MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 24, 2009
The regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, February 24, 2009, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops?
Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr. and Charles E.
McDaniel, Jr. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, Assistant City Attorney Jamie
DeLoach and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
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ABSENT: Councilor Evelyn Woodson was absent. City Attorney Clifton Fay was
absent but represented by Assistant City Attorney Jamie DeLoach. Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Dan Tharpe- Cascade Hills Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Wetherington.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA
WITH MEMBERS OF THE TORCH CLUB OF THE NORTH COLUMBUS BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
STANDING BEFORE THE COUNCIL, COUNCILOR HUNTER READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION IN
ITS ENTIRETY AS SUBMITTED BY THE MAYOR AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (66-09) - Commending the Torch Club of the North Columbus
Boys and Girls Club for its participation in the 44th Presidential Inauguration
Ceremonies. Councilor Hunter moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Woodson being
absent from this meeting.
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WITH JAMES ROBERT HALL, II, AND FAMILY MEMBERS STANDING BEFORE THE
COUNCIL, COUNCILOR ALLEN READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION IN ITS ENTIRETY AS
SUBMITTED BY THE MAYOR AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A resolution (67-09) - Commending James Robert Hall, II, a sophomore at
Columbus High School, for obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Councilor Allen
moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by
those nine members present with Councilor Woodson being absent from this
meeting.
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PUBLIC HEARING:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED BY ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY DELOACH AND A PUBLIC HEARING
WAS HELD ON EACH AS ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance - Property located at 1100 10TH Avenue is proposed for
rezoning from LMI (Light Manufacturing Industrial) zoning district to GC
(General Commercial) zoning district. (1-A-09-Weathers) The proposed use is for
a thrift store and storage.
PROPONENTS:
Assistant City Attorney DeLoach recognized the presence of the petitioner
seated in the audience; however, there was no presentation made since there was
no one to come forward in opposition.
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An Ordinance - Property located at 347, 348 & 361 Bragg Smith Street is
proposed for rezoning from RMF2 (Residential Multi Family 2) zoning district to
RMF1 (Residential Multi Family 1) zoning district. (2-A-09-Columbus Habitat for
Humanity) The proposed use is for single family homes.
PROPONENTS:
Assistant City Attorney DeLoach recognized the petitioner seated in the
audience; however, there was no presentation made since there was no one to
come forward in opposition.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY DELOACH AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance - Providing for the demolition of various structures located
at:
(1) 1429 26th Street (Carrie Ash, Estate)
(2) 4815 12th Avenue (Charles Brown, owner)
(3) 3907 7th Avenue (Larry J. Campbell, owner)
(4) 380 29th Avenue (Charles Carter, owner)
(5) 3914 7th Avenue (Grace Chin-Quee, owner)
(6) 1522 Winshire Street (Booker T. Edmonds, owner)
(7) 810 35th Street (Annie Lou Feathersone, owner)
(8) 2101 1st Avenue (Wendy K. Griffin, Trustee)
(9) 2736 Cusseta Road (Marie Bernice Hall, Estate)
(10) 824 Brooks Road (Joseph & Corris Isagba, owner)
(11) 2314 & 2316 15th Avenue (Cristobal Lopez, owner)
(12) 3, 5 & 7 Mathews Street (Thomas Alton McRae, Estate)
(13) 133 Gates Avenue (Sadie Peterson, owner)
(14) 2307 Heard Street (David Pugh, owner)
(15) 700 Brooks Road (Jeannie E. Smith, owner)
(16) 3150 Plateau Drive, Lot 430 (Etta Stenzel, owner)
(17) 3009 6th Avenue (Roland Sturges, Estate)
(18) 3005 5th Avenue (Vonnie & Michael M. Tate, owner)
(19) 704 Brooks Road (Teresa H. Toombs, owner)
(20) 1510 26th Street (John E. Wells, Jr., owner)
(21) 1424 26th Street (Christopher Joe Willis, owner)
and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Division in accordance
with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet.
