MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
PROCLAMATION/SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
FEBRUARY 4, 2014
The meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 5:03
P.M., Tuesday, February 4, 2014, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens Service
Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike
Tomlinson, Mayor, and Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson,
and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton
Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Administrative Secretary Lindsey
Glisson were also present. Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat at the Council
table at 6:15 p.m. Councilor Evelyn Woodson took her seat at the Council table
at 6:50 p.m.
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ABSENT: Councilors R. Gary Allen and Judy W. Thomas were absent. Deputy Clerk
of Council Sandra Davis was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Reverend Eric Estes, Pastor of the Lutheran Church of the
Redeemer.
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PLEDGE: Led by Mayor Tomlinson.
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***-----------------------------------PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Tomlinson said every quarter we recognize employees of the
Consolidated Government for their superior work and devotion to this city and
its citizens. She then called on Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh to recognize those
individuals who have been selected for honor this quarter and to read those
proclamations.
INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE AWARD:
With Ms. Letitia Sikes, of the District Attorney?s Office standing at the
Council table, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh read Mayor Tomlinson?s proclamation,
proclaiming Tuesday, February 4, 2014 ?Letitia Sikes Day?, in Columbus,
Georgia.
P.E.E.R. AWARDS:
With Ms. Stephanie Blunt, Muscogee County Prison, Mr. Joseph Kunze, Public
Works, Ms. Letitia Sikes, District Attorney?s Office, Ms. Jennifer Teague,
Information Technology, and Mr. Tyrone Whittaker, Tax Commissioner?s Office
Standing at the Council table, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh read the proclamation
of Mayor Tomlinson, proclaiming Tuesday, February 4, 2014, as their day, in
Columbus, Georgia.
?COLUMBUS PARKS & RECREATION COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
DAY?:____________________________________________________________
With Dr. James Worsley, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation
Director, Ms. Shelley Stephens, Community Schools District Supervisor and Ms.
Millie Del Toro, Community Schools District Supervisor, standing at the Council
table, Mayor Tomlinson read her proclamation, proclaiming Tuesday, February 4,
2014, as ?Columbus Parks & Recreation Community Schools Day?, in Columbus,
Georgia.
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?COLUMBUS ARBOR DAY?:
With Mr. Steve Smith, Chairman of the City?s Tree Board, standing at the
Council table, along with Gloria Weston-Smart, Mrs. Karen Henderson, Mr. Terry
Bell of Headquarters Nissan, Ms. Beverly Kinner and Ms. Terry Fike, Councilor
Baker read the proclamation of Mayor Tomlinson, proclaiming February 21, 2014,
as ?Columbus Arbor Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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?PARTNERS IN EDUCATION (PIE) DAY?:
With Ms. Crystal Shahid, Chair, PIE Board of Directors, Mr. Mike Gaymon,
President/CEO Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Dana Whaley, PIE
Program Manager, and Members of PIE Board of Directors standing at the Council
table, Councilor Henderson read the proclamation of Mayor Tomlinson,
proclaiming February 3 ? 7, 2014, as ?Partners In Education Day?, in Columbus,
Georgia.
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?PHI BETA LAMBDA DAY?:
With Ms. Tyeshia Harris, PBL Secretary, Ms. Jacqueline Harris, Ms. Tiffany
Miller, Ms. Candice Bucklin, Ms. Latasha Jones, standing at the Council table,
Councilor McDaniel read the proclamation of Mayor Tomlinson, proclaiming
Tuesday, February 4, 2014, as ?Phi Beta Lambda Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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?THERESE PHILLIPS DAY?:
With Mrs. Therese Phillips Day standing at the Council table, Mayor
Tomlinson read her proclamation, proclaiming Tuesday, February 4, 2014, as
?Therese Phillips Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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?WANDA GRIMES DAY?:
With Ms. Wanda Grimes and many of her supporters standing at the Council
table, Councilor Barnes read the proclamation of Mayor Tomlinson, proclaiming
Tuesday, February 4, 2014, as ?Wanda Grimes Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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?BLACK HISTORY MONTH:?
With Mrs. Carol Gertigerdes of The Columbus Times Newspaper and many
others standing at the Council table, Councilor Barnes read the proclamation of
Mayor Tomlinson, proclaiming the month of February 2014, as ?Black History
Month Celebration?, in Columbus, Georgia.
Ms. Gerdes said she wants to let you know that Mrs. Annie ?Mother Love?
Flournoy, who was very important to this community has passed away. She said
the services will be on Saturday either in Lato or Seale Alabama.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: _
_____ ______________________ __
A Resolution (47-14) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Gary
Freeman, employee with the Parks and Recreation Department who passed away on
November 26, 2013.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Henderson and Huff being absent for this
vote and Councilors Allen and Thomas being absent for the meeting.
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SPECIAL CALLED COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Tomlinson said this Special Called Meeting is making up for our snow
day that we had on last Tuesday when the ice storm hit our area and we had to
cancel our meeting. She said we had so much business to do that we wanted to
make sure that we certainly didn?t fall behind.
