MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
DECEMBER 9, 2008
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M, Tuesday, December 9, 2008, on the Plaza Level of the
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor,
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were: Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes,
Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. and Evelyn
Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of
Council Tiny Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also
present. Note: Councilor Glenn Davis took his seat at 9:11 a.m.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Bud Rupel, Associate Pastor of Evangel Temple Methodist
Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Hardaway High School.
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PRESENTATION TO THE DETECTIVES WHO WORKED ON THE HERTA BAILEY CASE:
Colonel Joe Feliciano representing The Military Order of World wars came
forward and said we are a patriotic nonpartisan organization that believes that
it is nobler to serve than to be served. He said we promote and encourage good
citizenship, patriotic education, military, public service, and national
security and also we support our nation?s youth programs. He said on this day,
The Military Order of World Wars would like to express its appreciation to
Chief Boren and the five detectives present today for their professionalism in
apprehending the suspect of the slaying of the treasurer of our chapter, Mrs.
Herta Baley.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH MR. BARY HAYNES, MR. DANIEL HADEN AND MS. CATHY PHILLIPS STANDING AT
THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR ANTHONY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:____
A Resolution (551-08) ? Commending Buffalo Rock Company of Columbus,
Georgia for receiving the Donald M. Kendall Bottler of the Year Award.
Councilor Anthony moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at
the time, with Councilor Glenn Davis being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:__
____
A Resolution (552-08) ? Commending the Columbus High School Cheerleading Squad
for winning the Class AAA 2008 Georgia High School Association Cheerleading
Championship. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor Jerry Barnes being absent for this
vote.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE COLUMBUS CODE OF
ORDINANCES WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING:
An Ordinance (08-68) ? Amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code so as to
provide for two regular meetings of the Columbus Council per month except for
January in odd-numbered years; to provide one proclamation session per month
held by the Mayor; to provide a consent agenda and work session meeting once
per quarter; and for other purposes. Councilor McDaniel made a moved the
adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting. (See below where Councilor
Anthony requested that his vote be changed to
no, making the vote 9 to 1).
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COLUMBUS CODE OF ORDINANCES WAS
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING:
An Ordinance (08-69) ? Amending ordinance 98-30, 00-106, and 01- 29 for
the re-adoption of the existing Enterprise Zone known as the Columbus Business
Development Center; and for other purposes Councilor Henderson moved the
adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously
by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS DELAYED ON FIRST READING FOR ONE WEEK BY THE
COUNCIL__________________________________
__________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 8239, 8243, 8247 and 8251
Cooper Creek Road is proposed for rezoning from SFR1 (Single-Family
Residential 1) zoning district to GC (General Commercial) zoning district.
(42-CA-08-Spence)
PROPONENTS:
AT this time, Councilor Davis said he would like to ask Mr. Spence some
questions concerning the property.
Wayne Spence, 2945 Gardenia Street, approached the rostrum and stated his
name, address and occupation.
Councilor Davis said this particular area is not in his district but there
has been many calls received concerning future development in this area. He
said there has been an effort to organize a group of stakeholders, developers,
landowners and residents in the area to look at some ways to encourage
development in a responsible manner. He said in this case there is going to be
some formalities coming before Council in the near future. He said there has
been a lot of effort in the area from developers to try to coordinate
development that would be good for a long time for the quality of life for the
community. He said his concern is the nature of the request. He said he does
not have an issue with pharmacy and retail, but he is concerned about the
general commercial designation. He said he is also concerned about the
encroachment of further development and commercial use into these
neighborhoods. He asked Mr. Spence were his plans for pharmacy and retail
solid at this point.
Mr. Spence responded by saying the project is under contract at this
time. He said he feels that this would be a perfect fit; Cooper Creek has two
schools that feed into this intersection and this type of establishment is a
compliment to the area. He pointed out that on the corner of Veterans Parkway
and Cooper Creek, there is an old building that is rented, a total of 4 lots
comprising 2.5 acres and also 3 rundown framed houses that are not livable. He
said the proposed development would be more attractive and better represent the
community.
