MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 27, 2015
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 5:34 A.M., Tuesday, January 27, 2015, on the 2nd Floor of the
Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia
Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson were Councilors Mike Baker,
Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis, Bruce Huff, Judy Thomas and Evelyn Woodson City
Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy
Sheftall, Clerk of Council Tiny Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey
Glisson were also present. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh took her seat at 5:48 p.m.
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ABSENT: Councilors R. Gary Allen, Tom B. Buck III and Berry H. Henderson were
absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Chaplain Roy Isasi-Columbus Police Department.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Teresa Tomlinson.
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STATEMENT OF MAYOR TOMLINSON:
Mayor Tomlinson said she is going to be making a statement this evening
related to an unfortunate event. She said on Sunday, the Ledger-Enquirer
published an interview and said in that interview there was no less than a
dozen miss-statements, false statements, and miss-representations, but those
have been contested in court and are the subject matter of contested
litigation. She said we have filed pleadings, called answers; but they have
been denied, and said, we are, of course, very heatedly defending those
lawsuits, and said, she will not comment on that any further. She said there
were three statements that were flatly false; which relates to legal
proceedings of how this city conducts itself.
She then went into further details in addressing specifically each of
those statements, because she said we can?t tolerate elected officials or as a,
e City government, the impression that we are not doing things lawfully, or not
doing things in accordance with the regulations.
Mayor Tomlinson spoke for some ten minutes regarding this matter.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
FY2014 Audit Report:
Mr. Larry Young, of Albright, Fortenberry & Ninas came forward and gave
their independent audit report of the Columbus Consolidated Government?s
financials.
After Mr. Young presented his report, City Manager Hugley and Mayor
Tomlinson, as well as some members of the Council made comments regarding this
report, and Mr. Young responding to those comments.
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USA POOLS LLC UPDATE:
Ms. Joan Perin, Forensic Auditor came forward and presented her final
findings of the compliance audit of USA Pools, LLC.
CHRONOLOGY OF ACTIVITY:
? July 23, 2014
? Audit began
? September 27, 2014
? Initial request for documentation
? Deadline October 13, 2014
? Documentation received October 16, 2014
? Documentation significantly incomplete
? Did not demonstrate compliance
? November 18, 2014
? Presentation to Council
? December 3, 2014
? Meeting with USA Pools
? USA Pools agreed to provide information, resolve issues, and provide a
written response
? Deadline December 19, 2014
? December 19, 2014
? Received written response
? Virtually none of other documentation provided
? January 14, 2015
? Sent follow-up letter offering a final opportunity to provide documentation
? Deadline January 21, 2015
? January 21, 2015
? Received e-mail stating that information would be provided by close of
business on Friday January 23, 2015
? January 26, 2015
? Some documentation was provided
? Have not had a chance to thoroughly review but does not appear to be complete
MAJOR ISSUES:
? Certifications of staffing
? American Red Cross
? Marketing plan
? Access to financial data
? Failure to maintain pools
CERTIFICATIONS OF STAFFING:
? AFO and CPO not designated
? Status of lifeguards and swim instructors unverified
AMERICAN RED CROSS:
? Licensed Training Provider Agreement
? Instructors must be identified
? Learn-to-Swim Facility Fee
? Fee based on number of enrollees and lifeguard certifications
MARKETING PLAN:
? No evidence of a marketing plan
ACCESS TO FINANCIAL DATA:
? USA Pools changed financial software system
? December 2, 2014
? Without notice to P&R
? Did not provide P&R immediate access to new system
? P&R has limited access as of last week
? Data from REC1 is unavailable
? New system Facility Management Software (unknown)
n Concerns about data integrity
? Lack of Access - Violation of contract provisions
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN POOLS:
? Lap pool
? Closed November 13, 2014
? Due to lack of chlorine
? P&R not informed by USA Pools
? Therapy Pool
? Closed January 22, 2015
? Due to lack of chlorine
? P&R not informed by USA Pools
FINAL ASSESSMENT:
? USA Pools
? Addressed some issues such as licensing and insurance
? Major issues not addressed adequately
? An inability to manage pool chemicals
USA Pools LLC has not demonstrated compliance to the requirements of the
contract and the promised level of services as sated on their bid proposal.
After Ms. Perrin concluded her presentation, she then responded to
questions of members of the Council.
