MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 23, 2015
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 5:35 P.M., Tuesday, June 23, 2015, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens
Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia Honorable
Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh were Councilors R. Gary
Allen, Mike Baker, Tom B. Buck III, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Bruce Huff
and Judy W. Thomas. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay,
Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and
Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey Glisson were also present. Councilor Evelyn
Woodson took her seat at 6:00 p.m. Councilor Jerry Barnes took his seat at 6:15
pm.
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ABSENT: Mayor Teresa Tomlinson was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. Ken Jelks of Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by members of Girls Inc.
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RECOGNITION OF REPRESENTATIVE CALVIN
SMYRE:____________________________________________________
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh recognized State Representative Calvin
Smyre, who was present in the audience.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
PROCLAMATIONS:
?SCOTT?S RIDE FOR MIRACLES DAY?:
With, Mr. Scott Ressmeyer and the Miracle Riders standing at the Council
table, Councilor Judy Thomas read Mayor Tomlinson?s proclamation, proclaiming
June 23, 2015, as ?Scott?s Ride for Miracles Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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?ETHAN ELLIS DAY?:
With, Mr. Ethan Ellis and his family members standing at the Council
table, Councilor Mike Baker read Mayor Tomlinson?s proclamation, proclaiming
June 23, 2015, as ?Ethan Ellis Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
TARGET ZERO INITIATIVE:
Ms. Drale Short with the Public Services Department came forward and
pointed out that she is here today to present an organization that has invited
Columbus, Georgia to join their organization, which would consider us to be a
fellow city. She said we were invited to join because we were one of three
cities in the nation to receive a community cat grant, which was received in
2013 in the amount of $600,000. She said because of this grant, we knew that we
would open a lot of doors. She said we knew that once we were given this grant,
eyes would be on us from the nation, and since then, a lot of different
national organizations have been reaching out to us. She said Target Zero is
one of the organizations that she jumped at the opportunity to work with, only
because what this means for us is that we have a group of national
professionals that would actually come into our facility and access every
aspect of what we do, to make sure that we are doing the best that we can do
for the animals of this community.
Ms. Short then introduced Dr. Sara Pizano, Program Director of Target Zero
Initiative, who made a presentation before the Council.
Dr. Sara Pizano then came forward and gave some of her experience in
working with animal welfare. She then gave the following presentation, as
outlined below.
Target Zero~Our Story
Prototype City: Jacksonville, FL 2002
? Dismal conditions at animal control
? Negative perception of JHS and JACC
? Mayor?s Task Force controversial
? New Chief at JACC (2008) wanted new branding with new name
? Over 10 years, 3 mayors, 4 JACC chiefs & 3 JHS directors
Organizational Collaboration Was Crucial: ONE Team
Dr. Pizano said they worked together with the Animal Care & Protective
Services and Jacksonville Humane Society to make Jacksonville, Florida a No
Kill Community
Target Zero~ Our Story
? In FY01/02 the save rate was 30%
? In FY 13/14 the save rate was 90%
? Over 18 months with save rate 90%+
What is Target Zero?
Target Zero (TZ) is a charitable initiative that mentors (pro bono) best
practices in ?Fellow Cities? to get them to zero.
Dr. Pizano said everything that they do to assist cities is pro bono.
Target-Zero~Progress
Jacksonville, FL
Waco, TX*
Baton Rouge, LA
Pensacola, FL
Indianapolis, IN
Huntsville, AL
(Partner City Cincinnati, OH)
Other Potential Fellows
Montgomery County, AL
Columbus, GA
Columbus, OH
Nashville, TN
Bakersfield, CA
Yakima, WA
Target Zero~Guiding Principles
Kitten/Puppy Nurseries
Foster Care
Live Release Programs
Surrender Prevention Programs
Solutions For Community Cats
Targeted Spay/Neuter
Shelter & Public Policy
Target Zero~Our Guiding Principles
Shelter and Public Policy
Ordinances
Licensing Requirements
Automatic funding
Mandatory identification
*Data collection/analysis*
Target Zero~Our Guiding Principles
Shelter and Public Policy
Population Management/Length of Stay*
Placement of animals
Marketing of shelter pets
Shelter environment
Policies and Procedures
We make it easy to leave animals in shelters and difficult to get them out!
