MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 18, 2007
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:05 A.M, Tuesday, September 18, 2007, on the Plaza Level of the
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor,
presiding.
*** *** ***
PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes,
Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Charles E.
McDaniel, Jr. and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney
Clifton Fay and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
ABSENT: Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington was absent.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
INVOCATION: Led by Pastor Billy Duncan - Beallwood Baptist Church.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the Academic Success Center.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
PROCLAMATIONS:
?NATIONAL SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY WEEK?:
With Mr. Robert C. Alford- CST standing at the Council table, Councilor
Baker read Mayor Wetherington?s proclamation, proclaiming the week of September
16 - 22, 2007 as ?National Surgical Technology Week?, in Columbus, Georgia.
*** *** ***
?NATIONAL SICKLE CELL DISEASE MONTH?:
With Ms. Lois Williams, Mr. Robert Giles, and Mr. Sherman Williams
standing at the Council table, Councilor Barnes read Mayor Wetherington?s
proclamation, proclaiming the month of September 2007 as ?National Sickle Cell
Disease Month?, in Columbus, Georgia.
Councilor Woodson suggested that information be sent to the City Manager?s
Office to be listed on the event?s schedule as a reminder to the Mayor and
Council and also provided on the CCG-TV for the citizens.
*** ***
***
?COLUMBUS AMBASSADORS DAY?:
With Ms. Barbara Diggs- President and others standing at the Council
table, Councilor Henderson read Mayor Wetherington?s proclamation, proclaiming
Tuesday, September 18, 2007 as ?Columbus Ambassadors Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
*** *** ***
WITH MS. TANNER STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION
WAS SUBMITTED ON THE MAYOR?S AGENDA AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR
ANTHONY AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (405-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Corporal
(USMC) John Corey Tanner of Columbus who was killed on August 29, 2007 in Anbar
Province, Iraq. Councilor Anthony moved its adoption and seconded by Councilor
Hunter and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting
and standing to cast their vote in the affirmative.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AS DELAYED FROM THE AUGUST 7, 2007
MEETING AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED ON SECOND:
__
_ __
An Ordinance - Rezoning properties located at 3556 & 3562 St. Mary?s Road
are proposed for rezoning from SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) District to
GC (General Commercial) District. (27-A-07-Morrison)
Councilor Hunter moved it be defeated. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh resulting in a five to five vote with Mayor Wetherington breaking the tie
in favor of adoption. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Allen, Anthony,
Davis and Hunter voting for the motion and Councilors Baker, Barnes, Henderson,
McDaniel and Woodson voting no. Mayor Wetherington voted in favor of approval.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
NOTE: See below additional action and the final official vote recorded for the
approval of this ordinance.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES AMENDING THE FEES FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT IN
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTOREY FAY AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL
ON SECOND READING:
_
An Ordinance - Adopting fees for Planning Department operations; and for
other purposes.
Councilor Henderson moved to delay this ordinance for two weeks. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
Councilor Henderson moved to allow the people present in the audience the
opportunity to be heard. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously
by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
Mr. Fred Greene, 745 Broadway, of the historic district came forward to
advise that there are no real issues with the first two tiers of fees for
zoning and development. He explained that we are present regarding the Board
of Historic & Architectural Review (BHAR) fees. He spoke of the homeowner
expenses that are currently being incurred as a result of being in a historic
district. He emphasized the citizens? support of the Planning Department;
however, expressed concerns regarding the fee structure and how the fees would
be applied.
Planning Department Director Rick Jones, came forward to respond to
specific questions regarding the application of fees. He then explained the
process of applications being brought before BHAR.
Mr. Greene also expressed concerns in that this matter was not discussed
at BHAR and the notification of the ordinance being listed for first reading.
City Manager Hugley maintained that the matter was discussed at the end of the
September 10, 2007 meeting. Mr. Greene then acknowledged that his
understanding is that the fees were handed out towards the end of the meeting
to the BHAR members and not given the proper time and attention for the manner
in which it was presented.
In response to a question from Councilor Davis, Planning Department
Director Jones explained the fees and the purpose behind the request to amend
the fees. He emphasized the cost of conducting business and the subsidy made
by the Planning Department to accommodate the cost of operation. He maintained
that the Planning Department is just requesting the fees to pay for the direct
cost associated with the applications.
Councilor Woodson asked Mr. Greene to provide some information regarding
the additional fees to property owners in the Historic District.
