MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
DECEMBER 4, 2007
The regular monthly night meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, December 4, 2007, on the Plaza Level of
the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W.J. Wetherington, Mayor,
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other that Mayor Wetherington were Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh, Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Glenn Davis, Berry
H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. City Manager
Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington
and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present. Councilor Jerry
?Pops? Barnes took his seat at 5:31 P.M. Councilor Woodson arrived at 6:15 P.M.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Dorothy R. Smith ? M.S. Jones Pentecostal
Assemblies of the World Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Honorable W.J. Wetherington, Mayor.
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UNITED WAY:
Mr. Scott Ferguson, President of United Way, recognized the City of
Columbus for their 2007 United Way Campaign. In addressing the Council, Mr.
Ferguson stated that he has been here in the City of Columbus, GA for four
months now.
He said thanks go out to all the department heads for their outstanding support
of the United Way.
Mr. Ferguson stated that this year 75% of the city employees made
contribution totaling over $131,000. He said this money goes back to the city
through various charitable organizations. He also thanked Clerk of Council
Washington,
Ms. Annette Gibney, and Ms. Kate Stout for volunteering this year with the
United Way.
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***--------------------------------------PROCLAMATIONS:
?GOD BLESS FORT BENNING DAY?:
With Ms. Eve Tidwell, Dr. Jack Tidwell, Mr. Richard Bishop, Ms. Jan
Pease, Mr. Eli Cain, and other representatives from the ?God Bless Fort
Benning? event standing at the Council table, Councilor Hunter read the
proclamation of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming Saturday, November 17, 2007 as
?God Bless Fort Benning Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND READ IN THEIR ENTIRETY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AND THEN PRESENTED TO THOSE NAMED IN THE
RESOLUTIONS: _____________
A Resolution (512-07) - Commending Ms. Eve Tidwell and Dr. Jack Tidwell
for sponsoring the annual ?God Bless Fort Benning? event. Councilor Hunter
called Ms. Eve Tidwell and Dr. Jack Tidwell to the Council table, read the
resolution, and moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting with
Councilor Woodson being absent for vote.
When given the opportunity to address the Council ? Dr. Tidwell says
?Isn?t America a great place to wake up in? Praise God for His great mercy and
for sending those brave Soldiers to stand between butchery and us. Nothing is
stronger than the heart of those willing to fight for America. Thank God that
we are a nation of volunteering.?
Mrs. Tidwell thanked Council and other volunteers who made this event a
success. She also stated that this event was never a counter-protest but rather
a salute to Soldiers in the face of a protest; and allowed each of the persons
present at Council meeting to introduce themselves.
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A Resolution (513-07) ? Commending and congratulating Trenton Chester and
his family and staff of Chester?s Barbeque upon receiving the Hoodie Award for
the best barbeque in the nation. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh called on the
Chester family to come forward. Upon reading the resolution, Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present with Councilor Woodson
being absent for this vote.
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A Resolution (514-07) ? Commending and congratulating Paige Janke of
Brookstone High School upon her second-place finish in the Class A Cross
Country State Championship meet. Councilor Davis called on Paige Janke to come
forward and be recognized. Upon reading the resolution, Councilor Davis moved
its adoption. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present with Councilor Woodson being absent for this
vote.
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A Resolution (515-07) ? Commending and congratulating Brookstone School One
Act Play for winning first place in the Class A State Championship Competition.
With the Brookstone School One Act Play Company standing at Councilor table,
Councilor Davis read the resolution and upon doing so, Councilor Davis moved
its adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present with Councilor Woodson being absent for
this vote.
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RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL GUESTS:
Mayor Wetherington called on Mr. Robert George to introduce his special
guest to Council.
Mr. George introduced the following persons: Ms. Salina Cha ? a recent
graduate from China who is currently in the graduate program (along with three
other Chinese citizens) at Beacon University.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:
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An Ordinance (07-80) ? Rezoning property located at 3705 Willis Road from an
SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) District to a RO (Residential-Office)
District. (45-CA-07 J. B. Chastain, MD) Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption.
Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present with Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
Councilor Henderson stated that he was appreciative of Dr. Chastain
meeting with the Planning Department to discuss the options of trying to lessen
the impact on the single-family residential property. However, due to the fact
that the buffer would be lessen by 3 to 5 feet (or more) and minimize the
distance the entire development would be from the property to the South, it was
decided that Council will withdraw the request to flip the building plan.
