MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 9, 2007
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 9:02 A.M., Tuesday, October 9, 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 Councilors, Councilors R.
Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn Davis, Julius
H. Hunter, Jr., Skip Henderson, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., and Mayor Pro Tem
Evelyn Turner-Pugh. City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant Attorney Jamie
Deloach, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and were also present. Councilors
Evelyn Woodson and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis took their seats at
9:06 AM and 9:10 AM respectively.
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ABSENT: City Manager Isaiah Hugley was absent, but was represented by Deputy
City Manager David Arrington.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Don Wilhite of Calvary Baptist Church.
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PROCLAMATION:
?HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH?:
With Ms. Natividad Mandes and other representative of the Hispanic
Community (Margarita Jarra, Carmen Lopez, Carlos Hortez, Marie Cadero, Dr.
Edward Lopez, Ron Heinz) standing at the Council table, Councilor Allen read
the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming September 15 to October 15,
2007 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Columbus, Georgia.
Councilor Woodson said it seems like the Hispanic newspapers? personnel
and other Latinos from the community were stuck at the elevators down stairs.
She said she would like to ask that once these people are able to come up, that
they be allowed to stand and be recognized because this is a time when the
Hispanic Community is trying to interact with the community as a whole and
become one Columbus and try to erase the stereotype that Latinos are
undocumented. She said there are hard working, taxpaying Latinos in our
community that family history can be traced back many years.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Baker Middle School.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND READ IN THEIR ENTIRETY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AND PRESENTED TO THOSE NAMED IN THE RESOLUTIONS:
____________
A Resolution (432-07) ? Commending Mr. Jerome Bechard, Columbus
Cottonmouths? Coach and General Manager upon his election as Chairman of the
Southern Professional Hockey League Board. Councilor Hunter called on Mr.
Bechard to move forward and be recognized.
Councilor Hunter said he is very honored to read this resolution into
record. As the coach of the Columbus Cottonmouths, Mr. Bechard has done a
fantastic job coaching that team and also as General Manager whose
responsibility it is to deal with the composition of the team. So the fact that
this (team) is a successful product is not an accident. It is due largely to
the work of this man standing here - Mr. Jerome Bechard. Upon reading of the
resolution,
Councilor Hunter moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Mc Daniel and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting. When asked to make a comment, Mr. Jerome stated: I am
just lucky to live out a dream and be able to do something that I love to do
and be a part of this community. I would also like to thank everyone in the
room and the entire city for allowing us to stay here and be good role models
and do great things for this city.
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A Resolution (433-02) ? Commending the Columbus Catfish and Jim Morrison,
Manager, upon their victory in the 2007 South Atlantic League Championship
Series at Golden Park in Columbus. Councilor Henderson read the resolution into
the record. Manager Jim Morrison and the Columbus Catfish were not present to
receive the resolution. However, a copy will be forwarded to Manager Jim
Morrison and the Columbus Catfish Organization.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FIVE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:__________________________________
An Ordinance (07-66) ? Rezoning properties located at 4505 Buena Vista
Road from an SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) District to GC (General
Commercial) District. The proposed use is a bank branch. Councilor Henderson
asked to abstain from voting on this issue. Councilor McDaniel moved the
adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pugh and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council voting at the time, with Councilor
Henderson abstaining.
Councilor McDaniel made the motion to allow Councilor Henderson to abstain.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously.
An Ordinance (07-67) ? Rezoning property located at 4640 Warm Springs Road
from an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District to a GC (General Commercial)
District. The proposed use is convenience store with gas sales. Councilor Davis
moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pugh and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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An Ordinance (07-68) ? Rezoning property located at 8301 Veterans Parkway
from an SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) District to a GC (General
Commercial) District. (39-A-07-Woodruff Brokerage Company) The proposed use is
retail. Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
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An Ordinance (07-69) ? Amending the text to the Unified Development
Ordinance to amend the composition of the Planning Advisory Commission from
seven (7) voting members and two (2) alternate members to nine (9) voting
members and no alternates. (42-A-07-Planning). Councilor Davis moved the
adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pugh and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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At this time Councilor Baker asked to be abstain from voting on Item
Number five (Ordinance No. 07-70). Councilor Henderson made a motion to allow
Councilor Baker to abstain. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council voting at the time.
An Ordinance (07-70) ? Authorizing an amendment of the current retiree
health
plan contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, establishing a cost
sharing formula and for other purposes. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption
of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pugh and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council voting with Councilor Baker abstaining from this
vote.
