MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
JUNE 8, 2010
The regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order
at 9:03 A.M., Tuesday, June 8, 2010, on the Plaza Level of the Government
Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington,
Mayor, and Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington were Councilors R. Gary Allen,
Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry H.
Henderson, Julius H. Hunter Jr., Charles E. McDaniel and Evelyn Woodson. City
Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present. Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh took her seat at the Council table at 9:15 a.m.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Councilor Wayne Anthony.
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PLEDGE: Led by Children and friends of the families of Ms. Brenda James and of
Ms. Jewel Tracy.
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CRIME LAB:
Mayor Wetherington said late yesterday afternoon he received a telephone
call from Director Vernon King of the GBI office and he old him that the Crime
Lab will be closing in two months. He said he told him that it had been funded,
but said the Governor decided to close it and he is very disappointed in that.
He said we had a number of cities who were willing to support us in keeping the
lab open this year, with the amount of money that we needed to keep it open.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_________________________________
A Resolution (181-10) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Senator
Floyd Hudgins who passed away on May 11, 2010. Councilor McDaniel moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent for this vote.
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TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS PUBLIC HEARING:
City Manager Hugley called up the third and final public hearing of the
taxpayer?s bill of rights public hearing as required by State law. He then
called forward Director of Finance Pam Hodge.
Director of Finance Pam Hodge said we would not have an increase in
Districts 1, 2 or 4. She said we would actually have a decrease in the milage
rate, which is a decrease in the property tax. She said countywide bonds would
remain the same, the same millage rate, as well as the BID (Business
Improvement District). She said if there is anyone who wants to speak regarding
this portion of this taxpayer?s bill of rights, they are welcomed to do so at
this time.
Mr. Paul Olson, 13830 Upatoi Drive came forward and read the wording as it
is listed on the Council?s Agenda coversheet with respect to this advertised
public hearing. The following is the wording as it appears on the first page of
the Council of Columbus, Georgia. The budget tentatively adopted by the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, requires a millage rate higher
than the rollback millage rate. Therefore, before the Consolidated Government
of Columbus, Georgia, may finalize the tentative budget and set a final millage
rate, Georgia Law requires that three public hearings be held to allow the
public an opportunity to express their opinions on this increase.
Mr. Olson said if you read this, it says requires a millage rate higher
than the rollback millage rate. He said what this says in layman?s term is that
we were to be reduced down to 9 mills and each year thereafter; that did not
comply with our City Charter. He then went into some details in explaining what
he feels that the millage rate should be reduced down to 9 mills.
Mr. Olson said he spoke with the City Attorney prior to the beginning of
this meeting today and asked him if there is nothing in the City Charter that
should conflict with this ruling. He said he was told that there is the
Attorney General?s opinion. He said an opinion is an opinion, and it is not the
Official Code of Georgia Annotated; which is a law itself. He said if there is
a law that supersedes this, then the Charter needs to be amended and changed.
He said he was also told that after this it is at the City Council?s discretion
as to whether or not to roll back the property taxes.
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NOTE: Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh arrived at this point in the meeting,
with the time being 9:15 a.m.
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City Manager Hugley interrupted Mr. Olson and then asked him, if he has a
question regarding the taxpayer?s bill of rights. Mr. Olson said yes, he said
he would like to know, if there is anything in writing that contradicts the
City Charter that basically states that this Attorney General?s opinion that
this contradicts and supersede the City Charter; and in essence it?s to be
rollback and reduced to 9 mills.
City Manager Hugley said for the record, he wants to state that the
rollback and the taxpayer?s bill of rights has absolutely nothing to do with
the rollback related to the sales tax. He said he would like him to know that
because you have mixed the two. He said he would be glad to sit down with Mr.
Olson and explain this matter to him.
After Mr. Olson spoke for some ten minutes on the local option sales tax
and millage cap, as well as made comments regarding the signing of contracts,
City Attorney Fay, City Manager Hugley and Director of Finance Pam Hodge then
responded to those comments and remarks made by Mr. Olson with respect to the
property taxes and roll back of property taxes and contracts.
City Attorney Fay said the Columbus Charter has a provision in it that
states if there is a Local Option Sales tax in effect in Columbus, Georgia then
the millage cap that was at the time of consolidation, 18 mills will be
rollback to 9 mills. He said we do have a local option sales tax here, as we
have had one in effect since the mid 1970s. He said this same millage cap
applies every year for city operations; we have a 9-mill cap and this Council
compiles with that every year when they put together the budget. He said in the
state law, general Georgia law; there is a provision, which says if you adopt a
local option sales tax, you will have a rollback of taxes to benefit property
tax payers for at least the first year after the collection of the local option
sales tax. He said we had a rollback in the 1970s and we are having one this
calendar year. He said property owners; taxpayers will be reduced this year
because of the rollback requirements. He said after the first year of the
rollback, it will be at the Council?s discretion as to whether or not they want
to continue any rollback or millage reduction next year.
