MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 23, 2010
The regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to
order at 5:32 P.M., Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in the Council Chambers,
Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J. Wetherington, Mayor
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops?
Barnes, Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr. and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr.
Councilor Glenn Davis took his seat at the table at 5:33 p.m. Councilor Evelyn
Woodson took her seat at the table at 5:39 p.m. City Manager Isaiah Hugley,
City Attorney Clifton Fay and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also
present.
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ABSENT: Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. Bob Hawkins- Cascade Hills Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Wetherington.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the December 15, 2009 Council Meeting
of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were
submitted and approved upon the adoption of a motion made by Councilor Allen
and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh, which carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present for this meeting.
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CRIME DIRECTOR POSITION:
Mayor Wetherington called on Human Resources Director Tom Barron to
announce the two finalists for the Crime Prevention Director?s position
search. He commended the committee that was present for the interview process;
there were over 100 applicants for this position. He said three were selected
to bring before the Council; however, one individual dropped out of the
process. He advised that in two weeks, he would bring forward the candidate
that he is selecting for Council?s confirmation.
Human Resources Director Tom Barron, recalled that we received a total of
103 applications for this position. He briefly explained the process followed
for the purpose of selecting the finalist by stating that an interview team was
selected and are as follows: Ms. Judy Thomas, Executive Assistant to the
Mayor, Mr. Mike Gaymon- President of Chamber of Commerce and Crime Prevention
Board Chairman, Mr. John Redmond- Internal Auditor, Ms. Reather Hollowell-
Assistant Human Resources Director and Affirmative Action Officer and myself.
He then spoke of the preliminary interviews conducted in person or over
the phone to ten of the applicants; then, six applicants were called back in
for a more extensive interview. He said thereafter, two applicants were chosen
for a third interview and are deemed finalists and names are being released to
the public today: Mr. Seth Brown and Ms. Tracy Fox. He said we would be
bringing the results of that process back to the Mayor for his final decision.
Mayor Wetherington said that he would bring one of the candidates back to
the Council at the next meeting for confirmation. He then made some additional
comments regarding the applicants and process.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE REGULATING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING:
An Ordinance (10-5) - Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia
by revising Truck Route Regulations in Columbus Code Sections 20-9.46 thru
20-9.48 as described here within; revising Columbus Code Section 20-9.47
driving on divided highways by redesignating it as Columbus Code Section
20-9.44; repealing any conflicting Ordinances; and for other purposes.
Councilor Allen moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF COLUMBUS,
GEORGIA WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND APPROVED ON SECOND
READING:
An Ordinance (10-6) - Amending Ordinance No. 08-63, Administration of
Comprehensive Plan, by adding a sentence to Subsection 2 of Section 1; and for
other purposes. Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
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PUBLIC HEARING:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ATLAS OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA WAS
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS ADVERTISED AND
FIRST READING DELAYED FOR THIRTY DAYS:
An Ordinance - Property located at 3832 Trask Drive & 1600 Ft. Benning
Drive is proposed for rezoning from RMF2 (Residential Multi Family 2) zoning
district to GC (General Commercial) zoning district. (1-CA-10-McKenna) The
proposed use is for Medical Office.
City Attorney Fay advised that the petitioner has requested a one-month
delay; however, if there is someone present that would like to speak today they
may do so.
OPPONENTS:
Mr. Alfonso King, 3837 & 3846 Trask Drive, approached the rostrum to speak
of the current water problem. He expressed concerns in that if the rezoning is
approved, the construction may enhance the problem he is having with water and
have a negative impact on the property value.
Councilor Hunter requested that staff get together with Mr. King regarding
his water issues. He said currently, the property is zoned residential
multi-family 2. In reality, he explained that this structure is probably going
to be smaller than what you would have if another developer came in and built
apartments that may exacerbate the problem; Mr. King may be better off
attempting to resolve the water issue now, and this is why he has asked staff
to get with him in this regard.
In conclusion, City Attorney Fay advised that this matter would be brought
back on first reading in thirty days. Community Development Director Rick
Jones also came forward to address questions from Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
regarding buffering against the residential property.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME DISCUSSION:
A Resolution (53-10) - The Medical Center Hospital Authority proposes
issuing Revenue Anticipation Certificates in aggregate principal amount not to
exceed $40,000,000.00 for the purchase of needed equipment.
