MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
NOVEMBER 22, 2011
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, November 22, 2011, on the Plaza Level of the
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor,
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis,
Berry H. Henderson, Bruce Huff, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. and Judy Thomas, City
Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy
Sheftall and Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington were also present.
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ABSENT: Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis was absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Lauren Mescon ? President of Shearith Israel Synagogue.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by A. J. McClung YMCA After-Schoolers.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
UPDATE ON ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL CENTER SAVE-A-PET PROGRAM:
Mayor Tomlinson advised that Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin presented
the Save-A-Pet program to Council about two months ago. She said as early as
April of 2011 we began finding ways that we could improve the things that we
were doing at the Animal Care Control Center, as far as adopting animals out to
forever families, which would cut down the number of euthanized animals and
improve our practices.
Ms. Patricia Biegler, Director of Public Services came forward and said
since she has been with Public Services; she has taken a lot of time looking
closely at the Animal Control Center. She said she is pleased to say that she
has found the Animal Control Center well run. She said the facility meets
and/or exceeds all of the state?s standards and requirements. She indicated
that she has looked closely at the concerns that have been raised and any
genuine concerns are already being looked at and addressed by program. She said
the staff has fully bought in to the save-a-pet program and they are committed
to improve our track record in this area. She then said this program was
initiated by Mayor Tomlinson and there are nine major components. She then
gave the following presentation:
Cat & Dog Statistics
2011
Return to Owner 788 601
Adopted 325 1,002
Other Agencies 623 643
(Rescue Groups)
Total: 1,736 2,246
*January 1, 2011 thry October 31, 2011
Reasons for Euthanasia
Wildlife
Sickness
Injury
Biting dogs or cats
Capacity
2011-YTD
78% 64%
She then made reference to the percentage of dogs being euthanized to the
percentage of cats being euthanized. She said the euthanization rates are lower
for dogs and higher for cats.
At this time Ms. Drale Short, Division Manger for Special Enforcement came
forward to continue with the presentation:
Shelter Operations
Regulated By:
City Code-Chapter 5, Animal and Fowl Ordinance
State Law-Georgia Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division
Formal Inspections annually by Georgia Animal Protection Division
-Last Inspection on 6/27/11
-Results posted on city website
-Passed on all counts
Frequent informal visits by Department of Agriculture
Shelter Capacity
City Shelter until 2009 on Sacerdote Lane
20 dogs runs
20 cat cages
Current Shelter
Dogs have:
40 general population runs
8 puppy cages
6 isolation runs for sick animals
6 quarantine runs for biting animals
Cat Cages:
25 general population cages
11 isolation cages
10 quarantine cages
Note: For safety and health it is best not to double up animals in cages
Shelter Staffing
Same staff as in old shelter
7 days per week operations
5 shelter personnel
1 Supervisor
4 Shelter Animal Control Officers
Pick up dead animals at 17 veterinarians twice per week and ?road kill? six
days per week for appropriate disposal
Save-A-Pet Program Components
Comprehensive Adoption Program
Rescue Groups
Volunteers
Feral Cat T-N-R (Trap-Neuter-Release) Program
Foster Care Network
Medical and Behavioral Program
High Volume/Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program
Pet Retention Program
Proper Pet Care
Comprehensive Adoption Program
2010??????????????????.325 Adoptions
2011??????????????????.1,002 Adoptions
Off-site Adoptions
Rescue Groups: 2010 2011
623 643
Return to Owner: 2010 2011
788 601
Every animal checked for microchips
Check tags
Maintain lost animal board
Photos on website
City website ? photos of every animal for owner ID and possible adoption
Petfinders ? now operating with city input
Facebook ? Revising with upgrades
Adopt-A-Pet website
Future initiative
Pets For Vets
Rescuegroups.org ? post on 15 other websites
More info on our own website
Rescue Groups
2010: 623 2011: 643
Works regularly with 12 groups
Southern Souls
Animal Ark
Claws and Paws
County Animal Rescue Center
And others
Volunteers
To Volunteer, You Must:
Apply
Interview
Attend Animal Safety Training
Review and sign volunteer handbook
Sign confidentiality agreement
Be assigned a time and task
Successes:
Paid PT Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer Manual - Currently being produced
Confidentiality agreement approved by City Attorney
23 Trained Volunteers
41 Applications ready for screening
Outstanding Issues:
Have current volunteers review and sign
Complete identification of areas to use volunteers
Develop work schedules
Feral Cat T-N-R
Several feral cat colonies existing in Columbus
Recognized by clipped ears
All are micro-chipped, spayed or neutered and have all inoculations
Nationally recognized component for cat population control
Currently working to identify the colonies on a GIS map
Work needed on our T-N-R program
Goal ? to put cats back in the colony and not in the shelter
Foster Care Network
Very paperwork intensive program
Governed by State Law
Research underway
More work is needed
Medical and Behavioral Program
Angel Program line item now established
Allows donations into a special account specifically for animal medical needs
Rabies
Other vaccinations
Pain relief
Continuing to fine tune program
High Volume/Low Cost Spay & Neuter
Required for all adoptions
City provides low cost vouchers valued at $50
Ordinance needs ?teeth? for enforcement
-Changes drafted and under review
THIS IS THE KEY TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCING EUTHENASIA!!
