MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 28, 2010
The regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 5:31 P.M., Tuesday, September 28, 2010, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson,
Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. and Evelyn Woodson. Councilor
R. Gary Allen took his seat at the table at 5:32 p.m. City Manager Isaiah
Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were
also present.
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ABSENT: Councilor Jerry ?Pops? Barnes was absent. Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Jerry Sauls- University Avenue Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the Wolf Cub Scout Pack #1.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION AS LISTED ON THE MAYOR?S AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED AND
READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (329-10) - Commending Dr. Champ Baker, Jr., orthopedic
surgeon upon receiving the Robert E. Leach, MD and George D. Rovers, MD
Awards. Councilor Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor
McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor
Barnes being absent for this meeting.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
AT THE REQUEST OF CITY MANAGER HUGLEY, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS CALLED
AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY
AND AFTER SOME DISCUSSION, APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (330-10) - Approving the recommendation of the City Manager
for the dismissal of the Director of Parks and Recreation by letter dated
September 17, 2010.
City Manager Hugley had information regarding this matter passed around
the Council table. He then recognized the presence of Attorney Shevon Thomas
representing Director of the Department of Parks & Recreation- Mr. Tony Adams.
He advised this is a public hearing and asked that Attorney Thomas approach the
rostrum.
He pointed out that he would first read from his prepared statement and
then would extend an invitation to Attorney Thomas to make some comments.
After asking Attorney Thomas if he had any questions regarding the public
hearing proceeding, Attorney Shevon Thomas, asked if there would be a vote
today and would that vote be public. City Manager Hugley responded by saying
that he intends to ask the members of Council for a vote today that would be
public.
With there being no other questions, City Manager Hugley began reading
from his prepared statement. (The following excerpts of his prepared statement
are provided as such.) He read that this is a hearing regarding the employment
status of Director of the Department of Parks & Recreation, Mr. Tony Adams. He
continued by reading that this is a work rule violation and has nothing to do
with the innocence or guilt of Mr. Tony Adams related to his pending court
case. He said tonight he is requesting the consent of the members of Council
to remove Mr. Tony Adams from the position of Director of the Department of
Parks & Recreation effective immediately for the following reason: ?Mr. Adams
failed to report to his immediate supervisor, Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin
and me, honestly and accurately in response to questions as to whether he had
executed contracts with Nike.?
He continued by reading the specific questions he asked to Mr. Tony Adams
on at least three occasions during the audit follow up meetings and during the
police investigation. Did you sign a contract with Nike on behalf of the
City? Mr. Adams responded, no. Did you sign a contract with Nike on behalf of
yourself? Mr. Adams responded, no. Have you received any money from Nike?
Mr. Adams responded, no.
He read that on May 19, 2010, Deputy City Manager Goodwin spoke with Mr.
Tony Adams in reference to getting a copy of the contract that he said was
between Nike and East Marietta Basketball. He continued to read that Ms.
Goodwin reported that Mr. Adams had stated that the contract between Nike and
East Marietta did not mention Parks & Recreation, the City of Columbus or
himself and that he did not sign any contracts.
On Monday, September 13, 2010, City Manager Hugley said that he had the
opportunity to meet with Police Chief Ricky Boren and was allowed to review
contracts for a period of approximately 2005 through 2010. He maintained that
he did not review any other documents during this meeting. He said the
contracts that he was able to review had the signature of Mr. Tony Adams; the
contracts were between Nike and East Marietta Basketball, Inc. doing business
as Georgia Blazers.
He said a copy of one of the contracts for the period September 2005
through August 31, 2007 is attached to the handout provided to the Mayor and
Council, as well as, Attorney Shevon Thomas representing Mr. Tony Adams.
As a result of his review of these contracts, City Manager Hugley
concluded his prepared statement by reading that ?it was apparent to me that
Mr. Adams had failed to respond to his immediate supervisor- Deputy City
Manager Lisa Goodwin and me honestly and accurately regarding questions as to
whether he had executed contracts with Nike?.
