MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST
8, 2006
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:04 A.M., Tuesday, August 8, 2006, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Robert S. Poydasheff, Mayor,
and Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Poydasheff and Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers
were Councilors Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter,
Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh, Nathan Suber and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah
Hugley, Deputy City Manager David Arrington, City Attorney Clifton Fay and
Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
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ABSENT: Councilors R. Gary Allen and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. were absent but
were excused upon the adoption of Resolution Nos. 322-06 & 323-06. Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. Gerald B. Goodman, Senior-St. Mary?s Road United
Methodist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Poydasheff.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
WITH DEPUTY CITY MANAGER LISA GOODWIN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF METRA SAUNDRA
HUNTER AND STAFF STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR TURNER
PUGH AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (318-06) - Commending and congratulating METRA upon their
triennial review by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and being only the
third system out of 200 reviewed to receive a no-deficiency rating. Councilor
Turner Pugh moved approval. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present and standing to cast
their vote in the affirmative.
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin, was present and immediately introduced
the Metra staff that was standing with her. She spoke briefly of the triennial
review process and commend the staff for their hard work.
Assistant Director of Metra Saundra Hunter, thanked all of the cooperative
agencies involved. She also commended the staff for the great job.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the August 1, 2006 meeting of the Council of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia was submitted and approved upon
the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and seconded by
Councilor Turner Pugh, which carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present for this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE CALLED UPON WITH TWO AMENDING THE TEXT
OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA AND ONE ORDINANCE TO
AMEND THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance ? Amending the text of the Unified Development Ordinance to
allow universities or colleges in an RO (Residential-Office) District as a
Special Exception Use. (34-A-06-George C. Woodruff, Co.)
An Ordinance - Amending the text of the Unified Development Ordinance to
allow kitchens in guest cottages. (41-A-06-George Woodruff, Co.)
An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 6206 Forrest Road is proposed
for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) District to SFR3 (Single
Family Residential 3) District. (40-A-06-George C. Woodruff, Co.)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner, Mr. George C.
Woodruff but he did make a presentation since no one came forward in opposition.
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Councilor Turner Pugh requested that the staff continue to look at Forrest
Road for widening, but the staff needs to also look at the possibility of
having a traffic light right there by the school. She said that with more
homes being constructed right past the school; then, the staff needs to
consider a traffic light.
In reference to comments from Councilor Anthony on the guest cottages,
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers contended that there are limitations on this use, because
it has to be a one- acre lot and cannot be offered for rent.
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RECOGNITION OF PRINCIPAL RILEY:
Mayor Poydasheff recognized the presence of Forrest Road Elementary School
Principal Beatrice Riley. He then asked her to come forward, at which time,
Principal Beatrice Riley, spoke of the increase in students at Forrest Road
Elementary School due to the Woodruff construction of new homes. She added
that she welcomes the increased enrollment.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 2234 Elm Drive is proposed
for rezoning from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District to GC (General
Contractor) District. (36-A-06-Nicholson)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner, Mr. Nicholson
but he did make a presentation since no one came forward in opposition.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that a reversionary clause be included
in the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those eight members present for this meeting.
In response to a question of Councilor Turner Pugh, Transportation
Planning Director Rick Jones explained that the use is no longer compatible
with a neighborhood commercial use. He added that a plumbing supply or
plumbing business of this type really serves the general community and needs to
of a general commercial use.
Councilor Henderson maintained that there are times where we will get a
petition for a transition from neighborhood commercial to general commercial
that one the surface may seem intrusive, but when you look at what is already
there and what is currently operating, it is functioning as a general
commercial zoning classification.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES TO AMEND THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND
READING:
An Ordinance (06-65) - Rezoning property located at 4817 Miller Road is
proposed for rezoning from SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) District to LM1
(Light Manufacturing/Industrial) District. (32-A-06-Erickson) Councilor Suber
moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by
those seven members present with Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers being absent for this
vote.