Mr. John Williams, President of USA Pools, Inc. also came forward and
responded to Ms. Perrin?s final audit findings, as well as responded to several
questions of Mayor Tomlinson and members of the Council, after which the
following resolution, as listed below was then adopted by the Council.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION, HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE CITY
MANAGER?S AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL: __
A Resolution ? (19-15) Authorizing the cancellation of the contract with
USA pools for the provision of management services for the Columbus Natatorium.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being absent
from this meeting.
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MINUTES: Minutes of January 13, 2015 Council Meeting of the Council of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia was submitted and approved upon
the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being absent from this
meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
An Ordinance (15-2) ? Rezoning properties located at 920 9th Street and
800 9th Avenue from an LMI (Light Manufacturing / Industrial) zoning
district to GC (General Commercial) zoning district. The proposed uses are
warehousing and convenience store with gas sales. The Planning Advisory
Commission and the Planning Department recommend approval.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being absent from this
meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND WAS DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL UNTIL THE FEBRUARY 10, 2015 COUNCIL MEETING AT
THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR
WOODSON:_____
An Ordinance (15-3) ? Amending the text to the Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO) to allow Restaurants (General) as a Special Exception Use in
the HIST (Historic) zoning district. The Planning Advisory Commission and the
Planning Department recommend approval.
Councilor Woodson said she met this weekend with the representative for
Caf? 222, as well as spoke with Mr. Mulligan, and also spoke with Mr. Mark
Cantrell from the Geotheous House. She said she also spoke with the new
President of HPCS and said they met on Saturday and did a walk around the two
restaurants in the area. She said after their meeting, they came up with a
multi agreement among all of them and a compromise that she would like for the
City Attorney to look at and review it. She said they decided that they best
thing to do was to delay this until February 10th. She said she would ask the
Council to support her in this delay.
Councilor Woodson then made a motion to delay the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being absent
from this meeting.
City Attorney Fay said if we come up with a substantive amendment, this
will come back on first reading for another public hearing. He said if any
Councilor wants to the keep the current ordinance in the current form that will
always come back.
Councilor Davis then asked Director of the Planning Department, Rick
Jones, if there is an opportunity through an amendment that could possibly
solve a lot of the issues at hand, and there may be some ways to make some of
those adjustments in the UDO and to find a resolution to address some of the
concerns of the area residents in that community.
Mr. Jones said he has talked with Councilor Woodson about that and how we
can come up with a better alternative to address that matter. He said that
they are open and hopefully between now and the next Council meeting, that they
can come up with a real solution to make this work.
City Attorney Fay also responded to a question of Councilor Thomas, with
regards to the process and how the amendment would be handled, if she doesn?t
agree with the amendment; and how she would get back to the original ordinance.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
An Ordinance (15-3) ? Rezoning properties located at 2104, 2112, and 2120
Floyd Road from an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to GC (General
Commercial) zoning district. (District 4-Councilor Pugh) The proposed use is
general retail. The Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department
recommend approval.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being absent
from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING AFTER MUCH
DISCUSSION:__________________
An Ordinance ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by enacting
time limit restrictions for parking and ranking, handicap parking and loading
zones on the streets within the Uptown Business District, authorizing the
installation of official traffic control signs and pavement markings indicating
said restrictions; repealing any conflicting ordinances; and for other purposes.
Councilor Thomas asked if this have been discussed with the businesses
that it is going to effect and what their response has been. She said she knows
that there are some places that is on Front Street that are now eight hour
parking that we are anticipating going to four hour parking, and asked if that
has been discussed with the businesses there.
Mr. Doc Dorsey, Traffic Engineer Manager said that they have been in
discussion with Mr. Richard Bishop of Uptown Columbus on reviewing this
ordinance to make sure that he is in agreement with and also through him,
received responses from the local business.
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin said a couple of years ago they did have
public meetings with the businesses in Uptown Columbus and any of those
interested persons, and said this was all part of the Uptown parking revamp.
She said there were several public meetings held and said we laid out all of
their plans in terms of what we wanted to do, and we got their input on making
those changes. She said years ago, Front Avenue was
4-hours parking and said when they started with the construction on Front
Avenue and all of that development, they changed it to 8-hours to accommodate
all of that construction. She said we made them aware of what all those changes
were and told them that we would be recommending bringing it back to the 4-hour
parking.
