MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 16, 2007
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:02 A.M., Tuesday, October 16, 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 Turner Pugh
were Councilors 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. Councilor R. Gary Allen took his seat at 9:10 A.M. and Mayor Pro Tem
Evelyn Turner Pugh took her seat at 9:15 A.M.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Dr. Tom Stephenson of Central Christian Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Central Christian Church Preschool and their
teachers Melissa Thomas and Jeanette Taylor.
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JUVENILE DRUG COURT:
Councilor Barnes said he would like to take a moment of special privilege
and request that Mr. Steve Melton and Ms. Mary Bode from the Drug Court speak
before Council.
Mr. Steve Melton, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Juvenile and Drug
Court said he is here on behalf of Mary Bode our Executive Director, other
members of our board, support group, and staff. He said this is a wonderful
program and the kindness with funding extended to us by Council was very
helpful in up-keeping this program. We are trying to look at other sources of
funding to include the community, and we just wanted you to know how much we
appreciate your support and we look forward to your continued support in making
a difference in these children?s lives.
Ms. Mary Bode said she would like to announce that we are having our fall
graduation on October 30, 2007 at 4:00 P.M. at the Plaza. You (Council) will
all be getting invitations. She said we have five participants who will be
graduating and we are all so proud of them. I would like to give you an
overview of our statistics to date. Since the inception in 2000, we have 435
adolescence participating in the program; effective as of this month, we have
202 graduates from the program, which means that 47% have successfully
completed the program and graduated. The average length of stay is nine months
and we currently have 51 participants in the program. The main age is 15
(although we do sometimes accept 12 year olds) to 17 years old. Regarding
recidivism and delinquency we reduced that substantially. She said we track 190
graduates of which 28 re-offended. Regarding education, we also substantially
re-engage the children in the education process ? 40% were in regular schools,
40% in alternative schools and 16 % were not attending school at all. She said
after graduation, and completion of the program, 76% were in regular mainstream
educational programs, 5% in alternative, and 1% not in any school. We currently
still have 8% recidivism rate as far as drug usage after completion of the
program.
Mayor Wetherington then thanked Mr. Melton and Ms. Bode for what they are
doing in this worthwhile program.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?FRANK LUMPKIN DAY?:
With Judge Julia Lumpkin (daughter of Frank Lumpkin) present and standing
at the podium, Councilor McDaniel read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington
proclaiming October 16, 2007 as ?Frank Lumpkin Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
Mayor Wetherington said he had a special relationship with Mr. Frank
Lumpkin, when he was Chief of Police and the years prior to that. He was a
unique individual. He would share with you what he thought; he wasn?t bashful
in any sort of way. He was a great citizen in Columbus and the State of
Georgia. We miss him and he was the type of individual that if he liked you, he
would do anything for you. He said he just wanted to express to Judge Lumpkin
how much he appreciates her dad.
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, AS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WAS THEN
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_____
A Resolution (446-07) Acceptance of Weracobra Creek: Authorization is
requested for the acceptance of a deed to that part of Weracobra Creek, banks
and adjoining property lying immediately to the north of Lakebottom Park
bordered on the South by Garrard Street, on the East by Cherokee Avenue, on the
West by lands owned by the City and extending North approximately 440 feet from
Frank G. Lumpkin, III and Julia Wilcox Lumpkin. Councilor Henderson moved the
acceptance. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
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NOTE: The City Manager?s Agenda is continued below.
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?NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK?:
With representatives of the National School Lunch Program present and
standing before Council, Councilor Anthony read the proclamation of Mayor
Wetherington proclaiming October 13 ? October 19, 2007 as ?School Lunch Week?
in Columbus, Georgia.