With regards to the Health and Wellness Center presentation that is listed
on her agenda, Mayor Tomlinson said she has conferred with City Manager Hugley
and said for continuity, she is going to move that presentation to the City
Manager?s Agenda.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the December 3 & 10, 2013 and January 7
& 14, 2014 Council Meetings of the Council of the Consolidated Government of
Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved upon the adoption of a motion
made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those six members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Henderson and Huff being absent for this vote and Councilors Allen
and Thomas being absent for 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:__________________________________
An Ordinance (14-3) ? Rezoning property located at 1510, 1506, 1426 and
1410 6th Avenue from an LMI (Light Manufacturing Industrial/UPT) (Uptown) with
conditions to an UPT (Uptown) with amended conditions zoning district. The
purpose of the rezoning is for multi-family dwellings and offices.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Henderson and Huff being absent for this
vote and Councilors Allen and Thomas being absent for the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS DELAYED FROM THE JANUARY 14, 2014
COUNCIL MEETING WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND
AMENDED BY THE COUNCIL AND THEN INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:____ ___
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 6450 Schomburg Road from an
SFR1/RO (Single Family Residential/Residential Office) to an RO (Residential
Office) zoning district. The purpose of the rezoning is for personal care home,
type III; multifamily dwellings; daycare, type III.
City Attorney Fay pointed out that Councilor Allen has worked out some new
conditions that was distributed around the Council table tonight and said that
we need to get a motion to amend the ordinance to add these new conditions. He
said he knows that Councilor Allen has talked with Councilor Henderson.
Councilor Henderson made a motion to amend the ordinance to include the
new conditions. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present, with Councilors Allen and Thomas being absent
for the meeting.
City Attorney Fay said there are now six conditions in the ordinance that
will be on second reading on next week for a final vote. He said there will
also be a resolution for a special exception use for this location as well.
Councilor Henderson said Councilor Allen has been meeting with the
individuals over there and said that they have identified that in Phase One,
it?s basically a revamp of the existing buildings and said the construction
that might be viewed as a little more intrusive to the neighbors will be in
Phase Two and that is when these conditions will have to be exercised.
City Attorney Fay said the ordinance will be listed on his agenda for next
week?s meeting for a final vote.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay said he would like to have an executive session at the
end of tonight?s meeting to discuss some litigation matters.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. JOE L. MILES, REPRESNTING S.W.A.T. (SOUL WINNERS ACROSS TOWN), RE: TO
PROVIDE INFORMAOTN ON TEEN
PROGRAM:_______________________________________________________
Mr. Joe L. Miles representing S.W.A.T (Soul Winners Across Town), who
requested to be listed on the agenda for tonight?s meeting, to provide
information on a teen program cancelled his scheduled appearance for tonight?s
meeting.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: TAX ABATEMENTS, RESOLUTION NUMBER 343-09, CRIME
PREVENTION PROGRAM AND TSPLOST:____
Mr. Paul Olson, 13830 Upatio Lane, came forward and said that he is here
to speak to Resolution No. 343-09. He said of the $131.5 million that you
indebted
us, the City Council and Mayor Wetherington, which basically, 70% of that
$131million is for infrastructure and amenities, the Natatorium; and etc, those
things that we didn?t vote for. He said 30% was dedicated towards public
safety and said if he is not mistaken, you passed a resolution stating that you
would dedicate 70% for public safety and 30% for infrastructure. He said if you
would take a look at that resolution, 343-09, and look at that project list,
you will see what he is saying; close to $100 million in infrastructure and
amenities . He said when it comes to the Public Safety; the only thing that he
sees is the EMS station of $2 million and the Correctional facility of $31
million; which is a total of $33 million. He said there is $98 million
dedicated to the other; which is totally against what you promised.
Mr. Olson said he has talked with Mr. John Darr, the Sheriff, and said
right now he has a holding capacity of around 1100 and in the $31 million, you
are going to add an Annex of approximately 500 more beds; and said what you are
doing is increasing and exacerbating the situation instead of actually working
with the judicial system here in Muscogee County with Superior Court Judges,
and said those with lesser offenses may possibly have an ankle bracelet. He
said he recalls an article in the newspaper which says the Sheriff?s Department
medical cost is somewhere around $1.8 million; which was cost overruns, which
he said should actually be indigent care. He said they are not created any
revenue, and said if anybody should be getting from the Medical Center
Authority, and Columbus Regional; it certainly should be the prisoners. He said
that?s a violation of that contract and said Frank Martin excluded that. He
said he thinks the City needs to re-look at the contract that they have with
the Medical Center Authority and include that because right now, it?s coming
out of the general fund budget when it should be coming out of the 3 mills and
property taxes that we the citizens of Columbus are spending $12 million and
instead its buying Spring Harbor for $75 million and wanting to take this off
of the tax rolls, non-profits and then purchasing things like the Doctor?s
Hospital, Hughston Clinic and Tidwell Cancer Center.
Mr. Olson also made comments with regards to the TSPLOST and said the
Council needs to take a look at that.
