MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 30, 2007
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:07 A.M., Tuesday, October 30, 2007, on the Plaza Level of the
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W.J. Wetherington, Mayor,
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other that Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors, Councilors R. Gary Allen Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry
?Pops? Barnes, Glenn Davis, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Skip Henderson, Charles E.
McDaniel, Jr., 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.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Ashley Randall, St. Mark United Methodist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the students of Benning Hills Elementary School.
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MAYOR?S COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AWARENESS
MONTH:_______________________________________
With Ms. Mitzi Oxford, Chairperson of the Mayor?s Committee for Persons
with Disabilities came forward and gave an Overview of Mayor?s Committee for
Persons with Disabilities; Disability Awareness Month; as well as recognized
the of winners of the Disability Awareness Art Contest; recognition of Columbus
Career Center, Georgia Department of Labor, and Columbus Public Library for
their support.
Ms. Oxford recognized those who were present with her, to include Ms. Joy
Norman, Mr. Ron Frazier, and Ms. Susanne Barnes.
She then presented an award to the Columbu7s Library for being the host of
their Third Annual ADA Workshop and Job Fair. She said not only did they host
this meeting for them, but frequently hosts their board meetings, executive
advisory boards, as well as the general public.
Ms. Oxford also recognized Vocational Rehabilitation Services, who assists
in helping to organize and getting people with disabilities in terms of
employment within this community. She said they could not do the ADA Workshop
and Job Fair were it not for the support of the Columbus Career Center of the
Georgia Department of Labor.
She then recognized the presence of Ms. Jamie Lloyd, Mr. Walt Pollock, Ms.
Debbie Wellborn and Mr. Jim Hunsinger, and all the other personnel at the
Columbus Career Center. She also recognized the Art Teachers, as well as the
winners of the Art Contest.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?RETIRED EDUCATORS DAY?:
With Ms. Edna J. Hagan and several others standing at the Council table,
Councilor Baker read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming
November 4, 2007 as ?Retired Educators Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
COUNCILOR HUNTER AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:______________________________________________________
A Resolution (455-07) ? Commending Seattle Seahawk Mack Strong upon his
successful fifteen years as a professional football player. Councilor Hunter
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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SOUTH COLUMBUS CONCERNED CITIZENS:
Councilor Woodson said the South Columbus Concerned Citizens wanted this
Council to know that when they meet for their monthly meeting, they voted in
favor of the TAD. She said they wanted you to know that they are 100% in
support of you and thinks that it will be a great asset for South Columbus.
She said the Columbus South Revitalization Executive Board will be bringing
a resolution of support to their board and they also want to thank you for the
vision in seeing this. She said with the TAD and its passage, it would be a
great tool for South Columbus and they are hopeful that the other citizens can
see this as well and we can take away the dividing line between north and south
with the new revitalization.
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HEALTH FAIR:
Councilor Woodson son two weeks ago there was a health fair in the
Hispanic community and on Tuesday, at the third hour it was brought to her
attention of an issue that occurred and said that Councilor Barnes and Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh had advised her to contact some individuals to assist in
this health fair. She said in the process of assisting them she learned of a
very important topic that she thinks everyone in our community needs to know.
She said when you request the community healthcare mobile to come to a health
fair, you need to let Ms. Sandra Rodriguez what your intent is. She said the
community mobile van doesn?t have staffing, as it is done by grants. She said
if a community wants to do a health fair and would like to have the van to come
to their facility, they must check to ensure there is funding. She said they
can provide the van, but what good would the van be if you don?t have the
medical assistance that you need.
She said she would like to give kudos to St. Francis Hospital and the
Medical Center; because she called them on Thursday afternoon and requested
some assistance. She said she told them what her plight was and they provided
as much assistance that they needed.
Councilor Woodson said we have great volunteers and citizens in our
community. She said she would like to thank St. Francis, as well as the Medical
Center and asked the City Attorney to prepare a resolution thanking them for
their assistance.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the July 17 & 24, 2007 Council Meetings
of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were
submitted and approved unanimously upon the adoption of a motion made by
Councilor Henderson and seconded by Councilor Allen, which carried unanimously
by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
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An Ordinance ? Authorizing the reclassification of one Election
Coordinator to the new Class Title Assistant Director of Elections and
Registration in the Columbus Consolidated Government Position Classification
Plan.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED AND AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF DISCUSSION INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING: ___________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Providing penalties for violations of any watering ban
issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources or Environmental
Protection Division affecting Columbus, Georgia; and for other purposes.
