MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
DECEMBER 5, 2006
The regular monthly night meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, December 5, 2006, on the Plaza Level of
the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Robert S. Poydasheff, Mayor
and Honorable John J. Rodgers, Mayor Pro Tem, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Poydasheff and Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers were
Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne S. Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson,
Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. and Nathan Suber. Deputy City Manager David
Arrington, City Attorney Clifton Fay and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis
were also present.
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ABSENT: Councilors Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh and Evelyn Woodson
were absent but were officially excused upon the adoption of Resolution No.
522-06, 523-06 and 524-06. City Manager Isaiah Hugley was absent but was
represented by Deputy City Manager David Arrington. Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Cub Scout Pack 362.
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CHARACTER WORD OF THE MONTH:
Mr. Ed Wilson, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, came forward to present
the character word for the month of December. Mr. Wilson said the character
word for December is ?compassion?. He said some related words to ponder and
practice are: concern, sympathy, caring and tenderness. He said that
compassion means understanding the need for the pain for someone else and
caring enough to do something to answer that need or relieve that pain.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?JA?NISHA DAVIS DAY?:
With Ms. Ja?Nisha Davis and her parents Cedric Holton with the Muscogee
County Sheriff?s Department and Vershonda Holton with the Parks and Recreation
Department standing at the Council table, Councilor Suber read Mayor
Poydasheff?s proclamation, proclaiming December 5, 2006 as ?Ja?Nisha Davis Day?
in Columbus, Georgia.
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?CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY CACHERS DAY?:
With the Chattahoochee Valley Cachers standing at the Council table,
Councilor McDaniel read Mayor Poydasheff?s proclamation, proclaiming December
5, 2006 as, ?Chattahoochee Valley Cachers Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
WITH MR. STEVE SCHEER STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING
RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
COUNCILOR
DAVIS:
A Resolution (517-06) - Commending and congratulating Steve Scheer upon
recently being awarded the USTA Georgia?s 2006 Volunteer of the Year by the
Columbus Regional Tennis Association (CORTA). Councilor Davis moved its
adoption. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously by those
seven members present for this meeting.
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WITH THE NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL LADY PATRIOTS CHEERLEADERS STANDING AT THE
COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND
READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON:
A Resolution (518-06) - Commending and congratulating the Northside High
School Lady Patriots Cheerleaders upon recently finishing second in the Georgia
High School Association cheerleading state sectionals. Councilor Henderson
moved approval. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously by
those seven members present with the Council standing to cast their votes in
the affirmative.
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MAYOR-ELECT JIM WETHERINGTON:
Mayor Poydasheff recognized the presence of Mayor-Elect Jim Wetherington,
who was seated in the audience and rose from his seat to be acknowledged.
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LEADERSHIP COLUMBUS:
Mayor Poydasheff recognized the presence of some members of the Leadership
Columbus Class with the Chamber of Commerce.
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MINUTES: Minutes of the November 7 & 14, 2006 meetings of the Council of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved upon
the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and seconded by
Councilor Henderson, which carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present for this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE THAT WAS DELAYED FROM THE NOVEMBER 21, 2006
MEETING WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC
HEARING WAS
HELD:
An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at Rezoning property located at 4000
Wooldridge Road is proposed for rezoning from RE1 (Residential Estate 1)
District to LMI (Light Manufacturing/Industrial) District. (67-CA-06-Ford)
PROPONENTS AND OPPONENTS:
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner, Mr. Ford, who
was asked to approach the rostrum.
Councilor Davis made a motion to change one of the conditions in the
ordinance by amending the buffer from 75 feet to 35 feet. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Rodgers and carried unanimously by those six members present with
Councilor Allen being absent for this vote.
Councilor Davis said that the whole concern was about the Light
Manufacturing zoning category intruding into a residential area. He said that
the understanding from the residents was that any light manufacturing
development would be west of Fortson Road. He said the residents were
concerned that there may be a domino effect with this rezoning. He assured
that the Council is not setting precedent and this is not an attempt to
encroach into residential. He then expressed the further concerns of the
residents regarding the landscaping and storage of vehicles. He briefly
explained the reasons for the classification request for LMI, because residents
thought it should be classified as agricultural, but because of the adoption of
the UDO, it would have to be in a light manufacturing classification for the
storage of vehicles, even though it is a greenhouse, landscaping operation.
Mayor Poydasheff asked about the reversionary clause, at which time, city
Attorney Fay advised that it was discussed, but there was no vote to include
the reversionary clause. He pointed out that the restrictions are in there;
whereby, the property has two main uses, which is the greenhouse and the
vehicle maintenance. In response to further concerns raised by Mayor
Poydasheff regarding the reversionary clause, City Attorney Fay maintained that
the ordinance does not need both.