Assistant City Attorney DeLoach advised that the Inspections and Code
Enforcement Division is removing Items One (1429 26th Street- Carrie Ash,
Estate) and Two (4815 12th Avenue- Charles Brown, owner) from the demolition
ordinance.
Mr. Michael M. Tate, 454 Dew Trail, Box Springs, Georgia- owner of
property located at 3005 5th Avenue requested an extension for the purpose of
tearing down the structure.
Councilor Henderson offered a suggestion with regards to tearing down the
structure by considering the timeframe of the ordinance adoption on second
reading, which may allow an opportunity for the owner to complete the
demolition. He offered that if Mr. Tate contacts Ms. Rebecca Wiggins in the
Inspections & Code Enforcement with regards to having a signed contract for the
demolition, this information would be communicated to us, and he may have
another opportunity on second reading to make the request to remove the
property from the demolition list.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES AMENDING CHAPTER THREE OF THE COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA CODE OF ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY DELOACH AND WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
An Ordinance - Amending the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance for Columbus,
Georgia so as to revise certain language, amend definitions; and for other
purposes.
Assistant City Attorney DeLoach made reference to the amendment made
internally that formerly listed a specific commercial gambling State statute as
a basis for revocation and staff decided to expand the purpose of revocation
for commercial gambling activities to include all commercial gambling
activities that would occur at a location that has an alcohol license.
Finance Director Pam Hodge came forward to explain the housekeeping
measures that are proposed to be amended, as well as, the typographical
errors.
Mr. Josh McKoon, 2237 Camille Drive, came forward to express his concerns
with the change in language regarding ?city playgrounds? to ?outdoor recreation
facility?.
Finance Director Hodge explained that in Prohibited Locations. Sec. 3-5(a)
the recommended amendment does prohibit locations near city playgrounds with
the terminology being changed to public recreational facilities/area to
encompass all public recreational facilities and not just the playgrounds.
Mr. McKoon further expounded on his concerns with the broadness of how
public recreational facilities could be interpreted. He provided examples to
include the Riverwalk and Rails to Trails project where there is public
recreation. He suggested some different language to tighten that up.
City Manager Hugley suggested that we could meet with persons concerned to
work on the definition to further clarify and define with the clarification
being included in the ordinance for second reading.
Assistant City Attorney DeLoach agreed this would not be a material change
and could be listed for second reading at the next meeting.
Councilor Allen requested the staff to list and define the terminology to
show what is included and list what is excluded in the alcoholic beverage
ordinance amendments.
Ms. Ollie Tarver, 329 Mays Avenue, approached the rostrum and pointed out
that she was not able to attend the public meeting on February 19, 2009. She
expressed concerns with changing the alcoholic beverage ordinance to allow the
sell of alcohol near the schools, churches or parks.
Assistant City Attorney DeLoach clarified that Ms. Tarver is making
reference to the proposed amendments in the second ordinance ?Traditional
Restaurant?.
With there being no further comments, Assistant City Attorney DeLoach
advised that this ordinance would be on second reading for a vote at the next
meeting with the additional clarification language.
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An Ordinance - Amending the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance for Columbus,
Georgia so as to provide for a new category of ?Traditional Restaurant? with
specific requirements for licensing and reduced distance restrictions; and for
other purposes.
Assistant City Attorney DeLoach advised that one change was made as a
result of the public meeting, which is to clarify that no live entertainment
would be permitted at a traditional restaurant.
City Manager Hugley advised that staff would not outline the entire power
point presentation; since, a full presentation was done at the last Council
Meeting and at the public forum. However, he explained that Deputy City
Manager Arrington would summarize the presentation.
Deputy City Manager David Arrington approached the rostrum to immediately
explain that this ordinance does not apply to restaurants that are currently
licensed as restaurants and are located outside the current 350 feet buffer
area around churches, schools, daycares and other prohibited locations or the
250 feet rule that applies in the CRD (Central Riverfront District).
