MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
APRIL 9, 2013
A meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at
9:04A.M., Tuesday, April 9, 2013, on the Plaza Level of the Government Center,
Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor and Honorable Evelyn
Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson was Councilors R. Gary Allen, Jerry
Barnes, Glenn Davis Berry H. Henderson, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Judy W.
Thomas and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton
Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk Sandra Davis were
also present. Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat at the Council table at 9:07
a.m. Councilor Evelyn Woodson took her seat at the Council table at 9:09 a.m.,
and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh took her seat at the Council table at 9:20 a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Mike Baker was absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Captain Mark Burnett, Chaplain of the Department of Fire/EMS.
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PLEDGE: Led by members of the Columbus Fire/EMS Department.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
Mayor Tomlinson said that Dr. Benjamin Blair, of Columbus State University
has conducted several studies for the City of Columbus and that he is here on
this
morning to present the results of those studies. She also pointed out the
members
of the Council have been provided with a copy of these studies, to include the
Natatorium Study, Department Directors' Salary Study and the Columbus
Economy Study.
The following information, as outlined below was presented by Dr. Benjamin
Blair.
Local spending generates economic activity.
$ Spent Outside Region
Activity 1
Activity 2
Visitor $
Metrics
Local Output (GDP)
Employment
Labor Income
Tax Revenue
Local spending generates economic activity.
A Market Assessment of the Columbus Natatorium
The Market Environment
Who is the Competition?
Who are the Potential Users?
Regular Users
Swim Clubs
High School Swim Teams
Who is the Competition?
Identified 39 aquatic centers and natatoriums in Georgia and Alabama with
similar facilities.
Who is the Competition?
James E Martin Aquatic Center, Auburn University
Lakeshore Natatorium, Carrollton, GA
Who are the Potential Users?
Regular Users
Recreation and Exercise
National Sporting Goods Association Survey + Local Demographics
1,563 regular daily swimmers in the Columbus MSA
two-thirds in Muscogee County
one-half age 55 or older
Core customer base
Who are the Potential Users?
Swim Clubs
Regularly participate in swimming competitions.
Willing to travel long distances.
Overnight Stays
Identified 82 swimming clubs in GA and AL
Provided a directory with contact information
Map
GEORGIA AND ALABAMA SWIM CLUBS:
WHO ARE THE POTENTIAL USERS?
High School Swim Teams
Regularly participate in swimming competitions.
Overnight Stays
Identified 292 high schools with swim teams in GA and AL: 230 in GA; 62 in AL
Provided a directory with contact information
Survey
Map
FINAL COMMENTS:
After concluding his presentation, Dr. Blair made several comments as
outlined below:
Developing a core customer base of regular users will be important for the
natatorium?s bottom line but not for economic impact.
Significant regional economic impact will come only from attracting swim teams
to meets hosted by the natatorium. (Lags)
Nearly one-half of swim teams also compete in diving competitions. Not having
diving facilities may limit the ability of the natatorium to attract high
school swim teams to meets.
Need for significant advertising and marketing efforts to increase the
visibility of the natatorium.
Dr. Blair also pointed out the following information as outlined below:
Any significant regional economic impact of the natatorium will arise from
visitors, especially overnight visitors, to swim meets.
No plan or proposed schedule at the time this study was conducted.
Created our own three-year visitor scenario.
He also provided an Example Natatorium Swim Meet Schedule Scenario.
Two Participation Levels: High and Low
Expenditure Profile Adjusted for Columbus ?
Economic Impact on Columbus of Example Scenario
The largest impacts arise from meets with overnight stays.
Attracting additional family members is important.
A single annual 3-day swim meet attracting 500 swimmers and their families
could support 2 local jobs.
While the hosting of single-day high school swim meets generates little
economic impact, they will generate valuable experience and exposure for the
natatorium.
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A Comparison of Local Government Director-Level Compensation: Columbus
Consolidated Government and its Peers____________________
Online Survey
Sent to 10 Peer Cities in the Southeast
Asked for information regarding salary ranges, current salaries and other forms
of compensation for 23 upper-level management positions.
Received 8 responses.
Knoxville and Newport News did not respond.
Position-By-Position Comparison
Concluding Observations
(1) For 21 of the 23 positions in the survey, the CCG salary is below the peer
average salary.
(2) For the two positions which CCG was at or above the peer average, in one,
the Civic Center Director, there was only one other peer (Savannah); in the
other, CCG was the only city with that position (Job Training Director)
(3)For the group as a whole, the three positions with the highest average
salary were City Manager ($164,438), City Attorney ($135,423), and Public
Service Director ($128,945).
(4)For the group as a whole, the three positions with the lowest average salary
were Job Training Director ($75,517), Building, Inspection and Codes Director
($84,649), Internal Auditor ($85,441).
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the February 26 and March 12, 2013
Council Meetings and the February 26 and March 12, 2013 Executive Sessions of
the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted
and approved upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor Allen and seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Baker being absent for 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 ON SECOND READING:
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An Ordinance (13-9) ? Amending Section 3-1 of the Columbus Code pertaining
to alcoholic beverages by adding a new subsection 3-1 (hh) to provide a
definition of a Growler and by amending Section 3-15 pertaining to open
containers.
City Attorney Fay said the Finance Department has spoken with some of the
State enforcement officials with regards to this ordinance and said they are
recommending that the ordinance be amended to remove some of the wording from
the ordinance; which are ?or a brew pub license under State law?. He said we
would need a motion to amend the ordinance.
Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Baker
being absent for this meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to adopt the ordinance, as
amended. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SEVERAL MINTUES OF DISCUSSION:
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A Resolution (114-13) ? Requesting a Special Exception Use to operate an
ambulance service at 3554 Hilton Avenue. The current zoning for the property is
NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to adopt the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Davis.
City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone who wanted to be heard on
this matter. There was one individual who wanted to be heard on this
resolution; therefore, City Attorney Fay asked the applicant to come forward
and outline to the Council what their plans are regarding this request.
Ms. Alia Mezayek, 4788 Brandywood Drive representing Muscogee Ambulance
then came forward and said they will be opening an ambulance service at this
location. She said it will be a non-emergency service, and they will only be
transporting dialysis patients from the nursing home to dialysis or from home
to dialysis. She said they also sometimes will transport the patients to the
hospital, as well as take them to their doctor?s appointments. She said they
will not be using any ambulance lights or sirens inside the facility, but would
do that outside. She said there will be no support for the ambulance. She said
everything will be outside of this building, and said the main use for this
building will be for billing and to keep the ambulance close to the nursing
home.
