MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 12, 2006
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:04 A.M., Tuesday, September 12, 2006, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Robert S. Poydasheff, Mayor and
John J. Rodgers, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Poydasheff and Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers
were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson,
Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh, Nathan
Suber and Evelyn Woodson (arrived at 9:10 a.m.). Deputy City Manager Lisa
Goodwin, 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: City Manager Isaiah Hugley was absent, but was represented by Deputy
City Manager Lisa Goodwin.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Dr. Charles Rodgers, Pastor Cathedral of Prayer.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students of Columbus First Seventh Day Adventist
Church.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?CONSTITUTION WEEK?
With Ms. Kitty Thompkins, Regent Daughters of the American Revolution
George Walton Chapters, Ms. Erin Moore, President of the Lucy Spell Raiford
Society Children of the American Revolution and members of the Sons of American
Revolution standing at the Council table, Councilor McDaniel read the
proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming September 17 - 23, 2006 as
?Constitution Week?, in Columbus, Georgia.
Mayor Poydasheff noted that there are constitutions that are available to
the public that are located on the table outside of the Council Chambers.
Arthur Hall, State President of the Georgia Society of American Revolution
was asked to come forward to comment on his project. He announced that his
State project is to raise money for the Colonial Period for the National
Infantry Museum on Ft. Benning.
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MUSCOGEE COUNTY PRISON:
Warden Bill Adamson, came forward to publicly announce that he was
notified by the State Department of Corrections that the Muscogee County Prison
has been selected as the State-wide County Facility of the Year for 2005.
Councilor Hunter then requested that the Council jointly sponsor a resolution
in honor of this recognition.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?NATIONAL ASSISTED LIVING WEEK?
With Ms. Brenda Jenkins, Program Services Director Morningside Assisted
Living standing at the Council table, Councilor Anthony read the proclamation
of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming September 10 - 16, 2006 as ?National Assisted
Living Week?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ELEVEN RESOLUTIONS EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR SERVICE WERE
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS
AND WERE ADOPTED UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND
SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS
PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:
A Resolution (377-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Stephen Butler for
his meritorious service on the Downtown Development Authority.
A Resolution (378-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. James Yancey for
his meritorious service on the Development Authority.
A Resolution (379-06) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Marquette McKnight
for her meritorious service on the Board of Health.
A Resolution (380-06) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Brenda Dozier for
her meritorious service on the Recreation Advisory Board.
A Resolution (381-06) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Emma Hunter for her
meritorious service on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
A Resolution (382-06) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Susan Beck for her
meritorious service on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
A Resolution (383-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Robert Kelly for
his meritorious service on the West Central Georgia Regional Mental Health,
Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases Planning Board.
A Resolution (384-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Ralph Huling for
his meritorious service on the West Central Georgia Regional Mental Health,
Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases Planning Board.
A Resolution (385-06) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Keyla Cabret for
her meritorious service on the Public Safety Commission.
A Resolution (386-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Fred Greene for his
meritorious service on the Uptown Fa?ade Board.
A Resolution (387-06) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Jack Collins for
his meritorious service on the Uptown Fa?ade Board.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the September 5, 2006 meeting of the Council of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia was submitted and approved upon
the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and seconded by
Councilor Allen, which carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance - Rezoning property located on parts of 4348 and 4410 Buena
Vista Road is proposed for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2)
District and LMI (Light Manufacturing / Industrial) District to GC (General
Commercial) District. (46-A-06-Cantrell)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner, Ms. Lucy
Jones but she did not make a presentation since no one came forward in
opposition.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES TO AMEND THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON
EACH AS ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 1151 & 1211 Floyd Road is
proposed for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) District to RMF2
(Residential Multi-Family 2) District. (51-A-06-Calvin)
An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at Rezoning property located at
1137 Floyd Road is proposed for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential
2) District to GC (General Commercial) District. (52-A-06-Calvin)
PROPONENTS:
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner, Mr. Ed
Calvin, and asked that he come forward since there were individuals present in
opposition.
Mr. Ed Calvin, resides in California, approached the rostrum to advise
that he owns property on Floyd Road. He advised that he owns a self-storage
unit and plans to buy the 5.685 acres adjacent to that property for expansion
of the storage facility and to do multi-family on the remainder of the
property. He estimated that there is 1.36 acres involved in the self-storage
with the remainder being multi-family. He said his plans are to build the
commercial first, then construct the residential. He advised that the contract
to purchase the property is contingent upon the rezoning.
