MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
SEPTEMBER 4, 2007
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 4, 2007, in the Council Chambers 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 Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Evelyn Woodson. City
Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
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ABSENT: Councilors Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. and Glenn Davis were absent, but
were excused upon the adoption of Resolution Numbers 385-07 & 386-07
respectively.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Pastor Prathan Powell World Changes Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by North Columbus Elementary School 5th Grade - PEER
Helpers.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
`1
?INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE AWARD?:
With Lt. Eugene Hull, of the Fire/EMS Department, who was selected as
the recipient to receive the Individual Excellence Award for this 2nd
Quarter standing at the Council table, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh read the
proclamation of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming September 4, 2007 as
?Lt. Eugene Hull Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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?P.E.E.R. AWARD RECOGNITION?:
With the recipients Danny Duncan, Cecil D. Kent, Sloan Perry, Norris
Pitts, Sharon Tyner, Superior/Juvenile Court standing at the Council table,
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington
proclaiming September 4, 2007 as each of their day in Columbus, Georgia.
?COACH RAYMOND HALL DAY?:
Councilor Barnes read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming
September 4, 2007 as ?Coach Raymond Hall Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
Mr. Hall was not present, but Mayor Wetherington said he would see to it
that Mr. Hall receives the proclamation.
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?CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY WRITERS CONFERENCE DAY?:
With Mr. John Frandsen, and others standing at the Council table,
Councilor Baker read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming
September 4, 2007 as ?Chattahoochee Valley Writers Conference Day?, in
Columbus, Georgia.
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?LITURGICAL DANCE DAY?:
With Ms. Yakeisha Biggs standing at the Council table, Councilor
Anthony read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington proclaiming
September 7, 2007 as ?Liturgical Dance Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
COUNCILOR HUNTER AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:______________________________________________
A Resolution (375-07) ? Commending and congratulating the Warner Robins
Little League baseball team upon their championship victory in the Little
League World Series in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Councilor Hunter
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present for this
meeting, with Councilor Baker being absent for this vote and Councilors Davis
and McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
Councilor Anthony said he would like for the Mayor to also send a copy of
this resolution to the Mayor of Warner Robins.
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MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Minutes of the May 22 & 29, 2007 meetings of the
Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and
approved upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor Allen and seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Davis and McDaniel being absent.
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MAGNOLIA GARDEN FIRE:
At the request of Mayor Wetherington, Fire Chief Jeff Meyer came forward
and gave a report on the fire that we had at the Magnolia apartment complex.
Chief Meyers said the residents of Magnolia apartments experienced a fire
Sunday morning at approximately 6:00 a.m. He said that 18 families were
displaced due to that fire. He said West Central Georgia Chapter of the
American Red Cross responded to the scene. He said Councilor Woodson was also
on the scene and was instrumental in attending to some of those families?
needs. He said the Red Cross put these families up temporarily in a local
hotel, as well as provided them food vouches and clothing vouchers.
He said if there are citizens who would like to donate funds to support
those families they can contact the West Central Georgia Chapter of the
American Red Cross, as they are accepting donations.
Chief Meyers said the fire started in one apartment and spread very
rapidly through the other apartment complex. He said sometime later he would
like to bring some of the people in to the Council. He said there was one
resident, Mr. Pedro Reeves, who went door to door and assisted in notifying the
occupants to get them safely out. He said there were no injuries to
firefighters or the residents who lived the apartments. He said we would like
to ask everyone to offer their prayers of support for the families to get back
on their feet as soon as possible. He said from what he understands none of
the tenants had renters insurance.
He said they want to take the opportunity to get the message out to those
individuals who are renting, the insurance is very reasonable and he would
encourage those residents to get that coverage. He said the Columbus/Fire EMS
advises that residents to look into this matter.
Councilor Woodson said that our firefighters did an outstanding job and
said she would like to thank them for the job they did. She said the Office
Manager at the apartment complex was not able to locate anybody from the
complex itself, to come and secure the place. She said she has three names that
she would like to give to the Chief to recognize them for their assistance.
Councilor Woodson said she would like for the Fire Department to check and
see if there is some kind of equipment out there that can assist our
firefighters in loading their large hoses and other equipment back onto the
fire trucks after fighting fires. She said also when we do our scheduling for
the educational programs that are aired on CCG-TV; let?s also look at including
in our programming, a segment on renter?s insurance.
