MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 28, 2017
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, February 28, 2017, on the 2nd Floor of the
Citizens Service Center, located at 3111 Citizens Way, Columbus, Georgia
Honorable Teresa Tomlinson, Mayor and Evelyn Turner Pugh, Mayor Pro Tem
presiding.
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PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Teresa Tomlinson and Mayor Pro Tem Turner
Pugh were Councilors Mike Baker, 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 Washington and
Deputy Clerk of Council Lindsey Glisson were also present. Councilor Walker
Garrett took his seat at 5:33 p.m. Councilor Evelyn Woodson took her seat at
5:36 p.m.
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ABSENT: Councilors R. Gary Allen and Jerry Barnes were absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. J. Grantham of Wynnton United Methodist Church.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by the Students of J. D. Davis
Elementary School.
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CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND READING:
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An Ordinance (17-9) ? Amending the budgets for the Fiscal Year 2017
beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017 funds of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia, appropriating amounts shown in each fund for
various activities; and for other purposes.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilor Baker being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen
and Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY
AND AFTER MUCH DISCUSSION WAS THEN INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:__
An Ordinance ? Adopting a text amendment to the Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO) to create Section 2.5.24, an overlay district for 2nd Avenue
(between 18th street, North of Manchester Expressway/45th Street) with a
500-foot depth at all intersections except "2nd Avenue and 42nd Street".
Prior to Council Davis making his amendments, Mr. Rick Jones, Director of
the Planning Department came forward and gave a presentation; highlighting the
purpose for this Overlay District, as well as gave some background information
on Overlay Districts in general..
After Mr. Jones concluded his presentation, he then responded to questions
of members of the Council.
Mayor Tomlinson then called on Councilor Davis to bring forward his
proposed amendments to the ordinance. The following amendments was then brought
forth by Councilor Davis are outlined below.
Councilor Davis said that many of these amendments have come about through
correspondence through the stakeholders in the area. He then went into some
details in explaining each of the amendments that he is requesting and then
made a motion for each of them, as outlined below.
Councilor Davis, City Attorney Fay and Mr. Rick Jones then responded to
questions of members of the Council regarding the height of the trees.
Councilor Davis made a motion to amend the ordinance to change the depth
from 300-feet to 400-feet on page two in three places. Seconded by Councilor
Garrett and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with
Councilor Baker being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and Barnes being
absent from the meeting.
Councilor Davis made a motion to amend the ordinance to include the 42nd
Street at 2nd Ave intersection in the focus area. Seconded by Council Garrett
and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council present, with
Councilor Baker being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen and Barnes being
absent from the meeting.
Councilor Davis made a motion to amend the ordinance to prohibit any
parking on the city right-of-way within the 5-feet landscape buffers. Seconded
by Council Garrett and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilor Baker being absent for the vote and Councilors Allen
and Barnes being absent from the meeting.
Councilor Davis made a motion to give all signs in the corridor a ten-year
period to comply with the provisions of the code section. Seconded by Council
Garrett.
City Attorney Fay said this would give everyone until January 1, 2027 to
come in compliance with this section.
After several minutes of discussion in regards to this amendment with Ms.
Steve Griffin expressing his opposition to this amendment and several members
of the Council expressing their opposition as well, Councilor Davis then
withdrew the motion.
Councilor Davis made a motion to amend the ordinance to include the
language ?no new digital sign permit applications for installation within the
corridor shall be accepted after the effective date of this ordinance?.
Seconded by Councilor Henderson and was inconclusive by a vote of four to
three, with Councilors Davis, Garrett, Huff and Thomas voting yes and Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and Councilors Henderson and Woodson voting no. Councilor
Baker was absent for vote and Councilors Allen and Barnes absent from the
meeting.
Mayor Tomlinson said because the vote is inconclusive, this item will not
be added to the ordinance.
City Attorney Fay said that the ordinance is going to be back before the
Council in two weeks, as amended.
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THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND INTRODUCED ON FIRST
READING:__
__
An Ordinance ? Rezoning approximately 0.63 acre located at 2121 Floyd Road
(parcel #096-022-015A). The current zoning is NC (Neighborhood Commercial).
The proposed zoning is GC (General Commercial). The proposed use is
convenience store with gas sales.
The petitioner was present, but did not make a presentation.
