MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 22, 2015
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 5:32 P.M., Tuesday, September 22, 2015, on the 2nd Floor of the
Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia
Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor and Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro
Tem presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn
Turner Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Tom B.
Buck III, Glenn Davis, Bruce Huff, Judy W. Thomas and Evelyn Woodson. Deputy
City Manager Pam Hodge, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy
Sheftall, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council
Lindsey Glisson were also present. Councilor Berry H. Henderson took his seat
at 5:43 p.m.
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ABSENT: City Manager Isaiah Hugley was absent, but was represented by Deputy
City Manager Pam Hodge.
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INVOCATION: Reverend Sherryl Sneed, Pastor of Peters Chapel A.M.E. Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Students from South Columbus
Elementary After School Program.
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ZERO 2016 HOUSING INITIATIVE/FEEDING MINISTRY:
Mr. Scott Ferguson, CEO of the United Way said on last Friday, he was able
to go to Washington because Congressman Sanford Bishop had nominated United
Way and Home for Good in their efforts to house homeless Veterans for a
Congressional Black Caucus Award; the Veterans Brain Trust Award, which was
started by General Colin Powell in the 1990s to recognize service to the
Veterans. He said he accepted that award on behalf of all the 16 collaborative
partners of what we are doing here in Columbus.
He also pointed out that today is Christie Bevis? last day as she will be
leaving us and going to a bigger and better job in Birmingham. He said she has
done a great job for us and said he wants to make sure that the Council
know that the United Way is committed; and said the Steering Committee, which
Ms. Covington and others who are a part of, are present here today are also
committed to keeping up this great work that has begun over these last three
years. He said they have already begun a search for their new Executive
Director, which has been posted on their website.
Mr. Ron King, Interim Director of Home for Good then came forward and
thanked the Mayor and Council for their service, and commitment to this
community. He said he think that we live in the best second tier community and
said we are working to make it even better. He said Home for Good is committed
to making this an even better community and is an alliance to end homelessness.
He said we are implementing the City?s 10-Year Plan that he was a part of years
ago under a different Mayor and said that we are now making that promise that
we made back then a reality, and he feels very fortunate to be a part of that.
He said they are committed to permanent housing and linking our homeless
population with rap around services to ensure that they are able to maintain
housing.
Mr. King said like most great things in our community, this is a
collaborative effort. He said they are committed to working with all of the
collaborative partners, as well as landlords to
Chaplain Neil Richardson, of the Safe House Program came forward with a
presentation on the Feeding Ministry program. Mr. Richardson stated that by
having all of the resources come together as a community we have been able to
meet our goals.
Councilor Thomas stated that when the 10 year plan stated our goal was to make
homelessness atypical and non reoccurring.
Mr. Richardson stated that he has a new term functional zero homelessness where
we can have a homeless man, woman, or family in a home within 30 days.
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OASIS System Upgrade (iasWorld) And Real Property Review Project
Status Report
Mr. John Williams, of the Tax Assessors Office and Mr. Steve Wyatt and Ms.
Mary Griffin of Tyler Technology came forward and gave a presentation of the
OASIS System Upgrade (iasWorld and presented the following information, as
outlined below.
Project Overview
iasWorld Software Upgrade
? Web-based Software Upgrade for Board of Tax Assessors? Property Assessment
and Tax Commissioner?s Tax Collection Functions
? Includes Public Access Website Module
Review Services for Taxable Real Property
? Street Level Images
? Data Verification
? Valuation
? Support of Values
Project Timeline
iasWorld Go Live Dates
? Tax Commissioner ? December, 2016
? Board of Tax Assessors ? May, 2017
? Public Website ? May, 2017
Real Property Review Milestones
? Street Level Imaging ? Complete
? Data Verification ? March, 2016
? Assessment Analysis ? March, 2017
? Assessment Notices ? May, 2017
? Support of Values ? June through September, 2017
Project Status Schedule and Activities
iasWorld
? On Schedule for Tax Commissioner Go Live
? Activities
? Residential Real Property Conversion complete and in use by review team
? Remote iasWorld ?staging? site installed and in use by review team
? Requirements Analysis 80% complete
? Tax Commissioner?s data conversion/load is underway
? Local hardware configured and operating systems installed
Project Status Upcoming Milestones
? Install iasWorld software locally ? October, 2015
? Complete New Hardware Installation for Board of Tax Assessors ? October, 2015
? Begin Commercial Data Verification ? October, 2015
? Begin Tax Commissioner?s Development ? November, 2015
? Complete Residential Data Verification ? December, 2015
After the conclusion of the presentation, Mr. Steve Wyatt of Tyler
Technologies and Mr. John Williams of the Tax Assessors Office then responded
to questions of members of the Council.
