MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 13, 2013
The meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 5:38
P.M., Tuesday, August 13, 2013, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens Service
Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike
Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
*** *** ***
PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Glenn Davis, Charles E.
McDaniel, Jr., Judy W. Thomas, 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. Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat
at the Council table at 9:15 a.m.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
ABSENT: Councilors Jerry Barnes and Berry Henderson were absent.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
INVOCATION: Led by Brother Willie Martin, First Free Will Baptist Church.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Imagination Station.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
CRIME PREVENTION PRESENTATION:
Mayor Tomlinson said because Councilor Henderson asked for this
presentation, and said since he is not present here today, and due to us having
a lengthy agenda, she would ask, if there are no objections from any member of
the Council that we postpone it until our next regular meeting when Councilor
Henderson will be present.
There were no objections expressed. Mayor Tomlinson then asked that Mr.
Seth Brown, Crime Prevention Director to come back at next week?s meeting.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the July 9, 16 & 23, 2013 Meetings of
the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia
were submitted and approved. Councilor Allen moved the approval of the minutes.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being absent for the meeting
and Councilor Huff having not yet arrived for the meeting.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING: ______
An Ordinance (13-39) ? Requiring elected officials and all departments of
the
consolidated government to seek Council approval for expenditures exceeding
budgeted appropriations; and for other purposes. Councilor Allen moved the
adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Barnes and Henderson being absent for the meeting and Councilor Huff
having not yet arrived for the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:__________________________________
An Ordinance (13-40) ? Rezoning Property located at 1347 and 1353 23rd
Street
from an RMF1 (Residential Multifamily 1) to NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning
district. The purpose of the rezoning is for general/take out-restaurant.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinances Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Barnes and Henderson being absent for the
meeting and Councilor Huff having not yet arrived for the meeting.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance (13-41) ? Rezoning Property located at Midtown Columbus
(between Lakebottom Park and Wynnton Road) from an RMF2 (Residential
Multifamily 2)/ RO (Residential-Office)/ and NC (Neighborhood Commercial)
zoning districts to SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2)/ SFR3 (Single Family
Residential 3)/ and SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) zoning districts. The
current and proposed use is single family residential.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinances Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Barnes and Henderson being absent for the
meeting and Councilor Huff having not yet arrived for the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED: ___________
An Ordinance ?Rezoning property located at 850, 904, 926, 934, 942, 1126
and 1150 Morris Road from an SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) to LMI (Light
Manufacturing Industrial) zoning district. (REZN-5-13-2116) (District
1-Councilor Barnes) The purpose of the rezoning is for these proposed uses:
Stuart Woodworks ? mostly vacant (850), existing warehouse and storage (904),
vacant (926), discount auto ? auto parts and metal recycling center (934),
undeveloped (942), valley components ? building materials fabrication (1126),
and undeveloped.
City Attorney Fay said if anyone has made campaign contributions in the
amount of $250.00 or more to the Mayor or Council that wants to speak for or
against this zoning, you should have disclosed that already, but if not, you
will need to disclose that for the record.
Mayor Tomlinson said that she knows that Councilor Barnes had asked for a
meeting on this petition and then asked if that meeting has ever taken place.
City Attorney Fay said as far as he knows, it did.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Tray Carmack, 4621 River Road, Suite ?C?, Columbus, GA. 31904
representative for the petitioner said everyone was satisfied with what they
were doing. He said there were a couple of concerns, which was based mainly on
misunderstandings of where they were heading, but said as far as he could tell,
everybody seems to be content with it.
City Attorney Fay said there are two conditions listed in the ordinance:
An 8 feet streetscape buffer shall be maintained along the front portion of 934
Morris Road as required by the City Arborist (as shown on Exhibit A)
2. A wood fence (as shown on Exhibit B) shall be required per the City Arborist
as shown on Exhibit A.
City Attorney Fay said if there are no other questions, we will vote on
that ordinance in two weeks.
There was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:______________________________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 3434 and 3442 University
Avenue, 3626 Maryland Circle, 3465 Primrose Road from an RO (Residential
Office)/ NC (Neighborhood Commercial)/ SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to GC
(General Commercial) zoning district. The purpose of the rezoning is for
outdoor amusement ? CSU golf range.
PROPONENTS:
Mr. George Mize, of Hatcher Stubbs law firm, came forward and pointed out
that he is representing the applicant, Foundation Properties and said that
Foundation Properties is really a Cooperative Foundation that really exists for
the benefit of CSU. He distributed a packet of information to the Mayor and
copy, but a copy was not filed with the Clerk of Council for the Council?s
records.
He said also present with him today, representing Foundation Properties
and CSU is Mr. Mark Elemben, Golf Coach for CSU.
