MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
JULY 15, 2008
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:03 A.M, Tuesday, July 15, 2008, 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 Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes,
Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel,
Jr. and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay,
City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk
of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Rev. Marvin Jones, Sr.? St. Peter Community Church, Inc.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Northern Little League B-Ball Yankees Baseball
Team.
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NOTE: Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh arrived at 9:04 a.m. Councilor
Mimi Woodson arrived at 9:05 a.m. Councilor Barnes arrived at 9:07 a.m.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH THE NORTHERN LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM STANDING AT THE COUNCIL
TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
COUNCILOR ALLEN AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
___
A Resolution (303-08) ? Commending the Northern Little League B-Ball
Yankees Baseball Team for becoming the 2008 Jack Cook Tournament City
Champions. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?JANICE DAVIS DAY?:
With Ms. Janice Davis, former Executive Director of the Columbus Sports
Council standing at the Council table, Councilor Davis read the proclamation of
Mayor Wetherington proclaiming Tuesday, July 15, 2008 as ?Janice Davis Day? in
Columbus, Georgia.
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?SPENCER HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC APPRECIATION GALA
DAY?:_______________________________________________________
With Mr. Charles Huff and Ms. Deloris Dolman, members of the Steering
Committee, standing at the Council table, Councilor Woodson read the
proclamation of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming Saturday, July 19, 2008 as
?Spencer High School Athletic Appreciation Gala Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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?CHARLES LAWHON DAY?:
With Mr. Charles Lawhon standing at the Council table, Councilor Henderson
read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming Tuesday, July 15, 2008
as ?Charles Lawhon Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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?VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS FY-08 DAY?:
With Mr. Jim Rhodes standing at the Council table, Councilor McDaniel read
the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming Tuesday, July 15, 2008 as
?Veterans of Foreign Wars FY-08 Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING THREE ZONING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS
READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS
ADVERTISED: ____________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 3714 Willis Road from SFR2
(Single Family Residential 2) to RO (Residential Office) District.
(16-A-08-Chastain)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner, Dr. Chastain was present, but he did not make a
presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning
ordinance.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 1049 McBride Drive from SFR2
(Single Family Residential 2) to NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District.
(18-CA-08-Williams)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner, Ms. Williams was present, but she did not make a
presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning
ordinance.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at the southwest corner of
Veterans Parkway and Williams Road from SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) to
GC (General Commercial) District. (19-CA-08-Greenstone Properties)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner was present but did not make a presentation, as there was no
one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE REGULATING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN COLUMBUS, GA WAS
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS DELAYED ON FIRST READING
FOR TWO WEEKS:__________
An Ordinance ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by
enacting a No Parking Anytime, tow-away zone to include the street right-of-way
along the north and south curbs of North Lake Parkway beginning at the east
curb of Veterans Parkway and running east to the dead end of the North Lake
Parkway; authorizing the installation of official traffic control signs
indicating No Parking Anytime with said restrictions; repealing any conflicting
ordinances and for other purposes.
City Manager Hugley said there have been a number of complaints and
concerns expressed regarding North Lake Parkway, where traffic is parking along
the curb. He said a number of Councilors have gotten calls relating to this
issue and there has also been a problem with delivery trucks making their way
through North Lake Parkway. He then said we believe that this is the best
solution for dealing with the cars parking along the curb.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said we also received an email from Ms. Pam
Hudson who is Director of Sales of Operation for the Hyatt Place, Columbus
North, giving her support for the ordinance.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Jason Gregory, Carl Gregory Enterprise came forward stating that his
facility is in the North Lake Parkway area. He said along with some of the
petitioners, we are having problems with transportation and delivery trucks
coming in. He said not only that, it is an inconvenience to our customers with
parking situations. Mr. Gregory expressed that he is in favor of the ordinance
and asked that the ordinance get passed.
Mr. Gill Dyer, President of Extreme Power Sports came forward to express
his concerns and said that he does see a need for improving the parking
ordinance, but has recommended that there be a compromise of no parking versus
parking on the north side or the south side of North Lake Parkway. He said
the street is primarily a three-lane road with one lane going both east and
west with a yellow line center lane that designates a turning lane or a
delivery lane. He said his company has been there for eight years and from
time to time they hold special events for fund raising and when those events
happen, there is a need for off premise parking. Mr. Dyer stated that there is
more than enough parking for his clients and employees, therefore this is not
coming from a selfish standpoint that he is asking for a compromise. He
pointed out that the parking problem is coming from a restaurant in the area.
