MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 8, 2013
The meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at
9:00A.M., Tuesday, October 8, 2013, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens Service
Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike
Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike
Baker, Glenn Davis, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Judy W. Thomas, and Evelyn
Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also
present. Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat at the Council table at 9:05 a.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh took her seat at the Council table at 9:08 a.m.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Reverend Jimbo Albrecht, Fairview Baptist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Blanchard Elementary School.
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SHERIFF?S OFFICE BUDGET:
Sheriff John Darr took the podium and began his presentation. Darr
explained that his statement would be on three key items that have the largest
impact on the Sheriff?s Office?s yearly budget. These three items are as
follows: Mental Health Treatment for Inmates, Medical Care for Inmates and
Security provided by the Deputies at the Muscogee County Jail, Courts as well
as other CCG facilities.
Sheriff Darr began his statement by explaining that in September of 2010,
the U.S. Department of Justice did their Annual Jail Inspection and said for
the first time in eleven or more years, a Physiatrist accompanied the
Department of Justice during their inspection of the Muscogee County Jail.
During the inspection the Physiatrist identified that the Jail had a need for a
Comprehensive Mental Health Treatment Program for the Inmates housed there.
Sheriff Darr said after the inspection and the results were revealed, the
City Manager, City Attorney and members of the Sheriff?s Office agreed the need
for Mental Health Treatment was realistic and they were required to meet the
standard for Inmate Mental Health Treatment.
The City Attorney then worked with the Department of Justice to provide
these services to the City?s inmates. The contract was awarded to New
Horizons, which resulted in a $700,000 cost for the Muscogee County Sheriff?s
Office for the first year.
Sheriff Darr then presented a Resolution which was approved by the City
Council to give authorization for the Muscogee County Sheriff?s Office to enter
into such contract. The Sheriff said funding was never given to the Sheriff?s
Office to help offset this cost. He emphasized, it is an obligation for the
Sheriff?s Office as well as the City Government as a whole, not an option.
Sheriff Darr turned the presentation on to the next topic of Heath Care
for the Inmates housed in the Muscogee County Jail. He then explained that
with the rising cost of Health Care in the United States, the cost for the care
given to the inmates has affected the Sheriff?s Office as well.
Sheriff Darr said, just as CCG has taken action to help with the rising
cost by developing the Health and Wellness Center, the Sheriff?s Office has
taken a similar approach by hiring a private contractor, Correctional
Healthcare Company, to help manage the care as well as the cost associated with
the care given.
The final topic Sheriff Darr discussed was the overtime pay for the
Deputies of the Sheriff?s Office. He explained that the ?GAP? pay is the
overtime pay that the Sheriff?s Office employees receive when they work over an
allotted time per pay cycle. It was said that the deputies that work at the
Muscogee County Jail are required to work a total of 168 hours a pay cycle.
This is to ensure the safety of the inmates as well as the employees.
Sheriff Darr also shared some of the steps that have been taken to help
reduce the hours that are required of their deputies to ensure safety. The
first step that has been taken was the opening of 27 new positions. This
helped reduce some of the GAP pay but did not eliminate it.
Sheriff Darr stated that the most obvious solution would be to house fewer
inmates in the Muscogee County Jail. He said his office is in the beginning
process of implementing a Pre-Trial Release Program. He believes this will
drastically reduce the population at the Jail and save the taxpayers money
seeing as it costs them $50 a day, per inmate.
Next, Sheriff Darr stated he has asked the Mayor, Chief Ricky Boren as
well as Columbus Probation to refrain from arresting individuals who do not
truly need to be housed in the Muscogee County Jail. Also, the idea of
charging other Agencies whose inmates are being held at the Jail, to pay a fee
to help cover the cost associated with housing these inmates. Sheriff Darr
believes these policies if implemented, would help offset the budget overage
his office suffers from each year.
To reiterate the purpose of being before the Council, Sheriff Darr asked
that
$2 million dollars be taken out of the Salary Savings and moved into the
Reserve to help offset the overages in the FY13 budget for the Sheriff?s
Office. Secondly, to show the Mayor and City Council the improvements that
have resulted in the aggressive approach the Sheriff?s Office has taken to
cutting the budget overages. Lastly, he expressed the interest in making a
position for an Accountant to assist his Office with the budgeting issues they
have been experiencing. This concluded his presentation.
Mayor Tomlinson asked a few questions to clarify that the Sheriff wanted
to move funds within the budget to help cover overages. She then expressed
that she agrees and encourages that the Sheriff?s Office hires an Accounting
Professional.
