MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 10, 2013
The regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called to order at
9:03 A.M., Tuesday, December 10, 2013, in the Council Chambers, Second Floor of
City Services Center, 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable Teresa
Pike Tomlinson, Mayor presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors R., Mike Baker, Jerry ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn Davis, Bruce
Huff, Judy W. Thomas and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City
Attorney Clifton Fay, and Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington were also
present. Councilor Glenn Davis took his seat at the Council table at 9:05
a.m. Councilors R. Gary Allen and Berry Henderson took their seat at the
Council table at 9:08 a.m.
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ABSENT: Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Deacon Arnie Goodman of the Holy Family Catholic Church.
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PLEDGE: Led by students from Clubview Elementary School.
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Mayor Tomlinson said this is the last meeting of this year; therefore, we
want to
wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday. She said
from the Columbus Consolidated Government, we wish you all the best during the
holiday season and into the new year.
She said we also want to state that certainly the City of Columbus stands
with
the world and the South African nation as we mourn the death of Nelson Mandela
this morning, who was laid to rest; a man who truly changed the world and
made life easier for millions and millions of people. She said let?s make sure
that
we keep him and the South Africa Nation in our thoughts today.
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SWIM WITH SANTA:
Mayor Tomlinson said Santa is coming to swim at the Columbus Aquatics
Center on Monday, the 23rd day of December from 3:00 ? 7:00 p.m.
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LET?S TALK WITH THE MAYOR:
Mayor Tomlinson said they will have the final Let?s Talk with the Mayor of
the
year at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, at Solid Rock Assembly Church of God in Midland.
She said all the department heads will be present and you can ask any questions
or
give any great ideas that you have for the City at that time. She said our
elected
officials will be there as well.
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PRESENTATION:
FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOLLOW-UP:
Mayor Tomlinson said we have had a long discussion in our meetings
recently as we try to deal with serious issues related to our budget. She said
there was many questions and a lot of confusion about some things and said that
Councilor Woodson had suggested that we have a presentation with regards to our
financial situation and provide some graphs and grants. She said she thinks
it?s important that our citizens know that the information that our staff, as
well as the information that she gives to you will provide the information to
the Council and then went into details outlining the following information as
outlined below.
Net Property Digest Growth
FY 2003 ? 2014
Mayor Tomlinson made some comments with regards to the 2008 revenues
Local Option Sales Tax and
Other Local Option Sales Tax
FY 2009-2014 (in millions)
SALES TAX DOWNWARD TREND:
Downward trend beginning in June 2012 and continuing through FY13 and FY14
FY14 Sales Tax collection is down 7.08% YTD over FY13
16 of the last 18 months have reported less revenue than the proceeding year
Only 2 months (October 2012 and November 2012) reported higher sales tax than
the same month the year before
REVENUES VS. EXPENDITURES:
Mayor Tomlinson showed a graph outlining the revenues versus our
expenditures. She said since FY-2008, our expenditures have expanded our
revenues and said that we have been living off of savings. She said when that
happens our general fund revenues are being depleted. She said this is the
money that
UNDESIGNATED FUND BALANCE:
MAYOR?s RECOMMENDED BUDGETS VS. APPROVED
EXPENDITURES:__________________________________________________
GENERAL FUND FY12 FY13 FY14
Mayor?s Recommended Budget $255,835,105 $266,881,380 $262,994,214
Net Additions/ Deletions from Council $1,816,076 $54,543 $2,281,093
Approved Expenditures $257,651,181 $266,935,923 $265,275,307
TOTAL ADDED EXPENDITURES $4,151,712
CONFUSION OVER FUNDS:
Operating Funds
General Fund
OLOST Fund ? Designated Separate from General Fund
Stormwater (Sewer) Fund
Paving Fund
Medical Center Fund
Integrated Waste Fund
Emergency Telephone (E911) Fund
Economic Development Fund
Debt Service Fund, etc.
