MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 28, 2012
A meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at
5:30P.M., Tuesday, August 28, 2012, on the Plaza Level of the Government
Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh were
Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Berry H. Henderson, Bruce
Huff, Judy Thomas and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney
Clifton Fay, and Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington were also present.
Councilor Glenn Davis took his seat at the Council table at 6:00 p.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. was absent. Deputy Clerk Sandra
Davis was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Pastor Mike McBride, Pastor of Trinity Temple Assembly of
God Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Lonnie Jackson Academy After-School
Program.
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YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
With a large group of the members of the 2012-2013 Youth Advisory Council
standing at the Council table, Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin pointed out
that the Mayor will be administering the oath of office to those members
present here in the Council Chambers tonight.
Prior to the Mayor administering the oath of office to the students,
Councilor Huff asked that his nominee of Isaiah Sellers be confirmed and he so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Davis having not yet
arrived at the meeting and Councilor McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
Councilor Barnes also asked that his nominee of Megan Archibald be
confirmed as well and therefore, so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Davis having not yet arrived at the meeting and Councilor McDaniel
being absent from the meeting.
Mayor Tomlinson then thanked those students for their willingness to serve
and then she administered the oath of office to each of those present.
Deputy City Manager Goodwin thanked the Mayor and Council for their
support and then called forward the current President of the Youth Advisory
Council, Adrianna Emboss; who thanked the Mayor and Council for their support
as well.
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APPROVAL OF CRIME PREVENTION GRANTS:
THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS APPROVING GRANT FUNDING FROM THE CRIME
PREVENTION BOARD WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DIRECTOR SETH BROWN AND
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: ____________________________
A Resolution (250-12) ? Authorizing the execution of a one year contract
with the Muscogee County Marshal's Office for $72,311.00 for the purpose of
funding the initiatives of the Junior Marshal?s Program. Councilor Huff moved
the adoption. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Davis having not
yet arrived at the meeting and Councilor McDaniel being absent from the
meeting.
A Resolution (251-12) ? Authorizing the execution of a one year contract
with the Literacy Alliance, Inc., for $106,178.00 for the purpose of funding
the initiatives of the Literacy Alliance. Councilor Barnes moved the adoption
of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Davis having
not yet arrived at the meeting and Councilor McDaniel being absent from the
meeting.
A Resolution (252-12) ? Authorizing the execution of a one year contract
with the Family Center of Columbus for $80,000.00 for the purpose of funding
the initiatives within the F.A.S.T. Program. Councilor Henderson moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Davis having not yet arrived at the meeting and Councilor McDaniel
being absent from the meeting.
A Resolution (253-12) ? Authorizing the execution of a one year contract
with Columbus Technical College for $117,000.00 for the purpose of funding the
initiatives of the Non-Violent Felon Employment Program.
Mr. Brown said this program has been so successful that the State of
Georgia has asked them to come and make a presentation to the State
Legislatures about how they are doing this.
He said their success rate has been 89%. He said they have worked with 100 men
coming out of prison through the transition center and they have had an 89%
success rate in getting those individuals back into employment. He said these
individuals had a felony and said it is very hard for a felon to get employment
regardless of what the felony was.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked Mr. Brown, if these individuals get a
certificate and if it is something that they can put down on their job
application that it is a program that they have completed. Mr. Brown said yes,
it is.
He said they have a case manager that works with each of them from the
very start of this program and works with them as far as a skills assessment;
what does the individual knows or does not know. He said we utilize Columbus
Technical College to test the individuals and work with them on interviewing
skills, as well and work with clothing banks to get them clothes for an
interview, as well and other things to help get them employment. He said it is
a great program and it just doesn?t have enough money and said we will never be
able to fund it, the way it needs to be funded and that is why he believes the
State has come to us and said that this is something we are interested in and
can do statewide.