There was a lengthy discussion between the Mayor and Sheriff Darr about
the options that are available to help reduce or eliminate the budget overages
the Sheriff?s Office are having each year.
Mayor Pro Tem, Evelyn Turner Pugh, asked the Sheriff to explain GAP time.
Sheriff Darr explained to Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, that GAP time is the
hours that the deputies work that exceed 160 hours. The deputies work 168
hours a pay cycle, therefore 8 of those hours are considered GAP time.
The Mayor adds that by law the City is not required to pay overtime until
an employee has exceeded 170 hours within a pay cycle. She requests that this
issue be discussed in a Work Session.
Mayor Pro Tem agrees and says that she wants to check the Labor Laws.
Councilor Judy Thomas asked Sheriff Darr a few questions to clarify her
confusion. She expresses that her concern is for the safety of the Deputies as
well as the Inmates being housed at the Jail. She then tells the Mayor that
she has some knowledge of the Fire Department?s Schedule and asks for it to be
included when this subject is discussed during a Work Session.
Councilor Thomas also asked Sheriff Darr is it correct, that after the
Mental Health Contract had been negotiated, it added around $400,000 cost to
his budget but that Council did not allocate the $400,000 to pay for the cost
but did leave the responsibility to the Sheriff?s Department. Sheriff Darr
agreed.
Mayor Tomlinson said that the topic would be further discussed during the
Work Session in October and how the overtime pay relates to the pension.
Councilor Thomas suggests the Holiday pay be included in the discussion.
Councilor Davis expressed that he has concerns over this matter. He made
many statements as to the repercussions of any department being over budget.
He said that his main concern is that the City will have no choice but to look
to the employees to make up for the budget overages. He also asked the Sheriff
if he would be willing to let other professionals look at the issues and see if
they can assist in the matter.
Sheriff Darr responded by saying he would be willing to listen to any
suggestions anyone may have that could help and he would be willing to cut some
areas, but this would affect the security of some of the CCG facilities.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Sheriff Darr went back into discussion of
the meaning and how GAP time and Straight Time comes into play for the
Deputies. Sheriff Darr explains the hours that the Deputies work and how the
overtime comes about.
City Manager Hugley asked Finance Director, Pam Hodge, to further explain
the topic to the Council. Pam Hodge then explained the difference between the
overtime pay for Public Safety and a normal full time employee who works a 40
hour work week.
The Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and City Manager decide to further discuss the
topic of GAP time in the next Work Session to be held October 29th.
There was also discussion between the Mayor and Pam Hodge on whether the
GAP time for the Sheriff?s Office and the Prison could be diminished by
choosing a different scheduling option. Mayor Tomlinson asked Pam Hodge to
bring some sort of a comparative to see how other departments manage to keep
there facilities safely staffed without GAP time.
Councilor Henderson explained to the Council that the reason they have not
heard of GAP time before is because in the past the City has been in better
standing financially. Councilors Thomas, Huff and Woodson also made comments
regarding this subject matter.
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HEALTHCARE REFORM UPDATE AND HEALTH INSURANCE
PROPOSAL:_____________________________________________________
Ms. Reather Hollowell, Human Resources Director, recapped the Health
Insurance Proposal and Health and Wellness Center update that was presented
to Council during a Work Session held on September 17th.
Ms. Mary Strange, Chairperson of the Retiree Benefits Committee, explained
how the Retiree Committee held 3 extensive meetings to come to an agreement on
a Health Care Policy for the CCG Retirees. There were 3 goals the Committee
wanted met within the policy that was chosen. These goals included: competitive
rates, manage rate increases to the best of their ability and coverage for
Catastrophic Illness Medications.
Mr. Billy Watson, President of the Retirees Association, stated only 2
Insurance
Companies submitted a bid to provide coverage to the Retirees. On August 21st
the
Retiree Committee met and agreed on a policy that best benefits the retirees.
Mr.
Watson explained the differences in the prices of the existing policy and the
proposed health care policy in which the Committee agreed on.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the approval of the Insurance Proposal
for the Retirees. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by
those ten members of Council present.
The above motion adopted the following resolution, as listed as Item
Number
Four on the City Manager?s Agenda.
A Resolution (328-13) ? Authorizing the modification of the Medicare
Eligible
Health Plan Benefits and the existing United Healthcare Medicare Advantage PPO
Plan.
