Columbus, Georgia

MINUTES

COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

REGULAR MEETING

DECEMBER 11, 2012



A meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at

9:05 A.M., Tuesday, December 11, 2012, on the Plaza Level of the Government

Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor and Honorable

Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem.



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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh were

Councilors Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Charles

E. McDaniel, Jr., and Judy Thomas. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney

Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk Sandra Davis

were also present. Councilor Bruce Huff took his seat at the Council table at

9:08 a.m. Councilor R. Gary Allen took his seat at the Council table at 9:15

a.m., and Councilor Evelyn Woodson took her seat at the Council table at 9:55

a.m.

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ABSENT: No one was absent.

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INVOCATION: Led by Rob Kaple, Young Adult Ministry, Evangel Temple.

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PLEDGE: Led by Mayor Teresa Tomlinson.

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MAYOR?S AGENDA:



HOUSING AUTHORITY PRESENTATION:



Mr. Len Williams, CEO of the Housing Authority came forward and gave a

presentation on the redevelopment of Booker T. Washington Apartments. He said

the Housing Authority has a large inventory of affordable homes in the

community. He said they manage the 2329 unit voucher program, 1698 public

housing units, 210 additional affordable rental units, 88 units at Columbus

Villas, and 28 units at Willow Glenn. He said in addition to that, they manage

four other housing authorities, West Point, Harris County, Buena Vista,

Ellaville, as well as manage 17 units at Legacy Terrace for the City; thereby

they manage about 4755 units.



He then went into some details in highlighting the developments that were

done at Peabody Homes, which became Ashley Station, Baker Village which became

Arbor Point. He said they have completed two phases of Arbor Point, and they

are now ending the third phase, which will be a facility for seniors. He said

this would then allow them to demolish the Chapman Homes. He said they would

have demolished over 1100 units and replaced them with $115 million worth of

redevelopment.



Mr. Williams then went into much detail in outlining the proposed

redevelopment project of the existing Booker T. Washington apartment site,

which is located in the Veterans Parkway & Victory Drive area across from the

Civic Center. He said there are 392 units, 72 years old, with about 16 acres of

land; which has some minimum moderation that air-conditioned the units a number

of years ago. He said they have done some work, but it hasn?t been a lot. He

said rehabilitation cost is high, and their last estimate was $62,000 per unit

and said the units are becoming functionally obsolete.



He said the project will cost a little over $16 million for each phase and

65% of that would come from private investment, either through the form of a

mortgage or low income tax credits equity. He said it is essential that they

get the tax credits and they hope to apply for them early next year. He said

the Housing Authority is proposing to invest about $4.5 million in each phase

and they would hope that the City will join them and invest $1.5 million in

each phase. He said they are requesting a $3 million investment and they think

that is a good return on the investment given the scope of the project of both

the private investment and overall investment of $16 million.



Mr. Williams said as far as commercial development goes, they are not

quite sure of what they will do with that at this time; however, they would

propose that they would share in any income or proceeds from the sale of

commercial site with the City, based on what the City and Housing Authority has

put in the development based on the pro-rata share. He said that would include

the cost of the land that the City would donate. He also outlined the timeline

of the proposed project.



After the conclusion of Mr. Williams? presentation, members of the Council

expressed their views about this proposed project, and Mr. Williams responded

to questions of Mayor Tomlinson and members of the Council.



Finance Director Pam Hodge responded to some questions of members of the

Council as well with regards to funding. She said that they have a few funding

sources that they could consider as they go through the budget process. She

said one option is out of the general fund. She said they will be reducing the

debt service millage because of the bond issue refunding that we did and said

we can consider using that millage in economic development, as this will be an

economic development project. She said we will be reducing the millage about

.15 mills, around $600,000.



After more than twenty-five minutes of discussion on this matter, with

members of the Council expressing further views on the project and Mr. Williams

and Director of Finance Hodge responding to further questions, several

referrals were made, which are outlined below.



Mayor Tomlinson said she would ask that we consider creating a reserve

fund for potential future economic development projects.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked City Manager Hugley to make sure that he

provides the Council with a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding.



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TEN YEAR PLAN TO END HOMLESSNESS UPDATE:



Ms. Christie Bevis, Director of Home for Good came forward and said there

are two documents that she has provided the Council with, (1) A progress report

of those items she will be covering this morning, (2) A table which outlines

the seven strategic initiatives that have been identified in their 10-year

plan. She said going forward they really want to be able to use this as a tool

to keep the Council updated on where they are on each step, as well as each of

these initiatives. She said there are also corresponding action items for each

of the initiatives. She said on the last page, there is an added category of

special projects. She said they want to be able to track what they are doing in

that area as well, just like they did with the Second Avenue Bridge Relocation

Assistance project. She said they will be providing this update to the members

of Council quarterly.



Ms. Bevis then went into some details and highlighted the following

information as outlined below.



In February, executive director is hired.

Project name of Home for Good: The Alliance to End Homelessness is adopted by

steering committee.

March ? May: Executive Director meets extensively with homeless service

providers, allied partners and community stakeholders to discuss current gaps

and fragmentation in services and to gauge priority areas.



Community needs assessment is distributed to executive directors, allied

partners, frontline staff and advocates.



In June, Home for Good collaborates with Housing Authority to develop proposal

for permanent supportive housing.



Proposal is included in the Housing Authority?s Moving to Work application to

HUD.

Project calls for the development of 150 units of housing to address chronic

homelessness.



Home for Good hosts strategic meeting to address homelessness in July.

Twenty-five executive directors and allied partners attend.



Home for Good adds to steering committee. New members include:

Dr. B.J. McBride, Muscogee County School District

Chaplain Neil Richardson, Muscogee County Jail

Captain Gordon Griswould, City Police

Population Health Nurse , Columbus Regional Hospital (pending appointment)



Home for Good collaborates with Homeless Resource Network, lead agency for

Continuum of Care, to develop strategy for expanding the Homeless Management

Information System (HMIS).

Goal(s):

Identify funding opportunities for on-going operation of HMIS

Increase participation in the data collection system



During September, Home for Good coordinates month-long Second Avenue Bridge

Relocation Assistance Project.

Housing and/or support services for 22 individuals



Project partners include:

Columbus Consolidated Government: Mayor?s Office, City Manager?s Office,

Community Reinvestment, City Police, Department of Public Services, Parks &

Recreation, and Traffic Engineering



Community Organizations: New Horizons PATH Team, Homeless Resource Network,

Open Door, Salvation Army, St. Anne?s Community Outreach, Valley Rescue

Mission, Stewart Community Home, Chattahoochee Valley Jail Ministry and MCSD

Homeless & Education Literacy Program



Executive Director participates in Inter-City Leadership Conference (ICLC) in

Oklahoma City, OK.

Conference trip includes site visit with Homeless Alliance at Westtown Homeless

Resource Campus.

Highlights of best practices: day center, coordinated case management and

Real Change Program (bus voucher to services)



In November and December, Home for Good works with local Continuum of Care to

complete HUD funding application for 2013.



Executive Director invited to participate as Ex Officio on Mayor?s Commission

on Unity, Diversity and Prosperity.



