MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 28, 2008
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:03 A.M., Tuesday, October 28, 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 Mike Baker,
Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr. and
Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, Assistant City Attorney
Jamie DeLoach and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
Councilor Evelyn Woodson took her seat at 9:18 a.m.
*** *** ***
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh and Councilor R. Gary Allen were
absent. City Attorney Clifton Fay was absent but represented by Assistant
City Attorney Jamie DeLoach. Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington was also
absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by John B. Adams, M. Div. Director of Administration and
Congregational Care- Turner Ministry Resource Center Pastoral Institute, Inc.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Clubview Elementary School.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?HEAD START AWARENESS MONTH?:
With Belva Dorsey- Executive Director and Ms. Teresa Johnson- Director
standing before the Council, Councilor Barnes read the proclamation of Mayor
Wetherington, proclaiming the month of October 2008 as ?Head Start Awareness
Month? in Columbus, Georgia.
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CONSENT AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS
SUBMITTED BY ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY DELOACH AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL ON
SECOND READING AT THE REQUEST OF CITY MANAGER HUGLEY:
An Ordinance - Property located at 1212 Chaplin Drive is proposed for
rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) zoning district to SFR3
(Single Family Residential 3) zoning district. (35-A-08-Ray Wright, Inc.)
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE ADOPTING A 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IN COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA WAS SUBMITTED BY ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY DELOACH AND DELAYED BY THE
COUNCIL ON SECOND READING AT THE REQUEST OF CITYMANAGER
HUGLEY:
An Ordinance - Adopting a 2008 Comprehensive Plan, including a future
policy and future land use map for the City of Columbus; establishing
procedures, policies and findings for such plan.
City Manager Hugley briefly explained his reasons for requesting the delay
by reading excerpts of the ordinance and is as follows: ?which shall allow all
such amendments to be considered at one time and no more than four times per
calendar year. Any amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance that is
adopted by the City Council that is not consistent with the Plan shall be null
and void.? He said these are the areas of concern with this ordinance.
Councilor Barnes moved for a one-week delay. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Allen being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION LISTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA AND AN ADD-ON
RESOLUTION WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY DELOACH AND
WERE ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND
SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HUNTER WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS
PRESENT WITH MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND COUNCILOR ALLEN BEING ABSENT FOR
THIS MEETING:
A Resolution (494-08) - Excusing Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh from the
October 28, 2008 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (495-08) - Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the October
28, 2008 Council Meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE CONSENT
AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON
AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HUNTER, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT
MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND COUNCILOR ALLEN
BEING ABSENT FROM THISMEETING:
A Resolution (496-08) - Authorizing payment to Timothy McCray and the
Martin Firm, in the amount of $71,658.61, for a risk management claim
settlement.
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NOTE: See Below action taken on the new zoning petition.
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WORK SESSION:
Mayor Wetherington called upon Major General Walter Wodjakowski and
reminded everyone that Major General Wodjakowski would be retiring later this
year or the beginning of next year. He announced the Change of Command
Ceremony would be on November 18, 2008 at Ft. Benning. He pointed out that
Major General Wodjakowski and his wife would be settling in this community and
we are grateful for that.
Mayor Wetherington then briefly highlighted the career of Major General
Wodjakowski in the United States Army.
BRAC UPDATE ? BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE:
Major General Walter Wodjakowski, came forward to provide an update of the
activities that are taking place in Ft. Benning. He then provided the
following power point presentation and is listed as follows:
Infantry:
? - The Heart of the Army in the Contemporary Operational Environment
Four Core Competencies:
Train Soldiers
Support Operational Units
Focus on the Future
Transition to Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCOE)
Train Soldiers: Daily Training Load:
115,962 Soldiers Trained to Standard / 7 days a week / 52 weeks a year
Typical Day ? 12,938
Ranger and RSLC ? 580
Airborne ? 1,781
New Soldiers ? 8,594
OCS, Basic Leadership Courses and Captains Career Course ? 1,549
NCOA - 280
Support Operational Units:
3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division
75th Ranger Regiment
14th Combat Support Hospital
11th Engineer Battalion
13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
WHINSEC
Winter Training Center
Army Marksmanship Unit
CONUS Replacement Center (CRC) Mobilization Troop Command (MTC)
U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program
Major General Wodjakowski recalled that two of the Army Marksman won Gold
Medals in the Olympics: Sergeant Glenn Eller and SPC Vincent Hancock.
