MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 30, 2013
The regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 9:04 A.M., Tuesday, July 30, 2013, in the Council Chambers, Second
Floor of City Services Center, 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable
Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor presiding.
*** *** ***
PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn
Davis, Berry Henderson and Judy W. Thomas. Councilor Bruce Huff arrived at
9:08 a.m. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also
present.
*** *** ***
ABSENT: Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. and Evelyn Woodson were absent.
*** *** ***
INVOCATION: Offered by Captain Kokeram, Chaplain ? 198th Infantry, 258th
Battalion, Fort Benning.
*** *** ***
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Growing Room Christian Academy.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
CONSENT AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION AS LISTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (250-13) - Authorizing a request to execute a contract with
All Things Water for dredging at Watershed #27 at the Columbus Metropolitan
Airport for removal of silt to maintain flood control capacity. Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those eight members present with Councilor McDaniel being absent
for the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS AS LISTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA WERE
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION
MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH THAT
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL
BEING ABSENT FOR THE
MEETING:
A Resolution (251-13) - Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. from
the July 23, 2013 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (252-13) - Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the July
30, 2013 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (253-13) - Approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of March 2013.
*** *** ***
CABLE COMPANIES:
City Manager Hugley recalled the relocation of the Council Chambers, which
required the cable companies to move their connection from the Government
Center to this building. He shared that we have been working with WOW
(Formerly Knology) and Mediacom is working favorably with us to get connected.
He said initially there were some issues with Charter and their efforts to
charge the city for the relocation. He concluded that after the meeting with
Charter to include their management team out of Atlanta, they are cooperating
with us to have us connected within thirty-days at no cost the first year with
continued discussions to determine how to move forward after this first year.
*** *** ***
FY13 INVOICES:
Mayor Tomlinson called attention to some outstanding invoices that came in
after the close of the budget, on June 30, 2013 and with the passage of the new
ordinance, this matter has to come before this Council when a department is
over budget. She explained that there are four vendors for a total of
approximately $128,000. She advised of the previous process in that it would
have been handled administratively with a budget amendment. She then asked for
a motion to pay these outstanding bills subject to the Sheriff coming next week
to speak on the matter.
After making some brief comments, Councilor Henderson made a motion to pay
any of the most critical invoices that are coming in from that department and
not limit it to this specific amount. Seconded by Councilor Allen.
Finance Director Hodge was asked to come forward to explain the vendors
and the services or supplies provided to the City that are outstanding. After
naming each vendor, she reiterated the total amount of the invoices she
currently has, which is $128,984 on those four.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked questions regarding the date the invoices
were received by the department and when they were received by the Finance
Department. Finance Director Hodge explained that some are dated back to March
through June and were submitted on yesterday for payment.
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that there are other invoices that would be
coming forward; however, these are the most critical. Finance Director Hodge
added that there are additional invoices from the Sheriff?s Office and the Jail
Clinic that would total or anticipated to be in the range of $800,000 to
$900,000; therefore, this is just the first series of those submitted. She
then commented that she suggested to the Administration and Budget Chairman
that we may consider conducting a regular meeting next week in lieu of the
Mayor?s Proclamation/Resolution Session to have the Sheriff address the Council.
Councilor Henderson recalled that the Sheriff presented a privatization
effort that he would undertake with a clinic that the Council would authorize,
which should drive these cost significantly lower.
After Mayor Tomlinson made suggestions regarding a meeting to have Sheriff
John Darr to come before the Council, City Attorney Fay advised that if there
would be an official meeting; then, a specific date and time needs to be set
today or have the Clerk of Council send out notices for a special called
meeting.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
NOTE: Clerk of Council Washington left the meeting during this portion of the
proceeding with the time being 9:45 a.m.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
After some additional discussions, Councilor Henderson suggested that we
go ahead and pay the bills administratively; since, the city is already
obligated to do so. Councilor Thomas then made a substitute motion to handle
the invoices in a similar way as it had been done in the past and pay them
administratively and bring it back to the Council. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson. Councilor Henderson then withdrew his original motion. Mayor
Tomlinson then called attention to the motion on the floor, which carried
unanimously by those eight members present with Councilors McDaniel and Woodson
being absent for the meeting.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
WORK SESSION AGENDA:
2013 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION-
UPDATE:
State Representative Calvin Smyre came forward to brief the Mayor and
members of Council on the 2013 State Legislative Session. State Representative
Smyre pointed out that State Representative Carolyn Hugley was present earlier
in the meeting but had to leave. He provided a listing of legislation that was
introduced as submitted by resolution from the Columbus Consolidated Government
and explained the status of each and are listed as follows: (A copy of the
document was filed for the record.)
