MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 22, 2016
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, March 22, 2016, on the 2nd Floor of the
Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia
Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor and Honorable Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro
Tem presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn
Turner Pugh were Councilors Jerry Barnes, Tom B. Buck III, Glenn Davis, Berry
H. Henderson, Bruce Huff and Judy W. Thomas. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City
Attorney Clifton Fay and Assistant City Attorney Lucy Sheftall, Clerk of
Council Tiny B. Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey Glisson were
also present.
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ABSENT: Councilors R. Gary Allen, Mike Baker and Evelyn Woodson were absent.
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INVOCATION: Led by Rev. David Stallion of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Parks and Recreation.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:__ ________
An Ordinance (16-4) ? Rezoning property located at 6053 & 6073 Veterans
Parkway from RO (Residential Office) zoning district to GC (General Commercial)
zoning district. (Owner: Cottle Properties, LLC) (District 2-Councilor Davis)
The proposed use is retail, office and restaurant. The Planning Advisory
Commission and the Planning Department recommended approval.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen, Baker and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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An Ordinance (16-5) ? Rezoning property located at 3603 Weems Road from
SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) zoning district to RO (Residential Office)
zoning district. (Owner: Columbus Botanical Gardens, INC) (District 2-Councilor
Davis) The proposed use is cultural facility.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen, Baker and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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An Ordinance (16-6) ? Rezoning property located at 3508 Oberlin Drive is
proposed for rezoning from SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1) zoning district
to RO (Residential Office) zoning district. (Owner: Columbus Consolidated
Government) (District 2-Councilor Davis) The proposed use is cultural facility.
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Buck and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with
Councilors Allen, Baker and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
ON FIRST READING:____
An Ordinance ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by
establishing ranked parking, ranked handicap parking , and no parking zones
along the south curb of 12th Street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue;
authorizing the installation of official traffic control signs indicating the
ranked parking, handicap parking, and no parking zones; repealing conflicting
ordinances and for other purposes.
Councilor Thomas said as she understands this, the reason that we have
been asked to do this, ?and said this will eliminate the parking directly in
front of the post office/ Federal Court building, and said that because of some
security reasons. She then asked has any thought be given at all to changing
the parking that is half way down the block that is now two or three hour
parking to fifteen minute parking for those who will briefing run in the post
office.
Director of Engineering Donna Newman said currently it is 2-hour parking,
but said they could consider it. Councilor Thomas said there are a lot of
people who do just run in the post office for a short period of time, and the
other parking along there is at least two hour parking and sometimes it?s a
little difficult to find a place on 12th Street and said it?s something to
consider.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then asked how long is the parking on the 2nd
Avenue side of the post office between 12th & 11th Street, the side where they
have the drive through to drop your mail off. Director of Engineering Donna
Newman said she doesn?t recall, but thinks it may be the same; however, said
that wasn?t an issue because the drive through is there, it gave them that 50
feet separation. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said we could possibly use that for
the fifteen minute run-in.
Director Newman said that might be a possibility, but said that they would
look at the parking in that area, to see if they could pick up some fifteen
minute parking.
City Attorney Fay said that they will bring this ordinance back in three
weeks at the next regular Council meeting for the Council?s vote.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
_
A Resolution (73-16) ? Providing for the levy and collection of an annual
Ad Valorem Tax to provide funds for the payment of the principal and interest
on the $20,000,000 in principal amount of Muscogee County School District
(Georgia) general obligation Sales Tax Bonds, Series 2016.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of
Council present, with Councilors Allen, Baker and Woodson being absent from the
meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A SINGLE
MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HENDERSON AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH
WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE SEVEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH
COUNCILORS ALLEN, BAKER AND WOODSON BEING ABSENT FROM THE
MEETING:_____ ___
A Resolution (74-16) ? Approving an amended and restated Columbus
Consolidated Government Employees? 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, establishing
a Deferred Compensation Board, and authorizing various CCG officials to execute
necessary agreements and documents.