Councilor Hunter advised that he is on the Board of Directors for the
Medical Center, Hughston Sports Hospital and Doctors Hospital and asked to
abstain from voting. Councilor Henderson moved that Councilor Hunter abstain
from voting. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten
members present for this meeting.
In response to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh regarding the need
for Council?s approval, Mr. Jerry Rothschild, advised this approval has nothing
to do with being responsible for paying the debt or anything like that. He
said these are tax-exempt bonds, which is for the purpose of funding $8.5
million worth of equipment first for the John B. Amos Cancer Center. He said
the reason for approval from the Council is due to a requirement by TEFRA (Tax
Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act), which is to make sure that local
governments knows there is a project that another governmental entity is
funding by tax exempt revenue bonds within the community, and the project is
seen to confer some sort of broad benefit on the community.
Mayor Wetherington pointed out that he was approached with signing this
document and conferred with City Attorney Fay, who suggested that we make the
Council aware of it. City Attorney Fay added that this equipment purchase
would not be an obligation of the State of Georgia or City of Columbus but paid
out of the revenues of the hospital.
Councilor Allen then moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and
carried unanimously by those nine members present and voting with Councilor
Hunter abstaining.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
DR. DARCY LEERSSEN, RE: TALBOTTON / WARM SPRINGS ROAD WIDENING:
Dr. Darcy Leerssen, came forward to advise that he is unofficially
representing the business owners located along Warm Springs Road. He then
expressed his opposition to the five-lane expressway being proposed for Warm
Springs Road. He said that he would lose some parking spaces, which would have
an impact on patients visiting his office. He said the traffic report, over
the last twenty years on Warm Springs Road, has not changed a lot or increased
significantly despite the changes throughout the city. He mentioned the safety
of children crossing the road from Ashley Station going to Hannah Elementary
School. He called attention to the thirty to forty signatures that have been
collected opposing the five-lane widening. He added that the traffic does not
warrant five-lanes, but a two-lane road with a center turn lane would be more
than enough to handle the traffic.
Councilor Barnes agreed with the comments of Dr. Leerssen; in particular,
the safety of the school children. Councilor McDaniel advised that he is going
to call for a resolution but would wait until the Council hears from Mr. Jim
Pound.
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MR. JIM POUND, RE: TALBOTTON / WARM SPRINGS ROAD
WIDENING:
Mr. Jim Pound, approached the rostrum to first speak of the amount of
money to be spent on the widening of Warm Springs Road, which is $41,811,231.25
as presented by the Georgia Department of Transportation. He mentioned some
other projects that could be funded with the money saved if Warm Springs Road
was widened to a three-lane roadway. Using the overhead projector, Mr. Pound
said Talbotton Road is one of the safer roads because of the lower speeds on
that road. He said he would hope the Council supports the citizens in
constructing a less expensive, context sensitive road.
City Manager Hugley asked that Mr. Murray Calhoun be allowed to speak.
Councilor McDaniel then made a motion that Mr. Murray Calhoun be heard on this
matter. Seconded by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those ten
members present for this meeting.
Mr. Murray Calhoun, said the road has been planned for twenty-five years.
He pointed out that if the roadway is not improved, traffic is going to be a
problem. He said the money is there for the road construction. However, he
maintained it may not need this particular design, but he would not like for
the City to pass up an opportunity for funding when the project is ready to
move forward.
Councilor Henderson said he would like to make clear that as this is a
State project, he does not want anyone to think this $40 million has been
allocated for Columbus and the City has input as to where this money is spent.
He maintained that if we do not do this project, the State would reallocate
this money to another project in another community. He said that is why he
agrees with Mr. Calhoun in that it would be beneficial to try to meet with the
decision makers, and let?s see how much we can massage this project to try to
alleviate some of the concerns of the people that would be directly impacted.