Mayor Tomlinson said we have part-time and full-time jobs that are very
similar to jobs that we have prisoners doing and yet we will allow a felon who
has not yet paid their debt to society, a person who is still in prison do the
job, but said we won?t hire an ex-felon, a person who has paid their debt to
society to do that job in a paid position. She said we have spent a lot of
time talking about this and she thinks that if we want to preach to the rest of
the community that they should hire folks that have been through the program
that we are funding, we need to start doing it ourselves. She said there are
some jobs that she thinks are appropriate. She said she knows that we have
worked on this with you, Mr. Brown, along with City Manager Hugley and Human
Resources Director Tom Barron, and now she thinks that we need to put a final
point on it and put something in writing to the Council as to what those jobs
are. She said she thinks that we are going to have to walk the talk first,
before we ask other folks to do it.
After the discussion concluded on this matter, Mayor Tomlinson then called
the question on Councilor Woodson?s motion to adopt the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Davis having not yet arrived at the meeting
and Councilor McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
Mr. Brown recognized the presence of Mr. Mike Blackwell and Major Julius
Graham who also serves on the board.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the August 14, 2012 Meeting of the
Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia and the August 14,
2012 Executive Session Minutes were submitted and approved upon the adoption of
a motion made by Councilor Allen. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Davis having not yet arrived at the meeting and Councilor McDaniel
being absent from the meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:
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An Ordinance (12-37) ? Amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a
district located at 4001 Willis Road from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2)
Zoning District to RO (Residential Office) Zoning District.
(8-CA-12-Holloway/Medical Realty Group, LLC) The proposed use is for a
commercial parking lot. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE ALSO 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 WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCL
PRESENT, WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING:
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An Ordinance (12-38) ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia
by establishing a No Parking Anytime Zone from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on school
days along the west curb of Wildwood Avenue, beginning at a point forty-six
(46) feet north of the north curb of Young Street and running north a distance
of two hundred (200) feet; authorizing the installation of official traffic
control signs indicating a No Parking Anytime Zone; repealing conflicting
ordinances; and for other purposes.
An Ordinance (12-39) ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia
by amending truck route regulations in City Code Section 20-9.47 thru 20-9.48
as described herein; repealing any conflicting ordinances and for other
purposes.
An Ordinance (12-40) ? Amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code, Land Bank
Authority, pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 48-4-100 et seq.; increasing the number
of Authority members from four to seven; adopting all rules of procedure set
forth at O.C.G.A. Sections 48-4-101 through 48-4-112; by specifically reserving
75% of the real property taxes collected on real property conveyed by the
Authority for a period of five years, except state or school district ad
valorem tax, for defraying expenses of the Authority pursuant to O.C.G.A.
Section 48-4-110; and for other purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:____________
A Resolution (250-12) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Judge Aaron
Cohn, retired Senior Judge of the Juvenile Court of Muscogee County, who died
at his home in Columbus, Georgia on July 4, 2012.
City Attorney Fay said Judge Cohn?s family is unable to be present here on
tonight, but said we can go ahead and get a formal official vote on the record
and then if the family can come back in September, we can have them return.
Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay said he would like to have a brief executive session
after the adjournment of tonight?s meeting to discuss two matters of litigation
and a personnel issue.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. EDWARD DUBOSE, REPRESENTING WARM A HEART OUTREACH & REFERRAL CENTER,
TO PRESENT THIS NEW RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO ASSIST FAMILIES IN NEED:
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Mr. Edward Dubose, representing Warm-A-Heart Outreach & Referral Center,
Inc., came forward on tonight for the purpose of introducing the founders of
the Warm-A-Heart Outreach & Referral Center, Inc., Mr. Joe & Barbara Elmore;
which is a new resource available to assist families in need.
Mr. Dubose then distributed around the Council table, a brochure on the
Warm-A-Heart Ministry and then introduced Ms. Veronica Hall, who will be
providing the information on this ministry.
Ms. Hall said Warm-A-Heart Outreach Center has been established for more
than a year now at 3645 Buena Vista Road here in Columbus, Georgia. She said
the outreach telephone number is (706) 683-9596.