Focus on the Future:
Enable the IBCT First
Deliver MRAP Vehicles
Create the MCOE
Institutionalize Soldier as a System
TRANSITION TO MCOE
Construction Timeline:
FY-07 Construction ? ($356M)
FY-08 Construction ? ($624M)
FY-09 Construction ? ($1,074M)
FY-10 Construction ? ($409M)
FY-11 Construction ? ($175M)
Current Harmony Church Construction:
IET Barracks
Battalion HQ
Dining Facility
New Hospital Project:
?Medical Home? Concept
$507M for construction
Patient friendly design
Blends w/environment
Emphasizes comprehensive primary care
Opportunities / Challenges:
Environment Impact Statement
Workforce Development
Infrastructure
New Ideas
Eddy Bridge?
More Land?
Joint Use Airport?
General Major Wodjakowski reiterated there would be a Change of Command
and the new commander at Ft. Benning would be Major General Michael Barbero.
He then provided some career history information on the new commander.
General Major Wodjakowski said that we have a statue in front of Infantry
Hall called the ?Infantrymen Statue? and do not give it away to non-Infantry
men very often, but in this case Mayor W. J. Wetherington is deserving. He
then presented the Infantryman Statue to Mayor Wetherington.
At this time, General Major Wodjakowski introduced the military personnel
that was present with him and are listed as follows: Chief of Staff Ft.
Benning- Colonel Chuck Durham, Garrison Commander- Colonel Tom McDonald,
Strategic Planner- Colonel Douglas Wolfe, Colonel Radcliff, Mr. Jay Brown ad
Deputy Garrison Commander- Chuck Walls.
General Major Wodjakowski also presented City Manager Hugley with a
Certificate of Appreciation, as well as, a token to the members of Council.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS:
Mr. Harry Vernon, Chairman of the Board of Water Commissioners, as well
as, members of the Board of Water Commissions came forward to make some
farewell remarks to Mr. Billy Turner, President of the Columbus Water Works,
who would be retiring in January 2009. He also took the opportunity to
introduce the new President and CEO of the Columbus Water Works, Mr. Bob Tant.
He then briefly highlighted the career of Mr. Tant with the Columbus Water
Works.
Mr. Bob Tant, approached the rostrum to express his thanks for the
opportunity to serve as the next President of the Columbus Water Works.
In conclusion, Mr. Billy Turner made some remarks expressing his pleasure
in serving the citizens of Columbus and the Administration. He thanked the
Council for their support.
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THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION LISTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA WAS
SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY DELOACH WITH THE ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING BEING CALLED FOR BY
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:
Petition submitted by the Planning Department to amend the text of the
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to amend several minor issues related to
pole banners, Chapter Five (5), and Chapter Thirteen (13) and are as follows:
i. Amend Section 4.4.8 Signs in the Public Right-of-Way to include pole banners
ii. Amend Section 5.4.2 Chattahoochee River Watershed to delete a reference
to Section 312 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
iii. Amend Section 5.6.4 Plans for Land Disturbance Permits to delete the last
sentence
iv. Amend or delete various definitions in Chapter 13.
(Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the
Planning Department.) (41-A-08-Planning Dept.)
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COLUMBUS WATER WORKS:
Councilor Anthony requested staff to prepare a resolution commending Mr.
Billy Turner on his retirement from the Columbus Water Works and include some
of the achievements that the Columbus Water Works have accomplished.
