MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
MARCH 8, 2011
The meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at 9:00
A.M., Tuesday, March 8, 2011, on the Plaza Level of the Government Center,
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 R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Berry H.
Henderson, Bruce Huff, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Judy Thomas, and Evelyn
Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, and Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington were also present.
Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis took her seat at 10:25 a.m.
ABSENT: Councilor Glenn Davis was absent but excused upon the adoption of
Resolution No. 108-11.
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INVOCATION: by Reverend Dr. Harry McCall from the Interdenominational Ministry
Alliance.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Downtown Magnet Academy Jr. Servant Leadership
Group accompanied by Staci Allen, Magnet Coordinator. .
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CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHY:
On behalf of the Council of Columbus, Georgia, Mayor Tomlinson expressed
sympathy and condolences to the family of Aaron Cohn for the passing of his
wife Janet Ann Cohn. Mayor Tomlinson said Judge Cohn and his family has served
this community for decades and she will gravely and sorely missed.
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LEADERSHIP COLUMBUS:
Mayor Tomlinson recognized the presence of Leadership Columbus class
members who are here to observed today?s meeting.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
INFORMATION:
Mayor Tomlinson said this is a draft poster that was to go out to all
employees relating to the Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline. Councilor Davis, who
could not be here today, has asked that we postpone our discussion of it,
because he wants to have input as well as a public discussion.
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ADVISEMENT:
Councilor Thomas points out that her and Mayor Tomlinson has been
corresponding for a few weeks regarding calls that they have received from
people in the community - looking at the alcohol ordinance and a few places
that need to be tweaked. She said not the entire ordinance but a few places
that we should look into to make sure that the wording of the ordinance is what
we meant and says what we can do. She said they are looking for 10-12
volunteers from the community who may have an interest as well as those who may
have suggestions (may not want to serve on a committee) for changes to this
ordinance. She said if anyone is interested, they could submit their names by
the end of the month to the Mayor?s Office through Ms. Lacy Morrison.
Mayor Tomlinson then pointed out that all of these meetings would be open
to the public and once meeting dates are schedule, they will be published by
the Clerk of Council?s Office. She further that Councilors can sit on the board
as ex-officio members.
Councilor Henderson said he has no problems with putting together a
committee to take a look at this ordinance because things and circumstances do
change, but those who were on Council the last time we went thorough this
process recognized what a lengthy, drawn-out and pain-staking ordeal it was and
unfortunately, with an alcohol beverage code, you are not going to have every
situation taken care of. He said the law, when it applies to something that is
going to impact public safety ? unfortunately it is not written for the people
who are going to do it right; it is written for the people who are going to try
to find loopholes and take advantage of opportunities and go completely against
the intent of the ordinance. He said is please to hear Councilor Thomas say
that they are going to include public safety and if they the public safety
representative cannot make the meeting or cannot be a part of it, we probably
don?t need to have it because that is paramount to the ordinance. He also
suggested that someone from the licensing division is also part of this
committee. Councilor Henderson then asked is Council will be confirming these
members or are they mayor?s selection only, to which Mayor Tomlinson responded
that at this time, it is just an advisory group and it may be that there would
be no changes to the ordinance.
Several members of Council and the Mayor discussed this issue for an
additional 20 minutes raising concerns such as number of members on the
committee; identify areas of focus for the committee; duration of the
committee; meeting dates and location; objective of the committee; and the 600
ft and 300 ft. rule.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the January 11, 2011Council Meetings of
the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia we submitted
for approval. Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor Davis being absent for this vote.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND WAS ADOPTED ON SECOND READING BY THE COUNCIL:
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An Ordinance (11-1) - amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; located at 7364, 8997, 9163 Macon Road is
proposed for rezoning from RE1 (Residential Estate 1)/SFR3 (Single Family
Residential 3) zoning district to PMUD (Planned Mixed Unit Development) zoning
district.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the minutes. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
Councilor Allen thanked Mr. Thayer for his willingness to meet with the
constituents and listening to heir concerns. He said the city has heard over
the years from citizens who would like to see the response time of public
safety vehicles increase out in the panhandle area and this is one area that is
going to help in that regard. Councilor Allen said last time the Council met,
he asked Mr. Rick Jones if this was a precedence-setting step for Council in
adding those that oppose this site, specifically the apartments and commercial
development and he (Rick Jones) said no at that point. He said in approaching
this, he felt that we (Council) should approach it cautiously and for that
reason he is going to vote no and is asking the Council to vote no.
Mayor Tomlinson then called the attention of the motion on the floor ?