Mr. Sia Etemadi, Vice Chair of BHAR, came forward to explain that the
documentation regarding the fees came about at the last five minutes of the
BHAR meeting and was for reviewing purpose, because there was no vote to be
taken. He provided some history on the establishment of historic districts. He
pointed out that during the process of encouraging residents to allow for the
historic district designation, the residents were told that there would not be
any additional fees than the amount they were paying already and everything
would be exactly the same. He said the only real difference was that the
residents were to benefit from being designated as an historic district and
their property value would increase. He then expressed concerns that there is
discussion now to add more fees on the historic district residents. He pointed
out that he does not believe that most of the historic district residents know
that these fees are being discussed.
Ms. Susan Wiegle, 215 7th Street, approached the rostrum to express her
satisfaction with living in the historic district. She spoke of how the fees
would affect the residents.
Mayor Wetherington also expressed concerns in that he believes that the
fees are a little excessive. He said the cost should be placed on the
applicant, but he would hope that the Planning Department revisit the cost.
Councilor McDaniel also expressed concerns with the cost associated with the
fees. He then requested that the Planning Department check into the minimum
cost that could be applied.
City Manager Hugley advised that the staff would bring those fees back
with some options. Councilor McDaniel requested that the staff provide
additional options for assessing fees in the Historic District. Also, let?s
check into charging $500 for the main structure and $50 for a pertinent
structure.
Councilor Woodson requested that the staff provide a report on the number
of homes in the Historic District under the homestead exemption tax freeze.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED ON
SECOND: _ __
__
An Ordinance - Rezoning properties located at 3556 & 3562 St. Mary?s Road
are proposed for rezoning from SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) District to
GC (General Commercial) District. (27-A-07-Morrison)
City Attorney Fay suggested that the Council take the vote to approve this
ordinance for the purpose of clarification for the record. Councilor Henderson
moved it be approved. Seconded by Councilor Baker and approved by a vote of
six to five with Mayor Wetherington voted in favor of approval. Councilors
Baker, Barnes, Henderson, McDaniel and Woodson voting yes and Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and Councilors Allen, Anthony, Davis and Hunter voting no.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. RICHARD BISHOP, RE: UPTOWN EVENTS:
Mr. Richard Bishop, Uptown Columbus, Inc. Executive Director, came forward
to thank the Mayor, Council and City staff for what has been delivered with the
streetscapes in Uptown Columbus. Mr. Bishop announced the fall concert series
and other events happening in Uptown Columbus and are listed as follows:
Market items- Fresh bread and other bakery items available every Saturday
morning through December.
Fall Concert Series- This begins October 5, 2007 and run every Friday night in
October until November 16, 2007. Sponsorship by God Bless Ft. Benning.
Tuskegee/Morehouse Football Classic- October 6, 2007.
Arts on the River- October 20, 2007 at the Promenade just south of the Keep
Columbus Beautiful facility.
Pirates on the Chattahoochee- October 20, 2007.
Christmas Made in the South- October 26, 2007 at the Trade Center.
Spooktacular- October 27, 2007.
Fountain City Football Classic (Albany State vs Ft. Valley)- November 3, 2007.
God Bless Ft. Benning Day- November 17, 2007.
Night of Light- November 29, 2007.
Winterfest- November 30, 2007 at the River Center.
Christmas at the National Civil War Museum- December 1, 2007.
Tour of Homes- December 9, 2007.
*** *** ***
MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: TAD REFERENDUM- SOCIALISM VERSUS CAPITALISM, TAD FACT
FINDING BUS TOUR AND COLUMBUS BUILDING AUTHORITY- PROPERTY TAX INCREASE:
Mr. Paul Olson, approached the rostrum to speak about the property tax
increase from 1.08 to 1.17 mill. He then made comments regarding a newspaper
article in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer regarding the tax allocation district
(TAD). He expressed his concerns with the tax allocation district. He
recalled the 1999 SPLOST that was approved by the voters and requested an
accounting for that money. He also called attention to the $5 million approved
in the 1999 SPLOST for the Trade Center; however, the overall cost for
renovations was approximately $30 million. He commented that the Trade Center
was given to the State and would be owned by the State for the next thirty
years.
He mentioned the need to have the tax allocation district approved by the
voters before December 31, 2007 in order to be able to sign up with the State
of Revenue and Commissioner. He then asked questions regarding the funding of
the TAD. He also called attention to the $85,000 that was spent to have the
special election for the TAD. He made reference to conflict of interest within
the TAD, which he believes is watered down in this legislation because he
believes that anyone could own property in this tax allocation district.
In conclusion, he called attention to the Georgia Trend Magazine in which
there is an article on Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. He spoke of the involvement
that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh has with NeighborWorks Columbus. He then asked
for a decia at discloses all of the boards and commissions that the members of
Council serve on.
Lastly, Mr. Olson expressed his support for the whistle blower policy for
the City Government.
