MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
ORGANIZATIONAL AND REGULAR MEETTINGS
JANUARY 6, 2009
The organizational and regular meetings of the Council of Columbus, Georgia
was called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, January 6, 2009, on the Plaza Level
of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh Mayor
Pro Tem, presiding.
*** *** ***
PRESENT: Present other than Mayor J. W. Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn
Turner Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry
?Pops? Barnes, Glenn Davis Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter Jr., Charles E.
McDaniel 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. C
-------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
ABSENT: No one was absent.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
INVOCATION: Led by Reverend Sungman Park Rock- Pastor of
Presbyterian Church (Korean-International).
-------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
PLEDGE: Led by participants in the Big Brothers Big Sisters, which was led by
Mr. Shane Griffin, Recruitment and Community Relations Specialist.
------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
OATHS OF OFFICE:
Honorable John D. Allen, Chief Judge, of the Superior Court of the
Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit of Muscogee County administered the following
Oaths of Office to R. Gary Allen, Berry ?Skip? Henderson C. E. ?Red? McDaniel
and Evelyn Turner Pugh:
OFFICIAL OATH OF COUNCIL MEMBER, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
STATE OF GEORGIA
MUSCOGEE COUNTY, GEORGIA
I, (Collectively), do hereby swear (or affirm) that I will well, truly and
faithfully perform the duties of Council member of Columbus, Georgia to the
best of my ability and that I will support and defend the Charter thereof as
well as the Constitution and laws of the State of Georgia and of the United
States of America.
I do further solemnly swear and affirm that I am not the holder of any
public money due this State unaccounted for; that I am not the holder of any
office of trust under the government of the United States nor of either of the
several states, or of any foreign state, and that I am otherwise qualified to
hold said office, according to the Constitution of the United States and laws
of Georgia, and that I will support the Constitution of the United States and
of this state.
SO HELP ME GOD!
/s/ R. Gary Allen
Berry ?Skip? Henderson
C. E. ?Red? McDaniel
Evelyn Turner Pugh
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6th day of January 2009.
/s/ John D. Allen, Chief Judge
Judge, Superior Court of
Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
All of these five executed oaths were then filed with Clerk of Council
Washington.
Judge John Cohn also administered this same oath of office to Glenn
Davis.
Mayor Wetherington recognized the presence of the family members of those
Council members who were present in the audience.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
O-R-G-A-N-I-Z-A-T-I-O-N-A-L M-E-E-T-I-N-G
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED UNANIMOULSY BY THE COUNCIL:_________________
A Resolution (1-09) ? Electing Evelyn Turner Pugh as Mayor Pro Tem for a
period of two years.
Councilor McDaniel nominated Evelyn Turner Pugh as Mayor Pro Tem. Seconded
by Councilor Anthony and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
A Resolution (2-09) ? Appointing Tiny B. Washington as Clerk of Council.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution, Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by ten members of Council present for this
meeting.
A Resolution (3-09) ? Appointing Sandra Davis as Deputy Clerk of Council.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council for this
meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh pointed out that the Clerk, Tiny B. Washington
was recently certified as an International Certified Municipal Clerk and said
she can go anywhere in the world and serve as a Clerk.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
PROCLAMATION:
?TAMELA THOMPSON DAY?:
With Ms. Tamela Thompson standing at the Council table, Councilor
Henderson read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming January 6,
2009 as ?Tamela Thompson Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
*** *** ***
?NATIONAL TAX ADVICE DAY?:
With Mr. H. Lee Holloway standing at the Council table, Councilor Anthony
read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming January 6, 2009 as
?National Tax Advice Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
*** *** ***
?UNITY MONTH?:
With Reverend Gerald B. Goodman, Ms. Lonya Jackson Sarden and
Mr. Ken Crooks standing at the Council table, Councilor Barnes read the
proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming the month of January 2009 as
?Unity Month? in Columbus, Georgia.
