MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 12, 2013
The regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 9:03 A.M., Tuesday, November 12, 2013, in the Council Chambers, Second
Floor of City Services Center, 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable
Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn
Davis, Berry Henderson, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. and Judy W. Thomas. Councilor
Bruce Huff arrived at 9:07 a.m. 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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2012 CENSUS
Mayor Tomlinson announced that according to the 2012 updated census, the
City of Columbus is the 116th largest city in the United States of America and
the second largest city in the State of Georgia.
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VETERANS DAY PARADE AND WEEKEND:
Mayor Tomlinson thanked everyone who participated in the Veterans Day
Weekend to honor and give thanks to our veterans. She also thanked Councilor
Barnes, who is one of the organizers for the Veterans Day Parade, as well as,
other members of Council and all who attend this event.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Father Jeremiah McCarthy - Pastor of St. Anne?s Catholic
Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Tomlinson.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
PUBLIC HEARING:
COLUMBUS WATER WORKS ANNUAL RATE STUDY:
Mr. Steve Davis came forward to offer a power point presentation to
provide some historical information and briefly comment on the current
situation. A summarization of the highlights is presented below: (A copy of
the presentation in its entirety has been filed for the record.)
Prior Situation:
?$7.6 million from Operating Reserves in the past 5 years
?Starting in 2002, developed and implemented comprehensive Five Year Rolling
Financial Plan
?Facility Master Plan updated on a Five Year Average
?Current rates among lowest in Southeast Cities
?EPD Consent Order related to Inflow & Infiltration ($18.06 million estimated
2011-2017)
?Fort Benning Expenses are supported by Fort Benning Revenues
Mr. Davis briefly outlined the following topics and are listed as
follows: Rate Comparison, Long Term Cost Savings Projects, Long Term Savings ?
Debt Portfolio and CIP Update.
Rate Changes For 5-Year Plan
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
National Average 5.60% 5.60% 5.60% 5.60% 5.60%
Proposed Plan 3.90% 3.90% 3.90% 4.95% 4.95%
Recommended 3.82% 3.88% 0.00% 4.95% 4.73%
? 5-year average rate increase including 2014 recommendation: 3.48%
He recalled that his predecessor did not elect for a rate increase for
2012 to give the ratepayers a reprieve; however, the rate projections had to go
up a little to catch up with some delayed capital expenditures. He added the
proposed rate increase is 4.73%.
At this time, Mr. Jon Davis- Raftelis Financial Consultants, came forward
to provide a review of the 5- Year Plan and the 2014 rate recommendation to
begin January 2014.
Purpose of Review:
? 5 Year Planning Projections
? Proposed 2014 Rate Recommendations
FY 2013-14 Objective:
Consideration of plan for rate increase for 2014 and an updated five-year
plan for rate projections that promote efficiency and system sustainability
through 2018 and beyond.