He said we are talking about two different things in the law; one in the
Charter that is a 9-mill cap on city operations and a second rollback provision
in the state law is totally separate from our 9-mill cap.
Director of Pam Hodge said we are subject to a 9-mill cap for operations
and for that portion of the millage in District 1, the 9 mills is being reduced
to 1.71; therefore, there has been a reduction in the 9-mill portion of the
millage rate. She said the other items are paving, sewer, which is storm water,
Medical Center, Economic Development and the bond millage. She said those are
in addition to the operations and maintenance millage, which has a 9-mill cap
and is being reduced to the 1.71.
She said the other item that she wants to make sure is clear is that the
public hearing for this taxpayers bill of rights has to do with the total
amount of dollars that is collected from taxes. She said the rollback rate is
what rate that will be set in order to collect that same amount of tax dollars
across all districts. She said we are actually reducing the amount of taxes
that we will be collecting in this fiscal year, as compared to last fiscal
year. She said our taxpayers? bill of rights is showing a zero percent increase
and in actuality is a decrease in the total amount of tax dollars we will be
collecting. She said last year it was $74 million and this year it will be $43
million due to the sales tax rollback, which will provide the additional
revenue to the general fund, which is the purpose of the sales tax rollback
requirement. She said the rollback rate is completely different from the
rollback requirement for sales tax.
Mr. Bert Coker, 5815 Ventura Drive then came forward and asked what effect
will the rollback have on the taxpayers when they pay their mortgage. He said
should we tell our mortgage companies to hold onto that escrow.
City Manager Hugley then went into some details in explaining this process
to Mr. Coker. He said we would be having some educational sessions to educate
our citizens on the property tax rollback and how it would impact property
taxes in 2010, as well as in 2011.
City Manager Hugley said if there is no one else who want to be heard on
this matter, this concludes the taxpayer?s bill of rights public hearing.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
WITH MR. JUNIE CHRISTIAN, AND SEVERAL OF THE BOARD MEMBERS OF THE COLUMBUS
FAMILY CONNECTION
STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR BARNES AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:___
A Resolution (182-10) ? Commending Junie Christian upon his service as
Executive Director of the Columbus Family Connection. Councilor Barnes moved
the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Anthony and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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WITH MR. JOE RIDDLE AND MEMBERS OF HIS STAFF STANDING AT THE COUNCIL
TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
COUNCILOR HUNTER AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:___
A Resolution (183-10) ? Commending Joe Riddle for his service as
Director of Community Reinvestment for the Columbus Consolidated Government.
Counter Hunter moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at
the time, with Councilor Anthony being absent for this vote.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:_______________________
An Ordinance (10-20) ? Adopting a budget for the fiscal Year 2011 beginning
July 1, 2010 and ending June 30, 2011, for certain funds of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts shown in each
budget. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
An Ordinance (10-21) ? Adopting non-operating budgets for the Fiscal Year
2011 beginning July 1, 2010 and ending June 30, 2011 for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts
shown in each budget. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD
ON EACH AS ADVERTISED:_______________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 1150, 1126, 942, 934, 926,
904, 850, 800, 640, 865, 705 and 685 Morris Road is proposed for rezoning from
LMI (Light Manufacturing Industrial) zoning district to SFR4 (Single Family
Residential 4)/ NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district.
(12-A-10-Douglass) The proposed use is for single-family homes and
neighborhood commercial uses.
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property Located at 925 Morris Road is proposed
for rezoning from LMI (Light Manufacturing Industrial) zoning district to RMF1
(Residential Multi Family 1). (3-CA-10-Martin) The proposed use is for Single
Family Residential. The Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning
Department recommend conditional approval.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked, why the property located at 925 Morris,
which is in the middle of all the properties; why wouldn?t it go to the same as
all of the other lots. She said since it says the proposed use is single
family.
Mr. Rick Jones said that is for consistency in terms of the zoning that is
currently surrounding the property now. He said under the proposed zoning, they
would be allowed to put single-family out there. He said that is what their
intent is, to put single-family residential out in the area.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then asked, why wouldn?t we just incorporate
Item Number Four into Number 3; the 925 Morris Road address.
