MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
APRIL 13, 2010
The regular session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order
at 9:03A.M., Tuesday, April 13, 2009, in the Council Chambers 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,
Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and 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: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Valerie Thompson Revelations Missionary Baptist
Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Generations Knowledge and Care
Center.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH MR. IAN WALKER AND HIS COACH STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE
FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUMBITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HUNTER
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_________________
A Resolution (109-10) ? Commending Columbus High School wrestler
Ian Walker upon receiving the State Class AAA Wrestling Championship.
Councilor Hunter moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council standing to
cast their affirmative vote.
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WITH FIRE CHIEF JEFF MEYER AND MEMBERS OF THE COLUMBUS FIRE & EMS
DEPARTMENT STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS
SUMBITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________
A Resolution (110-10) ? Commending Columbus Fire and Emergency Medical
Services, Captain Nate Bader and Chief Jeff Meyer for receiving the Educator of
the Year and Emergency Medical Service of the Year Awards. Councilor McDaniel
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council standing to cast their affirmative
vote.
Chief Meyer thanked the Mayor & Council for this honor. He said he would
also like to thank Captain Nate Bader for the job that he does in training
paramedics, EMTs and other employees. He also thanks Mrs. Jo McDaniel for the
work that she does with the Fire Department and getting the AEDs out into the
community.
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GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TALBOTTON ROAD PROJECT
BRIEFING:____________________
Mr. Sam Wellborn, a Board Member of the Georgia Department of
Transportation Board came forward and gave a brief introduction of the widening
of Talbotton Road and then introduced Mr. Russell McMurray, State Roadway
Design Engineer Chuck Hasty, Assistant State Roadway Design Engineer and Mr.
Nell O?Brien.
He said the Talbotton Road project has been on the books of Columbus for
more than 20 years. He said the despite the fact that they have been working on
this project for so long, they are ready to move forward on this project as
soon as possible. He said several weeks ago, he attended a meeting here in the
Council Chambers with the Citizens Advisory Committee and heard the concerns
expressed at that meeting despite the fact that they have had many public
meetings and opportunities to express ourselves about this project over the
last five years. He said he heard the concerns and received the letters, got
the telephone calls and this lead him to believe that we needed to try to make
some changes in this project. Therefore, he strongly urged the DOT in a series
of meetings that he had with them in Atlanta and here in Columbus over the last
six weeks and tried to urge them to figure out how to make the Talbotton Road
project impact on the property owners as small as possible and said they did
just that.
Mr. Wellborn said before calling upon Mr. McMurray, he would like to thank
him and the DOT and said they have been patient, understanding and willing to
go back to the drawing board every time he has asked and said each time they do
that, it costs a lot of money to go back to the drawing board. He said he
believes that the plan that they are going to present to the Mayor & Council it
is as good a plan as it can get. He said while the redesign will delay the
official beginning another six months, it will be worth if in the process we
have lessen the impact on our people and on many, many property owners along
the way.
Mr. Wellborn then called upon Mr. McMurray to come forward and make his
presentation to the Mayor & Council.
Mr. McMurray then went into some details and highlighted the following
information with respect to Talbotton Road widening project.
Overview:
How did we get here?
Where we are now
Where do we go from here
How did we get here
?Need and Purpose? is Improving Capacity
Funding: 80% Federal
Project is funded!
Original Plan- 4 lane, 20 foot raised median, curb & gutter, sidewalks
How did we get here
August 1999 ? Concept Revised to minimize impacts to historical resources.
Four 11? Lanes, 16? Raised Median 12? Shoulders w/ 5? wide sidewalk
Public Meetings
February 1999: 109 attended, 7 support, 6 conditional, 5 opposed
August 2004: 146 attended, 18 support, 9 conditional, 7 opposed
March 2008: 41 attended, 9 support, 3 conditional, 3 opposed
Environmental Document Approved - June 2008
Recent concerns of impacts to property and business
Project History
1990 ? Added to GDOT Construction Work Program to develop a concept
Original Concept Approved Oct 2, 1991
Typical Section: Four 12? Lanes (2 each direction)
20? Raised Median
12? Shoulders
ROW: 92? minimum width
December 2, 1992 ? Local government agreement between GDOT and City executed.
City responsible for ROW acquisition and all Utility relocation costs.
1995 - GDOT Hires JJ&G to perform environmental studies and prepare document
for approval by FHWA
April 1997 - GDOT hires PBS&J to complete preliminary engineering
March 1998 ? GDOT agrees to purchase all ROW for the project and Talbotton/Warm
Springs is put on State System (SR 982).
February 2, 1999 ? Public Information Meeting Held
109 attended, 18 comments received, 7 support,
6 conditional, 5 opposed
August 31, 1999 ? Concept Revised to minimize impacts to historical resources.
Typical Section: Four 11? Lanes (2 each direction)
16? Raised Median
12? Shoulders w/ 5? wide sidewalk
ROW: 84? minimum width
August 12, 2004 ? Public Hearing Open House held
146 attended, 34 comments received, 18 support, 9 conditional,
7 opposed
2005 ? Final draft of environmental document prepared by JJ&G
October 2005 ? Jordan Mill is destroyed by fire requiring history section of
document to be re-opened and revised.
