MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 13, 2009
The regular monthly morning session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 9:03 a.m., Tuesday, October 13, 2009, in the Council
Chambers 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 was Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh, Councilors Wayne Anthony, R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn
Davis, Berry Henderson, III, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Charles E. McDaniel,
Jr. 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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ABSENT: Councilor Evelyn Woodson was absent from this meeting but excused upon
the adoption of Resolution Number 395-09.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Eric Anthony, Chaplin, Muscogee County Prison.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by North Columbus Elementary School.
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INFORMATION: Observing this meeting was St. Anne Pacelli Catholic School
Government Class, accompanied by Lonny Arrington, Instructor.
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PRESENTATION:
CUSTOMER SERVICE APPRECIATION WEEK
City Manager Hugley said last week Ms. Liz Turner stood before Council and
spoke about Customer Service Appreciation Week and that was a great week for us
and we did not at that time get the opportunity to acknowledge one of our
departments and we would like to do that this morning and that department is
the Information Technology Department. When City Manager Hugley called on Mr.
Charles Tate (department director) and his representatives to come forward,
they had already left the Council chambers City Manager Hugley then requested
to continue with this presentation at the end of his agenda.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the September 22, 2009 Council Meeting
of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia.
Councilor Allen moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present with Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
WITH THOSE NAMED IN THE RESOLUTION 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 (342-09) ? Commending and congratulating the Columbus Planning
Department upon receiving two awards from the Georgia Planning Association.
Councilor McDaniel called on Planning Director Rick Jones and his
representatives to come forward. 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 Woodson
being absent from this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:________________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of
Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a district
located at 5114 Buena Vista Road from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2)
District to GC (General Commercial) District.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner, Mr. Wayne Evans was present but did not make a
presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning.
City Attorney Fay said this item would be voted on in two weeks at the 5:30
p.m. meeting.
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An Ordinance ? Amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of
Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a district
located at 7462 Old Moon Road from SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) District
to RO (Residential Office) District.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner, Mr. Harland Price was present but did not make a
presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked why this property is being requested to go
to
neighborhood commercial instead of general commercial. In response to Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh?s question, Mr. Rick Jones said everything in this area is now
general commercial and they are trying to keep the area compatible with the
existing zoning around there.
City Attorney Fay said this would be voted on in two weeks.
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES REGARDING THE CRIME PREVENTION BOARD WERE
ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:_____
An Ordinance ? Amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code by creating the
Office of Crime Prevention Board and Office of Crime Prevention; providing for
appointment of seven (7) Board members; providing terms of office; providing
duties for said Board; and for other purposes.
An Ordinance ? Amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code by creating the
Office of Crime Prevention Board and Office of Crime Prevention; providing for
appointment of eleven (11) Board members; providing terms of office; providing
duties for said Board; and for other purposes.
Councilor Hunter said he supports the creation of the Office of Crime
Prevention and the Crime Prevention Board and the only question is whether or
not the board will consist of seven or eleven members and the one he is
sponsoring is the one with eleven members. He said the final analysis is that
he do not want to go down on record as voting against the board (eleven or
seven members) and he would like to get Council to go ahead and vote on the
members and then go forward from there. He said his reason for supporting the
eleven-member board is that it allows each district to be represented on that
board.
Mayor Wetherington said the whole reason we recommended the seven member
board is that it would be a little easier but he understands if Council wants
to appoint a representative from their district but seven would be a little
better to manage than eleven.
Councilor Barnes said he too is in support of this board but thinks having
eleven members on the crime prevention board is a good idea primarily because
we asked everyone to support the LOST. He said in this instance, the priority
right now should be quickly implementing this program and getting it running.
Councilor Henderson said while he certainly sees the rationale behind the
eleven
person board, from the perspective of having the cleanest method to try to
implement some of these programs, obviously the smaller the board, the easier
it is to try and get things done. He said he also likes the fact that the Mayor
makes nomination for this board and those nominations are confirmed by the City
Council and that the mayor is serving the entire city as opposed to an
individual district but the ultimate responsibility still lies with the Council
and if we see that the board is unintentionally or intentionally being skewed
towards one senatorial district, we can refuse to confirm one of his
appointees. He said he is going to support the seven member board and is in
complete support on the board and the establishment of the office but is not on
board with hiring the individual to serve in that office as a paid employee.
Councilor Anthony asked if we start out with a seven-member board, what
will be the requirement for us in the future to have an eleven-member board to
which City Attorney Fay answered an amendment.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she stated at last Council meeting that she
is very much in favor of the eleven-member board because it gives a broad
representation when there is someone from each of the Council districts. She
said we are talking about a board that will be trying to allocate anywhere from
$1 million to $2 million for crime prevention programs; then there should be as
much input as when we are doing the city?s budget. She said this is a first
time that this will occur where you take sales tax money and you have a board
to operate it. She said she could remember as clearly as when we talked about
the Public Service Review Commission and it was stated that we could not
advocate responsibility to individuals, but not we come here and we want to do
that. She said the Public Safety Review Commission did not ask for any money
but now we are talking about a commission that is going to be responsible for
allocating $1 million to $2 million. She said eleven is not a big number and if
it is, then we don?t need to have ten City Councilors and a Mayor. She said
everyone is not going to agree on everything but everyone should have an
opportunity to have input in voting on things. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said
she feels very strongly about this, but whatever, happens, we need to take our
time and do it right. She said in all fairness to the citizens who did give us
another penny for operations, she would support the eleven-member board.