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MR. BERT COKER, RE: WHITEWATER, NATATORIUM, ICE SKATING RINK, COUNCIL
CHAMBERS, SKATE BOARD PARK, LETER TO THE LEDGER-ENQUIRER AND THE OLOST
FUNDS:______
Mr. Bert Coker, came forward and made comments regarding WhiteWater
project, natatorium, Ice Skating Rink, Council Chambers, Skate Board Park,
Letter to the Ledger-Enquirer and the OLOST Funds. He said he don?t know where
the City of Columbus gets all of the money to build these projects. He said he
was inquiring about the Natatorium and said he was told it would cost about
$300 per month to join for six months. He said the City needs to tighten up
their belt; especially with the Development Authority.
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MR. TRACY L. SAYERS, REPRESETING PEZOLD MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES D/B/A
MCDONALDS, RE: A REQUEST TO GRANT AN EXCEPTION TO THE UDO REQUIRING
SIDEWALKS:________________
Mr. Tracy L. Sayers, representing Pezold Management Associates d/b/a
McDonalds, who requested to be listed on tonight?s agenda, to speak to the
subject of an exception to the UDO requiring sidewalks, did not respond when
given an opportunity to address the Council.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (48-14) ? Authorizing the approval to submit an application
to the Georgia State Board of Worker's Compensation for official self-insurance
status and if approved accept said status.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Huff asked if this is just a formality and said there is no
money involved in this matter.
City Manager Hugley responded to Councilor Huff?s question saying there is
no money involved and said we are just acknowledging to the Worker?s
Compensation Board that we are self-insured and to affirm to them that we are
going to follow all of the laws associated with being self-insured.
The question was then called on the motion, as made above, which carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Allen
and Thomas being absent for the meeting.
A Resolution (49-14) ? Authorizing the approval of the execution of an
annual contract with Promaxima (Houston, TX) to provide athletic equipment
maintenance/repair services for Columbus Consolidated Government, specifically
for the Columbus Police Department and the Parks and Recreation Department, for
the estimated annual contract value of $13,295.00. Maintenance services will
be performed on a regular monthly and systematic schedule on athletic equipment
located in the Public Safety Gym. Maintenance repairs will be performed on an
?as needed? basis for athletic equipment housed City Recreation Centers,
including: 29th Street Recreation Center, Fluellen Recreation Center, Fox
Senior Center, Frank Chester Recreation Center, Gallops Senior Center, Haygood
Gym, Northside Recreation Center, Psalmond Road Recreation Center, and the
Shirley Winston Recreation Center.
The contract for the Columbus Police Department comprises a monthly cost
of $250.00 for Regularly Scheduled Maintenance Costs, Labor/Repair Rate of
$35.00/hour, and a Labor/Repair Rate for After Hours/Emergency Repairs of
$50/hour. Due to budgetary constraints the Parks and Recreation Department will
only be contracting for Labor/Repair Rate of $35.00/hour on an ?as needed?
basis.
The contract term will be for two years, with the option to renew for three
additional twelve month periods. Contract renewal is contingent upon the mutual
agreement of the City and the contracted vendor.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Thomas being absent for the meeting.
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MONTHLY FINANCE UPDATE - DECEMBER:
Director of Finance Pam Hodge then came forward and gave the monthly
finance update for December 2013. She said on the OLOST through November, which
is reflected in the December?s report, we collected $13.8 million month to date
through November; was up 1.1% and year to date, .36%; so relatively flat on the
OLOST through December. She said we did receive December?s collections at the
end of last week; and said we are at $17.1 million total which was a half
percent down for the month of December and year-to-date is at .19% up. She
said provided in the report is the expenditures by department.
Ms. Hodge said there have been quiet a few questions about some of the
departments that are allocated on the Public Safety side and just to make sure
on those departments, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, METRA, Civic Center;
those expenditures related to the public safety is only for the correctional
officers and the supplement that those correctional officers receive; they do
not receive any
allocation for operating expenses.
She said on the Infrastructure 30% side; she has included a list of the
projects that have been completed with the infrastructure for Roads,
Stormwater, Information Technology, and Facilities Improvement, which is
provided at each monthly update.
Mayor Tomlinson also pointed out that the list is also on e-cap as well.
Finance Director Hodge stated that she continues to utilize the same
report; therefore, the information dates back to the beginning of the
collection which was in FY-2009 and shows each year going forward; therefore,
the entire history of the OLOST is on this report and it is updated monthly.
Councilor Henderson said there has been a lot of misinformation put out
here today; and then asked Finance Director Hodge, have we at any time exceeded
the 30% on the Infrastructure of what was received from the OLOST, or
expenditures, to which Ms. Hodge stated no.
He then asked, have we ever fallen short of the 70% in terms of the
expenditures; even when we are making capital expenditures and issuing debt, we
make sure the debt service is still divided along those lines, to which Ms.
Hodge said that is correct. Ms. Hodge said the debt service; especially related
to Resolution Number 343-09; the debt service for project specific is allocated
either to the Public Safety or to the Infrastructure, depending on the actual
project. She said it is not split 70/30 for the bond issue, it is split
specifically for the project and the debt service is listed as an expenditure
on the report and it would show that the expenditure for public safety is very
low, the expenditure for the Infrastructure for last year was $5.2 million; the
expenditures for debt service related to those bonds for public safety last
year was $117,000. She said we definitely allocate based on the specific
project.