Results of FY 12-13 Operations
?Water, Sewer, and CSO Revenues of $46.8 M were $837,000 below budget
projections for FY 2012-13
?Total Operating Costs of $30.8 M were $1.95 M below projections
?Actual water demand was below modeled projections
?Actual sewer demand was slightly above modeled projections
Reasons for Rate Increase:
?Increases in Operating Costs
?Funding of Capital Program
?Infrastructure renewal
?Regulatory requirements
?Master Plan recommendations
?Preparation for forecasted 2014 and 2016 Bond issues
Current 5-Year Rate Plan
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
National Average 5.60% 5.60% 5.60% 5.60% 5.60%
Proposed Plan 4.95% 4.95% 4.95% 4.95% 4.95%
Recommended 4.73%
2014 Water Base Charges (Bills rendered as of January 1, 2014)
Meter Size Current Minimum Projected Minimum
Charge Charge
5/8? $ 4.10 $ 4.41
?? $ 4.10 $ 4.41
1? $ 4.86 $ 5.23
1-1/2? $ 5.61 $ 6.04
2? $ 7.69 $ 8.27
3? $23.00 $24.71
4? $28.67 $30.80
6? $41.90 $45.01
8? $57.02 $61.25
10? $68.36 $73.43
2014 Water Volume Charges (Bills rendered as of January 1, 2014)
Block Current Rate Proposed Rate
(per CCF) (per CCF)
Non-Industrial
1 (to 15CCF) $ 1.45 $ 1.51
2 (> 15 CCF) $ 1.56 $ 1.63
Industrial
1 (to 15CCF) $ 1.45 $ 1.51
2 (> 15 CCF) $ 1.34 $ 1.40
2014 Wastewater & CSO Charges (Bills rendered as of January 1, 2014)
Current Base Rate Proposed Base Rate
$2.35 $2.53
Block Current Rate Proposed Rate
(per CCF) (per CCF)
1 (to 15 CCF) $ 2.80 $ 2.93
2 (> 15 CCF) $ 2.16 $ 2.26
CSO Block Current Charge Proposed Charge
0 to 4 ccf $ 0.00 $ 1.51
5 - 15 ccf $ 2.92 $ 3.06
16 - 204 ccf $ 5.87 $ 6.16
205 - 1004 ccf $58.57 $61.47
Over 1004 ccf $167.35 $175.63
2014 Miscellaneous Fees
Average Residential Customer Bills (With planned 5-Year Increases)
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
10 ccf Bill $51.87 $54.44 $57.13 $59.96 $62.93 $66.05
% Increase 4.88% 4.95% 4.95% 4.95% 4.95%
Mr. John Davis also outlined the following topics as a part of the power
point presentation: the Affordability Program and Proposed Rate Comparison.
He then concluded the presentation with some observations and final conclusions.
In response to a question of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, Mr. John Davis
advised that the proposed rates would be effective January 1, 2014. Mr. Steve
Davis added that it is a system-wide average of 4.73%
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GEORGIA RECREATION PARKS ASSOCIATION RECOGNITION:
City Manager Hugley recognized the presence of Dr. James Worsley- Director
of the Department of Park and Recreation. He announced that the Department of
Parks and Recreation for the City of Columbus received the Agency of the Year
Award for the population of 150,001 and above at the conference held by the
Georgia Recreation Parks Association. He then asked Mayor Tomlinson to present
the plaque to Dr. Worsley- Director of the Department of Park and Recreation.
He said he would allow Dr Worsley to recognize the programs, as well as, other
employees that received awards.
Dr. James Worsley- Director of the Department of Park and Recreation,
recognized the presence of Assistant Director of the Department of Parks and
Recreation Ms. Holli Browder. He then announced and recognized the following
employees that received awards and are listed as follows: Ms. Holli Browder-
Assistant Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation received the
Distinguished Professional of the Year Award; Retired Employee Nancy Hall
received under Cultural Arts, the Volunteer of the Year Award, as well as,
under the Therapeutic Recreation, Connie Seeds also received the Volunteer of
the Year Award. He did recognized Melissa Crawford- the Therapeutic Recreation
Manager.
He also spoke of the levels of recognition for the Empty Bowl Program as
it was recognized as one of the Programs of the Year.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
FINANCE UPDATE:
Finance Director Pamela Hodge, briefly outlined the financial update and
further expounded on the OLOST and Discretionary Fund. She noted that the
TSPLOST is slightly down from the original projections. We are collecting
around $200,000 per month, which is annualized out to about $2.4 million and
the State originally projected $3 million.
On the monthly operating funds, Finance Director Hodge summarized the
Monthly Revenue Report. She shared that the sales tax is down for the quarter
by 5.31% from this time last year. She provided a chronology from previous
years to indicate the continuous reduction in sales tax for the last five
months. She then provided an overview for the following funds.