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DEMOLITION LIEN - 221 26TH STREET:
City Manager Hugley recalled that Administration was asked to list this
demolition on the agenda for discussion. He recapped that in the communication
between staff and Ms. Jackie Hill, the owner of 221 26th Street, staff
requested the potential buyer be present and required to share his plans for
the property. He then asked staff to come forward to talk about what was
requested of Ms. Hill
Ms. Rebecca Wiggins said this is what was required of Mr. Ken Gamboa, the
potential buyer of 221 26th Street and are listed as follows:
Mr. Gamboa be present to respond to questions of Council
He must have a contract to purchase the property
Proof of financial ability to purchase the property
Information concerning his intended use
Timeline for bringing the property up to code
Provide name of licensed general contractor and subcontractors
Prepared to apply for the rezoning of the lot next door to the property (for
parking purposes)
Must provide a waiver of any further notice or hearings concerning this property
Ms. Jackie Hill, owner of 221 26th Street, briefly stated that she would
like to give Mr. Gamboa the opportunity to be heard to speak on his plans.
Mr. Roderick Gamboa, 501 Second Avenue, said that he does have a residency
in Columbus, Georgia and has been a part of the community for a number of
years. He advised that he has a couple of businesses in Columbus: The Wash
Company, Talbotton Road and The Wash Company II, 17th Avenue, as well as, a
business in Phenix City, Alabama and other properties. He explained that his
purpose for purchasing this building is to turn it into a laundry mat. He also
pointed out that his son and his former wife are residents of Columbus. He
said that he owns a catering company in southern California and is looking
forward to moving more into this community to be here full-time.
He said over the last week, he received word regarding the discussion that
has taken place regarding this property. He then provided a financial
statement with regards to funding for the property, but does not have a
timeline on when the building would be up to code because he does not have all
the information regarding the necessary repairs. He said he does plan to have
a contractor come in to let him know how much time would be needed to bring the
building up to code. He projected a timeline of six months to a year.
In response to questions from City Manager Hugley, Mr. Gamboa advised that
he does not have a general contractor at this time but does have a contract to
purchase the property.
When Councilor Woodson asked to view the contract and financial statement,
Mr. Gamboa provided his personal banking statement to show funds availability,
at which time, Councilor Woodson expressed her concerns with viewing his
personal banking information and declined to do so.
Councilor Baker asked how soon could Mr. Gamboa close on the property and
how long to secure it? Ms. Wiggins responded to questions with regards to
securing the building by explaining that it is almost impossible to keep a
building like this secure; part of the damage to the inside of this building is
due to vandalism. Mr. Gamboa suggested safety glass for the building. With
regards to closing on the property, he pointed out that the closing is
scheduled for November 15, 2008 but has been held up due to further actions of
this Council.
The following suggestions were made by Council and are listed as follows:
Councilor Woodson suggested the property be taken off the demolition list and
allow one month to show good faith.
Councilor Henderson suggested a clause in the contract that if the Council
removes this property from demolition, it would waive the demolition hearing.
Councilor Davis asked if Mr. Gamboa would fund the entire project with his
personal funds, at which time, Mr. Gamboa said that he would probably get a
loan to finance the purchase and use a combination of a loan and personal funds
to operate and develop the business.
Councilor McDaniel suggested an extension of sixty days.
Councilor Woodson then made a motion to allow an extension of sixty days.
Seconded by Councilor Barnes.
Responding to comments from Councilor Hunter, Mr. Gambo assured that he
would know shortly if he plans to move forward with the contract at all.
Councilor Henderson asked how would this work administratively? City
Manager Hugley explained in details the history of this property by stating
this property has gone through the complete demolition process and approved on
second reading by the Council in a demolition ordinance. He said the property
was included in the listing for Reeves Wrecking Company to demolish. He said
the property owner came to the Council last week to say that the property has
not been demolished yet and she has a buyer interested in purchasing the
property. He explained the Council requested the purchaser to appear before
them to make certain commitments in relation to this property.
City Manager Hugley said with regards to the process, the Council has
approved sixty days and staff would get with the purchaser and owner of the
property and outline what is expected, but this property would not go through
the process again.
After some further discussion, the motion carried unanimously by those
eight members present with Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh and Councilor R.
Gary Allen being absent for this meeting.
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DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA:
Mr. Dick Ellis, Chairman of the Development Authority of Columbus,
Georgia, approached the rostrum and recognized other board members present; Mr.
Billy Blanchard and Mr. Fernando Verdree. He then called upon Ms. Becca Hardin
with the Chamber of Commerce to offer the first portion of the power point
presentation.
