MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 26, 2008
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:02 A.M., Tuesday, February 26, 2008, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Berry Henderson,
Julius H. Hunter, Jr., 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. Councilor Glenn Davis took his seat at 9:20
a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Jerry ?Pops? Barnes was absent. Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Dr. J. H. Flakes, Jr., Pastor- 4th Street Missionary
Baptist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
PRESENTATION OF PORTRAITS OF MA RAINEY:
Ms. Florene Dawkins, Chairperson of Friends of Ma Rainey?s Board, came
forward and briefly spoke of the presentation to the Ma Rainey House with Mr.
Gary Pound and Mr. Fred Fussell, their curator in celebration of Black History
Month. She then distributed t-shirts to the members of Council as Mr. Gary
Pound approached the rostrum.
Mr. Gary Pound, said that amazingly, Ma Rainey only had about four or five
pictures taken of her; therefore, we are very limited in the subject matter.
He called attention to the large painting of Ma Rainey, which is the most
commonly used portrait. He described his efforts to capture the vitality and
energy in her personality through his painting. In the other portrait, Mr.
Pound explained that he wanted to commemorate the fact that she is the only
Columbus born citizen to be honored with a United States postage stamp, with
the exception of Carson McCullers.
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PROCLAMATION:
?SPAY & NEUTER DAY?:
With Mr. Tom Bryan, Chairperson of the Animal Control Advisory Board and
Ms. Drale Short, Division Manager of Special Enforcement standing at the
Council table, Councilor Allen read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington,
proclaiming February 26, 2008 as ?Spay and Neuter Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
Mr. Tom Bryan, provided some statistical information by reporting that
over 6,000 healthy pets were euthanized last year. He encouraged spay and
neutering pets as means of minimizing that number. He advised that there is a
cadre of citizens in our community, who are working to end euthanasia as a way
of population control. He then introduced PAWS, Inc. and the newly installed
president, Judge Julia Lumpkin. He announced that PAWS, Inc. has recently been
awarded a sizable grant for a low cost spay and neutering program, which would
be introduced next week into the school system to combine education and
outreach to provide the services that are necessary to those who cannot afford
it. He spoke of the support that Dr. Hank Hall has provided to the
not-for-profit animal welfare community. He also thanked the following
individuals for their continued support: Ms. Drale Short, Animal
Control/Special Enforcement Manager; Ms. Susie Stewart, Muscogee County Humane
Society Veterinarian and Director; Ms. Francis Steed, Animal Intake and
Impoundment Services.
Ms. Drale Short, Animal Control/Special Enforcement Manager, reminded
everyone of the animal campus that is being constructed on Milgen Road. She
anticipated the project completion date to be September and October of 2008.
She described the new facility to be 12,774 square foot and would provide
double the occupancy for holding animals.
City Manager Hugley added that this project is a partnership with PAWS,
Inc. He recalled this is a sales tax project that we put in the later years
because PAWS, Inc. was still undergoing some fundraising.
Animal Control/Special Enforcement Manager Drale Short made a correction
on a comment from City Manager Hugley by pointing out that the City had
initially put in $2 million from the SPLOST and the Administration added
another $600,000 to complete the project for the amount of $2.6 million.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR ANTHONY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (64-08) - Expressing sincere condolences to the citizens of
Kirkwood, Missouri and to the families of the five city officials who lost
their lives while on duty. Councilor Anthony moved its adoption. Seconded by
Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those eight members present with
Councilor Davis not yet present for the meeting and Councilor Barnes being
absent from this meeting.
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MILITARY DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS:
Mr. Jim Rhodes, announced that on Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m., at the Veterans Center, there would be a van out of Cincinnati, Ohio
that goes around and provides assistance to the disabled veterans to help them
receive benefits, medical care, etc. He announced that Mayor Wetherington
would be in attendance and presenting a proclamation for ?Military Disabled
American Veterans Day?.
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FT. BENNING REPORT:
Mayor Wetherington called upon General Wodjakowski to provide a report on Ft.
Benning.
General Wodjakowski, approached the rostrum to provide a power point
presentation to report on the activities at Ft. Benning. He maintained this
would be done on a routine basis in the future. The presentation was provided
as follows:
Transformation:
The Infantry is growing by 17% with the number of students growing by 17% as
well.