Pet Retention Program
Work with owners to help them deal with health and behavioral issues
Encourage them to work with animals
Offer alternatives to the shelter for those insisting on giving up their animals
Proper Pet Care
Education for New Pet Owners
School Programs upon request
Pet Care
Safety
Response When Attacked
Donations
Food ? vendors are generous
Medicines ? vaccines are donated and our new Animal Angel program will add to
that
Toys and Blankets ?generally a problem because of health, safety and sanitation
Karunda beds
Working with Karunda to identify other items
Donations ARE appreciated through Karundabeds.com
Councilor Henderson expressed gratitude to Ms. Short and Ms. Biegler for
bringing forth their presentations and asked what happens to an animal that has
attacked an individual.
Ms. Short advised that the state requires that the animal be held for ten
days. She went on to explain that if the attack was provoked the animal would
still have to be held for ten days but the owner would not have any charges
filed against them. She said if the attack is unprovoked the animal would be
held for ten days and charges would be brought against the owner. She said
once the ten days has passed the animal would be classified as potentially
dangerous or dangerous and at that point the owner would have to meet certain
criteria. She said if the dog is classified as dangerous the owner would have
to obtain a $15,000 surety bond to keep the animal, post a sign indicating that
there is a dangerous dog on their property, purchase a special collar for the
dog and also pay a more expensive registration fee. She said we often
encourage the owner not to keep the animal but we have to give them the option
to euthanize the animal or receive the animal back.
Councilor Henderson asked if there was a distinction drawn between a
person who has gotten bitten versus a person who has gotten mauled.
Ms. Short said there is no distinction between the two.
Councilor Henderson said there were some concerns raised regarding the
waiver of liability form, which is utilized when a rescue groups want to take
dogs off site and asked if Ms. Short would address the requirements from a
legal perspective.
Ms. Short said when the outside adoption first started there were no
coordinators. She said there was no structure or policies and procedures in
place. She said we have now identified what we need to have onsite to ensure
that liabilities are reduced as much as possible. She said we also coordinated
with the City Attorney to ensure that our release of liability was to his
approval.
City Attorney Clifton Fay this is still a work in progress but we will do
what we need to do at a minimum to protect Columbus and all of the employees.
Councilor Henderson said he wants Columbus to be protected but he also
wants to make sure that we are trying to proactively allow these folks to take
them off site where we are tripling or doubling the work force to try to adopt
the dogs out.
City Attorney Fay said all of that it being considered but we would have
some good solid hold harmless and indemnification language in there to protect
us.
Councilor Henderson requested that he be provided with information on the
release-of-liability as it relates to off-site adoption to include a comparison
of the other communities that have been researched to see where we stand with
some of those communities that are involved in the Save-A-Pet Program.
At this time, Ms. Short introduced some of the members of the Animal
Control Advisory Board and also veterinarian Susie Stewart.
Mayor Tomlinson took this time to recognize Mr. Bob Robins, Executive
Director of Paws. She said prior to this the City had an innovative
partnership with Paws. She said this community came together and created the
dual facilities. She pointed out that a great number of stray or abandoned
pets that come into Animal Care and Control Center have ended up at Paws and go
on to forever homes.
Mr. Robins came forward and made several comments relating to the
presentation that was given as well as the partnership between Paws and Animal
Care and Control Center. He also commented on the number of spay and neuters
that have been carried out by Paws.
