MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 11, 2011
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, October 11, 2011 on the Plaza Level of the
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor, and
Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem was presiding.
*** *** ***
PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson, and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh,
were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn Davis,
Berry H. ?Skip? Henderson, Bruce Huff, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., and Judy
Thomas. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay Clerk of Council
Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------
ABSENT: and Evelyn Woodson were absent.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------
INVOCATION: Offered by Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin of Temple Israel Synagogue
--------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Brewer Elementary School Students
--------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
______________________________________________________
A Resolution (321-11) ? Confirming the appointment of Ms. Patricia
Chilton Biegler as Director of Public Services, at an annual salary of $85,43 .
Prior to the Council?s confirmation of Ms. Biegler, City Manager Hugley
read portions of the resume of Ms. Biegler and outlined several of her past
work experience and then asked for the Council?s confirmation.
Councilor McDaniel so moved. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors
Allen and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------
MAYOR?S AGENDA:
Mr. Seth Brown, Director of the Office of Crime Prevention came forward
and gave a presentation regarding the funding of the Adult Drug Court.
Mr. Brown, as well Mr. Mike Gaymon, Chairman, Crime Prevention Board
responded to several questions of Mayor Tomlinson and members of the Council
with respect to the requirements of funding these programs.
Several members of the Council also expressed their views regarding this
matter.
*** *** ***
TEN YEAR PLAN TO END HOMELESSNESS:
Mr. Len Williams, Mr. Scott Ferguson, Mr. Rick McKnight and Ms. Betsy
Covington members of the Task Force came forward and provided an update to the
Mayor & Council as to the progress that has been made towards the 10-year Plan
to end Homeless.
*** *** ***
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ORDINANCES:
Riley Land, Deputy Director, Emergency Management came forward and gave a
brief overview of the following ordinance, as outlined below that he will be
bringing forward to the Council?s adoption, with respect to a state of
Emergency with Muscogee, County.
WHEREAS, O.C.G.A. ?? 38-3-27 through 38-3-28 and 38-3-54 through 38-3-56
authorizes the Columbus Council to provide emergency management within
Columbus/Muscogee County;
WHEREAS, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) is the state agency
assigned responsibility for coordination of all organization for emergency
management activities within the state;
WHEREAS, the Emergency Management Division, Columbus Fire and Emergency Medical
Services, is an established emergency management agency;
WHEREAS, to ensure an effective and coordinated response to disasters,
Columbus/Muscogee County wishes to coordinate EMA activities and responses with
all entities located within Columbus/Muscogee County;
WHEREAS, the Columbus Council and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency
believe that an ordinance should be adopted to protect the health and safety of
persons and property during an emergency or disaster resulting from man made or
natural causes.
THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1.
Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code is hereby amended by adding a new Article III,
Emergency Management, to read as follows:
Article III
Emergency Management
Section 1. Regulations Continued in Effect.
All ordinances, resolutions, motions and orders pertaining to civil defense,
emergency management and disaster relief, which are not in conflict with this
Article, are continued in full force and effect. Such ordinances or other
official documents are on file in the office of the Clerk of Council.
Section 2. Emergency Management and Response Powers.
(a) Declaration of Local Emergency.
(1) Grant of authority. In the event of an actual or threatened occurrence of a
disaster or emergency, which may result in the large-scale loss of life,
injury, property damage or destruction or in the major disruption of routine
community affairs, business or governmental operations in Columbus/Muscogee
County and which is of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant
extraordinary assistance by federal, state and local departments and agencies
to supplement the efforts of available public and private resources, the Mayor
may declare a local emergency for Columbus/Muscogee County. The form of the
declaration shall be similar to that provided in subsection (b) of this Code
section.
(2) Request for state assistance. Consistent with a declaration of local
emergency, the Mayor may request the Governor to provide assistance, provided
that the disaster or emergency is beyond the capacity of Columbus/Muscogee
County to meet adequately and state assistance is necessary to supplement local
efforts to save lives and protect property, public health and safety, or to
avert or lessen the threat of a disaster.
(3) Continuance. The declaration of local emergency shall continue until the
Mayor finds that emergency conditions no longer exist, at which time, the Mayor
shall execute and file with the Clerk of the Columbus City Council a document
marking the end of the state of emergency. No state of local emergency shall
continue for longer than 30 days, unless renewed by the Mayor. The Columbus
City Council may, by resolution, end a state of local emergency at any time.
(4) Effect of declaration of emergency.
(A) Activation of emergency operations plan. A declaration of emergency by the
Governor or a declaration of local emergency by the Mayor shall automatically
activate Columbus/Muscogee County emergency operations plan and shall be the
authority for deployment of personnel and use of any forces to which the plan
applies and for use or distribution of any supplies, equipment, materials, and
facilities assembled, stockpiled or arranged to be made available pursuant to
the Georgia Emergency Management Act or any other laws applicable to
emergencies or disasters.