Campaign Plan- A strategic plan oriented towards the future
Order of Magnitude
The military personnel run sixty one courses, seven days a week and fifty two
weeks a year
108,000 soldiers were trained last year
The Army recruited 70,000 new soldiers last year
Impact of Ft. Knox and the Armor Center School
The move completion scheduled for September 15, 2011
The military personnel would run ninety two courses
135,000 soldiers would be trained
Core Competencies
Support the Operating Force
Infantry men and women are taught to fight and win
Ranger School
Infantry Center has the responsibility for all future requirements
Impact of the war on Iraq
Environment in Iraq and Afghanistan is different than any other environment the
soldiers have been in; environment is called Contemporary Operational
Environment- friends and enemies are not easily recognizable
360 degree battle field
Premium on the soldier?s ability to shoot, engage and destroy the enemy
Growth on Ft. Benning
$2 billion construction project- includes BRAC and other transformational
occurrences
Total growth of 32,000 as a result of BRAC
January 2008- Groundbreaking on construction for the Maneuver Center of
Excellence at Harmony Church
FY-07 construction $356 million
FY-08 construction $535 million
Residential Community Initiative - Public/Private partnership to build quality
homes
4200 housing units on Ft. Benning
Additional housing would not be built on Ft. Benning
Environmental Impact Statement
One of the largest most comprehensive studies ever conducted by the Department
of Defense
Completed in November 2007
Partnering with Valley Partnership in projecting numbers
Challenges
Another Environmental Statement to complete, which is a product of changes from
the initial Environment Impact Statement to accommodate some of the biological
species on Ft. Benning
The construction projects that need to be built within the next three years
Civilians working in Kentucky to relocate to Ft. Benning
Strategic Communications
Initiatives:
New Martin Army Hospital to be built
Commissary to be expanded in the near future
Recently built a new PX (third largest in the world)
Pursuing a lodging expansion for transient lodging due to increase of students
Progress of Infantry Museum- the next piece is the Armor Museum
In response to a question of Councilor Davis, General Wodjakowski
explained that we have a detailed listing with the percentage of off-post
housing with apartments versus homes that soldiers and their soldiers are
residing in, as well as, on a regional level and would provide that at a later
date.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2008 FOR
CERTAIN FUNDS OF THE COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ITS CAPTION READ AND WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
An Ordinance - Amending the budgets for the fiscal year 2008 beginning
July 1, 2007 and ending June 30, 2008, for certain funds of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in each fund for
capital and other activities; and for other purposes.
In response to a question of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh regarding a
previous motion made to reduce the new hires that were not in the original
budget, City Manager Hugley advised that there were five General Government
positions that the Budget Chairperson Henderson asked to be taken out of the
mid-year budget and bring them back during the regular budget process; those
positions have been take out.
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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 - Authoring the creation of a Retiree Health Plan trust fund
as a component of the Columbus, Georgia Employees? Pension Plan pursuant to
O.C.G.A. Section 47-20-10(h); and for other purposes.
City Manager Hugley explained that the City was going to be required to
pre-fund healthcare or book the liability in the amount of $22.5 million, but
going to the Medicare Advantage Plan, the City was able to reduce that to $6.9
million that we would have to book as liability. He said the ordinance is an
effort to follow the State Law as it relates to GASB 43 and 45 required by all
cities and counties across the State of Georgia and the nation. He further
explained that we are booking liability and/or putting money into the plan so
that those investments would be made by members of the Pension Board. He said
there would be monthly reports through the Pension Board to show the status of
the healthcare retiree plan.
RESOLUTIONS:
Councilor Hunter requested the staff to prepare resolutions for the
wrestlers from our community that did quite well at the State Wrestling
Championship. Hardaway High School had four wrestlers that finished in the top
five led by Nick Burks, who won the 189-pound class. Columbus High School had
four wrestlers that finished in the top five led by Joe Denova, who finished in
first place in the 125-pound class. Spencer High School?s Brian Davis took 2nd
in the 215-pound class and Jordan High School?s Shawn Hall took third place in
the 112-pound class.
