MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 18, 2014
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, November 18, 2014, on the 2nd Floor of the
Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia
Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn
Turner Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Berry H.
Henderson, Bruce Huff, Judy W. Thomas, City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City
Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council
Tiny B. Washington and Administrative Secretary Lindsey Glisson were also
present. Councilor Evelyn Woodson took her seat at 9:12 a.m. and Councilor
Glenn Davis took his seat at 9:15 a.m.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Reverend Dr. L. K. Pendleton ? Pastor of St. Mary?s Road
United Methodist Church
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Imagination Station
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PRESENTATION:
COMPLIANCE AUDIT OF POOL MANAGEMENT CONTRACT WITH USA POOLS, INC.:
Ms. Joan Perin, Forensic Auditor outlined the USA Pools LLC Compliance
Audit in a power-point presentation. Provided below is a summarization of the
presentation and is listed as
follows:
Columbus Aquatic Center
? 57,000 sq. ft. facility
? 10-lane 50 meter Competition Pool
? 4-lane 20 meter Warm-Up/Therapeutic Pool
? Full swimmers? amenities
? ProShop
? Concessions
? Excellent spectator viewing
? Opened August 10, 2013
Activities
? Open swim
? Swim lessons
? Swim meets
? Special events
? Home base for Columbus Hurricanes Swim Team
Funding
? Facility funding
? $ 2,235,400 1999 SPLOST
? $10,809,555 2010 Bonds
? $13,044,955 Total
? Facility maintenance and operations funding
? General Fund
? USA Pools LLC facility management company
Contract signed March 2013
$54,650 per month
Stated Contract Goals
? Safety
? To insure safety is maintained at a high level in all areas for the
Natatorium.
? Customer Satisfaction
? To be accomplished through creative marketing and effective management of the
facility.
? Creative Programming
? To provide quality and creative programming that will attract a variety of
patrons from throughout the City, thereby increasing utilization and revenue.
Stated Contract Goals
? Direction
? It is the City?s intent, under the contract resulting from this solicitation,
to provide the opportunity for public swimming in the same manner and with the
same regard for public interest as if the City managed, operated, and maintain
the Natatorium itself.
Audit Process
? Audit request
? Dr. James Worsley, Director of Parks & Recreation Department
? Concerns regarding USA Pools? management of operations
? Contract review
? Outlined responsibilities
? USA Pools? bid proposal review
? Promised level of service
Areas of Audit Review
? General
? Staffing
? Facilities
? Programs
? ProShop & Concessions
General Area ? Purpose & Focus
? Compliance demonstrates a company's commitment to excellence and good
management practices
? Management and administrative issues
? Global policies and procedures for aquatic management
? Current licensing and corporate registration
? Current insurance coverage
? Demonstration of financial solvency
General Area ? Findings
? Aquatic risk management plan not submitted
? Current licensing and corporate registration
? No local occupational license
? Food Service permit ? USA Pools Construction Inc.
? No state corporate registration
? Insurance coverage
? Coverage requirements inadequate
? Carrier not Best rated of A-VII or equivalent
? Problem logs not submitted
? Did not demonstrate financial solvency
American Red Cross (ARC)
? ARC contacted auditor in September
? USA Pools not compliant with ARC standards
? Lack of certified staffing
? Gross under reporting of swim class participants
? Failure to pay ARC fees
? ARC suspended USA Pools? contract
? Allowing time to become compliant
? No time frame or action plan
Staffing Area ? Purpose & Focus
? Critical component in meeting basic fundamental of pool operation ? public
safety
? Staffing requirements
? Background check
? Drug testing
? Certifications
? Ongoing Training
Staffing Area ? Findings
? Staffing protocols, staffing level, and staff schedule not provided
? Unable to evaluate compliance to ARC guidelines for public safety
? Proof of pre-employment screening and drug testing not provided
? On-going staff training not demonstrated
? Certifications
? 3 of 9 Lifeguards not certified
? 3 of 3 Lifeguard Instructors not certified as Lifeguards
? 3 of 6 Waster Safety Instructors (swim) not certified
? Head Lifeguard does not meet criteria
? Over 50% of individuals do not have training in
n First Aid/CPR/AED and BBP
? Majority of Summer Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors not certified
? Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification and Certified Pool Operator
(CPO) certification are important because they signify a high level of
understanding and competency that is required to manage a facility such as the
Aquatic Center.
Staffing Area ? Complaints
? Mandating staff work ?off the clock?