The Emergency Management Division, Columbus Fire and Emergency Medical Services
("EMA") Director shall have the legal authority to exercise the powers and
discharge the duties conferred upon the Emergency Management Division, Columbus
Fire and Emergency Medical Services, including the implementation of the
emergency operations plan, coordination of the emergency responses of public
and private agencies and organizations, coordination of recovery efforts with
state and federal officials, and inspection of emergency or disaster sites.
In responding and conducting necessary and appropriate investigations, the
Director or his/her designee is authorized to enter at a reasonable time upon
any property, public or private, for the purpose of investigating and
inspecting sites involved with emergency management functions. The Director is
authorized to execute a right of entry and/or agreement to use property for
these purposes on behalf of Columbus/Muscogee County; however, any such
document shall be later presented for ratification at a meeting of the Columbus
City Council.
No person shall refuse entry or access to any authorized representative or
agent of Columbus/Muscogee County who requests entry for purposes of
inspection, and who presents appropriate credentials. Nor shall any person
obstruct, hamper or interfere with any such representative while that
individual is in the process of carrying out his or her official duties.
Emergency powers.
Following a declaration of emergency and during the continuance of such state
of emergency, the Mayor is authorized to implement local emergency measures to
protect life and property or to bring the emergency situation under control. In
exercising this authority, the Mayor may cause to become effective any of the
following sections of this chapter as appropriate: Section 5 (registration of
building and repair services) to become effective if the Governor declares a
state of emergency; and Section 6 (closed or restricted areas and curfews). If
any of these sections are included in a declaration of local emergency, the
same shall be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Columbus City Council and
shall be in effect until the declaration of local emergency has terminated.
Authority to waive procedures and fees.
Pursuant to a declaration of emergency, the Columbus City Council is authorized
to cause to be effective any of the subsections of Section 4 of this chapter as
appropriate. The implementation of such subsections shall be filed in the
office of the Clerk of the Columbus City Council.
(D) Additional emergency powers.
The Mayor shall have, and may exercise for such period as the declared
emergency exists or continues, the following additional emergency powers:
To direct and compel the evacuation of all or part of the population from any
stricken or threatened area, for the preservation of life or other disaster
mitigation, response or recovery;
To prescribe routes, modes of transportation and destinations in connection
with evacuation;
To suspend or limit the sale, dispensing or transportation of alcoholic
beverages, firearms, explosives and flammable liquids and substances;
To make provision for the availability and use of temporary emergency housing,
emergency shelters and/or emergency medical shelters.
To transfer the direction, personnel or functions of any Columbus/Muscogee
County departments and agencies or units thereof for the purpose of performing
or facilitating emergency services;
To utilize all available resources of Columbus/Muscogee County and subordinate
agencies over which Columbus/Muscogee County has budgetary control as
reasonably necessary to cope with the emergency or disaster;
To utilize public property when necessary to cope with the emergency or
disaster or when there is compelling necessity for the protection of lives,
health and welfare; and/or the property of citizens;
To suspend any law, code provision or regulation prescribing the procedures for
conduct of Columbus/Muscogee County business, or the orders, rules or
regulations of any Columbus/Muscogee County agency, if strict compliance with
any ordinance, resolution, order, rule or regulation would in any way prevent,
hinder or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency or disaster,
provided that such suspension shall provide for the minimum deviation from the
requirements under the circumstances and further provided that, when
practicable, specialists shall be assigned to avoid adverse effects resulting
from such suspension;
To provide benefits to citizens upon execution of an intergovernmental
agreement for grants to meet disaster-related necessary expenses or serious
needs of individuals or families adversely affected by an emergency or disaster
in cases where the individuals or families are unable to meet the expenses or
needs from other means, provided that such grants are authorized only when
matching state or federal funds are available for such purposes; and
To perform and exercise such other functions, powers and duties as may be
deemed necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the
civilian population, including individuals with household pets and service
animals prior to, during and following a major disaster or emergency.
(E) Form of Declaration of Local Emergency.
Upon the declaration of local emergency, an official "Declaration of Local
Emergency," in substantially the same form set forth below, shall be signed and
filed in the office of Columbus/Muscogee County Clerk and shall be communicated
to the citizens of the affected area using the most effective and efficient
means available. The declaration shall state the nature of the emergency or
disaster, the conditions that require the declaration and any sections of this
Article which shall be in effect.
"DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, Columbus/Muscogee County, Georgia has experienced an event of critical
significance as a result of [description of event] on [date]; and
WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Mayor of Columbus/Muscogee County, with advice
from the Emergency Management Agency, there exist emergency circumstances
located in [describe geographic location] requiring extraordinary and immediate
corrective actions for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the
citizens of Columbus/Muscogee County, including individuals with household pets
and service animals; and
WHEREAS, to prevent or minimize injury to people and damage to property
resulting from this event.
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me by local and state law;
IT IS HEREBY DECLARED that a local state of emergency exists and shall continue
until the conditions requiring this declaration are abated.
THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED:
That Columbus/Muscogee County Emergency Management Division, Columbus Fire and
Emergency Medical Services activates the Emergency Operations Plan;
That the following sections of Columbus/Muscogee County Code be implemented:
[If deemed appropriate, choose from the following: Registration of Building and
Repair Services to be effective only if the Governor has declared a state of
emergency; and/or Closed or Restricted Areas and Curfews]; and
That the following measures also be implemented:
ENTERED at [time] on [date].
[Signed]
Mayor, Columbus, Georgia Consolidated Government?
(c) Contracts with Municipalities.
In addition to the normal agreements embodied in Columbus/Muscogee County's
emergency operations plan for mutual emergency assistance, the Columbus Council
may contract with any county or municipality in Georgia or Alabama for the
administration of an emergency response program.
(d) Enforcement and Remedies
Law Enforcement.
In accordance with O.C.G.A. ? 38-3-4, the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office and
the Columbus Police Department shall be authorized to enforce the orders, rules
and regulations contained in this chapter and implemented by the Mayor or local
governing authority during a declared emergency.
(e) Penalties.
Failure to comply with any of the requirements or provisions of the regulations
contained in this chapter, or with any code section, order, rule or regulation
made effective by the Mayor or local governing authority upon or after the
declaration of an emergency shall constitute a violation of the provisions of
this Article. Any person who violates any provision in this Article shall, upon
conviction thereof, be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not
exceeding $1,000.00, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days, or both
such fine and imprisonment, for each violation. Each person assisting in the
commission of a violation shall be guilty of separate offenses. Each day during
which a violation or failure to comply continues shall constitute a separate
offense.
(f) Injunctive Relief.
In accordance with O.C.G.A. ? 38-3-5, in addition to the remedies prescribed in
this section, the EMA Director is authorized to obtain an injunction to
restrain violation of laws, code sections, orders, rules and regulations which
are contained in the Georgia Emergency Management Act or this Article, and
which are implemented by the local governing authority during a declared
emergency.
(g) Enforcement.
Except a otherwise provided in this Article, this ordinance may be
enforced by the Muscogee county sheriff?s Office, the Columbus Police
Department, the Municipal Court Marshal?s Office or the EMA Director.
(h) Authority to Waive Procedures and Fee Structures.
Upon declaration of an emergency or disaster by the Governor or Mayor, the
affairs and business of Columbus/Muscogee County may be conducted at places
other than the regular or usual location, within or outside of
Columbus/Muscogee County, when it is not prudent, expedient or possible to
conduct business at the regular location. When such meetings occur outside of
Columbus/Muscogee County, all actions taken by the Columbus Council shall be as
valid and binding as if performed within Columbus/Muscogee County. Such
meetings may be called by the Mayor or any two members of the Columbus Council
without regard to or compliance with formalities otherwise required by law.
(i) Public Works Contracts.
Upon declaration of an emergency or disaster by the Governor or Mayor, the
Columbus Council may contract for public works without letting such contract
out to the lowest, responsible bidder and without advertising and posting
notification of such contract as required by law; provided, however, that the
emergency must be of such nature that immediate action is required and that the
action is necessary for the protection of the public health, safety and
welfare. Any public works contract entered into pursuant to this subsection
shall be entered on the minutes of the Columbus Council as soon as practical
and the nature of the emergency described therein
in accordance with O.C.G.A. ? 36-9l-22(e).
(j) Purchasing.
Upon declaration of an emergency or disaster by the Governor or Mayor, the
purchasing ordinances, regulations or policies may be suspended.
Columbus/Muscogee County officials shall continue to seek to obtain the best
prices during the state of local emergency.
(k) Code Enforcement.
Upon declaration of a state of emergency or disaster by the Governor or the
Mayor, the Columbus Council may temporarily suspend the enforcement of the
ordinances of Columbus/Muscogee County, or any portion thereof, where the
emergency is of such nature that immediate action outside the Columbus Code or
applicable law is required, such suspension is consistent with the protection
of the public health, safety and welfare, and such suspension is not
inconsistent with any federal or state statutes or regulations.
(l) Fees.
Upon declaration of a state of emergency or disaster by the Governor or the
Mayor, the Columbus Council may temporarily reduce or suspend any permit fees,
application fees or other rate structures as necessary to encourage the
rebuilding of the areas impacted by the disaster or emergency. The term "fees"
include fees or rates charged by Columbus/Muscogee County for building permits,
land disturbance permits, zoning applications, special land use permits,
temporary land use permits and other fees relating to the reconstruction,
repair and clean up of areas impacted by the disaster or emergency. The term
"fees" does not include fees collected by Columbus/Muscogee County on behalf of
the state or federal government or fees charged by Columbus/Muscogee County
pursuant to a state or federal statute or regulation.
(m) Temporary Dwellings.
