MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
FEBRUARY 12, 2008
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:08 A.M., Tuesday, February 12, 2008, on the Plaza Level of the
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W.J. Wetherington, Mayor,
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other that Mayor Wetherington were Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh, Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes,
Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., and Evelyn
Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also
present. Councilor Glenn Davis took his seat at 9:07 a.m.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Mike Stewart, Director- Pastoral Care of
Columbus Regional Healthcare System.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Wynnton Arts Academy 3rd Grade Class, escorted by
Paige Pirkle (teacher) and Maryann Calhoun (School Counselor).
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***--------------------------------------PROCLAMATIONS:
?COLUMBUS, GEORGIA BRANCH NAACP DAY?:
With Mr. William Madison and other members of the NAACP standing at the
Council table, Councilor Hunter read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington
proclaiming Tuesday, February 12, 2008 as ?Columbus, Georgia Branch NAACP Day?
in Columbus, Georgia.
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?FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA-PHI BETA LAMBDA WEEK?:
With representatives from Phi Beta Lambda ? Future Business Leaders of
America standing at the Council table, Councilor Henderson read the
proclamation of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming the week of February 10 -
February 16, 2008 as ?Future Business Leaders of America ? Phi Beta Lambda
Week?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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MAYORS AGENDA:
?DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY DAY?:
With Ms. Lula Huff and other members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority standing
at the Council table, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh read the resolution of Mayor
Wetherington proclaiming Thursday, February 14, 2008 as ?Columbus, Georgia
Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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?SPECIAL INTRODUCTION?:
CPT Kristopher Mitchell
Recognition of U.S. Army Infantry School?s
International Student Training Detachment
Mayor Wetherington called on U.S. Army CPT Kristopher Mitchell to introduce
the special guests. CPT Mitchell said he is the Commander of the U.S. Army
Infantry School International Student Training Detachment. CPT Mitchell
introduced the 14 Soldiers (all from different countries around the world) and
stated that the Captain Career?s Course (on Fort Benning, Georgia) is a
one-year program.
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RESOLUTION - INTERNAL AUDITOR'S POSITION:
Mayor Wetherington called on Mr. Tom Barron, Director of Human Resources to
introduce his selection for the Internal Auditor position with the Columbus
Consolidated Government.
Mr. Baron introduces Mr. John Redmond who is accompanied by his wife Pasty
and son Doug.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS THEN SUMBITTED AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:______________________________________
A Resolution (46-08) - Authorizing the confirmation of Mr. John Redmond as
Internal Auditor at a Pay Grade 25, with an annual salary of $72,000 and
relocation expenses not to exceed $3,000, effective March 17, 2008. Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh moved the confirmation of Mr. John Redmond. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the November 6, 13 & 20, 2007 Council
Meeting of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were
submitted and approved. Councilor Henderson moved the approval of the minutes.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present for this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARING:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:______________________________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 620 Brown Avenue from RO
(Residential-Office) District to GC (General Commercial) District.
(1-A-08-Capital Pest Control) The proposed use is pest control business.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked what kind of impact this rezoning will have
on the surrounding area given everything else there is residential. She said
why wasn?t this allowed to stay as Residential Office instead of rezoning to
General Commercial.
Mr. Rick Jones said the property at one time did contain a pest control
business and it was allowed at that time as a non-conforming use. Once the use
stopped for more than six months, it falls under the new UDO, which now
requires that anything beyond six months cannot go back to the same type of
use. He said the building has been primarily established for a pest control
operation and the petitioner is asking for the General Commercial use so he can
put another pest control operation in there.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said there should be a reversionary clause in
there because if this person leaves the pest control business, the property is
on General Commercial and anything that falls under General Commercial (that we
are trying to keep out of residential neighborhoods) can go in there.
City Attorney Fay said if a clause is put in place, it should limit the use
of this building to pest control only instead of reversing back to Residential
Office. He said if the pest control business ceases to operate, then the
Planning Department would initiate a rezoning change. Councilor Barnes then
made a motion to add the reversionary clause as stated by City Attorney Fay.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 1330 Victory Drive from LMI
(Light Manufacturing/Industrial) District to GC (General Commercial) District.
