MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 17, 2015
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 5:37 P.M., Tuesday, November 17, 2015, on the 2nd Floor of the
Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia
Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor and Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro
Tem presiding.
*** *** ***
PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn
Turner Pugh were Councilors Mike Baker, Tom B. Buck III, Berry H. Henderson,
Judy W. Thomas and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney
Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey Glisson were also present.
Councilor Jerry Barnes took his seat at 5:42 p.m. Councilor Glenn Davis took
his seat at 5:43 p.m.
-----------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
ABSENT: Councilors R. Gary Allen and Bruce Huff were absent.
-----------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
INVOCATION: Offered by Deputy City Manager Lisa
Goodwin.
----------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Teresa Tomlinson.
------------------------------------*** ***
***----------------------------------
RAPID RESOLUTION PROGRAM:
District Attorney Julia Slater, Public Defender Moffett Flournoy and Mr.
Steve Craft appeared before the Mayor and Council to provide an update on the
Rapid Resolution Program.
District Attorney Julia Slater came forward and said she wanted to thank
the Mayor and Council for allowing them to be here on tonight to come back and
talk to you about the Rapid Resolution Program that you allowed them to put in
place. She said that you will hear a lot of numbers and statistics about how
the program has being going. She said these figures will be presented by Mr.
Steve Craft of the Public Defender?s Office. She said she wanted to let you
know from her prospective, as the District Attorney in this Circuit, that it
has not only allowed them to handle cases in a more efficient manner within her
office, but it has also allowed them to clear some of those cases so that the
trial attorneys could concentrate on the more complicated cases; those that
might go to trial. She stated that since the program has started 147 of those
have been victim cases; which means that where there has been a named victim of
a crime, that because of the Rapid Resolution Program, that victim has been
able to move into closure. She said if there is restitution that is owed, they
can get an order on those cases. She said it has not only helped their office,
but the citizens of the Circuit as well.
Ms. Slater then introduced the assistant district attorneys who work with
the program from the District Attorney?s office, which includes Mr. Michael
Craig and Mr. Dallas Cox.
Mr. Moffett Flournoy of the Public Defender?s Office then came forward and
introduced those employees who work with the program from his office, to
include Ms. Rachelle Hunter, Ms. Catherine Rhoades, Ms. Robin King, attorneys
who worked in the courts on this program; and Mr. Steve Craft, who oversees the
program and will come forward and present the report to the Mayor and
Council.
Mr. Moffett Flournoy, Circuit Public Defender said he wants to thank the
Mayor and Council for their support, as this program has had a huge impact, not
only on their clients, but the community, as well. He said he think it is the
right thing for everybody.
Public Defender, Steve Craft said he wanted to point out that this is the
Rapid Resolution Program, and not the Rapid Release Program. He said their goal
was to reduce the timeframe from incarceration to case disposition. He said
there are two factors that we all talked about and agreed upon, which is the
cost factor; to calculate that and the average time in jail. He then stated
that most of the cases are resolved within two weeks. He said there was a
240-day average of cases being resolved, now we have gotten it down to a 43-day
average. He said with the average cost of jail costing $10 a day we have saved
over $406,000 in 4 ? months. He said we have moved as many as 43 cases in one
day.
Mr. Craft then gave the following snapshot of the program as of November
10, 2015, to include the following information.
Total MCI Inmates 296
Released Same Day 123
Released Later 51
Sent to Prison 66
RSAT/PDC 12
Other Pending Charges 7
Returned to Jail (BLO) 22
Holds other juris 16
Original 156
Transfer 135
Total Jail Defendants 285
Days Served 40,643
Total Saving $406.643
Average Days to Disp 53
Original 43
Transfer 62
Warrant Dismissed 7
Private Attorney 18
Total Jail Census Reduction 5%
Pending Felony Jail Census Reduction 12%
The savings is based on old average of 240-days (8 months) and $10 instant jail
savings. However, this does not include high medical cost savings, i.e. chemo,
surgery, dialysis, etc.
