MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
SPECIAL CALLED /WORK SESSION
OCTOBER 30, 2012
The regular quarterly Work Session of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was
called to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, October 31, 2012, in the Council
Chambers 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 ?Pops? Barnes, Glenn
Davis, Berry Henderson, Bruce Huff, Charles E. McDaniel, Jr., Judy W. Thomas,
and Evelyn Woodson. City Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay,
Clerk of Council Tiny Washington, and Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis were
also present.
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ABSENT: No one was absent.
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INVOCATION: Offered by Rev. Lynn Meadows-White, Minister of Discipleship,
Pierce Chapel U.M.C.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Blanchard Elementary School
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WORK SESSION AGENDA:
GREENSBORO?S NATATORIUM:
Mayor Robbie Perkins, Greensboro, NC made a presentation via skype and
provided is a summary of his presentation.
Mayor Perkins made a few remarks regarding his recent visit to Columbus,
Georgia and how impressed he was with the River Center for the Performing Arts.
Mayor Perkins then provided information about the Greensboro Aquatic Center
(GAC) to include:
Aquatics Center Development Strategy
Peer Aquatics Facilities
Event Performance Criteria
Recommendations
Impact Study
Hours of Operation
Facilities
Technical Specification
Programs offered
Upon completion of Mayor Perkins? presentation, he responded to questions
and comments from Mayor Tomlinson and members of Council including operations
budget, staff size, timeframe for completion and staffing, management and
promotion, cost for use of facility, and SMSA (Standard Metropolitan
Statistical Area).
(Information provided by Mayor Perkins is on file in the Clerk of Council?s
Office)
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CONSENT AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE LISTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA WAS SUBMITTED AND
EXPLAINED BY CITY ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL ON SECOND
READING:______________________________
An Ordinance (12-47)- Amending the Zoning Atlas of the Consolidated
Government of Columbus, Georgia; this amendment changes certain boundaries of a
district located at 565 Morris Road from LMI (Light Manufacturing Industrial)
Zoning District to RO (Residential Office) Zoning District.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by
Councilor Huff and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present
for this meeting.
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WORK SESSION AGENDA (CONTINUED):
ECONOMIC IMPACT ON TOURISM:
Mr. Peter Bowden, President-CEO, Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau came
forward and provided the following update to Council regarding economic impact
on tourism:
Travel Impact on the city
- Visitors spending (restaurant, lodging, retail, entertainment, arts &
recreation, and transportation are major contributors), with 1.3 million
visitors for fiscal year 2012 and generated $316 million in spending
- Jobs created (44000 jobs in the community throughout the hospitality
industry. Not just entry lever jobs, but management positions and skill sets
that can lead to a great career path in the hospitality industry).
Employee Payroll ($122 million dollars for Columbus/Muscogee County with an
average income of $28,000.00 per job).
Mr. Bowden explained that taking a closer look at the sectors that are
directly impacted within the industry, we see that it is restaurant & lodging,
retail, entertainment, arts & recreation, and transportation that are impacted
the most when it comes to visitors? spending within the community.
State and Local Taxes (1.3 million visitors with a spending of $316 million,
generates $17.3 million in sales and lodging revenue for Columbus.
Mr. Bowden explained that another way to look at it is a $437.63 savings
per household; which means that local government were able to provide central
services as a respected level for citizens without having to increase taxes. He
said the city measures success by a number of economic indicators and saw an
increase in every category (meetings that took place, attendance room nights),
and economic impact of almost $30 million or 5% increase over last year.
He said we also looked at definite business- business that was confirmed in
FY12 (might not have occurred during the fiscal year) with successes when
tracking the same categories. He said marketing outreach is a critical part of
our success story and media release has showed some huge gains because of
aggressive campaign with the staff to tell the Columbus story. He reminded
Council that the Columbus CCVB is accredited, both on the national level and
through the state.
