MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 2, 2008
The regular monthly night session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, September 2, 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, Glen Davis,
Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., and Evelyn
Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington, and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also
present.
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ABSENT: Councilor Jerry ?Pops? Barnes.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Dr. Debora Grant of St. John AME Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Jim Wetherington.
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INSTALLATION:
2008-09 Youth Advisory Council: Carolyn Adams ? YAC President;
Coordinators: Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin; Chief Student Services Officer,
MCSD Eddie Obleton.
Deputy City Manager Goodwin called on the Youth Advisory Council members to
come forward and then extended thank you to Mayor and Council for annually
recognizing these young men and women. She said this is a partnership between
the city and the school district and to date we have approximately 70 young
people from various middle schools and high school. Mayor Wetherington then
instructed the youths to raise their hands in administering the oath.
Ms. Goodwin said these young people have been serving since 2001 and have
done some wonderful things through the community. Each year they will be coming
to you (Council) and doing an annual report of all of their accomplishment
throughout the year.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?LITURGICAL DANCE DAY?:
With member of the International Dance Commission and Liturgical Dance
standing at the Council table, Councilor Anthony read the proclamation of Mayor
Wetherington, proclaiming Tuesday, August 12, 2008 as ?Liturgical Dance Day? in
Columbus, Georgia.
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PRESENTATION:
Champion of Georgia Cities Award: Tom Gehl - Georgia Municipal Association;
Honorable Carolyn Hugley - State Representative, Honorable Calvin Smyre - State
Representative.
Mr. Gehl said he is the Deputy Director for Governmental relations for the
Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) ? representing over 500 cities including
the city of Columbus. He said he is here representing two dedicated public
servants (Representatives Smyre and Hugley). The GMA chose the give
Representative Smyre this award for his strong support of city governments
throughout this state. After some additional comments, Mr. Gehl presented
Representative Smyre with his award.
In regards to Representative Hugley, Mr. Gehl said as minority whip and
senior member of the House or Representatives, she also proved to be a champion
of Georgia cities. Her commitment is unfathomable among legislators. Mr. Gehl
called on Representative Hugley to join him at the rostrum, and after some
additional comments, he presented Representative Hugley with her award.
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PROCLAMATIONS CONTINUE:
?FOOTBALL CENTENNIAL DAY?:
With Chuck Mazoni, Dr. Marvin Crumbs, and Frank ?Butch? Martin of Columbus
High School and Ricky Stone, Jimmy Griggs, Mark Goodwin, Sandy Dawson, and
Yvonne Capparelle of Jordan Vocational High School standing at the Council
table, Councilor McDaniel read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington,
proclaiming Friday, September 5, 2008 as ?Columbus High School-Jordan
Vocational High School Football Centennial Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH MEMBERS GIRLS INCORPORATED GLORY GIRLS STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE,
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR
HUNTER AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: _________________________________________
A Resolution (408-08) ? Commending Girls Incorporated Glory Girls (Jump
Rope team) for winning eight bronze medals in the 2008 Junior Olympic Games.
Councilor Hunter called on the team (players and coaches) to come forward. Upon
reading the resolution, Councilor Hunter moved the adoption. Seconded by
Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
WITH MEMBERS OF THE COLUMBUS AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM STANDING
AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:___
A Resolution (409-08) Commending the Columbus American Little League
Baseball team for its victory in the Tournament of State Champions Victory.
Councilor Davis called on the members (players and coaches) of the American
Little League Baseball team to come forward. Upon reading the resolution,
Councilor Davis moved the adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Barnes
being absent from this meeting.
WITH THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVED AS HONOR GUARDS ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2007
STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (410-08) Commending the men and women who served as honor
guards on September 11, 2007, in remembrance of the victims that lost their
lives on September 11, 2001 during the World Trade Center tragedy. Councilor
Henderson called on the members of the Honor Guard to come forward and be
recognized. Upon reading the resolution, Councilor Henderson moved the
adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present with Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting
and Council Davis being absent for this vote.