Executive Director attends:

Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness Conference, Atlanta, GA (March)

National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference, Washington, DC (July)

Georgia Supportive Housing Conference, Atlanta, GA (November)



Ms. Bevis said she has had the opportunity to attend a number of

conferences, throughout the year, but said one of the most impressionable

events for her was the Chamber?s Inter-city Leadership Conference in Oklahoma

City, Oklahoma where several of our City Councilors were also on the trip,

along with the Mayor and the City Manager. She said she thinks that you will

agree that one of the main highlights on the trip was their site visit to the

Homeless Alliance. She said the Westtown Homeless Resource campus was quite

impressive; not only was it the physical design, and layout of the facility,

but the wide array of services that they have at one location. She said they

were able to offer a day shelter and an extensive resource center with case

management services, employment training, computer labs and library. She said

they also had the capacity for housing pets; which she thinks is a little

unique, but something that is pretty innovative as well because of the

companion aspect of that program.



She said they had a program called real change, not spare change, which is

an innovative alternative to addressing panhandling. She said it is a coupon

book of vouchers that connects homeless people to services. She said if someone

would approach you and ask you for money, you would give them a coupon and that

would connect them to services, which would allow them to go to a shelter, go

to case management services, go to get food, if they needed. She said she

thinks it would be a great tool for our area; however, we just need to make

sure that we have all the pieces in place.



Ms. Bevis said they have great hopes for being able to implement several

of their best practices here and she looks forward to keeping the Council

apprised as they work on these developments into the future. She then outlined

several of the goals that they have for 2013 as highlighted below.



Priority focus area(s) for 2013:

Increase access to affordable and permanent supportive housing

Increase coordination and collaborative efforts among service and system

providers

Expand participation in the Homeless Management Information System

Explore options for a day resource center



After the conclusion of her presentation, several members of the Council

expressed their views regarding this subject matter, and Ms. Bevis then

responded to those concerns and questions of members of the Council.



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EMPLOYEE HEALTH CLINIC UPDATES:



Mr. Tom Barron, Human Resources Director came forward and gave an update

with regards to the Employees Health Clinic highlighting the following

information as outlined below.



Questions from Last Presentation



Obtain more information on Chattanooga savings claims

Provide specific areas where we anticipate clinic savings

Evaluate clinic without fitness center

Provide information on clinic location



Mr. Barron highlighted an article about the Chattanooga Clinic from the

Governing Magazine, November 2012.



Chattanooga Clinic Statistics: (From Governing and Times Free Press)



Self insured for 2500 employees/7000 lives

10% annual increases until 2007

$10 million savings over last 5 years

Health care now 8.7% of General Fund budget or $17.4 million

CCG has 2700 covered employees/5300 lives with $24 million in projected claims



Potential Clinic Savings



Based on 60% participation (1600 employees)

$873,768 HMO Plan Savings (1400 emp.)

$345,142 HMO Capitation Fee Reduction

$177,144 POS Plan Savings (200 emp.)

$671,603 Prescription Savings

$2,067,657 Total Estimated Savings

$926,072 Clinic Operating Expense

$1,141,585 Net Clinic Savings



Mr. Barron said included in the handout, there is detailed information as

to how the clinic savings were calculated. He said this is a conservative

calculation.



Additional Savings Opportunities (Not Quantified at this Time)



Employee Physicals & Drug Testing

Workers? Compensation Medical Treatment

Contracting for Discounted Services

Prescriptions and Diagnostic Testing

Urgent Care and Specialist Treatment

Hospital In-patient and Out-patient Services

Additional employee participation (over 1600)

Underwriting projects additional $615,110 medical claim savings not used in

estimates



Clinic Operating Plan



Employees/Retirees must enroll to use clinic

Clinic services provided at no cost

New POS health plan designed for clinic

Copayments encourage clinic usage

Discounts provided for clinic referrals

No change for pediatrics and OB/GYN

Premium same as current HMO premium

Love it or leave it ? return to prior plan at any time first year; thereafter

open enrollment



Fitness Center & Clinic Location



Fitness Center deferred at this time

Suitable site was not located

Lease or Purchase Decision

Cost estimates based on lease option

Site located with lease, lease-purchase and purchase options available

Optional sites for lease only available in class A and A/B medical office

buildings

All sites in vicinity of Health Department



Next Steps



Permission Requested to Move Forward with Contracting Clinic Operations

Will return to Council with lease/purchase recommendation

Aggressive education campaign for employees and retirees then enrollment

meetings

Phased entry into clinic program to avoid service delays and patient

dissatisfaction





After the conclusion of his presentation, several members of the Council

expressed some further concerns regarding rates, the condition of the facility,

housing the facility within the current government building; and etc., Human

Resources Director Tom Barron and City Manager Hugley then responded to several

questions of Mayor Tomlinson and members of the Council.



After continued discussion on this matter, there were several referrals

made, as outlined below.



Councilor Allen asked Mr. Barron to bring back the percentage that the

employee pays for health premiums. He said he would also like for us to look at

bringing in the Northwestern consultant to discuss this matter a little further

in a Council Work Session.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said Pratt & Whitney and PCI have an on-site

clinic and said she would like for the staff to get some information as to how

their clinic is working.



Councilor Henderson said he would like for the staff to look at the

property that we currently own to see if there is a facility that we can house

the clinic in.



Councilor Davis said he would like for the staff to get some information

from LaGrange to see how their clinic is working.



After more than an hour of discussion on this subject, and the discussion

concluded, the following resolution was then called up as the next order of

business and adopted by the Council.



CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION:________________

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A Resolution (341-12) ? Authorizing the approval of an annual contract

agreement with TransformHealthRx to establish an on-site, or nearby, clinic to

provide medical care services for employees, retirees and dependents. Councilor

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

carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.



TransformHealthRx was the highest ranked vendor, recommended for award of RFP

No. 12-0010. On October 9, 2012, Columbus City Council granted authorization

to enter into negotiations with TransformHealthRx, per Resolution No. 300-12.



TransformHealthRx will furnish a medical team to provide onsite medical care

services for employees, retirees and dependents at a location to be

determined. The City will provide office and medical space, furniture, office

supplies, equipment, inventory and supplies, as well as, maintenance and

housekeeping of the facilities.



The initial set-up fee of $75,000, will be made in twelve equal payments of

$6,250, and will be used, by the vendor, to purchase medical supplies, exam

room equipment/furniture and initial pharmaceutical inventory. Additionally,

the City will be billed a monthly fee of $35,707 for staffing, as well as,

billed monthly for pharmaceuticals and supplies. The City will also pay

TransformHealthRx $15 multiplied by the number of employees enrolled in the

plan, with a minimum of 1200. An additional $3 PEPM will be applied to all

employees when Occupational Healthcare is included in the center. Once the

number of employees on the health plan exceeds 1600 the $3 PEPM for

Occupational Healthcare will discontinue.



The Contractor shall furnish a Physician and/or Physician Extender and

qualified staff to provide medical services related to non-surgical routine

office visits to a doctor?s office, excluding radiology and surgical procedures

other than minor procedures, including, but not limited to the following:

? Sore throats/ears/headache

? Strains/sprains/musculoskeletal problems

? Non-specific abdominal pain

? Non-specific chest pain

? Cough

? Sinus

? Allergy injections, not including Allergy Testing

? Hormone injections

? Rashes

? Acute urinary complaints

? Personal hygiene related problems

? Acute injuries/Acute routine office procedures

? Simple lacerations

? Flu Shots

? Ordinary and routine care of the nature of a visit to the doctor?s office

? Complete physicals

? DOT physicals

? TOP Program (Hypertension, Diabetes and Hyperlipidemia)

? Initial Pharmaceutical Inventory



The contract term shall be one year, with the option to renew for four (4)

additional one-year terms. Contract renewal will be contingent upon the

mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.