He read of his commitment to ensure the highest level of integrity and
creditability for this government. He said that he remains committed to
supporting his department heads and employees to ensure fair and due process.
He said that he would always support them until and unless evidence is shown
that they are wrong or untruthful and with that he would take swift action. He
then yielded to Attorney Thomas to make any comments or statements.
Attorney Shevon Thomas, representing Mr. Tony Adams, immediately asked
that the contract be displayed on the overhead projector. He then expressed
concerns regarding the process. He said that he told his client- Mr. Adams to
not be present today. He said if the members of Council already have their
minds made up; then, what is the purpose of this hearing. He addressed each
one of the questions that Mr. Adams was asked by City Manager Hugley. He said
that he believes that his client, Mr. Adams, understood the inquiry to be
whether or not he acted as an agent of the city, on behalf of the city or
entered into an agreement that bound the city. He said that he has yet to find
anywhere on this document where the city is held to any contractual
obligations; therefore, Mr. Adams spoke the truth based on this document.
He then asked if we were in a rush to terminate Mr. Tony Adams. He said
the city could allow Mr. Adams to remain on suspended unpaid leave and allow
the courts to decide.
City Manager Hugley stated that when the audit was performed, he was the
first to question the process. He explained that his concern about the process
has not changed. He reiterated his support of his department heads until he
gets to a point where he determines something was untrue or not forthcoming.
He noted that after he viewed the contract, he knew that he could not continue
to support this director, because his director had not been completely honest
and forthcoming with him. He said that his recommendation remains that the
Council provides consent to remove Mr. Adams from the position of Director of
the Department of Parks and Recreation for the reasons he has provided.
Councilor Hunter expressed his reservation in taking action on this
request today. He said the objective should be to allow for a fair hearing;
however, Mr. Adams could not be here today because of the ongoing criminal
matter. He then suggested that we continue this particular hearing until the
criminal matters are completed; then, we could come back and have this hearing.
In response to questions from Councilor Davis regarding the party carrying
insurance for the team as outlined in the traveling team contract and the
address listed on the contract, City Manager Hugley explained that since the
traveling team known as the Georgia Blazers is a city team, it is his belief
that the city would have some responsibility and liability. In response to the
address on the contract, City Manager Hugley pointed out that the address is
that of the Comer Auditorium, which is the main office of the Department of
Parks & Recreation.
At this time, Mayor Wetherington asked if Attorney Thomas had any
witnesses that he would like to bring forward. Attorney Thomas responded by
saying that he does not have any witnesses to present; however, he believes
there are individuals seated in the audience that would like to be heard.
Mr. Edward Dubose, then approached the rostrum to recall other incidents
within the city government involving city employees that have not been truthful
but are still employed with the city. He said that the same resources that
were used to investigate the Department of Parks and Recreation should be used
to call in the GBI to investigate the leadership of the Fire and EMS Department.
Mr. Paul Olson, came forward to say that if audits had been done yearly;
chances are this issue would not have manifested to this point. He explained
that six members of Council along with the Mayor should call for audits of a
city department; therefore, the process was not followed.
Mr. William Madison, expressed his concerns with the process. He then
called attention to the auditor?s relationship to former employees of the
Department of Parks and Recreation, which he believes constitutes a conflict of
interest. He then asked that Mr. Adams be allowed to remain in his suspended
unpaid leave position.
Mayor Wetherington said that we are now ready to take a vote on the
recommendation of City Manager Hugley to terminate the employment of Mr. Tony
Adams as the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Councilor
Henderson moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Allen.
After some additional discussion, Mayor Wetherington called attention to
the motion to approve that carried by a vote of six to three with Councilors
Allen, Anthony, Baker, Davis, Henderson and McDaniel voting yes and Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Hunter and Woodson voting no with Councilor
Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING:
An Ordinance (10-47) - Properties located at 4422 Miller Road and 4531
Peek Industrial Drive is proposed for rezoning from NC (Neighborhood
Commercial) zoning district to GC (General Commercial) zoning district.