Deputy City Manager David Arrington then began his summarization of the
power point presentation regarding the ?Traditional Restaurant?. Listed below
are some of the proposed changes. He first pointed out that this amendment
applies up to thirteen additional restrictions on the operation of the
traditional restaurant and highlighted some of the restrictions as listed below:
Chapter 3 of the Alcohol Beverage Ordinance is hereby amended by adding a
new Section 3-1 (ee) to read as follows:
- Derives at least 80 percent of its gross revenue from the sale of such meals
prepared, served, and consumed on the premises;
- Imposes no fees for cover charges, fees for admission or entrance, viewing
fees/pay per view fees or fees for contests/tournaments or live entertainment,
nor allows an independent individual to charge fees for cover charges,
admission or entrance, viewing fees or fees for contests/tournaments or live
entertainment on the premises. No live entertainment shall be permitted on the
premises.
- Impose no age restrictions during any of its hours of operations.
- Serves food during all hours of operation.
- From Sunday through Thursday, the normal operating hours shall be between
6:01 am and 11:00 pm. From Friday through Saturday, the normal operating hours
shall be between 6:01 am and 12 midnight. No customer shall be permitted to
remain on the premises for more than 20 minutes after the normal operating
hours.
Mr. Walter Gould, 2419 Cole Drive, came forward to express concerns with
restaurants locating in South Columbus with the capability to serve alcohol and
doing away with the 300 feet rule regarding prohibitions of locations next to
schools, churches, daycare, etc.
City Manager Hugley addressed the concerns expressed by Mr. Walter Gould
with respect to the 300 feet rule. Mr. Gould then made some additional
comments.
Mr. Owen Ditchfield, 1801 Dee Avenue, spoke of the public forum that was
held. He pointed out that everyone favored the changes, with the exception of
Mr. Gould. He said that he represents the South Columbus Concerned Citizens
who voted unanimously on February 15, 2009, with thirty people present, to
support this change. He then gave some history on the restaurants that were
previously located on Victory Drive. He mentioned that the organization is
opposed to alcohol abuse, and are speaking of those people that just want wine
or other drinks with their meals. He encouraged support of this ordinance,
which is a good compromise.
Ms. Susan Stevenson, 675 Double Churches Road, spoke in favor of the
changes. She recalled the restrictions of the traditional restaurant, and
fails to see how the distance requirement would make any difference.
Councilor Allen requested when the staff includes the definitions, let?s
also provide the off-premises alcoholic beverage licenses and the on-premises
alcoholic beverage licenses listed with the zoning classifications they could
be located in.
In conclusion, Assistant City Attorney DeLoach said this ordinance would
be on second reading for a vote at the next meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY DELOACH AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (68-09) - Approving the execution and delivery of certain
documents; and to approve certain other matters, all relating to the Columbus
Industrial and Port Development Commission variable/fixed rate Industrial
Revenue Bonds (Main Street Village Partnership Project), Series 1992, in the
original aggregate Principal amount of $7,115,000.
Assistant City Attorney DeLoach recognized the presence of Mr. Rob
McKenna. She then explained that the purpose of this resolution is to transfer
the assets and liability of the old Industrial & Port Development Commission,
which has been abolished, to the Development Authority.
Mr. Rob McKenna, approached the rostrum and said we must come to the City
to request this change on behalf of the Industrial & Port Development
Commission.
Councilor McDaniel moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and
carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Woodson being
absent for this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE RENEWING THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT IN
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
DELOACH AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:
An Ordinance (09-6) - Renewing a Business Improvement District in
Columbus, Georgia through December 31, 2014.
Councilor Allen made a motion for adoption. Seconded by Councilor Barnes.
City Manager Hugley recognized the presence of the President of Uptown
Columbus, Inc., Mr. Richard Bishop. Councilor Allen then made a motion that
President of Uptown Columbus, Inc., Mr. Richard Bishop be heard. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight members present with
Councilor Davis being absent for this vote and Councilor Woodson being absent
from this meeting.