He said that he respectfully understands that doing away with no parking would
affect other merchants. He suggested that North Lake Parkway be used for
parking either on the north side or south side and parking is restricted on
North Lake Connector.
Mayor Wetherington stated that he felt that Mr. Dyer had a very valid point
and it is something that should be considered.
Mr. Ron Hamlett, Traffic Engineer, came forward and said at the time we did
the survey, there had been two requests for doing the parking on North Lake
Parkway. He said when the shopping center and the traffic impact study was
done, we saw the need to have a way to move traffic through that area and be
able to turn without backing traffic up. He said there is a capability and we
did prepare an alternate ordinance for consideration restricting it on the
south side. He said we would have to go in and move all of the markings, which
would cost an additional twenty three hundred dollars. Mr. Hamlett said the
impact of it would be that we would no longer have the ability to have cars
move up and down North Lake Parkway without any hindrance.
Mayor Wetherington said he is in agreement that there is a problem getting
out by that restaurant that Mr. Dyer spoke about, but we should be concerned
about the other street where it whines around and runs north and south. He
said if we take parking off of the street in front of the restaurant there is
going to be a problem.
Councilor Allen asked if the parking would be restricted to hours or was it
no parking any time. Mr. Hamlett said it would be no parking any time. He
said the other issue that we have is that cars are driving over the curb
parking on the right-of-way and parking on different lots. He said we checked
every facility out there and all of them met the minimum required parking.
Ron Hamlett stated if we allow parking on the 3-lane section it cannot
function as it is designed to do. He stated that a 3-lane section is designed
not to have any on street parking.
Council Allen said it seems to be a lot of fingers pointing at the
restaurant and said his concern is that if the parking lot of the restaurant is
full and then there is on street parking, would the Fire Marshal need to visit
the restaurant.
City Manager Hugley explained that the restaurant could only seat so many
people. He said there is normally a 15-60 minute wait for customers after the
restaurant is full to capacity. He said the Fire Marshal has already made the
visit but he has not received any results from the visit at this time. He also
said Mr. Hamlett has pointed out that they do have the minimum required parking
as the ordinance would require.
City Manager Hugley then called attention to delay the first reading for
two weeks.
After the first reading was delayed, discussion continued for about twenty
minutes with members of the Council expressing their further views.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE REGULATING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN COLUMBUS, GA WAS
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:______________________
An Ordinance ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by
enacting a No Parking Anytime zone to include the street right-of-way along the
north and south curbs of Standing Boy Road beginning at the east curb of Big
Eddy Road and running east to the west curb of Winthrop Court; authorizing the
installation of official traffic control signs indicating No Parking Anytime
with said restrictions; repealing any conflicting ordinances and for other
purposes.
City Manager Hugley said we have gotten a number of calls regarding this
area also and said to his understanding cars are parking along the roadway and
people are swimming or diving into the creek. He said it is a through road and
there is no area to play on the bridge, dive off of it or swim in the creek.
He said we think the solution would be to eliminate parking along that stretch.
Mr. Ron Hamlett said as you approach the bridge on the east side there are
some guardrails in place. He said if the issue were people parking right at
the bridge, we would restrict the parking 100 feet on each side of the bridge.
He said what we want to do is run it from two intersections on either side and
said we included from the intersection of Big Eddy Road on to Winthrop Court
and that area would not give any place for anyone to park. He pointed out
that City Code Section 14-47.6 prohibits any jumping from the bridge or
swimming. He said we have the sign posted, even though people come and take
the sign down, we always put it back.
Mayor Wetherington said he does not think that there is a problem with
parking; it?s the problem with the kids jumping off of the bridge. He said if
they park, they go beyond the bridge to park. He said he has asked Chief Boren
to check the bridge at least every hour but they are still going down there and
jumping off of the bridge. He said he does not know another way to address it
other than having the police check it.
