MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 13, 2016
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, December 13, 2016, on the 2nd Floor of the
Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia
Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor and Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro
Tem presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson were Councilors Mike Baker,
Glenn Davis, Walker Garrett and Judy W. Thomas. City Manager Isaiah Hugley,
City Attorney Clifton Fay, and Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall. Deputy
Clerk of Council Lindsey Glisson was also present. Councilor Bruce Huff took
his seat at 9:03 a.m. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh took her seat at 9:05 a.m.
Councilor Jerry Barnes took his seat at 9:05 a.m. Councilor Evelyn Woodson took
her seat at 9:07 a.m. Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington took her seat at 9:10
a.m. and Councilor R. Gary Allen took his seat at 9:12 a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Berry H. Henderson was absent, but was ex.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. Lloyd Johnson of Gateway Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students of Double Churches
Elementary School.
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STUDENT POLL WORKER?S PROGRAM:
Ms. Nancy Boren of the Elections & Registration Department came forward
and presented to the Mayor and Council those students from
Carver High School who assisted with our elections process in November.
She said this is the tenth year of our Student Poll Worker?s program that
we have coordinated with the Muscogee County School District with Carver High
School and the Elections Office. She during that time, they have employed over
500 students from Caver High School.
Ms. Boren said the purpose of the program was to establish a feeling of
civic engagement in the students, and to allow them to work the elections, as
well as to defray some of their expenses as they graduate high school. She
said it has been a win, win partnership for them.
Ms. Boren said she hears complaints from other counties about having to
recruit poll workers, but said we never have to recruit poll workers because we
have a constant pool of poll workers in our Carver High School students.
Councilor Huff thanked and congratulated the students for what they do.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR THOMAS, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS CALLED UP
AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AND WAS READ IN IT?S ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR THOMAS
AND THEN ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (450-16) ? Commending and congratulating Jordan Vocational
High School automotive program for reaching the finals in the Quaker State Best
in Class Challenge.
After making comments and reading the resolution, Councilor Thomas then
made a motion to approve the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Henderson
being absent from the meeting.
Several members of the Council made comments congratulating the students
and thanking their teacher, Mr. Harris for what he does.
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COLUMBUS TO ATLANTA UPDATE ON THE HIGH SPEED PASSENGER RAIL:
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out a few weeks ago, we had a presentation from
our Airport Director, Mr. Richard Howell and said that he brought along with
him, a consultant who looks at international aviation and talked about the
possibilities of enhancing our airport through high speed passenger rail
connecting the Columbus Airport to the Atlanta Airport and said that we
realized that there were so much more to the discussion. She said it is a
national issue and no longer is it a partisan issue; and regardless of party,
people are talking about these high speed passenger rail opportunities. She
said the private market has entered it, because there is profit to be made, and
that is making the calculations a little easier.
Mayor Tomlinson then recognized those that were present in the audience,
who are on the Mayor High Speed Rail Commission.
She then called on Ms. Charlotte Weber, the Senior Historian at HNTB to
come forward to provide the Mayor and Council with an update on the
High Speed Passenger Rail. There were some members of the Commission who was
present in the audience.
Ms. Weber then came forward and outlined the following information, as
outlined below.
Mayor?s Commission
Edward Hudson ? Co-Chair
Rep. Calvin Smyre ? Co-Chair
City Council
City of Columbus Staff
? METRA Transit
? Columbus Airport
? Ft. Benning
? Columbus State University
? GDOT
? State Legislators
? River Valley Regional Commission
? Georgia Power
? Development Authority
? Office of Senator Isakson
? Senator Ed Harbison
? Georgians for Passenger Rail
? Office of Rep. Bishop
? Citizen Representatives
? Georgia Municipal Association
? Office of Rep. Westmorland
? CSX
? Norfolk Southern
? Aflac
? Community Foundation
? W.C. Bradley Company
? Alabama DOT
? 2WR Architects
? Synovus
Ms. Webber pointed out that the Feasibility Study was started in 2013 and
she then went into some details in provided the following information, as
outlined below.
Scenario Development
? Evaluate the universe of route alternatives based on connectivity between
Columbus and Atlanta
? Screen representative alternatives
Developing Alternatives
? Refine and evaluate for feasibility
Ms. Webber showed a graph which outlined the Operating Plans, which
included two representatives and three technologies There was also two
graphs depicting some results, which included both the results of the
Ridership and Revenue Summary, as well as the Financial.
