MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
WORK SESSION
MARCH 28, 2006
The regular monthly Work Session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 9:04 A.M., Tuesday, March 28, 2006, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Robert S. Poydasheff, Mayor,
and Honorable John J. Rodgers, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Poydasheff and Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers
were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson,
Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Nathan Suber and Evelyn
Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, and Deputy
Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present. Councilor Evelyn Turner Pugh
took her seat at 9:20 a.m.
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ABSENT: Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Councilor Wayne Anthony.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Robert S. Poydasheff.
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WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION:
Mayor Poydasheff recalled that last Friday and Saturday were two very
important days for Columbus. He thanked the members of Council for their
support of the ?Welcome Home Celebration? for our soldiers and the
memorializing for those that died. He then gave special thanks to Mr. Jim
Rhodes and Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers for getting the ball rolling for a Medal of
Honor Monument, which is located at the Government Center, the Eternal Flame
that recognizes all Veterans. He announced that Columbus has had four
recipients of the Medal of Honor with only one that is not deceased, Mr. Bob
Nett. He pointed out that every penny that was spent on the monument came from
private sources.
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JAPANESE STUDENT DELEGRATION
Ms. Jalana Robinson, came forward to speak about the ten high school girls
from our sister city, Kiryu, Japan. She pointed out the activities that the
girls have experienced during their visit to Columbus. She then introduced Ms.
Barbara Kabrauna, who is the chaperon for the group.
At this time, Ms. Barbara Kabrauna approached the rostrum to introduce
each one of the students. She expressed her appreciation to the Mayor and
members of Council, C.I.R.C.L.E board, Columbus State University and citizens
of Columbus for their warm welcome to this delegation. She said Kiryu and
Columbus are a prime example of the relationship that the world could
experience with some respect and trust.
Mayor Poydasheff announced that there is a reception scheduled for 5:00
p.m., on the Plaza Level of the Government Center for everyone to meet these
wonderful young people.
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PROCLAMATION:
?A. J. MCCLUNG SR. SALUTE TO EDUCATION GALA DAY?:
With Ms. Bunky Clark and Trenna Trice standing at the Council table,
Councilor Hunter read the proclamation of Mayor Poydasheff, proclaiming March
30, 2006 as ?A. J. McClung Sr. Salute To Education Gala Day?, in Columbus,
Georgia.
Ms. Bunky Clark came forward to accept the proclamation and to announce
the Inaugural A. J. McClung, Sr. Salute To Education Gala Day to be held on
Thursday, March 30, 2006, at the Trade Center. She said this is the first year
of an annual gala that the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) has chosen to start
a scholarship in honor of her father, Mr. A. J. McClung.
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CONSENT AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ZONING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND WERE ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT WITH MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND
COUNCILOR SUBER BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE (Councilor Turner Pugh was absent
for this vote but requested that her vote be cast in the affirmative upon her
arrival to this
meeting.)
An Ordinance (06-20) - Amending Chapter 17B of the Columbus Code by
prohibiting certain demonstrations within 300 feet of any funeral or memorial
service; and any other purposes.
An Ordinance (06-21) - Amending Chapter 11 of the Columbus Code by
providing a minimum fine of $200.00 for illegal parking in a fire lane.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2006 WAS
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL ON
SECOND READING:
An Ordinance (06-22) - Amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2006
beginning July 1, 2005 and ending June 30, 2006, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in
each fund for personnel actions and various other activities. Councilor
McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Suber and carried by a vote
of eight to one with Councilor Davis voting no and all other members present
voting yes with Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers being absent for this vote. (Councilor
Turner Pugh was not present for this vote but requested that her vote be cast
in the affirmative upon her arrival.)
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND
SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS
PRESENT WITH MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND COUNCILOR SUBER BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE (Councilor Turner Pugh was absent for this vote but requested that her
vote be cast in the affirmative upon her arrival to this meeting.)