Councilor McDaniel said this has come up before several years ago. He said
he thought there was an ordinance prohibiting parking and jumping off of the
bridge and said Standing Boy Road is too narrow to have any parking on it.
Mr. Hamlet said there is an ordinance that addresses jumping off of the
bridge but there are no parking restrictions.
Councilor Henderson said that he does not have a problem with making it a
no parking zone. He said the issue with the kids jumping off of the bridge is
going to be an enforcement issue. He said he would not suggest having the
police ride by to check for the kids jumping off of the bridge every hour, with
the shortage of police officers that we have. He also said he does not see
that putting up the no parking signs would be a solution.
City Manager Hugley said the no parking would be a start, it may not solve
the problem of the kids jumping off of the bridge but it could be a start.
Councilor Davis said that he agrees with the City Manager that it is a
start. He said he and Deputy City Manager David Arrington recently had a
meeting with the Lullwater Homeowner?s Association, and they brought it to
their attention that this is top priority on their list. He said they want to
see the city take action mainly on the kids that are jumping off of the
bridge. He said this is an enforcement issue and also a safety concern.
At this time City Attorney Fay stated that the ordinance would be placed on
second reading at the work session.
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THE FOLLOWING SEVEN RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND
THEIR CAPTIONS READY BY MAYOR PRO TEM PUGH AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT
TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND
SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS
OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEEING:____________________________________________________
A Resolution (304-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. James R. Bryant,
III upon his retirement with Columbus Fire and EMS after 24 years of service.
A Resolution (305-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Cecil D. Corley
upon his retirement with Public Services Department after 12 years of service.
A Resolution (306-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Christine Plezes
upon her retirement with Muscogee Manor & Rehabilitation Center after 33 years
of service.
A Resolution (307-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. John A. Reeves upon
his retirement with Public Services/Fleet Management Department after 18 years
of service.
A Resolution (308-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. G. ?Willis?
Radcliff, III upon his retirement with the Tax Assessors Department after 18
years of service.
A Resolution (309-08) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. William
H. Walker, Jr., employee with the Public Services Department, who passed away
on May 22, 2008.
A Resolution (310-08)- Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Bonnie C.
Barber, employee with the Columbus Police Department, who passed away on May
18, 2008.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. ROB MCKENNA, REPRESENTING GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF SOUTHERN RIVERS, INC.
RE: EXEMPTION FOR 2007 AD VALOREM TAXES:
Mr. McKenna did not respond when called upon to address the Council.
City Attorney Fay advised that Mr. McKenna would come back at a later
date. He explained that the only way the organization could get to Council for
relief on a tax matter is if they go pay the taxes and then request a refund.
He said if they choose to do that, we would need a report from the Tax
Commissioner as to whether or not there was a neglect problem.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she thought the issue was that they did not
file the correct legal documents in order to get the exempt status for 2007.
City Attorney Fay said that is his understanding because they did not apply
for 2007 on time, therefore they were granted an exemption for 2008 going
forward.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked how could the Council give relief and
disregard what the law says.
City Attorney Fay responded in saying it couldn?t be done unless there was
some case of excusable neglect or reasonable cause. He said we would get a
report from the Tax Commissioner and if she didn?t find any reasonable cause
there would be no reason the Council to grant relief.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: TAX ALLOCATION DISTRICT AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
DISTRICT:________________
Mr. Paul Olson came forward and said he is a retired major and also a
lifetime member of 665 and he is voting no. He also said that he urges everyone
out there to vote no. Mr. Olson made remarks regarding the Development
Authority and House Bill 709.
City Manager Hugley said there are state legislation, state law and local
ordinances that give the Development Authority its powers. He said they have
those powers to do tax abatements, not only for Muscogee County but also for
the state of Georgia.
City Manger Hugley said Mr. Olson mentioned House Bill 709 excluding
hotel/motel tax and automobile dealerships. He said this local body did not
request House Bill 709 and it wasn?t something that was done by our state
delegation.
Discussion went on about this matter for another 15 minutes with the Mayor
and Council expressing their further views and points of clarifications.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY
AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: _______
A Resolution (311-08) ? Granting the authority to enter into a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU), with NeighborWorks Columbus, Inc., to establish a
working relationship for the Columbus Cottage Program. This program will
improve the living conditions of the elderly and/or disabled residents living
in substandard living conditions by providing a new home (cottage).