She said one of the things that are unique about the Warm-A-Heart Outreach
is that not only do they service the people who will come into the facility,
but they will also reach out into the community serving the schools, VA
hospital, Fort Benning, shelters and daycare. She said any persons that have a
need, which goes beyond just clothing. She said they have given out food,
water, fans in the summer when the heat has been extreme, as well as blankets
given out in the winter and umbrellas given out at bus stops that do not have a
covering.
Ms. Hall said what they want the Council to know is that they are also on
board with the vision in trying to reach the homeless, and those who have
needs. She said that they have served over 1,000 individuals and families this
year through different referrals. She said they just want the city to know that
they are there to help meet the needs of the people.
She said the people who have started the Warm-A-Heart Outreach vision were
not people who are originally from Columbus or Georgia, but people from another
State who came to our city by way of the military and choose to remain among
us. She said because they are here, they have found a desire to do something to
give back, and as retirees not thinking about themselves, but giving of their
own finances to begin a work because of some of the things they saw in the
community.
After Ms. Hall concluded her comments, Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that
the City has a wonderful umbrella organization called ?Home for Good? that the
City funded in part last year that is part of a ten year plan to reduce and end
homelessness and said she would like to get your organization together with
them, so they will know that you are there; and/or in the event there is an
emergency and we need to rely on your services, we can get everybody together,
as well as to connect you with some other people that are doing things as well;
so we don?t do as much duplication, but to build on one another.
Councilor Barnes thanked the Elmore?s for the work that they are doing.
Ms. Hall then invited the Mayor and Council to come out to the Open House
that will be held on the first Saturday of October, the 6th at 3:00 p.m.
Mr. Joe Elmore then appeared and thanked the Mayor and Council for
allowing them to be here on tonight to let you know about the vision that God
has given them.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: TSPLOST, WHITE WATER RAFTING AND THE LAND BANK
AUTHORITY:_______________________ ____
Mr. Paul Olson. 13830 Upatoi Lane who requested to be listed on tonight?s
public agenda cancelled his scheduled appearance before the Council.
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INTRODUCTION OF REVEREND LEON C. MOORE, JR:
Councilor Huff said he would like to introduce Reverend Leon C. Moore,
Jr., who is the new Pastor at St. James C.M.E. Church.
Mayor Tomlinson said we have a rule that we must have a motion to hear
individuals that are not listed on the public agenda. Councilor Huff so moved.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from the
meeting.
Councilor Huff said he just wanted Reverend Moore to come here tonight to
meet the Council. He said he just want to be plugged in the community and said
he is ready to go to work.
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WHITEWATER:
Councilor Allen said on last Friday, he got a telephone call from Richard
Bishop and said he got an opportunity to go down to ride the raft and
whitewater. He said there were seven of them that went down. He said they met
at the staging area for the construction site, signed their waiver form and
rode over to the launch site just below the City mills dam and went through
safety procedures. He said the guides made them feel so comfortable and secure.
He said he even felt comfortable if he had fallen in.
He went on to point out the experience that he had in taking this ride
down the river. He said he felt safe going all the way down and said once we
get the MOU worked out, he thinks that this is going to be a viable investment
for the City of Columbus. He said they have a video showing them riding down
the river.
A short video was then shown.
Councilor Woodson made some comments about whitewater rafting and said she
thinks that this is the ?It? that we have been looking for here in Columbus.
She said she would like to thank Mr. Bishop for being the visionary for this
project.
Councilor Thomas also made comments about whitewater rafting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said there was a real good article in the
newspaper from the five individuals who are not from Columbus, but from
different places where they do whitewater rafting and the way they rated our
river was remarkable being that the river is not even completed yet. She then
asked Mr. Bishop if we have written documentation from the inception of this
project, to which he said yes.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like to have a copy of those
plans.
