MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
WORK SESSION
MARCH 29, 2011
The regular quarterly Work Session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, March 29, 2011, in the Council Chambers
on the Plaza Level of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable
Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh, were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn
Davis, Berry Henderson, and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. City Manager Isaiah
Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, and Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington were
also present.
Councilors Evelyn Woodson and Bruce Huff took their seat at 9:06 a.m. and 9:07
a.m. respectively.
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ABSENT: Councilor Judy Thomas was absent, but excused upon the adoption of
Resolution No. 136-11.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. Douglas Hahn, Rector, St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led Mayor Teresa Tomlinson.
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CONSENT AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS LISTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA AND SUBMITTED BY
CITY ATTORNEY FAY, BUT DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT THE REQUES OF COUNCILOR
HUFF:_________________
An Ordinance - Amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated Government of
Columbus, Georgia; located at 1565, 1559, 1553, 1547, 1541, 1534, 1529, 1487,
1576, 1570, 1564, 1558, 1552, 1546, 1540, 1571, 1578 Antietam Drive for
rezoning from RMF2 (Residential Multi-Family 2) zoning district to SFR2 (Single
Family Residential 2) zoning district.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro
Tem Turner Pugh.
Councilor Huff asked Mr. McClure, the petitioner if he would allow a two
weeks delay stating that he intended to walk the property yesterday but it
rained.
Mr. McClure responded that he had met with the City Arborist last week and
they did discuss this project in that a 20-foot buffer would fit fine on both
sides (North and South) of Antietam Drive. He said in regards to speed bumps,
there was talk of that when Antietam was first installed, and it is his belief
that Traffic Engineering had used a round-a-bout to slowdown the traffic in the
area. He said there were concerns of someone going too fast to slowdown before
hitting the speed bumps.
Councilor Huff then made a motion to delay this proposed rezoning for two
weeks. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present with Councilor Thomas being absent from this
meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE LISTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA AND
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
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An Ordinance (11-15) - Changing the Official Street and Tax Maps of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia by declaring a segment of Cathryn
Drive right-of-way surplus; and for other purposes.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (11-16) - Amending Chapter 14 entitled Offenses and
Miscellaneous Provisions, Article 1 Sections 14-47.1, 14-47.2, 14-47.3, so as
to add certain language that will allow construction activities to occur in and
beside the Chattahoochee River as part of the Restoration Project to be
supervised by the United States Army Corps of Engineers; and for other purposes.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION LISTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA WAS EXPLAINED AND
SUBMITTED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY:_______
A Resolution (135-11) ? Approving a settlement of EEOC Charge No.
410-2011-01131.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion to adopt the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND A PUBLIC HEARING AND ORDINANCE WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL:___________
Petition submitted by Jesus Valenzuela to rezone .28 acres of property
located at 3109 Cusseta Road from GC (General Commercial) to RMF1 (Residential
Multi Family 1) zoning district. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning
Advisory Commission and the Planning Department.) (6-A-11-Valenzula)
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ADD-ON ITEMS:
Councilor Baker informed the Mayor and Council that Mr. Jack Rodgers is
regretfully resigning from the Charter Review Commission due to health reasons
and his new appointment would be Mr. Fife Whiteside. Councilor Henderson moved
to accept the resignation of Mr. Rodgers and appoint Mr. Whiteside to the
Charter Review Commission. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Thomas
being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (136-11) - Excusing Councilor Judy Thomas from the March 29,
2011 Council Meeting.
Councilor Allen made a motion to adopt the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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WORK SESSION AGENDA:
EMPLOYEE CLINIC CONCEPT:
Director of Human Resources, Mr. Tom Barron came forward and introduced
Mr. Bill Bennett and Ms. Allison Judge of Transform HealthRX ? a clinic
management organization. He said they have been in the health care business for
many years and we have invited them to come and share the different
perspectives about the health clinic as well as answer questions Council may
have.