Mr. Larry Davis, President of Muscogee County School Nutrition Association
introduced other members of the organization and other Muscogee County School
personnel. He said he proudly accepts this proclamation and then made some
comments regarding the association. He said The Muscogee County School
Nutrition Association is comprised of professionals who are responsible for
preparation and delivery of meals to students, staff and visitors of the school
nutrition program. Our mission is to advance the availability, quality, and
acceptance of the school nutrition program as an equally important part of
education. On October 9, 1962, Congress of the United States adopted a
resolution designating the week beginning the second Sunday of October each
year as National School Lunch Week. This past Friday, October 12, 2007,
President Bush also signed a proclamation designating this week as School Lunch
Week. We would like to take this special opportunity to recognize all the food
service professionals, school officials, and parents? for their dedicated
efforts to provide healthy food to Muscogee County children. By learning to eat
well, children can avoid food problems that can lead to long-term health
problems.
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?CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY READ MONTH?:
With Mr. Henry McCoy, Program Coordinator of Chattahoochee Valley Read
present and standing before Council, Councilor Henderson read the proclamation
of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming the month of October 2007 as ? ?The Big Read?
? Chattahoochee Valley Reads ? To Kill a Mocking Bird?.
Mr. McCoy said he would like to thank the Mayor and members of Council for
this great opportunity and this great honor. He said he is here also with Ms.
Wanda Edwards our community relations? librarian. This program began to address
the decline in the reading of literature by all segments of American culture
and the study has also proven that the more you read, the more you are involve
in your community; the better your lifestyle, the better your chances of
earning. Great cities deserve great book and ours? is a great city. He said he
must also thank our sponsors and partners for this would not be possible
without them: Muscogee County Friends of Libraries, the Fort Benning
Librarians, Chattahoochee Valley Regional Library System, and the other entire
local businesses and organizations.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AND PRESENTED TO THOSE NAMED IN
THERESOLUTION:__________________________________________________
A Resolution (447-07) ? Congratulating those METRA Bus Drivers on their
recent accomplishments at the 2007 Georgia State Bus Rodeo Competition, whereby
within the top three (3) drivers, two were representatives of the Columbus
METRA System. Mr. Roger Sinquefield was awarded Champion Driver for the State
of Georgia while Mr. Raymond Roberts placed third in competition. Other
participants included: Neta Allison and Judy Wesley. Upon reading of the
resolution, Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL METINGS: Minutes of the June 26 and July 12, 2007 Council
Meeting of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were
submitted and approved by the Council upon the adoption of a motion made by
Councilor Henderson and seconded by Councilor Anthony, which carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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SCULPTURE WALK IN UPTOWN:
Mayor Wetherington said there was a great crowd at the ?Sculpture Walk? at
the River Center and then up Broadway. If you haven?t seen the sculptures and
art that are up on Broadway and some of the side streets, some of which were
unveiled last night, you should take the opportunity to bring your families
down and let them look at the sculptures. He said they will be up for one year
and are also up for sale.
Councilor Woodson said she thinks that everyone needs to take a walk
downtown and see the transformation this city has made. The area is very
beautiful and the atmosphere is encouraging.
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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 ? Amending the ?Official Street Map, City of Columbus,
Georgia,? by changing the official street name for the section of public
roadway currently designated as Crown Circle to Masterbuilt Court, to be one
street name consistent with the length of roadway; authorizing the replacement
of existing street name signs labeled as Crown Circle to Masterbuild Court.
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RESOLUTION FOR MACK STRONG:
Councilor Hunter called for a resolution congratulating Mr. Mack Strong
(former resident of Columbus, GA) for his outstanding career, after recently
being retired after 15 years in the National Football League (NFL).
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
The following four persons appeared on the Public Agenda and provided is a
summary of each person comments:
Ms. Mary Bode: See comments above.
