absent
from this meeting.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
Note: Councilor Henderson left the meeting during this portion of the
proceedings, with the time being 12:25 p.m.
-----------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: COLUMBUS 30 BROKEST CITIES IN AMERICA, MEDICAL CENTER
AUTHORITY, SPRING HARBOR AND CONFLICT OF
INTEREST:_________________________________________
Mr. Paul Olson came forward and gave his address as 13830 Upatoi Lane. He
made some comments regarding 12 pages of foreclosures in the Ledger-Enquirer
and the decrease of the property digest; the Daily Beast, an online blog that
printed the list of America?s brokest cities; W.C. Bradley Company sending jobs
overseas to China and the company receiving free port exemption; investigation
of the Medical Center Hospital Authority; and Spring Harbor.
*** *** ***
MR. KERRY MESS, RE: A QUESTION AND ANSWER ON ?TRAMPS?:
Mr. Kerry Mess came forward and thanked the Council for the appropriations
they provide for the Homeless Task Force study. He then made some comments
regarding the 10-year Plan to End Homelessness and homeless shelters.
*** *** ***
MR. WILLIAM MADISON, RE: 911 EMERGENCY SYSTEM AND POLICE OFFICER, MEDICAL
CENTER AND TAXES/FEES:___________
Mr. William Madison came forward and gave his address as 974 Overlook
Drive. He said he is here because of public issues he has come into contact
with. He made some comments regarding a citizen who has been locked when they
called 911 for help; Charter Review Commission?s proposed $500.00 Service Fee;
and the Medical Center.
-------------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________
A Resolution (352-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support Legislation to ensure the full collection and timely
remittance of all sales and use taxes due to the State and Local Governments.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (353-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support Legislation to streamline the existing Hotel/Motel Tax to
provide flexibility to cities to expend funds collected for economic
development and tourism promotion and requesting that taxes be remitted for the
full sales price of all hotel rooms sold, including rooms sold online.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
Councilor Allen then made a motion to pull item No. 17 (Photo Requirement
on Handicap Parking Permit) from the Legislative Agenda. Seconded by Councilor
Davis, which carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present,
with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and Councilor
Woodson being absent from this meeting.
Councilor Thomas made a motion to pull item No. 14 (Mandatory Electronic
Deposit of Wage Payments) from the Legislative agenda. Seconded by Councilor
Baker, which carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present,
with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and Councilor
Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (354-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support Legislation to provide adequate funding of State Crime Labs
and oppose efforts to shift costs to local governments.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (355-11) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce legislation in opposition to the erosion of the property tax base
caused by the creation of property tax exemptions unless such exemptions are
approved locally. In the event the General Assembly creates a property tax
exemption, the state should fully reimburse local governments for the revenue
loss.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (356-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce legislation to fund the homeowner tax relief grants to
municipalities, counties, and school districts.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (357-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative delegation
introduce/support legislation to improve and modernize the powers that may be
given to local banks in order to effectively return tax delinquent property to
the real estate market.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A resolution (358-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to ensure that any State Laws placing mandates on
cities related to immigration enforcement are practical and reasonably
administrable.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (359-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce legislation that would allow an exemption similar to that in Alabama
from the State Income Tax for military retirees.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (360-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce legislation to amend OCGA Section 32-6-75.3 and any applicable
portion of the Georgia DOT Policy Manual to provide that tree planting
beautification projects constructed by Consolidated Governments pursuant to DOT
Agreement, input ?permitted projects? under said statute and policy manual.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (361-11) - Whereas, in 2004, the Georgia General Assembly
adopted O.C.G.A. Section 48-8-96 which provides for a 2 percent Local Option
Sales Tax (LOST) in consolidated governments, which use a base year, frozen
homestead assessment;
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (362-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to strengthen State Law regulating scrap metal
processors and to increase penalties for violations of said laws and for
convictions of theft of scrap metal.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (363-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to provide funding for a study to advance the
development of high speed rail from Atlanta to Columbus.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (364-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation for reinstatement of matching funds for road
projects (MPO?s), funding for Local Area Road Projects (LARP) and State
Projects development.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (365-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
supports legislation that encourages minimization of the consumptive use of
water so as to assure that downstream users water rights are fully protected
and that such legislation should be incorporated into requirements for all
state water planning activities.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (366-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to increase the amount municipalities can charge
per page for copies under the Open records Act from twenty-five cents to fifty
cents per copy (.25? per copy to .50? per copy).