An Ordinance (06-66) - Rezoning property located at 2406 North Lumpkin
Road is proposed for rezoning from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District to
RMF1 (Residential Multi-Family 1) District. (37-A-06-Moring) Councilor Woodson
moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those
seven members present with Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING:
An Ordinance (06-67) - Rezoning property located at 4013, 4017, 4021 &
4025 2ND Avenue is proposed for rezoning from RMF1 (Residential Multi-Family 1)
District to NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District. (33-CA-06-Schmidt)
Councilor Woodson moved approval. Councilor Davis asked some additional
questions regarding the dog runs. Mr. Randy Schmidt, representing Allen
Development Group, approached the rostrum. Councilor Davis pointed out the dog
runs on the exterior is prohibited and then asked about overnight boarding and
if so it must be conducted on the inside. Mr. Schmidt agreed with the
comments.
Councilor Davis expressed some concerns with the fact that there are
residents in the neighborhood, but there is some distance between some of the
houses and the piece of property does sit up on the hill but would hope that
there would not be any complaints regarding the noise of these animals.
Mayor Poydasheff called attention to the motion on the floor, which was
then seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by a vote of six
to one with Councilor Turner Pugh voting no and all others present voting yes
with Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES TO AMEND THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND DEFEATED ON SECOND READING:
An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at parts of 3556 & 3562 St.
Mary?s Road is proposed for rezoning from SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3)
District to GC (General Commercial) District. (35-A-06-Morrison) Councilor
Hunter moved it be defeated. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those seven members present with Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers being
absent for this vote.
At this time, the petitioner Mr. Morrison requested to be heard.
Councilor Suber moved Mr. Morrison to be heard. Seconded by Councilor Woodson
and carried unanimously by those seven members present with Mayor Pro Tem
Rodgers being absent for this vote.
Mr. Robert Morrison, came forward and called attention to the plan he
proposed for this project. He mentioned the potential benefits of allow the
rezoning to be approved. He continued to speak of the fa?ade of the project.
He also mentioned that the property right across the street continuously has
vehicles for sale in the yard. He called attention to the other commercial
pieces of property that are near this location.
Mr. Morrison asked to withdraw his petition to allow his attorney to look
into this matter. City Attorney Fay said that the vote would have to be
rescinded then allow him to withdraw the petition, but it would not be an
official action. City Attorney Fay advised that if the ordinance has come
before the Council and the withdrawal request is granted; then, the Council
could not consider a new petition for a different zoning classification until
the lapse of six months or for the same zoning classification until the lapse
of one year from the date of withdrawal. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers added that
regardless of if the ordinance is defeated or withdrawn the consequences or
results are the same.
Councilor Anthony determined that he would be willing to meet with Mr.
Morrison to come up with some strategies for a compatible use for this area.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THERE IS NO ONE LISTED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA.
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VACANT PROPERTIES:
Councilor Turner Pugh requested that staff review the process on how the
City deals with absentee landlords and the citizens? complaints regarding high
grass on vacant properties and the overall upkeep of the property. Mayor
Poydasheff requested that staff check on the property on St. Mary?s Road where
there are vehicles for sale in the yard that was mentioned by Mr. Morrison to
make sure there are no code violations.
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HOUSE ON PLANTATION ROAD:
Councilor Woodson requested that the staff check the State Laws to see
what could be done about the vacant house at 3064 Plantation Road, because the
house is a nuisance to the neighborhood.
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VACANT PROPERTIES:
Councilor Woodson requested that the staff check on the vacant property on
Luckie Street for code violations due to the height of the grass. She
expressed concerns in that Special Enforcement that has been in the area has
not reported it.
Councilor Suber reminded everyone that employees have been cut from Code
Enforcement, which has increased the amount of response time that they give the
citizens. He suggested conducting an assessment to see if the City needs to
hire some more Code Enforcement.
