MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
MARCH 22 , 2011
The Organizational Meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, March 22, 2011, on the Plaza Level of the
Government Center, 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. Gary Allen, Mike Baker, Jerry Barnes, Glenn Davis,
Berry H. Henderson, Bruce Huff, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., and Evelyn Woodson.
City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were also present.
ABSENT: Councilor Judy Thomas was absent, but excused upon the adoption of
Resolution No. 134-11.
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GGC TV:
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that our CCG TV has won a state award for
outstanding support by a public media organization.
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INVOCATION: by Reverend Marcus Gibson, Greater Shady Grove Baptist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Girls, Inc., accompanied by Ms. Dorothy Hyatt,
Executive Director.
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MAYOR?S AGENDA:
INFORMATION ? FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE HOTLINE:
Mayor Tomlinson reminded employees of this hotline where anyone can call if
they see fraud, abuse, or waste of government resources or money. She said this
in no way identifies the number that is that is being called and this is
completely anonymous.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND WAS ADOPTED ON SECOND READING BY THE COUNCIL:
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An Ordinance (11-12) - amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a
district located at 7974 Shinn Drive from SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1)
zoning district to SFR4 (Single Family Residential 4) zoning district.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (11-13) ? Amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a
district located at 6895, 6285, 6279 and part of 6261 Psalmond Road from RE1
(Real Estate 1) to PUD (Planned Unit development) zoning district.
Councilor Allen said he, the homeowners adjacent to the property, and the
developer met today and talked about running along the south portion of the
property and the builder has agreed to put in a fence, buffer and a berm
combination where applicable. He said there are existing dense vegetation along
portions of this property line, so this buffer/fence/berm combination will be
installed along the bare area to protect the Stadnick home from the development
(visibility, light etc) He said Mr. Barber?s property that is located on the
Southeast corner of the property and the agreement there is roughly the same,
as there is existing vegetation along his buffer so that would not be a problem
but there is a fence that would be added in. Councilor Allen points out that
Mr. Barber is working with the fence company and may extend the fence to
encompass his entire property.
Councilor Allen said there is still concern for the size of the lots in the
development. He said the neighbors would like for the lots to be larger but
with the buffer added, some of those concerns should be resolved. He said the
PUD requirements on the density or depth of the buffer is roughly 25 feet and
that would be taken care of since it is already in the writing and agreed to by
the developer.
Councilor Allen made some references to letters sent to the City Attorney?s
Office, which he (City Attorney Fay) pointed out that those letters are a part
of the ordinance. After a brief discussion, Councilor Allen made a motion to
add condition number 4 to the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and
carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor
Thomas being absent from this meting.
Councilor Allen then moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance (11-14) ? Amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a
district located at 513 14th Street from LMI (Light Manufacturing Industrial)
zoning district to UPT (Uptown) zoning district.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA WERE
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:___________
A Resolution, (109-11) ? Authorizing a Special Exception Use to operate a
Place of Worship on property less than 2 acres located at 513 14th Street.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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ZONING PUBLIC HEARINGS:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AS
ADVERTISED:_____________________________________
An Ordinance - Rezoning property located at 1565, 1559, 1553, 1547, 1541,
1534, 1529, 1487, 1576, 1570, 1564, 1558, 1552, 1546, 1540, 1571, 1578 Antietam
Drive from an RMF2 (Residential Multi-Family 2) zoning district to SFR2 (Single
Family Residential 2) zoning district.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
The petitioner, Mr. McClure was present, but did not make a presentation,
as there is no one here to oppose this proposed rezoning.
However, Mr. McClure responded to questions from members of Council
regarding preparations for Flooding, traffic (safety) as a potential danger for
residents, buffer requirements.
City Attorney Fay then pointed out that this item would be listed on next
week?s Consent Agenda for Council?s approval.
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An Ordinance - Changing the official Street and Tax Maps of the
Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia by declaring a segment of Cathryn
Drive right-of-way surplus; and for other purposes.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
With on one here to oppose this proposed rezoning, City Attorney Fay then
pointed out that this item would be listed on next week?s consent agenda for
Council?s approval.
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An Ordinance - Amending the Columbus Code by deleting Section 14-10 and
substituting a new Section prohibiting aggressive panhandling; and for other
purposes.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
Mr. Reynolds Bickerstaff, current Chair of Uptown Columbus came forward and
stated that the BID and Uptown Columbus, Inc. is requesting that this item be
tabled for an additional two week and not pass it as a first reading today. He
said they would not want this ordinance to be acted on too swiftly without
considering all other options. He said a few other cities have similar
ordinances in place, but has created zones in which these ordinances are not
permitted, and we would like to encourage the City Attorney?s Office to try to
speak with them in regard to how they feel that s not unconstitutional and how
they drafted and got their City Council members and citizens to support that
ordinance. He said he is not here to debate or argue but rather to request on
behalf of Uptown Columbus and the Business Improvement District to please take
another two week for collaboration before voting on this ordinance.
