MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 10, 2015
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, February 10, 2015, on the 2nd Floor of the
Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia
Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Tom B. Buck III,
Glenn Davis, Judy Thomas and Evelyn Woodson City Manager Isaiah Hugley,
Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington and
Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey Glisson were also present. Councilor Bruce
Huff took his seat at 9:23a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Berry H. Henderson and City Attorney Clifton Fay were absent.
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INVOCATION: Grant Collins Young Adults Pastor ? Evangel Temple
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students of Angel Academy.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
PRESENTATIONS:
Mr. Billy Blanchard of the Development Authority came forward and stated
that they have had numerous conversations with the Council and one thing that
has come up over the years is that Bill Murphy of the Chamber of Commerce could
come here and provide Council with an update on the current Economic
Development Efforts. He said The Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia is
an integral part of the region?s economic development efforts. He then called
upon Mr. Murphy to make a presentation to the Council. The following
information, as outlined below was provided during a power-point presentation.
Our mission is to create jobs and increase capital investment in Columbus
by recruiting new businesses and helping existing companies expand by:
1. Developing Products;
2. Marketing Products; and,
3. Closing Deals.
PRODUCTES & SITES:
MUSCOGEE TECHNOLOGY PARK:
1300-acre Business Par
GRAD - Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development designation
Foreign Trade Zone designation
Benning Technology Park
174-acre Business Park
$20 million TSPLOST-funded interchange to be completed by 2018
Mixed-use development has potential of 2,000 jobs and $100 million in payroll.
PRODUCTS ? WORKFORCE:
Regional Workforce Facts
? 6.9% Georgia Unemployment Rate (12/14)
? 7.2% Columbus GA-AL MSA (12/14)
? 7.5% Columbus/Muscogee County (12/14)
? 129,100 Columbus GA-AL MSA Civilian Labor Force (11/14)
? 13,000+ Exiting Soldiers & 10,000+ Spouses
PRODUCTS - EDUCATION:
PRODUCTS-HEADQUARTERS:
PRODUCTS ? GLOBAL
PRODUCTS ? FDI
MARKETING INDUSTRIES
Aerospace
Automotive
Biosciences
Defense/Fort Benning
Manufacturing
Technology
Tourism
MARKETING - AUDIENCES
Targeted Audiences
1. Existing Businesses (BusinessFirst Program)
2. Georgia Department of Economic Development
3. Tradeshows and Industry Forums
4. Site Selection Consultant Forums
RESULTS:
Lead Source
Lead Industry
Lead Perference
Columbus Capital Investment
Columbus Jobs
RESULTS: 2009 ? 2014
YEAR NEW JOBS CAPITAL INVESTMENT
2009 1,902 $ 132,700,000.00
2010 686 $ 16,750,000.00
2011 406 $ 63,190,475.00
2012 457 $ 28,050,000.00
2013 1,105 $ 47,726,000.00
5-YEAR TOTAL 4,556 $ 288,416,475.00
5-YEAR AVG 911 $ 57,683,295.00
2014 TOTAL 940 $ 119,500,000.00
% OF 5 YEAR AVG: 103% 207%
2015 PROGRAM OF WORK:
2015 Program of Work:
1) Marketing & Attraction
2) Retention & Expansion
3) Small Business & Entrepreneurial Development
4) Fort Benning Retention & Expansion
5) Strategic Planning
Councilor Barnes said in response to Councilor Woodson?s question, said
both he and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh are members of the River Valley Regional
Commission and said he is on the Economic Development Board and said that he
know how to interface with the Chamber of Commerce. He said the really
exciting part about each of their meetings; which they meet monthly is the
Quick Start Program; and the interfacing with Columbus Technical College and
Columbus State University to prepare students for jobs that are coming to the
area. He said during the Chamber?s next update he would ask them to provide
some additional information and to emphasis more on the Quick Start Program.
Mr. Murphy said Fort Benning will be having a Department of Army Listening
Session on Wednesday, February 18th from 5:00 ? 7:00 P. M. at Columbus Georgia
Convention & Trade Center. He said the Department of the Army will be here to
talk about what impacts the community expects from the proposed cuts at Fort
Benning.
Mayor Tomlinson said she would love to pack the room out, because the
Department of the Defense will be here; and said these are the people who make
the decision about whether or not there will be cuts at Fort Benning; to see
whether Fort Benning is important to this community. She said she would ask
every citizen, who is capable of coming, to please come out and attend this
meeting, to show them how important Fort Benning is to our community.