After Mr. Craft concluded his presentation, members of the Council
expressed their views on this program, and afterwards, Mr. Craft then responded
to question of Mayor Tomlinson and members of the Council.
Councilor Thomas asked did they anticipate an increase in the program and
its saving.
Mr. Craft stated that, yes it will be a plateau with the program but he
believes that we still have room to grow, and if we add in the medical cost we
can average about $125,000 to $150,000 per month.
Councilor Thomas asked, how has the legal community responded to this
Rapid Resolution Program.
Mr. Craft stated that at first there was some push back, because they
thought it would be ran like a catch and release program, but that is not the
case; so far, we have had less than 1% of our cases come back.
Mayor Tomlinson requested to have someone who is a statistician get the
average number for the soft cost of the program. She said she think that would
be interesting. Mr. Craft said he could probably work on that.
-----------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_
_
An Ordinance (15-55) ? Amending the text of the Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO) to create a new permitted use, new parking requirements, and a
new definition: Recreational Establishment. The amendment will permit
recreational establishments (crossfit, rock climbing, batting cages, tennis
centers, etc.) to locate in the following zoning classifications: GC (General
Commercial), LMI (Light Manufacturing/Industrial), and MROD (Mill Restoration
Overlay District).
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance (15-56) ?Rezoning properties located at 1301 6th Avenue from
LMI (Light Manufacturing Industrial) zoning district to GC (General Commercial)
zoning district. The proposed use is retail.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Buck and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance (15-57) ?Amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2015
beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in
each fund for various activities; and for other purposes.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance (15- 58) ?Amending Ordinance No. 15-24, the budget for the
Fiscal Year 2016 beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016, for certain
positions of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; and for other
purposes..
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:
____
An Ordinance ? Amending Section 3-5 of the Columbus Code pertaining to
Prohibited Locations so as to remove all distance restrictions for off premises
sales of alcohol by grocery stores in certain zoning districts.
Councilor Henderson stated that any time we have a request to amend an
Ordinance regarding the alcohol sales that it should be ran by the police
department first.
Councilor Henderson said he would like for this be sent to the Police
Department and Yvonne Ivey before it is voted on next week.
Councilor Thomas said she want to thank the City Attorney?s office for
working with them to get this ordinance to this point. She stated that when
this first started 85% of the grocery store had to sale food, but that ended up
being not as air tight as we thought. She said that is why we now want to go by
the State definition where the store has to be at least 10,000 square feet.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like to make sure that in the
future, any time we have an ordinance that deals with alcohol, let?s make sure
that the staff would add a staff report to any Ordinance that deals with
alcohol. City Attorney Fay said that they will do that.
REQUEST FOR A RESOLUTION:
Councilor Barnes requested the City Attorney to prepare a resolution for
Ms. Miriam Halic.
-----------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
PUBLIC AGENDA
MR. JERRY JACKSON & MR. JOHN RIVERS, REPRESENTING FORREST ROAD CHURCH OF
CHRIST, RE: HARDSHIP:________
Mr. Jerry Jackson and Mr. John Rivers, representing Forrest Road Church of
Christ, came forward to address an issue that they have been experiencing with
parking at their church; which they stated was a hardship.
Mr. Jackson stated that in March of 2014 he spoke to Mr. Rick Jones and
Mr. David Arrington. Mr. Jackson stated that when he spoke to Mr. Arrington at
the time, Mr. Arrington stated that it was a hardship because the church would
be losing parking spaces and that he would give them more funds. He also stated
that in June of 2014 that the church was served with papers stating that they
would get a certain amount of money.
Mr. Rivers stated that on the tax map information that they have, it is
showing both plots belonging to the church, but once they finished the design
documents and submitted them for permit we found out that we needed to replat
the parcel and merge them all into one address. He said 5A had been discovered
that it was the property of the City and not the church. He said the church
would like the City to enter into a long term agreement with them with the
appraised value of the land.
