MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 14, 2016
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:04 A.M., Tuesday, June 14, 2016, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens
Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia Honorable
Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor presiding.
*** *** ***
PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn
Turner Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, R. Walker Garrett, Berry
H. Henderson, Bruce Huff, Judy W. Thomas and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager
Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy
Sheftall, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council
Lindsey Glisson were also present. Councilor Huff arrived at 9:08 a.m.
Councilor Woodson arrived at 9:18 a.m.
-----------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
ABSENT: Councilors Jerry Barnes and Glenn Davis were absent.
-----------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
INVOCATION: Led by Pastor Richard Yancey, Pastor ? New Bethel A.M.E. Church.
----------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by participants in the Columbus Martial Arts Academy
Summer Camp.
------------------------------------*** ***
***----------------------------------
MAYOR?S AGENDA:
TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS PUBLIC HEARING:
Mayor Tomlinson said as you know we are concluding our budget session and
time in the community in order to conclude this fiscal year by June 30th and
begin
the next fiscal year by July 1st. She said we are required by State law to
hold
a Taxpayer?s Bill of Right?s public hearing at 9:00 a.m., and then turned the
matter
over to City Attorney Fay.
City Attorney Fay said this is our third and final hearing, which is
called the
Taxpayer?s Bill of Rights under Georgia Law, O.C.G.A. 48-5-32.1. He said this
is
required because the tax digest; the value of all the property in Muscogee
County
is projected to increase over the previous year. He said if there is anyone in
the
audience who has questions, can come forward and be heard because this is a
public hearing.
There was no one who came forward to be heard on this matter. He then
declared that this public hearing has now been held, as required by Georgia law.
-------------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------------
PROCLAMATIONS:
STEFAN LAWRENCE DAY:
With Mr. Stefan Lawrence, Muscogee County School District Teacher of the
Year and Ms. Marquette McKnight, a member of MEEF (Muscogee Education
Excellence Foundation) standing at the Council table, Councilor Thomas read
Mayor Tomlinson?s proclamation into the records, proclaiming Tuesday, June 14,
2016, as ?Stefan Lawrence Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
*** *** ***
REQUEST FOR A TRANSITION AUDIT:
Mr. John Redmond, Internal Auditor came forward and said he is here today
to request permission to do a Transition Audit of the Finance Department. He
said he has had a request from the management to perform a transition audit of
the Finance Department, and said this is customary whenever there is a change
in leadership at
the department, executive or elected official level in the government.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion that the request be approved.
Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
TRADEGY IN FLORIDA:
Mayor Tomlinson said she want to take this opportunity, particularly with
Reverend Yancey still being present here, because if there is ever a time in
this County that we needed faith, said it is now. She said we want to
recognize our brothers and sisters in Orlando with the tragedy that they are
going through. She said on tonight in Columbus at 7:00 p.m. they will be having
a vigil in front of the Government Center on 10th Street right there in front
of the Springer Theater. She said she would hope that everyone will come out
and join in that vigil, and let?s show that we are one community, and one
humanity. She said that love will conquer hate. She said if there is anything
that you are going to hate, let it be hate. She said let?s concentrate on
those things that brings us together and not tear us apart. She said our
thoughts and prayers goes out to the City of Orlando and said that she is
sending formal condolences to the Mayor of Orlando.
*** *** ***
PRAYER RALLY:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she also want to congratulate the Mayor, as
well as Judy Tucker in the Mayor?s office for the Prayer Rally service that was
held on Sunday, as it was wonderful.
Mayor Tomlinson said we had a prayer rally on Sunday and said Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh, Councilor Baker and many others in the community were able to
be there.
She said we didn?t plan the prayer rally knowing anything about the horror
we would wake up to on Sunday morning having occurred in Orlando. She said it
is something that we do once a year to concentrate on the multi-faceted effort
we have in this community to deter people from violence and to stir them
towards love; not just through enforcement, not just through crime prevention,
or violence prevention, but also just through a spiritual wholeness. She said
whatever path you are on related to your spirituality or faith, we welcomed all
to the prayer vigil and said it was something else and really moving.