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MR. ANDRE JERRY: 1962 Akron Drive, Atlanta, GA. said he is here to
address the Council this morning because he has some serious concerns and
issues with the Columbus Police Department. He said he doesn?t want to devote
time to any one particular issue but would rather offer some suggestions in
term of complaints that the Columbus Police Departments receives. He said he
doesn?t believe that there is any accountability by the police officers by the
citizens because when you write complaints regarding the police department ?
not that they are not address, but the problem is that police department is
doing its own internal audit about the police officers behaviors?. He said he
believes there should be a better way for concerns to be addressed; therefore,
he was proposing something like a citizen advisory board or some type of board
made up of citizens of Columbus, GA that work in conjunction with the police
department sergeants and supervisor that would look into complaints filed by
citizens. He said it?s just a better and more proficient way of addressing
concerns anyone might have regarding harassment, racial profiling and other
complaints along this line.
Mayor Wetherington then asked Mr. Jerry if he had a specific complaint
that he would like to address. Mr. Jerry stated that his most recent incident
occurred October 1, 2007. He was driving his father (a disabled veteran) around
and this particular incident took place in the parking lot at a Publix Grocery
store. He said the car he was driving belongs to his father and has a
disability tag.
Mr. Jerry stated that his father was still in the store, when he came out
of the store to put some items he had purchased in the car and was approached
by officer McNeil who preceded to ask if the vehicle belongs to him and the
nature of his disability. He said he believes the officer had no right to ask.
Nevertheless, he was given a citation for parking in a handicap spot. He stated
that the officer did not ask whether or not he was transporting a disabled
person and the citation indicated that an off duty police officer (Lt.
Ackerman) had call in the complaint. After calling 911 to complain, Mr. Jerry
said he was informed that he should go down to the Public Safety building and
speak with Sergeant Shelton and show proof of his father?s disability status to
resolve the citation. Despite going through these steps, Mr. Jerry stated that
nothing was done. He stated he has written formal complaints, which were
forwarded, to the Mayors? Office, City Managers? Office, and Mayor Pro Tem?s
Office. He said issues like this could be remedied with a little compassion
from the Police Department.
Mayor Wetherington asked his executive assistant (Ms. Judy Thomas) to get
Mr. Jerry?s address and telephone number for follow-up.
Councilor Hunter said this has been discussed in the past few years ? the
idea of possibly creating some type of citizens review committee. A number of
cities across the country have developed some form of independent review ? and
where it has occurred (the history in most places) initially there has been
some opposition by local law enforcement because it?s viewed by an infringement
upon their authority. He said in the long run, once it?s been put in place, it
really has a lot of benefits, and what generally happens is that before any
investigation starts, there is a chance to bring the officer in question and
the citizen together at a mutual sitting in a room and discuss what happened
and iron things out where both the citizen and officer has a chance to give
their perspective.
Councilor Henderson said he appreciates Mr. Jerry coming in from Atlanta
and he appreciates your concern for your dad. He said we do have a citizen
advisory committee that is significantly different from a review committee
because they don?t have any authority ? their charge is not to investigate. He
said there is differing opinion on Council as to whether or not that is
something we want to get into ? giving citizens subpoena and investigatory
power over sworn officers particularly in a consolidated government where we
have three branches or arms of public safety. What is important is that if you
submit a complaint, even if you do not like the answer, you deserve to have an
answer sent back to you.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, 13830 Upatoi Lane said, first he would like to address the
public forums. He said there have been four educational forums presented by Dr.
Bordeaux and only one has been aired on CCGTV. He said he talked to City
Manager this morning prior to City Council meeting and he said that is the only
one that?s going to be aired. He said he asked him why and he said because we
are only interested in her presentation. He said he do not expect this type of
remark from our City Manager.
Mayor Wetherington reminded Mr. Olson that Council doesn?t normally allow
negative remarks at Council meetings.
Mr. Olson went on to read an excerpt of the constitutional amendment that
was passed by the State of Georgia on eminent domain, after which he handed a
copy to Clerk of Council Washington. Mr. Olson further states that in regards
to this ballot referendum it should also be noted that the development agency
has the power of eminent domain. He also talked about Tax Abatements. He
further stated that he has asked the City Manager over a year ago for records
for the past ten years showing all the businesses that have received tax
abatements; for how much and how long ? and he has not received said records.
He then informed the Council that he has been telling everyone to vote ?NO? on
TAD.