? Failure to pay staff correctly
? Ignored requests to correct
? Failure to issue pay stubs
? Staff complained removed from work schedule
? Failed to report wages to government agencies
? Withholding of final pay
Facilities Area ? Purpose & Focus
? Compliance insures public safety and safeguarding the pool facilities and
equipment
? Water quality standards
? General facility condition
? Accident/Rescue Reports
Facilities Area ? Findings
? Chemical/Cleaning Logs
? Period June through September (16 weeks)
? Missing logs/incomplete logs
Water Quality Testing Issues
? Parks and Recreation Department reviewed logs
? Failed to perform testing on prescribed schedule
? Water quality
n Not performed multiple times during day
n Needed because of fluctuation of bather load
? Alkalinity
n Failed to perform weekly test
n 5 weeks and 6 weeks without testing (in 16 week period)
n Incorrect alkalinity affects pool?s life span and longevity of pool equipment
Facilities Area ? Complaints
? Cleanliness of facility
? Towels not available for members
? Poor water quality
? Lack of notification of pool closings due to schedule swim meets
? Unprofessional staff behavior
? Inadequate lifeguard staffing
Program Area ? Purpose & Focus
? Creative programming attracts patrons and increases utilization
? Marketing program and outcomes
Program Area ? Findings
? Few documents submitted
? No marketing plan demonstrated
? Appears marketing efforts disjointed and few resources allocated to building
a solid client base and attracting the general public
ProShop/Concessions Area ? Purpose & Focus
? To offer public convenience of retail merchandise and in-house food service
? By providing theses service encourages longer and more frequent utilization
of the facility
ProShop/Concessions Area ? Findings
? Insufficient information provided to evaluate operations
? ProShop has been closed, however some items are displayed at front desk for
purchase
USA Pools Overall Compliance
? Documents submitted by USA Pools did not support compliance to
? Outlined contract responsibilities
? USA Pools? promised levels of service as stated in bid proposal
Audit Summary
Many of the documents submitted and other matters discussed in this report
raised questions about USA Pools? ability to manage the Aquatic Center in a
manner necessary:
? To meet the requirements of the contract;
? To provide the promised level of services as stated in their bid proposal;
? To deliver a quality pool experience to the citizens of Columbus.
City Manager Hugley advised that upon his request, Dr. James Worsely,
Director of Parks and Recreation devised a plan of action to address the issues
of concern that were identified during the audit process. He indicated during
the RFP Process USA Pools was identified as the most responsive organization to
the RFP, and they submitted numbers that were more attractive and more
reasonable than those submitted by the department. He requested that Dr.
Worsely come forward and share the plan of action with the members of Council.
He then suggested preceding the direction of bringing the Aquatic Center
in-house to be managed by Parks and Recreation.
At this time Dr. Worsely outlined the plan of action in a power point
presentation, which is listed as follows:
Columbus Parks & Recreation
Aquatic Center Operational Plan
Staffing Needs
Title Number Needed
Aquatics Division Manager 1
Aquatics Facility Manager 1
Aquatics Facility Supervisor
1
Aquatics Services Technician 1 Assistant Facility Supervisor ? PT 1
Park Maintenance Worker I ? PT 2
Administrative Clerks ? PT 3
Lifeguards ? PT 20
USA Pools Projected USA Pools Actual Parks & Recreation Projected Parks &
Recreation New Estimate
Expenditures $655,800
$170,000
$825,800 $655,800
$170,000
$825,800 $1,226,664
$434,112
$1,660,776 $1,038,519
Revenue $468,090 $194,000 $746,874 $194,000
Difference $357,710 $631,800 $913,902 $844,519
Old Hours of Operation (89 hours) New Hours of Operation (80 hours)
Mon ? Fri 6am to 8pm Mon ? Fri 6am to 8pm
Saturday 6am to 8pm Saturday 8am to 6pm
Sunday 1pm to 6pm Sunday Closed
Plan of Action
? Current Aquatic Supervisor will be assigned to the Columbus Aquatic Center as
Interim Director.
? Retain current part time staff (i.e. lifeguards, CSR, etc.) Parks and
Recreation applications to be processed with the HR Department and expedited.
? Parks and Recreation Finance Manager will be sent to CAC for 1st month of
operations to oversee POS and other financial functions as well as to train
staff that will handle daily financial paperwork.
? Written communication will be sent to the CAC membership.
? Implement a point of sale system that?s created by our I.T. Department.
? Purchase RecOne software
? Set-up Red Cross training as needed.
? We will not operate the concession stand. Will utilize contract with Five
Star Vending and Coca-Cola.
? We will not operate a traditional Pro Shop. Space is utilized as a fitness
area
? Concession and vendors will be allowed to sell food and wares at all swim
meets. A portion of the proceeds will be returned to the Parks and Recreation
Department as revenue.
