MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
NOVEMBER 18, 2008
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:02 A.M., Tuesday, November 18, 2008, in the Council Chambers on
the Plaza Level of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Evelyn
Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than were Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh were Councilors Mike
Baker, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Charles E. McDaniel Jr., and Evelyn
Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington, and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also
present.
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ABSENT: Mayor Wetherington and Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Jerry
?Pops? Barnes, Julius H. Hunter, were absent, but was excused upon the adoption
of Resolution Number 455-08, 456-08 & 457-08 respectively.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Andrew Shepperd First African Baptist Church.
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PLEDGE: Led by students from St. Luke Early Learning Center.
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ABSENCE OF MAYOR WETHERINGTON:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh pointed out that Mayor Wetherington is in town
on this morning, but said he is at Fort Benning for the Change of Command with
the new Commanding General.
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PROCLAMATION:
?NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL ONE- ACT PLAY DAY?:
With Directors Ms. Lisa Brinker, Mr. Isaiah Harper and Mrs. Christine
Powell, and members of the Cast and Crew standing at the Council table,
Councilor Henderson read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming
November 18, 2008 as ?Northisde High School One ? Act Play Day, in Columbus,
Georgia.
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?FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA & PHI BETA LAMBDA
DAY?:______________________________________________
With Ms. Tonza S. Thomas, State Historian/Reporter and
other members standing at the
Council table, Councilor McDaniel read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington,
proclaiming November 15, 2008 as ?Future Business Leaders of America?, in
Columbus, Georgia.
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MAYORS? AGENDA:
WITH MARSHAL GREG COUNTRY AND MEMBERS OF HIS
STAFF STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING
RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR
BAKER AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:____________________
A Resolution (511-08) ? Commending Marshal Greg Countryman and
staff for placing second in the National Law Enforcement Challenge
sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Councilor
Baker moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
McDaniel and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present
for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Anthony, Barnes and Hunter being
absent.
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COLUMBUS WATER WORKS PUBLIC HEARING:
Mr. Billy Turner, President of Columbus Water Works came forward and said
this is a public hearing authorized by the Water Board in its meeting on
November 10th to present information on the proposed changes in water and
wastewater rates and fees and financial condition of the Water Works. He said
it is also to comply with the Council?s direction by resolution to hold these
hearings at the Council meeting.
He then went into details and outlined the following information regarding
this proposed rate increase, as listed below.
PRIOR SITUATION:
No rate increase in 7 years 1996-2002
$3.2 million loss of revenue in 2001-2002
$15.5 million from reserves in past 10 years
Starting in 2002, developed and implemented
comprehensive Five Year Rolling Financial Plan
Contracted to provide water and sewer service
to Fort Benning in October 2004
Master Plan for BRAC and other growth
Current rates lowest in Southeast Cities
Mr. Turner presented a chart of the current rates at 20 CCF to show how
compatible our water rates are here in Columbus, Georgia. He said this is based
on our average customer water and wastewater service level and said the only
two cities on this chart to be lower than us is Harris and Talbot County. He
said that is for water service only, it does not include any wastewater
service. He said our rates have been kept very low.
He also highlighted the comparison of staffing for the Columbus Water
Works from 1992 through 2009 stating that they have less employees performing
services for the basic Columbus operation than they did twenty years ago. He
said the only additions have been to the Combined Sewer Overflow Treatment
Plant operation that involves five employees and the twenty staff members that
are necessary to meet the Fort Benning needs.
Mr. Turner also went into some details and outlined the Audit
Reconciliation Summary For Calculating Debt Coverage, which he said is a
financial condition assessment of the Water Works in 2007 and 2008, where it
shows that our revenues dipped severely in 2008. He said this is due to two
things: the water restrictions placed on them during the drought and the loss
of the Swift Company. He said their operating expenses are up to about 3%. He
said their coverage was pretty good during these years, but said what you will
see in the following presentation by Mr. Jon Davis is that during the next
couple of years will not look good without the rate increase.
He said we shared with you back in 2002 a capital plan that was laid out
for the next ten years and said they are very much on track with that, but said
they have to issue another bond issue in 2011. He said they have included the
BRAC projects and said nine of those projects have been funded. He said four of
those projects have not been funded and said they are proposing a funding
option.
Mr. Turner then concluded his portion of the presentation after he
outlined the current rate changes to date, as well as outlined the rate changes
for the new five-year plan, as detailed below; and after which he called upon
Mr. Jon Davis of Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. to come forward and make
a presentation on the actual determination of the rate increase.
Rate Changes to Date
FY2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Original Plan 14.8% 14.2% 7.7% 5.0% 4.3% 3.9%
Implemented 14.8% 13.1% 8.1% 4.95% 4.6% 3.88%
Rate Changes for New 5 Year Plan
FY2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Proposed Plan 3.9% 3.9% 3.9% 3.9% 3.9%
Recommended 3.88% * 3.77%
Mr. Jon Davis of Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., then came
forward and made a brief presentation, in which he went into some details
outlining the following information:
Purpose of Review
Five-Year Planning Projections
Proposed 2009 Rate Recommendations
2009 Objective
Continue five-year rate projections that prioritize efficiency
and system sustainability through 2012 and beyond.
