Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

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

Council Members

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

WORK SESSION

MARCH 31, 2009





The regular monthly Work Session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was

called to order at 9:03 A.M., Tuesday, March 31, 2009, on the Plaza Level of

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

presiding.



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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor J. W. Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn

Turner Pugh were Councilors, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes,

Glenn Davis Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter Jr., Charles E. McDaniel Jr.

and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, Assistant City Attorney Jamie

Deloach, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra

Davis were also present.

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ABSENT: Councilor R. Gary Allen was absent. City Attorney Clifton Fay was also

absent, but was represented by Assistant City Attorney Jamie Deloach.

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INVOCATION: Led by Reverend Daryl Brown, Associate Pastor of St. Paul United

Methodist Church.

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PLEDGE: Led by students from Clubview Elementary School, with Ms.

Amber Van Bibber, First Grade Teacher escorting the students.

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MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: Minutes of the December 2, 9, and 16, 2008 Council

meetings of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia

were submitted and approved by the Council upon the adoption of a motion made

by Councilor McDaniel and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried

unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with

Councilor Allen being absent from the meeting.

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CONSENT AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTINOS WERE SUBMITTD AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTINO

MADE BY COUINCILOR HENDEROSN AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH , WHICH

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILOR

ALLEN BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING:________________________________________



A Resolution (93-09) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and

if approved accept funds from the Department of Early Childcare and Learning

Bright from the Start Program for snacks for the After School Program and meals

for the Summer Lunch Program. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by

those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Allen being absent from

the meeting.



A Resolution (94-09) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and

if approved accept Stimulus Funds from the Federal Transit Administration for

Federal Economic Stimulus Grants for all appropriated annual years for capital

transit assistance under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of

2009 and to contract with FTA for Section 5340 Funding. Councilor Henderson

moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and

carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor

Allen being absent from the meeting.



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THUNDERSTORMS:



Councilor McDaniel said he would like to call for a resolution commending

the City Manager Hugley and his staff for the job that was done this past

weekend during the thunderstorm. He said they opened up the Citizens Service

Center and they had 302 telephone calls.



Councilor Hunter said he think the City did a good, but said he would like

to note that Reverend Markus Hammonds, who is in the audience on today did

again suffer flooding and sewerage problems in his home over the weekend. He

said the last time we talked about this his area was one of the areas that he

was saying when we take a look at everything, it may be possible that there is

nothing that we can do to prevent flooding. He said he knows that this area was

labeled a hotspot and we saw the people working in the creek behind his home

prior to the weekend; and yet still when it started to rain, his family became

frightened and worried with good reasons because again, they suffered flooding

and sewerage damage in their home.



He said this might one area that we need to look at making it green

space.



Councilor Anthony said he would also like to thank our Public Safety

personnel, as they were stragetically located throughout the city where people

could have flooded out their cars and got into trouble.

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FLOOD ASSESSEMENT UPDATE:



Ms. Donna Newman, City Engineer said a few weeks ago they gave a

preliminary assessment on the February 28, 2009 flood that occurred here in the

City and said the Council had requested specific information on individual

sites; therefore, they are here again on today to provide that information.



Ms. Newman said the storm event that we had on February 28, 2009 they have

calculated and figured that was somewhere between the 25 and 50 year storm. She

said they are still getting telephone calls daily from residence or business

owners that may have flooded during that time and they are investigating those

calls as they come in. She then went into much details outlining the following

information, as contained in her presentation:



FLOOD RETURN FREQUENCIES:

Storm Impacts to date

21(19) Residences Flooded (water in the living space)

5(5) Businesses Flooded

76 Streets Flooded (Per Citizen?s Service Center)



Ms. Newman said there were many more reports where there was water in the

ground or under the house, in the driveway or in the carport, but said for the

purpose of this presentation, they are focusing where there was water inside a

building.



A map of the general area highlighting those locations where the

structural flooding occurred, which was primarily located in the southern part

of town was then shown by Ms. Newman, which includes the following locations as

outlined below.



Ms. Newman also pointed out the history of the property, as to when the

properties were built, contributing causes of flooding at each location, as

well as what the recommendations are to solve the problems, with included short

term, as well as long term measures.



Photographs were shown of the following areas, which was one of the worst

areas that was flooded.