Councilor Barnes said he has no problems with the two weeks request, but
for the sake of the viewing audience and everyone else listening, the present
tramp law bridges the right of free speech guarantee under the first amendment
of the constitution and at the same time it is punitive to a segment of the
population in Columbus. He said the aggressive panhandling ordinance, which was
thoroughly researched by the City Attorney?s Office, does not abridge the
freedom of speech. It does however, limit panhandling and more importantly, it
has been quick tested for constitution validity. He then asked Mr. Bickerstaff
what his visions in regard to the goal for downtown Columbus, to which Mr.
Bickerstaff responded that it would be to create a zone in which this ordinance
is not permitted, such as areas specifically designated as tourists zones or
areas designated where panhandling is not permitted, regardless of weather it
is aggressive or politely done.
City Attorney Fay responded that he has looked at cases for six months or
more on this matter and he cannot recommend carving out a zone like the Central
River Front District for reasons that are expressed in a lot of first amendment
cases. He said the courts have uniformly held that public places adjacent to a
public street constitute a special in terms of first amendment protection. He
said at the beginning of this month, the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of
Snyder v Phelps the protest law was struck down because even though everyone
did not like the message that the protestor were trying to convey, the Supreme
Court said even though we don?t like the message it is still in an area
adjacent to the public right-of-way or on a public street and it is protected
by the first amendment, and today he cannot make that recommendation to this
Council.
Councilor Barnes said he would not like for this to continue on first
reading, but would rather it go on second reading.
Several members of Council, City Attorney Fay, and Mr. Bickerstaff
discussed this issue regarding, time zone and location, during which
panhandling is permitted; clear legal guideline for law enforcement; and
regulations under the current ordinance.
Mr. Nathan Heald (101 Lee Road) came forward stated that he is here in
support (with a petition of 1000 signatures) of getting this law change against
the current tramp law ? not specifically changing of the language but with the
sign petition. He said he is against the tramp law as it stands because people
have been arrested under this law simply for being homeless and being on the
right-of-ways, and not only on private property. Mr. Heald said it does not
happen every day but it does happen. He said he is glad this body is addressing
this law and shifting from the idea of status and focusing on behavior. He said
he is in support of this new ordinance because it offers our law enforcement
something they can actually work with, it protects the citizens from being
approached in an aggressive way, but still allow that freedom to individuals to
ask for assistance.
Mr. Heald said the reason he is oppose to this item being delayed is
because it has already been delayed and can be addressed through other
solutions rather than criminalizing those who are asking for money.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion to continue this item on first reading for
next business meeting of the City Council. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh.
After some additional discussion, the motion made by Councilor McDaniel and
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh was carried by a vote of seven (7) to two
(2), with Councilors Allen, Baker, Woodson, Davis, Huff, and Mayor Pro Tem
Turner Pugh voting yes, Councilors Henderson and Barnes voting no, with
Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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An Ordinance - Amending Chapter 14 entitled Offenses and Miscellaneous
Provisions, Article 1 Sections 14-47.1, 14-47.2, 14-47.3, so as to add certain
language that will allow construction activities to occur in and beside the
Chattahoochee River as part of the Restoration Project to be supervised by the
United States Army Corps of Engineers; and for other purposes.
PROPONENTS & OPPONENTS:
With no one here to oppose this proposed changes to the City Code, City
Attorney Fay pointed out that this would be listed on second reading on the
consent agenda for Council?s vote.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay requested a brief executive session at the end of the
regular session to discussion personnel and litigation matters.
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PUBLIC AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING PERSON (S) APPEARED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA AND PROVIDED IS A
SUMMARY OF EACH PERSON (S)
COMMENTS:______________________________________________________
MR. DANNY CARGILL, RE: PAY FOR GENERAL GOVERNMENT
EMPLOYEES:_____________________________________________________
Mr. Cargill came forward and gave his address as 4321 Norfolk Drive. Mr.