City Attorney Fay said there are several drafts around the Council table;
however, Draft #1 is the ordinance that is officially listed on the Agenda. He
said Draft #3 has language that is proposed by the City Manager, which the
Council might want to go ahead and put in the ordinance by amendment.
Councilor Henderson then gave a chronology of events and how this
ordinance was brought forth to the Council. He said since we talked about this
subject a week ago, several residents had contacted him; and he knows that some
of the other Council members have heard from residents as well, who were
concerned with people who were not complying with the water ban. He said he
then asked the City Attorney to check into what authority and latitude we had
to put some kind of teeth into it, to try to encourage compliance.
Discussion then developed on this ordinance, with members of the Council
expressing their views on this subject, with City Attorney Fay responding to
questions of members of the Council and the Mayor.
Mr. Billy Tante of the Columbus Water Works also appeared before the
Council and made a presentation on this issue, as well as responded to several
members of the Council.
After continued discussion on this subject, several members of the Council
then asked for additional information with respect to this subject.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
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An Ordinance ? Amending Ordinance 07-30 by changing the criteria for
paramedics to receive emergency service certification pay in the amount of
$2600 annually, retroactive to July 1, 2006; and for other purposes.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND LISTED BELOW
IS THE SUBJECT MATTER IN WHICH THEY APPEARED TO
DISCUSS:___________________________________
Mr. Sergio & Mrs. Diana Schwaris, Re: A request of waiver for
penalties and interest on property tax.
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Mr. Edward Dubose, representing Georgia State Conference NAACP,
Re: Kenneth Walker case and the Department of Fire & EMS.
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Mr. Jim Rhodes, Re: TAD, (2) Veterans Issues and (3) Funds for
indigent defense.
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Mr. Paul Olson, Re: (1) Affidavit pertaining to L.O.S.T (2) Local
Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T) referendum and (3) Landfill debt collection
service.
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Mr. Bert Coker, Re: (1) Building Authority bonds and (2) SPLOST.
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Mr. William Madison, Re: Jail overcrowding and (2) five minutes
Public Agenda rule.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BARNES, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SIX MEMBERS OF COUNCIL STILL PRESENT WITH COUNCILORS
ALLEN, ANTHONY, MCDANIEL AND WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:
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A Resolution (456-07) ? Approving the annual contract for the provision of
inspection services for rehabilitative housing from Home Inspections on an ? as
needed basis?. Home Inspections will provide professional inspection services
for rehabilitative housing including single and multi-family structures and
commercial rehabilitation. Primarily, the Department of Community Reinvestment
will utilize these services; however, other City departments may utilize such
services as required. The inspector shall provide all necessary labor,
supervision and materials required to perform thorough inspections of
structures, which may be potential candidates for rehabilitation. Inspection
services shall include the following: Thoroughly inspect each structure, at the
request of the City, to determine if the structure is a viable candidate for
rehabilitation. Prepare inspection report, which fully details the Inspector?s
recommendation to rehabilitate structure or not to rehabilitate structure.
Prepare work write up and specifications for rehabilitation. Develop a scope
and cost estimates for rehabilitation process. Monitor progress of contractor
(s) during the rehabilitation process.
Oversight of all residential programs new/rehabilitative projects. Inspection
of rental units assisted under the City?s HOME program.
The term of this contract shall be for two years with an option to renew
for three additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be contingent
upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
A Resolution (457-07) ? Approving the annual contract for the purchase of
xerographic bond plotter paper from Point of Sale Supply, and ink cartridges
from Ribbons Express, Inc., for the estimated annual contract amount of
$3,750.50. The supplies will be purchased on an ?as needed basis?, by the
Engineering Department, GIS Division. The supplies will be used to produce
maps and graphics for the public and various city departments, to include but
not limited to, Engineering, Tax Assessor's, Planning, Community Reinvestment,
Fire/EMS, Police and Public Services. The contract term shall be for one year,
with the option to renew for two (2) additional twelve-month periods, if
agreeable to both parties.
