MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
DECEMBER 3, 2013
The meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 5:32
P.M., Tuesday, December 3, 2013, on the 2nd Floor of the Citizens Service
Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa Pike
Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Bruce Huff, Charles E. McDaniel,
Jr., and Judy W. Thomas. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay,
Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington, Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis and
Administrative Secretary Lindsey Glisson were also present. Councilor Glenn
Davis took his seat at the Council table at 5:41 p.m. Councilor Evelyn Woodson
took her seat at the Council table at 5:47 p.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor R. Gary Allen
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INVOCATION: Led by Reverend Corey Neal, Greater Peace Baptist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Parks and Recreation Afterschool Program.
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RECOGNITION OF FORMER MAYOR ROBERT POYDASHEFF:
Mayor Tomlinson recognized the presence of former Mayor Robert Poydasheff
who was present in the Council Chambers. She thanked him for his years of
service to the community.
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***-----------------------------------PROCLAMATIONS:
?GEORGIA GIVES DAY?:
With Ms. Betsy Covington and Ms. Kelli Parker of Community Foundation of
the Chattahoochee Valley standing at the Council table, Councilor Thomas read
Mayor Tomlinson?s proclamation, proclaiming December 3, 2013 as ?Georgia Gives
Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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?AMERIGROUP HEALTH & WELLNESS DAY?:
With Ms. Lauren Chambers and Ms. Hanan Elbeitam of Amerigroup Central
Region Marketing standing at the Council table, Councilor Barnes read Mayor
Tomlinson?s proclamation, proclaiming December 3, 2013 as ?Amerigroup Health &
Wellness Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
?CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY BETTER WAY FOUNDATION INC.,
DAY?:_____________________________________________________
With Mr. Jeremy Scott Hobbs of the Chattahoochee Valley Better Way
Foundation Inc., standing at the Council table, Councilor Baker read Mayor
Tomlinson?s proclamation, proclaiming December 1, 2013 as ?Chattahoochee Valley
Better Way Foundation Inc., Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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?JEREMY SCOTT HOBBS MONTH ?:
With Mr. Jeremy Scott Hobbs standing at the Council table, Councilor
Barnes read Mayor Tomlinson?s proclamation, proclaiming the month of December
2013 as ?Jeremy Scott Hobbs Month?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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?ST. PAUL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DAY ?:
With Reverend Green, Mr. Ken Chung, representatives of St. Paul UMC
standing at the Council table, Councilor Baker read Mayor Tomlinson?s
proclamation, proclaiming December 3, 2013 as ?St. Paul United Methodist Church
Day?, in Columbus, Georgia.
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THE FOLLOWING FORTY-SIX RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE MAYOR?S
AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL, PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM
TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR HENDERSON HAVING NOT YET ARRIVED AND
COUNCILOR ALLEN BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
MEETING:__
_
A Resolution (373-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Todd Goodson for
his meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (374-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Peggy Myles for her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (375-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Wilette Roundtree
for
her meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (376-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Linda McLemore for
her meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (377-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Shonalee Gamble for
her meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (378-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Jo Fike for her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (379-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Jane Holcombe for
her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (380-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Eva Smith for her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (381-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Ann H. Davis for
her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (382-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Karon Henderson for
her meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (383-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Brenda Storey for
her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (384-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Kat Cannella for
her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (385-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Stan Stovall for
his
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (386-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Melba Spurlock for
her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (387-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Frazer Loomis for
her
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (388-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Greg Paul for his
meritorious service on the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission.
A Resolution (389-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. George McCluskey
for
his meritorious service on the Medical Center Hospital Authority.
A Resolution (390-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. David McMicken for
his meritorious service on the Medical Center Hospital Authority.
A Resolution (391-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Glen Heinzelman for
his meritorious service on the Planning Advisory Commission.
A Resolution (392-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Darryl Holloman for
his meritorious service on the Planning Advisory Commission.
A Resolution (393-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Cathy Hodge for her
meritorious service on the Planning Advisory Commission.
A Resolution (394-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. David Johnson for
his
meritorious service on the Planning Advisory Commission.
A Resolution (395-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Ronny Smith for his
meritorious service on the Planning Advisory Commission.