Mr. Gary Jones said he would like to express their most sincere thanks for
the City?s support in this matter. He said Fort Benning is no longer that
installation out there, but said it is now included in economic development as
an existing project and said we look at Fort Benning as one large company and
project. He said they are always working to see what we can do to retain the
strength out there and to increase the investment and to grow it.
He said they have set a new mark, throughout the United States by
approaching the military as an economic development project and said it has
been recognized by the State of Alabama and the State of Georgia. He said he
wanted to thank Mr. Murphy for his vision to be able to incorporate that into
economic development.
Mr. Jones said Governor Deal, Congressmen Bishop and Westmoreland, as well
as others individuals will be present at this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCILOR BARNES, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS THEN
CALLED UP AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY AND THEN
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:___________________________________________________
A Resolution (35-15) ? Opposing any effort to reduce the strength of Fort
Benning, Georgia, and urging all Columbus citizens and other interested persons
to attend a meeting on February 18, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, in the Columbus,
Georgia Convention and Trade Center and to oppose any such action.
Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Henderson being absent for this meeting.
Mayor Tomlinson asked that we put this in our Insight Newsletter that we
send out to our employees; reminding them of the date of this meeting.
Councilor Woodson said once we do the presentation on the Quick Start
Program, if we could go ahead put something on the website or a link where
people who are watching today and are looking for jobs or trying to prepare
themselves for future jobs coming or once they see the presentation and have
some questions, they would be able to have contact information in reference to
the program. She said while we might talk about it or are educated on it, or
has some information on it there are still people in our community who does not
know about it or where to go. She said people are looking more at our website
or watching CCG-TV; and if we can do a small commercial on it, so the community
can know about this program.
Councilor Thomas said she would like to request that the records show that
the adoption of this resolution was a unanimous vote of this Council.
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that the resolution will show that unanimous
vote. Clerk of Council Washington said that it would show the votes and how
each councilor voted.
Councilor Thomas then stated that she would like for the minutes to say
that it would unanimous.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
DUPLICATIAVE SERVICES:
Mayor Teresa Tomlinson said if you will recall, Councilor Skip Henderson,
who serves as our Budget Review Chairperson asked during the last budget
session that we pull together some information related to potential duplicative
services, as it relates to law enforcement agencies. She said we get a lot of
questions about this from citizens, asking is there any way that we can spend
money more efficiently and more effectively.
She said we wanted to share with the Council this information, which
includes a chart condensing their primary duties, as reflected on their
websites or public statements that they have made here at the Council, as well
as a service analysis that they provide to the City. She said we know this will
be a point of discussion for the budget; therefore, we wanted to get this
information to you, so you can familiarize yourself with it. She said it will
help with question and inquiry and our staff can get you additional information
along the way. She said we have invited the law enforcement agencies to meet
with us to discuss this; and said we have made formal invitations to the
Marshal and the Sheriff, but they did not attend their meetings; but hopefully,
they will in the future, as we will extend that invitation again. She said she
is sure that they will appear before the Council.
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MLK DREAM LIVES EVENT:
Mayor Teresa Tomlinson provided an update to the Council regarding the
2015 MLK: The Dream Lives event. She said the event was held on January 19th
and there were over 2000 people in attendance at the Liberty District; where we
had lots of local talent. She said this event was 100% supported by private
donations, and thanked those sponsors who participated in this event. She said
the total funds raised was a little over $82,000, and the amount expended was
$55,943.00. S he said the balance will go towards next year?s event. She said
as you can see from the pictures there was a lot of diversity in attendance
during this event.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY SHEFTALL AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:__________________
An Ordinance (15-4) ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by
enacting time limit restrictions for parking and ranking, handicap parking and
loading zones on the streets within the Uptown Business District authorizing
the installation of official traffic control signs and pavement markings
indicating said restrictions; repealing any conflicting ordinances; and for
other purposes.
Councilor Woodson made a motion to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Barnes.
Assistant City Attorney Sheftall said that there is a minor amendment that
has been posted on e-cap that she understands one of the Councilors would like
to make.
Councilor Thomas said she would like to make a motion to amend the
ordinance to include language that would be a 2-hour parking for the electric
car charging station. She said it is her understanding that it will be located
on 11th Street between Front and Broadway. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Henderson being absent from this meeting.