Mr. Bennett came forward and stated that he came out of the health care
administrative side of the business and Ms. Judge comes from the clinical side
and the two of them got together and talked about the management of healthcare
and the fact that the debate in Washington and locally, continues to be areas
that don?t do the job of being able to control costs. He said if you take a
look at healthcare you will find that 3% of the population will create on
average about 56% of the claims for a health plan. He said those are the
chronic individuals, people with diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and
COPD that generate the big dollars that the claims have to put out. He said
there is another 17% of the population, who are asymptomatic ? that is, they
have an issue and don?t know about it until there is some big event (heart
attack, stroke) that results in a big claim. He said one of the things that the
industry needs to understand and commit to, is to actually focus on the ones
that create the problems with the dollars as opposed to the global perspective
in saying this fits everybody and we will implement that into a plan.
Mr. Bennett said we feel strongly employers need to really drill down and
laser in on those individuals who file the claims. They can be taken care of
since most of those the problem is exacerbated by things such as weight,
smoking, and excessive drinking ? the kinds of things that make the issues even
worse. He said they are excited to be a Georgia based company focusing on that
issue itself and when we put the program together to work with the chronic
individuals, we also said this is just a regular primary care clinic and we
think programs should have the ability for the employees to come in and get
medical care just like one would receive at a primary care physician?s office;
to include workers? compensation and pre-employment physicals. He said there
are a numbers of things that this Council needs to look at as an employer and
figure out how to get away from fee-for-service and back to a fixed fee.
Ms. Allison Judge then came forward and with the use of a four-page
handout, explained to the Mayor and Council, the concept of onsite Health Care,
covering issues such as:
Plan design and cost shifting
Growing need to have accessible and affordable primary care
Need to manage costs for workers compensation
Need to plan for healthcare reform
FIVE WAYS TO CREATE SUCCESS
Finding your team members who will benefit most from clinical interventions
Control costs by improving health
Analyze claims data to identify opportunities
Engage those members in a program that works
Assemble the right medical team for your people
ONSITE CLINIC IMPACT
Reduced medical care costs
Reduced pharmacy costs
Reduced laboratory costs
Reduced emergency room visits
Reduced specialty visits
Reduced sick days
Increased productivity
Increased employee satisfaction
Establishment of individual and corporate health and claim baselines from which
to legitimately measure program progress
THE GLASS STONE
One team member
One chronic condition
One major milestone
HEALTHCARE ? WHAT WE DO KNOW AT THE PRESENT TIME
When nothing changes, nothing changes
2014 ? it may just happen
Upon the completion of Ms. Judge?s presentation, she responded to questions
and comments from the Mayor and members of Council.
In response to Mayor Tomlinson?s comments, Mr. Bennett explained that the
clinic would be set up to include a regular practitioner so it truly would be a
traditional family practice type of clinic. He said the more we can drive
through the clinic; the less is driven through the health plan. The clinic
would then be in a position to purchase true health care with great outcomes at
wholesale as opposed to retail going though the health plan because the health
plan (fee-for-service) would be charged every time the door swings open versus
an on-site clinic where the employees can go to the clinic and most employers
do not charge for a visit to the clinic, eliminating the co-pay and/or
deductible.
Councilor Barnes said he is familiar with this concept and asked Mr.
Bennett what procedures are employed to keep therapies conservative, to which
Mr. Bennett responded that there are protocols in addition to using electronic
medical records; and a medical director to audit those records for compliance.
He said this is a high quality medicine with great out come and lower costs.
Mr. Bennett and Ms. Judge spent an additional 15 minutes responding to
questions and concerns from the Mayor and several members of Council,
discussing issues such as the amount employees pay for premium, staffing
personnel, and clinic location.
A copy of Ms. Judge?s handout is on file in the Clerk of Council?s Office.
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14TH AMENDMENT HIGHWAY CORRIDOR STUDY:
Mr. Rick Jones, Director of the Department of Planning came forward and
explained that what he is about to show is just a concept of a potential road
project that could affect out community in 15 to 20 years. He said this is
something that was directed by Congress and in terms of connection roadway, it
started in Augusta and goes through Macon, Columbus, and on into Montgomery and
then to Natchez, Mississippi. Mr. Jones said the consulting firm here this
morning has partnered with others in terms of doing this project. He said they
were asked to look at what would be the potential of connecting these streets
with another interstate or some kind of four-lane roadway that would come
through the area. He again stressed that this is only a concept and what you
are going to hear today is an idea, of what they will be reporting back to
Congress. Mr. Jones then called on Mr. Harry Rice to make his presentation.
Responding to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, Mr. Jones said
this does not take away from anything else we have ongoing.