Deputy City Manager David Arrington made comments in reference to the
process in issuing citations. Councilor Turner Pugh expressed concerns with
citations being left at vacant homes. She added that something should be done
when there are the same violations within a certain length of time. Mayor
Poydasheff suggested that this information be provided in a work session and
perhaps check to enhance the penalty. He then requested that the staff submit
to the State Legislature, during the normal process, a request for the
authority to increase penalties in certain situations.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers cautioned on how tight the belt is drawn on an issue
like this. He recalled that we have the tools necessary to cure the problem.
He said that with the cooperation of the Environmental Court Judges, those
repeat offenders could be slapped with the maximum fine allowable causing the
violators to cease the occurrence of allowing the grass to get too high or
other repeat violations.
Regarding vacant houses, Councilor Hunter requested that the staff contact
GMA to see if they have information on other communities in the State that have
endured similar situations as the long term nuisance on Plantation Road to find
out what solutions have been applied. He also suggested that during that work
session, we should have the staff to provide not only long-term solutions but
also short-term solutions in getting the grass cut on these properties.
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REZONINGS:
Councilor Davis asked to be provided with information to determine if the
Council has the authority to initiate a rezoning. He called attention to the
property on River Road that has been a nuisance for a long time. He spoke of
past problems with this property and the number of citizen complaints that he
has received regarding this. He asked what could be done because this property
is zoned general commercial, but it is in a neighborhood. He questioned
whether the mixed drink license should be granted. Mayor Poydasheff said that
under the constitution, as long as that individual complies with the law; then,
he or she that files the application for a mixed drink license or beer and wine
license and goes through the process, the City cannot just anticipate that
something is going to be done wrong.
City Manager Hugley approached the rostrum and pointed out that the Police
Chief has committed to staying on top of the situation once the business
reopens. He said that he has received numerous calls from residents in that
area, and he has responded by letter to the residents with the City Attorney
checking the contents of the letter to form. City Attorney Fay advised that
the property is zoned for restaurant application, which has been filed to
receive their alcohol license as a restaurant. He added that they must meet
the 50% food sales.
Mayor Poydasheff explained that if the City rezoned this property at this
time, it would be volatile of the law, because that is a proprietary interest
that they have. He assured that the establishment would be monitored.
Councilor Davis reiterated the possibilities of rezoning this property, at
which time, City Attorney Fay said that the property owner is entitled to rely
on the current zoning. He said that the City could not arbitrarily change it.
He said that would be a due process issue. Councilor Davis asked about the
Comprehensive Plan that is being worked on. City Attorney Fay advised that the
in the Comprehensive Plan, the Council could set out what is wanted in each
district as the land use guide.
In conclusion, Mayor Poydasheff said that the staff could go to one of the
neighborhood meetings and explain this process.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY
MANAGER ARRINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (319-06) - Authorizing a request to adopt the appeals process
for the UGA Pay Plan adopted by Ordinance 06-40. Councilor Suber moved its
adoption. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those
eight members present.
In response to a question of Councilor Turner Pugh, Mayor Poydasheff
pointed out that we were not going to hold off on this resolution just the
education portion. He explained that this deals with the appeal process.
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A Resolution (320-06) - Authorizing a request to accept a deed to Imperial
Court, that portion of Imperial Way and that portion of Bridgemill Way located
in Section Two, Bridgemill.
Councilor Turner Pugh asked about streets being accepted before the
construction of the community. Deputy City Manager Arrington advised that
there is a two-year warranty on the streets and the City accepts them once the
streets are completed up to the standards of the City.
Councilor Henderson moved approval. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and
carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilor Davis being
absent for this vote. Councilor Allen was also absent for this vote, but
immediately upon returning to the table requested that his vote be cast in the
affirmative.
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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE CITY
MANAGER?S AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY MANAGER ARRINGTON
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (321-06) - Authorizing the execution of a negotiated contract
with Binary Bus (Gainesville, Ga) to provide a website solution to contain GIS
data for the Engineering Department.
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BID SCHEDULE:
Deputy City Manager Arrington announced that the annual bid schedule is
posted on the City?s website and is scrolling on CCG-TV, as well as, an ad has
been placed in the Columbus Ledger and Columbus Times for the vendors
information.