Councilor Allen said he will have to amend this to both ordinances
regarding the service agreement. He said he would need the help of the City
Attorney in formulating the text but one thing we talked about in the Work
Session was particularly in the area of the service agreement. He said the
service agreement (section D) sets out eight criteria to be considered by the
board and one of the issues that we talked about was that the responsible
person for that particular program that?s applying would need to sign the
application and he did not see that in there and wanted to make sure it was
included in Section D as an amendment for Council?s consideration.
With regards to Councilor Allen?s suggestion, City Attorney Fay said it
could be added to sub-section (1) with the completed application to be signed
by the appropriate official.
MR. PAUL OLSON ? 13830 UPATOI LANE:
Mr. Paul Olson said we are in an economically desperate situation right
now and that he has spoken to a few members of Council. He said this is
redundant service in the respect that we already have a Public Safety Director,
a Chief of Police, Sheriff, and a Marshal. He said back in June (2009), the
city passed an ordinance (9-26) authorizing $900,000 for the crime prevention
program before it was even created, then no more than a few months ago when he
asked for the minutes of the Crime Prevention Committee he was told there was
no minutes. He said he would like to see the minutes of what transpired at that
time to determine how the committee came to their conclusion.
Mr. Olson made some further comments regarding the Interdenominational
Ministerial Alliance after which he read an article from the Ledger-Enquirer
written by Richard Hyatt. After reading the article Mr. Olson made a few
additional comments about the 501-C3 Federal Law; Board Members of the
Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance who are also the four newly elected
Muscogee County School Board.
He then complained that he could not get a copy of the audit from the
Medical Center and further expressed that he could not get on the agenda or
speak at the meetings for the Development Authority of Columbus. He asked who
is going to be the oversight for how this money (on the crime prevention
program) is going to be spent. He said this country is going in a recession and
this is not the time to do something that is redundant.
MR. BERT COKER ? 5815 VENTURA DRIVE:
Mr. Bert Coker came forward and stated that a citizen stopped him at Home
Depot a few days ago and asked him why is he so against the one-cent
S.P.L.O.S.T. to which he replied that he will not vote himself an increase in
tax. He said if these people are in a church and are talking politics, their
tax exemption should be taken away. He said the Ministerial Alliance is a good
thing although he does not know why it is in South Carolina but without them
the city would not have gotten the L.O.S.T. to fund increase in police officers
and re-pavement of roads. He said he is not seeing any roads being paved and
this $131 million (bond issue) to jump start these projects is no surprise
since he saw it a long time ago. He then made a few more comments regarding
additional facilities and projects being funded from the L.O.S.T.
With regard to the crime prevention program, Mr. Coker said when you go
out there and start throwing money at things it doesn?t always help. He said he
do not think the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Sheriff?s Department wants
this; maybe the Marshal?s Office but he (Mr. Coker) have not heard so. He
further suggested that minutes be taken for these meetings so the public can
see how decisions are made.
In response to the comments made by Mr. Olson and Mr. Coker, Mayor
Wetherington said when he was out campaigning for this L.O.S.T., he promised
the citizens that we were going to make Columbus, Georgia a safer city and he
believes we are on the road to doing that. He said he promised the citizens we
are going to be aggressive in enforcing the law for people who commits crimes
and we are doing that.
He said he also promised them that we are going to make some efforts in our
crime prevention area to try and reduce crime and that?s what these
commissioners that he appointed early on to work with Mr. Frank Meyer, Ms. Judy
Thomas, himself and the Council are trying to do; and said these meetings were
open to the public. He said every meeting we had was open to the public and our
citizens had an opportunity to have input and he believes that with this crime
prevention program, we will reduce crime.
Mayor Wetherington said there are a number of things on the table that we
are looking at to implement things that is going to reduce crime in our city.
He said you couldn?t reduce crime just with police alone although they have
crime prevention programs and they are doing a good job, creating neighborhood
watch all over the city. He said it take family; it takes programs to reduce
some of our young people who are getting involved in criminal activity. He then
made some additional comments about the prospects of the crime prevention
program.
Councilor Henderson said he agrees with the Mayor about prevention
programs and without something to cut-off the supply lines for people
committing crimes we will have to build new jails every six to seven years and
from an economic standpoint, that doesn?t make sense. He said he is in support
of the ordinance creating the board and establishing the duties of board
members but thinks it is premature to hire the individual (director) and some
of the duties have be clearly defined but will become more clear as we move
forward. Councilor Henderson then requested that in the ordinance creating the
office of director of crime prevention, Section 3 and 3A be amended to remove
Section ?F?, eliminating all references to the director?s position. Motion
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
Councilor Hunter said he is not going to support this amendment, and while
is does not preclude the creation of the office of crime prevention director he
said the main problem lies with the crime prevention director. He said that
person has got to be the person that has the vision to lead this program and
when we hire somebody to take that position, we are hiring someone that is very
skilled, very capable and intelligent. Someone who knows what they are doing
and can relate to the many areas that goes into crime prevention.
