MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
JULY 23, 2013
The meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 5:38
P.M., Tuesday, July 23, 2013, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens Service Center,
located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike
Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis,
Berry Henderson, Judy W. Thomas, and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah
Hugley, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra
Davis were also present.
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ABSENT: Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. was absent. City Attorney Clifton
Fay was also absent, but was represented by Assistant City Attorney Lucy
Sheftall.
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After calling the meeting to order, Mayor Tomlinson stated that as you
know we are in this new Citizen Service building and said that we are still
grappling with a few issues as we break it in. She said on tonight, we are
having to reboot our communication system and said it is not wanting to fully
reboot; therefore, she will ask for the Council?s indulgence in this matter
because she won?t be able to recognize you, but you will be recognized by staff
and said there might be a short delay as they turn your microphones on, and
said we appreciate your patience at the outset.
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INVOCATION: Led by Rabbi Beth Schwartz, Temple Israel.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Girls, Inc.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY LUCY SHEFTALL AND ADOPTED ON SECOND READING BY THE COUNCIL:______
An Ordinance (13-38) - Changing the official street and tax maps of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia by deleting a segment of Hamilton
Road and Talbotton Road right-of-way from the official street map; and for
other purposes. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY SHEFFTAL AND INTRODUCED AGAIN ON FIRST READING:____________________
An Ordinance ? Requiring elected officials and all departments of the
consolidated government to seek Council approval for expenditures exceeding
budgeted appropriations; and for other purposes.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked if there was anyone who wanted to be heard on
this ordinance, but there were none. Assistant City Attorney Sheftall said that
this would be brought back for a vote on August 13, 2013. There was no further
discussion.
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RECOGNITION OF GUESTS:
Mayor Tomlinson recognized the presence of Sheriff John Darr and Municipal
Court Judge Steven Smith, who was seated in the Council Chambers.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY SHEFTALL AND
DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCUSSION:______
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 850, 904, 926, 934, 942, 1126
and 1150 Morris Road from an SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) to LMI (Light
Manufacturing Industrial) zoning district. The purpose of the rezoning is for
these proposed uses: Stuart Woodworks?mostly vacant (850), existing warehouse
and storage (904), vacant (926), discount auto?auto parts and metal recycling
center (934), undeveloped.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner, Mr. Baxter Edwards was present, but he did not make a
presentation. Councilor Barnes said that he would like to ask the petitioner
for a delay on the ordinance, as he had received calls and concerns from
residents on adjoining streets. He said he would like to address those concerns
of the residents. He said he will arrange a meeting with the residents at his
Council office and he will then make contact with Mr. Edwards to inform him of
when that meeting would be held. Councilor Barnes then made a motion that the
first reading be delayed. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel
being absent for this meeting.
Assistant City Attorney Sheftall said this petition will be brought back
for first reading after the discussions have taken place.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY SHEFTALL AND
A PUBLIC HEARING HELD AS ADVERTISED:__________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 1347 and 1353 23rd Street
from an RMF1 (Residential Multifamily 1) to NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning
district. The purpose of the rezoning is for general/take-out restaurant.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner was present, but she did not make a presentation as there
was no one present in opposition and there were no questions from any member of
Council. Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall said that this ordinance would
be brought back on August 13, 2013.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY SHEFTALL AND
A PUBLIC HEARING HELD AS ADVERTISED AND THE
ORDINANCE AMENDED BY THE COUNCIL:______ ____________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at Midtown Columbus (between
Lakebottom Park and Wynnton Road) from an RMF2 (Residential Multifamily 2)/ RO
(Residential-Office)/ and NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning districts to SFR2
(Single Family Residential 2)/ SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3)/ and SFR4
(Single Family Residential 4) zoning districts. The current and proposed use is
single family residential.
Assistant City Attorney Sheftall said that the applicant is the City?s
Planning Department and said Mr. Will Johnson is present this morning to
address the issue. She also pointed out that her property is among those
properties to be rezoned and said if any legal questions comes up, they will be
deferred to City Attorney Clifton Fay to handle on second reading.
Councilor Thomas asked for a more in-depth explanation of the ordinance,
as this was much more impactful and far-reaching than most. She said she wanted
to know what this is and what has brought it about.
