MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 28, 2012
The regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, February 28, 2012, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson,
Bruce Huff and Judy W. Thomas. Councilor Evelyn Woodson arrived at 5:40 p.m.
Councilor Jerry ?Pops? Barnes arrived at 5:50 p.m. City Manager Isaiah Hugley,
City Attorney Clifton Fay and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also
present.
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ABSENT: Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. was absent. Clerk of Council Tiny
B. Washington was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. Bernard Jackson- Pastor of St. James AME Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Martin Luther King Elementary School.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the February 14, 2012 and February 21, 2012 Meetings of
the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted
and approved upon the adoption of a single motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh and seconded by Councilor Allen, which carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present with Councilor Barnes having not yet arrived and
Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL ON
SECOND
READING:
An Ordinance (12-7) - Property located at 2408 Fort Benning Road is
proposed for rezoning from RO (Residential Office) to NC (Neighborhood
Commercial) zoning district. (1-CA-12-Voorhees Properties LLC/Worthington) The
proposed use is general retail sales establishment. Councilor Woodson moved
its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen, which carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present with Councilor Barnes having not yet arrived
and Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR ORDINANCES AMENDING THE BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
2012 BEGINNING JULY 1, 2011 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2012, FOR CERTAIN FUNDS OF THE
CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING UPON A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON
THAT CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR BARNES
BEING ABSENT FOR THE VOTE AND COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
An Ordinance (12-8) - Amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2012
beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; appropriating amounts shown in
each fund for purchase order carryovers and other activities; and for other
purposes.
An Ordinance (12-9) - Amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2012
Beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in
each fund for Demolitions; and for other purposes.
An Ordinance (12-10) - Amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2012
beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012 for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in
each fund for Public Safety Integrated Records Management System; and for other
purposes.
An Ordinance (12-11) - Amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2012
beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012 for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in
each fund for Capital; and for other purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2012
BEGINNING JULY 1, 2011 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2012, FOR CERTAIN FUNDS OF THE
CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL:
An ordinance - Amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2012 beginning
July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012 for certain funds of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in each fund for
Pay Adjustment; and for other purposes.
After making some comments with regards to the funding of the pay increase
coming from the transfer of interest that had accumulated on some monies from
capital purchases, Councilor Henderson suggested this matter be addressed
during the budget sessions. Councilor Henderson then made a motion to defeat
the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Baker.
Finance Director Pam Hodge came forward to respond to questions from Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh about the funding source for the pay adjustment. She
recalled that there was an increase of approximately $2 million from the sales
tax that was not expected and asked why that could not be the revenue source,
at which time, Finance Director Hodge explained that could be the funding
source for the pay adjustment, as well as, the $2 million that we would
project, but that is a projection. If we continue the trend that we are seeing
through the six months of the fiscal year; that would also be a revenue source
that we could use for this pay adjustment, but the decision was made to use
revenue that we already have on hand and not based on a projection.
Mayor Tomlinson reminded everyone that we are dramatically behind in the
pay plan at approximately 95.5%; therefore, the thought was to give the
employees another .5% to at least give them a full 1%.
There was continued discussion and various suggestions on this matter with
Councilor Henderson then making a substitute motion to delay the .5% pay
increase ordinance until budget session time. Seconded by Councilor Woodson
and carried by a vote of eight to one with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh voting no
and all other eight members present voting yes: Councilors Allen, Baker,
Barnes, Davis, Henderson, Huff, Thomas and Woodson with Councilor McDaniel
being absent for this meeting.
City Attorney Fay advised that the ordinance is delayed and tabled until
budget time.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AS ADVERTISED AND WAS AMENDED BY THE
COUNCIL:
An Ordinance - Amending Ordinance No. 11-61 to further define the
membership of the Civic Center Advisory Board; and for other purposes.
Councilor Henderson pointed out that after speaking with Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh, it was determined there could be a conflict if the President of
the Hockey Association, Inc. is not a resident of Muscogee County. He then
offered the following amendment: The seat shall be reserved for the president
of the Hockey Association; unless, said president lives outside of Muscogee
County then a designee would be named who is a resident of Muscogee County.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval of the amendment. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members present with
Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AS ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance - Amending Chapter 16B of the Columbus Code to revise the
employment requirements, probationary employment period, performance evaluation
policy, and for other purposes.
