MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 14, 2009
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 14, 2009, in the Council Chambers on the
Plaza Level of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J.
Wetherington, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors Wayne Anthony, R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes,
Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr.
and Evelyn Woodson. Deputy City Manager David Arrington, 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: City Manager Isaiah Hugley was absent, but was represented by Deputy
City Manager David Arrington.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Rabbi Brian Hawkins, of Temple Beth Ohr.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by St. Peter Community Church Youth Department.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH RETIRED GENERAL WHITE AND BEN WILLIAMS STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE,
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR
ANTHONY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (236-09) ? Commending the National Infantry Foundation upon
the grand opening of the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot
Park. Councilor Anthony moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the April 14, April 30, 2009 and May
5, 2009 Council Meetings of the Council of the Consolidated Government of
Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved upon the adoption of a motion
made by Councilor Allen. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by
those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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REVOCATION HEARING: The Finance Department- Revenue Division is recommending
that the alcoholic beverage license of Ms. Martha Delia Whatley d/b/a The Dawg
House be revoked.
Ms. Pam Hodge, Finance Director came forward and presented a detailed
time-line that was conducted in them performing the audit of The Dawg House.
She said in August 2008, Ms. Whatley came in and they discussed with her
the requirements at this location to be classified as a restaurant. She said
originally her intentions were to be a bar; however, because of this location,
the only thing she would qualify for in order to serve alcohol would be a
restaurant; which has the 50/50 food to alcohol ratio. She said on November 12,
2008 the alcohol license was issued and she was advised that there would be a
thorough 90-day audit of her compliance. Therefore, on February 24, 2009, they
did send a letter out with the information requesting information for the audit
period, which would be from the date of November 17th through the end of
February.
Ms. Hodge said on March 24th, they took an inventory of all the food and
alcohol that was done by the auditors. She said through April, May and the
first part of June they had numerous meetings exchanging information with Ms.
Whatley between her and the auditors, as they worked through the audit. She
said some of the issues that they discovered during the audit, the bookkeeping
records were not adequate and the point of sales data was not accurate; which
was information that they obtained when conducting the audit. She said the
daily sales information by food and alcohol was not available and there were no
guest checks available to tie out to any ledger. She said we were unable to tie
purchase receipts to the ledger of the information that was provided by the
owner and without this detailed information, their approach for the audit was
to do it from an indirect method.
She said what this means is that they took all the receipts that was
provided to them for the purchase of food, all the alcohol that was purchased
from the distributors, backed out any inventory that remained as of that date,
calculated the sales of the food based on the menu prices and the sale of
alcohol and actually used the lowest drink price that was provided to them for
mixed drinks; and the average beer price in order to conduct the total alcohol
sale.
Ms. Hodge said the conclusion of the audit showed that alcohol was 57.1%
and 42.9% food; therefore, on June 15th they sent a certified letter to Ms.
Whatley indicating their decision to recommend revocation of the alcohol
license. She said since that time, they have had several conversations with Ms.
Whatley and others regarding this audit. She said originally her request was to
delay this hearing, but she doesn?t have the authority to delay this matter or
allow for additional time on this matter, but is a decision that has to be made
by this Council. She said she would now like to allow Ms. Whatley time to
address the Council regarding this audit.
City Attorney Fay then advised Ms. Whatley that she could come forward to
address the Council on this issue.
Mr. Richard Cross, Legal Counsel for Ms. Delia Whatley said many of the
items that have been presented they do agree with. He said there was an
indirect method done and said they don?t contest that they don?t understand all
of the matters surrounding the indirect method; however, given Ms. Whatley?s
determination she has far more food that she did sell than alcohol. Ms.
Whatley said her percentages were 52% alcohol to 48% food.
He said there were several errors that they believe were present when they
reviewed the indirect method that was used. He then cited some examples to
include the 6% tax on alcohol was not deducted from $100,000 worth of alcohol;
which would be around $6,000.00 that would be deducted. He said there were also
several items that were not included in their food sales, which include
approximately $2,200 worth of Pepsi products. He said given the profit margin
that was allocated, 344% that would be around $7,500. He said that is a $13,500
swing, which is just only example.
Mr. Cross said what they are asking the Council for today is either to
provide a new 90-day period for determination to start over with today?s date
or whatever date the Council deems appropriate and let?s allow for a new period
because this period that was reviewed has several errors or an alternative
would be to provide a 60-day grace period to have their accountant go through
and review everything, as well as allow the City to review their records and
make any changes that needs to be made.
After the conclusion of Mr. Cross? presentation in this hearing, Director
of Finance Pam Hodge responded to questions of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh with
respect to the procedures in performing the audit for other restaurants being
the same for all businesses.
Deputy City Manager Arrington also responded to questions as far as the
parking requirements for the facility.
Councilor Baker said he has met with Ms. Whatley several times, as well as
the auditors and have spent a couple weeks in reviewing this matter. He said he
see it quiet often with small businesses when they are trying to get their
business off the ground; whereby the owners spend an awful lot of time, 15 to
20 hours a day trying to get the business going up and sometimes they do forget
about the recordkeeping and they do get lax. He said he understands what she is
trying to do, as getting a new business going is tough. He said it appears that
she did get behind and haven?t had time to finish reconstructing her records;
therefore, he is not so sure how complete the audit was and that concerns him.
He said the only objective of an audit is to get accurate data so that we can
make a good decision and he is not convinced that happened. He said before we
take away somebody?s livelihood and put employees on the street, he would
prefer that we have an accurate audit one way or the other. He then asked if
the Finance Department would object if we did consider an extension or another
audit period.
Ms. Hodge said that would definitely be the decision of the Council, but
the concern that she has is that they went out and the records for that period
of time were not in order nor could she reconstruct from her point of sale
register any of those days; therefore, she doesn?t know if any information
since that time would be in any different shape than the information that they
found.
Councilor Baker said so we won?t stretch it out too far, he was thinking
June, July and August, which will be 45-days; and said it will be done one way
or another. He said that would give her time to get her recordkeeping in order,
as she knows that she needs to do, which she has admitted to.
He said his motion would be to give her additional time to get things in order.
Ms. Whatley said during this time her father passed away and the point of
sales system went down, as well as her computer crashed. She said it was not
just a case of her not doing. She said she did give the auditors five different
days that they requested from the point of sales system and said she opened up
everything that she has there.
Members of the Council expressed their views regarding this matter, after
which Ms. Whatley and Ms. Hodge responded to questions of members of the
Council.
Ms. Whatley said they were doing ribs and chicken on the weekend to boost
up the food sales and said that was counted in the audit and said she didn?t
realize it. She said there were a lot of mistakes made, i.e. the price of her
lowest drink down as low as $4.50 which is not correct; which makes a big
difference. She said she has five cooks and three bartenders and said it is
obvious that she is trying to push her food sales. She said she had to make
payments on a buffet table in order to get this started. She said she feels
like they did make the food requirements.
Councilor McDaniel asked if any of the information that Ms. Whatley found
after the audit was it included in the final audit.
Ms. Yvonne Ivy of the Revenue Division, said when they reviewed the
purchase invoices they tried to determine when she purchased her ribs and
chicken and they were not able to find that in the purchase invoices. She said
in addition to that, they tried to reconcile what she told them; therefore,
they even went back through the receipts to try to determine when she purchased
all of the ribs and chicken, but were not able to find that.
