MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 22, 2009
The regular monthly night session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2009, in the Council
Chambers on the Plaza Level of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia.
Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor, presiding.
*** *** ***
PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington were Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh, Councilors Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson,
Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City
Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of
Council Sandra Davis were also present. Councilor Wayne Anthony took his seat
at 5:36 p.m.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------------------
ABSENT: Councilors R. Gary Allen and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., were absent from
this meeting but excused upon the adoption of Resolution Numbers 338-09 and
339-09 respectively.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------------------
INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Mark Magoni, Pastor of Midland United Methodist
Church.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------------------
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Matthew Rudd, William Rudd, and Garrett Davis,
members of Troop 100 from Phenix City, Alabama.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***----------------------------------------------
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the September 8, 2009 Council Meeting of
the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND AFTER SOME DISCUSSION WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:_____________________________
An Ordinance (09-47) ? Amending the text of the Unified Development
Ordinance
(UDO) to create a new Section for the Victory Drive Corridor Overlay District.
(17-A-09-Planning Department) The proposed district addresses issues along said
corridor such as aesthetics, access, landscaping, and parking; and for other
purposes.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said when we put this on second reading last
week it was with the understanding that the City Manager would meet with the
individuals who had issues and bring those back to us. She then asked if the
issues had been addressed.
City Manager Hugley said he did meet with members of the Victory Coalition
and had originally scheduled a meeting with Mr. Jerry White but he was not able
to make it but he sent Dr. Carmen Cavezza as a proxy for him. He said they did
come to his office along with various members of Victory Coalition and we had
about an hour and a half discussion and he can tell you that in general, they
do not want to see any new legislation governing construction and/or aesthetics
along the Victory Drive areas and other areas where this overlay would have
some impact. He said he did talk with them to attempt to get some specifics
that I could bring back and offer to you as amendment or compromise on any of
their concerns and he was not able to get any specific issues.
He said he thinks the overlay Ordinance is clear and simple and they were not
able to offer anything specific to bring back to you. He said based on that,
he would recommend that Council move forward with the vote on the Overlay
District.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh pointed out that Council also stated that if
anyone wanted to speak they could do so.
City Attorney Fay said if anyone wants to speak for or against this
ordinance they can do so tonight before the vote.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Bill Consoletti came forward and stated that he is this year?s
Chairman of the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, but professionally he works
for Mead
Westvaco as a technical forester and have also served on the Tree Ordinance
Revision Committee. He said the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission supports the
overlay ordinance and respectfully asks that Council consider adopting it.
*** *** ***
Mr. Owen Ditchfield came forward and stated that he just left the ribbon
cutting of the new motel (Candle Light), which is an example of what we want to
see along Victory Drive ? a beautiful facility. He said more growth is coming
and we need to control it. He said he is very supportive of the Victory
Coalition but disagrees with their position on this issue.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
Councilor Anthony stated that he would like to voice his request again
that we look at some incentives to encourage those businesses to improve (not
just the new businesses but also the existing businesses) ? possibly putting
new facades on those buildings, something that may help current business
owners.
He then asked for a listing (once a quarter) from South Columbus Concern
Citizens (and other groups that represents Columbus South) of those requests
that needs to be addressed that we can bring before Council.
In response to Councilor Anthony?s requests, Councilor Woodson pointed out
that City Manager Hugley has already received such a list and staff was already
in the process of working with that list. She suggested to City Manager Hugley
that he provide Council with an update as things get accomplished. She said
this way, citizens will know that issues are being addressed and attended to.
City Manager Hugley said he could make the list with comments available to
Council as well as members of the audience tonight.
Councilor Hunter said he is going to support this ordinance and over the
years he has conveyed to the City Manager?s Office to get suggestion from the
people in his district concerning aesthetics in the district in South Columbus.
