MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 5, 2008
The regular monthly night session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, August 5, 2008, in the Council Chambers
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 Wayne Anthony, R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Glenn Davis,
Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. City
Manager Isaiah Hugley, Assistant City Attorney Jaimie DeLoach and Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington, were also present. Councilor Evelyn Woodson took
her seat at 5:35 p.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Jerry Barnes, City Attorney Clifton Fay and Deputy Clerk of
Council Sandra Davis were absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Norman Hardman of Faith Worship Center.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Jim Wetherington.
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***-----------------------------------------PROCLAMATIONS:
?CHASITY HARDMAN DAY?:
With Ms. Chasity Hardman (Miss Georgia 2008) and family standing at the
Council table, Councilor Hunter read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington,
proclaiming Tuesday, August 5, 2008 as ?Chasity Hardman Day? in Columbus,
Georgia.
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?INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE AWARD?:
With Ms. Carolyn Hester (Juvenile Court) recipient of Individual Excellent
Award, standing at the Council table, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh read the
proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming Tuesday, August 5, 2008 as
?Carolyn Hester Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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?PROMOTING EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE RECOGNITION?:
With Davis Cooper (Engineering ?GIS), Ben Atkins (Public Services), April
Holmes (District Attorney?s Office), Howard Parham (Public Services) and
Annette Gibney (Parks & Recreation) all standing at the Council table, Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming
?David Cooper, Ben Atkins, April Holmes, Howard Parham and Annette Gibney Day?
in Columbus, Georgia.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH FACULTY AND STAFF OF RIGDON ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STANDING AT THE
COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:______
A Resolution (335-08) ? Commending Rigdon Road Elementary School for
ranking in the Top 10 of Georgia?s elementary school by the Georgia Public
Policy Foundation. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh called on Ms. Jones (Principal)
and other representatives from Rigdon Road Elementary School to come forward.
Upon reading the resolution, Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption.
Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present with Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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WITH MEMBERS OF FATHERS BEING INVOLVED AT RIGDON ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (336-08) ? Commending Fathers Being Involved (FBI) at Rigdon
Road Elementary School. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh called representatives from
Fathers Being Involved (FBI) of Rigdon Road Elementary School to come forward.
Upon reading the resolution, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption.
Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members
of Council present with Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT
CITY ATTORNEY DELOACH AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:________________________________
Assistant City Attorney DeLoach informed Council that she has three
ordinances on first reading. However, each of these ordinances were designed to
deal with one large parking problem. She then turned the hearing over to the
City Manager.
City Manager Hugley then called on Traffic Engineer Mr. Ron Hamlett to come
forward and make a presentation to Council.
Mr. Ron Hamlett (Traffic Engineer) said we first discussed this on our July
22, 2008 Council meeting and at that time we looked at recommendations of
making North Lake Parkway a No Parking Anytime on both the North and South
curbs. During that meeting, there was a lot of discussion on looking at other
alternates we can look at in terms of facilitating some additional parking for
businesses in that area. We submitted another parking survey to the businesses
out there and received six responses supporting the parking on one side of the
street. From that, we developed three individual ordinances.
Ordinance #1 is for North Lake Parkway and our recommendation is to remove
only the parking along the Southside of the roadway. This would maximize
parking long the north side, which is not developed as this time and will also
help with sight distance coming out of the driveways of businesses along the
south side.
The second roadway is North Lake Connector ? there is one business on the
East side; there is no business on the West. Our recommendation here is to
remove the parking along the west side. We were having a lot of spillover (even
today) when there is parking on both North and South of North Lake Parkway
spilling over into the connector. Our recommendation here is to remove the
parking on the West side.
To follow that through with the idea that we will get spillage from others
is to include the North Lake Loop (Option #3). We will do parking only on one
side of the street. This will allow parking on one side and maintain two-way
traffic and one of the most important things to the businesses is being able to
get their truck deliveries in any of these roadways.
Our recommendation is to adopt three individual ordinances (North Lake
Parkway South Curb; North Lake Connector West Curb; North Lake Loop South Curb)
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. Option #1 (Councilor Davis)
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An Ordinance ? 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 West curb of Northlake Connector beginning at the North
curb of Northlake Parkway, running North the entire length of Northlake
Connector to the South curb of Northlake Loop; Authorizing the installation of
official traffic control signs indicating No Parking Anytime with said
restrictions; repealing any conflicting ordinances and for other purposes.
Option #2 (Councilor Davis-Companion Ordinance)
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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 South Curb of North Lake Loop beginning at the East Curb of North
Lake Connector; authorizing the installation of official traffic control signs
indicating No Parking Anytime with said restrictions; repealing any conflicting
ordinances and for other purposes. Option #3 (Councilor Davis)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Jason Gregory (Carl Gregory Enterprises) came forward and said he is
for this ordinance to some extent but looking at the options, number one poses
a problem for us (no parking on North and South curbs of North Lake Parkway) ?
since people often park blocking the entrance into our complex and even parking
in the complex itself.