Planning Division Chief Will Johnson came forward and explained that
such massive rezoning has taken place in Columbus before. He said it has
been done in certain areas around town, to include the Beallwood area, the
East Wynnton neighborhood and on Cusseta Road. He said what we have
essentially done is taken what are commercially or multi-family zoned
single-family properties and corrected their zoning because what
zoning non-compliance can do is, in case of a natural disaster; fire, etc.,
and you loose over fifty percent of your home, it?s non-conforming and you
cannot build it back without rezoning the property.
He went into further details in explaining this matter. He said in the
housing market now, a mortgage or a refinancing can be turned down with a
non-conforming zoning. He said this is a ten-year project that they have
been working on and they are just getting it off the ground now. He said they
have identified 78 properties that were non-compliant and 57 of those
property owners have asked us to do this for them.
Mr. Johnson then responded to several questions of members of the
Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh brought up the fact that when this matter
came up, it was actually requested by the Councilors themselves when there were
issues with the zoning in the Beallwood community.
Mr. Will Johnson added that the last re-zonings had been in 2004 or 2005 when
we did this.
Councilor Davis said there are several different zoning classifications in
this ordinance and then asked how the rezoning request would affect the
assessed value of the properties?
Mr. Will Johnson explained that rezoning would not affect the assessed
value of the property, and therefore not affect the property taxes, as these
were based on the use of the property. He said as long as you have your
homestead filed, it?s fine.
Councilor Baker brought up the fact that the affected citizens could opt
out of being rezoned, and asked if any had opted out.
Mr. Will Johnson replied that the affected persons he had not heard from
were most likely out-of-town property owners. In addition, two had opted out of
the rezoning simply because they did not want to be part of it. He said there
were three homes that were misidentified and had about five that was removed
from the list.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh brought up the presence of commercialized
property alongside personal property in places such as Beallwood. Mr. Will
Johnson replied that it has been slowly fixed over time, but a lot of
commercial property still does exist alongside personal property.
Judge Steven Smith came forward as a homeowner to request an amendment to
the ordinance. He said he just learned about this issue this afternoon and said
he wanted to have his property located at 1601 Wynnton Road to be added to the
ordinance because he wished to be rezoned. He said he is trying to refinance
his house and was told that they are not going to do it because if his house
burned down, he couldn?t rebuild.
Mr. Will Johnson said he thinks that we can add Mr. Smith?s property to
the ordinance; because the letters were not addressed specifically and said
that he thinks this was certainly possible. After some discussion on the
request, Councilor Allen then made a motion to amend the ordinance to include
1601 Wynnton Road. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for
this meeting.
Councilor Thomas said if there is anyone else who is listening tonight and
is in the same position as Judge Smith is and wants to come to us to have their
property added, she would entertain that.
Mr. Will Johnson said they are in full support of that and they want as
many people as possible to get their zoning corrected.
Councilor Woodson suggested that the staff go back and look at a more
systematic easier method of dealing with this matter. She said that since Mr.
Smith now wanted his house to be included, she could see how many other people
may want the same thing. She said she thinks that we need to put something on
the website in the event that individuals may have some questions.
Mr. Will Johnson then told the general audience how to go out to the
city?s website and check a property?s zoning, as well as what Council District
they reside in.
Assistant City Attorney Sheftall said we need to give anyone who might be
in opposition of this ordinance an opportunity to be heard, but there were
none. She then pointed out that this ordinance would be back on the August 13th
agenda as amended.
Ms. Anne King then came forward and said they would like to commend the
Planning Department for making this a viable option for property owners and
conducting public meetings. She said they couldn?t be more pleased with this
matter moving forward.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY SHEFTALL AND AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF DISCUSSION WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:______________________________________________
A Resolution (238-13) ? Requesting a Special Exception Use for a place of
worship in excess of 250 seats located at 7201 Flat Rock Road. The current
zoning for the property is SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) zoning district.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson.
Assistant City Attorney Sheftall said we do need to give an opportunity
for a public hearing on this matter.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The applicant, Mr. Brandon Bolt, representing My Church of Columbus, came
forward as a proponent of the resolution.
Mr. Paul Carmara, Development Coordinator for House of God Ministries,
7230 Flat Rock Road came forward in opposition to the resolution. He explained
that if the resolution was passed, then My Church of Columbus would be located
directly across the street from their Ministry. He
said that House of God Ministries was already in the process of expansion into
an adjacent property. He voiced concerns that then, the building process would
become a competition between the two churches for members.