A Resolution (396-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Jeremy Hobbs for
his
meritorious service on the Public Safety Advisory Commission.
A Resolution (397-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Gregory Wagner for
his meritorious service on the Public Safety Advisory Commission.
A Resolution (398-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. John Pezold for his
meritorious service on the Public Safety Advisory Commission.
A Resolution (399-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Charles Kurtz for
his
meritorious service on the Public Safety Advisory Commission.
A Resolution (400-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Arnold Goodman for
his meritorious service on the Recreation Advisory Commission.
A Resolution (401-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Albert Sanders
for his meritorious service on the Region Six Regional Planning for Departments
of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
A Resolution (402-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Lt. Julius Ross for his
meritorious service on the Taxicab Commission.
A Resolution (403-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. James Brooks for
his
meritorious service on the Taxicab Commission.
A Resolution (404-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Diane Quick for her
meritorious service on the Taxicab Commission.
A Resolution (405-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Gloria Battle for
her
meritorious service on the Tree Board.
A Resolution (406-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Elizabeth Dreelin
for
her meritorious service on the Tree Board.
A Resolution (407-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Dorothy McDaniel
for
her meritorious service on the Tree Board.
A Resolution (408-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. James Head for his
meritorious service on the Tree Board.
A Resolution (409-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. George Stanton for
his
meritorious service on the Tree Board.
A Resolution (410-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Hal Averett for his
meritorious service on the Tree Board.
A Resolution (411-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Kenneth Henson for
his meritorious service on the Tree Board.
A Resolution (412-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Claudya Muller for
her
meritorious service on the Tree Board.
A Resolution (413-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Brenda Price for
her meritorious service on the Uptown Facade Board.
A Resolution (414-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. John Lester for his
meritorious service on the Uptown Facade Board.
A Resolution (415-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Sonya Eddings for
her
meritorious service on the Uptown Facade Board.
A Resolution (416-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Ms. Cherie Sanders for
her
meritorious service on the Uptown Facade Board.
A Resolution (417-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Rick Alexander for
his
meritorious service on the Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority.
A Resolution (418-13) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Fernando Verdree
for
his meritorious service on the Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority.
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COLUMBUS POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Councilor Woodson said at the last Council meeting she recognized a member
of our Public Safety Department, a police officer who did a great job in our
community helping a young man who had been hit by a car. She said that she
received a call from that officer who stated that he didn?t do it alone and had
others who assisted him. She said she wanted to also thank those other officers
who assisted Sergeant Anderson in this matter; and then thanked Officers
William Genehouse and Jacob Donnelly.
She said when she stated that it was a hit and run accident, that was in
error; and said that she wanted to make that correction that it was not a hit
and run. She said they have been checking on the young man and said that they
were able to find his family thanks to these three gentlemen. She said she
would also ask the Mayor to call the other two individuals who assisted
Sergeant Anderson.
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CRIME PREVENTION GRANTS:
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that these grants were brought before the
Council at an earlier meeting; however, the Council had asked for some
additional information and then called on City Attorney Fay for comments.
City Attorney Fay said they have given the Council two draft ordinances to
consider and said one would require all grant applicants for Crime Prevention
awards to list contributions at $250.00 or more. He said the other draft would
list them at $101.00 plus and also would require notification if any Mayor or a
Councilor served on a non-profit board. He said they are for the Council?s
consideration and we can bring them back to the Council at a later time or
whenever the sponsoring councilor desires them to.
He said as they told the Ledger-Enquirer, campaign contributions are
specifically allowed by Georgia law and our Columbus Charter provision. He said
the only time a councilor has to disqualify is when they have a personal
financial interest in the manner that is in front of the Council; whether it?s
a crime prevention grant, a zoning matter, or anything else; if they have a
financial interest, then they have to disqualify themselves.
Crime Prevention Director said the information that was asked for by the
Council, he sent it to the City Attorney and he believes it was forwarded on to
the Council members. He said he read the ordinances that the City Attorney
drafted and said their board will do whatever the Council wants them to do.