Cargill said he is a 27-year employee of Inspections and Code Enforcement
Department for the City of Columbus, Georgia. He said the total number of
employees for the City is 31090, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and
summer help. He said we all work for the same city but we are broken into two
classes of employees ? Public Safety and General Government. He said the total
number of full-time employees for the city for public safety is 1315 and 1200
for general government. Mr. Cargill said we have seen many pay studies come and
go and Council has never fully adopted a pay-plan, implemented it, and stood
behind it. He said in 2005-2006, positions were lost throughout the city but
not in law enforcement. We as general government employees were told we had to
do more with less and we stepped up and did that. He said the pay study by UGA
was accepted and adopted by the City Council; this plan was presented in many
different forms. But one was adopted and it seem to address most of the pay
issues within the city ? compression, inflation, and cost-of-living are not
just things that affect public safety, they affect every employee of our city.
Mr. Cargill said he is here to day on behalf of all general government
employees and ask that you treat us all the same. All of public safety is given
a $3,000 supplement each year, general government, nothing. What this
supplement does is it gives additional pay that can amount to a 10.46% increase
in pay in some pay-grades. The LOST has provided the city with $63,717,452 in
the last 25 months with 70% going to public safety. The amount the public
safety has access to is: $44,602,216.00 and when Council wanted to hire a new
ice rink manager, they found the money to do so. It appears that Council can
find funds to support what they want and what they choose.
Mr. Cargill made some additional comments about departments creating jobs,
updating the UGA pay-plan, 30-year retirement for all city employees, and
general government employees being treated equally.
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MR. RICHARD BISHOP & MR. PETER BOWDEN, RE: UPTOWN SPRING
EVENTS:______________________________________________
Mr. Bishop and Mr. Bowden came forward and announced the following upcoming
events:
April 8 & 9 ? Frog Town Hollow Music Festival
April 30 ? Columbus Police Department Car Show to benefit Special Olympics
May 5 ? introduction and kickoff of Scott Ressmeyer?s Ride to benefit
Children?s Miracle Network
May 6 ? concert series
May 7 ? Nov 23? market days
Broadway Concert series continue with May 7 ? Char Broil Pig Bowl
May 7 ? Springer Sprint
Concert every Friday night in May until May 27 when Scott Ressmeyer returns
from his bike ride
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MR. DANIEL MOYE, RE: GA CHIP PROGRAM:____________________
Mr. Moye came forward and gave his address as 1245 Cedar Avenue. He said he
is here this today to introduce the Council to Columbus, Georgia Masons and the
Georgia CHIP Program. Mr. Moye provided some background information on the
history and structure of the Columbus Georgia Masons Organization as well as
the Georgia CHIP Program. He said this is a free program to any organization
that sponsors an event for the Masons. He also provided information on the
importance of the Georgia CHIP Program.
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MR. ISAAC BROWN, JR., RE: SAFETY CONCERNS:________________
Mr. Brown said during the last few months, he has been compiling some
information and he represents the Community Citizen Service Watch Program. He
said his organization has been in existence for over eight years and they are
very concern about the community. Mr. Brown commented on training his
organization has received from the Police and Sheriff?s Departments.
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MS. OLLIE TARVER, RE: THE BEAUTIFUL CITY WE LIVE IN:_____
Ms. Tarver came forward and gave her address as 329 Mays Avenue and made
comments about the surrounding communities.
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MS. LINDA PIERCE, CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT, RE: REQUEST FOR STAFF AND
RESOURCES FOR THE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION:
Ms. Pierce said she is here today for Council?s decision on the resources
she requested for the new duties she performed based on the state law. She said
this is the first tie in our history that oversight and supervision has been
required in the process of providing taxpayers with the right and the means to
appeal their property tax assessments. She said they would require a number of
changes to be made and some of those concerns have been expressed by our Board
of Equalization members themselves: making sure we provide adequate and
sufficient information to the taxpayers before appeals and about appeals that
are currently being heard that are several years old, and the need to clean
that up; we are having to revise all of the policies and procedures as well as
develop way to make sure the tax payer do have all of the information they need
fro their hearing. She said the list of duties provided by the Tax Assessor in
her estimate is not complete, but even looking at that list indicates great
amount of time than what she has estimated.
Ms. Pierce said it has been her experience since January that has been the
case and it has also been the experience of the Board of Equalization members
also. She said a grade 20 position in the Tax Assessors? Office held most of
the responsibility for the Board of Equalization duties that the tax assessor
performed in the past, along with others on the staff as well, who helped with
the notifications, phone calls, and other duties in that office. I had
originally asked for a position that is actually much lower than that grade
level in the tax assessors? office, however, the City Manager?s recommendation
is that I be furnished with a part-time position at a much lower grade than
that.
After much discussion by several members of Council, City Manager Hugley,
Finance Director Hodge, Mayor Tomlinson, and Ms. Pierce, Councilor Woodson made
a motion to approve the recommendations by the City Manager to fund a temporary
G12 position at 30 per week for 12 months and then bring this back during
regular budget session with supporting information to increase this to a
full-time position if needed. This motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh but was inclusive with a 4:5 vote, with Councilors Allen, Woodson, Davis,
and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh voting yes; and Councilors Barnes, Baker, Huff,
Henderson, and McDaniel voting no, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this
meeting.