Councilor Anthony said he would like to add his appreciation to the Fire
Department. He said he would like to call for a resolution thanking the
American Red Cross; who has provided assistance over the last two years,
assisting with Hurricane Katrina, and other tornados; and also for responding
to the needs of the residents of the Magnolia Garden apartments during a recent
fire.
CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS DELAYED FROM THE AUGUST 14, 2007,
MEETING WAS AGAIN SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND AFTER AN
INCONCLUSIVE VOTE WAS AGAIN DELAYED: ____
An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located at 3556 & 3562 St. Mary?s Road
from SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3) District to GC (General Commercial)
District. (27-A-07-Morrison)
Councilor Hunter moved the ordinance be defeated. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh. Voting for the motion was Councilors Allen, Anthony, Hunter,
Woodson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
City Attorney Fay said we will need to bring this ordinance back on next
week for another vote.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON
FIRST READNIG: ____________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by
establishing a No Parking Anytime zone along the East curb of Phillips Street
beginning; at Levy Road running southerly approximately 660 feet. Enacting a
?No Parking Anytime? on the West curb of Commerce Street beginning
approximately 310 feet from Levy Road running southerly approximately 100
feet. Enacting a ?No Parking Anytime? on the East curb of Commerce Street
beginning approximately 120 feet from Levy Road running southerly approximately
236 feet: authorizing the installation of official traffic control signs
indicating a ?No Parking Anytime? zone; repealing conflicting ordinances and
for other purposes.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWIING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:______________________________________________
A Resolution (376-07) ? Approving the City Manager?s confirmation of Mr.
Gary Stickles as Director of Public Services, at an annual salary of
$73,345.87, effective September 4, 2007. Councilor Allen made a motion to
approve the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously
by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Davis and McDaniel
being absent from the meeting.
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GARBAGE TRUCK DRIVERS:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said as one of his first assignments would
be to make sure that our garbage truck drivers are putting notes on those
items that they are unable to pick up.
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NOTE: The City Manager?s Agenda is continued below.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
MR. JEREMY S. HOBBS, RE: PROPOSING THAT THE
SKATEBOARD PARK BE LOCATED AT COMER PARK:_________
Mr. Hobbs first of all thanked the members of council, the mayor, and our
city manager for allowing him to speak here today and then read the following
statement. As I am sure you?re all aware, I normally use Email as my means of
communication. However what I have to say here today must be said in person so
that it simply cannot be just deleted, ignored, and thrown away.
This past year our city, our state, and our country have all been victims to an
increase in crime. Some citizens want to blame it on not having enough
police. Crime is as old as time. Crime is going to happen whether we are
understaffed or overstaffed, and let?s try to remember that it isn?t race or
religion that?s to blame, it is only the criminals who are to blame. Even
with the recent boost in police presence throughout the city, criminals are
still finding ways to commit such heinous crimes. Even worse there is an
alarming racial rift that is growing all throughout Columbus day-by-day and
murder-by-murder. I have sent many letters with some disturbing public
opinions posted on Ledger-Enquirer.com to Chief Boren, the Mayor and even
members of this council to show proof and make you aware of the dangerous
rising racial tension that is taking place here in Columbus.
We have made a lot of progress on the south side to help bring in new business
and help clean up the image of these communities. Yet we still have a long way
to go. Demographically speaking Columbus has too many high crime areas. The
Civic Center on Victory Drive is in the proximity of one of those areas.
Don?t get me wrong. The Civic Center itself is a safe establishment. It is the
criminals who come to and reside around the area that have created an
undesirable and unsafe atmosphere. How many people are arrested and hurt every
year at the Chattahoochee Valley Fair because of violence? How many cases
involving violence have occurred at Memorial stadium over the years? How many
murders have occurred at BTW apartments like the recent ?drug deal gone badly?
murder of Ronald Burrous involving 17 year old Melvin Williams and 16 year old
Calvin Grimes? Do you honestly think building a skateboarding park on the
Civic Center site will detour crime or be any different?
I therefore am asking council to stop and block the new skateboarding park from
being built on the Civic Center site. Until major changes are made to this
area such as the destruction and relocation of BTW Apartments, the continued
building of new infrastructure and the opening of new respectable businesses up
and down Victory Drive and most importantly the restoration of the image and
reputation of that area, we cannot allow such a risky venture to take place at
this time. With violent crimes being committed all throughout Columbus, and a
good percent involving youth, it would be careless and irresponsible for this
city to allow the construction of what will become a new arena for violence in
Columbus.