An Ordinance (07-81) ? Rezoning property located at 7519 Fortson Road from
an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District to GC (General Commercial) District
(47-A-07 Milner) Councilor Davis moved the adoption. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present with
Councilor Woodson being absent for this vote.
City Attorney Fay informed Council that there is a draft amendment around
the Council table that would leave the zoning as Neighborhood Commercial with
one condition ? that the building at the rear of the property would be a
maximum of 6,200 square feet and used only for lawful Neighborhood Commercial
purpose.
Councilor Davis informed Mayor and Council that he would not have
supported the General Commercial request for several reasons but in trying to
work with Mr. Milner, he realize that Mr. Milner has already started
development on this property to include the building which is already in place
and does not encroach on neighboring properties; dumpsters and storage will not
be a problem; the planning department will also look into allowing some
flexibility by allowing this request with the stated conditions - ?The building
at the rear of the property subject to rezoning will be a maximum of 6,200
square feet and any loft or neighborhood commercial use shall be authorize in
said building.?
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked City Attorney Fay for clarification
stating that if the area is already zoned neighborhood commercial, why the need
for this amendment?
City Attorney Fay informed Council that usually a neighborhood commercial
use could only be 5,000 square feet. This amendment would allow 6,200 square
feet and this would be consider a ?variance by condition? for allowing over the
5,000 allowable square feet.
After fifteen minutes of additional discussion on this issue, the variance
was approved with the stated conditions.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AND A PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON EACH AS
ADVERTISED: _______________
An Ordinance ? Amending the text to the Unified Development Ordinance to
amend the definition of transient lodging. (50-D-07-Our Lady of Rose Hill
Ministries, Inc.) The Planning Advisory Commission recommends approval and the
Planning Department recommends denial.
Mr. Dennis Roaden ? Our Lady of Rose Hill Ministries said we operate a
ministry (Our Lady of Rose Hill Ministries) and what we do is help. We came
along this text amendment because we are trying to help a certain group of
people who need a hand up-not a handout. We came to this information through
the state. They wanted a program to help those coming out of the prison system
and are on parole and needs help. We went and obtained information but could
not get a letter from Council, which was needed to help in the funding of this
program. We were guided to the text amendment by Mr. Jones (Rick) and others
here. We went before the planning advisory board twice and the text amendment
was recommended for approval, but the planning board recommended denial. We are
not ever going to ask permission to do Gods? work. What we are asking is your
decision on this text amendment, which would enable us to help a certain group
of people. It is obvious that by the roadblock that is placed in front of us
that it is not the want of the city at this time or the people at this time
especially in South Columbus. In light of all that we at Our Lady of Rose Hill
Ministries would like to withdraw our petition for the UDO for the text
amendment.
City Attorney Fay informed Council that a motion is needed to withdraw
this petition. Councilor Henderson made a motion to withdraw the petition.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
Ms. Susan Wieczorek said she would like to say that she finds Mr. Duck and
Mr. Jones to be very helpful in helping us to understand these proceedings. The
re-entry housing partnership program is a new program and would have been the
first one in Columbus, GA and as I have told the planning advisory committee -
unless everyone ? including the citizens that were most directly affected with
this in the neighborhood came to a level of comfort with it, we would not go
forward and we are very sincere about that. She said be aware at the same time,
that ? of the people who come out after serving a prison sentence, go back to
the zip codes where they first offended. And in this city, more than ? of them
will go to the 31901 and 31903 zip codes. The one that would be able to
participate in this program are remaining incarcerated not because the state
did not consider them to be rehabilitated but because they are homeless. This
was an attempt on our part to approach homelessness from the front-end rather
than to have them go ahead and serve out their time and come out with no
options whatever. When these people get done with their time they are coming
back ? they are coming back with some options and a place to go. We know the
recidivism rate for those who come out with no option and no plans, return to
the same zip code where they offended before. Two out of three of them will
re-offend. In fact, whether its through Our Lady of Rose Hill Ministries or
another organization, in term of the long-term planning to reduce the crime
rate in any zip code in this area, we really need to consider the establishment
of some kind of program of this nature and make it available.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh stated that she does not think the citizens of
Columbus are against these types of programs but it all depends on the location
of the program.