Mr. Davis showed a chart of the Deficit without Rate Increase and said it shows
what would happen if they are not granted a rate increase as proposed, as there
would be a deficit this year, as well as next year. He said that deficit would
not be bridged totally with the rate increase, but also with withdrawals and
transfers from the fund balance.
He stated that there are several reasons for the rate increase and then
went into some details in outlining those as listed below.
Reasons For Rate Increases
Inflationary Increases in Costs
Debt Service Coverage Requirements
Sr. Debt Service Coverage (1.20x required)
All Obligations Coverage (1.05x required)
Funding of Capital Program
Infrastructure renewal
Regulatory requirements
Usage pattern changes due to conservation urgency
Mr. Davis said the rate increase projections that was presented earlier by
Mr. Turner which are 3.88% that was implemented in 2008, 3.77% planned for
2009, and 4% increases projected for the next three years. He said a national
study of water and wastewater rates across the board shows an average annual
increase of 4% per year for all utilities; therefore, these are well below the
average increases.
He then showed a chart, which highlighted the 2009 Water Base Charges that
will be effective on January 1, 2009. It included the meter size, which ranges
from 5/8? to 10?, the current minimum charge for each of those meter sizes, as
well as the projected minimum charge.
Mr. Davis also pointed out the 2009 water volume charges that will also
take effect on January 1, 2009. He said it includes the non-industrial charge,
which is an inclining block as required by the State; meaning the higher usage
gets a slightly higher rate. He said there is also the industrial rate that is
a declining block; which requires a slightly lower rate.
He said there is a base charge for wastewater customer, a volume metric
rate and then there is the CSO charge that is based on the customers? usage. He
then showed an example of three typical residential customers and gave a
comparison of each of those customers? bill with a 5 ccf customer, a low volume
customer (2008 rate $26.07, 2009 rate would be $27.04; a 10 ccf customer, an
average volume customer (2008 rate $44.17, 2009 rate $45.84; and a 20 ccf
customer, a large volume customer (2008 rate $71.33, 2009 rate $73.97; which
outlines the average bill for each of those customers.
In conclusion of his presentation, Mr. Davis then outlined several
observations and conclusions as detailed below:3.52
$24.42
2009 rate increases are necessary to:
Satisfy existing debt service coverage requirements
Continue the capital program
Address projected deficits
An ?Affordability Program? is in place to assist low-income customers with
water and sewer bills
Projected customer bills compare favorably with other similar communities in
the region
Projected rate increases are below the national average for water and sewer
rates.
In response to a question of Councilor Woodson, Ms. Gwen Ruff of the
Columbus Water Works came forward and explained the Affordability Program to
the Council that are available. She said this program mirrors the affordability
program that is currently in place with the City of Columbus
for the garbage fee. She said if a customer currently receives the discount for
the garbage fee, their Customer Service Department would automatically adjust
their billing account to give them credit on their water bill. However, if a
customer who does not have garbage services may apply through the Citizens
Service Center for the discount or they can come to the Columbus Water Works
and they have an application in which they can complete. She said they would
have to show their proof of income; and then we would update their records to
automatically apply the discount to their bill.
Mr. Billy Turner said this is a public hearing and said it is not
something that the Council has to take action on, as the Columbus Water Board
actually address the water and sewer rate program in the community and they are
here to answer any questions that the Mayor & Council may have. He said the
Water Board would take the results of this public hearing and consider it in
their December meeting.
City Attorney Fay said he believes that there are persons in the audience
that would like to be heard and said at this time we will give them an
opportunity to be heard.
Prior to those persons being heard, City Manager Hugley said he would like
to provide some clarification regarding the discount or low rate that we have
for low-income persons. He said it is not for seniors, but for those persons
who fall into a low-income category based on the Federal poverty rate. He said
he just wanted to provide that clarification because he noticed that Ms. Ruff
did mention seniors, and he didn?t want those seniors to think that they have
missed out on a discount.
Mr. Bert Coker, of 5815 Ventura Drive then came forward and expressed his
comments regarding the proposed water rate increase. He said if selling water
to Fort Benning, Harris County and Talbot County is going to cost us money why
are we doing it. He said he thinks that we need to cut that out and take care
of our citizens here in Muscogee County. He said that is a part of that
regionalism he doesn?t like.