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RESOLUTION OF CONDOLENCE:
Councilor Allen requested the staff to prepare a resolution expressing
condolences to the family of Ms. Evalyne ?Mac? Turgeon for her service to the
Columbus Community on behalf of the entire Council.
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NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP:
Councilor Davis requested the staff to prepare a resolution congratulating
Christian Garay upon his win of the USTA National Open Clay Court Junior Boys?
12 Championships held at Cooper Creek Tennis Center.
Councilor Davis also congratulated Catherine White as she is number one in
the State of Georgia in the USTA Girls 14 age bracket. He said she is third in
the south and fourteen in the United States. He recalled that we have already
presented her with a resolution before.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. SAM RAWLS, REPRESENTING COMMON CAUSE COLUMBUS, RE: THE COMMON
CAUSE:
Mr. Sam Rawls, representing Common Cause Columbus, provided some information on
the mission of Common Cause Columbus. He read the excerpts of their
principles, which are outlined in the bylaws. He said their plans are to take
action on legislative, executive and administrative affairs; to keep Common
Cause Members and the public informed; enabling members of the public to make
their voices heard and to give special attention to issues prevalent to the
citizens of Columbus, Georgia and to provide leadership when appropriate.
He then asked about the Rails to Trail project that was promised to the
citizens in the 1999 SPLOST to which $11 million was allocated. City Manager
Hugley recalled that we provided the Mayor with an update on all of the sales
tax projects. He then explained that projects were prioritized by years and in
those years is when funds would be allocated to those specific projects. He
pointed out every project that was committed to the citizens of Columbus in
1993 has been completed and every project promised to the citizens in 1999
would be completed with some having been completed.
He recalled the briefings that have been held on the Rails to Trails project.
He pointed out that we would be providing updates on the remaining two items on
the Work Session Agenda after the Clerk of Council?s Agenda.
Councilor Davis requested the staff to also provide an update on the projects
that have not been completed and the status.
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MR. ROBERT PADIN, RE: REQUEST TAX REFUND FOR 2005, 2006 AND 2007 DUE TO 100%
DISABILITY BY VETERANS AFFAIR ADMINISTRATION:
Mr. Robert Padin, came forward and requested an appeal on his property taxes.
He then explained that he retired in 2003 with 60% disability. He pointed out
that in 2004, he appealed his disability and was granted 100% in June 2007. He
spoke of his request to the Tax Assessors Office to be granted an exception for
property taxes, as well as, information regarding the appeal process to receive
retroactive for the past four years. He continued to explain the process he
followed for his tax exemption and request for reimbursement of previous taxes
paid. After appearing before the Board of Tax Assessors, he was advised that
the Council is the only body authorized to grant reimbursement.
City Attorney Fay called attention to the memorandum from Tax Assessor Chief
Betty Middleton. He advised that the Board of Tax Assessors has granted Mr.
Padin the exemption for 2008 going forward. He pointed out that technically
this Council does not have jurisdiction over this matter; even if they did,
there is no provision in the law for the Board of Tax Assessors to grant a
retroactive exemption. He said if the State Legislatures see fit to put it in
the law; then, the Board of Tax Assessors could look at it, but at this time,
there is no provision for a retroactive disability exemption.
Councilor Hunter requested the staff to pose the question on the legislative
agenda to our State Delegation regarding the granting of retroactive tax
exemptions for disabled veterans.
In response to Mr. Padin regarding his next steps to follow, Councilor Anthony
suggested that Mr. Padin contact the State Legislators regarding this matter
and the Council could have it listed on the legislative agenda for the General
Assembly session for January 2009. He also asked that Mr. Padin provide some
additional information to the State Legislators to enable them to introduce
legislation that could be applied next year.
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WALK GEORGIA:
At this time, Councilor Davis made a motion for Ms. Joanne Cavis to be heard.
Seconded by Councilor Anthony and carried unanimously by those nine members
present for this meeting.
