MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
APRIL 24, 2012
The regular monthly night meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, April 24, 2012, on the Plaza Level of
the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike Tomlinson,
Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson was Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike
Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr.,
Judy Thomas and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, Assistant City
Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of
Council Sandra Davis were also present. Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat at
the Council table at 5:33 p.m.
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ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh was absent, but was excused upon the
adoption of Resolution Number120-12. City Attorney Clifton Fay was also absent,
but was represented by Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall.
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INVOCATION: Led by Rev. James Horton, Associate Pastor of Grace Baptist
Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Girls, Inc.
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?IF I WERE MAYOR, I WOULD ? ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS:
Mayor Tomlinson said there is an annual Essay contest, ?If I Were Mayor?
that is held in the district throughout the State of Georgia; which is
sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association. She said this contest tries to
instill the importance of governing in our local government in our young
leaders. She said we have several six graders from our community, who won at
the local level, and one winner of the state-wide District 8 winner. She then
called forward Mrs. Reather Hollowell, Assistant Director of Human Resources to
come forward and give us some more details on the essay contest.
Mrs. Reather Hollowell, Assistant Director of Human Resources came forward
and pointed out that this week is Georgia Cities Week, April 22-28, 2012 and
the City of Columbus participates in Georgia Cities Week. She said the essay
contest that the Mayor mentioned is part of our celebration to highlight city
government and highlight the services that the City offers.
She said in addition to the Essay Contest and the winners that are going
to come forth, there are students throughout Muscogee County who are visiting
with us this week. She said our Citizens Service Center is conducting tours of
middle and school students, which is approximately 240 students who are coming
to visit the courts, and other different agencies. She said this is one way of
us exposing city government to the youths in our community.
Mrs. Hollowell said the essay contest, ?If I Were Mayor? was conducted in
the school system, where there were 114 six graders from five middle schools
that participated in the contest, which included Blackmon Road, Double
Churches, East Columbus Magnet, Richards Middle School and Veterans Memorial
Middle School. She said in addition to our 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place winners, we do
have two Honorable Mention winners.
Mrs. Hollowell then called forward the winners to include the following:
Honorable Mention winner: Aubrey Carroll, Richards Middle School
Honorable Mention winner: Hunter Carter, Richards Middle School
State- wide District Winner: Janie Johnson, Blackmon Road Middle School
Third Place Winner: Jose Santos, Blackmon Road Middle School
Second Place Winner: Caroline Boren, Blackmon Road Middle School
First Place Winner: Gwen Rush, Richards Middle School
Mrs. Hollowell said prior to the Council meeting, there was a reception
where the Mayor was present and gave the winners a Certificate of Appreciation
and other prizes for their hard work in participating in this essay contest.
State-wide winner Janie Johnson and First Place winner, Gwen Rush then
read their essays, after which Councilor Judy Thomas, who served as a judge
also made comments regarding the essay contest.
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LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION 2012 SESSION UPDATE:
Mayor Tomlinson said as many of you know, we normally have an annual
legislative delegation meeting to get ready for our local delegation going to
Atlanta to do this area work on a State level. She pointed out that at the
request of Councilor Thomas; we invited the delegation to the Council to get a
report of all the progress that occurred in Atlanta. She then recognized the
presence of State Representatives Calvin Smyre, Carolyn Hugley and Debbie
Buckner.
She then called forward State Representative Calvin Smyre to give a
report.
He then highlighted the following update of the 2012 Legislative session and
outlined those bills which were approved, as well as those which no action was
taken during the session.
Res. No 352-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support Legislation to ensure the full collection and timely
remittance of all sales and use taxes due to the state and local governments.
No General Bill Introduced Delegation Supports
Res No. 353-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation joins the
Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) in support of the effort to streamline the
existing hotel/motel tax provisions
SB 244 was introduced on 3/7/11; DID NOT PASS/No Vote
Res No. 354-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to provide adequate funding of state crime labs
and oppose efforts to shift costs to local governments.
No reduction in crime lab funds for FY 2012-13. Also, fully funded forensic
labs and restored cuts.
Res. No. 355-11 Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation introduce
Legislation in opposition to the erosion of the property tax base caused by the
creation of property tax exemptions unless such exemptions are approved
locally. In the event the General Assembly creates a property tax exemption,
the state should fully reimburse local governments for the revenue loss.