At the request of Mayor Tomlinson, City Attorney Fay then read the three
conditions that are included in the ordinance, which is outlined below.
Buffers shall be required along all public right-of-way, including the Fall
Line Trace, subject to the approval of the City Arborist and Inspections and
Code Department. 2) There shall be no emergency lights and sirens used until
the ambulance reaches Warm Springs Road and Edgewood Road/Cherokee Avenue. 3)
Idling shall not exceed 15 minutes for any ambulances in service at the subject
property.
Councilor McDaniel said he lives right off of Hilton Avenue and said that
ambulances run up and down Hilton Avenue all day and night going to the
hospital. He said he really don?t see where there would be anything different
than what you already have. He said the other ambulances won?t be affected by
this.
Ms. Alia Mezayek said they are going to do the non-emergency for now and
said they will not use any lights and sirens. She said they are just going to
test the lights and siren and said they have another location for that. She
said they need this
location to be inside the city and closer to that facility. She said any kind
of testing and supplies would be outside at the other location.
Councilor McDaniel said he doesn?t see where there will be any difference
than what they have now.
Councilor Thomas said she knows that several months ago, we approved an
ambulance location right off of Warm Springs Road and said we put certain
conditions on that business and then asked the Director of the Planning
Department Rick Jones, how do these conditions line up with those, or are there
other conditions that we put on the Warm Springs Road facility that are not
here.
Director of the Planning Department, Rick Jones said these conditions are
identical in terms of what they asked for, with regards to the facility off of
Warm Springs Road; in terms of making sure that we mitigated as much as we
possible can, any noise that may impact the surrounding neighborhood. He said
if you will recall the one that we had off of Warm Springs Road was adjacent to
a house.
He said these same conditions were applied where they couldn?t idle the
ambulances or turn the sirens on, as well as had to provide enough fencing or
landscaping between the residential property and this piece of property. He
said these are identical of what they asked for this piece of property and this
property.
In responding to further concerns of Councilor Thomas, Director of the
Planning Department, Mr. Jones said that if the language is not clear enough
for the Council, then we could add some additional language that says there
will be some buffering along the back side of the property, as well as along
the east side; between the residents.
Councilor Thomas said she is concerned about those three properties on
Gurley Drive that touches this property. She said she went out and rode the
street and said from Gurley Drive, you can see through the property on these
residences onto this property that fronts on Hilton Avenue. She said there are
no trees or fences; however there is a cyclone fence, but there isn?t any other
fence.
After further discussion on this matter, Councilor Thomas said if we could
do something to add a buffer along the east side of the adjacent property and
then made a motion to amend the resolution to include the additional buffer.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
Councilor Woodson then asked if the petitioner understands the amendment,
to which City Attorney Fay pointed out that the ordinance will be amended to
state that the buffer shall be required along the east side of the subject
property, and along all public right-of-way including the Fall Line Trace and
then asked the petitioner if she understands that. She said yes.
City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone who wanted to be heard on
this matter before a vote is taken on the amendment.
Ms. Margaret Gosden then came forward and stated that she and her sisters
own the property located at 2240 Gurley Drive; which the back of their property
is identified as Number 2 on the drawing; and said it is as Councilor Thomas
described, a cyclone fence. She said there is nothing in terms of buffer except
on their side of the fence and in addition the problem that is created is not
immediate with the applicant and what she is intending to do in terms of non
emergency services. She said the issue that they have is once this door is
opened, it is open. She said we do have ambulances running up and down Hilton
Avenue all the time, but said it is a little bit different when it is in your
back yard and said it is literally in their back yard.
She pointed out that they have had this property since 1969, when they
came into possession of it as a result of their father?s estate. She said her
older sister resides in the property, but they own it jointly with her. She
said her concern is that her sister be able to live there peacefully and
quietly and not be awakening all hours of the night.
Ms. Gosden then spoke for some fifteen minutes or more in expressing her
concerns with this matter, which includes an ongoing study of rainwater and the
flooding problems that they have had associated with the area. She said Mr.
Arrington is aware of this study. She said they have a 1950s vintage
infrastructure to drain that creek to take in underground under Hilton Avenue
where it is deeper and wider. She said there has been a variety of development
that has caused an increase of water to be brought to that point. She said they
have met with the sanitary sewer people from Columbus Water Works and have
replaced a sewer, whereby they got an easement from the owner of this property,
as well as one from them because what they had was a sewer above grade. She
said they have corrected that, but said they have not gotten the results of
this study.
After Ms. Gosden expressed her concerns, members of the Council then made
comments regarding this matter, after which the Director of the Planning
Department was asked to come forward and then responded to several questions of
members of the Council.
Discussion continued on this matter, after which Councilor Henderson said
if Councilor Thomas wants to make a motion to amend the resolution so that it
requires a certain height buffer all along the contiguous property lines of
all residential zoned property, he thinks that will be acceptable.
Councilor Thomas said she wants the buffer to be between this property and
all the residential property, regardless if it is to the north, south, east or
west and however, we need to word that, the City Attorney can do that. She
said she is not as concerned about the Fall Line Trace, but said she is
concerned about those residences.
City Attorney Fay said we can amend the resolution further to say that
buffers shall be required adjacent to all residential property and along all
public right-of-way, including the Fall Line Trace, subject to the approval of
the City Arborist and Inspections Code Department.
Councilor Thomas then so moved to amend the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
After further discussion on this matter, and City Attorney Fay responding
to further questions of the Council, the question then called on the motion to
amend the resolution, which carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor Baker being absent.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to adopt the resolution, as
amended. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor Baker being absent for this
meeting.
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ZONING PETITION DELAYED:
City Attorney Fay said he we had a request from a zoning applicant that
was represented by Mr. George Mize, to rezone property located at 622 24th
Street; they had gotten a delay of their second reading zoning until May 14th;
however, they are now requesting it be put on second reading on April 23rd; so,
we would need a vote of the Council to allow this zoning petition to come back
before the Council on April 23rd for a second reading. He said there was an
environmental issue, but he understands that has been worked out.
Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor
Baker being absent for this meeting.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Councilor Allen said he would like to request to have an executive session
on litigation and said he would like to see if we could get the Chief Tax
Assessor to come up and talk to the Council.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
MR. MIKE TURNER, REPRESENTING COLUMBUS PHENIX CITY INVENTORS ASSOCIATION,
RE: AN UPDATE ON THE STUDENT WINNERS FROM THE COLUMBUS REGIONAL SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING FAIR HELD ON FEBRUARY 5- 6, 2013:
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Mr. Mike Turner and Ms. Pelatyah Hawkins, who are both members of the
Columbus Phenix City Inventors Association, came forward and gave the Mayor and
Council an update on those students who won in the Columbus Regional Science
and Engineering Fair, held on February 5 ? 6, 2013 that they sponsored.