I of all people understand the importance of getting our youth involved in
community activities that promote social growth. We want to keep them off the
streets, out of trouble and out of harms way. No parent ever wants to answer
the phone and hear their child has been hurt. No ?RESPONSIBLE? parent would
drop their kids off in an area where crime is high. We should not be so
willing to take such a risky chance especially when kids? lives are at stake.
If this park is built on that site, we would be jeopardizing the safety of our
citizens not to mention the reputation of our city, our civic center, and all
the investors involved.
For over fifteen years the youth of this city have worked long and hard to make
this concept of a Skateboarding Park become a reality and I would hate to see
it fail because of violence and irresponsible, poor planning. I am totally in
favor of a skateboarding park. Skateboarding has been around since the 1950?s
and its popularity has grown every year for over half a century.
These future voters of Columbus deserve to have a safe skateboarding park. So
therefore I propose the following. Since the Skateboarding Park will be an
official park of Columbus, why not take the existing park known as Comer Park
and with a bit of construction and some demolition this land would meet all the
needs that the Civic Center offered and provide access to and from the
Riverwalk. Comer Park would provide a more convenient, beautiful and safer
area that would better serves the local skateboarding community. With all the
current construction and renovation going on in old Bibb City it will not be
long until that area is transformed into one of the most beautiful riverfront
hot spots in Columbus. Several of our current parks are in need of renovation
and repair. Instead of building and creating new problems, why not recycle the
resources we have available to us now?
I know we cannot prevent crime or violence but we must do everything necessary
by making these changes so that we can ensure the safety and welfare of all our
citizens. Things have changed since last year when the final vote was made on
this location. Crime itself has changed into a much fiercer tone. Are you
really willing to go ahead and take such a chance simply because you had
already made up your minds? When I went to the ?town hall? meeting to voice
my concerns, Mr. Holiday I believe it was told me not to hijack his meeting.
Well I am asking you today to stop Mr. Holiday from hijacking the safety of our
kids and all our citizens by building this park on this site. Based on the
evidence of the rise in crime and violence just in this year alone; we need to:
Stop, Re-Think, Re-Evaluate, and Re-Locate the proposed skateboarding park.
Thank you!
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MR. ISMAEL ROSA, RE: ACTIONS REGARDING THE SCHOOL
DISTRICT: ___________________________________________________________
Mr. Rosa said the purpose of his visit is to let everybody know about
the discrimination that the school system has against minorities in
Columbus. He said on last year when the school district implemented the
new rezoning, his son was assigned to Fort Middle School and he wanted to
stay for his last year in Midland Middle School; therefore, he requested a
hardship transfer. He said the transfer was approved without transportation.
He said when he noticed that Bus #652 was picking up other students that
attend Midland Middle School in front of his house, he asked his son what
was going on. He said he decided to go and check why the school system
was providing transportation for them and not for his son.
He said he went to the school and he was referred to the Roberts Center;
where he was informed that those are the students are authorized to ride the
bus because they are the majority in that school. He said the majority at Fort
Middle School is black. He said if the majority had been white, the school
District would have provided transportation too. He said he pay the same
amount of taxes that the white people, as well as the black people pay.
He said he doesn?t get a discount for being a minority. He said he thought in
all the Columbus schools all the students have the same benefits, but said
that?s not the case; because black and white students have benefits that
doesn?t apply to the minorities. He said he thought that the 60s were over.
He said he is here asking for the City Government to help in resolve this
issue. He said if you believe that what Rosa Parks did was right and believe
that every child should be treated equally; then, as the government for this
City, you should stop this from happening.
Mayor Wetherington asked Mr. Rosa if he has addressed this issue with the
School Board.
Mr. Rosa said on last year, he had an issue and he tried to talk with the
Superintendent, but nobody was able to answer the questions that he had.
Mr. Rosa then responded to several questions of members of the Council.
Mr. Bill Madison said Mr. Rosa came to the NAACP first. He said this issue
is as simple as the four boys who went to school on last year at Midland Middle
School; one was transferred to Fort Middle School, which was Mr. Rosa?s child
and the other three boys are getting on the same bus as they did on last year
to go to Midland Middle School. He said Mr. Rosa?s son could get on that same
bus, as he did on last year and go to the Sears old property, which is the
transfer station; get off of Bus #1 and get on Bus #2 and go straight to
Midland Middle School. He said that information put to the school board is
rejected in the form of that?s our policy. He said there are several empty
seats at the Sears property for this child to ride that single bus and said it
should be done immediately, if not sooner.
