MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
MARCH 15, 2016
The special called meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:04 A.M., Tuesday, March 15, 2016, on the 2nd Floor of the
Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia
Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor and Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro
Tem 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, Tom B.
Buck III, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Judy W. Thomas and Evelyn Woodson.
City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay and Assistant City
Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of
Council Lindsey Glisson were also present. Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat
at 9:07 a.m.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Dr. Michael Stewart, Director of Pastor Care, Columbus
Regional Health.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Teresa Tomlinson.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_________
Before a motion was made, Councilor Davis informed the Mayor and Council
that he would be abstaining from the vote on the Uptown Tax Allocation
District.
A Resolution ?By the Council of Columbus, Georgia to create Columbus,
Georgia Consolidated Government Tax Allocation District #2: 6th Avenue/Liberty
District; to designate the boundaries of the redevelopment area and tax
allocation district; to establish the last known tax increment base and adopt a
redevelopment plan for the area; to establish the intent to issue and sell tax
allocation bonds as necessary to effectuate the redevelopment of the area; and
for other purposes.
After a brief discussion on the Council being responsible for approving
projects within the TADS, Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present.
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Before the resolution approving the Uptown TAD was presented or discussed,
Councilor Allen made a motion allowing Councilor Davis to abstain from the vote
on this item. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council being present, with Councilor Davis being absent for
the vote.
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A Resolution ? By the Council of Columbus, Georgia to create Columbus,
Georgia Consolidated Government Tax Allocation District #3 uptown; to designate
the boundaries of the redevelopment area and tax allocation district; to
establish the last known tax increment base and adopt a redevelopment plan for
the area; to establish the intent to issue and sell tax allocation bonds as
necessary to effectuate the redevelopment of the area; and for other purposes.
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Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council, with
Councilor Davis abstaining from the vote.
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A Resolution ? By the Council of Columbus, Georgia to create Columbus,
Georgia Consolidated Government Tax Allocation district #4: 2nd Avenue/City
Village; to designate the boundaries of the redevelopment area and tax
allocation district; to establish the last known tax increment base and adopt a
redevelopment plan for the area; to establish the intent to issue and sell tax
allocation bonds as necessary to effectuate the redevelopment of the area; and
for other purposes.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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THE FOLLOWING PRESENTATION WAS PROVIDED ON
THE CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:________
_
To begin the presentation, a video produced by CCG-TV?s Mike King was
shown depicting the opinions of parents and children who visited the Columbus
Aquatic Center from a swim meet.
Parks and Recreation Director Dr. James Worsley, and Deputy City Manager
Pam Hodge came forward to provide the Mayor and Council with funding options
for the Aquatic Center.
Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge began the presentation by discussing the
first option, where a portion of the Hotel/Motel Tax would be redirected to
supplement the funds allocated to operate the Columbus Aquatic Center.
Columbus Aquatic Center Update
March 15, 2016
Reduction Options for FY17 Goal $500,000
Action Estimated Cost Savings
1 Redirect a portion of the motel/hotel tax from Civic Center (2%), River Center
(1%), Trade Center (1%), and CVB (4%) to the Columbus Aquatic Center $600,000
(per 1%)
Impacts
? Reallocation of legislative discretion of projects funded thru Local
Legislation from 2009, Resolution #565-08.
? Addition of the Columbus Aquatics Center for Tourism Product Development
allocation.
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Peter Bowden, Columbus Visitors Bureau (CVB) Director, took to the podium
to answer a question asked by Mayor Tomlinson in reference to the CVB grant
program. Director Bowden responded by saying that it is a tourism grant for
performing arts that equals to approximately $200,000.
Councilor Huff inquired on whether or not it would be beneficial to have
an audit done on the hotel/motel tax, how much has been collected in the past
and how much is currently being collected.
In response, Deputy City Manager Hodge stated that there was a
recommendation from staff for an audit to be conducted on three large hotels
and three small hotels. She stated that if there were any discrepancies found,
they would expand the audit, but Council did not approve an audit being done.