She also outlined the Corridor Implementation ?Overview, to include the
Federal Railroad Administration Process.
Preferred Alternative
I-185/I-85 Corridor
? Corridor is financially feasible
? Majority of route within existing ROW
? Minimal additional ROW needed
? Minimal RR coordination ? support from Norfolk Southern
? Airport to Airport connection
? TOD opportunities for Columbus, Newnan and Atlanta Airport
? On the Georgia State Rail Plan
Funding and Financing Strategies
Funding and Financing HSR
Potential Future Federal Funding Program
? Federal Funding with new administration is Unknown
? President Elect Trump America?s Infrastructure First Initiative
? FRA intends to authorize all phases of pipeline
Private Partnerships
? Stakeholder partnerships are key to accelerate
large infrastructure projects
? Congress recognizes that large transportation projects will require
innovative funding including private investment
? Similar model to highway and transit programs:
? Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act
? Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing
? Potential to leverage station and right-of-way for revenue streams
? GDOT has authority to form public/private partnerships
Private Investments
All-Aboard Florida
? Use existing Florida East Coast Railway corridor between Miami and Cocoa, and
new track along State Road 528 between Cocoa and
Orlando.
ECONOMIC IMPACTS
? $6.4 billion in direct economic impact to Florida?s economy over the next
eight years
? $653 million in federal, state and local government tax revenue through 2021
? Over 10,000 jobs on average per year through the rail line construction
(mid-2014 through mid-
2017)
? Over 5,000 jobs on average per year after the rail line construction is
completed through 2021
PROJECT FINANCING
? Privately owned and operated company?Financing through a mix of debt and
equity
? No state or federal grant money requested
? No ongoing taxpayer subsidies required
Potential Economic Impacts:
Economic Impacts:
? U.S. High Speed Rail Association
? Spurs the revitalization of cities
? Encourages high density and mixed-use
? Fosters economic development in cities along train routes
? Broadens labor markets and offers a
wider network of employers
? Economic Development Research Group
(U.S. Conference of Mayors)
? Increase business productivity through travel efficiencies
? Expand visitor markets and generate additional spending
? Supports the growth of technology clusters
FUTURE OF HIGH SPEED RAIL
? "78% of Americans support high speed rail? US High Speed Rail Association
? ?More than any time in U.S. history, there is strong, bipartisan support for
public investment in expanded rail networks.?
SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT:
Private Local Financial Support
? GA Power
? Airport Commission
? Development Authority
? TSYS
? W.C. Bradley Company
Partnerships
? Fort Benning
? Columbus Airport
? City of Newnan
? Georgia Department of Transportation
? Federal Railroad Administration
Immediate Next Steps:
? Identify funding for development of
Environmental Assessment process
? Continue education and outreach
Long-Term Steps:
? Continue building partnerships
? Identify funding/financing strategies for implementation
? Preserve corridor through
documentation in official maps and statewide plans
Summary
Route deemed feasible and profitable
? Competitive because of short distance and route
? No legislation needed. GA has a Rail Authority on the books
? Opportunity for economic growth
? On the radar
? Federal Railroad Administration
? Georgia Department of Transportation
? Fort Benning
? Columbus is well positioned for potential Federal
funding
? Partnerships with federal, state and local entities
After the conclusion of her presentation, Ms. Weber then offered to answer
questions of the Council, but there were none.
Mayor Tomlinson said she would like to thank Mr. Richard Howell, Executive
Director of the Columbus Airport for their letter of support from
the Airport Commission.
Mr. Howell then came forward and made some brief comments, pointing out
that the Airport Commission is in favor of this project.
Colonel Haus also came forward and made comments and also pointed out that
Major General Eric Wesley has also written a letter of support
for this project.
Mayor Tomlinson once again thanked Mr. Sam Wellborn for what he has done
in support of this study, as well as landing the support of the
railroad.
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REQUEST FOR TRANSITION AUDITS:
Mr. John Redmond, Internal Auditor came forward and said today he is here
to request authorization from the Council to do a transition audit of
the Clerk of Superior Court?s Office, as well as the Muscogee County Sheriff?s
Office since there will be changes in the elected officials occupying
those offices. He said this is consistent with what we do when we have changes
in leadership in the Government.