Planning Director Rick Jones came forward to address the infrastructure
aspect of this matter. He said they have to go through a process and said this
is the first step of that process. He said that the church is required by law
to present all their infrastructure aspects in front of the Council, since they
were to exceed 250 seats. The issues arising from this and other factors would
be discussed during the permitting process. He said churches can go anywhere
they want to within the City, expect for in an industrial zone. He said this is
the first step in developing this site.
Councilor Allen asked how far is the current location of My Church was
from the proposed location.
Mr. Rick Jones replied that it was most likely around a quarter mile. He
said it sits now where the new McDonald?s is going in and is in close proximity
to this property, and that they probably had to find a new site because their
congregation was beginning to grow and they are running out of room. He said
they have to accommodate their church with a new site. Councilor Allen also
added that one of the reasons this came to light was because of the parking
issues. He said it was a safety concern because they become so full on Sunday
mornings and members of the church were crossing the street and parking in
areas adjacent to the property and trying to get there and it has been a public
safety matter.
Assistant City Attorney Sheftall said we needed to allow the applicant to
come forward and give his comments on this matter because the Council will vote
on tonight because it is a Special Exception Use.
Mr. Bolt, the petitioner presented his view of the proposal, saying that
some analysis had been done on the road already and they are projecting Level
Services A & B, which is good. He said that sewers and water usage had been
analyzed, and there didn?t seem to be any issues with those things.
After having heard from the opposition and the petitioner, the Council
then moved forward with a vote on this matter, pursuant to the earlier motion
made by Councilor Allen and seconded by Councilor Henderson.
Mayor Tomlinson then called the question on the motion, which carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel
being absent for this meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she understands that the churches are in
competition with each other, but said that is all over Columbus, Georgia and
said this is not the only area, and said that means that God?s word is getting
out in the community.
Mayor Tomlinson said she would certainly hope that everyone will come
together, as all of this new building is occurring, which is a good sign for
this particular area .
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT
CITY ATTORNEY SHEFTALL AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF
DISCUSSION:_____________________________________________
A Resolution (239-13) ? Authorizing the process and establishing criteria
for the selection and funding of projects to be funded with proceeds from the
Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax?Discretionary Funds and
approving $750,000 in discretionary funds for bridge/culvert repairs.
Assistant City Attorney Sheftall said this was the subject of a Work
Session on last week and said what they are doing is bringing an ordinance that
will set forth the criteria, the scheduling each year, as well as go ahead and
allocate $750,000 out of funds already collected this year for bridge/culvert
repairs.
Councilor Thomas asked how much is currently projected for collection for
this year?s T-SPLOST. Director of Finance Pam Hodge replied that the FY14
estimate for discretionary funds was $2.5 million dollars, based on the best
figures available.
Councilor Thomas asked what, if any, would be the amount of percentage
that would go to cost allocation or how is that collected and what is your
estimate, if we collect $2.5 million. Director of Finance Pam Hodge answered
that at the present time, they do not charge cost allocation to capital project
funds, bond funds, SPLOST funds. He said those funds are for the project. She
said that in the past, capital project funds have not been included in cost
allocations. She said that it is not part of the plan to include cost
allocation.
Deputy City Manager David Arrington, in response to Councilor Thomas said
that the latest bridge report from the Department of Transportation that they
are working on is from 2012. Councilor Thomas also asked him to confirm that he
wanted to add an additional $750,000 to the $750,000 for bridges and culverts
that is already in the FY14 budget for a total of $1.5 million.
Deputy City Manager Arrington confirmed this is correct. He also pointed
out that the cost estimate is to repair six bridges depending on what the
deficiencies are in the report.
Councilor Thomas then asked what is the time interval between when you
begin an RFP, and the issuing of an RFP and the awarding of a contract.
Deputy City Manager Arrington replied that the time interval varied, with
various situations taking six months or a full year. He said that it depended
on the scope of the work, with smaller projects taking a shorter time. He also
explained that none of the money would go toward replacements, merely
improvements, with the exception of one culvert. Responding to another question
from Councilor Thomas, he said they would need the money from the T-SPLOST
considering the bid process, before the end of the calendar year. Councilor
Thomas asked what category would be best to cut if $2.5 million was not
collected. Deputy City Manager Arrington responded that he asked only that the
Council adopt the criteria and allocate the $750,000 from the T-SPLOST funds.
After continued discussions on this matter, Deputy City Manager Arrington
responded to several questions of members of the Council. Budget Chairperson
Councilor Henderson also expressed his views regarding this matter.