Councilor McDaniel said he is not questioning the City?s Audit Department,
but said he has known Ms. Whatley for approximately 30 years and said he can?t
believe that she wouldn?t tell the truth. He said she probably thought she was
doing right and the Audit Department doesn?t agree with it. He then asked
Councilor Baker to restate his motion.
Councilor Baker said he would just like to set another conditional time
period. He said he is not going to grant her approval or non-approval, but
would like to set another conditional probation period for them to recalculate
the audit. He said rather than extend it out too far, if we used June, July &
August then in 45-days, it would be settled one way or another.
Councilor McDaniel then seconded the motion, as stated above.
Councilor Allen said he and Ms. Whatley have had several conversations
since last fall regarding the situation of her alcohol license, the audit and
other things. He said the concern that he has have been addressed by her, in
that she has added additional staff and has an attorney now. He said he thinks
this will help her move forward and head in the right direction. He said her
business is in Council District 6 and said he is hesitant to take her license
at this point, but said he would like to point out to Ms. Whatley that he has
received telephone calls from residents in the area about spill over from the
crowd. He said he knows that she can?t control the crowd once they leave the
site, and said that he has talked with the Police Department and they have
received at least one telephone call; about a disturbance and a hit and run. He
said he would like to encourage Ms. Whatley for the benefit of the residential
area, to avoid any future situation to add some type of security.
In response to a question of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, as to whether or
not we have ever extended the audit time on previous hearings, Ms. Ivey said
that she could remember that we did extend it for a business called ?The Draft
that was located in Bibb City. She said they also did it for the ?Saloon &
Oyster Bar? when it was Jeffery Jackson. She said she believes that we gave
them an additional 90-days.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then asked, whenever a person applies for an
alcoholic beverage license, do we give them written documentation on what is
expected of them for that first 90-days in business? Ms. Ivey stated that they
do; saying when they met with Ms. Whatley they informed her of what they would
be looking for, as well as for her to maintain adequate records. She said they
told her that they would be looking for how she calculated her receipts
pertaining to alcoholic beverages and how she calculated those receipts for
food sales. She said we informed her also that we would be looking at all of
her purchases and if needed, we would do an indirect method to make sure that
the receipts that she reported as income for the year reconcile back to her
inventory because her inventory would determine what her revenue would be for
that restaurant.
Ms. Ivey said Ms. Whatley signed an affidavit attesting to the fact that
she did understand that in 90-days we would come out and do a compliance audit.
She said they didn?t put the portion about what they would be looking at in
written form because that is the norm whenever an audit is performed.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Director of Finance Hodge to look at
developing a pamphlet that can be provided to those persons applying for a
restaurant license, which outlines the requirements and expectations of those
persons applying for the license so there won?t be any misunderstanding on what
is expected of them.
Councilor Henderson asked City Attorney Fay to provide a copy of the
requirements for a restaurant that has an alcoholic beverage license, which
outlines what those licensees are allowed to do under the law; and those things
that they are not allowed to do.
Councilor Woodson asked the staff to also consider putting this pamphlet
on the CCG website.
After more than thirty-five minutes of discussion on this hearing, with
the staff responding to further questions of the Council, the question was then
called on Councilor Baker?s motion to allow for an extension for another 45-day
audit period, which was seconded by Councilor McDaniel.
In clarifying the motion, Councilor Baker said the audit period would be
90-days of June, July & August, but said the auditors would be back out in
45-days to resolve. Ms. Ivey said they would be looking at the 30 days of June,
31 days of July and 30-days of August, to which Councilor Baker said that is
correct.
Mayor Wetherington then called the final question on the motion, which
carried by a vote of 9 ? 1, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh voting no and all
other nine members of Council present for this meeting voting yes.
After the conclusion of this matter, and the approval of the motion, City
Attorney Fay pointed out that there will be a review by the Finance Department
at the end of that period and they will report back to this Council.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay pointed out that Mayor Wetherington would like to have
an executive session to discuss a personnel matter. Councilor Anthony then so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members
of Council present for this meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said that before we go into executive session,
she would like to go ahead and take action on Items Number 1 through 3 on the
City Attorney?s Agenda. There were no objections.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING PURSUANT TO THE
ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILOR HENDERSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
PRESENT FOR THIS MEETINTG: ________
An Ordinance (09-38) ? Rezoning property located at 6003 Warm Springs Road
is proposed for rezoning from SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) zoning
district to RMF1 (Residential Multi Family 1) zoning district.
(12-CA-09-Erickson) The proposed use is for single-family homes.
An Ordinance (09-39) ? Rezoning property located at 500 Fulton Avenue is
proposed for rezoning from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to GC
(General Commercial) zoning district. (11-A-09-Jarrell)
The proposed use is for automotive repair.
An Ordinance (09-40) ? Amending the text to the Unified Development
Ordinance to amend several typographical and minor errors in Chapter 4 of the
Unified Development Ordinance. (13-A-09-Planning Department)
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ZONING PUBILC HEARING:
THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AND A PUBLIC HEARING HELD AS
ADVERTISED: ___________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 3502 Kay Circle is proposed
for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) zoning district to GC
(General Commercial) zoning district. (14-CA-09-Schreck) The proposed use is
for Knights of Columbus Assembly Hall.
PROPONENT & OPPONENTS:
Father Jerry Schreck, Pastor of St. Anne?s Church, 2000 Kay Circle, and
Mr. Lewis Hurst, Current Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council came
forward and responded to questions of members of the Council.
Father Schreck said the property is currently owned by the church and
since 2000 it has been occupied by their Community Outreach Program, which
provides food and clothing assistance to individuals and families who are
referred to them by the Department of Family & Children Services. He said they
would like to move to another location, as they do need more space.
He said the Knights of Columbus currently own a piece of property which is
located just to the south of 3502 Kay Circle and said the church would like to
purchase that land from the Knights of Columbus and then sell the current house
at 3502 to the Knights of Columbus for an assembly hall. He said on the piece
of property that they would purchase they plan to build a larger warehouse type
facility for their outreach community. He said they would purchase the land
from the Knights of Columbus and continue to operate the Outreach Program from
out the house until such time as they could move the outreach.
Councilor Baker asked why are they requesting a general commercial
classification, as that causes him great concern because this property borders
on a residential neighborhood and church neighborhood. He said to open that to
general commercial causes some concern.
Father Schreck said because the Knights of Columbus would want to use it
as an assembly hall for their regular weekly and monthly meetings, they were
advised by the Planning Department that this is what the designation needed to
be.
Mr. Rick Jones of the Planning Department said that is correct. He said you
will be looking at a general commercial requirement, because they are going to
be looking at opening a lodge or club and said it would have to be in that
zoning classification to allow that.
He said the comprehensive plan also supports that area as being general
commercial as well; however, everything is in compliance here. He said they do
have a condition in the ordinance for an assembly hall only in the event that
the Knights of Columbus or anyone else left later on, to make sure we don?t
have a higher commercial use that could go in.
Discussion continued on this matter, after which Mr. Hurst and Mr. Jones
then responded to further questions of members of the Council.
Councilor Henderson asked Mr. Hurst if he had any objections to a
condition being placed in the ordinance to state that the property will not be
leased out to outside entities, and that it will be used specially by and for
the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Hurst said he didn?t have any objections to the
condition.
