MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 29, 2006
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:04 A.M., Tuesday, August 29, 2006, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Mayor Poydasheff and Honorable
John J. Rodgers, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Poydasheff and Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers
were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson,
Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh, Nathan
Suber and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton
Fay and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
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ABSENT: was absent. Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Poydasheff.
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2006 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS NORTHERN LITTLE LEAGUE:
Mayor Poydasheff advised that he was witness to the greatest group of
ambassadors. He said that the Northern Little League performed in a manner
that would give pride to every human being. He described the team as being
young people of decency, sportsmanship, honor and perseverance. He remarked
that when the Northern Little League won the game against Oregon, they shared
the spotlight with the young team from Oregon as partners. He reiterated
similar comments regarding their conduct when the Northern Little League won
the American Championship in an emotional game against Japan they took those
young people and walked them around the baseball field. He spoke of the
coaches and their great leadership. He said that the parents and grandparents
were just the epitome of decency. He remarked about the gifts that were
presented to the Japanese parents to include peaches.
Councilor Allen said that it was a pleasure to share this opportunity with
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers. He spoke of the time spent in Williamsport,
Pennsylvania for the purpose of attending one of the games. He said that the
rain out caused them to return to Columbus on Sunday night and were not present
for the World Series game on Monday, August 28, 2006. He remarked that this
team took with them to share with the world is class, good sportsmanship and
southern hospitality that spread throughout the tournament amongst all of the
people that were able to come in contact with them. He shared that that team
stopped to sign autographs and take pictures. He emphasized the attention and
devotion the team gave to those that participated in the Challenger Program,
which is a special little league program designed for children with
disabilities, meant so much to so many people. He also commended the parents,
grandparents and coaches of the team members. He then read the resolution in
its entirety and is listed below.
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND
READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (337-06) - Commending and congratulating the Columbus
Northern Little League baseball team upon recently winning the Little League
World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Councilor Allen moved its
adoption. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those eight
members present for this meeting.
At this time, City Manager Hugley advised that Deputy City Manager Lisa
Goodwin would be coming forth to provide information on the celebration that is
planned for the Northern Little League team upon arrival to Columbus.
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin, expressed the excitement in Columbus,
Georgia for the Northern Little League team to win the 2006 Little League World
Series. She announced plans for the monumental celebration on Wednesday,
August 30, 2006, which includes rolling out the red carpet. She advised that
the motorcade would be coming down Veteran?s Parkway in a limousine led by the
Columbus Police Department to the Civic Center. She spoke of the leadership
that would be part of the program. She encouraged everyone including
businesses to line the streets with a sea of red, white and blue balloons to
cheer this team on. She said that there would be fireworks and confetti and
the team would be signing autographs.
During the celebration, she announced that we would be unveiling the signs
that would be posted at each entrance to our city. She then provided a sample
of how the sign would be displayed and the Georgia Department of Transportation
would put the sign together that reads, ?Home of the 2006 Little League World
Series Champions Northern Little League?.
City Manager Hugley advised that the Administration has been in contact
with the Georgia Department of Transportation and would put up temporary signs
immediately; then, the Georgia DOT would come back and official do signs. City
Manager Hugley added that Deputy City Manager Goodwin had an opportunity to
speak to Former President Jimmy Carter regarding the Little League Championship.
Councilor Davis expressed his congratulations to the Northern Little
League team. Councilor Anthony also expressed high honor to the achievements
of the team. Councilor Henderson reiterated similar expressions of
commendations for the great work of the team, their mannerism and good
sportsmanship.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?HOUSE OF HEROES MONTH?
With an unidentified woman standing at the Council table, Councilor
McDaniel read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming the month of
September 2006 as ?House of Heroes Month?, in Columbus, Georgia. Mayor
Poydasheff mentioned that Councilor Anthony is one of the founders of the House
of Heroes.