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DR. JAMES THORSEN, RE: THE CENTRAL RIVERFRONT
DISTRICT:___________________________________________________
Dr. James Thorsen said he and his wife Patty lives at 1236 Broadway
and they have lived there now for seven years. He said he would like to
apologize in advance because some of the things that he will say will be
redundant, as he has spoke to them before. However, the issue he has asked
questions about continues to be issues.
He said as he has said before, when they purchased their property back in
1999 they were very excited about their move to the Central Riverfront
District, as they felt like all of the regulations were in place to promote a
very vibrant and upscale community. He said as he has said in the past, those
ordinances have simply not been enforced within the last seven years.
Dr. Thorsen said he called on last week and asked the question as to
whether or not there have been any outdoor caf? permits been applied for or
granted and the answer is no. He said it seems to him that in that
circumstance, as a business person, you either comply with the ordinances
that are there, or you don?t operate an outdoor caf?, but said at this point,
we
have a third option; which is that bar owners are just operating cafes as
they see fit. He said there was a very good sound ordinance that regulated
the sound and cut off outdoor amplified sound at 10:00 p.m.; however, those
ordinances are still not being enforced and still being ignored. He said you
can go down Broadway and there is at least one venue which has outdoor
amplified sound until 2:00 ? 3:00 a.m. in the morning.
City Manager Hugley said he and Mr. Thorsen had a conversation
regarding this matter and said since that time, he had a meeting where
the Mayor and Chief of Police was involved, as well as all of our
Enforcement personnel from Special Enforcement and Inspections & Code,
and all the business license personnel and talked about the ongoing concerns
that you have had.
He said back years ago when the streetscapes project started downtown,
Former City Manager Carmen Cavezza and former Deputy City Manager
Richard Bishop at the time, made the decision that with all of Broadway
being torn up and the adverse impact it was having on businesses, that they
would suspend the enforcement of the ordinance at that time until the
construction was complete. He said he has had some conversation with the
former City Manager, as well as the former Deputy City Manager.
City Manager Hugley said the Mayor?s position has been and continues
to be that we need to enforce the ordinance and we agree that the ordinance
needs to be enforced. He said after they met with all those individuals, as
outlined above, they concluded that they are going to enforce the ordinance;
however, it?s going to take a little longer to get there.
He said the current ordinance is not being enforced and the proposed
ordinance is where they propose not to use railing, some other defining
points along Broadway for an outdoor caf?. He said the new ordinance
would allow music with the approval of the administration and it will be
doing certain hours and required to be within a certain decibel reading.
City Manager Hugley said we are going to enforce the ordinance and he
would ask Dr. Thorsen if he would indulge us for a little while longer where
we can get this ordinance down and bring an ordinance to the Council that
we can all agree with.
After hearing the comments from City Manager Hugley, Dr. Thorsen
said he has been before City Managers and the previous Mayor a number of
times on this issue and he have exhibited great patience. He said he is very
familiar with all of the proposed changes, as he sat on the committee.
Dr. Thorsen said his concern is the entertainment that is being
established
on the sidewalk. He said it is an establishing precedent and it is devaluing
the area. He then made some additional comments, after which he
responded to several questions of Mayor Wetherington and members of the
Council.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: TAX ALLOCATION DISTRICT
REFERENDUM, PROPERTY TAX FREEZE, AND WHISTLE
BLOWER POLICY:__________________________________________
Mr. Paul Olson, 13830 Upatoi Lane came forward and made comments
regarding the proposed referendum for tax allocation district that the citizens
will be voting on in November. He then made comments in which he said he
wanted to give some background history. He also read a copy of a
newspaper article regarding the TAD.
He also made comments regarding the Georgia Redevelopment law,
which he said is 24-pages. He spoke for some ten minutes in explaining
exactly what the law says, as well as made reference to what he considers a
conflict of interest matter.
City Manager Hugley responded to many of the comments made by
Mr. Olson. He said he has read the Georgia Redevelopment law that was
mentioned by Mr. Olson. He said the referendum that is on the ballot for
November is only to allow for redevelopment powers. He said if that
Referendum passes, all it would do is to say that this County has the
authority to approve TADs in various areas in Muscogee that meets the
qualifications. If the referendum passes, the process really would just be
getting started. He said there would be many, many steps that would be
required after the referendum pass that his government would have to work
on.