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An Ordinance ? Rezoning 0.42 acre located at 6002 Veterans Parkway (parcel
#189-006-006). The current zoning is NC (Neighborhood Commercial). The
proposed zoning is GC (General Commercial). The proposed use is auto/truck
repair, minor.
Mr. George Mize was present with the petitioner, but did not make a
presentation.
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An Ordinance ? Amending Chapter 5 of the Columbus Code so as to establish
and clarify various standards for the care of dogs and cats in Columbus,
Georgia; and for other purposes.
During the first reading discussion of this ordinance, the following
individuals came forward to express their support of the ordinance.
Ms. Christy Knowles, Ms. Julia Pierce, Ms. Jennifer Cobb, Mr. Miles
Greathouse, Ms. Lawanda Young, Ms. Lee Craig, Ms. Sandra Jean, Ms. Casey Holtz
and Ms. Becky Carter.
After those individuals concluded their comments in which they expressed
their support for the ordinance, some members of the Council then made some
comments on the issue and thanked those who came forth to speak to this issue.
City Attorney Fay said this ordinance would be back before the Council in
two weeks for a vote.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:
City Attorney Fay said he would like to go into an executive session at
the end of the meeting to discuss a litigation and a property disposition
matter.
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PUBLIC AGENDA
THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS APPEARED BEFORE THE COUNCIL ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA
TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING SUBJECT MATTERS, AS LISTED BELOW:
MR. KEVIN M. PROBST, RE: WATER FLUORIDATION AND CANCER
RISK:_______________________________________________
Mr. Kevin M. Probst, who requested to be listed on today?s public agenda
to speak to the subject of Water Fluoridation and Cancer Risk, did not appear.
Mayor Tomlinson said there are some people here from the Board of Health
and said should this matter come back before the Council, we will refer Mr.
Probst to the Board of Health.
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PASTOR LOWELL CLIATT, REPRESENTING TREE OF LIFE HEALTHCARE, RE: FREE
PROSTATE CANCER SCREENINGS: __
Pastor Lowell Cliatt, representing Tree of Life Healthcare came forward
and provided information on Free Prostate Cancer Screenings that will be held
on March 11th from 10:00 a.m. ? 2:00 p.m. at the Convention & Trade Center. He
also provided some information on Prostate Cancer. He said he has spoken with
Ms. Hollowell and Ms. Jessie and said that they are going to encourage the men
to come out and be screened during the free screening event.
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NOTE: Councilor Baker arrived at 7:33 p.m.
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MS. SUSAN GALLAGHER, REPRESENTING NEW HORIZONS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, RE:
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DISABILITIES AWARENESS:__________________________________
Ms. Susan Gallagher, who represents New Horizons Behavioral Health, came
forward and provided information as it relates to National Development
Disabilities Awareness Month. She outlined the various activities that they
will be hosting during the month of March. She also
invited and encouraged the members of the Council, as well as the public to
attend.
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MR. STEVIE PORTER, REPRESENTING COLUMBUS LEGAL JUSTICE & VICTIM?S RIGHTS
COALITION, RE: INTRODUCTION:_____________________________________________
Mr. Stevie Porter, said he is the Founder of Columbus Legal Justice &
Victim?s Rights Coalition, and stated that he filed a complaint about a month
ago against the Columbus Police Department and the District Attorney?s Office
in which he was a victim of an armed robbery and assault on January 26, 2013 in
Columbus at his home. He said in the complaint, which he has provided evidence
and documents for your review, regarding the officers involved in the
department.
He said what he is asking for is a thorough and complete investigation be
had into the facts of the complaint and that the Mayor and Council require all
victim?s statements to be video recorded when interviewed by the Police
Department and not just the ones they choose. He said it is customary that all
victim statements be video recorded; however, he said his statement was audio
recorded.
Mr. Porter spoke for several minutes in which he outlined several items in
which he said he would encourage the Mayor and Council to make sure certain
things occur whenever the Columbus Police Department take victim?s statements
and make sure that they are all recorded.
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MR. DAN PARKER, RE: REQUEST TO WAIVE PROPERTY TAX PENALTY
FEES:_________________________________________
Mayor Tomlinson said we have these types of hearings from time to time and
said before the Council can make a decision, they need to have a report from
the Tax Commissioner, which was not able to get here before your statement
today; however, you are not available at our next two meetings.