City Manager Hugley said what we told you, Mr. Mayor when Dr. Bordeaux
came and gave her presentation before Council- that presentation was aired. He
said the first presentation (educational forum) was aired, and regarding
eminent domain, I hope the citizens would listen and read for themselves
because Mr. Olson is flat wrong. He said it concerns him that a person can just
get up and spout off information that is wrong and misleading to the citizens.
I have asked the City Attorney for a written legal opinion regarding eminent
domain.
He said at the Baker Middle School forum, what he did was to copy this
document for every person at the forum, and not only did I do that, but he took
the actual redevelopment powers law (24 page document) to the forum- again and
we made copies to give to every citizen there so that they can go and read the
law for themselves.
City Manager Hugley then read what was provided to him by the City
Attorney.
In addition, City Manager Hugley also provided feedback about Mr. Olson?s
conversation with Deputy City Manager Arrington: He said what Deputy City
Manager Arrington told Mr. Olson is that back when the TSYS project came
forward; our CDBG program was under the Housing Authority.
He said the city had delegated that program to the Housing Authority and when
the Housing Authority moved forward in paying with the city to acquire property
where the TSYS Campus currently sits, the Housing Authority came to this
Council (this elected body) to get permission and there is an ordinance or
resolution that says that.
City Manager Hugley said they came to this Council to get authorization to
use eminent domain if they needed to use it because they did not have the
authority or power to do that. And so this legal opinion and the law are clear
regarding eminent domain. He said he just don?t want our citizens to be misled
by relying on what someone may say in contrary to the law. Regarding eminent
domain, if you look back over the history of this government, this government
has not been abusive in eminent domain. In my 23 years with the government,
there has only been two occasions where government has used eminent domain. And
those occasions were not adversarial. He said Resolution Number 509-96,
authorized the Housing Authority to use the power of eminent domain as it
pertains to the 2nd Avenue revitalization area ? and that was if they needed
it. On the TSYS Campus, there were 21 businesses relocated or moved on that
site, and three years later, only one of the 21 businesses no longer existed ?
and it had nothing to do with the relocation. Also, within that redevelopment
area (TSYS Campus), 5,375 persons have been hired as a result of that project
and of those 5,375 jobs that were created, 1,344 (25%) of them have been low to
moderate-income persons. He said that project was indeed a good project.
Councilor Allen said he just wanted to ask the City Attorney to talk a bit
about eminent domain, how it works, and how a business benefits.
City Attorney Fay said there are various protections in the Georgia and
Federal Constitution that protect any business owner or property owner when
condemnation is used. Columbus has used it sparingly, usually for road projects
of some sort. He said if we need to file a declaration of taking on a road
project, then the property owner is notified; an action is filed in Superior
Court; there are appraisals that are obtain by the government (at least one is
required by law, sometimes we use two). He said this process protects people ?
they are entitled to just and fair compensation for their property.
Councilor Allen said if eminent domain is used and a business are to be
relocated (for example, in the TSYS expansion) but, my understanding is that
businesses that are relocated are better off today than they were in their
original position. He said they receive a fair market value cost; and he
believes they receive some relocation expenses?
City Manager Hugley said when there is an effort similar to TSYS, the
owner receives a fair market value for their property; there are always
good-faith negotiations that are carried out to get to an agreed upon fair
market value, so there may be multiple appraisals just to make that property
owner comfortable that we are offering a fair market value for the property.
Once they receive fair market value, there is also a federal formula that is
used to provide them relocation expenses. He said that relocation formula that
is used by the government is very generous. Not only do they get fair market
value, they also receive a very generous relocation allotment for moving and
replacing equipment if they are unable to move such. If there is a deadlock on
negotiation, it goes to a special master to determine fair market value. If the
property owner is still dissatisfied, they can appeal to a jury trial. This is
the process that is used with eminent domain.