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GRASS CUTTING:
Councilor Anthony requested that the staff check the Benning Hills
Subdivisions, because on Lafayette Drive there are some houses that need to
have their grass cut, including 30 Lafayette Drive.
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BID SCHEDULE:
Councilor Woodson requested that the staff send ads to The Courier / Eco
Latino Newspaper, which is an African American & Hispanic Newspaper.
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VANDALISM:
Councilor Anthony requested that the staff follow up on complaints of
vandalism in the Heath Park area.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FIVE ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS
AS INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND
COUNCIL:
(1) Copy of the Muscogee County Child Abuse Protocol Report on Effectiveness
for 2005.
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THE FOLLOWING BOARD APPPOINTMENS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND WERE CONFIRMED BY THE
COUNCIL:
Letter submitted by The Medical Center Hospital Authority Board of
Trustees advising that David McMicken, M.D. has been reappointed to serve
another term of office. (Council would need to confirm appointment.) Mayor Pro
Tem Rodgers moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those eight members present for this meeting.
Official Appointment Form from New Horizons Mental Health, Developmental
Disabilities and Addictive Diseases Community Service Board appointing Sandra
Gill for another term of office. (Council would need to confirm appointment.)
Councilor Suber moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and
carried unanimously by those eight members present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS
AND WAS APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution - Granting a hardship variance request to waive the minimum
street frontage requirement in order to construct a nonresidential structure at
2925 Manchester Expressway. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved approval. Seconded by
Councilor Davis.
Councilor Suber asked to be provided with some information on this
variance to see exactly that the petitioner is trying to do. Mayor Poydasheff
then suggested that we would continue with the agenda to allow Councilor Suber
to review this information.
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NOTE: See Below for the final vote on this resolution.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ADD-ON RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL ON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR
SUBER AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR TURNER PUGH, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE
EIGHT MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:
A Resolution (322-06) ? Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the August
8, 2006 Meeting.
A Resolution (323-06) ? Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel from the
August 8, 2006 Meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 29-06.
The Columbus Airport Commission, June 28, 2006.
Councilor Anthony made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO NEW ZONING PETITIONS RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL BY BOTH
THE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT WERE SUBMITTED BY
DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR EACH BY MAYOR
PRO TEM RODGERS:
Petition submitted by George C. Woodruff Company to rezone approximately
15.913 acres of property located at 3160 Primrose Road from SFR2 (Single Family
Residential 2), NC (Neighborhood Commercial), & RMF1 (Residential Multi-Family
1) to SFR3 (Single Family Residential Multi-Family 1). (43-A-06-Woodruff Co.)
Petition submitted by the Planning Department to rezone properties located
at 1033, 1035, 1037, 1039, & 1041 Red Maple Way from SFR3 (Single Family
Residential 3) w/conditions to SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) w/amended
conditions. (44-A-06-Planning Dept.)
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THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION RECOMMENDED FOR DENIAL BY BOTH THE
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING DIVISION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY
CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND WAS RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
Petition submitted by James Overstreet to rezone approximately 0.18 acre
of property located at 3435 Buena Vista Road from SFR3 (Single Family
Residential 3) to GC (General Commercial). (Recommended for denial by both the
Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department).
(45-D-06-Overstreet) Councilor Henderson moved the zoning petition be
received. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those
eight members present for this meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. James Yancey term expires
December 31, 2006; however, the appointments are made in July. She pointed out
that Councilor McDaniel has nominated Mr. Billy Blanchard for this seat.
Mayor Poydasheff called attention to a question regarding Mr. Billy
Blanchard currently serving the Development Authority. Deputy Clerk of Council
Davis advised that Resolution No. 405-83 gave the right for the members of the
Development Authority, Downtown Development Authority, Industrial & Port
Development Commission, Board of Water Commissioners and the Resource Recovery
Board member to serve on one, two or all five of these boards at the same
time. Councilor Henderson then moved confirmation of Mr. Blanchard. Seconded
by Councilor Suber and carried unanimously by those eight members present for
this meeting.
