MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 12, 2015
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:02 A.M., Tuesday, May 12, 2015, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens
Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia Honorable
Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor and Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pughwere CouncilorsMike Baker,Jerry Barnes Tom B. Buck III,Glenn Davis,Berry H.
Henderson and Judy W. Thomas,Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City
Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall,Clerk of Council
Tiny Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey Glisson were also
present.Councilor R. Gary Allen took his seat at 9:07 a.m. Councilor Bruce
Huff took his seat at 9:07 a.m.
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ABSENT:No one was absent.
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INVOCATION:Offered by Pastor Jeff Struecker of Calvary Baptist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Teresa Tomlinson.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
Approval of the New Deputy Warden of Muscogee County Prison:
Mayor Tomlinson said she we will start out tonight?s meeting with a happy
announcement and then called Warden Dwight Hambrick to come forward to the
podium. She said we have an opportunity for a new hire for the position of
Deputy Warden at the Muscogee County Prison. She said we have a candidate to
bring forward on this morning. She said, as you know, the Muscogee County
Prison is a State Work Camp and is governed by the laws and regulations of the
Department of Corrections for the appointment of Warden and Deputy Warden. She
said whenever there is a vacancy; there is a process that we have to go through
to appoint the new Deputy Warden.
She said we have followed that process and now we must have Council?s
approval so that we can send it back to the Commissioner of the Department of
Corrections for their approval.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to approve the nomination of
Mr. Daniel King. The motion was then seconded by Councilor Barnes.
Councilor Thomas said she would like to hear from the Warden, Dwight
Hambrick on this matter.
Warden Hambrick then came forward and outlined the process they went
through and how they came to the conclusion to select Mr. King. He then read
the many credentials and accomplishments of Mr. Daniel King.
After Warden Hambrick concluded his remarks, the question was then called
on the motion, as stated above, to approve Mr. King, which carried unanimously.
Mayor Tomlinson recognized the presence of Mr. King?s wife, Mrs. Gail King.
Mr. King thanked Warden Hambrick, as well as Mayor Tomlinson and members
of the Council for this confirmation of him as Deputy Warden.
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Limited Scope Audit of Cash Collections and Refunds at Civic Center John
Redmond, Internal Auditor:__________________ ___
Mayor Tomlinson said Mr. John Redmond, Internal Auditor is present here
this morning to request permission to do a limited scope audit of cash
collections and refunds at the Civic Center.
Internal Auditor John Redmond said that Director Ross Horner of the Civic
Center has had some concerns about the refund process and said since it is
mixed in with their taking in of cash and disbursement banking, he said we want
to look at the controls of that. He said we don?t have any real reason to
believe that there is a problem at this time, but he just wanted to take a look
at the process.
Councilor Davis moved approval of the request for the limited scope audit.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present for this meeting.
Mr. Redmond pointed out that Forensic Auditor; Ms. Joan Perrin will be
leaving the City of Columbus. He said her last day with the City will be on
June 19th as she will be taking a position somewhere else.
Ms. Perrin then came forward and said it has been a pleasure working with
Mr. Redmond and the City of Columbus and have enjoyed meeting and working with
everyone.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the March 24, March 31, April 14, and April 28, 2015
Executive Sessions of the Consolidated Governmentwere submitted and approved
upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor Woodson. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED ON SECOND
READING:_
_
An Ordinance (15-13) ?Rezoning properties located at 4806 & 4814 13th
Avenue from an SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) zoning districts to an RMF1
(Residential Multi-Family 1) zoning district. The proposed use is to build
seniors duplexes.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
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An Ordinance (15-14) ? Rezoning properties located at 1617 & 1619 12th
Avenue from an RMF2 (Residential Multi-Family 2) zoning district to a GC
(General Commercial) zoning district.The proposed use is for an addition to
Wade Linen.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried by a vote of six to four, with Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and Councilors Allen, Buck, Huff, Thomas and Woodson voting yes and
Councilors Baker, Barnes, Davis and Henderson voting no.
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An Ordinance (15-15) ? Striking subsections 3-5 (c),(d) and (e) of the
Columbus Code pertaining to prohibited locations for alcoholic beverage
licensees in its entirety and replacing each subsection with new subsections
3-5(c),(d) and(e);and for other purposes.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present.