Ms. Becca Hardin, Chamber of Commerce, came forward to outline the
beginning portion of the power point presentation and is listed as follows:
Targeted Industries
Aviation/Aerospace
Automotive suppliers
Defense Industry
Light Manufacturing
Information Technology
Healthcare
Transaction Processing
Tourism
Developing Property Products
Muscogee Technology Park
Key selling points:
?First ?State certified? park
?1,300 acres
?FTZ
?Utilities
?Highway system
?Cleared lots
Fall Line Business Park
Key selling points:
?Road design
?Sewer Easement
?Plans for Defense Contracts
Marketing the Products
Marketing Trips
Chicago, Canada, Portland, New York, Detroit, Los Angeles, DC, Ft. Knox,
Memphis, Dallas, Austin, Miami and Atlanta
Ireland, Germany and Spain
Korea, Japan and Taiwan
MAPFRE and Road America meet with Governor Sonny Perdue in Spain
Closing the Deals
Columbus Regional Economic Impact
2008 1,745 $378,500,000
2007 1,875 $330,000,000
2006 3,437 $1,265,050,000
2005 3,868 $250,000,000
2004 1,804 $ 88,325,000
2003 1,246 $109,250,000
2002 670 $111,930,000
2001 1,247 $429,250,000
Examples of Projects Non-Millage Funds
Project Jobs Capital Investment
PCI 100 $4,000,000
Kellogg 50 $31,700,000
SunFresh 50 $4,500,000
Masterbuilt 50 $2,500,000
Synovus 75 $45,000,000
Eastman Kodak 50 $15,000,000
Pratt & Whitney 35 $40,000,000
Economic Impact Estimate
Direct Jobs 11,400
Capital Investment $3.04B
Population Increase 29,535
Family Units 11,628
School Enrollment 6,734
Additional Retail Sales $298M
Sales Tax Revenue $18M
Personal Income Per Year $325M
Bank Deposits Created $560M
State of Georgia Partnership
Received more than $11,000,000 from OneGeorgia Authority to support
projects and development in the Valley Partnership Region
(2003 -2008)
Muscogee County - $5,871,000 for various projects
Statewide Incentive discussion and recommendations
Need ?BEST? incentives targeting the ?white collar? job industries (New law
passed this year allowing insurance companies to take tax credits against
premium tax.)
Need sales tax exemption on construction materials (Still a focus going into
the next session ? Alabama is ?killing? us on this incentive.)
Need tax exemptions on clean-room equipment (New, specific exemptions for clean
room operations and research.)
Need to assist defense companies to expand their presence external to military
bases (We have received tremendous State and Federal support to prepare for
military growth and recruitment of defense industry ?ie: workforce grants.)
Need creative/competitive tax incentives package (Korean prospect recruitment
has pushed all of us to ?think outside of the box?.)
Bottom Line:
Keep it SIMPLE
Be FLEXIBLE
Be FAST
Existing Business Survey
45 companies interviewed with these criteria: 100+ employees, Chamber
continuous sponsors and/or companies located in business parks.
Interviews conducted in August, September and October 2008.
Interviews conducted in the counties of Harris, Marion, Muscogee and in Phenix
City.
ASESSMENT OF SERVICES (EBS)
% of Businesses Responding Satisfied with Local Services
Fire Protection Services - 97%
Police Protection Services - 76%
Water and Sewer Services - 91%
Street and Traffic Controls and Highway Access at Location - 61%
Rail Services - 88%
Air Transportation Services - 13%
Street Maintenance and Drainage at Location - 85%
International Economic Update and Trends for the Future
Current Economic Trends
Less ?outsourcing? ? More domestic growth
International companies looking to expand/grow in the U.S. Due to:
Weak dollar
Increasing fuel and transportation costs
U.S. Corporate ?Belt tightening? / domestic growth plans delayed
At this time, Mr. Dick Ellis returned to the rostrum to resume and
conclude the Development Authority of Columbus power point presentation and is
listed as follows:
?HOT? Incentive Topics ? Future Trend
?Creative ways to off-set up front costs ? Corporate income tax abatements not
as important as ?cash-flow? the first few years
? Creative ?Investment? tax credit system
? Create ability to ?sell? tax credits to other companies
? ?Green? Incentives
? Create a ?Visitor Friendly? business initiative to assist with ?Immigration?