? Stormwater Fund is down -8.58%
? Paving Fund is down -9.28%
? Medical Center Fund is down -1.13%
? Integrated Waste Fund is up 0.97%
? E911 Emergency Telephone Fund is flat compared to last year at 0.02%
? Economic Development Authority Fund has an increase of 36.98% that is due to
the increase in the millage rate from .25% to .41%
? Debt Service Fund down -9.96
? Transportation Fund is up by 7.30%
? Parking Management Fund is up by 18.63%
? Trade Center Fund is up by 37.88%
? Bull Creek Golf Course Fund is down -7.89%
? Oxbow Creek Golf Course Fund is down -19.96%
? Civic Center Fund is up by 57.20%; that is due to event timing
Finance Director Hodge also commented that the revenues collected in the
Health Insurance Fund for the first quarter were 5.7% and expenditures at 6.7%,
which is a $994,000 deficit in the Health Insurance Fund for the first quarter.
She then briefly explained the impact of fund balance and included the
general Fund, OLOST for Public Safety and Infrastructure to show where the
components of the fund balance are coming from and how the OLOST Fund is
calculated in the fund balance.
She pointed out that for financial reporting purposes, all of the assets
from the different funds are added together. She displayed the assets of
$40,000,000 in general fund; $9 million in Public Safety and $8 million in
infrastructure. She expounded further on this document. (A copy was not
provided to be filed for the record.)
In conclusion, she shared that for the end of the fiscal year for the
general fund was 63.91 days and that?s what the $26.8 million equates to; 5.36
in the Public Safety for a total of 69 days. She then explained the usage of
the Public Safety LOST fund balance and the breakdown of what was used to
balance the FY14 budget, as well as, the revised projection to carry the city?s
operations through to the end of FY15.
Finance Director Hodge then responded to questions from Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh with regards to the Medical Center Fund and total liabilities.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the September 24, 2013 and October 8 & 22, 2013 Meetings
and September 24, 2013 Executive Session of the Council of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and a motion to approve was made
by Councilor McDaniel. Seconded by Councilor Huff.
Councilor Allen asked about the September 24, 2013 minutes regarding the
sales tax. He read excerpts of the resolution in that the local legislation
delegation is being asked to assist the City of Columbus by ?Requesting that
the State take necessary steps to insure full collection?. He said are we not
asking for clarification in the distribution. He said that it seems that in
year?s past we have asked the delegation to introduce legislation to provide us
with a disclosure of where the funds are coming from by industry and this
resolution does not read that way.
City Attorney Fay advised that we would be bringing forward a resolution
in two weeks asking specifically for legislation for sales tax data to be
requested by counties or consolidated governments, or however the delegation
wants to word it. He said the resolution listed in the minutes is what we have
done in prior years.
After questions were addressed, Mayor Tomlinson called attention to the
motion to approve the minutes, which carried unanimously by those eight members
of Council present with Councilor Davis being absent for the vote and Councilor
Woodson being absent from this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COLUMBUS, GEORGIA CODE OF ORDINANCES
WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL ON
SECOND READING:
An Ordinance (13-50) - Amending Section 3-1 of the Columbus Code
pertaining to alcoholic beverages by amending new subsection 3-1 (hh) to
provide for tasting on a limited basis where growlers are sold at retail.
Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Woodson being absent
for this meeting.
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PUBLIC HEARING:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS GEORGIA
WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD
ON EACH AS ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance - Property located at 3705 Weems Road, is proposed for
rezoning from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) to GC (General Commercial) Zoning
District. (REZN-6-13-2320) (District 2--Councilor Davis) The purpose of the
rezoning is for a convenience store with gas sales. The Planning Advisory
Commission and the Planning Department recommend denial. (As amended)
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner- Mr. Philip
Thayer. After some additional discussion on the buffer, the petitioner agreed
to a 15 foot buffer, Councilor Allen then made a motion to amend the ordinance
to add a condition for a 15 foot undisturbed natural buffer on the rear
property line and that there be no trash pickup or deliveries after 5:00 p.m.
or before 7:00 a.m. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. After some
additional discussion, the motion carried unanimously by those nine members
present with Councilor Woodson being absent from the meeting.
City Attorney Fay advised that the ordinance would be listed on second
reading for a vote in two weeks.
