MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 13, 2007
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, February 13, 2007, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, 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 and Deputy Clerk of
Council Sandra Davis were also present. Councilor Evelyn Woodson took her seat
at 9:03 a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Wayne Anthony was absent. Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. Bob Hawkins, Associate Pastor- Cascade Hills
Baptist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Waddell Elementary School.
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WADDELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
Principal Carolyn Ambrose, Waddell Elementary School, highlighted some of
the accomplishments of Waddell Elementary School by pointing out that Waddell
Elementary School was recently recognized by Governor Sonny Perdue for being
one of nineteen schools in the entire State of Georgia to be recognized by the
Standards and Poors Commission for reducing the achievement gap between black
and white students. She announced that they were recognized earlier this year
by Governor Perdue by receiving the bronze awards for having the highest
percentage of students for meeting and exceeding State standards. She
continued by stating that they recently found out that they would be recognized
again this month for being a Title I Distinguished School.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ITS
CAPTION WAS READ BY COUNCILOR HUNTER AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (64-06) - Commending and congratulating the Carver High
School Football team upon recently competing in the Georgia High School
Association (GHSA) Class AAA State Semi-finals against Shaw High School.
Councilor Hunter moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Davis and carried
unanimously by those nine members present for this meeting.
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WADDELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
Councilor Woodson requested that a resolution be submitted next week commending
Waddell Elementary School for their recent accomplishments.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGETS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 FOR
CERTAIN FUNDS OF THE COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ITS CAPTION READ AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
An Ordinance (07-8) ? Amending the budgets for the fiscal year 2007
beginning July 1, 2006 and ending June 30, 2007, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in
each fund for capital and other activities; and for other purposes. Councilor
McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
Councilor Barnes briefly explained his reasons for the disapproval of the
allocation of funds for the Baker Village Project that is part of this
ordinance. He said that he has heard from his constituents that the Council
needs to reset their priorities with one being the raising of the pay of
General Government and Public Safety employees. He noted that he is in
agreement with the mid-year adjustments with the exception of those specific
funds allocated to the Baker Village Project.
Mayor Wetherington said that we would be taking a strong look at the
Public Safety and General Government employees in the 2008 budget. He then
called attention to the motion for approval, which carried unanimously by those
nine members present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION EXPRESSING APPRECIATION OF SERVICE WAS SUBMITTED BY
CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ITS CAPTION READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED
BY THECOUNCIL:
A Resolution (65-07) - Expressing appreciation to Ms. Shirley T. Woody upon her
retirement with the Muscogee County Public Services / Pine Grove Landfill,
after 28 years of service. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved its adoption.
Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS CONVEYING CONDOLENCES WERE SUBMITTED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ITS CAPTION READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED BY
THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED
BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS PRESENT
FOR THIS MEETING:
A Resolution (66-07) - Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. John H. King,
employee with the Columbus Fire / EMS, who passed away on January 5, 2007.
A Resolution (67-07) - Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. Dudley
Savage, employee with the Muscogee County Public Services / Sanitation, who
passed away on January 6, 2007.
A Resolution (68-07) - Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs. Mary P.
Brown, employee with the Municipal Court, who passed away on January 10, 2007.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. BILLY TURNER, REPRESENTING THE COLUMBUS WATER WORKS, RE: INFORMATION ABOUT
THE NATIONAL RECOGNITION OF THE COLUMBUS WATER WORKS BY THE NATIONAL BIOSOLIDS
PARTNERSHIP (NBP) AND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CLEAN WATER AGENCIES(NACWA):
Mr. Billy Turner, President of the Columbus Water Works, came forward to
announce that the Columbus Water Works is the recipient of two major awards for
operational activities. He then introduced the five guests present with him
who would be presenting the awards to the Columbus Water Works: Mr. Tim
Williams- Managing Director of Governmental Affairs for the Water Environment
Federation, Mr. Gene DeMichael- Program Director for the National Biosolids
Partnership, Mr. Pete McKnowle- Environmental Systems Manager for the National
Biosolids Partnership, Mr. Bob Weaver- Former General Counsel of the National
Association of Clean Water Agencies and Mr. Mike Taylor- Superintendent of the
Wastewater Plant.
Mr. Tim Williams, Managing Director of Governmental Affairs, came forward to
briefly explain the purpose of the National Biosolids Partnership, which is to
promote best practices and greater public acceptance for the management of
biosolids. He said that biosolid is the organic material that is a result of
wastewater treatment.
Mr. Williams advised that the Columbus Water Works has met all of the
requirements for certification for admittance into the NBPEMS program as
verified on November 15, 2006 by an accredited auditing firm. He mentioned
that Mr. Billy Turner was instrumental in the formation of this biosolids
partnership ten years ago when he was president of the Water Environment
Federation. He then introduced Mr. Gene DeMichael.