Councilor Anthony spoke briefly about the appreciation that has been
expressed by the Veterans; since, they are at a point in their life where they
are unable to make repairs to their homes. He thanked the volunteers and
contributors for assisting in this effort and mainly those individuals that
paid a heavy price for the freedoms that we all enjoy.
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?PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH?
With Mr. Jack Osteen, Man-to-Man standing at the Council table, Councilor
Henderson read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming the month of
September as, ?Prostate Cancer Awareness Month?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
WITH THE FAMILY OF THE LATE REV. HOWARD MOTT STANDING AT THE COUNCIL
TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (338-06) - Expressing sincere condolences and deepest
sympathy to the family of Rev. Howard H. Mott, Sr. Councilor Anthony moved its
adoption. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those eight
members present for this meeting.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the August 22, 2006 meeting of the Council of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia was submitted and approved upon
the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and seconded by
Councilor Henderson, which carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present for this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES TO AMEND THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON
EACH AS
ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 3918 Fairview Drive is
proposed for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) District to SFR3
(Single Family Residential 3) District. (42-A-06-Norris)
PROPONENT:
Mr. Rick Norris, 70 Stoneridge Court, Cataula Georgia, advised that we are
requesting this rezoning for the purpose of subdividing that property along
with an adjoining track, which is 3910 Fairview Drive. He described the layout
of the property.
Councilor Henderson asked questions regarding the current number of
structures on the property and the proposed number. Mr. Norris replied that
there are two houses. After further comments, Mr. Norris added that there is a
cottage in the back of the property. In response to further questions regarding
the proposed number of structures, Mr. Norris advised that there are three
structures on the property and he is proposing to construct one other
structure. He then responded to questions from Councilor Henderson regarding
the access points for the structures.
OPPONENT:
Mr. Mike Bledsoe, 1 Hidden Woods Court, expressed his main concern with
the number of structures on the property and wanted clarification on the total
number of structures that would be on the property. Mr. Norris responded by
saying that we had entertained the idea of demolishing the cottage to sale the
lot off and subdividing it, but that is something that may be further down the
road and addressed by this Council at a later time.
In response to a question of Councilor Davis, Transportation Planning
Manager Rick Jones, pointed out that the lots are reminiscent of the zoning
classification that they are now. He advised that everything around Hidden
Wood Court is an SFR3 now. In response to a question of Councilor Anthony, Mr.
Jones advised that the property does not allow for two structures, because he
is still allowed one principal use on that lot, which is standard throughout
the community. He explained that if there is an existing building on there, he
would have to bring that building up to standard or tear it down in order to
put up a new structure.
Mr. Norris was then asked to explain in further details the layout of the
proposed project using the map. Transportation Planning Manager Jones made
further comments regarding the lot. Councilor Henderson asked questions
regarding the buffer; however, Mr. Norris was unable to respond regarding the
trees that would be maintained on the lot.
Mr. Bledsoe returned to the rostrum to express concerns regarding traffic
and the lack of speed limit signs. He expressed concerns with water runoff if
the developer is allowed to clear-cut that property. He then suggested this
road be evaluated for speed tables.
Since there were no additional comments, City Attorney Fay advised that
this ordinance would be listed on second reading for a vote at the next meeting.
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An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 1033, 1035, 1037, 1039 & 1041
Red Maple Way is proposed for rezoning from SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3)
District with conditions to SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) District with
amended conditions. The proposed condition change shall allow vegetation to be
used as a buffer instead of a fence. (44-A-06-Planning Department)
PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS:
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the Planning Department
staff, but no one made a presentation since there was no one present in
opposition.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE REGULATING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:
An ordinance regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by
establishing/amending the parking restrictions along the following street
segments: Flournoy Drive east curb beginning at the south curb of 17th Street
and running south to the north curb of Brookside Drive; authorizing the
installation of official traffic control signs indicating said parking
restrictions; repealing any conflicting ordinances and for other purposes.
