MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 25, 2015
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 5:32 P.M., Tuesday, August 25, 2015, on the 2nd Floor of the
Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia
Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor and Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem,
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson was Councilors R. Gary
Allen, Mike Baker, Tom B. Buck III, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson, Bruce
Huff, Judy W. Thomas and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City
Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of Council
Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey Glisson were also
present. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh took her seat at 5:44 p.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Jerry ?Pops? Barnes was absent, but was excused upon the
adoption of Resolution Number 248-15.
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INVOCATION: Led by City Manager Isaiah Hugley.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students of the Rigdon Road
Elementary Afterschool Program.
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PRESENTATION:
Mr. Brian Anderson, President/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce came forward
with an update on Small Business Efforts and Regional Prosperity Initiative.
In his presentation, he provided an overview of the various programs and
services that the Chamber of Commerce offers in the Columbus, Georgia region;
which are outlined below.
ABOUT US:
The Greater Columbus Georgia Region is a model for private-public partnerships
(P3) and regional economic development.
CHAMBER OVERVIEW
Greater Columbus Chamber Members
Greater Columbus Chamber Board
Greater Columbus Chamber CEO
Economic & Workforce Development - Bill Murphy
Community Development & Growth - Amy Bryan
Military Affairs & Public Policy - Gary Jones
Administration & Finance - Joe Sanders
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Business Growth
BusinessFirst Program
Property Development
Project Management
Workforce Solutions
PIE Program
Educational Outreach
Workforce Solutions
Project Management
Strategic Initiatives
RPI Initiative
Consultant Strategies
Resource Strategies
Marketing/PR
Project Management
Resource Support
CoStar/LoopNet/COLI
BusinessFirst Support
Small Business
PIE Support
Resource Support
Project Mgmt. Support
Authorities Support
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Chamber of Commerce: Economic Development
Demographics
Business Data
Chamber of Commerce:Community Development
Networking
Events & Education
UGA Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Training
Counseling
SCORE of Columbus
Training
Counseling
Columbus MakesIT!
Networking
Facility & Equipment
CSU Cunningham Center
REGIONAL PROSPERITY INITIATIVES
As it relates to the Regional Initiatives, Mr. Anderson talked about the
Regional Prosperity Initiative, as well as the Grow Benning.com Initiative.
At the request of Mayor Tomlinson, Mr. Anderson talked a little about the
Regional Prosperity Initiative and what their hopes are as it relates to this
particular aspect.
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Mayor Tomlinson recognized the presence of Mr. Greg Markley, who brought
some students from the Fort Benning and Central Texas College Satellite Campus,
who are in the Under Graduate Government Courses. She said they are here to see
how government works up close. She also recognized Ms. Jackie Hair, who is the
Fort Benning Sight Director and who is also involved in that program.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION WAS DEFEATED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING: __________
_________________
An Ordinance ? Amending the ?Official Street Map, City of Columbus,
Georgia,? by changing the official street name for the section of public
roadway currently designated as Gunboat Drive to Chastain Drive, to be one
street name consistent with the length of roadway; authorizing the replacement
of existing street name signs labeled as Gunboat Drive to Chastain Drive.
Councilor Henderson said he was out of town during the last meeting, and
said you were going to bring a resolution back and/or resolve the issue as to
whether or not it needed to go before the Board of Honor. He then asked City
Attorney Fay what did they determine on this matter, and said he still sees
this as being very similar to; even the honorary street names.
He said he doesn?t have any problem with the name change, but said he just
wants to make sure that we are being consistent. He said he wanted to know what
was decided about the Board of Honor and the procedure for getting it to them.
City Attorney Fay said we were told at one or two meetings that the Board
of Honor didn?t want to take an official position on the request so they
remained neutral and that is the reason why it came back to the Council.
Councilor Henderson asked how can the Board of Honor remain neutral,
either they endorse it or by lack of an endorsement.
City Attorney Fay said Ms. Washington read some details at a prior
meeting, but basically, he thinks they didn?t feel that this was strictly a
memorial designation and they looked at it as an official street name change
and wanted the Council to make the final decision.
Mayor Tomlinson said the way it was explained to her is that apparently,
Council always has the authority to change the name of a street; however, to
honorary designate a street, there is a particular ordinance for that and it
goes through the committee. She said that is the difference; whether it?s the
honorary blue sign or if you are just changing the name of the street.
Councilor Henderson said he doesn?t object to the changing of the name,
but for him, it?s a procedural issue. He said when we have just changed names,
it has been for public safety, or for some other simplification of multiple
named streets, and said this is being done and it is being requested by a
family. He said he doesn?t object to the name change, but he just wants to
make certain that we handle all of these requests the same way. He said if the
lines are blurred, he would rather error on the side of caution.
