Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

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.



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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.

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ABSENT: Deputy Clerk of Council Sandra Davis was absent.

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INVOCATION: Offered by Bishop L.D. Skinner, Sr., D. Div., Th. D. Bread of Life

Christian Center.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Wetherington.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.



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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.



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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.

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PUBLIC AGENDA:



NO ONE WAS LISTED ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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.





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RESOLUTION:



Councilor Henderson requested a resolution for Mr. Bob Gilson for his

service on the Development Authority Board.



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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.



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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.



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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.



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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)



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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)





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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.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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.

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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.

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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

































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