He said he would encourage the citizens to come to the educational
sessions that will be held on September 24th at 6:00 p.m. at CSU, September
28th at 12:00 p.m., at the Bradley Library, October 11th at 6:00 p.m. at Baker
Middle School and October 15th at 6:00 p.m., Midland Middle School.
Prior to Mr. Olson leaving the rostrum, he asked if the City has a whistle
blower policy, where employees could go and speak up if there was a
problem. He said the auditors encouraged the City Council to have a whistle
blower policy for city employees so that if they had a problem with anything
like the landfill, people could speak up without jeopardizing their job and a
have a safety net.
City Manager Hugley said what Albright, Fortenberry suggested was a
Tip line/hotline, but we don?t have such a hotline at this point. He said at
some point we will ask the Mayor & Council if they want to do that, then
we will do it.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she doesn?t know if there is a written
whistle blower policy, but said this Council has always said that any
employee can bring us any subject that they think needs to be looked into.
She said an internal auditor has no excuse for not telling the Mayor &
Council about anything, because they report directly to the Mayor.
City Attorney Fay said there are going to be public hearings held before
this Council approves any tax allocation district in the future and said there
are series of steps that have to be gone through even before it gets to this
Council with a redevelopment plan.
Several members of the Council then expressed their views regarding
TAD and redevelopment powers act and then responded to those concerns of
Mr. Paul Olson.
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COMER AVENUE:
Councilor Woodson said she would like to have the staff to get a report
from the Police Department that shows any statistics that they have as it
relates to crime in and around the Comer Avenue/ Comer Park area. Also,
let?s talk with the residents of that area about taking their passive park to
determine if they would like to have it converted into a skateboard park
City Manager Hugley said they have not talked with the residents of the
Comer Avenue area and said he will ask the Police Chief to provide the
crime statistics for that particular area. He said, as you know, we have
already broke this matter before the Council and got your approval with a
consulting firm out of California. He said we had a public forum on last
week and there were about thirty people in attendance at this forum, which
was great participation. He said they are excited about it and that project
is already moving.
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MR. BERT COKER, RE: TAX ALLOCATION DISTRICT
REFERENDUM, PROPERTY TAX FREEZE, AND WHISTLE
BLOWER POLICY:__________________________________________
Mr. Bert Coker, 5815 Ventura Drive came forward and said he is not for
or against the TAD, but said he wants to give some background information
on the Tax Allocation District and how we got to the point of where we are now.
He then read a newspaper article from the January 1, 2007 Columbus Ledger
Enquirer.
City Manager Hugley said Mr. Ken Bleakley did us the courtesy of coming to
this Council during the early process and did a presentation for us. He said
he has not been retained by the city nor has no affiliations with this
government.
Councilor Allen said what he heard in the newspaper article that
Mr. Coker read is that the funding for this project came from the Knight
Foundation. He said that answers the question that was presented by the
previous speaker (Paul Olson) regarding who is funding and paying for all of
this. He said the Knight Foundation is funding the educational portion of this
project through CSU.
After Mr. Coker concluded his presentation, several members of the Council
expressed their views and then responded to further concerns expressed by Mr.
Coker. City Manager Hugley also responded to questions of Mr. Coker.
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WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY:
Councilor Barnes said if we have not given any thought to a
whistleblower policy, he thinks it is something that we need to revisit.
Mayor Wetherington said he thinks it is an administrative decision to
make and he and the City Manager will work on that, if that is what the
Council wants to do. He said he doesn?t think it is necessary to take a vote
on that. He said we can implement that.
City Manager Hugley said he can have the staff to look at other
communities who may have a hotline. He said the little information that he
knows about a hotline, is that there are going to be pros and cons to it.
He said he thinks you can find an overwhelming number of communities do
not have anything such as a hotline. He said they will look at those who do
have a hotline and whose? monitoring the hotline and following up on all
the calls.
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NOTE: Councilor Allen left at 11:00 a.m..
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After continued discussion on this subject, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
said she would like for the staff to look at and give some consideration to
establishing an Employees? hotline for the Columbus Consolidated
Government.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION, WHICH WAS MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR
HENDERSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT,
WITH COUNCILOR ALLEN BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILORS DAVIS AND
MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING:________________________
A Resolution (377-07) ? Authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of
Understanding with Concordia Properties to widen Moon Road to four lanes
between Whittlesey Boulevard and Knology Way. The City will be responsible for
paying an amount not to exceed $1,300,000.
A Resolution (378-07) ? Authorizing the approval of a maintenance
agreement with Georgia Power to take over street light maintenance in the
amount of $36,007.