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An Ordinance (15-16) ? Amending Chapter 5 of the Columbus Code by
permitting veterinarian members to serve on the Animal Control Advisory Board
without regard to residency in Columbus; and for other purposes.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR ZONING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS ADVERTISED:_____
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 976 Lake Rushin Drivefrom an
NC (Neighborhood Commercial) with conditions zoning district to an NC
(Neighborhood Commercial) with amended conditions zoning district.
PROPONENTS:
Mr. Edward French, 126 Lakeland Drive, Atlanta, Georgia, of Multi-Site
Properties came forward and said their request is to remove the conditions
from the property at 976 Lake Rushin Drive.
City Attorney Fay said this amendment will allow access on Lake Rushin
Drive.
Mr. French, in response to City Attorney Fay, as to what is the proposed
use, said they will be constructing a fast food restaurant, a Popeye?s.
City Attorney Fay then said if there were any questions of the Council.
Councilor Henderson said he would like for someone from the Planning
Department to explain why we had that condition in the ordinance.
Mr. Will Johnson of the Planning Department then came forward and said he
went back and reviewed that case, which he believes was done in 2001. He said
that condition was placed on the zoning at that time, by the staff; not PAC or
the Council, and he doesn?t know why. He said there is a curb-cut directly
across the street that will line up with this curb-cut. He said there were no
minutes or anything, but he thinks it was because the user that actually did
the rezoning in 2001 didn?t have a strong case and said he didn?t need it.
Councilor Henderson then asked Mr. Johnson, from his perspective, if there
were any safety issues or access and said it?s an unnecessary condition, as it
stands. Mr. Johnson stated that there were no issues, and the condition is not
needed.
OPPONENTS:
There was no one present who wanted to speak in opposition to this
proposed rezoning ordinance.
City Attorney Fay said we will take a vote on this matter at the meeting in
two weeks.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 1211 Rose Hill Street from
anNC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to an SFR4 (Single Family
Residential 4) zoning district.
PROPONENTS:
Mr. Brandon Berg, 1211Rose Hill Street, the petitioner came forward and
said there are no plans for the property, as they are just trying to bring the
zoning in line, so that they can refinance their house. He said they are not
able to refinance their home without it not being residential.He said that is
the only reason they are trying to change it.
OPPONENTS:
There was no one present who wanted to speak in opposition to this
proposed rezoning ordinance.
City Attorney Fay said this ordinance will be voted on in two weeks at the
next Council meeting.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 7042 Moon Roadfrom an RO
(Residential Office) zoning district to a GC (General Commercial) zoning
district.
PROPONENTS:
Mrs. Genevieve Green said she represents the Woodruff Family Limited
Partnership that is purchasing this particular location and said this is a
non-conforming current use and said they are just trying to get it to a
conforming use. She said there are no plans except for the current use that is
there.
PROPONENTS:
There was no one to speak against this proposed rezoning ordinance.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:_____________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Amending Ordinance #14-25, the budget for the Fiscal
Year 2015 beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015, reclassifying
certain positions of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia; and for
other purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY WITH MUCH DISCUSSION BY THE COUNCIL:______________________________
An Ordinance ? Revising Columbus Code Section 16B-1-3.2., which pertains
to the hiring or rehiring of felonsupon review by an executive committee,
implementing a hiring policy intended to encourage the full participation of
motivated and qualified persons with criminal histories in the workforce,
reduce recidivism and assure public safety, authorizing the updating, revision
and reissuance of certain personnel policies, and for other purposes.
Mayor Tomlinson said that we promised that we would have our Human
Resources Director Reather Hollowell to come and give a presentation regarding
this matter.
Ms. Hollowell came forward and said she wanted to talk with you about our
amended hiring, and then gave the following power-point presentation, as
outlined below.
