Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR SESSION

OCTOBER 2, 2007





The regular monthly night weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia

was called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, October 2, 2007, in the Council

Chambers on the Plaza Level of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia.

Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem presiding.



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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh were Councilors R.

Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn Davis Berry

Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. City Manager

Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington

and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present. Councilor Evelyn

Woodson took her seat at the Council table at 5:40 p.m.



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ABSENT: Mayor W. J. Wetherington was absent.



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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Chris Mitchell- Bethany Worship Center.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Columbus 4-H Members.

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PROCLAMATIONS:



?COLUMBUS 4-H WEEK?:



With Ms. Joanne Cavis, Ms. Beverly Robidoux, Miss Shelly Robidoux, Miss

Amber Thomas, and Miss Mallory Robidoux, standing at the Council table,

Councilor read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming October 8

? 12, 2007 as ?Columbus 4-H Week?, in Columbus, Georgia.



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?COLUMBUS DAY CELEBRATION?:



At the request of City Manager Hugley, Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin

came forward and outlined the activities that have been planned for the

Columbus Day Celebration. She said this is the first year that the Council has

designated a holiday for Columbus Day, which will be held on Monday, October 8,

2007 from 5:00 ? 7:00 p.m. on Front Avenue.



She also introduced the members of the Committee that will be working with

her on these activities, which includes Lisa Rowe, Steve Morris, Kerri Clark,

and David Hood.



Deputy City Manager Goodwin encouraged everyone to come out and join in

these activities, which is a family event.



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2007-2008 YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh administered the oath of office to the members

of the 2007-2008 Youth Advisory Council members.



Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin then thanked the Mayor and Council for

their support of the Youth Advisory Council. She said they have been in

existence since 2001 and said we have 84 students from middle school and high

schools throughout Muscogee County. She said we do appreciate what the Council

has done over the years in supporting the Youth Advisory Council. She said

these youths are chosen to make decisions regarding youth issues and represent

all of the students in Muscogee County for their particular caucus, which are

6th graders through 12th graders.



Ms. Abby Derr, President of the Youth Advisory Council then addressed the

Council and thanked them for their support of the Youth Advisory Council and

the opportunity they have to learn about local, and state government, as well

as for the chance to give the youth of Columbus, Georgia, a voice in the

community.



City Manager Hugley said he is really proud of our Youth Advisory Council

and the model that we use. He said he would be attending the International

City/County Manager?s Association meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on next

week. He said at that meeting we will have 6,000-8,000 City Managers from

across the world, and they have asked him to present the Columbus, Georgia

model of our Youth Advisory Council. He said he is proud to say that others are

acknowledging that our model works and is a good reflection on these young

people here today.



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?DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH?:



With Ms. Mattie Hall, Ms. LaShern Colbert, Director of Victim?s Witness

Assistance Program, Ms. Diane Sinkle, Director of Hope Harbor, Ms. Jan Preston,

Treasure, Domestic Violence Roundtable, and Ms. Valencia Evans, with Hope

Harbor, standing at the Council table, Councilor Davis read the proclamation of

Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming the month of October 2007 as ?Domestic Violence

Awareness Month? in Columbus, Georgia.



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?2007 GOVERNOR?S PUBLIC SAFETY AWARD?:



With Mr. James M. Meriweather, CERT Officer, recipient of the 2007

Governor?s Public Safety Award standing at the Council table, Councilor

McDaniel read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, congratulating

Mr. Meriweather on receiving this award for outstanding contribution.



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?72nd ANNUAL TUSKEGEE UNIVERITY? MOREHOUSE COLLEGE FOOTBALL CLASSIC

WEEK?:______________________



With Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Stanback, Mr. Jim Jackson, and Ms. Mattie Hall

standing at the Council table, Councilor Hunter read the proclamation of Mayor

Wetherington, proclaiming September 30 ? October 7, 2007 as ?The 72nd Annual

Tuskegee University-Morehouse College Football Classic Week?, in Columbus,

Georgia.



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?HELP THE HOOCH DAYS?:



With Mr. Michael Burgess of the Stormwater Division of the Engineering

Department, Ms. Gloria Weston Smart of Keep Columbus Beautiful, and Ms. Lonya

Jackson-Sarden, CCSC, standing at the Council table, Councilor Henderson read

the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming October 12 ? 13, 2007 as

?Help the Hooch Days?, in Columbus, Georgia.



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?CHRISTOPHER HOHLSTEIN DAY?:



With Mr. Christopher Hohlstein standing at the Council table, Councilor

Allen read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming October 2, 2007

as ?Christopher Hohlstein Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.



