MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
JUNE 2, 2009
The regular monthly night session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2009, in the Council Chambers on
the Plaza Level of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Mayor
Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh were Councilors
Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis, Julius H. Hunter, Jr.,
Berry Henderson, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager
Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington
and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
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Note: Mayor Wetherington has not yet arrived for this meeting; therefore,
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh was presiding in his absence. (See below for his
late arrival)
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ABSENT: Councilor R. Gary Allen was absent from this meeting but excused upon
the adoption of Resolution Number 214-09.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Allen Page, III, Pastor Hosley Chapel CME
Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?SMALL BUSINESS WEEK?:
With Mr. Terry Wiggins, Chairperson and other committee members standing at
the Council table, Councilor Davis read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington,
proclaiming June 22 ? 25, 2009 as ?Small Business Week? in Columbus, Georgia.
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?COLUMBUS GEORGIA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU DAY?:
With Mr. Peter Bowden, President and CEO of Columbus Convention and
Visitors Bureau standing at the Council table, Councilor Baker read the
proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming June 2, 2009 as ?Columbus
Georgia Convention and Visitors Bureau Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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?COLUMBUS NEIGHBORWORKS WEEK?:
With Ms. Cathy Williams, President and CEO and Ms. Vicky Partin,
Chairperson of Columbus NeighborWorks standing at the Council table, Councilor
Henderson read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming June 6-13,
2009 as ?Columbus Neighbor Works Week? in Columbus, Georgia.
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?NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH?:
With Mr. Joe Riddle, Director, Community Reinvestment standing at the
Council table, Councilor Woodson read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington,
proclaiming the month of June 2009 as ?National Homeownership Month? in
Columbus, Georgia.
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?GREATER PEACE BAPTIST CHURCH 70TH ANNIVERSARY DAY?:
With Reverend Corey J. Neal, Pastor, Greater Peace Baptist Church standing
at the Council table, Councilor Barnes read the proclamation of Mayor
Wetherington, proclaiming May 31, 2009 as ?Greater Peace Baptist Church?s 70th
Anniversary Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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TAXPAYER?S BILL OF RIGHTS PUBLIC HEARING:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said at this point in the Council Meeting, we are
going to transition from what is on the agenda in order to deal with the
Taxpayer?s Bill of Rights Hearing, which is scheduled to begin at 6:00 P.M. She
then turned the proceedings over to City Manager Hugley.
City Manager Hugley said this is a public hearing for the Taxpayer?s Bill
of Rights. He said we had a public hearing this morning at 9:00 A.M. and this
is our second hearing scheduled for 6:00 P.M. He pointed out that before the
Consolidated Government can finalize this budget and set a millage rate,
Georgia law requires that three public hearings be held to allow the public an
opportunity to express their opinions on the increase. He then called on
Finance Director Pam Hodge to come forward and conduct the public hearing.
Finance Director Pam Hodge said she would like to make a few comments on
the notice that was advertised in the newspapers last week regarding today?s
public hearing. She said this increase is due to the revenue that will be
generated by the same millage rate or lower millage rate in District 2. She
said this public hearing is open to the public if there is anyone who wishes to
address the portion of the budget relating to the property tax increase.
City Manager Hugley pointed out that this is not an increase in taxes to
property owners who have owned their residential property over the years ?
those property taxes are frozen. The tax increase that we make reference to has
to do with the new residential properties that are coming into the city?s
inventory, or new businesses and renovations to property that will cause
property taxes to change.
With no one coming forward to voice their opinion on the Property Tax
Increase, City Manager Hugley informed Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Council
that this concludes the public hearing on the Taxpayer?s Bill of Rights.
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PROCLAMATIONS CONTINUED:
?COLUMBUS WOODBAT LEAGUE DAY?:
With Mr. Bo Callaway and Mr. Jim White, Founder and President and CEO,
respectively of the Columbus Woodbat League standing at the Council table,
Councilor Anthony read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 as ?Columbus Woodbat League Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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MAYORS? AGENDA:
WITH METRA BUS OPERATOR DARRION MITCHELL STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE,
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR
HUNTER AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (199-09) ? Commending Metra Bus Operator, Darrion Mitchell for
his expert driving skills in the 34th American Public Transportation
Association International Bus Roadeo Competition. Upon reading the resolution,
Councilor Hunter moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Allen
being absent from this meeting.