*** *** ***
?ONE COLUMBUS RECOGNITION DAY?:
With Mr. Ken Crooks, Mr. Bernie Zettler, Mr. Henry Holtz, Mr. Willie
Coleman, Rabbi Max Roth and Mr. Travis Chambers standing at the Council table,
Councilor Hunter read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming
January 6, 2009 as ?One Columbus Recognition Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
RESOLUTION FOR CHRISTIAN GARAY:
Councilor Davis asked City Attorney Fay to prepare a resolution for
Christian Garay, a 12- year old who participated in the USA National Tennis
Tournament out in Arizona and actually won the National Tennis Tournament.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the October 14, 21 & 28, 2008 Council
Meetings of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia
were submitted and approved upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor
McDaniel and seconded by Councilor Henderson, which carried unanimously by
those ten members of Council present.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***----------------------------------
PROCLAMATION FOR JUDGE JOHN D. ALLEN:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked City Attorney Fay to prepare a
proclamation for Judge John D. Allen, who was appointed the Chief Judge of
Superior Court of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------
CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING: ____________________________
An Ordinance (09-1) ? Rezoning property located at 8239, 8243, 8247,8251
and 8231 Cooper Creek Road from an SFR1 (Single-Family Residential 1) zoning
district to GC (General Commercial) zoning district. (42-CA-08-Spence) The
proposed use is a pharmacy with retail.
City Attorney Fay said he distributed around the Council table an
amendment that can be considered by the Council to possibly amend this
ordinance. He said they added a fourth condition to the ordinance which would
rezone the three lots closet to Veterans Parkway General Commercial (Lots 1, 2
& 3) and Lots 4 and 1-A would be rezoned Neighborhood Commercial.
Councilor Allen said at the last meeting of the Council, it was discussed
that he would get in touch with Mr. Wayne Spence regarding this matter.
He said he did talk with Mr. Wayne Spence over the holiday period and said that
they have agreed to Item Number 4, which is the fourth condition that City
Attorney Fay just outlined. He said he just wanted the Council know that he did
follow through on that and said hey are all in agreement on that amendment and
he would appreciate the Council?s support. He then made a motion to amend the
ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
City Attorney Fay said with that amendment now added, he would ask for a
motion to adopt the ordinance, as amended. Councilor Henderson so moved.
Seconded by Councilor Allen.
After City Attorney Fay responded to questions of Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh and Councilor Hunter regarding the legal description of this property and
Mr. Wayne Spence explaining this matter further, the question was then called
on the motion to adopt the ordinance, as amended, which carried unanimously by
those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY
MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH 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 TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR
THIS MEETING:__________________
A Resolution (4-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Robert J. Register
upon his retirement with the Columbus Water Works after over 23 years of
service.
A Resolution (5-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mrs. Elizabeth L. Hill
upon her retirement with the Muscogee Manor & Rehab Center after 35 years of
service.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***----------------------------------
PUBLIC AGENDA:
NO ONE REQUESTED TO BE LISTED ON TONIGHT?S AGENDA.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***----------------------------------
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTION WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH,
WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:_______________________________
A Resolution (6-09) ? Authorizing the execution of an Intergovernmental
Agreement for Phenix City, Alabama to participate as a partner in the Columbus
Regional 800 MHz Radio System allowing their radios to be operated on the Radio
System.
A Resolution (7-09) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and if
approved accept a $60,000 ICMA Public Library Innovation Grant from the
International City/County Management Association. This grant will be used in a
collaborative effort between the Columbus Consolidated Government, the
Chattahoochee Valley Libraries and the Homeless Resource Network to enhance the
life skills of the unemployed homeless population in our community.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING FOUR PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEING SUBMITTED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:___________________________________________________
A Resolution (8-09) ? Authorizing payment to Media Products of Atlanta, in
the amount of $12,632.00, for the emergency upgrade of CCG-TV audio/visual
equipment and Council Chambers. Per Resolution #161-08, Media Products was
approved to proceed with providing new audio and visual equipment for CCG-TV
and Council Chambers in the amount of $70,807.00. However, during the initial
engineering design process and walk-thru, the vendor recommended changes that
would greatly enhance the entire project. The most significant changes were
the replacement of the podium microphones with those, which had glow rings, and
the addition of a Crestron Control System with two touch panel positions. All
other items remain essentially unchanged with exception of adding a Mackie
1402-VLZ Audio Mixer to the list of equipment, which will reside in a new
vertical equipment rack located in the control room. These changes will provide
a superior audio system that will correct the inherent audio level problems
experienced with the current system.
Since the vendor was already in the process of providing the new
equipment, the City Manager approved the emergency purchase of the changes in
order to keep the project on schedule and to ensure the quality level of the
audio system.
