MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
OCTOBER 14, 2008
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 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 were Councilors R. Gary Allen,
Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson,
Julius H. Hunter, Jr., Charles E. McDaniel, 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: Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh was absent, but was excused upon the
adoption of Resolution Number 482-08.
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INVOCATION: Led by Reverend Norman Drummond, Associate Pastor
Calvary Baptist Church
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PLEDGE: Led by Mayor Wetherington.
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PROCLAMATION:
?NOELIA ZANON DAY?:
With the Honorable Noelia Zanon, Ambassador Designate of Spain standing at
the Council table, Councilor Allen read the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington,
proclaiming October 14, 2008 as ?Noelia Zanon Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
Mayor Wetherington also presented a key to the City to Ms. Zanon.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH PASTOR NORMAN DRUMMOND STANDING AT THE COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING
RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HUNTER AND
ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (465-08) ? Commending members of Calvary Baptist Church,
Calvary Christian School, and volunteers of the Columbus Red Cross for
providing food and shelter for Hurricane Gustav evacuees. Councilor Hunter
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting with
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS
ADVERTISED:____________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 5550 Whittlesey Boulevard is
proposed for rezoning from GC (General Commercial), RO (Residential-Office),
and SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) zoning districts to PUD (Planned Unit
Development) zoning district. (34-A-08-Woodruff Brokerage Co.) The proposed use
is retail, office, live work and multi-family residential.
Councilor Anthony said he would like for Ms. Lucy Jones to share some of
the Woodruff Company?s progressive strategies that they have for this project.
PROPONENTS:
Ms. Lucy Jones of the Woodruff Brokerage Company provided a packet of
information to the Mayor & Council and said this is package is representative
of the caliber of project, the upscale type of project this project will be.
(A copy was not filed with the Clerk of Council for the Council?s records)
She said the Adams family has retained the Woodruff Company to help them
plan, go through the process of rezoning, as well as to help them plan a
project since it is going to be something unique to Columbus. She said they are
trying to do something that Columbus really doesn?t have. She said they go
visit other communities and these types of projects are all over the county and
Columbus just doesn?t have this type of project.
Ms. Jones said this is approximately 65 plus or minus acres of property
and once the project is completed, they will be leasing and managing this
property. She said the Adams family wants to retain this property for years to
come. She said it is really a great fit for the two companies.
She said she has worked very closely with the Planning Advisory Commission
and they unanimously voted for this project. She said she worked very closely
with Will Johnson and Rick Jones of the Planning Department would like to thank
them for their help and willingness to work with them. She said this Council
would be proud of how they represented the City and the Planning Department
because they are forward thinking and really want to make something different
for Columbus. She said sometimes doing different things and things that provide
a change for the community are not the easy way. She said the easy way is to do
it the same old way every time.
Ms. Jones then introduced the team of folks who will be working on this
project. She said Steve Harper, Real Estate Consultant with Pinnacle Partners,
representing the George M. Adams Company, Mr. Bill Lipscumb, Partner and Chief
Creative Officer, for High Growth Partners. Land Planning/Landscape Firm out of
Atlanta, GA.
She said they have taken this project and tweaked it and will continue to do so
until the project is complete to make it the very best plan for Columbus,
Georgia.
Ms. Jones then went into further details in outlining the 65 acres PUD
project that they have planned for this area. She said with a PUD it allows
flexibility for the developer. She said it allows them to group apartments,
group retail, or offices together so that at the end of the day, they get the
50% open space requirement that is asked. She said you get larger greenspace
areas, and larger park areas because you have the flexibility with the zoning.
She said what a PUD rezoning does is really creates a live, work and play
environment. She said with the way the gas prices are and the increasing
traffic here in Columbus, this is something our city really needs it.
She said the project is consistent with the land-use plan in Columbus and
they will reduce the traffic out there. She said the way it sits today they can
build 4,000,000 plus square feet of additional retail and restaurant, instead
they will bring the residents in which will reduce the traffic significant.
Councilor Allen said it is his understanding that all the traffic will
enter and exit from the Whittlesey Road, Columbus Park Crossing side, and there
will be no traffic on Weems Road.
Ms. Jones said there will be a 200-foot buffer all along Weems and said
that buffer will not be disturbed. She said that was placed in the ordinance in
2000 when the Columbus Park Crossing was originally brought before the Council.
Councilor Baker said he is not opposed to the project and is in favor of
the zoning, and then asked the Director of the Department of Planning to come
forward to respond to some questions.
He said he is not concerned about the zoning, but said his concern is with
the timeline and said that we have Ginger Creek, Moon Road and western
Whittlesey Road and this project sits in the bulls eye and asked Mr. Jones if
he has looked at that and is he comfortable from an infrastructure standpoint
that those projects will be okay with this going in.
Mr. Rick Jones, Director of the Planning Department said they are
comfortable in terms of trying to manage this and the road projects as we go
along. He said the western end of Whittlesey Road from Veterans to Whitesville
is still under way at the present time, as they are still acquiring
right-of-ways. He said they are projecting that it will still take another six
to eight months of work on that project. He said they have already made
improvements on the other end at Moon Road & Whitttlesey improving that
intersection to handle the traffic which is normally backed up on the hill.
He said the other signalization on that project particularly right in front of
the church at North Highland Church is ready to come on line. He said they
should be able to accommodate this project very easily based on their timeline
for the complete build out.
Ms. Jones in response to further concerns of Councilor Baker said if they
get this rezoning passed, they are hoping to begin construction next spring and
will take approximately a year and the first phase will be approximately
200 units and will take another year to fully lease those. She said two years
from late spring of 2009 with the first residents living there. She said the
project would be over a five to ten year period at build out. She said the
impact would come on very, very slowly.
City Attorney Fay then asked if there was anyone else who wanted to be
heard on this matter, or was there any additional questions. There were none.