After much discussion on this matter, Councilor Baker then made a motion
to adopt the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and was defeated
by a vote of six to three with Councilors Buck, Davis, Henderson, Huff, Thomas
and Woodson voting no; Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Allen and Baker
voting yes, with Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
Councilor Davis said he doesn?t have a problem with an honorary
designation, and he really doesn?t have a problem with changing the name, but
in this case, it does create a hardship. He said it would be great if everybody
was on the same page and everybody agreed to this name change; that would be
the right way to do it. He said he thinks it is a matter of timing; and said he
thinks it would be appropriate to make this request whenever there is a
transition or when you have everybody on this street on board. He said when we
have taken care of name changes in the past it has always been pertaining to
public safety or public safety cleaning up matters where there is separation of
streets to make it more beneficial for the public from the matter of public
safety. He said he doesn?t have a problem with an honorary designation, he
thinks that would be appropriate at this point and maybe in the future when
everyone is on board.
Councilor Henderson said he would not be opposed to having this come back,
and said he will personally reach out to some of the Board of Honor members to
make sure that he understands their position. He said his recommendation is to
send this back to the Board of Honor and said he will call them and try to
clarify the intent of the Council; then maybe, we may be able to get some kind
of a recommendation from them.
Councilor Woodson said her only reason for voting against it is the
procedure. She said there have been several requests that we have brought here
for name change and this Council chose not to vote on it and sent it to the
Board of Honor. She said she just wants to be consistent in the matter because
she doesn?t want to have her telephone to start ringing with individuals saying
you did it for this person, but you didn?t do it for others. She said if it
can go back and we can come forward with new procedures, she will be glad to
look at it again; but based on the procedures today, she can?t support the
request because we need to be consistent.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED ON SECOND
READING:
An Ordinance (15-38) ? Rezoning properties located at 3535 Macon Road from
an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to GC (General Commercial)
zoning district. The proposed use is detached general retail.
Councilor Baker moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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An Ordinance (15-39) ? Rezoning properties located at 1140, 1130, 1126, 1122
& 1100 Floyd Road as well as 4909, 4917 & 4915 Buena Vista Road from an NC
(Neighborhood Commercial), RMF2 ( Residential Multi-Family 2) & SFR2 (Single
Family Residential 2) zoning district to GC (General Commercial) zoning
district. The proposed use is grocery store/market.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried by a vote of seven to two with Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh and Councilors Allen, Baker, Buck, Henderson, Huff and Thomas voting yes
and Councilors Davis and Woodson voting no, with Councilor Barnes being absent
from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE ZONING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS ADVERTISED AND INTRODUCED
ON FIRST READING:_ ___
An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located at 1301 6th Avenue from LMI
(Light Manufacturing Industrial) zoning district to UPT (Uptown) zoning
district. The proposed use is retail.
City Attorney Fay said we have received a letter from the applicant, Mr.
Ernie Smallman requesting that this petition be sent back to the Planning
Advisory Commission for a general commercial request, and said we would need a
motion to allow that.
Councilor Henderson made a motion to send it back to the PAC. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located at 4803 & 4811 13th Avenue from
an SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) zoning district to RMF1 (Residential
Multi-Family 1) zoning district.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. David Fox, the petitioner was present, but he did not make a
presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning
ordinance.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located at 1120 Talbotton Road from NC
(Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to GC (General Commercial) zoning
district.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. David Cummings, the petitioner was present and came forward and
responded to a question of Councilor Thomas, and explained exactly what their
plans were for this property. There was no one present to oppose this proposed
rezoning ordinance.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located at 5990 Warm Springs Road from
NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district to GC (General Commercial) zoning
district.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Ernie Smallman was present, but he did not make a presentation, as
there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning ordinance.
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THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING:
_
An Ordinance ? Rezoning properties located south of and adjacent to 5700
and 5710 Warm Springs Road from an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district
to SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) zoning district with a variance for 20
foot rear setback and 45% lot coverage.
PROPONENTS:
Mr. Ben Billings, 6518 Billings Lake Drive, the petitioner and resident of
Heritage Place came forward and said that Heritage Place was rezoned at the
same time that this corner was rezoned in a land plan back in 1986.
He said in recent zonings they have attempted to move their zoning off of
Warm Springs Road up to the J. R. Allen Parkway believing that the four-lane is
probably a more appropriate place for some of these types of zonings.
Mr. Billings said the rezoning that they are requesting is rezoning from
neighborhood commercial; and said when it was first rezoned back in 1986, it
was rezoned to C-2, which would allow them to do full size gas stations with
pumps, and grocery stores and the like, but said when the Unified Development
Ordinance came along, the C-2 zoning went away and then neighborhood commercial
came about; which restricted them to businesses of 5,000 square feet or less.
He said what they are trying to do is to rezone this from commercial back to
single-family and in the rezoning they have asked for conditions, which will
make it appealing to them, to rezone back to this. He said any deviation from
it, will take away the attractiveness of it, and they would lean more towards
just going forward with the commercial use. He then asked if there were any
questions of the Council, but there were none at this time.