Target Zero~Our Guiding Principles
Targeted Spay/Neuter
Fixed income requirement*
Large Dogs
Community Cats
High intake areas
*Studies show most effective way to decrease shelter intake
Dr. Pizano then presented a graph for Jacksonville, Florida, Waco, Texas,
and Huntsville, Alabama, which highlighted the total of surgeries, total number
of deaths, as well as the total number of Shelter intake from 2002 through 2014.
Target Zero~Our Guiding Principles
Income Targeted Spay/Neuter
Tipping Point
5 subsidized surgeries per 1,000 people
Community Cat Diversion (Feral Freedom)
? Free roaming cats more likely to find their way home from the street than a
shelter
? Instead of intake divert to spay/neuter/ear tip/vax program and release back
to ?outdoor home?
? May have to update ordinances/laws
Community Cat Diversion (Feral Freedom)
? Increased community immunity against rabies
? Overall decrease in community cats over time therefore fiscally responsible
program
? With less cats: less wildlife at risk, lower zoonotic risk of rabies and
parasite transmission
Community Cat Diversion (Feral Freedom)
? Virtually eliminates euthanasia of cats in shelter
? Increased adoption of cats that are admitted
? More resources for dogs ($$, staff time, space, etc.)
Dr. Pizano showed a graph of Jacksonville, Florida which depicts
decreasing intake/euthanasia of shelter cats after Community Cat Diversion
(Feral Freedom) started in 2008. FY 14/15 is through April 15, 2015. She also
showed a graph of Waco, Texas, where the cat intake and outcome after Community
Cat Diversion began in 2013.
She also highlighted for Huntsville, Alabama, the Cat Intake and Outcome
after income targeted SN began in 2008 and Community Cat Diversion began in
2014
Target Zero~Our Guiding Principles
Surrender Prevention
? Far greater impact on life saving than reactive programs
? Help owners either keep their pets or place them to avoid a surrender
? Managed intake
Target Zero~Our Guiding Principles
Live Release Programs
? Return to Owner
? Adoptions
? Rescue
? Foster
After the conclusion of her presentation, Dr. Pizano then asked if there
were any questions of the Council, but there were none.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said if there are any questions of the Council,
they should be forwarded to Drale Short of the Public Works Department.
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CRIME PREVENTION GRANTS FUNDING:
Mr. Seth Brown- Crime Prevention Director and Ms. LaRae Dixon Moore,
Chairperson of the Crime Prevention Board, came forward to present the grants
that requesting funding by the Crime Prevention Board for the FY-16 budget.
Mr. Brown briefly described each one of the Crime Prevention Grants that
are being presented to Council for approval and are listed as follows:
After Mr. Brown responded to questions of members of the Council, the
following resolutions were then adopted approving the grant applications as
outlined below.
A Resolution (153-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with Muscogee County
Adult Drug Court for $10,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds.
A Resolution (154-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with Big Brothers
Big Sisters for $20,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds.
A Resolution (155-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with the Boys &
Girls Club for $40,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds for the Delinquency
Prevention Initiative.
A Resolution (156-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with Columbus Parks
and Recreation for $30,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds for the Boxwood
Project.
Councilor Thomas said when we first appropriated money for the Boxwood
Project we appropriated money to do two things; (1) to redo the center itself,
updated the center itself physically, as well as (2) appropriate money for the
program.
Mr. Brown said we have done it now for two years, or this will be two
years.
Councilor Thomas said we did it in 2012 and 2013. She asked if we didn?t
do it last year.
Mr. Brown said that there was a partial that we did, which was not a full
year because the Center hadn?t been opened at that point in time, because it
was still under the rehab phase; which feel under infrastructure funds.
He said it didn?t fall under their office. Even though this was not through his
office, Director Brown said they did fund a portion to get equipment, such as
books, chairs, etc.
Councilor Thomas said she fully supports the program that Parks &
Recreation is doing at Boxwood and at other facilities throughout the City;
it?s a tremendous program. She said she seems to recall; however, that the last
time we had this conversation about funding this program with Crime Prevention
money, the deal was that Parks & Recreation was going to look at moving this
into their regular budget since it is a program just like other programs in
their regular budget, at other recreation centers, and then asked, what
happened.
Mr. Brown said they were told if they weren?t able to help fund this
program; then, the program would not exist. He said the Crime Prevention Board
looked at this request and felt that they had done such good work that they did
not want to not fund it this year, so they funded it at a much lower level, at
$30,000, but in the past, it had been funded at about $80,000.