He said we are in tough economical times as everyone knows and said there
are a lot of foreclosures in our area and many people are having hard times,
and we have more homeless people; therefore, he feels like we should have a
reduction in our rates rather than increasing them. He said we need to think
about the people that can?t afford these rate increases and try to cut back on
some of these things, i.e. garbage collection fee, water fee and all these
other fees that we are being charged. He said right now he doesn?t think it is
the time to increase these fees and he would encourage the Water Board to
consider that.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh to respond to those comments
of Mr. Coker with respect to the Fort Benning water issue,
Mr. Billy Turner said regarding those comments Mr. Coker made with respect to
the regional services that we have, he can assure Mr. Coker, as well as this
Council that every one of those customers make a contribution to the City of
Columbus in terms of the rates that they are charged for their water and
wastewater services. He said in the case of the Fort Benning contract, they
have a return on the investment as a part of the contract; so there is actual
money flowing from each one of those regional customers into the coffers that
are used to provide services for the citizens of Columbus, Muscogee County.
He said as far as Fort Benning is concerned, they have another item on the
City Attorney?s agenda today with regards to financing out there and he would
propose to cover more of the details of that item when it comes up on the
agenda. He said the contract that they signed in 2004 with Fort Benning is a
contract that does not costs the citizens of Columbus, Muscogee County not one
penny to provide services; but, in fact gives us a return on investments. He
said the facilities that Fort Benning actually uses, we have excess capacity
and they are using some of that capacity to get a return on the investment for
that.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said one of the things that Mr. Turner may want
to look at in the brochures that was distributed to the members of Council this
morning, where it showed the current rates from April 2008 that was outlined by
Mr. Turner versus those updated rates, as outlined on Page 11 that were
compared by Mr. Jon Davis, it looks like Harris & Talbot County are flip flop.
Mr. Bob Tante said they do have some copies available here today and he
would be glad to distribute them and if there is any one who doesn?t get a copy
of that, they can feel free to give either him or Ms. Ruff a call at the
Columbus Water Works.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then asked if there were additional questions on
this public hearing.
With there being no one else to speak to this issue, Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh then declared this public hearing has been held.
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INTERNATAL AUDIT UPDATE:
Mr. John Redmond, Internal Auditor/Compliance Officer said he is here
today to provide a report on the second & third quarter audit activities for
2008. He then provided an update on the following three departments: The
Columbus Civic Center, Payroll & Tax Assessor?s Office.
Mr. Redmond then went into some details and pointed out that he did a full
scope audit of the following areas within the Civic Center:
Operations
Finance
Ticketing Operations
Marketing
Facilities & Equipment
Center Utilization & Profitability
Management Continuity
Civic Center Findings:
Compliant with Financial and Operating Policies of the City
Competent & Experienced Staff
Well-Maintained Facility & Equipment
New Ice Floor/Scoreboard/Signage
Management Experience & Competence
Number of Events continues to increase
Profitable Enterprise
Columbus Civic Center ? Success Factors:
Offers a variety of sporting and entertainment events that appeal to a wide
range of patrons
Provides value for the entertainment dollar
Facility is convenient, safe and customer friendly
Professional sport teams provide a revenue foundation
Builds on past successes when contracting new events
Payroll Audits:
Payroll represents $129 Million of the City?s Annual Expenditures
Principal risks
Payroll Calculation
Rates
Hours
Phantom Employees
Payroll Audit Findings:
No Phantom Employees
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Tax Assessors Office
Mr. Redmond said the Tax Assessors Office has a lot of responsible,
whereby they oversee the assessment of Commercial Real Estate, Residential Real
Estate Personal Property.
He then went into some details in outlining the scope of the Audit, as
detailed below:
Follow-up on Pended Commercial Property Appraisals
Review Residential Property Appraisals for pended items
Determine underlying causes of pended items
Identify other opportunities for improved efficiency
Recommend solutions for improvement
Magnitude of Importance
Property taxes are $81.7 Million annually and account for 40% of general
government revenues
Board of Tax Assessors is responsible for the valuation of properties and the
integrity of the tax digest and has to be submitted to the State Department of
Revenue for approval.
The tax digest consists of over 60,000 residential properties, over 10,000
commercial properties and over 14,000 personal property accounts
The Georgia Department of Revenue requires that the Tax Digest be submitted for
review of accuracy and equity on an annual basis
The Chief Appraiser must be a Level 4 Appraiser to certify the digest for a
County of our size
Follow-up on unbilled commercial properties:
Over $2 Million has been completed and prepared for billing
Some of the unbilled items were actually pre-map-split properties that needed
to be deleted from the digest
Outstanding items are continuing to be worked on
The Chief Appraiser is providing a status update report bi-weekly to the
auditor until completed
Residential property review for pended assessments:
43 properties were identified as pended
20 parcels were awaiting map-splits
13 properties were designated for conservation use
8 properties were ready for billing
1 property was being reviewed for historic exemption
1 property was approved for tax exemption
All are now complete and have been billed
Audit Findings:
The department is understaffed
A career ladder is needed to recruit and retain experienced appraisers and
support staff
A staffing continuity plan needs to be developed
The Oasis System is badly in need of upgrading
Support systems need to be integrated with the Oasis System
Mr. Redmond pointed out that even though they have filled the 4 or 5
positions that were vacant when the audit commenced back in the spring;
however, they are still understaffed compared to comparable governments around
the State. He said they now have 23 full time employees, however, Chatham
County has 60 employees. He said Hall County has 40 employees and Richmond
County has 36 employees. He said one of the things that he has determined is
that they need to retain employees so that they can move up to the higher
levels of the appraiser level and in order to do that he said that a career
ladder is needed.