-------------------------------------------*** ***
***-------------------------------------------
CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FIVE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:
_________________________________
An Ordinance (16-14) ? Rezoning of 5.6 acres located at 7808 Whitesville
Road & 1419 Double Churches Road from an RO (Residential Office) with
conditions and NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to a RO
(Residential Office) without conditions zoning district. The proposed use is a
senior assisted living facility.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance (16-15) Rezoning of 2.38 acres located at 2285, 2300, & 2312
Whittlesley Road is currently zoned as NC (Neighborhood Commercial) & LMI
(Light Manufacturing and Industrial) zoning district and proposed zoning to GC
(General Commercial) zoning district. The proposed use is retail and
restaurants.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance (16-16) ? Approving a text amendment to the Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO) to alter Sections 2.3.6 and Table 3.1.1 to include
Commercial Office Zoning District (CO) as permitted use within the convalescent
or nursing facility use category.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance (16-17) ? Adopting an operating budget for the Fiscal Year
2017 beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts
shown in each budget.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance (16-18) ? Adopting non-operating budgets for the Fiscal Year
2017 beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017, for certain funds of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia, and appropriating the amounts
shown in each budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING FOUR ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING PURSUANT TO THE
ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO
TEM TURNER PUGH AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH COUNCILORS BARNES AND DAVIS BEING ABSENT:
__________________________________________________
An Ordinance (16-19) ? Providing for the employer contributions to the
Columbus, Georgia General Government Employees? Pension Plan for the fiscal
year beginning July 1, 2016.
An Ordinance (16-20) ? Providing for the employer contributions to the
Columbus, Georgia Pension Plan for employees of the Department of Public Safety
for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance (16-21) ? Providing for Government funding of a Major
Disability Income Plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance (16-22) ? Providing for Government funding of a Death Benefit
Escrow for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:
_________________________________
An Ordinance (16-23) ? Amending Columbus Code Section 20-16.11 so as to
increase fines for overtime parking violations effective July 1, 2016;
repealing conflicting ordinances; and for other purposes.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance (16-24) ? Amending Article VII of Chapter 13 of the Columbus
Code, Solid Waste Collection and Disposal, by updating the poverty guidelines
for an offset to the residential rate for low-income households; and for other
purposes.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance (16-25) ? Amending Section 9-13 of the Columbus Code
pertaining to cemetery fees, and for other purposes.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
_________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Providing for the establishment of taxing districts,
including a county-wide general services district and three (3) urban services
districts, and three (3) Business Improvement Districts (BID); providing for
the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes for Columbus, Georgia within such
districts for the year 2016 as provided under the Charter of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; providing penalties for violations of the
provisions of said ordinance; and for other purposes.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance ? Providing for the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes
for the public school system of Columbus, Georgia; and for other purposes.
*** *** ***
An Ordinance ? Revising the Fee System for the Department of Engineering
for services performed in the review of plans and permits for site development,
soil erosion, work on public rights-of-way and other related services; revising
the fee schedule for other products provided and services performed, repealing
conflicting Ordinances; and for other purposes.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (193-16) ? Approving the request for a Special Exception Use
located at 3688 and 3522 Veterans Parkway. Current zoning is GC (General
Commercial). The property is proposed for an auto/truck sales, new and used in
excess of one-half (0.5) acres but less than two (2) acres.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution, Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
-------------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------------
PUBLIC AGENDA:
MS. LAURA HALL, REPRESENTING ESTELLA?S BRILLIANT BUS, RE: THE BRILLIANT
MINDS TECH INNOVATION BUS TOUR:________
Ms. Laura Hall, came forward and gave her address as Milgen Road and said
that Ms. Randalette Williams is here with her and that she will be telling you
about Estella?s Brilliant Bus, and The Brilliant Minds Tech Innovation Bus Tour.