Ms. Joanne Cavis- Cooperative Extension, announced the kick-off of Walk
Georgia, Monday, March 3, 2008. She advised that this is an eight-week program
throughout the State of Georgia sponsored by the University of Georgia
Cooperative Extension to get people more active. She then explained how the
program works by the computer converting the physical activity to miles.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (65-08) - Authorizing a request for the adoption of the
FY2009 Holiday Schedule designating December 26, 2008 as the floating holiday.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Henderson
and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilor Anthony
being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
A Resolution (66-08) - Authorizing a request to execute an agreement with
Central of Georgia Railroad Company for railroad improvements at 9th
Street/Front Avenue, 9th Street/ Broadway, 9th/1st. Avenue, 9th/2nd Avenue, 9th
Street/3rd Avenue, 9th Street/Veterans Parkway and 9th Street/5th Avenue.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilor Anthony being
absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
Councilor Davis requested the staff to ask Norfolk Railroad Company to go
back to some of the railroad intersections to clean them up. A lot of the ties
where left in the area.
A Resolution (67-08) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and
if approved accept additional funding in the amount of $7,500 from the Council
of Juvenile Court Judges of Georgia for the Purchase of Services Grant.
Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilor Anthony being
absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
A Resolution (68-08) - Authorization is requested to submit an application
and if approved accept funds from the Judicial Council of Georgia Standing
Committee on Accountability Courts for the operation of a Juvenile Drug Court
Program. Councilor Woodson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen
and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilor Anthony
being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING EIGHT 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 WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR BARNES
BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (69-08) - Authorizing payment to Tyler Technologies, Inc./CLT
Division (Dallas, TX), in the amount of $74,175.00, for the annual renewal fee
for Oasis maintenance support, to be paid monthly beginning January 2008
through December 2008.
A Resolution (70-08) - Authorizing the execution of real estate appraisal
services contracts with Realty Appraisal Services and Cliatt & Norris
Appraisals on an ?as needed basis?.
A Resolution (71-08) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) two-wheel drive
mid-size SUV from Legacy Ford (McDonough, GA) in the amount of $18,309.00.
A Resolution (72-08) - Authorizing the purchase and installation of a
filing system for Probate Court from the Overby Company in the amount of
$25,211.85, via Georgia Statewide Contract No. 60748.
A Resolution (73-08) - Authorizing the purchase of firefighter helmets on
an ?as needed basis? from Fire Rescue Help Group for the estimated annual
contract value of $67,458.00.
A Resolution (74-08) - Authorizing the purchase of one hundred (100)
Lenovo Thinkcentre Personal Computers, with three year warranty in the amount
of $53,600.00; and one hundred (100) Lenovo Thinkvision 17? flat panel monitors
in the amount of $20,399.00, from Lenovo (Pittsburgh, PA).
A Resolution (75-08) - Authorizing the purchase of a prisoner transport
bus from Startrans Bus d/b/a Supreme Indiana Operations, Inc., in the amount of
$114,119.00.
A Resolution (76-08) - Authorizing the execution of the annual contract
for concessionaire services for South Commons with Country?s Barbecue on an ?as
needed basis?.
Councilor McDaniel said that he has not received a response to his previous
question with regards to the pursuit vehicles (Item 5 ?f?) on the City
Manager?s Agenda. City Manager Hugley proceeded to read from an email that was
sent to the Councilors in response to the question. He read that ?the process
for determining the low bidder of local businesses purposing a cost not more
than one percent above the low bid or quotes for contracts involving
expenditures greater than $25,000?. He explained using the calculations to
determine the bid amount to conclude that the local bidder failed to do the
four addenda and with the one percent they still come in slightly higher than
the next lowest bidder.
After Councilor McDaniel asked questions regarding Addenda One, which the local
bidder failed to include, City Manager Hugley suggested delaying this item, at
which time, he would have the Purchasing Division Manager come before the
Council to explain the Addenda One before this Council Meeting adjourns.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then moved approval of purchase items ?A through I?
with the exclusion of Item ?F?. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Barnes
being absent from this meeting.
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NOTE: See below the final action on Purchase Item ?F? on the City Manager?s
Agenda.
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GREAT PLAN:
City Manager Hugley recalled that Mayor Wetherington has received a number of
email alerts from the Georgia Municipal Association from us calling your
attention to various legislation that is coming before the House that is
related to the GREAT Plan that we have discussed in details. He stated that
House Resolution 1246, House Bill 979 and Senate Resolution 976 passed out of
the House Ways and Means Committee and would forever change the local
government revenue landscape and limit local ability to make critical decisions
about the City?s future. He spoke of Georgia Municipal Association?s effort to
meet with State Legislators to encourage them to oppose these bills.