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COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATION AND CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Delores Arce-Kaptain and
Ms.Lillian ?Bunky? Clark have resigned from this board. She added that
Councilor McDaniel has nominated Ms. Mary Renteria to replace Ms. Delores
Arce-Kaptain and Councilor Woodson has nominated Mr. Owen Ditchfield to replace
Ms. Lillian ?Bunky? Clark. Councilor Henderson moved confirmation of both
nominations. Seconded by Councilor Anthony and carried unanimously by those
eight members present for this meeting.
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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Susan Beck has resigned
from the Hospital Authority. She said that we still need two additional
nominees to submit to the Hospital Authority.
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TREE BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. James Head, Ms. Dorothy
McDaniel and Mr. Milton Anthony are all eligible to serve another term of
office. Councilor Henderson renominated all of the members.
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YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that each member of Council would
need to nominate someone from his or her respective district to serve. She
added that Councilor McDaniel has submitted the name of Mr. Jacob Wood as he
nomination for Council District 8. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers moved confirmation.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members
present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS
AND WAS APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (324-06) - Granting a hardship variance request to waive the
minimum street frontage requirement in order to construct a nonresidential
structure at 2925 Manchester Expressway.
Mayor Poydasheff called attention to the previous motion on the floor,
which carried unanimously by those eight members present for this meeting.
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At this time, Mayor Poydasheff asked if there was anyone that had a matter
to bring before the Council. A gentleman rose from the audience and approached
the rostrum.
Mr. John Griffin, expressed concerns in the occurrence of events that
began in 2005. He spoke of an incident where he was arrested with possession
of a controlled substance at a hotel that he had rented the day before. He
pointed out that he was driving a taxicab and was not present in the room when
the police arrived there. He gave details of the preliminary hearing and
mentioned that he had a transcript available of that court hearing. He said
that he spent time in jail and in April of 2005, he had received a no bill on
these charges. During the recent arrest that occurred in November 2005, he
explained that he was pulled over and ticketed by a police officer for having
on his bright lights. He determined that his arrest was due to a warrant in
regards to the same charges that he had received a no bill.
Mayor Poydasheff explained that the Council cannot interfere with the
judicial system, because there is a separation of power. He advised Mr.
Griffin to get an attorney, at which time, Mr. Griffin acknowledged that he has
an attorney. Councilor Hunter suggested that Mr. Griffin be heard with the
understanding that what he says may be damaging to himself without his legal
counsel.
Mr. Griffin continued to describe the judicial circumstances that he was
involved in. He recalled that there was an additional charge regarding a small
amount of cocaine that was discovered in the trunk of the taxicab that he was
driving, which belonged to the taxi company. He said that the owner of the
taxicab company stated under oath that the taxicabs are thoroughly cleaned when
the taxicab is turned in and this is why Judge Peters upgraded a misdemeanor to
a felony and gave him ten years.
He also called attention to an accident that he was involved in where a
driver hit his car from the rear. He expressed amazement as he was charged
with illegal right turn. He said all of this information that was passed
around the table came from the Clerk of Superior Court.
In conclusion, Mr. Griffin handed a letter to Deputy Clerk of Council
Davis to be presented to the Mayor. Mayor Poydasheff reiterated that this is a
matter for the courts and the attorney representing Mr. Griffin. Mayor
Poydasheff requested that all of the documents passed around the table by Mr.
Griffin be returned to him. Mayor Poydasheff also expressed for the record
that Mr. Griffin was advised by Councilors Hunter, Woodson and himself about
his right to have his attorney present and he affirmatively waived those
rights.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Councilor Anthony requested that the Council go into executive session to
discuss acquisition of real estate. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those eight members present.
At 10:26 a.m., the Council adjourned its regular meeting to go into
executive session. At 10:42 a.m. the Council reconvened the meeting. Mayor
Poydasheff advised that the Council did meet in executive session to discuss
the acquisition of real estate, but there were no votes taken.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro
Tem Rodgers made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this meeting
with the time being 10:43 a.m.
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Sandra T. Davis
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.