Mr. Bowden made some additional comments with regard to challenges as it
relates to BRAC and the drawdown of the military, competition with new
products, and the economy. He said with challenges, there are also
opportunities and we are excited about those opportunities. He said we are
fortunate that we have a diverse product with history, culture, military
heritage, unique programming, and all sort of experiences that stand out in a
number of ways that makes Columbus a unique travel destination. He also made
some comments regarding innovation such as River City Passport, online
resources, face book, social media platforms, and some of the things on how we
market and package the experience here in Columbus.
Upon completion of Mr. Bowden?s presentation, he also played a video of the
assists in Columbus/Muscogee County; after which he presented the Council with
a check for $316 million. He then responded to questions and comments from
member of Council.
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PAUPER CREMATION/BURIAL:
Ms. Pat Biegler, Director of Public Services came forward with her presentation
to the Mayor and Council with regard to pauper burial/cremation. She explained
that on July 31, 2012 she was before this Council and talked about pauper
cremation and burial, where a lot of questions and issues were raised. She said
she was asked to schedule a meeting with the funeral home directors in the area
so we can get their input on some of those issues. She said that meeting
happened on September 21, 2012 and today we have four representatives from
local funeral homes. They are ? William McMullen (McMullen Funeral Home);
Warren Coffin (Striffler-Hamby); Cedric Hill (Hill-Watson/Peoples); and John
Sconiers (Sconiers Funeral Home). She then presented some of the issues raised
at the meeting:
ISSUES
Increase in fee needed
Staff recommends fee of $400.00 for burial and $700.00 (for cremation)
Other cities and counties
Elberton and Thomasville do not reimburse the funeral homes
Floyd county - $750.00
Promptness of payment is a problem
RESEARCH:
Delay primarily due to requirement for burial permit before payment by Clerk?s
Office
Will work with Clerk to try to improve process
SUGGESTION:
Put indigent burials our for BID
ISSUE:
No real definition of indigent
Criteria for city payment?
When cremating, the disposition of ashes?
Give to family?
Bury?
How does Savannah ?force? cremation?
Cannot ?force?, just encourage
County owns cemetery. Charges price of lot.
Cremation niche if free
City provides stipend to funeral homes
Monuments installed by family after burial
Recouping costs?
How much?
Cost to funeral homes?
Cost of lot? $1,200.00
Cost to open and close grave? $700.00
How to enforce?
Allowable size/type without penalty
Time limit to remove ? 3- days
Controlling rumors and expectations
Burial Vs. Funeral
SUGGESTIONS:
Brochure to leave with
DFAS
Coroner
Hospitals
Nursing Homes
Hospices
Following Ms. Beigler?s presentation, funeral homes directors present
addressed the Council.
Mr. Warren Coffin (Striffler-Hamby Mortuary) came forward and expressed that
some of his concerns are that the situation of pauper burials is not going
away; in fact it is increasing. He said we average about two to three pauper
burials per month; which impacts our business, by the fact that we are
reimbursed $350. Out of that $350, we have to pay a casket company $238.00 for
the casket, which leaves me very little. He said they are happy to provide this
service to the community but there are a lot of state agencies that do not do a
thorough investigation into the family?s financial situation. He said he also
feels that the city as well as his business is being taken advantage of.
Mr. Coffin said sometimes families believe they provide a full service but
that is not so. He said what they provide is a viewing (which is mainly an
identification) and the burial. He said that does cause family members to be
upset because they feel like they are not having a full service.
He said the issue of payment has to do with death certificates that are
controlled by the state agency and then we are also relying on them for a
burial permit; something that is not a high priority for the health department.
He made some references regarding payment he has yet to receive dating back to
December 2011. All of which he says stems back to the burial permits from the
state agency.
Following Mr. Coffin? presentation, he responded to questions from members
of Council regarding the delay in issuing burial permits, defining ?indigent?
in the code, definition of family (i.e. parent, spouse, sibling/next of kin),
placing of monument on the gravesite, dissemination of information between a
burial and funeral.