Councilor Suber advised that it is his understanding that the staff did
contact Columbus High School and did not receive a response; therefore, he is
not going to be opposed to this ordinance.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FIFTEEN RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND
THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND WERE ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL
UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR
ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR
ANTHONY BIENG ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:
A Resolution (339-06) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Lisa Collins for
her meritorious service on the Airport Commission.
A Resolution (340-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Charles Clark for
his meritorious service on the Animal Control Advisory Board.
A Resolution (341-06) - Expressing appreciation to Dr. John Bloszies for
his meritorious service on the Animal Control Advisory Board.
A Resolution (342-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Phillip Brewer for
his meritorious service on the Animal Control Advisory Board.
A Resolution (343-06) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Sally Lassiter for
her meritorious service on the Building Authority of Columbus.
A Resolution (344-06) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Teresa Tomlinson
for her meritorious service on the Board of Historic & Architectural Review.
A Resolution (345-06) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Charlotte Frazier
for her meritorious service on the Board of Historic & Architectural Review.
A Resolution (346-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Allen Wright for
his meritorious service on the Building Contractors Examining Board.
A Resolution (347-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Abdul Hasan for his
meritorious service on the Community Development Advisory Council.
A Resolution (348-06) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Debra Huling for
her meritorious service on the Community Development Advisory Council.
A Resolution (349-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Harold Funderburg
for his meritorious service on the Community Development Advisory Council.
A Resolution (350-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Douglas Bryant for
his meritorious service on the Community Development Advisory Council.
A Resolution (351-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. James S. Wilson for
his meritorious service on the Community Development Advisory Council.
A Resolution (352-06) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Marian Slapikas for
her meritorious service on the Community Development Advisory Council.
A Resolution (353-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Gary Allen Jones
for his meritorious service on the Community Development Advisory Council.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THERE IS NO ONE LISTED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (354-06) - Authorizing a request to enter into a Memorandum
of Agreement (MOA) with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and a
Memorandum of Understanding with the National Infantry Foundation for
Preliminary Engineering Activities for the new National Infantry Museum.
Councilor Suber moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those seven members present with Councilor Anthony being absent
for this vote.
A Resolution (355-06) - Authorizing a requested to submit an application
and if approved accept approximately $580,000 in grant funds form the Georgia
Department of Early Childcare Learning Bright from the Start Program for
reimbursements of snacks provided for After School program and meals served to
Summer Lunch participants. Councilor Suber moved approval. Seconded by
Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those seven members present with
Councilor Anthony being absent for this vote.
A Resolution (356-06) - Authorizing a request to execute an Engineering
Services Agreement with W.K. Dickson for engineering and planning development
services for the City's Intelligent Transportation System project. Councilor
Suber moved approval. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously
by those eight members present for this meeting.
A Resolution (357-06) - Authorizing a request to accept a deed to Pine
Seed Drive, White Pine Drive and Seeding Drive located in Section Seven,
Garrett Pines. The Department of Engineering has inspected these streets and
recommends the acceptance.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S 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 SUBER, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (358-06) - Authorizing a construction contract with Cline
Construction, in the amount of $94,860.00, for the emergency repair of the
Chattahoochee Riverbank located off Lumpkin Boulevard; and authorizing
payments, due to unforeseen items, not to exceed $175,000.00 for the total
project.
A Resolution (359-06) - Authorizing payment to Dataworks Plus, LLC, in the
amount of $16,534.00 for an annual maintenance agreement for the mug shot
system.
A Resolution (360-06) - Authorizing the purchase of back support safety
belts & safety vests from Systems Unlimited, and Anderson Safety Supply, on an
?as needed basis,? for the estimated annual contract value of $15,840.00.
A Resolution (361-06) - Authorizing the purchase of two (2) Wheeled Coach
Type I medium duty ambulances from Peach State Ambulance, Inc., (Tyrone,
Georgia) in the amount of $119,996.00 each, for a total cost of $239,992.00.
A Resolution (362-06) - Authorizing payment of attorney fees to Troutman
Sanders, LLP, in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00, regarding legal expenses
in the Interstate Bakeries Corporation bankruptcy matter.