Director Brown stated that he did tell the board, Council determines where
the money goes, and the board makes recommendations, but the board said that
they didn?t want to fund it in the future because of that.
He said they wanted to fund a new Primus King, or a Belvedere, or what they
went forward with.
After continued discussion on this matter, Director Brown and Director of
Parks & Recreation, Dr. Worsley responded to questions of members of the
Council.
Councilor Thomas asked Dr. Worsley to look at his budget for next fiscal
year, to incorporate this program, as part of the Parks & Recreation?s budget.
After further discussion continued on this matter, several members of the
Council expressing their views regarding this subject, with City Manager Hugley
and Director of Parks & Recreation Dr. Worsley responding to those concerns of
members of the Council, after which Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested that
Dr. Worsley bring forward a presentation during one of the Council?s Work
Sessions, explaining what?s happening at these Recreation Centers. She said a
lot of the people don?t really know what goes on in the recreation centers.
Director Brown continued with the presentation of the grant funding
request of the additional programs, as listed below.
A Resolution (157-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with BRIDGE of
Columbus for $13,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds.
A Resolution (158-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with Chattahoochee Valley
Jail Ministry, Inc. for $38,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds.
A Resolution (159-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with Columbus Police
Department for $50,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds for DARE to be GREAT.
A Resolution (160-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with E.I.T.A. for
$20,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds.
A Resolution (161-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with the Family
Center of Columbus for $85,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds for the F.A.S.T.
Program.
A Resolution (162-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with Georgia
Appleseed, Inc. for $95,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds.
A Resolution (163-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with Girls, Inc. for
$40,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds for college and career prep courses.
A Resolution (164-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with the Muscogee
County Marshal?s Office for $20,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds for the Jr.
Marshal?s Program.
A Resolution (165-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with the Columbus
Police Department for $18,158 in Crime Prevention Grant funds for the
LeadsOnline system.
A Resolution (166-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with the Literacy
Alliance of Columbus for $87,5000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds. (See
Councilor Barnes request below to abstain from voting on this item.)
A Resolution (167-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with the Office of
Dispute Resolution for $20,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds.
A Resolution (168-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with Neighborhoods
Focused on African American Youth, Inc. for $25,300 in Crime Prevention Grant
funds.
A Resolution (169-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with Right from
the Start for $40,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds.
A Resolution (170-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with Teen
Advisors, Inc. for $30,000 in Crime Prevention Grant.
A Resolution (171-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with Twin
Cedars, Inc. for $30,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds.
A Resolution (172-15) ? Approving a one-year contract with the Urban
League for $20,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds.
Councilor Henderson moved approval of the twenty grant proposals, as
outlined above. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Davis being absent
for this vote.
Crime Prevention Director Seth Brown also requested permission to allow
them to use the carry over funds for the FY-15 funding from the grant funds.
Councilor Huff then made a motion to allow Crime Prevention to use carry
over funds. Seconded by Councilor Woodson.
Crime Prevention Director Seth Brown and Deputy City Manager Hodge
responded to questions of members of the Council regarding the request to carry
over funding from some of the programs.
After conclusion of the discussion, the motion then carried unanimously
by those ten members of Council present.
Director Brown recognized the presence of Chairperson LaRae Moore and
Police Captain Gordan Grisworld, of the Crime Prevention Board, who were
present in the audience.
Councilor Barnes requested that he be allowed to abstain from voting on
the resolution approving the funding for the Literacy Alliance. Councilor
Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:_____________
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An Ordinance (15-31) ? Providing for the establishment of taxing
districts, including a county-wide general services district and three (3)
urban services districts, and three (3) Business Improvement Districts (BID);
providing for the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for Columbus,
Georgia within such districts for the year 2015 as provided under the Charter
of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; providing penalties for
violations of the provisions of said ordinance; and for other purposes.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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An Ordinance (15-32) ? Providing for the levy, assessment, and collection
of taxes for the public school system of Columbus, Georgia; and for other
purposes.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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An Ordinance (15-33) ? Amending Chapter 5 of the Columbus Code so as to
establish and increase various fees and costs pertaining to dogs and cats in
Columbus, Georgia all effective July 1, 2015; to implement the requirements of
State law with respect to the regulation of vicious and dangerous dogs; and for
other purposes.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND THEN AMENDED
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION:
An Ordinance (15-34) ? Amending various provisions of Chapter 13 Article
VII of the Columbus Code pertaining to solid waste collection and disposal.