City Attorney Fay explained that the disposition of bodies is controlled by
state law; the interment of diseased indigents is controlled by another state
law and the big issue to address locally and with the legislators are who will
determine that the person is indigent (not defined in the state law). It should
be somebody such as DFACS if not we will have to come up with our own
definition to put in our ordinance; as well as the question of fees for a
particular type of service would still be left to this Council. He said we do
have to provide, as a county, under the state law, we shall make available from
County funds, a sum sufficient to provide a decent interment of the diseased
indigent person.
Mr. William McMullen, (McMullen Funeral Home) came forward and said the
biggest problem they have is defining what an indigent care person is in
Muscogee County. He said some of the citizens are taking advantage of the city
due the fact that they just do not want to pays for a funeral service. He said
some citizens do not realize that the city only pay for the burial space and it
is up to us (the funeral homes) to give our services as no charge. He said once
we define that, whether in a brochure or something else that we can give to
DFACS and nursing homes. He said we have one agency telling families one thing,
and another agency saying something different, and it puts the funeral homes in
the middle because we have to tell them the truth and they get upset with us.
He said cremation is a different thing for us and is something we need to sit
down and discuss. He said something has to be done, as this is a big issue in
the community as business owners.
Mr. Cedric Hill (Hill-Watson/Peoples Funeral Home) came forward and
expressed that one of his biggest concerns is how families are getting
information before they (the family) get to the funeral homes. He said this is
a very sensitive situation, and when families are told they can use the city?s
services to pay for a funeral, we are in the position and gives the appearance
that we are trying to change the concept in an effort to make some money when
we say to them that they would not be able to use city services if they are
going to request a certain level of service. He said what they have been
careful not to do, is make families understand that we cannot do business with
the city and at the same time offer them a business services contract from our
firm. He said this has been a long and difficult issue that would take some
time to sort out. He also stressed that there is a difference between a burial
and a funeral.
Mr. John Sconiers (Sconiers Funeral Home) came forward and stated that they
have been burying indigent and paupers for years. He said the money they are
being compensated is the same money they received when gasoline was less than
$1.00. He said a city this size should be paying the funeral homes more as far
as compensation for handling these indigents. He said cities comparable to ours
give their funeral homes almost three times more for indigents.
Following comments by the representatives of the various funeral homes, the
Mayor and members of Council made a few comments regarding this issue.
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COMP TIME-OVERTIME POLICY-UPDATE:
Mr. Tom Barron, Director of Human Resources came forward and the following
are portions of his presentation:
BUDGET
Council referral during pension discussions
Policy compliance issues & concerns
Some exempt staff recording large amounts of ?comp time? then using in lieu of
vacation
Large accumulation of comp hours by exempt staff can create FLSA issues
Comp hours kept on books for years
Adverse impact on budget and pension plan
Lax comp time controls caused $150,000 budget adjustment for one department in
FY2007
UPDATED POLICY TIGHTENS CONTROL
Stronger language added for exempt staff
New reporting requirements for comp time
Excess comp time report generated when employees accrue 100 hours unused time
Mandatory action for excessive comp time
Comp time over 40 hours must be taken prior to official retirement or
termination date
Part of management performance evaluation
Revised policy on first reading 11/13/2012
Responding to a question from Mayor Tomlinson, Mr. Barron explained that
this plan has the provision that employees can have up to 40 hours of comp time
by the time they retire or terminated. He then responded to questions and
comments from members of Council regarding the approval of comp time, time
frame to take/use comp time, generating of monthly comp time report, and 100
hours cap on comp time.
Mayor Tomlinson asked Mr. Barron to make those inquires and suggested
adjustments and bring back at our next business meeting.
