Agenda Item # 2
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
October 13, 2009
Agenda Report # _432_
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: 2010 Legislative Agenda
INITIATED BY: City Manager?s Office
______________________________________________________________________
Recommendation: Approval is requested of twelve (12) resolutions on issues
included on the City of Columbus? Legislative Agenda for the 2010 Session of
the Georgia General Assembly as discussed by the Mayor and Council.
Background: Each year the elected and appointed officials of the Columbus
Consolidated Government develop a list of issues important to the citizens of
Columbus that requires action by the local Legislative Delegation. Once the
list is developed, meetings are held with the Delegation to explain the
rationale behind these issues and to solicit their support. If the Delegation
is in agreement with City officials, a final list of issues is written and
presented to the Delegation. A meeting with the Delegation was held on
September 28, 2009.
Analysis: Staff, elected and appointed officials were asked to present issues
they felt were important to the operation of City Government. Research and
justification for these issues were presented to the City Manager and a list
was prepared for presentation to the Mayor/Council. The Mayor/Council
discussed these issues among themselves and made a final decision on those that
would be presented to the Legislative Delegation.
Financial Considerations: The City is expected to receive additional revenues
if many of the issues are passed by the Georgia General Assembly.
Recommendations/Actions: Approve those resolutions, which the Mayor/Council
deems appropriate.
Columbus Consolidated Government
2010 PROPOSED Legislative Agenda
September 28, 2009
1. TEXT MESSAGING WHILE OPERATING MOTOR VEHICLE:
Introduce/support legislation prohibiting text messaging, reading/sending email
or using other similar wireless features while operating a motor vehicle.
(Requested by Councilor Davis)
2. REGULATION OF ROADSIDE AREAS:
Introduce/support legislation to prohibit or regulate and control the removal
of trees upon the right-of-way of state highways/roads for the purpose of
erecting and/or increasing visibility of signs and billboards. (Requested by
Councilor Glenn Davis)
3. POSTING OF MINUTES:
Introduce/support a legislative amendment that provides that posting the
website video of a meeting within seven days of the meeting shall satisfy
publication of minutes of meeting under O.C.G.A. 50-14-1. (Requested by
Councilor Allen)
4. TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
Introduce/support legislation for reinstatement of matching funds for Road
Projects (MPO?s). (Requested by Rick Jones, Planning)
Introduce/support legislation to increase transportation funding for Local Area
Road Projects (LARP) and state road projects development.
Introduce/support legislation to provide funding for a study to advance the
development of light rail from Atlanta to Columbus.
5. STATE FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Introduce/support legislation supporting the Georgia Crime Lab remaining in
Muscogee County. (Requested by Chief Boren - Carry over 2009)
6. POINT OF SALES DATA
Introduce/support legislation requiring sales tax point of sale data by
Department of Revenue or private contractor. (Carry over 2009)
7. STATE WATER PLAN
Support legislation that encourages minimization of the consumptive use of
water so as to assure that downstream users water rights are fully protected.
Such legislation should be incorporated into requirements for all State Water
Planning activities. (Requested by Billy Turner, President of the Cols. Water
Works and requested to keep on list by Bob Tant, current President of Cols. WW)
(Carry over 2009)
8. SCRAP METAL PROCESSORS
Introduce/support legislation to strengthen state law regulating scrap metal
processors and to increase penalties for violations of said laws and for
convictions of theft of scrap metals. (Carry over from 2009)
9. UGA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICES
Support continued funding for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Service and its county delivery system. (Requested by Joanne Cavis, Cooperative
Extension Service)
10. SALARY FOR VARIOUS ELECTED OFFICIALS
Introduce/support legislation to amend local laws to set the Marshal and Clerk
of Municipal Court salaries at 80% of the base salary of the Muscogee County
Sheriff and to allow receipt of state COLA?s and longevity increases even if
their tenure exceeds the tenure of the Muscogee County Sheriff. (Requested by
Mayor Pro Tem Pugh)
SALARY FOR VARIOUS ELECTED OFFICIALS Amended version below.
Introduce/support legislation to amend local laws to set the Marshal, Clerk of
Municipal Court and Coroner salaries at 70% of the base salary of the Muscogee
County Sheriff and to allow receipt of state COLA?s and longevity increases
even if their tenure exceeds the tenure of the Muscogee County Sheriff.
(Requested by Mayor Pro Tem Pugh)
11. MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE/JURISDICTIONAL LIMIT INCREASE:
Introduce/support legislation to change the Judge of Municipal Court to
nonpartisan and to increase the jurisdictional limit of the court to $25,000.