OPPONENTS:
The following individuals then came forward to express their objections to
this proposed rezoning ordinance. Mr. Robert Hutchinson, 6216 Bayonne Drive,
came forward and said this is a massive shift for this area and said he would
like to know what some of the provisions are before he can say whether or not
this is a good idea. He said a provision has been included for 45% lot coverage
and said he assumes that this is maximum lot coverage, as well as assumes that
is the first floor. He then asked if there are any limitations on the number of
floors. He also asked if two-story houses are to be allowed in this
development.
Mr. Rick Jones, Director of the Planning Department then came forward and
responded to the questions of Mr. Hutchinson as it relates to the two-story
homes in this development, as well as the coverage of the lots themselves.
Mr. Hutchinson also raised concerns as it relates to the density of this
proposed rezoning request.
Mr. Carlos (inaudible), who lives in Heritage Place, also expressed
concerns regarding the density of the property.
Ms. Cicely Terry, 6525 Georgian Way, expressed concerns as it relates to
the aesthetics of this neighborhood. She said they must be careful when the
school buses come in their area. She also addressed concerns as to the
traffic.
Mr. Rick Butler said he lives on Independence Drive in Heritage Place with
his mother whenever he comes to Columbus. He said he can?t find any
neighborhood in Columbus that is rezoned Residential Four; which is such a high
density. He said the neighborhood that his mother lives in is zoned
R-3. He also made mention of the concerns of construction waste that has been
in that area for over two years. He said the one major concern that he has is
the density of this property.
Mr. Ben Billings then came forward and responded to those concerns
expressed by those residents, as listed above expressing their opposition to
this proposed rezoning request.
Director of the Planning Department, Rick Jones also responded to
questions as it relates to the minimum lot size; which is 6,000 square feet. He
said what we all need to remember is that the zoning process is not the end to
this entire development. He said if the zoning is approved by this Council, it
still has to go through steps in terms of being scrutinized by the staff to
make sure that it meets the Unified Development Ordinance requirements; minimum
lot size, in terms of how those lots will be set up, road conditions; how those
roads are built, as well as making sure they can accommodate not only local
traffic, but being able to provide emergency vehicles service to that area as
well. He said the other thing that we want to keep in mind is that the way the
ordinance is written, the maximum that a lot can be covered is 35% and there is
a 30 foot setback on the back side. He said the condition that is included in
the ordinance is asking for 45% with a 20 foot setback.
After Mr. Jones responded to those further concerns of the residents,
he also responded to questions of members of the Council. Mr. Billings also
responded to questions of the Council, which concluded discussion on this
proposed rezoning ordinance.
City Attorney Fay said this concludes the public hearing on this matter
and said this ordinance will be back before the Council in two weeks for a
vote.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING: ________
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An Ordinance ? Amending the text to the Unified Development Ordinance
(UDO) to add section 4.3.11(D) Bicycle Parking in Lieu of Minimum Parking. The
Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department recommend approval.
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An Ordinance ? Amending the Procurement Ordinance by adding a new Part D
to Article 5 to incorporate procurement requirements applicable to construction
projects using Federal Aid Highway Funding; and for other purposes.
Engineering Director Donna Newman came forward and responded to a question
of Councilor Thomas. She said when we receive grant funds that includes funds
from the Federal Highway, we have to follow a certain procurement procedure
based on the Brooks Act that was passed. She said it is adding it to the
ordinance so whenever we get those funds, we will have that process in place.
Councilor Thomas asked Ms. Newman to provide an example of what type of
project that this might fall under. Ms. Newman said it is where we get Federal
Highway funds on projects, such as the 14th Street Pedestrian Bridge.
Deputy City Manager Hodge also came forward and said that we have
contracts for architectural and engineering services where we will have three
architects or engineers on contract and said this will require us to bid out
project specifics that involve Federal Highway money. She said we couldn?t use
one of our vendors that we have on contract, but said we would have to go
through the procurement process for all phases of the contract where there are
Federal dollars involved.
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***--------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC AGENDA
MS. ELISA ORTEGA & MS. MILLIE DEL TORO, RE: TRI-CITY LATINO FESTIVAL:
Ms. Elisa Ortega & Ms. Millie Del Toro came forward to invite the Mayor
and Council, as well as the public to their 3rd Annual Tri-City Latino
Festival, which will be held on Saturday, September 12th at the Columbus Civic
Center from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Ms. Ortega said they will have a little
something for everyone.
Ms. Ortega said this year the Festival will be in honor of Mr. Harold
?Lefty? Encarnacion, as one of the founders of the Festival. She said this is
all possible because of our sponsors, the vendors and the City partnership. She
said if possible, they would like to donate to the 10-Year Plan to end
Homelessness, if there are any funds left after paying all of the bills.
Ms. Del Toro said this event will be for everyone and it doesn?t matter if
you speak Spanish or not. She said this Festival will show the diversity that
we have here in our community.
Councilor Woodson said she just wants to let people know that being a
Latino in Columbus, Georgia, this event brings a lot of pride to our community
to see Columbus embracing the Tri-City Latino Festival.
She said it is not only about the Latino culture, but said it brings the entire
community together. She said we talk about One Columbus, and Unity.