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?LEIGHELLEN MCCORMICK DAY?:



With Ms. LeighEllen McCormick standing at the Council table, Councilor

Baker read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming October 2, 2007

as ?LeighEllen McCormick Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.



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?COACH RAYMOND HALL DAY?:



Councilor Barnes read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming

October 2, 2007 as ?Coach Raymond Hall Day?, in Columbus, Georgia. Mayor Pro

Tem Pugh said we would make certain that we provide a copy of this proclamation

to Coach Hall since he is not present here this morning.

?THE COLUMBUS TIMES NEWSPAPER?S 86TH ANNIVERSARY

AND 32ND SUMMERFEST?:________________________________



With Mrs. Carol Gertjegerdes standing at the Council table, Councilor

Barnes read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming October

2, 2007 as ?The Columbus Times Newspaper?s 86th Anniversary & 32nd

Summerfest?, in Columbus, Georgia.

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MAYOR?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND

READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR ANTHONY AND

ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: ________________________________



A Resolution (415-07) ? Commending and welcoming Bendu Sherman and Isatta

Musahson from Ricks Institute in Virginia, Liberia to Columbus, Georgia and

Brookstone School. Councilor Anthony moved the adoption of the resolution.

Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members

of Council present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being absent for the

vote.



Ms. Cindy Sparks, escort of the two students, along with Mr. Scott

Wilson, Scout Master for Brookstone School thank the Mayor & Council for

recognizing these two students.



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WITH MR. BEN RICHARDSON, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE

AMERICAN RED CROSS, ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER BOARD MEMBERS STANDING AT THE

COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR

ANTHONY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: ___________________________________________



A Resolution (416-07) ? Commending and congratulating the American Red

Cross, West Central Georgia Chapter for the many services that they provide.

Councilor Anthony moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor

Hunter and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this

meeting.

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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the June 12 & 19, 2007 Council Meetings

of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were

submitted and approved upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor Anthony

and seconded by Councilor Allen, which carried unanimously by those ten members

of Council present for this meeting.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE, WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION WAS AMENDED AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND

READING: ______________________________________

An Ordinance (07-65) ? Adopting fees for Planning Department

operations; and for other purposes.



City Attorney Fay said we have a draft amendment that has been distributed

around the Council table.



Councilor Woodson said he would like to delay this ordinance for one week.

She said the staff has done a great job with their recommendation and said she

did met early this morning with someone from the Historic District and they do

have a meeting scheduled for Monday and they would like to discuss it at their

meeting. She said her understanding from the meeting that she had on this

morning, is that they do agree that there should be a fee; however, the only

concern is the amount of the fee. She said she did share some of the

information that she received in our Council?s packet. She said she would ask

that her colleagues honor her request for a one-week delay.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said we can delay it if there is not a problem

with anyone, but we need to make sure if there is any individual who are

present here tonight who would like to speak to the proposed ordinance, we will

hear from him or her. She said even though this ordinance is on second

reading, we talked about keeping it on going, but asking the staff to go back

and adjust the fees.



Councilor Davis said he is in favor of the delay. He said he appreciates

all the emails, comments and concerns that he has received; and said it really

helps when you hear from feedback from the community. He said he has some

concerns personally with some of these fees and said he think that there are

some work to be done; especially pertaining to remodeling, additions and new

accessories, as well as demolitions when you talk about principal structure.



Councilor Henderson said he thinks the best thing to do is to put the

ordinance back on first reading and allow the Planning Division to come up with

some good options.



He said when the staff brings the ordinance back on first reading with

their recommendation, have them to bring back some kind of financial impact for

each recommendation that is being made so we will know what will be coming out

of the City?s revenue stream.



Councilor Henderson then made a motion to put the ordinance back on first

reading.



City Manager Hugley said they don?t have a problem putting the ordinance

back on first reading and going through the process. He said we did share with

the Mayor Pro Tem on yesterday, information from other cities in Georgia and

what they currently charge in historic areas. He said currently we don?t

charge anything and we were just trying to get some on the books.



After further discussion on this matter, Councilor Woodson then withdrew

her motion and seconded Councilor Henderson?s motion to put the ordinance back

on first reading, which carried unanimously by those ten members of Council

present for this meeting. .



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like to have the staff to

make sure that a copy of the proposed fees are distributed so that if anyone

has any questions or comments, they can get with their Councilor and let

them know.