She said they did come back to the Council to reiterate all of that and
told you everything that happened at those public meetings. She said that was
one of the recommendations that we came to you with.
Ms. Goodwin said the only person that they heard from was W. C. Bradley,
and said they were the only ones who wanted to keep it eight hours.
After continued discussion on this matter, Ms. Goodwin, City Attorney Fay
and Traffic Engineer Manager Dorsey then responded to further questions of
members of the Council regarding motorcycling parking. During the discussion,
there were several referrals made by the Mayor and Council, which are outlined
below.
BROADWAY PARKING:
During the discussion on the proposed increased fines for parking
violations, Councilor Davis requested information on the amount of space needed
for motorcycle parking on Broadway. The diagrams presented depicted 2-3
motorcycles allowed per space. A request for 3-4 motorcycles per space was
included in this referral.
City Manager Hugley said we may need to do some additional research to
determine if there are any industry standards for motorcycles parking.
Mr. Richard Bishop, of Uptown Columbus, requested an amendment to this
ordinance, in that 15-minute parking places along the medians on Broadway. A
concern was expressed on whether or not drivers would be able to maneuver in
and out of parking spaces.
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In addition to the referral made by Councilor Davis, with regards to the
question of the motorcycles parking, Councilor Thomas also suggested that the
staff contact the local Chattahoochee Harley Davidson to determine what their
preference is in the number of motorcycles per space.
Councilor Thomas then requested that the staff get with the proper
authority from the Columbus Police Department and Columbus Fire & EMS in
reference to emergency vehicles having proper clearance to access Broadway if
this amendment is approved.
Councilor Thomas also said once the information is received from the
Columbus Police Department and Columbus Fire & EMS, have the Engineering staff
to come back to the Council with his recommendations.
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Councilor Woodson also requested that Mr. Richard Bishop to put a plan
together that we can look at, and discuss, as well as also to look into whether
or not these 15-minute parking spaces will be in use for specific hours during
the day.
After more than thirty minutes of discussion regarding this ordinance,
this matter was concluded. City Attorney Fay said this ordinance will be
brought next week on second reading and said it will be subject to further
amendment.
City Attorney Fay said they have also received a text from the Director of
the local HOG Chapter and said they are recommending two motorcycles per
standard parking space.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:
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An Ordinance ? Amending Columbus Code Section 20-16.11 so as to increase
fines for parking violations effective February 25, 2015; repealing conflicting
ordinances; and for other purposes.
Mayor Tomlinson said this was part of the budget, and said there was some
kind of clerical error and said it was left off.
Deputy City Manager Goodwin in response to a question of Councilor Thomas
said this increase will affect everyone and any agency that writes parking
tickets at any location in Columbus.
City Attorney Fay said if this ordinance is adopted at the next Council
meeting, the penalty it will go into effect February 25, 2015.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS DELAYED ON FIRST READING AT THE REQUEST OF
COUNCILOR DAVIS: __________
An Ordinance ? Amending Ordinance #14-25 for the Fiscal Year 2015 beginning
July 1, 2014 and ending June 30,215, for certain positions of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; and for other purposes.
Councilor Davis made a motion to delay the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present at
the time, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being absent from this
meeting.
City Attorney Fay said this ordinance will be delayed until the Budget
Chairman asks that it be brought back.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_
___
A Resolution (20-15) ? Granting a hardship variance request to waive the
minimum street frontage requirement in order to relieve landlocked lots at 988
Moore Road.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being absent
from this meeting
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay requested a brief executive on security plans and
litigation after the adjournment of tonight?s meeting.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS APPEARED BEFORE THE COUNCIL ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA
TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING SUBJECT MATTERS, AS LISTED BELOW:________
MR. ALLEN D. SMITH, REPRESENTING NORTH HIGHLAND, RE:
DEMOLITION:___ _____________
Mr. Allen D. Smith, who requested to be listed on tonight?s Public Agenda
to speak to the subject of Demolition, did not respond when given the
opportunity to address the Council.
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MR. RONZELL BUCKNER, REPRESENTING TURN AROUND COLUMBUS, RE: MARTIN LUTNER
KING OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER:
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Mr. Ronzell Buckner, representing Turn Around Columbus, came
forward and asked those who were present with him tonight regarding this
matter, to please stand. There were approximately 25 to 30 individuals present
with Mr. Buckner.