She said it is a multi-culture of people coming together. She said their
Festival is bi-lingual, and said they have English and Spanish throughout the
entire day. She said we even have a Kids Zone. She said we want to give back to
our community.
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MR. KENNETH HETHCOX, REPRESENTING GIVE BACK COLUMBUS, RE: FOOD AND
CLOTHING
COLLECTION:
Mr. Kenneth Hethcox came forward and said he is here to talk to the
Council about a foundation called Giving Back. He said what inspired him to do
this, is that on July 31, 2015, he was going through a struggle and his
finances weren?t being budgeted right. He said he needed some diapers for his
children and went to the Family Dollar and was denied. He said he then went to
Wal-Mart and got denied; after which he said he asked one of the managers
there, if there was something he could do to help him out.
He said the manager pulled the money out of his wallet and purchased his
daughter a packet of diapers. He said the very next day, he got paid and he
was standing in line behind a couple who was shopping for school supplies for
their children and said they didn?t have enough money to pay for all those
supplies; therefore, he gave them the remainder of what they needed.
He said what he wants to do is to start the Foundation.
Mr. Hethcox said he has spoken with Councilor Pops Barnes and said that he
supports his endeavors wholeheartedly. He then listed the items that are
needed to assist him with his Foundation, which is outlined below.
Items Needed
Donation Bins
Flyers
Location to drop off
Hangers
Bags/Boxes
Volunteers
Heaven Sent Thrift Store
He said most of the items have been donated to them- flyers, hangers. He
said what they are looking for are the bags/boxes that these items can be
distributed in. Mr. Hethcox said they already have approximately 15 volunteers
who will be working with him. He also said that he has a sponsor, Mr. Milton
Brown, who is here with him on today, and he owns Heaven Sent Thrift Store;
which is located in Phenix City, Alabama. He said he is donating clothing from
this thrift store to get this started. He said not only will there be clothing,
but there will be food as well.
Main Idea
To help those in need
Partner with other agencies
Set a date and time for pick-up
Pay It Forward
Mr. Hethcox said the main idea is to help those in need. He said he has
been through the struggle, so he knows how it feels to be hungry, how it feels
not to have clothing on his back, as well as knows what it feels like to be
homeless. He said what he wants to do is to partner with these organizations to
get the word out there because there are too many people in this community to
see individuals go hungry, especially children. He said he wants to show the
community that we can pay this forward and said if people can come together, we
can solve this problem. He said that he can be reached at (706) 530-7764,
Givingback777@yahoo.com
The office is located at 3640 Buena Vista Road, Columbus, Georgia
He said he wants to raise the awareness to people in the community of the
problem that we are having, and said there are well too many people in the
community to see anyone be in need.
Mayor Tomlinson asked Mr. Hethcox to contact Mr. Scott Ferguson, of United
Way, who can possibly assist him in this effort and get some ideas and
recommendations of how he can move forward.
City Manager Hugley said he would like to thank Mr. Hethcox for coming
here tonight. He said he volunteers at our Information Desk in the Citizens
Service Center and thanked him for his Volunteer Service.
Councilor Allen told Mr. Hethcox that he may also want to check with the
Columbus Baptist Association and said he thinks that they will be willing to
work with him on this endeavor.
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MR. RONZELL BUCKNER, REPRESENTING TURNAROUND COLUMBUS, RE: MARTIN LUTHER
KING JUNIOR OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER:_____________________ __
Mr. Ronzell Buckner, representing Turnaround Columbus, came forward and
said he is here tonight to give the Council an update on the Martin Luther King
Junior Outdoor Learning Center. He said he wanted the Council to know that as a
community, we are still moving forward on trying to get the Outdoor Learning
Center recognized and also get it up and running.
He said since his last appearance before the Council after getting the
suggestions of looking for funding, he has talked with a non-profit
organization, as well as some of the non-profit organizations having contacted
him because they heard about the idea of the Outdoor Learning Center. He said
the Community Foundation shows a very high interest in the Outdoor Learning
Center. He said since being here at this Council, the School District has
given a resolution stating the importance of this Outdoor Learning Center and
how it would affect the children?s education in learning the history of our
city and our community. He said they are working to try and get everything
lined out as well as trying to get everything done.
Mr. Buckner said they have also gone before the Board of Honor and
requested the honorary name for Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Outdoor Learning
Center from Macon Road to Bay Street. He said hopefully, we can get this done
and move forward, and as Mr. Anderson from the Chamber of Commerce stated,
possibly bring tourists and revenue to our city, in order to make our city a
better city; and also set the guidelines and standards in how Dr. King should
be honored.
He said he would like to thank the Council for their suggestions, and
said that some of the Council members had some concerns; however, he met with
Mr. Doc Dorsey of the Engineering Department to address those concerns of the
Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh thanked Mr. Buckner for sticking with this
project.
Mr. Buckner said he would also like to thank the Drug Fighters for the
work they have done in their communities and cleaning it up.