City Manager Hugley said he would like to thank Director of Human

Resources Tom Barron for all of his hard work on his efforts. He said Mr.

Barron believes in this Clinic and believes that we can get good results from

the Clinic.

He said Mr. Barron has thought about retiring in November and then again in

December, but said he wanted to see this Clinic effort through and he knows

that he is committed to it and believes in it.

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NOTE: The City Manager?s Agenda is continued below.

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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA;



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION AS LISTED ON THE CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA WAS THEN

ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AT THE REQUEST OF CITY ATTORNEY

FAY:__________________________



A Resolution (357-12) ? Authorizing a transition audit of the Cooperative

Extension Department by the Internal Auditor. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh

moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried

unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.

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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the November 27, 2012 Meeting of the

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

approved by the Council upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor Huff

and seconded by Councilor Woodson, 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 SEVERAL MINUTES OF DISCUSSION ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND

READING:_______________________________________________________ _



An Ordinance (12-58) ? Revising and replacing Human Resources Policy

Number 220-201, Overtime and Compensatory Time Policy.



Councilor Thomas said as you know she has asked that this matter be

delayed on two occasions now and said the reason she did this was in order to

have some conversation with various people about the ordinance. She said she

has talked with several department heads, the Human Resources Director, the

City Manager, as well as various employees and said not a single one of them

agree on every aspect of this policy of how it is to be administered.



She said each one of them have a different idea about at least one part of

the policy that we have out here. She then went into some details in explaining

how each of the various departments, the Fire Department, Sheriff?s Department,

Police Department and Muscogee County Prison handles comp time in each of their

various departments.



She said one of her concerns is that she was not real sure what we were

trying to accomplish with this policy. She said it has been said that one of

the things that we hope to achieve is that at retirement, we will not have a

big pay out on comp time and thereby increase the amount of retirement pay that

an employee would be entitled to; however, she doesn?t think that this policy

addresses that fully. She said if we want to change the description of the

definition of salary for retirement and pension purposes so that it doesn?t

include any comp time or overtime payment time, she is not sure this policy

does that.



Councilor Thomas spoke for several minutes in expressing her concerns

regarding this ordinance, after which she then made the following referral to

the Mayor & City Manager. She said she would like for the City Manager and the

Mayor to take another close look at this policy to make sure it says what we

think it says and that our department heads understand how this is supposed to

work and abide by the policy.



She then made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem

Turner Pugh.



Mayor Tomlinson said there is no doubt that the comp policy that has been

in place for years; it?s very bad and very poor. She said there were thousands

of hours held by some folks and fairly recently this Council had to pay out

thousands of dollars to employees at the Muscogee County Prison because comp

time was allowed to run up in ways that were not appropriate. She said since

they have employed this administratively they have reduced thousands of hours

in comp time that required employees to take off, including the individual who

handles the bomb sniffing dog.



Discussion continued on this subject with Mayor Tomlinson and members of

the Council expressing their further views on this ordinance and additional

referrals being made regarding this matter.



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said when the Mayor & City Manager goes back to

look at the areas, especially in the Parks & Recreation Department, provide

some information to the Council as to if we paid those employees overtime

versus comp time, what would the cost be.



City Manager Hugley said those employees who are paid the least,

especially in the Parks & Recreation Department. He said hourly employees are

paid overtime when they work overtime. In responding further to Mayor Pro Tem

Turner Pugh, as to who gets comp time, City Manager Hugley said it would be

salaried persons, who are at the higher level. He said it depends on their job

duties and responsibilities. He said hourly employees are paid for the work

they do, and lower level salaried persons, such as a program specialist might

put some hours in centered around a softball tournament that might be in town,

and that might qualify them for comp time and said those would be the employees

involved in Parks & Recreation.



Councilor Allen said as he understood Councilor Thomas?s question, which

he thinks is a good idea, is re-computing the formula for retirement pay. He

said he want to make sure that we are on solid footing if we look at that and

try to go in that direction, with the Federal and State laws. He said if we can

manipulate that formula to take the comp time out of the formula for

retirement. He said he thinks that we will save the City some money and

possibly reduce the incentive to going the comp time route. He said he knows

that some individuals in the past have abused the comp time policy of the

City. He then asked City Attorney Fay to look into this aspect of it.



City Attorney Fay said if you would look at the end of the policy, on Page

3, it states that any comp time balance exceeding 40 hours will not be paid as

a one time payment, and must be scheduled and taken as paid time off prior to

termination or retirement date. He said this policy does put a cap of forty

hours on a comp time payment at termination or retirement.



Councilor Allen said his understanding of comp time and overtime is that

we are going to pay them one way or the other. He said by law we have to do

that and then asked City Attorney Fay if we are going to remove comp time.



In clarifying the matter, City Attorney Fay said that we are going to cap

comp time payments at retirement, so that only 40 hours will be paid. He said

the excess, they are going to have to work off before they retire.



After further discussion on this subject, the question was then called on

the motion to adopt the ordinance, which carried unanimously by those ten

members of Council present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:

_________________________________



An Ordinance (12-59) ? Amending Chapter 21 of the Columbus Code revising

procedures for the inspection and registration of taxicabs in Columbus,

Georgia; and for other purposes. Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the

ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten

members of Council present for this meeting.



An Ordinance (12-60) ? Amending Chapter 19 of the Columbus Code so as to

provide that effective January 1, 2013, all telephone companies shall make due

compensation payments in the amount of 3% of actual recurring local service

revenues pursuant to O.C.G.A. Section 46-5-1; and for other purposes. Councilor

Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Davis and

carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY

ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS ADVERTISED:

________________ __



An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 7533 Veterans Parkway from an

LMI (Light Manufacturing Industrial) to GC (General Commercial) zoning

district. (16-CA-12-Beck/Calhoun)The proposed use is for general retail

(bargain center).



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Mr. Warren Mason, of Moon, Meeks, Mason & Denson, Civil Engineers & Land

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

present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance.



Councilor Baker then asked a question with regards to the tax exempt

status of the Valley Rescue Mission, will that affect that property and if so,

does it bring into the 300 foot restrictions on other retail developments that

might need an alcohol license.



City Attorney Fay said this could be a charitable use, but said it is not

going to be a church worship center. He said it shouldn?t impact from a

religious use standpoint. He said the intent is to be used for a retail

bargain center.



City Attorney Fay said this ordinance will be voted on at the January 8,

2013 Council meeting.



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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 1858 and 1866 Midtown Drive

from an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) to GC (General Commercial) zoning

district. (17-CA-12-Midtown Association/Waddell) The proposed use is for a

church, a construction trade office and a vacant lot.



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Mr. Sparker Johnston, 2019 Dimon Street appeared and pointed out that he

is representing Midtown Association and Mr. Richard Waddell, who is the

managing partner of the Midtown Association.



Councilor Henderson said this is going to be a church and then said that

would impact the viability of any application for an alcoholic beverage

license, restaurants /hotel, things of that nature.



City Attorney Fay then asked Mr. Rick Jones, of the Planning Department to

come forward to respond to those concerns of Councilors Baker and Henderson.



Mr. Rick Jones said the church already exists on site right now. He said

they are not introducing a new use, but all they are trying to do is to clean

the zoning up so that it marries up and they can actually use the property in

conjunction with other uses around it. He said this is not going to affect that

at all.