June 2007 - Value Engineering Study performed
March 18, 2008 ? Public Information Open House held
41 attended, 19 comments received, 9 support, 3 conditional,
3 opposed
June 26, 2008 ? Environmental Document approved
June 30, 2008 ? Right of Way plans approved.
2008 ? Right of Way funds authorized
Where we are now
Mr. McMurray showed a graphic of the previous design, which was a
cookie-cutter; 20 feet raised median through the entire project and over a 100
feet of right-of-way impact to put something like this in place. He said what
they have looked at with their new design is to remove the raised median, which
reduces 4-feet out of the middle of the road, reduces the right-of-way impact
especially at intersections where they have right-turn lanes and when you put a
median in, you have to provide for cars making
U-turns which added another 12-feet of paving at each intersection.
He then went into some details in highlighting the areas that are included
in this proposed widening project.
Where we are now
Mr. McMurray said making these changes made about a $5.5 million reduction
in cost at this point, which are very preliminary numbers. He said the real
intangible that is not yet identified is that they made 31 significant
reductions in the impact to consequential damages; which are those impacts to
parking or impacts to property; even though it may be a small acreage or square
footage, it may have had a real negative result or operation of a business. He
said those are hard to quantify those at this time, because we won?t know what
those costs are until to get to right-of-way negations; but we are not at that
point right now. He said they eliminated one parcel entirely that they didn?t
have to get, as well as eliminated one relocation where someone was going to
have to be physically relocated.
Where do we go from here?
Mr. McMurray said they anticipate that they will have to go back and
revise the concept, which is a paperwork exercise. He said they do want to go
back out to the public to show that we have heard you as a Mayor and Council,
as well as the Citizens Advisory Committee and the constituents of Columbus and
we have done what we know best to do to minimize the footprint of this project
and still provide that transportation infrastructure that we need.
He said they have to go back and revise the plans as Mr. Wellborn
mentions. He said all the work that they have done, they have to start over on
the design, but they have a lot of engineering to do, which will be about six
months of work. He said the right-of-way authorization of funds has already
been done under the old project so some of the parcels that we know that we
still have a major impact on, we can go ahead and get started on those
acquisitions and possibly work concurrently with some of the right-of-way while
we are in the plans revision process.
Mr. McMurray said they would be making this same presentation to the
Citizens Advisory Committee later this evening to provide them an update and
hopefully address the concerns that they had. He said what he would like for
the Mayor & Council to understand is that they have taken an out of the box
approach on this project and have gotten rid of that cookie cutter approach. He
said they really looked at each segment of Talbotton and Warm Springs Road in a
way that we could balance the needs of transportation and infrastructure
project with the needs of the community.
After the conclusion of Mr. McMurry?s presentation, he then responded to
several questions of members of the Council.
Mayor Wetherington then thanked Mr. Wellborn for his assistance in all
that he has done to make these possible changes to this project. Members of
the Council also thanked Mr. Wellborn for the work he has done for Columbus and
for his assistance on this particular project.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the February 9 & 23, and March 9, 2010
Council Meeting of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus,
Georgia were submitted and approved unanimously upon the adoption of a motion
made by Councilor McDaniel and seconded by Councilor Woodson, which carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WHICH WAS DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT THE MARCH 23,
2010 COUNCIL MEETING WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND
DEFEATED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:_____
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 3604 Hamilton Road from an
RMF1 (Residential Multi Family 1) zoning district to NC (Neighborhood
Commercial) zoning district. (4-D-10-Hartin) The proposed use is for
Professional Business Office. Councilor Henderson made a motion to defeat the
ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING WITH A PUBLIC HEARING BEING HELD
ON EACH AS ADVERTISED:_________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 2550 Wynnton Road from an SFR3
(Single Family Residential 3) zoning district to an RO (Residential Office)
zoning district. (8-A-10-White) The proposed use is for a Place of Worship.
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 2622 Wynnton Road & 1315 and
1321 South Dixon from an RMF2 (Residential Multi Family 2) zoning district to
an RO (Residential Office) zoning district. (7-A-10-White) The proposed use is
for a Place of Worship.
PROPONENTS & OPPOENTS:
Mr. White, the petitioner of both of the petitions, as outlined above was
present, but he did not make a presentation on either of these petitions, as
there was no one present to oppose these proposed rezoning ordinances.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 3606 Woodland Drive from SFR2
(Single Family Residential 2) zoning district to SFR4 (Single Family
Residential 4) zoning district. (6-A-10-Richardson) The proposed use is for
single family residential.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Richardson, the petitioner was present, but he did not make a
presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning
ordinance.
