Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

SEPTEMBER 11, 2007



The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called

to order at 9:04 A.M, Tuesday, September 11, 2007, on the Plaza Level of the

Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor,

presiding.



*** *** ***



PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner

Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes,

Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Charles E.

McDaniel, Jr. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay and Deputy

Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.

---------------------------------------*** ***

***-----------------------------------

ABSENT: Councilor Evelyn Woodson was absent. Clerk of Council Tiny B.

Washington was also absent.

---------------------------------------*** ***

***-----------------------------------



MOMENT OF SILENCE: Mayor Wetherington asked for a moment of silence in

remembrance of the over 3,000 people that lost their lives during the attack on

911.

----------------------------------------*** ***

***-----------------------------------



INVOCATION: Led by Battalion Chief Andrew Thomas - Columbus Department of Fire

and Emergency Medical Services.

---------------------------------------*** ***

***-----------------------------------



PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the Junior Marshal League.



---------------------------------------*** ***

***-----------------------------------



CEREMONY:



Mr. Nathan Sanderson announced the Honor and Remembrance Ceremony that is

being sponsored by the Woodmen of the World. He said the Woodmen of the World

organization is dedicated to promoting patriotism and respect for our country.

He said the organization created the ?Honor and Remembrance Program? to pay

tribute to such heroes as our police officers and fire fighters and to salute

the members of our armed forces who defend our nation and our community. He

said across Georgia and the nation, Woodmen of the World Lodges would conduct

Honor and Remembrance Ceremonies today. He then introduced Mr. Billy Gross,

Area Manager of the Woodmen of the World.



Mr. Billy Gross, Area Manager of the Woodmen of the World, came forward to

present the American Flag to the Mayor on behalf of the Public Safety workers.

He spoke of the attack on 911 and today is the anniversary of that tragic event

where we lost 3,000 innocent victims. He said that we honor and remember the

victims by presenting the flag.



*** *** ***



PROCLAMATIONS:



?COLUMBUS DEPARTMENT OF FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DAY?:



With the Chief of the Fire and EMS Department Jeff Meyers, Division Chief

Mike Higgins and members of the Columbus Fire and EMS Department standing at

the Council table, Councilor Henderson read Mayor Wetherington?s proclamation,

proclaiming Tuesday, September 11, 2007 as ?Columbus Fire and Emergency Medical

Services Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.



*** *** ***



?NATIONAL ASSISTED LIVING WEEK?:



With Ms. Brenda Jenkins- Morningside Assisted Living, standing at the

Council table, Councilor Davis read Mayor Wetherington?s proclamation,

proclaiming the week of September 9 - 15, 2007 as ?National Assisted Living

Week?, in Columbus, Georgia.



*** *** ***



?CONSTITUTION WEEK?:



With Ms. Kitty Thompkins and others standing at the Council table,

Councilor Baker read Mayor Wetherington?s proclamation, proclaiming the week of

September 17 - 23, 2007 as ?Constitution Week?, in Columbus, Georgia.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED ON THE MAYOR?S AGENDA AND READ IN

ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HUNTER AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (388-07) - Commending Director Bobby Harris and the House of

Mercy staff and volunteers. Councilor Hunter moved its adoption and seconded

by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members present

for this meeting.



*** *** ***



PRESENTATION: SIGNING OF COVENANT WITH SISTER CITY TAICHUNG CITY, TAIWAN:



Mayor Wetherington announced the presence of special guest in the

audience; Mayor Jason Hu, Director General Woo and some citizens of Taichung

City, Taiwan. He advised that they are present to sign a covenant to be a

sister city with Columbus, Georgia. He then recognized Mr. Mike Gaymon,

Chamber of Commerce.



Mr. Mike Gaymon- Chamber of Commerce, came forward to give some brief

information on the government of Taichung City, Taiwan. He recalled that

Columbus has already established a relationship with Taichung City through

Columbus State University and the exchange of educational opportunities. He

then introduced Mr. Seco Kabamoto.



Mr. Seco Kabamoto, said that he has worked for two years on this project.

He spoke of his experience with visiting Taichung City, Taiwan. He said this

is a big event for both Taichung City and Columbus. He then recognized

Director General Mr. Woo.



Mr. Woo, Director General, came forward to give a brief biography of Mayor

Jason Hu by acknowledging his educational history as well as his political

background. He said that it is his distinct pleasure and honor to introduce

Mayor Jason Hu.