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CRITERIA FOR CRIME PREVENTION GRANT APPLICATION:
Mr. Seth Brown, Director of Crime Prevention came forward with an updated
related to some of the criteria for the Crime Prevention grant application. He
made several comments referencing a document in which he distributed to each
Council Member. He then asked that the Council turn to the last page of the
document and pointed out that number six on the document states ?Programs that
are new to our community are an enhancement of an on-going program.? He said
the change that we made was to delete that requirement all together. He said
there was much discussion amongst the Board and some Council Members that we
have existing programs are making things happen and we are also seeing state
and federal funding disappear for a lot of programs that are having an impact
on our community. He called attention to the document that was distributed
advising that there should be a grading sheet, as well as a memo that was sent
to the Mayor regarding this issue included in the document.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ZONING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ
BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WERE APPROVED ON SECOND READING: __________________
An ordinance (11-62) ? Rezoning property located at the northwest corner
of Veterans Parkway and Williams Road; and the east side of Veterans Parkway,
north of Moon Road, are proposed for rezoning from PMUD (Planned Mixed-Use
Development) with conditions to PMUD (Planned Mixed-Use Development) with
amended conditions. (22-CA-11-Woodruff Co.) Councilor Henderson moved the
adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously
by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
An ordinance (11-63) ? Rezoning property located at 6100 Green Island
Drive is proposed for rezoning from RO (Residential-Office) zoning district to
RMF2 (Residential Multi-Family 2) zoning district. (23-CA-11-Mize) Councilor
McDaniel moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS APPROVED ON SECOND READING:
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An Ordinance (11-64) ? Enacting the Districting Plan submitted by the
Columbus Consolidated Government Districting Commission according to Section
6-102 of the Charter of Columbus, Georgia reapportioning Council District
Boundaries.
City Attorney Fay advised that Mr. Jorge Vega, Attorney for the School
District is present and would like to be heard. Councilor Henderson moved that
Mr. Jorge Vega be heard. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by
those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
Mr. Vega came forward stating his name and title, after which he said
there has been a lot of discussion as to Redistricting. When the process first
he was contacted by Director of Election and Registration Ms. Nancy Boren in
reference to how the process would work. He said ten years ago there was some
contention between the School Board and City but presently we have worked
cooperatively together to include the purchase of the program that is currently
housed in the City. He said the City and the School Board purchased a software
program together in an effort to work cooperatively at trying to figure out how
to best draw the district lines. He pointed out that there is process required
by the Charter that there is a Redistricting Commission constituted and that
Commission would come and make recommendations to Council. He advised that
Ms. Liz Turner indicated that she had provided Council with a hard copy of all
of the revised maps submitted by the School Board. He said it was made clear
to the Redistricting Commission that their charge was dealing with the City?s
needs and not necessarily the School Board?s needs. He then said, in
retrospect, we should have thought about adding some of the components that the
School Board is concerned with in regard to the Redistricting Commission?s
recommendation to Council. He said one thing that was not considered was the
location of schools. He said this is not a requirement under the Voting Rights
Act, Census or reapportionment process but it is something that is of concern
to the School Board. He said there is a redrawing of the district lines but
the differences are very minor. He said the School Board has directed him to
ask the Council to consider the revised map that were proposed by the School
Board in lieu of what was proposed by the Redistricting Commission. He advised
that the School Board has said it is priority to them to try to have identical
lines, which would be an advantage to the citizens and both entities.
Councilor McDaniel said we were commissioned by the Grand Jury to come up
with the members of the Redistricting Committee and we have come up with some
excellent people. He said they have worked very hard to come up with something
and he is sure that they considered the school?s position. He said he is not
going to vote against the Redistricting Commission.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she and Councilor Huff talked about the
proposed drawings for Districts 3 and 4 and they are more in favor of what the
Commission came up with. She then called attention to the fact that District 4
would reach across St. Mary?s Road to get two or three streets out of a
neighborhood and the other streets in the same neighborhood would belong with
District 3 and this is something that the Council tries to avoid.
Mr. Vega responded by stating when these maps were drawn we worked with
the GIS to try to keep everything compact but that would definitely be a
legitimate concern.