City Attorney Fay then asked if there were any other questions, but there

were none. He again pointed out that this ordinance will be voted on by the

Council at its January 8, 2013 meeting.



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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 622 24th Street from an RMF2

(Residential Multifamily 2) to GC (General Commercial) zoning district.

(14-A-12-Garrard Development Services, LLC and George Mize, Jr.) The proposed

use is for general retail.



PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:



Mr. George Mize was present, but he did not make a presentation as there

was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance.



City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone who wanted to be heard

regarding this matter, but there were done. He then pointed out this ordinance

will be voted on at the Council?s January 8, 2013 Council meeting.



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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY

FAY AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR ALLEN:_______________



An Ordinance ? Repealing Columbus Code Section 9-3 as it pertains to

pauper burials and replacing it with a new Code Section 9-3 providing for

cremations and burials for the indigent at City expense.



Councilor Allen said he want to commend the City Manager for letting the

Council know that he has expedited a payment process and said all of the

payments will be made to the funeral homes by the end of December. He said he

spoke with City Manager Hugley on last night, as well as spoke with Councilor

Barnes on this morning and said that some new information has come to light

from the funeral home community and said we want to make sure that we get this

ordinance right and said the staff will go back and meet with them to determine

if there is a better way to handle this matter; therefore, he would like to ask

for a delay on this ordinance and so moved. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and

carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.



City Attorney Fay then asked if Councilor Allen wanted to set a date

certain for a meeting in January for the first reading or just bring it back.

Councilor Allen then said whenever the staff is ready.



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REQUEST TO ADD HER VOTES TO THOSE TWO ORDINANCES AS OUTLINED ABOVE;

_________________________________________ __



Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, who was away from the Council table at the time

the vote was called on those two ordinances as outlined above, requested that

Clerk of Council Washington add her vote in the affirmative.



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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS DELAYED BY THE CITY

ATTORNEY:______________________________________________________



A Resolution ? Authorizing the issuance of Columbus, Georgia,

Subordianant Lien Water and Sewerage refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2013 in

accordance with the request of the Columbus, Georgia Board of Water

Commissioners (?The Board?) as set forth in Council Resolution No. 321-12; To

reaffirm the provisions of Resolution No. 321-12 which are not in conflict

herewith; To Authorize the Mayor and other officials of Columbus to take such

further actions as are necessary to provide for the issuance and delivery of

the bonds; and for other purposes.



City Attorney Fay said that the Columbus Water Works has delayed this

resolution.

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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:



At the request of Councilor Henderson, the following resolution as

outlined below was called up as the next order of business.



THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER

HUGLEY AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION WAS DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT THE REQUEST OF

COUNCILOR DAVIS: ___________________ _____________________





A Resolution ? Authorizing the approval of a variance to City Code Section

4.4.8. Signs in Public Right-of-way to allow the Wynnbrook Baptist Church to

rebuild the existing non-conforming monument church sign located in the

southeast quadrant of the intersection of River Knoll Way and River Road, State

Route 219 with a new monument church sign with LED screen.



Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by

Councilor Woodson.



Councilor Thomas said as she understand this request, currently there is a

monument sign on the south side of the driveway going into Wynnbrook Baptist

Church and then asked if that is where you want to put the sign up.



Mr. Ron Hamlett, Traffic Engineering Manager said the sign is actually

located on the right-of-way, currently in the southeast quadrant of the

intersection. In response to Councilor Thomas, he said it?s the State?s

right-of-way.



Councilor Thomas said what the church is asking, is that we grant a

variance so that they can put this LED sign on the right-of-way.



Mr. Hamlett said that is correct. He said they work with the Georgia

Department of Transportation to ensure that one agency does not approve

something that is contrary to the other. He said the Department of

Transportation has referred it back to them and said their procedure for this

type of sign to be on the right-of-way, the only way that can be done is

through a variance of the City Code.



Several minutes of discussion continued on this matter, with Councilor

Thomas expressing her concerns regarding this matter and stated that she is in

opposition of it.



Traffic Engineer Manager Ron Hamlett also responded to some questions of

Councilor Baker as well.



Councilor Davis asked if they have checked with the utility companies

about the right-of-way and the height of the sign, with Georgia Power Company;

if they are fine with it.



An unidentified gentleman, assumingly the Pastor, responded to the

question of Councilor Davis, saying that they have spoken with Georgia Power

Company and they don?t have a problem with it. He also said that he has another

picture which will probably show the sign much better so that they can see

really what they currently have and what it will look like once it is improved.

He said the picture that the Council currently has looks like it is larger than

what it actually is.

He said he spent six months with the Department of Transportation on this

matter and they told them to just take the old sign down and put another up and

said this is the reason they are doing this. He said the sign that they

currently have is very hard to see.



Councilor Davis said Wynnbrook Church has been a great friend in our

community, and providing spiritual need for all of our citizenry and said he

would like to help the church as much as possible. He said it would be great if

you were just putting the sign back under the same conditions, but said what

you are actually doing is increasing the size of the sign by two and a half

times; however, he understands what you are trying to accomplish.

He said he went out and measured the sign on last night. He said the sign

itself is twice the size that is currently out there now in which you are

picture framing it.



Councilor Davis said Mr. Hamlett stated that if they put it on private

land, on their land, it could be approved and they could go ahead and do it;

that it would not go against the Unified Development Ordinance.



Traffic Engineer Manager Ron Hamlett said normally a sign like this is

required to be on private property; so, they would just normally do an

application through Inspections & Code, they would look at the zoning, and the

total square footage, and etc. He said from that process, if it was on private

property then we would not be coming before the Council.



Councilor Davis said it would be fine and that it matches up with the

Unified Development Ordinance. Mr. Hamlett said it is actually a non-conforming

use because it was in place prior to the Unified Development Ordinance being

adopted.



He said he is wrestling with this request on today. He said he is

struggling with this request because even though he knows the church, he is

concerned about the next requests that may follow this one from some other

church. He said what we will be doing in essence is establishing a precedent if

the sign goes back in the same location and it increases the size of the sign,

that?s what he is getting to. He said once that takes place, as he stated

earlier the church that was used as an example; that sign was actually reduced

in size. He said he believes it was on commercial or a piece of property that

was already zoned; however, the church worked with the Council and it was

reduced and it all worked out. However, in this case, he believes that this

request has an aspect with regards to an LED sign that he doesn?t think we have

any regulations as it pertains to an LED sign. He said there has been a request

like this before, but they have gone back and just molded it to their original

sign and everything was the same. He said it was just an updated sign in the

same frame and there was no addition or larger sign. He said that is his

concern and he is concerned about the next person that might come in and use

Wynnbrook Church as an example and then he would have to explain to them why he

made that decision.



Councilor Davis said he is not ready to make that decision on today, and

said he would like a little more time to work with the church and talk with

them to see if there is something that can be done and try to understand that

aspect a little better. He said he knows the other reason is from a hardship

standpoint. He said you can put it on private property, but he doesn?t think

that you really have a place to put it.



An unidentified gentleman said they can do that. He said they have 28

acres there that are underdeveloped. He said they can put it up on the top of

the hill and they will just have to enlarge the sign, which they can do. He

said they will endure a lot of cost for no reason and we end up with a lot

larger sign then they are asking for. He said they can scale down the sign

somewhat; part of it was donated to their church, 3 ? by 7, that part cannot be

shrink down, but said the enclosure part, they can cut that down some. He said

the sign company helped them with the design to try to make it look presentable

to the public. He said their neighbors, Mr. Will White doesn?t have a problem

with the sign and what they are trying to do. He said he has told them that

they will help them in whatever way, they want them to.