Computer hardware and peripheral equipment needs to be upgraded
The department needs more space
Another 4-wheel drive vehicle is needed
GIS maps need to be proofed and aligned to be used as tax maps
Some property address corrections are needed
Mr. Redmond then went into further details in outlining the present and
Future Plans for Office of the Board of Tax Assessors, as well as the
recommendations as outlined below.
Current Organizational Chart
Organization: Five Years Later
Organization: Seven Years Later
Career Ladders
Enable recruitment at any experience level needed
Enable retention of mid to upper level staff
Tool to accomplish implementation of Continuity Plan
Technology Issues
Establish an upgrade strategy/plan for the Oasis System in concert with IT
Department
Evaluate computer hardware and peripheral equipment needs and upgrade as
necessary
Integrate Apex and other sub-systems with Oasis or IAS World
Address special equipment needs of Ownership record techs and Mapped-Appraisers
GIS Tax Maps/Addresses
Provide specification to GIS for Tax Maps needed
Assist with proofing and aligning GIS Tax Maps
Assist with address corrections as needed
Fill the vacant Administrative Manager and Commercial Appraiser positions
Adopt and implement career ladders for appraisers and support staff
Add a Mapper/Appraiser and a Paralegal (with Real Estate Law background) to
resolve deed problems and other legal issues
Develop a Continuity Plan to ensure that adequate management and professional
staff will exist to fulfill the duties of the board of Tax Assessors.
Formulate an implementation strategy/plan for upgrading Oasis Software and
computer equipment in concert with IT Department
Design GIS layers for Tax Maps to meet the needs of the appraisers
Utilize City training resources for Excel, Word, Power Point and Access
Productivity software
Develop or purchase training programs for Ethics, Customer Service, Telephone
Skills, etc.
Utilize Human Resources for clerical skills proficiency testing
Provide coaching/mentoring classes for appraisers to enhance success rates on
classes and examinations
Establish a pro-active recruitment program to attract students into appraisal
field
Expand departmental space to meet current and projected needs of departmental
staff and storage
Request that the Engineering Department maintain the blue line hardcopy maps
until GIS Maps meet the precision levels of the Assessors
Collaborate with Planning, Assessors, Permitting, Inspections and Development
to ensure that all Plats, deeds, address numbering and other documents are
received before permits and certificates of occupancy are issued for commercial
and residential developments. A checklist could aid in this process.
After the conclusion Mr. Redmond?s presentation, Councilor Woodson asked
City Manager Hugley if we are looking at the recommendation that the Auditor
made on the career ladder; putting it in conjunction with your Management
Program that you have. City Manager Hugley said he will work with the Tax
Assessors Office and said we do realize on the department head to get together
with a HR Director and they establish a career ladder that will be submitted
for approval. He said many of our departments have already done that and he
will make sure that the Tax Assessors Office work to get that career ladder
into place.
Councilor Woodson said she would ask that the City Manager keep her
apprised of what?s going on with this career ladder.
Mr. Redmond then responded to questions of members of the Council
regarding many of the recommendations as outlined in his report.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the September 30,
2008 Council Meeting of the Council of the Consolidated Government of
Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved by the Council upon the
adoption of a motion made by Councilor Henderson and seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those six members of
Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Anthony, Barnes
and Hunter absent from the meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
AT THE REQUEST OF CITY MANAGER HUGLEY, THE FOLLOWNIG RESOLUTION WAS CALLED
AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL
AFTER SOME DISCUSISON:_________________
A Resolution (512-08) ? Authorizing the President of the Columbus Water
Works to execute a contract modification to increase supply of water and sewage
treatment capacity to Ft. Benning, Georgia.
Mr. Billy Turner of the Columbus Water Works said we all know of the
impact of the Base Realignment Closure activities that Ft. Benning and what is
coming in 2011 and 2012. He said in 2005 the Columbus Water Works; at the
request of Ft. Benning did an elevation of those needs, which has been updated
with a Master Plan done early last year. He said there was $80 million worth of
water and wastewater needs to meet Ft. Benning?s BRAC requirements. He said
some of the funding actually comes through the Core of Engineering and said
they have taken on implementation of $18 million of that $80 million. He said
they have already provided to them $20 million to use to implement nine
projects that are on the base and said they have had those designed and are
currently under construction. He said there are only four projects remaining
that have not been funded and Ft. Benning has asked the Columbus Water Works to
provide the funding for those projects under an amendment of their existing
2004 contract.
He said they have worked very closely with Mr. Barry Vaught from Hatcher
Stubbs law firm, who is present here today and King & Spaulding has been their
bond counsel. He said Mr. Vernon Duck from Ft. Benning is also present with
them here this morning. He said Mr. Cliff Arnett and Mr. Emory Blount have
worked hard to put together this agreement, which is a part of the Council?s
agenda packet.