Resolution No. 220-12:
Legislation to create an additional judgeship for the Chattahoochee
Judicial Circuit:
Action Taken by Delegation:
HB 451- Introduction of legislation to change to (7) Pending Budget and
Selection of Chief Judge.
Resolution No. 358-12:
Legislation to authorize the city to exercise redevelopment powers
under Chapter 44 of Title 36 of the O.C.G.A and authorize a referendum:
Action Taken by Delegation:
Legal Ad for Notice to Introduce HB 414 Legislation 2/16/13.
Resolution No. 359-12:
Legislation to amend the Columbus Charter as recommended by the Charter
Review Commission:
Action Taken by Delegation:
Legal Ad for Notice to Introduce HB 415 & 417 Legislation 2/16/13.
Resolution No. 360-12:
Legislation to amend Section 4-610 of the Columbus Charter as provided:
Action Taken by Delegation:
Legal Ad for Notice to Introduce HB 416 Legislation 2/16/13.
Resolution No. 361-12:
Legislation to restore austerity and/or equalization funding to our
public schools:
Action Taken by Delegation:
Delegation Supports
Resolution No. 362-12:
Legislation to form a Joint Study Committee on Specialty Tier Drugs, to
research and implement measures to make Specialty Tier Drugs more affordable
and available and consider a 24-month moratorium on current out-of-pocket
expenses:
Action Taken by Delegation:
No Action
Resolution No. 363-12:
Legislation amending the Secondary Metal Recyclers Act:
Action Taken by Delegation:
No Action
Resolution No. 364-12:
Legislation to ensure the full collections and timely remittance of all
sales and use taxes due to the state and local governments:
Action Taken by Delegation:
Delegation Supports.
Resolution No. 365-12:
Legislation to oppose any changes to the Transportation Investment Act
of 2010 that would negatively impact the regions that passed the T-SPLOST
Referendum:
Action Taken by Delegation:
Delegation Supports.
Resolution No. 366-12:
Legislation to fund an adolescent residential treatment facility in
Muscogee County:
Action Taken by Delegation:
Delegation Supports.
Resolution No. 367-12:
Legislation to authorize the imposition of a technology fee/court costs
fee for every fine levied in Recorder?s Court:
Action Taken by Delegation:
Legal Ad for Notice to Introduce Legislation 2/16/13
Resolution No. 368-12:
Legislation to allow an exemption similar to that in Alabama from state
income tax for military retirees:
Action Taken by Delegation:
Introduce HB 469 2/16/13
Resolution No. 369-12:
Legislation to amend O.C.G.A. 48-8-96 (h) (1) so that it leaves the
original two exemptions contained in the 2004 legislation:
Action Taken by Delegation:
No Bill- Delegation Supports.
Resolution No. 370-12:
Legislation for hotel/motel tax revenue to not be diverted to
non-tourism related purposes:
Action Taken by Delegation:
No Bill- Delegation Supports.
Resolution No. 371-12:
Legislation to allow local communities to pass a fraction of a penny
sales tax for economic development and the arts.
Action Taken by Delegation:
No Bill- Delegation Supports.
Resolution No. 372-12:
Legislation to amend O.C.G.A. 48-8-96 (h) (1) so that it leaves the
original two exemptions contained in the 2004 legislation:
Action Taken by Delegation:
No Bill- Delegation Supports.
Councilor Allen asked if the legislators could readdress the technology
fee at the next legislative sessions, because it is only on local ordinance
violations and he believes that the intent is that it be levied on all law
violations.