He said just last week he sent another list to the city regarding aesthetics
concerns from individuals in his district and the one thing they all want to
know is that the city is working to improve the appearance of properties in
South Columbus. He said the passage of this ordinance today provides tangible
evidence that this city is serious about seeing that people are living in areas
that are nice and the goal is to make sure that wherever you live in this city,
you can be proud of it.
Ms. Reggie Richards, representing Victory Coalition said she would like to
respectfully respond to City Manager Hugley and Mr. Ditchfield that the Victory
Coalition is not against the Overlay District. She said she has worked very
hard and tirelessly with community members to make this a good document and to
make sure everyone feels good about what is happening. She said from Victory
Coalition?s standpoint, it is not that we don?t respect that document, we just
wanted our voices heard as overseers and guardians of smart growth ? that we
are looking at all things that concern our codes in that area. She said it is
the grandfather clause we are questioning and how do we make that balance out
and work well together.
Councilor Woodson said with regards to the requests, the list has a total
of 33 items on it, 21 of which were completed, and 12 are still being
processed.
City Manager Hugley said he had never indicated that the Victory Coalition
was against the Overlay and each time he has spoken with Mr. Jerry White he was
in the spirit of bringing people to the table to make sure they have a clear
understanding before the vote and he has never indicated to me that he does not
support the overlay.
Mayor Wetherington brought to the attention of Council the motion and
second. He then called the question, which was carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being
absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:________________________________________________
An Ordinance (09-48) ? Revising Human Resources Policy Number 220-506,
Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy; and for other purposes.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------------------
ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:_______
An Ordinance ? Increasing the METRA Transit System base fare to $1.30,
effective October 1, 2009, in accordance with 49 U.S.C Chapter 53, 49 C.F.R
Part 609 and FTA Circular 9030.1C; and for other purposes.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked City Manager Hugley to explain the price
on the fare card.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh?s question, City Manager Hugley
said the price on the fare card is not changing - it remains the same. He said
when you purchase a fare card it is unlimited rides. There is no change on
anything related to bus fares other than the base fare going up five cents.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
There was no one present to oppose this proposed ordinance and City
Attorney Fay informed Council that this would be back on second reading next
week as part of the Consent Agenda.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION LISTED ON THE CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA WERE
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND AFTER A LENGTHY DISCUSSION WAS
DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution ? Requesting a special exception use to erect a
telecommunication tower for wireless communication service on property located
at 8200 Stevens Lane is proposed for in a GC (General Commercial) zoning
district.
Councilor Davis asked if the applicant was present, at which time, Ms.
Lori Lee Westine (representative for AT&T and Crown) came forward and
introduced herself.
Councilor Davis said it is his understanding that this item has already
been delayed and there was a request to go ahead and move forward with the
Special Exception request for the cell tower to which Ms. Westine responded in
the affirmative.
Ms. Westine said after the Planning Commission, her client had asked for a
continuance so they can hire a radio frequency emissions expert in order to
help alleviate Columbus Cardiology concerns. She said they met today with
representatives from Columbus Cardiology and we provided them the report and
she don?t think that alleviated their concerns. She said she thinks the concern
was not just the radio frequency issue, which is regulated by the FCC Telecom
Act. She said what it came down to was they were concerned about what their
patients are going to say when they walk up and see this. She said what she did
offer was to take back to her client a potential relocation of this tower on
the property in the event that we could come up with a location that they were
happy with. She said a representative from St. Francis Hospital was also
present at this meeting and we are prepared to go forward this evening.
Councilor Davis said we have some of the best Cardiologists/Cardio
Vascular surgeons right here in Columbus and he had a chance to do some
homework on this the first time he noticed the application, before it was
delayed. He said in doing his research on this, he spoke with some of the
doctors at the hospital and they are adamantly against this cell tower in this
area for a number of reasons, primarily due to health matters and my position
on this is that I am going to recommend denial on this tonight and the reason
being is that if there is any hint of danger, these doctors are involved in
putting in pace makers, defibrillators and other medical devices and they do it
on a regulator basis and one of the reasons they moved their office to an area
where it would not affect their patients is for this very exact reason ? that
there was no interference from any kind of objects that might create a health
hazard to the patients. He said he trust these guys because they are
professionals and they are here in the community, they know what they are
talking about and he also have information from the vendors that states that
these microwaveable currents do and could have an effect. He said with that in
mind, he couldn?t support any major change that he knows would create a health
hazard within our community.