Mr. Turner said contracting with anyone outside of Muscogee County and any
debt financing that they do requires approval of the Council; therefore, they
are here this morning to request the Council?s approval of the resolution, as
outlined above.
He said the total cost including the cover would be paid in the contract
by Ft. Benning by this amendment. He said they would actually pay them the
amount, funding necessary to meet the debt needs, plus pay an additional amount
that meets the coverage requirements that was discussed in the presentation
earlier this morning about the rate increase. He said they believe by virtue of
the negotiations that they have been in with Ft. Benning, they have covered all
of the issues and believe they have an iron clad contract that no matter what
happens at Ft. Benning, if it were shut down, that the government is still
responding for meeting all the debt requirements
Issuing this debt creates those.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present
for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Anthony, Barnes, Hunter being absent.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like to point out for the records
that she has already cleared with the City Attorney as to whether or not she
can vote on issues today. She said she is still an elected official, but just
sitting in for the Mayor who is not incapacitated, as he is still the Mayor.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS ADVERTISED:_____________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 2361 South Lumpkin Road from
an SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) zoning district to an NC (Neighborhood
Commercial) zoning district. (39-A-08-Bradford) The proposed use is a food
store and restaurant.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Bob Bradford, 3615 Gentian Boulevard, the petitioner was present, but
he did not make a presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this
proposed rezoning ordinance. However, he did respond to questions of the
Council members.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 3844 Aldridge Road from a GC
(General Commercial) zoning district to an LMI (Light Manufacturing
/Industrial) zoning district. (37-CA-08-Meacham) The proposed use is
commercial services.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Chris Meacham, the petitioner was present, but he did not make a
presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning
ordinance.
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An Ordinance ? Amending the text to the Unified Development Ordinance to
add pole banners as a type of sign to amend several
Typographical errors regarding Chapters 5 and 13 of the Unified Development
Ordinance. (41-A-08-Planning Department)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Will Johnson, of the Planning Department went into some details and
outlined the proposed changes that are being made to the Unified Development
Ordinance, as outlined below.
Pole Banners. Pole banners erected by local, state, or federal officials
or their designee.
Chapter 5 of the Unified Development Ordinance is hereby amended by amending
Section 5.4.2.A.2.B to read as follows:
B. Hazardous Materials. Any new facility that handles hazardous materials
of the types listed in Section 313 of the Emergency Planning Right-To-Know Act,
excluding underground storage tanks, and in amounts of 10,000 pounds or more on
any one day, shall perform their operations on impermeable surfaces having
spill and leak collection systems as prescribed by DNR.
Amending Section 5.6.4 to read as follows hereby amends chapter 5 of the
Unified Development Ordinance:
Design professionals shall indicate wetlands on appropriate plan sheets
required for a land disturbance permit application. The design professional
that prepared the required plans accompanying the permit application shall add
a statement to the appropriate plan sheets indicating whether or not wetlands
are located on the property by checking the appropriate box. At a minimum, the
statement shall be placed on the Grading Plan; the Erosion, Sedimentation and
Pollution Control Plan; and the Storm water Management Site Plan.
Amending various definitions to read as follows hereby amends chapter 13
of the Unified Development Ordinance:
Critical root zone means an area on the ground around a tree that is within the
drip line of a tree, and/or 1.5 times DBH in feet radius.
Design Professional means a person registered in the State of Georgia as a
Landscape Architect or Professional Engineer.
Site development permit means a permit issued giving authorization to begin
land disturbing activities for all non-exempt land disturbing activities other
than those requiring UDP (Utility Development Permit) or MLD (Minor Land
Disturbance Permit) as defined in Chapter 10 of this UDO.
Deleting various definitions as follows hereby amends chapter 13 of the
Unified Development Ordinance:
Residential development permit means a permit issued giving authorization to
begin land-disturbing activities for a single-family residential construction
project as defined in Chapter 8 of this UDO.
Restaurant, fast food or drive-in or drive-in stand means an establishment that
provides ready-to-eat food for consumption in the restaurant's seating
facilities or in the patron's vehicles.
City Attorney Fay said this ordinance would be voted on at next week?s
Consent Agenda.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING SIX RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND
THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL
PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND
SECONDED BY COUNCLOR MCDANIEL, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SIX MEMBERS
PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH COUNCILROS ALLEN, ANTHONY, BARNES & HUNTER BEING
ABSENT:_____________________________________________________
A Resolution (513-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Van Douglas Borum
upon his retirement from the Columbus Fire and EMS Department after 34 years of
service.
A Resolution (514-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Jesse Jones Jr.
upon his retirement from the Columbus Fire and EMS Department after 33
years of service.
A Resolution (515-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. David Marshall
upon his retirement from the Columbus Fire and EMS Department after 27
years of service.