A Resolution (75-16) ? Designating authorized signatories for a custodial
agreement to be entered into as a part of the administration of the Columbus
Consolidated Government Employees? 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.
Ms. Reather Hollowell said the plan has not been fully restated since 1996
and said with the changes that we have been making moving toward a sole vendor
for our 457 Plan, we felt it is appropriate with the changes that we have made
to restate the entire document and said that is what we are doing here, so that
we can provide the best plan that we can for our employees and their
dependents. She said moving to a sole vendor will allow them to negotiate
lower fees for those employees who participate in the Deferred Compensation
Plan, provide more educational opportunities as employees look towards
retirement and to better plan for that.
She said they will be rolling this out to the employees somewhere around
May 13th. She said they are very excited about the opportunity that the
employees will have to participate with a sole vendor.
Ms. Hollowell said if employees are currently participating in the plan
and wants to stay with their current vendor, they can do that or they can move
to the new vendor, where they expect the fees will be much lower and better
educational opportunities for employees.
City Attorney Fay then asked if there were any questions of the Council,
but there were none.
Councilor Henderson then made a motion to adopt the two resolutions, as
listed above, which was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried
unanimously by those seven members of Council present for this meeting, with
Councilors Allen, Baker and Woodson being absent.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay requested an executive session after the adjournment of
tonight?s meeting, to discuss a litigation matter.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
MR. MARK H. HOLLOWAY, REPRESENING WEST GEORGIA EYE CARE CENTER, RE:
ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Mr. Mark H. Holloway, Administrator, representing West Georgia Eye Care
Center, 2616 Warm Springs Road came forward and said their request before the
Council tonight has to do with their development, which is located at 6600
Whittlesey Boulevard. He said he is here to discuss an issue as it relates to
the Ordinance requirements and their plans to build another facility located on
Whittlesey Boulevard.
Using a power-point presentation, Mr. Holloway went into much details in
explaining their request and concerns as it relates to the
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MR. LOUIE ABNEY, RE: PAY RAISES:
Mr. Louie Abney, Deputy Sheriff with the Muscogee County Sheriff?s
Department, with approximately 10 to 12 other officers of the Muscogee County
Sheriff?s Department standing with him made several comments as it relates to a
proposed pay increase for the Columbus Police Department. He outlined several
concerns that he and his fellow colleagues has witrh one branch of the Public
Safety be give n a pay increase when other Publci Safety Departments not being
included in the proposal.
After Mr. Abney concluded his presentation, Mayor Tomlinson then responded
and addressed those concerns expressed by Mr. Abney, pointing out that he needs
to take his concerns to Sheriff Darr, as the Director over that Department, who
could propose a similar plan that has been done for the Columbus Police
Department.
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MR. BRANDON WALLIS, AQUATIC CENTER:
Mr. Brandon Wallis came forward and made comments as it relates to the
operation of the Columbus Aquatic Center. He also commented on the education
and experience of the Director of the Parks & Recreation Department, Dr. James
Worsley.
Mr. Wallis also challenged much of the information that was submitted by
Dr. Worsely on last week regarding the proposal for the operation of the
Columbus Aquatic Center.
During his presentation, Mr. Wallis did a recap of the presentation that
was submitted by Dr. Worsley on last week and submitted his version of what he
felt those numbers should have been.
After the conclusion of his presentation, Mr. Wallis then responded to
question
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MR. PAUL HERNANDEZ, RE: WALMART OPENING:
Mr. Paul Hernandez, the General Manager of the new Walmart Store located
on Buena Vista Road came forward and stated that he is a graduate of New Mexico
State University and has worked for the Walmart Corporation for about six
years. He said that he worked his way up through the corporation from a
cashier to his current position, that of the store manager of the new Walmart
here in Columbus. He said that he has moved to various locations to work within
the corporation and when he was asked to come here, he said yes.