Councilor Davis said he would like to bring back up for the Council?s
reconsideration to remove the mandate on plastic bags. He said we have talked
about this matter for many, many weeks now, and he thinks that everyone
understands the concerns and the issues involving the citizenry.
He said we are really biting off a lot when we are asking the citizens to do
more. He said he thinks the right way to approach this is through education,
encouraging the community to help and assist in more ways, and to ultimately
let the people volunteer to take these steps that are being proposed. He said
he thinks that people will get on board, but he still has an issue at this
point for mandating or putting a total restriction on the use of plastic bags
for several reasons.
He then made a motion to eliminate the requirement that there be no use of
plastic bags. Seconded by Councilor Allen.
City Manager Hugley said if there is a specific question of staff they can
answer that; and said we have talked about it during the budget presentations,
as well as talked about it on first reading and said they will answer any
questions of the Council, but otherwise they don?t have a presentation.
Councilor Davis said his motion would allow the use of plastic bags.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then called the question on the motion, which
was carried by a vote of six to four with Councilors Barnes, Buck, Davis, Huff,
Thomas and Woodson voting yes and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, as well as
Councilors Allen, Baker and Henderson voting no.
Councilor Davis then made a motion to adopt the ordinance as amended, to
take out the prohibition of plastic bags and adopt the balance of the
ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND
INTRODUCED ON
FIRST READING: (See below for additional discussion on this
matter)
An Ordinance ? Amending the ?Official Street Map, City of Columbus,
Georgia,? by changing the official street name for the section of public
roadway currently designated as Gunboat Drive to Chastain Drive, to be one
street name consistent with the length of roadway; authorizing the replacement
of existing street name signs labeled as Gunboat Drive to Chastain Drive.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (173-15) ? Concerning the issuance of revenue bonds by the
Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia to finance a project for the benefit of
Eagles Trace, GA LLC.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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GUNBOAT DRIVE:
Referring back to the ordinance, as listed above, Councilor Woodson said
on the first reading of this ordinance asked if this is the same request that
we had before for Reverend Flakes and others, which was said it could not be
done. She asked if this was a private street or a public street.
City Attorney Fay stated this is not listed as an honorary street
designation, but this is an official street name change for the street.
Councilor Allen said it is a very short street, which used to be in his
Council District. Councilor Woodson said she understands, but she just wanted
to clarify this because she does not want the telephone calls to come in from
citizens asking why we are changing a street name regardless of the length of
the street. She said she just want to be able to answer a citizens questions
from citizens if they should call and ask, why we were able to do it for this
street name, but not able to do it for another. She said she remembers when we
tried to do one for Davis? Broadcasting and we weren?t able to do it. She said
she needs an explanation so that she will be able to explain to people when
they stop her and ask about it.
Director of Engineering Donna Newman said in this particular case Chastain
Properties owns two of the three parcels in that area and they wanted it
changed to a more positive name. She said they were afraid that there were some
negative connotations with the name Gunboat. She said
because of all the contributions that Dr. Chastain made to the community, they
wanted to do it in honor of him. She said this is a public street and it would
change the official name as the City Attorney mentioned. She said those other
requests were honorary; so, therefore, you would have two names for a street
and that can create some confusion at times, where you would have the official
street name where the addresses are and then you may have an honorary street
name.
Councilor Woodson said she understands the difference between the two, but
what she needed was an explanation as to why, because when the requests were
made before on these other streets, it was to make the name change of the
streets, but this Council or someone said, we were not able to do that, so that
is why will did it honorary because of that. She said what she is asking is
what the difference is between those requests and this one.
Director Newman said this is more multi-family than a subdivision, but
said he owns two of the three parcels along that street.
Discussion continued on this subject, with several members of the Council
expressing their views regarding this matter, after which Councilor Henderson
said to be fair and consistent, he thinks that we need to send this to the
Board of Honor requesting this honorary designation. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson.
City Attorney Fay responded to a question of Councilor Thomas saying that
the Honor of Board can recommend a change like this on an official street, but
said it is not required. He said in this particular case, since we are talking
about an official street map change, it does not have to go to the Board of
Honor.