Director of the Department of the Planning Division Rick Jones then

came forward and outlined the proposed fees that the staff is recommending.



City Manager Hugley, in response to questions of Mayor Pro Tem Turner

Pugh, said we came to you with a letter from the Homebuilders Association

where this had been reviewed by them and they wrote a letter to you, which

is included in your information packet tonight. He said at the last time our

staff did indicate to you that they did go to the Board of Historic &

Architectural & Review meeting and they were last on the agenda.



He said there were two staff persons there and he knows that the meeting

went long and many people had left the meeting. He said there was an effort

to explain to BHAR what was being proposed. He said the staff could tell you

in more details what took place at that meeting, but they did attend the

meeting.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said in the future when we have an issue,

such as the issue with the Planning Division fees, and if it?s going to involve

historic districts or any specific districts, we need to make sure that all the

individuals that live in those districts are notified and not just BHAR.



Discussions continued on this subject, with members of the Council

expressing their further views on this matter, and City Manager Hugley

responding to further questions and concerns of the Council.



City Manager Hugley said we have presented to you what the staff is

recommending and said it will go back on first reading, and hopefully by

sharing this information tonight that those here can see it and we will

provide them copies of the information. He said the Athens model is what

they are recommending and they will be glad to go to any meeting

and explain this model, as well as provide feedback to individuals.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said he knows that the proposal is for the

ordinance to come back on first reading next week, but said if all of the

meetings don?t take by next Monday, and then it won?t be back on Tuesday?s

agenda and we need to know by Friday whether or not to put it back on the

agenda next Tuesday.



She said if the Council has any objections she would hope that we could

hold it off another two weeks to go back on first reading and then asked if

there were any issues with the Council on this matter.



Councilor Barnes then made a motion to delay the first reading of the

ordinance for two weeks. Seconded by Councilor Baker.



Councilor Anthony then asked if it would be possible to identify four or

five of the major stakeholders groups and then take these three options to them

and let them give us some feedback in terms of which they prefer.



Mr. Rick Jones said they would be glad to do anything they need to do with

the Council?s direction.



City Manager Hugley said they would be glad to share their recommendation,

which is the Athens model with any group or organization.

He said they would be happy to go out and meet with any stakeholders and talk

with any organization about what they are proposing. He said they are open;

therefore, they can wait one week or two weeks, or take as long as it has to in

order to go and talk with people to hear their questions and concerns.



He said if there are no questions about the portion that doesn?t relate to

the Historic District, if there is any interest in going ahead and adopting

those, then we would only be dealing with the Historic District because we have

already dealt with the Homebuilders and the first part of the fees relate to

them.



Councilor Davis said he doesn?t have any understanding that there is an

issue pertaining to some of these other categories and said it may be

appropriate to pull this one aspect out of the ordinance and then come back and

amend the ordinance. He said if you don?t go ahead and implement the ordinance,

the City is leaving a lot of money on the table, as there is a lot of

construction going on out there; and there is an opportunity to make up for

some of the increased workload and manpower we are talking about.



City Manager Hugley said we don?t think there are any issues with the

Homebuilders fees.



Councilor Woodson then asked City Attorney Fay if we could go ahead and

pull out that portion that deals with the Historic District fees and vote on

the ordinance tonight. City Attorney Fay said you could; however, we need a

motion to delete that section on Certificate of Appropriateness. Councilor

Woodson then so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously.



Councilor Woodson then made a motion to adopt the ordinance, as amended.

Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of

Council present for this meeting.



City Attorney Fay then pointed out that these fees would be effective

October 15, 2007 as set forth in the ordinance.



City Manager Hugley said when we come back to the Council within two

weeks, will only be the portion which deals with the Historic District.



Mr. Richard Hagler, President of the Historic District Preservation

Society said the meeting that has been scheduled with residents is for Tuesday,

at 2:00 p.m.



Mr. Hagler said he would appreciate it if the City has a representative at

their Board meeting, which is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday night at the old

Historic Columbus Foundation building.



After more than forty-five minutes of discussion on this subject, this

matter was finally concluded.

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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:



THE FOLLOWING THREE ZONING ORDINANCES WERE

SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY

AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS

ADVERTISED:_____________________________________________



An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located at 4505 Buena Vista Road from

SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) District to GC (General Commercial)

District. (41-A-07-Peebles)



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Mr. Howard Pound, representing Columbus Bank & Trust Company,

was present, but he did not make a presentation, as there was no one

present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance.