(A copy of this presentation is on file in the Clerk of Council?s Office)
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STREETSCAPE PROJECT:
Mr. Rick Jones, Director of Planning came forward and explained that we are
in the process of developing the new alternative transportation plans and that
first public meeting is tonight at Carver High School, from 5:30 p.m. ? 7:00
p.m. He said if citizens cannot make that meeting there will be another one at
Northside on Thursday night (same time). He said the plan is deigned to
incorporate other transportation modes besides car ? in terms of how we get
around this community. Mr. Jones said the project he is discussing today is the
Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard streetscape study.
The following are portions of Mr. Jones? study:
PROJECT GOALS & OBJECTIVES
GOALS:
Develop a common vision and implement methods to enhance the charter and
functionality of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Redesign Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard with landscaping, gracious trees,
pedestrian lighting, and other design treatments
Reconnect the neighborhood by marking Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard a
destination, rather than a divide.
Improve bicycle connections and safety in both directions
OBJECTIVES:
Present a plan of action to improve the boulevard
Improve the aesthetic charter of the boulevard
Create a gateway to the boulevard
Balance pedestrian and vehicular circulation
Develop traffic calming techniques
Create a sense of place and human scale
Maintain efficiency levels
Promote cooperation between neighbors
EXISTING LAND USE:
High concentration of light/heavy industrial uses along both sides of the road
Warehouses, abandoned buildings, etc.
Large areas of vacant, underutilized property in area
FUTURE LAND USE:
Calls for a majority of the area to be established for single residential to
the north of the boulevard
Light industrial uses are proposed along the south side of the road
EXISTING ZONING CONDITIONS:
Majority of the areas to the north of zoned residential multifamily
Majority of the housing in this zone is actually single family
Light industrial uses are zoned for properties south of the boulevard
General Commercial uses are limited in this area
TRANSPORTATION:
Average Daily Traffic for the boulevard is approximately 6.600
METRA serve this area on all major streets
Sidewalks system is adequate along major streets
Repairs and completion of sections of the system are needed
DEMOGRAPHICS:
Total population for this study area ? 22,040
81% of the population is under the age of 59
19% of the population is over the age of 60
46% are males
54% are females
Total housing units ? 11,638
79% are occupied
- 70% are renters
- 30% are owners
21% are vacant
Income of area is considered low to moderate income by HUD
36% are below the poverty line
22% of the population in this area
Main means of transportation
78% by car driving alone
16% carpool
19% of the city?s Part 1 crimes occurred in this study area between 2004 and
2010.
EXISTING ROAD CONDITIONS:
Total length of the roadway ? 2.2 miles
Four lanes west of Brown Avenue
Four lanes with a center turn lane east of Brown Avenue
Existing right of way between 63-132 feet
Missing sidewalk measuring 4 feet in width
SWOT ANALYSES:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Proposed Improvements (see copy of presentation)
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCES:
Brookhaven Boulevard renamed Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in 1978
Southern boundary of a historically black community
Neighborhoods:
Shepard Acres ? (restricted to blacks only)
Wynnton Park
Radcliff
Developments of the Columbus Housing Authority
Theo McGee park ? 1962 named for Theo McGee w white attorney who supported
civil rights
Farley Homes ? named for E. E. Farley, a black real estate agent/developer who
developed Carver Heights
Area consisted of black owned businesses, housing, parks, schools, and civic
organizations
Communities, rather than neighborhoods, were formed by the black populace in
this area
Numerous individuals have had an impact in Columbus and are honored in this
particular area:
A. J. McClung, 1st African American Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem of Columbus and
Executive Director of Brookhaven YMCA
Henry Cook, Dentist and historian
Shadrach Marshall, principal of 28th Street School and Clafin School
Thomas Brewer, MD, doctor and civil rights activist
OPPORTUNITIES:
Opportunity to honor the legacy of Dr. King and the local civil rights movement
with a roadway worthy of that era
Opportunity to enhance an underutilized roadway
Opportunity to develop a linear parkway
Opportunity to create a historical, educational destination
Opportunity to provide alternative transportation options
Opportunity to beautify and aesthetically improve roadway and neighborhoods
Opportunity to refocus positive direction and growth for this area of the
community
City Manager Hugley explained that this is before Council at this time
because this stretch of roadway is scheduled to be resurfaced and if this is
something that this Council would like to pursue as a streetscape project, we
can resurface it now and go back and stripe it the way it currently is; or we
can resurface it now and do what Director Jones has pointed out (two-way
roadway, with turn lanes and bike lanes).