(2-CA-08-Moore) The proposed use is a pawnshop.
The petitioner was present, but was not called upon to address the Council
since there were no oppositions.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________________________________________________
A Resolution (47-08) ? Proposing that the Local Option Sales and Use Tax
(LOST) be increased from 1 percent to 2 percent in the special district
comprised of the Columbus-Muscogee County Consolidated Government, pursuant to
O.C.G.A. ? 48-8-96 and directing the Election Superintendent to call for a
referendum pursuant to O.C.G.A. ? 48-8-85 and O.C.G.A. ? 48-8-96 to take place
on July 15, 2008.
Mayor Wetherington said when he ran for Mayor; he promised the citizens of
Columbus and members of the Council that he wanted a safe, secure and clean
city. He said in order for him to do that, and for our Public Safety people to
do that we would need the help first from our Council ? we would have to adopt
a resolution that will allow us to put on the July ballot a one cent sales tax
for public safety and roads. He said 70% will go towards public safety and 30%
will go towards road. Mayor Wetherington said he thinks that safety is the most
important issue that is facing us (the residents of Columbus, Georgia). He said
roads are also important too and there are some structures that will be built
later on.
Mayor Wetherington said what he would like to do is put more police
officers and sheriff deputies in the neighborhoods ? the police presence is
going to reduce crime and his ultimate goal is to make Columbus, Georgia the
safest city in the United States ? a safe place to live and raise a family.
Mayor Wetherington said he wants to put Police Officers on the Riverwalk,
downtown, in the neighborhoods, in the schools ? and we will have to build a
new POD in the jail.
Mayor Wetherington said 35% of this one-cent sales tax is coming from out
of town. The rest of it will be from citizens here. He said we currently have a
one-cent tax that is rolling off in September (2008) ? the SPLOST ? what we
used for building the Civic Center, the Public Safety Building, and other
buildings here in our county. He said the school tax; the way it is today is
going to roll off shortly after the first of the year ? in January 2008. He
said he thinks this is an opportunity for us to make Columbus, Georgia a safe
place to live and raise a family. He said there are a lot of neighborhoods that
pay for private security and there are a lot of neighborhoods that cannot pay ?
it is incumbent upon us to furnish all of our citizens in Columbus, Georgia the
best possible public safety service that they can provide.
Councilor Barnes said there are a lot of issues in public safety ? it was
the number one issue then, and it is the number one issue now primarily because
with Chief Boren, his problem is not only recruitment, but also retention ?
because police officers are not being paid enough for the job they are required
to do. Councilor Barnes said this resolution is in the right direction ? not
only for safety but also for the maintenance and infrastructure of our roads.
He then made a motion to adopt the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson, which carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for
this meeting.
Councilor Woodson asked City Manager Hugley to work on the wording of the
resolution citing previous wordings and the confusion of citizens who ended up
voting against it.
City Attorney Fay informed Council that the language of the ballot couldn?t
be changed. He said the statute expressly requires the ballot language, but
what the Mayor and Council can do is (during forums for the sales tax) explain
what will be dropping off and the process of the various sales taxes.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said the Local Option Sales Tax will be going
from one cent to two cents and will never drop off. She said the taxes that are
dropping off are only SPLOST tax ? but the operating tax (LOST) will be going
to two cents. She said she had some hesitations about the timing of the
resolution and the timing of the vote. She said she never had any hesitations
about the commitment as what the penny (one cent) will be used for. She said
she would support the Mayor?s motion. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh also pointed
out that hearings are already scheduled and she encourages citizens to attend
those hearings and let the Council know how they feel about the taxes.
Councilor McDaniel said the city is growing and will continue to grow given
the BRAC situation and the City does not have the money to hire more police
officers and other public safety personnel or pay them what they need to be
paid. He said too that the roads are in terrible shape and we need to have more
money to fix the roads. He said the citizens deserve to have better roads and
better protection. Councilor McDaniel said he would also support the Mayor.
Mayor Wetherington, several Council members, City Manager Hugley, and City
Attorney Fay made additional comments regarding this resolution after which
City Attorney Fay said with the passing of this item, this board and the
election board with call for the referendum to take place on July 15, 2008.
