MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
JANUARY 16, 2007
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 16, 2007, on the Plaza Level of the
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor,
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes,
Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel,
Jr., and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay,
Assistant City Attorney Jamie Deloach, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and
Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. Willie Hill, Pastor- Greater Beallwood Baptist
Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Kiddie Kollege Learning Center.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?ONE COLUMBUS DAY?:
With Reverend J. H. Flakes, Mr. Ken Crooks and Mr. Lee Brantley standing
at the Council table, Councilor Woodson read the proclamation of Mayor
Wetherington, proclaiming January 16, 2007 as ?One Columbus Day? in Columbus,
Georgia.
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?NATIONAL TAX ADVICE DAY?:
With Mr. Joe Riddle standing at the Council table, Councilor Baker read
the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming the week of January
18, 2007 as ?National Tax Advice Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:________________
A Resolution (23-07) - Commending and supporting the Chattahoochee Valley
Vita Coalition for their efforts to provide free tax preparation to the
community through the volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) program.
Councilor Hunter moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for
this meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: Minutes of the December 5, 2006 Council meeting
of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were
submitted and approved upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor Allen
and seconded by Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
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MAYOR PRO TEM?S POSITION:
Councilor Anthony said he would like to cast his vote for the Mayor Pro
Tem?s position. He said he was in Washington on last week and unable to attend
the meeting. He said we are excited that Councilor Turner Pugh is willing to
serve as Mayor Pro Tem, but said he wants to also give appreciation to SunTrust
and Mr. Frank Etheridge, Ms. Carol Baker and the entire staff at SunTrust who
is willing to step up and give extra help to make it possible for Councilor
Turner Pugh to do what she is doing. He said he wants to also let the citizens
of Columbus know that Councilor Turner Pugh is recognized in the State and the
Nation. He said she served as President of the Georgia Municipal Association
and she has also served at the National level; and the people across the
country have a great deal of respect for her. He said she brings extra
credibility and credential to this position.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING THREE ZONING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS
READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS
ADVERTISED:_______________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Amending the text to the Unified Development Ordinance to
allow universities or colleges in the CO (Commercial-Office) and CRD (Central
Riverfront District) Districts as a permitted use.
(75-A-06-Jeffcoat)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner, Mr. Doug Jeffcoat, representing the W. C. Bradley Company
said he was part of a citizen volunteer group that worked very closely with Mr.
Rick Jones and the Planning Division when the Unified Development ordinance was
created several years ago. He said they spent countless hours meeting with
consultants, professionals and volunteers to try to get the Unified Development
Ordinance as complete as they could and there was a new zoning category
created, C-O which was commercial-office; and said at the time a college or
university could have gone in most of all the commercial designations.
He said it was one of those things that slipped through the cracks and said as
they reflect back on it, probably should have caught that, but we didn?t. He
said we are now seeing interest in some private universes type operators who
want to locate in areas that have these zoning designations. He said the only
property in Columbus that has the
C-O designations are Brookstone Centre and the Central Riverfront District. He
said this is a cleanup issue.
After Mr. Jeffcoat responded to questions of Councilor Davis, this public
hearing was then declared held.
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An Ordinance ? R Rezoning property located at 2140 South Lumpkin Road from
an SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) District to an NC (Neighborhood
Commercial) District. (76-CA-06-Hunt)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner, Ms. Hunt was present, but she did not make a presentation,
as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance.
Councilor Woodson said she has talked with Ms. Hunt and visited this
property over the weekend and said she doesn?t have a problem with this
rezoning because it?s no different from a business down the street, McCoy
Realty, as it is the same aspect.
She said she doesn?t have any problem with it, because they hope to make
all of South Lumpkin Road commercial, as it is the entrance towards the
Infantry Museum and other further development in that are. She said there is a
condition as it relates to the entrance/exit to the property. She said she has
met with Ms. Hunt and the staff and we are all in agreement with this.