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MR. RAY TILLERY, REPRESENTING MS. MARIAN HOOD, RE: PROPERTY DAMAGE:
Mr. Ray Tillery, who requested to be listed on tonight?s public agenda to be
able to discuss a property
damage of Ms. Marian Hood, cancelled his scheduled appearance prior to the
beginning of this meeting.
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***---------------------------------------------------CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (238-15) ? Declaring that there is a need and necessity to
immediately acquire easements and lands under the provision of the Official
Code of Georgia annotated, authorizing the Mayor to order the acquisition of
said easements and lands for county road and/or municipal street purposes, and
authorizing the filing of a declaration of taking by the City Attorney or his
representatives for the acquisition of said easements and lands under the
authority of the Official Code of Georgia annotated, Section 32-3-1, et. Seq.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (239-15) ? Authorizing the naming of the rails to trails
project running from Torch Hill Road to Cusseta Road as the ?Follow Me Trail?.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Allen.
Councilor Thomas said when we had the presentation on this matter; we
talked about finding some place along the trail to do something for the Wounded
Warriors. She said she spoke with Mr. Ben Williams, President of the National
Infantry Museum, and said he was very, very interested in making sure that
happens; to the point that he is willing to help us coordinate that. She said
if there is any additional cost that the original plans can?t cover, he will
look at some private donations to assist in getting that done.
She said he agrees with her and many of the Council members that this is really
a place that we want to have on this trail; maybe a rest area with a bench and
a plaque that honors wounded warriors.
After discussion on this matter, the question was then called on the
motion to adopt the resolution, which carried unanimously by those nine members
of Council present, with Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (240-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of the Accountability
Court Case Management System from Fivepoint Solutions, LLC and authorizing
Presiding Judge Warner l. Kennon to sign the Statement of Work.
Councilor Huff moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (241-15) ? Authorizing Columbus Parks and Recreation to
accept donations in the form of gift certificates, checks and cash from
sponsors and individuals for the Learn to Swim Program that is a current
program held at the Columbus Aquatic Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
_
A Resolution (242-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of two (2) John Deere
5055E Utility Tractors with attachments, from Deere & Company (Cary, NC), at a
unit price of $21,714.37, for a total amount of $43,428.74, by cooperative
purchase, via Georgia State Contract #99999-001-SPD0000102-0027.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER
PUGH WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH
COUNCILOR BARNES BEING ABSENT FROM THE
MEETING:
_
A Resolution (243-15) ? Authorizing the execution of an annual contract
with Occupational Medicine of Columbus (Columbus, GA) to provide employee
physicals on an ?as needed basis? for various departments.
A Resolution (244-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of electrical fixtures,
parts and supplies from Interstate Electrical Supply, Inc. (Columbus, GA) for
the estimated annual contract value of $39,880.91.
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A Resolution (245-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of facilities
maintenance, repair & operation (MRO), industrial supplies and tools from
Fastenal Company, MSC Industrial Supply Company, W.W. Grainger, Inc. and Acuity
Specialty dba Zep Manufacturing Company, Inc., by cooperative purchase, via
Georgia State Contract, SWC 99999-001-SPD-0000114 on an ?As Needed Basis?.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (246-15) ? Authorizing payment to Tyler Technologies, Inc.,
(Dallas, TX) in the amount of $34,416.21 for the annual software support and
license renewal for Eagle Imaging Software. This payment will cover the period
from August 1, 2015 through July 31, 2016.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (247-15) ? Authorizing the purchase of twenty-five
replacement computers, including accessories, from CPAK Technology Solutions
(Lagrange, GA) in the amount of $45,359.02. The purchase will be made, by
cooperative purchase, via Georgia Statewide Contract #99999-SPD-T20120702-0005,
awarded to Lenovo, for whom CPAK is an authorized dealer.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES WERE PROVIDED ON THE CITY
MANAGER?S
AGENDA:__
___
METRA ?T-SPLOST:
Mr. Rick Jones, Director of Planning and Ms. Saundra Hunter, METRA
Director came forward with an
update on METRA T-SPLOST.