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An Ordinance (07-71) ? Amending the ?Official Street Map, City of
Columbus, Georgia,? by changing the official street name for the section of
public roadway currently designated as Midland Avenue to ?Ashley Station
Boulevard,? to be one street name consistent with the length of roadway;
authorizing the replacement of existing street name signs labeled as Midland
Avenue to Ashley Station Boulevard. Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the
ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
With the passage of these Ordinances, City Attorney Fay asked Councilor
Woodson if she would like to address the special exception matter.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
Councilor Woodson said her concern with respect to the Special Exception
matter is for 2nd Avenue. She said there was a meeting between the community
and our staff further informs her that they (community) would like a delay (of
six months) in this matter so they can go back and work with the neighborhood
and community and be able to find a happy agreement or median. She then called
on Mr. Larry Bassey to address the Council.
Mr. Larry Bussey said he is here about a special exception use for 600 2nd
Avenue. There were some opposition from the Historic District and Columbus
Historic Foundation. He said he has since met with those two groups and he
would like to ask for a postponement of this matter so we will have time to
work out a solution that is acceptable to all parties.
Councilor Woodson then made a motion to delay this matter. Seconded by
Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
Councilor Anthony said he would like to publicly commend Mr. Bussey for
his efforts to work out a compromise with that neighborhood.
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NOTE: The Clerk of Council?s Agenda is continued below.
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CITY ATTORNEY AGENDA CONTINUE:
THE FOLLOWING SIX RESOLUTIONS EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THOSE EMPLOYEES
WHO RECENTLY RETIRED FROM THE SERVICES OF THE COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT
WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: ___________
A Resolution (434-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Samuel J. Gartman
upon his retirement with the Columbus Water Works, after 20 years of service.
Mayor Pro Tem Pugh read the resolution into record. Mayor Pro Tem moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those ten members or Council present for this meeting.
A Resolution (435-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mrs. Patricia L. Hooper
upon her retirement with the Clerk of Superior Court, after 22 years of
service. Mayor Pro Tem Pugh read the resolution into record and moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those ten members or Council present for this meeting.
A Resolution (436-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Solomon Williams
upon his retirement with the Public Service (ROWM) Department, after 19 years
of service. Mayor Pro Tem Pugh read the resolution into record and moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those ten members or Council present for this meeting.
A Resolution (437-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mrs. Diane G.
Scrimpshire
upon her retirement with the Elections & Registration Department, after 21
years of service. Mayor Pro Tem Pugh read the resolution into record and moved
the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those ten members or Council present for this meeting.
A Resolution (438-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Roman C. Smith upon
his retirement with the METRA Operations Department, after 25 years of service.
Mayor Pro Tem Pugh read the resolution into record and moved the adoption of
the resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those
ten members or Council present for this meeting.
A Resolution (439-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Michael L. Reed
upon his retirement with the Columbus Water Works, after 45 years of service.
Mayor Pro Tem Pugh read the resolution into record and moved the adoption of
the resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those
ten members or Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF
THOSE FORMER EMPLOYEES WHO RECENTLY PASSED AWAY WERE SUBMITTED AND THEIR
CAPTIONS READ AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
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A Resolution (440-07) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs.
Mildred B. Land, employee with the Finance and Revenue Department, who passed
away on August 14, 2007. Mayor Pro Tem Pugh read the resolution into record and
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and
carried unanimously by those ten members or Council present for this meeting.
A Resolution (441-07) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs. Edith
T. Caudle, employees with the Tax Commissioner?s Department, who passed away on
August 20, 2007. Mayor Pro Tem Pugh read the resolution into record and moved
the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those ten members or Council present for this meeting.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
The following three persons appeared on the Public Agenda and provided is
a summary of each person?s comments:
Mr. Lorenza Wilder: Speeding in the School zones and neighborhood. H read
an article in the Sunday newspaper concerning speeding in the school zone. This
morning as I came down here I can still see motorists speeding in the school
zones and the community. I do not know what it takes for this issue to be
corrected, but others in the neighborhood are planning to take action. We will
be going door to door trying to get a petition. I realize that police cannot be
everywhere but the city should invest some money to slow down these speeders
before they take someone?s life. No amount of money is more important that a
child. He commends the Mayor and Council for the outstanding job they are
doing, but said we have to do more to protect our children especially in the
school zones and neighborhood.