City Attorney Fay said that would encumber the property if they couldn?t
lease it out. He said we can put something like that in there; however, it?s
going to be, in effect; a deed restriction on this property and said if someone
wants it removed, they would have to come back before this body.
Councilor Henderson said that?s the intention. He said he would then make
the motion and leave it up to the City Attorney to properly word the motion to
allow that. He said the thrust of the motion is that the property be utilized
for and by the Knights of Columbus, direct use only and not subject to be
leased to other parties.
Mr. Hurst said the Ladies Auxiliary, who also meets at the church uses the
facility. Councilor Henderson said we would count them as part of the Knights
of Columbus.
Councilor Baker then seconded Councilor Henderson?s motion.
After approximately twenty-five minutes of discussion on this subject,
with Mr. Hurst and Mr. Jones responding to even further questions of members of
the Council, Councilor Davis asked Mr. Hurst if they would object to a
condition also being placed in the ordinance about no billboards.
Mr. Hurst said they have no plans of putting up a billboard or anything
along that line. He said at the old facility, there was a real nice sign out by
the road and said he don?t think that there are plans to put up any sign or
billboard. He said if there is any kind of signage, it may be on the building
and will be something small indicating that this was a Council Hall. He said he
does not object to a condition being placed in the ordinance.
Councilor Davis said he would like to make a motion that there be no
billboards placed in the area. Seconded by Councilor Baker.
City Attorney Fay said you would have to get into the sign provision of
the Unified Development Ordinance and look at how billboards are defined, but
said they would use that definition to say billboards are prohibited, as
defined in the Unified Development Ordinance.
Mr. Rick Jones said the condition that is placed in the ordinance is
limited to that use of the assembly hall. He said it doesn?t allow for anything
else to go out there, which includes billboards.
City Attorney Fay said that should cover it. Councilor Davis then withdrew
his motion.
Father Schreck said there are approximately 12 parking spaces located
behind the house, but the church has a much larger parking lot just to the east
of the property and said they have already made it known to the Knights of
Columbus that they are more than welcome to use that parking lot for any events
that they might have, which would eliminate the need for anyone to park on the
house. He said the house is very small and said there will never be 150 people
meeting in the house at one time; and said for any larger event we have made it
known to the Knights of Columbus that they are welcome to use the church hall
for any larger gatherings.
Councilor Anthony asked if we make this general commercial would there be
others on the same side of the street who might want to come and request a
general commercial classification. He said he would like to know what are the
plans for the adjacent property on either side.
Mr. Rick Jones said when this application came before them, they were
trying to be as thorough as they could in terms of looking at that in
particularly the potential impact to the neighborhood around it; and because it
was really going to be limited in terms to the actual use itself, and will
still be a part of the church use, they looked at that and tried to accommodate
them as best as they knew how with the general commercial use. He said anything
else out there will have a tough time going into that residential neighborhood
because of the existing land use issues out there and because the comprehensive
plan doesn?t support that. He said if anyone else wanted to go in on Kay Circle
or an adjacent street, they would have a tough time in doing so.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked if the condition that is already a part of
the ordinance, does it not cover everything that we have asked for? City
Attorney Fay said it does, with the exception of the leasing to a third party.
He said that would be a second condition.
After Mr. Hurst responded to still further questions of the Council, the
question was then called on the motion to amend the ordinance, which carried
unanimously by ten members of Council present for this meeting.
City Attorney Fay then advised that the ordinance; as amended, would be
back for a vote in two weeks.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING: _______
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 Mutec Drive to Corporate Ridge Parkway, to be
one street name, consistent with the length of roadway; authorizing the
replacement of existing street name signs labeled as Mutec Drive to Corporate
Ridge Parkway.
City Attorney Fay said if there were no questions of the Council, this
ordinance would be back in two weeks for a vote of the Council.
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City Attorney Fay said we would hold off on the next item, as listed below
until after we hold the executive session on a personnel matter.
Mayor Wetheington pointed out that we have already taken the vote, as
recorded earlier to allow the Council to go into an executive session to
discuss a personnel matter; however, he again called the question on the motion
again, which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at
the time, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this vote, with the
time being 10:08 a.m. and the regular meeting being adjourned to allow the
Council to go into executive session.
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With Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh noticing that we have only one individual
listed on the Public Agenda, asked that we go ahead and handle the public
agenda prior to going into executive session. She then made a motion to go back
into regular session to handle the public agenda. Seconded by Councilor
McDaniel and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at
the time, with Councilors Anthony, Hunter and Woodson absent for this vote.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MS. DARLENE H. KITTRELL, RE: PITBULL ATTACK IN THE LAKEBOTTOM PARK
AREA:__________________________________
Ms. Darlene H. Kittrell said she is not here this morning to protest pit
bulls or to infringe on anyone?s right to have a domesticated animal of their
choosing. She then went into some details outlining an encounter that she and
her pet had with a pit bull down at Lakebottom Park on July 2nd at
approximately 7:00 a.m. in the morning while she was walking in the park with
her dog on the north end of the park at the playground when a chocolate pit
bull donning a broken chain attacked them.
She said her dog sustained serious ear damage and had to have
reconstructive surgery on his ear and stitches in his thigh on each side.
She said she is here this morning in order to make the public aware to
please report these incidents. She said since this has happened she has found
out that there were four other similar incidents in Lakebottom involving pit
bull attacks where there were broken chains on the dogs.
Ms. Kittrell said reports aren?t been made; however, she thinks it is the
nature of this kind of incident that makes it different to report. She said it
is very important that these incidents be reported and she wants this to be the
first thing that she gets across to people to report these incidents.
She said she doesn?t know the official rule of how 911 are supposed to
address these calls; but said she only knows that in this particular incident
and in several other accounts when calls were made, 911 told the individual
that they needed to call Animal Control; however, they don?t open until 10:00
a.m. She said that things change and said maybe there is a prevalent of these
types of attacks than it was back then. She said maybe we would need to triage
these incidents when someone calls.
Ms. Kittrell said it might also be time for us to look at the way we
restrain our pets. She said maybe chains are not the way to do it, as it
creates anxiety and stress and maybe we just need to require fencing. She said
she doesn?t have the answers, but said she would be delighted to come back to
the Council once you have investigated this matter.
Councilor Woodson said that she would like for the City Manager to have
the staff to do some educational segments on CCG-TV to highlight what a citizen
needs to do when there is an incident or encounter with a dog, as well as the
responsibility of pet owners.
Ms. Drale Short, of the Special Enforcement Division said that 10:00 a.m.
is the time that the Animal Control Shelter opens and said they are on the
streets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. She said 911 picks up dispatching for
them when they close the shelter at 6:00 p.m. and they dispatch until 8:00 a.m.
the next morning when they open back up. She said there are impoundment fees,
as well as citations can be issued if the animal is not properly vaccinated and
permitted in Muscogee County; including the court costs. She said the owner?s
need to also remember that they are liable, as if they were in a car accident,
for the actions of their animals. She said she thinks that a lot of people
don?t come forward because they recognize that liability. She said it is very
important that all animal attacks and/or animal bites are reported for various
reasons.