He then made several comments pointing out that 75% of the employees that
will be working for him are from the community on Buena Vista Road; and said
they either walk to work or ride a bike to work; however, there are some who do
drive as well. He said as a Walmart Corporation, he wanted to make sure that
we don?t forget about the people of that community. He said they have 30
full-time, 70 part-time employees and almost six to seven of their Associates
that goes to Columbus State and said they are also hiring 10 Veterans. He said
he had over 1,000 interviews and he picked the best 100 employees.
Mr. Hernandez said there are a few things that he wants this Council to
know about their neighborhood market. He said it is accessible for seniors and
they have added additional sidewalks. He said they have added extra lighting in
the parking lot, as well as added a turning lane from Buena Vista to Floyd Road
because they know how busy that road is.
He also went into some details regarding what they are doing as far as it
relates to community partnership. He said he is committed to doing 100
backpacks for Lonnie Jackson Elementary. He said they will be donating $5,000
to feed 100 children every weekend until the end of the school year.
He said he is also trying to get Peach Little League $1000 - $2,000 to help
donate to their programs. He said at Walmart they have a lot of doors that are
open for them and said that he has gotten with Coca Cola, who will help them
with the Backpacks program, as well as Morningside Baptist Church.
After Mr. Hernandez said he is here to help and to be a part of the
community, he said he is not just any other Walmart, but said he is going to be
the Walmart. He said they will strive for excellence in his store and said
quality will be no issue. He said he would like to thank you for welcoming him
to Columbus.
After Mr. Hernandez concluded his presentation, Councilor Barnes made some
comments regarding the great things that Mr. Hernandez has already setup.
Mr. Hernandez said their VIP/Family night will be April 11th from 6:30
p.m. ? 8:00 p.m. He said the Grand Opening will be on April 13th at 7:30 a.m.
in the morning.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
AT THE REQUEST OF CITY MANAGER HUGLEY, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS TABLED
ON THE CITY MANAGER?S
AGENDA:_______________________________________
A Resolution ? Authorizing the City Manager to declare 110 4th Street
a/k/a 002 017 001 (Golden Park), as surplus and to advertise, and sell in
accordance with Section 7-501 of the Columbus Charter.
City Manager Hugley said he would like to table this matter at this time.
He said our Laura McCool, Community Reinvestment Manager has done a lot of work
in pulling all of this together related to Golden Park. He said she procured a
preliminary title report from our real estate attorney, but said that report
only examined deeds dating back to 1928 and then they went to look a bit
further, back to 1925 and said that is when they found that the Georgia General
Assembly restricted that part of the South Commons known as Golden Park to park
and playground purposes. He said there was a 1925 Act that they found, and
said that Act restricted conveyance of the property unless a referendum is held
approving a sale.
He said our real estate attorney will be issuing an amended Title Report
reflecting that 1925 restriction. He said only the Georgia General Assemble can
amend the Act so as to remove the restrictions as to park purposes and said
this can be accomplished only through local legislation that goes to the
Georgia General Assembly and said the first opportunity will be in January
2017.
City Attorney Fay said we did go back to the 1925 Act of the Georgia
General Assembly
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL:______ ___________________________
A Resolution (76-16)? Authorizing the adoption of the Georgia Department
of Community Affairs Policies and Procedures for the Homeownership and Small
Rental Housing Development Program, Section 3 policy, and
Minority/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise policy in compliance with the
Federal and State requirements of the 2014 Homeownership and Small Rental
Housing Development Program funded by the State Home Investment Partnership
Program.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Barnes and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present, with Councilor Henderson being absent for the vote and Councilors
Allen, Baker and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (77-16) ? Authorizing the City Manager to submit an
application to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for a grant to fund
the Muscogee County Juvenile Court and if awarded, amended the
Multi-Governmental fund by the amount of the grant award. There is a 10% local
match requirement and the grant period is from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Buck and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present, with Councilor Henderson being absent for the vote and Councilors
Allen, Baker and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (78-16) ? Authorizing the City Manager of Columbus, Georgia
to submit an application for, and if awarded, accept a grant in the amount of
$119,898, or otherwise awarded, from the Department of Transportation, United
States of America, and Georgia Department of Transportation, under Title 49
U.S.C., Section 5303.