CURRENT ORDINANCE:
o No hiring of convicted felons
o Exceptions
? Executive Committee
? Needs of the Government
? Public Interest
? Rehabilitation of Applicant
? Severity of Crime
? Past Job Performance
HIRING PRACTICES AMENDED:
Anti Recidicvism Administration Policy Adopted in 2013
o Enhance recruitment of qualified applicants
o Certain entry level positions pre-cleared
o Executive Committee Review/Approval
Governor Deal Signs Executive Order ? February 23, 2015
?Ban the Box
o Remove criminal history questions from job application
o Criminal record not an automatic bar to employment
o Promote accurate use of criminal record
CITY OF COLUMBUS
o Implemented ?Ban the Box? Administrative Policy
o Effective April 15, 2015
o Removed criminal history questions from job application
o Applies to General Government Agencies Only
o Does not apply to Public Safety Agencies
WHAT THE POLIC DOES NOT DO
o Does not require Managers to hire applicants w/Criminal Records
o Does not limit criminal background check inquiries
o Does not limit the availability of certain criminal records
CRIMINAL RECORDS BACKGROUND CHECK
o All applicants must consent to criminal records background check
o Applies to all Government jobs
o Ordinance Number 12-13
OTHER CITIES, COUNTIES AND STATES
o More than 100 Cities and Counties and states have adopted ?Ban the Box? or
?Fair-Chance? hiring policies
o To remove barriers to employment for qualified workers with records
o 10 cities in Georgia
o The list is growing
After the conclusion of her presentation, Ms. Hollowell then responded to
several questions of members of the Council.
City Manager Hugley said we have had in the City Manager?s staff meeting,
a briefing for department heads on ?Ban the Box? issue and said we had a Work
Session provided by Ms. Hollowell related to the question of felony acts in
their past. He said we have gone through this with our directors and said they
know how to ask the questions and know how this works and said there were no
issues from any of the department heads.
After more than twenty minutes of discussion on this subject meeting, the
discussion was concluded. City Attorney Fay said we will vote on this matter in
two weeks.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay said he will need to have an executive session after the
adjournment of the meeting today, to discuss matters of litigation.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
Mayor Tomlinson said there is an item on the Clerk of Council?s Agenda
dealing with the Planning Advisory Commission that has been there for a few
weeks, where we have had some difficulty in getting a vote on and said we would
like to go ahead and call that item up, as Councilor Allen will have to leave
the meeting shortly.
Clerk of Council Washington then said there was a vote taken at the
Council meeting a few weeks ago for two nominees for a seat on the Planning
Advisory Commission and said there was an inconclusive vote. She said the two
nominees are for the seat of Mr. Walter Calhoun, who was not eligible to
succeed himself. She said the two nominees are Mr. Robert Bollinger and Mr.
Larry Derby.
After Clerk of Council Washington took a roll call vote, Mr. Robert
Bollinger was elected to succeed Mr. Walter Calhoun. Voting for Mr. Bollinger
were Councilors Allen, Davis, Huff, Buck, Thomas, Woodson, and Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh. Voting for Mr. Derby were Councilors Baker, Henderson, and Barnes.
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Bollinger has been elected
and asked for a motion for confirmation. Councilor Henderson so moved.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present for this meeting.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
PRESIDENT TONZA S. THOMAS, REPRESENTING NAACP COLUMBUS GEORGIA BRANCH, RE:
MISCONDUCT IN THE MUSCOGEE COUNTY
JAIL:_ ____
President Tonza S. Thomas, representing NAACP Columbus, Georgia Branch,
came forward and addressed several concerns of the NAACP, as it relates to
misconduct in the Muscogee County Jail. She stated that they are not an enemy
of the City of Columbus, but they would like to work with them in resolving
these matters.
During Ms. Thomas? presentation before the Council, there were several
questions she asked, all of which a referral was made for them to be addressed
by the appropriate officials, and the information be provided to the Council.
Mayor Tomlinson also asked Ms. Thomas to provide a list of the items that she
would like to have addressed.
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out to Ms. Thomas that Sheriff Darr, in an
editorial to the Columbus Ledger has stated that he would be willing to meet
with the NAACP to talk and discuss whatever issues they desired.
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MS. SHARON E. BUNN, REPRESENTING SEARS WOODS NEIGHBORHOOD, RE:
ORDINANCES:_________________________
Ms. Sharon E. Bunn,and several of her neighbors representing
Sears Woods came forward and addressed concerns regarding one of their
neighbors who have not being properly taking care of their property. She made
reference to the grass being overgrown, abandoned vehicles, and one of the
residents seeing a snake in the area, as well as there was a problem with
barking dogs.
After Ms. Bunn?s presentation, there were several referrals that were made
regarding these concerns. Mayor Tomlinson asked that the staff look into
drafting proposed ordinances addressing problems with abandoned vehicles, grass
height, pool water and barking dogs.