Mr. Mize then went into some details in outlining the request for the
proposed 13 acres of property for zoning. He said the property is located
about one-half mile south east of the main CSU campus. He said the rezoning
request has been approved by the Planning Advisory Commission, as well as
conditionally approved by the Planning Department and said both of the
conditions suggested by the Planning Division are acceptable to the petitioner.
He said they are proposing to use this property for the purpose of developing
it into a golf studio, a golf range, clubhouse and practice and educational
facilities and related and supporting uses. He said the facility will be used
by the CSU Golf team, CSU students, as well as CSU facility.
He said while the property will be owned by Foundation Properties it will
be leased to CSU with the ultimate goal to convey the property to CSU once the
debt has been retired.
After the conclusion of his presentation, Mr. Mize then responded to
questions of members of the Council.
City Attorney Fay also outlined the conditions that are included in the
ordinance.
Councilor Baker also pointed out that there was a neighborhood meeting
held to respond to any questions and concerns of the neighbors in the area. He
said there may be some neighbors present here today that we might want to hear
from.
City Attorney Fay said there are other individuals who are present that
have questions and wanted to be heard.
The following individuals came forward and addressed their questions and
concerns regarding the proposed rezoning ordinance.
Mr. Jimmy Kimbrough, 3811 Rockdale Drive, came forward and addressed the
concerns that he has regarding this proposed rezoning ordinance. He said he
just wanted to make sure that the property is CSU property and is not bordering
on his property. He said he also wanted to know if it would be open to the
public since it is in the public neighborhood.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then asked Mr. Kimbrough if he got a letter
about the hearing. He said he got a letter about the meeting today, but said
that is the only information that he has received. He said his neighbor told
him about a meeting that they had about a month ago, but said he was not aware
of that meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then ask Director of Planning Department to meet
with Mr. Kimbrough after the hearing today to answer any questions that he may
have regarding this proposal.
In response to a question of Councilor Woodson, City Attorney Fay pointed
out that CSU and Foundation Properties has stated that it will be used only for
CSU students and faculty.
Mr. John Daniel said he owns Broadmoore Realty Company at 3416 University
Avenue. He said he is in favor of the project, but said the only thing that
bothers him is removing more property from the tax rolls because he is a
taxpayer. He said he wish the Council would keep that in mind at all times. He
said the only other issues that he has is that he has a recorded easement
across the property.
He said he don?t recall receiving any other notice other than for the
Council meeting.
City Attorney Fay said Mr. Mize is on notice of a potential easement for
the property.
Mr. Tom Musselman, said he is here on behalf of his mother, Betty
Musselman who resides at 3429 Fieldcrest Avenue. He said her property borders
on the front and back sides of the development. He said as stated by the other
gentlemen, she was not aware of the information and that is why he is present
here today. He said they have concerns about access and the impact on her
property and said he would try to meet with the developers as well. He said she
did get a notice of this meeting, but no other meetings.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked Director of the Department of the Planning
Division to check and confirm whether or these individuals are getting notices,
but if not, we will need to start the process again. She said for three people
to say they didn?t get notices, so we will check on that.
City Manager Hugley said we will have to see what?s going on with the
mail, because the notices did go out. He said they have all three of them on
the list where the mail went out and said we just need to figure out what?s
going on with the mail. He said the notices were mailed out and all three
gentlemen are on the list where on that mailer.
Mayor Tomlinson said they received notice for this meeting; so, we need to
check the list for the Planning Advisory meeting.
Mr. Rick Jones said that they will go back and check the list for the
Planning Advisory Commission Meeting; however, the meeting that Mr. Mize was
talking about earlier between the neighbors and CSU, that was their meeting. He
said we did not instigate that meeting, but said we will go back and look at
the mailer again.
Councilor Baker said for the neighborhood property, they distributed
flyers for every bordering property.
Mr. Elemben said as far as he is aware, everyone on the bordering property
received a flyer from the marketing department.
Councilor Baker asked Mr. Elemben if they would object to having a
follow-up meeting between now and the second reading of the ordinance, to which
he said they didn?t have a problem with that.
After more than twenty minutes of discussion on this matter, the public
hearing
was concluded and City Attorney Fay pointed out this will be voted on in two
weeks at the next Council meeting.
THE FOLLOWING ORDINACNE WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:________________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Providing for the demolition of various structures
located at:
2206 12th Avenue (Bibb Rentals, LLC, Owner)
317 27th Street (Mattie L. Brown, Owner)
813 Coolidge Avenue (Community Bank & Trust, Owner)
(4) 2319 6th Avenue (Roy L. Culliver, Owner)
(5) 812 35th Street (Eunice White Dorsey, Owner)
(6) 1309 Rose Hill Street (48 Hundred Corporation, Owner)
(7) 42 Ross Avenue (Willie James Grier, Owner)
(8) 371 Bragg Smith Street (Kinchen & Wilson Associates, LLC, Owner)
(9) 807 Coolidge Avenue (James H. Lily & Tywana Martin, Owners)
(10) 23 30th Avenue (Susie Mays, Owner)
(11) 311 23rd Avenue (Mid South Rentals, LLC, Owner)
(12) 2707 9th Street (Catherine Jordan Pugh & Mary Frances Currie, Owners)
(13) 2008 3rd Avenue (Clarence & Andre Smith, Owners)
(14) 2321, 2323, 2325, 2327 6th Avenue (Percy Tindall, Owner)
(15) 3403 7th Avenue (Percy Tindall, Owner)
(16) 2807? Baldwin Street (T-Marie Enterprises, Inc, Owner)
in the total amount of $113,830.90 for demolition services.
