MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 5, 2007
The regular monthly night meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, June 5, 2007, 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 R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops?
Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Charles E.
McDaniel, Jr. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also
present. Councilor Evelyn Woodson arrived at 9:04 a.m.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Dr. John Hartman, Director of Chaplaincy
Admission Effectiveness St. Francis Hospital.
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PLEDGE: Led by Mayor W. J. Wetherington.
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BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY
CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST ADING:______________________________
An Ordinance - Adopting a Budget for the Fiscal Year 2008 beginning July
1, 2007 and ending June 30, 2008, for certain funds of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts shown in each
budget.
Councilor Henderson said he would like to commend the administration, the
City Manager and the Finance Director on preparing this budget. He said it?s a
good budget and we have few items that the Council wanted. He said we are
funding the pay plan at the 98% level, which does include pay plan maintenance.
An Ordinance ? Adopting non-operating budgets for the Fiscal Year 2008
beginning July 1, 2007 and ending June 30, 2008, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia and appropriating the amounts
shown in each budget.
City Attorney Fay asked if there was anyone who wanted to be heard on
either one of these items, but no one came forward to be heard.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked if we have resolved the issue of those
employees who have reached the maximum in their pay.
Councilor Henderson said with the pay plan, employees will get two
longevity steps and some employees were at or above the maximum, which took
them to 100% mark. He said if there is a gap it will be closed, but that is
all.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said once they reach the maximum that the job is
allowed, if the scale is moved up or they may need to go to another position.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH?:
With Joe Riddle, Director of the Department of Community Reinvestment
standing at the Council table, Councilor Woodson read the proclamation of Mayor
Wetherington, proclaiming the month of June 2007 as ?National Homeownership
Month? in Columbus, Georgia.
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?CARVER HIGH SCHOOL 40TH CLASS REUNION CELEBRATION
DAY?:________________________________________
With Cynthia Williams Jordan, Ray Lakes, Tommy Ford, Almisha Hudson,
Cynthia Scott, Gwendolyn Parker, Sylister Williams and Jewell Lewis standing at
the Council table, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh read the proclamation of Mayor
Wetherington, proclaiming June 5, 2007 as ?Carver High School 40th Class
Reunion Celebration?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH JUDGE MICHAEL CIELINSKI STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING
RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS EBTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HUNTER AND
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:__________________
A Resolution (240-07) ? Commending Judge Michael P. Cielinski, Senior
Judge of the Recorder?s Court of Columbus, Georgia, also President of the
Council of Municipal Court Judges who has recently been appointed to serve on
the Judicial Council of Georgia. Councilor Hunter moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present for this meeting.
WITH PASTOR JIM SWILLEY AND HIS WIFE STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE
FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS EBTIRETY BY COUNCILOR ALLEN
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:__________________
A Resolution (241-07) ? Commending Pastor Jim Swilley of North Highland
Church. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY AND
DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL FOR 30 DAYS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR
ALLEN:______________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 6650 Buena Vista Road is
proposed for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) District to SFR4
(Single Family Residential 4) District. (15-D-07-Moye Road Development, LLC)
Councilor Allen said he would like to request a 30-day delay on this
ordinance and so moved. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she is still opposed to this commercial
rezoning in this area. She said she did talk to Mr. McGowan and said they are
willing to put this off for 30-days, and said if the petitioner is serious
about this he needs to get with those residents out in that area.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:_____________________________
An Ordinance (07-30) ? Adopting changes to the Columbus Consolidated
Government Classification and Pay Plan recommended by the Carl Vinson Institute
of the University of Georgia and by the Mayor and City Manager.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THOSE EMPLOYEES
WHO RECENTLY RETIRED FROM THE SERVICES OF THE CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT WAS
SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED BY
THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM
TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME,W ITH COUNCILOR ALLEN BEING
ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE: ____________________________________
A Resolution (242-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. David Hopkins upon
his retirement with the Columbus Police Department/Support Services, after 31
years of service. .
A Resolution (243-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Frank P. McElvey
upon his retirement with the Columbus Water Works, after 27 years of service. .
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF
THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO RECENTLY PASSED AWAY WAS SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ
BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE
ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR ALLEN BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:
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A Resolution (244-07) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs. Erica
Harper, employee with the Public Services Department, who passed away on April
28, 2007.
A Resolution (245-07) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Larry
M. Carter, employee with the Columbus Police Department/Investigative Services,
who passed away on April 20, 2007.
A Resolution (246-07) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Roger
C. Vardman, employee with the Fire/EMS Department, who passed away on May 6,
2007.
A Resolution (247-07) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Hugh G.
Spear, employee with the Columbus Police Department, who passed away on April
29, 2007.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:___________________________________________
A Resolution (248-07) ? Authorizing the Development Authority to
subordinate the Security Deed and Service Agreement with the National Security
Associates, Inc. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Henderson said he would like to request to abstain from voting
on this resolution. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously.