A Resolution (9-09) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with Holbrook
Service Company, Inc., in the amount of $1,894,254.00, for HVAC services at the
Government Center Annex. The work consists of, but is not limited to,
selective demolition and new mechanical, electrical and ceiling systems.
A Resolution (10-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) color,
closed-circuit television inspection system completely installed in a van with
16? hi-cube body, ready for operation, from CUES, Inc. The system shall be
capable of inspecting pipes and sewer lines. The system shall be used for the
inspection of underground infrastructure assets and will be used to inspect
underground infrastructure assets.
A Resolution (11-09) ? Authorizing the approval of payment to Tyler
Technologies, Inc./CLT Division (Dallas, TX), in the amount of $79,365.00, for
the annual renewal fee for OASIS Maintenance Support, to be paid monthly
beginning January 2009 through December 2009. This maintenance provides
Information Technology, the Tax Assessor's Office and the Tax Commissioner's
Office with software enhancements, documentation updates, Users Group Support
and Hotline Support for the OASIS property tax and appraisal system. This
maintenance has been budgeted and approved annually since the OASIS software
system was purchased in 1985. The vendor is the developer of the Software, and
is therefore, the only known source available to provide the maintenance
support.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND AFTER SOME DISCUSSION WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:___________________________________________________
A Resolution (12-09) ? Authorizing the Mayor & City Manager to submit a
list of potential projects for the proposed Economic Stimulus Bill.
City Manager Hugley said in the news everyday regarding President-elect
Obama and his proposed Economic Stimulus packet, there is a lot of discussion
on the Federal level for comprehensive infrastructure enhancement that could
result from an Economic Stimulus packet as you have heard the President talk
about time and time again. He said we understand at this point that there are
no guarantees of any funding, but we believe that we should be prepared to
compete if the new Administration makes Stimulus funding available to local
governments; so, therefore we have developed a list of projects that we believe
could be eligible for
Federal funding and projects we believe are ready to be let for construction in
a very short period of time if Stimulus funding is made available.
He said the State of Georgia is preparing a list for the State of Georgia
so we intend to provide a list to the State of Georgia if you approve of this
list, which also has a resolution attached that we would use in transmitting
this information. He said we want to submit it to the State of Georgia for the
Georgia list, as well as submit it to our Federal Delegation transmitting these
projects, which we believe are ready to go projects should the Economic
Stimulus packet be made available to local governments.
Mr. Rick Jones, Director of the Planning Department then came forward and
went into some details regarding the Economic Stimulus Bill.
He said there is not a lot of information that he can share with you on
today, but said what you have seen in the news and will continue to see within
the next couple of weeks is what they know tonight. Much is in the news today
about the proposed economic stimulus bill that is being proposed by
President-Elect Obama and Congress. It is being reported that a bill will be
sent to the new Congress requesting an economic stimulus package worth between
$675 billion and $775 billion over two years, and could top out around $850
billion. Additional reports indicate that at least $100 billion would be set
aside for cash-strapped state governments and more than $350 billion for
investments in infrastructure, alternative energy and other priorities. In
addition to the federal program, Governor Perdue has also proposed a similar
economic stimulus package for the State of Georgia.
Mr. Jones said while the guidelines and details of these programs have not
been established, it is our understanding that an infrastructure project will
only be considered eligible for funding if it can be shown that it is ?ready to
go.? He said they will be looking for those ?Ready to go? typically means
those projects that can go to construction within 180 days of funding being
approved. He said in anticipation of this action and by the City Manager?s
direction, the Planning Department has identified a preliminary list of
infrastructure projects that may be eligible for funding. These projects
include:
Projects__________________________ 2009
Projected Costs
Eastern Connector (Phases II & III) $ 35,000,000
Moon Road (Phase II & III) 9,000,000
Meritas Flood Abatement Project 3,500,000
Stormwater Pipe Rehabilitation 18,000,000
Forrest Road Bridges-Repair/Replacement 5,000,000
Composting Project (equipment cost) 1,000,000
METRA Buses (four) 1,000,000
Intelligent Transportation System 7,000,000
14th Street Bridge/Riverwalk 10,000,000
Resurfacing/Rehabilitation of Streets 10,000,000
Old Camp Landfill Closure/Bank Stabilization 10,000,000
I-185 @ Victory Drive Gateway Improvements 5,000,000
Double Churches/Veterans Parkway Intersection 2,200,000
Double Churches/Whitesville Road Intersection 5,000,000
6th Avenue Flood Abatement 24,000,000
Total $145,700,000
Mr. Jones said this preliminary list is not intended to be all-inclusive.
