MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 12, 2010
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M, Tuesday, October 12, 2010, on the Plaza Level of the
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, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops?
Barnes, Berry H. Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. and
Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay and
Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington were present. Deputy Clerk of Council
Sandra Davis took her seat at the Council table at 9:03 a.m.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Reverend Jamie L. Capers, Holsey Chapel C.M.E. Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Muscogee Elementary School.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH MS. BLAIR WOOLRIDGE STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING
RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR BARNES AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (340-10) ? Commending the Arthritis Foundation for sponsoring
the 2010 Arthritis Walk in Columbus.
Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor
Anthony and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for
this
meeting.
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WITH MS. CATHY WILLIAMS AND MR. JOSEPH HUBANKS AND SEVERAL OTHERS STANDING
AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:______
A Resolution (341-10) ? Commending Cathy Williams, CEO and President of
NeighborWorks Columbus and Joseph Hubanks upon their participation in the
Columbus Cottage Program. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the August 24, 2010 Special Called
Meeting, August 24 & August 31, 2010 Council Meetings of the Council of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved
the adoption of the minutes. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and 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 ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:_________________________________
An Ordinance (10-49) ? Rezoning property located at 2866 South Lumpkin
Road from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) zoning district to PMUD (Planned
Mixed Unit Development) zoning district. (25-CA-10-Woodruff Co.) The proposed
use is for retail, office, hotel, live, work & multi-family residential.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and 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 A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS
ADVERTISED:_____________________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 3824 Steam Mill Road from
SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) zoning district to RO (Residential Office)
zoning district. (26-CA-10-Broadwater) The proposed use is for Club/Lodge
Membership Facility and Non-Profit Scholarship Office.
City Attorney Fay pointed out that City Manager Hugley is the President of
the Foundation Board and said therefore, he is excused from any discussion on
the first reading of this matter this morning.
PROPONENTS:
Mr. Marvin Broadwater, Sr., 3004 Silky Shady Rock Court, President of the
Omega Phi Psi Fraternity, Inc., local chapter came forward and went into much
details outlining what his fraternity?s plans are for this property located at
3824 Steam Mill Road.
He said they currently have a house which is located in the Historic
District, but said the opportunity for a larger facility came up, which is
located at 3824 Steam Mill Road. He said when they purchased the property, he
immediately had some of the members to go out and started cleaning up around
the property some of the overgrown brush in the yard rather than going to his
neighbors like he should have.
He said as he learned from the Planning Department that there was some
objections, after the Planning Advisory Commission meeting, they then canvassed
the neighborhood to find out what were some of the concerns and problems.
He said they also gave the opposition an opportunity to come to a meeting and
voice their concerns.
Mr. Broadwater then responded to questions of members of the Council.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 2866 South Lumpkin Road from
SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) zoning district to PMUD (Planned Mixed Unit
Development) zoning district. (25-CA-10-Woodruff Co.) The proposed use is for
retail, office, hotel, live, work & multi-family residential.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Ms. Lucy Jones, representing the Woodruff Company was present, but she did
not make a presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed
rezoning matter.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
MR. WILLIE E. SOLOMON, RE: REQUEST REFUND OF TAXES FOR THE YEAR
2002:___________________________________________________
Mr. Willie E. Solomon came forward to request that he be given a refund of the
taxes that he paid for the year 2002.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh pointed out that we have received a memorandum
from Tax Commissioner Lula Huff, who has asked that this matter be delayed for
two weeks to allow time for her office to do research on this matter.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay requested a brief executive session after the
adjournment of this matter.
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MR. RONALD MCHARRIS, RE: THE I.C.P PROGRAM AT COLUMBUS REGIONAL
HOSPITAL:_____________________________
Mr. Ronald McHarris came forward to speak to the Council regarding the
Indigent Care Program at the Columbus Regional Hospital. City Manager Hugley
outlined what the program is and how that program assists citizens within our
community.
Mr. McHarris said he has received a bill regarding a hospital stay and
that he needs to discuss this issue with someone. After some discussion
regarding this program, City Manager Hugley pointed out that he would sit down
with Mr. McHarris and address those concerns that he has.