Mr. Richard Bishop, President of Uptown Columbus, Inc., approached the
rostrum to speak on the requirements that must be met to have the BID
reauthorized. He said you have to have 51% of property value or 51% of
property owners, with 195 property owners in the BID that covers 47 blocks. He
pointed out that we reached 87% of value and 61% of individual property owners;
this means that we met both of the requirements. He determined that most of
the property owners that he met with are pleased with the work of BID. He
hoped that Council could take the vote today.
Mayor Wetherington called attention to the motion to adopt the ordinance,
which carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Woodson
being absent from this meeting.
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BOARD MEMBERS:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested the staff to provide some information
on citizens not being able to serve on more than one board simultaneously.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. WYNDELL TAYLOR, REPRESENTED BY ATTORNEY JIM PATRICK, RE: A RULING OF
THE BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL
REVIEW:
Assistant City Attorney DeLoach advised that this matter is in litigation
and cannot be discussed by the Council. She said the Superior Court has not
issued a final order in this case.
Mr. Wyndell Taylor, 1227 Owsley Avenue, came forward and read from a
prepared statement affording a chronology of events that occurred with regards
to the Board of Historic & Architectural Review and work performed to install
vinyl siding on his home that is located in a historic district. He explained
that work had begun on his home to have vinyl siding installed, as well as,
energy efficient windows. Once the Board of Historic & Architectural Review
was informed that the work was being done, the work was halted. He received
instructions on submitting the request to the Board of Historic & Architectural
Review and subsequently, his request to have the vinyl siding completed was
denied. He said he was advised to appeal the matter to the Board of Zoning
Appeals, which he did. He said the case was presented before the Board of
Zoning Appeals and based upon hardship, decided in his favor; thereby,
overturning the denial by the Board of Historic & Architectural Review. In the
process of attempting to obtain a permit to have the work completed, he was
informed that there was a problem and told to contact the Inspections & Code
Enforcement Division. While speaking to Inspections & Code Enforcement
Manager, Mr. Bill Duck, he was informed that on instructions from Assistant
City Attorney DeLoach, the permits would not be issued.
In conclusion, Mr. Taylor explained that Board of Historic & Architectural
Review filed a lawsuit against him and his wife to force them to take the vinyl
siding down and the energy efficient windows out. He pointed out that this
lawsuit was not authorized by this Council. He then requested that the Council
forbid any further expenditures of taxpayers? money on this unauthorized
lawsuit and the City of Columbus reimburse the attorney fees for money spent
fighting this lawsuit. He then called upon Attorney Jim Patrick.
City Manager Hugley advised that the time management device has
malfunctioned and is not operating correctly. He suggested that if Attorney
Jim Patrick is to speak before the Council, the Council should vote to allow an
additional five minutes. Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded by Councilor
Barnes and carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor
Woodson being absent from this meeting.
On behalf of Mr. Taylor, Attorney Jim Patrick, said the Board of Historic
& Architectural Review is inserting the authority that only this body has the
power to do. He pointed out the Board of Historic & Architectural Review has
no legal authority to sue anybody. He spoke of the public money spent to file
and carry out this lawsuit. He then suggested that the members of the Board of
Historic & Architectural Review that voted to enter into this lawsuit should be
made to reimburse the city for monies spent on this lawsuit.
In response to a question from Mayor Wetherington, Assistant City Attorney
Jamie DeLoach explained that she would prefer to go into executive session to
discuss this matter; since, it is in litigation.
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MR. WILLIAM BURGIN, REPRESENTING THE BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL
REVIEW, RE: THE CASE OF BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW (BHAR) VS.
TAYLOR THAT IS PRESENTLY IN LITIGATION:
Mr. William Burgin, came forward to advise that he is the Chairman of the
Board of Historic & Architectural Review. He shared some background
information on the board, scope of responsibility and some facts regarding the
case as provided on his prepared statement.
In reading excerpts of language provided in the Unified Development
Ordinance, Mr. Burgin stated that an approval from the Board of Historic &
Architectural Review through the issuance of Certificate of Appropriateness is
required of a homeowner located in the Historic District to make a material
change in the appearance of a home. He then explained that this includes the
installation of new exterior siding materials, the removal of existing exterior
siding materials and the installation of an exterior window, window frame,
window shutters, etc.
