Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

DECEMBER 11, 2007



The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called

to order at 9:02 A.M, Tuesday, December 11, 2007, on the Plaza Level of the

Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor,

presiding.



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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner

Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Glenn Davis,

Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. and

Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay and

Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present. Councilor Jerry Barnes

took his seat at 9:03 a.m.

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ABSENT: Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington was absent.

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INVOCATION: Offered by Councilor Anthony.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Midland Academy.



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FORMER CITY EMPLOYEE:



Mayor Wetherington made brief comments regarding the recent developments

being highlighted by the news media regarding a former fire fighter, who is the

son of Councilor Allen. Before reading from a prepared statement, he spoke

highly of Councilor Gary Allen and his family. Mayor Wetherington then

addressed the situation by reading from his prepared statements with regards to

the traffic accident involving former Fire Fighter Zachary Allen, who was under

the influence of drugs. He spoke of the mistakes made with respect to the

handling of the test for drug use. He pointed out that the drug test

documentation would be made a part of the police report of this accident. He

called for the Chief Of Police to have the officer, who investigated the

accident, to supplement the police report indicating the individual tested

positive for drugs while operating a city vehicle. He assured the citizens

that ?during my watch, city employees would be held to the same standard of

conduct as any other citizen?. He pointed out that a citizen or city employee

that is under the influence of drugs or alcohol should be charged with a

violation, if the investigating officer believes there is probable cause for a

citation. He maintained that we would continue to improve our procedures to

insure that instances of this nature would not occur in the future.



Councilor Davis also made comments with regards to this situation in that

some mistakes were made but believes that those mistakes would be corrected.

He said that we should learn from these situations and move forward in our city.



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MAYOR?S AGENDA:



WITH CEO OF HUGHSTON ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL DON AVERY STANDING AT THE COUNCIL

TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED ON THE MAYOR?S AGENDA AND READ IN

ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:







A Resolution (535-07) - Commending the staff of Hughston Orthopedic

Hospital and President/CEO Don Avery upon being named to the 2007 Honor Roll by

Georgia Trend Magazine. Councilor Davis moved its adoption and seconded by

Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this

meeting and standing to cast their vote in the affirmative.



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WITH JASON AND JACK GAMACHE STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING

RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED ON THE MAYOR?S AGENDA AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY

COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (536-07) - Expressing appreciation to Jason and Jack Gamache

for their donations and shipments of toys for children in Iraq and

Afghanistan. Councilor Henderson moved its adoption and seconded by Councilor

Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting and

standing to cast their vote in the affirmative.



Each member of Council presented Mr. Jack Gamache with a stuffed animal to

include with his collection of toys to be shipped to the children in Iraq. Mr.

Gamache then presented Mayor Wetherington with stuffed animal number one

hundred thousand.



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WITH MR. DAVID AND MRS. DEBORAH TANISH STANDING BEFORE THE COUNCIL, THE

FOLLOWING TWENTY-FIVE RESOLUTIONS EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY MEMBERS

OF FALLEN SOLDIERS WERE SUBMITTED ON THE MAYOR?S AGENDA AND THE RESOLUTION AND

EACH NAME READ BY COUNCILOR ANTHONY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL ON A SINGLE

MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR ANTHONY AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BARNES WHICH CARRIED

UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:



A Resolution (537-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Cpl.

Benjamin C. Dillon, 22, of Rootstown, Ohio died on October 7, 2007 in Iraq in

the line of duty.



A Resolution (538-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Cpl.

Javier G. Paredes, 24, of San Antonio, Texas died on September 5, 2007 in Iraq

in the line of duty.



A Resolution (539-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Spc. Keith

A. Nurnberg, 26, of McHenry, Illinois died on September 5, 2007 in Iraq in the

line of duty.



A Resolution (540-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of 1st Lt.

Jonathan W. Edds, 24, of White Pigeon, Michigan died on August 17, 2007 in Iraq

in the line of duty.