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WITH MR. NEAL WOMACK STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING
RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_______
A Resolution (200-09) ? Commending Mr. Neal Womack, owner of To-Mar Garden
Center for his generous donation of magnolia trees to Columbus, Georgia. Upon
reading the resolution, Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FIVE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:___________________________________________________
An Ordinance (09-21) ? Rezoning property located at 2730 Lakeview Drive
from an SFR2 (Single Family residential 2) zoning district to SFR3 (Single
Family Residential 3) zoning district. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of
the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present, with Councilor Allen being absent from this
meeting.
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An Ordinance (09-22) ? Amending the text to the Unified Development
Ordinance to
amend several typographical errors in various chapters of the Unified
Development Ordinance. Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance.
Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (09-23) ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by
deleting from the ?Official Street Map, City of Columbus, Georgia? the street
segment and right-of-way of Brookstone Centre Parkway noted as existing street
right-of-way to be abandoned; 0.084 acres running along the west property line
of Tract VII, Brookstone Centre; providing that all existing utility easements
of record remain in effect and providing easements of appropriate width as
required by the applicable utility companies will be reserved for unknown
utilities; authorizing the disposal of said property in accordance with the
Columbus Charter; repealing any conflicting ordinances; and for other purposes.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Barnes and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (09-24) ? Repealing Article 3, Sections 3-104 through 3-119,
?Source Selection and Contract Formation? of the Procurement Ordinance for the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia and replacing them with new
sections to establish new purchasing guidelines. Councilor Henderson moved the
adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Allen
being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (09-25) ? Providing for the issuance of $43,000,000 in
principal amount of water and sewerage revenue bonds, Series 2009, pursuant to
and in accordance with an ordinance adopted December 17, 1985, as amended
December 30, 1986, as amended June 21, 1988, as amended September 3, 1991, as
amended on June 9, 1992, as amended on June 23, 1992, as amended on May 4,
1993, as amended on April 8, 1997, as amended on September 15, 1998, as amended
on October 9, 2001, as amended on November 6, 2001, as amended on November 5,
2002, as amended on January 7th , 2003, as amended on December 21, 2004, and as
amended on December 19, 2006, for financing or refinancing in whole or in part
the cost of certain additions, extensions and improvements to the water and
sewerage system of Columbus, Georgia; reaffirming and adopting all applicable
terms, covenants, provisions and conditions of such 1985 ordinance, as amended;
enlarging the scope of other terms, covenants and provisions for such revenue
bonds; providing for the creation of certain funds and remedies of the holders
of such bonds; providing for the issuance under certain terms of additional
pari passu water and sewerage revenue bonds on a parity with the outstanding
Series 2002 bonds, Series 2003 bonds, Series 2005 bonds, Series 2007 bonds and
Series 2009 bonds; and for other purposes. Councilor McDaniel moved the
adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Allen
being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:________________________________________________________
An Ordinance - Adopting an Operating and Capital Improvement Budget in the
total amount of $234,922,446 for the Fiscal Year 2010 beginning July 1, 2009
and ending June 30, 2010, for certain funds of the Consolidated Government of
Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts shown in each budget.
City Attorney Fay pointed out that there are two draft ordinances being
circulated around the Council table - one regarding the reclassification of a
position within the Tax Commissioner?s Office and the other is the supplement
for sworn officers, including correctional officers in various departments.
City Manager Hugley said he would have Finance Director Pam Hodge to
discuss those things that we need to bring to your attention. He said we have
ordinances that include as well as ordinances that exclude certain items
depending on what Council wants to do. He pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh had asked staff to look into the Tax Commissioner?s request to reclassify
a position and we have had much discussion on that reclassification. He said he
has met with the Tax Commissioner and the Finance Director as well as the Human
Resources Director and he is recommending that we reclassify that position, as
it will not be a position that is doing anything different from what the person
is currently doing, but it will allow the Tax Commissioner to hire a person
with higher level of skills that can help in technical areas with computer
technology kinds of things. He said it is a total of $5,200.
In response to a comment by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, City Manager Hugley
said the IT Director was also inclusive in this discussion.
After some additional comments by members of Council, City Attorney Fay
pointed out that this draft ordinance was passed around as an option and
Council can amend the original ordinance that is in the book if Council wishes
to adopt one of these draft ordinances.
Councilor McDaniel then made a motion to exclude the Tax Commissioner?s
request for reclassification. This motion dies for the lack of a second.
This issue was further discussed by several members of Council, City
Manager Hugely, and City Attorney Fay, after which Councilor Henderson made a
motion to accept the budget changes that includes the $3,000 supplement for
non-public safety personnel as well as the reclassification for the Tax
Commissioner?s Office. This motion was seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried
by a vote of 8 to 1 with Councilor McDaniel voting no and Councilor Allen being
absent from this meeting.