Mr. Steve Wyatt answered Councilor Davis question in regard to how they they
will pull the market value for the property tax. Mr. Wyatt stated that they
will use the current market value when they are reappraising the homes.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the July 14 & 28, and August 11, 2015 Executive Sessions
and the July 28, August 11 & 25, and September 8, 2015 Council Meetings of the
Consolidated Government were submitted and approved upon the adoption of a
motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT SECOND
READING:_
_
An Ordinance (15-45) ? Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2015
beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015 so as to appropriate and
account for legal fees and expenses provided to the Muscogee County Sheriff in
the case of Darr v. Columbus; and for other purposes.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the Ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by the ten members of Council present at the
time.
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An Ordinance (15-46) ?Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2015 beginning July 1,
2014 and ending June 30, 2015 so as to appropriate and account for legal fees
and expenses provided to the Muscogee County Superior Court Clerk in the case
of Pierce v. Columbus; and for other purposes.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the Ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by the ten members of Council present at the
time.
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An Ordinance (15-47) ? Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2016
beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016 so as to appropriate and
account for legal fees and expenses provided to the Muscogee County Sheriff in
the case of Darr v. Columbus; and for other purposes.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the Ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by the ten members of Council present at the
time.
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An Ordinance (15-48) ? Amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2016
beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016 so as to appropriate and
account for legal fees and expenses provided to the Muscogee County Superior
Court Clerk in the case of Pierce v. Columbus; and for other purposes.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the Ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by the ten members of Council present at the
time.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
An Ordinance ? Amending the budget for the Fiscal Year 2016 beginning July
1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016, for certain funds of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia, by striking Section 26 pertaining to COLA?s in
its entirety and substituting a new Section 26; and for other purposes.
During the discussion of this ordinance, Councilor Woodson made a request
pertaining to COLA?s and the DROP Plan, and then made a referral that the
Council revisit the DROP Plan; and that discussion take place during a Work
Session before the Council begins its next budget year.
Councilor Thomas requested that when the DROP Plan is going to be
discussed, that we make sure that we have Actuary Chuck Carr is in attendance
during this discussion, because when he spoke with employees about the drop
plan, he stated that they would still be treated as active employees.
Mayor Pro Tem stated that in line 5 it stated that the COLA is generally not
given to DROP plan employee.
Councilor Woodson stated that she would like to have a work session before the
budget session next year.
City Attorney Clifton Fay stated that this issue will be brought back up in
three weeks.
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An Ordinance ? Amending Sec. 13-167.3 so as to amend regulations governing
placement of disposable and non-disposable containers in residential zoning
districts and placement of rubbish, limbs and yard waste; and for other
purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT SECOND
READING:_________________________________
A Resolution (263-15) ? Authorizing the payment of legal fees and expenses
provided to the Muscogee County Sheriff in the case of Darr v. Columbus for
Fiscal Year 2015 beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by the ten members of Council present
at the time.
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A Resolution (264-15) ? Authorizing the payment of legal fees and expenses
provided to the Muscogee County Superior Court Clerk in the case of Pierce v.
Columbus for Fiscal Year 2015 beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by the ten members of Council present
at the time.
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A Resolution (265-15) ? Authorizing the payment of legal fees and expenses
provided to the Muscogee County Sheriff in the case of Darr v. Columbus for
Fiscal Year 2016 beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by the ten members of Council present
at the time.
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A Resolution (266-15) ? Authorizing the payment of legal fees and expenses
provided to the Muscogee County Superior Court Clerk in the case of Pierce v.
Columbus for Fiscal Year 2016 beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by the ten members of Council present
at the time.
Councilor Henderson would like a referral for City Attorney, as to why there is
not an allowance for LMI for the training facilities like Crossfit, baseball
training facilities. He said he would like a change to the UDO where we can
have a discussion.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS APPEARED BEFORE THE COUNCIL ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA
TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING SUBJECT MATTERS, AS LISTED BELOW: ________
ATTORNEY RAY TILLERY, REPRESENTING MS. MARIAN HOOD, RE: PROPERTY DAMAGE:
__ __________________________________________
Attorney Ray Tillery, representing Ms. Marian Hood, Re: Property Damage.