Mr. Harry Rice then came forward and made the following presentation to the
Mayor and Council:
PURPOSE OF TODAY?S PRESENTATION:
Provide an Overview of the Study
Present Study Findings to Date
Provide Opportunity for Public Input
Discuss Next Steps
Address Questions and Comments
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Study mandated by Section 1927 of SAFETEA-LU ? ?to commission studies and
reports regarding construction of a route linking Augusta, Macon, and Columbus,
Georgia; Montgomery, Alabama; and Natchez, Mississippi?.
Project web site: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/section_1927
Companion study examining 3rd Infantry Division highway from Savannah and
Augusta, Georgia to Knoxville, Tennessee
WHAT THE STUDY WILL NOT DO
The study will NOT necessarily lead to construction of any specific highway
improvement
The study does NOT commit the States or MPOs to further analysis
The study will NOT result in a recommendation for a particular design or
alignment unless FHWA specifically asks for it, as directed by Congress.
SCOPE OF THE WORK
Phase I ? Preparatory Work: July-September 2010 (Completed)
Task 1 ? FHWA Kickoff Meeting with Contractor
Task 2 ? Inventory of Study Area Planning Documents and Databases
Task 3 ? Organize and Convene Expert Working Group (EWG)
?Comprised of Federal, state and local transportation and land
management agencies
?Meets four times during course of study
Task 4 ? Develop Content for FHWA Web Site
Task 5 ? Identify Control Points
Task 6 ? Develop Recommendations for Public Involvement
Phase II ? Engineering (Underway)
Task 6 ? Conduct Public Outreach
Task 7 ? Identify Alternative Alignments and Design Levels
Task 8 ? Compile Detailed Spatial Database
Task 9 ? Prepare Draft Cost Estimates and Steps to Complete
Phase III ? Final Report and Optional Planning Studies
Task 10 ? Final Report ? April 14
Task 11 ? Recommendations for Sub-Studies ? June 18
Optional sub-studies
Economic impacts
Environmental impacts
Travel time and demand
Safety
Benefit/cost
Additional public outreach
SCHEDULE
Tasks Includes:
1. Kickoff Meeting
2. Data Inventory and Spatial Database
3. Establish and Maintain EWG
4. Provide Web Site Content to FHWA
5. Determine Segment Control Points
6. Public Involvement
7. Study Alignments and Design Levels
8. Detailed Geospatial Database
9. Draft Estimates of Costs and Steps
to Complete Construction
10. Final Report
11. Recommendations for Sub-studies
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT APPROACH
Expert Working Group
Speaker?s Bureau Events (March ? April)
Speaker?s Bureau events will be coordinated with scheduled transportation
planning meeting, if possible.
Webinar (April ? May)
Broadcast presentation open to public
FHWA Web Site
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/section_1927
STUDY AREA CHARACTERISTICS
Control Points
Natchez, MS
Montgomery, Al
Columbus, GA
Macon, GA
Augusta, GA
METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS
Augusta-Richmond County PC
Atlanta Regional Commission
Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning
Warner Robins MPO
Columbus-Phenix City MPO
Auburn-Opelika MPO
Montgomery MPO
Hattiesburg-Petal-Forrest-Lamar MPO
Jackson MPO (CMPDD)
REGIONAL PLANNING DISTRICTS
Georgia
Central Savannah River RC
Northeast Georgia RC
Middle Georgia RC
Heart of Georgia Altamaha RDC
River Valley RC
Three Rivers RC
Mississippi
East Central Mississippi PPD
Southern Mississippi PPD
Southwest Mississippi PPD
Central Mississippi PPD
STUDY CORRIDOR FACTS
2004 Population: 6,004,886
2000 Number of Households: 2,112,683
2000 Number of Housing Units: 2,369,447
2000 Average Population Density: 847 persons per square mile
KEY CITY POPULATIONS
Augusta, GA ? 199,768
Macon, GA ? 92,775
Columbus, GA ? 292,795
Montgomery, AL ? 202,124
Meridian, MS - 38, 232
Hattiesburg, MS - 51,993
Jackson, MS - 173,861
Natchez, MS ? 18,464
MILITARY BASES
Fort Gordon
Robins AFB
Fort Benning
Maxwell AFB
Hagler AAF
ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENTS & PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATES
Alternative Alignments and Design Levels
The statute specifies that at least four alignments and/or design levels will
be identified for the 14th Amendment Highway.