Councilor Hunter also reiterated the need for an educational segment on
CCG-TV with regards to animal control especially in parks. He said it would be
great if we had an animal park. He said some of the concerns that he has is
that some of the owners who are down at the park don?t have their dogs on a
leash.
Councilor Anthony said for a point of clarification, if a citizen comes in
contact with dog, to come 911, to which Ms. Short said that is correct.
She said that is the first reaction, as if something is going on in your home.
She said call 911 and they will dispatch an officer out regardless if they are
open or not.
Councilor Allen asked if the BID Purple People helps patrol the park area.
He said he would encourage the staff to see if they could possibly assist in
this area.
Councilor Davis apologized to Ms. Kittrrell for the ordeal that she had to
encounter and said he would also encourage the staff to make it a priority to
go ahead and do those educational segments on this subject matter.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said Ms. Short has put together an Public
Service Awareness presentation and said that we will put that on CCG-TV and on
the City?s website. He said it focuses on safety tips, dog owners?
responsibilities and danger signs to look for, as well as reporting mechanism
in an event that something happens.
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MERITORIOUS RESOLUTIONS;
Edwin Jackson: Councilor Hunter said he would like for the City Attorney
to prepare a resolution honoring Shaw High School graduate, Edwin Jackson, who
was a member of the 2001 State Championship Baseball Team at Shaw High; now
Pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, and on last week was named to the All-Star
Baseball Team.
Thunder on the Hooch: Councilor Anthony said he would also like for the
City Attorney to prepare a resolution commending WTVM for putting on the
Thunder on the Hooch Celebration.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS EXPRESSING APPRECIATOIN TO THOSE VARIOUS
EMPLOYEES WHO RECENTLY RETIRED FROM THE SERVICES OF THE COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED
GOVERNMENT WERE SUBMITTED AND APPROVED BY HE 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 MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR
THIS MEETING; __________________________________________________
A Resolution (237-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Ronald Wayne
Sanders upon his retirement from Inspections & Codes Enforcement after over 11
years of service.
A Resolution (238-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Bernard Spicer upon
his retirement from the Columbus Police Department after 20 years of service.
A Resolution (239-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Aaron Sterling, Jr.
upon his retirement from Information Technology after 34 years of service.
A Resolution (240-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Johnnie Mae Walker
upon her retirement from the Columbus Police Department after 29 years of
service.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS CONVEYING CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF THOSE
EMPLOYEES WHO RECENTLY PASSED AWAY WERE SUBMITTED AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL
PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH
AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN
MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING;
______________________________________________________
A Resolution (241-09) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Richard
P. Colwell, employee with the Columbus Police Department, who passed away on
May 26, 2009.
A Resolution (242-09) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Henry
C. Graham, employee with the Columbus Water Works, who passed away on May 21,
2009.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding the request of Mayor Wetherington, Councilor Allen made a motion
to allow the Council to go into an executive session to discuss a personnel
matter. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
At 10:25 a.m. the regular session was adjourned to allow the Council to go
into an executive session.
At 10:53 a.m. the regular session was called back to order, at which time
Mayor Wetherington pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to
discuss a personnel matter, but no votes was taken.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND AFTER MORE THAN AN HOUR OF DISCUSIOSN WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING
AND ITS FIRST READING CONTINUED FOR TWO WEEKS:_______________________________
An Ordinance ? Establishing a position of Director of Crime Prevention
and setting a Pay Grade of G24 for such position; and for other purposes.
City Attorney Fay said this ordinance is on first reading today and now is
the time for any questions to be asked and/or discussion to be held.
Councilor Woodson said she has looked at the job description, as well as
the information provided and said she was wondering if the board that meet to
come up with the job description, were they going to be the same ones
interviewing people for the various programs, do we have a list of those
programs that this Director will be addressing and looking at.
Mayor Wetherington said he would provide a copy of that list to Councilor
Woodson.
Councilor Woodson said in order for her to feel more comfortable before
voting on this ordinance, she would like to have the Mayor to make a
presentation of the proposed plans for this department, as well as, outline
those who currently serves on the commission. She said she would like to know
the Mayor?s vision with respect to this department. She said she would also
like to know who is going to assist this department with the educational
component. She said she is 100% in support of it, but said she just needs some
additional information.
Mayor Wetherington said as you know, we talked about having a Crime
Prevention Director when we were campaigning for the Local Option Sales Tax and
said he then appointed the Commission that worked with Frank Meyers and said we
have had 10 ? 12 meetings where we invited the community in to hear the
discussions and have compiled all that information and then came back to the
Council a month or so ago and told you the direction that we wanted to go in;
but said he can certainly provide Councilor Woodson with the information that
she has requested.
Councilor Woodson said she thinks that would really help show the public
what this consists of and what we are really trying to do; and is this really
going to meet their request from us when we did the sales tax.
Mayor Wetherington said he is concerned about the same things that you are
concerned about. He said we need to have job descriptions, a mission for this
person to go in and said we want to look at other cities to see what they are
doing. He said he don?t want to create a Crime Prevention Program just for the
sake of having a Crime Prevention Program. He said he has told the Council that
all the money that we spend in this Crime Prevention arena will come back to
you and he will get your input on it. He said he came from a background where
people violate the law, you put them in jail, but said he thinks there is more
to having a safe and secure community than that. He said we have to do
something on the front end to try to keep people from committing crimes. He
said when he left the Department of Corrections in 2003 there were about 50,000
inmates in the system and today he has been told there is about 60,000, which
is a 10,000 population increase. He said that is a lot of people and said he,
along with some of the other people that have talked with him feels that we
need some type of program on the front end whether it?s recreation, education,
jobs for inmates that are coming out of the system. He said all of those
areas, he would like to see us target and he believes that we can make a
difference. He said yes, we will be plowing new ground and there are a lot of
things that we will have to look at to make sure that they work.
He said Dr. Pennell of the Muscogee County School District, who was a
member of the Crime Prevention Task Force, says that there is a lot of areas
that we can touch within the Muscogee County School District, with drop-outs
and other different kinds of programs that are working. He said he has also
talked with Columbus Technical School about training programs for these inmates
that are getting out of prison and need a job. He said Mr. Mike Gaymon of the
Chamber of Commerce has worked very closely with that and have talked with
Columbus Technical College as well. He said there are a lot of areas that we
want to look at. He said no, we don?t have a defined program, but said that is
what he is hoping the new Director will do; he will help him look at programs
that could possibly work and reduce the criminal element of our society.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she has to caution us because when we had
the Budget Review Committee Meeting; this position was placed in the budget
with the understanding that before job descriptions was put out for hire that
it would come back to this Council first and said that was her only contention
with it. She said we made that commitment during the Budge session in order to
put it in the budget; with the exceptions of the position would come back to
Council first and then we would get everything setup and the jobs being rated.
Councilor Allen said his concern goes to the point of establishing this as
a Director of an Office at a Pay Grade 24. He said it seems as though before we
establish a whole new department with a Director, staff and etc. that we should
wade into the water before we jump in. He said it seems like this should be a
person in the Mayor?s office reporting to the Mayor, working with the board. He
said he would like more information on the board that they are going to be
working with how that will be organized and structured.