Benefits
? Better management oversight
? Financial reporting
? Cleanliness of facility
? Employee concerns
? Equipment and pool operation
? Chemical logs and documentation
? Standardized customer service
? City-wide training opportunities
Councilor Davis requested to receive a hard copy of the power point
presentation presented by Dr. Worsely. He also requested to receive a copy of
the presentations that were submitted during the process of choosing to manage
the Aquatic Center in-house or hiring a management company. He advised that he
has been under the impression that Parks and Recreation assisted in
communicating what the standards are from a management perspective. He
suggested a probationary period in an effort to give the existing organization
an opportunity to get things corrected. As it relates to managing in-house, he
expressed some concerns in regards to labor costs and the lack of increased
revenue.
In response to some of the concerns conveyed by Councilor Davis, City
Manager Hugley advised that the Parks and Recreation Department has been going
out to the Aquatic Center several times a week to conduct chemical testing. He
indicated that there has been a combination of issues to occur with USA Pools
to include, numerous turnovers in management and employees not being paid in a
timely manner.
He recommended providing USA Pools with a 90day written notice and making
preparation to take over the facility and operate it internally.
Dr. Worsley indicated before the audit process began, Parks and
Recreation?s management staff had been in communication with USA Pools in
regards to the items addressed in the audit report.
Councilor Allen said it seems that we are not giving USA Pools a chance to
respond to the audit. He said operating the facility with a million dollar
deficit is not the right thing to do for this community. He then asked the
City Manager to provide another plan of action. He also suggested putting the
contract back out for bid.
City Manager Hugley said he would be happy to go back out with an RFP and
have Parks and Recreation submit their RFP. He said his desire is to have an
efficient effective operation that provides the citizens the service that they
can appreciate, but most of all the facility should be operated safely.
Councilor Woodson expressed some concerns in regards to budgetary issues
and hours of operation of the facility. She said she would like to see the
facility open on Saturday and Sunday.
Dr. Worsely explained that decisions are made based on what the numbers
look like. He said the numbers do not support Sunday operations; therefore the
facility is closed on Sundays.
At this time Internal Auditor John Redmond came forward and said, we have
looked into some of the other operations of USA Pools and we have also
monitored some of the press clippings. He said they have had a number of
contracts cancelled over the past year for similar issues that we are seeing
here. He advised that the plan of action brought forth by Dr. Worsley is
consistent with the bids that were made by other private companies two years
ago. He went on to explain that the imbalance of chemicals in the pool water
causes damage to the equivalent, which would be a hidden cost that the City is
going to bear. He said any repair over $1000 is the City?s responsibility.
Councilor Baker said the issue of USA Pools treating their employees as
private contractors needs to be resolved today.
Mr. Redmond said this is a risk management issue and also a reputational
issue. He further explained unless they are truly working in an independent
capacity, they do not qualify to be independent contractors.
Mayor Tomlinson assured that this issue would be referred to the City
Attorney to look at these matters. She pointed out that this was some of the
litigation related to USA Pools in other jurisdictions.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the October 28, 2014 meeting of the Council of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia was submitted and approved upon
the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
DISCUSSION OF COUNCIL VACANCY:
City Attorney Clifton Fay advised that a replacement is needed for the
District 8 Council seat formerly held by the late Councilor Charles. E.
McDaniel, Jr. He stated under Section 6-201 in the Charter, the Council of
Columbus, GA has the authority to appoint an interim Columbus Councilor to
serve until the next special election for Councilor McDaniel?s seat.
At this time Councilor Thomas nominated Mr. Thomas B. Buck III for the
District 8 Council seat, formerly held by Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr.
She then proceeded to give a short recap of Mr. Buck?s service to the City of
Columbus: He is a lifelong resident of District 8 and a Columbus Civic Leader
who served for 38 years in the Georgia House of Representatives. After he
graduated from Columbus High School, he received a bachelor?s degree and law
degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. He is married to Susan Upchurch.
He was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1966 and was
eventually elected to 19 terms. He was a highly effective advocate for
Columbus and West Georgia because of his position in the legislative
leadership. He became a Committee Chairman in his third year in the House and
steadily worked his way up the House leadership ladder serving in term as
Chairman of the Retirement Committee, the University of System Committee, the
Ways and Means Committee and the Appropriations Committee. She stated she
believes that with all of Mr. Buck?s experience and commitment to the
community, he would make an invaluable member of the Council of Columbus,
Georgia. She said he has indicated that he is willing to serve until a
permanent successor to Councilor McDaniel is selected by the voters in District
8.
Councilor Allen seconded the nomination of Mr. Thomas B. Buck III to fill
the District 8 Council seat, formerly held by Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr.