A Resolution (541-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Sgt. Allen

A. Greka, 29, of Alpena, Michigan died on July 13, 2007 in Iraq in the line of

duty.



A Resolution (542-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Cpl.

Michelle R. Ring, 24, of Martin, Tennessee died on July 5, 2007 in Iraq in the

line of duty.



A Resolution (543-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Spc.

Carter A. Gamble, Jr., 25, of Brownstown, Indiana died on June 24, 2007 in Iraq

in the line of duty.



A Resolution (544-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Pfc. Shane

M. Stinson, 23, of Fullerton, California died on June 23, 2007 in Iraq in the

line of duty.



A Resolution (545-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Staff Sgt.

Michael D. Moody, Jr., 31, of Richmond, Virginia died on June 23, 2007 in Iraq

in the line of duty.



A Resolution (546-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Sgt. Chris

Davis, Jr., 35, of Lubbock, Texas died on June 23, 2007 in Iraq in the line of

duty.



A Resolution (547-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Pfc.

Robert A. Liggett, 23, of Urbana, Illinois died on May 29, 2007 in Iraq in the

line of duty.



A Resolution (548-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Cpl.

Jonathan D. Winterbottom, 21, of Falls Church, Virginia died on May 23, 2007 in

Iraq in the line of duty.



A Resolution (549-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Cpl.

Victor H. Toledo Pulido, 22, of Hanford, California died on May 23, 2007 in

Iraq in the line of duty.



A Resolution (550-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Sgt. Blake

C. Stephens, 25, of Pocatello, Idaho died on May 8, 2007 in Iraq in the line of

duty.



A Resolution (551-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Spc. Kyle

A. Little, 20, of West Boylston, Massachusetts died on May 8, 2007 in Iraq in

the line of duty.



A Resolution (552-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Pvt. Cole

E. Spencer, 21, of Gays, Illinois died on April 28, 2007 in Iraq in the line of

duty.



A Resolution (553-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Pfc. Jay-D

H. Ornsby-Adkins, 21, of Lone, California died on April 28, 2007 in Iraq in the

line of duty.



A Resolution (554-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Sgt. Glenn

D. Hicks, Jr., 24, of College Station, Texas died on April 28, 2007 in Iraq in

the line of duty



A Resolution (555-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Pfc.

Richard P. Langenbrunner, 19, of Ft. Wayne, Indiana died on April 17, 2007 in

Iraq in the line of duty.

A Resolution (556-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Pfc. David

N. Simmons, 20, of Kokomo, Indiana died on April 8, 2007 in Iraq in the line of

duty.



A Resolution (557-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Staff Sgt.

Harrison Brown, 31, of Prichard, Alabama died on April 8, 2007 in Iraq in the

line of duty.



A Resolution (558-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Pfc. Joey

T. Sams, II, 22, of Spartanburg, South Carolina died on March 21, 2007 in Iraq

in the line of duty.



A Resolution (559-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Pfc. Ryan

C. Garbs, 20, of Edwardsville, Illinois died on February 18, 2007 in Iraq in

the line of duty.



A Resolution (560-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Pfc.

Kristofer D. S. Thomas, 18, of Roseville, California died on February 18, 2007

in Iraq in the line of duty.



A Resolution (561-07) - Expressing condolences to the family of Sgt. James

J. Regan, 26, of Manhasset, New York died on February 9, 2007 in Iraq in the

line of duty.



Mrs. Deborah Tanish expressed her thanks for the recognition of the fallen

soldiers. She said that she is working with the governor?s office, other

politicians and citizens of the State to try to get the Georgia Flag lowered to

half mass every time we have a fallen soldier. She pointed out that

unfortunately, Georgia is one of twenty-two states that the governor does not

do that.



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MINUTES: Minutes of the September 4, 2007 Council Meeting of the Council of

the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh

moved approval. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by

those ten members of Council present for this meeting.



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STATUTE HONORING FALLEN SOLDIERS:



Councilor Davis requested the staff to check into constructing a memorial

to honor the fallen soldiers, those men and women that have given their lives

during the most recent years.