Mr. Buckner said he would like to give a special thanks to everyone that
is present here tonight; and said he would like to recognize the drug fighters
because it was them, Mr. Lockett, and the new president, Mrs. Lockett,.. they
were the ones who started this back in 1992 when they came to him, as a
businessman, in his community; asking him to help them to bring some peace and
stability to their community. He said they were afraid to sit on their porch
because of drugs in the community, and said when he went to the Carver Heights
area he couldn?t believe the traffic because it looked like the Macon Road
traffic at that particular time. He said when they came to him, and asked him
to help, he told them that he would help, but they would have to give him a
commitment, that they would stay with what they are doing, cleaned their
community up and then we would take a look at how we could even make their
community better.
Mr. Buckner said they did what they said they were going to do, even Mrs.
Banks, who is no longer with us, as well as Mrs. Hennessey.
He said that is the reason he is here tonight, is that on February 26,
2013, he talked about a vision that he had about Martin Luther King Jr.
Boulevard. He said that vision was to make an Outdoor Learning Center to Dr.
King.
Mr. Buckner said our State Representative has been charged by the
Governor, to put a statue on the State Capitol in Atlanta of Dr. King. He said
this month was Dr. King?s celebration month, and said all of the activities
that took place were very good. He said what they are looking at with Turner
Around Columbus,?after this month has ended and all of the activities have
ended; then we have to wait another year, to start all over again to celebrate
all of the sacrifices Dr. King made. He said with the Outdoor Learning Center,
we can celebrate Dr. King?s sacrifices every day.
He said the paperwork that he distributed to the Council members on
tonight, was a copy of the program where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke
here in Columbus in 1958; and said many of you may not have known that.
Mr. Buckner said with the Outdoor Learning Center, they have already
developed, and it is now in use. He said they have identified eighteen
additional historical sites on this Outdoor Learning Center, as well as have
gotten our school children involved.
Mr. Buckner spoke for some ten minutes providing some additional
information regarding this Outdoor Learning Center saying that this Outdoor
Learning Center can be a win, win for the City of Columbus; and said it can be
a tourist attraction for our city; and make revenue from this. He said we can
set the example as to how Dr. King can be honored.
He said it is time for us to move forward with this Outdoor Learning
Center. He said we are ready to move forward on this, therefore, he is asking
this Council to consider this Outdoor Learning Center, in which we are already
using. He said Congressman John Lewis is in the process of sending a Letter of
Recognition, and Congressman Bishop sent one on last week; supporting the
idea. He said Representative Carolyn Hugley and also Senator Ed Harbison.
Mr. Buckner said we need our Council members to move on this and to
give us some answers; let us continue to grow our city and become One
Columbus.
After the conclusion of his presentation, several members of the Council
made comments regarding this matter.
Councilor Woodson suggested that a Work Session be held, and that it be
dedicated solely on the topic of the Outdoor Learning Center and that Turn
Around Columbus be invited to attend that Work Session; and see what are some
of the plans and ideas that they have for this project.
City Manager Hugley said he would love to do that, and he thinks it?s time
for us to get it moving. He said the Planning Department staff came forward
with a three-lane and a four-lane proposal; not a two-lane. He said no
two-lane proposal has been made.
He said what he would like to do, based on what Councilor Woodson has
requested, is that on the second Tuesday in February, he will have our Planning
Department staff to come back with a three-lane and a four-lane proposal for
Martin Luther King Jr., Boulevard, as it exist today; from Buena Vista Road to
10th Avenue, with the Outdoor Learning Center, as was presented. He said it
would then be his hope that on the fourth Tuesday in February that we can come
back to the Council and ask for a decision.
He said it is either three-lane or four-lanes, with an Outdoor Learning
Center.
After City Manager Hugley concluded his comments on what he described as
the first phase of the transportation project for Martin Luther King, Jr.,
discussion continued on this matter with members of the Council expressing
their further views on this matter.
Mr. Buckner then concluded this discussion by saying that he is looking
forward to working with the Council, as far as fundraisers and any other thing
that he can do to make this a reality. He said let?s take the dream away and
let?s celebrate Dr. King every day.