A Resolution (110-11) ? Authorizing funding for the Boards of Equalization
under the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court for April ? June of 2011.
Councilor Henderson then made a motion to hire a full-time (G12) permanent
position. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried by a vote of 6 to 3 with
Councilors Henderson, Baker, Barnes, Allen, McDaniel, and Huff voting yes; and
Councilors Woodson, Davis, and Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh voting no.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA, WERE
SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_______
A Resolution (111-11) Authorizing an agreement with the Chattahoochee
Valley United Way Agency for the implementation of the City's 10 Year Plan to
End Homelessness from CDBG Entitlement Funds.
City Manager Hugley reminded the Mayor and Council of a resolution this
Council approved a few months ago to adopt the 10-year plan and to award
$50,000 to implement the plan.
Councilor Woodson moved approval of the resolution, seconded by Councilor
McDaniel.
Councilor Davis said he remembers this Council discussing $50,000 of CDBG
money on a yearly basis and at the end of the year we would evaluate it before
moving into the next year. He said what is put before us tonight is $150,000
and he does not remember that being discussed.
City Manager Hugley explained that in previous discussions, we said the
first award would be $50,000 for this half of the fiscal year and they would be
able to move forward with the implementation of the plan, and what we told you
is that they would submit a request to the Community Development Advisory
Council for funding for future years and they will have to apply for that
funding each year thereafter. He said we are about to go through the budget
process and Council will see in the budget is a request to fund them for
$100,000 for the fiscal year beginning July1 and so what we are asking for now,
is the initial $50,000 in CDBG funds to implement the plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked if this is part of the one million dollars
we received to development a homeless plan, to which City Manager Hugley
responded that the $1 million is in process and working, He said this is a CDBG
component.
After some additional discussion on the amount of the funding and the
City?s commitment, Councilor Henderson made a motion to approve the resolution
but strike the $100,000 for FY12. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Thomas
being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (112-11) - Authorizing the attached Holiday Schedule for the
FY2012 Budget Year. It is recommended that Friday, December 23, 2011, be
designated as the floating holiday.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (113-11) Authorizing approval of the Columbus Civic Center and
Ice Rink rental rates for ice time through June 30, 2011. An ordinance with
final rates will be part of the FY12 Budget. An agenda report, fee schedule and
resolution are attached.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
Councilor Henderson then made a motion to forward to the Board of Honor for
consideration, naming an area or portion within the new Ice Rink memorializing
the late Will Robinson. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by
those nine members of Council present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from
this meeting.
After a brief discussion and requests from members of Council to get more
information on this individual, Councilor Henderson then postpone his request
to the next regular business session.
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A Resolution (114-11) Authorizing the approval to enter into a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) with the Riverdale-Porterdale Cemetery Foundation to
make additional enhancements to the Riverdale Cemetery Sexton's Office in the
amount of $62,807.38 utilizing the City's current vendor. All construction
costs and any other additional related costs, including ongoing maintenance of
these improvements, will be the responsibility of the Riverdale-Porterdale
Cemetery Foundation.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (115-11) Authorizing the approval to enter into a three-year
Lease Agreement with Columbus Indoor Football Team, LLC d/b/a Columbus Lions.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (116-11) Authorizing the execution of a lease agreement with
Georgia Southwestern Railroad, Inc., for reimbursement of expenses incurred for
railroad crossing improvements at crossing on Old Cusseta Road.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (117-11) Authorizing the submission of an application and if
approved accept $32,555 in funds from the Corporation for National and
Community Service for the RSVP Program.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (118-11) Authorizing the submission of an application and if
approved, accept funds from the Judicial Council of Georgia Standing Committee
on Accountability Courts for the operation of a Juvenile Drug Court Program.