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCUSSION:__
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A Resolution (251-12) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into a lease
agreement with Uptown Columbus, Inc., for management and operation of the
Chattahoochee River Park.
City Manager Hugley said this is an exciting project and is one of the
brighter day projects, quality of life projects for Columbus, Georgia. He said
it has projected tremendous economic impact, 188,000 participants, $42 million
economic impact and 700 new jobs. He said the City of Columbus has committed to
$5 million over a three-year period and said next summer this project will be a
reality in Columbus and very exciting times for Columbus. Therefore, we are
asking for your approval tonight to approve a MOU. He said President/CEO,
Richard Bishop of Uptown Columbus came before the Council on last week and
presented the MOU and answered many questions that the Council had and even
since that presentation, there have been some minor revisions that has come
from the Council members and have been incorporated into the MOU. He said upon
the initiation of an outfitter, we anticipate that we will start to receive
rental revenue before the project is completed. He said he knows that Councilor
Baker wanted something in the agreement about whole harmless and a cancellation
clause and said all those things have been put in the agreement.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to adopt the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Baker said he has had some discussion about this MOU with
several individuals in the community and pointed out that there were several
concerns as it relates to a blanket 10-year lease, and said he has talked with
City Attorney Fay about a 180-day cancellation clause, as well as an annual
review.
Mr. Bishop said he did not have any problems with an annual review.
City Attorney Fay said we could add another paragraph after the
cancellation clause, if we wanted to put in something to state that an annual
review would be made by the Columbus Council at the end of each fiscal year.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to amend the agreement as stated
by City Attorney Fay. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel
being absent from this meeting and Councilor Huff being absent for this vote.
Councilors Woodson and Thomas expressed some concerns with the 10-year
lease, as well as the 180-day cancellation clause.
City Attorney Fay and Mr. Richard Bishop responded to questions of members
of the Council with respect to the 10-year lease, the 180-day cancellation
clause, as well as the portion of the property that the City will be leasing
back to Uptown Columbus.
Councilor Thomas then made a motion that we amend the MOU to lease the
property for five years, with an option for a five year renewal upon the
approval of the Council, with a 90-days advanced cancellation notice. Seconded
by Councilor Barnes.
Several members of the Council expressed their views on this motion, after
which Mr. Bishop responded to further questions and concerns of the Council ,
after which the question was then called on the motion, which failed by a vote
of 3-6. Voting for the motion was Councilors Barnes, Davis and Thomas. Voting
against the motion was Councilors Allen, Baker, Henderson, Huff, Woodson and
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. Councilor McDaniel was absent from the meeting.
After more than forty-five minutes of discussion on this subject, Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution, as amended to include
an annual review by the Council. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with
Councilor McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________________
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A Resolution (252-12) ? Authorizing the execution of a Landscape Easement
with W. C. Bradley/Eagle & Phenix Mill No. 2, LLC for a portion (3,700 +/- sq.
ft.) of the Riverwalk between 12th Street and 13th Street behind the Eagle &
Phenix Development and extends North to the 13th Street Bridge. The Landscape
Easement is needed for W. C. Bradley/Eagle & Phenix Mill No. 2, LLC to maintain
and make improvements to the area at no cost to the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from the
meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TEN RESOLUTIONS 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 ALLEN, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING,
WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING:
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A Resolution (253-12) ? Authorizing the approval of payment to ESRI
(Redlands, California) in the amount of $35,870.00, for the annual ArcGIS
Software Maintenance and License covering the period from November 16, 2012
through November 15, 2013. ESRI is the developer of various software packages
used by the GIS Division, and other departments, for map generation, as well
as, editing and maintaining the City?s tax parcels, streets zoning and land use
databases. Consequently, the vendor is considered an Only Known Source for
the maintenance and support of the software, per Section 3-114 of the
Procurement Ordinance.