Councilor Huff made some brief comments in reference to the ordinance with
Councilor Thomas expounding on those comments and explaining in detail some of
the proposed changes. She said there is some clean up language. The following
changes were then highlighted with regards to: The hiring of felons, the
executive committee, consistency with age discrimination laws, probationary
periods, performance evaluations, the confidentiality of employee files and the
deletion of Section 16B-9-7. Public Safety Pay-For-Performance.
Councilor Davis requested to have the Human Resources Director to provide
an update on the administration of the policy and the system that would be used
for the performance evaluation once it has been put into place and
functioning.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested that the City Attorney?s staff get
with the Human Resources Department to ensure that all information related to
Personnel Review Board hearings is provided to the Personnel Review Board;
therefore, the Personnel Review Board members would have the same information
that is received by the Council if the Council is being requested to overturn a
Personnel Review Board decision.
Councilor Huff, along with City Manager Hugley, responded to questions
from Mr. Paul Olson, who came forward to ask questions with regards to the
ramifications if there is noncompliance and who has the oversight function.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (41-12) - Asking the local Congressional Delegation to
encourage the General Services Administration to return the Columbus-Muscogee
County, Georgia lodging per diem to $91.00 a day. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present with Councilor McDaniel being absent for
this meeting.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay requested an executive session to discuss personnel
matters.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
JUDGE MICHAEL CIELINSKI, REPRESENTING RECORDER?S COURT, RE: COLLECTION OF
FINES:
Judge Michael Cielinski, Senior Recorder?s Court Judge, came forward to
make comments regarding the payment of fines and the need for an online payment
system, as well as, some innovative ways that other counties and cities are
addressing the nonpayment of court fines and fees.
Councilor Thomas requested that staff research not only Recorder?s Court
but other fees and monies that we take in through this government to find out
what would it take to receive payments online and what type of system would be
needed to be able to provide this service to the citizens in the most
inexpensive way.
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MR. ERIC FOWLER & MR. JOHN CARDONA, REPRESENTING MILLER-MOTT TECHNICAL
COLLEGE, RE: INFORMATION ON MILLER-MOTT TECHNICAL COLLEGE:
Mr. Brian Bushong, Campus Director at Miller-Mott Technical College, came
forward to provide some information on Miller-Mott Technical College and the
classes the college offers its students. Mr. Eric Fowler, made comments with
regards to career placement.
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MR. MANUEL WHITFIELD, RE: FALSE
ARREST:
Mr. Manuel Whitfield, approached the rostrum to request written permission
from the Mayor to be able to preach on the streets of Columbus. He spoke of a
previous arrest while he was preaching, which he believes is his right to do.
Mayor Tomlinson spoke of the incident and that Mr. Whitfield should have
no further problems with being arrested for preaching on the streets.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: CIVIC CENTER, INTERNAL AUDITOR, WOODSIDE APARTMENTS,
MEDICAL CENTER AUTHORITY AND SPRING HARBOR:
Mr. Paul Olson, came forward to make comments on the purchase last year of
the Woodside Apartments located on Victory Drive, as well as, the demolition
cost and the monies spent to purchase the property. He also made reference to
the Medical Center Authority with regards to Spring Harbor. In conclusion, he
spoke of the audit that is to be conducted on every city board, authority and
commission.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (42-12) - Authorizing a request for the approval of the
attached Holiday Schedule for the FY2013 Budget Year. It is recommended that
Monday, December 24, 2012, be designated as the floating holiday. Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent
for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution - Authorizing a request to execute an Agreement with
Community Action for Improvement, Inc. (CAFI) for an amount not to exceed
$400,000 to administer the Weatherization Program.