After several minutes of discussion regarding this matter and there being
no additional nominees submitted, Mayor Tomlinson called the question on the
motion previously made by Councilor Thomas to appoint Thomas B. Buck III to the
District 8 Council seat formerly held by Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr.,
which was seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay requested a brief executive session to discuss a pending
litigation matter.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS DELAYED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution ? Authorizing the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the Muscogee County School District for the exchange
of property for future educational and redevelopment purposes.
City Manager Hugley advised that the (MOU) would allow both organizations
to conduct due diligence on the proposed exchange. He said the School District
is looking for property to move some projects forward, and the City of Columbus
is looking for property to move some projects forward. He said we both own
property that the other party can use. He then advised that in the exchange of
property, the School District would acquire the 33 acres at Ft. Benning
Rd/Cusseta Rd. in the old Plymart area, and the City would acquire 8 acres more
or less behind Brewer Elementary School, the Tillinghurst Educational Center,
which is 5.3 acres and the Marshall Middle School property, which is 21.44
acres more or less. He advised that all properties would be appraised and if
one or the other property is valued at more or less, the difference would be
made up in cash.
Councilor Allen moved adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Barnes.
Mayor Tomlinson said Councilor Davis has requested that this item be
brought into executive session. She said Councilor Woodson would not be able to
stay for the executive session on today.
Councilor Davis made a motion for this item to be brought back to the
Council in an executive session. Seconded by Councilor Allen.
Councilor Woodson then made a substitute motion to postpone the
discussion on this item until the next Council Meeting. Seconded by Councilor
Davis and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this
meeting.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MS. BRITTANY DIONNE, MS. NAOMI KEITT, AND MS. JANELL LEWIS, REPRESENTING
THE COLUMBUS METRO ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS, RE: INTRODUCTION:
Ms. Brittany Dionee, Ms. Naomi Keitt and Ms. Janell Lewis who requested to
be listed on today?s Public Agenda, did not respond when given the opportunity
to address the Council..
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MR. JEREMY S. HOBBS, REPRESENTING KEEP COLUMBUS WORKING, RE:
INTRODUCTION:_____
Mr. Jeremy Hobbs came forward to share information in regards to Keep
Columbus Working, which is a Facebook page for individuals seeking employment.
He explained that job listings are constantly being posted to ensure that
citizens have access to all of the latest jobs that are available.
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MR. JEREMY S. HOBBS, REPRESENTING CVBWF, INC., RISE ABOVE HIV, RE: WORLD
AIDS DAY:__
Mr. Jeremy Hobbs announced that the World Aids Day event would be held on
December 1, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. in Columbus, Georgia. He thanked the City of
Columbus for allowing the event to take place on the plaza level of the
Columbus Government Center.
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MR. FRED CATCHINGS, REPRESENTING BOB BARR COMMUNITY BAND, RE: THANKSGIVING
CONCERT:__
________
Mr. Fred Catchings came forward expressing his distinct honor of being the
Director of the Bob Barr Community Band for the past four years. He advised
that his goal is to make the group into a professional group that the City of
Columbus could be proud of. He then extended an invitation to the Mayor,
Council and Citizens of Columbus to the Thanksgiving Concert to be held on
Sunday, November 23, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Baptist Church in Phenix
City, Alabama.
Councilor Thomas advised that she has attended several concerts performed
by the Bob Barr Community Band. She said this is a tremendous asset to our
community.
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MR. TRAVIS BARRETT, RE: UNRESOLVED COMPLAINT:_ _
Mr. Travis Barrett came forward expressing some concerns regarding a complaint
he had filed with Metra. He advised that he filed a complaint with Metra in
regards to one of the bus drivers. He said he spoke with Metra Director Saundra
Hunter in regards to the matter and the issue was resolved. He then stated he
spoke with Councilor Henderson, Councilor Thomas, Councilor Woodson and City
Manager Hugley in regards to another complaint, which has not been resolved.
Mayor Tomlinson expressed that all citizens? complaints are important.
She referred Mr. Barrett?s complaint to the City Manager in an effort to bring
this matter to a conclusion.
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MR. PAUL S. OLSON, RE: SHERIFF DARR?S LAWSUIT, OLOST, SPRING HARBOUR
DELINQUENT TAXES, TAD, AND THE MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL
AUTHORITY:_ _____________
Mr. Paul Olson who requested to be listed on today?s Public Agenda, did
not respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.
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MR. JEFFREY L. JOHNSTON, RE: TAXICAB SALES TAX:_
Mr. Jeff Johnson came forward and presented a power point presentation
expressing his concerns on drug testing for Taxicab Drivers and taxicab sales
tax.
After Mr. Johnson concluded his presentation, he responded to questions of
the Mayor and members of the Council.
Mayor Tomlinson said it would be good to have our staff come back at a
work session and talk specifically about where they are and also talk about
issues of drug testing and sales tax.