Councilor Huff moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present, with Councilor Henderson being absent for the vote and Councilors
Allen, Baker and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (79-16)? Authorizing the Mayor or City Manager of Columbus,
Georgia to submit an application for, and if awarded, accept a grant in the
amount of $1,573,136 or otherwise awarded, from the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) in the
amount of $196,641 for FY2017 capital and planning assistance under Title 49
U.S.C., Section 5307 and to contract with FTA and GDOT on behalf of the City
should the application receive approval.
Councilor Huff moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present, with Councilor Henderson being absent for the vote and Councilors
Allen, Baker and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution ? Whereas, the State of Georgia and the City of Columbus are
vulnerable to a wide range of natural and man-made disasters and The Georgia
Emergency Management Act, as amended, gives the local governments of the State
the authority to make agreements for mutual assistance in emergencies.
Councilor Huff moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Buck and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present, with
Councilor Henderson being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen, Baker and
Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING FIVE PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:
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A Resolution ? Authorizing the annual contract for the purchase of
employee service award pins from J. Brandt Recognition (Fort Worth, TX) for the
estimated annual contract amount of $6,631.91.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present, with Councilor Henderson being absent for the vote and Councilors
Allen, Baker and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) Ford S12 Transit Wagon
12/15 Passenger Van, from Wade Ford (Smyrna, GA), in the amount of $30,243.00,
via Georgia State Contract # SPD 99999-SPD00000115.
Councilor Thomas moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present,
with Councilor Henderson being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen, Baker
and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution ? Authorizing the purchase of replacement playground
equipment from Miracle Recreation Company d/b/a Hasley Recreation, Inc.,
(Flowery Branch, GA), in the amount of $299,904.93. The purchase will be
accomplished by Cooperative Purchase, via National Joint Powers Alliance, NJPA,
Contract #022113-LTS.
Councilor Barnes moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those six members of Council
present, with Councilor Henderson being absent for the vote and Councilors
Allen, Baker and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution ? Amending Resolution #247-11 (approved July 12, 2011) to
change the name of one of the awarded contractors, Arid Consulting Corporation
(Byron, GA) to Edifice Consulting, Inc. (Byron, GA), to continue providing
roofing consulting services.
Councilor Buck moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Huff and carried unanimously by those six members of Council present, with
Councilor Henderson being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen, Baker and
Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution ? Authorizing the purchase of the CGI Advantage 360 (SaaS
Solution ? Software as a Service) upgrade of the Finance/Payroll/Budget and
Human Resources System from CGI (Fairfax, VA). The cost includes: an Annual
SaaS Subscription fee in the amount of $459,126 for 10 years (which replaces
the current annual maintenance fee paid by Information Technology), and
implementation cost paid as follows: FY16-$60,000, FY17-$764,067,
FY18-$764,067 and FY19-$764,067.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those six members of
Council present, with Councilor Henderson being absent for the vote and
Councilors Allen, Baker and Woodson being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS ALSO
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY
AND DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL:_________________________ __
A Resolution ? Authorizing the execution of an annual contract with
American Pool Service of Georgia (Alpharetta, GA) for facility management of
the Columbus Aquatic Center. The services will include staffing, water
maintenance, supervision and programming, and management of the Pro Shop and
Concessions. Initial negotiations have indicated 45 hours of operations per
week. Every effort will be made to increase weekly hours to more than 45 hours
per week. However, this could result in adjustments in other categories of
services. A follow up report will be made to City Council regarding final
negotiations.