After continued discussion on this matter, Councilor Davis asked if the

church would be willing to sit down and discuss this matter to see if there is

something that we can work out.



Mayor Tomlinson said since Councilor Davis is the councilor for this area,

it may be constructive for the gentleman to sit down with him and walk through

it for him to get a comfort level.



Councilor Davis said he would like to make a motion to postpone this

matter. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten

members of Council present for this meeting.



Councilor Thomas said the sign company that is listed is the same company

that worked with the Harvest Faith Church on Whitesville Road so they should be

aware of some of the constraints about signs. She said she knows the good work

that Wynnbrook does and the neighbor that you are.



In response to a question of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, City Manager

Hugley said it is a State route. He said we have a sign ordinance and the State

has indicated that they don?t have a problem with it, if we approve it;

therefore, we are bringing it forward to the members of Council.



Mayor Tomlinson said we will be approving it in concept under our sign

ordinance and the owner of the property, which is the Department of

Transportation has already said that they are fine with the design that has

been laid out, but said if they are opposed to it, it will not happen. She said

we are not circumventing the Department of Transportation or telling people

that they can use the Department of Transportation?s land. She said we are just

approving it under the sign ordinance.

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NOTE: The City Manager?s Agenda is continued below.



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PUBLIC AGENDA:



MR. CAREY MCCRANEY, RE: EDGEWOOD ROAD PARKING:



Mr. Carey McCraney, who requested to be listed on today?s Public Agenda to

speak to the subject of Edgewood Road parking cancelled his scheduled

appearance before the Council.



*** *** ***



MS. DOROTHY L. GLASSER, RE: SPECIALITY TIER DRUGS:



Councilor Barnes said he didn?t know whether or not he was quite clear at

the last Council meeting explaining about Specialty Tier Drugs, how important

Specialty Tier Drugs are and why he has it as a proposal on the Legislative

Agenda. He said he knows that Ms. Dorothy L. Glasser, who has been a patient

advocate for years and a good friend of his, would be able to collaborate with

him and make it more clearer because she has done extensive work over the years

as a patient advocate; therefore, he has asked her to come down here and

clarify what he started to explain.

Ms. Glasser then came forward and said she is the Executive Director of

the Advocacy for responsible care, which is a non-profit 501(C)3 Advocacy

organization. She said they help empower individuals to be advocates, and to

reach their maximum wellness. She said she is very personally to healthcare

issues because at the age of 19, she was wheelchair bound and bedridden with

systemic Lupus. She said after having a heart attack, a stroke, seizures and

kidney failure, she was told that she had less than 3 years to live; and what

impressed her the most was that there was no one to fight for her, and her

voice had to be heard; therefore, she knew that she had to take a stand to be

her own healthcare advocate. She said if she got well and got out of the bed,

and out of the wheelchair, she knew her mission was going to be, not just a

nurse, not just to be a counselor for wellness but to also help to empower

other people to be healthcare advocates. She said she spent forty years in the

field doing just that.



Ms. Glasser then went into many details in outlining the work that she has

been involved in as well as explaining why the Specialty Tier issue is so

important. She said they work with doctors to help them prescribe the

medications that patient needs without having interference and barriers to

those medicines. She said without these medications people die and remains

wheelchair bound. She said they want to be able to continue to do this and that

is where the Specialty Tiers are important.



She went into further details in explaining exactly what Specialty Tier

drugs are. She also pointed out that she has been working with the Specialty

Tier Coalition of Georgia to try to get Specialty Tier legislation. She gave

some statistics as to how many states have taken action on Specialty Tier

categories. She said two states have designated they will not allow Specialty

Tier categories in their state. Ten states have designated they will not allow

increased co-insurance, co-payment or have capped Specialty Tier drugs. Fifteen

states have placed monetary limits on Specialty Tier categories, four states

have currently studies or moratoriums in place and Georgia has not taken any

action. She said that is why she is here before the Council today.



After Ms. Glasser concluded her presentation, Councilor Barnes also made

comments encouraging the Council to pass the resolution he is proposing with

regards to the Specialty Tier Drugs to be forwarded to our State Legislation so

that they can advocate for a moratorium as other states are doing so that we

can bring some type of relief or solution to those individuals that are

depended upon these drugs.



Councilor Woodson asked if this issue has been forwarded to National

League of Cities, as well the Georgia Municipal Association for a resolution to

be brought forward.



Ms. Glasser said it was brought before the Physicians Association of

Georgia and it was passed last November; we have a resolution from them, as

well as other associations that have passed this measure. She said she was told

by State Representative Richard Smith that we need to talk to all local

governments.



Councilor Huff said he will be going to a board meeting with ACCG and said

he will bring that to their attention.



Ms. Glasser also responded to questions of members of the Council

regarding the Specialty Tier Drugs legislation.



*** *** ***



MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: OPEN MEETINGS ACT- DECEMBER 4TH COUNCIL MEETING AND

TSPLOST:________________________________



Mr. Paul Olson, who requested to be listed on today?s Public Agenda to

speak to the subject of Open Meetings Act- December 4th Council Meeting and

TSPLOST cancelled his scheduled appearance before the Council.



*** *** ***



PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:



Mayor Tomlinson said we have provided the Council with a copy of a draft

ordinance as it relates to the Personnel Review Board; which is just for your

review. She said this is something that they have been working on with the

staff. She said Councilor Thomas has attended some of the meetings and have

taken an interest in this issue. She said this looks at the standard of review.

She said one of the things that concerned her as she personally became involved

with the Personnel Review Board?s process, as you know the incidents that took

place over these past two years; is that there really was no particular

articulated standard of review. She said the most common standard of review was

an abuse of discretion standard. She said you should not be in a situation when

you have something on appeal where you are putting yourself in the shoes of the

manager, second guessing his or her judgment. She said in those circumstances

that make for a very arbitrary outcome; an abuse of discretion just makes sure

that the person who made that decision did so pursuant to established policies

and procedures; and did so rationally and reasonably. She said that is an

extremely common standard of review and it is articulated as it is stated by

Georgia law as being defined.



Mayor Tomlinson said the other item that is being addressed, which she

believes there is a split on the Council; therefore, we wanted to bring it to

your attention. She said it is something that can be discussed and amended by

the Council. She said we have some members of the Council who believes that

when the Personnel Review Board puts someone back to work or reveres a

disciplinary

procedure that if there should be an appeal by the City that we had recently;

but some councilors feel that should go immediately to the Superior Court and

not come to the Council. She said some other councilors feel that is a good

stop gap.

She said if it needs to be appealed, it will be appealed from this Mayor?s

prospective.



She said this ordinance would also establish a Public Safety Personnel

Review board, and it is supported by all of the directors of our Public Safety

Departments. She said she has also conferred with the Fraternal Order of

Police, as well as the Firefighters Association and they are all in support of

this as well.



Mayor Tomlinson said we can have a Work Session on this matter, if the

Council desires or can bring it for first reading, have a discussion and hear

from department heads.

She said some of it may have to be in executive session because some of

them are about particular instances and said the City Attorney will have to

advise us of that.

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

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING FIFTEEN RESOLUTIONS REQUESTING SUPPORT FOR THE 2013 PROPOSED

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:________________________________________________________

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to approve the proposed 2013

Legislative Agenda. Seconded by Councilor Woodson.