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CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (342-09) ? Authorizing the submission of an application to
National Park Service (NPS) and if approved accept the Fort Benning Railroad
Corridor for public park or recreation use. Councilor McDaniel 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 Allen and Anthony being absent for this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO
TEM TURNER PUGH, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE
EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH
COUNCILORS ALLEN AND ANTHONY BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (343-09) ? Authorizing the approval for the Muscogee County
Adult Felony Drug Court to enter into a contract with Rediscovery, Inc., not to
exceed $102,000 over a two-year period, for treatment services to participants
in the Muscogee County Adult Felony Drug Court Program.
A Resolution (344-09) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to that portion of
Riverbrook Trace, that portion of Pebblebrook Lane and that portion of
Shadybrook Trail located in Section II, Riverbrook. The Department of
Engineering has inspected these streets and recommends the acceptance.
A Resolution (345-09) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to that
portion of Sorrel Court, that portion of San Vista Drive and that portion of
Silverado Drive located in Addition to Section VI, Sonoma Pointe. The
Department of Engineering has inspected these streets and recommends the
acceptance.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION DELAYED BY THE
COUNCIL:_________________________
A Resolution ? Authorizing the approval of the extension of the annual
contract for dress and work uniforms with All American Uniforms for two
additional years at the current contract pricing, with a new contract end date
of October 31, 2012. The uniforms will be purchased, on an ?as needed basis?,
by various departments to include: Police, Sheriff, Marshal, Muscogee County
Prison, Fire/EMS, Public Services, METRA, Inspections and Codes, Engineering,
Parks and Recreation, and the Civic Center; as well as, other City Departments
that may require uniforms.
Council approved the current contract with All American Uniforms on
December 4, 2007 (Resolution No. 532-07), which will expire on October 31,
2010. All American Uniforms submitted a letter on September 20, 2010 with an
offer for a two-year extension of the contract at the current pricing, and a
guarantee that there will be no additional price increases during the next
two-year period. Consequently, if the extension is approved, the current
prices would be guaranteed through October 31, 2012. Using Departments have
stated their concurrence with the two-year extension.
Councilor McDaniel said the bid for the contract for the uniforms was
retracted in April and said the Maneuver Center Supply did not get an
opportunity to bid on this contract, which is a local business. He said he
don?t understand why we are giving this business to someone out-of-town; which
he has complained about before. He said why are we not letting the local people
bid on these contracts and then asked City Manager Hugley if he has some
information on this matter.
City Manager Hugley said what he was planning on doing today was to delay
the vote on the uniforms. He said All American Uniforms currently have the
contract for the uniforms. He said this would be a two year extension of that
contract. He said as he talked to the Finance Director this morning, she has
pointed out that most of the Public Safety personnel are okay with All-American
Uniforms. He said they like dealing with them and they offer a good service. He
said we have some non-public safety departments that like to deal with the
State contract and what he has told the Finance Director what we are going to
do is to extend the All-American Uniform contract for approximately 90-days to
give them an opportunity to bid the entire thing back out.
Councilor McDaniel said a Mr. Rob Buckner is supposed to be present here
this morning and said he would like to make a motion that he be heard. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
Mr. Buckner said he is with Commando Military and said they opened a law
enforcement store called the Maneuver Center on South Lumpkin Road two years
ago. He said Commando has been in business since 1978, but they did not have a
law enforcement store until two years ago; and subsequently they could not bid
on the contract when it came out. He said they are simply asking for a fair
competitive bid.
City Manager Hugley said he just indicated how he intends to proceed with
this matter. He said he believes that Mr. Buckner has a current shoe contract
with the City to which he responded; they do. He said he intends to extend
All- American?s current contract for 90-days to allow them to go through a bid
process and see who gets the bid.
He said this was bid out. He said we have a three-year contract with
All-American Uniforms with the right to extend for two-years and said he could
ask you on today to extend All American Uniform?s contract; and said he just
wanted to be clear on that. He said typically when we have not had problems we
normally extend those contracts.
Councilor McDaniel then asked why was the bid retracted? Mr. Buckner
said the bid came out about four months ago and was only on the streets for a
couple of weeks and then it was pulled.
City Manager Hugley said that is correct. He said he think they did send
out a bid and because we had an opportunity to extend All American Uniforms
Contract, it was pulled. He said the Public Safety personnel are pretty happy
with the All American Uniforms contract.
Councilor McDaniel said he would just like to see the local bidders get an
opportunity to bid on these items whether they are the low bidder or not.