Councilor Davis said he would like to get an update on the liquor license
across the street at the gas station. He said he is concerned how that relates
because there is a school, churches and residents in that area.
Councilor Davis said coming from residential in this area, he is hesitant
on this zoning request. He said neighborhood commercial would probably be a
better fit. He said Mr. Spence would need 1400 to 1500 square feet to complete
the project, which would require a general commercial zoning and asked Mr.
Spence if he would agree to the use of that area as being the pharmacy and the
drug store as a condition in the ordinance.
Mr. Spence said certainly but if something goes wrong he would like to
have the other option without having to come back again. He said this area is
going commercial and it?s going to continue to go commercial. He said DOT has
generated plans to widen Veterans Parkway. He said we feel that this is an
appropriate move and the zoning board has approved it.
Councilor Allen said his concerns are regarding traffic and buffering. He
asked Mr. Spence what does he intend on doing with the backside of the property
as far as the buffer is concerned.
Mr. Spence said the site plan is showing the development being on the
Veterans Parkway side. He said there is plenty of room for parking and plenty
of room for buffering.
Councilor Allen said there are 3 options in the report and the site plan
shows a detention pond in the southeast corner. He said from the topography,
you would need to locate the detention pond in that corner because it doesn?t
leave much room for buffering. Councilor Allen asked Mr. Spence, once more,
where would the buffer be located?
Mr. Spence said the report from the planning department says it might not
be necessary for a detention pond. He said there is plenty of room on the 2.5
acres for a buffering area, if the Council requires it.
Councilor Allen said the Planning Department shows that you own the lot at
8231 Cooper Creek Rd. He said there is a significant buffer shown to us on the
current picture but it is not apart of the rezoning.
Mr. Spence said it should be a part of the rezoning, because the
application requested it.
Councilor Allen said there are only 4 lots being shown, starting from the
4 lots from the intersection of Veterans and Cooper Creek. He said 8231 is not
a part of the zoning that is shown to Council. He said there are only 4 lots
listed in the report.
Mr. Spence said because there was not a house on one of the lots, there
was no address for it. He said he does not know about the address 8231. He
said we have asked for 2.5 acres, which is all of the property owned by the 3
owners. He said this address has never been brought to my attention.
City Attorney Clifton Fay said the legal description that is on the
ordinance shows lots 1-4 shown on the plat. He said we would have to look to
see what that encompasses.
Councilor Allen suggested a 1-week delay on the rezoning.
City Attorney Fay said we would have to look at the old plat for lots 1-4
and see if it does include the area shown on the 5th lot.
Councilor Allen said he does not have a problem with the pharmacy and the
rezoning. He said his real concern is encroaching into the neighborhood with
general commercial. He said if this particular lot were included he would like
to retain the buffer that is located on it now. He said if the lot is not
included it is going to require amending the ordinance to require a buffer. He
said there are 3 options and he is asking for the densest buffer, which would
be 30 feet. Councilor Allen also said once we zone a property general
commercial, if for some reason the pharmacy decides not to locate there, there
would be a piece of commercial property in a dense residential area. He said
he would like to ask for a reversionary clause, so if the property is not used
it would go back to its original zoning.
Councilor Henderson said this is consistent to what we have done in the
past concerning a narrow lot that penetrates deep into a large residential
area. He said he is in support of a reversionary clause.
Councilor Davis asked Mr. Spence if he would take a look at the current
overlay district that?s being under consideration. Councilor Davis requested
that Mr. Jones help Mr. Spence in that area.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Councilor Allen would the item be delayed
for one week and remain on first reading or would it be brought back on second
reading.
City Attorney Fay said it would be brought back on second reading.