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
A Resolution (367-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
support legislation to continue funding for the University of Georgia
Cooperative Extension Service and its County Delivery System.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (368-11) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to investigate and identify a standardized,
concise definition of a Georgia Convention Visitors Bureau and designation
Marketing Organization that encompasses and expands on the current definition
of ?planning, conducting, or participating in programs of information and
publicity designed attract or advertise tourism, conventions, or trade shows.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (369-11) ? Requesting the Local Legislative delegation to
oppose proposed changes in grant in-aid (GIA) funding to Local Health
Department.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (370-11) ? Authorizing the request for the acquisition of
Parcel 2, Corporate Ridge Parkway for the Intersection Improvement of Corporate
Ridge Parkway @ Woodruff Farm Road Project totaling 0.023 +/- acres for Right
of Way, 0.078 +/- acres for Permanent Construction Easement and 0.038 +/- acres
for Temporary Construction Easement for County Road and/or Municipal Street
purposes, and authorizing the filing of a Declaration of Taking by the City
Attorney or his representatives for the acquisition of said land under the
authority of the official code of Georgia annotated, Section 32-3-1 et.
Councilor McDaniel moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen, which carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present,
with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote and Councilor
Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (371-11) ? Authorizing the requested for the acquisition of
Parcel 3, Corporate Ridge Parkway for the Intersection Improvement of Corporate
Ridge Parkway @ Woodruff Farm Road Project totaling 0.061 +/- acres of
Permanent Construction Easement and 0.097 +/- acres of Temporary Construction
Easement, to also include a Driveway easement for County Road and/or Municipal
Street purposes, and authorizing the filing of a Declaration of Taking by the
City Attorney or his representatives for the acquisition of said land under the
authority of the official code of Georgia annotated, Section 32-3-1 et.
Councilor McDaniel moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen, which carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present,
with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote and Councilor
Woodson being absent from this meeting.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
THE FOLLOWING NINE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S
AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED PURSUANT
TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL. SECONDED BY
COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH THEN CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF
COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILORS BARNES AND HENDERSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE AND COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:_________________________
A Resolution (372-11) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with Alexander Contracting Company,
Inc., in the amount of $1,185,775.34, for infrastructure construction at the
Muscogee Technology Park Recycling Center. Alexander Contracting Company, Inc.,
will construct an extension to Pine Grove Road approximately 1200 linear feet
in an easterly direction. The work also includes the installation of water
mains and a force main sewer.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (373-11) ? Authorizing the purchase of fifty (50)
3M-respirator sets from Global Protection in the amount of $28,419.50. The
respirator sets include respirators (gas masks), filters, holster/pouch systems
and online medical evaluations. Columbus Police Department equips each newly
hired officer with a respirator set, which is a standard, necessary piece of
equipment.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (374-11) ? Authorizing payment to ESRI (Redlands, California)
in the amount of $35,350.00, for the annual ArcGIS Software Maintenance and
License covering the period from November 16, 2011 through November 15, 2012.