(24-A-10-Mize) The proposed use is for a CVS/Pharmacy. Councilor Allen moved
its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
eight members present with Councilor Anthony being absent for the vote and
Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE REGULATING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING:
An Ordinance (10-48) - Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia
by establishing a No Parking Anytime Zone along the north curb of Anthony
Street beginning; at 1st Avenue running east a distance of 480 feet to the
dead-end; authorizing the installation of official traffic control signs
indicating a ?No Parking Anytime? Zone; repealing conflicting Ordinances; and
for other purposes. Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members present
with Councilor Anthony being absent for the vote and Councilor Barnes being
absent from the meeting.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:
An Ordinance - Property located at 2866 South Lumpkin Road is proposed
for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) zoning district to PMUD
(Planned Mixed Unit Development) zoning district. (25-CA-10-Woodruff Co.) The
proposed use is for retail, office, hotel, live, work & multi-family
residential.
PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS:
Ms. Lucy Jones, representing the Woodruff Company, approached the rostrum
to advise that the PMUD is an overlay district that was created by the city.
She advised that the Woodruff Company was hired to develop this project to
include a mixed use of retail, restaurants, hotel, etc. She then recalled that
this project is adjacent to the Infantry Museum. She then provided a
two-minute video to further describe the details and vision for this project.
In response to questions from Councilor Henderson on the construction of a
gateway roundabout on South Lumpkin Road heading into the Oxbow area, Deputy
City Manager David Arrington made comments regarding the transportation master
plan for the Oxbow Meadows development and that feature is one of the key
elements. He said the transportation improvement has been broken down into
five phases and based on prioritization, that feature is the top priority.
With there being no further comments, City Attorney Fay declared the
public hearing as being held.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AND
DELAYED AT THE REQUEST OF CITY MANAGER HUGLEY:
An Ordinance - Amending Section 3-1 of the Columbus Code so as to add a
new definition for small multi-purpose theatre; and for other purposes.
City Attorney Fay advised that the Finance Director recommended delaying
this ordinance. City Manager Hugley added that we would like to come back in a
Pre-Council meeting or in a briefing after the City Manager?s Agenda to talk
about this before it comes up again for first reading.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay requested a brief executive session to discuss matters
in litigation.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MS. CATHY WILLIAMS, REPRESENTING NEIGHBORWORKS COLUMBUS COTTAGE PROGRAM,
RE: THE COTTAGE CAMPAIGN COMPLETION CEREMONY ON SEPTEMBER 28,
2010:
Ms. Cathy Williams, representing Neighborworks Columbus Cottage Program,
did not respond when given the opportunity to come before the members of
Council.
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MS. DEBRA BRAYE, RE: REQUEST APPEAL ON PROPERTY TAX PENALTIES FOR YEARS
2003 AND
2005:
Ms. Debra Braye, also did not respond when given the opportunity to appear
before the members of Council.
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MR. PATRICK LUCAS, REPRESENTING SHAUN WEINSTOCK- SOUTHEAST GOLD BUYERS,
RE: THE DENIAL OF A VARIANCE APPLICATION FOR 5415 VETERANS PARKWAY:
Mr. Patrick Lucas, approached the rostrum to speak on behalf of Mr. Shaun
Weinstock- Southeast Gold Buyers. He said Southeast Gold Buyers applied for a
sign variance, because the business is not easily seen from the roadway. He
explained that they have a sign spinner that stands by the roadway to show
where the business is located and to direct traffic to the business. He
pointed out that the Board denied the application, but offered an alternative,
which is to use the sign spinner but the sign on the building would have to be
removed.
He then requested that the Council grant an appeal to allow his client to
have the sign spinner in front of the building.