City Manager Hugley explained that the Memorandum of Understanding would be
between the City and Neighborworks Columbus Inc. He said we would like to form
a partnership with them to provide safe, sanitary and efficient housing for the
elderly and/or disabled residence at risk of becoming homeless. He said we
would like to focus first on those who are eighty years plus and said we would
identify them through various housing programs living in substandard
conditions. At this time he invited Mr. Joe Riddle and Ms. Cathy Williams to
come to the podium to share what the partnership would accomplish.
Mr. Joe Riddle said through this partnership we have various housing
programs that we have been working out throughout the years through our federal
funding through HUD. He said through the regulations and guidelines with the
HUD programs, we have run into some situations where we have not been able to
assist someone that was really in need.
Ms. Cathy Williams said the City has identified approximately $150,000 to
put toward the program. She said Neighborworks would match that amount and
also go out to the public to raise additional funds.
There were several questions raised by the Council, therefore discussion
continued on this matter for another 20 minutes with Mr. Joe Riddle and Ms.
Cathy Williams providing specific and detailed information.
Councilor Hunter moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (312-08) ? Authorizing execution of Street Lighting Agreements
with local utility companies and the Georgia Department of Transportation for
street lighting related projects.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
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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 MAYOR PRO PUGH, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR WOODSON BEING
ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE:
A Resolution (313-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of thermoplastic pavement
marking equipment from Advanced Striping Equipment. (Villa Rica, GA).
A Resolution (314-08) ? Authorizing payment to Six Flags Over Georgia for
amusement park tickets in the amount of $16,177.60. The tickets were used to
take children, participating in the G.R.E.A.T. program, to Six Flags/White
Water during June of 2008.
A Resolution (315-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of traffic signal
equipment from Southern Lighting & Traffic Systems and Temple, Inc., on an ?as
needed basis?. The equipment will be utilized by the Traffic Division for
construction and maintenance of the signal systems. The traffic signal
equipment includes traffic signal controllers, cabinets signal conflict
monitors, loop detectors, load switches, signal heads, concrete strain poles
and many other related components.
A Resolution (316-08) ? Authorizing payment to AT&T for the annual
maintenance for all Cisco equipment and software license renewals, included in
the IP Telephony network in five locations: the Government Center, Annex,
Public Safety Complex, Fox Recreation Center and the Trade Center. The annual
cost of network and equipment coverage, known as AT&T DataCare, is $101,220.56.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Training For Veterans On Benefits - Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
located at the VFW Post 665 1824 Victory Drive.
National Night Out 2008 ? Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. will start
at the Columbus Civic Center.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS:
FY08 Action Plan-Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. located at the
Government Center Annex.
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SECTION 108 LOAN
City Manager Hugley advised that there was a request brought before Council
to allow the Section 108 Loan to be refinanced. He said he received a note
from Mr. Riddle providing a work sheet on the Section 108 Loan refinancing and
the letter indicated that as a result of refinancing the City would save
$770,982 in interest cost over the remaining eight years of the loan.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: _____________
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Potential Nominees for
Taxicab Commission.
(2) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Diane Scrimpshire, Councilor Barnes? nominee to
replace Mr. Walter Wright on the Board of Elections and Registration.
(3) Letter from Mrs. Alice Upchurch expressing an interest in serving on the
Board of Elections and Registration.
Clerk of Council Washington stated that Mrs. Upchurch has now withdrawn her
interest.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLANED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS PRESENT:
__
A Resolution (317-08) ? Approving a Special Exception Use request to extend
a concealed wireless communications facility for wireless communications
services on property located at 7025 Moon Road.
A Resolution (318-08) ? Approving a Special Exception Use request to erect
a wireless communications facility at 6 Mutec Drive. (The Planning Department
is recommending approval.)
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THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK
OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER
PUGH, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR
THIS METING:______
Application of Don Cook & J. A. Hud to temporarily close 7th Avenue and 8th
Avenue between 8th Street and 9th Street, on Saturday, July 19, 2008 from 8:00
a.m. to 12:00 midnight, in connection with the ?2nd Annual Hip-Hop Program at
the Liberty Theatre?.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS,
WHICH WERE OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
_______________________________ _________
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 23-08.