Ms. Westine then asked that she be allowed to give her presentation.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Ms. Westine if there are cell towers in
Tampa, Florida where she lives to which Ms. Westine response in the affirmative
stating that there is a cell tower about half a mile from her office which is
about one mile from her house.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would think that if someone was asked
to go back and deal with the constituents and talk with the doctors, that the
conversations and the reports would have been given to them before today or
yesterday.
Ms. Westine said those reports were provided as soon as they became
available. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then said if this was the case, then this
matter should have been delayed even longer.
Ms. Westine responded to further comments made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh after which Councilor Barnes said as a registered nurse he agrees with
Councilor Davis in that he cannot approve this request. Councilor Barnes then
expressed some of the same sentiments as Councilor Davis regarding the type of
services offered at this facility as well as potential danger this tower will
pose to the patients.
After additional comments from Councilor Davis, Ms. Westine was then
allowed to proceed with her presentation as requested earlier.
Ms. Westine then provided a handout (a copy is on file in the Clerk of
Council?s Office) from which she made her presentation. Ms. Westine then
introduced the other members of her party (Mark Butcher, Radio Frequency
Engineering Compliance expert and Ferraze Iqbal, AT&T Radio Frequency
Engineer).
The following was included in Ms. Westine?s presentation:
Exhibit A ? Maps of Site Plan, Detail Plan, and Landscape Plan
Exhibit B ? Photograph of an actual 160 Foot Monopole Tower ? Ms. Westine
said we are proposing a 80 x 80 compound and it will be able to support four
carriers. She pointed out that the City?s Land Development Code requires that a
tower over a certain height be able to support three carriers and we are
exceeding that requirement and proposing four carriers. She said this tower
meets or exceeds the requirement in the Land Development Code ? it exceeds the
300 feet from residential and the parent tract is zoned GC (Commercial
General).
Exhibit C ? Determination of No hazard to Air Navigation
Exhibit D ? Radio Frequency (RF) Site Compliance Report
Exhibit E1 thru E2 ? Propagation Maps (GA5516 William ? this particular
site)
During this portion of the presentation, Ms. Westine requested that the
Staff Report for this request be made part of this record. She said this report
goes through part of the Special Exception criteria such as access, traffic and
pedestrian safety, and security.
Exhibit F1 thru F2 ? Aerial Map of Area for proposed site.
Ms. Westine then called on Mr. Matt Butcher, the Radio Frequency
Engineering Compliance expert to provide the findings from his research. During
his presentation, Mr. Butcher also responded to questions from Ms. Westine.
Ms. Westine then called on Mr. Ferraze Iqbal (AT&T Radio Frequency
Engineer) who answered questions regarding the operation of AT&T and the need
for this tower in this location.
Upon the completion of the presentation, Ms. Westine said she is not
foolish enough to ask that Council approve this application based on what she
has heard earlier and pointed out that this application has met the land
development code. She said your (Council) professional staff has evaluated it
and recommend approval. She then responded to comments and questions from
several members of Council, which lasted for approximately 40 minutes with
representatives from Columbus Cardiologists also addressing Council.
Dr. Alonzo Jones (Partner with Columbus Cardiologists Associates) came
forward and stated he is here to represent his organization as well as the tens
of thousands of patients they serve in the community. In his address to
Council, Dr. Jones made the following points as to why they oppose this special
exception use request.
1. What we primarily do is take care of cardiology patients and we have a
lot of patients with all types of devices and one of the things we are keenly
aware of and very interested in preserving is patient safety (whether the
patients are actually safe and whether the patients has the perception that
they are safe). He said this tower being in the front of the office creates a
huge perception of safety issues.