Councilor Henderson recalled that he has seen advertisements of what seems
to be sign spinners and asked if they are in violation, at which time,
Inspections & Code Enforcement Manager Bill Duck responded that this form of
advertisement is in violation, and we have put those businesses on notice to
allow them to refrain from doing this. He said this seems to be a new form of
advertisement; however, the ordinance does not address this type of sign. He
added that in Section 4.4.5 under Prohibited Signs, specifically reads, ?All
signs not expressly permitted under this Article or exempt from regulation in
accordance with this Article are prohibited within the Columbus Consolidated
Government.? He explained that we took the position that this was not a
permissible sign. He said the business owners appealed to the Board of Zoning
Appeals and the Board of Zoning Appeals upheld the ruling made by the
Inspections & Code Enforcement Division.
The following referral was offered by Councilor Henderson: Let?s refer
this matter to the Planning Department and Inspections & Code Enforcement
staffs to examine this type of sign (sign walker or sign spinner) to see if
there are other precedents set in other markets and bring some data back to the
Council.
Mr. Lucas commented that for the record, his client is raising
constitutional arguments as well; the statute is overly broad and violates his
constitutional right. City Attorney Fay respectfully disagreed that his
client?s constitutional rights are being violated. He added that under
Prohibited Signs in the Sign Ordinance, there is evidence in the record as the
ordinance is written; it is prohibited at this time.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh recognized that there was no motion on the floor.
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MS. YOLANDA HUNTER, RE: A DITCH IN THE BACK OF HER HOUSE:
Ms. Yolanda Hunter, came forward to speak about the ditch in the back of
her house, because when it rains, her backyard would flood. She commented on
the rodents that are coming from the ditch. She recalled the destruction to her
home due to the flooding problems. She said that the City would not cut the
trees or clean the ditch behind her home.
City Manager Hugley pointed out that Ms. Hunter does call the Citizen
Service Center, and the staff has gone out to clean the ditch. Using the
overhead projector, pictures of the ditch were displayed as City Manager Hugley
explained that the ditch is clear and there is nothing prohibiting the flow of
water.
City Manager Hugley said that he would send the city crew back out there
and do what is within reason on the property; however, he would not make any
promises that the crew would get on the creek bank and start cleaning.
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MR. JEFFERY HOLMAN, RE: COURT
SYSTEM:
Mr. Jeffery Holman, did not respond when given the opportunity to address
the Council.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: GALEO, MEDICAL CENTER AUTHORITY, AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY:
Mr. Paul Olson, using a large easel, outlined the travel expenses of the
members of Council. He also spoke of the lawsuit involving the Medical Center
Hospital Authority versus the City of Columbus with regards to taxes owed for
Spring Harbor. He then discussed the members serving on the Medical Center
Hospital Authority.
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MS. TANYA BROWN, RE: CITY PARK AFTER
HOURS:
Ms. Tanya Brown, approached the rostrum to say that she was present on
behalf of the homeless. She said that we have a way to eat and previously had
somewhere to sleep. She then described being arrested while sleeping in her
tent near the Riverwalk. She mentioned her circumstances and explained how she
became homeless.
She then spoke of a building that had been previously discussed to house
the homeless people. She asked if there was any way the City of Columbus could
renovate a building or build one for the homeless people. She then requested
any type of assistance for the homeless.
City Manager Hugley explained that we have an organization putting
together a 10-year Homelessness Plan. He said the 10-year plan is to move
towards eradicating homelessness. He spoke of a building that could
potentially be owned by the City and act similarly as a hotel where you would
transition; this would be from barracks type living to a single room to
independent living.
City Manager Hugley suggested scheduling a meeting at the Homeless
Resource Network with Ms. Brown and city staff to discuss her options.