Monies From Other Funds Cannot be Used to Supplement General Fund
Crime Prevention Grant Example (OLOST)
Green Island Roundabout Example (GDOT Funding)
FY15 PRELIMINARY GENERAL FUND PROJECTIONS:
Revenues $146.2 M
Expenditures $152.7 M
Deficit ($6.5 M)*
* Roughly 20 jobs per million
STEPS BEING TAKEN TO AVOID JOBS OR SERVICE/PROGRAMS
IMPACT:__________________________________________________________
Move toward shared Health Care Costs of 25% employee funded and 75% City funded
for HMO coverage and 30% employee funded and 70% City funded for PPO coverage
($1.6 M)
Eliminate supplemental double-time payments (aka ?Gap Time?) not authorized by
or known to City Council ($1.45 M)
Reform Workers Compensation Administration ($200,000+)
Cease Pension Calculations on non-base pay (Unspecified at this time)
Eliminate supplements to city affiliates such as Keep Columbus Beautiful,
Uptown, Inc., Civil War Museum, etc. (approximately $300,000)
Work with Georgia State Legislature to get Sales Tax data remitted to counties
No General Capital Expenditure in FY2014 or FY2015
Investigate outsourcing city functions, such as Tax Assessor?s re-evaluation
and assessment service
Adjustment of Medical Center Contract
Investigate charging citizens for street light utilities
Ask each department head to supply a list of city services that should/could be
cut
Ask each department head to supply a list of fee structure adjustment
opportunities
PAY INCREASES:
FY12 FY13 FY14
0.5% COLA
(aggregate) $400,435
Effective 10/1/2011 $257,414
Effective 1/5/2013 $289,270
Effective 1/4/2014
4% Pension Offset (aggregate) $2,059,316
Effective 7/7/2012 $2,383,023
Effective 7/6/2013
Yearly amounts budgeted for COLA?s and Pension Offset $400,435 $2,316,730
$2,672,293
TOTAL $5,389,458
FY14 HEALTH INSURANACE FUND YEAR TO DATE ACTUALS (Through Nov 30,
2013:_________
_
Budget YTD $ 9,583,000
Expenditures YTD $10,868,664
Fund Deficit ($1,285,664)
In addition to our negative balance Year To Date for FY2014, we have $3.8
million negative net position for our FY2013 Health Insurance Fund due to
Incurred But Not Reported Health Cost.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minutes of the November 12, 2013 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 nine members of
Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ZONING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:______________________________________
An Ordinance (13-51) ? Rezoning property located at 4187 and 4211 Milgen
Road, from an LMI (Light Manufacturing Industrial) to GC (General Commercial)
Zoning District. The purpose of the rezoning is for various general retail uses
and a health and fitness facility.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING: _______________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Amending the text to the Unified Development Ordinance
(UDO) to correct typos and minor errors in various chapters.
Director of the Department of Planning Department, Rick Jones and Zoning
Manager Will Jones was present, but there was no presentation made as no one
was present to oppose this proposed ordinance.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
MRS: SARAH LANG, REPRESENTING VALLEY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, RE: UPDATE ON
VALLEY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM:_________
Mr. Patrick Brennan requested to be listed on the agenda representing
Valley Healthcare System, Inc.; however, Mrs. Sarah Lange, CEO of Valley
Healthcare System came forward and gave an update on the Valley Healthcare
System.
Ms. Lang said although they have not received funds from the City, it is
through your support, your recognition, your proclamations and uplifting us
that we have been able to move forward with their goals and mission.
She said from the audit and recommendations, they have partnered with an
organization called Conversion and said Mr. Patrick Brennan; who is present
here today is working with them through a capital campaign to assess additional
funds so that they can move forward and provide more services in this
community. She said they have added vision services, as well as pharmacy
services in their facility.
Ms. Lang said most of you have came down and visited the facility and she
would invite and encourage those councilors who have not had an opportunity to
come down and see the 30,000 square feet of new facility that they have on Fort
Benning Road; 1600 Fort Benning Road. She said one of the things that they have
found out by working with Conversion is the individuals that they provide
services to; in 2012, they served over 8800 citizens and said through those
they provided 26,000 visits and they project over the next year, they will
provide over 36,000 visits for the coming year.
She said since they have Conversion looking at them from the outside in,
they have brought in over $2 million of Federal healthcare dollars into the
City and over a five year period, they have provided close to $18 million in
Federal funding to this community. She said Mr. Brennan had provided to the
Council, a folder that gives you a summary of the services and the financial
support that they have brought to the City of Columbus. She said it is just
amazing that they have been able to provide the services and the care to the
community and said again, it is through your support and uplifting of what they
do that they have been able to do that.
Councilor Huff thanked Ms. Lang for being her and for all that she does in
the community. He said if you have not seen the facility, he would encourage
the other councilors to please take an opportunity to go by and see the
facility, as it is a very bright spot in South Columbus. He said he is very
proud of this facility.