SB 234 & HB 291 DID NOT PASS
SB 234 Conference Committee Report failed to pass on last day of session.
Res. No. 356-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation introduces
legislation to fund the homeowner tax relief grants to municipalities, counties
and school districts.
HB 204 (2nd Reader) Delegation Supports
Res. No. 357-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to improve and modernize the powers that may be
given to local land banks in order to effectively return tax delinquent
property to the real estate market.
SB 284 PASSED BOTH HOUSES AWAITING ACTION BY GOVERNOR (Delegation voted ?yes?)
Res. No. 358-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to ensure that any state laws placing mandates on
cities related to immigration enforcement are practical, unambiguous and
reasonably administrable.
NOT INTRODUCED (Delegation has no position on this issue)
Res. No. 359-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation introduce
legislation that would allow an exemption similar to that in Alabama from state
income tax for military retirees.
HB 1194 ? (2ND Reader) (Did not pass)
Res. No. 360-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation introduce
legislation to amend OCGA Section 32-6-75.3 and any applicable portion of the
Georgia DOT policy manual to provide that tree planting beautification projects
constructed by consolidated governments pursuant to DOT agreement, input
?permitted projects? under said statue and policy manual. State Wide issue; No
General Bill was introduced
Res. No. 361-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation to the
Georgia General Assembly introduce legislation to amend O.C.G.A. 48-8-96 (h)
(1) so that it only applies to LOST referenda held after January 1, 2011,
thereby leaving the original two exemptions contained in the 2004 legislation
in place in Columbus, Georgia. State Wide issue; No General Bill was introduced
Res. No. 362-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to strengthen state law regulating scrap metal
processors and to increase penalties for violations of said laws and for
convictions of theft of scrap metal. HB 872 PASSED Delegation voted ?yes?
Res. No. 363-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to provide funding for a study to advance the
development of high speed rail from Atlanta to Columbus. Several requests for
passenger rail funding. No funding allocated. Awaiting decisions on public
adoption of SPLOST referendums.
Res. No. 364-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation for reinstatement of matching funds for road
projects (MPO?S), funding for local area road projects (LARP) and state
projects development. Added $10m for local projects in addition to current
funding in FY 2012-13 Budgets
Res. No. 365-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation supports
legislation that encourages minimization of the consumptive use of water so as
to assure that downstream user waters rights are fully protected and that such
legislation should be incorporated into requirements for all state water
planning activities. HB 153 (2nd Reader) Did not pass; no vote on bill
Res. No. 366-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to increase the amount municipalities can charge
per page for copies under the Open Records Acts from twenty-five cents to fifty
cents per copy (.25 per copy to .50 per copy). HB 397 PASSED BOTH HOUSES and
SIGNED BY GOVERNOR Note: HB 397 cut cost per copy to .10 cents
Res. No. 367-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation supports
legislation to continue funding for the University of Georgia Cooperative
Extension Service and its county delivery system. Restored some of the
2%Austerity cuts over the past two budget cycles
Res. No. 368-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation
introduce/support legislation to investigate and identify a standardized,
concise definition of a Georgia Convention Visitors Bureau and destination
marketing organization that encompasses and expands on the current definition
of ?planning, conducting, or participating in programs of information and
publicity designed to attract or advertise tourism, conventions, or trade
shows.? State Wide issue; No General Bill was introduced
Res. No. 369-11Requesting the Local legislative Delegation to oppose
proposed changes in Grant-In-Aid (GIA) funding to local health department. New
formula has been adopted to be phased in over 7 years. Funds ($2.5m) were
included in 2012-13 Budget to give Columbus a hold harmless funding position.
Res. No. 334-11Requesting that the members of the Local Legislative
Delegation inquire into the matter of consolidation of U.S. Mail processing or
services and seek a moratorium against USPS facility closures as well as
addressing the proposed reduction in service standards. While Federal Issue,
Delegation supports Council position
Res. No. 397-11Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation introduces
local legislation to amend the Columbus Charter as recommended by the Charter
Review Commission and as shown on the attached list of proposed amendments HB
1258 did not pass the Senate; however, it did pass the House. Will reintroduce
during next session.
Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation introduce/support
legislation to change the Judge of Municipal Court to nonpartisan. HB 1302 had
required signatures but was pulled after SB531 passed the Senate. Both bills
failed.