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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 4640 Warm Springs Road are

proposed for rezoning from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District to GC (General

Commercial) District. (40-A-07-Grantham)



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Mr. Jack Land, representing the petitioner was present, but he did

not make a presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed

rezoning ordinance.



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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 8301 Veterans Parkway from

SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) District to GC (General Commercial)

District. (39-A-07-Woodruff Brokerage Company)



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Ms. Geneva Green, representing the petitioner was present, but she did

not make a presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed

rezoning ordinance.



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An Ordinance ? Proposing an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance

to amend the composition of the Planning Advisory Commission from seven (7)

voting members and two (2) alternate members to nine (9) voting members and no

alternates. (42-A-07-Planning Department)



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Members of the Planning Division staff was present, but they did

not make a presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed

rezoning ordinance.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA CONTINUED:



THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING: ___________________________



An Ordinance ? Authorizing amendment of the current retiree health plan

contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, establishing a cost sharing

formula and for other purposes.



An Ordinance ? Amending the ?Official Street Map, City of Columbus,

Georgia,? by changing the official street name for the section of public

roadway currently designated as Midland Avenue to ?Ashley Station Boulevard,?

to be one street name consistent with the length of roadway; authorizing the

replacement of existing street name signs labeled as Midland Avenue to Ashley

Station Boulevard.

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NOTE: Councilor McDaniel left at this point in the proceedings, with the

time being 7:25 p.m.

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PUBLIC AGENDA



MR. BILLY EDWARDS, RE: TO EXTEND AN INVITATION TO

THE ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE FISH FRY:_______________________



Mr. Edwards did not respond when given the opportunity to address the

Council. (See below for additional information)



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MR. DON COOK, REPRESENTING THE AIRPORT COMMISSION, RE: A BRIEF

PRESENTATION REGARDING AIR AMBULANCE

SERVICE:______________________________________



Mr. Don Cook, Chairperson of the Airport Commission said he is here with

good news. He said first of all thank you for allowing him to serve because

that is where his heart is and that?s what makes him feel good about himself

and that?s what makes him proud of this community. He said there is no greater

joy than to recognize others; to take that moment to say there are other folks

who are doing great things. He said he would like to thank Deputy City Manager

David Arrington, Mr. Joe Riddle and Mr. Dayton Preston, who are doing great

things for us at the Airport.



Mr. Cook said they have a new ambulance service that is coming to

Columbus, Georgia and they are here to tell you about that tonight.



He said they would like to recognize Deputy City Manager Arrington, Mr.

Riddle and Mr. Preston by giving them one of the Airport Commission that they

have commissioned to say thank you to those who help them for doing the right

thing and make our citizens have a better air service. He said we have a long

way to go, but said we are taking that very first step, but said it came

because we had a team of people looking out for us.



Mr. Harold Newton, of Air Medical Air Ambulance Company then came forward

and gave some details regarding the air ambulance service. He said what they do

is to position a helicopter with a register nurse, a paramedic and a pilot

24-hours/7-days a week at their basis of their location and said Columbus is

lucky enough to have one at the Airport here. He said they hope to have the

operation up and running in November. He said they would serve an area of

70-mile area. He said he has distributed information to the Mayor & Council. He

said they are another link in the chain and are not going to replace anybody,

but are here to enhance your emergency services.



Mr. Don Cook said the Airport Commission is working hard to make it a

better service. He said we have to put quality first, and get the price down

and do those things that are right by this community. He said it takes a team

effort to make that happen and we simply can?t do it alone. He said it?s a

large task and we are trying to get that. He said those citizens that are still

experiencing some problem, they understand it and hear you and are trying to

respond to your needs.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked that the staff to air this presentation

On CCG-TV so the public will know the area of coverage.



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MR. CRAIG GREENHAW, RE: TO EXEND AN INVITATION TO

THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: ___________________________________



Mr. Craig Greenhaw, representing the Greater Columbus Homebuilders?

Association came forward and invited the Mayor & Council to attend their annual

legislative fish fry, which will be held on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at the

parking lot of the Homebuilders? Association, which is located at 6432 Bradley

Park Drive, with the serving beginning at 6:00 p.m.



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MR. JOSEPH HOOVER, RE: A REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ALLOW FOR A FENCE TO

REMAIN: _______________________



Mr. Joseph Hoover, 5415 Brookview Drive said he is here tonight asking for

a variance from City?s Easement Code, Section 42-14 to allow him to leave his

fence the way it is until such time that the City needs access to a small

amount of land in question.