After several minutes of conversation regarding this matter, with a number
Councilors expressing their concerns, Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of
the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING DEMOLITION ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY
CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS APPROVED ON SECOND READING:
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An Ordinance (11-65) ? An ordinance providing for the demolition of
various structures located at:
(1) 4237 7th Avenue (Victor Manuel Rodiquez
Arguello, Owner)
(2) 5716 Winsloe Avenue (Dorothy Gavin Bates, Estate % Patrick James Bates,
Owner)
(3) 4178 Linden Circle (Curtis Oscar Caldwell, Owner)
(4) (2512 8th Street (James C. & Mary E. Henry, % James C. Henry, Jr. Owner)
(5) 310 31st Avenue (Willie Luttrell, Owner)
(6) 371 Tennant Avenue (Crawford B. Smith, Jr., Owner)
in the total amount of $51,149.70 for demolition services. (Councilor
McDaniel) (As amended)
Councilor Thomas made a motion to remove number seven - 4201 Meritas Drive
(Stallings Investments, LLC, Owner) off of the demolition list. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present
for this meeting, with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY
CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:
An ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 2040 Warm Springs Road from NC
(Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to RO (Residential Office) zoning
district. (24-A-11-Sillitto) (Councilor McDaniel) The current and proposed use
is for a convalescent or nursing facility. The Planning Advisory Commission
and the Planning Department recommend approval.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner was not present and no one came forward in opposition of
the rezoning ordinance.
City Attorney Fay declared that the public hearing has been held and the
ordinance would be listed on second reading in two weeks.
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An ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 5372 Veterans Parkway is
proposed for rezoning from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to GC
(General Commercial) zoning district. (25-A-11-Flournoy) (Councilor McDaniel)
The proposed use is for a pawnshop. The Planning Advisory Commission and the
Planning Department recommend approval.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner; however,
there was no presentation made since no one came forward in opposition of the
rezoning ordinance.
City Attorney Fay declared that the public hearing has been held and the
ordinance would be listed on second reading in two weeks.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 6939 Buena Vista Road is
proposed for rezoning from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) to GC (General
Commercial) zoning district. (18-CA-11-Singh) (Councilor McDaniel) The proposed
use is convenience store with gas sales. The Planning Advisory Commission
recommends approval and the Planning Department recommends conditional
approval. (As Amended)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said the map shows that everything around this
piece of property is residential and one of the proposed uses is for it to be a
bar and lounge or a package and liquor store. She then asked staff why is this
so.
Mr. Will Johnson responded by stating that is what the petitioner
requested to be an allowable use at that location. He said they would still
have to go through the alcohol requirements.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh pointed out that the property is across the
street from a church, across the street from residential neighborhoods and
right next door to residential neighborhoods.
Mr. Johnson said we met with the applicants along with Councilor Barnes to
explain to them the alcohol laws and how they relate to this property.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then asked the petitioner Mr. Mathew Singh why
is he requesting alcohol sales at that location.
Mr. Singh replied there is nothing out there so that is why he is trying
to open a liquor store at that location.
City Attorney Fay explained to Mr. Singh that if the property were too
close to a church or a school he would not be able to sell alcohol at that
location if the distance requirements are not met.
At this time, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to remove numbers
two (2) - bars and lounges and nine (9) - package and liquor store from the
proposed ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present for this meeting.
City Attorney Fay declared that the public hearing has been held and the
ordinance would be listed on second reading, as amended, in two weeks.
City Manager Hugley suggested that the ordance be placed on the consent
agenda to be held Tuesday, November 29, 2011 if there is no further
conversation or opposition.
City Attorney Fay said if there is no objection from Council we could vote
on the second readings at the work session. With there being no objection from
Council, City Attorney Fay suggested that each petitioner be offered the same
timetable.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:
An ordinance ? Amending Ordinance No. 11-44 by removing property located at
1718 43rd Street from the list of structures to be demolished. (Councilor
Thomas)
Councilor Woodson asked why this particular home was being removed.
City Attorney Fay stated that the petitioner came in after the August vote
to demolish this structure and Council gave him an extension so that he could
come up with sufficient financing. He said the petitioner has a licensed
contractor to do the work and Ms. Wiggins is satisfied with the documents that
he has provided.
