REFERRALS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 31, 2012
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY:
1. PAUPER BURIALS / CREMATIONS:
Provide some additional information on the legislation mentioned by City
Manager Hugley; whereas, the coroner or probate judge is given the authority to
allow the county to proceed with cremations if no family members come forward
within a certain length of time; therefore, if we decide to move in that
direction, we would have looked at all of the legal issues surrounding this
matter. (Request of Councilor Thomas)
RESPONSE:
Asst. City Attorney Lucy Sheftall and Public Services Director Pat Biegler will
study this matter and bring an appropriate ordinance to Council.
2. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:
Have the staff to review the ordinance regarding notification for cases handled
by the Board of Zoning Appeals to determine if the ordinance needs to be
changed from seven (7) to fifteen (15) calendar days prior notice of hearing
dates to the nearby residents. (Request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh)
RESPONSE:
After discussion with the City Attorney, the recommendation is to remain with
the current policy of at least 14 days written notification to nearby property
owners for appeals to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Notices will have to be in
the newspaper 15 days prior to BZA board hearing. Also, there will remain a
7-day notice for adjacent property owners (within 300 feet) to be given a
notification in writing.
REFERRALS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 31, 2012 ? PAGE -2
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY & CITY MANAGER:
3. COURT HEARINGS:
Have the staff to research the procedures from the time an individual is
arrested until the time of court, because there is an inordinate period of time
before an individual goes to court. Let?s have the staff determine what the
procedures are and to find out what purview does the City has in this regard.
(Request of Councilor Barnes)
RESPONSE:
Per City Attorney Clifton Fay: The Council has no jurisdiction in the
matter--it is a matter for the Georgia General Assembly and the District
Attorney. Please see draft proposed Legislative Item Below for the 2012
Legislative Agenda:
Proposed - 2012 Legislative Agenda Item: Support legislation to require a
conference including the Superior Court Judge, District Attorney and Public
Defender after a period of six months from the date of preliminary hearing for
any pretrial detainee without a jury trial date scheduled.
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TO THE CITY MANAGER:
4. METHANE GAS:
Have staff to research to determine if there are any federal grants available.
(Request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh) Also, check to find out if there are
any environmental grants available to assist with the cost for the design of
the retrieval and generator system. (Request of Councilor Thomas) Let?s check
with other communities that are already utilizing the concept of gas to
energy. (Request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh)
Have staff to look into our heavy construction equipment at the landfill and
other vehicles that normally use diesel fuel, which has a higher cost, to
research moving towards conversion. (Request of Councilor Davis)
RESPONSE:
Per Director of Public Services Pat Biegler: I have recently been working with
Harvey Milner to look at alternate fuel sources for vehicles. We've started
dialogs with other cities and manufacturers and suppliers to look at what they
have. Upcoming is the purchase of a new D-7 for the landfill and the best
alternative is a diesel/steam hybrid. Some heavy equipment is not offered at
all with alternate fuel sources because of the loss of power. I believe we need
to investigate alternatives and develop a strategy for the future of the fleet.
We've done some preliminary research on garbage trucks. We have found that they
are available with compressed natural gas, but cost some $50,000 more for each.
We will work with David Arrington and the Engineering Department to look for
grants that may be available for design.
REFERRALS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 31, 2012 ? PAGE 3
5. ST. MARY?S ROAD / NORTHSTAR DRIVE:
Have the staff to schedule a meeting with the residents in the St. Marys Road
and North Star Drive area to explain why that intersection may not warrant the
use of a traffic light, and that a roundabout may be the only option
available. (Request of Councilor Huff) Have the staff to conduct another
traffic count for St. Marys Road / North Star Drive before we schedule a
meeting with the residents in that area. (Request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh)
RESPONSE:
The Engineering Department will conduct another traffic light warrant study at
this intersection and after receiving the results will work with the community
to schedule a community meeting in the St. Mary?s Road and Northstar Drive
area.
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6. TRAFFIC CONCERNS:
Provide an update on some traffic concerns with making a right turn off Moon
Road onto Veterans Parkway. (Request of Councilor Davis)
Have the Engineering Department staff to go out to the Double Churches Road
area to determine what could be done to create a better traffic flow situation
for making the left turn off Veterans Parkway onto Double Churches Road.