Mr. Gene DeMichael, Program Director for the National Biosolids Partnership,
came forward and presented to Mr. Billy Turner and Mr. Mike Taylor the
Certificate of Performance.
Mr. Bob Weaver, representing the National Association of Clean Water Agencies
(NACWA), congratulated Columbus and its water works for receiving the National
Biosolids certification. He advised that this is the second time that the
Columbus Water Works has been recognized with this tri-annual honor. He
briefly outlined the criteria for obtaining this award. He said the Columbus
Water Works is specifically being recognized for the development and
implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan. He then presented to Mr.
Billy Turner with the National Association of Clean Water Agencies 2006
Excellence in Management Recognition Award.
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MR. EDWARD DUBOSE, GEORGIA STATE CONFERENCE NAACP, RE: THE KENNETH WALKER
CASE:
Mr. Edward Dubose, Georgia State Conference NAACP, came forward and circulated
a document around the Council table. (A copy of this document was filed for
the record.) He recalled that he has come before the Council on previous
occasions. He urged the Council to put a settlement on the table to compensate
Ms. Cheryl Walker for the loss of her husband. He then referred to a package
that should have been received by the Council and wanted to know if the members
of Council has had an opportunity to read over the material, because the
Council would be able to understand his letter better if they have reviewed
this package. He once again called attention to the loss of Mr. Kenneth Walker
on December 10, 2003. He pointed out that the other three gentlemen that were
in the vehicle with Mr. Kenneth Walker; their cases have been settled.
In his letter, Mr. Dubose said that he would be asking District Attorney Gray
Conger to convene a Grand Jury to determine if criminal misconduct has taken
place. He said that in that packet, it speaks of false information that was
provided to Special Response Team concerning the occupants of the vehicle. He
said in other words, a call was made to the Special Response Team and they
approached the vehicle expecting the occupants of the vehicle to be armed and
someone knew that this was not the case and the result was that someone was
killed.
Mr. Dubose also made reference to a case that occurred in Atlanta, which he
believes is similar in nature. He went on to mention excerpts of the signed
affidavit that had been made by the Confidential Informant. He spoke of the
relationship with the Confidential Informant that had been described by the law
enforcement officers that went back as far as two years ago, but the CI agent
did not know the officers prior to December 10, 2003.
In conclusion, he requested that the Council join him in endorsing his efforts
with the U. S. Attorney General in Washington, D. C. to do his part in this
investigation, as well as District Attorney Gray Conger.
City Attorney Fay said that every package from Attorney Bill Mitchell has been
forwarded to this Council. He said this Council couldn?t comment pending
litigation, because there is an appeal. He said that everyone here sympathizes
with Ms. Emily Walker and Ms. Cheryl Walker; however, we have to let the court
rule on these issues. He advised that they did participate in mediation, but
this case was not resolved.
Councilors Barnes said that there are a lot of people across the spectrum that
is in sympathy with the Walker family. He said this is a Columbus issue that
he hopes is resolved in the interest of justice.
Councilor Hunter said that when a great community is faced with a challenge, it
comes together as a community to meet that challenge. He said that people are
disturbed by what has happened. He said in the final analysis, he has faith
that as a community, we are going to come up with a resolution.
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MR. DENNIS ROADEN & MS. SUSAN WIECZOREK, REPRESENTING OUR LADY OF ROSEHILL
MINISTRIES, RE: HOMELESSNESS:
Mr. Dennis Roaden, representing Our Lady of Rosehill Ministries, approached the
rostrum to advise that their goal is to take the gospel to the people and make
disciples of all people. He said their ministry started last year and during a
fundraiser where hotdogs where sold, there were some hotdogs that were left
over. He described how they cooked those hotdogs and provided them to the
homeless that are living under the bridge. He said the board that consist of
himself, Mrs. Susan Wieczorek, Mr. Jerry Wieczorek and Rev. Lamar Harper came
up with a proposal to help the situation of the homeless or displaced
citizens. He then introduced Ms. Susan Wieczorek, who plans to outline this
proposal.
Mrs. Susan Wieczorek, came forward and spoke of her experiences and
interactions with the homeless people. She said the proposal was to take Baker
High School and transform it to meet the needs of the homeless. She said that
when this proposal came about, she did not have any idea that there were others
who wanted this property. The classrooms could become bedrooms and there is a
cafeteria where food could be prepared and served.
She suggested adopting a unique approach based on an apartment style
residential type model would be an innovative thing for this City to consider.
She said that there are many buildings out there. She said that she believes
that there is somewhere the money necessary to transform existing buildings
into habitable living spaces so that the public health risks face by living
under the bridge could be addressed.
Mr. Jerry Wieczorek, came forward and briefly mentioned some of the success
stories of people who were homeless and how they were able to find employment
and are no longer living under the bridge.
Councilor Woodson advised that we are aware of the situation and have talked
with some of the individuals living under the bridge; we are working on some
things. She then suggested that they get in contact with Ms. Elizabeth
Dillard, who has been working for a long time with the homeless and she is
preparing some proposals for the Council to consider.
