MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULARMEETING
JANUARY 25, 2011
The regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, January 25, 2010, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Berry
Henderson, Bruce Huff, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Judy W. Thomas and Evelyn
Woodson. Councilor Glenn Davis took his seat at the table at 9:04 a.m. City
Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay and Deputy Clerk of Council
Sandra Davis were also present.
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ABSENT: Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Prathan Powell, Sr.- World Changes Tabernacle,
Inc.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Eagle Scout Troup #46.
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RECOGNITION: Recognition of Zachery Demetrius Drake, Jr., for achieving the
rank of Eagle Scout, Troup 46.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
INFORMATION: Report and recommendation regarding Retirees Health Insurance
Plan.
Mayor Tomlinson recapped the recommendations made with regards to the
Retirees Health insurance. She explained that originally, the city?s carrier
(Blue Cross and Blue Shield) proposed a bid of $254.06 as the total premium per
retiree per month with the retirees share (75% / 25% Split) causing the
retirees to pay $190.55, which is a drastic increase for the retirees. She
said the recommended bid that was negotiated down came to $180.03 total
premium, which is a savings from where we were in December 2010 of $74.03 per
person per month. She said this benefit has allowed us to retain for the
retirees a cost savings of $55.53 per month; saving the city annually a total
of $134,662 and a group annual savings for the city and retirees of $539,390.
She explained there would be an increase to the retirees of $14.15 per person
per month; however, we have improved our circumstances quite a bit.
Human Resources Director Tom Barron came forward to provide a brief power
point presentation and is provided as follows:
Recommended Plan Highlights:
Retirees that left the plan due to rate increase can return if apply by March
15th
Horizons Physicians Now In-Network
Columbus Regional Will Accept Members Out-Of-Network (same cost to members)
Adopt resolution for recommended BCBS plan with effective date of April 1, 2011
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked about the comparisons to other plan with
Blue Cross and Blue Shield that was to be provided, at which time, Human
Resources Director Barron explained that with Humana, as suggested by Mr. Billy
Watson, there was only a small difference of $1.52 lower that Blue Cross and
Blue Shield, and the six others we looked at were much higher.
In response to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh regarding
Benalytics involvement, Human Resources Director Barron explained that we
worked through Benalytics to get the cost reduction using pressure from Humana.
Councilor Henderson requested to be provided with a statement of benefits
detail for the plan that was recently negotiated on behalf of the retirees in
comparison with what they had last year. He also requested staff provide a
presentation on how we got to this point and figure out a way to make sure this
does not happen in the future, as well as, discuss some checks and balances in
utilizing the contractual agreement the city has with Benalytics.
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that today, we were addressing some immediate
needs, but we plan to have Benalytics present to answer questions on how we got
to this point.
Councilor Henderson then suggested that staff provide a copy of the
minutes from the meetings where the contract was first suggested to the
Council. Mayor Tomlinson said that members of Council have contacted her
requested that commissions be pulled, as well as, all sorts of background
information.
Mayor Tomlinson then asked Human Resources Director Barron to speak in a
little more details with regards to the other health insurance companies that
were contacted. He also explained the concerns with switching companies
mid-year and the difficulties it would cause for our retirees.
Councilor Thomas requested the staff to provide a copy of the agreement
the City has with Benalytics Consulting Group, LLC as soon as possible. Also,
provide information on what role Benalytics Consulting Group, LLC played in
this whole debacle, as well as, the services they provide to the city.
Councilor Thomas expressed concerns with employees or retirees that still
have not received their prescription drug card. Human Resources Director
Barron said that if people would let us know, we would fix it.
Councilor Woodson recalled that during a meeting with the retirees, it was
mentioned that some of the retirees receive less than $150.00 per month. She
then requested to have the staff to check the system to provide a list of the
retirees that receive under $150.00 per month. In order to simplify the
process some, check for the year of retirement coupled with the age of the
retiree to enter into the system. Human Resources Director Barron said that we
did ask the retirees to contact Social Security and apply for the low-income
subsidy; so, they may be able to get some relief there.