The question was then called on the earlier motion, as outlined above, to
adopt the ordinance, as amended, which carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor Henderson being absent for this
meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY SHEFTALL AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:______
An Ordinance (15-5) ? Amending Columbus Code Section 20-16.11 so as to
increase fines for parking violations effective February 25, 2015; repealing
conflicting ordinances; and for other purposes.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh.
City Manager Hugley, in response to a question of Councilor Davis said the
current fine is $20.00 and this ordinance will increase it to $30.00. He said
this was presented during the budget process and you actually approved it, but
said it was inadvertently left out of the budget ordinance; therefore, in order
to enact it, the staff had to bring it back for you to vote on it.
The question was then called on the motion to adopt the ordinance, which
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor
Henderson being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY SHEFTALL AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_____________
An Ordinance (15-6) ? Amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to
allow Restaurants (General) as a Special Exception Use in the HIST (Historic)
zoning district.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh.
Councilor Woodson said she wanted to let her colleagues, as well as the
residents of the district to know that she has met with all the key players
regarding this matter. She said there have been a lot of telephone calls,
emails, as well as texting. She said she has been out there three times and
have walked the area and have visited both of the potential restaurants.
She said she has met with Bob of HPDS, 9 South, Mr. Mulligan, as well as
Mr. Mark Cantrell with the Goetchius House, and the Director of the Planning
Department. She said they had looked at a few amendments that were suggested to
them; which they looked at, but said the problem was that if we put the
amendment in place, there would be some legal issues. She said the only
alternative we have, if the community wants these two restaurants to be
re-established in the district, is if the UDO is changed.
Councilor Woodson spoke for some ten minutes in making comments regarding
the text amendment; pointing out that this matter was really looked into. She
said made comments that the individuals who want the two restaurants must be
able to meet all the requirements of the Special Exception. She also pointed
out that she will not be supporting this ordinance.
After Councilor Woodson?s comments, the question was then called on the
motion, to adopt the ordinance, which carried by a vote of eight to one with
Mayor Pro Tem Tuner Pugh and Councilors Allen, Baker, Barnes, Buck, Davis, Huff
and Thomas voting yes; Councilor Woodson voting no, with Councilor Henderson
being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY SHEFTALL AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS ADVERTISED AND WAS DELAYED
AFTER MUCH DISCUSSIN ON FIRST READING:
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located at 8223 Cooper Creek Road are
proposed for rezoning from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to RO
(Residential Office) zoning district. The proposed use is a secondary entrance
to The Crossings located on Veterans Parkway.
Mr. Steve Coleman, of Montgomery Alabama, representing the proponent came
forward and pointed out that his company Home Court Management manages the
Crossings at Veterans Parkway apartments.
He said they are here requesting that the Council downgrade the zoning on a
60-foot strip of property on Cooper Creek Drive from NC to RO. He said Veterans
Parkway apartments were completed in April of 2012 and they have 292 units;
which is located at 8160 Veterans Parkway. He said they currently have two
means of ingress and egress, both of which lead to Veterans Parkway.
He said several months ago, they learned that the Georgia Department of
Transportation was planning to widen Veterans Parkway and as part of their
project they were going to put a median in the middle of Veterans Parkway;
which would prohibit their residences from turning left out of the apartment
complex onto Veterans Parkway. He said this would also prevent people coming
from the north from Harris County from turning left into the apartments.
Mr. Coleman said they met with GDOT on several occasions asking for relief
and was told they were not able to accommodate them in their request. He said
they were told that the residents would turn right onto Veterans Parkway; go to
Cooper Creek and make a u-turn to go south, or if they were coming from north,
to get to the apartments, they could go to American Way and make a u-turn and
then travel north on Veterans for a few blocks and then turn into the
apartments. He said in addition to this being an inconvenience for our
residents this also causes a life safety issue for fire trucks and other
emergency vehicles that need to get in and out of the apartments.
He said in order to mitigate this, they tried to purchase from several
different property owners property on Cooper Creek where they almost touch. He
said a local agent was successful in finding one of the property owners willing
to sell them a 60-foot strip; which is the minimum that they needed according
to their engineer; to create a drive because of the slope of the property.
Mr. Coleman said the property was zoned for that and will allow them to
put a drive in; however, when the property was rezoned several years ago, there
was a restriction that the southernmost 30-feet of the parcel could not be
touched and would needed to be left as a natural area. He said if they only
had 30-feet to build the drive; that is not even wide enough for the drive much
less to redo the slope to take the water off of their property and put it into
the City?s storm sewer system and keep it off of their neighbor?s property.