1st Place Winner - Veer Shah ? Student at Arnold Magnet Academy.
2nd Place Winner ? Dasher Nolin ? Student at Pacelli High School.
3rd Place Winner ? Shelly Wells ? Student at Pacelli High School.
Ms. Hawkins gave a short power point presentation showing photos of the
winners along with their teachers and parents. She gave a brief description of
what each of the student?s projects was and the materials that were used with
their experiment.
She said their goal as an association is to encourage students and the
community to start to think more creatively and innovational. She said if there
is anyone here who has an idea for a service or a product, to please give them
a call.
She said they can be reached at (706) 225-9587.
Mr. Turner said they will be back to present to you the 2013 winners that
will be presented in 2014. He said the event will be presented by Columbus
State University and they will be involved as an association. Mr. Turner and
Ms. Hawkins then responded to questions of members of the Council.
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MS. CARMEN SOLOMON, REPRESENTING GREATER BEULAH BAPTIST CHURCH WOMEN?S
CONFERENCE, RE: GREATER BEULAH BAPTIST CHURCH 2ND ANNUAL WOMEN?S CONFERENCE,
?BORN TO WIN?:________
Ms. Carmen Solomon, representing Greater Beulah Baptist Church came
forward and extended an invitation to the Mayor and Council, as well as the
community to attend their Second Annual Women?s Conference, entitled ?Born To
Win?.
Ms. Solomon highlighted some of the activities and classes that will be
held during the conference.
Councilor Woodson asked Ms. Stephanie Hayes to come forward and tell a
little information about the group home that she has.
Ms. Stephanie Hayes, wife of Pastor Hayes then came forward and gave some
information about her group home, as well as, gave some additional information
about the Women?s conference.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
City Manager Hugley said Deputy City Manager Arrington has two
presentations that he would like for him to do before he presents his agenda.
He said the first presentation he would like for him to do is the Public Safety
Training Center update and said he has a resolution on his agenda for property
acquisition at 3601 Gidden Road. He said after Mr. Arrington completes his
presentation, we can call up this item to address it so that we can allow our
Public safety personnel to get back to work.
He said he would also ask Deputy City Manager Arrington to make the
presentation on the TSPLOST criteria, as well as do a brief update on Forrest
Road.
City Manager Hugley said he would also like to delay Item Number Six on
his agenda.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, LISTED AS ITEM NUMBER SIX ON THE CITY MANAGER?S
AGENDA WAS DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT THE REQUEST OF CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY:___ ______
A Resolution ? Authorizing the execution of a Quit Claim Deed for an
unimproved segment to Ivy Avenue to Ms. Suzanne H. Corley, 1057-1059 Talbotton
Road. The Georgia Department of Transportation is in the process of acquiring
property on Talbotton/Warm Springs Road for a widening project that will impact
this business. This property is needed to provide a driveway to the back of
the business making it accessible for parking. This property was declared
surplus on March 26, 2013 Ordinance 13-15
PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING CENTER:
Deputy City Manager David Arrington said in January, the staff brought to the
Council the acquisition of property on Macon Road for the purpose of relocating
Fire Station 9 which was one of the projects included the 2008 L.O.S.T,
presentation. He said the project included the relocation of the Fire Station
from Jay Street over to the new site off Macon Road and it would also provide
at least accommodations for the future development of a First Training Center.
He said the one that is currently located off of 10th Avenue has limited time
left in its useful life and the City will have to replace those facilities in
the very near future; and said this was an opportunity for us to locate those
facilities in the center of town and make it more convenient for fire training.
He said at that time, however, there was some discussion about an opportunity
for the City to possibly partner with
The Georgia Public Safety Training Center on the development of a regional
Public Safety Training Center
He said last year around Thanksgiving, Mr. Tim Beardon Director of the
Georgia Public Safety Training Center had contacted the Mayor and City Manager
and had asked us to look for opportunities for us to partner with them on a
site to locate the Regional Police Academy; which is currently located on the
campus of Columbus State University. He said they were looking to relocate and
there was some concerns expressed by the Training Center about relocating the
Police Academy to an alternate site and they were looking to either locate
outside of Columbus, which would have been very expensive for us because we
would have to pay our police officers to travel to a site outside of Columbus.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said therefore we worked with them to look
for opportunities to develop a Training Center. He said we looked at spaces
that the City had available located off Schatulga Road, as well as some that
will become available in the near future with the relocation of the Muscogee
Manor property on Schatulga Road. However, during the course of those
discussions, the Training Center continued to talk with Columbus State
University.
He also pointed out that the Public Safety Training Center was initially
reluctant to relocate to the facility due to the cost of renovations and
possible increase in rent payments to the Army Reserve Center on Macon Road;
however, it is his understanding from staff at the Public Safety Training
Center that Columbus State has agreed to renovate the facility to meet the
needs of the Regional Academy and to keep their rent at the current rate.
Several officials from the Public Safety Training Center toured the Army
Reserve Center last week. The location provides more square footage than their
current facility and will adequately accommodate their training programs.
This has apparently satisfied the short term needs for the Regional Academy.
He said according to Public Safety Training Center staff, they would still
like to work with the City on developing a joint use Emergency Vehicle
Operations Course. The course would require approximately 10 acres of land and
funding for developing the site.
After the conclusion of Deputy City Manager Arrington?s presentation,
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to approve the resolution.
Seconded by
Councilor Woodson.
Members of the Council then expressed their views regarding this matter.
Deputy City Manager Arrington then responded to those questions and concerns of
members of the Council.
After the conclusion of further discussion on this matter, the question
was then called on the above motion to adopt the resolution, as outlined below,
which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
A Resolution (115-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase 16+/- acres
of property on Gidden Road for relocation of Fire Station #9 and a training
center to be constructed some time in the future. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Baker
being absent for the meeting.
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UPDATE ON FORREST ROAD:
Deputy City Manager Arrington said the Forrest Road project, from Floyd
Road east to Schatulga Road is under right-of-way acquisition right now. He
said we have two consultants that are acquiring the right-of-way on our behalf.