An alternative may include an alignment with a design level that changes (i.e.,
is a Highway for a portion and an Arterial for another portion).
Among the design levels identified, at least one must be to Interstate
standards.
Further, at least one design level shall use substantial portions of existing
highways.
Alternative Design Levels
Interstate Standard
Utilize existing Interstates 55, 59, 20, 85, 75, 16, the proposed
I-85 extension, and the Montgomery Outer Loop
Upgrade non-Interstate segments to Interstate standards
? Grade separated intersections
? Full access control
? Shoulders and medians based on State design standards
Highway Standard
Utilize existing Interstates and U.S. and state routes
Minimum four-lane divided roadway with partial access control
Grade separated intersections, where practicable
Variable width median
Consolidation of driveways
Shoulders and medians based on State design standards
Arterial Standard
Utilize existing U.S. and State routes
Minimum four-lane divided roadway with no access control at grade intersections
Variable width median
May consist of a center two-way left turn lane
Shoulders and medians based on State design standards
ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES
Alternative 1: All Interstate Alternative
Alternative 2: Maximum Use of Existing Roads
Alternative 3: Combination Design (generally Highway)
Includes several variations
Alternative 4: Upgrade U.S. 84 thru Alabama
Alternative 5: New Highway from Grove Hill to Greenville, AL
DRAFT COST ESTIMATES
Overview of how estimated costs were determined (selected)
COST ASSUMPTIONS
Construction Cost
Based on FHWA Major Project Program Cost Estimating Guidance
Construction Engineering & Inspection (CE&I)
15% of Construction Cost
Preliminary/Final Engineering
8% of Construction + CE&I Cost
Environmental Documentation
$15,000 / mile
Public Outreach/Involvement
30% of Environmental Documentation
Right-of-Way
MS = $80,000/acre
AL = $80,000/acre
GA = $80,000/acre
Environmental Mitigation
0.5% of Construction Cost + 1% of ROW Cost
Total projected cost by Alternative: Natchez to Augusta
Alternative Total Projected Cost ($)
Alternative 1 (All Interstate)
$6,904,000,000
Alternative 2 (Maximum Use of Existing Roadways)
$283,000,000
Alternative 3 (Highway utilizing US 84 to I-59 at Laurel)
$1,440,000,000
Alternative 4* (Highway utilizing US 84 to I-65 at Evergreen)
$3,110,000,000
Alternative 5* (Highway utilizing US 84 to I-65 at Greenville)
$3,444,000,000
Totals for Alternatives 4 and 5 include Alternative 3 costs for the
project segments from Montgomery to Augusta.
Variations on Alternative 3
Alternative Total Project Cost ($)
Alternative 3 (Highway Baseline)
$1,440,000,000
Alternative 3A (Laurel Bypass)
$1,501,000,000
Alternative 3B (US 80 - Tuskegee to Phenix City)
$1,970,000,000
Alternative 3C (Macon - Sgoda Road Bypass)
$1,893,000,000
ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENTS NEAR COLUMBUS-PHENIX CITY
Alternative # 1 ? Montgomery to Columbus
Alternatives # 2 and 3 ? Montgomery to Columbus
Alternative # 3B ? Montgomery to Columbus
Alternative #1 ? Columbus to Macon
Alternative # 2 ? Columbus to Macon
Alternative # 3 ? Columbus to Macon
NEXT STEPS
Finalize cost estimates and steps to complete, based on feedback from EWG and
Public Outreach
Complete planned public outreach activities
Prepare draft Final Report and recommendations for sub-studies
A copy of Mr. Rice?s presentation is on file in the Clerk of Council?s
Office.
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Note: Councilor Henderson left the meeting during this portion of the
proceedings with the time being 10:50 a.m.
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HISTORICAL BLACK CEMETERY ? 6TH STREET & 6TH AVENUE:
Deputy City Manager David Arrington came forward and reminded the Mayor
and Council of their decision to allow staff to engage a consultant to come in
and do an archeological study or investigation of the cemetery site on 6th
Avenue. He said we are fortunate to have already had under contract,
Brockington and Associates, Inc. who conducted this investigation. He said the
following is a report of the study conducted on the site located at 6th Avenue
and 6th Street. Mr. Arrington then called on Mr. Jeff Gardner to come forward
with this report.