City Manager Hugley is All American Uniforms Company is a local vendor. He
said he needs to make sure that we are clear on that as well. He said they have
been local for many years. He said all the local vendors have had an
opportunity to bid on this contract when it was bid out three years ago; when
All American Uniforms received the original contract.
After continued discussion on this matter with City Manager Hugley
responding to further questions of the Council, after which Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh said we need to have the staff to take a look at all contracts that
are due for an extension; to determine whether or not we should re-bid them
with the economic conditions not being what it was three years ago.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh; speaking to City Manager Hugley, said we may
need to take a look at all contracts that are due for an extension; to
determine whether or not we should re-bid them with the economic conditions not
being what it was three years ago.
City Manager Hugley said we can look at all the contracts; but pointed out
that All American Uniforms agreed that if we extended the contract for two
years, they would not change the price and we would get the price that was
there three years ago.
Councilor Hunter then asked whether or not we needed a motion for the
90-day extension, to which City Attorney Fay said that we did. Councilor
McDaniel then so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by
those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
After more than thirty-five minutes of discussion on this subject, this
matter was finally concluded.
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THE FOLLOWING SEVEN PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN SUBMITTED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESNET FOR THE MEETING:
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A Resolution (346-09) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of
pressure washing services from Clean Recover, Inc., on an ?as needed basis? for
the estimated annual contract value of $5,000.00. The contractor will be
required to pressure wash the ultraply 78+ membrane roof of the Columbus Civic
Center two (2) times per year. The term of this contract shall be for two
years, with the option to renew for three (3) additional twelve-month periods.
Contract renewal will be contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and
the Contractor.
A Resolution (347-09) ? Authorizing payment to Garry Wisham and his
attorney Ben B. Philips, P.C., in the amount of $400,000, as full and final
settlement of Wisham v. Columbus, (Case No SU10CV666A). Garry Wisham sustained
extensive injuries in an accident on February 10, 2009 involving a vehicle of
the Muscogee County Sheriff?s Office. The case of Wisham v. Columbus et al.,
Case No. SU10CV666A, is pending in Muscogee County Superior Court. The
parties, after engaging in settlement discussions, have agreed to settle the
matter in lieu of further litigation.
A Resolution (348-09) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of
radios and accessories, for the 800 MHZ radio system, from Motorola, Inc., via
Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) statewide contract number 980-2800008. The
radios and accessories will be purchased on an ?as needed basis? for various
City departments. The prices include discounts from 5% up to 28% on radios and
accessories. The statewide contract prices will remain in effect through June
30, 2011, with the option to renew up to three (3) additional years, in whole
or in part.
Per Resolution No. 91-92, Council awarded the contract for the purchase of
the City?s 800 MHZ Radio Communication system to Motorola Communication and
Electronics, Inc. Since the installation of the radio system, the City has
consistently purchased Motorola radios for continuity and warranty purposes.
A Resolution (349-09) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Pound Construction Company, in the amount of $96,341.00, for
rehabilitation of the sexton?s office at the Riverdale Cemetery. Exterior work
includes scraping, cleaning and repainting all woodwork, concrete walls, wood
siding and trim repairs where needed, rehabilitation of all doors and windows,
cleaning and repainting of exposed brick work. The work also includes
electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems, insulation, walls and ceilings,
interior trim, wood flooring, and exterior wood decking, ramp and columns.
A Resolution (350-09) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with Shaw
Sportexe (Kennesaw, GA), in the amount of $105,611.00, for arena carpeting.
Shaw Sportexe will provide all labor, materials and tools to install an
all-synthetic turf material in the Columbus Ice Rink.
A Resolution (351-09) ?Authorizing the approval of the purchase of
uniforms and garments from ServiceWear, Inc., via contract number A1465-10,
adopted by U.S. Communities Governmental Purchasing Alliance (GPA).
ServiceWear will be utilized as an alternate source for uniform and garment
purchases, on an ?as needed basis?, by various departments to include: Police,
Sheriff, Marshal, Muscogee County Prison, Fire/EMS, Public Services, METRA,
Inspections and Codes, Engineering, Parks and Recreation, and the Civic Center;
as well as, other City Departments that may require uniforms.