Implementing Public Transit Needs through TIA
Introduction
? TIA (TSPLOST) in June 2014 authorized $22.4 million in transit improvements
o Park & Ride sites
o Extend Night Service
o Improve transit service
? Transit needs assessment study was performed to determine how best to spend
these funds
? Transit assessment study complete and ready for implementation
? Promises made, promises kept
Existing Fixed Route System Characteristics
? 147 square mile service area
? Nine fixed routes
? Monday-Saturday service
o First bus out at 4:30 am
o Last bus in at 8:30 pm
Existing Fixed Route System Characteristics
? Radial system with centralized transfers
? Headways (time between buses)
? Significant neighborhood penetration
? One-way loops
? Pedestrian challenges
o Sidewalks
o Curb cuts
o Crosswalks
o Limited Right-of Way
Evaluation of Existing Services
? 97% of total ridership in 2013
? Stable growth
Existing Dial-a-Ride System Characteristics
? Operates from 4:30 AM to 8:30 PM Monday through Saturday (same as fixed-route)
? Average of 225 trips daily
? Eight to ten bus operators daily
? One Paratransit Coordinator
? Reservations accepted seven days a week (24 hours notice)
Evaluation of Existing Services
? 124% growth since 2008
? 3% of total ridership in 2013
General Recommendations Fixed Route
? Increase service area
? Make service direct and easy for first-time riders to understand
o Focus on corridor-oriented service where practical
o Minimize turning movements and slower neighborhood travel
? Minimize one-way loops and out-of-direction travel
o Establish bi-directional service where feasible
o Create community park and ride hubs to facilitate connections
? Maintain access for riders who consistently ride the service
? Offer connections to bike-sharing, car-sharing and taxis
? Strive to operate all routes at 30 or 60 minute intervals
General Recommendations Dial-a-Ride
? Address growth and maintain quality of service
o Provide additional buses
o Provide additional drivers
o Manage demand for Dial-a-Ride
o Encourage use of fixed route system by implementing improvements to
sidewalks, curb cuts and bus stops
Study Recommendations Short Range Service Plan (2016-2019)
q Introduce new Monday-Saturday evening service (8:30 to 11 pm)
q Improve on-time performance for routes 2, 6, 7 and 9
q Extend service further into Columbus Park Crossing
q Eliminate one-way loops through Bradley Park and Airport Thruway
q Extend service further east to communities along Warm Springs Road
q Extend service further east on Milgen Road to apartments, mixed-use
developments and Gateway Wal-Mart
q Establish Park & Ride mini hubs north, east and south
Study Recommendations Long Range Service Plan (2018-2022)
q Provide new service to Victory Dr, Flat Rock Rd and Forrest Rd
q Create corridor service on Wynnton Rd, Lumpkin Rd, Buena Vista Rd, MLK Jr.
Blvd and Cusseta Rd
q Realign Fort Benning service to the Kelly Hill area and proposed primary
transportation hub on Post
q Re-orient routes to focus on connections between the Medical Center, Uptown
and the Civic Center
q Establish three community mini-hubs to facilitate transfers
Parameters for Implementation of Study
q Stay within the budget
q Provide the services and amenities as promised
q Realize that not all recommendations can be implemented
q Improve the overall transit service to the community
q Implementation of this program will take a blending of ideas
Full Implementation of Study
? Opportunities:
? Establishes new routes/services to better serve our citizens
? Creates three park and ride areas
? Calls for new amenities/infrastructure
? Develops three mini-hubs for transfers
? Provides additional Dial-A-Ride service opportunities
? Challenges:
? Requires 10 hybrid buses + 4 Dial A Ride buses
? 31 additional fixed route drivers
? Amenities could be provided, but at a cost to other services
? Potential shortfall of funds prior to 2022
? Use of both park and ride areas and mini-hubs may be confusing and redundant
Blending the Best Ideas
? Opportunities:
? Takes the proposed routes under the Short Range + adds Bunker Hill
? Creates three park and rides
? Establishes new routes/services
? 8 new hybrid buses
? Requires 16 fixed route drivers
? New amenities/infrastructure could be fully funded
? Develops three mini-hubs for transfers
? Incorporates a five year contingency plan for funding through 2028
? Would promote better transit service to the community
? Challenges:
? Not all of the routes proposed under long range service plan would be
implemented
Park and Ride Lots
? Potential for bike lockers, bike sharing, and car sharing
? Park-and-ride lots located adjacent to mini-hubs:
o Existing garage at City Services Center
o Frank Chester Recreational Center
o Explore shared-use agreements at northeast and south mini-hubs
Amenities
? Bus stop accessibility improvements (sidewalks, ADA compliant curb cuts/ramps)
? New shelters and benches at METRA?s most heavily used bus stops
Proposed Implementation Budget (2016-2028)
Fixed Route Costs
8 Hybrid Buses $4,203,912
16 Drivers Salaries 8,244,061
Sub Total $12,447,973
Dial-a-Ride Costs
12 Dial-A-Ride Buses $ 1,674,860
4 Drivers Salaries 1,892,080
Sub Total $3,566,940
Staffing $ 1,975,363
Fuel/Maintenance $ 3,450,000
Amenities
(Shelters, ADA Ramps, etc.) $ 664,224
Consultant Fees $295,500
Total Service Plan Costs $22,400,000
Points to Remember
? Funding is dependent upon regional sales tax revenue being generated
o 14.6 % behind currently
? GDOT has agreed in principal to allow funding through 2027
o A Notice To Proceed will be issued once Council has reviewed this plan
o GDOT is requesting funds be drawn this calendar year
? At a minimum , program will be monitored annually
Next Steps
? Request Notice to Proceed from GDOT
? Need authorization by Council to allow consultants to proceed with run
cutting and implementation of bus routes ($140,000)
? Order the 8 hybrid buses
o May receive buses by May 2016
o Normally takes 12 to 18 months
? Order 4 Dial-A-Ride buses
? Hire drivers and administrative staff
? At a minimum, review program and performances during annual budget process
After the conclusion of Director Jones?s presentation, several members of
the Council made comments regarding the presentation, after which
Mr. Jones, Ms. Saundra Hunter, METRA Director, as well as City Manager Hugley
then responded to questions of members of the Council, as it relates to
amenities, personnel costs, as well as maintenance costs, and Brookstone Centre
Office Park route.
