MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 26, 2015
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 5:45 P.M., Tuesday, May 26, 2015, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens
Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia Honorable
Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor and Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker,Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry
H. Henderson, Bruce Huff, Judy W. Thomas, and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager
Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy
Sheftall, Clerk of Council Tiny Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey
Glisson were also present.Councilor R. Gary Allen took his seat at 9:07 a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Tom B. Buck, III was absent, but excused upon the adoption
of Resolution Number 136-15.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Grace Burton-Edwards ? of St. Thomas Episcopal
Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Teresa Tomlinson.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL: ________________________________________________________
A Resolution (125-15) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Fred Van Noy and
Carmike Cinemas, Inc. for donating seating to Recorder?s Court.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting, with Councilor Buck being absent.
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THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED
AND READ INTO THE RECORD BY MAYOR TOMLINSON AND THEN
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: _____________________________________
A Resolution (126-15) ? Approving the Tax Commissioner?s proposed project
to remove walls in her office, with its source of funding being unexpended
salary savings from the Tax Commissioner?s FY-15 budget. Councilor Allen moved
the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with
Councilor Buck being absent.
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PRESENTATION:
Mr. Len Williams, CEO of the Columbus Housing Authority came forward and
gave a presentation outlining the plans for the Rehabilitation of Farley Homes,
E.J.
Knight, Nicholson Terrace Apartments and Wilson Homes under HUD?s Rental
Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program, as outlined below.
? } Authorized by Congress under FY 2012 HUD
Appropriations Act to convert HUD-Assisted rental units
to project based Section 8 contracts.
? Intended to provide a methodology for PHA?s to
preserve and improve PH properties and resolve a
backlog of deferred maintenance. HA?s are required to
capitalize property improvements for a 20 year period.
? RAD does not increase the HUD budget. Operating
subsidy shifts from the PH Program to the Section 8
Program allowing HA?s to leverage private capital
markets in order to make capital improvements.as
business in 2
Residents retain same tenant rights and will not be
displaced.
? Housing units remain permanently affordable to lowincome
households. Residents will continue to pay 30%
of their income towards unit rent.
? Capital improvements will ensure an improved living
environment for the long term.
? Provides financial stability to HACG operations.? 11
After
Af? 5,000 Zippers
After the conclusion of his presentation, City Manager Hugley said there
is a
resolution on his agenda regarding BTW Apartments, and then requested that this
item be called up as the next order of business.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, AS LISTED ON THE CITY
MANAGER?S AGENDA WAS THEN CALLED UP AS THE NEXT ORDER
OF BUSINESS AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND
THEN ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:___ _______________
A Resolution (127-15) ? Authorizing an allocation of up to $2,500,000 in
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the redevelopment of the
Booker T. Washington Apartments (BTW) located at 500 5th Avenue. The CDBG funds
would be used towards the demolition and site work activities.
City Manager Hugley said the Council may recall back in 2013, Resolution
Number 176-13, authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the
Columbus Housing Authority to provide financial assistance to construct the
Booker T. Washington apartments, and said we were going to us Economic
Development funds; and the general fund reserve funds over a five-year period.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson
City Manager Hugley said we know what we are dealing with financial wise,
and said that the staff saw an opportunity to use CDBG funds and consulted with
HUD. He said there is an opportunity to use CDBG funds in the amount of $2.5
million in lieu of using Economic Development Funds or general fund reserve
funds. He said we were actually going to allocate the Economic Development
Funds and general fund reserve funds over a five-year period at $400,000 a year
for five years, and then $500,000 for the final year. He said we have an
opportunity
here to do $500,000 of CDBG funds over a five-year period to get to that $2.5
million; therefore, we are asking the Council to authorize us to use CDBG funds.
He said we have talked to the Housing Authority, and they understand, as well
as
have worked with us on a timeline and said we are asking the Council?s approval
to allow us to do that.
After City Manager Hugley concluded his remarks and then responded to a
question of Councilor Davis, the question was then called on the motion to
adopt the resolution, which carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting, with Councilor Buck being absent.
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NOTE: The City Manager?s Agenda is continued below.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the March 24, April 14 & 28, and May 12,
2015 Council Meetings, March 31, 2015 Work Session and the April 28 & May 12,
2015 Executive Sessions of the Consolidated Government were submitted and
approved by the Council upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor
Barnes. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilor Buck being absent.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FIVE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:
_________________________________
An Ordinance (15-17) ? Rezoning property located at 976 Lake Rushin Drive
from an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) with conditions zoning district to an NC
(Neighborhood Commercial) with amended conditions zoning district. The
proposed use is restaurant.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor Buck being absent.
