Minutes
COUNCIL BRIEFING
March 7, 2006
Members Present: Mayor Pro Tem John J. Rodgers and Councilors R. Gary Allen
(arrived 5:04 p.m.), Wayne Anthony, Glenn Davis, Berry Henderson, Julius
Hunter, Jr., Evelyn Turner Pugh (arrived at 5:16 p.m.), Nathan Suber and Evelyn
Woodson. Also present were Mayor Robert S. Poydasheff, City Manager Isaiah
Hugley, Deputy City Managers David Arrington and Lisa Goodwin, City Attorney
Clifton Fay, Finance Director Angela Cole, Clerk of Council Tiny B. Washington
and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis.
Members Absent: Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., was absent.
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This meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers
Conference Room, Plaza Level of the Government Center.
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Mid-year Adjustment:
City Manager Hugley conveyed that the mid-year adjustments would be coming to
the Council on next Tuesday, March 14, 2006. He briefly explained that the
adjustment consist of moving money from line-items where the city did not spend
as much as anticipated to other line-items that need some additional monies.
He spoke of the inclusion of grants and donations and some expenses.
Budget Process:
City Manager Hugley went over the budget schedule to include the submittal by
the Department Heads of their budgets on February 10, 2006 and the upcoming
meetings that will follow.
Executive Session:
City Manager Hugley requested an executive session to discuss potential
litigation.
Cooper Creek Tennis Center:
City Manager Hugley commented on the interest of a company to manage and
operate the Cooper Creek Tennis Center, but has since decided not to. He
explained that the company was pleased with the work of the Parks and
Recreation Department in operating the Cooper Creek Tennis Center and has
decided not to participate in the bidding process for contracting out this
service. He mentioned that the Administration would not be preparing an RFP to
contract out this service and would continue with management by the Parks and
Recreation Department.
He spoke of the increased membership and revenue at the Cooper Creek Tennis
Center and provided those numbers.
Cherokee Avenue:
Deputy City Manager David Arrington informed the members of Council about the
cave-in on Cherokee Avenue. He explained that the contractor that had
performed previous work on Cherokee Avenue would be assisting the City to get
the repairs done. He briefly explained how the collapse occurred.
Controlled Burning:
Deputy City Manager Arrington shared information regarding the controlled
burning that is being conducted by the Development Authority. He mentioned
that it is approximately 100 acres in the Muscogee Technology Park. He
provided some background information regarding this matter. He pointed out
that Ft. Benning has also been conducting controlled burning, but it is not
associated to the Development Authority.
Broadway & 13th Street:
Deputy City Manager Arrington advised of the installation of a camera at
Broadway and 13th Street. He explained that the purpose of this camera is to
assist in cueing the intersection signal. He went over the operation of the
camera and what it is designed to do. He further pointed out that the camera
would not be used to catch people running the red light.
Deputy City Manager Arrington responded to questions from Councilor Allen
regarding the cost involved with relocating the lines.
Legislation:
City Manager Hugley spoke of the monitoring and tracking of legislation,
particularly through the City?s liaison, Mr. Pete Robinson. He recalled that
the resolution in on the agenda for the legislative services. He shared
information regarding the compensation received by Mr. Robinson and the Chamber.
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NOTE: Councilor Evelyn Turner Pugh arrived at approximately 5:16 p.m.
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He mentioned HB1063, which calls for a state wide referendum to grant an
exemption from ad valorem taxation for all tangible personal property;
consisting of inventory of a businesses. He emphasized the loss of revenue
that would occur if this bill passes, which would be approximately $6 million.
He then pointed out some other pieces of legislation that the City is
monitoring and are as follows: House Resolution 162, which talks about a 3%
cap on property tax assessment on an annual basis; inverse condemnation.
He passed a resolution around the table for the Council to view that expresses
the City?s opposition, because he is requesting to submit this resolution as an
add-on to the agenda. In response to a question from Councilor Anthony, City
Manager Hugley advised that GMA is opposing the bills as well. Regarding the
3% cap on property tax assessment, City Manager Hugley said that if we find
that something is happening with House Resolution 162, we would bring a
resolution back on next Tuesday requesting our delegation to oppose it. In
response to Councilor Turner Pugh, City Manager Hugley explained how this House
Resolution would affect the City of Columbus.
Council?s Agenda:
City Manager Hugley mentioned some of the items listed on the Council?s Agenda
for tonight and are listed as follows:
BRAC Planning Grant: The City received $250,000 from the BRAC Planning Grant
submitted through the Workforce Investment Job Training Partnership. He
briefly explained that this grant is to assist with the population increase as
a result of BRAC.
2006-2007 LARP List: A copy of the 2006-2007 LARP List was submitted as part
of the agenda packet. We submitted a total of 110 streets with 96 being
approved; the total is about 23.5 miles.
Purchases:
Youth Basketball Uniforms
W-Beam Steel Guardrail ? This is for Public Services to deter equipment from
being stolen.
Audits:
Councilor Anthony asked about the process of routine audits of departments.
City Manager Hugley spoke of the Internal Auditor?s position that was tasked
with conducting audits. He pointed out that we do have an ongoing internal
audit process.
Deleted Positions:
In response to questions from Councilor Anthony regarding the deletion of
positions, City Manager Hugley advised that he would be providing a listing of
various positions that are proposed for deletion and would submit that to the
Council. He then briefly explained the process of identifying positions for
deletion and working with an employment lawyer. Councilor Henderson suggested
that impact sheets be presented along with the positions slated for deletion.
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There being no further business to discuss and with the dialogue being
concluded, this meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
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Sandra T. Davis,
Deputy Clerk of Council
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