He said this ordinance would be voted on at next week?s Council meeting.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 8150 Fortson Road from RE1
(Residential Estate 1) zoning district to GC (General Commercial) zoning
district. (36-A-08-Fuller) The proposed use is commercial services.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner was present, but he did not make a presentation, as there
was no one was present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS ADVERTISED AND DELAYED FOR ONE WEEK BY THE
COUNCIL:_________
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 1212 Chaplin Drive from SFR2
(Single Family Residential 2) zoning district to SFR3 (Single Family
Residential 3) zoning district. (35-A-08-Ray Wright, Inc.) The proposed use is
single family residential.
PROPONENTS
Mr. Dale Smith, 6400 Bradley Park Drive representing Ray Wright, Inc. said
their conceptual drawing shows that they can get approximately 28 lots on this
property. A copy of the site plan was shown on the screen.
OPPONENTS:
Ms. Barbara Daniel, 1225 Chaplain Drive said when they built their home
out there in 1962, they was no exit into Chaplain Drive from the property that
is proposed to be built. She said she is opposed to the traffic; which is
almost a cul-de-sac. She said they have fifteen homes on Chaplain Drive and has
been a family neighborhood with nice homes. She said want Mr. Wright is
proposing to do is build townhouses. She said if you reduce the quality of the
zoning it is going to bring the neighborhood down.
She said she understands that Mr. Wright has the right to build there, as
he owns the property, but said if the zoning is changed, he will be able to
build approximately five more houses. She said she is afraid that this will
bring their property value down.
Ms. Daniel said this is their investment for the future and this is where
they have lived for a long time. She said they have raised their children there
and it is a family neighborhood, which has a park back there and said if you
put that much traffic out there, it will be dangerous for the children to walk
across the street to the park.
She said the road is a good paved road, but it is not a wide road and said
if the garbage trucks are coming by and you try to pass one or the other
vehicles has to stop to go by or go off the road. She said it is going to cost
the city some money to upgrade the road.
Ms. Daniel spoke for some seven minutes in expressing her opposition to
this proposed rezoning of the property of Chaplain Drive after which Mr. Rick
Jones of the Planning Division then responded to questions of members of the
Council.
Mr. Jones, in responding to concerns of the Council with respect to one
exit in and out of this property, said the traffic counts out there are
adequate for this project itself and said that is not an issue as far as they
are concerned. He said anytime you have one entrance and exit it is always an
issue for someone, but said in this particular project they did not consider
this to be an issue to deny this rezoning request. He said what you have here
today is really a site plan it?s not the actual subdivision plan yet. He said
they have not submitted their subdivision site work to them, as that will
include topography.
Councilor Woodson said she is not comfortable with just having one
entrance and exit out of this property with that many apartments.
Mr. Smith the representative for the petitioner then came forward at the
request of Councilor Allen and then responded to additional questions of
members of the Council.
Mr. Jack Wright, the petitioner, who was also present in the audience said
these are not townhouses, but said they are houses and the value of these
houses will be at least the value of the houses that are currently in the area
or possibly more.
Councilor Allen said he would ask the petitioner to consider a one-week
delay for him to look at the access point. He said he is asking him to look at
the access point, as it appears on the site plan that we have on the Chaplain
Drive area that the lots are much larger than what you are going to be
constructing. He said it would seem that if you were going to have like access
point to a similar neighborhood, you would want to utilize an existing road
site.
After more than thirty minutes of discussion on this matter, with Mr.
Smith and Mr. Wright responding to further questions of members of the Council,
Councilor Allen then made a motion for a one week delay, Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for
this meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING SEVEN RESOLUTIONS EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THOSE EMPLOYEES
WHO RECENTLY RETIRED FROM THE SERVICES OF THE CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT WERE
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE
ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
PRESENT, WITH MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING: __
A Resolution (466-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Willie Allen upon
his retirement with Columbus Park Services after 26 years of service.
A Resolution (457-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Earnest McCrary
upon his retirement with Columbus Water Works after 38 years of service.
A Resolution (468-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Alan G. Davis upon
his retirement with Columbus Fire and EMS after 31 years of service.
A Resolution (469-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Hubert Smith Jr.
upon his retirement with Columbus Fire and EMS after 23 years of service.
A Resolution (470-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. John Paul Starkey
upon his retirement with Columbus Police Department after over 32 years of
service.
A Resolution (471-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Brice D. Murrell
upon his retirement with Columbus Fire and EMS after over 26 years of
service.
A Resolution (472-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Michael W. Overby
upon his retirement with Columbus Fire and EMS after 27 years of service.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY
FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________
A Resolution (473-08) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Ms. Rita V.
Johnson, employee with the Clerk of Superior Court, who passed away on March
22, 2008. Councilor Hunter moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present for this meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF THEIR COMMENTS:_____________________
MR. MIKE DOVER, RE: HOMELESS VETERANS PROGRAM:
Mr. Mike Dover, President of the Georgia Center for Veterans
Rehabilitation Education Training & Incorporation Organization said what they
do is to provide services for veterans in the community, a one-stop shop. He
said this past April they had over 83 homeless veterans to come them. He said
they are planning on doing this again on April 25, 2009 and what he would like
to express to you and the community is that they will be adding to two more
services to the program.
He said they would be adding a homeless Veterans court and the IRS is
going to come and process taxes for the veterans who don?t have the opportunity
to do that. He said how this Homeless Veterans court is going to work is that
they are currently talking with the judiciary committee about having a judge to
come in and dismiss misdemeanors. He said it will be not any felonies and will
only be for the County that they are conducting the stand-down in. He said the
Veterans that will be able to use this service are those who are already
incorporated in some type of shelter, home, VA and will have a caseworker
reassigned to them and when they come in before the judge, he will adjust the
charges so that this Veteran will be able to get a job.
He said sometimes having a misdemeanor on your record prevents them from
getting a job; and said their whole purpose of the program is to clear the
blockages and stoppages that prevent these Veterans from getting jobs.
Mr. Dover said he would like to thank the Mayor & Council for the support
that they have given to our community Veterans and we appreciate you for what
you do and allowing us to continue to do this.