He said there is a total of 168 parcels that are involved that they will need
to either acquire a right-of-way or an easement in order for this project to
continue. He said out of the 168 parcels involved, the consultants have made
contact with 159 of the property owners and have done title certificates on 24
of the properties, appraisals on 45 and has 25 options that have been signed
and 7 that are already proceeding to closing; which has taken place in a manner
of three months. He said they signed the contract with the consultants back
towards the end of the year. He said their contract requires them to be
complete with the acquisition process by December 3, 2013. He said as we get
toward the closing of their contract, which will be near the end of the year,
we will go ahead and have our consultants to put together the construction
plans to where we can put the project out; if not right before this date, then
immediately after this date for the construction on the phase of Forrest Road
from Floyd Road east to Schatulga Road.
City Manager Hugley said on yesterday we were talking about the correct
spelling of Forrest Road and said he talked with the staff and said it is
spelled with two ?r?. He said he believes that we may have one or two signs
with just one ?r? and said we will get those signs corrected.
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TSPLOST, DISCRETIONARY FUNDING PROPOSED CRITERIA:
Deputy City Manager Arrington said the Council had asked the staff to
provide a copy of the criteria that we were looking at as far as how to
allocate the discretionary funds through the TSPLOST and we provided you with
an email copy earlier this week and said there was a copy in the Councilors
packets for today?s meeting.
He said they looked first at what the State of Georgia, and what the
Transportation Investment Act gave them for guidance; which just says that all
the proceeds used by the local government should only be used for
transportation projects as defined in the Georgia Code. He said it also talks
about the project and defining it. He said it states that any new or existing
airport, bike lanes, bridges, bus or rail transit systems, freight and
passenger rails, pedestrians facilities, porch, roads, terminals and all
activities and structures usefully and incident to providing, operating and
maintaining the same. He said they use this as their guide in looking at the
criteria.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said the criteria that they have established
represent our current transportation needs in the community. These needs and
the funding priority may change from year to year as additional improvements
are identified or repairs become necessary. Projected funding from the TSPLOST
Discretionary allocation will typically supplement other funding sources in
each category. He said it won?t be the sole source of funds for most of the
projects that they use, but it will supplement some other funding source in
each of the categories.
Mr. Arrington then went into further details in outlining the five
proposed criteria that they have identified.
Proposed Criteria ?
Road Improvements
- Criteria:
Supplemental funding for resurfacing, milling & resurfacing, rehabilitation of
streets based on the current Pavement Condition Index
Implement a program to begin paving approximately 6 miles of unpaved streets
maintained by the City
Implementing minor intersection improvements to improve traffic flow and reduce
accidents as identified in the Congestion Management Study and Annual Accident
Review process
Bridge/Culvert Repairs and Maintenance
- Criteria:
Perform necessary improvements and repairs to bridges under current weight
restrictions which adversely impact public safety and the delivery of public
services
To perform specialized maintenance of bridge and culverts beyond the scope of
Public Services
Maintenance and Safety Improvements
- Criteria:
Supplemental funding for maintenance and enhancements of existing and future
trails and gateway project areas
Installation of guardrails and other right of way safety improvements not
currently in compliance with recommended roadway safety standards
Supplemental funding for installation of traffic calming measures in
accordance with established City policies
Future Operations and Grant Matching Funds
- Criteria:
Leveraging local matching funds for state and federal transportation grants
Establishing funding for operational expenses for transportation projects
Alternative Transportation Projects
- Criteria:
Funding to expand the current network for walking/biking/jogging trails as
identified in the Alternative Transportation Plan
Installation of sidewalks in areas of high pedestrian traffic and incomplete
sidewalk networks. Installation of ADA ramps and other improvements to meet
ADA requirements
After the conclusion of his presentation, Deputy City Manager Arrington said
what the staff had proposed is that they would bring, using this criteria, a
proposed allocation to the Mayor & City Manager in this fiscal year budget
process and said we have yet to provide them with a full recommendation in the
budget process and discuss it; and then it would be submitted to Council for
their approval through the Mayor?s recommended budget.
Several members of the Council then expressed their views regarding this
proposed criteria, highlighting several questions and concerns regarding this
subject, after which City Manager Hugley and Deputy City Manager Arrington then
responded to questions of members of the . Several referrals regarding various
items were then made by the Council for a later response from the staff, which
is outlined below.
DIRT ROADS:
Councilor Woodson said she would like for the staff to look at private
roads and determine if there is any type of guidance or assistance that we can
offer to residents with regards to resurfacing the private roads.
STEAMMILL ROAD:
Mayor Tomlinson said in the context of the process that?s in place, let?s
have the staff to check and look at Steam Mill Road for the possibility of
installing sidewalks.
HILTON AVENUE:
Councilor McDaniel said he would like for the staff to check the schedule
to see when or if Hilton Avenue will be resurfaced from Averett Drive to
Edgewood Road, as this road is in terrible shape with several potholes, and it
is a heavily used road with a lot of traffic and its getting terrible by the
day.
TSPLOST PROJECTS:
Councilor Thomas said we need to make sure that we don?t allocate any of
this money until we have it in hand. Also, let?s make sure that all councilors
receive a monthly report from revenue, expenditures and the balance, in the
same manner that we receive the other L.O.S.T. report; so that we will know
regularly how much is there and how much we have spent and how much is left.
She said she would like for us to bring this matter back at a Work Session to
discuss it further and come up with a different resolution.
SIDEWALKS CRITERIA:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like to have the staff to go back
and pull the criteria that we had established when we did the sidewalk
projects, as to where they would be installed; and provide a copy to the
members of the Council when we have the Work Session on April 30th.
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NOTE: Councilor McDaniel left at this point in the meeting, with the time
being 11:30 a.m.
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SIDEWALKS:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said when we talk about curbs and gutters as it
relates to sidewalks, there have been incidents of accidents, lives? lost,
persons injured on sidewalks because the driver veered off the road; therefore,
when we look at these projects, we need to look at existing sidewalks in
addition to new sidewalks; and what we need to go back and do from a safety
standpoint, what we need to do.
CRITERIA FOR TSPLOST PROJECTS:
Mayor Tomlinson said she would like to have the staff to contact each
councilor and get some input as to exactly what they mean by criteria, and
exactly what they would like to see as one of the criteria.
WORKSESSION AGENDA:
Councilor Thomas said in setting the agenda for our Work Sessions for the
April 30th Meeting, She would like for us to make sure that the majority of
that meeting is set aside to discuss this issue with the criteria for the
TSPLOST so that we can have the conversations that we need to have.