Councilor Davis said he thinks it would be appropriate to delay the two
draft ordinances that were provided by the City Attorney at this time, to allow
the Council an opportunity to work through it, if they want to add to it or
modify it.
He said he thinks the Director of Crime Prevention is aware of potential need
of these changes and has already stated to us that they will be going back and
allow their board to talk and work through it and maybe give us some input and
at the same time, the Council can examine it.
Councilor Davis made a motion to approve one through eight. He said he
believes that Items Nine and Ten are new requests all of the listed items
exclusive of Item Numbers Five and Ten, which was seconded by Councilor
Woodson. He then explained his reason for making the motion. He said it has
been stated around the table several times that dealing with the budget
shortfall, our revenues are less than our expenditures and now that we have
combined both of the reserves on the General Fund side and the LOST side, it is
collectively one reserve. He said any new expenditures in this government are
either going to contribute to the shortfall or exasperate the issue. He said
the funding is not there but if there was or is funding it?s either going to
come out of someone else?s department or out of the reserve. Councilor Davis
requested that the Finance Director match these programs up on the current
budget cycle and any new requests would come in on the future budget cycle.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Mr. Seth Brown if Items Number Five and
Ten put him outside of his budget request.
Mr. Brown said if all of these were approved today, we would still be
$43,000 under budget. He said these were budgeted funds that Council approved
back in June.
Councilor Judy Thomas made a substitute motion to approve Items One
through Nine.
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THE FOLLOWING TEN RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL,
PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH
AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT
MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR ALLEN AND HENDERSON BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
MEETING:__________
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A Resolution (419-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a one year contract
with
Columbus Parks/Recreation to award $80,000.00 funding to provide quality
programming for juveniles during summer, after school and provide a resource
and
location for community efforts to enrich the neighborhood. Funds will be
appropriated from the Local Option Sales Tax, Crime Prevention Program.
A Resolution (420-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a one year contract
with
Columbus Technical College for $80,000 in funding toward their effort to employ
non-violent felons and reduce the rate of recidivism.
A Resolution (421-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a one year contract
with
Family Center of Columbus for $87,000 in grant funds for treatment of at-risk
youth and families, to reduce the dropouts rate, juvenile crime rates and
delinquency. An agenda report, contract and resolution are attached.
A Resolution (422-13) ? Authorizing a contract with the Muscogee County
Adult Drug Court for $75,000 in Crime Prevention Grant funds toward the
reduction of recidivism and continued drug use among adult offenders.
A Resolution (423-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a one year contract
with
E.I.T.A. (Education Is The Answer, Inc.) for $45,000 in Crime Prevention Grant
funds for mentoring juveniles from ages 13-19 in middle and high schools, to
reduce truancy rate, drug usage, pregnancy and delinquency among juveniles.
A Resolution (424-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a one year contract
with
Muscogee County Mental Health Court for $75,000 for reduction of recidivism
and continued drug use among adult offenders.
A Resolution (425-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a one year contract
with
Chattahoochee Valley Jail Ministry, Inc., for $41,500.00 for quality
programming as well as mentoring for inmates within the Muscogee County Jail.
A Resolution (426-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a one year contract
with
Literacy Alliance for $105,000 in grant funding in an effort to increase
literacy rates of Muscogee County residents to reduce crime and lower
recidivism rates among adults.
A Resolution (427-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a one year contract
with
Neighborhood Focused on African American Youth, Inc., for $55,000.00 in Crime
Prevention Grant Funds to provide quality after school programming and tutoring
for juveniles during the school year.
A Resolution (428-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a one year contract
with
SAMARC Foundation for $50,000.00 in Crime Prevention Grant Funds to increase
academic scores and leadership skills among juveniles within Muscogee County to
reduce crime and lower recidivism rates among juveniles.
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
Mr. John Redmond, Internal Auditor came forward with a special report on
the Health and Wellness Center and also introduced the new Forensic Auditor Ms.