City Manager Hugley responded to questions from Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers
regarding the emergency purchase. He pointed out that at a Pre-Council
meeting, we informed the Council that this work needed to be done and would be
an emergency purchase. He explained that we proceeded with the work and we are
coming back at this time to show that we did proceed forward with that work.
Councilor McDaniel asked about the attorney fees, at which time, City
Attorney Fay advised that this is a bankruptcy case in Missouri and may require
a full-blown trial. He said that the City has about a $300,000 tax claim. He
said we want to get through this initial approval to get through discover to
see what our chances are of collecting the full amount.
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VANDALISM REPORT:
City Manager Hugley passed around the table a vandalism report for the
Council?s information. He reported that on Friday, August 25, 2006, we had
some vandalism at 29th Street Recreation Center and the police is involved in
this. He submitted photographs of the damage that had been done. (A copy of
this report was not filed for the record.)
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Manager Hugley requested an executive session to discuss a personnel
matter.
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HOUSE OF HEROES CEREMONY:
Councilor Anthony announced the House of Heroes Ceremony, on October 13,
2006 in which we will honor the Veterans. He said the members of Council and
the public is invited.
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GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION:
Councilor Hunter said that he has received a number of comments from
citizens who are displeased with the plan that is proposed by the Department of
Transportation (DOT) for the St. Mary?s Road rewidening. He conveyed to them
that the plan is not cast in stone and the purpose of having the public hearing
was to receive comments.
He then requested in regard to future roadway projects, that the staff
provide the Council with an advance review of the proposed project prior to the
public hearing held by the Georgia Department of Transportation.
City Manager Hugley said that we are talking with Georgia DOT about the
process, because he would like to see the information before it is laid out to
the public. He said that he would share that information with the Mayor and
Council before the Georgia DOT would have a hearing. He said they are working
with DOT and hopefully in the future, we could provide this information to the
Council before the DOT public hearing.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND
COUNCIL:
Memorandum from Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis, Re: Medical Center
Hospital Authority.
THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY
CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND WAS APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
Application of Pat Carpenter to temporarily close Broadway from 10th to
12th Street, 11th Street from 1st Avenue to Front Avenue, on September 8 & 9th,
2006, from 4:00 p.m. on Friday to 2:00 a.m. on Saturday for the 1100 block,
from 6:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. for the 1000 block & 11th Street and Saturday 6:30
p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, in connection with the ?Bikes on Broadway Street
Closing?. Councilor Allen moved approval. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and
carried unanimously by those eight members present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND WERE APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SUBER, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE
TEN MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:
A Resolution (363-06) - Excusing Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers from the
August 22, 2006 meeting.
A Resolution (364-06) - Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the August
22, 2006 meeting.
A Resolution (365-06) - Excusing Councilor Berry Henderson, Jr. from the
August 22, 2006 meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND WERE APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (366-06) - Receiving the report of the Director of Finance
concerning certain alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of July and approving the same. Councilor McDaniel moved
approval. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those eight
members present for this meeting.
A Resolution (367-06) - Granting a hardship variance request to waive the
minimum street frontage requirement in order to construct a nonresidential
structure at 8731 Big Shinn Road. Councilor McDaniel moved approval. Seconded
by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those eight members present for
this meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 31-06, 32-06.
Board of Elections and Voter Registration, July 6, 2006.
Columbus Airport Commission, August 2, 2006.
Columbus Airport Commission, August 16, 2006.
Columbus Board of Health, June 28, 2006.
Greater Columbus Golf Authority, July 25, 2006.
Planning Advisory Commission, May 3, 2006.
Planning Advisory Commission, May 17, 2006.
Planning Advisory Commission, June 7, 2006.
Public Safety Advisory Commission, July 6, 2006.