He said he thinks that during his first year, the position should report
to the Mayor offering oversight, direct supervision, and inter-action with
other departments within the City, in particular with the City Auditor. He said
he thinks that is a department that should be involved in structuring this and
going forward since we will be dealing with revenue from a sales tax, the
Auditor should be involved. He said the job description that has been provided
requires a lot of measurement and coordination and he thinks that the City
Auditor could be valuable in those particular aspects of the job.
Councilor Allen said he thinks we need to start out slow with this, leave
it under your office and work more closely with the Council until we get this
off the ground and then we can let it sail on its own once we get it structured
and get all the guidelines in place.
Councilor Anthony said he would like to thank the Mayor for his
willingness to listen to some of the voters in the community who have said that
in addition to having the police force, let?s intervene and have some
prevention programs to keep people out of the system. He said he also wants to
thank you for setting up the Task Force, which he has had an opportunity to sit
in on some of their lengthy meetings to determine what is going on in our
community and what is affected. He said he thinks that is reflected in the
major duties, as well as in the knowledge, skills, abilities and experience
required for the position.
He said perhaps it would be useful for us if the Mayor would have them to
come back and present the five (5) major areas of findings that the Commission
has found that are crucial needs, as well as the prevention programs successful
locally, as well as State and Nationally. He said we have some already
operating at some level in the community, which would support what Councilor
Allen has said, in that a Director could then give some directions to some of
those initiatives. He said he thinks it would be helpful to give us a picture
of those five areas where they have identified those crucial needs.
Councilor Hunter said he applauds the Mayor?s efforts in this regard in
trying to deal with this on the front end. He said you come to this with years
of service in public safety and said he has practiced law for over thirty
years, much of it criminal and juvenile law and said over the years we have
seen our prisons in Georgia and Alabama, as well as all across this country
fill up to the point where they are busting at the seams. He said in Alabama it
was so bad that some of the prisoners were sent to Louisiana to basically a
commercial, privately run prison; which meant that loved ones who wanted to
visit their relatives had to travel across Mississippi to get to Louisiana to
see them; however, he said there has to be a better way.
He said until we address the issue of while it is that people commit
crimes, it is not going to stop, but continue to snowball. He said we realize
that we cannot continue to afford to spend the money that is necessary to house
prisoners. He said mentally we couldn?t do because it brings so much suffering
to the relatives and to their respective communities. He said he applaud the
Mayor?s efforts in trying to make a dent in this on the front end. He said the
key is going to be in hiring a smart Director, a Director with vision. He said
the interviewing process is going to be key because he think when you get your
candidates in, let them offer to you what they propose to do in this City; what
programs they propose. He said that key in finding that Director who is sharp
and really have a vision for tackling this. He said we couldn?t continue to do
what we have done, because as the Mayor has pointed out, everyday the prison
population is growing. He said everyday more people are suffering and in this
economy, we just can?t to do business as usual, we have to find a better way to
do and said this is one way to try to treat the problem.
Mayor Wetherington said when he left the Corrections Department; the
budget was approaching $1 billion. He said we have money in the L.O.S.T.
funding to build another tower at the jail, which we need. He said these
additional 100 officers will be aggressive in enforcing the law, but he thinks
that we are going to have to do other things to look at why people commit crime
and try to turn the tide.
Councilor Henderson said he is really encouraged by the opportunity that
this present for us to create some meaning programs that may cut down a little
bit on the supply line for our jail and ultimately to the correction system
throughout the State. He said just from the comments he has heard everybody
agrees that this is a vital component of the vision that you have set forth and
you sold us on, and we bought into it, and then the community has whole hearty
bought into it. He said he thinks the pressure is on to follow through on the
commitment and he thinks this is a big part of it.
He said the Mayor Pro Tem had indicated that we had budgeted for this
position, but said in his mind, we budgeted for it initially, as we put
$900,000 in the budget as a means of showing our commitment and good faith in
getting some of this operational as soon as possible.
Councilor Henderson said his fear is that there are going to be a lot of
community organizations who see this as an opportunity to fund some really good
ideas that they don?t have the resources to get off the ground and some of them
will be well worth investing money from this area into and others may not. He
said for us to help ensure the success of whoever ends up operating this area,
if we set some guidelines first and maybe took those ideas from the Task Force
that you (Mayor) put together, which are some very able and qualified folks;
and let?s determine what the money will be spent on. He said we have talked
about recreation centers; however, he thinks that we need to be specific on
what type of capital improvements will be spent with this money before people
start saying that we are supplementing our CIP program with money set aside for
Crime Prevention. He said maybe we need to define the grant application
process, as we talked about a critical piece of this process being measurement
and accountability, we need someone to understand what they are looking for
when they provide the information to us.
He said Councilor Baker brought up a great idea with respect to the RDC
(The Regional Development Center); whereby they have a specialty of writing
grants and said maybe it is something that we can do to use them to set some
kind of parameters for us when we evaluate these requests for grants when they
come in. He said if we currently have someone on staff now and after we have
gotten a lot of the infrastructure already set up and completed; then that
would narrow the focus of this position to just bringing in the grants,
accessing them and following them, as well as analyzing the results. He said he
thinks it could be very important to have this person?s actions guided a great
deal by a board. He said this would become a political football going forward;
maybe not in this Administration, but certainly going forward, it has the
opportunity to become a difficult thing to manage as you get pressure from
people in different communities for different projects.
Councilor Henderson said he supports completely what the Mayor is doing
and he is not quite sure that we don?t need to hire somebody, but said
In these economic times it might be a good idea to evaluate and come back with
the results of the evaluation as to whether or not we have staff that could
handle this, if we got the template going.
Mayor Wetherington said this director would answer to a board. He said
right now we have fifteen members on the Crime Prevention Task Force and said
that is too many. He said he is going to narrow it down to about seven members,
which he will bring those seven names to the Council. He said if you have any
names that the Council would like to submit to him that you would like to be on
the Commission, he would certainly take a good look at it.
Councilor Barnes said he attended several of the meetings of the
15-member Commission that the Mayor appointed and said it was really detailed
and they had a lot of good discussions in a number of areas.
He said this is a multi-focal problem and this is a step of addressing the
problem on the front end and this is just the first stage of the labor process,
as this entire thing is going to be very laborious as far as working out all
the myriad of things that are involved in this. He said he has heard in the
community, as late as last night, comments asking if we are going to start
reaching out to many grassroots people and organizations or will we continue
having people who are normally on the boards that we have.
Councilor Barnes said whoever this person is, they would have to be
someone who has a combination of upper level education and experience because
there are a number of areas dealing with job, substance abuse, training, who
will not be educated, but have a wealth of experience in a number of different
areas. He said this is a very good start in beginning this very laborious
process.
Councilor Allen said instead of having the Mayor appoint seven members of
the Commission, it may be good to stretch it to eleven members and all of us
nominate someone to the Commission. He said it seems like that would work
better, to give a broad section of the community, by having someone from each
Council District and the two at-large members, and one appointed by the Mayor.
Mayor Wetherington said he will certainly entertain that, but said he
found out that the bigger the board is, it?s harder to get people to agree.
He said he would certainly take a look at that.
Councilor Davis said he thinks the vision is noble and the goal is worthy,
but said he thinks that we all need to get on the same page as far as
interpretation as far as where we are heading with this new department that is
being presented. He said he is really not ready to make any decision today, as
they just received this information on Tuesday. He said he does have a lot of
questions. He said he would like to have an opportunity to compile his thoughts
and write it down and he can get it to the Mayor?s Office.