Councilor Henderson moving the adoption of this ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh, which carried by a vote of 7 to 2 with Councilors
Henderson, Baker, McDaniel, Barnes, Huff, Thomas and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
voting yes, and Councilors Allen and Woodson voting no; with Councilor Davis
being absent from this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:_____________________________________
Property located at 7974 Shinn Drive is proposed for rezoning from SFR1
(Single Family Residential 1) zoning district to SFR4 (Single Family
Residential 4) zoning district.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner, Mr. Chuck McClure came forward, gave his address as 7683
Cartledge Road and stated that this is a simple rezoning for a lot located at
Shinn Drive.
Councilor Baker questioned the reasons behind the proposed rezoning (SFR4)
given the surrounding areas properties. He said this seems to be a dramatic
density change. Mr. McClure responded by pointing out certain boundaries of
this proposed rezoning using the overhead projector.
Responding to a question from Councilor Baker, Mr. Rick Jones (Director,
Planning Department) came forward and stated that under the old zoning
ordinance prior to 2005, we had a designation known as R3B which was a patio
home designation with a minimum lot width of 35 ft and minimum lot size of
3,150 sq ft. He said we did not carry that zoning classification over into the
new UDO (Unified Development Ordinance) and all those former R3B properties
would convert to SFR3 and almost every one of them are grandfathered in. He
made some additional references using diagrams and site plans shown on the
overhead projector.
With no further questions regarding this proposed rezoning, City Attorney
Fay pointed out that there are no conditions on the ordinance but the
petitioner is asking for this particular classification, which would allow that
smaller width. He further pointed out that this would be voted on in two weeks.
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Property located at 6895, 6285, 6279 and part of 6261 Psalmond Road is
proposed for rezoning from RE1 (Real Estate 1) zoning district to PUD (Planned
Unit Development) zoning district.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Ms. Lucy Jones, representing the Woodruff Company, Inc. came forward and gives
her address of 2900 Warm Springs Road. She stated this project is a rezoning of
26 acres for 75 lots into a PUD on the corners of Psalmond Road and Beaver Run
Road. She it is consistent with the use plan for this area and will be a
project to be proud of in the community consisting of a home owners
association, architectural landscape control, quality construction and home
will range from 2000 sq ft to 3000 sq ft.
Responding to a question about traffic from Councilor Allen, Ms. Jones said
it would take possibly 10 years to complete build this area given the economy.
She said Psalmond Road would not be impacted in the initial phase, with the
exception of a few cars and maybe by the end of construction this may warrant
some type of signal or a traffic control device. She said the issue is not the
number of cars traveling this road but rather the speed at which they are
traveling.
At the request of Councilor Allen, Mr. Jones came forward and highlighted
some of the requirements before a traffic signal (light) in installed.
City Attorney Fay pointed out the 2 conditions (3 lots on Psalmond Road
shall not have a direct access to Psalmond Road and the sight plan in
incorporated by condition) of the proposed rezoning ordinance.
Ms. Jessica Stadnick came forward and gives her address as 6249 Psalmond
Road and she stated that she do understand that they cannot stop this
development and mainly wants to maintain low density residential. She said they
are under the impression that this was here for the lot sizes, just not on
Psalmond Road but also for those existing residents as well. She said they are
hereby requesting downsize in the capacity at a minimum of ? acre to 1 acre
lots for the rest of the existing residents and also to ensure the lifestyle we
have is not in danger and also to ease any concerns over the traffic and safety
issues already discussed. Ms. Stadnick also pointed out that the Woodruff
Company has discussed with the residents 8ft fence and natural barrier as well
as sewage and they would like to ensure that this is also granted to maintain
privacy.
Councilor Henderson said he agreed with Ms. Stadnick and that Council has
always tried to be cognizant of the fact that if there is a shift downward in
lot size, but with a PUD and multi-use development, one of the protection it
affords in trying to create and retain that life style is a requirement for
green space and open space within the development.
Responding to Councilor Henderson comments, Mr. Rick Jones said this is not
a traditional subdivision, as this requires the developer to think through the
process and actually plan for how the site is going to be developed. He said
his understanding is that this is going to be a traditional development where
the houses are actually gong to be closer to the front, there will be more
buffering, a trail system, they have incorporated a detention pond, and there
will be smaller lot, but in return of that, we are going to see more green
space and buffering than one would normally see for a regular subdivision.
Councilor Henderson than asked if the same requirement would be in place to
protect the residents if this were a SFR1 or RE1 zoning, to which Mr. Jones
said there would be some protection but not to the extent with this proposes
rezoning.
