MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
WORK SESSION
JUNE 26, 2007
The regular monthly Work Session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 9:05 A.M., Tuesday, June 26, 2007, in the Council Chambers
on the Plaza Level of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W. J.
Wetherington, Mayor, presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington were Councilors R. Gary Allen,
Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes (arrived at 9:07 a.m.), Mike Baker, Glenn
Davis, Berry Henderson, and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. Deputy City Manager Lisa
Goodwin, City Attorney Clifton Fay, and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis
were also present. Councilor Evelyn Woodson took her seat at the Council table
at 9:07 a.m. and Councilor took his seat at the Council table at 9:09 a.m.
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ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh, Councilors Wayne Anthony and Julius
H. Hunter, Jr. were absent, but were officially excused upon the adoption of
Resolutions Number 282-07, 283-07 and 284-07 respectively. City Manager Isaiah
Hugley was absent but was represented by Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin.
Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington was also absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Chaplin Lieutenant Colonel Ronald L. Smith- Ft. Benning
Georgia.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Wetherington.
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CONSENT AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING TWO ORDINANCES LISTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA WERE SUBMITTED
BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED ON SECOND READING UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY
COUNCILOR ALLEN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS
MEETING:
An Ordinance (07-41) - Providing for the levy, assessment, and collection
of taxes for the public school system of Columbus, Georgia; and for other
purposes.
An ordinance (07-42) - Providing for the demolition of structures located
at:
(1) 4633 Farley Drive (Richard Ankrom, Jr., owner)
(2) 1151 Floyd Road and 1211 Floyd Road (Bread of Life Christian
Center, owner)
(3) 2428 Schaul Street (Dennis Deal, owner)
(4) 1337 Cusseta Alley (Tina M. Duncan, owner)
(5) 926 Calvin Avenue (Baxter S. Edwards, owner)
(6) 2015 Ft. Benning Road (GC2, LLC, owner)
(7) 2517 Schatulga Road (Gracie Jackson Estate, May Grace Kelly, owner)
(8) 5730 Hodges Road, Lot 11 (Linda Lesch, owner)
(9) 814? 5th Avenue (Jacqueline E. Martin, Owner)
(10) 6911 Aldora Drive (Frank & Alvenia Parham, owner)
(11) 936 Amber Drive and 5041 Miller Road (Forest R. Preston, owner)
(12) 515 Chesterfield Avenue (Martha Spencer, owner)
(13) 812 5th Avenue (Gwendolyn E. Sumbry, owner)
(14) 4010 Singer Drive (Bessie M. Western, owner)
and for demolition services for the Inspections and Code Division in
accordance with the attached Tabulation of Bid sheet.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE RESOLUTIONS WERE LISTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA AND WERE
APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL UPON A SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR WOODSON AND
SECONDED BY COUNCILOR ALLEN, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS
OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING:
A Resolution (282-07) - Excusing Councilor Wayne Anthony from the June 26,
2007 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (283-07) - Excusing Councilor Julius Hunter, Jr., from the
June 26, 2007 Council Meeting.
A Resolution (284-07) - Excusing Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh from the
June 26, 2007 Council Meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION WAS LISTED ON THE
CONSENT AGENDA AND APPROVED BY THE
COUCIL:
Application of Charlie Douglas to temporarily close Lansing Avenue from
Norton Street to London Street, on Saturday, June 30, 2007, from 2:00 p.m. to
8:00 p.m., in connection with a ?Summer Block Party?. Councilor Allen moved
its approval. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those
seven members of Council present for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE NEW REZONING PETITIONS WERE LISTED ON THE CONSENT
AGENDA AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR EACH BY COUNCILOR
MCDANIEL:
Petition submitted by Woodruff Brokerage Company to rezone 3.95 acres
(261.45 total acres) of property located at 8101 & 8103 Veterans Parkway from
SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1)/GC (General Commercial) to PUD (Planned Unit
Development). (Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory
Commission and the Planning Department.) (28-A-07-Woodruff Brokerage Co.)
Petition submitted by Edward Manderson to rezone 0.57 acre of property
located at 1021 Oakview Avenue from RO (Residential-Office) to SFR2 (Single
Family Residential 2). (Recommended for approval by both the Planning Advisory
Commission and the Planning Department.) (29-A-07-Manderson)
Petition submitted by Jackson Burgin, Inc. to rezone 0.78 acre of property
located at 1716 3rd Avenue and 314 18th Street from GC (General Commercial) to
LMI (Light Manufacturing / Industrial). (Recommended for conditional approval
by both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department.)
(30-CA-07-Jackson Burgin, Inc.)
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THE FOLLOWING ADD-ON RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND
READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
A Resolution (285-07) ? Expressing condolences to the family and to the
people of Charleston, South Carolina of the nine firefighters that died
battling a furniture warehouse fire. Councilor McDaniel moved its adoption.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present for this meeting.