(Requested by Judge Stephen Hyles)
12. OFFICE OF JUDGE OF PROBATE COURT:
Introduce/support legislation to change the Judge of Probate Court to
nonpartisan. (Requested by Councilor Allen)
A RESOLUTION
No. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION PROHIBITING TEXT MESSAGING, READING/SENDING EMAIL OR USING OTHER
SIMILAR FEATURES WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2010 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation prohibiting
text messaging, reading/sending email or using other similar wireless features
while operating a motor vehicle.
__________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2009 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________
Councilor Anthony voting _____________
Councilor Baker voting _____________
Councilor Barnes voting _____________
Councilor Davis voting _____________
Councilor Henderson voting _____________
Councilor Hunter voting _____________
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________
Councilor Woodson voting _____________
_______________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Jim Wetherington, Mayor
A RESOLUTION
No. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT OR REGULATE AND CONTROL THE REMOVAL OF TREES UPON THE
RIGHT-OF-WAY OF STATE HIGHWAYS/ROADS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ERECTING AND/OR
INCREASING VISIBILITY OF SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2010 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation that will
prohibit or regulate and control the removal of trees upon the right-of-way of
state highways/roads for the purpose of erecting and/or increasing visibility
of signs and billboards.
________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2009 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________
Councilor Anthony voting _____________
Councilor Baker voting _____________
Councilor Barnes voting _____________
Councilor Davis voting _____________
Councilor Henderson voting _____________
Councilor Hunter voting _____________
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________
Councilor Woodson voting _____________
_____________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Jim Wetherington, Mayor
A RESOLUTION
No. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
A LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT THAT PROVIDES THAT POSTING THE WEBSITE VIDEO OF A
MEETING WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF THE MEETING SHALL SATISFY PUBLICATION OF MINUTES
OF MEETING UNDER O.C.G.A. 50-14-1.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2010 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support a legislative amendment
that provides that posting the website video of a meeting within seven days of
the meeting shall satisfy publication of minutes of meeting under O.C.G.A.
50-14-1.
_______________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2009 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________
Councilor Anthony voting _____________
Councilor Baker voting _____________
Councilor Barnes voting _____________
Councilor Davis voting _____________
Councilor Henderson voting _____________
Councilor Hunter voting _____________
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________
Councilor Woodson voting _____________
_____________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Jim Wetherington, Mayor
A RESOLUTION
No. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION FOR REINSTATEMENT OF MATCHING FUNDS FOR ROAD PROJECTS (MPO'S),
FUNDING FOR LOCAL AREA ROAD PROJECTS (LARP) AND STATE PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT, AND
PROVIDE FUNDING FOR A STUDY TO ADVANCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF LIGHT RAIL FROM
ATLANTA TO COLUMBUS.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2010 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation for
reinstatement of matching funds for Road Projects (MPO's), increase
transportation funding for Local Area Road Projects (LARP) and state road
projects development and provide funding for a study to advance the development
of light rail from Atlanta to Columbus.
______________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2009 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________
Councilor Anthony voting _____________
Councilor Baker voting _____________
Councilor Barnes voting _____________
Councilor Davis voting _____________
Councilor Henderson voting _____________
Councilor Hunter voting _____________
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________
Councilor Woodson voting _____________
_____________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Jim Wetherington, Mayor
A RESOLUTION
No. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION SUPPORTING THE GEORGIA CRIME LAB REMAINING IN MUSCOGEE COUNTY.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2010 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation supporting
the Georgia Crime Lab remaining in Muscogee County.
_____________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2009 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________
Councilor Anthony voting _____________
Councilor Baker voting _____________
Councilor Barnes voting _____________
Councilor Davis voting _____________
Councilor Henderson voting _____________
Councilor Hunter voting _____________
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________
Councilor Woodson voting _____________
_____________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Jim Wetherington, Mayor
A RESOLUTION
No. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION REQUIRING SALES TAX POINT OF SALE DATA BY THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF
REVENUE OR PRIVATE CONTRACTOR BE PROVIDED TO MUNICIPALITIES.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2010 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation requiring
sales tax point of sale data by the Georgia Department of Revenue or private
contractor be provided to municipalities.