TSPOLOST FUNDS:
Councilor Davis said he would like to have the staff to provide
information as to how the TSPLOST funds will be separated from the approved
line items within the budget.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, LISTED AS ITEM NUMBER TWO ON THE CITY MANAGER?S
AGENDA WAS THEN DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT THE REQUEST OF CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY:_____ ___
A Resolution ? Authorizing the approval of the TSPLOST Criteria for
discretionary projects.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________ ________
A Resolution (116-13) ? Authorizing the naming of the Columbus Natatorium
the "Columbus Aquatic Center". The cost of signage will come from project
funds associated with the City Services Center project. Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote and Councilor Baker being absent
for this meeting.
A Resolution (117-13) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into a
contractual agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation to receive
$3.5 million in Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax Funds for
activities for South Lumpkin Multi-Use Facility. This project will be 100%
funded from collection of TSPLOST funds and will not require a match.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the
time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker
absent for this meeting.
A Resolution (118-13) ? Authorizing the approval to accept a Quit Claim Deed
from Norfolk Southern for property located along the 600 block of 6th Avenue.
Norfolk Southern is donating land to the City to create a Memorial Garden to
commemorate the significance of the site. The property is located along the
600 block of 6th Avenue should be recognized as one of two of the original "Old
Colored Cemetery" in Columbus. Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel
being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND DEFEATED BY
THE COUNCIL:_________________________________________________
A Resolution ? Authorizing the approval to purchase furniture for the
Recycling Center from Malone Office Environments (Columbus, GA) in the amount
of $45,892.73. The furniture consists of a desk, a credenza, various types of
chairs, and various types of tables.
Councilor Woodson made a motion to adopt the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
Councilor Thomas said if we approve this request we would have spent over
$935,000 within the last couple of months on furniture; almost a million on
furniture. She said when she questioned the $880,000 for the Citizen Service
Center, she was told that, yes, the people who are moving to the Citizen
Service Center currently have furniture, but that furniture was going to be
either used by the people who are moving into those locations or stored. She
said she find it hard to believe that if we are replacing $885,000 worth of
furniture in this building that we can?t find furniture to be recycled for the
Recycling Center. She said there are so many things that we can spend a
million dollars on other than furniture.
City Manager Hugley, in response to a question of Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh with regards to the cost of the furniture, said this is $45,845.00 for the
new Sustainability Center that is being constructed out by the landfill.
Several members of the Council expressed their views regarding the
purchase of the furniture for the new Sustainability Center.
City Manager Hugley said this is a brand new building and when the
building was designed and constructed, furniture and fixture would be conducive
to the new building.
After further discussion on this subject, City Manager Hugley responded to
further questions of members of the Council.
Prior to the question on the motion being called, Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh said she would like to delay action on this matter until such time as we
can find out if there is furniture available for the Sustainability Center.
Councilor Woodson said she could withdraw her motion for approval;
however, Mayor Tomlinson stated that there was a vote already in process and
that we needed to proceed with taking that vote.
There was then some discussion with regards to the parliamentary procedure
and whether or not a substitute motion could be made at this time. After some
further discussion, Mayor Tomlinson then ruled that a vote was in process and
that the question needed to be called on the motion, and then asked Clerk of
Council Washington to proceed with taking the vote, which resulted in the
resolution being defeated. Voting for the motion was Councilors Huff and
Woodson. Voting against the motion was Councilors Allen, Barnes, Davis,
Henderson, and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. Councilor McDaniel was absent for the
vote and Councilor Baker was absent for this meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion for the staff to do some
research and see if we have any furniture available to use for the new
recycling facility center, and if not the request should be brought back to the
Council for approval. Seconded by Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Henderson said this is already budgeted and this is the tail end
of the process and said he was going to vote to put it in there, but given our
situation, he voted against it to get the substitute motion on the floor and if
we find out there is no other furniture, then we can always move to reconsider.
He said that is where he is headed with this. He said if we don?t identify the
furniture, he will call for reconsideration.
City Manager Hugley said we will do an assessment and see what we
have.
Mayor Tomlinson also said that she would like for the staff to do an
assessment on what furniture is available, and see what can be salvaged and
what can be used in the new recycling center.
The question was then called on the motion, which carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel
being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING SEVEN PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________ ______________________
A Resolution (119-13) ? Authorizing the purchase of bus route signs and
poles from Vulcan Signs (Foley, AL) for the estimated contract value of
$42,969.00. METRA Transit will purchase bus route signs and poles, on an ?as
needed? basis. METRA Transit will install and maintain bus route signs and
poles along City owned streets within Muscogee County. The term of the contract
shall be for two years, with the option to renew for three additional
twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be contingent upon the mutual
agreement of the City and the Contractor. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously
by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel
being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
A Resolution (120-13) ? Authorizing the approval of engineering services
from W.K. Dickson, in the amount of $70,520.00, for additional engineering
services required for Forrest Road improvements. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Thomas and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent
for this meeting.
A Resolution (121-13) ? Authorizing It is requested that Council
approve payment to Tyler Technologies, Inc., Appraisal and Tax Division
(Dallas, TX), in the amount of $95,000.00, for the annual renewal fee for OASIS
Maintenance Support, covering the period January 2013 through December 2013.
Payment will be made in two installments in the amount of $47,500.00; the first
payment upon approval of this resolution, and the second payment after July 1st
. Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and
Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
A Resolution (122-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase of one (1)
asphalt sealer tank (Crafco SS125-DC), from Reynolds-Warren Equipment Co.,
Inc., (Lake City, GA), in the amount of $51,695.00. The equipment will be
utilized by the Street Division to prolong the life of the road. It will be
used to apply asphalt to various cracks that can cause a potential lift hazard
of cracked asphalt that otherwise is in good shape. This is a replacement
unit. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and
Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
A Resolution (123-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase of one (1)
Chipper Dump Truck (2013 Ford F-750 XL) from Wade Ford (Smyrna, GA), in the
amount of $74,619.00, via Georgia Statewide Contract #99999-SPD-SPD0000039. The
vehicle was approved in the FY13 Budget. It will be used by the Urban Forestry
and Beautification Division, of the Public Services Department, to collect tree
cutting debris. It is a replacement vehicle. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved
the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent
for this meeting.
A Resolution (124-13) ? Authorizing the purchase of Trophies and other
Miscellaneous Awards from Columbus Fire & Safety d/b/a Columbus Trophy & Screen
Print for the estimated annual contract value of $110,994.00. The contract
includes screen-printing services, as well as, the following items to be
provided on an ?as needed basis?: trophies, plaques, hats, resin figures,
medal trophy cases, tombstone trophies and acrylics, t-shirts and golf shirts.