Mr. Jason C. Hu, Mayor of Taichung City, Taiwan, spoke of his pleasure in

signing the covenant of Sister City with Columbus. He gave some statistical

information on the crime rate decrease during his administration. He also

pointed out that the economic vibrancy of Taichung City with the three pillars

of the local economy; real estate, investment and service making Taichung City

the fastest growing city in Taiwan.



At this time, Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Jason C. Hu joined in the

signing of the covenant for sister city.



MUSICAL SELECTION:



An unidentified lady introduced the string quartet from Tiachung City

Orchestra. The first song is a famous folk song in Taiwan called The Land of

Peach Flowers. The second song presented was Over the Rainbow.

--------------------------------------*** ***

***---------------------------------------

MINUTES: Minutes of the June 5, 2007 meeting of the Council of the

Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia was submitted and approved upon

the adoption of a motion made by Councilor McDaniel and seconded by Mayor Pro

Tem Turner Pugh, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting with Councilor Woodson being absent.

--------------------------------------*** ***

***---------------------------------------



RESOLUTION:



Councilor Anthony requested staff to bring forward a resolution honoring

Marine Corporal John Corey Tanner, one of our own, who was killed during the

war in Iraq.

--------------------------------------*** ***

***---------------------------------------

CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AS DELAYED FROM THE AUGUST 7, 2007

MEETING AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY ON SECOND READING WITH THERE

BEING INSUFFICIENT VOTES FOR ACTION:

___ ____



An Ordinance - Rezoning properties located at 3556 & 3562 St. Mary?s Road

are proposed for rezoning from SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) District to

GC (General Commercial) District. (27-A-07-Morrison)



Councilor Hunter moved it be defeated. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner

Pugh resulting in a five to three vote with there being insufficient votes for

action. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Allen, Anthony, Davis and

Hunter voting for the motion and Councilors Baker, Barnes, and McDaniel voting

no with Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote.



Once Councilor Henderson returned to the table he requested that his vote

be shown as a vote against the motion resulting in a five to four vote with

there being insufficient votes for action. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and

Councilors Allen, Anthony, Davis and Hunter voting for the motion and

Councilors Baker, Barnes, and McDaniel and Henderson voting no.



City Attorney Fay advised that this matter would be brought back on second

reading next week.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES AMENDING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTOREY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING:



_



An Ordinance (07-63) - Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia

by establishing a No Parking Anytime zone along the East curb of Phillips

Street beginning at Levy Road running southerly approximately 660 feet.

Enacting a ?No Parking Anytime? on the West curb of Commerce Street beginning

approximately 310 feet from Levy Road running southerly approximately 100

feet. Enacting a ?No Parking Anytime? on the East curb of Commerce Street

beginning approximately 120 feet from Levy Road running southerly approximately

236 feet: authorizing the installation of official traffic control signs

indicating a ?No Parking Anytime? zone; repealing conflicting ordinances and

for other purposes. Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by

Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:

____ ____



An Ordinance - Adopting fees for Planning Department operations; and for

other purposes.



Councilor Henderson asked if the staff has attempted to contact all

parties that may be affected by this ordinance, at which time, Planning

Department Director Rick Jones advised that the office has not received any

additional comments; however, we have had several meetings with the

Homebuilders Association.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:





A Resolution (389-07) - Authorizing the receipt of personal, company,

certified, treasurer?s or cashier?s checks, or bank, postal, or express money

orders in payment of taxes and license fees by the Muscogee County Tax

Commissioner pursuant to O.C.G.A. ?48-5-146; and for other purposes. Mayor Pro

Tem Turner Pugh moved adoption. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried

unanimously by those seven members present with Councilors Allen and Anthony

being absent for this vote.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING SIX RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND

THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON

A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR

HENDERSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS PRESENT WITH

COUNCILORS ALLEN AND ANTHONY BEING ABSENT FOR THIS

VOTE:





A Resolution (390-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Jimmy G. Ashmore

upon his retirement with the Columbus Fire and EMS, after 28 years of service.



A Resolution (391-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Neil Grant upon his

retirement with the Muscogee County Sheriff?s Department, after 22 years of

service.



A Resolution (392-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Jack C. McCoy, Jr.

upon his retirement with the Columbus Police Department, after 31 years of

service.



A Resolution (393-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mrs. Mary Rankins upon

her retirement with the Consolidated Government Print Shop, after 36 years of

service.