State Representative Smyre explained the concerns raised in addressing
comments from Councilor Henderson where he recalled the opposition from other
consolidated governments in regards to the second local option sales tax where
the rules where change upon passage to remove the exemption for the hospitality
industry and due to that exemption, our local hospitality group decided to levy
themselves a convenience fee that could be utilized to generate some sports
tourism.
In light of the Federal Legislation that passed, the primary election is
being changed to June for next year and the State and local would still be in
July or August. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh explained that this would require
the City of Columbus to have two elections, which is expensive. She then asked
that City Attorney Fay draft a resolution to address this matter to be
discussed with the legislators.
Councilor Davis asked that we put on the list for the upcoming Legislative
Agenda to look into the area of the alcoholic beverage license from a State
perspective. From a business standpoint, he explained that he has heard some
feedback on how it is affecting businesses when they are trying to change
locations and not really making any adjustments to their license or there are
no factors that would be affected from that standpoint. He asked if something
could be done with this regard.
Councilor Davis also asked if matters could be simplified or streamlined
to attract more of the movie industry and that type of business in tourism
coming into our community and state.
State Representative Smyre spoke of the tax credit introduced by Governor
Perdue, during his last year of office, for industries that produce movies. He
shared that we passed a resolution this year to try to replicate that with the
music industry. He pointed out that we have to compete for business; however,
if the Council is speaking more of applying something locally; then, the city
could get their team together to determine their marketing tools.
Referring back to a question of Councilor Allen, City Attorney Fay briefly
explained on the technology fee bill allows the judge to make a finding if
there is a need for the fee and the Clerk of Recorder?s Court is entitled to
charge the fee already without Council?s action; he believes they are already
imposing that $15.00 fee. Also, he advised that on the fee itself, it can
apply to local ordinance violation and general law violations; unless, there is
a minimum fine in the general law.
*** *** ***
PAWS HUMANE SOCIETY NEW DIRECTOR JIM LILLI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
Mr. Jim Lilli- Executive Director of PAWS Humane Society, came forward to
introduce himself to the Mayor and Council. He then provided some information
on the placement of homeless companion animals, as well as, the programs and
services provided by PAWS Humane Society.
Mayor Tomlinson spoke of the Animal Care Center?s need for food donations
for the animals and PAWS Humane Society may need donations as well.
Public Works Director Pat Biegler, approached the rostrum to make some
brief comments on the euthanasia rate and the reduction as a result of the Save
A Pet Program that began in 2011 from 79% to 64%. She advised that the
following year with the expansion of programs and working more closely with
rescue groups, which went from one to twenty-nine rescue groups, the euthanasia
rate dropped last year to 52% and averaging this year at 30%. She spoke of the
grant from Pet Smart and working to establish a major program; even though, the
funds have not been received as of yet.
*** *** ***
WHITE WATER PROJECT - UPDATE:
Mr. Richard Bishop- Uptown Columbus Executive Director, came forward to
provide an update on the White Water Project. At this time, he displayed
pictures of the project on the overhead screen to include the opening day. He
commented that White Water has been open for approximately sixty-eight days and
have put approximately 8,500 down the river, are projecting 1,500 trips down
the river before the end of the season.
He advised that we lost one of our outfitters at the beginning of the
year; therefore, we have been located on one side of the river through this
season. He then gave the information of the new location for White Water
Express as the former Convention & Visitor?s Bureau building; 1000 Bay Avenue
at the corner of 10th and Bay. This location would be open at the end of the
year or first of next year.
Mr. Bishop then provided displayed video recordings of rafters maneuvering
through cutbait, heaven?s gate and a surfer riding the wave that occurs
everyday when there is the water release of the 3000 cubic feet per second.
In conclusion, he provided a thirty-second piece advertising White Water
that is currently showing in Atlanta, Georgia. He then gave some brief
information on how to register for White Water and the location of the project.
Mayor Tomlinson announced the Georgia Municipal Association Board Meeting
to be held in October with more than two-dozen Mayors, and another two-dozen
City Councilors, and City Managers from across the state coming to Columbus.
Georgia; we will be experiencing some rafting.