In response to a question of Councilor Davis, Mr. Calvin pointed out that
there would be approximately 4.4 acres of property available for multi-family
with a total of 48 units in townhouse style with a lower and upper floor.
OPPONENTS:
Mr. Greg King, 4808 Floyd Court, came forward and using the overhead
projector, pointed out the location where he resides in relation to this
rezoning. He expressed concerns with the storm water run-off that comes from
this property, the two-story units that would abut the backyard of adjacent
property owners, the parking, noise, traffic and price range of the units. He
reiterated concerns with the individuals who may be renting the units and their
ability to view the backyard of adjacent neighbors.
Mayor Poydasheff clarified that Mr. King does not have objections with the
1137 Floyd Road rezoning from Single Family Residential 2 to General
Commercial, at which time, Mr. King agreed with the comment.
Councilor Suber asked about the trees that were cut down on the property
where the church is located, at which time, Mr. King recalled that when the
church was able to clear that property, this is when the flooding problem
began. He advised that the City cut the detention pond that is there for the
purpose of routing the water into the ditch to slow it down.
Assistant Engineering Director Donna Newman, explained that the only
information she has is that in 1995 the church made application for a permit,
which was approved in 1996. She pointed out that the church started doing some
work and apparently ran into some financial problems and decided to abandon
that project. She pointed out that there was a plan for a detention pond as
part of that project, but they never completed the project. She explained that
during that time we worked with the citizens and we thought the issue was
resolved; we have not received another complaint since we worked with them back
in 1996.
After continued questions from Councilor Suber regarding the abandoned
project that was permitted by the City, Mr. King explained that there has not
been complaints from the neighbors because there is no run-off because the
natural vegetation has grown back up and holding the water.
Mayor Poydasheff suggested researching to find out if the City has done
any work in the area. Assistant Engineering Director Newman said that they
would follow up on this matter.
The following individuals came forward to express their opposition to the
proposed rezoning: Mr. Joe Mendoza, 4716 Acorn Street, expressed concerns with
teenagers using the area as a shortcut. The following individuals also came
forward to express concerns to include but not limited to traffic, decreased
property value and drainage problems: Ms. Linda Sterdavent, 4816 Floyd Court;
Mr. James Dalton, 4707 Acorn Street; Ms. Erma Pendleton; Mr. Don Goodrow, 4736
White Oak Street; Ms. Selmby 4803 Acorn Street.
Councilor Suber said that he is hearing now that the citizens in this area
have been having water problems since the City gave a permit for the owner of
the church to start clearing the property. He then requested that the staff go
to Floyd Court and find out why that area continues to flood, and also, what we
can do to assist the citizens that live on Acorn Street, Burt Street and Floyd
Court to alleviate the water that is flowing onto their property.
Councilor Allen called attention to the report regarding this property
being in a flood plain and reads that, ?the developer would need to provide an
approved drainage plan?. He then asked if the drainage plan would address the
concerns? Mr. Calvin maintained that it would have to; however, they have not
gotten to that point yet. He then used the overhead projector to briefly
describe some of the preliminary plans. In response to further questions from
Councilor Allen, Mr. Calvin explained that he would build a detention pond but
does not have any plans for any water flow control beyond the detention pond.
Councilor Henderson said that his understanding of the storm water runoff
or rainwater mitigation plan that has to be submitted is in relation to them
showing that there was not going to be any alteration to the terrain that would
reroute water. Assistant Engineering Director Newman explained that they have
to address the increase that is produced by adding the impervious service,
which is concrete and asphalt, as well as directing concentrated discharge on
the adjacent property. She added that they have to dissipate the velocities
and address water quality.
With there being no one else to come forward in favor or opposing this
rezoning ordinance, City Attorney Fay declared the two public hearing as having
been heard and would be voted on next week. He pointed out that there are no
conditions on the table as of today.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TEXT OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS INTRODUCED
ON FIRST
READING:
An Ordinance - A text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to
amend requirements for existing nonconforming dumpsters. (53-A-06-Planning
Dept.)
Councilor McDaniel reemphasized that if this ordinance is adopted that the
staff notify everybody that manages property and suggested running an ad in the
newspaper regarding it. Transportation Planning Director Rick Jones assured
that we have had meetings and have done our best to get the information out.