Mr. Jones said the petition for the property located at 925 Morris Road
first came to us as a single petition and said that we delayed action on it
until such time as we could bring the other petition so that we could look at
master planning this entire area.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked if there wouldn?t be an issue if we change
it to be included with Item Number 3, to which Mr. Jones said he doesn?t know
whether or not it would be; as that would be a matter for the City Attorney to
advise you on.
City Attorney Fay said that we would need to talk with the petitioner.
Mr. Frank Douglas, the petitioner said it is actually proposed for
multi-family with a condition that only single-family be developed and said
that has to do with the lot sizes. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then asked, why
not just rezone it to single-family in order that there not be any issues later
on.
Mr. Douglas said it was a lot size consideration that they were looking
at, because to do the lot sizes that best made use of the property, we had to
have RMF, but they were willing to agree that there were no duplexes, no
quadra-plexes, no multi-family, and that it would all be single-family
development.
City Attorney Fay then asked Mr. Jones if the minimum lot sizes are larger
on the SFR4, to which indicated that it was and that it gives them flexibility
in terms of working through that with the understanding that there must be
single-family development done in this area.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she has seen flexibility taken advantage of
and said when you have something rezoned multi-family and everything around it
rezoned single-family. She said she understands that there is a condition;
however, conditions go away after a certain number of years.
Responding further to the concerns of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, Mr. Jones
said since 2005 in the Unified Development Ordinance, conditions run with the
property for the life of the property.
Mr. Douglas also responding to further concerns of Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh said the property is contiguous to two other multi-family developments,
one on Enoch Drive and one on the other side of the street on Terminal Court.
He said it will only be used for single-family development, but they wanted the
lot size variable and the flexibility for the setback requirements. He said
they are willing to accept a firm condition that it be rezoned only
single-family development.
City Attorney Fay said we have heard Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh?s concerns
and then asked if there were any other questions for the petitioner, but there
were no. He then asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak in opposition to
these proposed rezoning ordinances, but there were none.
He then declared this public hearing has now been held and advised that these
two ordinances would be voted on at next week?s meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AFTER SOME DISCUSSION :_________________
An Ordinance ? Providing for the establishment of taxing districts,
including a county-wide general services district and three (3) urban services
districts and three (3) Business Improvement districts (BID); providing for the
levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for Columbus, Georgia within such
districts for the calendar year 2010 as provided under the Charter of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; providing penalties for
violations of the provisions of said ordinance; and for other purposes.
City Attorney Fay then asked if there were any questions regarding this
ordinance.
Mr. Bert Coker, 5815 Ventura Drive, came forward and asked for some
clarification as to exactly what is this ordinance for. He asked if this was a
housekeeping ordinance or is it a tax allocation district. He asked the City
Attorney to explain this ordinance to him.
City Attorney Fay said this is part of the Charter that we discussed
earlier. He said the millage rate has to be adopted annually after the Council
adopts the operating budget; therefore, these are the proposed millage rates
for each Service District and Business Improvement Districts that have been
explained by Finance Director Pam Hodge.
Mr. Paul Olson, 13830 Upatoi Lane, said he noticed in the Business
Improvement Districts that Districts 5, 6 & 7went up one mill and said he would
like to know why the increase.
Director of Finance Pam Hodge said the millage rate for the Business
Improvement District remains the same as they have for the last several years.
Mr. Olson said his reason for asking is that he saw a notice in the
newspaper that it says one percent for millage. Ms. Hodge said that has to do
with the way the rollback calculated is done and said if the digest for the
Business Improvement Districts would have increased; then, the same millage
rate would have brought in additional tax dollars than it did the previous
year, but once the final tax digest that we receive, we will not have
an increase in the tax dollars generated into the Business Improvement
Districts, but that doesn?t have anything to do with the millage rate, as it
remains the same.
After Ms. Hodge responded to further questions of Mr. Olson, City Attorney
Fay then declared this public hearing has been concluded.
City Attorney Fay said this ordinance would be voted on at the next
Council meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:___________________________
An Ordinance ? Providing for the levy, assessment, and collection of
taxes for the public school system of Columbus, Georgia; and for other
purposes.
City Attorney Fay said the millage rate for the school district will
remain the same this year. He said we will have two second readings of the
school millage rate, which is somewhat unusual, but said they will not adopt
their millage rate until June 21st; therefore, we will have it listed on next
week, as well as on July 13th for a final vote.
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An Ordinance ? Amending vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by
increasing fines for parking violations and repealing conflicting Ordinances;
and for other purposes.
City Attorney Fay said the parking fines will be increasing on the regular
parking fines and will be doubled if those fines are paid late. He said this is
part of the proposed budget.