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NOTE: Councilor Allen left the meeting during this portion of the proceedings
with the time being 10:29 A.M.
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A Resolution (48-08) ? Imposing E911 charges upon each voice over Internet
protocol telecommunications connection for subscribers whose billing address is
located within Columbus, Georgia. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption
of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by
those eight members present at the time with Councilors Allen and Davis being
absent for this vote.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL AGENDA:
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, Clerk of Council Washington
called item #5 on her agenda:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND DEFEATED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF DISCUSSION:_____
A Resolution - Authorizing a Special Exception to establish a cemetery west
of 1485 Schatulga Road ? the expansion of Green Acres Cemetery.
Mayor pro Tem Turner Pugh said there were over 400 signatures of property
owners who oppose this item. She said Ms. Eason also have some opposition
letters all of which will be submitted to the Clerk of Council for her records.
She then made a motion that the opposition be heard. Seconded by Councilor
Barnes, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at
the time with Councilor Allen being absent for this vote.
City Attorney Fay said if we are going to have a hearing on this matter,
the applicant should be heard first.
PROPONENTS:
Petitioner: Mr. Ron Hale ? Green Acres Cemetery, 1485 Schatulga Road.
Mr. Hale said the cemetery was founded 54 years ago by his father-in-law
and they are here today asking for a special exception use for 1.5 acres of
land indicated in the application. He said this parcel of land is currently
designated as residential and they are trying to get it change to cemetery.
Mr. Hale said they met with the Planning Department and discussed all the
issues they had and the planning department approved their request with certain
conditions ? Green Acres maintain a 30ft undisturbed natural buffer along the
North property line of the cemetery. He said they have agreed with the Planning
Department and accepted the condition with the buffer. He said this land is
being requested for the special use because they are looking at the long-range
plans and design of the cemetery and would like this piece of land designated
as cemetery so we can treat it as such.
Mr. Hale said they encountered several complaints with the Planning
Department with the foremost being the citizens not wanting a cemetery in their
back yard ? and it was pointed out to the citizens at that time that the
cemetery has been in existence for over 50 years - and the property behind the
residence where the residents are complaining have been there for more that 35
years. Mr. Hale said there is nothing he can do about this because the cemetery
was there before the subdivision was built. He said another complaint he had
was that they were trying to expand the cemetery northward and they have also
discussed with the citizens that they have no desire to move the cemetery north
because they do not own all of the property and therefore do not have the means
to do so. The next major issue that came up during the planning commission was
that the maintenance facility was build approximately seven months ago and the
issue was brought up by the citizens that this building was improperly
permitted and should not have been built there. He said they have researched
this considerably and it was determined that this land was deeded to the
cemetery back in 1958 and was therefore grandfathered in which allowed them to
put up the maintenance facility.
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NOTE: Mayor Wetherington left the meeting during this portion of the
proceedings but returned at 11:15 A.M.
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Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said her motion on this item would be to deny the
special exception for the mere fact the people who are out there whose houses
were built as the original part of the cemetery was done ? they know what?s in
their back yard, but there are also some buffers. She said if you don?t stop
the cemetery, they would end taking over everything that is out there. She said
at some point you have to say enough is enough and they should go someplace
else ? and that is what these citizens are saying. She said there are 42 acres
of the existing cemetery that have not been developed and questioned why the 42
acres are not being developed first before encroaching on the citizens.
Mr. Hale said it is a matter of planning and money. He said with this
particular tract of land, they have no particular plans to develop it for 3 to
5 years. He said that the cemetery has already owned some of the land.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said that a lot of the land that was originally
bought by the cemetery was sold off to residential development. She then asked
staff if this land was already part of the cemetery, why are we here today?
Mr. Rick Jones informed Council that the UDO now requires that any
expansion of cemeteries or any new use of the cemetery require a special
exception use. He said under the old ordinance, there were no such
requirements. This now requires that the public be made aware of the fact that
cemetery could go into a neighborhood or could be expanding. In response to a
question from Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, Mr. Jones said the special exception
use does not have to be approved.