After an additional 10 minutes of discussion bye several members of
Council, Ms. Jones made some references to letters she received from residents
(Mr. Buster Barber 6273 Psalmond Road and Ms. Andrea Stadnick of 6249 Psalmond
Road) in this area and her response to them. She also stated that she would be
glad to add these letters to the ordinance.
Councilor Allen then made a motion to allow the City Attorney to define the
areas for the buffers. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Davis being absent from
this meeting.
City Attorney Fay said he would add Councilor Allen?s request as a third
condition of the ordinance. He then pointed out that this would be back for a
vote in two weeks.
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Property located at 513 14th Street is proposed for rezoning from LMI
(Light Manufacturing Industrial) zoning district to UPT (Uptown) zoning
district.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Eddie Beats came forward and stated that he is the lead pastor of
Simplified Church and gives his address as 7576 Timberdale Court. Mr. Beats
said they are asking that the said property be rezoned from Light Manufacturing
to UPT for a place of worship. He said they are very intentional about
inserting themselves into the uptown area in a time when most churches are
moving north because of growth.
With on one here to oppose this proposed rezoning, City Attorney Fay said
this would be voted on in two weeks.
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An ordinance amending the Columbus Code by deleting Section 14-10 and
substituting a new Section prohibiting aggressive panhandling; and for other
purposes.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Reynolds Bickerstaff came forward, gives his address as 8000 Midland
Road # 6 and stated that he the current chairperson for Uptown Columbus, Inc.
Mr. Bickerstaff said he would like more time to review how other cities are
addressing this; but the way we are interpret this is that it is ok to
panhandle during the day as long as they are polite and possibly offer
something that in exchange that is not considered monetary value. He said this
ordinance is not accomplishing what it is intended to do and he felt that it is
intended to prohibit panhandling, which is illegal in lots of other cities, but
this is in fact allowing it to happen in our city.
Mr. Bickerstaff said one of the reasons he is asking for more time is
because he wants to talk with the BID Board to get their opinions since they
are not here. He said they have increased the ambassador patrol on Sundays
because as citizens are exiting church, panhandlers are approaching them and
this is obviously is an issue that needs to be discussed and we would like the
Council to allow us (Uptown and BID) to spend a little more time discussing
this and what the effects would caused on our city should this be accepted and
passed.
Councilor Barnes asked Mr. Bickerstaff what would be ideal for him
regarding this ordinance to which Mr. Bickerstaff responded that he just found
out about this last Friday and only had a few days to review it and haven?t had
time to talk to other downtown areas and how they are addressing it.
Councilor Barnes said this issue is something that does needs to be
addressed and we have conferred the City Attorney has done an extreme amount of
research on in other cities and we have also sat down and conferred with the
Chief of Police on this matter. Councilor Barnes said he has no problems with
Mr. Bickerstaff?s request to delay this matter, and called on City Attorney Fay
to address some of the constitutional issues and concerns regarding this
proposed ordinance.
City Attorney Fay said while he certainly understand some of Mr.
Bickerstaff?s concerns, but the cases across the country clearly states that
you cannot prohibit solicitation from persons or charitable entities, you
cannot totally ban solicitations under the First Amendment, but what can be
done is regulate by time, place, and manner by these activities take place, and
this ordinance is aimed at panhandling in certain locations and at night will
be prohibited. What we have defined in here is that aggressing panhandling
would also be prohibited. He said this has been court tested and this
particular language has been upheld in the federal courts and would be a
constitutional substitute to our ordinance currently on the book that prohibits
panhandling of any sort. City Attorney Fay that is part of the reason for the
language that is here and Georgia Law also have other statutes that come into
play, such as loitering and criminal trespass, which can be used by public
safety employees as tools to prohibit conduct that will interfere with
businesses and people using our right-of-way.
Councilor Barnes, City Attorney Fay, Mr. Bickerstaff and other members of
Council discussed this issue for an additional 10 minutes addressing concerns
such as restrictions by time, definition of aggressive panhandling, after which
Councilor Barnes made a motion delay the first reading of this ordinance until
March 22, 2011. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present, with Councilor Davis being absent from this
meeting.
Mr. Nathan Heald came forward and stated that he has looked into the court
cases mentioned by Councilor Barnes and City Attorney Fay and this law is
upheld in those circumstances and since it violates the First Amendment and
free speech. He said this ordinance does specify things and it is not vague and
open-ended.
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Note: Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis took her seat during this portion of
the proceedings with the time being 10:25 a.m.