process, VISA, and driver licenses
? High-tech/web based training
? Assigning value to ?Everything? (i.e.: relocation assistance, employee
recruitment, etc. ? must be able to fit numbers into a matrix)
Our Strategic Focus
?Develop and implement Defense Industry Recruitment Strategy ? Defense
Incubator Initiative
?Implement International Marketing Campaign
?Develop and implement Information Technology Recruitment Strategy
?Develop and implement Aerospace Industry Recruitment Strategy
?Wrap up Kia Supplier Initiative
Millage Report Update
History
2002 Council approves 0.25% of 1 mill to be allocated to economic development
to the Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia
Since 2002, $5,152,983 have been received allocated through June 2008 (receive
October - June each year)
Since 2002, $4,056,803 have been allocated through June 2008
Project Support $ 2,381,872
Aflac Expansion (2005)
Property acquisition Jobs 2,000
Cosmyl facility demolition Cap Inv $80,000,000
Site preparation
Millage Funds $1,711,511
Current employees 4,200
Road America (2005)
Site Preparation
Jobs 200
Cap Inv $6,500,000
Millage Funds $68,9 26
Current employees 181
Waggoners Trucking (2004)
Property acquisition
Jobs 300
Cap Inv $5,000,000
Millage Funds $450,000
Current employees 150
H & K (2003)
Site preparation
Jobs 200
Cap Inv $25,000,000
Millage Funds $74,823
Current employees 16
Columbus Regional Technology Incubator (2003)
Retrofit office space
Jobs 1
Cap Inv $2,500,000
Millage Funds $50,000
ICForm (2005)
Site preparation
Jobs 100
Cap Inv $16,000,000
Millage Funds $25,000
Current employees 20
Cessna (2007)
Curb cut, infrastructure
Jobs 150
Cap Inv $24,000,000
Millage Funds $28,612
Current employees 660
Investments Summary
Total Millage Funds Allocated to projects $ 2,408,872
Economic Impact of projects
Total Jobs 2,951
Total Capital Investment $159,000,000
This is a return of $66.00 for every millage dollar invested.
Economic Impact Estimate
Direct Jobs 2,951
Capital Investment $159M
Population Increase 7,645
Family Units 3,010
School Enrollment 1,743
Additional Retail Sales $77M
Sales Tax Revenue $4.6M
Personal Income Per Year $89M
Bank Deposits Created $144M
Other Usage of Millage Funds
Valley Partnership dues
$186,291 per year
January 2003 ? June 2008 $1,092,043
Property Acquisition
Fall Line Business Park $ 600,000
Advertising / Marketing / International business recruitment $ 11,500
___________
TOTAL $ 1,703,543
Funds Summary
Total projects $2,408,872
Total other usages $1,703,543
_________
TOTAL $4,112,415
Future Projects
Completion of Muscogee Technology Park
Completion of Fall Line Business Park
Land Acquisition
Incentives for future companies
Site preparation
Utility extensions
Environmental studies
DAC Review and Approval Process
1995 Development Authority state law
Inducement application submitted to Authority for review
Authority reviews / decides whether to accept application
Formal Inducement Resolution is adopted
Company and legal counsel prepare bond documentation
Our Winning Team
Columbus Consolidated Government
Development Authority of Columbus
The Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce
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FINANCE UPDATE:
Finance Director Pamela Hodge came forward to highlight the various funds
as listed on the summary page of the Unaudited September 2008 Quarterly Revenue
Report and further explained in more details those funds that were down in
revenue. (A copy of the report in its entirety is hereby filed for the record.)
General Fund ? 20.76%
Sewer Fund ? (-1.71%)
Paving Fund ? 4.68%
Medical Center Fund ? 2.88%
Integrated Waste Fund ? (-0.41%)
Emergency Telephone Fund ? (-8.84%)
Economic Development Authority Fund ? 2.88%
Debt Service Fund ? (-15.31%)
Transportation Fund ? (-1.28%)
Parking Management ? 7.81%
Trade Center Fund ? 3.48%
Bull Creek Golf Course Fund ? 9.86%
Oxbow Creek Golf Course Fund ? 27.88%
Civic Center Fund ? 52.34%
Councilor Anthony asked about the sales tax revenue and the cause for the
revenue being down a percentage, at which time, Finance Director Hodge
explained that the sales tax was down $300,000 from that same month last year.