__________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2009 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________
Councilor Anthony voting _____________
Councilor Baker voting _____________
Councilor Barnes voting _____________
Councilor Davis voting _____________
Councilor Henderson voting _____________
Councilor Hunter voting _____________
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________
Councilor Woodson voting _____________
_____________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Jim Wetherington, Mayor
A RESOLUTION
No. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION SUPPORTS
LEGISLATION THAT ENCOURAGES MINIMIZATION OF THE CONSUMPTIVE USE OF WATER SO AS
TO ASSURE THAT DOWNSTREAM USERS WATER RIGHTS ARE FULLY PROTECTED AND THAT SUCH
LEGISLATION SHOULD BE INCORPORATED INTO REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL STATE WATER
PLANNING ACTIVITIES.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2010 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation supports legislation that encourages
minimization of the consumptive use of water so as to assure that downstream
users water rights are fully protected and such legislation should be
incorporated into requirements for all State Water Planning Activities.
_______________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2009 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________
Councilor Anthony voting _____________
Councilor Baker voting _____________
Councilor Barnes voting _____________
Councilor Davis voting _____________
Councilor Henderson voting _____________
Councilor Hunter voting _____________
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________
Councilor Woodson voting _____________
_____________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Jim Wetherington, Mayor
A RESOLUTION
No. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN STATE LAW REGULATING SCRAP METAL PROCESSORS AND TO
INCREASE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF SAID LAWS AND FOR CONVICTIONS OF THEFT OF
SCRAP METALS.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2010 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation to
strengthen state law regulating scrap metal processors and to increase
penalties for violations of said laws and for convictions for theft of scrap
metals.
_________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2009 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________
Councilor Anthony voting _____________
Councilor Baker voting _____________
Councilor Barnes voting _____________
Councilor Davis voting _____________
Councilor Henderson voting _____________
Councilor Hunter voting _____________
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________
Councilor Woodson voting _____________
_____________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Jim Wetherington, Mayor
A RESOLUTION
No. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION SUPPORTS
LEGISLATION TO CONTINUE FUNDING FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COOPERATIVE
EXTENSION SERVICE AND ITS COUNTY DELIVERY SYSTEM.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2010 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation supports legislation to continue funding
for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and its county
delivery system.
_________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2009 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________
Councilor Anthony voting _____________
Councilor Baker voting _____________
Councilor Barnes voting _____________
Councilor Davis voting _____________
Councilor Henderson voting _____________
Councilor Hunter voting _____________
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________
Councilor Woodson voting _____________
_____________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Jim Wetherington, Mayor
A RESOLUTION
No. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION TO AMEND LOCAL LAWS TO SET THE CLERK OF MUNICIPAL AND MARSHAL COURT
SALARIES AT 70% OF THE BASE SALARY OF THE MUSCOGEE COUNTY SHERIFF AND TO ALLOW
RECEIPT OF STATE COLA'S AND LONGEVITY INCREASES EVEN IF THEIR TENURE EXCEEDS
THE TENURE OF THE MUSCOGEE COUNTY SHERIFF.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2010 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation to amend
local laws to set the Clerk of Municipal Court and Marshal salaries at 70% of
the base salary of the Muscogee County Sheriff and to allow receipt of state
COLA's and longevity increases even if their tenure exceeds the tenure of the
Muscogee County Sheriff.
______________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2009 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________
Councilor Anthony voting _____________
Councilor Baker voting _____________
Councilor Barnes voting _____________
Councilor Davis voting _____________
Councilor Henderson voting _____________
Councilor Hunter voting _____________
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________
Councilor Woodson voting _____________
_____________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Jim Wetherington, Mayor
A RESOLUTION
No. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION TO CHANGE THE JUDGE OF MUNICIPAL COURT TO NONPARTISAN AND TO
INCREASE THE JURISDICTIONAL LIMIT OF THE COURT TO $25,000.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2010 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation to change
the Judge of Municipal Court to nonpartisan and to increase the jurisdictional
limit of the court to $25,000.
______________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2009 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________
Councilor Anthony voting _____________
Councilor Baker voting _____________
Councilor Barnes voting _____________
Councilor Davis voting _____________
Councilor Henderson voting _____________
Councilor Hunter voting _____________
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________
Councilor Woodson voting _____________
_____________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Jim Wetherington, Mayor
A RESOLUTION
No. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION TO CHANGE THE JUDGE OF PROBATE COURT TO NONPARTISAN.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2010 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the local Legislative Delegation introduce/support legislation to change
the Judge of Probate Court to nonpartisan.
______________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2009 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________
Councilor Anthony voting _____________
Councilor Baker voting _____________
Councilor Barnes voting _____________
Councilor Davis voting _____________
Councilor Henderson voting _____________
Councilor Hunter voting _____________
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________
Councilor Woodson voting _____________
_____________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Jim Wetherington, Mayor
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