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WATER WORKS PRESENTATION:
City Attorney Fay announced that the Columbus Water Works litigation
resolution is going to be delayed until July 10, 2007. He then recognized the
presence of Mr. Barry Vaught, who wanted to make a brief statement.
Mr. Barry Vaught, came forward to make comments for Mr. Billy Turner. He
pointed out that the two Congressional Representatives that representing
Columbus have been notified of this matter and has not received any adversed
comments from either. He then explained the reasons why the Columbus Water
Works has requested that the resolution be removed. He advised that the delay
would allow the Columbus Water Works to continue to confer with the State of
Georgia attorneys or at least give us an opportunity to revise the complaint to
make it less subjectionable to them and to hopefully allow us to coordinate our
efforts with the State, rather than give the appearance of being adverse to the
State. He projected that they would be requesting that the resolution be
listed on the July 10, 2007 Council Agenda for consideration.
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RECOGNITION OF CHRISTOPHER HOHLSTEIN:
Councilor Davis called attention to the accomplishments of a young man,
Christopher Holstein, who also serves on the Youth Advisory Council. He
announced that Mr. Holstein had the opportunity to enter into a Pitch, hit &
run competition and won that. He said that Mr. Holstein is now one of four
that would be heading out to the west coast to participate on a national level.
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BID ADVERTISEMENTS:
Councilor Baker requested to be provided with some additional information
on the July 11th bid advertisement for item number one.
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WORK SESSION:
OUTDOOR CAFE:
Deputy City Manager Lisa Goodwin reported that the City Manager has been
in contact with Mr. Richard Bishop, President of Uptown Columbus Inc, and they
are requesting a delay in the Outdoor Caf? presentation until the July work
session. She pointed out that there are some concerns through the Police
Department that needs to be worked out.
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FINANCE UPDATE:
Ms. Pam Hodge, Finance Director provided an overview of the Columbus
Consolidated Government Unaudited Quarterly Revenue Report, FY-2007 Fourth
Quarter.
She summarized that the there is a percentage increase over this same time
last year, which is May 31, 2007 compared to May 2006. She reported that in
the General Fund, the City?s revenue is up 6.9% and have collected 96% of what
was projected in the budget and this is through eleven months of the fiscal
year.
She then highlighted some of the funds in the financial summary report.
She pointed out that we have received the $22 million from the State, which is
shown in the increase in debt service of 371%.
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U. S. HIGHWAY 80 - OVERLAY DISTRICT ORDINANCE:
Director of Planning Rick Jones came forward to discuss in more details
the U. S. Highway 80 - Overlay District Ordinance. He recognized the presence
of Mr. Milton Jones, who is a member of the Panhandle Committee.
He then provided the following power point presentation and is outlined as
follows:
US Highway 80
Overlay District Ordinance
The purpose and intent of creating an overlay district is to address
specific issues that might exist within a defined area, such as a roadway
corridor, without the necessity for creating an entirely new zoning district or
creating the need for one or more area-wide variances to achieve a desired
community benefit.
UDO Section 2.5.2
Possible issues that could be addressed:
Building Facades Natural Resources Protection or Preservation
Community Redevelopment Signage
Economic Development Landscaping
Historic Resources Specific Use Regulations
Architectural/Design Controls Tree and Vegetation Preservation
Infill Development
Overlay Districts ? Possibilities
Location of Possible Overlay Districts within Columbus
Airport Thruway US Highway 80/Beaver Run
Veterans Parkway Buena Vista Road
Victory Drive Cusseta/Old Cusseta Road
Warm Springs Road Macon Road
Wynnton Road Manchester Expressway
History of Effort
Development concerns in the Panhandle section
Committee formed in 2005 to review development concerns in the Panhandle
section of the community
Members included businesses, developers, and residents of the area
Panhandle Overlay Committee
Don Mueller Phillip Denson
Brian Grier Mike Corradino
Tom Flournoy Mike Greenblatt
Phillip Thayer Earl Cheal
John Partin Stella Shulman
Milton Jones Elizabeth Barker
Leah Braxton Johnny Cargill
Harold Bryant Will White
Definitions/Applicability
Purpose and Intent
Definitions
Corridor: land within 1,000 feet of the Right-of-Way and a 1,000 foot depth at
intersections
Amenities, Focus Areas
Applicability
Properties wholly or partially within the US Highway 80 corridor
Property being redeveloped through demolition or expansion
Design Requirements/Access
Vehicular Access ? no individual lot access
Private Roads/Driveways ? establishes distance and design criteria
Interparcel Access ? requires the use of frontage roads
Medians ? required on private roads and entrances to developments
Sidewalks/Pedestrian Access ? requires pedestrian interconnectivity
Retail Developments ? requires ?Big Box Ordinance? regulations
Design Requirements/Access
Utilities located underground
Landscaping
20 TDU?s
15 foot (minimum) landscaping between non-residential developments
One large-maturing tree per forty linear feet of frontage
Councilor Woodson referring to the underground utilities made reference
to a letter from Flint Energy, asked if the staff had checked with other
communities regarding the underground utilities. She then requested that this
information be provided to the Council. Director of Planning Jones advised
that we are requiring that utilities be placed underground for new development
in this corridor.