Mr. Gardner came forward and explained that the work was done between
November 2010 and January 2011. He said this cemetery is already a point of
interest on the Columbus Black Heritage Trail. Mr. Gardner made some references
to an aerial photograph showing the project area and the historically defined
boundaries. The rest of Mr. Gardner?s presentation included the following
information:
CEMETERY HISTORY
1828 ? Two 4-acre cemetery sites were created as part of the original planned
City
-Whites (area later to be known as Linwood)
-Blacks (NE corner of 6th Ave. and 6th St.)
1836 ? Porterdale (designated as new cemetery of colored persons)
1890 ? Riverdale
1946 ? East Porterdale
Mr. Gardner explained that the historical research began by consulting with
Ms. Lenora Smith (Community Reinvestment) who had done extensive research in
the Columbus area records; we followed up by looking at records at the
University of Georgia, Georgia State Archives, where we looked at historic
maps, deed records, local history and cemetery records and based on our
combined research, we were able to piece together the history of the old
colored cemetery.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
1828 ? Two cemetery sites created as shown on official 1828 map
1872 ? Colored cemetery site no longer reflected on City map
1886 ? City conveys 6th Avenue property to the Georgia Midland and Gulf
Railroad Co., deed indicates property ?not occupied at this time for cemetery
purposes?
1890 ? New cemetery site approved at Riverdale
1992 ? Interview with Mr. Alfonso Biggs indicates grave sites were present at
6th Avenue site
CONCLUSIONS
Sufficient historical evidence exists to indicate the 6th Avenue site was
designated as a cemetery site and was the only designated site for blacks from
1828 to 1836.
Anecdotal evidence indicates graves are located on the site.
Further research is required to determine the location of graves and boundaries
of the cemetery
RECOMMENDATIONS
To engage a firm to conduct further research on the 6th Avenue site to
determine possible gravesites and boundaries. Estimated cost of survey is
$24,000.
If gravesites are located on the site, to proceed with development of a plan to
improve the site and preserve it with dignity and respect.
City Manager Hugely said he has a follow-up recommendation that Deputy City
Manager Arrington is going to present. He pointed out that the city does not
own the property, but rather it is owned by the railroad and based upon the
results of the study and the points made by the consultant, it is possible that
graves are present but could not be identified due to previous extensive ground
disturbance.
Deputy City Manager Arrington pointed out that it is our recommendation
that we honor the historical and cultural relevance of the 1828 colored
cemetery site on 6th Avenue by developing the site as a tranquil garden ? an
area for quiet reflection showing the dignity and respect deserving of this
location. He said the record is clear that this is one of the two original
sites as part of the original plan city in Columbus and as City Manager Hugley
pointed, it was the only site designated, according to the records and at least
for a period of eight years if not longer, this site was and probably still is,
a cemetery site for colored people dating back to 1828. He said it is their
recommendation that we honor and respect that and we preserve this site.
Mr. Arrington then explained the concept for this site ? ?The Resting
Garden? ? a tranquil garden area with a fence of similar quality and character
as that of the current Linwood Cemetery; it would include within the fence, a
walking trail, stone benches, and on each of the stone benches there would be a
historic marker or monument that would indicate some portion of the history of
the site. The site would be one acre with landscaping, irrigation, and some
additional trees. He further explained that is it our recommendation that we
pursue an agreement with Norfolk Southern, who is the owner of the property to
either acquire this one acre track of enter into a long-term lease for the
property that was included in the Brockington and Associates, Inc.
investigation. He said if this portion is successful; proceed with design and
funding necessary to execute this ?Resting Garden? concept.
Mr. Arrington then provided additional information on cost to accomplish
this goal; funding source; and the process with Norfolk Southern in acquiring
the land.
Upon completion of his presentation, Deputy City Manager Arrington
responded to questions and comments from the Mayor and several members of
Council.
A copy of this presentation as well as a copy of the final report prepared
by Brockington and Associates, Inc. is on file in the Clerk of Council?s
Office.
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INSOLVENT PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX:
Tax Commissioner Lula Huff came forward and explained that Title 48-5-129
of the Georgia Code provides for the County Governing Authority to allow for
the placement for the uncollectible taxes for personal property on an Insolvent
List and the certificate of Council of Insolvent personal property accounts
presented to Columbus Council is an acknowledgement under oath that the Tax
Commissioner has made a diligent search and cannot find the property or asset
of the listed defendants on which to levy in order to satisfy the FiFas and
therefore has requested the certificate be as executed.