City Attorney Fay said these zoning petitions would be voted on in two
weeks at the Council meeting that will be held at 5:30 p.m.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: ___________________________________________________
A Resolution (111-10) ? Providing for the levy and collection of an annual
ad valorem tax to provide funds for the payment of the principal and interest
on the $52,015,000 in principal amount of Muscogee County School District
(Georgia) General Obligation Sales Tax Bonds, Series 2010. Councilor McDaniel
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING EIGHT RESOLUTIONS, EXPRESSING APPRECIATION AND CONDOLENCES
TO THOSE EMPLOYEES
WHO HAVE RECENTLY RETIRED FROM THE SERVICES OF
THE COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT, AS WELL AS
THOSE WHO RECENTLY PASSED AWAY WERE SUBMITTED
AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY
THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM
TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ANTHONY, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESNET AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR ALLEN BEING
ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE: _________________________________________________________
A Resolution (112-10) ? Expressing appreciation to Mrs. Vanessa D.
Bowers upon her retirement from the Public Services/Solid Waste Collection
Division after 15 years of service.
A Resolution (113-10) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Larry H. Collins
upon his retirement from the Public Services/Recycling Division after over 17
years of service.
A Resolution (114-10) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Larry V. Ellison
upon his retirement from Muscogee County Prison after over 13 years of
service.
A Resolution (115-10) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Edward Jackson upon
his retirement from the Muscogee County Sheriff?s Department after 38 years of
service.
A Resolution (116-10) ? Expressing appreciation to Honorable Robert G.
Johnston, III upon his retirement as Judge of Superior Court after 36 years of
service.
A Resolution (117-10) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Glenn C. Wallace
upon his retirement from Elections and Registration after 19 years of
service.
A Resolution (118-10) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Jon C. Weeks upon
his retirement from the Muscogee County Marshal?s Office after 24 years of
service.
A Resolution (119-10) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs. Harrell
?JoAnn? McLeod, employee with Elections and Registration, who passed away on
February 22, 2010.
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RESOLUTION FOR BECCA HARDIN:
Councilor Anthony requested a resolution commending Ms. Becca Hardin and
the Chamber of Commerce for their recognition recently that appeared in an
article in the Georgia Trend Magazine.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF EACH PERSON
COMMENTS:_________________________________________________
MR. DAVID ERICKSON, REPRESENTING NORTH BRENT PROPERTIES, LLC, RE: REFUND
OF PENALITY AND/OR INTEREST ON PROPERTY
TAXES:__________________________________________
Mr. David Erickson, representing North Brent Properties LLC, came forward
and went into much details outlining his request for a refund of penalty and/or
interest on property taxes. He said he provided the Council with a packet of
information regarding this matter. (A copy was not provided to the Clerk of
Council for the Council?s records.)
Mr. Erickson said the essence of this problem centers on the fact that this
property was on what they call a tax split and was held up for a couple of
years before the tax office decided to send out bills and in that process
somewhere along the way an address where the bill needed to be mailed was also
crossed out.
He said on Page 4 of the information provided, they provided the bills for
2007, 2008 and 2009 in successive months all mailed to them during 2009. He
said they received 2007 & 2008 in a timely manner, but for some reason they
didn?t receive the 2009 tax bill in a timely manner. He said the first time
they received it was when the penalty bill showed up and said part of that
might have been related that the bill was sent to an old address where they
were previously, but said they have not been there for several years.
Mr. Erickson said as he noted on the cover sheet, the issue seemed to be
one of that the tax office finally got around to mailing out the bill, and it
just didn?t quite happen in the right way for all three steps and they have
since corrected the address error. He said when he talked to the tax office to
request a waiver of the penalty and interest; they said our only option was to
come to Council.
After Mr. Erickson made his presentation in stating his case as to why he
felt like he should be granted a refund, he then responded to several questions
of members of the Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said we need someone from the Tax Assessor?s
Office to come and explain to us why someone would be getting a 2007 bill in
2009. City Manager Hugley said we could have someone form the Tax Assessors
office but pointed out that as you know we had some problems in the past a few
years ago and they have been able to get caught up0 and correct those problems.
He said if you recall the problems were surrounding tax map splits and then
when properties were tied up in the legal process. He said those were the two
challenges that they have dealt with in the past and many of those they have
been able to work through.
After further discussion on this matter with members of the Council
expressing their concerns on this subject, and City Manager Hugley and Mr.
Erickson responding to further questions of the Council, Councilor Barnes made
a motion to approve the request of Mr. Erickson to waive the penalty and
interest on this request. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by a vote of 9 ? 1. Voting for the motion was Councilors Allen,
Anthony, Baker, Barnes, Davis, Henderson, Hunter, McDaniel, Woodson and Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh voting no.
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MS. SHARON E. BUNN, RE; LAWN SERVICES AND LANDFILL FOR
COMPOST:_____________________________________________________
Ms. Sharon E. Bunn, Vice-President of the Sears Woods Garden Club came
forward and said that she they have a concern with all those lawn services out
there. She said she is one of the 36 people that attended the public hearing on
the proposed garbage fee increase. She said she enjoyed the meeting and learned
a lot. She said she doesn?t have a problem with the fee, but what she does have
a problem with is all of these people who have a truck and a trailer with all
these expensive lawn equipment going out and charging people $50.00 to a
$100.00 to do somebody?s job. She said do they have a license and have they
paid city taxes and are they paying income taxes on this money.
