MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
JUNE 25, 2013
A meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 5:33
P.M., Tuesday, June 25, 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 and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh were
Councilors Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson,
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
5:32 p.m. Councilor R. Gary Allen took his seat at the Council table at 5:33
p.m.
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***-------------------------------------ABSENT: Councilor Charles E. McDaniel,
Jr. was also absent.
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***-------------------------------------INVOCATION: Led by Pastor David Lix-
Liberty Baptist Church.
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PLEDGE: Led by Girl Scouts Troop 50211.
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FORT BENNING?S THIRD BRIGADE:
Mayor Tomlinson said we have just learned that Columbus, Georgia will keep
the 3rd Brigade and said that we will be adding some troop positions. She said
it is a fairly minor number of positions, 76 will be added. She said this is
good news indeed and said she would like to commend the community because the
citizens came out in support of this matter. She said they wrote their elected
officials, as well as the Federal delegation was instrumental in this and many
Councilors members were heard on this matter as well. She said our Chamber of
Commerce, as well as our partners in education, the school board all came out
in support of our Fort Benning troops.
She said the Federal taxpayers, the local taxpayers who have put in $3.5
billion into Fort Benning and its growth there know now that growth will be
optimized. She said we don?t want to be too overly optimistic and want to enjoy
the good news that we have received today, but said we are certainly well
positioned to get future growth as the army continues to restructure with this
downsizing and sequester and possibly some choices they have to make in the
future. She said we have the newest army base because of BRAC growth and said
we will certainly be arguing that are well positioned to get any future
reassessment and reassignment of other brigades.
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***-------------------------------------MAYOR?S AGENDA:
CRIME PREVENTION GRANTS - EXTENSION:
The Crime Prevention Department has four grants that are internal (Boxwood
Recreation Center, Junior Marshal Program, Copper Theft, and Juvenile Drug
Court) that are due to expire at the end of the fiscal year. A grant extension
will be required for these entities to be able to continue their programs and
utilize the remaining awarded funds.
Mayor Tomlinson said this is needed for accounting purposes before the
close of the year. She said not all of the monies in a particular grant or a
few grants have been paid out because it has been very fiscally prudent in
how those monies were distributed. She then called Mr. Seth Brown to come
forward to state what the needs are.
Mr. Seth Brown said these four grant recipients have done an amazing job
of minding the money only using it when they needed to. He said we are at the
end of the cycle and they all have money left over. He said this money was
awarded by the Council during this fiscal year and said he and Finance Director
Pam Hodge have met and said they don?t want to take the money from them and
said we will need an approval from the Council to extend those funds.
City Attorney Fay, in response to the Mayor said the contract grant
extensions will be placed on the July 9th Council agenda. He said the new
contracts will be effective July 1st.
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***------------------------------------CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
WITH SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE JOHN ALLEN STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE
FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOUTION WAS CALLED UP BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL: ____________________________________________ __
A Resolution (214-13) ? Authorizing the submission of an application, and
if approved, accept $156,535 with no matching funds from the Criminal Justice
Coordinating Council for the operation of the Muscogee County Veterans
Treatment Court, from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 and amend the
Multi-governmental Fund by the amount awarded.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor McDaniel being absent.
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NOTE: The City Manager?s Agenda is continued below.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING: _____________________________
An Ordinance (13-30) ? Providing for the establishment of taxing districts,
including a county-wide general services district and three (3) urban services
districts and three (3) Business Improvement Districts (BID); providing for the
levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for Columbus, Georgia within such
districts for the year 2013 as provided under the Charter of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; providing penalties for violations of the
provisions of said ordinance; and for other purposes.
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 for this meeting, with Councilor McDaniel being absent.
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An Ordinance (13-31) ? Providing for the levy, assessment, and collection
of taxes for the public school system of Columbus, Georgia; and for other
purposes.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING UPON THE ADOPTION OF
A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER
PUGH, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR
THIS MEETING, WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING
ABSENT:_______________________________________________________
An Ordinance (13-32) ? Providing for contributions to the Columbus,
Georgia General Government Employees? Pension Plan for the fiscal year
beginning July 1, 2013.
An Ordinance (13-33) ? Providing for the contributions to the Columbus,
Georgia Pension Plan for employees of the Department of Public Safety for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013.
An Ordinance (13-34) ? Providing for Government funding of a Major
Disability Income Plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013.