He then distributed some pictures around the Council table to allow the

Council to look at the fence. He said he marked the measurement of the

easement with orange flags and said they go around the property.



Councilor Baker said he went out and observed Mr. Hoover?s property and

said he has made a good faith effort on this fence. He said he notified all of

the utility companies to come out and mark the area. He said he looked at all

the other fences in the neighborhood and measured those and tried to do

everything right, but said the way his property is situated on the cul-de-sac

the line is cut a little bit odd and he did cross a couple of few posts, a few

or two in certain spots. He said he keeps his property immaculate and agrees to

continue to keep it that way. He said he understands that if the City ever

needs that variance, they can notify him and take that fence and he understands

that. He said he would like to request that we all him to keep that variance.

He said if it takes a motion, he would so move the approval of such.



Councilor Henderson said he has been talking with the City Manager and

said he thinks that there are some things they may be able to discuss with Mr.

Hoover and said rather than us voting on this issue and creating some kind of

precedent, he would ask Mr. Hoover to get with the City Manager on this issue.

He said he would like to defer this matter to the City Manager and let them

work it out administratively rather than us voting on this issue.



Councilor Baker said Mr. Hoover was asked to come to the Council and

request an encroachment agreement, is the reason he is here tonight. He said if

we can do that administratively that?s fine, he said he would withdraw his

motion, if it doesn?t require a vote.



City Attorney Fay said he thinks that we need to delay the matter. He said

if the Council were going to vote on it at some point, it would need a

recommendation from the Planning Division or Engineering. He said as far as

the City Manager approving it, it depends on what type of easement he is

looking for.



Councilor Baker said in the essence of time, he would like to defer this

matter to the City Manager.



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MR. BERT COKER, RE: (1) REVENUE BONDS VS. MUNICIPAL BONDS FOR TAD, (2)

CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN GEORGIA REDEVELOPMENT POWERS LAW AND (3) BUS TOUR FOR

TAD, AND (4) QUESTIONS REGARDING IF THE TAD FAILS:__________



Mr. Bert Coker did not respond when given the opportunity to address the

Council.



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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: (1) TAD REFERENDUM, (2) CONFLICT OF INTEREST, (3) TAD

REFERENDUM ?BALLOT QUESTION:___



Mr. Olson did not respond when given the opportunity to address the

Council.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWIING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY

MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY

COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY

THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL

BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE: ____



A Resolution (417-07) ? Amending Resolution #6-07 to terminate the Joint

Purchase Agreement with Woodmont Properties, Inc., for acquiring property at

3601 Ginger Drive.



A Resolution (418-07) ? Authorizing the execution of an agreement with

Southwestern Railroad, Inc., for reimbursement of materials, labor, equipment

and engineering services incurred for the replacement of existing combined

sewer system, 6th Avenue and Side Streets System Phase I - II in the amount of

$83,858.48.



A Resolution (419-07) ? Authorizing the acceptance of 33.18 +/- acres of

undevelopable property for industrial uses in the Muscogee Technology Park

lying in Land Lots 88 & 105, 9th District, Parcel 4C from the Development

Authority to be used for a proposed composite site to dispose of inert waste.



A Resolution (420-07) ? Authorizing the approval of a variance to the

Street Design Standard Section 7.3.4 Street Layout from the required minimum of

800 feet to allow 390 feet plus or minus along arterial roadway such as Buena

Vista Road between the proposed streets named Richland Drive and Bayberry Drive

in the Richland Subdivision.



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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED

AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND DELAYED

BY THE COUNCIL AT REQUEST OF COUNCILOR DAVIS: ______



A Resolution ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Gaines Creek Drive

and Green Island Drive Cul-de-sac on behalf of Columbus, Georgia.







Councilor Davis said he would like to wait one week on the acceptance

of the cul-de-sac. He said he has knows that there is an agreement between

developer and the residents in the area and said he wants to make sure that

everything is in line before it is approved. He said he would like to request

a

one week delay.