He said they are here asking the Council to allow them to put ion this
secondary drive in order that their residents can get in and out of their
apartments. He said had they known this four years ago when they built the
apartments, they certainly would have tried to acquire some of this property at
that time so they would have had the second drive and this would never had come
up.
Councilor Allen then asked if the developer has a copy of the plat that
shows the intersection on Cooper Creek and said it would be good if there was
someone from Engineering was present to show how the intersection at Cooper
Creek and Veterans would be realigned.
Mr. Anthony Slaughter, Engineer from Mason, Meeks, who represents the
petitioner then came forward and went in details explaining what they are
planning to do on the Cooper Creek Road side of the apartments to alleviate the
problem; and showed the proposed driveway on the map.
Several minutes of discussion continued on this matter, with members of
the Council expressing their concerns regarding this proposed request.
Mr. Slaughter then responded to several questions of members of the Council.
Councilor Allen expressed further concerns and said he would like to ask
for a delay on this matter until we can have an opportunity to look at what the
State?s plans are for the intersection of Cooper Creek Road & Veterans. He
then made a motion to delay the ordinance on first reading. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson.
Councilor Woodson asked that the traffic count be provided on this road
when this matter is brought back to the Council.
Prior to the vote being taken on this motion, Mr. Slaughter, and Director
of the Department of Planning Rick Jones responded to further questions of
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, as to whether or not there will be a traffic signal
installed.
The question was then called on the motion to delay, which carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Henderson being absent from this meeting.
Assistant City Attorney Sheftall said we need to hear those individuals
who are present in opposition to this matter.
OPPONENTS:
Mr. Ben Russell, 8215 Cooper Creek Road came forward and spoke in
opposition to this requested rezoning. He said they are concerned about the
amount of traffic that is currently on this road. He said there have also been
two deaths on that road. He said he don?t understand why they couldn?t get a
cut on the median. He said he thinks the apartments that are 100 yards down the
road already has it.
Councilor Allen said he would like to ask Director Jones in the Planning
Department to look at moving the driveway that is requested further; maybe in
the middle of the lot so that there will be a buffer between this gentleman?s
home and what?s going on, because it looks like it is right on the property
line.
Councilor Davis said the land in front of the intersection is rezoned
general commercial and the lot right next to what is being proposed is
neighborhood commercial. He said the opportunity to have a buffer that would
potentially separate you or provide a buffer for future development is
something that Mr. Russell should consider. He said there is going to be
future development, which he doesn?t know what it is going to be, but said to
have an opportunity to have a buffer like this might not be a bad thing.
Mr. Ray Massey, 8101 Cooper Creek Road also came forward and expressed his
concerns regarding this matter. He said that is probably the worst congested
crossing in Columbus, and he can?t understand how it is being justified to put
more traffic on Cooper Creek Road than what they have right now. He said they
also have a problem with trash being dumped onto Cooper Creek Road.
After the conclusion of this discussion, Mayor Tomlinson asked that we have
Special Enforcement to be notified and to go and look into this matter.
Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall said that this matter will come back
on first reading when the information that Council requested has been gathered
and the Planning Department requests that it be brought back.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY ASSISTANT CITY
ATTORNEY SHEFTALL AND WAS DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL:________
A Resolution ? A Special Exception Use (EXCP-10-14-2313) for a restaurant
at 222 7th Street. The current zoning for the property is
HIST (Historic) zoning district.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS APPEARED BEFORE THE COUNCIL ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA
TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING SUBJECT MATTERS, AS LISTED BELOW:_
MR. BILLY WATSON, REPRESENTING MEMBERS OF PUBLIC SAFETY, RE: THE DROP PLAN
FOR
PUBLISAFETY:__
Mr. Billy Watson, 5552 Perry Avenue came forward and said he is
representing members of the Public Safety concerning the Drop Plan. He said
there are two Drop Plans; saying the Public Safety Drop Plan was created in
1981 by five members of Public Safety; and said unfortunately, the other four
members left early and he is the only one left to defend it. He said there is
only a small group of public safety personnel who is affected by this plan. He
said he knows that the City has looked at ways to try to maintain the people as
they train here; and then said he thinks this will be a way the City can do it
with costing them anything. He said he also think that this will be an
incentive for young people to join public safety and stay for their career.
He said this Drop Plan discriminates against Public Safety employees
because of the age requirement for employment. He said General Government
employees can enter this plan on their normal retirement date at the age of
65with 30 years of service or even sooner by paying a penalty for early
retirement. He said Public Safety employees must give up two years or more of
their pension in order to enter the Drop Plan.