Councilor Henderson reminded everyone that Judge Mike Cielinski and Mr.

Paul Voorhees have presented and funded a statue in honor of fallen soldiers

and has been approved by the Board of Honor and the Council; therefore, the

memorial would be going up very shortly.



Councilor Davis said the statue presented was in representation of the

past throughout the years of all soldiers, but we could recognize those men and

women from recent years that have given their lives.



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OXBOW MEADOWS:



Councilor Woodson stated that on yesterday, we met with Columbus State

University with regards to Oxbow Meadows. She recalled that we are looking

into the possibility of swapping some land. She pointed out that Mr. Billy

Turner from the Columbus Water Works was also present because the Water Works

owns one of the ponds. She said that we would have some engineering work done

and a decision could be made by next year some time.



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PUBLIC SAFETY:



Councilor Anthony called attention to an incident in a church in Colorado

Springs. He explained that it was an off-duty volunteer police officer of

fourteen years that confronted the gunmen armed with automatic weapons and a

thousand rounds of ammunition; he had already killed two people. He spoke of

how the female police officer brought the gunmen down saving many lives. He

said this is a reminder that our public safety people are always on duty and

are defending us at all times.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND DEFEATED ON SECOND

READING:



An Ordinance - Rezoning properties located at 425 Tennessee Drive are

proposed for rezoning from SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) District to RMF2

(Residential Multi-Family 2) District. (49-D-07-Upshaw)



Councilor McDaniel moved it be defeated. Seconded by Councilor Henderson

and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this

meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT

ORDINANCE OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTOREY FAY AND APPROVED

BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:



An Ordinance (07-82) - Amending the text of the Unified Development

Ordinance to amend three subsections related to the following: bed and

breakfast inns regarding owner occupancy; fencing regarding exterior finish

installation; and portable signs regarding non-profit entities and residential

zones. (55-A-07-Planning Department) Councilor McDaniel moved adoption.

Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of

Council present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGETS OF THE COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED

GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND

ADOPTED ON SECOND

READING:



An Ordinance (07-83) - Amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2007

beginning July 1, 2006 and ending June 30, 2007, for certain funds of the

Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in

each fund for personnel actions and various other activities. Councilor

Henderson moved it be approved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and

carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.

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ZONING PUBLIC HEARING:



THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS,

GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON E

ACH AS

ADVERTISED:





An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 1300 6th Avenue are proposed

for rezoning from LMI (Light Manufacturing/Industrial) District to GC (General

Commercial) District. (52-A-07-Reaves/Mize)



PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS:



City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner; however,

there were no presentations made since no one came forward in opposition of the

rezoning request.



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An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 6890 River Road are proposed

for rezoning from SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1)/RO (Residential-Office)

District to RO (Residential-Office) District. (54-CA-07-LRW Group, LLC)





PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS:



City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner; however,

there were no presentations made since no one came forward in opposition of the

rezoning request.



In response to a question from Councilor Davis, City Manager Hugley

advised that the proposed use is for an office park. Mr. Rick Jones, Planning

Department Director, approached the rostrum to reiterate that the property use

is for offices.



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An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 1510 and 1516 22nd Street and

2002, 2008 and 2010 15th Avenue are proposed for rezoning from RMF1

(Residential Multi-Family 1) District to RO (Residential Office) District.