He went into details regarding work being performed on the home on Owsley
Avenue without a permit and Certificate of Appropriateness. He determined that
the home is located in the Historic District. He then spoke of situation being
reported to the Inspections & Code Enforcement Division and they had the work
stopped until the homeowners had obtained the necessary permit and Certificate
of Appropriateness. He said the homeowner did contact the city and was advised
of the process. He recalled that the homeowner submitted an application to the
Board of Historic & Architectural Review and the application was denied at the
April 12, 2008 meeting. He then explained the reasons for the denial. He went
into details regarding the appeal by the homeowner to the Board of Zoning
Appeals and on June 4, 2008 the Board of Zoning Appeals overturned the decision
of the Board of Historic & Architectural Review due to a financial hardship.
He said because the Board of Zoning Appeals? decision was based on the factor
that it is not entitled to consider, the Board of Historic & Architectural
Review filed an appeal.
Once the five minutes limit had been reached, Mayor Wetherington asked if
there was a motion to allow Mr. Burgin to continue, Councilor Barnes so moved.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members
present for this meeting with Councilor Woodson being absent for this meeting.
Mr. Burgin announced that he has concluded his prepared statement.
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MS. TERESA TOMLINSON, REPRESENTING MIDTOWN, INC., RE: TO ADDRESS COMMENTS
RELATED TO THE HISTORIC DISTRICTS AND THE BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL
REVIEW:
Ms. Teresa Tomlinson, Midtown Inc., came forward to advise that Midtown,
Inc. was not a party to this litigation or involved in the legal proceeding.
She pointed out this political forum is an inappropriate place for a pending
litigation to be brought forward and argued. She then spoke of the importance
of historic districts in Columbus and the Board of Historic & Architectural
Review?s critical role in the redevelopment and economic development of this
community.
She called attention to the eligibility of residential, commercial and
income producing properties in the historic district that are not available to
other areas to include the 25% State Income State Credit; Federal Income Tax
credits are 20%; 8.5 years of property tax freeze and Historic Columbus has
provided over $603,000 in no-interest facade loans to improve properties within
the historic districts. She maintained that historic districts encourage
investments and redevelopment.
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REV. DATSON JOHNSON, REPRESENTING FIFTH HOUSE OF JEREMIAH CHURCH, RE: THE
LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY VOICING THEIR
NEEDS:
Rev. Datson Johnson, did not come forward when given the opportunity to
appear before the Council.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM
TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE
NINE MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (69-09) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and,
if approved, accept $1,867,435 in grant funds from the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for
capital, planning and operating.
A Resolution (70-09) - Authorizing the City Manager of Columbus, Georgia
to submit an application to, and if awarded, accept a grant in the amount of
$1,816,826, or otherwise awarded, from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for FY2010 Capital and Planning
Assistance under Title 49 U.S.C. Section 5307 and to contract with FTA and GDOT
on behalf of the city should the application receive approval.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (71-09) - Authorization is requested to implement a one-time
waiver of rent paid to the Civic Center by the Cottonmouths Hockey Team and the
Columbus Lions Indoor Football Team as requested by the Mayor/Council. Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Woodson being absent
for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND
SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS
PRESENT AFTER SOME DISCUSSION WAS HELD WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR
THE VOTE AND COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT FROM THE
MEETING:
A Resolution (72-09) - Authorizing a contract with Taylor?s Moving &
Storage, Inc., to provide moving and storage services.
A Resolution (73-09) - Authorizing the purchase of the following items
from IBM/Mainline Information System (Tallahassee, Fl): thirty (30) IBM VMWARE
WYSE Thin Client devices and required licenses in the amount of $16,515.00; and
one (1) IBM HS21 Blade Server with 3 year warranty in the amount of $7,594.00.