He said the board that was put together that initially brought all the
vision to us, where they discussed the brainchild of the concept, did a lot of
the information on the job description, the responsibilities and duties, did a
lot of the compilation come from that group. Mayor Wetherington said that it
did.
Mayor Wetherington said the Commission is still together, as he hasn?t
made any changes to the 15-member board, but said he has told them the majority
of the Commission that he is going to reduce that to about 7 or 8 people and
said he will take into consideration of Councilor Allen?s suggestion about
Council members appointing a member.
Councilor Davis said as he stated earlier, he is not ready to make a
decision. He said the way he foresee this is when you are constructing a
building, you want it to be a solid building; then you would go through the
steps to make that happen. He said the most important factor in constructing a
building is getting the foundation laid and said nothing else will work unless
you get the foundation laid or else you will have problems with the remaining
existence of the structure and said that?s a hard lesson to learn.
He said he thinks that is where we are today. He said as stated earlier,
this is a noble vision, but he still feels like we are in the middle working on
the mechanics and the construction of the infrastructure and how all this is
going to work; and said sometimes it takes a little time. He said at the same
time, he doesn?t think that the Mayor?s intention was for the Council and
everyone else to get involved in the mechanics of it. He said we are dealing
with taxpayer?s money and we have given our assurance to the citizens of
Columbus that we are going to be responsible for that penny. He said he thinks
that it is important that we get off on the right foot and build the right
foundation and head in the right direction, not just for us today, but for the
future Administration and future Council members. He said he don?t want it to
be something that is going to be constantly adjusted. He said there is going to
be some times that the Council may probably have to make some adjustments, but
he thinks it is important to get off on a good solid foundation.
Councilor Davis said he would like to have the opportunity to gather some
of his thoughts and then get it to the Mayor that it can be compiled with all
of the other concerns of the other Council members. He said he would like to
make a motion to delay this matter for a period of time where we can get
further information and reciprocate in the same way of giving
knowledge and input back into the structure and foundation of this cause.
Mayor Wetherington said he certainly don?t have any objections to that, he
just ask that all the Council members give him input and talk to him about what
you would like to see in this Crime Prevention program. He said our citizens
voted on this concept that we were going to have a Crime Prevention Program,
along with hiring the 100 new officers and doing all the other things. He said
he thinks that they were pretty much satisfied with what you said and what he
said in trying to sell the 100 Police officers, Marshal?s, Sheriff?s Deputies
and the Crime Prevention Program. He said all he asks the Council to do is to
give him input as to what you would like to see and we will go forward with
that. He said he certainly didn?t have any intentions of not including the
Council, as we have been talking about this for a long time and he just thought
it was time to come forward with it and he totally understands what you are
saying. He said he will take it all into consideration and come back at some
point in time after the discussion and deliberations with another first
reading.
Councilor Davis said he didn?t specify a timeframe, but said Councilor
Woodson mentioned the possibility of having a formal presentation once
everything is compiled. He said he is not sure he understood exactly what she
meant by that, but if that is part of it, he is agreeable.
Mayor Wetherington said there are some things that you are not going to be
able to put on a presentation because we are all going into this, as this is
new ground that we are plowing; however, we will do the best we can in putting
a presentation together. He said a lot of this will depend on what we learn
from other cities, as well as what we learn from the director, the input that
he/or she is going to have, as well as the input that he and the Council will
have. He said he is not sure how he can put it in a presentation to say this is
what we are going to do, because he don?t know what all we are going to do.
He said all the money that we are going to spend is going to come back
before this Council. He said you will decide whether or not we spend the money
and said he is not going to spend any money without getting your input. He said
if you don?t like it, you tell him.
Mayor Wetherington said they would put together some kind of slide
presentation the best they can. Councilor Allen then asked if they could do it
within the next 30 days.
Councilor Allen then asked Councilor Davis to amend his motion to have a
presentation made to the Council within 30 days, and then seconded the motion
for a delay.
Several members of the Council then expressed their views with respect to
the motion for the delay. Councilor Woodson also clarified what she was asking
for in this presentation. She said it is not going to take 30 days to put a
presentation together.
Councilor Baker said his question goes to the wording of the ordinance
itself and said maybe the City Attorney can clarify it for him. He said when we
approved the budget, it was simply a line item and said the Mayor has mentioned
bringing expenditures before the Council and said he likes that approach, but
he would prefer that be in the form of an ordinance. He said if it is not, then
there is no control over the individual expenditures, if it is simply placed
under a Director or the Office of the Mayor. He then asked if it could be a
part of the ordinance that the expenditures come to the Council for approval.
City Attorney Fay said we could do that; however, he thinks there should
be a minimum threshold amount, if we do that.
Councilor Baker said that is something that needs to come up for
discussion at the next meeting, if we are going to delay the first reading. He
said he would like for the other Council members to give some thought about
approving the individual expenditures so that we will have some control over
it, as the money goes out. He said as he understands it, it is just a full line
item now and he really doesn?t under the controls of it; and said that is his
concern and has been all along.
Mayor Wetherington said if he wanted to send the Director somewhere to
another location to look at another program, would he be able to do that or is
this something that he would have to be approved by the Council. Councilor
Baker said that is something that we need to talk about and consider some
minimum financial thresholds as stated by City Attorney Fay. He said there may
be some minimum financial thresholds that you can meet on your own, but there
may be some others that will need the Council?s approval.
Councilor Baker said he would prefer that this be in the ordinance so
that future Mayors and Council will understand the process. City Attorney Fay
said that is something that we can discuss with Finance Director Hodge. He said
he knows that we just recently revised some of the procurement items threshold
and said we could look at that with her.
Ms. Judy Thomas, Assistant to the Mayor, then came forward and responded
to some of the concerns expressed by the Council. She said want the Commission
had envisioned was that we would have someone, like this director to help put
all of this together that you are talking about what are the responsibilities
of the board. She said the issues that would come back to the Council, the
director under the supervision of the board and then back to the Council would
put together a budget for the department, which would include travel and all
those typical things in a department budget. She said any other money that
would be expended by any other groups; organization that would be looking for a
grant would certainly come back to this Council before that is done. She said
that was the focus of the Commission all along.
She said what they were trying to do with this action is to get someone in
place who can start to put together the kinds of things that are needed for the
department.
Ms. Thomas said she could do a slide presentation on the areas of what the
Commission has said we need to be looking at; however, we can?t tell you what
the outcome of all of those areas are going to be. She said one of the things
that have been mentioned is that our recreation centers closes at 7:00 p.m. on
weeknights during the summer, and the question is, do we need to take a look at
that. She said that is something that the director and the Board can deal with
and then come back to the Council with a recommendation. She said until we can
get someone to pull all of this together, she don?t know if there is someone
who can give you the answers to many of these questions.
Ms. Thomas said she could work together with some of the Commission
members to put together some kind of presentation to tell you what they were
thinking about. She said they did have organizations that came before them,
which they felt was worthy of some additional funding through this mechanism
and others maybe not.
Mayor Wetherington said the Commission has provided the information to him
and we are relying it to you and said this Council will hold him responsible
for it. He said we would put together a budget out of this money that we
anticipate spending once the director is approved.
