MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 19, 2008
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M, Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 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, Jerry Barnes,
Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. and Evelyn
Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of
Council Tiny Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also
present.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Rev. Mike Ricker, Pastor of the United Methodist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Wynnton Arts Academy.
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PRESENTATION OF A GIFT FROM KIRYU, JAPAN:
Mr. Joe Riddle, Assistant Director of Community Reinvestment came forward
and said he and a delegation of six other people went to our Sister City Kiryu
Japan for ten days to represent the City as part of the Sister City Exchange
Program. He said the Mayor of Kiryu presented a tapestry expressing his thanks
for a great friendship and brotherhood over the last thirty years. At this
time Mr. Riddle presented the tapestry to the Mayor, Council and citizens of
Columbus, GA.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?COLUMBUS FIREFIGHTER AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES APPRECIATION
WEEK?:___________________________
With Chief Jeff Meyer and representatives from the Department of Fire and
Emergency Medical Services standing at the Council table, Councilor Henderson
read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming the week of August
26-29, 2008 as ?Columbus Firefighter and EMS Appreciation Week? in Columbus,
Georgia.
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?HOUSE OF HEROES MONTH?:
With Mr. Neil Block, Chairman of the Board and Ms. Susan Gerkin,
Coordinator standing at the Council table, Councilor Anthony read the
proclamation of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming the month of September as ?House
of Heroes Month? in Columbus, Georgia.
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?DRUGS DON?T WORK DAY?:
With Ms. Stephanie Cox, Chair, Ms. Wanda Rutledge and Ms. Marie Cordero
standing at the Council table, Councilor Baker read the proclamation of Mayor
Wetherington proclaiming Wednesday, August 27, 2008 as ?Drugs Don?t Work Day?
in Columbus, Georgia.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
COUNCILOR HUNTER AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____ _ __
A Resolution (382-08) ? Commending Columbus native and Arizona Cardinal,
Rod Hood for conducting the Rod Hood Football Camp. Councilor Hunter moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Gary
Allen and Glenn Davis being absent for this vote.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COLUMBUS CODE OF ORDINANCES WAS
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING:
_______________
An Ordinance (08-43) ? Amending Section 20-13.11 of the Columbus Code of
Ordinances, creating the North Lake Crossing Development Parking Management and
Enforcement District to include North Lake Parkway, North Lake Connector, North
Lake Loop and Bear Lane; and for other purposes. Councilor McDaniel moved the
adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS
SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS DELAYED ON SECOND
READING FOR TWO WEEKS BY THE COUNCIL:
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 5032 Buena Vista Road is
proposed for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to RMF1
(Residential Multi-Family 1) zoning district. (17-D-08-Demming)
The proposed use is for apartments. The Planning Advisory Commission
recommends approval and the Planning Department recommends denial.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion for a two-week delay. Seconded by
Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TEXT OF THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING BY
THE
COUNCIL:_________________________________
An Ordinance (08-44) ? Amending the text to the Unified Development
Ordinance to amend several typographical errors in Chapter 3 of the Unified
Development Ordinance. The Planning Advisory Commission and the
Planning Department recommend approval.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING
ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING BY
THE COUNCIL: _______________________________ ______________
An Ordinance (08-45) ? Rezoning property located at 2970 Glenbrook Drive
and property between the aforementioned property and I-185 are proposed for
rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to NC (Neighborhood
Commercial) zoning district. (23-CA-08-Hocutt) The proposed use is for
parking. The Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department
recommend conditional approval.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and unanimously by those ten members of Council present for
this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING
ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS APPROVED ON SECOND READING:
An Ordinance (08-46) ? Rezoning property located at 7778 Schomburg Road is
proposed for rezoning from SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) to RO
(Residential Office) zoning district. (24-CA-08-Mize/White) The proposed use
is for a clubhouse, pool, and mail kiosk for an apartment complex. The Planning
Advisory Commission and the Planning Department recommend conditional approval.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS DELAYED FROM THE AUGUST 12, 2008
COUNCIL MEETING WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A
PUBLIC HEARING HELD:______________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 2708 Warm Springs Road is
proposed for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to NC
(Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district. (22-A-08-McKenna) The proposed use
is for commercial/office/retail. The Planning Advisory Commission and the
Planning Department recommend approval.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner, Mr. McKenna was present, but he did not make another
presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning
ordinance.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COLUMBUS CODE OF ORDINANCES WAS
SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF DISCUSSION: _ ___
An Ordinance ? Amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code by renaming the
Public Safety Advisory Commission the Public Safety Review Commission;
providing authority to conduct investigations; providing authority to make
recommendations to the Mayor; and for other purposes.
