MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
MAY 8, 2007
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 8, 2007, 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 and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh were Councilors Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis, Berry H. Henderson,
Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City
Attorney Clifton Fay, Assistant City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council
Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
Councilor R. Gary Allen took his seat at the Columbus table at 9:15 a.m.
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ABSENT: Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., and R. Gary Allen was absent, but
was excused upon the adoption of Resolution number 205-07 and 206-07.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Reverend Michael McBride, Pastor of Trinity Temple.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by students from River Road Elementary School.
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PROCLAMATIONS:
?PUBLIC SERVICE RECOGNITION WEEK?:
With Ms. Reather Hollowell standing at the Council table, Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh read the proclamation of Mayor Wetheirngton, proclaiming
the week of May 6 ? 12, 2007 as ?Public Service Recognition Week? in Columbus,
Georgia.
?BUILDING SAFEETY WEEK?:
With Mr. Danny Cargill, President of the West Georgia Inspectors
Association standing at the Council table, Councilor Davis read the
proclamation of Mayor Wetheirngton, proclaiming the week of May 6 ? 12, 2007 as
?Building Safety Week? in Columbus, Georgia.
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?NATIONAL DAY OF THE TEACHER?:
With Mr. Al Barnes standing at the Council table, Councilor Hunter read
the proclamation of Mayor Wetherington, proclaiming May 8, 2007 as ?National
Day of the Teacher? in Columbus, Georgia.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE NORTHSIDE HIGH
SCHOOL QUARTET STANDING AT THE COUNCIL
TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL:______________________________________
A Resolution (192-07) ? Commending and congratulating the
Northside Quartet of Northside High School for winning First
Place at the State Literary Competition. Councilor Henderson moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present at the time, with
Councilor Barnes being absent for this vote and Councilors Allen and
McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
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WITH THE COACH AND MEMBERS OF THE COLUMBSU
COTTOMOUTHS HOCKEY TEAM STANDING AT THE
COUNCIL TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS
SUBMITTED AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY CUNCILOR
HENDERSON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL: _ _________
A Resolution (193-07) ? Commending and congratulating the Columbus
Cottonmouths Hockey Team upon winning the Commissioner?s Cup and upon their
outstanding 2006-2007 season. Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel
being absent.
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WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE NORTHSIDE HIGH
SCHOOL RIFLE TEAM STANDING AT THE COUNCIL
TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED
AND READ IN ITS ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR DAVIS AND
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:____________________________
A Resolution (194-07) ? Commending and congratulating the Northside High
School Rifle Team upon their victory at the State Rifle Match held at Ft.
Benning, Georgia on March 24, 2007. Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those
eight members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and
McDaniel being absent.
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MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING: Minutes of the March 13, 2007 Council Meeting of
the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were submitted
and approved upon the adoption of a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
and seconded by Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel
being absent for this vote.
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CITY ATTORNEY'S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL:___________________________________________________
An Ordinance ? Amending the budget for the Fiscal Year 2007 beginning July 1,
2006 and ending June 30, 2007, for certain funds of the Consolidated Government
of Columbus, Georgia; and appropriating amounts shown in the SPLOST Project
Fund for the Library Project.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to delay the ordinance. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent for
this vote.
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THE FOLLOWING FOUR ZONING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON EACH AS ADVERTISED:_____
An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 3515 Macon Road from an NC
(Neighborhood Commercial) District to a GC (General Commercial) District.
(17-A-07-Cummings)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Davis Cummings, the petitioner was present, but he did not make a
presentation, as there was no one there to oppose this proposed rezoning
ordinance.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 7200, 7875 and 12001 Layfield
Road from an RE1 (Residential Estate 1) District to an RE10 (Residential Estate
10) District and properties located at 7680 and 7900 Layfield Rd and the
Jackson property on the east side of Layfield Road are proposed for rezoning
from an RE1 (Residential Estate 1) District to an RE5 (Residential Estate 5)
District. (18-A-07-Planning Department)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Members of the Planning Division staff was present, but they did not make a
presentation, as there was no one present to oppose this proposed rezoning
ordinance.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 4730 and 4744 Warm Springs
Road from an SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) District to a GC (General
Commercial) District. (16-A-07-H & S Brokerage Co.)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
No one was present to speak for or against this proposed rezoning
ordinance.