She pointed out it was down 9%.
In response to a question of City Manager Hugley, Finance Director advised
that year-to-date this fiscal year, the September check that the City received
was for July?s collection; therefore, this fiscal year we only have one month
worth of collections.
City Manager Hugley advised that we have on our legislative agenda
point-of-sales data. He briefly explained that when the city receives the
sales tax check from the State, we just accept what is sent to us, because the
State of Georgia does not collect point-of-sales data; therefore, we are
promoting and asking for legislation that would require point-of-sales data.
Finance Director Hodge recalled that on last month, we talked about the
sales tax rate was going down. She advised that we have received one complaint
of someone who had not changed their sales tax and we did forward that to the
Department of Revenue; however, we have not received a lot of complaints from
citizens.
Finance Director Hodge stated that at the next financial update, she would
be providing the Council with a report with regards to the L.O.S.T and the
hiring of 100 police officers and how much has been spent. She reported that
to-date, we have spent $25,847.68 through the end of September and that was the
initial hiring of some of those officers.
NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM:
Mr. Joe Riddle, Community Reinvestment Director, came forward to explain
the new program as outlined in the power point presentation listed below:
US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Community Planning and Development
Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Background
Title III of Division B of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act, 2008 (HERA)
Signed by the President on July 30, 2008
HERA Provides $3.92 Billion to assist States and localities in redevelopment
efforts
Section 2301-Emergency Assistance for the Redevelopment of Abandoned and
Foreclosed Homes
City?s Allocation - $3,117,039
Criteria for Local Distribution
NSP grantees must target funds to give priority emphasis and consideration to
areas with greatest need, including those:
With the greatest percentage of home foreclosures;
With the highest percentage of homes financed by a sub prime mortgage related
loan; and
Identified as likely to face a significant rise in the rate of home
foreclosures.
Uses of NSP Funding
Five eligible uses specified by HERA
Establish financing mechanisms for purchase & redevelopment of foreclosed upon
homes & residential properties
Purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties that have been
abandoned or foreclosed to sell, rent or redevelop
Establish land banks for homes that have been foreclosed upon
Demolish blighted structures
Redevelop demolished or vacant properties
Ineligible Activities:
Generally, if an activity is ineligible under CDBG, it is ineligible under NSP
Not eligible under HERA:
Foreclosure prevention
Demolition of non-blighted structures
Purchase of properties not abandoned or foreclosed upon
Period to Use Funds
Action Plan Substantial Amendments due by December 1, 2008
Submit to local field office
15 day public comment period
NSP grantees must use funds to purchase and redevelop abandoned and foreclosed
homes and residential properties no later than 18 months after execution of the
grant agreement
Use=obligate for a specific project
Action Plan Amendment
Currently identifying those areas of greatest needs
Meeting with the various agencies to develop our program and funding priorities
to address those areas of greatest need
Will bring completed Action Plan to Council on November 18, 2008 for approval
NSP Income Targeting
Income eligibility for NSP based on 120% of area median income
120% of area median income
New terminology for NSP: Low, Moderate- and Middle-Income
80-120% of median = Middle Income
CDBG Low/Mod benefit national objective criteria apply, except beneficiaries
can be Low, Moderate and Middle Income
NSP Income Targeting
Income eligibility for NSP based on 120% of area median income
NSP Income Targeting
Not less than 25% of funds must be used for housing activities that benefit
individuals whose incomes do not exceed 50% of area median income
$779,260
City Manager Hugley reiterated that this is new money $3.1 million, and we
wanted the Council to know that we have received this money. He pointed out
that there has been money allocated across the nation and certainly in the
State of Georgia. He emphasized that this would not prevent foreclosure;
however, after homes have been foreclosed on, it allows the city an opportunity
to work with some of the other agencies, such as; NeighborWorks and the Housing
Authority to allocate some of this money to them to administer the greater part
of the program and how the dollars are used. He explained that the city could,
in certain neighborhoods, purchase homes that have been foreclosed and provide
any needed rehab and get those homes back out on the market and are sold to
people that meet the criteria.