2. One of the fastest growing areas in cardiology is device implantation
and management.
3. The location of the tower ? 500 feet from our front door and literally
a few feet from our property line is going to create an undue burden on our
practice as well as our business as we continually and daily have to explain to
patients that there is a cell phone tower but it is probably safe.
4. Preserving our property for future development. He said based on some
of the data collected from AT&T, they would like for the limit to be 205 feet
but where they are talking about placing this tower is not 205 feet from our
property line. He said it is actually just 500 feet from our front door not the
back door.
Councilor Davis thanked Ms. Westine for coming and giving her presentation
and then made a motion to deny the special exception. He then read the
resolution into the record. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
Councilor Woodson said she would like to request that this be delayed for
two weeks based on what Councilor Henderson had said earlier in regards to Dr.
Jones? comments. She said another reason she is requesting the delay is for the
resolution to be worded correctly, that the denial is not for aesthetics
reasons but rather the perceptions of the patients. Councilor Woodson then made
a motion to delay the matter for one week to correct the wording of the
resolution.
After some additional discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Turner withdrew her second
to Councilor Davis? motion to deny this request.
Councilor Woodson?s motion to delay this request for one week was then
seconded by Councilor Anthony and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent from this
meeting.
City Attorney Fay said we will have a motion to approve and a motion to
deny next week and we will try to incorporate everything we heard today in the
motion to deny and then if any Council wants to add as an amendment, he can do
that next week.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND DELAYED AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR
HENDERSON:_________________________________________
A Resolution ? Accepting the Final Report of the Mayor?s Commission on
Crime Prevention.
Councilor Henderson said he did not do a very good job of getting in touch
with the head of the (Crime) commission so we are going to delay this until we
can set up a time for them to make an appearance here at Council.
*** *** ***
REQUEST FOR RESOLUTION:
Councilor Anthony requested a resolution of condolences for the family of
Sergeant Edwin Johnson who was killed in Afghanistan.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------------------
PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF EACH PERSON COMMENTS:________
COLONEL AND MRS. SAM NELSON, RE; THE VETERANS DAY
PARADE:_____________________________________________________________
Councilor Barnes made some comments regarding the Mayor and Council
participating in parades throughout this city. He then asked why is there not a
parade for veterans and stated that he has been working for almost a year with
Col. & Mrs. Nelson to make this happen. He said the Veterans Day parade will be
on November 14, 2009 and we want the entire public to know this is happening.
He said prior to the parade, there is going to be a week of activities geared
specifically for veterans.
Col. Nelson said the week of events will begin on Sunday and we have
contacted a number of churches and asked them to recognize their veterans on
Sunday and we have provided everyone of them on how to contact the Secretary of
the Army?s Office for these Freedom Team Salute Packages which includes a
letter signed by the Secretary of the Army and Gen. Casey, the Chief of Staff;
a certificate; a pen; and a car sticker.
He then spoke about veterans visiting schools and nursing homes and an
essay contest where students would interview a veteran and then write an essay
about that veteran. With regards to the Veterans Day Parade, Col. Nelson said
it would be on Saturday and would be similar to the Christmas Parade ? it would
start over in Phenix City on Dillingham Street, come across the 13th Street
Bridge into Columbus, come down Broad Street and culminate at the Government
Center.
Col. Nelson as well as Councilor Barnes provided their telephone numbers
(706-568-4592) and (706-442-0249) respectively for anyone wanting more
information about the Veterans Day parade.
*** *** ***
HONOR FLIGHT:
Mayor Wetherington said he had the opportunity to address representatives
from WWII and it was a great feeling to be in their presence and this Honor
Flight allows these 100 Veterans to go to Washington, D.C. to visit the WWII
Memorial site. He said these veterans will be returning to Columbus between
9:15 and 9:30 p.m. and he encouraged Council and the citizens of the city to go
out and welcome these distinguished veterans and let them know how much we
appreciate them.