Director of Finance Hodge continuing on with the Finance Update then
pointed out the following information as outlined below.
Operating Fund Summary ? general fund is up 2.931% over the same period of
time last year. Local Option Sales Tax is down 6.60% compared to the same time
period last year. Month to date was down 7.02% for the month of December and
year to date 6.68%.
Storm water Fund- up 3.70%; and said for those funds that are allocated, a
majority of property taxes, we are seeing from the Tax Commissioner?s Office
the collection of property taxes sooner than we had typically seen last year.
She said the digest was only up .86%; so, we are not collecting more taxes than
we expected, we are just receiving them sooner in the fiscal year than what we
typically did last year.
Paving Fund ? up 3.23%
Medical Center Fund ? up 3.55%
Integrated Waste ? up 1.88%
E911 ? up 20%, which has to do with the increased collection on the prepaid?
phones this year as opposed to last year
Economic Development ? up 55%; but said the Economic Development millage
was changed in this fiscal year from .25 mills to .41 mills; therefore, we did
expect a higher collection this year than last year.
Debt Service Fund ? down 10%. Finance Director Hodge said we reduced the
debt service millage this year as opposed to last year; therefore, we expect to
see a decline in the debt service fund.
Transportation Fund ? down 2.50%
Parking Management ? down 5.46%
Trade Center Fund ? up 43%; collections through the end of December at
$1.284 million as opposed to expenditures of $1.131 million
Bull Creek ? down 10.89%, revenues are tracking close to expenditures,
$594,000 in revenues, $663,000 in expenditures
Oxbow Creek Golf Course ? down 15%; $113,000 in revenues as opposed to
$212,000 in expenditures.
Civic Center Fund ? up 2.81%, Revenues and expenses are tracking; $1.9
million on revenues and $1.9 million on expenditures.
Ms. Hodge said on the Health Insurance Fund, this is a cash collection of
$10.4 million; relatively flat as compared to last year expenditures of $13.1
million. She said from a cash prospective standpoint, the Health Insurance Fund
has a difference of negative $2.6 million.
TSPOLST- Ms. Hodge said through the month of November, we have collected
$3.5 million for the entire region; the discretionary of $888,000, and of that
amount $193,523.00 was the discretionary for Muscogee County. She said she has
also included a list of the projects that have been started related to the
TSPLOST projects, to include the Riverwalk, South Lumpkin Multi-use facility,
U.S. 27 Custer Road Inter-change, and the Inter-City Bus Park & Ride project.
She said those expenditures have been outlined on the report.
Director Hodge in her conclusion said she added a monthly expenditure
report for the general fund, so that the Council can see how departments are
spending the budget that was allocated to them. She said she has indentified
specific departments either as being okay, tracking, within budget or if they
are on the watch. She said what she considers as being on the watch is if they
are over 50% expended by the end of December without something specific
related. She said she has identified those departments who have exceeded their
budgets that include the City Attorney?s office, which is completely related to
litigation, Employees? Benefits, with the majority of those expenditures
occurring the first half of the year; which is expected. Homeland Security,
which is a very small allocation of budget; their fuel and auto parts are
exceeding their budget at this time. She said the Marshal?s Office is really
close; so, we are watching them. Probate Court is really close; they have
exceeded in their guardian anti lime allocation; therefore, we are watching
them. She said the Sheriff?s Department is also on watch, as we are continuing
to have meetings with the Sheriff and monitor his budget. She said at this
point in the year, his budget, expenditures through the end of December are
tracking the same as they were the last two fiscal years, right at the same
amount.
After the conclusion of Ms. Hodge?s presentation, City Manager Hugley made
comments with regards to those departments that have been placed on the watch
list and asked Ms. Hodge to explain that matter further. She also responded to
further questions of the Mayor with regards to the Sheriff?s Department.
After some discussion, Mayor Tomlinson asked Director of Finance Hodge to
meet with the Sheriff so that we can understand exactly the numbers and any
report that you can get to the Council, she would ask that you get it to the
Council as soon as possible so they can be well versed on the issue and see
what we might be able to do. She said there was a power-point presentation that
was given; where we had agreed upon two or three items where changes would be
made and then asked Ms. Hodge to make sure that she goes over that with the
Sheriff as well.
Ms. Hodge also responded to a question of Councilor Davis regarding the
increase in the timing of collection of property taxes.
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CCG HEALTHCARE/FINANCIAL DISCUSSION:
City Manager Hugley said on last week, we were scheduled to meet to have
the Healthcare discussion, but we had inclement weather and was not able to do
that; therefore, it rolled into this meeting. He said they will now go through
the agenda as they have done before. He then called on Finance Director Hodge
to go through her presentation for fifteen minutes. Prior to Finance Director
Hodge coming forth, there was another matter called up for discussion. (See
below for additional discussion on this matter)
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BID ADVERTISEMENTS:
Councilor Davis said we didn?t talk about the bid advertisements, but said
there are some people concerned about the ISO ratings in certain areas in the
back of Green Island Hills. He said he is not sure who all is affected, but
said he knows that there is a terrority, where in the last year or two, the ISO
ratings have changed; going from 2 to 10. He said he has heard some stories
that people?s homeowner?s insurance has gone up over the last few years; some
have doubled what it was, and in some cases tripled. He said lately he has
gotten a lot of telephone calls about this matter and said hopefully, we can
get enough information out there so that we can help people to understand
exactly what?s going on. He said there is bid advertisement listed on the City
Manager?s Agenda to solve that matter; therefore, he would like someone to
speak to this subject. He said what he would like to really understand is the
timeframe and the timeline.