ESRI is the developer of various software packages used by the GIS Division,
and other departments, for map generation, and for editing and maintaining the
City?s tax parcels, streets zoning and land use databases. Consequently, the
vendor is considered an Only Known Source for the maintenance and support of
the software, per Section 3-114 of the Procurement Ordinance.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (375-11) ? Authorizing the execution of Change Order 4 with
McMath-Turner Construction Company in the amount of $17,480.00. Per Resolution
No. 145-11, Council authorized the execution of a contract with McMath-Turner
Construction Company for the asphalt removal, seeding and landscaping project.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (376-11) ? Authorizing the contract for the rental of
approximately 10 tandem dump trucks from Norwood Trucking, Inc., for the
estimated contract value of $60,000.00. The estimated contract value is based
on the amount the department has budgeted for the rental of dump trucks. The
vendor will provide trucks and operators, on an ?as needed basis,? which will
be used when City trucks are being serviced, or if an unforeseen project
arises. Public Services will rent the trucks for approximately ten weeks per
contract year. The contract term will be for three years.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (377-11) ? Authorizing the purchase of heating and
refrigeration supplies, on an ?as needed basis?, from Refrigeration Supplies,
Inc., D/B/A Johnstone Supply, for the estimated annual contract value of
$10,202.73. Heating and refrigeration supplies will be used for maintenance
purposes and installation at City facilities. The contract period will be for
three years.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (378-11) ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) 2012
Caterpillar D6 Track Type bulldozer tractors via National Joint Powers Alliance
(NJPA) Contract #060311-CAT, from Yancey Brothers Caterpillar (Fortson, GA) in
the amount of $646,322.00 ($323,161.00 per unit). The D6 bulldozer tractors are
replacement units and will be used by the Street Improvements Division of the
Public Services Department to push dirt and clean at job sites throughout
Muscogee County.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (379-11) ? Authorizing the purchase of thirty-eight (38)
Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs, or equivalent, from Legacy Automotive of Columbus, LLC,
(Columbus, GA) in the amount of $996,692.50 ($26,228.75 per unit). Thirty-two
(32) of the vehicles will be used by the Columbus Police Department as pursuit
vehicles. Thirty (30) are new vehicles; two (2) are replacement vehicles. Six
(6) of the vehicles will be used by the Sheriff?s Office as pursuit vehicles.
These are all new vehicles.
*** *** ***
ADD-ON:
A Resolution (380-11) ? Authorizing the City Manager to sign and accept the
rental agreement with Columbus Healthcare resources, Inc. To provide office
space for the evidence-based home visiting programs conducted under the
guidance of the Cooperative Extension Department?s Positive Parenting Program
that educates parents on young children, without additional expenses for rent
and utilities to the Consolidated Government.
Councilor McDaniel moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Huff, which carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with
Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this vote and Councilor
Woodson being absent from this meeting.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR MAYOR AND
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Cooperative Extension
Advisory Board.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Convention & Visitors
Bureau, Board of Commissioners.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Region Six Regional
Planning Board for Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental
Disabilities.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Steve Davis, Councilor Henderson?s nominee to
replace Mr. Lawton Grantham on the Board of Tax Assessors.
(5) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Pino Wells Davis, Mayor Tomlinson?s nominee to
replace Mr. Paul Pierce as an at-large member on the Convention and Visitors
Bureau, Board of Commissioners.
(6) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Terry Gumbert, Councilor Allen?s nominee to
replace Ms. Jeannie McKee on the Animal Control Advisory Board.
(7) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Jennifer Collins, Councilor McDaniel?s nominee
to replace Ms. Betsy Reed on the Recreation Advisory Board.
(8) Application submitted by Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from
11th Street to 12th Street and 11th Street from Front Avenue to 1st Avenue, on
Saturday, December 3, 2011, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., in connection with
?5K Race?. (The Police Chief has approved the application.)
(9) Application submitted by Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from
11th Street to 12th Street and 11th Street from Front Avenue to 1st Avenue, on
Saturday, December 17, 2011, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., in connection with
the ?Christmas 5K Race?. (The Police Chief has approved the application.)
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (381-11) ? Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the October
25, 2011 Council Meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen, which carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent fro this vote and
Councilor Woodson absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
Letter from Mr. Derrick Shields resigning from his position on the Board of
Tax Assessors.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved acceptance of the letter, with regret.
Seconded by Councilor McDaniel, which carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent
fro this vote and Councilor Woodson absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
Copy of email correspondence from Ms. Cathy Walker resigning from her
position on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved acceptance of the letter, with regret.
Seconded by Councilor McDaniel, which carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent
fro this vote and Councilor Woodson absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
Copy of email correspondence from Mr. Travis Whitley resigning from his
position on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved acceptance of the letter, with regret.