Councilor Henderson pointed out that Synovus Trust owns this property and
that when the tine comes to vote on this matter, he will be requesting to
abstain from voting on the matter.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning property located at 5388 Veterans Parkway is
proposed for rezoning from an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District to a GC
(General Commercial) District. (19-CA-07-Flournoy & Calhoun)
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
No one appeared to spoke for or against this proposed rezoning ordinance.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE RESOLUTIONS EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THOSE EMPLOYEES
WHO RECENTLY RETIRED FROM THE SERVICES OF THE CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT WERE
SUBMITTED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND THEIR CAPTIONS READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER
PUGH AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTINO OF A MOTION MADE BY
MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND SECONDED BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON, WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESNET AT THE TIME, WITH
COUNCILOR HUNTER BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE:_______
A Resolution (195-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Rufus M. Riggs upon
his retirement as Director of the Public Services Department, after 17 years of
service.
A Resolution (196-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Douglas W. Shafer
upon his retirement from the Columbus Police Department/ Investigative
Services, after 36 years of service.
A Resolution (197-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Gregory W. White
upon his retirement from the Columbus Police Department/Field Operations, after
37 years of service.
A Resolution (198-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Robert Porch upon
his retirement from the Public Services Department, after 25 years of service.
A Resolution (199-07) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Jimmy B. Mays, Jr.
upon his retirement from the Columbus Police Department/Field Operations, after
31 years of service.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
Mr. Richard Bishop, representing Uptown Columbus, Inc., Re: Announcement of
the Uptown Columbus, Inc. Broadway Event Series
Mr. Dennis Roaden & Ms. Susan Wieczorek, representing Our Lady of Rosehill
Ministries, Re: Update on homeless mission.
Mr. Jim Rhodes, Re: Requesting support for interchanges on Moon Road from
Wilbur Avenue to Whitesville Boulevard and (2) Support for Veterans
Administration Center in Columbus, Georgia.
Mr. Lorenza Wilder, Re: Police Department and Speeding.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL AT HIS REQUEST: _____________________________
A Resolution ? Declaring a segment and right-of-way of Lynch Road from
the north right-of-way line of Manchester Expressway north to the north
property line of 7716 Lynch Road as surplus and execute a Quit Claim to Doug
and Jeannie Jefcoat, adjacent property owner for said property.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO 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 SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESNET AT THE
TIME, WITH COUNCILOR DAVIS BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILORS ALLEN AND
MCDANIEL BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING;
A Resolution (200-07) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and
if approved accept a $15,000 grant from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety
for the Muscogee County Marshal's Office to enhance traffic enforcement
efforts.
A Resolution (201-07) ? Amending Resolution # 514-06; whereby Sandy View
Drive was incorrectly listed as Sandy Oak Drive on the resolution, located in
Seventh Addition to Roosevelt Heights.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS HAVING BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA WERE ALSO 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 SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESNET AT THE TIME, WITH
COUNCILOR DAVIS BEING ABSENT FOR THIS VOTE AND COUNCILORS ALLEN AND MCDANIEL
BEING ABSENT FROM THE MEETING; _______________________________
A Resolution (202-07) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Harley
Davidson police motorcycle from Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson in the amount
of $17,147.78. The motorcycle is a replacement unit. The unit will be used by
the Motor Transport Division of the Columbus Police Department for traffic
control, motor vehicle accident response and investigations throughout the City.
A Resolution (203-07) ? Authorizing payment to National League of Cities in the
amount of $10,254.00 for membership dues. The National League of Cities is the
oldest and largest national organization representing municipal governments
throughout the United States. Its mission is to strengthen and promote cities
as centers of opportunity, leadership, and governance. Working in partnership
with the 49 state municipal leagues, the National League of Cities serves as a
resource to and an advocate for the more than 18,000 cities, villages, and
towns it represents. More than 1,600 municipalities of all sizes pay dues to
NLC and actively participate as leaders and voting members in the
organization. The National League of Cities provides numerous benefits to its
network of state municipal leagues and direct members.
A Resolution (204-07) ? Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract for a flood abatement project with Reynolds, Inc., for the
value-engineered amount of $18,300,000, and for the Engineering Department to
purchase box culvert and check valve materials directly from the vendors
utilized by Reynolds, Inc. The Project consists of Phase I Sewer and
Streetscapes for the 6th Avenue Flood Abatement Project. The bid includes
Sewer and Streetscapes line items for Phases I, II and III; Reynolds, Inc., is
the apparent low-bidder. The bid amounts exceeded the amount budgeted for this
project. Therefore, in accordance with Section 3-108, Item J of the
Procurement Ordinance, the City requested the apparent low-bidder to
value-engineer all phases of the project. Although other vendors are low on
certain phases of the project, the City can only request value engineering from
the low-bidder for the entire project. Upon completion of the value engineering
process, the Engineering Department decided funds were available only for Phase
I of the project. Reynolds, Inc., total bid for Phase I Sewer and Phase I
Streetscapes was $19,883,968.62; the value-engineered total for Phase I Sewer
and Phase I Streetscapes is $18,300,000.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Manager Hugley said he would like to request a brief executive
session after the adjournment of today?s meeting to discuss a personnel matter.
