MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 18, 2008
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:06 A.M., Tuesday, March 18, 2008, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington were Councilors R. Gary Allen,
Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr.,
Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City
Attorney Clifton Fay and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also
present. Councilor Jerry "Pops" Barnes took his seat at 9:08 a.m.
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ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh was absent. Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Paul Coats- Edgewood Presbyterian Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Wynnton Arts Academy.
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PROCLAMATION:
"CSU DAY":
With Ms. Kelly Gibson, Annual Fund Coordinator, Ms. Sommer Gowdy- Co Chair
and Ms. Sandy Lampert- Co Chair standing at the Council table, Councilor Allen
read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming March 27, 2008 as "CSU
Day" in Columbus, Georgia.
Ms. Kelley Gibson, stated that CSU Day is the day that we celebrate the
partnership between Columbus State and the community. She said this is the
fiftieth anniversary for CSU and for the past fifty years the people of
Columbus have been supporting CSU. She said that we are able to publicly thank
all of those who support us by placing the signs that have been presented that
says that we are partners with CSU.
She also gave special recognition to the following individuals who were
present and standing with her: Ms. Sandy Lampert and Ms. Sommer Gowdy.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND READ
IN THEIR ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HUNTER AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (98-08) - Commending Spencer High School wrestler Brian Davis
and Coach Robert Sanders upon their performance in the Class AAA State
Championship. Councilor Hunter moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor
McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilor
Allen being absent for this vote and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent
from the meeting.
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A Resolution (99-08) - Commending Columbus High School wrestlers Joe
DeNova, Reed Fleming, Bo Buehler, Zac Carr and Coach Larry Morgan upon their
performance in the Class AAA State Championships. Councilor Hunter moved its
adoption. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those
nine members present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (100-08) - Conveying condolences to the family of William R.
Flewellen who passed away on March 7, 2008. Councilor Woodson moved its
adoption. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those nine
members present for this meeting.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
"COLUMBUS AREA HABITAT DAY COLLEGIATE CHALLENGE 2008":
Councilor Woodson announced that there were over 230 college students
throughout the United States in our city building ten homes. She then asked
that some pictures be displayed of some of the homes as she reads the
proclamation. (The pictures were unable to be displayed at that time.)
With Ms. Katie Parker, Development Coordinator standing at the Council
table, Councilor Woodson read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington,
proclaiming March 18, 2008 as "Columbus Area Habitat Day Collegiate Challenge
2008" in Columbus, Georgia.
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"DR. ANA PEREZ DAY":
With Dr. Ana Perez standing at the Council table, Councilor Barnes read
the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming March 18, 2008 as "Dr. Ana
Perez Day" in Columbus, Georgia.
The following individuals came forward to praise the work and dedication
of Dr. Ana Perez: Ms. Sherita Vann and Ms. Vivian Jones.
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INTRODUCTION OF INTERNAL AUDITOR/COMPLIANCE OFFICER:
Mayor Wetherington recognized the presence of Mr. John Redmond, the new
Internal Auditor/Compliance Officer.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING DEMOLITION ORDINANCE FOR STRUCTURES IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING AS
AMENDED:
An Ordinance (08-98) - Providing for the demolition of various structures
located at:
1. 3619 Youmans Street (J. P. Adams, owner)
2. 5188 River Road (Chattahoochee Valley, Inc., owner)
3. 2817 Colorado Street (Colorado-G Real Estate
Holding Trust, owner)
4. 3316 O?Neal Street (Dennis Deal, owner)
5. 2722 9th Street (William T. Ford Mortuary, Inc.,
owner)
6. 3622 Youmans Street (Benny C. Foster, owner)
7. 6620 Hensley Drive (Charlie Harris, owner)
8. 4825 13th Avenue (Theresa Jones, owner)
9. 2504 2nd Avenue (Judith James Scruggs, Owner)
City Attorney Fay requested a motion to remove Item # 1 from the
demolition list. He explained that the Inspections & Code Enforcement Division
has reported a new lien; therefore, this item needs to be removed. Councilor
Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by
those seven members present with Councilors Barnes and McDaniel being absent
for this vote.