Councilor Henderson thanked Ms. Wieczorek for her ministries and passion ?
this is a worthwhile cause and hopes for her success because the entire
community stands to benefit.
City Manager Hugley said that Councilor Henderson made the point that we
support transitional housing, but it has to be in the right area of town and
the planning division recommended denial due to the fact that the proposed
state program identify more closely with another category in our UDO ? and that
would be under transitional housing type 2. H said that is what they would have
to come under and he also wanted to say that this city for years have supported
Homeless Taskforce Network and we provide funding each year in our budget.
Councilor Woodson said we do care about homeless and when we helped the
homeless on 2nd Avenue, they came to Oakland Park and she received a lot of
telephone calls from people who live in Oakland Park and they are still upset
with me because we still have homeless people there behind Piggly Wiggly, Winn
Dixie, and all over Oakland Park because they left from the downtown area and
came to Oakland Park. Homelessness is not an issue that will go away. She said
it is very political and controversial.
Ms. Reggie Richards ? President of Columbus South Inc. said she is glad
that the proposal was withdrawn, but we respectfully understand Mr. Roaden?s
mission. At this juncture in the revitalization process, what she is really
proud of is that South Columbus Concern Citizens are coming out and saying that
we are raising the bar and stepping up our game; and we care about our side of
the city.
Mr. Owen Ditchfield ? President of South Columbus Concern Citizens said he
just wanted to go on record saying that we do not oppose any efforts to help
the homeless, release the prisoners, its just a matter of location.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 426 Tennessee Drive from an
SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) District to an RMF2 (Residential
Multi-Family 2) District. (49-D-07-Upshaw) The proposed use is apartments. The
Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Division recommend denial.
Mr. Robert Upshaw ? 426 Tennessee Drive said he submitted an opportunity
to have 18 apartments at this address. We have land space where an acre of land
will allow us to have 18 apartments. He said in his error, he thought it was
okay to have that many apartments, however, at the last meeting I found out
that my neighbors were not too happy. H said he had a chance to go in the
neighborhood and talk with some of my neighbors and found out they were not too
happy and for that I am remorseful. He said it is not our objective to change
the dynamics of the area, however, we purchased the land and would like to use
it as apartments.
He said we would like to submit the opportunity to have at least 7.5 apartments
if possible. He said he realized that the pervious 18 apartments were too much.
He said we received information from Mr. Johnson on the impact of
transportation on the people there and we do not wish to change the dynamics of
the area.
In response to a question regarding his address, Mr. Upshaw corrected
himself by stating that his current address is 1818 Riverland Drive.
Councilor McDaniel asked how did a prison camp (former use of the
building) get in the middle of a neighborhood? To which Mr. Rick Jones
responded that this was a prison camp ran by Muscogee County in the 30s and
50s, before the neighborhood grew up around it. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
further stated that this building has been used for different things off and on
for years (office building, schools, and other neighborhood things).
Councilor Henderson stated that from the pictures provided, he does not
see any multi-family properties (as stated by Mr. Upshaw) in the immediately
block of this particular property.
Councilor Anthony stated that everything else around Mr. Upshaw building
is zoned SF-R2 single-family homes (this building is zoned SF-R4 in 2001) to
which Mr. Jones reconfirmed in the positive.
OPPOSITION:
Mr. David Whitten ? 3428 Monticello Drive said he doesn?t know
Mr. Upshaw personally, but he only knows of his actions and the property he has
on Tennessee Drive. Because of these actions, he would urge this Council not to
approve Mr. Upshaw?s request for rezoning. He said in his opinion, Mr. Upshaw
has not been a good custodian of facilities in that neighborhood. There are
several incidents that happened within the last four or five years and he is
sure most of the Councilors here are aware of it. I don?t think what he is
trying to do with that place will help the community and in his opinion, the
only thing that can be done to that building is to tear it down.
Mr. Wavie McCauley ? 446 Tennessee Drive said we had a quite neighborhood
moved in and everything he put in there he disturbed the neighborhood and he
can go home to where he lives and leave the people with us.?
City Attorney Fay stated that this petition has been recommended denial by
the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Division and will be voted on
at the next meeting.