City Manager Hugley recalled that we have spoken to our GADOT
representative two-weeks ago, and we were put on notice that they were ready to
move forward with this project. He said that does not preclude us from having
further discussions to try to convince GADOT to reduce the number of lanes or
alter the design. He reminded everyone of what happened with the Moon Road
widening project in that the GADOT had scheduled four-lanes for Moon Road and
the City went back and forth in trying to negotiate with the GADOT and in the
final analysis, GADOT said it would be four-lanes or the City of Columbus would
have to fund the widening. He pointed out that we are now funding the Moon
Road widening project with local funds.
At this time, Councilor McDaniel said we just want to ask the GADOT to
reconsider the design. He then read the prepared resolution expressing
concerns with a five-lane road and proposing that GADOT consider redesigning
Talbotton and Warm Springs Road as a context sensitive three-lane road.
Councilor Henderson said he is not opposed to asking GADOT to come back to
the table again, but would feel more comfortable in sending the resolution if
we were to take out the paragraphs dealing with the three-lane road. He
explained that he does not believe that telling them the design to use is the
appropriate way to approach GADOT in this matter. He said also, change the
last paragraph by removing three-lanes to read ?GADOT consider redesigning
Talbotton Road / Warm Springs Road as a context sensitive tree line parkway
appropriate for the area? and this way, we have an opportunity for
negotiation. He then made that motion to take out the two paragraphs (2nd and
3rd from the last ?Whereas? and strike through the three-lanes in the ?Now,
Therefore?). Seconded by Councilor McDaniel. (See Below the final action on
this motion.)
Mayor Wetherington suggested that we talk to Mr. Sam Wellborn and the
engineers before the Council approves this resolution. Councilor Henderson
said that his preference would be to try to arrange a meeting with the City and
GADOT, as well as, the people that would be impacted by this road widening.
City Manager Hugley agreed that we do not need a resolution to talk to our
GADOT representative, Mr. Sam Wellborn. He maintained that Mr. Wellborn
represents us well, and his preference would be to talk to them again.
Councilor Anthony suggested the resolution be brought back in two weeks
after first verbalizing our concerns in a meeting with GADOT. After the
discussion had concluded, Councilor Henderson requested to delay his motion to
amend the proposed resolution until the resolution comes back in two weeks.
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MR. PAUL OLSON, RE: 9 MILLAGE ROLLBACK AND LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX
PROJECTS:
Mr. Paul Olson, did not respond when given the opportunity to appear
before the Council.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING FOUR RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (54-10) - Authorizing a request to submit an application and
if approved accept a $98,480 grant from the Governor?s Office for Children and
Families (2010 System of Care: Community Strategy Grant Program) to fund a
parent education program. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved its adoption.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members
present for this meeting.
A Resolution (55-10) - Authorizing a request to execute a Contract for
Acquisition of Right of Way Project for Muscogee Technology Park Project
(Eastern Connector) with the Georgia Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) for
the construction and widening of a New Road (Schatulga Rd./Eastern Conn. from
Buena Vista Rd. to south of Chattsworth Rd.) Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved
its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten
members present for this meeting.
A Resolution (56-10) - Authorizing a request to accept that portion of Ivy
Ridge Drive, Ivy Patch Drive and Boston Ivy Lane located in Section Eight Phase
Two, Ivy Park. The Department of Engineering has inspected said streets and
recommends the acceptance. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved its adoption.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members
present for this meeting.
A Resolution (57-10) - Authorizing a request to grant an easement to
Columbus Water Works on property located over and through the right of way of
Part of Land Lot 59 8th, 55D Chive Court, District in Columbus, Muscogee
County, Georgia. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved its adoption. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this
meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY MAYOR
PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
A Resolution (58-10) - Authorizing the purchase of an ice re-surfacer from
Zamboni & Company, Inc., (Paramount, Ca), in the amount of $88,555.00.
A Resolution (59-10) - Authorizing the purchase of transit enhancement
equipment from Playworx Playsets, LLC, Swartz Associates, Inc., and Innocom
Corporation for the estimated annual contract amount of $32,720.34.
A Resolution (60-10) - Authorizing the purchase of bus shelters from
Brasco International, Inc., for the estimated annual contract amount of
$34,125.00.