Upon the declaration of a state of emergency or disaster by the Governor or
Mayor, the Columbus Council or its designees may issue temporary mobile home,
trailer, recreational vehicle or other temporary dwelling structures or parks
in any zoning district, even though not otherwise permitted by Unified
Development Ordinance or other applicable law, while the primary dwelling is
being repaired, provided that such temporary dwellings or parks are designed by
an engineer and the plans are approved by Columbus/Muscogee County Health
Department and the Columbus Inspections and Code Department. The temporary
permit shall not exceed six months in duration. In the case of a continuing
hardship, and in the discretion of the Columbus Council, the permit may be
extended for a period of up to an additional six months. Upon expiration of the
temporary permit and any extension, the temporary dwelling must be removed.
(n) Registration of Building and Repair Services
(1) In accordance with O.C.G.A. ? 38-3-56, before building, constructing,
repairing, renovating or making improvements to any real property, including
dwellings, homes, buildings, structures or fixtures within an area in the
unincorporated area of Columbus/Muscogee County designated in a declared
emergency or disaster, any person, firm, partnership, corporation or other
entity must register with Columbus/Muscogee County Inspections and Code
Department and secure a building permit that is posted at the work site. Each
day any such entity does business in Columbus/Muscogee County without complying
with this ordinance constitutes a separate offense.
The cost of registration fees in a declared emergency or disaster is fixed at
$100.00 per annum. Registration is nontransferable. The cost of the emergency
building permit shall be equal to the cost for a building permit under existing
regulations. The permit shall only be authorized for repairs.
When registering, any person, partnership, corporation or other entity making
application must, under oath, complete an application, providing the following
information:
Name of applicant;
Permanent address and phone number of applicant;
Applicant's Social Security number or federal Employer Identification number;
If applicant is a corporation, the state and date of incorporation;
Tag registration information for each vehicle to be used in the business;
List of cities and/or counties where the applicant has conducted business
within the past 12 months;
Georgia sales tax number or authorization;
Georgia business license number, if required;
Copy of license from the Secretary of State, if required.
(o) Effective Date.
This section shall become effective only upon a declaration of emergency by the
Governor and a local declaration stating this section is in effect. Unless
otherwise specified in the declaration of emergency or otherwise extended by
the Columbus Council, the provisions of this Article shall remain in effect
during the state of emergency and for a subsequent recovery period of three
months.
(p) Closed or Restricted Areas and Curfews During Emergency.
To preserve, protect or sustain the life, health, welfare or safety of persons,
or their property, within a designated area under a declaration of emergency,
it shall be unlawful for any person to travel, loiter, wander or stroll in or
upon the public streets, highways, roads, lanes, parks or other public grounds,
public places, public buildings, places of amusement, eating places, vacant
lots or any other place during a declared emergency between hours specified by
the Mayor until the curfew is lifted.
To promote order, protect lives, minimize the potential for looting and other
crimes, and facilitate recovery operations during an emergency, the Mayor shall
have discretion to impose reentry restrictions on certain areas. The Mayor
shall exercise such discretion in accordance with Columbus/Muscogee County
emergency operations plan, which shall be followed during emergencies.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons acting in the
following capacities:
Authorized and essential law enforcement personnel;
Authorized and essential health care providers;
Authorized and essential personnel of Columbus/Muscogee County;
Authorized National Guard or federal military personnel;
Authorized and essential firefighters;
Authorized and essential emergency response personnel;
Authorized and essential personnel or volunteers working with or through
Columbus/Muscogee County Emergency Management Division, Columbus Fire and
Emergency Medical Services (EMA);
Authorized and essential utility repair crews;
Citizens seeking to restore order to their homes or businesses while on their
own property or place of business; or
Other authorized and essential persons as designated on a list compiled by EMA,
the Director of Public Safety and/or the Sheriff of Muscogee County.
(q) Enforceability.
This section shall be enforced by officers of the law enforcement personnel
approved to provide aid and assistance during the emergency. Nothing contained
in this section shall prohibit a law enforcement officer from bringing other
charges under state law.
(r) Effective Date.
This section shall become effective only upon the signing of a declaration of
emergency, stating this section is in effect.
(s) Regulations Continued in Effect.
All ordinances, resolutions, motions and orders pertaining to civil defense,
emergency management and disaster relief that are not in conflict with this
Article are continued in full force and effect. Such ordinances, etc., are on
file in the office of Columbus/Muscogee County Clerk.
SECTION 2.
All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance
are hereby repealed.
Mr. Land offered to respond to questions of the Council, but there were
none.
*** *** ***
RETIREES? HEALTH BENEFIT COMMITTEE UPDATE
Mr. Billy Watson, came forward and gave an update on the Retiree?s Health
Benefit Committee.
He thanked the Mayor & Council for appointing him and others to serve on
this committee. He also thanked them for the assistance in which this City of
Columbus gave them back on last year when their health insurance premium
increased. The following information was then provided to the Mayor & Council.
Second Year of Three-Year Rate Guarantee
BCBS Rate Guarantee Allows 3% Annual Increase in Admin Fees
Total estimated annual fee increase $33,000
Total est. retiree premium increase $21,000
Total retiree & employee increase $54,000
No Increase in Express Scripts Admin Fees for Pharmacy Benefits
*** *** ***
COURT REPORTER PAY:
Mr. Britt Hayes, Assistant Director of Finance Department came forward and
presented the following presentation with regards to the issues and concerns of
the Court Reporters.