She said they are putting bags out in front of people?s house for an
entire week. She said she wish the City Council could pass an ordinance that
says that everybody that does lawn service would have to take the grass
clippings, leaves, tree limbs and make them pay for the landfill; which would
help cover the cost of the landfill.
Ms. Bunn said she understands that the City does have a compost pile that
they do give away to people, but said she understands that the City is giving
it to a company that is going out and selling when we, the citizens can go out
and sell it and get the money for it.
Ms. Bunn spent several minutes in expressing her concerns with the way
that our City looks. She said the roads in our city are looking horrible. She
said we have people picking up paper on the weekend, and said why can?t we have
them also pick up cigarette butts. She said she thinks the City needs to have a
stricter ordinance with respect to these lawn service people. She said we also
needs to look at our parks especially Cooper Creek. She said people are out
there in the park after hours and said we need to control it much better than
we do.
City Manager Hugley thanked Ms. Bunn for her interest in our City and the
great community pride that she has. He said she is serious about cleaning up
our City. He said it is a tough thing to enforce unless someone from our
Special Enforcement Service can see that. He said we can take a look at what
other communities are doing and said it is somewhat difficult to enforce. He
said it is something that we need to take a look at and see if it is something
that we can deal with.
In response to Mayor Wetherington. City Manager Hugley said there is
nothing in the ordinance that would prohibit those lawn service businesses from
putting grass clippings and tree limbs on the curb. He said we need help from
the citizens whose neighbors are doing.
Councilor Baker thanked Ms. Bunn for her concerns in this matter, as well
as for being a good citizen for our community.
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NOTE: Councilor Baker left at this point in the proceedings, the time being
10:45 a.m.
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MR. MICHAEL L. DAVIS, RE: SIGNS POSTED ALONG THE CHATTACHOOCHEE RIVER
REGARDING FISHING FROM ROCKS AND
RIVERBED:____________________________________________
Mr. Michael L. Davis who requested to be listed on the agenda to speak to
the subject as outlined above, cancelled his scheduled appearance before the
Council.
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MR. LORENZA WILDER, RE: WRITTEN RESPONSE FOR BLINKING LIGHTS ON STEAM MILL
ROAD:__________________________________
Mr. Lorenza Wilder who requested to be listed on today?s Public agenda to
speak regarding a written response to his request with respect to the blinking
lights on Steam Mill Road did not respond when he was called upon to address
the Council.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: 9 MILLS ROLL BACK, (2) GARBAGE FEE INCREASE, AND (3)
MEDICAL CENTER AND METHANE GAS PLANT CONTRACTS:
__________________________________________________
Mr. Paul Olson, 13830 Upatoi Lane came forward and addressed subject
matters regarding the 9 mills roll back, garbage fee increase, and the Medical
Center?s contract and Methane Plant Contract.
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MR. JIM RHODES, RE: GARBAGE FEE INCREASE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
CENTER:_____________________________
Mr. Jim Rhodes, came forward and addressed concerns with respect to the
proposed garbage fee increase, as well as the Community Service Center.
He said he is in favor of the $2.00 per month garbage fee increase. He said we
need to go ahead and move the Citizens Service Center and move the Mayor?s
Office, as well as the City Manager?s Office.
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MS. BENITA H. BLANTON, RE: LITTLE LEAGUE FIELDS:
Ms. Benita H. Blanton, who had requested earlier to be listed on the
Council?s Public agenda called and cancelled her scheduled appearance before
the Council today.
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MR. RICHARD BISHOP, REPRESENTING UPTOWN COLUMBUS, INC. BID, RE: UPTOWN
COLUMBUS SPRING BROADWAY EVENT
SERIES:_______________________________________________________
Mr. Richard Bishop, CEO of Uptown Columbus came forward and highlighted
the activities that are going in Uptown Columbus. He outlined the dates for
each of the Concert Series, as well as the other events that will be held in
Uptown Columbus. He encouraged everyone who has not been down to any of these
events to come out during the month of May and June.
AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR ALLEN, THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING
APPLICATION WAS CALLED UP AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS:
________________________________
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from 11th
Street to 12th Street, on Friday, April 23, 2010, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.,
in connection with the ?Haiti Benefit? pedestrian safety.
Councilor Allen moved the approval of the application. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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NOTE: The Clerk of Council?s Agenda is continued below.
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MR. KEN CHUNG, RE: PURCHASE OF VACANT/SURPLUS LOT AT 2766 CORA DRIVE:
_____________________________________________
Mr. Ken Chung, who requested to be listed on today?s Public Agenda, did
not respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.