Councilor Barnes asked the City Attorney if he could elaborate on the
sales tax issue.
City Attorney Fay said the City does not enforce collection of sales tax.
He said State Officials would have to address any issues of nonpayment of sales
tax.
Mayor Tomlinson requested that Finance Director Pam Hodge call the
Department of Revenue and request an audit.
City Manager Hugley said he received an email stating that Mr. Johnson met
with the State Department of Revenue in regards to this matter.
Councilor Davis requested that information be provided in the work session
on how Ft. Benning and other states and jurisdictions administer drug testing
to their taxicab drivers.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (353-14) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and,
if approved, accept up to $140,000 in grant funds from the Georgia Department
of Early Childcare and Learning Program. Bright From the Start for the USDA
Child and Adult Care Food Program, which will be a part of our After-School
Program throughout the year and also authorizing the Muscogee County School
District's Nutrition Department to act as the sole vendor for the program for
fiscal year 2015/2016.
Councilor Allen moved adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (354-14) - Authorizing payment to the employees of the
Consolidated Government; for unused sick leave in accordance with (16b-15-6(2)
of the Columbus Code of Ordinances.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
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THE FOLLOWING EIGHT RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (355-14) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to amend O.C.G.A. for hotel/motel tax revenue to
not be diverted to non-tourism related purposes.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
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A Resolution (356-14) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce legislation that would allow an exemption similar to that in Alabama
from state income tax for Military Retirees.
Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried by a vote of seven to one with Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh and Councilors Allen, Barnes, Davis, Henderson, Huff, and Thomas voting
yes and Councilor Baker voting no, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the
vote.
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A Resolution (357-14) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to ensure the full collection and timely
remittance of all sales and use taxes due to the State and Local Governments,
whether such steps include additional funding for the Department of Revenue for
audits and compliance purposes, privatizing sales tax collections or allowing
local governments to collect and audit local sales tax locally.
Councilor Baker moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY
AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (358-14) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce legislation that would allow all Coroners to charge certain set fees
for specific reports and Documents in excess of the standard $.10 per page
permitted by the open records acts.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY
AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (359-14) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to fund an Adolescent Residential Treatment
Facility in Muscogee County.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY
AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (360-14) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
support changes in local 911 call charges.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
A Resolution (361-14) - Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce legislation to take necessary action to oppose any legislation that
would decriminalize the law that regulates the use of blue lights. Councilor
Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
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A Resolution (362-14) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce general legislation at the 2015 Session of the Georgia General
Assembly to form a Joint Study Committee on Specialty Tier Drugs, to research
and implement measures to make Specialty Tier Drugs more affordable and more
available for all Georgians and to consider a 24-month moratorium on current
out-of-pocket expenses for all health insurance plans in Georgia
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE ADDITIONAL RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (363-14) ? Authorizing the Solicitor General to accept a Voca
Grant award of $21,149 and approve funding of $5,287 from the five percent
crime victim assistance surcharge fund, totaling $26,436 to operate the
Solicitor-General's Victim/Witness Assistance Program for October 1, 2014
through September 30, 2015. Amend the Multi Governmental fund (216) to reflect
these revenue and expenses.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
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A Resolution (364-14) ? Declaring that there is a need and necessity to
immediately acquire fee simple title to lands under the provision of the
official Code of Georgia annotated, authorizing the Mayor to order the
acquisition of said lands for County Road and/or Municipal Street purposes, and
authorizing the filing of a Declaration of Taking by the City Attorney or his
representatives for the acquisition of said lands under the authority of the
official Code of Georgia annotated, section 32-3-1, et. Seq.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (365-14) ? Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Fort Benning Garrison and Fort Benning
Family Communities LLC (Clark Realty Capital) for residential and other
recycling services on the Fort Benning Military Installation.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE 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 ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR WOODSON
BEING ABSENT FOR THE
VOTE:
A Resolution (366-14) ? Authorizing refurbishment services from Altec
Industries, Inc., (Forest Park, Ga), in the amount of $31,528.41, for the
refurbishment of one (1) aerial device bucket truck.
A Resolution (367-14) ? Authorizing the execution of Change Order 2 with
McMath-Turner Construction Company (Columbus, Ga) in the amount of $11,723.00
for the Schatulga Road/Corporate Ridge Parkway roundabout project.
A Resolution (368-14) ? Authorizing payment to Motorola, in the amount of
$198,870.72, for the annual maintenance agreement (October 1, 2014 through
September 30, 2015) 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 O25 Master Site.
Councilor Baker requested that the City Manager?s Office contact the State
and Federal Delegation in regards to presenting a business model to capture
sales tax for online purchases.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh advised Councilor Baker that GMA and the
National League of Cities have been working on this issue ever since internet
sales went into effect.