A Resolution (61-10) - Authorizing the purchase of trees, on an ?as needed
basis? from Thoms Trees and Plants for the estimated annual contract value of
$87,700; and rescind resolution no. 440-09 which awarded the contract to John
Deere Landscapes.
A Resolution (62-10) - Authorizing payment to Tyler Technologies, Inc.,
Appraisal and Tax Division (Dallas, Tx), in the amount of $85,075.00, for the
annual renewal fee for Oasis maintenance support, to be paid monthly beginning
January 2010 through December 2010; and rescind Resolution No. 32-10 due to a
typographical error requesting payment in the amount $80,075.00.
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BOARD OF ELECTIONS & REGISTRATIONS:
Councilor Hunter pointed out that citizens within the community have
raised some concerns over reading that there is a possibility that the City of
Columbus is taking away some of the voting precincts in our community. He said
he knows that City Manager Hugley has asked the department to take a look at it
and reconsider. He said some of the concerns were economic reasons, as well
as, the schools that were being used as precincts. He said we are talking
about the right to vote, which is one of the basic fundamental rights. He
recalled that we have citizens who remember the days when everyone was not able
to exercise that right to vote, as well as, the people that marched and
participated in the struggle to have that right. He said perhaps we could meet
with the School Board to try to work it out where the School Board could plan
their teacher planning days and furlough days around voting days.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said that a lot of the precincts that are being
affected have a lot of elderly citizens who walk to the polls to vote, and all
of that information should be sent to the Department of Justice.
City Manager Hugley said after hearing much concerns, he did ask Board of
Elections & Registrations Director Ms. Nancy Boren to ask the Board of
Elections & Registration to withdraw their Department of Justice request to
allow for three things to occur: Community forums to explain their proposal to
citizens and allow for questions and input; explore other locations for
possible voting precincts with staff assistance and the Board of Elections &
Registration appear before the Council at a Pre-Council Meeting or Work Session
to share their plans moving forward.
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FINANCE REPORT UPDATE:
Finance Director Pam Hodge came forward to provide an update on the Local
Option Sales Tax for January 2009 through January 2010, as well as, the
unaudited Monthly Revenue Report Summary for FY2010 - January 2010. She
advised that for the Local Option Sales Tax, the number of police officer
positions that have been filled is 88; Five E911 positions filled and one court
related position. She reported that for the Public Safety Revenue of 70%, a
total of $11,687,682.75 has been collected. She outlined the breakdown of how
much each department has spent of their allocation with a total of $8.5 million
on the Public Safety side. On the infrastructure revenue, Finance Director
Hodge reported that we have collected just over $5 million through the end of
January and spent $263,000.
Finance Director Hodge then provided an overview of the following funds
and are listed as follows:
General Fund down (-1.92); however, if the Continental Carbon Settlement
the City received last year is excluded, the General Fund would actually be up
2.42% over last year and sales tax is up 1.42% over this same time last year.
Sewer Fund up 17.93%; however, there was a millage increase in this particular
fund that would represent this increase; Paving Fund up 2.84%; Medical Center
Fund up 4.06%; Integrated Waste Fund down (-2.26%); E911 up 6.14%; Economic
Development Authority Fund up 4.06%; Debt Service Fund up 70.58%; this
represents the bond issue where we did a refunding of 1997A Issue where
$4,360,000 was placed in the Debt Service Fund for the pay out of the
refunding, and that is going to skew that number, but we are on target.
Transportation Fund up 1.62%; Parking Management Fund down (-15.51%); Trade
Center Fund down (-3.98%); Bull Creek Golf Course Fund down (-6.77%); Oxbow
Creek Golf Course Fund up 5.39% and Civic Center Fund up 16.68%; however, they
were closed for a period of time last year, which explains the difference.