Representative Smyre said having dialogue with the Council, having more
partnerships and opportunities for more conversations with the delegation is a
step in the right direction. He said on behalf of all the members of
delegation, he would like to thank the Council for the opportunity for him to
come and give this report. He also pointed out that Governor Deal will be
here on tomorrow to sign two bills, with dealing with the Purple Heart and the
other one dealing with the compact of the educational system.
Councilor Thomas said one of the things that she would like to see us do
in the future is to have some more dialogue and conversations about what the
Council sees as needs; and to have the delegation to let us know whether or not
this is something they can or cannot support, or this is something that has
been before the legislative before and we can tell you have the rest of the
State feels. She said if we can have some of those kinds of conversations, it
would be helpful as we look to develop our legislative agenda from this point
forward. She said she don?t just want to propose things to you so that we can
have a long list of items; but she wants to propose things that are going to be
beneficial to the citizens of Columbus and Georgia, but will also be something
that the delegation feels it is achievable. She said if it is not achievable,
then we need to know that.
Representative Smyre said that after the Legislative Session is over, he
thinks it would be a good idea for us to get together and have a debriefing,
maybe at a luncheon. He said he thinks that you need to understand some of the
new ounce that affects these bills.
Mayor Tomlinson said we did try to get a post-luncheon together; however,
with the way everyone?s different schedules, they were not able to make that
happen, but she will look back into that and work out the details.
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PENSION UPDATE:
Mayor Tomlinson said Director of Human Resources Tom Barron did put
together a chart with regards to the pension issues in response to a referral
of Councilor Woodson & Councilor Thomas. She said they had requested that we do
some costing out of various scenarios of employees and the different public
safety plans, Public Safety law enforcement, Public Safety Fire & EMS and
General Government. She said there are some different rules that apply to those
three different segments of our employees. She said it cost it out at those
three different salary levels and then gives scenarios at the 45% retirement
benefit guaranteed under a defined benefit plan from the City, and at a 60%
defined benefit plan.
She said we have a date that Mr. Stephen Vaughn from the Association
County Commissioners of Georgia will come and address us on the Mayor?s Agenda,
which will be May 8th. She said she has asked him to speak to the value of our
retirement packet.
At the request of Councilor Woodson, Director of Human Resources Tom
Barron came forward and spent some fifteen minutes in explaining the
information that he gathered with regard to the Pension Plan.
Councilor Thomas said the State benefit that the employees pay is
immaterial to our calculation. She said that is not something they are required
to pay; therefore, it should not be counted, as we don?t provide for that. She
said what she would like to see is what do we provide for the person who
retires just straight-out; no vacation time, she said that is not what we
provide.
She said we provide 45% of $40,000 and we provide 60% of $40,000.00. She
said she would just like to have the nuts and bolts of the calculations of what
we provide for the employee.
Mayor Tomlinson said she appreciates the work that Mr. Barron has done,
because he typical sees what is out there; but she feels that Councilor Thomas
has a very good point. She said if we don?t establish a base line. She said she
understands this State benefit is available to public safety employees. She
said that now we have gotten the benefit of this information, she would like
for Director of Human Resources Barron to do another chart, with just the nuts
and volts of the retirement calculations. She said she had several questions
about the 33% at 45 for government, 69% for public safety. She said it creates
a very large disparity when you are including the State benefits.
Councilor Henderson said he would think that we need to define what are
the nuts and bolts of the pension plan. He said he thinks that Councilor Thomas
is talking about just what our benefits will be made available is, at 45% and
60% and the social security benefits. He said he thinks Mr. Barron has done a
good job in making these calculations because based on the information we were
considering earlier and trying to determine what was the available income at
retirement for our employees. He said we can make assumptions, but we don?t
have to with some of the Public Safety retirement options. He said those are
available because they work in that field and he believes that almost all of
them take advantage of it.
He said he thinks this is good information and he appreciates Mr. Barron
putting it in there like this because helps us understand what is available. He
said he thinks the information that Councilor Thomas is asking for will shed
even more light on it. He said at the end of day you find that balance between
what is your objective, what we are trying to make sure we are making available
to our employees.