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MR. HARRY UNDERWOOD, REPRESENTING PFLAG COLUMBUS, RE: PROTECTION OF
RESIDENTS AGAINST DISCRIMINATION: ______________
___________
Mr. Harry Underwood, representing PFLAG Columbus, Re: Protection
of residents against discrimination came forward and read a prepared statement
about PFLAG and what their organization does. He said his reason for being here
tonight is to ask the Council to consider passing legislation, in which will
protect persons of all sexual orientation and gender identities from
discrimination in housing, public accommodations and both private and public
employment. He said alongside other protected classes, such as sex, race, skin
color, national origin and religious affiliation. He said he ask this because
our history as a country is strongly tinged with oppressive, often violent
practices against citizens of this country of ours on the basis of a perceived
flouting of an expected sexual orientation or gender identity.
He said this has gone on for much of our nation?s history.
Mr. Underwood said as we have matured as a country and have extended
civil rights, liberties and solidarities to people who were not previously
considered as deserving of such perks of citizenship, or even to be considered
to be human beings, such as African American slaves, and Native Americans; and
other peoples, even after slavery was overthrown in this country after the
civil war, including Jewish people, Irish people, and others considered
underclass of an ethic identity. He said they have faced questions about how
much, we as a society, are obligated to mandate a basic
expectation; in the civil space of mutual respect for human beings, who are
differently identified from the status quo or majority.
After Mr. Underwood concluded his comments, Mayor Tomlinson asked that he
get his information to the City Attorney so he can review it, and said, he will
do a staff memorandum regarding your request.
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UPDATES:
City Manager Hugley said if the Council doesn?t object, he would like to
postpone the two updates that he has listed on his agenda until the February
10th Council meeting.
City Manager Hugely said the Civic Center Director has just informed him
that he has some vendors present with him tonight; therefore, we will not delay
that one.
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MR. JEFFREY L. JOHNSTON, RE: SMOKING IN TAXICABS, DRUG TESTING AND SALES
TAX:______ ____
Mr. Jeffrey L. Johnston came forward and once again made comments
regarding smoking in taxicabs, drug testing, and sales tax. He said he wants to
talk to you about lost monies for taxicab companies. He said he knows that the
City Attorney feels that this is a Georgia Department of Revenue matter, but
said he doesn?t like to hear that, and he knows that this Council doesn?t like
to hear that.
Using a slide presentation, Mr. Johnson said what this $207,000 is; this
is income for one year in the taxicab industry in Columbus, Georgia. He said he
contacted Augusta Georgia; and said he spoke with about 12 taxicab companies
and said what they do in that city, is that they have a permit process. He said
they have to get a business license.
Mr. Johnston spoke for some ten minutes in expressing his further views
regarding sales tax for taxicab drivers here in the City of Columbus, as well
as no smoking in taxicabs and drug testing for taxicab drivers.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Mr. Johnston to send her an email
explaining the fees that he talked about and how he came up with those figures;
and what we charge and what we don?t charge.
Councilor Davis, speaking to City Manager Hugley said in the past, he
knows that the State has contracted out with auditors to come in and audit
various businesses throughout the City and said he don?t know if they are still
doing that or not. He asked if there is a way to find out if they are still
dealing that.
City Manager Hugley said we can certainly make a request, but said one of
the issues that we have dealt with is the point of sales data; and said they
just don?t have enough auditors to go out and do the work. He said he will
check on that.
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MS. AUDREY H, PALMORE, RE: REQUESTED MEETING:
Ms. Audrey H. Palmore said she is here tonight for the purpose as stated
on the Agenda. She said she has sought via the communication on several times
to meet with the Mayor; starting on December 11, 2014. She said she also wanted
to meet with Mr. John Williams, who previously spoke about USA Pools tonight.
She said she went to the Mayor?s Office on December 11, 2014 and left
notification with the proper authorities to notify Mayor Tomlinson that she had
a desire to meet with her; and said since that time, she have not heard from
Mayor Tomlinson about her concern of meeting with her.