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City Attorney Fay said if this proposed ordinance passes, it could be run
on the CCGTV for public information and would not be enforceable as a penalty
until ten days after passage of this ordinance and signature by the mayor.
Mayor Tomlinson said as a courtesy, we may also need to distribute a
posting of the language of this law to those who would be most affected
(homeless shelters) because they would not necessarily have access to
television.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked City Attorney Fay and Councilor Barnes that
when this item comes back on first reading, to consider putting a time specific
for the ordinance instead of sunset, because the sun sets at different time
every day.
City Attorney Fay then pointed out this item would be back in two weeks.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION LISTED ON THE CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED
AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY 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, WITH COUNCILOR DAVIS BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
VOTE:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (97-11) ? An ordinance amending the Columbus Code by deleting
Section 14-10 and substituting a new Section prohibiting aggressive
panhandling; and for other purposes.
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MUSCOGEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT:
Councilor Thomas called for resolution to honor the Muscogee County School
District Star Students and Teachers for this current school year.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF EACH PERSON (S)
COMMENTS:______________________________________________________
MR. LARRY & EMILY HUTCHENS, RE: REQUEST FOR REFUND OF INTEREST AND
PENALTIES:_______________________________________
Mr. Hutchens came forward and stated that he is requesting a refund of
penalty and interest of his homeowners? and boat taxes. Mr. Hutchens said he
received his bills, he sent checks for payment but the checks were never
received by the city. He said in January he received a bill (2nd notice) for
taxes and interest in the amount of $217.96, the amount he is requesting in
refunds.
Tax Commissioner Lula Huff came forward and stated that she did not have
any comments unless someone asked a question. Commissioner Huff also pointed
out that the Mayor and Council should have her written response regarding this
matter.
Councilor Baker asked about a comment in Mr. Hutchens? letter where he was
told be an employees of the Tax Commissioner?s Office that there have been an
increase in lost checks, to which Commission Huff responded that it?s a general
statement and there is no adequate documentation to suffice that statement.
After an additional comment from Councilor Baker, he then made a motion to
grant the request of Mr. Hutchens, seconded by Councilor McDaniel and after a
comment by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh about the mail sorting moving to Macon,
GA, the mayor called the attention to the motion on the table which resulted in
an inconclusive vote, with Councilors Baker, Allen and McDaniel voting yes;
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Henderson, Huff and Thomas voting no;
with Councilors Woodson and Barnes being absent for this vote and Councilor
Davis being absent from this meeting.
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MR. TOM BRYAN & MR. MARTY FLOURNOY: RE: EXTEND AN INVITATION TO THE MAYOR
AND COUNCIL TO ATTEND THE UPCOMING AIR
SHOW:_________________________________________
Mr. Marty Flournoy came forward and stated that Mr. Tom Bryan had to leave
for another meeting. He thanked the Mayor and Council as well as City Manager
Isaiah Hugley for their continued support of the Air Show. He also acknowledged
the support of the Public Safety Departments stating that the show is entering
its? 13th year. Mr. Flournoy then played a short video of a prior show for the
Mayor and Council.
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MR. JIM RHODES, RE: UPDATE ON MOON ROAD, WILBUR AVENUE & WHITTLESLEY
BOULEVARD:_________________________
Mr. Jim Rhodes came forward and stated that he has been working for 29
years to get Moon Road widen and it gets to bothering him because of the
numerous promises to get this project done. Mr. Rhodes provided additional
dates regarding when Moon Road would be widened and the promise to install
sidewalks; something he said himself and other residents in the area do not
want.
City Manager Hugley, in response to Mr. Rhodes comments pointed out that
the widening of Moon Road is a Georgia Department of Transportation funded
project and DOT specified that it would be a four-lane road. He said there has
been a lot communications between Georgia DOT, the City, and residents
regarding it being a four-lane road and they were only willing to fund a
four-lane road. We (the city) then had to make a decision as a community that
we are going to accept Georgia DOT money and do a four-lane road or we are
going to tell them to keep their money and we will pay for it ourselves and do
something different. He said the decision was made for DOT to keep their money
and so now we have what is going to be a two-lane road in either direction with
a center turn lane that is going to cost $6.4 million that we are going to pay
for. He also pointed out that the road is designed with sidewalks as most roads
today are. City Manager Hugley said part of the delay with this project was the
debate between Georgia DOT, the City, and residents. He said that right-of-way
acquisition is underway; there are approximately 100 parcels that would be
touched along the roadway between Wilbur Avenue and Whittlesley Avenue; title
certificates for each of the parcels have been obtained; and we have 10 sample
appraisals that we have obtained to help determined the land values along this
corridor.