Mr. Jackson stated that the proposed long term lease be set at $1 per year
for the next 50 years.
After Mr. Jackson and Mr. Rivers concluded their presentation, City
Manager Isaiah Hughley then gave an account of what transpired as far as the
City has done. He stated that he had the Community Reinvestment Manager, Laura
McCool go out to the property to assess it and seen that they had only lost
about 1,400 square feet of space and they were compensated at 1.60 per sq. ft
and the total amount that they received was $8,000 dollars and that they would
lose only one space on the side of the church.
Mr. Jackson and Mr. Rivers responded to questions of members of the
Council.
Councilor Davis stated that he does not see this situation as a hardship.
He said the request that you are making is a request to control that city
property for 50-years. He said you will only have a hardship from construction.
Mr. Rivers said the 8-ft acquisition across the front of the church would
reduce the parking spaces.
Discussion continued on this matter, with Community Reinvestment Manager
also responding to questions of the Mayor and Council, as well as Mr. Rivers.
City Manager Hugley stated that he would like for the staff to go back out
and look over what the church was compensated for and if there was something
missing the City could consider it. He said if we missed something, we want to
make it right.
Mayor Tomlinson asked the City Attorney to look up the legal process of
lease. She stated that she wanted the legal process on lease agreements also
what type of hardship would this fall under.
*** *** ***
MR. ALEX THOMPSON, RE: SUMMERVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH THANKSGIVING
EVENT:____________________________
Mr. Alex Thompson, representing Summerville Road Baptist Church came
forward and pointed out that WYBU Christian TV Station is serving the city
Thanksgiving dinner. He said they would like to invite the homeless or anyone
that might have fallen on hard times, to come to the event. He said it will be
held on Wednesday November 25th, which will be a sit down dinner and
transportation will also be provided to those who may need a ride. He said the
telephone number to contact for transportation is
(334) 298-5916.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
_
A Resolution (329-15) ? Authorizing the approval of payment of $395,000
from the FY- 16 budget to employees for unused sick leave in accordance with
16B-15-6(2) of the Columbus Code of Ordinances.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the meeting.
Councilor Woodson asked wouldn?t it be easier if we would roll over sick
time verses cashing it out, in case someone got really sick.
City Manager Hugley stated that we already have that, sick leave that
employees would use rolls over into a catastrophic bank, so they can carry over
30 days or any amount that they may lose.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (330-15) ? Authorizing the approval to apply for the Roadside
Enhancement and Beautification Grant (REBC) in the amount of $32,656.50 for the
purpose of landscaping the northwest corner of 2nd Avenue and 18th Street and
enter into a Mowing and Maintenance Agreement between the City and Georgia
Department of Transportation with no local match required. The City would be
responsible for the maintenance of this site, which has been estimated at
$8,420.00.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the meeting.
Councilor Thomas asked is the maintenance of $8,400 an annual amount.
City Manager stated yes it is an annual amount. Private dollars will fund
an additional $36,000 dollars.
Councilor Thomas stated that this is right on the edge of the City Village
that we were talking about so how does that fit, and will we have to remove
this once we start on the City Village.
City Manager Hughley stated that on the report he got back it stated that,
that will not happen.
*** *** ***
COLUMBUS AQUATIC CENTER UPDATE:
Dr. James Worsley, Parks and Recreation Director came forward with an
update on the Aquatic Center and provided the following information, as
outlined below.
RFP PROCESS:
? RFP specifications were posted on the web pages of the Purchasing Division
and the Georgia Procurement Registry on February 18, 2015. This process has
been advertised, opened and evaluated.
? Proposals were received on March 20, 2015.
Third Party Management Results
? Seven companies (A, B, C, D, E, F, & G) submitted proposals to operate the
Columbus Aquatic Center;
? The Committee performed their initial evaluation and short-listed the two
highest ranking vendors: Company A and Company B, who was invited to make oral
presentations and to be interviewed by the Committee.
? Both companies presented to the RFP Committee on August 19, 2015.