Council Briefing, August 16, 2005.
Council Briefing, November 15 & 29, 2005.
Council Briefing, August 8, 2006.
Council Briefing, August 15, 2006.
Family & Children Services, June 25, 2008.
Taxicab Commission, April 2, 2008.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded
by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Walter Wright had resigned his
position on the board. Councilor Barnes then nominated Ms. Diane Scrimpshire.
Clerk of Council Washington advised that this matter would be brought back on
next week for confirmation.
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CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Vigil Thompson had resigned
his position on the board; therefore a nominee is needed to fill his seat.
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EMPLOYEE PENSION BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Ms. Mary Strozier Weaver would not
be eligible to serve another term of office; therefore a nominee is needed to
fill her seat.
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KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that the following nominees have been
outlined and can be confirmed: Ms. Josefina Takemoto, Ms. Carrie Cowley, Rev.
Peggy Myles, Mr. Ronald Davis, Ms. Katie Coakley, and Mr. Phillip Vongsavang.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that these nominees be confirmed. Second by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present at the time.
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PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Ms. Veronis Hall would not be
eligible to serve another term of office. Councilor Anthony then nominated Ms.
Jennifer Melvin. Clerk of Council Washington advised that this matter would be
brought back on next week for confirmation
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PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Dr. John Stephens had been
nominated to replace Mr. Timothy Hess. Councilor Henderson moved confirmation.
Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present at the time.
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RECORDER?S COURT JUDGE:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Councilor Henderson had nominated
Ms. Cynthia Masaino to replace Mr. Alonzo Whitaker as Recorder?s Court Judge.
She advised that Mr. Peter Quazeda had also submitted an application.
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TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Wallace Archie had resigned
his position on the Taxicab Commission; therefore a nominee is needed to fill
his seat.
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TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Chris Coakley had been
nominated to replace Ms. Mildred Wynne on the Tree Board. Councilor McDaniel
moved confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pugh and carried unanimously by
those member of Council present at the time.
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Ms. Andrea Richardson is no longer
a resident; therefore a nominee is needed to fill her seat.
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OTHER COMMENTS AND REQUESTS FROM COUNCIL:
RESOLUTIONS:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested that a resolution be done commending
Rigdon Road Elementary School for their test results.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh also requested that a resolution be done
recognizing the organization ?Fathers Being Involved? (FBI). She requested
that the two resolutions be brought on the first Tuesday in August.
Councilor Anthony requested that a resolution of condolences be done for
the family of the bus driver killed in Iraq.
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GRAFFITI PROGRAM:
Councilor Woodson said at one time we had a graffiti program in the city.
She requested that the graffiti program go through Oakland Park on the south
side of Columbus. She said in the past month or two she has seen an increase
in the graffiti being put on all of the stop signs, parking signs and even on
private fencing. She requested that someone come in and educate the community
on that program.
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OTHER COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS AND COUNCIL:
MR. PAUL OLSON, 13830 UPATOI LANE:
Mr. Paul Olson said House Bill 709 only pertains to four county
consolidated governments.
He requested that the Development Authority be placed on the City?s website
with proprietors.
Mr. Olson also made several other comments pertaining to tax allocation
districts.
In response to Mr. Olson?s comments relating to tax allocation districts,
Councilor Davis requested that the City Attorney provide him with the state law
pertaining to this matter.
City Manager Hugley said we do not have it on hand but we can get that for
you. He said the law has been around for a while and it is not a Columbus law
it is a Georgia law.
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NOTE: Councilor Hunter left at 11:55 a.m. Councilor Anthony left at 12:00
p.m.
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MR. BERT COKER, 5818 VENTURA DRIVE:
Mr. Bert Coker asked had the bonds for the natatorium been issued.
City Manger Hugley said no they have not been issued.
Mr. Bert Coker said he is voting no for the 1% sales tax and suggested that
everyone receive the exemption so that everyone in Columbus would only pay a 5%
tax.
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With there being no additional business for the Council to discuss, Mayor
Wetherington then entertained a motion for adjournment. Councilor McDaniel so
moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Anthony and
Councilor Hunter being absent for this vote 12:02 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
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