City Manager Hugley and several members of Council discussed this issue for
an additional 10 minutes after which Ms. Linda Blanton, a resident of Moon Road
came forward and related to the Mayor and Council her backyard faces Moon Road
and she has lived in her current residence for 31 years. She said she has been
robbed five times and has been attached in her home once and it was all because
of people on Moon Road walking down the road and having free access into her
yard. Ms. Blanton said if a sidewalk in installed here, the people whose
backyards are facing Moon Road, will encounter safety issues.
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MR. BILLY WATSON, RE: RETIREES? INSURANCE BENEFITS:____
Mr. Watson came forward and give his address as 5552 Perry Avenue and
stated that he first came before this Council on September 14, 2010 to
expressed concerns about the retirees? health insurance and he was also present
for the meeting with the consulting company and there were a few things that
came out of that meeting he thinks are very important to discuss. He said the
representative from the consulting company pointed out that a decision was made
not to secure another plan.
Mr. Watson made some additional comments regarding the increase in
retirees? health plan; not enough information to make an informed decision on
the increased in insurance; in-house concept ? hiring a person retirees? can
have access to on a daily basis if necessary.
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MS. ANNIE CLARK, RE: THANK THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL FOR ASSISTANCE AND
SUPPORT FOR RETIREES? INSURANCE:__________
Ms. Annie Clark, who was standing in support of Mr. Watson, said she
appreciates the opportunity to address Council to let them know how the impact
of the high premiums was affecting her as well as other retirees. She said she
is here to especially thank the Mayor and Council for showing the concern they
did when she made her presentation at a previous meeting, and support of
Council for recognizing the need to act as soon as possible.
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BASKETBALL TEAM:
Councilor Woodson said herself and Mayor Tomlinson was at a ceremony this
past weekend for a new basketball team for the city and they promised to
mention the team at today?s meeting. She we now have a semi-pro ladies
basketball team in Columbus, Georgia, and the name of the team is the Columbus
Lady Links.
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TEACHER OF THE YEAR:
Councilor Henderson extended congratulatory wishes to the niece of
Councilor Thomas for reaching the top ten in the Georgia Teacher of the Year.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA, WAS SUBMITTED
AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY, BUT NO ACTION WAS TAKEN:________________
A Resolution authorizing to enter into a one (1) year Benefit Manager
Renewal Contract Extension with Benalytics Consulting Group.
City Manager Hugley said from a staff standpoint, we could see the benefits
we received from having a benefit manager.
Mayor pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to approve the resolution.
Councilor Allen seconded this motion, but for discussion purposes only.
Councilor Allen said this is a tough issue and it a little embarrassing to
the city for all this to have happened and the information to be brought to us
from the city retirees. He said he is uncomfortable supporting the contract.
Councilor Barnes said lost trust with Benalytics because they put the
retirees through the changes they went through and it took the Council getting
involved to correct it and that is misplaced trust, should we extend this
contract. Councilor Barnes said he agrees with Councilor Allen views that this
was embarrassing, but for what the retirees? went through, it was a hardship,
and for this reason, he could not support entering into a one-year contract
with Benalytics.
Councilor Thomas said she had some questions from the agenda report
provided by the City Manager in that if this contract was not extended, the
city would have to invest our resources in the recovery of data functions and
contract administration currently outsource. She said if the data belongs to
the city, why would we have to expend any resources to recover that data.
Mr. Tom Barron, Human Resources Director, came forward and explained that
the data belongs to the city but we will have to recover it ? we will have to
have manpower invested to pull all that information back in-house so that we
can manage it. Using the overhead projector, Mr. Barron, provided some
additional information to the Mayor and Council regarding an information packet
provided to the Mayor and Council on the commission structure on Benalytics.
Councilor Thomas said if this agenda item passes, she would like to request
that in February 2012, this be brought back to this Council for review, given
that under the current contract, it is renewable in one-year increments for two
years.
Mayor Tomlinson called attention to the motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh, which was seconded by Councilor Allen.
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that with no support, the motion fails. She
then instructed the City Attorney and City Manager to draft a letter to be sent
to Benalytics by March 30, informing them of the city intent to terminate the
contract. She said they would be our representatives through May 30, pursuant
to the contract entered into some time ago. She further pointed out that this
issue has been referred to the City Manager to report back to council in two
weeks with a proposal on how to move forward, given that we have 74 days to get
another benefits? manager or to hire someone to protect the interest of our
insurance.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WAS
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL
PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND
SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS
OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILOR DAVIS BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (98-11) ? Authorizing to submit an application and, if
approved, accept a grant in the amount of $7,438 from the Georgia Emergency
Management Agency for the Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Year 2009
Homeland Security Grant Program/State Homeland Security Program to provide
supplies and equipment to the Explosive Detection Canine Program.