Once the criteria for these stimulus programs have been established, additional
projects such as a trolley system or other road improvements may be added to
this list. It is our intention by identifying these potential projects that
the City may submit this listing to our federal and state elected officials and
agencies for their consideration if a stimulus program is approved.
After the conclusion of Mr. Jones? presentation, City Manager Hugley said
we wanted to make sure that if there are monies available that Columbus wants
to put the State of Georgia and the Federal government on notice that we have
projects that are ready to go. He said cities and counties across this State
and across this Nation are coming together and putting projects together
similar lists and said we don?t want to get left out.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Anthony said he wanted to compliment our staff for being
pro-active in this matter. He said it is very smart for us to go ahead and get
this on the board. He said he has also heard that they may actually earmark
$100 billion for states and $100 billion for cities and counties.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she just want the constituency to
understand that even though the list has the Forrest Road Bridge included, this
is not the widening project that we have been talking about for Forrest Road.
She said she did ask Deputy City Manager Arrington about that earlier and
because those projects would not be able to be let in 180 days, they would not
qualify. She said she also asked about the Brown Avenue Bridge; however, those
projects have still not forgotten.
Councilor Davis said in light of what is trying to be accomplished, asked
if there is any flexibility in the list of items that is being included or has
that already been decided on and etched in stone.
City Manager Hugley said as we have said, we don?t know all of the rules
yet; and what we have been hearing about is ?Ready To Go Projects?, projects
that could be ready in 180 days and as Director Jones has said, this is not all
inclusive. He said as we get more detailed information, more specific
information; and if we can expand or broaden this list, we certainly will do
that. He said we have some other projects that he thinks that certainly fit
what this money would be far, if we had them designed and ready to construct in
the 180 days or less.
He said as we get more information, and we see that we can come back and
add some projects that you would like to see on this list; then we will
certainly do that. He said we are sharing with you only a list of projects that
we feel are ready to go at this time and we can hit the ground with
construction in 180 days.
Councilor Davis said it is not so much as to what we would like to see, or
what we think we would like to see, but he would hope that the list would be
crafted around the President?s plan and around the direction that this money is
going to be spent. He said they talked about road projects, but said they also
talked about technology and other means of they include as a Stimulus packet.
He said he just wanted to make sure that we are crafting a good list that we
will have a good chance if things transpire where Columbus could benefit from a
Stimulus packet and that the items on the list would be more in line with the
plan that?s being crafted as opposed to just a list that we may want locally
that might not have a chance of passing at the Federal level.
City Manager Hugley said Deputy City Manager Arrington has been in
conversation with Congressman Sanford Bishop?s office and said what they have
asked us to do is that we take each individual project and let it be a
standalone project. He said each project will stand on their own; and we will
submit each individual project description and they will pick and chose from
those.
Mayor Wetheirngton said he thinks this is aggressive thinking on the City
Manager?s part, as well as Mr. Jones and his staff. He said Congressman Bishop
has been communicating with us on this Stimulus Packet and said he would like
to commend the City Manager and his staff for the work that has been done on
this.
Councilor Woodson said once the staff has completed compiling the
proposed projects list for the Economic stimulus package, let?s make sure
that we contact the National League of Cities, as they are forming a
committee as well as a lobbyist group in March and will be talking about
cities that are ready to go with a plan because we want to make sure that our
city is prepared.
The question was then called on the earlier motion of Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh to approve the resolution, as stated, which carried unanimously
by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
RIVERWALK:
Councilor Woodson said she had visitors to come to our city a couple of
weeks ago and said they visited the Riverwalk quiet often while they were here
and said that she noticed that the signs on the Riverwalk were disappearing and
you are not able to see the maps any longer. She said she would like to have
the staff to have a crew to go down and do some cleanup of our Riverwalk and
let?s make sure that we look at putting up some additional caution signs there,
as well as look at fixing the light poles.
City Manager Hugley said the Mayor came to him a few months ago and said
he had an opportunity to go down to the Riverwalk and pointed out some of the
things that you just pointed out and a lot of other things as well. He said
Deputy City Manager Goodwin put together a Riverwalk Enhancement Plan that
includes addressing all signage, painting all of the rails, going in and
replacing some of the wooden fencing.