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MR. ROB MCKENNA, REPRESENTING GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE SOUTHERN RIVERS,
RE: REQUESTING A REFUND OF TAXES PAID: ______
Mr. Rob McKenna, with the law firm of Page, Scrantom said he is here on
behalf of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers and they are requesting
the refund of taxes for the tax year 2007 in connection with Goodwill?s
purchase of the Cross Country Plaza office park back in 2006. He said that
office park is now used as Goodwill?s corporate headquarters.
He said under a Code section that was passed in 2007 corporate headquarters of
non-profit entities is tax exempt, along with up to 15 acres of property
surrounding corporate headquarters. He said this property is approximately 12
acres and is partially leased; however, Goodwill Industries occupies it as
their corporate headquarters, as well as there being other non-profit
businesses in the complex. He said a new tenant Bank Tech is currently leasing
part of the property. He said Goodwill has paid the taxes and is requesting a
refund for 2007.
Councilor Henderson said he is going to make a motion that we refund the
taxes. He said he think it is important to note that the original request was
to be exempted from paying the taxes in accordance with the legislation that
was passed in 2007. He said he think there was a technical issue surrounding
whether or not there had to be an application filed in order to qualify for the
exemption. He said the statue is clear as presented to us for review and that
is the application is a formality, but it does not have to be present when you
qualify as of that legislation in 2007.
He said Mr. McKenna on behalf of Goodwill had requested that they be
exempted from paying based on that statue and it came to light from a
legislative perspective that this body cannot forgive taxes, this body can only
refund the taxes; so, in effect, they were instructed to pay the taxes in order
to appear before the Council and request a refund. Therefore, this is not
giving back taxes that they had rightfully paid; this is really just making
sure that we are bringing in line our actions with the legislation that already
exists. He said he just wanted to make sure that people understand that. He
said a lot of people comes and apply to have their taxes refunded and typically
we don?t do that, but because this is incompliance with existing law
he would make the motion that we refund the taxes. Seconded by Councilor Allen.
City Attorney Fay said it would be 2007 taxes in the amount of $95,064.49.
Councilor Anthony asked if we have anybody else who will fall into this
category or is this completely unique situation.
Councilor Henderson said there was a church that came before this Council
about a year and a half ago and they were in a similar situation. He said a
ministry had relocated into a church that had been sold and the assumption on
their behalf was that the waiver was also in existence when in fact because it
changed hands they had to reapply, and we refunded those taxes as well.
City Attorney Fay said there is a memorandum from the Board of Tax
Assessors that was included in the Clerk of Council?s Agenda. He said they have
granted the exempt status for 2008 going forward. He said the only year in
question is 2007 for which these taxes were paid.
Councilor Henderson said his understanding based on some information they
had received, the hang-up was whether or not the application for exemption was
required in the statue to be able to be granted the exemption. He said the
interpretation he saw was if the exemption exists effective 2007 when the
legislation was passed it would qualify.
City Attorney Fay said the board has a policy that the exemption requests
needs to be in before April 1st which is the date for filing returns and in
that case, they couldn?t meet that date. He said they missed the April 1st date.
Councilor Henderson said he respects the board; they do a great job, but
said that?s a board policy versus legislation that was passed. He said he yield
to the City Attorney, as we look to him for direction. He said if he has
misstated the facts, he certainly hope he would correct him.
City Attorney Fay said these are the facts. He said they did not apply for
the exemption for 2007 prior to that March, 1 2007 date, and said it would have
been difficult to do in light of the legislation being amended in that current
year; so you do have a unique situation where they were faced with new
legislation and a date to file about the same time.
Mayor Wetherington then asked the City Attorney in his opinion, if they
would qualify for the exemption.
City Attorney Fay said they could come and ask for the refund, as it is a
legitimate request. He said it is a unique situation, as we have never had
legislation passed at the same time that there was a board policy for an
exemption request being filed. He said we have never had that simultaneously.
He said it is a unique situation.
He said they had a 2007 law that said this type of entity could request an
exemption, but the board?s policy by April 1, 2007 you had to file for the
exemption. He said those two things happened about the same time in April of
2007; so, they were faced with meeting a deadline of a brand new law; the brand
new law allowed them to file the request and the board?s policy happened to be
April 1, 2007. He said it was hard for them to meet that deadline; however, it
is still at the Council?s discretion whether you grant this request or not.
Councilor Hunter asked if we have any other non-profits who are similarly
situation. He said when he initially reviewed these materials, he had a
question as to whether or not we should grant the request for the refund,
because his concern was that there would be other non-profits who would come
forward and want to be similarly provided a refund. He said if there was any
way possible to provide the refund he is favor of providing the refund, he just
wants to make sure that we are on legal ground when we do that. He said he
wanted to make sure there aren?t other non-profits out there who are saying in
the past you?ve denied us the refund. He said he wants to make sure that
legally we are on solid ground and said he is looking to the City Attorney for
guidance.
City Attorney Fay said he would have to talk with Mrs. Middleton and said
he is not aware of any other charities who are in this same situation, but he
could do some research on that matter.
Councilor Baker said he think one of the confusing points is that it is a
brand new law and said the effective date was May 23, 2007 when it was signed
into law. He said there was a real issue as to how it applies.
He said he has read the statue several times trying to understand it and said
it makes no consideration as to there have to be an application. He said it
simply says qualifying 501C3 shall be exempt as of this date period.
Councilor Baker said we don?t want to forego any taxes that we are
entitled to but then again he don?t think we want to be in a position of
bringing the weight of the government down on a taxpayer and collect taxes that
we are not entitled to. He said he thinks that is the real burden that we need
to watch out for. He said the law seems to be clear unless there is a
contradiction from the City Attorney that says you really didn?t owe the tax,
and said he don?t think we want to set a clerical trap for somebody to fall
into for us to collect taxes that is not property entitled to us. He said this
is not about penalties or interests, as we don?t rarely ever agree to waive
those and rightfully so; but said this is about did we in fact have the right
to collect the tax in the first place and said he is not so sure that we did
looking at the facts and circumstances, as well as the State law that came down
on it. He said if there are others out there, he don?t think that we should
Goodwill because of that, as we have to look at the facts and circumstances of
each case and weigh it on its merit. He said he don?t think you are obligated
to pay the tax and he don?t want to use a clerical snafu to do that. He
Councilor Baker said the Assessors may have a policy and that?s fine, but
that?s not necessarily a law. He said he don?t know if they want through a
process to amend their policy to adopt the new law and if they communicated
that to closing attorneys, and non-profits and to other tax authorities in the
government.