Joan Perry. He said a couple of months ago when we began talking about the
health insurance proposals there was quite a bit of discussion about the
various plans and what modifications could be made. He said there were some
questions about why the Health and Wellness Center was an option that recently
came into being. He said there were also several concerns that were expressed
regarding the facility and its operation. He said he was asked to look into it
and now he would like to share some of the things that he has found. The
report is listed as follows:
Special Report Background
Discussion of employee healthcare plan rate and benefit changes at early
October council meeting
Exclusion of HWC from considered rate and benefit changes
Encourage employee participation in evaluation of healthcare alternatives
HWC Promises to Employees
Rate guarantee through December 31, 2014
?Love It or Leave It? option
No sick time charge for appointments
No deductible and no co-pay on office visits
Reduced co-pays for referred specialists
Free generic prescriptions filled at HWC
Case management for chronic illnesses
HWC Cost Savings Strategies
Direct contracting with ancillary providers (labs, imaging, generic drugs, etc.)
Lab/imaging/generic drug providers willing to accept lower fees for ?no hassle?
quick payment
Generic drug dispensing
Preventive care
Chronic illnesses case management
Neutral physician service delivery
HWC Concerns & Complaint Sources
Employees
Employee Representatives
Council Members
Mayor
City Manager
HR Director
Comment Cards
Patient Exit Interviews
Employee Bulletin Board
Whistleblower Hotline (none reported)
HWC Concerns and Complaints
The departure of Dr. Flowers after 6 months at the H&W Center
The discontinuance of prescribing of Class II Controlled Substances used as
Central Nervous System Stimulants, such as Adderall, Ritilin & Xanex
Poor bedside manner of new physicians
The City is using the H&W Center option with its lower price to force
employees to abandon the other health insurance options
HWC Concerns and Complaints
The wait time for referrals is too long
Patients sometimes have to wait for their appointment, either in the waiting
area or in the exam room
Participants in the H&W Center option should share in the burden of the rate
increase to employees
HWC Concerns and Complaints
It is unfair for H&W Center option employees to not be charged sick time for
their visits during work hours while employees in other plans are charged sick
time
One complaint noted that the physicians at the Center are not specialists in
pediatric care and was unable to care for his young child.
Councilor Thomas asked what is the charge to the employee if he/she is
referred to a specialist to receive the Class II Controlled Substance
prescriptions. Mr. Redmond said if an employee is referred to a specialist
there is a $20 charge.
Councilor Thomas then asked if a person got their regular prescriptions at
the Health and Wellness Center would there be a charge. Mr. Redmond said
there would not be a charge but if they were in the HMO or PPO program a
referral to a specialist would be a $30 charge.
HWC Comment Cards
Locked Box in HWC office
Cards retrieved by Internal Auditor
Period November 15th through December 2nd
72 total cards
Comment Card Results
Was your appointment scheduled in good time?
71 Yes 98.6%
1 No 1.4%
How was the care you received today?
60 Very Good 83.3%
9 Good 12.5%
2 Fair 2.8%
1 Poor 1.4%
Comment Card Results
The doctor listened to my concerns.
71 Yes 98.6%
1 No 1.4%
All my questions were answered.
69 Yes 95.8%
3 No 4.2%
Comment Card Results
My medical needs were met.
69 Yes 95.8%
3 No 4.2%
Was your visit scheduled before today?
56 Yes 77.8%
16 No 22.2%
Comment Card Results
How long did you wait before you saw the medical staff?
16 No Wait 23.9%
39 1 - 10 minutes 58.2%
0 11 ? 20 minutes 0.0%
2 21 ? 30 minutes 3.0%
8 31 ? 45 minutes 11.9%
2 46 ? 60 minutes 3.0%
5 No Response
Comment Card Results
Would you recommend the HWC to other employees?
71 Yes 98.6%
1 No 1.4%
Comment Card Results
If the value of service did NOT meet your expectations, please explain why.