Robert E. Lee Dr and Artillery Dr

Benning Hills



1 Artillery Drive

4 Artillery Drive

Robert E. Lee Drive



Located in Benning Hills Subdivision-off Victory Drive

Houses built 1953 to 1959



Ms. Newman said they have not received complete information on all the

homes, but said the preliminary report that they have received from one owner

located at 243 Robert E. Lee Drive was estimated at $13,000 in damages.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:



The students from Clubview Elementary School arrived at this point in the

meeting and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.

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Robert E. Lee and Artillery Drive



CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Capacity of system for storm event that occurred

Topography of surrounding area

Clogging of inlets and drainage structures with litter and debris

Robert E. Lee and Artillery Drive

1974- Homeowners complained of flooding and erosion in open ditch

1975- A 5? x 6? Corrugated Metal Pipe was installed- $20,000-$30,000 by City to

standard at that time



She said according to records in 2003, 245 Robert E. Lee Drive flooded in

the building. Estimated cost to replace structure today $750,000



Robert E. Lee and Artillery Drive

Recommendations-

Immediate Measures-

Area has been added to City?s ?Hot Spot List?

Homeowner Purchase Flood Insurance

Homeowners not contribute to clogging by keeping solid waste and debris away

from inlets and ditches with impending rainfall events



LONG TERM MEASURES:

Revisit opportunity for structure replacement to current standards-Consultant

Services will be required

Consider future project

Levy Road at

Marathon Drive





3522 Levy Rd

3522 Levy Road and 3551 Victory Drive

Area developed in 1940?s

Located in Esquiline Subdivision-between Victory Drive and Ft. Benning Road



3522 Levy Road and 3551 Victory Drive

1 House flooded on Levy Road

2 Apartments on Victory Drive Flooded



Levy Road and Victory Drive



CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Capacity of system for storm event that occurred

Inadequate storm sewer system- single pipe

Pipe was clogged with debris and tree roots

Topography of surrounding area

Behind Levy Rd Addresses

Levy Road and Victory Drive

Owner provided evidence of Furniture, Walls, Floors and content

flooding-estimated cost not yet available

1990 House and Apartments Flooded during storm event

Levy Road and Victory Drive

Recommendations-

Immediate Measures

Area has been added to ?Hot Spot? list

Public Services has unclogged pipe and provided bypass for flow

Homeowner/Business Owners/Tenants purchase flood insurance

Homeowner/Tenants/Business Owners not contribute to clogging by keeping solid

waste and debris away from inlets and ditches/ pipe with impending rainfall

events



Levy Road and Victory Drive

Recommendations-

Long Term Measures

Locate and map existing storm sewer system

Research deeds and plats determining easements and responsibility- Pipe is

located on private property

Consultant Services will be required







4139 Swann Street

Located in Willis Plaza-off Cusseta Road

House built in 1955

Resident experienced flooding in washroom in addition-staples and storage items

received damages



4139 Swann Street



CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Topography of surrounding area

Recommendations

- Homeowner purchase flood insurance

- City Provide technical assistance to homeowner



Albion Way



Albion Way Homes

Channel behind Albion Way

Albion Way

Located off Ft. Benning Road

Houses built 1950?s

Resident at 1635 Albion Way - after flood in 1990 stated he had flooded 5 times

since 1964

Resident at 1617 Albion Way experienced flooding in building addition to

original structure-no available information on damage

1605,1607, 1623,1629, 1635 flooding under residence up to floor level-not

inside house-residents reported flooding of vehicles, HVAC systems, storage

items-no cost estimates provided



Albion Way

CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Capacity of Open Channel at rear of property

Topography of surrounding area

Albion Way

Recommendations-

Immediate Measures-

- Area added to City ?Hot Spot? list

- Homeowners purchase flood insurance-some residents currently have

policies

Long Term Measures-

- Perform a drainage study to determine if increasing size of

downstream structures will help without creating flood problems down stream

- Consider future projects

Bedford Avenue and Dawn Court



4518 Dawn Court

4518 Dawn Court



Bedford Avenue and Dawn Court

Located in Cedar Hills Subdivision-off Old Cusseta Road

Houses built 1963 on Bedford

House built 1972 Dawn Court

Reported flooding at 1117 & 1121 Bedford Avenue and 4318 Dawn Court

Citizens reported damage to flooring, furniture, walls, water heater, etc. in

basement area-no cost estimate available

Bedford Avenue and Dawn Court



CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Capacity of existing storm sewer system relative to storm event