During the discussion on property damage caused to the Hood?s property, of
6175 Bayberry Drive, Councilor Thomas then made a referral for the staff to
provide a detailed staff report on the incident.
Attorney Tillery points out on the powerpoint how a drainage system for the
city has not been properly maintained and when there was a heavy rain the
Hood?s property suffered extensive property damage , it took part of their
fence down as well as there was a shed that moved the shed off of its
foundation 15 feet away.
Councilor Henderson also asked that the City get an independent assessment
of the damages done to the Hood?s property.
Councilor Thomas would like a referral request to have a staff report, and a
recommendation .
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MR. BERT COKER, RE: GARBAGE SCHEDULE AND THAW
THE TAX FREEZE:___________________________________________
Mr. Bert Coker, Re: Garbage Schedule and Thaw the Tax Freeze.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
(Presented by Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge)
THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY
CITY MANAGER HODGE AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL: _
A Resolution (267-15) ? Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a
facility license agreement with Trimble Navigation Limited (Trimble) for
installation and operation of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for a
five year period.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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A Resolution (268-15) ? Declaring that there is a need and necessity to
immediately acquire easements to lands under the provision of the Official Code
of Georgia annotated, authorizing the Mayor to order the acquisition of said
easements and lands for county road and/or municipal street purposes, and
authorizing the filing of a Declaration of Taking by the City Attorney or his
representatives for the acquisition of said easements under the authority of
the Official Code of Georgia annotated, Section 32-3-1, et. Seq.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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A Resolution (269-15) ? Authorizing the City Manager?s signature on an
Emergency Management Performance grant application to the Georgia Emergency
Management Agency.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Buck and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
DEPUTY CITY MANAGER HODGE AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION
OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BUCK
WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
PRESENT: _
A Resolution (270-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) 444K
Articulated Loader at a unit price of $108,332.97, and one (1) 644K Wheel
Loader at a unit price of $212,876.58, from Nortrax, Inc. (Fort Myers, FL) [c/o
selling dealer: Flint Equipment Co., Columbus, GA], for a total cost of
$321,209.55, by cooperative purchase, via Florida Sheriffs Association Contract
#14-22-0904.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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A Resolution (271-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) 60 ft bucket
truck with chip body (Ford XTPro 60 ft Forestry) from Forestry Equipment of VA
(FEVA) (Forest, VA) in the amount of $137,672.00, by cooperative purchase via
National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) Contract #042815-TER.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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A Resolution (272-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of an aggressive back-up
plan for the RMS project from CDW (Vernon Hills, IL) in the amount of
$80,936.28, utilizing State of Georgia WSCA Contract Number:
B2717099999-SPD-T20130221, awarded to NetAPP, for whom CDW is an authorized
partner.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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CELL PHONE UPDATE:
Dr. Forrest Toelle, Information Technology Director came forward and
provided the cell phone update, and provided the following information as
outlined below.
Helpful Information
u A Full Audit has been done on all City Issued cell phones and cellular
wireless devices
u Department Heads, Agency Heads, and Elected Officials have reviewed the
phones and mobile devices issued to them and their staff
u All un-reported phones and devices have had service suspended or turned off
u In order to have a City Issued cellular device the requester enters the
request which is forwarded to the Department Head, Agency Head, or Elected
Official for initial approval
u Request are reviewed and then approved or denied by a Deputy City Manager
u Once Approved Information Technology Issues the Device
u The Cost of each device is Charged to the respective area
u CCG has 496 active Cellular Devices: 107 MiFi/Wireless and 389 Phones
Dr. Toelle showed a chart which depicts the distribution of devices by
function, as well as by distribution of phone type, which
CCG Cost with U.S. Comparisons
CCG?s Averages Aug 2015
u CCG?s Average Cost per Device is $40.71 per month
u CCG?s Average Cost Total per Month is $20,192.16
u CCG?s Average Cost Total Per Year is $242,305.92
U.S. National Averages
u According to J.D. Power & Associates, the Average Individual Cell Phone Cost
was $71.00 per month last year
u At that Cost CCG?s Average Cost Total per Month would be $35,216.00
u At that Cost CCG?s Average Cost Total Per Year would be $422,592.00
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COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL PARKING UPDATE:
Ms. Donna Newman, Engineering Director came forward and provided the
following information as outlined below regarding Columbus High School Parking.
