MINUTES
COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
REGULAR SESSION
APRIL 8, 2008
The regular weekly meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia was called
to order at 9:00 A.M., Tuesday, April 8, 2008, in the Council Chambers on the
Plaza Level of the Government Center, Columbus, Georgia. Honorable W.J.
Wetherington, Mayor, presiding.
*** *** ***
PRESENT: Present other than Mayor Wetherington and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn Turner
Pugh, were Councilors R. Gary Allen, Wayne Anthony, Mike Baker, Glenn Davis,
Berry Henderson, Julius H. Hunter, Jr., and Charles E. McDaniel, Jr. City
Manager Isaiah Hugley, City Attorney Clifton Fay, and Clerk of Council Tiny B.
Washington were also present. Councilors Barnes and Woodson took their seats at
9:07 A.M. and 9:10 A.M. respectively.
--------------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
ABSENT: Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis was absent.
--------------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
INVOCATION: Offered by Bishop L.D. Skinner, Sr., D. Div., Th. D. Bread of Life
Christian Center.
--------------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Wetherington.
--------------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
PROCLAMATION:
?COLUMBUS (TIP) TRUANCY INTERVENTION PROJECT DAY?
With representatives from the Columbus Truancy Intervention Program
standing at the Council table, Councilor Hunter read the proclamation of Mayor
Wetherington, proclaiming Tuesday, April 8, 2008 as ?Columbus Truancy
Intervention Project Day? in Columbus, Georgia.
--------------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
MAYOR?S AGENDA:
WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DOCTOR?S HOSPITAL STANDING AT THE COUNCIL
TABLE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN IT?S ENTIRETY BY COUNCILOR ANTHONY
AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUCNIL:____________________________________________________________
A Resolution (144-08) ? Expressing condolences to the families of Doctors
Hospital and to the families of Peter Wright, Leslie Harris and James Baker.
Councilor Anthony called the representatives forward, read the resolution
and moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by
those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
COUNCILOR HUNTER READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION IN ITS ENTIRETY AND ADOPTED
BY THE COUNCIL: __________________________
A Resolution (145-08) ? Recognizing March 31st as the anniversary of the
birth of Caesar Estrada Chavez. Councilor Hunter read the resolution of Caesar
Chaves into the record and moved its adoption. Seconded by Councilor Woodson
and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this
meeting.
Councilor Woodson requested a resolution that will be sent to the President
and Congressional Delegation to have Caesar Chaves? birthday (March 31) be
recognized as a national holiday.
--------------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETINGS: Minuets of the January 22, 2008 Council Meetings
of the Council of the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia were
submitted and approved.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this
meeting.
--------------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
CITY ATTORNEY?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING THREE ORDINANCES WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY
ATTORNEY FAY AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL:
An Ordinance (08-11) ? Rezoning property located at 1223 6th Avenue from
LMI (Light Manufacturing/Industrial) to GC (General Commercial) District.
Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this
meeting.
An Ordinance (08-12) ? Rezoning property located at 12100 Macon Road from
REI (Residential Estate 1) to GC (General Commercial) District. Councilor
McDaniel moved the adoption of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilor Allen and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
An Ordinance (08-13) ? Regulating vehicular traffic in Columbus, Georgia by
deleting from the ?Official Street Map, City of Columbus, Georgia? the street
segment and right-of-way of Singleton Avenue from the east right-of-way line of
Benning Drive; east to the west right-of-way line of Ft. Benning Road; Pinta
Drive from the east right-of-way line of Bilbo Drive; east to the west
right-of-way line of Ft. Benning Road; Circle Drive from the east right-of-way
line of Benning Drive; east and northeasterly to the south right-of-way line of
Pinta Drive; Bilbo Drive from the north right-of-way line of Circle Drive;
north to the south right-of-way line of Singleton Avenue; providing that all
existing utility easements of record remain in effect and providing appropriate
width as required by the applicable utility companies will be reserved for
unknown utilities; authorizing the disposal of said property to the Columbus
Housing Authority in exchange for new streets and rights-of-way of the Newton
D. Baker Village revitalization project; repealing any conflicting ordinances;
and for other purposes. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the Ordinance.
Seconded by Councilor Hunter and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX RESOLUTION:
City Manager Hugley said the resolution that was called for last week
regarding the 70/30 split on the LOST, said he and his staff is working on
compiling the data that will show exactly what will be included in the 70/30
percent, but they will have this information available within the next few
weeks. He then requested that this resolution be delayed until this information
becomes available.