Drainage from adjacent apartment complex where storm system was clogged with

debris

Topography of surrounding properties



Bedford Avenue and Dawn Court

Recommendations-

Immediate Measures-

- Area has been added to City?s ?Hot Spot? List

- Homeowners purchase flood insurance

- Homeowners not contribute to clogging by keeping solid waste and debris away

from inlets and ditches with impending rainfall events

- Work with adjacent apartment complex to ensure storm sewer system in open and

free flowing

Long Term Measures-

- Assess existing storm sewer system to ensure it is open

- Check adequacy of storm system

2930 Knox Street

2930 Knox Street

Located in Oakland Park

House built in 1954

Owner reported damage to finished livable basement of home-no cost available



2930 Knox Street

CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Capacity of open channels and storm system in relation to storm event

Topography of surrounding area

Clogging of ditches,pipes, etc.



Recommendations-

Immediate Measures-

Area added to City?s ?Hot Spot? list

Homeowners obtain flood insurance

Homeowners not contribute to clogging by keeping solid waste and debris out of

ditches and away from pipes with impending rainfall events

Long Term Measures-

Evaluate drainage in entire area to see if a flood abatement project is

feasible-Consultant will be required



837(827) Englewood Drive



Englewood Drive

837 (827) Englewood Drive

Located in Lake Rushin Heights-off Buena Vista Road

House built in 1965

Rental Property

Claimed filed for damages in 1978

City owns adjoining property

Owner reported damages to personal property and structure-no cost estimate

available



837 (827) Englewood Drive

CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Capacity of open channel

Topography of surrounding area

837(827) Englewood Drive

Recommendations-

Immediate Measures

- Area has been added to City?s ?Hot Spot? List

- Homeowner/Tenant purchase flood insurance

- Homeowner/Tenant not contribute to clogging by keeping solid waste and debris

away from open channel and pipes during impending rainfall events

Long Term Measures-

- Perform detail flood study for area to determine the potential for flood

abatement projects-Consultant services would be required



2728 Barbara Avenue

Located in College Heights-off Edgewood Road

House was built in 1973

Citizen reported damage to carpet and baseboards in residence-no cost estimate

available

2728 Barbara Avenue



CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Capacity of Open Channel at rear of property

Topography of surrounding area

Clogging of existing drainage structure with debris



2728 Barbara Avenue

Recommendations-

Immediate Measures-

Area has been added to City?s ?Hot Spot? List

Homeowner purchase flood insurance

Homeowner not contribute to clogging by keeping solid waste and debris away

from open channel and pipes with impending rainfall events

Long Term Measures-

Analyze existing drainage system in area to determine if improvements are

needed-Consultant Services may be required



2230 Buena Vista Road



Location of Columbus Times

Business Owner reported damage to carpet and wallpaper







CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:



Property slopes towards building

Owner claims recent resurfacing of Buena Vista Road covering the original

curbing contributed to problem-asphalt curb has since been added



Recommendations-

Immediate Measures-

Owner purchase flood insurance

Long Term Measures-

Analyze existing drainage along Buena Vista Road





3401 Veterans Parkway

Two Structures on site-Title Bucks and Pleasure World

Owners reported damage to basement at Title Bucks- no cost estimate available

Owner of Pleasure World reported flooding from sanitary sewer system back up

into business-noted previous installment of backflow prevention valve by CWW

3401 Veterans Parkway



CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Inadequate onsite drainage

Sanitary System connected to combined sewer system which limits capacity

Topography

3401 Veterans Parkway

Recommendations-

Immediate Measures-

Owner of Pleasure World should relocate sanitary lateral to another manhole in

the vicinity to help with back-up in system

Engineering Dept will make site visit to Title Bucks to offer technical

assistance

Long Term Measures

This is part of an area slated for Flood Abatement- estimated cost

$17.0 million. Evaluate adequacy of public system at this location as part of

project.