Mayor Tomlinson made some references regarding the insolvent list submitted
by Commissioner Huff, after which she clarified that although this vote is
taken and these are written off as uncollectible, they may still be collected
upon.
Commissioner Huff explained that she is required by law to conduct a
diligent search on all of these properties and that is what they have done. She
pointed out that they have done everything to try to take possession of these
properties and they do not exist. She further explained that these properties
will be removed from the digest but will remain on the general execution docket
so that in the future if for some reason there exist some properties or if
someone is trying to purchase a home or a building by a financial institution,
the attorney would then search the general execution docket and note that this
lien was out there at some point in time and require that they pay this
obligation to the City of Columbus before granting them that loan.
Councilor Huff moved the motion to approve the resolution as requested by
Commissioner Huff, seconded by Councilor Woodson, and after a brief discussion
unanimously approved by those seven members of Council present with Councilors
Henderson and Woodson being absent for this vote and Councilor Thomas being
absent from this meeting.
A copy of the Insolvent List Fact Sheet provided by Commissioner Huff is on
file in the Clerk of Council?s Office.
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HB277 ? GEORGIA TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT ACT 2010 -
ROUNDTABLE:________________________________________________________
Mr. Rick Jones, Planning Director came forward to brief the Mayor and
Council on House Bill 227 ? Georgia Transportation Investment Act 2010. Mr.
Jones said most of Council should already know this information but we want to
confirm it because of the deadline we are quickly approaching. He then went on
with his presentation covering the following areas:
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Note: Councilor McDaniel left the meeting during this portion of the
proceedings with the time being 11:30 a.m.
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OVERVIEW:
Regional Transportation Sales and Use Tax
Created 12 Special tax districts based on regional commission boundaries.
Each district can levy 1 percent sales tax for 1o years
Removes the cap on local sales and use tax for the one-percent transportation
funding sales tax
Individual counties cannot opt out
Money raised in districts stays in district
Money is not subject to congressional balancing
Criteria for road development to be set by GDOT Director or Planning (finalized
11/2010)
Regional roundtables ultimately select projects
Vote will be primary election of 2012
Funds start flowing in 1st quarter of 2013
Creates 12 Special Tax Districts for Transportation along boundaries of
Regional Commissions
River Valley Regional Commission boundaries formulate our taxing area
Eligible projects include:
Roads, Bridges and Transit projects
Projects funded by the tax are selected by Roundtables and Executive Committees
consisting of local governments in collaboration with GDOT Director of Planning
Mr. Jones pointed out that Mayor Tomlinson and Councilor Henderson sit on
that Roundtable, and the Mayor also sits on the executive committee. 2:35:33
Final Project List
Executive Committee in collaboration with the GDOT Director of Planning will
develop the final project list from projects on the Draft Investment List
Final Project list will be provided to each Roundtable
Roundtable can approve the final project list as submitted or amended with
substitute projects from the Graft Investment List
A majority vote by the Roundtable is required for approval
Two public hearings on the final project list must be held prior to the final
Roundtable meeting
COLUMBUS PROPOSED PROJECTS:
Us 27/Cuter Road Interchange
Buena Vista/I-185 Interchange
Columbus Marina
Columbus Airport Runway Extension
Intercity Express Bus System
South Lumpkin Trail System
St. Mary?s Road/I-185 Interchange
Cusseta Road/I-185 Interchange
Buena Vista Road/Spider Web Improvements
US 27 (Veterans Parkway) from Turnberry/Muscogee to Gatlin/Harris
State 219 Passing Lanes (Luther Land Bridge to Happy Hollow Road)
Columbus Riverwalk (City Mills/Bibb Mills)
Rapid Rail ? Columbus to Atlanta
By Mid 2011 GDOT Director of Planning will develop a Draft Investment List:
Fiscally unconstrained by congressional districts
Projects must result in Public Benefits such as:
Congestion Mitigation
Increased Lane capacity
Public Safety
Economic Development Upon the completion of Mr. Jones? presentation, there were discussions from
the Mayor and several members of Council regarding issues including Council?s
notification of such a list before it goes to GDOT, potential costs, and
potential impact on area residents.