City Attorney Fay said Mrs. Middleton is present here in the Council
Chambers and said we can ask her if she knows of any other charities that are
similarly situated under this 2007 law.
Councilor McDaniel said with all due respect to Mr. McKenna, Mrs.
Middleton said the Board of Tax Assessors is the only entity that can grant tax
abatements and does not have the authority to extend a deadline for granting
tax exemptions. He said he is somewhat confused because some of the other
Council members are saying it is all right and Mrs. Middleton is saying it is
not.
Mr. McKenna said they have already gone through the Tax Assessors for 2008
forward and they have granted the exemption going forward.
City Attorney Fay said the only issue is the refund of 2007 taxes.
Mrs. Betty Middleton, Chief Tax Assessor said the Board of Tax Assessors
did not receive the request for the exemption until the tax year 2008. She said
they requested the board to go back to 2007, which the board could not do. She
said they cannot extend a timeframe, especially when it goes across years;
therefore, they did not grant the exemption for 2007, however, they did approve
it for 2008. She said they are exempted now complying with that Code section
that was passed granting them that.
After continued discussion on this subject, Mrs. Middleton, as well as Mr.
McKenna then responded to questions of members of the Council regarding this
matter.
At the conclusion of this discussion, additional information was requested.
Councilor Davis said he would like to do a little more study to make sure
that the fairness and consistency is evident in the decisions that are being
made as respect as to how he vote on this matter. He said he is not prepared to
support this matter at this time until he look into it a little further.
Councilor Hunter said he would ask that our City Attorney do some research
and determine if there is any case law pertaining to this matter or any
regulations that have flowed from this statue that would pertain to this and
then provide the Council with an opinion. He said he would also ask the City
Attorney to provide an opinion as to whether or not there is a duty for these
entities to register.
City Manager Hugley said as the City Attorney is looking at this matter,
if you come to the conclusion that you want to reimburse this tax, said a
greater portion of what was collected was disbursed to the School District and
said the question is, are you talking about reimbursing the City?s portion or
are you also talking about reimbursing any portion that would have gone to the
School District that he don?t know if they are willing to send the check back
to the City to give back to someone.
Councilor Woodson said based on the information that she has received she
would like to know if we can delay this matter until next week when we have
more information. She said the City Manager could come back at that time and
let us know how much was our portion and what amount was the School Board?s
portion. She then made a motion to delay this matter for one week. Seconded by
Councilor Anthony.
Mayor Wetherington then pointed out that we have a motion on the floor,
which was made by Councilor Henderson and seconded by Councilor Allen and then
asked if the Council wanted to delay this motion or proceed with the vote.
Councilor Henderson said we have been talking about this matter and been
inundated with information for two or three months, but said if another week
will help everyone feel more comfortable about the decision, he would withdraw
his motion.
Councilor Baker asked if there were any guidance sent down when this law
came into effect as to which tax year, it would apply to; whether it would only
be prospective or whether it would be.
Mr. McKenna said he is not aware of any.
City Attorney Fay then asked Mrs. Middleton if they received anything from
the Revenue Department. He said generally laws are prospective only unless
there is a specific provision made.
Mayor Wetherington then pointed out that Councilor Henderson is
withdrawing his motion and then called the question on Councilor Woodson?s
earlier motion to delay this matter for one week, which carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present for this meeting with Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh being absent.
City Attorney Fay then asked that Clerk of Council Washington list this
matter on her agenda for next week?s Council meeting.
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MR. MURRAY SOLOMON, RE: LEAGUE OF WOMEN
VOTERS:____________________________________________________
Mr. Murray Solomon said he is here this morning on behalf of the local
League of Women Voters and Common Cause to announce a series of candidate
forums beginning this week. He said on Thursday, October 16, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
there would be a forum for the City Council races at the North Columbus Library
and several members of the Council will be on that program. He said also on
Tuesday, October 21st they will have a forum for many other political races
including the Sheriff, Superior Court Judge and Clerk of Superior Court, State
House which will also be at the North Columbus Library at 7:00 p.m.
He said on Thursday, October 30th, 7:00 p.m. there will be a forum for the
School Board member race at the North Columbus Library. He said they are taking
questions from voters and said he would solicit their responses, which can be
emailed to columbusdebate@gmail.com. He said they are very pleased to be
partnering with Richard Hyatt?s Columbus web blog site, as well as WRBL in
brining these important forums to as wide an audience as possible.
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DR. JAMES THORSEN, RE: CENTRAL RIVERFRONT DISTRICT: ____
Dr. James Thorsen, 1236 Broadway said on last week, he spoke to the
Council about the lack of enforcement of the current outdoor caf? ordinance and
made a number of statements and asked several questions. He said received a
number of calls on this week, but no one from this Council or the
Administration called to question anything that he had said. He said he made
four main points. (1) The Outdoor Caf? ordinance was never intended to apply to
bar owners. (2) Outdoor Cafes are not permitted on private property in the
Central Riverfront District. (3) Alcohol is being sold and consumed outside of
the limit that the City Council has set in the Outdoor Caf? ordinance. (4) The
Fa?ade Board had passed guidelines that were contradictory to the ordinance
that this City had passed. He said the Fa?ade Board had overstepped their
authority and responsibility.
He said we have a well-researched and comprehensive caf? ordinance on the
books and it has been un-enforced for ten years. He said that ordinance bounces
with the verse interest of all the stakeholders of the Central Riverfront
District.