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PURSUIT VEHICLES:
With regards to the delay of purchase for the pursuit vehicles (Item ?F?),
Councilor Davis asked the staff to check to see if there is a cost associated
with those four items.
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BANKING SERVICES:
In response to questions from Councilor Davis regarding the time frame for
contracts for banking services, City Manager Hugley advised that the time line
may have been five years and his recollections is that it has been five years.
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TRAFFIC LIGHT SYNCHRONIZATION:
Councilor Anthony said there was a citizen concerned about traffic light
synchronization and requested an update on Veterans Parkway traffic lights to
determine if they are synchronized and if so in what direction.
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NOTE: Councilor Allen left the meeting during this portion of the proceedings
with the time being 10:40 a.m.
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PURSUIT VEHICLES (ITEM ?F?):
Finance Director Pamela Hodge approached the rostrum and advised that the Items
on Addendum Number One included to disregard or delete four of the items in the
bid specifications and are listed as follows; full-range speed governs,
additional wiring- 20 amps, terminal block located on the front passenger side
kick panel, four circuits from console to trunk and shall have factory mounting
screws on top of driver side dash panel to install radar brackets.
After some additional comments from Councilor McDaniel, the following action
listed below to approve Item ?F? was made by the Council.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE CITY MANAGER?S
AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED, AS DELAYED EARLIER IN THE MEETING, AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (77-08) - 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 (Byron, GA). Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
moved adoption. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
eight members present with Councilor Allen having left the meeting and
Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:
(1) ACCG?s Legislative Update, Volume 18, Number 4 - February 7, 2008.
(2) ACCG?s Legislative Update, Volume 18, Number 5 - February 14, 2008.
(3) ACCG?s Legislative Update, Volume 18, Number 6 - February 21, 2008.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL ON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO
TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR ALLEN BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND
COUNCILOR BARNES BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (78-08) - Excusing Councilor Julius Hunter, Jr. from the February
21, 2008 Strategic Planning Meeting.
A Resolution (79-08) - Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from the
February 21, 2008 Strategic Planning Meeting.
A Resolution (80-08) - Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the February 21,
2008 Strategic Planning Meeting.
A Resolution (81-08) - Excusing Councilor Jerry ?Pops? Barnes from the February
26, 2008 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (82-08) - Approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of January 2008.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 05-08.
Public Safety Advisory Commission, October 17, 2007.
Public Safety Advisory Commission, November 7, 2007.
Public Safety Advisory Commission, December 5, 2007.
Public Safety Advisory Commission, December 19, 2007.
Public Safety Advisory Commission, January 16, 2008.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present with Councilor Allen being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes
being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO NEW ZONING PETITIONS RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL BY BOTH THE
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT WAS SUBMITTED BY
DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND THE ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS WERE
CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL:
Petition submitted by the Planning Department to amend the text of the
Unified Development Ordinance to amend Chapter 8, Article 5, Flood Damage
Prevention. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission
and the Planning Department.) (3-A-08-Planning Dept.)
Petition submitted by the Planning Department to amend the text of the
Unified Development Ordinance to amend two minor issues related to ?Planting
Specifications? and one major issue related to ?Auto/Truck sales, new and
used?. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission and
the Planning Department.) (4-A-08-Planning Dept.)
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF HEALTH:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Councilor McDaniel has nominated Dr.
Todd Jarrell to succeed Dr. James Sullivan and we would list this appointment
for confirmation on next week.
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BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh has
nominated Ms. Eva Smith to succeed Ms. Helene Watson. Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilor Allen
being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent from this
meeting.
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BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Councilor Henderson has renominated
Mr. Terry Ballard and Ms. Paula Johnson to succeed themselves. Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilor Allen
being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent from this
meeting.
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COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Councilor Henderson has renominated
Ms. Deidre Williams to succeed herself and she may be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilor Allen
being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent from this
meeting.
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CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mayor Wetherington has renominated
Mr. Brian McCluskey for another term of office and he may be confirmed.