An Ordinance - Property located at 3556 and 3562 St. Mary?s Road, is
proposed for rezoning from GC (General Commercial) with conditions to GC
(General Commercial) without conditions Zoning District. (REZN-8-13-2828) The
purpose of the rezoning is for a convenience store with gas sales. The
Planning Advisory Commission recommends approval without conditions and the
Planning Department recommends approval with conditions.
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner. Mr. Buddy
Welch- Welco Realty representing the seller of this property- Mr. Robert
Morrison. He recalled that Ordinance 07-64 was adopted with conditions in
2007 where it was zoned General Commercial; however, only mini-storages or
offices could be built. He explained that Mr. Boris would be the purchaser,
and he wants to put a convenience store with gas sales on that property.
After some comments regarding the buffer and with the consensus of the
petitioner, Councilor Huff made a motion to amend the ordinance to add a
condition that there be no trash pickup or deliveries after 5:00 p.m. or before
7:00 a.m. Seconded by Councilor Allen.
Councilor Davis asked about the possibility of a carwash being constructed
on this property, at which time, City Attorney Fay read the conditions in the
previous ordinance.
After some additional discussion, Councilor Huff amended his motion to
include an undisturbed natural buffer of 10 feet, at which time, the motion
carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Woodson being
absent from the meeting.
Upon further review, it was determined that a carwash could be constructed
on the property as an accessory to a convenience store with gas sales. Mayor
Tomlinson asked if anyone wanted to bring forth any further amendments due to
the understanding that a carwash could be constructed without this matter
coming back to the Council. No members of Council offered any further
amendments.
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REFERRALS:
Councilor Henderson requested the staff to bring forth a recommendation on
the noise requirements as far as restricting deliveries to see if this needs to
be incorporated in the Unified Development Ordinance for insets that back up to
residential property. Also, if there is a grandfathered piece of property that
is in a like zone with a contiguous piece of property, let?s put something in
there to indicate if it is currently being used as residential.
Councilor Davis requested the staff to find a way to require that once the
rezoning is complete or delayed that the signs come down in an appropriate
amount of time.
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ENTERPRISE ZONE:
Mayor Tomlinson requested that since a staff report was not provided to
the members of Council in time, she would ask that Mr. Pete Hart and
representatives from Bojangles come forward to speak on their request to be
located in the Enterprise Zone. Councilor Huff asked to be provided with the
packet. (A copy of this document was not provided to be filed for the record.)
Ms. Kimberly Hayden, representing Bojangles Restaurant, pointed out that
Bojangles is planning to locate on Victory Drive in the Enterprise Zone. She
requested consideration for tax abatements and noted that the requirements have
been met.
Mayor Tomlinson shared that this request would come back in the form of a
resolution for the Council?s consideration.
Community & Economic Development Director Rick Jones, approached the
rostrum to respond to questions from members of Council.
In response to a question from Councilor Huff regarding future plans for
Bojangles, Ms. Hayden announced their plans to have four or five Bojangles
located in the City of Columbus.
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PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING DEMOLITION ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance -Providing for the demolition of various structures located
at:
(1) 610 25th Street (Citi Residential Lending, Owner)
(2) 4011 Calhoun Drive (Juan A. Concepcion, Owner)
(3) 523 Chesterfield Avenue (Paul F. Cook, et al & Allene Thomas, Owners)
(4) 412 9th Street (Michael Lloyd Cooper, Estate)
(5) 412? 9th Street (Michael Lloyd Cooper, Estate)
(6) 2850 Doyle Avenue (George K. & G. J. Corley, Owner)
(7) 2300 3rd Avenue (Lawrence Curtis Montjoy, Owner)
(8) 3215 6th Avenue (J.C. Shiver, Owner)
(9) 3217 6th Avenue (J.C. Shiver, Owner)
(10) 3219 6th Avenue (J.C. Shiver, Owner)
(11) 2125 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (Percy Tindall, Owner)
(12) 2719 N. Lumpkin Road (Wells Fargo Bank, Owner)
(13) 1925 Lincoln Street (Purnell, Jr. Doris & James H. Williams, Owners)
in the total amount of $88,236.00 for demolition services.