Negative Comments
4 long wait times; including one in exam room, 1 excused due to many
sick patients
1 to be rescheduled for a non-planned additional issue
1 slow referral to a specialist
1 did not feel doctor read chart or listened to complaints and has seen
multiple practitioners at various visits
Comment Card Results
Positive Comments
18 regarding great/excellent service, professional of staff, well organized,
polite and courteous staff; free care
Statistical Highlights
95.8% of respondents rated HWC quality of care as very good or good
82.1% of respondents were seen in less that 10 minutes
23.9% had no wait
98.6% would recommend HWC to other employees
Final Comments
Improved access to quality care and medications
May be best option for most employees
Cost containment through efficient delivery and direct contracting
Neutral physician service delivery
(right level of care at a reduced cost)
Sustainable healthcare alternative
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the October 22, 2013 and October 29,
2013 Meetings of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus,
Georgia were submitted and approved upon the adoption of a motion made by
Councilor McDaniel and seconded by Councilor Huff, which carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council being present for this meeting, with Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh being absent for the vote and Councilor Allen being absent for
this meeting.
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CRIME PREVENTION GRANTS:
Councilor Davis requested that the Mayor, City Manager and City Attorney
come together and provide him with a report as to how the Mayor?s Office or
City Manager?s Office plans to align any new requests of funding with the
upcoming budget cycle.
In response to Councilor Davis? request Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that
under the Charter, once something has been passed, the Mayor has the authority
to sign it within ten days or reject it with no request from Council but she is
always happy to provide a report.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO
TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE NINE MEMBERS PRESENT WITH COUNCILOR ALLEN BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
MEETING:___
___
An Ordinance (13-55) ? Property located at the southwest portion of 5576
River Road, is proposed for rezoning from SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2) to
NC (Neighborhood Commercial) Zoning District. (REZN-10-13-3158) (District 2-?
Councilor Davis) The purpose of the rezoning is for a new wireless
communication facility.
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An Ordinance (13-56) ? Property located at 3845 and 3857 St. Mary?s Road,
is proposed for rezoning from GC (General Commercial) with Conditions to GC
(General Commercial) with Amended Conditions Zoning District. (REZN-10-13-3166)
(District 1 --Councilor Barnes) The purpose of the rezoning is for general
retail (Fred?s Store).
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An Ordinance (13-57) ? Adopting changes to the Columbus Consolidated
Government Classification and Pay Plan by adding the position of Official Court
Reporter at a Pay Grade 21 for Court Reporters on the effective date of this
ordinance; authorizing up to $10,000.00 in transcript page charges per fiscal
year
when authorized by a Superior Court Judge; adopting Policies and Procedures for
Court Reporters; and for other purposes.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND AFTER SOME DISCUSSION WAS THEN DELAYED
INDEFINITELY:_________________
An Ordinance ? Prohibiting payment of ?gap time? between authorized
minimum scheduled work hours and the threshold number of hours for overtime
payment required under the Fair Labor Standards Act; and for other purposes.
Mayor Tomlinson said as to item number four on the City Attorney?s Agenda,
she would like to have a discussion and hear from some of the Councilors. She
said the City Manager has sent around answers to questions that were posed
previously. She then made the following observation: we have a salary system
at the City and that salary system is done by grades. She said there is a
position and there are steps within that grade and those positions have job
descriptions and Council approves those job descriptions and grades. She said
we have had help from the University of Georgia in setting the salary for those
various positions. She said ?gap time? has never been approved or considered by
Council. She said it does have the interesting affect of allowing certain
department heads to supplement income based on schedule. She said she had the
idea of taking the partially exempt positions and referring them to UGA and
have them assessed.
At this time, Councilor Barnes requested that this ordinance be delayed
indefinitely. He said in trying to ascertain all of the various bits involved
in this issue, it?s going to take some time to gather. He said he would like
to see the Sheriff, members of the Council, the Finance Director and John
Redmond form a committee to try to work through this situation.
Councilor Huff requested that the persons in those departments that do the
scheduling be brought in to explain to the Council why they do what they do.
He said the information that he has come across states it has to do with the
number of hours in order to man the prison and the jail for 24 hours.
Councilor Barnes then made a motion to delay this ordinance indefinitely
until there are further UGA analysis and committee recommendations. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Thomas said she would like to suggest that we know all of those
employees in the City Government who may be subject to this issue and take it
into consideration as we decide what we are going to send to UGA. She then
requested to be on the Committee.
At this time Mayor Tomlinson called attention to the motion that was
previously made by Councilor Barnes to delay the ordinance indefinitely, which
was second by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members
of Council present at the time, with Councilor Allen being absent for this
meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (429-13) ? Requesting a Special Exception Use for a new
wireless communication facility (Tower) located at 1435 Double Churches Road.