The hearing for this special exception use went on for another 45 minutes
where several Council members voiced their opinions and concerns with this
issue. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh also asked about the 50ft buffer that was
promised the residents at a recent meeting. Mr. Hale in response to this stated
that a promised of 30ft buffer was made and that is what they are prepared to
do. Upon hearing this, several citizens (in the audience) who came to oppose
the special exception request, interjected that a promise of a 50ft buffer was
made.
OPPONENTS:
Ms. Eason, who lives in the nearby subdivision where the cemetery is
located and opposes the special exception request, submitted a petition of over
489 signatures to Clerk of Council Washington to be recorded. Other than Ms.
Eason, Council also heard from Mr. Henry Riley, Jr., Mr. Bill Madison, Mr.
Arthur Rogers (6830 & 6824 Cove Circle) and Mr. H. Brandon Stephens III of
Forest Park Baptist Church. Several other members of the subdivision were also
present and prepared to be heard. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion
to deny the special exception request. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried
by a vote of 7 to 2, with Councilors Davis and Baker voting no to deny the
request.
After continued discussions on the subject, Councilor Baker also made a
motion that the 50-ft buffer be added to the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at
the time, with Councilor Allen being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUITON WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________
A Resolution (49-08) - Approving a Special Exception Use to erect a
wireless communications facility for wireless communications service on
property located at 7880 Schomburg Road. Councilor McDaniel made a motion to
approve the special exception. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Allen being
absent for this vote.
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NOTE: Mayor Wetherington left the meeting during this portion of the
proceedings with the time being 12:00 Noon.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSONS APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF EACH PERSON COMMENTS: ____
MR. JIM RHODES, RE: MOON ROAD:
Mr. Rhodes said he is sorry the Mayor is not present because he would like
to commend him for stepping forward on the resolution on the one-cent sales
tax. He said he also appreciates the City Manager and Mayor Pro Tem for
explaining the different sides of the tax and what each means and how it
affects the citizens.
Mr. Rhodes said the City Council should have taken money out of the reserve
fund to pay the police officers. He said if other cities can get by with 10% of
their budget, why can?t we? He said he hope Council can reduce the days from 90
to 70 and use some of the money to fix Moon Road as was promised back in 2001
and 2004 when the reserve fund had $34 million. He said he would like to see
three lanes of roadway.
Mr. Rhodes said he received a telephone call from State Senator Ed Harbison
last Sunday and was informed that the VA Representative for Georgia is looking
into getting a VA Center for Columbus, Georgia.
He also informed Council that the Muscogee County DAV #7 Chapter is the
oldest chapter in the State of Georgia ? started January 7, 1927 and this year
the Harley Davidson motor heroes has made arrangements and will be at 1000
Victory Drive on February 28, 2008. This organization assists veterans in
filling out paperwork to get compensation for their disabilities.
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MR. LORENZA WILDER, RE: RESERVE FUND BALANCE; VETERANTS ADMINISTRATION
CONTER:_________________________
Mr. Lorenza Wilder did not respond when called upon to address the Council.
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NOTE: Councilor Barnes left the meeting during this portion of the proceedings
with the time being 12:15 P.M.
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CITY MANAGERS? AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION DELAYED FROM THE JAN. 29 & FEB. 5, 2008 COUNCIL
MEETINGS WAS AGAIN SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF DISCUSSION:____________
A Resolution (50-08) ? Authorization is requested of a resolution to allow
for the use of 1999C Bond funds for any uses and purposes as set forth in the
Enterprise Zone Act, as amended.
City Manager Hugley said he head from the lawyer from DCA last night via
email regarding some of the questions raised by Council last week regarding
this issue. He said on the question ?can an enterprise zone exist for more than
two years, if not can they be renewed or re-established by Council?? The lawyer
said yes. The lawyer also advised to re-designate enterprise zone by resolution
and update ordinance if necessary before the current enterprise status sunsets.
City Manager Hugley provide further information to Council regarding tax
abatements for the enterprise zone.
Councilor Henderson made a motion to approve the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at this time with Councilor Allen and Barnes being absent for this
vote.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that Mr. Bert Coker be heard. Seconded by
Councilor Anthony and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this
vote.