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MS. JOYCE WAGES, REPRESENTING THE GOLDEN CUE, RE: BEER
LICENSE:___________________________________________________
Ms. Joyce Wages came forward and pointed out that she is the owner of the
Golden Cue, which is located on Buena Vista Road and said in 2005 she spent
approximately $200,000 renovating it and dividing it up into retail spaces; and
on one end of it, is the business called the Golden Cue. She said it has been
there for 44 years. She said they had a beer license there at that
establishment, but it had a grandfather clause attached to it because there is
a church right across the street from it. She said she can?t get the license
because she doesn?t participate in the day to day operations of the business.
She said she is here to ask the Council to do one or two things. She said that
she had leased it to someone and they did not in a timely fashion, get the
license renewed. She said want to blame it all on him, but said it wasn?t all
on him; but said part of it was the City. She said when you have a new
business, and someone else comes in and take over, there are a lot of changes
in the codes; the building code. She said they had to do a lot of work in that
part of the building; electrical, hot water heaters and said they have to
almost be like a big restaurant, like Applebee?s, which they aren?t. She said
it is a full kitchen, full restaurant; 6,000 square foot building; it?s an
adult recreation place and they don?t allow teenagers in there. She said she
really needs the Council?s help because she has two people who really want to
rent the business, but said they want a beer license. She said that she spoke
with Councilor Barnes about an exception and he told her that he had spoken
with some of the other Council members and they couldn?t support an exception.
Ms. Wages said she don?t understand why there is a statute of limitation.
She said she doesn?t know why they have that, and why you are penalized as far
as the time is concerned. She said she tried to sell that business outright,
but hasn?t been able to and said if you don?t have a buyer; then your time just
dwindles away. She also said, if you try to get someone like she did to go in
and operate the business and if you don?t get that done in a timely fashion,
you are also penalized.
She said she can?t have it in her name because she is not there operating
the business. She said as far as the State is concerned, they don?t have a
problem with the church being across the street from it. She said if you can
sell enough food, then you can have beer and mixed drinks; as well as be next
to a church and next to a school. She said looking at that likelihood; it?s
very unlikely that they could possibly do 80% of their revenue in food, but
said if they had a beer license and a mixed drinks license, they possibly could
today. She said she doesn?t understand why there can?t be an ordinance change
to make some exception in a situation like this.
Ms. Wages said she hopes that she has explained the matter so that the
Council can understand it.
Mayor Tomlinson said she has and pointed out that we have received some
information from our Finance Director and the Licensing Department explaining
those rules. She said she may turn it over to the City Attorney for specifics,
but
said she knows one general rule is that things like liquor licenses are assets
of the business and they do have to be renewed whether they are actually being
used or not. She said she would have the City Attorney to speak to any issues
of the requirements.
City Attorney Fay said the grandfather clause expired on this property
according to Finance and Ms. Ivey on December 31, 2012. He said the property
owner and licensee had until that date to reapply for some type of
establishment with a beer and wine license. He said we have had that one year
rule in effort for at least two decades; whereas, if the business operation
ceases, then another licensee can come in there within twelve months of that
date and reapply for the same type alcohol license; which in this case, is beer
and wine. He said the twelve months lapsed on the 31st day of December, 2012.
He said we have also applied this rule to other establishments in Columbus,
such as the one located on Midtown Drive a few years back that had asked for
some additional time after the grandfather clause had expire; however the
Council has not seen fit to grant any exceptions. He said you certainly can
amend the ordinance to make the grandfather period longer than one year, but
said that would be a radical change. He said if you want to make it two, or
three years, it can be done by the Council, but said it has been at one year
for at least twenty years or so and said that is where we are now.
Mayor Tomlinson said it would take an amendment of the ordinance. She said
it would have to be brought up by the Council for an amendment and said at this
time, it doesn?t look likely. City Attorney Fay said yes, the ordinance would
have to be changed.
Ms. Wages said she needs someone to help her and then asked what she needs
to do.
Mayor Tomlinson said you can avail yourself to the elected officials to
see if you can get one of them to sponsor legislation to make that amendment to
the ordinance.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMTITED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME
DISCUSSION: ______
A Resolution (433-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a property
exchange with W.C. Bradley Company conveying approximately 3,000 sq. ft of
right of way on the south side of 11th Street between Front Avenue and Bay
Avenue and 2,000 sq. ft. of property on Bay Avenue adjacent to the Riverclub
for
approximately 1.295 acres of property formerly the 1300 block of Front Avenue
right-of-way.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro
Tem Turner Pugh.
Councilor Thomas asked the City Manager to have someone to put the map on
the screen to see what property we are talking about. She said she has had
several
people asked her questions as to exactly where this property is.