Ms. Reather Hollowell introduced Michael Burgess, Chairperson of Employee
Benefits Commission. Mr. Burgess told Council that the Commission held 4
employee meetings regarding the proposed Health Insurance changes for FY14.
There were around 200 employees present at each meeting and directly following
the Commission dispersed a survey to the CCG employees. There were 276
surveys that had been filled out and submitted by the employees.
Out of the recommendations presented by CCG employees present at the
meetings and the recommendations from the surveys collected, 4 specifics came
about. They are as follows: Adding penalties for other health care hazards in
addition to the use of tobacco, such as alcoholism and obesity; Consideration
be
made in not making Insurance Benefits available to the spouses of employees;
Paying or compensating employees who elect to join their spouses? insurance
through their place of employment; Creating other types of tiers within the
insurance premiums based on the number of persons within the family being
covered.
Mr. Burgess then stated that the Employee Benefits Committee recommends
that the Council approves the initial proposed changes that the Committee
presented to Council on September 17th. The initial proposed changes are as
follows: changes of the out of pocket maximum deductibles, co-pays for HMO
and POS/PPO; adding $10 to the smokers? surcharge; increasing the premiums.
Mr. Burgess added that the Committee had 2 additional recommendations.
One being, the Committee submit the other recommended changes that could not
be processed to North Western to determine their legality and the influence on
the
bottom line of the health care cost to the City. Second, the Committee
suggests
they be brought in earlier in the Budget process for FY15 so they are able to
have
similar meetings with the employees to consider different options to fund the
health care plan.
Councilor Bruce Huff asked Michael Burgess if there was any discussion
with the employees who may want to stay with their Family Doctors, but with the
increase in premiums may be forced to join the Health and Wellness Center.
Mr. Burgess explained that one of the questions on the survey given to CCG
employees was, ?During the last 12 months have you needed to go to your doctor
but did not have the money??. Forty-two percent of the employees who
participated in the survey answered yes.
Councilor Huff voiced his concern that they can expect for this number to
rise with the increase of the premiums. He stated he has received multiple
phone
calls by employees that have the fear of being forced to leave their doctors
and join
the Wellness Center as a result of the premium increase.
Councilor Huff refers to the Health and Wellness Center as the ?bait?
being
used to entice employees to change their insurance coverage because they can
not
afford the increase in premiums.
City Manager Hugley asked Finance Director, Pam Hodge, to come to the
podium and give her presentation of the specifics.
Councilor Huff asked Pam Hodge, with her ?conservative approach? on her
predictions for the Financial Standing of the CCG Budget and the extra money
that
she has always built in to save the budget if something was to go wrong and
there
was an overage , how could the City be facing a 2 million dollar shortage for
the
Health Insurance Benefits.
Pam Hodge responded by saying that because of how far the CCG budget is
stretched, she has had to make much less conservative projections than in the
past.
Also, that the Health and Wellness Center and the savings it could bring to the
City
was the reason Council decided to wait on increasing the employees? premiums
last year. Since the Health and Wellness Center has not been opened very long,
it
is still too early to say what the savings could be.
Ms. Hodge also stated that the City?s Health Care Consultants are the ones
who
have projected the $2 million dollar overage the City will endure with the
rising
cost of health care in the US.
Councilor Henderson described the Health Benefits of the CCG employees
as being ?rich by today?s standards?. He further stated that it was hoped that
the
Health and Wellness Center was going to be utilized by more employees so that
the premiums would not have to be increased due to savings from the center. He
directed a few questions as far as the services provided at the Health and
Wellness
Center which was answered by Director Hollowell and Allison Judd with
Transform Health.
There was further discussion between Councilor Henderson and Ms. Judd
on the concerns that have been brought to the attention of Councilor Henderson
by
some CCG employees.
Councilor Glenn Davis stated in lieu of not being able to give raises to
the
employees, he has always wanted to protect the benefits that the City offers
for it?s
employees as a reward for the hard work they do. He asks that Council wait on
the
issue.
Councilor Mike Baker went into some discussion with Director Hodge about
the changes made to the Insurance in the past and how has it been cost
effective
for the City.
The complaints by employees pertaining to the Health and Wellness Center
was discussed further by Director Hollowell, Councilors Huff, Henderson,
Thomas, Woodson and Barnes. Including Councilor Thomas stating that there
needed to be more options discussed in helping cover the 2 million dollar
overage
the City is facing other than increasing the out-of-pocket cost to the
employees.