A Resolution (99-11) ? Authorizing to submit an application and, if
approved, accept $1,394,028 in grant funds from the Georgia Emergency
Management Agency/Homeland Security for 2011 Homeland Security to improve the
800 MHz Regional Radio System Tower site and to expand the Whitesville/Highway
103 Tower site by adding two (2) more radio channels.
A Resolution (100-11) Authorizing to enter into a contract with Marshal
Movers for $38,893 to provide a crime prevention program for approximately one
hundred (100), 6th, 7th and 8th graders at Marshall Junior High School. Program
will be funded out of the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council grant.
Councilor Thomas said as she looks at the agenda report for this item, it
seem as though we have already received the grant in the amount of $38,893.
City Manager Hugley points out that Councilor Thomas is correct and that if
anyone is familiar with the Edward Burn criminal justice grant, we get that
money annually and we use it to fund a number of public safety agencies, and
this resolution is enter into a contract with Marshal Movers. Responding to
further questions from Councilor Thomas, City Manager Hugley explained that
Marshal Movers is a group working with Marshal Middle School?s 6th, 7th, and
8th Grader. He said he does not have all of the specifics on the organization
itself but can provide such at a later date. City Manager Hugley then points
out that Mr. Larry Love, who was present at the meeting can answer further
questions about this program.
Mr. Love came forward and stated that he is the Circuit Court Administrator
and the money is a $500,000.00 grant that was given to the circuit and Columbus
received $267,000. He said there are two non-governmental agencies ? Marshal
Movers and Project Rebound and they were funded out of a grant that came before
this Council about one year ago. He said the Marshal Movers are a group of
people (Columbus Community Center, Urban League, and A. J. McClung YMCA) who
work with children from Marshal Junior High School. Every day after school,
they pick these children up and take them to three locations to do a crime
prevention program and when they are finished, they take the children back
home.
Councilor Allen said his concern is why isn?t this a part of the crime
prevention board program to which Mayor Tomlinson said it might be because the
grant came in through the circuit court. City Manager Hugley also pointed out
that the Edward Burn grant is an annual grant that comes to us and is used for
public safety projects and a portion of that money and the funding fluctuates
and is designated to different areas in public safety and the courts ? judicial
and public safety agencies.
Finance Director Pam Hodge came forward and explained that this was a
separate grant that the Superior Court, Circuit wide applied for and when it
came to council, there were specific agencies that were included in that
original application for this grant. She said it was a $500,000.00 grant and
out of that, in the circuit $267,000.00 came to the Muscogee County portion
that was allocated to different and these two were specific agencies within
that grant when the application was made.
Councilor Allen asked if there were any accountability on the city?s part
for receiving the funds and do we have any liability to make sure the funds are
properly dispense and utilized, to which Ms. Hodge explained that Harris County
is the fiscal agent and the way it will work with these two agencies is that
they will be require to expend the funds in that it will come through Muscogee
County, remitted to Harris County as the fiscal agent, received reimbursement
and will then come back through Muscogee County before disbursing to these two
particular agencies. She said it is strictly a reimbursement grant and there
will be no out-flowing of cash from the city?s perspective.
A Resolution (101-11) ? Authorizing to submit an application, and if
approved, accept a grant in the amount of $120,000 from the 2010 Assistance to
Firefighters Grant Program (Fire Prevention and Safety Grant) to purchase
specialized smoke alarms for deaf and hearing impaired, low -income citizens.
A Resolution (102-11) ? Authorizing to enter into a contract with Project
Rebound for $30,000, to provide a comprehensive youth intervention program
targeting at risk populations in Muscogee, Chattahoochee and Talbot County.
Program will be funded out of the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
Grant.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING EIGHT PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON 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 MAYOR PRO TEM
TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, WITH COUNCILOR DAVIS BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:__________________________
City Manager Hugley request to remove item ?D? on the purchases ? Workload
Assessment Study for Superior Court. He pointed out that this would be brought
back at the next meeting.
A Resolution (103-11) ? Authorizing annual contract with Columbus Technical
College, in the amount of $20,402.00, per year, to provide employee training
and development. The Contract term will be for one year, with the option to
renew for one additional 12-month period, without an increase in cost. ?Quality
People Providing Quality Service? is the motto of Columbus Consolidated
Government. To ensure that this organization continues to exemplify and
practice this philosophy, excellent internal and external customer service and
continuous process improvements must be a mainstay of this government.