HISTORY
? August 11, 2015 Presentation to Council as update
? August 19, 2015 Subsequent Meeting with Dr. Lewis
? August 27, 2015 City Manager/Staff meeting with Neighborhood Coordinators
? August 28, 2015 On site meeting with Dr. Lewis and MCSD reps to look at
existing and potential parking options
? September 8, 2015 Public Meeting
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS
? Noise during activities/special events
? Trash left by students (MCSD providing trash bins on school property)
? Parking in front of residences
OPTIONS
? Alt. 1-Lakebottom Parking Management Plan
? Alt. 2-Leave parking along Cherokee N of 17th St and add alternative parking
locations
? Alt. 3- Do nothing with some additional striping/signage
LAKEBOTTOM PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN
? Limit parking around and in park to 4 hrs
? Establish residential permit parking in designated area
? Residents in area would get 2 free annual permits and purchase additional
parking permits from City (decals and hangers) $25/vehicle
? Parking in area would be permit only from 8-5 Monday- Friday- It would not
be restricted in evenings and weekends
? Expand Metra Enforcement Area
Lakebottom Residential Parking Areas
Ms. Newman showed a map outlining the Lakebottom Residential parking
areas.
ALTERNATIVE PARKING LOCATIONS
? Continue student parking along Cherokee N of 17th Street
? Continue student parking along W curb of Forest Avenue for limits of MCSD
property
? Add additional parking to Cherokee Ave N of 17th St
(approx 10 new spaces)
? Allow student parking around park S of 17th St
along Cherokee Ave (74 spaces) and 18th Ave (81 spaces)
? Prohibit student parking inside park and 18th Avenue N of 17th Street
? Add additional parking along Troop Street(12 spaces)
? Add small parking lot in Wildwood Park along 17th St (20 spaces)
ADDITIONAL PARKING CHEROKEE AVENUE
Showed an area where there could be additional parking
Additional Parking Troop Street
Additional Parking Wildwood Park
PUBLIC SURVERY RESULTS
? 5 selected Lakebottom Parking Management Plan
? 2 selected Alternative Parking Locations
? 5 selected Do nothing
? 4 selected MCSD to build a parking deck
? 2 were uncommitted
HISTORY
? June 17, 2015- HOA rep and Traffic Engineer met with reps from MCSD and CPD
? July 14, 2015- HOA rep appeared on Public Agenda and outlined concerns
related to Columbus High Student Parking
? August 4, 2015- City Manager and City Staff met with Dr. Lewis, MCSD Supt.
Existing Conditions
Showed photos of the following
? Blind spots and partial blockage of driveway and intersections
After the conclusion of the presentation, several members of the Council
made comments regarding this matter, with Director Newman and City Manager
Hugley responding to those questions and concerns of the Council.
Also during the discussion, referrals were made by members of the Council.
Councilor Allen requested that the City Manager draft an ordinance that would
allow towing of students? vehicles that are parked in the residential areas of
Lakebottom.
Councilor Henderson also asked that informational material be distributed
to the students of Columbus High School, before the ordinance is put into place
that would allow for their vehicles to be towed.
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COLUMBUS AQUATIC CENTER UDPATE:
Dr. James Worsley, Parks and Recreation Director came forward with an
update on swimming pools.
Operations
Request for Bidding (RFB)
? Bids have come back for the CAC
? The top two vendors were given the opportunity to present to the RFB
Committee.
? The top two proposals are higher than what is currently budgeted for the CAC.
? The committee is working with the purchasing staff on negotiations with one
of the vendors.
What is the current budget for the CAC?
? $655,800 (amount available to pay a vendor)
? $170,000 (utilities paid by Parks and Recreation)
? Total = $825,000
What is needed to operate within the budget as it relates to the vendor?s
proposal?
? We will not fully know this until the negotiations are over; however services
and hours will be severely decreased.
What is needed to operate within the budget as it relates to the city
maintaining operations of the CAC?
? Decrease in operational hours (89 hrs to 56 hrs)
? Changes in operational hours will negatively impact all swim teams
? Limited Staff
? Limited Programs
? No Concessions (Vending Machines Only)
? No Pro Shop
After the conclusion of his presentation, Dr. Worsley then responded to
several questions of members of the Council, with referrals being made by
Council members, which are outlined below.