AT THE REQUEST OF CITY MANAGER HUGLEY THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS THEN
DELAYED BY THE COUNCIL:_________________
A Resolution ? Expressing intent of the Columbus Council to use 70% of a
new Local Option Sales Tax for public safety enhancements and 30% for roads and
infrastructure improvements if a LOST is approved at referendum on July 15,
2008. City Manager Hugley requested that this resolution be delayed 2 to 3
weeks to give staff time to compile data and provide information to Council on
what will be included in the 70/30 split on the LOST. Councilor Allen then
moved to delay this resolution. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and
carried unanimously by those ten members of council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING SEVEN RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND THEIR CAPTIONS
READ BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER PUGH AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:__________________________________________
A Resolution (146-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Michael Corrandino
for his meritorious service on the Civic Center Advisory Board. Councilor Allen
moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and
carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
A Resolution (147-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mrs. Fannie ?Dee?
Gardner upon her retirement with the Juvenile Court after 20 years of service.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
A Resolution (148-08) ? Expressing appreciation to Mr. Jimmy R. Parker upon
his retirement with the Columbus Water Works after 15 years of service. Mayor
Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor
Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council present for
this meeting.
A Resolution (149-08) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mr. James W.
Austin, employee with the FIRE/EMS Department, who passed away on February 22,
2008. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded
by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council
present for this meeting.
A Resolution (150-08) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs. Evalyne
?Mac? Turgeon, employee with the Parks & Recreation Department, who passed away
on February 22, 2008. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present for this meeting.
A Resolution (151-08) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs. Maxine
Sherman, employee with the Muscogee County Sheriff?s Department, who passed
away on February 22, 2008. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present for this meeting.
A Resolution (152-08) ? Conveying condolences to the family of Mrs. Gurdies
Mae ?Gert? Jackman, employee with the District Attorney Victim Witness Program,
who passed away on February 24, 2008. Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh moved the
adoption of the resolution. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
-------------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
PUBLIC AGENDA:
NO ONE WAS LISTED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA
--------------------------------------------*** ***
***--------------------------------------------
CITY MANAGER?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING TWO RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CITY MANAGER
HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL:_______________________________________________________
A Resolution (153-08) ? Authorizing the approval to enter into an
Assignment and Assumption of Lease and Consent Agreement with DSF Sports, LLC
(The Columbus Catfish) for the period of March 11, 2008 through September 30,
2008. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present for this meeting.
Councilor Henderson requested that Council put together a contingent to
visit the new owner of the Columbus Catfish; find out what their concerns are
and if they are absolutely sold on moving the team and if there are some things
the City can do.
City Manager Hugley said this can be done and that he, and Deputy City
Manager Goodwin have met with the owner and expressed to them that the city is
interested in them continuing to stay in Columbus. City Manager Hugley said
they will have a follow-up meeting with them and if there is anyone who wants
to take part are welcomed to do so.
*** *** ***
A Resolution (154-08) ? Authorizing the submission of an application and,
if approved, accept $15,000 from the Governor's Office to enhance traffic
enforcement efforts. Councilor McDaniel moved the adoption of the resolution.
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TEN PURCHASING RESOLUTIONS WERE ALSO SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED
BY CITY MANAGER HUGLEY AND ADOPTED BY COUNCIL PURSUANT TO THE ADOPTION OF A
SINGLE MOTION MADE BY COUNCILOR MCDANIEL AND SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM TURNER
PUGH, WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY THOSE TEN MEMBERS OF COUNCIL PRESENT FOR
THIS MEETING:____
A Resolution (155-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of three (3) cargo vans,
via Georgia State Contract, SWC S-050483, from Allan Vigil Ford, (Morrow, GA)
at a unit cost of $17,741.00 each, for a total purchase amount of
$53,223.00. The vans are replacement units that will be used by the Parks
Services Division, of the Parks and Recreation Department, to transport
cleaning crews and supplies to City owned recreation facilities.
A Resolution (156-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of one (1) regular cab
long bed 4x2 pickup truck, via Georgia State Contract SWC S-050483, from Allan
Vigil Ford (Morrow, GA) in the amount of $19,557.00. The truck is a
replacement unit that will be used by the Parks Services Division, of the Parks
and Recreation Department, to pull an equipment trailer with riding mowers to
various job sites at City owned parks.
A Resolution (157-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of four (4) Radeye
radiation pocket detectors from Hagemeyer North America, (Columbus, GA) in the
amount of $10,210.12. The radiation pocket detectors are additional units that
will be used by the Office of Homeland Security. The items will provide
additional safety to first responders as they respond to known and unknown
threats throughout the City. These situations may involve acts of terrorism or
accidental, which may expose first responders to dangerous chemical exposure.