Councilor Henderson said he has an issue about changing the time limits,
he said he still has some concerns about that. He said he don?t think the
commercial makeup of that area has changed significantly and when we originally
implemented it; it was six hours. He said when it was done it was because we
didn?t anticipate the need for as much turnover. He said if that need has
changed, he is okay with changing the times. He said if this is a change just
in an attempt to generate revenue from those people that are working in those
offices, then, he has an issue with that.
He said we have spent a lot of time and expended a lot of riddrick over
how to accommodate all of those people. He said we haven?t really focused on it
during the budget session, but said we have known about it for a while. He said
he would request that we delay that portion of the ordinance.
City Manager Hugley went into some details in explaining what they are
doing in the ordinance is to increase the parking violations for parking in the
districts that METRA enforces from the current $15.00 to $17.00, effective July
1, 2010; and then on July 1, 2011, the fines would go from $17.00 to $20.00.
He said all we are doing is adjusting the fines for parking violators.
He said at this time, they are not addressing any time limit zones that
currently exist in the METRA enforcement areas. He said they do intend to
address at some future date during the course of the fiscal year, and when they
do they will go through a process. He said they would talk to Uptown Columbus.
and will have forums or meeting with the Uptown Business merchants, discuss the
matter and talk through it. He said the way the parking limits are may or may
not impact their business; therefore, we want to hear from them. He said once
we have had an opportunity to meet with them hear from them then we will bring
it back to you with a recommendation to either keep it as is or make some
adjustments.
City Manager Hugley pointed out that Deputy City Manager Goodwin called to
his attention that he needs to make a clarification on one statement that he
made in outlining this matter, is that he said the parking fines will be going
up in the METRA enforcement area; however, parking fines will be going up
city-wide for violators throughout the city; not just in the METRA enforcement
area.
Councilor Woodson said the Uptown merchants are meeting and said we have
been talking since April. She said they are looking at all of the ordinances
that effect them to see if they compare with their needs and businesses in that
area with all the changes that are occurring and everything that is coming. She
said the Council would be getting some information soon once they have gone
through all the ordinances. She said the City Manager will be meeting with them
after Mr. Richard Bishop and the merchants have gone through all the
ordinances.
She said she would also like to have a Work session after they have had
their meeting and before any ordinances comes forward to the Council.
Several minutes of discussion continued on this subject, with members of
the Council expressing their views regarding parking in the Uptown area, after
which City Manager Hugley also responded to questions of the Council.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:___________________________
An Ordinance ? Providing for contributions to the Columbus, Georgia
General Government Employees? Pension Plan for the fiscal year beginning July
1, 2010.
An Ordinance ? Providing for the supplemental contributions to the
Columbus, Georgia Pension Plan for employees of the Department of Public
Safety for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010.
An Ordinance ? Providing for Government funding of a Death Benefit
Escrow for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010.
An Ordinance ? Providing for Government funding of a Major Disability
Income Plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010.
An Ordinance ? Amending Article VII of Chapter 13 of the Columbus Code
Solid Waste Collection and Disposal by changing the guidelines for an offset to
the residential rate for low-income households.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: ___________________________________________________
A Resolution (184-10) ? Authorizing 911 charges of $1.50 per billable
telephone per month, upon each telephone service subscribed to by telephone
subscribers whose exchange access lines are in the areas served or which would
be served by the 911 services as stipulated by O.C.G.A. ?46-5-133. Councilor
Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for
this meeting.
THE FOLLOWING SEVEN RESOLUTIONS, EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THOSE
EMPLOYEES WHO RECENTLY RETIRED FROM THE SERVICES OF THE CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT
WERE SUBMITTED AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCLOR WOODSON,
WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:_______________________________
A Resolution (185-10) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Andrew L. Thomas,
Jr. upon his retirement from the Columbus FIRE/EMS after 40 years of service.
A Resolution (186-10) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. William Beddard
upon his retirement from the Columbus Water Works after 15 years of service.
A Resolution (187-10) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Jerome H. Garrett
upon his retirement from the Public Services Department after 40 years of
service.
A Resolution (188-10) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Walder Ledford, Jr.
upon his retirement from the Columbus FIRE/Logistics after 33 years of
service.
A Resolution (189-10) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Ronnie L. Smith
upon his retirement from the Columbus FIRE/EMS after 32 years of service.
A Resolution (190-10) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Larry C. Almy upon
his retirement from the Public Services Department after 15 years of service.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS, EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF
THOSE EMPLOYEES OF THE CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT WHO RECENTLY PASSED AWAY WERE
SUBMITTED AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCLOR ALLEN, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:___________________________________________________
A Resolution (191-10) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs. Sarah
Helen Taylor, employee with the Finance/Accounting Department, who passed away
on April 25, 2010.