Councilor Allen made a request for Director Worsley to look at ways that
the Parks and Recreation Department could host more swim meets in the facility
for next year. The information was asked to be brought before the Council
within 60 days.
Councilor Henderson asked Director Worsley to work with the Sports
Council, and allow them to have an active role in assisting with coming up with
a plan to host more swim meets.
Councilor Davis asked the Parks and Recreation Department to conduct an in
depth study and do some research on how other facilities compare to the
Aquatics Center within the southeast are doing.
Councilor Barnes asked Dr. Worsley to provide a conservative estimate on
the cost associated with Parks and Recreation managing the facility, compared
to putting it out for contract.
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PUBLIC AGENDA PROCESS:
Ms. Lisa Goodwin, Deputy City Manager came forward with a presentation on
Public
Agenda Recommendations, which is outlined below.
PUBLIC AGENDA CRITERIA:
Current Process
? Contact Clerk of Council?s Office prior to 12 Noon on the Friday before
appearance on Public Agenda
? Application/Public Agenda Form is submitted
? They appear before Council on any issue they wish to speak on for 5 minutes
with an additional 5 minutes granted, if needed (10 minutes total)
Survey of other Cities
Municipality Information
Time Limit
Savannah, GA Speak at end of Council Meeting Time
etermined by City Manager
Atlanta, GA Sign up 30 minutes before Council to speak 3 Minutes
Augusta, GA Speak at Council or Committee Meeting 5 Minutes
Athens, GA Citizens heard on the 1st Tuesday 3 Minutes
Birmingham, AL Sign up 30 minutes before Council 3 Minutes
Charlotte, NC Sign up 30 minutes before Council 3 Minutes
To speak. If the item is on the agenda, heard during that discussion, but if
not, will be heard at the end of the meeting.
2014 PUBLIC AGENDA APPEARANCES
Attendees Percentage
? City Wide Issues 53 42%
? Public Service Announcements 48 38%
? Non-Profit Organizations 16 12.8%
? Employee Issues/Concerns 8 6.4%
TOTAL 125
PROPOSED PUBLIC AGENDA CRITERIA
? I. Must complete Public Agenda Request Form through the Clerk of Council?s
Office not later than 12 Noon prior to public agenda appearance (NO CHANGE)
? II. If item is on 1st Reading, no need to sign up to be heard, no time limit
? III. If appearance is to:
o Invite Council to an event, share information regarding services or introduce
council to a new venture, business or organization, appearance will
automatically be scheduled on the 1st Tuesday of the Month during the
Proclamation/Recognition Session
? IV. If appearance is to discuss:
o An item on the agenda
o A previous agenda item
o An issue that council has direct authority over, OR
o An issue with City Operations
They will be placed on the Public Agenda for the 2nd or 4th Tuesday of the
Month during a regular Business Session of their choice.
V. Allow 5 Minutes to be heard on Public Agenda
After the conclusion of her presentation, members of the Council expressed
their views regarding the proposal and Ms. Goodwin responded to several
questions of members of the Council.
Councilor
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION TO THE MAY AND COUNCIL CLERK OF COUNCIL?S
AGENDA:___________________
1. Correspondence from Director Gloria Weston-Smart, recommending the
nomination of Dr. William ?Billy? Kendall for the vacant seat of the District 7
Representative on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
2. Biographical sketch of Mr. Timothy ?Matt? Butts, Councilor Barnes? nominee,
Re: Animal Control Advisory Board.
3. Biographical sketch of Ms. Evyan ?Lacy? Harden, Mayor Tomlinson?s nominee,
Re: Convention & Visitors Board of Commissioners.
4. Biographical sketch of Ms. Cynthia Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh?s
nominee, Re: Region Six Advisory Council.
5. Application of Kathy Hollon to temporarily close Leonard Street, from
Wildwood Avenue to Forest Avenue, on Sunday, October 18, 2015, from 1:00 p.m.
to 8:00 p.m., in connection with the St. Paul Methodist Church?s Fall Festival.
6. Application of John and Pam Thayer to temporarily close Carter Avenue, from
17th Street to 19th Street, on Saturday, October 24, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to
11:00 p.m., in connection with a wedding reception.
7. Application of Michael Willey to temporarily close the southbound lane of
South Lumpkin Road, from South Columbus Water Resource Road to the National
Infantry Museum, and the Oxbow Meadows Riverwalk intersection, on Saturday,
June 4, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in connection with the Easter Seals
West Georgia, Inc. Walk With Me Fundraiser.