The current zoning for the property is NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning
district.
PROPONENTS:
Mr. Bob Poydasheff, came forward and said everything that we have done with
this special exception meets federal law and city law. He said we have
received and the Council should have a determination of no hazard to air
navigation from the FAA. He also said there may be some people to come forward
with concerns about the power of the towers allegedly causing cancer. He said
in accordance with the American Cancer Society, that information is not true.
OPPONENTS:
Ms. Annie Rookes, came forward and said she lives across the street from
where the tower is suppose to go up and she is against the tower being there.
She said she has some concerns about cancer, noise and different things that
the tower might cause. She said she would not like to walk out her door and
look at a tower. She said she has been at this location for 40 years and she
knows that there is other space in that vicinity. She said on the next street
there is no neighborhood and she recommends that the tower be placed there.
Councilor Davis pointed out that with some of the cell towers that are now
going in and this is one of them, legally it meets all of the requirements that
are there. He said even if the City chose to fight it, ultimately there is no
defense for it because it meets all of the requirements. He said the only
thing that could be said is would there be a more appropriate location.
A Resolution (430-13) ? requesting a Special Exception Use for a new
wireless communication facility (Tower) located at the southwest portion of
5576 River Road. The current zoning for the property is SFR2 (Single Family
Residential) zoning district.
City Attorney Fay recognized the presence of the petitioner; however,
there were no presentations made since no one came forward in opposition.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolutions. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Allen being absent for the meeting.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MRS. LINDA OR DOUG GEORE, RE: A MATTER INVOLVING THEIR TENANT AND
INFORMATION ON TAXES PAID TO THE CITY:______________________
________ _______
Mrs. Linda George, approached the podium and expressed gratitude to the
City for their assistance with a problem that occurred the day before. She
said on November 22, 2013 she submitted two documents: a property tax summary
and an affidavit from the School District. She expressed concerns in regards
to her tenant and the Muscogee County School District. She said her husband is
requesting that the Council do something with the State Legislators and stop
making landlords who pay feel like they have an anti movement against
them.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCUSSION:
_____________________________
A Resolution ? Authorizing rate changes for Health Insurance for Active
Employees, Pre-65 Retirees and modifications to the plan benefits.
City Manager Hugley said we have had a lot of discussion on this matter
and we are presenting a projected 2 million dollar shortfall in our health
insurance expense. He said we have presented proposed rate adjustments, co
pays and deductable adjustments for the employees. He said although we are on
track and projecting a 2 million dollar shortfall, what we have presented to
you in deductibles, co pays and premium adjustments amounts to 1.7 million
dollars-$1,669,510.39. He then said he is requesting the approval of the
Council in order to move forward with another open enrollment.
Councilor Henderson made a motion to approve the Resolution. Second by
Councilor Baker.
Councilor McDaniel said he understands where the City Manager is coming
from but this is an estimate of 2 million dollars. He said there is nothing in
concrete that says we are going to lose 2 million dollars. He said most of the
employees are living from pay check to pay check and this is an awful lot of
money for them. He said he is not going to put the burden on the employees on
an estimate basis. He said if the City Manager can come back and show that we
are losing 2 million dollars with concrete evidence he could possibly change
his vote. He then said he would be voting against the resolution.
Councilor Thomas said she had a conversation with President Randy
Robertson who is the President of the Fraternal Order of Police, and he asked
if he would have the opportunity to address Council. She said she told him that
she would request from Council to allow him to speak. Councilor Thomas made a
motion to allow President Randy Robertson to speak before Council. Seconded By
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Allen being absent for this meeting.
Mr. Robertson came forward and expressed that there are City Employees
that feel that they have no voice and that they are being abandoned. He said it
seems that these things happen really fast without a lot of input from that
regular everyday blue collar City Employee. He then read a statement that he
had written expressing several concerns relating to this matter.
Councilor Huff made a motion to allow Drale Short to speak before Council.
Seconded By Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present at the time, with Councilor Allen being absent for
this meeting.