A copy of Mr. Jones? presentation is on file in the Clerk of Council?s
Office.
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CITY MANAGED CEMETERIES ASSESSMENT:
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin came forward and with the use of the
following prepared presentation, she briefed the Mayor and Council on the
Public Services Department Cemeteries Assessment:
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Note: Councilor Allen left the meeting during this portion of the proceedings
with the time being 12:05 p.m.
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The Cemeteries staff works in a very diligent manner to ensure that all
burials and attention to the cemeteries are handled in a respectful and
sensitive way. There has been much attention lately regarding how are
cemeteries are managed and maintained. This assessment provides a windshield
view of our publicly owned cemeteries.
CEMETERY DIVISION FY11 BUDGET:
? Personnel Cost $ 236,707
? Operating $ 41,023
? Capital $ 0
Total Budget $ 277,730
Amount for actual maintenance $10,000 +
CEMETERY DIVISION:
? Staffing:
? Division Manager
? 4 Employees
? 10 Inmates
? Responsibilities:
? Burial, Maintenance and Upkeep
Staff is responsible for 108 acres of property ? comprising the 4
cemeteries.
Based on Ordinance the responsibilities are based on our Perpetual Care
Ordinance that defines our level of care ? burials, maintenance, and upkeep.
ORDINANCE:
? Article II. Perpetual Care Sections
? Sec.9-18. Definition of Term
? The term ?perpetual care?, as used herein, means the sodding of graves, the
cutting of grass upon lots and graves at reasonable intervals, the raking and
cleaning of lots and of grave surfaces, the care and pruning of lots and trees,
and the keeping in repair of enclosures, streets, walks and borders, so that
such entire perpetual care section shall present a neat and uniform appearance.
The term ?perpetual care? as used herein, does not mean the maintaining,
repairing or replacing of any grave stone or monumental structure erected upon
a lot in such sections.
PUBLIC CEMETERIES:
? East Porterdale
? Linwood
? Riverdale
? Porterdale
East Porterdale is the only cemetery utilized for Pauper Burials? All lots
in all of our cemeteries are sold outside of the for pauper burials. We will be
using 2.1 acres in the Porterdale cemetery for pauper burials starting in
April.
EAST PORTERDALE:
Consist of 12 acre - Perpetual care and pauper sites. Established in 1946
Brief history of East Porterdale: Established in 1946, many African
American families purchased lots, sometimes many together, to form family lots
that are still being used regularly today. In 1993, based on an urgent need,
the pauper section was extended to this particular cemetery. Civil rights
advocate who campaigned for the right for all to vote, Mr. Primus King are
among those buried in East Porterdale cemetery.
Oldest grave: 1946. This is the designated Pauper Burial site.
? Slabs $103,200 for 258 (slabs in need of repair)
? Rock Basic $2,944 for 471 tons
? Asphalt Overlay $19,652
? Sodding $225,750
TOTAL $351,546
LINWOOD:
28 Acres
Brief History: This cemetery is rich with history in that it is the final
resting place for 500 Confederate servicemen, as well as other celebrated
individuals, such as, Maj. General Henry L. "Old Rock" Benning, for whom Ft.
Benning is named.
Oldest Grave: 1828
? Sodding $526,750
? No slabs to repair
? Roadway overlays completed by Linwood Foundation, Inc.
Total $526,750
RIVERDALE:
54 Acres
Brief History: The cemetery pays homage to war heroes with the American Legion
section which was established for veterans under the American Legion 35.
Oldest Grave: 1890
? Rock Basic $3,281 for 525 tons
? Asphalt Overlay $60,060
? Sodding $827,750
? No slabs to repair
Total $891,091
PORTERDALE:
14 Acres
Brief History: In this particular cemetery, the earliest marked grave is dated
1836. It is believed the cemetery is named after the first African American
Sexton in Columbus, Mr. Richard Porter, who served as Sexton from 1890 to 1916.
Among countless marked and unmarked graves, some of the more celebrated are Ma
Rainey, "Mother of Blues", and
Oldest Grave: 1836 and designated as the first Colored Cemetery
? Slabs $72,200 for 193
? Rock Basic $363.00 for 58 tons
? Asphalt Overlay $20,320
? Sodding $263,375
?