Councilor Thomas said she appreciates what Mr. Barron has done, but said
she just would like for us to get the bottom line nuts and bolts.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the April 10, 2012 Meeting of the
Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted by
Clerk of Council Washington and approved by the Council upon the adoption of a
motion made by Councilor McDaniel and seconded by Councilor Huff , which
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting,
with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent from the meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT
CITY ATTORNEY LUCY SHEFTALL AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
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An Ordinance (12-18)- Providing for the demolition of various structures
located at:
(1) 431 Mays Avenue (Ameritrust Mortgage, Owner)
(2) 1011 51st Street (Gavin Larue and Janice T. Anderson, Owners)
(3) 4800 Pollman Street (Curtis E. Ashley, Owner)
(4) 3036 Colorado Street (Est. of John and Inell Boone, Owner)
(5) 4224 7th Avenue (Mark A. and Sandra L. Burnett, Owners)
(6) 2510 A&B Forsyth Street (Community Bank and Trust West Georgia, Owner)
(7) 2512 Forsyth Street (Community Bank and Trust West Georgia, Owner)
(8) 2513 & 2515 8th Street (Community Bank and Trust West Georgia, Owner)
(9) 2509 8th Street (Community Bank and Trust West Georgia, Owner)
(10) 21 Esquiline Drive (Community Bank and Trust West Georgia, Owner)
(11) 601 25th Street (Patricia C. Courtney, Owner)
(12) 2211 13th Avenue (Gwendolyn Dowdell Dance & etal, Owners)
(13) 3821 1st Avenue (Martha P. Danford, Chase Home Finance LLC, and
Ronald A Lynn Jr., Owners)
(14) 1515 26th Street (Lindsay Lamar Favors, Larry M. Favors, Diane
Michelle Favors and Jabbar H. Favors, Owners)
(15) 6890 Hunter Road (First Born Church of the Living God, Inc., Owner)
(16) 5029 13th Avenue (Richard E. Hall, Owner)
(17) 575 Morris Road (Est. of Cynthia P. Helton, Amanda Helton, and
EquiCredit Corp., Owners)
(18) 334 26th Street (James Lewis, Owner)
(19) 12 Morgan Street (Thomas Alton and C. Boyce McRae III, Owners)
(20) 2233 Barnes Drive (Charles F. and Kimberly Melinger, Collateral
Mortgage, LTD, and Veterans Affairs, Owners)
(21) 2412 Marion Street (Mortgage Resolution Servicing LLC, Owner)
(22) 1315 22nd Street (Margaret Munford and Est. of Isaac Warren
Munford, Owner, attorney Joe Powell)
(23) 511 35th Street (Jack Perkins, Owner)
(24) 600 25th Street (Percy Tindall, Forrest Pitts, Owners);
in the total amount of $148,140.25 for demolition services. Councilor
Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
An Ordinance (12-19)- Amending Chapter 2-81 of the Columbus Code so as to
permit review of City-owned facilities named in memory of persons at 15-year
intervals after such naming; and for other purposes. Councilor Henderson moved
the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
An Ordinance (12-20) - Amending Chapter 2 of the Columbus Code by adding a
new member to the Retiree Health Benefit Committee; and for other purposes.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the
time, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY SHEFTALL AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
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A Resolution (108-12) - Authorizing a transition audit of the Inspections
and Code Department by the Internal Auditor. Councilor McDaniel moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh being absent.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
MR. LORENZA WILDER:, RE: THE COLUMBUS POLICE DEPARTMENT &
SPEEDING:_______________________________________
Mr. Lorenza Wilder, who requested to be listed on tonight?s agenda to
speak to the subject of the Columbus Police Department and speeding did not
respond when called upon to address the Council.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FIVE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (109-12) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into a 3rd Term
Option Renewal - River Road Lease Agreement with Verizon, Inc., and authorize
the installation of three additional Cellular Array antennas at location, 8889
River Road. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
A Resolution (110-12) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into a
Memorandum of Agreement with the Columbus Water Works to perform variety of
minor tasks and services that are mutually beneficial. Councilor McDaniel
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
A Resolution (111-12) ? Authorizing the approval to proceed with executing
and funding pre-construction requirements for Drainage Improvements Projects
funded through the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST), Sewer Fund or Special Purpose
Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) to include execution of contract proposal from
previously approved on-call engineering/architectural/surveying firms,
permanent and temporary easements, utility relocation, environmental mitigation
and other outside agency agreements such as but not limited to Georgia
Department of Transportation, Railroads, Utilities, and other agreements to
prepare projects for construction. Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh being absent.