A Resolution (254-12) ? Authorizing the approval of a payment to AT&T, in
the amount of $78,393.63, for the annual maintenance (known as AT&T AMS
Essential Plus Service) for all Cisco equipment and software license renewals,
included in the IP Telephony network in twelve locations: the Government
Center, Annex, Public Safety Complex, Fox Recreation Center, Trade Center,
Public Services Administration Building, Fleet Maintenance, Facilities
Maintenance, Signal Shop, Storage Warehouse, METRA, and the Animal Control
Facility.
The AT&T AMS IP Telephony Manager is a continuance of the existing
Cisco/AT&T hardware and software maintenance purchased with the new Cisco AVVID
IP Phone System through AT&T (formerly BellSouth). The maintenance is
renewable each year on or before the anniversary date of July 1st.
Only AT&T has a complete end-to-end solution for all voice and data issues
from both an equipment and network perspective including the AT&T CO (Central
Office) network. Consequently, this maintenance and service is available only
through AT&T and deemed an only known source per the Procurement Ordinance
3-114.
A Resolution (255-12) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of tape
drives and backup software upgrade from IBM/CPAK (Atlanta, GA), in the amount
of $35,151.80, via Georgia Statewide Contract #SWC90813-02.
The purchase will consist of the following:
IBM TS3200 Tape Library Express $22,208.80
IBM System x3550 M4 Server and Software $6,943.00
Technical Installation Services $6,000.00
Total Cost $35,151.80
The current IBM 3573 Tape Library is four (4) years old and can no longer
support the volume of data required to be backed up nightly. The daily backing
up and securing CCG data should be considered a top priority.
A Resolution (256-12) ? Authorizing the approval of the additional
purchase of forty-five (45) pursuit vehicles (Dodge Chargers with Police
Package), from Carl Gregory Dodge, (Columbus, GA), in the amount of
$1,061,235.00. Pursuit vehicles were approved in the FY13 Budget for the
following departments: thirty (30) vehicles will be used by the Police
Department; thirteen (13) vehicles will be used by the Sheriff?s Office; and
two (2) vehicles will be used by the Marshal?s Office. These are replacement
vehicles.
Per Resolution #297-11, Carl Gregory Dodge was the awarded vendor for RFB
No. 12-0004, Dodge Chargers with Police Package. Carl Gregory Dodge has agreed
to provide the additional pursuit vehicles for the same, awarded bid price of
$22,653.00, per unit, for a total of $1,019,385.00. The bid, which was for the
Marshal?s Office, only required black paint. The thirty (30) vehicles for the
Police Department will require special paint, at an additional cost of
$1,145.00 per unit, for a total cost of $34,350.00. Also, the Police Department
requires a Back-up Alert Warning System be added to the thirty (30) vehicles,
at an additional cost of $250.00 per unit, for a total cost of $7,500.00. See
table below for cost breakout:
A Resolution (257-12) ? Authorizing the approval of the annual contract
with Credit Financial Services to provide debt collection services on an ?as
needed basis?. This service will maximize collections of delinquent account
receivables, using the highest professional standards. The services will be
utilized for, but not limited to, Landfill Collections, Parking, False Alarms,
Ambulance, Demolition Liens, etc.
A Resolution (258-12) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of
watershed fertilization services from Burts Fertilizer (Midland, GA) for the
estimated annual contract value of $17,639.59. This contract includes the
fertilization of approximately 78.77 acres of watershed lakes to provide
erosion control. The watershed lakes are as follows: Bull Creek - Psalmond
Rd.; Cooper Creek-Gentian Blvd.; Smith-Schomburg Rd.; Charter Oaks-Papaya Dr.;
Weems-Stinson St.; Pierce Chapel-Creekwood Ct.; DeBrabant-Macon Rd.;
Anthony-Rockhurst; MCP-Schatulga Rd.; Airport-Airport Thruway; and Heath-Heath
Park. The contract period is for three (3) years, with the option to renew for
two (2) additional twelve-month periods. The renewal option is contingent upon
the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
A Resolution (259-12) ? Authorizing the approval for the continuation of
cellular telephone services with Verizon Wireless, via Georgia State Contract,
GTA000187-10. Alltel was awarded the contract to provide wireless
communication services to Columbus Consolidated Government, per Resolution No.