(Request of Councilor Davis) Also, check to see if something could be done on a
temporary basis until the improvements are made in this area. (Request of
Councilor Davis)
Have the staff check into the southbound traffic that exits onto St. Marys Road
from I-185. The left turn signal traveling onto St. Marys Road does not allow
many cars to pass through the traffic light. (Request of Councilor Thomas)
RESPONSE:
All of these issues are related to capacity of roadways and construction
projects. The Moon Road/Veterans Parkway concern will be addressed as part of
the Veterans Parkway Widening Project.
The Double Churches/Veterans Parkway issue will be addressed as part of the
project that has been designed and awaiting right of way purchase to begin
construction. There is not enough roadway to get additional turn lanes needed
to get more cars through the intersection. No additional time can be added to
the signal at this time.
The St. Mary's Road issue is due to the high volume of traffic on St. Mary's
Road and how narrow and short the bridge is with tight intersections, which
also slows vehicles making turning movements. There are a lot of different
turning movements occurring in this limited area. The signal is operating as
designed. This is likely a peak hour issue. We will review timing later in the
fall after the schools open and traffic patterns adjust.
REFERRALS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 31, 2012 ? PAGE 4
7. I-185 IMPROVEMENTS:
Have staff to check the area undergoing some improvements underneath the I-185
on Cusseta Road exiting the Willis Plaza area, because there are some concerns
regarding the upkeep of the trees and shrubbery; there was also some fencing
removed and it is really dark underneath that bridge. (Request of Councilor
Huff)
RESPONSE:
Staff is working on this referral and will provide an update by Tuesday,
August 28, 2012.
*** *** ***
8. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:
Let?s check to see if staff could look into some other areas of where
postmarked dates are important or other ways to have a mail out date on those
envelopes. (Request of Councilor Davis)
RESPONSE:
All time sensitive mail will be metered in the CCG Mailroom and hand delivered
to the Post Office the same day as received. A representative from the
Columbus Postal Service advised to allow 1 to 3 days business days for delivery
of local mail.
REFERRALS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 24, 2012
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY:
1. LADY WINGS BASKETBALL TEAM:
Have the staff to prepare a resolution for the Lady Wings Basketball Team.
(Request of Councilor Woodson)
RESPONSE:
The City Attorney is working with the Mayor?s Office to list on the
Proclamation/Resolution Session on August 7, 2012.
TO THE CITY MANAGER:
2. RELATIONSHIPS WITH CONTRACTORS:
Have the staff to determine whether or not the State?s Ethics laws would apply
to the issue of disclosing relationships of employees with contractors.
(Request of Councilor Allen)
RESPONSE:
OCGA Section 45-10-1 states in part that: "Any person in government service
should: VII. Engage in no business with the government, either directly or
indirectly, which is inconsistent with the conscientious performance of his
governmental duties. Even though this older provision is still in Title 45, the
new amendments to specific conflict of interest laws found at OCGA Section
45-10-20 do not apply to employees of the counties-they apply only to state
employees. OCGA Section 54-10-20(1).
However, the Columbus Charter Code of Ethics does apply to all Columbus elected
officials, appointed officers and employees. At Sections 1 and 2, the Code of
Ethics states in part:
"1. Conflict of Interest. No elected official, appointed officer or
employee of the consolidated government or any office, department or agency
thereof shall knowingly:
(a) Engage in any business or transaction or have a financial or
other personal interest, direct or indirect, which is incompatible with the
proper discharge of his or her official duties or which would tend to impair
his or her independence of judgment or action in the performance of his or her
official duties;
REFERRALS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 24, 2012 ? PAGE 2
2. RELATIONSHIPS WITH CONTRACTORS: Continued
(b) Engage in or accept private employment or render services for
private interests when such employment or service is incompatible with the
proper discharge of his or her official duties or would tend to impair his or
her independence of judgment or action in the performance of his or her
official duties;
(c) Disclose confidential information concerning the property,
government or affairs of the consolidated government or any office, department
or agency thereof without proper legal authorization or use such information to
advance the financial or other private interest of himself or herself to
others;...
2. Disclosure. Any elected official, appointed officer or employee of
the consolidated government who shall have any private financial interest,
directly or indirectly, in any contract or matter pending before or within any
office, department or agency thereof shall disclose such private interest to
the Council.