A Resolution (394-07) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Lizzie G. Hardnett

upon her retirement with METRA, after 18 years of service.



A Resolution (395-07) - Conveying condolences to the family of Detective

Anthony S. Culberson, employee with the Columbus Police Department, who passed

away on July 31, 2007.



*** *** ***



EXECUTIVE SESSION:



City Attorney Fay requested an executive session to discuss the

acquisition of real estate. City Manager Hugley added that the Council also

would discuss personnel matters.

---------------------------------------*** ***

***-----------------------------------



PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: TAD REFERENDUM- SOCIALISM VERSUS CAPITALISM, TAD FACT

FINDING BUS TOUR AND COLUMBUS BUILDING AUTHORITY- PROPERTY TAX INCREASE:







Mr. Paul Olson, approached the rostrum and pointed out that we are looking

at a recession. He then made comments in reference to the tax allocation

district (TAD) referendum. He called attention to the portion that describes

eminent domain. He also made reference to an article in the Georgia Trend

Magazine with regards to a lawsuit pending against Fulton County because of

their desire to use a TAD there. He expressed concerns that Columbus may be

setting a precedent throughout the State in that Columbus may be violating a

constitution of the law set by the people on how money is to be spent for the

children. He pointed out that the school district depends on property taxes

for funding. He then read excerpts of SB 514. He maintained that this

legislation has watered down the conflict of interest to the point that anybody

could profit off of the taxpayers.



City Manager Hugley reminded everyone of the public forums that are being

held and are listed as follows:



Monday, September 24, 2007 at Columbus State University Cunningham Center.

Friday, September 28, 2007 at the Old Bradley Library, 1120 Bradley Drive.

Thursday, October 11, 2007 at Baker Middle School, 1215 Benning Drive.

Monday, October 15, 2007 at Midland Middle School, 6990 Warm Springs Road.



City Manager Hugley then urged the citizens to attend the public forums to

get their questions answered by an expert. He pointed out that the person has

been guided not to act as an advocate for or against TAD but to educate the

public and provide the facts.



City Attorney Fay advised that this Council asked the General Assembly for

a referendum to allow the voters of Muscogee County to decide if tax allocation

districts could be created in Columbus. He pointed out that the referendum

would only be the second step in a long process. He said the local bill that

was passed for Columbus asking for the power to exercise what is already in the

State Law.



Councilor Allen clarified that the School District would still receive the

same amount of tax money that they currently receive on any property that is

considered for TAD. He explained that the only amount of tax that is shifted

would be that tax that is created above and beyond the amount that is generated

now. He added that the tax would only be shifted to pay off the bond for

whatever time period is set for the bond. He said that once that time period

is done; then, the school district would receive that additional amount of

taxes, at which time, City Attorney Fay agreed with the comments that were made.



*** *** ***



MR. BERT COKER, RE: TAD REFERENDUM- SOCIALISM VERSUS CAPITALISM, TAD FACT

FINDING BUS TOUR AND COLUMBUS BUILDING AUTHORITY- PROPERTY TAX INCREASE:







Mr. Bert Coker, came forward to ask questions regarding the resolution

that was sent to the State Delegation for the TAD referendum. He also asked

about SPLOST monies that are being collected and the concerns with increasing

property taxes.



Councilor Hunter addressed questions raised by Mr. Coker regarding the

request for the TAD referendum by stating that City Officials have had the

opportunity to visit other cities and admire the revitalization projects that

have been accomplished through the use of TAD.



*** *** ***



MR. JIM RHODES, RE: APPLICATION OF CONTEXT SENSITIVE DESIGN FOR MOON ROAD

AND RESERVE FUNDS FOR ROAD PROJECTS:





Mr. Jim Rhodes, addressed the Council by first announcing that Mayor

Wetherington honored him on his 85th birthday with a proclamation and a key to

the City.



Mr. Rhodes commented on earlier events that occurred during the meeting

with the recognition of Ms. Brenda Jenkins with regards to National Assisted

Living Week and his experience with long-term care. He also spoke favorably

about the purchase of 800MHZ system.



He called attention to a document dated July 17, 1990 that was forwarded

to Council regarding Moon Road. He pointed out that Moon Road has been a

problem for some time. He suggested a three-way highway with no sidewalks to

address the traffic concerns on Moon Road. He then suggested using $5 million

from the reserve fund to get the project done.