Councilor Davis made a motion to include the reversionary clause.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers. Responding to comments made by Councilor
Henderson, City Attorney Fay advised that if this owner goes out of business
and sells, the new owners would still be restricted to the two uses because it
goes with the land.
Mayor Poydasheff then called attention to the motion on the table, which
carried unanimously by those seven members present for this meeting. City
Attorney Fay continued to respond to questions regarding the uses of the
property. In response to a question of Councilor Anthony, Deputy City Manager
Arrington maintained that this area was designated for LMI in the future land
use plan as part of the 2003 Comprehensive Plan. He said it?s the south side
of Woolridge at Fortson Road.
Councilor Suber asked the president of the homeowner?s association, Mr.
Tom Titus if he was okay with everything that has been said, at which time, Mr.
Titus nodded his head in agreement from his seat in the audience.
Councilor Davis said that it has always been his understanding that the
land west of Fortson Road could be used as manufacturing but the east would
not. He said that if it is not like that, when we update the current land use
plan; then, it needs to be changed to state such.
City Attorney Fay asked if anyone else wanted to be heard on this matter,
at which time, no one came forward. He concluded that this public hearing has
been held and would be voted on next week.
Councilor Davis asked about the longevity of the conditions. City
Attorney Fay responded by saying that he believes that the conditions would
remain indefinitely according to the UDO.
Deputy City Manager Arrington responded to questions from Councilor
Anthony regarding the monitoring of reversionary clauses when the property
changes hands.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MS. JANICE LEDDEN, REPRESENTING COBRA COLLECTION AGENCY, RE: COLLECTION
OF LANDFILL FINES, PARKING TICKETS AND OTHER MONIES OWED TO THE
CITY:
Ms. Janice Ledden cancelled her scheduled appearance before the members of
Council.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: UNCOLLECTED PARKING FINES AND LANDFILL TIPPING FEES
AND THE WIDENING OF BUENA VISTA ROAD AND ST. MARY?S ROAD:
Mr. Paul Olson, approached the rostrum to talk about the uncollected
parking fines. Using the overhead projector, Mr. Olson called attention to the
number of parking tickets written, fines collected and outstanding fines from
2000 to 2006. He then made comments on the uncollected parking fines. He
further expressed concerns with the City receiving assistance from Tax
Commissioner Lula Huff when there are delinquent property taxes.
He spoke of the $1.3 million of uncollected landfill tipping fees. Mayor
Poydasheff pointed out that City Manager Hugley would be providing a full
comprehensive report. Mr. Olson said the revenue division provided him with a
report of the unpaid landfill tipping fees from 1996 to 2004, which is where
the $1.3 million comes from.
Upon providing the rate increases for residential garbage collection, Mr.
Olson recalled that if the water bill is not paid, which includes water, sewage
and garbage collection; then, the water services are discontinued. He said
since there are just a couple of hundred accounts, he would suggested that this
could be a way of collecting from these respective businesses that don?t pay
when they should have paid the landfill tipping fees. He expressed concerns
that almost 25,000 transactions were committed from 1996 to 2004 and nobody in
the Revenue Division sent out a billing.
He pointed out that City Manager Hugley has stated that he gave the Mayor
and Council the audit from Albright, Fortenberry and Ninas, LLC. Mayor
Poydasheff maintained that he did read the report of Albright, Fortenberry and
Ninas, LLC. and knew exactly what the problem was approximately ten years ago
in 2002 and 2003 when Former City Manager Cavezza instituted plans to address
accounts receivables. He said that the plans were not followed and when City
Manager Hugley got wind of that, things were changed, fees are being received
and plans are already being implemented to receive fees that are owed to us and
a report would be provided.
Mr. Olson contended that there were only two times that Albright,
Fortenberry and Ninas, LLC addressed the landfill tipping fees and that was in
2003 and 2005. He pointed out that in the management letters from Albright,
Fortenberry and Ninas, LLC, they acknowledge that they do not audit the Airport
Commission, Columbus Water Works and the Hospital Authority. He then expressed
concerns with the three entities having independent audits and then asked about
the auditing firms and the amount the City is paying for this service. Mayor
Poydasheff responded by saying that the entities pay for their own audits.
After Mr. Olson continued to make comments regarding the Columbus Water
Works, Mayor Poydasheff reminded him that he did not sign on the Public Agenda
Application form that he would be discussing the Columbus Water Works and asked
that he move forward with the items he had listed.
Mr. Olson then spoke about the widening of Buena Vista Road and the thirty
feet wide medians on Macon Road, Manchester Expressway and Airport Thruway.