Councilor Davis said we have extended the opportunity to be a part of this
because this is something new. He said as far as someone compiling all of this
information, as a representative of the public, some of the conversations that
he is hearing is doesn?t the City have enough resources within already that we
could compile all of this before it gets to that stage. He said he doesn?t know
if he is totally comfortable with someone?s physiology of coming in and just
putting it all together; that is not what he has perceived. He said he is
hoping at this point that the vision is grounded enough that we all know the
direction we are heading in versus having a new entity come in and
compiling/constructing what they see is the right method in preventing crime.
He said maybe the resources are already here.
After continued discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a substitute
motion that this ordinance be continued on first reading for the next two
weeks. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
At the conclusion of this lengthy discussion on this subject matter, City
Attorney Fay said this ordinance will still be on first reading in two weeks
and said it can be presented as a public hearing and individuals may make
comments for or against. He said they would look at a possible amendment on
spending thresholds expenditures, as suggested by Councilor Baker.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY
MANAGER ARRINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (243-09) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and
if approved accept $389,077 in federal funds to perform transportation planning
activities throughout the Columbus-Phenix City Urban Area. Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen.
Councilor Davis said he went through the commitment on the contract and
then asked, if the grant is accepted; he is not sure what the money is going to
be used for but he knows that there is a contributing grant, and he wants to
know will that obligate us to in the future, in the event the funding ceases,
does it obligate the City to continue with the funding of the program.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said this is an annual Transportation
Planning Grant that we get every year to fund the MPO, Metropolitan Planning
Organization or our Transportation Planning Division, which is a 90/10 matching
grant; 80% Federal funds and 10% State and we provide a 10% match. He said it
is the primary mechanism for our Transportation Funding Division. He said if we
don?t get the grant, then we will have to come back to the Council for funding
that division. He said it is funding that has been made available for a number
of years.
The question was then called on the motion to adopt the resolution, which
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING SEVEN PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
ARRINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:___________________________
A Resolution (244-09) ? Approving the Letter of Agreement between
Prison Health Services (PHS) and the Columbus Consolidated Government for
physician and physician?s assistant medical services, as well as, on site
psychiatric treatment for inmates at the Muscogee County Jail and Muscogee
County Prison. The fixed administrative fee will be $14,903.00 per month. The
professional component will be no more than $48,491.00 per month, unless
additional services have been requested and delivered. The contract term shall
be for one year commencing on July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (245-09) ? Authorizing the approval of appropriated funds to
Premier Election Solutions (Pittsburgh, PA), for FY10 election supplies and
equipment maintenance in an amount not to exceed $60,000. Services from Premier
may include programming, audio recording, Premier ballot printing, loading
database, creating memory cards, programming encoders and logic and accuracy
testing. Premier will also provide Global Election Management Systems (GEMS)
support at all elections and primaries. Premier Election Solutions is the
provider mandated by the State of Georgia for Election support services.
Therefore, the vendor is considered an only known source.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (246-09) ? Authorizing the execution of Change Order No. 4,
for additional construction services related to the Regional Detention Pond and
Wetland Mitigation project, with McMath -Turner Construction Company in the
amount of $62,580.00.
Deputy City Manager Arrington went into some details and responded to
questions of Councilor Davis regarding this project that is in the East
Columbus Industrial Park.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (247-09) ? Approving the contract for medical evaluation
services for Fire/EMS from North Greenville Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation
Clinic, Inc. The services are needed to assist the Columbus Fire & EMS
Department in evaluating the physical condition of its firefighter workforce
and to make recommendations for a physical fitness program. The contractor
will provide medical evaluation services for each member of the Columbus Fire &
EMS Department which shall comply with all requirements prescribed in the most
current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1201, Developing Fire
Protection Services for the Public, sections 7-2.4-2 and 7-2.2.4, NFPA 1582;
Standard on Medical Requirements for Firefighters and all other applicable
standards, guidelines, laws, regulations and acts. Approximately 358 personnel
will be examined, as needed, contingent upon budget appropriations. The
initial term of the contract shall be for two years, with the option to renew
for three additional twelve-month periods. The contract renewal will be
contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (248-09) ? Approving the purchase of Berbee paging software
and license in the amount of $14,202.74; and one IPCC Server in the amount of
$6,726.93 from AT&T Communications (Baltimore, MD). This additional equipment
and software is needed to complete the Cisco Unity VOIP Server/Call Manager
upgrade project approved in December 2008, per Resolution #567-08. This
equipment will upgrade Cisco VOIP Call Managers, Unity Voice Mail and Berbee
call paging and overhead paging system. Per Resolution No 202-03, Council
authorized a 10-year contract with AT&T (formerly BellSouth) for the current
Cisco IP Phone system utilized by the City. This purchase is an addition to
that contract.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (249-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) 25-yard refuse
collection bodies from Consolidated Disposal Systems (Smyrna, GA), in the
amount of $115,882.00 ($57,941.00 each). The refuse collection bodies will be
mounted on cab and chassis. The refuse collection trucks are replacement units
that will be used by the Solid Waste Collection Division, of the Public
Services Department, for curbside pick up of household garbage. On December
16, 2008 Council approved the purchase of refuse collections bodies from
Consolidated Disposal Systems, per Resolution No.585-08, RFB No.09-0013. The
bid specifications required vendors to submit a bid price for future purchases
during the FY2010 budget year. Consolidated Disposal Systems submitted a bid
price of $57,941.00, per unit, for future FY2010 purchases. The vendor has
confirmed they will honor the bid price.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (250-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) cab and
chassis Beck Motor Company (Albany, GA), in the amount of $214,632.00
($107,316.00 each). Refuse collection bodies will be mounted onto the new cab
and chassis. The refuse collection trucks are replacement units that will be
used by the Solid Waste Collection Division, of the Public Services Department,
for curbside pick up of household garbage. On November 13, 2007 Council
approved the purchase of five (5) cab and chassis from Beck Motor Company, per
Resolution No.490-07, RFB No.08-0015. The bid specifications required vendors
to submit a bid price for future purchases during the FY09 budget year. Beck
Motor Company submitted a bid price of $107,316.00, per unit, for future FY09
purchases. On June 30th, the vendor provided written confirmation to Public
Services that they would honor the same price until August 15, 2009 for future
purchases.
*** *** ***
TRAINING FOR BOARD MEMBERS:
Councilor Woodson said she would like for the City Manager to have the
staff to determine if there is funding available to bring forth the proposed
training for board members on a smaller scale than what was presented to the
Council earlier this year. She said there are some individuals who are
interested in serving on boards, but don?t feel comfortable or have the
knowledge about them.
*** *** ***
FLOOD PLAIN STUDY:
Councilor Davis said several weeks ago during a Council meeting, he had
stepped away from the Council table and said that the Council voted on an item
pertaining to a Flood Plain Study. He said he knows that he can?t vote at this
put but just for the record, he would like to make some comments regarding that
matter.