A Resolution (117-06) - Authorizing a request for the acceptance of a deed
to Brooks Crossing Drive located in Brooks Crossing.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR NEW ZONING PETITIONS TO AMEND THE ZONING ATLAS OF
COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND A PUBLIC HEARING
WAS CALLED FOR EACH BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:
Petition submitted by Rick Gordon to rezone approximately 1.235 acres of
property located at 3151 Williams Road from LMI (Light Manufacturing /
Industrial) to GC (General Commercial). (Recommended for approval by both the
Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Division.) (17-A-06-Gordon)
Petition submitted by Jean Brown to rezone approximately 0.24 acre of
property located at 720 Brown Avenue & 2108 Amos Street from RMF1 (Residential
Multi-Family 1) to RO (Residential-Office). (Recommended for approval by both
the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Division.) (18-A-06-Brown)
Petition submitted by David Cummings to rezone approximately 18.6 acres of
property located at 3725 - 3741 Cusseta Road from GC (General Commercial) to
RMF2 (Residential Multi-Family 2). (Recommended for approval by both the
Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Division.) (19-A-06-Cummings)
Petition submitted by David Cummings to rezone approximately 6.0 acres of
property located at 3051 Victory Drive & 3230 Clarabelle Street from GC
(General Commercial) to RMF2 (Residential Multi-Family 2). (Recommended for
approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Division.)
(20-A-06-Cummings)
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Note: Councilor Turner Pugh arrived at the meeting during this part of the
proceedings and upon the insight of Mayor Poydasheff, she requested that her
vote be cast in the affirmative for the items on the Consent Agenda.
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WORK SESSION AGENDA:
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:
City Manager Hugley asked that we postpone the Legislative Agenda, because
Mr. Pete Robinson, from Troutman and Sanders, was expected to provide the
update; however, this is the last day for the Georgia General Assembly session
and he was unable to make it today.
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BIG BOX ORDINANCE:
City Manager Hugley also asked for a delay on the big box ordinance and
would bring this matter back at a Pre-Council Meeting or the next Council Work
Session.
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OUTDOOR EMERGENCY WARNING SIREN:
Mayor Poydasheff asked that Fire Chief Meyers and Mr. Riley Land get
together with the CCG-TV Manager to have a segment that displays all of the
sounds and warnings, as well as, the different permutations of that.
Fire Chief Jeff Meyers, was present to point out that we are getting into
the start of hurricane season. He then recognized Mr. Riley Land, who would be
making the presentation this morning.
Mr. Riley Land, Emergency Management Director, came forward provide the
presentation, which includes the outdoor warning system, the policies that
govern the sounding of that system and some background information on the
system itself.
Siren Warning System Facts:
Forty-Seven sirens are strategically placed throughout the county based on:
Topography
Population Density
Sound Coverage (70db)
Mayor Poydasheff briefly explained that the sound level could be
diminished due to high winds.
System made operational on April 22, 2003
Total project cost $1.38 M paid for with SPLOST funds
Totally electronic ? no moving parts
The system is capable of being used as a public address system
We currently use three of the 6 pre-programmed warning tones and messages
Each siren is equipped with battery backup allowing for continued operation
during power outages
The largest sirens in the system are capable of producing 4000 watts of audio
in siren mode and 500 watts in voice mode
Definitions:
WATCH
Issued when the risk of a hazardous weather event has increased significantly,
but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain.
It is intended to provide enough lead-time so those who need to set their plans
in motion can do so.
WARNING
Issued when a hazardous event is occurring or has a very high probability of
occurrence.
Warnings advise of a threat to life or property.
When are the sirens sounded:
Saturday Test
The sirens are tested every Saturday at noon
Sirens have the capability of electronic silent testing
The test consists of an introductory voice message and sounding of the three
siren tones for Tornado Warning, Severe Thunderstorm Warning and All Clear.
Councilor Davis expressed the concerns of some constituents that would
request a silent testing on Saturdays. Mr. Land pointed out that we do have
the capability for silent testing.
Tornado Warning Tone
Upon the receipt of a ?Tornado Warning? for Muscogee County from the National
Weather Service
If measured wind speeds in Muscogee County exceed 55 MPH
Upon the receipt of a tornado or funnel cloud sighting by a government official
Reports from citizens
Upon the report of a funnel cloud or tornado from an non-government official
(Citizen) the Columbus 911 Center will contact a patrol unit in the area of the
sighting for verification of sighting
Upon the confirmation of the sighting the sirens will be sounded
Councilor Anthony called attention to the recent storm and the delay that
occurred before the sirens were sounded. Mr. Land explained that not every
thunderstorm is dangerous. He said that we did sound the alarms according to
reports from neighboring Alabama.
At this time, Mr. Land provided the sounds that are associated with each
report of severe weather.