Councilor Allen said that does answer his question, and pointed out that
he just wanted to clarify that eminent domain is just not a taking of land by
government and the owner gets nothing. He said there is considerable effort to
make sure that they relocate and their business is able to reopen. He then
asked City Attorney Fay a question with respect to the ballot, saying the last
few words of the question says ?this may be amended in the future?, where does
that language come from and is it standard language?
City Attorney Fay said it is standard language used in the General
Assembly when anything is put on for local referendum. That?s the language that
is used by legislative council. All that means is if, something in the statute
in question is changed in the future, then that amendment in the future will
apply to every jurisdiction that has the power to use TAD authority or anything
else ? what ever the statute may be. The TAD Law is clear, any use of eminent
domain has to be approved by the Columbus Council not any other authority or
agency under the redevelopment powers law. This Council is the only body that
can approve eminent domain in a TAD area.
City Manager Hugley said he was talking to a legislator and they indicated
to him that they have been around the ?House? for many years and every piece of
legislation that they?ve had anything to do with, has that language in there
?may be amended from time to time?. What they indicated is that all our
legislation says that and this is not something new.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said going on what Councilor Allen asked, I know
that can happen even on local legislation but does it has to be on the ballot?
She said she thinks that?s one of the biggest concerns with the citizens, and
if it doesn?t have to be on the ballot, why do we have it on there?
City Attorney Fay said it is required on the ballot here for our
referendum because the General Assembly passed the act with that specific
ballot language in it so we do have to keep it on the ballot the way it was
printed in the original legislation.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said then we have to make sure that goes to the
media specifically stating that it is required by the State Legislator and what
section of the law that requires those specific words to be on the ballot. She
then asked City Manager Hugley, when you talk about eminent domain, how does it
affect property if (building or piece of property we need to do eminent domain)
the business that?s in there is not the person who actually owns the property.
What happens if the business owner and the building owner are two different
people?
City Manager Hugley said if the person is a tenant and not the property
owner, every one is still compensated fairly. He said if we buy the property
from the owner, when the tenant is ready to move, that person is then
compensated using the federal formula for relocation expenses.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said no one is hurt ? everyone is assessed
accordingly. What happens if the property we need is actually a homeowner. What
happens with that person once we relocate them to another piece or property
that they decide to purchase as a home? What impact does it have on that
individual as it relates to property tax freeze?
In responding to those questions, asked by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, City
Manager Hugley said it would start over and if a road widening project cause us
to take a home, then we would pay that person the fair market value for that
home and we would pay that person relocation fee. When that person purchases a
new home, the property tax would then be based on the cost of the new home ? it
would be frozen at the time they buy the new home.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said therefore, that person would actually
receive a much higher increase in value for that home compare to what they
actually paid for it.
Councilor Baker then asked City Attorney Fay; would it be fair to say that
under our TAD legislation that one can have more protection from eminent domain
under a TAD project than without? My point is that if you take property now and
issue a condemnation letter, but under our TAD provision /projects, we would
have public hearings. So if eminent domain comes into play, it would be the
subject of a public hearing and the TAD project can then be altered, amended,
or scrapped based on information that comes out at the public domain.
City Attorney Fay said that is accurate Councilor Baker.
Councilor Woodson said she just want to go back to Councilor Allen?s
comments about the wording on the ballot. She said she would like to recommend
that when we are conducting town hall meetings, that this is discussed. She
said at the educational forum at Baker Middle School, the Dr. mentioned that
you would not see the word TAD on the ballot. I think it is very important that
we run something on the Access Channel showing what the wording is and
explaining what the legislation says. We had this similar confusion last time
with the 1% sales tax.
Councilor Anthony said he just wanted to clarify that when a property is
condemned, the owners are given fair market value. We were in a situation
recently where an individual was given four times the fair market value - but
they are given fair market value plus relocation fees. In addition, a public
forum is a forum in which the public is invited to come and ask questions and
raise concerns. There has never been any promise that all of them (forums) will
be televised. Also, what type of bonds is used ? is it general government
obligation bond or revenue bonds?