He said he would really like to have it noted that the City is going to be
available and willing to help in whatever way possible, whether it?s getting
letters to the insurance companies, carriers, or whatever information that is
needed at this point. He said this is the time of the year that a lot of
policies are starting to change over. He said it is his understanding that some
people have gotten dropped and said that is a great concern of his. He said he
has taken awhile, but he is hoping that we can have someone to talk about this
tonight and give some insight as to how long the process is going to take.
Councilor Davis said he has told the people that the City has been working
diligently on this matter, but the State, as well as the Department of Natural
Resources is involved as well, and there was a dam issue and that it has just
taken a long process.
City Manager Hugley said sometime ago we received notification from some
homeowners in a portion of the Green Island Hills area that their insurance
companies? had contacted them because their ISO rating had changed, they were
more than five miles in response time from a residence because the Fire & EMS
had to go around an area to get into the area, and when you calculated the
mileage, it was more than five miles. He said their ISO rating changed; which
meant their homeowners insurance went up, and in some cases astronomical. He
said we reported that to the Council, and we immediately looked for a solution
to give those homeowners some relief. He said they meet with the Department of
Natural Resources onsite and said there is a road through park property up
there in that area. He said it was an overgrown dirt road and then we
determined if we created a road through that area with their concurrence, we
could get them under that five miles radius; which means that their ISO rating
would be reverted back and their homeowners? insurance rates would be lowered.
He said it has taken some time to get an agreement from DNR, but said we
now have gotten that agreement to move forward. He said on our bid
advertisements, we have listed the Green Island Fire Road and Dam repair
project; that is what that project is. He said the bids are due in on February
12th and once we get those bids in and determine who the successful bidder is;
we can start moving forward with developing the road to a standard that our
Fire/EMS personnel can use that road to get to those residents that got caught
up in this ISO issue.
City Manager Hugley said once we get those bids in Deputy City Manager
Arrington might be able to tell us how long it will take to get that road
developed and when they can expect some relief from there.
Mayor Tomlinson said Fire/EMS Chief Jeff Meyers has spoken with the ISO
officials and they have assured us that they will do everything in their power
to make certain that the insurers abide by the common code, which is once the
ISO rating is established, they adjust their premiums accordingly. She said
they can?t control private insurance companies, but they will certainly make
sure that the new and revised information is given to the insurance companies;
so, that hopefully these homeowners can have some relief.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said the road the City Manager is referring
to is actually two miles long, and said the bid that is on the Council?s
information is for a very short section; which is probably less than a quarter
of a mile. He said it runs behind some houses on the very northern end of Green
Island Hills, and there was a section of the road that had deteriorated to the
point that it couldn?t be quickly and easily restored. He said on the balance
of that road, Public Works is already working on that road. He said they are in
the process of replacing three drain pipes that go across the road and will be
grading and during the work that needs to be done. He said we won?t be able to
report to ISO that we do have an alternate route until this bid is approved,
awarded and construction gets underway.
He said it would only be an estimate at this point, but said it may be
sometime this summer before we will be able to make that report to ISO that the
road is operational and that the Fire Department has it for use and response.
He said one thing that is very important to understand is that nothing has
changed when it comes to the capabilities of the Fire Department to protect the
people in Green Island.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said we still have the same capabilities
that we had before the ISO situation changed. He said the ISO is a designation
based on a number of parameters and said the ISO criteria is what changed, not
our capacity within the City to protect those people. He said the ISO changed
the criteria and as a result of that change in the criteria the ratings
changed. He said we still have Fire
Station 14 on Old River Road and the other fire stations that are strategically
located, and said their response hasn?t changed at all and they still have the
same protection available to them. He said this road will improve response time
of Station 14 and said we hope to have that restored by this summer.
Councilor Davis thanked City Manager Hugley and Deputy City Manager
Arrington for this update. He said he is hoping that we would have our staff
available, if needed to assist in this matter.
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WILD COYOTES:
Councilor Davis said we have heard a lot of conversations about coyotes in
town around the State lately. He said he promised a lot of his constituents
that he would bring it up tonight and talk about it. He said there have been
some alarming things that have happened in some neighborhoods where supposedly
a deer has been killed by coyotes in people?s backyards which have really
alarmed them. He said he has heard stories of where pets and animals have being
taken and certainly that would alarm most people. He said we all understand
that wild animals are varmints and they are not being hunted, but are hunters.
He said he has tried to inform then and encourage them to contact Animal
Control and what we can do locally, which are simply, the only thing we can do;
which is his understanding, is to put out a cage with some food in; and
hopefully, we can catch them and move them to another location.