City Manager Hugley and Deputy City Manager Arrington went into more
details in explaining this matter to the Council. Deputy City Manager
Arrington
came forward and showed the area on the map and explained in more details
exactly where the exchange of property would occur and what the property would
be used for; and responded to several questions of Councilor Thomas, after
which
the question was then called on the motion to adopt the resolution, which
carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel
being absent for this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE 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 DAVIS AND
SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE
MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THIS
MEETING: __________________
A Resolution (434-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a land lease
agreement with UpTown Columbus, Inc., dba Whitewater LLC for property
located at the intersection of Bay Avenue and 11th Street for the purpose of
developing and operating a recreational venue
A Resolution (435-13) ? Authorizing the submission of the ADA Transition
Plan to the Georgia Department of Transportation.
A Resolution (436-13) ? Authorizing the acceptance of that portion of
Massee
Lane located in Old Town Development Phase One. The Department of
Engineering has inspected these streets and recommend the acceptance
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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 MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND
SECONDED BY COUNCILOR WOODSON, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE NINE MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT,
WITH COUNCILOR MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FOR THE MEETING:
A Resolution (437-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase one (1)
tandem dump truck (2015 Freightliner M2 112 66,000GVW Dump) from Peach State
Truck Centers, (Norcross, GA) at a unit price of $131,522.00, via Georgia
Statewide Contract #99999-SPD-I0000039-0002. The vehicle was approved in the
FY14 Budget. It will be used by the staff of the Street Paving and Repair
Division, of the Public Works Department, to transport gravel and sand to and
from work locations. It will also be used to transport equipment out of town
for repairs. This is a replacement vehicle.
A Resolution (438-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Southeastern Site Development, Inc. (Newnan, GA) in the amount of
$767,638.86 for river walk construction from 13th Street to 14th Street. The
work primarily involves clearing, grading, installing a MSBW along the
riverbank, installing drainage pipe and structures, constructing concrete
sidewalk, brick pavers, steel railing, planting various landscaping items, and
installation of an irrigation system.
A Resolution (439-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Georgia Fence Wholesale (Columbus, GA) in the amount of
$126,360.00 for the construction of fencing at the Sixth Avenue Passive Park.
The park is located on Sixth Avenue along Sixth Street and Seventh Street. The
work includes installation of 880 linear feet of cast iron decorative fencing,
an arched entryway and stone columns, and installation of 25 linear feet of
concrete sidewalk that will be 8 feet from the existing sidewalk.
A Resolution (440-13) ? Authorizing the approval to purchase custodial
supplies on an "as needed basis" from Dade Paper (Loxley, AL), Battle & Battle
Distribution, Inc. (Decatur, GA), Zep Sales & Service (Phenix City, AL),
Unisource Worldwide (Atlanta, GA), Georgia Correctional Industries (Decatur,
GA), Key Maintenance Supply, Inc. (Austell, GA), Southeastern Paper Group
(Atlanta, GA), Associated Paper (Lanett, AL), Pyramid School Products (Tampa,
FL), Robinson Supply Company (Columbus, GA), COPACO, Inc (Columbus,
GA), MSC Industrial Supply Company (Mableton, GA) and Ferguson Enterprises
(Columbus, GA) for the estimated annual contract value of $245,400.44. Various
departments of the Columbus Consolidated Government will utilize these
custodial
supplies and chemicals. The contract term is for a two-year period with an
option
to renew for three additional twelve-month periods. Renewal of the contract is
contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the contracted vendors.
A Resolution (441-13) ? Authorizing the use of Onvia Demandstar as a
vendor registration portal and to provide email notification services, of
procurement opportunities, to vendors; it is also requested that Council
authorize the City Manager to sign the Onvia DemandStar service agreement,
which is required for the City to officially begin the set-up process.
Currently, vendors can register via the Internet to do business with the City.
Once vendors register, Purchasing Division staff must add the vendor to the
City?s vendor database, in the Finance System. When goods/services are ready
to be advertised for bid, vendors who have registered to provide those
goods/services are selected to receive a postcard notification. Some vendors
register to provide a myriad of good and services, so they do not miss any bid
opportunities. Therefore, vendors may receive numerous postcard invitations,
but may only submit bids on certain items. After Purchasing Staff utilizes
valuable time and effort to add vendors to the system, and the cost to prepare
mailings, the net result is: 1) low bid response in comparison to the number of
postcards mailed, and 2) return mail due to bad addresses.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL AFTER SOME
DISCUSSION:______________________________
A Resolution (442-13) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Lott Sheet Metal (Columbus, GA) in the amount of $234,527.00 for
roofing services at 3950 Schatulga Road, which is the location of the Heavy
Equipment Building and Surplus Equipment Storage. Lott Sheet Metal will
provide all labor, equipment and materials to install a new insulated TPO roof
system on the building.