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An Ordinance (15-18) ?Rezoning property located at 1211 Rose Hill Street
from an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to an SFR4 (Single Family
Residential 4) zoning district. The proposed use is for single family
residential dwelling. The Planning Advisory Commission recommends approval and
the Planning Department recommends approval W/Variance for a 45 feet lot width.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor Buck being absent.
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An Ordinance (15-19) ?Rezoning property located at 7042 Moon Road from an
RO (Residential Office) zoning district to an GC (General Commercial) zoning
district. The proposed use is CVS Drugstore.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Davis and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this
meeting, with Councilor Buck being absent.
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An Ordinance (15-20) ? Amending Ordinance #14-25, the budget for the
Fiscal Year 2015 beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015, for certain
positions of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; and for other
purposes.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor Buck being absent.
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An Ordinance (15-21) ? Revising Columbus Code Section 16B-1-3.2., which
pertains to the hiring or rehiring of felons upon review by an executive
committee, implementing a hiring policy intended to encourage the full
participation of motivated and qualified persons with criminal histories in the
workforce, reduce recidivism and assure public safety, authorizing the
updating, revision and reissuance of certain personnel policies, and for other
purposes.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor Buck being absent.
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ORDINANCE NUMBER 15-20:
Deputy City Manager Hodge said those positions were submitted to UGA,
which was a request of the Council, and said they did come back. She said the
position that we requested at a Pay Grade 18, it was actually approved at a Pay
Grade 19; however, it was budgeted at a Pay Grade 18, which it was before.
She said the Assistant Chief Deputy position in the Clerk of Superior Court?s
office; therefore, it will be an 18J. She said the other position that was
requested to go from a Pay Grade 18 to a Pay Grade 20, for Juvenile Court was
also submitted to UGA and was approved at a Pay Grade 20. She said what was
approved in that ordinance was what UGA has authorized.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
DIRECTOR ANN BLAIR, REPRESENTING COLUMBUS REGIONAL, RE: DIABETES
OUTREACH:________________________________________
Director Ann Blair, who requested to be listed on the Council?s Public
Agenda
for tonight?s Council meeting, did not response when given an opportunity to
address the Council.
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MS. LAKEYA Y. DODOO, REPRESENTING THE MOVEMENT
CAUSE, RE: SECOND ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY VOTER?S
REGISTRATION DRIVE:_________________________________________
Ms. Lakeya Y. Dodoo, representing The Movement Cause, Re: Second Annual
Independence Day Voter?s Registration Drive came forward and read a prepared
statement. She said today she stand here representing a campaign that she
started, which is called, #No Justice for Tyreke. She said she started this
campaign on behalf of her son, Tyreke Huling who was 17 years old that was
killed two years ago in a high speed police chase. She said to the critics who
said it has been two years, and she needs to let it go; said she will not let
the issue rest until she has peace on earth in knowing that her son?s life
mattered enough that the City was willing to examine the situation and the many
circumstances that did and did not happen correctly on the night that he died.
She said he is and was deserving of that much; from thenceforth, when that
happens, she will have peace in knowing that all that has been left in the dark
has been brought to light regarding the tragic night that he died on March 1,
2013.
Ms. Dodoo said for those who have said, to leave it in God?s hands, said
that she has done so and in doing so, God has placed a call on her life, to
stand here today, seeking justice, truth and peace. She said it is a
tremendous mandate and also a major sacrifice on her life to live up to, but
said she is willing, despite how she feels.
She said she is uncomfortable at times, and said she is in unfamiliar
territory, but again she is willing where the Lord says to go, she will and
that is the reason why she stands here today.
Ms. Dodoo said there are three things that have brought her here on today;
the campaign, #No Justice for Tyreke, with priority emphasis to ask the City of
Columbus to help her in charity, by donating funds to purchase a stone to put
on her son?s grave that is buried at Green Acres Cemetery. She said she also
wants to ask the City to be charitable in helping to keep Tyreke?s memory
alive, by
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MR. JOHNNY L. BORUM, RE: THE IMPACT OF MAJOR DISABILITY INCOME
PLAN:____________________________________
Mr. Johnny L. Borum, Re: The Impact of Major Disability Income Plan.