He said the concern is that it is happening more regularly, people are
seeing more citing, and claims of bigger animals, bigger coyotes; and said that
does concern him. He then asked if that is something that we need to talk about
more at the State level to provide assistance to communities. He said he don?t
even know if the State is looking at these matters, or is this something that
we need to start having more conversations on. He said he knows that the City
is limited in its resources, but said he is hearing more and more people talk
about this issue in the community.
City Manager Hugley said just let them know the area, ?he said if there is
citing of coyotes, we need to know what the areas are so that we can at least
have a plan in place, like we did with the wild hogs. He said we can look at
how we can try and resolve that situation. He said he will have Animal Control
and Public Works to come up with a plan to try to deal with the coyote issue.
He said if it becomes more than what we can handle locally, he don?t know if
there is any State assistance, but certainly we can look into that. He said he
thinks that we need to address the matter locally with our resources first and
he believes that we have the capacity to handle that situation locally, much
like they are doing with the wild hogs.
*** *** ***
CHICKENS IN THE EAST WYNNTON ROAD AREA:
Councilor Huff said he received a telephone call on yesterday from a
resident in the East Wynnton area where she stated that she had spoken with you
and Animal Control concerning chickens and other animals in the neighborhood.
He said he just wanted to mention that to you that they were a little angry on
yesterday so that you can follow-up with them on this matter to see what?s
going on so that we can get control of it, whatever it is.
City Manager Hugley said he will have the staff to follow-up, but said he
has met with one person personally in his office and said he has meet with
staff, and have been on site personally to see what was going on. He said the
staff currently has a plan to try and remedy that problem. He said they have
traps out and are trying to catch them.
*** *** ***
HEALTH/WELLNESS CENTER UPDATE:
Mr. John Redmond, Internal Auditor came forward and gave an update on the
Health
and Wellness Center and highlighted the following information as outlined
below.
HWC Comment Cards
Locked Box in the HWC office
Cards retrieved by Internal Auditor
Period December 2nd through December 31st
128 total cards
Question 1
Was your appointment scheduled in good time?
125 Yes 97.7%
1 No .8%
2 No Response 1.6%
Question 2
How was the care you received today?
112 Very Good 87.5%
14 Good 10.9%
1 Fair .8%
0 Poor 0%
1 No Response .8%
Question 3
The doctor listened to my concerns.
125 Yes 97.7%
1 No .8%
2 No Response 1.6%
Question 4
All my questions were answered.
125 Yes 97.7%
0 No 0%
3 No Response 2.4%
Question 5
My medical needs were met.
125 Yes 97.7%
2 No 1.6%
1 No Response .8%
Question 6
Was your visit scheduled before today?
97 Yes 75.8%
30 No 23.4%
1 No Response .8%
Question 7
How long did you wait before you saw the medical staff?
46 No Wait 35.9%
55 1 - 10 minutes 43.0%
3 11 ? 20 minutes 2.3%
1 21 ? 30 minutes .8%
16 31 ? 45 minutes 12.5%
1 46 ? 60 minutes .8%
2 Over 60 minutes 1.6%
4 No Response 3.1%
Question 8
Would you recommend the HWC to other employees?
122 Yes 95.3%
4 No 3.1%
2 No Answer 1.6%
Question 9
If the value of service did NOT meet your expectations, please explain why.
Negative Comments - Patients that would not recommend HWC
?Wait over 45 minutes and lobby is extremely hot?
?Today?s service was really good but in the past few months it?s been horrible.
The meds are messed up bad!?
?Where is Dr. Flowers? Need her back now.?
Negative Comments ? Patients that would not recommend HWC
Patient was prescribed medicine which caused patient to have stomach cramps
which was a listed side effect . Patient called HWC to have prescription
changed and nurse directed patient to ER. The patient was schedule the next
day to see nurse practitioner. Patient also told needed to make an appointment
to get regular meds filled and another appointment to be given Chantix for
smoking cessation. Patient believed that going to ER and paying $150 was a
waste of money, only wanted meds changed. Patient does not want to see Dr.
Edwards anymore. Final comment from patient ?Nurse practitioner is really good
- thanks for her.?
Negative Comments ? Patients that are neutral about HWC
Several sick member seen
Still undecided if the clinic is a good thing
Other Comments:
Comments from satisfied patients who had minor complaints:
Wait time too long
Lobby freezing
Lobby too hot
Comment Card Results
Positive Comments
29 comments
great/excellent service, sick of hearing negative comments, try HWC for
yourself very pleased with doctors and staff
always receive great care,
many smiley faces on cards
friendliness and professional of staff, positive comments regarding Tiffany ,
Dr. Edwards, Melanie, LPN Smith easy lab draw on a child
Summation of Comment Cards
HWC continues to receive high marks from the patients
HWC is gaining patient loyalty
Dr. Wood and Dr. Edwards have gained patients? confidence and trust
High praise is consistently given to current staff
Several minor issues are being resolved
$50 co-pay for pediatrician
Updating electronic medical records
HWC Question: Pharmacy
Why can't all covered employees and dependents use the HWC pharmacy to fill
prescriptions written by other physicians outside of the HWC?