At this point, Councilor Huff made a motion to have an audit conducted on
the hotel/motel tax. Seconded by Councilor Woodson, then the item was opened
for discussion.
During the discussion, Councilor Davis stated that the audit could be
handled by the internal auditor, and it would be unfair to have an audit done
on only a few hotels versus all 54 hotels within the City. City Manager Hugley
responded by saying that he was unsure if one or two employees would be able to
handle auditing 54 hotels, but that a recommendation would be brought back for
Council?s consideration.
Councilor Huff stated for clarification, his motion was for a comprehensive
audit.
After the discussion, the vote was taken, with the motion being carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
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Dr. Worsley explained the second option, where the operational hours at
the recreation centers would be reduced. In addition, he stated that over
200,000 citizens utilize the recreation centers per year.
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Reduction Options for FY17 Goal $500,000
Action Estimated Cost Savings
2 Reduce operational hours at Recreation Centers from 44-30 per week $450,000
Impacts
? Citizens would have less hours to utilize facilities for activities and
rental opportunities.
? Potential for youth to participate in more risky behaviors without a safe
haven like the recreation centers.
? Decrease in operating expenses (13 part-time employees will be displaced;
programming materials; motor fuel; utility cost)
? Various activities will be affected such as mentoring/tutoring, sports
programs, fitness classes, etc.
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Councilor Henderson stated that this option is difficult for Council to
decide on considering that there are not specific information on how many
citizens utilize the centers at specific times and days. He also said that this
type of information would be helpful for the pools, as well as the aquatic
center.
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Reduction Options for FY 17 Goal $500,000
Recreation Center Proposed Hours
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Total Hours
Current 11 to 7 11 to 7 11 to 7 11 to 7 11 to 7 2 to 6 Closed 44
Proposed 4 to 9 9 to 2 4 to 9 9 to 2 4 to 9 1 to 6 Closed 30
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Councilor Huff expressed that he is in favor of keeping the Aquatic Center
open eighty-none hours, but not at the expense of reducing the hours at the
recreation centers.
Councilor Allen stated that he wanted information on the regulations on
indoor pools when there is bad weather, specifically lightning. City Manager
Hugley informed Councilor Allen that there is a presentation that is to be
shown during this Work Session that gives that particular information.
There was a brief discussion held between Councilor Davis, Dr. Worsely and
Deputy City Manager Hodge on the projected revenue projection.
After discussions on the current budget of the Aquatic Center and revenue
projections, Councilor Thomas stated that she was ready to move on and hear the
recommendations of the City Manager, because the information that is being
presented is the same information that has been heard time and time again.
City Manager Hugley stated that this is a new presentation, with some of
the old information, to include new information that was specifically asked for
by various Councilors.
There was a lengthy discussion held on the operating costs, projected
revenue of Parks & Recreation and the third-party vendor, and the possibility
of a governing authority handling the operations of the Aquatic Center.
In response to the discussion and questions asked, City Manager Hugley
stated that he just needs the Council to set a budget, and from there he will
go out to third-party vendors and ask what they are willing to give the City
for that exact amount of money.
After a very lengthy discussion, City Manager Hugley presented his
recommended funding options for the Columbus Aquatic Center. He stated that
with his recommendations he tried not to impact senior citizens, children in
recreation centers, or youth in athletic programs. The recommendations that he
will be presenting will have the least impact according to the staff.
Deputy City Manager Hodge explained the recommendations, which are as
follows:
RECOMMENDATION
Action Estimated Cost Savings
Reallocation of 1/3 of 1% from:
River Center (Project funding)
Or
CCVC (Tourism Product Development funding) $200,000
Fully implement the transition of the After School Program to MCSD or increase
fees for the program to breakeven $300,000
Or any combination of the options presented $500,000
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With the recommendations being presented, Dr. Worsley skipped to option 6
in the original presentation. The information was presented as follows:
Reduction Options for FY17 Goal $500,000
Action Estimated Cost Savings
6 Increase after-school fees in order to make the budget for Community Schools
Division breakeven $300,000
Impacts
? The sliding scale currently used by the after-school program would increase
by $6.00 per entry.