City Manager Hugley said if there are any areas that the Council would
like for us to look at, to let us know and we can have the staff to take a look
at that.
*** *** ***
HONORARY NAMING OF CITY AMENITIES & STREETS:
Ms. Lisa Goodwin, Deputy City Manager came forward to provide the Council
with an update on the Board of Honor.
Board of Honor
Section 2-81(a): Oversees a continued memorial program under which public
activities, buildings, bridges, and other facilities, may be named for citizens
who distinguish themselves through service to the city.
Honorary Naming of City Amenities & Streets
Board of Honor
Section 2-81(a): Oversees a continued memorial program under which public
activities, buildings, bridges, and other facilities, may be named for citizens
who distinguish themselves through service to the city.
Current Ordinance
? Allows the renaming of existing city streets or any segment thereof in honor
or memory of any person living or deceased and shall not change the numbering
of buildings or Official Street addresses.
Recent Board Action
April 17, 2013:
? The board recommended the following: ?to state that if someone is being
honored for contributions to a specific place on the street, we name the block
in front of the place, but if the person is being honored for their
contributions to the entire neighborhood, then we name the entire street
? Current Process
? Request received from Mayor, Council, City or outside organization to the
Clerk of Council
? Clerk of Council places renaming request on her agenda for action by Council
? If Council approves referral, Clerk of Council will forward to Honor Board
for consideration
? Honor Board meets and agrees upon a recommendation
? Recommendation from Honor Board is placed on the Clerk of Council?s agenda
along with meeting minutes and memo on the board?s action.
? City Council takes a vote to call for a resolution.
? Clerk of Council prepares resolution for Council?s consideration to be placed
on agenda for the next council meeting.
? If approved by Council, request sent to responsible department to handling.
Types of Requests:
? Public Facilities
? Trees
? Plaques
? Benches
? Sports Fields
? Portions of the Riverwalk
? Street Names
Honorary Naming
Honoree
Rev. James Calvin Harris, Sr.
Designation Amenity
Old Cusseta Rd designated as ?Rev. James Calvin Harris Road? (Feb. 12, 2013)
Honoree
Rev. Robert Holston & Oliver Holston
Designation Amenity
Radcliff Ave. designated as ?Holston Way? (Feb. 12, 2013)
Honoree
Henry ?Hank? Pasko
Designation Amenity
Field #8 at South Commons designated as ?The Henry Pasko Softball
Field? (Dec. 13, 2011)
Honoree
Rev. J. H. Flakes, Jr.
Designation Amenity
5th Street designated as ?Rev. J.H. Flakes, Jr. Way? (Oct. 11, 2011)
Honoree
Janice Davis
Designation Amenity
Field # 1 at South Commons designated as ?The Janice Davis Softball
Field? (Feb. 10, 2009)
Installing Honorary Amenity or Street Designation Signage
? Upon the approval of City Council for an honorary street designation, the
Traffic Engineer is authorized to erect appropriate signage in a color
distinguishable from standard street signage.
? Signs are purchased by requesting organization or family members
? City installs signage
? Similar requests will be forwarded and handled in the same manner for each
department, i.e. Parks and Recreation for ball field designations, etc.
Considerations
Should honorary designations honor:
? Living or Deceased Persons? (currently only streets can be named for the
living or dead)
Should there be time limits on street or other designations?
? Example: 5, 10, 15 years or a Lifetime? (currently city owned facilities has
a 15 year designation)
Council Committee Selected
? Considerations:
? If a facility is renamed after 15 years, a plaque is displayed in a prominent
location recognizing previous honorees.
? Suggested that public facilities or amenities should be named in honor of
living or deceased persons, not just limited to streets.
? Honorary designation signs to be brown in color
? A detailed application process to ensure that all persons selected to be
honored has made substantial contributions to the community. Application would
help to determine those contributions.
? Designations for amenities such as: Benches, Trees, etc. should be handled
administratively and not brought before Council.
After the conclusion of Deputy City Manager Goodwin?s presentation, City
Manager Hugley said
regarding the plaques where she indicated that there is administrative
authority, whereby department
heads are makingthose decisions; said that he has some concerns with that
process, and said we can
address that later. He said he didn?t want to put department heads in a
position where they might approve
some of the requests and then not approve others. He said he would rather there
be a resolution that would
come to the Council and you get to approve that plaque.
Mayor Tomlinson said she knows that it is the Council?s choice, but said
she can give you the name of a couple of cities where they have named things
after living individuals and then something has happened in that person?s life;
and the city has spent a lot of money removing names and things. She said it is
one of those things and something to be considered. She said she doesn?t think
that we would have anybody in our community that would ever have something
happen in their life that would cause us to remove it.