The HWC is not licensed as a retail pharmacy.
Retail pharmacy:
requires stocking a complete line of medications and security of any controlled
substances
requires a registered pharmacist on duty during all hours of operations
Why can't all covered employees and dependents use the HWC pharmacy to fill
prescriptions written by other physicians outside of the HWC?
The HWC only stocks generic medications, primarily those used for:
maintenance of certain chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, diabetes, etc.
treating minor illnesses, injuries, and infections such flu, colds, strep
throat, etc.
HWC Question: All Employee Access
Why can?t all covered employees and dependents use the HWC when they choose to
without being a member of the HWC?
The HWC plan is funded with the primary care portion of its member?s premium
(employee & city contribution).
The HWC plan is not subsidized by any of the other CCG healthcare plans and is
intended to be self-supporting.
The management company is compensated a monthly fee for each plan member of the
HWC.
Non-member HWC visits would require compensation to the HWC plan to cover the
use of provider services, medications, facilities, and administration.
Why can?t all covered employees and dependents use the HWC when they choose to
without being a member of the HWC?
The HWC staffing is predicated on the number of enrolled members for the HWC
plan.
Non-member visits would lengthened the wait time and impede accessibility for
the HWC members.
HWC Question: Children under age of 3
Why can?t I take my children under the age of 3 to the HWC?
Children under the age of 3 have specific needs that require specialized
training of a pediatrician or neonatologist.
Pediatrician or neonatologist visits qualify for the specialist co-pay of $20.
The HWC is staffed by family medicine and/or internal medicine practitioners
that normally care for children above age 3 and adults.
Why don?t the HWC physicians provide in-hospital (in-patient) medical care?
Most in-patient medical care is now provided by hospital employed or contracted
physicians (hospitalists).
Most primary care physicians do not make hospital rounds due to time
requirement of being away from their office and the responsibility of hospital
on-call coverage.
HWC Question: Medical Records
Can a hospital access the HWC?s member medical records outside of normal office
hours?
The HWC maintains electronic medical records for each member.
Members? medical records are available during normal HWC hours.
Very few (if any) primary care physicians that serve CCG BCBS PPO/POS and HMO
plans offer 24/7 access to medical records.
HWC Question: Medication Allergy
In case of a medical emergency, how will medical responders and attending
physicians are made aware of medication allergies?
Persons with medication allergies should either wear a medical alert bracelet
or carry such information on their person.
The HWC Employee Benefit
Provides accessible and affordable healthcare to CCG employees and their
families.
Minimizes out-of-pocket expenses, with no deductibles or co-pays for the HWC
primary care visits and the HWC issued medications; and lower co-pay for
specialist?s visits.
Increases overall wellness of plan members, especially those with on-going
illnesses and diseases (TOP).
Employees who enjoy better health are more productive and miss less work.
Controls rising healthcare cost.
Wellness focus will mitigate catastrophic expenses related to healthcare issues
in future years.
How HWC Works
The HWC plan is funded with the primary care portion of its member?s premium
(employee & city contribution).
The HWC plan is not subsidized by any of the other CCG healthcare plans and is
intended to be self-supporting.
Emphasis on prevention and wellness mitigates healthcare expense in the future
years.
Controls rising healthcare cost through direct contracting for primary care;
generic medications; and imaging and laboratory services at pricing below the
allowable payment of BCBS.
Not an immediate fix to CCG global healthcare costs.
Plan takes several years and significant employee participation for CCG to reap
full benefits.
After the conclusion of his presentation, Mayor Tomlinson asked that Mr.
Redmond to make a copy of the power point presentation be made available to all
of the CCG employees.
Internal Mr. Redmond also responded to questions of members of the
Council.
Councilor Davis said he understands that Mr. Redmond has some extensive
background and knowledge in healthcare and used to work in that industry. He
said the Council has asked for some information, as it relates to an analysis
and the overall some of the information that we talked about, not only with
the Health Care Plan and Wellness Plan, if we could get Internal Auditor
Redmond to look into that and provide us with a report.
After the conclusion of Internal Auditor John Redmond and the Mayor and
members of the Council made some comments, and Finance Director Pam Hodge made
a brief presentation with regards to the CCG Health.
City Manager Hugley opened up the floor for any department head to come
forward and make a presentation. No department Director came forward; however,
there were some city employees who came forward and voiced their concerns
regarding this matter, to include Traffic Engineer Manager Ron Hamlett and Mr.
Kevin Wells of the Public Works Department made comments.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUINCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
(1) Biographical Sketch of Dr. James Lopez, Councilor McDaniel?s nominee to
replace Dr. William DeNamur on the Board of Health.
(2) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Simi Barnes, Councilor Barnes? nominee to
replace Ms. Elizabeth Matheny on the Region Six Regional Planning Board.
(3) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Beverly Janice Garland, Councilor Baker?s
nominee to replace Ms. Elizabeth Matheny on the Region Six Regional Planning
Board.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Wallace Davis, Councilor Barnes? nominee to
replace Mr. Zeph Baker on the Planning Advisory Commission.