Mr. Watson said he has searched the internet and cannot find any city with
the Drop Plan such as this one. He said he didn?t find any city that requires
Public Safety employees to have 35 years of service in order to enter their
Drop Plan. He said all other cities allows Public Safety employees to enter
their Drop Plan on their normal retirement date at age 55, with 25 years of
service.
Mr. Watson spoke for some ten minutes in expressing his concerns regarding
the Drop Plan for Public Safety employees; and then concluding his comment,
requesting that this Council to amend the Drop Plan for Public Safety employees
to allow them to enter the Drop Plan at age 55 with 30 years of service that
puts them in line with other public Safety employees in this country.
After discussion regarding this matter, Mayor Tomlinson then responded to
those concerns of Mr. Watson and pointed out we did talk about the age for the
Drop Plan, and the qualifying age for the Drop Plan. She said it was supposed
to be a cost natural benefit that some people are taking advantage of. She also
pointed out that we met with Mr. Watson and his son, and some others who have
been concerned about this along with our actuary and the Finance Director and
have attempted to answer his questions. She said it is purely a budgetary
issue; and to make the adjustment it would be at a cost of $250,000.00 just for
this one department.
She said we do have our actuary who is coming in March to speak to us
about our Pension Plan, and said he can answer any questions that the Council
may have. She said anyone can put this on the add list to add to the budget;
assuming we can find the money to fund it.
Mayor Tomlinson said this is premise on a State law that requires
firefighters to be at least 21 years of age, but said we have looked and said
the State law requires firefighters to be 18 years old. She said if there is a
City rule that requires firefighter to be a certain age, we can look at that.
Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, in response to Mayor Tomlinson,
said Title 25-4-8 of the State law requires them to be 18 years old, which
would be the same level for general government employees; therefore, there
won?t be the perceived one year penalty that Mr. Watson was talking about.
Mayor Tomlinson said if there is a policy that the Fire Department has or
HR, that requires them to be 21, then we can look at changing that. She said
when Mr. Carr then he can answer the questions that the Council may have.
After continued discussion on this matter, Councilor Allen said he would
like to request that this be added to the discussion when the actuary comes in
March.
Prior to the conclusion of this discussion, Director of Finance Hodge
responded to further questions of Mr. Watson regarding the Drop Plan.
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MS. JONNELL C. MINEFEE, REPRESENTING MINORITY RECRUITMENT ADVISORY BOARD,
RE: INTRODUCING HERSELF AS THE NEW CHAIRPERSON: __
Ms. Jonnell C. Minefee, representing Minority Recruitment Advisory Board,
came forward and introduced herself as the new Chairwoman. She outlined some of
their upcoming goals for this coming year, and said they are eager about
educating people about donating blood. She said they will be having education
forums in order to educate individuals. She said their main goal is to increase
donors for the need of this community. She said she would like for the City to
partner with them to direct city worker, business associates and friends to the
educational forums, as well as to the donors centers and blood drives.
Mayor Tomlinson said this is something that is very important to our
community and said we ask all employers to support us.
Councilor Barnes said he is the outgoing chairperson and said he asked the
incoming chairperson to come and introduce herself to the community. He said
he is glad that they will be having more educational forums to educate the
community about being a donor.
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MR. RICHARD BISHOP, REPRESENTING UPTOWN COLUMBUS, RE: UPTOWN COLUMBUS
SPRING EVENT UPDATE:______________________________
Mr. Richard Bishop Ms. Elizabeth Hurst of Uptown Columbus, as well as Ms.
Bitsy Dedwylder came forward and gave an update on the Uptown Columbus Spring
Events to be held in Uptown Columbus, as well as a new event, ?Slide the City?;
which will be held in Midtown Columbus. They showed a brief video of the
event.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA :
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SERVICE:
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin came forward with an update on the
Electric Vehicle Charging Service. She pointed out that the grand opening will
be held on Friday, February 20, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at 11th Street & Broadway.