Mr. Greg Coates- Inspections and Code Enforcement Director, approached the
rostrum accompanied by Ms. Monica Collins from Inspections & Code.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2013 WAS
ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:
An Ordinance - Amending the Budgets for the Fiscal Year 2013 beginning
July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2013, for certain funds of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in each fund for
various activities; and for other purposes.
Finance Director Hodge outlined the five departments in the general fund
that were over budget and are listed as follows:
? City Attorney?s Office- Outside legal
? Public Works- facilities maintenance for additional facilities
? Fire & EMS Department- fuel cost
? Sheriff?s Department- Operations (the budget amendment is set up for the $2
million to come from the OLOST- Public Safety)
? Street Lighting and Electricity- overage in non-departmental
She continued to highlight the adjustments provided in the ordinance and
responded to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh regarding the Medical
Center Fund.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay advised that we need an executive session to discuss
real estate acquisition and disposal of real estate.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. TANNER PREWIT, RE: 620 FRONT
AVENUE:
Mr. Tanner Prewit, did not come forward when given the opportunity to
speak before the members of Council.
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MR. WILLIAM DONALD, REPRESENTING MILLER-MOTTE TECHNICAL COLLEGE, RE: THE
BONE MARROW REGISTRY DRIVE, ON NOVEMBER 22,
2013:
Mr. William Donald, approached the rostrum to announce the Bone Marrow
Registry Drive, on November 22, 2013. He also recognized the students present
with him, who were seated in the audience.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (351-13) - Authorizing a request to execute a contract with
Flournoy Construction, LLC, to purchase 1.9 acres of property located at 413
Andrews Road for $85,000 from Enterprise Zone Funds for redevelopment in the
Enterprise Zone. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine members present with
Councilor Woodson being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND WERE ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HUFF AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE NINE MEMBERS PRESENT WITHCOUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (352-13) - Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Earth-Scapes, Inc., (Phenix City, Al) in the amount of
$656,703.50 for the replacement of the retaining wall at Weracoba Creek.
A Resolution (353-13) - Authorizing payment to Motorola, in the amount of
$198,870.72, for the annual maintenance agreement (October 1, 2013 through
September 30, 2014) for the E911 Center?s 800 MHz Radio System Console
Equipment, the Central Electronics Bay, the Plant Visa 911 Phone System, the
fiber optic interface equipment installed in the 911 Center and the Government
Center, the Nice Digital Logging System, and the ASTRO P25 Master Switch.
A Resolution (354-13) - Authorizing the purchase of two (2) ?-ton crew cab
4x4 pickup trucks (2014 Chrysler/Dodge Ram/DS6L98), from Don Jackson Chrysler
Dodge Jeep, (Union City, Ga), at a unit price of $23,341.00, for a total of
$46,682.00.
A Resolution (355-13) - Authorizing an annual contract for the purchase of
trees, on an as-needed basis, from Thoms Trees & Plants, Inc. (Fayetteville,
Ga) for the estimated annual contract value of $120,216.90.
A Resolution (356-13) - Authorizing the execution of an annual contract
with Southeastern Mailing Services, Inc., d/b/a Columbus Presort (Columbus, Ga)
to provide first-class mail pre-sort services.
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The following power point presentation as listed on the City Manager?s
Agenda were provided as follows:
WORKER?S COMPENSATION UPDATE:
Risk Manager Ann-Marie Amiel, approached the rostrum to provide an update
on the worker?s compensation, as well as, respond to some previous questions
including but not limited to Managed Care Organizations, the RFP package and
cost / savings. (A copy of the power point presentation was provided as part
of the agenda and filed for the record.)
After Risk Manager Amiel responded to questions from the members of
Council, City Manager Hugley explained that we would bring back a resolution
for the Council?s approval of the successful vendor on the 4th Tuesday.