Councilor Barnes requested that the staff gets retirees more involved with
regards to matters that impact them, as well as, schedule more meetings at the
senior centers to encourage participation. Also, let?s make sure the staff
does a better job in working with and notifying the retirees.
Councilor Barnes added that the staff could utilize organizations such as
Area on Aging that could assist the seniors with matters involving their
healthcare.
Mayor Tomlinson called attention to the commission that would have been
received by Benalytics had the City changed to another carrier.
Human Resources Director Barron responded to questions from Councilor
Allen with respect to the mail out of the prescription drug cards. Councilor
Allen then requested that staff coordinate communication between the city and
the company (Express Scripts) that sent the mail out of the prescription drug
cards to see if there were any returned envelopes; this way the City could
contact those employees. Also, have the staff to coordinate communication to
all of the pharmacies in Columbus.
City Manager Hugley explained that the amount the city initially would
have subsidized for the retirees has changed since we have a negotiated rate of
$149.00 instead of $190.00. He said we previously advised the members of
Council that the City?s subsidized portion would be $120,000 for January and
February; therefore, the difference would be based on the negotiated rate of
$149.00. He said the difference for the month of March would be that the
retirees would pay a premium of $149.00 per person for March; then, the new
rate of $135.02 becomes effective on April 1, 2012. He said that he would hope
that after we conclude answering questions, he would recommend approving the
resolution to contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Councilor Allen recognized the presence of Mr. Billy Watson and made the
motion for Mr. Watson to be heard. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those ten members present.
Mr. Billy Watson, made comments with regards to his concerns that there
are retirees that do not understand what is going on. He pointed out that
neither he nor other retirees he has been in contact, had been made aware of
any meetings that Human Resources had conducted, which caused him concerns. He
said the point he wanted to make the Council aware of what bad shape a lot of
the retirees are in. He said some of the retirees had to make a quick decision
that may have signed a contract for a year. He said that he would hope that
this small group would be allowed to come back. He also asked for
consideration for a cost-of-living raise; if so, he wish the Council would
consider something with a minimum at the bottom because that?s where the people
are hurting.
Human Resources Director Barron pointed out that a notice was sent out by
mail to all of the retirees. He said that we met with them one on one to
explain the program; there, he does not know why Mr. Watson did not receive his
notice. He also commented that it is in the resolution to allow the twelve
people that left to come back, and it is his understanding that they do not
have to wait for the year but if they do have to wait a year, then, we would
still recommend that they be allowed to return in the next open enrollment.
Councilor Thomas made a motion for the city to pay the increase in
insurance premium beginning in January 2011 and continue until the effective
date of the new policy for the retirees. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and
carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
Councilor Henderson requested to have the staff to provide what types of
benefits the retirees would receive, co-payments or any type of financial input
that the retirees have to pay.
In response to comments made by Mayor Tomlinson, Human Resources Director
Barron advised that our agreement with Benalytics is that they would work for
commissions; they are reporting commissions to us on a annual basis. He added
that this would be part of our review to determine if Benalytics is being
fairly paid or not for the work that they do for us.
Councilor Allen requested to have the staff research the drafting of an
ordinance for the creation of a retirees health benefits committee that would
be made up of some retirees, as well as, members of staff.
After some additional discussion, the ordinance listed below was
approved.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY WAS AMENDED AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (38-11) - Authorizing modification of the Medicare Eligible
Health Plan Benefits and the Blue Cross Medicare Advantage PPO Plan.
City Attorney Fay said that we have reviewed this resolution along with
the City Manager and Mr. Tom Barron with an effective date hopefully of April
1, 2011. However, it is ready for adoption today.
Councilor Henderson, referring to previous comments, said this resolution
includes that anyone that has left could only return during this enrollment
period. He said that he just does not want to exclude those retirees that were
unable to drop their existing healthcare contract. City Manager Hugley then
suggested that the resolution could be amended that states that the retiree
could notify our Human Resources Department of their intent to return to the
city?s health plan.