The trophies and other miscellaneous awards are used by the Parks and
Recreation Department to give to participants in basketball, volleyball,
softball and boxing tournaments. The contract period shall be for two (2)
years, with the option to renew for three additional twelve-month periods.
Contract renewal will be contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and
the Contractor. Councilor Huff moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote
and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
A Resolution (125-13) ? Authorizing the approval of the contract for
auditing services from Albright & Fortenberry, & Ninas, LLP, to be utilized by
The Finance Department. The services are needed to provide the Finance
Department with the professional services of an external Certified Public
Accountant to perform financial and compliance audits. The audit shall be
conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, promulgated
by the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA) and in
accordance with Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General
of the United States and the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The
examination shall be made in compliance with applicable laws of the State of
Georgia and the Columbus Consolidated Government. The contract will be for five
consecutive fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013,
and ending with fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, with an option to renew for
an additional five, one-year terms, and subject to annual review and the
availability of an appropriation for audit services.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the
time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker
being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING FOUR PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HUFF, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILOR BAKER BEING ABSENT
FOR THIS MEETING:_____________________________________________________
A Resolution (126-13) ? Authorizing the approval of the annual contract
for the purchase of fire hose from NAFECO (Decatur, AL) on an ?as needed basis?
for the estimated contract value of $29,548.50. The contract will provide fire
fighters with fire hose to be used during structural fire fighting; the term of
the contract shall be for two years, with the option to renew for three
additional twelve-month periods, contingent upon the mutual agreement of the
City and the Contractor.
A Resolution (127-13) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Tandem Axle
Fuel Lube Truck (2014 Freightliner M2 112 66,000GVW) from Peach State Truck
Centers (Norcross, GA), in the amount of $212,207.00, via Georgia Statewide
Contract #99999-SPD-10000039-0002. The vehicle was approved in the FY13 Budget.
It will be used by the Street Division, of the Public Services Department, to
fuel off-road vehicles throughout the City. This is a replacement vehicle.
A Resolution (128-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase five (5)
Service Trucks [2013 Ford F250 Regular Cab V8 Long Bed 4x2 (3/4 ton)] from
Allan Vigil Ford (Morrow, GA), in the amount of $117,040.00 ($23,408.00 each),
via Georgia Statewide Contract #S-90795-B32. These vehicles were approved in
the FY13 Budget under the Vehicle Replacement Program. Vehicles #9981, #9668,
#9667, #9979, and #9805 were declared salvage due to high mileage, age,
mechanical and safety issues, and high operation cost. Three (3) of the trucks
will be used by Facilities Maintenance and the remaining two (2) will be used
by Parks & Recreation. The Facilities Maintenance trucks will be used by
employees to service City buildings and facilities. The Park Services trucks
will be used by employees to maintain City parks and recreation buildings
throughout the City. These are replacement vehicles.
A Resolution (129-13) ? Authorizing the approval for the purchase and
installation of television studio equipment from The WH Platts Company
(Norcross, GA), for CCG TV, to be housed in the new City Services Center
currently under construction. Request for proposal invitations were mailed to
fourteen vendors and specifications were posted on the City?s website, the
Georgia Procurement Registry and OnVia Demand Star. A Non-Mandatory Site Visit
was conducted on February 27, 2013.
*** *** ***
Several members of the Council requested information from City Manager
Hugley, which are outlined below for a response back from the staff at a later
date.
AUDITING SERVICES/TV EQUIPMENT:
Councilor Thomas said she would like for the staff to provide a report
back to the Council when negotiations are completed on the Auditing Services
and TV equipment.
*** *** ***
UNION STREET:
Councilor Huff said he would like for the staff to look at putting up a
?Children at Play? sign to be installed along Union Street, which is a small
street where are a lot of kids are outside playing.
*** *** ***
DEMOLITION LIST:
Councilor Huff said he would like for the staff to check on the property
located in the Benning Hills area that has had a ?D? painted on it for awhile
now; to determine where it is in the demolition process.
*** *** ***
BEDFORD AVENUE:
Councilor Huff said he would like for the staff to check on the status of
the request to have speed tables installed on Bedford Avenue between Old
Cusseta Road and Moline Avenue; where a citizen is having trouble getting out
of his driveway.
*** *** ***
PECAN STREET:
Councilor Huff said he would also like for the staff to have the
appropriate department to look into the speeding problem on Pecan Street.
*** *** ***
MT. PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH:
Councilor Huff said that he received a telephone call from Mt. Pilgrim
Baptist Church and Reverend Harris is having his anniversary the fourth Sunday
and said he wanted to know if it was the proper time to send the information
back to the Board of Honor. He said we did mention it. He said we had a
discussion with regards to his resume and what he had contributed to the City.
City Manager Hugley said he will check into it and see what has happened.
*** *** ***
ROSEWOOD DRIVE:
Councilor Barnes said he would like for the staff to provide an update on
the traffic calming device for Rosewood Drive; when will they be coming in and
installed.
*** *** ***
FIRST AVENUE:
Councilor Thomas said she would like for the staff to provide an update
with regards to a previous conversation she had with the Engineering Director
about an area on the east side of 1st Avenue at 11th Street and 12th Street
when it rains in the first four or five parking spots, they are submerged with
water; to see what has been done in this regard.
*** *** ***
BUDGET MEETINGS:
Councilor Thomas said she would like for the staff to proceed with setting
the dates for the budget meetings in order that the Council can put them on
their calendars.
*** *** ***
DOUBLE CHURCHES ROAD PARKING:
Councilor Henderson said he would like for the staff to look at setting up
a meeting with the Little League officials to discuss the issue with parking on
Double Churches Road and come up with some type of solutions for parking for
those parking during the Little League games. He said a solution has to be
made because people are getting tickets during games because there is nowhere
for them to park.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
NOTE: Councilor Allen left at this point in the proceedings, with the time
being 12:15 p.m.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
SHELTERS FOR BUS STOPS:
Councilor Henderson said he would like for the staff to check and see what we
can do about installing shelters at all bus stops because when it rains, there
are people standing out there waiting at the bus stops without shelters. Also,
let?s look at considering the partnership that we had at one time.
Councilor Davis said he would also ask the staff to look at installing a
bus shelter at the bus stop across from Cracker Barrel on Bradley Park Drive.