Councilor Thomas said the way the resolution is written, she is going to
have to vote against it.
Deputy City Manager Arrington pointed out that the $2.5 million has
already been anticipated in the budget. In other words, preparations had been
made for $2.5 million and all that was left was the actual allotment. He also
made comments about the benefits of a pay-as-you-go plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to adopt the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Huff asked about the number of projects that were anticipated
under the transportation category.
Deputy City Manager Arrington explained that the category was just a
category; there were no specific projects planned at the moment. He said,
however, that there were some areas that required some ongoing expenses and the
$500,000 was the typical allocation through the Metropolitan Planning
Organization. He reiterated that he was only asking the Council to adopt the
criteria, and not fully allocate the funds on tonight.
After continued discussion with Deputy City Manager Arrington responding
to further questions of the Council, Mayor Tomlinson then called the question
on the motion to adopt the resolution, which carried by a vote of 8 to 1, with
all those eight members present for this meeting voting yes, and Councilor
Thomas voting no, and Councilor McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall said we will need to have a short
executive session at the end of the Council meeting tonight to discuss real
estate disposition and a potential litigation.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. DAVID SLOAN, REPRESENTING CASH AND CARRY, RE: THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION ON
6TH AVENUE:_________________
Mr. Sloan came forward and stated that he wanted to speak about the road
construction currently going on around his store, and his loss of business that
he has incurred due to that construction. He said that on the previous day, 6th
Avenue was closed from 9th Street to 11th Street, and 12th Street has been
closed for longer. The detour signs on 11th Street tell drivers to turn to the
right; however, his store is to the left. He also stated that another problem
was a new median that had been built near his store and said this was posing a
problem to incoming trucks. He said that the construction has damaged his
customer base and that he would hope he can get some of them back when the
construction is done. He then gave a record of the financial losses from
January 27th to July 16th to the Council. He said they need some kind of help.
Mayor Tomlinson responded that there have been very similar stories in the
past, whenever construction has occurred in the City. She then named several
projects that have taken place around the City and the impact that it has had
on residents as well as customers to those various businesses.
She stated that the Council was sorry, and that they hoped the positive effect
of the completed construction would draw more people to his business. She said
she is sure that Mr. Arrington would continue to work with him as well as the
Engineering Department would be able to further discuss this project
with Mr. Sloan.
Councilor Thomas asked City Manager Isaiah Hugley if a timeline of the
construction could be given to Mr. Sloan. He replied that the construction
would probably be completed sometime in the fall. He said that it would
definitely continue throughout the summer.
Mr. Sloan then described the various damages done to his store because of
the construction, including damages to the foundation, the parking lot, and the
roads. Mayor Tomlinson said when those kinds of things occur that he would make
a call to us right away; then we could respond to those issues and that those
damages could certainly be accessed, and that Deputy City Manager Arrington
would keep in touch with him.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh pointed out that this construction was part of a
pipe replacement project and therefore was necessary. She said it was not an
unnecessary beautification project by any means, but that we had draining
issues that needed to be addressed.
Councilor Woodson brought up the fact that Mr. Sloan was asking for a
financial compensation for his losses in business. However, the compensation
would have to come out of taxpayer dollars, and if one store was to be
compensated, all the other stores would also have to be compensated. She stated
that the funds for that kind of expense were not available for businesses by
the City.
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MS. SALEEMAH SABREE, RE: INFORMATION ON THE SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM:___
Councilor Barnes said that he had requested for Ms. Sabree to come and
speak about the Senior program, as it was a great but little-known program for
senior citizens. Ms. Sabree first explained the details of the program. She
provided information on the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which
was a non-profit Title V granted program. The program?s mission was to improve
the lives of older workers through training, community service, and employment.
She said that the program provides training on how to use the computer, as well
as various other things that seniors often do not have knowledge of. She stated
that her goal in representing the program was raising awareness of the program
as many elderly citizens did not know about it.
Councilor Davis asked Ms. Sabree to expand on how employers could employ
senior citizens through the program. Ms. Sabree replied that the program worked
with employers, and paid the employers to hire their workers for a short
interval of time.