*** *** ***
MR. BERT COKER, RE: TAD REFERENDUM- SOCIALISM VERSUS CAPITALISM, TAD FACT
FINDING BUS TOUR AND COLUMBUS BUILDING AUTHORITY- PROPERTY TAX INCREASE:
Mr. Bert Coker, came forward to ask questions about the areas that TAD
would be used for and the type of bonds that would be used by the City
Government and if property taxes would be used to back these bonds.
Mr. Coker then read excerpts of an article regarding the TAD. He also
made reference to the number of tax allocation districts that have failed.
*** *** ***
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh emphasized that she is not the Chairperson of
the NeighborhoodWorks or Columbus Housing Initiative Board of Directors. She
said that she did serve on the board when it initially got started, and the
Columbus Housing Initiative board was an outgrowth from when the IntraCity
visit occurred. She maintained that she received no pay from doing the work
with the Columbus Housing Initiative.
*** *** ***
SCOLUMBUS CITIZENS FOR A NAUTITORIUM:
Councilor Henderson said that Ms. Gina Webb is seated in the audience at
the invitation of Council to add some information regarding skateboard parks.
Councilor Henderson then made a motion that Ms. Gina Webb be heard. Seconded
by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those ten members present for
this meeting.
Ms. Gina Webb, came forward to advise that we started the Columbus
Citizens for a Natatorium. She pointed out that the Muscogee County School
District does not participate in the Sport of Swimming. She gave some
background information on her visits to other cities that have an aquatic
center. She pointed out that all of the groups interested in pools have met
and provided a proposal to the City Manager?s Office. She provided some
additional information on the Columbus Citizens for a Natatorium. She
suggested that the School District get involved with this effort. She also
mentioned the economic impact the natatorium would bring to the city. She said
the cost would be approximately $8.5 million to $9 million; the group would be
willing to raise some money for the natatorium.
Councilor Henderson asked if through the fundraising group, there would be
a continuing capital campaign to stock the available rooms, at which time, Ms.
Webb said the group would dedicate efforts to assist the City with funding.
In response to a request of Councilor Henderson, Ms. Webb described some
of the pools that she has visited, in particular the ones that have ample
services. She spoke highly favorable of the aquatic center in Marietta,
Georgia and briefly outlined the amenities, such as; therapeutic pool,
concessions, officers, locker rooms, ample parking spaces. She also mentioned
the following cities that have an aquatic center that exceeds the expectation
of swimmers: Westminster Private School in Atlanta, Georgia; and LaGrange,
Georgia.
Councilor Woodson asked if there has been any communication with Dr.
Phillips, Muscogee County School District Superintendent, regarding the
natatorium, at which time, City Manager Hugley responded that Deputy City
Manager Lisa Goodwin has worked well with the stakeholders; however, he has not
spoken directly to Dr. Phillips. He added that one of the Assistant
Superintendents- Mr. Eddie Obleton and several others to attend a couple of the
meetings. He said that we would continue to work with the School District.
*** *** ***
CHANNEL 38 NEWS:
Mayor Wetherington recognized the presence of Mr. Al Fleming, at which
time; Mr. Al Fleming approached the rostrum accompanied by two new employees in
the news department with Channel 38 News. He called forward Ms. Stephanie
Tesoe from Connecticut. Ms. Stephanie Tesoe said that she would be one of the
news reporters for Channel 38 News. Ms. Julie Versic from Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania came forward to make some brief comments.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCUSSION:
A Resolution (406-07) - Authorizing a request to execute a Certificate of
Ownership and Agreement with the Department of Transportation for the 2008-2009
L.A.R.P. Program for a total of 62 streets to be considered for resurfacing.
Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Henderson
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested the staff to check Jefferson Drive to
Kennedy Street in reference to the road being patched up several years ago, but
it has not been resurfaced.
Mayor Wetherington called attention to the motion on the table to approve
the resolution, which carried unanimously by those nine members present with
Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
***
*** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (407-07) - Authorizing a request to execute a Warranty Deed
to River Mill, LLC, a Georgia Limited Liability Company f/k/a River Mill
Village, LLC, pursuant to the option agreement for the sale and purchase of
real property dated May 3, 1999.
City Manager Hugley requested an amendment to the resolution that
execution of the warranty deed is contingent upon the City retaining all access
rights to the RiverWalk.
In response to a question of Councilor Davis, City Attorney Fay advised
that we have looked at the option agreement, and there are no other
obligations. He added that we are going to make sure that this reservation of
an easement to the RiverWalk is put in the deed. He reiterated that there are
no other obligations that they have to fulfill.
Councilor Henderson moved to include the amendment. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this
meeting.
Councilor Allen moved adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
A Resolution (408-07) - Authorizing a request for the acceptance of a deed
to Bunker Hill Court and Stoney Point Road located in Section Seven, Bunker
Ridge. Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this
meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (409-07) - Authorizing the execution the declaration of a
1990 E-One Aerial Tower/Ladder Truck (Vehicle #3114) as surplus equipment in
accordance with section 7-501 of the Charter of Columbus Consolidated
Government.