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RIVER ROAD / BRADLEY DRIVE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT:
Deputy City Manager David Arrington, came forwarded to provide an update
on the River Road / Bradley Drive intersection improvements project and offer
some possible funding sources for the roundabout concept. A summarization of
the outline is provided as follows: (A copy of the power point presentation
was provided as part of the agenda and filed for the record.)
Timeline
?Concept Meeting-Feb 29,2008
?Concept Meeting-Feb 29,2008
?Design Started- Aug 2009
?ROW Plans ? June 2011
?DOT permit approved ? Sept 2011
?Design 90% complete ? Dec 2011
?Project Scheduled for Bid FY13
?Project delayed for Roundabout review ? Jan 2013
He then displayed an aerial view of the current design, as well as, an
example of the proposed roundabout. Listed below are the cost estimates
associated with the traditional design and the roundabout design.
?Traditional Design
?Traditional Signal/Lanes- $927,000
?Spent to Date-$158,531.96
?Roundabout Design
?Roundabout-$ 1,748,000-$ 2,265,769
?Variance ? ROW, Utilities, Drainage
?Added Design Costs - $154,000
?Require DOT permit
?Additional funding required - $1 - $1.5 million
Deputy City Manager Arrington then requested some guidance from the Mayor
and Council on how to proceed with this improvement project and offered the
following:
?Continue with Traditional Design
?Project ready for ROW
?Redesign as Roundabout
?Identify funding source
?Initiate redesign (6 months)
?ROW (6-9 months)
?Project ready for construction in 12-15 months
Several members of Council expressed their views with regards to the
project?s supplemental funding. Councilor Davis noted that the money is
available now and earmarked for the traditional design; it is just the
additional needed for the roundabout.
Councilor Davis then made a motion to approve the roundabout using funding
from the LMEG or a part of the LMEG funding to include researching other
funding sources that may come available or if the members of Council believe
the LMEG funding is appropriate enough to move forward. Seconded by Councilor
Allen.
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NOTE: Councilor McDaniel left at approximately 12:05 p.m. Councilors Allen and
Henderson left at approximately 12:15 p.m.
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After some additional discussion on the motion with Councilor Davis
acknowledging that he would be comfortable taking the risk involved if for some
reason the funding sources are not available and the project is halted, it
carried by the six members present; Councilors Allen, Henderson and McDaniel
were absent for the vote and Councilor Woodson was absent for the meeting.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked the Administration to come back once the city
acquires the right-of-way to brief the Council on whether we were able to
achieve that and where we stand with the LMEG Funding process.
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GEORGIA GIVES DAY:
Councilor Huff asked the Administration to remind everyone that tomorrow
is Georgia Gives Day in Columbus and tomorrow would be the opportunity to
donate to one of the many organizations seeking monetary donations. He then
asked everyone to be generous in their giving on tomorrow to support those
organizations. Also, if this information could be placed on the city?s website
as a reminder to everyone.
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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 &
COUNCIL:
(1) Notice of the 2014 GMA Mayors? Day Conference, January 24 ? 27, 2014 in
Atlanta, Georgia.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Tax Assessors.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Convention & Visitors,
Board of Commissioners.
(4) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Medical Center Hospital
Authority.
(5) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Cynthia Williams Jordan, Councilor Allen?s
nominee for a position on the Hospital Authority.
(6) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Ken Chung, Councilor Allen?s nominee for a seat
on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
(7) Application of Mitch Watts to temporarily close 3rd Avenue from 11th Street
to the exit of St. Luke parking area on 12th Street (approximately halfway down
the block), on Saturday, December 7, 2013, from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in
connection with ?First Saturday Event?.
(8) Application of Cynthia Walker to temporarily close 43rd Street from 15th
Avenue to Harrison Avenue, on Thursday, December 19, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to
12:30 p.m., in connection with ?Columbus Cottage Program- Key Ceremony?.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (357-13) - Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from
the October 29, 2013 Council Meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved
approval. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those six
members present with Councilors Allen, Henderson and McDaniel being absent for
the vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR
PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HUFF THAT CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE SIX MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILORS ALLEN, HENDERSON AND MCDANIEL BEING
ABSENT FOR THE VOTE AND COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR THE
MEETING:
Letter from Mr. Owen Ditchfield resigning from his position on the
Commission on International Relations and Cultural Liaison Encounters
(C.I.R.C.L.E).