Mr. Bert Coker: 5815 Ventura Drive ? Two positive things to say to the
Council this morning: (1) Thank you for the education forum on the TADS, was
very informative (2) Thank you for reminding us that we do have legal
immigrants here in Columbus, GA. We saw them today and are very proud of them.
He said he
would like to present an article from the Atlanta Journal Constitution ? the
article is about the TAD. After reading an excerpt from the article, Mr. Coker
asked the Council and citizens to vote ?NO? on TAD and further stated that we
do not need them (TAD) in Columbus, GA.
Mr. Paul Olsen: TAD to me means tax and deceive. Showed a referendum on
the ballot that show it have to be approved which authorize the Consolidated
Government of Columbus Georgia to exercise the redevelopment powers under the
redevelopment powers law as it may be amended from time to time. This does not
say anything about TAD; however, in the legal publication it has to be required
to be printed two consecutive weeks prior to the election. In section one it
says there are tax allocation bonds and other obligations such as municipal
bonds. It is my wish that this information be made available to the
constituents so they can see what it is that they are voting for. I have no
problems when it comes to revenue bonds. My problem is with municipal bonds
because it affects every one of us and if it goes sour, this will take money
away from the general operating fund.
The other thing that in this referendum ballot question it says it may be
amended from time to time ? this means that the law can be changed. This gives
City Council and redevelopment agency a blank check. I had a discussion with
Midtown Inc, Rise and Shine, and other personnel about the Downtown Development
Authority and how they come to have eminent domain. Teresa Tomlinson claimed
that it was fifteen years since they repealed it, but I disagree because the
Total System Campus also did eminent domain (and I don?t know if it was the
city or downtown development authority), but that puts ?mom and pop? businesses
in jeopardy. The power of eminent domain bothers me because it can be repealed
or re-enacted. The other thing that bothers me is that it was orchestrated by
this City Council to have the election on November 6, - the only issue that
sat on the ballot and cost the city $85,000. Whenever you show a desperate
situation, where things has to hurry up and get done, people are not educated,
it make them nervous about what you are trying to get across to the people.
Councilor Allen: Question to the City Attorney ? It was mentioned that the way
question was worded that it says the law may be changed ? that law cannot be
changed by Council, is that correct? Yes. That a State Law that we operate
under- as long as it stays the way it is (City Attorney Fay)
Councilor Allen: If the State changes that law and we pass the referendum the
way it is worded do we fall under any changes that come along with that State
Law?
City Attorney Fay: Yes. If the law is amended at the State level, it allows
governments that have TAD in their jurisdiction to use it for another purpose.
All that means is that from time to time they may add another specific purpose
in the law or they may correct something else they feel can be taken out. The
last amendment on this thing took place in 2006. Every 2 to 3 years you will
see a small amendment in the General Assembly to add another purpose or to take
something out.
Councilor Allen: Help me too on the other point that was mentioned regarding the
November ballot and a rush to get this through and the desperate attempt on the
City?s part. Weren?t there a push by someone in the community to hold this
referendum in September and the Council?s wisdom to allow more discussion and
education, it was then moved to November? Isn?t that correct.
City Attorney Fay: Yes I do recall that. Council wanted more discussion.
Councilor Hunter: In regards to the security for these bonds, the full faith
and credit of this City is not going to be behind the bonds. The bonds are
going to be secured by the incremental increase in the tax money generated from
the Tax Allocation District (TAD). If you look at Georgia Code 3644-14C, it
speaks to that. Also if you look at 3644-20 it also speaks further to it.
After a few more minutes of comments about TAD and a trip by Council to Florida
from Mr. Paul Olson, the members of the Council responded.
Mayor Wetherington: In my opinion, I think this was a very productive trip. We
had about one hundred business people at this chamber-sponsored event. We were
up every morning at 7:00 A.M. on the bus going to look at various projects in
Tampa. We got back to the hotel at 9:30 P.M. It was a working session. We
looked at all aspects of the things that are going on in Tampa. I think it was
a good visit. It was good for us. Obviously there are going to be people that
will criticize us for going. You (Paul Olson) always point out the negative
that is going on in this government. There is a lot that is going on (in this
government) that is right. I support this trip. In Tampa, it is not called
TADs, but it?s the same type of project. We looked at undeveloped areas that
were just sitting there and now they are productive. We are not going to
benefit from TAD right away. It is going to take time for the taxes to come in
to pay off the bonds. Your children and grandchildren will benefit from these
progressive projects. You and the public can criticize us for going, but if you
just sit back and are not aggressive we will not be progressive and we are
going to be a sleepy little town the rest of our lives. But some of us in
Columbus wants what?s best for Columbus Georgia. I?ve gone on record about TAD
(I think long and hard before I go on record) and I think it is a good project
and I think it will be good for the citizen of Columbus Georgia in the years to
come when the bonds are paid off and you start to see life and light in some of
these blighted areas. I don?t apologize for going to Tampa. This Council and
this government are operating very efficiently. Have we made mistakes? Yes.