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CONVENTION & VISITORS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a correspondence from Mr. John T.
Miller, IV, resigning from his seat on the Convention & Visitors Board of
Commissioners.
Councilor Allen moved the letter be received with regrets and thanks for
his service. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
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EMPLOYEES? BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted correspondence from Mr. Joseph
Smith, Jr., resigning from his seat on the Pension Fund, Employees? Board of
Trustees.
Councilor Allen moved the letter be received with regrets and thanks for
his service. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________
__________________________________
Board of Elections & Registration, June 4 & August 6, 2015.
Board of Tax Assessors, 30-15.
C.I.R.C.L.E., August 8, 2015.
Convention & Visitors Board of Commissioners, August 19, 2015.
Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, August 6 & 11, 2015.
Planning Advisory Commission, January 7, April 1 & 15, May 6 & 20, June 18 and
July 15, 2015.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Ms.
Becky Carter and Ms. Jo McDaniel on the Animal Control Advisory Board will
expire on October 15, 2015. She further pointed out that Ms. Carter is eligible
to succeed herself for another term of office, but Ms. McDaniel cannot succeed
herself.
Councilor Woodson nominated Ms. Carter for another term of office.
Councilor Barnes nominated Mr. Timothy ?Matt? Butts to succeed Ms. Jo McDaniel.
Clerk of Council Washington said we are waiting to hear back from the
Veterinary Association as to whether or not they want to nominate Dr. Scott
McDermott, to represent the Veterinary Association as their representative on
the board.
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BOARD OF HONOR:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
Milton Hirsch on the Board of Honor will expire on October 31, 2015 and that he
is eligible to succeed himself for another term of office.
Councilor Huff then nominated Mr. Hirsch for another term of office.
*** *** ***
COLUMBUS IRONWORKS CONVENTION & TRADE CENTER:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
Sean Michael Knox on the Columbus Ironworks Convention & Trade Center will
expire on October 24, 2015 and that Mayor Tomlinson is nominating him for
another term of office and advises that he may be confirmed.
Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Mr.
Ernest Smallman, IV and Mr. Edward Gaffney, III on the Hospital Authority will
expire on November 14, 2015. She said they are both eligible to succeed
themselves for another term of office; however, we need to send three nominees
from which the authority will select someone for these two positions.
*** *** ***
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Ms.
Ruhnell Bankston on the Housing Authority will expire on November 16, 2015 and
that the Mayor is nominating her for another term of office and said that she
may be confirmed.
Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
LAND BANK AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
Lance Hemmings on the Land Bank Authority will expire on October 31, 2015, but
that he is eligible to succeed himself for another term of office.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Nicole de Vries has
resigned from her District 7 seat on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission and
that Councilor Woodson is working on a replacement.
*** *** ***
REGION SIX REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH AND DEVELOP- MENTAL DISABILITIES:________
____________________________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh is
nominating Ms. Cynthia Smith to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Simi Barnes, who
has resigned from her seat on the Region Six Advisory Council for the
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
*** *** ***
PENSION FUND, EMPLOYEES? BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Mayor is nominating
Ms. Elizabeth Raines Cook to fill the unexpired term of the late Mr. Morton
Harris and said that she may be confirmed. Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded
by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we are still working on
replacements for the seat of Mr. Jodi Sears, who represents the Hotel/Motel
industry, whose seat was declared vacant, as well as a replacement for the late
Mr. Billy Craft, who served as a taxicab drive.
*** *** ***
UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. Rick Johnson, Mr. Doug Jeffcoat, Mr. Steve Morse, Mr. Scott Allen, and Mr.
Fred Greene who represents the Uptown Business Association, as well as Uptown
Columbus on the Uptown Fa?ade Board will expire at the end of October.
She further pointed out that Mr. Johnson, Mr. Jeffcoat and Mr. Morse are
all eligible to succeed themselves for another term of office; however Mr.
Allen and Mr. Green cannot succeed themselves.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Tomlinson entertained a motion to go into executive session to
discuss a litigation matter. Councilor Henderson made a motion to go into
executive session to discuss a litigation matter. Seconded by Councilor Allen
and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
At 8:37 p.m., the Council adjourned its meeting to go into executive
session. At 9:06 p.m., the meeting was reconvened.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Woodson made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Buck being
absent for the vote, with the time being 9:06 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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