City Attorney Fay advised that with this amendment, the remaining items
are ready to be voted on.
City Manager Hugley made comments related to Item #8 (4825 13th Avenue-
Theresa Jones, owner). He then recognized the presence of Ms. Jones in the
audience. He reported that Joe Riddle- Community Reinvestment Director did
look into possible assistance for Ms. Jones. He relayed suggestive information
from the Housing Authority for Ms. Jones to apply for housing at Ashley Station
and public housing assistance. He spoke of the contact with Ms. Cathy
Williams- CEO of NeighborWorks. He said Ms. Williams believed the home should
be torn down and suggested an emergency rehabilitation fund for homes where
NeighborWorks may put in one half of the funding and the City may want to
consider putting in the other half of the funding. He maintained that this
would not help Ms. Jones, because no such program has been established.
Councilor Henderson also recognized the presence of Ms. Theresa Jones in
the audience and made a motion that she be heard. Seconded by Councilor Barnes
and carried unanimously by those nine members present for this meeting.
Councilor Woodson spoke of the number of phone calls she received from
people wanting to give assistance to Ms. Jones and pointed out that one is
present today, Ms. Katie Parker with Habitat for Humanity. She said that the
home may have to be demolished and rebuilt, because those people that have went
out to view the home have made the same statement.
Councilor Barnes made similar comments regarding the number of people that
had contacted him in an effort to provide some financial assistance to Ms.
Jones.
With respect to previous comments from the Inspections & Code Enforcement
Division staff that Ms. Jones has been living in this home, Councilor Hunter
made a motion to delay this item for two weeks to allow for an opportunity for
Ms. Jones to receive some assistance. Seconded by Councilor Barnes.
City Manager Hugley cautioned that he does not want to give the appearance
that the City is condoning a person living in a condemned home. He said that
we would be offering better service to try and place Ms. Jones in a place that
is habitable.
In response to a question from Councilor Anthony regarding waiving the
lien on the property for Habitat for Humanity to build a home, City Manager
Hugley said what we would do if we find the Habitat for Humanity would be
assisting with construction, he does not see a problem with waiving the lien on
the property. City Attorney Fay advised that he believes there is a provision
in the Code of Ordinance that allows for the Council to waive the lien on the
property for low- income housing providers or rehabilitation organizations.
Councilor Woodson then called upon Ms. Katie Parker, Development
Coordinator for Columbus Area Habitat, to come forward to speak about what
assistance this organization may be able to provide. Ms. Katie Parker then
approached the rostrum to share that a couple viewed the Council Meeting last
week and was interested in helping Ms. Jones. Ms. Parker said that she does
not have the authority to make commitments today, because the funding is
something that Habitat does year by year. She pointed out that we would be
more than willing to do whatever we can do to assist Ms. Jones. She also
called attention to the VIP Program (Valley Inner faith Promise). She
explained that this is a program for homeless people to be able to stay at
local churches for a week at a time with eleven churches participating.
Councilor Woodson suggested that Councilor Hunter amend his motion to
leave the property in the demolition ordinance but allow Ms. Jones thirty days
to see if the volunteers and funding would become available. Councilor Hunter
said that his main concern is that Ms. Jones not be homeless. In response to
Councilor Hunter regarding the timeframe to determine assistance, Ms. Parker
said that within thirty days we would know if that would be something realistic
or not.
Councilor Hunter then amended his motion for 30 days extension with the
property remaining on the demolition list. Seconded by Councilor Barnes.
After some additional discussion on this matter, Councilor McDaniel made a
substitute motion to grant 90 days extension. Seconded by Councilor Barnes.
After several comments were made by the members of Council, Mayor
Wetherington called attention to the substitute motion to grant 90 days
extension, which carried by a vote of seven to two with Councilors Anthony and
Henderson voting no and all other seven members present voting yes.
Ms. Theresa Jones came forward and maintained that she is not living in
the home but with family members. She advised that she does store her
belongings in the home to keep from taking them all from place to place. She
acknowledged that she may stay the night in the home if she is unable to get
transportation from the home after working on it.
City Manager Hugley asked for clarification on the motion, at which time,
City Attorney Fay advised that Ms. Jones has an opportunity to get with any
organizations that may assist her to meet code in ninety days.