Califon Court

3501 Califon CourtL



Residence constructed in 1966

Located in Hollywood Subdivision between Brennan Road and I-185

Califon Court

Damage reported to vehicle and room in house by homeowner-Cost not provided

Flood Insurance claims in 1978, 1989, 1990

1994-City installed two Storm Sewer Structures through downstream

railroads-$164,470

1994-City Crews replaced existing storm sewer on Ukraine Drive- estimated

$50,000

1998-City applied for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant to purchase and demolish 4

structures. It was approved in 1999.

1999-City decided not to pursue grant due to restrictions on land and

difference in approved funding and estimated cost-$145,540. Funding was not

available at that time.





Califon Court

CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Structure is Pre-FIRM-house is 4.5? below 100 year flood elevation

Pipes experience clogging at Ukraine Drive

Inlet in vicinity clogged

Califon Court

Recommendations-

Immediate Measures-

Area has been added to ?Hot Spot? List

Long Term Measures-

Consultant Services will be required to perform drainage study and potential

for flood abatement project

Breed?s Hill Loop

Bunker Hill Area





Breed?s Hill Loop:

Located in Yorktown Subdivision-off St. Mary?s Rd

Houses built in 1996-1997

Flooding at 1608, 1614, 1620, 1624

Citizens reported damage to floors, baseboards, furniture and equipment,

curtains-no cost available



CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Capacity of Open Channel at rear of properties

Topography of surrounding area

Clogging of inlets and drainage structures with debris



Recommendations-

Immediate Measures-

Area has been added to City?s ?Hot Spot? List

Homeowners purchase Flood Insurance

Homeowners not contribute to clogging by keeping solid waste and debris away

from inlets and open channels with impending rainfall events

Long Term Measures-

Review drainage plan for development

Consider future projects

Joy Road/Cusseta Road



Fold-Pak, 3961 Cusseta Rd

Fold-Pak, 3961 Cusseta Rd

Fold-Pak, 3961 Cusseta Rd

Joy Road and Cusseta Road

3639 Joy Road-Exide Technologies

Environmental Manager reported-$60,764 in damages



3961 Cusseta Road-Fold-Pak

No cost estimates on damage

Joy Road and Cusseta Road



CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Capacity of system for storm events that occurred

Topography of surrounding area



Joy Road and Cusseta Road

Recommendations-

Immediate Measures-

- Area has been added to City?s ?Hot Spot? List

- Business owners purchase flood insurance

- Business owners assist with keeping ditches and pipes

free of debris

Long Term Measures

- Look at drainage study to determine if a future project is feasible

to improve drainage flow in the area-consultant would be required.



821 8th Avenue



Liberty Theatre Area

6th Avenue near 9th Street

821 8th Avenue

Liberty Theatre- located in Liberty District Re-development Area

Structure built in 1925

No information available on damage cost

821 8th Avenue



CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Capacity of system for storm event that occurred

Topography of surrounding area

Clogging of inlets and drainage structures

821 8th Avenue

Recommendations-

Immediate Measures-

Area is on City?s ?Hot Spot? List

Owner purchase flood insurance

Owner not contribute to clogging by not placing solid waste and debris close to

inlets when threatening rain

821 8th Avenue

Recommendations-

Long Term Measures-

Complete 6th Avenue Flood Abatement Project-$20 million

1414 &1420 Peacock Avenue



1420 Peacock Avenue

Located in Peacock Woods Subdivision-Lakebottom Area

Houses built in 1938

No cost available on damage



1420 Peacock Avenue

CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Topography

Inadequate drainage around residence



1420 Peacock Avenue

Recommendations-

Immediate Measures-

Homeowner Purchase Flood Insurance

City will make site visit and make recommendations to owner for potential

solutions

2304 Avalon Road





2304 Avalon Road

Located in ?Avalon in the Hills? Subdivision-off Forrest Road

House built in 1950

No cost estimate available on damage

2304 Avalon Road



CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Topography

Inadequate drainage around structure

Recommendations-

Immediate Measures

Owner purchase flood insurance

City provide technical assistance with making recommendations for possible

solutions

2725 Edgewood Road



2725 Edgewood Road

Located in Clubview Heights

House built in 1965

Owner reported flooding to lower level living space -cost of damage not

available

2725 Edgewood Road



CONTIRBUTING CAUSES OF FLOODING:

Topography

Recommendations-

Immediate Measures-

Homeowner purchase flood insurance

City will look at tieing existing inlet in yard to new storm system as part of

Cora Drive Drainage Project

Make recommendations to homeowner for improvements



Contributing Factors:

Rainfall Intensity

3+ inches of rainfall in a 1-hour period in many areas

4 to 7 inches of rainfall recorded for the entire event

Debris

Infrastructure (inlets and culverts) blocked by debris

Inadequacy of Storm Sewer System

Topography



Debris at Robert E. Lee Drive

Debris Dam at Ukraine Culvert

Clogged Inlet on Willis Street



Floodplain Statistics:

1881 Structures (greater than 1000 ft2) in Columbus are completely or partially

contained within the Special Flood Hazard Area a.k.a. ?Flood Zone?

The Special Flood Hazard Area has a 1% chance of flooding to a depth of 1 foot

or more each year



Flood Insurance:

Homeowners Insurance typically does not cover losses due to flooding

Flood Insurance is available to every property owner in Columbus to include

renters

You do not have to be in a ?Flood Zone? to purchase flood insurance

Flood Insurance:

Flood Insurance Premiums for Older Homes (Built before 1975) are not Elevation

Based, but are determined using a single rate table

Flood Insurance is available for the structure as well as the Contents of the

Structure

Standard Coverage can be obtained up to $250,000 for a residential structure

Preferred Risk Policies are also available for those not in the ?Flood Zone?

Summary

Notification will be sent to property owners recommending purchase of flood

insurance and asking them to not contribute to clogging of the storm sewer

systems by not placing solid waste and debris in ditches and on curb side

during impending rainfall events

Engineering will meet with those property owners that have private property

issues and make recommendations for possible solutions

Engineering will meet with those property owners that have problems related to

drainage on adjoining private properties

An RFP will be brought back to Council for solicitation of consultant services

for Flood Abatement Studies/Projects



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CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER WALK:



Ms. Leah Braxton of the Chamber of Commerce Riverfront Committee came

forward and gave the following report on the Chattahoochee RiverWalk.



Mission Statement



?to develop, communicate & exploit all opportunities leveraging the Riverfront

District as an asset in our community enhancing the Region?s quality of life,

community development and economic development potential?.

Goals of Committee

The only way to manage it is to ?GO SEE IT?

Riverfront Committee touring the RiverWalk

Columbus, GA RiverWalk

This 16-mile walkway stretches from North-Oliver Dam thru Bibb city, Uptown,

Cols South to Ft. Benning!

Phenix City RiverWalk

This picture is the most photographed shot of Columbus- proving the value of

this investment in our RiverWalk.

Enhances the quality of life of region.



Earlier photo of first pieces of Public Art was constructed in 1992 on the

RiverWalk. The statue of Christopher Columbus to Left and bust of John Amos in

right background celebrates the history of our community.

Residents enjoy a wide variety of activities on the RiverWalk

Uptown Area of RiverWalk with Eagle & Phenix spillway in distance.

Breathtaking Views!



Eagle & Phenix residents enjoy the views from the newest phase of the RiverWalk.

Lots to see and do in Uptown and along the River in Columbus- If you can

imagine it, it can be done!

Residents enjoy the RiverWalk, Whitewater opportunity and just hanging out in

Uptown.



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Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin also came forward and presented their

assessment of the Riverwalk that was done back in September 2008.



City Assessment

Items noted that needed to be addressed

Much progress has occurred

Much more to go!

The RiverWalk is Clean(er)

2 crews work full-time on RiverWalk

Re-painting of handrails underway

Drains repaired

Trash removed daily

Restrooms cleaned daily

Landscape maintenance

The RiverWalk is Safe!

Several users on path most of time

2 city bicycle police now monitor riverwalk daily

Uptown beat officer on motorized scooter patrols daily

What areas need additional focus and funding?

Replace all signage

Repair all railings

Pressure-Wash all wall and surface areas

Upgrade all restrooms

Repair and/or upgrade water fountains

Repair Gazebos





Pressure washing all surfaces

Formal portion of the RiverWalk was designed to allow for flooding, thus

concrete areas are discolored



Need for a RiverWalk Oversight Committee

Ensure appropriate and timely city maintenance, repair and replacement



?Grand Staircase? almost complete!