Mr. Bert Coker said he is concerned about the SLPOST fund and it is his
understanding that this money was voted on for industrial and commercial
development and for jobs. He asked if Council have to go back to the people to
get permission to use this money for residential?
City Manager Hugley informed Council that SPLOST money is going to be used
for exactly what they said it would be used for ? and that is the enterprise
zone.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (51-08) ? Authorization is requested to enter into a Lease
Agreement with Jackson Burgin, Inc., (Lessee) for 0.45 +/- acres of property
located at 1660 13th Street consisting largely of an existing parking lot in
Dinglewood Park. The property will remain a public parking lot for those
utilizing the Dinglewood Park. The initial term of the lease shall be ten (10)
years with four five-year renewal options subject to Council approval with rent
at $1.00 per year.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion to approve the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this
vote.
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THE FOLLOWING SIX PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED
BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON (FOR ITEMS A, B, C, D, & F) AND
SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS
OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR DAVIS BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE:________________________________________________
A Resolution (52-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) hydraulic trash
loader bodies from Consolidated Disposal Systems (Smyrna, GA) in the amount of
$71,600.00, and two (2) two cab and chassis from Four Star Freightliner
(Montgomery, AL) in the amount of $114,298.00. The hydraulic trash loaders are
replacement units that will be used by the Waste Management Division and will
be used to pick up yard waste, solid waste, and white goods placed on the
Right-of ?Way.
A Resolution (53-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) ? ton regular
cab 4x4 pickup truck from Bill Heard Chevrolet (Columbus, GA) in the amount of
$18,436.00.The pickup truck is a replacement unit that will be used by the
Landfill Division of the Public Services Department to transport personnel and
equipment throughout the landfill as well as pull various trailers.
A Resolution (54-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) seventy-five
foot aerial device body from Terex Utilities (White House, TN) in the amount of
$66,448.00. The body will be placed on a previously purchased cab and chassis
for a large bucket truck. The large bucket truck is a replacement unit. The
Forestry Division of the Public Services Department will use this replacement
unit for trimming and removing trees on City property during routine
maintenance, as well as, when storm damage occurs within the City.
A Resolution (55-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) one ton dual
rear wheel crew cab w/8 ?? flat dump bed body, from Transport Equipment Company
(Albany, GA), in the amount of $7,128.00, and one (1) cab and chassis, from
Peach County Ford (Byron, GA) in the amount of $16,963.00. The truck is a
replacement unit that will be used by the Rainwater Division of the Public
Services Department to transport personnel and equipment to and from jobsites
throughout the City.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL:__________
A Resolution ? Authorizing the purchase of seventeen (17) two-tone blue &
white Crown Victoria pursuit vehicles, in the amount of $350,693.00; and five
(5) standard white Crown Victoria pursuit vehicles, in the amount of
$100,245.00, from Peach County Ford (Columbus, GA). The pursuit vehicles are
replacement units that will be used by the Police and Sheriff Departments in
the performance of their duties.
Councilor McDaniel asked about ?addendum #1? because the notes indicated
this was the reason why the bid from River Town Ford was thrown out. City
manager Hugley referred to Finance Director Ms. Pam Hodge to answer this
question.
Director Hodge said she do not know specifically what addendum #1 is to the
agreement but it was part of the bid package and if they don?t submit and sign
off on each piece of the package, then it is determined incomplete.
Councilor McDaniel then request that this item be delayed one week.
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A Resolution (56-08) ? Authorizing the payment to DataWorks Plus, LLC, in
the amount of $16,534.00 for the annual maintenance agreement for the mug shot
system. The vendor will provide 24/7 maintenance support for the mug shot
system, which is utilized by the Sheriff?s Department. The maintenance period
will be for one year, from August 1, 2007 through July 31, 2008.
Resolution No. 233-96 authorized the purchase of the upgraded system from
DataWorks Plus (formerly TFP, Inc.). The City has paid for subsequent
maintenance agreements since the warranty for the equipment expired. Funds are
budgeted in the FY08 Budget: Sheriff ? Jail ? Service Contracts; 0101-550-2600-
JAIL-6513.