Councilor Henderson recalled the traffic problems that are occurring on

Moon Road. He said that finally this project is going to be addressed if the

City moves forward with the bond issue. He said that he agrees with Mr. Rhodes

that there is some merit to the three lanes, but does not necessarily agree

about the sidewalks. He pointed out that there was almost an even number of

residents that wanted three lanes, four lanes with the median and four lanes

without the median. He then requested the staff to check with the residents

that were polled to first find out if they are residents along that stretch of

the roadway, because those are the people most seriously impacted. He said

lets have traffic engineering go back to the citizens to get a further

recommendation and highlight the differences between three lanes and four lanes.



Councilor Allen added that we need to consider signalizing the exit of

Hunters Point. He said that Moon Road is their only entrance and exit. He

mentioned that he has also spoken to Mr. Rhodes regarding this matter at which

time, Mr. Rhodes requested information regarding the residents that voted on

this matter in an effort to determine where they lived and he would provide

that report to Mr. Rhodes. He described the contents of the report and the

great detail contained in the report provided by the Planning Department. He

expressed concerns with having sidewalks for children to be walking down Moon

Road; therefore, he would like for it to be studied further.



Councilor Anthony pointed out that the sidewalks could be used for

bicycles; therefore, he agrees that there needs to be further studies on how

that would be used.



Councilor Baker said that he has no problem with using monies from the

reserve fund to move this project forward and he would propose it to the

Finance Director to bring as an option.



Councilor Davis cautioned using monies from the reserve fund for road

projects and recalled several other roadways that are in dire need of

improvements. He spoke of the limited funding that is available through the

State and Federal Government. He then suggested using bond issue to get some

of these projects completed.



Mr. Rhodes approached the rostrum once again to make some concluding

comments on the urgency of improving Moon Road.



---------------------------------------*** ***

***-----------------------------------

NOTE: Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh left the meeting with the time

being 10:55 a.m.



---------------------------------------*** ***

***-----------------------------------



MR. BILL MADISON, RE: REZONING OF PROPERTY ON ST. MARY?S

ROAD:



Mr. Bill Madison, President of the Local Chapter NAACP, approached the

rostrum to speak in favor of the rezoning petition for property located at 3556

& 3562 St. Mary?s Road. He spoke on behalf of Mr. Morrison, the petitioner,

for the rezoning and urged the Council to approve this rezoning.



Councilor Barnes expressed his support of the rezoning petition and called

attention to the petition presented by Mr. Morrison with the signature of

residents in the area that did not have a problem with the rezoning. He also

pointed out that the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department

have recommended approval.



Councilor Hunter also made comments by expressing his concerns with this

rezoning petition changing the character of the neighborhood. He said he is

not in support of this rezoning because it is not a good fit. He added that

there is commercial property next to this rezoning, but the commercial property

is being used for residential with the trailer park being located there.



Councilor Davis said that he does not believe this rezoning is compatible

with existing uses, because the existing uses are residential. He said that

there are a lot of changes going on out there, but it hasn?t happened today.

--------------------------------------*** ***

***--------------------------------------

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCUSSION:



A Resolution (396-07) - Authorizing a request for the Board of Water

Commissioners to enter into an Intergovernmental Contract with Harris County to

provide sanitary sewer service. Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption.

Seconded by Councilor Allen



After the presence of Mr. Bob Tant from the Columbus Water Works was

acknowledged, Councilor Allen moved he be heard. Seconded by Councilor Barnes

and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Mayor Pro Tem

Turner Pugh having left the meeting and Councilor Woodson being absent from

this meeting.



Mr. Bob Tant representing the Columbus Water Works, recapped that we have

had an intergovernmental contract with Harris County for the last 18 years.



City Manager Hugley added that Harris County was going to construct a line

that connects with Muscogee County and the Columbus Water Works would do the

same on the Muscogee County side east of I-185. He then asked Mr. Tant to

review the charge and cost involved.



Mr. Tant explained that the service would be sold to Harris County at a

significantly higher price than the service provided to Muscogee County

residents.



Mayor Wetherington called attention to the motion on the table to approve

the resolution, which carried unanimously by those eight members present with

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh having left the meeting 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 (397-07) - Authorizing a request to waive Section 3.2.63. C.

and G.5(A) of the Unified Development Ordinance regulating temporary uses and

special events until January 1, 2008 in order to accommodate such uses during

the holiday season. Councilor Allen moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Mayor Pro

Tem Turner Pugh having left the meeting and Councilor Woodson being absent from

this meeting.



