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.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes,
Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Charles E.
McDaniel, Jr. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay and Deputy
Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
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ABSENT: Councilor Evelyn Woodson was absent. Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington was also absent.
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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.
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INVOCATION: Led by Battalion Chief Andrew Thomas - Columbus Department of Fire
and Emergency Medical Services.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the Junior Marshal League.
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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.
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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.
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?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.
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?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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES AMENDING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTOREY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING:
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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.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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NOTE: Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh left the meeting with the time
being 10:55 a.m.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:
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(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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
AIRPORT COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis requested that the vote on the Airport
Commission be delayed one week.
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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.
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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
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