City Attorney Fay then suggested this similar verbiage to add one clause
at the end after ?the designated enrollment period? to include ?or the earliest
possible date allowed by contract by another provider or notice to return
within the boundaries of a contract?. City Attorney Fay advised that we would
prepare the exact proper language to include in the resolution. Councilor
Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution to include the amendment.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members
present for this meeting.
Councilor Davis requested to have the staff provide information as to when
the Administration would have an opportunity to address the affects dealing
with the current employees as it relates to the new health care changes coming
out of Washington, D. C. and the timeline of when the changes would occur.
Mayor Tomlinson asked when the discussion would be on Benalytics, at which
time, City Manager Hugley said that it would be in February and expecting it
would be the second Tuesday or the fourth Tuesday of the month.
Mayor Tomlinson reminded City Manager Hugley that the members of Council
have requested a copy of the contract with Benalytics. City Manager Hugley
said that we would send the contract out along with a copy of the last
presentation that the Administration did to update the Council on the
performance of Benalytics, and how that contract has benefited the city.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the December 14, 2010 Council Meeting
of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were
submitted and approved upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor McDaniel
and seconded by Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present with Councilor Allen being absent for this vote.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING DEMOLITION ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING BY THE COUNCIL:
An Ordinance (11-7)- Providing for the demotion of various structures
located at:
(1) 5621 Lorenzo Road (Matthew A. Aldridge, Owner)
(2) 5631 Lorenzo Road (Matthew A. Aldridge, Owner)
(3) 2243 Simmons Avenue (Marcelina Baltazar, Owner)
(4) 1209 22nd Street (Bibb Rentals, LLC, Owner)
(5) 761 Lawyers Lane (Juanita Pickens Bratcher & Eula Pearl Pickens Brown, et
al, Owners)
(6) 3440 Tomahawk Drive (Danny Carpenter, Owner)
(7) 3100 4th Avenue (Community Bank & Trust), Owner)
(8) 843 Southern Pines Drive (William R. Cuba, Owner)
(9) 611 33rd Street (Spence E. Davis, Owner)
(10) 32 Mason Street (48 Hundred Corporation, Owner)
(11) 2835 Hood Street (Heartwood 16, LLC, Owner)
(12) 610 33rd Street (Allen D. Jenson, Owner)
(13) 1907 7th Street (Willie Lee Kendrick Estate c/o Doris Kendrick)
(14) 2727 Baldwin Street (Marjorie Lynn, Owner)
(15) 1431 25th Street (McCoy Company, LLC, Owner)
(16) 201 21st Avenue (Ryan L. Overton, Owner)
(17) 1533 Winshire Street (Emma Read & Charlie L. Johnson, Owners)
(18) 1018 Brooks Road (Crawford B. Smith, Jr., Owner)
(19) 3341 Gleason Avenue (Crawford B. Smith, Jr., Owner)
(20) 136 Collins Drive (Crawford B. Smith, Jr., Owner)
(21) 1714 Warm Springs Road (United Oil Corporation, Owner)
(22) 1004 Sheridan Avenue (Rodney E. Weatherholtz, Owner)
(23) 411 23rd Street (Roosevelt & Mary Frances Williams Estate
in the total amount of $148,812.95 for demolition services.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion for Ms. Sarah Sillito to be heard.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present with Councilor Allen being absent for this vote.
At this time, Attorney Sarah Sillitto with Hatcher, Stubbs on behalf
United Oil Corporation for 1714 Warm Springs Road, asked for additional time
because her client is too ill to appear before the Council, and she does not
know much about the history of this property having just received the file.
She then suggested action on this property be tabled for two weeks.
In response to comments made by Councilor McDaniel, Ms. Rebecca Wiggins-
Inspections & Code Enforcement Division advised that the owner has not done any
work on the property.
City Attorney Fay explained that unless there is a motion by this Council
for some sort of an extension, the property would remain on the list.
With there being no motion on the floor, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved
its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those
ten members present for this meeting.