Letter from Mr. Ed Gibson resigning from his position on the Taxicab
Commission.
Letter from Mr. Mike Donnelly resigning from his position on the Taxicab
Commission.
Letter from Ms. Elizabeth Metheny resigning from her position on the
Region Six Regional Planning Board for the Department of Behavioral Health and
Developmental Disabilities.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
Airport Commission, September 25, 2013.
Board of Health, September 25, 2013.
Board of Historic & Architectural Review, January 14 & Feb. 11, 2013.
Board of Historic & Architectural Review, March 11 & April 8, 2013.
Board of Historic & Architectural Review, May 13 & June 10, 2013.
Board of Historic & Architectural Review, July 8 & August 12, 2013.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 37-13, 38-13 & 39-13.
Board of Water Commissioners, August 12 & September 9, 2013.
Budget Review Committee, May 21, 2013.
Convention & Trade Center Authority, September 12 & 24, 2013.
Golf Authority, September 24, 2013.
Hospital Authority, September 24, 2013.
Housing Authority, September 18, 2013.
Planning Advisory Commission, September 18, 2013.
Public Safety Advisory Commission, February 21 & May 16, 2013.
Recreation Advisory Board, September 25, 2013.
Taxicab Commission, October 23, 2013.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those six members present with
Councilors Allen, Henderson and McDaniel being absent for the vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
AIRPORT COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Winfield Flanagan is
eligible to serve another term of office; however, the Clerk?s Office is
awaiting nominations from the Airport Commission. At this time, Councilor
Thomas made a recommendation for this appointment. Deputy Clerk of Council
Davis advised Councilor Thomas that nominations for this seat must come from
the Airport Commission according to the State Law that established this
commission. Councilor Thomas then requested that this matter be researched and
determine if there has been any amendments, and if the Council is authorized to
make nominations.
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BOARD OF HEALTH:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Dr. William DeNamur and Dr.
Carlos Wise are both eligible to serve another term of office. Councilor Huff
renominated both and asked that the Clerk?s Office make contact with each to
determine if they are interested in continuing to serve on this board.
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BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. William J. Burgin is
eligible to serve another term of office; this is the Historic Columbus
Foundation representative. She added that the Clerk?s Office is awaiting the
nomination from the Historic Columbus Foundation.
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BOARD OF HONOR:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Jack Rodgers does not
desire to be reappointed; this is the Council?s nomination. Councilor Thomas
asked previously to be provided with a list of potential nominees. Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh asked that the list only contain the names of individuals that
are interested in serving on this board.
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CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Addie Cunningham has
resigned from her seat on this board; she is the District Three
representative. Councilor Huff asked for some information on the meeting dates
for this board.
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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that Ms. Aimee Hortsman and Ms.
Lisa White do not desire to be reappointed; however, Mr. Betty Tatum is
eligible and interested in serving another term of office. Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh made the following nominations to complete the list of nominees and
are as follows: Ms. Betty Tatum: Betty Tatum, Cynthia Williams Jordan and
Ella Lewis; Ms. Aimee Hortsman: Cynthia Williams Jordan, Ella Lewis and Ken
Chung; Ms. Lisa White: Ella Lewis, Cynthia Williams Jordan and Ken Chung.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to forward the nominations to
the Hospital Authority. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by
those six members present with Councilors Allen, Henderson and McDaniel being
absent for the vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the Clerk?s Office is still
waiting on a recommendation from Keep Columbus Beautiful.
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PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Councilor Thomas nominated the District Nine representative- Mr. Dan
Scoggins for another term of office. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
unanimously by those six members present with Councilors Allen, Henderson and
McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from the
meeting.