*** *** ***
UPDATES:
HEALTH INSURANCE UPDATE:
Human Resources Director Reather Hollowell came forward to provide a
Healthcare update. She provided a handout to the Mayor and Council, which
offers a synopsis of the healthcare issues that are being analyzed. (A copy of
the document was provided to the Clerk of Council for the records.) She gave
explanation of the following items to include an update analysis of the Health
& Wellness Center and Health and Wellness Center Plan; prescription drugs cost
audit analysis for potential savings, current healthcare plans analysis (HMO,
POS/PPO and HWC/POS); issue RFP for Health Insurance Carrier, issue of RFP for
Health Insurance Broker and discontinuation of Health Insurance Coverage for
Muscogee Manor Employees.
She said after meeting with Muscogee Manor on several occasions, they
agreed to look at some other options in efforts to provide healthcare insurance
to their employees. She said one of the options was to present a proposal to
stay on the City?s healthcare plan; another option was to look at stop loss and
they also agreed to look at going out on their own to purchase health insurance
for their employees. She said to date; they have not presented a proposal that
would allow them to stay on the City?s health insurance plan. She said they
have worked with the Benefits Consultants who have assisted them in an attempt
to purchase health insurance.
City Manager Hugley pointed out that he had sent a letter to Muscogee
Manor a couple of weeks ago advising them that the City intends to move forward
with the health insurance plan without them. He said he had requested that
they submit a proposal no later than Wednesday, November 12, 2014, and they
committed to have it in by the expected deadline, but on Friday, November 14,
2014 he received a two-sentence email from the Assistant Director requesting to
stay on the City?s insurance plan. He said he does not have the proposal as of
yet.
Councilor Allen asked, how does this, affect the City?s coverage and cost.
Director Hollowell explained that Muscogee Manor pays their full premium
rate but it does not account for the liability. She said it is the liability
that the City is on the hook for, as opposed to the direct premiums. She said
the liability is often difficult to quantify because it varies. She advised
that December 31, 2014 would be the last day that Muscogee Manor would be on
the City?s healthcare plan.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Attorney, to go into an executive
session, Mayor Tomlinson entertained a motion to go into executive session to
discuss a litigation matter. Councilor Allen so moved. Seconded by Councilor
Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the
time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
At 12:26 p.m., the Council adjourned its regular session to go into
executive session. At 1:08 p.m., the regular meeting was reconvened and Mayor
Tomlinson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss a
litigation matter, but no votes were taken.
*** *** ***
FINANCE UPDATE:
Finance Director Pam Hodge came forward with a continuation of the Finance
Update from the November 4, 2014 Council Meeting. She said at the request of
Council, the FY15 budget requests that were presented at the last meeting have
been brought back for additional discussion.
At this time she outlined the FY15 Budget Requests in a power point
presentation. Provided below is a summarization of the presentation and is
listed as follows:
FY2015 FUND BALANCE Projection
? General Fund 12,497,299.47 30.62 days
? OLOST-Public Safety 11,172,806.01 27.38 days
? OLOST-Infrastructure 2,448,369.00 6.00 days
? Total 06/30/2015 26,118,474.48 64.00 days
Projection
? Tax Commissioner (24,396.00) (0.06) days
? Revised TOTAL 26,094,078.48 63.94 days
06/30/2015 Projection
FY2015 BUDGET REQUESTS ? Carryover from Add/Delete List
Fund Department Purpose Amount Days
General Fund Marshal Operating Budget $19,324 0.05
General Fund Marshal Uniforms $12,000 0.03
General Fund Marshal Auto Supplies $10,000 0.02
General Fund State Court Judges Operating Budget $9,093 0.02
General Fund Municipal Court Judge Operating Budget $1,946 0.00
General Fund District Attorney Operating Budget $17,698 0.04
General Fund Tax Commissioner Operating Budget $24,396 0.06
General Fund Superior Court Judges Operating Budget $9,688 0.02
General Fund Municipal Court Clerk Operating Budget $5,665 0.01
FY2015 BUDGET REQUESTS
Fund Department Purpose Amount Days
General Fund Sheriff Operating Budget $2,000,000 4.90
General Fund District Attorney (3) State paid attorney supplements $15,000 0.04
General Fund Various Officials State mandated salary increase due to change in
population and re-election $41,742 0.10
FY2015 BUDGET REQUESTS ? Elected Officials
Fund Elected Official Change due to Amount
(includes FICA)
General Fund Probate Court Judge Population increase $8,116.22
General Fund Sheriff Population increase $3,469.52
General Fund Tax Commissioner Population increase $9,934.26
General Fund Clerk of Superior Court Population increase $10,551.09
General Fund Marshal Population increase $2,671.53
General Fund Clerk of Municipal Court Population increase $3,035.84
General Fund Councilors (5) Re-election $1,921.82
General Fund Mayor Re-election $2,041.24
Councilor Allen asked how often the increase occurs for elected officials.