He said he will also incorporate the information that was previously
requested from the Council that he has been working on regarding the
Sheriff?s office in with the transition audit, so that you will have a full
record of that as well.
Councilor Allen then made a motion to approve the request. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Thomas said a few weeks ago, the Council authorized an audit of
the Sheriff?s office and then asked, how does these two hook
together.
Mr. Redmond said the information that you asked to be audited previously
will be incorporated, but said the transition audit involves
inventories and accounts of funds so that as we transition out, the outgoing
Sheriff and Clerk, so that there will be a smooth transition and full
accountable of those funds and assets that are under their control.
Mr. Redmond responding further to Councilor Thomas, pointing out that this
audit will be larger than what was previously approved by the
Council because this involves full accountability of a number of funds that the
Sheriff?s office has. He said there are a number
of funds related to the jail operations, as well as some related to the
investigative accounts. He said those funds needs to be accounted for.
After the conclusion of the discussion on this matter, the motion then
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
Councilor Henderson being absent from the meeting.
Mr. Redmond also introduced the new Forensic auditor, Ms. Elizabeth
Barfield.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the September 27, October 11 & November 15, 2016 Executive
Sessions of the Consolidated Government were submitted and approved. Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to approve the minutes. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
Councilor Henderson being absent from the meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND ADOPTEDBY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:
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An Ordinance (16-53) ? Amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) of
the Columbus Code so as to amend Section 3.2.72.K.1(B) and add a new Section
3.2.72.O; and for other purposes.
Councilor Allen made a motion to approve the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Henderson being absent from the meeting.
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An Ordinance (16-54) ? Amending the budget for the Fiscal Year 2016
beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; appropriating amounts shown in
each fund; and for various other purposes.
Councilor Allen made a motion to approve the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Henderson being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND
WITH MUCH DISCUSSION INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
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An Ordinance ? Amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of
Columbus, Georgia; changing certain boundaries of a district located at 4540,
4550 & 4554 Reese Road & 3747 Gentian Boulevard (parcel 084-023-003,
084-023-001, 084-023-002 & 069-010-003) from NC (Neighborhood Commercial)
Zoning District to GC (General Commercial) with conditions Zoning District.
City Attorney Fay said this is a public hearing again on this property on
Gentian and said that Mr. George Mize, the petitioner is present.
He said he think that we may have one short amendment to Condition Number
5; however, we will wait and see if there is anyone who wants to be heard on
this matter. There was no one who wanted to be heard on this rezoning.
City Attorney Fay said he believes that Councilor Thomas has a motion that
she wants to make with regards to Condition Number 5.
Councilor Thomas said she would move to change Condition Number 5 to read,
?no delivery date during morning and afternoon peak hours?. Seconded by
Councilor Huff.
City Attorney Fay said that is the condition that should have been listed
in e-cap, but said it was different from the Planning Department?s
recommendation.
Councilor Thomas said she have spoken with Mr. Jones and he said that this
would be acceptable to the Planning Department instead of the specific times of
9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., to say during peak hours and they all understand what
that means. She said the Planning Department has said that it would be
satisfactory to them to change this language.
Mayor Tomlinson then called the question on the motion to amend the
ordinance, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present,
with Councilor Henderson being absent from the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she understands what peak hours is to us,
but said her only concern is what does the public perceive as the peak hours
without having a definitive time in there.
Director of the Planning Department, Mr. Rick Jones said when they first
initiated it, they established it for a.m. to p.m. peak hours and said
typically in the world of planning, peak hours would run from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00
a.m. and in the afternoon, it would run from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. He said when
they rewrote the language, they were trying to establish a real time for that;
so that it could be understood by anybody who read the ordinance, but said it
has been brought to their attention that the way they had it written, anything
after 4:00 p.m.; especially for deliveries could not occur. He said they could
not delivery anything after 4:00 p.m. and we thought that was unfair to the
applicant to do that; so they went back to the original language of basically
establishing those peak hour times which gives them that flexibility for
deliveries before those peak hours and after, to handle their needs, as an
operation.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said we have had issues over the years with
deliver times and said that was the purpose of the ordinance originally, to try
to do away with some of those issue. She said it had to do with different
communities; because peak hours were different for different places.