U.S. Communities is the leading national government purchasing
cooperative, providing government procurement resources and solutions to local
and state government agencies, school districts (K-12), higher education
institutes, and nonprofits looking for the best overall supplier government
pricing. Bid No. A1465-10, adopted by U.S. Communities Governmental
Purchasing Alliance, is a cooperative bid available for use by any governmental
entity. The City?s Procurement Ordinance, Article 9-101, authorizes the use of
cooperative purchasing. The contract will remain in effect through December 31,
2014.
A Resolution (352-09) ? Authorizing the approval of the purchase of
frames, grates, covers and inlets from Consolidated Pipe & Supply Company,
Inc., on an ?as needed basis? for the estimated annual contract value of
$156,480.13. The frames, grates, covers and inlets will be purchased by the
Public Services Department for various streets and roads around the City. The
contract term shall be for two years, with the option to renew for three (3)
additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be contingent upon the
mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
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TEN YEAR HOMELESSNESS PLAN:
Ms. Shana Young of the Cunningham Center, introduced those members of the
Ten Year Homeless Task Force that was present with her this morning in the
Council Chambers. She then gave a very detailed presentation of a proposal for
a 10-Year Homelessness Plan, which she says that she has been working on for
the last eighteen months. She then gave a very lengthy presented, which last
at least one hour; which outlined the following information as detailed below.
Background
CCG & Cunningham Center agreement to develop a 10-year plan ?for the
eradication of homelessness in Columbus.?
Homeless Task Force appointed by City Manager.
Strategic planning sessions were held with homeless service providers, the task
force, and several homeless people.
Visits made to & conferences attended in Miami, Atlanta, Washington, DC, and
visit by Homeless Coordinator from Fort Worth, Texas.
Research conducted & local data obtained.
Coordinated two drafts of plan for comment.
Facts About Homelessness in Columbus
More than 1,500 people experience homelessness on any given night in Muscogee
County
47% of our community?s homeless have a disability
18% are families
Most commonly reported cause of homelessness in our community was family
problems (i.e. domestic violence, divorce, relationship breakup, lack of child
support, roommates). Loss of job or income was a close second.
Median rent in Columbus is $493 for a 1 bedroom. Over 35% of the people living
in our community cannot afford this.
Nationally, 10% of people experiencing homelessness are considered chronic
NOTE: (Chronic ? substance abuse and mental illness prevent them from
maintaining lasting independence. The chronically homeless consume
approximately 50% of the resources.)
16% reported having served in the U.S. Military
24% voluntarily reported having a felony conviction
10% reported severe mental illness
37% reported chronic substance abuse
10% of the counted reported being victims of domestic violence
** It must be noted here that data on the homeless population in Columbus is
incomplete due to the inconsistent data collection and failure by some service
providers to use the HMIS.
Cost of One Case of Homelessness Over a Month
Example: Single man, homeless and with serious illness, untreated:
Cost of shelter stay for 30 days $672
1 EMS transport $750
1 Emergency Room Visit $2,580
1 Police Department Transport ?
1 Service Provider visit for crisis ?
assessment
1 5 night stay ? The Medical $23,722
Center
1 Utilization of the Outpatient $180
Clinic
1 Prescription Filled $31
TOTAL $27,935
The cost of jail housing, excluding the cost of police resources used in the
arrest, exceeds $40 per day with some sources reporting daily cost as much as
$140 per day.
In comparison, the average cost of providing counseling, housing, food, and
transportation for one day is $30
Service Providers
Collaboration of such a diverse group of entities is complicated. The question
is:
?Why, despite our best efforts, have we been unable to end homelessness in
Columbus, GA??
Are short term successes making it difficult to implement a long-term
solution?
Service providers and others have helped reduce the symptoms and visibility of
the problem. The result is that the general population may not ?see? the
dramatic problem of homelessness in Columbus clearly.
In order to coordinate services to better provide for those we serve,
collaboration is essential and will enable providers, prospective funding
sources, and citizens to be an active part of the solution. This requires an
introspective look at methodologies, mental modes, logic models, and
self-interest. The synergy of all stakeholders can optimize the whole system
and leverage limited resources for sustainable improvement.
Concept
The general concept of the plan is to put in place a Director, Columbus
Homeless Task Force initiate work on the strategic goals outlined in this
plan. Working with the Homeless Service Providers, the director would take
action to immediately address the most critical issues. As funding becomes
available the Task Force would construct a one-stop shop with 24 hour access
for the homeless. The facility would be staffed with case workers who would
work with the homeless and establish a plan to get them employed and housed
expeditiously taking advantage of all resources available. The one-stop shop
would provide the services necessary to deal with all homeless from short term
to chronic. Key elements such as transportation, child care, and health care
would be available to support the process.