Will we continue to make mistakes? Yes, we are but give us a chance to be a
progressive city.
Mayor Pro Tem Pugh: This is not to Mr. Olson, but rather to the public. When
people come down here week after week and criticize everything we do, sometimes
you have to look at the messenger. Also when you stand up and say that Council
members are profiting or taking money from big companies, you need to be very
careful because you are threading on a very legal ground. I don?t care what
contribution I take (Mr. Paul Olson) it does not dictate how I vote on a
subject. And you can read anything you want to read into it.
Councilor Allen: I?d like to ask the City Attorney and City Manager?s Office if
they want to comment. I think it was mentioned that taxation without
representation was what is going to be cause if the TAD passed. Could you all
(City Attorney and City Manager) walk through the tax implications and who pays
the tax once the TAD is passed on a piece of property. Could that be explained
to the public since we have someone here who is against the TAD?
Deputy City Manager Arrington: The individual property owner pays the tax
within a TAD. The only thing that distinguishes it from any taxpayer is how the
tax is allocated. A base amount is set when the TAD is created. That base
amount would continue to go to the general fund. Any appreciation and assessed
value of that property, the tax on the increase value would then go to a
special fund that can then be used to fund projects within a TAD. The taxpayer
of the property within the TAD would continue to pay the same tax that they
would otherwise pay based on the assessed value of the property. Once the bonds
are paid off, that increased value and the increase tax generated from the
value of that property would then go into the general fund instead of the
increase increment going to a special fund it would then into the general fund
to help fund city services. The majority of the property tax goes to the school
district.
Councilor Allen: Before any project is authorized for a TAD area there is
going to have multiple public hearings. There are several players in this not
just the City Council body.
Mayor Wetherington: Another committee will be appointed if the voter passed it
and that committee will make recommendations to Council and the Council would
vote on it, as to whether to create that development project or not.
City Attorney Fay: There will be one or more (probably more) public hearings
before Council approves any specific TAD project.
Councilor Allen: Help me understand how this is going to be a negative for the
taxpayers of Columbus. Clarify for me as a taxpayer, am I going to have to pay
taxes on a TAD or are my taxes going to go up or am I going to pay more to help
a TAD development project?
City Attorney Fay: No sir. It goes back to what Councilor Hunter was saying
about the bondholders are going to bear the risk for the different projects.
Not the individual taxpayers in a particular district. The bondholders are
anyone who purchases these tax allocation bonds once they go to market.
Mayor Pro Tem Pugh: One of the answers, Mr. City Attorney to Councilor Allen
question should also include the only way it would cause an increase to him as
a taxpayer is if he owns a piece of property or if he is doing development in
that blighted area. I think one of the things the public has to understand is
that TADs are only applicable to blighted area. The whole community has to vote
on whether or not this City Council can have a TAD and go out and find areas
that do need redevelopment. I would hope that once the vote is passed in
November that we do look at those types of areas and help bring them up so that
those individuals that live in those areas can have the same quality of life
that the rest of us have that live in un-blighted areas.
Mayor Wetherington: We saw many opportunities where that was the case in Tampa.
Where they put condominiums in blighted area. There was productive and the
folks in Tampa had so much positive things to say about the efforts that they
were making in these blighted area. Now they are productive and taxes are being
paid. It was refreshing to see the changes that had come about (by TADs) in
Tampa.
Councilor Anthony: I was one of those several years ago that were skeptical of
the TIPS (as they are known in other states). But what I have discovered is
that in the improvement of blighted, instead of the whole tax base of the
County being responsible for improving that area this is shifted to those who
actually come in, do the development and they bear the burden and pay the extra
taxes. It really is a lifesaver for the rest of the city and all the other
taxpayers. It is a win-win for everyone.