Seconded by Councilor McDaniel, which carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent
fro this vote and Councilor Woodson absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
Copy of email correspondence from Mr. Mark McCollum advising that Mr. Harold
Funderburg has passed away and faithfully served on the Community Development
Advisory Board.
Councilor McDaniel moved acceptance of the letter, with regret. Seconded by
councilor Allen, which carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent fro this vote and
Councilor Woodson absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
RESOLUTIONS:
Councilor Thomas called for a resolution expressing appreciation for
service and condolences to the family of Mr. Funderburg.
Councilor Huff also called for a resolution for the father of Assistant
Warden Covington.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS:
Airport Commission, September 28, 2011.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 37-11 & 38-11.
Civic Center Advisory Board, October 20, 2011.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, September 27, 2011.
Housing Authority of Columbus, September 15, 2011.
WLand Bank Authority, October 5, 2011.
Planning Advisory Commission, October 5, 2011.
Councilor McDaniel moved acceptance of the minutes. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of the Council present,
with Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY THE CLERK OF COUNCIL,
AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL:__________________________________
(a) Petition submitted by McDonald Oil Company to rezone 1.915 acres of
property located at 2218 Victory Drive from LMI (Light Industrial) to GC
(General Commercial) district. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning
Advisory Commission and the Planning Department.) (26-A-11-McDonald Oil Co.)
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Councilor Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Dr. Brook
Glass is eligible for reappointment and can be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh moved the confirmation. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those 8ight members of Council present, with Councilor Henderson
being absent for this vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & TRADE CENTER AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council pointed out that we are still awaiting a nominee for the
seat of Ms. Lori Auten, who cannot succeed herself. This is a Mayor?s
appointment. No actions taken.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Councilor
Henderson is nominating Mr. Steve Davis for the seat of Mr. Lawton Grantham,
who cannot succeed himself. This would come back for confirmation in two weeks.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh nominated Mr. Chester Randolph for the seat of
Mr. Derrick Shields, who resigned.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that we still
need a replacement for the Mr. Jose Cardona whose seat has been declared
vacant. No actions taken.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Mr. Paul
Pierce and Ms. Pino Davis can be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the
confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present, with Councilor Henderson being absent for
this vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington explained that Mr. James Yance does not desire
reappointment, Mr. Travis Whitley as well as Ms. Cathy Walker has resigned, and
we will need three nominees for each of these seats.
*** *** ***
MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Councilor Washington explained that the nominees selected by this
Council have been forwarded to the authority, but they (the authority) as
requesting additional nominees for these seats.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to re-nominate Ms. Merrian Douglas.
Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those seven members
of Council present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for this
vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
Councilor Thomas nominated Dr. Ronald Hudson, Mr. Ed Hilton, and Mike
Wooldridge for the seat of Mr. George McCluskey, Jr. She also nominated Mr.
Warren Steele, Ms. Jennifer Horne, and Mr. Maurice Solomon for the seat of Mr.
David McMicken.
Councilor McDaniel then made a motion to allow the Clerk of Council to
forward the nominees to the Authority. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes
and Henderson being absent for this vote and Councilor Woodson being absent
from this meeting.
Clerk of Council Washington further explained that these nominees would be
forwarded to the Authority and they will in turn send us back notification of
their selections.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington explained that Councilors Davis and McDaniel
are working on a replacement for the seat of Mr. Jeremy Hobbs. She also pointed
out that Mr. Charles Kurtz has resigned and a replacement would be needed. This
is Council District 2 seat. No actions taken.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor McDaniel is
nominating Ms. Jennifer Collins to fill the sea of Ms. Betsy Reed who resigned.
This would be back in two weeks for confirmation.
*** *** ***
UPTOWN FACADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington explained that we are still waiting to hear
from the authority as to whether they will re-appoint Ms. Brenda Price.
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With no further business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes
and Henderson being absent for this vote, Councilor Woodson being absent from
this meeting, and the time being 1:23 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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