Councilor Henderson moved confirmation of Mr. McCluskey and Mr. Kevin Shirley.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present with Councilor Allen being absent for this vote and
Councilor Barnes being absent from this meeting.
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis also reminded Councilor Anthony that we need a
nominee for the District Nine representative on this board to replace Mr. C. L.
Moffitt, as well as, a District Six representative to replace Mr. Michael
Corrandino.
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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we are still working to get
nominations for seats currently held by Mr. Tracy Sayers and Ms. Nancy Rinn on
the Hospital Authority.
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WORK SESSION AGENDA:
FINANCE UPDATE:
Ms. Pam Hodge, Finance Director provided an overview of the Columbus
Consolidated Government Unaudited Quarterly Revenue Report, FY-2008 Third
Quarter. Listed below is the percentage change from last year actuals (FY07 to
FY08 Quarter 3 (A copy of the report in its entirety is hereby filed for the
record.)
- General Fund ? 6.83%
- Sewer Fund ? 9.05%
- Paving Fund ? 9.70%
- Medical Center Fund ? 10.88%
- Integrated Waste Fund - 4.69%
- Emergency Telephone Fund ? (-15.84%)
- Economic Development Authority Fund ? 10.17%
- Debt Service Fund ? 12.15%
Transportation Fund ? 9.94%
Parking Management ? (-31.99%)
Trade Center Fund ? (-8.37%)
Bull Creek Golf Course Fund ? 2.90%
Oxbow Creek Golf Course Fund ? (-0.56%)
Civic Center Fund ? (-16.50%)
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RAILS TO TRAILS PROJECT:
Planning Department Director Rick Jones came forward and provided a power
point presentation on the Rails to Trails Project.
1999 SPLOST RAILS TO TRAILS PROJECT
$11 million allocated
walking, biking, and jogging, trolley trail
Civic Center to CSU; CSU to Cooper Creek; Cooper Creek to Flat Rock Park; Flat
Rock Park to Psalmond Road
The entire project runs approximately 11 miles
Construction Staging:
Stage I ? Project constructed for walking/ jogging/ biking
Stage II ? Trolley component constructed at a future date, when funds are
available, demand is there, feasibility study
Stage I ? Review of Proposed Columbus Bike Trail System:
Warm Springs Trail Phase I and II from Riverwalk to Cooper Creek Park includes
2 park and ride sites (6 miles)
Warm Springs Trail Phase III from Cooper Creek Park to Psalmond Road (4.4 miles)
Trail will consist of a 12 foot wide asphalt trail for walking, biking and
jogging
The Uptown section will require the upgrading of sidewalks and the
establishment of bike lanes
Amenities will include benches, trash receptacles, and signage
Trail is proposed to be open only during daylight hours
Two rest areas are planned:
Near Hannan Elementary Magnet Academy
Across from Peachtree Mall
Rest areas would have public restrooms, water fountains and possibly space for
small retail operations (bike shop, snack shop)
Available Rails to Trails Budget:
$11 million 1999 SPLOST
$1,500,000 TE Grant Funds
Total - $12,500,000 Available Funds
Recommendations:
Construct Staging I project with walking/ biking/ hiking trail now with the
$12.5 million available
Estimated cost - $11.7 million
Construction plans are 95% complete
Potential for construction to start in late summer 2008
Authorize the use of small electric carts on the Riverwalk for use with special
events / meetings
Estimated cost - $50,000 for two electric carts
Develop trolley component at a future date, when funds are available, demand is
there, and feasibility study has been completed
City Manager Hugley recapped that we have $11.7 million allocated in the
sales tax for a walking / biking / jogging / trolley on rail project. He said
we were able to use that money and leverage $1.5 million from the State for a
total of $12.5 million. He said we are presenting to the Council the walking /
biking / jogging component only. He said when we cost that out, the projection
is $11.7 million without the trolley component. He pointed out the
construction plans for the walking / biking / jogging trail without the trolley
is 95% complete and with a potential construction start time of late summer
2008.