Councilor Woodson asked the Council to delay this matter.
Mayor Tomlinson explained that the General Fund Reserve is held for
unexpected/ unforeseen expenses or catastrophic events.
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NOTE: Councilor McDaniel left at this point in the meeting, with the time being
10:53 a.m.
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Councilor Thomas requested that the Council move along in the Agenda.
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NOTE: Councilor Allen left at this point in the meeting, with the time being
11:07 a.m.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:
An Ordinance (13-48) ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia
by establishing No Parking Anytime Zones along the north and south curbs of
Midtown Drive and along the east and west curbs of Citizens Way; establishing
four-hour parking zones along the south curb of Midtown Drive; establishing
restricted parking zones for the handicapped, public safety agencies, and
couriers along the west curb of Citizens Way authorizing the installation of
official traffic control signs indicating these parking restrictions; repealing
any conflicting ordinances; and for other purposes.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Allen and McDaniel being absent for the
vote.
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THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCE ON FIRST
READING AND A PUBLIC HEARING BEING
HELD:__________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 4024 Acacia Drive from an SFR3
(Single Family Residential 3) to RO (Residential Office) Zoning District. The
purpose of the rezoning is to for a parking lot for St. Francis Hospital.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Bill Pound, representing St. Francis Hospital was present, but he
didn?t make a presentation as there was no one present to oppose this proposed
rezoning ordinance, but he did respond to a question of at least one Council
member.
Councilor Baker asked Mr. Pound if the areas around this would be
landlocked due to the rezoning. Mr. Pound responded no.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. PETE HICKS, REPRESENTING HOPE IN EVERY HEART ORGANIZATION, RE: TO
EXTEND AN INVITATION TO THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL TO ATTEND THE HOPE IN EVERY HEART
EVENT TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2013 AT THE CATHEDRAL
OF PRAYER CHURCH FROM 11:00 A.M. ? 4:00 P.M.:
_________________
Mr. Pete Hicks, said The Cathedral of Prayer Church holds The Hope for
Every Heart Event each year to feed the homeless in Columbus. Mr. Hicks goes
on to state that the Church would like to extend an invitation to the Mayor,
City Manager and Council. He explains that the participants of this event do
accept donations in the form of clothing and food. Mr. Hicks tells the Council
that the food is prepared there during the event and served hot to the homeless
in our community. He stated that during the event held last year, they were
able to feed 750 people.
Reverend Story, Hopewell Baptist Church in Upatoi, Georgia expressed his
as well as this church?s support for Mr. Pete Hicks and his wife Mrs.
Jacqueline Hicks who are the founder and co-founder of Hope in Every Heart.
Councilor Barnes shared his experiences of attending The Hope in Every
Heart Event.
Councilor Huff made arrangements to give a donation.
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COUNCILOR HENDERSON?S REQUEST FOR COUNCIL TO MAKE A
VERBAL ADMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION 307-13 THAT WAS PASSED
BY COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2013:______________________
Per the request of Councilor Henderson, Police Chief Ricky Boren was
present to discuss amending Resolution 307-13 that states due to the continued
recession and tight budget conditions of the Consolidated Government there must
be approval granted by the Council for any personnel hired above a Step C in
any pay grade during FY14 or as long as the current City hiring freeze is in
effect.
Councilor Henderson said a couple weeks ago, we discussed during the
tightening of the belt that we had been doing that it would probably be wise,
just
for accountability sakes that anyone who is hired, , even it if?s budget
neutral, that
if they come in above a Step C that it needs to come to this Council so that we
can
understand the necessity of making such hires; but said an unintended
consequence
to that is that it has impacted promotional procedures. He said we already have
an
ordinance on the books that details how people would be promoted; that they go
to
the next step and if they are not higher in that step, they would get 5%
increase,
which was part of our promotional ordinance?
He said what we have done is created an environment now where anybody
who gets promoted, and if they are going out pass that Step C step, they can?t
be
paid; they would have to come to this Council. He said that was not his intent
and
said the intent was for those people who are being hired into the government;
so
that we can monitor that.
Councilor Henderson said unless the Council wants to go through those;
however, that was not want he intended. He said he would like to call for an
amendment to the resolution, to exclude promotions. He said he would like
to do an oral resolution today to allow those who have been promoted between
now and the next time we meet to vote on it, to allow them to go ahead accept
the
promotions and be paid. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
City Attorney Fay said the oral resolution is fine today, to allow people
to get
paid. He said we will add a provision that says this does not apply to current
existing employees who are being promoted.