City Attorney Fay asked if there was anyone present to speak to any of
these properties, but there were none. He then asked if there were any
questions from members of the Council.
Councilor Davis said there is an apartment complex over off of 5th Street
right
up the street from BTW apartments and said he believes that we own it. He then
asked if the staff was familiar with the apartment complex that he was making
reference to.
Ms. Amy Carbajal said she believes that he is talking about a single story
cinderblock that is located on 6th Avenue & 7th Street; and said that we do own
it and said it is set for demolition and she is just waiting to hear from them.
Councilor Davis said he is hoping that it was on this list and thinks that
it should be first on the list out of all these demotions. Ms. Carbajal said
because we own the property, it doesn?t have to be approved.
Councilor Davis then asked if there anything that he is not seeing, or
the Council doesn?t know about, a situation that has happened that the Council
needs to know about; and then asked; why hasn?t it be torn down? Mayor
Tomlinson then asked; when did we acquire this property?
Ms. Carbajal said we have asked Reaves Wrecking Company to demolish the
property, but said they have just been behind in the work that they have to do;
and said it takes them awhile to get to the work. She also responded to several
questions of members of the Council.
City Manager Hugley said we have brought multiple pieces of properties to
Council in recent months in the Liberty District area, as we were assembling
property and this is one of those parcels of property. He said when we acquired
the property; it was with Liberty District Special Purpose Local Options Sales
Tax money, which is intended for infrastructure and property acquisition to
clear up and clean up blight. He said when we acquired the property; it was
with the intent that we would get rid of the blight.
He said when we acquired the property; it was with the intent to get rid
of blight. He said it is with the Wrecking Company but they just want to get it
in their schedule to demolish it.
Several minutes of discussion continued on this matter with regards to the
demolition of property, Mayor Tomlinson asked that the staff get together with
the Purchasing Department to determine if it is possible to have a back up
contractor for the demolition of properties to help us catch up.
Director of the Inspections & Code Department Greg Coates also responded
to questions of members of the Council.
City Attorney Fay said this ordinance will be back before the Council in
two weeks for a vote.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
________________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by
establishing a No Parking Anytime Zone along the west curb of Phillips Street
beginning at the south curb of Levy Road and running southerly a distance of
795 feet south; authorizing the installation of official traffic control signs
indicating the No Parking Anytime restriction; repealing any conflicting
ordinances and for other purposes.
Councilor Huff said he personally went out and met with the business
owners after finding out about this matter. He said that everyone is in
agreement with the plan that is been presented today. He said Mr. Roger Ward
was the person that called to get this process started because the 18-wheelers
was coming in on the weekend and dropping their trailers down on Phillips
Street and leaving them for the weekend. He said it was impeding traffic coming
in and out of his property.
He said he wanted to thanked Mrs. Newman and Traffic Engineer Hamlett, as
well as Mr. Ward for their assistance in this matter.
City Attorney Fay said this matter will be voted on in two weeks.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (254-13) ? Approving an application for a Special Exception
Use for an auto/truck dealership with less than two (2) acres located at 170
Brennan Road. The current zoning for the property is Light Manufacturing
Industrial (LMI) zoning district.
City Attorney Fay said this is a hearing for a Special Exception Use and
then asked if there were any questions of the Council or was there anyone who
wanted to be heard on this matter.
Mr. Jimmy Tom , 170 Brennan Road, the applicant was present, but he did
not make a presentation as there was no one present to oppose this request.
Councilor Huff said he would like to thank Mr. Tom for operating a
business in the district and his willingness to expand. He said as far as he
knows there is no opposition to this matter.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND AFTER SOME DISCUSSION WAS THEN DELAYED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION AT THE END OF
TODAY?S MEETING:_ ______
A Resolution ? Approving an application for a Special Exception Use for a
private school located at 7201 Moon Road. The current zoning for the property
is Residential Office (RO) zoning district.
Mr. Carson Cummings, 2601 Madden Drive, Columbus, Georgia, the applicant
was present to answer questions of the Mayor & Council.
City Attorney Fay then asked if there were any questions from members of
the Council.
Mr. Cummings, in response to a question of Councilor Davis, as to how they
are planning on operating the school; said he could provide information as to
the location of the property for the school, but he would have to defer to Ms.