He said we will be putting two crews on the Riverwalk and just this week,
we put a crew on one end of the Riverwalk and is in the process of working on
the second crew that will start working the other end of the Riverwalk. He said
one crew will work from the north coming south and the other will work from the
south going north with an aggressive plan in making these improvements.
*** *** ***
HAWTHORNE DRIVE:
Councilor Woodson said there seems to be a lot of utility companies
doing work on Hawthorne Drive and said that this street is really in bad
shape; therefore, she would like to have the staff to look at Hawthorne Drive
and see what we can do about getting this street resurfaced.
*** *** ***
BEAUTIFICATION OF SOUTH LUMPKIN ROAD:
Councilor Woodson said she would like to know where are we with the plans
of doing some beautification on South Lumpkin Road that we talked about
starting sometime in January. She said she would like for the staff to provide
an update as to where we are with those plans.
City Manager Hugley pointed out that Deputy City Manager Goodwin has
stated that it would begin with the spring planting season.
*** *** ***
DEMOLITION OF PROPERTY:
City Manager Hugley said he sent correspondence to the Mayor &
members of Council about a demolition project that we dealt with back in
September 2008. He said we approved the demolition and then the owner
came back to the Council and said they were going to sell the property and
renovate it to use it as a Laundromat. He said we have not seen the progress
that needed to be done on that project in the number of days that you have
allowed; therefore, we are ready to move forward with demolition unless
you object or want to give their further consideration.
Mayor Wetherington then called those individuals who was present in the
audience regarding this matter.
Prior to those individuals coming forward, Councilor Woodson said it
looks like nothing was done on the property because the closing was not
completed. She said it looks like the sale of the property was not finalized
until just recently.
Ms. Rebecca Wiggins said what Mr. Gamboa reported to the Council on
October 28th is that the property would close on November 15th and that he
would subsequently get started on the work by the end of the 60 days
extension that Council gave him. She said he was not able to close until
December 18th.
Councilor Woodson said a lot of closings, for some reason towards the
end of the year was not completed and she was wondering if that?s the
reason why they couldn?t work on the property. She asked if we would give
them a permit if they didn?t own the property? She said she thought they had
to own the property before they could begin work on it.
Ms. Wiggins said Mr. Gamboa has not made any attempts to get in
contact with any contractors until yesterday and he said that he had
contacted Muscogee Glass Company and he did have the building boarded
up today.
In response to further concerns of Councilor Woodson, City Manager
Hugley said on September 28th you approved the demolition, and on October
28th they came before the Council and said they would close by November
15th and that didn?t happen, but they closed on December 18th and as
Ms. Wiggins indicated, on yesterday they did something and today they
boarded up the property. He said the 60-days that you gave have expired.
Councilor Woodson said from the time that the property closed on
December 18th, until just recently he has not worked on the property.
Ms. Wiggins said that is correct.
Councilor Woodson said from December 18th when they closed on the
property and from the time period when the originally closing was supposed
to be, was he able to get a permit to work on the property since it was not his
property. Ms. Wiggins said he was not, and he did not apply for it.
Ms. Wiggins said the only way Mr. Gamboa could have gotten a
permit to do work on the property is if he would have hired a licensed
general contractor, but that would not be practical because he didn?t own
the property.
Discussions continued on this matter with Ms. Wiggins and City
Manager Hugley responding to questions of members of the Council.
Ms. Janet Baskin, a Realtor representing Mr. Gamboa also responded to
questions of members of the Council.
Ms. Dana (inaudible), the individual who represented the seller Ms. Hill
pointed out that after they left the meeting on October 28th when
Ms. Wiggins said the building needed to be secure Ms. Hill did secure the
building. She said that was something that she did bring to her attention that
she was having trouble keeping the building secure because people would
come along and take the boards back down and go in and do what they were
doing inside the property. She said that was an ongoing problem in keeping
the building secure. She said Ms. Hill did secure the building initially and
said in that timeframe they were not able to secure traditionally financing
and then Ms. Hill decided that she wasn?t going to sell the property;
therefore, they lost a month of time. She said Mr. Gamboa did come from
California to put forth his plans and said he has definitely done what he was
supposed to do.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like to have the staff to look
at making a policy of the Administration that only the property owners will
be allowed to ask for an extension with regards to the demolition of their
property.