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STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION:
City Manager Hugley said the Strategic Planning Retreat with the Mayor and
Council is going to on February 21 and 22, 2008 at the Trade Center. All-day
event and is open to the public.
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SIGNAGE:
Councilor Woodson asked City Manager Hugley to check with Mr. Ron Hamlett
about making a better signage for the police precinct in the Baker Village
Area.
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COUNCIL MEETING FOR FEBRUARY 19, 2008:
Councilor Henderson said he know Ms. Liz Turner is working on this but he
wants to inform Council that he has asked that the Council Meeting for the week
Council is having their retreat to look at changing that. He said the next
schedule Council session is a work session and asked that this be made a
regular session and moved the work session to the retreat. He then called for a
resolution to cancel the February 19, 2008 Council meeting. (See Clerk of
Council?s Agenda.)
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CODE ENFORCEMENT:
Councilor Anthony said there is a situation at 2842 Ramsey Road ? he said a
tree has fallen and asked that code enforcement follow up on this matter.
ROAD SURFACING:
Councilor Anthony said a resident on Jeanie Street would like to know if
resurfacing will be done on the rest of the road.
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RESOLUTION:
Councilor Anthony called for a resolution expressing condolences to the
City Council of Kirkwood, Missouri where two members of the City Council; two
members of the Public Safety; and one member of the Public Service; lost their
lives due to a shooting and the Mayor was also injured.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:
ACCG?s Legislative Update, Volume 18, Number 3 - January 31, 2008.
Notice of GMA?s Annual Convention, June 21 - 24, 2008 in Savannah, Georgia.
Memorandum from GMA?s Executive Director Mr. Jim Higdon, Re: Nomination of
2008-2009 District Officers.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________
A Resolution (57-08) ? Canceling the February 19, 2008 Council Meeting.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at
the time, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this vote.
A Resolution (58-08) ? Excusing Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh from the
January 29, 2008 Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and Barnes
being absent for this vote.
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MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Mr. David McMicken
advising that Mr. Robert George was appointed to replace Mr. Ken Crooks and
Mr. Michael Gorum, M. D. to replace Mr. Kenneth Goldman, M. D. on the Medical
Center Hospital Authority. Councilor Henderson moved that the letter be
accepted. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present at the time with, Councilors Allen and
Barnes being absent for this vote. This vote also confirmed Mr. Robert George?s
confirmation to the Medical Center Hospital Authority.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 03-08
Councilor Henderson moved the minutes be approved. Seconded by Councilor
McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at
the time with, Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this vote.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
AIRPORT COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington said that Mr. Kerry Hand was re-nominated for a
new term and is eligible to be confirmed. Councilor Henderson then moved the
confirmation of Mr. Kerry Hand. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time with
Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this vote.
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BOARD OF HEALTH:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that she is still working on a
replacement for Dr. Sullivan.
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BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHECTURAL REVIEW:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
is nominating Ms. Eva Smith. This will be back in two weeks for confirmation.
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BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington said that Mr. Terry Ballard and Ms. Paula
Johnson are eligible to succeed themselves; Councilor Hunter suggested checking
with these individuals to determine if they want to continue to serve.
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COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):_______________________________
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that the Mayor is
re-nominating Ms. Pierce and she is eligible to be confirmed. Councilor
Henderson then moved the confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time with
Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this vote.
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CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington said Mr. Brian McCluskey, Mr. Robert Anderson,
Mr. Michael Corrandino, and Mr. Kevin Shirley all eligible to succeed
themselves. She (Ms. Washington) will contact these individuals to see if they
want to continue to serve. Clerk of Washington also said that Mr. C.L. Moffitt
is not eligible to succeed himself and a replacement will be needed for Council
District 9.
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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington said she is still working on nominations for
this board.
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MR. BERT COKER - 5815 VENTURE DRIVE:
Mr. Coker said the government should be able to take $16 million out of the
reserve fund and use it to fix Moon Road or use it toward a contingency fund
for the Police Department.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Anthony then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time with
Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this vote, with the time being
12:45 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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