Evelyn Platt, as it relates to the operation of the school. He said Ms. Platt
is the founder and current Headmaster of the campus, who also has a facility in
Peachtree City.
Councilor Davis said he would like to hear how the operation is going to
take place and addressing the needs of the children on an all day basis, and
the way that you are going to deal with traffic; which really concerns him.
Mr. Cummings said they have 51 parking spaces and said the Planning
Advisory Commission has requested that they eliminate the last 2 of those
parking spaces. He said if they need to, they can eliminate some more of those
parking spaces to allow for turn around at the end of the road. He said the
road dead-ends at the facility. He aid they are in agreement to remove parking
spaces for traffic to turn around at the end of the drive.
Mr. Cummings said he would like for Ms. Platt to come and talk about the
school, which will ultimately relate to the parking.
Ms. Platt then came forward and went into some details in explaining the
operation of the school and also explained how the flow of the traffic would
go.
She said there is parking at two different parts of the property.
Councilor Davis said he doesn?t have problem with the front part of the
building, but said he is concerned with the rear portion.
Ms. Platt, as well as Mr. Will Johnson of the Department of the Planning
Department responded to questions of members of the Council.
In response to further concerns of Councilor Davis, Mr. Will Johnson
showed where the turnaround will be and also said there is no access to the lot
on the Lake. He also said that this plan has been reviewed by the City?s
Traffic Engineer, and the building and the parking, and the emergency access
situation has also been reviewed by Captain Todd Turner of the Columbus Fire
EMS Department; and said they have both signed off on it.
Mayor Tomlinson said she shares Councilor Davis? concern and then asked;
how is a fire truck going to be able to turn around there. She said it is
probably broader than it appears, obviously; but if you say that the Planning
Department and the Fire Department believes that they have adequate,? but she
thinks the question is not children being greeted, but said it is vehicular
access, entry and exit.
Mr. Johnson said he would defer to the applicants on this because they are
the ones on met on site with Captain Turner.
Mr. Cummings said they tried to be proactive on the front end with Captain
Turner and said they had an architect met with them from Neal, Kendust and
Murray; and said they went through the building and looked at all the interior
walls and said they are all fire rated; and as Ms. Platt was talking about, the
exits both on the front and the rear.
He said when it came to ingress and egress with vehicles right at the end
of the building, at the end of the road is where the fire hydrant is located.
He said he know it looks narrow, but said the blue line is really over the
parking spaces and the actual drive lane, he is not sure it?s 25 or 30 feet
beyond that, but it goes away from the building; he said you have at least
50-feet or more for a vehicle to get down to there, that includes the parking
spaces.
City Manager Hugley said he notice that it has been stated several times
that the Planning Department and the Fire Department has signed off on this,
but said he has consulted with the staff, and said that it is the Traffic
Engineer, who handles traffic and deals with this on a day to day basis, and
the Fire Department, Captain Turner from the Fire Department has signed off on
it. He said not the Planning Department, but the Traffic Engineer and the Fire
Department has signed off on it.
After more than twenty minutes of discussion on this matter, Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh said she thinks that we need to have someone from the Traffic
Engineer Department and/or Fire Department to come over and explain to us how a
fire truck and an emergency vehicle will be getting in and out, and said it is
not the number of students.
City Manager Hugley said he would see if we can get someone over here
today from the Traffic Engineering Department, as well as the Fire Department
for them to respond to questions of members of the Council before the meeting
adjourns today. (See below for additional discussion below regarding this
matter.)
Mayor Tomlinson said we will delay action on this matter until such time
we can get someone over to address questions about this matter so that the
Council can feel more comfortable with it.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____
_____________________________
A Resolution (255-13) ? Authorizing the Mayor to execute the attached
amended Agreement between Columbus, Georgia and CBS Outdoor, Inc.
Councilor Huff moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Huff then asked if Mr. Hudson met with the Mayor and City
Attorney Fay and was he happy with everything.
Mayor Tomlinson said this was at their request. She said apparently
originally there were two billboards in close proximity and one turned out not
to be a viable option from negotiations standpoint; and said this one is
immediately adjacent and as she understands it, is a viable option. She said
this amendment was at the request of CBS Outdoor and it is just substituting
one for the other.
The question was then called on the motion as stated above, which carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Barnes
and Henderson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (256-13) ? Authorizing payment of attorney fees which may be
incurred for legal services rendered regarding various City issues during
Fiscal Year 2014.
Councilor Huff moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilor Barnes and Henderson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND AFTER SOME DISCUSSION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_________________________
A Resolution (257-13) ? Requesting that the local legislative delegation
introduce general legislation at the 2014 Session of the Georgia General
Assembly to allow a merged election calendar for federal and state elections
which will reduce the burden of payment by Muscogee County taxpayers for such
elections.