Director Hodge said the State looks at this every year, but the last time
the State had a cost of living or pay adjustment was in 2008.
City Attorney Fay pointed out that some of these increases are due to the
census which occurs every ten years. He said some of them involve longevity
increases depending on how many four-year terms the Official has been in office.
Councilor Allen asked if the State mandates a percentage increase and
does the current amount include longevity.
Director Hodge said the amount includes longevity and in some cases the
base pay may be different for some of the Elected Officials.
Councilor Allen requested to add to the Legislative Agenda a resolution
that would reduce the mandated population salary increase percentage.
FY2015 BUDGET REQUESTS
Fund Department Purpose Amount
OLOST Police Overtime $200,000
OLOST Police Vehicle Replacement $479,885
OLOST Police Other Equipment $20,030
OLOST Police Other Requests-FUTURE $383,900
OLOST Fire Drill Tower $876,591
OLOST Fire Vehicle Replacement $3,590,000
FY2015 BUDGET REQUESTS ? Carryover from Add/Delete List
Fund Department Purpose Amount
Stormwater Public Works Reorganization $82
Integrated Waste Public Works GPS System for compaction $135,000
Integrated Waste Public Works Correctional Officer (2) * $90,328
Integrated Waste Public Works Keep Columbus Beautiful $44,989
*** *** ***
OTHER REQUEST & CONCERNS OF COUNCIL:
BENNING HILLS:
Councilor Huff advised the City Manager that a road in the Benning Hills
area needs immediate attention. He said the neighbors are having a hard time
navigating in and out. He advised that he would forward an address and
photographs of the damaged area to the Mayor and City Manager.
*** *** ***
GARBAGE PICKUP:
Councilor Thomas said she has had several calls about garbage pickup and
the lack there of on a Wednesday after a holiday. She said when the holiday
falls on Monday typically the garbage is picked up on Tuesday. She said
because the holiday fell on Tuesday the garbage was not picked up on Wednesday.
City Manager Hugley apologized to the Mayor, Council and the Citizens of
Columbus for the confusion. He said during the budget process, the Public
Works Director included the garbage schedule for the fiscal year.
He said part of what was included indicated that there would be no pickup
that Wednesday. He said this was included in the budget process and was not
highlighted to where we could all capture it. He said he required that staff
make up those days; those that did not receive garbage pickup on Tuesday
received it on Friday and recycling was picked up on Saturday. City Manager
Hugley reassure that this would not happen again.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEM AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:
_________________________
_______________________
(1) Memo from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Elections &
Registration.
(2) Memo from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Cooperative Extension Advisory
Board.
(3) Memo from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Recreation Advisory Board.
(4) Biographical sketch for Ms. LaRae Moore, Mayor Tomlinson?s nominee for the
Crime Prevention Board.
(5) Letter from Chairman Michael Gorum, selecting Ms. Meredith Jarrell, Dr.
Susan McWhirter, Ms. Rebecca Rumer, and Mr. Mike Burns to serve on the Medical
Center Hospital Authority.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: __
_ ____________ __
A Resolution (369-14) - Changing the December 2, 2014 Proclamation Meeting
to a Proclamation/Regular Council Meeting, at 5:30 p.m.
Councilor Huff made a motion to adopt the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
CRIME PREVENTION BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted the letter of resignation of Mr.
Robert Wright, resigning from his seat on the Crime Prevention Board. Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion that this letter be received with regrets and
thanks for his service. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Woodson
being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:__________
_________
Board of Tax Assessors, 37-14.
Columbus Golf Course Authority, October 28, 2014.
Cooperative Extension, November 6, 2014.
Region 6 Planning Board, September 10, 2014.
Mayor Pro Tem Tuner Pugh made a motion that these minutes are received.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the
meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised the Mayor and Council that the term of
office of Mr. David Mackie has expired and he is not eligible to succeed
himself. She said we are still waiting to hear from the Veterinarian
Association in reference to the seat of Dr. Carol Houston.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF HONOR:
Clerk of Council Washington advised the Mayor and Council that the term of
office of Mr. Bob Hydrick and Mr. John Wells on the Board of Honor has expired
and they are eligible to succeed themselves for another term of office.
Councilor Allen nominated Mr. Bob Hydrick and Mr. John Wells for another term
of office. Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at the
next regular meeting for confirmation.