Planning Department Director Mr. Rick Jones approached the rostrum to
respond to questions from Councilor Thomas with regards to the amount to be
expended. He said that we were directed by the Department of Energy with
regards to the work to be done, the budget and cost; it has been reviewed by
the DOE. He pointed out that with some of these homes, the cost may exceed the
$6,500 per home. Community Action for Improvement, Inc. Director Mr. Anderson
, came forward to respond to various questions relating to the federal grant
and provided some information on the Community Action for Improvement, Inc. and
the type of work this group performs. City Manager Hugley suggested delaying
this matter to provide a more detailed breakdown of the budget.
Councilor Henderson suggested that in the future as it relates to
submitting grants of this amount, the Administration should provide information
that outlines what amount would be earmarked for administrative cost.
Councilor Davis requested to have the Administration include the labor
cost involved with this agreement for weatherization through the Community
Action for Improvement, Inc. (CAFI).
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested to have the administration bring this
information back to the Council during a work session and provide a detailed
breakdown of what the $400,000 would be expended on.
Mayor Tomlinson requested to have the staff to provide information as to
why the Department of Energy has determined that it is a good idea to
weatherize renter?s property. The concern is that federal money is being used
for commercial purposes.
After discussion had concluded on this matter, Councilor Henderson then
made a motion for approval. Seconded by Councilor Huff, which resulted in an
inconclusive vote for action with Councilors Allen, Baker, Henderson, Huff and
Woodson voting yes and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Barnes, Davis
and Thomas voting no and Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (43-12) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and,
if approved, accept funds from the Corporation for National and Community
Service for the RSVP program in the amount of $27,000 with a $10,000 in-kind
service match. Councilor Thomas moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Allen
and carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor McDaniel
being absent for this meeting.
A Resolution (44-12) - Authorizing a request to execute an agreement with
the Society of Municipal Arborists to participate in an Internship Program for
ten (10) weeks, beginning May 21, 2012 and ending approximately on July 27,
2012. This intern will work in the Public Services Department - Landscape and
Forestry Division. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval. Seconded by
Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those eight members present with
Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote and Councilor McDaniel being absent
for this meeting.
A Resolution (45-12) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and,
if approved, accept funds from Columbus State University Department of
Continuing Education - Century Community Learning Centers up to $500,000 for
the year 2012. This program will offer an after school arts based enrichment
program that offers tutoring and mentoring to students in an after school
setting. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Huff
and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilor Woodson
being absent for the vote and with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this
meeting.
A Resolution (46-12) - Authorizing a request to execute an
Intergovernmental Agreement with the Columbus Airport to participate as a
partner in the use of the Columbus Regional 800 Megahertz Radio System and to
insure radio interoperability between agencies. Councilor Henderson moved
approval. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight
members present with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote and with
Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
A Resolution (47-12) - Authorizing a request for the acceptance of a
gazebo donated for the Fall Line Trace - Psalmond Road entrance by an anonymous
donor. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved approval. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor
McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR
PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HUFF, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (48-12) - Authorizing execution of a construction contract
with cline service corporation, inc., in the amount of $207,500.00 for painting
and repairs to the pedestrian bridges located over South Lumpkin Road and Buena
Vista Road.
A Resolution (49-12) - Authorizing payment to IBM Corporation, in the
amount of $88,902.84, for the lotus notes annual license renewal.
A Resolution (50-12) - Authorizing an annual contract with AT&T for long
distance telephone services.
A Resolution (51-12) - Authorizing the purchase of landscape material, on
an ?as needed? basis, from Top Quality Straw, Inc., for the estimated annual
contract value of $49,750.00.
A Resolution (52-12) - Authorizing the declaration of a one man pothole
patch truck as surplus equipment, in accordance with section 7-501 of the
Charter of Columbus Consolidated Government; and also authorize the sale of the
equipment, either, to another municipality, through the receipt of formal bids,
or by auction.
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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
After City Manager Hugley responded to questions from Councilor Thomas.
The following purchasing resolution was voted on. Councilor Thomas moved
approval. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine
members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
A Resolution (53-12) - Authorizing execution of a construction contract
with Southeastern Site Development, Inc., in the amount of $1,291,777.95 for
stream bank stabilization of the Chattahoochee Riverwalk.