(51-A-07-Hocutt)



PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS:



City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner; however,

there were no presentations made since no one came forward in opposition of the

rezoning request.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS

SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS ADVERTISED AND

AMENDED ON FIRST READING:



An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 1500, 1502 & 1512 Dixon Drive

and 1507 Wells Drive are proposed for rezoning from RMF2 (Residential

Multi-Family 2) District and SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) District to

RMF2 (Residential Multi-Family 2) District. (52-CA-07-Hocutt/Flint Partners,

LLC)



PROPONENTS:



April Hocutt, 1700 18th Street, the petitioner, approached the rostrum to

display on the overhead projector the outline of the properties that are being

requested for rezoning. She explained that the three parcels that front Dixon

Drive are already zoned RMF2, which is the rezoning that we are seeking; the

Wells Drive piece of property is currently zoned SFR1. She pointed out that we

are trying to rezone all four pieces as one parcel to RMF2 with a slight

increase in density as a condition to the rezoning so that we could have

thirty-two total units on the property. She provided pictures of the current

building on the property, which is a duplex and the other is an apartment

building. She said that we propose to construct an apartment building of low

density and have been working with Midtown, Inc. and many of the neighbors to

come up with the design; the design has to be approved by the Board of Historic

and Architectural Review. She reiterated that Midtown, Inc. is in support of

the project as it is consistent with the revitalization plan for the Wynnton

area.



Councilor McDaniel expressed his support for the project due to the

current facade of the property being blighted. He said that he believes the

project would be an improvement to the area.



OPPONENTS:



Mr. John Agnew, 1537 Wells Drive, expressed his opposition to the rezoning

petition. He expressed concerns with the number of trees that would be cut

down on Wells Drive. He spoke of the lighted parking lot with a garbage

dumpster being located at the entrance of Wells Drive according to the current

design. He maintained that the value of his property and the surrounding

neighbors would decrease.



Planning Department Director Jones responded to questions from Mayor Pro

Tem Pugh regarding the current zoning of the parcels. Ms. Hocutt responded to

questions from Councilor Woodson regarding the location of the dumpster and the

number of units in the current apartment building. Further responding to

questions from Councilor Anthony with regards to the location of the dumpster

and the parking lot, Ms. Hocutt pointed out that a conceptual plan was

submitted to the Board of Historic and Architectural Review, but nothing is set

in stone at this point.



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Mr. John Thayer, speaking on behalf of the petitioners in favor of the

rezoning, came forward to point out that no one could invest the time and money

that it would take to present an exact and precise drawing, because it may not

go through. He said there is one neighbor that has some legitimate concerns

and we are trying to work with her; she would be a part of the design phase of

this project. He said that we would like to have a gated community and have all

parking required onsite.



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Ms. SueAnn Holmes, 1513 Wells Drive, advised that she lives right next

door to the Wells lot in question and is the neighbor that Mr. Thayer was

referring to. She contended that the petitioners should be allowed to

revitalize the Wynnton corridor from Dixon Drive down but to leave the Wells

lot alone. She pointed out that there are no multi-family units on Wells

Drive; therefore, changing the Wells Drive lot to multi-family is spot zoning.



Councilor Davis asked questions pertaining to the buffer between the

proposed project and 1513 Wells Drive and 1518 Dixon Drive. Mr. Thayer pointed

out that Ms. Holmes is the next-door neighbor to the Wells Drive lot and on the

other side of the Dixon Drive duplex is another duplex. Ms. Hocutt explained

that 1518 Dixon Drive is a duplex. Mr. Thayer explained that we are planning

to put in a wrought iron fence and leave as many trees as we can and are

willing to plant more to provide a better buffer for Ms. Holmes; we are open to

providing a different type of fence to block it out.



In response to a question of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, Ms. Hocutt pointed

out that we have not decided on which of the three buffer options we would use

at this time. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh suggested leaving as much of the

natural buffer as possible. Responding to Councilor Anthony, Mr. Thayer

explained that the building would be a two/three story split. He explained

that looking at the building from Macon Road it would be three stories, but at

Wells Drive looking back at it the building would be two stories. Councilor

Allen also made comments in regards to the buffer, at which time, Mr. Thayer

responded to those comments.



Mr. Mike Miller, 1544 Wells Drive, pointed out that a lot of the concerns

he wanted to bring forward have been addressed. He recalled some of the

discussion from the Planning Advisory Commission on this matter. He said that

his concern is with Wells Drive in extending multi-family onto a single-family

street. He also mentioned his concerns with the density and the buffer. He

then suggested conditions in the ordinance in the event that this rezoning is

approved and are listed as follows: natural buffer, lighting redirected

towards the parking lot, prohibit a curb cut on Wells Drive and not rezone the

Wells Drive parcel.