The exact amount of funding awarded through this grant will not be known until
FY12 State budget has been announced.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (119-11) Authorizing the approval to enter into an agreement
with
University of Georgia and if approved, accept a grant for up to $ 271,500. from
the Southeast Diesel Collaborative (SEDC) via the US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (120-11) Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to Granite Field
Court and that portion of Granite Field Drive located in Section Eleven, Phase
Two, Ivy Park. The Department of Engineering has inspected these streets and
recommends the acceptance.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (121-11) Authorizing the acceptance of a deed to that portion
of Westwind Drive located in Section Six - Crosswinds. The Department of
Engineering has inspected this street and recommends the acceptance.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ELEVEN PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE CITY MANAGER?S
AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
A Resolution (122-11) ? Authorizing the purchase of paper products and
related supplies from COPACO (Columbus, GA) for the estimated annual contract
value of $23,136.94. The supplies will be purchased on an ?as needed basis?,
and will include the following: paper towels, bathroom tissue, facial tissue,
toilet seat covers, hand wash, air freshener and feminine products for the
Columbus Civic Center and the new Ice Rink. Contractor will be required to
install product dispensers and any other additional replacement dispensers on
an ?as needed basis?. All installed dispensers will become the property of the
Civic Center and Ice Rink after completion or termination of the contract.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (123-11) ? Authorizing the approval of a service contract for
fire extinguishers on an ?as needed? basis from Columbus Fire & Safety
Equipment, Inc., for the estimated annual contract value of $30,000.00. Based
on previous fiscal year usage the Facilities Maintenance Department estimates
spending approximately $30,000.00 for these services. The contract will be used
by various departments of the City to service, repair and purchase fire
extinguishers, as well as, fire alarm monitoring. The contract term shall be
for two years, with the option to renew for three additional twelve-month
periods, contingent upon the mutual agreement of the City and the Contractor.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (124-11) - Authorizing the execution of Change Order 4 with
Advanced Systems, Inc., in the amount of $39,928.00. Per Resolution No. 301-09,
Council authorized the execution of a contract with Advanced Systems, Inc., for
the construction of a 3-bay fire station at 33rd Street and 11th Avenue. Change
Order 4 is required because the contractor encountered poor soil conditions and
a high water table during the preparation of the building site that exceeded
the Owner's geotechnical expectations. These conditions required the Owner to
instruct the contractor to remove an excessive amount of cubic yards of poor
soils from the construction site and replace with suitable soil.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (125-11) ? Authorizing the purchase of twenty (20) MW810
mobile data computers from Motorola, Inc., in the amount of $174,100.00
($8,705.00 each). The new mobile data units will replace twenty (20) MW520
units, currently used in the Police Department, that has become obsolete and
can no longer perform as required. The Police Department and other law
enforcement agencies in Muscogee County have operated mobile data computers in
marked vehicles for approximately 10 years. The oldest of these computers are
Motorola MW520s, which were purchased near the beginning of the mobile data
project. The MW520s cannot support the most current versions of the software in
use by the law enforcement agencies and must be replaced with more modern
devices.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (126-11) ? Authorizing the purchase and installation of a
software package for all law enforcement mobile data terminals (MDTs) from
Motorola, Inc./Columbus Communications, in the amount of $34,950.00. This
software installation will update all law enforcement MDTs with current and
updated software needed for officers to complete updated state reports and
perform their duties in an efficient manner.
The Police Department and other law enforcement agencies in Muscogee County
have operated mobile data computers in their marked vehicles for approximately
10 years. Based on the date of purchase and placement into service, the MDTs
have varying versions of software for computer dispatch, response and reporting
requirements.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
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A Resolution (127-11) ? Authorizing the approval for the purchase of
fifty-one (51) high performance data modems, for the MW810 Mobile Data
Terminals, from Motorola, Inc., in the amount of $104,856.00.
The mobile data terminals require an upgrade due to the conversion of the radio
system to the HPD network in 2010. The Police Department and other law
enforcement agencies in Muscogee County have operated mobile data computers in
their marked vehicles for approximately 10 years. Many of the current MDTs have
modems that do not perform at the speed necessary in which to effectively
communicate with the radio network, since the 2010 HPD conversion.
The fifty-one (51) HPD modems will replace some of the old modems that are
currently used.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (128-11) ? Authorizing the approval for the purchase of one
(1) 2011 Crown Victoria from Rivertown Ford (Columbus, GA) in the amount of
$25,118.50. The vehicle will be used by the Columbus Police Department. This
unit is a replacement administrative vehicle. Bid postcard invitations were
mailed to fifty-one vendors and bid specifications were posted on the web page
of the Purchasing Division and the Georgia Procurement Registry. Three bids
were received on February 16. This bid has been advertised, opened and reviewed.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (129-11) ? Authorizing the approval for the purchase of a
mobile career resource assessment unit from Farber Specialty Vehicles, Inc.