Ms. Palmore said she is still desirous of meeting with the Mayor, and she
would like for the Mayor to schedule a date and time, so that she, as a citizen
of this community, can express her concerns. She said they are directly related
to USA Pools, Inc. She said in view of the decision of this Council to change
the management status of USA Pools, Inc.; she has no need to meet with them at
this time. However, she still has a desire and an obligation to meet with Mayor
Tomlinson, so that she can find out some of the details about the issues
concerning the pools, so that she can come back and express to the citizens of
Columbus her concerns about the management of USA Pools, Inc. because she has
friends and offspring there who are active mode there, and they need to know
what they can except moving forward.
Mayor Tomlinson responded to those concerns of Ms. Palmore. She said you
contacted me because your daughter used to work at the Aquatics Center and
there was some severing of a relationship there. She said because USA Pools,
Inc., is an independent contractor, they hire, fire and pay pursuant to their
rules; so, any employee dispute goes directly through them, it is not
effectively dealt with by her office. She said related to this subject, all of
the answers were in the hands of USA Pools, Inc., and your referrals were made
to appropriate person related to that, so you could talk about an employee
situation.
After Mayor Tomlinson concluded her comments regarding this matter, she
said that the City Manager had a meeting with Ms. Palmore and then asked him to
make comments in that regard.
City Manager Hugley said he met with Ms. Palmore and her daughter, Deputy
City Manager Goodwin and Dr. James Worsley on last week for more than an hour
on this matter.
Ms. Palmore said because the Mayor is the Public Safety Officer of this
community, she wanted to meet with the Mayor about a public safety issue
concerning the Columbus Aquatic Center; which she is still concerned about. She
said she wanted to meet with the Mayor privately, but if she doesn?t want to do
that, she can appear on the public agenda, to discuss what this Council voted
on in February 2013, and that was to hire the USA Pools, Inc., for the
management of the Aquatic Center.
After more than twenty minutes of discussion regarding this matter, this
issue was concluded after the Mayor asked Ms. Palmore to come by her office and
set up that appointment.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
CIVIC CENTER FOOD/BEVERAGE CHANGES:
Civic Center Director Ross Horner came forward and gave a brief
presentation of the changes that have taken place at the Civic Center.
He said he has been in front of the Council twice about the food and beverages
at the Civic Center, the first time being on June 24, 2014 and said during that
presentation, he mentioned the changes that we needed to make in our food and
beverage operations. He said the need to not only localize our offerings, but
to create a better and user experience for our patrons.
He said when he came to the Council back in September, he mentioned that
they were in the transition phase of doing just that; and they had just
progressed through some RFPs and said they were still in the middle of one at
that particular time, and were self-operating and hanging on and making sure
they were able to provide the experience for their events.
Mr. Horner then showed a power-point presentation of the various changes
that were made at the Civic Center. He also showed a short video highlighting
some of the new vendors who are currently serving at the Civic Center. He also
showed some of the financial impacts of the Civic Center, as well as the Ice
Rink.
Mr. Horner then introduced those individuals who were present with him, to
include Mr. Charles Benjamin, Part-time Food & Beverage Coordinator, Mr. Matt
O?Brien, Willy T?s Wings, Mr. Ed Miller, Bruster?s/Nathan?s Hot Dogs, Ms. Wendy
Wingo, our alcohol provider; and Mr. Trenton Chester of Chester?s BBQ.
After Mr. Horner?s presentation, several members of the Council made
comments regarding the Civic Center
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (21-15) ? Designating Thursday, December 24, 2015 as the
designated floating holiday for the Columbus Consolidated Government for the
FY2016 Holiday Schedule.
City Manager Hugley also distributed a hand-out, which he says has the
garbage collection schedule for all of the holidays that we have during the
course of the year; and said we will post this on our website once we get your
approval. He said we want to make sure that people are aware, in advance; of
the holiday schedule and how it works.
Councilor Baker moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Huff said we had a problem from the end of last year, coming
into this year; and then asked if the new schedule will address that issue.
He said on last year, we had a Tuesday or Friday pick up that was missed twice;
and when we got to the beginning of the new- year; the Wednesday that we
normally don?t pick up on, they backed it a day and picked it up for those who
normally go Monday and Thursdays. He then asked if we are going to rotate for
the Tuesday and Friday crowd, if it happens again.
City Manager Hugley said we will miss the Friday of Thanksgiving and the
Friday of Christmas and New Years. He said on those three Fridays, there will
be no pickup because they are holidays.