New grand staircase added to Uptown adjacent to Eagle & Phenix

Extension of RiverWalk from Riverclub to 13th St. bridge





CSU River Park Campus is located in Uptown Columbus directly overlooking the

RiverWalk.

It?s location, with breathtaking views of the River and historic bridges,

offers uniqueness that should facilitate strong future growth.

CSU River Park Campus

CSU?s footprint has expanded over the last 15 years to include 3 large projects

along the RiverWalk.

CSU RiverPark Campus School of Arts

The CSU River Park Campus brings over 600 students and faculty to Uptown

Columbus every day.

CSU River Park Campus



Synovus Center,

125,000 sq. ft. bldg constructed on the RiverWalk in 2004. Tenants Includes:

* Page Scrantom

* Synovus

* Pope, McGlamry

Synovus Center



Total System Services, Inc.

Johnston Mill Lofts was the 1st new residential development constructed on the

RiverWalk

Johnston Mill Lofts

Columbus Convention and Trade Center stands proudly on the shores of the

Chattahoochee

Rear elevation of Convention and Trade center sits atop the RiverWalk.



South Commons Softball Complex

Port Columbus Civil War Naval Museum celebrates the history of naval wartime

boats at the edge of South Commons along the Chattahoochee River.

Rotary Park



Infantry Museum

Whitewater enthusiast enjoy the short but challenging runs below the Eagle &

Phenix Mill. The proposed Whitewater will stretch 2 ? miles and is estimated

to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors a year to the area.

Dykes Blackmon enjoys the Whitewater Experience!

Riverwalk Assessment

Maintenance Contract

Riverwalk Conditions

Immediate Plans for Improvement

Additional Improvements

Today?s Riverwalk

Corrective Actions

Public Safety Presence





Maintenance Contract

Outdoor Solutions was contracted to maintain the Riverwalk areas as follows:



Provide necessary labor

Materials, Permits and Fees

Weed control, annual flower replacement, mulching, edging, pruning, small tree

removal, trash removal and debris and misc. items



Scheduled work occurred on Thursday or Fridays

Riverwalk Conditions-Sep. 2008



Riverwalk Conditions

Immediate Plans for Improvement

Dead Tree Removal ? All dead trees and limbs have been removed. Trees have

been trimmed



Trash Removal ? Community Service crews began an aggressive plan to clean the

area of debris and will continue to maintain on weekends.



Light Bulb Replacement ? Staff identified 27 blown lights. Georgia Power began

changing the bulbs and continue to do so as work orders are turned in.

Immediate Plans for Improvements

Repair of Brick Work ? Public Service crews repaired brick work and masonry.



Cleaning out drains ? Drains have been cleaned out and working properly



ALL Immediate Plans for Improvements ******COMPLETED******

Additional Improvements



COST EST.

Replace ALL Signage ? $273,000



Repair Railings ? (*) $ 14,000



Pressure Wash all areas ? $125,000



Upgrade Restrooms ? $ 25,000



Repair and/or Upgrade Water Fountains ? $ 15,000



Repair Gazebos ? $ 7,000



*Under Contract TOTAL $459,000

Today?s Riverwalk

2 Correctional Officers each with a 4-5 man inmate crew; Nov. 2008



Dedicated assignment



Monday-Friday

7:30-4:30pm



Mission

Create a ?Red Carpet? Amenity for our community and persons visiting Columbus!

Corrective Actions



Ongoing painting of railings.

Broken wood fence removed

Horace King plaque under bridge cleaned and landscaped.

Memorial Plaque masonry repaired

Exposed pipe and washed out areas corrected

Water fountains operable

Dedicated crew to ensure a higher level of maintenance.



Corrective Actions

Riverwalk Access Points



Bay Avenue and 11th Street

Front Avenue and 8th Street (stairs behind Space Center)

Front Avenue and Sixth Street (sidewalk)

Golden Park (stairs and sidewalk)

Civic Center (stairs)

Rotary Park (on)

Rigdon Park (sidewalk)

23rd Street sidewalk)

Bibb Mill (sidewalk)

Hemlock Park (sidewalk)

Lake Oliver (on)



NOTE: Rules of Conduct Signage to be placed at all ?Access Points?