She said she thinks that this will be an enhancement to the property/
City Attorney Fay declared this public hearing held and pointed out the
ordinance would be voted on next week.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 803, 807 & 809 28th Street
from an RMF2 (Residential Multi-Family 2) District to GC (General Commercial)
District. (74-CA-06-Deal)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner, Mr. Deal was present, but he did not make a presentation,
as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance, but he
did respond to questions of Councilor McDaniel as it relates to the portion of
the building that had burned.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
____________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by
deleting from the ?Official Street Map, City of Columbus, Georgia? the street
segments and rights-of-way of Zenos Drive from the North right-of- way line of
Dirk Way North to the South right-of-Way line of Buena Vista Road; Dirk Way
from a point 200.3 feet East of the East right-of-way line of Winall Drive East
a distance of 459.8 feet; Upland Way from a point 200.0 feet East of the East
right-of-way line of Winall Drive, East a distance of 460.0 feet; 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 Davis asked the staff to give clarification on the portion of
the disposal of property to help him understand this a little bit better.
Director of Engineer Donna Newman said when that area was originally
platted they reserved right-of-ways for future streets and as that area
developed when the developer came in recently and added new streets, he was
unable to tie into the proposed right-of-way that was originally shown.
Therefore, what we have to do is to abandon that area that was reserved for the
right-of-way and then in the upcoming week, we will accept new right-of-way
where the new streets have gone in.
Ms. Newman then responded to further questions of Councilor Davis
regarding this matter.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED
AND EXPLAIMED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY
THE COUNCIL:______________________________________________
A Resolution (24-07) ? Authorizing settlement of the case of Beaulah et
al. v. Johnson et al.
Councilor McDaniel said he is going to have to oppose this resolution
because he is not satisfied with the fact that we didn?t have a jury to tell us
that we had to award this money. He said he can?t consciously spent taxpayer?s
money without a jury telling him he has to spend $125,000. He said he thinks
that we will be sending a bad message to our Police Department about stopping
these people and he doesn?t think it?s fair.
Councilor Anthony said in terms of the ongoing efforts in this particular
case and all the complicated components of it, he thinks that we will be
advised to settle. He said if we continue in litigation, it?s a negative
component on our city and a continuing cost expense; therefore, he would
encourage us to go ahead and settle it.
He said this seems like this has been the best resolution for a very, very
difficult and complicated situation that has gone on for over three years.
Councilor Davis said he think that all cases in this overall incident
needs to be looked at separately and individually. He said over the last two
weeks, he has spent time reading; studying and researching the summary judgment
issue by the Federal court and said he can?t support this resolution. He then
read a short statement in determining his decision.
After more than twenty minutes of discussion on this matter with members
of the Council expressing their views on this subject, and City Attorney Fay
then responding to questions of the Council, Councilor Turner Pugh then moved
the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried by a
vote of 8 ? 2, with Councilor Councilors Davis and Woodson voting no.
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***--------------------------------PUBLIC AGENDA
MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: SHERIFF?S LANDFILL INVESTIGATION REPORT, DISTRICT
ATTORNEY?S RULING AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY RESOLUTION:_______________
Mr. Paul Olson appeared again today as he has on numerous other occasions
to discuss the Sheriff?s investigation into the landfill tipping fees issue, as
well as when we receive the ruling of the District Attorney.
He also made some comments relative to the resolution that was adopted
supporting the project for the remodeling of the Housing Authority?s Baker
Village project.
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***--------------------------------CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:______________________________________________
A Resolution (25-076) ? Executing Frequency Reconfiguration Planning Phase
agreements with Motorola for the purpose of performing planning phase services
for the implementation of frequency reconfigurations for the city?s 800 MHz
radio communication system by Sprint Nextel as required by the Federal
Communications Commission. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL:___________________________________________
A Resolution ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) cab & chassis from
Adams Equipment (White Plains, GA), in the amount of $64,445.00. A sewer
cleaning machine body was purchased in October (Resolution No. 437, dated
10-3-06) and will be mounted on the cab and chassis. This truck is a
replacement unit that will be used by the Sewer Division, of the Public
Services Department, to clean and maintain the City?s storm sewer system for
flood control.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN SUBMITTED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WAS 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 COUNICLOR ???????, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESETN FOR THIS MEETING: ______
A Resolution (26-07) ? Approving the purchase of an upgrade to the
polygraph system from Axciton Systems, Inc., (Houston, Texas) in the amount of
$11,650.00. The upgrade is necessary to enhance the productivity of the current
polygraph unit and will double its capabilities. The upgraded software and
equipment will include: Axciton Computerized 8 channel sensor box with motion
sensor pad, White Star Algorithms, and two Stationary Polygraph Subject Chairs.