Mayor Pro Tem Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for the meeting.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
PUBLIC AGENDA:
MS. JENN COLLINS, REPRESENTING CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERWARDEN, RE: GEORGIA
EPD/GEORGIA ADOPT-A-STREAM, TO PRESENT THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERWARDEN WITH AN
AWARD FOR THE NON-PROFIT WATERSHED ORGANIZATION OF THE
YEAR:______________________ _______________
Ms. Tara Meant, from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources,
Environmental Protection Division Atlanta, Georgia. She said she is the
Coordinator of a program, The Georgia EPD/Georgia Adopt-A-Stream, which is a
volunteer statewide based program. She said they monitor the waters of
Georgia. She said they have community programs throughout the State that help
supports their goals, which is to educate citizens in Georgia about non-point
source pollution and how to better our waterways.
She said she is here this morning to present one of their award winners to
the Chattahoochee River Warden, their award for the Non-Profit Watershed
Organization of the Year. She said Mr. Jenn Collins and Mr. Roger Martin,
Executive Director, Chattahoochee River keeper, are here to accept the award
for their work as the River keeper and the great job that they are doing here
in Columbus with the Chattahoochee River.
Mr. Martin also made comments about the Chattahoochee River and also
responded to questions of Councilor McDaniel with regards to a marina at Rotary
Park.
*** *** ***
MR. RAD DELARODERIE, REPRESENTING 9/11 MEMORIAL RIDE, RE: UPCOMING 9/11
MEMORIAL RIDE:_____________________________
Mr. Rad Delaroderie, said over 10-years ago he retired from the Columbus
Police Department and said he knows several of the Council members from that
time. He said he is also the current President of the Exchange Club, and has
been a member of that organization for over 24 years. He said he is also a
lifelong motorcyclist and said he bring these things up about him to put into
context the reason he is here this morning. He said next month will be the 12th
Anniversary of 9/11, where 417 public safety officers lost their lives. He said
many people don?t know that the City of Columbus sent a few officers from our
jurisdiction up to New York, to help in the search and rescue of the
aftermath. He said in a very real and concrete way, the City of Columbus is
tied to this event.
He then went into some details in providing information about the
non-profit organization , ?the American?s 911 Foundation? that was created
after that event, whose primary purpose was to raise funds to provide college
scholarships to the children of those 417 public safety officers, who died that
day. He said one of the ways that they raise funds is an annual 9/11 Motorcycle
Memorial Ride that is held in August and said it starts on August 16th this
year and said he just wanted to come and let the City of Columbus know that he
will be riding in that annual Memorial Ride. He said the ride is limited to
1,000 motorcycles.
Mr. Delaroderie also showed the t-shirt that he will be wearing, which has
the names of all the 417 public safety officers that lost their lives. He said
because the City sent officers up there to help, he wanted to represent the
City of Columbus and said the Mayor was supportive and instrumental in helping
him to put together some patches from the Columbus Police Department, Fire
Department, Sheriffs and Marshal Department representing the City of Columbus.
He said back in 2000, then Deputy John Darr and two other officers, who
are present here today were the officers that the City of Columbus sent up to
New York, who spent about one week helping in the search and rescue in the
aftermath of that event. He said he wanted these officers to be here today so
that you can meet them. Deputy Allen Humphrey and Sergeant Shawn Riley then
introduced themselves. He said that Lt. Felix DeVelius was also one of the
officers that went as well.
*** *** ***
MS. BEVERLY NELSON, RE: THE COLUMBUS POLICE DEPARTMENT AND FALSE
ARREST:_______________________________
Ms. Beverly Nelson, who requested to be listed on today?s agenda to speak
to the subject of The Columbus Police Department and false arrest, did not
respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.
MR. SAMMY BATTLE & MS. KENYATTA WILLIAMS, RE: THE MUSCOGEE COUNTY
JAIL:________________________________________
Mr. Sammy Battle & Ms. Kenyatta Williams, who requested to be listed on
today?s agenda to speak to the subject of the Muscogee County Jail, did not
respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
NOTE: Councilor Woodson left at this point in the meeting, with the time
being 10:33 a.m.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCUSSION:
_____________________________
A Resolution (258-13) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Historic Westville, Inc., to relocate
the Living History Museum to the Oxbow Meadows site and authorizing conveyance
of approximately 35 acres of property, formerly known as the Orchard Grove
Mobile Home Park, to Westville to locate the Living History Museum and lease
two tracts of land for economic development and recreational purposes.
City Manager Hugley said we have several individuals present regarding
this matter and then asked them to come forward so that we can see who they
are.
He also recognized Mr. Ben Williams, as well as Mr. Peter Bowden of the
Convention & Visitors Bureau of Columbus.