Mr. Rick Jones said that is what they look at as being peak hours.
City Attorney Fay pointed out that Mr. George Mize is here today and has
discussed it with the adjacent apartment owner and said he can tell you what
their take is on this.
Mr. George Mize, came forward and stated that he is representing the
developer, as well as the applicant. He said he has not specifically talked
with the neighboring land owner about the delivery times, but said the land
owner next door, owners of the apartment complex, known as Gentian Square
Apartments and said they are in favor of the development.
He said what has happened is that this project has been conditioned and
conditioned, and said they are having to deal with Dollar General. He said
this morning when they got the news that they had imposed specific hour
restrictions on the delivery times, we had not had an opportunity to talk with
Dollar General. He said Dollar General has over 12,000 locations and when you
set specific delivery hours on Dollar General, then it becomes a very difficult
logistical nightmare.
Mr. Mize said they did the same thing in Statesboro; put specific hours
and limitations on Dollar General. He said oftentimes, they reject those and
then we are back to the drawing board.
Mr. Mize also pointed out what they have committed to on this proposed
rezoning.
Mr. Jones, in responding to a question of Councilor Allen, said peak hours
is not defined in the UDO.
After much discussion on this matter, with members of the Council, and
City Manager Hugley expressing their views on this matter, Councilor Allen then
asked that we look at putting a definition of peak hours in the Code.
Mr. Rick Jones, in response to Councilor Thomas said he thinks that we are
fine with the language that has been proposed and amended. He said he agrees
with Councilor Allen that they go back and take a look at defining peak hours
in the Code.
City Attorney Fay said we will vote on this ordinance, as amended, at the
first meeting in January.
Councilor Davis said he would like to encourage the staff, based on the
discussion that was held here today, to really look into that because what you
have here is concepts now that are pushing further and further out of retail
areas into neighborhoods. He said he would think that our Planning Department
would want to look at that more closely and examine that as we move forward.
City Manager Hugley said that they will definitely look into it.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION THEN INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
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An Ordinance ? Amending the Columbus Georgia Deferred Retirement Option
Plan to provide that participants can suspend their participation in the plan
for up to five years; and for other purposes.
City Attorney Fay said this amendment on the table is cost neutral, but
has not been vetted by the Pension Board, and said the Finance Department has
some concerns about because it increases a time period that these individuals
could work for the City. He said there has been other options that have been
floated that is not cost neutral.
Several members of the Council expressed their views regarding this
matter, with City Manager Hugley, Mayor Tomlinson, as well as the Deputy City
Manager and the Finance Director responding to questions of the Council, as
well as expressing some concerns that they have regarding this matter.
City Attorney Fay also responded to questions of members of the Council.
After much discussion was held on this subject matter, with everyone
expressing their views on the matter, Councilor Baker said he would like to
request that this ordinance be referred to the Pension Board for them to take a
look at it. He said he would also like for ACCG and GMA to take a look at this
matter.
Councilor Baker made a motion that we refer this ordinance to the Pension
Board. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor Henderson being absent for the
meeting.
Deputy City Manager Hodge pointed out that the next Pension Board meeting
will be held on January 11, 2017. Councilor Thomas said she would request that
the Pension Board look at this at their next meeting.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
MS. MELANIE CONNER, COMMUNITY COORDINATOR, REPRESENTING THE GOVERNOR?S
OFFICE OF
TRANSITION, SUPPORT AND RE-ENTRY, RE: INTRODUCTION:
__________________________________________
Ms. Melanie Conner, Community Coordinator representing the Governor?s
Office of Transition, Support and Reentry, came forward and introduced herself
as the new coordinator for this office. She also introduced those other
individuals who were also present in the audience and a part of this program.
She gave an update of all the services that this office provide and that
stated that she would need the Council?s assistance in getting the word out
about the office and what they provide to the community.
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MR. BERT COKER, RE: ATTORNEY GENERAL REPLY:
Mr. Bert Coker came forward and said he is here this morning to share with
the Council the reply that he has received from the Attorney General?s Office
in response to a complaint that he and Paul Olson made with regards to an open
records request.
Mr. Coker read a letter from the Attorney General?s office regarding this
matter.