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PUBLIC HEARING:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AS ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance - Amending the Position Classification Plan of the Columbus
Consolidated Government by creating the position of Ice Rink Manager at Pay
Grade 19.
In response to Councilor Thomas regarding the entry pay for a Grade 19,
City Manager Hugley advised that it is $40,527.00
Councilor Henderson requested to have staff to look into including some
representation from the interested parties established for the construction of
the ice rink to be a part of the selection committee process for the Ice Rink
Manager.
City Manager Hugley pointed out that a selection committee has not been
identified for the Ice Rink Manager; it is a division level position and
typically, we would leave a division level hiring to the director and he would
prefer that it stays that way. He said however, there would be a committee for
the ice rink selection but have not decided who would be on that selection
committee.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh advised that the job classification was
completed by Dr. Condry with the University of Georgia.
Councilor Davis asked about the revenue of the Civic Center, at which
time, City Manager Hugley pointed out that the Finance Director would be
providing a finance update. Councilor Davis also asked for an update on
replenishing the money used to hire the police officers now that sales tax
revenue is being generated from the L.O.S.T (Local Option Sales Tax).
Mayor Tomlinson reminded everyone that we are still on the public hearing
with regards to the creation of an Ice Rink Manager. City Manager Hugley
proceeded to respond by stating that we did advance public safety to begin the
hiring of the 100 police officers with the understanding that this money was a
loan until the L.O.S.T money is collected. He said the Council would determine
when to move that money from the L.O.S.T to the General Fund as we continue to
provide updates on the status of funding in the L.O.S.T; however, the money has
not been paid at this time.
City Attorney Fay said this concludes the public hearing and this matter
would be brought back for a vote at the next meeting.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay advised that we are requesting an executive session to
discuss a personnel matter, litigation and real estate acquisition.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MS. LINDA PIERCE, CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT, RE: REQUESTING STAFF AND
RESOURCES FOR THE BOARD OF
EQUALIZATION:
Clerk of Superior Court- Linda Pierce, cancelled her appearance before the
members of Council.
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MS. CARRIE MITCHELL, REPRESENTING COLUMBUS DISC GOLF ASSOCIATION, RE:
REQUEST TO USE LAND AT FLAT ROCK PARK FOR AN ADDITIONAL GOLF COURSE:
Ms. Carrie Mitchell, representing Columbus Disc Golf Association, came
forward to request another disc golf course in Columbus. She said one was put
in during the month August, and on any given weekend, it is really crowded.
She said by the time summer comes around it, the golf disc course is going to
be so crowded that no one would be able to fully enjoy it. She explained that
this is reason she is requesting another disc golf course but this time to be
located at Heath Park.
Councilor Allen requested to have the City Manager?s staff to get with Ms.
Mitchell to discuss creating another disc golf course to be located at Heath
Park and bring some information back to the members of Council. He then asked
about the cost, at which time, Ms. Mitchell said that she knows she could get a
good price on the baskets but as far as the concrete and signs, this is not
necessary at first and could come later on. She said that we would like to
open another course to bring revenue to Columbus with the organization bringing
in two-day tournaments.
Councilor Davis asked about expanding the course at Flat Rock Park. He
assured that he would have some conversations with City Manager Hugley and
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin to discuss the options.
Councilor Woodson asked questions with regards to the Columbus Disc Golf
Association hosting tournaments at Flat Rock Park. She then requested to have
the staff check into the tournaments that are being held on the disc golf
course in Flat Rock Park to see if there are any fees involved that should be
paid to the city.
Mr. Jason Capper, Vice President of the Columbus Disc Golf Organization,
advised that they have had one disc golf tournament and all profits made from
that tournament goes to the club account; they are a non-profit organization.
He explained that we are not trying to make money from tournaments; it is just
something for people to be able to get out and compete.
Councilor Woodson said that she is not against it, but we need to make
sure everything is the same for everybody. She added that if this organization
is having tournaments and charging for it at a public facility where the money
is going to the organization; then, we need to make sure everything is in check.