Tornado Warning Voice Message
Attention! A tornado warning has been issued. Seek shelter now. Do not
delay. Seek shelter now.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Tone
When winds speeds in the jurisdiction exceed 55 MPH while under a severe
thunderstorm watch
When under a severe thunderstorm watch we receive credible reports of serious
damage already occurring in the path of the thunderstorm
Upon the receipt of a tornado or funnel cloud sighting by a
Councilor Hunter pointed out that while listening to them now, it is easy
to distinguish between the different tones. He suggested sounding the sirens
regularly on the television and commercial channels to assist in familiarizing
the citizens with the tones. Mayor Poydasheff said that Mr. Land and Fire
Chief Meyers are planning to meet with the CCG-TV Manager to present the sirens
on the CCG-TV.
Thunderstorm Warning Voice Message
Thunderstorm Warning. Large hail and high wind is possible. Listen to radio
and TV for details
?All Clear Tone? ? Air Horn Tone
The ?All Clear Tone? can be used in situations other than severe weather
?All Clear Tone? is often not used at the expiration of a watch or warning.
Expiration is often much later and could be confusing to the public.
?All Clear Tone? Voice Message
All Clear. The emergency is over. All Clear. The emergency is over. Resume
your normal activities. All Clear.
Sources of Weather Information and Warning
National Weather Service
NOAA Tone Alert Radio
Weather Service Radar
Weather Service Web Page
NAWAS ? National Alert Warning System
The Weather Channel
Local TV and Radio
SKYWARN and Weather Nets ? HAM
800 Mhz radio system ? Reports from patrol units and fire/ems units
Reports from surrounding jurisdictions
Councilor Allen expressed similar concerns in that the television channels
were telling people to take cover; however, there was a significant time lag
before the sirens went off. Mr. Land explained that the television stations
are not governed by the same policies that we are; therefore, they have the
latitude to make judgment calls.
Mayor Poydasheff requested that Mr. Land get together with the managers of
the television stations to see if everyone could come up with some acceptable
uniform approach to this.
Watches and Warnings 2005 ? Muscogee County
WATCHES
Severe Thunderstorm- 8
Tornado ? 14
WARNINGS
Severe Thunderstorm - 9
Tornado - 1
Siren Warning System Myths
We cannot ?turn up? the volume on any of the sirens. They are at maximum audio
output.
The system is not designed to warn citizens in their homes.
It is not as important to understand the voice message as it is to hear and
react to the warning tone.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers asked about the expansion of the system as the
population of Columbus increases. Mr. Land said that we would continue to
request monies for additional sirens as the population increases.
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UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (UDO):
City Manager Hugley pointed out that the UDO is a complicated document and
Mr. Rick Jones would come forward first to outline how we plan to review this
document. He said that there have been some issues that have surfaced related
to what was passed in the UDO, and for this reason, we felt that we needed to
go back through a review process. He said that Deputy City Manager David
Arrington would be coming forward to talk about screening of garbage dumpsters
at commercial properties. He recognized that there are individuals present
that have and interest in this matter.
Using an overhead projector, Mr. Rick Jones, came forward to provide the
following presentation:
Review of the Unified Development Ordinance:
There are 13 Chapters in the UDO:
Chapter 1 General Provisions
Chapter 2 Zoning Districts
Chapter 3 Use Regulations and Standards
Chapter 4 General Development Standards
Chapter 5 Environmental Protection
Chapter 6 Resource Conservation
Chapter 7 Project Design Standards
Chapter 8 Land Development Activities
Chapter 9 Development Review Bodies
Chapter 10 Development Review Procedures and Permits
Chapter 11 Nonconformities
Chapter 12 Administration and Enforcement
Chapter 13 Definitions
The Heart of the UDO
Three Chapters are of Particular Importance:
Zoning Districts (Chapter 2)
Defines purpose and intent of each district
Establishes the Property Development Regulations (Lot Size, Setback
Requirements, etc.)
Use Regulations and Standards (Chapter 3)
Defines the Permitted, Special Exception and Prohibited uses
Provides for Accessory Uses and for Variances in each of the districts
General Development Standards (Chapter 4)
Identifies the needed standards for development in the community
Items include: Parking, Signs, Landscaping and Buffers, Tree Preservation, etc.
Timetable to Review the UDO
Over the next several months, the Planning Department is prepared to:
Review each of the ?Heart? chapters, in detail, with Council
Identify real issues and address them accordingly (GC vs. NC, RE1 vs. RE5)
Proposed timetable:
April - Zoning Districts - Chapter 2
May - Use Regulations and Standards - Chapter 4
June - General Development Standards - Chapter 4
Briefings may be held either at Pre-Council meetings, or at monthly Council
Work Sessions
Proposed changes from Council discussions could be handled immediately or
grouped together for one final action.
