Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

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:

____________________________________________________________



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***





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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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.



*** *** ***



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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