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THE FOLLOWING UPDATES WERE PROVIDED ON THE CITY
MANAGER?S AGENDA:_________ ___________________
Parks and Recreation Director Dr. Worsley and John Hudginson, Interim
Inspections and Codes Director came forward to provide the Mayor and Council
with an update on the Aquatic Center?s Lightning Protection.
Columbus aquatic center grounding & lightning protection
Agenda
? Overview of Grounding at the Columbus Aquatic Center
? Overview of Lightning Protection at the Columbus Aquatic Center
? Safety Standards
? National Lightning Safety Institute
? Georgia Department of Health
? Statement of Department of Public Health (DPH) Position
? Legal Considerations
? Options
? City Manager?s Conclusion & Recommendations
Grounding Overview
? The Columbus Aquatic Center is properly grounded and bonded in compliance
with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and National Electrical Code (NEC)
standards.
? Inspections & Code Department has performed all necessary inspections for
safe occupancy of the building.
Lightning protection overview
? Lightning Protection System is an optional system for a building. There is no
requirement from National Fire Protection Agency or National Electrical Code to
mandate its installation.
? Lightning Protection System does not:
? Guarantee a building will not be struck by lightning.
? Guarantee lightning will not pass through building components.
? Guarantee the safety of occupants within a building.
National Lightning Safety Institute Recommendations for Lightning Safety at
Indoor Pools__________________________________________
1. Recognize the threat.
? Monitor weather activity via weather radios and local weather outlets.
2. Identify in advance SAFE and NOT SAFE places:
? SAFE = dry areas inside large permanent buildings
? NOT SAFE = near electrical conductors, electrical equipment, metal objects
(lifeguard stands, ladders, diving board stanchions), and water, including
showers
3. Take action to suspend activities.
? When lightning is within 6-8 miles, evacuate people to safe areas. Lifeguards
should secure the entrance to the pool deck.
4. Determine when activities should be resumed.
? Wait 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder, since lightning
may visit from the back end of the passing thunderstorm.
Georgia Department of Public Health's Pool Rules and Regulations, Chapter
511.3.5.18, Article 10, Warning/Safety for Swimming Pools
? 11. No swimming allowed during heavy rain or when thunder and lightning can
be seen or heard.
STATEMENT OF DPH position
Dr. Chris Rustin, MS, REHS, Director, Environmental Health Section Georgia
Department of Health
? Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has not granted any waivers to
Georgia Tech or UGA.
? Warning signage is required per DPH pool code to warn swimmers of risky
behaviors that could be injurious to their health and potentially others.
? With exception of glass articles, DPH Environmental Health inspectors do not
typically enforce individual swimmer activities or behaviors in the pool. This
is left to the pool management or owners.
STATEMENT OF DPH position
Dr. Chris Rustin, MS, REHS Director, Environmental Health Section Georgia
Department of Health
? The focus of our inspections are on the items that impact the overall public
health and safety, i.e. water quality, filtrations devices, sewage disposal,
safety, and operational management. We do enforce that the signage is posted,
legible and easily seen by the swimmers.
? DPH inspectors do not inspect the bonding on pools, thus the warnings on the
signage.
STATEMENT OF DPH position
Dr. Chris Rustin, MS, REHS, Director, Environmental Health Section
Georgia Department of Health
? We depend on City/County building inspectors or require the electrician to
certify in counties without building inspectors for anything related to the
electrical components of the pool facility.
? From a risk management perspective, the City of Columbus as owners of the
facility can enforce policies they deem important for swimmer safety. Their
inspectors would have inspected the electrical components of the pool and have
a better understanding of whether the pool and all metallic components are
completely bonded and grounded.
Legal considerations
? O.C.G.A. ?? 31-2A-6(a) and 31-3-4(a)(4) provide that a local Board of Health
cannot adopt rules and regulations which conflict with the rules and
regulations of the State Board of Health.
? There are two types of waiver which may be requested of the Department of
Health.