Governance
Public ? private partnership
Establishment of a Columbus Homeless Task Force Board of Directors as a
private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Board and CCG sign memorandum of agreement.
Initially Board would consist of members of the serving task force.
Board hires Director, Columbus Homeless Task Force.
Current Funding
Current: CCG provides CDBG funds ($50,000) to Homeless Network to prepare
grant.
Homeless Network prepares grant request and identifies eligible recipients.
Upon approval, eligible recipients apply for funding under the grant.
Homeless Service Providers obtain other funds through United Way and various
fundraising efforts.
Some homeless providers do not accept federal funds.
Strategic Initiatives
Initiative 1: Funding
Initiative 2: Coordinated and collaborative effort among service providers
Initiative 3: Develop and operate a Central Intake & Resources Facility
(One-Stop Shop)
Initiative 4: Rapid re-housing into temporary and permanent supportive housing
Initiative 5: Transportation
Initiative 6: Prevention and intervention programs
Initiative 7: Job training and services
Funding
Develop a Homeless Task Force Budget
Identify funding resources/acquire funds
Hire executive director
Oversee the execution of the budget and expenditure of funds
Public Awareness Campaign
A Coordinated and Collaborative Effort Among Service Providers
Identify funding to purchase and install HMIS with service providers
A new HMIS System chosen by Homeless Resource Network (HRN) is being paid for
out of Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) grant money with
initial cost for up to 50 users being covered.
HRN indicated that the real need is ongoing financial support to sustain the
system once it is in place.
Form a long-term social services collaborative coalition
Address current gaps and fragmentation in current services
Coordinate plans and strategies to increase effectiveness and avoid duplication
of services
Mandate regular meeting among homeless service providers
Make accommodations available 24/7
Training and preparation for Executive Director and Service Providers
3. Develop and operate a Central Intake and Resource Facility (One-Stop
Shop)_____________________________________________________________
Develop concept and staffing requirements
Hire and train Case Managers
Provide one-stop services
Partnership with Communications group to provide homeless with phone numbers
and voicemail
Ordinance enforcement & increase police visibility in vicinity of one-stop shop
Coordinate a meal program to eliminate street feeding (bring people/orgs doing
the street feeding to the One-Stop-Shop to feed from there)
Rapid Rehousing into Temporary and Permanent Supportive Housing
Determine the availability of affordable housing
Increase supply of permanent supportive Housing
Increase the supply of transitional housing
Emergency shelter beds at one-stop shop
5: Transportation
Develop a transportation plan that meets the needs of the homeless
Transportation to and from One-Stop Shop from job locations and other
destinations
6. Prevention & Intervention Programs
Develop Detox Unit for individuals who are in danger of becoming homeless
Develop programs/systems that help in overcoming barriers and assist people in
finding housing and jobs
Establish program to provide childcare
Develop and coordinate ?agreement of discharge? memorandums with appropriate
local and state organizations
Develop programs and outreach teams that proactively deal with homeless and
potential homeless situations
Incorporate and develop a homeless hotline which would put them in touch with
outreach teams.
7. Job Training and Services
Hands-on job training programs
Make GED testing more accessible
Provide a variety of job training opportunities
Increase local scholarships for homeless individuals
Develop job connections for the homeless
Develop L.E.A.D. (Leadership Empowerment Advocacy Development) program in
coordination with local area colleges/universities
8. Recommendations
Establish the Homeless Task Force as a
501(c)3, non-profit organization that enters into an agreement with the CCG to
oversee the homeless effort.
? Work with the City of Columbus to establish funding for the hiring of the
executive director and establishment of an office for the effort.
In concluding her presentation , Ms. Young said they have briefed the
City Manager on this plan, and are here today briefing the City Council. She
said this is their third draft of the plan and all the information that has
been complied. She said they will be conducting public meetings; with the first
one being held this Friday at 12:00 noon at the Columbus Public Library, and
then another one on next Tuesday October 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the Columbus
Public Library.
City Manager Hugley asked all those individuals who are involved with the
10-year homeless plan to come forward and stand with Ms. Young. He said you can
see a collaborative effort with representatives from the Cunningham Center,
who is leading this effort, as well as representatives from the United Way,
NeighborWorks, the Columbus Housing Authority, State Representative Debbie
Buckner, the City of Columbus, a representative from Valley Inter-Faith, as
well as all of those other agencies supporting efforts to eradicate
homelessness have been involved, but many of them are not here today.