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PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2243 SIMMONS AVENUE:
City Manager Hugley said there was a piece of property on the demolition
list, located at 2243 Simmons Avenue. He said if you would recall a young lady
had done a lot of work on this house with no permits and no inspections. He
said it was scheduled for demolition and then she brought a couple here from
Buena Vista Georgia and they are here on today. He said they said they would
purchase the house and complete the repairs including complying with the code
violations that had been indicated. He said the couple has done what they have
said they were going to do and said we are satisfied with what they have done
and are continuing to do; therefore, based on them being true to their word, we
are now asking the Council to remove the property from the demolition list and
we would issue them the demolition and give them the due process and allow
their contractors and sub-contractors to purchase permits and begin the work on
the property.
Councilor Barnes so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Baker, Henderson and Turner Pugh being absent for this vote.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________
A Resolution (120-10) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and if
approved accept $32,555 in funds from the Corporation for National and
Community Service for the RSVP Program. Councilor Woodson moved the adoption
of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Baker, Henderson
and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent for this vote.
A Resolution (121-10) ? Declaring 0.4 +/- acres located at 2766 Cora Drive
as surplus and authorizing the advertisement to sell said property. Councilor
Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Baker, Henderson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent for this
vote.
A Resolution (122-10) ? Authorizing the purchase 3411 17th Avenue for a
Storm Sewer Replacement Project in the 17th Avenue area in order to repair a
storm sewer. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor Baker being absent for this vote.
A Resolution (123-10) ? Authorizing the approval to accept a grant for
$272,250 and any additional funds awarded this fiscal year from the United
States Army Child and Youth Services (CYS) Strong (ASPYN) Program.
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 Baker being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTIOIN OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH
COUNCILOR BAKER BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:__________________________
A Resolution (124-10) ? Authorizing the acceptance of Updated Design
Guidelines as adopted by the Board of Historic and Architectural Review.
A Resolution (125-10) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to that
portion of Antietam Drive located in Section Five, Lexington Hills. The
Department of Engineering has inspected this street and recommends the
acceptance.
A Resolution (126-10) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to that
portion of Antietam Drive and that portion of Lexington Lake Drive located in
Section Eight, Lexington Hills. The Department of Engineering has inspected
these streets and recommends the acceptance.
City Manager Hugley said regarding the street acceptance to Antietam Drive
said this street would connect to Cusseta Road to St. Mary?s Road and said now
there is more than one way in and one way out.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED
BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY 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,
WITH COUNCILOR BAKER BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:______
A Resolution (127-10) ? Authorizing the purchase of a gym system from
Promaxima Manufacturing, LTD, in the amount of $87,799.00. Promaxima
Manufacturing will provide and install new commercial grade strength,
free-weight and cardio equipment, which will replace existing, worn-out gym
equipment in the Public Safety Building.
A Resolution (128-10) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Sports Turf Company, Inc., in the amount of $248,036.00 for track
and field resurfacing and trench drain installation at Lakebottom Park.
Sports Turf Company, Inc., will provide a polyurethane running track
surface with structural spray finish, long/triple jump runway and high jump
area resurfacing and related work. The City will be responsible for
demolishing and removing the existing track. The trench drain consists of
installing a pre-cast, interlocking polyester concrete trench drainage system
around the entire track.
A Resolution (129-10) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Southern Concrete Construction Company, Inc., in the amount of
$1,392,800.00, for the construction of two bridges. Southern Concrete
Construction Company, Inc., will construct bridges at Cooper Creek and Flat
Rock Park. The project includes structure and site work.
A Resolution (130-10) ? Declaring a Hobart CRS864A stainless steel
dishwasher (Serial #85-1002821-H) as surplus in accordance with Section 7-501
of the Charter of Columbus Consolidated Government; and authorize the equipment
to be salvaged by E J Knight Company. The approximately 500-700 pound
equipment, which was utilized by Muscogee County Prison, is no longer in
working condition. Revenue from salvaged equipment will be deposited in the
General Fund - Sale of Surplus Equipment;
Council approved the purchase of turnout gear from NAFECO (Decatur,
Alabama) in the amount of $26,237.80. The equipment includes twenty sets of
coats and pants that will be worn by Firefighters for protection and safety. In
order to accomplish this purchase, the City is participating in a bid
administered by the City of Macon, Georgia. The City?s Procurement Ordinance,
Article 9-101, ?Cooperative Purchasing Authorized,? allows for participation in
the bid.
The City of Macon administered Bid No. 2010-25CP6 for the purchase of
Turnout Gear in September of 2009. The contract was awarded to NAFECO on
November 17. 2009. The procurement process administered by the City of Macon
meets the procurement requirements of Columbus Consolidated Government; and
NAFECO has agreed to provide the turn out gear under the same contract and
pricing.
*** *** ***
PROBATE COURT:
Councilor Anthony said we received a letter from Judge Julia Lumpkin
regarding a temporary position. Regarding the letter that the City Manager
Hugley said in Probate Court, they had an employee who had an illness and that
person was going to be out of work for some time and we authorized the Judge to
hire a temporary person to fill in while that person was out ill and when that
person recovered they returned to work. He said when they returned to work, the
Judge wanted to continue to keep the person that filled in for that staff while
they were out sick. He said the money is not there and that person served the
purpose of filling in for the employee while she was out sick. He said we don?t
typically allow someone to fill in when someone goes out sick and when that
person returns to work we let the department keep that temporary person.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked how much would it cost to keep that person
until September.