(Reynoldsburg, OH). The Mobile Career Resource Assessment Unit will be used for
job training assistance in the Georgia areas and provide WIA funded services
for an eight county area. It shall serve as a Resource Center/Computer Training
Lab for Lower Chattahoochee Workforce Board. This lab will include one
instructor console, at least ten student workstations operating in a networked
computer environment that includes an integrated sound and visual display
system. The lab will be capable of running off of its own generator or it can
be connected to an external power source. A semi-private conference area with
bench seating and removable table will be included in design for interviewing
and counseling.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (130-11) ? Authorizing the approval for the Engineering
Department to purchase concrete box culverts directly from the vendors utilized
by Reynolds, Inc., the contractor that was awarded the Flood Abatement Project
at 6th Avenue & Side Streets System. The estimated cost for the concrete box
culverts is $267,471.60. Resolution No. 204-07 authorized the execution of a
contract with Reynolds, Inc., for Contract I of the 6th Avenue Flood Abatement
Project; and authorized the Engineering Department to purchase box culvert and
check valve materials directly from the vendors utilized by Reynolds, Inc.
Resolution No. 83-11 authorized the execution of a contract with Reynolds,
Inc., for Contract II of the 6th Avenue Flood Abatement Project. However, the
resolution did not authorize the Engineering Department to purchase box culvert
and check valve materials. Funds are budgeted in the FY11 Budget: 2010A CBA
Bonds - 6th Avenue Storm Water/Flood Abatement - Drainage/Street Improvements;
0558-800-2170-BASF-7622-81002-20100, 2010B CBA Bonds - 6th Avenue Storm
Water/Flood Abatement - Drainage/Street Improvements;
0559-800-2171-BASF-7622-82007-20100.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (131-11) - Authorizing the execution of a construction
contract with Southeastern Site Development, Inc., in the amount of $99,650.00,
for improvements at the Lakebottom Park walking trail. The work includes
providing and installing park benches, trash receptacles and handicap ramps.
Additional work includes dumping, spreading and compacting M-10 rock screen
material, and replacing treated lumber used for trail edging. Bid postcard
invitations were mailed to sixty-eight vendors and bid specifications were
posted on the web page of the Purchasing Division and the Georgia Procurement
Registry. Seven bids were received on February 9, 2011. This bid has been
advertised, opened and reviewed.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked if the other providers we have not used are
aware that they had to be pre-qualified by DOT before they can bid, to which
Deputy City Manager Arrington responded that there was a change in the
pre-qualification criteria, where vendors have to be pre-qualified prior to
budding. He said we could have gone back out and re-bid the project but from a
timing standpoint this project has been delayed for close to two years.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh then made a motion to approve the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Henderson, which carried unanimously by those nine
members of Council present, with councilor Thomas being absent from this
meeting.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (132-11) ? Authorizing the approval of payment to National
Center for State Courts (NCSC) in the amount of $55,000 to perform a workload
assessment study for Superior Court. The study will assess operations related
to case management and the impact of a new Army division moving to the area to
be conducted for the Superior Court Judges and the Office of the Clerk of
Superior Court. The assessment is vital to the judicial branch?s ability to
store and report information and will contribute to improved justice
coordination, responsiveness, cost reduction and quality of internal court
processes.
City Manager Hugley explained that this item has been delayed from the last
meeting. He said the chief judge has been very supportive of this effort to do
a workload assessment. He said the Clerk of Superior Court went after a $50,000
grant that requires a $20,000 in-kind contribution; with a $5,000 cash match.
Councilor McDaniel made a motion to approve the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Allen, which carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
-----------------------------------------*** ***
***------------------------------------
PARKS AND RECREATION AUDIT:
Councilor McDaniel requested that the District Attorney come to Council and
explain what happen to the money discovered in the bank accounts of the
individuals involved in the Parks & Recreation incident.
City Attorney Fay said we have to defer to the District Attorney because we
have no way of knowing where the city money went.
Mayor Tomlinson also requested that the DA come to council for an
explanation.
------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------
BENEFITS MANAGER ? UPDATE:_________________________________
Mr. Tom Barron, Human Resources Director came forward and reminded the
Mayor and Council that the city?s contract with Benalytics will expire and
would not be renewed after that date. He said Human Resources had already
stared the process of resuming the internal administration of some of these
benefit programs; we are trying to get our hands on some of these contacts to
being them back in-house because we do not want an outside agency who is not do
have on the contract to own said contracts. He said the bottom line for Human
Resource is that we are not really staff to handle the size that this project
has became. We did several things that had we not had a benefits manager we
would not have done. He said the biggest was to carve out the prescription plan
and this means that we now must do what Blue Cross did for us before when they
controlled the pension plan.
Mr. Barron said we are going to save $300,000 per a year but we have to do
a lot more of our own administration dealing with medical, pills, utilization
reviews, therapeutic decisions, etc ? things that we don?t know very much
about. We know what they are called, but we don?t know how to administer them
and we believe that we need to act very promptly on this in order to avoid
getting into problems in these areas that we do not understand. He said the
options going forward are creating a benefits management division ? this would
consist of two additional employees, a division manager and a technician. This
divisions? manager would need to be familiar with contract management and have
underwriting experience. We also would need consulting funds for actuarial work
and for technical assistance, and also an operating budget. The estimated total
cost is $238,000.