A Resolution (192-10) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs. Marie
L. Sellers, employee with the Tax Commissioner?s Department, who passed away on
May 1, 2010.
A Resolution (193-10) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Laris
S. Johnson, employee with the Columbus Police Department, who passed away on
May 7, 2010.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay said if time permits, he would like to have a brief
executive session after the adjournment of today?s meeting to discuss a
personnel matter, as well as a matter of litigation.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF EACH PERSON
COMMENTS:_________________________________________________
MR. PAUL R. PIERCE, REPRESENTING COLUMBUS CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE, RE:
REPORT ON THE RESULTS OF A RECENT STUDY ON THE ECONOMIC IMPUT OF THE ARTS AND
CULTURE IN COLUMBUS: _________________________
Mr. Paul R. Pierce, representing the Cultural Arts Alliance, who had a
large contingent of representatives with him came forward and pointed out that
their 19 non-profit organizations represents disciplines ranging from music,
theater, dance, visual arts, historic preservation, literary events and
festivals. He said they collaborate with CCVB to enhance their attractions and
amplify marketing. have a story to tell.
He then gave a brief report highlighting the impact of the culture arts
community in our area, as detailed below:
Full Time, Seasonal, & Part Time Jobs1083; Full Time Equivalent Jobs 604
Annual Spending $21.1 million
Annual Payroll
$13.4 million
Facilities
634,000 SF
Customers
1.2 Million Per Year
Local Taxes Paid
$759,000 Per Year+ $1.5 million = $2.7 Million
Total Local and State Taxes
$2.3 million
Annual Economic Impact
$51.6 million
He said in the 12-years since the Columbus challenge, they have developed
a robust, diverse and unique product that attracts industry, visitors and
investment, but said something is missing. He said the new economy is coming,
but said many of Columbus most creative citizens will be left behind unless we
find a way to include our poorest, most isolated children in this economic
revelation.
Mr. Pierce said this is where arts education comes in. He said there are
children all over this town who hate their lives and said the arts provides a
path to reinvention and social mobility, as well as provide durable life skills
of preparation, discipline and collaboration. He said arts education is the key
to the sustainability for all of our arts organizations and the engine with
which the new economy will engine the talents of all of our citizens.
He said they are not here to ask you for any money, but said he wants to
let you know that $1.00 per citizen is the benchmark for municipalities?
minimum support for citywide arts & cultural programs. He said the Columbus
Cultural Arts Alliance has been a faithful steward of hotel/motel tax revenues
with which it uses to amplify the power of the city?s tourism attractions and
said these funds are administered with strict guidelines for reporting and
accountability. He said the arts and cultural industry is quickly becoming
Columbus? key to prosperity and said creativity equals economic impact; and
when we say creativity equals impact, we mean business.
Councilor Woodson thanked Mr. Pierce for coming here today and giving this
update and said she would encourage him to come back again, maybe within the
next quarter to talk about the children?s theatre.
After Mr. Pierce?s presentation, he then responded to questions of members
of the Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked that the staff get together with
Mr. Pierce and make this information available to air on CCG-TV.
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PASTOR MILLLIE JOHNSON, REPRESENTING FRESH START OUTREACH PROGRAM, RE:
FUNDING REQUEST FOR THE FRESH START OUTREACH PROGRAM: _______________________
Pastor Millie Johnson did not respond when given the opportunity to
address the Council.
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MS. BARBARA BROWN, RE: REFUND OF PENALTIES FOR REAL PROPERTY FOR THE 2009
TAX YEAR: __________________
Ms. Barbara Brown, 3600 East Britt David Road said she is here to ask for
a refund of property taxes paid for the 2009 year. She said she and her brother
owns at house at 3604 Britt David Road; which they inherited from their
parents.
She said during the latter part of August last year, they received a
notice that their taxes had tripled on the house that she lives in, as well as
the house that she and her brother owns. She said they had no idea that anyone
was changing with regards to the taxes on their property. She said her brother,
as well as her husband is unemployed and said that he is receiving
unemployment; she is the only one with an income.
Ms. Brown said they received a notice at the end of August or the first
part of September that they had these extra taxes due in October with
absolutely no way at all for them to come up with that money in the short
period of time. She said she filed a request for a hearing and she thought that
it stopped everything until the hearing was held; but she later found out that
wasn?t the case, therefore, the taxes were late and late fees and penalties
were assessed. She said she sold her piano and paid the taxes and she is here
today to ask the Council if they could refund the penalties to her.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked why would the property taxes triple on the
home in which they live in.