He said as Ms. Young mentioned in her presentation, they have asked about
a 501(c)(3) as well as has asked about some funding; therefore, he wants the
Mayor and Council to know that he has asked Deputy City Manager David Arrington
and Mark McCollum of the Community Reinvestment Department is not to look for
money to add another employee to the city payroll, but to look at our CDBG
funding. He said we know that we already put $50,000 in the Homeless Resource
Network, but look at CBBG funding; which is one hundred percent Federal money;
and try to identify dollars where we can allocate to what would possibly be a
newly formed 501(c) (3) to fund a Director. He said we would give them an
allocation to support a Director to do all of the things in pulling this matter
together that Ms. Young outlined to us in her presentation.
City Manager Hugley said over the next few weeks he would want them to
look at that possibility of funding through CBDG Federal funds, whereby we
would not fund a person within this government, but fund a 501(c) (3) where
they would be able to use that money to hire an Executive Director to get the
public/private partnership started.
Several members of the Council then made comments regarding this
presentation; after which City Manager Hugley, Ms. Young and Mr. Mark McCollum
then responded to several questions of members of the Council.
There were several referrals made by members of the Council, which are listed
and outlined below.
Councilor Henderson asked the City Manager to ask the question of our
Legislative Delegation, as to whether or not we can possibly shift a quarter of
a mill that we give for the indigent care and earmark it for healthcare to deal
with the homelessness issue.
City Attorney Fay also made comments with respect to the 3 mills that the
City gives to the Medical Center as referenced by Councilor Henderson in some
comments that he made. He said there is some overlapping and said hopefully,
the hospital authority will be a partner in these efforts.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked that the City Manager provide information
with respect to the $50,000 that is currently being used for the homelessness
program now, and outline how is the 10-year program that we are looking at
funding going to be any different from what is currently being done. Also, have
the staff to provide a quarterly report to the Council as to how the funds of
the HPRP program are being spent.
Councilor Woodson asked that the staff to look into trying to do something
similar to what Miami did in generating funds to be used for their Homelessness
program; and let?s consider putting something on our Legislative Agenda within
the next year or so to consider some type of tax to assist with this program.
She said while we are seeking funding for the Executive Director for the
10-Year Homelessness Plan, have the staff to determine whether or not there is
any city property that we could consider using to house this Executive Director.
City Manager Hugley said the next step is to hold the public meetings and
once that has been done, then Ms. Young will come back to the Council and ask
them to adopt the plan and then from there we will have to solidify funding
for a Director, who would start to pull all of these things together; which
would include going through the process to become a 501(c) (3) non-profit
organization and then we can start to work the plan as adopted. He thanked Ms.
Young for her presentation, as well as all of the community?s support in this
regard.
*** *** ***
CEMETERY DIVISION:
Mr. Gary Stickles came forward and gave a brief presentation on the
Cemetery Division maintenance program and responded to those concerns that were
recently brought forth in a newspaper article. He provided the following
information regarding the Cemetery Division.
Staffing:
Division Manager
4 Employees
10 Inmates
Responsibilities:
Burial, Maintenance and Upkeep
After the conclusion of Mr. Stickles? presentation, he and City Manager
Hugley then responded to several questions of members of the Council. Councilor
Davis then asked City Manager Hugley to have the staff to look at what we can
do to get the owners of private cemeteries to make sure they keep their
cemeteries maintained. Also, find out who these cemeteries are registered to.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WAS SUBMITTED AS INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &
COUNCIL BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON:__________________________________________
Notice from GMA of the Joint GMA/ACCG Fall Training Program for Elected
Officials, Friday, November 5, 2010, in Macon, Georgia.
Copy of the audited financial statements and the Compliance Reports for the
Columbus Department of Public Health for the year ended June 30, 2010.
Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Animal Control Advisory Board.
Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Honor.
Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Convention & Trade Center
Authority.
Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Public Safety Advisory
Commission.
Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Recreation Advisory Board.