In response to Councilor Suber, Mr. Jones explained that the issue needs
to be resolved before the document is sent back to the Planning Advisory
Commission.
There suggestions on how the review would be handled. City Manager Hugley
pointed out that work sessions are only once a month; therefore, Pre Council
Briefing would be more suitable.
Deputy City Manager David Arrington approached the podium to explain that
issues regarding screening for trash bins are coming up now because it is time
sensitive and will impact some of the businesses. He said the businesses have
been expressing some concerns about the impact. He mentioned the meeting with
several of the waste hauling companies and some of their customers.
Section 4.2.1 Screening Required for Trash Areas
Section 4.2.1
Applies to all trash area, dumpsters, recycling bins, compacters, outdoor
storage area that are visible from any public street, or from residential uses
or zoning districts
Location:
Dumpster have to be located as to be reasonable accessible for trash collection
by sanitation vehicles
25 feet away from residential zoning district
Cannot be in public right of way
Screening:
All four sides
Gates to be closed when not used and be maintained in good use
Screened with materials of the same architectural style, color and materials as
the principal use
Screening enclosures to be kept in good repair
Minimum height 6 feet
Dumpsters to be placed on hard surface
Nonconforming Dumpsters:
?All existing nonconforming dumpsters in the Columbus Consolidated Government
jurisdiction, shall be in compliance with these regulations, with the exception
of the requirement for materials as described under paragraph B.2.(C) of this
section, NO LATER THAN 18 MONTHS FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE UDO. Materials
used for the screening of these dumpsters shall consist of either concrete,
fieldstone, brick, stucco or wood picket fence to provide for an opaque design
to screen the dumpster from the public?s view.?
Councilor Allen expressed concerns in that there is no mention of cleaning
the dumpster area to make sure there are no rodents are odors. City Manager
Hugley advised that this matter is identified in another code section regarding
solid waste.
Councilor McDaniel suggested that a sign or sticker be placed on the
dumpsters that have contact information. City Manager Hugley pointed out that
the owner of that particular company would receive the citation but said that
he would come back with the information on how we are handling this matter.
Councilor Davis asked about the number of Special Enforcement Officers for
the purpose of calling attention to the enforcement side, at which time, City
Manager initially stated there were five but later corrected that statement by
saying the number is four.
In addition to comments by Councilor McDaniel regarding contact information
on the dumpsters, Councilor Turner Pugh requested that City Attorney Fay get
involved in the process to find out whom we can legally contact.
There were some suggestions on how to remedy the problem. Councilor
McDaniel suggested eliminating the gate and just have the screening on three
sides.
After conferring with Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin, City Manager
Hugley reported that there are four Special Enforcement Officers and we find
out who the management is for apartment complexes through the rental office;
then, we cite the manager of the property.
City Manager Hugley then responded to questions from Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers
regarding the height of the screening, which is to be six feet. Mayor Pro Tem
Rodgers then suggested three sided screening to accomplish what we are hoping
to accomplish to protect residents from viewing the dumpsters.
After some discussion by Councilor Davis indicating that some dumpster may
need gate, where others may not. He said there are times where we could be
flexible; however, we may need to be stringent in other situations. City
Attorney Fay advised that we need to have a neutral requirement.
Several members of Council expressed their views in relation to making a
determination on three-sided screening versus four-sided screening for the
dumpsters. Councilor Suber suggested that we allow those on the other side of
this situation to come forward to let us know exactly what the issues are
concerning the screening of the dumpsters. He then made a motion to allow Mr.
Keith Paul to be heard. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously
by those ten members present for this meeting.
Mr. Keith Paul, spoke about the enforcement of the solid waste ordinance,
the increase of operational cost at about 42% for his business because of the
increased amount of time that would be needed and the increased risk of damages
to enclosures and gates. He suggested not having enclosures at all, when asked
by Councilor Allen for some potential solutions. Councilor Allen then
suggested that Mr. Paul, along with other local solid waste collection
businesses, check with other cities to gather information to present possible
solutions.
After some additional comments Mayor Poydasheff requested that the staff
check with other cities to see what they are doing so we can make a comparison
to get a better understanding of this matter.
