MAYOR/COUNCIL REFERRALS & RESPONSES
FOR AUGUST 30, 2011 COUNCIL MEETING
TO THE CITY MANAGER:
1. TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS:
With respect to transportation projects, in the future whenever dates of
proposed completion for these projects changes, let?s make sure that our staff
goes back and inform the public of the new proposed dates, as well as to inform
them of why the changes have been made. (Request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh)
Response:
Response provided by DCM David Arrington:
Staff will advise the public of any changes in completion date and the
reason(s) why through updates to Council.
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2. STIMULUS FUNDING:
Have the staff to get together with the legal staff to do some research and
determine whether or not we can maximize the stimulus funding we receive; and
possibly use them for our Land Bank Authority. (Request of Councilor Allen)
Also, have the staff to determine whether or not other communities have used
such funding for their Land Bank Authorities. (Request of Mayor Tomlinson)
Response:
Response provide by City Attorney Clifton Fay:
Stimulus Funds have the same regulations and requirements as CDBG funds:
Stimulus Funds cannot be transferred directly to a Land Bank Authority for
acquisition or maintenance of property.
Please note, however, that even though Stimulus money like CDBG Funds cannot be
directly transferred to the Land Bank for property acquisition or maintenance,
the City may acquire properties with Stimulus and/or CBDG money, even subject
to liens, and then transfer the property to the Land Bank for extinguishing of
tax and demolition liens and for ultimate sale to a low-income housing
developer. Of course, the City would have to maintain the property until sale
to a developer such as Habitat or NeighborWorks.
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3. I-185 INTERCHANGE:
With regards to this interchange, as soon as we can let?s get this property
transferred to the proper Agency; whether it is the State, or the City. Also,
let make sure we inform the City Attorney?s Office once this transaction has
taken place. (Request of Mayor Tomlinson)
Response:
Response provided by DCM David Arrington:
The property contained within the project limits of the I-185 widening and
Gateway project has been conveyed to the State of Georgia. As state ROW the
area is now being patrolled by Columbus PD. The City Attorney's Office is aware
of the property transfer.
4. OVERGROWTH OF PROPERTY:
Have the staff to determine whether or not there is anything that we can do to
speed up the process that we currently have in place with regards to weeds and
overgrown property. Also, let?s encourage our employees and the staff who are
out in and about in the community, to make sure they are calling in these
things. (Request of Councilor Davis)
Have the staff to do a short video presentation, as to what things the City
can or cannot enforce with regards to weeds and/overgrowth of property.
(Request of Councilor Barnes)
RESPONSE:
Response provided by DCM Lisa Goodwin.
Public Services is continuing to work on a process to improve the time it takes
to address overgrown weeds. A video presentation will be created through CCG-TV
to educate the public on the current Ordinance regarding overgrown properties.
An incentive program is already in place to encourage employees of the CCG to
call in work orders to 311.
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