Councilor Woodson said she would also like to abstain from voting on this
resolution. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would include Councilor Woodson
in that motion as well.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council voting on this matter, with Councilors Henderson and Woodson
abstaining.
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The City Manager?s Agenda is continued below.
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TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS PUBLIC HEARING: 6:00 p.m. - 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 went into some details outlining the reason we must
hold this public hearing on the taxpayer?s bill if rights. Once he concludes
his remarks regarding this hearing, he then asked if there was anyone who
wanted to be heard on this matter.
Mr. Frank Comer, 2400 Techwood Drive, owner of Wynnton Hardward Store then
came forward to voice his concerns. He said at great lengths making various
comments with respect to taxes.
City Manager Hugley and several members of the Council responded to those
concerns expressed by Mr. Comer.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND DEFEATED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING AFTER MUCH
DISCUSSION:________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Amending the budget for the Fiscal Year 2007 beginning July
1, 2006 and ending June 30, 2007, for certain funds of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; appropriating amounts shown in the SPLOST
Project Fund for the Library Project; increasing the Library Project budget for
FY07 by $6,078,148 (including $611,049 for additional greenspace at the rear of
the Library) to a total of $21,789,634; and for other purposes.
Councilor McDaniel said the original budget didn?t call for greenspace,
but said he thinks that that we need to have greenspace. He said the problem
that he has with the budget is with the air conditioning system. He said he is
going to vote against this ordinance.
There were more than an hour of discussion on this subject and many
attempts being made to resolve the issue, with several of the Council members
expressing their views on this subject, and City Manager Hugley and Mayor
Wetherington responding to questions
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
Mr. Lorenza Wilder, Re: Police Department.
Mr. Michael P. Dover, Re: To present Mayor & Council with a Certificate of
Appreciation, (2) Voice support of new Veterans Administration Center. (
Mr. Bill Madison, representing the NAACP Re: Several items of concern.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:______________________________________________
A Resolution (249-07) ? Authorizing the filing of the Annual Action Plan
and applications requesting entitlement funding for the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), and Emergency Shelter
Grant (ESG) programs. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being absent for the vote.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY COUNCIL MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCL ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH
COUNCILOR BARNES BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE:_______________________________________________________
A Resolution (250-07) ? Authorizing payment to World Information Systems,
Inc. (Greensboro, NC), for ShopFax Software Maintenance Support in the amount
of $10,240.00. ShopFax is the Fleet Maintenance software used by the Fleet
Maintenance Division and METRA to track repair orders and inventory. The
maintenance agreement covers the period from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008.
World Information Systems, Inc. developed the software; they are the only
company that can offer maintenance on the software. Therefore, the vendor is
considered an Only Known Source, per Section 3-114 of the Procurement Ordinance.
A Resolution (251-07) ? Authorizing the approval of the service contract
for various types of transmissions with Precision Transmission, Inc., Jasper
Engines & Transmission and W.W. Williams, Co., for the estimated annual
contract value of $48,417.00. Transmission repair and rebuild services are
required for METRA Transit System, and will be procured on an ?as needed?
basis. The contract period shall be for two years with the option to renew for
three additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal is contingent upon the
mutual agreement of the Contractor and the City.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:_____________________________________________
(1) Memo from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Family & Children Services.
(2) Memo from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Keep Columbus Beautiful
Commission.
(3) Memo from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Taxicab Commission.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Sudhir V. Patel, Councilor McDaniel?s nominee to
replace Mr. Bill Walton on the Commission on International Relations & Cultural
Liaison.
(5) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Shirley A. Jaeger, Mayor Wetherington?s nominee
to replace Ms. Teresa Perez on the Commission on International Relations &
Cultural Liaison.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARD,
WHICH WERE OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL: ________________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 21-07.
Family & Children Services, May 23, 2007.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, GA April 24, 2007.
Councilor Woodson made a motion to receive the minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote.
C.I.R.C.L.E:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Ms. Teresa D. Perez
resigning from her position on the Commission on International Relation and
Culture Liaison Encounters. Councilor Henderson moved that the letter be
received with regrets and thanks for her service. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the
time, with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):__________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that on last week
Mr. Sudhir V. Patel was nominated by Councilor McDaniel to fill the unexpired
term of Mr. Bill Walton, who has resigned from the board.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that he be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those members of Council present at the
time, with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that Mayor Wetherington is
nominating Ms. Shirley A Jaeger to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Teresa Perez,
who has resigned from the board as well. Councilor Henderson then moved that
she may be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being
absent for this vote.
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RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Hunter is nominating Mr.
Arnold Goodman as his District 3 representative to replace Mr. Terrell
Aldridge, who now lives in Council District 4. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a
motion that Mr. Goodman be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote.
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With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Wetherington then asked if there was anyone who had an issue to bring before
the Council, they could be heard at this time. There was no one who indicated
that they wanted to be heard.
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With there being no further business to come before the Council, Councilor
Henderson then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council still present, with
Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote, with the time being 8:10 p.m.
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Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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