Councilor Henderson said he would like to take the items one at a time and

then made a substitute motion. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and

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

Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote.

A Resolution (358-12) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation

introduce/support legislation authorizing the city to exercise redevelopment

powers under Chapter 44 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated

and authorize that a referendum be held on a date as determined by the

governing authority of Columbus, Georgia. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the

adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously

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

being absent for the vote.

A Resolution (359-12) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation

introduce/support legislation to amend the Columbus Charter as recommended by

the Charter Review Commission as shown on the proposed list of proposed

amendments as attached. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine

members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent

for the vote.

A Resolution (360-12) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation

introduce/support legislation to amend the Columbus Charter to amend Section

4-610 of the Columbus Charter as provided in the language attached. Councilor

Allen 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 McDaniel being absent for the vote.

A Resolution (361-12) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation

introduce/support legislation to restore full funding to public schools.

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

Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the

time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote.

A Resolution (362-12) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation

introduce/support legislation to form a Joint Study Committee on Specialty Tier

Drugs, to research and implement measures to make Specialty Tier Drugs more

affordable and more available for all Georgians and to consider a 24-month

moratorium on current out-of-pocket expenses for all health insurance plans in

Georgia. Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by

Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of

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

A Resolution (363-12) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation introduces legislation

amending O.C.G.A. Section 10-1-355 to allow metal recyclers to make cash

payments not to exceed $50.00 for regulated metal property. To amend O.C.G.A.

Section 10-1-356 to reinstate the criminal charge of ?Prohibited Acts, False

Statement of Ownership? which was contained in that code section prior to the

2012 amendments were made by HB 872. Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of

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

nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being

absent for the vote.

A Resolution (364-12) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation

introduce/support legislation requiring sales tax point of sale data by the

Georgia Department of Revenue or private contractor be provided to

municipalities. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution.

Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of

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

A Resolution (365-12) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation

introduce/support legislation to incorporate changes to the 2010 Regional

Transportation Sales Tax as follows: (1) Oppose any changes to the

Transportation Investment Act of 2010 that would negatively impact the regions

that passed the T-SPLOST referendum. (2) Oppose any efforts to redirect

transportation funds away from the regions that passed the T-SPLOST referendum.

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

Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the

time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote.

A Resolution (366-12) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation

introduce/support legislation to fund an adolescent residential treatment

facility in Muscogee County. Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by

those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel

being absent for the vote.

A Resolution (367-12) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation

introduce legislation to authorize the imposition of a technology fee/court

costs fee for each and every fine levied in the Recorder?s Court of Columbus,

Georgia, with the amount of such fee to be set by ordinance of the Columbus

Council. Proceeds from such fee shall not be used for salaries or personnel

costs in Recorder?s Court. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by

those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel

being absent for the vote.

A Resolution (368-12) ? Requesting that the Local Legislative Delegation

introduce legislation that would allow an exemption similar to that in Alabama

from State Income Tax for military retirees. Councilor Barnes moved the

adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried

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

Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote.

A Resolution (369-12) ? Requesting that the local Legislative Delegation

introduce/support legislation to amend O.C.G.A. 48-8-96 (h) (1) so that it only

applies to L.O.S.T. referenda held after January 1, 2011. Councilor Henderson

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

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

Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote.

A Resolution (370-12) ? Requesting that the local Legislative Delegation

introduce/support legislation for Hotel/Motel Tax revenue to not be diverted to

non-tourism related purposes. Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine

members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent

for the vote.

A Resolution (371-12) ? Requesting that the local Legislative Delegation

introduce/support legislation to allow local communities to pass a fraction of

a penny sales tax for economic development and the arts. Councilor Woodson

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

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

Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote.

A Resolution (372-12) ? Requesting that the local Legislative Delegation

introduce/support legislation that would create rules and guidelines addressing

how to designate tourism projects for the Tax Credit to ensure the Georgia

Tourism Development Act is enacted, resulting in economic growth for our state.

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

Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the

time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote.

*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING SEVEN RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY

AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: ____



A Resolution (373-12) ? Authorizing the recertification of the Columbus

Consolidated Government as a ?Certified City of Ethics? and if approved accept

recognition from the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). Mayor Pro Tem Turner

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

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

Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (374-12) ? Authorizing the execution of a Supplemental

Contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for additional

funding for the Columbus-Phenix City Transportation Study (C-PCTS). Mayor Pro

Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor

Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the

time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (375-12) ? Authorizing the approval for the acceptance of a

deed to property located at 5836 Pratt Avenue and to transfer said property to

the Land Bank Authority. Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by

those nine members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel

being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (376-12) ? Authorizing the approval to execute a Lease

Agreement and Temporary License Agreement with Georgia Power for property south

of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission boundary to the Trade Center

Landing for the Chattahoochee River Park and to execute minor amendments to

the Memorandum of Understanding with Uptown Columbus for management of the

Chattahoochee River Park. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the

resolution. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine

members of Council present at the time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent

for this vote.



A Resolution (377-12) ? Authorizing the approval to sign a Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU) to Partner with Newton County and Bibb County for purchase

of Aerial Photogrammetric Service and product in the amount of $112,000 under

the existing contract exercised by Newton County. Councilor Allen moved the

adoption of the resolution. 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.



A Resolution (378-12) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to that

portion of AFLAC Parkway from noted line L45 and L46 running north to Cargo

Drive as shown on plat "Replat of Lots 16A, 16B & 16C Road located in Corporate

Ridge Industrial Park. The Department of Engineering has inspected this street

and recommends the acceptance. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh 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 Davis and

McDaniel being absent for this vote.



A Resolution (379-12) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Oak

Crossing Drive, that portion of Sable Oaks Drive and that portion of Sable

Court located in Section Six, Sable Oaks of Midland. The Department of

Engineering has inspected this street and recommends the acceptance. Councilor

Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner

Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the

time, with Councilors Davis and McDaniel being absent for this vote.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING FIVE 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 MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR

WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMIOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT

AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILORS BARNES AND MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS

VOTE:_______________________



A Resolution (380-12) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase twenty-one

(21) full-size, 4-door sedans (non-pursuit) (2013 Chevrolet Impala) from Hardy

Chevrolet (Dallas, GA), in the amount of $18,110.00 per unit, for a total cost

of $380,310.00. Fifteen (15) vehicles will be used by the Columbus Police

Department, and six (6) vehicles will be used by the Sheriff?s Office. These

vehicles are replacement units.



A Resolution (381-12) ? Authorizing the approval of the annual contract

for portable toilet rental and service with Advanced Disposal Services, Inc.

(Columbus, GA). The contract for portable toilet rental and service was

awarded to Veolia Environmental Services, per Resolution No. 281-09, on August

11, 2009. On November 21, 2012, Portable Toilet Rental Services officially

transitioned from Veolia Environmental Services to Advanced Disposal Services,

Inc. Advanced Disposal Services, Inc., has agreed to honor the terms of the

contract. The contract is currently in its second contract period; the

contract was awarded on September 16, 2009 for two (2) years with the option to

renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods. There will be no change to

the end date of the contract term.



A Resolution (382-12) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase six (6)

20-cubic-yard poly bin recycling trailers (PRTB-20-PA Pro-Bin Recycling

Trailer), from Pro-Tainer, Inc., (Alexandria, MN), for $18,020.00 per unit, for

a total amount of $108,120.00, via a cooperative purchase utilizing Kentucky

State Contract # MA 758 1100000308 3. The Integrated Waste Management

Division, of the Public Services Department, will utilize the recycling

trailers at drop-off points throughout the City for collection of recyclables

in support of the City?s recycling program.