Mr. Nathan Smith, Re: Elected Official Litigation
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (128-15) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Gallant
Drive, that portion of Capot Drive and that portion of Admiral Drive location
in Section One, Midland Downs. The Engineering Department has inspected said
street and recommends the acceptance.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Buck being absent. ]
A Resolution (129-15) ? Authorizing Authorization is requested to submit
an application and, if approved, accept a grant in the amount of $7,848.00 for
the first year of award and later amounts awarded in year two and three of the
pilot program from the AFLAC Foundation through the Community Foundation of the
Chattahoochee Valley.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Thomas asked if this is to be carried out by the Parks &
Recreation Department at the Natatorium.
A Resolution (130-15) ? Authorizing Authorization is requested to submit
an application and, if approved, accept $2,173.00 or as otherwise awarded from
the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia Civic Affairs Foundation to
hire an intern to update forms used in the Records Management System for a ten
week period of the Fall of 2015, with no local match requirement, and to amend
the Multi-Governmental Fund by the amount of the award.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH MAYOR PRO
TEM TURNER PUGH ABSENT FOR THE
VOTE:_ _
A Resolution (131-15) Approving the acceptance of one (1) salvaged
72-passenger school bus from the Muscogee County School District (MCSD) in
exchange for three (3) CCG surplus sedans, which will become available late
July/August of 2015.
Two years ago (May 28, 2013), Per Resolution #188-13, Council approved to
exchange six (6) city-owned surplus vehicles for four (4) Muscogee County
School District (MCSD) salvaged buses. The largest of those buses was used to
transport up to 148 inmates, per day, to and from the Muscogee County Prison
(MCP) for various worksites. The transmission went out in that bus, which has
caused a tremendous burden on the Waste Collection Division getting inmates to
the job sites. The cost of $22,000 to repair the vehicle is cost prohibitive.
Therefore, the Fleet Manager contacted MCSD to see if they had any buses
scheduled for salvage, which would meet Columbus Consolidated Government (CCG)
needs for transporting inmates. The School District has almost completed their
approval process for this exchange. However, Council approval is required to
proceed.
MCSD understands the City?s urgent need for the bus and is willing to wait for
the City?s surplus vehicles to become available when the Columbus Police
Department will start turning in vehicles for replacement.
Therefore, with Council approval, the City will accept the one (1) salvaged bus
from the School District. In July/August 2015, after three (3) CCG sedans are
declared surplus, the vehicles will be turned over to the Muscogee School
District to complete the exchange.
* * * * * * * * *
A Resolution 132-15) ? Authorizing payment to Georgia Department of Natural
Resources for state mandated solid waste disposal fees in the amount of
$49,624.90. A total of 67,516.86 tons of solid waste was disposed, at Pine
Grove Landfill, between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014.
A Resolution (133-15) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of two (2)
mobile/automatic license plate readers from T. J. Madden and Associates
(Braselton, GA) in the amount of $40,250.00 by cooperative purchase via Federal
Contract Schedule 84, Contract #GS-07F-0004Y.
The mobile/automatic license plate reader is an image-processing technology
used to identify vehicles by their license plates. The Police Department will
mount the systems on pursuit vehicles to expedite the identification of stolen
cars, expired car tags and wanted individuals.
ELSAG is the manufacturer of the mobile/automatic license plate readers. T.J.
Madden and Associates is the authorized dealer in Georgia for ELSAG.
A Resolution (134-15) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of
automatic announcement systems from Clever Devices Ltd. (Woodbury, NY) for
METRA. The annual department line item budget will be $50,000.00. This line
item budget will be used ?as needed basis?, for the purchase of the automatic
announcement systems, throughout the contract life. Year one will include
equipment, installation, training, mapping, engineering and travel expenses.
Subsequent years will include only equipment and installation.
Clever Devices Ltd. will provide and install the automatic announcement systems
in METRA buses, which allows the passengers to hear clear messages informing
them of their upcoming major stops/intersections meeting FTA American with
Disability Act (ADA) standards for intersection announcements. This system
will be convenient for all customers, especially those customers who are
visually or hearing impaired and persons who may be unfamiliar with the
route.