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis noted that District Three representative Ms.
Laverne Brown is eligible to serve another term of office. Councilor Huff
asked if Ms. Brown was interested in serving another term, at which time,
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that if Councilor Huff wanted to confirm
her for one additional term, the Clerk?s Office would make contact with Ms.
Brown. If she does not desire to be reappointed, we would list this seat again
for the next meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those six members present with
Councilors Allen, Henderson and McDaniel being absent for the vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from the meeting.
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis also advised that the seat of Mr. Andrew
Hollomon- District Five representative was declared vacant and Mr. Daniel
Williams- District One and Ms. Margaret Shafer- District 7 are not eligible to
serve another term of office. There were no nominations.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Gary Gibson is eligible to
serve another term of office; this is the Muscogee County School District
representative.
She also noted that District Three representative- Mr. Lyndon Burch is
eligible to serve another term of office. Councilor Huff renominated Mr. Burch
for another term of office.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Baker
and carried unanimously by those six members present with Councilors Allen,
Henderson and McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Woodson being
absent from the meeting.
Councilor Huff advised that Dr. Gary Gibson has been appointed to a new
position as superintendent of Taylor County. He then asked if Dr. Gibson would
be eligible to continue to serve, at which time, Mayor Tomlinson responded that
Dr. Gibson would no longer be eligible to serve on this board. Deputy Clerk of
Council Davis advised that when the School Board have their meeting, they would
have the discussion on a nominee to submit for this position.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Edward Gibson has resigned
from his seat as the airport representative on the Taxicab Commission and the
Clerk?s Office is waiting for a nominee from the airport authority. Mayor
Tomlinson shared that the new Airport Director is replacing Mr. Gibson;
however, she is unable to recall his name. She then suggested that we revisit
this matter later in the meeting to allow her staff the opportunity to get the
name of the new director.
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Note: See Below for final action on this matter.
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UPTOWN FACADE BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the seat of Mr. Jason McKenzie-
Uptown Columbus Inc. representative and Mr. Judson Richardson- Historic
Columbus Foundation representative are due to expire; both are eligible to
serve another term of office. She added that we are waiting for the respective
organization to submit their nominee.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Councilor Allen is nominating
Derek Huell as the Council District Six representative on the Youth Advisory
Council. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor
Baker and carried unanimously by those six members present with Councilors
Allen, Henderson and McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Woodson
being absent from the meeting.
She noted that we still need a nominee for the Council District Two
representative.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Tomlinson called attention to an earlier request to go into
executive session. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved to go into executive
session to discuss real estate acquisition and disposal of real estate.
Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those six members present
with Councilors Allen, Henderson and McDaniel being absent for the vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from the meeting.
At 1:03 p.m., the Council adjourned its regular session to go into
executive session to discuss real estate acquisition and disposal of real
estate.
The regular meeting was reconvened at 1:57 p.m., at which time, Mayor
Tomlinson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss
real estate acquisition and disposal of real estate; however, no votes were
taken.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Mayor Tomlinson recalled that the new Airport Director is Mr. Richard
Howell and he would replace Mr. Edward Gibson as the airport representative on
the Taxicab Commission. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved confirmation.
Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those six members present
with Councilors Allen, Henderson and McDaniel being absent for the vote and
Councilor Woodson being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION STUDY:
Mayor Tomlinson announced the public hearing for the Alternative
Transportation Study to be held, on November 18, 2013, at the City Services
Center, 3111 Citizens Way, at 3:00 p.m.
*** *** ***
HEALTHCARE COST:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested some figures with regards to the
healthcare cost increase as to what it would look like if we did 40%, 50% or
60% of the proposed increased. City Manager Hugley said that we would provide
50% through 90% of what the Administration presented to the members of Council.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Barnes made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried
unanimously by those six members present with Councilors Allen, Henderson and
McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Woodson being absent from the
meeting with the time being 1:59 p.m.
Sandra T. Davis, CDMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
Council of Columbus, Georgia
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