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THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED: _ ____
_____
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 7175 Beaver Run Road is
proposed for rezoning from LMI (Light Manufacturing/Industrial) zoning district
to GC (General Commercial) zoning district. (40-A-08-George C. Woodruff Co.)
PROPONENTS:
The petitioner, Ms. Lucy Jones representing the Woodruff Company, came
forward and said this small piece of property is 1.421 acres. She said the
Woodruff Company purchased the property in 1997, which was 30 years after the
original purchase of the 39.687 acres that adjoins the property. She said the
small piece of property was a printing shop for years, but now the printing
shop is gone and the property has been cleaned up. She said the zoning, as it
sits today, is LMI, but Mr. Woodruff?s intent is that this would become an
upscale shopping area.
City Attorney Fay declared that the public hearing has been held and the
ordinance would be listed next week on second reading.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED
ONFIRST READING:_______________________
_
An Ordinance ? Amending the text of the Unified Development Ordinance
(UDO) to replace Table 2.1.2 of the UDO with a new Table 2.1.2 that reflects
the land-uses adopted in the 2028 Comprehensive Plan. (43-A-08-Planning
Department)
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An Ordinance ? Amending the text of the Unified Development Ordinance to
amend several typographical errors regarding Chapters 7 and 9 of the Unified
Development Ordinance. (44-A-08-Planning Department)
City Attorney Fay declared that the public hearing has been held and the
ordinances would be listed next week on second reading.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING THIRTEEN 2009 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED
AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:__
______
A Resolution (553-08) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation that will allow for local reimbursement for
Homeowner Tax Relief Credit granted to qualified residents.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present at the time.
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A Resolution (554-08) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce legislation to remove mandatory fees paid to RDC?s for municipalities
with in-house Planning Departments. Regional Development Center fees should be
based on services rendered.
At this time, Councilor Anthony requested permission to abstain from voting
on this resolution. Councilor Hunter so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson
and carried unanimously by those members present, for this vote.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Anthony abstaining from the vote.
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A Resolution (555-08) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to change Georgia Department of Transportation
guidelines on road funding projects to allow municipalities to make
improvements and GADOT reimburse once the project reaches the top of the
priority list and funding is made available.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present at the time.
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A Resolution (556-08) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to increase transportation funding for Local Area
Road Projects (LARP) and for County Contracts to assist in the overall
development/impact of BRAC.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present at the time.
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A Resolution (557-08) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation supporting West Central Georgia Mental Health
Center, Georgia Crime Lab and Health Department Services remaining in Muscogee
County.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present at the time.
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A Resolution (558-08) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation requiring sales tax point of sale data by
Department of Revenue or private contractor.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present at the time.
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A Resolution (559-08) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
support legislation that encourages minimization of the consumptive use of
water so as to assure that downstream users water rights are fully protected.
Such legislation should be incorporated into requirements for all State Water
Planning activities.
Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present at the time.
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A Resolution (560-08) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to increase 911 fees from $1.50 to $2.50 for
telephone landlines and wireless phones from $1 to $2.50.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present at the time.
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A Resolution (561-08) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to allocate full funding for the Public
Defender?s Program.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present at the time.
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A Resolution (562-08) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
support legislation to provide that the costs of administering collection of a
delinquent property tax lien before or after making levy on property shall be
added to the execution and collection from the delinquent taxpayer.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote.
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A Resolution (563-08) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to strengthen state law regulating scrap metal
processors and to increase penalties for violations of said laws and for
convictions of theft of scrap metals.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present at the time.
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A Resolution (564-08) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce legislation to amend Columbus Charter Section 3-103(4), 1993 Ga.
Laws, p. 4988, so as to regulate meetings of the Columbus Council. Section
3-103(4) of the Columbus Charter is hereby amended by deleting the first two
sentences in their entirety and substituting a new first sentence to read as
follows: ?The Council shall hold at least two regular meetings per month.?
Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present at the time.