A Resolution (398-07) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and

if approved accept the title of KaBoom! Playful City USA and proclaim and

celebrate Thursday, September 27, 2007 as "Play Day Columbus 2007". Councilor

Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried

unanimously by those eight members present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh

having left the meeting and Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING FOUR PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND

ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY

COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH HAVING

LEFT THE MEETING:







A Resolution (399-07) - Authorizing the execution of an annual contract

with Columbus Presort to provide first-class mail pre-sort services.



A Resolution (400-07) - Authorizing the purchase of a handheld explosive

trace detector from Implant Sciences (Wakefield, MA) the unit will be used by

the Columbus Office of Homeland Security.



A Resolution (401-07) - Authorizing an extended five-year contract

commencing September 2007 - August 31, 2012 with Ticketmaster to provide

ticketing services for Columbus Civic Center.



A Resolution (402-07) - Authorizing the execution of a construction

contract with Abney Grading & Paving, Inc., in the amount of $1,723,689.00, for

Phases I and II of drainage improvements on Effingham Way.



City Manager Hugley responded to a question of Councilor Henderson with

regards to retaining a bond for drainage improvements by stating that the work

includes: soil and erosion control, demolition, clearing and grubbing, earth

work, grass and concrete site work, hot mix asphalt pavements, storm sewage,

landscaping, gabions and cast and place concrete.



*** *** ***



UPDATE ON PREVIOUS MATTERS:



City Manager Hugley provided the following update on previous items of

discussion and are listed as follows:



Tree Removal policy: The policy addresses tree removal following storms

or high winds; the current policy and the proposed procedures. The Tree for

Fee Progam began on November 3, 2003.



Current Process:



If receive 10 calls within one hour time span revert to emergency operating

procedures.

After normal work hours, 911 will contact the Forestry personnel who are on

call, for assistance.

Once the Forestry Division evaluates the damage and cannot handle a problem,

the department will be mobilized

If there is major damage, the Department Director will contact the City Manager

to determine if he wishes to authorize a moratorium on the tree for fee

service. If he does, he will consult the Mayor and recommend a moratorium.

The Mayor will seek approval from the Council. Trees will be picked up at no

cost, typically for 30 days and extended if it is determined the trees cannot

be picked up during this timeframe.

If the Mayor/Council does not call a moratorium, then citizens must pay the

fee for tree removal as follows:

$50 per load

$14 per ton

25% discount applied to low-income households



Proposed Amended Process:



During any storm, the Forestry Division Manager will notify the Director of

Public Services of damaged areas.

The Director and the Division Manager of Waste Collection will check the areas

and establish boundaries for picking up storm debris in affected areas.

The area(s) affected with boundaries will be submitted to the City Manager with

a recommendation.

The Mayor/City Manager will approve (not to exceed 30 days) or deny moratorium.

Maps of storm-damaged areas will be sent to the Mayor/Council and Citizen?s

Service Center. If approved, a news release to inform the Public will be

provided, if necessary.



Councilor Barnes made a motion to approve the amended Tree Removal

Policy. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight

members present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh having left the meeting. (A

copy of the document in its entirety was filed and made a part of the records.)



City Manager Hugley pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked the

staff to check into reimbursing those citizens that had paid. He advised that

there were six homeowners who utilized the service and the paperwork has not

been submitted to the Columbus Water Works for billing. He then asked for some

direction on possible reimbursements to citizens for previous storms that

occurred this year.



Mayor Wetherington expressed some concerns with reimbursing the citizens

because where does it end? City Manager Hugley suggested that the

reimbursement could be from this date forward.



*** *** ***



Employee Hotline: The employee hotline is 706-225-4610. This would be

emailed to all employee computer users and the Department Heads would be asked

to print it to those employees without access to a computer. The hotline is a

vehicle to report suspected instances of fraud, waste or abuse. The calls to

this number are anonymous and non-traceable.



Councilor Henderson requested that the screening process for calls should

be the duty of the internal auditor. In response to Councilor Henderson

regarding the filling of the internal auditor position, Mayor Wetherington

advised that the City Manager and he would receive a copy of the report of the

calls coming in to the City; however, when the internal auditor is hired that

individual should receive a copy of the information as well.