WITH THE FAMILY OF SERGEANT FIRST CLASS (RETIRED) PHILLIP LIPAROTO STANDING
AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:____________
A Resolution (411-08) Expressing condolences to the family of Sergeant
First Class (Retired) Phillip Liparoto, 30-year veteran of the U.S. Army who
died on August 3, 2008 at the age of 93. Councilor Woodson called on Mr. Reggie
Richards and other family members of Sergeant First Class Liparoto to come
forward. Upon reading the resolution, Councilor Woodson 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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SPECIAL RECOGNITION:
Ms. Judy Thomas (Assistant to the Mayor) pointed out that each summer the
Chattahoochee Valley Libraries join with AFLAC to sponsor the AFLAC
vacation-greeting program. This year each branch of the library system exceeded
its objectives for the total number of children who registered for the program
and the percentage of children who completed the program. The over goal of the
entire library system was to have 25,000 children registered and at least 17%
of those to complete the program. This year the program saw 32,000 register an
increase of 27% over last year. This number (32,210) surpassed the Atlanta
Fulton County Public Library System by about 5,500 kids. Atlanta?s total was
26,700. The Chattahoochee Valley System had 20% - almost 6,500 children compete
the program. In all there were 310 programs offered this summer attracting
23,463 audience members.
The library system strategic plan includes as one of the objectives to have
30,000 (2009/2010) children participate in the AFLAC vacation reading program.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the June 3, 10 & 17, 2008 Council
Meeting of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia.
Councilor Allen moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with
Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
City Manager Hugley pointed out that item #5 (I) on his agenda is a needs
list for the library. He then read a few lines from the minutes of the July 10,
2007 Council meeting regarding the funding for the library project.
A Resolution (412-08) - Change Order Ten for Library Needs List
(Construction). It is requested that Council authorize revisions to the
schedule of values for the Library needs list. Ordinance No. 07-44, dated July
10, 2007, adjusted funding for the library project in the amount of
$6,078,148.00. Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Davis 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 ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_______________
An Ordinance - Property located at 5032 Buena Vista Road is proposed for
rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to RMF1 (Residential
Multi-Family 1) zoning district. (17-D-08-Demming) (Councilor McDaniel) The
proposed use is for apartments. The Planning Advisory Commission recommends
approval and the Planning Department recommends denial.
Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh pointed out that the petitioner (Ms. Demming) was
not here when this proposed ordinance was read. She then asked Ms. Demming if
she was open to Council putting a clause in the rezoning stating that ?the
property shall be developed using layout ?B? and contain no more than 27
two-bedroom town houses? as show on the conceptual layout dated April 15, 2008
as prepared by Moon, Meeks, Mason and Benson. Ms. Demming then replied that she
did not have a problem with this clause after which Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh
then made a motion to add the amendment. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor
Barnes being absent from this meeting.
Councilor McDaniel then made a motion to deny this proposed ordinance.
Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried by a vote of 7 to 2 with Councilors
Allen, Anthony, Baker, Davis, Hunter, Henderson and McDaniel voting to deny and
Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Woodson voting to approve and Councilor
Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:______________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Property located at 357-B Brennan Road is proposed for
rezoning from LMI (Light Manufacturing/Industrial) to GC (General Commercial)
zoning district. (26-A-08-Whitten)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Whitten, the petitioner was present but did not make a presentation, as
there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning.
City Attorney Fay informed Council that this would be back for a vote at
the meeting on second reading.
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An Ordinance ? Properties located at 8276, 8296 and 8336 Blackmon Road are
proposed for rezoning from SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) to SFR3 (Single
Family Residential 3) zoning district. (25-D-08-Lindsey/Thompson)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Councilor Allen pointed out that Council should have received a letter from
Linco Construction requesting that this be withdrawn. He then made a motion
that they are allowed to do so. Seconded by Councilor Anthony and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Barnes
being absent from this meeting.
City Attorney Fay pointed out that this matter is thereby withdrawn.