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ADD-ON
A Resolution (565-08) ? Authorizing the levy of an excise tax at a rate
not to exceed 8 percent of the charge for the furnishing for value to the
public of rooms, lodging or accommodations.
City Manager Hugley informed the Mayor that there was one item to be
discussed that was not listed on the legislative agenda. He said last year
during the 2008 legislative session hoteliers signed on a $2.00 destination fee
for Sports Council. He said we submitted it via resolution to the delegation.
He said it was determined that a destination fee would be unconstitutional. He
said the Sports Council came forward and asked that we take the hotel/motel tax
from 7% to 8%. He said the Arts Council came forward and asked for the 1% that
was remaining on our local ability to go to 8% for hotel motel tax. He said
the Arts Council and the Sports Council came to an agreement to go to the
hoteliers and ask them to support the 1% hotel/motel tax that is left. He said
they asked that it would be approved for the Sports Council. He said the
Sports Council would agree that the .065%, which they receive from CCVB, would
go to the Arts Council. He said there are 43 hotels and 9 have said they agree
with the 1% going to Sports Council, but they don?t agree with the Sports
Council giving up their .065% to the Arts Council. He said in all there are 28
hotels that support the formula. He said he has presented the Council with
House Bill 1168 section 9 (2). He said we can do this and ask the delegation
to do it but it applies to Columbus Muscogee only and not to any other
municipality across the state.
Councilor Davis requested to speak to the motion. He said he has spoken
with a lot of the hotel owners and most of them are in support of the money
going to the Sports Council. He said some of the concerns might be in
reservation of how the money is spent and used throughout the community.
He said the comforting part is that if the legislatures approve it, there would
be discussion about how the money would be appropriated.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
at the time.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR 2009 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND REFERRED BACK TO THE STATE LEGISLATORS:
A Resolution Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to amend local laws to leave the Clerk of
Superior Court and Tax Commissioner salaries tied to the Muscogee County
Sheriff, but to allow receipt of COLA?s and longevity increases even if their
tenure exceeds the tenure of the Muscogee County Sheriff.
Councilor McDaniel said he would like to offer an amendment and said
rather than the elected officials submitting their approvals to the Council;
they should submit them directly to the legislatures.
Councilor Allen said if we are funding the job, we have asked that they
come through us before they go to the legislature, because we have had some
bypass moves where they have went directly to the legislature and we were
mandated to fund it. He said if we have to pay their salary we would prefer
that they come through the Council for approval.
Councilor Henderson said he does not have a problem with them going
straight to the legislature but he does admire and thank them for coming to the
Council first because the Council has to deal with the budget.
City Attorney Fay said we have a choice whether or not to recommend
something that has passed to be paid out of county funds, but we don?t control
how the law has changed at the General Assembly. He said if they change these
local acts to increase of salaries then the salaries would have to come out of
city funds. He said you don?t have to take action on it, you can simply refer
it to the local delegation or you can recommend it be passed.
Councilor Allen said the Sheriff is a constitutional officer and the
Marshal?s position is not a constitutional officer.
City Manager Hugley confirmed Councilor Anthony?s statement. He said the
Marshal is currently at 70% of the Sheriff and said the City Attorney has
worked with them to draft this.
City Attorney Fay went on to explain that the Marshal?s amendment would go
from 70% to 80% of the Sheriff?s salary. He said it would be 80% of the
Sheriff?s salary and they would also receive longevity increases that are
granted to the Sheriff. He said there is a new incoming Sheriff who would not
be entitled to a longevity increase until 4 years passes.
Councilor Allen asked what does that translate to into dollars.
City Attorney Fay said the longevity would be roughly $4000 and said COLA
does not apply to the Sheriff. He said as far as, the Tax Commissioner and the
Clerk, they do include COLA and longevity, which is generally 2% per year.
Discussion went on for another 10 minutes, with several Councilors
expressing their views on this matter.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to refer the matter to the State
Legislatives. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present at the time.