Councilor Woodson said the other requests were done the same way, and we
were told that it could not be done, and said that is the reason that she is
asking. She said she doesn?t have a problem with it, but she just wants to be
consistent because that is what the request was; to change the street name and
it came back that it had to go back to the Board of Honor. She said when the
Board of Honor sent it back, they said we couldn?t change it, but could do the
honorary designation.
An unidentified gentleman came forward and said it is more than an
honorary designation, but said they are trying to rebrand the area because of
some of the crime that has happened in the area between the last four to five
years. He said the current street name is Gunboat, and said they have two of
the parcels on the street. He said they want to get away from the negative
connation.
After the conclusion of the discussion, Clerk of Council Washington then
read the Code Section as it relates to honorary street designations, naming of
official streets, and the Board of Honor?s role in such matters.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then called the question on the motion to refer
this matter to the Board of Honor, which carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, speaking to City Attorney Fay, said she thinks
that the ordinance needs to be clearer, because it states an honorary street,
as well as talks about a new naming of a street. She said this is not a new
street, nor is it an honorary street, but said it is changing the name of an
existing street. She said she thinks that the ordinance needs to be cleaned up.
City Attorney Fay said as the ordinance currently reads, it would
basically send everything to the Board of Honor, and said he doesn?t think that
is what the Council wants to do from here on out and said that is something
that we can consider changing. He said that is something that they can look at
with Engineering Department and the Planning Department.
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ORDINANCE NUMBER 15-34
Referring back to Ordinance Number 15-34, City Attorney Fay said we need
a motion to move the effective date back to July 1st since we will not have the
prohibition on the plastic bags. He said we had a January 1st effective date,
but said he don?t think that is necessary at this time. He said we need a
motion to amend to make the ordinance effective July 1st.
Councilor Thomas so moved. Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried by those ten
members of Council present.
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THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (174-15) ? Authorizing payment of Attorney Fees which may be
incurred for legal services rendered regarding various city issues during
Fiscal Year2016.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS APPEARED BEFORE THE COUNCIL ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA
TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING SUBJECT MATTERS, AS LISTED BELOW: ________
MR. DARRISH BRUMIDGE, RE: WALMART NEAR DOROTHY HEIGHT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
AND GIRLS, INC:____________
Mr. Darrish Brumidge, came forward and expressed his concerns regarding
the construction of the new Wal-Mart near Dorothy Height Elementary School and
Girls, Inc. He said he is worried about perverts, and how the crime is going to
change over in that area. He said he wants to know what Wal-Mart is going to
do. He said there is a single gate over there and said that anyone could jump
back and forth over that gate. He said they already have a problem over there
because when he went to take his daughter inside the Girls Inc., one morning
there was a car sitting there in the parking lot and when he came out thirty
minutes later, the car was still sitting there. He said he can?t understand why
the City would allow a Wal-Mart to build that close to a new school.
He said his concern is for his daughter?s safety, and said he wanted to
know if Wal-Mart is going to put up a protection gate, like the other facility
on the Expressway, one that is high enough to separate the school and the
building. He said they need more lightning over there and said he wants to
know if the City is going to protect the people they are supposed to protect.
He said he wants to know what was the agreement with Wal-Mart and are they are
going to do something for the community.
Mr. Brumidge said when Baker Village was torn down, there was supposed to
be apartments and homes built in its place.
Councilor Huff said he did receive a telephone call concerning this issue
and his concern about the safety for his daughter. He said he did ask Mr.
Brumidge to come, give the City Manager and the City a call, and allow us a
chance to check into it and see what was going on. He then asked the City
Manager to make some comments regarding this matter.
City Manager Hugley said the property was rezoned and said we have options
for buffer requirements and said Wal-Mart will select one of three options and
said that the Director of Planning can share what those options are with Mr.
Brumidge. He said he can tell you at this point, that it will not be any kind
of security fence or gate. He said he can ask the staff to have a conversation
with Wal-Mart to share your concerns and see if there are other options that
might be considered.
Director Rick Jones, of the Planning, came forward and shared the buffer
options that can be considered by Wal-Mart.
Several members of the Council responded to those concerns expressed by
Mr. Brumidge.