Dr. Thorsen said the only thing that he can think of that would be more
outlandish in not enforcing this ordinance for the past ten years would be the
claim that the ordinance doesn?t work and toss it out without ever attempting
to enforce it. He said it shouldn?t take more than about one week to bring all
the operations on Broadway into compliance with this ordinance, as it is not a
difficult ordinance to understand. He said the last two elections was about
public safety and law enforcement; therefore, his question today is what does
the City Council intend to do about enforcing the Outdoor Caf? Ordinance.
Mayor Wetherington asked if there were any questions of Dr. Thorsen from
members of the Council.
Councilor Woodson asked City Manager Hugley to set up a meeting with
Uptown Columbus CEO Richard Bishop and a representative from our Public Safety
personnel to go over this ordinance and address those concerns expressed by Dr.
James Thorsen at last week?s Council meeting.
She said we would need to go ahead and address this issue and be through
with it, because it keeps coming back and forth. She said let?s get all the
entities to the table and let?s deal with it.
Councilor Woodson, in response to Dr. Thorsen as to whether or not he
should attend this meeting, said not this first initial meeting. She said if
you would provide us with a list of your questions and concerns and allow us to
address them first, then we will be back in contact with you at a later date.
Dr. Thorsen said he doesn?t have any questions, as he thinks the ordinance
stands for itself and if you read the clear language of the ordinance and
enforce, he wouldn?t be here. He said they should be able to read the ordinance
and look at the conditions on Broadway at this point and identify those things
that should not be occurring.
Councilor Woodson said the concerns that he has. Dr. Thorsen said his
question is; are we going to enforce the clear language of the ordinance. He
said the ordinance is very specific about where and how the caf? are supposed
to be set up; who can and cannot do it. What can and cannot be done. He said it
is very specific in that ordinance and it?s not being enforced.
*** *** ***
MS. AMY JOINER, RE: FOLLOW UP COMMENTS ON PUBLIC SAFETY
REMARKS:_________________________________________________________
Ms. Amy Joiner, 5001 Montego Drive said she lives in Councilor Allen?s
district and supported him in the last election, and will support him again in
this election.
She said she would like to thank the Mayor, which she has already thanked
him in writing for his vote in opposition to the Public Safety Review
Committee, but she wanted to thank you again publicly. She said you were open
about your feelings and opinions on the review committee. She said you stated
you would oppose it and honored your word and that means a great deal to you.
Ms. Joiner also thanked Councilor Davis for those comments he made on last
week, as he expressed his gratitude toward our law enforcement men and women
and not only that, you made a strong statement on September 30th about how you
felt about a second body, which is what it would have been, for a new review
committee, and he appreciates your stance on that.
She said she is here today because of something that Councilor Davis said,
which was standup and speak loud. She said she is here today to do exactly that
for an issue that she is very passionate about and that she has become very
enraged over.
Ms. Joiner made comments regarding the comments that were made by some
members of the Council when Mr. Wallace Davis came before the Council and
highlighted an incident where he was stopped and detained by a member of the
Columbus Police Department and what occurred during that stop.
She said she doesn?t feel that our officers can?t afford low morale;
therefore, she is asking this Council to be more diligent in choosing your
words and phrases when it comes to our public safety personnel who protect and
serve us everyday. She said she doesn?t want her husband putting his life on
the line everyday for the oath he took and the badge he wears if his morale is
suffering due to unnecessary comments. She said she doesn?t want him or any
other officer to have that type of distraction, as it is not right, nor fair to
them nor is it safe. She said our police officers are human and they make
mistakes; they are not perfect and it is impossible for anybody to be so.
Ms. Joiner said she thinks that our officers would be a lot closer to
perfect however, if they are lifted up with strong encouragement, praise and
appreciation than they will be by being verbally insulted and vocally smacked.
She said she would like to extend her apology to any law enforcement
officer who may have been watching the Council meeting on September 30th and
heard what was said.
*** *** ***
MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: RECESSION/DEPRESSION, $151 MILLION BOND DEBT (LOST)
AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY- TAX EXEMPTIONS: _____
Mr. Paul Olson, who requested to be listed on today?s Public Agenda, did
not respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.
*** *** ***
MR. JOE BOWMAN, REPRESENTING YELLOW CAB COMPANY, RE: TAXICAB ORDINANCE
CONCERNS:___________________________________
Mr. Joe Bowman, who requested to be listed on today?s Public Agenda, did
not respond when given the opportunity to address the Council.
------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:__________
A Resolution (474-08) ? Authorizing the approval of a variance to the UDO
Section 4.4.5 to allow city crews to install Neighborhood Watch Signs purchased
by private parties and authorize including four styles of Neighborhood Watch
Signs in the Police Department?s Neighborhood Watch Program. Councilor McDaniel
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting with
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
A Resolution (475-08) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and
if approved accept a $200,000 Brownfield?s Assessment Grant from the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Councilor Woodson moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those nine members of Council present for this meeting with Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh being absent.
A Resolution (476-08) ? Declaring 0.336 +/- acres located at 2052 Wynnton
Road as surplus and authorizing to advertise and sell said property.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this
meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
A Resolution (477-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of 0.86 +/- acres located
at 3631 South Lumpkin Road for $50,000 for the Oxbow Meadows Project.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for
this meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING FOUR 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 MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH MAYOR PRO TEM
TURNER PUGH BEING ABSENT:____________
________________________________________
A Resolution (478-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of kitchen equipment from
American Energy Restaurant and Equipment (Springfield, VA) in the amount of
$16,049.00. The equipment consists of refrigerators, ice machine food
prep/work tables, range/griddle/oven and electric fryer. The equipment will be
installed at Lake Oliver Marina. The lightning services are for the new marina
facility located at Lake Oliver. The project is currently under construction
and this lightning requirement is part of the overall improvement.
A Resolution (479-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of ten (10) tasers, plus
related supplies, (i.e. holsters and taser cartridges) from DGG Taser, Inc.,
(Jacksonville, FL) in the amount of $10,369.80. 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.
authorize the execution of an agreement with Georgia Power for the installation
of site lighting services. The agreement requires an initial payment of
$16,795.00 for installation and an anticipated monthly energy use charge of
$175.37.