An Analysis of Court Reporters from 2007-2010
Definition
?A court reporter is a person whose occupation is to transcribe spoken or
recorded speech into written form, using machine shorthand or voice writing
equipment to produce official transcripts of court hearings, depositions, and
other official proceedings.
Comp & Benefits Timeline
?Since the early 1970?s Superior Court Reporters have received a small salary,
health insurance, pension, appearance fees and per page charges.
?In March 1998 appearance fees were deleted and page charges were moved from
being paid from Accounts Payable to Payroll.
?As an unintended consequence, pension calculation is based on Box 1 of W-2
(unless excluded in pension document).
?Ordinance 98-49 approved by Council on June 9, 1998 added FICA (only) to per
page fees.
Current Issues
?Escalating compensation package
?Inability to effectively budget annual pay
?No guidelines for transcripts
?Currently, pension is calculated on entire compensation including per page
charges
?Currently, we do not budget for court reporter pension based on transcripts
?Some use our equipment for city work, for circuit county work and possibly for
private work in civil cases
?Some use City resources to create transcripts for which they charge CCG
$3.78/page
?CCG pays for some annual licenses
?CCG pays for some training/conferences
?CCG pays for some cell phones/wifi cards
?Currently refuse to work for any judge not assigned to
?Additional General Fund revenue is possible from the sale of transcripts
Examples of Specific Issues
?One Court reporter submitted $53k in Jul/Aug 2010 expending the Judges entire
FY11 budget. Subsequently, submitted $104k in per page expenses vs. a budget of
$59k.
?Some report to work as few as 8 or 10 days per year if assigned to civil
cases.
?Some accumulate transcripts and release them incrementally at their
discretion.
?Rather than type transcripts, some pay others to provide the transcriptions.
GA Board of Court Reporting: Guidelines for Court Reporters
?Daily Rate is $190.08
?No benefits
?No office, equipment, supplies, copiers, cell phones, wifi cards, licenses,
training, conferences, etc?
?Per Page Rate is $3.78 per page
?A Court Reporter working everyday with 2 weeks vacation and 10 holidays would
equate to $45,619 annually (240 days at $190.08) with no benefits
Analysis of Existing Annual Pay
2007 2008 2009 2010 4 Yr Gross Avg Annual
EE1 $102,367 $115,221 $89,496 $102,995 $410,079 $102,520
EE2 67,512 83,063 77,133 76,064 303,771 75,943
EE3 2,800 9,067 44,517 51,315 107,700 53,850
EE4 115,416 111,324 104,083 156,807 487,630 121,908
EE5* 55,922 74,879 104,708 132,821 368,330 92,082
EE6* 86,405 102,361 69,571 78,270 336,607 84,152
Total $430,422 $495,916 $489,508 $598,273 $2,014,118 $530,454
Firm* $116,040 $117,314 $119,179 $119,070 $471,603 $117,901
Circuit Court Payments
County 2007 2008 2009 2010 Avg
Chatt $4,083 $17,704 $11,435 $4,061 $9,321
Harris 26,940 43,648 33,348 73,330 44,317
Marion 12,304 9,886 12,636 15,037 12,466
Talbot 6,304 18,244 21,477 7,928 13,488
Taylor 16,458 22,057 24,545 24,233 21,823
Total $68,095 $113,547 $105,450 $126,599 $101,414
FY12 Budgeted Compensation Superior Court Contractual Svcs Salary(w benes)
Employee
Allen $ 82,000 $ 33,176 Employee 1
McBride 40,000 36,966 Employee 2
Rumer 40,000 33,176 Employee 3
Pullen(formerly) 40,000 36,045 Employee 4
Peters 82,000 33,176 Employee 5
Jordan 40,000 34,009 Employee 6
$ 324,000 $ 206,548
FY12 Court Reporter Budget-Superior $ 530,548
FY12 Court Reporter Budget-Recorders Court $ 130,000
FY12 Court Reporter Budget $ 660,548
Court Reporters do NOT work under contract. They are hired as a General
Government employee with a job description the same as every other General
Government employee.
He also submitted several different options for the Council to consider.
Option 1
G-21-Entry Level
Salary $ 46,999 (No per page fees paid additionally)
Benefits 17,925
$ 64,924
?7 Court Reporters (incl Recorders Court) $ 454,468
? FY12 Budget for Court Reporters $ 660,548
?Savings $ 206,080
This salary is the equivalent of what a practicing attorney who is a member of
the State Bar Association makes as an Assistant District Attorney or an
Assistant Solicitor General.