She further advised that the term of office of for Mr. John Rodgers has
expired and he does not wish to serve another term; therefore Council will need
to nominate someone to fill his seat.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:
Clerk of Council Washington advised the Mayor and Council that the term of
office of Ms. Patricia B. Hunter on the Board of Tax Assessors will expire at
the end of December and she is eligible to succeed herself. Councilor Barnes
nominated Ms. Patricia Hunter for another term of office.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington advised the Mayor and Council that Councilor
Baker is working on a replacement for the seat of Mr. Chuck McDaniel, III.
She further advised that Ms. Clementine Cochran, who serves as Council
District 10 representative is also not eligible to serve another term of office
on the board and that Councilor Henderson will need to nominate someone else to
fill this seat.
*** *** ***
CRIME PREVENTION BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised the Council that the Mayor has
nominated Ms. LaRae Moore to serve on the Crime Prevention Board and she may be
confirmed. Councilor Allen moved confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the
time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington advised the Mayor and Council that the terms
of Office of Ms. Sarah Banks-Lang, Mr. Jim Laycock and Mr. James Webster will
expire at the end of November and they are all eligible to succeed themselves.
She said the Council must nominate three individuals for each of these seats
from which the Hospital Authority would select a replacement.
Councilor Thomas said she believes that Mr. Laycock is no longer a
resident of Columbus, Georgia. Clerk of Council Washington said she would look
into that.
Councilor Huff nominated Ms. Sarah Banks-Lang to serve another term of
office on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then nominated Mr. James Webster for another
term of office, as well as nominated Sarah Banks-Lang for the other two seats
and then pointed out that we will need one additional nominee to send to the
authority, for them to select someone.
*** *** ***
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington advised the Council that the Mayor has
re-nominated Ms. Ruhnell Bankston to serve another term of office on the
Housing Authority of Columbus and she may be confirmed.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Baker and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that the term of office of
Ms. Vanessa Lewis, who serves on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission has
expired and she is not eligible to succeed herself. Councilor Barnes said he
is working on a nominee for this position.
She also advised that Dr. Billy Kendall who serves in an at-large position
terms has also expired and the Council will need someone to fill this seat, as
he is not eligible to succeed himself for another term of office.
*** *** ***
PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD
Clerk of Council Washington advised the Mayor and Council that Ms. Gladys
Williams-Tillmon and Ms. Jennifer Melvin have been re-nominated to serve
another term of office on the Personnel Review Board.
Councilor Davis then nominated Ms. Jamie Deloach for Ms. Gladys
Williams-Tillmon?s seat and Ms. Darlene Porter Small for Ms. Jennifer Melvin?s
seat to serve on the Personnel Review Board.
Councilor Huff re-nominated Mr. John Boddie to serve another term of
office on the Personnel Review Board.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at the next
regular Council meeting for a vote.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington advised the Mayor and Council that Ms. Toni
Fogle has resigned from her seat on the Public Safety Advisory Council and this
is Councilor Davis? nominee. There was no nomination.
She also advised Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh that the term of office of Ms.
Valerie A. Thompson has expired; therefore a nominee is needed to fill her seat.
*** *** ***
THE MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that the Medical Center Hospital
Authority has recommended Ms. Meredith Jarrell to succeed Mr. Robert George,
Dr. Susan McWhirter to succeed Dr. Ronald Hudson, Ms. Rebecca Rumer to succeed
Mr. T. Fredrick McKnight and Mr. Mike Burns to succeed Ms. Rebecca Yarbrough.
Councilor Thomas moved confirmation of the nominees. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the
time, with Council Woodson being absent for the vote.
*** *** ***
UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that the Uptown Business Association
has re-nominated Mr. Reggie Luther and Mr. Roger M. Stinson to serve another
term of office on the Uptown Fa?ade Board.
Councilor Allen moved confirmation of the nominees. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Council Woodson being absent for the vote.
*** *** ***
COUNCIL MEETING:
Mayor Pro Tem Tuner Pugh made a motion to cancel the November 25 and
December 23, 2014 Council Meeting. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
Mayor Pro Tem Tuner Pugh also made a motion to cancel the December 30,
2014 Council Meeting. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Woodson
being absent for the vote.
*** *** ***
VETERANS DAY PARADE:
Councilor Barnes said he would like to thank those who participated in the
Veterans Day Parade. He thank the Mayor, Councilors Baker, Woodson and Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh for making comments during this event. He said he would
like to give a special thank you to General White for his powerful speech to
the Veterans in our community.
He said he would like to have a resolution thanking those military
organizations over the past six years, who have support the Veterans Day
Parade.
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Huff made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilor Woodson
being absent for this vote, with the time being 1:38 p.m.
*** *** ***
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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