A Resolution (158-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of trophies and other
miscellaneous awards from Columbus Trophy & Screenprinting for the estimated
contract value of $95,711.35. The contract includes screen-printing services,
as well as, the following items to be provided on an ?as needed basis?:
trophies, plaques, hats, resin figures, medal trophy cases, tombstone trophies
and acrylics, t-shirts and golf shirts. The Parks and Recreation Department
give to participants in basketball, volleyball, softball and boxing
tournaments, these trophies and other miscellaneous awards.
A Resolution (159-08) ? Authorizing the approval of a contract for auditing
services from Albright & Fortenberry, & Ninas, LLP, to be utilized by The
Finance Department.
The services are needed to provide the Finance Department with the professional
services of an external Certified Public Accountant to perform financial and
compliance audits. The audit shall be conducted in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards, promulgated by the American Institute of Certified
Public Accounts (AICPA) and in accordance with Government Auditing Standards
issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and the Official Code of
Georgia Annotated.
A Resolution (160-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of RocketFile Document
Management Solution software from Image One Technology Solution (Orlando, FL)
in the amount of $20,560.00. This software will enable the Board of Elections
to capture digital images from voter registration forms; absentee ballot
applications and other paper-based documents associated with elections and
voter registration and will provide files for quick retrievals of information.
A Resolution (161-08) ? Authorizing the approval of an emergency purchase
and installation of various audio and video equipment, for CCGTV, from Media
Products of Atlanta in the amount of $70,807.00. CCGTV will need to upgrade
its cameras and video accessories to comply with the FCC Digital requirement by
2009. The FCC is requiring that all TV owners switch to a digital or HDTV
because broadcasters will be required to broadcast on a digital or HDTV signal
only. The City is currently using analog equipment. The digital equipment
includes: Cameras, power supplies, field camera support, HDV Video Media
equipment, Pro-HD Recorder/Player and accessories.
A Resolution (162-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of an AFIX Tracker
(Automated Fingerprint and Palm print Identification System) from AFIX
Technologies, Inc., (Pittsburgh, Kansas) in the amount of $32,000.00. The PC
based automated fingerprint and palm print identification system is used to
identify criminals from fingerprint and palm prints left behind at crime
scenes. With the AFIX Tracker system, investigators will no longer have to wait
for their cases to come to the top of the stack of other latent cases submitted
by agencies from around the state.
A Resolution (163-08) ? Authorizing the purchase of additional licenses
for the GIS software from ESRI, Inc., (Duluth, GA) in the amount of $13,069.30.
ESRI is the developer of various software packages used by the GIS Division for
map generation, and for editing and maintaining the City?s tax parcels, streets
zoning and land use databases. Consequently, the vendor is considered an Only
Known Source for the maintenance and support of the software, per Section 3-114
of the Procurement Ordinance.
A Resolution (164-08) ? Authorizing the execution of a contract with J. J.
Morley Enterprises, Inc., in the amount of $374,465.00, for window cleaning and
resealing services. The work will be performed on the tower and includes
professional cleaning of exterior windows and removing and replacing silicone
sealant. Optional services include cleaning, prepping and painting the columns
from the roof to the plaza; the City will furnish the paint.
*** *** ***
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
City Manager Hugley made the following announcements regarding upcoming
events:
April 11, 2008 ? 7:00 pm ? Rainbow Push Coalition 28th Annual Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr., Award Banquet of Excellence at the Trade Center.
April 19, 2008 ? 11:00 am ? Kendrick High School Celebration Parade
April 20, 2008 ? 2:00 pm ? Rigdon Road Elementary School Ceremony.
April 24, 2008 ? 7:00 pm ? Girl Scouts Women of Achievement Award Banquet
at Green Island Hills Country Club.
*** *** ***
RESOLUTION:
Councilor Henderson requested a resolution for Mr. Bob Gilson for his
service on the Development Authority Board.
*** *** ***
RADIO STATION:
Councilor Woodson asked City Manager Hugley to add to his listing of radio
stations the new Spanish radio station (FM WTMQ 88.5) established in Columbus,
Georgia on March 29, 2008.
*** *** ***
SIGNS:
Councilor Davis said he was driving by the soccer complex a few days ago
and noticed there were no signs at the Woodruff Farms Soccer Complex.
City Manager Hugley said in addition to this sign, they will also be
working on gateway entrance signage around this facility.