Major Stan Swiney, of the Columbus Police Department, who was also present
in the Council Chambers on another matter, was asked to come forward and
respond to those concerns of Mr. Brumdige as it relates to the traffic
concerns. Major Randy Robertson, of the Sheriff?s Department was also present
in the audience, also came forward and responded to Mr. Brumidge?s concerns as
it relates to sex offenders.
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PASSING OF MR. FRANKLIN DOUGLASS:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she just received a text from
Mr. Karl Douglass stating that his father passed away at 4:45 p.m. today.
She said she would like to send our condolences out to the family of
Mr. Franklin Douglass.
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MS. SARA C. ROWE, RE: THE UNINTENED CONSEQUENCES OF NO
KILL:____________________________________________ _
Ms. Sara C. Rowe, came forward to talk about the Unintended Consequences
of No Kill. She said she has provided the Council with a copy of her
presentation, as well as provide a copy of a DVD. She said this DVD is a
recording of the District Attorney in Sparks, Nevada when he addressed his City
Council on June 18, 2015; which is quiet interesting.
She said without asking the citizens of Columbus, and without holding an
objective public forum, some city officials and employees decided amongst
themselves that they would turn Animal Control into a No Kill Shelter. She said
they had been guided and assisted by local shelters who share that agenda. She
said this move to No Kill has been unfolding quietly, step by step since at
least 2008, or at least that?s as far back as she can trace it.
Ms. Rowe said each step has seen to be an end in itself, but was really a
part of a series of carefully planned steps, leading to the goal of turning
Animal Control Care into a No Kill functioning shelter. She said that milestone
has been reached today.
After Ms. Rowe spoke for some ten minutes in making her presentation,
saying the next step will be for them to ask the Council to change animal
codes. She said this is going on all over the country. She said more animal
changes will come, which will make services more expensive, difficult to
access, also this would relax and remove animal laws, and curtailing and
removing citizen?s services.
After the conclusion of her presentation, several members of the Council
made comments regarding this matter.
Councilor Barnes said he would encourage Ms. Rowe to prepare a
presentation that she can give to the viewing public within the ten minutes
time limit that she has. He said initially he was on board with this TNR, but
said through reading and research on his own, he realized that there are
certain definite unintended consequences physically, as far as health issues
for the citizenry. He said whenever there is an intervention in a natural
eco-system of an environment, there is always a problem.
Councilor Davis said he is personally receiving more calls on this matter,
and also said that he has had three incidents at his daughter?s house with his
grandson that he is really concerned about. He said because he is concerned
about this matter, it has led him to look into this matter a little bit more.
He said he has a letter from the DNR that states that they are not in favor of
TNR and that they consider Ferrell cats an invasive species. He said he was
concerned about what he heard on today and said he is not sure where we are
going, and said he has some concerns about that, and said that our citizens
should be concerned as well.
After the conclusion of Councilor Davis?s comments, City Manager Hugley
said it is obvious that we need to have more conversation around the Council
table, and then said he would be happy to schedule a Work Session to try and
make sure it is very clear where we were, and where we are today, as well as
where we are going. He said there are people that represent all sides.
Councilor Barnes said to him, primarily this is a health issue and said
that he has serious concerns. He said the only thing he would like for Ms. Rowe
to do, is to present facts. He said his only concern is for the health of the
community. He said he is in favor of us doing a re-look because of health
issues.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (175-15)? Authorizing the City Manager of Columbus, Georgia
to execute a contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation on behalf
of the city for financial assistance to carry out the FY 2016 Transportation
Planning Activities of the Columbus-Phenix City Transportation Study (C-PCTS).
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME
DISCUSSION:________________
A Resolution (176-15) ? Authorizing the Mayor or her designee to submit an
application for, and if awarded, accept a 2015 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance grant from the U.S. Department of Justice in the amount of $82,457,
or as otherwise awarded, with no local match requirement, to amend the
Multi-Governmental Fund by the amount of the award, and to allocate the amount
awarded to eligible city departments for Law Enforcement, Prosecution and Court
programs supported by the grant.
After City Manager Hugley explained the process used in determining the
justification of awarding these grant funds, he responded to questions of
members of the Council. Deputy City Manager Hodge also responded to questions
of members of the Council.
Major Randy Robertson of the Sheriff?s Department also came forward and
made some comments regarding their need for the funding of three areas that
they have within their department.