Councilor Davis said with this funding coming out of the general fund, and
being that it is heavy equipment, and because he hasn?t been able to get out
and look at the roof, asked if that is something that can be pushed out to a
future date or is it in dire need and something that needs to be replaced now.
City Manager Hugley said he thinks that it needs to be repaired today and
said he don?t know how terrible bad it is linking, but said we can check with
our Public Services Director, Ms. Biegler.
Public Services Director Biegler said it is not a tin roof, but is a
regular flat asphalt roof and said it is one of the worst roofs that we have on
one of our City buildings. She said it is also occupied; it?s not a vacant
building, but said that our Heavy Equipment Shop, with employees is housed in
this building and has been there for several years now. She said we literally
have water running down the walls of this building and said they have attempted
several times to repair it and are simply not able to do that; therefore, it
has to be replaced.
After some ten minutes of discussion on this matter, Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor
McDaniel being absent for the meeting.
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DISTRICT ATTORNEY EMPLOYEE HIRED ABOVE STEP C:
City Manager Hugley said the Council?s direction within recent weeks, any
employee that is hired above a C step must come before the Council for
approval. He said we have a request from District Attorney Julia Slater
requesting the Council?s authority to move forward to hire this employee.
Councilor Baker asked would we take on additional payroll if the State is
paying for that.
District Attorney Julia Slater then came forward and went into some
details in
outlining her request to pay Ms. Carolyn Tidd, who is currently a State
Employee
and will be a new employee to General Government; however, she has
worked in the DA?s office for 31 years as a State employee.
District Attorney Slater said she is requesting a Pay Grade/Salary: G12
-
$43,643.08 Step P. She said this position was vacated by a long term employee
who recently retired, and his salary was $45,861.54.
After some discussion on this matter, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a
motion to approve the request. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel
being absent for this meeting.
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DEPARTMENT UPDATE- HOUSE BILL 143:
Ms. Nancy Boren, Elections & Registration Director came forward and
provided an update on House Bill 143, Ethics: Changes to Local Filing Process
Under HB 143. She gave an overview of what the changes entails, which is
outlined below.
Overview
Background
Local Responsibilities
Who Files?
What is Filed?
Method of Filing
Filing Schedule
Non-Filing Procedures
Fine Schedule and Process
Responsibilities Now Handled Locally
Retention of new affidavit and/or DOI
CCDR & FDS filing
Notice of late or non-filing, fine collection and enforcement
Retention of reports available for public viewing and copying
Handling of reports from campaign committees for ballot questions
Who Files Locally?
Every elected county official and school board member
Each candidate for a county office
What is filed?
Affidavit stating intent to raise or spend <$2,500 per calendar year
Campaign Contribution Disclosure Reports (CCDR)
Finance Disclosure Statements (FDS)
Method of Filing
Electronic
Certified Mail
Statutory Overnight Delivery
Personal Delivery
CCDR Filing Schedule
Election Year:
Jan. 31st, June 30th, Sept. 30th, Oct. 25th, Dec. 31st
Non-election Year:
Jan. 31st and June 30th
Six days before any run-off in which candidate is on the ballot
Special Election has different requirements
Reduced Reporting Exemption Schedule
No opposition: If receives <$100, only required to file Jan. 31st and Dec. 31st
.
The amount of money collected or spent in a calendar year determines additional
report dates:
<$2500 ? no additional report
$2500 ? 5000 ? June 30th and October 25th
>$5000 ? full reporting schedule
New Additions as Expenditures
Qualifying fees
Attorney?s fees connected with furtherance of the campaign
Late Fees
For each report filed late, a late fee of $125 will be imposed
Notice will be sent to candidate and candidate?s committee
Local filing officer is responsible for notices, fine collection, and
enforcement
Fine Schedule
Initial fine of $125 if not filed by due date
Additional $250 on the 15th day after the due date
Additional $1000 on the 45th day after the due date
*Money stays local
Late Filings
$125 initial fine
An additional $250 imposed on 15th day after due date
An additional $1000 on 45th day after due date
Elections responsible for sending filing notice, collecting fine revenues, and
enforcing payment
Fine revenue remains with local government
Ethics Commission is not involved in fine collection or enforcement.