Councilor Huff then asked, if we are going to pick up on Wednesday or
Thursday because that is what we did for the Thursday crowd; we backed it up to
the Wednesday that we normally don?t pick up on. Deputy City Manager Goodwin
said that is what we will do in this case as well for these upcoming holidays.
She said for FY-16, Wednesday?s will be the makeup date for those who normally
get pick up on Thursday.
Councilor Thomas and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh also expressed some
concerns regarding those individuals who will miss pickup for two weeks in a
row; those two Fridays during Christmas and New Year.
After discussion on this matter, the question was then called on the
motion to adopt the resolution, which carried unanimously by those six members
of Council present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being absent for this
vote, and Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
RECYCLING BINS:
Regarding the concerns of some members of Council, as it relates to the
recycling bins, Director of Public Works, Pat Biegler came forward and pointed
out that we purchased 2,500 recycling bins this year out of the budget and said
they have caught up with the names on the waiting list, and said they are a
week out for delivery. She said they have less than 500 on hand right now, and
said those are for those citizens who call in and request them. She said once
we run out of the ones that we have purchased, if you want to buy one they are
available; and the cost is $15.00. She said if you call and get on the list,
you can probably get it, and said the small bins are still available and anyone
who wants more than one, we can get one.
*** *** ***
AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR THOMAS, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS CALLED UP
AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND WAS
ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (22-15) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a grant from The
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to Fund the Muscogee County Veterans
Court and Award Of $225,000 to provide funding from January 1, 2015 through
August 30, 2017. Funding will have a State required match of $62,500, which
will be deducted from the total award resulting in $162,500 going to the Court
Program.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being
absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (23-14) ? Authorizing the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to
maintain Columbus' Local Main Street designation by the National Main Street
Center and appoint Uptown Columbus to serve as the Local Main Street Program
Board of Directors.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being
absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (24-15) ? Authorizing the Planning Department to submit an
Opportunity Zone application to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being
absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (25-14) ? Authorizing the City Manager to allow the execution
of a Quit Claim Deed a portion of City Right of Way to Schuster Enterprises,
LLC (Burger King) at 3101 Gentian Boulevard.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being
absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (26-15) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to that
portion of Essex Heights Court located in Section Four, Wooldridge Heights.
Councilor Baker moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being
absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (27-15) ? Authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant for
equipment in the amount of $13,762.73 or as otherwise awarded, from the
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, and to amend the Multi-Governmental
Fund by the amount awarded. The Bullex Fire Extinguisher Training System will
be utilized by Columbus Fire and Emergency Medical Services to train citizens
of Columbus how to properly/safely use a fire extinguisher. The Bullex Fire
Extinguisher Training System uses advanced laser technology to simulate the
discharge of a fire extinguisher for a completely clean, safe and cost
effective training experience. Fire extinguisher training can be conducted
indoors as well as outdoors; allowing for a greater number of citizens to be
trained. Citizens can now be trained in schools, workplaces, or anywhere
emergencies may occur. Data collection during training allows for immediate
trainee feedback, ensuring fire extinguisher proficiency.
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present
at the time, with Councilor Allen being absent from this meeting.
THE FOLLOWING 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
COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH
COUNCILORS ALLEN, BUCK AND HENDERSON BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:____
____________
A Resolution (28-15) ? Authorizing payment to Tyler Technologies, Inc.,
(Dallas, TX) in the amount of $32,777.33 for the annual software support and
license renewal for Eagle Imaging Software. This payment will cover the period
from august 1, 2014 through July 31, 2015.
A Resolution (29-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of hazmat supplies and
equipment, on an "as needed basis?, from Sasco Chemical Group (Albany, GA) for
the estimated annual contract value of $162,969.16.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: ________________________________________________
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Historic & Architectural
Review Board.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Applications for
Recorder?s Court Judge positions.
(3) Biographical sketch of Mr. Gregory Smith, Councilor Henderson?s nominee for
the Community Development Advisory Council.
(4) Letter from Director Richard Howell, submitting three nominees for the seat
of Mr. Don Cook on the Airport Commission.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:______
__ _____
A Resolution (30-15) ? Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the
January 13, 2015 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (31-15) ? Excusing Councilor Tom Buck from the January
27, 2015 Council Meeting.
Councilor Baker moved the adoption of the resolutions. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being absent
from this meeting.