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MR. TOLLIE STRODE, RE: FUTURE BUDGET
RECOMMENDATIONS:_______________________________________
Mr. Tollie Strode came forward and provided his address as 6904 Pebble
Court. He stated that this was a continuation of a process they had begun the
previous month, a process to put $34 million into the Columbus economy that
could translate into greater benefits for the community. He said that there was
an update to the project and to a performer he provided. He stated that he also
wanted to speak about a second project; the second of thirteen projects that he
has been working on. He pointed out several facts about the process, including
the fact that the city had gotten a lot of investment with both positive and
negative effects.
Mr. Strode said that the first project he advanced was project EH001,
concerning energy cost optimization. He said that this project was one that
would give property tax rebates if citizens worked with local businesses; it
would save the public over $20 million and the increased the revenue of the
consolidated government by $1 million. He said that there was a request by
Georgia Power to raise the average residential bill by $7.84, which equates to
about 6.7%.
Shortly, Mr. Strode began to describe the second project, PTR1002, which
he said is a new project; and it is a property assessment moratorium. PTR1002
proposes that property owners will benefit from a 3-7 year delay on property
tax evaluation until up to a $40,000 improvement in their real property. He
said it provides an incentive for property owners to invest in their property.
After more than fifteen minutes of discussion in explaining his proposed
projects, Mr. Strode then concluded his presentation, and was preparing to
leave the Council Chambers when he was asked a question by Councilor Huff.
Councilor Huff informed the Council about an article that had been in the
news about Mr. Strode and robotics, and asked him to describe it for the
benefit of the Council and any listeners. Mr. Strode replied that he was the
Senior Project Officer for Unmanned Systems and Maneuver Battle Lab on the
Maneuver Center of Excellence, and that they do projects using new technologies
that are being developed by industry partners in the military to use in future
conflicts, as well as peacekeeping operations, which is the full range of what
the military does. He said they had Nato partners from Turkey and Germany
trying to figure out how to use each other?s equipment. They had figured out a
cost-effective method of doing just that. He said in October they will also be
having a robotics demonstration for the soldiers and said that the Council will
be receiving some information on that matter.
Councilor Davis pointed out that there was a very bright group of young
people in the Muscogee County School District that was actively involved with
robotics. Mr. Strode then replied that they were aware of and supported that
young group.
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SALES TAX:
City Manager Hugley, in response to some comments made earlier by Mr.
Strode with regards to Columbus? sales tax, said if there are citizens who are
interested in our sales tax as to how they compare to sales tax in the other
149 counties, they can go to the Department of Revenue?s website and pull up
the percentages of taxes for the various counties. He said out of the 149
counties, there are 48 counties with an 8% sales tax. He said the Muscogee
County School District?s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax will expire at
the end of this year and our sales tax will then be 7% at that time.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCCUSSION OF THE
COUNCIL:_
A Resolution (240-13) ? Authorizing the approval of a variance to the City
Code Section 7.3.4 Street Layout to allow a distance of 373.81 feet between the
intersections of ?Street F? at Marriott Drive and Hilyer Drive along the state
route instead of the required 800 feet separation.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
Councilor Baker said that he would assume this variance on the street is
because of a proposed subdivision. He then asked if it already meets the zoning
requirements.
City Manager Hugley replied that it doesn?t meet the zoning requirement of
an 800 feet separation. He said we had the Traffic Engineer to take a look at
this variance and they have recommended approval. He said if the variance is
not approved, they will not be able to develop the property.
Councilor Baker said his question goes not really to the variance, but the
underlying property. He said they have a site plan and then asked if the site
plan already meets the zoning requirements or will it have to go through the
rezoning process. City Manager Hugley said he doesn?t know if they will or not.
Director of Engineering Donna Newman then came forward and responded to
questions of Councilor Baker.
City Manager Hugley said to the best of his knowledge, there was no zoning
issue.
Ms. Newman said it was just a variance for the access because it was a
remnant piece of property that wasn?t included in the other parcels when it was
originally developed and now are coming back, and it was being developed as
residential property.
After some ten minutes of discussion on this matter, Mayor Tomlinson then
called the question on the earlier motion to adopt the resolution, which
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor
McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: ___________________________________________
A Resolution (241-13) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding to partner with the Columbus Museum to submit an
application and if approved, accept a pass-through grant for $15,000 with
$7,450 match that will be paid by the Columbus Museum from the Georgia Council
for the Arts Tourism Product Development (TPD) Grant.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S
AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL PURSUANT TO A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND
SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS
OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THE
MEETING:______________________________________________
A Resolution (242-13) ? Authorizing payment to the Georgia Municipal
Association for 2013-2014 membership dues in the amount of $26,311.62.