Councilor McDaniel then moved the ordinance be adopted as amended.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members
present for this meeting.
At this time, Mr. Benny Foster, owner of 3622 Youmans Street, came forward
to request an extension. He then passed around pictures of the structure to
demonstrate the work that has been performed.
Mr. Bill Duck, Inspections and Code Enforcement Director, provided a
chronology of events as it relates to 3622 Youmans Street. He pointed out that
Mr. Foster purchased a permit on November 26, 2007; however, no work was
started on the structure until mid February. Mr. Duck then spoke of the work
that has been done on the structure over the weekend, but there has been no
call for inspections, no electrical work or plumbing done.
Mr. Foster continued to described the work that has been performed on the
house and the medical problems he has encountered.
In response to Councilor Allen regarding the pictures presented by Mr.
Foster, Inspections and Code Enforcement Director Duck spoke of the rotten wood
that has been covered up and not repaired.
City Attorney Fay advised that the Council has not made a motion to remove
the property; therefore, the ordinance would remain the same, which means that
the property would remain in the demolition ordinance.
Mr. Dennis Deal, owner of 3316 O?Neal Street, also approached the rostrum
to request an extension. He said that on March 11, 2008, he filed for a permit
and approximately 2:00 p.m. the following day the Inspections & Code
Enforcement office told him he could pick up a permit; however, in route to
pick it up Ms. Rebecca Wiggins told him that he would be unable to get a
permit.
Mr. Bill Duck came forward to give an overview of the chronology. He
explained that the property was inspected on September 19, 2007. He said that
nothing has been done on this property; other than securing it.
Mr. Deal explained that he has had problems with vandals and a failed
attempt for someone to purchase the home.
After there were no comments from the members of Council, City Attorney
Fay advised that there is no motion from the Council; therefore, this property
would remain on the demolition list.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WERE
AS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
An Ordinance - Amending the text of the Unified Development Ordinance to
amend Chapter 8, Article 5, Flood Damage Prevention so as to specify the
effective date (September 5, 2007) of the Flood Insurance Study and Flood
Insurance Rate Maps pursuant to requirements of Georgia EPD; providing
penalties of up to $1,000 for violation of said chapter; and for other
purposes. (3-A-08-Planning Department)
An Ordinance - Amending the text of the Unified Development Ordinance to
amend three subsections related to the following: Auto/Truck Sales, New and
Used, regarding minimum lot size; Planting Specifications regarding a referral
to another subsection; and Placement, Installation, and Irrigation regarding a
referral to another subsection; and for other purposes. (4-A-08-Planning
Department)
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THERE IS NO ONE LISTED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA TODAY.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND APPROVED UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED
BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS PRESENT
WITH COUNCILORS ALLEN AND DAVIS BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE:
A Resolution (101-08) - Authorizing a request to submit an application
and, if approved, accept a $100,000 grant from America?s Promise Alliance 2008
RFP for the 100 Best Communities to purchase tennis equipment and other
essentials to start the ?Therapeutic Quick Start Tennis Program."
A Resolution (102-08) - Authorizing a request to submit an application
and, if approved, accept a $25,000 grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation to
offset costs of bleachers, lighting and a sun-shade structure for the new
Columbus Skate Board Park.
A Resolution (103-08) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and
if approved, accept funds from the Judicial Council of Georgia to continue the
Muscogee County Adult Drug Court.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (104-08) - Authorizing a request for the acceptance of a deed
to Lakefront Drive, Lakefront Way and Lakefront Court located in Lakefront
Estates. The Department of Engineering has inspected these streets and
recommends the acceptance. Councilor Woodson moved its adoption. Seconded by
Councilor Anthony and carried unanimously by those seven members present with
Councilors Allen and Davis being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ANTHONY, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH COUNCILORS ALLEN AND DAVIS BEING
ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE:
A Resolution (105-08) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) road service
truck, via Georgia State Contract, SWC S-000627, from Allan Vigil Ford,
(Morrow, Ga) in the amount of $41,336.98.