Mayor Poydasheff pointed out that those are State projects. Mr. Olson
displayed on the overhead projector a letter from Ms. Lynette Gross, which
shows that his competitor Hazel?s Flower and Gift Shop received monies from the
Community Development Block Grant due to the widening of Buena Vista Road. He
expressed concerns that there were no policies in place, according to the
presentation from Administration on last week, and that businesses would be
compensated a maximum of $5,000 and $1,000 for residential. (The documents
were not presented to the Clerk?s Office for the record.)
He then spoke about the median that is proposed for St. Mary?s Road, which
could hurt the businesses there. Deputy City Manager Arrington advised that on
the Buena Vista Road project, that is a design concept but is still in
long-range. In reference to the relocation, He explained that what was
presented to Council on last week was a relocation policy for those
circumstances where the Uniform Relocation Act was not activated or triggered.
He said in the matter described by Mr. Olson, there was a circumstance where
the Uniform Relocation Act was utilized with Federal funds and we had to follow
Federal guidelines on the relocation of that tenant, and that is what was
done. He further explained that the policies that the Administration presented
last week related only to those circumstances that did not involve Federal
funds or the Uniform Relocation Act.
In conclusion, Deputy City Manager Arrington clarified a statement that
was made by Mr. Olson in reference to parking fines. He explained that
according to Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin, the report he was reading from
regarding the $559,000 in outstanding tickets; $498,000 is attributed to no
tags and the remaining $60,000 is not attributed to no tags or information.
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MR. MICHAEL PACE, RE: CITY?S
WEBSITE:
Mr. Michael Pace cancelled his scheduled appearance before the members of
Council.
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MR. DEREK CHAKA, RE: THE BRADLEY THEATER:
Mr. Derek Chaka cancelled his scheduled appearance before the members of
Council.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CITY
MANAGER ARRINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (519-06) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and if
approved accept $558,611 in grant funds from The Federal Transit Administration
(FTA) and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Mayor Pro Tem
Rodgers moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those seven members present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL, PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (520-06) - Authorizing payment to CGI-AMS, Inc., (Fairfax,
Va), in the amount of $241,020.00 for the annual software maintenance support
of the LGFS/GHRS systems.
A Resolution (521-06) - Authorizing the purchase of steel signal strain
poles from Southern Lighting & Traffic Systems for the estimated annual
contract value of $200,000.00.
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GARDINER DRIVE:
Councilor Suber requested that the staff bring back a resolution to
transfer property on Gardiner Drive for next week.
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RIGDON PARK:
Councilor Anthony requested that the staff check on the complaints from
residents adjacent to Rigdon Park that there are bullets being fired into their
houses during the night from Rigdon Park. He also requested that the staff
check to see if we could have a locked gate installed at Rigdon Park so that
people could not use it all night long.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND
COUNCIL:
Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Health.
Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Personnel Review Board.
Certificate of Need Application submitted by CareSouth HHA Holdings of Georgia,
Inc. to expand the home health agency in State Service Delivery Region-4.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS
AND WAS
WITHDRAWN:
A Resolution - Excusing Councilor Wayne Anthony from the December 5, 2006
meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR
HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM RODGERS AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS PRESENT:
A Resolution (522-06) - Excusing Councilor Julius Hunter, Jr. from the
December 5, 2006 meeting.
A Resolution (523-06) - Excusing Councilor Evelyn Turner Pugh from the
December 5, 2006 meeting.
A Resolution (524-06) - Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the
December 5, 2006 meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL
DAVIS AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:
Airport Commission, October 25, 2006.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 44.
Council Briefing, March 7, 2006.
Council Briefing, March 21, 2006.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present for this meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that the seats of Rev. Ralph Huling,
Ms. Yongmi Kim and Ms. Mac Turgeon on the Hospital Authority would expire on
December 31, 2006. Councilor Henderson nominated the above three individuals
for another term of office. Deputy clerk of Council Davis pointed out that the
Council would still need two additional nominees for each seat before it could
be sent to the Hospital Authority. Mayor Poydasheff advised that Yongmi Kim is
married to Judge Peters so the name should be changed.
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At this time, Mayor Poydasheff asked if there was anyone in the audience
that wanted to address the Council; no one came forward.
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BOARD OF HEALTH:
Councilor McDaniel pointed out that on last week, Clerk of Council
Washington had listed a memorandum regarding the Board of Health. He stated
that he would like to renominate Dr. Banks Carroll. Deputy Clerk of Council
Davis advised that we would bring the appointment back on next week.
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THANKS FOR SERVICE:
Ms. Ollie Tarver came forward to thank Mayor Poydasheff for his service to
the community.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Allen then made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rodgers and
carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present for this meeting,
with the time being 6:30 P.M.
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Sandra T. Davis, DCMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
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