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Note: During this portion of the Council meeting, Mayor Wetherington took
his seat, with the time being 6:30 P.M.
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City Attorney Fay pointed out that the Budget Ordinance has been amended to
include these two items and will be on second reading next week for Council?s
vote.
He further pointed out this is a public hearing and opened the floor to anyone
who wishes to speak regarding this proposed budget.
Ms. Barbara (Inaudible) of the Literacy Alliance) ? said she is the
Executive Director of the Columbus Literate Community Program, and is joined by
other members. She said the greatest failure to economic growth and development
is the absence of a literate workforce. She said the City of Columbus has
partnered with the Literacy Alliance for nineteen years.
She then made some additional comments regarding the effects of lack or low
literacy levels and the community after which she expressed her appreciation to
the city for their continued support with this program.
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Ms. Glenda Battle, 11595 Chattsworth Road, asked how do citizens gain
access to the budget in relations to contracts in ensuring accountability,
oversight and quality of services.
In response to Ms. Battle?s question, City Manager Hugley pointed out that
for a copy of the budget, one could visit the Finance Department where the
budget can be viewed. For those desiring to purchase a copy of the budget,
there is a cost. He further pointed out that the Recommended Budget is
available online at www.columbusga.org under the Finance Department.
With there being no further questions or comments regarding the proposed
recommended budget, City Attorney Fay said this concludes the public hearing on
the operating budget.
At this portion of the Council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh turned
over the proceedings to Mayor Wetherington who had recently arrived.
Mayor Wetherington informed the Council that he and the members of the
Development Authority were in Atlanta this afternoon with Gov. Perdue and
members of NCR where a press conference was held. He then read a statement
concerning the press conference and a new company (NCR) that is coming to
Columbus, Georgia.
?Tonight it is with great pleasure that I announce the newest company to
locate in Columbus, Georgia and welcome National Cash Register (NCR) Company to
our community. The Development Authority of Columbus has been working for many
months with NCR to bring this manufacturing plant here. NCR will open a plant
at the site of the old Panasonic Company in Corporate Ridge Business Park and
will manufacture ATMs and other swipe card machines. The company plans to be in
operation here by October 2009 and within five years provide 870 new jobs to
the Columbus region. Five hundred of these jobs will be in place in three years
and the total payroll for the company will exceed $35 million once the company
is in full operation.
This is without a doubt, one of the largest expansions in the Columbus
region in many years. He said he can?t say enough about the efforts put forth
by the Development Authority, especially Chair Dick Ellis and Economic
Development Authority Executive Vice President Becca Hardin. They have pursued
this project for several months and made sure Columbus came out the winner in
this deal.
Chamber President and CEO Mike Gaymon, and other board members from the
Chamber of Commerce along with the Development Authority work hand in hand to
make this deal happen.?
Upon completion of his statement, Mayor Wetherington and members of both
the Development Authority and the Chamber of Commerce made a few comments
regarding the economic benefits to Columbus with the addition of this new
company.
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Note: Mayor Wetherington left the meeting during this portion of the
proceedings, with the time being 6:35 P.M.
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THE FOLLOWING SIX ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTEED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:____________________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Adopting a non-operating budget for the Fiscal Year 2010
beginning July 1, 2009 and ending June 30, 2010, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; and appropriating the amounts
shown in each budget.
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An Ordinance ? Providing for contributions to the Columbus, Georgia General
Government Employees? Pension Plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009.
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An Ordinance ? Providing for the supplemental contributions to the Columbus,
Georgia Pension Plan for employees of the Department of Public Safety for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009.
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An Ordinance ? Providing for Government funding of a Death Benefit Escrow
for
the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009.
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An Ordinance ? Providing for Government funding of a Major Disability Income
Plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009.
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An Ordinance ? Amending Article VII of Chapter 13 of the Columbus Code
Solid Waste Collection and Disposal by changing the guidelines for an offset to
the residential rate for low-income households.
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An Ordinance ? Authorizing the levy of an excise tax on rooms, lodgings and
accommodations (hotel-motel tax) pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 48-13-51(b) at a
rate of 8 percent effective August 1, 2009; and for other purpose.
Councilor Davis pointed out that the City Attorney is right in that this
Council requested authorization by the state to move forward with an ordinance
that will levy an excise (Hotel/Motel) tax on all rooms. He said forth coming,
will be detailed information on how these monies will be spent in the
community.
City Attorney Fay said that information is available per resolution of this
Council, and there will be a split-out pursuant to that formula.