Councilor Henderson suggested identifying the troublesome areas and
addressing some of the concerns that way, because he was uncomfortable with
approving the amendment as it reads now. Transportation Planning Director
Jones agreed that it may be best to take a step back and look at this issue one
more time. He suggested that we present the information to the Council again
during a work session. He pointed out that there is an October deadline on the
existing ordinance and we need to put that on hold for the time being until we
get this ordinance or another ordinance in place.
Councilor Suber called attention to the improvements that have occurred by
picking up around their particular dumpsters. He mentioned the undue burden
and expense that would be incurred on apartment owners and some business
people. He then suggested that the enforcement is the most important element.
He recalled that we have two less employees in Special Enforcement; however, we
do have radios in our garbage trucks for security and reporting purposes.
Councilor Davis reminded the viewing audience that there is a hardship
clause in the ordinance, which provides a number of options, one of which, they
could go before the Board of Zoning Appeals to present their case, and we would
be able to work with those people.
Councilor Anthony suggested that the following issues should be
approached: the current dumpsters and if they are being maintained by the
owners, current dumpsters and if the gates would actually accomplish the
objectives that the Council has discussed and addressing the dumpsters that are
built in the future. He requested that with the delay, the staff should put
some additional teeth involved in maintaining of the current dumpsters that
exist.
In response to a comment of Councilor Suber, Transportation Director Jones
advised that the ordinance reads now that any new construction, the City
requires four-sides with gates and they have to be of a light material of the
same building. He explained that for existing dumpsters or nonconforming uses
now, we do require four-sides with gates but they don?t have to be of a light
material. He recalled that the proposed ordinance reads that there could be
only three sides with no gates, provided that the dumpsters is oriented away
from public view. He said that there is no grandfathering in of current
dumpsters.
After some additional discussion, Councilor Henderson made a motion for a
delay at least until the next work session. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel.
Councilor Turner Pugh requested that the staff go out and take pictures of
these dumpsters that we have been talking about so we can look at them and have
more discussion on it.
Transportation Planning Director Jones further clarified some of the
questions raised by the members of Council. Deputy City Manager Goodwin added
that the Planning Advisory Commission recommended that all existing
nonconforming dumpsters be grandfathered in and that recommendation did not
come from the Planning Department.
Councilor Allen requested that the staff look at the ordinance going
forward and put in some type of catch-up clause that reads that existing
dumpsters would have to meet the requirements of the new ordinance by a certain
date in the future. He then asked if there was a way to require a scheduled
pickup for commercial and apartment type units.
OPPOSITION:
Mr. Fred Greene, Chairman of Property Management Committee for the
Columbus Board of Realtors, expressed concerns that older complexes do not have
room to accommodate a dumpster that has three sided enclosures much less four.
He then requested that we be involved with some of the discussions surrounding
this ordinance.
Mr. Tom Calhoun, 2520 Wynnton Road, came forward to advise that his
biggest concern is the cost of the enclosure. He suggested additional
enforcement of the current ordinance.
The following individuals also came forward to express similar concerns
and matters regarding the notification process, as well as their particular
concerns: Mr. Richard Clark, 575 Holland Drive; Mr. Arch Arnold, 3217
Catherine Drive; Mr. Tray Carmick, 2506 Hilton Avenue;
Mr. Frank Comer, 4827 Techwood Drive, representing Wynnton Hardware and
Chapmans, expressed several concerns including the notification process,
possible activity by vagrants that could cause security issues and comments
regarding existing problems within the community.
Councilor Suber requested that we speak to the Police Chief regarding
these matters and we need to do better. Deputy City Manager Goodwin stated
that the staff would contact Mr. Comer to get some additional information from
him. Mayor Poydasheff suggested a public notice in the newspaper and scroll it
on the television.
Mayor Poydasheff called attention to the motion for delay and suggested
that the Council extend the period of time for the delay. City Attorney Fay
advised that the City Manager is going to hold off on any enforcement on the
UDO provision that would affect existing nonconforming dumpsters.
Councilor Woodson spoke of similar incidents as mentioned by Mr. Comer.
She advised that the Police Department is working on complaints, but they
cannot discuss what actions they are taking because it is a lot of undercover
work to catch the perpetrators in the act. She advised that there is a State
Law that could be used where if drug activities continue at a property and the
individuals are cited on three occasions; then, that property owner loses their
property.
Councilor Suber then made a substitute motion to delay the ordinance for
two months. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried by a vote of six to two
with Councilors Hunter and Turner Pugh voting no and all other six members
voting yes with Councilor Davis not casting a vote and Councilor Woodson being
absent for the vote.