Ms. Randalette Williams came forward and stated that SHE is a part of the
Planning Committee that is bringing Estella?s Brilliant Minds Tech Bus Tour to
Columbus, Georgia. She said if you are not familiar with Ms. Estella, said she
is a 79-year old, 50-year retired educator out of Florida, who has taken
retirement funds of hers and created a Stem related bus that she takes on tours
throughout the Country. She said this year, we have been privileged to have
Ms. Estella join us here in Columbus, Georgia on July 16th & 17th.
She said we are very excited that she has chosen to visit Columbus,
Georgia and to bring her bus to our City. She said they have a multitude of
activities planned, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Carver High School.
She said to make it more exciting, they are involving our very own Muscogee,
County School District students on this trip. She said Ms. Estella will be
taking 20 of our students on the tour, which will include the route through
Alabama back to Atlanta and then down to Orlando. She said as the students
travel, they will be learning coding techniques, entrepreneurial skills,
robotics, and said it is a very exciting opportunity for our local students to
take part in and be able to come back and share with their counterparts all of
the information that they have learned.
Ms. Williams said in addition to that she will be blessing us with
opportunities to have free licenses for software that we can use here in the
Muscogee County School system, as well as private entities. She said they have
come here today, to share this information with you, as well as to invite those
Council members who might be available to join them on July 16th for the
kickoff at Carver High School.
*** *** ***
MS. CAROLYN BUTTS, RE: COMPLAINT:
Ms. Carolyn Butts, who requested to be listed on today?s Public Agenda to
address an issue with a house in her neighborhood, did not respond when given
the opportunity to address the Council.
*** *** ***
MS. AUDREY HOLSTON PALMORE, RE: SEEKING LEGAL ADVICE:
Prior to Ms. Palmore making any remarks, Mayor Tomlinson said we have
spoken to you and said, as you know, the Council cannot give you legal advice.
She said we are going to refer you to Georgia Legal Services. She said you
will have the same amount of time that all citizens have to address the
Council.
Ms. Audrey Holston Palmore, came forward and stated that she is here
because she was told on Friday, June 10th that she could appear on public
agenda and said that she went through the application process and turned in her
application; which was before 12:00 noon on Friday. She said on Sunday, June
12th in the Columbus Ledger Enquirer it recorded her name as being a part of
the Public Agenda and she prepared herself to appear on the Public Agenda based
on the information that she had turned it on Friday.
Ms. Palmore then made the following statement: ?At this time, I would
appreciate if the proper person who called me from City government on
yesterday, which was Monday, June 13th. I would appreciate if that person
would come forward and tell me what was told to me about appearing here on the
Public Agenda at this time. Do I have 2 minutes and 47 seconds? I would like
to take
a minute of that time for that person,?..
Mayor Tomlinson said that is not how that works. She said you can
continue your statement.
Ms. Palmore continuing on with her statement, and said at this time, I
would appreciate if the person who represented the City government on yesterday
would come forward and stand next to me and tell me what they told me on the
phone about me being here; where I could be somewhere else. Where I need to
be, is what I?m here for, and that is, to meet with a person who is operating
a business here in this City and said I wanted to address the City Attorney
about getting in touch with them to let the person know that she still wants to
meet with them.
But I want to get back to my main concern this morning, which is, the
person who called my house come to the podium. On my cell phone, it
communicates and I was able to communicate with the person who represented the
City government, and said I shouldn?t come. I have taken up my time, but I
want you to know, I will be back.
*** *** ***
MS. SHAMEIKA AVERETT, REPRESENTING AREA AGENCY ON AGING, RE:
SUMMERFEST:__________ __________
Ms. Shameika Averett, representing Area Agency on Aging, came forward and
informed the Mayor and Council, as well as the public about the SALT Summerfest
event that will be held on July 13, 2016 from 9:00 ? 12:00 at the Columbus
Civic Center. She said there will be food, entertainment and lots of fun.
-------------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------------
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND AFTER SOME DISCUSSION WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:__________________
A Resolution (194-16) ? Authorizing the approval of a variance to City
Code Section 7.10.1 for the development at 6596 Whittlesey Boulevard to allow
the sidewalk construction be delayed until development of the sidewalks along
the properties adjoining Medical Realty Group North, LLC Property by the City
or by the adjacent property owners is undertaken. The staff does not recommend
a delay in sidewalk installation.