Mayor Wetherington said we must have a director for this crime prevention
program in order to make it work and does not understand how the program is
going to operate without a director. He said he does not have time to manage
this entire program and that is why it is so important that we find the right
person to manage the crime prevention program and everything is going to be
centered on this individual.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner said she agrees with what Councilor Henderson is
saying - in ordinance number 4 (where the crime prevention director position
is set-up), and should not be a part of the other ordinances. She said this is
a separate ordinance that is listed on the agenda and should not be a part of 3
and 3A.
There were some additional discussions by several members of Council, City
Manager Hugley and Mayor Wetherington, after which Mr. Frank Meyers came
forward and addressed Council.
MR. FRANK MEYERS ? 2723 MADDEN DRIVE:
Mr. Frank Meyers said he is here for a couple of reasons and will first
address the seven versus eleven board members. He said as the chairman of this
committee, he has a unique perspective about the membership issue. He said it
is very difficult to manage 15 people on this commission and we worked for six
months to put together our crime prevention package. He said Councilor McDaniel
said a lot of people in the public still don?t understand what this is all
about and he is absolutely right. He said he would like to take this
opportunity to tell the people to go the city?s website and hit the button and
download this thing and understand what it is all about. He said people who
read this thing overwhelmingly endorses it, but not everybody. He said what you
are doing in picking people (Mayor and Council choosing a representative) is
throwing that 12-page document and throwing it in the garbage. He said unless
Council pick the people who worked on the proposal, people will not know how
they came to the conclusions they did and how it should all be implemented. He
said they will be starting fresh with brand new ideas and he has watched this
and is completely frustrated with how long this process is taking. He said he
understands there have been a lot of legitimate concerns and this is a very
novice situation but he is with the Mayor and it is past time to move forward
whether we have a director or not.
Mr. Meyers said another problem is if you go with the eleven members and
you start picking people who weren?t on the original commission, that is
sending the message that you (Council) do not think very much of those people
and what they did. He said these people are a more represented group of
Columbus, GA and said he is strongly urging Council to stick with the same
people as well as hire a director. He further pointed out that we have a
full-time Mayor and he does not have time to administer this program; he needs
some help; he needs somebody who he can look over their shoulder and make sure
they are doing the work of the commission. He said you (Council) cannot ask an
unpaid chairperson or an unpaid commission to go out and do the legwork that is
required in this commission?s work ? you cannot ask that of volunteer people.
Mr. Meyer further stated that there should be a city employee who will be
accountable to the Mayor and Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Mr. Meyers if what he is saying is that
she is not capable of selecting someone from her district to represent the
constituents of that district. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh?s
question, Mr. Meyers said what he is telling her is that she has done that as
all councilors have done, but they (new members) are going to walk in to this
process not having the foggiest idea of any of the background of what has gone
on, to which Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh suggested that whoever is selected for
the commission, it is not necessarily that they will not be someone from the
original commission.
There were some additional discussions and comments from several members
of Council after which City Attorney Fay brought the motion of Councilor
Henderson to delete the subsection ?F?. In response to a question from Mayor
Wetherington,
Councilor Henderson said he fully intends to keep the directorship on track to
come back for a vote in two weeks with the rest of this (crime prevention
ordinance). He said he did not in his original motion asked that ?F? be placed
under number 4 but it makes tremendous sense so at Councilor Allen?s
suggestion, he would like to make that a part of motion. Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh seconded the motion; however, no votes were taken at this time due to
further discussion from other members of Council. See below for vote on this
matter.
Councilor Allen made a motion that Council delete Subsection ?F? from ?3?
and ?3A? which creates the boards. We want to remove any verbiage that also
creates the director from those two ordinances that are before us. Removes
reference of the office of director from 3 and 3A to section 4 to further
clarify the mission of that position.
Councilor Hunter said for the reasons, fore-stated, he is opposing the
motion. He said it is imperative that this be in this particular ordinance
creating the board because the director is needed and it should stay there. He
said for those reasons, he is going to oppose the motion to take it out.
After further discussions on the matter concluded, Mayor Wetherington then
called the question on the motion made by Councilor Henderson and seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, which resulted in an inconclusive vote of 5 to 4,
with Councilors Henderson, Allen, Davis, Turner Pugh and Baker voting yes and
Councilors Hunter, Barnes, Anthony and McDaniel voting no.
City Attorney Fay then pointed out that since there was an inconclusive
vote, no action will be taken on that motion and subsection ?F? will remain in
3 and 3A as it is for now. No further action or discussion.
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An Ordinance ? Authorizing the establishment of the Class Title/Pay Grade
of Crime Prevention Director, Grade 24 in the Position Classification Plan of
the Columbus Consolidated Government; and for other purposes.
Councilor Davis said he is not in favor of this pay grade and out of
appreciation and respect for those city employees who have been here for a
number of years, we need to be sensitive in that we need to make sure that we
bring this person in at the right level. He said once this program is
established and we see that it is effective and there is a good measurement
system in place then we can continue to move forward. He said he could not
support the pay grade at the level it is being requested.
Councilor Allen asked about the report-ability of the position. He said he
knows it reports to the Mayor but thought it would work more closely with the
board. He said what he is reading says it will serve as a liaison to the board.
He said what he was leaning more towards was something close to a
report-ability to the board; with the board accessing programs and determining
which programs would be more closely scrutinized and be considered for crime
prevention. He asked what is the function of the board if this person is not
going to report to the board in conjunction with reporting to the Mayor; what
teeth would the board have to exist if there is no report-ability there.