A Resolution (243-13) ? Authorizing payment to Tyler Technologies (Dallas,
TX) in the amount of $53,390.19 for annual software license
maintenance for the permitting system utilized by inspections and code. This
payment will cover ongoing support from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.
A Resolution (244-13) ? Authorizing purchase of pension software from
Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. (Springfield, Illinois) in the amount of
$377, 980.00; as well as, annual maintenance cost of approximately $35,000 per
year.
A Resolution (245-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with
Goodpointe Technology (St. Paul, MN) for right-of-way digital imaging and
extraction of pavement condition data.
A Resolution (246-13) ? Authorizing the payment to Motorola Solutions
(Atlanta, GA), in the amount of $153,664.20, for Cad/Mobile Data Terminal (MDT)
Hardware Maintenance. This payment will cover the period from July 1, 2013
through June 30, 2014.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCUSSION:_________________
A Resolution (247-13) ? Authorizing the negotiation and execution of
annual contracts with Armor Correctional Health Services, Inc. (Miami, FL) for
comprehensive medical services at Muscogee County Prison and with Correctional
Healthcare Companies (Cumming, GA) for comprehensive medical services at
Muscogee County Jail.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Davis asked City Manager Hugley to expand on this matter a
little more; and to give us some insight of what we are going to be doing
differently because it seems like a new way to provide medical services to
inmates.
City Manager Hugley replied that it was an RFP, in negotiation with two
companies. He said one would be providing healthcare for the jail, and the
other for the prison. He said over the years all of this had been provided for
by one budget. With this negotiation, he said that the effort would be that
these costs stay within the confines of the budget. He said that they were in
the process of negotiation now, and that it would be comparable to contracting
out to these programs.
City Manager Hugley went into further details in responding to questions
of members of the Council.
Mayor Tomlinson also said the point of the RFP is to streamline some of
these services, as well as, to cut some of the administrative costs and
possible cut our costs as it relates to prisoner accessing the emergency room.
She said in the long term, we are hopeful that there will be great savings
to the taxpayers and the City.
Councilor Davis then made a motion to adopt the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Thomas said she understood that prisoners at the jail and at the
prison were treated differently, in terms of where they were transferred and
cared for. She then went into some details in explaining the differences of how
the treatments that could be provided to the inmates. She also pointed out the
document says that ?upon contract approval, a subsequent partial transfer would
be made to the general fund of the Muscogee County general warden.? She asked
if that is money from the sheriff?s budget to the prison budget.
City Manager Hugley replied that all the expenses over the past years had
come out of a single budget and that was in the sheriff?s budget. He confirmed
that in the warden?s budget, there is currently not a medical budget. He also
said that if 25% of the Sheriff?s budget had previously been used for the
prison?s medical expense, then they could consider breaking that out of the
single budget and have it appear under the prison budget.
He said the sheriff?s budget would not be loosing anything because it has been
that way all the time.
Sheriff John Darr then came forward and outlined several of the benefits
that they feel the City will benefit from this contract. He said that breaking
apart the medical expense had other benefits as well.
Mayor Tomlinson, seeing that there was no further discussion on this
matter, then called the question on the motion, which carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for
the meting.
*** *** ***
RIBBON CUTTING:
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that we will have a ribbon cutting on
Saturday, August 10th for the new Citizens Service Center at 10:00 a.m. and
encouraged everyone to come down.
*** *** ***
EMPLOYEES? CLINIC:
Councilor Thomas made a request to City Manager Hugley that he bring forth
a report from the Employees? Clinic to the August or September Work session on
how it?s going, numbers, how it?s being received; to see the progression of the
change. She said she would like for us to take a good look at what has happened
thus far. She said she thought that we were giving employees a way to do an
evaluation anonymously. She said she talked with one of our employees who had
been to the clinic the other day and was told that they there about an hour and
a half. She also gave the employees account of being serviced at the clinic and
how she was very pleased with the doctor and wasn?t concerned about the time
she was waiting.
Councilor Thomas said the only other concern that she has heard, from two
other employees, is that it took a long time for them to get a referral to a
specialist, which was about six weeks, and said that was a bit of concern to
them. She said she would like to have a presentation at the next Work Session.