*** *** ***
RESOLUTION:
Councilor Anthony called for a resolution to honor those who worked on
putting together this Honor Flight.
*** *** ***
MR. ROSHIE SAREW, RE: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE FOR 12100 MACON
ROAD:________________________________________________________
Mr. Sarew, who was listed on the public agenda, did not respond when given
the opportunity to address Council.
*** *** ***
HOTEL/MOTEL TAX LITIGATION:
City Attorney Fay reminded Council that the city has been in litigation
with some of the online travel companies and we were successful in winning that
litigation in the Georgia Supreme Court and now the matter is back in the
Superior Court here in Columbus for a resolution. He said we are certainly
aware of the concerns of this gentleman, local hotel/motel owners, and others
and as the lawyers of this city, we are going to do everything we can to help
our local hotels get re-listed by these online companies, get the city the tax
money owed and move forward. He cautioned Council to refrain from commenting on
any pending litigation and settlement discussions.
MR. TRACY SAYERS, RE: HOTEL STUDY:
Mr. Tracy Sayers said he would like to share some details on what is
happening with this lawsuit and he is not relaying to the lawsuit but just
talking about the impact of the lawsuit on hotels in Columbus. He made some
comments about Columbus hotels not being listed on online travel sites, which
is the result of research conducted by hired professionals. He then highlighted
portions of the research report, which lasted for approximately five minutes.
(A copy of this report has not been provided to Clerk of Council.)
Upon completion of his presentation, Mayor Wetherington pointed out that
we (Mayor and Council) have been advised not to comment on this discussion
because of the ongoing litigation.
City Manager Hugley then presented some research of his own in regards to
the Hotel/Motel visitations and taxes. (A copy of City Manager Hugley?s report
is on file in the Clerk of Council?s Office.)
Upon completion of City Manager Hugley?s presentation, several members of
Council, Mr. Sayers, City Manager Hugley, and City Attorney Fay spent an
additional 20 minutes discussing this issue.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------------------
Note: Councilor Barnes left the meeting during this portion of the proceedings
with the time being 7:45 p.m.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------------------
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FIVE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (326-09) ? Authorizing the execution of a City Right-of-Way
Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation for a County Contract
for intersection improvements at Cargo Drive/Transport Boulevard.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote and Councilors Allen
and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
A Resolution (327-09) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into a Letter of
Agreement with the Cunningham Center for Leadership Development to develop a
10-Year Plan for the eradication of homelessness in Columbus, Georgia. Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present with
Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote and Councilors Allen and McDaniel
being absent from this meeting.
A Resolution (328-09) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into a Cable
Television Service Agreement with Knology of Columbus, Inc., to provide cable
services to Legacy Terrace Apartments. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present with Councilor Barnes
being absent for this vote and Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent from
this meeting.
A Resolution (329-09) ? Authorizing the approval to grant a permanent
easement for a Sanitary Easement Main to the Columbus Water Works on property
located over and through a certain strip of land 20 feet wide and 69,818+/-
feet long at the Muscogee Technology Park. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present with Councilor Barnes
being absent for this vote and Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent from
this meeting.
A Resolution (330-09) ? Authorizing the execution of a Certificate of
Ownership and Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation for the
(L.A.R.P.) Program. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present with Councilor Barnes being absent for this
vote and Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING SEVEN PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S
AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM
TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILOR BARNES BEING ABSENT FOR
THIS VOTE AND COUNCILORS ALLEN AND MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:________________________________________________
A Resolution (331-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of a Mid-Size SUV 4x4 from
Legacy Ford, Inc., in the amount of $20,983.00. The Engineering Department will
use the vehicle to transport personnel and equipment while inspecting job sites
throughout Muscogee County.