A Resolution (112-12) ? Authorizing the approval for the acceptance of a
deed to Coppice Drive, Prairie Valley Drive, Prairie Valley Court and Extension
of Garrett Lake Drive located in Lakes Phase Twelve, Garrett Creek, which has
been inspected by The Department of Engineering. Councilor McDaniel moved the
adoption of this resolution. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
A Resolution (113-12) ? Authorizing the approval for the acceptance of a
deed to the Extension of Sorrel Drive, Extension of San Vista Drive and
Extension of Sorrel Court located in Section Eight, Sonoma Pointe, which has
been inspected by The Department of Engineering. Councilor McDaniel moved the
adoption of this resolution. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR 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 MCDANIEL AND SECONED BY COUNCILOR DAVIS, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING
WITH MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH BEING ABSENT:___________
A Resolution (114-12) ? Authorizing the approval of payment to the Georgia
Department of Natural Resources for the state mandated solid waste disposal fee
in the amount of $61,725.05. A total of 83,979.66 tons of solid waste was
disposed at Pine Grove Landfill, between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.
A Resolution (115-12) ? Authorizing the approval of payment to Courthouse
Technologies, Ltd., in the estimated annual amount of $30,960.00 for a
two-year contract for Jury Management software/subscription service. The
estimate is based on approximately 12,000 jury summons per year.
The Jury Management software/subscription service is required due to
mandated changes by the State, effective July 1, 2012. The Jury Composition
Reform Act of 2011 mandates the Council of Superior Court Clerks to create and
deliver, to the local counties of Georgia, the Jury Master Lists that will be
used in the selection of the jurors on an as needed for courts in their
counties.
Currently the City utilizes an in house mainframe system that has been
used since the Jury Selection process was automated back in the 70's. This new
list that will be created by the Council of Superior Court Clerks will have
many changes in the file format. The City?s system does not have the
programming code that would accommodate these format changes, and consequently
would be unable to use the mandated created file. Therefore, it is necessary to
seek an outside vendor specializing in Jury selection systems, and is prepared
to accommodate the new Jury list.
A Resolution (116-12) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase 800 MHZ
radios and accessories from Motorola Solutions, Inc., for the estimated
contract value of $59,041.00 (based on the City?s average annual usage). The
purchases will be made via Georgia Statewide Contract, SWC000137, through June
30, 2012 and any additional contract renewals awarded by the State. The prices
include discounts of 5% up to 28% on radios and accessories. Various City
departments will purchase the radios and accessories on an ?as needed basis?.
Per Resolution #91-92 (RFP No. 149-91) Motorola was awarded the contract
to provide the City?s 800 MHZ Radio Communication System. Therefore, to remain
compliant with the system, the City has continued to purchase additional radios
and accessories from Motorola.
A Resolution (117-12) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase an upgrade to
the IBM DS5100 Storage environment from Mainline Information Systems (Oakbrook
Terrace, IL) in the amount of $575,676.00. Payments will be made for a
60-month period in the amount of $10,243.00, per month.
The equipment and services to be purchased include the following:
-IBM DS5100 (1818-D1A's) Add 75TB's Usable -21-1818-D1A's- 300GB - 15k Drive -
8GB Cache
-IBM DS5100 -MES - Add 75TB's Usable - (21) 1818-D1A - 300GB-15k -4Gbps -
Capacity
-DS5100-MidRange Disk - 1818-D1A (21) - 300GB-15k Drive - Expansion Unit (EXP
5000) - 32 - 300GB Drives - 8GB Cache
-Mainline Services - DS5100 Implementation/Install/Configure New Drive -
Re-Allocation services (12 hours)
-IBM 7014-T42 - Rack with 4-PDU's - House additional 21 - 1818-D1A's
-IBM 5 Year prepaid Maintenance for additional - 21 - 1818-D1A Expansion Unit
- Plus - 7014-T42 - (24 x 7)
IBM DS5100 storage capacity is critical and must be upgraded to continue
operation and implement future initiatives.
Mainline Information Systems provided and installed the original DS5100 Storage
Device and is the only vendor familiar with the City?s storage capacity.