City Manager Hugley said there was an attachment listed on the agenda. He
said regarding the positions in Information Technology, you may want to talk
about that separately and he can speak to that matter. He said you may recall
that
at one of our budget review sessions, that the IT Director brought to your
attention
to the difficulty of filing or retaining IT Techs.
After City Manager Hugley went into many details in explaining this matter
to
the Council. He said he would ask the Council to consider this matter in a
separate
vote.
Councilor Henderson then called the question on his motion, which carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Allen, Barnes and McDaniel being absent for the vote.
Regarding the position of the Information Technology, Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh made a motion to approve the request; to promote an existing employee from
a Grade 20B to a Grade 20E. Seconded by Councilor Henderson for discussion
purposes.
After members of the Council made comments regarding this matter, and
Budget Chairperson Henderson responded to questions, the question was then
called on the motion, which carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent
for this vote.
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CITY MANGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________
__________
A Resolution (329-13)- Authorizing the Mayor to submit an application, and
if awarded, accept a Grant from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and American
Beverage of up to $120,000 to provide funding to prevent Childhood Obesity.
There are no matching funds required and approval is requested to amend the
Multi-Governmental Fund by the amount awarded.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the
vote.
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A Resolution (330-13) - Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Five
Year Lease Agreement between Columbus Civic Center and Drew Exposition, Event
Coordinators, Inc.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for this
vote.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND DELAYED AT HIS
REQUEST:______________________________________________________
A Resolution ? Authorizing the negotiation and execution of a contract
with Pond & Company (Norcross, GA) for professional design services for the
renovation and additions to the Muscogee County Jail.
Councilor Baker asked that the Council be given a brief cost; showing the
numbers how the OLOST is getting to met both payments.
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THE FOLLOWING TEN PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S
AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL PURSUANT TO A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER-PUGH AND
SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS
OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR ALLEN AND MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT
FOR THIS VOTE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FIRST PURCHASE LISTED BEING DELAYED:
______________
A Resolution (331-13)- Authorizing the execution of a Construction
Contract with McMath-Turner Construction Company (Columbus, GA) in the amount
of $575,641.45 for the construction of a Roundabout at Schatulga Road and
Corporate Ridge Parkway.
A Resolution (332-13)- Authoring the purchase of one (1) Asphalt Roller
[Caterpillar, Inc., Model CB54B Paving Compaction], from Yancey Bros. Company
(Fortson, GA), in the amount of $119,456.00, by Cooperative Purchase via
National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) Contract #060311-CAT.
A Resolution (333-13)- Authorizing the purchase of four (4)
Trailer-Mounted Vacuum Debris Collectors with Collection Boxes [XtremeVac Model
XV600/XV500], from Old Dominion Brush Co., Inc., (Richmond, VA), in the amount
of $115,253.12 ($28,813.28 per unit), by Cooperative Purchase via National
Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) Contract #060612-ODB.
A Resolution (334-13)- Authorizing the Annual Contract to purchase Hybrid
Low Floor Electric Buses from New Flyer Industries (Winnipeg Manitoba, CN).
METRA anticipates purchasing approximately 0-5 Buses per year over a five (5)
year period. The unit price, per Contract Year, is as follows: Year 1:
$517,733.00; Year 2: $525,489.00; Year 3: $533,265.00; Year 4: $541,031.00;
Year 5: $548,797.00.
A Resolution (335-13)- Authorizing the Annual Contract to purchase 35? Low
Floor Buses from Gillig LLC (Hayward, CA), the unit price, per Contract Year,
is as follows: Year 1: $ 373,319.00; Year 2: $382,652.00; Year 3:
$393,175.00; Year 4: $404,970.00; Year 5: $417,119.00. METRA anticipates
purchasing approximately 0-5 buses during the Contract Term, as needed, to
replace for the older buses.
A Resolution (336-13)- Authorizing the Annual Contract to purchase 26?
Low-Floor Medium-Duty Paratransit (DIAL-A-RIDE) Buses, from Champion Bus, Inc.
(Imlay City, MI). Two (2) buses were approved in the FY14 Budget to be
purchased during the First Year of Contract at a unit price of $130,320.00, for
a total price of $260,640.00. The unit price for the remaining years of the
Contract are as follows: Year 2/FY15 - $132,820.00, and Year 3/FY16 -
$135,320.00. Additional units will be purchased as needed.