Provisions are made under Kentucky Statutes to allow for use of the Master

Agreement (Kentucky State Contract # MA 758 1100000308 3) for cooperative

purchasing by the following Agencies and Political Subdivisions:



? State Agencies

? Local Governments (all Cities and Counties)

? Local School Districts

? Universities



RFB 758 1000000937 was released for bid May 24, 2010. On July 8, 2012,

thirteen vendors responded. Pro-Tainer Inc., was deemed the most responsive

bidder, and was awarded the contract on August 16, 2010. The initial contract

term began on August 16, 2010, with option to renew for four (4) additional

one-year periods, through August 16, 2015.



Cooperative Purchasing is authorized by the State of Georgia and authorized per

the City?s Procurement Ordinance, Article 9-102.



A Resolution (383-12) ? Authorizing the approval of the annual contract

for Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Services with Advance Fast Tax (Phenix City,

AL). Advance Fast Tax will provide, install and maintain automated teller

machines at the Columbus Civic Center, Ice Rink and Columbus Convention and

Trade Center. The contractor will provide turnkey services. This contract may

also be utilized by other City Departments.



The contractor shall provide, but not limited to, the following:



1. Provide all equipment, supplies, materials, merchandise, transportation and

labor.

2. Machines to be installed must be top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art cash

dispensing machines in respect to appearance, operation, and security.

3. The Contractor shall install and maintain ATM equipment, as well as, any

necessary stand or cabinet to support the ATM.

4. The Contractor shall provide a minimum of four (4) ATMs at the Civic Center,

One (1) ATM at the Ice Rink and One (1) ATM in the Main Lobby of the Columbus

Convention and Trade Center.

5. The Contractor shall provide 24-hour on-call service. Technician must be

available to come to location anytime, day or night, to restock ATM or correct

any problems that may occur.



The term of this contract shall be for one year, with the option to renew for

four (4) additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be contingent

upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.



A Resolution (384-12) ? Authorizing the approval for the execution of a

value-engineered construction contract with Freeman & Associates, Inc.,

(Columbus, GA), in the amount of $50,750.00, for a turn-out shed at Muscogee

County Prison. The work includes, but is not limited to, the construction of a

new 20' x 12' turn-out shed with a wooden deck and the installation of all new

electrical and mechanical systems from existing utilities. The turn-out shed

will be used to house the gate-working guards. Once the new shed is

constructed, the City will use its own forces to remove the existing building.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY

MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:



A Resolution (385-12) ? Authorizing the submission of an application, and

if approved, accept a $159,062 grant from the Georgia Emergency Management

Agency from the Department of Homeland Security FY2009 Homeland Security Grant

Program/State Homeland Security Program for the Sheriff's Office and the

Hazardous Devices Response Team to purchase supplies and equipment for Homeland

Security. Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by

Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council

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

vote.



*** *** ***



ROYAL CAF?:



Councilor Huff said he had lunch on yesterday at the Royal Caf? and said

the owners there want to sit down and talk with the City Manager about the

construction in and around 6th Avenue. He said they have stated that the

construction has been an ordeal and they have had a loss in revenues and really

want to sit down with the City Manager to talk about it.



City Manager Hugley said he knows that the construction work has been

devastating to a lot of businesses in the Liberty District. He said he hears

from the Liberty Theatre on a regular basis of how it is impacting their

business. He said it is impacting churches and other businesses in the area and

he would be glad to sit down and talk with them. He said it is going to be a

tremendous and great process when it is completed and said they are moving as

fast as they can.



*** *** ***



ST. MARY?S ROAD /NORTHSTAR DRIVE ROUND-A-BOUT:



City Manager Hugley said there was a memorandum in the Councilors agenda

packet about the St. Mary?s Road/Northstar Drive Round-A-Bout. He said they had

a public meeting out there in the area and the staff is prepared to move

forward with a Round-A-Bout for St. Mary?s Road/Northstar Drive. He said they

had a meeting at the church and met with the Pastor and many of the members and

community.

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

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

CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:



THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS

INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &

COUNCIL:____



Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Historic &

Architectural Review.



*** *** ***



THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF

COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE

COUNCIL:__



_



A Resolution (386-12) ? Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from the December 4, 2012

Council Meeting. Councilor Allen 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 Barnes and McDaniel being absent

for this vote.



A Resolution (387-12) ? Approving and receiving the report of the Finance

Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied

during the month of November 2012. Councilor Allen 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 Barnes and

McDaniel being absent for this vote.



*** ***

***



MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL

WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE

COUNCIL:____________________________________________ _



Airport Commission, October 24, 2012.

Board of Health, October 24, 2012.

Board of Tax Assessors, No. 43-12.

Board of Zoning Appeals, August 1 & September 5, 2012.

Board of Zoning Appeals, October 3, 2012.

Board of Zoning Appeals, November 7, 2012.

Personnel Review Board, November 28, 2012.

Planning Advisory Commission, August 15, 2012.

Planning Advisory Commission, September 19, 2012.

Planning Advisory Commission, November 7, 2012.



Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by

Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council

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

vote.



*** *** ***



BOARD APPOINTMENTS:



EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE:



Clerk of Council Washington outlined the positions for the newly appointed

positions of the Employee Benefits Committee. She pointed out that the

positions includes a Sworn Officer from any Public Safety Department, two

General Government Employees, two positions designated for a Department

Director

or Assistant Director, an individual to be selected by General Government

Employees, and an individual to be selected by Public Safety Employees.



Councilor Huff said he would like to nominate Ms. Reather Hollowell for

one of the positions designated for a Department Director or Assistant

Director.



Councilor Thomas said for the two positions, one to be selected by General

Government Employees, and the one to be selected by Public Safety Employees,

asked if there was some type of process taking place of how those people will

be recommended to the Council.



Mayor Tomlinson said there is a process and then asked if Mr. Barron was

available to come forward and explain that process. She said maybe he can send

out an email to inform them of the process because she knows that he ha sent

out an email to all employees, with notices being posted that there are these

positions available and asked if there were anyone interested.



Councilor Thomas said when we put this committee together she believes

that we said the Human Resources Department would be ex-officio liaison. She

knows that an ex-officio liaison doesn?t have a vote; however, she knows that

this committee will be very dependent upon the Human Resources Department for

information, and etc.



Councilor Davis said he would like to nominate Finance Director Pam Hodge

for one of the Department Director?s position, but he believes the Finance

Department will have input into this committee and likewise, it would not be in

a voting capacity, which concerns him. He said he was thinking about tenure;

the knowledge and history of things and thinks that will be important in the

selection process of this committee.



Mayor Tomlinson said if the ordinance doesn?t state that there will be

certain ex-officio members provided; then those ex-officio members are not

expected to attend; and aren?t given notices and certainly can be excluded. She

asked if the ordinance has to say that the ex-officio shall be. She said there

has to be some way to designate someone as an ex-officio member.



City Attorney Fay said it would have to designate it specifically in the

ordinance and said he don?t believe it was done in the ordinance that was

adopted because we had a slot designated for the Department Directors or

Assistant Department Directors to sit on the board.

Mayor Tomlinson said if we feel like a representative from the Human

Resources Department and or the Finance Department, they would have to be on

the committee or amend the ordinance to add them as ex-officio members.