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ECONOMIC STIMULUS UPDATE:
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin came forward to provide an update on the
Economic Stimulus using a power point presentation and is outlined as follows:
Transparency and Disclosure http://www.columbusga.org/Eco Stimulus
Briefing.htm
Economic Stimulus Request:
City Request- $87,133,285 Confirmed- $19,679,053 recent change (actually $26.2
million)
Not Approved- $30,854,232 Pending- $36,600,000 recent change (actually $30
million)
Transportation Projects Confirmed: $11 million
Metra Transit System Projects Confirmed: $2.7 million
CDBG-R Confirmed Projects:
Neighborhood Revitalization: $484,489
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program Confirmed: $740,907
EECBG Confirmed Projects: $1.8 million
Workforce Investment Act Confirmed
Youth Program (completed) $923,659
Adult Job Training $384,713
Dislocated Workers $593,838
GA Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Projects (JAG Grant) Confirmed:
Victim Witness Assistance $ 40,000
Circuit-wide grant for Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit
$141,690
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Confirmed:
Court Related Activities $666,990
$848,680
Total Economic Stimulus Funds Confirmed: $26.2 million
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COMMUNITY FORUMS:
City Manager Hugley announced community forum dates and are listed as
follows:
Integrated Waste Fund: Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. Northside High
School; Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at Baker Middle School; Columbus
Library at 6:00 p.m. and a final presentation at the March 30, 2009 Council
Meeting at 9:00 a.m.
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RESOLUTIONS:
Councilor Henderson requested a resolution commending Mr. Frank Thomas,
who has retired from baseball- Chicago White Sox. He recalled that Mr. Thomas
has conducted himself with dignity and has brought a lot of credit to
Columbus. He also mentioned that Mr. Thomas is an alumni of Columbus High
School. He recalled that one of the articles he read on Mr. Thomas lifted him
up as the greatest White Sox ever.
Councilor Hunter said that he read an article that a young man from
Columbus High School won the State in Wrestling, as well as, about nine others
from this community who finished as runner-ups. He then requested that the
City Attorney staff get the names of those individuals and prepare resolutions
commending them. He said the coach of the wrestling team at Columbus High
School is in the Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Mayor Wetherington called attention to his grandson who is playing
baseball and he went four for five today; he is batting 489 for the Young
Harris Mountain Lions.
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ICE RINK GRAND OPENING CEREMONY:
Councilor Woodson recalled the grand opening of the ice skating rink on
February 22, 2010. She said they announced a figure skating teacher from
Montgomery that now wants to come to Columbus to teach figure skating. She
said that it was great to see all the people there that supported the ice rink.
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WINTER OLYMPICS:
Councilor Hunter mentioned that the Winter Olympics that is going on now,
and he has been watching the curling. He then asked if we are going to be able
to have curling in the ice skating rink, because the teams are going to have to
have somewhere to practice.
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TRAFFIC PROCEDURES:
Councilor Barnes requested an update on the staff conducting a relook at
the traffic procedures. City Manager Hugley said that he would provide an
update.
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GARDINER DRIVE:
Councilor Barnes said that he has received calls from citizens concerned
about Gardiner Drive. He explained there is a lot of speeding occurring on
Gardiner Drive; so let?s have staff check into the matter.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR &
COUNCIL:
(1) Notice from Georgia Municipal Association of the 2010 Annual Convention,
June 26 ? 29, 2010 in Savannah, Georgia.
(2) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Gregory Wagner, Councilor Allen?s nominee to
replace Ms. Alison Dowe on the Public Safety Advisory Commission.
(3) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Kathryne Delffs, Councilor Anthony?s nominee to
replace Ms. Linda Brantley on the Personnel Review Board.
(4) Memorandum from Mr. John Milam, Golf Course Director, Re: Golf Course
Revenues Shortfall.
(5) Mayor?s Committee for Persons with Disabilities Weekly Reports for the week
of January 25, 2010 through February 1, 2010 and February 8, 2010 through
February 15, 2010.
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THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY WITH NO ACTION
REQUIRED:
Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington advising of the intent of the
Board of Tax Assessors to file an appeal with Superior Court in a case
involving tax assessment. (The Board of Tax Assessors is requesting the
Council?s consent to file the appeal.)
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis deferred to City Attorney Fay to make some
comments. City Attorney Fay advised this matter should have been listed for
Council?s information; however, it was our error and not the Clerk?s. He
explained that it is advising the Council of a tax appeal that the Board of Tax
Assessors is filing on a particular case that did involve a change of more than
20% in the assessment; therefore, the Council is not authorized to vote on this
particular appeal. He added that if the change is less than 20%, then the
Council could vote to prohibit the appeal, but this one is just a notice to the
Council.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF
COUNCIL DAVIS AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
Letter from Municipal Court Judge Stephen Hyles requesting to place all
current employees in his office under the merit system of Columbus, Georgia.