"Financial interest" is not defined in our Charter Code of Ethics, but
is defined at OCGA Section 36-67A-1, Conflict of Interest in Zoning Actions,
to mean "all direct ownership interests of the total assets or capital stock of
a business entity where such ownership interest is 10 percent or more." All of
these Charter Code of Ethics rules apply to all employees of the consolidated
government and require disclosure to Council if any private financial interest
of an employee in a pending matter is involved.
*** *** ***
REFERRALS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 24, 2012 ? PAGE 3
3. VARIANCE REQUEST APPEALS NOTICE:
Let?s get with the staff to determine if a notice has been sent out pursuant
to our ordinance for the hearing that is scheduled for August 1st and, if so,
was it sent out timely; as well as to the residents in the area; and does it
have to be published in the newspaper. (Request of Mayor Tomlinson)
RESPONSE:
Pursuant the ordinance, a notice has been sent out in reference to the next
scheduled hearing for August 1, 2012. This required notice was published in the
newspaper July 18. This means, that because it was to be published in the paper
15 days prior to the hearing date, that it HAD NOT been sent in time; since it
was published only 14 days prior to the BZA meeting. Pursuant the ordinance,
two time lines are key. (1) That the notices be placed in the newspaper 15 days
prior to hearing date. (2) That property owners within 300 feet of the property
requesting a variance shall receive a letter explaining the request 7 days
prior to the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting. There were 20 adjacent properties
and subsequent same number of owners sent notices.
REFERRALS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 10, 2012
TO THE MAYOR:
1. INTERNAL AUDITOR:
Have the Mayor to work with the Internal Auditor to reconvene the original
group that interviewed Mr. Redmond when he was hired. Also, allow him to assist
with the crafting of not only the process of filling the position that was
approved in the FY-13 budget for his department, but also the philosophy of the
position as well. The members of the committee were Councilors Allen, Baker,
Barnes and Councilor Thomas was the representative from the Mayor?s office at
that time, which of course also included the Mayor. (Referral of Council
Henderson)
RESPONSE:
After consultation with John Redmond and Councilor Henderson, we agreed that
Mr. Redmond would follow the typical course for publishing the Asst. Internal
Auditor position. He also would review the applications received and conduct
interviews with the assistance of the Director of Finance and the Director of
Human Resources. Once a short list of candidate(s) is determined Mr. Redmond,
the Mayor and Councilor Henderson (as Budget Chairman) would participate in the
final round interview(s).
TO THE CITY MANAGER:
2. TRAFFIC STUDY:
In the future, whenever there is a request for additional funding for a study
such as the Buena Vista Road and Illges Road project that was presented on last
week to the Council, let?s make sure that the staff provides a diagram to the
members of Council in order that they can see the area where it is located.
(Request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh)
RESPONSE:
Per Rick Jones, Director of Planning, this information will be incorporated
into any future request for additional funding for road projects.
REFERRALS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 10, 2012 PAGE -2
3. SPIDER WEB STUDY:
Since the Planning Department will be doing a study with respect to the Spider
Web- Buena Vista Road/St. Mary?s Road/Brennan Road/Andrews Road, have the staff
to confer with the officials in Duluth, Gwinnett County, where there were
changes made to the Pleasant Hill exit that is similar to this area and see
what was done where there was mass congestion in moving traffic where they were
creative with their lane changes. (Referral of Councilor Davis)
RESPONSE:
Director Rick Jones, Planning Department, advised all information above will be
conveyed to the consultants on this project.
4. DRIVERS? LICENSE RENEWAL:
Have the staff to put on our Legislative Agenda for the upcoming Legislative
Session for our legislators to consider repealing the law with respect to all
the documentations that is now required for an individual to renew their
drivers? license. (Request of Councilor McDaniel)
RESPONSE:
This issue has been added to the draft legislative agenda list for review and
discussion.
5. PAY-AS- YOU-GO INFRASTRUCTURE LIST:
Have the staff to provide a copy of the list of the Pay-As-You- Go
Infrastructure projects that are paid out of the L.O.S.T. funds. (Request of
Councilor Thomas)
RESPONSE:
This information was included in the Council books on July 20 and Finance
Director Pam Hodge briefed Council at the Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Work Session.