*** *** ***
MUSCOGEE MANOR:
Councilor Davis said he would like for the staff to look into some
concerns of pouring concrete and other things from the residents in and around
the area of Whitesville and Williams Road where the construction of the new
Muscogee Manor facility is being built.
*** *** ***
DOWNTOWN STREET STUDIES:
Deputy City Manager Arrington said they previously came before the Council
to discuss the downtown street studies that was being conducted by the City and
indicated that we had planned on going out and having public meetings
concerning the matter. He said there had been some confusion in the community
because there were a number of studies that had been ongoing and in part they
related to the need to convert the one-way streets to two-way in the Uptown
area. He said he came a month or so ago to the Council with Mr. Matt Swift and
the Pastor of St. Luke Church and said they talked about those three studies.
He said they had a similar discussion in the public meetings to try to clarify
to the public exactly the origin of the discussion and why it was occurring.
He said the presentation that the Council has before them on today is the
same presentation they presented in the public meetings and said in the back of
that presentation, is a summary of the number who attended and their
preferences on the options they discussed.
Deputy City Manager Arrington then went into some details and gave a brief
summary reviewing some of the key points that they discussed with them in their
presentation; pointing out that they are proposing to convert 10th Street to
two-way traffic to address the things that he had previously mentioned. He said
they would then come back in three or five years and take another look at 11th
/12th after they have the full impact of Whitewater operations and we see what
other things are occurring in the Uptown area for the expansion of Columbus
State University and the increased traffic. He said it may be that there is a
need for us to continue to have the one-way streets because of the capacity
issues, but said right now that is not the case.
He said another recommendation that they are proposed to move forward with
is to construct a intersection bulb out at 3rd Avenue /11th Street; which will
shorten the time it takes for pedestrians to get from one side of 11th Street
to the other side. He said we feel like this will improve safety in that area
and they can do within the next fiscal year.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said they will be discussing these proposals
with the Mayor & City Manager with the FY-14 budget process and whether or not
they will be included in that proposed budget.
Councilor Thomas pointed out that she attended one of those meetings and
that Deputy City Manager Arrington did a good job in making that presentation.
She said she had a number of telephone calls and conversations with some of the
people along 11th Street about this issue; and they, to the person, are very
pleased with Mr. Arrington?s presentation and the recommendations that the
staff has here. She said they particularly like the bulb out concept so that it
is a shorter timeframe for the kids at St. Luke to be out in the street. She
said she would like to thank Deputy City Manager Arrington for all the time and
effort that he has put into this, as it shows. She said she thinks that we are
well on our way to coming to some resolutions to some of those issues.
*** *** ***
FIRE HYDRANT:
Councilor Huff said after the widening of Moon Road, there was a fire
hydrant put on the side of the road facing a hill and said there was some
concern by one of the property owners that in case of a fire, they wouldn?t be
able to get the fire hose onto the hydrant and said he asked Director of
Engineering Donna Newman to check into it. He said he made a telephone call on
Friday and said he was told that all fire hydrants have to face the road
according to the way they are installed and that the hill will be
maintained.
Director of the Department of Engineering said they have contacted the
Columbus Water Works because they are responsible for the design and
installation. She said they have put the Water Works and Fire Department in
contact and they will make any changes that are necessary.
*** *** ***
MONTHLY FINANCE UPDATE:
Ms. Pam Hodge, Finance Director, came forward and presented the following
with regards to the monthly finance update for the February 2013. She said this
is a little dated and said the March report will be ready in the next week or
so.
She said on the other Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.), this is the Local
Option Sales Tax through January, that?s reported through February, we have
collected $19 million this fiscal year, which is down 4.66% from the same
period of time last year. She said we are experiencing a reduction in our
sales tax. She said we are seeing that in the other Local Option Sales tax, as
well as our original L.O.S.T.
She said she has included in the report, by department how the funding has
been spent; and said as Councilor Thomas mentioned on the TSPLOST, she will do
a similar report for the TSPLOST that we do for the L.O.S.T. and report that to
the Council monthly. She said after two months of collection, for January and
February. She said the first month on our discretionary funds was a $163,000
and on the second month, which was Friday was $212,000; and said in total what
has been collected for our region is $2.9 million for January and $3.8 million
for February.
Ms. Hodge said that is collections for the entire region and 75% of the
funding is held by the State at GSFIC, 25% of the funding is discretionary and
it is disbursed through the counties. She said she will have report to include
with the March report on how much is collected in each one of the counties in
our region, as well as how much was disbursed.
Operating Funds for General Funds ? 2.47% up from where we were last year.
Ms. Hodge said the funding majority by property tax, which is storm water,
paving, Medical Center Fund, Economic Development and Debt Service. She said in
looking at the percentages, we are at 95, 96 & 97% of budget. She said most of
the taxes have been collected for those funds so we have almost met budget on
those particular funds; up about 2 or 2.5% from where we were last year, which
was the increase in our digest; which is what they expect.
Integrated Waste ? down 1.93%
E911 Fund ? up 4.62% (new revenue source for pre-paid phones)
Transportation ? up 8.96%
Parking Management ? down 9.35%
Trade Center ? down 2.13% , but their revenues are in line with their
expenditures
(Revenues - $1.4 million, Expenditures ? $1.46 million)
Bull Creek ? down 3%, but their revenues tracking close to expenditures $
806,000 versus $847,000 in expenditures.
Oxbow ? up 2.04%
Civic Center Fund ? down 11.33%
Health Insurance Fund ? Ms. Hodge said through the end of February our
revenue is $1.1 million less than our expenditures. She said we are seeing a
negative trend in our health insurance fund and as we are putting the Health
and Wellness Center on line we will be reporting back to the Council each
month.
She said we are looking at ways to offset that $1.1 million and said we had
come before the Council on last year to propose a rate increase for the
employees, but said we have put that on hold and will be looking at it again in
January 2014.
Mayor Tomlinson said we do need to go ahead and get the dates for the
budget meetings so that the Council can make plans. She said she would also
like to get a draft of the spreadsheet to the Council, and said she would like
to have meetings with them individually with the budget situation that we will
be facing this year.
----------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATON TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:__________
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Valley Partnership
Joint Development Authority.
(2) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Christy Lemieux, Mayor Tomlinson?s nominee to
replace Mr. Bernard McCrary on the Community Development Advisory Council.
(3) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Adrian Chester, Mayor Tomlinson?s nominee to
replace Mr. Marvin Moore on the Community Development Advisory Council.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Jeanette Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh?s
nominee to replace Mr. Alfred Hayes, Jr. on the Crime Prevention Board.