Several members of Council express their concerns with keeping Columbus
clean. Councilor Turner Pugh specifically pointed out the dumpsters in front
of the apartment complex on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Mayor Pro Tem
Rodger pointed out that keeping the area clean is the owner?s responsibility
and the pick up of solid waste is the collection businesses responsibility.
Mr. Terry White, came forward to express his concerns with the gates and
four-sided screening but not necessarily with the three-sided screening. He
spoke of the concerns raised by his drivers in that they would prefer not to
get out of the truck in certain area, at which time, Councilor Turner Pugh
requested to be provided with the areas that the drivers had concerns with
getting out of the truck.
City Manager Hugley said that we could bring forward different concepts
that depend on the location of the dumpster, rather it is located on an
arterial road or close to a neighborhood, and situations dealing with similar
matters.
At this time, Deputy City Manager Arrington returned to the podium to show
slides of some nonconforming dumpsters that are consistent with the ordinance.
Issues With Non Conforming Dumpsters:
Cost to Businesses (42% increase in cost of waste hauling service)
Ability of Commercial Providers to Service
Compliance
Practicality
Aesthetics/Appearance
Deputy City Manager Arrington said that we are looking for some direction
in this matter. He maintained that we are considering the following:
maintaining the current requirements, remove the requirements for the
nonconforming existing dumpsters altogether, reduce the screening requirements
with some modification or go back to do some further research.
When Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers asked about comparisons with other cities, Mr.
Rick Jones contended that they did study other communities, because this was
one of the charges for the consultants that we working on this document.
Councilor Suber asked about input from the business community, at which time,
Mr. Jones said that the UDO was to dealing with anything built after it was to
go into effect and not existing dumpsters or nonconforming dumpsters; however,
the Council decided that we would go back and capture everything under
nonconforming uses.
Councilor Hunter expressed his concerns with having only three sides. He
said that if we are to have three sided screening; then, it would be for
situations where the dumpster is up against the location.
Councilor Turner Pugh said that we need to look at our ordinance and how
it relates to business that work on vehicles, junkyards and businesses of that
nature. She said that the business is suppose to have some screening and the
public is not suppose to be able to see the vehicles, but they are all over the
place. She said that we need to look at the ordinance and what we are doing to
make sure that it is being enforced. She then called attention to the business
on Macon Road that is right across the street from the Muscogee County
Library. Councilor Woodson requested that the auto parts stores need to be
looked at; especially on Victory Drive.
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Note: Councilor Anthony left the meeting during this part of the proceedings
with the time being 11:05 a.m.
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INDIVIDUAL LOT DRAINAGE:
Using an overhead projector, Deputy City Manager Arrington approached the
rostrum and recalled that at the last work session, we brought forward some
information on individual lot drainage ordinance and a possible alternative in
the form of the State Licensing Board on Contractors. He said that we
proceeded with determining if would be viable to enforce individual lot
drainage. He advised that we have met with the local Home Builder?s
Association. He then recognized the presence of Mr. Philip Thayer, who is with
the Home Builder?s Association and a member of the Georgia State Board of
Licensing for Contractors. He mentioned that some questions were submitted to
Mr. Thayer and he took them to the Executive Director of the Board, who
responded to our questions and provided us with some assurances that the Board
was headed in the direction that we wanted it to go from the standpoint of
providing warranty and the guidelines that would be utilized for that warranty,
specifically as it relates to individual lot drainage. He said that Board is
considering the Residential Construction Performance Guidelines with
incorporations of sections dealing with individual lot drainage.
He advised that we have been monitoring HB1542, which is a house bill that
extended the implementation date of these state licensing requirements on
contractors and was passed by the House. He said that basically what it says
is that instead of the contractor having to conform to the licensing
requirements and being subject to the regulations of the Board on July 1, 2007,
it would be January 1, 2008.
Councilor Turner Pugh requested to be provided with a copy of the
questions that were submitted to the Georgia State Contracting Board and the
proposed guidelines, as well as the responses.
City Manager Hugley said that if the Governor signs the legislation; then
that legislation would take care of the concerns we have regarding individual
lot drainage, but it is going to be 21 months before it becomes effective;
therefore, we have to make the decision about waiting on this legislation to
take effect or do we want to put some local legislation in place until the
State legislation takes effect.
When there was a question posed to Mr. Thayer, Councilor Suber made the
motion that Mr. Thayer be heard. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members present for this vote with Councilor Anthony
having already left the meeting.