City Manager Hugley said for clarification purposes (option #1), ordinance
does say North and South side of North Lake Parkway ? that is two weeks ago
language and we at the appropriate time will want to delete the North side so
that it will show South side as Traffic Engineer Ron Hamlett explained.
Several Council members, City Manager Hugley, Traffic Engineer Ron Hamlett,
and Mr. Gregory spent an additional 30 minutes discussing this matter after
which City Manager Hugley pointed out that Councilor Davis? amendment would be
to include No Parking in the dead-end cul-de-sac and take out No Parking
Anytime along the North Curb of North Lake Parkway.
Mr. Garcia, the owner of El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant came forward and
stated that his restaurant is the main culprit of the parking problem and he is
here to discuss with Council what they can do to help solve this problem. Mr.
Garcia said he would like to at least start off with the proposed options to
see if the parking problem can be resolved. He further stated that his business
has been very successful because of the people of Columbus and he thinks they
(his restaurant) serve a very good purpose for the City of Columbus. The
restaurant offers a family environment at an affordable cost.
Mr. Garcia said the closing of both north and south sides of North Lake
Parkway could hurt his business and if there is anything he can do (on his
part) he will do.
Rafael (Manager of El Vaquero) came forward and stated that they are very
concerned about the parking situation, we are very aware of it and we are also
worried about the security and safety as well. Last week we hired two police
officers to police the parking lot and outside areas. We understand that there
is a problem but to close both north and south sides will really hurt our
business and other businesses as well.
At the request of Council, Mr. Hamlett made some additional comments
regarding the ordinance for restaurants and parking.
City Manager Hugley reminded Council that option number 1 shows North &
South No Parking Anytime and it should read No Parking Anytime Tow-Away Zone to
include right-of-way along the South Curb from the East Curb of Veterans
Parkway, East to the Dead-end Cul-De-Sac. Councilor Davis mentioned to include
the cul-de-sac and wrap around to the North lake Connector as an amendment in
this ordinance and we want to make note of that change in Option #1, with
options # 2&3 remaining as is.
Councilor Davis then made a motion to amend the ordinance as explained by
City Manager Hugley. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present with Councilor Barnes being absent from
this meeting.
Assistant City Attorney DeLoach informed Council that this would be back
for a vote next week on second reading.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND THE CAPTION READ BY
COUNCILOR ALLEN AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (337-08) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Kenneth M. Henson
Jr. for his meritorious service on the Hospital Authority of Columbus, Georgia.
Upon reading the resolution, Councilor Allen moved the adoption. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present with Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting and
Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION:
Mayor Wetherington said he would like to take this time to recognize Scout
Troop #2 sponsored by St. Matthews? Lutheran Church. Scout Troop #2 is here to
observ the meeting today as part of their work to obtain their merit badges.
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RESOLUTIONS:
Councilor Hunter called for a resolution for Mr. Ben Richardson State Court
Solicitor General who was recently named solicitor general of the year for the
State of Georgia.
Councilor Woodson called for a resolution of condolences to the father of
Reggie Richards ? Sergeant First Class (retired) Phillip Liparoto who recently
passed away.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF EACH PERSON COMMENTS:________
MS. TRACY BAKER, REPRESENTING THE JIREH NEW BEGINNINGS FOUNDATIONS, INC.,
RE: THE MISSION OF THE FOUNDATION TO PRESERVE HOME OWNERSHIP
STATUS:_______________________________
Ms. Baker said she is the president of the Jireh New Beginning Foundation ?
a non-profit faith based organization that depends solely on donations. Our
organization is partnering with other non-profit organizations in Columbus for
the express purpos of saving our homeowners who are being faced with
foreclosure.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_______
A Resolution (338-08) - Authorization is requested to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgia Department of Transportation on
behalf of MidTown Columbus, Inc., to accept $797,840 of Transportation
Enhancement funds for the construction of Phase I of the Wynnton Road Master
Plan. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present with Councilors Davis and Hunter being absent for this vote and
Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
A Resolution (339-08) - Authorization is requested to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgia Department of Transportation on
behalf of Trees Columbus, Inc., to accept $1,000,000 of Transportation
Enhancement Grant funds to complete Phase III of the Veterans Parkway
Streetscape project. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those seven members
of Council present with Councilor Davis and Hunter being absent for this vote
and Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
A Resolution (340-08) ? Authorization is requested to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgia Department of Transportation to
accept $53,600 of Transportation Enhancement Funds for Lakebottom Park Trail
Improvement. Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present with Councilor Davis and Hunter being absent for this vote and
Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
A Resolution (341-08) - Authorization is requested to submit an application
and if approved accept a $7,500 grant from the Council of Juvenile Court Judge
of Georgia to fund the purchase of services for juvenile offenders program.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present with
Councilor Davis and Hunter being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes
being absent from this meeting.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Manager Hugley stated that he would like a brief executive session at
the end of today?s meeting to discuss litigation.
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ANNOUNCEMENT:
City Manager Hugley made the following announcement:
Thursday, August 5, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. ? National Night out.