Therefore the vendor is considered the only known source for this purchase, per
the Procurement Ordinance Article #3-114.
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FINANCE MONTHLY REPORT:
Director of Finance Pam Hodge came forward and gave the March 2012 Finance
report as outlined in the chart provided. After the conclusion of her report,
she then responded to questions of Councilor Thomas.
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FY2013 BUDGET:
Mayor Tomlinson said she is preparing to present her proposed FY-2013
budget to the Council at its May 1st Council meeting. She said she will have
two proclamations and after that she will be doing the presentation of the
budget.
She said there is some good news as well as some challenges.
Councilor Henderson, Chairman of the Council?s Budget Review Committee
said we have four scheduled Budget Review Meetings. He said each year we push
to try to get another meeting in. He said he sent all the members of Council an
email requesting their input on any departments or any issues that they feel is
going to take a little more vetting. He said we will try to provide that
information
to the City Manager?s office, so that when we arrange the schedule those items
and concerns which will take a little more time can go towards the end.
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BELLAMY STREET:
Councilor Huff said he would like for the City Manager to have the staff
to go out and take a look at an empty house on Bellamy Street that has high
grass and shrubs.
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WEDRON DRIVE:
Councilor Huff said he had asked a question about the buffer zones and
said he did read the referral. He said there is a development that was
developed behind an existing neighborhood and the buffer zone is growing into
the yard.
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FOYE AVENUE:
Councilor Huff said on Foye Avenue at the end of the street leading over
from Cusseta Road Elementary School there is a ditch that needs to be cleaned
out. He said he would like for the City Manager to have the staff to take care
of this concern.
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GETTSYBURG WAY:
Councilor Huff said a resident on Gettysburg Way has put down some type
piping in their yard to draw water out of their yard and now it is going down
the street with nowhere to go causing problems for the other residents on this
street with water now running onto their property.
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DEMOLITION OF PROPERTIES:
Councilor Henderson said we have two individuals who are present in the
Council Chambers tonight that has questions regarding the properties that are
listed in the demolition ordinance, which was on second reading and has now
been adopted by the Council. He said it is unlikely that the Council would
change their mind, but in an effort to give them a voice, and to be fair he
would make a motion to allow them to be heard to address the demolition
process. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Davis being absent for
this vote and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent from this meeting.
Assistant City Attorney Sheftall then asked the property owner to come
forward and to state their name and the property address.
Ms. Patricia Courtney then came forward and said the property address is
601 25th Street. She said the house is in very bad shape because someone broke
into the house and stole all of the hardware and pipes and destroyed it. She
said she was having a roof put on the house and the person who was doing the
roof left it open and it rained and the sheetrock caved it. She said as she was
preparing to take him to small claims court, he died. She said she has put all
of her savings into the house, and now she is having a lot of trouble getting
things done.
She said the City wants to charge her $10,800 to tear it down and said she
can?t afford that. She said that is almost the amount that she paid for the
house. She said she would like some time to see if she can find someone to tear
it down for much less.
Deputy City Manager David Arrington then came forward to outline the
process as to what happens when a property is torn down that has been placed on
the demolition list. He said we don?t charge the homeowner; however, we proceed
with the demolition and then the property has a lien accessed against it for
the amount of the demolition. He said we can certainly work with the property
owner to give them some time to see if they can get a private contractor to
come in and do it for less than what it would be required for our contractor to
do the demolition.
He said he would work with Ms. Courtney because it will take us a couple of
months or longer to go through the list.
Assistant City Attorney Sheftall then said at the staff?s recommendation,
she would ask for a motion to defer the demolition. However, Mayor Tomlinson
said we have already approved it; we don?t need to defer it. She said since the
property owner is in agreement that it needs to be demolished, it is just a
price consideration.
City Manager Hugley said we will work with the property owner
administratively and if they fail to meet any timelines that we establish
administratively; then we want her to know that we will proceed with the
demolition. He said there will not be any out of pocket cost to her, but there
will just be a lien on the property.
Mayor Tomlinson said we will go forward with the Council?s vote, which is
to demolish the property; but we will allow our staff to get together with Ms.
Courtney to see if they can work out something more reasonable, but if not, it
will go forward as plan.
