MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
JUNE 10, 2008
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:02 A.M., Tuesday, June 10, 2008, in the Council Chambers on the
Plaza Level of the 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 Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn
Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and 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.
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ABSENT: Councilor R. Gary Allen was absent, but was excused upon the adoption
of Resolution Number 272-08.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Mr. Jack Butler, Interim Corps Administrator Salvation
Army Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by St. Mark United Methodist Church Child Development
Center with Nicole English, teacher.
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TAXPAYERS? BILL OF RIGHTS PUBLIC HEARING: Tax Millage. The budget tentatively
adopted by the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, requires a millage
rate higher than the rollback millage rate. Therefore, before the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia, may finalize the tentative budget and set a
final millage rate, Georgia Law requires that three public hearings be held to
allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on this increase.
City Manager Hugley informed Mayor and Council that this is our third and
final public hearing of the Taxpayers? Bill of Rights Public Hearing. City
Manager Hugley said the budget that will be adopted by the Columbus
Consolidated Government requires a millage rate higher than the rollback
millage rate and because of this, the Columbus Consolidated Government may
finalize the tentative budget and set a final millage rate. Georgia law
requires that three public hearings be held to allow the public an opportunity
to express their opinions on this increase. We advertised in the news paper and
we sent out various press releases announcing a proposed property tax increase
and while this press says it?s a proposed property tax increase, we?d like for
those here today and those viewing by television to know that residential
property taxes will not and have not been increased. He then called on Director
of Finance to make additional presentations and answer questions from the
audience and Council.
Mr. Bert Coker, 5815 Ventura Drive, said he was at the last public hearing
and was invited by the City Manager to make an appointment to discuss these
matters with him. He said he voted for four people on this Council and the
reason he comes to these public hearings is because he wants to express to the
Council his views on the why he thinks certain things should be the way they
are. He asked where did the $600,000.00 come from for the new animal shelter?
City Manager Hugley replied that the reason he invited Mr. Coker to his
office is because this is a public hearing on the tax millage that has to do
with growth and the digest and the budget was on first reading last week and is
a separate matter. He said if anyone here has any questions on the proposed
property tax increase as a result of the growth and the digest this is a tax
millage increase. This is not the appropriate time to talk about the animal
shelter.
Mr. Coker asked if there was ever a negative tax digest in the history of
this government within the last 20 years? City Manager Hugley said every year
in this community, someone is going to construct a new home and someone is
going to renovate homes and when you add a new home inventory to the existing
inventory there is going to be some growth.
Director of Finance Pam Hodge further explained to Mr. Coker that there has
been (at times) where one particular district where we have seen a decrease in
the total digest but not overall. City Manager Hugley further explained that in
the business improvement district, property owners may volunteer to tax
themselves and some may opt not to do that.
Mr. Coker made some additional comments regarding funding for long-term
projects.
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Mr. Paul Olson, 13830 Uptaoi Lane, asked what area is Urban Service
District One comprised of? In response to Mr. Olson, City Manager Hugley said
Urban Service District One would be the inner-city area of Columbus; Urban
Service District Two would be the panhandle; Urban Service District Four would
be near the Fort Benning area; and Urban Service District Five, Six, & Seven
would be business improvement district.
Mr. Olson made some comments regarding debt service, roll back (millage),
and rate charge service for Urban Service District Two.
Councilor Anthony asked if there is a difference between rate charge
service for Urban Service District One and Urban Service District Two? City
Manager Hugley responded by saying that Urban Service District one is at the
9-mill cap. The other Urban Service Districts (Two and Four) are not. He then
asked Director Hodge to give the rates for those districts because they don?t
receive the same level of service ? they have a lower millage rate if they live
in Urban Service District Two or Four.
Director Hodge said what City Manager Hugley said is correct and in Urban
Service District Two, there is additional urban service district credit of 4.18
so, in District One is 17.91, District Two is 13.05 and they get an additional
credit for the level of service that is less than those districts. District
Four also receives an Urban Service District credit of 6.06 so their total
millage is 11.85.