Councilor Hunter said he is in support of the amendment to the ordinance.
He said independent civilian oversight committees exist all across the country
and many of the instances where they exist they do not come into existence
without some type of hesitancy on the part of local City Councils and Mayor.
He said generally once they have been formulated and in existence for a while
the community has learned that it is in the best interest of the community to
have these committees. He said there are a few members of our community that
want this, perhaps the president of the NAACP and the president of the local
NAACP. He said the reason why he is supporting this is because many people who
he has come into contact with have urged him to do what he could to see that
the Council brings this into fruition.
He then advised that this particular amendment to the ordinance does not
take away the power of the Police Department or any other Public Safety
Department to conduct internal investigations of its officers. He said in
section 2 subsections M in Paragraph 1; it notes that the commission may
conduct investigations only after the department has conducted internal
investigations and they are completed. He said in Paragraph 2; it says the
commission may make recommendations to the Mayor concerning any investigation,
which recommendation shall be advisory only. He said in Paragraph 3; it says
the commission may request that the Mayor or the Council initiate additional
studies for investigation of matters or incidents involving the Columbus Police
Department, Columbus Department of Fire/EMS or Muscogee County Prison. He said
this does not take away investigative powers; what it does is allows for an
independent review and if necessary recommendations to the Mayor.
Councilor Hunter advised that Marshal Greg Countryman has already pledged
to bring his office under the ordinance as it is amended. He then read a
letter of support from State Representative Carolyn Hugley.
Councilor McDaniel said he is not going to vote to have anyone oversee the
Public Safety Department. He said we have a good Public Safety Department and
they know what they are doing. He said he does not see any need for the
commission.
Mayor Wetherington stated that Councilor Hunter brought up some valid
concerns, but his position has not changed on supporting the Review
Commission. He said we have a great Public Safety Department and we have
oversight for all of the Public Safety people. He said if a complaint comes
in, we have a professional standards group that investigates that.
He said we also have the FBI, GBI, Personnel Review Board, the Grand Jury, and
the Mayor as the Director of Public Safety. He said creating different groups
would put politics back in the Police Department if we were not careful.
Councilor Henderson said he agrees with some of the comments made by
Councilor Hunter. He said he thinks we are not achieving as much effectiveness
as we should. He said he does feel that the Advisory Commission is
accomplishing some of the objectives that were in mind.
He said it is partly our fault because we have not given them a very clear road
map as to what they are supposed to be doing as an Advisory Committee. He
said he thinks there are some things they can do to help increase
accountability and bridge some of the gaps in communication. He said he
thought that there would be a discussion with the Public Safety Advisory
Commission, before this came up on first reading, to hear their views on some
of the hurdles that they felt were in the way so that we could come back in a
Work Session and maybe clear up some of those hurdles. He then said he is not
inclined to support the ordinance as it is written, but he does think there
would be some amendments to the existing ordinance that created the advisory
commission.
Councilor Anthony said we will try to meet with the commission, but they
have gone to only meeting once a quarter. He said the process is to take a
look at what we have and said that is a part of their frustration because they
feel as though they are wasting their time. He said they don?t feel like they
can review anything that has happened in the past to see what kind of
recommendation they might have to improve situations.
PROPONENTS:
Paul Olson, 13830 Upatoi Lane, approached the rostrum stating that he
agrees with Councilor Hunter. He said Councilor Hunter is answering to his
constituents and he applauds him in that respect. He said we need to have more
openness because if we don?t have that openness certain things are covered up.
Mr. Olson made reference to a previous situation involving the Fire
Department. He stated that there was certain information that was covered up.
He also referred to a previous situation involving the Sheriff?s Department.
He said what we are talking about is SOP (Standard Operating Procedures). He
said when we talk about SOPs a lot of times we need people from outside looking
in to receive an accurate dialogue of what may be going on.
In response to Mr. Olson?s comments, Mayor Wetherington advised that the
case involving the Fire Department was investigated thoroughly and there was
absolutely no cover up on this matter.