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CELEBRATION OF LIFE MEMORIAL:
City Manager Hugley announced the Celebration of Life Memorial to pay
tribute to the active and retired Columbus Consolidated Government employees
who passed away in the year 2011. The event would be held on March 13, 2012,
from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., on the Plaza Level of the Government Center.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &
COUNCIL:
Biographical Sketch of Ms. Anne M. Wright, a potential nominee to replace
Ms. Elizabeth Dreelin on the Tree Board.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (54-12) - Receiving and approving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcohol beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of January 2012. Councilor Thomas moved approval. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members present with
Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
Animal Control Advisory Board, January 31, 2012.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 05-12 & 06-12.
Civic Center Advisory Board, February 16, 2012.
Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, January 18, 2012.
Family & Children Services, January 11, 2012.
Land Bank Authority, November 2, 2011 & December 7, 2011.
Land Bank Authority, January 4, 2012.
Personnel Review Board, January 18, 2012.
Retirees? Health Benefits Committee, November 9, 2011.
Uptown Facade Board, January 17, 2012.
Councilor Woodson moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent
from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON NEW ZONING PETITION TO AMEND THE ZONING ATLAS OF
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS SUBMITED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND AN
ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILORHENDERSON:
Petition submitted by Foresite Group, Inc./ George W. Mize, Jr., to rezone
1.472 acres of property located at 5445 and 5447 Forrest Road from NC
(Neighborhood Commercial) to GC (General Commercial) district. (Recommended
for Conditional Approval by the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning
Department.) (4-CA-12-Foresite Group, Inc./Mize, Jr.)
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis also advised that Ms. Virginia Peebles is
not eligible to succeed herself; therefore a nominee is needed to fill this
position. There were none.
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NOTE: See Below the further action on this board appointment.
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BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Ray Brinegar, III and Mr.
Tom Moore are both eligible to succeed themselves for another term of office
and have expressed an interest in serving another term; however, Mr. Perry
Borom, Jr. is not eligible for reappointment. Councilor Henderson nominated
both Mr. Brinegar and Mr. Moore.
She pointed out that the two nominees would be listed again for the next
meeting for confirmation.
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BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Paula Johnson has expressed
an interest in serving another term and was nominated by Councilor Henderson at
the last meeting; however, the Clerk?s Office has been unable to get in contact
with Mr. Fox. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved confirmation of Ms. Johnson.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members
present with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
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CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis also advised that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
is nominating Abdur Hassan to replace Mr. Reginald Thompson and Councilor
Henderson had nominated Mr. Gordon Peter at the last meeting. Councilor
Woodson moved confirmation of both nominees. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor McDaniel being
absent for this meeting.
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COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Daphne Dove-Pierce is not
eligible to serve another term and the Mayor has a nominee. Mayor Tomlinson
then nominated Mr. Vincent Sneed to replace Ms. Dove-Pierce. Councilor
Henderson moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent
for this meeting.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised Councilor Woodson that Ms. Andrea
Franklin has expressed an interest in serving another term of office.
Councilor Woodson then renominated Ms. Franklin. Councilor Henderson moved
confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those nine members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this
meeting.
Councilor Baker asked Deputy Clerk of Council Davis to contact Mr. Chuck
H. McDaniel, III to find out if he is interested in serving another term of
office as the District Five representative.
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis stated that we still need a nominee for
Council District 6. No nominee was suggested at this time.
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COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that we still need a nominee for
the position of Ms. Joan Cheves; she cannot succeed herself. She then advised
that Councilor Baker is nominating Ms. Mattie Washington and this nomination
would be listed at the next regular meeting for confirmation.
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CRIME PREVENTION BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Maj. Julius Graham is eligible
to serve another term of office; this is the mayor?s appointment. There was no
nomination made at this time.
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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that Mr. Arthur L. Smith, III
has resigned from his position on this board; this is the Council?s
appointment. There were none.