Ms. Short came forward and expressed her concerns relating to this matter.
She said a core group of employees came together approximately two weeks ago
and decided to organize an association for General Government Employees. She
said during this session we discussed everything that Council has been
discussing as it relates to healthcare, workers compensation, gap time and
retirement calculations. She said the major concern was the possibility of
layoffs and said she is requesting that Council ensures that everyone who is an
employee by the City of Columbus is employed by the City of Columbus in 2015.
Councilor Huff said he is in agreement with Councilor McDaniel. He said he
is not looking forward to anyone being laid off. He said he is hopeful that
the Council will dig into the budget, as the monies come in to see if we can
come up with some way to save the employees.
At this time City Manager Hugley reiterated that we are on track for a 2
million dollar shortfall. He said we are talking about getting direction from
the Council that we can have another open enrollment. He said it would take
time to process for close to 3,000 employees and the new premiums would kick in
in April, after the first quarter. He said any further delay would mean that
it would kick in even later into the fiscal year, which ends June 30th. He
said we are going to have a 2 million dollar expense that?s not covered.
Councilor Barnes said in October he made it clear that he would not vote
in favor of this resolution. He said he thinks the employees should come back
to speak before the Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a substitute motion to bring this Resolution
back to Council the second week in February. Seconded by Councilor Woodson.
After some additional discussion regarding this matter, with several
Members of Council expressing their views and concerns, Councilor Davis
requested that an education process be started with the employees to help them
understand the dynamics of the healthcare plan.
At this time Mayor Tomlinson called attention to the substitute motion
previously made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh to bring this Resolution back to
Council the second week in February, which was seconded by Councilor Woodson
and carried by a vote of seven to two with Councilors Henderson and Baker
voting no and all other seven Members of Council voting yes: Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh and Councilors, Barnes, Davis, Huff, McDaniel, Thomas and Woodson,
with Councilor Allen being absent for this meeting.
Councilor Thomas requested that the meetings that are to be scheduled be
meeting for the employees. She said she does not think that a purpose is being
served if employees are called to a meeting and the Council and administration
does all of the talking. She said she believes there should be no constraints
on the employees at this meeting. She then suggested that there be a
facilitator who is not an employee of the City.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
_______________________________ ______
A Resolution (431-13) ? Authorizing the negotiation and execution of an
annual contract with Usis Amerisys of Dunwoody, GA to provide workers
compensation claim management services.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried by a vote of six to three with Councilors Baker,
Huff and Thomas voting no and all other six Members of Council voting yes:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors, Barnes, Davis, Henderson, McDaniel
and Woodson, with Councilor Allen being absent for this meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh requested to see all of the saving that were
previously requested from the City Manager. She said she wants it on the record
that she expects to see those savings.
City Manager Hugely said we are going to work very hard. He said the Risk
Manager shared that there is a $200,000 savings in the administrative cost out
the gate and with the manage care system there are other savings to come and
she will work very hard to bring the concept that we think is a better fit. He
said he wants employees to stay encouraged and feel free to be creative and
innovative during these tough economic times.
*** *** ***
DEPARTMENT UPDATE ? ADA TRANSITION PLAN:
Ms. Donna Newman, Director of Engineering came forward in next week?s
package there should be a resolution for the approval of the City Manager to
submit to the Georgia Department of Transportation the ADA transition plan. She
said the initial plan was required to be submitted to the GDOT by January 26,
1995. She said we found documentation where there were meetings and we assumed
there was a plan done but we were never able to find our actual plan. She said
in March of 2013 the Mayor received a letter from the GDOT requesting submittal
of the updated ADA Transition Plan by July 31, 2013. She said Georgia law
mandates that all government buildings and facilities receiving permits for
construction after July 1, 1995, shall comply with the rules and regulations
adopted by the Commissioner (of Insurance) which meet ADAAG (ADA Accessibility
Guidelines) and establish the minimum State standards for accessibility. She
said after we could not find our plan, we formed a committee to discuss
strategies to address the plan. She said she was given the duty of being the
coordinator and said we had to go out and survey and assess all of our
facilities. She said we developed a check list to assess these facilities to be
sure that they met the requirements. She said we are still working on
completing that assessment and trying to make estimates of what it would cost
to bring them up to standard. She said our goal is to submit the results of
the study to the GDOT by the end of the month. She said we will make
recommendations and consider them as part of the FY15 CIP Budget. Maintenance
staff will be trained accordingly and routine updates will be submitted as
required.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she does not think that the door to the Tax
Commissioner?s Office is handicap assessable.