Tax Commissioner Lula Huff came forward and said she needs to make a
distinction between the two offices, the Tax Commissioner?s Office and the Tax
Assessor?s Office. She said the Tax Assessor?s Office assess property, which is
what happened in this case; and the Tax Commissioner?s Office collects the
money based on the information that is provided to us from the Tax Assessor?s
Office.
She said as best as she can understand what Ms. Brown is referencing is
the value of the property itself. She said she is not going to try to explain
by any means, the process by which the Tax Assessor?s office does that; but she
can provide some general information in this regard. She said should the
questions get more complex, she would have to defer those questions to the Tax
Assessor?s office.
Ms. Huff then went into some details in outlining the situation, as she
understands it, with regards to the splitting of maps for the property in
question. After Ms. Huff provided the limited information that she had, the
Council requested additional information.
Councilor Henderson said he believes Tax Commissioner Huff did her job and
said he would like to see a chronology or explanation from the Tax Assessor?s
Office with regards to the property. He said we have been given a timeline, and
have been given a reason for the increase a splitting of maps and said he is
curious how in a year when we had a suppression of real estate values; how that
tax splitting, and if it did, in fact cause her taxes to increase 200%.
Discussion developed on this matter, with several members of the Council
expressing their views on this issue, after which Tax Commissioner Huff, as
well as Ms. Brown responded to questions of members of the Council.
Councilor Woodson said when this report comes back to the Council, let?s
make sure we identify what property Ms. Brown owns and the one her parents
owned. She also asked that we get some more clarification on the temporary
bill.
After some twenty minutes of discussion on this matter, City Manager
Hugley pointed out that he would get a chronology from Tax Assessor, Betty
Middleton and provide this information to the Council and we will ask Clerk of
Council Washington to list Ms. Brown on the Public Agenda at the next Council
meeting.
*** *** ***
MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: ELITE BASKETBALL PROGRAM, PARKS & RECREATION
INVESTIGATION AND 9 MILL
ROLLBACK:_________________________________________________
Mr. Paul Olson came forward and made comments regarding the employees?
retirement fund, which has the authority to request an investigation and/or
audits of departments. He also made comments about the audit that was performed
of the Parks & Recreation Department as well as the criminal investigation that
is being conducted by the Police Department against the Parks & Recreation
department. He also made comments regarding the 9-mill rollback.
City Manager Hugley responded to comments made by Mr. Olson, as well as
outlined the process that takes place when our external auditor comes to this
Council and gives you a report of their findings at the end of the fiscal year
each year.
He also cautioned Mr. Olson that we couldn?t allow him to come to this
Council and use the Public Agenda forum to campaign as Mayor; because we would
have to allow other candidates the appropriate time as well.
Mayor Wetherington pointed out that he called for the audit of the Parks
and Recreation Department and that the City Manager, as well as other members
of his staff had knowledge that this audit was being conducted.
He said he has asked our Internal Auditor, Mr. Redmond to provide to the
Council a copy of those 24 audits that he has performed.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said as it relates to the first 24 audits and
the additional audits that will be forth coming we need to follow the
requirements of the ordinance. She said the ordinance states that the Auditor
has to get together with the Mayor and Council to set the parameters and
guidelines of the audit and after the audit is completed, the auditor is
supposed to respond back to the Mayor and Council. She said we broke the law on
the last 24; however, we will not do that on the next 24 or whatever the number
is. Mayor Wetherington pointed out that Mr. Redmond understands that now and
he will report back to the Mayor and Council.
City Attorney Fay also went into some details as it relates to the Charter
and the authority that the Mayor and/or Council has with respect to an audit
and/or investigations.
*** *** ***
MS. KENDRA MESTETH, RE: HUMAN RESOURCES IN THE COLUMBUS AREA & STATE
AGENCIES: ______________________
Ms. Kendra Mesteth, who requested to be listed on today?s public agenda,
did not appear when given the opportunity to address the Council.
*** *** ***
REV. RICHARD A. JESSIE, REPRESENTING THE DRUG FAST 2010 CAMPAIGN, RE:
ANNOUNCING A NEW FAITH BASED SUBSTANCE & ALCOHOL ABUSE INTERVENTION AND
PREVENTION CAMPAIGN:___________________________________
Reverend Richard A. Jessie, 510 Fulton Avenue came forward and went into
some details and outlined a new program that he is championing to assist
individuals who have experienced with problems with alcohol & substance abuse.