The term of this contract period shall be for two years, with the option to
renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be
contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
A Resolution (135-15) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of
Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Equipment, Supplies, Related
Items/Services from Fastenal via The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN),
Contract #R142101. The items will be purchased by Public Works Department,
Columbus Parks and Recreation Department and other departments, on an ?as
needed basis?. The term of the contract effective date is April 1, 2015
through March 31, 2018. This contract may be renewed annually for an
additional two (2) years if mutually agreed by Region 4 ESC/TCPN and Fastenal
Company
TCPN (The Cooperative Purchasing Network) contracts are nationally
competitively bid, evaluated, and awarded by a government entity serving in the
lead agency role. Fastenal won the MRO bid with TCPN in 2015. TCPN?s contracts
leverage the purchasing power of more than 30,000 actively engaged government
entities. The TCPN teams have over 100+ years of government purchasing
experience and 50 years in government auditing. TCPN routinely monitors the
contract through third-party audits and regular reviews to ensure vendor
accountability.
Departments will be able to purchase MRO Equipment, Supplies, Related
Items/Services from Fastenal, under The Cooperative Purchasing Network
Contract, which will eliminate the need to request price quotes.
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: ________________________________________________
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Keep Columbus Beautiful
Commission.
(2) Biographical sketch of Mr. Chris I. Badcock, one of the Commission?s
nominees for the seat of Mr. Don Cook on the Airport Commission.
(3) Biographical sketch of Mr. Joseph Tripp Blankenship, Councilor Baker?s
nominee for the Community Development Advisory Council.
(4) Biographical sketch of Ms. Jacqueline Boling, KCBC?s recommendation for the
seat of Ms. Stacy Poydasheff on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
(5) Biographical sketch of Mr. William Kent, the Commission?s recommendation
for the seat of Reverend Juan Rodriguez on the Keep Columbus Beautiful
Commission.
(6) Biographical sketch of Mr. William (Bill) Murphy, one of the Commission?s
recommendations for the seat of Ms. Christine Pratt-Consoletti on the Keep
Columbus Beautiful Commission.
(7) Biographical sketch of Mr. Carl A. Rhodes, Jr., one of the Commission?s
nominees for the seat of Mr. Don Cook on the Airport Commission.
(8) Biographical sketch of Mr. Ronald Tate, the Commission?s recommendation for
the seat of Ms. Elaine Tarpley on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
(9) Biographical sketch of Ms. Carolyn Tigner, the Commission?s recommendation
for the seat of Ms. Adele Lindsey on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
(10) Biographical sketch of Mr. William Carter Woolfolk, one of the
Commission?s nominees for the seat of Mr. Don Cook on the Airport Commission.
(11) Application of Courtney Blackmar to temporarily close the Wynnton Road
Extension in front of the Wynn House, from Cooper Avenue, around the curve to
the midpoint of Oakview Avenue, north of 10th Street, on Saturday, June 6,
2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., in connection with the Annual Heritage
Ball.
A Resolution (136-15) excusing Councilor Tom Buck from the May 26, 2015
Council Meeting.
(13) Email correspondence from Mary Scarbrough, submitting the names of Chris
Badcock, William Woolfork and Carl Rhodes, Jr., as nominees for the seat of Mr.
Don Cook on the Airport Commission.
(14) Letter correspondence from Mr. John W. Williams, III, resigning from his
seat on the Board of Tax Assessors.
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:____
Board of Tax Assessors, 15-15 & 16-15.
Budget Review Committee, April 14, April 21 and April 28, 2015.
Columbus Golf Course Authority, March 24, 2015.
Housing Authority of Columbus, April 15, 2015.
Recreation Advisory Board, April 29, 2015.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
AIRPORT COMMISSION OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington said we are waiting to hear back from the
Airport Commission, with nominations for someone to fill the unexpired of Ms.
Sherry Goodrum, who have resigned.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Baker has nominated
Mr. Blankenship and that he may be confirmed.
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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Paul Todd has resigned
from his seat on the Hospital Authority of Columbus and that Council needs to
nominate three individuals from which the authority will select someone to
succeed Mr. Todd. She further pointed out that Mr. Mike Welch has been
nominated and that we need two additional nominees.
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TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington said that we still need someone to fill the
expired term of Ms. Jodi Sears, whose seat was declared vacant on the Taxicab
Commission. She said we are working with Mr. Peter Bowden to get someone to
represent the Hotel/Motel Industry.
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With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Huff and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Allen and Barnes having already left the meeting, and with the time
being 11:44 a.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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