Mr. Philip Thayer, approached the rostrum to provide some insight to the
area of discussion by the State Licensing Board. He said the discussions have
been referencing the written warranties and tying it to the Residential
Construction Performance Guidelines, which does have a section that covers
individual lot erosion and control.
Mayor Poydasheff said what the City is proposing would mirror what the
State is going to adopt with the difference being the effective date. He
mentioned that we could then sunset it when the Georgia Law takes effect
because there won?t be any inconsistencies. Mr. Thayer pointed out that the
issue with Moye Estate would not be covered under what we are trying to do
now. He said this is not going to solve some of the problems; there needs to
be some clarity on groundwater issues or individual lot drainage issues. Mr.
Thayer said that we, from the standpoint of the Home Builders Association,
would prefer not see anything enacted at this time. He maintained that the
City wait for the enactment of the State Legislation.
Councilor Turner Pugh requested that the staff set up a meeting with the
City Manager, Engineering Department, Mr. Thayer and some of the builders and
some of the residents of Moye Estate to have some discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers called attention to the 210 warranty. He said that
the 210 warranty and the arbitration provision are the essence of these State
regulations that would be administered from the State Examining Board. Mr.
Thayer explained that the 210 warranty is a company that issues third party
warranties to new home construction. He said what they do is reference
standards of conduct for the industry. Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers asked if there
would be a requirement for a warranty that is longer than the one-year
builder?s warranty, at which time, Mr. Thayer said it would be a written
warranty and the specific time frame has not been ironed out yet.
Mayor Poydasheff requested that each member of Council be provided with a
copy of the Performance Standard Guidelines Councilor Allen requested that
the staff set up a work session on the lot drainage process that covers it from
the beginning to the end, in particular: proper piping of creeks, streams and
water ways to include ground swells and the detention pond process.
In response to further questions from Councilor Suber regarding the
protection of the citizens when purchasing a new home, City Attorney Fay gave
some advise about the written warranties provided by the builder, which may or
may not cover drainage issues.
In conclusion, there was some further discussion on 210 warranties and the
legislation regarding individual lot drainage.
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COUNCIL MEETING VIDEO ON CCG?S WEBSITE:
Information Technology Director Charles Tate, came forward to provide
information about the Council Meeting videos being linked on the City?s
website. He said that any citizen, upon demand, could view the Council
Meeting. He pointed out that we purchased very inexpensive software that was
installed to be able to have this capability.
At this time, Mr. Donny Kent, provided a demonstration on the projector of
where to find the video and how to maneuver the website for viewing the Council
meeting Video.
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Note: Mayor Poydasheff left the meeting during this part of the proceedings
with the time being 11:35 a.m.
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City Manager Hugley commended the staff for being able to bring this video
to the website. IT Director Tate added that the software cost was $30.00.
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NEW AREA CODE:
City Manager Hugley read excerpts of a document that contained information
regarding the new 762 overlay area code. He read that, ?this would be
assigned only to new numbers within the 706/762 region. The new 762 does not
replace the 706 area code and customers would not have to change their
telephone numbers?. He went on to read about there being two area codes in the
same region, which would now cause residents to dial ten number beginning April
3, 2006.
Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers requested that City Manager Hugley have this
information to run on the CCG-TV.
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COTTONMOUTHS:
Councilor Henderson reminded everyone that the Cottonmouths would be
playing Huntsville tonight and suggested that everyone come out to support the
team.
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SENATE BILL 450:
Councilor Allen called attention to a fax he received from the City
Manager and requested an update on SB450. City Manager Hugley explained that
SB450 was legislation that would allow for pay increases for certain
constitutional officers and for county commissioners. He said there is a
longevity pay attached to SB450; this bill passed overwhelmingly on yesterday.
He maintained that some of our Council members were not in favor of that bill,
which was conveyed to the members of our delegation. He pointed out that our
delegation, with the exception of one, did vote against the bill; however, the
bill did pass.
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COUNCILOR HENDERSON?S MOTHER-IN-LAW:
Mayor Pro Tem Rodger expressed sincere condolences from the City Council
and the staff for the recent passing of Councilor Henderson?s mother-in-law.
Councilor Henderson publicly thanked the Clerk of Council?s Office, City
Manager?s Office and the City Council for their prayers, plants and outpour of
concern. He said it really meant a lot to his wife, Karen and the family.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Suber then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Turner Pugh,
which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with
Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote, with the time being 11:45 A.M.
*** *** ***
Sandra T. Davis
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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