MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
The regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 9:03 A.M., Tuesday, September 9, 2014, 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 were Councilors R. Gary
Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Bruce Huff, Berry Henderson, Charles E.
McDaniel Jr. and Judy Thomas. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney
Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall and Deputy Clerk of Council
Sandra Davis were also present. Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh took her seat
at the table at 9:10 a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilors Glenn Davis and Evelyn Woodson were absent. Clerk of
Council Tiny Washington was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Captain Mark Burnett ? Columbus Fire/EMS
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from Dorothy Height Elementary School.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
TAX ASSESSOR?S & TAX COMMISSIONERS REQUEST:
Attorney Randy Lomax, representing the Tax Commissioner and Tax Assessor?s
Office with regards to the software and hardware upgrade and property review.
He briefly spoke of the city?s reliance on the assessment of property for the
imposition of property taxes and the collection of those taxes for 31% of its
current budget with an estimated revenue of $81 million. He explained that the
assessment and collection of that $81 million is accomplished by both the Tax
Assessor?s and the Tax Commissioner?s Office; one office determines the value
of the property and assesses the property and the other collects the property
taxes.
He further shared that the Tax Commissioner and Tax Assessor?s Offices are
operating with a software and hardware system that was installed in 1986; it
was updated in 1999 solely in anticipation of Y2K. He continued to inform that
the system is obsolete. He informed of the inability of citizens to make
payments online or use credit/debit cards to make property tax payments.
He recommended upgrading to the current version of software know as
IASworld Software that is serviced and produced by Tyler Technologies. As part
of this process, He spoke of conducting a countywide reviewing of all parcels.
He highlighted the advantages of moving forward with this new software and
hardware.
Tax Commissioner Lula Huff, approached the rostrum to speak of the
advantages to citizens for upgrading the system. The citizens would be able to
make payments on-line, by telephone, which reduces citizens coming into the
office and their wait time. She shared the opportunity to reduce cost with the
possibility of going to one billing with the August 1st mail out notice have
two coupons; one for the October 1st 40% payment and one for the December 1st
60% payment.
Chief Tax Appraiser Betty Middleton, came forward to continue to express
the need for the new upgrade. She also highlighted the advantages to the Tax
Assessor?s Office for moving forward with this system.
Finance Director Pam Hodge, came forward to share the cost of implementing
this IASWorld upgrade and sources for funding. She noted that this would be an
upgrade in the amount of $2.8 million. Options for funding the upgrade,
separate from the re-appraisal process, is through the GMA Lease Purchase
Program; this would be a five-year annual payment beginning in FY16 ranging
from $550,000 to $600,000 depending on the interest rate. This does qualify
for the OLOST technology infrastructure portion; therefore, it could be an
allocation in the FY16 budget moving forward. She explained that the
reappraisal portion would not qualify as technology infrastructure
improvements; therefore, this is strictly a general fund process. She shared
the monthly payment proposed by the vendor beginning in the FY16 budget.
The breakdown of cost association with the implementation and reappraisal
are provided below:
IASWorld Upgrade
- IASWorld License $ 787,150
- Oracle License $ 24,650
- Implementation Services $1,869,315
- GIS Parcel Conversion $ 75,000
- Hardware $ 100,000
$2,856,115
Reappraisal
- Cost $1,700,000
Total Cost $4,556,115
Annual Maintenance $ 184,560
In response to questions from Mayor Tomlinson regarding the timeline, Mr.
Lomax informed that if the system upgrade is authorized, Tyler Technologies
would start implementing new hardware and software in October and begin the
installation at that time. He added that the actual property review process
may not start until January and may take approximately two years to complete.
Mr. Max Patrick, approached the rostrum to respond to questions from
Councilor Thomas regarding the training of employees, which is included as part
of the proposal.
Mayor Tomlinson asked for Council?s direction on how to proceed with this
matter. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh suggested bringing forth this matter. Mayor
Tomlinson then recapped that we could bring this back as a purchase on the
fourth Tuesday; this would give the Council an opportunity to review the
proposal and ask any questions at the Council Worksession. She suggested that
Tyler Technologies and other representatives may want to be present to respond
to the Council.