A Resolution (106-08) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) emergency
service truck, via Georgia State Contract, SWC S -000627, from Allan Vigil
Ford, (Morrow, Ga) in the amount of $33,580.
A Resolution (107-08) - Authorizing the purchase of twenty-four (24)
two-tone blue & white Crown Victoria Pursuit Vehicles, in the amount of
$495,096.00; and three (3) standard blue Crown Victoria Pursuit Vehicles, in
the amount of $60,147.00; and one (1) standard white Crown Victoria Pursuit
Vehicle, in the amount of $20,049.00, from Peach County Ford (Byron, Ga.).
A Resolution (108-08) - Authorizing the purchase of two (2) cab and
chassis from Jay Automotive Group (Columbus,Ga), in the amount of $46,304.00;
and two (2) 8 ?? flat dump bed bodies from Transport Equipment Company (Albany,
Ga), in the amount of $14,256.
A Resolution (109-08) - Authorizing the purchase of nine (9) four-door
Sedans, via Georgia State Contract, SWC S-050483, from Bill Heard Chevrolet,
(Columbus, Ga) in the amount of $134,727.00.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
City Manager Hugley made the following announcements and are listed as follows:
Local Option Sales Tax Forums:
- March 18, 2008, in Council District 3, at Baker Middle School, 1215 Benning
Road.
- March 20, 2008, in Council District 7, at Eddy Middle School, 2100 South
Lumpkin Road.
- March 25, 2008, in Council District 2, at Double Churches Middle School, 7611
Whitesville Road.
City Manager Hugley said that he wants to clarify who is exempt in the second
penny of the sales tax. He then made reference to the research conducted by
City Attorney Fay and Assistant City Attorney Jamie DeLoach regarding this
matter. He explained the first one percent of local sales tax that was
originally adopted by the citizens did not exempt hotel lodging from the tax;
however, the second one percent of the local option sales tax that was made
available by the legislature in 2004 makes a specific exemption from the second
one percent of the local sales tax both for hotels/motels and the sell of motor
vehicles, if approved by the voters on July 15, 2008. He added this law was
passed by our state legislators and was not a law that was exempted by this
local governing body.
In response to a comment by Councilor Anthony, City Manager Hugley explained
that the SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) is scheduled to expire
September 2008. He said the education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax
is scheduled to expire at least by December 2008; therefore, in January 2009
with the two pennies dropping off, the local sales tax would go to 5% from the
current 7%; 4% for State Tax and 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax that
was approved years ago. He explained that if the voters on July 15th approve
this Local Option Sales Tax; then, in January of 2009 the sales tax would be 6%.
Responding further to questions posed by Councilor Anthony regarding property
taxes, City Manager Hugley advised that if the Local Option Sales Tax is
approved; then, their property tax would remain exactly what it is today. He
explained that the law requires that if this Local Option Sales Tax is passed;
then, property taxes on the nine-mill cap portion be rolled back for at least
one year. He then explained the property tax bill through years 2011.
Councilor Woodson asked if we could put something on the Government Access
Channel to explain to the citizens our current tax and what the tax would be if
the voters approved the Local Option Sales Tax. City Manager Hugley said that
he would confer with the City Attorney on this matter.
City Manager Hugley responded to a question from Councilor Woodson regarding a
destination tax. He reported that HB1399 has passed the House with 140 votes
and would be going to the Senate. He explained that the bill allows for local
jurisdictions to proceed forward with an ordinance calling for a $2.00 per
night destination fee for hotels and motels.
City Attorney Fay advised that anything at the public Council Meeting regarding
discussion on the timeline on the various tax is fine to put on the Government
Access Channel.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AS INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:
(1) ACCG?s Legislative Update, Volume 18, Number 9 - March 13, 2008.
(2) GMA?s Legislative Alert, No. 8, March 14, 2008.
(3) Biographical Sketch of Mr. William Hart, Councilor McDaniel?s nominee to
replace Mr. William Edwards on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (110-08) - Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the March 11,
2008 Council Meeting. Councilor McDaniel moved approval. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members present with
Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
A Resolution (111-08) - Receiving and approving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of February 2008. Councilor McDaniel moved approval.
Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members
present with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
A Resolution (112-08) - Authorizing a variance request to waive the
minimum street frontage requirement in order to plat landlocked lots at Parcels
B, C and D of ?Replat of Watkins Estate? located on Layfield Road. Councilor
McDaniel moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously
by those eight members present with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ITEMS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
Application of Liz Turner to temporarily close 9th Street between 1st and
2nd Avenue, on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., in
connection with "Medal of Honor Day" pedestrian safety. Councilor McDaniel
moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
nine members present for this meeting.
Letter from Mr. Hideo Kabumoto resigning his position on the Commission on
International Relations & Cultural Liaison Encounters (C.I.R.C.L.E). Councilor
McDaniel moved it be accepted with regrets. Seconded by Councilor Anthony and
carried unanimously by those nine members present for this meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 08-08.
Board of Elections & Registration, January 3, 2008.
Board of Elections & Registration, February 5, 2008.
Board of Zoning Appeals, December 5, 2007.
Board of Zoning Appeals, January 2, 2008.
Board of Zoning Appeals, February 6, 2008.
Council Work Session, July 18, 2006.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Councilor McDaniel is nominating Mr.
William Hart to succeed Mr. William Edwards and we would list this appointment
for confirmation in two weeks if there are no other nominations.
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COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Councilor Henderson nominated Ms.
Mary Renteria for another term of office and she may be confirmed. Councilor
McDaniel moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting.
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CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Michael Corrandino does not wish
to serve another term of office; this is Council District Six nomination. She
said that Mr. C. L. Moffitt couldn?t succeed himself; this is Council District
Nine nomination.
In response to a question of Councilor Anthony, Deputy Clerk of Council Davis
advised that she has spoken to Ms. Becky Gordon, Chamber of Commerce, and Ms.
Gordon has sent out emails to all of the Leadership Columbus Class, so we
expect to hear something back soon. Councilor Anthony then asked that the
Clerk?s Office check with the Civic Center staff as well for a potential
nominee.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the following board members are
eligible to serve another term of office: Mr. Charles Weaver- Council District
One, Mr. Bryan Stone- Council District Two, Ms. LaFini Mosby- Council District
Three, Mr. Arthur Rogers- Council District Four, Mr. Homer Kuhl- Council
District Five, Mr. Herman Lewis- Council District Seven, Ms. Leigh Stewart-
Council District Eight, Mr. Daniel Priban- Council District Nine, and Mr.
Stephen D?Ostroph- Council District Ten. She stated that Ms. Judy Rowe-
Council District Six is not eligible to serve another term of office.
Councilor McDaniel moved confirmation of Ms. Leigh Stewart. Seconded by
Councilor Anthony and carried unanimously by those nine members present for
this meeting.
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DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Dick Ellis and Mr. Allen Taber
are both eligible to serve another term of office. Councilor Henderson
renominated Mr. Dick Ellis and Mr. Allen Taber. She pointed out that for the
seat of Mr. Bob Gilson, there are two nominees: Mr. Karl Douglas and Mr. James
Yancey. A roll call vote resulted in Mr. Karl Douglas receiving two votes
and Mr. James Yancey receiving seven votes. Councilors Hunter and Woodson
voted for Mr. Douglas. Councilors Allen, Anthony, Baker, Barnes, Davis,
Henderson and McDaniel voted for Mr. Yancey. Councilor Henderson moved
confirmation of Mr. James Yancey. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members present for this meeting.
Councilor Anthony requested the staff to provide some information on
authorizing some additional funds, perhaps another .25 mills for the
Development Authority that could be specifically allocated to certain
districts; for example, the Columbus South Task Force could be assisted in
their efforts to revitalize the entire Columbus South.
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HOUSING AUTHORITY:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Sharon Douglas couldn?t serve
another term of office on the Housing Authority; this is the Mayor?s
appointment.
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PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Joe Alexander is eligible to
serve another term of office. Councilor McDaniel moved renomination and
confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Anthony and carried unanimously by those
nine members present for this meeting.