Councilor Barnes asked that once these ordinances have been drafted, that
they be provided to the Council so they can go over them and have further
discussion on the issue.
During Ms. Bunn?s presentation, she pointed out that the neighbor has been
cited and was to go to Environmental Court, but did not do so. Mayor Tomlinson
then asked that the staff provide information to the Council, as to what occurs
when an individual does not appear in court regarding these matters. She also
asked that we have the City Inspectors to visit the property that was brought
to the attention of the Council by Ms. Bunn, to determine whether or not there
is something that can be done by the City.
Mayor Tomlinson asked City Attorney Fay to check and see what can be done
by the City legally through ordinances to address the concerns expressed by Ms.
Bunn and her neighbors.
As it pertains to the nuisance of barking dogs, Councilor Woodson asked
that we have Special Enforcement to go out there and look into other
alternatives that pet owners could do before they are required to attend court.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested that the situation with the snakes
entering the neighbor?s yard, due to the condition of the pool be attended to
immediately.
City Attorney Fay stated that he would contact the attorney for the health
Department to provide them with this information and to see what assistance
they could offer to resolve some of these concerns.
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MR. LORENZA WILDER & MS. GLYNNEZE RICHARDSON, RE: SPEEDING & TRAFFIC
CONCERNS:_______________________
Mr. Lorenza Wilder and Ms. Glynneze Richardson, came forward and address
their concerns regarding speeding on Wilder Drive, as well the side street.
They said they are concerned with school getting ready to close and the
children will be outside playing.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (117-15) ? Transferring $1,349,104 of the FY15 Public Safety
Vacancy Reserve for the Police Department to the Police Department?s General
Fund Budget to fill 17 of the 37 vacant positions an utilize the remaining
balance for capital and equipment.
Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Tuner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present.
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A Resolution (118-15) ? Authorizing acceptance of a deed to Atlantic Ivy
Court and that portion of North Ivy Park Drive located in Section Three, Phase
One, North Ivy Park on behalf of Columbus, Georgia.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by thoseten members of Council
present.
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A Resolution (119-15) ? Authorizing acceptance of seats and accessories,
to include: 110 black seats, chair backs, legs, armrests and anchor bolts to
mount to concrete floors; as well as, the instruction on the assembly and
installation of the seats, donated by Mr. Fred Van Noy; and expressing thanks
and appreciation to Mr. Fred Van Noy.
Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by thoseten members of Council
present.
Councilor Allen said he would like to ask the City Attorney to draft a
resolution thanking Mr. Van Noy for the donation of these seats for Recorder?s
Court.
City Manager Hugley said he would like to thank Mr. Van Noy for the
donation of these seats and Judge Cielinski for working with Mr. Van Noy on
this matter.
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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME
DISCUSSION:
A Resolution (120-15) ?Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Alexander Contracting Company, Inc. (Fortson, GA) in the amount
of $2,107,199.23 for the South Lumpkin multi-use trail project.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
Prior to the adoption of the resolution, City Manager Hugley responded to
several questions of Councilor Huff with regards to there being no restroom
included in the approval of this project. Councilor Huff said there is a
two-mile stretch and said there is no restroom.
City Manager Hugley said this project came in over budget and said that we
had to do some value engineering so we have identified those things that we
have taken out of the project at this time. He said that is not to say that
those things won?t ever happen, but said we have to figure out how to grant
funding and support funding to make those things happen.
Councilor Huff asked if we had any more access to the discretionary funds.
Discussion continued on this matter with City Manager Hugley and Deputy
City Manager Hodge responding to further concerns expressed by Councilor Huff.
Councilor Huff said in the future whenever there is a problem; if the
administration would contact that Councilor in the district in advance, so that
they won?t have to find out about just a day or so prior to the Council
meeting.
Mayor Tomlinson said Councilor Huff had talked about the discretionary
funds, and then asked Ms. Hodge if maybe we can brief the Council on what the
proposal is for the discretionary funds, for this year, and if there are any
funds available; and what they have been designated to; and if there are any
funds that they might want to move around.
After some ten minutes of discussion on this matter, the question was then
called on the earlier motion to adopt the resolution, which carried unanimously
by those nine members of Council present, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being
absent for the vote.
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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND DELAYED BY THE
COUNCIL: __
A Resolution ? Authorizing the purchase of Automatic Announcement Systems
from Clever Devices Ltd for the estimated annual contract amount of $50,000.00.