Mayor?s Committee for Persons with Disabilities Weekly Report for the weeks
beginning on August 23, 2010 through August 30, 2010; September 6, 2010 through
September 13, 2010 and September 20, 2010 through September 27, 2010.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_______________________________________________
A Resolution (340-09) ? Excusing Councilor Jerry ?Pops? Barnes from the
September 28, 2010 Council Meeting. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of
the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present at the time, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING NINE TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL UPON THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH
MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
VOTE:___________________________________
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close the 900 block of
Broadway, on Friday, October 15, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. to Saturday, October 16,
2010 at 6:00 p.m., in connection with ?Boots on Broadway? pedestrian safety.
Application of Danny Dawson to temporarily close Garrett Road from County
Line Road to Warm Springs Road, on Saturday, October 16, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m., in connection with ?Church Fall Festival? pedestrian safety
Application of Sonya Roberts to temporarily close Shepherd Drive from
Brown Avenue to Murray Street, on Friday, October 22, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to
11:00 a.m., in connection with ?Marshall Middle School Celebration? with
Spencer and Carver High School bands performing.
Application of Karina Adams to temporarily close Washington Avenue between
9th Street and Baldwin Street, on Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 12:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m., in connection with a ?Church Fall Festival?.
Application of Grace Bailey to temporarily close Leonard Street between
Forest Road and Wildwood Avenue, on Sunday, October 24, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to
8:00 p.m., in connection with a ?Fall Festival?.
Application of Sandee Olson to temporarily close 3rd Avenue from 11th
Street to 12th Street, on Friday, October 29, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00
p.m., in connection with ?St. Luke Fall Festival?.
Application of Toni Mayes to temporarily close Ashley Station Boulevard
from 10th Avenue to 11th Avenue, on Friday, October 29, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. to
10:30 p.m., in connection with ?Ashley Station Block Party?.
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close 1100 block of Broadway,
on Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., in connection with
?Memory Walk? pedestrian safety.
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close 1000 & 1100 block of
Broadway and 11th Street from 1st Avenue to Front Avenue, on Saturday, October
30, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in connection with ?Uptown Spooktacular?
pedestrian safety.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 34-10 & 35-10.
C.I.R.C.L.E., August 10, 2010.
Convention & Visitors Bureau, August 18, 2010.
Family & Children Services, September 29, 2010.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion that the minutes be approved. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh absent for this vote.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE NEEW ZONING PETITIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL:__________________________________________
Petition submitted by the Wynnton Neighborhood Housing, Inc. to rezone
0.381 acre of property located at 2901, 2903 & 2907 10th Street from SFR4
(Single Family Residential 4) to SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) w/
conditions district. (Recommended for conditional approval by both the Planning
Advisory Commission and the Planning Department). (30-CA-10-Wynnton
Neighborhood Housing, Inc.)
Petition submitted by R. M. Bud Allen to rezone 28.9 acres of property
located at 3071 Williams Road from SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) to RO
(Residential Office) district. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning
Advisory Commission and the Planning Department). (31-A-10-Allen)
Petition submitted by Columbus Habitat for Humanity to rezone 5 total
acres of property located at 302, 342, 352 Bragg Smith Street; 2055, 2057
Cusseta Road from RMF2 (Residential Multi Family 2) to RMF1 (Residential Multi
Family 1) district. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory
Commission and the Planning Department). (32-A-10-Cols. Habitat for Humanity)
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BUILDING AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that we still need a replacement for
Mr. Terry Ballard?s seat. There was no action in this regard.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that we still need replacements for the
appointment for Mr. Arthur Rogers who cannot succeed himself; this is a
District 4 seat, as well as, the Mayor?s appointment on this board: Mr. Eddie
Roberts, who also cannot succeed himself.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that Rev. Ralph Huling has resigned and
the Council would need to submit three nominees for this seat. There were none.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Regarding an earlier request of City Attorney Fay, Councilor Henderson
made a motion to go into executive session to discuss litigation. Seconded by
Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
At 11:43 a.m., the Council adjourned its regular session to go into
executive session to discuss litigation. At 11:56 a.m., the Council reconvened
its regular session, at which time, Mayor Wetherington announced that the
Council did meet in executive session to discuss litigation; however, there
were no votes taken.
*** *** ***
ENGLEWOOD DRIVE:
Councilor Barnes asked the City Manager to have the Engineers to look at
Englewood Drive regarding the concerns and issues that he submitted to them
earlier regarding some flooding concerns.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present, with
the time being 11:57 a.m.
*** *** ***
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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