Councilor McDaniel moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
Letter from David B. McMicken advising that the Medical Center Hospital
Authority voted to elect Becky Yarbrough to replace Troy Mahone and Mr. Rick
McKnight was reappointed for another term of office. Councilor Allen moved
confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
ten members present for this meeting.
Letter from Mr. Stephen A. Melton resigning from his position on the
Housing Authority of Columbus. Councilor Allen moved it be received with
regrets and thanks for service. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried
unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS
AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WERE CALLED FOR EACH BY COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL:
Letter from Andy Hartin requesting a public hearing be called on the
rezoning application for property located at 3604 Hamilton Road as recommended
for denial by the Planning Department. (4-D-10-Hartin)
Letter from J. Ashley Martin requesting a public hearing be called on the
rezoning application for property located at 1100, 1126 and 1150 Morris Road as
recommended for denial by the Planning Department. (5-D-10-Martin)
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCIL DAVIS
AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:
Board of Health, January 27, 2010.
Board of Historic & Architectural Review, November 9, 2009.
Board of Historic & Architectural Review, November 23, 2009.
Board of Historic & Architectural Review, December 14, 2009.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 04-10 & 05-10.
Board of Water Commissioners, January 11, 2010.
Councilor Allen moved approval. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those ten members present for this meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we still need a nominee for the
seat of Dr. John Blozsies, who is no longer a resident of Muscogee County.
There were none.
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BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Tim Dodds is being
recommended to replace Mr. Siavosh Etemadi; since, he is not eligible to serve
another term of office. Councilor Allen moved confirmation. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this
meeting.
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CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that we still need a nominee for
the seat of Mr. Patrick Sleem- District Nine representative. There were none.
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COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(CIRCLE):
Deputy Clerk of Davis advised that we still need a nomination for the
position of Ms. Deidre Williams; this is the Council?s appointment.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we still need a nomination for
the position of Mr. Tyrone Rowe- Council District Six representative. Also,
she further noted that Mr. Tom Wyatt- Council District Seven representative has
resigned; therefore, we would need a nominee for this seat.
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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that we still need three nominations
for the seat of the late Mr. Franklyn Lambert. There were no nominations.
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PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Councilor Anthony is nominating
Ms. Kathryne Delffs to succeed Ms. Linda Brantley, and we would bring this
nomination back in two weeks for confirmation.
Councilor Anthony asked the Clerk?s Office to contact Leadership Columbus
Alumni Association to advise them that we have some vacancies on our City
boards and for them to ask their membership if they have some people that are
interested in serving.
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PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis pointed out that Councilor Baker is
nominating Mr. Andrew Hollomon to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Sarah Sillitto
as the Council District Five representative. Since, this is the District
Council?s appointment, Deputy Clerk of Council Davis said that he may be
confirmed. Councilor Henderson moved confirmation. Seconded by Councilor
McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten members present for this
meeting.
She further noted that Councilor Allen is nominating Mr. Gregory Wagner to
fill the unexpired term of Ms. Alison Dowe as the Council District Six
representative; he may also be confirmed. Councilor Henderson moved
confirmation. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by
those ten members present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Deputy Clerk of Council Davis advised that Mr. Gary Gibson is being
nominated to serve another term of office as the School District
Representative. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved confirmation. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members present for
this meeting.
She also noted that we need nominations for the seats of Ms. Tiffany
Tootle- District Five; Mr. Bradford Haines- District Two and Ms. Jenny Holder-
District 8. Councilor Baker requested that the Clerk?s Office contact Ms.
Tiffany Tootle to find out if she is interested in serving another term of
office; since, she is eligible to serve again. Councilor Anthony also
suggested that the Clerk?s Office check with the Young Professionals
Organization to see if they have some nominees for some of these positions.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor Allen
made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting with the
time being 7:10 p.m.
Sandra T. Davis, CDMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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