Councilor Anthony then made a motion that there be no curb cuts on Wells

Drive. Seconded by Councilor Henderson. At this time, Councilor Baker asked

to abstain from voting on this matter because he represents some of the parties

involved. Councilor Allen moved that Councilor Baker be abstained. Seconded

by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members present for

this meeting. Mayor Wetherington called attention to the motion on the table,

which carried unanimously by those nine members present with Councilor Baker

abstaining from the vote.



Councilor Woodson asked the petitioner to reduce the number of proposed

units for this property, at which time, Ms. Hocutt explained that thirty-two

units is the magic number and there is no way to lower the density; however,

the current plan is for twenty-three of those thirty-two units to be

one-bedroom apartments.



Mr. Mike Miller then said that since Wells Drive is not under the Board of

Historic and Architectural Review (BHAR), he suggested that it be placed under

the guidelines of the BHAR. Councilor Henderson said Dixon Drive is under the

auspices of the BHAR and since this is one project fronting Dixon that the

entire construction should be subject to the BHAR. City Attorney Fay advised

that the Council may want to put in a condition that reads that the development

would adhere to the standards of the historic district.



Councilor Henderson said that he believes that most of Mr. Miller?s

concerns would be addressed by the Unified Development Ordinance, but asked if

we could put this development under the BHAR? City Attorney Fay said that the

Council could put a condition in the ordinance.



Councilor Henderson then made a motion that the entire development shall

meet the standards of the historic district. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and

carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



In conclusion, City Attorney Fay advised that this ordinance would be

listed next week on second reading for a vote.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING TWENTY-ONE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND WERE APPROVED BY THE

COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY

COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL

PRESENT WITH COUNCILORS BARNES AND DAVIS ABSENT FOR THIS

VOTE:



A Resolution (562-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Derrick Shields for

his meritorious service on the Planning Advisory Commission.



A Resolution (563-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Bob Crane for his

meritorious service on the Planning Advisory Commission.



A Resolution (564-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Bradford Dodds for

his meritorious service on the Planning Advisory Commission.



A Resolution (565-07) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Virginia Dickerson

for her meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.

(Columbus Council)



A Resolution (566-07) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Pamela G. Feagle

for her meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (567-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Carlton Gardner for

his meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (568-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Barry Jenkins for

his meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (569-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. William Kendall for

his meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (570-07) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Linda McLemore for

her meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (571-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. James Miller for

his meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (572-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Kenneth Queen or

his meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (573-07) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Shelby Rollison for

his meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (574-07) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Eva Smith for her

meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (575-07) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Patricia Killough

for her meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (576-07) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Patricia Cardin for

her meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (577-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. William Consoletti

for his meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (578-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Bernard Cocoran for

his meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (579-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Elliot Waddell for

his meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.



A Resolution (580-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. John P. Dent upon

his retirement with the Columbus Metropolitan Airport, with over 7 years of

service.



A Resolution (581-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mrs. Barbara J. Key

upon her retirement with the Parks and Recreation Department, with over 28

years of service.



A Resolution (582-07) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Tommy Thomas, Jr.

upon his retirement with the Public Services/Repairs & Maintenance, with 35

years of service.



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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ITS

CAPTION READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND WAS APPROVED BY THE

COUNCIL:





A Resolution (583-07) - Conveying condolences to the family of Ms. Mary P.

Jones, Chief Clerk with the Probate Court Department, who passed away on

November 9, 2007. Mayor Pro-Tem Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by

Councilor Anthony and carried unanimously by those eight members present with

Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent for this vote.