He said that he has asked Director of Community Reinvestment Riddle to
identify all of the foreclosures that have occurred in Muscogee County and by
the planning district, identify how many fall into the various planning
districts and in that, we want to identify how those fall within the Council
Districts.
Councilor Baker requested that when the staff brings back the plans for
the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, provide information to let the
Councilors know if there any conditions that would qualify the City to repay
money with local dollars, if we accepted the funding for this government
project, if an investment was made in a non-qualifying property.
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LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX PROJECTS:
Deputy City Manager David Arrington, came forward to provide an update on
the Local Option Sales Tax Projects and are outlined as listed below:
Local Option Sales Tax
Preliminary Project Briefing
Objectives
Provide an overview of the project scope on proposed LOST projects with
existing funding source
To update Council on initial planning efforts
To seek additional policy guidance on infrastructure improvements
Design considerations
LEED certification
Projects with Existing Funding Source for Planning
Ice Rink
City Service Center
Natatorium
Fire/EMS Stations
Forrest Road Widening
Other Road Projects
Ice Rink
Initial coordination meeting
Civic Center ice improvements designed for new facility
Scope of Project
Ice rink & athletic event
Multi-use facility
Mayor Wetherington said that he was not aware of discussions regarding a
multi-use facility with this local option sales tax; the Administration did not
present a multi-use facility to the citizens. City Manager Hugley assured the
Mayor that this is just for consideration and we would need some direction from
the Council, but he would make sure that the Mayor stay apprised of these
matters.
Councilor Henderson said this is the type of discussion we need to have on
each of these projects; however, he is concerned that we may be diminishing the
service we had initially promised the citizens at an increased price. He said
his initial reaction is that we maybe should stay with just the ice rink.
City Service Center
Comprehensive Space Utilization Study underway
Space requirements at new facility
Utilization of vacated space at Govt. Center
Improved efficiency of all government facilities
Property transfer (6 acres) to be completed
City has option on 2 additional acres
Site Investigation to follow
Natatorium
Two design options
Both include 25 yard x 50 meter pool
Minimum criteria
Meets or exceeds minimum competition standards
Public Accessibility
Coordination with other City facilities
Design Comparison
Level One:
4 lane warm pool / cool down pool
900 ? tiered concrete with fixed individual seating
Concession and Pro Shop
Child care and play room
Fully furnished and equipment
A V System / score boards / public address system
Level Two:
Therapeutic pool, warm pool / cool down pool
600 ? tiered concrete with fixed bench seating
Concession only
No child care and play room
Reduced furnishing and equipment
Score boards / public address system no A V system
Deputy City Manager Arrington said the Administration is recommending we
proceed with the Level Two type of natatorium. He pointed out that there is a
cost differential between these two designs anywhere from $1.5 million to $2
million.
City Manager Hugley said that we would need Council?s direction on which
of the two designs to proceed with and we would provide costs at that time.
Councilor Anthony asked about other stakeholder involvement, at which
time, City Manager Hugley said that stakeholder involvement is a big part of
the reason we are at the level we are at with the Levels I and Level II.
Councilor Davis said that he would like to re-explore the financial aspect
of how we are going to adjust things based on the current economic condition
and what is going to happen in the future.
Fire/EMS Stations
Station 2 ? 29th Street
Acquired rights to plans
Coordination with Fire/EMS
Department of Corrections for construction
Station 9 ? Jay Street
Land acquisition
Road Projects
Forrest Road
Veterans/Double Churches
Whitesville/Double Churches
Fort Benning Road/Brennan Road
Forrest Road Widening
Two Projects
Schatulga to Woodruff
Macon to Palomino
Three Lane Concept / Intersection Improvements
Bridge Maintenance/ Replacement
Veterans/Double Churches
Identified in Congestion Management Study
Includes J.R. Allen ramp improvements
Concept design complete
Whitesville/Double Churches
Intersection improvement
Design substantially complete
ROW acquisition to begin 01/2009
Fort Benning Road/Brennan Road Alignment
Enterprise Zone infrastructure improvement
Intersection improvement/ re-alignment
Companion streetscape project along Ft. Benning Road
LEED Certification
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Certification process through the U.S. Green Building Council to encourage
adoption of sustainable green buildings and development practices
Third party program and the nationally accepted benchmark for design,
construction, and operation of high performance green buildings
LEED certification affirms City?s position of environmental stewardship
Compliance may add 2-5% to total project costs
Recommend the City pursue LEED certification on new construction projects not
already in design
*** *** ***
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA:
City Manager Hugley called attention to the proposed legislative agenda.