During an hour of further discussion on this subject, with members of the
Council expressing their further views on the matter and Ms. Baskin,
Ms. Dana (inaudible) and Ms. Wiggins responded to questions of the Council.
Ms. Dana (inaudible) said we are not asking for an extension and said we
will have all the information to the Council by January 14th, which is within
the 60-days. She said you asked for a plan of action, along with a letter from
a contractor. She said Ms. Wiggins said we needed to be here on today because
action was going to be taken by the Council on today.
Councilor Henderson said we were very explicit when we gave him the
extension as we told him that he needed to close within the 60-days timeframe.
Councilor Hunter said the minutes showed that we granted a 60-day
extension, but we didn?t say 60-days from the date of closing. He said the City
Manager concluded by summing up that we granted the 60-day extension.
Councilor Hunter said he guess there is a miscommunication on
Ms. Baskin?s part, because normally when we grant extensions, it has been
extension from the date that we grant those. He said there is nothing in the
minutes that it says from the date of closing.
He said in the future, if the Council does decides to grant extensions for
demolition of property we need to state clearly that the extensions would be
whatever timeframe we give, from the date that the Council meeting is held in
order that there will be no miscommunications in this regard.
After continued discussions on this matter, Councilor Henderson asked Ms.
Baskin what are they here asking of the Council. He said there is about 16 days
left within the 60-day extension.
Ms. Baskin said they are here asking this property not to be torn down,
but give him a chance to outline his plans. She said Mr. Gamboa said he would
be willing to come to the Council on next week and tell you what his plans are.
Councilor Henderson said he would be willing to wait two weeks, and that
doesn?t mean that Mr. Gamboa needs to go put a lot of money into the property,
but said he needs to ascertain what his plans are and come back with a plan and
then at that time, the Council can make a formal decision.
Mr. Bill Duck, Chief of the Inspections & Code Enforcement Department said
what they expected from him at the time that he was waiting to take ownership
was to be preparing those drawings and getting ready to get started on the
property so that once he did take ownership, he could get started on the
project and be well on the way by the time his 60-days expired and then we
could continue to work with him to allow him to complete the building. He said
the problem is, from what they have found out after talking with Phillips
Construction; he had initially contacted them about 3 or 4 months ago, but had
not had any discussion with them other than yesterday he met with them and
looked at the building in order to start that process to prepare drawings and
get some type of estimates from them and they have not made any type of
commitment to do the work yet. He said this building would take some drawings
and it would take time for the architects do drawings for him on this building
and get them in and get them submitted for approval and get the contractor
started.
After further discussions, Councilor Henderson said he is willing to make
a motion to give Mr. Gamboa through the 15th to come back with a plan on what
he is going to do with the property. He said at that time, he needs to
also be prepared to demolish he property himself. Seconded by Councilor Barnes.
After members of the Council expressed their further views on this
subject, and the City Manager expressing his views on this matter, as well as
the City Attorney responding to questions of the Council, Councilor Henderson
then restated the intent of his motion stating that the extension expires a
week from Friday, (January 16th). He said they would need to get us some
information by next Tuesday so that we can see what his plans are with respect
to the property. The question was then called on the motion made by Councilor
Henderson, which carried by a vote of 7 to 3, with Councilors Allen, Barnes,
Davis, Henderson, Hunter, McDaniel and Woodson voting yes and Councilors
Anthony, Baker and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh voting no.
Councilor Henderson said he would like for Mr. Gamboa to present
information to this Council by next week.
Councilor McDaniel said our ordinance says that we can give up to 120- day
extension on demolition. He said he and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh would like to
call for an ordinance to state that there will be no extensions granted at all.
He said normally they have a year to do something about these properties, but
they don?t usually do anything until the last minute.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &
COUNCIL:_________________________________________________
Memorandum from the Muscogee County Republican Party and Georgia Conservative
Republican Voters Coalition, Re: Proposed Changes to the Current Columbus City
Sign Ordinance.
Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Uptown Facade Board.
Memorandum from Gloria Weston-Smart, Director of Keep Columbus Beautiful
Commission, recommending Mrs. Beverly Kinner to fill the at-large seat of Ms.
Peggy Myles.