A Resolution (480-08) ? Authorizing the execution of an agreement with
Georgia Power for the installation of site lighting services. The agreement
requires an initial payment of $16,795.00 for installation and an anticipated
monthly energy use charge of $175.37. The lightning services are for the new
marina facility located at Lake Oliver. The project is currently under
construction and this lightning requirement is part of the overall improvement.
A Resolution (481-08) ? Authorizing the approval of a proposal from
Jordan, Jones and Goulding to prepare and develop an EPA Brownfield?s
Assessment Grant Application in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00. In December
2001, Jordan, Jones and Goulding wrote a grant application for CCG for an EPA
Brownfield?s Assessment Grant for properties in the Enterprise Zone. CCG was
awarded a $200,000 assessment grant, and three properties were assessed using
this grant money. Per Resolution 123-03, Jordan, Jones and Goulding was
awarded the contract for Master Planning Services for the Brownfield?s Pilot
Program, which included: development of the Brownfield?s Corrective Action
Plan (CAP), a Quality Assurance Plan (QAPP) and conducted site investigations
of the various properties. Consequently, Jordan, Jones and Goulding is the
vendor most familiar with the City's Brownfield?s program and can complete this
new assessment grant application by the November 14, 2008 deadline. The grant
is needed to fund the assessment of additional properties located in the
Enterprise Zone. The additional properties were historically used as salvage
yards and are located on Brennan Road. Successful execution of the grant
application could mean the award of additional $200,000 grant funding for
Brownfield?s Assessment.
*** *** ***
2028 COMPREHENISVE PLAN:
City Manager Hugley said we have previously briefed the Mayor & Council on
the Comprehensive Plan, and said we wanted to come back before you today
because we would like to submit this to the Department of Community Affairs by
the end of this month. He said as we went into this project more than a year
ago, we knew that we had a deadline of October 31, 2008 to submit this document
to the Department of Community Affairs.
He said we would like to make this final presentation to you today and then
come back to you on next week with an ordinance that would adopt the
Comprehensive Plan. He then called upon Director of Planning Mr. Rick Jones to
make this presentation.
Mr. Rick Jones said this is the final presentation in dealing with the
Comprehensive Plan and said that you may recall that we had talked about a
document called ?The Community Agenda?, which is the heart of the of
Comprehensive Plan and then went into details in outlining the plan as detailed
in the power point presentation which consists of the following.
Future Policy Map
Identifies Character Areas
Establishes Policies for Future Growth
Future Land Use Map
Issues & Opportunities
Implementation Program
The Big Decisions
Strengthen City?s Capacity for Revitalization
Focus resources on Targeted Redevelopment Areas
Make Regulatory and Zoning Changes
Rethink Transportation
Pursue Additional Financial Resources
Implementation Program Components
Three Components:
Implementation Strategies
Citywide Policies
Short Term Work Program
Comprehensive Plan Goals
Community Revitalization
Quality Community Infrastructure
Balanced Transportation
Protection & Enhancement of the Natural Environment
Managing Impacts of Growth
Regional Coordination and Local Partnerships
Example: Issue and Opportunities
Goal: Community Revitalization
Opportunities:
A-1 New Growth is coming
A-2 Changing Demographics
A-3 Developable Land in In-town Neighborhoods
A-4 Preservation of Exising Housing Stock
A-5 Mixed-Use Development Opportunities
Issues:
A-8 Effects of Continuing Current Growth Trends
A-10 Barriers to Redevelopment
Mr. Jones also showed examples of the Implementation Strategies Matrix. He
said each one of these items have a reference to the key point and what we are
trying to accomplish and how long will it take for us to get there; whether
it?s short time or long term, as well as defines the responsible party. He said
it also addresses what partners are needed to make these things happen.
Community Revitalization
Implementation Strategies
Designate Targeted Redevelopment Areas (TRA?s)
Create a Mayor?s Council on Revitalization
Encourage in-town housing attractive for seniors and young adults
Organize a Council of Neighborhoods
Modify UDO for bonus density incentives for in-town development
Strengthen the Community Reinvestment Department
Prepare detailed Master Plans for TRA?s
Designate Quality Redevelopments within TRA?s
Increase funding for housing rehabilitation and neighborhood preservation
Prepare Zoning Overlay Districts for TRA?s
Quality Community Infrastructure
Implementation Strategies
Establish Priority Growth Areas
Develop a Strong Capital Improvements Program
Consider Using Performance-based Land Use Controls
Upgrade Existing Infrastructure and Public Facilities in TRA?s
Incorporate Principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design in UDO
Develop Parks Services Master Plan that identifies level of service
Redevelopment Focus
Coordinate actions of all departments to improve communication and focus
on redevelopment areas.