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COUNCIL MEETING:
City Attorney Fay recommended that the Council take a formal public vote
to hold a Council Consent Agenda / Worksession for next Tuesday.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion for the Council to hold a Council
Consent Agenda / Worksession on September 16, 2014. Seconded by Councilor
Allen, which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council being
present for this meeting, with Councilors Davis and Woodson being absent from
this meeting.
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IASWORLD SYSTEM UPGRADE:
Councilor Baker requested to that staff provide a detailed breakdown of
how the payment process would work, what funds, how much and when. A detailed
breakdown of exactly how the funding would play out.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the August 26, 2014 Council Meeting
and the August 12, 2014 Executive Session of the Council of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted and approved upon the adoption
of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and seconded by Councilor Allen,
which carried unanimously by those eight members of Council being present for
this meeting, with Councilors Davis and Woodson being absent from this meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE DELAYED FROM THE AUGUST 26, 2014 MEETING WAS
SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY WITH AN INCONCLUSIVE VOTE
FOR ACTION BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:_
__
An Ordinance - Authorizing ?working spouse? eligibility for coverage in
the Columbus Consolidated Government Employee/Retiree Self Funded Medical
Benefit Plan conditioned upon payment of a monthly surcharge of $371.45; and
for other purposes.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Thomas that resulted in an inconclusive vote for action. Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Barnes, Henderson, McDaniel and Thomas voted
yes; Councilors Baker, Huff and McDaniel voted no with Councilors Davis and
Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND ITS CAPTION READ BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:
An Ordinance (14-48) - Amending ordinance 98-30, 00-106 and 01-29 for the
expansion of the existing Enterprise Zone, known also as the Columbus Business
Development Center.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Davis and Woodson being absent from this
meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND WAS INTRODUCED ON FIRST READING
:
An Ordinance - Rezoning properties located at 1450 and 1454 54th Street,
are proposed for rezoning from LMI (Light Manufacturing/Industrial) zoning
district to GC (General Commercial) zoning district. (District 8-Councilor
McDaniel) The purpose of the rezoning is for business and professional
offices/building construction office and shop. The Planning Advisory Commission
recommends approval and the Planning Department recommends conditional approval.
City Attorney Fay requested an amendment on the Planning Department?s
recommendation; the staff is recommending that a condition be removed. He then
recommended a motion to allow Councilor Henderson to recuse himself with
respect to this matter. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to recuse
Councilor Henderson. Seconded by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by
those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Davis and
Woodson being absent from this meeting.
Councilor Thomas made a motion that the condition for no billboards be
removed from the ordinance in compliance with the Planning Department?s
recommendation. Seconded by Allen and carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present with Councilor Henderson abstaining and Councilors
Davis and Woodson being absent from this meeting.
City Attorney Fay announced that this ordinance would be back on second
reading at the next regular Council Meeting.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay requested a brief executive session to discuss
litigation and personnel.
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WORKING SPOUSE EXCLUSION:
When Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked about the ?working spouse? exclusion
ordinance coming back before the Council, City Attorney Fay advised that it
would be the fourth Tuesday of the month.
After some continued discussion regarding the date this ordinance would
come before Council again, Councilor Allen made a motion to convert the Council
Worksession into a Special Called Council Meeting. Seconded by Councilor
Barnes and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present with
Councilor Henderson being absent for the vote and Councilors Davis and Woodson
being absent from this meeting.
City Attorney Fay announced that with this change, the ?working spouse?
exclusion ordinance and the first reading zoning ordinance listed today would
be listed on second reading for the September 16, 2014 Council Meeting.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MR. TIMOTHY FROST, REPRESENTING CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY DOWN SYNDROME
ASSOCIATION, RE: 2014 BUDDY WALK:
______________________________________________________
Mr. Timothy Frost, representing Chattahoochee Valley Down Syndrome
Association, came forward to announce the 2014 Buddy Walk, on October 4, 2014,
from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Mott Pavilion at Columbus State University.