Uptown Fa?ade Board, July 17, 2006.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:
Petition submitted by Good Samaritan Community Counseling & Development
Institute to rezone approximately 1.44 acres of property located at 2421
Victory Drive from LMI (Light Manufacturing/Industrial) to GC (General
Commercial). (Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory
Commission and the Planning Department). (54-A-06-Good Samaritan Community
Counseling & Development Institute.)
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ADD-ON RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND WERE APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR SUBER, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:
A Resolution (368-06) - Excusing Councilor Turner Pugh from the August 29,
2006 meeting.
A Resolution (369-06) - Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the August
29, 2006 meeting.
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Susan Beck has resigned
from the Hospital Authority. She said that we still need two additional
nominees to submit to the Hospital Authority.
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MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the term of office for Dr.
Carole Rutland and Mr. George McCluskey would be expiring on December 31,
2006. Dr. Rutland is not eligible to serve another term of office and Mr.
McCluskey has not expressed a desire to serve another term. She advised that
Councilor Anthony has nominated Mr. Charles Clark for Dr. Rutland?s seat and
Councilor Davis has nominated Mr. Robert George for the seat of Mr. McCluskey.
Councilor Suber requested that Deputy Clerk of Council Davis check to see
if Mr. Charles Clark is still planning to leave the Columbus area.
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis then asked if the Council has any
nominations, because we still need two additional nominees for each seat to
submit to the Medical Center Hospital Authority. There were none. Deputy
Clerk of Council Davis advised that she would research the previous
biographical sketch forms for potential nominees.
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YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that each member of Council would
need to nominate someone from his or her respective district to serve.
Councilor Hunter nominated Everett Graham for the District Three
Representative. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved confirmation. Seconded by
Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those eight members present for this
meeting.
Mayor Poydasheff nominated Remi Poydasheff for his appointment. Mayor Pro
Tem Rodgers moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those eight members present for this meeting.
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis added that we still need nominees for
Council Districts Two and Five. There were no nominations.
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At this time, Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers asked if there was anyone that had a
matter to bring before the Council. He said that they could be heard.
Mr. William Madison, NAACP President of the Local Chapter, came forward to
speak about justice and the problems in the City Jail. He said that since
January of 2005, he has found five African American males languishing in the
county jail for anywhere from two to six year without a trial. He spoke of one
man that was in jail for over a year without an indictment. He then spoke of a
recent case where a man was freed of rape charges but had spent six months in
jail. He said that it is time to address the issues at the county jail
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Poydasheff called attention to the previous request to go into
executive session on a personnel matter. Councilor Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved
that the Council go into executive session to discuss a personnel matter.
Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight members
present for this meeting.
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MUSCOGEE COUNTY JAIL:
Councilor Hunter requested that the staff get with the Public Defender?s
Office and the District Attorney?s Office to see what are the problems at the
Muscogee County Jail.
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ENTREPRENEUR FRIENDLY DESIGNATION:
Councilor Davis said that he had a letter in his hand from the Governor?s
Office from the Georgia Department of Economic Development that was signed by
the Commissioner Craig Lesser. He then announced the receipt of an award for
an ?Entrepreneur Friendly Designation.? He then read the referenced letter in
its entirety. He then asked that a resolution be done to commend all of the
people involve.
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MUSCOGEE COUNTY JAIL:
Councilor Suber said that Mr. Madison brought forth some valid points. He
then asked City Attorney Fay if the Council has any control over how long an
individual is kept in jail, at which time, City Attorney Fay advised that this
Council nor the Sheriff could control the speed of the process. He said that
is up to the District Attorney, Public Defenders, the Judges and the State of
Georgia to get the convicted State prisoners out of our jail. He added that
the Department of Justice has been monitoring the jail and they are making
another annual visit in October.
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Mayor Poydasheff called attention to the vote to go into executive
session. At 10:18 a.m., the Council adjourned its regular meeting to go into
executive session. At 10:35 a.m. the Council reconvened the meeting. Mayor
Poydasheff advised that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss a
personnel matter, but there were no votes taken.
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Suber made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this meeting with the
time being 10:36 a.m.
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Sandra T. Davis
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
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