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THE FOLLOWING EIGHT RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTION READ
BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE
ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILOR HENDERSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
PRESENT, WITH COUNCILOR ALLEN BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:_________________________________________
A Resolution (201-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Arnold Farley upon
his retirement with Columbus Fire and EMS Department after 26 years of service.
A Resolution (202-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Roy S. Bass Jr. upon
his retirement with the Public Services Department after 6 years of service.
A Resolution (203-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Larry J. Nunnally
upon his
retirement with METRA after 37 years of service.
A Resolution (204-09) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Robert
J. Cook, employee with the Columbus Police Department, who passed away on April
17, 2009.
A Resolution (205-09) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Freeman
Guerry Harris, employee with the Columbus Police Department, who passed away on
April 21, 2009.
A Resolution (206-09) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Thomas W.
Hughey, employee with the State Court, who passed away on April 29, 2009.
A Resolution (207-09) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Major
Mitchell Jr., employee with the Public Services Department, who passed away on
May 1, 2009.
A Resolution (208-09) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Robert
Moore, employee with the Muscogee County Prison, who passed away on May 12,
2009.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF EACH PERSON?S COMMENTS:______
MS. GLENDA BATTLE, RE: GEORGIA PROBATION SERVICES, INC.:
Ms. Glenda Battle ? 11595 Chattsworth Road came forward and said her
purpose of appearing before Council today initially was because of an event
that took place on May 27, 2009 when she took her son to Georgia Probation
Services, Inc to inquire about having his record expunged. She said he was told
that he owed $176 ? although his docket entry states that he will be confined
to 60 days or to pay a fine of $500 plus the 40 percent of the administrative
cost in addition to whatever the probation fee is. She
submitted certain documentation to Council in support of her claims, pointing
out that the judge did not sign the document. She said she made payments to the
Georgia Probation Services, Inc., and was under the impression that all payment
had been satisfied.
Since Ms. Battle?s initial five minutes was up, Councilor Woodson made a
motion to allow her to continue. This motion was seconded by Councilor Barnes
and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
Ms. Battle provided other details of her encounter with Columbus Police
Officers and the difficulties with the judicial system involving her son?s
situation. She then asked who is responsible for how judges conduct themselves
and how procedures are handled when paperwork is not completed correctly.
Councilor Woodson asked City Manager Hugley to get in contact with the
Chief of Police in order to get both sides of this situation involving Ms.
Battle. She then advised Ms. Battle to put her requests and questions in
writing, address it to the Chief of Police, and courtesy copy the Mayor and
Council.
Major Randy Robertson of the Sheriff Department?s came forward and informed
Council that if anyone calls the Sheriff?s Department and ask if someone has an
outstanding warrant, our policy is to run that individually locally through our
local computer system and if there is a local warrant we will tell them of said
warrant and try to work it out where the person can turn themselves into the
Sheriff?s Department, especially if it involves a city ordinance violation.
Maj. Robertson said the names mentioned by Ms. Battle are not associated with
his agency.
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MR. LORENZA WILDER, RE: SPEEDING IN THE COMMUNITY:
Mr. Lorenza Wilder who was listed on the public agenda did not respond when
called to address Council.
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Note: During this portion of the proceedings, Councilor Anthony left his
seat.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (209-09) ? Authorizing the filing of the Annual Action Plan
Update and Applications for federal assistance with the Federal Department of
Housing and Urban Development requesting entitlement funding for the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Baker and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present with
Councilor Anthony being absent for this vote and Councilor Allen being absent
from this meeting.
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A Resolution (210-09) ? Authorizing the acceptance, and if awarded a 2009
Recovery Act Victim Services Grant from Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
for $40,000 to create two temporary contractual positions in the Chattahoochee
Judicial Circuit Victim Witness Assistance Program. Councilor Baker moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson.
Councilor Henderson said he is hesitant to authorize grants that go to
personnel because of budget cuts, the grants can be cut out and then if the
services are discontinued, people?s employment will also be discontinued. After
some additional comments from members of Council, City Manager Hugley pointed
out that the grant was for 52 weeks and when it expires, if the grant is not
renewed, those positions will be discontinued.
With no further questions regarding this issue, the motion made by
Councilor Baker and seconded by Councilor Henderson was then carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilor Anthony
being absent for this vote and Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER
AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL
AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT
MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILOR ANTHONY BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE
AND COUNCILOR ALLEN BEING ABSENT FROM THIS MEETING:___
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A Resolution (211-09) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with
Long Fence Company, Inc., in the amount of $31,200.00, for ball field fencing.
Long Fence Company, Inc., will remove existing ball field fencing and install a
new fence system at Little League Field Number 2 in Britt David Park.