A Resolution (337-13)- Authorizing the negotiation and execution of a
contract with Columbus Bank & Trust (Columbus, GA) to provide Banking Services.
A Resolution (338-13)- Authorizing the negotiation and execution of a
contract with Merchant E-Solutions (Columbus, GA) to provide Merchant Services.
A Resolution (339-13)- Authorizing the execution of a Construction
Contract with Southeastern Site Development, Inc., (Newnan, GA) in the amount
of $5,277,780.00 for the replacement of Cooper Creek Bridge and Bull Creek
Bridge on Forrest Road.
A Resolution (340-13)- Authorizing the Declaration of Vehicles and Carious
equipment shown on the attached list as surplus in accordance with Section
7-501 of the Charter of Columbus Consolidated Government; Additionally
approval is requested to declare any items as surplus which may be added to the
list prior to the action.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCUSSION. COUNCILOR HUFF
MOTIONED TO DELAY THIS ITEM. SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AMD CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH
COUNCILORS ALLEN AND MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR
THEVOTE:______________________________ __________________________
A Resolution - Authorizing the rate changes for Health Insurance for
Active Employees, Pre-65 Retirees and modifications to the plan benefits. An
agenda report and resolution were attached.
Since this topic was discussed extensively earlier in the meeting, after
some discussion the Council agreed to delay their decision until after the Work
Session is held on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. The Council extended an
invitation to the CCG employees to come and voice their options and concerns
regarding the possibility of the Health Insurance Premiums being increased.
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NOTE: Councilor Allen returned at this point in the meeting, with the time
being 12:39 p.m.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATION TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Honor.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Hospital Authority of
Columbus.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Uptown Facade Board.
(4) Copy of the Columbus Department of Public Health?s Financial Statement for
the year ending June 30, 2013.
(5) Biographical sketch of Kel Jackson, who has expressed an interest in
serving on the Building Authority of Columbus.
(6) Letter from Mr. William J. Burgin advising that he will be unable to serve
another term of office on the Board of Historic & Architectural Review Board.
(7) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the Dillingham Street
Bridge on Saturday, October 12, 2013, from 4:00 p.m. ? Midnight, in connection
with ?CSU Alumni Weekend Event- Fireworks Display?.
(8) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close Bay Avenue from 10th
Street & Front Avenue to 11th Street and Bay Avenue, on Saturday, October 19,
2013, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., in connection with the ?Uptown Food
Festival?.
(9) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close Bay Avenue from 10th
Street & Front Avenue to 11th Street and Bay Avenue, on Saturday, October 26,
2013, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in connection with the ?Uptown
Spooktacular?.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL:______________________________ _________
A Resolution (341-13) ? Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the
September 24, 2013 Council Meeting.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Davis and McDaniel being absent for this
vote.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY
RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 34-13 & 35-13.
Columbus Golf Authority, July 23, 2013.
Columbus Golf Authority, August 27, 2013.
Development Authority of Columbus, September 5, 2013.
Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, April 10, 2013.
Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, May 1, 2013.
Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, June 5, 2013.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, August 27, 2013.
Housing Authority of Columbus, August 14, 2013.
Land Bank Authority, July 3, 2013.
Land Bank Authority, August 7, 2013.
Land Bank Authority, September 4, 2013.
Recreation Advisory Board, August 28, 2013.
Taxicab Commission, September 25, 2013.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes are received. Seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members
of Council present at the time, with Councilors Davis and McDaniel being absent
for this vote.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Council is still waiting to
hear from the Veterinary Association for a replacement for Dr. Brook Glass, Jr.
on the Animal Control Advisory Board.
*** *** ***
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out at the seat of Mr. Michael P. Fox
Jr. has been declared vacant on the Building Authority of Columbus. There was
a biographical sketch listed under information for a Mr. Kel Jackson, who is
interested in serving on this board. This appointment will be brought back at
the next meeting for confirmation.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Council is still waiting
on a recommendation from the Director.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that they are
still in need of nominees for District Two, District Three, District Six and
District Seven for the 2013 ? 2014 school year.
Councilor Huff stated he had recommended a young lady that attends Carver
High School to serve on this Council. He asked that Clerk of Council
Washington get with Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin to get the name of this
person.
Mayor Tomlinson asks Clerk of Council Washington to get with the other
Councilors who still need nominees for their Districts so that the Youth
Advisory will be fully appointed.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained for motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Davis and
McDaniel being absent for this vote, with the time of adjournment being 1:34
p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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