City Manager Hugley pointed out that he met with Transform Health on last
week, along with the Human Resources and Finance staff and they gave us an
update as to what has been going on at the Health & Wellness Center; to include
how many patients they have seen. He said we have roughly about 1200 employees
and dependents signed up for the Health & Wellness Center; and said since they
have started taking patients in late April; or early May, they have seen 480
patients. He said they have also done 183 patient surveys from January 1, 2013
to June 30, 2013.
He also pointed out that he went to the Health & Wellness Center on last
week for his first appointment and saw a number of employees there and said it
was a great experience. He said he observed how long patients were being seen.
He said it has been reported that in a typical doctor?s office, a patient is
seen on an average of about seven minutes. He said they are seeing our
employees on an average of twenty to thirty minutes and are spending more time
with our employees.
After making some preliminary remarks about the Health & Wellness Center,
and commenting on his experience, City Manager Hugley then said he will bring
back a presentation to give an update at the Council?s next Work Session in
September.
-----------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
NOTE: Councilor Woodson left at this point in the proceedings, with the
time being 7:30 p.m.
-----------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATON TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON:_
_
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Historic &
Architectural Review.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Dual Board Appointments.
(3) Biographical Sketch of Mr. John T. Miller, IV, Mayor Tomlinson?s nominee to
replace Mr. James Smith on the Convention & Visitors Board of Commissioners.
(4) Application of Marquese Kwame Averett to temporarily close 10th Street
between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue, on Saturday, July 20, 2013 from 11:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m., in connection with ?Trayvon Martin Peace Rally?.
(5) Application of Dr. J. A. Hud to temporarily close 8th Avenue between 8th
Street and 9th Street, on Saturday, July 27, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.,
in connection with the ?Annual Hip Hop Summit?.
(6) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1000 Block of
Broadway on July 27, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., in connection with
?American Idol Auditions?.
(7) Application of Pauline Brown to temporarily close Playa Delray Drive
between Meadowlark Drive and Califon Drive, on Tuesday, August 6, 2013, from
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in connection with ?National Night Out?.
(8) Application of Joanne Cogle to temporarily close the outer southbound lane
of Victory Drive from Lumpkin Boulevard to South Lumpkin Road; outer southbound
lane of South Lumpkin Road from Victory Drive to Waterworks Road; Broadway from
5th Street to 10th Street, on Saturday, August 10, 2013, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m., in connection with the ?Olympic Triathlon?.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & VISITORS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter of resignation from
Mr. Jim Smith resigning from his position on the Convention & Visitors
Board of Commissioners. Councilor Allen made a motion that the letter is
received with regrets and thanks for his service. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for this
vote, and Councilor McDaniel being absent for the
meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED
AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON 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 EIGHT MEMBERS OF
COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR
WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR THE VOTE AND COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THE MEETING: _
A Resolution (248-13) ? Excusing Councilor Glenn Davis from the July
16, 2013 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (249-13) ? Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr.
from the July 16, 2013 Council Meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY
RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 23-13, 24-13 & 25-13.
Budget Review Committee, May 7, 2013.
Employees Benefits Committee, June 26, 2013.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, May 28, 2013.
Land Bank Authority, June 5, 2013.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes are received.
Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being
absent for this vote, and Councilor McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that when she submitted the
information for the terms of office expiring earlier this year, she
inadvertently left off the position of Mr. Will Burgin, who is eligible to
succeed himself and would like to serve again.
Councilor Henderson then nominated Mr. Burgin 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.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & VISITORS, BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Tomlinson is
nominating Mr. John T. Miller, IV to fill the unexpired term of Mr. James
Smith, who is no longer a resident of Muscogee County and represented the
hotel/food service industry on the Convention & Visitors Board of
Commissioner. She said because this is the Mayor?s appointment, Mr.
Miller can now be confirmed. Councilor Thomas so moved. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those by those eight
members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being
absent for this vote, and Councilor McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. Reynolds Bickerstaff, Mr. Kriss Cloninger and Mr. Stephen Butler will
expire on August 15, 2013 and that they are all eligible to succeed
themselves for another term of office. She pointed out that she has spoken
with Ms. Bickerstaff, as well as with Mr. Cloninger and both have stated
that if the Council has someone else that they would like to appoint to this
board; that?s fine with them; but if not, they would be willing to serve
again.
She also pointed out that Mr. Butler has said that he would like to serve
again.
Councilor Thomas then re-nominated Mr. Bickerstaff, Mr. Cloninger and
Mr. Butler for another term of office.