Bill Madison, 970 Overlook Drive, came forward and gave thanks to
Councilor Hunter for his display of courage. He said it would be a travesty if
this Council would not come in with a Citizens Review Commission to look over
the shoulders, after the fact, of those who are in need of someone looking over
their shoulders. He said there are decisions that are rendered by courts in
this town that are wrong, they are improper and have no basis in law. He said
we have a real problem. He said he is not happy with Mayor Wetherington?s
refusal to have an Oversight Committee. He said Columbus deserves to have a
government that?s of the people, by the people and for the people and until we
have that we are not going to have justice or peace in Columbus, Georgia.
Councilor Anthony said this is coming across as a criticism to the Police
Department and the extraordinary job that they are doing. He asked that Chief
Rick Boren come forward to share some of the certifications and recognitions
that the Police Department has received.
Chief Rick Boren came forward and said we are State certified and National
accredited. He said we are the only law enforcement agency in this area that
is. He said if an officer does wrong, we call it wrong, we take care of the
situation and we move on. He said if an investigation is extended there is a
reason for that, and said we do not cover up investigations.
He also said he supports his department, as well as the citizens of this
community.
C. A. Hardman, 5313 Buena Vista Road, approached the rostrum and said all
we are asking for is government accountability and transparency.
He said he would like to thank Councilor Anthony and Councilor Hunter for being
objective and open. He said the people are crying out for this; and said this
is about the people at the top of the structure for the Columbus Consolidated
Government. He said the citizens are first and are at the very top so please
do not lose site of that and please vote yes for the Citizens Review Commission.
Edward Dubose, State President-NAACP, came forward and read letters from
Senator Ed Harbison and Congressman Sanford Bishop expressing their support of
the ordinance for the Citizens Review Board and requesting that the Mayor and
Council show their support to amend the ordinance. After reading the letters
Mr. Dubose gave thanks to Councilor Hunter and Councilor Anthony. He said this
is not against Chief Boren and the police department because they do a good job
every day. He said this is not a war between or against Public Safety this is
a partnership and an opportunity for the citizens and Council to partner
together. He said the other duty for this Commission would be to recommend
policy changes. Mr. Dubose stated this is about accountability and
partnership. He said give us the opportunity to provide upstanding citizens
with a chance to sit down and partner with the police to make Public Safety
better. He said when the issue is avoided, it makes it seem as though there is
something to hide.
Joe Andrews, President-Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, 1633 5th
Avenue, approached the rostrum expressing his concerns as they relate to
amending the ordinance. He said this is a community issue and at some point we
are going to deal with it. He said we are going to let you see people that
want this and we are going to do it in a democratic way. He said right
thinking people would join us and march with us to show you that we want it.
He said he is reasonably sure that corporations and businesses in this
community would like to see us resolve this issue.
Walter Gould, 2419 Cole Drive, came forward and said when the Council
wants to find out how to do something in this city they go to other cities to
get suggestions and recommendations. He said the Council comes back and
implements some of those recommendations. He said he researched this issue and
found that a lot of cities have exactly what this city is trying to acquire
right now.
Bert Coker, 5815 Ventura Drive, came forward to address some of the
remarks made by Mayor Wetherington. He said he understands that drugs and
alcohol are bad. He said he actually lost a couple of family members due to
drugs and alcohol. He reiterated the situation that happened with the Fire
Department and said no one said there was a cover up.
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THE FOLLOWING TWENTY-ONE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM PUGH 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 NINE
MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME WITH COUNCILOR HENDERSON BEING ABSENT
FOR THIS VOTE: _
A Resolution (383-08) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Shirley Gaultney
upon her retirement with Columbus Police Department/E-911 after 15 years of
service.
A Resolution (384-08) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Jack Friou for his
meritorious service on the Airport Commission of Columbus.
A Resolution (385-08) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Kelvin Welch for
his meritorious service on the Uptown Fa?ade Board of Columbus.
A Resolution (386-08) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Neil Clark for his
meritorious service on the Uptown Fa?ade Board of Columbus.
A Resolution (387-08) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Mark Renner for his
meritorious service on the Uptown Fa?ade Board of Columbus.
A Resolution (388-08) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Robert Cullinan for
his meritorious service on the Taxicab Commission of Columbus.
A Resolution (389-08) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Wallace Archie for
his meritorious service on the Taxicab Commission of Columbus.
A Resolution (390-08) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Joann Chester for
her meritorious service on the Family & Children Services Board of Columbus.