Rules of Conduct



No motorized vehicles

No swimming

Children ages 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult

All pets must obey leash laws and owners must clean up all excrement

No alcoholic beverages

No vending without proper permit

Fishing is permitted, proper clean up of fishing area is enforced

Pedestrians have the right of way in all cases



NOTE: Rules of Conduct Signage to be placed at all ?Access Points?



Public Safety Presence

Bike Patrols (Riverwalk Patrol Units) provide a high level of Police presence

along the Riverwalk

Uptown Beat Officer patrols the area throughout the day in a motorized scooter

that increases a sense of safety and security

Rain Event of March 28, 2009

Aggressive Clean Up

Continues!!

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POLICE VEHICLES:



Deputy City Manager David Arrington came forward and presented the

following presented regarding the Police Department?s pursuit vehicle needs.



Immediate requirement (147 Pursuit Vehicles)

69 replacements

78 new (Officers funded by LOST)

FY2010 requirement

22 replacements



TOTAL = 169 Pursuit vehicles

PROCESS

Based on the Police Department immediate needs

Meeting with Mayor, City Manager, Police Department, Finance Department, Public

Services - Fleet

Contacted all local dealers for current availability and pricing

Availability and pricing of vehicles from 2008 state contract vendor

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

Rivertown Ford ? no current availability, 8-10 weeks to order with possible

delays (2009 Crown Victoria) $22,448

Carl Gregory ? 40 current availability, 45 days to order with possible delays

for balance (2009 Dodge Charger*) $23,021

Allan Vigil Ford ? 69 current availability (as of 03/30/09), $21,936 ? 2008

State Contract pricing (2009 Crown Victoria)



*Note: $487 add?l for technology package, no leg restraint system available,

add?l Fleet Maint requirements



FUNDING SOURCE

$3,822,000 SPLOST Allocation for Public Safety-Police Deparment from Excess

Proceeds and Interest Earnings (91 Police Pursuit Vehicles)

$3,276,000 LOST for new officers (78 New Pursuit Vehicles)

OPTIONS

Option 1.

Bid all 169 vehicles now using current bid process.

Expected delivery 18-22 weeks

PLUS

34 weeks for Technology Package Buildout (5 vehicles per week)

TOTAL : 52-56 weeks

OPTIONS

Option 2.

Purchase from the existing state contract vendor

Expected delivery 9-11 weeks

PLUS

34 weeks for Technology Package Buildout (5 vehicles per week)

TOTAL: 43-45 weeks

OPTIONS

Option 3.

Declare emergency purchase

Purchase all available vehicles, expected 1 week delivery of 69 vehicles

PLUS

14 weeks for Technology Package Buildout (5 vehicles per week)

OPTIONS

Option 3 continued.

Bid remaining 100 vehicles

Expected delivery 18-22 weeks

PLUS

20 weeks for Technology Package Buildout (5 vehicles per week)

TOTAL : 38-42 weeks

Bid Process ? 18-22 weeks for expected delivery

State Contract Purchase ? 9-11 weeks for expected delivery



PLUS

Technology Package Buildout (5 vehicles per week)



*** *** ***



RESOLUTION FOR CHEF LEE?S:



Councilor Woodson requested that a resolution be drafted for Chef Lee?s

Restaurant that was voted as one of the 100 Top Restaurants in the United

States.



*** *** ***



AIR QUALITY PRESENTATION:



Due to the lateness of the hour, City Manager Hugley postponed the

presentation on the Plan for Growth until a later date.



*** *** ***



PLAN FOR GROWTH:



Due to the lateness of the hour, City Manager Hugley also postponed the

presentation on the Plan for Growth until a later date.



*** *** ***



ANNUAL ACTION PLAN:



Councilor Barnes reminded the citizens of the Public Hearing that will be

held on t he Annual Action Plan on April 13, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the

Government Center Annex Building and encouraged everyone to please come out to

this public hearing.



*** *** ***



With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro

Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Anthony

and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time,

with Councilor McDaniel absent for this vote and Councilor Anthony absent from

this meeting, with the time being 1:20 P.M.





Tiny B. Washington, CMC

Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia

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