Councilor Suber also suggested that when this matter is brought forth
during a work session, that we allow the citizens to be heard. Mayor
Poydasheff suggested making a motion at that time for the citizens to be heard.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:
An Ordinance - providing for the demolition of structures located at:
(1) 3150 Plateau Drive, Lot 711 (Michael James Burton, owner);
(2) 1032 42nd Street (Nina T. Crook, owner);
(3) 3400 St. Mary?s Road, Lot 155 (Bennie Foster, owner);
(4) 1633 Shepherd Drive (Deborah Green, owner);
(5) 4249 Willis Street (Leola Love Jones, Estate %Percy Jones);
(6) 1500, 1504 & 1506 24th Street (Christobal Lopez, owner);
(7) 4610 17th Avenue (Steve M. Oliver, owner);
(8) 1509 26th Street (Judith Orange & Obra Williams, owners);
(9) 3211 10th Street (Mamie Pace, owner);
(10) 2506 4th Avenue (Saving House, Inc. %Lagenia F. Arnold, owner);
(11) 819 Winston Road (Brenda Joyce Fulford Taylor, owner);
(12) 375 Bragg Smith Street (Annie L. Thomas, owner);
(13) 912 Fletcher Avenue (John T. Vollentine, owner);
and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code
Division in accordance with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet. (Councilor
McDaniel)
Mr. Bennie Foster, 3400 St. Mary?s Road, came forward to request some
additional time for repairs.
Councilor Henderson went over the chronology of events that occurred as a
result of Mr. Foster purchasing the property in October; however, problems had
been documented before that time with the previous owner.
Mr. Foster briefly described the work that he has done to the property,
but there was no action from the members of Council.
Ms. Deborah Green, 1633 Shepherd Drive, approached the rostrum and
requested ninety days to get a dumpster and clear the debris. She advised that
the structure is down. She explained that she was granted a demolition permit
in April 2006, and it does not expire until October and was concerned that the
property was listed for demolition.
Ms. Rebecca Wiggins pointed out that when Ms. Green purchased the
property, it was in derelict condition and she was sent a repair notice. She
explained that Ms. Green did not make the repairs; therefore, we condemned the
building. Ms. Wiggins advised that we want to proceed with our process in case
Ms. Green is unable to complete this job.
Councilor Suber explained to Ms. Green that the Council would approve the
demolition but if she is able to get the property cleared before then, the City
would not have to demolish it.
Ms. Green then requested a ninety-day extension even though her permit
does not expire until October 11th; however, there was no action taken by the
Council.
Ms. Judith Orange, 1509 26th Street, came forward to advise that her
property is almost completely down. She said that the property was damaged as
a result of arson and requested some additional time to complete the demolition.
Ms. Wiggins advised that an inspector was sent to this property on
yesterday to take photographs and the owners did purchase a demolition permit.
She explained that what is left is one wall, a chimney and some brickwork. She
then recommended that the Council approve this demolition for the same reasons
as the previous one. She said should they not be able to perform, we would like
the authority to take this structure down; however, they are making progress.
Councilor Turner Pugh asked questions regarding the purchase of a
demolition permit, at which time, Ms. Wiggins advised that when an individual
purchases a demolition permit, the permit reads at the bottom that ? the permit
is good for six months unless work ceases?, however, the demolition ordinance
overrides that permit. She explained that they would have the time limit
that?s allowed to them under the demolition ordinance. Inspections & Code
Enforcement Director Bill Duck, further expounded on the demolition permit.
Councilor Turner Pugh expressed concerns that citizens purchase a permit
with the thought that they have six months to demolish the property. Mayor
Poydasheff suggested that the staff take a look at the language and get
together with the City Attorney and if the language is unclear; then, the issue
should be resolved in favor of the person receiving the demolition notice.
Ms. Lagenia F. Arnold, 374 Victoria Drive, representing Saving House, Inc.
Re: 2506 4th Avenue, advised that her organization was given this house and
thought that they could fix this house. She pointed out that we are a
foundation who helps women and children. She spoke of the foundation?s efforts
to secure funding to repair the home but was unable to do so. She said that
this foundation is publicly funded and provided information on how people could
donate funds to this organization.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND DELAYED ON SECOND READING BY THE
COUNCIL:
An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 5019 Armour Road is proposed
for rezoning from RO (Residential-Office) District to GC (General Commercial)
District.
(48-CA-06-Sign Makers, Inc.)