City Manager Hugley said that Deputy City Manager Goodwin does have a
meeting scheduled with this organization, because someone could not just have a
tournament at a public facility. He suggested that we could put some
procedures in place; whereas, if there is a tournament that it has to be
approved by Administration. He said that we would get some clarification and
work through these concerns.
Councilor Woodson expounded be requesting that the staff follow up to find
out what is the reason why we are extending the disc golf course, how many
people are really attending and is disc golf expected to grow into a league.
If so, then, we have to make sure that they fall under the same rules and
regulations that apply to other non-profit organizations that use our public
facilities.
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MS. OLLIE TARVER, RE: CITIZENS SPEAKING AT THE END OF THE COUNCIL
MEETING:
Ms. Ollie Tarver, approached the rostrum to advise that this Council
allows citizens to be heard at the end of the meetings. She said there are
times that citizens need to come forth that are not a part of the public forum.
Mayor Tomlinson advised that the ordinance does read that all citizens
shall be heard in the public agenda; it has not been voted on that there shall
be a second public agenda. She then recalled that the discussion at the last
meeting, and her proposal as the Mayor going forward, is that we make sure that
citizens be heard during the public agenda process and at one period of time.
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REV. JAMES JOHNSON WAS NOT LISTED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROCEEDED AS AN
ADD-ON TO SPEAK, RE: TRANSFER OF PROPERTY TO THE COLUMBUS HISTORIC FOUNDATION:
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that there was a gentleman that would like to
be heard that is not listed on the Public Agenda. She added that there would
be occasions from time to time where a citizen has a time sensitive matter or
are not aware that they needed to be listed on the Public Agenda. She said
that in those situations, she would advise that the citizen let the Clerk of
Council know, as well as, appeal to a Councilor or Mayor to be heard out of
order stating the extraordinary circumstances and an explanation of the fact as
to why they were not on the agenda.
Councilor Davis made a motion that Mr. Johnson be heard. Seconded by
Councilor Allen. Mayor Tomlinson advised that Mr. Johnson does have a time
sensitive issue regarding a decision that would be made this week relating to
the transfer of property to the Historic Columbus Foundation and some comments
regarding our Inspections & Code Enforcement Division. She then called
attention to the motion on the floor, which carried unanimously by those ten
members present for this meeting.
Rev. James Johnson, Pastor of the United Congregation of Christian Church,
2718 Beacon Avenue, came forward to speak on the transfer of their building to
the Historic Columbus Foundation this Friday, January 28, 2011. He made
comments on the vandalism to the structure.
He spoke of historic properties that may be lost if the city does not work
closely with the Columbus Historic Foundation due to the demolition process
enforced by the Inspections & Code Enforcement Division.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FIVE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE TEN MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:
A Resolution (39-11) - Authorizing the City Manager of Columbus, Georgia
to submit an application for, and if awarded, accept a grant in the amount of
$100,418, or otherwise awarded, from the Department of Transportation, United
States of America, and Georgia Department of Transportation, under Title 49
U.S.C., Section 5303.
A Resolution (40-11) - Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager of Columbus,
Georgia to submit an application for, and if awarded, accept a grant in the
amount of $1,492,232 or otherwise awarded, from the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for FY2012
Capital and Planning Assistance under Title 49 U.S.C. Section 5307 and to
contract with FTA and GDOT on behalf of the city should the application receive
approval.
A Resolution (41-11) - Authorizing the City Manager of Columbus, Georgia
to file an application with the Federal Transit Administration; and the Georgia
Department of Transportation for federal transportation assistance authorized
by 49USC Chapter 53, Title 23 United States Code, and other federal statutes
administered by the Federal Transit Administration.
A Resolution (42-10) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and,
if approved, accept $199,088 from the Bureau of Justice Administration, Justice
and Mental Health Collaboration Program and if approved authorize the Muscogee
County Mental Health Court to enter into a contract with the New Horizons
Community Service Board to provide transitional services for participants in
the Mental Health Court program.