Councilor Hunter: I appreciated what Mayor Pro Tem just said and for some they
may say it?s altruistic. If you are not supporting this for altruistic reasons,
then think about monetary reasons. If you look at the big picture, once you
have an area that is build out and developed, as has been said, all those
monies come back to the general fund. Our biggest challenge, as we go forward,
if we are going to keep the freeze on our homes, we have to find creative ways
to bring income in so we can provide the protection people want and a good
quality of life in this community. This is one of the tools that will be
available to help us do that.
Mr. Paul Olson: To address what Councilor Allen had to say, it?s only required
in law one public hearing ? that public hearing is here in the City Council ?
not a public forum but a public hearing ? it is on a Tuesday and we find out
about it in the Sunday newspaper. Unlike the sunshine laws - and I?ve talk to
Ms. Tiny Washington, Clerk of Council, about it in the past ? through the City
Charter, you are only required to have two City Council meetings per month. The
Sunshine Law says you should let your constituents know two weeks in advance.
This is always blind-sided that on Sunday is when you know what?s on the agenda
for next Tuesday meeting. The other thing is that when it comes to Senate Bill
225 which Senator Seth Harp push and voted on in the House of Senate and vetoed
by the Governor and that was to disallow the school board from having any input
into it. It was lobbied by this City Council in December 2006 for this to go up
to the legislature. After more comments and request for answers from Mr. Olson,
he presented an article from the Georgia Trend in which Mayor Pro Tem was
interviewed.
Councilor Davis: In regards to some of the comments Mr. Olson made about the
ballots ? the question to me would be whether or not the citizens had direct
access to the law? The referendum, the question the citizens are going to be
asked to vote on is based on the law. Is this law easily assessable to the
citizens?
Deputy City Manager Arrington: Mr. Mayor, we put a link to the law on the City
Website to provide the citizens with access to the law itself.
City Attorney Fay: It is also on the CSU Website (the link).
Councilor Davis: Could we use our access channel to put this link where they
can go ? to make it a bit easier where citizens can have access because it is
important that the citizens understand the question they are being asked to
vote on.
Deputy City Manager Arrington: Mr. Mayor we can do that and I would like to
also remind the public that the final two educational forums presented by CSU
on the ballot question for TAD will be held this coming Thursday, October 11,
2007 at 6:00 P.M and also Monday, October 15, 2007 at 6:00 P.M at Midland
Middle School. Those will be the final two public forums on the TAD issue.
Councilor Henderson: I think to some degree we should be grateful to Mr.
Olson?s presence here today to clear up some misconception about the TAD. The
TAD is nothing more than another option for this city to engage in other ways
of looks for other means to improve and find other ways to provide for the
future needs of the city. And also in regards to the article on Mayor Pro Tem
Pugh? I want to personally congratulate her on that article and I hope that
some day the worst thing someone can say about me is that I used my influence
to eradicate substandard housing.
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HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH:
Councilor Woodson said Ms. Christina Richards (of Echo Latino) and the rest
of the delegation from the Latino Community has made it into the Council
Meeting and I would like for them to step forward and be recognized as part of
the Latino Community and Hispanic Heritage Month.
Ms. Christina Richards, Community Development Officer with Columbus Bank &
Trust and also the Hispanic Heritage Chairperson for the Hispanic Heritage
Month Committee said on tomorrow we are having our second Hispanic breakfast
celebrating the Hispanic Heritage and I would like for you (Council) give us
the honor of your presence. The Breakfast will be at the Columbus Trade Center
starting at 7:15 A.M, and our keynote speaker will be Mr. Don Amos, chairman of
AFLAC. We will also be presenting the first Amos Award to an individual or
organization that is working to provide for the Hispanic Community.
Councilor Woodson said Mr. Mayor, invitations were sent and I am not sure
where they were distributed to but I have requested that another invitation be
sent via fax to this Council through the Clerk of Council?s Office. I would ask
that if any of my colleagues are able to make this breakfast to please do so
and if not please put it in their calendar for next year.
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CITY MANAGERS? AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT THE
REQUEST OF DEPUTY CITY MANAGER ARRINGTON:
A Resolution ? Accepting a deed to Gaines Creek Drive and Green Island
Drive Cul-De-Sac, on behalf of Columbus, Georgia. Deputy City Manager Arrington
asked for a delay on this issue to allow more time for meeting with residents
in this area.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN SUBMITTED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
ARRINGTON AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL. SECONDED BE COUNCILOR ALLEN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR ANTHONY
BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE:
A Resolution (422-07) ? Authorizing the annual contract for maintenance
services for security surveillance system from GC&E Systems Group. The vendor
will maintain the surveillance systems, utilized at the Government Center
Complex and County Jail, on an ?as needed basis?. The City currently has Pelco
equipment installed, and the Contractor must be familiar with and authorized to
perform service and maintenance on Pelco surveillance equipment.