City Attorney Fay said, ?report to the mayor in consolidation with the
board? can be added into Section 2.
Mayor Wetherington said the crime prevention director would report to the
board; the board would either support or deny his request and then it will be
brought to the Mayor for further action. He said he envisioned this person
coming before Council and explaining his position.
Councilor Allen said he would prefer some type of language that would
speak directly to this position reporting through the board to the mayor and
then to the council for approval for expenditure of funds. After some
additional discussions, Councilor Allen suggested the language be changed to
reflect that presentations and request of the director shall be made to the
mayor through the board. He then said he would like to submit this as a motion.
Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present with Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
Councilor Davis said after looking at the seven-member board, initially he
thought there were going to be three members from Public Safety but now he
realizes there is only one member. He said this concerns him and he would like
to ask (with the Mayor?s approval) to add those members that were going to be
appointed that two or three of them to be members of law enforcement. He said
this could be added to the seven-member board as designated seats. Councilor
Davis said he would like to make a motion to amend the ordinance unless Council
has any other thought on this matter.
Ms. Judy Thomas, Executive Assistant to the Mayor then came forward and
stated that the proposals for the seven-member and eleven-member board is that
there will be three designated seats; one of those seats would he held by the
chair of the Public Safety Advisory Commission; one would be held by someone in
the education community (not limited to Muscogee County School District); and
the third position would be held by someone from law enforcement to include
someone from either the Sheriff?s Office, Marshal?s Office or the Police
Department. She said the position of the law enforcement person, is one of the
designated seats on a seven-member board that would then give the Mayor four
additional seats to appoint that would not be designated.
Ms. Thomas said in the eleven-member board, which would give each Council
member one position for eight to make the eleven. She said there is already a
designated seat for law enforcement.
Councilor Davis said after hearing what Ms. Thomas said, he thinks two
would be appropriate and that he do not want to leave anyone out. He said once
this commission is approved and functioning, any and all members of law
enforcement are welcome to contribute and he would like to add one more
(position) making it two. In response to Councilor Davis? comments, Ms. Thomas
pointed out that in discussing this position with the Sheriff, the Marshall,
and Chief of Police, we asked if they would designate someone who would act as
an ex-officio (non-voting) member or liaison who would attend all of the
meetings of the board and they all said yes. That would be something they all
would be willing to do.
Councilor Barnes said that would be a good thing that we have ex-officio
members present at these meetings and asked Councilor Davis if this would
satisfy his concerns of Public Safety involvement.
Councilor Anthony then responded that he would like to see 4 members from
the general public, 1 from education sector, and 2 from public safety. To
further clarify what is being discussed, Mayor Wetherington said 4 members from
the general public, 1 from education, 1 from Public Safety, 1 from Public
Safety Advisory Committee, and two ex-officio (non-voting public safety)
members.
After a few additional minutes of discussion, Council recognized the
presence of members of the audience who wishes to speak on this issue:
MR. PAUL OLSON came forward and stated that he has asked time and time
again for the minutes from the commission and when we are talking about a
budget of $900,000 and a pay-grade of 24 ? he then asked City Manager Hugley
about his pay-grade to which the City Manager responded that if Mr. Olson wants
salary information he can check with the Human Resource Department.
City Manager Hugley in response to additional comments from Mr. Olson said
his salary and that of the Deputy City Managers is public information and
encouraged Mr. Olson and any other citizen of Muscogee County to check with the
HR Department.
Mr. Olson then asked how much money is allocated to the Public Safety
Advisory Commission, to which City Manager Hugley responded that there is no
budget for Public Safety Commission.
Mr. Olson made some other comments about crime prevention such as
implementing curfews; the lack of minutes for the crime prevention commission,
and that there is no need to hire a director for the commission.
MR. BERT COKER came forward and apologized to the Council for speaking out
during the meeting. He said this government has about 40 boards and commission
and only a few of them have directors such as the Water Board and not too many
of them also have any financial attachments such as a budget. He said these are
all volunteer boards and the money being allocated to the Crime Prevention
Program can be better spend in other areas.
With no further discussion or comment on this item, City Attorney Fay said
this would be back for a vote in two weeks along with the board membership.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay said he would like to request a brief executive session
to discuss a litigation matter. He said the parties are present in Council
Chambers.
City Manager Hugley said he too have a matter of potential litigation to
discuss and asked for the executive session after the Public Agenda.
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***--------------------------------------------CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF DISCUSSION DEFEATED BY THE COUNCIL:
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A Resolution ? Property located at 3637 Buena Vista is proposed for a
special exception use in a GC (General Commercial) zoning district. The
proposed use is for an Auto Dealership.
City Attorney Fay called the attention of the application for a Special
Exception.
He said the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department
recommended it for approval.
The applicant Mr. Fernandez Lipscomb came forward and said he is asking
for this special exception because there are no car lots in this area and that
it would be convenient to people in the area and it would create jobs as well.
City Manager Hugley said he knows that staff made a recommendation to
approve this request but in our ordinance, car dealerships should be on a
minimum of no less than 2 acres and this is 1? acre and it is properly zoned;
but lacks the acreage requirements that is why the petitioner is before us
asking for a special exception.