Mr. Barron said the other option is to go back to a Benefits Manager and
contract with another manager. He said with this option we know that we need to
act fairly quickly because this contract will be expiring on May 30, 2011 and
that does not give us sufficient time to conduct another RFP and get somebody
on board before all of a sudden we don?t have a manager. He said we are asking
the Council authorize us to start contract negotiations with the company that
was the second highest in our last RFP. He said the way that RFP was
constructed, it was for two initial years and then an option to renew for three
additional one-year periods. We are asking to be allowed to go back to the RFP
originally, and go to the number 2 vendor and contract with them for one of
those remaining one-year periods; then if Council wants us to RFP, we can do
that. He said the second highest proposal was Northwester Benefit Corporation
of Georgia and they have indicated a willingness to provide the services that
were offered in the original RFP and to do so on a commission only basis, which
is what we had arranged for the prior benefits manager.
Upon conclusion of Mr. Barron?s presentation, he responded to questions and
comments from the mayor and several members of Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Mr. Barron to find out if any of the
managers listed currently work with other city and counties; and what kind of
success record they have with those cities and counties.
-------------------------------------------*** ***
***----------------------------------
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS:
City Manager Hugley informed the Mayor, Council and the listening public
that Charter Communications will be cutting fiber optic cable lines that sends
our CCG TV signal out to their stations and this is to accommodate the
streetscape project on Veterans Parkway. He said this procedure would interrupt
customers from both Charter and Mediacom and the repairs will take place on
12:00 midnight on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 to early morning on March 24, so
there may be some interruptions from during this time.
--------------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR MAYOR AND
COUNCIL:________________________________________________________
(1) Memorandum from Clerk of Council Washington, Re: Retirees? Health Benefits
Committee.
(2) Biographical Sketch of Mr. William A. Griggs, as submitted by Uptown
Columbus to replace Mr. Reynolds Bickerstaff on the Board of Historic &
Architectural Review.
(3) Biographical Sketch of Mr. Edward J. Gaffney, III, Councilor Allen?s
nominee for a position on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
(4) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Betty L. Tatum, Councilor Allen?s nominee for a
position on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
(5) Biographical Sketch of Ms. Lisa L. White, Councilor Allen?s nominee for a
position on the Hospital Authority of Columbus.
(6) Letter from Ms. Jessica Stadnick, Re: Psalmond Road rezoning.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:______________________________
A Resolution ( ) Excusing Councilor R. Gary Allen from the March
15, 2011 Special Called Meeting. Councilor Henderson moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those nine members of Council present for this meeting,
with Councilor Thomas being absent.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TWO TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL:_______
Application submitted by Richard Bishop to temporarily close Bay Avenue
from 10th Street to 11th Street, on Friday and Saturday, April 8 & 9, 2011,
from 5:00 p.m. on Friday to 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, in connection with the
?Bluegrass Concert and Festival? pedestrian safety.
Application submitted by Myra Lockhart to temporarily close 8th Street
from 5th Avenue to 6th Avenue, on Saturday, April 16, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to
2:00 p.m. in connection with a ?Community Yard Sale and Children?s Carnival?.
Councilor Henderson moved the approval of these applications. Seconded by
Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council
present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________________________________________________
Board of Elections & Registrations, January 6, 2011.
Board of Health, February 23, 2011.
Board of Tax Assessors, Nos. 07-11 & 08-11.
Civic Center Advisory Board, January 20, 2011.
Community Development Advisory Council, January 25, 2011.
Hospital Authority, September 28 & October 26, 2010.
Hospital Authority, November 30, 2010 & January 25, 2011.
Housing Authority, February 16, 2011.
Planning Advisory Commission, September 15, 2010.
Planning Advisory Commission, October 6 & 20, 2010.
Councilor Allen moved the acceptance of the minutes. Seconded by Councilor
Woodson and carried unanimously by those nine members of Council present, with
Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
ADD-ON ITEM:
A Resolution (134-11) - Excusing Councilor Judy Thomas from the March 22,
2011 Council Meeting. Councilor Allen moved the approval of the resolution.
Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those nine members
of Council present, with Councilor Thomas being absent from this meeting.
*** *** ***
Letter from Ms. Rita D. Baker resigning from her position on the Housing
Authority of Columbus.