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An Ordinance ? amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code so as to regulate
appearances on the Public Agenda by any individual; and for other purposes.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Paul Olson-13830 Upatoi Lane:
Mr. Olson made some remarks regarding African American being subjected to
oppression and questioned why Mayor Pro-Tem Turner has called for this
ordinance. He said when some people come before this Council and speak on
things Council do not want to hear, it hit a nerve but if is something that
Council want to hear, they allow that person to speak forever. Mr. Olson made
some additional comments about the process by which citizens wishing to get on
the public must comply with, the one-cent sales tax, natatorium, Goodwill
Industries, and FY09 Budget.
Councilor Hunter said the main thing we (Council) should do is work toward
enforcing the five-minute rule we currently have along with the talk light. He
also suggested that if someone comes before Council and the feel that what they
have to present is more than five minutes, they can always write it down and
present it to the Clerk (of Council) to be put in the record if possible before
the meeting so that Council may also have a change to read it prior to the
meeting. Councilor Hunter said he is against anything that dampens speech and
as uncomfortable as it may be to listen to, he is oppose to dampening speech.
He said another problem he had with the amendment is that a person would not be
allowed to address Council unless they were on the Public Agenda and this
amendment, as he understands it would deny them the right to do that. Councilor
Hunter suggest keeping the Public Agenda the way it is but adhere to the
five-minute rule and also make sure that the presenters are speaking to germane
topics that are under the purview of City Council. If someone is going out of
bounds, then the City Attorney can remind them that we are a City
Council/legislative body and we are confined to those issues.
Mr. Bert Coker-5815 Ventura Drive:
Mr. Coker asked who came up with the idea of pushing this back to the end
of the meeting and why? He said this Country is moving forward but putting the
public agenda at the back of the Council agenda is going backwards.
Mr. William Madison-974 Overlook Drive:
Mr. Madison said we have a light to say what we have to say no matter how
important or germane it is to the entire community. The light is rude, crude,
and ought to be removed from this chamber. Mr. Madison said he spent 20 years
of giving up my life; putting my life on the line and it offends me when I come
in here and you tell me shut-up, go sit down, we heard enough of you. Mr.
Madison then asked the Council to leave the agenda where it is, and to be
lenient with the five-minute rule.
Ms. Ollie Tarver-329 Mays Avenue:
Ms. Tarver said this is our city and God is not pleased with the actions
that are going on. He would like for that that we do to let it be in love. Ms.
Tarver said I hear, I listen to everybody, I love everybody but there are times
it does not sound pleasant to me. We have leaders her that are in position, we
are supposed to show respect to our leaders-we are not showing respect- we are
demanding-we are saying I?m the boss and you are going to do this. That is not
the way to do it. She said she would like or the agenda to stay where it is and
as far as the light, many people use the light and it is also used in the
Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce.
With there being no further comments on this matter, City Attorney Fay
informed Council that this would be back for a vote next week on second
reading.
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An Ordinance ? regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by
repealing Ordinance #63-80 in its entirety; enacting a No Parking Anytime
Ordinance along Leonard Street beginning at west curb of Forest Avenue and
running west along the north curb distance a of 285 feet; enacting a two hour
parking, 9 am to 6 pm weekdays, restriction along the east and west curbs of
Forest Avenue beginning at the north curb of Leonard Street and running north
to the south curb of Garrard Street; installing official traffic control signs
indicating said restrictions described herein; repealing any conflicting
ordinances and for other purposes. (Councilor McDaniel)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
With there being no question and no one present to oppose this proposed
ordinance, City Attorney Fay informed Council that this would be back for a
vote next week on second reading.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSONS APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF EACH PERSON COMMENTS:_____________
MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: PUBLIC AGENDA, DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, AND GARBAGE
PICK-UP:______________________________________________
Mr. Olson said he was denied the opportunity to speak at the last
Developmental Authority Board meeting and if he was gong to be denied again. He
then made some remarks regarding the appointment of the board members by Mayor
and Council, Tax Exemptions, and CB&T Bank (Freedom Card and Expire Card).
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MR. BERT COKER, RE: PUBLIC AGENDA, DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND GARBAGE
PICK-UP:______________________________________________
Mr. Coker began by reading an article from the Ledger-Enquirer regarding
comments made by Mr. Paul Olson about the absence of Council members from
Council meetings. Mr. Coker said he has been asking about the overhead
projector stating that his pictures showing garbage in and around the city did
not broadcast. He then asked if there was something wrong with the overhead
projector.