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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. JIM POUND, RE: THE COST OF NEW TRAFFIC SIGNALS IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA:







Mr. Jim Pound, came forward and provided a power point presentation on the

cost of new traffic signals in the downtown area. He said that the City is

spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on traffic lights in areas that it

seems like they are not needed. He said the cost for an intersection with

traffic lights is $60,000 to $120,000; then, there is maintenance that is

required on traffic lights. He explained the reasons he believes that traffic

lights are generally the most expensive, least effective option and most

restrictive. He then spoke specifically about the traffic light at 11th Street

and 5th Avenue. He pointed out that when traffic lights are installed, it does

not solve the problem of accidents. He also questioned what other alternatives

to signalization were looked at.



In conclusion, Mr. Pound offered some alternatives to installing a traffic

light at 11th Street and 5th Avenue. He also mentioned that there are three

new lights being added on Front Avenue to replace the old ones, but the manual

also reads that if traffic patterns change, signalization should be

re-evaluated.



Councilor Woodson requested the staff to check to see if anyone has called

in to report that 11th Street and 5th Avenue needs to be repaved, if not let?s

make sure it is on the list. She also asked that the staff look into the

lighting system concerns to insure that we are putting in the accurate amount

of lighting in that area.



Councilor Woodson then suggested that when citizens see items of concern

in the community, they should call 311 to report it. Mr. Pound pointed out

that he has expressed concerns regarding traffic lights at this intersection as

well as the other traffic lights but was told if he wanted to see the

engineering study, he would have to pay $100 charge.



Councilor Woodson requested that the Administration check with staff to

see if there is a cost for citizens to view the traffic reports. City Manager

Hugley said that he was not aware of a fee being charged just to look at a

report. He said normally if there is a charge for a report; then, the citizen

is allowed to view the document in the office but there may be a cost for

copies of the document. He said that he would get a response from the

Engineering staff and provide that information to Mr. Pound.



Councilor Henderson requested the staff to schedule Mr. Jim Pound on the

work session agenda to make his presentation on the cost for new traffic

signals in the downtown area.



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MR. EDWARD DUBOSE, REPRESENTING THE GEORGIA STATE NAACP, RE: THE KENNETH

WALKER CASE AND CITIZEN REVIEW BOARD:





Mr. Edward Dubose, approached the rostrum to speak about the stand for Ms.

Emily Walker and Ms. Cheryl Walker with regards to the Kenneth Walker case. He

read a resolution with respect to the Kenneth Walker case that was voted on by

the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP on December 7th and approved by the

entire body of the State Conference; we are asking the National level to

approve it also. He hoped that every request for tax increase in this city is

met with people who would challenge this government to do the right thing by

Ms. Walker before they endorsed anything in this city.



In conclusion, Mr. Dubose announced that on January 26, 2008 for an

inauguration ceremony in Columbus, Georgia where he would be sworn in again as

State President, at Peaceful Holiness Church. He said that he would reaffirm

his commitment to the cause for justice.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:



A Resolution (584-07) - Authorizing a request to execute a permit

agreement with Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) for construction work

associated with the replacement of the City's existing combined sewer system

along the 6th Avenue Corridor and side streets, Phases I-V. Mayor Pro Tem

Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried

unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING THIRTEEN RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY

CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (585-07) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce legislation for an increase in per diem for State inmates housed in

county jails from an adjustable rate to a flat rate of $25 and prisons from $20

to $25. Councilor Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen

and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



A Resolution (586-07) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce legislation clarifying the maximum fees counties must pay to Regional

Development Centers. Councilor Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by

Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members present for this

meeting with Councilor Anthony abstaining from the vote. (See below the actions

taken resulting in a vote for Councilor Anthony to be abstained.)



A Resolution (587-07) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce/support legislation for a $2 destination fee for Columbus, Muscogee

County, hotel/motel facilities. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved its adoption.

Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members

present for this meeting.