A Resolution (212-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of eight (8) weather
stations from
Climatronics Corporation (Newtown, PA), in the amount of $52,652.00. The
weather stations will be used by the Engineering, Public Services and
Fire/EMS/Homeland Security Departments to monitor local rainfall, wind
velocities and direction, among other parameters. The telemetry of these
stations will be placed on the City's website for the entire community to
access. These stations will be placed throughout the community at City owned
facilities and will be connected wirelessly through the Internet to
desktop/laptop computers.
A Resolution (213-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of one 4x2 crew cab long
bed
pickup truck from Wade Ford (Smyrna, GA), in the amount of $19,191.00. The
pickup truck is a replacement unit that will be used by the maintenance crewman
of the Metra Transit System for the upkeep of bus stops, which include: trash
pick-up, supply pick-up, lawn work, and various other details.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION
FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL:_________
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Housing Authority.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Planning Advisory
Commission.
(3) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Linda Brantley, Councilor Anthony?s nominee to
replace Mr. David Edwards on the Personnel Review Board.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Ron Mahoney, Councilor Anthony?s nominee to
replace Mr. Roger Buterbaugh on the Personnel Review Board.
(5) Mayor?s Committee for Persons with Disabilities Weekly Report for May 18,
2009.
(6) Memorandum from Mr. Paul Olson, Re: A request for Federal Investigation
into CHDO Disbursement Funds and a Public Audit of Fourth Street Towers, Inc.
(7) Letter from Dr. Ed Lopez, President, Maple Ridge Homeowner?s Association,
Re: Support of the Veteran?s Parkway Overlay District.
(8) Letter to Columbus Board of Realtors, Re: Historic Architectural Review
Board Recommendations.
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Note: Councilor Anthony returned to his seat during this portion of the
proceedings.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: ___
A Resolution (214-09) ? Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the June 2,
2009
Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________________________________________________
Civic Center Advisory Board, April 23, 2009.
Personnel Review Board, May 20, 2009.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Mr. Carmel Biggers and
Mr. Donald Bowman couldn?t succeed themselves on this board. Mr. Biggers is
Mayor?s appointment and Mr. Bowman is Council?s appointment. No further action
was taken.
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COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Rev. Joseph Roberson does
not wish to be reappointed and Cooperative Extension is working on
recommendations for a replacement.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Mr. Steven D?Ostroph has
resigned and Councilor Henderson is working on a replacement and that she is
also working with Leadership Columbus.
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FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Ms. Jean Harper could not
succeed herself and Ms. Susan Wilson no longer lives in Muscogee County. Both
are Council?s appointment.
Clerk of Council Washington further pointed out that FCS has submitted two
names, Ms. Mattie Wright and Ms. Lauren Mescon. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
nominated both Ms. Wright and Ms. Mescon. She said she would bring these back
for confirmation on next week.
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PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Linda Brantley and Mr. Ron
Mahoney was nominated and could be confirmed. Councilor Henderson moved the
confirmation. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present, with Councilor Allen being absent from this
meeting.
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PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that this is a carry over vote
from last week where there was an inconclusive vote on the seat for someone to
succeed Mr. Karl Douglass and since there are two individuals out today, we
will have to bring this back again on next week.
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In conclusion of Council?s Agenda, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh recognized the
presence of Mr. Bill Madison.
Mr. Bill Madison of 974 Overlook Drive said he is here because there are
people he ran into in the last three and one half years because of the illness
of his wife, while visiting hospitals and other health care facilities. He said
he have heard things about the treatment of those who are with us but are not
able to take care of themselves. He then made some additional comments
regarding the care received due to lack of healthcare benefits or health
insurance.
Mr. Madison said on June 15, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at the POW site, there
would be a discussion about going to Washington, D.C. to get something done
about Medicare for all in this nation. Mr. Madison said he is asking the
Council?s support with this issue and provided a telephone number
(706-322-3401) where he can be reached. He said this is not for us, but for
those who cannot help themselves.
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CVS PHARMACY:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said herself and Councilor Woodson brought some
information back from the National League of Cities where CVS pharmacy was
partnering with cities to give prescription discounts where the cards will have
the city name on it as well as that of CVS. She asked staff to check with other
pharmacies to see if they were interested in doing something like this since it
would be a benefit to the citizens; would not cost the city any money; and
individuals would be able to get at least 20 percent discount on their pharmacy
needs.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
McDaniel then made a motion adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Allen
being absent from this meeting, with the time being 7:45 P.M.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
Council of Columbus, Georgia
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