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MR. RICKET CARTER, RE: CCG ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE COLUMBUS POLICE
DEPARTMENT_________________________
__
Mayor Tomlinson first spoke of meetings she has held with Mr. Ricket
Carter and provided a history on meetings held with Mr. Carter and other city
officials to include the litigation that Mr. Carter has filed against the city
and was not successful in those efforts. She pointed out that Mr. Carter has
been provided the Council with a packet of information. She explained that the
Columbus Police Department representative would not be present today as they
have on some previous occasions.
Mr. Ricket Carter, approached the rostrum to interject his view on
comments that were made during meetings with the Mayor. He then made reference
to the file he provided on a Columbus police officer. He requested an
investigation be conducted by the FBI and Department of Justice.
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MS. BROOKE BURGESS, REPRESENTING URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER COLUMBUS, INC.,
RE: TRI-CITY LATINO FESTIVAL:_______
_________________________________________
The speaker that came forward did not identify herself; however, she did
announce the Tri-City Latino Festival, on Saturday, September 13, 2014, at the
Columbus Civic Center, from 12:00 noon to 11:00 p.m. There would be food,
entertainment and vendors present. She invited the public to attend. Ms.
Brooke Burgess, representing Urban League of Greater Columbus, Inc., also made
some closing statements regarding the Tri-City Latino Festival.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (283-14) - Authorizing modification of the Medicare eligible
health plan benefits and the united healthcare Medicare Advantage PPO Plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the Resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen.
At the request of Councilor Huff, City Manager Hugley explained the
increases provided in this resolution.
Mr. Billy Watson, representing the Retirees? Health Benefits Committee,
approached the rostrum to give some history on his appearances as it relates to
retirees? benefits. He spoke of the proposal for next year that includes a
slight increase to the plan and the elimination in the catastrophic fee in
prescriptions. He explained that the way they accomplished this was with the
increase in the out-of-pocket expense. He then commended the Northwestern
Benefits, Inc. for their assistance and concluded by expressing his support for
this plan.
Mayor Tomlinson called attention to the motion on the floor, which carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Davis and Woodson being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (284-14) - Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Fort Benning Garrison and a Service
Agreement with Fort Benning Family Communities LLC (Clark Realty Capital) for
residential and other recycling services on the Fort Benning Military
Installation. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the Resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present with Councilors Davis and Woodson being absent from this
meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND WITHDRAWN AT THE REQUEST OF CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY:
A Resolution - Approving the lease of 25-yd Refuse Trucks to be used to
transport recycling items from Fort Benning, GA, to the City?s Recycling Center
on a regular weekly basis, beginning October 1, 2014.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HUFF AND CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH
COUNCILORS DAVIS AND WOODSON BEING ABSENT FROM THE
MEETING:
A Resolution (285-14) - Authorizing a contract with Renaissance Marketing,
Inc., to provide bus advertising to be placed on the exterior and/or interior
of Department of Transportation/Metra buses.
A Resolution (286-14) - Authorizing the declaration of equipment shown on
the attached list as surplus in accordance with section 7-501 of the Charter of
Columbus Consolidated Government; additionally approval is requested to declare
any items as surplus which may be added to the list prior to the auction. The
equipment has either been replaced or placed out of service due to excess
maintenance cost.
A Resolution (287-14) - Authorizing an annual contract with Atlantic Coast
Consulting, Inc., for environmental monitoring services.
A Resolution (288-14) - Authorizing payment to AT&T, in the amount of
$35,391.74, for the annual maintenance (known as AT&T AMS Essential Plus
Service) for all Cisco equipment and software license renewals, included in the
IP Telephony network in twelve locations: the Government Center, Annex, Public
Safety Complex, Fox Recreation Center, Trade Center, Public Services
Administration Building, Fleet Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, Signal
Shop, Storage Warehouse, Metra, and the Animal Control Facility.
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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:_____________
_______________
A Resolution (289-14) - Authorizing the execution of a contract with
Ovations Food Services, LP (Lutz, Fl) to provide all equipment and personnel
necessary to provide alcohol (beer/wine/liquor) beverage management services at
the Columbus Civic Center.
Councilor Thomas noted that this resolution is pertaining to alcohol
beverage management services and asked for information on the status of food
services. Civic Center Director Ross Horner, came forward to provide a recap
of the food catering service. He explained there are five local businesses
signed up for catering. He reported that there is an RFP advertised that
closes this Friday for local restaurants to come forward with respect to the
seven spots upstairs.