Regarding the recommendation from the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission,
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like to nominate Ms. Beverly Kinner
for Ms. Peggy Myles? seat.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back in two weeks
for the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
C.I.R.C.L.E.:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Ms. Shirley A. Jaeger
resigning from her position on the Commission on International Relations and
Cultural Liaison Encounters (CIRCLE). Councilor McDaniel moved the letter be
received with regrets and thanks for her service. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for
this meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_______________________________
Airport Commission, November 26, 2008.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 43-08, 44-08 & 45-08.
Community Development Adv. Council, September 23, 2008.
Community Development Adv. Council, November 13, 2008.
Planning Advisory Commission, July 16, 2008.
Planning Advisory Commission, August 6, 2008.
Planning Advisory Commission, August 20, 2008.
Recreation Advisory Board, December 4, 2008.
MCSD/City Council Joint Tax Com., February 21, 2006.
MCSD/City Council Joint Tax Com., February 24, 2006.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion to receive the minutes. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWNG 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 MCDANIEL:_____________
Petition submitted by North End, LLC to rezone 12.150 total acres of
property located at 6801 & 6923 River Road from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) to
PCD (Planned Commercial Development) District. (48-CA-08-North End, LLC)
Councilor McDaniel called for the ordinance and public hearing on this new
zoning petition.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Rev. Joseph Roberson on the Cooperative Extension Advisory Board expired on
December 31, 2008 and he is eligible to succeed himself, but does not desire to
be reappointed.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seat of Mr. Bryan Stone
on the Community Development Advisory Council was declared vacant and said that
he was the Council District 2 Representative. She said Councilor Davis is
working on a replacement for this seat.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Thomas Gurr has resigned
from his seat on the Hospital Authority. She said we need three nominations
from which the Authority will select his successor.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Barnes is working
on a replacement for someone to fill this position of Ms. Peggy Myles. She
said the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission is recommending Ms. Beverly Kinner
to succeed Ms. Myles and said we will bring this back on next week for
confirmation.
*** *** ***
PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. John Boddie?s term of
office of as an alternate member expired on December 31, 2008 and that he is
eligible to succeed himself. She also pointed out that the term of office of
Mr. Emit Day, who serves as a regular member has also expired and that he
cannot succeed himself. She said the Council would need to nominate someone
for this seat.
Councilor Henderson nominated Mr. Boddie to succeed himself for another
term of office. Clerk of Council Washington said we would bring this back on
next week for the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. Gary Gibson, who serves as the School District?s Representative on the
Recreation Advisory Board, as well as the term of office of Mr. James Webster,
who serves as the Council District Six Representative expired on December 31,
2008 and they are both eligible to succeed themselves. She said we are waiting
to hear back from the School District as to whether or not they are going to
recommend Mr. Gibson for another term.
Councilor Allen re-nominated Mr. Webster for another term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington said because this is a district appointment,
he can be confirmed. Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson
and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this
meeting.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. James Nash?s seat on the
Taxicab Commission has been declared vacant and that the Council must nominate
someone for this at-large position. There were no nominations.
*** *** ***
TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. Hal Averett, who serves as the Residential Development representative, Mr.
George Stanton, who is the Educator Representation, Mr. Kenneth Henson, who
serves in an at-large position as well as Ms. Gloria Weston-Smart, who also
serves in an at-large positions are eligible to succeed themselves for another
term of office.
Councilor Henderson nominated these individuals for another term of
office. Clerk of Council Washington said she will bring this back on next week
for confirmation.
UPTOWN FACADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. David Wolf has resigned
from his seat as the Uptown Columbus Representative on the Uptown Fa?ade Board
and said that we are still waiting on a recommendation from them for someone to
succeed him.
*** *** ***
Councilor Woodson said we have a new School Board Representative and asked
Clerk of Council Washington contact her, Ms. Marvets to see if she is
interested in serving in that seat previously held by Reverend Joseph
Robertson.
*** *** ***
Councilor Anthony asked Clerk of Council Washington to contact SHRM to see
if they could possibly make some recommendations for the Personnel Review
Board.
*** *** ***
With there being no additional business of the Council to conduct, Mayor
Wetherington then asked if there was anyone present in the audience who was not
listed on the Public Agenda, but had an issue to bring before the Council could
be heard at this time. There was no one who wanted to be heard.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
McDaniel then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this
meeting, with the time being 7:33 P.M.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.