-Mixed-use development with density bonuses
-Public safety improvements
-Streetscape and sidewalk improvements
-Parks, greenways and trails
-Tax incentives
-Housing preservation efforts
Balanced Transportation
Implementation Strategies
Prepare a Comprehensive Transportation Plan consistent with the 2020 Comp Plan
Continue coordination with Fort Benning on BRAC related transportation issues
Create a School Sitting Master Plan for future school locations
Update Greenway Master Plan to connect neighborhoods with new and existing
trails
Implement Transportation Systems Management techniques formalized policy
Address needs for transit service improvements
Initiate a Travel Demand Management to promote air quality and reduce congestion
-Improve the connectivity of streets and sidewalks between neighborhoods,
schools, and activity centers
PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT:
Implementation Strategies
Increase trail connections between the Columbus Riverwalk and adjacent parks
and neighborhoods
Prepare and adopt quality development corridor overlay districts along
transportation corridors
Purchase sensitive lands for conservation and public recreation
Work with Fort Benning on noise reduction and mitigation
Strengthen existing tree ordinances
Encourage use of conservation subdivision development
MANAGING IMPACTS OF GROWTH:
Implementation Strategies
Maintain salary study
Educate the public on potential funding mechanisms
Implement public marketing campaign
Work towards passing Tax Allocation Districts
Work toward renewal of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax
Establish level of service measures for City facilities and services
Incorporate recommendations of Fiscal Impact Study
REGIONAL COORDINATION AND PARTNERSHIPS:
Implementation Strategies
Work with Ft. Benning to monitor BRAC implementation as it evolves
Work across government lines to recruit more jobs
Work with neighboring jurisdictions to promote tourism
Engage in extensive coordinated planning with Muscogee County School District
Work with neighboring cities and counties to discourage sprawl
Combat the loss of young professionals
Continue to address the concerns of air quality
Work with Ft. Benning to mitigate noise impacts
Citywide Policies
Community Revitalization
We will give priority to targeted revitalization areas when locating new and
improved public facilities and services
We will seek opportunities for new economic generators that would build
economic vitality of in-town neighborhoods
We will play an active role in preventing deterioration of housing stock and
promoting rehabilitation of existing homes in in-town neighborhoods
We will help protect and encourage safety of neighborhoods through Crime
Prevention Through Environmental Design
We will target code enforcement efforts in areas of the city where a cycle of
disinvestment and deteriorating housing conditions makes them more vulnerable
to vandalism, drug-use and other crimes
Citywide Policies
Quality Community Infrastructure
We will minimize inefficient land consumption and encourage more compact urban
development to help improve the cost-effectiveness of the provision of services
and facilities
We will give top priority to repairs and reinvestment in existing
infrastructure and facilities by fixing and maintaining what already exists
We will work with the Muscogee County School District to locate schools in-town
in support of the Future Land Use Plan
We will invest in parks and open space to encourage private reinvestment in
urban centers
We will protect existing infrastructure investments by encouraging infill,
redevelopment, and compact development
Citywide Policies
Balanced Transportation
We will provide a network of pedestrian pathways, greenway trails, bike paths
and transit services to allow for an efficient multi-modal transportation
network throughout the city
We will continue working with Fort Benning to identify traditional and
innovative solutions to address their growing transportation needs
We will reduce congestion and promote air quality by encouraging alternative
commute options for our staff and area businesses, including car pooling,
transit, alternative work schedules and telecommuting
Citywide Policies
Preserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment
We will promote the land use policies of the Future Land Use Plan
We will support the Comprehensive Plan by being consistent in making decisions
regarding future land use
We will promote Quality Development Corridors
We will protect the tree canopy throughout the city
We will actively work towards linking the Columbus Riverwalk to neighborhoods,
community centers, schools, shopping, etc through our own efforts and public
private partnerships
We will develop incentives to encourage green and sustainable development
Citywide Policies
Managing Impacts of Growth
We will promote ongoing education of the public regarding capital expenditures,
potential new funding sources, and other funding sources
We will encourage infill development as a means to concentrate development and
lower service costs
We will seek efficiency in all city operations to ensure the greatest return on
the city?s tax dollars (Capital Improvement Program)
We will promote transparency in the budgeting process and funding of capital
investments
We will seek ways for new growth to pay for itself
Citywide Policies
Intergovernmental Coordination and Regional Partnerships
We will engage in cooperative planning between Columbus Consolidated
Government and the Muscogee County School District
We will work jointly with neighboring governments on developing solutions for
shared regional issues
We will work collaboratively with surrounding governments to help address
issues that may arise from BRAC related growth
We will support regional economic development efforts to promote the
sustainability and growth of our economy
Short Term Work Program
Drawn from Implementation Strategies
Fine-tuned with Action Planning Workshop
Lists City?s Priority Projects for the first five years (2009-2014)
Mr. Jones said the next step is to adopt the Comprehensive Plan by
Ordinance. He said we have never adopted a Comprehensive Plan by ordinance,
but it has always been done by resolution and said we can continue to do that.
He said the real issue is here is the trust and accountability that was put
into this document in terms of people understanding that this is what we want
in this community and how are we going to get there. He said it really
establishes requirements for planning department to maintain document, as well
as to require that UDO and Comprehensive Plan are coordinated. He said the
city's capital improvement plan and its capital budget should be consistent
with the Plan. He said it requires that any land-use actions by any agency or
board of this government body shall be consistent with the Plan, as well as
amendments to the Plan.
He said from their standpoint this is the most important document that we will
have this year in terms of setting goals and objectives for our community.
City Manager Hugley thanked Director of Rick Jones and his staff for the
work that was done on the Comprehensive Plan and said we will be bringing this
ordinance back on next week in ordinance form, which will be on first reading.
MOON ROAD:
City Manager Hugley said he knows that Mr. Jim Rhodes was present during
the Council meeting earlier this morning and he is very interested in Moon
Road. He said they are going to be bringing back a presentation on Moon Road at
the end of his agenda. He said we would share with you the direction that they
recommend and what they have heard from citizens with respect to the Moon Road
project.
*** *** ***
SAFEGUARD OF CITY FINANCES:
Councilor Anthony said a question had come up regarding the City funds and
the safeguard for those and then asked City Manager Hugley if he could comment
on that matter for the public.
City Manager Hugley said we have had a few citizens who have called or
emailed about the state of the economy and what?s happening in the markets, and
banks going under and the FDIC guarantee. He said the FDIC guarantees or
insures $150,000 and said they have now increased that to $250,000. He said the
questions that we have received is that we have all of our money in one
particular bank and if that bank goes under, the City is going to loose its
money because they only insure $150,000 or $200,000 and they have asked how are
we safeguarding the money. He then called Director of Finance Pam Hodge to
come forward and address this matter.
He said that he sent the Mayor & Council an email outlining exactly how our
money is protected.
Director of Finance Pam Hodge said we have with our bank, which is CB&T an
agreement what is called a Collateral Security Agreement and what this
agreement says is that CB&T is obligated to pledge certain securities as far as
the interest of those obligations and securities is obligated to the city at a
third party. She said there are certain requirements through State law that
requires them to set aside certain securities in our name based on the balance
that we keep. She said we get a report from CB&T each month with those
securities and is held by a third party.