Councilor Henderson said he had raised the issue earlier; however, he is a
big fan of Mr. Bickerstaff and all he has done, but said it just concerns him
after having just putting someone on the Board of Water Commissioner, and
with the two organizations having a similar mission to some degree, he can?t
help but be concerned. He said we were told by the City Attorney that it was
okay; that the Water Board is one of those boards that you can serve on, as
well as serve on another board. He said we have had issues in the past with
perceived conflicts of interest whether it was real or not; it didn?t matter to
the citizens who were being impacted by it. He said he just raise the issue as
a talking point.
He said he thinks that if there is somebody else who can serve in that
capacity; while he would hate to lose Mr. Bickerstaff?s talent, he can?t help
but to thinks that might be a better arrangement.
Mayor Tomlinson said since Mr. Bickerstaff and Mr. Cloninger have
stated that they would be happy if others wanted to serve, the seat will be
open until the next Council meeting.
Councilor Thomas said she would like to amend her earlier nomination
and just recommend Mr. Cloninger and Mr. Butler; for another term of
office and not Mr. Bickerstaff. She said when we come back, if there is
someone else for Mr. Bickerstaff?s position to be nominated that?s
fine, but if not we can always nominate Mr. Bickerstaff then.
Councilor Henderson said if not, he respects Mr. Bickerstaff and what
he brings to the table, and thinks he would be a great addition to the board.
Councilor Davis said previously Council adopted a resolution that
allowed members to serve on dual boards and then asked if Councilor
Henderson if he is talking about the Council using discretion here, or is he
proposing that we change the resolution.
Councilor Henderson said he thinks it is a bad situation and it creates a
potential perception of conflict of interest; and he don?t think
Mr. Bickerstaff deserves to have to go under that kind of scrutiny, as well as,
this Council ought to place people in a situation where that could occur. He
said he did specifically ask for the boards that we had authorized dual
representation on. He said there are some, i.e. the Joint Development
Authority and the Development Authority, because they work so closely
together. He said he was a little surprise to hear that the Water Board, which
makes representation to us from a taxing and bonding authority. He said he
think that it is unfair to put citizens in that kind of position and said his
recommendation would be not to allow the Water Board members to serve
on other development type boards.
Assistant City Attorney Sheftall said the current resolution in
effect does provide that the Board of Water Commissioners is one of the
exceptions to dual service being prohibited.
Councilor Henderson said he don?t think that we need to make a snap
judgment on this matter and he thinks it might be worth hearing from the
Chairman of the Water Board. He said he just can see; however unlikely the
opportunity for the public to perceive some type of conflict of interest.
Mayor Tomlinson said that we can put that on a Work Session for the
Water Board to come to this Council and see if there is any particular reason
why they need some dual capacity; and said she can?t think of anything.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she was going to ask that this be a part
of a Work Session. She said there are five boards that are listed in the
resolution, but said the resolution was adopted back in 1983. She said she
has asked the Clerk of Council to do some research from 1983 to now
because she thinks some changes may have been done during the course of
time.
*** *** ***
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Council needs to
nominate someone to fill the unexpired term of Captain Jackey Long, who is
now deceased, but served in the sworn officer?s position from the Public
Safety Department on the Employee Benefits Committee.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need someone to
fill the unexpired term of Mr. Robert Nobles?at-large seat, due to him having
been appointed to serve on another board. She further pointed out that the
Commission is working on a recommendation for this seat.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of Assistant City Attorney Sheftall to go
into
an executive session to discuss a litigation matter and a real estate
disposition matter, 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 eight members of Council present at the time,
with Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote, and Councilor
McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
PARKS & RECREATION FOCUS GROUPS:
Councilor Huff pointed out that the Parks & Recreation Department is
hosting a focus group at the Pop Austin Recreation Center, as well as the
Frank D. Chester Recreation Centers from 10:00 ? 12:00 noon, and 5:30 ?
7:30 p.m.
*** *** ***
At 7:54 p.m. the regular session was adjourned to allow the Council to go
into an executive session.
At 9:00 p.m., the meeting was called back to order at which time Mayor
Tomlinson pointed out that the Council met in an executive to discuss a
litigation matter, and a real estate disposition matter, but there was no votes
taken and with there being no other business to come before the Council, she
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 Woodson
being absent for this vote, and Councilor McDaniel being absent for the
meeting, with the time of adjournment being 9:00 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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