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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED

AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED

BY THE COUNCIL:___________________________________________



A Resolution (421-07) ? Authorizing the acceptance responsibility as

Pass-Through Agency for Hands On Columbus for the Hands On Georgia Challenge

Grant for $5,000 as approved by the Department of Community Affairs. Councilor

Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and

carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor

McDaniel being absent for this vote.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING NINE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN SUBMITTED WITH THE

CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY

AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY

COUNCIOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BAKER, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY

THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL

BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:_____



A Resolution (422-07) ? Authorizing the purchase of thirteen (13) tasers,

thirteen (13) taser holsters, and taser cartridges from DGG Taser, Inc.,

(Jacksonville, FL) in the amount of $12,072.02. The Sheriff?s Office will use

the tasers as an additional tool in the Less Lethal Program. Officers will

have an option available that could prevent the necessity for ?deadly force,?

thereby possibly preventing serious injury to an officer, or a citizen taken

into custody. Taser International is the manufacturer of the less lethal

Taser. The authorized distributor for public safety entities in Georgia is DGG

Taser, Inc. Therefore this purchase is considered an only know source

procurement, per the Procurement Ordinance, Section 3-114.



A Resolution (423-07) ? Authorizing payment to ESRI, Inc., (Redlands, CA)

in the amount of $18,971.24 for maintenance and support of GIS Mapping

Software. ESRI is the developer of various software packages used by the GIS

Division for map generation, and for editing and maintaining the City?s tax

parcels, streets zoning and land use databases. Consequently, the vendor is

considered an Only Known Source for the maintenance and support of the

software, per Section 3-114 of the Procurement Ordinance.



A Resolution (424-07) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) pickup truck,

via Georgia State Contract, SWC S-050483, from Allan Vigil Ford, (Morrow, GA)

in the amount of $18,653.00. The pickup truck will be used by the Logistics

Division of the Fire/EMS Department and is a replacement for a truck that has

been salvaged.



A Resolution (425-07) ? Authorizing the purchase of a 1-ton crew cab, 4x4

dually pickup truck from Bill Heard Chevrolet (Columbus, GA) in the amount of

$25,744.00. The truck is an additional unit that will be used by the Columbus

Office of Homeland Security to pull an emergency response unit trailer.



A Resolution (426-07) ? Authorizing the purchase of fifty (50) IBM/Lenovo

Think Centre Personal Computers at $649.23 each, and thirty (30) IBM/Lenovo

Think Vision Flat Panel Display Units at $170 each, from Lenovo/IBM (Pittsburg,

PA) for the total amount of $37,561.50. The equipment will be purchased via

Georgia Statewide Contract (WSCA) #A74813. The units will replace older

personal computers, approximately 5-8 years old, throughout City Departments.



A Resolution (427-07) ? Authorizing the renewal of the Internet Service

Agreement with AT&T (BellSouth) for a term of three years at the cost of

$28,272.00 per year. Payment for these services will occur on a monthly basis

at the rate of $2,356, per month, and will be included in the City?s monthly

telephone bill, as it is currently paid. The City has utilized BellSouth (now

AT&T) to provide Internet service since beginning use of the Internet. AT&T

provides a complete end-to-end solution for all data services from both an

equipment and network perspective, including the AT&T network. The City?s

current service will be switched to the new AT&T Managed Internet Access using

4 T1 lines for a 6Meg bandwidth at a lower cost than the City currently pays.



A Resolution (428-07) ? Authorizing the approval of an agreement with

Michael Johnston to provide training, for the Office of Elections and

Registration, in the amount of $24,460.00. The training is required for Poll

Officers and Poll Workers for three (3) upcoming elections for the period

covering July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008.



Prior to 2005, the election superintendent was required to provide adequate

training to poll officials before the first election in each election cycle.

An amendment to O.C.G.A. 21-2-99, effective July 1, 2005, substituted the

language requiring the election superintendent to provide adequate training to

all poll officers and poll workers regarding the use of voting equipment,

voting procedures, all aspects of state and federal law applicable to

conducting elections, and the poll officers? or poll workers? duties in

connection with the election prior to each general primary, general election,

or special election. Additionally, the election superintendent must notify the

Secretary of State of the date when the instruction was held and the number of

persons attending and completing the instruction. No poll officer or poll

worker is allowed to work unless they have received instructions and been found

qualified to perform his or her duties.



The purpose for hiring a consultant to perform the training functions for the

Office of Elections and Registration is multifold. The consultant, who is

currently an area manager that supervises eight precincts on Election Day, has

the time and knowledge required to prepare, plan, and instruct the workers.

This training consultant will provide training to an average of 450 poll

officers prior to each election. Previously, the Director has been responsible

for developing the training and providing this training to the poll workers.

The retirement of the Elections Coordinator on September 28, 2007 will require

the Director and other employees to assume additional responsibilities until a

replacement can be hired and sufficiently trained. Thereby, limiting the

amount of time that should be devoted to training Election workers.