With there being no further questions, City Manager Hugley informed the
Mayor and Council that this concludes the third and final public hearing on
Tax-payer Bill of Rights as required by Georgia Law.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?JE?SHANE JOB FITZPATRICK DAY?
With Mr. Je?Shane Job Fitzpatrick standing at the Council table, Councilor
Woodson read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming June 10, 2008
as ?Je?Shane Job Fitzpatrick Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the March 18 & 25, 2008 Council Meetings
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 Barnes and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:______________
An Ordinance (08-25) ? Adopting an Operating and Capital Improvement Budget
in the total amount of $210,751,819 for the Fiscal Year 2009 beginning July 1,
2008 and ending June 30, 2009, for certain funds of the Consolidated Government
of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts shown in each budget.
City Attorney Fay pointed out that there is one minor amendment to the
Operating Budget in Section 24 (100 percent of the pay plan) ? the effective
date of the pay plan needs to be September 29, 2008 instead of October 1, 2008.
Councilor Henderson, Budget Chairperson said he would offer that as an
amendment. He said it is not a significant change, but because the 1st of
October falls on a Wednesday and we have hourly employees it would create a
tremendous or un-necessary strain on our finance department in trying to
calculate those wages in a split week. He then made the motion to amend the
ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present with Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
Councilor Henderson then moved the adoption of the ordinance, as amended.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present with Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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Mayor Wetherington then requested that Item Number 13 on the City
Attorney?s Agenda be moved up.
A Resolution (267-08) ? Authorizing a variance to the outdoor sign at
Harvest Faith Community Church, Whitesville Road.
Pastor Brad Carpenter said two weeks ago they were here before the Council
and their request was delayed until today. He said he has met with members of
the zoning board and the city planners and you have before you what we have
agreed upon. He clarified for the record that River Sign, LLC did not construct
the sign, they were contacted and contracted by Harvest Faith Community Church
for the installation of the sign only and they did follow step by step
procedures as is established by the city sign ordinance and they were the first
ones to notify us that we are in a residential property listing and not
commercial.
Councilor Woodson moved the approval of the variance. Seconded by Councilor
Davis and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with
Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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PROCLAMATION:
?SOUTH GEORGIA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ANNUAL
CONFERENCE WEEK?:________________________________________________
With Bishop Michael Watson and other representatives from South Georgia
United Methodist Church Annual Conference standing at the Council table,
Councilor Anthony read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming June
10, 2008 as ?South Georgia United Methodist Church Annual Conference Week? in
Columbus, Georgia.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:____________________________________________________________
An Ordinance (08-26) ? Adopting Non-operating Budget for the Fiscal Year
2009 beginning July 1, 2008 and ending June 30, 2009, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; and appropriating the amounts
shown in each budget. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance.
Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present with Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARING:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS
HELD AS ADVERTISED: _______________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 5070 Warm Springs Road is
proposed for rezoning from RO w/conditions (Residential Office) to RO with
amended conditions (Residential Office) District. (12-A-08-Pate) The proposed
use is 32 multi-family units (apartments)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Councilor Henderson said he received an email from Councilor Allen stating
that Mr. Pate has been working with the residents in this area and that he (Mr.
Pate) would like to have one more week to make certain that he has answered all
of the questions of the neighbors. He then moved that this item be delayed for
one more week. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present with Councilor Allen being absent from this
meeting.
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 6206 Forest Road is proposed
for rezoning from SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) to SFR3 (Single Family
Residential 3 with conditions) District. (15-CA-08-George C. Woodruff Company)
The proposed use is Single Family Residential.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner was present, but did not make a presentation, as there was
no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance.
City Attorney Fay informed Council that this would be back for a vote next
week on second reading.
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THE FOLLOWING SEVEN ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
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An Ordinance ? Providing for the establishment of taxing districts,
including a county-wide general services district and three (3) urban services
districts and three (3) Business Improvement Districts (BID); providing for the
levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for Columbus, Georgia within such
districts for the year 2008 as provided under the Charter of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; providing penalties for violations of the
provisions of said ordinance; and for other purposes.