? Under O.C.G.A.?31-2A-6(b)(2) a specific facility may receive a waiver where
it can be shown that ?the purpose of the rule or regulation is met through
equivalent standards offering equivalent protection of health safety and
welfare.? This type waiver can be granted by the Department. Is the fact that
the building has been grounded and inspected is sufficient to apply for the
waiver? Does adding the lightning safely system and then applying come closer
to providing the same protection that getting out of the pool does?
? Under O.C.G.A.?31-2A-6(b)(4) waivers which affect an entire class of
facilities (here indoor pools), can be given, but only by the Board of Public
Health after proceedings in accordance with the Georgia Administrative
Procedures Act.
? Although DPH suggests that they do not stringently enforce Rule 11 for
swimming pools but they do require that it be posted, and any deviation from
the rule would then become the responsibility of the pool owner. This is a
course we do not recommend.
Options
? Continue to adhere to Georgia Department of Public Health's Pool Rules and
Regulations, Chapter 511.3.5.18, Article 10, Warning/Safety for Swimming Pools.
? Attempt to apply for waiver to the DPH with the Columbus Aquatic Center as is.
? Attempt to apply for waiver to the DPH for the Columbus Aquatic Center after
Lightning Protection System is placed.
Can lightning protection be added?
? Yes, however It will have some consequences to the overall look of the
facility. The antenna are on a 25? by 25? grid spacing, and there will have to
be a lead that runs all the way to the ground on the perimeter of the building
at every 100?.
Cost of lightning protection System
? Contractor has priced retrofitting the building with proper lightning
protection system to cost $41,500.
? A private organization has offered to fund half ($20,750) of the cost of the
system; however all existing regulations will still be enforced.
CITY MANAGER?s conclusions/recommendations
? With or without lightning protection system, DPH regulations do not allow for
swimming during lightning, rain or storm events.
? Even if the system is installed, we do not recommend ignoring national and
state regulations related to lightning, rain or storm events.
? This is a public safety matter and risk of liability could fall on the City
and we do not recommend taking this risk.
? Will be guided by Council direction.
Mr. John Hudgison and Deputy City Manager Hodge, as well as City Attorney
then responded to questions and concerns of Mayor Tomlinson and members of the
Council.
Mayor Tomlinson asked Pam Hodge when she talk to the lady who was the president
of the organization to ask her did they have a policy that would allow their
swimmers to swim in pools during a rain storm and could we see that policy. Her
email response was, that she had not policy and that they left it up to the
pool.
Councilor Thomas ask who is the person who makes the decision to flip the
switch and clear the pool.
Dr. Worsley stated that is usually up to the manager on duty. Also the pool has
multiple lighting detectors , we also keep up with our local new for weather
updates.
Councilor Davis read a policy from the Georgia Tech Manual.
Mayor Tomlinson stated that now where in that policy that you just read, does
it say that they let people swim while its storming, but it does say that they
all get together and discuss what they think should be done. What is exactly
what we do as stated by Dr. Worsley.
Councilor Huff asked if we are not going to leave the swimmers in the pool then
why would we spend the extra cost.
Councilor Huff asked the gentleman from the Health Department to check with
Georgia Tech to see how many swim meets they have had since 1996 and when they
had a problem with lighting.
Councilor Thomas stated that she does not consider this a human life problem,
and that through all of the information that she has read and from the CDC
this has never occurred.
Councilor Davis asked City Attorney Clifton Fay if when we have these swim
meets would we be able to have the teams sign a waiver, regarding when a storm
comes in it is up to them if they decide to continue to swim or not.
Clifton Fay stated that he does not recommended that because there is still a
state regulation .