NON-ENCLOSURES, ACTION REQUESTED:
(11) BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
__________________
(Madden Hatcher, Jr.) SD-15
Eligible to succeed himself
(Mayor?s Apptmt)
(Vincent Allen) SD-29
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council?s Apptmt)
__________________
(Tyler Townsend) SD-29
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council?s Apptmt)
__________________
(Terry Ballard) SD-29
Does not desire reappointment
(Council?s Apptmt)
THERE ARE CURRENTLY FOUR SENATORIAL DISTRICT 29 REPRESENTATIVES AND ONE
SENATORIAL DISTRICT 15 REPRESENTATIVE. THERE IS ONE WOMAN SERVING ON THIS
BOARD.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW:
Alex Griggs
(Reynolds Bickerstaff) SD-29
Eligible to succeed himself
Uptown Business Association
(Council?s Apptmt)
Saundra Green
(Saundra Green) SD-29
Eligible to succeed herself
Columbus Board of Realtors
(Council?s Apptmt)
__________________
(John House) SD-29
Does not desire reappointment
At-Large Member
(Council?s Apptmt)
*** *** ***
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr. William
R. Hart will expire at the end of the month; however, he is eligible to succeed
himself. Councilor McDaniel then nominated him for another term of office.
Clerk of Council Washington said she will bring this back in two weeks for
the Council?s confirmation.
COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E):
(Neal McCrillis) SD-15
Eligible to succeed himself
(Mayor?s Apptmt)
__________________
(John Kuforiji) SD-29
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council?s Apptmt)
__________________
(Jong Yoon) SD-29
Eligible to succeed himself
(Council?s Apptmt)
THERE ARE CURRENTLY FOUR SENATORIAL DISTRICT 29 REPRESENTATIVES AND EIGHT
SENATORIAL DISTRICT 15 REPRESENTATIVES. THERE ARE FIVE WOMEN SERVING ON THIS
BOARD.
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CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Ms.
Shondwella Ellis,Council District 5 representative, Ms. Mildred King, Council
District 6, Mr.Jonathan Smart, Council District 9 representative, Mr. Robert
Anderson, Council District 10 representative and Mr. Brian McCluskey, the
Mayor?s Appointee.
RETIREES? HEALTH BENEFITS COMMITTEE:
Mary Stranger__________________
New Position
(Mayor?s Appointment)
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA????.....????.??.PAGE 7
RETIREES? HEALTH BENEFITS COMMITTEE:
__________________
New Position
(Council?s Appointment)
__________________
New Position
(Council?s Appointment)
__________________
New Position
(Council?s Appointment)
__________________
New Position
(Council?s Appointment)
*The committee shall contain at least three active members of the Columbus,
Georgia Retiree Health Plan; the Mayor?s appointee shall serve as chair.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Ms.
Cathy Walker, Aimee Horstman and Mr. Tracy Sayers has expired on the Hospital
Authority, as well as Mr. Ralph Huling having resigned from the board. She
pointed out that we have several nominations n which to submit to the Hospital
Authority for them to select someone for each of these four positions. She then
asked for a motion to submit the names of Ms. Betty Tatum, Mr. Gaffney and Ms.
Lisa White to the Hospital Authority. Counclor Woodson so moved. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present for this meeting, with Councilor Thomas being absent.
*** *** ***
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Mayor Tomlinson is nominating Mr.
Carlos J. Huertas to fill the unexpired term of Ms.Rita D. Baker on the Housing
Authority and that he may now be confirmed. Councilor Woodson so moved.
Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried unanimously by those nine members of
Council present, with Councilor Thomas being absent.
*** *** ***
KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that the seat of
Mr. Doug McLeod has been declared vacant. This is an at-large position and a
Council?s appointment. There was no nominations.
*** *** ***
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
Travis Chambers on the Planning Advisory Commission would expire at the end of
the month, but said he is eligible to succeed himself for another term of
office. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh nominated him for another term of office.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council Mr. Archie
Rainey (Councilor Henderson) cannot succeed themselves and we will need
replacement for these seats. No action taken.
*** *** ***
RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed the Mayor and Council that Ms. Tiffany
Tootle (Council District 5) and we would need replacement for this seat. No
action taken.
*** *** ***
REGION FOUR PLANNING BOARD DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Shana D. Young has
resigned her seat on this board and that the Council will need to nominate
someone else. There were no nominations.
TREE BOARD:
__________________
(Claudya Muller) SD-29
Resigned
Public Utility Rep.
(Council?s Apptmt)
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VALLEY PARTNERSHIP JOINT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY:
__________________
(Carmen Cavezza)
Resigned
(Council?s Apptmt)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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*** *** ***
With no other business to come before this Council, Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilor McDaniel
having already left the meeting and Councilor Thomas being absent from this
meeting and the time being 9:52 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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