City Manager Hugley said our Clerk of Council had a temporary person and
said we sent that person home. He said she too had run out of money in her
budget.
City Manager Hugley said he would provide the cost for the position for
both the Judge of Probate?s Office, as well as the Clerk of Council?s Office.
Councilor Henderson said he has spoken with the Judge regarding this
matter as well. He said he agrees with the Mayor Pro Tem. He said when we have
a temporary person hired when someone is out sick, and then when they come back
and we want to keep those people on, he is against that. He said as the Mayor
Pro Tem pointed out, if there is a project whether real or perceived, that they
are working on and they can bring to fruition before September, $7,000 for this
budget session and then the Judge can make a presentation at the Budget meeting
if she wants to continue because that would only be another $4,000 to $5,000 to
get that through September. He said if there is a specified amount of time that
we can make sure of an employee and we are not paying benefits, he thinks it is
worth considering.
City Manager Hugley said the Finance Director just made him aware that the
person was kept beyond the time the person returned back to work and we have
already spent $12,000 on that.
Mayor Wetherington said he concurs with the City Manager. He said once you
start reviewing the budget very shortly and see that this budget is very, very
tight.
Councilor Henderson said to that end, we probably should have some more
budget meetings scheduled because there was only a few last week and he thinks
it is somewhat overwhelming for the Council to try to digest a lot of things.
He said in light of the fact that it is going to be very tight, he thinks that
adding some more opportunities for both of us to review it and to let the
public see what we are doing is a good idea.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said before we can make a decision, we need to
know the dollar amount we are talking about for the rest of this fiscal year
and then we can deal with. City Manager Hugley said we would bring back the
dollar amount for both the Judge of Probate, as well as the Clerk of Council?s
Office.
*** *** ***
INTEGRATED WASTE FUND
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin said today?s presentation would recap
information that you have already heard, as well as provide you with the
specific information that you asked for two weeks ago in terms of your specific
request. A copy of a survey was also submitted to the members of Council that
Ms. Goodwin said was put on CCG-TV.
She then pointed out the following dates are the times when we have had
discussions on the Integrated Waste Fund and then highlighted additional
information, as outlined below.
Fund Discussions
Strategic Planning Session: February 21, 2008
Fuel Conservation Measures: July 22, 2008
Once Per Week Proposal: Aug. 7 & 12, 2008
Rate Study Presented: January 27, 2009
Status of Fund Presented: December 8, 2009
State of Fund Hearings: March 4, 9, 15, 2010
Council Worksession: March 30, 2010
Garbage Fee
$14 Since 2001
Since 2002
Expenses increased by 52%
Revenues increased by 5%
OPTIONS ?
Monthly Residential Rates ? Currently $14
Current Rate: $14/Month
Example: $2 Increase
Year 1 - $16 monthly July 1, 2010 ? June 30, 2011 (FY11)
Year 2 - $18 monthly July 1, 2011 ? June 30, 2012 (FY12)
Year 3 - $20 monthly July 1, 2012 ? June 30, 2013 (FY13)
Year 4 - $22 monthly July 1, 2013 ? June 30, 2014 (FY14)
Year 5 - $24 monthly July 1, 2014 ? June 30, 2015 (FY15)
Public Input
March 4th Northside High School
March 9th Baker Middle School
March 15th Columbus Public Library
Survey
Ms. Goodwin showed the results of the survey that was conducted during the
public hearings held and then went through the Administration?s
recommendations.
Recommendation
$2 Increase each July 1st beginning in FY 2011 through FY 2015 for 5 years
Year 1 - $16 monthly July 1, 2010 ? June 30, 2011 (FY11)
Year 2 - $18 monthly July 1, 2011 ? June 30, 2012 (FY12)
Year 3 - $20 monthly July 1, 2012 ? June 30, 2013 (FY13)
Year 4 - $22 monthly July 1, 2013 ? June 30, 2014 (FY14)
Year 5 - $24 monthly July 1, 2014 ? June 30, 2015 (FY15)
Review in 4 years with a report back to Council with further recommendations
for year 6
Mandatory recycling upon completion and opening date of the recycling center
within the Sustainability Center.
Provide time to develop policies and guidelines, enforcement criteria and the
education and awareness campaign.
Ms. Goodwin provided the requests that were made by the Council at the last
Council meeting and provided the responses as indicated below.