A Resolution (74-09) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) KC & Cruiser
Super Package Robot and Cruiser from Robotronics (Springville, Utah) in the
amount of $10,800.00.
A Resolution (75-09) - Authorizing the purchase of an upgrade of the
city?s 800 MHZ Regional Radio Transmission System, from Motorola Communications
and Electronics, Inc., in the amount of $3,620,000.00; and authorizing a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Harris County Government for their
participation in this system upgrade.
Councilor Allen asked for some clarification on the Cruiser Super Package
Robot and Cruiser. City Manager Hugley explained that this request came out of
the Junior Marshal Program, which is a federally funded program; Congressman
Sanford Bishop was able to secure some funds for the Marshal?s Office. He
pointed out this is not local money but is federal money.
City Manager Hugley called on Deputy City Manager Arrington to provide
some information on the Upgrade of the City?s 800 MHZ Regional Radio System as
requested by Councilor Allen.
Deputy City Manager David Arrington explained that the current system was
purchased in 1992 and is an analog system. He said that it has already been
through its useful life and would no longer be available past the end of this
year. He said we have two options: 1) do away with all of our 800 MHZ
equipment and purchase a whole new system at a cost of approximately $8 to 10
million or 2) slowly migrate towards the digital side and move into an analog
digital platform at a cost of $3.6 million; Option 2 is the recommendation from
the Administration. He pointed out that the migration would be over a ten-year
time frame.
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CIVIC CENTER
Also, City Manager Hugley responded to questions from Councilor Davis with
regards to the one-time waiver of Civic Center rental for the Cottonmouths
Hockey Team and Columbus Lions Indoor Football team that was approved on the
City Manager?s Agenda.
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PRESENTATIONS:
FINANCE UPDATE:
Finance Director Pam Hodge provided a finance update for January 2009 with
the cover page being the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST). She then highlighted
the summary page of the finance report. (A copy of the Financial Update was
not provided for the record.)
The General Fund is almost exactly the amount it was at this time in January.
For this year, the revenue source from the Continental Carbon settlement is
included. The Homeowner Tax Relief grant is expected some time this fiscal
year; however, it had been received by this time for last fiscal year. Sales
Tax down 8%
Sewer Fund and Paving fund down slightly
Medical Center at the same point as last year
Integrated Waste Fund down slightly about 2%
Transportation Fund up slightly 3.52%
Parking Management down by 9%
Bull Creek and Oxbow Meadows are down slightly; the expenditures are close
Civic Center Fund is down slightly
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LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX ? ROAD PROJECTS:
Deputy City Manager David Arrington approached the rostrum to provide a
spreadsheet on the road projects and the preliminary cost estimates for the
individual projects. He advised that he would provide an update on the LOST
projects that were included with the package that Council approved for the
Administration to proceed with the design on using the current funding sources;
then, he would ask for Council?s concurrence on non-LOST projects with the
staff?s recommendations to proceed with those projects to get the work on the
way.
Moon Road Phase II - Wilbur to Whittlesey Boulevard:
Under design as three lane roadway
Surveying completed
Design 10% complete
Ready for bid fall 2009
Moon Road Phase III - Knology Way to Veterans:
Design 95% complete
Not qualified for Stimulus Package
Construction and permanent easements required but no right-of-way acquisition
Ready for bid in fall of 2009
Veterans Parkway / Double Churches Intersection:
Congestion management area of focus
Project funded in FY08
Concept design complete, expanded scope due to congestion
Design completion projected late 2009
Councilor Davis expressed concerns with road repairs and truck routes on
Fortson Road towards Double Churches Road and the citizens? concerns regarding
the progress on Old Whittlesey Road.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said that citizens should report road
repairs to the Citizen Service Center. With regard to truck traffic, Deputy
City Manager Arrington advised that work is being done to bring forward
recommendations on truck routes. He also briefly updated Council on Old
Whittlesey Road project.