Councilor Woodson advised that she is a part of the Homeless Task Force and
working with others on the 10-year Homelessness Plan. She asked for an
opportunity to work with Ms. Brown to look at her situation to see what could
be done. She then provided a date of October 4, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at Columbus
State University, Cunningham Center, where there would be a briefing on the
items being discussed with regards to the homeless.
Councilor Hunter added that the same briefing would also be done at the
Council Meeting in these Council Chambers. City Manager Hugley advised that
the meeting would be held within the next month or so.
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MR. WILLIAM MADISON, RE: COLUMBUS MEDICAL CENTER COMPLEX AND CITY BUDGET
/ TRAVEL
EXPENSES:
Mr. William Madison, approached the rostrum to first ask about the
Stimulus money from the Obama Administration. City Manager Hugley advised that
we have received monies for homelessness, but he does not know the exact
amount; however, he would provide that information.
Mr. Madison also wanted to provide some information to the veterans. He
then spoke about the Veteran Organizations that are in possession of the new
information about the new VA Programs. He said the VA Programs have been
increased and their processing speed by 75%. He encouraged the veterans to
contact the VFW?s, American Legions, etc. He recalled that Dr. Harold Devin
McRae and Dr. Dixit are available in Columbus to render assistance to veterans
with post traumatic stress syndrome.
He commented on the term tenure for the members of the Board of
Elections. City Attorney Fay advised that in this case, the ordinance was
amended to allow for an exception to serve past the two-term limitation. Mr.
Madison then asked that this matter be looked at again to reinstate term limits
for members of the Board of Elections to allow for some new and fresh ideas.
He also mentioned that he would like to be able to receive a receipt once he
has cast his ballot.
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MR. RICKET CARTER, RE: POLICE
DEPARTMENT:
Mr. Ricket Carter, did not respond when given the opportunity to appear
before the Council.
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MS. SHARION JONES, RE: GANG ACTIVITY AND POLICE
RESPONSE:
Ms. Sharion Jones, came forward to speak of the harassment she has
received from individuals she believe are potential gang members. She then
described in details the various types of harassment she has experienced, as
well as, threats made against her husband. She said that she has not been able
to receive any assistance from the Columbus Police Department and other law
enforcement agencies that she has contacted with these complaints.
Mayor Wetherington said that he would meet with Ms. Jones to discuss her
situation and her complaints.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Councilor Anthony made a motion to go into executive session. Mayor
Wetherington suggested that we wait until the conclusion of the agenda.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (331-10) - Authorizing a request to enter into a five-year
Lease Agreement with the Columbus Indoor Football Team, LLC d/b/a Columbus
Lions for use of the home dressing rooms at Golden Park for $1 per year for 5
years. Columbus Lions will be responsible for full upkeep of the interior of
the building along with payment of all utilities, cable, internet, telephone
and fax costs for the duration of this lease. Should the city of Columbus
contract with a minor league baseball team the Columbus Lions will vacate the
space. Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Barnes being
absent from the meeting.
A Resolution (332-10) - Authorizing a request to enter into a five-year
Lease Agreement with Columbus State University (CSU) for rental of the teaching
side of Bull Creek Golf Course for $16,500 per year for the training facility
and $35 per student, per class for golf classes. CSU will be responsible for
the use/upkeep of the interior to include payment of all utilities, content
liability insurance as well as property/causality insurance for the duration of
the lease. Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen
and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilor Woodson
being absent for the vote and Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
A Resolution (333-10) - Authorizing a request to enter into a five-year
Lease Agreement with the Columbus Sports Council for office space at Golden
Park for $1 per year. The Columbus Sports Council will be responsible for full
upkeep of the interior of the building. The Columbus Sports Council
understands that in the event the city of Columbus contracts with a minor
league baseball club, they will have to vacate the space. Councilor McDaniel
moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by
those eight members present with Councilor Woodson being absent for the vote
and Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR
PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BAKER, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR BARNES BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (334-10) - Authorizing payment to Motorola in the amount of
$114,475.80 for the annual maintenance agreement (October 2010 through
September 2011) for the E911 Center?s 800 MHz Radio System Console Equipment,
the Central Electronics Bay, the Plant Visa 911 Phone System, the fiber optic
interface equipment installed in the 911 Center and the Government Center, and
the Nice Digital Logging System.