A Resolution (391-08) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Bill Webster for
his meritorious service on the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Columbus.
A Resolution (392-08) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Michael Corrandino
for his meritorious service on the Civic Center Advisory Board of Columbus.
A Resolution (393-08) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Virgil Thompson for
his meritorious service on the Civic Center Advisory Board of Columbus.
A Resolution (394-08) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Andrea Richardson
for her meritorious service on the Tree Board of Columbus.
A Resolution (395-08) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Mildred Wynne for
her meritorious service on the Tree Board of Columbus.
A Resolution (396-08) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Nancy Hopkins for
her meritorious service on the Golf Authority of Columbus.
A Resolution (397-08) - Expressing appreciation to Mr. Timmy Hess for his
meritorious service on the Public Safety Advisory Board of Columbus.
A Resolution (398-08) -Expressing appreciation to Mr. Frank Porter for his
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission of Columbus.
A Resolution (399-08) -Expressing appreciation to Mr. Greg Paul for his
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission of Columbus.
A Resolution (400-08) -Expressing appreciation to Ms. Ann Davis for her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission of Columbus.
A Resolution (401-08) -Expressing appreciation to Ms. Cheryl Johnson for
her meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission of Columbus.
A Resolution (402-08) -Expressing appreciation to Ms. Lynna Spencer for
her meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission of Columbus.
A Resolution (403-08) -Expressing appreciation to Mr. Michael Moshell for
his meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission of Columbus.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MS. MARY BODE, REPRESENTING MUSCOGEE COUNTY JUVENILE DRUG COURT, RE:
COMMENTS FROM THE JUVENILE DRUG COURT ADVISORY
BOARD:_________________
Ms. Mary Bode came forward and provided information to the Mayor and
Council with respect to the services they provided on last year. She said
the Juvenile Drug Court provided services to 117 youth and currently has 57
participants active today. She said we have had 224 graduates and 12
participants are on track to graduate this October. She said we continue to
substantially reduce delinquent activity in the community. She advised that
these graduates, prior to coming into the program, committed a total of 513
delinquent acts; while in the program and during the after care they only
committed a total of 78 delinquent acts, which is a 85% reduction in delinquent
activity. She advised that only 13 participants re-offended during active
involvement in the program, which represents an 8% recidivism rate.
She stated that Drug Court participation has led to a substantial re-engagement
in the educational process. She said the Drug Court Program was selected as
the spot light court and have been asked to attend the National Conference
conducted by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals in St. Louis
Missouri.
In concluding her remarks, Ms. Bode thank the Mayor and Council for their
continued support of the Juvenile Drug Court program.
Councilor Hunter, Mayor Pro Tem Pugh and Councilor Barnes expressed their
appreciation to Ms. Bode and congratulated her on the success of the program.
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MR. JOSHUA MCKOON, REPRESENTING THE MUSCOGEE COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY, RE:
SISTER CITY ZUGDIDI, GEORGIA:
Mr. Joshua McKoon, did not respond when given the opportunity to address
the Council.
City Manager Hugley said he received an email from Mr. McKoon on yesterday
indicating that he would not be able to attend the meeting today, but said he
has asked us to see if we can provide some assistance to our Sister City,
Zugdidi.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: GARBAGE PICK-UP:_________________
Mr. Paul Olson, made several comments pertaining to the bid advertisements
listed on the City Manager?s agenda. He said he disagrees with having a study
to establish a waste collection fee and said it would be a waste of money. Mr.
Olson also expressed concerns relating to the integrated waste management
fund. He said he does not agree with trash pick-up being only once a week.
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MR. BERT COKER, RE: GARBAGE PICK-UP, DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GARBAGE
TRUCKS, CITY VEHICLES:__
____
Mr. Bert Coker came forward and said the other day we had a meeting,
called by the City Manager, concerning waste pick-up. He said in the meeting,
there was discussion about garbage pick-up being decreased to one day a week
and also the increase of the garbage collection fee. Mr. Coker showed pictures
of several areas where he said there was trash that had not been picked up for
some time.
Mr. Coker said the Development Authority is an autonomous body that does
what it wants to. He said they the discretions to give tax breaks and not give
tax breaks, and said something needs to be done about that. He also made
remarks regarding garbage trucks and city vehicles.
