Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.





*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.





*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***





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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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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