A Resolution (458-07) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with
Holley Construction Company and Associates, Inc., to provide construction
management services for repairs to the Historic Train Depot, in which the
Chamber of Commerce is located. The building requires roof repairs, carpeting,
carpentry items, basement leak repairs, ceiling tile repairs, and other
interior and exterior repairs.
A Resolution (459-07) ? Authorizing the approval of the annual contract
for the purchase of fire hose from First Choice Fire & Safety, LLC, on an ?as
needed basis?, for the estimated contract value of $36,270.00. The contract
will provide fire fighters with fire hose to be used during structural fire
fighting. The contract term shall be for two years, with the option to renew
for three additional twelve-month periods, contingent upon the mutual agreement
of the City and the Contractor.
A Resolution (460-07) ? Authorizing the execution of an annual contract
with Columbus Basketball Official Association to provide officiating services
for the estimated contract value of $33,025.00. Officiating Services are
required for the following activities: Adult Basketball, GRPA District and
State Tournaments, Midnight Basketball, Columbus Youth Basketball, Innovative
Sports Development Basketball, Percy Griffin Basketball and the Freshman
Holiday Basketball Tournaments. The vendor will provide a minimum of two (2)
officiators, per game, for Adult Basketball, GRPA District and State
Tournaments, Columbus Youth Basketball, Innovative Sports Development
Basketball and Percy Griffin Basketball League. Three (3) officiators, per
game, are required for Midnight Basketball and the Freshman Holiday Basketball
Tournaments.
There will be approximately 695 basketball events at City recreation
centers, for the 2007 - 2008 seasons. The officiating services will be
provided in accordance with the Georgia High School Association (GHSA)
regulation guidelines.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTTED AS INFORMATION BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON: _____________________________
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Convention and Trade
Center Authority.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLANIED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
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A Resolution (461-07) ? Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the October
23, 2007 Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously
by those six members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen,
Anthony, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for this vote.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS,
WHICH WERE OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
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Airport Commission, September 26, 2007.
Board of Health, September 26, 2007.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 38-07.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 39-07.
Building Contractor?s Examining Board, September 6, 2007.
Convention & Visitors Bureau, September 19, 2007.
Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, October 9, 2007.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those six members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Anthony, McDaniel and
Woodson being absent for this vote.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terns of office of
Dr. Patrice Holt, Ms. Jeannie McKee, and Ms. Gail Simpson on the Animal Control
Advisory Board expired on October 15, 2007 and that they are eligible to
succeed themselves. She said Dr. Holt represents the Veterinarian?s Association
and must be a licensed veterinarian participating in the City?s One-Stop pet
registration program. She said Ms. McKee and Ms. Simpson both serves in an
at-large position.
Councilor Allen nominated Ms. McKee and Ms. Simpson to succeed themselves
for another term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring these nominations back on
next week for the Council?s confirmation.
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PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. Daniel Williams, District One, Mr. James Wilson, District Five,
Ms. Margaret Shafer, District Seven, Mr. Archie Rainey, District Nine will
expire on October 31, 2007, but they are all eligible to succeed themselves for
another term of office.
She further pointed out that Ms. Cheryl Gallatin, who represents District
Ten is no longer a resident of Muscogee County; therefore, we will need someone
else to fill this position.
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YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Woodson is
nominating Darren McCray as her District 7 representative on the Youth Advisory
Council and said that he may be confirmed. Councilor Henderson so moved.
Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those six members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Anthony, McDaniel and
Woodson being absent for this vote.
She said we are still working on a representative for Council District 8.
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With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Wetherington then asked if there was anyone who was not listed on the agenda,
but had an issue that they wanted to bring before the Council could be heard at
this time.
Mr. C. A. Hardmon, (Brother Love) then came forward and made comments
regarding a Citizens Review Board to deal with issues within the Columbus
Police Department, as well as other Public Safety Departments. He also made
comments with respect to Kenneth Walker?s death.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Henderson
and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present at the time,
with Councilors Allen, Anthony, McDaniel and Woodson being absent for this
vote, with the time being 12:50 a.m.
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Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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