Total $356,258
PICTORIAL ASSESSMENT ? included photographs of various gravesites within the
four cemeteries discussed, showing damaged slabs that have since been repaired.
Ms. Goodwin explained that the reason Pauper Burials will be moving from
East Porterdale Cemetery to Porterdale Cemetery is because this is low land and
it is prone to floods.
GEORGIA CITIES COMPARISON:
Savannah Rome
? Budget $1.8M $408,600
? Cemeteries 5 (*) 5
? Acreage 264 100
? Employees 25 6
? Crews 0 2
? Reimbursements $750(**)
(**) County reimburses the funeral home per burial
(*) 2 of the 5 contracted out
Paupers are cremated in Savannah
Coroner works through the Probate Office to be declared Administrator of the
Estate after going through an exhaustive process.
Gainesville Elberton
? Budget $350,000 $161,000
? Cemeteries 2 2
? Acreage 80 45
? Employees 2FT/2PT 3
? Crews 1
? Reimburse $150 *$25
(*) Permit Fee only ? do not reimburse funeral homes
Douglas Acworth
? Budget $90,000 $13,000
? Cemeteries 1 1
? Acreage 50 50
? Employees 1 1
? Crews 0 0
? Reimburse $100 (*)
(*) No pauper burials
Douglas uses an inmate crew to open and close graves, comes every 2 weeks for
maintenance.
Acworth contracts out maintenance
Macon Albany
? Budget (*) $?
? Cemeteries 4 2
? Acreage Unknown 105
? Employees 0 5
? Crews 0 0
? Reimburse $100 $255
(*) Maintenance part of Parks and Recreation Budget
No repair work is done in Macon
LaGrange
? Budget (*)
? Cemeteries 2
? Acreage 120
? Employees 2
? Crews 0
? Reimburse $500
(*) Part of Landscaping Budget
County send 2 Correctional Crews every two weeks for maintenance
Opelika Auburn
? Budget $174,986 $250,000
? Cemeteries 3 4
? Acreage 100 84
? Employees 2 5FT
? Crews 0 5 Seasonal
? Reimburse Unknown Unknown
? Do not do repair work
Phenix City
? Budget (*)
? Cemeteries 1
? Acreage Unknown
? Employees #
? Crews 0
? Reimburse
(*) Unable to obtain
# Parks and Recreation employees maintain with inmate labor. No pauper burials
Funeral homes open and close graves
PERPETUAL CARE OPTIONS:
?Option 1: Remain as is
?
?Option 2: Perform all repairs required on slabs and roadway - $275,432
?
?Option 3: Repair slabs only based on outlined costs of $175,400
?Option 4: Work through Foundations and area churches (public/private
partnerships) to raise funding to accomplish options one and/or 2. City should
continue its level of maintenance as required by ordinance and outlined over
the next 5 years.
?Option 5: Council to amend ordinance allowing repair or replacements of
gravestones with identified funding.
PERPETUAL CARE RECOMMENDATION:
No Change. Remain as is according to Article II. Section 9-18, however, we
will address Option IV by working through Foundations and area churches to
raise funding while continuing our level of maintenance as required.
PAUPER CREMATION REQUIREMENT:
? Appoint an Administrator of Estate
? Family Members are entitled to Notice ?If there are heirs ? must run ad in
paper (30-60 days to complete)
? Indigent Family Members can file an ?Affidavit of Indigence? ? with unanimous
consent of family, process can take 1-2 weeks or more.
Our Coroner Bill Thrower is present and has spoken with the Coroner in
Savannah and may be able to answer any specific questions relative to this
issue.
PAUPER BURIALS:
According to Striffler-Hamby, Russell and Lee Counties do not bury paupers
PAUPER BURIALS RECOMMENDATION:
? No Change based on current resources, however we will continue to:
?Study cremation of paupers
?Look for additional land to bury paupers
?Review increased cost of burials
Upon conclusion of Ms. Goodwin?s presentation, the Mayor, City Manager
Hugley, Ms. Goodwin, and several members of Council discussed this subject
covering issues such as alleviation of flooding; the possibility of cremation
and maintenance and upkeep of gravesites.
A copy of Ms. Goodwin?s presentation is on file in the Clerk of Council?s
Office.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Barnes then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present with Councilors Allen,
Henderson, and McDaniel being absent for this vote, with the time being 12:40
p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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