After City Manager Hugley explained the terms of the Memorandum of
Understanding, and those individuals standing at the Council table identified
themselves, Leo Vince, Mike Bunn Tripp Blankenship, and several staff members
of Westville was also present.
Councilor Davis said as it relates to ?Track B?, he would ask that the
word audited financial report be inserted in that section, rather than just
financial report.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote
and Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
_______________________________ ____________
A Resolution (259-13) ? Authorizing the execution a new Lease Agreement
for antennae and building space on the Columbus Consolidated Government Center
building, 100 10th Street, with T-Mobile South LLC., to operate and maintain a
telecommunications facility with annual rent of $15,208.75.
The agreement will be for 5 years with options to renew for four
additional terms with a fixed 15% rent increase for each term.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote and
Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (260-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with the
Georgia Department of Transportation for Financial Assistance of $251,141.93
with a 20% local match of $62,785.48 for a total of $313,927.41 to carry out
the FY 2014 Transportation Planning Work Activities of the Columbus-Phenix City
Transportation Study (C-PCTS).
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote and
Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH
COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILORS BARNES AND
HENDERSON BEING ABSEN T FOR THE MEETING:_________________
A Resolution (261-13) ? Authorizing the approval to submit an application,
and if approved, accept a grant in the amount of $3,500 with no local match, or
that approved amount, from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency for the
Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2012 Homeland Security Grant
Program/State Homeland Security Program to provide supplies and equipment for
the Explosive Detection Canine Program.
A Resolution (262-13) ? Authorizing the approval to submit an application
and ,if approved, accept a grant in the amount of $26,000, or as otherwise
awarded, with no local match from the 2012 Homeland Security Grant Program for
maintenance of equipment received as part of a 2008 Hazardous Grant.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING SEVEN PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S
AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL PURSUANT TO A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND SECONDED BY
MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF
COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE
AND COUNCILORS BARNES AND HENDERSON BEING ABSENT FOR THE MEETING:__
_________
A Resolution (263-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase one (1)
mid-size hydraulic seeder and mulcher (Bowie Victor 1100), from
Stowers-Lillagore Construction Equipment Co., Inc., (Ellenwood, GA) in the
amount of $56,300.00.
The equipment was approved in the FY12 Mid-Year Integrated Waste Equipment
Purchases. It will be used to vegetate the Municipal Solid Waste Landfill as
required by the Georgia Environmental Protection Agency.
A Resolution (264-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase of one (1)
Vermeer CT616 Wildcat Compost Turner, from Vermeer Southeast Sales & Service,
Inc. (Marietta, GA), in the amount of $194,241.00, by cooperative purchase via
National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) Contract #081209-VRM.
The Recycling/Sustainability Center was approved for one (1) windrow
turner via the FY12 Integrated Waste Equipment Purchases for the Sustainability
Center Project. The windrow turner will be used at the Pine Grove Landfill for
composting. This is new equipment.
The purchase will be accomplished by cooperative purchase via Request for
Proposal (RFP) Contract #081209-VRM, initiated by the National Joint Powers
Alliance (NJPA), whereby Vermeer Southeast Sales & Service, Inc., was one of
the successful vendors contracted to provide Heavy & Utility Equipment. The
contract, which commenced September 10, 2009, is good through September 9,
2013. The National Joint Powers Alliance is a Service Cooperative created by
Minnesota Statute 123A.21. This statute was created in 1978 and revised in
1995 to allow participating governmental and municipal agencies to reduce the
cost of purchased goods by leveraging their combined purchasing power. The bid
process utilized by National Joint Powers Alliance meets the requirements of
the City?s Procurement Ordinance; additionally, cooperative purchasing is
authorized per Article 9-101 of the Procurement Ordinance.
A Resolution (265-13) ? Authorizing the approval to make payment to F4W,
Inc., in the amount of $27,932.89 for the annual maintenance renewal for the
Sheriff?s Mobile Command Vehicle satellite system. The system is used as a
mutual aid tool providing communications services to several surrounding
counties in the event of emergency situations. The maintenance includes 24/7
telephone support, software upgrades and loaner equipment during repair
periods. This payment will cover the period from July 15, 2013 ? July 14, 2014.
A Resolution (266-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase and
installation of gate controllers for Muscogee County Jail from Concentric
Security, LLC (Skysville, MD), in the amount of $49,400.00 ($34,500.00 for
controllers and $14,900.00 for UPS battery backups). The purchase will be
accomplished by cooperative purchase via Federal General Services
Administration (GSA) Contract #GS-07F-0100M.
Out of the five new security gates installed during the 2002 addition to
the Jail, only one remains half-way operational. Parts from the other gates
have been salvaged to keep the one operational gate functional. However, when
it rains, the one operational gate ceases to work. The jail is a maximum-
security facility, and all the gates are in an extreme state of disrepair.