A Resolution (43-10) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and,
if approved, accept a grant in the amount of $266,480, or the approved amount,
from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency for the Department of Homeland
Security Fiscal Year 2010 Homeland Security Grant Program/State Homeland
Security Program for Explosive Device Response Operations for the Columbus,
Georgia Office of Homeland Security.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (44-11) - Authorizing payment in the amount of $58,218.00 to
the University of Georgia to provide professional services for the development
of promotional testing for the Sheriff?s Office.
A Resolution (45-11) - Authorizing payment to American Signal Company
(Atlanta, Ga), in the amount of $54,246.00, for the emergency purchase of four
(4) variable message signs.
A Resolution (46-11) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with Bealls
Communications Group to provide an inmate telephone system for Muscogee County
Prison.
A Resolution (47-11) - Authorizing the procurement of ready mix cement on
an ?as needed basis? from Lafarge North America for the estimated annual
contract value of $150,000.00.
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CABLE COMPANIES
Councilor Woodson requested to have the staff to run the information on
CCG-TV the responses provided by the cable companies regarding the viewing of
Council Meetings and access to the Government Access Channel. Let?s run
something to let people know what has happened.
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FINANCE UPDATE:
Finance Director Pam Hodge came forward to provide a financial update on
the FY2011 December 2010 Revenue Report Summary. (A copy is hereby filed for
the record.) Finance Director Hodge started with the L.O. S. T (Local Option
Sales Tax); Public Safety Revenues (70%) $9 million collected and for
Infrastructure (30%) $3.8 million. She reported that 94 of the 100 police
officer positions are filled at the end of December. She then highlighted the
following funds and are listed as follows:
General Fund- 4.53% increase. If the rollback requirement is removed and
the ad valorem taxes, we are actually slightly down by 1.27% from where we were
this time last year.
Sewer Fund- up 13.04%; Paving Fund- up 10.93%; Medical Center Fund- up
10.58%; Integrated Waste Fund- up o.21%; Emergency Telephone Fund- down
-3.98%; Economic Development Authority Fund- up 10.58%;
Debt Service Fund- up 110.03%. There is a large increase that has to do
with the new bond issue that was issued in January of 2010; therefore, there is
additional revenue coming into the Debt Service Fund from the L.O.S.T for
repayment of those bonds;
Transportation Fund- up 37.85%; Parking Management Fund- 59.28%; Trade
Center Fund- down ?0.80%; Bull Creek Golf Course Fund- up 5.44%; Oxbow Creek
Golf Course Fund- down ?1.62% and Civic Center Fund- up 15.86%
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BOARD MEMBERS TRAINING:
Councilor Woodson requested that the staff bring back to the Council the
information on the board members training at the next Council Work Session, as
well as, provide us with information on where the funds would come from to pay
for the training.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &
COUNCIL:
(1) Letter from Clerk of Council Washington advising of the board term
expiration of Mr. Michael Greenblatt on the Airport Commission.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Building Contractors
Examining Board.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Historic &
Architectural Review.
(4) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Convention & Visitor?s
Bureau, Board of Commissioners.
(5) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Personnel Review Board.
(6) Three Biographical Sketches as submitted by Mayor Tomlinson for vacancies
on the Convention & Visitors Bureau, Board of Commissioners: Ms. Felicia L.
Hamilton, Ms. Tracey Ann Nierode and Mr. Oz Roberts.
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CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU, BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis asked Mayor Tomlinson if she would like to
proceed at this time with making nominations for the Convention & Visitors
Bureau, Board of Commissioners. Mayor Tomlinson then nominated Ms. Felicia
Hamilton for her replacement on the Convention & Visitors Bureau, Board of
Commissioners and Mr. Oz Roberts to replace Mr. Scott Ressmeyer. Councilor
Henderson moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent
for the vote.
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NOTE: See Below action to accept the resignation of Mayor Tomlinson from her
seat on the Convention & Visitor?s Bureau, Board of Commissioners.