An Ordinance (13-35) ? Providing for Government funding of a Death Benefit
Escrow for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE, WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION WAS THEN PUT BACK ON FIRST READING AT THE COUNCIL?S
REQUEST:________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Requiring elected officials and all departments of the
consolidated government to seek Council approval for expenditures exceeding
budgeted appropriations.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION WAS THEN AMENDED AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:______________________________________________________
An Ordinance (13-36) ? Amending Section 20-13.11 to create an additional
parking management district; and for other purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANACE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:_______________________________ _______
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 2828 Warm Springs Road from
an SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to NC (Neighborhood Commercial) The
purpose of the rezoning is to for a parking lot for office.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner was present, but did not make a presentation, as there was
no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: INTEGRATED WASTE FUND FEE INCREASE, PUBLIC SAFETY
CUTS/OLOST SALES TAX, RESOLUTION NUMBER 343-09, OPERATIONAL COSTS FOR WHITE
ELEPHANT PROJECTS & RECYCLING PLANT:________________________________
Mr. Paul Olson, who was scheduled to appear on the Council?s Public Agenda
to speak to the following subject matters, as listed below, cancelled his
scheduled appearance before the Council on tonight. Re: Integrated Waste Fund
fee increase (2) Public Safety cuts / OLOST sales tax (3) Resolution #343-09
(4) Operational costs for white elephant projects (5) Recycling Plant.
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MR. TOLLIE STRODE, RE: BUDGET RECOMMENDATION:
Mr. Tollie Strode, appeared before the Council and outlined several
suggestions to the Mayor and Council, which he stated were Budget
recommendations.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUMBITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_____
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A Resolution (215-13) ? Authorizing the execute a Memorandum of
Understanding with Columbus Housing Initiative, Inc., D/B/A Neighbor Works
Columbus to initiate the FY14 Down payment Assistance Partner Program.
Neighbor Works through a financial allocation from Community Development
Financial Institution Fund, will allocate $250,000 to the City's down payment
assistance program to provide funds for down payment assistance. The program
will offer up to $10,000 in down payment assistance to low income households in
Columbus.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor McDaniel being absent.
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A Resolution (216-13) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to 0.207
acres adjacent to old Double Churches Road for additional right-of-way for
future road improvements per Section 7.4.3 of the Unified Development
Ordinance.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor McDaniel being absent.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT:
A Resolution (217-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase uniforms from
All American Uniforms (Columbus, GA), on an ?as needed basis?, for the
estimated annual contract value of $892,397.00. The uniforms will be utilized
by the following Public Safety Departments: Police, Sheriff, Marshal, Muscogee
County Prison, and Fire/EMS. The contract period 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.
A Resolution (218-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase a software
upgrade to the patient care software from Image Trend, Inc., (Lakeville, MN) in
the amount of $44,220.00, plus the annual maintenance fee (after the first
year) in the amount of $6,220.00
Per Resolution #216-12, Council approved the purchase of patient care
software from Image Trend, Inc., for the Fire and EMS Department. The software
upgrade Fire and EMS wishes to purchase at this time will work directly with
the software previously purchased. The new module upgrades will allow the
department to have one company that offers an all in one program providing a
system with powerful fire and EMS modules working together to facilitate data
collection, analysis and reporting. EMS and fire data can be collected
separately for incidents requiring only one type of reporting, or can be
collected in two associated reports that will copy shared data to reduce entry
time for incidents involving both types of data. The Fire Investigations
module allows the department to enter and track investigation records in Image
Trend?s Fire Bridge or Rescue Bridge module, from completing standard forms to
adding photographs or documents to be associated with the investigation. Any
investigation report entered into Fire Bridge or Rescue Bridge can be
associated with an NFIRS (National Fire Incident Reporting System) report,
allowing the department to quickly see important data related to a specific
occupant or property. The scheduler module integrates with the Image Trend EMS
Service Bridge?, State Bridge? or Rescue Bridge? software to populate NFIRS
reports with vehicles and personnel based on scheduling at the time of the
call. It also works with schedules for investigations or inspections to view
the department?s full schedule at a glance without having to launch separate
modules. These are just a few things the software will allow the department to
accomplish.
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TRANSPORTATION SPECIAL PURPOSE SALES TAX- T-SPLOST:
Deputy City Manager David Arrington came forward and gave the following
presentation regarding the Transportation Special Purpose Sales Tax ? T-
SPLOST, as outlined below.
COUNCILOR COMMENTS:
Funding should address infrastructure needs
Projects should be ?Pay As You Go?
Funding should be distributed equally among council districts
Maximize opportunity to leverage other transportation funds
Some funds should be set aside for emergency situations
Shouldn?t use funding for beautification projects, focus on improving
transportation infrastructure
Need allocation criteria in addition to project criteria
PROPOSED ALLOCATION PROCESS:
Projects submitted to Council during the first quarter of the calendar year for
review and approval based on allocation criteria. Funding allocations will be
included in the following fiscal year budget.