City Manager Hugley said in a TAD (Tax Allocation District), or
redevelopment power situation those would be ?Jump Bonds?. A jump bond is not
backed by the full faith and credit of the government (city). The bond issuer
ultimately knows that jump bonds are lower rated bonds and comes with a high
interest rate. He said the investor would be the responsible party for that
bond. So when those bonds are issued, the issuer is therefore counting on the
increase value of property as a source of revenue to repay those bonds, and the
interest rate is greater because the risk is greater.
Councilor Anthony then asked, does the city actually go ahead and pay for
the infrastructure or does the developer cover the cost for infrastructure and
then get reimbursed?
City Manger Hugley said it would be a situation where part of the increase
valuation of the property would go to satisfy that debt on the bond and what is
left would go to improve infrastructure.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she wants to ask the City Attorney, if we
could, can citizens who have additional question (after forum is held) send
questions to an email address within city government and we do a question and
answer response on CCGTV?
City Manager Hugley said that citizens can send those questions directly
to us or they can send them to Columbus State University (CSU). Of course if
this is for educational purposes we can answer them ourselves.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she is talking from an educational
perspective, if we can take all the questions (that citizens have) and answer
them on the TV Channel not in voice but in writing, so everyone will get the
same answer and there will be no differentiation on answers provided. Not only
the question that have been asked in the previous forums but new questions.
City Manager Hugley said we could take those questions that we have been
asked over the last several weeks and new questions too, and do exactly what
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh has asked.
Councilor Woodson said she would also like to add a recommendation to
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh?s request; that we put a link on our website saying
TAD where people can get more information. I find that more people are
accessing our website to get information; so, if you have those questions out
there people can see them and read the answers for themselves. I think that can
be another tooling to express the concerns that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh have.
City Manager Hugley said he would do exactly what Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh, Councilor Woodson, and others have expressed regarding the Q&A window on
CCGTV. However, he would like to go back and make sure that (Deputy City
Manager Arrington was speaking to me about) Councilor Anthony?s question was
answered correctly. He said to further clarify that, on infrastructure TAD of
improvements, the developer go ahead and make those improvements, and as the
cash flow situation comes, then that developer will be reimbursed. But there
again, the city is not putting cash out up front. He said if by chance
something were to happen, the city would not realize any loss. Staff is
advising me in my ear, that in terms of an email address to send questions,
they can be sent to Ms. Liz Turner and her email address is
lturner@columbusga.org.
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CITY MANAGERS? AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
___________________________________________________
A Resolution (448-07) - Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Gaines
Creek Drive and Green Island Drive Cul-de-sac, on behalf of Columbus, Georgia.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh 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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THE FOLLOWING THREE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE
ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBES OF COUNCIL
PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:____________________________________________
A Resolution (449-07) ? Approving Legal Services for Real Estate Closings
for CDBG and Home Programs to include Residential Loans ?Sales and
Rehabilitative? and Commercial Loans ?Economic Development and Rehabilitative?.
A Resolution (450-07) Authorizing the purchase of Pursuit Car Build out
Services.
City Manager Hugley said regarding the purchases, he just wanted to
mention that the Pursuit Car Build out service ? that?s an RFP and the build
out service is just where all of those things associated with the pursuit-
vehicles will be contracted out. That is where they install ball lights, safety
screen, rear prison safety seats decal, numbers, radio equipment, sirens, and
all the other things associated with a police public safety vehicle.
A Resolution (451-07) ? Authorizing Emergency Purchase and Installation of
Landfill Leachate Monitoring System.
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BAGGY PANTS:
Councilor Woodson said she received a telephone call and an email and
several of my colleagues did also; whereby a citizen called and wanted to
discuss the saggy pants issue. She then asked if there is any way that we can
contact Lonnie Johnson?s daughter, or some other people in the community and
can the city help with the campaign to curb this behavior?