A Resolution (588-07) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

support legislation to delay action on HR900 in the 2008 Legislative Session

and send HR900 to a study committee for further study and analysis of actual

enabling legislation and implications not currently available. Mayor Pro Tem

Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried

unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



A Resolution (589-07) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

support legislation providing for the State Water Plan that is currently in

preparation by the Georgia Water Council provided it contains an appropriate

consumptive use budget and other acceptable provisions. Councilor Allen moved

its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those

ten members present for this meeting.



A Resolution (590-07) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce/support legislation for the purposes of preventing registration or

transfer of registration of any vehicle owned or leased by a person with

outstanding parking citations. Councilor Woodson moved its adoption. Seconded

by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by a vote of six to five

with Mayor Wetherington voting in favor of the resolution. Mayor Pro Tem

Turner Pugh and Councilors Anthony, Barnes, Hunter and Woodson voting yes and

Councilors Allen, Baker, Davis, Henderson and McDaniel voting no.



A Resolution (591-07) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce/support legislation for the purposes of preventing renewal or

reinstatement of a driver?s license by a driver with outstanding parking

citations. Councilor Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor

Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



A Resolution (592-07) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce/support legislation to increase transportation funding for Local Area

Road Projects (LARP) and for county contracts to assist in the overall

development/impact of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). Councilor Henderson

moved its adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried

unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



A Resolution (593-07) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

mandate funds collected for waste tire removal are placed in the Hazardous

Waste Fund and Solid Waste Fund. Councilor Henderson moved its adoption.

Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten

members present for this meeting.



A Resolution (594-07) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce/support legislation to increase 911 fees from $1.50 to $2.50 for

telephone landlines and wireless from $1 to $2.50. Councilor Henderson moved

its adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by

those ten members present for this meeting.



A Resolution (595-07) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce/support legislation to allocate full funding for the Public

Defender?s Program. Councilor Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by Mayor

Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members present for

this meeting.



A Resolution (596-07) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

introduce/support legislation that would continue funding for the University of

Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and its County Delivery System.

Councilor Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh

and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



A Resolution (597-07) - Requesting that the local legislative delegation

support legislation to provide that the costs of administering collection of a

delinquent property tax lien before or after making levy on property shall be

added to the execution and collection from the delinquent taxpayer. Councilor

Henderson moved its adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and

carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING THREE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND

ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY

MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, WHICH CARRIED

UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS

MEETING:





A Resolution (598-07) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) recycling

collection body from Consolidated Disposal Systems (Smyrna, Ga) in the amount

of $71,936.00.



A Resolution (599-07) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Harley

Davidson Police Motorcycle from Southern Thunder Harley Davidson (Horn Lake,

MS) in the amount of $18,116.24.



A Resolution (600-07) - Authorizing the purchase of one (1) rubber tire

wheel loader from Tractor & Equipment Company (Columbus, Ga) in the amount of

$172,382.00, with an add-on fire suppression system in the amount of

$10,794.00, for a total cost of $183,131.00.



*** *** ***



EXECUTIVE SESSION:



City Manager Hugley requested an executive session to discuss a personnel

matter.



*** *** ***



APARTMENT BUILDINGS:



Councilor Woodson requested the staff to provide a report on the number of

apartment buildings that have been constructed in North Columbus versus the

number of apartment buildings that have been constructed in Columbus South.



*** *** ***



BAKER VILLAGE PROPERTY:



Councilor Woodson requested the staff to check with the Housing Authority

about their plans for redevelopment of the Baker Village property, because

there have been rumors of a Veterans Administration Hospital and/or a

Wal-Mart. City Manager Hugley said that he has not heard anything regarding a

Veterans Administration Hospital or a Wal-Mart. He said that as far as he

knows, the project is moving along as they presented it to the Council, but he

would get an update on the matter.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh advised that as she understands it, the

discussion about the Wal-Mart or Veterans Administration building was for the

old Baker Middle School and not for Baker Village.