*** *** ***
AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR BAKER, THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: ______________________________________________
A Resolution (32-15) ? ? Excusing Councilor Berry H. Henderson from the
January 27, 2015 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (33-15) ? Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the
January 27, 2015 Council Meeting.
Councilor Baker moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being absent
from this meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________ _____
Board of Tax Assessors, 01-15.
Board of Water Commissioners, October 20 & December 8, 2014.
Civic Center Advisory Board, January 15, 2015.
Columbus Golf Course Authority, November 25 & December
23, 2014.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion that these minutes be received.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being
absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
NOMINATIONS AND/OR CONFIRMATION OF BAORD MEMBERS WERE MADE TO THE
FOLLOWING BOARDS BY THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA:____________________
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
AIRPORT COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we have received the three
nominees from the Airport Commission, from which the Council may select someone
to succeed Mr. Don Cook, who has resigned from the board. She the three
nominees are Mr. Chris I. Badcock, Ms. Tana McHale and Mr.
William Carter Woolfolk.
Clerk of Council Washington said since there are three councilors absent,
she didn?t know if the Council wanted to take a vote or wait until next week.
Councilor Woodson asked that the vote be postponed until the next regular
meeting.
*** *** ***
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Gail Simpson has been
nominated to succeed Mr. David Mackie and that she may now be confirmed.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that we are still waiting to
hear back from the Veterinary Association regarding their representative for
someone to succeed Dr. Carol Houston. She also pointed out that Mr. Terry
Gumbert has resigned and that Council must nominate someone to fill this
position.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then nominated Ms. Becky Carter to fill the
unexpired term of Mr. Terry Gumbert.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Mr. Chuck H. McDaniel, III on the Community Development Advisory Council has
expired and that he is not eligible to succeed himself for another term of
office. She further pointed out that Councilor Baker is working on a
replacement for this seat.
She also pointed out that Ms. Clementine Cochran, who serves as Council
District 10 representative is not eligible to succeed herself for another term
of office and that Councilor Henderson is nominating
Mr. Gregory Smith, and that he may be confirmed. Councilor Baker so moved.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Buck and
Henderson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that on last week Mr. Xavier
McCaskey and Mr. Rafael Rose?s seat were declared vacant and that Council must
now nominate someone to fill these two positions.
*** *** ***
HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out Mr. Matt McDaniel, who serves as
the Historic District Resident member on the Historic & Architectural Review
Board has resigned his seat, due to him no longer living in the district. She
pointed out that Council must nominate someone to fill this unexpired term.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of
Mr. James Webster, Ms. Sarah Banks-Lang and Mr. Jim Laycock expired in
November. She further pointed out that Mr. Webster and Ms. Banks-Lang have both
been nominated to succeed themselves for another term of office, and that we
still need one additional nominee from which the authority will select someone
to replace the incumbents. She also pointed out that Mr. Jim Laycock has
resigned as he no longer is a resident of Muscogee County.
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that she has spoken with Muscogee
Manor about some recommendations and we are waiting to hear back from them.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Valerie A. Thompson, who
represents Council District Four, term of office expired back on October 31,
2014, and that she is not eligible to succeed herself, and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh is working on a replacement for her seat.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seat of Ms. Jodi Sears,
who represents the hotel/motel industry has been declared vacant and that the
Council will need to nominate someone else to fill this position.
*** *** ***
VALLEY PARTNERSHIP JOINT DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY:________________________________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Jacki Lowe has resigned
from her seat on the Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority due to her
being appointed to serve on the Development Authority. She pointed out that
Council will need to nominate someone else to fill this position.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:______
_____________________________________
A Resolution (34-15) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a donation from
Georgia Power Company and the Georgia Power Foundation, Inc., to help fund the
match for a Federal Grant to conduct a Tier 1 NEPA Study on the Proposed High
Speed Passenger Rail Line from Columbus to Atlanta, Georgia.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to approve the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being
absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Tomlinson entertained a motion to go into executive session to
discuss a litigation matter. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to allow
the Council to go into executive session to discuss a litigation matter.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being
absent from this meeting.
At 10:12 p.m., the Council adjourned its meeting to go into executive
session. At 12:07 a.m., the meeting was reconvened.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Barnes made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Allen, Buck and Henderson being absent from this meeting, with the
time being 12:08 a.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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