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MR. JIM RHODES, RE: RECYCLING, RECOMMENDATION OF SUMMER/WINTER GARBAGE
PUCK-UP:__
Mr. Jim Rhodes did not come forward when given the opportunity to address
the Council.
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MR. LORENZA WILDER, RE: SPEEDING IN SCHOOL ZONES, GARBAGE
PICK-UP:__
____
Mr. Lorenza Wilder came forward and said about a year ago he came before
the Council to speak about our children. He said some time ago there was a
child that was hit by a car on Amber Drive. He said for the last few days he
has walked Amber Drive, Wilder Drive, Steam Mill Road, Northstar Drive and St.
Mary?s Road. He said there isn?t any side walks on Wilder Drive or Higgs
Street. He said he has called the Police Department on several occasions to
report the speeding but there has not been anything done about it.
Mr. Wilder said if garbage pick-up were cut to once a week there would be
an excessive amount of garbage on the streets.
About twenty minutes of discussion went on relating to garbage pick-up
with the City Manager and members of Council expressing their thoughts and
views.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO 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 PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH COUNCILOR
WOODSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:
A Resolution (404-08) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with M.
Jordan Roofing, Inc., in the amount of $294,704.00, for roofing services. M.
Jordan Roofing will provide all labor, equipment and materials required to
install a new SBS modified bitumen roof system at the Government Center Tower.
The work also includes repainting the Helipad symbol to match the existing
design and color.
A Resolution (405-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of four (4) 26-foot buses
from National Bus Sales (Marietta, GA) in the amount of $349,712.00 ($87,428.00
each). The purchase will be made via Georgia State Contract
#48400-140-0000003154B.
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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
___________________________
A Resolution (406-08) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with
Columbus Bank & Trust for banking services. It is expected that the qualified
banking institute will offer the highest quality service at the best cost to
the taxpayers, and will maintain efficient operation and optimal return on
investment of idle cash for the benefit of the City. Contracting with Columbus
Bank & Trust will enable the City to invest balances overnight and receive
revenue from the money invested overnight.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Henderson requested permission to
abstain from voting on this resolution. Councilor Baker so moved. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those members present, with
Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
Councilor Allen then made a motion to adopt the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those seven members present at the
time, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilor Henderson abstaining and
Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:
(1) Memorandum from ACCG, Re: DHR Budget Recommendations.
(2) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Jensen Melton, Councilor McDaniel?s nominee to
replace Ms. Andrea Richardson on the Tree Board.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLANED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:________________________
_________
A Resolution (407-08) ? Approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of July 2008.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Davis and Woodson being absent for this
vote.
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THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK
OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:____________
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close the 1200 Block of
Broadway from 12th Street to 13th Street, on August 23 & 24, 30 & 31, from
12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m., in connection with ?Uptown Columbus Security?.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of the application. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Davis and Woodson being absent for this
vote.
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS,
WHICH WERE OFFICIALLY BY THE COUNCIL: _
______________________________
Animal Control Advisory Board, August 12, 2008.
Board of Elections & Registration, May 1, 2008.
Board of Elections & Registration, June 12, 2008.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 28-08.
Convention & Trade Center Authority, May 22, 2008.
Development Authority, May 1, 2008.
Development Authority, May 30, 2008.
Development Authority, June 5, 2008.
Development Authority, July 10, 2008.
Uptown Facade Board, July 21, 2008.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Davis and Councilor Woodson being absent
for this vote.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Ms. Cynthia Maisano had resigned
her position on the board; therefore a nominee is needed to fill her seat.
There were no nominations.
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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. James D. Yancey is not
eligible to succeed himself for another term of officer, therefore a nominee is
needed for his seat. There were no nominations.
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KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Councilor Barnes is working on
getting a replacement to fill the seat of Mr. Earnest Baulkmon
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PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Ms. Jennifer Melvin has been
nominated to replace Mr. Veronis Hall on the Personnel Review Board and that
she may now be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved confirmation.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
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TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington asked that action be delayed on filling the
seat of Mr. Wallace Archie on the Taxicab Commission. She advised that the
Commission is working on some recommendations.
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TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Councilor McDaniel is nominating
Mr. Jensen Melton to replace Ms. Andrea Richardson on the Tree Board and said
this matter would be brought back for confirmation in the next two weeks.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Councilor Woodson is nominating
Mr. Darren McCray for District 7 on the Youth Advisory Council. Mayor Pro Tem
Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously
by those nine members present at the time, with Councilor Davis being absent
for this vote.