A Resolution (335-10) - Authorizing the purchase of one thousand (1,000)
blue Clarin folding chairs and twenty-eight (28) Hanging Chair Trucks from
Clarin (Lake Bluff, Illinois) in the amount $79,559.24.
A Resolution (336-10) - Authorizing the purchase of an upgrade and
addition to the security system at the Columbus Civic Center and ice rink from
Command Systems (Columbus, Georgia), in the amount of $75,496.25.
A Resolution (337-10) - Authorizing to declare one (1) ambulance (fleet
#10138), as surplus, in accordance with Section 7-501 of the Charter of
Columbus Consolidated Government; and authorize the donation of the surplus
vehicle to the EMS Department of Marion County.
A Resolution (338-10) - Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Weber Construction, Inc., in the amount of $51,700.00 for
upgrades to the shower and restroom facilities at the Public Safety Building.
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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCUSSION:
A Resolution (339-10) - Authorizing the emergency purchase of five (5)
white 2011 Tahoe police vehicles from Hardy Fleet Group (Dallas, Georgia), in
the amount of $131,055.00 per Georgia Statewide Contract; and rescind
Resolution No. 300-10 for the emergency purchase awarded to Akins Ford Dodge
Jeep Chrysler (Winder, Georgia) for five (5) Crown Victoria pursuit vehicles.
City Manager Hugley asked that the Sheriff?s Office come forward, at which
time, Sheriff John Darr approached the rostrum. City Manager Hugley explained
that we are rescinding Resolution No. 300-10 for the purchase of Crown
Victorias and are purchasing Tahoes. Sheriff John Darr, briefly explained that
we were having difficulties in receiving the Crown Victorias and this is why we
are asking for the Tahoes.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor
Barnes being absent from this meeting.
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PRESENTATION:
FINANCE MONTHY REPORT:
Finance Director Pam Hodge addressed the members of Council with regards
to the financial monthly update and highlighted the following:
Local Option Sales Tax:
Public Safety Revenues (70%) - $1.8 million
Roads & Infrastructure (30%) - $775,000
Unaudited Monthly Revenue Report Summary:
General Fund - down -0.61 Debt Service Fund- up 1334.43%
Sewer Fund- up 19.82% Transportation Fund- up 25.37%
Paving Fund- up 2.26% Parking Management- up 22.59%
Medical center Fund- up 2.34% Trade Center Fund- up 2.84%
Integrated Waste Fund- up 3.45% Bull Creek Golf- down -4.79%
Economic Development Aut- up 2.34% Oxbow Creek Golf- down -7.86%
Civic Center Fund- up 25.35%
Emergency Telephone- down -30.76% (Due to one of our larger wireless customers
change from submitting their reports monthly to quarterly; therefore, there is
a timing difference)
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CITY SERVICE CENTER - UPDATE:
City Manager Hugley advised that the members of Council were emailed an
updated concept on the City Service Building. He then displayed the design of
the building on the overhead projector. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked about
the columns, at which time, City Manager Hugley explained that two of the
columns are round and two are square. With there being no other issues, City
Manager Hugley maintained that we would give the architects the go ahead to
move forward on this project.
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REFERRALS:
EROSION PROBLEM:
Councilor Hunter requested to have the staff to look into the property on
Kings Mountain Road that has an erosion problem and advise what is happening
with this situation.
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FARR ROAD TRAFFIC:
Councilor Hunter requested to have the staff to look into the traffic on
Farr Road. The residents of Farrfield Manor Apartments, a retirement
community, have to negotiate the traffic in an effort to cross the street
because of the curves. The oncoming cars are not visible to the people
attempting to maneuver this roadway.