He outlined several statistics with respect to the devastation that has
occurred in the lives of many of our citizens in this city, as well as our
nation. He said this program is assisted by the church; and said we are asking
people to take a break from their alcohol and drug use and abuse. He also
pointed out that he would be holding a news conference to officially launch the
program at 5:00 p.m. today on the Plaza level.
Reverend Jessie provided information to the Clerk of Council to be
forwarded to the members of Council regarding this campaign.
*** *** ***
SPEEDING:
Mayor Wetherington provided a report to the Council regarding the total
number of speeding citations, as well as other violations, to include seat belt
violations; and driving while driver?s licenses have been suspended; which was
written by police officers that were detailed on Wilder Drive, Wellborn Drive,
and Celia Drive.
Councilor Barnes said when we bring the traffic calming devices procedures
back to this Council we need to seriously look at revamping it.
He said it takes more than just the police officers out there writing tickets;
and said that we need to look at doing something else. He said there are great
concerns with the children walking to school on Wellborn Drive because there
are no sidewalks on that street. He said we really need to look at this program
and be more proactive than we have been because the statistics done lie.
-----------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
CITY MANATER'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FIVE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEYAND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTOIN OF A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCLOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGH TMEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH
COUNCILORS DAVIS AND HUNTER BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:____________________
A Resolution (194-10) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Full Size
Extended Length (EL) Body SUV 4x4 from Prater Ford Mercury (Calhoun, Georgia),
in the amount of $27,316.00. The Full Size Extended Length (EL) Body SUV 4x4
is a replacement unit. The Engineering Department will use the vehicle while
inspecting construction sites.
A Resolution (195-10) ? Authorizing the approval of the annual contract to
purchase playground mulch from Bliss Products and Services, Inc., for the
estimated contract value of $61,620.00. The playground mulch will be required
on an ?as needed basis? and will be used for protective surfacing and
playground equipment at various City parks. The term of the contract shall be
for two years, with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month
periods. Contract renewal will be contingent upon the mutual agreement of the
City and the Contractor.
A Resolution (196-10) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of
assorted paper and plastic products from Dade Paper Company, Southeastern Paper
Group, COPACO and Interboro Packing Corporation for the annual estimated
contract value of $174,398.30. The products will be purchased on an ?as
needed? basis, and will be used by various City Departments. The contract term
will be for two years with the option to renew for three additional
twelve-month periods. Renewal of the contract is contingent upon the mutual
agreement of the vendor and the City.
A Resolution (197-10) ? Authorizing the purchase of three (3) cab &
chassis for eductor trucks from Four Star Freightliner (Montgomery, AL), and
three (3) eductor bodies from Adams Equipment Company, Inc. (White Plains, GA).
The Rainwater Management Division will use the trucks
of the Public Services Department to clean and maintain the City?s storm sewer
system for flood control. One unit is a replacement unit. Two units are new.
Vendors could present a proposal on the Cab & Chassis, the Eductor Body, and/or
the complete unit.
A Resolution (198-10) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and
if approved accept a $28,500 grant from the James Madison University /Virginia
Clean Cities Coalition for the Department of Energy Propane Corridor
Development Grant Program via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 for labor for the vehicle propane conversion of 20 Muscogee County
Sheriff's Office vehicles.
*** *** ***
PARKS & RECREATION /CITY MANAGER?S RESPONSE TO THE AUDIT FINDINGS:
_______________________________________
City Manager Hugley said he has the response to the Parks & Recreation
Audit that was done over an 8-month period. He said he received that audit
report via email on May 17, 2010 and the last time we talked about this, he
expressed his concerns about the process and said his concerns remains. He said
he received the email that morning and had meetings back to back during the day
and didn?t get an opportunity to begin reading the document until that
afternoon. He said he read the first few pages of the executive summary that
afternoon while returning from a dental appointment at 4:30 p.m., he recalled a
telephone call from Chuck Williams from the Ledger Enquirer about the audit
report.
He said his concerns about the process is that the department manager did
not have an opportunity to respond to the audit findings and even before the
director received a copy of the audit findings, he was receiving a telephone
call from Mr. Chuck Williams of the Ledger Enquirer.
After City Manager Hugley expressed his concerns with the process, and
pointed out the numerous open records requests that has been submitted by the
Columbus Ledger Enquirer Newspaper; he then pointed out that the Director of
the Parks & Recreation Department, Tony Adams will not be present on this
morning and will not be responding to these audit findings; however, Deputy
City Manager Lisa Goodwin would be coming forward to present a response to each
of the findings in the audit report. He said it is going to take some time in
order to do that; however, he feels it is necessary to do.
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin then went into many details in responding
to the audit findings of the Parks & Recreation Department.
She used a power-point presentation in doing so.