She said we appreciate you making yourself available and said she just wanted
to make the Council aware of this because you may need to recall this at your
next meeting.
Mr. Dan Parker came forward and said he is here today to ask the Council
to waive some property tax penalties that he paid on his property taxes. He
said he celebrated his 51st year in real estate this past February here in
Columbus. He said in those numbers of years he has accumulated a fair number of
rental properties and said he has always paid his taxes on time. He said he has
never been late in paying his property taxes. He said on last month, he begin
to assemble his paperwork for his tax returns, and he has an individual page
for each of his property, and he could not find the paperwork where he paid the
property on three of his properties. He said he immediately went down to the
Tax Commissioner?s Office and spoke with Mr. David Britt and he printed out the
bill, to include penalty and interest and said he wrote him a check that day
and paid it.
Mr. Parker said he has paid over $1 million over the years and said he
never missed paying his taxes. He said he did not receive these notices and if
he did, he would have paid them, because he paid 50 something others.
He said he is asking for a little grace, and said he has been told that he
couldn?t get the interest waived, but would like to ask the Council to waive
the penalty.
Councilor Henderson said he spoke with Mr. Parker and said he told him
that he has always taken a hold line. He said he knows what the Tax
Commissioner is going to tell us. He said she has always told us that it is a
courtesy that they extend in sending out these tax notices. He said when he
listened to what Mr. Parker was telling him, that he had paid taxes for over 50
properties, he paid all but three on time, and he caught the error.
He said he would wait to hear what the Tax Commissioner says because that
is the courtesy and that is our procedure. He said unless there is something
completely out in left field, he fully intends to offer a motion to return the
penalty because he understands that we cannot refund the interest.
City Attorney Fay said it is obvious that Mr. Parker has paid taxes for a
long time in Columbus and said he just wanted the Council to know that the
Stature does allow a waiver of penalty and interest. He said it also does
require a report from the Tax Commissioner as to what her findings are.
Councilor Thomas asked what the process would be.
Mayor Tomlinson said we would have the Tax Commissioner to come next week
to present her report, then there will be an opportunity for discussion, and
then you can take a vote for refund.
City Attorney Fay said at our next meeting, we would have the Tax
Commissioner to present her report.
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MR. BERT COKER, RE: 1999 SPLOST, LOST AND OLOST:
Mr. Bert Coker came forward and said we have had a SPLOST, LOST and OLOST
forever, ever since he was a kid and said that they keep coming back. He said
he understands you all cannot come to an agreement with the State as to when
this LOST is supposed to come off.
He gave some history on each of these taxes. He said it seems to him that
when you get these SPLOST and LOST and you tell the people what you want, and
you go out and float these bonds and then you do what you want to do.
Mr. Coker said that the debt service in this town is high and said when
enough money is going to be enough. He said you never give the people credit
for what they do. He said he wants to know how much money you will need to run
the government before you keep putting these taxes on us. You said he want this
City to be transparent to the citizens and make sure that you tell us what you
are going to do with these various things.
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CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING SIX RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND WAS ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:
A Resolution (54-17) ? Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an
amended lease agreement for employee Health and Wellness Center Office and
medical space with Physicians Realty Trust.
Prior to a vote begin taken on this resolution, Human Resources Director
Hollowell and Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge came forward and provided
additional information regarding this matter and then responded to several
questions of members of the Council.
After more than twenty minutes of discussion, with several members of the
Council expressing their views and Ms. Hollowell responding to those concerns,
Councilor Woodson then made a motion to adopt the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (55-17)? Authorizing a permanent encroachment of a balcony
five feet zero inches into the public right-of-way at 1228 Broadway; said
encroachment approved with the condition that should the balcony ever become a
conflict with any future public improvement, the balcony shall be removed at no
cost to the city.
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (56-17) ? Authorizing the City Manager to execute a
three-year lease agreement between the Columbus Civic Center and the Columbus
Lions.
Councilor Garrett said that his law firm is associated with the Columbus
Lions and said that they have some kind of sponsorship with the Columbus
Lions. He said he would like to request permission to abstain from voting on
this matter.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh made a motion to allow Councilor Garret to
abstain from the vote. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously
by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Allen and Barnes
being absent from the meeting.