*** *** ***
COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL PARKING:
Ms. Donna Newman, Director of Engineering came forward to provide
information regarding the matter of parking at Columbus High School. She said
she knew that we had somewhat committed to bringing you back a draft ordinance,
but said since that time, we have had a follow-up meeting with Dr. Lewis of the
School District, and said they are considering some other options at this point
in time. She said they also wanted to meet with the neighborhood regarding this
matter. She then outlined the following information, as provided below.
Lakebottom Parking Management Timeline
? August 11, 2015 Presentation to Council
? August 19, 2015 Follow Up Meeting with Dr. Lewis
? August 27, 2015 City Manager/Staff meeting with Neighborhood Coordinators
? August 28, 2015 On site meeting with MCSD to look at expanding parking
locations
? September 3, 2015 Proposed Neighborhood Public Meeting (6:00- CHS awaiting
confirmation)
? September 22, 2015 Draft Ordinance to Council/Update
Ms. Newman then showed photographs of cars parked on the various streets,
as outlined below, with the numbers of cars being parked there.
Troup St - 2 cars
21 St - 3cars
20th Street- 2 cars
Sonora St- 4 cars
Cherokee Ave (S)-10 cars
Cherokee Ave (N)- 42 cars
Forest Ave- 35 cars
Wildwood Ave- 17 cars
Wildwood Ave/Leonard St-17 cars
Wildwood Ave/Sonora St
St. Paul Church Parking Lot- 20 cars
City Manager Hugley said we will meet with Dr. Lewis and staff, as well as
hear from the neighborhood leadership and then we will come back to the Council
after that meeting.
***
*** ***
TENTH STREET:
Director of Engineering Donna Newman said that at our last meeting, the
City Manager discussed that we wanted to move forward primarily with setting
the heads on the signals and in order to do that, we need to have the lane
assignment. She said we are proposing to add bike lanes to a portion of 10th
Street, and Councilor Thomas has asked that we coordinate with the Fire
Department, which we have done so. She said they didn?t necessarily have a
problem with the bike lanes, but said they had some other concerns with the
signal, which they can address the issue. She said the concern is potentially
being able to come out of the fire station and go east bound. She said we will
work with them on that as well.
Ms. Newman said we just wanted to confirm with the Council to see if there
are any other questions or concerns before we proceed forward with installing
the signals.
City Manager Hugley said if there are no other concerns or questions, we
just wanted to be clear about the bike lanes before we proceed forward. He said
we did mention it at the last Council meeting and we wanted to come back at
this meeting to see if you have any comments, and if not, we are going to move
forward.
-----------------------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA :
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:__________________ ________ __
(1) Biographical sketch of Mr. James Larry Dixon, who is interested in serving
on the Board of Tax Assessors.
(2) Application of Cedric Montgomery to temporarily close 11th Avenue, from
13th Street to 12th Street, from Saturday, September 19, 2015, at 8:00 p.m.
through Sunday, September 20, 2015, at 3:00 a.m., in connection with a
motorcycle fundraiser.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_
A Resolution (248-17) ? Excusing Councilor Jerry ?Pops? Barnes from the
August 25, 2015 Council
Meeting.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Buck being absent for this vote, and
Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________
Airport Commission, April 27, May 28 and June 25, 2015.
Board of Tax Assessors, 26-15.
Land Bank Authority, August 5, 2015.
Personnel Review Board, August 19, 2015.
Recreation Advisory Board, July 29, 2015.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and
Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Gail Kent has resigned
from her seat on the Board of Tax Assessors and that Council will need to
nominate someone for this seat. Councilor Huff then nominated Mr. James Larry
Dixon for this seat.
*** *** ***
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Hospital Authority has
selected Mr. Mike Welch to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Paul Todd who has
resigned from his seat on the Hospital Authority. Councilor Henderson then made
a motion that he be confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent
from the meeting.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Nicole de Vries, who
represented Council District 7, has resigned from her seat on the Keep Columbus
Beautiful Commission and that Councilor Woodson needs to nominate someone for
this seat.
*** *** ***
REGION SIX ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out we have two nominees for the seat
of Mr. Frank Dunford that was declared vacant on the Region 6 Advisory
Council. She said the two nominees are Ms. Annie Davis and Ms. Cynthia Smith.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then withdrew her nomination of Ms. Smith. Clerk of
Council Washington then asked for a motion to confirm Ms. Annie Davis.
Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent
from the meeting.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we are still working on a
replacement for Ms. Jodi Sears, who represented the Hotel/Motel Industry, as
well as the late Mr. Billy Craft, who served as a taxicab driver representative
on the commission.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Henderson is
nominating Berkleizh Davidson for his District Ten appointment on the Youth
Advisory Council, and that she may be confirmed. Councilor Allen so moved.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present at the time, with Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and
Councilor Barnes being absent from the meeting.
***
*** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Allen made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Buck being absent for this vote and Councilor Barnes being absent
from the meeting.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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