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An Ordinance ? Amending the text to the Unified Development Ordinance to
amend three subsections related to the following: bed and breakfast inns
regarding owner occupancy; fencing regarding exterior finish installation; and
portable signs regarding non-profit entities and residential zones.
(55-A-07-Planning Department) The Planning Advisory Commission and the
Planning Department recommend approval.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Members of the Planning Division staff was present, but they did not make
a presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning
ordinance.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:_________
An Ordinance ? Amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2007 beginning
July 1, 2006 and ending June 30, 2007, for certain funds of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in each fund for
personnel actions and various other activities.
Councilor Henderson pointed out (for the viewing and listening audience)
that most of these adjustments are housekeeping adjustments made because each
year we (City and Council) have to estimate the amount of money coming in and
present a balance budget due to (sometimes) the tax digest brings in a little
bit more money (i.e. sales tax) - we can?t possibly project it to be exactly
right.
He said towards the end of the year we have passed a budget amendment that
equalizes our expenses/revenues.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:_________________________________________
A Resolution (516-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Jeff Bickerstaff for
his meritorious service on the Board of Historic and Architectural Review.
A Resolution (517-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Dykes Blackmon for
his meritorious service on the Board of Historic & Architectural Review.
A Resolution (518-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Juanita Booker for
her meritorious service on the Family and Children Services Board.
A Resolution (519-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Charles Gibbs, Sr.
for his meritorious service on the Community Development Advisory Council.
A Resolution (520-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Tom Gurr for his
meritorious service on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
A Resolution (521-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Susan Beck for her
meritorious service on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
A Resolution (522-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Bill Walton for his
meritorious service on the Commission on International Relations and Cultural
Liaison Encounters (C.I.R.C.L.E).
A Resolution (523-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Teresa Perez for her
meritorious service on the Commission on International Relations and Cultural
Liaison Encounters (C.I.R.C.L.E).
A Resolution (524-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Delores Arce-Kaptain
for her meritorious service on the Commission on International Relations and
Cultural Liaison Encounters (C.I.R.C.L.E).
A Resolution (525-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Lillian Clark for
her meritorious service on the Commission on International Relations and
Cultural Liaison Encounters (C.I.R.C.L.E).
A Resolution (526-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. David Fox for his
meritorious service on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
A Resolution (527-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Terrell Aldridge for
his meritorious service on the Recreation Advisory Board.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
Councilor Davis asked Mr. Madison is his presence here at Council meeting
is regarding a lawsuit filed by his organization (NAACP) to which Mr. Madison
replied that his organization has not filed any such lawsuit.
MR. BILL MADISON, REPRESENTING THE NAACP, RE: THE MUSCOGEE COUNTY SCHOOL
DISTRICT?S RETIREMENT PLAN:______________________
Mr. Madison extended an invitation to the Mayor and Council to attend a
breakfast in honor of Mr. Primus King on December 15, 2007 at New Providence
Baptist Church - 5227 14th Avenue; upcoming Freedom Fund Banquet (January 4,
2008) and Mr. Madison again invited the Mayor to come out and present the key
to the city to Mr. Fred Gray. Council and the entire community are also invited
to this event honoring Mr. Fred Gray.
He then asked a few gentlemen sitting in the audience to stand, stating
that these people are employees of the Muscogee County School District ? while
they are not teachers or secretaries; and two of them are retired, and their
retirement pay after 40 years is equal to $701.41 maximum. He said utility
bills alone are at least ($701.41) per month and these people cannot afford
medicine and this is because we have been running for over 25 to 30 years, a
retirement system in the Muscogee School system (janitors, cooks, grass
cutters, mechanics) that is falling down on the line of black and white. We
need to correct this and he is asking this Council to call anyone that you can
to see what you can find out about the teachers? retirement system versus the
public retirement system.
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CITY MANAGERS? AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (528-07) ? Approving the transfer of 0.737 +/- acres of City
property adjacent to the Mildred Terry Library at 616 and 628 Veterans Parkway
to the Muscogee County School District. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
A Resolution (529-07) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a grant of
$1,275,000.00, or as otherwise awarded, from the Georgia Emergency Management
Agency, 2007 Homeland Security Grant Program for the West Central Georgia
Search and Rescue (GSAR) Team to improve responses to heavy rescue emergencies
to the citizens of Columbus and surrounding counties. Councilor Woodson moved
the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE
ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING: ________________
A Resolution (530-07) ? Authorizing the execution of a negotiated contract
with GoodPointe Technology Corporation to collect ground-level right-of-way
digital images of the roadway network and to use the images to update the
pavement condition ratings stored in CCG?s proprietary pavement management
system.