City Manager Hugley said that he would have it checked out.
*** *** ***
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
City Manager Hugley announced that the grand opening of the Sustainability
Center would be December 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the
Sustainability Center. The address is 7160 Sacerdote Lane.
City Manager Hugley said when we moved from the Government Center to this
new building, we got wile connected immediately and we have been transporting
the recording down to the Government Center for Charter and Mediacom. He said
Mediacom?s connection to the City to provide cable service was through the
Charter infrastructure. He said on Monday, Charter will begin the process of
installing their fiber that?s necessary to connect in this building. He said
once they have completed connecting their fiber we will have them live out of
this building, but it will disconnect the Mediacom customers for 2-3 weeks. He
said we will begin to scroll this information on the Government Access Channel
on tomorrow so that Mediacom customers will know in advance. He said once
Mediacom completes their fiber, Mediacom would be live out of the Citizen
Services Building.
*** *** ***
FACILITY NAMING
Councilor Thomas requested that the City Manager send her some information
showing where we are in naming the two facilities after Charles Wright and Fred
Hyder.
City Manager Hugley said he would provide Councilor Thomas with the
information.
*** *** ***
WILD HOGS:
Councilor Huff requested an update on the wild hogs. He said they have
come back and some of them are larger.
City Manager Hugley said he has communicated with the Public Works
Director and Special Enforcement to determine a plan to deal with this issue.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATION TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:
___________________________________________________
(1) Application submitted by Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close 1000 and 1100
block of Broadway, on Friday December 6, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., in
connection with the ?Broadway Holiday?.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON: _ _
Clerk of Council Washington submitted a letter from Ms. Mary Eugenia Gates
requesting the waiver of 2013 Property Tax late charge of $115.23.
This item was not received by the Council due to lack of a motion.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY
RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________
Convention & Visitors Bureau, September 18, 2013.
Region Six Regional Planning Board, September 11, 2013.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion that these minutes are received.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Davis and McDaniel being absent
for this vote, and Councilor Allen being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________________________
A Resolution (432-13) ? A Resolution excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from
the December 3, 2013 Council Meeting.
Councilor Baker made a motion that the resolution be approved. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present
at the time, with Councilors Davis and McDaniel being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Allen being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Council is still waiting to
hear from PAWS for a replacement for Tracy Dean on the Animal Control Advisory
Board.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF HEALTH:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that the term of office of Dr. William
DeNamur has expired and he does not wish to serve another term on the Board of
Health.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF HONOR:
Clerk of Council Washington advised that the term of office of Mr. Jack
Rodgers has expired and he does not wish to serve another term on the Board of
Honor.
She said she has tried to make contact with former City Councilors and
Mayor but has not received a response
back.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Addie Cunningham who
represented Council District Three has resigned and we need someone to fill
this unexpired term.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(CIRCLE):
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Owen Ditchfield has
resigned and we need someone to fill this unexpired term.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seat of Mr. Andrew
Hollomon has been declared vacant by the Council and that they must nominate
someone to fill this unexpired term of office.
She further pointed out that the term of office for Mr. Daniel Williams
and Ms. Margaret Shafer has expired and they cannot succeed themselves. There
were no nominations.
*** *** ***
REGION SIX PLANNING BOARD
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Elizabeth Matheny has
resigned and we need someone to fill this unexpired term.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Michael Donnelly has
resigned and we need someone to fill this unexpired term. She advised that she
has been in contact with the hotel/motel industry and she believes that we will
have a representative on next week.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need a
representative for Council District Two on the Youth Advisory Council.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained for motion for adjournment. Councilor Woodson so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Davis and McDaniel
being absent for this vote, and Councilor Allen being absent for the meeting,
with the time of adjournment being 9:13 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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