? After the presentations, the RFP Committee performed a final vote. Company A
was the unanimous choice of the Committee
? The Purchasing Division of the Finance Department managed and directed all
meetings and communications with all companies involved in the RFP process.
? The Committee deemed Company A the most responsive to the RFP specifications
for the following reasons:
Third Party Management Results: Company A
The Committee deemed Company A the most responsive to the RFP
specifications for the following reasons:
? Company A has been in business since 1992 and has 23 years of pool management
experience.
? Company A displayed an understanding of the expected operations and approach
of the Columbus Aquatic Center.
? Company A guarantees staff availability and provides a plan for staff
turnover. In addition, the organizational chart that was provided was clear and
concise.
? Company A has a realistic cost proposal and seems to offer the best proposal
for the cost.
Third Party Management Results 89 Hours
Description Cost
Personnel (Managerial/Salaried) $336,646.00
Personnel (Part Time/Hourly) $377,200.00
Personnel Pro Shop & Concessions $62,014.00
Accounting Function $29,250.00
Chemicals/Supplies $78,187.00
Other: Marketing, Insurance ect. $213,750
Utilities (paid by Parks & Recreation) $170,000
Total Cost $1,267,047
Revenue Projection $525,000
Third Party Management Results 56 Hours
Description Cost
Personnel (Managerial/Salaried) $263,666
Personnel (Part Time/Hourly) $255,386
Personnel Pro Shop & Concessions $0
Accounting Function $2,000
Chemicals/Supplies $54,200
Other: Marketing, Insurance ect. $303,604
Utilities (paid by Parks & Recreation) $170,000
Total Cost $1,048,877
Revenue Projection 343,000.00
Third Party Management Results 45 Hours
Description Cost
Personnel (Managerial/Salaried) $263,666
Personnel (Part Time/Hourly) $195,528
Operations $64,600
Accounting Function (Hardware, Software,
Training, Installation); Chemical/Supplies
Reserves for potential overages $126,206
(guard wages and chemicals)
Utilities (paid by Parks & Recreation) $170,000
Total Cost $820,000
Revenue Projection $219,500
Company A and Parks and Recreations Comparison
Company A Cost Parks & Recreation
Councilor Thomas asked Dr. Worsley why there was such a difference in
revenue between Company A and Company B.
Dr. Worsley stated that he is not sure why there is such a big difference
but Parks and Recreation does feel that it is an over project on the part of
Company A.
City Manager Isaiah Hugley stated that with the previous company the
projected way over on the revenue, and once they got over there they realized
this.
Mayor Tomlinson asked, what were the prior vendor?s projections, and how
much were they over?
Dr. Worsley stated that they projected about $600,000 plus but only
brought in about $196,000.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Dr. Worsley that when he come back with a
56 hour plan, could you give us a list of things that you would have to cut out.
Dr. Worsley stated that it would mainly be operational hours, but there
are also programs that they have not been able to have. The only program they
were able to keep going while Parks and Recreation was running the facility was
the summer time swimming lessons.
Councilor Davis stated that the Council would like to have a detailed
marketing plan for these companies. Councilor Henderson also stated that he is
trying to understand the variance in the cost.
City Manager Isaiah Hugley stated that he and Dr. Worsley will get
together and make a spreadsheet so that the Councilor could see the difference
between the hours open.
Councilor Thomas also asked to have an example of hours of operation for
the new hours open proposal.
COOPER CREEK EXPANSION:
Dr. James Worsley came forward and gave the following presentation on the
Cooper Creek Expansion, which is outlined below.
Project Highlights
? 12 hard courts w/ lighting
? 9 clay courts w/ lighting
? 2 post tension hard courts
? 4 quick start courts
? Clubhouse and Restrooms (increase from 8,000 sqft. To 12,000 sqft)
? Tennis court shelters
Project Updates
2015
? July site work began
? November. Ground breaking ceremony, building construction scheduled to began
? December. Court construction scheduled to begin
2016
? August. Anticipated completion. Grand opening celebration.