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:__________________________________________________
(1) The following documents as submitted by Mr. Larry L. Young, from
Albright, Fortenberry & Ninas, LLP: (1) Copy of the audited financial
statement, (2) Copy of the Compliance Reports, and (3) Copy of the Data
Collection Form.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Animal Control
Advisory Board.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Public Safety Advisory
Commission.
(4) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Taxicab Commission.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
____________________________________ ________
A Resolution (452-07) ?Approving the report of the Finance Director of
those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied during the
month of September 2007. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
A Resolution (453-07) ? Approving a hardship variance to waive street
frontage requirements at 1.14 acres lying in Land Lots 81 and 97, 8th Land
District and Land Lot 288, 19th Land District (River Crest Subdivision).
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this
meeting.
A Resolution (454-07) ? Approving a hardship variance to waive street
frontage requirements at 1807 Victory Drive. Councilor McDaniel moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY
THECOUNCIL:______________________________________________________
Application of Roosevelt Gogins & Kweli Hall for a taxicab owner?s
business license to conduct business as Warrior Cab Company, to be located at
1331 10th Avenue #133, Columbus, Georgia 31901. Councilor McDaniel moved the
approval of the application. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
Application of Kelly Smith to temporarily close the 1000 and 1100 block of
Broadway from 10th Street to 12th Street, on Saturday, October 27, 2007 from
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in connection with pedestrian safety. Councilor
Henderson moved the approval of the application. Seconded by Councilor Allen
and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this
meeting.
Application of Shawn Roberts to temporarily close Roswell Lane between
Clubview Drive and sue Mack Drive, on Sunday, October 28, 2007 from 3:30 p.m.
to 7:30 p.m. in connection with a ?Neighborhood Block Party?. Councilor
Henderson moved the approval of the application. Seconded by Councilor Allen
and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this
meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________________________________________
Planning Advisory Commission, October 4, 2006.
Planning Advisory Commission, October 18, 2006.
Planning Advisory Commission, November 15, 2006.
Uptown Fa?ade Board, September 17, 2007.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion that the minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING FOUR NEW ZONING PETITIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING CALLED FOR BY COUNCIL MCDANIEL:
________________________________________________
Petition submitted by T.J. Real Estate, LLC, to rezone approximately 0.32
acre of property located at 1143 & 1145 27th Street / 2701 Waverly Avenue from
RMF1 (Residential Multi-Family 1) to NC (Neighborhood Commercial).
(43-A-07-T.J. Real Estate, LLC)
Petition submitted by Richard S. Waddell to rezone approximately 4.612
acres of property located at 10119 Veterans Parkway from RE1 (Residential
Estate 1) to GC (General Commercial). (44-CA-07-Waddell)
Petition submitted by J.B. Chastain, MD to rezone approximately 1.1 acres
of property located at 3705 Willis Road from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2)
to RO (Residential-Office). (45-CA-07-Chastain)
Petition submitted by April Hocutt to amend the text of the Unified
Development Ordinance to permit schools, vocational and non-academic, in the
CRD (Central Riverfront District), NC (Neighborhood Commercial), GC (General
Commercial), RO (Residential-Office), and CO (Commercial-Office) zoning
districts as a principal use. (46-A-07-Hocutt)
*** ***
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
At the request of Council, the following at-large position has been slated for
a Convention and Visitor?s Bureau representative.
Clerk of Council Washington then pointed out that Mr. Peter Bowden;
Executive Director of the Convention & Visitor?s Bureau may now be confirmed.
Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by the ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington said the Mayor and Council must nominate
someone from their respective districts for the 2007-2008 school year.
Councilor Baker then nominated Miss Anne Wise as the Council District 6
representative. Councilor Henderson then made a motion that she be confirmed.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Councilor present for this meeting.
Clerk of Council Washington said we still need a representative for
Council Districts 7 & 8.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Councilor Hunter nominated Mr. Robert Loving to be reappointed to the
Public Safety Advisory Board. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion that
he be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Woodson then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting
with the time being 10:43 a.m.
*** *** ***
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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