Mr. Coker then spoke about abandoned houses around the city stating that he
has received calls regarding the abandoned houses. He then made some comments
about a child who was taken from her house to an abandoned house where she was
assaulted.
City Manager Hugley informed Council that Mr. Coker has not been censored
and further pointed out that the number to call for abandoned houses and any
other problems (overgrown weeds, garbage, etc.) is 311.
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MR. WILLIAM MADISON, REPRESENTING THE LOCAL NAACP, RE: CITIZEN REVIEW
COMMISSION:____________________________________
Mr. Madison said his topic is the Citizens? Review Commission and he is
hopeful that next week we will have a change of heart on this commission. Mr.
Madison said in the Muscogee County Prison you have one boss that makes the
final decision on everything and he believes that the Muscogee County Prison
should be under some higher authority other than the Citizens Review Commission
because of the way the commission looks at things and favor the city. Mr.
Madison said we are not asking for a Citizens? Review Commission to only look
at the Police Department ? this started as a result of the death of Kenneth
Walker and no one from the Police Department had anything to do with his death
that he is aware of. Mr. Madison said he is here asking Council to consider the
idea of a Citizens Review Commission with the powers to look over various
organizations within the town and he does not wish to restrict it to the Police
Department of the Sheriff Department or any other Public Safety Department but
also the general government.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA CONTINUE:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_______
A Resolution (413-08) ? Authorization is requested to proceed with design,
engineering, site investigation, project management and other essential studies
on the preliminary Local Option Sales Tax Bond List by utilizing existing
funding sources identified.
City Manager Hugley called on Deputy City Manager David Arrington to come
forward and make a presentation regarding this resolution. Mr. Arrington said
in the presentation last week (at City Council Work Session) we show three
slides that were directly to the point the City Manager just made. By Council
resolution, the Council committed to allocating 70% to Public Safety
improvements and 30 % (of the LOST) to infrastructure improvements. Mr.
Arrington continued with is presentation for an additional 10 minutes after
which he requested that Council approve the resolution allowing only the
utilization of the existing funds available to being the planning process.
Councilor Anthony moved the adoption of the resolution. 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
Davis being absent for this vote.
A Resolution (414-08) ? Authorization is requested to submit an application
and if awarded accept $120,000 in grant funds from the United States Army Child
and Youth Services (CYS) Strong (ASPYN) Program. Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilor Barnes
being absent from this meeting and Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
A Resolution (415-08) ? Authorization is requested to accept responsibility
as Pass-Through Agency for Local Assistance Grants from the Georgia Department
of Community Affairs in the amount of $30,000 as approved by the Georgia State
Assembly for various local agencies and program. Councilor Henderson moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those seven members of Council present with Councilor Barnes being absent
from this meeting and Councilors Anthony and Davis being absent for this vote.
A Resolution (416-08) - Applicant, Flourrnoy and Calhoun Realtors, is
requesting a variance to City Code Section 7.10.1 that requires sidewalk in all
residential, commercial and industrial developments for proposed development at
1100 14th Street. The Department of Engineering has reviewed the request and
recommends denial.
City Manager Hugley pointed out that staff has recommend denial of the
variance. City Manager Hugley explained that while the construction that is
being done may appear to be isolated, when that entire area is finally
developed there would be connectivity and it would be pedestrian friendly and
if we don?t do it now and may it pedestrian friendly with connectivity, years
later when it get built out, then someone is going to come along and want
sidewalks in the area.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that the petitioner be heard. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
Councilor McDaniel said the reason the staff is backing this request not to
grant the variance is because it is in the ordinance and all they are doing is
going by the ordinance.