A Resolution (410-07) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) four door
Sedan, via Georgia State Contract, SWC S-050483, from Bill Heard Chevrolet,
(Columbus, Ga) in the amount of $14,860.00.
A Resolution (411-07) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Wheeled Coach
Type 1 medium duty ambulance from Peach State Ambulance, Inc., (Tyrone,
Georgia) in the amount of $138,380.00.
A Resolution (412-07) - Authorizing the execution of an annual contract
with Jacob Beil to provide legal services, on an ?as needed basis?, as the
legal counsel of record for Community Reinvestment.
A Resolution (413-07) - Authorizing the execution of an annual contract
for cellular telephone services with Alltel Wireless.
Councilor McDaniel pointed out that the first purchase resolution is not a
purchase, but the city is declaring the equipment as surplus. City Manager
Hugley explained that this is correct in that it is not a purchase; however, we
do carry it on the purchasing agenda. He pointed out that we could just list
it on the City Manager?s Agenda. He said that in the future we would not list
it with the purchases.
In response to a question of Councilor Davis, City Manager Hugley
explained that Item ?B? is not a replacement but a new vehicle. He said that
the Former Director of Public Services and the Assistant Director did not have
vehicles and received the car allowance. He said this Director wanted to use a
vehicle instead of the car allowance.
*** *** ***
BUCK ICE BUILDING:
Councilor Woodson asked about the Buck Ice building that was burned. City
Manager Hugley responded by saying that they are proceeding through demolition
now. He said that Deputy City Manager Arrington has advised him that they are
salvaging all of the brick; since, it was a historic building.
*** *** ***
STREET LIGHT:
Councilor Woodson requested the staff to contact Georgia Power regarding
the light at the intersection of Howe Street and Meade Street being out.
*** *** ***
COLUMBUS CATFISH:
Councilor Henderson requested a resolution to commending the Columbus
Catfish for winning the championship.
*** *** ***
RESOLUTION:
Councilor Anthony requested a resolution commending two students from
Liberia, who are in Columbus as exchange students with Brookstone High School.
*** *** ***
At this time, Mayor Wetherington asked if there was anyone in the audience
that wanted to bring forth a matter to the Council. No one came forward.
*** *** ***
BLOOD DRIVE:
Mayor Wetherington reported that the Mayor?s Office sponsored a blood
drive last week. He said that we received 46 pints of blood during the day.
He commended Ms. Jackie Clark of the Mayor?s Office and all of the employees of
the government that participated in the blood drive. He then read a listing of
participants for the blood drive and are listed as follows: Tasty Delight,
12th Street Deli, Carmike Cinema, Albright?s Flower, Unique Flowers, Pronto?s
Pizza, Butler?s Pantry and Ride A Bike.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS SUBMITTED MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS,
WHICH WERE OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL: _
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 34-07.
Board of Elections & Registrations, August 2, 2007.
Board of Water Commissioners, August 13, 2007.
Board of Zoning Appeals, August 1, 2007.
Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, August 1, 2007.
Family & Children Services, August 29, 2007.
Uptown Facade Board, August 20, 2007.
Councilor McDaniel moved the minutes be received. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
AIRPORT COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that it has come to her attention
that Mr. Bud Allen has removed his name for consideration on this board. She
said the matter could be handled in one of two ways; the Council could vote on
the remaining two nominees or the request could be sent back to the Airport
Commission for one additional nominee for the seat of Mr. Jack Friou. Several
members of Council expressed their desire to vote on the remaining two nominees.
A roll call vote resulted in Mr. Kerry Hand receiving seven votes; Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Allen, Baker, Barnes, Davis, McDaniel and
Woodson and Dr. Robert Edwards receiving two votes; Councilors Henderson and
Hunter with Councilor Anthony being absent for the vote.
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Hand has seven votes and
may be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members present with
Councilor Anthony being absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Kelvin Welch serves as the
Uptown Columbus, Inc. representative and the office would be in contact with
Uptown Columbus, Inc. requesting them to submitted a nominee for this position.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that Councilor McDaniel had
nominated Ms. Carole Rutland to succeed Ms. Kathleen Amos on the Board of Water
Commissioners and she may be confirmed if there are no other nominations.
Councilor McDaniel moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and
carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that we still need student
representatives for the following districts: Five, Six, Seven and Eight.
*** *** ***
At this time, Mayor Wetherington asked once again if there was anyone in
the audience that had a matter to bring before the Council. No one came
forward.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Henderson made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting
with the time being 11:10 a.m.
*** *** ***
Sandra T. Davis, DCMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.