Option 2
G-21-Mid Point
Salary $ 58,695 (No per page fees paid additionally)
Benefits 21,042
$ 79,737
?7 Court Reporters (incl Recorders Court) $ 558,159
? FY12 Budget for Court Reporters $ 660,548
?Savings $ 102,389
Option 3
Existing Salaries
Salary $ 21,260 to 24,161
Benefits 11,066 to 11,839
$ 32,326 to 36,000
?7 Court Reporters (incl Recorders Court) $ 250,000
?Per Page Fees (undetermined FY12 $324k) ?
? FY12 Budget for Court Reporters $ 660,548
?Savings $ ?
Per Page Fees will be EXCLUDED from pension calculations. Also, no increase
with pay plan.
Option 4
Per the Georgia Board of Court Reporting
Appearance fee $ 190.08/day
Benefits 0
-May require a contract with a firm to ensure availability
?7 Court Reporters (incl Recorders Court)
?2 Criminal (est 240 days/yr each) $ 91,238
?1 Recorders Court (est 312 days/year) 59,305
?4 Other Courts (est 25 days/year each) 19,008
$ 169,551
?Per Page Fees (undetermined FY12 $324k) ?
?FY12 Budget for Court Reporters $ 660,548
?Savings $ ?
?No benefits
?No office, equipment, supplies, copiers, cell phones, wifi cards, licenses,
training, conferences, etc?
Circuit Court Payments
County 2007 2008 2009 2010 Avg
Chatt $4,083 $17,704 $11,435 $4,061 $9,321
Harris 26,940 43,648 33,348 73,330 44,317
Marion 12,304 9,886 12,636 15,037 12,466
Talbot 6,304 18,244 21,477 7,928 13,488
Taylor 16,458 22,057 24,545 24,233 21,823
Total $68,095 $113,547 $105,450 $126,599 $101,414
Circuit Court Payments
?There is a strong opportunity to reach an inter-local agreement with the
circuit for the counties to pay CCG for their services exactly like Public
Defenders.
?Some court reporters will show up at a County, there will be no criminal cases
on the docket, so they will ask for their $190.08 daily rate for showing up,
and leave.
Advantages to CCG
?Lower our expenses by $206k Option 1
?Lower our expenses by $102k Option 2
?Lower our expenses by undetermined amount Option 3/4
?Gain revenue from Circuit Wide agreement by $100k
?Gain revenue from the sale of transcripts in criminal cases if defendant is
represented by a private attorney by an undeterminable amount $?k
?Lower expenses from not incurring expenses for paying for substitute court
reporters by $10-15k
?Will be able to budget court reporter compensation (including pension expense)
accurately
Any work performed by city employees is the property of the City in Options 1 &
2.
Wrap Up (if salaried)
Issue Current Proposed Description
Salary $21k to $27k $47k or $59k Provide a livable, even salary
Increase with Pay Plan No Yes
State Travel Stipend $3,600 Yes Yes
Benefits Yes Yes
Per Page Fees Paid Yes No Included in salary
Pension includes Per Page Fees Yes No Included in salary
CCG Equipment Yes Yes
CCG Annual Licenses Yes Yes
Wrap Up (if salaried)
Issue Current Proposed Description
Salary $21k to $27k $47k or $59k Provide a livable, even salary
Increase with Pay Plan No Yes
State Travel Stipend $3,600 Yes Yes
Benefits Yes Yes
Per Page Fees Paid Yes No Included in salary
Pension includes Per Page Fees Yes No Included in salary
CCG Equipment Yes Yes
CCG Annual Licenses Yes Yes
After the conclusion of this presentation, Mayor Tomlinson asked that City
Manager Hugley, City Attorney Fay and the Judges get together to come up with a
recommendation regarding the Court Reporter?s pay.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the August 9, 2011 Meeting of the
Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and
approved upon the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
Seconded by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel absent for this vote and
Councilors Allen and Woodson absent from the meeting.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------
CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (322-11) ? Approving compensation of Circuit Judges of the
Juvenile Court of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit as set by certified Order
of the Muscogee County Superior Court, effective, September 30, 2011. (Request
of Muscogee County Superior Court) Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption
of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by
those seven members of Council present with Councilor McDaniel being absent for
the vote and Councilors Allen and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF
DISCUSSION:_____________
A Resolution (323-11) ? Approving designation of 5th Street in Columbus,
Georgia in honor of Reverend Dr. J. H. Flakes, Jr., for his devotion to
Columbus, Georgia and its citizens, the street known as 5th Street in Columbus,
Georgia, is recommended to be designated as "Rev. J.H. Flakes, Jr. Way", in its
entirety. This honorary designation shall not change the official street map,
but the Traffic Engineer is hereby authorized to erect appropriate signage in a
color distinguishable from standard street signage. Councilor Thomas moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilors Allen and
Woodson absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
________________________________________________________
A Resolution (324-11) ? Authorizing execution of a Lease Agreement with
Chattahoochee Valley Jail Ministry, Inc. for property located at 921 Lawyers
Lane. Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING: ____
An Ordinance (11-50) ? Rezoning property located at 1660, 1664, 1702,
1708, 1712 and 1716 Elvan Avenue from an SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) to
RMF1 (Residential Multi-Family 1) zoning district. (17-A-11-Wynning Properties,
LLC) The proposed use is duplexes. Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the
ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present for this meeting with Councilors Allen and Woodson
being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS ADVERTISED AND AMENDED BY THE COUNCIL:
___
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 6939 Buena Vista Road from NC
(Neighborhood Commercial) to GC (General Commercial) zoning district.