A Resolution (332-09) ? Authorizing the approval of payment to
Southeastern Site
Development, Inc. (Newnan, Georgia), in the amount of $45,735.80.00, for
emergency construction services for storm water repairs at 5035 Biscayne Drive.
A pipe, which drains City streets, is located near the private property of 5035
Biscayne Drive. Sinkholes were forming along the pipe and severe erosion at the
end of the pipe was destroying the private property. The City Manager approved
the emergency purchase on July 2, 2009.
A Resolution (333-09) ? Authorizing the approval of payment to ESRI
(Redlands California) in the amount of $32,542.19, for the annual ArcGIS
Software Maintenance and License covering the period from November 16, 2009
through November 15, 2010. ESRI is the developer of various software packages
used by the GIS Division, and other departments, for map generation, and for
editing and maintaining the City?s tax parcels, streets zoning and land use
databases.
A Resolution (334-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of twelve (12) pursuit
vehicles
from Akins Ford (Winder, GA), in the amount of $258,476.00. Muscogee County
Prison will use one (1) vehicle, the Marshal?s Office will use two (2) vehicles
and the Sheriff?s Department will use nine (9) vehicles. On May 26, 2009,
Council approved the purchase of one hundred (100) pursuit vehicles, per
Resolution No. 189-09, RFB No. 09-0047.
A Resolution (335-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) mid-size
sedan, from
Rivertown Ford, in the amount of $17,678.00. The sedan is a replacement
supervisor vehicle that is beyond its useful life. The new vehicle will be
available for supervisory staff to use on routes to handle incidents,
accidents, customer service issues or other on route matters.
A Resolution (336-09) ? Declaring the vehicles and various other equipment
as shown on the attached lists as surplus in accordance with Section 7-501 of
the Charter of Columbus Consolidated Government. The surplus items will be
disposed of by auction on September 26, 2009. Wayne Evans Auction Company, the
City?s contracted auctioneer, will conduct the auction. The equipment has
either been replaced or placed out of service due to excess maintenance cost.
City departments have had the opportunity to review these items for functional
worth.
A Resolution (337-09) ? Authorizing the approval of payment for the
emergency
purchase of a commercial disposal/dishwashing system from Direct South, Inc.,
(Buford, Georgia) in the amount of $56,552.00. The disposal/dishwashing system
will be utilized at the Muscogee County Prison. The present system is the
original equipment installed thirteen years ago when the prison was
constructed. The equipment is utilized everyday and has become inoperable
because the internal mechanics are rusted, broken and worn beyond repair.
Without the use of a functional dishwasher, approximately $700 per week must be
expended to purchase Styrofoam trays and cups to feed the inmate population.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION
FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL:_________
(1) Memorandum from the Georgia Municipal Association, Re: Joint GMA/ACCG Fall
Training Program for Elected Officials, Friday, November 6, 2009, at The Dubose
Porter Center, Heart of Georgia Technical College.
(2) Letter from the Georgia Municipal Association, Re: The Federal Systematic
Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program.
(3) Copy of the Affidavit Verifying Status for Columbus, Georgia Public Benefit
Application.
(4) Mayor?s Committee for Persons with Disabilities Weekly Report for the week
of August 24, 2009 through August 31, 2009.
(5) Attendance Record for the Personnel Review Board Members for the months of
January 2009 through May 2009.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_______________________________________________________
A Resolution (338-09) ? Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the
September 22, 2009 Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of
the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those
six members of Council present with Councilors Barnes and Woodson being absent
for this vote and Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
A Resolution (339-09) ? Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., from
the
September 22, 2009 Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of
the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those
six members of Council present with Councilors Barnes and Woodson being absent
for this vote and Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted correspondence from Gloria
Weston-Smart, Executive Director, submitting the resignation of Mr. Phillip
Vongsavang and requesting that Ms. Peggy Myles be transferred to the vacant
at-large seat of Mr. Vongsavang on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the acceptance of the resignation letter, as
well as, Ms. Myles being moved to the at-large position. Seconded by Councilor
Hunter and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present with
Councilors Barnes and Woodson being absent for this vote and Councilors Allen
and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING
APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL: _________
Application of Sandee Olsen to temporarily close 3rd Avenue between 11th
Street and 12th Street, Friday, October 30, 2009, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
in connection with a ?Fall Harvest Festival?. Councilor Henderson moved the
approval of the application. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those six members of Council present with Councilors Barnes and
Woodson being absent for this vote and Councilors Allen and McDaniel being
absent from this meeting.