A Resolution (379-07) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Billings
Crossing Way, located in Billings Crossing Subdivision on behalf of Columbus,
Georgia.
A Resolution (380-07) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Magnolia
Way, located in Phase I Magnolia Place on behalf of Columbus, Georgia.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF
A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR
HENDERSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT
AT THE TIME, WITH COUNCILOR ALLEN BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILORS
DAVIS AND MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING:_
A Resolution (381-07) ? Authorizing the purchase of five (5) automated
citation issuance systems (AutoCite) and supplies from Enforcement Technology,
Inc., in the amount of $25,400.00. The Parking Management Division of METRA
Transit will use the handheld computers to monitor and enforce parking for the
downtown area. Per Resolution No. 153-00, dated April 4, 2000, Council
authorized the purchase of AutoCite handheld computers from Enforcement
Technology, Inc.
After using the equipment for seven (7) years, the Parking Management Division
is very familiar and proficient in the use of the AutoCite system.
Additionally, purchasing AutoCite handheld computers will maintain uniformity
of equipment. Enforcement Technology, Inc., is the manufacturer of AutoCite
handheld computers; therefore, Enforcement Technology, Inc., is considered an
only known source.
A Resolution (382-07) ?Authorizing the purchase of nine (9) automatic
announcement systems in the amount of $48,555.00 from Digital Recorders, Inc.,
(Durham, NC). Digital Recorders will provide and install the announcement
systems in METRA buses, which will enable passengers to hear clear messages
informing them of their upcoming stops. Currently, when buses arrive at
designated stops, the driver must announce the route and destination of the
bus. This system will be more convenient for passengers, especially those who
are visually or hearing impaired and those who are unfamiliar with the route.
Per Resolution No. 432-05, dated September 13, 2005, Council authorized the
purchase of twelve (12) automatic announcement systems from Digital Recorders.
After using the equipment for two (2) years, METRA is very familiar and
proficient in the use of this equipment. Additionally, purchasing the new
announcement systems will maintain uniformity of equipment. Therefore this
purchase is considered an only known source procurement, per the Procurement
Ordinance, Section 3-114.
A Resolution (383-07) ? Authorizing the approval of an annual contract
with Affordable Productions to provide video recording and broadcasting
services. The firm will be utilized on an ?as needed basis? to broadcast live
and record Council meetings, Planning Advisory Commission meetings, Historic
and Architectural Review Board meetings and various other ribbon cutting
ceremonies and news conferences.
A Resolution (384-07) ? Authorizing the purchase of fifty (50) tasers,
fifty (50) taser holsters, and taser cartridges from DGG Taser, Inc.,
(Jacksonville, FL) in the amount of $52,350.00. The Police Department will use
the tasers as an additional tool in the Less Lethal Program. Officers will
have an option available that could prevent the necessity for ?deadly force,?
thereby possibly preventing serious injury to an officer, or a citizen taken
into custody. Taser International is the manufacturer of the less lethal Taser.
The authorized distributor for public safety entities in Georgia is DGG Taser,
Inc. Therefore this purchase is considered an only know source procurement,
per the Procurement Ordinance, Section 3-114.
--------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WASHINGTON AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: ___________________________________________________
(1) Notice of Joint GMA/ACCG Fall Training Program for Elected Officials,
November 16, 2007, Miller-Murphy-Howard Building in Perry, Georgia.
(2) Notice from ACCG, Re: Fall Policy Conference Business Session - Official
Call.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Water
Commissioners.
(4) Letter from Mr. Mark Oropeza, Airport Director, submitting the biographical
information of three nominees to fill the vacant seat of Mr. Jack Friou on the
Airport Commission.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL: _______________________________
A Resolution (385-07) ? Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from
the September 4, 2007 Council Meeting. Councilor Anthony made a motion to
adopt the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Allen being absent for this vote and Councilors Davis and McDaniel
being absent from the meeting.
A Resolution (386-07) ? Excusing Councilor Glenn Davis from the September
4, 2007 Council Meeting. Councilor Anthony made a motion to adopt the
resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Allen being
absent for this vote and Councilors Davis and McDaniel being absent from the
meeting.
A Resolution (387-07) ? Approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of July 2007. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of
the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Allen being absent
for this vote and Councilors Davis and McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Mr. Mark McCollum
requesting that the seat of Mr. Kevin Welch on the Uptown Facade Board be
declared vacant. Councilor Henderson moved the letter be received with regrets
and thanks for his service. Seconded Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Allen being absent for this vote and Councilors Davis and McDaniel
being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_______________________________
Airport Commission, July 25, 2007.