(5) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close 14th Street from 1st
Avenue to Broadway and 1st Avenue from 14th Street to 15th Street, on Saturday,
February 22, 2014 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in connection with the ?Uptown
VIP Bed Races?.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE 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 COUNCLOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HUFF, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILORS ALLEN AND THOMAS BEING
ABSENT FOR THE MEETING:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (50-14) ? Ratifying the cancellation of the regularly
scheduled Council Meeting of January 28, 2014.
A Resolution (51-14) ? Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from
the December 10, 2013 and January 14 & 21, 2014 Council Meetings.
A Resolution (52-14) ? Receiving and approving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of December 2013.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted an email correspondence from Mr.
John Loomis resigning from his seat on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the letter be received with regrets and thanks
for his service. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being
absent for this vote and Councilors Allen and Thomas being absent for the
meeting.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted an email Correspondence from Sally
Haskins resigning from her seat on the Community Development Advisory Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the letter be received with regrets and thanks
for his service. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being
absent for this vote and Councilors Allen and Thomas being absent for the
meeting.
*** *** ***
THE MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Mr. Michael Gorum
advising that The Medical Center Hospital Authority voted to elect Rashmi
Hudson to replace Michael Eddings and Bob Koon was re-elected for another term
of office. She further advised that they may now be confirmed. Councilor
Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by
those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel
being absent for this vote and Councilors Allen and Thomas being absent for the
meeting.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted an email correspondence from Mr.
George Mize, Jr., advising that the Hospital Authority of Columbus selected
Betty Tatum, Ken Chung and Cynthia Williams Jordan to serve on the board.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
___________ ________________
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 01-14.
Convention & Trade Center Authority, December 16, 2013.
Convention & Visitors Bureau, November 20, 2013.
Family & Children Services, December 11, 2013.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, October 29, 2013.
Planning Advisory Commission, December 4 & 18, 2013.
Recreation Advisory Commission, January 22, 2014.
Taxicab Commission, November 13, 2013.
Uptown Facade Board, October 21 & November 18, 2013.
Uptown Facade Board, December 16, 2013.
Water Commissioners, Board of, December 9, 2013.
Councilor Henderson made a motion to approve these minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council at
the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilors
Allen and Thomas being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF HEALTH:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Dr.
William DeNamur on the Board of Health expired on December 31, 2013 and that
Councilor McDaniel is nominating Dr. James Lopez to succeed Dr. William
DeNamur. She said she will bring this back at next week?s meeting for the
Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Daniel Hill was nominated
at the last Council meeting to succeed himself for another term of office,
which will begin on January 1, 2014 and expire on December 31, 2019. and
advises that he may now be confirmed. Councilor Barnes so moved. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council at
the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilors
Allen and Thomas being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF HONOR:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we are still trying to find
someone to succeed Mr. Jack Rodgers? seat, who does not wish to serve again.
She said those members must be a former Mayor or City Councilor.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(CIRCLE):_________________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Indira Nino was nominated
at the last meeting to succeed Mr. Owen Ditchfield, who resigned his seat on
the board and further advises that she may now be confirmed. Councilor
Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by
those seven members of Council at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being
absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and Thomas being absent for this
meeting.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seat of Mr. Andrew
Hollomon has been declared vacant by the Council and that he
represented
Council District Five and advised that Councilor Baker is working to get a
replacement for this seat.
She also pointed out that the terms of office of Ms. Margaret Shafer,
Council District Seven expired on October 31, 2013 and that she is not eligible
to succeed herself for another term of office and that Council Woodson is
working to get a replacement for this seat as well.
*** *** ***
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Zeph Baker?s seat on the
Planning Advisory Commission has been declared vacant by the Council. She
further pointed out that Councilor Barnes is nominating Mr. Wallace Davis to
fill this unexpired term of office and that she will bring it back at the next
regular meeting for the Council?s confirmation.
Councilor Davis said he has received some concerns regarding this matter
and said he would like to have a week delay on this matter.
*** *** ***
REGION SIX REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Elizabeth Matheny has
resigned from the Region Six Planning Board. Councilor Barnes nominated Ms.
Simi Barnes to fill this unexpired term.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at the next
regular meeting for the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. K. Matthew Probst has
resigned his seat on the Taxicab Commission and he represented the taxicab
owner business. She further pointed out that we are working with the taxicab
industry for someone to fill this unexpired term.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO ADD-ON RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK
OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:___
_______________
A Resolution (53-14) ? Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the February
4, 2014 Council meeting.
A Resolution (54-14) ? Excusing Councilor Judy W. Thomas from the February
4, 2014 Council meeting.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolutions. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and
Councilors Allen and Thomas being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Attorney Fay for an executive
session, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to allow the Council to go
into an executive session to discuss a litigation matter. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council at the
time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen
and Thomas being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
At 9:30 p.m., the meeting was adjourned to allow the Council to go into an
executive session.
At 9:42 p.m. the meeting was called back to order, at which time Mayor
Tomlinson pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to discuss a
litigation matter, but there were no votes taken. With there being no other
business to come before the Council, Mayor Tomlinson then entertained a motion
for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Huff
and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time,
with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and
Thomas absent for this meeting, with the time of adjournment being 9:43 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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