Forrest Road Phase I - Woodruff to Schatulga:
Project given to consultant for preliminary design as three lane roadway
Design update with consultant scheduled for 02/25
Forrest Road Phase II - Macon Road to Palomino:
Project given to consultant for preliminary design as intersection improvements
Two bridge improvements required (replacement and/or rehabilitation)
Whitesville / Double Churches Intersection Improvement:
Local project, eligible for State Aid as a partial funding source
Final ROW and design plans expected in March
Right of way acquisitions and easements 6 - 9 months
Ready for bid 1st quarter 2010
Fort Benning / Brennan Realignment:
Coordination with GADOT underway on widening concept
Preliminary engineering to begin Spring 2009
Right of way acquisition required
Fort Benning Road Streetscapes:
Preliminary field work underway by Planning Department for concept design
Design work to begin in Spring
SUMMARY
All proposed LOST road projects with a current funding source are under design
All road projects will require additional funding source for construction
Projects should be ready for bid in Fall 2009 or early 2010
RIVER ROAD / BRADLEY PARK DRIVE:
Identified for improvement in Congestion Management Study
Project area includes J. R. Allen ramps and 54th Street intersection
Funded in FY08 - $1,200,000
Concept design completed
RECOMMENDATIONS
Proceed with design and construction on proposed improvements as recommended by
staff at River Road / Bradley Park Drive with available funds.
Proceed with design on proposed improvements at J. R. Allen exit ramps and 54th
Street intersection with River Road.
Identify funding source for construction through annual budget CIP planning
process.
Councilor McDaniel asked if the State of Georgia has approved all of the
projects on River Road? Deputy City Manager Arrington said the State is aware
of this project; however, there is another element to it at 54th Street and J.
R. Allen ramp. He explained this would be a locally funded project, and we
would have to get State approval to do it; we are not at that point yet.
Mayor Wetherington requested the staff to look at the traffic problem at
Green Island and Cascade Road, because River Road and Bradley Park Drive are
not causing the real traffic problem in this area.
*** *** ***
WILDWOOD AVENUE:
Councilor Anthony requested to have the staff to look into the traffic at
St. Paul United Methodist Church on Wildwood Avenue, consider some kind of
caution sign to slow traffic down to protect the people that are backing out of
those parking spaces, because traffic is coming around the curve off Cherokee
Avenue with limited visibility for people exiting the parking lot.
*** *** ***
ABANDONED HOME ON 22nd AVENUE:
Councilor Anthony requested to have the staff to provide some information
on homes located at 1302 & 1337 22nd Avenue with regards to drug activities.
The home located at 1337 22nd Avenue is abandoned and may need to be
demolished. (Request of Councilor Anthony)
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Manager Hugley requested an executive session to discuss litigation
after the Clerk of Council?s Agenda.
*** *** ***
ITEM OF INFORMATION:
City Manager Hugley called attention to the following item that is listed
below:
Shovel Ready CDBG Public Facility Projects: This information was sent to
Council by Community Reinvestment Director Joe Riddle. Three projects have
been submitted to the Department of Community Affairs requesting Economic
Stimulus support: Meritas Mill drainage Project, 6th Avenue Flood Abatement
Phase II and 6th Avenue Flood Abatement Phase III.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:
(1) ACCG?s Legislative Update, Volume 19, Number 4 - February 5, 2009, Number 5
- February 13, 2009 and Number 6 - February 19, 2009.
(2) GMA?s Legislative Alert, Number 5 - February 13, 2009.
(3) Notice of the National Organization of Black County Officials (NOBCO) 25th
Annual Economic Development Conference, April 29 - May 3, 2009, in Miami,
Florida.
(4) Letter from Mr. Jermaine R. Raffety, Re: Alternative Fuel Transit Buses,
CNG or HEV for Fiscal Year 2011/2012 budget.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND
APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (76-09) - Approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
for the month of January 2009. Councilor McDaniel moved approval. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members present with
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent for the vote and Councilor Woodson being
absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close 14th Street from 1st
Avenue ending at 3rd Avenue in Phenix City, on Saturday, February 28, 2009 from
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in connection with pedestrian / participant safety.