Mayor Tomlinson stated when it comes back, and the staff feels that it is
appropriate to bring back before Council, there?s no exception for hardship at
that time even if it is more expensive than it would have been if they had done
it originally.
City Manager Hugley said this is simply a delay in doing so until the
Sidewalk Network starts to come together.
Councilor Huff asked if this would be delayed until the entire area is
ready to extend.
City Manager Hugley said not the entire area, but when we start to bring
together the Sidewalk Network then we will call on those that were allowed a
variance that was delayed. He said what we would be requiring today as part of
that construction project, we are going to be calling on them to fulfill the
requirement and obligation and that delay would no longer be available.
Ms. Donna Newman, Director of Engineering then came forward and explained
as that property continues to develop or as the staff sees a pattern a lot of
times we look at areas where there is heavy foot traffic and there is a worn
trail and the City will pick up those sections. She said this is an area where
there is sidewalk on the north side and there is sidewalk for about half of
that road already. She said we added sidewalk as part of the Moon Road project
so that is the only gap that would help create that network. She added there
is a lot of pedestrian activity in this area.
Councilor Henderson said he doesn?t really like delaying the installation
because he worries that if the property changes hands that the owner may not be
advised at the time of transfer that they are on the hook for sidewalk
construction. He then asked City Attorney Fay if there was any way to put
something with the deed so that if there is transference the owner would be
made aware of it.
City Attorney Fay said normally any developer that comes in and looks at
any piece of property has got to check the zoning and this will be on file as a
continuous alert.
After several more minutes of discussion regarding this matter, Councilor
Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Garrett and
carried by a vote of seven to one with Councilors Allen, Baker, Garrett,
Henderson, Huff, Thomas and Woodson voting yes and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
voting no, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING SEVEN RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (195-16) ? Authorizing the approval for the City Manager to
enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Georgia Department of
Driver Services for paving and striping of parking lots and tests courses
located at the facilities on US 80.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for the meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
A Resolution (196-16) ? Authorizing the approval to transfer $350,000 of
the FY16 Fire and EMS salary savings to the Department of Columbus Fire and
Emergency Medical Services FY17 budget for the burn building land preparation,
control room and open pavilion for state required training.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for the meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (197-16) ? Authorizing the approval to have the Board of
Regents of the University System of Georgia, acting on behalf of University of
Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, and Columbus Consolidated Government to
enter into a contract for the salary of Anne Randle, County Extension Agent.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for the meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (198-16) ? Authorizing the approval of the Columbus
Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Strategic Plan/Standard of
Cover that will be updated annually. The updated Strategic Plan will be
forwarded to the Mayor, City Council and City Manager?s Office.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for the meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (199-16) ? Authorizing the approval to apply for and accept,
if awarded, a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in the
amount of $6,900.00, or as otherwise awarded, with no local match required, for
the purpose of implementing the urban glens project, and to amend the
multi-governmental fund by the amount of the award.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Garrett and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for the meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (200-16) ? Authorizing the approval to submit an application
and accept, if awarded, an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) grant
for the Federal Fiscal Year 2016 solicitation in the amount of $93,124, or as
otherwise awarded, with no local match requirement, to be used by eligible
departments as follows: Columbus Police Department - $48,934, Juvenile Drug
Court - $14,190, and Adult Drug Court - $30,000, for eligible projects as
defined in the grant, and to amend the Multi-Governmental Fund by the amount of
the award.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for the meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (201-16) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into an Inmate
Capacity Agreement with the Georgia Department of Corrections for a minimum of
528 State inmates to be housed at the Muscogee County Prison.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for the meeting, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER
PUGH AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH
COUNCILORS BARNES AND DAVIS BEING ABSENT FOR THE MEETING:
____ _____________________ ___
A Resolution (202-16) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase three (3)
2016 Dodge Charge Pursuit Vehicles, from Akins Ford Dodge Jeep Chrysler
(Winder, GA), at a unit price of $24,889.75, for the total cost of $74,669.25,
via Georgia State Contract #99999-SPD-ES40199409-0001.