Training will be provided for three elections during FY08, including, November

6, 2007, February 5, 2008, and July 15, 2008. The trainer will develop two

training manuals for the poll officers, one for the poll managers and one for

the poll clerks. Both documents are approximately 100 pages. The consultant

has agreed to provide training for approximately 1250 attendees over the course

of this fiscal year.



A Resolution (429-07) ? Authorizing the approval of payment to the Hilton

Gardens Inn Columbus, in the amount of $12,166.00, for lodging expenses to

house assessors required for promotional examinations conducted by the Fire &

EMS Department. Promotional testing will be conducted over a 2-week period.

The first week of testing will take place October 27 ? November 1, 2007; the

second week of testing will take place November 2 ? November 8, 2007. The

Fire & EMS Department is required to provide adequate housing for the assessors

during the testing period. Fifteen assessors are required to conduct the

examinations for approximately 90 promotional candidates in four different

ranks.



Councilor Davis said he is not aware of this sales agreement, but said he

is involved in a partnership with the representing property; therefore, he

would like request permission to abstain from voting on this item. Councilor

Henderson made a motion to allow Councilor Davis to abstain. Seconded by

Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council

present at the time, with Councilors Baker and McDaniel being absent for this

vote. Councilor Allen then moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by

Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council,

with Councilors Basker and McDaniel being absent for this vote and Councilor

Davis abstaining.



*** *** ***



A Resolution (430-07) ? Authorizing the approval of an annual contract

with Columbus Technical Institute, in the amount of $39,228.00, per year, to

provide employee training and development. The Contract term will be for one

year, with the option to renew for two additional 12-month periods, without an

increase in cost. ?Quality People Providing Quality Service? is the motto of

Columbus Consolidated Government. To ensure that this organization continues

to exemplify and practice this philosophy, excellent internal and external

customer service and continuous process improvements must be a mainstay of this

government.

WATER USE BAN:



City Manager Hugley said his first notification of our county having a

water use ban, he read it in the Columbus Ledger Enquirer that there is an

outdoor water ban that includes our county. He said they received some

telephone calls on Monday regarding this water ban, which his office didn?t

have any information on. He said his staff contacted the Columbus Water

Works and they faxed us a user lease from the Georgia Department of

Natural Resource. He said this information as it comes to you is as we

have received it.



He said he would like to share at this meeting tonight that the Georgia

Environmental Protection Division declared a Level 4 Drought response

across the northern third of Georgia, which prohibits most types of outdoor

residential water use, effective immediately. He said action to ensure that

Georgians have a sufficient supply of safe drinking water is what they are

saying this action is about. He said all of the counties included in the Level

4 declaration are located in areas of exceptional or extreme drought.



After City Manager Hugley provided this information regarding the

drought, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like for the staff to

send out a news release to all the newspapers and radio stations regarding

the water ban.



*** *** ***



ILLEGAL ACTIVITY:



Councilor Anthony said he would like to have the staff to look into the

concerns of possible illegal activities within the East Highland area.



*** *** ***



SERVICE CENTER ON FT. BENNING ROAD:



Councilor Henderson said he would like to have the staff to have someone

to check and see when those fuel pumps that are at the Service Center in

Esquiline Heights on Fort Banning Road will be torn down.



*** *** ***



TREES ON FT. BENNING ROAD:



Councilor Henderson said he would like to have the staff to provide a

report with respect to the trees along Ft. Benning Road on one side of the

road where the trees didn?t have a water bag put on them and died, to

determine if those trees are going to be replaced.



*** *** ***









ST. MARY?S ROAD WIDENING:



Councilor Hunter said he would request that the staff provide an update

on the widening of St. Mary?s Road.

--------------------------------------*** ***

***--------------------------------

CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:



CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION

FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: ___________________________________________________



(1) Memorandum from GMA, Re: Mayors? Christmas Motorcade 49th Anniversary

Celebration, West Central Georgia Regional- Columbus, December 6, 2007, at

11:30 a.m.



(2) Memorandum from ACCG, Re: 2007 District Meeting, Tuesday, October 30,

2007, in Reynolds, Georgia.



(3) Memorandum from ACCG, Re: State Water Plan Public Hearings and Update.



(4) Letter from Ms. Arline Kitchen, Muscogee County School District, 21st

Century Community Learning Center, announcing the 8th Annual Lights On

After-School nationwide celebration of after-school programs, on October 18,

2007, Baker Middle School, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.





*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL: _______________________________



A Resolution (431-07) ? Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the

September 25, 2007 Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of

the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those

eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Baker and

McDaniel being absent for this vote.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL: ________________________________



A Resolution ? Approving a Special Exception Use to operate a

Day Care Center, Type III, at 600 2nd Avenue.