Councilor Henderson mentioned some faith-based initiatives that being done to
assist with this issue. He cautioned that he does not believe that the
solution is for the government to buy and secure properties and rehab those
properties, but he believes that the initiative is a good thought. He said
that he does not believe that the government would be the primary funding focus
for that. He also suggested that Ms. Wieczorek coordinate her efforts with Ms.
Elizabeth Dillard.
Councilor Barnes suggested that they get in contact with Mr. Dave Wallace,
because Mr. Wallace is a good resource. He then commending them for the work
that they are doing.
Ms. Wieczorek invited the members of Council to come to the park around 3:00
p.m. on Saturday to provide food to the displaced constituency. She then
provided the menu for this Saturday.
Mayor Wetherington pointed out that he knows that Rosehill Ministries and some
other people from the congregation are going under the bridge to clean it up
some. He suggested that these efforts continue. He also suggested
communicating with the people at the Valley Rescue Mission, Salvation Army or
House of Mercy to find out what would it take for them to expand their
facilities to house some of the homeless.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM
TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE
NINE MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:
A Resolution (69-07) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and if
approved accept $580,000 in grant funds from the Georgia Department of Early
Childcare Learning Bright From the Start Program to provide snacks for the
before/after school program and meals for the summer lunch participants.
A Resolution (70-07) - Authorizing a request to execute a City Right of Way
Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation for a County Contract
for Gateway Landscaping of 0.66 miles of North By-Pass (Hwy. 80/22).
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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE CITY
MANAGER?S AGENDA 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 ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (71-07) - Authorizing to enter into a contract with Digital Aerial
Solutions, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $54,000.00, to provide
high-resolution color orthoimagery ? aerial photographs of the city. The
services are available via The UA133 National Imagery Program being conducted
by the U.S. Geological Survey.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the January 9, 2007 meeting of the Council of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia was submitted and approved upon
the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL:
(1) Notice of ACCG?s 2007 Annual Meeting, April 21 ? 24, 2007, in Savannah,
Georgia.
]
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THECOUNCIL:
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 05-07.
Public Safety Advisory Commission, October 5, 2006.
Public Safety Advisory Commission, November 2, 2006.
Public Safety Advisory Commission, December 7, 2006.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITIONS THAT ARE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL BY BOTH
THE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE PLANNING DIVISION WERE SUBMITTED BY
DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND THE ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WERE CALLED
FOR BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:
Petition submitted by Mr. Perrin Nicolson to rezone approximately 33.74 acres
of property located on the north side of St. Mary?s Road between Longwood Place
and Dawson Estates from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to SFR3 (Single
Family Residential 3). (Recommended for approval by the Planning Advisory
Commission and conditional approval by the Planning Division.)
(5-CA-07-Nicolson)
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that there are three nominees for the
alternate position formerly held by Mr. Michael Eddings: Ms. Mary G. Walker,
Ms. Catherine Hodge, Ms. Lucy Sheftall and Mr. Travis Chambers. A roll call
vote resulted in Ms. Mary G. Walker receiving three votes: Councilors Barnes,
Hunter and Woodson; Ms. Catherine Hodge received three votes: Councilors
Allen, Baker and Henderson; Ms. Lucy Sheftall received one vote: Councilor
Davis and Mr. Travis Chambers received two votes: Councilor McDaniel and Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh. There were insufficient votes for action.
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that another vote would be taken with
just the top two nominees that received the most votes: Ms. Mary G. Walker
with three votes and Ms. Catherine Hodge with three votes. Another roll call
vote also resulted in insufficient votes for action: Ms. Mary G. Walker
received four votes: Councilors Barnes, Hunter, Pugh and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh; Ms. Catherine Hodge received five votes: Councilors, Allen, Baker,
Davis, Henderson and McDaniel.
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that there are still insufficient
votes for action, and this matter would be listed on the Clerk?s Agenda for
next week with the two nominees: Ms. Mary G. Walker and Ms. Catherine Hodge.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh recalled that staff is working on an ordinance change
as it relates to the number of alternates. She advised that it has to go
through the entire planning process.
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Mayor Wetherington asked if there was any present in the audience that had a
matter to bring before the Council, at which time, Mr. William Madison rose
from the audience.
Mr. Bill Madison, President of the Local Chapter NAACP, approached the rostrum
announced the 20th Annual Black History Observance Breakfast, at the Convention
and Trade Center.
He said the reason he is present is regarding the Spencer House. He said that
he wants the public to know that the Spencer House program is moving along, and
we now have some monies committed. He said that on February 24, 2007, we would
be at the Spencer House from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to do a walk-through of
the Spencer House. He assured that the rejuvenation of the Spencer House is
going to be a gorgeous property.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
McDaniel made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting
with the time being 10:15 a.m.
Sandra T. Davis
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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