A Resolution (531-07) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) cab and
chassis from Beck Motor Company (Albany, GA) in the amount of $54,932.00. The
large bucket truck is a replacement unit. The Forestry Division of the Public
Services Department will use this replacement unit for trimming and removing
trees on City property during routine maintenance of trees, as well as, when
storm damage occurs within the City.
A Resolution (532-07) ? Approving the continuation of the dress and work
uniforms contract with All American Uniforms for the estimated annual contract
value of $629,349.29. The uniforms will be purchased on an ?as needed basis?
by various departments to include Police, Sheriff, Marshal, Muscogee County
Prison, Fire/EMS, Public Services, METRA, Inspections and Codes, Engineering,
Parks and Recreation, and the Civic Center.
A Resolution (533-07) ? Authorizing payment to CGI-AMS, Inc. (Fairfax, VA),
in the amount of $241,020.00 for annual software maintenance support of the
ADVANTAGE FINANCIAL/ADVANTAGE HR systems. The maintenance period will cover
twelve months beginning January 1, 2008. CGI-AMS is the developer of the
software and is therefore the sole provider for the maintenance support.
A Resolution (534-07) ? Authorizing the purchase of eight (8) Panasonic
Toughbook Computers and two (2) DVD/CD Drives from Insight Direct. (Atlanta,
GA), via State Contract, GS-35F-0143R in the amount of $25,564.00. Inspectors
for the Engineering Department will use the toughbook computers to input data
while in the field. The external DVD/CD drives will be used to load existing
Engineering programs, which IT does not install. They will also be used for
previewing new products sent to the department on DVDs.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Manager Hugley called for an executive session to discuss personnel
matters.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:__________
(1) Notice for the 2008 ACCG County Platform, February 11 & 12, 2008 in
Atlanta, Georgia.
(2) Copy of the Grand Jury Presentment recommending that the pay for all
persons summoned to serve as a juror increase from $25.00 to $30.00 per day.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Building Contractor?s
Examining Board.
(4) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Health.
Councilor McDaniel nominated Dr. Stamey to serve on this board.
(5) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Columbus Convention &
Visitors Bureau.
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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Mr. Kenneth M. Henson,
Jr., advising that the Hospital Authority of Columbus has selected Ms. Cathy
Walker to fill the expired term of Ms. Evelyn Turgeon and pointed out that she
may be confirmed.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that she be confirmed. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________________________________________________________
Airport Commission, October 24, 2007.
Board of Health, October 24, 2007.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 42 & 43
Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, October 17, 2007.
Council Briefings, March 29, 2005.
Council Briefings, August 9, 2005.
Council Briefings, September 6, 2005.
Planning Advisory Commission, March 21, 2007.
Planning Advisory Commission, April 11, 2007.
Planning Advisory Commission, April 25, 2007.
Planning Advisory Commission, May 16, 2007.
Councilor Allen made a motion that the minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF HEALTH:
Councilor McDaniel nominated Dr. Stamey to succeed Dr. James Sullivan on
the Board of Health. Clerk of Council Washington stated that this item would be
back next week for the Council?s confirmation.
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BOARD OF HONOR:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Council that Mr. Hirsch was
nominated on last week to succeed himself for another term of office and said
he can now be confirmed. Councilor Henderson moved the confirmation. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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CONVENTION AND TRADE CENTER AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Mayor Wetherington is
reappointing Mr. James Cantrell and Mr. Frank Etheridge for another term of
office to succeed themselves. Councilor Henderson moved the confirmation of Mr.
Cantrell and Mr. Etheridge. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
She further pointed out that the Mayor is also nominating Mr. Colin Martin
to succeed Mr. Jerry Newman on this board as well. Councilor Henderson moved
the confirmation of Mr. Martin. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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CONVENTION AND VISITORS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that she has outlined the Mayor?s
nominations for appointments on the Convention & Visitors Board of
Commissioners, which includes the following: Mr. Alan Woodall, to succeed Mr.