City Attorney Fay also provided a copy of a letter that he received from
the Attorney General?s Office in this regard and read that letter into the
record, pointing out that we have been advised that we did nothing wrong as it
relates to Executive Session minutes that were provided to the public.
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MS. THERESA E;-AMIN, REPRESENTING SOUTHERN ANTI-RACISM NETWORK, RE:
SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 PUBLIC COMMENT FOLLOW-UP:______________________
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Ms. Theresa El-Amin came forward and stated that she is here today
regarding a previous appearance before the Council where she made some comments
regarding a law that is on the books in Atlanta.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: TAD/REDEVELOPMENT POWERS, PROPERTY TAX REFERENDUM, AND
ATTORNEY GENERAL?S LETTER TO THE MAYOR &
COUNCIL:______
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Mr. Paul Olson left the meeting prior to his name being called up on the
agenda to be heard by the Council.
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MS. TOLUA PUAILOA, REPRESENTATING SAMOAN CHRISTIAN CHURCH, RE: GIVING BACK
FOR THE HOLIDAYS:_______
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Ms. Tolua Puailoa came forward and pointed out that they are here
representing Samoan Christian Church, and that the young children in their
church wanted to do something for the individuals who had their apartment
burned down. She said they will giving back for the Holidays. She said if
there is anyone who wanted to also give, to please give her a call.
The Pastor also came forward and pointed out that they feel that this is
what the Lord would have them to do during this time.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
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A Resolution (451-16) ? Authorizing the changing of the official street
and tax maps of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia by declaring a
remnant section of Old Reese Road right-of-way surplus; the segment of
right-of-way beginning at the south right-of-way line of Gentian Boulevard and
running south along the east right-of-way line of Reese Road as depicted on a
copy of the survey drawing prepared by EMC Engineering Services, Inc. Entitled
"Right of Way to be acquired- Old Reese Rd-retail store" and dated October
26,2016; said drawing highlighting said right-of-way being made part of this
resolution by reference; providing that all existing utility easements of
record shall remain in effect; providing appropriate width of easements shall
be reserved as required by the utility companies serving adjoining streets and
properties by the utility companies for unknown utilities; authorizing the
disposal of said right-of-way in accordance with Columbus Charter ; and for
other purposes.
Councilor Huff made a motion to approve the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Davis and Garrett being absent for the vote and
Councilor Henderson being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HUFF WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILORS DAVIS
AND GARRETT BEING ABSENT FOR THE VOTE AND COUNCILOR HENDERSON BEING ABSENT FROM
THE MEETING: _____ ___
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A Resolution (452-16) ? Executing an Intergovernmental Agreement between
Columbus, Georgia, a consolidated government and the Muscogee County School
District with respect to the TAD in substantially the same form as attached as
Exhibit A.
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A Resolution (453-16) ? Executing an Intergovernmental Agreement between
Columbus, Georgia, a consolidated government and the Muscogee County School
District with respect to the TAD in substantially the same form as attached as
Exhibit A.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: _____
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A Resolution (454-16) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to part of
land lot 82, 8th District 0.038 acres along Old Double Churches Road as
right-of-way for future road improvements.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to approve the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present, with Councilors Davis and Garrett being absent for the vote
and Councilor Henderson being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (455-16) ? Authorizing the City Manager to execute an
easement with W.C. Bradley Co. for access of the property formerly known as
"Front Avenue" between 13th Street and 14th Street for ingress, egress and
regress for the general public with respect to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Councilor Huff made a motion to approve the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilor Garrett being absent for the vote and Councilor
Henderson being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING EIGHT PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE
ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILOR HUFF WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
PRESENT, WITH COUNCILOR GARRETT BEING ABSENT FOR THE VOTE AND COUNCILOR
HENDERSON BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING:
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A Resolution (456-16) ? Authorizing the purchase of ready mix cement on an
?as needed basis? from Argos Ready Mix, LLC. (Columbus, GA) for the estimated
annual contract value of $150,000.00. The Public Works Department will use the
ready mix cement for spot repairs on City roads. Last year the Public Services
Department spent over $125,000.00 for ready mix cement.