? This would cause an increase in rate for parents.
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Dr. Worsley explained that if Council was to choose to increase the fees
for the After-School Program, the fees would need to increase by $6.00 for each
child that is enrolled in order to breakeven.
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Reduction Options for FY17 Goal $500,000
After-School Program Weekly Rates and Increases
Annual Income First Child
Current After
Fees Increase Second Child
Current After
Fees Increase Each Additional Child
Current After
Fees Increase
$60,000 and above $56 $62 $51 $57 $48 $54
$50,000-59,999 $51 $57 $46 $52 $43 $49
$40,000-49,999 $46 $52 $41 $47 $38 $44
$30,000-39,999 $41 $47 $36 $42 $33 $39
$20,000-29,999 $31 $37 $26 $32 $23 $29
$12,000-19,999 $27 $33 $21 $27 $18 $24
Less than $12,000 $21 $27 $16 $22 $13 $19
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Reduction Options for FY17 Goal $500,000
After-School Program Rates Comparisons
Provider Set Fee or Income Based Fee Weekly Rate Drop In Rate
Columbus Parks & Rec (current) Income Based $21-$56 $10-$20
Columbus Parks & Rec (proposed) Income Based $27-$62 $15-$25
Columbus Parks & Rec (proposed) *Set Fee $45 $10
MCSD After School (6 Schools) Set Fee $45 $10
YMCA Set Fee $75 $35
Child Care Network Set Fee $85 $55
St. Luke Set Fee $82 $55
Growing Room Set Fee $110 $60
Angel Academy Set Fee $115 $65
* Set fee will be adjusted based on enrollment. A 25% reduction is anticipated.
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Dr. Worsley explained that the City is the only organization in the area
that has set fees based on the household income.
After discussions, Councilor Barnes made a motion to approve the City
Manager?s recommendations as presented. The motion then dead, due to a lack of
a second, and continued on for discussion.
Councilor Davis asked when the last time the fees for the after-school was
increased. Deputy City Manager Hodge responded by saying that the fees were
increased several years ago by $4.00, but that Council has not approved to
increase them since.
Councilor Davis stated that he would be interested in revisiting the
possibility of increase a number of fees throughout the City in order to help
with the constant increase in expenditures to prove these services.
With the discussion at a standstill, Mayor Tomlinson asked the Council if
anyone had a recommendation or proposal.
Councilor Allen made a motion to form an authority operating the Aquatic
Center. There was not a seconded given at this time, but there was more
discussion had on an authority or an advisory for the center.
With there being different types of groups being discussed, City Attorney
Fay explained the difference between an authority and an advisory board.
To clarify his motion, Councilor Allen stated that his motion was to
create an authority that would control the operations of the aquatic center. He
stated that the task force that was formed should take the document that was
presented by the City Attorney to collaborate and come up with one of their
own.
Councilor Thomas made a referral requesting information from the City
Attorney on what an authority is permitted and not permitted to do before
Council votes on Councilor Allen?s motion.
Deputy City Manager Hodge stated that there is a financial impact to
creating an authority, which the funds would receive a subsidy from the General
Fund.
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that there was a motion on the table made by
Councilor Allen, but there having not been a second to that motion, it fails.
With there being some confusion, Councilor Allen restated his original
motion to create an authority that would govern the operations of the Columbus
Aquatics Center. Seconded by Councilor Davis for purposes of discussion.
During discussions, Councilor Woodson made a referral for the City
Attorney to edit the document, changing the authority to a commission, so that
once the funding for an authority is established, they can then entertain the
change to an authority.
Councilor Allen changed his motion, stating that he wants the document
sent to the task force for them to discuss whether they would rather an
authority or a commission to be created.
After some discussion, Councilor Thomas made a referral for the City
Manager to bring back the proposal for the third-party company, as been
referred to as ?Company A?, with the budgeted amount of $823,800.