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OTHER COMMENTS AND REQUESTS FROM COUNCIL:
SISTER CITY ZUDIDI, GA:
Councilor Woodson requested that the email sent to the City Manager from
Mr. Joshua McKoon be forwarded to the members of C.I.R.C.L.E.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY REVIEW COMMISSION:
Councilor Woodson asked Councilor Hunter to contact some of the other
members that have concerns with the Public Safety Review Commission. She said
Items Number 1 through 3 needs to be explained a little better to receive
additional support.
Councilor Anthony said the Public Safety Advisory Committee will be
meeting Thursday afternoon and said he would speak with a couple of his
colleagues about meeting with that group.
CLUBVIEW AREA:
Councilor Anthony said there were two questions posed from the Clubview
area. He said they would like to know what the status is on the neighborhood
watch signs.
He also asked about the houses that had the underground problem, if that
property were sold would it be rezoned in any other classification.
City Manager Hugley said we bought those two homes, two of the three have
been settled and said he does not anticipate that they would be rezoned.
*** *** ***
SURVEYS:
Councilor Barnes stated three weeks ago he had asked about surveys on
Celia Drive and Wellborn Drive. He asked City Manager Hugley what is the
status on those surveys.
City Manager Hugley said Liz Turner has that information down stairs.
Councilor Barnes said there was some communication to him by some of the
residence and said he has discussed it with Ms. Donna Newman. He said he asked
Ms. Newman to reference the requirements for citizens to go out and do a
survey. He said he does not think citizens should be required to do that. He
said we have asked the citizens to support a 1% sales tax, which they were
gracious enough to do. He said a lot of us here are not in the financial
situation of a lot of the citizens. He said a lot of our citizens work two
jobs and they are beat at the end of the day. He said he thinks that it is
unfair to ask the citizens to go door to door to their neighbors to conduct a
survey. He said if it is an ordinance it needs to be re-looked.
Councilor Barnes said he has stood on Celia Drive, Wellborn Drive and
Gettysburg Way and there are some traffic problems. He said there really needs
to be something in place to prevent persons from speeding. He said maybe
putting down strips is the key at least until we get enough public safety
officers on the street. He requested that a survey be done on Celia Drive,
Wellborn Drive and Gettysburg Way because he has received consistent complaints
from citizens.
City Manager Hugley said Deputy City Manger Arrington would be coming
forward to speak to the policy regarding going out when we receive calls
regarding speeders.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said in response to numerous requests and a
huge backlog of complaints about speeding in neighborhoods, we have examined
the traffic calming procedures in a number of other communities.
He said we have a backlog of hundreds of traffic study requests and our concern
is, based on one call, communities that have a significant problem are going to
be placed at the end of the list. He said if it were a significant problem
within a community there would be sufficient interest for multiple people to
get involved and engage in a brief survey of their neighbors to initiate a
traffic calming study. He said we brought our research to Council in
conjunction with our traffic calming policy and the placement of speed bumps
and other solutions. He said we are only asking the communities involvement in
conducting an initial survey that if several citizens in the neighborhood felt
like there was a problem they would complete the survey, which would trigger a
traffic study and we would come out and do it.
He said following that, if it was indicated that there was a problem then our
staff would take on the responsibility to go out and meet with the neighborhood
to try to determine what the best solution would be to address that traffic
calming policy.
City Manager Hugley said Liz Turner would get the information requested.
He said we have a list with maybe three hundred individuals.
He said we do not have a problem with revisiting the policy. He said if
Council wants to make a change requiring no citizen involvement, that one phone
call can trigger the study, we can do that but what we have to keep in mind is
that if we do that, the list may go from three hundred to one thousand and the
response time would be longer. He said when it comes down to it, our options
are to have officers out there to enforce the speed limit or to go in and put
traffic calming devices on those streets or a combination of both.
Discussion continued for another 15 minutes on this matter with City
Manager Hugley and Council members expressing their further views.
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OTHER COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS AND COUNCIL:
MR. EDWARD DUBOSE, STATE PRESIDENT-NAACP:
Mr. Dubose said a couple of weeks ago a lady and a baby were hit by a car
on Buena Vista Road. He said he just happened to be on the scene when the
incident happened. He said there were over one hundred people who were on the
scene, as well. He said the thing that bothers him the most was the baby
lying in the street dead with a cover over her. He said the mother of the baby
was in distress asking the police officers to get her baby off of the ground.