After the conclusion of the discussion on this subject matter, Councilor
Woodson then moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Barnes
and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
________________
A Resolution (177-15) ? Authorizing the City to submit an application for,
and if awarded, accept a three-year grant in the amount of approximately
$26,043 per year, or as otherwise awarded, to commence on July 1, 2015, from
the Corporation for National and Community Service; with an in-kind local match
requirement of up to 30% provided by salaries and wages, and to amend the
Multi-Governmental Fund by the amount of the award.
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (178-15) ? Authorizing the City Manager to submit an
application to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to fund a Juvenile
Tracking Assessments Coordinator under the fiscal year 2015 Juvenile Justice
Incentive grant, and if awarded, extend said grant until June 30, 2016, amend
the Multi-Governmental Fund by the amount of the grant award for the grant
period of July 1, 2015- June 30, 2016.
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (179-15) ? Authorizing the City Manager to submit an
application and if awarded, accept a grant from the Criminal Justice
Coordinating Council in the amount of $74,870 with a local match requirement of
$83,189, or as otherwise awarded, to fund the Muscogee County Veterans Court
for the period of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, and amend the
Multi-Governmental Fund by the amount awarded.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_
_
A Resolution (180-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of two-hundred-fifty
(250) point-and-shoot cameras (Canon PowerShot ELPH160) from 17th Street Photo
Supply, Inc. (New York, NY), at a unit price of $101.40, for a total price of
$25,350.00.
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (181-15) ? Authorizing an annual contract for the purchase of
landscape material on an ?as needed? basis, from Bloomers Lawn Garden & More,
LLC. (Columbus, GA), for the estimated contract value of $61,750.00.
Councilor Henderson said he would like to discuss that his wife?s counsin
owns this business.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (182-15) ? Authorizing an annual contract for the rental of
approximately 10 tandem dump trucks from Norwood Trucking, Inc. (Waverly Hall,
GA), for the estimated contract value of $25,000.00.
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Buck and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND DELAYED BY THE
COUNCIL:_
_
A Resolution ? Authorizing the execution of an annual contract with
Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants)
(Duluth, GA) for consulting and insurance brokerage services to represent
Columbus Consolidated Government in various insurance markets.
Deputy City Manager Hodge came forward and presented the following
information regarding the Policy versus Insurance Broker. She said in the
past, the request for proposal (RFP) was issued for an insurance policy for
property and crime. She said what they found is that the existing vendor would
request quotes from insurance carriers which would restrict access of other
brokers to those carriers; limiting the responses to the RFP.
She said the current RFP was issued for Consulting and Insurance Broker
Services.
The Consulting and Broker Services, the proposal was evaluated on the
following.
? Qualifications/Experience (35%)
? Service Plan (35%)
? References (25%)
? Cost Proposal (5%)
Ms. Hodge said this particular agenda item was done through an Request For
Proposal and said there were voting members from different departments to
include risk management, engineering and internal auditor; who evaluated the
proposals that we received and have recommended Epic for the Insurance Broker.
In responding to City Manager Hugley, Ms. Hodge then went into some
details in outlining the advantage for the City of having an insurance broker
versus insurance.
Much discussion continued on this matter, with members of the Council
expressing their views on this matter, after which Deputy City Manager Hodge,
City Manager Hugley, as well as City Attorney Fay responded to questions and
concerns of members of the Council.
Councilor Allen then made a motion to delay and ask the City Manager to
delay this process until we can put a process in place that we are comfortable
with; and we can all agree on. Seconded by Councilor Huff.
City Attorney Fay said you can decide to reject any and all proposals and
start over and said you are going to have to formally do that if you want to
continue what we currently have with the one company/broker to extend the
current contract. Councilor Allen then asked if that has to be part of the
motion, to which City Attorney Fay said it does.
After discussion on this matter, Councilor Allen made a motion to reject
any and all proposals pertaining to this particular brokerage RFP and study an
amendment to the Procurement Ordinance for the next six months to adopt a local
preference, if permissible, and extend the current insurance contracts with the
current vendor for up to six months. Seconded by
Councilor Huff.
City Attorney Fay responded to further questions of members of the
Council, with members of the Council still expressing their further views on
this matter, after which the question was then called on the motion, and
carried by a vote of six to four with Councilors Allen Barnes, Buck, Davis,
Huff and Thomas voting yes and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Baker,
Henderson and Woodson voting no.