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A Resolution Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
Introduce/support legislation to amend local laws to set the Marshal and Clerk
of Municipal Court salaries at 80% of the Muscogee County Sheriff and to allow
receipt of longevity increases granted to the Muscogee County Sheriff.
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A Resolution requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation supports creation
of a separate state public health agency.
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A Resolution requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation supports
legislation that would restore the family planning funds to the local Board Of
Health.
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A Resolution requisition that the Local Legislative Delegation supports
continuation of the current public health system district map and for Columbus
to remain the district headquarters for the West Central Health District.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS 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 WOODSON, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING,
WITH COUNCILOR DAVIS BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE:
A Resolution (566-08) ? Authorizing the designation of Parcel Welcome
Center Road, a portion of Williams Way and
Parcel 9 Right-of-Way, a portion of Williams Court as public streets and accept
a deed to Part of lot
273, 19th District also known as Williams Court Cul-de-sac. The Department of
Engineering has inspected these streets and
recommends the acceptance. An agenda report, maps and resolution are attached.
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THE FOLLOWING SIX 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
HUNTER, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR
THIS MEETING, WITH COUNCILOR DAVIS BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:
_
A Resolution (567-08) ? Authorizing approval to purchase servers for the
telephone system from AT&T (Baltimore, MD) in the amount of $44,475.76.
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A Resolution (568-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of four (4)
zero-turn-radius mowers, via Georgia State Contract, SWC S-080775, from Moridge
Manufacturing, Inc., (Moundridge, KS) for the total purchase amount of
$28,866.68.
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A Resolution (569-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) vans,
commercial cutaway from Rivertown Ford (Columbus, GA) in the amount of
$67,452.00.
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A Resolution (570-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of twenty-seven rugged
laptop computers, including installation and configuration, from Motorola, Inc.
(Columbus, GA) in the amount of $174,123.00.
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A Resolution (571-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of additional disk
drives, as well as installation and configuration services, from
IBM/Cornerstone Systems, Inc., (Irvine, CA), in the amount of $96,105.00.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (572-08) ? Authorizing the Columbus Consolidated Government
to enter into negotiations with CHI Development LLC, c/o Neighborworks
Columbus, for the purchase and redevelopment of approximately 35.57 acres of
vacant land located off Cusseta Road and Fort Benning Road.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: ________________________
________________________
(1) Memorandum from Mr. Tom Sikes, Re: Closing of the GBI Crime Lab in
Columbus, Georgia.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Airport Commission.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Cooperative Extension
Advisory Board.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLANED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_________________________________
A Resolution (573-08) ? Approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of November 2008.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (574-08) - Approving a hardship variance to waive street
frontage requirements at 7218 Layfield Road.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of the application. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present
at the time, with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
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TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a memorandum on behalf of the
chairman of the Taxicab Commission- Mr.
David Cassell, requesting the seat of Mr. James Nash be declared vacant.
Councilor McDaniel moved the
memorandum be received. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pugh and carried unanimously
by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote
*** *** ***
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS,
WHICH WERE OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL: _
____________ _
Airport Commission, September 24, 2008.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 41-08.
Development Authority, November 6, 2008.
Family & Children Services, December 2, 2008.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Pugh and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE NEW ZONING PETITIONS, RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL BY BOTH
THE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING DIVISION WAS SUBMITTED BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR
BY COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL:________________________
____________
Petition submitted by Carolyn Thomas to rezone .49 acre of property
located at 418 Andrews Road from RMF2 (Residential Multi-Family 2) to GC
(General Commercial) district. (45-A-08-Thomas)
Petition submitted by George Mize, Jr. to rezone 2.305 total acres of
property located at 2221 & 2311 Manchester Expressway from NC (Neighborhood
Commercial) to GC (General Commercial) district.