In addition to the referral made by Councilor Thomas, Councilor Woodson
added that she would like for the City Manager to bring back the RFP for
Company A and to forward the proposed ordinance to the task force.
At this time the vote was taken on Councilor Allen?s motion, which was
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor
Baker being absent for the vote.
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Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a referral to Parks & Recreation to look
into the possibility of increasing the after-school program fees, in order to
balance the revenues and expenditures for the program.
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Columbus Aquatic Center Grounding & Lightning Protection
Grounding Purpose
? According to the National Electrical Code, one purpose is to stabilize the
system voltage to earth during normal operating conditions by providing an
earth?s reference frame for the system; the other is to maintain within
acceptable limits, excess voltages on the system due to lightning, line surges,
and incidental contact with higher voltages.
? These two reasons allow the design engineer to meet the two primary goals of
equipment protection and personnel safety for the electrical system.
*Slide was shown entitled: Ways to Ground a Building
Inspection Process
? The Aquatic Center structure itself and the pool are grounded INDEPENDENTLY.
? Inspections & Code performed over 20 electrical inspections on the building
inspections which included grounding of the building and the swimming pool.
Lightning Protection
? Lightning protection precautions for indoor pools is an issue that poses
concerns for recreational facilities in terms of safety, risk management, and
loss control programs.
? Concerns revolve around whether or not the same thunderstorm safety
precautions for outdoor pools should be applied to indoor facilities.
Value Engineering
? The lightning protection system was removed during the value analysis phase
of the project, before construction began in October of 2011.
? The building was $900,000 over budget.
? It was deemed by the entire Owner/Architect/Contractor team to be an item
that could be removed, as it was not required to be installed by code.
Georgia Department of Public Health?s Pool Rules and Regulations, Chapter
511.3.5.18, Article 10, Warning/Safety for Swimming Pools:
? 11. No swimming allowed during heavy rain or when thunder and lightning can
be seen or heard.
Other Indoor Pools
Facility Lightning Grounding System Do you clear the pool when lightning occurs during
normal operational hours? Do you clear the pool when lightning occurs during swim
meets?
Cherokee County Aquatic Center Yes No, patrons are allowed to continue swimming No, patrons are
allowed to continue swimming
Cobb County Aquatic Center No No, patrons are allowed to continue swimming No, patrons are
allowed to continue swimming
Georgia Tech Yes Yes, patrons are cleared from the pool and must stay clear until
there is no lightning for tem (10) minutes No, patrons are allowed to continue swimming
Augusta Aquatic Center No Yes, patrons are cleared from the pool and must stay clear
until there is no lightning for 30 minutes Yes, patrons are cleared from the pool and
must stay clear until there is no lightning for 30 minutes
Cummings-Forsythe No Yes, patrons are cleared from the pool and must stay clear
until there is no lightning for 30 minutes No, patrons are allowed to continue swimming
Keldron Fieldhouse and Aquatic Center No Yes, patron are cleared from the pool and must
stay clear until there is no lightning for 30 minutes Yes, patrons are cleared from the
pool and must stay clear until there is no lightning for 30 minutes
Frances Meddow Aquatic Center Yes No, patrons are allowed to continue swimming No, patrons are
allowed to continue swimming
Can Lightning Protection be Added?
? Yes. It will have some consequences to the overall look of the facility. The
antennas are on a 25? by 25? grid spacing, and there will have to be a lead
that runs all the way to the ground on the perimeter of the building at every
100?.
? It will be important to consult the Architect of record 2WR to determine the
location of the leads, but they will be surfaced mounts (visible) because there
is no infrastructure available to take them to ground.
* A slide was shown entitled: Example of Commercial Grounding
During the presentation, Councilor Allen made a referral requesting a list
of the items that were removed from the original plans of the aquatic center in
order to meet budget.
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With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Woodson made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present, with the time
being 1:40 p.m.
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Lindsey A. Glisson
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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