A Resolution (443-07) ? Authorizing the approval of a renewal agreement
with
Georgia Municipal Association in the amount of $11,664.64 for
tele-communication Management Services. The renewal agreement is for one year,
effective May 1, 2007? December 31, 2007. In the past years the
telecommunications industry has undergone major changes that have important
repercussions on local governments, particularly the manner in which public
right-of-ways can be utilized and managed and the entrance of new vendors
providing services. The City has realized that because of new technologies,
deregulation and the Telecommunications Act of 1996, specialized expertise was
required if it was to retain control over zoning, management of public
right-of-ways and franchise fee revenue, and entered into an agreement with the
Georgia Municipal Association to provide telecommunications management services.
A Resolution (444-07) ? Authorizing the purchase of thirty-eight (38)
tasers, as well as, taser holsters, and taser cartridges from DGG Taser, Inc.,
(Jacksonville, FL) in the amount of $40,062.00. The Police Department will use
the tasers as an additional tool in the Less Lethal Program. Officers will
have an option available that could prevent the necessity for ?deadly force,?
thereby possibly preventing serious injury to an officer, or a citizen taken
into custody. Taser International is the manufacturer of the less lethal
Taser. The authorized distributor for public safety entities in Georgia is DGG
Taser, Inc. Therefore this purchase is considered an only know source
procurement, per the Procurement Ordinance, Section 3-114.
A Resolution (445-07) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of one
(1) four door sedan, via Georgia State Contract, SWC S-050483, from Bill Heard
Chevrolet, (Columbus, GA) in the amount of $14,860.00.
The sedan is an additional unit that will be used by the new Public Services
Deputy Director of Operations in the performance of duties.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED AS INFORMATION TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:
A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Scott Allen, nominee submitted by Uptown
Business Association to replace Mr. Neil Clark on the Uptown Fa?ade Board.
Mayor Pro Tem Pugh moved Mr. Scott Allen be confirmed to succeed Mr. Neil
Clark. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present at the time with Councilors Woodson and Anthony
being absent for this vote.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 37-07.
Family & Children Services Board, September 26, 2007.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion that the minutes be received. Seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Woodson and Anthony being absent for this
vote.
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ADD-ON:
Temporary Street closing application for Rev. Dr. Edwin Cooper, Jr., to
temporarily close Leonard Street between Wildwood Avenue and Forest Avenue on
Sunday, October 14, 2007 from 12:30 p.m. ? 7:30 p.m., in connection with St.
Paul United Methodist Church?s Fall Festival. Councilor Henderson moved the
approval of the application. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Woodson and Anthony being absent for this vote.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seat of Mr. Kelvin Welch
on the Uptown Fa?ade Board was declared vacant by this Council and pointed out
that
Uptown Columbus Inc. has submitted for consideration Mr. Scott Allen to replace
Mr. Neil Clark and Mr. David Wolf as the nominee to replace Mr. Kelvin Welch.
Councilor Allen moved they be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Woodson and Anthony being absent for this vote.
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OTHER COMMENTS AND REQUESTS FROM COUNCIL:
EFFINGHAM WAY:
Councilor Davis asked the Deputy City Manager Arrington for a report on
the situation at Effingham Way. Received telephone calls from people that are
really upset about the construction that had begun on the road. Would like a
report on the status of the construction process in this particular area.
Deputy City Manager Arrington said we will certainly get that report to
you and we will also communicate with the citizens out there. We have an email
group that we have been communicating with throughout this project. We will
also communicate to the status on that project and the work to be done to the
email group.
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HARDAWAY HIGH SCHOOL:
Councilor Baker said he would like to thank Ms. Thompson?s 9th Grade
Social Studies class at Hardaway High School. They invited Councilor Allen and
myself out last week (after the City Council meeting) to meet with them as a
class project. They had a lot of great questions and some of them are on our
Youth Advisory Council ? so they are already taking an active role in our
government. I appreciate the invitation to go out and meet with them.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro
Tem Pugh then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this meeting with the
time being 10:15 A.M., with Councilors Anthony and Woodson being absent for
this vote.
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Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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