Attorney Fay advised that the ordinance would be voted on next week at the
Council?s Work Session.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2011 WAS
SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS INTRODUCED ON
FIRST READING:
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An ordinance - Amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2011 beginning
July 1, 2010 and ending June 30, 2011, for certain funds of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia, by appropriating amounts shown in each fund
for projects purchase order and other fiscal year 2010 carryovers and various
other activities. (Budget Review Committee)
Councilor Thomas asked that Finance Director Pam Hodge give explanation
for the expenditures in the amount of 1.8 million dollars.
Ms. Hodge explained that the 1.8 million dollars would include the
purchase orders that rolled forward from FY10 of $845,000 and the carry over
projects from FY10 that were not encumbered prior to the end of the fiscal
year, which was the fire truck that Council approved, as well as the
replacement of the MCP roof. She reiterated that any change to the budget from
the original adopted budget would be an increase to the budget, which includes
purchase orders carried forward, any projects that were budgeted in FY10 that
were not encumbered prior to the end of the fiscal year and any changes that
were made throughout FY11. She then said the Council has approved all of those
changes.
Attorney Fay advised that the ordinance would be voted on next week at the
Council?s Work Session.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WERE
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (382-11) ? Authorizing acceptance of a right-of-way deed for
the ?Extension of Trask Drive? from Valley Healthcare Systems, Inc. Councilor
Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson
and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this
meeting, with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote.
A Resolution (383-11) ? Authorizing the execution of a Certificate of
Distribution concerning Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) proceeds to be forwarded
to the State Revenue Commissioner. (Request of Finance Director) Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for
this meeting, with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING ORAL RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY COUCILOR DAVIS AND WAS
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (384-11) ? Wishing Mr. Harold ?Bubba? Hunt a speedy recovery
from his recent illness and hope that he will be back at work at Columbus Youth
Soccer Complex soon. Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilor Barnes being absent
for this vote.
Councilor McDaniel called for a resolution expressing condolences to the
family of Ms. Virginia Waddell, who recently passed away
Mayor Tomlinson said we do proclamations and commendations at the first
Tuesday of the month and we could do the resolution on the first Tuesday in
December.
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THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS
APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (385-11) ? Authorizing the City Attorney, City Manager and
Finance Director to make payment in the amount of $18,000.00, from the
appropriate reserve account, to Mike Blackwell and his attorney, Leslie L.
Cohn, as full and final settlement of all claims of Mike Blackwell and Mike
Blackwell Productions, including attorney?s fees. As a condition of this
settlement, Claimant shall execute a general release and settlement agreement
as specified by Columbus, Georgia and the City Attorney. Councilor McDaniel
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with
Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote.
Councilor Thomas called for a resolution setting an election date of July
2012 for the citizens of Columbus to vote on Sunday alcohol sales.
City Attorney Fay said let us check the state law on the timing and also
check with Ms. Nance Boren and we will get something together to bring back.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. DEAN JUSTICE, II, REPRESENTING COLUMBUS GEORGIA SAVE THE LIVES, RE:
THE SAVE- A-PET INITIATIVE IN CONSIDERATION FOR THE CITY TO ADOPT A ?NO KILL?
INITIATIVE:____________________________________________________
__
Mr. Dean Justice, did not come forward when given the opportunity to
address the Council.
MR. RUSSELL D. ANDERSON, REPRESENTING SUPERIOR COURT REPORTER, RE: THE
COURT REPORTERS? PAY:
Mr. Russell Anderson, approached the podium to discuss the Court
Reporter?s Pay. He advised that he has been a certified Court Reporter for the
past thirty four years and is currently working for Judge Gill McBride in the
Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, Muscogee County Superior Court. He said there
has been some question about what a Court Reporter does and he would like to
give some insight to those questions. He said there was a draft proposal
submitted by the Finance Department that is wrought with illegalities and
misstatements of fact; to say we have had many full negotiations is a stretch.