(46-A-08-Mize)
Petition submitted by the Planning Department to amend the text of the
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to amend typos and minor errors in Chapters
Eight (8), Twelve (12) and Thirteen (13). (47-A-08 Planning Dept.)
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF HEALTH:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Dr. Price Walker and Dr. Carlos
Wise were both nominated to fill the seat of Dr. Howard Willis on the Board of
Health.
After a roll call vote for the seat of Dr. Howard Willis, Dr. Price Walker
received four votes: Councilors Allen, Anthony, Hunter and McDaniel. Dr.
Carlos Wise received six votes: Councilors Baker, Barnes, Davis, Henderson,
Turner Pugh and Woodson. Councilor Henderson moved confirmation. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that seats of Mr. Brian Stone and Ms.
La Fini Mosby are declared vacant; therefore a representative is needed to fill
both vacancies.
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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. James Webster, as well as Mr.
James Yancey?s terms expired on last month and they both have been nominated to
serve another term. She also advised that two additional nominees are needed.
Clerk of Council Washington advised that the term of Ms. Nancy Rinn
expired last month and she is not eligible to succeed herself; therefore three
nominees are needed for her seat.
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Thomas Gurr resigned his
position on the Hospital Authority; therefore three nominees are needed for his
seat, as well. She said the Authority would select those new members.
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PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Ms. Sarah Sillitto has been
nominated by Councilor Baker to replace Mr. James Wilson on the Public Safety
Advisory Commission. Councilor Henderson moved confirmation. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members present at the
time, with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
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TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Jeff Johnston and Mr. Ronald
Parker were both nominated to fill the seat of Mr. Wallace Archie on the
Taxicab Commission.
After a roll call vote for the seat of Mr. Wallace Archie, Mr. Jeff
Johnston received four votes: Councilors Allen, Anthony, Hunter and Turner
Pugh. Mr. Ronald Parker received six votes: Councilors Baker, Barnes, Davis,
Henderson, McDaniel and Woodson. Councilor Henderson moved confirmation.
Seconded by Councilor Anthony and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present.
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UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Uptown Columbus would recommend
a nominee to fill the seat of Mr. David Wolf on the Uptown Fa?ade Board.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Councilor Allen is nominating
Ms. Amanda Mckenna for District 6 on the Youth Advisory Council. Councilor
Woodson moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those nine members present at the time, with Councilor Davis
being absent for this vote.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request by City Manager Hugley, Mayor Pro-Tem Turner
Pugh made a motion to allow the Council to go into an executive session to
discuss a real estate issue acquisition. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
*** *** ***
At 11:00 a.m. the regular session was adjourned to allow the Council to go
into an executive session.
*** *** ***
At 11:16 p.m. the meeting was called back to order at which time Mayor
Wetherington pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to
discuss a real estate acquisition, but no action was taken.
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OTHER COMMENTS AND REQUESTS FROM COUNCIL:
CHANGE OF VOTE:
Councilor Anthony said he would like to register a negative vote on the
second reading of the ordinance to change the Council?s meeting schedule. He
requested that his vote be changed to no.
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OTHER COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS AND COUNCIL:
MR. BERT COKER, 5815 VENTURA DRIVE:
Mr. Bert Coker came forward and read from the 1993 SPLOST and Resolution
395-99.
He said he is bringing the issue forward because the citizens of Columbus
voted in favor of this particular SPLOST vote. He said there are 3 projects
going, which are a skateboard park, an ice skating rink and a natatorium. He
said we did vote on the swimming pool but we did not vote on the natatorium.
He said there are stakeholders in this town who have more power than the voters
themselves.
Mr. Coker also expressed that he feels that there should not be an
increase in the garbage fee.
Mr. Coker made comments relating to Columbus South Developmental
Opportunity.
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With there being no additional business for the Council to discuss, Mayor
Wetherington then entertained a motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present at the time, with the time being 11:20 p.m.
Tiny Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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