Councilor Davis moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilor Garrett abstaining from the vote and Councilors Allen
and Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (57-17)? Authorizing the City Manager to submit an
application and, if approved, accept a grant for $2,173 from the Association of
County Commissioners of Georgia Civic Affairs Foundation to fund a 2017 summer
intern for the Human Resources Department for ten weeks and to amend the
Multi-Governmental Fund by the award amount.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (58-17) ? Authorizing the River Valley Regional Commission
(RVRC) to apply for the FY 17 grant from the Georgia Department of
Transportation for Multimodal Safety and Access Program for improvements along
13th avenue (spur 22) in the amount of $100,000 and authorize staff to proceed
with all requirements for implementation of the grant and provide the 30% local
match from the L.O.S.T. Road Infrastructure Sidewalk budget.
Councilor Woodson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Davis and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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A Resolution (59-17) ? Authorizing the City to approve and accept the
donation of a Synthetic Turf Cricket Pitch in Alexander Park at an estimated
value of $10,000.00.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING PURCHASING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:__
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A Resolution (60-17)? Authorizing the annual contract with Signal One
Traffic Systems, LLC (Shiloh, GA) to provide traffic signal contractor
services, on an ?as needed? basis.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present, with Councilor Allen and Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING SIX PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY
CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR HUFF AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH,
WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE EIGHT MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT, WITH
COUNCILORS ALLEN AND BARNES BEING ABSENT FROM THE
MEETING:__
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A Resolution (61-17) ? Authorizing the annual contract for the purchase of
trees, on an ?as needed basis?, from Thomas Trees and Plants, Inc.
(Fayetteville, GA). The Public Works Department/Urban Forestry and
Beautification Division, budgets $90,000 per fiscal year, for the purchase of
trees which will be planted on the City Right-of-ways.
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A Resolution (62-17) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) steam kettle in
the amount of $14,779.99 from Douglas Equipment (Bluefield, WV) for use by the
Muscogee County Jail.
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A Resolution (63-17) ? Authorizing payment to Diamond Drugs, Inc.,
(Pittsburgh, PA), for $96,161.04, for pharmacy services utilized for inmates at
the Muscogee County Jail. This payment will cover services provided during the
month of November, December, January and February.
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A Resolution (64-17)? Authorizing the equipment and software upgrade for
the mailroom from Pitney Bowes (Duluth, GA) in the amount of $20.905.90.
Additional cost will include the following: Quarterly Meter Rental at $255.00
and Annual Equipment Maintenance at $2,639.61.
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A Resolution (65-17) ? Authorizing payment to the Georgia Department of
Public Health, Office of EMS & Trauma, in the amount of $17,925.00, for annual
EMT and Paramedic License renewal fess.
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A Resolution (66-17) ? Authorizing payment to Lightspeed Datalinks
(Columbus, GA), in the amount of $47,920.00, for ongoing maintenance of the
Video Visitation System and Judicial Arraignment System utilized at the
Muscogee County Jail and for security equipment.
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TRAFFIC LIGHTS:
Councilor Thomas said she has noticed within the last few weeks that there
are many intersections; particularly downtown that have traffic lights in them
and not much traffic because traffic patterns have changed; for example, 14th
Street & 3rd Avenue, we took that light down because of the lack of traffic.
She said there are others on 14th Street particularly that probably do not need
a traffic light anymore and said a stop sign may do. She then asked, if we do
any kind of surveys of traffic signals in the City to show those that are no
longer needed or need to be upgraded or changed.
Ms. Donna Newman said that they do that on occasion, particularly if there
is a project in the area. She said you are probably thinking of the one at
First Avenue and 14th. Councilor Thomas said a lot of traffic comes out of the
TSYS at 5:00 in the evening, but said the rest of the day, there does not seem
to be an awful lot of traffic there.
Ms. Newman said that is true about most signals. She said most signals are
warranted under peak hour volume. She said because of the intersection of that
section, all of that movement in that intersection is the reason that signal
was warranted.
Councilor Thomas asked Ms. Newman to keep an eye on those changing traffic
patterns.
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TRAFFIC LIGHT AT BUENA VISTA ROAD:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh said she would like for Ms. Newman to
check the traffic light at Buena Vista Road and Floyd Road.