413-07 (RFP No. 07-0012), on September 18, 2007. On July 11, 2009, Alltel
services officially transitioned from Alltel Wireless to Verizon Wireless.
Verizon Wireless agreed to honor the terms of the contract, and Council
approved to continue the contract with Verizon Wireless, per Resolution No.
481-09.
The City?s contract term has ended. However, Verizon Wireless is one of
the contractors awarded the State contract for Wireless communication. Verizon
Wireless has agreed to continue the same plan, monthly access charge and any
eligible discounts. Therefore, it is in the City?s best interest to continue
with Verizon Wireless under the State Contract.
The Georgia State Contract agreement with Verizon Wireless has been
extended through December 31, 2012, with a possible extension through June 30,
2013.
A Resolution (260-12) ? Authorizing the approval for the purchase of one
(1) Landfill Compactor (2012 Al-jon Advantage 500), from Al-jon Manufacturing
LLC, (Ottumwa, IA) in the amount of $589,427.00. The Landfill Compactor will be
utilized by the Landfill Division for waste management. This unit is a new
vehicle.
A Resolution (261-12) ? Authorizing the approval to authorize payment to
Motorola Solutions, Inc., in the amount of $183,620.60, to execute the FY13
annual transmission system service contract for the City?s 800 MHz radio
communication system. Per the award of RFP No. 149-91, (Resolution No. 91-92)
the City established an Annual Transmission System Maintenance contract with
Motorola Solutions, Inc., (formerly Motorola Communications and Electronics,
Inc), having renewed said contract each year. The Annual Transmission System
Service Agreement is adjusted each year for any deletions or additions of
transmission system components. Consequently, this year?s agreement includes
the new McKee Rd Tower Site that came on line within the last 16 months.
The Annual Transmission System Service agreement covers the highly
technical components of the Radio System. The agreement runs from July 1, 2012
through June 30, 2013, and the annual payment is made, in total, at the
beginning of each agreement period.
Harris County maintains the Roosevelt State Park transmission site that is
included in this annual service agreement, for which they will reimburse the
City in the amount of $24,033.28.
Motorola Solutions, Inc., is the manufacturer of the equipment, and
therefore, considered an only known source for this specific maintenance.
A Resolution (262-12) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase of eight (8)
MW810 mobile data computers from Motorola Solutions, Inc., in the amount of
$89,656.00 ($11,207.00 each), via a cooperative purchase utilizing State of
Georgia (Georgia Technology Authority) Contract # 980-2800008.
The new mobile data units will be installed into eight (8) pursuit vehicles
recently approved for purchase for the Sheriff?s Office
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17th AVENUE/CHEROKEE AVENUE:
Councilor Thomas said she has had several people ask her to have the
Traffic Engineer to look at the traffic signal from 17th Avenue to Cherokee
Avenue. She said particularly very early in the morning the light seems to be
unusually long. She said one person told her that they sat there for five
minutes before the light changed. She said because this seems to be an ongoing
issue, and people get tired of waiting, they are running that traffic light.
She asked City Manager Hugley to have someone to look into that and provide a
report back to her.
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CELLULAR PHONE SERVICE:
Councilor Thomas asked City Manager Hugley to provide her with a copy of
what our policy says about employees having City cell phones, which employees
gets them and how that decision is made.
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BIKE TRAIL:
Councilor Woodson said she has had some complaints about citizens not
picking up after their dogs while they are on the bike trail and then asked
City Manager Hugley if we can consider putting up signs in the area asking
individuals to pick up after their dogs and to also make sure that their dogs
are on a leash. She said we need to also ensure that the grass is always cut
low.