--------------------------------------*** ***

***--------------------------------------

CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:



DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION AND WAS

ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:





A Resolution (601-07) - Approving a variance request to waive the minimum

street frontage requirement at 659 Dogwood Drive. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh

moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by

those ten members of Council present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL

DAVIS AND WAS DELAYED AFTER SOME

DISCUSSION:



Letter from Coroner William T. Thrower, Jr., requesting that the employees

of the Office of the Coroner be placed within the merit system and under the

jurisdiction of the Personnel Review Board.



Councilor McDaniel questioned if the employees of the Coroner have already

be placed under the Personnel Review Board, at which time, City Manager Hugley

responded by saying that he would have to believe that if Coroner Thrower is

asking for this; then, he has done the research and has determined that it has

not been done.



City Manager Hugley requested a delay on this item to allow the staff to

research this matter further.



*** *** ***



DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS SUBMITTED MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS,

WHICH WERE OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL: ____________



Board of Tax Assessors, No. 44.

Board of Tax Assessors, November 28, 2007.

Council Briefings, November 8, 2005.

Council Briefings, December 20, 2005.

Golf Authority, September 25, 2007.

Golf Authority, October 23, 2007.

Planning Advisory Commission, June 6, 2007.

Planning Advisory Commission, June 20, 2007.

Planning Advisory Commission, July 18, 2007.

Planning Advisory Commission, May 16, 2007.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the minutes be received. Seconded by

Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this

meeting.



*** *** ***



BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



BUILDING AUTHORITY:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Howard Bartlett and Mr.

Chad Pepper are bother eligible to serve another term of office. Councilor

Allen renominated both Mr. Bartlett and Mr. Pepper for another term.



*** *** ***



BOARD OF HEALTH:

Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Councilor McDaniel nominated

Dr. Charles Stamey to replace Dr. James Sullivan on last week. Councilor Allen

moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by

those nine members present with Councilor Henderson being absent for this vote.





*** *** ***



HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that we still need two

additional nominees for the positions of Mr. Tracy Sayers and Ms. Nancy Rinn.



*** *** ***



MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that Councilors Anthony and

Barnes have nominees for the two positions on this board. Councilor Barnes

then nominated Mr. Robert Jones for Dr. Kenneth Goldman?s seat and Councilor

Anthony nominated Dr. Mike Wooldridge for Dr. Kenneth Goldman?s seat and Mr.

Lamar Johnson for Mr. Ken Crooks? seat.



Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that this closes out those

nominations. She said that the nominations would be sent to the Medical Center

Hospital Authority.



*** *** ***



Mr. William Madison, President of the Local Chapter NAACP, came forward to

make comments in reference to the traffic accident involving former fire

fighter Zachary Allen. He contended that Fire Chief Jeff Meyers should step

down from his position as Fire Chief and the Council should call for it to

happen.



In conclusion, Mr. Madison called on Mayor Wetherington to ask for an

outside investigation to determine who knew what, when and why it was not

reported.



In response to questions from Councilor Woodson regarding a request for

information on how the process was conducted, Mayor Wetherington advised that

he and the City Manager would be discussing how the process is handled now.



*** *** ***



EXECUTIVE SESSION:



Mayor Wetherington called attention to the earlier request to go into

executive session to discuss a personnel matter. Councilor Henderson moved the

Council go into executive session. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and

carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.



*** *** ***



At 11:25 a.m., the Council adjourned its regular meeting to go into

executive session. At 11:59 a.m., the Council reconvened it regular meeting,

at which time, Mayor Wetherington announced that the Council did meet in an

executive session to discuss a personnel matter, but there were no votes taken.



*** *** ***



LEGISLATIVE AGENDA RESOLUTION:



City Attorney Fay announced that Councilor Anthony has asked to abstain

from voting on the legislative agenda resolution regarding the Regional

Development Center. Councilor Henderson made the motion for Councilor Anthony

to abstain. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those

eight members present with Councilors McDaniel and Hunter having left the

meeting.



With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor

Henderson made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and

carried unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors McDaniel and

Hunter having left the meeting with the time being 12:00 p.m.





*** *** ***







Sandra T. Davis, DCMC

Deputy Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia







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