Mr. Warren Mason (Moon, Meek & Mason) ? said they are the engineers that
Mr. Calhoun has hired to help him obtain the land disturbance permit on this
particular site. I do understand the traffic department and engineering
recommendation for the sidewalks because it is in the UDO, but then again the
UDO is about a two-feet thick book and I am not sure that one shoe fits all. So
we would like to present our case in this particular situation. My clients are
proposing to build a 5,000 square foot building on the site with limited
parking ? it is primarily going to be a warehouse-type facility with an office
space inside. Currently the site is fully paved so they will be removing some
asphalt in the paving and construction of the facility. We are going to go back
and adhere to the tree ordinance. The plans have been approved on this site ?
we initially submitted it without the sidewalk shown and one of the
requirements from the city was to show the sidewalks and after discussing it
with our clients, we decided to show the sidewalks, get the plans approve, and
we would bring attention to the appropriate authorities.
Mr. Mason went on to say that City Manager Hugley is right and he can
understand that the city wants connectivity but these particular clients are
making an investment in an area that currently is limited sidewalks in the
area. We are requesting that the sidewalk not be required between the two
existing drives.
After an additional fifteen minutes of discussion, questions, and comments,
from Council, Councilor McDaniel then made a motion to approve the variance.
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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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL RESENT, WITH COUNCILOR BARNES
BEING ABSENT FROM THIS MEETING:_______________________________
A Resolution (417-08) - Van, Commercial Cutaway. The inmate van is a
replacement and will be used by the Right-Of-Way Maintenance Division of the
Public Services Department to transport prison inmates, mowers and other
landscape equipment to job sites along city owned right-of-ways throughout
Muscogee County.
A Resolution (418-08) - Cab & Chassis for 25-Yard Refuse Collection Body.
It is requested that Council authorize the purchase of two (2) cab and chassis
from Beck Motor Company (Albany, GA) in the amount of $214,632.00. Refuse
collection bodies will be mounted on the cab and chassis. The refuse collection
trucks are replacement units that will be used by the Solid Waste Collection
Division, of the Public Services Department, for curbside pick up of household
garbage.
A Resolution (419-08) ? Change Order One for Window Cleaning and Resealing
Services. It is requested that Council authorize the execution of Change Order
1 with J. J. Morley Enterprises, Inc., in the amount of $148,837.00, for
additional services to the Government Center Tower.
A Resolution (420-08) - Sport Utility Vehicle for Fire/EMS. It is requested
that Council approve the purchase of one (1) full-size, 4x2 sport utility
vehicle, via Georgia State Contract, SWC S-050483, from Allan Vigil Ford,
(Morrow, GA) in the amount of $21,954.00. The SUV is a replacement unit that
will be used by the Fire/EMS Department to replace a unit that was salvaged due
to mechanical failure. The SUV will be used to tow equipment, boats, trailors
etc.
A Resolution (421-08) - Vehicle Wash Refurbishment. It is requested that
Council authorize the refurbishment of the vehicle wash system, located at the
Fleet Shop, from N/S Corporation (Inglewood, CA) in the amount of $50,312.85.
A Resolution (422-08) - New Scoreboard System. It is requested that Council
approve the purchase of a new scoreboard system from Daktronics, in the amount
of $530,700.00, to be installed at the Civic Center. The current scoreboard has
out lived its life expectancy by 2-3 years. Due to the age of the system,
replacement parts are becoming obsolete. If a comparable new part is found, the
electronic pulse sent through the systems demands more on the old parts, which
causes them to fail.
A Resolution (423-08) - Emergency Repairs at Garfield Radio Tower. It is
requested that Council approve payment to Motorola, in the amount of
$35,014.69, for emergency repairs at the Garfield Radio Tower. On May 11, 2008
and June 14, 2008 the Garfield Radio Tower was hit by lightening which caused
the transmission equipment to malfunction. The 911 Center called Motorola?s
repair contractor, Columbus Communications, who found that the system was in
Failsoft, consoles down and prime site co-locator repeaters were off the air.
If the problem had not been corrected immediately, Columbus and Harris County
911 could have lost radio contact.