Councilor McDaniel moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those eight members present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being
absent for the vote and Councilor Woodson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
Board of Health, January 28, 2009.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 04-09 & 05-09.
Convention & Visitors Bureau, November 19, 2008.
Planning Advisory Commission, September 17, 2008.
Planning Advisory Commission, October 15, 2008.
Planning Advisory Commission, November 5, 2008.
Uptown Facade Board, January 20, 2009.
Councilor Allen moved approval. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and
carried unanimously by those eight members present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh being absent for the vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from this
meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (77-09) - Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the February
24, 2009 Council Meeting. Councilor Allen moved approval. Seconded by
Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members present with
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR
HENDERSON:
Petition submitted by Harlan Price to rezone .13 total acre of property
located at 219 26th Street from RMF2 (Residential Multi Family 2) to GC
(General Commercial). (Recommended for denial by the Planning Advisory
Commission and conditional approval by the Planning Department). (3-CA-09-
Price)
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(CIRCLE):
Deputy Clerk of Davis advised that Mayor Wetherington is continuing to work
on a nomination for the position of Ms. Shirley Jaeger, who has resigned.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & VISITORS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis recommended that the following appointments
be delayed until the next Council Meeting: Ms. Elizabeth Barker, Mr. Bruce
Smith and Mr. Brian Plemmons.
*** *** ***
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we still need a nomination for
the position of Rev. Joseph Roberson, who does not desire to be reappointed.
There were none.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we still need a nomination for
the position of Mr. Bryan Stone- Council District Two and the late Mr. Homer
Kuhl- Council District Five. Councilor Davis nominated Mr. Brad Haines for the
District Two Representative; however he is currently serving on the Recreation
Advisory Board. Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Haines would
need to resign his position on the Recreation Advisory Board before he is
eligible to serve on the Community Development Advisory Council. She then
pointed out that Mr. Brad Haines could be confirmed. Councilor Allen moved
confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those nine members present with Councilor Woodson being absent from this
meeting.
*** *** ***
HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that Mr. Charles Beall- Liberty
Culture Center representative, Ms. Virginia Peebles- Historic District Resident
representative and Mr. John Sheftall- Historic District Resident representative
are all eligible to serve another term of office. Deputy Clerk of Council
Davis advised that at the last meeting, Councilor Henderson reappointed all
three incumbents and they may be confirmed. Councilor Allen moved
confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those
nine members present with Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we still need three nominations
for each of the three positions of Mr. Thomas Gurr, who has resigned, Ms. Nancy
Rinn, who is ineligible to serve another term and Ms. Kim Peters, who has
resigned. There were none.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we still need nominations for
the position of Mr. James Nash, who serves in the at-large seat and Mr. Robert
Kidd, who serves as the Chamber representative. Deputy Clerk of Council Davis
pointed out that we have been in contact with the Chamber of Commerce regarding
the vacancy of Mr. Kidd.
*** *** ***
WEST CENTRAL GEORGIA REGIONAL MH/DD/AD PLANNING BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Joseph Gosha has resigned;
therefore, we would need a nominee for this position. There were none.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Wetherington called attention to the earlier request to go into
executive session to discuss litigation. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved for
the Council to go into executive session. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Woodson being
absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
Mayor Wetherington asked if there was anyone in the audience that had a matter
to bring before the Council, at which time, Mr. William Madison rose from his
seat.
Mr. William Madison, President of the Local Chapter NAACP, announced that the
NAACP just had a birthday of 100 years. He said that he wanted to personally
thank the members of Council for the role each of you played in our banquet.
He then extended special thanks to the Mayor and his wife for spending the
evening with them; the banquet was a success.
*** *** ***
At 7:48 p.m., the Council adjourned its regular meeting to go into executive
session. At 8:39 p.m., the regular meeting was reconvened, at which time,
Mayor Wetherington announced that the Council did meet in executive session to
discuss litigation, but there were no votes taken.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
McDaniel made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Davis and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor
Woodson being absent from this meeting with the time being 8:39 p.m.
Sandra T. Davis
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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