City Manager Hugley said there is one additional resident who wants to
address the Council regarding his property.
Mr. Harold McBride, owner of property at 334 26th Street then came
forward. He said it is an old shotgun house. He said about a year ago, he was
told that this house was on the historic register. He said he was told to just
cut the grass and try to keep the people out and the Habitat people would fix
it or build him another one; and now he is facing this demolition. He said he
is able to take the house down if he is granted the permission, and there will
be no lien on the property. He can take the house down for his sister as well.
He said there are too many homeless people in this town and they are staying
under canvases, cardboard boxes and everything else trying to survive because
the country is in an economic shutdown. He said what are we going to do, are we
going to persecute the poor or are we going to give them a chance.
Mayor Tomlinson said maybe Mr. McBride can speak with our Deputy City
Manager as well. She said there may be some opportunities through Land Bank and
other options. She said there may be some opportunities to work with you on
some of the other options that you have spoken with some of the other people
on.
She maybe we can put you in contact with some folks who can work with you.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:
_____________________________________________
(1) Memorandum from Jim Grubiak- ACCG, Re: HB 397 Open Meetings / Records
Effective Immediately.
(2) Notice from ACCG, Re: An agreement with Coast2Coast to provide discount
pharmacy and medical benefits to citizens across the State.
(3) Memorandum from GMA, Re: District 8 Spring Listening Session, May 3, 2012
in Talbotton, Georgia.
(4) Copy of Act No. 433, House Bill No. 1231; To amend an Act creating the
Muscogee County School District, so as to change the description of the
education districts.
(5) Letter from Deputy Clerk of Council Davis forwarding the Charter Review
Commission?s amended recommendation to remove the $500 user fee from the
November 2012 ballot. (Attached is the letter from Charter Review Commission
Chairman John Shinkle of the reversed decision.)
(6) Letter from Mr. Justin Krieg, Chairman of the Land Bank Authority, advising
that one or more of the members of the Land Bank Authority may be involved in
transactions associated with the buying, selling and transfer of real estate to
include the legal work associated with the foreclosure of and transfer of
properties by the Land Bank Authority.
(7) Biographical Sketch of Mr. C. Bernard McCrary, Mayor Tomlinson?s nominee to
replace Mr. Adrian Cox on the Community Development Advisory Council.
(8) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Tracy Belt, Councilor Woodson?s nominee to
replace Rev. Willie Phillips on the Recreation Advisory Board.
(9) Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from 11th
Street to 12th Street & 11th Street from Front Avenue to 1st Avenue, on
Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., in connection with
?Uptown Scarlet Lilies 5 K race?. (The Police Chief has approved the
application.)
(10) Letter from the Chairman of the Muscogee County Republican Party Seth Harp
submitting three nominees for the position of Mr. U. D. Roberts, who is
eligible to serve another term of office on the Board of Elections &
Registrations.
(11) Letter from Mr. Ron Greenfield- Chapter 104 VFP of Evansville, Indiana
forwarding a draft resolution being proposed to Charlottesville City Council in
calling on Congress to redirect military spending to domestic priorities.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF ELECTIONS & REGISTRATIONS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out we recently received the list of
nominees from the Republic party for which the Council may select the successor
for Mr. U. D. Roberts? term of office on the Board of Elections &
Registrations, which expired on December 31, 2111. She further pointed out that
Mr. Roberts is eligible to succeed himself for another term of office.
She said the nominations are Mr. Joseph Brannan, Mr. Johnson Trawick and
Mr. U. D. Roberts. She then took a roll call vote of the Council, which
resulted in Mr. U. D. Roberts being re-elected to serve a second term of office
on the Board of Elections & Registration. He received nine votes.
Councilor Woodson moved Mr. Roberts be confirmed for another term of office.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being
absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (117-12) ? Receiving and approving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of March 2012. Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
being absent.
*** *** ***
REQUEST OF COUNCILOR HUFF:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a request from Councilor Bruce Huff
to attend the ACCG Annual Meeting in Savannah, Georgia. The cost for this event
is approximately $280.00.
Councilor McDaniel moved approval of the request. Seconded by Councilor
Thomas and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for
this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a correspondence from Debbie
Gasaway, Public Safety Advisory Commission- Board Secretary, requesting that
the seat of Mr. Andrew Hollomon be declared vacant due to a lack of attendance.