Project selection consistent with allocation criteria
Critical Infrastructure
Maintenance and Safety Improvements
Matching Funds and Future Operations
Alternative Transportation Projects
Projects funded on a ?Pay-As-You-Go? basis
Maximize leverage opportunities
ROAD IMPROVEMENTS:
$750,000
Supplemental funding for resurfacing, milling & resurfacing, rehabilitation of
streets based on the current Pavement Condition Index
See Attached List
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 & MAINTENANCE:
$750,000
Perform necessary improvements and repairs to bridges based on the GA DOT
Bridge Report which are under current weight restrictions and adversely
impact public safety and the delivery of public services
See Attached List
To perform specialized maintenance of bridge and culverts beyond the scope of
Public Services
MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS:
$300,000
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
Annual Allocation
FUTURE OPERAIONS AND GRANT MATACHING FUNDS:
$500,000
Leveraging local matching funds for state and federal transportation funding
Maximum Leveraging Capacity $500,000/yr for MPO funds
Establishing funding for operational expenses for transportation projects
ALTERNATE TRANSOPRTATION PROJECTS:
$200,000
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
SUMMARY:
Deputy City Manager Arrington summarized each of the categories once again
for the Mayor and Council and pointed out additional information.
He then responded to questions of the Mayor & Council.
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FINANCE MONTHLY REPORT - MAY:
Finance Director Pam Hodge came forward and provided the Monthly
Finance Update for the month of May 2013.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATON TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:_________________________________________________
(1) Biographical Sketch of Dr. William Roundtree, Councilor Huff?s nominee to
replace Mr. Neill Hatcher on the Golf Authority.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCI:__________________
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A Resolution (219-13) ? Excusing Councilor Glenn Davis from the June 18,
2013 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (220-13) ? Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from
the
June 18, 2013 Council Meeting.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolutions. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilor McDaniel being absent.
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KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Mr. Robert Nobles
resigning from his position on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the letter be received with regrets and thanks
for his service. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilor McDaniel being
absent.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
____________________________________________ ____
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 20-13 & 21-13.
Civic Center Advisory Board, May 16, 2013.
Convention & Visitors Bureau, May 15, 2013.
Family & Children Services Board, May 8, 2013.
Recreation Advisory Board, May 22, 2013.
Region Six Regional Planning Board, May 8, 2013.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes are received Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting, with Councilor McDaniel being absent.
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BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out we have two nominees for the
position of Mr. J. Philip Thayer, whose term of office will expire on December
31, 2013, but pursuant to State law must be filled in July. She said the
nominees are Mr. Lamar Barnett and Mr. Reynolds Bickerstaff
She then took a roll call vote, which resulted in Mr. Reynolds Bickerstaff
being elected by a 7 ? 2 vote. Voting for Mr. Barnett was Councilor Huff and
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. Voting for Mr. Bickerstaff were Councilors Allen,
Baker, Barnes, Davis, Henderson, McDaniel and Thomas.
Councilor Henderson then made a motion that Mr. Bickerstaff be confirmed.
Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting, with Councilor McDaniel being
absent.
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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. Councilor
Huff then nominated Ms. Rose Spencer.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at the next
meeting for confirmation.
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GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Huff is nominating
Dr. William Roundtree for the position of Mr. Neill Hatcher that has been
declared vacant by the Council due to his lack of attendance. She further
pointed out that Councilor McDaniel is nominating Mr. Sam Warren for this same
position and that she will bring it back next week for a vote of the Council.
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EMPLOYEES? PENSION BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Ms.
Susan Lathan, on the Employee?s Pension Board of Trustees will expire on June
30, 2013 and further pointed out that she represents the general government
employees. She also pointed out that this is the City Manager?s appointment and
he is reappointing Ms. Lathan for another term of office and that she may now
be confirmed. Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting,
with Councilor McDaniel being absent.
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KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Council will need to
nominate someone to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Robert Nobles?s at-large
position on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission as he was appointed to serve
on another board. There were no nominations.
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PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Allen is nominating
Mr. Roger Lamar Beck, Sr., to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Greg Wagner, as
his
Council District Six represented to replace Mr. Wagner who was appointed to
serve on another board. She pointed out that he may now be confirmed. Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with
Councilor McDaniel being absent.
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FINAL COUNCIL MEETING:
Councilor Thomas noted that this will be our last official business
meeting that we will be holding in this Council Chambers as a Council. She said
we will be moving to the new facility for our next meeting. She said Council
has been held in this building since 1971 and in this particular Council
Chambers for a long time.
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HOLIDAY CLOSINGS:
Councilor Woodson noted that the Government will be closed on July 4th &
5th so that the citizens will be aware of it.
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilor McDaniel being
absent, with the time of adjournment being 7:58 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
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