The presentation took approximately two hours with Ms. Goodwin making the
presentation, and members of the Council expressing their views and comments,
after which Ms. Goodwin, as well as City Manager Hugley then responded to those
questions.
Members of the Council also requested additional information from the
staff, which are highlighted as referrals and will be responded to by the staff
in that manner.
------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &
COUNCIL:_________________________________________________
Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Employees? Pension Plan,
Board of Trustees.
Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Greater Columbus Golf
Authority.
Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: New Horizon Community Service
Board, Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases.
Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Valley Partnership Joint
Development Authority.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_________________________________
A Resolution (199-10) ? Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the June 1,
2010 Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Hunter and McDaniel
being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
NEW HORIZONS COMMUNITY SERVICE BOARD:
Clerk of Council provided a copy of an Official Appointment Form from New
Horizon Community Service Board, Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and
Addictive Diseases, in which they are requesting that Ms. Suzanne Goddard be
reappointed for another term of office. Councilor
Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Hunter and
McDaniel being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO TEMPORARY STREE CLOSING APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:___________________________________________________
Application of Deacon Marvin Smith to temporarily close 5th Avenue from
9th Street north to just past the church, on Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 10:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in connection with ?Family and Friends Youth Day Picnic?.
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from 9th
Street to 13th Street, on Friday, June 18, 2010 from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.,
Saturday, June 19, 2010, in connection with ?Miss Georgia Pajama Run?
pedestrian safety.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of these two applications. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Hunter and McDaniel being absent for this
vote.
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECIVED BY THE COUNCIL:_______________________________
Development Authority, May 6, 2010.
Family & Children Services Board, May 26, 2010.
Councilor Allen made a motion to receive the minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Hunter and
McDaniel being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWNG NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY
COUNCILOR HENDERSON:__________________________________
Petition submitted by the Planning Department to amend the text of the
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to allow existing buildings greater that
5,000 square feet under roof in an NC zone to be granted a special exception to
lift the 5,000 square feet use requirement as dictated by the NC zoning
district requirements. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory
Commission and the Planning Department.) (20-A-10-Planning Dept.)
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Lauren Mescon was
renominated on last week by Councilor Henderson and that she may now be
confirmed. Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Hunter and McDaniel being absent for this vote.
*** ***
BUILDING AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
Terry Ballard on the Building Authority of Columbus expired on March 24, 2010
and that he is eligible to succeed himself, but does not desire reappointment.
She said the Council would need to make a nomination for someone to fill this
expired term. There were no nominations made at this time.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. Charles Weaver expired on March 31, 2010 and that he is eligible to succeed
himself. Councilor Barnes nominated Ms. Lewis to succeed Mr. Weaver. Councilor
Henderson moved she be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote. She also pointed out that Mr.
Daniel Priban; Council District 9 representative cannot succeed himself, as
well as Mr. John Partin, Ms. Lula Arrington, and Mr. Eddie Roberts.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seats of Mr. Wane Hailes,
who served as Council District 4 and Ms. Wanda Jenkins, who served as Council
District 1representative have been declared vacant and said we need a new
nominee from these two Councilors.
*** *** ***
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr. Rob
Doll on the Housing Authority expired on April 30, 2010 and that he is eligible
to succeed himself for another term of office; however he does not desire to be
reappointed. She advised Mayor Wetherington that this is his appointment and he
needs to nominate someone for this seat.
*** *** ***
EMPLOYEES? PENSION PLAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Mr.
Roy Plummer, Mr. Morton Harris and Mr. Robert Spence on the Employees Pension
Boards of Trustees would expire on June 30, 2010 and hat they are eligible to
succeed themselves for another term of office and the Mayor is renominating
them and they can be confirmed. Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of council
present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business for the Council to discuss, Mayor
Wetherington then asked if there was anyone seated in the audience who had an
issue to discuss, they could come forward at this point.
Ms. Geraldine Hollis came forward to express her concerns with regards to
problems she has been experiencing with people throwing trash out in her yard.
*** *** ***
Ms. Ollie Tarver, 329 Mays Avenue came forward and thanked the Mayor &
Council for the great job that they do.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Attorney Fay to go into an executive
session, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Davis and
carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Allen, Anthony and McDaniel being absent for this vote. The regular
meeting was then adjourned, with the time being 2:35 p.m.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------
The regular session was called back to order at 2:52 p.m., at which time
Mayor Wetherington pointed out that the Council met in executive session, but
no votes were taken.
*** *** ***
With there being no additional business for the Council to discuss, Mayor
Wetherington then entertained a motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Anthony
and McDaniel being absent for this vote, with the time being 2:53 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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