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RAILROAD CROSSING:
Councilor Hunter requested to have the staff to provide an update on the
railroad crossing at Old Cusseta Road that is due for repairs. The City had
previously contracted with Georgia Southwestern to repair the railroad crossing
but thereafter, Georgia Southwestern was bought out by another company;
however, the City needs to move forward to reach a resolution on this
matter.
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NOTE: Councilor McDaniel left the meeting during this portion of the
proceedings with the time being 9:05 p.m.
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WILLIAMS ROAD AND FORTSON ROAD:
Councilor Davis requested an update on the road condition of Williams Road
and Fortson Road. Engineering Director Donna Newman advised that we have
looked at a temporary repair to the asphalt condition. She added that when we
started looking at it, we realized that the intersection needs more
improvements. She explained that with the proposed additional development
along Williams Road, we decided we needed to look at the entire corridor;
therefore, we are in the process of obtaining a proposal from one of our
engineers to start coming up with a concept plan for a long term solution. She
pointed out that in the interim, it would be on the next resurfacing contract
to do some temporary repair.
When asked by Councilor Davis about the timeframe, Engineering Director
Newman advised that it would depend on the weather we get during the winter.
She pointed out that it would take a couple of months for him to finish
contracts that are currently being worked on.
Councilor Davis also asked for a status update by tomorrow on a work order
that he called in that he received from some citizens regarding potholes up and
down Williams Road from Interstate 185 to Fortson Road.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:
(1) Final Report of the Original Commission of the Mayor?s Commission on Crime
Prevention, July 28, 2009.
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THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY
CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Bay Avenue from 10th
Street north to 1111 Bay Avenue (Synovus Center) and 11th Street from Front
Avenue to Bay Avenue, on Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00
p.m., in connection with ?W. C. Bradley Picnic? pedestrian safety. Councilor
Allen moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by
those eight members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote
and Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
Board of Health, August 25, 2010.
Board of Zoning Appeals, July 7, 2010.
Board of Zoning Appeals, August 4, 2010.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 32-10 & 33-10.
Councilor Allen moved the minutes be received. Seconded by Councilor
Baker and carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilor
McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Barnes being absent from the
meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR
HENDERSON:
Petition submitted by the Planning Department to amend the text of the
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to create a new permitted use and
definition: Office, Unclassified. The amendment will permit offices not
classified as Office, Business and Professional; Office, Medical and Dental;
and Offices, Veterinary; or any other office specifically listed in the UDO, in
the RO, CO, GC, LMI, or HMI zoning districts. (Recommended for approval by the
Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department). (29-A-10-Planning
Department)
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BUILDING AUTHORITY:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we still need a replacement
for Mr. Terry Ballard?s seat. There was no action in this regard.
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WATER COMMISSIONERS, BOARD OF:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis recalled that Councilor McDaniel, at the last
meeting, had nominated Mr. J. Phillip Thayer and Mr. Billy Blanchard for
another term of office. Councilor Henderson then moved confirmation. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members present with
Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote and Councilor Barnes being absent
from the meeting.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we still need replacements for
the appointment for Mr. Arthur Rogers who cannot succeed himself; this is a
District 4 seat, as well as, the Mayor?s appointment on this board: Mr. Eddie
Roberts, who also cannot succeed himself.
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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Rev. Ralph Huling has resigned
and the Council would need to submit three nominees for this seat. There were
none.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Councilor Anthony made a motion to go into executive session to discuss
litigation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those eight members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote
and Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
At 9:15 p.m., the Council adjourned its regular session to go into
executive session to discuss litigation. At 10:09 p.m., the Council reconvened
its regular session, at which time, Mayor Wetherington announced that the
Council did meet in executive session to discuss litigation; however, there
were no votes taken.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Woodson made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilor McDaniel
having left the meeting and Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting with
the time being 10:09 p.m.
Sandra T. Davis, CDMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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