A Resolution (516-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Harold W.
McDaniel upon his retirement from the Columbus Fire and EMS
Department after over 29 years of service.
A Resolution (517-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Earl B. Neel Jr.
upon his retirement from the Columbus Police Department after over 23
years of service.
A Resolution (518-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Steven L.
Willetts upon his retirement from the Columbus Fire and EMS Department
after 33 years of service.
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EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said we would like to express our sympathy to
the family of Mr. Frank Bullock, who recently passed. She said the funeral
would be tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church downtown.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEAR ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF THEIR COMMENTS:_________________________________________________
Ms. Linda George, Re: Trials of a Landlord.
Mr. Bert Coker, Re: (1) Development Authority-Rails & Trails, (2) Landfill
Issues and (3) City Council.
Dr. James Thorsen, Re: Central Riverfront District.
Mr. William Madison, Representing Local NAACP, Re: Concerns of the shooting
incident that occurred several weeks ago.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA;
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:___________________________________________
A Resolution (519-08) ? Amending Resolution # 291-08 and enter into a
supplemental contractual agreement with the Georgia Department of
Transportation (GDOT) to correct the previous contract amounts and receives
funds for the restoration and preservation of the Columbus Depot.
A Resolution (529-08) ? Authorization is requested to file a substantial amendment to the Annual
Action Plan and make application-requesting entitlement funding from the
Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) from the Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD).
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWELVE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTINO MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SIX MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING,
WITH COUNCILORS ALLEN, ANTHONY, BARNES AND HUNTER BEING ABSENT:____
A Resolution (521-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of 18 (eighteen)
replacement chairs from The Overby Company in the amount of $13,660.99. The
purchase will be accomplished via Georgia Statewide Contract #60748. The new
chairs will replace chairs that were purchased in 1996 when the Public Safety
Building was constructed. The old chairs require repairs and are no longer
covered under warranty. Chairs in the E911 center are utilized by various
individuals, 24 hours per day, everyday. The new chairs are specifically
designed for high-intensity environments where chairs perform all day, every
day, and support a wide range of users.
The Police Department tested high-usage chairs from Overby (via Georgia State
Contract) and Office Depot (via U.S. Communities Contract through GMA). The
chairs from The Overby Company proved to be more comfortable, easily adjustable
and higher quality.
A Resolution (522-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of digital surveillance
equipment from Columbus Fire & Safety in the amount of $14,496.58. The
equipment will be utilized at the RiverCenter Parking Garage. Part of the
current VCR system is outdated and constantly breaks down. Consequently,
repairs are costly due to the obsolescence of the equipment. Digital
surveillance systems installed in public places, buses, or retail centers can
deter crime, provide the police with leads, help citizens feel safer, and
improve the economy of a crime-stricken area. These IP-based systems not only
capture precise images, they do so in a way that is scalable within a company's
current IP network with pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras that are fast and
sophisticated. Columbus Fire & Safety was requested to provide a quote for the
new digital equipment. The new equipment will be used in conjunction with some
of the salvageable equipment from the old system; which was provided, and is
currently maintained by the vendor.
A Resolution (523-08) ? Authorizing the approval of an annual contract for
gym floor maintenance services from Stevens Gymnasiums, Inc., for the estimated
annual contract value of $9,990.00. The contractor will perform necessary
maintenance services to recondition the gym floors, including stripping/sealing
the wood gym flooring. The maintenance services will be performed, on an ?as
needed basis,? at: Comer Gym, North Columbus Gym, Shirley Winston Gym, Frank
D. Chester Gym, Northside Recreation Center and Psalmond Road Recreation
Center; as well as, stripping and refinishing the stage area at Comer gym for
the Parks & Recreation Department. The contract period is for two years, with
the option to renew for three additional twelve-month periods. Renewal is
contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
A Resolution (524-08) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of
pavement marking services from Peek Pavement Marking, Inc., for the estimated
annual contract value of $200,000.00. The contractor will perform pavement
marking services on City streets in accordance with the Federal Manual of
Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or as specified by the Traffic Engineer or
appointed agent. The contract period is for three years, with the option to
renew for two additional twelve-month periods. Renewal is contingent upon
mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
A Resolution (525-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of three (3) stationary
steam cleaners in the amount of $16,528.50 from Valley Hotsy. The replacement
stationary steam cleaners will be installed at the wash racks located on
Schatulga Road, behind Park Services and at the heavy equipment repair building
located at Pine Grove Landfill, and will be used to clean the back of garbage
trucks.
A Resolution (526-08) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with
Tracker Products LLC (Florence, KY) for a property and evidence barcode system.
The recommended vendor, Tracker Products, LLC, will provide and install a
property and evidence barcode system to be used by the Property & Evidence Unit
of the Columbus Police Department. This is a web-based system that will allow
access, with password availability, on a read-only basis to a wider scope of
users. Both the District Attorney's office and State Court Solicitor's office,
in preparing for cases, would benefit by having the ability to log onto a
system at any time and be able to see what evidence is available to them. The
same reasoning applies to police investigators, who are on duty 24/7, involved
in a follow-up investigation. Although the Property & Evidence Unit of the
Columbus Police Department is not open 24/7, the large number of personnel who
would be able to access it at any given hour makes a web-based bar code system
necessary. Such a system would be far more suitable and versatile for the
department?s needs.