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A Resolution (457-16) ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) John Deere
Z915B commercial ZTrak mowers and one (1) 14 bushel 3-bag material collection
system, from Deere & Company (Cary, NC), at a unit price of $6,775.23 for the
mowers, and $2,309.23 for the material collection system, for a grand total
amount of $15,859.69, via Georgia State Contract #99999-001-SPD0000102-0027.
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A Resolution (458-16) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with
Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. (Columbus, GA) for Engineering Services
for slope failure repairs.
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A Resolution (459-16) ? Authorizing the purchase of 1,200 Taser Training
Cartridges from Taser International (Scottsdale, AZ) for the amount of
$29,667.79.
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A Resolution (460-16) ? Authorizing payment for fuel purchases awarded to
the vendor submitting the lowest, responsive, responsible quote, via the daily
fuel quote process.
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A Resolution(461-16) ? Authorizing payments to AT&T (Atlanta, GA) for
recurring costs for E911 services, for the approximate monthly amount of
$10,000 - $12,000.
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A Resolution (462-16) ? Authorizing the execution of Change Order 1 with
Earth-Scapes, Inc. (Phenix City, AL) in the amount of $33,337.10 for the Front
Avenue Striping project.
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A Resolution (463-16) ? Authoring payment to Ledger Enquirer (Macon, GA)
for legal advertising expenses, required for tax sales, in the amount of
$15,990.00.
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THE FOLLOWING UPDATE WAS PROVIDED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
Human Resources Director Reather Hollowell came forward with an update on
Healthcare/Open Enrollment Overview.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
___
A Resolution (464-16) ? Excusing the absence of Councilor Evelyn ?Mimi?
Woodson, from the December 6, 2016 Council Meeting.
Councilor Allen made a motion to approve the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilor Garrett being absent for the vote and Councilor
Henderson being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: _____
_
____________
A Resolution (465-16) ? Excusing the absence of Councilor Berry Henderson
from the December 13, 2016 Council Meeting.
Councilor Allen made a motion to approve the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilor Garrett being absent for the vote and Councilor
Henderson being absent from the meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Tolua Puailoa was
nominated to succeed Ms. Judith Lopez on the Board of Family and Children
Services and that she may now be confirmed. Councilor Barnes so moved. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilor Huff being absent for the vote and Councilor Henderson
being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF HONOR:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Barbara Pierce has
been nominated to succeed Mr. Billy Watson on the Board of Honor and that she
may now be confirmed.
Councilor Barnes so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilor Huff
being absent for the vote and Councilor Henderson being absent from the
meeting.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Shondwella Ellis?s seat
on the Civic Center Advisory Board has been declared vacant and that Councilor
Baker is working on a replacement from his district.
She further pointed out that Councilor Woodson is working on a replacement
for Mr. Jim Irwin?s seat, who is not eligible to succeed himself.
*** *** ***
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Ms.
Mattie Washington on the Cooperative Extension Advisory Board will expire on
December 31, 2016 and that she is eligible to succeed herself for another term
of office, but does not wish to serve again.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Huff is working on
a replacement for someone to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Laverne Brown on
the Public Safety Advisory Commission.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that that Mr. Gary O. Bruce has
resigned from his District 2 seat on the Recreation Advisory Board and that
Councilor Davis is working on his replacement.
*** *** ***
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we will need to have an
organizational meeting on January 3, 2017.
She asked the Council if they wanted to have this organizational meeting
in conjunction with the Proclamation Session.
After brief discussion on the matter, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh to hold the meeting at 5:00 p.m., January 3, 2017. Second by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Counc9ilor Henderson being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
TAX FREEZE:
Councilor Davis said he previously received a letter from the Citizens to
Keep the Freeze Committee dated November 21, 2016, and was addressed to the
members of the Legislative Delegation, as well as all members of the Council.
He said he meant to file it with the Clerk of Council at the last Council
meeting; and said this morning he is filing it with the Clerk of Council, for
the Council?s records.
*** *** ***
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT:
Councilor Barnes said there is a family on Dunhill Drive. He said he
appreciates them for taking that effort
Mayor Tomlinson said she would like to wish everyone a safe and happy
holiday.
Councilor Allen said he had been out of town for several days and forget
to bring the Aflac ducks that he normally gives to everyone for Christmas and
then said he will make sure he get them to Teasha to get to everyone.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Barnes made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Henderson
being absent from the meeting, with the time being 1:24p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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