An Ordinance ? Providing for the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes
for the public school system of Columbus, Georgia; and for other purposes.
An Ordinance ? Providing for contributions to the Columbus, Georgia
General Government Employees? Pension Plan for the fiscal year beginning July
1, 2008.
An Ordinance ? Providing for the supplemental contributions to the
Columbus, Georgia Pension Plan for employees of the Department of Public Safety
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008.
An Ordinance ? Providing for Government funding of a Death Benefit Escrow
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008.
An Ordinance ? Providing for Government funding of a Major Disability
Income Plan for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008.
An Ordinance ? Amending Article VII of Chapter 13 of the Columbus Code
Solid Waste Collection and Disposal by changing the guidelines for an offset to
the residential rate for low-income households.
With there being no questions regarding these ordinances, City Attorney Fay
informed Council that they would all be back for a vote next week on second
reading.
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CITY ATTORNEY AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (268-08) ? Authorizing the continuation of a 911 charge of
$1.50 per billable telephone per month and an enhanced wireless 911 charge
(E911) of $1.00 per billable wireless communication subscriber per month.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
A Resolution (269-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Shirley L. Miller
upon her retirement with METRA Transportation after 22 years of service. Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with
Councilor Allen being from this meeting.
A Resolution (270-08) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs. Bessie
Mae Skinner, employee with the Clerk of Superior Court, who passed away on May
4, 2008. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present with Councilor Allen being from this meeting.
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L.O.S.T. JULY 15 BALLOT:
Mayor Wetherington said there seem to be some confusion on the ballot of
July 15, 2008 about the Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.). He then asked City
Manager Hugley to explain the language as to how it will appear on the ballot.
City Manager Hugley explained that on the ballot of July 15, 2008 is a
L.O.S.T. for Columbus, Georgia and citizens will get to decide whether they
want to support a second L.O.S.T. He says what the Mayor is referring to is the
question as it is written on the ballot ? ?shall the retail sales and use tax
levied within the special district within Muscogee County be increased from one
percent to two percent? Yes or No.? He said there have been some questions
because of the resolution that was adopted where 70% would go for Public Safety
and 30% for Road and Infrastructure and some citizens think that is how it will
be worded on the ballot. He said it would not be worded on the ballot this way
? what citizens will see is what I have just read regarding the increase of the
sales tax increase. He said it is misleading because it says from 1% to 2% but
if the voters approve this, it would be a one percent LOST and not two percent.
He said it says two percent because in 1976 the voters in Muscogee County voted
yes for a one percent sales tax and one penny that is referred to in this
question on the ballot is the 1976-penny that is already there as a permanent
tax unless removed by the voters.
City Manager Hugley then explained how the current sales tax for Muscogee
County came to be followed by comments and questions from several members of
Council.
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SPECIAL GUEST:
Mayor Wetherington pointed out that there is a special guest in the
audience. Colonel Derr, the new Chief of Staff on Fort Benning who is also
accompanied by his son, who is here observing the Council meeting and working
on his Eagle Scout Badge.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA
AND PROVIDED BELOW IS A SUMMARY OF THEIR COMMENTS:________
MR. CARLOS HUERTAS, RE: MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY:
Mr. Carlos Huertas cancelled his scheduled appearance before the Council
this morning.
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MR. JOSH MCKOON, RE: GEORGIA REPUBLICAN CONVENTION:
Mr. McKoon said the Georgia Republican Convention was a success and
extended thank you to the city for their great help in hosting the convention:
Mayor and his staff, City Council, Columbus Civic Center, Trade Center,
Convention & Visitors Bureau, Muscogee County Marshal Office, Columbus Police
Department, and the countless volunteers who did a great job.
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MR. ROBERT MCKENNA, REPRESENTING GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE SOUTHERN
RIVERS, INC., RE: EXEMPTION FOR 2007 AD VALOREM
TAXES:_______________________________________________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. McKenna has asked that we
reschedule his appearance before the Council for next week.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: SECOND LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX REFERENDUM; CITY LAWSUIT
SETTLEMENT; SPLOST AND TAD:______
Mr. Olson made some remarks regarding House Bill 709, Budget proposal (pay
raises), TAD, and Debt Service.