Lee Brantley for an at-large position, Ms. Teresa Tomlinson to succeed Ms.
Veola Hymes, at-large position, who could not succeed herself. Mr. James Smith
to succeed Mr. Bill Webster, as the hotel/food service representative, who
resigned from the board. Also, Mr. John Shinkle, to succeed Mr. Colin Martin,
for an at-large position, who was appointed to serve on another board, and Mr.
Scott Ressmeyer, to succeed himself representing Tourism, who is eligible to
succeed himself.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the confirmation of the Mayors?
appointments. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
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FAMILY & CHILDRENS SERVICES BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington polled the Council on the nominations of
Ms. Cynthia Saxton and Ms. Susan Wilson for someone to succeed Ms. Joann
Chester, who resigned from the board. Council voted seven to three in favor of
Ms. Susan Wilson at which time she was eligible to be confirmed. Councilor
Henderson moved the confirmation of Ms. Wilson. Seconded by Councilor Baker and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that the terms of office of Mr.
Tracy Sayers and Ms. Nancy Rinn will expire at the end of this month, and they
are eligible to succeed themselves and have been nominated. However, two
additional nominations are still needed for these two seats.
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MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Ken Crooks and Dr. Kenneth
Goldman could not succeed themselves on this board. She said there are
currently two nominees for Mr. Crooks? seat; Mr. David Moore and Mr. Robert
George; the nominees will be forwarded to the Medical Center Hospital Authority
Board for a selection. She said we still need two additional nominees for Dr.
Goldman?s seat.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Baker is re-nominating
Mr. James Wilson, as his Council District 5 representative and said that he can
be confirmed. Councilor Allen moved the confirmation. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for
this meeting.
She further pointed out that Cheryl Gallatin, who represented District Nine
is no longer a resident of Muscogee County and that Councilor Anthony has
nominated Mr. Timmy Hess for this seat. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved
confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Ms. Avera was nominated
for Council District 8 representative on the Youth Advisory Council and that
she could be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the confirmation.
Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request by City Manager Hugley, Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh made a motion to allow the Council to go into an executive session to
discuss personnel matters. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
Prior to the Council going into an executive session, Mayor Wetherington
asked if there was any who had an issue to bring before the Council, they could
be heard at this time.
Mr. C. Michael Davis II ? Director of Fleet Operation for Carl Gregory Car
Dealership said he would like to state for the record that we are the State
Contract providers of police vehicles for the State of Georgia. He said the new
Dodge Charger have lower maintenance frequencies and one thing that the city
will love is that we have a three-year 100,000 mile extended warranty provision
that cost $686.00 for the power train only and has a zero deductible. These
vehicles have proven themselves to be both sturdy and roomy; they are larger
than the Crown Victoria (current police vehicles) in terms of wheelbase, they
have traction and stability control, electronic break assist ? all designed to
make it a safer vehicle. He said he is not here to sell you the vehicle, but he
is here to offer anyone who cares to drive one the opportunity to do so prior
to making a very large community decision.?
Mayor Wetherington responded by reminding Mr. Davis of their conversation
in which the Mayor stated that he would give Mr. Davis every opportunity to
submit a bid and Council will act accordingly.
*** *** ***
OXBOW MEADOWS:
Referring back to the subject of Oxbow Meadows, Councilor Davis stated
that he would like the opportunity to follow up on something from last week?s
meeting ? pertaining to Oxbow Meadows. He said he think he has made up his mind
and I do know that the people at CSU are working on a time line/frame and we
need to be sensitive to that and I would hope that we would be taking action on
this soon.
City Manager Hugley said we are (Ms. Turner and staff) is working on
scheduling a meeting with CSU, Councilor Woodson and a few others to talk with
them about what our options are and after that meeting we would come back
before this Council to brief you on the results of that meeting and see which
of the options you would like to consider- knowing what option comes from City
Manager and staff. He said there are five options and any of those options are
available to you.