Responding to a question from Councilor Thomas, City Manager Hugley said
directors would have to prerogative of identifying the employees they want to
send to training.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (104-11) ? the purchase of a real state computer system from
Tyler Technologies for the total amount of $325,190.00; and rescind Resolution
#209-10, which authorized a five-year lease/purchase agreement with Tyler
Technologies for a real estate computer system. The purchase of a real estate
computer system was a project submitted by the Clerk of Superior Court to be
purchased via Invitation for Bid #013006, initiated by the National Joint
Powers Alliance (NJPA).
*** *** ***
A Resolution (105-11) - Authorizing the purchase of inmate supplies from Bob
Barker Company, Inc., Robinson Textile, Charm Tex, Elliott Apparel, and
Americare Products, Inc., for the estimated annual contract value of
$324,957.70. The supplies consist of mattresses, linen, clothing, toiletries
and dinnerware. The inmate supplies will be purchased by Muscogee County Jail
and Muscogee County Prison on an "as needed" basis.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (106-11) ? Authorizing reimbursement to The Columbus Sports
Council in the amount of $36,888.00 to cover the City?s half of the payment to
renovate the fields at South Commons. The Sports Council hired Grant
Environmental to renovate one field as a test to see if it was feasible to
continue with the project. The Sports Council was satisfied with the results
and wishes to partner with the City, utilizing the same vendor to renovate the
remaining fields. Grant Environmental has successfully completed other field
renovations for the City.
*** *** ***
CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT/BOARD OF EQUALIZATION (BOE)
REQUEST:________________________________________________________
DELAYED
City Manager Hugley reminded the Mayor and Council of an email he send them
regarding this matter. He also pointed out that a hard-copy was also provided.
City Manager Hugley informed the Mayor and Council that he met with Clerk
of Superior Court Pierce yesterday and went through what his recommendation to
this Council would be and she called this morning asking for more time to
review the recommendations and asked for a delay. He said that at the request
of Ms. Pierce, he would like to delay discussion until the fourth Tuesday
meeting.
Councilor McDaniel then moved the request of City Manager Hugley to delay
this item. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor Davis being absent from this
meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD/COMMISSIONER TRAINING DISCUSSION:
City Manager Hugley reminded the Mayor and Council of a recommendation
brought before this Council in 2009 for Board/Commissioner Training that would
have been administered through the Cunningham Center for Leadership Development
and this Council opted not to proceed forward with board training at that time.
He said in recent months, Councilor Woodson has requested that this be brought
back up for discussion and since that time we have had at least one commission
that has expressed an interest in training through the plan that Cunningham
Center for Leadership Development had put in place. He said in recent weeks,
the Business Resource Center has expressed that they are interested in
providing that training for Boards/Commissions, if Council is going to consider
it. City Manger Hugley then asked the Mayor and Council if Board/Commission
Training is something they want to consider for persons appointed to Boards and
Commissions because the proposal the Cunningham Center provided would have been
$1,850.00 for one session with a maximum of 300 per session. He said we might
have one or two sessions per year, at $1,850.00 per session with an additional
$30 per person for materials.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion to bring this item back at a later date
for discussion. This motion did not receive a second.
Councilor Woodson said the reason she would like this item come back for
discussion is that citizens who want to participate on boards don?t always know
what the board is about or the process, and this is one way we can make it to
where citizens can participate - by using this as a tool to help them to
prepare and participate in the boards. She said we should consider it because
it is not a large amount of money that we cannot find, but the benefits are
meaningful to the city.
Councilor Henderson asked what is being done now for board members other
than being sworn in. He said he is not sure about taking on the added expense
of having organized training just yet, but at a minimum we should conduct
something in-house that cover the objectives of the board and what the scope of
their authority is. He the City Attorney Office should be explaining to them
what their legal responsibilities are.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission (Ms.
Weston-Smart) conducts orientation to new members. She said it is important
that somebody do something with them because when she swears someone in, the
first question that ask is when would they receive training or what they have
to do.
Councilor Thomas said she agrees with Councilor Henderson in that there
should be something but one of the concerns she have is the logistics for doing
this. She said she is not sure we can require or want to require that all board
members go to this kind of training because we do have some people who are
appointed and have served on boards; and the logistical concern is that we
appoint people to boards at every session because not all of the boards? terms
end December 31st and so to do this kind of training ? to get 300 people into
one session would be problematic. She said we do need to have some kind of
orientation but she is not sure that we need this formalized training.