He said he wanted Council to see a photograph and pointed out that the
yellowish/gold color building to the right is a tax office and where the SUV is
parked is a parking lot and there is no curbing gutter. He made some additional
remarks about the surrounding area of the requested special exception pointing
out that there is a house on the side of the proposed car dealership and on the
other side of the street are single family residential dwellings.
He said the staff is doing what the ordinance said in that if there is
less than 2 acres, the applicant may ask Council for a special exception. He
said although it is a Mayor and Council vote; he cannot in good conscience
recommend that we do that to those residents in this area.
Councilor Barnes made a motion to deny the request. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote and Councilor Woodson
being absent from this meeting.
There were some additional discussions by several members of Council and
the City Manager regarding the close proximity (less than 10 yards) of the used
cars and car lot to current residences in the area.
City Attorney Fay pointed out that the request is denied but the property
is still zoned general commercial and there are others uses that are permitted.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND AFTER SOME DISCUSSIONS APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_________________________________________
A Resolution (343-09) ? Requesting that the Columbus Building Authority
issue Lease Revenue Bonds in the amount of $131,500,000 plus issuance costs;
and for other purposes. Councilor Allen moved the approval of the resolution.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present with Councilors Davis and McDaniel being absent for
this vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
Councilor McDaniel requested to include $10 million for the Marina to
which City Manager Hugley said that would require a motion and a second and six
votes by this body to include it, but he will do whatever Council asks.
Councilor McDaniel?s motion did not receive a second.
After some additional discussion regarding funding and the impact on the
debt service, Council recognized the presence of Mr. Paul Olson and Councilor
Hunter moved that he be heard. Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for the meeting with
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
MR. PAUL OLSON came forward and said unemployment in Columbus, Georgia is
9.8 percent and there is a lot of people who are out there hurting. He said he
understands Councilor McDaniel intentions of the Oxbow Marina and it is the
wrong thing to be spending money like it is nothing. He made some references
about the L.O.S.T., 70/30 split; House Bill 709; the Natatorium; and the
financial impact on the economy.
In response to Mr. Olson?s comments, City Manager Hugley clarified to
Council some of the financial issues addressed by Mr. Olson.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA WERE
SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS 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 ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE
SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH COUNCILORS BAKER AND HENDERSON BEING
ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:_______________________________________________________
A Resolution (344-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Ralph King for his
meritorious service on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
A Resolution (345-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Willie Lewis for his
meritorious service on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
A Resolution (346-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Dennis Luby for his
meritorious service on the Building Authority of Columbus.
A Resolution (347-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Shirley Jaeger for
her meritorious service on the Commission on International Relations & Cultural
Liaison Encounters (C.I.R.C.L.E.)
A Resolution (348-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. H. S. Guron for his
meritorious service on the Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of
Commissioners.
A Resolution (349-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Jean Harper for her
meritorious service on the Family & Children Services.
A Resolution (350-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Susan Wilson for her
meritorious service on the Family & Children Services.
A Resolution (351-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Thomas Gurr for his
meritorious service on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
A Resolution (352-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Nancy Rinn for her
meritorious service on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
A Resolution (353-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mrs. Kim Peters for her
meritorious service on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
A Resolution (354-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Franklin Douglass
for his
meritorious service on the Housing Authority of Columbus.
A Resolution (355-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. David Edwards for
his
meritorious service on the Personnel Review Board.
A Resolution (356-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Roger Buterbaugh
for his
meritorious service on the Personnel Review Board.
A Resolution (357-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Sandra Mason for her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (358-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Priscilla Marshall
for her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (359-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Robert Watkins for
his
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (360-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. James Motos for his
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (361-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Christine Dawson
for her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (362-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Josephina Takemoto
for her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (363-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Marie Lewis for her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (364-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Karl Douglass for
his
meritorious service on the Planning Advisory Commission.
A Resolution (365-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Michael Eddings for
his
meritorious service on the Planning Advisory Commission.
A Resolution (366-09) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Joseph Gosha for his
meritorious service on the West Central Georgia Regional MH/DD/AD Planning
Board.
-----------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------------
PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. KULWANT SINGH, RE: ZONING
MATTER:
Mr. Kulwant Singh, who requested to be listed on today?s agenda, did not
respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.
*** *** ***
MR. BERT COKER, RE: INTER-CITY TRIP, CRIME PREVENTION POSITION, AND ONE
PERCENT
LOST:_____________________________
Mr. Bert Coker came forward and said when the 1% LOST was voted on it was
voted in a special election at the expense of the taxpayers, which was around
85,000. He said out of the 85,000 people in Columbus only 14% of the people
voted. He said he feels that this item should have been included in a general
election to enable everyone to have a chance to vote.
*** *** ***
MR. LORENZA WILDER, RE: SPEEDING IN NEIGHBORHOOD AND SCHOOL ZONES AND A
TRAFFIC LIGHT FOR STEAM MILL ROAD AT CROSS CREEK APARTMENTS:_____
________________________
______
Mr. Lorenza Wilder came forward and expressed his concerns relating to
speeding on Wilder Drive, Higgs Drive, Buena Vista Road and Steam Mill Road. He
said the Police Department is doing a good job. He said just as you come over
the by-pass to Cross Creek Apartments, there is a crossing guard that patrols
that area, as well as two yellow signs on each side. He said you can hardly
see the signs and suggested that a blinking light be placed in that spot.