He said somehow we got to the issue of retirement and no further transcript
fees associated with our duties or copies to attorneys when cases may be
appealed, which we are, by law, entitled to charge for. He said we as Court
Reports have to sit there, hear these crimes and take the testimony of the
witnesses and the Attorneys who argue in favor of their positions. He went on
to say the Court Reporter in the court room is charged with being an impartial
party, preparing a transcript that speaks the truth for all to know and also
being the custodian of evidence in the case, being able to catalog, inventory,
produce the evidence and in some cases over two decades later produce evidence
for DNA testing. He said our local Superior Court rules call for each Judge to
have his/her own calendar and this was changed some time ago; had this change
not taken place, the perceived problems that the Finance Department has tried
to emphasize to Council could never have occurred. He said as for the sick
leave and annual leave issue it is utterly preposterous to assume that anyone
could work with no sick leave or vacation time. He said as for the eight to
ten days that we are presumed to only work, when court is not in session we are
researching terms unfamiliar to the average person, preparing transcripts,
which need to be transcribed assembled, proofed, printed and bound for delivery
to the respective parties and to be filed with the Clerk of Superior Court for
future purposes. He said there has been some question raised as to whether our
work on the civil and domestic side of court is as an independent contractor
status and said it is not. He said it is incidental to the providing Court
Reporters to the Superior Court and our Judges. He emphasized that it is not
an expense to the City in any respect when we are reporting domestic and civil
cases; the outside Attorneys pay for us to be there.
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NOTE: Councilor Huff left the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
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Mr. Anderson made several other comments relating to business license,
transcripts, pay increase, taxes, new hires and retirement.
Councilor Davis asked Mr. Anderson to send him a copy of his comments in
email form.
Mr. Anderson said he would be sure to email the comments to Councilor
Davis.
Councilor Thomas requested that she be provided with a copy the analysis
prepared by Dr. Conly.
City Manager Hugley ensured that Human Resource Director Tom Barron would
provide Councilor Thomas with a copy of the document.
City Manger Hugley said in the spirit of fairness, we have attempted to
come to some agreement with the Superior Court Judges and the Court Reporters.
He said Mr. Anderson has indicated that we have not come to an agreement.
After several minutes of discussion, this matter was concluded after
members of the Council expressed their further views and concerns.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (386-11) - Authorizing payment to employees for unused sick
leave in accordance with 16B-15-6(2) of the Columbus Code of Ordinances.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for
this meeting, with Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR
PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BARNES, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH COUNCILORS
HUFF AND MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE:
A Resolution (387-11) ? Executing a Supplemental Contract with the Georgia Department of
Transportation (GDOT) for additional funding for the Columbus-Phenix City
Transportation Study (C-PCTS) in the amount of $24, 332.22 for a total of
$419,492.28 in funding for FY2012.
A Resolution (388-11) ? Authorizing execution of a Joint Access and
Utility Easement between Foundation Properties, the Consolidated Government and
W.C. Bradley Company to promote development by permitting the construction of a
pedestrian bridge between property located at #13 11th Street and the City
parking deck located in the 1000 Block of Front Avenue.
A Resolution (389-11) - Accepting a deed to a portion of Ivy Wood Drive
and portion of Forest Crown Drive located in Section Twelve, Phase One, Ivy
Park. The Department of Engineering has inspected these streets and recommends
the acceptance.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE 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 DAVIS, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH
COUNCILORS HUFF AND MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE:
A Resolution (390-11) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Cab and
Chassis from Carl Gregory Dodge-C-J, (Columbus, GA) in the amount of $25,123.00.
A Resolution (391-11) ? Authorizing payment to Motorola, in the amount of
$116,560.44, for the annual Maintenance Agreement (October 1, 2011 through
September 30, 2012) for the E911 Center?s 800 MHz Radio System Console
Equipment, the Central Electronics Bay, the Plant Visa 911 Phone System, the
fiber optic interface equipment installed in the 911 Center and the Government
Center, and the Nice Digital Logging System.
A Resolution (392-11) - Authorizing the purchase of back support safety
belts and safety vests from Irusota Gloria and Anderson Safety Supply for the
estimated annual contract value of $36,257.00. The back support safety belts
and safety vests will be used by various City employees while performing tasks
that require continuous bending, lifting heavy objects and working in areas
with poor visibility.
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NOTE: Councilors Huff and McDaniel took their seats at 7:58 p.m.
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ANNOUNCEMENT, RE: GARBAGE PICKUP:
City Manager Isaiah Hugley announced that the holiday pickup schedule for
garbage and inert waste has been included in a news release to the media,
posted on the City?s website and will also be run on CCG TV. He said because
the Government will be closed on Thursday and Friday, all inert waste will be
picked tomorrow, which is Wednesday, November 23, 2011. He then advised
Council that there is a $6000 cost associated with picking up the waste
tomorrow.