Mayor Tomlinson suggested that since Boards, Commissions, and Authorities
fall under the executive branch of the Charter, the Mayor?s Office in
conjunction with the City Manager and City Attorney come up with some basic
in-house orientation proposal and bring it back to Council for their
consideration.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Clerk of council Washington to contact each
Board and Commission to find out if they conduct any type of orientation.
--------------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR MAYOR AND
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
(1) Letter from Mark Oropeza, Airport Manager, submitting Biographical Sketches
for three nominees to replace Mr. Mike Greenblatt on the Airport Commission:
Mr. Thomas Forsberg, Mr. Tom Swilling and Mr. Jonathan Liss.
With a vote of 8 to 1, the Council nominated Mr. Thomas Forsberg to the
Airport Commission. Councilor Henderson then moved to confirm Mr. Forsberg.
Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor Davis being absent from this meeting.
(2) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Building Authority of
Columbus.
(3) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Board of Zoning Appeals.
(4) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Commission on
International Relations & Cultural Liaison Encounters (CIRCLE).
(5) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Civic Center Advisory
Board.
(6) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Hospital Authority of
Columbus.
(7) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Planning Advisory
Commission.
(8) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Samuel C. Rumer, Councilor McDaniel?s nominee to
replace Mr. Bill Rumer on the Family & Children Services Board.
(9) Biographical Sketch of Mr. David Johnson, Councilor Davis? nominee to
replace Mr. Scott Boyce on the Planning Advisory Commission.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (107-11) - Approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of February 2011. Councilor Henderson moved the approval of
the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present, with Councilor Davis being absent from this
meeting.
*** *** ***
Letter from Mr. Carmen J. Cavezza relinquishing his seat on the Valley
Partnership Joint Development Authority. Councilor McDaniel moved the approval
of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present, with Councilor Davis being absent from this
meeting.
*** *** ***
Letter from Ms. Claudya Muller relinquishing her seat on the Tree Board.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
Councilor Davis being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
Letter from Ms. Shana Young relinquishing her seat on the Region Four
Planning Board Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
Councilor Davis being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________
Airport Commission, December 13, 2010.
Airport Commission, January 26, 2011.
Animal Control Advisory Board, February 17, 2011.
Board of Historic & Architectural Review, Oct. 12 & Nov. 8, 2010.
Board of Historic & Architectural Review, December 13, 2010.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 05-11 & 06-11.
Board of Water Commissioners, December 13, 2010.
Crime Prevention Board, August 18 & September 15, 2010.
Crime Prevention Board, November 17 & December 15, 2010.
Family & Children Services Board, January 26, 2011.
Hospital Authority, May 25 & June 29, 2010.
Hospital Authority, July 27 & August 31, 2010.
Housing Authority of Columbus, January 19, 2011.
Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, February 8, 2011.
Land Bank Authority, January 5 & February 2, 2011.
Personnel Review Board, February 16, 2011.
Recreation Advisory Board, February 23, 2011.
Councilor McDaniel moved the acceptance of the minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Davis being absent from this meeting.
ADD-ON ITEM:
A Resolution (108-11) - Excusing Councilor Glenn Davis from the March 8,
2011 Council Meeting. Councilor Woodson moved the approval of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor Davis being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we are still waiting to hear
from these two respective organizations (Uptown Business Association and
Columbus Board of Realtors); and there is also an at-large seat in which
Council needs to make an appointment to. Mr. John House does not wish to be
re-appointed. No further action taken.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that the seat of
Mr. Doug McLeod has been declared vacant. This is an at-large position and a
Council?s appointment. No action taken.
*** *** ***
FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES BOARD:
Clerk of Council informed the Mayor and Council Mr. Samuel Rumer can be
confirmed. Councilor McDaniel moved to confirm Mr. Rumer. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
Councilor Davis being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Zephaniah Baker and Mr.
David Johnson are eligible to be confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved to
confirm these two individuals. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Davis
being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council Mr. Archie
Rainey (Councilor Henderson) cannot succeed themselves and we will need
replacement for these seats. No action taken.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Ms. Tiffany
Tootle (Council District 5) and we would need replacement for this seat. No
action taken.
*** *** ***
CITY STAT MEETING:
City Manager Hugley reminded the Mayor and Council about the Special Called
Meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers.
*** *** ***
With no other business to come before this Council, Councilor McDaniel then
made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Barnes, and carried unanimously
by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Davis being absent
from this meeting and the time being 12:00 noon.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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