*** *** ***
CROSS WALK:
Councilor Huff said they had a ribbon cutting at Girls, Inc., on Clover
Lane on Friday and said it was a partnership with FedEx, Safe Kids, and the
City of Columbus. He said Ron Hamlett and several other individuals came out.
He said they hooked up a crosswalk from MLK School straight across to Girls,
Inc. He said several months ago one of the little girls was crossing the street
and just happened to see a car coming, and tried to get out of the way. He said
it broke the mirror off the car, but she didn?t get hurt very badly.
He said they have also installed a sign at the other end of the street,
which is constantly flashing so that it will let the motorists know to slow
down.
Councilor Huff said he just wanted to say thank you to the City Manager
and the City of Columbus for this partnership.
*** *** ***
INSURANCE RATES:
Councilor Davis said he received an email today that was somewhat an eye
opener and said he never heard of a request like this before. He said it is
dealing with property owners, property owners in North Columbus that evidently
their insurance company is telling them that they are five miles or more from a
radius standpoint of a fire station; therefore, the insurance companies are
coming back and raising their rates for whatever reason.
He said that is what the property owners are being told and said he would like
a report and some research on that matter. He said one of the citizens has
requested information from the City to try to work through this. He said he
think that at one time, the email said that they had talked to the City and
there were some possible improvements being made that would help with this
matter, but said their homeowners insurance bill seems to be going up
considerably. He said what has alarmed him is looking at the property owners,
property taxes, public safety needs and how all of that is related.
Mayor Tomlinson said the City Manager was very diligent and was able to
find out about this right before the bills went out and said that we contacted
Chief Myers and some other people. She said we have been working with the
Chief; therefore, we can provide a report to you. She said it looks like with
some road improvements on a current dirt road we may be able to work this out.
She said there is just one section of the Green Island area that is just so
remote through twisting and turning roads that a fire truck just cannot make it
in that period of time. She said if we can get this one road fixed up, we think
it might be resolved.
City Manager Hugley said we can have an updated report by the next
meeting. He said Deputy City Manager Arrington and Deputy Fire Chief Futtrell
and Fire Chief Meyers, along with someone from the Department of Natural
Resources was out on Friday taking a look at this road and said we believe that
we are going to be able to work out something. He said if we are able to do
that, it will be acceptable to the ISO personnel and that will resolve the
problem. He said hopefully by the next Council meeting, we can give you a
further update.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:
_____________________________________________
(1) Application of Clementine Cochran to temporarily close 49th & 50th Street
from 11th Avenue to 12th Avenue, on Saturday, September 1, 2012, from 10:00
a.m. to 9:00 p.m., in connection with ?Neighborhood Reunion?.
(2) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1000 block of
Broadway on Fridays, September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2012, from
6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., in connection with ?Uptown Columbus Fall Concert
Series?.
(3) Application of Brandon Mays to temporarily close the eastbound lane of Jay
Street from Elm Drive to Fire Station 9; westbound lane of Jay Street closed to
through traffic available only to Fire Station, on Saturday, September 8, 2012,
from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in connection with ?Community Impact Day?.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Joseph Brannan, Councilor Davis? nominee to
replace Mr. Darryl Holloman on the Planning Advisory Commission.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_____
___
A Resolution (263-12) ? Receiving and approving the report of the
Finance Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved
and/or denied during the month of July 2012. Councilor Henderson moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously
by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilor
McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
COLUMBUS BOARD OF HEALTH:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted an email correspondence from Joanne
Strickland advising that Mrs. Brenda Dozier has resigned her seat on the Board
of Health. Councilor Henderson moved the resignation be received with regrets
and thanks for her service. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilor
McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:_________________________
________
Board of Health, June 27, 2012.
Board of Tax Assessors, # 30-12 & 31-12.
Budget Review Committee, May 8, 15 & 21, 2012.
Civic Center Advisory Board, August 16, 2012.
Columbus Trade Center Authority, January 27, 2011.
Columbus Trade Center Authority, February 24, 2011.