*** *** ***
WHITE WATER PUBLICITY:
Mr. Peter Bowden, Executive Director of the Columbus Convention & Visitors
Bureau, approached the rostrum to provide some insight on how White Water is
being advertised to include traditional marketing, social media networking,
partnerships and regional marketing. He said we had to brand the White Water
experience, because no other community in the world had a course like this. He
then provided a power point presentation to outline the advertising efforts to
promote White Waters to include marketing samples. (A copy of the power point
presentation was not provided to be filed for the record.)
In conclusion, he spoke on the ongoing strategies for advertising White
Water and provided the ?Charlie? ninety-second film that highlights White
Water, as well as, other attractions in the City of Columbus. Since it was
unable to be viewed at this time, Mayor Tomlinson asked that it be shown on
CCG-TV to allow the citizens to view it.
Mr. Bowden then responded to a question from Councilor Davis on the
government per diem. He commented that because of the support of the Georgia
Hotel Lodging Association and the community, there was no reduction of the
current rate. He pointed out that he has not heard of any talk of increase or
decrease, but we look further into this matter.
*** *** ***
TREES ON CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY:
Ms. Pat Biegler, Director of Public Works, approached the rostrum to
discuss trees in the public right-of-way; more specifically, when there is root
from trees in the city?s right-of-way that damage private driveways. She
pointed out that most property owners claim that the city planted the trees
that damaged their driveways. She said that since it is difficult to determine
what the cause of the problem is, the city?s policy has become a 50/50 split
for repair of the apron; once, the driveway is on private property, that
becomes totally the property owner?s responsibility.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
NOTE: Councilor Davis left the meeting at 11:25 a.m. and Councilor Allen left
at 11:32 a.m.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
Using a power point presentation, Director of Public Services Biegler
continued to outline the current process is that the tree is checked to
determine if it is healthy. (A copy of this presentation was not provided for
the record.) She explained that if the tree is healthy, it is left in place;
however, if it is unhealthy, the city?s crew would remove the tree. If it is
warranted, the property owner would receive a 50/50 letter to advise that the
city would pay half the cost.
She then commented on the issues with changing the 50/50 rule by calling
attention to the lack of resources and manpower to handle this matter that
could potentially increase. She suggested that if a change is made to the
50/50 split, that specific criteria be put in place based on safety and not
aesthetics.
She displayed photographs of damaged driveways that have occurred within
the community. She then explained the process involving the 50/50 split with
the property owner obtaining three quotes to be submitted to Risk Management.
Once the work is complete, the property owner would pay the entire bill and
Risk Management would issue a check for half the actual cost.
In conclusion, Director of Public Services Biegler recommended that the
50/50 policy remain in place. She then suggested two potential means of
defraying the cost to the property owners with one being to allow Risk
Management to pay the 50% directly to the contractor so the property owner does
not have to come up with the total cost. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh expressed
her views with regards to the citizens that have a hardship with paying the
50%.
Mayor Tomlinson suggested that some clear criteria be set up to allow the
City Manager to take recommendations from staff to approve the tree to be taken
down. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then asked that staff get together to
determine some objective criteria for an administrative approval process for
the Council?s consideration.
Councilor Huff mentioned that there is some property damage in his
district from healthy trees on city right-of-way. He spoke of the trees being
trimmed down the middle, because they are healthy trees and the city would not
remove them. He then described some of the property damage that he has been
made aware of by the citizens. He said we need some assistance to correct the
problem.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
NOTE: Councilor Henderson left the meeting at 11:43 a.m.
---------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------
Councilor Baker asked about driveways that extend over our city drainage
ditches that cause erosion and collapsing and asked if there has been some
consideration to applying the 50/50 rule for those circumstances.
Director of Public Services Biegler said that we do make some repair to
headwalls; however, this matter has not come to her attention. She advised
that we could take a look at applying a 50/50 policy.
After some additional comments, this matter was concluded. Mayor
Tomlinson advised that we have received some direction for the City Manager and
we would get started on something with the City Attorney.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and
carried unanimously by those five members present with Councilors Allen, Davis
and Henderson being absent for the vote and Councilors McDaniel and Woodson
being absent from the meeting with the time being 11:52 a.m.
Sandra T. Davis, CDMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.