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DOUBLE CHURCHES ROAD:
Ms. Newman, in response to Councilor Davis regarding the Double Churches
Road project, said construction is not complete and said they continue to work
on the signals. She said until we have both of the left-turn signals, for the
westbound left-turn, going north bound on Veterans. She said until those
signals are operational, we can only utilized one left-turn lane. She said
because this is a State route, it will have to be inspected by the State and
then, if there are any deficiencies, they must be corrected before they would
allow us to turn those signals on.
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THE FOLLOWING UPDATES WERE PROVIDED ON THE CITY
MANAGER?S AGENDA: _________ __________________
Deputy City Manager Pam Hodge came forward with some financial information
and a response to request for information from Mr. Tollie Strode.
Finance Director Angelica Alexander came forward to provide the Mayor and
Council with the Monthly Finance Report.
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BUDGET REVIEW DATES:
Ms. Angelia Alexander outlined the dates for the Budget Review Committee
meetings to be held. She pointed out that the City Manager has his Budget
Review from March 27- April 14th.
April 25th ? Budget will be submitted to Council
May 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23- Budget Review Meetings
June 6th ? 1st Reading of the Budget
June 13th ? 2nd Reading of the Budget
June 13th ? 1st Reading of Millage Ordinance
June 20th ? 2nd Reading of the Millage Ordinance
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BATHROOM ON THE RIVERWALK:
Councilor Garrett asked the City Manager to have someone to look at the
bathrooms down at Lakebottom Park, as well as on the Riverwalk.
He also said there has been some concerns about potholes in the City.
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HOUSE ON BEDFORD AVENUE:
Councilor Huff said there is a house on Bedford Avenue that was burned
over a year ago, and said we need a report on that as to what needs to be done.
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FOYE AVENUE:
Councilor Huff said there is a ditch on Foye Avenue that is eroding into a
resident?s home and said that we need to have someone to go out and take a
look at it.
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CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AS INFORMATION
FOR THE MAYOR & COUNCIL: ________________________________________________
(1) Application from Naddious Early to temporarily close the roadway in front
of 1110 Knight Drive to Stratford Drive, on Sunday, March 5, 2017, from 2:00
p.m. to 5:00 p.m., in connection with a Birthday Bash.
(2) Application from Joanne Cogle to temporarily close the outer eastbound lane
of 9th Street, from Front Avenue to Veterans Parkway, the outer southbound lane
of Veterans Parkway (from 9th Street to 4th Street), the outer southbound lane
of Victory Drive (from Lumpkin Boulevard to South Lumpkin Road), the outer
southbound lane of South Lumpkin Road (from Victory Drive to Waterworks Road),
and Broadway (from 5th Street to 10th Street), on Saturday, July 15, 2017, in
connection with the Sprint Triathlon at the following times:
? 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.- 9th Street and Veterans Parkway
? 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.- Victory Drive, South Lumpkin Road and Broadway
(3) Application from Joanne Cogle to temporarily close the outer southbound
lane of Victory Drive (from Lumpkin Boulevard to South Lumpkin Road, the outer
southbound lane of South Lumpkin Road (from Victory Drive to Waterworks Road),
and Broadway (from 5th Street to 10th Street), on Saturday, August 12, 2017,
from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in connection with the Olympic Triathlon.
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THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL:______
__ _____
A Resolution (67-17) - Excusing the absence of Councilor R. Gary Allen,
from the February 28, 2017 Council Meeting.
Councilor Henderson moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from the
meeting.
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THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON: ____ __
__
Memorandum from Mr. Peter Bowden, President & CEO of the Columbus
Convention & Visitors Bureau, requesting the seat of Ms. Felicia Hamilton on
the board of commissioners be declared vacant.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that this seat be declared vacant8.
Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight
members of Council present, with Councilor Allen and Barnes being absent
from the meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY RECEIVED BY THE
COUNCIL:________ _____
Airport Commission, October 26 & November 16, 2016.
Airport Commission, January 25, 2017.
Board of Tax Assessors, 03-17, 04-17 & 05-17.
Housing Authority of Columbus, January 18, 2017.
Retirees? Health Benefits Committee, August 17, 2016.
Councilor Henderson made a motion that these minutes be received. Seconded
by Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from the meeting.
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BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
BOARD OF TAX ASSESSORS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Council will need to nominate
someone to fill this unexpired term of Mr. James Dixon on the Board of Tax
Assessors.