Fundraising Update
Project estimate: $7,909,349
Endowment: $1,000,000
Total Project: $8,909,349
Pledges to date: $8,267,107
Goal: $ 8,909,349
Balance: $642,242
*** *** ***
Ms. Donna Newman, Engineering Director came forward with an update on
Radio Maintenance.
Privatization of Columbus Radio Communications
Radio Communications
? Radio system serves Fire/EMS, Police, Sheriff, Marshal, Public Works, Metra,
Engineering, Inspections & Codes, and Parks & Recreation.
? Radio system supports Columbus Airport, Columbus Water Works, Muscogee Co.
School District, Health Department, Columbus State University, and Medical
Emergency Rooms
Radio Communications
? Mobile Communications (Motorola) is currently under contract to maintain and
repair the broadcast portion of our radio system (three tower sites).
? The Radio Communications Section of the Engineering Department currently
maintains and repairs the 1,800 mobile and handheld radios used in the
communications system.
Radio Communications
? We are currently in the middle of a migration program to convert the radio
system from a analog/digital platform to a totally digital (P25) platform due
to:
1. Pending obsolescence of analog/digital
2. Loss of customer support for in-place system
3. Compliance with new Federal and Georgia radio communications standards
Radio Communications
? The Radio Communications Section is at a crossroads for maintaining/repairing
new P25 radios. Several one-time costs are looming, such as new equipment to
optimize radio operation ($150,000) and staff training to maintain/repair P25
radios ($75,000).
? Manufacturer recommends all radios receive annual optimization check @ one
hour/radio.
Motorola Proposal
? Motorola presented the following proposal to privatize the Radio
Communications System, effective July 1, 2016:
1. Maintain/repair 1,800 mobile and handheld radios (includes annual
optimization check)
2. Maintain/repair UPS (uninterrupted power supplies) at each of the three
tower sites.
24/7/365 customer support.
Motorola Proposal
? Motorola has also agreed to absorb the following P25 migration costs as part
of accepting their proposal:
1. Structural modifications at Garfield tower site ($78,500).
2. UPS and generator repairs at Garfield tower site ($21,500).
3. Initial performance check for all 1,800 mobile and handheld radios
($111,000).
Motorola Proposal
? Motorola?s proposal does not include the following:
1. Energy costs at three tower sites.
2. Incidental maintenance of radios (batteries, antennas, belt clips).
Proposed Personnel Transition
? Radio Communications Supervisor remains in place for 1-2 years for incidental
radio maintenance and system coordination.
? Senior Radio Technician moves to Traffic Operations to replace retiring
Traffic Signal Technician.
? Radio Technician I moves to Traffic Operations to replace retiring Traffic
Signal Technician.
Reasons for Recommendation
? Long-term cost savings for the Columbus Consolidated Government.
? Qualified radio technicians are becoming increasingly harder to find for
employment.
? Columbus must compete with private sector to hire qualified technicians.
? Columbus is the last remaining city in Georgia with its own radio shop.
Next Step
? Present resolution to Council at December 8 meeting.
? Contract to be effective July 1, 2016.
Councilor Henderson asked to see whether or not there were other companies
with the same dependability.
Director Jones stated that with the type of equipment and the reliability
of the public safety that?s why we are still using it.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION TO THE MAYOR AND
COUNCIL:_____
__ ______
(1) Biographical sketch of Ms. Merlina E. Salamanca, Mayor Tomlinson?s
nominee for Post 10 of the C.I.R.C.L.E. Commission.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF FAMILY & CHILDREN
SERVICES:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted an email correspondence from Mr.
Charles H. Redd, forwarding the resignations of Ms. Tamika Luttrell and Mr.
Samuel Rumer from the Family & Children Board.
Councilor Henderson moved the resignations be received. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilor Buck being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and
Huff being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________ _____
Board of Tax Commissioners, 37-15.