A Resolution (527-08) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with
Geographic Information Services, Inc., to assist the City in the migration to
and implementation of ESRI?s ArcGIS9.2 Server Enterprise software.
The recommended vendor Geographic Information Services, Inc, will assist the
City in the migration to and implementation of ESRI?s ArcGIS9.2 Server
Enterprise software. In 2004 the City migrated its tax parcels, aerial
photography, contours and several key data sets from coverage to an ArcSDE 9.0
geodatabase. This data is currently accessed internally via ESRI desktop
products. In addition to the ArcSDE geodatabase, the City has data in several
personal geodatabases and multiple shape files. The City seeks to move all of
this data to a new implementation of ESRI?s ArcGIS Server in an effort to
establish, promote and coordinate the use of an enterprise GIS among Columbus
Consolidated Government departments and agencies to improve overall efficiency
and effectiveness in government decision-making.
A Resolution (528-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) cab and chassis
from Wade Ford (Smyrna, GA) in the amount of $44,592.00.00, and two (2) 12?
flat bed dump bodies from Park Built Body Company (Sylvester, GA) in the amount
of $13,968.00.
The trucks with 12? flat bed dump bodies are replacement units and will be used
by the Parks Services Division of the Parks & Recreation Department to
transport tools and work material for jobs at the Riverwalk and City owned
parks.
A Resolution (529-08) ? Authorizing payment to New Flyer Parts (Canada) in
the amount of $11,173.11, for various bus repairs and parts occurring during
the month of October. The repairs and bus parts are required from New Flyer as
they are the manufacturer of the buses. These expenditures are part of the
normal maintenance required for the buses utilized by METRA.
A Resolution (530-08) ? Authorizing payment to Motorola, in the amount of
$28,977.36, for the annual Maintenance Agreement (October 2008 through
September 2009) for the E911 Plant Integrated Radio System Console Equipment
and Central Electronics Bay. The Police Department (through the E911 Center)
and Sheriff?s Office uses Motorola Console equipment to dispatch the various
Public Safety Units throughout the City as they are needed. This equipment is
a critical part of Public Safety communications system. It has, since the
initial warranty expired, been covered by a comprehensive 24/7/365 maintenance
agreement with Motorola in order to assure rapid and accurate repairs and
minimal down time. This maintenance agreement also covers the bi-directional
amplification system that provides a back up to the console system and allows
the 911 Center to continue to operate should the console equipment stop
working. This Maintenance Agreement will insure that the City receives
complete and cost effective support of this equipment and allows the City to
control the operating costs associated with the console equipment.
A Resolution (531-08) ? Authorizing the approval of a contract with
Columbus Towing & Recovery, Inc., to provide traffic incident management
services. Traffic Incident Management Services (TIMS) is vehicular road
services typically and commonly provided by wrecker/towing services. Vehicles
shall include all self-propelled vehicles, including two-wheel, three-wheel
vehicles, which are defined as a motor vehicle in Ga. Code 40-1-1 (Motor
Vehicle Law-Definitions). Contractor will also provide towing services for
City vehicles requiring road assistance.
A Resolution (532-08) ? Authorizing payment of $175,000.00 to Labinria
Faye Wilson, Robert Lee Williams, Jr., and their attorney Ben B. Phillips, for
a legal claim settlement in the Zach Allen case.
*** *** ***
LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON:
City Manager Hugley pointed out that the Legislative Luncheon would be on
Thursday, November 20th at the Trade Center at 11:30 a.m.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
ENCLOSURES, INFORMATION ONLY:
(1) GMA Mayors? Day Conference & Municipal Training Institute, January 24-26,
2009.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Holiday Greetings.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:_______________________________
A Resolution (533-08) ? Excusing Councilor Anthony from November 18, 2008
Council Meeting.
A Resolution (534-08) ? Excusing Councilor Hunter from November 18, 2008
Council Meeting.
A Resolution (535-08) ? Excusing Councilor Barnes from November 18, 2008
Council Meeting.
A Resolution (536-08) ? Canceling the December 23 & December 30,
2008 Council Meetings.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of these resolutions. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Anthony, Barnes, and Hunter
being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK
OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:__________
Application of Ms. Sandee Olson to temporarily close 3rd Avenue between
11th and 12th Street, on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
in connection with St Luke United Methodist Church ?providing items to
underprivileged individuals?.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the application. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Anthony, Barnes and Hunter
being absent.
*** *** ***
MUNICIPAL COURT EMPLOYEES:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from H. Haywood Turner,
Chief Judge, Municipal & Magistrate Courts requesting that his staff is placed
under the Merit System and subject to the jurisdiction of the personnel Review
Board.