(5) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 900 block of
Broadway- northbound in front of River Center, on Saturday, April 13, 2013 from
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in connection with the ?Superhero 5K?.
(6) Application of Wanda Y. Jenkins to temporarily close Dogwood Avenue from
Mimosa Street to Fern Street, on Thursday, April 18, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m., in connection with the ?Columbus Cottage Program Key Ceremony?.
(7) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close Front Avenue and Bay
Avenue from 10th Street to 11th Street, on Friday, April 19, 2013 at 7:00 a.m.
through Sunday, April 22, 2013 at 12:00 p.m., in connection with the ?Uptown
Frogtown Hollow Music Jam?.
(8) Application of Joanne Cogle to temporarily close the outer lane of S.
Lumpkin Road from Waterworks Road into Ft. Benning; Broadway from 6th Street to
10th Street and 10th Street from Broadway to Bay Avenue, on Saturday, April 20,
2013 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in connection with the ?Iron Man Half
Triathlon?.
(9) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close Front Avenue and Bay
Avenue from 10th Street to 11th Street, on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 7:00
a.m. to Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 12:00, in connection with the ?Uptown Bash on
the Banks?.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
______________________________________ __________
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 10-13 & 11-13.
Board of Water Commissioners, January 14 & February 11, 2013.
C.I.R.C.L.E., February 12, 2013.
Convention & Trade Center Authority, January 24, 2013.
Convention & Trade Center Authority, March 14, 2013.
Golf Authority, March 26, 2013.
Hospital Authority, February 26, 2013.
Housing Authority, February 20, 2013.
Planning Advisory Commission, February 20, 2013.
Taxicab Commission, February 27, 2013.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that these minutes be received Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen, McDaniel and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh being absent for this vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this
meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Daniel Smith, who served
on our Animal Control Board passed away a few weeks ago and said that Council
must nominate someone to fill that unexpired term. She further pointed out that
his widow has expressed an interest in serving out his term of office on the
board.
Councilor Thomas then nominated Ms. Carla Anthony to fill this unexpired
term.
Councilor Woodson asked that Clerk of Council Washington get a copy of
Mrs. Smith bio and bring it forward. Clerk of Council Washington said we will
bring this back at the next regular meeting for Council?s action.
*** *** ***
BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that at the last meeting, Mr.
Vincent Allen was nominated to serve another term of office on the board and
advises that he may now be confirmed. Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen and Henderson and Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh being absent for this vote and Councilor Baker being absent for
this meeting.
She further pointed out that we still need a nominee for Mr. Tyler
Townsend?s position, as he does not wish to be reappointed for another term of
office.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Ms. Addie Cunningham, District Three
representative, Mr. Abdur Hassan, Council District Four representative, Mr. Jim
Irwin, Council District Seven representative, Mr. Walter Lewis, Council
District One representative, Ms. Sharon Pierce, Council District Eight
representative and Mr. Robert Wetzel, Council District Two representative terms
of office expired on March 1, 2013. She further pointed out that Ms.
Cunningham, Mr. Hassan, Mr. Irwin and Mr. Lewis are eligible to succeed
themselves for another term of office.
Councilor Barnes then nominated Mr. Lewis for another term of office.
Councilor Henderson then moved he be confirmed. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present
at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for this vote and
Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):___________________ ____________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Sudhir Patel does not
want to serve another term of office; therefore, the Council will need to
nominate someone to fill this term, which expired on March 1, 2013. There were
no nominations.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & TRADE CENTER AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Katonga Wright was
nominated at the last meeting to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Kim Peters, who
resigned and advised that she may now be confirmed. Councilor Woodson so moved.
Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members
of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent
for this vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out the Mayor is nominating Ms.
Christy Lemieux to succeed Mr. Bernard McCrary, who is no longer a resident of
Muscogee County and Mr. Adrian Chester to succeed Mr. Marvin Moore, who does
not wish to serve again. She further pointed out that they may now be
confirmed.
Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker
being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
CRIME PREVENTION BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Ms. Sharon Cox Bevley, Mr. Robert Wright,
Mr. Winston Bailey, Ms. Nancy Rinn and Mr. Alfred Hayes on the Crime Prevention
Board expired on March 31, 2013.
She further pointed out that Ms. Bevley, Mr. Wright, Mr. Bailey and Ms. Rinn
was all eligible to succeed themselves. She also pointed out that Mr. Hayes
does not wish to be reappointed for another term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Wright, Ms. Bevley are
the Mayor?s appointments and Mr. Bailey, Ms. Rinn and Mr. Hayes are the
Council?s appointment.
She said we have placed a call in to these individuals, but have not heard
back from them as of yet; however Mayor Tomlinson said she has heard back from
Mr. Wright and he would like to serve again; therefore, she will nominate him
again. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved Mr. Wright be confirmed. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the
vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
Councilor Woodson moved Mr. Bailey be confirmed for another term of
office. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel
being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
Councilor Davis pointed out that he will have a nominee for Mr. Alfred
Hayes? seat at the next meeting. Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out
that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh is nominating Ms. Jeanette Davis for Mr. Hayes?
seat as well. She said she would bring this back at our next regular meeting
for Council to take a vote.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Manager Hugley to go into an
executive session to discuss a personnel matter, Councilor Henderson made a
motion to allow the Council to go into an executive session. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for the
vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
At 12:52 p.m. the regular session was adjourned to allow the Council to go
into an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.
*** *** ***
At 1:05 p.m., the meeting was called back to order at which time Mayor
Tomlinson pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to discuss a
personnel matter, but there was no votes taken.
*** *** ***
Mayor Tomlinson said there is one item on the Clerk of Council?s Agenda
that we can go back to and clear up while we are still in session and then
called on Clerk of Council Washington.
Clerk of Council Washington then pointed out that on the Board
appointments we can go ahead and confirm Ms. Sharon Cox Bevley, who the Mayor
is nominating for another term of office. Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent
for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
ORGAN DONATION MONTH:
Councilor Barnes said this month is organ donation month and said the
Agape Group Foundation will be having a table set up in the 1000 block of
Broadway on April 20th. He said there are 6,000 transports done each and there
are more than 117,000 people on the organ transplant list nationwide. He said
as he mentioned at the Proclamation session, that is the best gift that you can
give anyone is an organ.
He said Ms. Natasha Banks and Ms. Shanna Robbins will be there at the table
that is setup and said if there is anyone who is interested to please go by and
visit the table on April 20th.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson she said would entertain a motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously
by those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen
and McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Baker being absent for
this meeting, with the time of adjournment being 1:05 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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