Thursday, August 7, 2008 - 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers ? First Public
Forum on the proposed once per week garbage pick-up.
Thursday, August 12, 2008 ? 6:00 p.m. second and final forum on once per
week garbage pick-up.
August 19, 2008 ? 4:00 p.m. ? Warm Springs Bike Trail phase 3 open house
public hearing at Midland Elementary School.
September 4, 2008 ? United Way Kick-off at the Trade Center Ballroom.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL:_________
(1) Notice from NLC of the Congress of Cities & Exposition, November 11 ?
15, 2008 in Orlando, Florida.
(2) Notice from ACCG, Re: Georgia?s Child Care Industry: Economic Impact
and Workforce Development Study Information sessions held around the state to
discuss the results of the study.
(3) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Franklin Karl Douglass, Councilor McDaniel?s
nominee to replace Mr. Harry Vernon on the Board of Water Commissioners.
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THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON:______________________________
A Resolution (342-08) - excusing Councilor Jerry ?Pops? Barnes from the
August 5, 2008 Council Meeting. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present with Councilor Barnes being absent from this
meeting.
A Resolution (343-08) - Receiving and approving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of June 2008. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present with councilor Hunter being absent for this vote and
Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
Application of Wanna Barker-Wright to temporarily close the 500 block of
Radcliff Avenue on Saturday, August 9, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in
connection with a ?Back to School Giveaway Block Party?. (The Police Department
is recommending approval.) Councilor Allen moved the approval of the
application. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present with councilor Hunter being absent for
this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
Copy of an Official Appointment Form to reappoint Ms. Sandra Gill, Ms. Anne
Hopp and Ms. Nancy Schroeder for another term of office on the New Horizons
Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases Community
Service Board. Councilor Woodson moved the approval of the reappointments.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present with councilor Hunter being absent for this vote and Councilor
Barnes being absent from this meeting.
Letter from Ms. Cynthia Maisano resigning from her position on the Animal
Control Advisory Board. Councilor McDaniel moved the acceptance of the letter.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present with councilor Hunter being absent for this vote and Councilor
Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________________________________________________
Airport Commission, June 25, 2008.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 26-08.
Building Contractors Examining Board, June 4, 2008.
Council Briefing, March 28, 2006.
Council Briefing, April 10, 2006.
Council Briefing, April 18, 2006.
Council Briefing, June 13, 2006.
Employees? Pension Plan Board of Trustees, June 4, 2008.
Councilor Allen moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present
with councilor Hunter being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being
absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND RECEIVED ONLY BY
COUNCIL:__________________________________________________________
Petition submitted by David Lindsey / Brett Thompson to rezone 65.4 acres
of property located at 8276 & 8296 Blackmon Road / 8336 Blackmon Road from SFR1
(Single Family Residential 1) to SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3).
(Recommended for denial by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the
Planning Department). (25-D-08- Lindsey / Thompson). Councilor Henderson moved
that the petition be received only. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilor Hunter
being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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ADD-ON:
Application of Mr. Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from 10th
Street to 12th Street (1000 & 1100 Block) and 11th Street from 1st Avenue to
Front Avenue on Saturday and Sunday August 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 30 & 31
from 12:00 am to 4:00 am. In connection with ?Uptown Columbus Security?.
Councilor Allen moved the approval of the application. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present with councilor Hunter being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes
being absent from this meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS:
Clerk of Washington pointed out that Mr. Karl Douglas could be confirmed if
there are no other nominees. Councilor Henderson moved the confirmation.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present with Councilor Hunter being absent for this vote and Councilor
Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Stephen Butler and Kriss
Cloninger are eligible for reappointment and a nomination will be needed for
James Yancey seat. Councilor Henderson moved to reappoint Stephen Butler and
Kriss Cloninger. Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that this would
be back next week for confirmation.
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KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Barnes is working on
a replacement for Mr. Earnest Baulkmon seat.
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PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that we still need a nominee
for the alternate member on this board.
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TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Mr. Wallace Archie has
resigned and she has spoken with Lt. Ross and the commission (Taxicab) is
working on recommendations for this seat.
Councilor Allen asked about the bio sketch for Mr. Jeff Johnston and then
stated that if every is ok with the background; he (Councilor Allen) would like
to place Mr. Johnston?s name for possible nomination for this board.
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TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Andrea Richardson is no
longer a resident of Muscogee County and a nomination would be needed for this
seat.
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YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that nominees are needed for
the 2008/2009 school years.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request by City Manager Hugley, Mayor Pro-Tem Turner
Pugh made a motion to allow the Council to go into an executive session to
discuss litigation matter. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilor Hunter
being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent form this meeting
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At 7:05 p.m. the regular session was adjourned to allow the Council to go
into an executive session.
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At 7:20 p.m. the meeting was called back to order at which time Mayor
Wetherington pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to
discuss litigation, but no action was taken.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
McDaniel then made a motion adjourn. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilor
Hunter being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent from this
meeting with the time being 7:25 p.m.
Tiny Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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