Councilor McDaniel requested a one-week delay. He then requested that the
Traffic Engineer go to this location and see if the City could close Billie
Drive for a drive way and let them use Armour Road. He reported that the
petitioner keeps quite a few vehicles at this location and Mayor Pro Tem
Rodgers had asked him last week if he was making big signs. He added that the
petitioner has a truck there with a crane on it, which he believes that the
petitioner is doing more than making little signs. He also mentioned that the
petitioner is operating out of that building and the property has not been
rezoned.
Councilor Allen seconded the motion for a one-week delay, which carried
unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND DEFEATED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:
An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 4621, 4623 and 4627 Milgen
Road is proposed for rezoning from LMI (Light Manufacturing/Industrial)
District to RMF2 (Residential Multi-Family 2) District. (50-D-06-Moon Family
Corp.) Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved its defeat. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING BY A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR SUBER BEING
ABSENT FOR THE VOTE:
An Ordinance (06-78) - Rezoning property located as parts of 4348 and 4410
Buena Vista Road is proposed for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential
2) District and LMI (Light Manufacturing/Industrial) District to GC (General
Commercial) District. (46-A-06-Cantrell)
An Ordinance (06-79) - Rezoning property located at 5111 Armour Road is
proposed for rezoning from RO (Residential-Office) District to NC (Neighborhood
Commercial) District. (47-CA-06-Skeleton)
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:
An ordinance (06-80) - Amending Chapter 13 of the Columbus Code by
providing for notice of unlawful vegetation and weeds; providing ten days to
correct violations and providing for citation to Recorder?s Court upon failure
to comply; and for other purposes. Councilor Turner Pugh moved its adoption.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried by a vote of eight to one with Mayor
Pro Tem Rodgers voting no and all other present voting yes with Councilor Suber
being absent for this vote.
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AUDITOR?S POSITION:
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers suggested re-looking at the idea of reinstating the
Internal Auditor?s position in City Government. He said the ordinance that
would be drafted would have the Auditor reporting directly to the Council. He
said that with this position, it would enable us to prevent some situations as
we are encountering and enduring now.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. FRANK K. MARTIN, RE: CITY PAY PLAN APPEAL AND CITY FINANCE
DEPARTMENT:
Mr. Frank Martin came forward and asked questions in reference to the
appeal process of the City?s pay plan. He specifically asked if the appeal is
retroactive to the implementation of the current pay plan, at which time, City
Attorney Fay advised that any employee affected by the plan beginning July 1,
could enter an appeal as of October 1st.
Mr. Martin asked if the appellate process administered by the University
of Georgia would cost the City any additional amount, at which time, Mayor
Poydasheff advised that the appellate process was part of the original contract
with the University of Georgia, which has been paid for.
Mr. Martin then suggested that the City cut the University of Georgia out
as the intermediate appellate body and allow the Council to make the decision
regarding the appeals.
In response to another question of Mr. Martin in relation to the Finance
Department, Mayor Poydasheff advised that the former Finance Director is
receiving the same level of pay and a precedent has been set for that. He
explained that we have an interim director, who is being paid at the level she
is supposed to be paid under normal consideration.
Mr. Martin spoke about the large amounts of money in fines and add-ons
that have been collected in the court system. He expressed a concern that
there is money in the bank that is not being paid back out to the City of
Columbus. Mayor Poydasheff advised that we are aware of that and are working
with the Clerk of Court.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY
MANAGER GOODWIN AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (388-06) - Requesting approval for the confirmation of Mrs.
Pamela Hodge as Interim Director of the Finance Department. Councilor Suber
moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
nine members present with Councilor Turner Pugh being absent for the vote.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY
MANAGER GOODWIN AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH BEING
ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:
A Resolution (389-06) - Authorizing a request to execute a project
agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) to replace
traffic signal controllers for 50 signalized intersections along state routes
and adjoining streets with 2070 signal controllers with cabinets.
A Resolution (390-06) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and
if approved, accept funds in a amount from $5,000 up to $25,000 from the
United States Tennis Association (USTA) foundation ?Aces for Kids? Grant for a
tennis and health awareness program.
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INTERIM FINANCE DIRECTOR:
Councilor Henderson recalled that the reason the Council waited to confirm
Mrs. Pamela Hodge was to publicly confirm her. Mrs. Pamela Hodge came before
the members of Council. Mayor Poydasheff congratulated Mrs. Hodge on her new
appointment as Interim Finance Director.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
GOODWIN AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY COUNCILOR SUBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH
BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:
A Resolution (391-06) - Authorizing an annual contract with Buck
Consultants for actuarial services for pension plan.