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TREE BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that all four incumbents are eligible
to serve another term of office and are listed as follows: Ms. Gloria Battle,
Ms. Andrea Richardson, Ms. Elizabeth Dreelin and Ms. Mildred Wynne. Councilor
Henderson renominated the four incumbents.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD:
At the request of several members of Council, Deputy Clerk of Council Davis
advised that she would contact the eligible members on the Community
Development Advisory Board to see if they are interested in serving another
term of office.
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JONATHAN HATCHER SKATEBOARD PARK:
City Manager Hugley announced that they have broke ground on the area to be
constructed for the Jonathan Hatcher Skateboard Park. He passed around the
table a drawing of the skateboard park.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Manager Hugley pointed out that Mayor Wetherington would like to go into
executive session to discuss personnel.
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COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL:
Councilor Hunter recalled that we are going to have the Kendrick Girls
Basketball Team at the Council Meeting as well as the Carver Boys Team. He
said that he would like to send kudos to Columbus High School for having this
big sign that reads, ?Congratulations Kendrick High School Basketball Team?.
He said he thought that was very classy of Columbus High School.
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At this time, Mayor Wetherington asked if there was anyone in the audience
that had a matter to bring before the Council. Ms. Mary Ware then came before
the members of Council.
Ms. Mary Ware, said that she is a senior citizen and is handicapped. She
thanked Councilor Barnes for all of the assistance that he has provided to
her. She recalled that she is on the waiting list to receive funding to make
repairs to her home and then asked about the amount of funding that is
available through this program for rehabilitation of homes.
City Manager Hugley advised that he would get in contact with Mr. Joe Riddle,
Director of Community Reinvestment to check on the program. He reminded
everyone that there is not a lot of money in that particular fund; therefore,
we do as many as we can.
Councilor Barnes expressed his concerns with the amount of repairs that needs
to be done to Ms. Ware?s home. He then asked if we could go in and make some
of the repairs to alleviate some of the discomforts and hardships that these
individuals are going through. He also recalled another situation with an
elderly lady who desperately needs repair done to her roof.
Councilor Henderson requested the staff to provide a resource guide with a
listing of agencies who could offer assistance to citizens that need home
repairs.
After Councilor Davis also asked about a resource guide, City Manager Hugley
advised that we would look into a resource guide and look at Ms. Ware?s
specific case. He maintained that it comes down to funding resources.
Councilor Anthony advised that 211 is the best place to start. He pointed out
that a resource guide was published on an annual basis but became too expensive
and outdated before it was actually published. He said that they keep an
electronic record of all the resources and may be able to give a specific
resource for a specific issue.
Councilor Barnes also expressed concerns in that if the value of the home is
less than $30,000.00 then the recipient is ineligible to go through this
program. He said that he has not been able to find where that stipulation
regarding the value of the home is in the document.
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Mr. Jim Rhodes, came before the Council to discuss the local option sales tax
meeting that he attended. He said this tax is applicable and needed for this
community. He encouraged everyone to help the Mayor push this one percent
sales tax through.
At this time, Mr. Rhodes read a prayer that was written by Mr. Billy Graham.
Mr. Rhodes then announced the program that is being set up one week from today,
March 25, 2008 at 2:00 p.m., at the eternal flame. He advised that the general
at Ft. Benning would be in attendance and making some remarks. He said Lt.
General W. B. Caldwell, III would be the guest speaker and Pastor Jimmy Elder
of First Baptist Church would be present.
Mr. Rhodes also expressed concerns about the traffic on Moon Road. He said
Moon Road has a lot of truck traffic and the road is just torn up. He also
spoke of the emission polluting the air. He made reference to the letter he
received from former City Manager Cavezza regarding Moon Road being fixed.
Mr. Rhodes spoke of the cost overrun on the SPLOST projects that were
completed. He said the city has the money to repair Moon Road.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Wetherington called attention to the previous request to go into
executive session to discuss personnel. Councilor McDaniel made the motion to
go into executive session. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried
unanimously by those nine members present for this meeting.
At 11:50 a.m., the Council adjourned its regular meeting to go into executive
session. At 12:21 p.m., the Council reconvened its regular meeting, at which
time, Mayor Wetherington announced that the Council did meet in executive
session to discuss a personnel matter, but there were no votes taken.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Henderson made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting
with the time being 12:22 p.m.
Sandra T. Davis
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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