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PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis noted that Mr. Walter Calhoun, Mr. Glen
Heinzelman and Mr. Ralph King are all eligible to serve another term of
office. Mr. Calhoun and Mr. King have been contacted by the Clerk?s Office and
both have expressed an interest in serving another term. Councilor Barnes then
renominated Mr. Calhoun and Mr. King. Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised
that the nominations would be listed at the next regular meeting for
confirmation.
Deputy Clerk of Council advised that Mr. Ronny Smith has resigned from
his position on the Planning Advisory Commission. No nominations were made at
this time.
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RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised Councilor Davis that Dr. Robert
Johnson has been contacted and expressed an interest in serving another term of
office. Councilor Davis then renominated Dr. Johnson. Councilor Henderson
moved confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent
for this meeting.
She also noted that the seat of Mr. Willie Phillips- Council District
Seven representative is vacant. No nominations were made.
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REGION SIX DBHDD REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the seats of Mr. Albert Sanders
and Ms. Mary Myles are vacant; therefore a nominee is needed to fill each seat.
Councilor Allen nominated Mr. Frank Dunford. Deputy Clerk of Council Davis
advised that the nomination would be listed at the next regular meeting for
confirmation.
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TREE BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
previously nominated Mr. William Consoletti to replace Ms. Gloria Battle; he
may be confirmed. Councilor Woodson moved confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members present with
Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh is
nominating Ms. Anne M. Wright to replace Ms. Elizabeth Dreelin; the nomination
would be listed at the next regular meeting for confirmation.
She also advised that the seat of Ms. Claudya Muller remains vacant. No
nominee was suggested at this time.
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BOARD OF HONOR:
Councilor Barnes forwarded a request for an honorary name change for Cedar
Avenue to WOKS Avenue. He then made a motion that it be forwarded to the Board
of Honor. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those nine members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this
meeting.
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BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
Councilor Thomas asked to go back to the Board of Historic & Architectural
Review, because she has a nominee. Councilor Thomas then nominated Mr. Steve
Gunby to replace Ms. Virginia Peebles. Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised
that the nomination would be listed at the next regular meeting for
confirmation.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Tomlinson called attention to the earlier request to go into
executive session to discuss personnel matters. Councilor Allen moved to go
into executive session to discuss personnel matters. Seconded by Councilor
Baker.
Mr. Michael Owen from the Ledger-Enquirer approached the rostrum to ask if
the executive session has anything to do with Marcel Richard and the ice rink,
at which time, City Attorney Fay noted that we cannot comment on that
publicly. Mr. Owens then asked if this topic would qualify for an executive
session under the open meetings act if the Council would be discussing a former
employee.
After City Attorney Fay advised that a personnel matter consists of
disciplinary action, dismissal of employees or termination; then, the Council
could meet in executive session.
Mayor Tomlinson requested to have the staff research and provide
information with regards to the Council convening an executive session to
discuss former employees and provide clarification on legal matters for the
media.
The motion to go into executive session then carried unanimously by those
nine members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
At 7:43 p.m., the Council adjourned its regular meeting to go into
executive session. At 8:30 p.m., the regular meeting was reconvened and Mayor
Tomlinson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss
personnel matters, but no votes were taken.
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2012 RISING STARS:
Councilor Barnes noted that the Muscogee County Sheriff?s Office would be
honoring the winner of the 2012 Rising Stars on Friday, March 2, 2012, on the
Plaza Level of the Government Center at 12:00 noon.
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COLUMBUS HOSPICE:
Councilor Barnes thanked all of the ladies that showed up for the Columbus
Hospice Purse Modeling to benefit the Hospice patients.
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CLEAN UP PROJECT:
Councilor Barnes also thanked Deputy City Manager Goodwin with regards to
a clean up project in his district.
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RAILROAD CROSSING:
Councilor Huff requested that staff check the railroad crossing coming
from Brennan Road going into Holy Hills, because some of the spikes are lifting
up and becoming a dangerous situation for motorist.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Henderson made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent
for the vote with the time being 12:53 p.m.
Sandra T. Davis, CDMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
Council of Columbus, Georgia
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