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BUILDING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Leila Carr have been
nominated for another term of office and that she may now be confirmed.
Councilor Henderson then made a motion to confirm Ms. Carr. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present for this meeting, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent.
*** *** ***
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the term of office of Mr.
James ?Jay? Lewis, J., will soon be expiring; however, he is eligible to
succeed himself for another term of office, Councilor Thomas said she would
like to reappoint Mr. Lewis for another term of office.
Since this is a District appointment, Clerk of Council Washington pointed
out that Mr. Lewis can now be confirmed. Councilor Henderson so moved.
Seconded by Councilor Thomas and carried unanimously by those eight members of
Council present for the meeting, with Councilor Allen and Barnes being absent.
*** *** ***
COLUMBUS BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Barba Fortson have
been nominated for another term of office and that she may now be confirmed.
Councilor Henderson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Woodson and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present for the meeting, with
Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent.
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COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CULTURAL LIAISON ENCOUNTERS
(C.I.R.C.L.E.):_____________
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Rose Spencer was
nominated at the last meeting to serve another term of office and that she may
now be confirmed. Councilor Woodson moved Ms. Spencer be confirmed. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those seven members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen, Baker and Barnes being absent.
Clerk of Council Washington also pointed out that we are still waiting to
hear back from Ms. Indira Nino, who currently serves on the CIRCLE Commission
to see if she wants to continue to serve on this board.
She further pointed out that Mr. Totskiy is not eligible to serve and
Council will need to nominate someone else for this seat. There was no
nomination made.
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EMPLOYEE BENFITS COMMITTEE:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that we are still waiting to hear
back on these two positions for the positions of Captain James Pope, Public
Safety-Sworn Officer, who is eligible to succeed himself for another term of
office and Division Chief Marie Harrell, who is selected by Public Safety
Employees and she is eligible to succeed herself.
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HOUSING AUTHORITY OF COLUMBUS:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the Mayor is nominating Ms.
Jeanella Pendleton for another term of office and that she can be confirmed.
Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried unanimously
by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Allen and Barnes
being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
LAND BANK AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that the terms of office of Mr.
Stephen Anthony, Mr. Bradford C. Dobbs and Ms. Anne Hanna Merritt on the Land
Bank Authority expired on March 11, 2017. She further pointed out that Mr.
Stephen Anthony and Ms. Anne Hanna Merritt is eligible to serve another term of
office. She said Mr. Bradford C. Dobbs is eligible to serve again; however, he
does not want to serve again.
*** *** ***
PERSONNEL REVIEW BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Ms. Carolyn Ryder has been
nominated to fill the unexpired term of Ms. Tana McHale and that she may now be
confirmed. Councilor Woodson so moved. Seconded by Councilor Huff and carried
unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with Councilors Allen
and Barnes being absent for the meeting.
*** *** ***
PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Clerk of Council Washington pointed out that Councilor Huff is still
working on a replacement for someone to fill the seat of Ms. Laverne Brown, who
resigned from the board.
*** *** ***
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Mayor Tomlinson entertained a motion to go into executive session to
discuss a litigation matter/ Real Estate Acquisition. Councilor Thomas made a
motion to go into executive session to discuss a litigation matter. Seconded
by Councilor Baker and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from the meeting.
At 9:31 p.m., the Council adjourned its meeting to go into executive
session.
At 9:46 p.m., the meeting was reconvened, at which time Mayor Tomlinson
pointed out that we met in an executive session to discuss a litigation and
property acquisition matter.
Mayor Tomlinson then called on City Attorney Fay to bring forth an item
to the Council.
City Attorney Fay then presented the following resolution for the
Council?s approval.
A Resolution (68-17) ? Authorizing the City Manager, City Attorney and the
Finance Director to make payment of $75,000.00 to settle all damage claims of
Cleopatra Harrison, on behalf of herself and all those similarly situated.
Councilor Thomas made a motion to adopt the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Woodson and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council
present, with Councilors Allen and Barnes being absent from the meeting.
*** *** ***
With there being no other business to come before the Council, Mayor Pro
Tem Turner Pugh made a motion for adjournment. Seconded by Councilor Woodson
and carried unanimously by those eight members of Council present, with
Councilor Allen and Barnes being absent from the meeting, with the time being
9:47 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, MMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
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