She said we are doing this in conjunction with Headquarter?s Nissan Leaf
Giveaway. Also present with Ms. Goodwin was Ms. Gloria Weston-Smart, Mr. Jason
Cooper and Mr. Terry Bell of Headquarter?s Nissan.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
AT THE REQUEST OF MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH, THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON STREET
CLOSURE WAS CALLED UP AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF
COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:___
______________________
Application of Lisa Goodwin to temporarily close 11th Street from Front
Avenue to Broadway on Friday, February 20, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,
in connection with the ?Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Electric Vehicle
Charging Station.?.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to approve the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor Allen, Buck and Henderson being
absent from this meeting.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_____________ ___
A Resolution (36-15) ? Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a lease
agreement with new owner of Physicians Realty Trust for specified
medical/office space at 2000 Tenth Avenue, Suite 410, for the Employee
Health/Wellness Center.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote and
Councilor Henderson being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:__________________
A Resolution (37-15) ? Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Lallarook
Drive, that portion of Frank Houser Avenue, that portion of Showtime Drive and
that portion of Confetti Blush Drive located in Old Town Mixed Use Community.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Henderson being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:__________________
A Resolution (38-15) ? Authorizing the acceptance of the deed to the
Detention Basin located in Third Addition to Whitesville Walk. The owner has
maintained basin since construction for the period of at least two years as
required.
Mayor Pro Tem Tuner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Henderson being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION WAS THEN ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:____
_____
A Resolution (39-15) ? Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an
Intergovernmental Agreement with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and
Explosives (BATFE) to enable the Columbus Department of Fire/EMS to host the
Accelerant Dog Canine Program and to purchase a Medium SUV for program.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried by a vote of seven to one, with Mayor Pro Tem Tuner
Pugh and Councilors Allen, Baker, Barnes, Buck, Huff and Woodson voting yes;
Councilor Davis voting no, with Councilor Thomas being absent for this vote and
Councilor Henderson being absent from this meeting.
*** ***
***
THE FOLLOWING EIGHT PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS, AVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY
THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING, WITH COUNCILOR THOMAS
BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILOR HENDERSON BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:__
A Resolution (40-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Flatbed Dump
Truck (12,500 GVWR Cab & Chassis, 2015 Ford F-350 Crew Cab, with CTVFB10X96
Dump Body), from Wade Ford (Smyrna, GA), in the amount of $34,628.00, via
Georgia State Contract #99999-SPD- SPD0000039-0003.
A Resolution (41-15) ? Authorizing a contract with Justice Benefits, Inc.,
(JBI) (Dallas, TX), for federal reimbursement recovery services.
A Resolution (42-15) ? Authorizing the contract with A Way Out, Inc.,
(Columbus, GA), to provide In-Home Counseling to Juvenile Drug Court
participates. It is also requested that Council amend Resolution No. 343-12,
which previously awarded the contract to Betty King (Phenix City) to provide
In-Home Counseling.
A Resolution (43-15) ? Authorizing the execution of an annual contract
with AVS Consulting, LLC, d/b/a Stone, McElroy & Associates (Smyrna, GA) for
pre-employment psychological evaluation services, on an as needed basis.
A Resolution (44-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of pavement marking
services from Peek Pavement Marking, Inc., (Columbus, GA). The department has
budgeted $200,000.00 for pavement marking services for the first year of this
contract. The contractor will perform pavement marking services, on an as
needed basis, on City streets in accordance with the Federal Manual of Uniform
Traffic Control Devices, or as specified by the Traffic Engineer or appointed
agent.
A Resolution (45-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of plumbing and irrigation
supplies from West Georgia Plumbing Supply, (Columbus, GA) on an ?as needed?
basis, for the estimated annual contract value of $73,714.45.
A Resolution (46-15) ? Authorizing the execution of an annual contract
with Ricoh Americas Corporation via U. S. Commodities contract number
4400003732, for copier rental services.
A Resolution (47-15) ? Authorizing the execution of an annual contract
with Diversified Inspections/ITL (Phoenix, AZ), to provide aerial and ground
ladder inspection and testing services to the Columbus Fire & EMS Department
for the estimated annual contract value of $6,695.00.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------
NOTE: Councilor Baker left at this point in the proceedings, with the
time being 12:00 noon.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------
UPDATES:
COLUMBUS PARKS & RECREATION FOS SENIOR CENTER:
Dr. James Worsley, Director of the Department of Parks & Recreation came
forward and gave an update on Fox Senior Center and presented the following
information as outlined below.