Councilor Thomas said we need to be very cognizance because this committee

cannot operate in a vacuum. She said the Humane Resources Department, and the

Finance Department, as well as someone from the City Manager?s Office needs to

be in attendance in order to give information, if nothing else, so that these

people can have the kind of conversations that they need to have. She said if

the ordinance doesn?t name those two positions as ex-officio members, she would

request that the amendment be made. She said there may be others that are

necessary for this committee to work and said it may be that the City Manager

can appoint liaisons. She said if the committee doesn?t have the people there

who have the information that it needs to do its job, we are spinning our

wheel.



City Manager Hugley said you can do it in a formal manner or

administratively, but said either way, for an Employees Benefits Committee, he

said the Human Resources Director and the Finance Director will be there. He

said notification will be requested and required.



After more than ten minutes of discussion on this matter, Mayor Pro Tem

Turner Pugh made a motion that this assignment be put on hold until after the

first of the year until such time when the City Manager, Mayor, and City

Attorney can bring us more defined information as to what we can do to

determine who needs to be on the Committee. Seconded by Councilor Davis.



Councilor Baker said he is fine with saying a representative from the

Finance Department because he knows that the Finance Director has her hands

more than full and he is not sure if the Assistant Director?s position has been

filled yet. He said she will have budget meetings coming up soon and said we

need to be careful as to how many assignments we give her.



Councilor Henderson said he thinks the clarification of the ex-officio

members are fine, but said he would hope that we keep the focus on those folks

who would be most heavily impacted by the changes of the employees? health

benefits. He said he would hope that we have a good representation of our rank

and file employees.



The question was then called on the motion as stated above and carried

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

Councilor McDaniel being absent for the vote.



*** *** ***



HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:



Clerk of Council Washington advised that the seat of Mr. Edward Gaffney,

Mr. Paul Todd and Mr. Ernest Smallman will be expiring at the end of December.

She advised that they are all eligible to succeed themselves and Mayor Pro Tem

Turner Pugh has nominated them. She also advised that two additional nominees

will be needed for each of these seats, which will be forwarded to the

Authority.



Councilor Thomas said she would nominate Mr. Paul Todd and Mr. Ernest

Smallman for the position held by Mr. Edward Gaffney, as well as Mr. Edward

Gaffney and Mr. Ernest Smallman for the position held by Mr. Paul Todd. She

also nominated Mr. Edward Gaffney and Mr. Paul Todd for the position held by

Mr. Ernest Smallman.



Clerk of Council Washington then asked for a motion to forward those names

to the Authority from which they will select the members. Councilor Thomas so

moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight

members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Davis and McDaniel

being absent for this vote.



*** *** ***



LAND BANK AUTHORITY:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out it is her understanding that the

Land Bank Authority would like to recommend Ms. Amy Carbajal for one of the

three new positions on this board.



Mayor Tomlinson said the Statute states that the individual can be a city

employee or either a city councilor. She said Ms. Carbajal is the Community

Reinvestment Director; therefore, she knows about properties that are available

and works for them.



City Attorney Fay said he will check it, but he thinks that she can serve.

Clerk of Council Washington said she will bring this back at the next meeting.



*** *** ***



MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:



Clerk of Council Washington advised that Mr. Robert George and Mr. Michael

Gorum has been nominated to succeed themselves, however two additional nominees

are needed for these seats. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh nominated Mr. Michael

Gorum for Mr. Robert George?s position, as well as Mr. Robert George for Mr.

Michael Gorum?s position.



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need one additional

nominee for each of these two seats before forwarding them to the authority.



*** *** ***







RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the School District is

nominating Mr. Gary Gibson to serve another term of office on the Recreation

Advisory Board and advises that he may now be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner

Pugh then moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried

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

Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote. She also advised that Councilor

Thomas is working on a replacement for Mr. Arnold Goodman?s seat.



*** *** ***



TREE BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need a nominee for

the

at-large seat of Mr. Kenneth Henson. She also pointed out that Mr. Troy Keller

has been nominated to succeed Mr. George Stanton and that he may now be

confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor

Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the

time, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this vote.



*** *** ***



UPTOWN FACADE BOARD:



Clerk of Council Washington advised that we are still waiting to hear from

Mr. Richard Bishop of Uptown Columbus for the three recommendations to fill the

seats of Mr. Scott Allen, Mr. Rick Johnson and Mr. Fred Green on the Uptown

Fa?ade Board.



Councilor Woodson asked Clerk of Council Washington if she would contact

Mr. Bishop and ask him to check with Ms. Virginia Peebles to see if she is

interested in serving on this board.



*** *** ***



BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:



Councilor Thomas said she has had several telephone calls lately from

people concerned about the make up of the Board of Zoning Appeals because it

seems that all of the people on the board are either builders or contractors

and they feel like they may have a bias opinion. She said that she has been

looking online on our website to find a list of the people on the board and

their terms. She said she has also been looking for an outline of the board?s

responsibility.



Deputy City Manager Arrington said that information would be outlined in

the Unified Development Ordinance.



*** *** ***









REQUEST OF MS. AUDREY HOLSTON PALMORE:



Councilor Huff said he has a request from Ms. Audrey Holston Palmore to

send to the Board of Honor a request to have an honorary designation of

Radcliff Avenue to 8th Street right below Carver High School for the

consideration of an honorary designation for her father and grandfather. He

said he would send that email to the Clerk. Clerk of Council Washington asked

Councilor Huff if he would like to refer that matter to the Board of Honor, to

which he said he would refer it to the Board of Honor.



*** *** ***



FISCAL CLIFF:



Councilor Davis said he would like to propose a matter before the Council

that he feels is confronting us all, which is about twenty days out. He said

you may have heard a lot in the media about the fiscal cliff coming up and

certainly it has an impact to affect each one of us, our community, our

government and our country as a whole. He said he has been a little bit

concerned with some of the things he has heard from our community leaders and

said they have taken stances on this matter; and they are concerned about it.

He said he thinks that we need to be concerned about it as well. He said he

thinks it will be appropriate before the year end that we put a resolution

together from this body and ask in the sake of our national interest, we are

not taking any positions on this matter, but that we would ask our Federal

representatives to work hard to come up with some kind of agreement that will

be in the best interest of our citizenry and our Country. He said what he is

hearing from our leaders in our community, he thinks that this is something

that we need to be concerned about.



After some discussion on this matter, City Attorney Fay said he thinks

that we can send a general resolution, as outlined in Councilor Davis? motion

to try to come to a resolution by the end of the year. Seconded by Mayor Pro

Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council

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



The above motion adopted the following resolution:



A Resolution (388-12) ? Requesting that the members of the local

congressional delegation utilize diplomacy and all means necessary to resolve

the problems of the economic fiscal cliff facing the United States, Columbus,

Georgia and all other Georgia communities at the present time.



*** *** ***



NEXT YEAR?S COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE:



Councilor Huff said in looking at the schedule for next year, said when we

get down to December 2013, it states that there is a recommended change for the

December 10th and said he was wondering if it was meant for the proclamation

meeting to move the meetings up, the first and second Tuesday. He said December

10th is the regular meeting.



Deputy City Manager Arrington said it would be the first and second

meeting for our regular meetings.



*** *** ***



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

Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Councilor Allen so moved.

Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of

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

and the time of adjournment being 1:19 p.m.







Tiny B. Washington, CMC

Clerk of Council

The Council of Columbus, Georgia

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