Columbus Golf Course Authority, October 27, 2015.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilor Buck being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and
Huff being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: _________________________________
A Resolution (331-15) ? Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the November
17, 2015 Council meeting.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilor Buck being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and
Huff being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
AIRPORT COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Mr. Thomas Forsberg on the Airport Commission will expire on December 31, 2015;
however, he is eligible to succeed himself for another term of office. She
further pointed out that we are waiting to hear back from the Airport
Commission with the nominees from which Council will select the individual.
*** *** ***
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Dr. Scott McDermott on the Animal Control Advisory Board expired back in
October and that we are waiting to hear back from the Veterinary Association to
determine if they want Dr. McDermott to continue as their representative on
this board.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF HEALTH:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Ms..
Yasmine Cathright on the Board of Health will expire on December 31, 2015 and
that she is eligible to succeed herself for another term of office. Councilor
Woodson nominated Ms. Cathright to succeed herself for another term of office.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL LIAISON
ENCOUNTERS_(C.I.R.C.L.E)____ __________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seats of Mr. Jong Yoon,
Mr. Vincent Sneed, Mr. Pedro Diaz-Agosto, and Ms. Mary Renteria) on the
C.I.R.C.L. E. has been declared vacant. She further pointed out that Mayor
Tomlinson has nominated Ms. Merlina F. Salamanca to succeed Mr. Vincent Sneed
and that she may now be confirmed. Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present, with Councilor Buck being absent for the vote
and Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. Edward Gaffney, III, and Mr. Ernest Smallman, IV on the Hospital Authority
will expire on November 14, 2015, but they are both eligible to succeed
themselves and have been nominated for another term of office. She further
pointed out that we need one additional nominee to send these over to the
Authority, from which the Authority will select someone.
*** *** ***
PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. Charles Harp, who serves as the regular Member, Mr. Charles Little, Jr.,
who serves an alternate member, as well as Mr. Ron Mahoney, who serves as a
regular member are all eligible to succeed themselves for another term of
office. She also pointed out that Mr. Gerald Wyatt?s term will also expire,
but he is not eligible to succeed himself for another term of office.
Councilor Thomas nominated Mr. Harp, Mr. Little and Mr. Mahoney for
another term of office. Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this
back at our next regular meeting for the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Dr. Robert S. Johnson, who
represents Council District 2, and Ms. Tracy Belt, who represents Council
District 7, have both resigned their seats on the Recreation Advisory Board and
that the district Councilors are working on a replacement for these two seats.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we are still working to get
another replacement for someone to fill the unexpired term of the late
Mr. Billy Craft, who served as a taxicab driver on the Taxicab Commission.
*** *** ***
TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. William Consoletti, Ms. Anne M. Wright, Mr. Chris Coakley, and Mr. Steve
Smith, on the Tree Board will expire on December 31, 2015. She further pointed
out that Ms. Wright has been nominated to succeed herself for another term of
office and that she may now be confirmed. Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded
by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with Councilor Buck
being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the
meeting.
She further pointed out that Mr. Consoletti is also eligible to succeed
himself for another term of office, but we haven?t heard from him as to whether
or not he would like to continue to serve. She also pointed out that Mr.
Coakley and Mr. Smith are not eligible to succeed themselves.
*** *** ***
UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Mr. Scott H. Allen and Mr. Fred Green on the Uptown Fa?ade Board expired back
in October and that we are waiting to hear back from Uptown Business
Association and Uptown Columbus on their recommendations for someone to succeed
both Mr. Allen and Mr. Green, as they are not eligible to succeed themselves
for another term of office.
*** *** ***
REQUEST FOR A RESOLUTION:
Councilor Henderson requested that a resolution be done for the Columbus
High School Girls Volleyball team for winning the State Championship.
RECOGNITION OF COLUMBUS PARKS & RECREATION:
Councilor Woodson said she has received a letter from GHSA recognizing our
Parks & Recreation Department thanking them for doing a great job.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Barnes made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with Councilors Buck
being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and Huff being absent for the
meeting, with the time being 8:38p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.