Animal Control Advisory Board, August 14, 2007.
Board of Health, June 27, 2007.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 32-07 & 33-07.
Board of Zoning Appeals, July 11, 2007.
Columbus Golf Authority, June 26, 2007.
NH Community Service Board, August 13, 2007.
Personnel Review Board, August 15, 2007.
Recreation Advisory Board, August 15, 2007.
Uptown Facade Board, July 16, 2007.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to receive the minutes. Seconded
by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor Allen being absent for this vote
and Councilors Davis and McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
AIRPORT COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Airport Commission has
submitted three nominees from which the Council may select someone to succeed
Mr. Jack Friou, who has resigned his seat on the Airport Commission. She said
the three nominees are Dr. Robert Edwards,
Mr. Kerry Hand and Mr. Bud Allen. Due to three members of the Council being
absent, Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this matter back on
next week for the Council to vote on.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Clerk of Council Washington if she made
the Airport Commission aware that we needed a representative from Senatorial
District 15 on this board. Clerk of Council Washington indicated that she has
done that, but these are the nominations that were forwarded to us.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then asked that this information be resubmitted
to the Airport Director.
*** *** ***
PENSION PLAN, EMPLOYEES? BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Mr. Robert Futrell as Public Safety Representative has expired, but that he is
eligible succeed himself. She also pointed out that the term of office of
Mr. Harvey Milner, as the City Employee Representative has also expired and
that he cannot succeed himself. She said the Mayor and City Manager are
working on getting a replacement for these two positions.
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Mayor & Council needs to
nominate a representative for the 2007-2008 school year to the Youth Advisory
Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh nominated Miss Kamilah White, as
the
Council 4 District representative. Councilor Henderson moved she be confirmed.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Allen being absent for
this vote and Councilors Davis and McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
Councilor Henderson then nominated Miss Quamori Goodwin as his Council
District 10 representative. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Allen being absent for this vote and Councilors Davis and McDaniel
being absent from the meeting.
Councilor Anthony nominated Miss Ashley Gerkin for his District 9
representative. Councilor Henderson moved that she be confirmed. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Allen being absent for this vote and
Councilors Davis and McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
Clerk of Council Washington said we also need a representative for Council
Districts 5, 6, 7, 8.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor
Wetherington then asked if there was anyone from the audience who had an issue
to come before the Council, they could be heard at this time. No one came
forward to be heard.
*** *** ***
TAX REFORM - REALTY CHECK:
City Manager Hugley said he would like to remind the Council members
about the Tax Reform, A Realty Check Forum that will be held today from
4:00 ? 6:00 p.m. at Columbus State University Cunningham Center.
*** *** ***
STORM DAMAGE:
Mayor Wetherington said he would like to bring the Council up-to-date
on an issue that he talked with you about over the telephone with respect to
some storm damage out behind Forest Road Elementary School. He said he
and the City Manager went out and looked at the area and said the streets
on Chorus Drive had a house that was destroyed there. He said Fairmont,
Bradshaw and Courtland Drive and Pinola Avenue all had damage and said
there were big trees blown over in the yards and just a lot of damage out
there in that area.
He said he appreciates you giving him the approval to have that area
cleaned up. He said there was a lot of damage and debris out on the side of
the road waiting to be picked up. He said he would hope that this Council
would give him and the City Manager the authority that if they see an area
that needs attention, to notify Public Services and get it cleaned up.
Mayor Wetherington said normally he, as the Mayor would have to
declare a disaster area. He said this was a small area that suffered a lot of
damage. He said he sit down and talked to a lot of the citizens out in that
area and they couldn?t understand why we couldn?t get this area cleaned up.
He said he wish the Council would just give him the authority rather than
him having to declare a disaster. He said if he or the City Manager sees that
the damage was done as a result of a storm that we should be able to get it
picked up.
Councilor Barnes asked what do we need to do in order to put that into
effect.
City Manager Hugley said he thinks that it can be done administratively
if the Council just had a consensus that they want to allow the
flexibility.
Councilor Barnes said he thinks it would make things easier for the
citizens if it is brought to your attention and then something could be done
immediately rather than having to bring it to the Council. He said he thinks
that would be very citizen friendly for us to have something in place like
that
Mayor Wetherington said this storm came through about three weeks
ago and said he found out about it a week ago. He said he and the City
Manager then went out and looked at it and said it was just the right thing to
do. He said they deserved the same action by the action that we took in the
Brookstone and Green Island area. He said they brought this to his attention,
saying why can?t they get the same attention that the people on the north end
of town received. He said he assured them that they would get it taken care
of.