He said we had discussed this in a meeting and he had given his thoughts
to the Administration that he felt like if we were going to head in that
direction, at this point in the economy, that we needed to look at some grants
and if we didn?t receive them, to wait until we had an opportunity to get some
grants from the Federal Government or the State. He said he also read in the
newspaper that Councilor McDaniel wasn?t in agreement of moving forward on the
plan. He said he thinks it was just an agreement to move forward with an RFP or
was it actually a purchase agreement to move forward.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said they had presented to the Council their
recommendations to move ahead with conducting flood studies in certain areas of
the community that had previously flooded. He said when they made the
presentation, they did not have clear guidance on whether or not the Council
wanted them to move forward with their recommendations to conduct the flood
studies and move ahead with acquiring certain properties that had frequently
flooded or at least had flooded several times over the years; therefore, the
City Manager felt like it was necessary for us to bring that recommendation
back and get Council?s clear guidance, and that is what they did a few weeks
back; is brought the recommendation back and sought Council?s guidance.
He said they have consultants under contract to conduct flood studies and
engineers under contract; however, they are expanding that contract and within
the next month those additional engineering firms should be under contract with
the City and they are planning on assigning those studies to them. He said the
purpose of the study would be to identify what, if any improvements can be made
to prevent flooding in those areas. He said he thinks it was reported that we
are going to do a study to determine why it flooded; however, he said that is
not the issue. He said we want to determine if we can do something to prevent
the flooding in the future; and, is so, what.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said we would have to make a cost benefit
decision as to whether or not we want to invest in making those improvements to
provide the protection to those citizens or whether we want to move in a
different direction; but said you would have the information at that point to
move ahead. He said we have moved ahead with the purchasing of four residences,
three on Califon Court and one on Englewood Drive. He said we have currently
engaged someone to begin appraisals on those properties and letters have gone
out to the property owners. He said one of those four properties is rental
property. He said we are moving ahead with that.
Councilor Davis said he supported moves in the budget to take care of some
of he flooding issues; however, he just wanted to bring this matter up for the
record. He said he feels like there is another way to accomplish that goal and
said at this point in time, he is not in favor of it.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said they have looked into applying for
grants; however, the events would not qualify for disaster mitigation funding
and said that is a mechanism that our staff is aware of and said in qualifying
events, we would certainly use that. He said in the events that we had, they
would not qualify for disaster mitigation funding through FEMA.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:
(1) ACCG?s 2009 Fall Policy Conference, October 7 - 9, 2009, at the Atlanta
Marriott Marquis.
(2) Memorandum from ACCG, Re: Board of Managers Names Next ACCG Executive
Director- Mr. Ross King.
(3) Copy of the Mayor?s Committee for Persons with Disabilities Weekly Report
from June 10, 2009 through June 15, 2009.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:____
A Resolution (251-09) ? Approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of May 2009. Councilor Henderson 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 TWO TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATINS WERE SUBMITTED BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________________________________________________
Application of Jamaal Fowler to temporarily close 7th Avenue from 8th
Street to 9th Street, on Saturday, July 25, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, in
connection with the ?3rd Annual Hip Hop Summit? educating youth on the
importance of education, the roots of hip hop.
Application of Pauline Brown to temporarily close Playa Delray between
Meadowlark Drive and Califon Drive, on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 from 4:00 p.m.
to 9:00 p.m., in connection with the ?National Night Out?.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of these two applications. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Ms. Tracy Dean,
President of the Columbus Board of Realtors, advising that Ms. Sandi Green has
been appointed to replace Ms. Barbara Pound on the Board of Historic &
Architectural Review. She pointed out that Ms. Green could now be confirmed.
Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING THREE LETTERS OF
RESIGNATIONS, WHICH WERE RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
___________________________________________________________
Clerk of Council Washington submitted the following letters of
resignations, which were officially received by the Council.
Letter from Mr. Bradford Haines resigning his position on the Recreation
Advisory
Board.
Letter from Dr. John E. Stephens resigning his position on the Public Safety
Advisory
Commission.
Letter from Ms. Eva Smith resigning her position on the Board of Historic &
Architectural to accept a position on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these letters be received with regrets
and thanks for their service. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
C. I. R. C. L. E.:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Ms. Catherine Ross,
Chairperson of C.I.R.C.L.E, requesting that the seat of Ms. Deidre Williams be
declared vacant due to lack of attendance.
Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson 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:___________________________________________________________
Airport Commission, May 27, 2009.
Board of Elections and Registration, May 7, 2009.
Board of Elections and Registration, June 4, 2009.
Board of Health, May 27, 2009.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 19-09.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 21-09, 22-09 & 23-09.
Community Development Advisory Council, March 17, 2009.
Convention & Visitors Bureau, May 20, 2009.
Family & Children Services, June 24, 2009.
Golf Authority, April 28, 2009.
Hospital Authority, May 27, 2009.
Councilor Allen moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for
this meeting.
*** *** ***
BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Carmel Biggers, and Mr.
Donald Bowman?s terms of office expired back in March and that they are not
eligible to succeed themselves and a nomination would be needed for these
seats. She said the Mayor is working on a replacement for Mr. Biggers? seat and
that the Council will need to nominate someone to succeed Mr. Bowman. There was
no action taken.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(CIRCLE):______________________________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out the terms of office of
Mr. Sudhir V. Patel and Mr. Owen Ditchfield have expired; however, they are
eligible to succeed themselves. Councilor Henderson then nominated them for
another term of office. She said she would bring this back in two weeks for the
Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
EMPLOYEES? PENSION PLAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. Alan Rothschild, who serves as the Business Community representative, Mr.
Lemuel H. Miller, III, who serves as the Public Safety representative, and Mrs.
Reather Hollowell, who serves as the City employees representative expired on
June 30, 2009; however, they are all eligible to succeed themselves.
She pointed out that Mayor Wetherington is nominating Mr. Rothschild and
Mr. Miller to succeed themselves for another term of office. Councilor Allen
moved they be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that at the last Council meeting
Councilor Henderson nominated all those eligible at-large members who were
eligible to succeed themselves for another term of office, as well as the
recommendations for the other at-large members, who were not eligible to
succeed themselves. She said that these individuals could now be confirmed.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
The following is a listing of those at-large members who were confirmed
and are now eligible to serve on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission:
Sherrylrae Wicker, Carrie Cowley, Patricia Killough, Julie Bray, Jack
Collins, Bill Consoletti, Julie Davis, Greg Paul, Karon Henderson, Barbara Moto
and Eva Smith.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that on the District
appointments, Councilor Baker has nominated Ms. Linda McLemore to succeed Mr.
Larry Trammell for the District 5 representative and that she may be confirmed.
Councilor Baker so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those ten members present for this meeting.
She also pointed out that we have outlined the recommendations from the
Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission on the other District appointments if any of
those Council members would like to nominate those individuals.
Councilor McDaniel then nominated Mr. Frazier Loomis to succeed Ms. Beth Burgin
for his District 8 representative. Councilor Hunter also nominated Ms. Doris
Estell to succeed herself for another term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington said because these are District appointments
these individuals may be confirmed. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
There was no action taken on the following four
positions.
Marie Lewis, District 2 Representative, who cannot succeed herself
Susie Hamlet), District 7 Representative, who cannot succeed herself
B. J. McBride), District 4 Representative, who does not desire reappointment
Josephina Takemoto, whose seat was declared vacant,
Mayor Wetherington then asked if there were anyone in the audience who was
not listed on the Agenda, but had an issue to bring before the Council could be
heard at this time. There was no one who wanted to be heard.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
McDaniel then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for the meeting,
and the time being 12:10 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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