Councilor Allen said with regards to this purchase, he wanted to ask for
clarification, as it states that the annual usage of the contract is estimated
at $50,000 per bus. City Manager Hugley said this is an 80/10/10 grant. He
said that is an announcement system, and said he thinks that is the cost per
bus, but he can verify that cost.
City Manager Hugley said he would delay this matter until he can verify
that is the cost per bus.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH MAYOR PRO
TEM TURNER PUGH ABSENT FOR THE
VOTE:_ _
A Resolution (121-15) ? Authorizing to approveannual contract for soft
body armor with SRT Supply (St. Petersburg, FL).
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A Resolution (122-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of Microsoft software
licensing upgrade from SHI (Somerset. NJ), for the total amount of
$1,036,547.18, via Georgia Statewide Contract 99999-SPD-SPD0000060-0003; and is
authorized to enter into all agreements pertaining to this purchase and the
maintenance/support.
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Note: When City Manager Hugley presented his items, as listed on the City
Manager?s Agenda for a vote, Councilor Davis was away from the Council table;
and when he returned back to his seat, he requested that his vote be added to
those items.
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BROWN AVENUE BRIDGE:
Councilor Huff asked City Manager Hugley to look into his concerns as to
whether or not the City can remove the tree stump located near the Brown Avenue
Bridge, where GDOT cut down the tree. He said there have been concerns
expressed by the citizens that this stump is attracting snakes and rats.
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PTV REGULATIONS:
Councilor Thomas said she was in Uptown on yesterday and said one of the
PTV was parked in a parking space and said it didn?t look like it was road
ready, as the Chief of Police explained to her. She said it had no side
mirror, no rearview mirror, no turn signal, and she is wondering if we have
some kind of plan in place to let those folks who regularly uses them in
downtown, know that we have an ordinance in place now. She said she would like
for the staff to make sure that we are publicizing the regulations pertaining
to the use of these PTV?s in Uptown Columbus, and that the decals are being
issued.
City Manager Hugley said we will have to use CCG-TV, as well as do a news
release and hope the local media will help us to communicate that because we
don?t know who has them. He said he know that there will be a limited number of
people who will have them. He said the Columbus Police Department will enforce
this ordinance.
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KOREAN WAR:
Councilor Woodson said she was in a Conference in Atlanta and said there
was a State Representative at that breakfast and said she was told that they
had gotten in contact with either the City Manager?s office or Representative
Carolyn Hugley, and that it was also brought to the Mayor?s attention that some
legislators who wanted to talk to Fort Benning to see if we can find a road in
the Columbus area to name after the 65th (Inaudible) which were Infantrymen
during the Korean War. She said they told her that the Tuskegee Airmen, that
unit there were the instructors for that group. She said because of all the
changes going on with the Veterans, they are looking for a place near Fort
Benning, to do this. She said maybe we need to sit down and discuss it because
there are different groups throughout Georgia that are talking about our
community in wanting to do that.
City Manager Hugely said he is not familiar with it, and has not been
told by any of his staff that they have spoken with anyone in this regard. He
said he would like to get the contact information and his office can contact
them regarding their interest.
Councilor Woodson said apparently there is support for this in the State
Legislation, and said they are talking among each other. She said the gentleman
did mention State Representative Carolyn Hugley; however, she has not spoken
with her to ask her about it. She said she thinks it is important for us to be
at the table to discuss this because they are talking about military and
historical information that happened here in Fort Benning.
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POTHOLES:
Councilor Huff said he and Councilor Buck border each other in districts,
and said he just wanted to personally thank you on behalf of both he and
Councilor Buck with regards to the request that was made back in March about
the potholes on Popular Avenue. He said he wanted to thank you for what was
done and said they are glad to get rid of those big pot holes.
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BUS ANNOUNCEMENT SYSTEM:
Referring back to Item ?B? on his list of purchases, City Manager Hugley
said that the information that he received is that eight (8) units comprised of
$50,0-00 at $6,500 each unit. He said that is the information that Councilor
Allen wanted. He said he will bring this matter back at the next meeting.