These vehicles will be used by officers of the Columbus Police Department
and will be purchased utilizing FY16 Fuel Savings. These are replacement
vehicles.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (203-16) ? Authorizing the approval of the annual service
contract with Quality Tire Recycling, Inc. (Jackson, GA) to provide storing,
transporting & recycling of waste tires, on an ?as needed basis,? for the
estimated annual contract value of $36,000.00, or $1,880.00 per load. The City
generates approximately 20,000 waste tires (20 loads) annually.
The contractor will remove and properly recycle waste tires generated at
the City?s landfill. A cost for oversized tires is included in the bid;
however, the City rarely has oversized tires in the landfill.
The contract is for a period of two years, with the option to renew for
three additional twelve-month periods. Contract renewal will be contingent
upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
*** *** ***
TRAIL SYSTEM UPDATE:
Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge came forward and said we wanted to come back
and give a trail update, and we also have individuals from the PATH Foundation
that wants to talk about the connection that we want to make as part of the
Riverlink, which is the connection between the Fall Line Trace and the
Riverwalk. She said we have been working with the Community Foundation to
continue to develop the trail system in Columbus.
At this time Deputy City Manager Hodge provided the Mayor and Council with
a presentation in regards to the development of the Trail System. She provided
a Map pointing out the existing trail, the proposed River Links Trail,
secondary connections, rivers/creeks and parks/public lands.
Ms. Betsy Covington of the Community Foundation came forward and said it
is a privilege to be before the Council this morning. She said she has
presented several presentations before Council during the last two years
regarding connectivity. She said you will hear from Mr. Ed Mcgrayer who is the
Executive Director of the PATH Foundation and Greta Demayo who is the Principle
with Kaizen Collaborative. She said they have been instrumental in the
development of the Atlanta Belt Line and the Silver Comet Trial. She said they
have designed and built over 200 miles of trail and we are very lucky to have
them come and work with us here in Columbus. She said they are very
experienced in the kinds of public private partnerships that we are familiar
with here in Columbus. She said they will provide the Council with an update
on their ideas for our Master River link Trail plan and they will specifically
walk us through the ideas for this first River link connection to link the Fall
Line Trace to the Riverwalk.
Mr. Ed McGrayer came forward and said he represents the PATH Foundation,
which is a non-profit agency out of Atlanta. He said our agency was asked to
come to Columbus to help with the trails. He said our organization has a
two-part mission; one is to build a connected system of trails for communing
and recreation and the other is to go out and help other cities generate trail
systems. He said he is paid by the donors in Atlanta; therefore his services
to the City of Columbus are free. He said Ms. Greta Demayo represents Kaizen
Collaborative and she is our Chief Design Consultant. He said when we came down
and started our planning and design effort, we immediately saw that Columbus
has this beautiful Riverwalk and a really nice Fall Line Trace but the two were
not connected. He said we also noticed that the City was not connected to the
Riverwalk, it was hard for people who were a mile or two or three away to get
to the Riverwalk. He said the other thing we noticed was even when you?re
downtown, you couldn?t tell where the Riverwalk was; there was no beautiful
gateway down to the Riverwalk particularly for cyclist. He said he and Ms.
Demayo spent some time in Columbus and realized the best service they could
perform is to connect the whole city to the Riverwalk. He said we came up with
the name River Link as well as the logos and a good branding system for the
whole trail network. He said the first thing to get done is to construct a 25
mile plus or minus trail that is continuous.
At this time he called attention to the map provided on the overhead
screen. He explained that this map connects the trunk line system of a trail
network that will connect everyone to the river. He also provided photos and
detailed information pointing out changes that would have to be made in order
to construct the trail such as enhancing medians, public right of ways and
landscaping and the addition of bike trails on various roads.
Councilor Huff asked would the Martin Luther King project come second to
this project.
Deputy City Manager Hodge responded by saying at this time, a plan has not
been constructed to determine how the links would be staged but MLK is one of
the links. She said the Committee had discussed MLK as being the next link but
the funding would have to be identified in order for that to happen.