Stage II ? Trolley System
Access from the Uptown area to the Civic Center
Access from the Riverwalk to CSU main campus
Trolley Considerations
Availability of suitable trolley track / roadway
Trolley type ? electric, diesel, rubber tire, rail
Cost
Anticipated passengers
Summary of Trolley Findings
Riverwalk
Warm Springs Trail
Riverwalk Trolley Feasibility
Existing railroad track not available (runs behind Trade Center to Civic Center)
New trolley road not feasible (river buffer requirements)
Existing Riverwalk will not support weight of rubber tire diesel trolley
Narrow bridge restricts options
Small electric cart can be used on existing Riverwalk
Riverwalk Trolley Options
Large rubber tired or rail trolley not feasible
Small electric vehicle costs
` $25,000 customizable with trolley shell
Can cross narrow bridge
Use of small trolley would be used only for special events / meetings
Warm Springs Trolley Route
Connect Riverwalk and CSU campus in Uptown area
Starts on downtown streets
Transitions to abandoned rail line at 10th Avenue
Site constraints require trolley to return to street instead of trail around
Buck Ice
Warm Springs Trolley Roadway Feasibility
Available right-of-way to add trolley road (except near Buck Ice)
Trolley cannot share trail with pedestrians and bicyclists (safety issue)
Requires a second 12? wide roadway with barrier separating two roadways
Requires traffic signals at 5 street crossings
Potential Passengers
Sufficient riders to justify trolley have not been identified
CSU student needs between Uptown and main campus met by free bus service
Trolley speed significantly slower than Metra bus speed
Most of proposed trolley route already served by METRA
No significant time savings to use trolley from Uptown to CSU
Trolley Vehicle Selection
Rubber Tire Trolley similar to METRA trolleys
Rail Trolley with fuel alternatives including battery, electric
Small electric cart
Trolley Vehicle Cost
Two Rubber Tire Trolleys = $550,000
Rail Trolley on rails (Battery) = $1,000,000
Rail Trolley (Electric) ? not considered because construction cost of overhead
electrical lines is very high
Small electric cart = $50,000 (concerns with public acceptance)
Costs Associated with Trolley
Vehicles at $275,000 - $1,000,000 each
Operation and Maintenance
Second paved trail an additional $6.7 million
Second trail with metals rails = $11.0 million
Cost of Warm Springs Trail Options vs. Available $12.5 million
Option 1 - Phases 1, II, III Warm Springs Bike Trail from Riverwalk to Psalmond
Road (approximately 11 miles), no trolley
$8.4 + $3.3 = $11.7 million
Option 2 - Warm Springs Bike Trail from Riverwalk to Cooper Creek Park (6.0 mi)
with rubber tire trolley (+Phase III costs)
$15.6 + $3.3 = $18.9 million
Option 3 - Warm Springs Bike Trail from Riverwalk to Cooper Creek Park (6.0)
with steel wheeled trolley (+ Phase III costs)
$20.4 + $3.3 = $23.7 million
Option 4 - Warm Springs Bike Trail from Riverwalk to Cooper Creek Park (6.0 mi)
with two electric carts (+ Phase III costs)
$8.45 + $3.3 = $11.8 million
Conclusions
Stage II, Trolley should not be developed at this time:
Projected costs exceed budgeted amounts
Ridership has not yet been determined
No significant advantages to CSU
Trolley component should be developed at a future date, when funding is
available, demand has been identified, and a feasibility study has been
completed
City Manager Hugley recommended that the Council allow staff to proceed
with Stage I, which is the walking / jogging / biking trail to include other
amenities at a cost of $11.7 million and keep the Council updated. He
maintained that he would come back to Council at a future date to share ideas
regarding Stage II, which would be the trolley on rail component or some other
component for Council?s consideration. He said we would like to proceed with
Stage I.
Responding to comments made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, City Manager Hugley
explained that we are recommending to proceed with Stage I for the walking /
jogging / biking trail for $11.7 million and when the funding, demand and the
feasibility study shows that we should proceed, we would come back to the
Council.
Mayor Wetherington asked questions regarding the purchase of right-of-way, at
which time, Planning Department Director Jones replied that the right-of-way
has been purchased for the walking / jogging / biking trail. However, Planning
Department Director Jones explained that if the trolley component comes on
board, there are some areas along the rail line that are narrow that may
require some additional right-of-way at a future date.