REFERRALS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 10, 2012 PAGE -3
6. ABANDONED BUSINESSES ON FORREST ROAD:
Have the staff to send someone out to Forrest Road where there are several
abandoned buildings that are boarded up in the area; there needs to be some
attention given to the right-of-ways that are overgrown; and let?s get this
area cleaned up. (Request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh)
RESPONSE:
Please see information below:
City crews cut the right-of-way in front of four businesses on Forrest Road on
Friday, July 20, 2012.
Officer Evans reported 24 properties in violation on his first check. He will
continue to check Forrest Road in the following weeks.
Officer Evans has reported a total of 40 properties in violation. Of the 40
properties, 22 have been cleared of weed violations as of August 9, 2012.
Special Enforcement will continue to check for violations in this area.
7. RAILROAD CROSSINGS ON CUSSETA ROAD:
Have the staff to send someone out and check the railroad crossing on Cusseta
Road as there is a problem with the signal going on and off, which has been
going off since Friday. (Request of Councilor Huff)
RESPONSE:
Engineering staff has reported this referral to Norflok Southern and CCH
Railroad for addressing. The signal was checked and a problem was not
detected. They will continue to check at different times of the day/night to
make ensure the signal is working properly.
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REFERRALS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 10, 2012 PAGE ?3
8. RAILROAD CROSSINGS ON ALDRIDGE ROAD:
Have the staff to send someone out to the railroad crossing on Aldridge Road
off of Brennan Road, going into the back side of Holly Hills to take a look at
that track because on last week while traveling across these railroad tracks an
individuals tires on their vehicle was cut. This real rough track needs to have
something done to it. (Request of Councilor Huff)
RESPONSE:
Engineering staff has reported this referral to Norflok Southern and CCH
Railroad for addressing. The signal was checked and a problem was not
detected. They will continue to check at different times of the day/night to
make ensure the signal is working properly.
9. LITTLE LEAGUES:
In light of the recent incident at one of the Little League games, let?s have
the Parks & Recreation Director to get together with our leagues so they have
can have an opportunity to revisit the way we interact with the leagues. Let?s
look at discussing certain things with regards to difficulties in getting some
simply information from the leagues; i.e. background checks, a list of board
members, a list of coaches, a list of game times, as well as rosters for the
leagues. Also, have Dr. Worsley to make some recommendations as to how we
could help the Little Leagues control unaccepted behavior from parents and
participants. (Request of Councilor Henderson)
RESPONSE:
Director of Parks/Recreation James Worsley is working on this concern and an
update will be provided in 3 months.
REFERRALS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 10, 2012 PAGE ?4
10. RAILROAD TRACKS ON 54TH STREET:
Have the staff to have someone to go out and check the overgrown area near the
railroad tracks on 54th Street, which is actually covering up the tracks.
(Request of Councilor Davis)
RESPONSE:
Public Service Department - Right of Way Division cleaned/cut this area on
Monday, July 23, 2012.
REFERRALS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 26, 2012
TO THE CITY ATTORNEY:
1. COLUMBUS HIGH BLUE DEVILS:
Have the staff to prepare either a resolution and/or proclamation for the
Columbus High Baseball Team, as well as Coach Bobby Howard, who was named the
National Coach of the Year. (Request of Councilor Henderson)
RESPONSE:
The City Attorney?s Office is working on this referral and will have a
resolution and/or proclamation presented to this group as soon as possible.
TO THE CITY MANAGER:
2. PAY-AS-YOU-GO-PROJECTS:
Have the staff to provide a copy of the listing of the
Pay-As-You-Go-Projects; what those specific projects that was provided to the
Council during an earlier meeting. (Request of Councilor Thomas)
RESPONSE:
This information was included in the Council books on July 20 and Finance
Director Pam Hodge briefed Council at the Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Work Session.
*** *** ***
3. RECORDERS? COURT:
When we come back with the mid-year budget back in January, let?s make sure
that we have had some discussion on Recorders? Court; as we have adjusted all
of the courts from the increased tickets from the 100 additional police
officers and with Recorders? Court getting them first; therefore, we need to be
discussing this matter before mid-year. (Request of Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh)
RESPONSE:
Finance Department is working on this referral and will present information at
the October 30, 2012 Council Work Session.
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