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MR. W.R. ?RANDY? ROBERTSON, REPRESENTING FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, RE:
LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX AND LAW
ENFORCEMENT:______________________________________________________
Mr. Robertson said the FOP is the largest law enforcement organization in
the United States and represents over 325,000 law enforcement officers
throughout this country and in the state of Georgia we represent thousands of
law enforcement officers. He said several months ago our Executive Board of FOP
started polling our members and the FOP fully supports the Local Option Sales
Tax (L.O.S.T.) and we have encouraged everyone to go out and vote in July
because we see it as nothing but a positive impact for our city.
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FIRE TRUCKS:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she just found out that there are some fire
trucks that are not air-conditioned and asked the staff to provide her with a
report on the number of fire trucks that are not air-conditioned as well as
those that are air-conditioned but are not working.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (271-08) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with
Service Station Equipment Repair, in the amount of $79,675.30, for a fuel
storage and distribution system. Construction is currently underway at Lake
Oliver Marina. At the appropriate time during construction, Service Station
Equipment Repair will provide and install the fuel storage and distribution
system at Lake Oliver Marina. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present with Councilor Allen being absent from
this meeting.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION:
City Manager Hugley said he would like to take this opportunity to
recognize some of his staff. He then called forward Mr. Michael Burgess and Ms.
Donna Newman of the Engineering Department. He said these two individuals have
received recognition in the form of an award from Georgia Association of Water
Professionals Storm Water Program of the Year. He thanked Ms. Newman and Mr.
Burgess for the great work that they do for the City of Columbus.
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FUEL COST/CONSERVATION:
Councilor Anthony asked City Manager Hugley to bring back a report on
measures that are being taken to save on fuel costs.
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MR. PAUL VOORHEES, # 2 STONESHAL COURT:
Mr. Voorhees said a few years ago, a policeman mistreated his daughter and
it was racial. He said the officer was a black policeman, and his daughter she
weighed under 100 lbs, 4ft 11inches. He said the officer took her to the
ground, handcuffed her and took her to jail. He said the judge threw the case
out, but he never talked to the Chief of Police; nor talked to the judge. He
said he never said a word and it went through the system. He said he has spoken
to the chief and the judge since then and we never mentioned it. He said it was
handled like it ought to be handled; the man was disciplined and he is a better
policeman. He said we have in place what we need and he is afraid of this
review board. He said he does not have anything against the people that want
the review board.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:
(1) Memorandum from ACCG, Re: A Public Forum to Provide Education and
Discussion on the 2008 Proposed Constitutional Amendments.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Employees? Pension Plan
Board of Trustees.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Keep Columbus Beautiful
Commission.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Katie Coakley, Councilor Allen?s nominee as
submitted by Uptown Columbus, Inc. for a position on the Uptown Facade Board.
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COLUMBUS GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Ms. June Holder
resigning her position on the Columbus Golf Authority. Councilor Henderson
moved the acceptance of the letter. Seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor
Allen being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:___________
Application of Fourth Street Baptist Church to temporarily close 5th
Street between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, on Friday, June 20, 2008 from 9:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in connection with ?Walgreen?s Health Tour Bus Health
Screening?. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the approval of the application.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present with Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
Application of Andrea Smith to temporarily close Bay Avenue from City Docks
to Dillingham Street, Bay Avenue from 10th Street to 11th Street Dillingham
Street, 9th and 10th Street from west side of Front Avenue Dillingham Street on
Alabama side, at 12:00 p.m. July 3 - 12:00 a.m. July 5 Broadway and Front
Avenue from 9th through 11th Streets and 9th through 11th Streets from east
side of Broadway to west of Front Avenue from 1:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., in
connection with ?Thunder on the Hooch?. Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved the
approval of the application. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Allen being
absent from this meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY
THE COUNCIL:_____________________________________________________
Airport Commission, April 23, 2008.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 18-08.