(18-CA-11-Singh) The proposed use is convenience store with gas sales.
Director of Planning, Rick Jones responded to questions of Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh with regards to why we are going from a general commercial on this
particular rezoning case.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked what happens if this is not rezoned for
its intended use. She said she would like to limit the use to gas station only.
She said part of this property used to be used as an old landfill.
She then made a motion to amend the ordinance to limit the use of this
zoning to a store and gas station only. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilors
Allen and Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Repealing the ?No Parking Anytime? zone along the west
curb of Flournoy Drive and the south curb of 17th Street.
An Ordinance ? Amending Chapter 13 of the Columbus Code by providing that
permits issued by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, whether by
rule or otherwise, shall satisfy the permit requirements of Section 13-167.4.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------
PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. LORENZA WILDER, RE: SPEEDING, SIDEWALKS AND
GUTTERS:___________________________________________ ____________
Mr. Lorenza Wilder who requested to be listed on today?s agenda to speak to
the subject of speeding, sidewalks and gutters did not respond when given the
opportunity to address the Council.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
AT THE REQUEST OF CITY MANAGER HUGLEY, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS
DELAYED:________________________
A Resolution ? Approving the contract with New Horizons Community Service
Board, to provide mental health services for inmates at Muscogee County Jail
and Muscogee County Prison, at a monthly cost of $32,265.00; and an additional
one-time cost of $3,000.00 for the purchase of one laptop computer, and the
software necessary to implement and continue this program on site at the Jail.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A MOTION
MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCIILOR BARNES, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING,
COUNCILOR DAVIS BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILORS ALLEN AND WOODSON
ABSENT FROM THE
MEETING:
___________
A Resolution (325-11) ? Authorizing the execution of a Contract for
Acquisition of Right of Way, Federal-Aid Project (Non-Reimbursable) for CS
2227/Brown Avenue at Norfolk Southern Railroad (RR) & Bragg Smith Street with
the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for replacement and
construction of a new Brown Avenue Bridge Project from Martin Luther King Blvd.
to Cusseta Road.
A Resolution (326-11) ? Authorizing the approval of ad valorem tax
abatements on personal property only (with the exclusion of school and general
obligation debt levies) to BD&K Foods, Inc., 600 Andrews Road, Suite 1 as
specified under the Enterprise Zone Employment Act.
A Resolution (327-11) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Company for the required work to
construct a 10' x 8' box culvert within the railroad right of way as part of
the 6th Avenue and Side Street Flood Abatement Project for the estimated cost
of $271,669.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________
A Resolution (328-11) ? Authorizing the execution of a permanent aerial
encroachment for an overhead conveyor system into the public right-of-way of
Fortson Road approximately 500 feet north of the intersection of Vulcan Plant
Road to Vulcan to construct an overhead conveyor system to transport mined
material from a quarry site east of Fortson Road to their plant location west
of Fortson Road.
A Resolution (329-11) ? Authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of
Understanding with Uptown Columbus, Inc., for the Chattahoochee River
Restoration & Whitewater Project for Uptown Columbus, Inc., to provide the
required match of $250,000 for a grant awarded from the Georgia Department of
Transportation - Transportation Enhancement funding in the amount of
$1,000,000.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &
COUNCIL:_______________________________________________________
(1) Notice of the ACCG 8th District County Officials Meeting, October 24,
2011, at 10:00 a.m., in Montezuma, Georgia.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Housing Authority of
Columbus.
(3) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Daniel J. Hill, Councilor Henderson?s nominee to
replace Ms. Ann Grantham on the Board of Tax Assessors.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Mr. John Williams, Councilor Allen?s nominee to
replace Mr. Scott Boyce on the Board of Tax Assessors.
(5) Application submitted by Kathy Holton to temporarily close Leonard Street
from Wildwood Avenue to Forest Avenue, on Sunday, October 23, 2011, from 1:00
p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in connection with ?Fall Festival for St. Paul UMC?. (The
Police Chief has approved the application.)
(6) Application submitted by Mitch Watts to temporarily close 3rd Avenue
(halfway) from 11th Street to just past St. Luke property, on Friday, October
28, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., in connection with ?St. Luke Church &
School Annual Fall Harvest Party?. (The Police Chief has approved the
application.)
(7) Application submitted by Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from
11th Street to 12th Street, on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 7:00 a.m. to
11:00 a.m., in connection with ?Columbus Walk to End Alzheimer?s?. (The Police Chief has approved the application.)
(8) Application submitted by Richard Bishop to temporarily close the 1000 -
1200 block of Broadway, on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00
p.m., in connection with ?Spooktacular pedestrian safety?. (The Police Chief
has approved the application.)