The Police Department currently uses an Axciton polygraph system. The upgrade
of the existing software and equipment can only be purchased from the Axciton.
Therefore this purchase is considered an only known source procurement, per the
Procurement Ordinance, Section 3-114.
A Resolution (27-07) ? Declaring one ambulance (Vehicle #2356) as surplus
equipment in accordance with Section 7-501 of the Charter of Columbus
Consolidated Government. The vehicle has been placed out of service due to
excessive maintenance cost. Due to Homeland Security policies, the City cannot
dispose of the emergency vehicle by auction. Therefore Vehicle # 2356 will be
donated to the Richland Volunteer Fire Department (Richland GA) for use as a
rescue vehicle.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEM AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: ________________________________________________
(1) Memorandum from ACCG, Re: Official Notice of Vacancies on ACCG Board of
Managers.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Tax Assessor?s
Intent to Appeal to Superior Court.
(3) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Omagene Holland, Mayor Wetherington?s nominee to
replace Mr. Franklyn Lambert on the Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Mr. U. D. Roberts, the nominee submitted by the
Republican Party for the seat of Mr. U. D. Roberts on the Board of Elections
and Registration.
(5) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Connie Roberts, the nominee submitted by the
Republican Party for the seat of Mr. U. D. Roberts on the Board of Elections
and Registration.
(6) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Sylvia Horner, the nominee submitted by the
Republican Party for the seat of Mr. U. D. Roberts on the Board of Elections
and Registration.
(7) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Travis Chambers, nominee submitted to replace
Mr. Michael Eddings as an alternate member on the Planning Advisory Commission.
(8) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Ronny Smith, Councilor Allen?s nominee to
replace Mr. Michael Eddings as an alternate member on the Planning Advisory
Commission.
(9) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Edward Morpeth, the nominee submitted by Uptown
Columbus, Inc. to replace Mr. Neil Clark on the Uptown Facade Board.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:_______________________________
A Resolution (28-07) ? Excusing Councilor Wayne Anthony from the
January 9, 2007 Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
A Resolution (29-07) ? Authorizing a Special Exception to operate a
church in excess of 250 seats at 6001 Buena Vista Road. Councilor
McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for
this meeting.
A Resolution (30-07) ? Authorizing a variance request to waive street
frontage requirements at 10155 Whitesville Road to allow a 30 feet access
easement to serve as the primary right of entry onto the subject property.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilro Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present for this meeting.
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REQUEST FOR A PUBLIC HEARING:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Mr. William Enfinger
requesting a public hearing be called on a rezoning petition for property
located north of Susan Lane and south and west of Glenview Drive that was
recommended for approval by the Planning Advisory Commission and denial by the
Planning Department.
Councilor McDaniel for the ordinance and public hearing.
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARD WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
________________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 01-07.
Community Development Advisory Council, December 13, 2006.
Hospital Authority, October 31, 2007.
Uptown Facade Board, December 18, 2006.
NON-ENCLOSURES, ACTION REQUESTED:
(15) New Zoning Petition:
(a) Petition submitted by Bubba Welch to rezone approximately 8.8 acres of
property located north of Susan Lane, south & west of Glenview Drive from SFR3
(Single Family Residential 3) to RMF1 (Residential Multi-Family 1).
(Recommended for approval by the Planning Advisory Commission and denial by the
Planning Department.) (1-D-07-Welch)
(16) BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
EMPLOYEES? PENSION PLAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Omagene Holland
(Franklyn Lambert) SD-15
Retired City Employee Rep.
Resigned
(Mayor?s Apptmt)
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PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
(Derrick Shields) SD-15
Regular Member
Resigned
(Council?s Apptmt)
Travis Chambers
(Michael Eddings) SD-29
Alternate Member
Appointed to regular member
(Council?s Apptmt)
*At the request of Council, alternate members are given first consideration
when filling vacancies of regular members. Mr. Michael Eddings is the next
alternate member eligible to move to regular member status.
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RECORDER?S COURT JUDGES:
(Mike Cielinski)
Senior Recorder Position
(Council?s Apptmt)
(Mary Buckner)
Recorder Position
(Council?s Apptmt)
(Michael Joyner)
Recorder Position
(Council?s Apptmt)
(Alonzo Whitaker)
Recorder Position
(Council?s Apptmt)
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Allen made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously, with the time being 10:42 a.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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