At this time, Director of Planning Jones responded to questions from
Councilor Henderson regarding new development, as well as, remodeling or
destruction to the property and if they would fall under the new guidelines.
He pointed out that if there is more than 50% of improvement; then, they have
to follow the new guidelines.
Councilor Woodson asked about the prohibition of billboards in the Overlay
district, and expressed concerns with the possibility of all of the billboards
going to Columbus South; she advised that she is in favor of the Overlay
district. Director of Planning Jones pointed out that anything north of J. R.
Allen Parkway and 185 on out, we already prohibit billboards now, therefore,
the Overlay district provides additional regulations. Director of Planning
Jones said that we are already discussing an Overlay district for Victory Drive.
Design Requirements/Access
Parking/Yard, Height and Setback
Parking should be screened from public roads by buildings/landscaping
Establishes criteria for front of building parking for non-residential uses
based upon the size of building
Signage
No billboards or bench signs
Monument signs allowed with architectural and size standards
Design Requirements/Access
Building Placement, Height and Intensity
Placement
Building Height
Building Mass, Intensity and Density
Provisions for Specific Uses
Communication Towers ? concealed support structures only
Fences and Walls ? establishes materials and landscaping for those structures
visible from a public right-of-way
Drive-Through Facilities ? required to be on the side or rear of building
Design Requirements/Access
Gas Station Pump Islands
Outside Display and Storage and Service Areas
Screening of truck parking areas
Loading and storage areas to be screened
Trash areas to be located in rear
Addresses seasonal merchandise
Storage areas to be permanently defined
No storage of toxic chemicals (fertilizers, insecticides, etc.)
Stormwater Detention Facilities ? required to be landscaped and incorporated
into the overall design
Design Requirements/Access
Architecture Design
Establishes design criteria for facades visible from a public roadway
Prohibits portable buildings
Identifies roof materials
Requires rooftop mechanical equipment to be hidden from view from public streets
Accessory items such as railings, benches, trash receptacles, etc., must
compliment the buildings
Design Requirements/Access
Additional Design Guidelines
Facades to be varied in depth
Distinct architectural entry identification for individual tenants
Out parcels to reflect the character of the primary structure
Walls visible from public roadways shall incorporate different designs
Roof parapets shall provide visual diversity
Articulation of building design shall continue of all sides
Building elevations to be reviewed by the Planning Department
Land Use Review ? development activities are required to be reviewed by
Planning Department prior to the issuance of permits
In conclusion of the presentation, Director of Planning Jones called on
Mr. Milton Jones to make some additional comments.
Mr. Milton Jones approached the rostrum and pointed out that he is present
on behalf of Mr. Tom Flournoy, who could not be here today. He then read from
a document that was prepared by Mr. Tom Flournoy.
Councilor Allen called attention to some concerns expressed regarding the
Overlay district. He spoke of the 1,000 feet setback, which could become
smaller through variances. He said that the next concern is that this would
come to the City, which he has explained that it would follow the normal flow
of land use by going through the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning
Department before the Council makes the final decision. He continued to
outline other concerns that had been expressed regarding the use of land at the
narrowing point of Highway 80 and Macon Road, which could potentially affect
property being developed on Macon Road; the City Engineer making decisions
regarding hardships, which could be too subjective and the screening of the
buildings.
He expressed some concerns that he had regarding the signage for
business. He then suggested that the Planning Department work with businesses
regarding the signage and the buffering; so that the buffering doesn?t
overwhelm the signage. He also spoke of one last concern that citizens had
regarding the period of time a business could use outdoor presentation of their
goods, which is eight weeks. He said that some people felt that this was not
long enough. Director of Planning Jones determined that eight weeks is a
reasonable amount of time to allow for that.
In conclusion, Director Planning Jones stated that this Overlay district
does allow for the development that we know is going to occur along this
roadway over the next five to ten year time frame, but also it is going to
provide the protection that we are looking for. He pointed out that this is
our model case for other roadways or areas throughout the community that we are
looking now.
Councilor Allen called attention to the resolution that he presented and
read last week from the Panhandle Association supporting this plan. He pointed
out that in the packet today, there is a resolution of support from the Beaver
Run neighborhood; the Beaver Run neighborhood is the most affected neighborhood.
City Attorney Fay advised that this ordinance would be listed on second
reading on July 10, 2007.
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Deputy City Manager Goodwin stated that this concludes the work session
agenda for today.
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With there being no other business to come before the Council, Councilor
Henderson Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present with Councilor Hunter having left the meeting, with the time being
10:05 a.m.
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Sandra T. Davis, DCMC
Deputy Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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