Councilor Henderson said he is concerned as to why it took three weeks.
He said we should have been out there the next day to have this matter
cleaned up. He said he would like to know who refused the service. He then
asked if any member of the Council was contacted, or the Mayor and City
Manager contacted.
He said he think it is important to point out that this is something that
was
not denied to one area of town and was provided to another, because that just
doesn?t happen in this government. He said as far as he is concerned we
have always operated with the understanding that the City Manager in his
day to day duties under the guidance of the Mayor is supposed to be able to
respond to those types of situations. He said we ought to be notified at the
very next Council meeting so that we are aware of it. He said he thinks that
as long as there are some policies in place and that we are fairly standard
with the time that we give on the moratorium for charges on picking up
those large debris items.
Discussion continued on this subject for more than thirty minutes with
City Manager Hugley going into further details outlining how this matter
first came about.
Several members of the Council then expressed their views on this subject.
City Manager Hugley said because there is going to be a change in the
process, he said he would like to have a motion in this regard. Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion that the Mayor and City Manager are
authorized to use their discretion as it relates to storm damage trees in the
community. Seconded by Councilor Barnes.
Further discussions continued on this matter, with Councilor Henderson
saying that he agrees with the Mayor Pro Tem, but said at this juncture he
doesn?t think there is no reason to rush this through. He said we have a new
Director of Public Services and he would like to see some input on this
subject. He said he would like to leave it for the Mayor and City Manager
and even going down the road fifty years from now, he would hate to leave
it too much to their subjectivity and would rather see some guidelines in
place. He said we might have had these isolated cases in the past.
Councilor Henderson said he agrees that the government should
participate in helping these folks get these trees out of there for no other
reason than just to make the public roads passable. He said he is not ready to
vote on this matter today and feels like we need to have the full Council
voting on this issue. He said he think that we need a little more input from
the people whose job it is to take care of this.
Mayor Wetherington said he don?t know who is more important to make
those decision other than the Mayor and City Manager. He said obviously
you are going to have input from the Public Services Department.
Councilor Henderson said he thinks what we need to do is to get the two
of them together, the Mayor and City Manager, if he doesn?t want to include
the Director of Public Services. He said he would like for them to bring back
some recommended guidelines so that every time somebody calls regarding this
issue.
He said he would like to have more input from the two of you as to how
this is going to be governed because this is a shift in his mind from what we
have done in the past.
After more than fifty five minutes of discussion on this issue, with
members of the Council expressing their further views on this subject, the
question was then called on Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh?s motion, which
resulted in an inconclusive vote. Voting for the motion was Councilors
Anthony, Barnes, Hunter, Woodson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
Voting against the motion was Councilors Baker and Henderson.
Councilors Allen had already left the meeting and Councilors Davis and
McDaniel were absent from the meeting.
City Manager Hugley said they can bring some information back to the
Council on next week regarding this subject.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would also like to make the motion
to state that those individuals who had to pay the tree for fee when their
neighbors didn?t be refunded their monies only in this particular case.
Seconded by Councilor Barnes
Councilor Henderson said how do we know that?s the only one because
we just heard of another case out on McKee Road where Ms. Turner and
some other residents had to pay. He said how far back do we go. He said he
thinks this is an immediate reaction to problem that?s we?re going to have
going on; therefore, he thinks a little more study makes sense.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said for those residents who was affected by
the storm that happened three weeks ago should not have to pay to have their
tree limbs picked up.
After further discussion on this matter, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
then withdrew her motion with respect to reimbursement of the tree for fee.
*** *** ***
EXPRESSION OF THANKS TO COLUMBUS REGIONAL:
Councilor Barnes said he would like to express thanks to Mr. Larry
Sanders, Mr. Tom Titus and Mr. Lance Duke of Columbus Regional Hospital for
inviting him and Councilor Baker to Columbus Regional to give
them a historical prospective of the hospital. He said of all the things that
they do, as far as indigent care, and how much they do in the community.
He said they have done an excellent job in the indigent care area, as well as
the neonatal intensive care area.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Woodson
and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time,
with Councilor Allen being absent for this vote and Councilors Davis and
McDaniel being absent from the meeting, with the time being 11:35 a.m.
*** *** ***
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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