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THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON ITEM WAS ALSO SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AS INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL WITH THE APPOINTEE BEING CONFIRMED
BY THE
COUNCIL:
Biographical Sketch of Ms. Geniece Davis Granville, Mayor Tomlinson?s
nominee to replace Mr. Greg Camp on the Public Safety Advisory Commission.
Councilor Woodson then moved confirmation of Ms. Granville. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members present
with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR
HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BARNES, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE
NINE MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE:
A Resolution (48-11) - Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from
the January 11, 2011 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (49-11) - Approving a Special Called Council Worksession on
March 15, 2011.
A Resolution (50-11) - Approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of December 2010.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL UPON MOTIONS MADE BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS PRESENT WITH
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE:
Letter from Mayor Tomlinson relinquishing her seat on the Columbus
Convention & Visitor?s Bureau, Board of Commissioners.
Letter from Mr. Tom Gates relinquishing his seat on the Columbus
Convention & Visitor?s Bureau, Board of Commissioners.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
Animal Control Advisory Board, January 18, 2011.
Board of Health, November 17, 2010.
Convention & Visitors Bureau Board, November 17, 2010.
Housing Authority, November 17, 2010.
Uptown Facade Board, December 20, 2010.
Councilor Allen moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent
for the vote.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND A PUBLIC HEARING AND ORDINANCE WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR
ALLEN:
Petition submitted by Philip Thayer to rezone 125.5 acres of property
located at 7364, 8997 and 9163 Macon Road from RE1 (Residential Estate 1) /
SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) to PMUD (Planned Mixed Use Development)
district. (Recommended for approval by the Planning Advisory Commission and
conditional approval by the Planning Department). (1-CA-11-Thayer)
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
EMPLOYEES? PENSION PLAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Frank Martin has resigned;
this is the Mayor?s appointment. There was no nomination.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis recommended deferring nominees for the
Council District 9 seat; the Clerk?s Office needs to do some further research.
She then pointed out that we still need a nominee for the position of Mr.
Archie Rainey- Council District Ten representative. Councilor Henderson
nominated Mr. James Munsford to replace Mr. Rainey. Councilor Allen moved
confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
nine members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we still need a nominee for the
position of Mr. Terrell Aldridge- Council District Four representative and Ms.
Tiffany Tootle- Council District Five representative. There were no
nominations.
*** *** ***
UPTOWN FACADE BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the Uptown Business Association
is recommending Mr. Jason McKenzie to replace Mr. William Sloan on the Uptown
Facade Board. Councilor Woodson moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor
McDaniel being absent for the vote.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Tomlinson recalled the earlier request for an executive session to
discuss a personnel matter, litigation and real estate acquisition. Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh made the motion to go into executive session. Seconded by
Councilor Allen.
*** *** ***
VANDALISM:
Councilor Barnes commended Police Chief Ricky Boren and his staff for his
response to a matter involving vandalism that he had called the Police Chief in
reference to. He pointed out that Police Chief Boren called a meeting the next
day to include police department staff and the residents after receiving a
telephone call from him outlining the concerns of the residents. He said some
substantial work was done by Police Chief Boren in that three-block area in a
week?s time that required an enormous effort from his police force. He said
the citizens really appreciated the spontaneous response from the city and the
Columbus Police Department, which corrected the problem.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Tomlinson called attention to the motion on the floor for an
executive session. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh renewed her motion to go into
executive session to discuss a personnel matter, litigation and real estate
acquisition. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
eight members present with Councilors Huff and McDaniel being absent for the
vote.
At 7:45 p.m., the Council adjourned its regular meeting to go into
executive session to discuss a personnel matter, litigation and real estate
acquisition.
At 8:40 p.m., the Council reconvened it regular meeting, at which time,
Mayor Tomlinson announced that the Council did meet in executive session to
discuss a personnel matter, litigation and real estate acquisition, but there
were no votes taken.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor Allen
made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor McDaniel
being absent for the vote with the time being 8:40 p.m.
Sandra T. Davis, CDMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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