City Attorney Fay said we need to have a public hearing on this

resolution. He said the petitioner; Mr. Larry Bussey is present here on

tonight.



Mr. Larry Bussey then came forward and outlined his plans as to what he is

proposing to do with his property located at 600 2nd Avenue. He said in 1992 he

brought before the Historic & Architectural Review Board a plan for a building

that he wanted to build in the Historic District for an adult daycare center.

He said there were three conditions in which he was asked to meet in order to

have this plan approved, which includes (1) That he not demolish an existing

structure on that property, (2) That the design blend with the existing

neighborhood, and (3) That he build a privacy fence around the facility. He

said all three of those conditions were met and the Board approved his request.



He said this building was built and designed for an adult daycare center.

He said all requirements were met with all the ADA requirements and still meet

those requirements today.



After making his presentation to the Council, Mr. Bussey then responded to

several questions of members of the Council.



Mr. Andy Bussey, 1444 Cherokee Avenue came forward to express his support

as well. He also responded to questions of members of the Council as well.



Mr. Rick Jones of the Planning Division also responded to questions of

members of the Council.



Pastor Casey Williams, 546 2nd Avenue of Greater St. Mark Church also came

forward and expressed his support for this proposed request.



The following individuals then came forward to express their opposition to

this resolution:



Ms. Susan Lawhorn, Executive Director of Historic Columbus Foundation, Mr.

Ed Sprouse, 2733 Averett Drive, Ms. Cathy Evers, 623 3rd Avenue, Mr. Richard

Hagler and Ms. Susan (unintelligible), 215 7th Street



After more than forty-five minutes of discussion on this matter, after all

individuals expressed their concerns regarding this matter and City Attorney

Fay and others responding to questions of the members of Council, Councilor

Henderson then made a motion to delay the resolution for one week. Seconded by

Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote.



*** *** ***



MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE

COUNCIL:_______________________________



Airport Commission, August 22, 2007.

Animal Control Advisory Board, August 14, 2007.

Board of Health, August 22, 2007.

Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 35-07 & 36-07.

Building Contractors Examining Board, July 5, 2007.

Building Contractors Examining Board, August 2, 2007.

Community Development Advisory Council, June 20, 2007.

Convention & Trade Center Authority, August 30, 2007.

Convention & Visitors Bureau, August 22, 2007.

Employees? Pension Plan, Board of Trustees, September 12, 2007.

Golf Authority, August 28, 2007.

Hospital Authority, May 29, 2007.

Hospital Authority, August 28, 2007.

Personnel Review Board, September 19, 2007.



Councilor Allen made a motion to receive the minutes. Seconded by

Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED

AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE

COUNCIL:___________________________________________________



Application submitted by Liz Turner to temporarily close Bay Avenue from

10th Street to 11th Street, on Monday, October 8, 2007, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00

p.m. (or as deemed safe by CD), in connection with the "Columbus Day

Celebration". Councilor Allen moved the approval of the application. Seconded

by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote.



*** *** ***



BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Mayor & Council need to

nominate a representative for the 2007-2008 school year to the Youth Advisory

Council. She said we still need a representative for Council Districts 6, 7 & 8.



*** *** ***



With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor

Wetherington then asked if there was anyone from the audience who had an issue

to come before the Council, they could be heard at this time.



*** *** ***



Mr. Bill Madison then came forward and invited the Mayor & Council to

attend two events: the State Convention of the NAACP, Oct. 4 ? 6, 2007, as

well as the Military Appreciation Day on October 27, 2007.

He said the reason he is here on tonight is that he has a concern with the

jail overcrowding here in this City of Columbus. He said that we need to look

at ways to have a speedy trail for these citizens who are sitting in our jail

awaiting trial.



Mr. Madison spoke for several minutes regarding this subject, after which

City Manager Hugley and City Attorney Fay then responded to those questions and

concerns of Mr. Madison.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like to have the staff to

submit Mr. Madison?s concerns to the Sheriff, Judges and State Legislators

regarding jail overcrowding, as well as speedy trials.



*** *** ***



MOBILE TRUCKS:



Councilor Davis said he would like for the staff to provide some

information on the mobile emergency response trucks, which provides

roadside assistance on the highway.



*** *** ***



With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor

Allen then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Anthony and carried

unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with

Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote, with the time being 9:05 p.m.



*** *** ***





Tiny B. Washington, CMC

Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia











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