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from 11th
Street to 12th Street, Friday, October 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to
10:30 p.m. in connection with pedestrian safety. Councilor Henderson moved the
approval of the application. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those six members of Council present with Councilors Barnes and
Woodson being absent for this vote and Councilors Allen and McDaniel being
absent from this meeting.
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close on Saturday, October
24, 2009, Broadway from 9th Street to 10th Street, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.;
Broadway from 10th Street to 11th Street and 10th Street and 11th Street from
Front Avenue to 1st Avenue, from 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Broadway from 11th
Street to 12th Street on Friday, October 23, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to Saturday,
October 24, 2009 at 9:00 p.m. in connection with pedestrian safety. Councilor
Henderson moved the approval of the application. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present
with Councilors Barnes and Woodson being absent for this vote and Councilors
Allen and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
*** ***
***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
Board of Health, August 26, 2009.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 32-09.
Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, August 19, 2009.
C.I.R.C.L.E., March 14, 2006.
C.I.R.C.L.E., May 9, 2006.
C.I.R.C.L.E., September 12, 2006.
C.I.R.C.L.E., November 14, 2006.
Community Development Advisory Council, June 23, 2009.
Development Authority, August 6, 2009.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present with Councilors Barnes and Woodson being absent for this vote and
Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY
COUNCILOR HENDERSON:_________________________________________________________
Petition submitted by the Planning Department to amend the text of the
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to amend typos and minor errors in various
Chapters. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission
and the Planning Department.) (20-A-09-Planning Dept.)
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Mr. Vincent Allen was
nominated at the last meeting to succeed Mr. Donald Bowman and they he may now
be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the confirmation. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote and Councilors Allen
and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(CIRCLE):____________________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Hidoe Kabumoto has
resigned from his position on this board and this is Council?s appointment. No
action taken.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Tyrone Rowe is no longer
a resident of Muscogee County and that Councilor Allen is working on a
replacement.
*** *** ***
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Rev. Joseph Roberson is
no longer a resident of Muscogee County and that we are still working to try to
get someone to succeed him on this board.
*** *** ***
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Allen Taber and Mr. Billy
Blanchard?s terms of office expired on last month and they are both eligible to
succeed themselves for another term of office. Councilor Henderson re-nominated
both individuals to succeed themselves. This would be back for confirmation
next week.
*** *** ***
HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Councilor Barnes has
nominated Mr. John M. House to succeed Ms. Eva Smith and that he may now be
confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the confirmation of Mr. House.
Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members
of Council present with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote and
Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Susie Hamlet is not
eligible to succeed herself. Councilor Woodson is working on a replacement for
this seat.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilors Anthony and Baker
are working on replacements for Dr. John E. Stephens, who has resigned and Mr.
Sarah Sillitto, whose seat was declared vacant by the Council.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Councilor Davis that a replacement
would be needed for Mr. Bradford Haines who resigned his position on this
board.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that representatives are
still needed for Districts One, Two, Seven, Nine, Ten as well as the Mayor?s
appointment. No action was taken.
*** *** ***
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Clerk of Council Washington to look into
the Boards and Commissions to make sure they are meeting and fulfilling their
responsibilities as spelled out by those boards and commissions. She further
asked that Council be notified if boards are not meeting so they can make a
determination if they are going to keep those boards.
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and
carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with Councilor
Barnes having already left the meeting and Councilors Allen and McDaniel Being
absent from this meeting, with the time being 8:02 P.M.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.