*** *** ***
MR. DAVID LOVETT, REPRESENTING NORTH COLUMBUS PHARMACY RE: PRESCRIPTION
DRUG CARDS:__________
_
Mr. David Lovett came forward and said he appeared before Council on
September 8, 2009 to discuss the proposal for Columbus Consolidated Government
endorsed drug prescription discount card through the National League of
Cities. He said recently there was another article, which pointed out the fact
that United Way expressed interest in bringing the issue back up. He said he
spoke with Councilor Davis and learned that the Council had a proposed
resolution.
He said his concern, as a business leader in the pharmacy industry is that he
is not in favor of the City endorsing any particular business including his
own.
At this time, City Attorney Fay made it clear that the resolution would
not favor or endorse any particular organization or business.
------------------------------------*** ***
***----------------------------------
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS 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 MCDANIEL, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING,
WITH COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS MEETING:
_
_
A Resolution (367-09) ? Authorizing the distribution of discount
prescription drug cards at the 14 various fire stations.
City Manager Hugley further explained that the Columbus Consolidated
Government would not endorse any discount prescription drug program or allow
printing the City Logo on any card or advertising material. He said with
written authorization from the Human Resources Director, the Columbus
Consolidated Government would allow any legitimate discount prescription drug
program to place their cards in designated locations within each of the 14 fire
stations. He said other than the cost of the display racks, there would be no
cost to the Columbus Consolidated Government. He also said each program would
be responsible for the delivery of those cards to each fire station. He said
the program would be launched November 1st of this year.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING 2010 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:__________________________________________
A Resolution (368-09) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation prohibiting text messaging, reading/sending email
or using other similar wireless features while operating a motor vehicle.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time with Councilor Anthony being absent for this vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
A Resolution (369-09) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
Introduce/support legislation to prohibit or regulate and control the removal
of trees upon the right-of-way of state highways/roads for the purpose of
erecting and/or increasing visibility of signs and billboards.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time with Councilor Anthony being absent for this vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting
A Resolution (370-09) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support a legislative amendment that provides that posting the
website video of a meeting within seven days of the meeting shall satisfy
publication of minutes of meeting under O.C.G.A. 50-14-1.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Anthony being absent for this vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting
------------------------------------*** ***
***----------------------------------
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Manager Hugley, Mayor Pro-Tem Turner
Pugh made a motion to allow the Council to go into an executive session to
discuss a litigation matter. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilor Anthony
being absent for this vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting
*** *** ***
At 12:03 p.m. the regular session was adjourned to allow the Council to go
into an executive session.
*** *** ***
At 1:12 p.m. the meeting was called back to order at which time Mayor
Wetherington pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to
discuss litigation, but no action was taken.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***----------------------------------------------
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL 2010 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA ITEMS WERE ALSO
SUBMITTTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________
A Resolution (371-09) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation for reinstatement of matching funds for Road
Projects (MPO?s), to increase transportation funding for Local Area Road
Projects (LARP) and state road projects development and to provide funding for
a study to advance the development of light rail from Atlanta to Columbus.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (372-09) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation supporting the Georgia Crime Lab remaining in
Muscogee County.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present at the time with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (373-09) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation requiring sales tax point of sales data by
Department of Revenue or private contractor.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (374-09) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
supports legislation that encourages minimization of the consumptive use of
water so as to assure that downstream users water rights are fully protected.
Such legislation should be incorporated into requirements for all State Water
Planning activities.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (375-09) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to strengthen state law regulating scrap metal
processors and to increase penalties for violations of said laws and for
convictions of theft of scrap metals.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (376-09) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
supports continued funding for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Service and its county delivery system.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (377-09) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
Introduce/support legislation to amend local laws to set the Marshal, Clerk of
Municipal Court and Coroner salaries at 70% of the base salary of the Muscogee
County Sheriff and to allow receipt of state COLA?s and longevity increases
even if their tenure exceeds the tenure of the Muscogee County Sheriff.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
NOTE: Councilor Barnes left at this point in the meeting, with the time being
1:25 p.m.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
City Manager Hugley explained that the Marshal and the Clerk of Municipal
Court are both paid at 70% of the salary of the Sheriff. He said the Sheriff
has a base pay and receives longevity based on the number of terms and gets a
cost of living allowance. He said when the old Sheriff was here; his pay was
slightly higher than the new Sheriff?s pay. He said when a new Sheriff comes
in if the Marshal or Clerk of Municipal Court?s pay is greater than the 70% of
the new Sheriff?s pay then their pay is frozen until the new Sheriff?s pay
catches up and gets to a point that their pay is less than 70%. He said once
that happens they begin to move in pay. He also explained that the Marshal and
Clerk of Municipal Court do not receive longevity or a cost of living
allowance.
He said Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh suggested that the Marshal and Clerk of
Municipal Court be moved from 70% to 80% of the base pay of the Sheriff. He
said Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh has asked that they go to 80% and get their own
longevity and cost of living allowance just as other elected officials
throughout the State.
Councilor Henderson said he feels that the Council should consider giving
those elected officials? longevity and the cost of living allowance. He said
he is not sure that he agrees with the 80%, but from an equity standpoint he
does agree with the City Manager?s assessment.
Councilor Allen asked if the City Manager would clarify COLA and longevity.