He said a corporal office told her that if she did not get back she would be
arrested. Mr. Dubose said the baby was lying there like a dead animal. He
said there needs to be someone on the scene who can engage in crisis
intervention when this type of situation occurs. He said to say to a lady
whose child is lying in the road dead, ?get back or I am going to arrest you?,
won?t work in most cases because, at that point, arrest is the last thing that
is on their mind. He said eventually the grandmother came on the scene and the
officer was really tough. He said the scene was a horrible scene. He said the
mother of the child was walking up and down the street trying to make sense out
of the situation and the officer was continuously confronting her. He said if
you go back and look, at 9:36 p.m. the baby was pronounced dead and at 10:00
p.m. the baby was still on the street. He said it would be good to look into
training an officer to have the type of response necessary for that type of
situation.
*** *** ***
MR. PAUL OLSON, 13830 UPATOI LANE:
Mr. Paul Olson came forward and made more comments relating to the garbage
collection fees and recycling.
He also made comments regarding the attendance record of the Council
members. He said the City Charter requires that there only be two meeting per
month, one for work sessions and one night meeting, with proclamations being on
a called meeting. He said we have one hundred and eighteen total absences and
all of them have been excused. He said in the City Charter it states if you
have an unexcused absence there is a deduction of 2% of your annual pay.
*** *** ***
MR. BILL MADISON, 970 OVERLOOK DRIVE:
Mr. Madison said when the 1% sales tax up for vote, he voted against it
because he saw too many people going in and out of our jail without any effort
being put forth by the city administration. He said recently the Muscogee
County Prison Authority came up with a fine program that he has been very
pleased about. He said he feels that the Mayor and City Council do a
tremendous job.
He said because of the need to have a Commission is not against the Police
Department; it is a commission across the board to cover other areas in the
city that the courts do not cover sufficiently.
*** *** ***
MR. TOM WYATT, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
Mr. Tom Wyatt came forward and thanked the Mayor and Council for what they
do in City of Columbus. He also gave thanks to the Council for approving the
River Walk Project.
*** *** ***
MS. STEPHANIE COLEY, 6225 OLD TOWNE DRIVE:
Ms. Stephanie Coley came forward and asked the Council to please
reconsider the issue of 6225 Old Towne Road, which was denied for a personal
care home on last week. She said she would like the Council to reconsider
because the people who were directly affected by the denial would like to be
heard but they could not be present because of their disabilities. She asked
if a couple of the Councilors would meet with those individuals privately.
She said we have done this for fifteen years without any financial help
from the City and they are dedicated to this service.
Councilor McDaniel said he did not think that the vote could be
reconsidered because the vote was unanimous.
City Attorney Fay said a member of the Council that voted in the majority
could make a motion for reconsideration.
Mayor Pro Tem Pugh said it is not the fact that we don?t that good service
is provided; it is the number of clients that are going to be in a residential
neighborhood. She said most of us have group homes in our neighborhood but
they have that number of people in one place and that was the issue.
Councilor Henderson said there was never a vote to approve the request. He
said there was a motion to approve, but said the motion was later withdrawn. He
said he believe wholeheartedly in what you are doing.
Councilor Baker said the issue is not that we didn?t want you to provide
the services; however, there were some concerns as to the number of residents
that you wanted to have in the residence.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner then went into further details in explaining the
process to Ms. Coley.
Councilor Anthony said he appreciates what Ms. Coley is doing having spent
a number of years working in that field. He said if we make an exception for
her, we would have to make an exception for others.
Ms. Coley said there is a group home located on Alta Vista Drive that has
twenty residents and said there is also another one that has more than twenty
residents.
After more than fifteen minutes of discussion on this subject, this matter
was concluded.
*** *** ***
MS. LINDA GEORGE, #6 OLD GREENWOOD LANE:
Ms. Linda George said when she lived in Columbus she was very active in
the City. She said she is pretty sure that there are 102 mailboxes on Old
Towne Drive. She said if there has been a petition filed she would urge that
they be checked to see if they were actual residents of Old Town Drive.
*** *** ***
With there being no additional business for the Council to discuss, Mayor
Wetherington then entertained a motion for adjournment. Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Davis being absent
for this vote, with the time being 12:20 p.m.
Tiny Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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