He said this is not final, because we may add or delete items as we move
forward. He announced the Legislative Luncheon is scheduled for November 20,
2008. (A copy of the list in its entirety is on file for the record.)
Councilor McDaniel inquired about the listing of the Municipal Court
Marshal?s request to amend legislation for the salaries of various
constitutional officers. He then made a motion to remove the item from the
legislative agenda. The item is listed as follows:
The Municipal Court Marshal requests that the local delegation to the Georgia
General Assembly introduce a bill that would amend the local laws that tie the
salaries of the Muscogee County Tax Commissioner, Clerk of the Superior Court
of Muscogee County, the Muscogee Municipal Court Clerk and the Muscogee
Municipal Court Marshal to the salary of the Muscogee County Sheriff. The new
law would sever that tie and replace it with an annual Cost of Living
Adjustment equivalent to that given the employees of the State of Georgia.
City Manager Hugley said that we bring to the Council a proposed
legislative agenda, and we would bring resolutions for each of these and at
that time, Council members could vote for or against the resolution. He
explained that when outside agencies submits requests, he is not advocating
those items but is bringing those forward to the Council.
Councilor Henderson pointed out that we have been hit with unfunded
mandates that have come down because some elected officials have gone straight
to the legislators; therefore, he appreciates the fact that we are kept in the
loop. He said since there are no indications regarding the potential cost, he
would believe that the Marshal or any elected official that wants the request
listed on the legislative agenda should come before the Council to explain the
reason and provide a cost breakdown.
Councilor McDaniel reiterated his motion to remove the item requested by
the Municipal Court Marshal. Seconded by Councilor Davis and defeated by a
vote of two to six with Councilors Davis and McDaniel voting yes and Councilors
Anthony, Baker, Barnes, Henderson, Hunter and Woodson voting no. Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and Councilor Allen were absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
SHERIFF?S DEPARTMENT:
Mayor Wetherington said that he had asked Major Joe McCrea to come before
the Council to address the issue brought up last week when the elderly lady
made statements regarding getting undressed in front of male Sheriff?s Deputies
assigned to the jail.
Major Joe McCrea, Sheriff?s Department, approached the rostrum to recap
comments made by Mr. William Madison with regards to the elderly lady that was
taken from Environmental Court and transferred to the jail and inappropriately
stripped searched. He determined that the claim is totally untrue. He said
there were two women that came from Environmental Court into our facility and
both were subjected to a pat down search at the Recorder?s Court side before
being brought behind the secure environment of the Detention Center. He said
after arriving at the Intake area, both women were provided with clothing and
allowed to go into a private room in which to change. He explained that all of
this was done in accordance with policy and under the scrutiny of video
surveillance.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Manager Hugley requested a brief executive session to discuss real
estate acquisition and litigation. Councilor McDaniel moved to go into
executive session. Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by
those eight members present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Allen
being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
TREE PLANTING:
Councilor Henderson requested the staff to get with the Arborist to check
on the Oak Trees that were planted on the corner of Williams and Whitesville
Road and were planted right under the utility lines, which could pose a problem
in about ten years. Also, check to see if the trees were planted on the City?s
right-of-way.
*** *** ***
At 12:38 p.m., the Council adjourned its regular session to allow the
Council to go into an executive session.
*** *** ***
At 1:35 p.m., the regular meeting was reconvened, at which time, Mayor
Wetherington announced that the Council did meet in executive session to
discuss real estate acquisition; however, we did not discuss litigation and
there were no votes taken.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Woodson made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Anthony and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting with the
time being 1:35 p.m.
Sandra T. Davis, DCMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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