(9) Application submitted by Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from
10th Street to 12th Street, on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 8:00 p.m. to
10:00 p.m., in connection with ?Big Dog Howl 1 Mile Run?. (The Police Chief has
approved the application.)
(10) Notice of the Greater Columbus Home Builders Association?s 16th Annual
Legislative Fish Fry, October 18, 2011, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
THE FOLLOWING THREE 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 COUNCLOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HUFF, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING,
WITH COUNCILORS ALLEN AND WOODSON BEING ABSENT: _____
A Resolution (330-11) ? Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the
September 27, 2011 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (331-11) ? Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the October
11, 2011 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (332-11) ? Approving a Special Called Meeting of the Council
of Columbus, Georgia on October 18, 2011.
A Resolution (333-11) ? Approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of September 2011.
*** *** ***
RECREAITON ADVISIORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Ms. Betsy R. Reed
resigning from her position on the Recreation Advisory Board. Councilor
McDaniel moved the letter be received with regrets and thanks for her service.
Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present with Councilors Allen and Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 34-11 & 35-11.
Community Development Advisory Council, June 21 & Aug. 30, 2011.
Hospital Authority, August 26 & August 30, 2011.
Recreation Advisory Board, August 30, 2011.
River Valley Regional Commission, August 24, 2011.
Councilor Henderson moved the minutes be received. Seconded by Councilor Baker
and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this
meeting, with Councilors Allen and Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWNIG TWO NEW ZONING PETITIONS WERE
SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND A PUBLIC
HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:_________
Petition submitted by the Woodruff Company to rezone 280.4 total acres of
property located at the northwest corner of Veterans Parkway and Williams Road
/ East side of Veterans Parkway, north of Moon Road from PMUD (Planned Mixed
Use Development) with conditions to PMUD (Planned Mixed Use Development) with
amended conditions. (Recommended for conditional approval by both the Planning
Advisory Commission and the Planning Department.) (22-CA-11-Woodruff Co.)
Petition submitted by George Mize, Jr. to rezone 5.77 acres of property
located at 6100 Green Island Drive from RO (Residential Office) with conditions
to RMF2 (Residential Multi-Family 2) district. (Recommended for conditional
approval by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department.)
(23-CA-11-Mize)
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Ms. Jo
McDaniel was expire on October 15, 2011 but she is eligible to succeed herself
for another term of office. Councilor Henderson then nominated Ms. McDaniel for
another term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that she will bring this back at
the next meeting for the Council?s confirmation. She also pointed out that we
are waiting to hear back from the Veterinary Association Association with
regards to Dr. Brook Glass. She also pointed out that Ms. Jeannie McKee?s
term will also be expiring, but she is not eligible to succeed herself.
BOARD OF HONOR:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
Milton Hirsch will expire on October 31, 2011 and that he is eligible to
succeed himself
For another term of office. Councilor McDaniel nominated Mr. Hirsch for
another term.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out at the last meeting that Mr. John
Williams was nominated to replace Mr. Boyce and Mr. Daniel Hill was nominated
to replace Ms. Grantham and said that they may now be confirmed.
Councilor McDaniel then moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present,
with Councilors Allen and Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seat of Mr. Jose Cardona
has been declared vacant for some time now and that we still need a nominee for
this
Council District 6 seat. There were no nominations.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & TRADE CENTER AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Ms.
Lori Auten on the Convention & Trade Center Authority has expired and that she
is not eligible to succeed herself. She said the Mayor is working on a
replacement for Ms. Auten.
*** *** ***
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Arthur L. Smith was
renominated at the last meeting to serve another term of office and said that
he may now be confirmed. Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor
Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present for this
meeting with Councilors Allen and Woodson being absent.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Mayor is nominating Ms.
Geniece Granville for another term of office to on the Public Safety Advisory
Commission and said she may now be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present for this meeting with Councilors Allen and
Woodson being absent.
Clerk of Council Washington further pointed out that the term of office of
Ms. Valerie Thompson has also expired; however, she is eligible to succeed
herself for one additional term of office if the Mayor Pro Tem desires to
reappoint her.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then indicated that she would like to reappoint
Ms. Thompson for another term of office and then so moved. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present for this meeting with Councilors Allen and
Woodson being absent.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. Gregory Wagner, who represents Council District 6 and Mr. Jeremy Hobbs, who
represents Council District 8, is also eligible to succeed themselves. There
were no nominations. She also pointed out that Mr. Charles Kurtz?s term is also
expiring and that he cannot succeed himself
*** *** ***
UPTOWN FACADE BOARD:
(Sonya Eddings) SD-29
Eligible to succeed herself
(Council?s Apptmt)
(Brenda Price) SD-15
Eligible to succeed herself
Uptown Columbus Rep.
(Council?s Apptmt)
*** *** ***
With there being no further business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and
carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors
Allen and Woodson being absent from this meeting, and the time being 12:55
p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.