Following the conclusion of Mr. Jones? presentation, the Mayor and members
of Council share their concerns with regards to funding, historical
significances, and price tag for enhancement as presented, to include more
details and where the money will come from. After some additional discussions,
Mr. Jones reminded everyone of the date for the public meetings as November 26,
2012 ? 5:30 p.m. ? 7:00 p.m.
UPDATE ON ROAD PROJECTS:
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh asked Deputy City Manager Arrington for an update
on road projects (2nd meeting in November).
(A copy of this presentation is on file in the Clerk of Council?s Office)
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FINANCE MONTHLY REPORT:
Ms. Pam Hodge, Finance Director came forward and presented the finance
monthly report. She said this is the first monthly revenue report for FY2013
and this reflects September 2012, comparing the first quarter to the first
quarter of last fiscal year:
Other Local Option Sale Tax (OLOST) ? 2 months worth of collections of $5.5
million ($3.8 million for public safety and $1.6 million for infrastructure).
This is down from the same period of time last year by about 9.9%.
Department spending
Operating Funds
General Fund ? down .25%
Sewer Fund ? up 5.16%
Paving Fund ? up 8.31%
Medical Center Fund ? up 1.88%
Integrated Waste ? up 4.54%
Emergency Telephone (E911) ? down 19.30%
Economic Development ? up 1.88%
Debt Service Fund ? up 134%
Transportation Fund ? up 17.19%
Parking Management ? down 34.85%
Trade Center Fund ? down 23.10%
Bull Creek ? about the same from last year
Ox Bow Meadow ? increase of 10.40%
Civic Center ? negative 17%
Health Insurance ? revenue generated for the first quarter was $5.5 million ?
employer and employees contributions and expenditure is as $5.6 million.
A copy of Ms. Hodge?s presentation is on file in the Clerk of Council?s Office.
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VETERANS? DAY PARADE:
Councilor Barnes reminded everyone of the Veterans? Day Parade on November
10, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. ? 12:00 noon. He encouraged everyone to come out and
honor our veterans.
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COLUMBUS COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA:
Councilor Barnes announced that tonight at the Legacy Hall at Columbus
State University, there will be a tribute from 7:30 p.m. ? 8:30 p.m. and this
event is free.
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VICTIMS OF HURRICANE SANDY:
Councilor Henderson passed along well wishes to the people battered by
hurricane sandy and also asked that citizens keep some of our locals in their
prayers as members from Georgia Power travel to the northeast to assist those 6
million people currently without power.
Councilor Woodson also asked that citizens contact the Red Cross to donate
funds for people affected by the storm.
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ABANDONED CEMETERY:
Councilor Woodson commented on information in Council?s packet regarding an
abandoned cemetery and asked City Manager Hugley to provide some additional
information on this to include the city?s role in this matter and if there re
other cemeteries like this in the city.
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EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT:
Councilor Thomas notified the Mayor and Council that Chief David Starling
would be retiring from the Fire and EMS Department after 30 plus years of
service tomorrow would be his last day on the job.
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CURE VIOLENCE PRESENTATION:
Mayor Tomlinson pointed out that tomorrow there would a Cure Violence
presentation at the Trade Center at 9:00. She said herself, the chief (police),
and representative from Cure Violence would be touring the city and look at how
they can use strategies other cities are so successfully using.
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With no further business to come before this Council, Councilor Henderson
then made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Councilor Allen and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting with the
time being 12:35 p.m.
Tiny B. Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
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