CCG Stormwater Update
Recent Ordinance Revisions
Revisions
? Vehicle Washing ? Auto Dealers, Repair Facilities, Auto Rental Agencies,
Companies with Fleets of Vehicles
? Abide by the same set of rules that Auto Detailers/Car Washes have complied
with since 2003
? Industrial Stormwater Dischargers
? Provide CCG with an Annual Compliance Report
? Stormwater Management Facility Owners
? Provide CCG with an Annual Maintenance Report
Vehicle Washing
? Approximately 200 affected Facilities
? Fixed Location Auto Detailer and Car Wash Requirements
? Wastewater Collection (dedicated wash area)
? Wastewater Disposal to Sanitary Sewer System
? Prevention of Stormwater from entering Sanitary Sewer System
? Mobile Auto Detailing Requirements
? Wastewater Collection (mat, berm, vacuum system, etc.)
? Wastewater Containment (waste tank approximate in size to fresh water tank)
? Wastewater Transport
? Wastewater Disposal (designated location)
? Same Wastewater, Same Standards
Industrial Stormwater Dischargers
? Facilities that have coverage under the State of Georgia?s Industrial
Stormwater Discharge Permit, approximately 75 affected facilities
? Kellogg?s, Pratt-Whitney, Heat Craft, CCG?s Pine Grove Landfill, etc.
? New Requirement - Provide CCG with updated contact information annually
? New Requirement - Provide CCG with copies of reports already required under
the permit
? Non-Stormwater Discharge Annual certification
? Quarterly ?First Flush? Visual Examination Reports
? Annual Laboratory Analysis Reports (as necessary)
? Employee Training Documentation
? Due by January 31 each year, information provided will be for the previous
calendar year
? To satisfy CCG?s regulatory obligation to implement a ?monitoring? program
for Industrial Dischargers (EPA Audit finding, Dec 2014)
? Failure to provide this report is a violation of the Ordinance
Private Stormwater Management Facilities (PSWMFs)
? Purpose of PSWMFs
? #1 - Mimic Pre-development Runoff Peak Discharges
? Forest/Pasture vs. Parking Lot
? Detention Ponds, Underground Vault Systems
? #2 ? Improve water quality of runoff before it enters the watershed
? Water Quality BMPs remove sediment, oil, litter, etc. from discharges
? 80% TSS removal from first flush
? Water Quality BMPs collect sediment, oil, litter, etc. from discharges
? Collected pollutants to be regularly monitored and removed as necessary
? Informational Gap
? Engineer designs ? Contractor builds ? Owner/Operator ???
? Perpetual Maintenance Obligation
? Ordinance Revisions
? Informational Form, to keep CCG?s records updated for approximately 700
facilities
? Proof of Maintenance is easy
? Photographs
? Receipts/Invoices/Manifests
? Failure to provide a report is a violation of the Ordinance
Inspections by CCG staff - approximately 125/year
Maintenance Standards
? Every BMP is different
? Default Standard - Georgia Stormwater Management Manual
? www.georgiastormwater.com
? Maintenance at least once per year
? Clean out vaults (trash rack, oil reservoir, built-up sediment/sludge)
? Cut/remove grass, sediment from ponds, swales
? Re-establish dead/missing vegetation, prevent/repair erosion
? Replace filter systems (Drain-Pac, Fossil Filter, etc.)
? Others as required
Reporting
? Reports will be emailed to:
stormwater@columbusga.org
? Scans of forms, photos, invoices, etc.
? Do-it-Yourself Program
Questions?
Councilor Davis asked, when a resident ask me about these standards are they
local standards.
Donna Newman stated that these standards are State Local and Federal clean
water standards.
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POLICE PAY REFORM:
This matter was delayed until the next regular Council Meeting.
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***--------------------------------- CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
Due to their no longer being a quorum present, the Clerk of Council?s
Agenda was postponed until the next regularly scheduled meeting.
*** *** ***
Due to the lack of a quorum, Mayor Tomlinson declared the meeting
adjourned, with the time being 9:51 p.m., with Councilors Allen, Baker and
Woodson being absent from the meeting and Councilors Buck and Henderson having
already left the meeting.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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