Time is of the essence to replace the gates for safety and security
reasons. Therefore, the purchase will be accomplished by cooperative purchase
via Federal General Services Administration (GSA) Contract ##GS-07F-0100M held
by Concentric Security, LLC. This equipment falls under Schedule 84 of Federal
GSA contracts, which is available for Public Safety Entities. Cooperative
purchasing is authorized per Article 9-101 of the City?s Procurement Ordinance.
A Resolution (267-13) ? Authorizing the approval to make payment to
Motorola Solutions, Inc., in the amount of $158,994.36, to execute the FY14
annual transmission system service contract for the City?s 800 MHz radio
communication system.
Per the award of RFP No. 149-91, (Resolution No. 91-92) the City
established an Annual Transmission System Maintenance contract with Motorola
Solutions, Inc., (formerly Motorola Communications and Electronics, Inc),
having renewed said contract each year. The Annual Transmission System Service
Agreement is adjusted each year for any deletions or additions of transmission
system components.
The Annual Transmission System Service agreement covers the highly
technical components of the Radio System. The agreement runs from July 1, 2013
through June 30, 2014, and the annual payment is made, in total, at the
beginning of each agreement period. Motorola Solutions, Inc., is the
manufacturer of the equipment, and therefore, considered an only known source
for this specific maintenance.
A Resolution (268-13) ? Authorizing the approval to execute a contract
with Global Connect to provide emergency notification to households in
Columbus, Georgia, during FY14, in the amount of $26,509.45, for 48,199
households and employees at a rate of $0.55 each. Approval is also requested
for the same services for two additional years at the rate of $0.55 each.
Per Resolution 538-08, Council approved a nine (9) month free trial period
of the emergency notification system provided by Global Connect. The system
enabled the City to provide emergency notification to employees and citizens,
telephonically, resulting in increased safety and response planning for
emergency situations, such as natural disasters. Since the trial period
Council has approved a continuation of the services. Therefore, it is desired
to continue the service for one year, with the option for two additional years.
A Resolution (269-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase one (1) John
Deere 6140 Cab Tractor, from John Deere Company (Cary, NC), delivering dealer:
SunSouth, LLC (Columbus, GA), in the amount of $105,029.54, by cooperative
purchase via National Purchasing Partners (NPP) RFP #545.
The Recycling/Sustainability Center was approved for one (1) tractor via
the FY12 Integrated Waste Equipment Purchases for the Sustainability Center
Project. The tractor will be used with the windrow turner at the Pine Grove
Landfill for composting. This is new equipment.
The purchase will be accomplished by cooperative purchase via Request for
Proposal (RFP) #545, initiated by the National Purchasing Partners (NPP),
whereby John Deere Company, was awarded the national contract to provide Lawn &
Landscape Equipment. SunSouth, LLC, is the local John Deere dealer. The
contract, which commenced April 8, 2013, is good through March 31, 2017, with
automatic extensions for up to three (3) successive one (1) year periods.
National Purchasing Partners is a member-based Group Purchasing Organization
(GPO) owned by Virginia Mason Medical Center. A GPO is a cost savings vehicle
available in select vertical markets (e.g., Construction, Transportation, Oil &
Gas, Legal and Hospitality). The purpose of a GPO is to leverage purchasing
strength through membership in order to acquire goods and services at lower
prices. GPOs are not resellers, but rather contract negotiators. GPO members
are entitled to purchase through these negotiated contracts. The RFP process
utilized by National Purchasing Partners meets the requirements of the City?s
Procurement Ordinance; additionally, cooperative purchasing is authorized per
Article 9-101 of the Procurement Ordinance.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS THEN CALLED UP AGAIN AND AFTER MUCH
CONTINUED DISCUSSION WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
_______________________________________________
A Resolution (270-13) ? Approving an application for a Special Exception
Use for a private school located at 7201 Moon Road. The current zoning for the
property is Residential Office (RO) zoning district.
Mr. Ron Hamlett, Traffic Engineer came forward and said when they looked
at this being on a dead-end was somewhat of a concern; however, the advantage
to that is there was a very low number of students and from a traffic
standpoint, they calculate only about two and one-half trips per student, and
beyond that being very small, you would have the faculty. He said that number
for the faculty is divided between them coming in the morning and leaving at
the end of the day.
He said what they looked at is to be sure that they have a turn around and
the recommendation was to take the last two parking spaces at the very end,
which he showed on the map, to make that their turnaround area. He said they
don?t see any issues with that.
Mr. Hamlett then responded to several questions of members of the Council.
Chief Robert Futrell of the Columbus Fire EMS Department said he spoke
with Captain Turner and he said since this was an existing building, he didn?t
review it for road access, he only reviewed the building and the fire hydrants,
but he suggested the same recommendation. He said in his opinion, if you did
blocked out those two parking spaces, which would give them enough room to turn
it around. He said he would be happy to work with the school to make sure that
they have access.