Councilor Thomas informed City Manager Hugley that someone reported to her
that, on a couple of occasions they had seen the recycle truck dumping its
contents at the landfill thus negating the recycling process. She then asked
that City Manager Hugley look into the matter.
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***--------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:
______________________________________________
__
Notice of GMA Mayors? Day Conference, January 20-23, 2012 in Atlanta,
Georgia.
Biographical Sketch of Mr. Chester Randolph, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh?s
nominee to replace Mr. Derrick Shields on the Board of Tax Assessors.
Application submitted by Richard Bishop to temporarily close the 1000 ?
1200 block of Broadway, on Friday, December 2, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00
p.m., in connection with ?Broadway Holiday? pedestrian safety. (The Police
Chief has approved the applications)
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLANED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:
_________________________
_
A Resolution (393-11) - Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the
November 8, 2011 Council Meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (394-11) - canceling the December 27, 2011 Council Meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ACCEPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE
TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:
_________________________ _
Email Correspondence from Mr. Mike Gaymon resigning from his position on
the Crime Prevention Board.
*** *** ***
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS,
WHICH WERE OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
_______
________________________ _
Board of Elections & Registrations, July 7, 2011 and August 4, 2011.
Board of Elections & Registrations, September 1 and October 6, 2011.
Board of Honor, November 15, 2011.
Board of Zoning Appeals, July 6, 2011 and August 3, 2011.
Board of Zoning Appeals, October 5, 2011.
Housing Authority of Columbus, October 19, 2011.
Region Six Regional DBHDD Planning Board, June 8, 2011.
Region Six Regional DBHDD Planning Board, September 14, 2011.
Region Six Regional DBHDD Planning Board, November 9, 2011.
River Valley Regional Commission, September 28, 2011.
Uptown Facade Board, October 17, 2011.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded
by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Steve Davis and Mr. Chester
Randolph are eligible to be confirmed on the Board of Tax Assessors. Councilor
McDaniel moved confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & TRADE CENTER AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council pointed out that we are still awaiting a nominee for the
seat of Ms. Lori Auten, who cannot succeed herself. This is a Mayor?s
appointment. No actions taken.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Jose Cardona?s seat has been
declared vacant; therefore a nominee is needed for Council District 6.
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Harold Furderburg is now
deceased; therefore a nominee is needed for Council District 3.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that all three incumbents are eligible
to serve another term of office and are listed as follows: Ms. Elizabeth
Barker, Mr. Charlie Desai, and Mr. James F. Smith. Mayor Tomlinson then
re-nominated all three incumbents for another term of office.
*** *** ***
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Ms. Joan Cheves? term of
office will expire at the end of this month and she is not eligible to succeed
herself therefore a nominee is needed to fill her seat.
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Junie Christian is no
longer a resident of Muscogee County; therefore a nominee is needed to fill his
seat.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington explained that Mr. James Yancey does not
desire reappointment, Mr. Travis Whitley as well as Ms. Cathy Walker has
resigned, and we will need three nominees for each of these seats.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Murray is eligible to be
confirmed on the Public Safety Advisory Board. Councilor McDaniel moved
confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those
ten members present for this meeting.
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Joan Charles Kurtz term of
office has expired and he is not eligible to succeed himself; therefore a
nominee is needed for Council District 2.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Ms. Jennifer Collins is eligible
to be confirmed on the Recreation Advisory Board. Councilor Henderson moved
confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten
members present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
REGION SIX DBHDD REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Ms. Elizabeth Methany is eligible
to succeed herself on the Region Six DBHDD Regional Planning Board. Councilor
Baker then re-nominated Ms. Methany for another term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington advised that the seats of Mr. Albert Sanders
and Ms. Mary Myles are vacant; therefore a nominee is needed to fill each seat.
*** *** ***
UPTOWN FACADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington explained that we are still waiting to hear
from the Uptown Fa?ade Board as to whether they will re-appoint Ms. Brenda
Price.
*** *** ***
ADD-ON REQUEST:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh has
requested to attend the GMA Convention in January. Councilor Thomas made a
motion to approve the request. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
OTHER BUSINESS:
Councilor Henderson called for a resolution commending those individuals
that were responsible for the Veterans? Day Parade.
Councilor Davis requested that staff check to see if there is a need for
extra storage space at the Recreation Centers and provide a report.
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
McDaniel made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting with the
time being 8:07 p.m.
*** *** ***
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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