She said she also provided the Council with a letter from Georgia Fund One
and said they are also required to do that same, as far as collateralized for
the deposits that we have at Georgia Fund One.
City Manager Hugley said our money is protected.
Director of Finance Hodge then responded to further questions of members
of the Council.
*** *** ***
FUEL COSTS:
Councilor Allen during these economic times, he thinks all of the Council
members may have received questions about fuel costs in the area. He said he
has received several and said in his going door to door campaigning it has been
an issue and he has been asked what is the city going to do about it. He said
we all know that the city doesn?t receive any revenue directly from the sale of
a tank of gas. He said he emailed the City Manager?s office and said Deputy
City Manager Goodwin has provided a range of gas prices and said he would like
for the staff to look into the information provided to them regarding the high
fuel costs and also consider sending a resolution to the Governor to look into
the gas stations in our area. He said he would also like for us to show the
information that was submitted to the Council a few months ago outlining tips
to assist with high fuel costs on CCG-TV.
------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: _________
(1) Letter from Ms. Betty Middleton, Re: Goodwill Industries of the Southern
Rivers, Inc.
(2) Bio sketch form of Mr. Jeff Reed. Councilor Baker?s nominee to replace Mr.
Robert Safran on Historic & Architectural Review Board.
(3) Petition from Mr. Jim Rhodes, Re: Opposing the widening of Moon Road.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGOTN AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:____
A Resolution (482-08) ? Excusing Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh from the
October 14, 2008 Council Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of
the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from the Chairperson of
the Community Development Advisory Council requesting that Council
declare the seats of Ms. La Fini Mosby and Mr. Bryan Stone vacant due to lack
of
attendance.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that the seats be declared vacant.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
being absent.
*** *** ***
UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Mr. David Wolf
resigning his position on the Uptown Facade Board. Councilor McDaniel
moved the letter be received with regrets and thanks for his service.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh being absent.
*** *** ***
ABSENCES OF BOARD MEMBERS:
Councilor Henderson asked if we take any action to confirm the absences of
board members. He said he could recall where we have had a few instances
where their seats were declared vacant. Clerk of Council Washington stated
that we rely on the Board Secretary and Chairperson to tell us as far as
their attendance, however, we will let the board members know prior to
another individual being confirmed to take their seat on the board.
Councilor Henderson said we need to make sure that when the boards
submit the information; let?s ask them to provide the twelve months of
minutes regarding those board members? absences.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWNIG TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING
APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:____________
Application of Myra Lockhart to temporarily close 8th Street from 5th
Avenue to 6th Avenue, on Saturday, October 25, 2008 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30
p.m., in connection with Fourth Street Baptist Day Care Center ?Community
Fall Festival? pedestrian safety.
Councilor Allen moved approval of the application. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being
absent.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
_____________________________________________
Board of Elections & Registration, September 4, 2008
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 34-08.
Board of Zoning Appeals, September 3, 2008
Councilor Allen moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Councilor
McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for
this meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Robert Safran has
resigned his position on the Board of Historic & Architectural Review and that
Council will need to nominate someone to succeed him.
Councilor Baker nominated Mr. Jeff Reed for Mr. Robert Safran?s position.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back for the Council?s
confirmation on next week.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF HONOR:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Judge
Clay Land, Judge Bobby Peters and Mr. Billy Watson on the Board of Honor will
expire on October 31, 2008 and that they are all eligible to succeed themselves
for another term of office. Councilor McDaniel nominated each of these three
individuals to succeed themselves for another term of office.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & TRADE CENTER AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Ms.
Lori Canterbury on the Convention & Trade Center Authority would expire on
October 24, 2008 and that she is eligible to succeed herself for another term
of office. She said that this is the Mayor?s appointment. There was no
nomination.
*** *** ***
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we have two nominees for the
seat of Ms. Chris Henson who has resigned from the Planning Advisory
Commission. She said the two nominees are Mr. Glenn Heinzelman, who was
nominated by Councilor Davis and Mr. Travis Chambers, who was nominated by
Councilor Hunter.
A roll call vote was taken, which resulted in an inconclusive vote. Voting
for
Mr. Travis Chambers were Councilors Henderson, Hunter and Woodson. Voting for
Mr. Heinzelman were Councilors Allen, Baker, Barnes, Davis and McDaniel.
Councilor Anthony was out of the room when this vote was called for. Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh was absent from the meeting.
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that she would bring this matter
back on next week when there is a full Council present.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Mr. Charles Kurtz, Mr. C.A. Hardman, Ms. Alison Dowe, Mr. Harold Bryant, Mr.
Greg Camp and Mr. James Wilson would expire on October 31, 2008 and that they
are all eligible to succeed themselves for another term of office. She pointed
that Mr. Greg Camp is the Mayor?s appointment. She also stated that Mr. James
Wilson has resigned from his position on this board.
Councilor Allen nominated Ms. Dowe to serve another term of office, as
well as Councilor McDaniel nominated Mr. Harold Bryant to serve another tem of
office. Councilor Henderson then moved they be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at
the time, with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent from the meeting and
Councilor Anthony being absent for thus vote.
*** *** ***
UPTOWN FA?ADE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office Ms. Sonya
Eddings and Ms. Brenda Price will expire on October 31, 2008 and that they both
are eligible to succeed themselves. Councilor Henderson nominated them to serve
another term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back on next week
for the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington said Councilor McDaniel is nominating Miss
Ashley King as his Council District 8 representative on the Youth Advisory
Council. Councilor Allen moved she be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Woodson
and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time,
with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent from the meeting and Councilor
Anthony being absent for thus vote.
She said we still need a representative for Council District 6, as well as
Council District 10. There were no nominations.
*** *** ***
Mayor Wetherington then asked if there was anyone who was not listed on
the agenda, but had an item to bring before the Council, they could be heard at
this time, but there was no one who indicated that they wanted to be heard.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Henderson then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting,
with Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh being absent and the time being 11:20 a.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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