Councilor McDaniel said he has a problem with this and asked why
would the Judge wait until the last month of him being in office to place his
employees under the Personnel Review Board.
City Attorney Fay said under the law, all the elected official has to do
is
to send a letter to the Clerk of Council asking that his employees be placed
under the Personnel Review Board and once that letter is received by the
Clerk, those employees are placed under the jurisdiction of the Personnel
Review Board.
Councilor Henderson asked City Attorney Fay to ask the Attorney
General to send us an opinion on this matter. City Attorney Fay said as the
law stands, you don?t have to take any action.
City Attorney Fay them responded to further questions of the Council.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:_______________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 37-08.
Uptown Fa?ade Board, September 15, 2008.
Uptown Fa?ade Board, October 20, 2008.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present with,
Councilors Allen, Anthony, Barnes and Hunter being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE NEW ZONING PETITIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:____________________________________
Petition submitted by Wayne Spence to rezone 2.5 acres of property located
at 8239, 8243, 8247, & 8251 Cooper Creek Road from SFR1 (Single-Family
Residential 1) to GC (General Commercial) District. (Recommended for approval
by the Planning Advisory Commission and Conditional Approval by the Planning
Department) (42-CA-08-Spence).
Petition submitted by the Planning Department requesting to replace Table
2.1.2 of the UDO with a new Table 2.1.2 that reflects the land-use changes in
the 2028 Comprehensive Plan. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning
Advisory Commission and the Planning Department) (43-A-08-Planning Dept.)
Petition submitted by the Planning Department requesting to amend the text
of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to amend typos in Chapter 4 and
several minor issues in Chapters seven (7) and Nine (9). (Recommended for
approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department)
(44-A-08-Planning Dept.)
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED AS
AN ADD-ON ITEM AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIIL:_______________________________
Temporary street closing application of Mr. Todd Hughes, to temporary
close the Dillingham Street Bridge on Thursday, December 4, 2008 from 4:00 p.m.
- 8:00 p.m., in connection with pedestrian safety for the Night of Lights event.
Temporary street closing application of Mr. Richard Bishop to temporary
close Broadway from 11th Street to 12th Street on Friday, December 5, 2008 from
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., in connection with pedestrian safety for the Uptown
Columbus' Broadway Holiday 2008.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of these two applications. Seconded
by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Anthony, Barnes and Hunter
being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AS AN ADD-ON AND ADOPTED BY
THE COUNCIL:________________
A Resolution (537-08) ? Excusing Councilor Gary Allen from the November
18, 2008 Council meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those six
members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Anthony,
Barnes and Hunter being absent.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF HEALTH:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that there are two nominees for
the seat of Dr. Howard Willis, which will expired on December 31, 2008 and that
he is not eligible to succeed himself
BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Patricia Hunter?s tern of
office on the Board of Tax Assessors will expire on December 31, 2008 and that
she is eligible to succeed herself for another term of office. Councilor
Henderson nominated Ms. Hunter for another term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this nomination back on
next week for the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seats of Mr. Bryan Stone,
Council District 2 Representative and Ms. La Fini Mosby, Council District 3
Representative on the Community Development Advisory Council has been declared
vacant and that we will need a nominee for each of these seats. There were no
nominations made.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Mr.
James Webster and Mr. James Yancey on the Hospital Authority expired on
November 14, 2008 and that they are both eligible to succeed themselves for
another term of office.
*** *** ***
MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out the terms of office of Mrs.
Carlton Franklin on the Medical Center Hospital Authority will expire on
December 31, 2008 and that she does not wish to be reappointed. The following
three individuals have been nominated for her seat: Mr. Robert (Rob) Jones
(Allen), Michael A. Eddings (Barnes) and Ms. Jennifer T. Horne (Baker).
She also pointed out the term of office of Mr. Edward Griffin, Sr. will
expire on December 31, 2008 and that the following three individuals have been
nominated for his seat: Mr. Charles E. Clark, Sr. (Davis), Mr. Edward Griffin,
Sr. (McDaniel) and Mr. Tracy Sayers (Henderson)
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to send these nominations over to
the Hospital Authority, from which the authority will select someone from these
nominations. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those six members of Council present for this meeting, with
Councilors Allen, Anthony, Barnes and Hunter being absent.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Wetherington is
reappointing Mr. Greg Camp for another tern of office on the Public Safety
Advisory Commission and that he may now be confirmed. Councilor Henderson so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those six members
of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Anthony, Barnes and
Hunter being absent.
She also pointed out that Mr. James Wilson has resigned his seat on the
board and that Councilor Baker is working on getting a replacement for his
Council District 5 representative.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need a
representative for Council District 6 for 2008? 2009 school year on the Youth
Advisory Council.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Baker then made a motion adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Henderson carried
unanimously by those six members of Council present with, Councilors Allen,
Anthony, Barnes and Hunter being absent from this meeting, with the time being
12:10 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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