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RAILROAD CROSSING:
Councilor Davis said the railroad crossing on 54th Street is in disarray
and very bad shape. He said at one time, he believes that Councilor McDaniel
had asked about the possibility of getting those concrete crossing pads that
they put down. He said we had to go out and clean out the pile of asphalt that
they had put down in a hole, and said now those holes are back. He said he
would like to have someone to go and look at the condition of that railroad
crossing on 54th Street and the crossing on Williams Road, close to the
intersection at Fortson Road. He said there have been concerns expressed on the
condition of these railroad crossings and the damage that could be caused to
citizens? vehicles.
City Manager Hugley said he had a meeting with Norfolk Southern on last
week with the staff and said they are working with them on some things that we
will be coming to the Council on at a later date.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: ________________________________________________
1. Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Family & Children
Services.
2. Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Employees Pension Board
of Trustees.
3. Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Retirees Health Benefits
Committee.
4. Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close 11th Street, from
Broadway to Front Avenue, on Saturday, May 16, 2015, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00
a.m., in connection with the Uptown Teen Challenge 5K.
5. Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close the 1000 block of
Broadway, on Sunday, May 24, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., in connection
with the Uptown Run Across Georgia finish line and concert.
6. Application of Rebecca Zajac to temporarily close the 1000 block of
Broadway, on Friday, June 5, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, in connection
with the Uptown First Friday Art Walk and concert.
7. Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close Bay Avenue, from
Synovus to 11th Street, and 11th Street, from Front Avenue to Bay Avenue, on
Saturday, June 6, 2015, from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., in connection with the
Uptown Budweiser and Burger Cook-off.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BAKER AND
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILORS
ALLEN AND THOMAS BEING ABSENT FOR THE VOTE:_______
______________
A Resolution(123-15) ? Excusing the absence of Councilor R. Gary Allen
from the April 28, 2015 Council Meeting.
A Resolution(124-15) ? Excusing the absence of Councilor Jerry Barnes from
the April 28, 2015 Council Meeting.
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:______
__ _____
Airport Commission, February 25 & April 7, 2015.
Board of Tax Assessors, 13-15 & 14-15.
Budget Review Committee, April 7, 2015.
Columbus Ironworks Convention & Trade Center Authority, March 26, 2015.
Employee Benefits Committee, September 24 & December 10, 2014.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, March 31, 2015.
Land Bank Authority, April 1, 2015.
Public Safety Advisory Committee, February 25, 2015.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion that these minutes be received.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by eight members of
Council present, with Councilors Allen and Thomas being absent for the vote.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
AIRPORT COMMISSION OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington said we are waiting to hear back from the
Airport Commission, with nominations for someone to fill the unexpired of Mr.
Don Cook and Ms. Sherry Goodrum, who have resigned.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh is
working on a replacement for someone to succeed Mr. Abdur Hassan, whose seat
was declared vacant.
*** *** ***
COLUMBUS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Gerald Saunders had
originally been appointed and confirmed to serve on this board, but has since
stated that he will be unable to serve due to him moving to another county.
Councilor Huff then moved that Mr. Ty Harrison be confirmed for this seat.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for
this vote.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Baker is still
working on a replacement for someone to succeed Mr. Chuck H. McDaniel, III, who
is not eligible to succeed himself
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Paul Todd has resigned
from his seat on the Hospital Authority of Columbus and that Council needs to
nominate three individuals from which the authority will select someone to
succeed Mr. Todd. She further pointed out that Mr. Mike Welch has been
nominated and that we need two additional nominees.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Davis is nominating
Ms. Brenda Pawloski, to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Chris Henson, who has
resigned from her seat on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
Councilor Huff made a motion that she be confirmed. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this
vote.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington said that we still need someone to fill the
expired term of Ms. Jodi Sears, whose seat was declared vacant on the Taxicab
Commission. She said we are working with Mr. Peter Bowden to get someone to
represent the Hotel/Motel Industry.
*** *** ***
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Tomlinson is nominating
Mr. John Greenman to succeed Mr. Edgar Chancellor on the Housing Authority of
Columbus.
Councilor Woodson made a motion that he be confirmed. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for this
vote.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Tomlinson entertained a motion to go into executive session to
discuss a litigation matter. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to go
into executive session to discuss a litigation matter. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with
Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent for the vote.
At 11:17 a.m., the Council adjourned its meeting to go into executive
session. At 11:43 p.m., the meeting was reconvened.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Huff and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Allen and Barnes having already left the meeting, and with the time
being 11:44 a.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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