Have the staff to provide the projections out to year ten or beyond to show
what the deficit or surplus would be in ten years if we followed any one of the
recommendations as submitted. Also, provide the impact of taking either a $4 or
$5 increase immediately, which would accrue those funds much sooner for the
first 2 to 3 years, instead of phasing in $1 for the next few years; and see
what kind of impact that would be. (Request of Councilor Henderson)
Have the staff to provide a 10-year projection. Also, if you pull out the
capital expenditures in the Integrated Waste fund, what would our projections
be? Have the staff to see how our garbage fee compares to other cities
comparable to our size. (Request of Councilor Anthony)
Have the staff to consider including in the water bill, the survey that
was presented at the public hearing on the proposed garbage fee increase and
ask the customers to send back a response to us. Also, have the staff to look
at putting the survey out on the City?s website. (Request of Councilor Woodson)
Have the staff to provide a cost breakdown of the operating expenses that
includes a scheduled vehicle replacement; and how that would impact the numbers
presented. (Request of Councilor Henderson)
With respect to the recycling program, let?s consider going ahead and
moving forward with a mandatory recycling program. (Request of Councilor
Henderson)
When the staff gets the rates of what other cities are paying for garbage
fees, include rates from consolidated governments, as well as Jacksonville,
Florida and Athens, Georgia. (Request of Councilor McDaniel)
When the staff brings back the numbers on recycling, instead of a
mandatory recycling program, let?s look at considering some type of incentive
program with respect to recycling; whereby, if residents are participating in
the recycling program maybe they can get some kind of a discount. (Request of
Councilor Allen)
After the conclusion of her presentation, members of the Council expressed
their views regarding the subject, which has been discussed on several
occasions. City Manager Hugley responded to various questions of members of the
Council.
After more than forty-five minutes of discussion on this subject, it was
determined that at the current time, the Council is not ready to consider a
garbage fee rate increase.
Councilor Davis said he would like to look at some creative ways to look
at how we could make the numbers work to generate some revenues.
Councilor Hunter said he would hope that we not put this off for another
year, but that we would have the courage to go ahead and tackle this matter.
*** *** ***
CITY SERVICE CENTER COMPLEX:
Deputy City Manager David Arrington came forward and gave an update of the
City Service Center Complex, which included the following.
Overview
Project Concept
Funding Sources
Property Acquisition
Design Approach
Space Utilization Study
Recommendation
City Service Center
A public-governmental facility
Primary designed for customer convenience
Central location (site to be determined)
Easily accessible
Ample parking
It would house such offices as:
The Tax Commissioner?s Office
The Tax Assessor?s Office
A One-Stop Small Business Office
The Office of Elections and Registration
Police Office
Project Funding Sources
Two Funding Sources
Property Acquisition
9 acres on the site
Design Approach
Architects Engaged- 2WR, Hecht Burdeshaw
Space Study ? Urban Collage
Phase I, Relocation to City Service Center
Tax Commissioner, Tax Assessor, Elections, Revenue Division, Citizen Service
Center, Council Chambers, Human Resources, CCTV, Police Precinct, Assistant
City Manager ? Operation.
Phase II, Reallocation of vacated space at Government Center
Deputy City Manager Arrington pointed out those departments who are scheduled
to be moving to the Citizens Service Center.
Phase II
Planning Recommendations
Add two Superior Court Courtrooms to accommodate six functioning courts with
adjacent judge?s chambers.
Co-locate two existing State Courts to improve organization and efficiency.
Co-locate Municipal/Magistrate Court and Marshal?s Office to improve efficiency
and effectiveness.
Accommodate Juvenile Court?s expanding needs and programs.
Consolidate District Attorney and affiliated programs.
Relocate Public Defender?s Office to Government Center.
Space Allocation
Summary
Diagrams represent preliminary concept only and are subject to change.
Additional analysis will be conducted prior to implementation of plan.
Proposed improvements will be programmed on an as needed basis according to the
needs of the Government and the Courts.
Project will be funded through pay-as-you-go method.
Construction Options
Option 1 ? Design and construct a 2 story building with an approximately 63,000
gross sq. ft.
Meets current space requirements
Minimal space for future growth, no space for additional government departments.
Option 2 - Design and construct 3 story building of approximately 96,000 gross
sq. ft. Develop 1st and 2nd floor, 3rd floor to remain as shell for future
growth.
Meets current space requirements
Provides undeveloped space to accommodate future growth.
Government Center
Phase II
Space Needs Assessment Findings
Phase II
Purpose
To improve organization and efficiency of facility to clarify flow of public
and maintain separation between public, jury and prisoner circulation. To
accommodate expansion of judicial departments and update and enhance court
facilities.
Overview
Study was developed far in advance of proposed renovations and represents only
preliminary assessment and concepts.
Judicial and Government needs may change over time, which may impact the
projections and plans outlined in the study.
Future needs will require additional further before more detailed programming
and budgeting can be developed.
Recommendation
Proceed with Option 2 to design and construct a 3-story building of
approximately 96,000 sq. ft. Develop 1st and 2nd floor to meet current space
needs as identified in Space Utilization Study and construct 3rd floor as a
shell to accommodate future growth.
Meets original scope as outlined in 1999 SPLOST.
Is consistent with development plan for the original Government Center to
prepare for future growth.
We believe it can be accomplished within the project budget.
Supplemental Study
Relocate all General Government Offices from Government Center to City Service
Center Building.