City Manager Hugley added that Deputy City Manager Hodge is working really
hard to identify state funding for that project.
Councilor Garrett said he and Councilor Huff attended a presentation at
the Chamber of Commerce and one of the things they admonished us to focus on
was manufacturing in the high tech job sector. He said he also attended a
presentation with Ms. Covington earlier this year and one of the things they
brought up was having more transportation ability.
Councilor Woodson requested that we look to see what other cities are
doing with their abandoned railroads. She also said she would like to share
some photos of her visit to New York to show how they have transformed their
abandoned railroads.
Councilor Thomas asked Mr. McGrayer if he could provide a timeline.
Mr. McGrayer said assuming that we don?t have any road blocks, the trail
should be completed by the first of April of next year.
Deputy City Manager Hodge said next week we will bring back a Preliminary
Project Agreement with PATH to move forward with this section of the River
link. She said we also have a public meeting scheduled for June 28th, 2016
from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Annex Conference Room. She said we will get
input from the public and let them review this section of the Riverwalk as well
as the overall plan for all of the connections. She said we did receive the
plans from Greta at no expense to the City, so we will get that bid out and get
it processed as quickly as we can in order to move forward and meet the
deadline that?s coming up in April.
Councilor Allen asked Deputy City Manager Hodge if she would provide the
Council with a ten year projection of maintenance cost once the trail is
constructed.
*** *** ***
SALARY SAVINGS:
Councilor Henderson said if we have departments who are shifting funds;
let?s have it earmarked for discussion when we evaluate the FY 18 budget. He
said he just wants to make sure that the public knows that we are not padding
budgets to reallocate funds. He said it may be a great time over the next
30-60 days to get another list of funded but vacant positions.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said once before we looked at those positions
that have been vacant more than a year and whether or not they were actually
needed to continue on in those departments. She said we need to take a look at
that again as well. She also said there should be some possible discussions on
preparing for the budget for next year, so we can get some clear understanding
upfront. She said at some point we have to get back to building up our reserve
funds.
-------------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted correspondence from Mr. Ken Chung,
resigning from his position on the Hospital Authority of Columbus. Councilor
Woodson made a motion that it be received with regrets and thank him for his
service. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Barnes
and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, 20-16.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, April 26, 2016.
Councilor Allen made a motion that the minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND THEN ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:______________________________________
A Resolution (204-16) ? Cancelling the July 5, 2016 monthly Proclamation
/Resolution Session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Barnes and Davis being absent.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Walter Lewis, Sr., who
represents Council District One is not eligible to succeed himself for another
term of office and that Councilor Barnes is working on a nominee for someone to
serve.
She also pointed out that Mr. Jim Irwin, who represents Council District 7
is not eligible to succeed himself for another term of office, as well and that
Councilor Woodson is working on a nominee for someone to serve.
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Richie Grantham, who
represents Council District Nine and Councilor Thomas is working on a
replacement for this seat as well.
*** *** ***
COLUMBUS GOLF COURSE AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Stephanie Leohr and Mr.
Ricky Wright have been nominated to fill the seat of Ms. Rhudine Nelson who is
not eligible to succeed herself. At this time there were no votes taken. Clerk
of Council Washington advised that this item would be brought back to the next
Council Meeting when there is a full Council.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E.):______________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seat of Mr. Pedro
Diaz-Agosto has been declared vacant and that the Council must nominate someone
to fill this seat. There were no nominations.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Jack Hayes?s term of
office on the Community Development Advisory Council has expired and that he is
not eligible to succeed himself and that Councilor Davis is working on a
replacement for this Council District 2 appointment.
She also pointed out that the term of office of Mr. Colin Martin, who
represents Council District 9 has expired and that he is eligible to succeed
himself for another term of office; however, he does not wish to serve again.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Tracy Belt has resigned
from her seat on the Recreation Advisory Board and that Councilor Woodson is
working on a replacement for someone to succeed her.
-----------------------------------*** ***
***----------------------------------
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Woodson made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Allen and Huff being absent from the
meeting, with the time being 11:14 a.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.