Columbus Trade Center Authority, March 24, 2011.
Family & Children Services, June 13, 2012.
Golf Authority, July 31, 2012.
Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, February 14, 2012.
Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, April 10, 2012.
Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, June 12, 2012.
Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, August 14, 2012.
Taxicab Commission, July 23, 2012.
Taxicab Commission, August 22, 2012.
Uptown Facade Board, July 16 & August 6, 2012.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION, RECOMMENDED FOR CONDITIONAL APPROVAL BY
BOTH THE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT WAS SUBMITTED
AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC
HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON:_____________
Petition submitted by Martha L. Santana to rezone 0.42 acre of property
located at 2841 Christine Road from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to SFR3
(Single Family Residential 3) district. (Recommended for approval by both the
Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department. (10-A-12-Santana)
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that terms of office of Mr. David
Mackie, Mr. Daniel L. Smith and Dr. Carol Houston will expire on October 31,
2012 and said that they are all eligible to succeed themselves for another term
of office. Councilor Allen then nominated each of them for another term of
office.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at the next
regular meeting for the Council?s confirmation.
BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONER:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Mr. Karl Douglass on the Board of Water Commissioners will expire on December
31, 2012 and that State law says that the members must be appointed in July.
She further pointed out that at the last Council meeting, Councilor McDaniel
nominated Mr. Douglass for another term of office and said that he may now be
confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Darryl Holloman is no
longer a resident of Muscogee County and that Council must nominate someone to
fill this unexpired term. She further pointed out that Councilor Davis is
nominating Mr. Joseph Brannan for this unexpired term and that she will bring
it back at the next regular Council meeting for the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of Mr. James R. Head
expired at the end of July and that he is not eligible to succeed himself and
the Council will need to nominate someone to fill this expired term.
There were no nominations.
Mayor Tomlinson said she thought that there were some recommendations
that had came forth from the Coalition on Sound Growth.
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Tucker in the Mayor?s
Office was working on some information in this regard; however, she did not
have all of the information needed to submit these nominations.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Council may begin making
nominations for their representative to serve on the Youth Advisory Council for
the next school year, 2012 ? 2013. She said we still need the nominees for
Council Districts Two, Five, Seven & Eight.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Attorney Fay for the Council to go
into an executive session to discuss a matter of litigation and a personnel
issue, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to allow the Council to go into
an executive session. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present, with Councilors McDaniel being absent
from the meeting.
*** *** ***
At 7:20 p.m. the Council adjourned its regular session to allow the
Council to go into an executive session.
*** *** ***
At 8:40 p.m. the meeting was called back to order at which time Mayor
Tomlinson pointed out that the Council met in am executive session to discuss a
matter of litigation as well as a personnel issue and there were no votes
taken. City Attorney Fay then said that he has two add-on resolutions that
were discussed related to litigation that he would like for the Council to take
action on, as listed below.
A Resolution (264-12) ? Authorizing the City Attorney and Finance Director
to make payment of $75,000 to settle all claims, including attorney?s fees, of
Amber Spears stemming from an accident involving a police vehicle which
occurred on August 26, 2011. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of
the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being
absent from the meeting and Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
A Resolution (265-12) ? Authorizing payment of attorney fees which may be
incurred for legal services rendered regarding various city issues during
fiscal year 2013. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent from the
meeting and Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
DEPUTY WARDEN OF MUSCOGEE COUNTY PRISON:
Mayor Tomlinson said she would like to ask for a motion to appoint the
Deputy Warden of Security for Musogee County Prison. She said she would like to
ask for the Council?s confirmation to appoint Lt. Sherman Thomas, subject to
the approval of the State Board of Corrections. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Henderson.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked if there were any questions, but there were
none. She then called the question on the motion, which carried unanimously
by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel
being absent from the meeting and Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Councilor Allen so moved.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent
from the meeting and Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote, with the
time of adjournment being 9:00 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
Council of Columbus, Georgia
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