City Manager Hugley said he will get together with the City Attorney at a
later date to get some directions as to how he should proceed.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR THOMAS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
PRESENT:__
__
A Resolution (183-15) ? Authorizing the execution of an annual contract
with Georgia Elevator Company d/b/a Elevator Service Company (Columbus, GA) to
provide elevator maintenance services for the estimated annual contract value
of $63,672.00.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (184-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of (28) Lenovo ThinkPad
Notebooks with (14) vehicle mounts, (28) travel adapters and (28) service
agreements from Cpak Technology Solutions (LaGrange, GA), in the amount of
$49,722.68 via Georgia State Contract #99999-SPD-T20120702-0005.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (185-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) pick-up truck
(2016/Ford F250/Regular Cab/V8/Long Bed 4X4/? ton), in the amount of
$30,435.00, and one (1) mid-size sedan (2016/Ford Fusion S/Mid Size Sedan/4
Door), in the amount of $17,740.00, for a total amount of $48,175.00, from
Allan Vigil Ford (Morrow, GA), via Georgia State Contract
#99999-SPD-ES40199373-002.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (186-15) ? Authorizing a Memorandum of Agreement with
Columbus Water Works for engineering and design work required for sewer
relocation associated with the Custer Road Interchange Improvements Project.
The Agreement requires the City to reimburse Columbus Water Works in an amount
not to exceed $38,000.00 for fees associated with the engineering design.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA :
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUMBITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:___________________________________________________
1. Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: May 6, 2015 Board of Honor
Meeting.
2. Biographical sketch of Ms. Marianne Richter, Mayor Tomlinson?s nominee for
the Convention & Visitors Board of Commissioners.
3. On-Site Visit Report from USGA, Re: Bull Creek & Oxbow Creek Golf Courses.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
PRESENT:_______
______________
A Resolution (187-15) ? Excusing the absence of Councilor Berry Henderson
from the June 16, 2015 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (188-15) ? Excusing the absence of Councilor Bruce Huff from
the June 16, 2015 Council Meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____
___
A Resolution (189-15) ? Appointing Mr. Lawton E. Grantham to the Board of
Tax Assessors.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________ _____
Board of Honor, May 6, 2015.
Board of Tax Assessors, 19-15.
Councilor Thomas made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Ms. Carol Rutland on the Board of Water Commissioners will expire on December
31, 2015 and that she is not eligible to succeed herself for another term of
office. She said these appointments are made in July and that it is an
appointment that must be made by the Council. There were no nominations made.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & VISITORS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Ms. Shelly Dean, Mr. Ken Johnston and Mr. Dhan Parekh on the Convention &
Visitors Board of Commissioners would expire on December 31, 2015; however,
State law requires these appointments to be made in July. She also pointed out
that Mayor Tomlinson is nominating Ms. Marianne Richter to succeed Mr. Ken
Johnston, who represents the retail/tourism community and said that she may be
confirmed. She said the Mayor is working on a replacement for Mr. Dhan Parekh.
Councilor Thomas made a motion that Ms. Richter be confirmed to succeed
Mr. Ken Johnston. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present.
*** *** ***
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Billy Blanchard and Mr.
Allen Taber?s terms of office will be expiring and that they are both eligible
to succeed themselves for another term of office.
Councilor Thomas nominated Mr. Billy Blanchard for another term of office
and Councilor Allen nominated Mr. Taber for another term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington said she will bring this back at the next meeting
for the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need one additional
nominee for someone to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Paul Todd who has
resigned from his seat on the Hospital Authority. She said hopefully, we will
have another nominee on next week, and then we can forward it to the Hospital
Authority for them to select someone.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Mr. Peter Bowden will be expiring on the Taxicab Commission and that he is
eligible to succeed himself for another term of office. Councilor Woodson then
nominated Mr. Bowden for another term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that this will come back at our
next meeting for the Council?s confirmation. She also pointed out that we are
still working on a replacement from Ms. Jodi Sears, as well as the late Mr.
Billy Craft.
*** *** ***
TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. Jeremy Cumming, who serves as the Public Utility representative, and Ms.
Candice L. Wayman, who services as the Environmental Advocacy Group
representative on the Tree Board will be expiring and that they are both
eligible to succeed themselves for another term of office.
Councilor Woodson then nominated them for another term of office. Clerk of
Council Washington pointed out that this will come back at our next meeting for
the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Allen made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present, with the time being 10:15
p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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