Councilor Thomas moved the seat of Mr. Andrew Hollomon be declared vacant.
Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by nine members of Council
present, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING REQUEST FOR A TAXICAB BUSINESS LICENSE WAS SUBMITTED BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHNGTON AND
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL: ____________________________________
Application of Adelaja Awojinrin, for a taxicab owner?s business license, to
conduct business as Airborne Taxi Company & Bi-City Taxi Corporation, to be
located at 657 Morris Road, Columbus, Georgia 31906. Councilor McDaniel moved
the approval of the application. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting, with
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
Board of Health, January 25 & February 22, 2012.
Board of Health, March 28, 2012.
Board of Historic & Architectural Review, Jan. 9 & February 13, 2012.
Board of Zoning Appeals, January 4 & February 1, 2012.
Board of Zoning Appeals, March 7, 2012.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 13-12 & 14-12.
Development Authority, July 7 & August 4, 2011.
Development Authority, September 1 & October 6, 2011.
Development Authority, November 3 & December 1, 2011.
Family & Children Services, March 14, 2012.
Uptown Facade Board, March 19, 2012.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING BIOGRAPHCIAL SKETCH WAS ALSO SUBMITTED TO THE COUNCIL FOR
THEIR INFORMATON:______________________________
Biographical Sketch of Mr. Ed Adams III, Councilor Huff?s nominee for to
replace Mr. Perry Borom on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
THE FOLLOWING TWO ADD-ON RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (119-12) ? Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from
the April 17, 2012 Special Called Meeting.
A Resolution (120-12) ? Excusing Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh from the
April 24, 2012 Council Meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that at the last meeting of
Council, Councilor Thomas nominated by Matthew McDaniel to fill the expired
term of
Mrs. Virginia Peebles, who cannot succeed herself and pointed out that Mr.
McDaniel may now be confirmed. Councilor McDaniel so moved. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that at the last Council meeting
Mr. Millard ?Ken? Toole, Sr., was nominated to succeed Perry Borom, Jr., whose
term of office expired on March 31, 2012. She further pointed out that
Councilor Huff is tonight nominating Mr. Ed Adams; therefore, she would bring
this appointment back in two weeks for the Council to vote on this matter.
*** *** ***
BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still waiting a nominee
for someone to fill this seat of Mr. Michael P. Fox, Jr., who is eligible to
succeed himself.
Councilor McDaniel then nominated Mr. Fox for another term of office;
however, after it was pointed out that the Clerk?s office has had some
difficulty in contacting Mr. Fox, Councilor McDaniel then withdrew his
nomination.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. C. Bernard McCrary was
nominated at the last Council meeting by Mayor Tomlinson to succeed Mr. Adrian
Cox, whose seat has been declared vacant, and then said that Mr. McCrary may
now be confirmed. Councilor Thomas then moved Mr. McCrary be confirmed.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner being absent.
She further pointed out that we still need a nominee for someone to fill
the expired seat of Mr. Jose Cardona, whose seat has been declared vacant.
Councilor Allen, District 6 Councilor said he is still working to find a
replacement for this position.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Woodson nominated
Ms. Tracy Belt at the last Council meeting to fill the unexpired term of Mr.
Willie Phillips on the Recreation Advisory Board and said that she may now be
confirmed. Councilor Woodson then moved the confirmation of Ms. Tracy Belt.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
*** *** ***
REGION SIX DBHDD REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that at the last Council meeting,
Councilor Allen nominated Mr. Edward Barnwell to fill the vacant seat on the
Region Six DBHDD Regional Planning Board and that he may now be confirmed.
Councilor McDaniel then made a motion to confirm Mr. Edward Barnwell. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
*** *** ***
TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need someone to fill
the seat of Ms. Claudya Muller on the Tree Board. She said this person must be
someone serving as one of the public utility representatives. There was no
nomination.
*** *** ***
VALLEY PARTNERSHIP JOINT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out at the last Council meeting,
Councilor Davis nominated Dr. Laila Dabbagh to fill the expired term of Mr.
Fernando Verdree on the Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority and that
she may now be confirmed. Councilor Woodson made a motion that Dr. Dabbagh be
confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Councilor Henderson so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
being absent and the time of adjournment being 7:05 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
Council of Columbus, Georgia
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