City Manager Hugley responded by explaining that there is local
legislation and state legislation and said we give them the greater pay of the
2 legislations. He said once it comes from the State it comes out of the
City?s local budget.
Councilor Allen said he could support longevity but he has a problem with
the cost of living and the 80% due to the economic times and also not being
able to afford giving the city employees a raise or anything at all.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
NOTE: Councilor Anthony left at this point in the meeting, with the time
being 1:40 p.m.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
After various Council members addressed the City Manager with their
questions and concerns relative to the matter, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a
motion to include the Marshal, Clerk of Municipal Court and Coroner salaries at
70% in the request to be sent out to the State Legislators.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Baker and carried by a vote of 5 to 2 with Councilors Allen and
McDaniel voting No and Councilors Anthony and Barnes being absent for this vote
and Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
City Manager Hugley suggested that the item be brought back during the
next Council meeting due to the absence of several Council members. He stated
that 6 votes would be the majority vote.
After this matter was clarified in more detail, Councilor Allen amended
his vote. At this time another vote was taken.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Baker and carried by a vote of 6 to 1 with Councilor McDaniel
voting no and all other six councilors present voting yes, with Councilors
Anthony and Barnes being absent for this vote and Councilor Woodson being
absent from this meeting.
-----------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
NOTE: It was later discovered that the Coroner?s position had already
been handled during the budget process and therefore, no action should have
been taken with respect to the Coroner?s salary.
-----------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
A Resolution (378-09) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to change the Judge of Municipal Court to
nonpartisan and to increase the jurisdictional limit of the court to $25,000.
Councilor McDaniel 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 Councilors Anthony and Barnes being absent for
this vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (379-09) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
Introduce/support legislation to change the Judge of Probate Court to
nonpartisan.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time with Councilors Anthony and Barnes being absent for this
vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (380-09) ? Authorizing issuance of a permit for a permanent
encroachment of ten monitoring wells installed along the east side of 15th
Avenue north of 20th Street for the Pastoral Institute, 2022 15th Avenue, with
conditions.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time with Councilors Anthony and Barnes being absent for this
vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A
Resolution (381-09) ? Authorizing the amendment of Resolution #241-08 to reduce
the repurchase price for property located at 3404 Clubview Drive to $50,000,
part of the Cora Drive Storm Sewer Replacement Project.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time with Councilors Anthony and Barnes being absent for this
vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THIRTEEN 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 MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH
COUNCILORS ANTHONY AND BARNES BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILOR WOODSON
BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:
____________________________
A Resolution (382-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of canopy and awning from
A-Air
Flow Awning Company in the amount of $25,176. A-Air Flow Awning Company will
install a 46?x24x10? canopy at the Recycling Center Warehouse, a 80?x20?x10?
free-standing canopy at the Recycling Center Drop-Off Site and a 24?x24?x34?
awning at the Animal Care Center.
A Resolution (383-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of four (4) commercial
zero-turn-radius mowers from Best Nursery & Outdoor Equipment in the amount of
$26,294.92. The Public Services Department will utilize two (2) mowers for the
Riverwalk, one (1) mower for City owned right-of-ways and one (1) mower for
Linwood Cemetery.
A Resolution (384-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) E-One NFPA
2009 Compliant 1500 GPM Side Mount Rescue Pumper with 1030 Gallon Booster Tank
mounted on a new Custom E-One Typhoon Cab & Chassis, and applicable loose
equipment, from Hall-Mark Fire Apparatus, Inc., (Ocala, Florida) in the amount
of $356,964. The Fire/EMS Department at Station #1 will utilize this
replacement unit.
A Resolution (385-09) ? Authorizing payment to Kam Environmental
Contractors (Columbus, GA) in the amount of $94,650, plus payment for any
unforeseen contingencies, for construction services to perform emergency
repairs for the bridge on Edgechester Drive.
A Resolution (386-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of a GFI Genfare Odyssey
electronic validating farebox system, including: forty (40) fareboxes,
installation and system upgrades, from GFI Genfare (Elk Grove Village, IL) in
the amount of $606,760.
A Resolution (387-09) ? Authorizing payment to Grant Environmental
Contractor (Columbus, Georgia) in the amount of $40,000 to provide construction
services for drainage improvements at Tillis Field.
A Resolution (388-09) ? Authorizing an annual contract with Southern Auto
Electric, Inc., for the purchase, repair, and rebuilding of alternators and
starters, on an ?as needed? basis, for the estimated contract value of
$18,700.23. The equipment will be used for repair and maintenance of buses and
administrative vehicles in the Metra Transit System. The contract period will
be for three years, with the option to renew for two additional twelve-month
periods. Contract renewal is contingent upon mutual agreement of the City and
the Contractor.
A Resolution (389-09) ? Authorizing the execution of an annual contract
with Consolidated Fleet Services, Inc., to provide aerial and ground ladder
inspection and testing services to the Columbus Fire & EMS Department for the
estimated annual contract value of $6,300.00. The contract term will be for
three years, with the option to renew for two additional twelve-month periods.
Contract renewal is contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the
contracted vendor.
A Resolution (390-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) digital
imaging systems from Logos Imaging, LLC, (Richmond, Indiana) in the amount of
$43,600, for the Columbus Georgia Office Of Homeland Security.