Additional offices to include Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, Clerk of
Council, and Finance.
Findings ?
Additional 32,500 sq. ft. required
Cost prohibitive to move Information Technology
Approximate costs $5-$6 million
Additional costs not in current project budget
Mr. Arrington responded to questions of members of the Council after
presenting
City Manager Hugley then responded to questions of members of the Council.
He said we are going to have to come back to the Council to determine which
option the Council would like to consider. He said we would come back to the
Council with the three options.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION
FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL:
(1) Letter from Tax Commission Lula Huff, Re: Refund of Penalty and/or Interest
?North Brent Properties LLC, 5768 Miller Court, Columbus, GA 31909.
(2) Letter from Uptown Columbus, Inc. and Business Improvement District, Re:
Citizens Service Center.
(3) Correspondence from Ms. J. Dent-Fitzpatrick, Re: ?Women of Courage?
Resolution.
(4) Mayor?s Committee for Persons with Disabilities Weekly Report for the week
of March 22, 2010 through April 5, 2010.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_________________
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from 11th
Street to 12th Street, on Fridays, from April 30 ? May 28, 2010, from 6:00 p.m.
to 11:00 p.m., in connection with the ?Broadway Event Series? pedestrian
safety.
Councilor Allen moved the approval of the application. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Baker, Henderson and Turner Pugh being
absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_________________________________
A Resolution (132-10) ? Excusing Councilor Julius Hunter from the March
30, 2010 Council Meeting. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Baker, Henderson
and Turner Pugh being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________________________________________
Board of Elections & Registration, March 4, 2010
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 11-10, 12-10 & 13-10
Columbus Airport Commission, February 24, 2010
Greater Columbus Golf Authority, February 23, 2010
Muscogee County DFCS, March 24, 2010
Planning Advisory Commission, May 6, 2009
Planning Advisory Commission, May 20, 2009
Planning Advisory Commission, June 3, 2009
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Councilor
Barnes and carried unanimously by those seven members of the Council present at
the time, with Councilors Baker, Henderson and Turner Pugh being absent for
this vote.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BUILDING AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Paula Johnson is eligible to
succeed herself and would like to serve again. Councilor Woodson then nominated
Ms. Johnson.
She further pointed out that Mr. Terry Ballard is eligible to succeed
himself for another term of office, but does not desire reappointment.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seats of Mr. Julius
Arrington, District 3, Mr. Wane Hailes, District 4 and Ms. Wanda Jenkins,
District 1 has been declared vacant and that we will need a nominee from each
of these Council members.
She further pointed out that Ms. Sharon Pierce, District 8 and Mr. Robert
Wetzel, District 2 term of office has expired, but they are eligible to succeed
themselves for another term of office and would like to serve again. Councilor
McDaniel and Davis then nominated each of these individuals to succeed
themselves for another term of office. Clerk of Council Washington said because
this is a district appointment, they may now be confirmed. Councilor Allen so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Baker, Henderson and
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS (CIRCLE):
____________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Yuriy Peter Totskiy and
Ms. Ella Mae Lewis were both nominated at the last meeting to succeed
themselves for another term of office and may now be confirmed. Councilor
Anthony so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by
those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Baker,
Henderson, and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent for this vote.
She also pointed out that Ms. Deidre Williams? seat has been declared
vacant and that we still need a nominee for this position.
Councilor Barnes nominated Pastor Diaz and pointed out that he would
provide Clerk of Council Washington with the additional information. Clerk of
Council Washington said she would bring this matter back at the next Council
meeting for the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington said that Mr. Tyrone Rowe is no longer a
resident of Muscogee County and that Councilor Allen is working on getting a
replacement for this District 6 Representative.
*** *** ***
HOUSING AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Steve Melton has resigned
from the Housing Authority and that this is the Mayor?s appointment.
*** *** ***
LAND BANK AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Carson Cummings has been
nominated to succeed Mr. William Baird and that he may be confirmed. Councilor
Davis so moved. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Baker, Henderson
and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent for this vote.
She also pointed out that Mayor Wetherington is nominating Mr. Justin
Krieg to succeed Mr. Joseph Powell and Mr. Thomas Gristina to succeed Mr. Rob
Doll and that they may be confirmed. Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Baker, Henderson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh being absent for this vote.
Councilor Barnes then nominated Mr. Douglas Bryant to succeed Mr. Terry
Hattaway. Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at the
next meeting for the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
Mr. Lorenza Wilder then came forward to address the Council regarding the
subject matter for which he was listed on the Agenda to speak to.
*** *** ***
Mr. Paul Olson also came forward once again to speak to the subject of the
Citizens Service Center.
City Manager Hugley responded to some of the comments addressed by Mr.
Olson.
City Attorney Fay also responded to some of the comments made by Mr. Olson
with respect to the contract for the Medical Center, as well as the Methane Gas
Contract.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Allen then made a motion adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Anthony and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time with
Councilors Baker, Henderson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent for this
vote, with the time being 1:19 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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