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CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL SERVICES:
City Manager Hugley reminded the Council of the Candlelight Memorial
Services which will be held today at 7:00 p.m. on the Plaza Level of the
Government Center.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEM AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: ________________________________________________
(1) Copy of TAD Redevelopment Planning and Implementation: Implications for
the Columbus Consolidated Government and Muscogee County School District.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND
ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:___________________________________________________
A Resolution (205-07) ? Excusing Councilor Charles E. McDaniel, Jr.
from the May 8, 2007 Council Meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those six members of Council present at the time,
with Councilors Davis and Hunter being absent for this vote and Councilors
Allen and McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
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Application of Courtney Blackmar to temporarily close Peachtree Drive from
Elmwood Drive to Crest Drive (including its intersection with Park Drive) on
Monday, May 28, 2007 from 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., in connection with a ?Memorial
Day Celebration?.
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from 10th -
12th Street and 11th Street from Front Avenue to west side of 1st Avenue, on
Fridays, May 18, 25, June 1 & 8, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., in
connection with pedestrian safety.
Application of Richard Bishop to temporarily close Broadway from 10th -
12th Street and 11th Street from Front Avenue to west side of 1st Avenue, on
Saturday, June 9, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., in connection with
pedestrian safety.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the approval of these applications.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those six members of
Council present at the time, with Councilors Davis and Hunter being absent for
this vote and Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_______________________________
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 17-07.
Board of Zoning Appeals, April 4, 2007.
Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, February 14, 2007.
Councilor Henderson made a motion to receive the minutes. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present
at the time, with Councilors Davis and Hunter being absent for this vote and
Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING APPLICATION AS AN ADD-ON ITEM,
WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL: ___________________________________________
An application of Ms. Lucy Burkett to temporarily close the Dillingham
Street Bridge, on Friday, May 11, 2007, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in
connection with the "CVCC Graduation Ceremony". Councilor Henderson moved the
approval of the application. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those six members of Council present at the time, with
Councilors Davis and Hunter being absent for this vote and Councilors Allen and
McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ADD-0N RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:
______________________________________________
A Resolution (206-07) ? Excusing Councilor Allen from the May 8, 2007 Council
meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the approval of the application. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present at the time, with Councilors Davis and Hunter being absent for this
vote and Councilors Allen and McDaniel being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO NEW ZONING PETITIONS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINACNE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED FOR BY COUNCILOR
HENDERSON:_________________________________
Petition submitted by Homecorp to rezone approximately 0.14 acre of
property located as part of 3361 North Lumpkin Road from GC (General
Commercial) to RMF2 (Residential Multi-Family 2). (Recommended for approval by
both the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning Department.)
(21-A-07-Homecorp)
Petition submitted by Johnny Cato to rezone approximately 0.75 acre of
property located at 6344 & 6366 Buena Vista Road from NC (Neighborhood
Commercial) to GC (General Commercial). (Recommended for approval by the
Planning Advisory Commission and denial by the Planning Department.)
(22-D-07-Cato)
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):______________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need someone to fill
the expired term of Mr. Bill Walton?s position. There were no nominations.
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HOSPITAL AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we still need three nominees
for someone to succeed Mr. Tom Gurr, who has resigned and
Ms. Evelyn Turgeon, who does not wish to be reappointed. Mayor Pro Tam Turner
Pugh nominated Ms. Cathy Walker.
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we need someone to succeed
Ms. Susan Hindsman, who is no longer a resident of Muscogee County and pointed
out that this is Councilor Anthony?s nominee and he is working on getting a
replacement.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Mayor
Wetherington then asked if there was anyone from the audience who had an issue
to come before the Council, they could be heard at this time. No one came
forward to be heard.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
At the request of City Manager Hugley, Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made
a motion to allow the Council to go into an executive session to discuss a
personnel matter. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by
those six members of Council present at the time, with Councilors Davis and
Hunter being absent for this vote and Councilors Allen and McDaniel being
absent from the meeting.
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At 10:52 a.m. the regular session was adjourned to allow the Council to go
into an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.
At 11:35 a.m., the meeting was called back to order at which time Mayor
Wetherington pointed out that the Council met in an executive session to
discuss personnel matter, but there was no votes taken.
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With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Anthony then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and
carried unanimously by those six members with the time being 11:36 a.m.
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Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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