After members of the Council expressed further concerns regarding this
matter, Traffic Engineer Hamlett and Deputy Fire Chief Futrell then responded
to those questions and concerns of the Council.
Mr. Cummings said there are five spaces at the end and said if they need
to take about four spaces they can do that. He said they have plenty of
parking. He said removing a few extra spaces is not a big issue.
After some additional fifteen minutes of discussion regarding this matter,
Councilor Allen then made a motion to adopt the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote and
Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for the meeting.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
NOTE: Councilor Allen left at this point in the meeting, with the time
being 11:08 a.m.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATION TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Employee Benefits
Committee.
(2) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Will Barnes, a potential nominee to replace Mr.
Reynolds Bickerstaff on the Downtown Development Authority.
(3) Certificate of Need Application submitted by the Medical Center, Inc. for
the renovation of Pediatric Space at the Medical Center, Columbus, Muscogee
County.
(4) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1100 block of
Broadway, on Friday, August 23, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., in
connection with the ?Pine Beetles Concert?.
(5) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1200 block of
Broadway, on Saturday, August 24, 2013, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., in
connection with the ?Classic Car Show?.
(6) Application of the Liberty Theatre to temporarily close Eighth Avenue from
8th Street intersection to 9th Street, on September 14, 2013 from 7:00 a.m. to
12:00 p.m., in connection with a ?Street Festival?.
(7) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1100 block of
Broadway, on September 20 & 27 and October 4, 11 & 18, 2013, from 6:00 p.m. to
10:30 p.m., in connection with ?Uptown Concert Series?.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________________________
A Resolution (271-13) ? Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from
the
July 30, 2013 Council Meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present
at the time,
with Councilors Allen and Woodson being absent for this vote and Councilors
Barnes and
Henderson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY
RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________
Animal Control Advisory Board, July 11, 2013.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 26-13 & 27-13.
Budget Review Committee, May 14, 2013.
Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, January 9, 2013.
Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, February 6, 2013.
Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, March 6, 2013.
Golf Authority, June 25, 2013.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, June 11, 2013.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, June 25, 2013.
Uptown Facade Board, June 17, 2013.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion that these minutes are received.
Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those six members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and Woodson being absent for
this vote, and Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that at the last Council meeting
that Mr. Will Burgin was nominated to succeed himself for another term of
office and that he may now be confirmed. Councilor McDaniel so moved. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen and Woodson being absent for this
vote, and Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out at the last meeting Mr. Kriss
Cloninger and Mr. Stephen Butler was nominated for another term of office on
the Downtown Development Authority and then advises that they may now be
confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion for confirmation. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen and Woodson being absent for this
vote, and Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for the meeting.
Clerk of Council Washington we do have a recommendation for a potential
nominee of Mr. Will Barnes, if someone would like to nominate him.
Councilor Baker then nominated Mr. Barnes for Mr. Reynolds Bickerstaff?s
position.
*** *** ***
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Council needs to
nominate someone to fill the unexpired term of Captain Jackey Long, who is
now deceased, and served in the sworn officer?s position from the Public
Safety Department on the Employee Benefits Committee. She said she provided a
list of names to the members of the Council and said the Council may select
someone from the list, if they would like to.
Councilor Thomas then nominated Captain Freddie Blackmon for this
position.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at the next
regular meeting for the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need someone to
fill the unexpired term of Mr. Robert Nobles? at-large seat, due to him having
been appointed to serve on another board. She further pointed out that the
Commission is working on a recommendation for this seat.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Mayor & Council must
nominate someone from their respective districts for the 2013 - 2014 school
year.
Councilor McDaniel then nominated Joyce James, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
nominated Tatiana Moore, Councilor Baker nominated Tatiana Brown and Mayor
Tomlinson nominated Hammet Martinez.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then moved confirmation of these four nominees.
Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those six members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and Woodson being absent for
this vote, and Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
LIBERTY AVENUE:
Councilor Huff said Liberty Avenue, which is located off of Cusseta Road,
where the property backs into to the Brown Avenue Bridge project; there is a
particular hill that needs to be shaved back. He said there was a bobcat
sighted in the area that hit a resident?s roof.
*** *** ***
MUNSON DRIVE:
Councilor Huff said the residence at 166 Munson Drive, in the Benning
Hills said that they called on June 25th and there was a follow-up call on
July 15th and then again on August 1st and said he wanted the staff to take a
look at his property and get this matter cleared up.
*** *** ***
MLK PROJECT:
Councilor Huff said he would like to remind the public that we are having
he Public Hearing on the MLK Streetscape Project that will be held on August
19th at 5:00 p.m. at the Citizens Service Center and August 27th at Lewis
Memorial Baptist Church.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained for motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those six
members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and Woodson being
absent for this vote, and Councilors Barnes and Henderson being absent for the
meeting, with the time of adjournment being 11:30 a.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.