Councilor Henderson said he doesn?t see the need to sell it (Oxbow
Meadows). He said he would hate to lose control of that property out there and
he doesn?t see any reason to charge CSU. He said he thinks if we check with the
City Attorney we can do one of two things: (1) a long-term lease or a series of
renewable leases for $1.00 per year or (2) work out a memorandum of
understanding between two entities. He said we can let them continue to operate
in a partnership and make that MOU for the duration that they feel comfortable
enough investing the money. He said he is not in favor of selling it and he
thinks that is a vital piece of property with the development that is on the
verge of taking place. He said he know it impacts our landfill but all it does
is forces us to go ahead and find a solution ? something we need to go ahead
and get moving on anyway.?
*** *** ***
STUFFED ANIMALS:
Councilor Henderson also announced that there is a gentleman collecting
stuffed animals ? currently at 41,000 stuffed animals of a goal of 100,000. He
said the Fire Chief has agreed to let the fire stations serve as drop-off
points. He said these stuffed animals are sent to Iraq and Afghanistan are
handed out by troops patrolling the streets and help in forming relationships
with the children. He said this is an on-going drive to collect (slightly
loved) stuffed animals.
*** *** ***
OXBOW MEADOWS:
Councilor Anthony said following up on the Oxbow Meadows? request, asked
if we can have a sixth option brought to us next week that would include a
lease arrangement (25years) with a mutual understanding of terms of shared
property and resources. City Manager Hugley informed Council that this could be
added as an option.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said her issue with the Oxbow property (I don?t
know what the five options are) but this property was bought with bond money
that we the (city) have not finished paying off as yet ? if we are still paying
on land and have to go somewhere else to purchase land, where are we going to
get the money from? She said everybody wants us to be nice and others are
saying we are trying to do something that we should not do. She said she is
looking at it from the perspective that we are still paying on the bond issue
for this property; it has not completely paid off and we have to go out and
find land somewhere. She said one of the issues that came up ? was asking CSU
about property that we could exchange and use for a landfill because in seven
years we are going to need one.?
City Manager Hugley said that is one of the questions we were going to ask
- we would be paying on that property until 2012. He said the bond matures
2012- and we have seven years left on Pond One; Pond Two would give us eight
years ? so we have (with both ponds) a total of 15 years.?
*** *** ***
COUNCIL DISTRICT ONE RESIDENTS:
Councilor Barnes said before we go into executive session, he would like to
say thank you to Marshall Greg Countryman and Sheriff Ralph Johnson in response
to complaints from residents in his district (District 1) of drug trafficking
and criminal behavior. He said Marshall Countryman led a detail of 12 Deputy
Marshals and two Deputy Sheriffs through specific areas of his district and
there were 10 arrest and 19 citations given. He said he and Mr. Lockett rode
with Marshall Countryman and this was geared to send a definite and
unmistakable message to the criminal element in my district that the honest and
hard working citizens will not be held hostage to that type of criminal
behavior. He said there are going to be other spontaneous sweeps of that area
until the residents feel safe.
Mayor Wetherington stated that some of those residents out there in
District 1 want to do a tour and he has asked the City Manager to set up such a
tour in the Carver Heights area in the next couple of weeks and Councilors are
invited to participate if they so choose.
*** *** ***
OXBOW MEADOWS:
Referring back to the subject of Oxbow Meadows, Councilor Woodson
suggested that the staff have a meeting with the new Dean of CSU and she would
like to be a part of the meeting since Oxbow Meadow is in her district.
She further stated that Oxbow Meadows is a great thing but at the same time, we
do not wish to give any more property away. She said the city is in need of
those tax dollars in the budget and she is not ready to release more property
at this time.
Councilor Davis said in reference to the investment that CSU has made in
the community ? if you look at Fort Benning and CSU, he thinks our community
needs to be very grateful- they have invested a substantial amount of money and
will continue in the future especially in the uptown/downtown region. He said
the only reason he says we need to take action and move forward on this is
because they have already stated that they are working on their budget for next
year and they will make a decision in December sometime. He said the clock is
ticking and we need to be sensitive to that - they have laid it out very
clearly that if we don?t make a decision they will make one and I?d hate to
lose all that potential our community has and what the future can be for Oxbow
Meadows.
*** *** ***
At 7:20 p.m. the regular session was adjourned to allow the Council to go
into an executive session.
At 7:56 p.m. the meeting was called back to order at which time Mayor
Wetherington pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to
discuss personnel matters, but no action was taken.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Henderson then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting
with the time being 7:58 p.m.
*** *** ***
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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