Convention & Trade Center Authority, April 24, 2008.
Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, May 7, 2008.
Family & Children Services Board, May 28, 2008.
Planning Advisory Commission, May 21, 2008.
Pre-Council Briefing, July 25, 2006.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with
Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON
AND RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:____________
Petition submitted by Rosetta Demming to rezone 4.70 acres of property
located at 5032 Buena Vista Road from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to
RMF1 (Residential Multi-Family 1) district. (Recommended for approval by the
Planning Advisory Commission and denial by the Planning Department).
(17-D-08-Demming)
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that this petition has been
recommended for denial and needs to be received only. Councilor Henderson made
the motion to receive the petition. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor
Allen being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APRROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (272-08) ? Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen?s absence from the
June 10, 2008 Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the
resolution seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present with Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Mr.
Virgil Thompson, Council District 7 representative has resigned from the board.
She said we have sent a notice to Leadership Columbus to see if anyone is
interested in serving on this board.
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COLUMBUS GOLF AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. June Holder had previously
been nominated to succeed herself for another term of office, but has since
submitted her letter of resignation from the board. She then informed the Mayor
and Council that Ms. Rhudine Nelson has also being nominated for this seat and
since she is the only candidate, she is eligible to be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh moved the confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Allen being
absent from this meting.
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PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that there are two alternate seats
still available on this board. She said Mr. Robert Taylor has resigned from the
board and Ms. Veronis Hall is not eligible to serve another term of office. She
said that she has some several biographical sketches that we will provide to
Council next week for possible nomination from individuals interested in
serving on this board.
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PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Timmy Hess, representative
for Council District Nine has resigned from the board and that we need a
replacement for his seat. She said we have sent a notice to Leadership Columbus
to determine if there are individuals interested in serving on this board.
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TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of offices of Ms.
Gloria Battle, Ms. Mildred Wynne and Ms. Andrea Richardson have expired. She
said
Ms. Battle is eligible to succeed herself for another term of office and Ms.
Wynn does not wish to be reappointed and Ms. Richardson is no longer a resident
of Muscogee County therefore, we need a replacement for these two seats on the
board.
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UPTOWN FACADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Ms. Katie Coakley is
eligible for confirmation. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the confirmation.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present with Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
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OTHER COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS AND COUNCIL:
MR. PAUL OLSON:
Mr. Olson made some comments about the FY09 Operating and Non-Operating
Budget (to include the pay plan for Public Safety personnel as well as general
government employees), the one-percent sales tax, Freeport exemptions, and the
accident involving Zachary Allen.
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MR. WILLIAM MADISON:
Mr. Madison said he and everyone else who comes down here put his or her
names on the list to appear on the Public Agenda, and the reason we need a
citizens review commission is exactly what happened here this morning ? special
privileges. He said Mr. Voorhees walks in and was able to address Council
without a vote. He said as for as the Citizens Review Commission, if you don?t
have it, you are going to have problems and those problems are going to be in
the newspaper.
The Mayor and members of Council apologized for letting Mr. Voorhees
address Council without a vote which was the right thing to do since he was not
on the Public Agenda and did not wait until the open microphone session that is
usually at the end of the meeting.
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MR. BERT COKER, 5815 VENTURA DRIVE:
Mr. Coker in response to a comment made by City Manager Hugley about
Freeport exemptions said the people voted for them and the people did put the
Freeport exemptions in effect, but the Council often talks about the tax freeze
and the nine-mill cap but the people voted on that; and put it into effect.
Mr. Coker then made some comments regarding the one-percent sales tax.
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CELIA DRIVE/WELLBORN DRIVE:
Councilor Barnes asked City Manager Hugley to conduct a survey of the
citizens regarding speeding on Celia Drive and Wellborn Drive.
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STREET SIGN:
Mayor Wetherington brought to the City Manager?s attention that the street
sign at South Lumpkin Road and Victory Drive was down.
City Manager Hugley said he would get the staff to check on this matter
and then get the sign back up.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and
carried unanimously by ten members of Council present with the time being 11:00
am.
Tiny Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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