-------------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------------
CLERK OF COUNCIL?S AGENDA:
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AS
INFORMATION FOR THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL:
(1) ACCG?s Legislative Update, Volume 18, Number 11 - March 28, 2008.
Memorandum from GMA, Re: Proposed Slate of District 8 Officers for 2008 ?
2009.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS SUBMITTED AND EXPLAINED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY COUNCIL:__
A Resolution (165-08) ? Approving and receiving the report of the Finance
Director of those alcoholic beverage licenses that were approved and/or denied
during the month of March 2008. Councilor Allen moved the adoption of the
resolution. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those ten
members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY STREET CLOSING APPLICATION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK
OF COUNCIL WASHINGTON AND APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_________________________________________
Application of Lisa Rowe to temporarily close Broadway from 11th Street to
12th Street, from April 25th at 5:00 p.m. through April 26th at 9:00 p.m.,
Broadway from 10th Street to 11th Street and 11th Street from 1st Avenue to
Front Avenue on April 25th at 6:00 p.m. through 11:00 p.m., 10th Street from
1st Avenue to Broadway on April 26 at 6:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m., Broadway
from 10th Street to 12th Street and 11th Street from 1st Avenue to Front Avenue
on April 26, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. in connection with
pedestrian safety.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the application. Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh and carried unanimously by those ten members of
Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING BOARDS WERE SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND OFFICIALLY APPROVED BY THE
COUNCIL:_____________________________________________________
Airport Commission, February 27, 2008.
Board of Tax Assessors, No. 10-08.
Convention & Trade Center, February 28, 2008.
Councilor McDaniel moved the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Councilor
Allen and carried unanimously by those ten members of Council for this meeting.
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND AN ORDINANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED
FOR:__________________________________________
Petition submitted by Cynthia Reeves to rezone 0.27 acre of property
located at 570 Morris Road from LMI (Light Manufacturing Industrial) to GC
(General Commercial) district. (Recommended for approval by both the Planning
Advisory Commission and the Planning Department.) (11-A-08-Reeves) (Councilor
McDaniel)
*** *** ***
THE FOLLOWING NEW ZONING PETITION WAS ALSO SUBMITTED BY CLERK OF COUNCIL
WASHINGTON AND RECEIVED ONLY BY THE
COUNCIL:____________________________________________________________
Petition submitted by Perry Pate to rezone 2.014 acres of property located at
5070 Warm Springs Road from RO (Residential-Office) with conditions to RO
(Residential- Office) with amended conditions. (Recommended for approval by the
Planning Advisory Commission and denial by the Planning Department.)
(12-D-08-Pate)
*** *** ***
BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Mr. C. L. Moffitt
cannot succeed himself and a replacement will be needed for this seat.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that she has spoken with Mr.
Charles Weaver and Mr. Homer Kuhl and they would like to continue serving on
this board.
She also pointed out that Mr. Herman Lewis would be moving out of the district
and a replacement will be needed for his seat.
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Mr. Tyrone Rowe is
eligible for confirmation. Councilor Allen moved the confirmation of these
three seats. Seconded by Councilor McDaniel and carried unanimously by those
ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
GOLF AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that Ms. Nancy Hopkins? seat
has been declared vacant and that this is a Council appointment and a nominee
will be needed.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner Pugh recommended Rev. Rudolph Allen for the Golf
Course Authority Board.
*** *** ***
HOUSING AUTHORITY:
Clerk of Council Washington informed Council that the Mayor is
nominating
Ms. Rita Belynn Baker and said she is eligible for confirmation. Councilor
Allen moved the confirmation. Seconded by Councilor Henderson and carried
unanimously by those ten members of Council present for this meeting.
*** *** ***
TREE BOARD:
Clerk of Council Washington said she would contact Ms. Battle and Ms. Wynne
to see if they want to continue to serving on this board. She also informed
Council that a nominee would be needed for Ms. Andrea Richardson?s seat since
she is no longer a resident of Muscogee County.
*** *** ***
Councilor Woodson asked Clerk of Council Washington to contact Leadership
Columbus and the Young Professionals Organization to see if anyone is
interested in serving on any of these boards.
-------------------------------------------*** ***
***---------------------------------------------
HUDDLE HOUSE:
Councilor Woodson said the new Huddle House would have their grand opening
on April 11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. and encouraged everyone to attend.
---------------------------------------------*** ***
***-----------------------------------------
With there being no other business to come before this Council, Councilor
Hunter 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 9:50 am.
Tiny Washington, CMC
Clerk of Council
The Council of Columbus, Georgia
Attachments
No attachments for this document.