Councilor Henderson suggested that if we plan to proceed with Stage I; then, he
does not know why we would not go ahead with Option Four by purchasing a couple
of the electric carts. He explained the reasons as being a means to gauge the
desire for people to be traveling the Rails to Trails area on something other
than a bicycle or their feet. He suggested that it could be used to pick people
up, because we are going to need them.
Councilor McDaniel asked about the property around the Medical Center, at which
time, Planning Department Director Jones said the issue at the Medical Center
is that where the rail line now runs, it cuts through their property that the
Medical Center has proposed for future development. He said that we have had
open discussions in terms of working out a deal that would benefit both of us
so the trail does not go through there and affect their property in the long
range. He maintained that if there is any monetary value that has to be played
into this; then, it would have to come back to Council.
After some additional discussion had concluded and upon Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh requesting consultation, City Attorney Fay suggested a resolution next
week or an oral resolution today to formalize it with authorization for the
City Manager to allow the bids for Stage I. Councilor Woodson moved approval
to proceed with Stage I (walking / jogging / biking trail). Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members present with
Councilor Allen being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent
from this meeting.
*** *** ***
1999 SPLOST:
Deputy City Manager David Arrington provided a brief power point
presentation on the 1999 SPLOST Projects that have been completed and those
projects that have not.
Completed 1999 SPLOST Projects:
Fire & EMS Stations
Upgrading of the Police and Fire Vehicles
Library
Bull Creek
Trade Center
1999 SPLOST Projects Not Completed:
Government Service Center - $3 million budgeted with funding allocations for
next fiscal year
Animal Shelter - Waiting to lay the foundation for the City?s building (PAWS
building is under construction)
Roads, Street and Bridge Improvements - $40 million budgeted and have leveraged
approximately $20 million additional State Funding ($27 million expended)
Stormwater Drainage and Flood Abatement - $30 million- in the 3rd phase of pipe
rehab; flood abatement- completed 12th Avenue project and 6th Avenue phase I is
under construction
Olympic sized pool - 3 of the 4 pools completed; the Center City Pool design
and location are being discussed (expended $6.2 million out of the $9.5 million
budget)
Lake Oliver Recreation Area - A concept plan has been brought to Council on
upgrading the marina. The project has been bidded out and would start in the
next few months.
Enterprise Zone - $7 million allocated with $426,000 expended
NFL Improvements - $12 million allocation with $6.1 million expended
The road was built without the accommodation for businesses being located
there; therefore, as industrial prospects are recruited, additional road
improvements would be done
Liberty District Redevelopment - $5 million allocation with $412,000 expended;
looking at additional property acquisition to get as much of the Liberty
District as possible (recommendations would be coming to Council in the near
future)
Oxbow Meadows - $10 million funding just becoming available with some monies
expended for infrastructure; Property acquisition has occurred
Deputy City Manager Arrington advised that staff would be meeting with City
Manager Hugley to revise the Master Plan for the Oxbow Meadows site with full
consistency with the commitments that were made to the community in the 1999
SPLOST.
Walking / Biking Trail ? 95% complete
Clean Air Buses ? Buses would be purchased on an ?as needed basis?
Park Space Improvements ? substantially complete
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked if it would be appropriate for the Council
members to request that for the public hearing district meetings that
television and dvd?s be set up for this to be played during that meeting;
therefore, the citizens could see what was promised and what was done? City
Attorney Fay responded by saying it is a public meeting; therefore, video
equipment could be there. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then requested the video
equipment for the meeting in her Council District.
*** *** ***
TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALIZATION:
Deputy City Manager Arrington then made comments to address questions raised by
Councilor Anthony regarding traffic signalization downtown. He shared that we
have three systems in the downtown area and those systems are coordinated
during specific times of the day and days of the week. He said beyond that,
the traffic lights operate on an on demand mode or the normal cycles or flash.
He explained that a lot of these signals are still operated by radio
interconnect.
He said that one of the projects that we have put in the budget in past years
and have again in this years budget is fiber optic interconnect that would
allow us to connect traffic signals in a small area.
In conclusion, Deputy City Manager Arrington stated that for the most part
during these signalization times, there is a good view of all the streets
lights down Veterans Parkway, and they are all synchronized.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
McDaniel made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting
with the time being 12:35 p.m.
Sandra T. Davis, DCMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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