About Fox Senior Center:
Located at 3720 5th Avenue
Hours of operation are Mon ? Fri (8am-5pm)
About 80 seniors participate in programs weekly
Fox Senior Center Programs
? Bridge Club
? Sewing & Quilting
? Bingo
? Exercise
? Health Programs
? Birthday Luncheons
? Service Projects
About Comer Center:
? Located at 107 41st Street
? Hours of operation are Mon ? Fri (8am-5pm)
? Distance 0.57 miles from Fox Senior Center
? Fox Senior Center Programs
? Bridge Club
? Sewing & Quilting
? Bingo
? Exercise
? Health Programs
? Birthday Luncheons
? Service Projects
Plans for Fox
Repurpose into a Rental Facility
Benefits:
? Additional rental space for the community
? Large meeting rooms
? Large Kitchen
? Increase revenue for the Parks & Recreation Dept.
Transition Timeline
? Move Date (From Fox to Comer)
? Friday, March 20, 2015
? Open Date (Senior programs start at Comer)
? Monday, March 23, 2015
*** *** ***
PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES UPDATE:
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin came forward and gave a presentation on
the Personal Transportation Vehicles, and presented the following information,
as outlined below.
Riverwalk & 14th Street Bridge Permits, Criteria & Guidelines
? May not be used by private citizens
? EPTV?s Permitted for Riverwalk use must have a governor installed which
precludes it from obtaining a speed over 10 mph.
? Must provide $500,000 Liability Insurance with the city named as an
additional insured
? Permits may be obtained from the City Manager?s Office by completing a
?Personal Transportation Vehicle Permit Request? Form.
? Upon approval, permit may be issued
? Permits are good for one year from issuance
? Valid permit must be visible on vehicle
VIOLATION OF ORDINANCE:
? Use of EPTV?s on the Riverwalk shall not extend beyond the Trade Center South
and the Railroad Trestle North of TSYS.
? Appropriate Signage will be erected.
? Proof of installation of governor restricting vehicle to travel only 10 mph
? Maximum penalty for violation of a city ordinance is up to 90 days in jail
and up to a $1,000 fine.
UPTOWN STREETS CRITERIA & GUIDELINES:
? Allow use of PTV?s on Broadway, Front Avenue and Bay Avenue only
? Vehicles will be allowed to travel up to 20 mph on these streets, however,
will not be allowed to travel on the Riverwalk
? Those permitted on the Riverwalk could travel these designated streets
? A local registration fee of $15 will be required every 5 years
? Permits to be renewed every 5 years
-------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------
NOTE: Councilor Allen left at this point in the proceedings, with the
time being 12:29 p.m.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BOULEVARD:
Mr. Rick Jones, Director of the Planning Department came forward and gave
a power-point presentation, as it relates to the Martin Luther King Jr.
Boulevard project. Discussion continued on this subject matter for more than an
hour and thirty minutes, with several members of the Council expressing their
views and Director of the Department of Planning and City Manager Hugley, as
well as Mayor Tomlinson responding to questions and concerns of the Council
.below.
-------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA CONTINUED:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: __________________________
1) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close Bay Ave, from 11th
Street to 12th Street, and 10th & 11th Street, at Bay Avenue, on Saturday,
March 7, 2015, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in connection with the ?Open Door
Community Run?.
2) Application of Elizabeth Hurst to temporarily close Bay Avenue, from 10th
Street to 11th Street, on Friday, March 13, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. to Saturday,
March 14, 2015, at 3:00 p.m., in connection with the ?Color Me Rad Race? and
setup.
3) Application of Joanne Cogle to temporarily close the outer southbound lane
of South Lumpkin Road, from Waterworks Resource Road into Fort Benning,
Broadway, from 5th Street to 10th Street, and 10th Street, from Broadway to Bay
Avenue, on Saturday, April 25, 2015, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in connection
with the ?Iron Man Half Triathlon?.
4) Application of Joanne Cogle to temporarily close the outer southbound lane
of Victory Drive to South Lumpkin Road, the outer southbound lane of South
Lumpkin Road, from Victory Drive to Waterworks Road, and Broadway, from 5th
Street to 10th Street, on Saturday, July 18, 2015, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.,
in connection with the ?Sprint Triathlon?.
5) Application of Joanne Cogle to temporarily close the outer southbound lane
of Victory Drive, from Lumpkin Boulevard to South Lumpkin Road, the outer
southbound lane of South Lumpkin Road, from Victory Drive to Waterworks Road,
and Broadway, from 5th Street to 10th Street, on Saturday, August 15, 2015,
from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in connection with the ?Olympic Triathlon?.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________
Airport Commission, October 28, 2014.
Animal Control Advisory Board, December 9, 2014.
Board of Elections & Registration, November 10 & December 4, 2014.
Board of Health, January 22, February 26, August 27, September 24,
and December 3, 2014.