A Resolution (391-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) EOD 9 Bomb
suits with helmets and breathing apparatus visors from Allen Vanguard
Technologies, Inc., (Ottawa, Ontario) in the amount of $42,998.
A Resolution (392-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) 2010
Freightliner M2 Type I 4x2 medium duty ambulances from Peach State Ambulance,
Inc., (Tyrone, Georgia) at the unit cost of $147,236 each, which equates to a
total cost of $294,472. The two replacement units will be used by The
Department of Fire/EMS to provide immediate medical assistance and transport
patients.
A Resolution (393-09) ? Authorizing payment to New Horizons (Columbus,
Georgia) to provide mental health services, for the Mental Health Court, in the
amount of $75,000.
A Resolution (394-09) ? Authorizing the purchase of ammunition and
munitions from Gulf States Distributors, Craig?s Firearm Supply, Inc.,
Precision Delta Corporation, Tactical Gear Supply, Zero Ammunition and GT
Distributors for the estimated annual contract value of $226,605.95.
*** *** ***
CUSTOMER SERVICE APPRECIATION WEEK:
City Manager Hugley took this time to recognize the Director of the IT
Department, Mr. Charles Tate, as well as the IT Department for winning the
award for the best customer service during Customer Service Appreciation Week.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: _______________
(1) Memorandum from Mayor Rebecca Chambers- City of Hamilton, Re: Mayors?
Christmas Motorcade, West Central Georgia Regional-Columbus, Thursday, December
3, 2009, at 11:30 a.m.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Animal Control Advisory
Board.
(3) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Justin Krieg, Mayor Wetherington?s nominee to
replace Mr. Rob Doll on the Land Bank Authority.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Thomas F. Gristina, Mayor Wetherington?s nominee
to replace Mr. Joseph Powell on the Land Bank Authority.
(5) Mayor?s Committee for Persons with Disabilities Weekly Report for the week
of September 7, 2009 through September 14, 2009.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:___
______________________ ________________________
A Resolution (395-09) ? Receiving and approving the report of the
Finance Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved
and/or denied during the month of August 2009. Councilor Henderson moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen, which carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Anthony and Barnes being absent for this vote and Councilor Woodson
being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:___________
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from 10th
Street to 12th Street; 11th Street from 1st Avenue to Front Avenue, on
Saturday, October 31, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in connection with
?Spooktacular? pedestrian safety.
Application of Nancy Powell to temporarily close Peacock Avenue from 13th
Street onto Poplar Drive to Eberhart Avenue; Dimon Street from Eberhart Avenue
to Peacock Avenue, on Sunday, October 18, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in
connection with a ?Neighborhood Block Party?.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of the applications. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council at
the time, with Councilors Anthony and Barnes being absent for this vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from the meeting.
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS,
WHICH WERE OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL: _
____________ ____________________________
_
Airport Commission, July 22, 2009 and August 26, 2009.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 33-09, 34-09 & 35-09.
Columbus Building Authority, September 30, 2009.
Family & Children Services Board, September 23, 2009.
Golf Authority, August 25, 2009.
Hospital Authority, August 26, 2009.
Personnel Review Board, September 17 & 23, 2009.
Public Safety Advisory Committee, February 19, 2009.
Public Safety Advisory Committee, May 21 and June 25, 2009.
Uptown Facade Board, August 17, 2009.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Anthony and Barnes being absent for this
vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION, RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL BY BOTH THE
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING DIVISION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK
OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:___
_____
Petition submitted by David Erickson to rezone 13.025 acres of property
located at 6001 Warm Springs Road from RE1 (Residential Estate 1) / RO
(Residential Office) with conditions to RO (Residential Office) with conditions.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION RESOUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________________________________
A Resolution (396-09) ? Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the October
13,
2009 Council Meeting. Councilor Allen moved the adoption. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Anthony and Barnes being absent for this
vote and Councilor Woodson being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIANISON
ENCOUNTERS:______________________________________________
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Hideo Kabumoto has resigned
his position; therefore a replacement is needed for his seat.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Tyrone Rowe no longer resides
in Muscogee County and that Councilor Allen is working on a replacement.
*** *** ***
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that a replacement is needed to fill
the seat of Rev. Joseph Roberson who does not desire to be reappointed.
*** *** ***
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Allen Taber and Mr. Billy
Blanchard have been re-nominated and may now be confirmed. Councilor Henderson
moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by
those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Anthony and
Barnes being absent for this vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from this
meeting.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Councilor Woodson is working on a
replacement for Ms. Susie Hamlet, who is the Council District 7
representative She also advised that a replacement is needed to fill the seat
of Ms. Peggy Myles, Council District 1 representative.
*** ***
***
LAND BANK AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that at the request of Councilor
Henderson the nominees would be brought back at a later date.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Councilor Anthony is working on
getting a replacement to fill the seat of District 9 at-large seat of Dr. John
E. Stephens and Councilor Baker is working on a replacement to fill the seat of
Ms. Sarah Sillitto, his District 5 representative.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Bradford Haines has resigned
his position as the District 2 representative and that Councilor Davis is
working of getting a replacement for his seat.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that nominees are needed for Council
Districts 1, 2, 7, 9 and 10, as well as the Mayor?s appointment.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------
With there being no additional business for the Council to discuss, Mayor
Wetherington then entertained a motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Anthony and
Barnes being absent for this vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from this
meeting, with the time being 2:15 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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