Councilor Thomas then 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 Councilors Davis and Woodson being absent
from this meeting.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR BAKER AND
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT AT THE TIME, WITH
COUNCILORS DAVIS AND WOODSON BEING ABSENT FROM THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (290-14) - Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the August
26, 2014 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (291-14) - Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel from the
August 26, 2014 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (292-14) - Excusing Councilor Evelyn Woodson from the
September 9, 2014 Council Meeting.
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DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS SUBMITTED MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS,
WHICH WERE OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL: _
____________ _
Airport Commission, July 23, 2014.
Board of Health, April 23, May 14, and June 25, 2014.
Board of Tax Assessors, 28-14 & 29-14.
Civic Center Advisory Board, August 21, 2014.
Columbus Golf Course Authority, July 22, 2014.
Columbus Iron Works & Trade Center, June 26 & August 13, 2014.
Hospital Authority, July 29, 2014.
Recreation Advisory Board, August 27, 2014.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to accept the minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Davis and Woodson being absent from this
meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Ms. Laura A. Mann has resigned;
this is the Council District Eight appointment.
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COLUMBUS GOLF AUTHORITY:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis also advised that Mr. Aubry Burt is not
eligible to serve another term of office and we have three nominees. Councilor
Davis has nominated Dr. William Roundtree; Councilor McDaniel has nominated Mr.
B. Dayton Preston and Councilor Henderson has nominated Ms. Stephanie
Callahan. A roll call vote resulted in Mr. B. Dayton Preston receiving six
votes and are as follows: Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Allen,
Baker, Barnes, McDaniel and Thomas. Dr. William Roundtree received one vote:
Councilor Huff and Ms. Stephanie Callahan received one vote: Councilor
Henderson. Deputy Clerk of Council Davis noted that Mr. B. Dayton Preston has
received six votes and may be confirmed. Councilor Allen moved confirmation.
Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present with Councilors Davis and Woodson being absent from this
meeting.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we still need nominees for Mr.
Chuck H. McDaniel, III- Council District Five, Ms. Gloria Enfinger- Council
District Six and Ms. Clementine Cochran- Council District Ten. There were no
nominations.
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DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that there are two nominees for the
seat of Dick Ellis, who is not eligible to succeed himself on the Development
Authority of Columbus: Councilor Davis has nominated Ms. Jacki Lowe and
Councilor Woodson has nominated Ms. Becca Hardin. She further advised that
this matter would be deferred and brought back at the next meeting.
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KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that Vanessa Lewis is not
eligible to serve another term of Office; this is the Council District One
seat. Ms. Rebecca Basset does not desire reappointment and Dr. Billy Kendall
is not eligible to serve another term of office with both seats being
At-Large. There were no nominations.
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RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Lyndon Burch has resigned
from his seat on the Recreation Advisory Board; this is Councilor Huff?s
nominee. Councilor Huff nominated Ms. Vanessa Jackson. Councilor Henderson
moved confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present with Councilors Davis and
Woodson being absent from this meeting.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Tomlinson called attention to the earlier request for an executive
session to discuss litigation and personnel. Councilor Barnes so moved.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight
members present with Councilors Davis and Woodson being absent from the
meeting.
At 11:00 a.m. the regular session was adjourned to allow the Council to go
into an executive session.
At 11:24 a.m., the meeting was called back to order, at which time, Mayor
Tomlinson announced that the Council met in an executive session to discuss
litigation and personnel, but no action was taken. The following Add-On
Resolution was passed around the table and approved by the Council and is
listed as follows:
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________ ____ ________
____ __
A Resolution (293-14) - Authorizing full and final settlement of the claim
of Ms. Sash Rivera, former employee of the Columbus FIRE and EMS Department
that has been filed and reviewed by the City Attorney?s Office and counsel for
Columbus, Georgia in the amount of $25,000. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously
by those eight members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Davis
and Woodson being absent from this meeting.
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With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Councilor Henderson so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those seven
members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel
being absent from this meeting, with the time of adjournment being 11:24
a.m.
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Sandra T. Davis, DCMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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