City Manager Hugley advised that neither he nor his staff would be the

person retrieving the calls. He explained that there is a person that has been

identified to screen the calls, who is a neutral party, and the Mayor?s Office

would not be retrieving the calls either.



--------------------------------------*** ***

***--------------------------------------

CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS

INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:

____________



(1) Notice of GMA advising of the Speak of the House GREAT plan, which proposes

to eliminate property taxes, institute a consumption tax for everything

purchased and have all taxes collected at the State level.



(2) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Carole Rutland, Councilor McDaniel?s nominee to

replace Kathleen Amos on the Board of Water Commissioners.



(3) Biographical Sketch of Major Lemuel Miller, III, Mayor Wetherington?s

nominee to replace Mr. Robert Futrell as the Public Safety representative on

the Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees.



(4) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Murray Calhoun, IV, Greater Columbus Home

Builders Association?s nominee to replace Mr. John Schley on the Board of

Historic and Architectural Review Board.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF

COUNCIL DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: _____________



A Resolution (403-07) - Approving and receiving the report of the Finance

Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied

during the month of August 2007. Councilor McDaniel moved approval. Seconded

by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members present for

this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL

DAVIS AND RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:





Letter from Mr. Andy Gilbert, Chairman, requesting that the resignation of

Mr. John Schley be accepted and recommend that Mr. Murray Calhoun, IV fill the

vacant seat on the Board of Historic and Architectural Review Board. Councilor

McDaniel moved that the resignation be received with regrets and motioned to

confirm Mr. Murray Calhoun, IV. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried

unanimously by those eight members present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh

having left the meeting.



*** *** ***



DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS SUBMITTED MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS,

WHICH WERE OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL: _



Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 34-07.

Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, August 14, 2007.



Councilor McDaniel moved the minutes be received. Seconded by Councilor

Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Mayor Pro Tem

Turner Pugh having left the meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL

DAVIS AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WERE CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR

MCDANIEL:





Petition submitted by the Planning Department to amend the text of the

Unified Development Ordinance to reorganize the composition of the Planning

Advisory Commission to eliminate the alternate positions and converting those

positions to voting members. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning

Advisory Commission and Planning Department) (42-A-07-Planning Dept.)



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL

DAVIS AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:





A Resolution (404-07) - Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the

September 11, 2007 Council Meeting. Councilor McDaniel moved approval.

Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members

present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh having left the meeting.



*** *** ***



BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



AIRPORT COMMISSION:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis requested that the vote on the Airport

Commission be delayed one week.



*** *** ***



BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS:



Councilor McDaniel nominated Ms. Carole Rutland to replace Ms. Kathleen

Amos on the Board of Water Commissioners. Deputy Clerk of Council Davis said

that this nomination would be listed for confirmation next week.



*** *** ***



EMPLOYEES PENSION PLAN BOARD OF TRUSTEES:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Lt. Lemuel Miller, III was

nominated to replace Mr. Robert Futrell on the Employees? Pension Plan Board of

Trustees; this is the Mayor?s appointment, as well as, Ms. Reather Hollowell

has been nominated to replace Mr. Harvey Milner, who cannot succeed himself and

this is the City Manager?s appointment. Councilor McDaniel moved approval.

Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members

present with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh having left the meeting.



*** *** ***



RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis submitted the nominee presented by the

Muscogee County School Board, Mr. Gary Gibson to replace Mr. Charles Flower on

the Recreation Advisory Board. Councilor McDaniel moved approval. Seconded by

Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members present with

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh having left the meeting.



*** *** ***



YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that we still need student

representatives for the following districts: Five, Six, Seven, and Eight.



*** *** ***



EXECUTIVE SESSION:



Mayor Wetherington called attention to the earlier request of City Manager

Hugley to go into executive session; Councilor Henderson made a motion for the

Council to go into executive session to discuss property acquisition and

personnel matters. Seconded by Councilor Anthony and carried unanimously by

those seven members present with Councilor Allen being absent for this vote and

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh having left the meeting.



At 11:54 a.m., the Council adjourned its regular session to allow the

Council to go into an executive session.



At 12:18 p.m., the regular meeting was reconvened, at which time, Mayor

Wetherington announced that the Council did meet in executive session to

discuss property acquisition and personnel matters, but there were no votes

taken.



*** *** ***







With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor

Henderson made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and

carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting

with the time being 12:18 p.m.





*** *** ***







Sandra T. Davis, DCMC

Deputy Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia







Attachments


No attachments for this document.

Back to List