Board of Tax Assessors, 02-15.
Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, November 19, 2014.
Columbus Golf Course Authority, January 27, 2015.
Columbus Iron Works Convention & Trade Center Authority,
December 4, 2014.
Employees? Board of Trustees, Pension Plan, August 13 & September
3, 2014.
Hospital Authority of Columbus, October 28, 2014.
Housing Authority of Columbus, December 17, 2014.
Land Bank Authority, July 2, September 3, October 1, November 5,
and December 3, 2014 & January 7, 2015.
New Horizons Community Service Board, January 13, February 10,
April 14, June 9, July 14, September 8, November 10, and December
8, 2014.
Recreation Advisory Board, January 28, 2015.
Region 6 Planning Board, January 15, March 12, July 16, and
November 12, 2014.
Taxicab Commission, October 2 & November 5, 2014.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion that these minutes be received.
Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those six members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen, Baker and Thomas being
absent for this vote and Councilor Henderson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
AIRPORT COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we have received the three
nominees from the Airport Commission from which the Council may select someone
to succeed Mr. Don Cook on the board. She said the nominees are Mr. Chris I.
Badcock, Ms. Tana McHale and Mr. William Carter Woolfolk.
She said due to there being three members of the Council out at this time,
would the Council like to go ahead and vote or delay this matter. Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh said she would ask that the matter be delayed until our next
regular Council meeting.
*** *** ***
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Becky Carter has been
nominated to succeed Mr. Terry Gumbert and that she may now be confirmed.
Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried
unanimously by those six members of Council present at the time with Councilors
Allen, Baker and Thomas absent for this vote and Councilor Henderson absent for
the meeting.
*** *** ***
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of
Mr. Chuck H. McDaniel, III on the Community Development Advisory Council has
expired and that he is not eligible to succeed himself for another term of
office. She further pointed out that Councilor Baker is working on a
replacement for this seat.
*** *** ***
CONVENTION & VISITORS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Tomlinson is nominating
Mr. Cameron Bean, who represents the Tourism/Historic Columbus Foundation on
this board for another term of office and advises that he may now be
confirmed. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson
and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present at the time,
with Councilors Allen, Baker and Thomas being absent for this vote and
Councilor Henderson being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that on last week Mr. Xavier
McCaskey and Mr. Rafael Rose?s seat were declared vacant and that Council must
now nominate someone to fill these two positions.
*** *** ***
HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out Mr. Matt McDaniel, who serves as
the Historic District
Resident member on the Historic & Architectural Review Board has resigned his
seat on the board. She
said he no longer lives in the district. She pointed out that Council must
nominate someone to fill this
unexpired term. She also pointed out that the term of office of Mr. John
Sheftall, who serves as a Historic
District Resident will expire at the end of March and that he is not eligible
to succeed himself.
She also said that the term of office of Ms. Judith Nail, who is the
representative for the Liberty Cultural Center, Inc. will also be expiring at
the end of the month; however, she is eligible to succeed herself for another
term of office. She said we are waiting to hear back from the Liberty Cultural
Center to see if they are going to reappoint Ms. Nail.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Mr.
James Webster, Ms. Sarah Banks-Lang and Mr. Jim Laycock expired in November.
She further pointed out that Mr. Webster and Ms. Banks-Lang have both been
nominated to succeed themselves for another term of office, and that we still
need one additional nominee from which the authority will select someone to
replace the incumbents. She also pointed out that Mr. Jim Laycock has resigned
as he no longer is a resident of Muscogee County.
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that she has spoken with Muscogee
Manor about some recommendations and we are waiting to hear back from them.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Valerie A. Thompson, who
represents Council District Four, term of office expired back on October 31,
2014, and that she is not eligible to succeed herself, and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh is working on a replacement for her seat.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seat of Ms. Jodi Sears,
who represents the hotel/motel industry has been declared vacant and that the
Council will need to nominate someone else to fill this position.
***
*** ***
RECORDER?S COURT JUDGES:
Councilor Woodson nominated the four incumbents: Mary Buckner, Michael
Cielinski, Michael Joyner and Julius H. Hunter for another four year term.
***
*** ***
VALLEY PARTNERSHIP JOINT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Jacki Lowe has resigned
from her seat on the Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority due to her
being appointed to serve on the Development Authority. She pointed out that
Council will need to nominate someone else to fill this position.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Barnes made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those six members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Allen, Baker and Thomas being absent for this vote and Councilor
Henderson being absent from this meeting, with the time being 1:48 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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