A Resolution (392-06) - Authorizing to amend Resolution Number 293-05 to
change the award amount to $1,871,865.30 for a construction contract with
Robinson Paving Company, for intersection improvements at Whitesville Road and
Williams Road.
Councilor Davis asked questions regarding the actuarial services. He
recalled that the City has used Mercer in the past. Mayor Poydasheff said that
it is wise to go out for an RFP and if there is a firm with equal stature to do
it at less cost; then, that is what we do.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Deputy City Manager Goodwin requested a brief executive session to discuss
a personnel matter.
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CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT:
Councilor Allen requested that the staff look into the issue raised by Mr.
Frank Martin regarding the monies collected by the Clerk of Superior Court that
has been set aside and is owed to various entities. He mentioned that a
concern has been brought to his attention that the interest generated off of
that money sitting in the bank accounts has been removed by the Clerk of
Superior Court and has been used for various other costs associated with her
department. He expressed concerns in that this money should have been utilized
better or spread out over the variety of accounts to try to generate the limit
that is needed in those accounts in order to go ahead and have that money
distributed instead of using it for other things. Deputy City Manager Goodwin
advised that City Manager Hugley has been working on this and we would further
look into this matter. Councilor Suber suggested that Clerk of Superior Court
Linda Pierce be invited to the next Council Meeting so that she may respond to
the questions that have been raised. Deputy City Manager Goodwin pointed out
that Clerk of Superior Court Pierce is scheduled to appear at the September 26,
2006 Pre-Council Meeting.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND
COUNCIL:
(1) Notice from EPD Public Advisory Air Protection Division, advising that
Dryvit Systems, Inc. has submitted an application for construction/modification
permit to install a new sand silo with a dedicated baghouse for PM control,
replace two existing dust collectors, install a new ribbon blender in the wet
product process line, and increase production in both wet product and dry mix
processes, located at 4827 Milgen Road, Columbus, GA 31907.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND WAS
DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL FOR ONE
WEEK:
A request for waiver & refund of penalties on delinquent real property
taxes submitted by St. Francis Associates Ltd., & George C. Woodruff Co. for
property located at 4519 & 4525 Woodruff Road and 4011 Woodruff Road.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers explained that it is his understanding and has
received concurrence from the Tax Commissioner that this was a special tax
payment. He pointed out that it was not due at the normal tax time and they
have verified that it was in fact lost in the mail. He said that this was not
something that the taxpayer could have anticipated or should have anticipated
receiving. He then moved that the request be granted.
Councilor Suber recalled that in the past the individuals have come before
the Council to make their request; instead of sending something in writing.
Mayor Poydasheff suggested delaying this matter until next week to allow for a
representative to come forward on this request. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers then
made a motion to defer this item for one week. Seconded by Councilor Suber.
Councilor Henderson called attention to the memorandum from Tax
Commissioner Lula Huff in which she admits that some of the mail was not timely
delivered by the postal service; therefore, he would not support the delay.
Mayor Poydasheff called for the vote on motion, which carried by a vote of
eight to one with Councilor Henderson voting no and all others present voting
yes with Councilor Turner Pugh being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 34-06.
Board of Zoning Appeals, August 2, 2006.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, Georgia, May 30, 2006.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, Georgia, July 24, 2006.
Pre-Council Briefing, June 20, 2006.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Turner Pugh being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that we still need a nominee for
Council District Five. There were no nominations.
*** *** ***
At this time, Mayor Poydasheff asked if there was anyone that had a matter
to bring before the Council. He said that they could be heard. No one came
forward.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Poydasheff called attention to the previous request to go into
executive session on a personnel matter and potential litigation. Mayor Pro
Tem Rodgers moved that the Council go into executive session to discuss a
personnel matter and potential litigation. Seconded by Councilor Suber and
carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Turner Pugh
being absent for this vote.
At 12:10 p.m., the Council adjourned its regular meeting to go into
executive session. At 12:52 p.m. the Council reconvened the meeting. Mayor
Pro Tem Rodgers advised that the Council did meet in executive session to
discuss a personnel matter and potential litigation, but there were no votes
taken.
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Allen made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting with
Councilor Turner Pugh having already left the meeting with the time being 12:53
p.m.
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Sandra T. Davis
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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