Financial Disclosure Statements
Form did not change
All candidates required to file FDS
PFD filing schedule has not changed.
Must be filed between Jan. 1st and July 1st for the preceding calendar year.
Must be filed within 15 days of qualifying.
Submission to Elections Office
Notice and files handled by Election Superintendent.
Ms. Boren then responded to questions of members of the Council regarding
the
changes to House Bill 143.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED AS INFORMATION TO THE MAYOR & COUNCIL
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON:
_
(1) Report of the annual activities of the Medical Center Hospital Authority
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013; the authority?s budget for fiscal
year 2014 commencing July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015.
(2) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Jodie Sears, Councilor McDaniel?s nominee to
replace Mr. Michael Donnelly on the Taxicab Commission.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________________________
A Resolution (443-13) ? Approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of November 2013.
Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
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TAXICAB COMMISSON:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that she has received a letter
from Mr. K. Matthew Probst resigning from his position on the Taxicab
Commission.
Councilor Allen moved the letter be received with regrets and thanks him for
his service. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those
nine members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this
meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED
BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY
RECEIVED BY THE COUNCIL:________________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 40-13.
Development Authority, November 7, 2013.
Land Bank Authority, September 4, 2013.
Land Bank Authority, October 2, 2013.
Land Bank Authority, November 6, 2013.
Planning Advisory Commission, November 20, 2013.
Councilor Allen made a motion that these minutes are received. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this meeting.
*** *** ***
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Dr. Phillip Brewer has been
selected as the PAWS Representative to succeed Ms. Tracy Dean, who has resigned
and pointed out that he may now be confirmed. Councilor Woodson so moved.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this
meeting.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF HEALTH:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Dr.
William DeNamur will expire at the end of this month and that he is eligible to
succeed himself for another term of office; however, he does not wish to be
reappointed. She further pointed out that this is the Council?s appointment and
you will need to nominate someone else for this seat.
BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
Daniel Hill on the Board of Tax Assessors will expire at the end of this month
and that he is eligible to succeed himself for another term of office and would
like to serve again. Councilor Huff nominated Mr. Hill for another term of
office.
Clerk of Council Washington said she would bring this back at the next
regular meeting for the Council?s confirmation.
*** *** ***
BOARD OF HONOR:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out the term of office of Jack Rodgers
on the Board of Honor expired at the end of October. She further pointed out
that he is eligible to serve another term of office; however, he does not
desire reappointment. She said we are still trying to find a replacement for
someone to serve on this board, as they must be a former Mayor, City Councilor
or County Commissioner.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Addie Cunningham has
resigned her position as Council District Three?s representative on this board.
Councilor Huff said he is working on a replacement for this seat.
*** *** ***
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(CIRCLE):_________________________________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Owen Ditchfield has
resigned from his position on the CIRCLE Commission. She said this is the
Council?s appointment and that we need someone to fill this seat.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the seat of Mr. Andrew
Hollomon has been declared vacant by the Council and that he
represented
Council District Five, and advised Councilor Baker that we will need another
nominee from him.
She also pointed out that the terms of office of Daniel Williams, Council
District One, and Ms. Margaret Shafer, Council District Seven expired on
October 31, 2013 and that they are not eligible to succeed themselves for
another term of office and those district councilors must nominate someone else
for those seats.
*** *** ***
REGION SIX REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Elizabeth Matheny has
resigned from the Region Six Planning Board and asked if there were any
nominations, but there were none.
*** *** ***
TAXICAB COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mr. Michael Donnelly, who
represents the hotel/motel industry on the Taxicab Commission has resigned his
seat on the board. She further pointed out that they are recommending Ms. Jodi
Sears to succeed Mr. Donnelly. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved she be
confirmed. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this
meeting.
*** *** ***
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need a nominee for
Council District Two for the Youth Advisory Council.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay requested an Executive Session to discuss matters of
litigation. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to go into Executive
Session. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this
meeting. The regular session was then adjourned at 12:00 noon to allow the
Council to go into an executive session.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
The City Council Meeting was called to order at 12:23 p.m. after a
brief Executive Session. Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that the Council met in
an executive session to discuss a litigation matter, but there were no votes
taken.
*** *** ***
With there being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor
Tomlinson then entertained a motion for adjournment. Councilor Allen so
moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel being absent for this
meeting, with the time of adjournment being 12:25 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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