A Resolution (424-08) - Additional Services Required for Brownfield
Project. It is requested that Council approve additional services required for
the Brownfields Project from Jordan, Jones and Goulding in an amount not to
exceed $150,000.00. Resolution #557-01 authorized the acceptance of a $200,000
Brownfields Pilot Project Grant to be used to Master Plan the Enterprise Zone
to insure all aspects of development are considered. Resolution #123-03
authorized the execution of a contract with JJ&G to develop the Master Plan.
The Master Plan also identified potential contaminated sties (Brownfields)
within the Enterprise Zone.
WORK SESSION ON UDO:
Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh asked City Manager Hugley to provide examples of
projects that have been done since the UDO went into effect.
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ANNOUNCEMENT:
City Manager Hugley read a letter from Red Cross regarding volunteers for
disaster relief for hurricane Gustav.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION
FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL:_________
(1) Memorandum from ACCG, Re: Invitation to 2008 Property Tax Conference on
September 11, 2008 at the Capital Education Center in Atlanta, GA.
(2) Notice from ACCG, Re: The Fall Policy Conference Business Session -
Official Call, October 10, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Hotel.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Planning Advisory
Commission.
(4) Letter from Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. supporting the proposed
amendments to the Public Safety Advisory Commission.
(5) Copy of petition from members of the Columbus Police Department
opposing the proposed amendments to the Public Safety Advisory Commission.
(6) Copy of petition submitted by the surrounding communities of Blackmon
Road opposing the rezoning petition for property located at 8276, 8296 & 8336
Blackmon Road. (The petition is not included in the Clerk?s information but
with the First Reading ordinance.)
(7) Copy of the attendance record of the Personnel Review Board members
from August 2007 - August 2008.
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THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON:______________________________
A Letter from Chris Henson - resigning her position on the Planning
Advisory Commission. Councilor McDaniel moved the acceptance of the letter.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present with Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
A Resolution (425-08) - Excusing Councilor Jerry ?Pops? Barnes from the
September 2, 2008 Council Meeting. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present with 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, July 23, 2008.
Board of Health, June 25, 2008.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 29-08 & 30-08.
Golf Authority, June 24, 2008.
Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, August 12, 2008.
Medical Center Hospital Authority, July 23, 2008.
Personnel Review Board, August 20, 2008.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Mayor
Pro-Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Washington informed Council informed Council that we still need
someone for Ms. Cynthia Maisano (retired) seat.
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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Washington informed Council informed Council that we still need
someone for Mr. James Yancey seat ? he cannot succeed himself.
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KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Barnes is working on
a replacement for Earnest Baulkmon seat.
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TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Andrea Richardson is no
longer a resident and Council will have to appoint someone for this seat.
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YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Washington informed Council that Councilor Baker is nominating
Jared McPherson (Council District 5) and he is eligible for confirmation.
Councilor Allen moved the confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor
Barnes being absent from this meeting.
Councilor Anthony nominated Camilla white (District 9). Councilor Allen
moved the confirmation. 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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OTHER COMMENTS AND REQUESTS FROM CITIZENS AND COUNCIL:
Randy Robertson - President of Local FOP:
Mr. Robertson said this is truly a blessed city due to the fact that we
have one of the most professional Police Departments in the United States. Mr.
Robertson said he is here to night to speak in opposition of the Police Review
Commission and after five minutes of addressing Council, Mr. Robertson asked
that Council vote against this ordinance next week when it will be back on
second reading.
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C. A. Hardman ? Grass Root Movement for Change:
Mr. Hardman held up the organization chart for the City of Columbus and
stated that at the top of the organizational chart are the citizens. Mr.
Hardman said he showed this chart because of the proposed ordinance move the
Public Agenda to the end of Council meeting. He said if anything, we (citizens)
should be considering placing it at the beginning of the Council meeting right
after the pledge of allegiance.
Mr. Hardman said he here also n behalf of two veterans (Corporal Grady
Snell and Corporal Joseph Hyman) who were terminated and later reinstated by
the Personnel Review Board. Mr. Hardman said he wanted to bring these cases to
the attention of Council in the hopes of some resolution that will benefit
everyone involve.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Henderson then made a motion adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Barnes
being absent from this meeting and the time being 8:39 p.m.
Tiny Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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